Gravesend Workshop on "Sangat"

Last Saturday was a long day. I was invited to Gravesend to do a workshop with the youngsters there in the afternoon. It was a very long drive - two and a half hours! But listening to Keertan in the car made the journey okay. With Guru Sahib's Kirpaa I didn't get lost on the journey! The last time I went to Gravesend was last November for a History workshop with the youngsters.


Around 50 youngsters, aged from 7 to 20 yrs old, attended. The topic of the workshop was SANGAT. The motivation behind choosing this topic was that Sangat one chooses affects one's life either in a positive way or negative way.


First of all the youngsters were asked what the word "Sangat" means to them and then the different ways one can do Sangat with someone. The following Shabad was looked at to explain that the colour of the Sangat rubs off on the person (Jaisee Sangat, Taisee Rangat):

ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਖੀ ਭਇਓ ਉਡਿ ਉਡਿ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਜਾਇ ॥
kabeer man pankhee bhe-i-o udd udd deh dis jaa-ay.

O Kabeer! The mind has become a bird; it soars and flies in the ten directions.

ਜੋ ਜੈਸੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋ ਤੈਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥੮੬॥
jo jaisee sangat milai so taiso fal khaa-ay. ||86||

According to the company it keeps, so are the fruits it eats. ||86||

(Ang 1369)

Everyone was then divided into three groups and given the task of planning a short drama on the effects and influence Sangat has on a person. The groups were given 30 minutes or so to plan. It was good to see that the younger kids and elder ones all worked together and came up with some good ideas.



Below is the performance of Group 1. The narrator in this play is also called 'Manvir Singh'. (Note: The workshop was held in Gurdwara's Panjabi School building. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not present in the building).

After the dramas, Gurbaani's perspective on good Sangat and bad Sangat were shared with examples of personal stories of the effects of Sangat in school and university etc. The dangers facing Sikh youngsters in schools, colleges and universities were shared also. This was followed by questions. It was an enjoyable day and the youngsters were nice.


In the evening I went to Southall for the End of Month Youth Keertan Darbaar. I was feeling bit tired from the long journey and sitting in the car for such a long time. However, the Keertan at the Gurdwara was so uplifting that all my tiredness went away! It was amazing. The turnout was great and Chardikalaa Gursikhs from Midlands also came down which uplifted the spirits :)

ਮਿਲਿ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਰਧਾ ਊਪਜੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖੁ ॥
mil sangat sharDhaa oopjai gur shabdee har ras chaakh.
Joining the Sangat, the Holy Congregation, faith (in Japping Naam) has welled up within me; through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, keep tasting the sublime essence of the Lord's Name.

ਸਭੁ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਭਾਖੁ ॥੧॥
sabh man tan hari-aa ho-i-aa gurbaaNee har guN bhaakh. ||1||
(One who tastes the sublime essence of Naam,) their mind and body all the time blossoms forth; through Gurbaani, chant the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||
(Ang 997)

Gurmat & Charity

Today I had to pop out to buy something from the shop. I got to the shop and realised I had forgot to bring some money! Waheguru. So I had to go all the way back home, get some money, then go back to the shop. On the way back from the shop I heard someone say "Hello Manvir". I looked around and it was a Christian gentleman who works for a charity which provides food, shelter and guidance to homeless people. He is a very good soul and friendly chap.

It was a short conversation. He said, "Manvir, I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated hearing about Sikhism at the Inter-faith meeting. As always I find Sikh beliefs and way of thinking wonderful. What Sikhs believe just seems to make simple sense. Just wanted to say thanks." Dhan Guru, Dhan Teri Sikhi.

Last week's inter-faith meeting was on CHARITY & POVERTY. The speakers this month were myself and a Muslim Maulvi talking about Islam.

In summary this what was said for the Sikh perspective:

Charity is usually thought of as giving wealth, alms, gifts, donations, etc, which is assumed to be virtuous and noble. However, charity becomes a problem when it becomes an obstacle in one’s spiritual progress. (To this everyone was surprised and shocked - it was interesting to look at their reaction).

Guru jee tells us that charity must be performed with DISCERNING INTELLIGENCE (AKKAL). If performed ignorantly or foolishly without using intelligence, the act of charity inflates our false ego-sense.

ਅਕਲੀ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕੈ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਅਕਲੀ ਕੀਚੈ ਦਾਨੁ ॥

"One should read (Gurbaani) with intelligence, and then understand it; One should use intelligence in giving charity."
(1245)

Wealth in the hands of fool is worse than the poverty of the learned. Some people give charity in hope for sanctifying dishonest living or ill-gotten wealth. Gurbani says:

ਸਤੀਆ ਮਨਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਦੇਣੈ ਕੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
ਦੇ ਦੇ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਸਹਸਾ ਗੂਣਾ ਸੋਭ ਕਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥

“In the minds of the givers, contentment is produced by thinking about their giving. They give and give, but ask a thousand-fold more, and hope that the world will honour them…” (466).

Charity replaces greed — it is giving up of one's inflated ego-centeredness. If giving charity does not replace our greed, then it's counterproductive thus worthless.

True Charity is that which is done without any consideration of return or expectation and should be given to worthy receiver to promote Truthfulness in the world – NISHKAAM SEVA. Through this one creates a more harmonious relation with the external world, i.e. society, home, workplace etc. However, giving must be voluntary and out of a genuine feeling.

ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥

“One who truthfully works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has - O Nanak, he knows the path.” (1245).

Charity is good but it is NOT the END. Guru jee tells us that: Nothing is "equal" to NAAM Japnaa (devotional remembrance and meditation on God) for one's spiritual life development and invoking God's love.

ਆਤਮ ਜਉ ਨਿਰਮਾਇਲੁ ਕੀਜੈ ਆਪ ਬਰਾਬਰਿ ਕੰਚਨੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਸਰਿ ਤਊ ਨ ਪੂਜੈ ॥੩॥

“He may purify his soul, and give away in charity his body weight in gold; none of these is equal to the worship of the Divine Name” (973).

To illustrate true charity, I shared the story of Guru Nanak Sahib jee refusing Malik Bhago's meal and instead eating at Bhai Lalo jee's house. Malik Bhago thought he was doing an act of charity and religious merit by feeding the Holy people. However, his food was made with the blood money of the poor and abused. On the other hand, Bhai Lalo jee's meal was like milk made of pure and honest earnings.

To illustrate poverty, I shared the story of Sacha Sauda and how Guru Nanak Sahib jee started the tradition of Guru-Ka-Langar and feeding the needy and hungry. Also how Guru Nanak Sahib jee founded Kartarpur Sahib and got rid of slums to create an egalitarian society based on Truth and Naam. Gurbaani talks of the ideal society, which Bhagat Ravidaas jee call's "Begampura". I ended by talking about the story of Bhagat Puran Singh jee and Pingalwara charity in Amritsar.

Dhan Satguru Nanak Sahib jee


Note: Events over weekend...
Birmingham: National Kirtan Darbaar on Saturday evening @ Smethwick Guru Nanak Gurdwara
Southall: End of Month Youth Keertan on Saturday evening @ Southall Park. Ave Gurdwara

Gift Given by an Englishman

When I used to walk to Secondary School, I used to walk past a house where an elderly English couple lived. Sometimes on the way to school or on the way back from school I would see the elderly gentleman gardening or washing his car. I would say hello to him and we would talk about the weather or something.

Every time I would go past their house they began to take time out to talk to me and ask how was school and how I was getting on and I would then ask about them. They asked my name and from then every time I saw them they would say "Hello Manvir, how are you today."

There was another elderly English lady about 90-years-old who walked with a metal walking frame. She would take her dog for a walk at about the same time I would go to school and come back from school. She lived on the same road as the elderly couple. She would also stop and always talk to me when she saw me. I would talk to her but used to say "Hope you don't mind but I don't like dogs licking or touching me." She would laugh and say "She wants to lick you because she has not seen you for a long time." Waheguru. She would regularly ask about me from the elderly couple (as I walked pass their house - her house was further up the road). It is amazing how Waheguru causes us to meet certain people and how we have connections with certain souls, perhaps these are rishte (connections) we had with souls from previous lives.

Time went on and I got to Sixth Form College. The elderly couple and the old lady would always ask me about university and say they will miss me and our conversations when I go to university. In my final year at Sixth Form College the elderly couple said that they have a special present to give me. The man said, "Manvir I have something special to give you. When I was in the army I used to collect these cards which used to come with match boxes. I have collected a set of cards of Indian soldiers, I think they could be Sikhs - the soldiers are wearing turbans. I want to give you them." The man had nicely mounted some of his cards in a frame and gave them to me one day while I was on the way back from school. I was honoured how this man and his wife, who I didn't even know properly, could give such Pyaar.

The cards don't feature any Sikh soldiers but of the different regiments from across India including Panjab. The cards are from a collection of match box cards from World War II. Below are two of the cards in the frame:

National Keertan Event 24th Feb 2007

National Keertan Darbaar
Guru Nanak Gurdwara: Smethwick
(6:30pm - midnight)

Being the first event of its kind, the first annual national keertan darbaar (as part of West Midlands Sikhi Bitesize) is taking place at GNG Gurdwara in Smethwick, Birmingham, with participation from Sikh Societies across the UK.

For coach transport details please contact the regional coordinator in the area you live.

God's Light Within All (Part 2)

Continued...

A week later I went back to Southall to visit the Gurdwara Sahib to listen to Katha and Keertan. It was getting late and nearly time for me to leave because I had to get the train back to university.

On the way to the train station, on the corner of the road, a man fell down to the ground. It looked like he had been pushed by two drunkards who suddenly rushed off after the man had collapsed to the ground. I hurried to the man to see if he was okay. I realised the man in his 40s or 50s was drunk. He looked like he has been living on the streets and in bad state. I have seen the man before in Southall. He was Panjabi, but looked as if he was homeless. His clothes looked tattered, his appearance looked dirty, and he was a tall and large man. I asked the man in Panjab, "Are you okay?.. tusee tee hai?" Worryingly I could hear no reply.

Two young passer-bys looked at the man lying on the floor and carried on walking. I was shocked. How can people just walk by when this man has been pushed or collapsed in the middle of the pavement? I thought to myself does he need my help? In situations like this it's difficult to know whether one should intervene if the other person is drunk and it's late at night. It's expected that people would exercise caution drunk people's behaviour is unexpected.

My moorakh mind was saying, "You are wearing clean kurta pyjaaama, your hands will get dirty touching this dirty drunkard… Why help him get up, he has caused his own misery by drinking alcohol… I am sure he will be fine. There are many like him who drink too much and fall to the ground."

But my Aatma, my soul said something different. My Aatma told me, "O Mind! Despite this man is drunk, caused his own misery or whether he is dirty. At the end of the day, he was made by Waheguru. Whether I can see it or not, but my dear Waheguru's Light resides within him as well. So O Mind! Pick up this man. Remember Giani Ji’s story of how Guru Nanak Ji gave his arm and helped people to get out of the gutter. O Sikh of Guru Nanak, help this man get up."

ਸਭਨਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਇਕੁ ਸੋਈ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਇ ਸਾਚੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਜੈ ਹੇ ॥੮॥

The One Lord is contained within all. By Guru's Grace, He is revealed. One who subdues their ego, finds lasting peace; that person drinks in the spiritual-life giving Nectar of the True Name. ||8||

(Ang 1049)

Following my Aatma, I stretched my arm out to the drunkard man to get up. The man seemed to have had cuts, bruises and marks across his face and body from previous incidents. I said to the man three times in Panjabi, "Come, I will help you. Give me your hand."

He stared at my face intensely and said nothing. After the third time I stretched my hand out to him, he said, "O Bhaajee, police noo phone karde-o, hor kuchh nehee…. Police noo phone kar deyo… please Bhaajee" ("O Brother, please the police, nothing else). I said, "Teek hai jee, mai police noo phone kardaa" ("Okay, I will call the police"). I was about to get my mobile phone out, when two Community Officer Wardens came up. I told them to ring for an ambulance and police. The wardens stood there and smiled and said "What’s the problem" to the man. Though I found their response unsympathetic, I expected it was due to high regular incidents of this kind when some people may cause a nuisance. Eventually the ambulance were called and I left the drunk poor man in the care of the wardens.

That night, I thought. Dhan Dhan Satguru Guru Nanak Sahib jee Maharaaj. That Guru, which didn’t look to see whether his clothes would get dirty, that guru which did not stop to consider whether the person smelt or was lowly – but in all cases the Guru indiscriminately offered his supporting arm of help. He embraced the leper and the king equally. “Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak” was coming out of my mouth on the journey back to Halls of Residence. I am the dust of the feet of that Perfect True Guru, who so great and beyond description. May we all be blessed with the humility, love and kindness of Guru Nanak Sahib jee and be graced with the vision to see the unseen Lord in within all.

ਭੂਲੇ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਬਤਾਇਆ ॥
ਐਸਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥

He places the one who strays back on the Path - such a Guru is found by great good fortune. ||1||

(Ang 803)

God's Light Within All (Part 1)

In December 2004, while I was studying in London, I visited the Gurdwara Sahib in Southall and Giani jee was doing Kathaa (discourse on Gurbaani). Giani jee's words stuck to my mind. He explained how Gurbaani says Waheguru resides WITHIN ALL and that Waheguru FORGIVES and CLEANS the sins or filth of a sinner.

He went on to explain how at the end of Ardaas we all say together, ‘naanak naam chardee kalaa, tere bhaane sarbat da bhalaa’. Yes, we say, ‘SARBAT DA BHALAA’. We ask for the good of ‘ALL’. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee did NOT say, "I ask for the good of all EXCEPT for AURANGZEB who cowardly murdered my two young sons." No. When we do Ardaas we do not say, "Sarbat Da Bhalaa, but NOT that person who swore at me last week… I don’t want his bhalaa (good)."

A beautiful analogy was given to illustrate that there is good within all. We say Waheguru is within all, but from personal experience seeing Waheguru is difficult at times. The example given by Giani jee was:

A lady works hard to earn a living. On the side, she saves a little bit of money at a time, so that they she can save up to buy a GOLD BRACLET. Eventually, the lady saves enough money to go the jeweller’s shop and buys a gold bracelet. She gives the bracelet to her child. The child one day is walking with the bracelet and accidentally DROPS the bracelet in the GUTTER. The gutter is DIRTY. God knows what is in the gutter – urine, dirt, people’s spit, and the smell.

Would we expect the child to leave the bracelet in the gutter and walk on home? NO. Why not? Because he knows how HARD his mother has WORKED to earn the money, which she used to buy the bracelet. Therefore, he stretches out his arm and PICKS UP the dirty bracelet. He goes to WASH the bracelet with WATER and SOAP, and then puts it back on his hand.

Vaheguru has made ALL of us. Vaheguru sees us all in an EQUAL light, because the Lord has created us and the Lord knows how beautiful we are within DESPITE how much FILTH and DIRT we throw on ourselves.

Guru Nanak Sahib jee did not only REVEAL Gurbaani, but he also LIVED Gurbaani. Guru Nanak Sahib jee stretched his arm out to help people. Guru Nanak Sahib jee stretched his arm out to help people out of the gutter of Kaljug. Guru Nanak Sahib jee stretched his arm out of people to give them the CHANCE to realise that they can clean themselves and realise that under this dirt and filth lies a beautiful TREASURE.

Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out to BHUMEEAA CHOR, a bandit and thief, and helped him to become a SANT, saintly person. Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out to KAUDA RAAKASH, a cannibal who ate men, and inspired him to remember Waheguru and live a TRUTHFUL LIFE. Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out to SAJJAN THAG, a deceitful murderer who would rob people of their money, and made him REALISE the consequences of his actions and CHANGE his life.

Giani Jee explained to the Sangat that Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out. He saw Waheguru within all, because he shared the Light of God, he knew that Waheguru had created EVERYONE. It is the PERVERSION of the MIND and one's ACTIONS that are EVIL, not the person. Just as the child stretched out his arm to get out the gold bangle from the dirty gutter because he knew his mother had worked hard to buy it, similarly the Gurmukh recognises the divinity WITHIN ALL the creation, despite the dirt and filth which one may throw over themselves. Waheguru...

(...to be continued)

Dhan Baba Ajeet Singh Jee

Sunday 11th February marks the birth day of our Beloved Brother, Sahibzaada Baba Ajeet Singh jee. Saaria Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee Hove. May Guru Sahib do kirpaa on us that we are blessed with the Gursikhi Jeevan, Sikhi Sidq and pyaar for Guru jee which all of the Four Sahibzaaday displayed in their lives.

ਮੁਖ ਸਚੇ ਸਚੁ ਦਾੜੀਆ ਸਚੁ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
mukh sachay sach daaRee-aa sach bolehi sach kamaahi.
True are the faces and true are the beards, of those who speak the Truth and live the Truth.

ਸਚਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਾਂਹਿ ਸਮਾਂਹਿ ॥
sachaa shabad man vasi-aa satgur maa^Nhi samaa^Nhi.
The True Word of the Shabad abides in their minds; they are absorbed in the True Guru.

ਸਚੀ ਰਾਸੀ ਸਚੁ ਧਨੁ ਉਤਮ ਪਦਵੀ ਪਾਂਹਿ ॥
sachee raasee sach Dhan utam padvee paa^Nhi
True is their capital, and true is their wealth; they are blessed with the ultimate status.

ਸਚੁ ਸੁਣਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਲੈਨਿ ਸਚੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
sach suNehi sach man lain sachee kaar kamaahi.
They hear the Truth, they believe in the Truth; they act and work in the Truth.

Read Full Shabad here

Video on Sikh Identity

I came across this short video put together by sevadars of www.SikhSoul.com from Birmingham. The acting is great and the message is relevant to current times.



Video: Sikh Identity
"People who come from India, come to UK with the intentions to make themselves better as an individual. But instead get involved with the wrong crowd and get easily influnced."

Train Journey

Last Tuesday was a long day! I came back from university on the train. I was feeling slightly sleepy so I decided to nod off for a while. I felt the train stop and looked outside the window. Little did I realise that it was the stop I was meant to get off at! I quickly got up and went to the door. The train was still standing but the doors had locked. I kept pressing the “Open” button on the door but it wouldn’t open! I thought I could press the emergency open door button or speak to the driver to let me out, but I was unsure if you could be cautioned with a criminal charge for unnecessary use of the emergency button! Waheguru.

I had to go back to my seat. Sitting back down a thought came to my mind. At a recent Gurdwara Sahib talk I remember hearing the Gurbaani lines:

ਜੋ ਜਾਗੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਸੂਤੇ ਗਏ ਮੁਹਾਇ ॥
jo jaagay say ubray sootay ga-ay muhaa-ay.

Those who remain awake and aware are saved, while those who sleep are plundered.

(Ang 34)

I had merely missed my stop to go home because I was asleep. However, in life how many of us are asleep and miss the golden opportunity to realise the Truth of the Guru’s Word (Gurbaani) and Jap Naam.

ਜੋ ਜਾਗੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਸੂਤੇ ਗਏ ਮੁਹਾਇ ॥
jo jaagay say ubray sootay ga-ay muhaa-ay.

Those who remain awake and aware are saved, while those who sleep are plundered.

ਸਚਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਿਓ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਗਇਆ ਵਿਹਾਇ ॥
sachaa sabad na pachhaani-o supnaa ga-i-aa vihaa-ay.

They do not recognize the True Word of the Shabad, and like a dream, their lives fade away.

ਸੁੰਞੇ ਘਰ ਕਾ ਪਾਹੁਣਾ ਜਿਉ ਆਇਆ ਤਿਉ ਜਾਇ ॥
sunjay ghar kaa paahunaa ji-o aa-i-aa ti-o jaa-ay.
Like guests in a deserted house, they leave just exactly as they have come.

ਮਨਮੁਖ ਜਨਮੁ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਗਇਆ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹੁ ਦੇਸੀ ਜਾਇ ॥੩॥
manmukh janam birthaa ga-i-aa ki-aa muhu daysee jaa-ay. ||3||

The life of the self-willed manmukh passes uselessly. What face will he show when he passes beyond? ||3||

(Ang 34)

May Guru Sahib do Kirpaa that we all remain awake and realise the true reality and with his Kirpaa we Jap Naam and live in accordance to His Will. Waheguru. Reflecting on the thought that we have been dogs, cats, rats, cows, pigs, donkeys, ants and plants in countless lives before, it puts things into perspective on how blessed we are by Waheguru. We are very fortunate that we are have been born into Sikh families or have been graced with a connection to Guru Nanak's House. The Perfect Satguru has given us Naam, Amrit, Gurbaani and Rehat to give us a happy, complete and fulfilling life where we can build a relationship with Waheguru and invoke His Love. Waheguru Kirpaa Karan.

I had to get off at the next station and then walk to the opposite platform to go back in the other direction. I had to wait there for about 20 minutes or so for the train. In total I had wasted 1 hour by missing my stop.

When the train arrived, I got on and tried to look for a seat. It’s really mind boggling that when there are so many passengers trying to find a seat that there are some passengers who take up TWO SEATS! In India you find three or four people sitting on two seats, but here you find one person taking up two or three seats! They will be sitting on one seat and leave their bag, coat, newspaper or sandwich on the seat next to them. It’s slightly frustrating to see people do this when there are elderly people trying to look for places to sit. I usually end up having to request the passenger if they could let me sit down on the seat and could they remove their bag or jacket from the seat. Chalo, Rab Raakha.

This time I made sure I didn't go to sleep! I didn’t want to miss the stop AGAIN! When I got off at the trainstation and went to get my bike to cycle home. Knowing my luck the bike chain had come off and had got jammed. Waheguru, Waheguru! So I ended up spending a good 15 minutes trying to get my bike chain back on (hoping not to get my white Kurta dirty with black oil marks). With Waheguru’s Kirpaa I got the bike chain back on. I cycled a short while and then realised that this time the chain had come off on the end of the chain (where the gear clogs are). So I had to get off and spend 5 or 10 minutes trying to get it out where it had jammed and put it back on.

I eventually got home and was glad to get home and relax!