Sikhism: Attitudes to Peace and Forgiveness

This section explains Sikhism Attitudes to Peace and Forgiveness, focusing on Attitudes to Peace and Pacifism and Forgiveness and Reconciliation. This section also provides a case study of Pardeep Kaleka.

Attitudes to Peace and Pacifism

Peace is defined as the absence of conflict, and it serves as the foundation for greater happiness and harmony within society. Sikhs believe in the importance of peace in both personal life and broader social interactions, as it contributes to a life that aligns with justice, equality, and spiritual well-being.

Sikhism, however, is not a pacifist religion, though individual Sikhs may choose to adopt pacifist beliefs. Pacifism involves rejecting all forms of violence, and while Sikhism does not promote the total rejection of force, it does stress that war should never be the first solution. Instead, it teaches that violence is only justifiable as a last resort, after all peaceful methods have been exhausted.

One of the key teachings of Sikhism comes from Guru Gobind Singh, who states: “The Merciful Master has now ordained that no one annoys, oppresses or inflicts pain on another. All shall abide in peace in a benign regime.” (Guru Gobind Singh 74)

This teaching emphasises the importance of peace, both individually and collectively. It promotes an ideal where people live in harmony and do not cause harm to one another. Despite this, Sikhism acknowledges that, at times, defending oneself or one's faith may be necessary, especially in situations of injustice.

For example, during the struggle for Indian independence in the 1940s, many Sikh leaders led peaceful protests in the pursuit of justice and equality, in line with the peaceful teachings of Sikhism. The Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) became centres for protest, where Sikhs joined other groups in fighting for the end of colonial rule, but they did so without resorting to violence.

In this way, Sikhism promotes peaceful resistance, underscoring the belief that true peace comes through understanding, dialogue, and the active pursuit of justice.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

In Sikhism, forgiveness is seen as a vital virtue that leads to spiritual freedom and peace. Sikhs believe that forgiving others is an essential practice for maintaining personal vitality, as it helps release negative emotions such as anger, hatred, and resentment. Forgiveness is not merely about letting go of past wrongs but about fostering a sense of inner peace that aligns with divine will.

The Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism, teaches: “Where there is greed, there is death. Where there is forgiveness, there is God Himself.” (Guru Granth Sahib 1372)

This reflects the belief that greed and unforgiving behaviour are detrimental to one's spiritual well-being, while forgiveness brings one closer to the divine. Forgiveness in Sikhism is not an easy act, and it does not mean that one ignores wrongdoings or avoids taking action. Instead, forgiveness is a process—one that helps in restoring peace and making reconciliation possible.

Case Study: Pardeep Kaleka and Forgiveness

A powerful example of forgiveness in action comes from Pardeep Kaleka, whose father, Satwant Singh Kaleka, was tragically killed during a shooting at the Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin, USA, on 12th August 2012. Pardeep was devastated by the loss, but he chose to respond with compassion, reflecting a core principle of Sikh teachings.

In his words, he said: "I decided to respond to this tragedy with compassion. There is a saying in Sikhism, ‘Charhdi Kala,’ which means ‘we move in relentless optimism.’ Regardless of hardships in life, I’m optimistic about the future. Charhdi Kala and compassion go hand in hand. Some people think of compassion as offering forgiveness and all is forgiven, but I think of it as a process…”

Pardeep’s response highlights the Sikh understanding of forgiveness. It is not simply a matter of absolving wrongs immediately, but of working through the emotional and spiritual process of healing. This ongoing process of forgiveness aligns with the Sikh belief that true peace comes when we overcome hatred and injustice through spiritual growth and compassion.

Many Sikhs interpret this as a reminder that forgiveness requires effort and time, and is something that must be revisited regularly, especially when deep wounds are inflicted.

Reconciliation: Healing Relationships

In Sikhism, reconciliation goes beyond just saying "sorry." It involves a deep, active commitment to restoring peace and rebuilding relationships after a conflict. Reconciliation is seen as a necessary step towards healing and moving forward, and it must involve both sides working towards mutual understanding and forgiveness.

Sikhism stresses the importance of unity and peace, and since Sikhs believe that all of humanity was created by the same One God, they believe it is their duty to eliminate hatred and bitterness between people. Sikhs are taught that a united, peaceful, and reconciled community is a reflection of the divine will.

Guru Granth Sahib reinforces this idea with the words: “The Merciful Master has now ordained that no one annoys, oppresses or inflicts pain on another. All shall abide in peace in a benign regime.” (Guru Granth Sahib 74)

This passage reflects the Sikh ideal of a harmonious society, where all individuals live in peace with one another. Gurmukh Singh OBE, a prominent Sikh leader, described reconciliation in Sikhism in 2005 by referencing Guru Nanak's approach to conflict. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, taught that reconciliation is about understanding the root causes of a conflict and actively seeking a way to restore harmony. Gurmukh Singh stated: “Identify the root causes, and show the way to a harmonious way of life.”

This approach encourages Sikhs to approach conflict with a mindset of understanding and solution-finding, rather than simply seeking to blame or punish. Sikhs are encouraged to actively work towards rebuilding broken relationships, not just through apology, but through collaborative efforts that lead to lasting peace.

Reconciliation in Sikhism is not just an individual act but a collective effort aimed at creating a peaceful community. Sikhs believe that by engaging in reconciliation, they uphold the principles of justice, equality, and respect that are central to their faith.

Peace, Forgiveness, and the Sikh Way of Life

Sikhism teaches that peace is essential for spiritual growth and societal harmony, and it should be the goal of every individual. While Sikhism is not a pacifist religion, it encourages peaceful solutions to problems and conflicts whenever possible. The teachings of forgiveness and reconciliation show how Sikhs are encouraged to approach conflict with a focus on healing, restoring relationships, and maintaining inner peace.

Sikhism highlights that peaceful living is achieved not by avoiding conflict altogether but by responding to challenges with compassion, optimism, and a willingness to reconcile. Whether through individual acts of forgiveness, like those demonstrated by Pardeep Kaleka, or through collective efforts to rebuild relationships, Sikhs are called to promote peace at every level of society.

Conclusion

Sikhism places great emphasis on living a life of peace, compassion, and forgiveness, ensuring that individuals and communities work together to create a harmonious world, following the example of the Gurus.