Naam and Name

Bill Gates is doing wonderful works through his charitable foundation. It is a fact, however, that the relatively poor in the United States collectively give more than all those of means and wealth. Jesus referred to a poor widow in the temple and taught that she had given more than the wealthy because she gave all she had. So I guess in terms of value, it is the percentage we have accumulated compared to the percentage we give to charitable causes is the measure of our charity. As I see the corruption of officials appointed by Barak Obama to be in his cabinet, I see that many of them did not pay their income taxes but while they were in another place and another time, they railed against those people who cheated on their income taxes. That is the hypocrisy of the politically in crowd of the wealthy in the United States.

 
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Respected SPN'ers!! Let us all take a big breath and study one of the most important guideline of SPN:
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/gurmat-vichaar/23952-naam-and-name.html

Unity in Diversity: Many members on SPN, come from various religious and cultural backgrounds and may have variable conflicting opinions. Religion and Philosophy are general but unique for each person's understanding and progress. If you disagree, simply accept the difference and ask for information you may not know.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=23952

No need to stress this point further.

Shearwater,

I gather from your posts that you are a Christian but also find somethng positive in Sikhism to enhance your personal life. The ultimate goal of any humanbeing is to become better and live by examples so others can follow more easily and then in return they can do the same to pave way for the next generation to come. This is the universal quest of all mankind irrespective of our hue, creed or faith.

But there is a big difference between Christianity and Sikhism in one important matter. In Christianity works( deeds ) do not matter but acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God does, whereas in Sikhism works( deeds) is the most important dish at this table of Spiritual banquet.

Guru Gobind Singh our 10th Guru said," Rehat pyari mujh koh, Sikh piara nahin".

In other words, standing out as a Sikh with a Turban, long hair, etc etc, which is called Baana is nothing if one is not an outstanding person through works (deeds). And works( deeds) can only happen if we have the tools to breed goodness within.

I have no idea what religion Bill Gates belongs to (but I suspect he was born in a Christian household), which is an admirable thing in my opinion because as mentioned before, true religion is in the works (deeds).

That is what Sikhi teaches through Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. For me he has Gurmat values whether he has read the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or not. In fact if you read the Bill of Rights, every page echoes Gurmat values.

The fact is that he spends billions of dollars to help to eradicate Aids, poverty etc etc. is remarkably commedable. His works( deeds) also influenced Warren Buffet ( one more who was born in a Christian household, yet never propheced his personal beliefs out in open), another mulit billionarie to give most of his fortune to Bill Gate's charity.

So let's not denegrate others whom we may disagree with but appreciate their works(deeds) that make a difference in this sea of humanity.

Last thing I would like to say is that this spiritual journey of ours is the journey of the individual. Each of us carry our own spiritual torch. Let's try to fuel the others' torches if we can, not try to put them out.


Tejwant Singh

Somebody mentioned that the "Tool Box" metaphor for Gurmatt Tools is "inadequate"..

Yes Tools may change..due to new technology....etc etc BUT the "CONCEPT" of the Tool Box remains INTACT. There will always be "tools" and always need of a "tool Box" to put them in. Todays "wheel" is very very different from say the wheel of 100o years ago..BUT its still a "wheel" whether its the one on the Gadda in Rural Punjab or its on the latest Air Bus/ Boeing/Concorde airplane.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=23952
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=23952
We must always go for the "Concept"....

Respected Gyani jio
It was not other but me who think it is inappropriate to use “Tool Box” metaphor for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. My reason is application of perfection, metaphor should convey perfection if it is used in context of perfection. If it is still appropriated for some individuals, so be it, I prefer to move on though still I stand by my “questioning Toolbox to be Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.” Thanks for sharing your valuable views on it.

Gyani ji

Guru Fateh.

Thanks for the enlightening post. We all know that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is filled with metaphors.

met·a·phor (mt-fôr, -fr) KEY

NOUN:

1. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in "a sea of troubles" or "All the world's a stage" (Shakespeare).

So it is futile in my opinion to nit pick on the usage of a metaphor like Tool box for Naam or for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. I use quite often the metaphor,' Recipe book' for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The beauty of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is that no matter what words one uses, they do not do any justice to its treasures.

Thanks once again

Tejwant Singh

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in "a sea of troubles" or "All the world's a stage" (Shakespeare).
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=23952

Thanks Vaheguru seeker jio for quoting Shakespeare, one can now realize why stress is given on" implicit comparison"
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=23952

Pk70,

Guru Fateh.

As you may have noticed that I just copied and pasted the meaning from the dictionary. As you would also see that it is part of the meaning of 'Metaphor'.Hence it was not me quoting him.

But thanks anyway.
Tejwant

thanks jio