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Summary of Question:	What To Teach
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 5/06/2003 4:29 AM MDT

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahegrur Ji Ki Fathe

My Dad is about to become the head of Punjabi Schools in Derby(UK)again, looking after around 200 - 300 in in around 10 classes of 5 - 16 year old children, I am lucky that i am able to do most of the work for this, for which i am most grateful and happy.

Currently the classes are from 5-6 monday to wednesday, we are looking at increasing from 5-6.30 monday to Thursday,

however on Thursday, I am looking at making the teachers teach, sikhi, but this is where i come stuck, where do I start, what do I teach, I am greatly concerned at the moment, because i have realised that my generation is the next lot in Derby who will have to take care of Sikhism here, and i cannot see any group of youngsters these days, who can probabaly take on the responsibilities of being Gurdwara Pardhan (mukh sewadar, head. I wish somehow to lay the foundations in these children, to give sikhi a brighter future.

What are your views and recomendations on how to do this and what to teach??

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Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

The beauty of Sikhi is in the Spirt so if you are going to teach it - teach it to share that Spirit and inspire others. First -

Teach simple stories from the lives of the Guru that can show, through the actions of the Gurus, the example of the principles that Sikh stand for and have died defending.

Teach simple songs and teach people to sing from their heart. In Japji, Guru Nanak writes, "Gavia, Sunia, Man Rakhia Bhao. Dukh Parhar Sukh Ghar Lai Jaee." "Sing, listen and, oh my mind, overflow with love. All suffering shall vanish and peace will make its home in your heart." This is the simplicty and essence of the Sikh path. Everything comes from this. When we sing, when we learn to deeply listen and when we stay in a state of love - pain goes and happiness comes. And the first Sikhs knew this so well that even in the face of the worst tortue - they were never unhappy. They sang and felt One with God. So teach others to sing, love, let go of misery and let happiness in.

Teach the principles of Banna, Bani, Simran and Seva. These are the four pillars upon with the Sikh faith stands. Teach about langar and the importance of the community kitchen - of the community nurturing and taking care of its members.

My humble suggestion is that you avoid getting into Theological lectures. The Siri Guru Granth Sahib is a Living Guru. It is the Light Body of Guru Gobind Singh. It is our Living Guide and Teacher. Keep reverence for it as a Teacher and let people have their own experience of what the Guru says and what the Guru means. Ultimatley, it is up to each soul to listen, hear and act on the Guru's teachings.

If you set the example by sharing the Spirit of the Guru with others, you will inspire the youth around you just by your presence and your actions. Have no worry because everything is in the hands of God and those with the destiny to become our future leaders will step up in God's time and God's way, just as you have done now.

All love,

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

GPK