Once again my focus is set on the quest for the truth...not the truth as perceived by certain individuals but my own informed interpretations which have been ascertained by my own endeavours to seek the true meanings and philosophies as written in the manuscripts by the Guru's.

I must concede that as someone who loves philosophy, I was pleasantly surprised at the sheer amount and depth of the philosophies available in the Guru Granth Sahib. This quest will undoubtedly take me the rest of my life and even then it will not be complete, no doubt this will become a valuable resource by then and someone will endeavour to continue this work.


My main aim was to discuss certain philosophies in detail, especially those relevant to NRI's (Non Resident Indians) and those who have been brought up in a western culture. It hasn't been easy for me to find an authoritative source, but I am beginning to seek out persons and publications that have unbiased views on Sikhism. I have had to deal with breaking down the barriers of my own mind that have been erected over the years of western education and conditioning. I've learned that the east places great importance on spirituality combined with philosophy whereas the west view these two subjects as two different matters and in my experience does not place a huge importance of philosophical thinking. See my blogs on philosophical thinking; Possible Reality and Constant State of Evolution.

You will only gain knowledge by seeking. The more you become enlightened the more your boundaries will crumble around you, leaving you free to venture further. Your perceptions will begin to change once you are on the path of enlightenment.


I am fascinated by the respect Sikhism has for other religions, and unlike some religions there is no evidence to suggest that Sikhs have ever forced anyone to convert to their religion, on the contrary, Sikhs have fought to defend the downtrodden and oppressed, as were the Hindus during the Mughal rule in India.

In India now there are many different customs, languages, faiths and religions and yet all seem to be living in harmony up to the motto of unity in diversity.


Having said all that, I must add that studying religion goes hand in hand with studying history and in doing so I have touched on other cultures and religions that pre-date Sikhism, so although this blog started with a view to focus on Sikhism, I have added my research of world religions especially the earlier ones. Furthermore, it is my understanding that astrology, numerology, occultism, witchcraft, paganism, all have a part to play in the grand scheme of things and whilst some are more acceptable than others, we should not ignore the origins of mans beliefs that pre date religion as we know it in the present time.

Thursday, 13 December 2012

Diwali

Hinduism 

For Hindus, Diwali welcomes in the New Year and symbolises the defeat of the darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.
The festival was originally held to honour the return of Lord Rama and his family back to their kingdom in Ayodhya after his years of absence fighting the demon king of Sri Lanka. As they returned home at night, people lit oil lamps to guide their way. For these reasons, homes and businesses are decorated with lights at this time of year. Diwali can fall at the end of October or the start of November because it is celebrated on Amavasa, the 15th day of the dark fortnight (new moon) of the Hindu month Kartika.

Hindu celebrations stretch over five days:
Day One – Lakshmi Pooja: On the first day of celebration, homes are cleaned in order to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. They are then decorated with lamps, mango leaves and marigolds around the doorways and gifts are given in the family.
Day Two – Naraka Chatrudashi: On this day, there is a focus on abolishing evil and the Goddess Kali is worshipped. 
Day Three – Diwali Day: This is the end of the Hindu year and is celebrated by lighting lamps in the home and fireworks displays. 
Day Four – Nutan Varsh: This day is the start of the Hindu New Year. 
Day Five – Bhai bij or the Teeka Ceremony: This day is important to Hindus as it celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.



Jainism

Jainism is one of India’s most ancient religions. It was revived by Bhagwan Mahavir, who organised the teachings in their current form. Jainism teaches the path of non-violence towards all living beings and attempts to explain the meaning of life and the purpose of existence.
Diwali is celebrated by the Jains as it is the day that Lord Mahavir attained moksa – this is believed to be the final liberation of the soul, which brings an end to all of the suffering that is attached to being caught in the repeated cycle of death and rebirth. For Jains, Diwali commemorates this permanent happiness of the soul. Leicester boasts the largest Jain temple in England.



Sikhism

Bandhi Chhorr Divas

For Sikhs, the story of Diwali, or ‘Bandhi Chhorr Divas,’ is a story of the struggle for freedom. Concerned by the growing power of Sikhism in India, the mogul emperor Jahingir devised a plan to imprison the 6th Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji. Guru Hargobind Ji was held for 40 days at the Gwalior Fortress with fifty two Hindu Rajas (Kings) who were deprived of their kingdoms and badly treated in the fortress. Seeing this, Guru Ji shared all of his rations with the Hindu Rajas and survived on very little himself. Outside the fortress, many influential people and Holy Men were outraged with the actions of the mogul emperor, including the highly regarded Muslim holy man Hazarat Mian Mir, who demanded Guru Ji should be released immediately. The emperor agreed to this but Guru Ji refused to leave on his own, stating that he would only leave if the 52 Rajas were also set free. After being told that only those who could hold onto the Guru Ji’s robe would be released, Guru Ji had a special robe made with 52 Khalia (tapers) so that each of the Rajas could walk free with him.

The release of Guru Ji and the Hindu Rajas coincided with Diwali Day - this is why Sikhs celebrate the day. Guru Ji was named ‘Bandhi Chhorr’, the deliverer of prisoners. Sikh’s celebrate in Amritsar (Golden Temple) by lighting candles on the sacred water that surrounds the temple, called the sarowar. Out of love and respect for the Guru Ji, this tradition continues today. Sikhs around the world celebrate
in Gurdwaras (temples).
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