Sikhism vs. NIMBY-ism

What do you think of when you see a darker skinned person wearing a turban? 

     (Right) Sikh in front of the Amriksar, the sacred golden templecontains Guru Granth Sahib.   (Left) Swamin Vivekananda was a major figure in the  history of the Hindu reform movements. 

Father, Best Friend, Teacher. . .Peace, Spirituality, Equality, Love? . . .Or something else?  After September 11^th, 2001, people were grouped into a massive stereotyped-class of “them” based on how they looked; Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, etc. because many "us" don't know the difference.  I didn’t know the difference. . .it was just a guy wearing a turban; possibly a funny guy, nice guy or maybe an a**hole, who knows?  Although spiritual traditions like Christianity, Islam and Judaism are summarized as Abrahamic religions, I honestly didn’t know very much about Islam nor Dharmic (Indian) religions, except for Muslims and what I hear on the news in regards to different sects.  I find it interesting how many people, especially living in rural-small communities, don’t know or don’t care to know about the world they live in; if it doesn’t relate to them. . .who cares.  This is one of the concepts of NIMBY-ism or better yet, the ironic, “What we don’t know can’t hurt us.” 

Finding myself not wanting to become a hypocrite I went to the last presentation for the “Focus on Identity” month.  An excellent forum hosted by Terry Robertson with the CSU Chico Diversity organization, which included a PowerPoint titled, “The Sikh Experience in the US” presented by Professor of Eastern Religious Studies, Dr. Dan Veidlinger and CSUC student Rajeir.  Although their presentation was extremely informative and educational, I felt an hour long discussion didn’t do them justice.  It was Sikhism in a nutshell; which for the most part will pacify many.  Several in the room will now “know” a Sikh when they see one.  ???  I felt compelled to do more research and found myself spending several hours on the internet researching not only religions of Islam but other religious organizations such as Deism.  I came across a site where you can actually take a test to find out what religion matches your beliefs. 

http://www.speakout.com/ActivismTools/selectors/religion/      

For the most part, the forum offered a brief history lesson on Guru Nanak who founded Sikhism in 1499, after the Mughal Empire and the Muslim Empire feuded between religions (Hindu and Muslim).  Deciding to appease both faiths, Nanak created Sikhism, which is based upon similarities found in each of the teachings.   Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root sisya meaning "disciple" or "learner", or siksa meaning "instruction.”  The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in Vahiguru—represented using the sacred symbol of ek oankar, the Universal God.

                                  Ek Oankar

The origins of Sikhism lie in the teachings of Nanuk and his successors.  His life and teachings challenged many of the religious beliefs and practices of his time.  Dr. Veidlinger even suggests that Sikhism could be arguably the first religion to represent post modernist ideals. The essence of Sikh teaching is summed up by Nanak in these words: "Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living".  Sikhism believes in equality of all humans and rejects caste system, including the no segregation of sexes. The living of life while carrying on the responsibilities of worldly life, and not withdrawing from it, is encouraged. For Sikhs, initiation into the Khalsa strengthens their identity and also signifies the Sikh teaching of equality.  There are five signs/symbols representing Khalsa and therefore the identity of a Sikh: 1) Kara- Steel Bracelet, 2) Kangha- Comb, 3) Kes – Uncut Hair (not the wearing of a turban but the act of not cutting ones hair), 4) Kirpan – Sword (symbolizes their willingness to defend their religion), 5) Kaccha – white cotton shorts to be worn as undergarments. 

                              Khalsa items; Kara, Kangha & Kirpan

Since Nanak there have been ten Gurus.  The tenth and final Guru in Sikh tradition was Guru Gobind Sing (1666-1708).  He affirmed, their sacred scriptures, the Adi Granth, to be his successor and the eternal Guru of the Khalsa Panth..  Thus terminating the line of human Gurus and elevating the text to Guru Granth Sahib.  Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctively associated with the history, society and culture of the Punjab. Most Sikhs live in the state of Punjab in India and, prior to the country's partition, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now known as the Punjab province of Pakistan but there are over 23 million across the world.

It is safe to say the world is full of interesting and beautiful people and one could spend a lifetime trying to learn all of her secrets.  I’m trying everyday to learn about the world I live in and respectfully gain insights that I hope to share, inspire and encourage others to do the same.  We live in a very busy society and it is increasingly easier to just focus on the simplicity of our personal lives and communities.  If everyone lived with the mantra; Not In My Back Yard, we’d segregate in order to battle between “mine” and “yours.”  But the world is not mine or yours. . .it’s ours. . .

and what we don’t know about each other can, will and have hurt us.