Addressing the 4 Points made by the Hindu brother...
[Translator’s Note: In this section, Bhai Kahn Singh continues to respond to the points addressed by the Hindu brother in the beginning of the Q&A. These include: 1) Sikhs coming from Hindu’s, 2) sharing food with Hindu’s, 3) Sikhs have married Hindu’s and have Hindu relatives, 4) Sikhs live in Hindustan, 5) the use of the term Hindu]
-
In Tauseef-o-Sanaa, Bhai Nand Lal Ji write that Gurmat is different/distinct from Hindu, Muslim, Christian religions:
ਬਲੰਦ ਤਰ ਅਜ਼ ਹਨੂਦਾਤ ਵਲ ਤੁਰਕਾਤ, ਵਲ ਕੁਫ਼ਰਾਤ, ਵਲ ਇਸਲਾਮਾਤ, ਵਲ ਤੌਰੇਤਾਤ, ਵਲ ਇੰਜੀਲਾਤ, ਵਲ ਜਬੂਰਾਤ, ਵਲ ਫੁਰਕਾਨਾਤ, ਵਲ ਪੀਰਾਤ, ਵਲ ਪੈਗੰਬਰਾਤ ।Bala[n]dh Thar Az Hanoodhaath Val Thurkaath, Val Kufraath, Val Islaamaath, Val Tauraethaath, Val I[n]jeelaath, Val Jabooraath, Val Furkaanaath, Val Peeraath, Val Paiga[m]baraath
The essence of this is: ‘Guru Sahib are higher than the Hindu, Turk, Atheist, Islam, Jewish, Christian, Dawoodi (branch of Shia), Musalmaan, Peer, the Paigambar’s (Messengers)’Meaning: Sikh Dharam is the highest of the religions/dharma’s.[TN: Bhai Nand Laal Ji were a Poet and Scholar of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj’s Sri Anandpur Sahib Darbar. Majority of Their writings are in Farsi/Persian and written in praise and love for Guru Sahib. Bhai Nand Laal Ji were employed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb until Aurangzeb tried to convert Bhai Sahib. He was given the choice to convert or face death. Bhai Sahib ran for his life to Sri Anandpur Sahib]
-
Beloved Hindu brothers! You can see from the previously mentioned evidence that the Sikhs of Guru Sahib don’t say ‘We are not Hindu’ not because of some man-made reason. Rather, they say ‘We are not Hindu’ because of Gurmat and Guru Sahib’s Commands. [TN: There is a paternalistic belief of many Hindus that Sikhs are seeing Sikhi wrong and instead that the Hindus know better. They make the argument that Sikhs are just making up things to separate themselves for Hindu. You will see many comments under social media posts and videos where they will comment to undermine the Truth shared by the Sikh].
-
1) If you say Sikhs are Hindu’s because they were Hindu’s (ancestrally before becoming Sikhs) then Christians came from Jewish lineage. The (original) Muslims who came from the Qureshi’s were of [various backgrounds]. Why are they not called Jewish, Christian, etc? The Indian Hindu’s which adopted Christianity and Islam, why do they not call themselves Hindu?
2) If you say that Hindus and Sikhs share food with each other then there are also Jewish, Christians, Muslims, Buddhist, and Farsi people (Zoroastrians) who share food in India, so why does this become a religious thing to consider?
-
On this topic, you can read different religious texts to develop an appropriate understanding. You will still end up with the same outcome that Sikhs are distinct from Hindus.
ਮੋਨੇ ਕਰ ਅਹਾਰ ਨਹਿ ਖਾਨਾ।
Monae Kar Ahaar nah[i] Khaanaa
Don’t eat food from the hands of a Mona (person with hair cut)
(GurPrathaap Sooraj Prakaash;Bhai Kahn Singh footnote: Sikhs don’t have food restrictions based on caste differences but there is a huge emphasis on hygiene and because Sikhs have a Rehat {spiritual discipline}, there is a greater trust that fellow Sikhs would keep that same level of hygiene as per their Rehat.)
ਰਸੋਈਆ ਸਿੱਖ ਰਖੇ ।
Rasoeeaa Sikh Rakhae
The person who cooks your food should be a Sikh
(Rahith-naamaa Bhai Chaupaa Singh)
ਜਾਤਿ ਪਾਤਿ ਕੋ ਭੇਦ ਨ ਕੋਈ। ਚਾਰ ਵਰਨ ਅਚਵਹਿ ਇਕ ਹੋਈ ।Jaath[i] Paath[i] Ko Bhaedh na Koee; Chaar Varan Achavah[i] Ik Hoee
There is no differences between one caste/classification versus another;
All four castes chew food the same way
(GurPrathaap Sooraj Prakash)
-
3) If Sikhs are referred to as Hindus because they have Hindu relatives (ie get married) then Jewish, Christian, Buddhist (Japanese and Chinese) among other groups get married to each other. If someone marries someone from another faith then does it mean they have turned their back to their own faith?
-
And if you were to read historical texts then you would realize that the Mughals got married to Hindu daughters. Another famous example is the Nausherwan (Iranian Emperor) getting married to the daughter of a Christian King - Marcia. Their daughter then married the King of Udaypur. The daughter of Seleucus (the Greek King of Babylon) was married to King Chandra Gupta. Harrimbaa, Ulpee, and many other women were married to some of the kings of South Asia and not Hindus.[TN: Bhai Kahn Singh is making a point: just because something happened at some point in history does not align it with the religious scriptures and sentiments. There are many examples of modern interfaith couples but does this mean that they are representative of the beliefs of the religion. Think about Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra (Christian and Hindu), US Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha (Catholic and Hindu), Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor (Muslim and Hindu). All of these examples used in the future as historical examples where these marriages occurred but it doesn’t mean that they are devoted practitioners of a specific faith].
-
And for those Sikhs who get married to Hindu’s, the following is from the Sikh faith:
ਨਾਤਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਨਾਲ ਕਰੇ ।
naathaa Guroo Kae Sikh naal KaraeMarry with Guru’s Sikhs
(Rahith-naamaa Bhai Chaupaa Singh; Bhai Chaupaa Singh are a contemporary Sikh of Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj)
-
ਕੰਨਯਾ ਕੋ ਮਾਰੇ, ਮੋਨੇ ਕੋ ਕੈਨਯਾ ਦੇਵੇ, ਸੋ ਤਨਖਾਹੀਆ ਹੈ ।
Ka[n]nyaa Ko Maarae, Monae Ko Ka[n]nyaa Dhaevae, So Thankhaaheeaa Hai
Those who kill daughters (female infanticide), wed their daughters to Monay (people who cut their hair) - so are Tankhaee’s - meaning an offender who has to be summoned for punishment to the Panj Pyaare
ਸਿੱਖ ਕੋ ਸਿੱਖ ਪੁਤ੍ਰੀ ਦਈ, ਸੁਧਾ ਸੁਧਾ ਮਿਲ ਜਾਇ ।
Sikh Ko Sikh Puthree Dha-aee, Sudhhaa Sudhhaa Mil Jaa-i
A Sikh should wed into a Sikh family - so that the Amrit will meet Amrit
ਦਈ ਭਾਦਣੀ ਕੋ ਸੁਤਾ, ਅਹਿ ਮੁਖ ਅਮੀ ਚੁਆਇ।
Dha-aee BhaadhNee Ko Suthaa, Ah[i] Mukh Amee Chuaa
iIf you marry to someone who has their hair cut, it’s like serving milk to a snake (meaning welcoming problems to their relationship because their Divine Beloved is different (Isht Dev); for someone walking on a spiritual path, this can make things difficult as the people who should be closest should walk on the same path)
(Rahith-naamaa Bhai Desa Singh; Bhai Desa Singh are also a contemporary Sikh of Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj)
-
ਕੰਨਯਾਂ ਦੇਵੈ ਸਿੱਖ ਕੋ ਲੇਵੈ ਨਹਿਂ' ਕੁਛ ਦਾਮ ।
Ka[n]nyaa[n] Dhaevai Sikh Ko Laevai nah[in] Kuchh Dhaam
Those who marry their daughter to a Sikh and not take any money ie dowry
ਸੋਈ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਹੈ, ਪਹੁੰਚੇ ਗੋ ਮਮ ਧਾਮ ॥੩੧॥
Soee Maeraa Sikh Hai, Pahu[n]chae Go Mam Dhhaam
That is my Sikh who will reach my Place (ie Sachkhand)
“ਕੌਨਯਾ ਜਬ ਵਰ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੋਵੇ ਤਬ ਸੈਯੋਗ ਕਰੇ, ਛੋਟੀ ਬਾਲਕੀ ਕਾ ਸੰਯੋਗ ਨਾ ਕਰੇ,
Ka[n]nyaa[n] Jab Var Praapath Hovae Thab Sa[n]yog Karae,Chhotee Baalakee Kaa Sa[n]yog naa Karae,
When the daughter has attained ‘Var’ then get her married.Don’t get her married at a young age
ਔਰ ਸੰਯੋਗ ਐਸੀ ਕੁਲ ਵਿਖੇ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਥੇ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਦੀ ਹੋਵੇ ।”
Aur Sa[n]yog Aisee Kul Vikhae Karae Jithhae Sikhee Akaal Purakh Dhee Hovae
Have her married in a place where there is the Sikhi of Akaal Purakh Vaheguru
(Prem Sumaarag; a historical book which serves as a primary source written in the 1700s-1800s highlighting how Sikhs practiced their faith in the past)
-
4) If you see Sikhs as part of Hindu’s because they live in Hindustan then also include the Christians, Muslims as well. They also live in the country, if we are called Hindus because we live in India then they should also be.
-
5) You had mentioned that the word Hindu has a great connotation (as per Ram Kosh, Meru Tantra Prakaash and Kalika Puran). You had mentioned not to avoid the word - Hindu - because of the Persian definition [as Persian is seen as an invader’s language]. However, we say the following about this point: In Sikhi there is no Malaechh Bhasha (language of the enemy/invader) nor Dev Bani (language of the angels/heavens). We don’t call ourselves Hindu but not because it belongs to a foreign language. If you think the definition of Hindu is great and has a positive connotation then that is good for you. We congratulate you. We will never say that the term Hindu is bad because even if another person’s traditions have a different interpretation of a name, a person of another tradition... it should not interfere nor create doubts in their beliefs. Just like there is one sect of the Yogi’s called: the Path of the Crazies (Paagal-Panthi). If we tell them that they should not call themselves Paagal Panthi then doing so is our ignorance. [TN: It is not our place to question their beliefs].
-
And whether or not the term ‘Hindu’ is referred to in the Sanskrit or Persian languages, all of the important scholars have developed an appropriate meaning. The Famous 45 Pandits living in Kanshi declared the following in 1820:
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਯਵਨ-ਸੰਕੇਤ ਪਦ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਕਾਰਨ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਕਹਾਉਣਾ ਸਰਵਥਾ ਅਨੁਚਿਤ ਹੈ ।
Hindhoo Yavan-Sa[n]kaeth Padh Hai, Is Kaaran Hi[n]dhoo KahaaouNaa Sarvathhaa Anuchith Hai
This word ‘Hindu’ originates from the Greek language, [and] for this reason, it is not proper to use this term at all...
-
Also in writings such as Bharatho Dhharak, it is said that Hindu is a name which was given by the Malaechh (enemies/invaders). They also write that we shouldn’t refer to the Aryan people as Hindu’s. Aarya Varth shouldn’t be referred to as Hindustan.
-
We have never seen the term Hindu used in the Vedas, 6 Shaastar’s, Simrithee’s. Ramayana, Mahabharata, among other traditional texts. **omitted section, please read punjabi version to read the full explanation**
-
Hearing the term Hindu being referred to as a Sanskrit term reminds me of Bharatendu Harishchandra’s writing, we can understand what I mean after reading the following excerpt where Dhakhna is asking questions to a Pandit (which they say are defined by evidence from the Shaastra’s):
Question: Oh Pandit Ji! (In a questioning nature) Can you give an example where Muslims and Christians are proven to actually be Hindus?
Pandit Ji’s Answers: Yes, bring the Dhakhna, I will prove this and show you!Question: Do tell us how?Pandit Ji: Brother! The Christians and Muslims are Pure Brahmins. In reality, the Yadav’s had two Purohit (Spiritual Leaders): 1) Krishna Bhagavan = Krishn Maanya (the Respected Krishna) = Christian, and His brother 2) Musal[i] Maanyaa (the Respected Bal-bhadhr/Balraam) and so, = Muslim. Both of these traditions come from being ancestors of Krishna and Balraam. People did not know the proper Sanskrit pronunciation and that’s why it turned into Kristhaan and Musalmaan. Come Dhakhna let’s write about this down as a religious rule.
-
Oh beloved Hindu brothers! Calling yourselves ‘Hindu’ because it comes from the Sanskrit language - is a baseless claim. Perhaps originating from a text like the one that was just mentioned.
-
F) Saying that the words ‘Indus’ and ‘Sindhu’ locally developed into the term ‘Hindu’ is a projected belief. The ancient Indian texts mention nothing of the sort. If there is proof of this then do show us [TN: We can take it that Bhai Kahn Singh’s point is that this is a foreign term. Foreigners may have taken Indus or Sindhu and that term evolved into Hindu but it was never a local name. Bhai Kahn Singh write this in the late 1890s. Many Hindu’s nowadays acknowledge that they shouldn’t call themselves Hindu. Now there is a push for saying that they are not Hindu but part of Sanatan Dharma - literally: the Original Way/Law. They currently say that all South Asian religions fall under a branch of this Sanatan Dharma. This is really problematic as it creates paternalistic hegemony and influence of the Sikh faith as just a branch of the Vedic beliefs. It is good that Hindus are not part simply seeing themselves as just one faith but appropriately, developing terms which accurately represent them. There are 6 schools of Vedic Interpretation and all are quite different from each other. Some very much contradict one another too. There is also a pantheon of gods/goddesses/deities which each have different traditions and forms of belief. For them to organize and develop a unity between them as a religion is a good feat.
-
However, those who practice Sikhi - or are of Buddhist, Jain, or Indigenous beliefs - they see that this movement is misaligning their beliefs. Buddhist and Jain traditions are quite distinct and reject the Vedas. The Vedas form a great central part of the Sanatan Dharma. Sikhi also does not believe in the Vedas as an ultimate authority. There is an emphasis on the Superiority of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and there is nothing second to Guru Sahib. Instead of doing spiritual conquest and facilitating religious hegemony, the Sanatan Dharam leaders should continue to support research of literature and encourage spiritual practice. It might be easy to say this is actually what they aim to do but due to the political aims of the different levels of government in India - there is a shift in narrative. That narrative delineates Sikhi in Punjab or otherwise, Bhagwaa-washes Sikhi into becoming a part and parcel of Sanatan Dharma. Thus making Sikhs under the influence of Hindu-supremacist leaders. This is one of the reasons this text was translated. The average person has not read any religious text and they won’t read this book either but the people who do read this book and have a spiritual practice, they have a responsibility to spread the Truth.
-
As a spiritual translator, the majority of the katha or texts translated are spiritual. The only reason we felt the need to translate this book is because of how Sikhi overall will be shaped by this political misguidance. We have a responsibility to the Sikhs of the future and we won’t let Sikhi get influenced to a point where it is no longer recognizable as the Sikhi of the 10 Guru Sahibaan. May Guru Maharaj help us become victorious in this morcha].
-
Hindu: But in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, we find:
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਾਲਾਹਨਿ... || Hi[n]dhoo Saalaahee Saalaahan[i]
The Hindu sings praises upon praises...
(Aasaa Di Vaar, Ang 465)
-
Sikh: Oh Mr. Hindu! Don’t read half of the pankti/line and deceive the ignorant Sikhs. In this Shabad, Guru Sahib are not praising the Hindus. Listen carefully to what the GurShabad is saying:
ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨਾ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਸਰੀਅਤਿ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ।...
Musalmaanaa Siphath[i] Sareeath[i] Parr[i] Parr[i] Karah[i] Beechaar[u]
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਸਾਲਾਹਨਿ ਦਰਸਨਿ ਰੂਪਿ ਅਪਾਰੁ ॥...
Hi[n]dhoo Saalaahee Saalaahan[i] Dharsan[i] Roop[i] Apaar[u]
ਸਤੀਆ ਮਨਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਦੇਣੈ ਕੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥...Sathee Man[i] Sa[n]thokh[u] Upjai DhaeNai Kai Veechaar[i]
ਚੋਰਾ ਜਾਰਾ ਤੈ ਕੂੜਿਆਰਾ ਖਾਰਾਬਾ ਵੇਕਾਰ ॥...Choraa Jaaraa Thai Koorriaaraa Khaaraabaa Vaekaar
ਭਗਤਾ ਭੁਖ ਸਾਲਾਹਣੁ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥Naanak Bhagathaa Bhukh SaalaahaN[u] Sach[u] naam[u] Aadhhaar[u]
-
The Shabad means: The Muslims sing the Praises of their Sharia, the Hindu’s sing the Praises of their 6 Darshan (philosophies), along with the physical forms of their Devtay (deities). The Donors give to others in order to receive peace of mind. The robbers, promiscuous, and the other people (who do bad things) - are engrossed in those activities. But Your Devotees are only hungry for Your Praises and they see Sathinaam as their Support. My beloved Hindu’s! How is this Shabad praising the Hindu tradition?
-
Hindu: See! Guru Gobind Singh ji refer to the Khalsa Panth as Hindu:
ਸਗਲ ਜਗਤ ਮੇ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪੰਥ ਗਾਜੈ ॥
Sagal Jagath Mae Khaalsaa Pa[n]thh Gaajai;
The Khalsa roars in the entire world,
ਜਗੈ ਧਰਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਸਗਲ ਦੁੰਦ ਭਾਜੈ ॥
Jagai Dhharam Hi[n]dhoo Sagal Dhu[n]dh Bhaajai
The Hindu religion will awaken and all of the division will go away
(Uggardanthee, 1st Chhakaa)
-
And my Beloved Khalsa! The Sikh tradition is a Panth of the Hindu’s, just like Bairaagee, Sanyaasee panths exist and not a Qaum. In reality, you don’t know the difference between Qaum and Panth. It is because you don’t know the difference between the two, you are making too much noise because of this. A Qaum is that which has a large population but there are only 100,000s of Sikhs.
-
Sikh: My beloved Hindu brother! These Chhands (from Uggardanthee) are not written by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib but rather, the Durga-Devotee Bhai Sukha Singh (Granthi at Patna Sahib). [TN: It should be noted that Uggardanthee is not within the vast majority of Sri Dasam Guru Ka Granth’s Saroops. It is standalone and included in the Patna Sahib saroop. It is generally Nihang Singh’s who read Uggardanthee.]
-
If people are familiar with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s writings then they know that they never use the words ‘Haman’ nor ‘Thuman’. The language used by illiterate people in the Eastern lands (In order to read further detail around this, please read Pandit Tara Singh’s Gurmat Nirnaya Saagar).
-
If you have firm belief that these Chhands were truly written by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji then faithfully listen with your ears. Let us serve you with the other parts of that same writing:
ਮੜ੍ਹੀ ਗੋਰ ਦੇਵਲ ਮਸੀਤਾਂ ਗਿਰਾਯੰ ॥
Marrhee gor Dhaeval Maseethaa[n] Giraay[ng]
Tearing down cemeteries, samaadh/cremation memorials, Hindu temples and Mosques.
ਤੁਹੀਂ ਏਕ ਅਕਾਲ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਪਾਯੈ ॥
Thuhee[n] Aek Akaal Har[i] Har[i] Japaay[ng]
We will make everyone chant Your Name the One Akaal
ਮਿਟੇ ਵੇਦ ਸ਼ਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਅਠਾਰਾਂ ਪੁਰਾਨਾ ॥
Mitae[n] Vaedh Shaasthar Attaaraa[n] Puraanaa
We will erase the Veda’s, Shaasthra’s, and 18 Puran’s
ਮਿਟੇ' ਬਾਂਗ ਸਲਵਾਤ ਸੁਨਤ ਕੁਰਾਨਾਂ ॥
Mitae[n] Baa[n] Salvaath Su[n]nath Kuraanaa
We will erase the Azhaan (call to prayer), circumcision, and the Quran(5th Chhakaa)
-
Oh Beloved! The Chhands that you suggested as proofs - refer to Hindu and Muslims as separate Panths (paths/ways) and not Qaums. Now do tell us, what should we do? Bless us and maybe consult the same dictionary where you found Hindu described as a Sanskrit term. Will it tell us that Qaum is a Sanskrit term as well [TN: Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha is joking because Qaum is a well-known Urdu term)?
-
We want to know how many people do you need to have in order to be considered a Qaum? How many people do the Muslims and Christians need in order to be referred to as a Qaum?
-
Hindu: There are many Sakhis which prove Sikhs to be Hindus and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib sacrificed their head for the Brahmins so this proves that Sikhs are Hindus.
-
Sikh: There is a section in the table of contents about Sakhiyaa. So there is no need to discuss them in depth here. We don’t accept those Sakhi’s which are against Gurbani.
-
The highest lived principle of the Sikh faith is to protect the suffering and the lowly. We are encouraged to protect the suffering and those who come seeking help. Guru Sahib sacrificed their head as an act of benevolence in order to remove the disasters happening on this earth but this doesn’t mean they are Hindu. Actually, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib had asked to burn a pile of peppers to illustrate a point. Aurangzeb wanted to make India have only 1 religion whereas Akaal Purakh Vaheguru Ji’s Wish commanded the creation of a third distinct tradition different from the existing two structures (Abrahamic/Dharmic faiths ie Muslim and Hindu) [TN: In this Sakhi, there are 3 peppers remain. One representing Hindus, Muslims, and another the way of Sikhi]. Guru Sahib did not sacrifice their head for the sake of the Brahmins but for the sake of the betterment of the entire world. Just as presented in Bachithar Naatak:
ਸਾਧਨ ਹੇਤ ਇਤੀ ਜਿਨ ਕਰੀ ॥
Saadhhan Haeth Ithee Jin Karee
For the well-being of the Saints, this was done...
ਸੀਸ ਦੀਆ ਪਰ ਸੀ ਨ ਉਚਰੀ ॥੧੩॥
Sees Dheeaa Par See na Uchree... [Guru Sahib’s] Head was given in sacrifice but they did not make a sound [in pain]
(Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the 5th Adhiyaye)
-
There aren’t any types of arguments you can make to prove that the word ‘Saadhhu’ refers to Hindu’s.
-
And my beloved Hindu brother! Guru Sahib teaches us that we have to help the suffering, the lowly and the master-less/orphaned. It is through this teaching that Sikhs had sacrificed their own lives through benevolent/kind acts in order to prevent injustices from occurring. The history books already tell us. I don’t need to add on anything else. We see the Muslims, Christians, and other groups as part of our country and we treat them as countrymen. We will always treat them as such. However, in the sphere of Mazhab/religion, we cannot be defined as Hindu. Our Isht (Divine Beloved), Upashna (Form of Worship), Dhaarmik Chinn (Religious Symbols), among other things are separate. This is why the Sikh Qaum - is a distinct Qaum like the Christians and Muslims.
-
Instead of a useless back-and-forth argument, it is better to dive into the detailed points with religious scriptures as proof in order to show how much of a difference we have:
-
[In the upcoming section, Bhai Kahn Singh will feature different Hindu concepts which are then compared to what is taught in Gurbani]
-
