It is unfair, as suggested in "A Spade If it is One" (Feb.21), to go from speculation of personal involvement to conclude that T. Sher Singh's motivation is a personal relationship with 3HO or Yogi Bhajan. The essence of T Sher Singh's letter ('Tirade Against 3HO Unwarranted, Feb 20) is that we should not paint all members of a group as criminals or cultist based on the actions of some.

I agree with him.

He does not hesitate to acknowledge serious allegations against 3HO and clearly suggests that 3HO issues need to be discussed on . Whether one is a journalist or columnist, stereotyping directly or by implication is unfair. It is a bias that detracts from what any writer has to offer. The majority of non-Sikh media coverage of Sikhs portrays Sikhs as a violent group. I would think that Sikhs know much about stereotyping.

There may indeed be cult and criminal practices within 3HO. There may also be other practices that stray from Sikhi. Does this mean every person in 3HO is a cult member and criminal?

Before you answer, consider examples of Sikhs of Punjabi and Indian origin. There is a large Sikh population in the vicinity of Sri Hazoor Sahib who were once Hindus. Many of their practices border on Hinduism. The same can be said for many Gurudwaras in the Punjab. There are Sikhs in the villages of Punjab who have filtered Sikhi down to ritual, caste and Bhangra. The Akal Takht, the Sikhs' highest spiritual authority, has recently been used to suggest that Sikhi is simply an offshoot of Hinduism (Puran Singh).

Punjabi Sikhs have come into Sikhi from all types of influences. Many may be Sikhs because their father or grandfather said that you should be proud of your caste and hence turban. Today some Punjabi "Sikhs" in the west cut their hair, trim their beards, they have photos of Guru Nanak Dev Ji above their fireplaces, where they drink scotch on weekends. Even those sure that they practice Sikhi have numerous inconsistencies within. For many, Amrit has basically become a delicacy some remember as they approach retirement.

It is arguable that, as a member who shares the same group identity as the people above, I am a cult member. However our attitude toward Sikhs of Punjabi or Indian origin is "education is the key".

Surely, as Sikhs of all people, we don't think Punjabi Sikhs have a "birthright" to Sikhi! That would be antithetical to Sikhi. We think that they continue to identify as Sikhs because there is a part of the ideal that appeals to them. Do we really think that not a single 3HO Sikh has read a book on Sikhi or was not inspired by some ideals of Sikhi?

Many Punjabi Sikhs cannot maintain an external Sikh identity because of cultural pressures. What kind of confidence would it take to adopt the Guru's message for those sincerely going against the grain in their 20's, 30's or 40's if you are 'white'?

I know many Punjabi Sikhs who have come into Sikhi through association via their parents. However, they reject the anti-Sikh practices of their parents and continue to strive to learn. Likewise, despite her unfortunate introduction, Kamalla Rose Kaur has not only overcome but is a shining example of Sikh spirit.

As T Sher Singh suggests, lets hold 3HO and others accountable to not misrepresent Sikhi. In many ways I think Kamalla Rose Kaur is doing a wonderful job of this. At the same time lets be careful not to isolate and judge future Kamalla Rose Kaurs by unfairly stereotyping them all as criminals or cult failures.

Parmjit Singh