Jam a Sikh not because I was born in a Sikh family, but because T want to be a Sikh. The more I study and learn about Sikhism, the more strongly I believe in its values. What are these values? What is their significance? Are the Sikh values of life suited to modern society? Sikh values of life basically fall into three categories: Nam Japana (Recite holy hymns) : A Sikh should mediate His Name and recite hymns preferably in the company of Sadh Sangat.
Dharm di Kirat Karni (Hard and honest living) : A Sikh should follow his Guru’s teachings; lead an honest living; and live a family way of life.
Vand ke Chhakna (sharing): The hard and honestly earned fruits of labor should be shared with the needy.
One is bound to like a religion which establishes a way of life based on such noble principles; principles which are simple, easy to follow, and easy to live with; principles which are convincing and righteous. Belief in these principles means an expression of our longing for peace on earth. Of course, peace will not come just by a mere faith. Whether we will see the peace of God’s making or not, depends on our practicing these principles.
In recent past there has been an increasing awareness of the significance of Sikh values of life, and in future years such awareness is likely to increase further. Modern society recognizes that the gap between “haves” and “have not” ‘needs to be bridged. This objective is reflected in the Sikh principle of “Vand ke Chhankna””. Further, modern society wants an elimination of discrimination based on caste, creed or sex. Sikh religion’s community kitchen (Guru Ka Langar) has an answer to this problem. On the specific issue of equal status for both sexes, the Sikh viewpoint is contained in these words of Guru Nanak, “Why call a woman inferior who gives birth even to kings and prophets?”
Another area in which Sikh religion is suited to the needs of modern society is its belief in democracy. According to the Sikh faith, interests of persons are best served by his representatives, Entrusting all decisions to the five Sikhs (Panj Payaras) is the guiding rule of Sikhism. Sikh religion is also suited to the needs of modern society in its desire to protect and respect human rights, The life, like his prayer, of a saintsoldier Sikh is dedicated to the welfare of all humanity.
Thanks to Waheguru for blessing me life in a Sikh family. Thanks to my parents for bringing the truth of Sikhism and the noble ideals of our Gurus to my notice. May Waheguru continue to shower His blessings upon me and strengthen my faith in Sikh religion a religion in which I find my joy and my duty.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 19, 1989
