Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

I WRITE THE FOLLOWING POST IN RESPONSE TO brother Ahluwalia's request to elaborate upon the manner in which I was introduced to Sikhism.

I was initially introduced when a Sikh friend of mine [who I had met online approximately 18 months ago] narrated the heroic tales of the early members of Khalsa. I was simply awestruck by how so many Sikhs maintained allegiance to Khalsa and battled tyranny by enduring and defeating immensely brutal methods of torture and tyrannical oppression. I had found these dauntless sacrifices, undismayed determination in upholding the righteous tradition of Guru Nanak and selfless service to the downtrodden and oppressed of society to have indelible and unparalleled marks not only in the History of India but surely that of the world as well. From the sacrifices of tenth Master?s four sons to the remarkable martyrdom of Bhai Bahahdur Singh [which represents a mere scintilla of all Sikh martyrdoms], I was able discern an unshakable steadfastness and passion in faith and community service which is truly reverential. Khalsa is truly one who conquers fear of death.

This is why I decided to further my understanding of the Sikh religion. Since I had hardly any Sikh acquaintances at the time, I took my quest for Sikh knowledge online. I visited sites such as www.sikhs.org and www.sikh-history.com regularly for months at a time. The information provided by these WebPages is extremely comprehensive, accurate and resourceful [Many of the Gurbani quotes I have used in my posts regarding Shree Guru Nanak and Christ were simply cut and pasted from the Comparative Faith and Essay section of www.sikhs.org]. I have found www.sikhs.org to be extremely helpful for novices like me since the versatile information it offers encompasses all aspects of Sikhism from the biographies of the Sikh Gurus/Saints/Martyrs to Sikh Philosophies/Codes of conducts to the history of Khalsa and the origins of the Sikh Holy Scriptures to categorized links to even more WebPages offering specialized knowledge. I had also purchased two books a short while after ["Sikh Gurus: their lives and teachings" and a lso the "Mysticism of Guru Nanak" by Dewan Singh] and I am in the process of completing the first one.

Afterwards I silently lurked around forums such as this one and the discussion forum at www.sikh-history.com. I became this silent spectator to essentially expose myself to the various thoughts, aspirations and experiences Sikhs have. I must add that the full English translation of the Shree Guru Granth Sahib located at www.sikhs.org was very valuable in increasing my understanding of Shree Guru Nanak. When reading the Gurbani I enter a state of spiritual high unparallel. In all honesty it is here that I found how much of a Manmukh I am:

*** I squander my life away sinfully not remembering God?s name
*** I indulge in pursuits of material pleasantries and hedonistic desires
*** I live my life in hypocrisy, sterility and lethargy bound to the five demons of the body

I do not deserve that honor, probity and prestige that is so synonymous with the appellation of Gursikh. When I ponder over the injustices people perpetuate and tolerate in this society; racial injustice/discrimination to religious intolerance to the tyranny and corruption which has literally bought our politicians for centuries now, I only become the more attracted to Khalsa ideals hoping the day will draw close that the tradition of Shree Guru Gobind Singh will spread to every corner of the world. In the little time I have become familiarized with Sikhism, I have already come to the conclusion that, of all religions, it is Shree Guru Nanak?s teachings, which are most beneficial to mankind?s understanding and communion with God. I do not mean to be offensive here but, I find it in some inexplicable way, ironic that most people do not know who Guru Nanak is. WE must AWAKEN this world to the teachings of Shree Guru Nanak who is;

SAVIOR to mankind
an OCEAN of virtue
an APOSTLE of peace and justice
a PRECEPTOR of truth and
ILLUMINATING BEACON of radiating humility and compassion

?The taste of the Ambrosial Naam is very sweet! Through the Guru's Teachings, drink in this Ambrosial Nectar. Subduing egotism, the rigid doors are opened. The Priceless Naam is obtained by Guru's Grace. Without the Shabad, the Naam is not obtained. By Guru's Grace, it is implanted within the mind. The Guru has applied the true ointment of spiritual wisdom to my eyes. Deep within, the Divine Light has dawned, and the darkness of ignorance has been dispelled. My light has merged into the Light; my mind has surrendered, and I am blessed with Glory in the Court of the Lord.?

Page 124 of SHREE GURU GRANTH SAHIB