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Summary of Question:	Re: Differences Between Hinduism And Sikhism
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 2/16/2004 4:52 PM MST

Saat Sri Akaal Uncleji,

I wanted to add my humble thoughts to this discussion: In the vedas it says Ekam Sath, Viprah Bahudha - there is One Spirit. Hindus see there as being One God as well as Sikhs. The names are many but the forms are one: just as different Hindu sects take different names of God,(Ram,Krishna) so different religions take different names (Allah,Paramatma,Ram).

Although outwardly Hinduism may appear to worship different deities, the non-ritualistic Hindus believe in One Spirit, as do all people of Faith within this world. From my humble understanding, the practices of Hinduism was being criticized by Guruji, not Hinduism itself :are the references to "Ram Nam" in the Japji Sahib to Shri Ram?

I am worried by some current day Sikh Gianijis who say that other religions have shortcomings, and that's why our Guruji established a new Panth. I feel that its the practices of the Hindus/Muslims at the time that were being criticized, not the Vedas/Shastras/Koran themselves and not indeed the Hindu or Muslim religion itself.

There are Godly men in all faiths, and I see no difference between a Godly Hindu, a Godly Muslim or a Godly Sikh. So, my question is this: is it not possible to worship Paramatma as Krishna or Allah (repeat His Name, whatever the religion),whilst also having love for the name of Waheguru at the same? Can one remain Sikh by having love for Krishna or Allah? If I take up either name am I not also taking up the Hindu or Muslim religion?

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Sat Siri Akaal. You are correct. It was the ritualistic and insincere practices common in Gurus time in India, that were criticized. Nanak understood that men and women of faith are spiritual who remember God, no matter what Name is used and no matter what path they follow; they are all equal. Our SGGS is purposely composed of the poetry of Gurus, bhagats, Sufis, Muslims, poets to remind us of this fact. And, Sikhi does not hold the monopoly on names of God, and 10th Guru says there is really no Name for the formless One, so "I shall call Thee by Thy Deeds." !
Guru ang sang,
-DK
Guru ang sang,
-DKK