Has the model of a Sikh changed since the Gurus or have I regressed to a prehistoric place in my head? I remind you that in the post-Guru period the Sikhs (through its 12 misls) knew how to disagree without undermining the nation.
The impression from Sikh diaspora countries is that, at last, British Sikhs are getting their political act together. While the Sikh Manifesto promotes united action by UK Sikhs under ten points, it also encourages global Sikh communities to play a more prominent public role in their adopted countries.
With finances tight for many in the United States, giving to charity may not be at the top of your list of places your money needs to go. Yet, while giving to charity is always an optional thing, doing so on a regular basis can have very real benefits for you and your family.
Of course, since the teaching was conducted in English and we had Punjabi speakers, Chinese speakers and German speakers. There were three simultaneous translators who served tirelessly translating for each group of students.
The Sikh community has worked diligently in the West. The majority came after the second World War to help rebuild the country, many working in the industrial sectors.
Seva is more than service. The holistic Sikh lifestyle reflects the notion of divine oneness at the core of Sikh theology. To be a Sikh is to adopt an integrated life, to live with integrity, and to live beyond the individual self.
Even if you are bleeding - in the birthing room or on the battlefield - the hot winds cannot touch you. Because you are with the holy, and of the holy. You are with God, and of God. You are with love, and of love. And that kind of love saves us all.
This is the context in which I understand the Sant-Sipahi. Guru Teg Bahadur tried the peaceful way and that did not work. Guru Gobind Singh felt forced to use the sword, but he wanted his soldiers to remain faithful to the Sikh ethical principles.
Becoming one with Waheguru (the Divine Life Force sometimes referred to as "God") requires humans to live in harmony with all of creation.
This mother's day, to celebrate Sikh mothers and mother-figures, Kaur Life & the Dasvand Network (DVN) is holding a photo contest!