Sikh Identity
Sikh Identity
I was wondering what contributed to the expression of Sikh identity from a tradition that emphasized inner contemplation and meditation at the time of Guru Nanak to a militarized tradition defined by its external symbols in the form of the Khalsa?
Re: Sikh Identity
its a long history that eventually resulted in a saint soldier identity. During Guru Hargobind jis tie, Mughals passed an order that no one other than a muslim can wear a turban, ride a horse or keep a sword. a person can wear a small piece of cloth aroud his head to protect from cold and heat but not a turban. At this Guru Sahib sent messages across that his sikh will not see him unless he wears a turban of atleast 5 GAJ cloth, ride a horse and carry a sword. It was a revolutionary concept of equality, selfrespect and pride. Then in previous yugs whenever there was a problem or atrocities on bhagats, god always sent Bhagwan Ram, Bhagwan Krishna or any other avtars to sort out things by killing sinners like Ravan, Kans, etc. and maintained order on MAAT LOK. But in Kalyug, there are so many kans roaming around that God didn't just asked us to be a saint but a soldier as well to protect himself/ herself but also those who need help. a Sikhs life is just bhagti and sacrifice.
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Re: Sikh Identity
hbrar801 wrote:I was wondering what contributed to the expression of Sikh identity from a tradition that emphasized inner contemplation and meditation at the time of Guru Nanak to a militarized tradition defined by its external symbols in the form of the Khalsa?
For human progress and evolution it was necessary not just to invent the wheel but to make sure we don't need to constantly re-invent it. The idea of wheel needed a level a protections to exist and persist to lead to greater ideas.
Similarly due to the nature of environment we exist, Sikhs values of contemplation, meditation and Naam Japna need a level of protection to exist, persist and grow , this protection was at times in form military and soldier traditions and is at today's time in form of identity to protect against dissolution of teachings and values.
-Nihal