Introduction:
Man, biologically, is a beast. This is his innate nature. That of a beast riven with animalistic desires for animalistic wants that need to be satiated before engulfing his being. Even though he possesses considerable intelligence, this is rendered insignificant by his foolish nature. To paraphrase Charles Darwin, even with his godlike virtues and keen intellect man cannot rid himself of his beastliness resultantly weakening himself considerably. Thus, human existence is not one of man aiding man to overcome his inner beast but rather of the human beast being controlled by the more superior of his fellow humans who have subdued their own inner animal. This is the backdrop to the human story and none other.
Lessons:
Can man truly master himself and be reborn as something stronger than the sum of his zoic existence? Sikhi provides a comprehensive praxis to achieve exactly this aim. It emphasizes that the inner animal be defeated through discipline and fortitude cultivated by living the injunctions of the canonical Guru Granth and adhering to the Khalsa code of conduct that simplifies these injunctions. But it is also realistic in clarifying that only a few, if any, individuals among humankind retain the dedication to tread this path. Otherwise, the majority are content with lapsing into oblivion ignorant of how their autonomy is compromised by their animal desires. This is also borne out by history. Only a few enlightened ever exist at any one given time. The ignorant majority continually outnumbers them.
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