The Source Book On Sikhism

Sikh Bhakti vs. Hindu Bhakti

Miri Piri concept of Sikhism is unique as started by Guru Nanak and final shape was given by Guru Hargobind. Many academics are creating confusion by mixing the Sikh Bhakti and the Hindu Bhakti. Sikh Bhakti is an active Bhakti, while Hindu Bhakti is quiet and inactive. The concept of Shakti and Bhakti cannot be compared with the Miri Piri concept. Recently, academic differentiations have been made about the Bhakti religion in North India. Hindu religion as suguni current, is practised by Bhramans. The Sikh community founded by Guru Nanak and other sants such as Kabir, Raidas, Dadu and Shiv Deyal, have been qualified and lumped under the nirguni current. This exercise seems to be diffusing the independent identity of the Sikh religion. It is a great challenge for the Sikh scholars in the 21st century to put Sikh Bhakti and Hindu Bhakti in their appropriate perspective.

Sikh World View

Most of the higher religions have either become dichotomous, or are withdrawing from the main fields of social responsibility, and human reason feels frustrated. Sikh Gurus express a comprehensive world view of hope and eternal relevance. Sikhism is universal in it approach, always and anxious and willing to cooperate with those who aim at harmony and well being of man. Guru Nanak proclaimed that his mission was to steer man across the turbulent sea of life with the help of other Godmen. This is included in everyday prayer of the Sikhs, "May God Bless All Mankind". Sikh scholars in the 21st century must continue to propagate a voice basic Sikh world view towards humanity.