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Summary of Question:	Confused Sikh
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 1/30/2007 5:02 AM MST

Dear Sir

My name is Sandeep Singh. I was born a Sikh but never practised the religion. I guess some parents should push their children to learn more about religion as well as the history of where we come from and who we are. I do strongly believe in God and that there is no power stronger out there. I am making steps to become a better person but peoples past can sometimes lead them astray, making the important things in life no longer matter.

The question I have is that Sikhism is the one of the newer religions out there but where does that leave the other religion that started 100,000 years ago, is Sikhism the only right path and all others wrong?

Did Guru Nanak not go around and spread the word of love? Did he not see so much heartache, pain, as well as deaths over religion and ask everyone to instead get along and become God fearing?

Would not starting a new religion take away the principle of what Guru Nanak wanted?

I believe that there are too many religions out there and people get caught up with which is the correct way to God. Should we not leave all this behind and love everyone as a human being and as a brother regardless of religion or colour. I feel that this has divided people once again!

Please note I am not disrespecting the religion in any way or form im just a confused Sikh with questions. Thank you for your time in advance and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Kind regards

(REPLY) Sat Nam. I think I understand what you are trying to say, but the problem with your reasoning, as open hearted and well intended as it may be, is that as Sikhs, we cherish the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, a living Guru to advise us, to guide us and to actually help us to develop the loving qualities you mention. Because there is living POWER in the Shabad Guru and it is the mainstay of the Sikh religion, reciting its words can transform and elevate. We also have a history of all the Gurus from the beginning with Guru Nanak to give us examples of how to live our lives. As you know, as Sikhs, we do not try to convert anyone, and we do respect the rights of others to worship as they choose. The problem is that fanatics of some religions (too many, infact !), have caused pain and suffering and fought wars against those who don't agree with their way of worship, but that is because they have lost the essence of truth and purity that undoubtedly was originally taught. I wish we didn't have to call Sikh Dharma a "religion" -- but could understand it as a vibrant, practical, uplifting path, A guide to living day to day remembering God's Name and realizing ANG SANG WAHE GURU.