How can we show respect to Gurbani when using a laptop, MP3 player or smart phone?

ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ||
ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀਂ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ||
“The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani all the Ambrosial Nectar is contained. If His humble servant believes, and acts according to the Words of the Guru’s Bani, then the Guru, in person, emancipates him.”
(SGGSJ Ang 982)

ਜਿਨ ਭੈ ਅਦਬ ਨ ਬਾਨੀ ਧਾਰਾ || ਜਾਨਹੁ ਸੋ ਸਿਖ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਮਾਰਾ ||੨੦||
“That person who does not respect and fear Gurbani is not a Sikh.”
(Gurpartap Suraj Granth)

Satguru Jee gave the utmost respect to Gurbani in all his ten forms. In the same way, we should also strive to show the same respect. In order to do this, the following should be adhered to:

1. Have clean hands when reading Gurbani from a laptop or smart phone etc. It is inappropriate to be eating and drinking whilst reading Gurbani from a smart phone or laptop.
2.When listening to Gurbani from a radio, CD, DVD or smart phone etc, the device should be placed on a higher platform than the person listening to it, as a mark of respect to the Gurbani being listened to.
3.If a laptop or smartphone is being used for Gurbani then it should not be put on the floor. It should be placed on something that makes it higher than the ground level or the level where the Sangat or individual is sitting. 4.A stand, cushion or folded sheet/blanket could be used to raise the level.
5.It is a good discipline, if one reciting any Paatth (e.g. Nitnem, Sukhmani Sahib etc) from a laptop or smart phone then one should remove their shoes and ensure their heads are covered (note: a Sikh should have his or her head covered all times anyway).

The modern forms of media can be used in many ways – good and bad. One should be vigilant and disciplined in how one uses their phone, laptop etc.