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Summary of Question:	Crystals, Aromatherapy, And All That New-Agey Stuff Ok?
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 7/22/2003 5:01 PM MDT

Sat nam...

I'm always getting into arguments (good-natured ones though!) about alternative medicines and self-therapies that could be considered "new-age." My Bakhsheesh is a logical, scientific type and figures that stuff like aromatherapy and natural crystals and things are all superstitious hogwash. But I figure that if the Good Guruji didn't mean for rocks to heal, He at least gave them pretty colors to make us happy. And nothing wakes me up in the morning like smelling the pure oils of citrus and rose that I've mixed myself, it just brightens me up before going to work.

I'm not bashing doctors by any means, and would never substitute rocks for real medicine. (That goes for everyone: if you've got a problem, take it to the professionals!) But is it against Sikh teachings to use "alternative" treatments, or is it really superstitious hogwash after all? What is the official word on such things?

Many thanks!!!

Elizabeth

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REPLY
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Dear Elizabeth,
Sat Siri Akaal. I have gotten into heated arguments with Indian Sikhs on this subject. I personally take your view, since I got into 'new agey' stuff before adopting Sikhi. But my friend's concern is based on Guru's constant admonition against false practices and rituals that ended up as 'worship' in India. When he and I discussed crystals, his heated response was that I was doing the equivalent of worshiping crystals by indicating that they each have their own purpose and energy. With no disrespect meant, I think it is very hard for Indians to make the distinction, since Indian history is so replete with examples of people who took these tools and made them idols. A reading of Sidh Gosht in SGGS will turn up some of these concerns of Guru Nanak.

Waheguru through Nature gave us healing plants and herbs, no? We don't worship them, do we? Why not healing rocks or crystals? Why not healing aromas such as citrus or jasmine? These are gifts from Nature, and Guruji does not tell us to avoid the gifts of Nature. Scientists know that colors each have their own frequency, so why not colored rocks having their own frequency? Other studies have documented the effects of red or pink or yellow colors on people, so why wouldn't colored rocks have an effect on people? See?

Anyway, no one has to agree with us or believe that crystals have their own energy and purpose, but as Sikhs we must be careful to indicate to others that we use crystals (or aromatherapy) as tools, and that we thank God & Guru for these tools that make our lives a little better. There is NOTHING in Sikhi, by the way, that says alternative medicines are to be avoided. In the times of the 10 Gurus, the only medicines available were herbal or naturopathic, which has NOW come to mean alternative. Go figure.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK