Freedom to choose: Difference between revisions
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#''“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.</ref> | #''“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.</ref> | ||
#''“Those who do not follow the Vedas or criticise them should be cut up, burnt and destroyed”''. <ref>Athrav Veda Chapter 12 Sukat 5 Hymn No. 62.</ref> | #''“Those who do not follow the Vedas or criticise them should be cut up, burnt and destroyed”''. <ref>Athrav Veda Chapter 12 Sukat 5 Hymn No. 62.</ref> | ||
#''“Never offer religion instruction to a shudra”''<ref>(Manu Smirti Ch.4 hymn 80)</ref> | #''“Never offer religion instruction to a shudra”'' <ref>(Manu Smirti Ch.4 hymn 80)</ref> | ||
#''“Following a religion other than Islam is not acceptable.”'' (Quran 3:85)<ref>[http://muttaqun.com/quran/e/nobe003.htm The Noble Quran] "85:And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers"</ref> | #''“Following a religion other than Islam is not acceptable.”'' (Quran 3:85) <ref>[http://muttaqun.com/quran/e/nobe003.htm The Noble Quran] "85:And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers"</ref> | ||
# The Jews claim that God favoured the Jews and granted them the land of Israel.<ref>[http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1123996016170&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE The Holy Qur’an very clearly speaks of the special favor God gave the Children of Israel.] You can read this in Surah 2, verse 47, which means: "O Children of Israel! call to mind the [special] favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others [for My Message]."</ref> | # The Jews claim that God favoured the Jews and granted them the land of Israel. <ref>[http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1123996016170&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE The Holy Qur’an very clearly speaks of the special favor God gave the Children of Israel.] You can read this in Surah 2, verse 47, which means: "O Children of Israel! call to mind the [special] favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others [for My Message]."</ref> | ||
#The Archbishop of Canterbury had declined to attend the [http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/ 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.<ref>[http://lass.calumet.purdue.edu/cca/jgcg/2006/sp06/jgcg-sp06-braybrooke.htm Interfaith and Globalisation] Some Christians were prepared to recognise God’s presence in other religions, but they were in a minority. Indeed some Christians even protested against the very idea of a Parliament. The then Archbishop of Canterbury, E.W. Benson, had declined an invitation to attend, saying that his difficulties rested ‘on the fact that the Christian religion is the one religion. I do not understand how that religion can be regarded as a member of a Parliament of Religions, without assuming the equality of other intended members and the parity of their position and claims</ref><ref>[http://people.bu.edu/wwildman/WeirdWildWeb/courses/mwt/dictionary/mwt_themes_707_worldparliamentofreligions1893.htm The 1893 World Parliament of Religions] Further opposition came from the Archbishop of Canterbury, saying in his letter that his disapproval rested on “the fact that the Christian religion is the one religion. I do not understand how that religion can be regarded as a member of a Parliament of Religions without assuming the equality of the other intended members and the parity of their position and claims”</ref> | #The Archbishop of Canterbury had declined to attend the [http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/ 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. <ref>[http://lass.calumet.purdue.edu/cca/jgcg/2006/sp06/jgcg-sp06-braybrooke.htm Interfaith and Globalisation] Some Christians were prepared to recognise God’s presence in other religions, but they were in a minority. Indeed some Christians even protested against the very idea of a Parliament. The then Archbishop of Canterbury, E.W. Benson, had declined an invitation to attend, saying that his difficulties rested ‘on the fact that the Christian religion is the one religion. I do not understand how that religion can be regarded as a member of a Parliament of Religions, without assuming the equality of other intended members and the parity of their position and claims</ref> <ref>[http://people.bu.edu/wwildman/WeirdWildWeb/courses/mwt/dictionary/mwt_themes_707_worldparliamentofreligions1893.htm The 1893 World Parliament of Religions] Further opposition came from the Archbishop of Canterbury, saying in his letter that his disapproval rested on “the fact that the Christian religion is the one religion. I do not understand how that religion can be regarded as a member of a Parliament of Religions without assuming the equality of the other intended members and the parity of their position and claims”</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) | ||
Revision as of 08:27, 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.
Sikhs believe that there is only one God in the Universe and that He is the same God for all religions and all the peoples of the world. The soul goes through a cycle of birth and death before reaching its human form. The goal of life is to merge with God and to maintain a balance spiritual and temporal obligations. The true path to God does not mean a renunciation of the world but a life of devotion as a householder, earning an honest living and avoiding temptation and sin. All people of all races and sex are equal in the eyes of God. There is total equality between man and woman and women can participate in any religious function and lead the congregation in prayer.
| All are Yours, and You belong to all. You are the wealth of all. Everyone begs from You, and all offer prayers to You each day. |
| SGGS Page 86 |
Claims of exclusivity
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.
Here are some examples:
- “The non-Christian Bibles are developments in the wrong direction.” (Professor Monier Williams)[1]
- “The truth capable of saving humanity is and shall be the product of Hindu Gurus forever and for ever.” (Sri Aurobindo) [2]
- “Those who do not follow the Vedas or criticise them should be cut up, burnt and destroyed”. [3]
- “Never offer religion instruction to a shudra” [4]
- “Following a religion other than Islam is not acceptable.” (Quran 3:85) [5]
- The Jews claim that God favoured the Jews and granted them the land of Israel. [6]
- 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. [7] [8]
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
External links
- [http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=1 The Council for a Parliament of the
World's Religions]
References
- ^ Early indology of india ‘There can be no doubt of a greater mistake than to force these non-Christian bibles into conformity with some scientific theory of development and then point to Christian’s Holy Bible as the crowning product of religious evolution. So far from this, these non-Christian bibles are all developments in the wrong direction. They all begin with some flashes of true light and end in utter darkness.’
‘It seems to me that our missionaries are already sufficiently convinced of the neccessity of studying these works, and of making themselves conversant with the false creeds they have to fight against. How could an army of invaders have any chance of success in an enemy’s country without a knowledge of the position and strength of its fortresses, and without knowing how to turn the batteries they may capture against the for?' - ^ Only he who knows the Veda, knows the Truth.
- ^ Athrav Veda Chapter 12 Sukat 5 Hymn No. 62.
- ^ (Manu Smirti Ch.4 hymn 80)
- ^ The Noble Quran "85:And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers"
- ^ The Holy Qur’an very clearly speaks of the special favor God gave the Children of Israel. You can read this in Surah 2, verse 47, which means: "O Children of Israel! call to mind the [special] favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others [for My Message]."
- ^ Interfaith and Globalisation Some Christians were prepared to recognise God’s presence in other religions, but they were in a minority. Indeed some Christians even protested against the very idea of a Parliament. The then Archbishop of Canterbury, E.W. Benson, had declined an invitation to attend, saying that his difficulties rested ‘on the fact that the Christian religion is the one religion. I do not understand how that religion can be regarded as a member of a Parliament of Religions, without assuming the equality of other intended members and the parity of their position and claims
- ^ The 1893 World Parliament of Religions Further opposition came from the Archbishop of Canterbury, saying in his letter that his disapproval rested on “the fact that the Christian religion is the one religion. I do not understand how that religion can be regarded as a member of a Parliament of Religions without assuming the equality of the other intended members and the parity of their position and claims”
- This article based on publication "Sikh Religion and Science" by G.S.Sidhu M.A; FIL (London)
