By Dr. B. S. Bains | Sikh History |
In a rapidly changing world where cultures collide and ideologies clash, it’s easy to feel the pull towards new beliefs and perspectives where exposures and information regardless of being positive or negative are at an easy reach to our millennium gens.
However, amidst the allure of novelty, it’s crucial not to forget the rich tapestry of traditions and values passed down through generations. Our inherited faith, be it religious, cultural, or spiritual, serves as a beacon which has beyond doubt successfully guided us through life’s complexities and provided a sense of belonging and purpose.
Understanding the value of our Inherited Faith is not merely a set of rules or rituals; it’s a connection to your heritage and ancestry. It carries the wisdom of our forebears, distilled through centuries of experience and reflection. By embracing, respecting and beholding our inherited faith, we honor the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us, preserving a legacy that enriches our identity and shaped our worldview that prevails today.
Our Faith Grounded Us in Turbulent Times.
In times of uncertainty and upheaval, our inherited faith provided and will continue to provide stability and solace. Its timeless teachings offer guidance on navigating life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Whether through prayer, meditation, or community rituals, practicing your faith fosters a sense of inner peace and resilience, enabling us to weather the storms of life with strength and conviction.
Regrettably, in today’s era of influential societal pressures, a significant number of individuals are forsaking their cultural roots and relinquishing the solid foundations established by their ancestors through struggle and sacrifice. Instead, they gravitate towards mimicking the cultures and attire of different societies and forego connections and leaving their community.
It is important to delve deeper into the appreciation of the beauty of our inherited faith, as it possesses a natural ability to nurture connections and foster a shared sense of community through aspects such as language, culture, cuisine, music, and rich traditions. By embracing these shared beliefs and practices, we can establish bonds with others who share our heritage, creating a network of support and belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. These communities offer a profound sense of camaraderie, togetherness and solidarity, enhancing our lives with a multitude of perspectives and collective experiences from the social-entrepreneur aspect.
After considering the points mentioned above and gaining deep insights from reputable secular scholars of respective faith, particularly those who eschew or rather shun fundamentalism, we can then cultivate a balanced perspective and a constructive attitude towards remaining loyal and staying consistently connected to their inherited faith. It is through this process that we can truly embrace the principles of respecting diversity and engaging in positive and unbiased dialogue.
While it’s important to uphold your inherited faith, it’s equally crucial to approach others with respect and understanding. In a world marked by religious and cultural diversity, engaging in dialogue with people of different faiths fosters mutual respect and promotes peaceful coexistence. By appreciating the beauty in others’ beliefs while staying rooted in your own, you contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society.
There are numerous cases where one faith may find itself subjugated by another, particularly when the former is in the minority within certain countries. In such situations, two outcomes tend to occur by default. The minority population may yield to subtle pressures and convert for convenience, or they may resist the continual dominance of the majority adherents of a different faith. This pattern appears to be prevalent among the Abrahamic religions, which have proliferated across the globe. This create tremendous pressure on the minority society and hence the harmony is distorted in the coexisting fabric.
This situation may navigate oneself into doubt and question the original faith especially certain temptation is instigated. While It’s natural to experience moments of doubt or questioning regarding our inherited faith one should not view these moments as a threat, rather see them as opportunities for growth and exploration. Engage in thoughtful reflection, seek guidance from trusted mentors or secular spiritual leaders, and draw strength from the wisdom of our faith tradition. Remember that doubt is not the opposite of faith but rather an essential aspect of it, leading to deeper understanding and conviction.
Embracing Change While Preserving Tradition
As the world evolves, so too must our understanding and interpretation of faith. Embracing change does not mean abandoning tradition but rather adapting it to suit the needs of the modern world. By infusing new insights and perspectives into our inherited faith, we ensure its relevance and vitality for future generations, preserving its timeless truths while embracing the challenges of the present.
In conclusion, our inherited faith is a precious gift that deserves to be cherished and nurtured. By embracing its teachings, staying grounded in times of uncertainty, fostering connection with others, respecting diversity, navigating doubt with grace, and embracing change while preserving tradition, we honor the legacy of our ancestors and pave the way for a brighter future rooted in faith and love.
Dr Balwant Singh Bains is a Malaysia-based kirtan enthusiast and a practicing physiotherapist with a chain of physiotherapy clinics.
RELATED STORY:
Religion: An inherent Gift (Asia Samachar, 21 Dec 2023)
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Dear KS Makhan. Dr Balwant Singh Bains has nothing to do with the design of the column photo. It was designed entirely by the Asia Samachar team. Hope this helps. – Editorial Team
This Bains guy is just so full of himself, literally in the heading picture of this article he has his name plastered everywhere alongside a photo of himself in the middle. I mean come on!
Beautiful article.
Comments are closed.