Sikhi Thoughts

Alvida

2011-08-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

Wow. Been almost a year since I was last on here. When I look back, I feel like a moany git. Feel so blessed at the moment. We moved into our, new place finally, after 6 months of renovations and being cramped up in a horrible flat. Here there are trees and rivers and wild animals. The new place is a blessing.

My health is much better, it's almost like Maharaaj pulled a blanket off me and I feel right as rain.

Been busy with many projects with many talented people. Involved in helping Khalsa Aid and SOPW (google them).

I now paint in aid of these charities.

This is likely to be my last post on this blog as I've no time to carry on with it. I may move onto another which will keep you updated on campaigns and projects.

In the words of Del Boy "Bonjour".

Take a Deep Breath

2010-11-25T03:16:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, I've found it very difficult to gather my thoughts together well enough to write again. Things move so fast. Both of my brothers moved away to university (two different sides of the country), dad has decided to sell up AGAIN and move back to Camberley and I moved back in with them.

It's a lot to deal with; with an added work load, feuding parents, a house move, feuding relatives, a sick old grandmother, an eight year old who doesn't know if she's coming or going... Not to mention a dog and the financial constraints of having three of us at uni.

My mind tells me to relax. It's all under control. I meditate 'Har Har Har Har Har Har Hari' 'Tuhi Tuhi Tuhi Tuhi Tuhi'. I go to Maharaaj and feel comforted. I feel better. I think I do.

My body on the other hand, just won't have it. I'm told stress is the cause of a variety of health problems which creep on me.

It used to be, when I was stressed, the world would cave in and anger would take over. Krodh was my biggest enemy. Now, it seems the mind has retreated into it's own world and the body doesn't have the strength to withstand. It's ever so slowly... crashing. The more I try to ignore it, the worse it gets. The more I try to fight it, the worse it gets.

I know that none of this matters. Illussion. It's not real. But my body just won't listen. how do I control my body? I do everything right. I exercise, eat right, get my vitamins, drink my water.

Which brings us to the question of Karma. Whatever is happening is within Hukm (The Will). There are still some things we just can't control. So we can only accept it, and go with it...

naanak aanae aavai raas

O Nanak, as is The Will, things are made right.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Siree Raag 25

Summer Solstice. High on Life

2010-07-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

So it's been a while since I last posted. I came back from uni last month... Taken a while to get used to being at home again. No independent space here, no privacy...in the words of the Genie from Aladdin "PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWER!....eeeeeedie beedie living space..." Just kidding...

But it is a bit cramped here. Big family and all that.

A few weeks after I moved back home, I was off again. New Mexico, USA. Guru Ram Das Puri to be exact. I ventured out there alone for the Summer Solstice Camp hosted by 3HO, thanks to Gurumustuk Singh from Sikhnet.com.

I didn't know much about the event, apart from what I'd learnt from sikhnet.com. I'd never practised yoga on a serious level before...much like my sikhi, it was largely internet based research.

I don't really want to relay every experience I had out there. So I'm just gonna go with the flow.

Summer Solstice is definately something you have to go to; with an open mind - which might be a little difficult for a lot of punjabi's. There are people of almost every faith, nationality and ethnicity who take part. It is NOT a solely sikh event. That's one of its major charms I think. People coming together as one, praying, chanting, singing, dancing, eating together. As One.

The camp is based around the teachings of Yogi Bhajan who taught Kundalini yoga. I don't know much about the yoga, nor am I gonna pretend to. Postures wise, I thought it was fantastic. Cleared up my mind and my body definitely feels better. Yogi Ji used sikh mantras like - Satnaam, Vaheguroo, Aad Gur E Name and more alongside these different yogic postures. They're not what the typical sikh would be used to but it was a nice difference.

Rising early in the morning to Guru Singh, the very first Western Sikh in the USA, singing 'Rise Up' with a few other musicians at 3am was something to get used to...after a while I'd begin to lay awake in my tent at ten to 3, in anticipation.

Sadhana could be difficult at times...I think I only managed 2 full sadhanas the entire time I was there. The rest of the time I'd sleep through at least one segment. Tended to be yoga....

The heat was not unbearable but it chapped my lips big time. Chapstick became my lifeline. Yogi Ji's prescribed diet was definitely unbearable though...I couldnt handle mungbeans and onion soup, so pretty much lived off of fruit and almonds...and Golden Milk (Haldi doodh) during white tantric days.

My favourite thing about Guru Ram Das Puri...jam sessions. Any time of te day you could sit under a gazebo and sing or chat or meditate with whoevers there. Whether to vaaja or to a makeshift drum beat. That was awesome.

Peace Prayer Day was terrific, really got me hyped. Amazing energy. The love and energy really lets you believe that we can make a difference for Mother Earth (Maata Dharath) despite the setbacks.

White Tantric Yoga was 3 days of solid kundalini yoga with a partner. We all sat in long rows opposite our partners. It was a weird experience. Absolutely shattering and yet exhilerating. I found it weird and awkward having to stare into my partners eyes at times or hold their hands (since partners tend to be opposite gender). I found it too intimate and to be honest I'd feel the same doing it with a girl. The other thing was...a few people I spoke to had made this whole tantric experience sound like some kind of profound time and apparently a lot of partners would fall in love. Tantric , for me was a good bonding experience for the group of people I had hung around, good work out and made me feel spiritually more clear minded. Other than that...I honestly feel no different to how I feel, if not less so, when I read Gurbani.

For me, there's just nothing more uplifting than Shabad Guru.

I loved the fact that whole time we were out there, we could have a ball, literal midnight raves - without having to intoxicate ourselves with alcohol or cannabis or whatever. We were high on life, on Naam, on love. That was something I've never felt before. That was profound.

GOD???

2010-05-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I attended a lecture led by Guest Speaker Davinder Singh Panesar and hosted by Oxford University Sikh Society. - looking at the psychology of sikhism. Davinder pretty much explained to us the actual techonology of spirituality and sikhi. Sikhi is not a religion, rather its is dharam. A righteous way of life. Every single act of a gursikh has meaning and logic and benefit.

Meditation on Naam is clearly more than just a timepass. It has mental and physical benefits - he showed us the effects of prayer on water, positive energy, compared the sikhi lifestyle goals with maslos goals. It really was a terrific lecture. Everything was going so well!

The he confused us all. He made comments about God. How the sikh thought on The One has been corrupted by Western thought over time. We tried to discuss after the lecture but were mentally exhausted I think. So the next day, my facebook page was the host of a deep discussion on the matter. Here it is: (to protect the identities of those involved, names have been changed to the names of Raags used in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

(Asa) "What he was saying confused me, like how can ek onkar not mean God - i mean your quote above, talks about the Creator, so who/what is the Creator then? I got what he said about the "moment" and all that, but can it really be the case that everyone has got it all wrong? x"

(Basant) "To be completely honest, I'm not sure that when he said there is no 'God' - he meant there is no Higher Power. I think he was trying to take us away from the idea of 'The Man in the Sky' figure which the West has kinda given us. With or without the english translations attached, there is no doubt that Gurbani speaks of a much Higher Power, which ... See Moreis practically indescribable. The Point of our lives is NOT self-realisation. HOWEVER self-realisation is a definate required step on the path of life- in order for us to fully be able to "realise The One" and achieve Mukti. (which IS the purpose of Life from what I understand). "

(Dhanasari) " its true..to not have something/someone to believe in...to ask for guidance and to look to in times of hardship....its like shit who do i go to!? Im guessin the idea is that..to make every moment a good one you should meditate on the positive words and mantars...and those words will manifest into a positive environment and one that only good will come of.

one question...is the experience of a moment strictly down to you? if there is more than one person in the same place at the same time, then does that moment depend on how they are all thinking and feeling in the moment? spose the answer to that is to surround yourself by changi (good) sangat (company)...such a deep talk!"

(Basant) "Gurbani contantly reminds us that Satguru can be found by being in the company of those of a like-mind, the Saints, the Holy, those who have Realised the One. (As difficult as it is) If we surround ourselves with those who constantly vibrate on Naam, just like the Water he showed us, I think it can only have a positive effect on our souls...."

(Gauri) "Wait I'm confused...To (Basant) did he not agree that the purpose of like is Mukti? At the top of his little pyramid thing that he compared to Maslow's hierarchy of needs he had the word Mokhsa (freedom/ release).

(Jaitshree) "sometimes with these type of things, its always a good thing to take the good things that he said, and is ok to ignore certain things. (Basant) is, as always, being a sikh about all this and learning in what way she can. but of course there is a higher power, whether he was saying that i do not know, everywhere in gurbani is Tu, Tu , Tu,

but he said one thing which is probably the most correct, he said "dont think" haha so dont worry and dont think about it, you can always look for answers in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: the hukamnama at Darbar Sahib today: http://www.sgpc.net/hukumnama/index.asp very appropriate. and think about the last line, " sing continually Your Glorious Praises, O Beloved; as Gurmukh, my doubts and fears have been dispelled. 7 " so dont worry, Guruji will take away whatever doubts and fears you have, it'll be fine."

(Basant) "He did talk about Mukti on his little pyramid but I think his interpretation was that to be Jeevan Mukt is simply to be free of reincarnation and that's all that life's about. So recognise who you are and you are free (like the Matrix haha). Whereas, Mukti is more a benefit of having become One with The One. Merging with The One is THE purpose of Life. Mukti is a gift."

(Jaitshree) "and about Mukti this shabad somes it up well: Sooraj Kiran Mile: The rays of light merge with the sun, and the water merges with water. One's light blends with the Light, and one becomes totally perfect. I see God, hear God, and speak of the One and only God, The soul is the Creator of the expanse of creation. Without God, I know no other at all. He Himself is the Creator, and he Himself is the Enjoyer. He created the Creation. Prays Nanak, they alone know this, who drink in the subtle essence of the Lord....anyways the first few lines is what Mukti is."

(Kalyaan) "Yo (Dhanasari), the point is that you come to a point where you look to yoursef!! God aint gonna fix anything, no matter how much you pray. In most religions, God is a scapegoat. From what I've interpreted, the monotheistic view given by western religious thought is completely different than what our Gurus have provided (athiest?). God is more of a ... spirit, a collective that includes everything and everyone--kinda like the notion of the Universe. To (Jaitshree), I know he says 'tu," but that could mean anything. He could be talking to the world or the universe as 'tu.' You are the creator, you are created, you are my mother, my father, etc. you are everything. All of this can be addressed to something other than 'God' as described in western thought as a 'diety' (which is what most Sikhs perceive God to be). I swear I've been saying something along these lines all along. I wish I coulda made it to the talk! Guru Nanak is a genius.... And to (Asa), yes it's true that everyone (well not everyone, but you get the jist) has it wrong. That's often the case! When people believe things blindly, they speak blindly, they think blindly, live blindly and will die still not being able to see! Blind believers are missing out of the whole point of Sikhism!"

(Dhanasari) "to (Kalyaan)! I am actually understanding now what you were talking about all that time ago! God is not a deity and more a collective as you said!.."

(Basant) Though you are right, we have to look to ourselves sometimes, it does not necessarily mean that Akaal Purakh isn't there for support as well (hence Chaupai Sahib). Western views or teachings or whatever you want to call them may well have seeped into Sikhi, but that it doesn't mean that the Guru's were atheist. For me the supreme authority on Gurbani is Bhai Gurdas Ji, because, at the end of the day it was him who was the scribe AND he was around when the Guru's were. And in his Vaars he pretty much explains that atheists are not close to The One.

Not everyone follows blindly but besides that, Gurbani shows us how having 100% faith in ANYTHING is above all that. Baghat Dhanna Jatt treated a stone like God, trying to feed it and not eating until it did because he TRULLY believed that the stone was God and he was lovingly devoted to it. So The One appeared before him. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib was meant to be readable and accessable to any common man or woman. Which is the logical reason why in referring to The One, words which were already around and commonly used like Har, Paramaesar, Paarabreham, Prabh, Khudaa and more are used. If they don't refer to Akaal Purakh (Immortal Creator Lord), what or who do they refer to?
At the end of the day it's just a word. God, Allah, Ram, etc. We just get afraid of the negative connotations which come with it. Like the word religion."

(Jaitshree) listen i think a lot of us are actually not disagreeing with each other, to (Kalyaan), i do not think God is a man in the sky at all, They are chakar chayn, formless, imagine like a light, and everything is in the light and the light is in everything. and the Light can be anything and everything. Of course there is a higher power, but the guy who came (Mr. Panesar) was... saying something slightly different, like its only a state of mind, or maybe i totally misunderstood that guy and it turns out we're all on the same page and there's nothing to talk about : lol. But most Sikhs, i think dont have that image of a Man in the Sky? at least from who I've talked to.. yeah and to what (Basant) is saying, like Bhagat Namdev Ji saw Waheguru Ji over 70 -80 times (i cant remember exact times), and all in different forms, and in so many shabads he talks to them. and also many shabads always asks to please grab my hand, and grab my arm and save me,Yeah .. and again I don't think we're actually disagreeing with each other here..."

(Kalyaan) "To (Basant)- The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is meant to be readable to all people, but it's funny how few people actually understand it. I, for example, do not have a very good understanding of it because it is so vast and so intellectual. The concept of Akaal Purakh (God, Ram, Allah, whatever you want to call it) is completely different is my point! The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is saying that all of these are the same--and so are we! We are all Akaal Purakh. We are all a part of something so big and completely unfathomable to our minds. That's what Japji Sahib is about. I won't comment on your reference to Chaupai Sahib because it is actually a part of the Charitars (sp?) in the Dasam Granth, one of the most controversial parts of the Dasam Granth. The Charitars talk about drugs and erotica, yet people still want to believe that these are written by our Guru...I guess that's something for another discussion, but that's why the writings from the Dasam Granth can't be referred to as 100% credible in any debate on Sikhism. And when I say athiest, I mean athiest in the western sense...which the Sri Guru Granth Sahib does not comment on.

To (Jaitshree)- What you are saying about Bhagat Namdev seeing 'Waheguru' (whatever that may be) 70-80 times, how do you know? You were not the one who put his hand in the fire or the one who saw the one who got burned. Until you have proof, how can you really know? It's only faith, but faith isn't anything for sure. Blind faith is what causes terrorism and irrationality. In a way, it can be argued that Guru Nanak was trying to teach India the scientific method lol. That's what Sikhi is about though (in my inferior understanding, at least). Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent his entire life asking why people believe things and do things blindly. He created a philosophy (not an institutionalized religion I might add) so practical, where the principal actors are the individuals! Not deities, not statues, but rather us. As Sikhs, we are the seekers of truth (or knowledge) and the only way to learn is by not believing blindly. If we believe blindly, we become unable to learn what is real and what is true. Therefore, we cannot truly be Sikhs (students, from the word 'sikhna', to learn). The search for 'God' as is ignorantly translated in translations of the SGGS is not about reaching one with a supreme or magical being that is outside of us, but rather about understanding that everything around us--including ourselves--is the 'magical being' that the Gurus keep talking about. The focus is haumai (ego). If we understand what we are a part of, we will lose this false idea of self-importance that we have, and can therefore be freed from human nature. Kinda like Buddhism, which says that it's the inflated ego that is human nature which causes suffering."

(Basant) "To (Kalyaan) I completely agree with you. From what I understand of Gurbani, the message is loud and clear. Lose your ego, realise who you are, merge with the One, achieve Mukti. The One is, indeed within Us and everything around Us, we are One. We just have to realise this. So, again , I agree. Maybe it just wasn't clear from my posts, so I apologise. "

(Jaitshree) "To (Kalyaan), what I said about Bhagat Namdev Ji is in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and dude i totally agree with you, lmao. we are saying the same thing I promise you, I'm sorry if i've been very unclear, and maybe been using wrong words? but like (Basant) said, its just a word, so no worries and be happy :D"

__________________________END____________________________________

I don't really think I need to conclude that :-)

What are your guys thoughts??

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE LECTURE:

http://www.facebook.com/sjkgill#!/event.php?eid=116967741657555&ref=mf

Distance

2010-04-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'

Disciples thought for a while. One of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.' 'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?' Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.

Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.' Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...' The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all.

That is how close two people are when they love each other.'

So when you argue don't let your hearts get distanced... don't say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.

(Taken from Delraj Singh's facebook note)

Back to Basics

2010-03-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

"If some lucky men survive the onslaught of the third world war of atomic and hydrogen bombs, then the Sikh religion will be the only means of guiding them.' When asked, isn’t this religion capable of guiding mankind before the third world war? He said, ‘Yes it has the capability, but the Sikhs haven’t brought out in the broad daylight the splendid doctrines of this religion, which has come into existence for the benefit of the entire mankind. This is their greatest sin and the Sikhs cannot be freed of it."

Bertrand Russell (Philosopher, Mathematician 1872-1970)

Half of us don't follow the 'splendid doctrines of this religion'. How can this dude expect us to teach others about it??

We spend so much time worrying about tiny details in reht (conduct), pro vs anti-khalistan, jatha v jatha (groups/sects within Sikhi) that we've forgotten the basics of Sikhi:

Truth, Contentment, Humility, Love, Honest earning (Kirat Karna), Seva (selfless service) Vand ke Shakna (Sharing), Reading Gurbani and most importantly Naam Japna (contemplation on the Divine Name).

I bet you ANY money, once we start practicing all of these aspects together, everything will fall into place...until then...

*photo i think is from Jasleen Kaur but I could be wrong :S

The Importance of Kes (hair) to a Sikh

2010-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Why don't Sikhs cut their hair? The unshorn hair (Kesh) is part of nature and God's system. Sikhs maintains long unshorn hair (‘Kesh’) as an act of acceptance of God's Will and living as nature intended, sustaining the individual in higher consciousness. The unshorn hair is regarded with the highest importance in the Sikh religion and is one of the basic requirements for a Sikh. Dishonouring one’s hair is one of the four Bajjar Kurehats (cardinal sins), which the Guru has told a Sikh never to commit. A Sikh doesn’t disfigure their hair from head to toe because of the Guru's order to maintain the sanctity of the Kesh. Nothing else matters. A Sikh does what their Guru tells them to do.

ਮਾਈ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਾਧਾ ॥ ਬਚਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੋ ਪੂਰੈ ਕਹਿਓ ਮੈ ਛੀਕਿ ਗਾਂਠਰੀ ਬਾਧਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

“O mother, True, True True is the Lord, and True, True, True is the Guru. The Word, which the Perfect Guru has spoken, I have tied to my robe. 1Pause”

(Ang 1204)

The Kesh act as the identity for a Sikh as well being a spiritual and practical tool that helps the body. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, the founder of the Sikh Path, followed the ancient practice of the sages, prophets, and holy mystics of keeping the hair unshorn because keeping it in a natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the Will of Vaheguru.

*The biological functions and benefits of human body hair are for example:*

* The hair on our head protects the skull and brain

* The hair on our body acts an insulator and is linked to our nervous system

* Our eyebrows prevent water going into your eyes

* Facial hair absorb ether energy

* The hair under our armpits prevent friction and irritation when we move our arms *

----- KESH REHAT - GURBANI UPDESH -----

* There is a principle (vidhaan) of maintaining Kesh.

ਸੋਹਣੇ ਨਕ ਜਿਨ ਲੰਮੜੇ ਵਾਲਾ ॥

"Beautiful is Your nose and long hair." (Ang 567)

Meaning, those who have beautiful nose and beautiful Kesh, they too are your nose and Kesh. Thus, a Sikh should keep full appearance (i.e. maintain unshorn hair and not pierce the nose), crowned with a turban on the head.

ਮਾਠਿ ਗੁੰਦਾਈਂ ਪਟੀਆ ਭਰੀਐ ਮਾਗ ਸੰਧੂਰੇ ॥ ਅਗੈ ਗਈ ਨ ਮੰਨੀਆ ਮਰਉ ਵਿਸੂਰਿ ਵਿਸੂਰੇ ॥

"I have woven my hair into lovely braids, plaits, and marked the centre parting with red colouring (Sandhoor); but in the presence of You, I am still not accepted, and (because of this) I am dying suffering in anguish."

(Ang 558)

Meaning, braids, plaits, making partings with the hair and adding colour to the hair etc is prohibited for the Sikh of the Guru. Such people do not get accepted the Court of the Lord. Any form of intended disfigurement or mutilation of the body is prohibited in Gurmat, including shaving, plucking, tattooing, circumcision, piercing, colouring etc.

Guru Ji says: ਨਾਪਾਕ ਪਾਕੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਦੂਰਿ ਹਦੀਸਾ ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ ॥ 12 ॥

"O person of God! Purify the mind what is impure (with bad thoughts) “this is the religious tradition through which you can experience the Lord's Presence.

(Abandoning circumcision, mutilation and deferment of the body etc) preserve a complete appearance with a turban on your head"

this becomes the way to maintain respect and honour. 12" (Ang 1084)

There is one Salokh of Bhagat Kabeer Ji which is often misquoted by mischievous people trying to justify the un-Godly act of shaving or trimming their hair.

ਕਬੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਏ ਆਨ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਭਾਵੈ ਲਾਂਬੇ ਕੇਸ ਕਰੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਘਰਰਿ ਮੁਡਾਇ ॥੨੫॥

"O Kabeer! When you are in love with the One Lord, duality and alienation depart. You may have long matted hair, or you may shave your head bald. 25"

(Ang 1365)

These lines criticize both those who have long matted hair or shave their head completely in order to achieve union with God. In these lines, the question of keeping or not keeping Kesh is not the case.

Similarly Guru Ji says: ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਮੂੰਡਿਆ ਨਹੀ ਕੇਸ ਮੁੰਡਾਏ ਕਾਂਇ ॥ ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕੀਆ ਸੋ ਮਨ ਕੀਆ ਮੂੰਡਾ ਮੂੰਡੁ ਅਜਾਂਇ ॥੧੦੧॥

"O Kabeer! You have not shaved your mind, so why do you shave your head? Whatever is done, is done by the mind; it is useless to shave your head. 101"

(Ang 1369)

This salok (couplet) clarifies the above salok. As well as having biological functions and benefits, the hair is sacred due to the fact that spiritual energy abides within each and every pore of hair on the body. The hairs are like electrical wires, which preserve, carry and vibrate energy. When one chants & meditates the Divine- Name (Naam), each hair vibrates. Sikhs do not forcibly or intentionally remove any hair from the body but maintain clean hair with proper washing; tying and keeping them covered are requirements for a Sikh.

Gurbaani (the Divine Word) says: ਰੋਮ ਰੋਮ ਮਹਿ ਬਸਹਿ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ ॥

“On each and every hair, the Lord abides.”

(Ang 344)

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰੋਮਿ ਰੋਮਿ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥

“The Gurmukh meditates on the Lord with every hair of his body.”

(Ang 941)

*----- KESH REHAT - REHATNAMAS & PURAATAN GRANTH -----*

ਜਬ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਸਬ ਸਿ੍ਰਸਿਟ ਉਪਾਈ । ਤਬ ਹੀ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹਿ ਬਨਾਈ । ਤਨ ਇਸ ਕੇ ਸਿਰ ਕੇਸ ਜੁ ਦੀਨੋ । ਸੋ ਇਹ ਤਨ ਸ਼ਿੰਗਾਰਿਹ ਕੀਨੋ । ਦਾੜ੍ਹਾ ਮੁੱਛ ਸਿਰ ਕੇਸ ਬਨਾਈ । ਹੈ ਇਹ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਰਜ਼ਾਈ । ਮੇਟ ਰਜ਼ਾਇ ਜੁ ਸੀਸ ਮੁੰਡਾਵੈ । ਕਹੁ ਤੇ ਜਗ ਕੈਸੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਵੈ ।

“God created the whole universe and then he fashioned the human body. He gave man a beard, moustaches and hair on the head. He who submits to His Will steadfastly adheres to them. They who deny His Will how will they find God in this world?”

(Bhai Desa Singh Rehatnama)

ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਛਾਪ ਸਿਰ ਕੇਸ ਕੀ ਪਾਹੁਲ, ਦੇਇ ਉਤਾਰ ਸੋ ਬੇਮੁਖ ਜਾਨਹੁ। ਬੇਟੇ ਕੋ ਬੰਧੁ ਕੋ ਛਾਪ ਮੁੰਡਾਵਤ, ਜਮ ਦੁਖ ਭੋਗ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਤ ਪਛਾਨਹੁ।

"The Guru's stamp is Kesh and (Khandi di) Pahul, one who removes (their Kesh) is known as an apostate (bemukh). One who shaves the stamp (of the Guru) of their child (i.e. cut their children's hair), realise that person will suffer a terrible death and known as a ghost."

(Bhai Sahib Singh Rehatnama)

ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤ ਰੱਬ ਦੀ, ਭੰਨੇ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ । ਦਰਗਹਿ ਢੋਈ ਨਾ ਮਿਲੇ, ਕਾਫ਼ਰ, ਕੁੱਤਾ, ਸ਼ੈਤਾਨ । "God has made the human perfect, but the dishonourable destroy it. They will find no place in the Court of God, like the unbeliever, dog and Satanist."

(Guru Nanak Janam Sakhi)

ਨਾਈ ਦਾ ਹਥ ਸੀਸ ਚਿਹਰੇ ਨ ਲਗਣਾ ਪਾਵੈ । ਕੇਸਾਧਾਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਪੰਥ ਕਹਾਵੈ ।

"The head (of a Sikh) should never have to pass through the hands of a barber. The Guru's Panth (community) calls itself Keshdhari (those with unshorn hair)."

(Bansaavaleenama, Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibar)

ਇਹੈ ਮੋਰ ਆਗਯਾ ਸੁਨੋ ਲੈ ਪਿਆਰੇ । ਬਿਨਾ ਤੇਗ, ਕੇਸੰ ਦਿਵੋ ਨ ਦਿਦਾਰੇ ।

"Listen O beloved ones: It (the Kesh) is my stamp. Without (wearing) a weapon and keeping Kesh, I will not give my audience."

(Gurbilaas Paatshaahee 10 - Bhai Sukha Singh)

ਕੇਸਨ ਕੀ ਕੀਜਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ । ਨ ਉਸਤਰਨ ਸੇ ਕਟਯੋ ਬਾਲ ।੧੮।

"Maintain and look after your Kesh. Do not remove or cut any hair."

(Gur Panth Prakaash - Rattan Singh Bhangu)

*----- NAILS & HAIR -----*

Someone could argue why do Sikhs cut their nails when they don't cut their hair. Firstly, nails and the importance of hair cannot be compared. The hair is sacred that have a spiritual importance whereas the nails merely have biological function. Scientifically nails are dead soon as they grow further than the tips of your finger tips. A Sikh is required to do seva (selfless service) with his or her hands. When a individual uses their hands to do selfless service of washing up dirty dishes, cleaning shoes, sweeping the floor, cooking and serving food then there is no possibility for nails to remain long.

*----- BHAI TARU SINGH JI - SCALPED ALIVE -----*

A Sikh lives in the grace and glory of God. The Kesh are magnificent. Biologically, physically and spiritually they do so much for us. Looking at the Kesh of a Sikh one sees the Sikh principle of "Living in the Will (Bhaanaa) of the Almighty." The Kesh is a symbol of Sikhism and what the fundamental belief of Sikhs. Bhai Taru Singh jee is a Shaheed (martyr) who is a living reminder of what the Kesh means to the Khalsa. When asked to give up his faith and denounce Sikhi, he preferred to have his scalp removed than cut and disfigure his Sacred Kesh.

*Can't remember where I got the image from (anyone who know, let me know)

*Post taken from a friends' Facebook notes page :)

WOMENS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT INDIA

2010-02-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

PLEASE READ AND HELP OUT/DONATE GUYS, IT'S A WORTHY CAUSE!!

Dear All,
Hi guys .. we are just about to embark on our second trip to india to do further voluntary work, we will be aiming most of our funds to the Unique Home (Bhai Ghannaya Trust) and helping the young girls who were abandoned at birth, and are now being looked after under the care of Bibi Parkash Kaur (a devout sikh lady) who has dedicated her life to these girls. Please read more in the report below and forward it on to others who would be interested to support or girls who would like to volunteer in the future ...http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B_a4WOAjdhVTZGVhNTFmYTAtOGNhYS00MzEyLWI0ZDQtNzZjMmQ0M2FmZDUw&hl=en Please donate any amount small or large £1 to £1000 and within a few weeks see your money really helping disadvantaged women and children in India. To donate towards any of the projects described in the blog. We are in the process of setting up a charity account.
At the moment we have the following account set up for donations ...
ABBEY
Sort Code: 09 01 26
Account Number: 87132172
Everyone internet banks these days, so get in touch, talk to us if there are any specific things you would like to see your money go towards .. you will receive photos and a report on where your money has been spent :) Thank you :)

2010-02-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

I tried a massive post earlier, but technology hates me and it all got deleted. SO here's a very inspirational video I just watched featuring Guru Kaur, Sikh from the UK in an interview w/. Jay Singh.

http://www.jaysinghsohal.com/turbantemp/video-guru-kaur.php

2009-12-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

Essays, essays and essays. MAN I'm glad to get all of them out of the way. I've begun my sikh comic once again, starting from where I left off, it's starting to look good, but I'm doing it all myself so there's still a long way to go. I feel really inspired all of a sudden after the recent events in Punjab (see link at end of post) to get it finished in all the Shaheeds' (martyrs) honour.

I've begun the storyboard for Tom's movie now. It's going well. I began with the second act where one of the main characters gets hit by a car, which drives off and the female lead has to decide on whether to abandon him (since he mugged her earlier) or help him. It's really interesting and a lot of fun. The problem is, I don't feel motivated to do any law revision for my exam on the 17th, so I've done a timetable to try and organise my time and stuff....we'll see how that goes eh...

My grandmother has just come out of hospital after surgery and I've been back n forth home since she went in. I'm very relieved to have her back home and grateful that she is recovering well with the Grace of God. She's been more of a mother to me than my own mother...so it's been hard and I can't wait to see her on Thursday, when I go home next.

I have a 'spur of the moment' wedding to go to on Saturday, which will be great. All my cousins are coming back (like me) from Uni for it. I can't wait, it's going to be the biggest reunion since the summer, and a much needed one at that.

Christmas is coming ever nearer and I have yet to do my shopping for gifts. I have a secret santa gift to buy, birthday presents for my bro's (the three of us were all born in December) and xmas gifts for my Dad and Grandma...and mother depending on her behaviour up until then toward me (for the record things have been going well between us lately, so fingers crossed eh..)

I really am upset about what's going on in Punjab right now, and want to offer my prayers and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the recent struggles. The fake saints won't last long, we will triumph eventually...

koorr kapatt hathhiaar jio sach rakhavaalaa sileh sa(n)joaa

Falsehood is a fake weapon where as the Truth is protector like an iron-armour.

for more info on punjab events : http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com

to watch up to date coverage : http://www.sikhchannel.tv

Bliss

2009-11-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those days where absolutely everything just goes brilliantly? Well, I had one of 'em yesterday. Everything was just perfect - with the "dude upstairs'" good-grace. I pulled an all-nighter with my friends, watching real old cartoons and shows like 'Top Cat' and 'Wacky Racers', we stayed up 'til breakfast at 7am - a full english fry up (so that meant hash browns for me with weetabix and hot chocolate..blissssss) Then we came back to our rooms to chill or, in my case - to fall asleep whilst reading 'Goodfellas'. I woke up at 12, only to realise I had a meeting with a Student Film-Maker at 2! So I texted him to let him know I'd meet him at 3 instead and he was great about it. We met at Cafe Nero (way better than Starbucks and Costa by the way) and he bought me a hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate chip (I know, 2 hot chocolates in one day, could it get any better?) He took a look at some of my art-work, whilst I took a look at his script. I think this movie definately has some promise so I'm quite eager to do the storyboard work for him. He's a really great guy, who went to America in the summer to work with Jack Black on a new movie. He was surprised I'm not doing an art degree or anything... let's not get started on that eh.... He liked my art-work and it turned out we have a similar taste in comic books, i.e. the silver surfer (all time favourite of mine and his)... So he wants me to work for him once I take a proper look at his script, but I've already decided to take the job as I'd love to add this to my portfolio - who knows where it could lead?

After we went our seperate ways I walked around on the high street and the indoor marketplace in Oxford. It was a tad chilly, but otherwise gorgoeus. I went to a few second-hand bookstores and to my surprise found some amasing finds for next to no money! Julius Caesar (my all-time favourite Shakespearian work) published in 1910 for £1.50! I'm working on my autobiography as well, so I picked up Angelas Ashes for a quid (good book) to give me a hand. I also got Pickwick Papers by Dickens (terrific writer and story) , Nelson by Carola Oman (awesome character) and Hemingway's The Old Man and The Sea (gotta love Hemingway). All for less than a tenner - which was amasing! I love second-hand books. You can smell their age and the paper is so precious. They also look so good on the bookshelf hahaha...

I later found myself at the Oxfam charity store on Broad Street. It weren't so good books wise, but they have quite a good collection of LP's. Now, when I was a kid (before the Lord of The Rings was a motion-picture) my father used to speak of an old record he once owned which matched the story in music. He lent it to someone and never got it back. To my surprise at the Oxfam store, I FOUND THE RECORD! I can't wait to see my Papa's face when I show it to him. I know it will mean a lot to him.

So, after meandering the streets of Oxford Town for 3 hours, it was time for a lecture at Oxford Sikh Society about the Last Maharajah of the Sikhs - Duleep Singh - who was a very awesome and tragic character not just in sikh history but in history in general... I really recommend you do some research on him! We went to Pizza Hut afterwards and I ate tonnes of food followed by a cheesecake, over some really stimulating conversation and a good laugh...like I said, Blisssss....

I came home around 11.30 to find all my housemates shout 'congratulations' in the hallway - for getting the storyboard job, they made me tell them everything that happened. I love my housemates, they're such an amasing group of people. So loving. I could tell that they were genuinely happy for me. I was so overwhelmed, I'm STILL overwhelmed.

Such an amasing day.

To top it all off, I GOT MY STUDENT LOOOOAN!! So that burden's been alleviated somewhat :)

"A dish fit for the gods".

~Shakespeare's Julius Caesar~

Time

2009-11-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

I've been so busy lately, it's not even funny. Drawing, writing, law work and more. It's hectic. On top of it is 'student life', trying to stay in touch with family AND be able to get up at Amrit Vela (early in the morning). *SIGH* I can't wait til Christmas...It'll be a nice break.

I've started writing my autobiography (unofficially)...I was talking to a friend lately and she was pretty astounded at my life-story so far (how do you write that without sounding conceited?)...she told me to write a book. So, yeah, I am. It's so difficult though. I've drawn up a timetable to try and fit everything into my day. Ontop of revision as well...maybe I'm doing too much at one time?

Someone asked me if I'm looking to get married recently. That was rather random to be honest. I haven't spoken to her in a while , and I got an SMS asking me the 'dreaded' question. But I was surprised at my own answer... Since I was a kid my parents pretty much scared the daylights out of me when it came to the issue of marriage (amongst other family members). When I went to answer, I actually found myself hesitating... Don't get me wrong - I said 'no'. But not because I feel I'm too young or I want a career or whatever... It was just timing and, I want to find my own husband - that's where this SMS was heading (it was to hook some Singh up) . I'm not afraid of the prospect of marriage, nor kids. I love kids. I brought my sister up, so there's nothing to fear there.

The text got me thinking though. I never REALLY thought stragetically about my future. (it gets kinda difficult if you live my life to be able to to predict what's gonna happen TOMORROW) hahaha. The past few days I've been kinda formulating a plan. I know, you never know what's gonna happen. But, at least now, I have a kinda goal in life...A light at the end of the tunnel to head toward.

For now though, I'm trying to live in the moment. I'm reading more, writing more, listening more, talking less, etc. (I'm sure you can imagine)....

The future is NOW.

Indeed

2009-11-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in the last few days. Simply because I was worried I'd write something I'd regret in anger and wouldn't be able to take it back. Anger can get the best of us, what can I say? I know the past 5 days have been pretty crucial writing times for sikhs but I gotta admit. I've been busy. It's reading week for the law students here. I got a lot of work to do my Monday (great...)
I've also been busying myself with writing to Indian Newspapers on their shocking bias and clear apathy in articles regarding 1984.
I'm not going to go into a history about 1984. There are countless websites on the issue (and no, I don't mean the novel - I'm talking about the anti-sikh pogroms of Delhi, d'uh!!!) I won't retell the tragic stories, which can also be read elsewhere. However, I will voice my disatisfaction with the Indian State and it's clear disregard for Human Rights - forget Sikhs, but christians, muslims, dalits, women and tribal people - anyone who's a minority basically is at risk in India of having to deal with; prejudice, attack, racism, segregation and much more. It gets me angry just thinking about it...........worlds' largest democracy my ass...
**DEEP BREATH**
Don't get me wrong, I still love India....I just don't like the State. I went to a lecture on Monday on the issues, the sequence of events etc. with sources and facts backed up by non-sikhs - which made the facts seem more 'real' in a sense (not that sikh sources are any lower - just sometimes you need to hear things from 'other' people). It was really good.

ANYWAY.....

My brother is coming to stay with me tomorrow!! It's gonna be epic. We've really missed eachother since I moved out - since we're so close in age (less than a year) and spend so much time together. I can't wait!
I have SO much work to do - but simultaniously I'm working for a script for a film for next years sikhnet film festival ( I was inspired by Atlanta's Angad Singh). I can't wait to start shooting in January, if all goes well! Wish me luck.
I'm also trying to fit in painting AND work on my graphic novel on sikhism - which was put on hold a LONG time ago cos of college work n the whole family dilemma. SO at the moment all seems to be going well.... we shall see eh??

This doesn't really go with what I wrote about just now, but I like it - stood out to me :

galee bhisath n jaaeeai shhuttai sach kamaae

By mere talk, people do not earn passage to Heaven. Salvation comes only from the practice of Truth.

Get off your ass!

2009-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

The British National Party (known for nazi/fascist views and policies) has come into the spotlight recently in the UK, since they featured on BBC's Question Time. Now, I don't disagree with the principle that these views should be listened to - else how else can we counter them? Voltaire said something like 'I dissaprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it...' We live in a democracy and as such we have to respect other peoples rights to freedom of speech. However, it is widely known that the BNP's views insight hatred much like the many 'islamic militant fundamentalists' they oppose, the only difference is the BNP is a political party! Therefore their right to say things on a public platform is quite controversial (as I'm sure you can imagine)...

Then again if we don't let these views come to the platform; they''ll end up being forced underground; will create more anonymous support; and hatred will spread; with violence increasing.

If we expose their policies and show them up for the sham that they are, we can do a lot more.

Also, it is the responsibility of every BNP-hating person out there to stand up and take some responsibility. Throwing eggs will not make a difference, but work against us in the sense that we create sympathy for these...fiends. We can talk about this in our own little communities and all of us can repeat the same message - 'screw the BNP' , 'sod the BNP' blah blah blah, but we won't get anywhere.

The only way to counter the BNP is to fight back with brains and not brawn. Go to a primary school and/or a high school and do a talk about tolerance! Talk about the many different people, religions, ethinicities we have in this beautiful world. Talk about humanity. We are ONE. We have to educate people from a 'grass root level' or the next generation will follow in the BNP/NF footsteps. We need to spread a message of peace and love and tolerance. All British people, no matter what colour or creed should stand up united against these people.

Most of the people who voted for them tend to be ignorant and poorly educated. They are prejudiced from the beginning.

And don't just go to schools where the population is already pretty diverse - kids are smart, they already tend to be pretty accepting here - go to schools in the middle of nowhere , where they haven't seen a coloured person 'cept on TV. Go to places like Bristol - where racism with youths is rampant.

We can fight this! We just have to get off our asses and make the change ourselves. There's no use in moaning when the storm has already passed and we're picking up the pieces. Think ahead!

It is not mine but YOUR responsibility. YOU are going to do something about it. I will tell you exactly what to do, I will give you the tools but YOU can't wait for someone else to solve this problem. That is why we have a situation we have toda...y. The world does not know about us because we as individuals wait for our community or leaders to do our job. But who is the community, who are the leaders ? It is YOU and I. (Angad Singh Atlanta, Georgia - 16 year old peace activist)

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANNA SEE IN THE WORLD!!!

eehaa khaatt chalahu har laahaa aagai basan suhaelaa 1

In this world, earn the profit of the Lord's Name, and hereafter, you shall dwell in peace. 1

EARN THAT PEACE!

Leave a mark

2009-10-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was thinking some, I guess 'depressing', thoughts today for some inexplicable reason. I was thinking. I'm a member of twitter, facebook, a blogger and have a lot of "friends" overseas through things like msn, yahoo etc. So I was thinking if I died today, none of them would ever know.

My status would probably stay the same on Facebook and twitter and I've left my blog alone for long periods of time before, so nothing new there eh? Nobody would ever know that I passed away.

That's when Bani really hit me. We talk about how short-term and inpermanent this life is, but I've never truthfully taken it seriously before. I don't think I'm afraid of death, rather I'm afraid...of the prospect of leaving nothing behind.

I'm not self-conceted. I don't want loads of mourners at my funeral or anything like that. But I think I don't want to leave this world having left nothing good behind for me to feel good about...I want to leave a mark (in the good way - not the psychotic Hitler way).

Before any of you start I know that that's not the reason for us being in this world. I do know that. We're here to merge with the Greatest. I know that.

But I consider my 'mark' to be my second priority. And I WILL leave one.

We're footprints in sand close to the shore. We feel firm and bold at first, but slowly we merge with the rest of the beach and we're no more.

pRB kY ismrin dUKu jmu nsY ]

prabh kai simaran dhookh jam nasai

Remembering God, the pain of death is dispelled

Bandi Chhor and Divali

2009-10-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Taken from a facebook message sent to me today. Today is the auspicious occassion of Bandi Chhor Divas (the day of emancipation.)

Divali – Keeping the flame of freedom alight Sikhs throughout the globe will celebrate Divali in October. Divas/lamps will be alight, a jovial festival atmosphere will prevail. Sweets and samosas will be enjoyed, fireworks will set alight the moonlit sky. But why do we really celebrate? Apart from the annual calendar significance? What does Divali mean for us as Sikhs?

The sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee was falsely imprisoned for spurious reasons by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. After some months it was declared that Guru Jee could walk free. Like Guru Jee there were other prisoners of conscience in Gwalior Fort (the prison), specifically 52 Hindu Kings who made a heartfelt plea to Guru Jee begging him to negotiate their release also. The ocean of mercy Guru Jee listened attentively to their plea and showered his grace upon them and told them not to worry and that he would negotiate their release.Guru Jee told the Emperor he would only leave the prison on the condition that the 52 Hindu Kings are freed also.

The Emperor being a man entangled in his own ego and pride of intelligence, replied that Guru Jee could walk free with as many Kings who could hold onto his clothing on the day of his release. Guru the fountain of knowledge easily got around the condition by getting a robe tailored with 52 tassels on it. On the day of His release Guru Jee walked out of Gwalior Fort with all 52 Hindu Kings holding onto one tassel each, this auspicious occasion is referred to as “Bandi Shorr Divas – the day of emancipation.” Guru Jee did not only free the 52 Hindu Kings from prison, He also showered His grace upon them and freed them from the transmigration of the soul, freeing them from the cycle of births and deaths.

Each and everyone of us also begs for this freedom: forsaking all other doors I have come to your door. Preserve my honour by offering the support of your arm, liberate me, I am your humble servant. (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)I have come to the sanctuary of the formless and emancipating Lord, who destroys all sufferings. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee, ang 624 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee) May Guru Jee bless us with spiritual and physical liberation also. Bandhi Shorr Divas was months prior to Divali. Upon release from Gwalior Fort Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee made a tour of Delhi and other regions, then arrangements to go to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar were made. When he reached Amritsar Sahib it was Divali and the Sikhs celebrated the release of Guru Jee with fireworks and festivities.

Relevance today:

The world over there are countless prisoners of consciousness, held under false fabricated charges and/or those held for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. Please light a candle for these prisoners, non-Sikhs and Sikhs, don’t forget Guru Jee’s example offreeing Hindu Kings. He was benevolent, humane and had a profound love for one and all, may we develop such divine virtues. May we all endeavour to assist and support such prisoners and at the very least we can all make a heartfelt prayer that Guru Jee blesses all prisoners with Chardi Kala/High Spirits.One cannot begin to imagine losing freedom of movement and action, we can only try to empathise with such prisoners. Regardless of the regime and it’s tyranny, no man-made authority can imprison the Sikh Spirit and Sikhs still happily go to the gallows for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. The Sikh Spirit cannot be imprisoned.

Prominent Sikhs currently imprisoned include Dr. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Deya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Dhadhi and the list goes on and on.

Just imagine being the parent of a child who entered militancy or quite simply ‘disappeared’ in the 80’s and 90’s in Punjab. Many of these parents light a candle at Divali, praying and wishing that the light of hope may still bless them with a vision of a fit and well son or daughter. Or they pray in despair that may God nurture their offspring wherever they may be. So when you light a candle and eat a sweet at Divali, please spare a thought, that you are free and are not bound by the restraints of prison life. Lest we forget, lets light a lamp to ensure the rays of freedom shine through all of humanity.

ahinis bhagath karae dhin raathee houmai maar nicha(n)dh

Night and day, they perform devotional worship, day and night; subduing their ego, they are carefree...

Guroo Amar Daas Ji 29

Harjinder Singh www.akaalpublishers.com

SEE

2009-10-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

People say that sikhs are blind. Sikhs aren't blind. They pretend to be. Rather, they are asleep - and need to wake up! A lot of people have e-mailed me (anonomously can I add) about 1984 recently. Perhaps it's because I'm not a 'typical' Khalistani, so they think they can influence my opinions with outrageous propaganda and popicock (to use the nice word). They ACTUALLY believe Sikhs had it coming and that we were behaving like terrorists! This hurts a lot. Albeit I was not born at this time, fine. And, true I'm not the 'typical' Khalistani but that does not mean I don't have a connection with every man, woman and child who was brutally murdered at the hands of tyrants (to say the least). That doesn't mean that I don't support and respect Sant Jarnail Singh and the other Shaheeds. I'm not going to go into the history of Bluestar. There are a billion websites that would do it more justice. But I HAVE to say. It was an unprecedented attack on innocent people (pilgrims actually), planned WELL before it took place, systematically to suppress (if not wipe out) sikhs. No matter what anyone says, the Army was not justified to even set foot in Punjab. Congress has a lot of questions to answer.

The Delhi Riots were NOT riots. There's significant evidence which supports the fact that they were planned in advance with the support of the ruling Congress Party members. Come on, why else were trucks of gasoline, iron bars and machetes brought into the city within moments of Indhira Gandhi's inevitable death, I wouldn't be surprised if they left for their destinations before she died! (but that's just my 2 cents ;P) AND, on top of it all - there were lists of almost every sikh dwelling and business in Delhi! I mean guys seriously, if you're telling me it was 'spur of the moment'....you're seriously deluded.

So this goes out to all the 'sikhs' and 'hindus' out there who sent me a barrage of e-mails after my last "anti-typical khalistani" post....

WAKE UP! Open your eyes and SEE, don't look, SEE...

bhram mehi soee sagal jagath dhha(n)dhh a(n)dhh

The whole world is asleep in doubt; it is blinded by worldly entanglements.

Shahid e Azam

2009-10-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

In honour of Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji's 101st birthday (which I know, was last month); I've decided to post about his sacrifice and what it means to me.

I feel like not enough people know about Bhagat Singh. For me, he was my greatest inspiration - even more than Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji and all. It's mostly because I read and researched Bhagat Singh well before learning anything about Sikhi.

Bhagat Singh filled me with the urge and passion to make a difference in India. After learning about his eternal sacrifice, I don't think I could handle it if I did absolutely nothing to try and make India even a smidge better. Bhagat Singh died with the belief that he would make the youth in India 'rise to the occassion'. In some respects it happened, but after 1947, Indians have become complacent, India is not free, despite the removal of the British. All Indians are a slave to themselves and to it's tyrannical government. India is one of the most corrupt countries in the world depsite it's being the 'largest democracy'. I'm sure Bhagat Singh would 'turn in his grave' if he saw what's going on right now.

Bhagat Singh was in favour of secularism and socialism. Now, I'm not really a socialist (because I don't think that mankind is quite ready for socialism), but I suppose I do have some socialist values - I suppose quite in line with traditional Labour views....but I'm a secularist despite being and amritdhari sikh (ironic eh).

People always ask me "Why are you not Khalistani? What has 'mother India' ever done for her Sikhs? What about all those Shaheed sikhs slaughtered by their fellow brothers in the 1980's-90's?"

To tell you the truth, my answers seem weak to those people, but to me they are what keep me going. Belief in mankind...is that such a bad thing? How can you look into the face of an impoverished child and ignore him, simply because he is not sikh or a khalistani? or because his father may have been a rioter? I hate to use the phrase 'to tarr all with the same brush is an injustice' - but it's TRUE. I believe in a Khalistan (a land of the pure) to some extent. But not what the common idea of Khalistan is (read previous post on Khalistan for more info).

India is really a glorious place, and despite what many sikhs belief, it consists of much more than just Punjab :O I love India and I love Indians. I have so many Indian friends from all over the subcontinent - Gujurat, Goa, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Bangalore, Delhi, Bihar, Calcutta and more. And, despite a common misconception, not all Indians hate Sikhs...it's true, I swear!

The problem with India is the Government and it's Institutions , as well as the Police. The judiciary is BEGINNING to become more independent but it's taking time. I know it sounds so simple and easy to say but if every child/youth (and there's a HECK of a lot) cut down on the bollywood films and desi clubbing and drugging; and got up and joined the police force, judiciary, government etc. then India would change a heck of a lot faster. The problem is persuading people to do this. The typical 'what can vone man do yaar?' comes out and the revolution has ended before it's started....And yet when you go on Youtube and Internet Forums you read the posts from Internet warriors who are ready to fight to the death in support of Truth...I wish we could all practise what we preach (including me, before you say it).

It's so easy to sit in the UK and USA and whatever and say these things I know. But until I can do my part physically, this is how I'm going to do it... haha with 'Internet Parchaar'. If I can inspire just ONE person, then I'm content. This is my seva. You can take it or leave it.

Focussing on helping Sikhs is not a bad thing either! I really rate the people going out to India everyday to help the Widows as a result of the Delhi Riots, the people getting youths off of drugs in Punjab, helping the families of Shaheeds and much more.

I think it's just human nature to serve those we have some kind of common identity or affiliation with.

Baghat Singh, Batukeshwar Dutt, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandrashekar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Lahiri, Kartar Singh Sarabha and many more fought for the freedom and spirit of ALL Indians and in their honour, so do I. Haha I know these are big words coming from a 19 year old, but Bhagat Singh was only 24 years old when he tasted the cold steel of martyrdom.

Inquilaab Zindaabad.

Some interesting films (if you don't like reading haha) on Bhagat Singh and more :

'The Legend Of Bhagat Singh' by Rajkumar Santoshi

'Rang De Basanti' by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

'Yuva' by Mani Ratnam

Read:

'Why Am I An Atheist' by Bhagat Singh

http://shahidbhagatsingh.org/

Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ji

2009-10-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ji born, Jetha....Vaheguroo, what can I say about such a true Mahatma (great soul) i'm not going to go into His whole life story as so many websites are available which would be able to do a better job.

Today is a special day as it is Guroo Ji's Avtaar Purab - the day that Guroo Ji came into this world.

Through His love and devotion Jetha became Guroo Raam Daas as Guroo Amar Daas' successor who subsequently continued the building of what we now know as Amritsar (was then Raamdaaspur)....Guroo Ji encouraged His sikhs to partake in the joy and sorrow of others and not only quiet meditation; this is also a way of ridding the soul of Ego - which seperates us from the One.

Guroo Ji kept a veeery long beard- as many of the subsequent paintings of him illustrate.

One day Sri Chand - Sri Guroo Naanak Dev Ji's eldest son who was the leader of the Udaasi Sect (ascetics) came to visit Guroo Ji. Baba Sri Chand asked Guroo Ji, in an aim to try and belittle him, why he kept such a long beard? Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ji's reply was as follows:

"So I that I can wipe the dust off of the feet of Holy men such as yourself."

He then proceeded to perform this supreme act of humility...before Baba Sri Chand could stop him and embrace him, explaining, "That's enough. So, this is why I have been deprived of my ancestral heritage - through behaviour and humilty such as this. Now, what more is left of me, that I could offer you for your piety and goodness of heart?"

(Baba Sri Chand had been angry at having Gurooship passed over him when Sri Guroo Nanak dev his father initiated Sri Guroo Angad Dev Ji as successor. Hoping to alter the direction that his father had set down for His sikhs, Baba Sri Chand attempted to install himself as the second Guroo.)

Sri Guroo Raam Daas, I believe is the supreme inspiration of many Western Sikhs - much like Sri Guroo Nanak Dev Ji and Sri Guroo Gobind Singh Ji are to others. But Guroo Ji has a place in all of our hearts for many different reasons.

Dhan Dhan Raam Daas Gur, Jin Siriyaa Thine Suvaariaa

Blessed, Blessed is Guroo Raam Daas, He who created You, exalted You.

Pooree Hooee Karaaamaath Aap Sirajanehaare Dhaaria

Perfect is Your miracle; the Creater Lord Himself has installed You on the throne.

Sources: http://www.mrsikhnet.com/ , http://www.sikhnet.com/, http://www.sikhiwiki.com/

listen live to kirtan at Sri Guroo Raam Daas Ashram Espanola:

www.fateh.sikhnet.com/s/sundaygurudwara

Kirpan Update

2009-10-09T04:39:00.001-07:00

Here Ye, Here Ye....Let it be known that with Maharaj's Beant Kirpa and the support of United Sikhs and other Gupt Sangata(n)...I am allowed to carry on wearing my Kirpan at University! The diversity officer at Oxford Brookes University supported my appeal and also confirmed my rights as per UK laws. A big thank you to all those involved.

I've the understanding that a secondary school pupil, J Singh, recently was not as fortunate as I in a similar matter at a Barnet (UK) school.... my love, prayers and support go out to you....may vaheguroo help you in this difficult time, as I know how frustrating it can be.

For more information: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-08-10-2009-00.html

ho maan thaan karo thaeraa ho jaano aapaa

I stand tall: You are my strength. I know that you are mine.

UNI!!!!

2009-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Vaheguroo Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguroo Ji Ki Fateh

Sat Naam!

It's been just over a week since I moved to University. And, as promised, I'm posting about my experiences here so far....

First off, I have to say to anyone who doubts Akaal Purakh's power - come to Oxford to witness it. Oxford is the most beautiful City I have ever visited. It is amasingly well maintained; filled with very old (I think medievil) style buildings, glorious parks and fields, a lovely town centre, looooads of old churches and, of course - it's home to both MY university (Oxford Brookes) and Oxford University. I wouldn't compare the campuses because Oxford buildings are by far spectacularly older and Oxford Brookes is more modern as it's a much younger university. The primary mode of transport for most dwellers are, I think, bikes, buses and walkers - which I love because they're much more friendly to the environment and ourselves haha.

There is also a small Gurudwara here as well!! I'm making a visit tomorrow to see where exactly it is, but I'm so glad that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is in my city, so I dont have to go back to London everyweek.

My housemates at Harcourt Hill campus (5 miles from my regular campus) are stars. We all get along incredibly well, they're not heavy drinkers or smokers (thank God) and they're very open-minded people...It's only been a week but we're already a little family haha.

The past week was taken up by inductions, tours, enrolement, karaoke and the joining of societies. THERE'S NO SIKH SOCIETY AT BROOKES!!! The other sikh students prefer their punjabi origins and created a PUNJABI Society (why am I not surprised) and those interested in Sikhi have to join the Oxford Uni Sikh Soc. but I joined the tennis, law and snowsports society. I've met so many different people here, from many different walks fo life - I'm so glad I didn't go to an 'Asian' Uni - where all the punjabi's, pakistani's etc. go because I wanted to be able to spread my wings a bit in a different atmosphere to West London - the world's a MUCH bigger place.

I've had some trouble in the last few days about my Kirpan though, which was kind of a downer to be honest. BUT I've spoken to United Sikhs and they're behind me so if it comes to the crunch - I'll have their backing...I'm currently awaiting a verdict on whether I can have it on campus (can I point out I DON'T even wear it openly outside!!! That's the funny part...) However, the staff have all been very polite and nice about the matter, they just don't (unsurprisingly) know anything about sikhi.... but it's all in Akaal Purakhs' hands, I leave it to Them to make the decision - another test I suppose....

Man(n)ai muhi chottaa naa khaae

The faithful shall never be struck across the face

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Jap Ji Sahib

Khalsa Camp 2009

2009-09-18T07:08:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, I move into my university room in Oxford... I cannot wait, it really has been a long time coming, with Maharaj's kirpa all seems well...

I know I haven't posted in donkey's but I'm gonna try and make a conscious effort to do so from now on...so you get the perspective of a fully fledged sikh-uni-student...although why you'd wanna read about that is beyond me!

Last month I attended Khalsa Camp for a week. It was my very first sikh camp and I have to say...

One of the greatest experiences of my life. the lectures were absolutely spot on (every one), the sangat is uplifting, the kirtan is beyond devotional and the overall atmosphere is breathtaking.

I would definately recommend sangat to attend next year for a trully spiritual experience.

Stay in Chardi Kalaa!

Peace and LOVE

Time to Wake Up

2009-04-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

Technically, it's Vaisakhi today, but a lot of people are celebrating tomorrow. I'm gonna talk today cos I have the time woopee(!)....

My brother turned around and asked me a pretty innocent question yesterday... 'Why do we celebrate Vaisakhi?' I explained but...I was really shocked....I dunno why, I mean I went on facebook today and more people have written about some punjabi singer's death than vaisakhi...

I talk to my brother about my thoughts and it's 'here we go again'.... What's that about? I'm not trying to force amrit on him nor do I preach and tell him to grow his kes. But a little itihaas surely wont kill him or the rest of the youth who 'yawn' at sikh sakian.

I can't wait til I finish school, I'll finally have the free time on my hands to do some english parchaar in gurughars and school more often. Again it's not about force it's about the fact that but knowledge of who we are gives our youths a sense of identity.

You ask any muslim who Mohammeds first wife was they can tell you it was Khadija, or his daughter was Fatima or he established the city of Medina and they've almost certainly read the Qu'ran once in their lifetime at least. You can ask a hindu who Sita was and they can tell you she was the wife of Raam. If you ask them to recite the Gayatri Mantra and they wouldn't hesitate. But if you ask a sikh who the panj pyare was you'd get silence, get em to tell you the names of all the Guru Ji's and they'd hesitate. if they got the names they wouldn't know the order. Ask them to recite at least the first verse of Sri Jap Ji Sahib and they'd look at you blank....

I may sound a little negative and pessimistic, but sometimes you gotta open your eyes in order to change things. There's no point in walking around with your eyes clothes 'staying positive' and ignoring our problems. That's how things get worse. Which is why I have a lot of respect of Mahaan Sant Jarnail Singh Ji because they woke up a lot of youths and did more for the panth that we could possibly imagine.

It's time the panth woke up and smelt the coffee beans....

Love life, live life

2009-04-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Ashley Smith

I actually love this quote. I think it's an amasing outlook on love. I would love to fulfill this quote before I die. If it's one thing I can say, it's that I do not wish to die in vain. I life without purpose, fulfilled dreams and goals and excitement; to me is just not worth anything. I have a hundred things I wanna do before I move on. Actually appreciating this wonderful life that Akaal Purakh has given me is one of them.

jwxo siq hovMqo mrxo idRstyx imiQAw ]

jaano sath hova(n)tho marano dhrisattaen mithhiaa

Know for sure that death will come; whatever is seen is false.

Maula

2009-02-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

When you hear the song it's even nicer....but I can't find a link for it...so here are the lyrics, translated for those of you who cannot speak urdu...

Arziyaan Sari Mein, Chehre Pe Likh Ke Laaya Hoon

(All m requests, I have them written on my face)

Tumse Kya Mangu Mein, Tum Khud Hi Samjah Lo...

(What can I ask from you, you yourself understand)

Ya Maula..., Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula

(O Lord... My Lord)

Dararein Dararein Bandhein Pe Maula

(Obstacles, Obstacles on my shoulders, O lord)

Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula..

(Take a control of fate/ fortune, my Lord)

Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon Meeta Hoon Bana Hoon

(Am bowing at your feet, have fallen, and recovered)

Marammat Mukdar Ki Kar Doo Maula..

(Improve my fortune/destiny, O Lord)

Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya, Juhkne Jo Sar Aaya

(Whoever has come to you, has bowed at your feet)

Mastiyan Piye Sabko, Jhoomta Nazar Aaya

(drunk with frolic, were seen dancing away)

Pyaas Le Ke Aaya Tha, Dariya Woh Bhar Laya

(coming to you with immense thirst, he left taking with him a river)

Noor Ki Barish Mein Beeghta Sa Tar Aaya

(In the beam of light raining over them they come to see you)

Maula Maula Mere Maula)

Dararein Dararein Maathe Pe Maula

(Obstacles obstacles suround me o Lord)

Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula.

(Improve my fate/destiny O lord)

O Ek Khusbu Aati Thi

(There came a fragrance)

Mein Bhatakta Jata Tha,

(I would lose control)

Reshmi Si Maya Thi

(There was a silky image of attachment)

Aur Mein Takta Jata Tha

(And I would kep looking)

Jab Teri Gali Aaya, Sach Tabhi Nazar Aaya(When I came to your street, was I saw)

Mujhe Mein Woh Khusboo Thi, Jisse Tune Milwaya(I possessed that fragrance, which you introduced me to)

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula

Dararein Dararein Hai Maathe Pe Maula Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula..Aaa Aaaa...

Tut Ke Bikharna Mujhko Zarur Aata Hai

(Scattering into pieces, I really am able to do so)

Varna Ibbadat Wala Sarur Aata Hai

(Otherwise I can only pray)

Sajde Mein Rehne Do, Abb Kahin Na Jaunga

(Let me stay at your feet[in prayer], I shall never leave now)

Abb Jo Tumne Tukhraya To Sawar Na Paunga

(Now if you were to leave me, I would not be able to recover)

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula

Dararein Dararein Hai Maathe Pe Maula Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula, Mere Maula.

Sar Utha Ke Mene To Kitni Khwahishe Ki Thi

(I had looked up and dreamed for so many things)

Kitne Khwaab Dekhe The Kitni Kaushishe Ki Thi

(I had seen so many dreams, and had tried to so many times)

Jab Tu Rubaru Aaya...

(When you appeared in full)

Jab Tu Rubaru Aaya Nazarein Na Mila Paya(When you showed yourself, I could not look into your eyes[I shied away])

Sar Jhuka Ke Ek Pal Mein... Oooh

(for a moment I bowed my head)

Sar Jhuka Ke Ek Pal Mein Mene Kya Nahi Paya

(With a bowing head for moment, what haven't I been able to receive?)

Maula Maula Maula Mere MaulaMaula Maula Maula MaulaMaula Maula Maula Mere Maula, Mere Maula..Maula Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula..

Mora Piya Ghar Aaya, Mora Piya Ghar Aaya

(My husband lord has come home)

Maula Maula Maula Mere MaulaMaula Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula Maula Maula MaulaMere Maula Maula Maula Maula, Mere Maula..

A Year Old

2009-01-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I turned a year old as an amritdhari... I gotta say, it IS weird even now, to say that I am an amritdhari... haha a year later and I'm still getting used to it. Anyways, alongside my birthday is Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Gurpurabh...my father..okay OUR father :P

My fellow blogging Bhenji 'Mai Kaur' has posted up a real good letter from the Chairman of the IHRO.

Here's the link:

http://roadtokhalistan.blogspot.com/2009/01/guru-gobind-singh-spiritual-warrior.html

Now's the time I suppose

2008-12-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-27T12:30:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-24T05:38:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2008-09-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-28T02:16:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Punjab

2007-11-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

WOW...August was my last post....unbelievable. Soooo busy with the comic, schoolwork, languages and stuff...time flies (guess I know what they mean when they say life is short)...Lots of things have happened since my last post. I've decided to Chakk Amrit in April, in honour of having 300 years of Guru Granth Sahib Ji among us. I'm keeping a MUCH stronger Rehit, am learning Punjabi, Mandarin and at some poitn kirtan and oh yeah, I've been to India and back!

I left Heathrow by myself to meet my grandmother (who had already left a few days before) at Amritsar Airport with my Thia and Chachi Ji. As soon as I stepped out onto the tarmac I could smell the difference in India. It was a sweet and warm smell (only way to describe it). It took me 4 hours to get through immigration and get my luggage. A young guy offered to help get it from the back and my suitcase was found within seconds....He got about a hundred rupees for his help :P

Once we meeted and greeted, we left straight for Haripur in Jallandar where my grans' younger sisters' family are from. The first thing I noticed was the fact that there were no women on the streets at this time (4am.) All the men were wrapped in thick shawls to keep them warm and peaked over the tops to see.

Just outside the airport we were stopped by policemen who quickly took 300 rupees and we were off again. I slept the bumpy ride there. At keshangarh (my pindh) we had to drive through a drained riverand Thia had to puch the car up the slope...road works in India...

Haripur had the best milk by far...musta been something in the cows because it was soooo sweet and creamy mmmm (me reminiscing). I fell in love with Bibi Massi...so warm and cuddly hehe.

After a days rest we leftearly the next day in a rental to Anandpur Sahib. This is the place of the birth of the Khalsa amongst other events such as battles and sieges. The first Gurudwara Sahib we visited was Kiratpur Sahib. WOW! We did ishnaan and did matta tekh, sitting down. WHAT a place! It seemed so pure I gotta say. The next place was Kesghar Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh initiated the first Amrit Sanchaar with the panj pyaare and Mata Sahib Kaur in 1699. The first thing you notice is the monkeys...sooo many cute lil things clingin to their mummies bellies hahaha....and then how white Anandpur Sahib is! Kesghar Sahib was so big...I felt really weirdly emotional there. A kind of vibe came over me. I just wished I could have been there 308 years ago. One thing I DID notice here though was that at the birthplace of the Khalsa, there were a LOT of cut-haired people...kinda seems like Punjab is goin backward compared to the Sikhs of the West now....

The next Gurudwara Sahib was where Guru Ji's horse smashed his foot in the search for water on a small mountain. Since that day water has been coming up from that spot...still bubbling, it was amaaaasing!

The next day we were off to Amritsar. The first stop was Harmandir Sahib....awesome...ishnaan was freeeezing but I woouldnt have changed it for the world. Only thing I would say though is that it was very commercialised and so it kinda took that spiritual edge away...Whereas, Tarn Taran was what was missing. The Sarovar is huuuuuuge and the day was sooo warm by then. THere werent half as many Sangat there, which I'm ashamed to say made it a whole lot better, you could enjoy it without being pushed out of the way hehehe.

Next stop was Baba Buddha Sahib Gurudwara, which was really cool. I never really knew a lot about him until then. To commemorate his smashing of the onion (I will do a post on this soon) they hand out onions as parshaad alongside onion paratha's. Sooooo tasty but you get really bad breath from it so make sure you take a tic tac for afters :P

We went to Baba Baakalaa (cant spell it) as a last stop. It was really nice. So many people sitting doing Simran in this little room near the main hall. There was a small exibit of Sikh art where most of our history and the messages taught over time where put up. Really brought tears to my eyes. Some of the paintings were very heartwrenching. A must see!

For the next few days we went to Kishangarh to prepare the house for the Canadians to come. My favourite memory about being at home was having Paath resonate through the pindh at 3am every morning and 5pm every evening. Soooo cool.

I went to Talhan Gurudwara for an Akhand Paath. WOOOOOOW! So many Guru Granth Sahibs being read in the same place. The room had so much shant in it, it was wonderous. You felt like you were floating in that place. I had the honour of taking Guru Ji on my worthless head to their room, for the first time in my life.....I was ill that day but as soon as Guru Ji touched my head I felt Raam. No words to describe.

That day I met my Thia Ji from England, which I was looking forward to. He's the only other real Amritdhari in the family. It's good having someone to talk to about stuff and have an elder to answer my annoying questions with an open mind. He is a nihung. Coolest guy on the planet. We went to his mum's pindh and I met his family. Then we went to Kartarpur. We saw a Gurudwara Sahib where Guru Arjun Dev Ji had built a well. It was the Ardaas of a funeral at the time. Then we moved on to Gurudwara Mata Gujari; where Guru Tegh Bahadur and Mata Gujari got married. It was up al these steps but it was so serene, I loved it. We went to go get Thias pics from the developers but they took so long it got dark and we gave up and went to Haripur.

I stayed the night there and met Thia Ji in Adampur, where we set off to visit the nihungs at Harianbella. This was by far the greatest experience of my life. What seva!!!! These singhs toil in the heat looking after the many horses and other animals, looking after the Gurudwara Sahib too, and some of them are so young....I felt so bad though becaus ethey did all this but not enough people visit the gurudwara, so it's hard for them to fund food and clothing. So Thia Ji helps out by buying clothes and some food when he can. They didn't even have enough to feed the horses sholay! The horses were so cool though. I rode one for the first time (not saddle) but it was thrilling. It gave you a strong sense of power and will to be up there. You get the hang of it after no time. hmmm...

Some of the Singhs were taking things hard and were getting a little depressed. One of them had turned to drugs, a young boy. The baba ji's and thia ji did their best to persuade him to stop and explained how wrong it is as a sikh and a human being to take drugs. (Sukha I think they call it) he understood how wrong it was, he just felt like he was being neglected for doing seva of Guru Ji. He said that they do no worng but still the people of Punjab attack them and treat them badly because of the acts of a minority. It's definately unfair. And these Singhs do so much, the people of Punjab should be ashamed in my opinion.

Anyhooo... that was about the extent of the spiritual journey in Punjab (apart from Bandhi Chorr, which was very cool) the rest was shopping for my cousins's wedding and visiting relatives.

We DID go to Harmandhir Sahib again, this time at night. Greatest sight ever, sooo chardi kalaan. All I can say is GO TO PUNJAB, do some parchaar though because those guys are losing it. They're in too much of a rush to become modern...that's another post altogether hehehe

gauVI mhlw 5 ]
gourree mehalaa 5
Gauree, Fifth Mehla:

imlu myry goibMd Apnw nwmu dyhu ]
mil maerae gobi(n)dh apanaa naam dhaehu

Meet me, O my Lord of the Universe. Please bless me with Your Name.

nwm ibnw iDRgu iDRgu Asnyhu ]1] rhwau ]
naam binaa dhhrig dhhrig asanaehu 1 rehaao
Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, cursed, cursed is love and intimacy. 1Pause

nwm ibnw jo pihrY Kwie ]
naam binaa jo pehirai khaae
Without the Naam, one who dresses and eats well

ijau kUkru jUTn mih pwie ]1]
jio kookar joot(h)an mehi paae 1
is like a dog, who falls in and eats impure foods. 1

nwm ibnw jyqw ibauhwru ] ijau imrqk imiQAw sIgwru ]2]
naam binaa jaethaa biouhaar jio mirathak mithhiaa seegaar 2
Without the Naam, all occupations are useless, like decorations on a dead body. 2

nwmu ibswir kry rs Bog ]
naam bisaar karae ras bhog
One who forgets the Naam and indulges in pleasures,

suKu supnY nhI qn mih rog ]3]
sukh supanai nehee than mehi rog 3
shall find no peace, even in dreams; his body shall become diseased. 3

nwmu iqAwig kry An kwj ]
naam thiaag karae an kaaj
One who renounces the Naam and engages in other occupations,

ibnis jwie JUTy siB pwj ]4]
binas jaae jhoot(h)ae sabh paaj 4
shall see all of his false pretenses fall away. 4

nwm sMig min pRIiq n lwvY ]
naam sa(n)g man preeth n laavai
One whose mind does not embrace love for the Naam

koit krm krqo nrik jwvY ]5]
kott karam karatho narak jaavai 5
shall go to hell, even though he may perform millions of ceremonial rituals. 5

hir kw nwmu ijin min n AwrwDw ]
har kaa naam jin man n aaraadhhaa
One whose mind does not contemplate the Name of the Lord

cor kI inAweI jm puir bwDw ]6]
chor kee niaaee jam pur baadhhaa 6
is bound like a thief, in the City of Death. 6

lwK AfMbr bhuqu ibsQwrw ]
laakh adda(n)bar bahuth bisathhaaraa
Hundreds of thousands of ostentatious shows and great expanses

nwm ibnw JUTy pwswrw ]7]
naam binaa jhoot(h)ae paasaaraa 7
- without the Naam, all these displays are false. 7

hir kw nwmu soeI jnu lyie ]
har kaa naam soee jan laee
That humble being repeats the Name of the Lord,

kir ikrpw nwnk ijsu dyie ]8]10]
kar kirapaa naanak jis dhaee 810
O Nanak, whom the Lord blesses with His Mercy. 810

2007-08-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is an e-mail I got recently, which I thought I'd post on here- read ALL of it dudes!Waheguru ji ka Khalsa! Waheguru ji ki Fateh!The notion of simran is really important, especially in Guru Arjan dev ji’s Bani. Simran often gets translated as remembrance, which is a very shallow, flat-land way to translate simran. The Sri Singh Sahibs talked about simran in a very specific way. Simran is not dyan; it is not meditation; it is not jap; it is not repeating it is not ardaas; it is not a prayer. Simran is a state of conscious that comes out of doing these kinds of practices. Simran is a way for the inner being of the spirit and the outer being of the temporary personality and body and mind to communicate with each other, intermingle with each other, mutually relate to each other, so that the personality in destiny, which is from the soul, and the personality of time and space, become one thing. For most of us, our souls took a form for a purpose, and we have tremendous pain and duality in our lives, because what the soul took the body to do, and the mind to do, and incarnated to do, conflicts with what we believe we should do, what we are taught we should do, what the mind thinks, or what the body desires.This conflict between the soul’s purpose and the personality of time and space creates tremendous pain, creates depression, it leads drug abuse, leads to alcoholism, leads to fantasy, leads to getting lost in romantic love. So that disconnect between the soul and the temporary personality is really the main problem that we are trying to work out as human beings, and which is why we need a guru, and why we need a teacher, because we need the power of a teacher, so that this duality can be resolved. Simran is a very elevated, high state of consciousness, where through the practice of dyan, through the practice of jap, through the practice of ardaas, through the practice of kirtan, we actually come into a reality where the destiny of the soul is being expressed, because the mind is constantly being directed to the inner being, instead of into the Maya around it.So the mind has the power to move energy. If the mind moves energy on its own behalf, we call that the Manmukh. Gurbani talks about how the Manmukh dies, and how the Manmukh suffers. When the mind is trained through the Guru’s word, to direct itself to understanding the instruction of the inner being, then the energy is moved in a way so that the soul can deliver and realize the purpose that it came to earth for. This capacity of the mind to inner beam and intermingle with the beam of light of the soul, and how that manifests the reality of the soul in time and space, in a way that is harmonious, that is what simran is. So Guru Arjan is saying in this first line, through this experience, and it is repeated simar simar simar, it is a continual state–When we are continually in that place of the mind in-beaming to the light and beam of the soul, and the intermingling of that, and the projection of that, then that is when peace comes to us.Within every breath we are in this state of remembering. What does it mean to remember God? Well it doesn’t mean to remember some being out there in the universe that is disconnected from us. To remember with every breath the Divine is to remember presence of the Divine inside of ourselves. That is the only thing we have the capacity to remember because it is the only thing we really can experience. Guru Nanaak talks about the Divine in Japji: That the Divine in all its Creativity is beyond the reach of our senses and beyond our mind. But the Divine Life that lives inside of us that we can really know and feel complete with. So it is through this consciousness and condition of simran that peace comes to us. Peace comes to us, and with every breath, we are constantly remembering that Divine essence that lives inside of us. And he says that this experience of the inner being that we can touch, in the human body, in this world, and in the world beyond, is our true companion. Because that will never leave us. The body will drop away. The mind will drop away. But if we have tasted the inner being, that is the death-less-ness that goes on inside of us. That is what goes on from lifetime to lifetime.That energy is a tremendous help and protection for us. When we come from our mind, we make mistakes when we allow the inner being to guide us. It guides us very clearly through life. Guru Arjan brings it back to Guru, to the Shabad and he says, gur kaa bachan basai jeea naalae. He is saying that the song of the Guru is living with the inner being. And that this is the key because the mind on its own cannot get there. It is only through this song that the Guru sings, that the mind can be trained to exist with the Jio with the soul with the inner being. And so he is saying that it is this key, of the song of the Guru, that allows this to happen. And he talks about the quality of this song. Once through the song, the mind is directed to dwell with the inner being, there is no material condition that can destroy that experience for us. So it can’t be drowned in water, it can’t be burned in fire, nobody can steal that from us. This is really important when we look at the history of the Sikhs and the tortures that the Sikhs had to go through. Once there was simran, there was the genuine experience of manifesting that destiny.The tortures of water and the tortures of fire, because of the Guru’s song, bachan: there was no way for those tortures to break that experience. Yes, the body could be broken. Yes, there could be pain. But nothing could interfere with that state of simran once it is established. And that is what Guru Arjan is talking about here. Nothing can take that away from a person. This experience is wealth for those who have no wealth. It is a cane to help someone who is blind to walk. For a totally helpless baby it is the mother’s milk that completely feeds it. So, we are poor, and we are blind, and we are helpless children. But through the Guru’s song that awakens the experience of simran, the consciousness of simran, that then becomes the song and the simran becomes the wealth that helps us, the cane that helps us, and the mother’s milk that feeds us.He says that in this ocean here is the boat, I have found Har, I have found the Divine Essence that dwells inside of everything. And, Nanaak, it is through the kindness and the graciousness of the Guru that I have found this boat of the Divine Essence that can carry me across life.DnwsrI mhlw 5 Gru 8 dupdy dhanaasaree mehalaa 5 ghar 8 dhupadhae Dhanaasaree, Fifth Mehla, Eighth House, Du-Paday Ang 679 <> siqgur pRswid ] ik oa(n)kaar sathigur prasaadh One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:ismrau ismir ismir suK pwvau swis swis smwly ] simaro simar simar sukh paavo saas saas samaalae Remembering, remembering, remembering Him in meditation, I find peace; with each and every breath, I dwell upon Him.ieh loik prloik sMig shweI jq kq moih rKvwly ]1] eih lok paralok sa(n)g sehaaee jath kath mohi rakhavaalae 1 In this world, and in the world beyond, He is with me, as my help and support; wherever I go, He protects me. 1gur kw bcnu bsY jIA nwly ] gur kaa bachan basai jeea naalae The Guru’s Word abides with my soul.jil nhI fUbY qskru nhI lyvY Bwih n swkY jwly ]1] rhwau ] jal nehee ddoobai thasakar nehee laevai bhaahi n saakai jaalae 1 rehaao It does not sink in water; thieves cannot steal it, and fire cannot burn it. 1Pause inrDn kau Dnu AMDuly kau itk mwq dUDu jYsy bwly ] niradhhan ko dhhan a(n)dhhulae ko ttik maath dhoodhh jaisae baalae It is like wealth to the poor, a cane for the blind, and mother’s milk for the infant. swgr mih boihQu pwieE hir nwnk krI ik®pw ikrpwly ]2]1]32] saagar mehi bohithh paaeiou har naanak karee kirapaa kirapaalae 2132In the ocean of the world, I have found the boat of the Lord; the Merciful Lord has bestowed His Mercy upon Nanak. 2132Waheguru ji ka Khalsa! Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

Don't be lazy

2007-08-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a full month since my last post....I finally got a job, also the comic, my reading for history coursework, my personal statement, my cousins' wedding and my lil sister have taken up all my time...

I haven't done simran properly in a while I'm so tired - I know it's no excuse, but I feel that I can't pray for the sake of praying..just because I have to. When I pray my whole heart has to be in it. I have to concentrate, clear my mind - otherwise why pray? I know in my heart it wont help me to pray like that so I won't. Bu at the same time I dont feel so at peace without the power of Naam. A friend said that we should focus on our own jeevans which I agree on...I always think 'man you got no clue' when people just refuse to understand the power of Naam Simran. So...tomorrow morning I'm going to puch myself to do my nitnem and so simran too. This Hukamnama really seemed to hit me today...

August 17, 2007, Friday 04:45 AM. IST]

SHALOK, FIFTH MEHL:

That body, which does not meditate in remembrance on the Lord's Name in the Saadh Sangat, shall be reduced to dust. Cursed and insipid is that body, O Nanak, which does not know the One who created it. 1 FIFTH MEHL: Let His Lotus Feet abide within your heart, and with your tongue, chant the Name of the Lord of the World. O Nanak, meditate in remembrance on God, and nurture this body of yours. 2 PAUREE:

Forever

2007-07-18T03:46:00.000-07:00

All I can say is wow...we've been getting some real weird weather lately. Hot, cold, warm, wet, dry , you name it....Kalyug I feel is coming to it's height, who knows though. Waheguru works in mysterious ways. Sometimes I feel he gives us a sign to let us know that He's still about, and always will be. I took this pic in the middle of a thunder storm. It was quite scary and then out of nowhere this beautiful rainbow appeared as if telling me to...*cliche*...always look at the bright side...hehe

hY BI hosI jwie n jwsI rcnw ijin rcweI ]hai bhee hosee jaae n jaasee rachanaa jin rachaaee

He is, and shall always be. He shall not depart, even when this Universe which He has created departs.

IT HAS BEGUN

2007-07-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Pre-lim work on the Sikh comic has finished! I have just started getting it all down on the panels :)

If anyone would like to help in anyway it would be appreciated (even storylines- though I have a good idea of story.)

The comic is basically to educate or youth ad non-sikhs about the history of our religion and therefore as a result teach people about some of our Guru Ji's teachings.

Can't wait to show you - only my scanner doesnt work here so I will put a pic up when I get home,

ciao

Holding A Peice Of Time

2007-07-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well it's a been a while since my last post. I have been very busy. Yeah busy. How often is it that way for you? It's amazing how we seem to have soooo much time for the things that don't really matter, but the important things just go out the window. We can sit behind a desk for up to 9 hours a day, gossip for more, watch tele for even longer; yet have no time for our creater Waheguru (God), our families, real friends and what not. At first I thought...There's just not enough time in the day. Then I thought, of course there's enough time (whoever thought of that one?) The problem is we don't know how to properly use the time we have here. Nitnem, bani, simran (as much as you don't wanna believe it ((you know who you are)) all help you so much, you have no idea!

suix mn imqR ipAwirAw imlu vylw hY eyh ]sun man mithr piaariaa mil vaelaa hai eaeh

Listen, O my mind, my friend, my darling: now is the time to meet the Lord.

Recently I've been trying to use my time constructively. It's not that I'm just negative but I find that unless you watch something like news, documentaries or the occassional film, it's just not worth wasting your time watching TV. And it's not as if we watch real, genuinely good people. It's people that are quite horrendous and shameless, sex, drugs, alcohol and more. Do we really need to watch this? So I've been studying more (finally get economics) and I just started preliminary work on my Sikh Based Comic Book (unnamed) which will, Waheguru willing, be out soon :) I am learning Chinese, Punjabi and trying to leanr Hindi written. I'm trying to keep a strict rehit too. Staying away for as long as possible from things like msn and sikhsangat (as much as I love it) I just find I waste precious time doing well...nothing.

Here's a 'letter from God' which sent shivers down my spine when I read it and I was close to tears.

LETTER FROM GOD

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear.When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were to busy. At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead. I watched patiently all day long. With all our activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me,that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and yo u noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't.That's okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet.You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me.Bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you.. I've got patience, more than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well.I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought, or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation. Well, you are getting up once again. Once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day!

Your friend,

GOD

What can I say? Whoever wrote this is amazing. Thank you for opening more eyes :)

Sanctuary

2007-06-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

I havent been on in a while...had the time of my life at Akhand Jaap in Ilford....waheguru was that great! Focus your mind and soul in the lords praises and wooooow! No words to explain.

I would say to all of you who didn't attend, to go to the next ones! Waheguruuuuuu!

If you'd like to see pics ; www.sikhimedia.net/photos

Haha I should have put this up before I went, how silly of me :P D'oh !

gur srxweI suKu lhih Anidnu nwmu iDAwie ]1] rhwau ]gur saranaaee sukh lehehi anadhin naam dhhiaae 1 rehaao

In the Sanctuary of the Guru, peace is found, meditating on the Naam night and day. 1Pause

family

2007-06-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Families are weird. They come in all shapes and sizes and every person has a different relationship with their family. Some are based on love, support, care, then money, hate, arrogance or all of these things. Some keep no ties with family, Hindus at somepoint in their lives leave their families in 'search of god'...Guru Ji says..

dyiK kutMbu moih loBwxw clidAw nwil n jweI ]dhaekh kutta(n)b mohi lobhaanaa chaladhiaa naal n jaaee

Beholding your family, you are lured away by emotional attachment, but when you leave, they will not go with you.

So I believe that this means to cherish and love your family and look after them - this is a righteous act (after all we are encouraged to live normal lives as well as be sikhs). However we should refrain from emotional attachments - it won't help us in the end...we have to keep in mind what comes first..Guru Ji....but I still love my family :P

igRsiq kutMib plyitAw kdy hrKu kdy sogu ]grisath kutta(n)b palaettiaa kadhae harakh kadhae sog

when you are wrapped up in the attachments of household and family, sometimes feeling joy, and then other times sorrow;

igrsqI igrsiq Drmwqw ]4]girasathee girasath dhharamaathaa 4

The householders assert their faith in family life. 4

Guru Arjun Dev Ji siree rag 71

happy happy happy

2007-06-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

kir kir vyKY ndir inhwl ]kar kar vaekhai nadhar nihaal

Having created the creation, He watches over it. By His Glance of Grace, He bestows happiness.

I've been in a really happy mood today..dunno why...everything just seems perfect now... I did a good ardaas to Guru Ji last night and my minds been pretty clear and calm....yaaaaay....I'm not going to say much because I think that happiness is a different experience for every person, much like love. We all get happy over different thing...I get happy when I think of waheguru, see my dad, when it rains, when there's a clear blue sky, when I go to Gurudwara and when I chill with my brothers and sis (all 5 of em ) and more. Why don't you guys take a minute and think about the things that make you happy..a lot of them will probably be little things, small moments; when you hear sounds, smell scents and stuff..like all these childhood memories flash back when I smell orange squash because I spent a lot of my time in the park where we'd constantly drink squash haha....aaah happiness...but the bestest happiness is when you do simran...

suKw kI imiq ikAw gxI jw ismrI goivMdu ]sukhaa kee mith kiaa ganee jaa simaree govi(n)dh How can I measure the happiness of meditating on the Lord of the Universe?

naam

2007-06-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

OK...first I wanna say sorry for not posting...my minds been a bit haywire...Have you ever wanted to do something so bad that you think TOO much about it, and nothing comes out? That's why I let it come to ME instead this time...however while thinking about this I thought about t question a pahji came up with on a forum....

"Tenets of Sikhi

1. Nam Japna

2. Kirat Karni

3. Vand Shakna

I solely believe in the teachings of SGGS and i do believe WAHEGURU is there but i am unable to get around the "merging with god" part. I mean doesn't that make us self-centered. We are on this earth(in human form) to do the above mentioned things. I totally understand the "kirat karni" and "vand shakna". What confuses me is "nam japna", shoudln't nam japna be living in bhayai of akal purakh, shouldn't it be done as shukrana (thankfulness) for what akal purakh has bestowed upon us, counting our blessing, living in the bhana of waheguru. But instead we do naam jap to merge with waheguru..isn't that an attribute of a selfcentered individual and in doing so are we just strengthening the wall between us and humility??me confused..please express your thoughts..."

swis swis hir nwmu iDAweIAY ]saas saas har naam dhhiaaeeai

With each and every breath, I meditate on the Lord's Name.

I thought this was a great question, it took some time to digest, and there were some great answers. (check out sikhsangat.com) I'm gonna give my take on things...

To an extent I think that it is selfcentred to wish to merge with Waheguru...as i do simran I often lose myself in pointless thoughts, but sometimes I concentrate hard...I think to myself how much I love GuruJi and my wish to be with him...but then when I finish I think....is Guru Ji staying away because I WANT him to come? Am I just wanting him to come so I can say...'I experienced a meeeting with God?' these thoughts pop into my mind...and I dont want them to, and I know in my heart that I wish for waheguru because I love him...So, I think it doesnt matter that you wanna meet Waheguru.....you should do it because Guru Ji told us to, with a clean mind and clean heart, otherwise we'll never be able to meet Guru Ji....another Pahji summed it up as... 'Guru Ji meets us, not the otherway round'....HE decides....also by Jappin Naam, it doesnt automatically mean you should meet Waheguru Ji...there are many different methods but they only work if you have utmost HUMILITY....if you recite bani or wear bana and do it with arrogance or pride, there is no humility - at the end of the day you should do it for Guru Ji - noone else!

mnu qnu qyrw qU DxI grbu invwir smyau ]3]man than thaeraa thoo dhhanee garab nivaar samaeo 3

Mind and body are Yours; You are my Master. Please rid me of my pride, and let me merge with You. 3

If you Jaap Naam with humility and love, what is stopping you? ...at some point it should then get to the point where Waheguru is in our thoughts every second of the day, on our every breath we take...we should remember Waheguru and be thankful towards Waheguru that he has given us the chance to change our futures by giving us lives as humans and also make up for our past janams....then we might find peace...waheguruuuu

swis swis mnu nwmu sm@wrY iehu ibsRwm iniD pweI ]1]saas saas man naam samhaarai eihu bisraam nidhh paaee 1

With each and every breath, my mind remembers the Naam, the Name of the Lord; in this way, it finds the treasure of peace. 1

Dust of your sweet sweet charan

2007-06-16T06:08:00.001-07:00

On June 16 every year, the Sikhs worldwide celebrate - yeah, Celebrate! - the great sacrifice of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj.

Isn't it amazing how you change as you grow up? I told my little sister the history of how Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj (the 5th Nanak) sacrificed his life for Sikhi....she was happy to hear it but she couldn't understand the logic in it...When I think about it, why would she? She is 4 and a half....spongebob squarepants is her idea of logic (dont get me started). When I think about such unfathomable qurbani my heart feels heavy...would any of us moorakhs be able to undertake such a sacrifice? I doubt it....For those of you who don't know it, the event happened as follows :

After the death of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1605, his son Jahagir became the leader of India. Unlike his father, Jahagir was a fundamentalist Muslim, obsessed into turning the country into an Islamic state. Both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists concerned at the rapid increase in the popularity of Guru Arjan, moved the new head of state Emperor Jahangir against the Guru. Jahangir himself was also jealous about Guru's propagation of Sikhism. He promptly obliged the enemies of Guru Sahib. Many baseless allegations were levelled against Guru Sahib, one of those was helping the rebellious Khusrau, who was Jahangir's son and determined to rule Punjab.
This is what Emperor Jahangir wrote in his diary called the "Tuzuk-i-Jahagiri", which translates to "Memoirs of Jahangir"
"In Gobindwal, which is on the river Biyah (Beas), there was a Hindu named Arjun, in the garments of sainthood and sanctity, so much so that he had captured many of the simple-hearted of the Hindus, and even of the ignorant and foolish followers of Islam, by his ways and manners, and they had loudly sounded the drum of his holiness. They called him Guru, and from all sides stupid people crowded to worship and manifest complete faith in him. For three or four generations (of spiritual successors) they had kept this shop warm. Many times it occurred to me to put a stop to this vain affair or to bring him into the assembly of the people of Islam.
At last when Khusrau passed along this road this insignificant fellow proposed to wait upon him. Khusrau happened to halt at the place where he was, and he came out and did homage to him. He behaved to Khusrau in certain special ways, and made on his forehead a finger-mark in saffron, which the Indians (Hinduwan) call qashqa, (Tilak) and is considered propitious. When this came to my ears and I clearly understood his folly, I ordered them to produce him and handed over his houses, dwelling-places, and children to Murtaza Khan, and having confiscated his property commanded that he should be put to death."
Accordingly in Late May 1606, Guru Arjan Dev was arrested and brought to Lahore where He was subject to severe torture. He was made to sit on a burning hot plate while hot sand was poured over his head and body. It is said that Mian Mir (a Muslim Sufi Saint and friend of Guru Sahib) tried to intercede on behalf of Guru Sahib but Guru ji forbid him to interfere in the "Will of the Almighty".

'Tera keea meeta laagai, har naam padaarath Nanak maangai...'
'thine doings seem sweet unto me, Nanak craves for the wealth of Gods name' Dhan Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj- these were his words as they tortured him...

Guru Ji body was blistered and burnt. For several days, the Guru was subjected to this unrelenting torture. Subsequently, Guru Arjan Dev was taken for a bath in the river, Ravi. As thousands watched He entered the river never to be seen again. Thus Guru Sahib embraced martyrdom on Jeth Sudi 4th (1st Harh) Samvat 1663, (May 16, 1606).

The following is a summary of the main highlights of Guru Ji life:
Made a huge contribution in the number of hymns & finalisation of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Ji contributed a total of 2218 hymns to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Author of Sukhmani Sahib Bani – Prayer for Peace
Compiled and installed for the first time the holy Sikh Book, which at this stage is called Adi Granth, a major achievement.
Built the Golden Temple
Developed Amritsar as a Centre of Excellence.
Enhanced the Structure of Sikh Society by introducing the Masund system
First Sikh Guru to be martyred. See Martyrdom of Guru Arjan

This extraordinary Man who gave Sikhi two of its greatest gifts ... the Guru Granth Sahib and the Harimandir Sahib ... was in the prime of his life, a mere 39 years old, when his spiritual activities were deemed a threat to institutionalized religion by the ruler of the land. Refusing to waver from his faith, he was tortured until his body succumbed.
Guru Arjan, on whose shoulders stands much of Sikhi as we know it today showed the world the ultimate way to tackle the terrorists head-on. And from his suffering were inspired many millions who understood his message and treaded the same spiritual path as him. Following in the Guru's sacrificial footsteps were many thousands of Sikhs who had learnt the lesson taught by the Guru and have walked in his path of self sacrifice for their commitment to truth and justice.

To them I could only say Parnaam....I am merely dust of your sweet sweet charan...

We are sikhs

2007-06-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today, about the mass conversions amd attempts to convert (or worse) made by many diverse groups. At first, I thought....this is terrible. But then I thought...if these people are unfulfilled as Sikhs, then why not let them go? If they aren't forcefully converted then where is the harm to US? Are our own jeevans affected by them? Nope. However it is when groups such as the RSS, fundamentalists, try to DISTORT sikhi...it becomes wrong - and MUST be put to an end. I'm going to speak about the RSS because I was sent a very disturbing e-mail about the activities in which they participate. They have been described as the 'Nazi's of Hindustan' and I believe this is a pretty good description. Sikhs have been living in the Indian sub-continent for hundreds of years..since the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Since then, they have been fighting for justice and truth...for all religions. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji died to achieve the rights of Hindus, under Moghul regime. Sikhs have never been 'anti-such-and-such-religion.' We believe in the equality of all human kind...all paths lead to the One. However Sikhs..as Bhagat Kabeer Ji put it:

qorau n pwqI pUjau n dyvw ]thoro n paathee poojo n dhaevaa

I do not pick leaves as offerings, and I do not worship idols.

Therefore I beg of those who are being brainwashed by these fascist groups...don't get hoodwinked...look at the history Sikhism...we are a seperate qaum! Don't let those who assimilated Buddhism (Buddha as an avtar of Vishnu) into their religion do it to Sikhi. We do NOT worship idols, partake in rituals, etc. We are Sikhs of Guru Ji...not Vishnu. Ik Oankaar!

pwrbRhmu pRBu eyku hY dUjw nwhI koie ]paarabreham prabh eaek hai dhoojaa naahee koe There is only the One Supreme Lord God; there is no other at all.

Milk

2007-06-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

This sakhi about Baba Ravidass Ji is soooo good...really makes you think how hard we try to look good and clean on the outside and in our efforts to do so, we forget to clean our insides...mind and body (mann and tann)...and this can be done so easily in so many ways...one of the best ways is though, is through Gurbani...

gurbwxI iesu jg mih cwnxu krim vsY min Awey ]1]gurabaanee eis jag mehi chaanan karam vasai man aaeae 1

Gurbani is the Light to illuminate this world; by His Grace, it comes to abide within the mind. 1

A rich man came to see Baba Ravidas Ji and said to him "I am a very busy man, I have so many businesses to look after, so many people to see, I can only come and see you when I am free which isn’t very often, so please just hurry up and bless me with naam!"

Baba Ravidas said "Ok, I will see what I can do, but first can you get me some milk?"

The rich man thought is that it? "Of course I can get you some milk I will bring it next time I come to see you, but I’m not sure when that will be, because I am a very busy man."

Baba Ravidas said "No problem, you just come back with the milk when you have time."

A few weeks later the rich man came back to Baba Ravi Das Ji and he was carrying the biggest, most shiny, clean new bucket filled with beautiful pure milk.Baba Ravidas had a bucket too; it was in the corner of his house. This bucket was very filthy and old; it had not been washed for a while. Baba Ravidas Ji told the rich man to pour the milk in this bucket. The rich man looked at the bucket and said "no way, that bucket is really filthy!"

Baba Ravi Das ji said to the man, "the milk is for me, why are you bothered about what you pour it into?"

The rich man replied, "I have brought you milk which is expensive, pure and beautiful, and you want me to pour it into a filthy bucket, the milk will be ruined and become like the bucket."

Baba Ravi Das Ji said "I don’t care just pour the milk in the bucket" The rich man said no way. Baba Ravi Das Ji said "so there’s no way you are going to pour that milk in the bucket?" The rich man said no way.

Baba Ravi Das ji then said “Well how do you expect me to give you pure beautiful naam, when your mind and body is like my bucket?"

Just call

2007-06-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what the world is coming to...when I was a kid it was unheard of for parents to split up...it was a myth that asian parents split up anyways....suddenly wherever I look all I see or hear of is divorce, affairs etc etc....This is what I trully believe is kalyug....

iqn pRB jb Awies muih dIXw ] qb hm jnm klU mih lIXw ] 4 ]thin prabh jab aaeis muhi dheeyaa thab ham janam kaloo mehi leeyaa 4

At the command of God, I was born into this dark age of Kalyug.

When I look at a lot of my friends, on the outside they seem fine, happy or content...then when I look closely I notice that none of them are trully happy...it's more like a mask of happiness. It is said that we dont know that happens behind closed doors...I think this is very true. I find too much that people don't wish to burden others with their problems but this leads to more problems because they SHOULD talk...these things shouldn't be bottled up (I've learnt the hard way). I am always willing to listen to others...only when I hear them I wish I could trully do something to help...too often nowadays do I hear a close friends say that they wish to end their life, or runaway or that they hate their parents, siblings, freinds etc etc. I really do wanna help them. But I feel so helpless sometimes because I live in the middle of nowhere and so I can't just go and see them and talk to them properly and really help them. I wish that I could just open up my home to all of them...I know that they really would be happy but I can't...but I will...I promise myself I WILL. There is too much hurt in the world and not enough people stop to listen to it and tend to the wounds of others....but I WILL. I won't have another person tell me they wanna die and not be able to do anything to stop or help them.....but I also think that without faith I can't help these people (although some of them have more faith than you could imagine) they need to embrace God and call and I know that they will surely be answered.

suixAY dUK pwp kw nwsu ]8]suniai dhookh paap kaa naas 8

Listening-pain and sin are erased. 8

The dark side of the force

2007-06-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

I am no perfect person (despite many common misconceptions). People often believe that because I do paath (prayers) and have saroop (dastaar, panj kakkars) that I am perfect. What people don't seem to understand is that these are simply small steps we make to try to better ourselves...More important than looks etc is seva (selfless service), simran (meditation on the name of God- Waheguru) and defeating the 5 evils within ourselves...kaam (lust), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moh (attachment) and ahankaar (ego). I have serious anger problems. For the past six months (since a major chnage in my life) my anger has gotten worse and is harder to control. There are no excuses for this, I know. I believe that if we fight our vices we will get better, the harder you fight yourself the faster you can get closer to Waheguru.

siqgur dieAwl ikrpwl Bytq hry kwmu k®oDu loBu mwirAw ]sathigur dhaeiaal kirapaal bhaettath harae kaam krodhh lobh maariaa

Through the Kind and Compassionate True Guru, I have met the Lord; I have conquered sexual desire, anger and greed.

I fought (verbally) with my brother Shaan today. Not good. I already have a bad relationship with him and by fighting it only makes things worse. Over something so silly, I ruined my entire day because I could not control my anger...I had a good law exam, good economics lessons, was getting on well with friends and the rest of my family etc etc. It does not matter if Shaan was in the wrong...by fighting I became just as bad as him, if not worse. This is why Guru Ji emphasises so much for us to conquer our evils...I realised this properly today. You know what? By smiling and saying 'have it your way' or 'sorry' you can fight and beat that anger to a pulp. Yeah, it's hard (no way am I gonna say it's easy) but what are you losing? Pride? Arrogance? Ego? Hate? What? I think that by losing these things you gain a heck of a lot.....more!

kwmu k®oDu psirAw sMswry Awie jwie duKu pwvixAw ]2]kaam krodhh pasariaa sa(n)saarae aae jaae dhukh paavaniaa 2

Sexual desire and anger are diffused throughout the universe. Coming and going, people suffer in pain. 2

O to be a child once more

2007-06-10T01:41:00.000-07:00

Children are the most astonishing creation of Waheguru, I think. Their innocence is inspiring. I have a 4 year old sister and because the world is new to her, everything is a new adventure. She is at that curious stage. When I take her to the Gurudwara... She does her matta tekh and runs to sit down as fast as she can so that she may listen and learn more about this experience. I am glad when she sits still for at least 15 minutes. We sit and meditate together and then her curiosity gets the better of her and she goes to look out the huge window and talk to a nearby Baba Ji.

pihlY phrY rYix kY vxjwirAw imqRw bwlk buiD Acyqu ]pehilai peharai rain kai vanajaariaa mithraa baalak budhh achaeth

In the first watch of the night, O my merchant friend, your innocent mind has a child-like understanding.

I like to sit and watch the kids play freely, crawl around and study the sangat's faces. The kids do their matta tekh, then stare at the golden paalki, then they turn and stare at those solemn faces - looking for a smile...anywhere! I cant help but laugh and theres a connection - they found someone! As we laugh together, the sangat stare at us like...'what are you doing!? You cant be happy in here!' But we dont care, we will carry on playing and listening to the sweet words of Guru Ji and the wonderous kirtan...and why shouldn't we? It seems nowadays that Punjabi people think of sikhism as doctrine. The gurudwara is a formal requirement where happiness is extinct. Are they serious? Do they really think that Guru Ji wanted us to unhappily visit him? This is why I happily sing along loud to the kirtan and laugh and smile...the thoughts need to removed from their minds with happiness :D

Who am I?

2007-06-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and 'why I chose Guru Nanak over Kate Moss came up?' I thought about it for a while...my answer I think is faith. I have no faith in people like Kate Moss...what do I gain from people like Kate Moss?..People dont realise what our Guru Ji has given us. Someone once asked me a question...'are you the daughter of Sri Guru Gobind Singh JI and Mata Saheb Kaur, and are you a descendant of millions of Shaheeds who lost their lives and more for our faith and the right to wear our hair long?' My answer was yes...and I've never felt better in my life, my realisation of my faith and belief makes me feel strong inside. My faith and belief is undescribable... I believe in truth and the Sikh religion is truth. I love my Guru Ji and I cant hurt Guru Ji by cutting my hair, wearing make-up, tight clothing etc etc. I want to walk on the path of my sweet Guru Ji the best I can.

mMny kI giq khI n jwie ]ma(n)nae kee gath kehee n jaae

The state of the faithful cannot be described.

The creator and the creation

2007-06-09T03:55:00.001-07:00

I was just sitting in the study yesterday evening and I was whistling and singing along (not very well) to some Kirtan tracks on the computer. Suddenly a small bird came and stood on the patio...it was eating ants or something and out of nowhere it seemed to sing along with me...I turned the kirtan off and sang and whistled and the bird was replying. I thought it was awesome. I've always had a thing for animals and plants since I was a kid. A few years ago - the same kinda bird flew down onto my shoulder as I played in the front garden. Dont ask me why, it just did. I've loved gardening since I was a kid. I think Waheguru's creation is beyond words. The beauty is everywhere. This is why I fail to understand why 'athiests etc.' question and say if 'God is real, where is he? Why is their so much pain in the world if he is so great?' Well then I say to those of you who feel that way that all you have to do is look at the creation, look at the complexity.
Kbir krqu hY pwq pq fwlI ]2]khabar karath hai paath path ddaalee
2He takes care of every leaf and branch. 2

jw krqw isrTI kau swjy Awpy jwxY soeI ]jaa karathaa sirat(h)ee ko saajae aapae jaanai soee
The Creator who created this creation-only He Himself knows.

Pick up something as small and 'simple' (to the human thought) as a leaf. Then look closer. It is so beautiful, complex and wonderous that it could not have just happened from say a 'big bang'. Look at its veins and colours and think about how they change along with the seasons...

kir kir vyKY kIqw Awpxw ijv iqs dI vifAweI ]kar kar vaekhai keethaa aapanaa jiv this dhee vaddiaaee
Having created the creation, He watches over it Himself, by His Greatness.

I believe that Waheguru created us and left us to it and only intervenes when Waheguru Ji wants to...this is Hukam...There is a bigger picture that we can never possibly understand and why should we try? The bad things that occur in this world only occur because of bad people. So why should Waheguru be blamed for this? What we should be thinking always is 'WHen you hurt the creation, you hurt the creator!'

new-commer

2007-06-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH!

A heartfelt welcome to my blogspot. This is the first time I've kept a blog but I felt I'd give it a shot. A little about me (for those who wanna know)... I'm a member of the Sikh faith...the 5th largest religion on the planet. I came into Sikhi a few years back... I grew up in a household of non-orthodox Sikhs who believe in God but have never really been into religion. I've always been quite spiritual yet I never really knew much about my faith...after doing a lot of research and being inspired in a number of ways I decided to tread on the path of Sikhi. I wear a dumalla styled dastaar (which took aaaages to tie) but I am not yet a Khalsa...I hope to (with Maharaj's Kirpa) take Amrit in April and become a true daughter of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Saheb Kaur....