Sikhism

[Rev. Ed C]

A topic I hope to write more on for an upcoming (between now and doomsday) Dudespaper article.

I've always felt a good connection with the Sikhs for their ways of equality and no hierarchy, and this wonderful article that turned up in my paper on Monday highlights one of things I've not mentioned around here before, their charitable and community ways:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/aug/29/free-school-sikhs-birmingham?INTCMP=SRCH

I think this is a good start to explaining about why I so much admire Sikhs and why Sikhism is right up there for me alongside Buddhism and Taosim as a great compeer/influence for my brand of Dudeism, and I hope everyone's

[Rev. Gary (revgms)]

I dig that they have a martial element, but their monotheism is off putting to me, even though I get it, they are about wholeness not Yahweh. Their warriors are cool though, enlightened soldiers.

Ever notice how there are a lot of mentions about Buddhism from other religions in the region, but Buddhism never mentions them. Take saint Jehoshaphat from Christianity, it's fucking Buddha. It is known that there were Buddhist monks in the region and time of Jesus. Just say'n.

[Rev. Ed C]

Ever notice how there are a lot of mentions about Buddhism from other religions in the region, but Buddhism never mentions them. Take saint Jehoshaphat from Christianity, it's fucking Buddha. It is known that there were Buddhist monks in the region and time of Jesus. Just say'n.

Indeed, a classic theory that Christ studdied Buddhism and was himself a Buddha (with or without the Buddhist teachings), something I can really dig.

I dig that they have a martial element, but their monotheism is off putting to me, even though I get it, they are about wholeness not Yahweh. Their warriors are cool though, enlightened soldiers.

Yeah, well, Sikhism does have the martial side, but obviously that's in India's troubled past.  They don't tend to really get into wars now, although the crossed talwars are still a symbol of the religion, I see it as strength and unity more than aggression.

As for the monotheism, well, yeah, I don't find it offputting.  I think their practise of praise and song and music and poetry, from the bard Guru Nanak, is admirable.  They have only rituals of fun and joy, no judgement or exclusion, no taking from each other, only giving to each other.

I find the Sikh principals would it well in Dudeism if we take the "god" aspect and make it life we sing and praise instead


[edit]
Apparently, this was my 500th post.  I guess that's how much I dig Sikhism

[Rev. Ed C]

I think our connection to these sorts of Sikh principals comes under this great topic that GMS started: http://dudeism.com/smf/index.php?topic=1459.0

Engaged Dudeism certainly gets my vote.  We don't have to be like those Christian Aid guys, going out there and doing good in the name of Christianity, we just have to go out and be dude for the sake of others.

It's important to the Sikhs because they recognise the importance of community and equality.  A truly socialist faith.

[Andrea Da Fino]

Well, sometimes going martial or ballistic is the only way to avoid nihilists cutting your johnson, so better be prepared than f***ed in the ass. imho

Anyway Indira Gandhi has been killed by two of her Sikhs bodyguards, so even they have nihilists or real reactionaries between them.

But this is almost the only thing I know about them so surely, as you say, they have a lot of good points to ponder. As for the God thing, well, if He's similar to the Good Lord, then, why not. If it's a dude-like thing it's cool.  If instead is some sort of "cut the heads of all those who are unbelievers" than it's not.

[Andrea Da Fino]

Obviously I'm not saying that the killing of Indira Gandhi wasn't a reply to an unchecked aggression. Things in India are pretty complicated. And obviously a cool religious movement cannot be blamed for the acts of a couple of members. Well, I don't know Sikhism so I'm pretty interested about this topic. Like a child ..... 

[Rev. Ed C]

Well, I don't know Sikhism so I'm pretty interested about this topic.

I'll take some time to flesh it out later.  As a sort of practise run for that future article (the proposed part 3 of the "In Perusit of the Spiritual Bungalow", after Levelling comes Equality, then Sikhism).

[Andrea Da Fino]

Far out man! Seems pretty interesting.

[Ruckus]

The little Northern Californian town where I live (Yuba City) sports one of the planet's largest populations of Sikh-folks extant.  They're gearing up for their annual Sikh culture parade.  Always an awesome event.  They hand out free chow from their temple, shoot fireworks up in the sky for all who care to show up, and the whole mess injects a whole lotta dollars into our local economy.  Good folks.  They draw a lot of water around these parts.  Gonna be a good event.  I'll try to get some good pictures if I am able.

[DigitalBuddha]

Speaking of Sikhism..........

The only living master of a dying martial art



A former factory worker from the British Midlands may be the last living master of the centuries-old Sikh battlefield art of shastar vidya. The father of four is now engaged in a full-time search for a successor.

The basis of shastar vidya, the "science of weapons" is a five-step movement: advance on the opponent, hit his flank, deflect incoming blows, take a commanding position and strike.

Check out - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15480741

[Ruckus]

Wasn't able to make it myself...  I had daddy duty.  But I scrounged up this posting of pix from parades current and past.  Enjoy. 

http://www.ypdtv.com/sikhtemple/

[DigitalBuddha]

Wasn't able to make it myself...  I had daddy duty.  But I scrounged up this posting of pix from parades current and past.  Enjoy. 

http://www.ypdtv.com/sikhtemple/

Love those running shoes, mang!!

[Ruckus]

They really pull the whole ensemble together.

[cckeiser]

Yeah, but look at the guy...you going to tell him!?

Unibrows dudes...unibrows.

[Ruckus]

True...  He looks serious enough to be a shark mohel.