SIKH PRAYER
Gurdarshan Singh
Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
My religion teaches me that all should live in peace under a benevolent rule.
It also teaches me that God's light is in all beings.
I will therefore offer a reflection on the oneness of humanity.
This will be followed by a prayer for peace.
Some of the problems we have today have occurred from time to time.
One of the issues that concerned the Sikh Gurus was the resolution of the conflict between the two major communities: the Hindus and Muslims at the time. They preached the oneness of mankind. Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Nanak said :
Some call themselves Hindus;
Others call themselves Muslims.
Among these are Shias,
There are Sunnis also
and yet man is of one race in all the world.
All men have the same form
All are from the same source of light.
Bhagat Kabir a Muslim saint whose compositions are included in Guru Granth Sahib - the Sikh Holy Scripture said:
The Lord first created light:
From the Lord's play all living creatures came
And from the Divine Light all creation sprang.
Why then we should divide human beings
Into the high and low?
The Lord the Maker has moulded one mass of clay
Into vessels of diverse shapes.
Free from taint are all the vessels of clay
Since free from taint is the Divine Potter.
I will now say a prayer.
The whole universe serves You, day and night
Please hear my prayer, O Dear Lord.
I have thoroughly tested and seen all.
You alone by Your pleasure, can save us.
O Lord, save this world
On fire with conflict and strife.
Save it through any way you choose.
Says Nanak, the path to peace
Lies in reflection on God's word.
The Lord alone has the power of true forgiveness.
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne - Promoting Understanding and Cooperation For Peaceful Coexistence