Rec'd by email.
Centuries ago, there was a Gurukul where a number of students used to
be taught by an old and experienced teacher. The teacher used to teach
them many subjects like Sanskrit, Ganit, and amongst others one subject
would be 'Dharam'. After years of teaching, it was time to send them
home. So, he finally took a written test of all subjects except the
subject 'Dharam'.
After passing, all students were going back to their homes, and
wondering all the way, why the teacher did not take a test for the
subject 'Dharam'. One of them even said "Guruji always told us that
Dharam is the base of a human life and without it a man can not succeed
in any form of life. But still, he didn't even care to mention it while
we left"
As they were moving, they noticed a lot of cactus thorns lying on the
road. The students carefully crossed the hurdle, and proceeded for
their homes. One of them stopped by, and started collecting the thorns
into his bag. On being prompted by his colleagues, he said "We were
fortunate to see these thorns and saved ourselves, but what if somebody
doesn't see them and gets hurt. My conscious does not allow me to avoid
this potential danger to some passerby. I am not going unless I remove
all these thorns, no matter how much time it takes!" On this, the
teacher emerged from behind the tree, where he was hiding.
The students were surprised to find that the teacher was following them
all the way. The teacher said "Yes, I was listening to your
conversation, as to why I did not take your test for the subject
'Dharam'. Actually, Dharam is not something to say or listen, it's of
no use if you do not practically implement it in your life. I had
intentionally spread these thorns in your way, and the one boy proved
that he has actually understood the lessons of Dharam. Dharam is indeed
to pluck thorns from others way or to sacrifice oneself to make
someone's life better. If you do not respect/love other living beings,
or try to create hurdles in someone's path, you are far from
understanding what 'Dharam' is !"
We are so fortunate that Guru Sahib has always taught us to respect
other beings/other faiths. Not just by Hukam, Guru Sahib has lead by
example. See the Shaheedi of Guru Arjun Dev ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
ji and the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and various Sikhs from
time to time. These are stories of selfless service to the society.
That is what Sikhism stands for !
Bhulan Chukan Di Khima,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥