 The question was "How do we ensure the Sikhs are positively portrayed?" The answer? Simple. Action & Service. In Oregon, we got rid of an old anti-turban law for teachers in school. Not by being victims, but by challenging a law that was embarrassing to the state and hurtful to multiple cultures in society. By being champions. In England, Sikhs got a lot of grief for looking like they do. But when riots happened recently, Sikhs standing up not just for their own Gurdwaras, but for temples, churches and Mosques brought an outpouring of Brits online talking about their Sikh heroes. Their champions. I saw postings after the news how proud Brits where of "their Sikhs." There is a broad hint there of what to do. And where would the Hindus of India be when the Moguls slaughtered them by the tens of thousands daily until a Sikh Guru championed the cause. Sikhs don't get applauded by keeping their heads down and being victims. They excel by being the champions of freedoms and rights of everyone. Even putting their lives on the line being heroes and that which gets the job done for everyone. I am the only Sikh on the US West Coast in Rotary. Yet here is an organization that has the same kind of values. I am known in Rotary. Sikhs need to join and champion more. Being in the public eye. Be seen on the scene when things are needed. Or champion when things are not right. Sikhs need to serve. That's what it's all about. Service. My spiritual teacher, Yogi Bhajan, who brought me to the fee of the Guru, said it again and again. The one thing that sets Sikhs apart is Service. And only by Service shall we survive the coming battles. He was also a lifetime Rotarian. Who mixed it with politicians, business leaders, spiritual leaders and common folk. He used the teaching of yoga to bridge the gap. How many people know now that a person in a turban, beard, white clothing is someone they can turn to for techniques to help with the stress of our modern world. And how many people at least have some knowledge of Sikhs and the Guru. How many millions of people now chant Waheguru as part of their daily yoga practice. Or Satnam. Or Sat Siri, Siri Akal, Siri Akal, Sat Nam, Waheguru, which is a worldwide chant used by millions for the coming of this new "Aquarian age." And to help with the stress of the times. As long as Sikhs set themselves apart and stand as victims, nothing will progress. Only by stepping in as leaders who will go the distance to make sure everyone's rights are observed. Seva is the Karma and Dharma of a Sikh. So, how many will take the simple step of joining the world's largest service organization – Rotary International? Or getting involved with the local Chamber of Commerce. How many will stop being separate from culture and society of American and be part of it and even start to lead and inspire others. And how many will stop long enough to look at what Yogi Bhajan did and recognize he furthered Sikhi to the entire world more than anyone. When will Sikhs stop thinking of themselves as separate just because of being different. When Sikhs serve, even Christian fundamentalists step back and give approval. Sikhi is the only religion in the world that says everyone else is OK. How many people in society know that. How many Sikhs have visited a church, temple or mosque to make connections. Even the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses think we are OK, and don't try to convert us. Check the Jehovah Witness book "Search for God." It actually is a positive account of what Sikhs are with bible references to the same values. When will Sikhs show up, stand tall and not give an inch. Be above the looks, insults and shuns to regain their rightful place as the leaders of tomorrow? Be examples. Be noticed. Be bold. Be above it all. Be service! |
When Will Sikhs Lead? Growing up, every Sikh learns that our Gurus stood for the rights of all, not just Sikhs. We learn that Guru Hargobind Sahib refused freedom from imprisonment unless those held with him wrongfully were also freed. We learn that Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib sacrificed his own life for the religious freedom of others. We take pride in knowing that Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood against sexism and casteism for all. So the question naturally arises: What are Sikhs doing today to lead and stand for the rights of all? Check out this headline in yesterday’s news: Or this headline: With your support, today the Sikh Coalition is humbly working to realize Guru Sahib’s vision of a just society. Your support enables us to protect not only our rights, but the rights of all as Guru Sahib requires. Will you make a tax-deductible contribution today so that we can continue this work? Whatever amount you can afford $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1000 --- will go towards ground-breaking work not only for Sikhs, but humanity. As always the Sikh Coalition urges Sikhs to practice their faith fearlessly and urges all people to stand up for their rights.
WhoAreTheSikhs.com |