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I got my results from my Higher School Certificate today.... they are horrible. I was expecting somewhere in the mid 90's, but all my marks are in the high 70's to low 80's. I honestly dont understand, I worked really hard for this. I didn't do too great in the external exams, but this is rock bottom! I believe I am a decent Sikh, I have never really committed a kurehat, I do my paath and simran daily. I have yet to chakk amrit, but I try to follow the path of a Gursikh on a daily basis. I got an ardaas done at the Gurudwara for my results, did 201 jaaps of Chaupee sahib and numerous other paaths and ardaas. I know that I shouldnt have expected much, but I seeked the help of my guru, and I felt really close to Whaguru for once. I felt as though all my problems were miniscule and would wash away in an instance with my guru by my side. Someone please provide me with some guidance, I have taken a hukamnama which has consoled me to an extent, but I need someone to help me understand, because at the moment, I feel very disheartened. I know this is just a 'number' and just a facet of Maya, but knowing that Waheguru is so great, and considering I worked hard both in my studies and spiritually, I am wondering why this has happened... must be my karam (

As a Sikh can understand if this question angers you, and I do not want to cause any disrespect to anyone or their ideals. That being said however, as I have grown and developed my own understanding of Sikhism, and tried to embrace its principles, I can't find a good answer to this question. For the sake of complete clarity, the reason I am asking these questions is because I am thinking of cutting my hair, and would like to know if there is any reason to keep it. If the reason is because "god" wants us to do so, well that seems very contradictory to Sikhism and its definition of god. I thought god was an indescribable being with no emotion and no love or hate. He wants all humans to be treated equally and fairly, and this is why we try to treat everyone as equals. Why then, would he care what we look like? How long our hair is? If the reason is because Guru Gobind Ji wanted stand out, and it has become part of our identity, then this reason makes slightly more sense to me but I still have issues with it. Why should we be defined by what we look like? A Sikh is supposed to be a good, fair and kind person. This, I feel, should be a Sikh's identity, not what he or she wears on their heads. These two are the only reasons I could think of for keeping my hair, but they dont make sense to me anymore. More than that I have reasons to not keep it long anymore. These reasons are not because of how I look (I think my beard and turban have a lot of swag actually), and not because of anything anyone has said to me (most people are accepting and awesome, the few who aren't should be ignored). My reasons for not wanting to keep my hair are rooted in the fact that I see no reason to objectify my faith in what I believe in. I don't like gifts on birthdays, I don't ever feel the need to proclaim anything strong about my identity, as I believe people should learn who I am over time. Then why should this turban and beard be the only exception to this rule? To also be totally clear and truthful, yes, I think it would be cool to try on different hairstyles over time, the same way I try on different clothing styles. Moreover, I believe I am a very logical person. I see no need to keep my hair long (based on what you've read above) and see one or two reasons to cut it. If you've made it this far into reading what I have to say, I really thank you and would love your opinion. In short: Do you keep your hair long? What are your reasons? Did you cut yours? Why did you feel like you needed to cut it Thanks a lot everyone, and hopefully we can keep this cordial and not infringe on each others beliefs.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh. I recently came across a former Christian who coverted to the Sikh faith, she told me how her decision was inspired by the fact that Christianity is an exclusive faith. I want to know how Sikhism theologically differs from Christianity, that is it's view of God, and man's goal on earth.