Speaking Truth to Power
Sikhs have a duty to speak truth even when it challenges those in authority.
The Gurus consistently confronted unjust rulers, from Mughal emperors to Hindu kings. Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his life defending religious freedom for Hindus.
He gave his head but did not give up his principles.
Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom exemplifies courage in defense of others' rights.
Historical Record
Written about in
- What Sikhism says about truth and lying
Then the reversal: the Gurus confronted emperors and kings, and Guru Tegh Bahadur was killed defending religious freedom for Hindus. You are asked to soften true speech about your neighbour and to say the dangerous true thing to whoever holds power over you. The tradition does not explain where the line falls.