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Summary of Question:	Why Dont More Peple Believe In The Gurus
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Thursday, 7/25/2002 1:40 PM MDT

Sat Siri Akal

My question is regarding Sikhism. It might sound stupid, but i have to ask it anwyas. If sikhism is only 500 years old then why dont more people believe in it. I mean there were plenty of people living on this earth when Guru Nanak Dev Ji were physically present. What I want to know why did it not speread through out the world, we are only talking 500 years. And also 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji was present, thats only little over 300 years ago. Is it logical to ask this question. I was just wondering. Don't get me wrong I am strong follower of Sikhism. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Vahe Guru Mer Rakhe

(Reply) Sat Nam. You speak of "believing" in Sikhism. Well, that's one of the reasons perhaps it's not the largest religion on the planet (although it is among the first five!) Because it's not a matter of "belief," but of experience! Sikhism is a dynamic, active way of life in which a person can relate directly to God and Guru, and in which a person has to take the responsibility to do the practices that give that experience. It takes commitment, and many people are not blessed with that virtue. Simply stated, however, the answer to your question is that it is God's will! Guru Nanak answered your question in Japji Sahib: (especially in the Second Pauri) "Through His Will come all created beings, Though His will can never be defined. By His Will all souls come into being, And by His Will greatness is obtained. It is by His Will that some are high and some are low, Some know great joy and some know sorrow. By God's Will some are granted special rewards, While others are made to wander from life to life. All beings live under the Will of God: none lives outside His Will. O Nanak, if a man were to see the working of His Will, he could not be filled with foolish pride." It seems to me that Sikhs are among those whom God has "granted special rewards"! I think a person has to be very secure to be a Sikh, not just because of wearing bana, but to be able to have the universal acceptance of all other religions as Guru Nanak taught! It's much easier to follow a religion that tells you that it's the only, the best way to reach God, and makes you feel that there's someone to whom you can confess your sins, and then God (some separate being !) will forgive you. Well, Sikhism does away with that Piscean concept, and says, "God is everywhere, God lives in you. And you should live righteously to honor that divine essence of yourself. You ARE Sat Nam! I believe (here's a belief! ) that Guru Gobind Singh's prophecy that "Nine hundred million we shall be" is going to manifest! We're just not there yet. Blessings with love and appreciation for your question, SP