Preaching, Proselytizing, and Missionary Work in Sikhism

Connected thread

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/interf...-a-dialog.html

In previous discussions the following statement was made:

Well proselytizing has become a bad name, because of the techniques used, and the attitudes shown, by the people who practice it now a days. However, sharing your faith with others , specially , if your faith is as beautiful and as sound as Sikhi , is something that ought to be done. The Guru may call those He wants , however, I believe there is no reason to doubt He is calling every one, now calling is not forcing, but calling He is. People have to be faced with clear choices and informed so that they can choose accordingly. Remember Sikh Gurus shared their faith. Those who heard the call and accepted it became Sikhs, if that had not happened we would not be having this, very long conversation. (curious seeker ji)
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/29421-preaching-proselytizing-and-missionary-work-sikhism.html

So here are a few questions that follow for discussion.

1. Should missionary work be pursued more energetically by Sikhs?
2. Who should be the audience to receive the message of Guru Nanak?
3. Should greater efforts toward the conversion of non-Sikhs to Sikhism be pursued?
4. What does the word "proselytizing" mean to Sikhs? Is it different from the meaning in other religions (e.g., Islam or Christianity)?
5. Do Sikh missionary colleges have a vital role to play?

In so many words -- Should Sikhs spread the philosophy of Guru Nanak far and wide?

 
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!

__________________

IMHO the answers to all questions is YES . As more & more Sikhs are shedding hair & other vital practices of Sikhism , Sikhs should try taking up the missionary work by trying to bring more & more non-Sikhs into Sikhi . This is the only way Sikhi can be made secure , through the strength of numbers in these times of democracy . A few weeks ago I was in Delhi where a Taxi Driver , a Christian ( radio Taxi ) started in a way to impress me regarding Christianity , a sort of prostelizing . I do not know how he managed to gather courage for starting on those lines , but I never can imagine myself doing it . Some fifteen minutes into his talks & I started pointing out differences between Christianity & Sikhism like Satan , Day of Judgement , Being saved , Heaven & Hell . Needless to say he changed the topic . But I started wondering that how they are trained to look for possible converts everywhere , what teachings they are imparted .
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29421
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29421
In Sikhism we should start something similar , we have an advantage that we look different , so it is more than often that people start questioning about our appearance , hair , turban . Herein lies a golden chance for all of us to give them some insight into our beliefs , Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji , Gurbani etc because they themselves enquired about it . Also we will not be giving any false promises like Heaven , 72 virgins etc just a simple way to living emancipation .Sikhism is meant to be a missionary faith though with a difference . Why else did Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled thousands of kilometers , for decades & made 30 Million followers ( according to one source ) during his lifetime if not for preaching & conversions ?

The answer is Yes.Just look at sikh history the ancestors of 25 million sikhs did not embrace
sikhism one day.They all came into some kind of contact with some sikh missionaries and that's why we have today 25 million sikhs.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29421

One of the biggest blunder sikh community committing from last 150 years is that they stopped missionaries work especially in poor Area's.One thing always surprised that how the sikhs that were/are settled in Africa never tried to bring Blacks in sikhism While whatever little missionary work is done in USA is it because White's in USA have Dollars?

Narayanjot ji,

IMHO the answer is quite simple:

The message of Guru Nanak is very secular. One need not abandon his existing faith to follow it.

Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29421
for example "kirit kar, naam jap & vand chak" can be followed by by people belonging to any faith.
Naam jap or Simran can be done in by any faith in his own language and by using any Name such as Ram, Gobind, gopal, Mohan, Allah, My lord, Christ, Waheguru etc. Doing Simran in any manner is beneficial to all irrespective of a person's faith

So yes, the message of Guru Nanak should be spread far and wide without actively trying to persuade Non Sikhs to be converted to Sikhism.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29421
Similarly Sikhs should resist attempts to be aborbed into the Hindu, Islam or Christian folds. The reason is simple because Sikhs have to be the torch bearers of Guru Nanak's message. So if Sikhs get aborbed into any other faith then who will sprad the noble Guru Nanak's secular message?

Sat nam sri wahe Guru ji ,

i am not for following methods as followed by Christians , Muslims , Bahai .... for Conversion ,

but we should at least let others know what Sikhi is , what Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is !


i wanna quote my frnd Shawn from Texas , who found Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji @ 50 luckily by chance


Nadia , she says



above both quotes are from SIKHNET FORUM

Harbans ji

Our ancestors abandoned their faiths that's why we are sikhs today,The punjabi muslims did not abandon it ,they are now with Taliban's or fighting against Taliban's.As a Religion We converts who will pass sikhi to next generations O/W their is no point calling sikhism a religion.

Hi Dalbirk

I, as Non-Sikh, feel some hesitatopm in getting involved in this thread, because I know these are sensitive subjects. But here I am , and I have never been shy, just curious

I agree with you, of course, after all the quote that was used above, was mine from another thread. There is indeed strength in numbers, there is also the powerful influence a community OUTSIDE India with resources and political clout could have on Indian politics for the betterment of Sikhi. Just look at how powerful is the US Jewish lobby.

But, my argument is based on the universality of the faith and in the crying need of humanity, specially in the West, for an egalitarian , non-superstitious, forward looking religion, with an sprituality SECOND to NONE. Your religion! It rings true in the soul and is beautiful in its conception and practice

Then, there is the fact that we are dealing with a mass market place of ideas in which all major religions are participating aggressively . If you do not participate you could find yourselves snowed under and marginalized.

Also you are on a very strong position, as far possible growth, is concerned You have a powerful message that is remarkably free of atavisms , you have a sizeable, largely well educated community, with many dedicated members, if one is to judge by these boards, and a strong tradition of service.

You also placed your finger on the spot .Your really do not need to proselytize as much as merely introducing your message , it will sell itself believe me, at least in the West, with no major sales pitch. And yes Nanak and other Gurus did travel and preach, they solicited new adherents. True they did not tell any one My way or Hell, but thy did present a strong and attractive message.

Finally there is one final point to consider. There is no more committed, pious and dedicated member of a religion than a convert. They are by nature more convinced, better informed more dynamic and more zealous than many 'born' members. They could invigorate your religion in many and powerful ways

Blessings
Curious

Hi Kanwardeep

Again I agree, there has to be a commitment to imitate the outreach work of he Gurus Nanak in particular. It is perhaps the best kind of service that can be done for both the Panth and the Sat Guru. I think if its done right , with respect and in the spirit of the founders it can be successful beyond your wildest dreams it is also a work of love for mankind and the Guru.

Blessings
Curious

.

Hi Harbansj

You make a very good point, but I ask you, why not also extend the invitation to become a Sikh at the same time_ One thing does not prevent the other or even contradict it. Also, please realize that outside of India people are not likely to just accept the forms and rituals of another faith and incorporate them into their own faith. That is easier in India because of the long tradition of accepting syncretism