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Summary of Question: | The Guru's Teachings |
Category: | Sikh Practices |
Date Posted: | Saturday, 3/10/2001 12:09 PM MST |
nd mean - when he forbade the consumption of alcohol? Also, the thing is, those Sikhs who were originally natives of countries outside of India and converted to Sikhism, do they also give up consumption of wine, because as far as I know, wines are integral part of a western meal. And one more thing, as all those who consume wine have told me, it can hardly be caled an intoxicant. After all, don't the Christians consume it, even in the Church at a ceremony? If it was bad, wouldn't Jesus Christ have forbidden it? Please answer...
Tejeesh
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Greetings and blessings to you in the Name of God and Guru.
Think about this: the Jews forbid pork, the Muslims forbid alcohol and pork, the Hindu's forbid beef, and the Christians allow everything!
There is no question that alcoholic beveredges are a great source of revenue in the restaurant and hotel industry. If your job is requiring you to drink socially then you have 2 options. One is to find another more suitable job for a Sikh. The other is to have available nonalcoholic beer, fine bottled water or sparkling beveridge for your professional needs. People who choose not to "drink" are highly respected.
A person who does not consume alcohol would find wine extremely intoxicating. Conversely, a person who 'mainlines' heroin would find snorting 'coke' very mild. Sikh's do not consume drugs or intoxicants because it disturbs their mental and physical clarity. Guru Nanak always said "baba man mat varo naam ras peevai..." "let the indulgence in the Naam be your intoxicant and drink".
As far as "Western" Sikhs are concerned, we follow the code and conduct of the Sikh because it gives us a true self value and consciousness. Drinking any amount of wine never gave us clarity or self respect. We are grateful for the guidelines of the Sikh lifestyle that has given us internal strength and reliance on the unchanging truth's of this universal realm. Bottled water at dinner works fine.
Remember, choose your company wisely. Your judgement may be getting a bit clouded.
God bless you, SKKK