Conclusion cont'd

Many Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Kartar Singh Samparda-affiliated Sikhs have accused the Akali Nihangs of the UK of attempting to ‘split’ the Sikh faith by delving into the various orthodox, heterodox, heretical etc. denominations of Sikhism. They worry that their hope for an 'Ekta' (homogenous society) will not come to be. However, these are the views of those who are insecure in their own limited knowledge, or are inherently doubtful of the blend of Sikhism they practice. An individual who wishes to remain anonymous who contacted Nihang Teja Singh stated:

Universal Ekta
A fresco from the walls of Baba Atal Gurdwara, Amritsar of Akali Guru
Nanak Dev Ji eating 'langar' with his family during his wedding as various 'Devtas' (deities) look on

By venturing into the very fabric of Sikhism, and understanding the various threads that make up its wonderful tapestry, rather than splitting Sikhism, one is better able to appreciate the totality of Sikhism. As such, a better comprehension of the influences and forces that have shaped Sikhism over the ages can be brought to the surface. If Sikhism of Akali Guru Nanak is indeed a ‘true path of spirituality’, then it will not only withstand intense analytical academic and historical scrutiny, but will be all the stronger for it.

One has to accept that the greatest demon within Sikhism today, as in the rest of the world, is lack of unity. Today, the majority of Sikhs will agree on 95% of all concepts, practices and traditions, and at most disagree with say 5%. This is what makes Sikh ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ (in the spiritual sense). Yet the sad fact today is that falling prey to inflated and uncontrolled egos, instead of building upon the 95% they have in common, the Sikhs squabble over their 5% of differences.

Confronting Truth
A fresco from the walls of Baba Atal Gurdwara, Amritsar of
Akali Guru Nanak Dev Ji (center) accompanied by Bhai Bala and Bhai
Mardana as he confronts Bala the demon. Narad, the holy sage is also depicted (right)

The only way to overcome this incessant squabbling is not by ignoring the 5% differences or forcefully trying to stamp them out as modern Sikhs are trying to do. By understanding the reasons behind each Sikh denomination’s particular peculiar beliefs and practices, these differences can be appreciated, respected and tolerated. This is the main aim of this section.

Tolerance and Respect
Fresco from the walls of the Pothimala building at Guruharsahai
depicting Shiva(left) and Brahma (right) with their respective consorts. Traditional
Sikhism respects all faiths, cultures and ideologies as long as they propagate the concept of universal Dharam

Insisting that all Sikhs must conform to one particular ‘Sikh Rehit Maryada’, as preached by Sikh fanatics, is a folly. Traditional Sikhism has always been of varied hue with good degree of tolerance and flexibility for differing beliefs within its spiritual and religious infrastructure.