An exalted place for women in Sikh faith

My sisters in India have been my anchor through good and bad times.Memories of times shared and their countless acts of kindness have always been a reassuring presence at every step of my life. Their voices, words and wisdom exude understanding, thoughtfulness, modesty, generosity, friendliness, concern and unconditional love.

My sisters have had their share of joys and sorrows, struggles and triumphs. Their lives and spirits reflect a special inner beauty, an uncommon strength and a deep, abiding faith in cherished Sikh traditions. For me, they represent what is good about humanity and womankind.

Women enjoy a special and exalted place in the Sikh faith and way of life. Guru Nanak (founder of the Sikh faith) reminds us, "From woman is man born . . . Woman is man's companion . . . How can woman who gives birth to the great ones be inferior to man?" Sikh saint Bhai Gurdas affirms, "It is the woman who can best guide man to the gates of Salvation."

God is often addressed as Father and Mother in Sikh Scriptures. Women as mothers have a unique and sacred status. Spiritually speaking, God chose a "holy mother" before sending a savior. God's chosen "mothers" gave birth to Lord Mahavira (founder of Jainism), Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed, Guru Nanak, Baha'ullah (founder of the Bahai faith) and teachers and preceptors of Jewish, Hindu, Zoroastrian, American Indian and other faith traditions.

Women give birth to enlightened and powerful souls who shape civilization and the destiny of nations; scholars, scientists, athletes, astronauts, artists and innovators who enrich life with talents, service and imagination.

Women throughout history have inspired generations to new heights. Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Florence Nightingale, Elie Wiesel and countless others light new paths to human potential and undreamed of possibilities.

Women are the heart and soul of human experience and a bridge to greater understanding of our relationship with the Creator.

Sikhism hails women as God's "messengers of boundless giving" and as a beautiful blessing to life. Sikhism takes a firm stand on equal rights and protection for women in all matters. They may inherit property, serve as priests and spiritual leaders, command armies, rule kingdoms and pursue any field of endeavor or profession.

Sikhism rejects the divisive caste system, the inhuman practice of satti (self-immolation of a wife at the time of the husband's funeral) and other societal injustices. Widowed women are free to remarry and lead full lives.

Today, the world promises freedom, equal opportunities and choices for women, but all is not well in practice. There are disturbing reports from many countries and cultures of criminal exploitation, oppression, domestic violence and discrimination against female children and women. Such indignities against women and humanity must be stopped. We must assure the networks of hope, support, protection and opportunity as a basic right for all.

In today's global society, women are shaping a new social, cultural and spiritual renaissance with their special gifts, strengths, cultural sensitivity, inherent instincts and personal experiences. They offer the best hope of liberating mankind from the tragedy of oppressive poverty, rampant social evils and inhuman practices. United with their sisters from around the world in a new solidarity of purpose and global vision, women are demonstrating their abilities to excel and lead.

Mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and beloved friends are special blessings under heaven. They are the music, the dance and the promise of life itself.

Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
August 05, 2001