Philanthropy In A Global Context: The Langar
The Gurdwara is a place where Sikhs will gather to worship the Guru Granth Sahib, which is their form of the holy book. The Gurdwara allows the Sikh community to learn spiritual wisdom, faith, ethics customs and traditions. Aside from its spiritual value, the Gurdwara is also recognized as a Community Centre, which offers food, shelter and companionship for those who need it. After each religious service, it is a tradition for all members of the Sikh community to gather and attend a Langar. No Sikh will leave without partaking in this communal meal. This free meal is an example of giving and is a way in which the Sikhs express the equality of all its members. This meal is extended to all visitors of the Gurdwara including those who are not practicing Sikhs. By extending this meal to everyone, the Sikhs are showing their rejection of prejudice. No matter what sex, colour, religion, or economic status all are welcomed and valued in the Langar. When preparing the meal for the Langar, all members including women, men and children are encouraged to participate. The meal itself is vegetarian. This is because the Sikhs recognize that vegetarian options are universal and incorporated in all cultures and religions. This further represents inclusivity and equality. Once the meal is prepared it is placed in front of the holy book known as the Guru Granth Sahib. Once being blessed the food is distributed equally to all visitors and community members.
Philanthropy is defined as a generous donation to a good cause. In the Sikh religion, one can see how the Langar is a community donation in which everyone participates in creating a meal so that all visitors and community member can be fed. The Langar involves “giving back” in several ways. For example, the Sikh community members who cook the meal offer their time and skill to create a meal to give back to the community. Some community members and local Sikh businesses donate the food itself. The food being all vegetarian shows the effort the Sikhs put into the communal meal to make it universal and enjoyable for all.
Overall, each component of the Langar involves the donation of time, money and resource, however, this ceremony benefits the community in a big way. It is said that the Langar allows for relationships to be made and cultures to blend. By welcoming all, the Sikhs are demonstrating how important it is to not just give back to their own kind but to offer a hand to all who need it and this why I chose to research this religious way of giving because of its inclusivity.
Resources
- Grace, (2016). Here's The Rich History Of Langar, The Sikh Tradition Of Selflessly Feeding Thousands Of People. Retrieved from https://www. scoopwhoop. com/History-Of-Langar/#. rk452t1tk
- Philanthropy | Definition of philanthropy in English by Oxford Dictionaries. (n. d. ). Retrieved from https://en. oxforddictionaries. com/definition/philanthropy
- Religions - Sikhism: The Gurdwara. (2009). Retrieved from http://www. bbc. co. uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1. shtml
