God Is Green: Sikhi and the Care of Nature

April 08, 2015 by Lakhpreet Kaur

Continued from Page 1

In 1699, the tenth Sikh prophet, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, founded the Khalsa (an order of initiated Sikhs) and he tasked them with challenging ideas, entities, and forces that undermine the wellbeing of others. Codifying the idea of "saintly-warriors," Guru Gobind Singh gave the Khalsa the responsibility of protecting the weak and defenseless, and in this case, nature. "Today, the Earth is vulnerable because of climate change and because people have not protected their environments" (EcoSikh 1). As Sikhs, we have a responsibility to follow our Gurus' teachings and protect the vulnerable (EcoSikh 2).

Conclusion

"The Gurus worked towards creating an ideal society that has as its basis in spiritual awareness and ethical integrity" (EcoSikh 1). If we are to create the society that Guru Nanak envisioned, one that is conscious of the divinity within everything, we must treat nature with respect. To merge with the Divine, one must first view Divine's creation as sacred and see life as one.

For further information on Sikhism, visit the Patheos Library here.

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Global Care

Public Square

Capitalism

Climate Change

Earth

Ecology

Environmentalism

History

Sacred Texts

Sikhism

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