Why choose SIKHISM ?

O

OneLuv1God

Guest
[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the paper "Why Sikhism"? I discussed my personal experiences in how I had dealt with issues in my life. I focused on myself as a child and as an adult, and the primary conflicts that Sikhs face during these periods of their life. Acceptance as a child and as an adult, but love playing a greater role in our lives as adults.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]My focus was to highlight how Sikhs living in a western society have to deal with problematic issues, where certain western values don't blend with Sikh religious principles. I also brought up the point that I was "lucky" to know of the Sikh religion, which helped guide my decisions, but unfortunately many of today's young grow up ignorant to what Sikhism is. Below I have listed 13 points why I think Sikhism is the best religion in the world, and what it has to offer to Sikhs and to the World, and why Sikhs should not abandon their faith, but strive harder to understand it, learn about it, and they will realize once they do, that it is worth keeping, holding on to, prizing in our hearts and souls.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1. Sikhism does not look down upon people who follow other religions as "inferior, non-believer, etc". That is one reason why you don't see Sikh Missionaries actively pursuing conversions. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2. Sikhism is a religion of Equality. Equality between Men and Women and also stressing "universal equality" amongst all human beings. Which all other religions do not have. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3. Sikhism is a modern way of life, it doesn't subject people to valueless rituals. A few examples being the caste system, bathing in holy rivers, facing a certain direction for a prayer, slaughtering animals in the name of God, circumcision.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](NOTE: I'm talking of Sikhism, not cultural practices.. which at times are not up to date with the teachings of the religion, as can be seen in all religions))[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4. Sikhism, is a religion of worship of One God. A God that has no 'chosen people', a God compassionate to all, God not bonded to a "single religion", God to be found and realized by all, God that is not pleased with ritualistic behavior, a God that is only pleased by "ANYONE" who with true devotion LOVES HIM, yes a God for all the UNIVERSE.. not of Jews, Sikh, Hindus, Muslims,etc. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]God himself spoke to Guru Nanak Dev Ji the founder of Sikhism on the "Day of Revelation", when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was called to God' home and given his directives to preach to this world.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]God spoke the following verse on this most blessed day to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the entire world. Known as the Mul Mantra. The very first verse written in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh scripture) and found at many other places before other hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ik Onkar (God is One)
Sat Nam ( His name is True)
Kartaa Purakh (He is the Creator)
Nirbhau (He is without fear)
Nirvair (He is inimical to none)
Akal-murat (He never dies)
Ajooni (He is beyond births and deaths)
Saibhang ( He is self illuminated)
Gurprasaad (He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru)
Jap (Repeat His Name)
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[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And in God's court Guru Nanak spoke the following, which God accepted and condoned, and comes write after "Jap".[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Aad sach (He is True in the beginning, (before the anything (universe) existed)
Jugaad sach (He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True)
Hai bhi sach (He is also True now)
Nanak hosi bhi sach. ((Satguru) Nanak (says that) he will be certainly True in the future.)[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5. Sikhism believes in reincarnation. As the worldly science is improving and people are starting to realize this phenomenon is true (through hypnosis and near-death experiences) they will understand the "Greater Glory" in the Sikh scriptures to have realized this concept while others don't believe in it at all. [/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Note: Only Hinduism and Bhudism share these values of reincarnation, and many Christians are starting to believe it, and though Muslims rejects this notion, I believe many believe of it as well.)[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6. Sikhism stresses that God judges all people as to their actions in this world. It does not matter what religion he practices, or was born to. Hence the theory of Karma is also a part of Sikh religion.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The ultimate reward in Sikhism is to be freed from the PAINS of 'births and deaths' that Humans undergo. Reflect for a few minutes, and think of how much do we as people suffer in life? We suffer a tremendous amount! The older you are the more you will know of it.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unlike other religions, which offer a heavenly paradise, where one is rewarded with Virgins (only for the males as one scripture has it) and rivers of wine (which ironically is not sanctioned for one to drink here on this earth). Sikhism rewards people with the concept of becoming "one with God". Where the soul is emersed back into the Godly soul, like a raindrop is emersed into the ocean and hence find ever lasting bliss. (Never to be reborn again)![/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This is for both MALE and FEMALE. No sexism is in the scripture. I challenge all to have a look for themselves, and they will be happily surprised that a religion born 500 years ago, has accepted the equality of sexes as well as people, which not even today's western society has, nor any other religion has. This is just one reason why I adore the Sikh religion. Men and Women are Equal in all respect.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7. In Sikhism, Men and Women are able to carry out prayer rights. There is no priest class, unlike other religions, which is controlled by men. Hence again women are equal partners in Sikhism. Sikhism is a very egalitarian religion.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8. "Sikhism is an intellectual way of life"! Sikhs are told very strongly, explicitly, to seek knowledge within the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Knowledge is the "key" to enlightenment. One must understand the Guru's written words in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in order to help themselves transcend this worldly ocean and reach the higher spiritual goals given to Humankind by God. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The challenge of being a Sikh is truly a hard one, the majority of the world of today have not the courage in them, nor the will power, nor are the willingness to spend time to pursue this "intellectual" and "spiritual" journey and achieve that ultimate state of ETERNAL BLISS. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]People not wanting to face this challenge, since it is a difficult one, a long one, is why people are unaware of the greatness of their Sikh religion. They continue to play in this world (metaphorically speaking) in the pursuit of trying to find happiness, yet never achieve it. Happiness is only temporary. It is eternal bliss (Anand) that we want, which the Guru guides us on how to achieve, in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Happiness (Bliss) can not be bought with riches, etc. Happiness is a state of mind. Bliss is the state of being one with our mind, soul, and heart. One can only find it by being able to control (cleansing) the mind, which Sikhism stresses one to do, with God' Naam (Name. Then only will one achieve true lasting happiness (bliss) within ourselves.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I challenge the readers to spend some time, to read up on the lives of Sikh Gurus, read the Sikh scripture, along with the other religions open mindedly, and Sikhism will pass as the most objective, logical, equal, humanitarian religion. A good place to start is Sandeep Singh's WWW home page.The Sikhism Home Page: http://www.sikhs.org/[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]9. Sikhism is a religion which builds character. It tells its followers to be "hard workers" to earn their daily bread. To share this with others, as well as to remember the Lord in their heart. Hence within Sikhism, there is a compassion towards all of humanity, a fact of social reform.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10. Sikhism is the only religion that allows all people, of any caste, colour, creed, religion to come to "ANY"! of their holy places, without restriction, and be given equal respect in all matters.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]They are served in the Gurdwara (Sikhs holy temple), in the kitchen with the same dignity as if they were Sikhs. They are allowed to participate in Singing Hymns on stage even if they are not Sikhs. They are allowed to read the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (if they know how to read Gurmukhi Script) even if they are not Sikhs. They are allowed to discuss Sikhism in these places of worship even if they are not Sikhs. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"A very good example comes to mind is Bhai Chaman Lal even though he is a Hindu. He sings Gurbani hymns all over in Gurdwaras and tells wonderful stories of the Gurus. Sikhs respect and give him equal dignity, even though he is not a Sikh." I personally love his singing and his stories. He's more of a Sikh than I am. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hence one does not have to even change religion, to follow Sikh practices and sing the Glories of God using Sikh scripture and that truly is the greatness of Sikhism.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]11. Sikhism allows one to follow the path to enlightenment, at their own speed. This enlightenment comes with their own understanding and awareness of the message in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and how much effort they have given to incorporate it in their lives. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sikhism allows people to interpret the Guru Granth Sahib for themselves (unlike other religions) and with increasing awareness and understanding, the person will gain greater (deeper) understanding of the "divine" words of the Gurus, who were in direct communication with God and wrote what God told them in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]12. Sikhism is the only religion where the Scripture is written by the Prophet of the religion who was in divine communication with God, out of all the other worldly religions whose scriptures were written later by people. [/font]



[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]13. Sikhism is the only religion that has in its Scripture, Hymns of Divine saints who had attained that state of perfection and communion with God in life. Be them Muslim or Hindu (from every caste). Hence Sikhism is truly a religion that has broken down barriers between religions, to show the world that, "anyone" can reach God by immersing themselves in His love. That is why Hindu and Muslim saints divine hymns from God are also recorded in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sikh Gurus are not only honoring the achievement of these Saints throughout time, but are sending a message to the world. Sikhism is not the property of those who are born in Punjab or to Sikh families. It is a religion for all of humanity, men and women, be them of any caste, creed or colour and be them born to any religion in the world. Sikhism is for all of humanity, let us not forget the entire universe.[/font]

rkhanda.gif
 
Toon Allah wal dhian kar laey,
Kar wuzoo, bhawain ashnan kar laey,

Chhad jhagra masjid mundar da,
Apnay aap noon insan kar laey,

Jay Rub agay sir niwanan eein,
Niwan ho neiveen shan kar laey,

Apnawn Yar jay dhoodnawn ain,
Hut mazhabown kujh gian kar laey,

Rub naeen pabund nawan da,
Toon ohnoon bhanwain Bhagwan kar laey.



This God or that God,

Of turban’s or the cap’s God,

Of west’s or the east’s God,

Of religion’s or the priest’s God,

Which God or whose God,

Not believe or choose God,

Temple’s God or minaret’s God,

Of not free but hostage’s God,

Not certain but uncertain God,

Of insane not of sane God,

If God is not only the God,

Not this God or that God.
 
I would just like to correct some of your points here.
OneLuv1God said:
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This is for both MALE and FEMALE. No sexism is in the scripture. I challenge all to have a look for themselves, and they will be happily surprised that a religion born 500 years ago, has accepted the equality of sexes as well as people, which not even today's western society has, nor any other religion has. This is just one reason why I adore the Sikh religion. Men and Women are Equal in all respect.[/FONT]
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In the Baha'i Faith women and men are equal in all aspects of life.






OneLuv1God said:
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10. Sikhism is the only religion that allows all people, of any caste, colour, creed, religion to come to "ANY"! of their holy places, without restriction, and be given equal respect in all matters.[/FONT]
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The Baha'i Faith has this as well.


[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]


OneLuv1God said:
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sikhism allows people to interpret the Guru Granth Sahib for themselves (unlike other religions) and with increasing awareness and understanding, the person will gain greater (deeper) understanding of the "divine" words of the Gurus, who were in direct communication with God and wrote what God told them in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[/FONT]
Click to expand...
The Baha'i Faith has this as well.

OneLuv1God said:
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]12. Sikhism is the only religion where the Scripture is written by the Prophet of the religion who was in divine communication with God, out of all the other worldly religions whose scriptures were written later by people.
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This point is also incorrect that Sihkism is the -only- religion that has X. The Baha'i writtings were revealed by Baha'u'llah at tremendous speed by an amaneusis (sp?), then later correct by Him to see if it was written correctly by his assistant.


OneLuv1God said:
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]13. Sikhism is the only religion that has in its Scripture, Hymns of Divine saints who had attained that state of perfection and communion with God in life. Be them Muslim or Hindu (from every caste). Hence Sikhism is truly a religion that has broken down barriers between religions, to show the world that, "anyone" can reach God by immersing themselves in His love. That is why Hindu and Muslim saints divine hymns from God are also recorded in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.[/FONT]
Click to expand...

Once again, Baha'i Faith has this too.

To conclude, if one were to study even the basic laws and principles of the Baha'i Faith they would find that Sihkism isn't the only religion that allows X.

-Seeker
 
Careful, Seeker of Truth - we've already seen in other threads that discriminatory attitudes towards women and sexuality are inherent to the Baha'i faith.

In fact, I can't think of any faith that really does follow such an ideological ideal.

Apologies also for the general proselytising nature of the the original poster - we gave him some leeway seeing as we had little on Sikhism in the forum.
 
I said:
Careful, Seeker of Truth - we've already seen in other threads that discriminatory attitudes towards women and sexuality are inherent to the Baha'i faith.

In fact, I can't think of any faith that really does follow such an ideological ideal.

Apologies also for the general proselytising nature of the the original poster - we gave him some leeway seeing as we had little on Sikhism in the forum.
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One can preach to the heavens on the Gloriousness of their own religion on the board can't they?

But can you tell me of the Sikhs in '85 who decided to bomb that Air India flight from Toronto to London....would you consider them radicals who went beyond their faith or were they within the bounds somehow?

Based on the points you make I would think one would declare they are not Sikh.
 
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10. Sikhism is the only religion that allows all people, of any caste, colour, creed, religion to come to "ANY"! of their holy places, without restriction, and be given equal respect in all matters.[/FONT]



[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]They are served in the Gurdwara (Sikhs holy temple), in the kitchen with the same dignity as if they were Sikhs. They are allowed to participate in Singing Hymns on stage even if they are not Sikhs. They are allowed to read the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (if they know how to read Gurmukhi Script) even if they are not Sikhs. They are allowed to discuss Sikhism in these places of worship even if they are not Sikhs.

I cannot comment for every single Mosque ( Just as you cannot comment on every single Gurdwara) but at the mosques I have attended the above applies.
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Well to be honest I know very little about the Sikh faith but would like to say the biggest ethnic group in my local area is Sikh. They are a warm, friendly, hard working people whom I have a healthy respect for. They are always laughing, smiling, joking and integrate into the wider community without sacrificing their identity. You see them in a local pub on a friday night shooting pool with the rest, at football matches on a saturday and as an ethnic group in this they are unique. But, well there had to be a but :p, equality of women I am not so sure about, at least not in the fullest sense. For example a Sikh girl would never date a white and if she did from what I understand she would be subject to exclusion and her boyfriend a severe beating from her extended family. So there is not full freedom. A real shame because many of the women are seriously hot!!


Tao
 
I enjoyed your post, Onelove1God...

I know very little of Sikhism..

Please then tell me: what is the name of the Sikh God?
 
I think you will find (correct me if I am wrong) they use many names... God can go by the name of Oankar, Waheguru, Akal purakh... They acknowledge like other religions he can go by many names... Allah, Jehovah, "LORD", Love... Bob, whatever...
 
One can say many great and progressive things about many religions. I think the test is ADAPTATION. Can a religion keep its heart and move across the world and live up the idealistic professions of non-sexism, the tolerance and all the rest?

What are they willing to give up?

Carrying around swords everywhere? Fighting for freedom is great, Muhammad taught his people to fight oppression. Today we have a different kind of freedom, and can religions live now? Give up some sticky dogma, if they say that they are not about dogmas at all?

I have heard that such progressivism is at the foundation of Bahai. What about Sikh?

These are the questions I ask with "Why choose Sikhism?"
 
I have heard many claims about religions being progressive and everything, not sexist and whatnot.

But then you look into it and there is always something wrong. Sure you can say it does not HAVE to be that way, and you can say that that is only the followers of the religion and not the heart of it,

But if any religion has any hard beliefs, where you cannot change it, and interprete it any way you want, and adapt it, that is if it has dogmatism, you always find that attempts to be liberal or progressive are some way untrue to the spirit of the religion.

Take Sikhism, my question is it really adaptable, I mean would Sikhs give up things that are old hollowed traditions just like the Gurus threw away so many things they considered superstitious?

Or do Sikhs now have there own hide bound dogma and rituals and customs and there is no new Guru to criticize them because they are all finished and have an Eternal Guru?
 
Caleb said:
Take Sikhism, my question is it really adaptable, I mean would Sikhs give up things that are old hollowed traditions just like the Gurus threw away so many things they considered superstitious?

Or do Sikhs now have there own hide bound dogma and rituals and customs and there is no new Guru to criticize them because they are all finished and have an Eternal Guru?
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Well, we have to remember that Sikhism is a mix of Hindusim and Islam.... "There is only one god, and he is our father, therefore we must be brothers." - Guru Nanak... (founder of Sikhism..)

So you will find that there is much that is mixed and seem like dogma, because in some forms most of it is, as they have taken the better parts from two religions and then added their own parts...Remembering that Sikhism, is kind of bound to certain areas and it is also culture and tradition... Most has nothing to do with superstition....

Sikh is a Hindi word which means disciple, they are all disciples(followers) of Guru Nanak... So they abide by his teachings.. which is seen as the 'teachings of the ten gurus' And most of their dogmas stand for important historical times or religious events within their religion so they make the religion what it is... So to an extent... No you can't take it away as you will take away the culture and tradition from their religion, sure they would still have god... But, you know how it is ;)

Yes they have an enternal guru... god.

Nice post, hope some of that helped.
 
yah i figured. also, i meant the Guru Granth as the Eternal Guru, finished and in no way improvable.

the Baha'is say that there will always be another prophet, but they say it won't be for like a thousand years. i wonder how they will deal with such a thing when it comes. everyone seems so finished and unimprovable.
 
Caleb said:
the Baha'is say that there will always be another prophet, but they say it won't be for like a thousand years. i wonder how they will deal with such a thing when it comes. everyone seems so finished and unimprovable.
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It comes down to the individual soul. There were Jews who became Christian when Jesus came. There were Jews who didn't. There were Muslims who became Baha'i when Baha'u'llah came. There were Muslims who didn't. You can't judge a religion by what some of its followers might do in the future when another Prophet comes. To know a religion, you have to know what the Founder of that religion taught. Want to know Sikhism, go to the Guru? Want to know about Zoroastrianism, go to Zoroaster. Want to know about Hinduism, go to Krishna. Want to know about the Baha'i Faith, go to Baha'u'llah.
 
Francis king said:
I enjoyed your post, Onelove1God...

I know very little of Sikhism..

Please then tell me: what is the name of the Sikh God?
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Thanks for an important question. Usually, in Sikhim "Waheguru" and "Akaal" are frequently used. Especially when greeting each other, in the holyshrines (gurudwaras), religious events, and the like, we use the following:

"Sat Sri Akaal" ; It means True is the Almighty's name.
"Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh"; The Khalsa belongs to Almighty, and the victory (greatness) is of the Almighty.

In fact, in Sikhism, the God or Almighty is defined as following:
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥​
Ik­oaʼnkār saṯ nām karṯā purakẖ nirbẖa­o nirvair akāl mūraṯ ajūnī saibẖaʼn gur parsāḏ.

One Universal Creator God. The Name Is Truth. Creative Being Personified. No Fear. No Hatred. Image Of The Undying, Beyond Birth, Self-Existent. By Guru's Grace.
:)
 
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