Actually, there are no written records available to substantiate the fact that Mahatma Gandhi's ideologies have a considerable influence of Guru Arjan Dev ji's teaching's. Though Sikhs, especially youth are considered to be against Gandhi's ways out of an assumption that, by default, they are aggressive and rebellious. But there are some noticeable similarities between their ideologies that cannot be ignored. Though, this comparison may itch a sikh fundamentalist and gandhian too may find it a little uncomfortable to digest but this is the truth.
Though Gandhi always advocated simplicity, selflessness, non-violence etc. but the fifth sikh guru went too far ahead of Gandhi in not only preaching it but also practicing it. There's no bigger example of patience, tolerance, self-sacrifice and surrender to almighty's will, than the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev but Gandhi's teachings are no more than a reflection of Guru Arjan's in a different century.
Though, it would be idiotic to compare the stature of a political personality to that of a spiritual guru who is more of a messiah than a just a political leader, I still want to put forward this comparison in an attempt to pacify sikh radicals and anti-sikh forces operating in India. Though some intellectuals can very well prove the anti-sikh nature of Gandhi but let's not look at him for only religious perspective but also from political and nationalistic view.
But a fact worth mentioning here is that I want to put forward a striking similarity between Gandhi's and Guru Arjan's political ideology which are almost identical.
Fifth Guru has said:
ਰਾਜ ਬਿਨਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਧਰਮ ਚਲੈ ਹੈਂ ॥ ਧਰਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਸਭ ਦਲੈ ਮਲੈ ਹੈਂ ॥
which is very Similar to Gandhi's thought:
"Politics bereft of religion is the death of conscience."
So! I believe such an analogy has never been made by any religious preacher or a political leader in the past, anywhere in the world. Those people like me, who believe in communal harmony and universal brotherhood should come up with more such analogies to defeat religious fundamentalism which is one big reason behind communal tensions in the country.
Though Gandhi always advocated simplicity, selflessness, non-violence etc. but the fifth sikh guru went too far ahead of Gandhi in not only preaching it but also practicing it. There's no bigger example of patience, tolerance, self-sacrifice and surrender to almighty's will, than the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev but Gandhi's teachings are no more than a reflection of Guru Arjan's in a different century.
Though, it would be idiotic to compare the stature of a political personality to that of a spiritual guru who is more of a messiah than a just a political leader, I still want to put forward this comparison in an attempt to pacify sikh radicals and anti-sikh forces operating in India. Though some intellectuals can very well prove the anti-sikh nature of Gandhi but let's not look at him for only religious perspective but also from political and nationalistic view.
But a fact worth mentioning here is that I want to put forward a striking similarity between Gandhi's and Guru Arjan's political ideology which are almost identical.
Fifth Guru has said:
ਰਾਜ ਬਿਨਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਧਰਮ ਚਲੈ ਹੈਂ ॥ ਧਰਮ ਬਿਨਾ ਸਭ ਦਲੈ ਮਲੈ ਹੈਂ ॥
which is very Similar to Gandhi's thought:
"Politics bereft of religion is the death of conscience."
So! I believe such an analogy has never been made by any religious preacher or a political leader in the past, anywhere in the world. Those people like me, who believe in communal harmony and universal brotherhood should come up with more such analogies to defeat religious fundamentalism which is one big reason behind communal tensions in the country.
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