Nagar Keertans - What's it all about?

Nagar Kirtans originate from ‘Parbhaat Pheris’ (Parbhaat literally means ‘early morning,’ and Pheri means ‘going around’). A modern day Parbhaat Pheri would consist of a Gursikh carrying a vaaja (harmonium) tied to themselves, Sangat carrying chhainey (bells), and one person carrying a dholki (drum).


Origin of Nagar Kirtans
One of the earliest Parbhaat Pheris is from Guru Hargobind jee's time when Guru Sahib was in the Gwalior Fort with the 52 imprisoned princes. Baba Buddha jee led a Parbhaat Pheri around the Gwalior Fort as a form of protest and raising the spirits of the Sikhs.


Sikh Tradition
Early in the morning the group of Gursikhs would walk around the village or city singing shabads and people would join them as they walked past their homes. Leading the jatha (group) would be a Gursikh holding a Nishaan Sahib and Gursikhs leading the Shabad recitation. The processions gave opportunity for people to enjoy the bliss of singing the Lord’s Praises, an opportunity to distribute relevant and useful Gurmat literature to the public and also share a positive image of the Guru's Khalsa. In recent history we have started doing processions which include Guru Maharaaj's Sawaari (without Prakaash) and also Panj Pyaare leading the procession.

ਆਵਹੁ ਸਿਖ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਪਿਆਰਿਹੋ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਸਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥
aavahu sikh satguroo ke piaarihu gaavhu sachee baaNee.
Come, O beloved Sikhs of the True Guru, and sing the True Word of His Baani.
(Ang 920, SGGS)

Benefit of Traditional Nagar Kirtan
The traditional Nagar Keertans or Parbhaat Pheris inspired people to sing Gurbani and gave them opportunity to distribute educational material in regards to Gurmat. Seeing Chardikala Gursikhs in public doing keertan provided the public and youngsters with positive role models and good impressions of what and who Sikhs are. The whole event would have a community spirit, gathering the community together and inspiring others to sing and understand Gurbaani.

ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੰਗੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਜੋ ਆਪਿ ਜਪੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
jan naanak DhooR mangai tis gursikh kee jo aap japai avrai naam japaavai.2.
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.
(Ang 306, SGGS)

Today’s Nagar Keertans

Sadly the Gurmat spirit of Nagar Keertans is being slowly lost, which makes question the benefit of holding such events. Some of the unfortunate traits creeping into modern Nagar Keertans:

* EAT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN squeeze into your stomach. It's let loose and gluttony time.

* Wearing as many BIG KHANDEY possible and WAVING A NISHAAN SAHIB like people wave a football team flag in a football game.


* PUSHING one another and SQUASHING OTHERS (young, old and children) attempting to do Matha Tekh. Get crushed and then get your legs bruised by an Aunty pushing her baby push-chair into your legs!


* If you are bored of the Kirtan, there's an OPTION OF DOING BHANGRA and jumping and down, with a few Jaikaaray being shouted out in between the dancing.


RAB BHALLA KARE (God help us)! Don't know what else to comment!


Some positive points:
* Some children sit on floats and sing Shabads

* You can see some parents with their children who have especially DRESSED UP IN BANA (traditional Sikh attire) and sing along with the Kirtan.


...However, these people are sadly a MINORITY!

How productive are today’s Nagar Kirtans in educating, promoting and highlighting Gurmat


Generally the whole atmosphere of Nagar Keertans nowadays is of a street carnival, with an unfortunate motto of "khaa-o pee-o aish karo" (ਖਾਓ ਪੀਓ ਐਸ਼ ਕਰੋ) being practiced. People are more interested in Bhangra than keertan - not much of a "Nagar KEERTAN." Read more about this on Panthic Weekly news article.


Thought to take away
We are celebrating the birth day of the Khalsa Panth. We should ask ourselves what do we learn from the Vaisakhi of 1699 and the establishment of the Khalsa Panth? How do we improve ourselves, and what steps do we take to change and adjust our lives to become closer to Guru jee and receiving the true 'kushee' (happiness) of Guru Gobind Singh jee.

Baba Jujhar Singh Ji's Birth Day - Our Great Brother!

Yesterday I went to Southall to a Kirtan programme. I was about to leave when my friend's mum pulled me over and said she would like me to meet someone. I looked around and it was boy who went to the summer youth camp who was in my group. The boy is about 8 or 10 years old.

Aunty Jee said, "Look closer Manvir Singh." SAT NAAM, WAHEGURU! I was shocked to realise that his HAIR WAS CUT. I knew before the camp he wanted to cut his Kesh because he lived in a pre-dominantly white area and his parents are not enthusiastic or practicing Sikhs. So he wanted to cut his Kesh. After the summer camp I thought his confidence would have improved. It was saddening to see, I was lost for words.

I put my hand over his hair and said, "Where are your Kesh?" He just smiled and didn't say anything. I said, "You've cut your Kesh? Waheguru, Waheguru. May Guru Sahib bless you with Gursikhi Jeevan." I said the same to his parents and said may Guru Sahib bless the child with Guru's Roop and Gursikhi Jeevan. I didn't know what else to say.

I felt so SAD and SHOCKED at seeing the child. Perhaps because I was his group leader in camp and spent a week with him. He is such a nice and cute child, that it made it even sadder to see him DISFIGURE his beautiful GOD-GIVEN body. The Kesh is our CONNECTION to the Guru - "GURU DI MOHR" (the seal of the Guru). It’s painful to see someone turn their back on the Guru. But to be fair its NOT the child's fault (especially a child so young). Children FALTER and SWAY. It is the DUTY and RESPONSBILITY of the PARENTS!

If a child says "I don't want to go to School! It’s boring and I don't like it" do their parents remove their child from school? If a child says "I don't want to wear clothes! I feel hot I want to walk around naked" do the parents allow the child to roam naked outside? If a child says "I don't like eating vegetables, they are disgusting!" do parents say "okay jee, teek hai! Just eat chips and chocolates, that’s fine." 'NO' is the answer. However, we conveniently jump to the barbers when a child says "I don't like my long Kesh! I want a hair cut like the rest of the children." Rab Bhalla Kare

May Guru Ji bless parents with the strength, wisdom and inspiration like that of the previous post so that they INSPIRE, give CONFIDENCE, and give that STRENGTH which a child needs in DIFFICULT TIMES rather than go for the easy SHORT CUT and LOSE their Sikhi, which is so price-less and invaluable that our Gurus and great Gursikhs sacrificed their lives but not their beautiful faith. Waheguru. I pray that child will one day look deepfully into Sikhi and keep his Kesh and take PRIDE in being a Sikh.


Today it is the birthday of Sahibzaada BABA JUJHAR SINGH JI (the second to eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji). Sariaa nu lakh lakh vadhaayee! If we look at the life of Baba Jujhar Singh and the other 3 children of Guru Gobind Singh Ji we will realise how precious Sikhi is. The Sahibzaade are our brothers! Let’s make them our ROLE MODELS. Let’s remember their lives, seek inspiration from their works and thank them and the other great shaheeds (martyrs), Sikhs and Gurus for preserving Sikhi to give to us as a gift.


I came across this short inspiring clip from the film SAKA SIRHAND (produced by Gupt Fauj) on Bhaji Daljeet Singh's blog (Click on the picture to watch the video):



To watch the full film on the life and martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, aged 5 and 7, and their elderly grandmother, Mata Gujri Kaur Ji, please click here.

Children Inspired to Pray

Yesterday I was reading some books on Sufism (Islamic Mysticism) for an essay I have to a write on a famous 11th century Sufi mystic called AL-GHAZĀLĪ. I was reading a chapter about al-Ghazālī's childhood in which he emphasizes the importance of children's EDUCATION. In particular he focuses on the ROLE OF A TEACHER in a child's life and how a child should listen, obey and respect their teacher.

He illustrates the role of teacher in a child's life by sharing the beautiful short story about the childhood of one Sufi mystic called SAHL (who's full name is Sahl bin ‘Abd Allāh al-Tustarī), born in 896CE.

Here's the story:

When Sahl was three years old, he used to get up at night to watch his uncle, Muhammad bin Suwār, pray. On one occasion his uncle asked the child if he would also like to give praise to his Creator.

The boy asked how he should praise Him, and his uncle replied:
“When you put your night-gown, say three times within your heart, without moving your tongue, “God is with me, God is watching me, God is looking upon me.”

The boy learnt to say it and then his uncle told him to say it seven times each night, and the child did so. Then his uncle said, “Say it eleven times.” The boy carried out his instructions and, speaking of it afterwards, he said that the sweetness of the words sank into his heart.

At the end of a year his uncle said, “Bear in mind what you have learnt and continue to do this for the rest of your life.”

Reading this story I felt a feeling of "WOW" and my mind thought "VAAHE-GUROO" (Amazing Lord!). The story highlights a child can be inspired and put in the right direction of life at such an early age. This is the difference between a GOOD PARENT and BAD PARENT. The good parent NURTURES the child with the SEEDS of good action and thought, and ENCOURAGES the child to THANK and PRAISE the Creator.


Recently I was chatting to my friend Arwinder Singh (from Reading). He told me that his uncle and young cousin had come over from Canada and visited them. I was pleasantly TAKEN BACK to hear that his cousin, who is 6 years old, knows ALL of Japji Sahib OFF BY HEART, as well as other Shabads from Gurbaani! Amazing! Such a young age and yet knows so much. I know 6 years old who can't even put a proper sentence together LET ALONE memorise and feel GURBANI.

Bhaji also told me that his cousin's younger sister, aged 4, also knows many Shabads off-by-heart! SAT NAAM, WAHEGURU! Blessed are those children's parents! The parents are both Amritdhari and have SPENT TIME on their children and given them a GOOD FOUNDATION in life. May Waheguru bless such lucky children, and may future mothers and future fathers be inspired to INSPIRE their children and be the ROLE MODEL in their lives, just as the Uncle praying in the story INSPIRED the 3 year old child to join his uncle to pray to God.

Rab Rakha.

Beautiful Poem - Singhni Dastaar Sajaa Lai

Poem by Bhai Amardeep Singh (UK) from Panthic Weekly:

ਕੌਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾ ਲੈ

ਕੌਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਈ’
ਦਸਤਾਰ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਸੋਹਣੀ ਲਗਦੀ
ਚੁੰਨੀ ਏਵੇ ਡਿਗਦੀ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ
ਫੈਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਤੂੰ ਪਿਛੇ ਲੱਗ ਕੇ
ਸਿੱਖੀ ਨੂੰ ਤੂੰ ਨਾਂ ਭੁੱਲ ਜਾਈ
ਕੌਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਈ’

ਇਹ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਮਾਈ ਭਾਗੋ ਨੇ ਪਹਿਨੀ
ਸ਼ੇਰਾਂ ਵਰਗੀ ਜਿੰਦੀ ਰਹਿਣੀ ਬਹਿਣੀ
ਭੈਣੇ ਤੂੰ ਵੀ ਸ਼ੇਰ ਕਹਾ ਲੈ
ਕੌਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾ ਲੈ

ਦਸਤਾਰ ਦੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਵਖਰੀ ਪਹਿਚਾਣ
ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਹੈ ਇਹ ਜਾਨ
ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਨਾ ਤੂੰ ਭੁਲਾਵੀ’
ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਵੀ’

ਬਾਕੀ ਸਾਰੇ ਆਉਣੇ ਜਾਣੇ
ਨਹੀ’ ਆਉਣਾ ਇਸ ਜਨਮ ਨਿਮਾਣੇ
ਇਸ ਲਈ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪ ਬਚਾਲੈ
ਕੌਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾ ਲੈ
ਕੌਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾ ਲੈ

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਿਹ॥

Below is the poem in English transliteration and translation:

Transliteration kaure too dastaar sajaaee(n), dastaar tainoo sohNee lagdee, chunnee ehmee digdee rehndee, fashionaa de too pichhe lag ke, sikhi noo too na bhul jaaee, kaure too dastaar sajaaee(n). eh dastaar mai bhago ne pehnee, shera wargee jehdee rehNee behNee, bhaiNe too vee sher kahaa lai, kaure too dastaar sajaa lai. dastaar dee apnee vakhree pehchaaN, gursikhaa(n) dee hai eh jaan, kujh vee hove, na too bhulavee, ek din too dastaar sajaavee(n). baakee sare anne jaaNe, nehee auNaa es janam nimaaNe es lai apnaa aap bachalai, kaure too dastaar saja lai kaure too dastaar saja lai vaahiguroo jee ka khalsa vaahiguroo jee kee fateh.

Translation Kaur don a dastaar, The dastaar befits you, The chunni just slips off now and then, In becomming fashionable, Do not forget your Sikhi Kaur don a dastaar Mai Bhago donned this dastaar she led a life living like lions Sister you too be known a lion Kaur don a dastaar Dastaar has a unique identity It denotes as lifeline of Gursikhs Let whatever happen , forget not ever, One day do don a dastaar Even if the rest go blind to it, This humble birth comes only once, Make sure, you save your self Kaur don the dastaar Kaur don the dastaar Vaahiguru Jee Ka Khalsa Vaahiguru Jee Kee Fateh.

Read more about why Sikh men and women wear turbans here.

Sikh Youth Conference 2006

Today was the Sikh Youth Conference, which was held at Imperial College London in the Alexander Fleming Building. There were informative talks from various speakers. Jaspreet Singh from the V&A Museum (who has won an award for the Youngster Historian from the V&A Museum) delivered a talk about the links between the British and Sikhs, in particular the positive things, which both the Sikhs and the British have contributed. Photos of Sikhs serving in the World Wars were shown and also photos of Sikh historical artefacts and texts which the British have preserved and archived. Bhaji highlighted the sad reality how more Sikh heritage has been archived and preserved by the British than the Sikhs and Panjabis themselves.

Bhenji Dilpreet Kaur (President of UCL Sikh Soc) gave a fantastic speech on being a university student and the challenges and issues facing young British Sikhs in society and the workplace. She was very well spoken and raised very good points. Bhenji highlighted issues such as lack of coverage of Sikhs by the media, schools not emphasising enough on Sikhi as much as they do on other faiths, and modern-day Gurdwaras not fulfilling the needs of the youngsters but instead becoming a battlefield of Panjabi politics.

I won't go through all the talks. However, it was very informative and people from various fields of work and different places turned up. During the break Langar was served to everyone. In the afternoon Manjeet Singh QC (barrister and leading Queen's Council) and Home Office Minister, MP Paul Goggins, also gave talks.

I had to go to the library to get some books out for my uni work. So I left with another Singh. We were sitting at South Kensington station waiting for the tube. Then a smart looking black Afro-Caribbean man approaches us from the side (my back was turned to him). He was wearing tie suit and long jacket. He said "Excuse me" to me. I turned around and I couldn't believe it! Sat Naam, Waheguru! It was the same man who has approached me TWICE before asking for money with a bogus story saying that he is going to Gatwick Airport and needs money.

I couldn't believe it! I thought, "O mind! I can't believe it! Twice! How does this man keep on bumping into you?" Rab Bhalla Kare! I was so frustrated and gob-smacked, I said, "I know who you are, please go away or I will call the police." The Singh sitting next to me obviously didn't know about the man so he looked confused why I was saying "Go away" and saying that I am going to call the police. The man stood there and kept talking. I couldn't understand a word. He just kept saying "Excuse me." He had a briefcase with him. O deary me! The man needs to get a hobby or a JOB!

Eventually he put his hands up and said "Okay, okay, I am leaving." The Singh with me said, "Why did you react to the man like that. He was just asking you something." I said, "Bhraava, this man has approached me TWICE before! Each time he asks for money with a dodgy story."(You can read about my last encounters with the man here). He then realised. Perhaps I should have reacted differently and given him time to speak and then say "Go away" and threaten to call the police.

Chalo, Rab Rakha! On the way back from the library I was thinking about the incident. And my mind started to wonder. My mind told me "Perhaps the man at the train-station was NOT the same man! He may just LOOK LIKE the man who asked for money before." I thought about it and the man I met today was slightly darker coloured and was slightly less chubby, but still looked like the man. I did Ardaas that if it was the SAME man then RAB SUMAT BAKSHE (God bless him with wisdom) and may he realise that being a fraudster is of NO USE and needs something BETTER to time pass. However, if it was a poor innocent man who I randomly accused and said "Go away" to and threatened to call the police, then may Waheguru forgive me and I hope the poor bloke didn't feel too shaken up.

If he was a poor innocent look-a-like, then I could imagine him going home to his wife and kids and saying that he met this weird turbaned bloke who waved his hands at me and said he knew who I was and that he is going to call the police. I just hope that he laughs about it rather than cry! Sat Naam!

Rab Rakha.

Possible lesson learnt: Stop, stay calm and then respond to situation.

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੁਰੇ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਗੁਸਾ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਹਢਾਇ ॥
fareedaa bure daa bhalaa kar, gusaa man na hadhaa-e.
Fareed, answer evil with goodness; do not fill your mind with anger.

ਦੇਹੀ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਲਗਈ ਪਲੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਾਇ ॥੭੮॥
dehee rog na lage-ee, palai sabh kichh paa-e. ||78||
Your body shall not suffer from any disease, and (this way) you shall obtain everything. ||78||
(Ang 1381-82)

Nitnem & Other Banian Audios

Bhai Satvinder Singh and Bhai Harvinder Singh* Nitnem
* Aasa Ki Vaar
* Sukhmani Sahib


Bhai Harbans Singh (Jagaadhri Wale)
* Nitnem



Bhai Harjinder Singh (Sri Nagar Wale)
* Japji Sahib
* Sodar Rehraas
* Salok Mehlaa Nauvaa(n)



Bhai Jaswant Singh (Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib Wale)
* Japji Sahib
* Jaap Sahib
* Tav Prasaad Svaiye
* Chaupayee Sahib
* Anand Sahib



Bhai Niranjan Singh (Jawaddi Kalaa(n) Wale)
* Sukhmani Sahib



Bhai Nirmal Singh (Sri Darbaar Sahib Wale)
* Aasa Di Vaar



Bhai Sadhu Singh (Dehradun Wale)
* Japji Sahib
* Shabad Hazaare
* Sodar Rehraas
* Ardaas
* Sohila
* Aarti De Shabad



Prof. Satnam Singh
* Japji Sahib
* Jaap sahib
* Tav Prasaad Svaiye* Sukhmani Sahib
* Sodar Rehraas
* Ardaas

Concentrating when Reading & Meditating on Gurbani

During the first year of university, fresher's week had passed and Sunday had arrived. I was looking forward to going to the Gurdwara. My brother had told me that there was a Gurdwara in Sheperd's Bush. I was excited to go to the Gurdwara because during Fresher's Week I didn't have the opportunity to meet Gurmukhs and do Sangat.

I arrived at the Gurdwara at 10.15am. I thought I was 'not too early' or 'too late'. However, I had MISSED the whole Gurdwara programme. On Sundays Shepards Bush Gurdwara has Aasa Di Vaar keertan followed by Langar EARLY MORNING from 6am to 8.30am. Then Sunday evening evening there is a programme from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. On Wednesday evenings there is another Diwaan held. However, I didn't know this, so I missed the whole programme. At 10.15am there was NO ONE at the Gurdwara, other than the Giani Jee.

I did Matha Tekh and Giani Jee gave me Karhah Parshaad. He then asked who I was and where I came from. I explained I was new to London and started university a week ago. Giani Jee was very friendly and said something very meaningful. He said: "Son! Don't think your university studies are difficult. The TRUE EDUCATION is the living the life of a Gursikh and NAAM JAPNAA (meditating on Waheguru's Name). Compared to degrees and PhD's, the path of the Guru and Naam is the most difficult thing to study, but it is also THE MOST REWARDING. Remember this!"

Giani Jee quoted Gurbani:
ਆਖਾ ਜੀਵਾ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
aakhaa jeevaa, visrai mar jaa-o.
Chanting it, I live; forgetting it, I die.

ਆਖਣਿ ਅਉਖਾ ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
aakhan aukhaa saachaa naa-o.
It is so difficult to chant the True Name.
(Ang 9)

Concentrating on Gurbaani & Naam is very difficult and not easy. We ourselves cannot achieve anything, its ALL Guru's Kirpa. Reading inspiring books of the jeevan and biographies of Great Gursikhs, doing Sangat of Gurmukhs, going to the Gurdwara and listening to Katha (discourse) on Gurbaani at the Gurdwara Daas has learnt some ways of improving concentrating when reading and meditating on Gurbaani, in particular Nitnem (daily routine prayers). Below are some things which Daas has learnt:

1. PREPARING THE MIND and bringing it in the RIGHT MOOD/state.

Tuning the mind to make it receptive to Gurbaani & Simran is important. Through personal experience some ways of doing this are:

• Singing MOOL MANTR or any SHABAD while in the shower.
• For 15 minutes or so closing eyes and doing Mool Mantr meditation - slowly and clearly saying each Word. One's focus should be on the SHABAD (the Divine Word). I usually try to visualise my ear's going infront of my head and then picking up the vibration and sound of Gurbaani. The same applies with Naam Simran (meditating on Gur-Mantr - "VAAHE-GUROO").
  
• Closing eyes and bringing the mind's ATTENTION to the breath. FEEL yourself breathe in and out. Then as well as that gradually draw your attention to your where your hands are placed, what your are feet are touching, then eventually also try to draw attention to what you can hear. Adding this up all together, it helps to achieve the mind to come into the PRESENT.

2. Reading out ALOUD so that one can HEAR what is being read.

Gurbaani says:

ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਜਸੁ ਸੁਨਤਾ ॥
surat sat, sat jas suntaa.
Those ears are True, and True are those who listen to Waheguru's Praises.
(Ang 285)

Why are our ears and listening so important? Note that a child which cannot hear, whose hearing is impaired or who is not able to listen, that child cannot speak. A child who cannot hear cannot speak. This is a medical fact. A child may be born with a perfect mouth and tongue, yet if he or she cannot hear then they cannot speak.

The ears are connected to the brain (mind) and mouth. For this reason Guru Nanak Sahib jee in Japjee Sahib first emphasises "SunNaa," (listening) then Guru Sahib talks about "ManNaa," (obeying and following).


3. Paying careful attention to the CORRECT PRONUNCIATION the Gurbaani.

Two weeks ago I was listening to Katha (discourse) by a Giani Jee at Park Avenue Gurdwara, Southall. The Giani Jee pointed out that people are always saying that "I cannot concentrate when reading Paath". He said that one way of focusing the mind, particularly for those who are not so familiar with the meanings and explanations of the Gurbaani being read, is to focus on the letters, sounds and pronunciation.

Giani Jee told a Saakhi (story) from Guru Gobind Singh's jee's time. A Paathi Singh (Sikh reading Gurbaani) was reading Gurbaani incorrectly and mispronounced a word due to the fact he was not paying careful attention to the grammar and sounds. Guru Sahib asked some Sikhs to go and make the point that one should correctly pronounce Gurbaani.

The Sikhs called over the Paathi Singh. One of the Sikhs was hot-tempered and slapped the Paathi Singh. The Paathi Singh came rushing to Guru Sahib and said, "Guru Sahib! You said that those who read Gurbaani will not face the wrath and punishment of the Messengers of Death, BUT I am facing punishment and slaps HERE for reading Gurbaani. Please explain."

Guru Sahib said that the he had not asked for anyone to slap him but rather make a point. Guru Sahib said that he just wished the Sikhs to make a point to him that one should be CAREFUL to pronounce Gurbaani correctly. A sound said wrong can change the meaning to mean something totally different. Guru jee said the Divine Words are his LIMBS (angs), a part of his body. When someone mis-reads Gurbaani then it is like twisting the limbs of Guru.

The Paathi Singh apologised and asked Guru Sahib to organise someone to teach the Sikhs 'shud' (correctly) pronounced Paath.

If the mind is focusing on the SOUNDS and LETTERS (lagaa maatraa) then the mind will less likely wonder. We are NOT perfect! However, we can make a step in the right direction of being AWARE of sounds, grammar and letters and taking benefit of learned Gursikhs and Giani Jee's to learn correct pronunciation of Gurbaani.


4. While reading, trying to focus the mind on the MEANINGS of what is being read.

A Gutka (prayer-book) with Gurmukhi plus English (or Panjabi) TRANSLATION is very useful. One can UNDERSTAND what is being said while reading Gurbaani. When you get to a stage that you sub-consciously know most of the Paath, then it becomes easy to recite the Gurbaani with your mouth and with your eyes read the English translation, so the mind is able to process both and ABSORB the MESSAGE.

ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਜੀਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਪੜਿ ਬੁਝਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਵਣਿਆ ॥
hau vaaree jee-o, vaaree paR bujh man vasaavaNi-aa.
I am a sacrifice, my soul is a sacrifice, to those who read of the Lord Waheguru, who understand and enshrine Him within their minds.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪੜਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਸਚੈ ਸੋਭਾ ਪਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
gurmukh paRehi har naam salaahehi, dar sachai sobhaa paavni-aa. ||1|| rahaa-o.
The Gurmukhs read and praise the Lord Waheguru's Name; they are honored in the True Court. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 127)

bhul chuk maaf.

Why bother with Nitnem?

Last summer, during one of the camps I attended, an Amritdhari camper approached me and asked me about practicing NITNEM (daily-prayers). Below is a summary of the conversation, which took place:

Camper: Bhaji, I would like to ask you a question.

Daas: Go ahead. Hukam Karo.

Camper: Why should I do my Nitnem?

Daas: It is Guru's Rehat (discipline), which we commit to when we take Amrit.

Camper: Other than the reason that "the Panj Piyaare told me to do so" is their any othe reason? Is there any point?

Daas: Is it not enough Guru Sahib in the form of the Panj Piyaare have instructed you to read daily Banis (prayers)? Taking Amrit is a commitment. When we take Amrit we adopt the life-style of the Guru and strive to create an internal and external environment where one can receive the fruits of Naam.

Why are you asking me this Bhenji?

Camper: I don't do my Nitnem. I am on a 'spiritual-low'. I don't wake up Amrit-vela (early morning) and don't do Nitnem in morning or evening. I have lost enthusiasm and don't see the point of doing the same thing, day in - day out! Other than the Panj Piyaare saying to do Nitnem, there is no other reason why one should read the same Bani over and over again, every day!

Practicing Nitnem should not be a BURDEN, however a spiritual RELIEF. Reading Nitnem in the morning, evening and at bedtime is drawing on the Guru’s DIVINE WORD to give STRENGTH and INSPIRATION for the day. Click here to read read people's comments and views on lines from their Nitnem which they particularly find uplifting and inspiring from a discussion topic on www.DiscoverSikhi.com. Basic Nitnem (daily-prayers) keeps the CONNECTION between the Sikh and Guru alive, and reminds a Sikh of the Guru’s message.


The same Banian (prayers) which are recited during the PREPARATION OF AMRIT during an Amrit-Sanchaar, are the same Banian recited by a Sikh daily. The EXPERIENCE of receiving Amrit from the Guru in the Amrit Sanchaar is RE-LIVED everyday and the INNER-AMRIT is FELT and ENJOYED, just as one drank the sweet Amrit given by the Panj Piyaare and felt it trickling down inside.

This question comes up with many people, and not necessarily limited to youngsters. First of all, we must recognise that HUKAM (order) is HUKAM (order). The relationship between the Guru and the Sikh is like that of a MENTOR and PRODIGY. Let’s look at the life of Guru Angad Dev jee (known as Bhai Lehna jee) before he became Guru. Guru Angad Dev jee’s life can be summarised as “Hukam Mannaa” (ACCEPTING the WILL). Guru Angad Dev jee served Guru Nanak jee with such devotion that he NEVER questioned Guru Nanak jee’s order. If Guru Nanak jee said, “Go wash my clothes” during when there’s a stormy rain, Guru Angad Dev jee would fold his hands and happily do it. He would not say “Sorry Guru jee, I will do it once the rain has stopped.” Guru Angad Dev jee’s Sewa & Simran made him worthy of becoming Guru and carrying on the Jyot (light) of Guru Nanak jee.


The role of mentor and prodigy reminds me of the film ‘KARATE KID.’ The film is about a young boy called ‘DANIEL’ who learns Karate from MR. MIYAGI. When Mr. Miyagi tells Daniel son to do something, Daniel would never question Mr. Miyagi. Even if Mr. Miyagi said “Climb the tree”. He would do it. Why? OBEDIENCE is the foundation stone for the relationship between coach and student. How will Daniel learn Karate if he questions and scrutinizes everything Mr. Miyagi says? However this is what we do with Guru Sahib and yet expect so much.

To EXPERIENCE Amrit and feel the sublime essence, we have been given REHAT, a way of life. Just as a farmer will not produce good crop unless he PLOUGHS his field, despite how much rain falls on the fields. The more you plough a field; better quality the crop will be produced.

For this reason, Bhagat Dhanna Ji, a farmer by occupation, in praying to Waheguru for the basic necessities of life, says:

ਦਾਲਿ ਸੀਧਾ ਮਾਗਉ ਘੀਉ ॥ ਹਮਰਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਪਨ੍ੀਆ ਛਾਦਨੁ ਨੀਕਾ ॥ ਅਨਾਜੁ ਮਗਉ ਸਤ ਸੀ ਕਾ ॥1॥
daal seeDhaa maa(n)gau gheeo. hamraa kushee karai nit jeeo. panHeeaa chhadan neekaa. anaaj magau sat see kaa.
Lentils, flour and ghee - these things, I beg of You. My mind shall ever be pleased. Shoes, fine clothes, and grain from a field, which has been ploughed seven times - I beg of You, Waheguru. 1.
(Ang 695)

Similarly, when we take Khande-di-pahul, the Amrit of the double-edged sword, from the Panj Piyaare we obtain Amrit to drink, then we are given the SEEDS of NAAM to sow, and a REHAT, way of life, to use to PLOUGH our MIND and BODY ready. If we take Amrit, but don’t sow the seeds of Naam, then we don’t obtain the crop of Guru Sahib’s blessings. If we take Amrit, but don’t observe Rehat, then the quality of our Naam’s fruits will be affected. With Amrit, Naam and Rehat a Sikh lives in CHARDIKALA, high spirits, and blessed with a PEACEFUL and HARMONIOUS life in Waheguru’s Will through the Guru’s blessings.

ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝ ਕੋ ਸਿਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
rehit piaaree mujh ko, sikh piaaraa naahi.
"I love a Sikh’s disciplined way of life, not the Sikh."
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh)

To be continued… (Tips to concentrate or take maximum benefit from reading Nitnem).

Vaisakhi Drama Play

Vaisakhi is coming up soon, so I thought I would post about some memorable past experiences of celebrating Vaisakhi:


Every Saturday my brother and I, my cousins and some other local children would go to Saturday school in the morning and learn Panjabi from my Bhua jee (paternal aunt). Looking back it was fun going to classes (at the time I thought "I am missing out on Saturday morning cartoons and a nice lie in!"). I learnt so much and my bhua jee gave me and the other children a foundation not just in Panjabi language but also we learnt about Sikhi, culture and values. I started going to Panjabi classes when I was 5 or so, and finished at 12 years old when I completed my Panjabi GCSE (in 1998).

In 1996, my Bhua jee got our Panjabi class to act in a play for the Vaisakhi celebrations, which was to be held at the local Secondary School where we learnt Panjabi. We were given acting roles and a script to learn from. The play was ALL in Panjabi. In short the story line was that a man called 'Santa'. It was based on a group of farmers. A man comes to the village and makes an announcement drumming his drum. He roars, "Hear up, hear up, hear up! A message from Guru Gobind Singh jee. The Sangat has been invited to attend Vaisakhi gathering at Sri Anandpur Sahib...." Santa responds to Guru's call and attends. The drama manifests as Santa comes back to the village and meets the village locals who ask him why he is looking the way he is and why is face glowing. Santa then answers them and explains the wonders of Guru Gobind Singh jee and how he is now "Santa Singh".

Here are some photos:


I played the role of "Santa Singh". All the people participating had cut hair, however ALL of them enjoyed having a dastaar tied. I always loved wearing a Dastaar and especially dressing up as an Amritdhari (hoping that one day Guru jee will bless me to become a Gursikh).


My brother and I.

The local Lord Mayor was invited to the function. After the play he presented trophies to all the children who participated in the drama.




That's Daas (after the play).



In 1999, during the tri-centinary Vaisakhi celebrations, my family and I were discussing what the local children could do to participate in the celebrations and feel involved. My parents suggested that the Vaisakhi drama play acted in 1996 was successful and fun for the children, so why not do another play. So, I put forward the suggestion to the local children from the Panjabi class, which my dad now taught. The children seemed to like the idea.

My dad and I sat together and put together a simple Panjabi script based on the same idea as we did in 1996. The children were given one or two lines each, which they all could easily act out. A big Vaisakhi celebration programme was held at Leamington Spa. In the Royal Spa Centre there were various talks, lectures and presentations. We were given the opportunity to act the play there infront of a full audience (the hall was packed!). The children were nervous but the play was fairly short so they were okay.

Here are some photos from the Vaisakhi 1999 drama play:






A group photo of everyone who participated. (I'm standing at the back in the blue dastaar).

During gurpurbs its nice to involve children. INVOLVEMENT is the key for children to feel a PART of something. Involve children in school and they will enjoy school. Involve children in sports and games and they will take interest. Similarly, if children are involved in the Gurdwara or Sikhi related activities then they will take interest and ENJOY it.

Don't sit back but take ACTIVE PART. Don't wait for people, an uncle jee, or the Gurdwara Committee to ask you to do something for the youth, instead take INITIATIVE and allow the Guru to use you as a vehicle to do community work and share the SPIRIT of Sikhi with the young people. Share your ideas with others and everyone will contribute, and then just watch Guru jee do wonders!

bhul chuk maaf.

Training Day & Experiencing the Power of the Wind

Yesterday I went to a training course on domestic violence at St. Thomas Hospital, which I attended as part of being a Sikh volunteer for the Hospital's Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy department. It was a very interesting training, and discovered very GRIM and DEPRESSING statistics on domestic violence. Then in the training session the trainer played an audio recording of a lady who survived domestic violence (but was nearly shot-dead by her husband). It was FREAKY. The lady was given a SAFE HOUSE to live in. Next door was a derilect building. The worst thing was that the husband found out where his wife was living and he climbed through into the house through the derelict building. He came into the house through the LOFT and terrorised this poor lady. I just put my hands together and kept saying "WAHEGURU". No other word could comprehend what this woman went through. The man would HARRASS the lady and steal her clothes, house keys and food. She thought she was going mad. He then got a shotgun and forced her back home. Eventually (THANK GOD) she rang the police and the man was put into prison. Rab Rakha!

Later on the trainer mentioned an example of a Panjabi lady she came across. Apparently the man was from UK and he married from Panjab. He wanted power of his wife and wanted to control her life. When she asked if she could learn English, he would beat her. If she were seen asking English words from relatives, he would beat her. Apparently he didn't want her to pick up English so that she would remain DEPENDENT on him and he could do whatever he wanted to her and she would not have the confidence to tell anyone. Very sad! Rab Rakha.


The trainer pointed out that the main cause for Domestic violence is "POWER & CONTROL." Gurbaani time and time tells us the ill effects of HANKAAR (EGO):

ਗਰਬੰਤਿ ਨਾਰੀ ਮਦੋਨ ਮਤੰ ॥
garbant naaree madon mataN.
Those who are proud, and intoxicated with the pleasures of sex,

ਬਲਵੰਤ ਬਲਾਤ ਕਾਰਣਹ ॥
balvant balaat kaarNeh.
and asserting their power over others,

ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਨਹ ਭਜੰਤ ਤ੍ਰਿਣ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਜਨਮਨਹ ॥
charan kamal neh bhajant triN samaan Dhrig janamneh.
never contemplate the Lord Waheguru's Lotus Feet. (For this reason) their lives are as worthless as straw, and deemed as cursed.

ਹੇ ਪਪੀਲਕਾ ਗ੍ਰਸਟੇ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਮਰਣ ਤੁਯੰ ਧਨੇ ॥
he papeelkaa grestte gobind simran tu-yaN Dhane.
You are as tiny and insignificant as an ant, but if you have the wealth of Simran, the Lord's Meditation then (despite being tiny) you shall become great.

ਨਾਨਕ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਨਮੋ ਨਮਹ ॥੬੩॥
naanak anik baar namo nameh. 63.
O Nanak! Bow in humble worship to Waheguru, countless times, over and over again. 63.
(Ang 1359)

Guru jee explains the above shabad that person who does Waheguru's Simran (meditation) and keeps humility is better than the person who forgets Waheguru and shows power & control over others in ego. The solution is NAAM and SUBMITTING to Waheguru's HUKAM (Will). Unfortunately Man thinks that he is God. He may not say it, but he acts like it. We say "ITS MY LIFE" (you hear many children say this). However, we don't realize its NOT OUR LIFE, its WAHEGURU'S LIFE which is a GIFT TO US. Until we don't realize this, then we do not escape this intoxication of power & control, which we egotistically exercise over others and bully them. We have to realise we are NOTHING and Waheguru is EVERYTHING, we are INSIGNIFICANT and Waheguru is GREATEST, then we can truly enjoy peace, tranquillity and harmony in the household and everyday life.


On the way back from the Hospital I went to the library because I had to return some books. I was crossing Waterloo Bridge and there was a GUSH of WIND. It was VERY WINDY. Everyone was feeling the POWER of the windy breeze. As I walking across the bridge I was doing Simran and repeating "VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO." How amazing! God is Great! In Aasa Di Vaar it says:

ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਵਣੁ ਵਹੈ ਸਦਵਾਉ ॥
bhai vich pavaN vahai sadvaa-o.
In the Awe of God, the wind and breezes ever blow.
(Ang 464)

I thought to myself that people don't acknowledge God's existence and say "PROVE IT, I CAN'T SEE GOD." However, I thought, "LOOK ITS WINDY. SHOW ME the wind!" You can't see the wind, but you definitely EXPERIENCE the wind. Waheguru is not sitting in Heaven (as believed by mainstream Christianity), sitting in the Seventh Sky above Earth (as believed by mainstream Islam) or dwelling in idols (as believed by mainstream Hinduism). Waheguru is here, EVERYWHERE and in dwelling amongst His Creation.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
gurmukh Dhartee gurmukh paaNee.
The Gurmukh sees the Lord Waheguru on the earth, and the Gurmukh sees Him
in the water.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਵਣੁ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੁ ਖੇਲੈ ਵਿਡਾਣੀ ॥
gurmukh pavaN baisantar khelai viddaaNee.
The Gurmukh sees Him in wind and fire; such is the wonder of His Play.
(Ang 117)

The same wind and air which we CANNOT SEE, destroys homes, moves the waves in the river & seas, presses against people's face, and causes trees to shake. Look at the POWER and BEAUTY of Waheguru who CREATES, SUSTAINS and DWELLS within this magnificent NATURE and Universe. ਕਮਾਲ ਹੈ (Kamaal Hai)! VAAH (Wonderful) comes out of the mouth!

ਏਕੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ ਰੰਗੁ ਇਕੁ ਰੂਪੁ ॥
eik achaar, rang ik roop.
The One Lord Waheguru is in all actions, colours and forms.

ਪਉਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਅਸਰੂਪੁ ॥
pauN paaNee agnee asroop.
Waheguru manifests in many shapes through wind, water and fire.
(Ang 930)

It was beautiful. If you just become part of the EXPERIENCE and let your breath go with the breeze it's great! Deeply breathe in, and breathe out. You can hear the vibration of "VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO" being whispered by the windy breeze! It reminds me of Michael Jackson's "EARTH" song, which came out in 1995 (Ps. I remember the song from my school days!). In the song video (according to what I remember) Michael Jackson is standing there with his arms up and facing the breezy wind and embracing nature.


Guru Nanak Jee captures this feeling of AWE and ECSTASY through experiencing the Creation of Waheguru in Gurbaani:

ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ ਪਉਣੁ ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
vismaad pauN vismaad paaNee.
Wonderful is the wind, wonderful is the water.
(Ang 464)

You can see the beauty of the GUR-MANTR, the Divine Word "VAAHE-GUROO" - ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ. It is an ecstatic expression of awe and wonderment - "WONDROUS DISPELLER OF DARKNESS." With each breath in and out, a Gursikh breathes this ecstatic expression (given as a gift by the True Guru), which attunes the Gursikh’s mind and consciousness to the Wonder and Glory of God.

As I was crossing the bridge I could see the worried faces of people as their hair blew up and across. It reminded me of when I had my hair cut. I used to keep a side parting. It would be a nightmare when sitting in the car and the window was down (especially in India), because by chance if I was sitting on the wrong side, then the wind would blow in opposite direction to my side parting, MESSING UP MY HAIR-STYLE. lol. It was humorous looking at everyone's hair being blown away and then thinking "Rab Da Shukar that I wear a Dastaar!" :)

Busy Saturday

Saturday was in one word - "busy"! In the morning to afternoon it was KHALSA TALKS at King's College London. Bhaji Gurvinder Singh from Bradford gave a talk on "the World of Maya" and Bhaji Jagjit Singh from Leeds (originally from Slough) gave a talk on "Unique Sikhi". It was nice to see so many new friendly faces at the event.

Bhaji Gurvinder Singh's talk looked at what is MAYA, the features of Maya, is it bad and what is the solution. For those who have not heard of "Maya" before, it means "the illusionary world" or anything and everything which is not Waheguru. It is usually used to refer to money, worldly possessions and worldly materials. The talk highlighted that Maya IN ITSELF is NOT bad. Contrary to what many of us think. Having a good car, big house, and nice clothes are NOT bad. The bad thing is when we become CAUGHT UP or ENTANGLED in having a good car, big house or nice clothes. This obsession or CLINGINGNESS to MAYA or objects is the NEGATIVE thing. Stealing to get good clothes, or doing fraud to get a big house are examples of how our NEGATIVITY has made us drown in MAYA. The simple solution is NAAM (meditation on the Name of Waheguru). Through Naam we get CONTENTMENT and SATISFACTION.


In between the talks there was a quick SAMOSA BREAK. O deary me! I think I got caught in the trap of MAYA. I had FOUR SAMOSAY and by the end of the talk FELT LIKE A SAMOSA. Its one of those things that at the time you don't feel the build-up of grease and oil and AFTER EATING them you realize that perhaps you had one two many. Chalo Rab Rakha!

After the break, Bhaji Jagjit Singh's talk looked at the UNIQUE ASPECTS of Sikhi. From Sikhi's unique history, unique doctrine (beliefs) to unique way of life. Bhaji compared traditional religions to the religion of GURMAT and NAAM and highlighted the beauty of Guru Nanak Jee's universal religion of NAAM and GURMAT. The beliefs and values (not necessarily religious), which people hold, are usually like "we are all equal", "don't discriminate", "see beyond colour, race and gender," and "universal love" etc. THESE are the EXPLICIT values of Sikhi. Sikhi is so SIMPLE yet beautiful that it is a shame that we have not shared the spirituality and values given to us by our Gurus.



After the Khalsa Talks most of us went to the Rainsbayee Keertan (All-Night Keertan) held at Park Avenue Gurdwara, Southall. It was uplifting to have darshan of so many Gurmukhs and listen to Keertan with Naam Ras. I definitely recommend going to a Rainsbayee Keertan and seeing the power of Keertan & Sangat for yourself, if you have not been before. There are monthly Rainsbayee's up and down the country in the UK, with transport provided from various cities. For further info of programmes click here.

I got late going back to Halls of Residence. Sat Naam, Waheguru! Firstly, on the train going from Southall to Paddington, it was FILTHY! Stank of alcohol, food on the floor, beer cans on the seats. Yuck! Rab Rakha! Eventually got to the underground (caught the last tube for the night!). O deary me! As you can imagine I don't go out at night time and don't know about London's "NIGHT LIFE". However, I have experienced drunk people on the tube at night. It was so saddening to see drunken girls STAGGERING in the underground, drunken men SLEEPING on the floor, and people getting into verbal fights after getting drunk. Rab Sumat Bakshe. It just shows the CONTRAST between SATJUG (Heaven - i.e. Saadh Sangat and joining in singing Naam Baani) and KALJUG (Hell - i.e. getting drunk, losing consciousness and drifting away from True Reality).


On the tube there was one DODGEY BLOKE. Waheguru! Waheguru! Waheguru! I sat down and across the tube carriage I saw a Jamaican looking person. I didn't know whether it was a man or woman! They had short hair with a few strands of dreadlocks coming out of the top of the head, and looked like a male but also had LIPSTICK on. Chalo! I assumed it was a man who liked lipstick. He was also wearing sunglasses (AND IT WAS NIGHT-TIME) and on top of the sunglasses (on his forehead) he had HUGE SKI-GLASSES. Waheguru.


I was sitting there and trying to do simran amidst the smell of Sharaab on the tube. But this SKI-GLASSES bloke didn't let go of his mobile phone! He had it right next to his ear and Reggae or some sort of shouting-type slow music pumping out of it. It was FREAKY music. It was bit disheartening to having to listen to that type of music after hearing such sweet-Gurbaani Keertan at the Rainsbayee. Chalo, Rab Rakha. I suppose just like a Gursikh cannot live without Gurbani, that this bloke couldn't live without his Reggae music!

Eventually got home. Then I realised the clocks had moved forward! Waheguru! (So missed 1 hour worth of sleep!). I'm thankful to Waheguru for blessing Daas with the darshan of Gurmukhs and the giving the opportunity to listen to vichaar on Gurbaani and enjoy listening & singing along to Gurbaani.