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Summary of Question:	Sangat Or Not?
Category:	Gurdwara
Date Posted:	Thursday, 10/04/2001 1:03 AM MDT

I dont understand how the concept of sangat exists today. There are people promoting their caste, promoting hatred towards people that aren't the same caste and to "gora Sikhs" on stage at gurudwara and at religious events. There is always some1 ready to start a fight, making it an uncomfortable atmosphere.

I have the SGGS at home. Am I losing out by not attending gurudwara because of these reasons? Is there such a thing as sangat when so many of the people do not believe/follow in the teachings of sikhi? Isn't there some sort of immediate punishment that the Guru hands down on these people?

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal Ji. My heart goes out to you. I do not blame you at all for avoiding Gurdwara for the reasons you describe. No Sikh EVER loses out by studying SGGS or spending ANY amount of time simply reading from it (in Gurmukhi or in English translation).

I might recommend the following. The Gurdwaras run by Western Sikhs (who have adopted Sikhi) generally avoid politics and flat out regard caste as irrelevant. If you want to reply to this post with your location I can see if there is such a gurdwara in your area. You could also try organizing home kirtans with members of the Sikh community who AGREE with you. All you need is SGGS set up according to protocol, sheets, ragis and willing participants who want to sing God's praise with you. Tell those coming that (1) fights are not allowed; (2) caste is not to be spoken of or considered; and (3) politics are not to be spoken of either. Then you can have the blessing of gurdwara without the politics. You do NOT need to be a granthi to recite ardaas, hukum, or kirtan. BTW, you might be surprised how many OTHERS in your community agree with you.

As for punishment, they who do what you describe punish themselves by not living the Guru's teachings. It is the basic law of karma: for every action there is a consequence. Their consequence is the division and dissension they create amongst themselves. You have wisely chosen to escape the entire cycle they create. I hope you can create/find an alternative that honors the God in all, and is true to Guru's teachings. Guru rakha,
-DKK