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Summary of Question:	Can I Pay My Respect To Other Religion?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 8/14/2002 2:56 AM MDT

I strongly believe in Sikhism but for years I had also been praying to lord Buddha. Recently I was told that I should not believe in anything except in Guru Granth Sahib. I stopped putting jossticks for lord buddha but still offer water everyday. I apy my respect to Lord Buddha as I believe in his teachings but I only pray to Sri Guru Granth Sahib. I also do Japji in the mornings and I also been trying to follow as much as possible according to Sikh way of life.I have very strong attachment to Sikhism and our Guru's teachings. Please advise as what I should do.

Regards
sarjit Singh

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REPLY
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Dear Sarjit Singh:
Sat Siri Akaal. I have a couple comments on your query. First, ask yourself WHY you prayed to Lord Buddha? Was it to 'hedge your bets' or because you feel Buddhism is the path for you? People will get upset by my saying this, but not everyone born Sikh is meant to be Sikh, and being born a Sikh does not make you a Sikh or spiritual. To be spiritual and to be Sikh takes practice, effort, and discipline according to Sikh teachings.

It sounds from your post like you are fulfilled practicing as a Sikh. I willnot tell you WHAT to practice; that is a choice of your heart. I will say that Sikhs are taught to bow to no one but Siri Guru; this includes not bowing to Lord Buddha or any other saints or deities. An amritdhari Sikh makes a vow in this regard.

Secondly, Guru Nanak in Japji Sahib pauri 21 reminds us that little is gained by ritualistic devices such as pilgrimages, austerities, charities and alms (to name a few). True spirituality is not gained by such things, and that would include lighting joss-sticks to Lord Buddha. Real spirituality comes to those who daily and devotedly practice the Name! Study this pauri.

It is one thing to attend a non-Sikh worship service to learn about another faith; it is another thing to be a practicing Sikh and bow to non-Sikh deities. Sort it out within yourself, but strictly speaking, the one who told you to stop praying to Lord Buddha was correct. I might add that there is nothing Lord Buddha can do for you that Guru can't cover Himself! Guru rakha,
-DKK