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Summary of Question:	Sikhi And Software Piracy
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Saturday, 6/29/2002 7:59 AM MDT

Sat Sri Akal Ji

I am a 16 year old turbaned sikh and I follow sikhi very closely and keep our Gurus teachings in my mind throughout the day. I have a very controversial question to ask, and therefore its alright if you dont reply. Well, i'm a bit of a techie myself and I have an extensive knowledge of electronics and computers and how to write up code, crack things etc. My parents are pretty strict when it comes to computer games and have never bought any as they see it as a waste of money and that they interfere with my studies. I know it sounds pretty stupid, but what are sikhi's views on copying games, downloading full version games, cracking software etc and other illegal ways of obtaining software that you didn't pay for. Everyone does it, i'm sure we all have burned music CDs or software at home and have never felt guilty for doing so. I for one, have hardly ever bought any software and I have tons of burned games/movies and *really* expensive programs which I could never afford if I obtained them legally. But is it OK for amrithari sikhs to have such illegal possesions? Theoretically speaking, its illegal to make copies of copyrighted media cause its like 'stealing' from the software developers and has cuased them to place higher prices on products so as to recap the amount lost from copies and has also led to some go out of business due to bankruptcy. I believe my question is particularly important to the younger generation and also to our American sikh brothers/sisters becuase we are the group that are more computer literate unlike most of our Indian parents who probably have never been involved in, or heard of software piracy.

So, in summary, my real question is, whats sikhi's view on software piracy and is it OK for Gursikhs to have illegal copies of games, DVDs, programs, music CDs etc?

Thank you for your time, and Godbless,
Sat Sri Akal

GSingh

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REPLY
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Sat Sri Akal! Stealing is stealing. Karma goes to intent. Copies are for backing up stuff you have paid for. Software karmas are no fun in the long run. Figure out what software you actually need. If it's a "try before you buy" situation and you decide it's something you really want or need, then buy it. Why incur the karmas? The point of Sikhi is to undo existing karmas and not create more.

I have been a computer software developer for over 15 years and my own rule is this: I may use a hacked program or a keygen to see if a piece of software is worthwhile. If I decide that it's something I want to use. I pay for it. If not, I dump it. If you can't afford it now, save up till you can.

Remember - what goes around, comes around.

.....G