Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Keep Your Head Up -The Guru Is Always With You.
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 3/15/2005 2:48 PM MDT

I went through a lot of what you went through. I actually was very distant from the Sikh faith at first and when I came to embrace it I did so without having any Sikh friends so it was quite difficult for me. At first, the snickering and staring really bothered me. After awhile, I got used to it and started to ignore it. Simple as that. You will get used to it and it won't bother you - like water rolling off a duck's back. I found that doing my Nitnem and keeping amritvela rehit were HUGE helps in dealing with people. If you keep rehit and faith, then you WILL get through anything. It gives you courage.

One thing to remember, many (maybe most) people stare simply out of curiousity and not b/c their prejudice or trying to be mean. As for the snickering, that's their own ignorance and they will pick up some of your bad karma for it - so best not to worry about it.

As for people purposefully embarassing you in front of others - why not challenge them? I do. I ask them "Why is that?", "How does that work?", "How is that true?". It puts them on the defensive. I have had professors make comments before and when I challenged them they ended up hanging their heads and staring at the floor b/c they had nothing to say!! Or I simply ignore them. Educate yourself about your religion (and history) and a bit about other religions, it's easier to debate that way. Also, ask them about their beliefs, compare if you want. It's not a big deal. If they stare, stare back if you want. If you don't feel comfortable staring back, then I suggest you join a gym or learn self defence- it works wonders for self esteem. Or ignore them, whatever makes you feel better.

btw, I'm not married, I was a university student when I went through all this.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fathe!!!

(REPLY) Sat Nam. Thank you for this wonderful message! Your words are right on target! May God and Guru bless you, SP