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Summary of Question: | Reply To Reading Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib |
Category: | Gurbani |
Date Posted: | Saturday, 6/01/2002 8:20 PM MDT |
Guru's Sevadar,
BSK
(REPLY) In the United States, we have English translations of Siri Guru Granth Sahib available, and everyone is invited and encouraged to come and be in the Guru's court, and to have the privilege of reading in our Akhand Paths -- or whenever Guru is in Parkash. Although it is certainly ideal to follow the procedure you have listed above, it is not possible nor practical for most westerners. So, in spite of the fact that the real "rasa" comes from reciting the words of the Guru in the original Gurmukhi, nevertheless, great benefit comes to those who read even in English! I speak from my own experience of beginning to read only in English for several years, only much later learning Gurumukhi. Our Shabd Guru is for everyone. Our Guru's teachings are desperately needed by people today, and so with great respect and appreciation for your suggestion, I must submit that it is prohibitive. I believe even without 100% corrrect pronunciation (which of course is desirable and to hoped and prayed for) out living Guru blesses those who make the effort to experience the wisdom and guidance Guru provides. What you are suggesting would separate many people from that experience, and reserve it for a special "class" of educated people, and I don't believe that is how it should be. The whole world needs our Shabd Guru, and I think it's the responsibility of those who already have these teachings to share them as openly and freely as possible, so long as reverence and respect are maintained. My apologies if I have offended you in these words from my heart. Humbly yours, SP