Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji - Happy Gurpurb!

Sariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee Hove on today's Gurpurb. Today is the Parkaash Diwas (Birth Day) of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Sahib, the 5th Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev Ji Sahib, the youngest son of Guru Raam Daas Sahib Ji (the fourth Guru) and Mata Bhani Ji who was born at Goindwal Sahib on 2nd May, 1563.

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU ARJAN DEV JI SAHIB

Compilation of Aad Granth Sahib Ji

Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji compiled the 'Aad Granth' Sahib Ji, which was scribed by Bhai Gurdaas Ji (the maternal uncle of Guru Arjan Dev Ji). The 'Aad Granth' Sahib Ji was an earlier version of today's Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which has the Baani (the revealed Divine Word) of the first four Guru Sahibs, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Bhagats (Devotees of God), and Bhatts (spiritual Bards). The Aad Granth Sahib Ji was completed and installed in Sri Harmandar Sahib (Amritsar) in 1604. This re-emphasised that the Shabad (the Infinite Divine Wisdom) is the Guru.

Establishment of Sri Darbaar Sahib

Sri Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar was established as the centre of the Sikh People. Baba Sai Mian Mir Ji, a Sufi mystic (from the Naqshbandi Sufi Order), was asked by Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji to lay the foundation stone for Sri Harmandar Sahib. This was a symbolic act which demonstrated that a Sikh shouldn't look at a non-Sikh in terms of his/her laws but instead consider their values and value system. Baba Sai Mir Ji and other Sufi mystics close to the Guru Sahibs had the values and value system of Gurmat and Naam.

Establishing Taran TaaranThe city of Tarn Taaran was founded by Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji. This was a big city on a big road. This was a declaration to the world and the Mughal authorities that "The Sikhs are here to stay!" The city had the largest Sarowar (water pool) for the Sangat to bathe. Guru Sahib took special care of people suffering sickness and disease. A Leper Home was made near the Sarovar of Taran Taaran Sahib. Guru Sahib personally looked after the lepers by providing them with medicines, dresses and showering them with Divine Grace.

Developing an Economic Centre
Amritsar was developed as an economic centre. Amritsar was next to Lahore (the capital of Panjab). Amritsar becoming an economic and social centre of the Sikhs was a strategic move by Guru Ji for the Sikhs to have their own state. Sikhs from far and wide would come and have darshan (audience) with Guru Sahib and also engage in trade and business, which led to the growing prosperity of the Sikh Nation.

MartyrdomGuru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji was the first Sikh Guru to be shaheed (martyred). The Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji started a tradition which carried on throughout history, and will continue to carry on. Guru Arjan Dev Ji said that he can accept Shaheedi (martyrdom) but he cannot accept insult. The way a leader or prophet lives becomes the character of the followers. Guru Sahib showed that a Sikh should live in dignity and die with honour, and that a Sikh should never tolerate insult. Father Xavia, a Christian missionary from Spain, who was in India the time of Guru Ji's Shaheedi, wrote back to Queen Isabella of Spain and described Guru Arjan Dev Ji as embracing martyrdom.

Summary

Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Arjan Dev Ji's life, that word be "Self-Sacrifice."

DHAN GURU ARJAN DEV SAHIB JI.

Bhul Chuk maaf karnee jee.

Related Links:

Katha (Panjabi) - Giani Sant Singh Maskeen Ji

Katha (English - Bhai Parminder Singh Ji

Shabad: ਮੂਰਤਿ ਪੰਚ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਅਰਜੁਨੁ ਪਿਖਹੁ ਨਯਣ ॥੧॥ - Audio / Translation

Two Friends...

I recieved this email, which I thought I would share:

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Author: Unknown

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?" The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them,
but then an entire life to forget them.

Do not value the THINGS you have in your life..
But value WHO you have in your life!

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Episode 9 of India Travels: "Khalsa Sweet Centre" (Part 3)

Monday 4th August 2003, day 40 of my India trip. Today I continued with Sukhmani Sahib santhiyaa (which I started on Sunday). My stomach was not feeling right. I could feel there was a problem. I told Giani Ji when doing Santhiya that I had an upset stomach. After santhiya he got his nephew to bring me some HAJMOLA (which is natural digestive medicine, which STINKS and tastes AWFUL, but it works!). I felt better after eating Hajmola.

I felt like eating DEHEE (yoghurt) because I love Dehee but hadn’t eaten any since I had come to stay at Sri Damdama Sahib, also it would perhaps help my stomach. So I asked Giani Ji if he knew a shop where I could get some Dehee. He asked me to come to his house but I didn’t want to trouble him. He said that I should be able to get some Dehee from the Bazaar near the Takht Sahib.

Chalo, so I walked to the Bazaar (left hand side of the Takht Sahib). I asked a Singh walking in the Bazaar that does he know where I can get some Dehee? He told me that if I go to the Hotel, they sell Dehee. I said, “Are they Amritdhari? I prefer to eat from Amritdharis” (considering my previous food problems, I ASSUMED that Amritdharis would be cautious of HYGIENE and take care with handling food). He said “Bhai Sahib you can either go the Hotel or to the Khalsa Sweet Centre.” Okay – “Hotel” or “Khalsa Sweet Centre”. Ermm…. I thought “KHALSA SWEET CENTRE”. He said “Are you sure? Go to the Hotel jee.” I replied, “I prefer to eat from the Khalsa.”

So I walk down the road and look up at the shop boards looking for “Khalsa Sweet Centre.” At last! I found it. The shop was EMPTY. A Sardaar was standing there with a Kesri Keski (short Saffron coloured turban) wrapped around his head. I asked “Do you sell Dehee?” “Hanji, sit down, sit down.” So I sat down.

WAHEGURU. The tables and benches were made out of WOOD. I look to the side and these two boys (who looked Bihari) were sitting there MAKING SANDWICHES with Ahloo stuffing. I felt SICK! Rab Maaf Kare, don't want to sound rude, but the poor kids didn't look like they had ISHNAAN (a bath) and their clothes looked dirty. On top of that they were touching their face and wiping their sweat and using the SAME HANDS to shove Ahloo Mixture and spread it with their HANDS on the bread. Then they put the sandwiches on the BENCH where people had been SITTING DOWN. Waheguru! My mind said to me, “Perhaps you would have been better off going to the Hotel.”

Chalo I told myself, “Manvir Singh you are in India. Don’t be fussy. Just say ‘WAHEGURU’ and quietly eat the Dehee.” The Sardaar (thinking back now, I don’t even think he was even Amritdhari!) came up to me and brought me a steel bowl and spoon and placed it in front of me. I told him that the bowl looked unclean. He said, “No problem.” He picked up the plate and WIPED HIS SWEATY HANDS over the bowl. I felt SICK. However my mind said, “Okay. Its sickening but O well, you are in INDIA. Don’t worry the man is Amritdhari!” Chalo, I kept quiet (as I was feeling ill and needed something to help my stomach ache).

He then brought the Dehee from the fridge. He poured it in the bowl. There was a FLY or a BUG (basically something black and small!) in the Dehee which could be seen from the top of the bowl. I told the man and he said, “Koyee nehee jee, no problem.” Waheguru. Guess what happens? He comes over and with HIS HANDS he shoves it in the Dehee which I am supposed to eat and picks out the bug. At this point I am crying from inside and thinking “WHAT IS HAPPENING”.


I quietly ate the Dehee not knowing whether to throw up or what. Worst thing the man was standing near me so I couldn’t walk away. I paid 5 Rupees for the Dehee and walked off FEELING SICKER than before.


I went to “KHALSA SWEET CENTRE” but I don’t know where the “KHALSA” part of the shop was! Rab Rakha. Moral of the story – “Don’t be fooled by labels or shop boards!”

Fire Fox - Improve Internet Browsing

A while ago I upgraded my Internet browser to Mozilla Firefox. Its better than what I had before, and I recommend it to others. With Firefox you can read blogs without some of the problems which one faces with other Internet browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer).


Advantages of using Firefox for your Internet browser:

• You can read blogs easier.
  
• You can view webpages faster.
• You can open links in different tabs all in one window.
  
• You can get loads of different skins and themes for it.
  
• It understands all new things about style sheets and other webdesigning features.
• It has integrated search.
  
• And more...

Episode 9 of India Travels: Treating Myself to Ahloo Tikkian (Part 2)

Saturday 2nd August 2003, day 38 of India trip. In a week I had completed Santhiya (Gurbani lessons) on Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tva Prasaad Svaiye, Benti Chaupayee Sahib, Anand Sahib and Sodar Rehraas Sahib. Today Giani Ji who was teaching me (Giani Balbir Singh, Head Granthi of Gurdwara Damdama Sahib) gave me a day off.

On my day off I thought I would treat myself to some nice Ahloo Tikkian. I walked to the main road outside of the Takht Sahib. I walked up and down the road “trying” to find the cleanest place possible to enjoy Ahloo Tikkian with some Sholay. Eventually I got to a place where it was “fairly” clean and the man serving looked “fairly” presentable (thinking back I can't believe I ate there! O well!).

I sat down inside the shop and the man asked what I would like to eat. He was preparing Ahloo for Ahloo wale parotay. I said “I would like to have some Ahloo Tikkian with some Sholay.” He said, “No problem, please wait while I finish off these ahloo for Ahloo wale parotay.” He asked, “Do you like MIRCHAA (chillies)?” I replied, “I eat Mirch, but NOT TOO MUCH and nor do I eat SAABAT MIRCH (full chilli).” He asked “You want big Mirch pieces or small?” “SMALL, please” I replied.


Chalo, I wait and then arrives a plate of Ahloo Tikkian and Sholay. SAT NAAM, WAHEGURU. I did Ardaas and got stuck in. Very tasty! However, it was bit KORAA (hot). O well, I finished it off, thanked Waheguru and then paid the man for the Tikkian and Sholay.

I walked back to the Takht Sahib and thought I would go and see the Jathedaar Sahib. As I was walking I was feeling ILL. It felt like I was been STRANGLED. I didn’t think much and thought “it’s a passing pain and will go soon.”

I arrived at Jathedaar Sahib’s house and he asked me if I would like some milk to drink. So I drank milk. My throat was a little better however I still felt a SHARP PAIN in my throat like someone was throttling me or someone had stabbed me in the throat. Waheguru!

Afterwards I went to the JoRa Ghar (where the shoes are deposited and looked after). I told the Sewadaars that my throat is BURNING and I feel pain. They said “Drink water. Drink lots of water.” So that’s what I did, however the pain did not go away. When I went to the water tank to get more water, I bumped into one of the Hazoori Raagi Singh’s who do Kirtan at the Takht Sahib. He asked me to come with him to his room because he wanted me to read to him some letters he had received which were in English.

So I went with him to his room. He asked me “Bhaji, would you like some Chaa (tea)?” I said “Okay.” Next thing I know I FEEL LIKE VOMMITING and ask Bhaji where the bathroom is. I vomited in the bathroom sink. WAHEGURU.

Now my throat FELT FINE. I look down in the sink and all I could see was a HUGE MIRCH (chilli) laying there (NOTHING ELSE – just water and a Mirch lying there!). SAT NAAM, WAHEGURU. I couldn’t believe it! I had told the Ahloo Tikki man to keep the Mirch SMALL, but instead it was so HUGE (i.e. it wasn’t EVEN CUT) that it got stuck in my throat.


Rab Bhalla Kare!

Afterwards all the Gurdwara Sewadaars were relieved that my throat was back to normal and advised me not to eat Ahloo Tikki again from the Bazaar.


More stories from Sri Damdama Sahib to be continued...

The Bliss from Rainsabaaee Keertan

Bhai Manjeet Singh (Glasgow) doing Keertan at April 2001 Rainsabaaee Keertan in Southall

Yesterday was the International Akhand Keertan Rainsabaaee which happened at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Derby. "Akhand" (ਅਖੰਡ) means "NON-STOP". "Rain" (ਰੈਣ), meaning NIGHT. "Rainsabaaee" (ਰੈਣਸਬਾੲੀ) means "NIGHT LONG." So Akhand Keertan Rainsabaaee is where the Saadh Sangat gathers and does continuous non-stop Keertan throughout the night till Amrit-Vela (the early hours of the next day).

Unfortunately I was unable to go to the Rainsbaaee because of university work. However, there was a live video broadcast on the internet. It was great watching the live broadcast video. The Kirtan was CHARDIKALA. It’s great to see Sangat SINGING ALONG (something which sometimes is lacking in normal Sunday Gurdwara diwaans).

I remember my first Akhand Keertan Rainsbaaee which I attended. It was a few months after I started to keep my Kesh and tie a Dastaar. It was Vaisakhi 2001 International UK Smaagam at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Park Avenue in Southall. I never knew what a Rainsbaaee Keertan was nor had I been exposed to any large numbers of Gursikhs.

The Rainsbaaee Keertan was advertised in the newspaper and my two Bhua Jees (paternal aunts) said "that sounds like a nice programme. We have never been to a Rainsbaaee Keertan in this country perhaps we should go." So they asked me to come along. The three of us went to Southall in the car.

SAT NAAM, WAHEGURU. We arrived and the Gurdwara was PACKED with Singhs and Singhnees, young and old, adorned with beautiful Dastaars and Bana (Sikh attire). It was the first time I was fortunate to have the pleasure of having darshan of so many Gursikhs.

I sat down near the front where the Keertan was happening. One word to describe it was "WAHEGURU". Everyone was singing along and it helped that the Shabad being sung was being displayed on a projector screen. This was the first time I had ever seen Sikhi To The Max or a projector screen in a Gurdwara. I sang along with the Shabads. Everyone was singing really loudly like when someone is in love and shouts "I LOVE YOU!!" the loudest they can from their heart.

Here some photos from the Southall Rainsabaaee Keertan April 2001 (You may spot me in the Sangat in a few photos!):

Bhai Harsevak Singh Ji (UK) doing Keertan.


Saadh Sangat.


Bhai Niranjan Singh (Jawadi Kala Wale) doing Keertan.


Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. You can also see the projector screen near Guru Sahib. I was amazed at seeing Sikhi To The Max.


Saadh Sangat.


Bhai Apardeep Singh Ji (Derby) doing Keertan.

The Panj Piaare doing Keertan. I remember that there was an Amrit Sanchaar. After the Amrit Sanchaar had finished, all those who had taken Amrit walked behind the Panj Piaare and entered the Diwaan hall. It was heart moving to see such a beautiful site!
You can hear some of the Keertan from that night here.


My Bhua Jees also enjoyed the Rainsbaaee and were pleasantly surprised at seeing so many Gursikhs (as they had not even had experience of so many Amritdharis). The RAS (taste) of AMRIT BAANI (spiritual-life giving Word of God) was UNBELIEVABLE. I realised here that Gurbaani was not just for reading but to EXPERIENCE!

I remember that night there was an Amrit Sanchaar. My Bhua Jees couldn't find me and when they found me and got ready to go home, they said, "We thought you may have gone to take Amrit - we were worried where you were." I wished I had taken Amrit there! It was amazing.

The next day I wished to experience the same experience. I could still feel the vibration of "WAAHE-GUROO" and Baani inside me. I wished I could be like the Gursikhs in the Rainsbaaee and enjoy the blessings of Guru Sahib.


I recommend that if you haven't been to a Rainsbaaee Keertan before, try going to one and sit there and allow yourself to become ONE with the Sangat and SING ALONG with the Keertan and allow your soul to enjoy the bliss of Amrit Baani :)

Find out about future Rainsabaaee and other Keertan programmes here.

Brother Off to Iraq

Photo taken last week of my brother before he left to go to Iraq. Waheguru.

He is a Lieutenant Officer in the British Army. He's been based in Germany with his regiment for the past 6 months. On Tuesday he travelled from Germany to Iraq, where he will be based in Basrah (Southern Iraq) for 6 months (I think its 6 months!).

Rab Rakha! Guru Sahib ang sang sahaa-ee hovan.


Some photos of my brother training at Sandhurst here.

The Turban - Pride, Glory & Honour

I came across this song video sung by Ravinder Grewal. The song is called 'PAGH' (meaning 'Turban'). Click on the image to view the video:

The video has a very uplifting message of what the Pagh represents. Although the song is very good, the men in the video wearing Dastaars (turbans) all have TRIMMED BEARDS. It's sad to see a man with a beautiful turban crowned on his head but his beard mowed over with scissors. (But still at least they have Pagh on their head).

The Pagh is a Sikh's SHAAN (glory), MAAN (honour) and SARDAARI (leadership). It is so sad to see youngsters and even elderly men nowadays swapping their MAJESTIC CROWN for CAPS, HATS and small PATKAS. Rab Rakha! A Sikh man and woman lives in the GRACE and GLORY of the Almighty through maintaining FULL APPEARANCE and crowned with a TURBAN.

Let us thank our Great Guru for having such Grace upon us and uplifting us with such a beautiful roop (image) of angelic prince and princesses.


Related links:
Article: "Who are Sikhs?"
Audio: Khalsa Jo Roop (Jazzy B/ Sikhi Khandiyon Tikhi)

Episode 9 of India Travels: Arriving at Sri Damdama Sahib (Part 1)

I wanted to learn how to correctly read Gurbaani, so I decided to spend a few weeks at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Sabo Ki Talwandi, district Bathinda (South Panjab), which is one of the Five Takhts (seats of authority in the Sikh Panth), which is where Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji stayed for about a year and compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. At this place Guru Ji started "Damdami Taksal," literally meaning a "minting factory", where the Sikhs would mint and prepare weapons, and mint the mind with the Shabad through teaching the correct meanings and pronunciations of Gurbaani.


On Sunday 27th July 2003, day 32 of my India trip, my cousin and I set off to go to Sri Damdama Sahib. We set off at 7.45am on the bus. It was a long and BUMPY journey! Throughout the whole journey I could feel the bus shaking (I was just hoping the bus doesn't fall apart on the way). We arrived at the Takht Sahib at 2pm.


We did Matha Tekh and then went to meet the Singh Sahib Balwant Singh Nandgarh, the Jathedaar (head) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. His family and he were very friendly and he assured me that my stay would be welcoming. I was given a room with a bathroom, which was very nice.

Afterwards we listened to Keertan and Sodar Rehraas and then ate Langar. My cousin left the next day to go back home at 7.15am. I went to see the Singh Sahib and enjoyed a nice cup of chaa (tea). He gave me a book to read about the history of the Takht Sahib and arranged for my Gurbaani Santhiyaa (class to learn Gurbani pronunciation and grammar) with the Granthi Singh in charge of teaching Gurbaani.

In the afternoon I went for a walk and found a cyber-café (well I am not too sure about the café part because there was nothing there apart from computers!). The man in charge of the internet shop was a clean shaven young man who was studying at the local college. His friends and he were SURPRISED firstly that I was BORN ABROAD (from my appearance of wearing traditional dress and being Amritdhari) and secondly, that I was ABLE TO USE A COMPUTER and INTERNET! lol.


On the way back I thought I would buy some FLIP-FLOPS as it would be more easier to move around especially as I would be taking my shoes off and on frequently while my stay at the Gurdwara Sahib. So I went to the shop and bought a pair. When I got back to the Gurdwara I went to listen to Keertan. It was a good day and met loads of Sewadaars and introduced myself. The local Sangat who are regulars in doing Sewa in the Langar Hall and JoRa Ghar (where the shoes are deposited) were very friendly and became my friends. We chatted for a long time and they ensured I had everything I needed.

I thought I would nip back to my room, so I go to find my shoes. However, I couldn’t find my NEW FLIP FLOPS. O deary me! I looked everywhere. All the Sewadaars started looking around for my flip-flops. I thought “O well! They are only flip-flops.” So I walked back to my room BARE-FOOTED and went back to the shop wearing my normal shoes to buy another pair of flip-flops.

Just as I was coming back from the shop, the Pehredaar (guard) of the Gurdwara asked me what I had been up to. I explained that my flip-flops had been STOLEN or LOST and so I had to buy some new ones. The Pehredaar smiled and said that he placed my flip-flops in a SAFE PLACE as I was from abroad and he didn’t want anyone to walk off with them. Lol. What drama!

I thought “What am I going to do with TWO PAIRS of flip-flops”. The Pehredaar (guard) kindly walked with me to the shop and he asked the man to return the flip-flops. The shopkeeper was happy to return them and gave me the money back. On the way he took me to his friends shop to have a cup of chaa (tea). (You will notice that there are a lot of TEA BREAKS in India!).


More about what happened at Sri Damdama Sahib coming soon…
(Stories from Sri Damdama Sahib include how I choked on an Ahloo Tikki).

True Story of Cancer Patient

I came across this video on khalsa.tv. It features story of Vasu Bhardwaj whose last stage cancer was cured with the grace of the Shabad Guru, Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In this video, Vasu Bhardwaj tells his own story and talks about the greatness of Guru Sahib.

ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਵਣ ਜਾਉ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੈ ॥
teerath naavan jaa-o teerath naam hai.
Why should I bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage? Naam, the Name of Waheguru, is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage.

ਤੀਰਥੁ ਸਬਦ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਹੈ ॥
teerath shabad beechaar antar gi-aan hai.
My sacred shrine of pilgrimage is spiritual wisdom within, and contemplation on the Word of the Shabad (the Divine Infinite Wisdom).
(Ang 687)

Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji!

Happy Vaisakhi! - 307 years of Guru Khalsa Panth

On 1st Vaisaakh (Panjabi Month), 14th April, the Sikh Nation celebrates the festival of "VAISAKHI". Vaisakhi is "historically" Guru Nanak Sahib Ji's birth day. Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji institutionalized the day of Vaisakhi in 1567 for the Sikhs to gather to receive the Guru's blessings at Goindwal Sahib, and learn the basic tenets of the Sikh faith as well as do sewa (selfless service) of the Sangat.

In 1699 Guru Gobind Singh Ji gathered thousands at Anandpur Sahib on the day of Vaisakhi and physically MANIFESTED the KHALSA by initiating 5 Sikhs and conferring Guruship to the KHALSA PANTH (the corporate Sikh community), completing the revelation commenced by Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and the successive Guru Sahibaans. The 5 Sikhs (Panj Piaare) in turn initiated Guru Gobind Singh Ji into the Khalsa.

Guru jee's Hukam (instruction) to us on commencing of the month of Vaisaakh (mid April - mid May):

ਵੈਸਾਖਿ ਧੀਰਨਿ ਕਿਉ ਵਾਢੀਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਬਿਛੋਹੁ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਸਾਜਨੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਕੈ ਲਗੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਧੋਹੁ ॥
ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਲਤ੍ਰ ਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਧਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਅਵਿਨਾਸੀ ਓਹੁ ॥
ਪਲਚਿ ਪਲਚਿ ਸਗਲੀ ਮੁਈ ਝੂਠੈ ਧੰਧੈ ਮੋਹੁ ॥
ਇਕਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਗੈ ਲਈਅਹਿ ਖੋਹਿ ॥
ਦਯੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਵਿਗੁਚਣਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਚਰਣੀ ਜੋ ਲਗੇ ਤਿਨ ਕੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਸੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਵੈਸਾਖੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਤਾਂ ਲਗੈ ਜਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
In the month of Vaisaakh, how can the bride be patient, who is separated from her Beloved. She has forgotten the Lord Waheguru, her Life-companion, her Master; she has become attached to Maya (the material illusionary world), the deceitful one. Neither son, nor spouse, nor wealth shall go along with you-only the Eternal Waheguru. Entangled and enmeshed in the love of false occupations, the whole world is perishing. Without the Naam, the Name of the One Lord, they lose their (spiritual) lives in the hereafter. Forgetting the Merciful Lord, they are ruined. Without Waheguru, there is no other at all. Pure is the reputation of those who are attached to the Feet of the Beloved Lord. O Waheguru! Nanak makes this prayer (at Your Door): "Please, come and unite me with Yourself." (In this season all around the trees and plants are becoming beautiful, but) the month of Vaisaakh will only be beautiful and pleasant for the soul when I meet the Saints and Waheguru. 3.

A few years ago the BBC broadcasted several programmes reflecting on the MEANING OF VAISAKHI for Sikhs. 'In Praise of God' broadcast by the BBC World Service included an interview with Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ji of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (Birmingham). During the interview Bhai Sahib Ji described the receiving of Amrit to be "akin to a SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE" with the Almighty, where our pledges of COMMITMENT are like our MARRIAGE VOWS and the Guru's gift of Panj Kakkaar (5 Articles of Faith) are the signs of our marriage bond.

Bhai Sahib Ji also quoted the Hukam for the month of Vaisaakh from Sri Granth Sahib Ji, explaining how as people we become so 'MESMERISED' and consumed by the material world that we 'DIVORCE' ourselves from our Beloved Lord Waheguru. Vaisakhi is an occasion for us to REMEMBER and RENEW our spiritual bond, as well as to make our COMMITMENT through the blessing of Amrit.


You can download the Sikh Calendar with all the Gurpurbs and other Sikh dates on http://www.nanakshahi.org/

Short Kids Play on 'Fake Holy Men' (ਪਾਖੰਡੀ ਬਾਬੇ)

In the beginning of April 2006, sevadaars from UK organized a Gurmat camp for Norwegian kids, similar to camps organised in Sweden and France. Approximately 100 children attended the camp.

The groups were divided into two. The older youngsters were in one group, and young children were in a separate group. The younger children participated in putting together a play which illustrated a deep issue affect the Sikh community worldwide, which is how vulnerable ignorant Sikhs are being cheated by fake holy men and self-proclaimed "Sants" (which has become a profession for people who can't find a job and want to make quick money!). The children beautifully highlight the moral as being that we should seek the support of Guru ji and do Ardaas to Waheguru, and save ourselves from becoming the victim of fake greedy men who call themselves "Sant" and "Baba".

May Guru Sahib keep the children in Chardikala and may we all learn from these young children that when our Guru is the Greatest of the Great then why do we falter and allow ourselves to made mugs out of by men posing as holy men.

I Want to Take Amrit, But MY PARENTS!

Below is a post from a forum from a young person who wants to take Amrit but he doesn't know how to tell his parents, fearing they will say 'No':

Author: 123
Date: 03-08-06 13:43

I have not taken Amrit yet and am planning too but have not told my parents and I don't think they even think/suspect anything...

When should I tell them - a week before Amrit Sanchaar or when I'm asking to get the Kirpan?

How would I break it out to them (tell them)?

I'm only 14 1/2 so I feel very strange on how I should ask or tell them.

I'm planning to take Amrit in April, so I got a month left. I can do Nitnem Banian in 1 hour for morning and 15 mins for evening, so no problem with that. It's just that no one is Amritdhari in my family, except my grandparents (on my father's side).

So please help on how I can ask or tell and the questions about.

My response:

SIT DOWN AND DISCUSS
I suggest you sit down with your parents and DISCUSS the ADVANTAGES of taking Amrit. Make sure you sit down when your parents are relaxed and free to chat. Then be OPEN with them.

Ask them “If a young person wishes to take Amrit then WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS?” Put the ball in THEIR court. Then you need to have POSITIVE illustrations and ROLE MODELS who can show to make your point, i.e.
* Guru HarKrishan Ji was 5 YRS OLD when he received Guruship.
* The YOUNGER SAHIBZAADEY were 5 and 7 years old (or perhaps slightly younger) when receiving Amrit.


Explain what taking Amrit MEANS TO YOU. No parent wants their child to be unhappy. Every parent wants the SUKH (happiness) for their child.


POSSIBLE OPPOSITION
Usually parents who are not into Sikhi themselves find Amritdhari way of life ALIEN. Also sometimes parents have not seen any POSITIVE Amritdhari ROLE MODELS and instead the only Amritdhari they know is a dodgy Gurdwara Pardhaan.

From my personal experience parents think keeping Kesh or taking Amrit will CREATE PROBLEMS which will CAUSE YOU PAIN and SUFFERING. What you have to do is to PROVE THEM WRONG and show them the TRUE REALITY.


COMMON ISSUES PARENTS WILL BE TROUBLED BY
* "If you take Amrit, who will you marry! We don't know any Amritdhari girl/boy. Finding partners is hard enough nowadays, without you taking Amrit!"

Response:
"I understand. However, our circle of people which we know is not Amritdharis. If you start going to Rainsbayees, camps, Gurdwaras and Sikhi events you will realise that THERE ARE FELLOW AMRITDHARI YOUTH and you make your circle of friends with them. If you go to pub, you make those circle of friends. If you go to Gurdwara, you make those circle of friends.

End of the day, WHY WILL MARRIAGE BE A PROBLEM? 1) I want to marry someone who is LIKE-MINDED (i.e. religious), and 2) the Guru's who's path I have chosen the Guru's path who will LOOK AFTER ME - You have nothing to worry about. Leave it to Guru Ji. [Pose the question:] "Do have Faith in Guru Ji?


* "You will find it hard to keep Rehat. We don't want you taking Amrit and then next day taking off your Kirpaan and cutting your hair. Taking Amrit is BIG commitment."

Response:
"Thank you for valuing Amrit and understanding the importance of Rehat. I totally agree with you. I have tried to keep Rehat for "x" amount of time. I can do Nitnem, I can wear my 5 Ks, and I have the SANGAT to SUPPORT me. On top of that I will have the STRENGTH of GURU Ji. I know it’s a commitment and I am willing to make it. I want my life to be of Guru Ji. [Pose the question to them:] "Guru Ji has done so much for us, don't you think it is good that we should do what Guru Ji asks from us and become Guru-Wale?"


CONCLUSION
End of the day your parents are NOT your ENEMIES. They want the BEST for you. You have to demonstrate and explain with SINCERETY, PYAAR and HUMILITY that TAKING AMRIT is the BEST THING for you. Its best if you get them to share their feelings, concerns and worries and you should have the CONFIDENCE to answer those and show them that all you want to do is HOLD ON to Guru Ji's hand and have GURU SAHIB's KIRPAA in your life - that is SUKH and MORE SUKH... Isn't that what all parent's want?

ਅਨਦ ਮੰਗਲ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਣੀ ਲਾਗੇ ਪਾਏ ਸੂਖ ਘਨੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ॥
anand mangal gur charNee laage, paa-e sookh ghanere raam.
Ecstasy, bliss and great happiness are obtained by grasping hold of the Guru's feet.
(Ang 925)

ਜੋ ਹਮਰੀ ਬਿਧਿ ਹੋਤੀ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਾ ਸਾ ਬਿਧਿ ਤੁਮ ਹਰਿ ਜਾਣਹੁ ਆਪੇ ॥
jo hamree biDh hotee mere satiguraa, saa biDh tum har jaaNhu aape.
My condition, O my True Guru - that condition, O Lord, is known only to You.

ਹਮ ਰੁਲਤੇ ਫਿਰਤੇ ਕੋਈ ਬਾਤ ਨ ਪੂਛਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੰਗਿ ਕੀਰੇ ਹਮ ਥਾਪੇ ॥
ham rulte phirte ko-ee baat na poochh-taa, gur satgur sang keere ham thaape.
I was rolling around in the dirt, and no one cared for me at all. In the Company of the Guru, the True Guru, I, the worm, have been raised up and exalted.

ਧੰਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਕੇਰਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਚੂਕੇ ਸਭਿ ਸੋਗ ਸੰਤਾਪੇ ॥੪॥੫॥੧੧॥੪੯॥
Dhan Dhan guroo naanak jan keraa, jit mili-ai chooke sabh sog santaape. 451149
Blessed, blessed is the Guru of servant Nanak; meeting Him, all my sorrows and troubles have come to an end. 451149
(Ang 167)

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)