Lohri & Sikhism
There are many origins of Lohri all forming part of folklore. The celebration of lohri has it's roots in the worship of fire and sun, it was typically observed as the sun moved out of capricorn and into aquarius.
Fire was used in worship by many cultures at the time and was a sign of regeneration, the ancients believed that the flames carried their messages to the sun.
Lohri is commonly celebrated on the 13th of January. The exact date is hard to trace as we now mostly adhere to the Gregorian calendar, however, in ancient times different cultures adhered to their own calendars, the one used by Hindus at that time would have been the Saka calendar and the one traditionally used in the punjab would have been the Bikrami calendar, which was later changed to the Nanakshahi calendar.
Lohri has no roots in Sikism and does not have any religious significance for Sikhs. It is largely celebrated by Punjabi's some of who may be Sikhs because of it's strong ties to the Punjabi culture. It actually goes against Sikhism's beliefs of equality as it was only celebrated when a son had been born into a family, thereby subjugating a woman's status. This is contrary to the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Added to this is the fact that Sikhs do not worship fire or sun. Nowadays there is a push that people celebrate lohri even when a girl is born into the family. (My opinion is that getting rid of what may seem an obsolete tradition would also serve as a step to equality but without the added cost that in many years from now will become a hugh burden on many people who believe that these traditions have to be kept alive, thus promoting consumerism, which is also against a Sikh's simple way of life)
Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it - www.sikh-the-truth.blogspot.com
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.
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
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