Why are people converting to Sikhism?

Ishna · #19 (**permalink**) 12-Jul-2012, 19:03 PM

Ruqa ji

I was addressing Auzer ji's confusion about what Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in particular was written in.

You're right, the characters are the same in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and modern Punjabi - there are a couple of changes but they are minor.

Here's my Punjabi language weapon of choice:

Amazon.com: Complete Panjabi with Two Audio CDs: A Teach Yourself Guide (Teach Yourself Language) (9780071766029): Surjit Singh Kaira, Navtej Kaur Purewal, Sue Tyson-Ward: Books

Ruqa · #20 (**permalink**) 12-Jul-2012, 19:28 PM

Your weapon of choice

looks good. I'll be honest when I was looking for a book I was being 'Indian' about it. You know 'why would I pay 25 for that when I can pay 7 for this?!'

and then I get more 'Indian' and complain about how crappy it is when I get it! Lol truth is you usually have to pay more for quality. Will think about purchasing that sometime when i'm not being such a tight....

Gora_pakora · #21 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 03:26 AM

SSA Ji,

I read your post and I understand your curiosity. I read a post recently, and it was by a guy who is on youtube named basicsofsikhi. And he states that the plan from all the gurus was to spread naam and its enlightenment. However this mission was stalled by continuous battles with the mughals, british and more recently Indian government.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730

I guess it does make sense, as why would god only want the punjab, or even asia to be enlightened and not the rest of the world.

I came across many people who are starting, or at mid point of their journey on the newtosikhi site. Also on this site you find many blogs of people asking Why guru?

Bhul Chuk Maaf

WGJKK WGJKF

GodIsTruth · #22 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 10:15 AM

As Sikhism doesn't actively seek converts, unlike other religions that do so, Sikhs mostly tend to be of Indian/Pakistani heritage, more so than religions such as Islam and Christianity, that have in the past sought to convert many people different ethnic groups.

When I was young and first looking at Sikhism from the outside, I must admit for a white guy, the religion seemed quite strict. The outward display of the 5 K's, was unique, and non of the other religions I have come across display part of their beliefs in this way. The truth is, as I got to know Sikhs over the years, I personally found them to be the most open minded of people I had met. Of course we can't generalize, but I'm just speaking from experience.

I myself have a special reverence for Sikhism as I find that it is in many ways ahead of its time. The teachings that the Guru's shared with us, were truly unique and distinct from the teachings of the time. Most importantly for me, Sikhism never stated that it was the only path to God.

In my own personal experience, I have spoken to people of other religions (which I won't name), who as I was not part of their religion, believed that I and all others who do not believe are destined to eternity in hell. I could not reconcile that the Creator would do this, and thus these religions, would never be MY path to God.

BTW, this is off topic but thanks for making me smile Gora Pakora. I grew up with two Sikh lads as best mates, whose mum was a little racist to say the least. She would often shout at them and tell them not to go out me and mu brother, the "Gora Pakora's" as she called us. I must admit your name has me

remembering this.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730

Blessed be.

itsmaneet · #23 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 15:24 PM

Why are people converting to Sikhism ...

"Maskeen Ji" use to say that it takes a second to change your faith ... one day a person can be a christian, another day a hindu, then a sikh, then a muslim .... one do has to change his body parts to change the faith ... you change your mind & the religion is changed ...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730

Not only people are converting to Sikhism but also to other religions .... but for me only the religion that can stand against science can survive ... Sikhism is one of the latest religions answering all queries of science including (psychology). Another thing is Sikhism never says wrong about other religions .. all are good in their places .

harry haller · #24 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 15:54 PM

Sikhism does not stand against science, it embraces it

itsmaneet · #25 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 16:07 PM

all queries of Science ..... it answers it

Gora_pakora · #26 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 16:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GodIsTruth

As Sikhism doesn't actively seek converts, unlike other religions that do so, Sikhs mostly tend to be of Indian/Pakistani heritage, more so than religions such as Islam and Christianity, that have in the past sought to convert many people different ethnic groups.

BTW, this is off topic but thanks for making me smile Gora Pakora. I grew up with two Sikh lads as best mates, whose mum was a little racist to say the least. She would often shout at them and tell them not to go out me and mu brother, the "Gora Pakora's" as she called us. I must admit your name has me

remembering this.

Blessed be.

Lol @ You being called a Gora_Pakora.

Also your completely right about " Actively " seeking converts. However the religion is a universal religion, and if it was'nt we would of only ever had one Sikh.

GodIsTruth · #27 (**permalink**) 02-Sep-2012, 18:15 PM

I completely agree with the universality of Sikhism, I think it is that which allows peoples coming from other religions to feel truly at home within Sikhism.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730

I have seen first hand some of the aggressive techniques employed by some religions to convert people. I am not in the business of putting down other religions, so I will not name them. However I will say, at no point have I ever experienced a Sikh (or a Hindu for that matter), trying to aggressively convert people in this way.

I think it is testament to this fact that all the that people are choosing to become Sikhs are doing not because they are being forced/convinced, but that they are doing so because they choose to.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38730

Perhaps just one person who has chosen Sikhism out a personal wish to return to the Creator, is more important than a hundred people who have been converted against their will/choice.

Blessed be.