RESPONSIBILITIES!
Approximately 17 years ago, the Gurdwara elections were taking place in Delhi. There was a Gursikh with a strong jeevan (spiritual practice), who was asked to participate and become part of the commitee but he refused. When questioned why, he said "I've been doing Sangat with Bhai Jasbir Singh Khannevale and he said, as long as you do Sangat (congregate) with me, you're not allowed in any Gurdwara committees, MLA (local government) etc. He was surprised and asked, 'why not?' Bhai Jasbir Singh said, "focus on building your jeevan, do simran (meditate) and read bani (Gurus word). That other stuff will take over your life and ruin your kamaaee (profit). Just concentrate on becoming a disciplined, strong, loving, virtuous Gursikh and stay away from such things." Although this may seem harsh, there must be a very deep reason for a Gurmukh (spiritual Sikh) to say this.
Some Gurdwaray are doing good things but if we are taking this responsibility it is important that we don't let these things impact our Sikhi negatively. Similarly taking too much responsibility at work, or outside work can also lead to slip ups in jeevan., causing stress, depression and many other illnesses.
It is great for the youth to take an active role in running the Gurdwaray but one needs to be aware, it doesn't take over their life and doesn't affect their character of mostly remaining loving and humble.
Another view point is that, it's very important youth do get involved in the running of the Gurdwaray, as they can relate and guide british youth coming in to Sikhi in today's day and age.
Some Gursikhs say, it's best to focus on your spiritual life first and become quite balanced in it and then, when one comes to take on such responsibilities, the fruit and success is ten fold more.
There should only be one purpose in a Gursikh's life and that is to merge with God and guide others to do the same. One has to find the greatest form of service in which they can do this. Guru ji knows us well. They know what we want out of life and they will bless us with all our minds desires.
Our minds desires should always be Gurmat (Sikhi) based! All our answers come to us when our mind is still and not busy. This is when Guru Ji plants the seed of virtuous thought and action within us through Naam Meditation.
Guru Ramdas a Ji Says, "Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gursikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it."
Vaheguroo!
