I'm Intrigued

So i am new to this website but i have been intrigued with the culture and religions of the world all my life even though i was raised a messianic jew in a very religiously strict family. I guess one could say i am young and doubting what has been drilled into my head from birth and am seeking what else could be out there. And recently in my search for questions and answers on god, religion, ways of living, etc etc... i found an article on wikipedia about the Sikh faith and was immediately drawn in with curiousity, so i futher started to search and found this website whch has already answered many questions i had but also created many new ones. so im just looking for alot of information about Sikhs and if i would be accepted by a Sikh community (the closest for me is in Denver) as a visitor, and maybe in the future a member.

 
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Visitors are always very welcome. We love to be able to teach people about ourselves as well as to learn about others to increase understanding and friendship
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to-sikhism/32586-im-intrigued.html

The Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), which is the most visited Gurdwara (closest English word is temple but the Gurdwara means more than a place of worship for us and is not so much for worship but more a place of learning) has 4 doors-1 on each side to signify that a Gurdwara is open to all regardless of caste, colour, creed etc.

Member of the community? Absolutely!! But first begin walking along the path, everything else will come more easily
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

The Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), which is the most visited Gurdwara (closest English word is temple but the Gurdwara means more than a place of worship for us and is not so much for worship but more a place of learning) has 4 doors-1 on each side to signify that a Gurdwara is open to all regardless of caste, colour, creed etc.

Im so glad to hear this news!! ive looked so long for a group of people that accepts everyone equally and is willing to give knowledge and recieve knowledge because to me knowledge is the greatest resource any person can have.

Welcome knowledge_seeker ji - The first step to knowledge of course is intrigue. It is great to find you as you found us.

Hi Knowledge_Seeker, welcome to the board!
I think it's a special blessing to be drawn to Sikhi. There's lots of knowledge to be gathered so I hope you enjoy your stay!
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

Ishna

Hi Knowledge_Seeker,

Welcome. It's really good to hear many of your questions are now answered. I am intrigued though, as you say “found this website which has already answered many questions i had but also created many new ones.”, please share these newly created questions with us.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

please do pardon me for the late reply i have been very busy with studying. but an example and these are just a few of the questions i have is things such as, when would be an appropriate time to visit a Gurdwara? would there be any language barriers when i do visit the Gurdwara? how would i go about covering my head when i visit (like in judaism we wear a Yarmulka. And when i visit would there be someone similar to a rabbi or priest that i could speak with?

knowledge seeker ji

About a year or so ago, Narayanjot Kaur uploaded in the New to Sikhism section a number of threads for individuals needing an introduction to basics in Sikhism. Here is one to get you started. It is comprehensive, and based on materials from the blog of Sukhmani Kaur at about.com.

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/new-to...-overview.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

I assume that you are a male. When you enter a gurdwara, very close to the entrance and before you reach Darbar Sahib where worship services take place, there will be a place where bright orange head scarves are kept for men who do not tie turbans. This will be next to a sink where you must wash your hands. You can also wear a hat - e.g., a Homberg that covers your entire head, much as I recall the Orthodox gentlemen of my childhood wearing of a Friday evening on their way to services. You may also ask someone in the gurdwara whether the yarmolke is sufficient head covering. Something tells me NO, but I am not an expert.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

Before you get involved in head scarves or hand-washing however find the shoe room, also very near to the entrance, and remove your shoes. Usually there are nice tidy shelves where they can be stored.

I find the language barrier is negligible here in Australia as so many Punjabis can speak English and I imagine it's the same in other places.

Finding the courage to open ones mouth and ask questions is the hard part! I find that if you approach people without sufficient English skills, they make a very good effort to help you by taking you to English speaking people or bringing someone to you.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

In my experience, people won't approach you in gurdwara sahib. You have to approach them. I think this might be a cultural thing? I've stood by the door looking nervous and had people ignore me (once someone closed the library door on me when I had a question!), but I don't think they're being rude necessarily, but they expect you to speak up if you need something, not be meek and just stand there. Once people know I have a voice I've never had a problem.

Regardless, you can do just fine in Gurdwara without even speaking to anyone. Know the basics like cover your head, wash your hands before you go into Darbar Sahib (the hall where Guru Granth Sahib is), wear tidy clean clothes, and then just do what everyone else does. Stand when they stand, bow when they bow, go to langar when they go.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=32586

You can be as involved or as withdrawn as you like has been my experience.

It's easier the first time if you can get someone to show you the ropes and arrange to meet you when you arrive. If you can, call or email the Gurdwara and you'll find they're probably more than willing to welcome you in and show you around.

Ishna