Browsing Tag: Martrydom

The notion of “martyrdom” has a special place in Sikhism. A shahid or a martyr chooses to forsake life rather than renounce his/her faith.

This Thanksgiving, I am doubly thankful. The day falls on the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life for the protection of a people under brutal religious persecution. We cherish this principle in the United States today: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

Oftentimes, our remembrances make it difficult to move. The hurt, the pain, the betrayal are very real. Yet, these components can hold us back. We need to develop an ability to move on, but do not mistake forgiveness with forgetting.