Where is Ramadan in Sikhi?
Blogged by: Amritpan
The presence of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and its message of universal fraternity of the human race and ultimate destination of oneness with the Supreme Being imparts an unparalleled serenity and contentment on its disciple. When I listen to the chants of Om-mantar in a Mandir, hear Hamza Yusuf deliver the Friday Kutbah in a nearby Masjid, witness a Jewish Hallel or meditating Buddhist in a park … I see each as another form of reverence to the Almighty, but every single of theses experiences leave me searching for more…
A few days ago I was invited by a Muslim friend to join her community in a fundraising Fast-A-Thon for Ramadan… (participants fast for a day and a local business donates a certain amount of money per fast-er to a charity or Masjid). I acquiesced and signed up, happy to help with their efforts for daan, or as they call it, zakat.
On the day of the Fast-A-Thon, I joined the Muslim brothers and sisters before dawn and ate Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) and respectfully stood behind them as they performed their Fajr prayer. I barely made it through the day without any water or food. In the evening, I attended the Fast-A-Thon evening event where I broke my fast with Muslims and other non-Muslims. During this dinner, a young man stood up and gave a discourse on the significance of Ramadan in the Islamic context. He spoke of sacrifice, of forgiveness, of guidance, and of remembrance of Allah… all concepts shared with Sikhi. However, when I spoke with him after dinner he asked me a key question: “Fasting is actively practiced in every religion on this planet. People starve to death every day. There is lack of water in places in Africa. Fasting is the ultimate humbling experience. It helps us in our spiritual journey and takes us closer to God. Why doesn’t your faith call for you to sacrifice your daily wants for at least one day?” This barrage of pronouncements and a question at the end left me nearly speechless and with no satisfactory answer. I left the gathering with a heavy heart and unanswered questions.
It ended up, however, becoming an opportunity to contemplate, reflect, explore and learn. Though I had general idea that Sikh theology did not particularly endorse fasting but I didn’t know why. So I took it as a divine prod to learn about a highly practical and important aspect of Sikhi.
I have been fortunate enough to grow up with Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists who have welcomed my curiosity in their faiths and invited me into their places of worship. These experiences have helped me realize the relative similarities of each organized faith’s spiritual goals as well the structural and procedural differences in the means of attaining these goals. Moreover, these interactions have pushed me to question and then appreciate why I engage in certain activities or thought processe as a Sikh, as well as the practicality of the faith that I have been blessed with since birth.
Many faiths of the world promote the practice of fasting as means of advancing piety, holiness, and in turn spirituality. Medically speaking, periodic and controlled fasting is a cleansing tool for the body thus a healthy habit. It is also a noble deed if performed as an act of sacrifice to feed someone else. Sikhism, however, neither promotes nor condemns fasting as health enhancing means but condemns gluttony. It specifically promotes healthy living by eating modestly and sparingly and refutes fasting as a vehicle for spiritual advancement. Depriving the body of nutrition for the stated purpose of attaining excellence in spiritual discipline is disingenuous and farcical according to the Sikh scripture – Guru Granth Sahib.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and thus a healthy body is fundamentally essential in Sikh theology for only humans are capable of meditation and only through meditation can a devotee reach and unite with God. Dogs, horses, birds cannot achieve this spirituality as they are unable to meditate.
Nourishing the body and staying healthy, therefore, is exceedingly vital for meditation on the Divine Naam and achieving spiritual excellence. Even the Devtas – angelic beings- worship human life and it’s a capacity to meditate.
A Gurmukh is instinctively and continuously in tune with the Karta Purakh – the creator being – as his sole support and not only relinquishes his attachments to worldly possessions (Padarathvad) and the five deadly passions, and illusion/doubt (maya), but also eats, drinks, sleeps in moderation, only enough to sustain him physically.
Though many faiths advocate fasting as a vehicle to spiritual enlightment, Sikhism encourages physical well-being as a prerequisite to travel on the spiritual path. However, there is a stage in Sikhism when earthly sustenance is no longer necessary for a spiritual devotee to survive physically. At this stage of spirituality, the devotee has achieved spiritual unity with God, and Naam becomes his sustenance and support.
53 Responses to “Where is Ramadan in Sikhi?”
This is really well written and researched.. thank you for exploring a topic that I think crosses many peoples mind. Just a few more thoughts on the subject:
*fasting furthers you spirituality — if a person fasts in order to further themselves spiritually, automatically that is not sikhi. sikhs are not suppose to actively do something in return for the daan of naam. constantly depriving yourself throughout the day messes with your ego as well… you might expect that because ive fasted, god owes me.
*fasting makes you more disciplined — to deprive your body of nutrition may help make you think youre a more disciplined person but discipline lies in the mind. conqureing the mind is where our attention should be focused, and not suppressing the bodies natural instincts for food/water. sikhi emphasizes combating your mind before anything else.
*fasting is for more than just food and water — yes it is and as sikhs, we aim practice restrainting from intoxicants and the concept of kaam (lust) year round.
This is really well written and researched.. thank you for exploring a topic that I think crosses many peoples mind. Just a few more thoughts on the subject:
*fasting furthers you spirituality — if a person fasts in order to further themselves spiritually, automatically that is not sikhi. sikhs are not suppose to actively do something in return for the daan of naam. constantly depriving yourself throughout the day messes with your ego as well… you might expect that because ive fasted, god owes me.
*fasting makes you more disciplined — to deprive your body of nutrition may help make you think youre a more disciplined person but discipline lies in the mind. conqureing the mind is where our attention should be focused, and not suppressing the bodies natural instincts for food/water. sikhi emphasizes combating your mind before anything else.
*fasting is for more than just food and water — yes it is and as sikhs, we aim practice restrainting from intoxicants and the concept of kaam (lust) year round.
Thank you for the great article.
Whilst I don't fast for religious purposes nor do I mock others that do. One important thing i feel my Muslims brethren are forgetting is that Prophet Muhammad said that during Ramadan, a Muslim is to eat and drink a third of what they normally would and the food they consume should be simple. There tendency today is to eat as much, if not more, rich, deep-fried food post-fast and pre-fast, they not only go against the commands of Prophet Muhammad but they end up overindulging, eating foods for a whole month which would normally be eaten on special occasions and frankly they’re not really thinking about the less fortunate.
My Muslims brethren also comment on the health benefits of fasting, and to be honest the health benefits are endless, but there is a BUT…the but is how one conducts a fast. There are many kinds of fasts but 2 main types. One is a 'Food Fast' where one refrains from food for a certain time period and the other is a 'Food and Water Fast' which is the same as food but now includes no water. When undergoing any fast, how one builds up to a fast and breaks the fast is crucial not only for your health benefits but also for your health altogether. If one looks at ‘ayurveda’ and even some western practitioners they will ALL advise you that one must build up-to a fast and break the fast depending on the length of the fast you conduct. Even if a ‘food fast’ is done for a day, one should start on simple food, lightly cooked, preferably non-meat such as soups and juices followed by a fast and then simple food/juices to break it. This way all agree that such a fast MAY over time reward one with some health benefits.
But Muslims do a fast which is without Water, much more challenging and draining on the body not starting or breaking the fast on simple foods and particularly breaking the fast on heavy, processed meats sends the body into shock. As they only fast for 12hrs they won't see/feel the negatives but over a month it’s agreed they’re not doing themselves any favours.
If anyone is thinking of doing a ‘food fast’, a ‘water fast’ or any fast all together, please consult a professional. Fasting can be dangerous if conducted without the knowledge of how to conduct one but if conducted correctly and with ‘sehaj’ you too can reap some health benefits.
Vaheguroo
Thank you for the great article.
Whilst I don't fast for religious purposes nor do I mock others that do. One important thing i feel my Muslims brethren are forgetting is that Prophet Muhammad said that during Ramadan, a Muslim is to eat and drink a third of what they normally would and the food they consume should be simple. There tendency today is to eat as much, if not more, rich, deep-fried food post-fast and pre-fast, they not only go against the commands of Prophet Muhammad but they end up overindulging, eating foods for a whole month which would normally be eaten on special occasions and frankly they’re not really thinking about the less fortunate.
My Muslims brethren also comment on the health benefits of fasting, and to be honest the health benefits are endless, but there is a BUT…the but is how one conducts a fast. There are many kinds of fasts but 2 main types. One is a 'Food Fast' where one refrains from food for a certain time period and the other is a 'Food and Water Fast' which is the same as food but now includes no water. When undergoing any fast, how one builds up to a fast and breaks the fast is crucial not only for your health benefits but also for your health altogether. If one looks at ‘ayurveda’ and even some western practitioners they will ALL advise you that one must build up-to a fast and break the fast depending on the length of the fast you conduct. Even if a ‘food fast’ is done for a day, one should start on simple food, lightly cooked, preferably non-meat such as soups and juices followed by a fast and then simple food/juices to break it. This way all agree that such a fast MAY over time reward one with some health benefits.
But Muslims do a fast which is without Water, much more challenging and draining on the body not starting or breaking the fast on simple foods and particularly breaking the fast on heavy, processed meats sends the body into shock. As they only fast for 12hrs they won't see/feel the negatives but over a month it’s agreed they’re not doing themselves any favours.
If anyone is thinking of doing a ‘food fast’, a ‘water fast’ or any fast all together, please consult a professional. Fasting can be dangerous if conducted without the knowledge of how to conduct one but if conducted correctly and with ‘sehaj’ you too can reap some health benefits.
Vaheguroo
It is a well researched article,however the answer to the question where is ramadan in sikhi,is that sikhi closley identifies itself with hinduism.As a matter of fact all the festivals of hindus,are celebrated vigoursly and more so by sikhs than hindus.It might be because sikhism is not an independent religion but a sect of hinduism with its own peculiarities.The only thing that sikhs took from islam that is practised today is institution of langar,which was practised by sufi saints long before Nanak ever came on the scene.
This is really well written and researched.. thank you for exploring a topic that I think crosses many peoples minds. Just a few more thoughts on the subject:
*fasting furthers you spirituality — if a person fasts in order to further themselves spiritually, automatically that is not sikhi. sikhs are not suppose to actively do something in return for the daan of naam. constantly depriving yourself throughout the day messes with your ego as well… you might expect that because ive fasted, god owes me.
*fasting makes you more disciplined — to deprive your body of nutrition may help make you think youre a more disciplined person but discipline lies in the mind. conqureing the mind is where our attention should be focused, and not suppressing the bodies natural instincts for food/water. sikhi emphasizes combating your mind before anything else.
*fasting is for more than just food and water — yes it is and as sikhs, we aim to practice restrainting from intoxicants and the concept of kaam (lust) year round.
Roger – Sikhism is NOT a sect of Hinduism in any way, shape or form. Sikhs declared our sovereignty as a religion and people hundreds of years ago.
Furthermore, Sikhi has been influenced by many traditions, and mystical Islam is definitely a big one. Kabir's poetry is the most featured bani in the Guru Granth Sahib not written by a Sikh guru. To dismiss any connection of Sikhi to Islam is also really misleading.
It is a well researched article,however the answer to the question where is ramadan in sikhi,is that sikhi closley identifies itself with hinduism.As a matter of fact all the festivals of hindus,are celebrated vigoursly and more so by sikhs than hindus.It might be because sikhism is not an independent religion but a sect of hinduism with its own peculiarities.The only thing that sikhs took from islam that is practised today is institution of langar,which was practised by sufi saints long before Nanak ever came on the scene.
This is really well written and researched.. thank you for exploring a topic that I think crosses many peoples minds. Just a few more thoughts on the subject:
*fasting furthers you spirituality — if a person fasts in order to further themselves spiritually, automatically that is not sikhi. sikhs are not suppose to actively do something in return for the daan of naam. constantly depriving yourself throughout the day messes with your ego as well… you might expect that because ive fasted, god owes me.
*fasting makes you more disciplined — to deprive your body of nutrition may help make you think youre a more disciplined person but discipline lies in the mind. conqureing the mind is where our attention should be focused, and not suppressing the bodies natural instincts for food/water. sikhi emphasizes combating your mind before anything else.
*fasting is for more than just food and water — yes it is and as sikhs, we aim to practice restrainting from intoxicants and the concept of kaam (lust) year round.
Roger – Sikhism is NOT a sect of Hinduism in any way, shape or form. Sikhs declared our sovereignty as a religion and people hundreds of years ago.
Furthermore, Sikhi has been influenced by many traditions, and mystical Islam is definitely a big one. Kabir's poetry is the most featured bani in the Guru Granth Sahib not written by a Sikh guru. To dismiss any connection of Sikhi to Islam is also really misleading.
Mr 'Roger' (read not proud of my heritage trying to look like a gora') Mangat-all religions ultimately evolve from others that came before them-by accepting rejecting or modifying ideas and sometimes creating their own ideas. All based on faith in the existence of a higher being which may or may not exist. Your snide remark ignores all that.
Sikhism is against all meaningless ritual-fasting, beating the chest at funerals, sacred threads, pilgrimages, praying in a certain direction etc.
Periodic fasting, where one engages in engorging oneself at the end of the day has no health benefits.
You can break a one day fast with ANY food-there is not 'shock' to the body-that is pure pseudoscientific mumbo jumbo. Only time one need to starts with simple clear liquids is after a big surgery, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis etc.
I submit the following free of my own interpretations.
While I don't think they tell me what to do, or why, I do get an idea to compare the relevance of them to my spiritual progress than using another method.
"Kabeer, the woman who gives up meditation on the Lord, and observes the ritual fast of Ahoi, shall be reincarnated as a donkey, to carry heavy burdens. ((108))" (sggs page 1370)
Sikhism outright rejects fasting. Gurbani debars all human beings from engaging in rituals of any sort whatsoever. "Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline – those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell." (sggs page 216).
"Let good conduct be thy fasting." (Guru Nanak, Var Majh)
"You keep the fast to please Allah, but slay life for your relish..But you do not reflect on the Lord, Who is within you" (Bhagat Kabir, Asa)
"Penance, fasting, austerity and alms-giving are inferior to 'The Truth'; right action is superior to all." – Guru Nanak. According to Guru Nanak, true fasting is the renunciation of the fruit of one's actions.
"Pilgrimages, fasts, purification and self-discipline are of no use,
nor are rituals, religious ceremonies or empty worship.
O Nanak, emancipation comes only by loving devotional worship;
through duality, people are engrossed in duality." SGGS 674
"What use is chanting, and what use is penance, fasting or devotional worship,
to one whose heart is filled with the love of duality?" SGGS 324
"Chanting and deep meditation, penance and austere self-discipline, fasting and
purification – salvation does not come by any of these means. " SGGS 1301
Mr 'Roger' (read not proud of my heritage trying to look like a gora') Mangat-all religions ultimately evolve from others that came before them-by accepting rejecting or modifying ideas and sometimes creating their own ideas. All based on faith in the existence of a higher being which may or may not exist. Your snide remark ignores all that.
Sikhism is against all meaningless ritual-fasting, beating the chest at funerals, sacred threads, pilgrimages, praying in a certain direction etc.
Periodic fasting, where one engages in engorging oneself at the end of the day has no health benefits.
You can break a one day fast with ANY food-there is not 'shock' to the body-that is pure pseudoscientific mumbo jumbo. Only time one need to starts with simple clear liquids is after a big surgery, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis etc.
I submit the following free of my own interpretations.
While I don't think they tell me what to do, or why, I do get an idea to compare the relevance of them to my spiritual progress than using another method.
"Kabeer, the woman who gives up meditation on the Lord, and observes the ritual fast of Ahoi, shall be reincarnated as a donkey, to carry heavy burdens. ((108))" (sggs page 1370)
Sikhism outright rejects fasting. Gurbani debars all human beings from engaging in rituals of any sort whatsoever. "Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline – those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell." (sggs page 216).
"Let good conduct be thy fasting." (Guru Nanak, Var Majh)
"You keep the fast to please Allah, but slay life for your relish..But you do not reflect on the Lord, Who is within you" (Bhagat Kabir, Asa)
"Penance, fasting, austerity and alms-giving are inferior to 'The Truth'; right action is superior to all." – Guru Nanak. According to Guru Nanak, true fasting is the renunciation of the fruit of one's actions.
"Pilgrimages, fasts, purification and self-discipline are of no use,
nor are rituals, religious ceremonies or empty worship.
O Nanak, emancipation comes only by loving devotional worship;
through duality, people are engrossed in duality." SGGS 674
"What use is chanting, and what use is penance, fasting or devotional worship,
to one whose heart is filled with the love of duality?" SGGS 324
"Chanting and deep meditation, penance and austere self-discipline, fasting and
purification – salvation does not come by any of these means. " SGGS 1301
Its funny…I've read that even Buddhism is considered a sect of Hinduism by certain, how should I say, over enthused hindu zealots. Why stop at Buddhism and Sikhism? Why not simply just call all religions separate sects of hinduism.
Insisting that Sikhism somehow is a subset of of hinduism, I believe, is motivated solely by political interests. It has all to do with power and control over certain key northern areas of India and little to do with religion.
It's in India's interest to develop and promote a identity based on diversity and pluralism rather than try to homogenize the population in the hope of easier control and governance. Religious and cultural minorities simply ask for space to grow in their own path which the current laws of India tries to take away from them.
Its funny…I've read that even Buddhism is considered a sect of Hinduism by certain, how should I say, over enthused hindu zealots. Why stop at Buddhism and Sikhism? Why not simply just call all religions separate sects of hinduism.
Insisting that Sikhism somehow is a subset of of hinduism, I believe, is motivated solely by political interests. It has all to do with power and control over certain key northern areas of India and little to do with religion.
It's in India's interest to develop and promote a identity based on diversity and pluralism rather than try to homogenize the population in the hope of easier control and governance. Religious and cultural minorities simply ask for space to grow in their own path which the current laws of India tries to take away from them.
IF fasting is a humbling experience for partakers, so be it. In my practice of Sikhism, I do believe that it is more important to actively help others and be humbled in that means, than passively not eating to "experience" another's pain. I do believe that one of the gurus said something along these lines as well, although I lack a citation.
In my practice of Sikhism, I feel that being thankful to the Almighty for being blessed and able to have food and other fundamental tools of survival is more important than choosing to abstain from them for 12 or so hours, and then go right back to how I would normally do after the sun has set. I think fasting would be useful as an experience if the faster took their experience, and then applied it in the real world to actually help those Africans who lack clean drinking water, or the 300 M or so children who go to sleep every night without food in their stomachs, by fundraising or working in a food bank or kitchen, which is what many Gurudwaras provide through the langar hall to any member of our greater communities regardless of race or religion, and also through the volunteering that many of the smaller sikh foundations advocate for. If a faster did this, then I could see the humbling in the act.
However, if all one does is abstain from food and water for 12 hours, only to return to it all in the darker hours, then what is the point? I do believe that this logic is contrary to what the prophet meant with the ritual of fasting.
I believe that it is more humbling to be THANKFUL of what you have, and help others and ensure that they also have as much as you have been blessed to have, rather than carry out empty acts.
Life can be seen from many perspectives. all with different set of realities.
The important vantage points are 1 ) TIME 2 ) SPACE 3 ) THEOLOGY
Let us discuss who is sect of whom from these perspectives.
1)Time perspective: —- Woody Allen, says that time is what separates cause and effect. So based on this some of the older religions claim that all the religions of the world are their sects. However we all know that from a fixed Newtonian to a relativistic description, the concept of absolute time is no longer applicable: It becomes relative .So the logic of a particular religion being the mother of all is not applicable in the Einstein universe as time is relative.
continued —
2)Also if u see Scientists have estimated that humans branched off from their common ancestor with chimpanzees—the only other living homininis—about
""5–7 million"" years ago.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_evolution
Ages of different religions compared to human history of 5 million years is as follows:–
i)Hinduism 5000 years old(.001% into human history)
ii)Buddhism 3500 years old(.0007% into human history)
iii)Jews 3350 years old(.0006% into human history)
iv)Taoism 2600 years old(.0005% into human history)
v)Christianity 2000 years old(.0004% into human history)
vi)Islam 1500 years old(.0003% into human history)
vii)Sikhism 500 years old(.0001% into human history)
So not much of difference in terms of "TIME Perspective.All religions are recent entry into human history
3)Theological perspective :- Guru Gobind Singhji said :–Blessed am I with the protection of Akal; Available to me is the defense of Sarbloh (All Steel) Blessed am I with the shield of Sarbkal; Available ever is the protection of Sarbloh. Salutations to the Primal Ek Onkar, He permeates over the earth and sea. He is Primal Being, unmanifest and indestructible. His spirit pervades all the fourteen regions.
http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Dasam_Granth.
From above description of our X Guruji ; It is clear that
Sikhism there is the Primal religion of this Universe .
All subsequent manifestation of GODS like Ram ,Krishna ,Jesus ,Allah ,Abraham ,Buddha etc etc are derived from this primal life giving force.
Let me give u as a model to explain our concept of GOD.
Sikhism is like worshipping the clay from which different idols of GOD are made which some people call Ram ,Krishna ,Jesus ,Allah ,Abraham ,Buddha etc etc .
FOR SIKHS ALL ARE THE SAME
I personally feel that Sikhism is the” MOTHER OF ALL RELIGION”
IF fasting is a humbling experience for partakers, so be it. In my practice of Sikhism, I do believe that it is more important to actively help others and be humbled in that means, than passively not eating to "experience" another's pain. I do believe that one of the gurus said something along these lines as well, although I lack a citation.
In my practice of Sikhism, I feel that being thankful to the Almighty for being blessed and able to have food and other fundamental tools of survival is more important than choosing to abstain from them for 12 or so hours, and then go right back to how I would normally do after the sun has set. I think fasting would be useful as an experience if the faster took their experience, and then applied it in the real world to actually help those Africans who lack clean drinking water, or the 300 M or so children who go to sleep every night without food in their stomachs, by fundraising or working in a food bank or kitchen, which is what many Gurudwaras provide through the langar hall to any member of our greater communities regardless of race or religion, and also through the volunteering that many of the smaller sikh foundations advocate for. If a faster did this, then I could see the humbling in the act.
However, if all one does is abstain from food and water for 12 hours, only to return to it all in the darker hours, then what is the point? I do believe that this logic is contrary to what the prophet meant with the ritual of fasting.
I believe that it is more humbling to be THANKFUL of what you have, and help others and ensure that they also have as much as you have been blessed to have, rather than carry out empty acts.
Life can be seen from many perspectives. all with different set of realities.
The important vantage points are 1 ) TIME 2 ) SPACE 3 ) THEOLOGY
Let us discuss who is sect of whom from these perspectives.
1)Time perspective: —- Woody Allen, says that time is what separates cause and effect. So based on this some of the older religions claim that all the religions of the world are their sects. However we all know that from a fixed Newtonian to a relativistic description, the concept of absolute time is no longer applicable: It becomes relative .So the logic of a particular religion being the mother of all is not applicable in the Einstein universe as time is relative.
continued —
2)Also if u see Scientists have estimated that humans branched off from their common ancestor with chimpanzees—the only other living homininis—about
""5–7 million"" years ago.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_evolution
Ages of different religions compared to human history of 5 million years is as follows:–
i)Hinduism 5000 years old(.001% into human history)
ii)Buddhism 3500 years old(.0007% into human history)
iii)Jews 3350 years old(.0006% into human history)
iv)Taoism 2600 years old(.0005% into human history)
v)Christianity 2000 years old(.0004% into human history)
vi)Islam 1500 years old(.0003% into human history)
vii)Sikhism 500 years old(.0001% into human history)
So not much of difference in terms of "TIME Perspective.All religions are recent entry into human history
3)Theological perspective :- Guru Gobind Singhji said :–Blessed am I with the protection of Akal; Available to me is the defense of Sarbloh (All Steel) Blessed am I with the shield of Sarbkal; Available ever is the protection of Sarbloh. Salutations to the Primal Ek Onkar, He permeates over the earth and sea. He is Primal Being, unmanifest and indestructible. His spirit pervades all the fourteen regions.
http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Dasam_Granth.
From above description of our X Guruji ; It is clear that
Sikhism there is the Primal religion of this Universe .
All subsequent manifestation of GODS like Ram ,Krishna ,Jesus ,Allah ,Abraham ,Buddha etc etc are derived from this primal life giving force.
Let me give u as a model to explain our concept of GOD.
Sikhism is like worshipping the clay from which different idols of GOD are made which some people call Ram ,Krishna ,Jesus ,Allah ,Abraham ,Buddha etc etc .
FOR SIKHS ALL ARE THE SAME
I personally feel that Sikhism is the” MOTHER OF ALL RELIGION”
Is that just typical. A Sikh participates in fasting against the dictates of Gurbani and is then criticised by a Muslim for following a religion that does not believe in fasting. Unfortunately not many Sikhs are well versed in Islam to be able to give a 'muh torna jawab' to these Islamic fools. As another poster stated, Islamic fasting is hyprocrisy par excellence. The so-called fast is a fraud, instead of eating three times a day, they eat three times as much twice a day, once at dawn and again at sunset. Had the article writer known the hyprocrisy involved in ramadan 'fasting' he would have been able to shut that Muslim up in no time!
Is that just typical. A Sikh participates in fasting against the dictates of Gurbani and is then criticised by a Muslim for following a religion that does not believe in fasting. Unfortunately not many Sikhs are well versed in Islam to be able to give a 'muh torna jawab' to these Islamic fools. As another poster stated, Islamic fasting is hyprocrisy par excellence. The so-called fast is a fraud, instead of eating three times a day, they eat three times as much twice a day, once at dawn and again at sunset. Had the article writer known the hyprocrisy involved in ramadan 'fasting' he would have been able to shut that Muslim up in no time!
Harinder keep your kes, and affirm your spritual identity – instead of trying to preach to us.
Harinder keep your kes, and affirm your spritual identity – instead of trying to preach to us.
Here we go again trying to potray sikhism as the best & as some have said root of all religions.If this were true,and sikhs put a premium on truthfull living,then all other theologies should have evolved from sikhism.However the truth is there are only two major theological thoughts.1-Semitic theology & its derivitives.2-Indic theology & its derivitives.Semitic theoligies(Judaism,christanity,islam) are monotheistic & exclusive.Indic theologies(hinduism,budhhism,jainism,sikhism) are monotheistic & inclusive.While the exclusive theologies create intolerence,the inclusive theologies create inclusivness.It is this inclusive ness that bothers minorities sects like budhhism,sikhism.They are afraid they will assimilated in the parent theologies,however this not true as long as the sects do not crossover to th realm of intolerence,as some sikhs do nowadays.
Here we go again trying to potray sikhism as the best & as some have said root of all religions.If this were true,and sikhs put a premium on truthfull living,then all other theologies should have evolved from sikhism.However the truth is there are only two major theological thoughts.1-Semitic theology & its derivitives.2-Indic theology & its derivitives.Semitic theoligies(Judaism,christanity,islam) are monotheistic & exclusive.Indic theologies(hinduism,budhhism,jainism,sikhism) are monotheistic & inclusive.While the exclusive theologies create intolerence,the inclusive theologies create inclusivness.It is this inclusive ness that bothers minorities sects like budhhism,sikhism.They are afraid they will assimilated in the parent theologies,however this not true as long as the sects do not crossover to th realm of intolerence,as some sikhs do nowadays.
I noticed that alot of brahmins have been trying to pass off hinduism as a monotheistic belief system especially in the west.
But its hard to agree with that notion when its highly plausible for hindus to easily claim santa claus as an avatar, and worship 'frosty the snowman' as an idol.
Frosty easily fits into the reincarnation cycle. And Santa is a very powerful figure in a child like mindset.
However to call hinduism inclusive, is like saying a suppository is easy to swallow. Even if it is, that's not how it works.
Inclusive is not the word, the word should be 'violated'. Violated by those(brahmins) that even today hold the belief system over the masses, and violated by forces without that constantly raped and murdered the innocent and the ignorant.
Sikhism does not fit in with that. Sikhs are neither inclusive or exclusive when it comes to the Beliefs held within the Sikh Faith.
However, Sikhs have never felt that they need to force change on anyones belief system, even if its as far away as hinduism, or as close as Agnostic Christianity.
I noticed that alot of brahmins have been trying to pass off hinduism as a monotheistic belief system especially in the west.
But its hard to agree with that notion when its highly plausible for hindus to easily claim santa claus as an avatar, and worship ‘frosty the snowman’ as an idol.
Frosty easily fits into the reincarnation cycle. And Santa is a very powerful figure in a child like mindset.
However to call hinduism inclusive, is like saying a suppository is easy to swallow. Even if it is, that’s not how it works.
Inclusive is not the word, the word should be ‘violated’. Violated by those(brahmins) that even today hold the belief system over the masses, and violated by forces without that constantly raped and murdered the innocent and the ignorant.
Sikhism does not fit in with that. Sikhs are neither inclusive or exclusive when it comes to the Beliefs held within the Sikh Faith.
However, Sikhs have never felt that they need to force change on anyones belief system, even if its as far away as hinduism, or as close as Agnostic Christianity.
Idol wabit tricks….that suppository line was very good. Impressive.
Idol wabit tricks….that suppository line was very good. Impressive.
Roger how can u be sure that there are only two theological thought Indi and Abrahmic.
You have forgotten the Chinese system of thought.
Also we? know only fraction of our universe.
We know that as per currant “M THEORY “their exists eleven (11) dimensions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-theory
We as humans are only aware of 04 dimensions.
Three (3) of space and one of time.
So many civilizations may be around us at this vey moment with out we being aware of it.
Also as per “MULTIVERSE “ concept of our universe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-worlds_interpre…
We live in any ever multiplying universe
So No one can be dogmatic on any thing ;
as so much of the universe is unknown.
We may be teeming with civilzations with their own set of GODS.
SIKHS have only recently been beamed down on this planet called EARTH close to the space time axis we call “PUNJAB”
So keep your ideas open to the ever unfolding nad evolving “UNVERSE” ;
and have a nice joy ride on this giant space ship called earth which we will have to abort one day.
"RAB RAKHA"
Our Gurujis had predicted 14 dimensions of universe 3 short of "M THEORY" prediction.
May be next generation theories say called P,Q ,R ,S theories what ever you call them ;
could increase the number of dimensions we live in and harmonize our scientific and theological minds as both have the common primal roots
Roger how can u be sure that there are only two theological thought Indi and Abrahmic.
You have forgotten the Chinese system of thought.
Also we? know only fraction of our universe.
We know that as per currant “M THEORY “their exists eleven (11) dimensions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-theory
We as humans are only aware of 04 dimensions.
Three (3) of space and one of time.
So many civilizations may be around us at this vey moment with out we being aware of it.
Also as per “MULTIVERSE “ concept of our universe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-worlds_interpretation
We live in any ever multiplying universe
So No one can be dogmatic on any thing ;
as so much of the universe is unknown.
We may be teeming with civilzations with their own set of GODS.
SIKHS have only recently been beamed down on this planet called EARTH close to the space time axis we call “PUNJAB”
So keep your ideas open to the ever unfolding nad evolving “UNVERSE” ;
and have a nice joy ride on this giant space ship called earth which we will have to abort one day.
“RAB RAKHA”
Our Gurujis had predicted 14 dimensions of universe 3 short of “M THEORY” prediction.
May be next generation theories say called P,Q ,R ,S theories what ever you call them ;
could increase the number of dimensions we live in and harmonize our scientific and theological minds as both have the common primal roots
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