So here are the choices . 1 we cannot have anything that alters the body or its functions . In this case , no tattoos , piercings . or glasses or hearing aids , pacemakers , defibrillators etc OR 2 we can use pace makers and glasses and hearing aids AND get tattoos and piercings as one is no more permanent than the other . So . what ' s your take ? There ' s a third option we can use hearing aids , glasses , medicine etc for healthy living and refrain from unnecessary modifications which do not bring such benefits . My understanding of the reason for kesh specifically , as well the general message of contentment in gurbani , leads me to believe that unnecessary modifications like piercings and tattoos should ideally be avoided . I believe the 5 kakkars form the Khalsa identity , and at the same time there is deeper , multifaceted symbolism for each of the kakkars . We talked about kesh specifically here trueAs for why kesh is associated with spirituality , I believe saints simply don ' t feel the need to cut kesh . In that sense we can say they ' re accepting the Hukam . Most people cut hair for convenience or fashion I know I do , so I ' m guessing the saints would take the if it ain ' t broke , don ' t fix it approach . Obviously , beyond acting as a reminder to maintain the conduct associated with the external bana , kesh on its own isn ' t going to give you Naam the connection to your Rabb . It ' s not going to make you God ' s favourite . We still have to focus on the inner cleansing , and practise what the Guru teaches .