Religion is a private affair between you and yourself.

Beware of all that goes on in the name of religion. The customs and traditions, rituals and austerities that are displayed as religion are of no use. It is the intention that matters.

Religion is a private affair between you and yourself. It cannot be received from anyone or anywhere. It is certainly not found in the midst of crowds regardless of whether they congregate in temples, mosques or gurudwaras. Religion will someday awaken in you when you encounter yourself. Religion cannot be imposed on you.

Asa-di-Var hits hard at all the farce that is shown as being religious. Beware of it!

Asa-di-Var describes in detail the ceremony of the sacred thread, which Guru Nanak defied as a child. He said, “What good is this thread which is made of cotton and twisted by a Brahmin, who enjoys the feast. When it wears out, it is thrown and replaced by another one. Yet, the priest says it will unite you with the Creator.”

He continues to say, “Let compassion be the cotton; let the thread be of acceptance; let remembrance be the twist. If you have such a thread, then give it to me. It will neither break nor get dirty; it will neither get wet or burnt. Blessed is the man who will wear it. Without it all rituals are hollow. They can at best entertain the audience.