Remembering Bhai Rama Singh Jee

Today is the Barsi (death anniversary) of Bhai Rama Singh jee, who passed away on 1st August 2002. I have'nt had the good fortune of meeting Bhai Sahib, however I read his autobiography called "In Search of the True Guru" which felt like having Bhai Sahib's darshan and doing Sangat with him. The book is very inspirational and once you start reading you don't want to put the back down. Bhai Rama Singh jee lived a life of Seva, Simran and Sikhi Parchaar and a role model to both young and old. Below is a short summary of Bhai Sahib's life and how he came into Sikhi.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF BHAI RAMA SINGH JEE

Childhood & Spiritual Turning Point
Bhai Sahib was born in 1930 in a village of Chhariavli in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India in the household of Vaid Chandar Pal and Bibi Lashmi Devi, a staunch Hindu family. He was named "Rama" and had one brother and two sisters. The turning point in his life, when as at the age 8 years old, when he heard a sermon from Baba Rattan Daas. The Baba (wise man) said that there were 8.4 million species. If a person did not remember Waheguru, then that person went through the suffering of all those forms of existence. Once caught in the pain of the cycle of births and deaths, it took a soul millions of years to get out of it. Bhai Sahib asked himself "Why shouldn't I meditate on God's name in this life and achieve salvation?" As Bhai Sahib meditated, an inner voice echoed "Without the Perfect (True) Guru there is no salvation in life."


Leaving Home
Bhai Sahib left home and proceeded to Rishikesh, which regarded as the land of the saints. Here he decided to stay in the jungle and meditate on "Haray Raama". On the third day of doing continous Simran, an inner voice repeatedly kept saying, "Without the Perfect (True) Guru there is no salvation. Without the perfect Guru there is no salvation." In search of the perfect Guru Bhai Sahib left for Delhi to stay and work for his uncle (father's brother). He didn't want to return home knowing his father would be angry. The hotel was opposite Gurdwara Sees Ganj Sahib.


Discovering Sukhmani Sahib
Bhai Sahib was experienced in the hotel trade and could cook. He saw an advertisement from a senior government official advertising for a job of handling party arrangements and travelling abroad. He met the man and got the job. The officer told Bhai Sahib that they were to leave for Indonesia on 20th July 1957. They stayed in a hotel. The officer had yet not arrived. In the hotel room there were 2 Sukhmani Sahib Gutke (prayer books). One was in Hindi and one in Gurmukhi. Bhai Sahib started reading Sukhmani Sahib in Hindi and on completion the officer returned back to the room. The officer recited the Baani (prayer) daily. For 21 days Bhai Sahib recited Sukhmani Sahib with devotion. The officer witnessed Bhai Sahib's devotion of reading Gurbani and said, "I respect anyone who recites Sukhmani Sahib. From now on you are not my servant but my son." One and half years later Bhai Sahib experienced bliss and happiness in his life.


Indonesia back to Home
Bhai Sahib got a job with the Indian embassy which involved meeting officers and industrialists in hotels and night-clubs. His success grew bigger and bigger. However, the five vices (lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego) were affecting his meditation. His mind wavered and he engaged in relationships with other women. Slowly the bliss of Sukhmani Sahib decreased and he lost the desire to read Baani. He realised his mistake of going to clubs and discos. Six years of working in Indonesia he returned to India back to his family. His brother was angry with him and scorned him after he heard Bhai Sahib recite Sukhmani Sahib instead of the Geeta (Hindu holy book) in the early morning hours.


In Search of the True Guru
Bhai Sahib left home to quench his spiritual thirst. His father was understanding as his birth chart predicted that Bhai Sahib from an early age will begin to meditate. He got on a train to Delhi but ended up going to Bombay. On the train he fell asleep and in his dream, someone said to him, "Your attachments are due to your past deeds and one day you have to part. The Lord's name is written in your destiny. The place where you are going will be good for you." He used read Sukhmani Sahib and for hours do simran. Looking for a perfect guru he went to a church and then a Mandir (Hindu temple) but found no spiritual satisfaction. 2 or 3 month later he came across a Gurdwara. When he went to do Matha Tekh (bow) before Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee he felt a divine force on his head. He listened to Rehraas Sahib and Keertan. In the Kathaa (lecture) the Giani jee said, "the Perfect Guru is Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee." Bhai Sahib at last had found what he had been looking for.


Journey to England
Bhai Sahib decided to come to England on 18th January 1964 by ship at Tilbury. On arrival he got his first Nitnem gutka (daily prayer book) and started repeating Mool Mantar. After 10 months he was blessed with ridhian sidhian (supernatural Powers) and his mind filled with calmness. Bhai Sahib started to attend English classes. The friends he had met there decided to travel to Europe. The group was a brother & sister who were Christians, an Israeli girl, a Panjabi and Bhai Sahib.


Darshan of Guru Gobind Singh jee
Throughout the car journey Bhai Sahib recited Japji Sahib and Chaupayee Sahib. When they reached Germany the hotel where they had arrived was almost fully booked. They managed to get 2 rooms with double beds but realised Dalia (the Israeli girl) had to sleep in the same room of either the Panjabi man or Bhai Sahib. Dalia said, "I'll sleep in Ram's room as I have full trust in him." Bhai Sahib prayed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji that he doesn't have Kesh and has not yet became a true Sikh, and to save the honour of the Guru's Sikhi. At Amrit-Vela (around 2am) the room suddenly flooded with a very bright light. Bhai Sahib experienced Guru Gobind Singh jee who gave him Hukam (order) to take Amrit and gave him a mission to promote Amrit and Gurmat Rehit in many countries. Since that day Bhai Sahib threw away the razor, kept his Kesh and decided to take Amrit.


Becoming part of the Guru's Family - The Gift of Amrit
Returning from Germany. Bhai Sahib met some Gursikhs at Shepherd's Bush Gurdwara who introduced Bhai Sahib to Giani Amolak Singh jee. At the time Baba Puran Singh jee from Africa had come to England. 25 people were ready to take Amrit. However 5 tyaar-bar-tyaar Singhs couldn't be found to do Amrit Sanchaar seva. By this time Baba Puran Singh jee returned back to Africa. The first Rainsbayee (all-night) Keertan was held in 1968 at "The Green" Gurdwara in Southall on the Parkaash Diwas (birth date) of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Bhai Sahib was moved by this. Shortly after many Singhs had migrated from Africa to Southall, so Giani Amolak Singh jee organised an Amrit Sanchaar. That day 25 Singhs and Singhnees, both adorned with dastaars (turbans) alike, recieved Amrit and immersed themselves in Naam.


Mission & Humble Seva (Sefless Service)
Bhai Sahib started his mission. Rainsbayee Keertans were organised and an Amrit-Vela Simran programme was started at Southall Gurdwara that spread to other Gurdwaras. He travelled on trips to Nankana Sahib, Anandpur Sahib and Hemkunt Sahib. He encouraged young and old to receive Amrit. For 30 years he did Sikhi Parchaar seva during his visits to the Far East (Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia), Makindu and Kericho, East Africa, Vancouver, Canada, USA and Europe. Irrespective of Bhai Sahib's popularity he always remained humble and simple. He practiced what he preached and always did seva of cleaning the Sangat's shoes and washing the dishes in the Langar whilst absorbed in Simran to cleanse the mind from ego.


Summary
Bhai Sahib advocated the power of Naam. He said without Naam life is totally wasted and futile. Bhai Sahib's autobiography ("In Search of True Guru") covers his childhood, search for the True Guru, Selfless Service with Humility and Khalsa Raaj. It is worth reading as it talks about the main reason for our existence, being liberated whilst alive, the fruits of Naam Japnaa (meditating on Waheguru) and humble seva (selfless service) to the community without looking for recognition. If anyone wishes to have a copy of Bhai Sahib's autobiography, please e-mail either jastinder_s@hotmail.com or jass@consultant.com for UK and Europe and for the Far East is gurkirpa@singnet.com.sg , specifying whether you prefer the book in English or Gurmukhi.

"If Naam Simran is done in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and in Saadh Sangat, then it is as if one is standing in heavy rain, the flood of which sweeps away everything; in that same way, the sins of previous lives of an individual are washed away."

- Bhai Rama Singh jee

May Waheguru do kirpaa on us all and bless us with a Chardi Kalaa jeevan, Naam Japnaaa, humility, Seva, and Amrit-Velaa.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Guru Ke Pyaare.

Glasgow Camp

On Sunday I flew out to Scotland for a Gurmat Camp held at Glasgow that was organised by the Sikh Naujawan (youngsters) of Glasgow. With Waheguru's kirpaa, this time I had my passport safe and sound! As the aeroplane landed and I entered the airport I saw a group of Gursikhs from the Midlands sitting in the waiting area. It was a nice surprise, as I was expecting to see all Scottish people. The Gursikhs were coming back from the Rainsbayee Keertan held in Glasgow which was followed by the Anand Kaaraj of Bhai Jasmeet Singh jee & Bibi Gurdev Kaur jee.

Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh jee ("Sukhi Singh") also attended the camp :) The camp started on Monday and finished on Thursday. However, Sukhi Bhaji and Daas had to leave on Wednesday afternoon because we had an Anand Kaaraj to attend on Thursday. The Glasgow youth Sangat are Chardi kalaa and very friendly. Around 100 children attended the camp.

In the mornings the camp started with Japji Sahib and Simran, followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama. After breakfast there was one talk for the younger group and one talk for the older group. The talks were on 'the Gurdwara', 'Who is a Sikh?', Sikh history and discussions. After lunch there were activities and another talk. The day would end around 4.30pm with Simran, Keertan, Ardaas and Hukamnama. May Waheguru bless all the young sevadaars and keep them in Chardi Kalaa so that they can do more great seva.

Some photos from the camp:


Morning Diwaaan


Naam Simran


Morning breakfast


Bhaji Sharandeep Singh jee and Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh jee enjoying some Coco Pops!

During activities time the children played blind fold game! Some poor chidren ended up banging into walls! Waheguru.

Group photo before leaving for the airport.


This Singh was so cute and Chardi kalaa. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi!

France Gurmat Camp 2007 (Part 2)

The day before I was set to fly to France I lost my passport. Waheguru! It was late in the evening and I was packing my bag and I went to the drawer where my passport was kept but I couldn't find it. I looked on my desk and elsewhere but couldn't find it! I thought to myself, "It had to be me! Why O why!" I asked my mum to help me look for the passport. We looked everywhere - even under the bed and pillow (not that I sleep with my passport under my pillow!). Couldn't find it anywhere. It was approaching 11pm and the next morning it was my flight. It was a nightmare.

I checked the drawer where the passports are kept but couldn't find my passport. I checked several times. Checked to see if it had dropped behind the drawers. No luck. My mum checked about five times but no luck again. It was looking bleak so I decided to check the Internet about what I should do. I rang the airport and they said I couldn't travel to France with a driver's license - I needed a passport! I checked the Home Office website and rang their emergency helpline. Sat Naam, Waheguru. The lady on the phone said I will have to wait for 7 days minimum for a new passport before I am allowed out of the country. But she said try ringing the French embassy to ask whether they will let me on the areoplane with a driver's license. How embarrassing! How would France let me in the country with a driver's license when I won't be able to even get on the aeroplane with it! It felt like being in a film - in between a comedy and horror film. Why me! And it was 11.30pm now!

At the end my mum said "Lets do Ardaas and ask God to help." We did Ardaas and then sat down for a bit. My mum went upstairs again and then I heard "Manvir, I've found it!" Waheguru Sache Paatishaah! I was so relieved that it was found. The strange thing was that it was found in the drawer where we first looked (and checked about 7 times) but it was in a small bag (don't know why). Rab Da Shukar I could finally go to sleep!

Lesson learnt: (1) Do Ardaas and Waheguru helps, (2) Pack your bags and get your passport ready a few days before traveling - don't leave it last minute!

More photos from France:


Up and coming Jathedaars (leaders) of France - Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa & Bhai Maha Singh jee. Both Chardikala Guru De Pyaare posing outside the school building.


Giani Pritam Singh jee welcoming everyone to the school building and saying a few words of wisdom to the children. After Baba jee announced it was my birthday and everyone sang Happy birthday.


Uncle Gurdial Singh jee and the local Mayor or Council representative visiting the classrooms.


Some how Aunty jee remembered it was my birthday and Sangat made some delicious eggless cakes which were distributed to each of the classes. This cake was in a teddy bear shape made to give out to the 3-5 years old class.


Giving out cake in the 10-12 years old class. You can tell they were looking forward to eating some cake!

Students sitting there end of camp exam tests:



After the exams there was lunch and everyone went outside to enjoy the nice weather in the nearby park.


On the last Saturday of the camp there was a Rainsbayee Keertan (all-night Keertan). Campers and local Sangat took part.

On Sunday 15th July the last day of the camp all the groups did Keertan in front of the Sangat. Afterwards the campers received small prizes and certificates and sevadaars recieved Siropas.






Video of 3-5 years old group singing "Aagyaa Bhe-ee Akaal Kee" shabad:


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! May Waheguru keep all the children in Chardi Kalaa.


Click here for more videos.
Click here fore more photos.

France Gurmat Camp 2007 (Part 1)

Protest at Sri Anandpur Sahib in 2005 against Dastaar ban in French schools

For the past two weeks I've been away in France. As you will all know since September 2004 the French government implemented a law banning religious symbols from state schools as a result of which Sikh students were not allowed to go to school or college wearing a Dastaar (turban) or keeping their head covered. There are approximately 7,000 Sikhs living in France. Despite the challenges they have faced the French Sikh children have risen up and not lost their pride in Sikhi. From Wednesday 4th July to Sunday 15th July, the Dashmesh Sikh Academy Paris held it's annual Gurmat Camp in Paris at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Bobigny. Around 200 or so children aged from 3 to 20 years old attended the 12 day camp.


There were various classes, which included Gurbaani Santhiyaa (learning correct pronunciation), Sikh History, learning Panjabi, Gurmat Sangeet (Sikh musicology), Gurmat Vichaar (discussions on various issues and topics). The classes were held by Giani Pritam Singh jee from Southall, Bhaji Ranjit Singh jee from Germany and Daas were invited to teach the children, as well local elder sevadaars.

The Sikh youth of France an example of how Sikhi will never finish irrespective of the challenges Sikhs face. They all showed pride, love, and enthusiasm! May Waheguru continue to keep them all in Chardikalaa and bless us all with Sikhi Sidq.

Below are some photos:



Every day campers in the morning recited 5 Banian da Paath (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tva Prasaad Svaiye, Chaupayee Sahib and Anand Sahib). A sevadaar would read one line and the children would repeat the same line. Its amazing how children at such a young age who aren't even Amritdhari would sit down for such a long time and recite Baani in the morning.


On Sunday 8th July we were invited to Le Bourget Gurdwara Sahib to do Keertan. The Gurdwara was packed with Sangat. There are around 5 Gurdwara Sahibs in Paris.


The Germany Camp was famous for it's Moolee (i.e. in one day there was Moolee-waale Parothay, Moolee da Achaar, Moolee in Salad, and Moolee dee Sabjee)! At the France camp, the "Matturee" is famous! You will never go short of Matturee at the camp! Bhai Sukha Singh jee, the Laangree (cook) of the Gurdwara is very Chardikalaa Gursikh and is a great cook!


This is photo of my 10-12 year old class. The room was so small but everyone managed to squeeze in! They were a good bunch and had a lot of energy.


This is the 3-5 years old class playing games outside.


Bhaji Ranjit Singh jee with the elder group practicing Keertan. The morning session with the elder children was usually a discussion led by Bhaji Ranjit Singh jee and Daas on different topics and issues.



Boys and girls learned how to tie a Dastaar.


The Langar was Chardikalaa. Bhai Sukha Singh jee, the Laangaree (cook), made different items throughout the day and one day he made Mango Shake! Waheguru!



After Rehraas Sahib Uncle Gurdial Singh jee would ask the children if they had a complaint against anyone. It was so funny! Young children would stand up and come on the stage and point out another boy and say "He stood on my foot" or "He pushed my bag in class." Uncle jee would get them on stage and then ask the child and the Sangat to forgive the accused and not to do it again. It was nice how the idea of forgiveness and living together as a family was shown to the children.


These poor boys were made to stand outside holding their ears because they were talking during Rehraas Sahib. Bechaare!


Bhai Jasveer Singh Khalsa leading Gatka class with the children.


Giani Pritam Singh jee and Bhaji Ramandeep Singh jee from Germany playing Gatka. All the children were cheering "Baba jee, Baba jee, Baba jee!".



Bhaji Ranjeet Singh jee made some videos of the camp with his laptop. Also he made a film with a group of children who enacted a drama about Manmat. The acting was great, especially the acting of 12 year old Jugraj Singh (he could be heading for a career in acting!). Once Bhaji has finished editing it and has added the finish touches he is going to send me the film. So that will be coming soon!

On Saturday 14th July all the campers wore their uniforms and marched in a procession to the new school building bought by Uncle Gurdial Singh jee where the campers were to do their end of camp tests and then enjoy themselves in the nearby park.





To be continued...