Freedom to choose
The Sikh Gurus believed in giving the individual complete freedom to choose his or her spiritual path. They believed that there should be no compulsion or force used when an individual makes this choice. Most of the disciples of the Gurus became their followers after listening to the Gurus' sermons and then voluntarily following the guidance provided by the Gurus. The spiritual masters made no promises of heaven or paradise to entice these Sikhs to follow the path of Dharma. The disciples were not told that because they were Sikhs and followers of the Gurus, only they would be welcomed by God. The Guru made it clear that only by following the path of truth and by undertaking righteous actions can one become dear to the Lord thus:
| One who practices truth, righteous living, charity and good deeds, has the supplies for God's Path. Worldly success shall not fail him. (2) |
| SGGS Page 743 |
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 for all his life while many thousands became Sikhs and disciples of the Guru. However, due to his merit, the Guru still honoured Bhai sahib ji by including a verse of his—a (Shabad) in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. The Guru did not force or compel his followers into following his ideology; complete freedom of choice was given to the sangat (community).
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; that ones soul goes through a cycle of births and deaths before taking human form; that the ultimate goal of these many lives is to merge with God by maintaining a balance of spiritual and temporal obligations; that the true path to God is not one of renunciation of the world but rather a life of devotion as a householder, earning an honest living while avoiding temptations and sin; that all people of all races and sex are equal in the eyes of God; that 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
Doubting the validity of their religion many people of many different religions have, throughtout history, pushed their own religion on others--touting their own religion as the only way to salvation.
A few historic examples, the most recent being 1893:
- “…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.“ (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]
All are equal before the Lord
Sikhism does not claim such a monopoly to be the only path to God. Such claims invariably end in confrontations with a loser and a winner?. They produce only self-righteous and intolerant snobs. Sikhism preaches that exclusivity is the most damaging feature of any religion.
- “ 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 p853) [9]
It advises that we “should not call any religion inferior or false” (SGGS 1350) and thus, “give rise to controversies.” (SGGS 566)
The Sikh Gurus demonstrated the need for complete freedom of choice in matters dealing with religion and spirituality. This is clear by looking at the sacrifice performed by the ninth Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur. The ninth Guru put his life on the line for the protection of the Kashmiri Hindus and their right to freely practise their faith without hindrance, forced conversion and fear of death. 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.
Hinduism, Catholicism, Islam and Judism all initiate the newborn into their parents religion, if not at birth certainly within a few weeks. Sikhism, like many Protestant religions waits for the individual, he or she, to be old enough to make their own choice. Yet unlike many sects of Christianity, Sikhism does not hold promises of paradise or dark-eyed houris--chaste as hidden pearls of retiring beauty to its followers (the Qu'ran makes no such claim).
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
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”
- ^ Guru Granth Sahib page 853
- This article based on publication "Sikh Religion and Science" by G.S.Sidhu M.A; FIL (London)
