Before shutting myself from Facebook for the indefinite period, I like to share with you the speech I gave to an Interfaith Group last Sunday. I must thank my wife Raju, my son Shaan, and many of our Saldef, Score, United Sikhs volunteers, Dr. Rajwant Singh. Valarie Kaur, Simran Jeet Singh, and many more, whose information I used in this speech. The speech was well received and we made many more friends.in all communities and many county political representatives... Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! 1. Respected Tanveer Zafar, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Woodbridge, and honorable guests, I thank you for inviting me to be a part of this Nobel cause. 2. I am Manjit Singh Taneja. I am a Sikh, having a most unique identity, that can be recognized from distance. 3. My main intent of being here is to enhance your awareness regarding who we sikhs are and where this religion Sikhism comes from…The word Sikh means a student, a disciple, or a seeker of Truth. 4. Our religion Sikhism is fairly new. It evolved from the teachings of Guru Nanak, our founder. 5. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in India (this place is now in Pakistan). 6. Guru Nanak was born in a Hindu family. At a very early age he observed the society in general had many human issues: • He noticed rreligious divisions, social divisions, inequality, and rigidity as obstacles to the Divine. • Society was brimming with hypocrisy and superstitions, intolerance, and caste system • Women were not respected and had virtually no decision making role in society • And this all in the name of God. 7. When I describe our Guru, Guru Nanak, I have to ponder. I have to think hard how I should describe his character. Should I describe the character of Guru Nanak - revolutionary, prophet, equal rights advocate, visionary, and so on. Yet I feel labels fail to account for who he was as a person and the impact that he had - and that he continues to have - on the world around him. 8 The best way to know Guru Nanak is to explore his teachings, both through the devotional poetry that he personally composed and through the early accounts of his life that remain with us to this day. 9. From my childhood experience, some of my favorite memories about Guru Nanak come from the earlier moments in his life. In one instance, Young Nanaks father gives him money and sends him to town, telling him to invest in the best business that he can find. Young Nanak walks toward town, and on his way he comes across a group of religious devotees who are poor and hungry. Guru Nanak stops to talk with them, and upon learning about their situation, he takes out the money that his father had given him and he donates it to the group. 10. When Young Nanak returns home, his father asks him about his trip and how he invested the money. Guru Nanak explains earnestly that he had found the investment of a lifetime: Father, you asked me to invest in a worthwhile business, a sacha sauda, (an honest trait) he said. What better investment is there than serving the needy & devout? 11. I love this account from Guru Nanaks life because it illustrates the clarity of his worldview from a young age: his commitment to serving the world around him, especially the less fortunate; his recognition that all people, whatever their social background, are equal and deserving of respect and opportunities; his willingness and ability to challenge social norms; and his focus on building healthier and stronger communities. These outlooks are basic to who Guru Nanak was as a person, and Sikh Americans cherish these values to this day. 12. Guru Nanak wished to change this from his very early age. He started sharing his ideas, philosophy, and vision where ever he went. 13. Guru Nanak traveled around Asia and the Middle East engaging the people he met about questions of God, religion, injustice and love, while singing his devotional poetry, accompanied by a Muslim musician, Bhai Mardana. To add to this, Hari das ji was a disciple of Bhai Mardana and the legendry world renowned musician Tansen was Hari Das’s disciple. 14. Guru Nanak professed that the Divine Force resides equally within all people, and therefore we all ought to treat one another as the divine beings that we are. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, explained that the world we humans create around ourselves is a reflection of our own inner state. So as we look around to our wasteful and polluting practices, we obtain an insight into the chaos within us. 15. He first uttered the word Ek-Onkar envisioning that there is only One Universal Creator of us all and of everything around us. 16. He brought a clear message of love and equality to his disciples, the Sikhs, and preached them to: • Naam Jappo - Always remember the creator God (Akaal Purkh) • Kirat Karo - Always live a honest life and earn a just living and • Vand – Chakko -Always share your blessings with other less fortunate ones. 17. These principles became the FOUNDATION of Sikhism. 18. Thus, Sikhism portrays a rich history and a compelling message of generosity, honor, equality, diversity, and social justice. 19. We believe in one God that is omnipresent. 20. You can only feel that presence by being God’s true followers. 21. A true follower is a person who is good to oneself and good to others, who shares his/her riches be it money, knowledge, or whatever else, with needy ones, and who has no fear and no enemy. 22. We believe in consensus making. This allows you to make more friends. Meaning less enemies. Remember an enemy generally occupies more space in brain than a well-wisher in the heart. ------ So, please ------ let us protect our brains and open up our hearts. 23. Therefore, according to the Sikh worldview, there is absolutely no room for discrimination, whether on the basis of profession, gender, religion, or any other social distinction. 24. We Sikhs draw our inspiration from our Holy Book , we call Guru Granth Sahib. 25. The word Guru means a lot to us. Guru means a teacher. 26. The one who shows us the path, the one who guides us, coaches us, and mentors us to become better persons, so we in turn can make our communities a better place. 27. The guru is the light that dispels dark for us. But still remember, it is us – yes us - who have to actually walk the walk and talk the talk. 28. This is how Sikhism as a religion evolved. 29. Sikhism, today is world’s 5th largest religion, after Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism 30. There are about 26 million Sikhs worldwide • 20 million in India • 1 million in North America • 5 millions in the rest of the World 31. 99 % of the people wearing TURBANS in America are Sikhs 32. Guru Nanak passed on his enlightened leadership of this new religion to nine successive Gurus. 32. Through the teachings of our Gurus Sikhs tenets were firmed up, such as: So our religios TENETS are: • There is One God for all of creation, a loving Creator attainable through the Grace • Goal is to be one with god • Selfless service towards the entire Creation • Truth, fearless, non-hateful spirit are important in attaining salvation • Absolute equality of humanity • Defenders of social and spiritual justice • Living a moral, truthful and hardworking existence • Humility and loving action • Defending the rights of the downtrodden and oppressed 33. Sikh Identity During the spring of 1699, our last human guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, our last human Guru called his followers for a special gathering. Symbolized a revitalization of the Sikh identity and the evolution of the Sikh community into saint-soldiers. After initiating the five beloved ones into the new order of the Khalsa, the Guru knelt before them and requested that they initiate him. Gave the names Singh (“Lion”) to men and Kaur (“Princess”) to women. Khalsa Sikhs identified with the 5 K’s. 34. 5 K’s – mandatory articles of faith Kesh - Uncut hair: Sikhs do not cut hair or beards to remain in the image that God gave us. Kachera - Under-shorts (boxers) to represent modesty and fidelity (virtuous character) Kanga - Comb, made of wood - to keep uncut hair neat and clean. Kara - Bracelet, made of steel worn on right hand –a reminder of noble actions, a symbol of eternity. Kirpan - Ceremonial small blunt knife symbolizing freedom, liberty and justice. 35. Turban was another Gift of the Guru. You should wear a turban as part of your identity as a Sikh 36. SIKH SCRIPTURES Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru declared Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru and ultimate spiritual authority for the Sikhs. 37. Guru Granth Sahib is purely monotheistic (Mano Esthe tic) There are 1430 pages It includes The Gurus’ Experience of the Divine Also included are few hymns from Hindu and Muslim saints who believed in ONE God The main teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib are cultivating a real personal devotion to God, fostering compassion and service for people who are poor or suffering, and promoting equality and seeking harmony among all human beings The central theme of the Guru Granth Sahib is concerned with the creation of a just social order and the commitment to social and gender equality and peaceful coexistence 38. Sikhs respect all religions. Guru Nanak said if you are a Hindu, be the best Hindu you can be, if you are a Muslim be the best Muslim you can be. Our respect for all religions is demonstrated by many of our actions. Indeed, the first brick for the Golden Temple was laid out by a Muslim fakir. 39. The Sikh religious service follows the traditions started by the 1st Guru to promote equality and alleviate suffering. It has 3 components: 1. Sangat: Community prayer through readings from the Guru Granth Sahib and singing of hymns (Kirtan). 2. Pangat: A sense of equality with everyone seated on the ground - at the same level. (In prayer haal) 3. Langar: Community vegetarian meal for all. (In Langar Hall) 40. GURDWARA (SIKH TEMPLE) SERVICES In Prayer Haall, we perform Kirtan: Part of Sikh Worship. Hymns from our holy book are sung often accompanied by musical instruments such as a Harmonium and a Tabla. Sermon: A sermon, a talk or a Katha is usually based on teachings in Guru Granth Sahib, life-stories of the Gurus or to elaborate important issues related to Sikh spirituality and Sikh History. Ardas: The congregation stands with folded hands facing Guru Granth Sahib for prayer (Ardas). It is a prayerful request to the Almighty (Akaal Purkh) for acceptance in His presence and for His varied Blessings. Hukum Nama: After the prayer and Ardas The Granth Sahib is opened at a random page and a Hymn that starts at the top of the left page is read. This Hymn is the Guru’s order for the day. Then, In Langar Hall: After the services the congregation is offered a meal. It is wholesome vegetarian meal that all Sangat partakes in equal status without regard to cast, creed, or religious affiliations. 41. Protocol to be observed in the Gurdwara: Heads covered Shoes removed Sit on floor All are WELCOME 42. Practical aspects of Sikhism: The key is to pass good values to our children and to those whom we coach, mentor, and educate. 43. Yes, we try to take our children to Gurdwara from a very early age so they can observe and develop a feeling of religion, selfless service, equality, and diversity. We also tell our children all the good things about our religion. At their tender age, most children will respect whatever parents tell them if there is love and harmony is the house. So, as a starting points all parents have to work hard to insure harmony, peace, and love in the four walls of their house. 44. Remember, at the end of the day, children have their own minds and they are going to lead their lives the way they deem fit. This is where their accumulated knowledge they have acquired from us is going to make them who they really are. If we have instilled good values in them, it will take them far and keep them on the right path. 45. I must say, I am never tired of constantly reminding my children and also my students (though they may be tired of listening it, but I am never ever tired to repeat). I feel what I tell them helps them in many ways to lead the everyday life. -And that is, experience is not found in books. -We accumulate it through our intimate and spontaneous responses to our everyday challenges. -So, I tell them, whatever we do,----- be it studies at the college, working at a job, serving the country, helping a friend or a stranger, serving at the church----- we got to do it with full passion, commitment, integrity, and accountability. Watch each decision you make (small or big). Never forget, we are product of our everyday decisions. That’s what defines us. -And - we must never fear the outcome. Think about the benefit that success will bring. Never ever – let the fear of failure stop you from doing the right thing -Believe in yourself. Your discipline, good planning and honest efforts will constantly help you to learn from mistakes. -As I mentioned in consensus building earlier, that happens only if we leave our ego at home and be willing to see from others’ eyes and others’ perspective. -This is how we grow -It helps us to strengthen our character which in turn enhances our integrity. Our integrity is the most valuable asset in life. Accumulate as much of it as possible. -Always think of your mind as a treasure chest where you store these values and knowledge you have accumulated and the experiences you have gained. -I caution them, our brain should never – should never - become a junk yard to store anger, hatred, or jealousy; it is to store love, happiness, sweet memories, and ideas that produce growth, harmony, and progress. -Harmony is the best attribute to remember… -Show love and respect for all. Regardless of our differences, remember there is only one common bond that ties us all and that is the bond of respect. We are all one community. More connected we are, stronger we become. - Therefore, more love you spread more well-wishers you gather. - These well-wishers become, just like beautiful street lamps. True, they don’t shorten your distance however, they do ----- lighten your path------ and make the journey easier. 46. I further remind them, how Guru Nanaks life provides a model for how to live with inspiration and integrity, how to earn an honest living, and how to share the privileges we enjoy with others. His example also teaches us to lead a balanced life and to mold ourselves as saint-soldiers -- people who are spiritually devoted and, at the same time, committed to serving their communities. 47. Before coming here, I thought to myself, what do I want to achieve here. The first thing was to learn more about your religion, your values, and to meet all of you. I the also thought, I would like to enhance your awareness also about who we Sikhs are, how Sikhism as a religion evolved and continues to propagate, and what values we Sikhs carry and strive to impart to our children. 48. As I said, Sikhism respects all religions based on good values that make this world a better place in an honest way. Sikhism also believes that there are many paths to God. Anyone can achieve salvation irrespective of the religion that they follow if they endear God in their heart and daily actions 46. In my closing, I would like to say Let us all continue in this universal brotherhood Let us believe in and practice values that enhance love and bonding among all human beings Let us be the pillars of the new society where there will be And we all – Give relevance to the Almighty rather than religion Have the understanding we are all children of the same Almighty. Whom we ask for forgiveness all the time We pray to Him to strengthen us so much that we all are members of the same ONE community. So one day, the terms such as Diversity and Equality will not be needed for the same context as they are needed now... – 47. THIS will definitely happen with such Interfaith gatherings. So, we must strongly promote such interfaith diversity 48. As Guru nank says, One who engages in inspired-service is the best kind of servant and human being. The Divine is infused in everything - water, land, and sky. We are not as good as we can be, and no one is bad - all are equal. Nanak submits: The Divine is All-Powerful. - Guru Granth Sahib, p. 728 Thank you very much and I invite all of you to please vist any Sikh Gurdwara. Just like your beautiful places of worship, our Gurdwaras are also open to all without any restrictions or conditions. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 03:49:07 +0000
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