Now's the time I suppose

Since the Mumbai attacks, I haven't REALLY commented on the sequence of events, so I thought it was about time to do so. (following requests from a few readers).



I know you all know I'm pretty much against the idea of Khalistan and India being 'seperate entities'. A few of you are inexplicably concerned that I may be favouring those attacked in Mumbai over those attacked back in 1984. So, I'll make it clear now - BOTH events were atrocities, BOTH were acts of evil therefore; I'm against both acts. Don't belittle me by saying that I'm a 'desh-premi' and I care more about 'Bharat' than sikhi.

What happened in 1984 (and the following decade or so) was inexcusable - and the instigators and perpetrators MUST be brought to Justice. Finally, after so long, the people of India have awoken and have begun to stand up and be counted - to hold the Government accountable.

It is about time! I know what most of you are thinking...more than 20 years after one of the biggest and cruellist massacres in Indian history - these people wake up to the useless government forces NOW? Why now?

To tell you the truth, I don't know why...it could be because it hit home this time...the rich and wealthy (those who ignored the events of 84) were attacked this time...police and anti-terrorist forces members were killed and injured (yet they stood and allowed thousands to die in 84)...or it could be that the Indian people have just had enough. I honestly don't know...ask someone and they'll give you one reason, ask another and you get a different reason...

But from where I see it, it doesn't matter why or when or how...what matters is that they are finally demanding change. Better late then never? (I know some of you would probably say never?!)

What I worry about is that people will forget in a few weeks or months and move on and politics will continue to be a cesspool of indian mehl...(dirt)...nothing will change...

So we come to me saying yet again...
WE can be the change....India has millions of youths who are fed up, who have the zeal, eduacation and ability to make a difference....all it takes is one...


NB- another thing...I think NOW is the time to really PUSH for justice in India (regarding 84) - Workers of the world Unite!...i mean :P SIKHS of the world UNITE!

No Religion

http://publication.samachar.com/pub_articl...amp;nextIndex=4


A grieving Mumbai mourns the dead. At least 179 Indians and foreign nationals were gunned down in cold blood in a terrorist attack that has raised controversy and several questions. And now questions are being raised over the fate of those nine men who unleashed the carnage and were gunned by the security forces.





Muslim organisations in Mumbai have decided that Muslim cemeteries in Mumbai, where unclaimed bodies are usually buried, will not open its doors for the last rites of these urban jehadis."The killing of innocents is against Islam. They are bringing shame to 25crore Muslims of India. These men are not Muslims. Why should we give them place anywhere? There is no place for them in our hearts and in our cemeteries," said Hamid Abdul Razzak, president, Dawat-e-islami.





Unprecedented events demand an unprecedented response. And this time the community has gone beyond merely condemning terrorism. It's shutting its doors on those who claim to act in their name. Determined to deny the terrorists the martyrdom they seek, Muslim organisations have written to senior Mumbai police officials as well.





"The cemetery should not allow the police to bury the nine dead terrorists in their premises," said Ibrahim Tai, president, Muslim Council Trust.





As Mumbai reels from last week's attack, there's anger, outrage and a lot of soul searching. Among this is a community determined to keep out the prodigals.

Mumbai burns

The past week I have been following startling reports from Mumbai, India - during and in the follow up to what can only be described as chaos....My heart seriously goes out to all those who were affected by these catastrophic events.

‘aye mere watan ke logon, zara aankh may bhar lo paani,
jo shaeed huwei hain unki zara yaad karo kurbani….

Take a moment

I know the 5th of November has come and gone but somethings can't be simply restricted to a date....there is much more to life...

This is taken from the movie 'V for Vendetta'...it is genius and it's on my top movies of all times list...This is a quotation from one of the most stirring scenes in the movie. It is still so relevent, I felt the urge to post it...please read it through, if it does not seem directly relevent to you...read harder:

V:".... Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there?

Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame?

Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense.

.....Last night I sought to end that silence. Last night I destroyed the Old Bailey, to remind this country of what it has forgotten. More than four hundred years ago a great citizen wished to embed the fifth of November forever in our memory. His hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives. So if you've seen nothing, if the crimes of this government remain unknown to you then I would suggest you allow the fifth of November to pass unmarked. But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me one year from tonight, outside the gates of Parliament, and together we shall give them a fifth of November that shall never, ever be forgot!"

another mindblowing quote:

V:..."People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people"

Remember, remember the 5th of November. The gunpowder, treason, and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.

Nit Nem

Haha it's been more than a month since my last post! I think I've just been a little lazy...it's so easy to get weighleighed with useless rituals nowadays...Get up, take a bath, do my nitnem, catch the bus, go college, catch the bus back home, eat a snack, bath my sister, do her homework, do my homework, put my sister to bed, cook dinner, eat dinner, revise and go to sleep. And in the morning it starts all over again....Even my Nit Nem is slipping nowadays...sometimes I don't feel the motivation to get up and go...my dad always says one should get up with a jump "shaala maar ke" I try to bare that in mind.

But I am glad that one part of my routine is Nit Nem... if I didn't have bani I don't know what I would do...it gives me peace of mind, refreshes me and prepares me for the rest of the day.

Powers and Effect of Daily Banis
Nit Nem in Gurbani gives you a very powerful meditative mind. It gives you the balance required. Energy comes to a person from the head, and the head is the distributing center through the spine. When one reads Gurbani; it must be done in the correct harmony and rhythm.
It is compulsory for Khalsa to read all the five Banis daily. They were given so that a person’s incarnated personality may elevate itself to defend through any negativity or misfortune.
Guru Har Rai was once asked whether there was any benefit gained by reading the Guru’s Bani without understanding it. "Yes," he replied, "as grease sticks to the pot even when it is emptied, so does the Guru’s Word stick to the heart. Whether you understand it or not, the Word bears the Seed of Salvation. Perfume persists in the broken pieces even after the vase that contained it has been shattered." - Excerpt from Victory and Virtue

Lakh Lakh Vadhaaeeia

Honor the 300th Anniversary of Guru Gaddi
Published
by
Gurumustuk Singh

Taken from www.mrsikhnet.com

on October 17, 2008

Honor the 300th Anniversary of Guru Gaddi by making a Pledgeto deepen your own personal relationship with the Guru
For so many people, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib is deeply revered, but not always understood or meditated upon. This month, as our global Sikh Sangat remembers and celebrates the 300th anniversary of Guru Gaddi, we can each make a Personal Pledge to deepen our own relationship with our Guru.
"Walking one step towards the Guru’s feet, the True Guru walks millions of steps to welcome you…" - Vaars of Bhai Gur Das Ji
We have selected a simple list of things you can choose from and pledge to do.

We invite you to participate, along with us here at SikhNet, in taking one of these pledges – or perhaps to create another personal commitment of your own. As we commemorate our gifts from Guru Gobind Singh, and the significance of his last instructions to his Sikhs, let us remember that the presence of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib in our lives was purchased through the sacrifices of many generations. Let us honor those sacrifices by each making a personal commitment to more deeply understand and experience the power of the Shabad Guru in our own lives
Click Here to Choose a Pledge!
The cool thing about the pledges are that you are not alone! These are group commitments that you would make along with lots of other people. You can actually see how many others made the same pledge.

Waheguru Bani hain Guru Guru Hain Bani!

image taken from http://www.artofpunjab.com/

Dhan Dhan Karo

I was on Gurumustuk Ji of http://www.sikhnet.com blog and to commemorate Sri Guru Raam Dass Ji's Birthday, he has written a few posts. I asked a question regarding the reverance of Guru Ji (not in a derogatory way). It got me thinking about the link or relationship I feel with my Guru. I have a closer sonnection I would say with Guru Gobind Singh Ji...I think it's the martial spirit within me. My 'Spiritual Father' inspired me to keep my kes and wear a dastaar. I used to be an Army Cadet so, the whole idea of being a member of the Khalsa has always hit close to home...Vaheguroo I love this Dharam.

Everyday I sing the praises of Guru Raam Dass Ji through kirtan (thanks to Chardi Kalaa Jatha) and I feel more of a connection than I ever have before...well Guru Ji is more in my thoughts now than before I listened to this Kirtan.

I think the typical thing for us to do is think ...Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji but what about the 8 Nanak's in between?

I read the sakhian and sure, they come back to mind but I have no real CONNECTION (I'm sorry to say) with them...

Funny how humans have a habit of fixating ourselves on a form/entity/w.e.

We all know that Sri Guru Nanak's Jot was within the susequent Guru Ji's and that They were a part of Vaherugoo themself....but still...hehehe

Whose blood is this?

I'm taking Politics in college at the moment. It's by far the best course I've ever taken...I think it's my teacher...It's nice to be able to talk to someone who knows what they're on about. It's the very first time I've some across someone who's not asian, who knows a little about Khalistan!

We had a conversation the other day on my stance on the issue. It took me a while to answer...it was as if I just couldn't say 'no, I'm not Khalistani...' nor could I say 'yes, I am a khalistani' But I told him this...'I believe in a Khalistan...but it knows no boundaries...it's beyond Sikhs, Hindus or Muslims...potentially I see Khalistan in all the world...ideologically I see all of India as Khalistan...logically I see Punjab as Khalistan...'

You see it's 100% clear that under the current regime, noone is trully safe or free in India...my first subject in Politics is 'democracy' and if anyone knows what that is, they'll know India is in no way a democratic country...

Khalistan means 'the land of the pure'...I want to 'purify'it in a sense...I want to rid (first Punjab, I start small) Khalistan of the many evils which attack it...when I have achieved this then I will have Khalistan.

This poem is to the Indian Government....originally it was written to the Colonialist British Government occupying India but I feel it needs to be said again....

O, Leaders of our Nation

Lift your heads

Look into our eyes

Whose blood is this

Who died?

You showed us the direction

You painted our destiny

You blew on the embers

Now you shrink from the flames

You appealed for waves

And now seek shelter from the strom.

We understand al;

Hope now lies in compromise

Colonial pledges are very wise.

Oppression was just a fairy tale!

The foreigners (here, the government) promises we must all, hail!

Yes, accept their protestations of love

When the people rise from below, we take fright above.

The old legacy will not die.

O Leaders of our Nation,

Whose Blood is this,

Who died?

This was originally written by the poet Sahir Ludhianvi...it was an Urdu lament composed because of the betrayal felt by the Naval Strike Committee back in the 1940's...

Maya

My brother was listening to this song recently and the lyrics kinda just struck me.... this guy is OBVIOUSLY talking about a girl, Okay, I'm aware of that. However, it felt like he could be talking about Maya and what a hold it has over us...some of the lyrics really hit me...

Closer

closer

closer

closer

Turn the lights off in this place

And she shines just like a star

And I swear I know her face

I just don't know who you are

Turn the music up in here

I still hear her loud and clear

Like she's right there in my ear

Telling me that she wants to

own me

To control me

Come closer

Come closer

And I just can't pull myself away

Under Her Spell I can't break

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop

And I just can't break myself no way

But I don't want to escape

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop

I can feel her on my skin

I can taste her on my tongue

Shes the sweetest taste of sin

The more I get the more I want

She wants to own me.....

Come closer She says "come closer"

And I just can't pull myself away

Under Her Spell I can't break

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop

And I just can't break myself no way

But I don't want to escape I just can't stop I just can't stop

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop (Come closer) (Come closer) (Come closer) (Come closer) (Come closer) (Come closer) (Come closer)

I just can't stop nooooo I just can't stop nooooo I just can't stop nooooo I just can't stop nooooo And I just can't pull myself away

Under Her Spell I can't break

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop

And I just can't break myself no way

But I don't want to escape

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop

And I just can't pull myself away

Under Her Spell I can't break

I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop I just can't stop...

jnmu ibRQw jwq rMig mwieAw kY ]1] rhwau ]

janam brithhaa jaath ra(n)g maaeiaa kai 1 rehaao

You are squandering this life uselessly in the love of Maya. 1Pause

Guru Arjan Dev Ji So Purakh 12

bwbw mwieAw rcnw Dohu ]

baabaa maaeiaa rachanaa dhhohu

O Baba, the splendor of Maya is deceptive

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Siree Raag 15

kwhy grbis mUVy mwieAw ]

kaahae garabas moorrae maaeiaa

You fool! Why are you so proud of Maya?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Siree Raag 23

Waho Waho Bani Nirankar Hain

It's all falling into place with maha kirpa of Guru Ji... For a while I was really stressed because things weren't going right for aaages...

But I got my a-level results back and they were great,

I sorted out my driving lessons,

Got a job,

Going to a good college before (with Kirpa, going on to University)

Getting on with my parents (especially Dad) really well...and other family members in general

I start santhiya on saturday in order to get closer to Guru Maharaj.

This may not seem a lot to some of you but it just proves that Ardaas from the heart is trully meaningful and Guru Ji DOES listen.

Ive also been reading the autobiography of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji and it's given me the boost I needed to do MORE naam simran and my nitnem (and read more bani).

I've recently taken up a challenge to do a sehaj paath of Guru Maharaj...as it is the 300th Gurtagaddi Divas of Maharaj. It's not necessarily a challenge because you do it to get closer to Guru Ji and try and understand bani...I think we should all try and make an effort to do so :)

Waho Waho Bani Nirankar Hain

Wake Up

RSS are at it again.

Their attacks on christians in the state of ORISSA continue. This time they burned down an orphanage.... with a priest and nun locked inside.The nun died. The priest is in Hospital.

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/58401

I post this topic because sikhs should work for the betterment of all mankind and help every victim of any religion. Make no mistake, these mobs are the same that played a hand in the annihilation of 250,000 sikhs. They will destroy anything that differs from their beliefs. That's why i urge sikhs to raise awareness about these attacks to christians. Wake Up.

World hindu council (VHP,RSS) were protesting about the killing of a hindu religious figure, but during this protest mobs set upon the orhphange.

Realise the alterior motives of this organisation. Attacking an institute that helps children with no parents, under the guise of patriotism.

This news made it to the Daily express , a british newspaper for once. Its a sign that the british media are waking up now and taking an interest.

Countless attacks on christians in Orissa go unreported, but this is the awakening of a new dawn. One day the RSS will be punished for their crimes against ethnic minorities. It will happen.

At the moment NO minority is safe in India, we have to do something as sikhs to help.

United we stand

It's been a while...busy summer...

Why is it that people HAVE to get married in the summer? Even if it's in the UK, I mean it's not like the weather's any better??! 6 weddings in 1 summer. That's every weekend. I'm so sick of wedding food, give me daal and rice and I'll be happy...keep it simple.

Anyways enough of the moaning...

I got to meet Chardi Kalaa Jatha this summer! So that was a major positive. They were on tour in the UK and I saw them twice at Havelock Gurudwara in Southall. Amasing Gursikhs. Very inspirational. You can tell how much pyaar they have for Guru Ji and humanity.

A lot of people seem to have a few problems with the Western Sikhs (aka 3Ho, Yogi's etc.) which are around New Mexico, Los Angeles and are now spreading to New York, B.C and even Europe. Perhaps it's the Yoga aspects. It's not really seen as a 'sikh' thing to do you see...we have a lot of hinduphobes in the quam nowadays...sad really...

But you know I've tried yoga and it combined with simran is actually very uplifting and peaceful. I really enjoy it. Some of the stuff that is taught is a bit :S for me I must admit... but a lot, if not most, is pretty cool.

It's really kinda sad, I mean, look at how many divisions we have in the panth...some people are:

'taksali's' - which means that one will probably style their turban in the gol style (much like Sant Jarnail Singh), follow Dam Dami Taksal Maryada, wear a 'Taksali' kirpan and take Santhiya only from 'Taksali's'. Dam Dami Taksal was formed in the time of Guru Gobind Singh and one of the first Jathedars was Baba Deep Singh. It was established to teach proper pronounciation and reading and interpretation of Gurbani. I have to admit, I am even inclined towards Taksali's. Not because of prejudices or whatever, but simply because my sangat are, my teachers are and I can relate.

'AKJ's (Akhand Kirtani Jatha)' - I don't really know much about these guys. I know that they deeply respect Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh and Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh and they expect all amritdhari's to wear keski's if not a full dastaar. A lot of them are Sarbloh/ Bibeki's which means that they will only eat from fellow amritdhari's hands, from sarbloh dishes etc. According to some sources, they have a different type of simran which I don't really get but each to their own eh? A lot of them have issues as to whether Raagmala, at the end of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, is gurbani or not...but what's the point in arguing over it? It just creates more divisions.
'Nihungs' - I know a lot about Nihungs but some of my knowledge is either shady or not 100% fact. They are often referred to as Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Ladlian Faujan. This is probably because they are/were fierce warriors who answered Guru Ji's every beck and call. They more often than not, revere Sri Dasam Granth not equal to Guru Maharaj Ji- but almost as much. Back in the day and sometimes still now - they used to wear massive dastaars adorned with chands and chakkars and more... and if respected enough had a loose piece at the end called a farla. There are 2 main Dal's if you will...Tarna and Buddha Dal. Tarna Dal I think is mostly made up of younger singhs, their Jathedar is Baba Nihal Singh (great gursikh). They do NOT believe in the eating of meat.
Buddha Dal is having some problems because their jathedar recently passed away and so there is some friction because of leadership problems. SOME (if not most) of them believe in the eating of Jhatka meat. - it cannot be Halaal or Kosher...further divisions...
A lot of nihangs are nomadic. They don't usually stay in the same place for long periods of time. There are a lot of them in Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib (Maharastra), some in Amritsar and a lot in Hoshiarpur District...Anandpur Sahib and a small place called Harianvela (beautiful).
They are champion horseriders and seva is more than just a part of their life.
Unfortunately some of them see fit to do nasha (intoxicate themselves) and I believe this to be a Bhujjar Kurehit. Some of them turn to drugs because they feel people turn their back on them...they rely on others to survive as they have no formal employment, education etc. It's really getting quite bad - especially with the youths.

Western (non-punjabi origin) Sikhs- aka 3HO sikhs w/e. Harbhajan Singh Yogi went to America in the 60/70's to teach yoga as a young yoga master. Most of his students were white men and women...soon enough they wondered and asked questions about his faith and why he wore a dastaar. Before you knew it many became sikhs, and spread across the country, creating small havens such as espanola, new mexico - home of Sikhnet. Now we are at the 3rd/4th generation of Sikhs born to non-punjabi's in America. It's really very inspiring. They do a lot seva, not just kirtan but also there is a school in Amritsar called Miri Piri Academy - absolutely wonderful , my kids WILL attend. Sikhnet is what brought ME into Sikhism (apart from my parents upbringing).

So you see, there are many divisions - and these are just the start. People are worried about battling with external forces such as fake Dera Baba's, RSS, Hindutva forces, Christian Missionaries, drugs, alcoholism, and much more - when we've got divisions from within...where's the Ekta people???

swDU DUir krau inq mjnu sB iklibK pwp gvwiex ]s


aadhhoo dhhoor karo nith majan sabh kilabikh paap gavaaein


I take my daily cleansing bath in the dust of the feet of the Holy, and I am rid of all my sins

for more information visit:
http://www.sikhnet.com/
http://www.tapoban.org/
http://www.damdamitaksal.com/
and I'd just type nihangs into google for info on them...

watch out for Sanatan, nangs etc. They distort sikhi to suite themselves, and are quite corrupted sikhs...pray for them.

Kabhi Kabhi...

Back from Canada. It's been a week but we've just been so busy with my cousins' wedding.

It's nice to have a break though. Ever since the exams I feel like I haven't stopped and done nothing, and it's been almost a month since then!

I feel fresh and happy now that I've had a good rest...time to prepare for the next wedding :)

I really wanted to go to a sikh camp this year but it looks like it's just not in Guru Ji's hukam, oh well. In the meantime I've been trying to find a job, which isn't easy wearing a dastaar - can you believe it :P

Anyway, enough of my woes, gotta look up, do ardaas and leave it to Guru Ji. (that doesn't mean be lazy and hope a job will fall in my lap...but to simply not stress over it.)

I've seen people who have never said a bad word about a soul, done everything right,; are very devout but seem to have very bad 'luck', if that's a suitable word to use. All things seem to go wrong for them, in regards to family life, work, health etc. But still, they hold strong, their faith doesn't waver, they're like angels on earth. These people are big inspirations for me, more than anything. I think to myself, 'Stop pitying yourself! Get up and start again. If they can do it, so can YOU!'

Life is one big fat test, if at every new trial we turn around and curse God, but when things go wrong we forget Him, how can we expect anything different?

Life is His Rememberance....

dUK iqsY pih AwKIAih sUK ijsY hI pwis ]3]

dhookh thisai pehi aakheeahi sookh jisai hee paas 3

Tell your troubles to the One who is the Source of all comfort. 3

Viah hua

My cousin just got married. I'm soooo happy for her. It's like starting an entirely new life (especially as a girl). Suddenly everything is for two and yet one. You and other half have to be one on everything. The value of marraige is slowly slowly having less influence on new-age couples. So I thought I'd post the lava and the translations...it's pretty self-explanatory. Guru Ji tries to give us guidleines to live by during married life. If we follow we should be in bliss.

In the first round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord sets out His Instructions for performing the daily duties of married life.
Instead of the hymns of the Vedas to Brahma, embrace the righteous conduct of Dharma, and renounce sinful actions.
Meditate on the Lord's Name; embrace and enshrine the contemplative remembrance of the Naam.
Worship and adore the Guru, the Perfect True Guru, and all your sinful residues shall be dispelled.
By great good fortune, celestial bliss is attained, and the Lord, Har, Har, seems sweet to the mind.
Servant Nanak proclaims that, in this, the first round of the marriage ceremony, the marriage ceremony has begun.
In the second round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord leads you to meet the True Guru, the Primal Being.
With the Fear of God, the Fearless Lord in the mind, the filth of egotism is eradicated.
In the Fear of God, the Immaculate Lord, sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, and behold the Lord's Presence before you.
The Lord, the Supreme Soul, is the Lord and Master of the Universe; He is pervading and permeating everywhere, fully filling all spaces.
Deep within, and outside as well, there is only the One Lord God.
Meeting together, the humble servants of the Lord sing the songs of joy.
Servant Nanak proclaims that, in this, the second round of the marriage ceremony, the unstruck sound current of the Shabad resounds.
In the third round of the marriage ceremony, the mind is filled with Divine Love.
Meeting with the humble Saints of the Lord, I have found the Lord, by great good fortune.
I have found the Immaculate Lord, and I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.
I speak the Word of the Lord's Bani.
By great good fortune, I have found the humble Saints, and I speak the Unspoken Speech of the Lord.
The Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, vibrates and resounds within my heart; meditating on the Lord, I have realized the destiny inscribed upon my forehead.
Servant Nanak proclaims that, in this, the third round of the marriage ceremony, the mind is filled with Divine Love for the Lord.
In the fourth round of the marriage ceremony, my mind has become peaceful; I have found the Lord.
As Gurmukh, I have met Him, with intuitive ease; the Lord seems so sweet to my mind and body.
The Lord seems so sweet; I am pleasing to my God.
Night and day, I lovingly focus my consciousness on the Lord.
I have obtained my Lord and Master, the fruit of my mind's desires.
The Lord's Name resounds and resonates.
The Lord God, my Lord and Master, blends with His bride, and her heart blossoms forth in the Naam.
Servant Nanak proclaims that, in this, the fourth round of the marriage ceremony, we have found the Eternal Lord God.

Barsi and Amrit Sanchaar

vaheguroo ji ka khalsa vaheguroo ji ki fateh
anmrith pee sadhaa thripathaasae kar kirapaa thrisanaa bujhaavaniaa 1

Those who drink it in are satisfied forever. Showering His Mercy upon them, the Lord quenches their thirst. 1

Sant Giani Gurbachan singh ji khalsa Bhindranwale's annual Barsi @ Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick ,

An amrit sanchaar will be taking place On the 28th june

alongside Sant jis barsi in hall 3 at 10 am.

Please use this chance to offer your head to Guru Gobind Singh jee Maharaaj.
for more info about amrit sanchaar contact bhai Joginder Singh 0121 558 2527
bhull chuk muaaf
vaheguroo ji kaa khalsa vaheguroo ji ki fateh

waheguru wish I coulda been there...but I go Canada tomorrow for a wedding, so expect a few delays in hearing from me :)

I'm sorry

I really am sorry if I offended anyone in my last post...I was on a bit of a role and lost myself in my Krodh (Anger). I don't wanna belittle anyone with silly excuses, so I ask for a straight pardon and your forgiveness and I promise I will try as best as I can to control my anger....my hardest thief to ensare til date.

Yuva...use it wisely...BE the change

I don't know how to express myself sometimes. Some people do my head in. Since the moment I woke up I was just in a 'Don't bother chattin to me, I'll bite your head off' kinda mood. Don't ask why, I just was.

Later into the day I realised that Guru Ji has been challenging me. Everything I believe in as been challenged by many different individuals at different times today.

Earlier on it was about Guru Gobind Singh Ji's stance on muslims.

As far as I am concerned from reading Zafarnama addressed to Aurangzeb. He couldn't forgive the emperor or his followers but he never aimed his letter to ALL muslims. Therefore Sikhs and muslims are as much brothers as SIkhs and any other human being. Deal with it.

Later my stance on Khalistan was challenged by a close sister of mine who felt hurt that I consider myself Indian; as her father played a key part in the freedom movement and was tortured amongst his relatives.

I am Indian because I love India. I love all the different states, the different histories, the different people, cultures, religions, languages, dress codes, foods, weathers and what not. I love it.

However, I HATE the corrupt Government, corrupt officials, the SGPC (for doing nothing worthwhile for the Panth), drug dealers, drinkers, certain Bollywood rep's, corrupt coppers (common knowledge, MOST are corrupt, RSS, BJP, Congress etc.

But I don't hate India. I have firm belief that if every Gursikh who hated how India was run, got up and stood against the State (cleverly) i.e. join government, politics, law and order; police, teach...whatever, we'd change India for the better. We'd have Khalistan but it'd just be called India.

But when you say this to a khalistani, they lose interest...

'it's not our fight', they say,

'we need to use violence to achieve peace', they say,

'you arent a sikh if you dont want Khalistan', they say,

'you dont care about all the Shaheeds and their beliefs', they say,

'Khalistan is our birthright,' they say,

'you're an AGENT,' they say....

All I can say is Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji died for the sake of freedom...for basic human rights which we happily live under in the West. If you can't follow his example and do something to help in India then you're a waste.

If we are the true sikhs we say we are, we should not be corruptable.

To 'Mai' Ji

Jio I cannot express how I feel about your comments. I cannot possibly fathom what you have been through...I can understand that a LOT of people feel there is a need for Khalistan.

However, I feel that Sikhs are not the only minority in India. India also has muslims, hindus, christians, buddhists, jains and many more who are mistreated by the State and a minority of Hindus.I feel as a Sikh, I also have a duty towards these people. I do not think that Khalistan is a viable, non-violent answer to all our problems.

As a Sikh of Guru Ji I feel that they would be ashamed of me should I abandon India and all her problems; leaving them to the rest.

Maybe I am a coward but I could not bare to see India full of 'mai' ji's and my brothers and sisters made orphans.

Please tell me, what can be done? I have many solutions but it seems people prefer a seperate country over easy changes....

24 years

Sorry for not posting...have had baaaad hayfever...I got a swollen eye and it's constantly dry and itchy...anyhoooooo

A lot of stuff been going on...It's been 24 years since Operation Blue Star.... I wrote a massive thread about this but it didn't come up and I refuse to write it again.

Operation Bluestar hits a lot of Sikhs in the heart...and it hurts immensely. There's no doubt about it..it was planned and stretegic and it was aimed at ALL sikhs not just the militants...People can argue about it as much as they want but that's my firm belief.

However I am NOT in favour of Khalistan nor will I ever be...(it comes up a lot when you talk about Op. Bluestar and Indira Gandhi...)

I don't feel like we need Khalistan, it just seems like running away from the problems in India...a cop out. If you wanna know why I feel this way, ask me...I got a whole list of reasons that nobody (as of yet) has been able to deal with. But I wont post them here.

I feel for the Shaheeds of the 80's and 90's but I fel more for the generations left...their legacies.

I want to do something for THEM. they need us and instead of helping them we yell slogans for Khalistan...real logical...it seems we're more Indian than we'd like to admit.

kUkr kUVu kmweIAY gur inMdw pcY pcwnu ]

kookar koorr kamaaeeai gur ni(n)dhaa pachai pachaan

Those who practice falsehood are dogs; those who slander the Guru shall burn in their own fire.

Old? I think NOT

Large numbers of Sikhs started flocking to Goindwal to see the new Guru. Datu one of Guru Angad's sons proclaimed himself as Guru at Khadur following his fathers death. He was so jealous of Guru Amar Das that he proceeded to Goindwal to confront the Guru. Upon seeing Guru Amar Das seated on a throne surrounded by his followers he said; "You were a mere menial servant of the house until yesterday and how dare you style yourself as the Master?", he then proceeded to kick the revered old Guru, throwing him off his throne. Guru Amar Das in his utter humility started caressing Datu's foot saying; "I'm old. My bones are hard. You may have been hurt." As demanded by Datu, Guru Amar Das left Goindwal the same evening are returned to his native village of Basarke.

Guru Amar Das Ji was born in the village of Basarke on May 5, 1479. He was the eldest son of Tej Bhan a farmer and trader. It was not until his old age that Guru Amar Das Ji met Guru Angad Ji and converted to the path of Sikhism. He eventually became Guru at the age of 73 succeeding Guru Angad Ji.

Some people are beyond special so far that they are no longer simply 'people'...

BMjnu Aiq pwp inKMjnu myrw pRBu AMiq sKweI ]20]

bhai bha(n)jan ath paap nikha(n)jan maeraa prabh a(n)th sakhaaee 20

My God is the Destroyer of fear, the Destroyer of sin; in the end, He is our only help and support. 20

sBu ikCu Awpy Awip vrqY nwnk nwim vifAweI ]21]3]12]

sabh kishh aapae aap varathai naanak naam vaddiaaee 21312

He Himself pervades and permeates everything; O Nanak, glorious greatness is obtained through the Naam. 21312

Protectors of Dharam

I thought this was lovely and wish to share with all:

Saurabh said...

I am a Hindu and had always known our Sikhs as the defenders of Indian Dharma. However this post was a total eye-opener because it gave the details of the struggle of our Sikh brothers.I had always but TODAY I promise again with full conviction to always see a Sikh man with a turban with full respect and never ever forget the great sacrifices they have done to protect our Dharma - without which I would have today been a Muslim or a Christian due to ridiculous torture conversion evils of the Moghuls and the Britishers - or worst, I wouldn't have been alive.

MY REQUEST TO ALL MY SIKH BROTHERS AND SISTERS: My humble namaskars and I touch your feet - the true Sikhis - the real Kshtriyas - the real warriors of Hindu Dharma. You are the great soldiers. I pray that you all are always blessed by your great Gurus and the future generations always continue to follow their teachings in the right spirit.

-Please forgive those who do not understand why you wear a turban or do not respect your sacrifices as the Gurus always asked us to forgive. Some ignorant people do not respect the turban and look up on Sikhs because they are totally unaware of their sacrifices in the past. I blame the corrupt politicians and Bastardized western media effects on India.

But try as much as the world wants, the Sikhs were and will remain the great warriors to protect the Indian Dharma.

Amulu Drmu Amulu dIbwxu ]

amul dhharam amul dheebaan

Priceless is the Divine Law of Dharma, Priceless is the Divine Court of Justice.

I did it My Way

Lots of times you have to pretend to join a parade in which you're not really interested in order to get where you're going.
Christopher Darlington Morley (1890-1957)

Now, I wouldn't really describe compromise like this. It seems as if Mr. Morley is saying that when we compromise we pretend that we care about what the other person(s) has to say about a matter. But isn't that just being pretentious?

The way I look at it...compromise is more like doing something, which you normally wouldn't do, in order to please the other person because you genuinely care about what they feel. It's another road to get to the same destination...it just might be a bit bumpier and mayber longer. But we know it's worth it in the end because we've gained more than we've lost from it.

Today I had a choice. I could have put my foot down and said, 'I won't help face-paint those kids at the party tomorrow AT ALL' (because I really don't feel like spending a day with some hyper-active kids...as much as I love them.) Instead I decided to wake up extra early tomorrow; do my revision, plant my flowers in the garden and spend some time with my Father...BEFORE going to Slough for a few hours to the party to help out. This way, my Mum was happy, my sister was happy, the birthday girl was happy and I was happiest because I know I get the best of both worlds.

mwnu qwnu qij isAwnp srix nwnku AwieAw ]4]1]152]

maan thaan thaj siaanap saran naanak aaeiaa 41152

Renouncing his pride in strength and cleverness, Nanak has come to the Lord's Sanctuary. 41152

Identity

A lot of people nowadays are having trouble with keeping Kes (hair) and feeling proud of their appearance. This is not surprising what with globalisation and 'western influences' on the world. More and more people are cutting their kes in Punjab (the Sikh 'Motherland', birthplace of the Khalsa brotherhood etc.) and more and more kids want to be Bollywood action heroes (which I have nothing against - just the things which come with it).

Kes, after Truth is one of the most important Tenants of Sikhism. It symbolises our oneness with nature and, submission and obedience to Guru Ji's will. It is also an irreplaceable part of our Identities as Sikhs and followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

It hurts to hear of more and more stories of Kes cuttings etc. But I can understand the pressures on the youth to cut. here is a post of a youth having problems many of us go through at some point in our lives but I think the majority response was to meditate on Naam, draw strength from Him and keep going or 'Just keep swimming!' as Dori from 'Finding Nemo' would put it :)

Taken from http://www.sikhsangat.com/

QUOTE (Kaeza @ May 13 2008, 11:46 AM)
Hi people, im new to this site. I have been amritdhari for a long time now but I have never really been comfortable with it. The main reason is because of my appearance...i dont feel confident having a long dhari and I am just not the same confident person i used to be. everytime i leave the house and walk down the street i am soo consious about how i look and i find that even when im talkin to people im thinkin about how i look to them. I know it might seem very vain but im struggling with it and i always have been.if i was to cut my dhari then i would still do my paath and do all the things that i love about sikhi but the only thing that would be different would be that i trim. i know lots of people who have broken their amrit and started on the alcohol and drugs etc etc but i would never do that and have never thought about doing things like that. again i know it sounds vain but i just want to feel more comfortable with my appearance. What shall i do?

My reply:

I totally know how you feel. Especially since the weather's gotten better :D. Being an amrtidhari girl is even harder, I must say. Plus, I go to a school of mostly white people who are unaccustomed to turban wearing, hairy females. But then the sun shines, you wear nice, simple yet femenine and graceful clothing. You hold your head up high and smile to all. Then you realise that you don't do it for others but for yourself and Waheguru. Today a lil kid at a McDonalds restaurant turned and asked me straight out...''what's that on your head?'' I love how kids say what everyone else is thinking (and I could tell they were). So i said in a loud and clear voice...'Ahem, It's called a dastaar or turban and as a Sikh it is my crown which a price/princess might wear...''OOOh I wish I had one!' was the reply.

So moral of the story = chill, take the days as they come and, remember Him.

nwnk nwmu smwil qU ijqu syivAY suKu hoie ]4]30]63]

naanak naam samaal thoo jith saeviai sukh hoe 43063

O Nanak, remember the Naam; serving Him, peace is obtained. 43063

FORTUNE

Summer is here. It's absolutely beautiful. All my moaning throughout winter I guess...finally paid off. Me and my Father have been doing a lot of gardening now that the weather is so much better. It's so amasing to see life spring from a tiny little speck of a seed. We now have a vegetable patch and have some gorgeous plants in the back garden.

I love how we have a connection to nature. Only recently I was singing along to my mp3 player whilst weeding the patch and a little robin red-breast came up behind me and sat and sang along. It was another experience with nature I will never forget. The other morning, I looked out my window for there was a loud squawking sound coming for the tree under my windo. Two magpies were trying to attack a blackbird. The poor thing was to small to defend itself. I opened the window and clapped my hands. Astonishingly the blackbird did not move a muscle and the two magpies flew away apprehensively. Now the blackbird rarely leaves the garden!

I like to sit outside and sing and bask in the sunshine and meditate on Naam. I feel so refreshed and alive and connected to the world. We have a river behind our house and I can't wait to clear the back of the garden and just sit.

This life we lead is so busy, with studies, work, family, there is rarely time for ourselves and, well...God. My Father often speaks of how when he was younger he expected things to get less stressful and easier for the next generation to live. He feels that things have only become harder despite new technologies which would imply the contrary.

Are we moving so fast towrds something out of our reach? In India and similar countries the masses work long and tiring, (and, in my opinion, unethical) hours and more than often in disgusting working conditions solely for SURVIVAL. In England it's for FORTUNE and WEALTH. Recently a young Barrister (my condolences to the family) used a shot gun to relieve his stress on those around him. Will we all be pushed to this in the future? I despair to contemplate upon it.

God is my salvation, if I didnt have Waheguru I dread to think how my life would be rattling on.

TOP TIP: Relax and find yourself some 'Me' time (but remember you are never alone!)

hir quDu ivxu KwkU rUlxw khIAY ikQY vYx ]

har thudhh vin khaakoo roolanaa keheeai kithhai vain

Without You, Lord, we roll around in the dust. Unto whom should we utter our cries of distress?

The Wheel

I try to write about things which are universal on this site. It just so happens that Sikhi is universal however, not everything that I write is DIRECTLY linked to Sikhi (despite the blog name!!) Sikhi DOES mean to learn and seek truth therefore almost everything we do/think in this life is linked to Sikhi.

There has been a lot of commotion in the West over the past 7 years since Sept. 11. I, at only 11 years old, was appalled by the events of that day like most of world.

All the same, I in no way endorse the retalliation and racist behaviours of a minority of people. I am a Sikh and I have lived in a predominately white area since 9/11. I wear a turban (which btw is totally different to a Talibans'!) and I have suffered abuse for it. Some of my closest friends are Sikhs, Christians, Atheists, Hindus AND MUSLIMS. I do not know a great deal about Islam, however I respect all for who they are - no matter what caste or creed.

As a great man once said, 'we are all chained to the wheel, there is no black and white; we are all One of The ONE.'

There is a lot of 'bad' in the world, on top of atrocity, poverty and climate problems, which make these problems worse. Therefore, it is all the more vital that we stick together - irrespective of who or 'what' we are. Because there is still a LOT of Good to counter it. Times are bad and I have a feeling that the economies in the USA and UK will only make things worse for us. (However, India and China are looking at brighter futures haha!)

All I can say is to stop the useless racism, castism, whatever-ism - its only dividing us and weakening us, we must unite.

suik®qu kIqw rhsI myry jIAVy bhuiV n AwvY vwrI ]1] rhwau ]

sukirath keethaa rehasee maerae jeearrae bahurr n aavai vaaree 1 rehaao

Only the good deeds which you have done shall remain with you, O my soul. This opportunity shall not come again! 1Pause

Look harder

Its good to know your own flaws, here's why:

The Cracked Pot : A Tale from India

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the masters house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his masters house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer.

"What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your masters house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the masters house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the Pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pots side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my masters table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Moral of the story:Each of us has our own unique flaws. We are all cracked pots. It's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. Don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty. Know that in our weakness we find our strength.

Let's listen to Guru jee's guidance, which He offers us:
ਗੁਣਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਵਾਸੁਲਾ ਕਢਿ ਵਾਸੁ ਲਈਜੈ ॥

guNaa kaa hovai vaasulaa, kadh vaas la-eejai.

One who has a basket of fragrant virtues, should enjoy its fragrance.

ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਵਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਸਾਜਨਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਝ ਕਰੀਜੈ ॥

je guN hovniH saajnaa, mil saanjh kareejai.

If my friends have virtues, I will share in them.

ਸਾਝ ਕਰੀਜੈ ਗੁਣਹ ਕੇਰੀ ਛੋਡਿ ਅਵਗਣ ਚਲੀਐ ॥

saanjh kareejai guNeh keree, chhodd avgan chalee-ai.

Let us form a partnership, and share our virtues; let us abandon our faults, and walk on the Path.

ਪਹਿਰੇ ਪਟੰਬਰ ਕਰਿ ਅਡੰਬਰ ਆਪਣਾ ਪਿੜੁ ਮਲੀਐ ॥

ehire pattambar kar adambar, aapnaa piR malee-ai.

Let us wear our virtues like silk clothes; let us decorate ourselves, and enter the arena.

ਜਿਥੈ ਜਾਇ ਬਹੀਐ ਭਲਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਝੋਲਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਜੈ ॥

jithai jaa-e behee-ai bhalaa, kehee-ai jhol amrit peejai.

Let us speak of goodness, wherever we go and sit; let us skim off Amrit, the spiritual-life giving Nectar, and drink it in.

ਗੁਣਾ ਕਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਵਾਸੁਲਾ ਕਢਿ ਵਾਸੁ ਲਈਜੈ ॥੩॥

guNaa kaa hovai vaasulaa, kadh vaas la-eejai. 3

One who has a basket of fragrant virtues, should enjoy its fragrance. 3(Ang 765-766)

Ambrosial Nectar

WAHEGURUUUUU!

Well...lol a whole lot's happened over the last 6 months or so. We moved house for a start. Gotta say it's nice to have space to yourself; even though Ekta can cause chaos no matter what the occassion.

In december I went to the Barsi of Brahmgyani Baba Thakhur Singh Ji (DDT). From what little I know of him, he was an awesome spririt. It was a breathtaking occassion. We left from Slough Singh Sabha (my first time there) and I met some sangat from the area (which is close to where I NOW live).

There was an Amrit Sanchar that day...I'd been thinking about it for a long time, but I'd promised my Father that I wouldn't Shakk til I was 18..that was a good 4 days or so away lol.
So....I waited.

Then, with Maharaj Ji's Maha Kirpa I heard there was an Amrit Sanchar taking place at Slough Singh Sabha. I couldn't sleep properly for a week. I wanted to ask my Dad (but I knew he'd say no). But then I WAS now 18, so I had upheld my end of the bargain....

Anyways I did it. The experience was out of this world. MIND-BLOWING YAAAAR!

and I dont think i've ever tasted anything quite so spectacular before and nor will I ever again.

What made it better was that it was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Gurgaddi. (5th Jan)

My dad gave me a bit of a hard time because I didnt consult him or anything properly (he had a hangover and stuff and I didnt have the gutts). and I dont think he'll get over the fact that I disobeyed direct orders from him for the first time....

But someone told me that we arent here for ourselves or our relatives or friends....but for Guru Ji....so 'what the heeey?'

I feel real good, but I did have an inexplicable rocky patch a few weeks ago...I couldn't get up for nitnem...but I'm out of it again and thanks to Waheguru its all good.

All I can say is that for those of you on the fence about it...take the step...dont heed others but dont feel pressured into it either...peer pressure comes from places you'd least expect Jio's

myrY min qin AMimRq mIT lgwnw ]

maerai man than a(n)mrith meet(h) lagaanaa

His Ambrosial Amrit is so sweet to my mind and body.