We are going to be doing an episode, on our podcast, on this issue of Sikhs being stereotyped as either the world's kitchen or the world's soldiers. The aim here is not to detract from the fact that yes, we are soldier-saints and that yes-we have Langar but how:
(a) We never analyze the cost to benefit ratio of these practices. Consider this, by feeding our enemies or those who see themselves as our enemies-are we not cutting off our own feet? In India the expectation is that if you die for the nation and feed Hindus Langar then you are a true Sikh. You stand up for your rights and confront Hindu reworking of the Sikh past then you are violently suppressed. If Langar is our overarching strategy here to acquire enough kudos to obtain empathy and subsequently justice for '84, then is it working?
(b) How our own history is blown out of proportion and then misappropriated to make us subservient. We have Muslims casting Guru Nanak as an Islamist; Hindus casting the Gurus as some Ling worshipping Pandits; Christians with their Satguru Jesus and what not-similarly if Bhai Kanhiyaa did assist a few Mughal/Rajput soldiers, why have the Adan Shahiye misappropriated his life to argue he solely aided enemy soldiers and not fellow Sikhs? The same logic is impressed upon us to nullify our confrontation of oppression. I am sure that even Bhai Kanihyaa did not solely runout to assist Mughals and Rajput and Poorbias. If he helped a few then what is so unique about this? We have countless examples from world history where something similar has transpired. The heirs to that heritage never forego the fact that while a few individual expectations can be made, the overarching strategy of obtaining victory cannot be ignored. Just because Bhai Kanihyaa aided a few frontline troopers of the enemy, this surely does not mean that the Khalsa surrendered its arms.
(c) The emphasis on blind selflessness. Bhai Kanihyaa never squandered the Panth's precious resources to help a majority enemy troops. With the Panth in such an abysmal state today, why are we being overhyped prima donnas and squandering our valuable resources meant for our future generations on thankless savages? How much selflessness is too much selflessness? If they come to us for aid then give it to them but to go and aid them in their homes while they eye our families with malicious intent is pure stupidity.
What other points for "for" or "against" can you give us?
I'm a non-Sikh who would like to experience Langar, but unsure if those not of the Sikh faith would be welcome in the Gurudwara. Are there any rules that need to be followed? I only know you need to cover your head and take off your shoes before entering.) I'm also legally blind and use a white cane to get around--would this be a problem?
Looking for any advice.
When Guru Nanak Dev ji Was quite young his father Mehta Kalyan Das gave him sum of 20rs and tell him to buy a items for trade purposes. His father also aske him to do sacha sauda. At that time 20rs was a big amount. When Guru Nanak Dev ji reach market he saw large group of hungry sadhu under the tree . They are hungry from the past few days. Guru Nanak Purchase a meal ofΒ Read More
Does anybody else encounter some sikh people on the road asking for donations for some langar? Are they geniune? I have encountered them near Kundalahalli and in Koramangala three or four times.
