Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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regard Sikhism as purely Naam-marga and miss its sociopolitical
implications and the historical role played by the Gurus n furtherance
thereof. The character of all social and political set-ups is determined,
in the last analysis, by the motivations of the men and women who
constitute that society. Therefore, the Gurus put the greatest emphasis
on curbing the instincts of acquisitiveness and aggressiveness. This
emphasis was not only for changing the quality of the individual alone
but also for changing the character of the society, because, according
to the Sikh thesis, the fate of the individual and the society are
indissolubly linked with each other.
No understanding of the Sikh movement is complete unless it is
appreciated that it was the product of this integrated Sikh view of
religion. The Gurus followed a two-pronged line. They aimed at
fashioning a God-oriented man (Gurumukh ) in order to create an
ideal society, and they wanted to change the society to that it could
help in creating an ideal man.
The Sikh Panth was, not organized as just another sect to pursue
the traditional Indian approach to religion. It was made the basis for
changing the caste order, for fighting political power for a plebian
mission. The organisation of the Panth and its social and political
goals, which will be discussed hereafter, are all of one piece. These
flow from the Sikh thesis. The Sikh cultural revolution was transformed
into a militant revolutionary movement, and the latter aimed at
upholding the Sikh ethical ideals. It was not easy to maintain this aim,
but there was no doubt about the idea the Gurus had laid down for
the Sikhs. “Who are power-less even in power and are humble and
meek.” 50 The Sikhs have to travel a path which is ‘sharper than razor’s
edge and thinner thank the hair.” 51 (i.e. a rare combination of
revolutionary acuteness and humility). The Sikh was to be a saint and
soldier in one — ‘a soldier saint’. The author of Hakikat wrote that
‘In Nanak’s path, in al worship humility is given the first place.’ 52