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The [[Sikh Gurus]] believed in giving the individual the freedom to choose his or her spiritual path. There should be no compulsion or force used when an individual makes this choice. Most of the disciples of the Gurus became followers after listening to their sermons. No promises of heaven or paradise were made to these | The [[Sikh Gurus]] believed in giving the individual the freedom to choose his or her spiritual path. There should be no compulsion or force used when an individual makes this choice. Most of the disciples of the Gurus became followers after listening to their sermons. No promises of heaven or paradise were made to these [[Sikh]]s. They were not told that because they were Sikhs they only would be welcomed by God. | ||
[[Bhai Mardana]] was a life long companion of [[Guru Nanak]], the founder of [[Sikhi]]. Bhai Mardana was a [[Muslim]] from birth and remained as such until his last day. In fact it is believed that the Guru, carried out Bhai sahib’s last rites in accordance with the Muslim faith. It is a fact that although Bhai sahib remained with the Guru for most his life, he remained a Muslim all his life while many thousands became Sikhs and disciples of the Guru. The Guru honoured Bhai sahib ji by including one of his verses ([[Shabad]]s) in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], the Sikh holy scripture. The Guru did not force or compel his followers in following his ideology; complete freedom of choice was given to the people. | [[Bhai Mardana]] was a life long companion of [[Guru Nanak]], the founder of [[Sikhi]]. Bhai Mardana was a [[Muslim]] from birth and remained as such until his last day. In fact it is believed that the Guru, carried out Bhai sahib’s last rites in accordance with the Muslim faith. It is a fact that although Bhai sahib remained with the Guru for most his life, he remained a Muslim all his life while many thousands became Sikhs and disciples of the Guru. The Guru honoured Bhai sahib ji by including one of his verses ([[Shabad]]s) in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], the [[Sikh holy scripture]]. The Guru did not force or compel his followers in following his ideology; complete freedom of choice was given to the people. | ||
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Here are some examples: | Here are some examples: | ||
“The non-Christian Bibles are developments in the wrong direction.” (Professor Monier Williams) “The truth capable of saving humanity is and shall be the product of Hindu Gurus forever and for ever.” (Sri Aurobindo) <ref>Only he who knows the Veda, knows the Truth. “Those who do not follow the Vedas or criticise them should be cut up, burnt and destroyed”. (Athrav Veda Chapter 12 Sukat 5 Hymn No. 62).“Never offer religion instruction to a shudra”(Manu Smirti Ch.4 hymn 80) </ref> “Following a religion other than Islam is not acceptable.” (Quran 3:85) <ref>The Jews claim that God favoured the Jews and granted them the land of Israel.</ref> | ''“The non-Christian Bibles are developments in the wrong direction.”'' (Professor Monier Williams) ''“The truth capable of saving humanity is and shall be the product of Hindu Gurus forever and for ever.”'' (Sri Aurobindo) <ref>Only he who knows the Veda, knows the Truth. ''“Those who do not follow the Vedas or criticise them should be cut up, burnt and destroyed”''. (Athrav Veda Chapter 12 Sukat 5 Hymn No. 62).''“Never offer religion instruction to a shudra”''(Manu Smirti Ch.4 hymn 80) </ref> “Following a religion other than Islam is not acceptable.” (Quran 3:85) <ref>The Jews claim that God favoured the Jews and granted them the land of Israel.</ref> | ||
Sikhism does not claim such monopolies because monopolies invariably end up in confrontations and slanging matches. They produce only self-righteous and intolerant snobs. Sikhism preaches that exclusivity is the most damaging feature of any religion. Sikhism teaches, “ The world is going up in flames O Lord— shower it with Your Mercy, Save it, and deliver it from sin through whichever door (religion) humanity approaches.” {{sref|853}} It advises that we “should not call any religion inferior or false” and thus, “give rise to controversies.” {{sref|1427}} “Many roads thou hast fashioned, all of them lead to the light.” (Rudyard Kipling) | [[Sikhism]] does not claim such monopolies because monopolies invariably end up in confrontations and slanging matches. They produce only self-righteous and intolerant snobs. Sikhism preaches that exclusivity is the most damaging feature of any religion. Sikhism teaches, ''“ The world is going up in flames O Lord— shower it with Your Mercy, Save it, and deliver it from sin through whichever door (religion) humanity approaches.”'' {{sref|853}} It advises that we ''“should not call any religion inferior or false”'' and thus, ''“give rise to controversies.”'' {{sref|1427}} ''“Many roads thou hast fashioned, all of them lead to the light.”'' (Rudyard Kipling) | ||
The [[Sikh Gurus]] have demonstrated the need for complete freedom of choice in matter to do with religion and spirituality. This is clear by looking at the sacrifice performed by the ninth Guru, {{G9}}. The ninth Guru was determined to achieve [[Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur|martyrdom for the protection of the Kashmir Hindus] and their right to freely practise their faith without hindrance or compulsion. See [[Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur]] for further details. | The [[Sikh Gurus]] have demonstrated the need for complete freedom of choice in matter to do with religion and spirituality. This is clear by looking at the sacrifice performed by the ninth Guru, {{G9}}. The ninth Guru was determined to achieve [[Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur|martyrdom for the protection of the Kashmir Hindus]] and their right to freely practise their faith without hindrance or compulsion. See [[Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur]] for further details. | ||
==Conversion== | ==Conversion== | ||
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Sikhism preaches that a man is judged by the nobleness of his character and not by labels of religion. Therefore nobody should be converted under pressure. If a man has to do away voluntarily with his traditional religion, he should better make certain that he has something of value to replace it. Until a person has strong feeling and commitment towards Sikhism and his study, knowledge and relationship with Sikhs motivate him to accept Sikhism he/she should not accept Sikhism. Therefore, before a novice is baptised as a Sikh, he/she has to beg for baptismal water with folded hands five times and every time he/she is reminded to follow the way of God (Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh) throughout his/her life time. | Sikhism preaches that a man is judged by the nobleness of his character and not by labels of religion. Therefore nobody should be converted under pressure. If a man has to do away voluntarily with his traditional religion, he should better make certain that he has something of value to replace it. Until a person has strong feeling and commitment towards Sikhism and his study, knowledge and relationship with Sikhs motivate him to accept Sikhism he/she should not accept Sikhism. Therefore, before a novice is baptised as a Sikh, he/she has to beg for baptismal water with folded hands five times and every time he/she is reminded to follow the way of God (Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh) throughout his/her life time. | ||
Conversion to Sikhism is through demonstration of the quality of life a Sikh lives. The Guru’s philosophy is the ideal for a Sikh to follow. In order to bring the Sikh to this ideal standard the Guru’s instruction is, “Do what the Guru asks you to do. Do not blindly copy His achievements.” The Guru expected the Sikhs’ behaviour to be such as would inspire in others an urge to become Sikhs. Therefore, the only conversion that Sikhism recommends is the conversion of manners and moral behaviour. Such a conversion can be better achieved through example rather than coercion. | Conversion to Sikhism is through demonstration of the quality of life a Sikh lives. The Guru’s philosophy is the ideal for a Sikh to follow. In order to bring the Sikh to this ideal standard the Guru’s instruction is, ''“Do what the Guru asks you to do. Do not blindly copy His achievements.”'' The Guru expected the Sikhs’ behaviour to be such as would inspire in others an urge to become Sikhs. Therefore, the only conversion that Sikhism recommends is the conversion of manners and moral behaviour. Such a conversion can be better achieved through example rather than coercion. | ||
In Sikhism a person is not baptised at birth, but only when he/she is capable of making his/her own choice. Sikhism does not hold promises of paradise or that of huirs of retiring beauty to its followers. Today’s scientific mind would only approve the acceptance of any idea after careful analysis and testing. Most world religions preach that acceptance of a religion does not admit verification and questioning but Sikhism preaches thorough satisfaction before accepting a religion. The Guru says, “First, examine the merchandise carefully, and only then, make the deal.”{{sref|1410}} | In [[Sikhism]] a person is not baptised at birth, but only when he/she is capable of making his/her own choice. Sikhism does not hold promises of paradise or that of huirs of retiring beauty to its followers. Today’s scientific mind would only approve the acceptance of any idea after careful analysis and testing. Most world religions preach that acceptance of a religion does not admit verification and questioning but Sikhism preaches thorough satisfaction before accepting a religion. The Guru says, ''“First, examine the merchandise carefully, and only then, make the deal.”'' {{sref|1410}} | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Guidance for All]] | |||
* [[Secularism]] | |||
* [[Guru Granth Sahib]] | * [[Guru Granth Sahib]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
* This article based on publication "Sikh Religion and Science" by G.S.Sidhu M.A; FIL (London) | |||
{{beliefs}} | {{beliefs}} | ||
Revision as of 07:28, 22 March 2008
The Sikh Gurus believed in giving the individual the freedom to choose his or her spiritual path. There should be no compulsion or force used when an individual makes this choice. Most of the disciples of the Gurus became followers after listening to their sermons. No promises of heaven or paradise were made to these Sikhs. They were not told that because they were Sikhs they only would be welcomed by God.
Bhai Mardana was a life long companion of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhi. Bhai Mardana was a Muslim from birth and remained as such until his last day. In fact it is believed that the Guru, carried out Bhai sahib’s last rites in accordance with the Muslim faith. It is a fact that although Bhai sahib remained with the Guru for most his life, he remained a Muslim all his life while many thousands became Sikhs and disciples of the Guru. The Guru honoured Bhai sahib ji by including one of his verses (Shabads) in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. The Guru did not force or compel his followers in following his ideology; complete freedom of choice was given to the people.
Exclusivity in religion goes against the grain and yet many religions and their followers claim that theirs is the only true religion, which can mould the world and lead it to salvation. [1]
Here are some examples:
“The non-Christian Bibles are developments in the wrong direction.” (Professor Monier Williams) “The truth capable of saving humanity is and shall be the product of Hindu Gurus forever and for ever.” (Sri Aurobindo) [2] “Following a religion other than Islam is not acceptable.” (Quran 3:85) [3]
Sikhism does not claim such monopolies because monopolies invariably end up in confrontations and slanging matches. They produce only self-righteous and intolerant snobs. Sikhism preaches that exclusivity is the most damaging feature of any religion. Sikhism teaches, “ The world is going up in flames O Lord— shower it with Your Mercy, Save it, and deliver it from sin through whichever door (religion) humanity approaches.” (SGGS 853) It advises that we “should not call any religion inferior or false” and thus, “give rise to controversies.” (SGGS 1427) “Many roads thou hast fashioned, all of them lead to the light.” (Rudyard Kipling)
The Sikh Gurus have demonstrated the need for complete freedom of choice in matter to do with religion and spirituality. This is clear by looking at the sacrifice performed by the ninth Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur. The ninth Guru was determined to achieve martyrdom for the protection of the Kashmir Hindus and their right to freely practise their faith without hindrance or compulsion. See Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur for further details.
Conversion
Conversion from one religion to another is preached and practised by many religions. In some religions, there are even merits available in the next world for those who convert others to their religion. Conversion restricts human freedom of thought and most often leads to inter-religious wars. Human conscience does not tolerate religious bigotry because it is contrary to reason. Society cannot develop if all human beings think exactly alike. Naturally, therefore, in almost every religion we find so many factions and sects.
Sikhism preaches that a man is judged by the nobleness of his character and not by labels of religion. Therefore nobody should be converted under pressure. If a man has to do away voluntarily with his traditional religion, he should better make certain that he has something of value to replace it. Until a person has strong feeling and commitment towards Sikhism and his study, knowledge and relationship with Sikhs motivate him to accept Sikhism he/she should not accept Sikhism. Therefore, before a novice is baptised as a Sikh, he/she has to beg for baptismal water with folded hands five times and every time he/she is reminded to follow the way of God (Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh) throughout his/her life time.
Conversion to Sikhism is through demonstration of the quality of life a Sikh lives. The Guru’s philosophy is the ideal for a Sikh to follow. In order to bring the Sikh to this ideal standard the Guru’s instruction is, “Do what the Guru asks you to do. Do not blindly copy His achievements.” The Guru expected the Sikhs’ behaviour to be such as would inspire in others an urge to become Sikhs. Therefore, the only conversion that Sikhism recommends is the conversion of manners and moral behaviour. Such a conversion can be better achieved through example rather than coercion.
In Sikhism a person is not baptised at birth, but only when he/she is capable of making his/her own choice. Sikhism does not hold promises of paradise or that of huirs of retiring beauty to its followers. Today’s scientific mind would only approve the acceptance of any idea after careful analysis and testing. Most world religions preach that acceptance of a religion does not admit verification and questioning but Sikhism preaches thorough satisfaction before accepting a religion. The Guru says, “First, examine the merchandise carefully, and only then, make the deal.” (SGGS 1410)
See also
References
- ^ The Archbishop of Canterbury had declined to attend the Chicago Parliament of world religions (1893) organised by Catholic Cardinal Gibbons of America saying that the very meeting of such a parliament implied that all religions were equal. Representatives of most of the religions of the world attended this meeting but the archbishop did not. The ‘church of world creator’ is all white, anti-Semitic, claims monopoly and hates non-Christian religions as heathens.
- ^ Only he who knows the Veda, knows the Truth. “Those who do not follow the Vedas or criticise them should be cut up, burnt and destroyed”. (Athrav Veda Chapter 12 Sukat 5 Hymn No. 62).“Never offer religion instruction to a shudra”(Manu Smirti Ch.4 hymn 80)
- ^ The Jews claim that God favoured the Jews and granted them the land of Israel.
- This article based on publication "Sikh Religion and Science" by G.S.Sidhu M.A; FIL (London)
