Leamington Spa Weekend Camp (Part 2)

...Continued

On Saturday, sewadaars and Sangat came all the way from London, Coventry and even as far as Manchester to take part in the camp. After the morning Diwaan and Hukamnama explanation, the campers were divided into two groups. The younger ones went took part in a poster-making class and the elder group had a talk and presentation on Science & Gurbani.

The Science & Gurbani class led by Dr. Bhai Tarlochan Singh


Bhaji leading the poster-making class.


Young girl making a Mool Mantar poster.


Another person making a Mool Mantar poster.


Young children having a fun time drawing!


London Singhs.

During the poster-making class two young Singhs said they wanted to learn how to tie a Dastaar. Their mother was with them and said that the children (about 6 or 7 years old) cry at home and say they want to learn how to tie a Dastaar. So I took them into the hallway and said I would teach them how to tie a Dastaar. That morning I had brought a small suitcase in which I store all the Dastaars that the Sangat donate for children to wear and keep at camps. I got the suitcase out and opened it up. Shock horror! Unfortunately I brought the wrong suitcase! Instead of the Dastaar suitcase, I by mistake brought my KACHHERE suitcase! So the poor boys who were expecting to get a dastaar instead were staring at an open suitcase with Kachhere in them. Waheguru. Thankfully a local aunty jee asked around and some how got dastaars for the boys.

The Kachhere story didn't end there! I left my suitcase in the hallway thinking that it will be fine and no one will do anything. Later on in the day, Bali Bhaji (a local sewadaar) said: "Bhaji, just to let you know that someone (no names mentioned) has taken a few Kachhere from the suitcase." I felt embarrassed and said, "Bhaji that is fine. Udhaa, I don't have enough Kachhere to distribute or give out. They were actual new Kachhere for personal use. But don't worry, because there were a few in the suitcase. So he can have them." Even though I said don't worry, Bhaji went to the person who got the Kachhere by mistake and got them back from him! Waheguru. Slightly embarrassing.

At lunch time there were veggie burgers, chips and beans! Waheguru! There's stiff competition now with Coventry Cross Road Gurdwara Camp langar and Leamington Camp langar! lol. The Langar sewadaars at the camp did very well! After langar there was a talk on the history and philosophy of Gatka which included a demonstration.


Bhai Gurnam Singh (Sociology Professor at Coventry University) talking about the origins of Gatka.


Young Manbir Singh asked the question, "In Gatka do you get hurt?" Bhai Gurnam Singh asked him to stand up and did a demo with a Kirpaan. Poor boy thought he was going to be chopped up but don't worry, Bhai Sahib didn't harm him!


Everyone being taught basic "Pentraa" (movements involved in Gatka).



Learning how to sit in a disciplined way and do Simran.


Waheguru. This photo looks like an ideal photo that someone could frame and put up in the living room :)

In the late afternoon the campers were divided into groups. The younger ones did a class on the meanings of the first Pauree (stanza) in Japji Sahib and the elder group had a class on "The Life of a Gursikh" that looked at Rehat (Sikh way of life) and how we can progress in Sikhi through introducing BaaNaa (physical appearance), Baanee (reading Paatth and doing Nitnem), Seva (selfless service) and Simran (remembrance of Waheguru) in our lives.

Bhaji Vijay Singh doing a talk on the life of a Gursikh.


Sangat listening. It was very inspiring to hear children put up their hand and share that they recite Mool Mantar every morning, others read Japji Sahib every day and before they go to sleep they recite Sohila Sahib.


The camp ended with Simran followed Ardaas and Hukamnama. When camp finishes, it doesn't finish for Leamington's children! It was nice that children stayed behind and wanted to learn Shabads, Simran tunes and learn Tablaa! Waheguru.


Bhaji Jasdev Singh (East London) teaching the boys some new things to play on the Tablaa.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhee.


To be continued (with Sunday's photos)...

Leamington Spa Weekend Camp (Part 1)

This weekend, from Friday to Sunday, there was a Gurmat Camp held at Leamington Spa Gurdwara. As all camps held at Leamington, the camp was great and well organised by the local sevadaars. Around 80 children attended the camp. Adults also attended and participated in the camp.

On Friday, after the morning Diwaan and Hukamnama with explanation, there was a time-line workshop. There were cards with the names and dates of the Ten Guru Sahibs and also cards with pictures and short information on (1) the rulers of India during the times of the Gurus, (2) rulers and events in English history, and (3) general world history (inventions, discoveries and events). The campers were grouped up and had to make a timeline and arrange the cards in some sort of order and stick them on to a large sheet of paper as well as discuss each card.







From the exercise the children firstly learnt that the Guru Sahibs did not live thousands of years ago but lived during fairly modern world history (for example, King Henry VIII lived at the same time of Guru Amardaas Sahib jee). Secondly, the children had an opportunity to discuss the lives of Guru Sahibs and enrich their knowledge of how socially and spiritually advanced the Guru Sahibs were in comparison to the world at the time.

After completing the time-lines each group presented how they had arranged their group time-line. Each person in the group had to remember a different fact from the line and share it with the Sangat when they presented:








The session concluded with going through the whole time and discussing the history of the Guru Sahibs and what they achieved in comparison to what was happening in the world.


After lunch (chips, beans and pasta!) there was self-defence class. After eating so much Langar I was hoping that no one was sick in the self defence class in case someone was thrown around or poked in the stomach. Waheguru. It was a useful lesson for everyone and Bhaji leading the class gave some really good general safety tips which young and old should be mindful of in order to avoid trouble and protect oneself.


Bhaji Galjinder Singh showing a few self-defence moves on Bhaji Kamal Singh.


Waheguru. Looks like the Bhenji in the pink top is waving to someone :)


Waheguru. These two young boys were so cute.


Bhaji Galjinder Singh showing a move on a camper. Waheguru, it looks like Bhaji is slapping the boy! (Note: no one was harmed during the taking of this photo. lol).


Someone's looking for a fight.


Erm, I wouldn't personally recommend doing this straight after eating loads of chips, beans and pasta!


The two girls in the back look like they are trying new self-defence moves! The girl in pink looks like she is trying out the "aunty looking angry" move to scare the other girl. lol.


In the late afternoon the campers were divided up. The younger group went with Bhaji Kamal Singh to make board games on life, death and reincarnation, and the elder group had a talk by two young local bhenjis who did a nice presentation on the Journeys (Udasis) of Guru Nanak Sahib jee. Both classes enjoyed themselves and learnt lots!



Bhaji Kamal Singh and children designing a board game.


Bhenji Harpreet Kaur and Bhenji Keerat Kaur leading the class on the Udasis of Guru Nanak Sahib jee.


The Bhenjis also went through Saakhis of Guru Sahib as they explained the great Journeys.


For the closing diwaan children did Simran through Keertan followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama explained in English. All the children like doing Simran and it really inspiring to see people jumping on the Vaaja and so eager to do Simran! Afterwards people would be asking "Can we do more Simran" and "Can we do more Keertan... please?" Waheguru. So many great and blessed souls.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhee.


To be continued...

From a Weed to a Rose

I came across an article on the DiscoverSikhi.com forum. The article is called, "From a Weed to a Rose: Transformation of a Humbled Man", written by Bhai Jagdeesh Singh (California). Bhai Sahib was born in a Hindu family and took Amrit and become a Sikh in his 30s when living in America. He writes about his visit to India to see his family and attend a Keertan Smaagam (programme). His brother was very sick and his death was near. In a conversation with his brother Bhai Sahib suggested the only way to free oneself from their karmic account and be set free from Maya is through Amrit. His brother agreed to take Amrit and listening to the discipline (Rehat) of the Khalsa he agreed to adopt the Guru's teachings.

Below is an extract from the article Bhai Sahib has written that really moved me:

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"...Finally on January 20th 2004, his day came to take Amrit. I told him to take a full shower and wear clean clothes. I gave him a new kacchera and tied a new turban on his head. He was a bit nervous. He gave me a big hug. I could feel his body shivering. I started slowly and softly doing simran while I held him in my arms. I felt his body getting calmer and his shivering dissipating by the calming effect of the Naam.

Some Singhs came and took us in their van to where the Amrit Sanchaar was taking place in "Raani Baagh". When we got there Sukhmani Sahib was running. After Sodar da Paatth and Ardas, Singhs made preparations for the Amrit Sanchaar seva. I desired to be at my brother’s side when it was his time to pesh (be present before) in front of the Guru as he was rather weak and was likely to need moral support. However the Singhs from inside the Guru’s Darbaar called me inside during the interview process, now in progress, done to select suitable Singhs to participate in the Panj Piaarey seva instead. They commanded me that I take seva in Panj Piaarey. I folded my hands and humbly said that I wanted to be next to my brother when it was time to present himself as a candidate for Amrit. They said he would need to ‘pesh’ alone but I was to do the seva. I could only listen to the will of Singhs and do as they told me to do.

When it was time, my brother sat with all the other candidates who were to pesh in front of Guru Sahib. Daasra was given seva in the Panj itself. Knowing the delicate protocol of Panj Piaarey seva, having done this seva over the years, daas stood at such a position that my brother would not be influenced so much by my physical proximity there. When he came inside, he bowed his head to Guru Sahib and repeated "Waheguru". Since he could not stand well on his own, the Panj gave him permission to lean against the wall to complete the interview.

The Panj Piaarey asked him why he had come to Guru Sahib’s court. He answered:

"I have come to pay my debts with Guru Gobind Singh. I am an "akrit-ghan" (ungrateful) Hindu who has overlooked the kurbanee (sacrifice) of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak Dev jee’s teachings. Guru Gobind Singh has given his 4 sahibzaadey (sons), his army and himself for Hindustan and we as a nation turned our faces from Guru Sahib. If my body skin were made into "chappals" (sandals), I could not repay the dues for what he has given to us and to Hindustan.

I came here in Dargaah (court) to ask for his apology and be forgiven the sins I have done to him. Maybe Guru, in His kindness will take me out of this Hindu "joonee" (lifetime or existence) and bless me with his Amrit that I may serve Him as a Sikh. I have for years been watching my youngest brother growing spiritually so far from us as an Amritdhaaree baptized Singh. I have been watching his love and devotion developing and observed him changing so much from who he was before. He became a very pious soul now. I want the Guru to kindly grant me the same baksheesh (blessing) so that in this life and coming lives I can serve Guru Gobind Singh and perhaps repay my debt to him.”

Hearing his plea, the Panj Piaarey became very sentimental and taken aback. I also was stunned and tears welled in my eyes. I had no idea where within him this came from. I had never said anything of this kind to him. The Panj Piaarey asked him if he would sacrifice his life and head to Guru jee. My brother answered: "If my body is cut piece by piece I still am not be able to repay the dues of Guru Gobind Singh. Kaadrey hardhaar Guru Gobind Singh, Be Khasaaraa yaar Guru Gobind Singh.” He kept going and on about the virtues of Guru Gobind Singh. I was standing at a distance listening to his painful heartfelt discourse. I had never suspected the incredible love that was sitting in his soul for Guru Gobind Singh jee.

The Panj Piaarey decreed that he was to be given full Amrit and, among other instructions, he was not to cut his hair for his remaining life. He gave his promise to Guru Sahib, did Mathaa tekh (bowed in obeisance) and went outside..."

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Taken from:
http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?/topic/9565-from-a-weed-to-a-rose/

Saturday at Gravesend

Last Saturday, "British Sikhs: Past, Present and Future" was held at Woodville Halls, Windmill Street, Gravesend. It was a free event organised by the Gravesham Borough Council, North West Kent Racial Equality Council and the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend.

The event showcased a photographic exhibition, including material from the V&A museum in central London. Local Gravesend children and Bhai Sewa Singh Lalie jee did Shabad Keertan. This was followed with talks by various speakers, including the local Lord Mayor, Gravesham MP Adam Holloway, Bhai Harjinder Singh (Man in Blue), Ravjeet Singh and others. Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara also performed Gatka. Over 500 people attended the event.

The event was a celebration of Sikhs in Britain, in particular Gravesend area. It was a recognition and celebration of the Sikh community living in Britain. It was probably the first of the kind programme that I have attended. Sikhs and non-Sikhs both attended the event and it was good to see how we can celebrate our diversity and uniqueness in society whilst living and mixing peacefully with members of other communities.

Some photos from the event (taken from www.SolaRider.org and www.SikhRoots.com):


The main display in the exhibition area.


Photographs of the old and new Gurdwara building.


Photographs from the past and present of Sikhs in Gravesend.


Visitors viewing the exhibition.


The main organiser, Bhenji Gurneet Kaur, gave the opening talk.


Bhai Sewa Singh Lalie jee and Gravesend children doing Keertan.


Bhai Ravjeet Singh did a talk on Sikhs in Britain in the past.


Bhai Harjinder Singh (Man in Blue) talking about Sikhs in the present.


Gatka demonstration.


Group photo at the end.


Outside the council building they had two Nishan Sahibs flying in the air alongside the British flag.


Outside building.

I hope that Sikhs in other areas of UK also organise similar programmes with their local councils and Racial Equality Councils. This is a great way of doing Parchaar, getting exposure in the media and providing a greater understanding of the Sikh identity across the wider community. Sikhs in Britain have contributed to society economically, academically, and socially. This should be recognised and celebrated. This year is ideal for communities to organise such programmes as it is the 300 years Gurpurb of Guru Granth Sahib jee being given eternal Gurship in October 1708.

Langar on Campus - UCL, Tues. 5th Feb.

Announcement from UCL Sikh Society:

‘Guru Ka Langar’ an event being held by UCL Sikh Society at University College London on the Tuesday 5th of February...

This is the first time Guru Ka Langar is being provided at UCL, and during the day we expect to serve between 1000 and 1500 meals to people from all walks of life. It is a truly unique and visually-stunning tradition and with media coverage we aim to raise awareness of the positive side to faith, and how religious organisations are helping the world rather than destroying it. Furthermore, in a world where religion causes such controversy, the values affirmed in Guru Ka Langar have the potential to create a more peaceful and harmonic multi-cultural society.

The event is open to all students and staff at UCL, London’s faith leaders, members of parliament and other dignitaries, and finally people of all ages in the local area. Guru Ka Langar will be served from 10am to 4pm and guests will be arriving continuously throughout this time...

Please see www.uclsikhsociety.co.uk for more details, and please do not hesitate to contact sikh.society@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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Gurdwara Visit by School Children

On Tuesday school children visited Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cross Road, in Coventry. Usually a Bhenji does the seva of showing the students around and doing a short talk, but she couldn't get time off work so Daas had the opportunity to do seva. Local bhajis also came to help out - Bhaji Govinder Singh and Ravneet Singh. Around 50 children or so, aged 9 years old, came. Their teacher said that they were to start their Sikh religion project in a few weeks time, so the visit was to get them a glimpse of the Sikh religion and the Gurdwara before studying it at school.

They took off their shoes, covered their heads and washed their hands and then few at a time went to the Darbaar Sahib and were shown how to do Matha Tekh and then received Parshaad. In Darbaar Sahib they were told that this place is called the "Gurdwara" and that they were sitting in the "Darbaar Sahib". I got them to repeat key words so that they could remember the words correctly. They were told that in the Gurdwara the main part is the Darbaar Sahib.

I asked them, "What is the main focus of the Darbaar Sahib?" One boy answered "The Book" (pointing towards Guru Sahib). The worst thing was that this boy was from a Panjabi Sikh family! I explained that, "Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh Sacred Scripture, which is the Word of God. It's more special than a "Book" because it's the Word of God and is the Guru of the Sikhs. Sikhs don't like Guru Granth Sahib to be called a Book because its considered very special." Then they were all asked about the purpose of people coming to the Darbaar Sahib. They then replied, "To pray", "To talk to God", "To think in your mind" and "Sing together".

The talk in the Darbaar Sahib was short and then everyone moved to the Langar Hall where mats were laid out for them to sit. Here, the fundamentals of Sikhi were explained in basic language. I asked, "Who is the founder of the Sikh religion?". Again, the boy from the Panjabi Sikh family, put his hand up and replied, "It's Guru Gobind Singh". Waheguru. I said, "Well done, but not quite right." So I got them all to repeat "Guru Nanak". To help them understand, I asked, "Who founded Christianity?" They all said "Jesus". "Who founded Islam?" They said "Muhammad". "Similarly, the Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak. He went around the world telling people to be good, remember God, not to be nasty to others and see God within all".

A boy then asked, "What do you call God?" I replied, "Waheguru - meaning Wonderful Lord. There is one God, the same for everyone. People call God different names but it is the one God whose light is within all of you and everywhere." The basic principles of Sikhi are 1) remember and pray to God (Naam Japo), 2) live & work honestly (Kirat Karo), and 3) share with others (Vand Chhako). Afterwards I asked that if anyone remembered the principles.

I explained that after Guru Nanak Sahib jee there were nine other Gurus, who all shared the same light, spirit and message. I stopped and asked, "So how many Gurus were there?" A girl put her up and said, "ten". I then asked, "Who is the tenth Guru?" I looked at the Panjabi boy who had earlier said that Guru Gobind Singh jee was the first Guru. He now smiled and replied, "Guru Gobind Singh".

It was explained that Guru Nanak founded the religion and the other nine Gurus built upon the religion and it was finally completed by Guru Gobind Singh who made the Sikhs into "Saint-Warriors". Guru Gobind Singh gave the Sikhs a distinct uniform To relate it to the school children I pointed out that just as they were wearing school uniforms, the Sikhs have a uniform too.

I asked them "Why Sikhs don't cut their hair?" There was no reply. I then explained that God has given us an arm (they pointed to their arm), then leg (they pointed to their leg) and similarly, God has given us hair. "As Sikhs we see the hair and body as a gift from God and so we don't cut it. The hair is seen as sacred because when we pray and chant God's Name we believe that all the hair vibrate with God's Name. For example, when you are scared, cold or get an electric shock your hair stand up! Similarly, when a Sikh prays in the morning and meditates, energy passes through the hair and each hair meditates on God, so its special. To keep the hair tidy it is combed everyday, tied up at the top of the head and covered with a turban - which is our crown."

Each of the five K's uniform was explained in brief, trying to relate it to their world of thinking and using other examples to illustrate the purpose of the Kakkaars. To end with the concept of Langar was talked about and the Saakhi of Guru Nanak Sahib jee feeding the hungry. They sounded really interested and one asked, "Will we be getting something to eat as well?" lol.

So the talk ended there and the everyone was requested to sit in lines and were given plates and cups. Some said that they didn't want langar because earlier they had been told that they cannot leave "jooth" (wastage). Quite suprisingly only a few of them had a spoonful of sabjee and a quarter of roti. After a few minutes everyone was asking for roti BY ITSELF. lol. Some had mithhe chowl (sweet rice) but all of them kept asking "Can we have more chappattis". They were really happy just eating roti by itself with no daal or sabjee. Waheguru.

Giani jee then gave everyone chocolates and crisps. Waheguru! It was then mayhem! All the children got hyper because Giani jee was generously given two or three crisp packets per person. lol. Two of the teachers came up to me and said, "I cannot believe this." They were both smiling and said, "We are Christians and go to church. We would never welcome any stranger to the church with this much love and generosity. I am overwhelmed by the love of your people and religion and how welcoming you are. You would never expect this from any other religion. I am truly glad that the chldren were able to come to the Gurdwara and see this." Waheguru.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi! When Goray see Sikhi and share these feelings with you it really makes you appreciate Sikhi and Guru jee.

The purpose of writing the post is that if there are no school visits to your local Gurdwara then please do take up the seva. It doesn't have to be complicated - keep it simple, short, basic, relate to the world of children and keep asking them questions as you speak! Through visiting schools and talking about Sikhi and inviting schools to Gurdware children can grow up knowing who Sikhs are and hopefully take away something from Guru Nanak Sahib jee's message.