New Article: Who Are Sikhs?

[sher_panjabi]

:T: WHO ARE SIKHS? :nihungsmile:

By Manvir Singh Khalsa

I am a Sikh!

I am born and brought up this county.

The turban and unshorn hair is part of the Sikh uniform.

No-one believes me.

They think I am part of the Taliban.

They think I am an Arab.

They think I am supporting terrorism.

I keep telling everybody:

“No! I am a Sikh!

Sikhs are not part of the Taliban.

Sikhs are not Muslims.

Sikhs are not Arabs.”

“Are you part of Islam” people ask?

“Are you an offshoot of Hinduism” others say.

“I have never heard of Sikhs” says another.

I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. My body and breath of life belong to Allah - to Raam - the God of both. ||4|| (Ang 1136)

Sikhs are a distinct people.

Sikhs are a distinct nation.

Sikhi is a distinct religion of peace, love and equality for whole humanity.

Sikhs worship the One Supreme Truth, the One Ocean of Mercy, the One Creator Lord.

Sikhs do not keep fasts, go to pilgrimages or pray to idols.

Sikhs follow three principles of constantly remembering the Lord, living and working honestly, and sharing with others.

Racists say “Get the rag off your head!”

Ignorant people say: “Why do wear that hat?”

Misguided Sikhs say, “Turban or no Turban what does it matter. Sikhs should move with the times and learn to integrate with society.”

“I think you are mistaken”, I say.

“My turban is not a hat.

My turban is not a mere piece of cloth.

My turban is a gift which I cannot discard.”

‘The Khalsa is my distinct image.

Within the Khalsa I reside.’ (Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

I explain,

“My turban is a crown blessed upon my head by my Father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.”

“My turban is a crown of grace, dignity and honour.”

“My turban is a crown which protects my head, keeps my hair tidy and is the image of my Father.”

“It’s backward to keep your hair!” says one person.

“What is the point of cutting your nails and keeping your hair” says the cunning person.

“There is no significance in today’s world of unshorn hair,” says the Sikh who has been led astray.

The Naam, the Power of the Lord’s Name, is the Inner-knower of my heart. The Naam is so useful to me. The Lord's Name permeates each and every hair of mine. The Perfect True Guru has given me this gift. ||1|| (Ang 1144)

Defending my identity and religion I say:

“You are mistaken dear friend”.

“My hair is not useless.

My hair is a gift, a tool, and a technology bestowed upon by body by the Creator Lord.

Each and every hair on my body has a practical and spiritual function.

Each and every hair on my body is like electric wires which vibrate and pick up spiritual energy.

Each and every hair on my body vibrates the energy, the power and spiritual force of meditating on the Lord.

The hair on top of my head protects my skull and brain.

The hair above my eyes prevents sweat and water going into my eyes.

The hair on my body insulates my body, keeping me warm in the cold, and cool in the heat.

The hair under my armpits prevents friction and irritation when moving my arms.

My nails are dead material, which are cut to be hygienic, or they would snap off by themselves gradually.

My nails are cut to be clean and tidy, and my hair is combed twice daily to remove dead hair to be tidy.

My nails are not part of the Sikh uniform.

“I see! That is amazing” says one person.

“Fair enough, I am sorry” says the cunning person.

“We have beautiful religion, a great gift given to us and we are so lucky to be blessed with such a technology and honour” says the Sikh who was led astray.

Don’t hide your faith and idenity, share it with the world.

Don’t be ashamed of who you truly are, walk with your head held high.

Remember brothers and sisters your image is the manifestation of Guru Gobind Singh Singh Ji & Mata Sahib Kaur.

Be inspired and inspire others.

[GuruManeyoGranth]

Waheguroo Waheguroo Waheguroo

<_< :wub: :wub:

[Manmohan Kaur]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!!

I think that was a beautiful piece and believe that too many people these days are trying to 'adjust' and 'modify' the Dharam to suit there way of life but they do not seem to understand that Sikhi is a way of life that is

Aad Sach

True in the Timeless Beginning

Jugaad Sach

True When Ages Began

Hai Bhi Sach

True Now

Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach

Says Nanak, Will Evermore Be True

Jap Ji Sahib

so this Truth does not need to be changed at anytime, the Rehat is practical.

I don't want to say too much as my knowledge is limited but I would like to say a little more about Kesh than the original posting.

Many people are unaware that your hair is a great source of Vitamin D. The length and thickness of your hair a sign of your strength, not only physically but as a person.

The passage about the Kesh vibrating naam ties in with the reasons behind tying a juurah/guthee (bun) with your hair. The circular coil made from the bun actually acts like a magnetic field atracting naam and knowledge (remember doing the magnetic coil test in school, the more coilds the stronger the field, the bigger the bun, the stronger you are (potentially)).

Also where the bun is tied on top of the head it protects the 10th opening in our body, our spiritual opening linking us to Waheguru why would we want to leave this opening vulnerable to the world of haumai?!

Sher_punjabi, although I think your writing is inspiring, i would only say one more opinion of mine. . . Although our image, our identity of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Roop is amazing and should be embraced, I think the spirituality within is sooooo important. One should understand what they believe and why. I do not agree with those who have Guru Ji's roop and disrespect it by drinking and smoking, I would prefer that these people either did not take the turban etc or accpeted their Rehat a bit more by at least not smoking and drinking.

Remember Guru Ji said:

Mainu Sikh Nahin Pyare, Mainu Rehat Pyaree

The Sikh Is Not Beloved to Me, The Rehat (Way of Living)  Is Beloved to Me

I do not say this to point people away from our identity but to see that you should try to better your lifestyle, and be a better person and follow the Rehat, do not believe that by maintaining the five K's that you will automatically be a Khalsa because you won't, you have to have the spirituality, the love, the humbleness and all to go with it, you have to try to be both the Sant (Saint) and the Sipahi (Soldier) as that is what was meant for us.

I only hope that Guru ji will grace us with his Sewa and help us all follow the beautiful path set out for us as I know it is difficult for us to see it's simplicity.

I hope that I have not offended anyone or said anything wrong, if I have I am sorry please forgive me as your younger sister, I am still learning.

Guru Fateh ji