Wherever one goes in the world, you will find a special type of people. They are inevitably respected for their integrity, passion and joyful nature. They work hard, live well and love passionately. They are the Sikhs.
Who are the Sikhs and where did they come from?
Whenever there is grief and unbearable anguish and humanity loses its way, there always arrives a saviour, to provide a loving balm, guide and inspire people to rise and discover through their true potential, salvation.
When people are lost they seek guidance, but the priests inevitably land up distancing man from God. The older the faith the more distorted and abused is the religion by those who claim to serve it.
Sikhism is the most modern and relevant faith in the world. The teachings of Guru Nanak ji are easy to understand and hence follow, as it is in the spoken language, free of rituals and does not need middlemen. All it requires, is for us to be loving and to be true.
Guru Nanak ji's preached three fundamental beliefs.
- 'Kirat Karo': Fulfil your duties. Make an honest living. For if you do not earn how will you provide for those you are responsible for. This is why the Sikhs are extremely hard working and have a very good work ethic.
- 'Vand Chakko': Share what you earn with others, who are in need. This is why the Sikhs are so helpful and charitable.
- 'Nam Jappo': Remember God and joyfully sing his praise. This is why Sikhs are usually alway happy evening adversity.
Sikhism is relevant even more today for it teaches,
- Tolerance and universal brotherhood. All are accepted and welcome without any preconditions or compulsions.
- Breaks all forms of class barriers ignoring sex, colour, religion, caste, rank or wealth.
- The "Langar" or the community kitchen where kings and the poorest break bread together
- Feed, protect and care for the poor, the hungry and the unfortunate.
- Promotes environmentalism. For to love and respect creation is to love The Creator.
- To honour and respect women as equals and give them same rights and privileges as men.
Guru Nanak ji had two constant companions Mardana a Muslim and Bala a Hindu. He travelled widely across a world torn by strife, singing hymns and teaching love and tolerance by example.
They travelled mostly on foot from Punjab in all directions, up North till Tibet and South to Sri Lanka, up to Myanmar in the east and Saudi Arabia in the West.
If we do seek salvation then let us learn from a saviour. Paths may be many, but the destination is the same. "There is only One and He is Truth"
I congratulate all the people in all lands on this great day.
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*Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi is now called Nankana and is in Pakistan
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