WHY I AM A SIKH
Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’
Introduction
In my earlier article ‘Sikhism – A Brief Introduction’ I covered how Guru Nanak, in the Fifteenth Century, set out to introduce a unique path to attain mukti (unification with the ‘Eternal Light’ whom we refer to in many names. He evolved Sikhism over a period of more than 200 years and it took ten jamas (Ten Masters) to convey the message to the then population of India. However, our Gurus had great foresight and thought well into the centuries to come. By entrusting us into the goad (lap) of the Sacha Guru (True Guru), Guru Granth Sahib, the Tenth Master, in one masterly stroke, eliminated any dependence on dehdhari (living and often controversial) gurus. We do not have to spend a good part of our lives looking for a guru who will offer us salvation. This article illustrates why I consider myself extremely fortunate to be born as a Sikh.
Monotheism
Sikhism is based on monotheism, “There is none but the one God” says Guru Nanak. Although there is only on God, He remains immanent in His Creation, whilst at the same time he is also transcendent (see below). Being absolute He is One (Unity), but being inherent in all His creation He is many (Diverse).
Sikhism respects all religions of the world which offer the True path to salvation. Sikhism is in enmity with none.
Naa ko bairi nahi baigaana sagal sang hum ko ban aayi.
We deem no one as our enemy or a stranger. We aim to get along with all mankind.
If a philosophy believes in worshiping God through deities that is its prerogative but I do not need to worship several devees or devtaas (deities) and neither do I have to resort to idol worship (1). Guru Nanak has simplified things for me, and if there is anything I have to say, I address it to my God, direct, there are no pretences, no ceremonies or rituals to perform.
My God is known by His omnipresence, and provided, I am sincere, I believe He will listen to me. “Think Him not distant, meditate on His name and you will find happiness” says Nanak, my Guru and Spiritual Guide. “By the Guru’s instruction, know the True One who made creation” and “He is within and without His creation” explains Guru Nanak.
The Supreme Lord
God is supreme in excellence. He is both transcendent (absolute, without, distant, beyond human comprehension) and immanent (within, indwelling, inherent, pervading, superior or supreme in excellence) and has no equal.
Gun nidhaan Nanak jas gaavai satgur bharam chukaaio.
God pervades everywhere and permeates all and yet remains unattached (Sorath M5 AG 617)
He is fearless and whenever I submit myself to the Fearless God, all my fears vanish. My God is merciful. He is also generous and magnanimous, and provided I am sincere in my repentance and seek His forgiveness, I am sure He will absolve me of my sins.
Meditation
To seek God’s help, I do not need to perform any rituals. I simply meditate upon those of His qualities which are appropriate to my needs, and I can sense His sublime presence, offering those qualities, beside me. There are no time or place constraints and I can meditate on his virtues any time, in any place. The process is simple as I do not need to employ any specified method to invoke His help. All these advantages inspire me to be a Sikh.
Guru Granth Sahib – Panacea for all my ills
I do not have to go far to seek advice, or guidance. Whatever my problem, the Guru Granth Sahib (2) will provide me with a suitable answer. The Guru Granth Sahib is the Eternal Flame of Knowledge. It is the Guiding Light which illuminates the path of seekers of Truth. It embodies all those virtues, meditation of which brings tranquillity and enlightenment into life. The Guru Granth Sahib sheds light upon the practical aspects of both my working and social life. It caters for my needs in this world and the life beyond it. I derive strength from the Guru Granth Sahib to uphold my principles and to follow the path of righteousness.
Shabad
The Guru’s word (Shabad, Gurbani) brings about a greater spiritual awareness and gives me an insight into my soul. In its company my soul can experience ecstatic flights into the spiritual world from where I return with priceless gems of knowledge and wisdom. I feel myself in the company of Divine Presence.
The Guru Granth Sahib awakens the abstract parts of my inner soul and deposits therein a longing to seek Truth and Unification with the True Lord.
All these reasons compel me to be a Sikh.
Notes:
(1) The author respects other peoples’ beliefs and susceptibilities and, this is merely an expression of his own belief. No part of this article is, therefore, intended as a criticism of other creeds or faiths.
(2) The Adi Granth (the First Book) embodies the Sacred Scriptures of the Sikhs. It personifies the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. The Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, ordained the Adi Granth to be the next and the final Guru of the Sikhs, The Adi Granth, therefore, became the respected and revered ‘Holy Guru Granth Sahib’. Guru gobind singh proclaimed that the authority of the Sikh Gurus shall vest in the Guru Granth Sahib, which should be given the respect, loyalty and authority accorded to Guru Nanak and the nine Gurus who followed him.
Copyright: ISBN 0 948522 02X
Rajinder Singh “Arshi”