In the universe, there are different religions, and it is of paramount salience we recognize and appreciate their existence. Even though all the regions believe and serve one God, they all tend to have specific differences in their code of conduct (Singh, 2019). These differences give each religion its uniqueness and identity. For example, today, the Christians pray to their God on a Sunday while the Muslims worship on Fridays. One of the Sikhist poets said, “People say it is difficult to keep hair, but a life devoid of any source of inspiration is all the more difficult to live” (MMA Fighting, 2018). The saying describes how Sikhism’s religious laws are different from others by encouraging turbans and having long hair.
Though there exist differences in different regions, there are a lot of aspects shared. The Sikh God for instance together with the Gurus express the sameness and unity of all human beings regardless of their difference in social aspects such as gender, race, traditions and cultural practices. Guru clearly stated, “There is no Hindu, and there is no Muslim” (MMA Fighting, 2018). He made such a proclamation despite the fact Sikhism combined Islamic aspects and Hinduism aspects.
The oneness and unity of human beings are also expressed when Bhai Kanhaiya, a Sikh warrior, helps an enemy in the battle. In his explanation, he recited the Sikh philosophy, “I do not see the other, the foe. I only see that the light in me is in all beings alike, and my service is rendered unto that source of life” (MMA Fighting, 2018). This meant that despite the differences that are causing the war, they are one.
The aspect of marginalization and the feeling of being less critical is also evidenced. The lesser feeling is what makes the religions adapt specific uniqueness to make them outstanding. At some point, the Sikh followers were displaced from their residences in India and Pakistan. Shauna Baldwin says that one day their children would say their father went to that country with little, but his turban and the mother had to work because nobody could hire him. Then they could have taught the Canadians what it took to wear a turban.
In her poems, Rupi Kaur expresses more about the voiceless minority. In the interview, she says that the amplification of her voice in the room makes those marginalized feel strong and have a sense of happiness (Flock, 2018, 3.52-401). In the other video, Arjun Singh elaborates the same point by saying, “And it’s not easy, man, being a minority. You’re almost raised to conform. To be like everyone else. You’re different. And it’s hard to sometimes embrace that.” (MMA Fighting, 2018, 4.06-4.23). Arjun explains the misery they face as a minority religious group.
Ancient wisdom was expressed in moving beyond an individual’s perspective to integrate different concepts and transcend self-interest. Today’s embodiment of these concepts can be illustrated by accepting and embracing the differences we have in society. The Muslims, for example, have a different annual calendar different from other religions. However, the governments of countries consisting of both Muslims and Christians still respect the Muslim calendar. Openness is considered a wise aspect as it promotes acknowledgment. Today there is minimal marginalization of different people.
Arjuna Singh, in the video, says how turbans can be worn in western countries. In the present day, ethical responsibility is promoted by enhancing human rights and equity (MMA Fighting, 2018). Regardless of gender, culture, and race, everyone is entitled to equity. Rupi Kaur is a woman at 25, but her work is recognized and appreciated. She is allowed to thrive in a foreign land and a society presumed to be male-dominated (Flock, 2018). From the extract, reflectivity is demonstrated by the Canadian author when he talks of what the turban child will say someday on the day the father arrived in Canada.
References
Singh, D. P. (2019). Universal relevance of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
MMA Fighting. (2018). YouTube.
Flock, E. (2018). How poet Rupi Kaur became a hero to millions of young women[Video]. PBS NewsHour.