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Summary of Question:	Re: What Did Gurus Say About This? Please Answer!
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Friday, 5/24/2002 5:28 PM MDT

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

I have just one small query. You mention that it is okay to dance and listen to music as long as you maintain spiritual link with the Guru. However, is it not possible that if you dance you begin to lose that link because it is easier enough to carried away with this maya? I have an amritdhari cousin who says that it is wrong to dance because it involves a sort of lustful dancing. I am not criticising your answer, I just feel dancing is not really appropriate. It is difficult for youth at this period of time because there are modern music everywhere and it is easy to enjoy. I know the feeling because I get like that, however, I have recently found that I listen to less kirtan because of it and gain no spiritual link.
I hope you are not offended by my view on your response.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

ps by the way, thank you for replying to my previous question. You livened me spirits up when I read it and I am much happier now.

(REPLY) I wish I could quote you the exact passage in Siri Guru Granth Sahib, but I do remember reading where the Guru tells us to sing and dance! Obviously there is dancing that is erotic, and that's surely not what is being recommended, but even Guru Nanak had Mardana play music, and so it is the quality of the music for one thing, and the type of dancing for another that matters. Sikhs are not ascetics, and we ought to be able to enjoy rhythm and movement without being excessive or "over the line" with either. Obviously the highest music is Gurbani Kirtan, and we don't dance to that, but joyful, exhuberant dancing is good exercise if nothing else! If we prohibit the youth from dancing, they will be more eager to do it. My mother used to say, "Things in moderation." Trying to find a balance in our lives is our challenge. Guru Nanak taught the life of Grisht Ashram, the householder, he didn't tell us not to involve in the world, but only to keep our perspective about it. I think it's up to parents to provide inspiration and guidance, but not negation. Please understand that I am not recommending the kind of dancing that stirs up the passions of young people. Anyway, that's my reply, I hope it is of some help. --Blessings, SP