Re: Deras are " Shops misusing the bani from Sri Guru Granth Sahib "
They are prosperng because there is a market for them.
Too many of us fall into the depths of depression, poverty and sorrow.
A quick fix and someone to reassure them is usually a way for getting their attention.
This is why they can promise the earth as long as one lives their way.
Don't get me wrong there are hundreds or maybe thousands that will insist the person changes themselves and takes amrit and in addition they will prescribe extra bani to read. This is all very good for sikhism on the outer book cover.
However they will also make themselves come across as a satguru or similar, this is the BIGGEST problem.
Some clever ones will label themselves as great bhakti mahapursh and brahmgyani. In doing so, they also make it appear that they are on par to guru and what they instruct MUST be done and that they have the power.
This worship to the being automatically follows.
In all honesty, I learn more and more about this everyday. Infact I will tell you how sad it really is.-
- I have grown a khes for the first time and started with turban recently.
Now, I come across a lot of people who are surprised to see me this way, because anyone that knew me before will know that I was one of the 'hip' lads in terms of dress and hairstyles !! I am the complete opposite now.
Anyway, alot of them ask me who I have been seeing ???!!!!
Then I find that what they mean is which 'baba' or dera has converted me to the straight path.
Infact, I have learnt that every man on this west coast that has gone from mona to khes, and then to amritdhari, has done so when they have resorted to seeing someone for help and guidance.
This can be marriage problems, drink problems,drugs, addictions...whatever.
The result is usually a conversion to fully embracing the faith but also becoming a follower of a dera.
This is good if it helps to take someone away from the dark evils of prostitution,drugs, domestic violence with spouse..etc...etc.
-It's good that someone can show the way to a lost soul. But what is NOT good is that the lost soul also gets bought by the dera so to speak.
This lost soul begins to worship the new saviour as much as or usually more than the Gurugranth Sahib ji.
Sadly, anyone who knows someone that has become khesdhari at this time in their life is mostly because they belong to a new dera or jathabandi !!
-This has been A SHOCKING TRUTH for me to encounter recently.
I find it so difficult to prove and convince someone that I've grown my khes purely for the love and increased spirituality that I feel. It's not because I needed help or saving from my problems or anything. AND I have had absolutely NO ONE inspiring me or leading me except for my own sikh learnings and the Guru Granth Sahib ji.
I can't understand why people just find it too hard to swallow and can't buy my real version.