Jain Journal 1991 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 30

174
Who hath full love and confidence in God, who putteth not faith even by mistake in fasting, or worshipping cemeteries, places of cremation, or Yogis' places of sepulture;
Who only recognizeth the one God and not pilgrimages, alms, the non-destruction of life,1 Hindu penances, or austerities;
JAIN JOURNAL
And in whose heart the light of the perfect One shineth, he is recognized as a pure member of the Khalsa.
Notes:
1. As practised by the Jains. (p. 314)
In his code for the Sikhs, called Rahit Namā, the last Guru made specific recommendations to his followers, the Khälsās, as follows:
Never to mix with the following five sects, namely, Dhirmalliyas, Ramraias, Minas, Masands, and Sirgunms, and never to consort with these five.
The Sirgunms are those, who are called atheists, Saraugis and Jains. (Court 1888: 42).
Griffin (1892 60) also confirms that many sects were particularly accursed by the Khalsa for their beliefs and religious practices. He says:
The Muhammadans were especially held accursed, and the prohibition against Sikhs wearing a cap was to disassociate them from the Muhammadans even in dress. War with these enemies of the faith was enjoined and no quarter was to be given to them. Unorthodox Sikhs, Jains and Yogis, were also declared accursed.
These instructions, which are sincerely believed in by the Sikhs of the Khalsa sect, may not develop a proper understanding of presentday Jainism or other sects and religions criticized or commented upon by the Gurus. In fact, it is possible that some misunderstanding or hatred towards such minorities may develop in the minds of those who are not well-versed in comparative religious studies.
Criticism of or cynicism about other religions based on past per