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illykitty

RF's pet cat
On being a Sikh? I'm not sure what to do. I've been reading the Granth Sahib, but I'm not sure on what to start applying in my daily life. I wish there was a manual step by step guide on being a Sikh. :p

I also went to a Gurdwara once but didn't go again. It's not really that I felt uncomfortable with the building or people but I'm uncomfortable with the language barrier. A lot of people there seemed to be Punjabi and I'm not sure if I'd fit in. I'm a very shy and not so brave person. I lack courage and assertion.

I don't know what to do but Sikhism has been the religion that has touched me the most and I agree with it the most.
 

Breathe

Hostis humani generis
Read the Guru Granth Sahib, of course; I can't stress this enough.

Additionally:

  • Meditate and sing your praises to the Lord. Many Sikhs wake up very early (3AM to 6AM) to meditate early in the day, before the stresses of life begin (this is more common than one would think within Dharmic faiths!). Others do it a bit later, like 7:00AM or 7:30AM.
  • Do good deeds, without expecting something back: to service people is to service God.
  • Give to charity.
  • Try to replace the five thieves (egotism, lust, anger, greediness, and attachment) with the five virtues (truth, humility, contentment, compassion, and love).
  • Earn your keep through honest, non-exploitive living: as long as it doesn't harm others, it isn't a form of begging, and it doesn't violate the principles of Sikhism (for example, working in a pub serving drinks, or in a gambling group), then it should be fine.
  • Avoid intoxicants (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, etc). Meat, if you eat it (it's arguable within the Sikh community) is okay as long as it's not halal or kosher meat (meat butchered in the name of a God is prohibited and is seen as superstitious).
  • Speaking of superstitions, avoid them: avoid pilgrimages, icon worship, and chanting of things that you do not understand.
  • And finally, remember that people can do things wrong and practise wrongly: rich, poor, black, white, Punjabi, British, "high caste", "low caste", "without caste", Spanish-speaking, Greek-speaking -- all are equal in the eyes of the Lord, even though you may encounter one or two individuals who forget (or disagree) within the community, they're wrong. :D

I would definitely emphasise community, though. As a Caucasian I do understand that there is a big language barrier. However, there won't be a barrier with the younger individuals, so try going on a Sunday when everyone gets together. Try to go when you can. Weekly would be best, but try to go at least once a month so you become more widely seen, as people may be more nervous about you than you are of them (initially). Your lack of Punjabi roots may (and for some, probably will) be a minor obstacle at first, but you will soon be accepted.

Finally, keep at it. :D
 

GURSIKH

chardi kla
I don't know what to do but Sikhism has been the religion that has touched me the most and I agree with it the most.

:p just go for deal

[SIZE=+1]Mėhlā 2.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Second Mehl:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Raṯnā kerī guthlī raṯnī kẖolī ā▫e.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]The Jeweler has come, and opened up the bag of jewels.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]vakẖar ṯai vaṇjāri▫ā ḏuhā rahī samā▫e.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]The merchandise and the merchant are merged together.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Jin guṇ palai nānkā māṇak vaṇjahi se▫e.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]They alone purchase the gem, O Nanak, who have virtue in their purse.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Raṯnā sār na jāṇnī anḏẖe vaṯėh lo▫e. ||2||[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Those who do not appreciate the value of the jewels, wander like blind men in the world. ||2||[/SIZE]
 

GURSIKH

chardi kla
On being a Sikh? I'm not sure what to do. I've been reading the Granth Sahib, but I'm not sure on what to start applying in my daily life. I wish there was a manual step by step guide on being a Sikh. :p

I also went to a Gurdwara once but didn't go again. It's not really that I felt uncomfortable with the building or people but I'm uncomfortable with the language barrier. A lot of people there seemed to be Punjabi and I'm not sure if I'd fit in. I'm a very shy and not so brave person. I lack courage and assertion.

You talked to anyone there in Gurdwara ?
 

illykitty

RF's pet cat
Yeah to the man "in charge" of it. He showed us around and told us about the Gurus and some of Sikhs' accomplishments and courage in various historical events. He talked about the langar too and offered us to eat. I only asked for tea but he brought also some delicious Punjab sweets too.

He was a very welcoming man and very nice too! In fact everyone there was nice, so it's my own failure that I'm not returning. I need to get over this barrier and shyness.
 

Onkara

Well-Known Member
Hi Illy
I have been to some Gurdwara in the UK, in Southall, London. In one a young lad helped me put the head cover on and people were very friendly, some took great joy in my bowing to enter as I copied him. In another I wanted to talk to the man "in charge" but his English was poor so he called his 7 year old son in to translate! He gave me a copy of the Japji Sahib which I still read. :) My point is that a little curiosity can result in a warm welcome and I encourage anyone to explore further :)
 

Jassa

New Member
I think before converting to Sikhism it is vital that I acquaint myself with the Sikh community. After reading the discussion above it's prompted me to visit a local Gurdwara. Unfortunately, I'm fairly nescient of conventional protocol when visiting a Gurdwara, I presume there are expectations I must meet before being legible to visit. I wish to avoid causing any displeasure upon my arrival. So could you guys tell me the requirements, and the general code of conduct when visiting a Gurdwara? :D
 

Breathe

Hostis humani generis
I think before converting to Sikhism it is vital that I acquaint myself with the Sikh community. After reading the discussion above it's prompted me to visit a local Gurdwara. Unfortunately, I'm fairly nescient of conventional protocol when visiting a Gurdwara, I presume there are expectations I must meet before being legible to visit. I wish to avoid causing any displeasure upon my arrival. So could you guys tell me the requirements, and the general code of conduct when visiting a Gurdwara? :D

  • Take off your shoes
  • Cover your head
  • Wash your hands and/or face if necessary
  • Enter the room where SGGS is being read
  • Prostrate to it as a mark of respect
  • Give a donation (doesn't have to be a lot)
  • Sit and listen. Sit on the floor (chairs are for the infirm).
  • Try to avoid turning your back on it when leaving. You don't have to worry too much about it but it does make a good impression.

Don't take in meat, alcohol, tobacco, etc.

Some may be surprised, but you will be welcome. All are welcome.

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Visiting_a_Gurdwara


Then go and eat in the langar. :)
 

Gurtej

Member
Here you go.
1. Well many scholars have made it simpler to see the step by step enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. You have to remember the 3 golden principles

Naam Japna
Meditation. The Sikh tradition has been to repeat God's/Guru's name out loud, whilst focusing on the sound. Hold His image in your mind, let yourself be completely immersed in remembrance of God/Guru. All senses focused towards Him.

Vand Chhakna
Consume what you have shared. Simple enough. Share your possessions with others, knowledge, materials, food, goals, desires, spirituality, etc.

Sachi Kirat Karni
Righteous action. Is also honest action. To speak the truth and hold on to it as your only support. To know what is right and wrong in a given situation, and act upon it without losing focus.

These are the basics, and they cannot be stressed enough.

2. If you want to go further, you might also want to start noticing in yourself (in addition to practicing the above): greed (accumulation of materials and concepts), attachment (to material objects and to concepts), lust (sexual desires towards mental images, fantasizing), anger (also resentment, irritation, jealousy) and pride (your sense of self, attachment to an identity as the Doer of things). Try to watch them like how a cat watches a mouse hole.

What to cultivate? Love, compassion, kindness, generosity, servitude, surrender, clarity, honesty, decisiveness, devotion, dettachment, patience, steadiness, peace, openness, acceptance, alertness, reverence. Know what these words mean as feelings, as states in yourself first! then work to cultivate them. Accumulate only this wealth, no one take it away from you. No one can take away your compassion and acceptance!

3. Even more advanced still. Remember this is in addition to the above two steps.
Recognize that all phenomenon of life is impermanent. Whatever comes, goes, what is born, dies eventually. Know this like the back of your hand, intuitively, not as some form of knowledge. This links back to step 1 and 2. E.g. The acceptance of impermanence. Being steady when faced with death.

Recognize that only the Seer is permanent. Cultivate this understanding. As a practice, ask yourself "who is watching everything happen around me?" This is the Seer. Root yourself in the Seer. You can draw forth reserves of vital energy, patience, compassion, etc all those things we talked about cultivating, from the Seer. The Seer is the source of everything!


4. Final Step
So in addition to the above, recognize the Seer to be inseparable from the observed phenomenon. See it all as one. See yourself in your environment and see your environment reflected in you. In other words, see God and God alone. This will maximize the steps 1,2 and 3! You will be full with love, will do 24/7 Naam japna, etc.

Act in the world, with the understanding from Step 3 and 4.

You can access all steps right here and now but to have them activated in your life constantly you need to work through and solidify them, starting from step 1. For step 2, you need a solid step 1. For step 3, you need solid step 1 and 2 and so on. This is the only reason why they are in steps, otherwise they are all accessible at any time. It's all about building a solid base! and those are the steps to it.

Just work at it, slow and steady wins the race, meaning it requires patience, persistence and steadiness of the mind.
 

Jassa

New Member
Excellent reply Odion! :)

Well, I'm preparing for my first visit to the Gurdwara, and I'll hope to inform you guys on how it went. Before attending though, I am compelled to give up an old habit of mine: smoking. It's gonna be difficult. Fingers crossed I don't wimp out. )(
Wish me luck!
 

Gurtej

Member
Dear jassa g,

When you are in gurudrwara , u won't regret giving up smoking ..just sitting there gives u peace of mind
 

Jassa

New Member
Dear jassa g,

When you are in gurudrwara , u won't regret giving up smoking ..just sitting there gives u peace of mind

Really appreciate the reassurance. I find the Guru's hymns very soothing; reflecting upon the intent pierces the soul.

In particular, I enjoy listening to Snatam Kaur's voice. Truly beyond description, brother. :)
 

GURSIKH

chardi kla
Yeah to the man "in charge" of it. He showed us around and told us about the Gurus and some of Sikhs' accomplishments and courage in various historical events. He talked about the langar too and offered us to eat. I only asked for tea but he brought also some delicious Punjab sweets too.

He was a very welcoming man and very nice too! In fact everyone there was nice, so it's my own failure that I'm not returning. I need to get over this barrier and shyness.

Wow delicious Punjab sweets :drool:. where is this Gurudwara ....:p
 
Last edited:

Maija

Active Member
I usually hang out in the Hindu forum but i can tell you ill be looking online for that Holy Sikh text, will get the name again later. What a beautiful religion you are sharing :)
 

illykitty

RF's pet cat
Wow delicious Punjab sweets :drool:. where is this Gurudwara ....:p

Sorry about the late reply, didn't see this! It's in Leamington Spa, UK. Very grand building, nice inside and out. Plenty of space for a lot of people. It's quite surprising to see something like this in the town.

But yes... They were good. I still think about how tasty it was! :eat:
 

Gurtej

Member
Some basics for sikhism way of life :

1. Well many scholars have made it simpler to see the step by step enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. You have to remember the 3 golden principles

Naam Japna
Meditation. The Sikh tradition has been to repeat God's/Guru's name out loud, whilst focusing on the sound. Hold His image in your mind, let yourself be completely immersed in remembrance of God/Guru. All senses focused towards Him.

Vand Chhakna
Consume what you have shared. Simple enough. Share your possessions with others, knowledge, materials, food, goals, desires, spirituality, etc.

Sachi Kirat Karni
Righteous action. Is also honest action. To speak the truth and hold on to it as your only support. To know what is right and wrong in a given situation, and act upon it without losing focus.

These are the basics, and they cannot be stressed enough.

2. If you want to go further, you might also want to start noticing in yourself (in addition to practicing the above): greed (accumulation of materials and concepts), attachment (to material objects and to concepts), lust (sexual desires towards mental images, fantasizing), anger (also resentment, irritation, jealousy) and pride (your sense of self, attachment to an identity as the Doer of things). Try to watch them like how a cat watches a mouse hole.

What to cultivate? Love, compassion, kindness, generosity, servitude, surrender, clarity, honesty, decisiveness, devotion, dettachment, patience, steadiness, peace, openness, acceptance, alertness, reverence. Know what these words mean as feelings, as states in yourself first! then work to cultivate them. Accumulate only this wealth, no one take it away from you. No one can take away your compassion and acceptance!

3. Even more advanced still. Remember this is in addition to the above two steps.
Recognize that all phenomenon of life is impermanent. Whatever comes, goes, what is born, dies eventually. Know this like the back of your hand, intuitively, not as some form of knowledge. This links back to step 1 and 2. E.g. The acceptance of impermanence. Being steady when faced with death.

Recognize that only the Seer is permanent. Cultivate this understanding. As a practice, ask yourself "who is watching everything happen around me?" This is the Seer. Root yourself in the Seer. You can draw forth reserves of vital energy, patience, compassion, etc all those things we talked about cultivating, from the Seer. The Seer is the source of everything!


4. Final Step
So in addition to the above, recognize the Seer to be inseparable from the observed phenomenon. See it all as one. See yourself in your environment and see your environment reflected in you. In other words, see God and God alone. This will maximize the steps 1,2 and 3! You will be full with love, will do 24/7 Naam japna, etc.

Act in the world, with the understanding from Step 3 and 4.

You can access all steps right here and now but to have them activated in your life constantly you need to work through and solidify them, starting from step 1. For step 2, you need a solid step 1. For step 3, you need solid step 1 and 2 and so on. This is the only reason why they are in steps, otherwise they are all accessible at any time. It's all about building a solid base! and those are the steps to it.

Just work at it, slow and steady wins the race, meaning it requires patience, persistence and steadiness of the mind.

This was shared by a very knowledgable sikh.

I purposely didn't mention the 5 'k as they in my mind should be the last step after u truly understand sikhi. Majority of non sikhs have no idea about their significance and it becomes hard to digest.
 

GURSIKH

chardi kla
Sorry about the late reply, didn't see this! It's in Leamington Spa, UK. Very grand building, nice inside and out. Plenty of space for a lot of people. It's quite surprising to see something like this in the town.

But yes... They were good. I still think about how tasty it was! :eat:

Ya Gurudwara really seems Grand and Calm from Pic.
4334041069_402a894698.jpg
 
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