The Cracked Pot...

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 ॥
pehire 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)

Photos from Simrit Kaur's Keertan Programme

Here's some photos from Saturday's Keertan programme (courteousy of Rsingh) held at Bhenji Simrit Kaur's house. She invited her friends from university and we had a nice get together in the presence of Guru jee. For more photos please check out Rsingh's blog. He should be uploading the audios soon as well.




Satguru, Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee stting on their throne.



Divmeet Kaur bhenji & Simrit Kaur bhenji. (Haven't seen Divmeet Kaur bhenji for a LONG time. She graduated as a Physio from King's College last year. Bhenji does really nice Kirtan!)



Bhenji Seleena Kaur (King's College) and Bhenji Dilpreet Kaur (UCL) listening to Keertan.



Bhaji Abinash Singh doing Keertan. Bhai Sahib's voice is beautiful :) The Tabla Master is Harkiret Singh (from King's). Veerji teaches how to play Tabla every Thursday at King's College at the Sikh Music classes. He's very talented and travels up and down the country to take part in various shows and contests.



Bhaji Maninder Singh (aka Minna). Very nice Keertan. His grandfather is the late Giani Amolakh Singh jee (a great Gursikh).



Daas doing Keertan



Bhaji Hardeep Singh (from King's) doing Keertan on Sarangi. Bhaji's been learning the Sarangi at the King's College Sikh Music classes for just under a year. Nice to see the young generation keeping traditional Sikh Music heritage alive :)


Sangat listening to Keertan.


Pardhaan Sahib, Bhaji Harjeet Singh, President of King's College Sikh Soc.



Daas reading Hukamnama (the Edict) from Guru Sahib.

The Hukamnama was on Ang (respectful word for 'page') 531-532:

ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
deganDhaaree mehlaa 5.
Dev-Gandhaaree (this raag has a common theme of self-realisation & merging with the Spouse, the raag's mood is soft & tranquil), in the voice of the Fifth Guru:

ਮਾਈ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇ ਚਰਨ ਨਿਹਾਰਉ ॥
maa-ee, prabh ke charan nihaarau.
O (my) mother! I (continually) long to see the Feet of Waheguru.

ਕਰਹੁ ਅਨੁਗ੍ਰਹੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਕਬਹੁ ਨ ਡਾਰਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
karhu angrehu su-aamee, mere man te kabahu na daarau. 1 rahaa-o.
(and always do Ardaas that O Waheguru!) Be Merciful to me, O my Lord and Master, that I might never forsake them from my mind. 1.Pause.

ਸਾਧੂ ਧੂਰਿ ਲਾਈ ਮੁਖਿ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਬਿਖੁ ਜਾਰਉ ॥
saaDhoo Dhoor laa-ee mukh mastak, kaam kroDh bikh jaarau.
(O mother! I continually do Ardaas before Waheguru that) may I apply the dust of the feet of the Guru to my face and forehead, (and) burn away the poison of sexual desire and anger.

ਸਭ ਤੇ ਨੀਚੁ ਆਤਮ ਕਰਿ ਮਾਨਉ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਇਹੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਧਾਰਉ ॥੧॥
sabh te neech aatam kar maan-o, man meh eihu sukh Dhaarau. 1.
May I always judge myself to be the lowest of all; and within my mind (forever) instill the peace (of humility). 1.

ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵਹ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਕਲਮਲ ਸਗਲੇ ਝਾਰਉ ॥
gun gaaveh thaakur abinaasee, kal-mal sagle jhaarau.
Come together and sing the Glorious Praises of the Imperishable Lord and Master Waheguru; (through the blessings of singing Waheguru's Praises) all my (past) sins have been shaken off (my mind).

ਨਾਮ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਨੁ ਪਾਵਉ ਕੰਠਿ ਲਾਇ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਉ ॥੨॥੧੯॥
naam niDhaan naanak daan paavau, kanth laa-e ur Dhaarau. 219.
O Nanak! (Say, O Waheguru! from You I ask that) may I obtain the gift of the treasure of the Naam, and hug it close to me and enshrine it in my heart. 219.

You can see more photos on Bhenji Simrit Kaur's blog

Weekend Travels (Part 3)

Chalo, we arrive at radio. Seleena Kaur Bhenji was the guest for this week's show. She had some really nice questions on the English translation of Ardaas, which she had asked me previously and kindly shared on air on Sunday's show.


Below are Bhenji Seleena Kaur's questions (which I am grateful she asked), with my answers below:

I was just re-checking the simran booklet we've made [for Sikh Society] and there is a bit of the translation that I would like to double check with you...I have my thoughts in the text as capitals...

from the ardaas:

sree Bhagautee jee sahaaé
May the respected sword (God in the form of the Destroyer of evil doers) help us!

vaar sree Bhagautee jee kee paatshaahee dasvee
Ode of the respected sword recited by the Tenth Guru.

WHAT DOESTHIS MEAN...HOW CAN U RECITE A SWORD?

The Divine Creative Being has been attributed with countless Names, for example, ‘Allah’, ‘Raam’, ‘Kudaah’, ‘Guru’, ‘Satguru’, ‘Gobind’, ‘Raam,’ ‘Nirunkaar’, ‘Gopal’etc and so on. However Gurbaani clearly states that the Creator Being has no name and is beyond our description.

ਨਵਤਨ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੈ ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤੀ ਇਕੁ ਗੁਣੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਹਿ ਸੰਗਾ ॥੧੬॥
navtan naam japai din raatee, ik gun naahee prabh kahi sangaa. ||16||
One may chant new names for You day and night, but even so, O God, no one can describe even one of Your Glorious Virtues. ||16|| (Ang 1083)

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Nanak, says in Jaap Sahib:
ਤਵ ਸਰਬ ਨਾਮ ਕਥੈ ਕਵਨ ਕਰਮ ਨਾਮ ਬਰਨਤ ਸੁਮਤਿ ॥1॥
tav sarab naam kathe kavan, karam naam barnat sumat.1.
“No one can tell all the Names of the Lord, who is called by special Name by the wise, according to His excellences and doings. ||1||”” (P. 2, Dasam Granth)

Therefore, there is no name for Vaheguru, but instead we use Vaheguru’s actions and virtues to address him and praise Him. In the case of Bhagauti, which literally means sword, it is as an adverb (describing doing word) to explain God's attributes. For example, both Vaheguru and the Kirpan share the qualities of being powerful, destroying of tyrants and negativity, delivering justice and protecting the saints and the weak. Therefore the Sword (Bhagauti) is used as an expression of addressing God.

teg bahaadar simreeai, kar nau niDh aavai Dhaa
Remember and meditate upon Guru Tegh Bahadar; and the nine sources of wealth will come hastening to your home.

WHAT ARE THE NINE SOURCES OF WEALTH?...

You can read the reply to this question in an article on Panthic Weekly here.

sikhaa(n) noo sikhee daan, kes daan, rehat daan, bibek daan, bharosa daan, naam daan, sree amritsar jee dé ishnaan, chaunkeeaa(n), jhanddé, bungé, jugo jug attal, dharam kaa jaikaar, bolo jee waaheguroo!
Kindly confer upon the Sikhs the gift of Sikhi (Sikhism), the gift of unshorn hair, the gift of observing Sikh discipline, the gift of wisdom, the gift of firm faith, the gift of belief and the biggest of Naam and of bathing in the respected Tank (sarowar) of Amritsar. O Lord! May the choirs, the mansions and the banners exist forever; may the truth every triumpth; utter Waaheguroo (Wonderous Lord)!

WHAT "MANSIONS, GURDWARAS, AND BANNERS" IS IT TALKING ABOUT?

"Chaunkeeaa(n)" means posts. Large historical Gurdwaras would have these watch posts around the Gurdwara to protect the Gurdwara Sahib from attacks.

"Bungé" means house or settlement. Again, many large historical Gurdwara, especially the the Panj Takhat have houses or settlements were certain regiments or jathas would camp out.

Hé Akaal Purakh, Apné Panth Dé Sadaa Sahaaee Daataar Jeeo, Sree Nankaanaa Saahib té Hor Gurduaariaa, Jinaa To Panth Nu Vichoriaa Ge-aa Hai, Khulé Darshan Didaar Té Sevaa Sambaal Daa Daan Khaalsa Ji Noo Baksho.
O Immortal Lord! The constant Helper of His Sikhs, kindly confer the gift of visiting, maintaining, controlling and worshipping,without any restrictions, the Gurdwara of Nanakana Sahib Ji, other Gurdwaras, and Gurus Mansions of which the Khalsa has been deprived.

WHAT DEPRIVATION IS THIS REFERRING TO? GURDWARAS THAT SIKHS DO NOT CONTROL? WHICH ONES?

After 1947 India was partitioned into Pakistan. During this partition, Sikhs were separated from many of Sikh shrines and historical Gurdwaras in Pakistan. In particular Sri Nankana Sahib. So we do Ardaas that may we be continously be able to visit these Gurdwaras freely, without restriction and that we may be able manage them and maintain Gurmat Rehat in these Gurdwaras.

The ardaas is not just for those Gurdwaras in Pakistan, however it's an ardaas (prayer) that may all Gurdwaras worldwide be managed and controlled by the KHALSA. Is this already the case? Unfortuntaly no! Many Gurdwaras are being run by people who are not Amritdhari and nor do they aim to take Amrit and commit themselves to the Guru. They commit the four taboos (which includes cutting the hair, taking intoxicants like alcohol etc...) and yet manage the House of Guru Nanak. You can read more about this issue on an article published by Bhai Gurmukh Singh on Panthic Weekly

Raaj Karegaa Khaalsa, Aakee R'he Naa Koé.
K'vaar Hoé Sabh Milengé, Baché Sharan Jo Hoé.
The Sikh people shall remain free and sovereign, always, non-challenging this position. For, all shall realise, after bitter frustration, that there is no liberation except in the way of the life that the Khalsa upholds!

HOW CAN SIKHS SIMULTAENOUSLY BELIEVE IN RESPECT FOR ALL FAITHS AND THAT ONLY SIKHS ARE LIBERATED?... DOESN'T THIS INDIRECTLY IMPLY THAT SIKHS BELIEVE THAT THE SIKH WAY IS THE ONLY WAY?... THAT SUGGESTS THAT SIKHI IS SUPERIOR TO OTHER FAITHS AND IS ANOTHER FORM OF CASTE SYSTEM AND DIVISION.

Note: The first part of Dohiraa (the couplet sang at the end of Ardaas) is a Rehatnaama of Bhai Prahlaad Singh jee, who records the spoken order of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Second part of the Dohira (as shown above) is Guru Gobind Singh jee's spoken words recorded in Bhai Nand Lal Singh jee's Tankhahnaama.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee talks about the Khalsa as:

ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਜਨ ਭਏ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਜਿਹ ਜਾਨੀ ॥੪॥੩॥
kaho kabeer jan bhe-e khaalse, prem bhagat jeh jaanee. ||4||3||
Says Kabeer, those humble people become pure - they become Khalsa - who know the Lord's loving devotional worship. ||4||3||
(Ang 655)

What does the Khalsa stand for and represent? The answer is: Truth; Justice; Courage; Sewa (selfless service); Saint-Warrior; Respect; Honour; Living in Grace & Glory of God; Seeing God in all; Respecting all people and creation; Defending the Weak; Living Dharam; Not polluting the body and causing unnecessary harm to others etc.

It is ONLY through the LIFESTYLE OF THE KHALSA that the world can be liberated. NO ONE can find liberation through ANY OTHER WAY!

The Khalsa projects these values, these principles and these virtues in a PHYSICAL FORM through their Rehat (disciplined way of life) and 5Ks. For example the Kirpaan (sword) is a physical projection of Truth & Justice, the Kesh (unshorn hair) covered with a Dastaar (turban) is a physical projection of the belief of living in the Grace & Glory of God, and the Kachhera (Sikh undergarment0 is an outer projection of the value of living a high moral character etc. So it is ONLY through the KHALSA'S WAY OF LIFE and PRINCIPLES that a person can be liberated.

Look at the Human Rights declaration, a work of the 20th century is something which Guru Tegh Bahadar (the Ninth Nanak) practiced in reality by giving his head for the freedom of human rights and freedom of religious expression. (Amnesty International recognise Guru Tegh Bahadar as the first Human Rights Activist who sacrificed his life for the freedom of others). Now the world is waking up to the principles and message of Guru Nanak Ji (whether they realise it or not). TRUTH IS UNIVERSAL. Sikhs do not have a monopoloy on Truth. Our Guru's simply showed us a simple way of living and a SHORT CUT to EXPERIENCING GOD and EXPERIENCING a LIFE OF BLISS (happiness).

Rab Bhalla Kare! One day there will a smoking ban in Western countries for sure and eventually the world. The same goes for alcohol and intoxicants though it may take a few more centuries.

Weekend Travels (Part 2)

Yesterday I went to Southall (again!). I had been invited to attend the Dastaar (turban) tying class, which takes place in the car park hall at Park Avenue Gurdwara every Sunday 3.30-4.30pm. It was great to see so many children. Most of them had brought Paghs (turbans) from home. They had all picked Pagh-styles, which they wanted. It was really funny. Someone wanted an AFRICAN pagh, another person wanted a DESI pagh, and another person wanted a "TOPI" (as in "HAT") style pagh. It was great fun and the children enjoyed it.

One kid tied a Desi pagh. Firstly, his face was weighed down by the pagh. Secondly, you couldn't see the poor kid's eyes! They were covered up! Thirdly, the pagh was bigger than the poor soul's face. Waheguru! (If you are interested in learning to tie a Dastaar there are some great videos on SikhNet.com)


Below are few examples of the many different pagh styles:

This is what I call "Jalandar" pagh, also known as "Nok" pagh. Very hardcore Desi style! I think its called Jalandhar pagh because it is huge and looks like he could have all of Jalandhar on his head. It reminds me of one the boys in the class yesterday, which I was referring to, who's dastaar was bigger than his head. Sat Naam!



A neat and tidy Dummalla Pagh. Nihang Singhs mainly wear this sytle of Dastaar. Its designed so that one keep ones in the tucked in the Dastaar.

Here's another Dumalla photo. This is Nihang Major Singh from Amritsar. Why on earth would someone want to tie such a huge pagh! 1) Neck pain, 2) How do you turn your head around, and 3) Bending down might be a problem (especially doing Matha Tekh!). Suppose whatever takes your fancy. Apnaa Aapnaa Sir Hai:




Ermm... Perhaps this can be identified as a "TOPI" (hat) pagh. (Doesn't tickle my fancy! I'll stick to my pagh sytle! waheguru.) By the way this is Achanak. Don't know if anyone remembers him?


More of Desi "College-Style" pagh. College Style because a lot of Panjabi boys in colleges and university in Panjabi tie a pagh like that. The bloke in the photo looks bit scary in the purple! Waheguru!


This is the "African" Pagh. Most Sikhs from Africa (who migrated there from Panjab) wear this style Pagh. Its get a sharp point at the end. A lot of people starch their pagh and so it ends up looking like "Blue Peter Pagh," i.e. here's one I made earlier.

Here's some photos of Sikh ladies' turbans (which slightly differs in style to males):

(Hope no one is offended on my commentaries on the few examples of different styles of pagh). The turban is our Guru's gift to us. It is how we crown ourselves as the Singhs and Kaurs who sit on the throne of commitment to our own higher consciousness. For men and women alike, this projective identity conveys royalty, grace, and uniqueness. It is a signal to others that we live in the image of Akal Purakh and are dedicated to serving all. The turban doesn't represent anything except complete commitment. When you choose to stand out by tying your turban, you stand fearlessly as one single person standing out from six billion people. It is a most outstanding act. The turban on a physical level protects our Kesh, covers our head (and dasam duaar, spiritual gate on top of head) and creates a physical reminder to oneself and the world of who's son and daughter you are and how you live an admirable and chardikala way of life.


It was good to see uncle jee's, aunty jee's and children all in a learning environment and having fun. Most children learnt the technique of tying a pagh. They were given a pagh to take home. Till next week they have time to mess around and play about with the Pagh and try to learn how to tie it. Coming back next week they get help and tips etc. Eventually there will be Dastaar (turban) tying contest on Vaisakhi with prizes. So the children are excited in tying a good looking pagh. The age of children was from 11 to 16. So basically secondary school age. The aunty jee's and uncle jee's invited for next week as well and also given me 10 minutes to give a talk about why we tie a Dastaar.


Afterwards I listened to Keertan and then met up with Bhenji Seleena Kaur. We were going to the radio and walking down the broadway and we came across a Gujrati Hindi-speaking elderly gentleman. In Hindi he called us over and asked for help. He looked a bit shaken up. He said that his wife has gone shopping to buy something (in particular). She was meant to buy it and come back, but she hasn't. He said its been half an hour and she hasn't arrived. I said that ladies do take time when browsing shops, and that he shouldn't worried. Sat Naam! Poor guy had tears in eyes and said, "my wife recently had a hear by-pass. We usually never leave each other and go to shops together. She doesn't have her mobile. I am worried for her health." Poor bloke was distraught but I didn't know what I could do other than do an Ardaas! So I told the man (in Hindi, well it was Panjabi with one or two Hindi words!) "Bhai Sahib have faith in Rab (God). God Willing, she is fine and just gone to browse other shops. 30 minutes is long. Please stand near the car so that if she comes back you don't miss her." He sounded relieved to talk to us and then we left him. We didn't help him really, but the man seemed a lot more calmer and relieved sharing his worry.


To be continued...

Weekend Travels (Part 1)

Guru Piyaari'o, this weekend has been busy. On Saturday morning it was Bhenji Simrit Kaur's Keertan programme at her house. It was great programme. Her family did Sukhmani Sahib paath first. Then her friends from university did Keertan. Bhaji Abinash Singh, Bhaji Maninder Singh (aka Minna), Daas, Bhaji Hardeep Singh, Bhenji Divmeet Kaur and Bhenji Dilpreet Kaur did Keertan. I will post the Keertan audios and photos up soon. So watch this space as they say in films.


Afterwards I went to Southall. I think Southall has become a spiritual home for me. I love listening to Keertan and Katha (discourse on Gurbani). It was Bhai Veer Singh Jee Delhi Wale's last evening of Katha at Park Avenue Gurdwara. I mentioned his Katha in a previous post. Bhai Sahib's Katha on Saturday was on the topic of "Nindiyaa" (slander). Bhai Sahib gave a beautiful description of what Nindiyaa is and how it doesn't have a negative effect on the devotees of Waheguru.

A rose plant also grows thorns. What is "Nindiyaa" (slander). Nindiyaa is not recognising the roses on the plant and instead saying it is plant of thorns. We all have "avguns" (negative points) have saying something about someone becomes slander when we make someone out to be fully bad, and see no good in the person whatsoever, i.e. bad through in through. However, no-one is perfect, only the Guru and Waheguru are Perfect. Hence doing Nindiyaa of anyone is bad, defining someone is through and through bad and not recognising the even smallest amount of good quality or virtue in a person is considered Nindiyaa.

Gurbani says:
ਨਿੰਦਾ ਭਲੀ ਕਿਸੈ ਕੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੁਗਧ ਕਰੰਨਿ ॥
nindaa bhalee kisai kee naahee, manmukh mugaDh karann.
It is not good to slander anyone, but the foolish, self-willed manmukhs still do it.

ਮੁਹ ਕਾਲੇ ਤਿਨ ਨਿੰਦਕਾ ਨਰਕੇ ਘੋਰਿ ਪਵੰਨਿ ॥੬॥
muh kaale tin nindkaa, narke Ghor pavann. ||6||
The faces of the slanderers turn black (in this life & the next), and they fall into the most horrible hell. ||6||
(ang 755, SGGS)


The saintly people appreciate Nindiyaa. They don't lose anything through people slandering them. This is because the wise person uses people's slander to self-analyse himself or herself and correct his or her "avgun" (negative points) and convert them to "guns" (virtues). However, the Nindak (slanderer) is stuck in slandering and forgets self-correct and improve his own jeevan (life). Hence, the wise saintly people win against the Nindaks.

ਹਰਿ ਜਨੁ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ ॥
har jan raam naam gun gaavai.
Waheguru's humble servant sings the Glorious Praises of the Waheguru's Name.

ਜੇ ਕੋਈ ਨਿੰਦ ਕਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਅਪੁਨਾ ਗੁਨੁ ਨ ਗਵਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
je ko-ee nind kare har jan kee, apunaa gun na gavaavai. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
Even if someone slanders the Lord Waheguru's humble servant, he does not give up his own goodness. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 719, SGGS)

Giani Bhai Veer Singh Jee then continued his Katha and shared a story from the Ninth Nanak, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar jee's lifetime about the question of experiencing God:

Once a Sikh came to Guru Sahib and said "O Guru jee, you say God is in us and everywhere and in everything. However, Guru Sahib I cannot see Him. Where is He? You say He is everywhere but I cannot see Him. Show him to me Guru Sahib!"

Guru Sahib smiled to the Sikh. "O Sikh, it is true that Waheguru is within us all, in everyone and everything, in the land, in the sea and skies. Tell me O Sikh, show me the fragrance of a rose flower!" "But Guru Sahib you can only smell them, you cannot see it," replied the Sikh. "You cannot say the fragrance of a flower does not exist. We cannot see the fragrance of the flower, we can only experience it through smelling it. Tell me O Sikh show me hunger!" The Sikh replied, "Dear Guru, you cannot show hunger!" Guru jee said, "What don't people get hungry? You cannot see hunger, does not mean hunger does not exist. Hunger is FELT by all and EXPERIENCED by all, however it cannot be seen. Now dear Sikh show me AIR... "

The Sikh realised that Waheguru cannot be seen with our worldly eyes. We fail to realise and see the Waheguru pervading in the flower, water, tree, everyone around us, and within ourself. We cannot see God but EXPERIENCE GOD. A fish does cannot see water, because it is in water. However, fish knows that without water it will die!

Gurbani says:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik-oNkaar satgur prasaad.||
One Universal Creator Being. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੯ ॥
Dhanaasree mehlaa 9.||
Dhanaasaree, Ninth Mehl:

ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਬਨ ਖੋਜਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
kaahe re ban khojan jaa-ee.
Why do you go looking (for Waheguru) in the forest?

ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਅਲੇਪਾ ਤੋਹੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
sarab nivaasee sadaa alepaa, tohee sang samaa-ee. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
Although he is unattached (from Maya - the illusionary world), he dwells everywhere. He is always with you as your companion. ||1||Pause||

ਪੁਹਪ ਮਧਿ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਸੁ ਬਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਮੁਕਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਜੈਸੇ ਛਾਈ ॥
puhap maDh ji-o baas basat hai, mukar maahi jaise chhaa-ee.
Like the fragrance which remains in the flower, and like the reflection (of a person looking) in the mirror,

ਤੈਸੇ ਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਘਟ ਹੀ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥੧॥
taise hee har base nirantar, ghat hee khojahu bhaa-ee. ||1||
the Lord dwells deep within; search for Him within your own heart, O Siblings of Destiny. ||1||

ਬਾਹਰਿ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਨਹੁ ਇਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਬਤਾਈ ॥
baahar bheetar eiko jaanhu, eihu gur gi-aan bataa-ee.
Outside (in every place) and inside (the body and outside the body), know that there is only the One Lord (prevading everywehre); the Guru has imparted this (spiritual life giving) wisdom to me.

ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਆਪਾ ਚੀਨੈ ਮਿਟੈ ਨ ਭ੍ਰਮ ਕੀ ਕਾਈ ॥੨॥੧॥
jan naanak bin aapaa cheenai, mittai na bharam kee kaa-ee. ||2||1||
O servant Nanak! Without knowing one's own (spiritual) self, the moss of doubt is not removed (from the mind). ||2||1||

Then afterwards listening to Bhai Jatinderpal Singh Noor-Puri's Dhadi Jatha. Beautifully sung Dhadi Vaaraa(n). The prasann (topic) was Baba Banda Singh jee's Shaheedi (martyrdom). The Dhadi's sang about how Baba Banda Singh jee Bahadar's four year old son's heart was ripped out alive and Baba jee was forced to eat it. Yet he continued saying "Waahe-Guroo, Waahe-Guroo..." Then he skinned was pierced and his eyes were poked out with hot iron rods. Sat Naam, Waheguru! The hairs on my arms and my head stood up and tingled with Bir Ras (energy). It made me feel how lucky we are to be Sikh, yet we so easily forget how the value of being a Sikh is beyond count. I will post a separate post on this story and the stories of other Sikhs who were martyred alongside Baba Banda Singh jee Bahadar.



To be continued...

... Meeting the Atheist (Final Part)

Continued...

So the atheist pulls out both of his arms and puts them up, one on top of the other. He leaves a gap in between his hands (for example like holding an imaginary box from both sides). He said, "Look this is God. This is Enlightenment. I have given you Brahm-Gyan." I said, "Isn't Rab (God) everywhere? Not just in between both your hands." He was hell-bent on saying "God is empty space, God didn't create the world, and God has no power. He TRIED to justify his peculiar views with this line from Gurbani:

ਲੋਗਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਨ ਭੂਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥
logaa bharam na bhoolahu bhaa-ee.
O people, O Siblings of Destiny, do not wander deluded by doubt.

ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
khaalik khalak, khalak meh khaalik, poor rehi-o sarab thaa(n)-ee. 1 rahaa-o.
The Creation is in the Creator, and the Creator is in the Creation, totally pervading and permeating all places. 1Pause

He said that "Khaalik" means EMPTY VOID... so HIS translation of the shabad was "THE EMPTY SPACE IS THE CREATOR, AND THE CREATOR IS IN THE EMPTY SPACE" or something. Silly bloke! If only he read the full shabad, possibly the FIRST LINES of the shabad! Here's the shabad if you wish to read.

I said then "Who created everything, who creates, sustains, and destroys this creation?" He continuously replied, "KUDRAT." Kudrat has two meanings meaning "Coincidence" but it also means God in sense of "the Creator - Causes of Causes." I was thinking perhaps you need to hear your own voice saying "KUDRAT, KUDRAT, KUDRAT" and realise you are accepting and acknowledging God without knowing. Waheguru!


ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. My mum and I had enough! He was annoying, imposing his cyncial atheistic views on me and furthermore he was trying to make himself out to be some sort of new-age Guru who does seminars in villages in Panjab and converting people in the masses (he claims) to realise through Gurbani that there is no God and instead the whole world is about "me" (the opposite to what Gurbani says! Gurbani tells us to lose our ego and become one withe Infinite Lord). I told the bloke, "Excuse, I agree to disagree. I don't wish to discuss further." He would be quiet and then start again. Twice I ended up saying "I AGREE TO DISAGREE. THAT'S IT."

It comes time for me to do Rehraas Sahib da Paath (evening prayer). I get out my Gutka Sahib from my bag and start doing Paath quietly. SAT NAAM. The atheist just STARED at me while I was reading Rehraas. I could sense the negativity and he didn't want me to read paath. He then started to laugh. Freaky? Yes! The man was like an embodiment or physical representation of KALJUG (Era of Darkness/Falsehood).



(The story is soon to finish! hehehe). Okay, now we arrive in Turkmenistan and we have to change our flight to go to Amritsar. At the airport the ATHEIST FOLLOWS US TO WHERE WE SIT inside the airport. He starts saying to me "Why take Amrit? What's big deal with Water and Sugar mixed in? So how do people take Amrit?" He was on purpose mocking. I gave minimal response knowing that he wanted to play mind games, as he thought he could persuade me not to take Amrit.

AT LAST. My mum and I were excited, AT LAST WE CAN MOVE SEATS AND SIT SOMEWHERE ELSE in the aeroplane. On getting on the new flight we quickly sat away from the dodgey hard-core atheist Narakdhari, thinking we can get some peace and quiet and go to Amritsar without the hassle of the negativity of this bloke. So we sat down. WAHEGURU, WAHEGURU, WAHEGURU! The air-hostess does an announcement, "Ladies and gentleman please take the SAME SEATS as you were sitting in the flight before. Please don't change seats." I felt saying "KABHEE NEHEE!" (No way!!!!).

So we ended up sitting back in the same seats. My mum and I quickly planned that we were going to ignore the bloke and NOT MAKE A CONVERSATION and if he says something just reply with shaking head or MINIMAL RESPONSE. So thats what we did. I knew why. However, he was UNSUCCESSFUL in shaking my faith in the ALMIGHTY WAHEGURU.

I wondered to myself is Guru jee testing my faith? Well, DEFINITELY the bloke was challenging my belief in Waheguru, Guru Sahib, Gurbani and Amrit. If anything the experience made me even stronger. However, remembering the face of the atheist is not a pleasant thought. His eyes were DARK and looked PITCH BLACK (there was no light showing from his eyes) and he looked like he had no soul inside him. More of a dead man walking!

ਬੋਲਹਿ ਕੂਰੁ ਸਾਕਤ ਮੁਖੁ ਕਾਰਾ ॥੪॥
boleh koor, saakat mukh kaaraa. 4
The faithless cynic barks out his lies, and his face is blackened. ||4||
(Ang 239, SGGS)

Chalo may Waheguru bless us all with wisdom. End of day everything is in Hukam (Will) of Waheguru. May Waheguru bless us all with undetermined pyaar (love) and stern faith in Him :)

ਮਾਗਉ ਦਾਨੁ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਨਿਧਿ ਮੇਰਾ ਮੁਖੁ ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗਿ ਨ ਜੁਟਸੀ ਰੇ ॥
maa(n)gau daan kirpaal kirpaa niDh, meraa mukh saakat sang na juttsee re. ||
I beg this blessing of You, O Merciful Lord Waheguru, ocean of mercy - please, don't bring me face to face with the faithless cyincs.

ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਦਾਸ ਕੋ ਕਰੀਅਹੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਮੂੰਡੁ ਸਾਧ ਪਗਾ ਹੇਠਿ ਰੁਲਸੀ ਰੇ ॥੨॥੪॥੩੭॥
jan naanak daas daas ko karee-ahu, meraa moondd saaDh pagaa heth rulsee re. ||2437||
Make servant Nanak the slave of Your slave; let his head roll in the dust under the feet of the Holy. 2437
(Ang 535, SGGS)

...Meeting the Atheist (Part 2)

Continued...



So this bloke is an atheist Buddhist. He then starts saying to me "Why do you believe in God?" I said, "Because He created me, He created the Universe, and He has given me so much... How can I not believe in God?" He became fired up. At this point (believe me or not) it was as if I could see total pitch darkness in the man's eyes with fire burning in them. No joke!

Once, twice, three times, he continued to dissuade me that there is God. "Show me where is God?" "Show where my God is not?" I replied. (Sikhs don't believe in Satan as in the Christianity and Islam, however) the man was like Satan! He represented pure evil. You may think I am mad. But I cant explain the amount of negativity I felt. It was not only me, my mum felt this, and both of us shared our experience of this man who was hell-bent on dissuading me to worship and follow Waheguru.

ਨਿੰਦਕੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ਕਾਲੁ ਨੇਰੈ ਆਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਸਿਉ ਬਾਦੁ ਉਠਰੀਐ ॥

nindak prabhoo bhulaa-i-aa, kaal nerai aa-i-aa, har jan si-o baad uthree-ai.
The slanderer forgets Waheguru, death approaches him, and he starts to argue with the humble servant of the Lord Waheguru.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕਾ ਰਾਖਾ ਆਪਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਨਸ ਬਪੁਰੇ ਕਰੀਐ ॥੨॥੯॥੯੫॥

naanak kaa raakhaa aap prabh su-aamee, ki-aa maanas bapure karee-ai. 2995
Waheguru Himself, the Lord and Master, is Nanak's protector. What can any wretched person do to him? 2995
(Ang 823, SGGS)

Guess what? Then this atheist dodgey man had the cheek to use GURBANI to defend his atheistic cynical views! (I will go into this later on). He was pushing it. I remember telling people afterwards about this man and people said, "Why don't swear at him" "Why didn't you hit him" "Why didn't you threaten this man." However, at the time my mind was in battle with this man and to be honest afterwards I thought "I wish had I said this and that.. etc"

Mr. Ashoka or whatever his name was, began saying, "GURU NANAK WAS AN ATHEIST." Sat Naam, Waheguru. At this point, "O my Lord! I am sitting next to a loony or he's the Devil!" I said, "How was Guru Nanak Sahib an atheist? The whole Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is about how to meet Waheguru! Have you read or heard the Mool Mantar?"

Now this was getting disturbing. He started to say "Guru Nanak was an undercover atheist because he knew the world would not accept him if they knew he didn't believe in God. He was the incarnation of the Lord Buddha." O my God! What can I say to this Moorakh (foolish guy)?

ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਕੀਆ ਤਿਸੈ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ॥

jin jagat upaa-e har rang kee-aa, tisai vittahu kurbaan.
I am a sacrifice to that Lord who created the world, and who loves it.

ਆਪੁ ਛੋਡਹਿ ਤਾਂ ਸਹੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਚਾ ਏਹੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

aap chhoddeh taa(n) saho milai, sachaa eihu veechaar.
Give up your selfishness, and then you shall meet your Husband Lord Waheguru. Consider this Truth.

ਹਉਮੈ ਫਿਕਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਬੁਝਿ ਨ ਸਕਾ ਕਾਰ ॥

hau-mai fikaa bolnaa, bujh na sakaa kaar.
Speaking in shallow egotism, no one understands the Ways of Waheguru.
(Ang 1420, SGGS)

I said who created the world? Who created the land, water and sky? Who creates, sustains and destroys life and the creation? The atheist was like the Devil (Manmukh/Saakat) trying to convince me not to believe in Waheguru and not to take Amrit. He said the creation of the world was mere pot-luck with various collisions of different atoms or something and "Wallah the world is here."

I think he had some issues with Sikhs. He said that he had been a Sikh and gone to the Gurdwara. However, he said that people look down on others of lower-castes and this that the other. I think he was so anti-Sikh because of a bad personal experience or something, which made him become a Radha Soami, then a Nirankari and now a Buddhist (but his vichaar were typical of Nakli Nirankaris). Rab Bhalla Kare (God help him!).

He said, "God has no power, God is not strong and God is not the creator!" I suppose he thought he was the Creator! Well not quite. He said, "Allah means VOID. All empty space around us "RAB."" Okay we're getting somewhere. So he now believes in God, right? No! He said empty space is God - then he says "YOU WANT TO BECOME A BRAHM-GYAANI? HERE, I CAN GIVE YOU BRAHM GYAAN!" I was like "Err... this bloke who looks half-dead, bags under his eyes, evil look on his face, reminds of the devil, who is letting off negative vibes and is further more got a face like he has a hang over wants to give "BRAHM-GYAAN" (Wisdom of Enlightenment of God). O Deary me!"

To be continued...

Episode 1 India Travels: Meeting the Atheist (Part 1)

Passages from my diary of my trip to India in June 2003:



During my last year of A-Levels I had planned to go to India after my final exams and ask for the gift of Amrit from the Panj Piyaare. I had planned either to go to Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib or Sri Kesgharh Sahib, basically wherever Guru Sahib destined.

The Turkmenistan flight was booked for Thursday 26th June 2003 to leave from Birmingham to Amritsar. My mum and I were going. I was going for 2 months and my mum was going for four weeks.

The flight was an early morning flight. Once we had done all checking and handed in our luggage, we went towards the aeroplane. Getting on the aeroplane we found our seats and sat down. My mum had a window seat and I was sitting next to her. One seat towards the aisle was left empty. Eventually an Indian man came and sat there.

He looked a bit weird (don't want to sound nasty or anything). Its been a long time, however I think his name was Ashoka (don't know whether that was his surname or first-name). His eyes had a funny look (not funny "ha ha," but funny "Sat Naam, Waheguru"). His eyes just seemed black and drained. He had bags under his eyes as well.

Chalo (O well), despite looking slightly shifty, the bloke seemed friendly and started chatting. Most of the conversation was about him and how he had this business, then he bought an old people's home etc etc. Then he started talking about his son and how he is proud of his son. I remember him mentioning a Christian name like "Paul" or something. I was suprised to hear his kids have Christian names.

Eventually the aeroplane lifted off. The man continued to talk to me. He asked, "Is there any reason you are going to India?" "Yes, with Guru's Kirpa I am going to take Amrit in India." He then said, "Amrit? What is Amrit?" I was curious at either his ignorance of Khande-di-Pahul or that he was being clever. I explained the process of Amrit and how the Panj Piyaare prepare Amrit and give the gift to the candidates. I explained that it was pledging one's life to the Feet of the Guru and a declaring sole allegiance to the Guru Granth Sahib jee and Guru Khalsa Panth. He kept listening.

Out of curiosity I asked him, "What religion are?" Sat Naam. He started giving me a lecture about Radha Soami this, Radha Soami that. (Radha Soamis are a cult who have a self-proclaimed Satguru who uses and distorts Gurbani in preaching his own religion). I was like "Hey, I am not into this Radha Soami stuff." Then he started to talk about (Nakli) Nirankaris (another cult). I said, "What Narak-dharis"? (Nirankaris are referred by Sikhs as "Narak-dharis" (the dwellers of Hell) because in 1978 they insulted Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee by their Guru saying he is going to put his foot on top of Guru Granth Sahib jee and if any Sikh has the guts to stop him, then come and stop him. Futhermore he challenged Guru Gobind Singh jee and said, "If Guru Gobind Singh jee can make the Five Beloved Ones, I will make the "Sat Sitaare" (Seven Stars). Hearing this Sikhs led a peaceful protest, who were then gunned down by the Nirankari followers. No Nirankari was arrested for the murder of 13 Singhs). Then he stopped mentioning the word "Nirankari".

I was confused at what is this man's religion? Is he Radha Soami? Is he Nirankari? Is he half-half? Rab jaane. I asked again, "What is your religion?" He then said, "I am a Buddhist." I was taken aback because I haven't come across any Panjabi Buddhists, well especially people born in Panjab. I said do you believe in the Dalai Lama? He got angry and said, "NO! Those Buddhists who believe in a Supreme Power and Supreme Being (i.e. Waheguru) are not true Budhists. They are misguided people!" He told me the branch of Buddhism he belongs to (I forgot the name) and said that he was an atheist! I said "Waheguru" :)


To be continued...

What's Does The Anand Kaaraj Mean?

Last Saturday was Bhaji Satpal Singh & Bhenji Harmeet Kaur's wedding. Before the Anand Kaaraj, Bhai Davinder Singh Panesar (from Midlands) gave a short talk on the significance, meanning and value of the Anand Kaaraj and the Laavaa(n) da Paath (the four marriage vows). Pressed by time, Bhai Sahib summarised the Anand Kaaraj and the four Laavaa(n) in a nutshell, which was short and sweet.

Here's a summary of what Bhai Davinder Singh Panesar said:

Anand Kaaraj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, is about the INNER-JOURNEY of the self and soul, explaining the four stages of Spiritual Development of the individual beings, leading them to Divine Union with their True Self within. However, when translating the marriage vows into English, we translate it and interpret it on a worldly level to match our world-perspective. It's about the SOUL (Aatma) and WAHEGURU (Parmaatma). We are told that the teaching of Gurbani (the Sacred Scriptures) is the sacred basis upon which the sanctity of marriage is to be recognised by people. Thus, marriage in Sikhi is a sacramental knot under the roof of TRUE LOVE, tied in the presence of TRUTH and DIVINITY.

Blessings of Shabad Guru (Divine Infinite Wisdom enshrined in the Word) - that is the main focus of Sikh way of marriage. The Laavaa(n) consist of four verses, which makes up four rounds of the inner-journey and building a relationship with our soul to Waheguru. Getting married, both husband and wife embrace this journey. Husband and wife are "SANGAT," company, who walk together on the path to Waheguru and enjoy the bliss, peace and contentment that one gets from this path.

The First Laav (verse):

ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿਲੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਕਰਮ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har pehilaRee laav, parvirtee karam driR-aa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the first round of the marriage ceremony, Waheguru sets out His Instructions for performing the daily duties of married life.

In this first verse, the first vow, Guru Sahib gives us guidance of how we can EXPERIENCE the Divine, how we experience the Supreme Infinite Lord Waheguru. The next line shows us that we can have this EXPERIENCE through DHARAM.

ਬਾਣੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਵੇਦੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਹੁ ਪਾਪ ਤਜਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
baaNee brahmaa ved Dharam driRHu, paap tajaa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
Instead of the hymns of the Vedas to Brahma, embrace Dharam (the righteous way of life), and renounce sinful actions.

What is DHARAM? Is it religion? Not quite. DHARAM is a WAY OF LIFE. Just as water being wet is insperable, Dharam is that way of life, which becomes insperable and a part of person. Guru Sahib's not interested in us being a "SUNDAY SIKH," who comes to the Gurdwara on Sunday, does Matha Tekh and eat Langar, and that's his "religious Sikh thing" done for the week. DHARAM is a WAY OF LIFE. If you wish to EXPERIENCE the Divine, and experience SUKH (peace) then one has to live a certain way of life, which is living in the remebrance, meditation and grace of Waheguru.



FOUR TYPES OF SIKHS
There are four types of Sikhs. To illustrate this point, let's use the example of a fire.
1/ The first type of person knows through his or her FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE that by putting one's hand in the fire, it will burn. So they experience the heat of the fire and learnt that it would do them harm. This is like the first type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on EXPERIENCE of the Guru (Gurbani) and Simran.

2/ The second type of person knows that fire will burn their hand, because of another's experience. Therefore, person 2 BELIEVES in person 1, and on the basis of this BELIEF he or she keeps away from fire. This is like the second type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on BELIEF in what they have been told about Guru Sahib and Sikhi.

3/ The third type of person does knows fire is dangerous and not to touch it because person 2 told them that person 1 had experienced the fire. Therefore, person 3 has BLIND FAITH in person 2, and basis his BELIEF on someone else's belief. This is like the third type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on BLIND-FAITH and they plod along and follow Sikhi because so and so told so and so, and this got passed down.

4/ The fourth type of person does not go near fire, not knowing why and thinks its a tradition of the ancestors not to touch fire. Therefore, person 4 follows BLIND-RITUALISM. Not going near fire becomes a RITUAL with no meaning or understand. This is like the fourth type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on BLIND-RITUALISM and they do things, e.g. Matha Tekh, read Paath, or go the Gurdwara NOT KNOWING "WHY" and carry out these acts because their ancestors andprevious generations did this.

What type of Sikhs are we today? Sadly, most of us fall into Sikh no. 4. Hence, Gurbani shows us HOW TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE. We don't rely on experience of others, rather Gurbani shows us how we can experience Waheguru and Sukh also.

ਹਰਿ ਦੂਜੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har doojRee laav, satgur purakh milaa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the second round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord lead you to meet the True Guru, the Primal Being.

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਭੈ ਮਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
nirbhau bhai man ho-e, hau-mai mail gavaa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
With the Fear (awe) of Waheguru, the Fearless Lord Waheguru in the mind, the filth of egotism is eradicated.

In the Second Laav Guru Jee stressed that in forming any relationship you need the quality (ਗੁਣ) of living in fear of your Loved one. What does fear mean? It does not mean FEAR in the BIBLICAL sense, where God curses people and gets angry. No! Fear means that you love the beauty of flowers so much that you FEAR to harm them and you FEAR to damage them. Guru Jee tells us to build a relationship on Love through which fear takes birth, fear in the sense of awe, respect and being humble. Gurmat does not believe in LOVE born in FEAR (as propagated by certain other belief-systems). Through this our EGO will depart and we can live in harmony in our inner-house and outer-house. Washing away our EGO husband & wife can live in harmony and build a relationship with Waheguru.

ਹਰਿ ਤੀਜੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ਭਇਆ ਬੈਰਾਗੀਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har teejRee laav, man chaa-o bhe-i-aa bairaagee-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the third round of the marriage ceremony, the mind is filled with Divine Love.

ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਲੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਵਡਭਾਗੀਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
sant janaa har mel har paa-i-aa, vadbhaagee-aa bal raam jee-o.
Meeting with the humble Saints of the Lord, I have found the Lord Waheguru, by great good fortune.

The third Laav emphasises that through living DHARAM and washing away one's EGO, the mind is filled with Love. Love does not come with marriage, Love grows with marriage. Through the SANGAT, through the support of Godly people, we are able to sing, reflect and contemplate on Gurbani, the Divine Treasure of Peace. Guru Sahib doesn't want us to live like Hermits or still secluded from people. The Gurmukh is instructed to sit and join the company of the Saints and through this one obtains strength, support and inspiration.

ਹਰਿ ਚਉਥੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਮਨਿ ਸਹਜੁ ਭਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har chautaRee laav, man sehaj bhe-i-aa har paa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the fourth round of the marriage ceremony, my mind has become peaceful; I have found the Lord, Waheguru.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੁਭਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
gurmukh mili-aa subhaa-e, har man tan meethaa laa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
As Gurmukh, I have met Him, with intuitive ease; the Lord Waheguru seems so sweet to my mind and body.

The last and fourth laav talks about the last part of the inner journey, which both husband and wife commit to and travel together on. Through DHARAM, through washing away our EGO and living in LOVE & FEAR of our Waheguru, and through the SAADH SANGAT (company of the holy) one is filled with ecstasy and bliss. This is happiness! Through the Laavaa(n) Guru Sahib shows us the basic ingredients of a Blissful and Happy marriage between husband and wife, and between the couple and Waheguru.


Note: You can download an audio on the practical meaning of Anand Kaaraj, why should we get married and guidance for new couples from a lecture given by Prof. Darshan Singh, translated by Bhenji Navleen Kaur at the Guru Granth Sahib Academy, Toronto:
Prof Darshan Singh - Anand Kaaraj (Audio)

Photo Satpal Singh & Harmeet Kaur's Anand Kaaraj

ਮ: ੩ ॥
mehlaa 3.
Third Mehl:

ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
Dhan pir eihi na aakhee-an, behan ikathe ho-e.
They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together.

ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
eik jot du-e moortee, Dhan pir kahee-ai so-e. 3
They alone are called husband and wife, who have one light in two bodies. 3.
(Ang 788, SGGS)