Gursant Singh is an unlikely critic. A resident of Española’s 3HO (“Healthy, Happy, Holy”) Sikh community for 18 years, Singh studied under the charismatic Yogi Bhajan and, in 1982, Singh even sued the federal government for permission to wear a turban and keep his hair long while serving in the US Army.
Now, though, he likens 3HO Sikhism to a cult.
During a recent trip to India, Singh learned that Sikhism forbids idolatry. When he returned to Española, the gilded statues surrounding the ashram there looked like blasphemy to Singh.
Singh says he appealed to the powers that be—Sikh Dharma International, part of the late Bhajan’s multimillion-dollar empire.
Dissatisfied with the response (or lack thereof), Singh took his battle to Facebook, calling for the removal of all idols from the Española campus.
But Hari Jiwan, the chief of protocol for the 3HO community, says nothing’s amiss. Most of Singh’s 3,279 (and counting) Facebook “cause” members are Indian Sikhs, who Jiwan says are often more sensitive about the idol issue. (At one time, Hindus imposed their own idol worship on the Indian Sikhs, Jiwan explains, which left a bad taste.) American Sikhs have a different history, Jiwan says—but they’re also not worshipping the idols.
“[We worship] a representation of what the idol stands for, not the idol itself,” Jiwan says. “If the idol stands for a virtue like compassion, like the Buddhist statue of Kuan Yin—I have no problem putting that anywhere.”
While Bhajan’s empire remains under siege—on Oct. 7, the Oregon attorney general sued SDI’s parent company—Jiwan says the recession has attracted even more disciples.
“Let’s face it: Yoga and all these new-age practices are very popular,” Singh admits. “It was very appealing to me, too.”
Visit the facebook cause: "Call to Truth and Authentic Sikhism Remove idols of false gods and images of all babas from Sikh Gurdwaras"
http://www.causes.com/causes/518356/about
For more info and discussion on this topic of idols being worshiped at the 3HO Sikh Gurdwara in Espanola New Mexico visit:
http://www.causes.com/causes/518356/about
Installing an idol in a Sikh place of worship is blasphemy. These ppl at 3HO need to remove those things or quit calling themselves the Sikhs. The real Sikhs seek god in the divine Shabd, The true word of their own version of the holy bible. Not in some snake, monkey or other mythical idols made of materials. 3HO does a lot of creepy things in the name of Sikhism. Must be stopped.
"But Hari Jiwan, the chief of protocol for the 3HO community, says nothing’s amiss. Most of Singh’s 3,279 (and counting) Facebook “cause” members are Indian Sikhs."
Yes, Indian Sikhs they might be. but at least they know their religion and religious guidelines. They do NOT disrespect anybody's religion intentionally. You guys on other hand, keep doing it even after being told that its wrong (idols in Sikhism) Either ignorant or do not care much about religion. Like the Indian Sikhs pray everyday, Sarbat da bhala (May everyone be blessed) be it Indian Sikhs or person of any religion, creed or race.
We support not Gursant Singh, but the cause. The shameful act of installing religiously prohibited objects in the Sikh temples should be stopped immediately.
What about yoga? That 3HO has been desperately trying to associate with Sikhism. Sikhism does not stop you from doing it. Its not just religious anyway in the Sikhism. In fact our gurus told traditional yogis to move their but and be normal people(human beings). Stop acting special beings. Now doesn't matter how hard you guys try even with your billion dollars power, no Sikh outside of your cult believes in religious yoga.