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Wait and See

T. SHER SINGH

 

 

 

The wise amongst us tell us to “Wait and See” instead of rushing into situations, or reacting without assessment and reflection, analysis and strategy.

Indeed, it is exactly what we as a community should be doing as the new government in India takes the reins of power and begins to implement its governing policy.

‘Wait and See’ is always the best move, especially when the ball is in the other court. There’s no point in hopping around aimlessly, when we don’t know what is coming our way.

But, first a caveat.

The strategem of ’wait and see’ is not to be mistaken for a time of inaction or inertia. Or a period when you do nothing.

In fact, quite the opposite.

The phase of ’wait and see’ should be, behind the scenes and under the surface, a period of intense activity. But of a different kind.

It is when you prepare yourself for all eventualities. Which includes readying yourself for the worst scenario.

But without playing your cards.

To continue with the metaphor, you do it with a poker face.

You don’t want to find out what the other side is doing and THEN start figuring out what you’re going to do.

That would be disastrous. It would be akin to discovering on November 1, 1984 that mobs are scouring the streets for you and your loved ones, and you sit down to figure out what you should do!

This is what the wise mean when they also say that to have peace, be prepared for war. At all times.

Therefore, the counsel to ‘wait and see’ does not translate to ’don’t do anything’, but instead, ’now’s the time to gather your wits and get the lay of the land’.

Our Gurus propagated the policy of ’Wait and See’, but not as a replacement for action. It is a period to group and regroup so that, a) it obviates the need for action; or, b) if necessary, one is ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

Our brothers and sisters in Punjab and India -- as well as those of us who live in the diaspora -- have an advantage this time around, compared to what we were confronted with in 1984. This time around, we can see the dark clouds; we can read the writing on the wall. There’s going to be no element of surprise or ambush … not if we keep our eyes open.

With God’s grace, the clouds will eventually disperse, and the portends will be proved false. (But not by simply pretending that they are not there.)

If that is indeed the outcome, the ’Wait and See’ approach will have worked in our favour.

If, heaven forbid, things turn sour or ugly, again, the ’Wait and See’ stance will still work in our favour: we will not be taken by surprise.

Therefore, this time of ’Wait and See’ is a time for intense dynamism, not statics. A time to strengthen ourselves.

The very idea of a dynamic Wait and See is enshrined in Sikhi through the concept of the bir aasan promoted by our Tenth Master. It is the posture you sit in when you take Amrit, symbolising the Sikh ideal of ever-readiness ... mental, physical and spiritual.

Relaxed and comfortable, never complacent, but ever alert … and ever ready to spring into action.

That is the way of the Sikh.

That is the way of those who overcome all adversity.  

 

 

May 28, 2014    
 

Conversation about this article

1: Harnam Singh (Patiala, Punjab), May 28, 2014, 7:57 AM.

I do wish and pray that my brother and sister Sikhs in this country in particular will pay heed to this sagely advice.

2: Jessie Kaur (New Delhi, India), May 28, 2014, 9:38 AM.

Amen.

3: Kaala Singh (Punjab), May 28, 2014, 1:52 PM.

Not even one week has passed, the new Govt is already talking about repealing Article 370 in Kashmir. God knows what will happen next.

4: Gurjender Singh (Maryland, USA), May 29, 2014, 11:44 AM.

BJP and SGPC were partners in the recent election. Now the SGPC can talk directly with the BJP on all issues of concern to Sikhs, if they, the SGPC, genuinely want to serve the community.

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