Fri 14 Sep 2007
Last month I can safely say was a bit of a failure, and this month isn’t shaping up to be much better. Let’s look at exactly what I managed not to do:
- Didn’t even try to initiate contact with relatives and family throughout the month.
- Barely read the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Did not attend a single service, religious function, or information session.
- Did not manage to converse with the religion’s adherents.
- Did not acquire most of the five symbols of a Sikh.
However, all is not lost, as I did manage to:
- Grow a beard and abstained from cutting my hair.
- Read a bit of the Guru Granth Sahib and secondary texts.
I think I’m beyond making excuses for myself at this point. Right now all that I am following of Judaism is the easiest of the dietary prohibitions- not eating pork.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath. I don’t know whether the prohibition against work covers school work as well. Even if it did, since I’ve managed not to get anything done today, I don’t think I can afford not to work tomorrow.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Seems to me you need a long break from this Religion Project. Can’t you just take a couple of weeks and devote the time to hedonism?
No study, no prayers (unless spontaneous), plenty of food and drink and partying. Do it!
Pat
September 18th, 2007 at 2:50 am
Thank you, Pat. I appreciate the advice, and your paintings (especially the I-Ching stuff).
October 10th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Hi Michael,
I think it would be safe to say you should first confirm if you are following Sikhism for the month, or Judaism. Try one thing at a time.
Another thing - Sikhism has no place for feeling guilty, feeling regretful, hating yourself, hating the world, being down on yourself, etc. Every action has a cause. Either it was your environment, your predispositions, your conscious thought, or an act of God. It did not “just” happen - it happened for a reason. Most often, the reason is ourselves.
Furthermore, the guilt we feel is actually detrimental. It does not mean you should not feel the need to make up for your mistakes, or that you should avoid responsibility. In fact, it means you should take full responsibility and then put your money where your mouth is, on every single action of life.
Lastly, sure, in the last month you did not do those things, but did you do any of the following:
1) Earn your earnings honestly
2) Not commit fraud, adultery, etc.
3) Feed, clothe, or support someone in need
4) Thank and Remember God for what you have
5) Abstain from alcohol, drugs, and meat
6) Show love for others and yourself on a spiritual (not superficial) level
Of course the things you mentioned are important, but not without these things I have mentioned above.