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  1. I was having a conversation with two Sikh guys of different caste backgrounds and they both told me they avoid jatti girls now because they are such a disgrace to Sikhi. They both said these days jattis and jatts are only interested in being in their own hindu brahmin given caste than listen to their Guru's and marry someone who is a Sikh regardless of caste. One was telling me how he was getting to know this girl who calls herself a proud Sikh girl on a dating site but has slept around with white guys and see's it as not a problem to be with non-sikh guys but her parents would flat out refuse her marrying any non-jatt Sikh guy so while she is sleeping around with non-sikh guys when it comes to marriage they will allow her to marry a white or jatt guy only. The other guy told me that he was getting to know this Sikh girl who seemed to tick all the boxes he is looking for in a girl until she asked for his surname, he said singh but then she said no whats your real surname. Being a Sikh he said singh again then she brought out her true intentions and openly asked what caste he was. He just said he is a Sikh and he doesnt believe in castes. And Sikhi is against castes so are you a castist or a Sikh? She said she is a sikh but for her parents sake she has to marry the same caste. He then told her good luck and blocked her from his contacts. Now brothers and sisters, if this is the state we are in where these girls mainly from the jatt articial brahmin hindu caste system only want to marry within their own caste against Sikhi and yet sleeping around with white, black and muslim guys then there is a serious issue in our kaum that needs addressing. Jatts are not alone in this, some of the tharkhan/ramgharia's girls are also holding out on the same ancient backward hindu caste belief system. Brahmin Hindu pandit's must be laughing their heads of at the state of our supposedly anti-caste religion. Once the brahmin priestly class could only dream of making Sikhs of the Guru's believe in discriminatory caste system but now they have managed to influence and pump up the various castes against each other to stick with their brahmin given castes their job is half done to Hinduise and keep Sikhs disunited. This is how inter-faith anti Sikh antics start when pendu punjabi castist parents tell their daughters you can marry anyone as long as its a gora or same caste.... these girls need get it into their heads that being with a fellow sikh regardless of their race or caste is the correct way of thinking.
  2. Hello everyone, As the title of the thread suggests, I am currently exploring Sikhi as well as other religious beliefs (including Buddhism and Radha Soami, though I have issues with following a human master). I come from a Christian background, but I would not describe my beliefs as being particularly Christian, as I believe in an all-pervading God who is impersonal, and I believe in systems such as reincarnation and karma. So, I have many questions about Sikhi as I am on my search, and I was hoping that you all might be able to answer some questions for me. None of these questions are meant to challenge your beliefs at all, but merely to express my own doubts and challenges that I face in my search. 1. Buddhism and Sikhism I think are largely similar, but they have a major difference that I find hard to reconcile. Buddhism (at least Theravadan and Zen) teaches that the existence of God can't be answered for sure, and the same can be said for the soul. Instead the Buddha says that we should forget such questions, and instead focus on achieving Nirvana, as these questions impede our spiritual growth. Sikhi (as far as I am aware) states that our ultimate purpose is to merge with God, and reach Sach Khand. The problem is, I can see and understand the reasoning behind both of these positions, and I have a really hard time figuring out what to believe on this issue. How can I resolve this conflict? 2. Scriptures are obviously very important to Sikhs, as the SGGSJ forms the foundation for Sikhi. My question regarding this is, why is reading the Bani repeatedly so important? Is kirtan more beneficial than to practice simran and meditation on the atman inside? I can understand reading it for understanding, and of course reading scriptures at different times in our lives, we will receive different lessons. But is inward meditation not more valuable, provided it is done with a proper spiritual understanding? 3. As I am young and come from the West (I am only 18), I have certain Western values which I find hard to reconcile with both Sikhism and Buddhism, even though I may find the religion very appealing. Specifically, I feel very strongly about gender equality, and that differences between men and women are almost entirely (if not entirely) cultural rather than biological or spiritual in nature. This means that I am a strong advocate of homosexual rights, gay marriage, and transgender rights. I realize that Sikhi has done a lot to stand up for many of these things, but at the same time, I see that homosexuals are not allowed to be married with the Anand Karaj. As a Westerner, this seems to be the same religious dogmatism that I tried to escape when I left Christianity, but maybe I am misunderstanding it. 4. Marriages. As far as I understand, Sikhs do not condone love marriages, and instead practice arranged marriages. What is the harm in a love marriage, or in dating? Again I realize I come from a Western perspective, but I fail to see how these things are harmful to your spirituality. If all of your energy is focused on finding a partner, or on sexual promiscuity, or the like, I can definitely understand it. Also, why can an inter-faith marriage not be done with the Anand Karaj? If a Sikh wants to marry a non-Sikh, isn't that their choice? And if they want to do the marriage the Sikh way, is that not displaying the proper respect to Sikhi? For a long time, I dated a Muslim girl and we planned to be married. Sadly that didn't happen, but I can't imagine missing out on someone who may be the love of my life, because I am limited to only marrying someone of my religion. 5. Again as far as I understand, Guru Nanak Ji shunned religious labels. He stated "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim." So therefore, why have his teachings started a religion? This is something I haven't been able to find much discussion about, and I am quite curious about it. Has Sikhism fallen prey to the same dogmatism that he taught against? 6. The SGGSJ was named as the last Guru for the Sikhs. Does this mean there will never be another Guru? What about when we move out of Kal Yug and into the next age, will there be another succession of Gurus? I'm sorry for the long list of questions. I look forward to hearing your responses. Thank you.
  3. I just realize that there are so many fake organisations that are ruining Sikhi apart, like RSS, 3HO, etc. Like look at this! and https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=62&v=wxoyfsA_udA its just.
  4. First of all I am not leaving Sikhism, as I am proud of my faith. I am just wondering whats people's reaction when someone leaves their religion, like for example in Islam they kill people if they leave their religion while for Christians who had left their religion will go to hell? What about us? I know that Sikhism doesn't kill people or tells them that they will be punished, but still. What will happen to those who leave their faith?
  5. At the beginning of last year (2012), the Sikh Riot Awareness Facebook group posted this video of a Muslim man marrying a Sikh woman in a Gurdwara: https://www.facebook.com/Global.Sikh.Awareness/posts/347505678617592 As you can tell by the comments, most people were not pleased and were angry that this was allowed to take place. (click "view previous comments and go up to the very top). There were even girls that said it was wrong and shouldn't have happened, which surprised me, usually I only hear of men speaking out against this kind of stuff, but a lot of Sikh females were displeased as well. Someone showed me another Muslim-Sikh marriage video yesterday, this also took place in a Gurdwara. The difference? This time, the girl was Muslim and the guy was Sikh (mona). Here it is: I am just interested in seeing if there is as much outrage over this happening as there was over the last one. Ironically, the Muslim girl does a better matha thek than the Sikh girl lol. For the first video, imagine if the girl ran away with the Muslim, what would people say then? They would bash him for not even having the decency to enter a Gurdwara and respect the girl's families wishes. Say what you want, at least he had enough respect to bow down in front of Guru Ji, he might not practice Sikhi, but it does show he is open-minded, and since they got married in a Gurdwara, I doubt he made her convert to Islam. What is the difference between marrying a Muslim and a guy who is only Sikh-by-name? In neither case would that Sikh girl raise her children to practice Sikhi, so does it really make a difference? If a non-practicing member of our community, who probably knows nothing about the religion, doesn't even know how to matha thek properly, wants to marry out, what's the big deal? For the second video, again, is there any outrage? The Sikh guy is obviously not practicing, so does it make a difference if his wife is a Muslim? If he had married a Sikh girl, chances are she herself wouldn't be practicing either, so in neither case would he produce practicing Sikh children. Thoughts?
  6. That christian idiots video against star wars and eastern faiths has given me an idea. Why don't Sikhs use the movie to our advantage by highlighting our faith because it is basically the same thing what star wars philosophy is based on the force being God and people can use the light or the dark side. And george lucas himself admits in interviews he wanted people to get this sort of spirituality
  7. This is what a real Gurdwara should be like, providing accommodation and spiritual uplift to those in the greatest need. imagine if this could be replicated around all hospitals, medical centres etc in Punjab and other places where there is a Sikh population. http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/sewa-at-guru-s-home-prompts-them-to-embrace-sikhism/story-LbCUC4Fp5GdvDzGfu0kEIP.html Sewa at guru’s home prompts them to embrace Sikhism Tanbir Dhaliwal, Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | Updated: Oct 23, 2015 09:52 IST Baptised Sikh Gopal Singh from Bihar at the gurdwara in PGI. (Gurpreet Singh/HT Photo) Share 119 Share 19 Share Share A long beard, a saffron turban and a kirpan slung across his shoulder, its khakhi strap looking distinct in the kurta — for anyone meeting him for the first time, Gopal Thakur looks like any other Sikh from the region. It’s only when he speaks that you can sense a distinct accent. The 40-year-old labourer, performing “sewa” at Gurdwara Partakh Darshan on the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) campus, came to Chandigarh from Bhagalpur district in Bihar. Admitted to the PGIMER with severe chest pain last year, Gopal took shelter at the gurdwara and started doing “sewa”. A year on, the man who came here as a Hindu is leaving as a baptised Sikh: Gopal Singh. Converted to Sikhism to lead a “dignified life”, Gopal says: “I feel good while doing ‘sewa’ at the gurdwara, and being a Singh, I am respected more.” Gopal is not the only one. Many Hindu and Dalit men, women and even children who had come to the PGIMER for treatment have converted to Sikhism during their stay here. Most are migrant workers hailing from far-flung states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir or from the neighbouring country Nepal, who take shelter at the gurdwara in absence of “sarais” for patients and their attendants. Other than free food and shelter, needy patients and their attendants are given lessons on the teachings of Sikh gurus. The gurdwara has not only changed their life but identity and outlook as well. From Devi to Kaur Anandi Devi, aka Pooja Kaur, came to the PGIMER two years back for the treatment of her son, who was hurt in an accident. “Priests at the gurdwara helped me during my difficult time and allowed me to stay here with my child. I do ‘sewa’ at the gurdwara and for it I am paid `2,000 every month,” says Pooja. Sitting in another corner of the gurdwara, 19-year-old Rajesh Kumar, who hails from Muradabad, is learning to tie a turban. “I was brought here after meeting with an accident. After undergoing treatment here, I chose to stay back at the gurdwara. Now, I am planning to embrace Sikhism,” he says. Rajinder Kumar is yet another example of a person who was touched by the love and affection received at the gurdwara. Hailing from Nepal, Rajinder came to the PGIMER way back in 1990. Today, he is settled here. “I had spine tuberculosis. The gurdwara helped me; people here gave me shelter and funded my treatment. They offered me a job. I got married in the same gurdwara and decided to convert,” says Rajinder. Teenager girl’s unfulfilled wish The youngest patient who the HT came across at the gurdwara was 14-year-old Shikha Bhardwaj from Darbhanga district in Bihar. She was suffering from uterus cancer and was undergoing treatment since January this year. Shikha had enrolled for a visit to Anandpur Sahib to embrace Sikhism and had shared her plans too: “My parents have sold all their property to fund my treatment. We do not have any other place to go. So, we stay at the here. Moreover, I feel good while doing ‘sewa’; it gives me some hope.” Unfortunately, she could not survive cancer. Baba Tarsem Singh, a “kar sevak” at the gurdwara says: “We saw that many people were getting cured by doing ‘sewa’. Many patients pray here for quick recovery. Looking at people’s faith, we thought of spreading awareness about the importance of a Guru.” The gurdwara has organised three trips to Anandpur Sahib in the last six months; wherein nearly 100 people embraced Sikhism.
  8. Ive spoken to a few Pakistanis who claim their ancestors converted from Sikhism, ie their great great grandfather etc... I always thought it was Hindus who converted to islam as a few hundred years ago Sikhi was so strong I wouldn't have thought it would be possible to break a Sikhs faith espc during the Sikh empire etc to islam. Also (although off topic) do you think a civil war is inventible in the Uk between Pakistanis and everyone else? Do think its a muslim problem in Britain or a Pakistani Islamic problem because I know other muslims who behave much belter than Pakistanis in the Uk, Also compare Pakistanis in America and Canada with Uk they worse than Sikhs there.
  9. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Ji A new Short Movie on Rakhdi (ਰਖੜੀ) : Thread Of Strength - By Sikh Feed This video explains why and how we should celebrate Rakhdi festival. Let people know the philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. SHARE it if you like it. Our Youtube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/SikhFeed Thanks Alot !! Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Ji
  10. Were can the confirmed Hukams of Guru's Hargobind, Guru Harkrishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh ? Guru Hargobind – 3 letters Guru Harkrishen – 1 letter Guru Tegh Bahadur – 30 letters Guru Gobind Singh – 31 letters Where can I find the Varan of Bhai Gurdas Singh (Bhai Gurdas the 2nd) with English Translation?
  11. I have seen many threads and posts on here that have been very good. Alot of points posters have made are very informative and accurate about Sikh issues. Even though many make very good points and are very right in their posts and threads. Does all this actually make a difference in the real world? I mean is anyone going to take notice of threads or posts on here. You can make make thousands of great posts and threads but it will not make the slightest bit of difference. ie in how Gurdwaras are run or other Sikh related matters. So what can Sikhs do in practical terms that will actually make a real difference on the street level.
  12. I think the bottom line is, people wanting to join religion these days is just the same reason people join gangs, they want to defend their beliefs with the option of violence, people who have grown up in fear or wanting protection seek out these groups to become protected. Sikhism is not a violent religion, we do not go out of our way to inflict pain or intimidation, only provoked or in danger may we think about something like that and because of that people feel they need to leave. These days people, whether it be in religion, careers, gangs, organisations all want to be part of a group, to follow the crowd forgetting that the true purpose of life is to become closer to God, this idea has been lost amongst a lot of people and only when it is too late will they realise. They want to feel protected under mere mortals forgetting the all powerful creator, God is the one whom we should be wanting to meet, he is the one whom protects us when we may not even know it, always looking over us. The world doesn't need violence, intimidation or fear, what is the point in ruling a planet of death? this Earth is nothing, it is fake, a mirage. The true kingdom is the one belonging to God, whom he is the supreme ruler, the ruler over everything in existence. Science has corrupted the minds of the people, whilst finding cures for illness and disease it has allowed them to find a reason not to believe in God, the human ego will lead to the destruction of the non believers of God, they don't want to believe that there is a higher power, they think the human race is the most intelligent and advanced race in all of existence. Their ego will be their ultimate undoing. This is what I say to my fellow Sikhs, concentrate on your connection with God, rally with the true believers of God for everyone else is lost unless they find belief in God by themselves. They only have to look around in nature, look down at the tiny insects whom forage for food amongst the grain of the Earth to the skies where the birds soar across the horizon to feel the power of God, how intricate in design life is. How every living creature has a purpose in relation to all life as a whole. Religion only shows you how to connect with God, the practical side of it is up to the person. Do not worry about the people who leave Sikhism, who join other religions or those who don't believe at all because it is in God's will that this is happening, praise Waheguru, love Waheguru and everything will be fine. Even if you feel lost, with no hope, everything around you seems to be falling apart, the only one whom can truly pick up the broken pieces of your life and construct a foundation for you to build your future, is God. God is everywhere all around us, his essence is embedded within all of creation, embedded within the universe. His power knows no limits, so do not seek out mere mortals for help, do not look for the aid of mortals to build your future, it is only God who can truly help you, help humanity as a whole. Peace
  13. As an observer of humanity and society I see how western culture is all about hedonist lifestyles where getting drunk or taking drugs is the main highlight of a often depressing week. I see how the drugs epidemic has taken its hold of youth in punjab because they either think its cool getting zoned out or their lives are that depressing and no hope they just want to not face up to reality of their life. Now as a follower of the Sikh religion, I dont have any need for intoxicants. I get high and spiritual uplifting from reading about Sikh history, Sikh scriptures and mediating on Waheguru. We have to ask people, particularly our younger generation who are falling in the traps of atheist lifestyles via peer pressure and social media....... which is more healthier for their mind, bodies and society in the long run. Sikhi or intoxicants?
  14. I have read at numerous posts on this forum where people still believe that RSS is just a self-created paranoia by overcautious sikhs. This thought may have been true in 1950s but today its is definitely not. I don't recall who said this - "The most dangerous enemy is the one who in garb of a friend", but this quote is holding so much relevance in today's diaspora. In the pictures below, I was surprised that the Jathedar of Akal Takhat Sahb is standing there and participated in coconut breaking ritual (a ritual of Hinduism) which finds no place in Gurmat philosophy. You won't be surprised to spot the new chairman of the Tahat Hazoor Sahb Board, a RSS man, Tara Singh is standing there too. I am pretty sure someone will definitely reply to this post saying where is it written that coconut breaking is not allowed in Sikhi. To them-> please read Sikh Rehat Maryada (of Akal Takhat Sahb's). Jathedar Nandgarh has also recently come out openly, revealing what happens behind the closed door meetings of the Jathdars of Takhats. The orders come directly from offices of RSS in Nagpur and Chandigarh and Jathedars just have to read over them. Can there be a lower level to which we can fall still? I have attached the news clip too. Note: I also believe he should have said all of this when he was in the office. Anyways, what is important is the crux of story- the negative influence of RSS.
  15. Guest

    I Need The Sangat's Opinions

    WJKK WJKF, I would like to ask the sangat a few questions about practices my parents try to enforce upon me and my siblings and encourage us to follow them as much as possible and I would like to see where the sangat stands on these issues. I've listed them below: 1. My father in particular says that we must not eat from others as when we do, they take away at least 25 Sukhmani Sahib worth of our pun from all the paath that we do. And that people at our local gurudwara sometimes come with degh which gets mixed into the degh, the gurudwara singhs make and that to take as little as possible. He says that we must take degh but these people will take away all the effort we put into pursuing a true sikhi jeevan by taking away the fal of the paat. But then he always encourages us to do as much sewa as possible and has me deliver food to the gurudwara for "fal". Isn't this being hypocritical and others would be eating from that as well? I don't understand this. He also says that at the nagar kirtans to avoid eating from anyone and same for any dharmic parades we hold. I find this nonsense personally but I'd like to hear your point of view. I feel we should never have to worry about such a thing when going to the Gurudwara or while being in the Guru's presence and being in bliss from all the kirtan and sangat around us. Isn't that what vand ke shako means..to share with all and to rejoice in the Lords name in sangat ? Then why do we have to worry about such petty things like watching who we eat from if we trust them and this bank system of maintaining all the path that we do. It reminds me of calorie counting. Sure it's great for reaching the goal you may have in mind but it can drive you crazy. This goes so far as when we even visit a family friend's house, he repeatedly says no to eating anything but when anyone visits ours, its him trying to convince them to have as much as possible and that it's their house too. 2. Washing your hair at night, combing your hair at night, purchasing iron or steel on saturdays, cutting your nails at night, vacuuming and using a broom to clean in the evening times - I find this all nonsense that might have carried over from Hinduism at some point but my parents tell me "Sikhi vich siraf mannan di jaga hai" which i don't agree with at all. I feel i should be able to question everything and not blindly follow and the Guru will provide me with the answers as He seems fit. But they get very very defensive over all this and I feel its corrupting their perspective on what sikhi truly is. Nails are dead cells..they should be able to be cut at any time of day. As for washing the hair, in Sikhi, is all hair not equal? What difference is there between the hair on our head and the hair on our arms and legs? Should we not wash those as well at night then? I don't understand the logic here. Additionally, regarding the broom, my dad always says a Mahapurash he follows in his pind once warned a woman not to use a jharoo at night and thats why he follows it. Maybe the Mahapursh had another meaning in mind? Perhaps it was just for that particular situation? They do usually say things in indirect manners at times so perhaps thats the case here but das doesn't know. 3. Sikhi states all people are equal. Everyone was made from the same light(Aval Allah Noor Upada Kudrat Ke Sab Bande). We have Bhagat Kabir and Bhagat Farid Ji's bani as proof, the Golden temple's foundation being laid by a Muslim, and the langar system and much much more. However, my parents always act like Sikhi is superior in every way. I don't see it like this. I have friends from all religions and i truly from the bottom of my heart feel that every religion has the same potential to find God and they're just separate paths but if I didn't know any better, my parents would have me believing Hindus aren't good people for the 1984 bombing and Muslims for the Mughal rule and all. At times they say, alright not everyone is bad, but then they'll say don't wear green to the Gurudwara because it's on the Pakistani flag. I'm also forbidden from eating at the homes of any of my muslim friends even if the food is completely vegetarian. There's so much more I could go on about but I'd have essays here. I don't mean to belittle or slander my parents in any way. I respect them and love them but I'm just tired of hearing lectures on these issues on a day to day basis where I'm beginning to get aggravated and they're not the type to listen either. My father has a habit of repeatedly lecturing you on the same topic over and over whenever he sees me and will call to check up on me whenever I go out anywhere on where I've eaten and such. He also has the typical punjabi anger issues and follows a rule of " Either listen to what I have to say or leave the house forever" so there's no room to really argue over anything and I end up pretty quiet and just listening while arguing within the confines of my head. I can't really pretend to practice these things for their sake without it affecting my own spirituality. What are your takes on this? I apologize if I have said or mentioned anything that may have offended anyone. Thank You.
  16. Why are so many Sikhs converting to other religions in the UK? What do they see in other religions that they dont find in Sikhism. How can we stop this whole-scale religious and ethnic cleansing of Sikh communities in the UK. This is happening right infront of our eyes and we are letting this continue without any action. As in the words of the former american president G. W Bush bad things happen when good people dont do anything. Lets get on the streets and bring Sikhs back to the religion. lets forget about doing parchaar and trying to convert people to sikhism. lets start converting the thousands of people who are already Sikhs back to the faith! Boleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Soniehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal Sat Sri Akaal!!!!!!!
  17. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, A lot of modern Sikhs are very quick to extol their opinions that Sikhism equates all the major religions of the world to rivers flowing into a single ocean: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universalism#Sikhism In other words all religions, when properly followed, can lead one to God. Aside from this metaphor being nauseating for its sentimentality, the idea that two faiths with completely different and usually contradictory precepts can both yield the same spiritual pay dirt strikes me as being utterly fanciful. It also betrays an ignorance of the religions with which Sikhi is being equated. Take Muhammad, as an instance of a prophet from another religion. Some members of our Panth consider that both the Prophet of Islam and our own Gurus were all sent by the same God in order to enlighten the masses, that both these parties are composed of the messengers of God. However it is made explicitly clear in the Quran, which was supposedly revealed to Muhammad by Allah himself, that he would be the very last prophet in history to the exclusion of all others that came after him. This includes our own Guru Sahibaan: "Muhammad is... the Apostle of God, and the Seal of the Prophets (The Quran, Surah 33:40). As a "seal" closes a letter, so does Muhammad close the line of prophethood. Therefore if we accept Muhammad as a prophet we must by definition accept his revelation (all of which came directly from Allah through the supposed intercession of the Angel Gabriel), and in lending any credence to the idea that he is the last messenger of God, we are in effect denouncing our own Guru Sahibaan as pretenders. We cannot possibly believe in both the Gurus and Muhammad. Either Muhammad was right and our Gurus were liars, or our Gurus are right and Muhammad was a liar. I very much doubt that any of us inclines towards the former. Secondly, how can it be argued that both Islam and Sikhi both lead to salvation when the two of them advocate completely different and antithetical ways of attaining it? In Sikhism, as the members of the Sangat here will well know, one is instructed that rituals such as fasting, pilgrimages, circumcisions are wholly unimportant and of no consequence. One who wishes to attain Mukhta is counselled to avoid these things. But in Islam, fasts, pilgrimages and rituals are of the utmost importance, and are actually said to be necessary if one wishes to go to heaven (two of the so called five pillars of the faith being predicated on ritual). To summarise, is it possible for Muhammad to have been sent by the very same God who sent our own Guru Sahibaan, when the first party's message excludes and contradicts that of the latter?
  18. On 8th March, world celebrates women's day. Sikh faith was among the first major world religions to imply that women were equals to men. Guru Nanak proclaimed the equality of men and women and all Guru Sahiban allowed women to take full part in all the activities of Sikh worship and practice. So kyo manda aahikye, jit jamhe rajaan|| Read in Punjabi - http://on.fb.me/191nOwJ
  19. General News Share: Good to see that governments are taking interest and views of Sikh religion toward world peace. From official Page: https://www.facebook.com/BMZ.Bund/posts/835890306471434 High scholar of Sikh religion in the BMZ Religion matters! Religious representatives in the dialogue. The BMZ is the new lecture series in which representatives of various world religions invites to discuss the potential of religion to sustainable development and peace. This time Dharam Singh Nihang Singh, one of the highest scholars of the Sikh religion. The Sikh religion is a monotheistic religion in the 15th century. She has today some 23 million followers, making it the fifth largest world religion. Religion is very important for over 80 percent of the people in our partner countries. Religion influenced the view of the world, the lifestyle and the dedication of many people. It is a strong political and social creativity. How do we in the development policy thus? How can we better include the potential of religion to sustainable development and peace? This issue is discussed in the dialogue series. More on: www.bmz.de/…/was…/themen/religion-und-entwicklung/index.html About BMZ - Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Ministry_of_Economic_Cooperation_and_Development
  20. Gurfateh everyone. I hope most of the people on this site must also be using 'Quora.com'. Recenlty I came across the following question on Quora http://www.quora.com/Sikhism/Whats-it-like-for-a-Sikh-male-to-cut-his-hair-and-or-beard The Questions is "What is it like for a Sikh to cut his hair?" I do not know who asked this, but I did go through the answers. There are about 5-6 answers given by Sikh males themselves who got their hair cut at some point in their life. Yes, it did hurt me reading those answers, but I felt, as you all will feel that everyone has a right to express his/her story and there is not much wrong in that. However, let me describe some things here. If you look at the contents of the answers, you will find that mostly the people are describing that how difficult it was for them to maintain their hair, and how free they felt after getting it cut etc etc. They even mention that they felt 'proud' and 'free' after doing that. Now, tell me how many of us feel this way? Hair keeping is of course not difficult for us and we lovingly maintain it. Don;t you all feel that a wrong general idea is being circulated? I mean so many people read these answers; what information would they get? That all Sikhs are in great difficulty keeping their hair? I did have a one-one comment discussion also with one of those 'answerers'. Okay let us say that we ignore this and say that let people speak what they want to, we can't stop their mouths. But you know what is more disturbing??? I have seen answers there,in which the writer (a Sikh) addresses other Sikhs who want to cut their hair and narrates to them his act of bravery (of cutting his hair ) and even advises them to act!!! I have seen some Sikhs commenting and asking these people that even they want to cut their hair and how should they go about doing this? You know what reason a person was giving there? He writes that since he has cut his hair he has made many girlfriends , and before he had none. Such statements are being used to lure the youth to cut their hair? ( If you read one 'Jas Anand's' answer, you'll find this). Shouldn't we do something? I mean those people are advising other Sikhs that how to cut their hair/ how to convince their parents /how they will get girlfriends after that etc etc? What can we do? Atleast : 1)We should comment in opposition, that keeping hair has great benefits and we take pride in it, so that the readers are not misled. 2)We should report abuse the question( We never know if the answers are actually coming from fake accounts to demean the Sikh practices) 3) We should message the Quora admin in large numbers and ask him/her to remove the question as it is hurting religious sentiments. Here is the list of the admins (their names are mentioned in the answer http://www.quora.com/Who-are-the-current-site-admins-of-Quora Or we can send a mail to moderation@quora.com asking to do the same. Please everyone discuss and decide upon this.
  21. The Dasam Granth states: 'Humanity is one, although in appearance it differs.' This is in direct contrast to the notion that humanity is one, but some portions of it is more superior than others due to certain beliefs and principles which it holds. Here is an example, the Koran states: 'the only religion acceptable to Allah is Islam...' We see a similar case with other religions as well. The basic crux of such ideologues are based on the notion that it is entirely feasible, and pragmatically possible to achieve an Utopia, which we now know is nothing more than sheer imbecility. What are some counter arguments which can be used against this jaundiced view of selected nation/faith etc?
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