By Dr. Sawraj Singh
Today, it is very important for us to understand and expound the fact that Sikh philosophy is truly a universal philosophy. This is the age of globalization. However, the current globalization has created very serious problems because it lacks a true global perspective, and it is only an economic globalization without any ethical aspect. Sikh philosophy can help us to meet both these challenges and also help to solve these problems. Because of these challenges and problems, globalization has failed to develop a true global community. Sikh philosophy has a concept of a true global community based upon the two fundamental principles of Sikh philosophy: Universal Concern and Universal Welfare. Today’s world needs a universal philosophy which the whole world can accept. I feel that only Sikh philosophy can be called a truly universal philosophy because other philosophies somehow limit the true universality.
Other philosophies are mostly limited to their followers. Religions generally address their own followers. Even though Buddhism and Jainism follow Gian Marg (knowledge pathway), yet in practice, they also limit their message to people who join their denomination. Islam has a concept of universality. However, the concept of universal brotherhood is limited to Muslims only. Marxism advocated universality in the form of proletarian internationalism. However, this universality is limited to proletarians only. However, the concept of proletarian is different for different people. For Marx, the term generally meant industrial workers. Later on, peasants and even petit bourgeois were also considered to be proletariats. Mao even went further and included national capitalists.
However, Marxism never had a concept of an all-inclusive universal brotherhood because some people were always excluded as enemies of revolution. In practice, Marxism, just like other religions, also limited its message to its followers. The Sikh Gurus transcended all barriers based on caste, creed, religion, nationality or culture and gave their message of Oneness to all human beings. They advocated an all-inclusive universal brotherhood from which no body is excluded. They considered all human beings their friends and expounded those feelings of otherness, separation and animosity is the product of ignorance. A fully enlightened person understands that all human beings have been created from the same source. Therefore, they are related and are a part of a global community. How could He (the Creator) create some good people and some bad people, and some superior people and some inferior people?
The message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not for the Sikhs alone, but it is for the welfare of whole humanity. The word Sikh in Sri Guru Granth Sahib means a student who wants to learn from the Guru. Sri Guru Granth Sahib gives us the message that we should become Sikhs (students) and Khojis (seekers) who constantly strive to understand the Eternal Truth or Ultimate reality. The message of oneness based upon the Eternal Truth or Ultimate reality is the message of unity of mankind, love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. This message is truly universal and is very relevant and important in today’s world. This can impart a true global perspective and an ethical aspect to the current globalization which lacks both of these.
The world needs a true universal philosophy today. The Sikh philosophy is the only philosophy which truly meets the criterion of a universal philosophy. It is duty of Sikhs to let the world know that they have a philosophy which the world is looking for today.
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].
