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Sikhs are
directed to concentrate their minds on God, to reflect
on God's virtues such as love, benevolence, and
kindness. Sikhs practice this to inculcate such virtues
into their own character. This can be done by reciting
Gurbani, by listening to the singing of hymns from
Gurbani, or by sitting in a quiet place and attentively
thinking of God, forgetting all else.
Through this constant meditation, and
not simply the repeating of a mantra, Sikhs develop a
feeling of affection and love for humanity. Such a
person does not merely talk about the brotherhood of
humanity but actually tries to feel it continuously
throughout their life. The thought of being a member of
this human family becomes stronger and stronger and soon
this fact is reflected in the daily behavior of the
devotee. Such a Sikh derives immense pleasure and
satisfaction by observing the presence of God in every
human being.
This achievement or realization changes the thinking and
behavior of such persons and instead of hurting others,
they enjoy utilizing their life serving society. They
cannot think of doing any act to harm others, because
they "see" the living God inside every human being. This
is why Nam is given the highest priority in the Sikh
faith
Sikhs are advised to earn their
livelihood by honest means. They are not supposed to be
a parasites on society. Non-earners become dependent on
others and because of this, are influenced to think and
act as their benefactors expect. Such a person is unable
to think or act independently.
Furthermore, a Sikh's earnings,
however large or small, should come from honest means.
If a person is dishonest, and takes what is not justly
his, the Gurus declare these earnings as the 'blood of
the poor'. They are prohibited to Sikhs, just as beef is
prohibited to Hindus and pork to Muslims.
There is temptation to live a
comfortable life by earning money through unfair means.
The Gurus want us to resist this desire by keeping in
mind that such earnings pollute the mind in the same way
that blood stains our clothes. Only honest earnings are
like "milk" and hence "nourishing". |
