An unsavoury incident occured at our 'Sikh Spiritual Concert' on Saturday June 28th. at a Hindu Temple Hall in St. Louise which left some unanswered questions in my own mind and also led to a huge debate, mudslinging and 'hate' mail on whether gurbani can/should be sung at open concerts in mainstream audiences - something our group has been doing for the last decade 'normally' to very appreciative (but mainly non-Sikh) audiences wordwide.

Such 'concerts' amongst Sikhs have mixed reactions - mainly appreciative but with a few dessenters who come from the conservative side.

Sardar IJ Singh has dealt with the subject in his book released this year - for your further reading.

The objections from one elderly gentleman who decided to make a loud protest by trying to stop the concert single-handedly had a number of issues. I state them without the rather rude way the incident took place reflected by his email to all Sikh cybersangat which drew mixed responses - initially condemning us (well, me in particular) and then supportive emails.

• That I encouraged the 'audience' to clap to gurbani and there was applause after each rendition - whether gurbani or non-gurbani.
• That gurbani should not be mixed with non-gurbani renditions.
• That the audiences did not have their heads covered, had footwear on, and sat on chairs, listening to gurbani.

  I do believe that all three items should be discussed in a rational manner - not as a mud-slinging exercise. I am sure Sikhs will have arguements both ways.

  I shall add a fourth and a fifth just to help matters along...

• Sometimes, especially amongst non-Sikhs some audiences get up and start slow dancing in a state of euphoria due to the intense spiritual atmosphere that sometimes gets created. Some of them are, perhaps, even high on drugs and alcohol. NO Smoking is allowed at any such 'western events' these days and I am allergic to cigarette/tobacco smoke.
• We use 'basic' English translations and intepretations of each rendition and shabads.

I shall put forward my reasoning for such concerts and draw comment and constructive criticism - not bullying... constructive criticism and practical advise only, please. I also like to state that I am a very 'basic' Sikh - not a BrahmGyani or 'Sant' nor shall I ever pretend to be one. I am essentially a Sikh minstrel, former accountant, in love with Sikhi and hoping to promote basic Sikh philosophy and thought - especially the universal truths as espoused by Nanak through to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. My main concern - direction for Sikh youth into the future. Especially those Sikh youths who do not come to gurdwara, whose parents do not encourage them in, nor teach them, basic Sikhi. i also want to pass down basic Sikhi to my own daughters and grandchildren - not a Sikhi of rituals but a Sikhi as a tool for self-improvement.

Our group's mission is three-fold and each 'mission point' leads to the next:-

• To assist pockets of Sikh communities worldwide (wherever Waheguru Ji sends us) in raising their mainstream public profile as good, honest and helpful citizens within their localities by getting them to hold such concerts as ours within multifaith events, 'Sikh Awareness Concerts' and charity (for local amenities etc.) concerts. We also attend folk festivals, arts festivals, etc. for the same purpose.
• To bring about harmony within Sikh communities as we have noticed that Sikhs have problems within themselves - problems with inflated egoes of so-called 'Sikh leaders' which leads to disharmony and becomes a big 'put-off' for the youth. If there are, say, two gurdwaras in a town (and they are normally built, or buildings purchased, for the wrong reasons,I may add), we try to organise joint events or try to attend in both gurdwaras to encourage both gurdwaras to work on joint projects. In some towns/cities like Vancouver, it is next to impossible to do so because of very vindictive differences in which case we try and get 'youth' to organise themselves and hopefully bring about change into the future in that fashion.
• To get 'gurbani' within reach of all Sikh youth through whatever means we can. To get youth to feel that 'gurbani, kirtan' is 'cool' and 'ours'. To foster a sense of pride for gurbani and Sikhi. The efforts above in points one and two contribute towards this effort.

So, in the process, we literally try to 'take gurbani into the mainstream' hopefully keeping within acceptable boundaries of majority Sikh sentiment (in the first place!) and within Sikh 'religious' guidelines - not necessarily Sikh traditional/cultural guidelines. We believe that the 'pillars' of the faith are unshakeable but traditional/cultural 'baggage' must evolve, albeit, in a responsible fashion.

We have a track record of almost twelve years in this 'mission' and believe we have, with Waheguru Ji's Grace, had success so far and with Waheguru Ji's grace shall continue to do whatever good we can in espousing Sikhi worldwide in this fashion.

This is to clarify my position and as a point of reference for anyone who wishes to comment on it or recommend how we can improve on this and, if you are so inclined, sling more mud at me!

I am 'bhulen-haar' and always looking for guidance which I am already getting from various lumiaries. I shall not succumb to 'bullying'.

Nanak satgur Bhetiyai poori hovai jugt. hesendheyan, khaylendheyan, painendheyan, khevendheyan, vichai hovai mukt.

sewak,

Dya Singh (Australia)


Dya Singh CD’s available for sale now at www.ethnicisland.com