- Dec 21, 2010
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Every Sikh from looking like one or feeling so in their hearts without the persona are part of a threaded community with some level of commonality. Whereas there is no question to follow the ideals of Sikhism and be 100%, we recognize that realities are different.
In my mind, the big question is how we recognize and accentuate the common and minimize and defocus the differences?
It goes without saying that Sikhism delegates much of the judgment about self to people themselves and little to others. This being true for perhaps 99.9999+% of the people as only areas of communal/Panthic impact get interventions say through Akal Takhat Sahib. General norm for all is, seeking community retribution for indiscretions, community help in case of difficulties, etc. Remember that the initiator is the person seeking help and not some Sikh enforcement or other such body.
So how do we positively interact amongst our less than perfect fellow Sikhs or groups of the same?
I believe this can be achieved in two steps.
1. [/FONT]Dialog driven by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the basis of all that is Sikhism
Sikhs are blessed as a community to have an eternal guiding light and source of much enlightenment in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. The holy scripture is poetic. Poetry is impossible to translate and we all will get a different experience based on our own selves. The dialog done respectfully should enrich our common understanding and maturing as Sikhs as envisioned by our Guru ji’s and others through Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
2. [/FONT]Diminishing Judgmental Edicts Regarding Fellow Sikhs
To judge is a very tempting and common trap that most if not all humans fall into once or often. Sikhs are no exception. The irony is that sometimes this misguides us to treat less than perfect Sikhs more harshly than those who do not have any interest in Sikhism or knowledge of Sikhism. This trapping is very well described by the following phrase,
We can almost physically notice such behavior in politically inclined Sikhs and many others. I believe we need to help uplift fellow Sikhs no matter how imperfect. It is not through condescending dialog but through love and wisdom of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
I believe if we follow such simple steps that we will have an evergreen and flourishing Sikh community that our Guru ji would be so proud of.
Let us “INCLUDE” and “NOT EXCLUDE”.
What you think!
Sat Sri Akal.
In my mind, the big question is how we recognize and accentuate the common and minimize and defocus the differences?
It goes without saying that Sikhism delegates much of the judgment about self to people themselves and little to others. This being true for perhaps 99.9999+% of the people as only areas of communal/Panthic impact get interventions say through Akal Takhat Sahib. General norm for all is, seeking community retribution for indiscretions, community help in case of difficulties, etc. Remember that the initiator is the person seeking help and not some Sikh enforcement or other such body.
So how do we positively interact amongst our less than perfect fellow Sikhs or groups of the same?
I believe this can be achieved in two steps.
1. [/FONT]Dialog driven by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the basis of all that is Sikhism
Sikhs are blessed as a community to have an eternal guiding light and source of much enlightenment in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. The holy scripture is poetic. Poetry is impossible to translate and we all will get a different experience based on our own selves. The dialog done respectfully should enrich our common understanding and maturing as Sikhs as envisioned by our Guru ji’s and others through Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
2. [/FONT]Diminishing Judgmental Edicts Regarding Fellow Sikhs
To judge is a very tempting and common trap that most if not all humans fall into once or often. Sikhs are no exception. The irony is that sometimes this misguides us to treat less than perfect Sikhs more harshly than those who do not have any interest in Sikhism or knowledge of Sikhism. This trapping is very well described by the following phrase,
“Bahrlian noon juffian paonda te Ghar dian no balaunda nahin”
Hugs strangers but doesn’t communicate with own family
We can almost physically notice such behavior in politically inclined Sikhs and many others. I believe we need to help uplift fellow Sikhs no matter how imperfect. It is not through condescending dialog but through love and wisdom of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
I believe if we follow such simple steps that we will have an evergreen and flourishing Sikh community that our Guru ji would be so proud of.
Let us “INCLUDE” and “NOT EXCLUDE”.
What you think!
Sat Sri Akal.