Waheguru and the RNC. A troubling event

Understanding Waheguru in Sikhism and Its Comparison to the God of the Holy Bible?

A NOTE BEFORE I BEGIN.

The information I’m providing is so the reader can understand how Sikhism views Waheguru. I will also explain the similarities and differences between the different religious frameworks. I AM NOT ADVOCATING, PROMOTING, OR CONDONING this “god” (actually a demon), this woman, her prayer, or the religion. In fact, I strongly condemn all of it, including the prayer.

Who is Waheguru in Sikhism?

Waheguru is a central and deeply significant concept in Sikhism, referring to the supreme, omnipotent, and formless divine entity. The term “Waheguru” translates to “Wonderful Lord” or “Wondrous Enlightener” and encapsulates the Sikh belief in one eternal and all-pervading god.

In Sikh theology, Waheguru is understood to be the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. The concept emphasizes god’s transcendence beyond human comprehension, yet also affirms god’s immanence within all creation. Waheguru is seen as beyond physical form and is often described with attributes such as eternal, boundless, and ineffable.

Key attributes of Waheguru include:

1. Ik Onkar: This symbol, representing the phrase “There is but one God,” encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Sikhism and is found at the beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.
2. Naam: This refers to the divine name and the practice of remembering god through the repetition of “Waheguru,” which is central to Sikh devotion and spirituality.
3. Mool Mantar: This foundational verse composed by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, summarizes the nature of Waheguru. It begins with “Ik Onkar” and continues with descriptions such as “Satnam” (True Name), “Karta Purakh” (Creator Person), “Nirbhao” (Fearless), and “Nirvair” (Without Enmity).
4. Shabad: The term “Shabad” means “word” or “divine word,” referring to the teachings and hymns found in the Guru Granth Sahib. These writings are considered the living word of Waheguru, guiding Sikhs in their spiritual journey.

The concept of Waheguru is central to Sikh worship and daily life, guiding moral conduct, ethical behavior, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Sikhs strive to live in accordance with the will of Waheguru, maintaining humility, service, and devotion.

Is Waheguru the God of the Holy Bible?

Waheguru and the God of the Holy Bible share similarities in being conceived as a singular, supreme, and all-powerful divine entity. Still, they are understood within different religious frameworks and traditions.

Similarities:

1. Monotheism: Both Sikhism and Christianity are monotheistic, asserting the belief in one God.
2. Attributes of God: Both traditions describe God as eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, and beyond human comprehension.
3. Creation and Sustenance: In both religions, God is seen as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
4. Immanence and Transcendence: Both Waheguru and the God of the Bible are considered transcendent (beyond the physical world) yet immanent (present within the world and human experience).

Differences:

1. Revelation and Scriptures:
   • In Sikhism, Waheguru is primarily revealed through the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of the Sikhs, which includes the writings of Sikh Gurus and other saints.
   • In Christianity, God is revealed through the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible chronicles the history, teachings, and covenant between God and humanity, culminating in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
2. Nature and Form:
   • Waheguru is formless and indescribable, emphasizing an abstract and all-encompassing divine presence.
   • While also formless and beyond human comprehension, the God of the Bible is often described using anthropomorphic language and is believed to have incarnated in the person of Jesus Christ, according to Christian theology.
3. Path to Salvation:
   • Sikhism teaches that remembering and meditating on God’s name (Naam), living a life of truth, service, and humility, and following the teachings of the Gurus are the paths to spiritual liberation.
   • Christianity teaches that faith in Jesus Christ, his sacrificial death, and resurrection are the path to salvation and eternal life.

Scriptural References:

• Waheguru in Sikhism:
  • Guru Granth Sahib: “Ik Onkar, Satnam, Karta Purakh, Nirbhao, Nirvair, Akaal Moorat, Ajooni, Saibhang, Gur Prasad” (Guru Granth Sahib, Japji Sahib).
  • “There is one God, His name is true, He is the Creator, He is without fear, He is without hate, He is timeless, He is beyond birth and death, He is self-existent, He is realized by the Guru’s grace.”
• God in the Bible:
  • “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, KJV).
  • “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4, KJV).
  • “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, KJV).
  • “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV).

While Waheguru and the God of the Holy Bible are revered as the ultimate divine reality in their respective religions, Sikhism and Christianity differ significantly in their understanding, expression, and relationship with the divine.

Is Harmeet Dhillon a spiritual leader in any aspect of her life?

Harmeet Dhillon is not a religious or spiritual leader. She is a prominent attorney and political figure known for her work within the Republican Party and her advocacy for civil liberties. Dhillon has a significant profile as a Sikh American but does not hold any formal religious or spiritual leadership position within the Sikh community.

Dhillon was born in Chandigarh, India, and immigrated to the United States, where she pursued a career in law. She has held various positions within the Republican Party, including serving as the chairwoman of the San Francisco Republican Party and as a National Committeewoman for California on the Republican National Committee (RNC). Her legal work has included high-profile cases and advocacy for conservative causes​ (Voice of America)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

While Dhillon is a devout Sikh and has incorporated aspects of her faith into her public life, such as delivering prayers at political events, her primary role remains within the legal and political arenas rather than as a spiritual guide or leader​ (Hindustan Times)​.

For more detailed information on her career and background, you can refer to her profiles on VOA News and Wikipedia.

My thoughts: