None of us ever achieve "perfect" Sikh practice in terms of human
achievement.
Even if we do everything we are supposed to do most everyday,
if our hearts don'tin that process
then we haven't succeeded in being a true Sikh yet.

Sikhi has lots of challenging rules to live up to,
but it is not really about following rules.
Rather, Sikhi is about falling in LOVE,
more than it is about rigorous and righteous adherence to discipline.
Yet, of course, true Sikhs are extremely disciplined.

Still, Sikhi blooms,
it is a seed that sprouts and grows within us,
more than it is about following a Code of Condunct
from an external religious source of authority.

Sikhi is like a dance
and it is not much like a goose-step.
It takes GRACE to be a true Sikh.

Sikh vows keep Sikhs,
because Sikhs have no power to keep Sikh vows.

Sikhi is about GOD's glory and the Divine's miraculous ability to change us,
not about whether we humans can be impressive
and do what others say we are "suppose" to do.

Sikhi is about exercising our free will
and surrendering our lives to be used by GOD
each and everyday.

GOD brings us to the Sikh path,
GOD helps us walk it.

Kamalla Rose Kaur is USA born, of Irish descent, and embraced Sikhism in 1972, at age 18. She tried everything for over twenty years, including frantic practice of Yoga, until she learned "why Sikhs are so adament about having the Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their only Guru."

Kamalla Rose is a professional writer, theater director, workshop and seminar leader,
publicist, events planner and singer. Her column appears every Saturday and, starting with this article, every Wednesday as well.

The author welcomes comments and feedback: Love&Light