THERE are numerous and varied challenges
facing the Sikh nation worldwide.
The challenges will confront the very
essence of Sikhi and the response to
these challenges will determine the
exact role that the Sikh people will
encompass in the next millennium.
One of the greatest challenges facing
the Sikhs is APATHY. Currently this
debilitating disease is draining the life
force from the Sikh people. Where once
stood a protean, dynamic Nation ready
to confront all that was thrown at them
and more, now stand a meek people
ready to ignore the challenges before
them. Apathy is preventing the discovery
of guiding principles that will protect
an individual through the trials and
tribulations of life. To develop a character
that is both strong and versatile. In
short the embrace of Sikhi itself and
retaining Gods love within an individual.
After centuries of religious and political
persecution we still find a physical
challenge posed to the Sikhs. In society
there are some that wish to physically
harm the Sikh Nation. To this end they
attack us under the guise of race or religion
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-youth/1003-the-challenge-facing-the-sikh-nation.html
or political. Our ancestors have
always resisted this threat. Thanks to
their courage we are alive today. Part of
Sikhism is the Martial aspect, not for
offence but for the defence of the self
and the persecuted. Yet we have abandoned
the Martial Arts. Why? The
world, unfortunately, is still a violent,
dangerous place. Martial Arts develop
confidence and character that is transferable
to other aspects of life.
In addition to being exceptional warriors
our Sikh ancestors were Social and
Political REVOLUTIONARY'S, albeit
GODS Revolutionary's. From Guru
Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
each challenged society's conscience.
Whether it was the ruling (Social) classes
attitude toward the downtrodden, to
women or the might of the (Political)
Mogul Empire's bloody disdain for
minorities, to democracy (the Misl system
as introduced by Guru Gobind
Singh Ji). The foresight of our Gurujis is
beyond comprehension if minutely
analysed. They were visionaries.
Those who live in the west are at times
perplexed as to the challenges. I hear
some of you think, what challenges?
There is economic prosperity and political
stability. Our time is peaceful and
challenges non-existent. Why not just
enjoy life? We embrace business globalisation
yet reject social justice globalisation.
What of the challenge posed by
eradicating poverty? The challenge of
war in a distant country? The challenge
of greater inclusion in society for all?
The challenge of social; economic;
political justice? Fortunately we live in a
democracy, how about those (Sikh or
otherwise) who do not? Where standing
for your beliefs will result in a knock at
the door at midnight, to be dragged off to
who knows where? Looking after the
self is the first step, but is intrinsically
linked to looking after our fellow human
being.
Why does the concept of Sikh
Nationhood stick so violently in the
throats of our people? Opposing vehemently
to their last breath any utterance
of a United Sikh Nation. Only 16 years
have passed since it was open season on
the murder, robbery and rape of Sikhs in
New Delhi. Yet most have "forgiven"
that period of "Indian democracy" and
regard themselves first and foremost
Indian/Asian. Who remembers the dead
of New Delhi? Who will do something
in their memory? To ensure their loved
ones are able to live a fruitful life?
We are now scattered to the four-corners
of the world; this has lead to greater
opportunities for future generations.
Sikhs must involve themselves in all
aspects of life (not just IT, law and medicine,
noble as they are); political;
social; local community; the arts, thus
stimulating the proselytization of Sikhi
whilst suffusing a greater understanding
of Sikhi to the wider community. To
connect all the Sikh people from
California to London to Panjab to
Singapore City.
Sikhism is the best kept secret in the
world, but we must no longer hide
Sikhism but share this great religion
with all those around us.
I shall quote Guru Gobind Singh Ji as
he spoke with Baba Banda Singh
Bahadur in their Dialogue of Destiny.
"It is only when men like you fail to
perform their function in life that the
world truly becomes a wicked place.
When men of ability, strength, passion
and courage such as yourself run into the
woods and worry only about their own
stake in life, the world is overcome by
the tyranny and injustice of ruthless
kings. Old men and women cannot live
their lives with dignity. Children cannot
enjoy the riches of their own culture and
are forced by the threat of death to
renounce their faith. God did not create
men like you to worship him and seek
his salvation, but, rather to live life with
conviction and protect his children."
These words were spoken hundreds of
years previous to the year 2000. Yet their
potency has increased over time. The
"ruthless kings" have become apathy
and the insatiable quest to disregard our
heritage. We hide not in the "woods" but
within the confines of our homes. Our
children still cannot enjoy the "riches of
their own culture" for they have never
been taught it!! Alas death (and in the
West persecution by some) still casts a
sinister shadow over our nation.
Guru Gobind Singh Jis words are relevant
for ALL men AND women of
today, regardless of faith. We sit smugly
in our BMW's, drenched in the success
of gold. Yet what have we achieved in
the time we have been in the West? Yes
there are some Sikhs who have surged
ahead economically but there are many
that are left behind. Rather than abandon
our brothers and sisters we should provide
time to share our skills and knowledge.
Thus enabling another segment of
our community to advance economically.
What of our brothers and sisters in
India? What of the land of Panjab? Sikhs
from all over the world should co-ordinate
themselves to promote prosperity
among our nation. The need to transfer
our expertise back to Panjab is paramount,
otherwise we may have to bid
farewell to the last Sikh as he/she leaves
Panjab.
Apersonal challenge many must overcome
is our petty jealousies that seem
perpetually prevalent in some Sikhs psyche.
After all, when Sikhs are being targeted,
whom do we turn to? Our Sikh
brethren!
This is the surmountable challenge of
UNITY, a half-understood concept.
Unity is greater than just "standing"
together; it is about Sacrificing for the
greater good of the community.
Many Sikhs are ashamed of how they
look. Girls will not marry men with
Turbans and boys want the latest hairstyle.
All want to be "cool". They attend
weddings for the
Party; the first inconvenient part of the
Gurdwara ceremony is usually skipped.
Yet these are the very same people who
are the first to shout and sing with joy at
Baisakhi.
These are the very same people who
live off the achievements of the past,
forever bathing in the golden glow of a
glorious past. Yet who were the people
who forged that past? So that a Sikh with
a Turban is instantly recognisable. It was
men who had long beards and Turbans.
Women who cared not to change their
suits twice during the course of a wedding
but to stand alongside their Sikh
men and challenge all the persecution
and injustice that the Sikh nation faced.
In short they were the True Sikhs.
They lived Sikhi.
Do you think you can stand amongst
them as equals?
The greatest challenge facing the
Sikhs is to rediscover and re-embrace
the values of the Khalsa. This rejuvenates
the soul, the body and spirit.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=1003
Preparing an individual to face any challenges
that this world may pose.
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