By Gamble Leidolf

Sikhism Facts: There is only one God, he is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer. God cannot take human form. The goal of human life is to break the cycle of birth's and deaths and merge with God. This can be accomplished by following the teachings of the Guru, meditation on the Holy Name and performance of acts of service and charity. Without devotion to the Name Divine is birth in the world gone waste. Such consume poison, poisonous their utterance; Without devotion to the Name, without gain they die, and after death in transmigration wander." (Guru Nanak, Raga Bhairon) The five cardinal vices are; Kam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (worldly attachment) and Ahankar (pride). If one can overcome these, they will achieve salvation.

Gamble's Comments: Overcoming the self-destructive aspects of human nature is key in the Basis of Being. As human beings we possess a wide array of emotions and impulses, any one of which can lead to negative situations. Learning to harness these impulses and channel them for good is a very important step in our individual growth. It is also important to regulate them properly so that we can interact in a positive way with our fellow man.

Sikhism Facts: "Meditation of the Lord is the highest of the deeds, through which myriads obtain release, through which the thirst (of desires) is quenched, through which one becomes all knowing, through which the fear of death goes away, through which all the desires are fulfilled, through which the dirt of the mind is cleansed and the Nectar of the Name of God is absorbed in the mind" (Guru Nanak, Gauri Sukhmani) Sikhism rejects of all forms of blind rituals such as fasting, religious vegetarianism, pilgrimages, superstions, yoga, as well as any form of idol worship.

Gamble's Comments: Rituals are nothing more than a repeated action. However, simply because an action is repeated does not mean it should be without purpose. The Basis also rejects any ritual that is followed blindly. To simply perform a ritual for no other purpose than the act itself is a waste of time and energy. However, if the ritual possess intent and brings one closer to a goal then it is appropriate.

Sikhism Facts: Normal Family life (Grasth) is encouraged, celibacy or renunciation of the world is not necessary to achieve salvation. The devotee must live in the world yet keep his mind pure. He must be a soldier, a scholar, a saint.

Gamble's Comments: For good or bad we are all part of this world. In order to be a positive influence on it we must remain part of it and actively participate in it. This is at the very heart of the Basis of Being, staying pure and true in an often corrupt world. This sometimes requires us to be soldiers in the sense that we must stand firm in our convictions and, if necessary, fight for what is right. We must also be scholars by always learning from others and through our own mistakes. And while none of us are truly saints, we must strive to be beacons for what is right even when it seems all others are against us.

Sikhism Facts: "Beauteous lady! hast not heard with thy ears, To the husband's home must thou come, nor for ever canst thou in the parental home abide" (Guru Nanak, Sri Rag) "I that in the parents home on the Lord meditated, In the husband's home bliss have found. Blessed is the entire life of such." (Guru Ram Das, Sri Rag) "Those known as celibates knowing not the right device, discard house and home." (Guru Nanak, Asa) The Sikh Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib) is the perpetual Guru, there is no place in Sikhism for a living Guru today.

"The bani is the preceptor and the preceptor is the bani, All the nectars are present in the bani: If the faithful follows the bani of the preceptor, The preceptor himself helps him in the realisation of his ideal." (Guru Ram Das, Nat) Sikhism rejects all distinctions of caste, creed, race or sex. "All are created from the seed of God. There is the same clay in the whole world, the potter (God) makes many kinds of pots." (Guru Amar Das, Bhairo) "Recognise the light (of God) and do not ask for the caste, There is no caste in the next world." (Guru Nanak, Asa) The Guru's stressed the full equality of women, rejecting female infanticide, sati (wife burning), permitting widow remarriage and rejects purdah (women wearing veils).

Gamble's Comments: The Basis of all people is that we are the same, human. Society may place a higher emphasis on individuals based on their income, race, or any number of other classifications but in the end we are all the same. We should treat everyone equally and without prejudice.

Sikhism Facts: Honest labour and work (Kirat Karna) are the approved way of living ones life. It is considered honourable to earn ones daily bread through honest work and not by begging or dishonest means. "He who eats what he earns through his earnest labour and from his hand gives something in charity; he alone, O Nanak, knows the true way of life" (Guru Nanak Dev, Rag Sarang, pg. 1245) Vand Chhakna, sharing with others is also a social responsibility. The individual is expected to help others in need through charity.

Gamble's Comments: There are few things more satisfying than honest and hard work. To apply ones self fully to a goal and then accomplishing it is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. In a perfect world this type of work ethic would allow anyone to prosper. However, this is not always the case and people often fall on hard times through no fault of their own. In these situations it is decent and proper to help a person through charitable means.

Sikhism Facts: Seva, community service is also an intergral part of Sikhism. The free community kitchen (langar) found at every gurdwara and open to people of all religions is one expression of this community service.

The Basis Of Being supports all beliefs that lead to a prosperous and peaceful lifelong pursuit of happiness for not only ourselves, but those around us. 

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE