Converting to Sikhism while Living in Isolated Communty

Shari · #1 (**permalink**) 06-Jun-2011, 01:57 AM

Hi everybody!
This is my first posting, and I'm hoping to find some guidance.
I'm a 20 year old female. I live in a remote community in Canada with my family. My mother is a European Christian and my father is a non-practicing Sikh. I was exposed to the Sikh faith as a child and after some recent hard times have found myself drawn to it. I have been reading everything I can and trying to adhere to the lifestyle principles as best I can (ex. I'm vegetarian, dressing conservatively, growing out my short hair, etc.) My main troubles are that I don't speak the language yet and the Sikh community here is almost non existent. Right now, I feel like my parents and friends think I'm strange and I dont have any real support in my journey. I would like to find people who can help me figure out what to do. Any ideas about books (in English if possible) that could be helpful? I'm hoping to find here the community I lack at home. I am struggling trying to figure out the steps without the support of others.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-youth/35602-converting-sikhism-while-living-isolated-communty.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602
(: Thanks

kds1980 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-Jun-2011, 04:37 AM

I don't think converting is appropriate word for you as you have a Sikh father and you were exposed to Sikhism in childhood,you can say that from non practicing sikh you are becoming practicing.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602

http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602

The above site is Going to be quite helpful to you .Apart from that you can ask any question on this forum ,people here are quite helpful and will help you in all the matters.

RamanS · #3 (**permalink**) 06-Jun-2011, 18:42 PM

Sat Sri Akal Shari ji,

the books named The Sikh Religion: Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors by Max Arthur Macauliffe were really useful to me in learning about the life history of the Gurus and Bhagats and they include english translations of Gurbani as well. There are 6 volumes of this book and they go into a lot of detail about the life of the Gurus. Here are the first 2 volumes (You can find the rest on sikhnet.com under the lifestyle heading on the main page and in the historical section):
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602
http://www.archive.org/stream/thesik...ge/n7/mode/2up
http://www.archive.org/stream/thesik...ge/n3/mode/2up
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602

It might be easier to read the book in paperback. You can buy it off amazon..it is a bit pricey but I think it is worth it.

When I recently started practicing Sikhi, I found it useful to download Japji Sahib, Rehraas Sahib, Kirtan Sohila, and Naam Simran mp3 files and put them on an mp3 player so I could sit down and listen to the pronounciation while reading along with the english translation. This might be useful especially if you cannot read gurmukhi script. You will eventually become comfortable and hopefully have a daily routine. I hope this helped you and good luck! There is no guaranteed right or wrong way and hopefully you can find some advice here to help you along this path!

aristotle · #4 (**permalink**) 14-Jul-2011, 12:01 PM

To start with, I would advise you to get some basic understanding of Sikh history besides Guru Granth Sahib, the following link would be useful:

http://www.gurbanifiles.org/translations/index.htm

I would personally advise you to start with Japji Sahib, and gradually graduate to Rehraas Sahib, Sohila and other Banis. That would give you the required confidence and reward. Don't get frustrated if you find Gurmukhi/Punjabi difficult, an English translation of the scriptures would do, for the time being. The basic point is to grasp the knowledge and teachings of the Gurus. And, the most important thing I tell everyone, never stop loving the Guru. For it is through love that the knowledge emerges.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35602
If you need any further help, just drop me a message, I could even mail you some books on Sikhism if my pocket allows.

The Guru is with you....

texassikhstudent · #5 (**permalink**) 15-Jul-2011, 06:15 AM

I am in a similar situation. My parents are Atheist/Agnostic and I am attending college in a remote area in West Texas. I am studying all that I can online and have started purchasing books. I think I will find a Sikhi community somewhere within a days drive and visit the Gurdwara as often as finances allow. Any advice is welcome!