The Importance of Sangat to a Social Inadequate

Gurfatehji

I have read time and time again how important sangat is, and to be honest I did not really have any time for what I assumed was the social side of sikhi. I don't really get people on the whole, and do my level best to live my own little life as far away from company as I can. For me to have joined a forum and partaken in discussion, is only possible because I would like to think that I can be 'myself' in your company, and I never feel I am judged, corrected- yes, but never judged.

However, in the last few months, I have found the word of god here, that is to say, that this forum is starting to represent the message of truth, not in any individual, but in the completeness of all its members. The path is long and hard, I keep finding myself looking for any help with the journey, be it the validation of a particular path, or the confirmation that another path is not the right one.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/36347-the-importance-of-sangat-social-inadequate.html

I now have to concede that the concept of sangat is an enormous part of sikhi, read any thread, and lone post, and once you have enough sangat to participate, the correct answer seems to shine out.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36347

So my question is, in the real world, in the real sangat, should we accept that individuals are just that, individuals with an individual opinion and feeling, and it takes a number of such individuals to make up a sangat. Surely this means that every person has something to offer the sangat, and in the form of sangat, they are complete, but without the sangat, they are as useful as a sole brick is, in the building of a wall.

On that note, should we attempt self validation through the creator, or validation through sangat, or possibly a combination of the two, but which is the more important, what is the ultimate validation, and how do we find it

Could a man, on a desert island, with just a copy of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji find the truth without sangat, or would he go mad?

 
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Harry ji

There are two threads here that may help you understand that sadhsangat happens at more than one level. Read these and contemplate the variety of perspectives. After that your question may change.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36347

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/questi...dh-sangat.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36347

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-s...hy-not-go.html

That depends, can he read Gurbani?

but really, good question, I look forward to the responses...

Why not read in English and just assimilate the controversy over word meanings according to Professor Sahib Singh? Not get overly wound up in that. Controversy in Sikhi has never ceased from the very beginning. A new dawn where Sikhs do not argue may never happen in my lifetime. That means it is important to read, study, discuss, and get closure from a relatively independent position.

One thing I would like to add in relation to feeling socially inadequate. In a small sangat you are more like to find people who are happy to help you on all sorts of levels. In a larger sangat no one is really paying attention, though you may think all eyes are boring in. And you always have your virtual sangat here who will help you as they can.

spnadminji,

your not helping by calling me texasstudent
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36347

just to clarify, socially inadequacy is a label I wear with pride rather than something I wish to lose, I looked at both threads, and yes they answer my questions fully, however I think the path is easier with sangat.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36347

I think to make the task easier he can ready gurbani! I think he would read, and his situation, ie living on a desert island, would hugely affect his interpretation and also what the creator meant to him at that time, and in those circumstances

Chemical brain not on top yet. Apologies and wil fix it.

I will also turn on the air conditioner. That might clear things up.

Sorry spnadmin ji, I was trying to be funny with my punjabi comment! Because if he was on a desert island with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and it was in Gurmukhi and he couldn't read it hes more likely to use it for kindling!
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=36347

And I don't think there will ever be a time when Sikhs don't argue, not in your lifetime, not in my lifetime, not in another 300 years. Because we're all human, all individual, and most of us are gifted with an enquiring mind and most of us want to be "right", so we argue our points.

I guess that's why Gurbani says (look Bhagat bhaji, I'm remembering Gurbani!) that those people who know God stay quiet about it because it can't be explained and if you try you regret it (arguments start).

Haha Ishna ji. Thank you for this very pleasant gift.

If I may share something with you and Spnadmin ji and other members who think Sikhs are arguing...

you know... just to help you expand your perception, your perspective,
this is what I would share: Sikhs are not arguing.

That's it.

Now if for some reason you don't see it, then realize that you have the trunk and I have the tail. Come over here and have a good look at the tail.

We will have a party when you come over.

Truly said. The more closed is a mind, the worse things are. That is why Guru asked us not to go to jungles to meditate alone for years.