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Summary of Question:	Re: Gurus Contradicting Each Other
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 3/08/2005 2:43 PM MST

Source: E-mail from yahoo groups

The 5k's are not part of truthful living, but used as instruments to help live truthfully. However, this role cannot be underestimated.


Rather than talk in theory, I will give you concrete examples how
wearing a turban has helped me. Growing up differently in America, and
naturally facing the adversity of being in such condition, I am more
acute to the suffering around me. I'm more sensitive of how an obese
person and a black person are treated. Also wearing a turban, I think
twice before I act in anger and hurt someone. Would Guru Nanak ji
really be against a symbol that helped me bring closer to God?


Now take a look at the Janeu. It affirms a belief of division based on
caste and gender. Does not this mentality lead one away from God?
Where's the compassion, the contentment? Hence, these are the
qualities that the following Shabad elaborates on, which are necessary for truthful living.

Out of the cotton of compassion
Spin the thread of contentment
Tie knots of continence,
Give it twist of truth.
That would make a Janaeu for the soul,
If thou have it, O Brahman, put it on me.
Such a thread once worn will never break
Nor get soiled, burnt or lost,
The man who weareth such a thread is blessed."

(Asa di Var, Slok Mohalla 1,p-471)


Are you stating that symbols are useless, have no power at all? Why it
is then corporate companies spend millions of dollars in redesigning
their logos to salvage their image? Or have you ever seen an American
movie where an old lady frantically rubs the cross around her neck to
remind her there's a Supreme God to help her?


Can you really comprehend a world without symbols? We are finite
beings, with finite minds, yet our vices are boundless. And what
better way to anchor them? I personally need articles of faith in my
life because I'm all too human.


The only way is to inspire others by being better Sikhs. Ultimately, symbols will be shown its worth by how we live truthfully.

(REPLY) Sat Nam. Thank you for sharing this useful and excellent perspective! Blessings, SP