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SIKHS

While riding my bike I came upon what looked like the end of a procession. This was unannounced as far as I know, but no one seemed to mind me being there. A man handed me a plate of the best curried garbanzo beans I've tasted. Another handed me a pamphlet on the Sikhs. Central belief, "There is only one God/Whose name is Truth/The Creator/Without fear/Without hate/A timeless being/Beyond births and deaths/Self illuminated/Revealed only by the Guru's grace." As I coasted off on my bike, a man slowed down because of the closure of one lane, leaned out of his window, and said with a mixture of disdain and fear, "this could be our future." Like a lot of us, he was afraid of what he didn't know.

COMMENTS
Andre. said at 12:12 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
A very peaceful region in religious terms. American flag looks funny to my taste, but probably it’s just me. Cool tabblo.
Pkeener said at 12:18 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
I see Ram Dass on that banner. Be Here Now. # 13 is just so cool. the shadow. #10 is really a show stopper.
Karsten said at 12:25 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
andre is right - the amarican flag seems to be out of context...hehe..but anyway it´s a great tabblo - do you always go biking with your camara?
AliDar said at 1:36 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
I don't know, I think I like seeing the two flags. I think their god would approve somehow. There are a lot of Sikh in my neighbourhood, but other than seeing them on the street, wearing their traditional dress, they don't make themselves known, and I think that's too bad really; because this tabblo makes me want to get to know them better. Beautiful and colourful photos Allan, and a well told story of what you experienced!
Leftofcenter said at 7:11 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
very colorful and the kids' shots are cute (kids are almost always cute!). love the way you tell a story. it's always good to open up one's horizons- and curried food... anytime! :)
Vernelle said at 9:22 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
I want more Allen's on the planet. Thanks for the wonderful pix. I see these people singly around Salem but have never seen them together and so colorful.
Chilla said at 10:23 a.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
This is a wonderful tabblo. I love the way you have presented the central belief of the Sikhs with these wonderfully colourful shots
SterlingGray said at 3:23 p.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
"Like a lot of us, he was afraid of what he didn't know" - so very true, but if only he would have stopped and took the time that you did...what a difference it would have made...what if we all took the time...imagine. Wonderful photos and Tabblo, very nice Allen.
Sirnicolay said at 9:34 p.m. on Jun 17, 2008:
Very cool! :) We also have a small community of Sikhs here in the Philippines. Just a few months ago, our school's sophomores went there and I was assigned as one of the teachers to facilitate the trip. It was an interesting experience. We got to eat Indian snacks. Very nice. :)
Abking said at 9:52 p.m. on Jun 18, 2008:
Thanks one and all for the comments. Next to the American flag is the Oregon state flag. Maybe it's all about representing where you are. I don't want to be presumptuous and speak for a group I know so little about. Pam, I think (I hope!) it's a different Ram Dass than Mr. Be Here Now, Tim Leary's former cohort. Karsten, I try to bring my camera along wherever however I go. Lefty, the kid was having a great time, running around in a blue blur. I wanted to leave out a few of his photos but couldn't decide what to cut, so they're all there. Vernelle: more you's! Thanks Chilla, and SterlingGray: we've come far away from FDR's remark that "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." Sirnicolay: great experience for the kids, plus great snacks!
Pkeener said at 11:40 a.m. on Jun 19, 2008:
Allan, it was a different Ram Dass. It just reminded me of it. Baba was the one who wrote the book. Reading your text makes me think about the LOVE and FEAR. I think you can only live in one emotion at a time. Hopefully, we will choose love (non hate) in the end.
JuDeck said at 12:33 p.m. on Jun 20, 2008:
You were at the right place at the right time...and with a camera! Thanks for the info too, like Sterling said...if only we all took the time.
Lifequest22 said at 12:44 a.m. on Jun 23, 2008:
Great photo journalism Allan. "Truth/without Fear/without hate. A wonderful concept.
Siagian said at 1:07 p.m. on Jul 8, 2008:
a most misunderstood group of people...thank you for sharing this. a favourite.
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