A Faith Ahead of its Time: The Hypocrisy of Sikhism

These words were the title of a paper i'm writing for my english class. When saying hypocrisy, i'm talking about the caste system. After digging through newspaper articles, interviewing people, and researching more on the role of the caste system in Sikhism, I am completely full of disgust.
I had thoughts of addressing this issue to the officials at my local Gurdwara (Sacramento,CA) but that idea was shot down by many saying such things as,
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-youth/27445-faith-ahead-its-time-hypocrisy-sikhism.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445
"If this subject was to be brought upon in a Gurdwara, there would be a total outrage from the followers...The officials at the Gurdwara wouldn't even allow it."

I am a 18 year old who has been a Sikh all his life.
These past years I have realized, although I whole-heartedly admire and appreciate the principles and morals Sikhism teaches, I am an Atheist.
A moral follower of Sikhism, a spiritual follower in myself.
I continue to go to the Gurdwara every week.
What has this come to? A 18 year old atheist who has more principle than people who have devoted there LIVES to Sikhism?
Please. I don't want guidance...I don't need faith. Just an attempt to understand this nonsense.

 
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Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445
All I can do is smile at your post. At this time, I dare not add anything else to that...

I'm afraid it seems like that is what everybody does.

how are you disgust about the cast system ? we don't have a cast system !!

Actually, Sikhism IS a faith ahead of time but the application of its principles are as always, not accepted by the traditionally bound people if a new thing is introduced to them.

Sukhmen Ji,

Your views are wordily expressed so well and with so much ease; I would like to congratulate you for bring out what has been at the back of my mind for a long time.

I want to share this video with you.
YouTube- Back to the Future Johnnny B. Goode

Sukhmen,

Guru Fateh.

First of all I admire and congratulate you for your honesty, candor and bluntness.

The title of your essay,"A Faith Ahead of its Time;The Hypocrisy of Sikhism" says a lot about how you feel which is understandable.

However, the hypocricy is misplaced. It is not in the Sikhi per se, which is a way of life but in the people who have failed to follow the teachings given to us in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, our ONLY GURU.

There are many Sikh families who still practice caste system which is totally against Sikhi but there are also many who do not. So, when I said that your anger, disappointment is misplaced, this is what I meant.

In my family of " Bhapas", there are Jatts, Ramagarhias, Rajputs, Aroras and many more from different castes and clans and there is no rift but harmony and acceptance of each others' customs.

Sikhi is the only way of life , which has not stopped in time, unlike other religions, but evolves with our own understanding of Gurbani.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445

A young man like you can help change all this and make people follow the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Start a FB, Twitter group and find like minded people who think like you and abhor the hypocricy practiced by the Sikhs in the name of Sikhi and create discussion groups, pamphlets and start visiting Gurdwaras as a group to spread the teaching of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji against the caste system.

We, here at SPN are at your disposal for any kind of help you need. You can also use this forum as a venue and invite the like minded people of your age and start a new thread so we can discuss this openly and create a framework together how to combat this apartheid practiced by some which gives a bad name to Sikhi.

Let's work together and you will see how you will be able to change the Sikhs with your efforts, honesty and thoughtfulness.

Let's get the ball rolling......
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445

I want to thank you for coming and posting your thoughts here and opening our eyes and I urge you to help us all become proactive in combating this.

Do not forget to post your essay here when you have presented that in your English class.

Regards and waiting for you to become the engine of change so that we can tag along behind you.

Tejwant Singh

I appreciate your response namjap. It seems like it depends on the new generation to realize this.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445
This will still not prevent me in taking action - I will try to do all I can to voice this where it needs to be, whether that be on the internet, or in a Gurdwara.

Comments, criticism, and anything else would be greatly appreciated.

Tejwant Singh,
Thank you for that, it means a whole lot, honestly.
I will make be making a group for Facebook as soon as I can, and I would greatly appreciate it if somehow everybody on SPN would join.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445
I understand how not everyone exercise the use of the caste system, but a lot of people in which I know in one way or another use it.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=27445
Just reading a definition on Sikhism would enlighten peoples minds,
Sikhism - A monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by the guru Nanak. Sikhism rejects caste distinctions..

Actually Sukhman Ji , the title should be ' Sikhism : A faith ahead of its time , the hypocricy of Sikhs . ' A very refreshing post .

Dear Sukhmen ji,

It is nonsense. It cannot be understood.

I concur with what others have said, Sikhi is not to blame, the problem is with some of those who call themselves Sikhs.

Forgive my ego, but I will once again call on Mai's law.

"In any large group of people, about 10% are really good, 10% are really bad, and the rest are just in there trying to survive, doing the best they can." (And their best often sucks raw eggs!)

We all want to believe our own group is better than that. My experience with Sikhs is that it holds for us, too.

I enjoy your forthrightness and honesty. Please continue to fight against caste in the Sikh community. I seem to recall Guru Nanak Dev ji saying something about "truthful living." That seems to be what you are doing.

Keep up the good work, young brother!