Chaz ji
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Please forgive for the audacity to raise this. I am a little intrigued by your form of greeting ‘Satnaam’. Sikhs use the greeting ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’ or its, less formal, short form Gurfateh. Sat Siri Akal is also used as a general form of address when Sikhs run into each other – fmore popular amongst non-amritdharis. Sat Siri Akal is also used by our Naamdhari friends, on stage and otherwise. Please do not see this as a criticism – just plain curiousity and passion to learn.
As I have indicated in my earlier post, I am extremely impressed by your humility and dedication to Gurbani, although I do not necessarily agree with the techniques you use – I just do not know enough about your exact approach and discipline and would rather not discuss it anyway – no offence meant. Some use the ‘swas swas’ technique whilst others speak of ‘swas giras’. Harry ji has his personal approach. However, he is very sincere and truthful in what he does – his courage to talk about his innermost feelings and private life is commendable - each to his own as they say.
I am much closer to the approach described by Jasleen ji (findingmyway - hope I got the name right). She wrote:
<I>“Different people work differently and my understanding of Gurbani's references to simran are implementing Gurbani in your life, however that may be. For some it is the constant repetition of Waheguru. For me personally, that does not work at all. For me its always analysing myself, my words and actions, its doing voluntary work and it is working through my sehaj paath very slowly trying to understand Gurbani rather that reciting it only (no matter how much love goes into the recitation, it is not enough for me).”</I>
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However, I also try to attune myself to the Guru’s teachings through <I>keertan,</I> sometimes, including a brief <I>chanting</I> of Waheguru at home and on stage. I, personally, do not engage in endless chanting (at home or on stage). I have seen a lot of this on TV and on various stages but the protagonists do not appear to extend their activities to the welfare of the general society they live in – they just operate within their own circles and add to divisions and confusion within the Sikh Panth and families – brothers do not speak to brothers or eat at each other’s place. I actually know of such cases.
Yes we have problems with the Jathedars but we cannot blame them for all our ills. We as a nation must also take responsibility – we need to unite and strive and bridge the schisms created by an endless queue of babas and deras – apologies to the ones who are genuine and stand up for the mainstream Sikh values and interests. I personally am not into babas but have admired one or two from a distance – neither am I, currently, a member of any group, mainstream or otherwise, but I do take part, as an independent individual, in social activities, including keertan.
All of the above is meant in good spirit but apologies, nevertheless, for anything untoward in my post.
Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’
