Questions about Sikhi

Huck_Finn · #10 (**permalink**) 24-Aug-2007, 05:28 AM

let us keep the discussion to sikhism.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to-sikhism/16564-questions-about-sikhi.html

there is interfaith section for other faiths

Cheryl ji

no one can satisfy your queries.

all are answered through contemplation of writings of the Gurus ie Sri Guru Granth Sahib

i understand and assume that you might have problem with comprehension at first....but there is no short cut my dear...
*

Archived_Member1 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-Oct-2007, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherylyoung

Although comparing religions may lead to misunderstanding, it gives me a frame of reference. It seems that the Sikh concept of Naam in Hebrew is HaShem...the name. The actual name of God is so sacred to Jews that they even write G-d in English. The Hebrew 4 letter divine name of God that is transliterated YHVH is not pronounced but in prayer is rendered by the word adonai (lord). Is the true Sikh name of God written or pronounced? Does satnam mean the true name of God?

Based on the Torah scriptures, Jews consider the attributes of the character of God, such as provider, protector, creator, healer, deliverer, and almighty. Muslims only use one name...Allah, however, the Qur'an lists 99 attributes of Allah. Is the Sikh contemplation of God based on attributes of the nature of God contained in Sikh scriptures?

sikhism is pretty open... you can call God whatever you like.

most people use Waheguru- wah from the persian meaning wonderful, and guru - one who removes darkness with light. some use Akal, Ram, Har, Gobind... but we can call him/her/it anything we like.

and yes, we can say god's name outloud, in fact it is recommended that we do it as much as possible. that's what naam japo is all about.

for a good overview of god's attributes, read Jap Sahib, the second of our morning prayers. you can see an english translation here: Jaap Sahib - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia but i'd recommend reading or listening to it in the original persian/sanskrit as well as it has such a lovely rhythm.

Archived_Member1 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-Oct-2007, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherylyoung

Simran - remembrance is quite an elusive concept to me. Does that mean that I knew God at one time but have forgotten and with effort I can remember again?

simran is not remembering something you've forgotten... it's remembering something you already know.

simran is simply thinking of god at all times, in all things.

gurbani says "sabh gobind hai, sabh gobind hai" "everything is god, everything is god". so simran is remembering god to help you reach the stage where you see god in everything around you all the time.