The Multifarious Faces of Sikhism
throughout Sikh History
Page 4 of 4
Conclusion
cont'd
Indeed, there was a time within the Sanatan
Sikh world where Udasis, Seva Panthi, Nirmala
‘Gurdwaras, ‘Deras’,
‘Ashrams’, ‘Dharamsalas’
etc. (places of worship) kept both Sikh scriptures
and Muslim and Hindu scriptures. Within these
spiritual halls, sermons of common humanity,
spirituality and love for the Almighty were
given from all these sacred texts to the Muslim,
Sikh and Hindu congregation.
Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj
An idol of Akali Guru Nanak Dev Ji's eldest
son in Hardwar. In the vicinity
of the idol are scriptures such as Bhagvad Gita,
Ramayan, and Adi Guru Durbar
Dr Gurmukh Singh speaks of how, within Seva
Panthi ‘Deras’, Islamic, Arabic
and Persian Sufi classics were read:
‘In the Seva Panthi
tradition there has been great preaching
of ‘Kimia-Eh-Suadat’ and ‘Masnvi
Mulana Room’. In the Deras
was this tradition that at ‘Amrit
Vela’ (early morning) a discourse
from Siri Guru Granth Sahib was done and
after midday a discourse on ‘Kimia-Eh-Suada’t
and ‘Masnvi Mulana Room’ was
done. The Sadhus use to listen
to it with great love and respect. Not only
is this done, but these Sadhus many times
asked the orator questions and removed their
doubts. This practice was done daily.’
‘Masnvi Pakha’, Dr. Gurmukh
Singh, Pa.14
Sriman 108 Sant Bhai Kripa Ram Ji Sewa
Panthi
Dressed as a Sufi, Bhai Kripa Ram was considered
to be a
great philanthropist, scholar of Islamic texts,
and historian of his time
In conclusion, one quotes the Punjabi saying:
‘Five fingers of the
hand are never the same.’
(meaning one must tolerate differences)
May the wonderful Va-eh Guru,
grant enlighten unity within the Sikh faith,
and not enforced togetherness - as asked for
by modern fanatic Sikh thugs. This same prayer
we offer on behalf of the entire world. May
people of all creeds, colours, races and faiths
learn to live together in peace and prosperity
and learn to understand each other and greater
tolerance.
The concluding words of the ‘Ardas’
(formal prayer of all Sikhs) speak of how we
should all live:
‘Nanak Guru Gobind
Singh Nam Chardi Kala
Ter Bhaneh Sarbat Da Bhala.’
Translates as: ‘Nanak Guru Gobind
Singh - the Name of God who grants the everlasting
uplifting spirit. Oh God, may all within
Your will, live happily in perfect health
and prosperity.’
Sanatan Sikhism
Fresco from the walls of the Pothimala building
at Guruharsahai
of Akali Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj who rekindled
Dharam in the age of 'Kal Yuga'
accompanied by the Bhai Bala Ji, Bhai Mardana
the musician, and Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj
