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Summary of Question: | Names Of God |
Category: | General Sikhism |
Date Posted: | Tuesday, 11/11/2003 5:46 AM MST |
thank you!
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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. The granthi is wrong. No matter what Name of God you use for chanting, it is still sacred, still a name of God. You certainly will not 'go to hell." (Goodness, what a Christian and non-Sikh concept!) While there are those who would say that you are not a true Sikh because of your method of practice, Guru Nanak was clear that the practice of spirituality is NOT limited to Sikhs or to Brahmins or anyone else by virtue of birth or what they call themselves! Spirituality is best understood and attained through practice of Naam Simran. As you describe it above, these practices are a form of Naam Simran. If this works for you, then by all means do not stop. You are doing more than a lot of folks who call themselves Sikh but never chant the Naam.
Do not forget this: There is ONE creator of the creation, and only One. Known as Sat Nam, EkOngKaar, Allah, Raam, OM MANI PADME HUUM, it is still the same God. Be clear about this in your practice(s). As you grow and develop, you might consider taking ONE of the practices you do, and do it longer, consistently, the same time every day, for 40 days. Experiment and see what practice works best for you, and notice the effects of a single practice.
I also would be remiss if I didn't say that should you decide to become Amritdhari, it would be considered non-Sikh and inappropriate to pray and bow to ANYONE but Siri Guru Granth Sahib and Gurbani/Gurbani mantras. The GUru of the Sikhs is Shabd Guru.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK