SatNam _/|\_
Bscheema ji
I have been learning mostly from the internet. And sometimes I have been criticized for saying something about Sikhi that isn't true, but I read it elsewhere on another site on Sikhi. I am learning so it is unrealistic for me to expect myself to know which are the reliable sites and which aren't.
That being said, are there any teachings in Sikhi on sects or different approaches to practicing Sikhi? I'm only aware of the Rehat Maryada, but I don't know much about it. I think I read it was created by Guru Gobind Singh. Am I correct?
I have been confused also because there is so much from the Guru on finding God through the Naam and not various rituals and dogma. It seems to me the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib is about losing all the labels, rituals, rules that are barriers vs. openings to union with the Divine.
I think when a religion has as many followers as some religions have, people start to imprison the goal of being one with the One by saying "this is right, this is wrong". Sikhi rejects this, right?
That being said, what would be the criteria for seekers and learners like me when it comes to evaluating the content of a website. How can I tell which are the truer teachings? Or should I just say when millions of ppl practice a religion there is bound to be some who prefer the apples and some who prefer oranges. Is there room for a variety of fruits in the Sikhi communities?
I'm completely lost at this point. I feel like there is a lot of bickering and bitterness amongst Sikhs of various cultures and I'm not sure which is truly practicing Sikhi and which isn't. So your post was perfect for someone like me (and there are many of us).
One suggestion. Maybe SPN can expand and redo the website so it provides more information to seekers and those interested in exploring Sikhi?
mundahugkaurhugpeacesignkaur
Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh ||
Namjivan Kaur Ji -
We are all learners here at SPN. Don't feel bad just because you don't know the answers to ?s Sikhi experience is a life long path. Some of us take it for granted that they know the best just because they were born in a Sikh family. I can tell you for sure that's not true.
Coming back to your post - Yes, there are different sects within Sikhi. Like you said, some people prefer to set their own Maryada for their own reasons. Nope - this adopted Rehat Maryada is not by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The current Rehat Maryada was adopted after consulting with Sikhs all over the world by our Sikh Scholars. It's a good thing you know about that one and nothing else. Because that's the one that was adopted by Sangat. All other Maryada's are by individuals not Sikh Sangat.
Sikhi is a way of life, not a religion. In today's world it's easier to call it a religion than explain the way of life. You are right when there are over 25 million Sikhs there are bound to be different approaches to life. Same like you said, some prefer apples to oranges. I would not rely on websites as a guide. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is our guide nobody else. Websites are just tools that we use to take a short cut. Like i said earlier, it's a life long path. no short cuts. The correct way is to experience with good sangat and to learn Gurbani.
Lastly, I would say don't feel that you are lost at this point in life. Continue your path to learn and ask questions ? you are bound to get different answers from different people you talk to. You will be surprised and will say later on in life - i used to be this way, now i am past that point and look at it from this angle.
I hope i am not confusing you further with my longer reply.
Harjot Singh
