Ans. The questions asked by the Hajis and the answers given by Guru Nanak were as follows: 1.Q. What do you consider asceticism? Ans. Assumption of ultimate humility is the real asceticism. 2.Q. What is the ultimate limit of asceticism? Ans. To believe that only God’s Name is going to last, is the ultimate limit […]
Ans. The (Sikh) Gurus and Bhagats have described the contents of the Vedas as exaggeration, doubt, business-like and confined mainly to the discussion on good actions and sins. The Vedas emphasize on worship, which does not equal to meditation on the Name Divine: ਪੂਜਸਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਅਮੋਲ॥ (SGGS, P. 265) According to
Q. 80. Why is it a great mistake to call Guru Granth Sahib, another ‘Ved’? Read More »
Ans. Gita is not a separate book by itself. It is a part of the Hindu epic “Maha Bhaarat” in which Dhritrashtra, the Kairav king, has asked questions (regarding the battle between his sons and their cousins, the Pandavas); and Sanjay, who is said to have the capability to know what was happening in the
Q. 79. Why has ‘Gita’ not been mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib? Read More »
Ans. Every one has, from time to time, occasions of joy and happiness or is embarking on an important project; for example, the purchase of a new house and occupying it; starting a new business; sending a child to school; turban tying ceremony of ones son, etc. On all such happy occasions a Sikh should
Q.72. What does “Gurmat” (Sikh code) say about starting any significant project? Read More »
Ans. According to Gurmat (Sikh tenets) these five should be controlled and utilized in moderation rather than harbouring hatred towards them and uprooting them. Stress is laid on detachment (bairaag) rather that giving up (tiaag). Gurmat accepts those who annulled their worldly attachment: ਅੰਦਰਹੁ ਜਿਨ ਕਾ ਮੋਹੁ ਤੁਟਾ (SGGS, P. 917) One has to dam
Ans. Bhagat Kabir says: ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਨਸ ਜਨਮੁ ਦੁਲੰਭੁ ਹੈ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਬਾਰੈ ਬਾਰ॥ (SGGS, P. 1366) Kabir: human birth is hard to attain, it does not occur again and again”. This is why the Gurus’ directive is that we should not waste the (counted number of breaths that the Creator has bestowed upon us.When the
Ans. The responsibility of introducing all the complications, hypocrisies, frauds, meaningless rituals and customs in (Hindu) religion falls solely on Brahmins. The great Gurus came to relieve us from the load of meaningless rituals prescribed by Atharv Veda’, to snap our bonds of slavery to these, self serving frauds (Brahmins), and making us free. That
Q. 68. Why (has Sikhism) so strongly condemned the Brahminical way of life? Read More »
Ans. Guru Nanak has strongly condemned the working of miracles. According to him to show (work) a miracle is a curse. The third Master, Guru Amar Das, has called it attachment (to Maaya): ਰਿਧਿ ਸਿਧਿ ਸਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਹੈ “The pursuit of occult powers is attachment to Maaya”. When the Sidhas (yogis) asked Guru Nanak to
Q.67. What is the place of miracles in Sikh religion? Read More »
Ans. Sikh religion does not recognize any ritualistic procedures. The details of mantras (formulas) for various rituals together with their performing procedures are given in a part of Rig Veda known as ‘Atre Brahmin’. These are supposed to be used to defeat the enemy or to acquire occult powers. The votaries of ritualistic procedures believe
Q. 66. Does ritualism have any place in Sikhism? Read More »
Ans. The fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan Dev said: ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਕੈ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਜਿ ਹੋਇ ਬਿਤੀਤੈ ਸੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ॥ (SGGS, P. 373) “Nanak tells whatever happens at the portal of God”. One can easily infer and, consequently, firmly believe that the founding Gurus of Sikhism have not borrowed any thing, in terms of philosophy, from anywhere
Q.64. How is Sikhism an independent, sovereign religion? Read More »
