Thursday 6 December 2018

Sikhism, Amritsar, and the Golden temple.


Sikhism, along with Buddhism, has always seemed like a very sensible and acceptable religion, in a world where so many other beliefs cause nothing but mayhem.

I'm not about to start wearing a turban, but I can readily appreciate their religion's philosophy.  


The Sikh God is described as Shapeless, Timeless, and Invisible; I can go along with that. Their philosophy includes Selfless Service, Moral Order, Justice for all, Righteousness, and Forgiveness. Sikhism is also totally non-sexist; I can go along with all of that too.

The amazing Golden Temple at Amritsar welcomes all people of all nationalities and religions; it does not discriminate. It also feeds all visitors (who require it) totally free of charge.

                               

Can you imagine visiting an almost empty British Cathedral, and being given a free meal? Some bloody hope! At The Golden Temple they welcome on average 100,000 visitors every day, and serve free food to about 50,000. A remarkable feat, where all the preparation and service is performed by volunteers.

It really isn't surprising that the uber-wealthy Church of England is on its last legs. Where is THEIR charity? Something tells me it stays in the vaults of  Coutts & Co.

Yes, I could adopt Sikhism, but perhaps it would be best to emulate their ways, rather than begin to wear a Turban.


38 comments:

  1. Sounds good to me, I believe that there's been more blood spilled in the name of religion than anything else.

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    1. What else is there to fight about; apart from land!

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  2. Replies
    1. Good. I've known very few Sikhs, but they were all extremely pleasant and conscientious people. A pleasure to know.

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  3. Sikh and you shall find.

    Certainly all other religions I can think of downgrade the place of women. Bu women are fighting back if the film I saw last night is anything to go by.
    It's a documentary by Barbara Miller called '#FEMALEPLEASURE'. If it's not showing at a cinema near you please ask why.

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    1. It sounds like something one might see at an 'Arts Cinema', or in Soho.

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    2. I shall do a write up later.

      For a number of years friend had a postman who was a Sikh who wore a blue turban to go with his post uniform. Never had such a good postman my friend said. Always punctual, polite, pleasant and efficient.

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  4. Norwich Cathedral has no food for the poor and no feeling of life.

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    1. Nor did Ely; they would have been more likely to tell you to eff-off.

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    2. St Martins in the Fields London does a huge amount for the homeless and you can also get a meal there for nothing. It's the only charity we give to every Christmas.

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    3. They have shower and laundry facilities too. They give small grants to people in danger of homelessness, nationwide.

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    4. I seem to remember they were doing that in the mid 60's when I lived in London. Good to hear they're still at it. They must be one of the few. Try asking for something at St Pauls!

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    5. Norwich Cathedral turns the homeless away.

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    6. St Martins have been doing it for 90 years. Most other churches just raise cash for people in Africa or somewhere, ignoring the destitution on their own doorstep. This is their idea of pastoral care.

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    7. I once saw priests using canes to get rid of beggars on the steps of Palma Cathedral, whilst inside there were several small chapels containing glass cases filled with piles of jewels. The juxtaposition seemed crazy.

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    8. That may have changed, I think. Last time I was in Italy I saw a beggar arrive and unlock the gates of a large church before a service, then stand on the steps to receive some pittance from the people going in. It was a dignified position, obviously created by the church making him key holder. We gave him some - I hope he kept it!

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  5. Yes I like Sikhism too. The Hare Krishna Food For Life gives away two million freed vegetarian meals every dayt. Not forgetting the amazing work of the Capuchin soup kitchens and of course the Salvation Army. If anybody practices practical Christianity the last two certainly do.

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    1. Unfortunately the SA did recently have a boss who had his fingers in the till; otherwise I agree with you.

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  6. While some bad things have been done by Sikhs and Buddhists, they are generally peaceful religions. Buddhists and Sikhs fit very well into Australia. I rather like Sikhs, especially the tall, turban wearing......I better stop.

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    1. I think they have a peaceful way of life drummed into them from birth. Of course occasionally things do go wrong, but usually not started by them.

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  7. The C of E. Also known as Scrooge McDuck. What does it do with all its wealth?

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    1. You can write to the queen. She's the head of the church. Or perhaps better to write to Charles the head of the church in waiting. Or what about Charles's wife. He has her ear.

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    2. When I worked on the Stock Exchange, the Church Commissioners were clients of ours. We were one of three major brokers who dealt for them, and were under strict orders not to reveal anything about their dealings. All I can say, is that had vast wealth and were very shrewd traders.

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  8. In the early 50's to 60's the C of E owned a large part of Paddington their houses were rented out to prostitutes- thus they were in part financed by immoral earnings.

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  9. You are preaching to the converted with me Cro - I belong Humanist UK - but agree with you wholly about Sikhism.

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    1. I've always believed them to be 'good people'.

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  10. In Sri Lanka on a very scary tuk tuk ride where I cut my leg open on the metal guard in front of us. The driver having taken his hands off the handle bars to clasp his hands together and bow his head as we passed a temple(we went in a pot hole). We asked him about the people outside tidying up, they didnt have uniforms outside the temple. We said its very hot why are they doing it now. And he blinked at us over his fanta and said completely flat "service to others is to enlighten the soul". And they were so happy volunteering to sweeping the paths and road with a bunch of twigs. I think we really have it wrong in this country. We have so much and we seem so unhappy.

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    1. Your last sentence says it all, and it's especially noticeable at this time of year; consumerism and greed have replaced basic caring for one's fellow man.

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    2. Perhaps you would like to read my post on the philosophy of happiness, Sol.

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  11. You'd look good in a turban.

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    1. Sue, that's funny. Wish I'd thought of that.

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    2. I'll practice, with a kitchen towel.

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  12. Oh man, the crimes of the C of E pale in comparison the the pure evil and debauchery and brainwashing of the Roman Catholic Church. But I admire you for your outrage. P. S. Even Buddhists say that Buddhism is not a religion.

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