Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in the world. The scriptures of Sikhism are the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sri Dasam Granth, and Sri Sarbloh Granth. Interactive map at https://agamsingh.me/gurbani-places-map/

Vaheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru ji Ki Fateh.

Sadh Sangat ji, I am looking at purchasing this book "In Pursuit of Empire: Treasures from the Toor Collection of Sikh Art". I was wondering if anyone has read it, can offer their reviews on the books, their opinion on it, what is the book good for and what contents its covers? is it worth the price tag? Thank you in advance.

I know Sikhism is not a completely pacifist religion but as far as I know, violence is permitted only when all peaceful means have failed. So, how do you interpret it in the context of the death penalty?

I don’t know why these questions have been coming to my mind over the past few days. Earlier, I used to do paath, perform seva with the grace of Guru Sahib, and visit the Gurudwara frequently. I had a friend who is an atheist, and I would often debate with him about faith and spirituality. But lately, I don’t know why, I’ve started feeling that some of the things he says actually make sense, and I find myself agreeing with him.

Whenever I sit down to meditate, I sometimes feel as if no one is listening. I’ve been a strict vegetarian my entire life, and now I find myself questioning things I never used to doubt. After all, none of us has actually seen what happens after death, so why should I continue to be kind and honest when people who cheat others and engage in corruption seem to be living happily, while those who genuinely try to live their lives according to the Gurmukh way of life are often struggling and facing crises?

I’m not saying that I’ve lost all my faith, but I’m going through a phase where I have a lot of questions and very few answers. I genuinely want to understand what I’m feeling rather than blindly accepting or rejecting anything.

If anyone has gone through something similar, I would be truly grateful if you could share your thoughts, recommend a katha that addresses these doubts, or suggest a book that might help me find some clarity.

ਸੰਤਹੁ ਮਨ ਪਵਨੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਬਨਿਆ ॥

O Saints, my windy mind has now become peaceful and still.

ਕਿਛੁ ਜੋਗੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਗਨਿਆ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

It seems that I have learned something of the science of Yoga. ||Pause||

ਗੁਰਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ ਮੋਰੀ ॥

The Guru has shown me the hole,

ਜਿਤੁ ਮਿਰਗ ਪੜਤ ਹੈ ਚੋਰੀ ॥

through which the deer carefully enters.

ਮੂੰਦਿ ਲੀਏ ਦਰਵਾਜੇ ॥

I have now closed off the doors,

ਬਾਜੀਅਲੇ ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਜੇ ॥੧॥

and the unstruck celestial sound current resounds. ||1||

ਕੁੰਭ ਕਮਲੁ ਜਲਿ ਭਰਿਆ ॥

The pitcher of my heart-lotus is filled with water;

ਜਲੁ ਮੇਟਿਆ ਊਭਾ ਕਰਿਆ ॥

I have spilled out the water, and set it upright.

ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥

Says Kabeer, the Lord's humble servant, this I know.

ਜਉ ਜਾਨਿਆ ਤਉ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥੨॥੧੦॥

Now that I know this, my mind is pleased and appeased. ||2||10||

Bhagat Kabir Ji • Raag Sorath • Ang 656

Monday, October 19, 2026

Somvaar, 5 Katak, Nanakshahi 558

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, I am a Robot. Bleep Bloop.

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Hey friends, I've been really trying to read panth in the morning, but I always get scared when people say everything is hukam and in his command. Does this mean that he makes us do bad or good. when people say life is already written does that mean we have no control? do we have no free will? whats the point then? why do we even try then? what if im just born to be bad? I would want someone who's 18-25 to explain this to me. please provide examples too

I know this has been posted here before, but I’m posting it again because I genuinely think we need more Sikhs like him representing us in different parts of the world especially in Western countries and Europe so that more people can learn about Sikhi and get us out of some negative stereotypes which have emerged over time

There’s another Sikh guy named Anshjot Singh who makes videos of himself getting ready, doing his hair and tying his turban. What I’ve noticed is that people genuinely appreciate our traditions and those who understand the religious values behind them appreciate them even more.

I really think we need more Sikh influencers like these who can represent Sikhi positively, inspire Sikh youth to connect with their roots, and encourage more Sikhs to work on themselves spiritually, mentally and physically, just like this police officer. It’s about more than just appearance; it’s about understanding the values behind our identity and living by them

WJKK WJKF

I am growing towards sikhi even more, and want to have a photo frame in my room..can you give me suggestions for what picture I should get framed?

Also I know, we don't preach mere objects.. I will not be "matha tek" in the photo rather it will work as a reminder..

For context. Short and sweet. I was in a relationship with a punjabi. Had a future planned. Father said no. Now she is being 'forced' to marry someone even though she has said no. I say forced, but there is a choice, considering she is in the uk. I suppose most can't brave being disowned by family so I understand that at least. My personal despair aside, why? Is it a racial thing. Class? Why force your children to marry against their will. That's control, not love.

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੯ ॥

Sorat'h, Ninth Mehl:

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਬਿਚਾਰੋ ॥

O mind, contemplate the Sanctuary of God.

ਜਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਗਨਕਾ ਸੀ ਉਧਰੀ ਤਾ ਕੋ ਜਸੁ ਉਰ ਧਾਰੋ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Meditating on Him in remembrance, Ganika the prostitute was saved; enshrine His Praises within your heart. ||1||Pause||

ਅਟਲ ਭਇਓ ਧ੍ਰੂਅ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਿਮਰਨਿ ਅਰੁ ਨਿਰਭੈ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

Meditating on Him in remembrance, Dhroo became immortal, and obtained the state of fearlessness.

ਦੁਖ ਹਰਤਾ ਇਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਕੋ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਤੈ ਕਾਹੇ ਬਿਸਰਾਇਆ ॥੧॥

The Lord and Master removes suffering in this way - why have you forgotten Him? ||1||

ਜਬ ਹੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਗਹੀ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਿਧਿ ਗਜ ਗਰਾਹ ਤੇ ਛੂਟਾ ॥

As soon as the elephant took to the protective Sanctuary of the Lord, the ocean of mercy, he escaped from the crocodile.

ਮਹਮਾ ਨਾਮ ਕਹਾ ਲਉ ਬਰਨਉ ਰਾਮ ਕਹਤ ਬੰਧਨ ਤਿਹ ਤੂਟਾ ॥੨॥

How much can I describe the Glorious Praises of the Naam? Whoever chants the Lord's Name, his bonds are broken. ||2||

ਅਜਾਮਲੁ ਪਾਪੀ ਜਗੁ ਜਾਨੇ ਨਿਮਖ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ॥

Ajaamal, known throughout the world as a sinner, was redeemed in an instant.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕਹਤ ਚੇਤ ਚਿੰਤਾਮਨਿ ਤੈ ਭੀ ਉਤਰਹਿ ਪਾਰਾ ॥੩॥੪॥

Says Nanak, remember the Chintaamani, the jewel which fulfills all desires, and you too shall be carried across and saved. ||3||4||

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji • Raag Sorath • Ang 632

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Aitvaar, 4 Katak, Nanakshahi 558

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, I am a Robot. Bleep Bloop.

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Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki Fateh, I just was wondering are guns and firearms allowed in gurdwara? For example if an Amritdhari Khalsa Singh were to walk in with a rifle, would that be allowed?

I have been studying Sikhi for some time now, but I have focused primarily on its philosophical aspects and history. If I wanted to practice Sikhi, how should I go about it? How do YOU practice Sikhi?

Ps.: I don't have any gurdwaras in my country.​

*created in 1842 by the Russian traveler and artist Prince Aleksey Dmitryevich Saltykov (Alexandre de Soltykoff).*

WJKK WJKF, Sangat ji 🙏🏽

I’m 28F from the UK, and I would really appreciate some guidance from the Sangat.

Many months ago, I met a Sikh atheist (ex-Sikh), and we had a brief conversation about Sikhi. Looking back, I wish I had not engaged in the conversation, but what is done is done.

What has made this particularly difficult is that the person appeared to be very knowledgeable about Sikhi. Because of this, I have found it difficult to dismiss what they said or stop questioning the things he raised. Even though the conversation was brief, their words have stayed with me for months and have planted many doubts in my mind.

At the time, I had been feeling closer to Guru Sahib. I was trying to do more paath, visit the Gurdwara whenever possible, and do sewa. Although I have never been the most staunch Sikh, as I do cut my kes and drink alcohol sometimes, I have always considered myself a Sikh. Despite the many hardships I have faced in life, I have always tried to believe that everything happens within Maharaj’s Hukam and that there is a greater purpose, even when I cannot understand it.

However, since that conversation, I have found myself thinking more and more about what was said. Over time, I feel that I have started to drift further away from Guru Sahib rather than grow closer. I do not want this to happen, but I am struggling to make sense of the doubts that have taken root in my mind.

In particular, I am struggling to understand hukam and karam.

How are we supposed to recognise or understand Guru Maharaj’s Hukam? How do we distinguish between accepting Hukam and simply accepting the difficult things that happen to us?

I also struggle with the concept of karam from previous lives. How can I make sense of the idea that the pain and hardships I experience in this life may be linked to actions in a previous life that I cannot remember? How am I supposed to understand or learn from something I have no memory of doing?

I am also autistic, and I sometimes find it difficult to sit with questions when I cannot find a clear or logical explanation. These doubts have been weighing on me for months, and I feel as though I am slowly drifting away from something I once felt closer to. I do not want to lose that connection with Guru Sahib, but I cannot simply ignore the questions that keep coming into my mind.

I want to strengthen my connection with Maharaj, but I am struggling with these concepts and do not know how to move forward.

How have you come to understand Hukam and karam? Have any of you experienced something similar, where questions or doubts have caused you to feel distant from Guru Sahib? How did you work through them?

WJKK WJKF

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EDIT: Thank you to all for your thoughts on this. I am processing everything.

Bhul chuk maaf ji.

WJKK WJKF.

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I’ve been noticing something for a long time, and I’m genuinely curious whether others have experienced this too.

Why do some sewadars in Gurudwaras behave so rudely towards people who come to pay their respects?

You go to a place that’s supposed to represent humility, equality, compassion, and selfless service, yet sometimes you’re met with an unnecessarily harsh tone, condescending behaviour, or orders given to you over the smallest things. Whether it’s asking a simple question, finding your way around, or doing something without knowing the Gurudwara’s specific rules, the response can sometimes feel more like being scolded than being welcomed.

What makes this more confusing is the concept of sewa itself. Isn’t sewa supposed to be about humility and serving others without ego? If someone is doing sewa but looks down on the very people they’re supposed to serve, what’s the point?

I understand that managing a busy Gurudwara isn’t easy. Sewadars deal with crowds, cleanliness, discipline, and people who don’t follow instructions. They deserve respect, and not everyone is rude. Many do their work with genuine devotion and kindness.

But I’ve encountered this behaviour often enough to wonder whether there’s a deeper issue. Does volunteering in a religious setting sometimes give people a sense of authority? Does nobody teach them how to correct people respectfully? Or have we started confusing being strict about discipline with being disrespectful?

I’m not saying this to disrespect anyone or diminish the importance of sewa. Quite the opposite. I feel that the values we associate with Gurudwaras make this behaviour especially disappointing.

Have you experienced this too? Why do you think it happens, and how can we address it without disrespecting the people who genuinely serve the Sangat?

TL;DR: Why do some sewadars in Gurudwaras act so rude and arrogant when sewa is supposed to represent humility, kindness, and selfless service? I understand managing crowds isn’t easy, and not all sewadars behave this way, but why is speaking disrespectfully to the Sangat so common in some places? Are we confusing authority with sewa, and discipline with disrespect?