Sri Guru Granth Sahib Can Provide An Alternative Model To Stop The Growing Global Chaos and Anarchy

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By Dr. Sawraj Singh

The western capitalist model of development has pushed the world to an almost complete chaos and anarchy. The main reason for this phenomenon is that western capitalism has made people extremely selfish and greedy. They only think in terms of narrow self interest; social consciousness has been replaced by self centeredness. Human relations have become completely mechanical. Elements like love, sincerity, dedication and sacrifice have been replaced by cold calculations of narrow self interest. We all are guided by the golden rule of capitalism: “What is in it for me?” Capitalism has changed our outlook to looking at every situation and every relation as an investment from which we can reap benefits later.

The main reason for this cold and calculative approach is that capitalism has reduced our existence to two dimensions, physical and mental, and the third dimension, the spiritual dimension, is missing. According to capitalism the essence of our existence is physical. Therefore, purpose of our life is to seek physical comforts without any consideration for the social or moral consequences of our actions. In capitalism, there is really no togetherness. We are just a group of individuals without any sense of collectiveness or a collective perspective. This lack of any true collectivism and social consciousness is the main reason for growing chaos and anarchy. Europe, the birth place of western capitalism showed scenes of extreme chaos and anarchy during the current refugee crisis. In India, particularly Punjab; we see chaos and anarchy all around us. Just look at the traffic on the roads. We can see that stray cows, dogs and monkeys have multiplied their population at a higher rate than the humans. Cities in Punjab seem to be growing uncontrolled and without any order or proper planning. Even Chandigarh, which is sometimes called the most planned city in the world, is surrounded by chaotic and anarchic development in the nearby villages.

Chaos and anarchy are much deeper than what is visible. The capitalist world order is passing through the same phenomenon. Look at Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Somalia, and you see real chaos and anarchy. Chaos and anarchy are not only manifesting physically, they have also affected our minds. Alienation, confusion, anxiety, fear, and insecurity are the hallmarks of modern man. He is alienated from nature, society, family, and self. Mental tension and disease have reached proportions never seen in any other society. More animal and plant species have disappeared in the last two centuries than at any other time in history. Similarly, we have polluted earth, water, and air more than during any time before. We may run out of water for the inhabitants of this planet.

If we somehow survive environmental, social, or mental anarchy, then we can fall victim to political anarchy, which can ultimately lead to a most destructive Third World War. The war can easily become nuclear, leading to our extinction. The western capitalist model of development has taken us to a state where survival of mankind and the planet is really at stake. If we want to salvage this grave situation, then we have to find an alternate model of development. This model should be pro-nature and pro-people, where there is harmony and order instead of chaos and anarchy.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib has such a model of development. This is based upon the concepts of universal concern and universal welfare. Instead of the capitalist concepts of exploiting and conquering nature, this promotes the concepts of respecting nature and living in harmony with nature. Whereas the capitalist model has alienated man, Sri Guru Granth Sahib advocates realizing and uniting with your true self. Sri Guru Granth Sahib advocates that the spiritual dimension, or human consciousness, is the essence of human existence. Our existence is not limited to the physical self; it is a part of the whole. Similarly, our consciousness is a part of universal consciousness or cosmic awareness.

Capitalism has dehumanized people and reduced their existence to mere consumers. We need to rehumanize people and make men out of consumers. By awakening human consciousness, people   can become human again. Sri Guru Granth Sahib can help in this process. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not only the religious Granth of the Sikhs, but is the Granth of the welfare for the whole humanity. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not only a religious Granth, but is a comprehensive philosophy of life. It is multicultural and an advocate of pluralism rather than an advocate of just one way. It is a source of universal human values. It does not advocate conversion to the Sikh religion, but emphasizes the need to become a better person. Hindus should become good Hindus, Muslims should become good Muslims, and Christians should become good Christians. What really matters is that they become better human beings.

It is true that capitalism can provide you consumer goods and material comforts. However, without spiritual awareness man is incomplete. An incomplete man will be unable to withstand the stress and turmoil generated by capitalism and eventually a person will break. It is our spiritual strength which enables us to face these challenges and maintain our cohesion and integrity. Therefore spiritual awareness is not just an ideal but a practical necessity. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, with its universal message, is a source of spiritual enlightenment available to the whole mankind.

Dr. Sawraj Singh, MD F.I.C.S. is the Chairman of the Washington State Network for Human Rights and Chairman of the Central Washington Coalition for Social Justice. He can be reached at [email protected].