☀️ JOIN SPN MOBILE
Forums
New posts
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
What's new
New posts
New media
New media comments
New resources
Latest activity
Videos
New media
New comments
Library
Latest reviews
Donate
Log in
Register
What's new
New posts
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Welcome to all New Sikh Philosophy Network Forums!
Explore Sikh Sikhi Sikhism...
Sign up
Log in
Discussions
Sikh Sikhi Sikhism
Sikh Youth
The Challenge Facing The Sikh Nation
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="drkhalsa" data-source="post: 3919" data-attributes="member: 384"><p style="text-align: center">I found a nice reading to share with you ,if you havent come across it</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><p style="text-align: center">10 </p><p></span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><p style="text-align: center"></p><p></span><p style="text-align: center"></p><p></span><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Arial-Black'">The Sikh Times, </span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'">September 12 2002 </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><p style="text-align: center">THERE are numerous and varied challenges</p><p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></p><p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">facing the Sikh nation worldwide.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The challenges will confront the very</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">essence of Sikhi and the response to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">these challenges will determine the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">exact role that the Sikh people will</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">encompass in the next millennium.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">One of the greatest challenges facing</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">the Sikhs is APATHY. Currently this</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">debilitating disease is draining the life</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">force from the Sikh people. Where once</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">stood a protean, dynamic Nation ready</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">to confront all that was thrown at them</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">and more, now stand a meek people</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">ready to ignore the challenges before</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">them. Apathy is preventing the discovery</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of guiding principles that will protect</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">an individual through the trials and</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">tribulations of life. To develop a character</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">that is both strong and versatile. In</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">short the embrace of Sikhi itself and</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">retaining Gods love within an individual.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">After centuries of religious and political</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">persecution we still find a physical</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">challenge posed to the Sikhs. In society</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">there are some that wish to physically</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">harm the Sikh Nation. To this end they</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">attack us under the guise of race or religion</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">or political. Our ancestors have</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">always resisted this threat. Thanks to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">their courage we are alive today. Part of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Sikhism is the Martial aspect, not for</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">offence but for the defence of the self</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">and the persecuted. Yet we have abandoned</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">the Martial Arts. Why? The</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">world, unfortunately, is still a violent,</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">dangerous place. Martial Arts develop</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">confidence and character that is transferable</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">to other aspects of life.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">In addition to being exceptional warriors</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">our Sikh ancestors were Social and</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Political REVOLUTIONARY'S, albeit</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">GODS Revolutionary's. From Guru</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">each challenged society's conscience.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Whether it was the ruling (Social) classes</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">attitude toward the downtrodden, to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">women or the might of the (Political)</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Mogul Empire's bloody disdain for</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">minorities, to democracy (the Misl system</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">as introduced by Guru Gobind</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Singh Ji). The foresight of our Gurujis is</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">beyond comprehension if minutely</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">analysed. They were visionaries.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Those who live in the west are at times</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">perplexed as to the challenges. I hear</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">some of you think, what challenges?</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">There is economic prosperity and political</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">stability. Our time is peaceful and</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">challenges non-existent. Why not just</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">enjoy life? We embrace business globalisation</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">yet reject social justice globalisation.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">What of the challenge posed by</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">eradicating poverty? The challenge of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">war in a distant country? The challenge</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of greater inclusion in society for all?</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">The challenge of social; economic;</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">political justice? Fortunately we live in a</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">democracy, how about those (Sikh or</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">otherwise) who do not? Where standing</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">for your beliefs will result in a knock at</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">the door at midnight, to be dragged off to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">who knows where? Looking after the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">self is the first step, but is intrinsically</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">linked to looking after our fellow human</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">being.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Why does the concept of Sikh</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Nationhood stick so violently in the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">throats of our people? Opposing vehemently</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">to their last breath any utterance</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of a United Sikh Nation. Only 16 years</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">have passed since it was open season on</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">the murder, robbery and rape of Sikhs in</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">New Delhi. Yet most have "forgiven"</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">that period of "Indian democracy" and</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">regard themselves first and foremost</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Indian/Asian. Who remembers the dead</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of New Delhi? Who will do something</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">in their memory? To ensure their loved</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">ones are able to live a fruitful life?</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">We are now scattered to the four-corners</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of the world; this has lead to greater</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">opportunities for future generations.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Sikhs must involve themselves in all</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">aspects of life (not just IT, law and medicine,</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">noble as they are); political;</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">social; local community; the arts, thus</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">stimulating the proselytization of Sikhi</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">whilst suffusing a greater understanding</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of Sikhi to the wider community. To</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">connect all the Sikh people from</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">California to London to Panjab to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Singapore City.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Sikhism is the best kept secret in the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">world, but we must no longer hide</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Sikhism but share this great religion</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">with all those around us.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">I shall quote Guru Gobind Singh Ji as</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">he spoke with Baba Banda Singh</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Bahadur in their Dialogue of Destiny.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">"It is only when men like you fail to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">perform their function in life that the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">world truly becomes a wicked place.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">When men of ability, strength, passion</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">and courage such as yourself run into the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">woods and worry only about their own</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">stake in life, the world is overcome by</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">the tyranny and injustice of ruthless</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">kings. Old men and women cannot live</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">their lives with dignity. Children cannot</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">enjoy the riches of their own culture and</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">are forced by the threat of death to</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">renounce their faith. God did not create</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">men like you to worship him and seek</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">his salvation, but, rather to live life with</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">conviction and protect his children."</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">These words were spoken hundreds of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">years previous to the year 2000. Yet their</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">potency has increased over time. The</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">"ruthless kings" have become apathy</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">and the insatiable quest to disregard our</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">heritage. We hide not in the "woods" but</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">within the confines of our homes. Our</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">children still cannot enjoy the "riches of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">their own culture" for they have never</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">been taught it!! Alas death (and in the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">West persecution by some) still casts a</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">sinister shadow over our nation.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Guru Gobind Singh Jis words are relevant</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">for ALL men AND women of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">today, regardless of faith. We sit smugly</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">in our BMW's, drenched in the success</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">of gold. Yet what have we achieved in</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">the time we have been in the West? Yes</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">there are some Sikhs who have surged</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">ahead economically but there are many</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">that are left behind. Rather than abandon</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">our brothers and sisters we should provide</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">time to share our skills and knowledge.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Thus enabling another segment of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">our community to advance economically.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">What of our brothers and sisters in</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">India? What of the land of Panjab? Sikhs</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">from all over the world should co-ordinate</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">themselves to promote prosperity</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">among our nation. The need to transfer</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">our expertise back to Panjab is paramount,</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">otherwise we may have to bid</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">farewell to the last Sikh as he/she leaves</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Panjab.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Apersonal challenge many must overcome</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">is our petty jealousies that seem</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">perpetually prevalent in some Sikhs psyche.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">After all, when Sikhs are being targeted,</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">whom do we turn to? Our Sikh</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">brethren!</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">This is the surmountable challenge of</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">UNITY, a half-understood concept.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Unity is greater than just "standing"</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">together; it is about Sacrificing for the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">greater good of the community.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Many Sikhs are ashamed of how they</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">look. Girls will not marry men with</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Turbans and boys want the latest hairstyle.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">All want to be "cool". They attend</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">weddings for the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Party; the first inconvenient part of the</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Gurdwara ceremony is usually skipped.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Yet these are the very same people who</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">are the first to shout and sing with joy at</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Baisakhi.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">These are the very same people who</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">live off the achievements of the past,</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">forever bathing in the golden glow of a</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">glorious past. Yet who were the people</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">who forged that past? So that a Sikh with</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">a Turban is instantly recognisable. It was</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">men who had long beards and Turbans.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Women who cared not to change their</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">suits twice during the course of a wedding</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">but to stand alongside their Sikh</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">men and challenge all the persecution</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">and injustice that the Sikh nation faced.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">In short they were the True Sikhs.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">They lived Sikhi.</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Do you think you can stand amongst</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px">them as equals?</p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>The greatest challenge facing the</strong></span></p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>Sikhs is to rediscover and re-embrace</strong></span></p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>the values of the Khalsa. This rejuvenates</strong></span></p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>the soul, the body and spirit.</strong></span></p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>Preparing an individual to face any challenges</strong></span></p><p></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong>that this world may pose.</strong></span></p><p></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'"><span style="font-size: 12px"></p><p></span><p style="text-align: center"></p><p></span><p style="text-align: center"></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="drkhalsa, post: 3919, member: 384"] [center]I found a nice reading to share with you ,if you havent come across it[/center] [b][font=TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT][size=5][center]10 [/center][/size][/font][/b][font=TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT][size=5][center][/center][/size][center][/center][/font][center][size=3][font=Arial-Black]The Sikh Times, [/font][font=ArialMT]September 12 2002 [/font][/size][/center][size=3][font=ArialMT] [/font][/size][font=TimesNewRomanPSMT][size=3][center]THERE are numerous and varied challenges[/center] [center][/center] [center]facing the Sikh nation worldwide.[/center] [center]The challenges will confront the very[/center] [center]essence of Sikhi and the response to[/center] [center]these challenges will determine the[/center] [center]exact role that the Sikh people will[/center] [center]encompass in the next millennium.[/center] [center]One of the greatest challenges facing[/center] [center]the Sikhs is APATHY. Currently this[/center] [center]debilitating disease is draining the life[/center] [center]force from the Sikh people. Where once[/center] [center]stood a protean, dynamic Nation ready[/center] [center]to confront all that was thrown at them[/center] [center]and more, now stand a meek people[/center] [center]ready to ignore the challenges before[/center] [center]them. Apathy is preventing the discovery[/center] [center]of guiding principles that will protect[/center] [center]an individual through the trials and[/center] [center]tribulations of life. To develop a character[/center] [center]that is both strong and versatile. In[/center] [center]short the embrace of Sikhi itself and[/center] [center]retaining Gods love within an individual.[/center] [center]After centuries of religious and political[/center] [center]persecution we still find a physical[/center] [center]challenge posed to the Sikhs. In society[/center] [center]there are some that wish to physically[/center] [center]harm the Sikh Nation. To this end they[/center] [center]attack us under the guise of race or religion[/center] [center]or political. Our ancestors have[/center] [center]always resisted this threat. Thanks to[/center] [center]their courage we are alive today. Part of[/center] [center]Sikhism is the Martial aspect, not for[/center] [center]offence but for the defence of the self[/center] [center]and the persecuted. Yet we have abandoned[/center] [center]the Martial Arts. Why? The[/center] [center]world, unfortunately, is still a violent,[/center] [center]dangerous place. Martial Arts develop[/center] [center]confidence and character that is transferable[/center] [center]to other aspects of life.[/center] [center]In addition to being exceptional warriors[/center] [center]our Sikh ancestors were Social and[/center] [center]Political REVOLUTIONARY'S, albeit[/center] [center]GODS Revolutionary's. From Guru[/center] [center]Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji[/center] [center]each challenged society's conscience.[/center] [center]Whether it was the ruling (Social) classes[/center] [center]attitude toward the downtrodden, to[/center] [center]women or the might of the (Political)[/center] [center]Mogul Empire's bloody disdain for[/center] [center]minorities, to democracy (the Misl system[/center] [center]as introduced by Guru Gobind[/center] [center]Singh Ji). The foresight of our Gurujis is[/center] [center]beyond comprehension if minutely[/center] [center]analysed. They were visionaries.[/center] [center]Those who live in the west are at times[/center] [center]perplexed as to the challenges. I hear[/center] [center]some of you think, what challenges?[/center] [center]There is economic prosperity and political[/center] [center]stability. Our time is peaceful and[/center] [center]challenges non-existent. Why not just[/center] [center]enjoy life? We embrace business globalisation[/center] [center]yet reject social justice globalisation.[/center] [center]What of the challenge posed by[/center] [center]eradicating poverty? The challenge of[/center] [center]war in a distant country? The challenge[/center] [center]of greater inclusion in society for all?[/center] [center]The challenge of social; economic;[/center] [center]political justice? Fortunately we live in a[/center] [center]democracy, how about those (Sikh or[/center] [center]otherwise) who do not? Where standing[/center] [center]for your beliefs will result in a knock at[/center] [center]the door at midnight, to be dragged off to[/center] [center]who knows where? Looking after the[/center] [center]self is the first step, but is intrinsically[/center] [center]linked to looking after our fellow human[/center] [center]being.[/center] [center]Why does the concept of Sikh[/center] [center]Nationhood stick so violently in the[/center] [center]throats of our people? Opposing vehemently[/center] [center]to their last breath any utterance[/center] [center]of a United Sikh Nation. Only 16 years[/center] [center]have passed since it was open season on[/center] [center]the murder, robbery and rape of Sikhs in[/center] [center]New Delhi. Yet most have "forgiven"[/center] [center]that period of "Indian democracy" and[/center] [center]regard themselves first and foremost[/center] [center]Indian/Asian. Who remembers the dead[/center] [center]of New Delhi? Who will do something[/center] [center]in their memory? To ensure their loved[/center] [center]ones are able to live a fruitful life?[/center] [center]We are now scattered to the four-corners[/center] [center]of the world; this has lead to greater[/center] [center]opportunities for future generations.[/center] [center]Sikhs must involve themselves in all[/center] [center]aspects of life (not just IT, law and medicine,[/center] [center]noble as they are); political;[/center] [center]social; local community; the arts, thus[/center] [center]stimulating the proselytization of Sikhi[/center] [center]whilst suffusing a greater understanding[/center] [center]of Sikhi to the wider community. To[/center] [center]connect all the Sikh people from[/center] [center]California to London to Panjab to[/center] [center]Singapore City.[/center] [center]Sikhism is the best kept secret in the[/center] [center]world, but we must no longer hide[/center] [center]Sikhism but share this great religion[/center] [center]with all those around us.[/center] [center]I shall quote Guru Gobind Singh Ji as[/center] [center]he spoke with Baba Banda Singh[/center] [center]Bahadur in their Dialogue of Destiny.[/center] [center]"It is only when men like you fail to[/center] [center]perform their function in life that the[/center] [center]world truly becomes a wicked place.[/center] [center]When men of ability, strength, passion[/center] [center]and courage such as yourself run into the[/center] [center]woods and worry only about their own[/center] [center]stake in life, the world is overcome by[/center] [center]the tyranny and injustice of ruthless[/center] [center]kings. Old men and women cannot live[/center] [center]their lives with dignity. Children cannot[/center] [center]enjoy the riches of their own culture and[/center] [center]are forced by the threat of death to[/center] [center]renounce their faith. God did not create[/center] [center]men like you to worship him and seek[/center] [center]his salvation, but, rather to live life with[/center] [center]conviction and protect his children."[/center] [center]These words were spoken hundreds of[/center] [center]years previous to the year 2000. Yet their[/center] [center]potency has increased over time. The[/center] [center]"ruthless kings" have become apathy[/center] [center]and the insatiable quest to disregard our[/center] [center]heritage. We hide not in the "woods" but[/center] [center]within the confines of our homes. Our[/center] [center]children still cannot enjoy the "riches of[/center] [center]their own culture" for they have never[/center] [center]been taught it!! Alas death (and in the[/center] [center]West persecution by some) still casts a[/center] [center]sinister shadow over our nation.[/center] [center]Guru Gobind Singh Jis words are relevant[/center] [center]for ALL men AND women of[/center] [center]today, regardless of faith. We sit smugly[/center] [center]in our BMW's, drenched in the success[/center] [center]of gold. Yet what have we achieved in[/center] [center]the time we have been in the West? Yes[/center] [center]there are some Sikhs who have surged[/center] [center]ahead economically but there are many[/center] [center]that are left behind. Rather than abandon[/center] [center]our brothers and sisters we should provide[/center] [center]time to share our skills and knowledge.[/center] [center]Thus enabling another segment of[/center] [center]our community to advance economically.[/center] [center]What of our brothers and sisters in[/center] [center]India? What of the land of Panjab? Sikhs[/center] [center]from all over the world should co-ordinate[/center] [center]themselves to promote prosperity[/center] [center]among our nation. The need to transfer[/center] [center]our expertise back to Panjab is paramount,[/center] [center]otherwise we may have to bid[/center] [center]farewell to the last Sikh as he/she leaves[/center] [center]Panjab.[/center] [center]Apersonal challenge many must overcome[/center] [center]is our petty jealousies that seem[/center] [center]perpetually prevalent in some Sikhs psyche.[/center] [center]After all, when Sikhs are being targeted,[/center] [center]whom do we turn to? Our Sikh[/center] [center]brethren![/center] [center]This is the surmountable challenge of[/center] [center]UNITY, a half-understood concept.[/center] [center]Unity is greater than just "standing"[/center] [center]together; it is about Sacrificing for the[/center] [center]greater good of the community.[/center] [center]Many Sikhs are ashamed of how they[/center] [center]look. Girls will not marry men with[/center] [center]Turbans and boys want the latest hairstyle.[/center] [center]All want to be "cool". They attend[/center] [center]weddings for the[/center] [center]Party; the first inconvenient part of the[/center] [center]Gurdwara ceremony is usually skipped.[/center] [center]Yet these are the very same people who[/center] [center]are the first to shout and sing with joy at[/center] [center]Baisakhi.[/center] [center]These are the very same people who[/center] [center]live off the achievements of the past,[/center] [center]forever bathing in the golden glow of a[/center] [center]glorious past. Yet who were the people[/center] [center]who forged that past? So that a Sikh with[/center] [center]a Turban is instantly recognisable. It was[/center] [center]men who had long beards and Turbans.[/center] [center]Women who cared not to change their[/center] [center]suits twice during the course of a wedding[/center] [center]but to stand alongside their Sikh[/center] [center]men and challenge all the persecution[/center] [center]and injustice that the Sikh nation faced.[/center] [center]In short they were the True Sikhs.[/center] [center]They lived Sikhi.[/center] [center]Do you think you can stand amongst[/center] [center]them as equals?[/center] [center][size=4][b]The greatest challenge facing the[/b][/size][/center] [center][size=4][b]Sikhs is to rediscover and re-embrace[/b][/size][/center] [center][size=4][b]the values of the Khalsa. This rejuvenates[/b][/size][/center] [center][size=4][b]the soul, the body and spirit.[/b][/size][/center] [center][size=4][b]Preparing an individual to face any challenges[/b][/size][/center] [center][size=4][b]that this world may pose.[/b][/size][/center] [center][/center][/size][center][/center][/font][center][/center] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Discussions
Sikh Sikhi Sikhism
Sikh Youth
The Challenge Facing The Sikh Nation
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…
Top