The Creation Sings of the Creator

ਗਾਵਨਿ ਤੁਧਨੋ ਖੰਡ ਮੰਡਲ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡਾ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਰਖੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਧਾਰੇ ॥

gāvan ṯuḏẖno kẖand mandal brahmandā kar kar rakẖė ṯėrė ḏẖārė.
The worlds, solar systems and galaxies, created and arranged by Your Hand, sing of You.
(Ang 9)

Recently I came across a news article about new discovery made by scientists about the Sun:

Astronomers have recorded heavenly music bellowed out by the Sun's atmosphere.

Snagging orchestra seats for this solar symphony would be fruitless, however, as the frequency of the sound waves is below the human hearing threshold. While humans can make out sounds between 20 and 20,000 hertz, the solar sound waves are on the order of milli-hertz--a thousandth of a hertz.

The study, presented this week at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Lancashire, England, reveals that the looping magnetic fields along the Sun's outer regions, called the corona, carry magnetic sound waves in a similar manner to musical instruments such as guitars or pipe organs.

Read Full Article here

In Sukhmani Sahib, it says:
ਨਾਮ ਕੇ ਧਾਰੇ ਪੁਰੀਆ ਸਭ ਭਵਨ ॥
nām kė ḏẖārė purī­ā sabẖ bẖavan.
Naam is the Support of all worlds and realms.

ਨਾਮ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਉਧਰੇ ਸੁਨਿ ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ॥
nām kai sang uḏẖrė sun sarvan.
Associating with Naam, listening to it with the ears, one is saved.
(Ang 284)

VaaheGuroo, VaaheGuroo, VaaheGuroo, VaaheGuroo, VaaheGuroo

Inspiring Children from German Camp

On the first day of the Germany Camp held at Duisburg Gurdwara Sahib, I met a young lad called 'Deepak Singh'. He was wearing a sky blue colour traditional Panjabi large Pagh (turban). It was bed time but he still had his large Dastaar on his head. I said to him that now it is time to go to sleep, untie the Dastaar and instead go to sleep with a Keski (short under-turban). He shook his head and said that he doesn't have a Keski. I said, "Chalo, wear a Patkaa". He was reluctant. He then said, "Bhaajee, I am a monaa - my hair is cut... I feel embarrassed. I don't want to take off my Dastaar." Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Guru! The young 13-year-old boy had so much love for his Dastaar and felt so embarrassed that he had dishonoured his Kesh.


After doing Vichaar he untied his Dastaar. Bhaajee Ranjeet Singh sat him down and asked him why he had cut his hair if he had so much pyaar for his Dastaar and Sikhi. He explained that he wanted to keep Kesh and didn't cut his Kesh for a while and wore a Dastaar to school. However, when he got to school the principal called him to the office and said that a turban is in violation of the school uniform and he must have his hair trimmed short. Due to ignorance of the law and lack of confidence the boy got his hair cut short again. However, at the camp Bhaajee Ranjeet Singh, Giani Makhan Singh jee and other boys at the camp said that they would do everything they can and that Bhaaji Ranjeet Singh and Giani jee would go to see the principal and enlighten him on who the Sikhs are and about the turban so that he understands.

Deepak Singh also brought a 'Dhad' (small drum played in the hand) with him to the camp. He had learnt to the play the basics of Dhadi Sangeet when he went on holiday in India and the rest he learnt by trying himself. On the final night before the end of the camp, Deepak's family came and they also stayed a night. He had two other young brothers - aged 10 and 4.

They sat down in the room and sang a Dharmik Geet (religious song) with the Dhad for us, I told his parents that in my mind I see your children as GurSikhs who will become great Parchaariks (preachers). They have Spirit and Seed of Sikhi within them. I asked them, "Do you want to become Singhs?" They all smiled and shouted "Hanjee" (Yes) in one voice. I told their father, "Please don't suppress their Spirit and their Faith, let their Sikhi manifest, may the whole family become Guru-Waale." The father, who was clean-shaven, smiled and said, "I also wish this. Just as 'Chaman Laal' became 'Chamanjeet Singh Khalsa' - so is the wish of our family. We are Laale (Hindus) but have been brought up with Sikhi and Sikhs around us." Waheguru. Everyone sitting there was taken aback and amazed at the pyaar this family had for Sikhi. The father explained that at home they don't watch or listen to anything other than Dhadi Vaaraa(n) and Keertan. Waheguru.


On the last day of the camp, Deepak spoke to his parents about his plans of keeping Sikhi Saroop, and with their consent he told the Camp Sevadaars that he is going to become a Singh. His father also said that from now on he would change his son's name from 'Deepak Laal' to 'Deepak Singh'. Deepak Singh received a Siropaa from the Gurdwara Sahib along with two other Veers (brothers) who promised to stop dishonouring their hair and keep Sikhi Saroop.

One of the Aunty jees asked the three kids to play the Dhad for her and sing a Dhadi Vaar. (You can hear the Aunty jee in the video). Below is the video - TAKE 1:


After realising the video was going to be taken to England, the little one had a Dastaar put on his head and made to look the part. It was really funny to see how the poor chap keeps fiddling with his pagh. All three brothers, especially the youngster sang with Josh (power) and great pride - TAKE 2:

Leamington Spa Vaisaakhi Photos

On Vaisaakhi a special programme was held at Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahib. At 4pm the Nishaan Saahib seva was done in the presence of Panj Singh. Afterwards the Bhog of the Sri Akhand Paath Saahib took place. Raag Keertan and Vichaar in English by Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie followed this. They sang and explained a Shabad from Siree Raag by Guru Arjan Sahib jee:

ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਤੂੰ ਆਇਆ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈਣਿ ॥
prāṇī ṯūʼn ā­i­ā lāhā laiṇ.
O human! You came here to earn a profit.

ਲਗਾ ਕਿਤੁ ਕੁਫਕੜੇ ਸਭ ਮੁਕਦੀ ਚਲੀ ਰੈਣਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
lagā kiṯ kẖufkaṛė sabẖ mukḏī cẖalī raiṇ. ||1|| rahā­o.
What useless activities are you attached to? Your life-night is coming to its end. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 43)

During the run up to Vaisaakhi a drawing competition was held at the Gurdwara Sahib. The local Granthi Singh, Bhai Charanjeet Singh jee, awarded the children who participated and did well in the competition with prizes. Daas did Kathaa on 'Discovering Your Roots' and looked at the beautiful way of life bestowed upon us by Guru Sahib which is based on the Truth and how in modern times we have lost it's value due to challenges in society.

The programme ended with a fireworks display outside and also there was a live-link to the radio. Sangat members talked over the phone to the studio to Bhai Ravjeet Singh giving Vaisaakhi greetings and sharing what they had done during the day.

Below are some photos taken by Bal Bhaajee from Leamington Spa:






Group photo of sevadaars doing Panj Singhs seva.


Walking through Langar Hall towards outside.


Nishaan Saahib seva. I felt sorry for one aunty jee who had a bucket of water splashed on her Salwaar by another aunty who meant to pour the water of the Nishaan Saahib - but slightly missed. Waheguru.


Watching Nishaan Sahib Seva.


Sewadaars lowering old Nishaan Saahib.


Ardaas after completion of seva. The Panj Singhs stood on crane for the Ardaas. It felt bit unstable. I think its only designed to carry two or so people's weight. Waheguru. Chardi Kalaa ardaas was done by Giani Charanjeet Singh jee.


Siree Akhand Paath Sahib da Bhog.


Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie doing Keertan with Jathaa.



Young girl wins a prize for doing well in the Vaisaakhi drawing competition.


Daas doing talk.

Happy Vaisaakhi!

ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਵੈਸਾਖੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਤਾਂ ਲਗੈ ਜਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
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||
(Ang 133)

Related Articles:
* Nagar Kirtans - What's it all about?
* Short info on Vaisaakhi & Translation of Vaisaakh Hukamnama

Saariaa nu Vaisaakhi dee lakh lakh vadhaayee hove.

Germany Trip (Part 2)

Continued...

Children doing Rehraas Sahib da Paath. The children who stayed at the Gurdwara Sahib all did Panj Baanian Da Paath at Amrit-Vela and children who travelled to the Gurdwara Sahib did Japji Sahib da Paath (line repeated after line) at 7am.


Like all camps, the Langar was Chardi Kalaa! Waheguru! One day in the morning there was Mullee Waale Porothay, then in the afternoon there was Mullee Dee Sabjee, and in the evening Mullee Da Achaar (pickle). As you can imagine, the day was definitely a "MULLEE DAY" - children and sewadaars had good fun! lol.


Children learning Keertan. Bhaji Ranjeet Singh doesn't simply teach the children Shabads but instead teaches them Gurmat Sangeet theory and about Raag system and then the children accordingly practice and learn how to play Shabads on there own. All the children loved listening and playing Keertan!


This is Rajinder Singh. He is such a Chardikalaa Singh. He turned 7 years old during the camp week. He knew Ardaas off by heart and was so confident. If at this age he knows so much, I wondered when he is 15 or 20 where he will be at. Dhan Hai Guru.


Bhai Sahib is a sevadaar of the Guru Ghar. He is really Chardi Kalaa. Always smiling and make others smile :)


These three children wanted to keep Sikhi Saroop. After discussing with their parents they publicly announced they will not do beadbi of Kesh (dishonour the hair) anymore and want to maintain Sikhi Saroop as bestowed by Dasam Pitaa, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee. They were honoured with Siropas and Sangat hailed jaikaaray.



Day trip to the park. There was a lovely lake and lots of sand to have fun with!



On Sunday 8th April, the last day of the camp, all the children sat in a room for the last class before the camp ended. Bhaji Ranjeet Singh asked all boys and girls that when they first came to the Gurdwara they were Rumaals and Chunnis, then they began to wear Patkas and today they are capable of tying Dastaars. I was taken aback when Bhaaji asked, "From now on which child will tie a Dastaar every time they come to the Gurdwara on Sunday or to the Keertan class?" Every girl and every boy put their arm up. Seeing their proud faces and josh of wanting to tie Dastaars was very heart moving to see. That Sunday when I looked at the children, it was as if I had Darshan of Mata Sahib Kaur Jee and the Sahibzaadey. DHAN HAI GURU, DHAN HAI TERI SIKHI!

Germany Trip (Part 1)

Daas has been away for the past week attending a Gurmat Camp that was held for Sikh youngsters in Duisburg, Germany. The camp was held from Sunday 1st April to Sunday 8th April at Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, Duisburg. Bhaji Ranjit Singh from Germany (who has done immense sewa in inspiring and attracting the Sikh youth towards Sikhi through Gurmat Sangeet) and organising camps) organised the camp with the help of Duisburg Gurdwara Sahib and the Sangat from the surrounding areas.

Over 60 youngsters from the local area as well as other parts of Germany attended the camp. The week long camp involved a series of workshops and classes on Keertan, Sikh History, Gurbaani Santhiyaa (training in how to pronounce and understand Gurbaani), Gatka (Sikh martial arts), training in how to tie Dastaars and Keskian (large and small turbans), Q & A, discussions, hands on workshop and a day out in the park.

The children were amazing and had so much enthusiasm, pyaar and dedication. Everyone enjoyed learning, playing and listening to Keertan. The local Granthi Singh, Giani Baba Makhan Singh jee is doing great seva at the Gurdwara Sahib and inspiring the youngsters with Gurmat knowledge and gives youngsters and families support and advise in problems they face outside the Gurdwara Sahib.

The camp atmosphere was great. There were times of uncontrollable laughter (so much so that on the first day I laughed so much that I got asthma! And the worst thing was that I didn't bring my inhaler! Waheguru!). Hearing the personal stories of the sevadaars and some of the children brought tears to everyone's eyes and a feeling of bairaag. It was incredible to see the colours of Waheguru unfold.

The youngsters of Germany are a credit to the Panth (nation) and are showing great progress in Sikhi. May Waheguru keep them in Chardi Kalaa and bless them with more enthusiasm, spirit and strength in becoming strong Sikhs and inspiring other youngsters. The words to sum up the feeling at the end of the camp were: "Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi" (Blessed is the Guru, Blessed is Your Sikhi).

Here are some photos:

Veer Ramandeep Singh with his brother Robin Singh from Hamburg who stayed over on the weekend. Chardi Kalaa Singhs who recently came into Sikhi. I met Veer Ramandeep Singh in October at the Denmark.


Children doing Keertan on Sunday 1st April.


Group photo with the Singhs from Hamburg and with Bhaji Ranjeet Singh jee's mother and brother (Bhai Iqbal Singh). On the left-hand side is Bhai Jarnail Singh jee from Hamburg who has immense gyaan (knowlege) of Gurbaani and Gurmat.


Boys being taught how to do Pentraa for Gatka.


Bhaji Ranjeet Singh jee and Giani Makhan Singh jee showing the children how to do Fateh-naamaa in the Gatka class.


Two cute Chardi Kalaa kids from the younger children's class. Rajinder Singh (7) and Eikpreet Singh (4).

We had a class of Gurmukhi Hang-man game. The kids had to pick a word which the others had to guess by suggesting letters.



Below are photos from the Dastaar tying class. At the end of the week there was a dastaar tying competition for all the boys and girls. It was breath taking to see all the boys and girls donned with Dastaars on the last day of the camp in the roop (image) of Pitaa Guru Gobind Singh Jee and Mata Sahib Kaur jee:





To be continued...

Maharaja Daleep Singh

Recently I read about the life of Maharaja Daleep Singh. It was very saddening to read about his life up to the day he died.

The British dethroned Maharaja Daleep Singh, the ruler of Sher-E-Panjab, when they annexed Panjab in 1849. At the age of 8 years old, the child Maharaja Daleep Singh was cunningly converted to Christianity and was taken to England in 1854 where his Kesh were cut and he was given a new lifestyle. He was given the vast Elvedon Estate property for his luxurious living, near Thetford in Suffolk, so that he does not look back to his background.

It was interesting to discover in the book I was reading that Maharaja Daleep Singh was reminded of his past and questioned who he truly was after the Granthi Singh of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's Darbaar who trained Maharaja Daleep Singh and others in Gurmukhi, other languages and Gurmat came to England with a Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. The Granthi Singh, whom Daleep Singh remembered and respected, stayed with him and for a certain amount of time the Granthi Singh read and explained the Paath of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee to him and inspired him with Sikh history. This awakened the consciousness of Maharaja Daleep Singh to be re-initiated into the Sikh Panth and receive Amrit.

Maharaja Daleep Singh started his way for Panjab. On the way he was stopped at the port of Aden. Finding no other way out, the Granthi Singh who had educated Maharaja Daleep Singh, accompanied with 6 other persons (all their names were provided in the book) brought Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee to Aden. Here, Maharaja Daleep Singh received Amrit (Khande Di Pahul) from the Guru-Roop Panj Pyaare on May 25, 1886.

Below is a short video on a summary of Maharaja Daleep Singh's life:

Note: The blog will not be updated for a week as I am away. Details and photos of the trip will be posted when I come back.

The True Priceless Necklace

Story Behind Baavan Akhree

Translated by a Sevadaar from Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib from Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee’s book – Gurmat Gauravta

Regarding wearing ornaments, there is an extremely beautiful story in our history. The mention of this story in this context (context of wearing ornaments) is extremely important here. Once Guru Arjan Sahib jee, who was all-knowing, naturally inspired and advised his wife – Mata Ganga jee as follows – “Women of rich Mahaajans and Khatrees come to see you everyday but you should be aware that no matter how rich or nice these women are but they are still far from Gurmat. NEVER adopt their non-Gurmat, Manmat advice”.

This way after naturally advising his wife to not adopt the Manmat actions of the visiting rich women of Mahaajans and Khatrees, Guru jee went to Gur-Darbaar (where the sangat was). That day when Guru jee was preaching Gurmat to Sangat, a very rich Setth (merchant) made an offering of "Nau-Lakhaa Haar" (Naulakha Haar literally means a necklace worth 900,000 rupees). The whole city of Amritsar Sahib was talking about this very expensive necklace. Many rich women of the city came to see the necklace and loved the sight of this necklace.

Many of these women got together and went to Mata Ganga jee and starting requesting and cajoling her to wear that expensive necklace as follows, “You are the Mother of this whole world yet you are not wearing any ornament. You are the Queen of this world but are without any necklace. Being wife of Guru Arjan Sahib jee, it does not suit you to be without ornaments. Today, someone has offered the Naulakha Haar (necklace) to Guru jee and being our Guru Mata and being the wife of Guru Arjun Sahib jee it would be highly befitting to have you wear that necklace around your neck. We implore to you that you beg before your husband Guru Arjun Sahib jee to let you wear this necklace.”

What to say more, this way the group of rich non-Sikh women who came to see Mata Ganga jee, convinced her to wear the Naulakha Haar. Before Guru Arjan Sahib jee arrived back at his residence from the Darbaar, Mata jee lay herself on her bed, pretending to be sullen (gussay). Jaani-jaan (all knowing) Satguru jee knew about the real cause of Mata jee’s sullenness and said, “Today you seem to have been affected and influenced by the Aanmat (non-Gurmat) lessons of the rich women who visited you today and I had warned you about this earlier.”

Mata jee got conscious of arrival of Guru jee and with folded hands and with pallaa (hazooriya) in her hands, pleaded before Guru jee, “O True King (Sachay Paatshah), this servant of yours has never ever asked you for anything. This is the first time, I am asking for anything. I am hoping you will show your mercifulness by granting me my wish.”

Guru jee knew everything but still asked her, with a sweet smile on his face, as to what her wish was. Mata jee immediately said, “Today a Nau-Lakhaa Haar was offered in your Darbaar. Please grant me your approval in form of letting me wear that nau-lakhaa haar (the necklace).”

Guru jee hearing this plea from Mata Ganga jee laughed a lot and said, “You have confirmed that you have been influenced by your meeting with the non-Sikh rich women who met you today. O innocent one (bholeeyay) and O naïve one, you are talking about necklace worth nine hundred thousand, but even if you wear necklaces worth millions and billions of rupees, it would still be false or waste thing to do. Today, we are going to make such necklace for you that will not only help you in THIS world but also in the NEXT world.”

After these bachans (words) to Mata jee, Guru Arjan Sahib jee started uttering 'Sree Baavan Akhree' and such was the positive and heavenly influence of this baani on Mata jee that as she listened to this baani, this baani got carved inside her (in her heart). Such a miracle occurred at that time that as Guru jee uttered this baani, this baani got carved on the beautiful heart of Mata Ganga jee and she got this baani memorised in this short time (listening to it only once). With the affect of listening to this beautiful baani, Mata Ganga jee’s heart and her inside got illuminated with this baani. This way, Mata Ganga jee wore the true Naulakha Haar of Baavan Akhree.

----

Links:
Read Baavan Akhree Baani (Ang 250)
Baavan Akhree Audio - Bhai Jarnail Singh jee
Baavan Akhree Kathaa - Giani Baba Gurbachan Singh jee

Kaurageous Event - Dhadi Master's Vichaar

Marking International Women’s Week, the Sikh Sangat in Midlands have organised various events and talks to honour Sikh Womanhood. On Wednesday 7th March, a event titled, "Beauty of Sikh Women" was held at Aston University. The presentation was led by Bhenji Savleen Kaur jee from Leicester.

Below is a video of group work presented by Bhai Pardip Singh Khalsa jee (aka Dhadi Master jee, from Royal Leamington Spa):

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland

Today I came across pictures of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Dublin in Ireland.

Guess who I saw?


Is it Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (aka 'Sukhi Bhaaji')?


Vaheguru! Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare. You wouldn't guess it's St. Patrick's Day... looks more like Sukhi's Day :)

To see more pictures of Sikhs celebrating St. Patrick Festival 2007 in Dublin, please check out Sikhs in Ireland blog. The Singhs in Irleland look Chardikalaa and are doing fantastic work to raise awareness of who Sikhs are within the wider community. May Guru Sahib continue to bless them.

Interfaith Meeting on Environment (Part 2)

Continued...

After talking about the Gurmat perspective on Ecology and the Environment there was time for a few questions and answers before the Jewish Rabbi spoke.

The minds of the people sitting there was SHAKEN with Guru Nanak Sahib jee's message and looking at everyone's face it looked like they were CONTEMPLATING on what they had heard. An elderly Jewish lady in her 80s, who regularly attends the meeting and is very FRIENDLY and HUMOUROUS, said, "Today I feel like I am at AA... you know ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. After your talk I have to ADMIT I eat meat. I am CONFUSED now. I feel AWEFUL. I don't know what to do." She warmly smiled and then everyone agreed with her. One elderly Christian man said, "We never thought of that, and what was said made so much sense. I admit I eat meat and now I am in doubt but SORRY I don't think I can give up SUNDAY ROAST..." Everyone started to laugh. It was so funny! I told them I don't want people to start confessing whether they eat meat or not or tell anyone what to do, I was simply sharing what Gurmat says and giving FOOD FOR THOUGHT.


One Christian lady shared her views and said that she was fascinated by Sikhi's view of the environment, in particular how the world we see around us and the world we create is a PROJECTION or MIRROR of our STATE OF MIND and INNER-STATE. She shared that today people are LOST for SPIRITUALITY and now she realises that this is reflected in modern society's influence on the environment. It led to a discussion of young people in today's world and how many of them struggle with INNER STABILITY and finding EQUALIBRIUM with the MIND, BODY and SOUL. I shared thoughts how NAAM and BAANI helps to achieve this, and how if we take out 5 minutes at the end day to sit in silence and SELF-INTROSPECT one will start the journey of seeking to find stability, peace, happiness and start to ask questions like "Who am I?" "Who created me?" "How do I find eternal happiness?" etc.

Gurmat teaches us to strive to achieve EQUALIBRIUM of the mind, body and soul. For example, if someone were to cut their beard, it would grow back to a CERTAIN length, as intended by Nature. If someone pierces their ear, the ear fills back. This illustrates that just as WATER reverts back to it's natural state (i.e. if boiled it cools back down or if freezed it well melt back), so does the human body, nature, and the world have a balanced natural state. If we RECOGNISE this, only then we can strive towards bringing ONENESS within OURSELVES, leading to oneness with society, nature and the environment.


Then someone asked, "I know Sikhs don't eat meat, however what is Sikhism's views on ANIMAL SACRIFICES?" I shared a passage from Gurbaani:

ਜਉ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਖੁਦਾਇ ਕਹਤ ਹਉ ਤਉ ਕਿਉ ਮੁਰਗੀ ਮਾਰੈ ॥੧॥

jau sabh mehi eik khudaa-e kehat hau tau ki-o murgee maarai. ||1||
(O dear Mullah!) If you say that the One Lord is in all, so why do you kill chickens (as a sacrifice before that Lord)? (What does He not pervade in the chicken? What is the meaning of killing the creation of the Lord and presenting it before Him?) ||1||
(Ang 1350)

In the Name of God one kills something and expects to please God and purify his soul. Would God want you to kill an animal as a sacrifice to him (but the person and his family eats it!) or to make changes to one's life, work on one's demerits, chant and meditate on His Name, do prayers and serve His Creation?

The Rabbi was sitting next to me and he said that he was a VEGETARIAN and chooses not to eat meat out of personal principles, however he cannot justify his personal view with his religion's stand point. The Rabbi has a nice glowing aura from his face and was a happy looking person. He said that according to Genesis ADAM and EVE were vegetarians and intended so by God. However, due to the weak human nature, God made allowance for them to eat meat in CERTAIN circumstances. He said throughout Jewish history full allowance of eating any meat or eating meat whenever one feel's like it was never permitted, however nowadays everyone eats daily. Although Sikhs don't believe in Adam or Eve story, the story illustrates the meaning and message of the behaviour and nature God INTENDED for a human being living the PERFECT LIFESTYLE in harmony with Nature.


Lastly, a lady commented that she appreciated to hear of the TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY structure and LIFESTTLE of the Panjab based on the principles of the Gurus. She said, "The idea of REUSING, RECYCLING and SHARING resources is something that we can learn from. I liked how everyone PULLS TOGETHER and helps one another." It was discussed that the idea of community in today's world in this country is eroding and that communities need to pull together to help one another and the environment.


To end with, I would like to share what an elderly Christian gentleman said to me as I was about to leave for home. In the previous meeting he told me it was the first time he had spoken to a Sikh. The elderly man said, "I would like to thank you for speaking today sharing your views with us. I am a Christian but I learnt something about my own faith and about Christianity from today's talk. The things your religion says are TRUE and RIGHT. However, I am sorry - people like me are not capable or have strength to live such a lifestyle. Hearing these talks I realise there is something COMMON we all SHARE, and there is something which UNITES us all. I want to say "May YOUR God be with you."" I replied, "My God, and your God are ONE. May God bless you Sir as well." He smiled and said, "How WONDERFUL - this is great... one thing more which UNITES us... May God bless you."