Apart from that I wish everyone a happy new year! Why not check out this video of some great veechar that was done on new years eve...
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Dass was fortunate enough to spend new years eve with Bhai Manvir Singh and other Gursikhs. After the programme we went to a local family's house to do some Simran and Amritvela. After the Simran and Bani, Bhai Manvir Singh told us his story of how he got into Sikhi, and some other stuff.
During the whole time, I couldn't help but think how strong Bhai Sahib was with his Sikhi principles. He said some things which just made me think "Omg I can't believe he just said that!".
Then it made me think more. Is that only because we have become too relaxed or even ashamed in our principles/beliefs?
Every time someone (usually family or at work) trys to purposely start an argument about Sikhi or an aspect of Rehat or something, we stay quiet and just hope that they shut up. What use is there in arguing with people when neither side will change their mindset or opinions at the end?
Religious people are known in society to constantely preach about religon and look down on others who do not follow the same.
I have never once preached or spoken to anyone about religon at work (unless they ask me questions). However, I find (and this is from my own personal experience) that athiests and Christians tend to argue more about religon and question me about my lifestyle. People have told me many times that I should start eating meat etc. Usually I just stay quiet, becuase they're not looking for long detailed logical answers, they're just trying to be clever and take cheap shots at religon whilst boosting their own ego. I usually just say that animals are not for consumption of the human body and live and let live.
After hearing Bhai Manvir Singh telling us of his personal experiences, I started thinking to myself, Is it time we started being more "out there" with our principles? If people can constantly question us why we keep hair, why we don't eat meat etc shouldn't we be more firm and forceful when people question us?
It's such a shame that we live in a day and age when our own people feel the need to question everything and they themselves think they know better. Should we not just be straight up with them rather than staying silent? I've had many experiences where people in the gurdwara have questioned me on maryada and certain aspects of Sikh history. If they wanted to have an intelligent discussion then I would not have minded at all, but it's the way people put their views across - in a very angry and egotistical manner!
If these manmukh bande are so forward with their anti-Gurmat views, why aren't we like that with our Gurmat views?!
One of my new years resolutions is to become more strong and firm when people want to have 'discussions' about religon. I hope others also take this message on board.
Religious people are known in society to constantely preach about religon and look down on others who do not follow the same.
I have never once preached or spoken to anyone about religon at work (unless they ask me questions). However, I find (and this is from my own personal experience) that athiests and Christians tend to argue more about religon and question me about my lifestyle. People have told me many times that I should start eating meat etc. Usually I just stay quiet, becuase they're not looking for long detailed logical answers, they're just trying to be clever and take cheap shots at religon whilst boosting their own ego. I usually just say that animals are not for consumption of the human body and live and let live.
After hearing Bhai Manvir Singh telling us of his personal experiences, I started thinking to myself, Is it time we started being more "out there" with our principles? If people can constantly question us why we keep hair, why we don't eat meat etc shouldn't we be more firm and forceful when people question us?
It's such a shame that we live in a day and age when our own people feel the need to question everything and they themselves think they know better. Should we not just be straight up with them rather than staying silent? I've had many experiences where people in the gurdwara have questioned me on maryada and certain aspects of Sikh history. If they wanted to have an intelligent discussion then I would not have minded at all, but it's the way people put their views across - in a very angry and egotistical manner!
If these manmukh bande are so forward with their anti-Gurmat views, why aren't we like that with our Gurmat views?!
One of my new years resolutions is to become more strong and firm when people want to have 'discussions' about religon. I hope others also take this message on board.
