Serving ‘chaa’ (tea) and ‘chawal’ (rice) and a crash course in Sikhi, Pat Singh Cheung has become quite a fixture in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood in Canada.
A former Buddhist of Chinese descent, the 68-year-old now loves to call the Vancouver Sikh community his “new family” and faith in Sikhism his “anchor” for life.
Mr Cheung told SBS Punjabi that his transformation has not been anything close to ordinary, but in fact, has been ‘life-altering’.
Pat Singh Cheung posing with his friends in Canada Source: Supplied
“Sikhism has changed the course of my life. I may not under the scriptures or the words in the hymns but I do feel connected to God," said Mr Cheung.
Background:
Born to Buddhist parents in Hong Kong, Mr Cheung had migrated to Canada in the year 1973 to look after his family’s restaurant business in Fort St. James, 500 miles north of Vancouver. He later shifted to Vancouver, after his retirement at the age of 63.
Mr Cheung loves to run marathons and click pictures in his free time.
The beginning of Mr Cheung’s 'life-changing' journey:
Mr Cheung’s introduction to Sikhism happened five years ago when he spotted a large crowd of people standing in a queue in Downtown East, one of the oldest parts of Vancouver city.
When he approached the group, he saw a few people serving free meals.
“I went to inquire what was happening, a man, in turn, asked me if I was hungry,” said Mr Cheung.
“When I said no, he handed me over a pair of gloves and a handkerchief to cover my head and said, “Why don’t you help us serve then?”
“And just like that, I became a volunteer with Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen.”
The experience prompted Mr Cheung to learn more about the Sikh faith and philosophy, oblivious to the fact that this would be the beginning of a “life-changing” phase.
Pat Singh Cheung has adopted several tenets of Sikhism. Source: Supplied
He has since been volunteering with the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen every Sunday.
Embracing Sikhism:
In the past five years, Mr Cheung has learnt to swiftly tie a turban, has maintained unshorn hair and beard and sports a , one of the five articles of the faith.
“My ultimate goal is to become a baptised Sikh and learn Punjabi so I can get a better insight of the scriptures and can understand every word of the kirtan (reciting of religious hymns),” said Mr Cheung.
Having learnt to start his day early, Mr Cheung said his day isn't complete without a visit to the local Sikh temple.
"I like to meditate, volunteer and often spend the better part of my day reading about Sikhism."
“It all comes down to Sewa (selfless service), Simran (chanting) and Daana Paani (food and water) after all," he added.
Pat Singh Cheung before and after embracing Sikhism Source: Supplied
Mr Cheung said he often draws mixed reactions from people when they notice his ‘Sikh avatar’ and he, in turn, responds in a thick Cantonese accent peppered with some chaste Punjabi.
"They keep ogling at me and often are stop by to ask me questions. I think it's wonderful as it gives me a chance to explain and spread awareness about Sikhism," he added.
Challenges:
Mr Cheung’s journey has not been without its challenges.
He told SBS Punjabi that his family back in Hong Kong has not been very accepting of his choices.
“They often ask me, why have you abandoned your religion? It’s hard for them to understand."
“But I know that their heart is in the right place and they will eventually come around,” said a hopeful Mr Cheung who has now devised a new strategy for the unordained.
He has written and published a pamphlet called “3 facts about Sikhi” in Cantonese to help people of Chinese- descent understand the meaning and significance of the Sikh way of life.
“I know and understand that the journey I have embarked upon requires huge dedication and commitment and I feel I’m made for it,” said Mr Cheung.
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