The solidarity temple of the Sijs in Madrid: "The doors are always open"

Domingo. Ese es el día en que se abren de par en par las puertas de este lugar recóndito de Villaverde, en Madrid. Sonrisas múltiples y desconocidas te saludan nada más entrar, al tiempo que el olor a comida exótica y especias te embriaga con su aroma. Decenas de personas degustan suculentos platos sentadas en el suelo, con las piernas entrecruzadas. "Cualquier persona que necesite ayuda puede acercarse y comer nuestras especialidades. Las puertas siempre están abiertas", explica Harender mientras ayuda en la cocina.

A handkerchief with a golden symbol covers the hair of this 24 -year -old boy of Indian origin.And Harender is Sij, a follower of the fifth most practiced religion in the world: Sijismo.Much of his followers come from Punjab, in India.In Spain they profess it between 65 and 70 thousand people from various nationalities, including some Spaniards converts.

Every Sunday, temples such as the Guru Granth Sahib de Villaverde, one of the two existing in Madrid, receive almost a hundred people from Spanish to Muslims or tourists.Many come by invitation or simple curiosity;others, out of necessity.

"They told them about the temple and since then come every Sunday to eat.We told them that if they need them they can also come during the week, "says Harenderal talk about a Spanish family without work that has seen the light thanks to the charity of the temple.But their humanitarian work is not only limited to offering them food.They also house visitors and help unemployed people find a job."We help you and, if in Madrid they don't get jobs, we look elsewhere...And they are bought a ticket so that they can go, "adds the young man.

Solidarity meals

Today's menu includes lentils, chickpeas with cheese and Indian bread.Some diners are still finishing breakfast accompanied by a cup of tea;others, they hope the food comes out to take it in a tupper.But the same question is repeated every day: "How much do we have to pay?"."You come, eat and that's it," he always replies.

The people of the community take care of the expenses in a selfless way, explains Jasbir Singh, director of the center, who acknowledges that in times of crisis the influx of people has increased.During the confinement, and before the numerous calls of people who could not go to the temple, they began to distribute food for the houses.

Sometimes some member of the community offers to prepare food and put the necessary resources for the celebration of an important event.Specifically, one of the kitchen managers is celebrating the concession of residence papers.

But before taste your menu it is necessary."It is not a sign of humiliation or inferiority, but the delivery of the ego, the reason, which must be placed below the heart so that the truth shines and living in us," explains Lakhmi Chand Singh that, although it is Spanish, prefers to be knownFor his spiritual alias.13 years ago the turban was also placed, and with him his wife and other relatives.After his visit to a SIJ ceremony, recommended by his yoga professor, he felt the call of the Guru.In India all the members of each family usually integrate, but the key is to listen to the call, "explains Lakhmi Chand.For him, entering this path is a fortune that fills him with happiness.

Dozens of people pray in the room in harmony.They are barefoot and under a turban hide a long hair that they do not cut when considering it sacred, although some are forced to do so to find a job.For carrying this turban they are confused with Muslims.Remove it in public is the worst thing that can happen to a SIJ.Sometimes at the airport, Harender says, they are forced to take off their turban in front of everyone.

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ORIGIN

Sijismo was born more than 500 years ago in the Punjab region in southern India, due to the clash between Hinduism and Islam.Guru Nanak, founder and first of the ten gurus, defended that there were neither Hindu or Muslims but all were the same.Therefore, at that time many gurus were sacrificed and tortured for defending these ideals.

As a result, a new religion was born against castes and in defense of equality.Believe in one God and in the teachings of the ten gurus of Sijismo, which are stored in their sacred book The Gurú-Grant-Sajib."It is not so important what the book says in itself when translating and interpreting it, but the vibration it contains when you read it," said Lakhmi Chand.The book was written by different gurus but contains handwritten parts of saints of other religions, very Hindu or Muslims.

In the US, Canada or England where the SIJ community has many faithful and the Gurudwaras or temples are larger, meals are served more frequently.In the golden temple of India, the most important for the SIJS, there are about 7.000 daily meals and is open 24 hours for everyone.

In other temples, such as Barcelona, where there are more SIJ than in Madrid, they help families financially.

In front of the caste system that prevails in India, the SIJS consider everyone equally;Hence, men and kaur women have the same name Singh, so that no one feels inferior.

Few people outside the community meet them.They do not proselytize and "much less try to convince people", but their greatest desire is to hold their hand to those who need it, something very important in these times of queues in social dining rooms.

You like to receive visits every Sunday.The kindness and sweetness that emerges from Harender's eyes is not questionable: "If anyone needs help can come to the temple, we will be delighted.The more people the better.Here we try to help everyone ".And if the food is over, add, it always prepares more.