Aspects of the Sikh Religion: A Dialogue with Prof. Hardev Singh Virk
* Excerpts of the Interview recorded by Asian Television in September 2003 in Canada for the Sikh Youth of North America by Professor H.S.Virk , after his retirement from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
Q 1. What are special features of Sikh Religion?
A. (a) It is one of the five major religions of the world, viz., Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism.
(b) It was established by Guru Nanak in 15th Century, in the epoch when Martin Luther introduced Reformation in Roman Catholic religion in Europe.
(c) It is a unique religion and not a synthesis or syncretisation of Hinduism and Islam, as misunderstood by most of the foreigners.
(d) It has its own Holy Book, Aad Guru Granth Sahib, which contains hymns of Sikh Gurus, Hindu and Muslim saints of India.
(e) It has a universal message for whole of mankind: Reality (God) is one, its name is Truth, Creator Person, Without Fear, Without Enmity, Timeless Being, Unborn, Self Existent, Realised with Grace of the Guru.
(f) AGGS was installed in Harmandir Sahib by Guru Arjun, 400 years ago (Sept. 1604) (Bhadon Sudi 1, 1661 Bikrami).
(g) Creation.of Khalsa (Transformation of Sikhism) in April 1699, which gave distinct identity to the Sikhs.
Q. 2. What is your message for the Sikh Diaspora?
A. Diaspora is the term used for the Jews who spread all over the globe. Now same is the case of Sikhs. Guru Nanak visited many countries during his itineraries, called Udasis. He visited Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Afganistan, Uzbekistan, Tibet and Ceylon. Guru blessed his Sikhs in a unique way; if he was served well, he used to utter a blessing: Be uprooted. To others who misbehaved, He uttered: Be confined to your home and hearth! So the Diaspora Sikhs should prove themselves worthy of great Guru’s utterance by excelling in all fields of their activity. In Multicultural society of Canada, they have equal opportunity to prosper. My students in Abbotsford and Toronto are doing fine. Sikhs have established their own schools, Gurdwaras and cultural centers. While keeping their separate identity intact, they should participate in all spheres of activity. During my travels in B.C; Ontario and Alberta, I was pleased to see that Sikhs have created a niche for their religion and culture in Canadian society.
Q.3. What is the purpose of SGPC and role of Akal Takht?
A. Guru Nanak established Dharamshala at Kartarpur and started Sangat and Pangat. Guru Amardas set up 22 Manjis to propagate Sikh Religion. Guru Ramdas created Amritsar city and Guru Arjun, Tarn Taran. Sikh Gurdwaras were managed by Udassi/Nirmalas during the period of Sikh misals. During Ranjit Singh’s rule, it further degenerated into the Brahmanical tradition. Singh Sabha Movement (1872) was promoted by Professor Gurmukh Singh and Giani Dit Singh of Oriental College, Lahore. Sunder Singh Majithia, Harbans Singh Attari, and a galaxy of other Sikh intellectuals were involved in its activities. British Govt. wanted to perpetuate the Brahmanical tradition and accepted Mahants as owners of Gurdwaras. During 1920’s, the struggle for Gurdwara control by the Sikhs was started. Mahant Narayan Das of Nankana Sahib Gurdwara murdered 130 Sikhs and in Jaito Morcha nearly 200 Sikhs died in jails. Gurdwara Bill was passed in July 1925 and first election was held on 18 June 1926.SGPC came into power. Akali Dal became a political wing of SGPC. All evils of election process i.e. corrupt practices were used even during first SGPC election.
Q.4. What is the concept of Miri and Piri in Sikh Religion?
A. Since the times of Guru Hargobind, the concept of Miri-Piri was introduced in Sikh Religion. Guru Jee wanted to wear 2 swords at the initiation ceremony: one of Piri (divine power) and the other of Miri (temporal power). He also raised army to defend Sikh religion against the state repression let loose by the Mongol rulers. Akal Takht (The throne of Timeless Being) was set up by Guru Hargobind (as his seat of Temporal power) and political decisions were taken sitting there. It was constructed in front of Harmandir Sahib(Golden Temple), so that temporal power is subordinate to spiritual power or divinity of Sikh religion. During misal period all Sikh Sardars assembled here on two occasions, Diwali and Baisakhi, to take stock of the Sikh affairs. This gathering was called Sarbat Khalsa. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also called by Akali Phula Singh to appear at Akal Takhat,when he violated Sikh Maryada by marrying a Muslim dancing girl ‘Moran’. Akal Takhat held a special role in Sikh religious and political affairs and its hukamnamas have sanctity for all Sikhs.
Q. 5. What is your message for Sikh Youth of America?
A.(a) Sikh youth must study history of Sikh Religion, its unique philosophy of
Universal brotherhood and other salient features in the comity of world religions.
(b) They must keep and cherish their unique identity. I was the only Sikh
student in Marie Curie university of Paris in 1970 amongst more than 100,000
on its rolls. Hence I used to be invited as a special guest on all occasions.
I always considered myself an ambassador of my country and Sikh Religion.
So Sikh youth must behave in a manner which leaves an impact on the
minds of other people with whom they interact.
(c) Sikh youth must try to excel in their studies, professions and sports.
(d) Participation in Sikh youth camps is useful.
(e) Keeping Sikh and Indian traditions intact will be useful for the Sikh youth.
(f) Exploring other cultures in a multicultural society is a useful act.
(g) Sikh youth must aviod the use of DRUGS as forbidden by the Sikh Gurus
and Rehat Maryada.
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