Sikh Optimism

Sikhism encourages its followers to maintain an optimistic outlook on life and to see the good in all situations: Faith in Waheguru (God) and trust that everything happens for a reason and that God's plan is always in motion. 

This belief is rooted in the idea that a person's thoughts and actions directly impact their experiences and surroundings, so it is essential to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook to create a better world for oneself and others. 

Chardi Kala is a fundamental concept in Sikhism and is a state of mind that is optimistic, hopeful, and enthusiastic, even in the face of adversity. Chardi Kala is considered a vital part of the Sikh way of life and essential for spiritual growth and fulfilment. 

Guru Nanak, Founder of Sikhism

 "Chardi Kala means to keep the mind in a state of constant happiness and remain optimistic even in the face of adversity."

Bhai Gurdas

 "Chardi Kala is the key to a happy life. By staying optimistic, you will be able to overcome any obstacle and find peace."

 Bhai Sahib Singh

 "Optimism is a state of mind that leads to success and happiness. By cultivating a positive outlook, you will be able to create a better world for yourself and others."

Punjabi singer Jaswinder Singh Bains a.k.a. Jazzy B 

"that’s the nature of the Sikh community. “Asi chardi kala che rehnde ne (we live in a state of positivity and optimism)."

India Blooms News Service on "Beyond Operation Blue Star: The Sikh community’s resilient rise"

"The younger generation of Sikhs has been steering clear of the shackles of the past, focusing instead on building a prosperous future for themselves and the country. They embody the essence of ‘Chardi Kala’, a Sikh philosophy of perpetual optimism and resilience, by transforming painful histories into stepping stones for a brighter future."

Chris Minns MP

"Vaisakhi marks the beginning of the harvest time in the Punjab region. It is a time to give thanks for the past and to look to the coming year with optimism. It is a time that combines tradition and prosperity."

Simran Jeet Singh on Coronavirus

“While I see the pandemic as a disruptive force, I also try to see it through the rose-coloured prism of chardi kala, the Sikh teaching of ever-rising optimism. Sikh wisdom offers chardi kala as an antidote to suffering. We all encounter various difficulties in life, and we can’t control everything that comes our way. But we can always choose how we perceive these events — and it’s far more empowering and inspiring to find the silver linings in the difficulties we experience.

“It’s not an easy practice, especially in times like these. But engaging chardi kala has helped me in a number of ways throughout my life: to see the humanity of those who hate people who look like me (or who look different at all), to find goodness in moments of darkness and to find hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

“Employing the outlook of chardi kala, I have tried to view this moment as something more than a deadly and inconvenient disruption. And over the past week, I have come to see it as a helpful intervention.”

 

Read More inspiring insights on optimism in Victor Perton's "Optimism: The How and Why"

Optimims How and Why Cover

 

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