Coventry Christmas Camp (Part 2)

Continued...

On Monday 29th December there was a MYSTERY TRIP!!! The trip was to the "Twin Lakes Park" near Leicester. It wasn't exactly the best weather to go to a park considering how it cold it was but having said that everyone still had a really good time and lots of fun!

Some photos from the trip (taken from www.SevaToTheMax.com):

Arriving at the site.



We were about to enter the stable when my group said, "Errr... this smells of India. Let's get out of here. The animals smell." It was kind of embarrassing considering Gore were standing there and enjoying the animals and that Panjabi children were finding the smell too much to handle! lol. I heard one of the Gori say, "Aaah, bless. Must be inner-city children." lol.



Singhs preparing for the next Superman film.


Looks like Sangat are in Russia by the looks of how they are all wrapped up!


Waheguru. Veer jee looks more scared than his son! :)


Some weird obstacle course type of thing.


This ride went up and down.


Being lectured by a boy about how hungry he is and how he wanted to eat parothay with sabjee.


Lunch.


Waheguru. Bhai Tarsem Singh jee enjoying the ride!


Amarjeet Singh - posing whilst sliding down. Looks bit too proffesional. Reminds me of those fancy fashion magazine type photographs with someone jumping in the air or something. Never know, he may have a side job :)


Amarjeet Singh stuck.


Waheguru. Looks like someone needs help getting out!


Ice skating.



So painful to watch people fall during ice-skating! Waheguru. One girl kept on falling and falling but she kept on smiling and laughing! Seemed bit dangerous.


Bhenji Kirandeep Kaur posing with Bittu's Mama (uncle).


Big slide.


"Horse" riding. :)


It was a really good camp! Everyone enjoyed it. If you didn't come this year, I would definitely recommend coming next year! May Waheguru keep the organisers in Chardi Kalaa and bestow them with the gift of doing more seva.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi!

Coventry Christmas Camp (Part 1)

From Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th December 2008, the annual Winter Coventry Sikhi Camp was held at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cross Road. It was the second Coventry camp I've attended, and like last year it was superb! Chardi Kalaa Gursikhs, sevadaars and children! Three words to sum up the camp are - pyaar, inspiration and fun! Every year the number of children attending increases. It was great to see lots of families and children attend even on Christmas day (when most people are at home enjoying the holiday or day off).

The camp was divided into two. Children aged from 6 to 13 were divided into age groups and rotated around different zones throughout the day (i.e. history zone, media zone, seva zone, simran zone etc). The elder youngsters (14+) had separate talks and discussions throughout the day.

The local sevadaars, families and youngsters put a lot of effort into the camp. It was inspiring to see the camp have such a positive influence on the children. So many children since last year's camp have started to keep their Kesh, stop eating meat, doing daily Simran, or taken Amrit. May Guru jee bless everyone and may the success of the camp increase year by year :)

Some photos from the camp (from www.SevaToTheMax.com):



Christmas day - morning assembly.


Christmas Day. Veer Preetam Singh being in the festive spirit, he is practicing some Christmas carols. (note: don't take my seriously!)


Bhenji Sonia Kaur's group.


Veer Navdeep Singh leading a zone with younger children.


Bhai Hardeep Singh (Leicester)


Veer Hardeep Singh's class on the basics of Sikhi and the daily life of a Gursikh.


Media zone with Veer Tarnjeet Singh (TJ). Children had to make short videos on different Sikh related themes and topics.


Bhaji Jasveer Singh with 13 year olds.


14+ group.


Bhai Joginder Singh jee did talks for the elder group! As usual very colourful and inspiring talks :)

Bhenjis who did Langar sevaa throughout the camp:




Langar.



The effect of Cross Road Gurdwara's tasty Langar! (just joking! Children wearing Sumo suits!)


Gladiators.



Adults/parents session with Bhai Onkar Singh jee



Highlight of the camp - the "Bittu Show" :)


Later the police turned up after a tip off that "Bittu" had no passport.


When the police went to arrest "Bittu", the children went wild and began a riot. Consequently a group 6 year olds were picked up by the local police. (note: I am just joking - please don't take me serious! Waheguru).


On Saturday afternoon two guests came to talk to the campers. One was a lady from an animal shop who brought a reptile, snakes, and a tortuise to show to everyone. The other was the local police who explained about the different things they do and showed their sniffer dog.





Why on earth would you want a reptile climbing up your arm! (Navdeep Singh looks really comfortable - NOT! And Bhai Tarunjeet Singh is checking to see if the reptile is still alive and kicking!).


Ravjeet Singh introducing his new friend (it looks like he has the snake shoved down his top!). Waheguru.


To end with, a photo of creme topped cheese cake! As always the cakes and desserts were Chardi Kalaa :)

More photos on www.SevaToTheMax.com.

To be continued...

Happy Gurpurb!

Today is the Parkaash Divas (birth date) of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Jee. Happy Gurpurb to everyone.

Hail Hail Guru Gobind Singh Ji!
Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji

To the hearts of the masses, such a great Guru,
To the battle field, such a great victorious warrior,
On the journey, such a great guider,
To this world, such a great inspirational man,
To all his children, such a great father,
To the Khalsa, such a great leader,
Hail Hail Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The Rider Of The Blue Horse, 'Neelay Ghoray Teh Swaar'
The Keeper Of The White Falcon, 'Chittay Baaja Wala'
The True King, 'Sachey Patshah'
The King Of All Kings, 'Shah–Eh–Shehanshah'
The Wearer Of The True Crest, 'Kalgiya Waleh Patshah'
The Tenth Great One, 'Dasam Pitah'
The Father Of All Fathers, 'Dashmesh Pittaa'
The Great Sacrificing Saint, 'Badshaah Darvesh'
The True Creator Of The Khalsa, 'Panth De Wali'
The True Family Giver and Sacrificer, 'Sarbans Daanee'
The True Saint Soldier, 'Sant Sipahee'
The True Father of The People, 'Jagat Pittaa'
A Great Writer And Poet, 'Maha Kavee'

Hail Hail Guru Gobind Singh Ji!
Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji


Poem by Gurpreet Singh (Hounslow)

Remembering Bhai Surat Singh Jee

On Monday 22nd December 2008, Gurmukh Pyaare Bhai Surat Singh jee (known as 'Pooran Jee') left this earthly abode. I wished that when I next go to India I would have the opportunity to have darshan of Bhai Sahib and other Chardi Kalaa Gurmukh Pyaare. Sadly, that's another Mahapursh gone that I haven't had the good fortune of meeting. However, with Guru Sahib's Kirpaa I have heard a lot about Bhai Sahib's jeevan (life) from other Gursikhs who have met him. Waheguru. It seems that 'Pooran Jee' was the embodiment of humility and kindness and had great pyaar for Naam & Baani.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF BHAI SURAT SINGH JEE

Taken from posts from www.AKJ.org forum

Background

Bhai Surat Singh jee was born on 24th December 1924 in Mitha Tiwana (now in Pakistan). He devoted himself completely to Akaal Purakh after receiving the gift of Amrit at a very young age. His spiritual status became very high when he started doing Sangat with Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee, Bau Mal Singh jee, and other Naam-imbued members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee named Bhai Surat Singh jee as "Pooran jee" (meaning "complete") due to his high Gursikh character and lifestyle.

Sevaa through Amrit Sanchaars

Due to his pious nature, he was blessed with the sevaa of Panj Pyaare. Bhai Sahib did sevaa in Amrit Sanchaars in India and abroad. By profession, he was a government officer, and therefore he would get transferred to different cities. Bhai Sahib used this an opportunity to do Gurmat Parchaar and encouraged others to take the gift of Amrit and become loving devotees of Waheguru. Later in life he got married to Bibi Bhupinder Kaur jee who would serve the Sangat through singing Gurbani Shabads in Keertan.

Accepting the Divine-Will Sweetly

Sadly, in 1982 Bhai Surat Singh jee's two sons (Bhai Rupinder Singh "Rupi" and Bhai Varinder Singh "Vinny") passed away in a motor-cycle accident (Bhai Manjit Singh from Glasgow survived the accident). Bhai Sahib accepted the Divine-Will sweetly and did not allow the death of his beloved children to steer away his dedication and love for Waheguru. The day he heard of the accident, even then Bhai Sahib did not miss his Amrit-vela. During the Bhog (funeral) programme Bibi jee (Bhai Sahib's wife) was so badly distraught that she could not walk on her own into the Guru's Darbaar. She was helped along by the Sangat as they had requested her to do Keertan. She sat down and the Sangat took over from there. Later Bhai Sahib jee talked to Bibi jee about being strong, and accepting Guru Sahib's Divine-Will. He said to her, “Do you think I am not upset that I have lost both of my arms in this tragedy?” (relating to his sons) Bhai Sahib exemplified what it meant to lead the Gursikh way of life. He said to his wife, "Waheguru gave his two gifts, and now the Giver has decided to take them back."

Moving to Amritsar

In 1982, after the death of his 2 sons, Bhai Sahib shifted to Amritsar. Here his daily routine was entirely connected to Sri Harmander Sahib, Amrit-vela and Keertan Samaagams. Having reached a high spiritual state, he treated every individual with love and affection. Bhai Sahib was full of love for everyone and hugged one and all whenever he met in Sangat, such that every individual thought that Bhai Sahib loved him the most. He never ever had any negativity towards anyone in his entire life. He encouraged every individual in Sangat to learn and recite Gurbani and explained how this would make a positive difference in their lives.

"Cats and Dogs are Awake by Now"
In 1998 Bhai Surat Singh jee visited Toronto. A group of Sangat went from UK to Canada for a Keertan Smaagam (event). When Bhai Surat Singh jee saw the sangat, he literally lied down and rolled towards the Sangat from UK. The Singhs from UK obviously grasped Bhai Sahib and lifted him up and he was smiling as always. The Singhs heard that Amrit-velaa would start early but were left shocked when Pooran Jee came inside the room where the Singhs were staying at 12am precisely. He said, "Cat's and dogs are awake by now!". (In India dogs never start barking during the night). It was so comical, everyone just jumped up grabbed their towels and kachhere and went to do ishnaan.


Do Simran from Within
During the Toronto visit in 1998, Amritvela started and the josh (enthusiasm) of the youth in doing Naam Abhiyaas (Practice of the Divine-Name) was somewhat too loud for the liking of Pooran Jee. During Naam Abhiyaas, Pooran Jee would recite Sukhmani Sahib and some of the UK Sangat were not aware that the sound level of the Abhiyaas should lower than the volume of Sukhmani Sahib da paatth. Pooran Jee in a loving way said "Andhro karo" (do it from within). Some of the Singhs thought what is happening as they were used to repeating Naam loudly and fast. But then they began to all listen and learnt. The experience was something different and enjoyable. A Gursikh explained that when Pooran Jee said do Simran from within, he was referring to the sound and how it should resound through the whole body. He said it was hard to explain but gave an example. He asked the Singh to put his fingers in his ears and then listen to the Naam Simran. He said when you do Amrit-vela in the morning alone, you won't hear the goonj (echoes) of Sangat. The emphasis is that Naam Simran is strong inside as well as out. He also said that doesn't mean you sit there with your fingers in your ears :), the more you do Amrit-vela with the emphasis on listening to the sound the more it will vibrate through your body, and thus when walking, talking or sleeping it will continue.

Appointed Jathedaar of the Jatha

On 2nd March 2006, after the passing away of Jathedaar Bhai Raam Singh jee, Bhai Surat Singh jee was selected as the next Jathedaar (chief) of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. Singh Sahib Bhai Ranjeet Singh, former Jathedaar of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, bestowed a Siropa to Bhai Sahib.

Undying Love for Amrit-Velaa

Despite his physical condition, Bhai Sahib didn’t make his sitting much comfortable. Even in the weakest of his conditions he never stopped his Amrit-velaa programmes. Everday Bhai Sahib would have full keshi ishnaan (bath of body and hair) and be ready at 12:00am to join the Saadh Sangat at the Parkarma of Sri Hamandir Sahib, Amritsar. Bhai Sahib would lead Sukhmani Sahib and Naam Abhiyaas (repetition of Naam) programme within the Parkarmaa of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Till his late, Guru Sahib never let his Pyaar (love) for Amrit-Velaa and Sukhmani Sahib slacken, till his last breath!

Final Moments

For the last few days Bhai Sahib's health was weak and Amrit-vela was held at their residence in Amritsar instead of the parkarmaa at Sri Darbaar Sahib. On the last day, the Amrit-vela at their residence was attended by a lot Gursikhs. As always Bhai Sahib gave pyaar to everyone. During the day Bhai Sahib was feeling unwell. While being looked after by 2 Gursikhs in his room at aprox 5.30pm (India Time), accoriding Guru's Sahibs Hukam this earthly abode.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਿਲਆ ॥
gurmukh janam savaar dargeh chaliaa||
Spending this life fruitfully Gurmukh goes to the other world.
(Bhai Gurdaas jee)

Rainsbaaee Keertan & Amrit Sanchaar in Loving Memory of Bhai Surat Singh Jee ('Puran Jee')

A message from the Akhand Kirtani Jatha that was emailed out to everyone:


Saadh Sangat Jee,
Vaheguru Jee Kaa Khalsa Vahgeuru Jee Kee Fateh,

The Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK welcomes you to join in with the Saadh-Sangat to sing the praises of Vaheguru in a Rainsbaaee (from night to dawn) Kirtan Darbaar. The Rainsbaaee is in commemoration of Panth-Ratan, Jathedar Giani Surat Singh Jee "Puran Daar Jee" who passed away last Monday morning. There is also an Amrit Sanchaar taking place during the Rainsbaee.

A benti to everyone to attend the Rainsbaaee Keertan and immerse yourselves in with the benefit of Gurbani. Please also let others know of the program and Amrit Sanchar by forwarding this e-mail.


Rainsbaaee Keertan

Rainsbaaee will be taking place on Saturday 27th December at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, 128-130 High Street, Smethwick, Birmingham, West Midlands, B66 3AP, from 7pm till 4am


Amrit Sanchar

The Amrit Sinchaar will be on Saturday 27th December starting at 8pm sharp at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick. Can all abhlakhyees contact Bhai Taranjeet Singh (Coventry) – 07877888874, to provide their names for the Amrit Sanchar. If you have any questions, you can contact Jathedhar Bhai Raghbir Singh (01926 740160). If any persons do not have full Kakars, then AKJ UK will provide them as part of the seva.


It will be our great fortune to attain your blessed Darshan at the Rainsbaaee. Please also let your family and friends know and if possible circulate this email within your groups.

Vaheguru Jee Kaa Khalsa Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh


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