Problems becoming a Sikh

Eternalcalm ji,

Guru Fateh.

Welcome to the forum.

You write:

You are right about the above. BTW, what religion were you born in?

That is interesting to know.


Now, let me ask you, have you read and tried to understand and hence apply the message given to us in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, our only Guru?

If you have, how has it changed your life?

Please share with us.

Thanks & regards

Tejwant Singh

 
Do share your immediate thoughts or reactions on this issue? We value your views! Login Now! or Sign Up Today! to share your views with us.. Gurfateh!

Mai Harinder Kaur,
Good advice. Thank you. And I might even be doing it now but don’t know it. How does an Amritdhari live, generally or exactly?

Oh, I think we all get use to the rituals of body-maintenance. I would like to and often do avoid sleeping and eating, because these routine tasks take up so much time, but the reality is, we do have to maintain the body.

When I say I don’t feel worthy to wear the kara, I don’t mean that I feel exceptionally unworthy. I have an unusually profound respect for bana and did from my first encounter with a Sikh. . . a very strange reaction and impression from just viewing The English Patient. My perception, and clearly not the generally accepted reality, is that no one should wear visible bana unless they are committed to becoming and being a true gursikh to the extent of their capacity. I just don’t think any living Sikh is practicing up to the Guru’s standards and because I believe that the role Sikhs play in the world is kind of like the Spiritual Law Enforcement Division, I intensely feel that training and discipline is necessary before we hang out a placard and tell the world we can and will serve the Hukam Commands of Sat Guru. Yes. I know it’s odd thinking, but it’s imbedded in me and I have to address it internally. Gurprasad is needed to open my eyes. Nothing else will change it. But feel free to comment. My reaction to your advice may give me some clues on where the issues are.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to-sikhism/32472-problems-becoming-a-sikh.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472

Oh, I could definitely wear the kechara! Wear do you find them in Canada? I don’t expect Victoria’s Secret carries them.

Smile? I’m a part-time clown. My job is to make others smile and laugh. Lifting spirits is very important to me, so I use a variety of means . . . whatever is appropriate for the person and situation.

Thanks for your advice and I hope you will extend a bit more too.


Sat Sri Akal,
t

Pardon my intrusion to this interesting conversation. I read it each day and think it is one of the most interesting discussions to have. My take on what to do and when to do it.

Not only does sehajdharii mean "slow adapter" but the Punjabi words also reflect that one is on a path, but walking more slowly. And that is they key to progress, one step at a time.

When the road looks empty the destination always seems much farther than it is. When the road is dotted with milestones then the destination seems within reach.

There is no need to be in a rush. What are you doing now that is consistent with the path of being Khalsa? Keep on doing it. What would be easy to change without much concern? Change it now. Focus on the positive changes. When you look back and see how much progress you have already made, then the more difficult steps are much easier to take.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472

The change does not seem so great. And also we must remember that we are all where we are where we are according to the hukam of Waheguru. With his support we make progress.

Well, I figure Waheguru has brought me this far, so He will take me to wherever I am meant to be at the end of this lifetime. He has strewn my path with rose petals, luring me along in His direction. I just follow the trail with complete confidence now and a sense of humour.

The five internal enemies have pretty much lain down their weapons, but without any sense of defeat. Instead, it’s more a pragmatic alliance with the Supreme Being. Haumai still has its bag of tricks, like not liking hairy legs, but it also is aware of the vanity of such. I can laugh at the triviality of it all and know that eventually even that will dissolve.

I’m not overly concerned about the outward, symbolic identity. Whatever is keeping me bashful must be there for a reason. Who knows, maybe I am supposed to be some kind of Secret Agent Sikh. Maybe there’s a message in not looking like a Sikh, but still acting like one.

I’m in no rush NOW. I know where I am going. Looking back at those milestones, the trail that has lead me here is dotted with so many coincidental clues that I can’t avoid drawing a conclusion now. It’s been a natural evolution without a conscious agenda. I was seeking and conforming to Sikhi and could visualize its ideal, before I even knew it existed. Reading Gurbani for the first time was like greeting an old, familiar friend.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472

I keep discovering more of the ‘familiar’ from what is newly experienced in Sikhi. Waheguru opens the space, creating the want, and then He fills it. He knows how I operate! Makes me laugh! I would, indeed, rush to the end if I wasn’t ignorant and actually knew how to get there. This hide and Sikh game that Waheguru plays with me is custom tailored to a bhakta.

Thanks for the input and advice for the journey.

Now, where can I find a Seven Day Set of Kecharas in Canada? ; )

Sat Sri Akal,
t

I have no time to write properly right now, but I do have some kachera information. I would say you have some choices.

1. Go to a gurudwara - or phone - and make a request.
2. Buy online. I found this site: http://sikhstuff.com/category.php?id_category=11
3. Phone Satnam Trust 604-592-5310 between 3 PM and 5 PM PT.
4. They aren't difficult to make, but they need to be cut at sort of a funny angle to lie properly. I don't find any patterns/instruction online.
5. You might try getting Victoria's Secret to make a special order.

A dear brother/friend of mine Kanwar Ranvir Singh made this statement, which is pertinent to this whole discussion. (A mona is a Sikh who doesn't keep kesh.)

This may offend and annoy some; it may uplift and inspire others. I think it can give us all something to think about.

Mai is great... has logic.
Just give it a try if you are really interested in taking Amrit. Why not reach at 50-60% if you are not able to reach to 100%. That is beneficial.. If you feel guilty of not following fully then you have not really grasped Guru Nanak's Philosophy.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32472
I hope I am not wrong...but I am happy if I am even 1% correct.
So,Go ahead and do it.

No, Mai is not great. She has great friends and family, though. That was a quote from Kanwar Ranvir Singh ji. I myself have never heard it better said.

How many of us can do anything 100%? We just do our best.