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Summary of Question:	Re: Shastars/Weapons
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 2/28/2006 6:55 PM MST

Sat Nam.

I disgaree that we are bowing to, or even worshiping, the weapons which are displayed at Gurudwara. By me they are symbolic, a reminder. I do agree with the moderator that the weapons stand for all the bloodshed the Sikhs of the past had endured so that we may now keep the faith. So they are a reminder of what it cost back in the day to have a living and breathing religion today. By my way of thinking (mind you, I'm speaking as an American-born Sikh) having them displayed in the Gurudwara reminds us that we need to defend the freedom of religion we enjoy, and the right of others to their beliefs and conscience; and if it has to be by the sword after every other method has failed, so be it. I've been told, after all, that Guru Tegh Bahadur died for the religious rights of Hindus! (Good moderators, please correct me if I'm wrong!)

When my country first became independent, its first law was freedom of religion. And when I say every human being should have this law I'm not saying it because I'm American and think everone must be like us, but because faith and freedom of conscience is a basic human right which needs to be defended. When I bow in Gurudwara I bow to God and Guru, whom I thankfully credit for this freedom. In other parts of this world it is still a crime to possess religious books of any faith. The weapons therefore remind me that not only must I remember who died for the faith I have now, but to stand up for those who have no voice.

Blessed be,
Elizabet