Disclaimer: Please leave all prejudices, bias, hatred, malice and negativity at the door. If you can’t please don’t read further.
Engaging in reasonable Gurmat discussion should not require a commonly approved opinion. Too frequently, jathebandis and individuals use shaming tactics to discredit and silence ideas in Sikhi related discussion.
Perhaps we have noticed these individuals; they come from different jathebandic affiliations and are most often heard on social media. The mantra of the shamer is “I or my jathebandi is the True follower of Sikhism and the rest need to follow us.” Beyond differing on their opinion position, they cannot stomach the thought of you supporting the other jathebandi.
One thing that is lacking in the Panth today is Ekta, or unity amongst Gursikhs. Ekta or unity is when you accept another Gursikh’s opinions on certain controversial issues and don’t let it get between your Gursikhi Prem/Love. There are many stories that I have heard of puratan Gursikhs from various jathebandis, and how much prem they had for each other.
The article below exemplifies how puratan Gursikhs had respect for the thoughts of others despite their differences of opinions.
Below is an excerpt Taken from the book “Se Kinehya”, a biography of Baba Harnam Singh ji (Rampur Khera) – (Index Page 20 written by Bhai Joginder Singh ji Talwara, Akhand Kirtani Jatha)
Baba Harnam Singh Ji Rampur Khere wale had a firm belief in the Gurmat way of life, but he always had due regard and respect for the thoughts of others. One example of this, to follow, would help gursikh families immensely.
At the time, Bhai Joginder Singh ji Talwara’s mother left for the heavenly abode. Sehaj path was recited for her departed soul. All near and dear, kith and kin were invited to attend the last prayers and Ardas for her. This humble servant (Bhai Joginder Singh Talwara) sent a message to Baba Harnam Singh Ji Rampur Khere wale, through his close friend Dr Pritam Singh, asking Baba Ji to attend the ceremony. It was made clear to Dr Pritam Singh, to tell Baba Ji that the bhog ceremony of the Sehaj path will be completed at “mundawani” only. Dr Pritam Singh gave Baba Ji the letter of invitation and the verbal message too.
After receiving the message, Baba Ji fell silent and replied,
“We should attend on the basis that we are all linked as gursikhs, into one family of the Guru.”
Thus, Baba Ji participated in the final prayer ceremony of Bhai Talwara ji’s mother and obliged him.
This is a shining example of the regard Baba Harnam Singh Ji Rampur Khera had for all gursikhs. He showed, practically, that we are all gursikhs of the Guru, belonging to one family of the Guru. Despite ideological differences, opinions on issues, he never sacrificed mutual love, respect and co-operation among gursikhs.
The great Guru likes the fact that in spite of differences, gursikhs sit together with mutual respect and honour one another.
ਐਸਾ ਚ ਭਾਓੁ ਕਰਨਾ ਆਪਸ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੋ ਜੈਸਾ ਸਿਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਅਦਬ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ । ਬਹੁਤ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਨਾਹੀ। ਬਾਣੀ ਸਬਦ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਿਆਰ ਰਖਨਾ.
Prem Sumarag
More to come……