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Summary of Question:	Sitting In The Gurudwara
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Saturday, 7/20/2002 12:48 AM MDT

Sat Shiri Akal to everyone.

My question is about a event that occred recently at our gurudwara. There was a wedding ceremony in process and this is what occered. There was an elder lady sitting on a chair in the Gurudwara. She had certain health problems and could not sit on the ground. Now while the bhai ji was doing kirtan he abruptly stopped and ordered the women out, embarressing her. I was shocked at this display. Now I am a sikh that tries to atend the gurudwara at least once or twice a month and I was ashamed of the bhai ji's actions. What was the problem with that women sitting on a chair? I am sure that this is not something that would offend the gurus. Her health problems were due to cirrumstances beyond her control. If she wanted to come and pray for the couple getting married, why not?

(REPLY)
Sat Nam. It's no wonder you were ashamed about what happened! It is truly sad that the compassion and kindness that are the essence of Guru's teachings can be so lacking in the behavior of fanatics. Of course in general, we don't sit in chairs in the Gurdwara, but in this case, there should not have been any problem, and nothing should have been said to the woman. Bless you for your awareness.
SP
(It would be a good idea to go to the head Granthi and discusss this situation, so that it never happens again. If you do a search on this website, you will find several discussions about "Chairs" in the Gurdwara that may be helpful for you in presenting your concern.)