Three simple words, yet they cause much trouble.
Many of our brothers and sisters begin defining themselves first with the cultural/religious background of their ancestors. Many say Sikh, others say Indian, some say Punjabi. However, when you ask them to define these terms, they have no certain answers. Never have they given any thought on who and what they are. Lost in the materialistic culture of Western society, blinded in the desire to conform to Western Culture and "Ideals", they have forgotten their own cultural roots, religion and heritage.
Sadly, Sikhs today have lost touch with the most important mark of their existence; that being their religious principles and values. Today, Sikhs have full-heartedly embraced the evils of Western Society as well as the Indian caste-inflicted culture; thus forgetting the basic tenets of their religion's egalitarian teachings.
Sikhs today listen to blasting Bhangra music from stereos world over. The lyrics make popular, drinking, drugs, sex; as well as discrimination on basis of caste, colour and gender. When such is the psyche of Sikhs today- proud of imitating Western evils, losing themselves in greed and power. Living ignorant to the truth of their own religion, then how can anyone expect any good to exist in Sikh society?
The youth are lost in worldly material ways. The parents are lost in their greed and Ego. The leaders are fighting over power and wealth. While the saints have left to save themselves, whilst leaving the rest to burn in their desires of worldly pleasure.
How many Sikh guys/girls sleep around? How many broken marriages are there now? How many abused children live painful lives? How many parents live in old-age homes? How many children are aborted by Sikhs? How many Sikhs live in poverty? How many have become drugies & alcoholics? How many live without a purpose in life? Sadly there are too many! Too many Sikhs are lost... burning in this worldly flame, living life with empty souls, searching like addicts to get their next "shot" of happiness, from anywhere, from anyone!
How can Sikhs fill the gap in their heart? How can they find lasting peace and tranquillity and not lose themselves in this dualistic reality? Of pain and pleasure, happiness and sorrow, etc. How can Sikhs help cure the ills in our society? How can Sikhs make whole their being? How can Sikhs find bliss and peace? How can Sikhs cure their wounds and diseases?
Only one solution there is if you desire to believe. You must walk the path that Satguru Nanak Dev Ji preached. Without the remembrance of our Loving Creator, without the knowledge of Satguru's Wisdom (as enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), without acting upon these God-sent teachings, none can save themselves from the ravaging fire that is burning in everyone's heart all over the world.
How can the ignorant help him/herself? How can the Egotistical save him/herself? How can one save themselves from Worldly Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, Pride? Without the knowledge of knowing the falsehoods in life, one can never save themselves. Apply the wisdom of Satguru Ji with love and sincerity. Make Truth your speech, make Humility your expression. Give selfless love and friendship and charity too the weak, poor, needy if you can. You need to spend time with yourself, in honest reflection and thought. Do not be afraid to confront the evils that live within us all. Only after facing your real-self, knowing your inner-most secrets, can you then wash away the evil that lives in your mind, using Satguru's divine wisdom and God's loving remembrance.
I urge everyone to try, to walk the path of truth that leads to enlightenment. One day we will all go from this world, what worldly riches, what friends and family will then help us after death? Our soul will be judged according to our actions. Salvation can only occur while living, not hence after. Why suffer from worldly pangs? When one can live a blissful existence? Try, I urge you my brothers and sisters, to walk the path of our Satgurus.
Let lasting bliss fill your heart and peace saturate your mind. All sorrows will vanish away, all sufferings will cease to cause pain. When the balm of Satguru's love touches your heart, his teachings enlighten your mind, then you will become a sea of serenity, the wind of ecstasy, the earth of true happiness and the fire of bliss.
Jaswinder Singh.