Mixing of religion and politics has been a controversial issue since the advent of democratic society. The spiritual aspect of religion i .c. salvation or Nirvana could be easily separated from the state but the social and moral aspects of religion are almost impossible to delineate. This is because basic principles of upholding human dignity are common to both categories. For example Christianity’s opposition to, the policy of Apartheid in South Africa could be misconstrued a8 interference in the affairs of the State as opposed to upholding the Moral values of their religion. Islam.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and ‘other religions of the world by and large subscribe to this religious philosophy.
Sikhism is not only a religion but a way of life for the Sikhs; it teaches us that one can get salvation while leading a normal social life. Sikhs are advised to work hard, share and care and to remember the God Almighty. It exhorts us to speak out against injustice and to protect the poor and the indigent against oppression. The pragmatic philosophy of Sikhism condones the use of force in self defence. Our tenth Master Shri Guru Gobind Singh stated, “When all other means of redressing an evil have tailed raising of sword is pious and just.” The immortal institutions of Miri and Piri as established by Guru Hargobind Singh .li correspond to Akal Takhat, the highest seat of temporal authority pod Harrpandis Sahib, the highest scat O~ spiritual authority of Sikhism respectively. Sikhism’s doctrine of speaking against injustice has brought the Sikhs in direct confrontation with the ruling. Authorities of India. The ruling Congress Party whole heartedly supported the Sikh struggle which was launched even from religious platforms for India’s independence against the British rule, When the Sikhs started their present agitation against gross human rights violations and injustice done to the Sikhs by the Indian Government, the cries of* separation of church and state started Jo rent the sky.
In U.S.A. quite often question is raised regarding the wisdom of discussion of Sikh political events in Gurdwara premises. There is no denying the fact that there have been unpleasant incidents at Gurdwaras which would make any descent Sikh to hang his head in shame, Just as it is not prudent to stop using electric power when it becomes the cause of an accidental in house fire, castle tage of Sikh gatherings for the pious, social and political well tans of the community. All we need are the stringent safeguards to avoid untoward incidents, After all, without political power religious persecution would continue and the religion could only go so for. Every Sikh ought to remember the message of our tenth Master, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. “Raj bina na dharm chale hai, Dharm bina sab dale male hai.
Koi kisi ko raj na deh hai, Jo Ieh hai niz bal se leh hai.”
Dr. Mohinder S Poonia
Fresno, CA.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 16, 1994
