The Stage of Fanaticism

In this video Guruka Singh shares his thoughts on the topic of being Fanatic about religion…or just about anything. My question to him was in relation to friends who had originally not had much of a practice of Sikhi  (cut hair, clubbing, drinking etc). Then, when they started practicing Sikhi they noticed themselves becoming more critical/judgemental of others who were not doing what they were doing. This video touches upon some of this subject and hopefully will help you see things more clearly in relation to Fanaticism.

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9 Responses to “The Stage of Fanaticism”

1. True Guru is Ocean of Wisdom says:

   July 31, 2006 at 6:39 pm

   I believe there are 2 types of fanatics.

   Where it is a problem is when you wish to cause destruction, or a disorder to society wherein you infringe upon other peoples basic rights. WHEN YOU CROSS THAT LINE IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES.

   The second type of fanatic, which I do not know if it would be classified as fanatic; it would be more of being firm in a belief or holding strongly to some idea that others may not realize. You would rather give up your life than your religion, or you would risk your life in the attempt of saving another life. Some would call that extreme, fanatic or whatever for an idea that the other person may consider to be a simple principle to live by. In this situation, what people would be calling a fanatic woulld be something that they do not realize or wish to aknowledge themselves.

2. Khalsa says:

   August 1, 2006 at 12:27 am

   when they started practicing Sikhi they noticed themselves becoming more critical/judgemental of others who were not doing what they were doing.
   ———— I was reading through some Buddhist literature and came across something that is similar to your question…
   __
   I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi, in Jeta’s Grove, Anathapindika’s monastery. Now at that time King Pasenadi Kosala was together with Queen Mallika in the upper palace. Then he said to her, “Is there anyone more dear to you than yourself?”

   “No, your majesty,” she answered. “There is no one more dear to me than myself. And what about you, your majesty? Is there anyone more dear to you than yourself?”

   “No, Mallika. There is no one more dear to me than myself.”

   Then the king, descending from the palace, went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, he said to the Blessed One: “Just now I was together with Queen Mallika in the upper palace. I said to her, ‘Is there anyone more dear to you than yourself?’

   “‘No, your majesty,’ she answered. ‘There is no one more dear to me than myself. And what about you, your majesty? Is there anyone more dear to you than yourself?’

   “‘No, Mallika. There is no one more dear to me than myself.'”

   Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:

   Searching all directions
   with one’s awareness,
   one finds no one dearer
   than oneself.
   In the same way, others
   are fiercely dear to themselves.
   So one should not hurt others
   if one loves oneself.

3. inder mohan singh says:

   August 1, 2006 at 2:23 am

   very good video gurumastak veer ji. i really like it. its not good to find fault in others. first look who are you. correct your self and remove your ego and love all persons whether he is sikh or not. then you are sikh. please post more videos of guru ka singh ji. really awesome! video

4. manpreet kaur says:

   August 1, 2006 at 10:12 am

   Satnam!

   Thank you again!
   Have to chew on this for awhile, but it is giving so much insight.

5. Hari Prakash Kaur says:

   August 1, 2006 at 12:51 pm

   Thank you thank you. I would have to say Guruka Singh’s videos are my favorite part of MrSikhNet. I always get excited when I see one posted and I look forward to all of them.

6. Ekoankar Singh says:

   August 1, 2006 at 2:58 pm

   I think Fanaticism is as wrong as having limitless neutralism. We have to keep balance in between. We cannot let people enter Gurudwara Sahib without covering their heads, why? The reason is that this is considered respect in court of Guru? Some may find it judgement? Is it truely a judgement? The thing is that either Fanaticism or neutralism both are as dangerous as other if we do not keep balance. Keep balance and do not create your own rules and regulations just to please your own mindset because ultimately you have given your head to Guru so he can direct you? If we go by judgemental views then Guru Granth Sahib has so many verses where so many judgements have been made but good judgements are needed for the society otherwise we bring jungle law. We won’t sleep with sister these are laws of nature and society and Dharma has laws to follow as well. Yes there are groups who will create their own and then convey then as Dharmas laws just be careful of them but for any healthy human soceity we need laws and applies to religion/Dharma.

7. Kiran says:

   August 2, 2006 at 7:16 am

   This guy is really cool. Can he not come to London and give a few lectures here???

   Lots of Pyar

   Kiran

   p.s its 22* in London this afternoon and some clouds are beginning to emerge.

8. Gurumustuk Singh says:

   August 2, 2006 at 8:53 am

   Guruka Singh is going to be in london later this month (Aug 20-26) at the Sikh Student Camp…. http://www.SikhStudent.com

   He is also doing another workshop…which I will try to post details on later when I get the info.

9. Hari Singh says:

   August 8, 2006 at 6:48 am

   if you become involved in politics ro forced too due to events then you concentrate less on your spirituality and thats when you can turn fanatical especially when you are under seige I believe.