Explaining need for a savior to a Sikh
EO: The main human problem realized by the Sikh religion is that of haumai, self-reliance. The Sikh religion believes that while here on earth humans get too attached to objects, emotions or even themselves and do not realize their dependence on God. The many forms of attachment stem from, “lust, anger, greed, materialism and pride” (Cole 136). This is why many Sikhs do not eat meat for they feel that killing an animal for food is an act of violence that stems from anger and should therefore not be done. While visiting the Gurdware I took part in Langar, which is the tradition Sikh meal after the worship service. This meal contained no meat but rather beans, rice and vegetables which showed their observance this belief.
In order for one to overcome this human condition of haumai and fully depend upon God one must follow three ways of living that are known as, “kirt karo, nam japo and vand cako, work, worship and charity” (Cole 136). These concepts of being diligent in your work, observant in your worship and charitable with your gifts and services should be the main focus of one’s life. By following these ‘guidelines’ a Sikh may be better prepared to deal with the problems one may face in their daily life.
Another problem is ignorance. One can never fully grasp who one is and what one’s future holds. Therefore one is destined to a life of rebirth. Life after life of reincarnation into different life forms is what is in store for Sikhs who do not find release, but the reincarnation of man is above all the rest. Man was not an accident nor was has he evolved out of other living creatures but man was a direct creation from God. Man is unique because “he alone possesses discrimination and with him, though latent is a divine spark” (Cole 76). This “divine spark” gives man the chance and ability to understand one’s dependence on God and the will to obey God.
The life one leads in the present is determined by karma. One’s past actions now have future consequences and affects how one is reincarnated. One may be reincarnated into an environment that corrupts one’s life and perpetuates ignorance in one’s mind, keeping them from knowing and obeying God.
Haumai is seen as the main problem that keeps people away from understanding their dependence on God. This word is loosely translated into self-reliance, one’s focus on one’s self and one’s reliance on the temporal objects of this world. Haumai may be described as one “holding a materialist view of the world and therefore living as though its values even its most praiseworthy such as moral rectitude were ends in themselves” (Cole 77). Haumai usually results in pride and thus becomes a block to one in trying to understand one’s reliance on God. One’s actions in the present can be attributed to haumia because it clouds one’s mind and keeps them locked away from the chance of being released. However, once one is out of haumai one is no longer in the cloud and is now subject to karma and the consequences of one’s actions. Out of haumai one essentially has control over one’s future.
Those who are living in haumia find it hard to clearly see the difference between reincarnation and release. Many people may act noble and seem very trustworthy, honorable and respectful but are still living a life in haumia. Cole explains how haumai is seen in the human realm: “Suffering is the form which the condition of haumai takes. It is caused by wrong attachment, by regarding natural relationships as eternal or by substituting these for the one which cannot be broken, that between God and the devotee” (78). One cannot replace their relationship with God with a relationship to earthly things. By trying to do so one suffers and stays in haumai.
There are different ways with which one may come to know God and break free from haumai and find release. Two main ideas must be understand in order to find release, or liberation, and that is to: understand one’s dependence on God; and to obey God. These key points are crucial in liberation.
One approach in coming to know God may be the road of strict observance of laws, rituals and other spiritual acts. This struggle and constant devotion towards obtaining a higher spiritual place may be recognized in God’s eyes. God may see one’s obedience and be delighted with their ways. Or one may be living life, just strolling along in their station in life and by chance hear God. No matter what type of struggle one is going through, be it big or small, God can be found. But one must always remember to understand one’s dependence on God and obey God. In this one may find liberation.
There are injunctions against lust, anger, greed and arrogance amongst other human failings – these weaknesses are all deemed to arise when the ego goes unchecked. The duty of every good Sikh is to constantly keep his or her ego under control.
Yes, A human is apt to sin and do mistakes on this earth, so the more and more he recites Gurbani (Pay attention to Guru’s words) he understands his shortcomings and sins he might have performed. He prays for deliverance.
Another potential opening is the Sikh search for truth through the teachings and wisdom of the Guru Nanak and his nine successors (Crim 688-691). Can the Christian compare the wisdom of the apostles and prophets to the words of the Gurus? Possibly – with caveats. The Christian may begin by sharing the belief that God chose certain people through whom His words would be conveyed to the rest of the human race; these chosen ones, the apostles and prophets, had a “wisdom” that came not from within themselves, but from God Himself. The words of God, given through His chosen vessels, are the source of truth for the Christian.
Sources
Cole, W Owen and Sambhi, Piara Singh. The Sikhs, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. 1978. Routledge & Kegan Paul.