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Commentary: Courage is knowing that you will not hesitate to do the right thing
Sikhi (Sikhism) is a peaceful warrior tradition. It first arose in the 1500s and 1600s in the northern state of the Punjab in present-day India and Pakistan during the Mughal Empire invasions and genocide of Hindus. Sikhs are proud people with a very brave history.
Here are some Sikh teachings on why to have courage, how to have courage, and when and where as well. These are simple reminders offered with humility and love.
Facing fear of death
From birth we journey towards death, yet many fear and avoid this fact until death-day dawns. But how can we live our lives to the fullest if we are cowards?
In Sikhi, “Chardi Kala” means the uplifting of our spirits that happens when we are humble, compassionate, ethical, fearless in selfless service to humanity, particularly defending the oppressed. Will you risk your life to save a child, an animal, a neighbor from attack? Can you bravely stand against corruption, and authoritarian leaders and their followers?
We know we are going to die. What are you willing to die for? When will you step in to help, no matter the risks?
If you don’t know, you might hesitate to defend your most profound ideals. Then you may have to live with regrets and be haunted by what-ifs. Of course, we all have regrets in life, but some are bigger than others.
Never attack. Only defend.
Down through their history Sikh warriors have vowed never to attack, and to only defend those being oppressed. Sikhs strongly assert that physical combat is the very last resort, used only when innocent people are suffering physical abuse. Working, in peaceful ways, on behalf of those being oppressed, is superior.
It is also part of the Sikh tradition that the first step in conflict resolution is to sit with adversaries, all at the same level, and eat a delicious meal together. Then talk it out.
Stories and songs of inspiration
Overconsumption of news media can be addicting and even the best sources practice fearmongering. Worrying that the odds are against us, whether true of not, should not impact our bravery.
Humans overcome fear by remembering the lives of great heroes, and enjoying music that inspires courage. Why not spend more time encouraging yourself than worrying about things you can’t control? Don’t be ignorant. Keep your eyes open, your mind open, your heart open, but control your media intake, rather than the other way around.
Be a hero as needed
Heroism can take many forms. Facing and accepting the fact that you will die is heroic. Jumping to do what is right, without hesitation, is heroic. Whether you live or die a hero — whether your bravery makes the news or you are the only person who knows about it — you might as well be brave and do what is needed. It can save lives.
On Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, a white supremacist named Wade Michael Page, age 42, entered a Sikh Gurdwara (temple) in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, armed with a semi-automatic handgun. When Satwant Singh Kaleka, age 62, heard gunshots, he grabbed the nearest knife — a butter knife —and ran toward the sound. He tried to tackle the gunman, taking bullets before he died. This distracted Page and allowed many congregants to escape.
When police lieutenant Brian Murphy arrived on the scene, he took 15 bullets (and lived) in a dramatic gunfight. He kept Page engaged on the Gurdwara premises until back-up arrived. Wade Michael Page had killed six people and injured four more. And then he killed himself.
Sikhs remember their history, and celebrate these humble heroes. Satwant Singh Kaleka and Brian Murphy will never be forgotten by Sikhs, no matter that many people in this country have never heard of this shooting, and have become jaded to mass shootings in general.
Staying in the moment
Facing fear of death, committing to never attack and always to defend those in need, inspiring yourself with the lives of heroes and singing songs that give you Chardi Kala results in greater fearlessness.
Courage is knowing that when the moment arrives, you will not hesitate to do the right thing. Meanwhile, rejoice, relax and be grateful for this day and for creation.
As Sikhs say, “May you live in Chardi Kala!”
— By Kamalla Kaur
[Ed. — Disclosure: Kamalla Kaur serves on the Salish Current board of directors.]
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