Truth over-rides rituals in deliverance

Sikhism should be seen through the categories of social sciences so that its message is brought out in the full light of history from the well of obscurantism.

The Sikh creed holds the promise of largest acceptance, not only in India, but the world at large. But this is possible only when it canons are reinterpreted with tools of the modern social sciences.

Guru Nanak explained the matter in a very concise and loving way. When the people were worshipping, he asked them, “What is the meaning of worship if you haven’t become either a saint or a soldier?”

He said the purpose of worship was to give people the power to defend their honour.

Sikhs are persuaded not to run away from righteous action.

Incation on the face of coercion, tyranny, exploitation is not commended. While one must accept the bhana or God’s will, one must resist and work for removal of injustice, discrimination and exploitation of the weak and the under privileged.

In fact, Sikhs pray to God to grant them the courage and fortitude not to shy away from righteous action.

When the question was raised how a deeper understanding can be achieved in a plural society, Guru Nanak provided the answer.

He used music as the main mode of communication. Every dialogue and sermon begins with a melodious hymn. ‘Shabda’ represents spiritual energy. ‘Sat Naam’ is the refrain that pulsates with the rhythm of our heartbeat.

The first step towards Harmony is accepting the plurality of faiths, in God’s multitudinous world, as well as the validity of belief systems other than one’s own.

The Guru Granth says, “Countless millions worship thee, O God; some through the Vedas, others through Semitic scriptures.”

Guru Arjun invited the contemporary Sufi Saint Hazrat Mian Mir to witness the foundation of the Harimandir Sahib at Amritsar.

In the universal vocabulary of love, Guru Granth Sahib tells Muslims: “You owe it to Allah to practice the Quran’s message of peace and compassion in your daily life.”

It asks the Hindu not to determine caste superiority by the accident of birth but by the nobility of moral conduct.

It tells the Pundit to discipline his own mind before preaching to others.

Said Rabindranath Tagore: “There is a Divine purpose in the diversity of languages, religions and cultures which are founded in Indian life. India’s salvation rests on the unity not the uniformity of her diverse people.”