Originalji posted this on another thread, I felt it deserved its own thread and title
Societies are changing. The likes of Harry are plenty. Believing and not believing is an individual's personal inclination and not a collective pattern of thought. Tenets which underpins Sikhism have an indefinite stay and are carved in stone. They are not per se, sought-worthy to be construed with modern day shades, but can nevertheless, be tailored made to advance one's spiritual ascent. However, to dilute their native originality with modern day ideology is to distort the beauty of Nanak's Nirankar.
What we are as individuals is decided by the particular society in which we live, and by the particular social group to which we belong. Much of our shaping during infancy and early youth is down to our "family" socialisation. In this initial stage of psychological and social development parents play a major role. In such setting we learn as much through observation and experience as we do through deliberate instruction and training. Although, our parents teach us not to speak with our mouths full, not to leave behind jhuti roti, etc, they unintentionally teach us a lot more besides. And, unless Sikh parents away from homeland Punjab consciously teach their children concepts of karm, dharm etc..children will not know. Is Harry one of them ?
Harry is a product of British Society and as such, is learning, questioning with an open mind of the secular Sikhi. I think there is lot of academic thought which navigates the wandering mind to that end. Perhaps we best look at Sikhism from a secular perspective to break- free if you like from the fetters of traditional trap.
Over 2 U
Societies are changing. The likes of Harry are plenty. Believing and not believing is an individual's personal inclination and not a collective pattern of thought. Tenets which underpins Sikhism have an indefinite stay and are carved in stone. They are not per se, sought-worthy to be construed with modern day shades, but can nevertheless, be tailored made to advance one's spiritual ascent. However, to dilute their native originality with modern day ideology is to distort the beauty of Nanak's Nirankar.
What we are as individuals is decided by the particular society in which we live, and by the particular social group to which we belong. Much of our shaping during infancy and early youth is down to our "family" socialisation. In this initial stage of psychological and social development parents play a major role. In such setting we learn as much through observation and experience as we do through deliberate instruction and training. Although, our parents teach us not to speak with our mouths full, not to leave behind jhuti roti, etc, they unintentionally teach us a lot more besides. And, unless Sikh parents away from homeland Punjab consciously teach their children concepts of karm, dharm etc..children will not know. Is Harry one of them ?
Harry is a product of British Society and as such, is learning, questioning with an open mind of the secular Sikhi. I think there is lot of academic thought which navigates the wandering mind to that end. Perhaps we best look at Sikhism from a secular perspective to break- free if you like from the fetters of traditional trap.
Over 2 U