Wars that we humans fight against each other are fought because of our beliefs. For example in Punjab Sikhs are fighting against the government of India for their freedom, just think for a second how easy the world would be if we believed in one god, one faith. We need a religion which we can all believe in. From my point of view and many others Sikhism is that religion. Now you may ask, what reasons do you have for saying that Sikhism is the religion that we should all believe in.
Guru Nanak the first guru said, “I’m neithera Hindu, nor a Muslim, I’m a human being.” That is what we should all believe; God puts us on this world as human beings not as Hindus or Muslims.
The Guru Granth Sahib is written in many different languages, which means as long as you believe the beliefs, it doesn’t matter what language you study the religion in. The Guru Granth Sahib is not a tall like any other holy books from other religions like the Bible, from Christianity. The Guru Granth Sahib was not only written by the 10 gurus, it was written by non Sikhs also. Bhaggats made contributions to the Guru Granth Sahib, For example people like Kabir who was from a low caste, Ravi Das ashoemaker who was an untouchable, Dhanna, and cultivator. Jaidev, Trilochan, Ram Nand, Sain, and Surdas are some Bhaggats who wrote the Hymns. Dr.Gurbaksh Singh Gill writes in his book Sikhism: A universal message, that these hymnsare in the Guru Granth Sahib because they all speak of one god. Even musicians made contributions to the Guru Granth Sahib. The musicians were Satta, and Balwand, Bhatt Bani is a part of the Guru Granth Sahib it was written by a group of Bhatts. The Bhatts were well educated and recognized as professional exponents of Hindu Scriptures.
Christmas and Hanukkah are two holidays that are celebrated by two different religions. Hanukkah by the Jewish people, and Christmas by the Christian people, Gurbani says,” God made days, not good or bad days.” Everyday is special and should be treated as the day before it. Many religions have different gods; Guru Granth Sahib gives respect to all these names, but says they are a part of the one true god.
“They speak to a person of any religion or none, they speak for the human heart and soul of the mind,” is what Miss Pearl S.Buck said after reading the translation of the Guru Granth Sahib in English. Rev. Bradshaw another American says, “Sikhism is a universal faith a message for all men.” Dr,Cole has stated, “IF any community holds the key to national integration of India it is the Sikhs all the way,” All the people that have read the Guru Granth Sahib talk about Sikhism being a universal faith, sol determined that is the message of the Guru Granth Sahib, the message is Sikhism is a Universal Faith.
Charnjit Heir wrote this essay at Gurmat Camp.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 16, 1993
