From times immemorial, man has felt the need of some power of deity to liberate him from his toils and to protect him from dangers. Further, he seeks to obtain peace and hope through contact with a superior power which is called Divinity.
Society and religion go together. Religion has occupied an important place in the history of civilization and philosophy. It gives a meaning and purpose to human life and satisfies man's longing for peace and salvation. Some form of religion existed in primitive societies. They believed in spirits, magic and images of gods and offered sacrifices to them. The basic forms of relgious expression are sacrifice, prayer and ritual.
Religion has been defined as "the relationship between man and the super- human power he believes in and depends upon". According to Jakob Burchardt, "Religions are the expression of the eternal and indestructible metaphysical cravings of human nature." It includes a rule of conduct or principle of individual life on which one's peace of mind depends. Religions offer different paths to salvation. The goal of religion is getting in tune with the infinite. Moreover, the philosophy of religion is neither ceremony nor ritual nor going to the temple, but an inner experience which finds God everywhere.
Relgion consists of a number of beiefs relating to a reality which connot be demonstrated by proof, but which is an inexorable certainty to the believer. This reality induces him to adopt certain modes of action and behaviour. When Guru Arjan(fifth Sikh Guru) was asked as to which is the best religion in the world, he answered: "The best religion in the world is the one which stresses the power of prayer and the performance of noble deeds." Holy living or altruistic action is the practical side of religion.
Q2. What is the Science of Religion?
Some people think that religion is contrary to science because religion insists on faith, while science stresses reasoning and proof. But there is something like the science of religion. It includes two things: a general history of religions and the developments of a particular faith. While the science of comparative religion seeks to assess the varieties of religious experiences and a systematic analysis of their development, the history of a particular religion reveals the special features and deeper issues of an individual faith. It studies in depth the change in the forms and expression of a particular religion, the psychological development of particular communities in the matter of dogma and ritual. Connected with the science of religion are the sociological studies of the influence of social forms on the development of religion and psychology of religion which determine the palce of religion in human life.
Theology must be distinguished from the science of religion. While the first is the pursuit of knowledge in the interests of a creed, the latter is a factual study of religious experience. Theology is based on the church, on the dogma. The religious scientist is objective and dispassionate. Religious science in its braodest sense is a history of ideas and therefore, has to find general answers to the common problems of life. One of the important ideas is holiness: what is holy as opposed to profane? Holiness creates reverential awe: The fear of God. An understanding of the basic concepts of religion has to be linked up with the practical demands of active and purposeful living. Metaphysics and the supernatural are beyond the realm of evidence. Their appreciation will largely depend on the widening of the frontiers of human knowledge and experience.
The inter-relationship between science and religion has been summed up by Prof. A. Toynbee as under:
"Science must be based on religion and religion must include scientific rationality. I think that the words of Albert Einstein. 'Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind', are of even greater importance now than when he uttered them".
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Piffka
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 08:34 am
It is interesting to see how Sikhism developed. There is a very good introductory website that has biographies of each of the ten founding Sikh Gurus.
The first one, Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539), in the most simplistic of terms, incorporated his Hindi background and the good works from his Muslim friends together in creating a new way of looking at both Hindu and Islam.
There has been violence surrounding all religions in India. For the Sikhs, this culminated less than 20 years ago in the burning of their most sacred temple and the deaths of many pilgrims.
Quote:
(from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Independent/Indira.html -- Indira Nehru Gandhi) In her attempt to crush the secessionist movement of Sikh militants, led by Jarnail Singh Bindranwale, Indira Gandhi ordered an assault upon the holiest Sikh shrine in Amritsar, called the "Golden Temple"... "Operation Bluestar", waged in June 1984, led to the death of Bindranwale, and the Golden Temple was stripped clean of Sikh terrorists; however, the Golden Temple was damaged, and Mrs. Gandhi earned the undying hatred of Sikhs who bitterly resented the desacralization of their sacred space. In November of the same year, Mrs. Gandhi was assassinated, at her residence, by two of her own Sikh bodyguards, who claimed to be avenging the insult heaped upon the Sikh nation.
The first one, Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539), in the most simplistic of terms, incorporated his Hindi background and the good works from his Muslim friends together in creating a new way of looking at both Hindu and Islam.
Well thats nice you are doing some homework on Sikhism, But i am afraid that your tune is totally of being a Ignorant... In Simplistic terms, You are misinterprating it all together... There is no such thing like incorporating hindu and islam works... Let me clear your concerns... Please feel free to ask the terms which are unfamiliar with you...
For General knowledge... The Holy book of Sikh is called "SHRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI" (SGGS in short ). SGGS is a compilation of the writings of Sikhs Gurus and the additional work of those who were one with God and whose writtings can help reach merger with 'Akaal'... the Almighty... For your information there is no translation from the Bible/koran/Torah etc.
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IDEAL Singh
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 09:12 am
Piffka wrote:
There has been violence surrounding all religions in India. For the Sikhs, this culminated less than 20 years ago in the burning of their most sacred temple and the deaths of many pilgrims.
Quote:
(from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Independent/Indira.html -- Indira Nehru Gandhi) In her attempt to crush the secessionist movement of Sikh militants, led by Jarnail Singh Bindranwale, Indira Gandhi ordered an assault upon the holiest Sikh shrine in Amritsar, called the "Golden Temple"... "Operation Bluestar", waged in June 1984, led to the death of Bindranwale, and the Golden Temple was stripped clean of Sikh terrorists; however, the Golden Temple was damaged, and Mrs. Gandhi earned the undying hatred of Sikhs who bitterly resented the desacralization of their sacred space. In November of the same year, Mrs. Gandhi was assassinated, at her residence, by two of her own Sikh bodyguards, who claimed to be avenging the insult heaped upon the Sikh nation.
Yeah, It was bad... But its nothing new... even Jesus was not spared... but the fact of the matter is that Christainity came out even stronger than ever from that setback and so is the case with Sikhism...
We are right back on track now and flourishing & in Chardi Kala... in upbeat... recently Sikhism was rated as the fastest growing Religion in United States, UK, Cananda and other big counteries...
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IDEAL Singh
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 09:24 am
For your concerns on Symbols of Khalsa, here is a link which would tell you more about them :
In 300 years of History of Khalsa Sysmbols, there have never ever been reported even a single case of misuse of the dagger as you call it... it is called "Kirpan" in "Gurmukhi" language. So, there is no need to be afraid of "Kirpan".
"Gurmukhi" language was developed by the third Sikh Guru... This language was developed so that ordinary people who had no excess to sacred books could also now read the word of the Guru and the Lord in an generaly readeable form.
Reagrds
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Piffka
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 09:32 am
I will try to forgive you for calling me ignorant. It is true that your founder was born of a Hindu family, yes? And that he grew up in a Hindu-Muslim community. Also true that at his deathbed, both Hindu and Muslim followers gathered to pay homage to him.
For non-Sikhs, this is a very interesting point and helpful in trying to place the context of this recently revealed religion, just as today's Protestants can be more easily placed when it is understood their religion came straight out of Catholicism which was itself derived from Judaism. I do understand Guru Nanak broke away from both religions, especially their rituals, and founded one based on a more universal understanding of God. And yes, it is true that I am woefully ignorant of Sikhism and especially its detailed history.
Very interesting, btw, that the first Guru developed a new way of writing:
Quote:
The Gurmukhi alphabet was devised during the 16th century by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, and popularised by Guru Angad, the second Sikh guru. It was modelled on the Landa alphabet. The name Gurmukhi means "from the mouth of the Guru".
I imagine there is a story behind that.
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IDEAL Singh
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 09:51 am
I will try to forgive you for calling me ignorant. It is true that your founder was born of a Hindu family, yes? And that he grew up in a Hindu-Muslim community. Also true that at his deathbed, both Hindu and Muslim followers gathered to pay homage to him.
Thanx for your genoristy... I apprecaite...
I think you would agree that each Prophet would have taken birth to someone or that God would ahve just delivered them on this planet... Had even Christians gotten the chance to be in contact with Guru Naank, even they would have come to pay their homage...
Letme tell you an interesting fact: When Guru Nanak was the age of going to school i.e. hardly of 4-5 yrz when we can hardly understand the alphabets, he was taken to various Relgious schools to get the knowledge but even at that tender age he rejected them as being redundant and out dated...
For non-Sikhs, this is a very interesting point and helpful in trying to place the context of this recently revealed religion, just as today's Protestants can be more easily placed when it is understood their religion came straight out of Catholicism which was itself derived from Judaism. I do understand Guru Nanak broke away from both religions, especially their rituals, and founded one based on a more universal understanding of God.
Not really, there was no need to break away with any Religions becasue Guru Nanak was the direct messenger of God and Sikhism is directly inspired by the Almighty... there was no mediation whatsoever.
Very interesting, btw, that the first Guru developed a new way of writing:
The Gurmukhi alphabet was devised during the 16th century by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, and popularised by Guru Angad, the second Sikh guru. It was modelled on the Landa alphabet. The name Gurmukhi means "from the mouth of the Guru".
This is a wrong information you have got my dear... it was the third Guru who devised "GurMukuhi". I have already explained in my above post.
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Piffka
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 12:13 pm
I wouldn't want to contradict you about your own religion, IdealSingh. I was simply offering information I'd gleaned. Sikhism has a lot to offer its adherents and the rest of the community. It is a shame that there is so much fighting between people who should be helping and supporting each other, no matter what they believe.
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IDEAL Singh
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 10:41 pm
Piffka wrote:
I wouldn't want to contradict you about your own religion, IdealSingh. I was simply offering information I'd gleaned. Sikhism has a lot to offer its adherents and the rest of the community. It is a shame that there is so much fighting between people who should be helping and supporting each other, no matter what they believe.
I am trying to correct the information you have gathered becasue we are never sure that whatever is being represented in a website is factaul or anti-religion propoganda... So, I am just trying to correctly represent the information you are presenting... no hard feelings...
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IDEAL Singh
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Mon 13 Oct, 2003 11:32 pm
Q 3. What is the place of Religion in the modern age?
Throughout the ages man has believed in some sort of religion. It is thought that without religion he cannot comprehend the real purpose of his existence. In fact, religion has had a definite place in society and will continue to play a vital part in this age of science.
While science and technology might assist man in improving his physical conditions, surroundings and economic standards, religion and ethics help to develop his personality and inner self. Man may live in comfort and prosperity and yet have no peace of mind. Even in a highly affluent society like that of the United States of America, it is realised that wealth and power are not everything. Spiritual progress is intrinsic and shows itself in inner satisfaction and sense of fulfilment.
Moreover, modern society dominated by technology cannot be regarded as an ideal society. It suffers from great strains and a sense of frustration and futility. Science has now given the man the power to destroy his own civilization and the human race. It is religion alone that can save society from such a catastrophe and check the erosion of human values. It reinforces basic ethical values and discourages racial prejudice, economic exploitation and social injustice. Religion like science is devoted to the service of man. Religion corrects the lopsidedness of science, because without moral and spiritual foundations, science can bring ruination to mankind. Religion and ethics humanise the scientist and make him realize his social responsibility. It shifts the emphasis in science and industry from exploitation and power to social uplift, peace and co-operation. Man must be the master and not the slave of machines.
Great scientists themselves realize the limitations of science. They look to religion to remedy the social evils. According to Dr. Julian Huxley: "Religion of some sort is probably a necessity." One need not accept the dogmas of religion, but one must appreciate its search for Truth and its endeavour for the uplift of the masses. Prof. A.N. Whitehead says in this connection. "The future of civilization depends on the degree to which we can balance the forces of Science and Religion."
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IDEAL Singh
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Tue 14 Oct, 2003 05:30 am
Piffka wrote:
I do understand Guru Nanak broke away from both religions, especially their rituals, and founded one based on a more universal understanding of God.
Let me elaborate more on Sikh perspective of Spirituality so that your doubts about Sikhism being break away Religion from any other Religion are answered.
The idea of Sprituality in Sikhizm is of "Being and Becoming". The being is having the knowledge and awareness of the essential nature of the divinity of individual Soul and itz relation with the Supreme Soul. i.e. God. The spark of divinty in a individual, having the same content as God, has the potential to 'Becoming' a perfect like Him and become one with Him. This awareness is the basis of "Universal Brotherhood" or the "Equality of Mankind" as the 'Spirit Consciousness' is same in everyone... and every kind of life form from the lowest to the highest. It is this spiritual realization which made Guruz declare the Mankind as One and No enemy and No stranger.
The Spirit being divine and everfree and infinite cannot be expressed in a finite way as only the infinte can be expressed only in infinte way, no one can seal the Truth/Infinite in a book and say that is it!! Itz just childish. Only a dogma can be sealed and has final conclusion/revelaton... not a Religion. Spiritualism iz ever evolving !!!
Start loving every one and you are half way there, but in schematic creeds like Islam etc... God is only limited to certain people, it favours the few but damns the rest of the lot. Itz a partisan God not a Universal one... thatz why schematic creedz lack the appeal of the bliss of Super Soul and is void of Sprituality/Divinity, hence crushing the inituitive spirit of their adherants leading them to neither way and Spritually Dead.
The God realized person has no abilty to damn any one to hell as he sees divine spark in everything and this has always been the measurement of one's deapth of spiritual experienses. Involution of the Soul/Spirit to the the universal consciousness is the aim of the indic Religions, has been the corner stone of the Indian philosophy, this was and is the main reason that Spritualism has survived and thrived in India only, despite the onslaught of spirtually dead creeds for a millenium. These facts set Sikhism totally apart from Muslim faith...
Secondly Hinduism:
The Guru advises us to worship only the one almighty God and not to worship forces of the universe or mythical beings. It is the Creator, and not the creation, that is important. Hinduism encourages its followers to venerate many different mediators. It differs from Sikhism in this fundamental issue and beacuse of this, Sikhism can not be considered a sect of Hinudism and for that matter any other Religion.
I hope you are now clear about the identity of Sikhism being a totally separate identity from any other Religion...
Regards
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IDEAL Singh
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Tue 14 Oct, 2003 11:44 pm
Q4. Can I be happy without religion?
Much depends on one's idea of happiness. True happiness is a state of mind in which man finds transquility and contentment. The external happiness conferred by material possessions and worldly activities is ephemeral and superficial. In Communist countries people may appear to be satisfied and contented as their material conditions improve, but can they really be said to have achieved true happiness and real peace of mind?
Perhaps one of the reasons for the present day decline in morals is the neglect of religion. Without high ethical standards, which are the foundations of all religions no organized and disciplined life is possible. Promiscuity and sexual aberrations are no doubt due to ignorance and a neglect of the fundamental principles of ethics. In a secular state, it is the duty of parents and voluntary organizations to impart to children a knowledge of moral and spiritual values and ennoble them. If a man who is under a strong temptation thinks that moral rules are man-made, he may easily violate them. He will hesitate more to disobey them, if he believes that they are God made and have been revealed to him through a Divine Teacher or the Guru.
Even men of piety and great devotion are apt to fall a prey to temptation. If religion is not sincerely practised, it has little effect on our private lives or that of the community. An interest in religion makes people seek the company of holy men, which can give them the solace and happiness they really need. Some people make a show of being religious. This does not serve any useful purpose. What is needed is a positive attitude, to seek the company and assistance of those persons who are truly devoted to religion.
Some people think that religion is an irrelvance, a matter of no consequence, and that they lose nothing if they exclude religion from their lives. They believe in the motto: 'Eat, drink, and be merry'. But does this give an edge or meaning to life? Life has a purpose. Religion makes a man conscious of his spiritual heritage and goal.
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IDEAL Singh
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Fri 17 Oct, 2003 04:30 am
Baba Deep Singh Ji - One of the gr8st Sikh Warriors - He wielded a 18kg Kirpan...
____________________________________________________________________ Q5. Is fear the basis of all religions?
In ancient times, it is true that the fear of the unknown, the anger of gods and goddesses and the concept of divine punishment compelled people to believe in some sort of religion. They began to worship the forces of nature. In the Middle Ages, the Christian Church set up the Inquisition to punish the wrongs against the church. As man's knowledge increased, this fear was replaced by a conviction that behind the universe was a Creator, who was just and merciful and not revengeful or mischievous.
Fear is not always a bad thing. Fear of police and of imprisionment makes many people abide by the law. The fear of veneral diseases keeps many persons away from sexual over-indulgence. The fear of sickness has turned men's minds to research and the discovery of remedies for many chronic diseases and violent epidemics.
According to the new science of psychiatry, fear of any kind, particularly in the case of children, undermines their personalities. Instead of telling people about penalties for moral wrong doing they should appeal to their higher sense and considerations of the social good. It is in the interest of
religion itself to discourage such fear and to strenghten the individual's moral values and social conscience. The moral code ought to be a part of daily life and any breach should be regarded as an injury to society, and against the best interests of the community.
Sikhism does not encourage fear. It does not believe in a system of punishment or the inducement of rewards. In place of fear, it advocates personal courage. It believes optimistically in the ultimate victory of the moral order.
Sikhism preaches that we should neither cause fright to anyone or be afraid of anyone. This healthy spirit has been responsible for the Sikh's willingness to offer his life for his faith. True heroism, requires a lack of fear and a lack of hatred. The Sikh believes in the cause he serves, without any idea of reward or punishment.
In Sikhism, the awe of God turns into love. Just as a faithful wife is careful and cautious not to cause any annoyance to her husband but rather minister to his comforts. In the same way, the true devotee is prepared to offer his all to please God and to serve His Creation.
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IDEAL Singh
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Sat 18 Oct, 2003 02:48 am
Q6. What are the characteristics of the Sikh religion?
Sikhism is a monotheistic faith. It recognizes God as the only One. He who is not subject to time or space. He who is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer of the Universe.
Moreover in Sikhism, ethics and religion go together. The inculcation of moral qualities and the practice of virtue in everyday life is a vital step towards spiritual development. Qualities like honesty, compassion, generosity, patience, humility etc. can be built up only by effort and perseverence. The lives of the Gurus show how they lived their lives according to their code of ethics.
Sikhism does not believe in Avtarvada, that God takes a human form. It does not attach any value to gods and goddessses and other deities.
The Sikh religion rejects all rituals and routine practices like fasting and pilgrimage, omens and austerities. The goal of human life to merge with God is accomplished by following the teachings of the Guru, by meditation on the holy Name and performance of acts of service and charity.
Sikhism emphasises Bhakti Marg or the path of devotion. It does, however, recognizes the limited value of Gian Marg(Path of Knowledge) and Karam Marag(Path of Action). It also lays stress on the need for earning God's Grace in order to reach the spiritual goal.
Sikhism is a modern, logical, and practical religion. It believes that normal family-life(Grasth) is no barrier to salvation. That it is possible to live detached in the midst of worldly ills and temptations. A devotee must live in the world and yet keep his head above the usual tensions and turmoils. He must be a soldier, scholar and saint for God.
The Gurus believed that this life has a purpose and a goal. It offers an opportunity for self and God realization. Moreoever man is responsible for his own actions. He cannot claim immunity from the results of his actions. He must therefore be very vigilant in what he does. Finally, the Sikh Scripture (Sri Guru Granth Sahib) is the perpetual Guru. This is the only religion which has given the Holy Book the status of a religious preceptor. There is no place for a livign human Guru(Dehdhari) in Sikh religion.
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IDEAL Singh
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Mon 20 Oct, 2003 09:24 am
Q7. What is the need and justification of the Sikh religion?
The advent of Guru Nanek in 1469 came at a time of socio-political necessity. India had fallen on evil days. There was no security of life and property.
Guru Nanek rang the alarm-bell and saved masses from fake religions. Religion then was either by form of ritual or hypocrisy. He released people from the rut of formalism and the parrot-like repetition of scriputures. Guru Nanek challenged the division of men into classes, castes and communities. For him, all men were equally worthy of respect.
Guru Nanek stressed the uniqueness of each individual and wanted him to progress through a process of self-discipline. The discipline was three-fold: physical, moral and spiritual. The physical discipline included acts of service and charity, while leading a householder's life; the moral discipline included righteous living and rising above selfish desires; the spiritual discipline included the belief in only the One Supreme Being, (the Timeless Almighty) and the exclusion of the Pantheon of gods and goddesses, in whom they had formerly believed.
The Gurus brought a course of discipline to their Sikhs that lasted for a period of nearly 230 years till the creation of the Khalsa SIKH, the ideal man of Tenth Guru.
Guru Nanek opposed political tyranny and subjungation. He raised his voice against Babar's invasion and the tyrannical deeds perpetrated by his army in India. However, the imprisonment of Guru Nanek and the wonderful way in which he conducted himself and performed the tasks assigned to him in the camp awakened the soul of the the Mughal invader. The Guru emphasised the dignity of the individual and his right to oppose injustice and oppression. His main task, however, was to turn men's minds to God. Guru Nanek opposed mere ceremony and ritualism as dead wood. True religion is purposeful and extals conscientious living, and not the tread-mill of ritual.
Other than for Guru Nanek, the lamp of spiritualism would have been extinghuished in Asia.
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IDEAL Singh
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Thu 23 Oct, 2003 01:32 am
Q8. What are the distinctive features of Sikhism?
Each prophet gives some light and message to the world. Guru Nanek, the Founder of Sikhism, and his nine successors made a distinct contribution to religion and religious thought. Sikhism may be distinguished from other religions from three stand-points: philosophy, community or institution and physical appearance.
From the philosophical stand-point, the contribution of Sikhism may be called Nam Marg. Guru Nanek emphasized the need for man's devotion to the Timeless Almighty. He illustrates the attributes of God in his Mul-Muntra. He asks man to dedicate himself, day and night to the remembrance of God and His Name.
The Guru also gave to his followers the form of a community with certain institutions such as Deg, Teg, and Fateh. By Deg is meant the system of community kitchen (Langar) maintained by contributions of the Sikhs. Everyone is to donate one-tenth (Daswand) of his income. Teg, is the sword or Bhagwati represents power, which was necessary to preserve freedom of religious worship and to end tryranny. For this reason, Guru
Gobind Singh gave to God among other names, the name of Sarabloh(All steel). The Sikh believes in God's victory(fateh). His salutaion is Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh: the victory is God's and the Khalsa is God's. The Sikh always believes in Chardi Kala, (progress and optimism) in the reform and improvement of society, as a continous process.
Sikhism also believes in discipline. Guru Gobind Singh gave the Sikh a new apearance and administered him the Baptism of the Sword. He infused in him a spirit of fearlessness and a belief in his own invincibility and told him to maintian the five symbols*, each beginned with the letter K. (*symbols are: Hair (Kesh), Sword (Kirpan), Underwear (Katcha), Comb (Kanga), Bracelet (Kara).)
Another tenet of Sikhism is humility (Garibi). The Gurus asked their followers to regard themselves servants of the Congregation (Sangat). The tenth Guru, after administering his new baptism to the five chosen ones, asked them on bent knees and with folded hands, to administer baptism (Amrit) to him. In the entire human history, there is no other case of a Guru kneeling before his followers.
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IDEAL Singh
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Fri 24 Oct, 2003 05:59 am
Q9. Is Sikhism suited to the conditions of modern society?
The principle of "the survival of the fittest", is applicable as mush to religions as to communities or people. Those faiths which cannot meet the challenge of their time or the new conditions in society are likely to suffer eclipse. Sikhism however is suited to the needs of modern life. It believes in the individual and his right to develop his personality to the maximum extent possible. According to Guru Nanak, every man has power or merit; he is a part of the divine. He is not a useless weakling, a mere product of the chain-reaction of Karma. The Sikh is essentially a man of action, with
an overwhelming sense of self-reliance. He should invoke the Guru's Blessing at every step in his life and ask for His Divine Favour or Grace.
Sikhism is both modern and rational. It does not foster blind faith. Guru Nanak exposed the futility of meaningless ritual and formalism. He questioned the superstitious practices of his time and he brought about a revolution in the thinking of his people.
Sikhism rejects all distinctions of caste and creed. It stands for the 'Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man'. It believes in a casteless, egalitarian society which guarantees equal rights to women. At a time when woman was regarded inferior to man, Guru Nanek placed woman on a high pedestal: "Why call her inferior, who gives birth to kings?"
An important aspect of modern society is the belief in democracy. The welfare of man is best secured by his elected representatives. This principle is the guiding rule of the Khalsa, which entrusts all decisions to elected Five Sikhs.
Sikhism also believes in the concept of a socialistic pattern society. Man's responsibility to society lies in taking his contribution to social welfare as a sacred duty. The gulf between the more fortunate and the less fortunate has to be bridge. The Guru instituted the Temple of Bread (Langar) to
break the caste system. This is a good example of true democracy in daily life.
Sikhism is thus distinct from other religions and has something new to offer to man.
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IDEAL Singh
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Tue 28 Oct, 2003 11:29 pm
Q10. Is Sikhism a faith of hope and optimism?
Yes, the Gurus prescribed the sovereign remedy of "The Name" as the panacea for all mortal ills. While some religions condemn men as miserable sinners destined to damnation and the unending fire of hell, Sikhism believes that there is hope even for the worst man. Koda the cannibal, and Sajjan the thug, were reclaimed to good life by Guru Nanak with the gift of Nam. All is never lost. If man realizes his mistakes and shifts the centre of his life from the lower self to the higher self, he can attain to the highest goal. But this change comes through an
understanding of the Guru's word(bani) and God's Grace. In moments of crises, even the most pious and virtuous of men may succumb to tempation. Undoubtedly, evil and sorrow test the mettle of man, but his true support through all his trial is his faith in God and prayers for His Grace.
Sikhism is a practical religion. It shows mankind how to live a worthy and useful life in the world. It teaches him how to face and overcome evil through selfless service, devotion to duty. man can work his way to self-realization. If he trusts in God, feels that he is with Him, and that He will guide him to his goal. When a sikh has to face trial and torture when everything seems lost, he prays for Divine guidance from his scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, and bears all difficulities with faith and fortitude. Gurbani(The Guru's word or Holy Spirit) affords him true solace and enables him to accept the Divine will(hukam) patiently. He prays in a spirit of dedication and not with the expectation of reward. A true Sikh never despairs even in the most adverse circumstances. He feels that he is in the company of the Guru, this gives him strength and he can then face every crisis with courage and an unshakable faith in God and the Guru.
Sikhism is suited to the challenges of the modern age. Mr. Bunker, exambassador of USA to India, and a Christian, once said: "The Cardinal principles of Sikhism are very much akin to my own religion. It is a religion for our time."
As pointed out by Dr. Arnold Toynbee, "In the coming religious debate, the Sikh religion and its scripture the Adi Granth, will have something of special value to say to the rest of the world."
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roger
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Tue 28 Oct, 2003 11:54 pm
Good for you, Piffka. Would that I could be as enlightened, and hence forgiving, especially in the absence of apology.
In Simplistic terms, You are misinterprating it all together... There is no such thing like incorporating hindu and islam works... Let me clear your concerns... Please feel free to ask the terms which are unfamiliar with you... 
It is true that your founder was born of a Hindu family, yes? And that he grew up in a Hindu-Muslim community. Also true that at his deathbed, both Hindu and Muslim followers gathered to pay homage to him.
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