Sunday, November 25, 2007
Local Sikhs celebrate equality
CEBU-BASED Sikhs gathered at their temple on F. Gochan, Mabolo, Cebu City yesterday to celebrate the birthday of their founder, Guru Nanak. Nanak represents the virtue of humility.
Sikhism is the youngest of all world religions, founded in India by Nanak in 1469.
During that time, India was characterized by the caste system. Nanak aligned with no religion and respected all religions.
Everyone is equal in Sikhism, said Michael Singh Bhullar, a devotee.
As an example, he showed reporters how Sikhs have a feast. After their ceremony, they gathered for a feast of vegetarian dishes.
Everyone was squatting on a mat, eating his or her meal.
“Everyone is equal, it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, you just sit beside each other,” Bhullar explained to reporters.
Teaching
Sikhs also abide by three of Nanak’s teachings. One is the “Nam Japa,” which means to get up each day before sunrise, to clean the body, meditate on God’s name and recite the Guru’s hymns to clean the mind.
The second teaching is the “Dharam di Kirat Karni” that is to work and earn by the sweat of the brow, to live a family way of life and practice truthfulness and honesty in all dealings.
“Vand Ke Chakna,” the third teaching, calls on Sikhs to share the fruits of one’s labor with others before considering oneself.
Nanak also passed on his teachings to nine other gurus, representing their respective virtues.
Sikh Giani Rajinder Singh also read the scripture during the ceremony. “Giani” is the equivalent of Father, meaning priest, in the Catholic community.
Rajinder said that their holy scripture is unlike other religions wherein disciples wrote the gospels. In their case, they read the original writings of the 10 gurus.
In the middle of the ceremony, attendees were given petals to offer to the altar.
They also sang hymns.
The Sikhs also have a counterpart for the Catholic’s communion. Near the end of the ceremony, some of its members gave away sweetened pudding. (JGA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (November 25, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
