Tejwant ji
You said "This is one more unique aspect of Sikhi because other religions; the 3 Semitic ones - Judaism, Christianity, Islam- and Hinduism teach/instill tolerance, which breed disdain and hatred whereas acceptance breeds love and the attitude of gratitude."
You who claim I make false conclusions of others appear to me to do the same about other religions. When someone starts to exclaim exclusivity of there religion red flags go up the flag pole. Indeed the messianic faiths claim exclusivity on the truth and other such things.
If I were wishing to start a new religion perhaps I would fall into the pitfall of claims like my truth is the only truth and to raise my new religion above others rather than to elevate my own I would knock down others. Perhaps I would include that my word is the last on the subject and cannot be improved upon. a cult of personality. But that is why it is called faith not empirical or certitude. Fortunately, for me, my faith claims no one individual as a founder or receiver of direct revelation. Although there are many schools Saivism stays contemporary because inner truths never change, but outer forms of practice and observance do evolve. Saivism seeks to preserve its mystical teachings while adapting to the cultural, social and technological changes of each recurrent age according to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami said:
"Religious beliefs are manifold and different. Saivites, understanding the strength of this diversity, wholeheartedly respect and encourage all who believe in God. They honor the fact that truth is one, paths are many."
"Instill in us a wholesome. healthy mind, with goodwill and understanding. Then shall we ever delight in your friendship like cows who gladly rejoice in green meadows. This is my joyful message." Rig Veda
"All of the universe is in the glory of God, of Shiva, the God of love. The heads and faces of men are his own, and He is in the hearts of all." Yajur Veda
In my soon to be 61 revolutions around the sun have I never heard anyone associate tolerance with hatred with disdain. I am going to take a tolerant approach and support your right to speak and hope you are only speaking for yourself. If I thought my faith and way of worship were not thought of as an equal I would not have joined and certainly not have supported this site.
I appreciate anyone who is strongly rooted in their faith but to be frank I am weary of your implying no matter how subtly some superiority of Sikhi.
Uniqueness has been claimed by many to include those who first stole or borrowed ideas from Zoroaster such as the Jews, Muslims, and Christians primarily. He borrowed from those who preceded him.
Uniqueness divides and commonalities unite the choice is an individual one to me. Ignorant people have tried to offend me by calling me an idol worshiper, feces eater, urine drinker and much more but I treat them as a FedEx delivery I did not order and simply don't accept the delivery. I am not saying that is where you are going.
I have also been questioned about who wrote this and who wrote that, names if know were lost in antiquity, we simply call them rishis. The legend concerning the origin of the Shiva Sutras is that Lord Shiva etched them in a rock. It is said that Vasugupta, in ca 800, discovered the 77 sutras carved in a rock on Mahadeva mountain after a visionary dream in which Lord Shiva told him of their location. The sacred rock, named Sankarpal, is revered to this day.
What are the four keys to good conduct? Again according to Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami:
"Purity, devotion, humility and charity are the four keys to good conduct. Of these, purity is the cardinal virtue. We cultivate purity by thinking. speaking and doing only that which is conceived in compassion for all."
There are also four keys for conduct with others penned by the great sage Patanjali in his great work "The Yoga Sutras which I will paraphrase very crudely:
1 Be happy to those who are happy whatever their reason to be happy.
2. Show compassion for those who are ill or sad.
3. Ignore those who speak of "devilishness" or nonsense.
4. Treat with reverence those who speak with wisdom.
I am more than happy to converse with others on spiritual matters in an open mined and Tolerant manner. However those who even appear to have an intent having me defend my faith I will apply Patanjali's key number four.
For those who may have a lack of understanding when it comes to tolerance, acceptance I would suggest reading Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansayogananda as starters.
I am not a Sikh but have mentioned before that I joined this site because I thought we had much in common. The more I hear from a member or two here I become more aware I may be wrong
If I thought my presupposition was wrong I would bow out but for now I shall soldier on.
Peace
Satyaban
