Although small, Powell Rivers Sikh community is strong, and is working with other local faiths to bu

Powell River Peak On November 8, Sikhs in Powell River and all over the world will celebrate the birthday of the first founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Sahib.

Members of Powell River's Sikh society--or Guru Arjan Dev Sikh Society after the fifth guru--will celebrate the day by spending the morning in prayer at the Sikh temple on Nootka Street followed by a lunch in the community hall in the basement of the temple.

Rajinder Cheema and Gurpal Bassi perform duties that a priest would perform at a larger Sikh temple. The Holy Granth, or holy book, is 1,430 pages. It must be opened every morning and closed every evening before being moved to another room.


"We only worship this book," said Manjeet Rai, explaining that poetry and philosophy from Muslim, Hindu and Sikh saints are compiled in the holy book. It provides worshippers with spiritual knowledge, a comprehensive philosophy of life and a global perspective.

The Sikh religion is more than 500 years old and was created in response to the caste system of Hinduism. The turban was traditionally a symbol of emperors, explained Manjeet's husband, Jang Rai. But in Sikhism, every Sikh wears a turban. "That means that every Sikh is royal."

The religion exemplifies the principle of equality and justice for all and women have the same rights in Sikh society as men.

The centrepoint of the Sikh religion is the well-being of the whole world, explained Jang Rai. It is based on the premise that God is one.

Every Sikh temple has room for travellers and people in need. All are welcome, no matter what their religious beliefs, creed, colour or caste.

Today there are only five Sikh families left in Powell River, but in the 1980s there were more than 40 families, said Cheema. They came to work at the mill, but have since retired and moved to join family in the Lower Mainland.

A well-known Sikh businessman, the late Jang Singh Bhangoo, was interested in introducing people to other's religions and cultures and was involved in interfaith gatherings.

Earlier this year, the local Bahai fellowship started holding interfaith gatherings. "We invited all religions," said Gina Devlin, a member of the fellowship.

The Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Bahai, Mormon, and Unitarian religions were represented. Prayers were held for all religions and a unity feast followed.

"The first one was held in May but we loved it so much that we didn't want to stop meeting so another was held. It doubled in numbers," said Devlin.

One of the outcomes of the interfaith gatherings is a series called Spiritual Journey being hosted by Rob Higgins, said Gerri Graber, also a Bahai member. "People are invited to share their faith and how their spiritual path affects their lives."

People of all religious beliefs visited the Powell River Sikh Temple to meditate during the 24-hour World Day of Peace in September.

It is hoped that interaction between the faiths, such as this recent one, will lead to a better understanding of all people and religions, Graber added.

Visitors to the Sikh temple must observe the traditions or norms of the religion. They must take off their shoes and cover their heads. "This is a sign of respect to our gurus," explained Manjeet Rai. Visitors to the temple must not point their feet toward the holy book either, as this would be disrespectful.

No meat is allowed in the temple and only vegetarian meals prepared in the temple's kitchen can be eaten on the premises.

Jang Rai hopes that experiences between people of different faiths will eventually lead to the creation of a multi-cultural society in Powell River.

© The Powell River Peak 2004 (Canada)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm? BRD=1998&dept_id=221583&newsid=13278151&PAG=461&rfi=9

The following paid advertising helps sustain Bahaindex.com: