Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh
I’m writing to you from the SikhNet Office as I think about the many gifts and many challenges that we all face in our everyday lives, particularly in relation to how we treat each other and the way we relate to people around us.
Having grown up in a Caucasian family that wasn’t from Punjab/India, it was difficult always standing out (both from other Americans, and from my Sikh brothers and sisters.)
I know what it is like to be stared at, criticized, judged, and looked at as the “other.” This has always been hard for me, especially with my role at SikhNet where I become a focal point for many people’s negativity, criticism and hate. But there is a silver lining to this. It has made me see the pain that so many youth and seekers in our community feel as they go through their lives. It has given me much more compassion and open-mindedness to not judge and to see what is hidden under the surface.
It is through this lens that I try to remember how Guru Nanak traveled the world inspiring ALL who he came in contact with. He discarded no one and saw everyone as a light of God. Whether it was the thief Bhumeeaa Chor, the cannibal Kauda Raakash or the murderer Sajjan Thag. He saw the light of God in everyone.
The reality is that we are each on our own spiritual journey and we don’t know what “bad” thing that someone is doing might actually be a catalyst for them to “wake up.” So my job is not to judge and criticize others when I see someone “falling” or doing something different from the way I might do it. For each of us, the Guru set the example of being a shining light so that we can help those in need, and lift each other up in times of darkness, and see the God inside everyone. No matter what your mind thinks of the other person, the challenge is to go deeper and, with compassionate awareness, see the same light that is in all.
For the past 22 years SikhNet has always been a place where ALL people can come to hear the Guru’s message, be inspired and feel welcome no matter what their lifestyle or beliefs may be. It’s something that has supported many seekers and continues to be a light in this time of darkness.
This is the last week of our annual SikhNet fundraiser, and I invite you to participate in this seva by supporting SikhNet. Whatever amount Guru Ji leads you to donate from your heart for his mission is welcome.
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ ॥ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ॥
Through Nanak may Thy Name forever increase,
and the Spirit be exalted, and may all beings prosper by Thy Grace.
Much love from my family to yours,
Gurumustuk Singh
