Imagine living a lifestyle where promises made are promises delivered. Imagine stepping into that life and finding its rewards fulfilled — a life where God is truly on your side. Imagine gratitude so overflowing that no measure could contain it. Imagine a way of living that carries you straight to the Divine, into an experience of total security, Totality. That is the promise of Sikh Dharma.
The Role of Custodian General
I hold the title of Custodian General of Sikh Dharma. At first hearing it may sound weighty, and indeed it is, however the importance lies not in the recognition, but in the responsibility.
The Custodian General’s role is to “call the balls and strikes,” much like an umpire in baseball. The duty is to create and maintain an orderly and just dharma. For instance, let’s take the task at hand. It is well recognized that discernment to whether a custom, lifestyle, or philosophy outside of ours, may or may not challenge the essence of Sikh Dharma. Of course this usually is a matter of opinion, no doubt. But the title of Custodian General of Sikh Dharma must direct the answer within the commands of the Guru ji, and not in opinion. At the same time, remain open and flexible to all opinions which don’t challenge our orderly and just dharma. We must remain able to understand, embrace or accept difference, yet it must also hold firm where the essence of Dharma is compromised.
Flexibility, after all, is not weakness; it is the privilege of those who have cultivated a deep understanding of reality, to serve those with limited understanding is an act of compassion — a value centered not only in Sikh Dharma, but to Christianity, and indeed, to all genuine spiritual traditions.
The Foundation of Compassion
Calling balls and strikes is not difficult for Sikh Dharma is itself an example of righteousness, virtue, and elevation under the banner of compassion, of love. Love is the foundation upon which all true paths rest. Religious or not, spiritual or not, worthy or not — the love of God, Infinity, a higher purpose and His creation, is a universal truth.
When a student accepts righteousness, whatever their path, they open themselves up to the possibility of elevation. I say “possibility” because elevation is not seized by human effort. It is bestowed by God who is the umpire’s umpire, the Creator of All. Our work is simply to show sincerity through serving and loving Him. That is compassion in action. The final call is always His. The question is and will always be, ‘Have I done enough to garner favor from my Guru, my God?” I’ve found the answer: it’s never enough until your focus lines up with God’s commands. Then, your ship is taken over by Totality.
Titles and Duty
Do not mistake titles for rewards. Recognition is not the goal. Titles such as “Custodian General” are not meant to flatter, but to remind us of our duty. Titles carry the weight of responsibility — the responsibility to give the right direction through compassion. Why compassion? Because if decisions are defaulted through compassion, mistakes are no longer an issue.
I have learned that when decisions are made with compassion as their guide, the right answer always follows. Compassion must be genuine and fortified by patience, tolerance, forgiveness, understanding, flexibility, and perspective. These are the qualities, virtues, Sikh Dharma teaches. This is what our Gurus modeled for us. Our Guru raised us up above the mandate through the exercise of these virtues. That’s Sikh Dharma!
Embracing Challenge and Doubt
Some will not believe what I write. That is necessary. It is their role in the polarity of existence. I do not condemn them, nor do I condone them. I honor their contribution, for they keep us straight.
Doubt and I have become friends. I understand him, and he understands me. Challenge sharpens faith. And faith when tested and conquered, becomes unshakable faith. Unshakable faith is replaced by belief. unshakable belief, and trust becomes the acknowledgment of God and Guru command in the dharma’s consciousness, psyche. Unshakable trust allows our mind and memory to defaults into thinking, speaking, and acting within the teachings of Sikh Dharma. The circle of an orderly and just dharma becomes complete.
The Experience of Grace
We are all “going with the flow.” What distinguishes each flow is how much of the Guru’s teachings we see and practice along the way. When our perception unites with God’s grace, miracle happens.
This miracle is what we Sikhs call Unant Beant — Beyond the Beyond. It is Infinite, absorbing, ALL encompassing, elevating, affirming, securing, everlasting, and endlessly joyful. Each of us experiences this differently, as God so wills. Our part is simply to make ourselves available through devotion and discipline to the teachings of Sikh Dharma.
And, don’t get hung-up on the word God. I’ve already used many words which Identify, He, who we religious people call God. It’s about love and service, not a word. Words have difference meanings and be misinterpreted, misunderstood, or misused.
Yet, we also believe that God’s name offers great value in and of itself. That is, if it’s the right name and the right intent. This is how our Teacher, our Guru, and our God, Sikh Dharma, teach us nonjudgement. Solve this conundrum and you’ll understand reality.
Sikh Dharma, together with Kundalini Yoga, has unlocked hidden reserves of energy, awareness, focus, courage, and love. It has shown that to receive more from God, we must give more of ourselves: more sacrifice, more surrender, more humility, more compassion, more dignity, more divinity, more love. This is the secret of “more and more,” giving not taking.
Boldness and Humility
Boldness is essential. Boldness trumps judgment — whether judgment of ourselves or others. The boldness to believe we are worthy of God’s grace and is answered, not from arrogance, but from the humility of true self-esteem.
When when a student truly believe that Guru ji has placed His love in his heart, then gratitude becomes a constant companion. Gratitude, in turn, produces kindness. And kindness, multiplied daily, becomes the children of the twins, compassion and humility.
Conclusion: The Way of a Sikh
I am so certain of Sikh Dharma’s truth that I have bet my life upon it. My imagined ideal has become my lived reality. And what is true for me can be true for you. Find a compassionate process, and stay with it.
God is a mirror. As we extend compassion outward, He reflects compassion back to us. This is the essence of all spirituality. The words and actions of both God and student elevate the student, surrounding him in gratitude and divine love.
Contentment is Sikh Dharma’s reward. This is the way of a Sikh. The duty of this title is to maintain a true, just and orderly representation of Sikh Dharma through our Guru ji’s example, Wahe Guru, and God’s will.
In Perfect Harmony,
Your Partner and Friend on this Fantastic Journey,
Hari Jiwan
