Missing Component from Sikhi Parchar

By    |    Comments

The current of preaching or ‘Parchar‘ (pronounced as Parchaar) we Sikhs have adopted is not the one that was practiced by Baba Nanak. To the contrary, it is an ineffective preaching system of the traditionalists (ਪੁਰਾਤਨਵਾਦੀ, Bipran…)!

Two-Way communication method of Baba Nanak

As we know Baba Nanak embarked on long ‘Parchar‘ journeys and went place to place preaching about One Truth (ੴ). If we look at history, during his ‘Parchar‘ journeys, we see that he interacted with the main religious leaders of his time – Jogis, Qazis, Brahmins, Siddhas, Pirs etc. He listened to them and then spoke his own (of One Omnipresent God – ੴ).

For example, in the Siddh Gosht, he first listened to the Siddhs. They first speak, ask questions and then Guru Sahib answers them through his loving, uncompromising verses. Similarly, all other composers of Bani (ਬਾਣੀਕਾਰ) who are included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) also discuss and debate with different people at different times.

In short, Baba Nanak’s preaching method consisted of two-way communication system – ‘ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ (Kish Suniay) and ‘ਕਿਛੁ ਕਹੀਐ’ (Kish Kahiay). Such preaching system/style of Baba Nanak is summarized on page 661 of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), in which Baba Nanak encourages all to maintain a listening and speaking environment (ਕਹਣ – ਸੁਣਨ):

  • ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਰਹੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਹੀਐ ॥ ਭਾਲਿ ਰਹੇ ਹਮ ਰਹਣੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜੀਵਤਿਆ ਮਰਿ ਰਹੀਐ ॥੫॥੨॥ : Nanak, as long as we live in the world we should both listen and speak – to find the truth, to learn from each other etc. No one lives forever, so live as living-dead (i.e. free of vanity…). ||5||2|| (sggs 661).

The tradition of listening-speaking (ਕਹਣ – ਸੁਣਨ) is ancient. The foundation of Knowledge of Teacher/student is based on listening and speaking (ਕਹਣ – ਸੁਣਨ), which builds a well-rounded society. Baba Nanak remained committed to this same practice throughout his entire life. He always communicated with people face-to-face and encouraged questioning. He then would answer their questions to remove their confusions and doubts.

Clearly, the listening skill is very important in the Gurmat or Sikhi of Baba Nanak. Because, if one is not a good listeners, he/she can not accept anybody speaking and thus cannot be a good speaker!

That said, according to the Gurbani (SGGS), only a good listener can become a good speaker. Accordingly, the Gurbani’s decree is that listening is essential for both speakers and their audience.

  • ਏ ਸ੍ਰਵਣਹੁ ਮੇਰਿਹੋ ਸਾਚੈ ਸੁਨਣੈ ਨੋ ਪਠਾਏ ॥ ਸਾਚੈ ਸੁਨਣੈ ਨੋ ਪਠਾਏ ਸਰੀਰਿ ਲਾਏ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਸਤਿ ਬਾਣੀ ॥ : O my ears, you are here only to listen to Truth (the Creator within). Yes, you are attached to the body tasked to listen the Creator within. (sggs 922).
  • ਸੁਣਤੇ ਪੁਨੀਤ ਕਹਤੇ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ॥ ਬਿਨਵੰਤਿ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣ ਲਾਗੇ ਵਾਜੇ ਅਨਹਦ ਤੂਰੇ ॥੪੦॥੧॥ : Those who listen to or utter the Satguru (internalize Giyan-Wisdom of Truth) are purified they fully remember and act on Satguru’s teachings. Nanak humbly submits that those who focus on the Guru-Giyan, bliss wells up within them as if non-stop divine melodies are playing in their mind (they remain connected with the Creator within).(sggs 922).
  • ਸੁਣਿਆ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਭਾਉ ॥ : Listen and accept (i.e. Internalize) and BECOME (the Gurbani) with Love in the mind. (sggs 4).

That being said, to be most effective, it’s helpful to think about two-way communication as an engaging dialogue, never just a leader monologue. Also known as interpersonal communication, benefits of such two-way communication between the speaker (Vakta) and receiver (Shrota) is:

  • It allows sufficient time for a back-and-forth discussion; listening for what’s being said, and as importantly, what’s not being said.
  • It promotes understanding by removing doubts and confusions: Feedback helps ensure everyone is on the same page and prevents miscommunication.
  • It builds trust: When people feel heard and valued, they are more likely to trust and connect with each other.
  • It establishes connection between the speaker and the listener.
  • It encourages engagement: People are more attentive and involved when they know they can respond.
  • It fosters understanding and engagement.
  • It is thus meaningful and purposeful, thus increasing the chances of achieving the desired outcome.

Missing component in Sikhi Parchar

Imagine yourself sitting in a Gurdwara listening to Parcharaks (Ragis, Kathaa Vaachaks, and so on). They come; sit on the stage. They sing Kirtan and/or give lecture. After done, they collect money and leave. No question asked! As the Gurbani says, this is nothing but:

  • ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਪੂਰਹਿ ਤਾਲ ॥ : They perform to the beat for the sake of bread – as a means of livelihood. (sggs 465).

Such one-sided communication method is ineffective. Because an important component of Vichaar is missing – freedom to question (spiritual inquiry) – which helps remove doubts and confusions of the mind.

Strangely, in Gurdwaras, this interpersonal communication component – question and answer format – is totally missing at the present. As a result, the core Message of the Pure and Unique Gurmat of Baba Nanak is missed.

Two-Way communication method was the main element of Baba Nanak’s Teaching. But now there is no mechanism or system in place whereby members of the congregation (Sangat) are afforded and encouraged to ask questions to those conducting sermons in Gurdawaras (Pujaare clique: Raagees, Bhais, Kathaakaar, preachers, babas, Dhadis, Jathedars etc). Asking them questions or conducting spiritual inquiry with them would be like a blind leading an another blind. They are in for money, not for spirituality or Giyan-Wisdom. In fact, some of them are criminals, disguised in this profession – hiding from law, immigration authorities of foreign countries etc!

One-sided communication

The current one-sided Parchar system is anti-Gurmat because it is totally contrary to the one Baba Nanak practiced in his life.

According to Baba Nanak’s counsel, we should not sit in front of Parcharaks (Vakta) like sheep. In addition, we are not supposed to remain mute either.

As per Baba Nanak’s instruction, we sit and listen to Parcharaks etc (ਕਿਛੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ). But as per Baba Nanak’s instructions: To whom should one ‘say something’ or ask a question (ਕਿਛੁ ਕਹੀਐ )? Because, Parcharaks etc collect money and leave. They care less if what they said made any sense to their listeners or not.

If someone from the congregation (Sangat) gets up and dares question the narrator, he may be driven out, or beaten up, or file charges against blaming him for committing sacrilege!

It is understandable that one should not ask questions during a running program, and get into shouting match or insulting each others. But the Gurdwara organizers should also hold a question-and-answer session at the end of a program so that people can learn and spiritually grow by removing their doubts and confusion.

Such question-and-answer session will also sort out counterfeit speakers (freeloaders – ਵੇਹਲੜ) and those who have agenda to break the Pure and Unique Gurmat of Baba Nanak, and take advantage of the generosity of the unsuspecting people without giving anything in return! Otherwise, as a result of lack of real Giyan, people will end up believing whatever they are tattled (ਗੱਪਾਂ) in the name of Gurmat, Sikhi, Gurbani, Gurus, Bhagats, God, and so on!

  • ਉਘਰਿ ਗਇਆ ਜੈਸਾ ਖੋਟਾ ਢਬੂਆ ਨਦਰਿ ਸਰਾਫਾ ਆਇਆ ॥ : Just as a counterfeit coin stands exposed when inspected by the Assayer. (sggs 381).
  • ਖਰੇ ਖਜਾਨੈ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ਖੋਟੇ ਸਟੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਹਰ ਵਾਰਿ ॥ : The genuine are placed in (Divine) Treasury (i.e., their life becomes meaningful), while the counterfeit are thrown away (i.e., false cannot be kept with the real). (sggs 143).

It is evident that the main interest of the members of Gurdawara committees is to keep perpetual control over Golak (money)! They treat Gurdwaras as an investment and a ticket to retirement! These people along with Pujaare clique have erected formidable walls around SGGS blocking the Light of the spiritual Giyan-Wisdom contained within the Guru Shabad reaching people. This practice is akin to that of Pandits and Brahmins which Baba Nanak has rejected in no uncertain terms.

Ignorance falsifies all realities. And falsehood cannot propagate Truth.

Due to one-way communication system, the Pure and Unique Gurmat of Baba Nanak has been reduced to mere rituals (Karamkaand), religious paraphernalia, dogmas, religious robes, ritual bathing, dressing up SGGS with designers Rumaalaas (ਰੁਮਾਲੇ), circumbulations (ਪਰਿਕਰਮਾ), ritual bowing down (ਥਾਂ ਥਾਂ ਮੱਥਾ ਟੇਕਣਾਂ), singing Kirtan in a concert-like manner, telling fabricated stories (made-up Sakhi, ਗੱਪ ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ), elaborate feasts before and after Diwan (Lanagar), taking ritual dip in Sarovars, Teerath Yaatraa (pilgrimage), self-glorification (Siropa giving etc), robotic reading of chain Akhand Paaths, Jaat-Paat or casteism, prejudice and divisions, alliances and counter-alliances (ਧੜੇਬੰਦੀ…); lawsuits and fights (ਲੜਾਈ-ਝਗੜੇ, tussles, contentions, murders), creating Deras and baba-dom, creating/encouraging Pujaaree class which according to Baba Nanak should be dismantled, and so on!

  • ਕਰਮ ਕਰਤ ਬਧੇ ਅਹੰਮੇਵ ॥: Ritual practices bind people in egotism (sggs 324).

Dharma has become a business

Due to lack/absence of ‘Vichar’, Dharmic businessmen/con-artists started a business of selling Sikhi or Gurmat of Guru Nanak, which is a great success among Sikhs. Someone is selling Path; someone is selling Katha / Kirtan; someone is selling religious paraphernalia related to 5 Ks; someone is selling flags; someone is selling fictitious portrays of Gurus and Bhagats; someone is selling Granths; someone is selling Tirath Yatra tours; someone is selling Rumalas / Chandoas / Palki; someone is importing Bhais/Granthis/Ragis/Parcharaks/babas from India charging them huge sums of money; someone is fraudulently collecting money in the names of Shaheeds and shrines; someone is selling items of Langar; and so on. With the exception of few enlightened Sikhs, no one seems to be interested in digesting and understanding what Guru Nanak is saying. The Gurbani (SGGS) calls such dealing Maya and Haumai’s business (trade…).

  • ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਧੇ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਗੁਣ ਸੇਵਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੈ ਬਿਉਹਾਰੀ ॥ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਕਪਟੁ ਉਦਰੁ ਭਰਣ ਕੈ ਤਾਈ ਪਾਠ ਪੜਹਿ ਗਾਵਾਰੀ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵੇ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ਜਿਨ ਹਉਮੈ ਵਿਚਹੁ ਮਾਰੀ ॥ : Dealing with Maya alone, the blind fools remain subservient to the three qualities of material nature (i.e. Rajo, Tamo, Sato). With deception within, the fool do Paath (reading of religious texts) to fill their bellies. Through Shabad Vichaar, one who follows the Guru’s teaching eradicates false ego-sense (Haumai) and attains Peace. (sggs 1246).

As a result, everyday there seems to be a new Karamkaand, Shoshay-Bazi (ਛੋਛੇ-ਬਾਜੀ) or Pakhand in the name of the Gurus, Gurbani, and so on. As a consequence, we are being pushed to the point that we are separated from the real Gurmat or Sikhi of Guru Nanak. Just adopting religious Bhekh (ਭੇਖ) or religious paraphernalia can never be Sikhi of Baba Nanak who rejected all sorts of religious Bhekh and Karamkaand in no uncertain terms.

Sikhs need to open eyes, and enlighten our minds which can only be enlightened by reading, understanding, internalizing and applying the counsel of the Gurbani recorded in SGGS. This will give us the true and unique way to live a spiritual, political, and daily life.

Ending

Gurdwaras are supposed to promote engaging dialogue (Vichar), learning real Sikhi or Gurmat of Baba Nanak, inculcating Gurmat Giyan-Wisdom, exchanging ideas, getting answers to questions to dispel doubts and confusions, connecting with the Truth (ੴ), sharing concerns, and so on. Do Gurdwara-goers (Sangat, community) get their questions answered and their doubts or confusions etc dispelled?

  • ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ : Sikhi is contemplation on Guru’s teaching (Instructions, Wisdom, Counsel, Guide, Upadesh, Giyan, Bibek) and acting on it. (sggs 465).
  • ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥ ਏਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਧੋਇ ਹਛਾ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥ : One is Blessed with the true Wisdom of the Guru only by internalizing the Message contained in the Guru Shabad. By getting the mind cleansed this way alone one Realizes the Creator within. (sggs 730).

To be on a par with Baba Nanak’s ‘Vichar’ or ‘Parchar‘ method, the current one-sided communication system needs to be replaced with a two-way communication structure as practiced by Baba Nanak. Towards this end, question-and-answer program needs to be initiated/encouraged in Gurdwaras. It will foster understanding and engagement, and help people find answers to their questions about real/core Sikhi of Baba Nanak. It will attract young and old, spark their interest in true Sikhi, deepen their comprehension of the real Sikhi of Baba Nanak by addressing their doubts and confusions. Hence, increasing the chances of achieving the desired outcome.

  • ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਧੁਨਿ ਚੇਲਾ ॥ : The SHABAD is my GURU (i.e. the Source of my Enlightenment), and my conscience (Surat, mind) is the disciple of this SHABAD GURU (i.e. I adherer to the Instructions contained within the Shabad). (sggs 943).

Some related posts:

6 comments

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.     Comment Policy.     * = required fields.