BfloPolska

Hey Dude, First, let me give you your props for completing your studies! Your hard work will assuredly pay off eventually, and our God Almighty will reward your efforts. Second (and I am speaking as an American woman who respects your faith) I beg you not to cut off your hair and beard just to score points with the world at large! People have been persecuted, even died, for the right to publicly proclaim their love of God by displaying the symbols of their devotion. My husband would tell you that as the first Indian student in his district, he suffered for his hair, and put up with much bullying and grief as a child. He kept his hair, and I honor him for his courage. In fact, I told him I'd smack him if he ever cut his hair or got rid of his turban! So many Sikhs have died for it...and it is part of who my dear husband is. I have no right to ask him to change just to fit in with American standards. Please seek out the company of the holy, the brave men and women of the sangat who will encourage you both in your faith, and in your sense of self. And like the other guy said, do your Simran and prayers. The person rooted firmly in God, in fellowship with righteous people, prospers in spirit and in the world as well. Consider what you are already talented at--and you do have special talents, whether you realize it now or not--and develop them. If you have a sense of rhythm, see about learning how to beat a pair of tablas so you might praise God in music. If you have steady hands, learn a craft. Such things gladden the heart, relax the mind, and can even open up avenues to meet new friends. Some regular exercise is good for the mood as well as the body, too. And if you will forgive me for quoting the Christian Bible, there is a Proverb that applies to anyone regardless of religion: "He who would have friends, must show himself friendly." Be the guy who greets newcomers to Gurudwara. If they are guests and not Sikh, offer to answer questions, show them how to cover their heads, etc. Serve up Langar with a smile and a blessing. You have within you the capability to be the person people want to be with! God is your shield of righteousness, and with God guarding you the words of other people are just words. They can't hurt you. I hope very much that I have been able to provide you some help and encouragement. Brightest blessings to you! Elizabeth Singh BfloPolska

The following was originally posted by me in a Usenet group soc.religion.quaker. The responses were decidedly from the Quaker religious perspective. I'd like to know now the thoughts among Sikhs. ***In Pink Dandelion's _An Introduction to Quakerism_, I find one of the most intriguing lines I've ever seen in a book: "There are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh Quakers..." The problem being that I'm a Sikh--a tradition teaching that, when all other means have failed, it is righteous to draw the sword--and am simultaneously drawn to the Quaker teachings and principles of worship. How can one possibly reconcile the two?*** Quakerism has a history of pacifism, as well as a manner of devotional, meditative worship that reminds me of the Bhakti movement. Personally I find the quote misleading, and wonder instead if it refers to incorporating the Quaker devotional worship to Sikh and other religious practices. Blessed be, Polska