As my mobile phone alarm went off reminding me of my impending dentist’s appointment, I wondered how I used to remember things before I acquired all my various gadgets. When I was younger I used to write long to-do lists, or tie a knot in a handkerchief, or write a reminder on my hand (although this didn’t always work!). We’ve all got so much to remember – and these days so many different ways of remembering. But, among all our daily chores, many of us are also keen to find ways of remembering how to stay in control, particularly during times of stress. For some it’s through meditation or prayer, for others it’s through symbols of their faith, such as a crucifix or cross.
Growing up a young Sikh in Bradford, I remember often being asked why I kept uncut hair and a turban especially as it seemed to be such a hassle. Having done some research on why young British born Sikhs wear their turbans it seems that as well as being an indicator of their religion, these symbols also remind young Sikhs of the values taught by the Sikh Gurus – the most important three being remembering virtue, earning an honest living and sharing these earnings with the needy.
For the Sikh Gurus it’s forgetting the values which we should live by which causes us problems in life. The Gurus teach that there are five key emotions which cause us to forget; desire, anger, greed, attachment and ego. These vices are also described as thieves, stealing our awareness and our ability to remain in control of our thoughts and consequently our actions.
The Gurus teach that we’re to keep these thieves at bay by practicing remembrance. This may mean that some kind of daily practice is required – for some this takes the form of prayer, for others wearing a particular kind of dress is a reminder, others are able to remember without the need for any symbols or rituals. The issue is not how to remember, but to ensure that we do remember and are consequently aware of our thoughts and actions. Being able to control the mind and remember the kinds of thoughts we have regardless of the circumstances, means that we are always in control of our actions. It is for this reason that Guru Nanak teaches “Conquer the mind, and conquer the world”.
