Marred Observations

In light of the Sikh temple shooting

Allow me to inform you about Sikhism, because a lot of people don’t even know it exists. (Despite it being the 5th largest organized religion in the world.)

For a simple, quick explanation, Sikhism is a religion of non-violence and social justice. (It is also incredibly ahead of its time, being from the 15th century.) There are many, many teachings, and Sikhs are expected to defend said teachings as what translates as “saint-soldiers.” Sikhs focus on controlling internal vices and dealing justice to those who would oppress others. While the teachings are codified in gurus, they’re quite flexible and adapt to the time period.

It’s quite the opposite of most religions. Most religions are primarily conservative: they may permit change, but their intent is to preserve old principles. Sikhism is explicitly liberal: one of the tenets is social reform. In this way, it’s much like Buddhism, except Sikhism has more of a theological side.

A very good example is the ceremonial dagger Sikhs carry, the kirpan. It is supposed to be used as an instrument of non-violence. That means that it will never be used to initiate violence, but it will be used to actively stop violence if no non-violent means are available to do so. And that’s not just self-defense: remember, one of the core tenets of Sikhism is to defend the defenseless and the oppressed. If a Sikh sees someone being threatened or wronged, they are not just allowed to stop it, they’re expected to stop it as a principle of their religion. In the case of violence, if no other means are available, this includes use of the kirpan.

So please, take time to acknowledge Sikhism, and mourn for those killed in the shooting. Read up on it. Even if it’s not your religion, its tenets and teachings are an excellent way to live your life.

(via adriofthedead)

Source: transhumanisticpanspermia