On The Path To Becoming A Sikh

Narayanjot Kaur · #1 (**permalink**) 19-Feb-2007, 08:38 AM

A question, and one that is always with me. Where do I start and how do I become Sikh? There is no formal conversion. Once I heard that everyone was born a Sikh, but then forgot, and had to find the way back.

It's not that simple. I am not a Sikh by birth, I am not Punjabi, or Indian, or Malaysian, or the child of Asian-born Sikhs living in North America.

Most non-Sikhs born in the US who became Sikh did so as followers of Har Bajahn (Yogi Bajhan) and through kundalini yoga and the 3HO organization. They refer to themselves as the Western Khalsa, and Asian Sikhs frequently refer to them as 3HO Sikhs. I know that this path to Sikhi will not work for me for many reasons, most pertaining to where I live and the responsibilities that I have willingly accepted and I will not turn my back on them.

Since I am not Asian or born of Asian parents, the non-western path is not something that is easy to figure out. Language and culture make things difficult. What would I do? Begin by going to Gurdwara? No one would know me or perhaps even grasp that my intentions were serious. If that is a reasonable path, how do I introduce myself as someone who needs direction and guidance? Would someone have to sponsor me? Do I change my name? Do I take amrit? Those are just a few of my questions. Often Asian Sikhs reject the idea of westerners becoming Sikh. After much research I have found very little to answer my questions.

I don't speak or read Punjabi, though I am studying the language so I can understand gurbani and the hukamnama in the original language. I have become vegetarian, do banis almost everyday, and listen to the hukamnama every day, unless I am out of range of the Internet.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to-sikhism/14997-on-the-path-to-becoming-sikh.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14997

So if anyone can answers these questions, or get me started at least, that would be wonderful.

----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------

badmash · #2 (**permalink**) 19-Feb-2007, 08:41 AM

Hello. Good to make your acquaintance. Please do check your PM.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14997
thanks,

Hardas Singh · #3 (**permalink**) 22-Feb-2007, 02:04 AM

I am in a similar situation, having learned about Sikhism from a very close Punjabi friend, and now have become a Sikh, but i can never seem to learn enough, anyway i can learn more would be helpful.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14997

P.S. I am 19 and still live at home and I doubt my parents would approve of me being a Sikh so it would be difficult for me to visit a Gurdwara...

Narayanjot Kaur · #4 (**permalink**) 22-Feb-2007, 12:11 PM

Satyadhi, I would have liked to answer sooner, but work late on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. At 19 you are an adult and as such need to make decisions that are based on knowledge, information and reflection. I will never se 19 again, and came to Sikh beliefs only 2 years ago and much later in life than you. All I can share is that study and meditation are very important. Read as much about Sikh history and philosophy as possible; meditate on the Naam. Listen to the Hukamnama faithfully and eventually its message will make sense and begin to guide your decisions and temper your emotions. There is so much to enrich your life in Sikhi. Like you, I am seeking a place where I can express my belief more completely. It will happen when it is supposed to happen.

Dimitri · #5 (**permalink**) 22-Feb-2007, 13:56 PM

Hello

I think you have already taken a very important step - learning Gurmukhi or punjabi.
According to Guru Granth Saheb - the best religion is to do good deeds and always remember the creator. Guru Granth Saheb is very unique in the sense that its written by Gurus themselves. I think the knowledge in it is valuable - no matter what faith 'tag' you want to give yourself. This is the bottom line for me.

sahilmakkar1983 · #6 (**permalink**) 22-Feb-2007, 18:56 PM

Gurbani is great.. everything written is by our Gurus.. the GOD's incarnation...
Reading the gurubani is communication with them.. (if we read it carefully)
Each n every word is very deep.. and deep... and only by understanding punjabi or gurumukhi grammar
we cant understand it.. it cn raise our inquisitive ness.. cn generate thirst f GOD within us..
To understnd the Gurubani .. altleast we need to realise the GOD.. see the GOD..
then only we cn understand the words of our Gurus..
Gurubani is not only for read .. BUT LINES HAS SOME MEANING TO UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW..
1. Some tells .. what is purpose of human body
2. Some tells ,, what is true happiness
3. Some tells .. how to get rid of the circle of carnations again and again(JANAM-MARAN chakkar)MOKSH

4. some describe the way to start the spiritual paths.
5. some lines describes the experience of a devotee on the spiritual path..
6. Some tells the power or capability of perfect master
7. Some tells ..what is need of true master(Living).. and who is true/fake master
8. Some lines .. tells how to proceed on path after realisation of GOD(seeing the GOD.. within our self)
but each and every line is instruction for us on spiritual path.. And tells that we NEED a guru.. GURU...

Guru NIJ KARMAN MOR, GURU BINA MEIN NAHI HOR

Gurufateh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitri

Hello

I think you have already taken a very important step - learning Gurmukhi or punjabi.
According to Guru Granth Saheb - the best religion is to do good deeds and always remember the creator. Guru Granth Saheb is very unique in the sense that its written by Gurus themselves. I think the knowledge in it is valuable - no matter what faith 'tag' you want to give yourself. This is the bottom line for me.

kds1980 · #7 (**permalink**) 22-Feb-2007, 19:07 PM

dear aad0002 and satyadhi

Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14997
here is another link which has all the information of gurbani

Pathway to God @ SearchGurbani.Com

just click on preference in navigation bar and click on the preference and select the english translation by manmohan singh.it will also help you to understand gurbani.

Narayanjot Kaur · #8 (**permalink**) 22-Feb-2007, 22:36 PM

The genius of Nanaak is very great. Imagine how big his sould must to inspire the great devotion and depth of spirituality of his followers. Thanks for the inspiring words kds, Dimitri, Sahilmakkar.

roopk · #9 (**permalink**) 27-May-2007, 18:31 PM

I Think the best way for you is to contact the 'Granthi' at your local/nearby Gurudwara. He can guide you thru. the process Baptization. it should be a formality only. KIndly reply back after meetig the person. I believe you do not trim your hair. Baptisation is carried out for the sikhs who undertake to go by the teachings of The gurus and and also abide by the edicts as contained in Granth Saab.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=14997

Hi..what is the level Of your Punjabi????? I mean can you speak or talk.
luck.