Re: Prof Darshan Singh Ji Ragi
Elsewhere on Internet, there are some interesting debates going on this topic...
Conversation about this article on sikhchic.com
1: Sanmeet Kaur (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), November 11, 2009, 11:39 AM.
A Sikh is answerable to his Guru. However, most of us who are quick to malign don't actually know what is it exactly we are protesting against. Prof. Sahib is a public figure and does not shy away from controversy to make his point. We must admit we still have a lot to gain and learn from him. And that is the point of Sikhi - to learn. Even if one disagrees with his opinion or the manner in which he makes it, to accuse any Sikh of being an enemy of Sikhi is shameful and indecent in itself. Clearly, those who do so do not see the Guru Granth Sahib as their 'partakh' Guru. The Roundtable forum seems to me an ideal way to find out how the lay Sikh, one without any political agenda, feels about this.
2: Bicky Singh (Ontario, Canada), November 11, 2009, 12:29 PM.
I have actually seen Prof. Darshan Singh at a Gurdwara recently where he did discuss the validity of the Dasam Granth. The example that he provided seemed to support his contention that historically, there has been an injection of extraneous materials into the Dasam Granth, some of which is totally inconsistent with Sikhi. I have seen the latest extract from a video which is being used to criticize him, and from the expression on Prof. Darshan Singh's face, and what he is saying, it appears that all he is doing is giving another example of the wrong type of material that has found its way into the Dasam Granth, and not presenting it as someting he agrees with! If his giving such an example of an offensive text is to be taken as hurtful in itself, or an insult to the memory of the Guru, why didn't anyone in the sangat step up and confront him at that time? No one did, because they had heard his entire discourse and knew what he was saying! We need to see the context in which anythig is being presented. I don't think that Prof. Darshan Singh made any derogatory remarks against any of our Gurus in either of the examples that are being bandied about. I think we need to have some open discussion and open minds to see what angle the presenter is coming from. There does seem to be a lack of understanding within the community to see things from another's viewpoint.
3: Chintan Singh (San Jose, California, U.S.A.), November 11, 2009, 1:23 PM.
I have only heard Prof. Darshan Singh's excellent kirtan and gurbani discourses, and do not know of his feelings on 1984, etc. I believe anyone who makes a point and has strong opinions about a subject matter in our community is repeatedly and relentlessly attacked whether it is Hew McLeod, Dr. I.J. Singh, etc. I believe we as a community lack the maturity to accept people's points as their own views on the subject and respectfully agree to disagree with their views. I cannot imagine Prof. Darshan Singh making any wrong remarks about Guru Gobind Singh or being an enemy of Sihi. If anyone was to listen to his CD, "Sikhi de Pehchan", one would know how passionate he is about Sikhi, even if one were to disagree with any of the thoughts presented in that CD. Again, we as a community have a tendency to jump to conclusions without fully analyzing and understanding the individuals comments. It's the same situation about the matter of Chairs in Sikh Studies. Simply, because some don't agree with some of the things Hew McLeod wrote about Sikhism, they have decided to oppose the very idea of having Sikh Studies offered in universities. In my opinion, the community (perhaps the Akal Takht or a regional body that can adequately represent the diaspora community) needs to create a forum where such matters can be heard, analyzed and discussed without allegations and personal attacks. This Round Table can serve as that forum. It would be informative to hi critics to first know what Prof. Darshan Singh has in fact said about the Dasam Granth, for example, before condemnng him.
4: Ashveer Pal Singh (Berkeley, California, U.S.A.), November 11, 2009, 5:13 PM.
Since I do not know much about Prof. Darshan Singh, I would like to address the third question. Certain groups accord certain individuals great titles: 'Bhai', 'Sant', 'Baba', 'Gurmukh', etc. As if these categories are somehow objective, when in fact often these individuals do not necessarily meet any specific criteria of spiritual achievement, but rather fit a certain set of ideals that are already promoted by a group/jatha/community. What this inevitably leads to are false claims of 'real' or 'pure' Sikh knowledge that further fractures the community, on personal frolics based on caste, class and level of understanding, rather than actual scriptural/theological grounds.
5: Raj (Canada), November 11, 2009, 5:33 PM.
Give me a break. I can't imagine Professor Sahib making such remarks about Guru Sahib. He has dedicated his life to spreading the word of the Gurus. I'm just going to give you an example here. In 1984, after the attack on The Darbar Sahib, most of th Sikh leadership went into hiding, including the Badals. Prof. Darshan Singh was not afraid of speaking openly against Indira and his psychophant, Zail Singh. In his kirtan at Bangla Sahib, while singing the shabad "Jabe ban agyo tabe ros jagyo", he referred to Zail Singh as "Indira da chamcha" and Indira as "Zalim". This is when every Hindu organization was singing praises of Indira. I have a recording of that discourse. This man has a lots of guts and is not afraid to openly challenge any misconceptions. The question of the Dasam Granth is long overdue and has been pushed under the rug by the S.G.P.C. for too long. When was the last time the S.G.P.C. or the Akalis addressed anything to its concluson? Anyway, there has never been any attempt to bring in theologians, linguists, historians or any other experts from different position to go over this issue. An ordinary person may be well intentioned, but lacks the scruitiny of a scholar. This issue is for scholars, not babas or local, self-proclaimed gyanis, for that matter. There's enough material in the Dasam Granth that begs closer scrutiny. If it doesn't align with gurbani and the lives and teachings of the Gurus, then someone has to explain it's merit to the ordinary folks and why it shouldn't be filed away as merely being of historical curiousity and no more.
6: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, U.S.A.), November 11, 2009, 7:25 PM.
I like the style of Prof. Darshan Singh's kirtan, as he gives all the examples from Guru Granth, including when he refers to the 1984 attack and massacres. Because of his wisdom and spirtuality, he was appointed to be Jathedar of the Akal Takht. He refused to bow down to the S.G.P.C., and he quit the post when it became impossible for him to function independently. He is one of a very few gyanis who know Guru Granth by heart. We should respect his knowledge and teachings instead of criticizing him. I have listened to his kirtan from Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Sahib on the 400th anniversary of the investiture of Guru Granth. He clearly mentioned that Guru Gobind Singh gave the gur-gaddi to only Guru Granth, and not to any other granth, including the Dasam Granth. One cannot equate the Dasam Granth with the Guru Granth Sahib. But we should also respect the Dasam Granth. This is our bad luck that the Sikh leadership does not recognize the real value of a person like Prof. Darshan Singh. I think the time has come for the community to ensure a full recording of all his dscourses on DVD to be used for TV broadcast or home viewing and take advantage of his extensive knowledge and wisdom.
7: Gopal Singh (Sweden), November 12, 2009, 4:55 AM.
Here are some more facts that need to be considered: 1) Prof. Darshan Singh had been doing kirtan from the same compositions which he is now criticising. 2) He is hobnobbing with those groups who publicly deplore even the Jaap Sahib. 3) He now takes every opportunity to discuss Dasam Granth in the sangat and rake up unnecessary controversy. And controversy beckons controversy. 4) He publically congratulated the Gurdwara of Finland which changed the first pauree of the Ardaas. So the question to be asked is why would he now criticise the banees for which he once had high respect? All the examples of his contribution in the pre- and post- 1984 eras is connected to his kirtan based on the compositions from the Dasam Bani. So the question which should also be asked is this: Should people's beliefs in gurbani be connected with other mortals' assumptions? When he believed in the Dasam Bani, his supporters believed in it too. Now when he criticises it, the sangat listens to him.
8: Mehtab Kaur (New Delhi, India), November 12, 2009, 9:27 AM.
The allegations listed by S. Gopal Singh are excellent examples of how half-truths and innuendo are used by those who go after the likes of Prof. Darshan Singh. Let me address each of them, using the same number scheme he uses: 1) Prof. Sahib often does kirtan from the verses in the Dasam Granth ... but from the passages that are clearly ascribed by scholars to Guru Gobind Singh, and those that are consistent with Sikhi. His criticism is not directed against all of the contents of the Dasam Granth, only to the passages that have been interjected by outside and vested interests. And the thrust of his objection is for the Dasam Granth being given any status of a Guru or scripture. 2) Hobnobbing with groups? By writing for or speaking to those who disagree with you - like the readers of sikhchic.com - are you hobnobbing with us? Does that taint you or your judgement? 'Hobnobbing' is a loaded term which by itself means nothing except mischief on the part of the one pointing the finger. 3) He has of course taken upon himself to - because no one else dares to take on the ignorant and the mischief-makers - tackle headlong those who even suggest that Dasam Granth is to be treated like scripture. He merely wants to clarify the fact that Dasam Granth IS NOT GURBANI in the sense the Guru Granth is! It is in the best interest of the community that Prof. Sahib continue this mission until the matter is laid to rest. But I'm baffled by your suggestion that he does not have the right to speak his mind ... merely because you disagree with him. THAT is the crux of the problem! 4) So, he publicly congratulated the Finland Gurdwara? He doesn't have the right to? Surely, you too have the right to publically criticize the same Gurdwara and Prof. Darshan Singh as well. As long as you stay within the norms of proper behaviour - that is the Sikh thing to do! Finally, all I have to say is: it's not what one person thinks or says, or how much others disagree with him; it is how we express ourselves within the boundaries of civilized - call it 'Sikh", if you will - behaviour!
9: Gurinder Singh (Stockton, California, U.S.A.), November 12, 2009, 10:18 AM.
Prof. Darshan Singh ji has been singing Dasam Granth Bani all his life. Suddenly, it appears, he has become critical of some of the passages. Why?
10: Gopal Singh (Sweden), November 12, 2009, 11:20 AM.
I have recordings of Prof. Darshan Singh doing kirtan from Krishnavtar, Ramavtar, even Charitropakhyan and Chandi Charittar - all passages from the Dasam Granth. And now he criticizes these verses. Also, giving a lecture in a function organized by those who openly reject the Jaap Sahib and endorsing their views is, in my view, 'hobnobbing'. Similarly, a Gurdwara that has changed the Ardas is, in my view, anti-Panthic.
11: Mehtab Kaur (New Delhi, India), November 12, 2009, 1:58 PM.
In answer to the posts of S. Gurinder Singh and S. Gopal Singh: I believe Prof. Darshan Singh ji jumped into the fray when, post-1984, some mischievous elements - egged on by Hindu fundamentalists and other vested interests - began raising controversies within the Sikh community. One of these new issues was the bizarre suggestion that the Dasam Granth should be equated with the Guru Granth Sahib, and in some cases, some people even insisted on having prakash of it beside the Guru Granth Sahib as Guru. It is this silliness that got Prof. Sahib to raise his voice against the mischief and clear the air. He is not against the Dasam Granth per se: all he is saying is that it is not gurbani, certainly it is not scripture, and portions of it are apocryphal. Leading Sikh scholars agree with him. His critics are not scholars - just busy-bodies who have taken it upon themselves to become loud-mouths, without any claim to spiritual wisdom or knowledge. [For me, the issue is easier to resolve when I see the towering spiritual figure of Prof. Darshan Singh on one side, and a handful of rude, unmannered voices going berserk over an issue which not the most important one facing our community today!] Please, please don't jump into the dialogue or make up your minds without sifting through the obfuscations and looking at the real goings-on. Most of the critics are misled by the misinformation being thus circulated. But the energy, the passion, in tearing down this extraordinary man seems to be coming from a handful of people who have no real interest in the status of the Guru Granth, but to keep the community off balance by entagling it in peripheral issues. One way of keeping such people in check is by taking such issues calmly - high emotions don't get anybody anywhere. And Sikhi is not, and never is, threatened. It's those who don't rely on gurbani and get sucked into "chaturta" that unwittingly become pawns of the mischief-makers, and give them traction. Let's all beware ...
12: Tejwant Singh (Nevada, U.S.A.), November 12, 2009, 1:58 PM.
A Sikh's duty is to learn, to unlearn and to relearn, and Prof. Sahib, who resigned as the Jathedar of Akal Takht (most of the others have been sacked) because of Sikhi principles is not ashamed of letting the Khalsa Panth know that he is a true Sikh by doing just that. He also showed everyone that he does not shy away from changing his mind when gurmat wisdom demands it. Sikhi has a universal message and our visionary Gurus knew how to share that with all humanity. All other religions stopped in time except Sikhi because they are based on subjective truths whereas Sikhi is based on the objective Reality. The first pauri of Japji shows us that. Our visionary Gurus did not want our thought processes to stop in the past but to evolve with the evolution of humanity. This is more the reason in my opinion for them not to add prose passages to this beautiful visionary poetry - the road map of humanity - which they could have easily done in The Guru Granth. Gurbani is like a prism. Each one of us sees it from our own angle and the more we delve into gurbani, with time, the better we are exposed to different angles of the same prism which make our understanding of the same shabad deeper and wider through contemplation and perseverance. This is the reason that our understanding of gurbani will grow with our own evolution. The only stamp it has on it is the stamp of TIMELESSNESS. So, the other side of the coin would be: BRAVO! to Prof. Darshan Singh ji who we all know spoke against the attack on Harmandar Sahib and also about the holocaust that took place in 1984 more than anyone else did. He held Kirtan Darbars during that time explaining gurbani in the same context. Once he came to realize with his own spiritual evolution about the passages in the Dasam Granth that are mistakenly attributed by many to our Dasam Pita, he put his reputation on line and spoke out about it, knowing quite well that attacks from all sides would be hurled at him ... which are still going on ceaselessly. Many who have not even read the Dasam Granth are ready to stone Prof. Sahib merely because they see others are doing it. It is the sheep following the sheep. Shall we call these people Sikhs or ignorant ones who are not willing to learn on their own but put their trust on some second/ third/ fourth hand information? So, I admire people like Prof. Sahib who we all know from his life did nothing but serve the Panth and is fearless in sharing his learning and insight. Isn't this the reason that we Sikhs serve the NIRBHAU, NIRVAIR Ik OanKaar?
13: Natalee Singh (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), November 12, 2009, 3:17 PM.
Without being familiar with Prof. Darshan Singh's work, my only comment would be: what part of "Guru maanyo Granth" is it that people don't understand? Didn't Guru Gobind Singh leave a clear and unequivocal edict that the Guru Granth Sahib was the one and only true Guru after his departure from this world ... bravo to anyone who furthers this message!
14: Gurmeet Kaur (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), November 12, 2009, 5:01 PM.
There are three reasons why Prof. Darshan Singh has been subject to repeated and relentless attacks. 1) He is the most popular Sikh parcharak alive today. It is not easy to be famous and influential. Fame invites jealousy, rivalry and spite, no matter how noble one's own intentions are. Ironically, as much as the Guru asks us to rid our ego, it appears that some of us nurse large doses of it. 2) He has most boldly challenged the authenticity of "Dasam Granth" as consisting solely of Guru Gobind Singh's compositions. In view of some attempts to declare it scripture, I am glad someone in his position had the knowledge and courage to do challenge them. It makes me really nervous when I hear the news of installations of the Dasam Granth at par with the Guru Granth Sahib at some gurdwaras, including a few in the west. Despite the many controversies that have suddenly appeared in the Panth in recent years, at least we all agreed on "One and only One Guru" - Guru Granth. It completely blows my mind when I hear that the only glue that binds the Panth together is under attack by this act of bestowing the same status to the Dasam Granth, and the majority of the nation is sitting quietly like dumb sheep. 3) We have not learnt how to disagree, and yet be civil to each other. What has been done to Gurbaksh Singh Kala Afghana? Protests, insults, threats, ex-communication, boycotts - the poor old man has been confined to his little apartment by people who still need to learn how to behave like true Sikhs. All for putting forward his views based on years and years of research? I am quoting Dr.I.J. Singh here when he says "We as a community have to learn to disagree without being disagreeable". I would say, ignore the allegations! Use your own heads. If Prof. Darshan Singh inspires you to be a good Sikh, learn from him, show him your support so others too can be inspired by him. Eventually, there is a need to focus on issues, not personalities. Prof. Darshan Singh will one day pass on, like each one of those who are attacking him. Energy should be spent on the issue of the Dasam Granth so it does not split the panth right down the middle. Because that is exactly what our detractors want us to do!
15: R. Singh (Surrey, British Columbia, Canada), November 12, 2009, 6:16 PM.
There are 10 articles about the Dasam Granth on
SikhSpectrum.com Quarterly, January 2009 issue - Symposium on the Authorship of the Dasam Granth.
16: Himmat Singh (Melbourne, Australia), November 12, 2009, 6:24 PM.
Here lies the problem: if you review the conversation above, not one of the opponents of Prof. Darshan Singh's position talk about why the Dasam Granth should be given an elevated status, or argue the authenticity of the questionable passages, etc., etc. All they cite is personal invective against Prof. Sahib - "He used to sing the verses, now why does he oppose them?" "Why does he approve of such-and-such people?" "Why does he hobnob with so-and-so?" etc., etc. The problem is obvious - the issue is not the Dasam Granth. It is some personal stuff against Prof. Sahib. I suspect his detractors have brought (or been sent) baggage from the petty politicians in India. And the community is forced to live through these shenanigans, while the goofy village-style politics rages in some people's minds. I just don't understand why these fellows come to the West?
17: Baljit Kaur (San Diego, California, U.S.A.), November 12, 2009, 6:36 PM.
Everytime I hear, or speak to, someone who has a bone to pick with Prof. Darshan Singh, all I see is arrogance ... and an absence of logic. Sadly, there have been no exceptions. It is as if they think the Gurus had asked them specifically to nurture "mat neevin, man uccha"! If they'd only try the virtue of silence for a bit ... and listen to some of Prof. Darshan Singh's discourses, they might learn something ... and spare us their convolutions. Lord, bless them, please!
18: Irvinder Singh Babra (Brantford, Ontario, Canada), November 12, 2009, 10:18 PM.
If we can bring Prof. Darshan Singh down, a widely respected Elder, then which one of our heroes is free from such attacks. He has spent all his life in the service of Sikhi, and now we condemn him for his authority, his simplicity and his spirituality. Our holy Guru Granth Sahib has 1430 sacred pages, and I am pretty sure that there are not even 1430 Sikhs who understand it the way he does. If the controversy on the Dasam Granth is raging, then it's not the making of Professor Sahib. Sikhs worldwide must stop the assembly or binding of Dasam Granth and Guru Granth Sahib into one holy book. It's sacrilege of the highest order. Guru Gobind Singh had never allowed that in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. On the other hand, it's astonishing to know why such a renowned and learned Raagi is now branded as one of the most controversial and disgraced Sikhs today? I have read very heinous remarks against him, and it's very painful to see Sikhi at such a juncture today. Is it the fault of Prof. Darshan Singh or have we all had contributed one or the way in our ignorant consciousness. I don't know and would love to be enlightened on it. Remember, the Sikhs remain one of the most generous, kind and foremost people within humanity today. Just stop condemning each other and start celebrating Sikhi now.
19: Ravinder Singh Taneja (Westerville, Ohio, U.S.A.), November 13, 2009, 8:54 AM.
Thanks to sikhchic.com for launching this Roundtable. From the response so far, one can be quite sure that this will be a popular forum. That Prof. Darshan Singh evokes strong reactions is pretty obvious. Gurmeet Kaur and Tejwant Singh (above) make some very valid observations: we need to stick to the issues and resist the impulse to attack individuals, to learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Actually, a good discussion always opens up new avenues, new possibilities and new insights. It offers growth - but only if we can see beyond the fog of our personal biases.
20: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, U.S.A.), November 13, 2009, 11:17 AM.
After reading all the comments by various Sikhs about Prof. Darshan Singh ji, I would like to say a few further words. I believe that after the compilation of Guru Granth, some Sikhs requested Guru ji for an explanation in great detail. Then Guru ji said that if He provided a word-for-word explanation, then Sikhs would not discuss the Gurbani and without discussion they would not understand. Therefore, please start with respect for others who do this. If Sikhs start following even some of teachings in Guru Granth Sahib, we would not be in this situation that we are currently in. Think honestly, there are very few raagis can do kirtan with proper and enlightened discourse accompanying it. Please respect others. I remember very well Gyani Sant Singh ji Maskin, another great scholar, who was given the Panth Ratan Award after his death. He should have been honoured while he was alive! Now, all the TV channels are suddenly busy broadcasting his lectures. When are we going to give Prof. Darshan Singh the honour due to him, instead of ...?
21: I.J. Singh (New York, U.S.A.), November 13, 2009, 5:35 PM.
I have followed some of the criticism of Prof. Darshan Singh. Many say: "He was the Jathedar of the Akaal Takht and has been a public presence doing katha/kirtan for umpteen years. Why is it that he never criticized the "Dasam Granth" then. Why now? There must be some ulterior motive or at least some great profit to be made." I wonder about that kind of reasoning. I look at myself - a man who hardly ever read or thought about a single line of gurbani for half his life, but now I do with great delight and some insight. If I were to follow the reasoning of the critics then I must remain true to my ignorance all my life and would have no right to learn, change and evolve. The important thing is not that he didn't comment before but now that he does, how do we analyze his reasoning and process. We, too, must show some room to grow - for him and for us both. Either he makes sense or he does not. That is important, not what he said or did not say 20 years ago. In my view he makes immense sense - and I am no acolyte.
22: Gurdeep Singh (Sacramento, California, U.S.A.), November 13, 2009, 7:56 PM.
Professor Darshan Singh ji has said something about the Dasam Granth which doesn't even exist within its pages. That should be the focus of discussion.
