a Sikh response to the horror in Wisconsin

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BunnyMaz

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Thank you for sharing this. It's just sad that such explanations are seen as necessary, thanks to incidents like these. But it is nice to have the opportunity to learn something - I know a little about Sikhism, but that short article is really informative!
 

frimble3

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Yes, thank you for sharing that thoughtful and comprehensive description of Sikhism. I hope it reaches those who otherwise just count 'brown people, funny headwear = the enemy'.
 

aruna

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Hi there, Siri Kirpal! I feel with you and all Sikhs at this latest atrocity.

I've always felt great affinity with Sikhs. In 1983 I went to the Golden Temple on my way down to South India; I and a friend had a meal there and spent the night (free of course).

I've also been to your temple in Southall, London, with a frind.
 

Teinz

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An interesting article on a faith I knew very little about. Thanks.

And good luck with the whole situation overthere. It can't be easy.
 

Siri Kirpal

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Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Thanks, everyone!

I just came back from a writers conference to discover this had happen. Have been on overwhelm ever since as my inbox overflows with messages, mostly from my fellow Sikhs. On top of the shock, of course.

Glad to have something to share.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 

Komnena

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My condolences to you, Siri. It must have been a huge punch in the gut for you.
 

Siri Kirpal

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Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Thanks, everyone!

Yes, Komnena, it's been a shock. Just as I came home from a writers conference too.

But Sikhs are hardy people. We have to be. I knew what I could be letting myself in for when I put on my turban. I won't say we aren't grieving. We are. But we're also using the moment to teach. Not just for us, but for all targeted religious groups.

With deep respect to all of you who have chimed in,

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 

Komnena

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So in the interest of teaching could you recommend a good basic introduction to your people?
 

Siri Kirpal

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There's the book that's my avatar, Sikh Spirtual Practice, an excellent guide to what we do.

You can also check out www.sikhnet.com

The language is a bit antiquated and lengthy in 3 vols, but Max Arthur Macaulife's The Sikh Religion is an excellent guide to early Sikh history.

There aren't too many books about Sikhs just as people, though my book does have some of that. You might try The Sikhs (I'm forgetting the author), but I haven't read it and am not sure how good it is, though I've heard it's got great pics.

Unfortunately, most translations of Sikh scriptures are written in "Hinglish," but The Wisdom of Sikhism published by Oneworld is excellent, though just a sampling. And Macaulife included lots of translations (again, somewhat archaic) in his text. I've got some too (more contemporary language).

Hope that helps.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 

aruna

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Can you name some English-language novels with Sikhs (Sikhs in India, that is) as main characters?
I know that Meera Syal is a Sikh, but she lives in the UK and her books (which I've read) have that setting and so are compromised.

ETA: half-Sikh.
 

Siri Kirpal

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Can you name some English-language novels with Sikhs (Sikhs in India, that is) as main characters?
I know that Meera Syal is a Sikh, but she lives in the UK and her books (which I've read) have that setting and so are compromised.

ETA: half-Sikh.

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

No, I don't. Most such books are in Punjabi or Hindi and don't get translated. I know of two historical novels (both by friends of mine) that haven't been published, but that's not much help.

Thanks for asking, though. Maybe this horror will spur the publishing industry to view literature by and about Sikhs more favorably.

Oh, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's take on Sikhs is utter rubbish. Though he's a good read.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 

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My heart goes out to you and the Sikh community. I am so sorry that your community has had to be strong in the face of such horror, and I join with others of goodwill who pray for a day when all peoples celebrate our unity as one family on earth.
Blessings, and many thanks for the article.
 

Siri Kirpal

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Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Correction to my post about not knowing any books set in India with Sikh characters. Haven't yet read any of his books, but Khushwant Singh is a Sikh and popular novelist living in India. So, I'd suggest looking up his books.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 

Siri Kirpal

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Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Yep. I thought those poor souls who died in Wisconsin had fixed that little problem for us. Guess not.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 

RichardGarfinkle

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Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Yep. I thought those poor souls who died in Wisconsin had fixed that little problem for us. Guess not.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Idiocy is immune to reality and sympathy fades when prejudice is maintained.

On the other hand, some people do learn and views do change. Take heart and keep showing the reality.
 
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Siri Kirpal

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Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

"Taking heart" is something Sikhs are good at. We have the concept "cherdi kalaa," which means rising spirits. Every single one of our formal prayers ends with a request to remain in that state.

And yes, much of why I'm here on AW is to educate people who may influence the way other people think. (Writers beware your power! Be aware of your power!)

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal
 
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