Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Thank-you very much Gyani Ji!
You have put an issue that has bothered me for over 12 years to rest. All those that I have ever asked this question to have not been very pleased with it (as if even asking the question was to go against Sikhi) and could not answer it sufficiently. I find that asking such "critical" questions to some Gursikhs is not welcome and often leads to anger on the part of the person that I asked --so I have kept this question to myself for quite some time.
I have heard the Durga story before as well and of course discounted it as rubbish. However, I have also heard that Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji cut the heads off of goats with the Punj Pyare before as well (as opposed to the version where he does not and takes them to the tent it is left a mystery but assumed that he did in fact cut their heads off). Quite frankly, it doesen't matter to me either way but I wonder what you think. Clearly this is not as an important of an issue as the Bhai Gurdas Ji issue as the importance of the Sikh name for God (Waheguru) and both Bhai Gurdas jis' (perceived) central role in Sikh theology far outweigh Sakhis. But I wonder what your take is on it nonetheless as well as other rather questionable tales (Guru Nanak and the blood and milk from the bread, Guru Nanak and Balle Kandari/Punja Sahib, Baba Deep Singh fighting with his head on his hand, etc.).
I always thought that reasonableness and truth were more important in Sikhi and such "miracles" played in no part in Sikhi? I know that the miracle issue was covered in another thread but I am really asking what you (and other Gursikhs in the forum) think of 3 issues: 1. Can the sakhis have the same impact if the miraclous aspects of them are removed 2.Is any aspect of Sikhi reliant on such miraclous events 3.What is the Sikh view of miracles in general especially in light of the fact that other religions [notably Christianity and judaism] rely on them heavily and sikhs are supposed to be tolerant/respect other faiths as equally plausible means of acheiving salvation/moksha/nirvana, etc.
Incidentally, I believe that books that can be considered hate literature (anything that endorses hate and violence against minority groups) should be banned but all others should not be.
Thank-you for your thoughtful response Gyan Ji and others!
Take care,
Ravi Singh
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
