WARRIORS
Many people (especially youngsters!) are attracted by the warrior heritage of the Sikhs and make special efforts to preserve that image through dressing up in the traditional warrior’s attire.
This theme of the warrior tradition has existed since the very beginning in Sikhi, but not in the way that most people understand it nowadays.
The first battle for us to engage in as Sikhs is the battle that rages within all of us. This is the war that we have to fight with our easily influenced and constantly wonderig minds.
Gurbani (Guru’s word) is full with the imagery of battles and wars that is used to describe the internal struggles that we all have, in order to overcome the five vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego.
The true warrior in Sikhi terms is the one that conquers his/her mind. To achieve this victory, we have to get up daily and prepare for this battle. The daily meditation practice is our main weapon that we use to rid the mind of all its evil.
Guru Amar Das Jee blesses us with the following verse in this respect.
Jo Jan Loojhehi Manai Sio Sae Soorae Paradhhaanaa ||
Those humble beings who struggle with their minds are brave and distinguished heroes.
Har Saethee Sadhaa Mil Rehae Jinee Aap Pashhaanaa ||
Those who realize their own selves, remain forever united with the Lord.
Giaaneeaa Kaa Eihu Mehath Hai Man Maahi Samaanaa ||
This is the glory of the spiritual teachers, that they remain absorbed in their mind.
Har Jeeo Kaa Mehal Paaeiaa Sach Laae Dhhiaanaa ||
They attain the Mansion of the Lord's Presence, and focus their meditation on the True God.
Jin Gur Parasaadhee Man Jeethiaa Jag Thinehi Jithaanaa ||8||
Those who conquer their own minds, by Guru's Grace, conquer the world. ||8||
Vaheguroo!
