Welcome to Sikhism: Peace and Conflict
In this chapter, we are going to explore how Sikhs view the world when things get difficult. Does a religion that preaches "oneness" ever allow for war? How do Sikhs try to bring peace to the world? This section is part of your Paper 2: Religion, Peace and Conflict study. We will look at ancient teachings and apply them to modern issues like terrorism and nuclear weapons. Don't worry if it seems like a lot to take in; we will break it down step-by-step!
1. Sikh Attitudes Towards Peace
For Sikhs, peace is not just the absence of war; it is a state of mind and a way of living. The goal of a Sikh is to find inner peace (spiritual peace) so they can create outer peace in the world.
Sikhism teaches that because God (Waheguru) created everyone, we are all part of one human family. If you see God in everyone, it is much harder to hate or fight them. This is the concept of the oneness of humanity.
Key Source of Authority: The Guru Granth Sahib (GGS) emphasizes that peace comes from remembering God. For example, it teaches that through the Name of the Lord, one finds peace and the "mind is cooled and soothed" (GGS 1062).
Key Takeaway: Peace starts within the individual through prayer and Nam Japna (meditating on God's name) and spreads to the community through Sewa (selfless service).
2. The Role of Believers in Peacemaking
Sikhs believe they have a duty to be "peacemakers." This isn't just about being quiet; it's about actively working to make the world fair. This is often linked to the idea of Sewa. By serving others without wanting anything in return, Sikhs help reduce the tensions that lead to conflict.
Sikhs also participate in Interfaith Dialogue. By talking to people of other religions, they promote the Sikh belief that there are many paths to God, which reduces religious conflict.
Did you know? The Langar (the free kitchen in the Gurdwara) is a massive tool for peacemaking. By making everyone sit on the floor and eat the same food, it breaks down the barriers of caste, class, and religion that often cause wars.
3. Conflict and Its Causes
Why do people fight? Sikhism has a very clear answer: the Five Evils (Panj Chor). These are internal "thieves" that steal our peace and lead to external conflict:
1. Kam (Lust)
2. Krodh (Anger)
3. Lobh (Greed)
4. Moh (Attachment)
5. Ahankar (Ego/Pride)
When leaders act out of Ahankar (Ego) or Lobh (Greed), they start wars. Sikhism teaches that Haumai (self-centeredness) is the root cause of all suffering and conflict in the world.
Key Takeaway: To stop war in the world, a person must first defeat the "five evils" inside themselves.
4. Pacifism
Pacifism is the belief that war and violence are always wrong. Are Sikhs pacifists? The answer is "mostly, but not always."
Sikhism values peace and non-violence highly. The first five Gurus focused heavily on peaceful resistance. However, the Sixth Guru (Guru Hargobind) and the Tenth Guru (Guru Gobind Singh) taught that when all other means have failed, it is righteous to pick up the sword to defend the weak.
Divergent View: Some Sikhs today may take a strictly pacifist stance, believing that in the modern world, violence only leads to more violence. However, many Sikhs follow the Sant-Sipahi (Saint-Soldier) ideal—being peaceful at heart but ready to fight for justice if necessary.
5. Just War and Holy War (Dharam Yudh)
In Sikhism, a "Just War" is called a Dharam Yudh (War in the defense of righteousness). This is not a war to grab land or convert people; it is a war fought for justice.
Guru Gobind Singh laid out the conditions for a Dharam Yudh in the Zafarnama (found in the Dasam Granth):
"When all other manifestations of the state have failed, it is then righteous to take up the sword."
The Rules of Dharam Yudh:
1. It must be a last resort (all peaceful talk has failed).
2. It must be fought without hatred or a desire for revenge.
3. No civilians or non-combatants should be harmed.
4. No places of worship should be damaged.
5. The motive must be to protect the oppressed or defend the faith, never for personal gain.
Key Takeaway: A Sikh should never start a fight, but they are allowed to finish one if it is to protect the innocent.
6. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)
This is a modern issue. WMDs include nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Most Sikhs are strongly against WMDs for several reasons:
1. Indiscriminate killing: WMDs kill thousands of innocent civilians, which breaks the rules of Dharam Yudh.
2. Destruction of God’s Creation: WMDs ruin the environment for generations. The GGS teaches that "Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Great Mother" (GGS 8). Destroying the Earth is seen as an insult to God.
3. The cost: Money spent on nuclear bombs could be spent on Sewa to feed the poor.
Non-religious views: Humanists also generally oppose WMDs because they rely on the "utilitarian" argument—the massive harm they cause outweighs any possible benefit. Atheists may argue that because this life is the only one we have, we shouldn't risk ending humanity through nuclear war.
7. Issues Surrounding Conflict: Violence and Terrorism
Sikhism is strictly against Terrorism. Terrorism involves attacking innocent people to create fear, which goes against every Sikh teaching of oneness and protection of the weak.
Violent Protest: Sikhs believe in Chardi Kala (positive spirit/eternal optimism). While they believe in standing up for what is right, most believe protest should be peaceful. However, if a government becomes a "tyrant," the Rahit Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) suggests that Sikhs have a duty to resist oppression.
Victims of War: Sikhs have a long history of helping victims of conflict. This is based on the story of Bhai Kanhaiya, a Sikh who gave water to wounded soldiers on both sides of a battle. When asked why, he said he could only see the face of the Guru in everyone. Today, charities like Khalsa Aid carry out this mission globally.
8. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is vital in Sikhism because holding onto anger is one of the "Five Evils." To move forward from conflict, one must forgive.
The Guru Granth Sahib teaches: "Where there is forgiveness, there is God Himself" (GGS 1372). By forgiving others, a Sikh lets go of their Ahankar (ego) and moves closer to Mukti (liberation).
Quick Review Box:
- Inner Peace: Achieved through Nam Japna.
- Dharam Yudh: A war for justice, only as a last resort.
- Bhai Kanhaiya: The ultimate example of helping victims of war.
- Five Evils: The internal causes of conflict (Anger, Greed, etc.).
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Mistake: Thinking Sikhs are complete pacifists. Correction: They prefer peace but accept the "Saint-Soldier" duty to fight for justice if needed.
- Mistake: Using the term "Holy War" to mean converting people. Correction: In Sikhism, Dharam Yudh is about defending the oppressed, not forced conversion.
- Mistake: Forgetting to mention the "Five Evils." Correction: These are the psychological causes of conflict that examiners love to see in your answers!