Gurmat Values= Mankind Values

Tejwant Singh · #1 (**permalink**) 09-Jul-2007, 04:03 AM

'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.Its our light, not our darkness, that most frighten us.We ask ourselves: who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of the universe.Your playing small doesnt serve the world.There is nothing enlightening about shrinking,so that other people won't feel insecure around you.We are born to make manifest the glory of the universe that is within us.It's not just in some of us: it is in everyone.And as we let our light shine,we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.And as we are liberated from our own fear,our presence automatically liberates others.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/16135-gurmat-values-mankind-values.html

Marianne Williamson

Shaheediyan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-Jul-2007, 18:46 PM

Interesting, the only issue here is everyone has their own view and interpretation of "letting our light shine".

"who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?"

The difference between wha the author is saying and what I believe to be Gurmat thought, is that a persons true light shines with Gods grace/kirpa - and that light is not egoboosting as the above characters seem to suggest, but is humbling.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=16135

Sikhi promotes nimrata, seva, sharda, dhiraj, santokh... not quite the same light s the author is tryng to promote.

The author I feel is talking about making mans goal - to excel, become recognised, famous, feel good about oneself... in short, increasing ahankaar.

There are many tukhs in Gurbani that counter the authors thoughts.

The goal is to merge, to unite, to find the true light within and submit, when this happens, it's not our light that shines and glorifies us, but Parm-atams light that shines and glorifies him...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=16135

Just my 2 pence.