Previous
Next
Ask a Question| Previous | Next | Ask a Question |
| Summary of Question: | Why Isn't Sikhism A Missionary Faith? |
| Category: | General Sikhism |
| Date Posted: | Sunday, 12/14/2003 3:25 PM MST |
Khalsajee, I was wondering how one would respond intelligently to a friend's inquiry as to why Sikhism, unlike other major world religions, is not a missionary faith? I know that our Guru's were against actively forcibly converting other people of other faiths, but why can't we spread the "gospel" or in our case, Gurbani, to the masses? Is it that the beauty of Sikhisim is that we don't have to make people discover Sikhi, but rather that people discover the beauty of Sikhi all on their own?
I wasn't sure how to respond to his questions, and would like to know your thoughts on this, citing examples from Gurbani to support them if possible. Thanking you in advance for your insightful comments and keep up the great seva! :-0)
-Gurfateh
***********
REPLY
*************
Sat Siri Akaal. It is really offensive to have someone come up to you and tell you how to believe in God, and that you are damned unless you believe as the missionary believes. I have had this experience. This is why Sikhs don't do this. Our 9th Guru died on behalf of a Hindu who was being forced to convert to Islam. He died so that ALL may worship as they choose, no matter what form that takes. That should say it all.
IF, however, someone asks you as a Sikh about our faith, and inquires sincerely and wants to understand or have some experience of it, this is a different matter entirely. Spreading the word and sharing gurdwara/gurbani is fine, but let the other come to YOU, don't you go to the other telling him/her what will solve his/her problems, because they probably won't want to hear it. We practice Naam Simran so that we keep meditative mind. We keep our form when all around us would look alike to fit in. As a result, we inspire others by our presence and courage, and some of these others will want to more. Then it is OK to 'spread the gospel.'
Guru ang sang,
DKK
Why Isn't Sikhism A Missionary Faith? (12/14/2003)