Duisburg Gurmat Camp, Germany (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 23rd September to Sunday 30th September at Singh Sabha Gurdwara Sahib, Duisburg. Bhajee Ranjit Singh from Germany (who has done immense seva in inspiring and attracting the Sikh youth towards Sikhi through Gurmat & Keertan classes, and organising camps) organised the camp with the help of Duisburg Gurdwara Sahib and the Sangat from the surrounding areas. Bhajee Sukhwinder Singh from Birmingham also came to the camp a few days into the camp and held classes and did great Keertan seva.

Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee went to pick me up from the airport. Once my luggage arrived I decided to go the bathroom and put my Kirpaan back on. I thought I would go to the disabled toilet, considering the arrivals area was nearly empty and it would be easier to put my Kirpaan on there. Waheguru. Well, Germany's airport is more advanced than UK. Even the toilet doors electronically opened. I tried opening the door but it wouldn't. I pushed the button and got in but then the door didn't close. Neither did the button work to close it nor could I yank the door shut. It was slightly embarrassing! Eventually I got my Siri Sahib back and then looked for the exit doors. I couldn't find them! I found a door but it was shut so I pushed it open and got out. It was slightly strange that all the people on the plane had some how got off the plane but I was all alone when coming out. I couldn't see Bhajee so I thought he must be late. 10 minutes later Bhajee came to me and said where had I been. I realised that I had got out of the wrong door and hence no one was there! Waheguru. Drama!

Over 75 youngsters from the local area as well as other parts of Germany attended the camp. Some children travelled 1 to 2 hours daily to attend the camp. Their devotion was overwhelming. Two boys came daily to the camp by bus, which took them one and a half hours. Despite the distance they even attended the early morning Amrit-Vela simran and Nitnem and took the 1am bus from where they live. Waheguru. The week long camp involved a series of classes from Keertan, Sikh History, Gurbaani Santhiyaa (training in how to pronounce and understand Gurbaani), Gatka (Sikh martial arts), training in how to tie Dastaars & Keskis (large and small turbans) and Q & A sessions. One day of the camp everyone went for a day out to the local park which is very peaceful and tranquil place.

The children were amazing and had so much enthusiasm, pyaar and dedication. There were new faces compared to the last camp in April. All the children and their parents had so much pyaar and enthusiasm. The local Granthi Singh, Giani Baba Makhan Singh jee, who does great seva in teaching the local children was away in India so everyone missed his presence in the camp.

The camp atmosphere was great. Daas met Chardi Kalaa naujawan - Bhajee Barinder Singh and his 2 brothers, Veer Ramandeep Singh & his brother, Veer Damandeep Singh, and 16 years old, Veer Tanveer Singh (who made a promise in Guru Sahib's Hazoori (presence) in the last camp that he would stop cutting his Kesh, and with Guru's Kirpaa in this camp he was wearing a Dumalaa and his aura was glowing with Chardi Kalaa). There were times of uncontrollable laughter (so much so that I needed to take my asthma inhaler everyday! Waheguru!). Hearing the personal stories of some of the Veer jees and Bhenjees and their struggles and challenges in becoming and maintaining their Sikhi 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).

Some photos:


Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee addressing the children.


Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee's elder group Gatka class.


The campers' mothers joined in the fun and played a game of balancing a lemon on spoon held in their mouth. Some of them ran quite fast and did well! (Some nearly banged into the wall as they got to the finishing side. Waheguru).


Last April's camp speciality was Moolee (Parothay, Sabjee, Achaar and Salad), but this camp's speciality was PIZZA. Waheguru. Three days running there was Pizza (in the afternoon and because there were so many Pizzas, it was given out in the evening as well. At first the children screamed and ran to the Langar hall when they heard they were getting Pizza. Waheguru. By the end of the camp the children said, "I don't want Pizza... I want to eat Roti" (makes a nice change!)


Paramjeet Kaur Aunty jee with the younger children's class.


Bhajee Barinder Singh (who is studying Physics at university in Germany) talking to children about being Sikh and living in Germany.


On Thursday everyone went to the local park and lake.


Sitting down on some rocks and relaxing.


Bhai Maha Singh jee Paris Waale (a Chardi Kalaa and amazing Gursikh who recently received the gift of Amrit with his whole family) and Daas were competing to see who get the highest on the swings but unfortunately my swing got twisted and I started to swing sidewards and nearly had Bhai Sahib's foot on my face. lol. Waheguru!


Bhai Sukhwinder Singh jee (UK) competing against Bhai Maha Singh jee (France)


Children playing with the sand and water.


Eikpreet Singh (Bhajee Ranjeet Singh jee's son).


Group photo of Chardi Kalaa Singhs - Bhai Ramandeep Singh, Bhai Maha Singh jee, Bhai Tanveer Singh and Bhai Damandeep Singh.


Autny jees sitting down and relaxing.


Veer Damandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh with Gajmeet Singh and his cousin on the walk back to the Gurdwara.


Aunty jee tied a Dastaar for the first time. Her three daughters since the last camp started to a tie a dastaar regularly everytime they come to the Gurdwara and are working towards taking Amrit and wearing a Dastaar to school as well. Also her youngest son kept his Kesh since the last camp. Everyone was proud to have a photo to capture how nice they looked in the form and image that Guru Gobind Singh jee blessed his children.


Late afternoon class of questions and answers.


In the evening we used to do Rehraas Sahib through Keertan.


Everyone eating Langar.

To be continued...

Dundee Visit (Final Part)

On Sunday morning everyone had breakfast and then the normal Sunday Diwaan began. Bhaji Sharandeep Singh jee (Glasgow) read Sukhmani Sahib and full Anand Sahib (he actually read it twice because no one told what was the programme. Waheguru). We decided that on the last day we would offer the opportunity for people to have a Dastaar tied on them.

At first 2 young Veer jis volunteered and looked quite eager to have their Dastaars on:




Bhenji was asked whether she would like to have a Dastaar tied on her. At first she looked bit worried but by the end of it she seemed to be happy and was smiling.




Bhenji Manpreet Kaur jee crowned with a Dastaar.

Seeing Bhenji with a Dastaar, one of the elder Aunty jees asked whether we could tie a Dastaar on her. She looked excited but was surprised that she had to tie her Jooraa (hair-knot) at the top of her head, on top of her Dasam Duaar (10th spiritual opening). She happily did so and then we said that if you wear a Dastaar then earrings don't look right as your Dastaar and 5 K's are your jewellery and true beauty is of Naam that radiates out. At first she didn't look to keen but by the time Aunty jee had a Dastaar on her head she was glowing and radiating the beauty of the Khalsa. She was so confident and proud of her Dastaar. Dhan Hai Guru.

There was a domino effect. One person tied a Dastaar and gradually everyone saw how wonderful it looked and said, "Can you tie one on us." It was the first camp I have been to where ladies and mothers of children have asked to have Dastaars tied on them. Waheguru. Initially some ladies said no and didn't feel confident with the idea of a turban, however seeing one or two other Bibis having Dastaars tied and radiating the glory of the Khalsa, by the end of the class nearly all the ladies in the Langar hall were crowned with Dastaars.

More photos from the Dastaar tying session:





Group photo of Dundee's youth


Group photos of some of the Bibian


Proud mother and son

Bhaji Sidharat Singh jee tying a Dastaar on Bhai Manjeet Singh jee who did tireless seva in arranging this camp. The camp was so organised and everything well planned. Bhai Manjeet Singh jee and Bhai Rajinder Singh jee are credit to the Sangat.

Uncle jee and Aunty jee. They look so happy :) Waheguru.

After the Dastaar tying session everyone went to the Guru's Darbaar for the finishing Diwaan. There was Keertan and vichaar. It was so inspirational to look at the Sangat. The first day we arrived, the majority of the Sangat were not Keshdhari and didn't wear Dastaars. With Guru jee's Kirpaa, on the last day, you could see proud Sangat donned with the Guru's crown on both the men's and women's side in the Guru's Darbaar.



After doing Simran together and Keertan, the final Ardaas of the camp was said and a Hukamanama was taken. Guru Sahib blessed us all with the following Hukam:

ਸਭਿ ਕੁਸਲ ਖੇਮ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਧਾਰੇ ॥
Sabẖ kusal kẖėm prabẖ ḏẖārė.
God has blessed all with peace and pleasure.

ਸਹੀ ਸਲਾਮਤਿ ਸਭਿ ਥੋਕ ਉਬਾਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Sehī salāmaṯ sabẖ thok ubārė gur kā shabaḏ vīcẖārė. Rahā­o.
Everything is safe and sound, as we contemplate the Word of the Guru's Shabad. ||Pause||
(Ang 625 - Read Full Shabad)

An Uncle jee from the Sangat gave a small talk at the end.


Group photo of all the sevadaars (its slightly blurry!)

It was so sad to see leave the Sangat. I never look forward to the end moments of any camp. Although we had only spent a weekend in Dundee, it felt like we had known the Sangat for months. The Sangat's pyaar, dedication and devotion was very inspiring and is something that all the Sevadaars felt and took away with them. Initially I was a bit shocked that in the under 10's group no one knew Mool Mantar. However, one elder Bhenji from the Sangat showed me a video on her phone and said she wanted me to see it before we went back home. Waheguru. The video showed children on a Sunday diwaan before they ate Langar. They all sat in lines and all recited Mool Mantar continously with their eyes closed. Dhan Hai Guru. I thanked Bhenji for showing me the video. May Guru Sahib bless the Dundee Sangat and children and may they flourish to become Chardi Kalaa Gursikhs which spread the beauty of Sikhi in Scotland and throughout the world. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi!

Dundee Visit (Part 2)

Continued...

The Gurdwara was actually rather large. It's been established for about 20 years. We were greeted by the Gurdwara Sevadaars who were all Monay (cut-haired). I knew before I came that the Gurdwara does not have large Keshdhari Sangat and therefore the seva of the Gurdwara is carried out by the Mona Sangat who have a lot of pyaar (love) & shardaa (devotion) for the Gurdwara and a lot of respect for Amritdhari GurSikhs.

It was good timing. As we arrived, the Singhs from London arrived with Bhaji Rajinder Singh, one of local Sevadaars. Poor Bhaji Vijay Singh! Waheguru! Well more like, poor Bhaji's Vaajaa (harmonium). It had a slight accident in the airport and didn't smell too good (won't say anymore! Waheguru). Just thinking about Bhaji Vijay Singh's Vaajaa and the traumatic ordeal that it went through at the airport makes me giggle!

Entering the Gurdwara we could see no Singhs and noticed one elderly Bibi in the whole Sangat who had her jooraa (hair-knot) on top of her head, donned with a Dastaar on her head and her Gatra Kirpaan showing. It was very inspirational to see this Bibi stand out of the Sangat and be in Sikhi Saroop in a city that has no Gursikhs. Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Jee and Mata Sahib Kaur Jee. Aunty jee looked over the moon to see all the Singhs and gave everyone huge hugs! We also met Bhaji Sidharat Singh from Aberdeen (who is an Amritdhari student from India) who was in Chardi Kalaa as usual and made us all smile.

Saturday morning we came downstairs after we were told that the Aunty jees had made us Parothay to eat. As you can imagine it didn't take long for all the Singhs to get down to the Langar hall and get stuck into the Mehthay Waale Parothay with Garam Chaa (obviously Sant Baba Paman Singh jee stuck to drinking milk!). As usual we probably ate more than we needed to and felt bit sleepy afterwards! Waheguru. We waited for the children and decided that on Sunday we would tie Dastaars on the Sangat and give them a Dastaar as a gift for them to keep.

Everyone was unsure of how many children to expect. Well, at 9am only 2 children turned up (and I think they were brother and sister!). We started the morning with Simran, Ardaas and a Hukamnama to get Guru Sahib's blessings. With Guru's Kirpaa, within the hour we had around 20-30 children (which is alot for Dundee as there is very little Sangat, and whatever Sangat there is - they don't come to the Gurdwara). We began our classes. In the morning, Ravjeet Singh, Bhaji Sidharat Singh & I had the under 10's, and Bhaji Vijay Singh & Bhaji Paman Singh had the over 15s & adults (basically aunty and uncle jees). Everyone looked excited.


The Under 10's introducing themselves to one another.



Under 10's group were quizzed about the Sahibzaadey and 10 Gurus by Ravjeet Singh before we showed them a video.


Bhaji Vijay Singh with the adults. Waheguru. It was so funny, Bhaji had a rough time. Let's say the topic was "Equality" and there was a heated debate which went bit off course between one elder of the Gurdwara and all the ladies. Waheguru.


This is Seva Kaur jee all the way from Northampton. Waheguru. Her family showed a lot of dedication by taking time out and driving all the way from Northampton to Scotland for the weekend. Seva Kaur would go up to all the Singhs and say "Bhaji, Bhaji". Very cute.


Afternoon class with 10 years old to adults taking about Sikh history, Sikh principles and lifestyle.

In the evening after Rehraas Sahib, there was a late night keertan darbaar till 11pm. It was pleasant surprise to see a lot of the local Sangat and stay till the end of the Keertan darbaar. One Bhai Sahib from the local Sangat said that there's never been any Raagi Singhs or Parchaaraks ever come to visit Dundee Gurdwara before and on Sunday the Diwaan is for 2 hours and even then there's usually little or no Keertan (the little keertan done is by one or two children who have learnt keertan from Glasgow and learning themselves).


Bhaji Vijay Singh


Bhenji Manpreet Kaur. The day we arrived Bhenji was doing Keertan with the 2 Singhs with a blue patka in the photo. We thought a shabad tape was playing. She continued to do keertan for an hour or so on the day we arrived. Guru Sahib's Kirpaa on these children.


Bhaji from Northampton with his daughter Seva Kaur in his lap as he does Simran. Waheguru. Looked nice to see father and daughter doing Simran.


To be continued...

Dundee Visit (Part 1)

Last weekend the Dundee Sangat in North Scotland invited a group of us to help them do a Gurmat Camp. I flew out to Edinburgh on Friday. At Birmingham airport I got checked in my luggage and made my way to the departures area. Before entering there was a security man who was asking passengers whether they had any fluids or liquids with them in their hand luggage. The man looked at me and with a warm smile he said, "Sir do you have any liquids or water with you?" I shook my head and said "No." He then smiled and said "PAANEE? Do you have any PAANEE?" I said, "No" and smiled back. Then he said "DAARU? You have any DAARU?" I looked confused and replied "No Daru. I am a Sikh. Sikhs do not drink alcohol." He smiled and said, "It was worth a try." Waheguroo.

Then I got through the metal detecting machines and on the other side there was a counter and about 20 security personnel standing there. It looked odd because usually only one or two guards are there. One man dressed in plain clothes asked me to come to the side (first time!). He looked Panjabi and was wearing a Kara or something that resembled one. He said, "Where are you going Sir?" I said, "Edinburgh". "What is the purpose of your visit?" he asked. I said, "There's a Gurmat camp at Dundee Gurdwara. I am going there from Edinburgh." Then he said, "What are you going to teach at the camp." Very strange. I thought, "Hai Bhai! You want me to sit down with you and read Gurbani, do Keertan and Simran or something?" I said "meditation and keertan". It was weird because although he looked Panjabi he was asking questions like he was a Gora and was unaware of Sikhi. He then asked, "So are you a SAT-SANGI?" I looked at him with a confused face. He repeated his question and said "Are you part of SAT-SANGIS?". I pointed to myself and said, "I am a SIKH - I am NOT a SatSangi". I don't have a clue where this man was coming from - do I look like a Radha Soami or Nirankari (Narakdhari) (which I assume is what "SatSangi" meant in the context he said it). Rab Raakhaa!

Then he asked, "What do you do for a living?" I said that I am a student studying PhD in Sikh Studies. He said "So what do you learn in your PhD? Do you learn about the 10 Gurus?" What type of question is this? I thought, "Hai Bhai, 5 year old children know about the 10 Gurus!" Waheguru. It was dragging on. I was unsure whether (1) he was bored and thought like talking to somebody that looks like a Giani, (2) he thought I looked lonely and offered to do seva of talking to me and passing my time at the airport, or (3) he thought I had a dodgy passport or something and thought I was trying to smuggle my way out to Scotland (something for him to think about - why would an apnaa person want to illegally try to get to Scotland? - No offence to Scotland). Rab Rakha. He asked other weird questions which I gave minimal response considering the man was getting bit annoying and patronising (it could be the case he was trying to be friendly - Rab Jaane!). Chalo, suppose it made the morning interesting!


Arriving at Edinburgh airport I waited for Ravjeet Singh's flight from London and then Bhaji Roshan Singh and Bhaji Dharmveer Singh, two Chardi Kalaa Singhs from Edinburgh, picked us up and showed us the castle on the mound.

Bhaji Roshan Singh jee also showed his souvenir shop where he sold Singh Tartan. Very nice materials. It was great to see how much positive Sikhi Parchaar Bhai Sahib does just by wearing a Tartan Dastaar. Whilst we there an American lady came and asked to take Bhaji's photo and commented on how nice his Dastaar looked.


In the evening Bhaji Paman Singh from Glasgow (fondly known as Sant Baba Paman Singh Ji Glasgow Wale) picked up Ravjeet Singh and I and drove us to Dundee which is North in the Highlands. We arrive just before 10pm. Arriving in Dundee we couldn't find the Gurdwara in the pitch darkness. The roads were very narrow and the whole place were upward and downhill hills. With Guru's Kirpaa we found the Gurdwara, which used to be an old dental surgery that has been converted into a Gurdwara. I felt sorry for Baba Paman Singh who had to park his car in tight place. Bechaaraa. Took him about 5 minutes to park.

To be continued...

Messenger of Death

I came across the statement of the Russian former spy Alexander Litvinenko that he dictated 2 days before his death at University College Hospital in London on Tuesday 21 November 2006. Litvinenko writes how he can see the Messengers of Death and how they are ready to take his soul away:

"I would like to thank many people. My doctors, nurses and hospital staff who are doing all they can for me, the British police who are pursuing my case with vigour and professionalism and are watching over me and my family.

I would like to thank the British government for taking me under their care. I am honoured to be a British citizen.

I would like to thank the British public for their messages of support and for the interest they have shown in my plight.

I thank my wife Marina, who has stood by me. My love for her and our son knows no bounds.

But as I lie here I can distinctly hear the beating of wings of the angel of death.

I may be able to give him the slip but I have to say my legs do not run as fast as I would like... "
(Read Full Article)

Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee tells us that death will come to us all one day and when that day comes the Messenger's of Death shall grab the soul and take it to the Dargaah of Akaal Purakh (the Court of the Immortal Lord).

ਮਤ ਹਰਿ ਵਿਸਰਿਐ ਜਮ ਵਸਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
Maṯ har visri­ai jam vas pāhi.
If you forget the Lord, you will fall into the clutches of the Messenger of Death.

ਅੰਤ ਕਾਲਿ ਮੂੜੇ ਚੋਟ ਖਾਹਿ ॥੭॥
Anṯ kāl mūṛė cẖot kẖāhi. ||7||
At that very last moment, you fool, you shall be beaten. ||7||
(Ang 1189)

Guru jee says that only those souls are saved from the Messengers of Death who Jap Naam (meditate on the Lord's Name):

ਮੂੜ੍ਹ੍ਹੇ ਕਾਹੇ ਬਿਸਾਰਿਓ ਤੈ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ॥
Mūṛĥė kāhė bisāri­o ṯai rām nām.
You fool! How can you have forgotten the Lord's Name?

ਅੰਤ ਕਾਲਿ ਤੇਰੈ ਆਵੈ ਕਾਮ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Anṯ kāl ṯėrai āvai kām. ||1|| rahā­o.||
At the very last moment, it and it alone shall be of any use to you. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 1189)

This reminded of someone who died a few years ago. My mum told me that when she went to do afsos (paying condolence) at the family's house, the mother of the man who died said she was with her son when he died. The man was an alcoholic and was in intensive care. He was placed in a room by himself. His mother was with him before he died and she said that her son was screaming and shouting to his mother, "They have come to get me... Save me! Get them away." His mother replied that "No one is here. It's just me. What are you scared of." He said that his bed was surrounded with growling black dogs who were trying to snatch him away. Soon after the man passed away. When my mum came home and told me this, I was shocked. We all read Gurbaani and Guru jee reminds us of the consequences of our actions but it never hits home.

ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰੁ ਪਛੁਤਾਹਿਗਾ ਮਨ ॥
Rām simar pacẖẖuṯāhigā man.
Meditate in remembrance on the Lord, or else you will regret it in the end, O mind.

ਪਾਪੀ ਜੀਅਰਾ ਲੋਭੁ ਕਰਤੁ ਹੈ ਆਜੁ ਕਾਲਿ ਉਠਿ ਜਾਹਿਗਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Pāpī jī­arā lobẖ karaṯ hai āj kāl uṯẖ jāhigā. ||1|| rahā­o.||
O sinful soul, you act in greed, but today or tomorrow, you will have to get up and leave. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 1106 - Read Full Shabad)

Gurbaani tells us that those Jap Naam and take the support of Guru jee are not approached by the Messenger of Death:

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਮਕਾਲੁ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
Gurmukẖ jamkāl nėṛ na āvai.
The Messenger of Death does not even approach the Gurmukhs.
(Ang 231)

I remember reading the Jeevans (life stories) and accounts of Great Gursikhs passing away and how they are described of smiling or looking peaceful and them describing angelic looking Gursikhs coming to receive the soul to take it to the Court of Waheguru. Sat Naam, Waheguru. One eye-witness account of a Gursikh's death that I came across is of Bhai Randheer Singh jee, which you can read on this link. According to what we believe, say and act in this life, at the moment of death that will flash before our eyes and that will manifest itself into the messengers to take us to the next life.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਗਏ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੯॥
Gurmukẖ lāhā lai ga­ė manmukẖ cẖalė mūl gavā­ė jī­o. ||19||
The Gurmukhs reap their profits and leave, while the self-willed manmukhs lose their investment and depart. ||19||
(Ang 74)

May Guru Sahib do kirpaa on us all and bless us with Gursikhi Jeevan and Naam.