Sikhism is essentially a religion preaching a virtuous way of life. It lays more emphasis on life and experience rather than on theoretical reasoning. It is, therefore, better understood as a way of life, rather than just a philosophy. However, there can be no practice without a doctrine. Sikhism also has its beliefs and doctrines laid down in the Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Holy Volume contains the wisdom of spiritual thoughts of about five centuries. It is thus, a unique scripture for the fact that it is the only one of “Spiritual Synthesis” that could promote emotional integration and coexistence. There is no denying the fact that these are rare qualities so badly needed for this world of greed, selfishness, hatred, and distrust. If a man is to escape from the vices he must choose the broad, all embracing path of love, equality and sacrifice so successfully preached and practiced by Guru Nanak and his successors. That is the only way to unify man to man and make him tread the path of peace and prosperity the way of God.
The unique and universal religion of the Gurus can very well be the religion of the space age. The Gurus, centuries ago spoke of millions of worlds, suns and moons as science reveals today. There is no place for blind faith, religious fanaticism, or bigotry in the fundamental principles or actual day to day working of the Sikh religion. One finds not only willing and whole hearted toleration for others faith and beliefs, but also selfless service and sympathy for all. Real religion does not teach to hate and persecute people of other faiths. All are judged before God and rewarded for their good actions towards others and not by the mere fact that they have the label of any particular sect. All equal in the court of God regardless of caste, creed, color, sex etc., as he made human blood of one color. (Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Man).
Guru Nanak is not just another prophet, Guru Granth Sahib just another scripture and Golden Temple just another Dharam Mandir. They all are unique in every respect. A Sikh has virtues of love, peace, politeness, humbleness, logic, firmness, and fearlessness. Thus the Sikh religion with its truth in fullness has the brightest chance to become a world religion.
Bradshaw of U.S.A. rightly said it, “Sikhs must cease to think of their faith as just another good religion and must begin to think in terms of Sikhism being the religion of this New Age.”
Article extracted from this publication >> March 17, 1989
