Religion: A cultic contention vs humane spirituality


There are ten Sikh Gurus (spiritual teachers) that existed in the physical form, between 1469 and 1708; when Guru Granth Sahib (The Sikh holy book) was established as the eleventh and the eternal Guru, through the teachings recorded in it.
Every Sikh Guru affirms that teachings are more important than the teacher’s mortal being, since it’s the teachings which are timeless. That said, adoration of the teacher and his spirit of moral being cannot be undermined either. Hence, in this sense, the teacher too becomes the eternal symbol of his teachings.
For example, sacrifice and peace are eternal lessons, but Jesus has become the symbol of this teaching. So, both, his teachings and he amalgamate to become one entity in the spiritual sense. Same way, the ten Sikh Gurus and the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib have merged into one entity.
As I said in my previous post that by becoming the means of light, even the candle becomes an important spiritual symbol.
Teachings are intangible, and thus timeless; just like the formless and timeless omni-power of the Nirankar (formless and timeless Lord). This concept rejects cult ideology reflected in a dogmatic blind faith and mythical hero adoration. Thus, Sikhi denounces idol worship and this is the reason why a Sikh bows his head only in front of the eternal ‘word’ of Guru Granth Sahib.
There is also a great lesson of inclusion and humility, symbolised by the holy Granth Sahib. Six out of the ten Gurus did not register their written hymns in Guru Granth Sahib, instead, they made room for the spiritual poetry written by other saints from diverse cultures, including from the so-called lower castes existing in India. This was a revolutionary step forward in a primitive society at the time when lower castes were not allowed to even enter the Hindu temples.  
Thus, a complete compilation of universal ‘Oneness’ was introduced in the form of Guru Granth Sahib.
This epitomises the moral of inclusion for all, which is also symbolised by the four doors in every historical Gurdwara (the house of the Guru) welcoming all humanity from all the four corners of the earth. As a warm welcome, everyone is offered pure vegetarian food, called the ‘Guru ka LANGAR’ (Alms in Guru’s house) at all times, regardless of their colour, caste, creed, nationality, or religion. 
So, Sikhism does not have a divisive claim of ‘only MY god is the real God, and NOT yours’ kind of cultic contention, seen often in the world. There is only one God, divisions are created by the immorality of mankind’s egotism. A true religious person would spread love, not hatred, and consider fellow beings as equal.
Every religion must have a balance of spiritual and humane advocacy; in the absence of which it’s only an isolating cultic control.

Hence, Sikh philosophy upholds that one must understand and adapt the collaborated morality of spiritualism and humanity simultaneously, to be a worthy representative of any religion.  

Hence, Sikh philosophy upholds that one must understand and adapt the collaborated morality of spiritualism and humanity simultaneously to be a worthy representative of any religion.  

25 thoughts on “Religion: A cultic contention vs humane spirituality”

  1. For those of us who know nothing about this religion, the way you explain the meaning of the Gurus, in a concise and clear way, makes it perfectly clear what they mean within your religion. I find it a very interesting topic because it touches our inner being and your teachings help us to know ourselves and others. I enjoy reading you.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to give your precious feedback in very kind words. Gratitude. I am also rather excited to link up with someone like yourself, who is broad-minded and gracious to consider a spiritual view through another perspective. Spiritually, we all contain a spark from the same ‘One’ flame. Wishing you the very best in life. 🙏🙏🙏

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      1. I write poems and my spiritual center organizes the structure of my personality, where the body, soul, mind and emotions function as a whole. In fact, that is the reason why we are spiritual beings, because otherwise we would be dissociated beings, without self-confidence. From that center, my inspiration is born and that is one of the reasons why I read your blog.

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  3. Jasleen, your post shows tremendous wisdom. ‘divisions are created by the immorality of mankind’s egotism. A true religious person would spread love, not hatred, and consider fellow beings as equal. The problem I find is that almost every religion I have been introduced to are the opposite of this. I found over my lifetime that spiritually I am stronger in my beliefs and love for our Lord than I ever achieved following a certain religious group. Our Lord has blessed me in more ways than I could mention and continues to do so on a daily basis. I enjoy your site and may you be blessed in today’s endeavors.

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    1. Insightful comments and invaluable feedback. Absolutely tremendous. 🙏👍 You are absolutely right in your views on spirituality. Even in my book, ‘The 3Fs of the Law of Attraction’, I’ve elucidated my belief that ‘Religion is a soulless ritual without the content of spirituality; whereas, spirituality can stand by itself without any link to an institutionalised religion’.
      I began as a sceptic about my own faith in Sikhi and researched into history and practical facts of personal experiences. My conclusion is un-biased and very clear that Sikhi is not a religion, but a spiritual path and a way of life – belief in ONE and only Nirankar (one without physical entity, formless and timeless Lord). Some is said in my posts so far but I shall endeavour to continue to tell my authentic experience, not based on a dogmatic prescription. Hope your invaluable connection with my site will continue to motivate. Humble gratitude for your kind words. 🙏❤🎉

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  6. Your last line speaks volumes; it is beautifully written and thought out. In many ways, religion and religious thought have their roots in politics, which can push us away from the fundamental lessons and values of life and spirituality.

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  7. “There is only one God. Divisions are created by the immorality of mankind’s egotism.”

    That line speaks it all…. we are born given a name, race, and religion, which are just illusions to keep us apart, I loved your post that your approach to spirituality and religion is what should be. Most religions only claim their truth to be true, whilst hating others who don’t abide with it, is that religion? I don’t think so. We need to know that true religion is treating others like we should be treated. I’m glad to be here..

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    1. Thank you very much for your valuable comments. You are absolutely right, religions should unite, not divide humanity. What is spiritual is religious, but religion which is only ritualistic can be an institution but not necessarily godly. I am glad to find a like minded soul growing spiritually. Gratitude again, and stay blessed. 🙏🙏🎉🎉

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