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Guru Granth Sahib
Composition, Arrangement & Layout
ਜਪੁ | Jup
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ | So Dar
ਸੋਹਿਲਾ | Sohilaa
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ | Raag Siree-Raag
Gurbani (14-53)
Ashtpadiyan (53-71)
Gurbani (71-74)
Pahre (74-78)
Chhant (78-81)
Vanjara (81-82)
Vaar Siri Raag (83-91)
Bhagat Bani (91-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
Ashtpadi (109)
Ashtpadiyan (110-129)
Ashtpadi (129-130)
Ashtpadiyan (130-133)
Bara Maha (133-136)
Din Raen (136-137)
Vaar Maajh Ki (137-150)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ | Raag Gauree
Gurbani (151-185)
Quartets/Couplets (185-220)
Ashtpadiyan (220-234)
Karhalei (234-235)
Ashtpadiyan (235-242)
Chhant (242-249)
Baavan Akhari (250-262)
Sukhmani (262-296)
Thittee (296-300)
Gauree kii Vaar (300-323)
Gurbani (323-330)
Ashtpadiyan (330-340)
Baavan Akhari (340-343)
Thintteen (343-344)
Vaar Kabir (344-345)
Bhagat Bani (345-346)
ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ | Raag Aasaa
Gurbani (347-348)
Chaupaday (348-364)
Panchpadde (364-365)
Kaafee (365-409)
Aasaavaree (409-411)
Ashtpadiyan (411-432)
Patee (432-435)
Chhant (435-462)
Vaar Aasaa (462-475)
Bhagat Bani (475-488)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੂਜਰੀ | Raag Goojaree
Gurbani (489-503)
Ashtpadiyan (503-508)
Vaar Gujari (508-517)
Vaar Gujari (517-526)
ਰਾਗੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ | Raag Dayv-Gandhaaree
Gurbani (527-536)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਹਾਗੜਾ | Raag Bihaagraa
Gurbani (537-556)
Chhant (538-548)
Vaar Bihaagraa (548-556)
ਰਾਗੁ ਵਡਹੰਸ | Raag Wadhans
Gurbani (557-564)
Ashtpadiyan (564-565)
Chhant (565-575)
Ghoriaan (575-578)
Alaahaniiaa (578-582)
Vaar Wadhans (582-594)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੋਰਠਿ | Raag Sorath
Gurbani (595-634)
Asatpadhiya (634-642)
Vaar Sorath (642-659)
ਰਾਗੁ ਧਨਾਸਰੀ | Raag Dhanasaree
Gurbani (660-685)
Astpadhiya (685-687)
Chhant (687-691)
Bhagat Bani (691-695)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਤਸਰੀ | Raag Jaitsree
Gurbani (696-703)
Chhant (703-705)
Vaar Jaitsaree (705-710)
Bhagat Bani (710)
ਰਾਗੁ ਟੋਡੀ | Raag Todee
ਰਾਗੁ ਬੈਰਾੜੀ | Raag Bairaaree
ਰਾਗੁ ਤਿਲੰਗ | Raag Tilang
Gurbani (721-727)
Bhagat Bani (727)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੂਹੀ | Raag Suhi
Gurbani (728-750)
Ashtpadiyan (750-761)
Kaafee (761-762)
Suchajee (762)
Gunvantee (763)
Chhant (763-785)
Vaar Soohee (785-792)
Bhagat Bani (792-794)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ | Raag Bilaaval
Gurbani (795-831)
Ashtpadiyan (831-838)
Thitteen (838-840)
Vaar Sat (841-843)
Chhant (843-848)
Vaar Bilaaval (849-855)
Bhagat Bani (855-858)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੋਂਡ | Raag Gond
Gurbani (859-869)
Ashtpadiyan (869)
Bhagat Bani (870-875)
ਰਾਗੁ ਰਾਮਕਲੀ | Raag Ramkalee
Ashtpadiyan (902-916)
Gurbani (876-902)
Anand (917-922)
Sadd (923-924)
Chhant (924-929)
Dakhnee (929-938)
Sidh Gosat (938-946)
Vaar Ramkalee (947-968)
ਰਾਗੁ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ | Raag Nat Narayan
Gurbani (975-980)
Ashtpadiyan (980-983)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਲੀ ਗਉੜਾ | Raag Maalee Gauraa
Gurbani (984-988)
Bhagat Bani (988)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਰੂ | Raag Maaroo
Gurbani (889-1008)
Ashtpadiyan (1008-1014)
Kaafee (1014-1016)
Ashtpadiyan (1016-1019)
Anjulian (1019-1020)
Solhe (1020-1033)
Dakhni (1033-1043)
ਰਾਗੁ ਤੁਖਾਰੀ | Raag Tukhaari
Bara Maha (1107-1110)
Chhant (1110-1117)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕੇਦਾਰਾ | Raag Kedara
Gurbani (1118-1123)
Bhagat Bani (1123-1124)
ਰਾਗੁ ਭੈਰਉ | Raag Bhairo
Gurbani (1125-1152)
Partaal (1153)
Ashtpadiyan (1153-1167)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ | Raag Basant
Gurbani (1168-1187)
Ashtpadiyan (1187-1193)
Vaar Basant (1193-1196)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਾਰਗ | Raag Saarag
Gurbani (1197-1200)
Partaal (1200-1231)
Ashtpadiyan (1232-1236)
Chhant (1236-1237)
Vaar Saarang (1237-1253)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਲਾਰ | Raag Malaar
Gurbani (1254-1293)
Partaal (1265-1273)
Ashtpadiyan (1273-1278)
Chhant (1278)
Vaar Malaar (1278-91)
Bhagat Bani (1292-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਾਨੜਾ | Raag Kaanraa
Gurbani (1294-96)
Partaal (1296-1318)
Ashtpadiyan (1308-1312)
Chhant (1312)
Vaar Kaanraa
Bhagat Bani (1318)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਲਿਆਨ | Raag Kalyaan
Gurbani (1319-23)
Ashtpadiyan (1323-26)
ਰਾਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ | Raag Prabhaatee
Gurbani (1327-1341)
Ashtpadiyan (1342-51)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ | Raag Jaijaiwanti
Gurbani (1352-53)
Salok | Gatha | Phunahe | Chaubole | Swayiye
Sehskritee Mahala 1
Sehskritee Mahala 5
Gaathaa Mahala 5
Phunhay Mahala 5
Chaubolae Mahala 5
Shaloks Bhagat Kabir
Shaloks Sheikh Farid
Swaiyyae Mahala 5
Swaiyyae in Praise of Gurus
Shaloks in Addition To Vaars
Shalok Ninth Mehl
Mundavanee Mehl 5
ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ, Raag Maalaa
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Hard Talk
Caste, Race, Ethnicity And Sikhism
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<blockquote data-quote="dalsingh" data-source="post: 101129" data-attributes="member: 2883"><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Jeeti, I would like to ask exactly how does one come to be labeled ignoble? Who is the expert on the matter? Who makes the decision? How are they qualified to do this? What is the purpose of designating such a title? I presume there must be a good one?</span></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">From what I understand one of the cores of Khalsa ideology is the concept of meritocracy. The Gurus in various way, especially in the form of Guru Gobind Singh emancipated their followers from the type of nonsense you are talking of . The truth is the people who defend casteism are usually simply panderng to their egos and self image of superiority or are attempting to retain some sort of perceived advantage in some man made hierarchy.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">It is no coincidence that over the last few centuries, at places all over the globe the concept of equality has blossomed, albeit in a bloodsoaked and tumultuous way. I concede that this is a work in progress but the fact that equality is something aspired to, or recognised as a desirable state in most of the progressive world is telling. Sikh immigrants (like yourself) in countries that have legislation that should protect you from unfair discrimination should not turn around and fail to afford this same courtesy to others. Personally though, I can't see how any reasonable person would turn a blind eye to the discrimination and disgusting oppression that sometimes takes place in the Panjab under the guise of "Panjabi" casteism including sexual, physical and psychological abuse. But then this exactly highlights why this whole notion needs rigorous attacking in the first place, because it produces such inhuman characteristics. In terms of the Sikh communities progression, personal development and spirituality this is only an obstacle. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">In East London, traditionally Sikhs have been heavily involved in the building trade. I have been involved in this in the past. There you will see many people who I imagine would consider themselves as "high caste" working as lowly unskilled manual labour. These people are not superior in any way believe you me. If anything they should be grateful that people take the time to train them and teach them a trade to feed themselves and their family. Sikhism does empathise humility and casteism works directly against this. The truth is that 'your' ideas are, in reality, the result of the indoctrination of your family and others close to you, as well as the baser elements of Panjabi culture.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Established hierarchies, especially unjust ones, are challenged periodically, where ever they exist in the globe. We as Panjabi Sikhs are essentially the babies of such a movement against castesim and Moghul oppression. As a Sikh first and foremost, I implore you, please don't try and replace one set of egotistical jerks, who our ancestors, with great sacrifice, collectively managed to take down with another set from amongst us.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Read this extract of someone from a so called "high caste" background and a direct descendant of a Sikh warrior martyr of the 1700s.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><em>The needy alone deserve to be endowed with rare gifts</em></strong></span></span></span></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">What is the use of empowering those who are already powerful.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">The house of Nanak is known for its compassion and generosity,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">And [is] known as the protector of the needy and poor.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Those who belong to the various offshoots of lowly twelve subcastes,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">And know nothing about the game of power politics.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Who are contemptuously known as rustic peasants in society,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Or known as traders small time shop keepers and petty fighters.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Those who belong to the low castes of blacksmiths and carpenters,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">And the lowly placed tailors and wine vendors who receive his benediction.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">This fraternity would also include the low caste cattle grazers, rustics and cow herds,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">And the ignoble vegetable growers (kambojs) and scheduled castes.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Water carriers, barbers, small vendors and potters will also join this community,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Sainis, goldsmiths, sweepers and cobblers will form part of this brotherhood……..</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">…..I shall confer sovereignty on these poor and needy,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">So that they may remember my patronage and benediction.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Saying this the True Guru challenged his followers,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">That they should pick up swords and attack the Mughals. (Panth Prakash, page 79)</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p><p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Funnily enough there was a Sufi (Bulleh Shah, 1680-1757) who echoed similar views towards the Khalsa during the early part of their existence:</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><strong><em><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">"Perverse times have come,</span></span></span></em></strong></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">I know the mystery of the beloved</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">crows have begun to hunt hawks, </span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">and sparrows feed on falcons</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">horses bear the whipping, </span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><em>while donkeys graze on lush green</em></strong></span></span></span></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">no love is lost between relatives, </span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">be they younger or elder uncles</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">There is no accord between fathers and sons,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Nor any between mothers and daughters</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">The truthful ones are being pushed about,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">the tricksters are seated close by</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333"><u>The front liners have become wretched,</u></span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><u><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">the back benchers sit on carpets</span></span></span></strong></em></u></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><u><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">Those in tatters have turned into kings,</span></span></span></strong></em></u></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><u><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">the kings have taken to begging</span></span></span></strong></em></u></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><u><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">O Bulleh, that which is His command</span></span></span></strong></em></u></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><u><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">who can alter His decree."</span></span></span></strong></em></u></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Also</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">“<strong><em>The Mughals quaff the cup of poison.</em></strong></span></span></span></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333"><u>Those with co{censored} blankets are up.</u></span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">The genteel watch it all in quiet,</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">They have a humble pie to sup.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">The tide of the times is in spate.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">The Punjab is in a fearsome state.</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><em><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #333333">We have to share the hell of a fate.”</span></span></span></strong></em></p></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></p><p><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Point is that we were once considered the ignoble, lowly ones.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Moo soch ke khol.......</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'"><span style="color: #333333"></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dalsingh, post: 101129, member: 2883"] [FONT=Baskerville Old Face][COLOR=#333333][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Jeeti, I would like to ask exactly how does one come to be labeled ignoble? Who is the expert on the matter? Who makes the decision? How are they qualified to do this? What is the purpose of designating such a title? I presume there must be a good one?[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]From what I understand one of the cores of Khalsa ideology is the concept of meritocracy. The Gurus in various way, especially in the form of Guru Gobind Singh emancipated their followers from the type of nonsense you are talking of . The truth is the people who defend casteism are usually simply panderng to their egos and self image of superiority or are attempting to retain some sort of perceived advantage in some man made hierarchy.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]It is no coincidence that over the last few centuries, at places all over the globe the concept of equality has blossomed, albeit in a bloodsoaked and tumultuous way. I concede that this is a work in progress but the fact that equality is something aspired to, or recognised as a desirable state in most of the progressive world is telling. Sikh immigrants (like yourself) in countries that have legislation that should protect you from unfair discrimination should not turn around and fail to afford this same courtesy to others. Personally though, I can't see how any reasonable person would turn a blind eye to the discrimination and disgusting oppression that sometimes takes place in the Panjab under the guise of "Panjabi" casteism including sexual, physical and psychological abuse. But then this exactly highlights why this whole notion needs rigorous attacking in the first place, because it produces such inhuman characteristics. In terms of the Sikh communities progression, personal development and spirituality this is only an obstacle. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]In East London, traditionally Sikhs have been heavily involved in the building trade. I have been involved in this in the past. There you will see many people who I imagine would consider themselves as "high caste" working as lowly unskilled manual labour. These people are not superior in any way believe you me. If anything they should be grateful that people take the time to train them and teach them a trade to feed themselves and their family. Sikhism does empathise humility and casteism works directly against this. The truth is that 'your' ideas are, in reality, the result of the indoctrination of your family and others close to you, as well as the baser elements of Panjabi culture.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Established hierarchies, especially unjust ones, are challenged periodically, where ever they exist in the globe. We as Panjabi Sikhs are essentially the babies of such a movement against castesim and Moghul oppression. As a Sikh first and foremost, I implore you, please don't try and replace one set of egotistical jerks, who our ancestors, with great sacrifice, collectively managed to take down with another set from amongst us.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Read this extract of someone from a so called "high caste" background and a direct descendant of a Sikh warrior martyr of the 1700s.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [INDENT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][B][I]The needy alone deserve to be endowed with rare gifts[/I][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]What is the use of empowering those who are already powerful.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]The house of Nanak is known for its compassion and generosity,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]And [is] known as the protector of the needy and poor.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Those who belong to the various offshoots of lowly twelve subcastes,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]And know nothing about the game of power politics.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Who are contemptuously known as rustic peasants in society,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Or known as traders small time shop keepers and petty fighters.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Those who belong to the low castes of blacksmiths and carpenters,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]And the lowly placed tailors and wine vendors who receive his benediction.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]This fraternity would also include the low caste cattle grazers, rustics and cow herds,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]And the ignoble vegetable growers (kambojs) and scheduled castes.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Water carriers, barbers, small vendors and potters will also join this community,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Sainis, goldsmiths, sweepers and cobblers will form part of this brotherhood……..[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]…..I shall confer sovereignty on these poor and needy,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]So that they may remember my patronage and benediction.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Saying this the True Guru challenged his followers,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]That they should pick up swords and attack the Mughals. (Panth Prakash, page 79)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [/INDENT] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Funnily enough there was a Sufi (Bulleh Shah, 1680-1757) who echoed similar views towards the Khalsa during the early part of their existence:[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [INDENT][B][I][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]"Perverse times have come,[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]I know the mystery of the beloved[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]crows have begun to hunt hawks, [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]and sparrows feed on falcons[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]horses bear the whipping, [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][B][I]while donkeys graze on lush green[/I][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]no love is lost between relatives, [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]be they younger or elder uncles[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]There is no accord between fathers and sons,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Nor any between mothers and daughters[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]The truthful ones are being pushed about,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]the tricksters are seated close by[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333][U]The front liners have become wretched,[/U][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [U][I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]the back benchers sit on carpets[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/U] [U][I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]Those in tatters have turned into kings,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/U] [U][I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]the kings have taken to begging[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/U] [U][I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]O Bulleh, that which is His command[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/U] [U][I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]who can alter His decree."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I][/U] [/INDENT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Also[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [INDENT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]“[B][I]The Mughals quaff the cup of poison.[/I][/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333][U]Those with co{censored} blankets are up.[/U][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]The genteel watch it all in quiet,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]They have a humble pie to sup.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]The tide of the times is in spate.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]The Punjab is in a fearsome state.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [I][B][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3][COLOR=#333333]We have to share the hell of a fate.”[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/I] [/INDENT][COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Point is that we were once considered the ignoble, lowly ones.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Baskerville Old Face][SIZE=3]Moo soch ke khol.......[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [/COLOR][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Caste, Race, Ethnicity And Sikhism
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