Principles and Concepts
Explain the theory of Karma and punishment. Is our destiny fixed or can it change?
Karma is a spiritual law. It is not really a punishment so much as just a system or web. It works much like a physical law; every physical action has a reaction. Good karma will bring the fruit of good karma and bad will bring bad. But regardless of good or bad, the individual is still stuck in the web of karma and cannot escape which is punishment in itself of sorts. It is true that we donโt have memory of our old lives but frankly thatโs a boon. If we had memory of our old family relations and friendships, it would be overwhelming.
What Gurbani's view on the Four Yugs (eras of times)?
A "Yug" in Hindu philosophy is the name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages. These are (1) Sat Yug, Treta Yug, Dvaapar Yug and finally Kal Yug, which are equated with the Roman Golden, Silver, Bronze and Iron Ages respectively by E. Burgess. According to Indian astronomy and Hindu Mythology, the world is created, destroyed and recreated every 4,320,000 years (Maha Yuga). The cycles are said to repeat like the seasons, waxing and waning within a greater time-cycle of the creation and destruction of the universe.
What is "Naam di Daat"?
What is Naam di Daat? This is a wonderful question and an intricate one too. With respect to Naam letโs ponder upon the following Gur-hukams from Gurbani:
1) NAAM JAPO MERE SAAJAN SAINA||
2) NAU-NIDH AMRIT PRABH KA NAAM||
DEHI MEH ISS KA BISRAAM||
3) NAAM KE DHARE SAGLE JANT||
NAAM KE DHARE KHAND BRAHMAND||
In the first line, Guru Ji is instructing us to recite or japp Naam. Here Naam means Gur-Mantra that we are supposed to recite and japp. As we japp and recite this Naam, it leads us to Jyot Prakaashi roop of Naam which in essence is roop (image) of Waheguru himself.
Describe "Naam, Daan, Ishnaan, Kirat Karna and Vand Chhakna".
In the words of Bhai Vir Singh Ji, the Sikh brotherhood can be described with five words: "NAAM, DAAN, ISHNAAN, KIRAT KARNA AND VAND CHHAKNA."
NAAM - Naming Him, The Secret of the personality that has no personal aims, ambitions, of selfishness. Selfishness is transcended by love. So by living in Him, by Naming him, by dying in him, in love of him, man attains his manhood, which is forever divine and unselfish.
What is the role of Women as given in Sri Guru Granth Sahib?
The role is that of a Gursikh, not of a man or woman but of a Sikh. Sikhism is a way of life and this code (Rehat) is the same for men and women, and so it is their role in the family, and in the community. Sikh men and women are to see their roles as the same.
What are the Nau-Nidh (Nine treasures of wealth)?
Gurbani is essentially poetry. To convey the message effective language tools were needed to explain to individuals the message of Waheguru. These included using metaphors, imagery and similes. Guru Ji drew upon the culture, beliefs and ambient practices of the society when Gurbani was revealed to help explain to the common folk the universal message of Truth.
What does "Rehat Pyaaree Mujh Ko, Sikh Pyaara Naaheโ mean?
The contemporaries and beloved Sikhs of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, recorded the Tenth Master's oral instructions and given discipline in Rehatnamas (Codes of Conduct). Bhai Desa Singh Ji's Rehatnama states:
เจฐเจนเจฟเจค เจชเจฟเจเจฐเฉ เจฎเฉเจ เจเจ เจธเจฟเฉฑเจ เจชเจฟเจเจฐเจพ เจจเจพเจนเจฟ เฅฅ
"More than a Sikh, dear to me is to follow the rules of the Sikh conduct."
(Bhai Desa Singh Rehatnama)
The statement stresses the need of living like a Sikh and following the Sikh code of conduct sincerely, and not just appearing as a Sikh outwardly.
What does "Bole So Nihaal" mean?
"Bole So Nihaal" is a Sikh war cry and slogan used to express high spirits, joy and happiness.
It means "Whosover replies (to the call) shall be blessed." The slogan is replied with everyone saying "Sat Siree Akaal", meaning "True is the Immortal Lord".
What is Just-War in Sikhism?
"When we see this in practice however, we can see that very rarely has a Sikh War been any different to any other war fought on behalf of misguided religions: For Land, Nation and Resources."
Why is Sikhism not Evagenical?
Sikhism is the Truth. Therefore, Sikhs do not frighten others to convert to the religion as in Islam and Christianity with fear of eternal damnation, discrimination, inferiority, oppression and torture. Sikhs do not have to lure people to become Sikhs through greed and appealing to their lower desires as in Islam and Christianity.