Fateh Divas - Celebrating the Khalsa Raaj

This year marks the 300 years of the 'Fateh' (victory) of Sirhind and the establishment of the first Khalsa Raaj. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Jee (1670 – 1716) is one the greatest heroes in Sikh history who in 1710 with the Khalsa uprooted the Mughal imperial rule in the Panjab and established the Khalsa Raaj. Baba Jee lived and died like a lion, whose faith in the Guru led to five-years of the Khalsa ruling Panjab.

A GLIMPSE OF THE VICTORY OF SIRHIND AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KHALSA RAAJ

Background
Baba Jee, was born in a Rajput family in Jammu (Northern India) and named Lachman Dev. As a young man, he shot a deer and was shocked to watch the female deer and her unborn child die painfully, which emotionally moved him and made him become a Saadhu (recluse) and changing his name to Maadho Daas. In the company of Saadhus he finally arrived in Nander (Southern India) where through extreme meditation he gained occult powers (ridhia sidhia). However, after meeting Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Maadho Daas became a changed person and declared himself as the “Bandaa” (slave) of the Guru and hence became known as “Banda Singh”. After receiving the Amrit of the double-edged sword and becoming a Sikh of the Guru, he was blessed with the name "Bhai Gurbaksh Singh".


Mission
Despite promising Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Bahadur Shah, the Mughal Emperor, failed to deliver justice to punish those incharge of murdering Mata Gujar Kaur Jee, Guru Jee's elderly mother, and Guru Jee’s two young sons – aged 6 and 9. Guru Jee blessed Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Jee with the mission of ending the Mughal rule of oppression and persecution and restore justice in the land of Panjab. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Jee was conferred the title of ‘Banda Singh Bahadur’. Supplied with five gold tipped arrows, a ‘nagara’ (war drum), a Nishaan Sahib (flag), a Hukamnama (letter of instruction from Guru jee), an advisory council of Panj Singhs (five devout Sikhs), and twenty-five soldiers, Baba Jee was sent to conquer the tyrant rule in Panjab.


Conquering Samana
Over a few months of marching through various villages and towns, Baba Jee’s army grew with an overflow of volunteers who wanted to join the Sikh army. When entering Panjab, Baba jee first marched to the town of ‘Samana’ where Saiyid Jalal-ud-Din, the executioner of Ninth Guru, and Bashal Beg, who had volunteered to decapitate the younger Sahibzaade, lived. Early on the morning of the 26th November 1709, Baba Jee and his army fauj Banda Singh and his men attacked Samana and overtook its control the town and it’s treasury. Baba Jee and his men carried on marching towards Sirhind. On the way they conquered Kurham, Thaska, Shahabad and Mustafabad, which all fell without much resistance.


Conquering Kapuri
The Mughal commander in charge of Kanpuri Qadam-ud-din was an evil person who was known for molesting, kidnapping and raping the local non-Muslim women. There was hardly any handsome Hindu woman in the area who had not been dishonoured by the evil tyrant. Hearing of this immoral rule that had been terrorising the innocent public, Baba Jee and the Singhs attacked Kapuri to punish the Mughal commander. The stronghold of Qadam-ud-din's immoral rule was reduced to ashes.


Conquering Sadhaura
Baba Jee next turned his attention to Sadhaura which was a notorious centre of oppression. The Hindus of this place were not allowed to cremate (burn) their dead. Osman Khan, the local ruler, was a fanatic and he had tortured to death the great Muslim saint Saiyid Badar-ud-din Shah, popularly known as Peer Budhu Shah, simply because he helped Guru Gobind Singh Jee in the battle of Bhangani. The tyrant was punished and justice was restored by the Khalsa’s conquest.


Joining of the Khalsa forces
Baba Banda Singh Jee was following this particular route so that the Sikhs from the regional areas of Doaba and Majha, whose passage across the River Satluj had been blocked by Sher Mohammad Khan of Maler-Kotla, could join his force before his attack upon Sirhind. While Baba jee occupied the Chhat, the Sikhs from the north defeated the Maler Kotla contingent near Ropar and joined him between Kharar and Banur on the Ambala-Ropar road.


Victory of Sirhind
Fearing defeat from the Sikhs, Wazir Khan's Hindu courtier, 'Sucha Nand', sent his nephew to betray the Sikhs by joining them and to later flee the battlefield. Although doubtful, Baba jee gave the benefit of doubt and allowed him to join the Sikh camp. On 12th May 1710 Wazir Khand and his army entered the battlefield and the battle began. As suspected, the traitor and his army fled the battle hoping to cause confusion, however through Baba Jee’s leadership and tactful strategy the Khalsa army was brought under control and led on to a bold attack. Wazir Khan fell under the sword of Bhai Fateh Singh Jee and the battle was won. On 14th May 1710 the city was entered and occupied by the Khalsa. Baba jee gave strict orders not to kill a single animal there and not to attack any place of worship.


Conferring power in the different territories
Other places of importance offered no resistance and the whole of the province of Sirhind fell into the hands of Bab Banda Singh Jee. Bhai Baj Singh Jee, a member of the Khalsa Panchayat (council of five), was appointed the Subedar (head) of Sirhind, with Bhai Ali Singh Jee as his Naib (deputy). Using the Khalsa tradition of ruling under the authority of Panj Singh (five devout Sikhs), the Khalsa Raaj was estalished in the Punjab. Baba Jee ensured that the power structure of the past was overturned. After taking Amrit and becoming Sikhs, the lowest people in the feudal system became empowered as the rulers of the land. Hearing of the Khalsa's glory and power, the wealthy and higher classes accepted the common people becoming the master's of the land. No person dared to disobey Baba Banda Singh jee or any of the Sikhs.


Gurmat Parchaar and conversion to Sikhi
While at Sirhind and other places, Baba Banda Singh Jee inspired many Hindus and Muslims into becoming Gursikhs. Seeing the Khalsa’s high ideals, character and compassion, many Muslims abandoned Islam and embraced Sikhi. The Mughal writers of the time write that the the hearts and minds of many Hindus and Muslims were captivated by Baba Jee, which led to them receiving Amrit of the double-edged sword, adopting the name ‘Singh’ and embracing the Khalsa way of life.


Establishment of the Khalsa Raaj
With the establishment of the Khalsa Raaj, Baba Banda Singh Jee assumed something of a regal state. He repaired the old Imperial fort of Mukhlispur in Sadhaura and gave it the name of ‘Lohgarh’ (Iron Fort) and established the Khalsa Raaj’s capital there. Although he was like a king, in accordance to Gurmat Baba Jee gave all credit of his victory to Guru Jee and ruled through the system of the Panj (Five) and set up Panchayats (authority rested in five) in villages and towns across Panjab. A Sarpanch, (representative of the five) would be the forefront. Just as there are calendars based on emperors and rulers, Baba Banda Singh Jee introduced his own calendar that starts in the year of the Khalsa’s victory at Sirhind. As a firm declaration of the Sikh sovereignty, coins were struck in the name of the Sikh Gurus and used throughout thr Raaj. The ‘Nanak-Gobind Singh’ coin has inscribed in Persian:

Sikka zad bar har do alam Tegh-.i-Nanak wahib ast, Fateh Gobind Singh Shah-i-Shahan Fazal-i-Sacha Sahib ast.
'Struck coin in the two worlds, by the grace of the true Lord, Victory to Gobind Singh, the King of Kings; The sword of Nanak is the granter of desires.'

On the reverse were the words:

Zarb ba aman-ud-dahar, masawwrat shahar, Zina t- u- takht-i-mubarak-bakht.
'Coined at the refuge of the world, Model (painting) of city, the Ornament of the Fortunate Throne.'

These were the titles and epithets assigned by him to Lohgarh, just as each imperial city had its appropriate honorific name. He also introduced an official seal for his Hukamnamas (letters) and Furmans (orders). It bore the inscription.

Deg-o-Tegh- o-Fateh Nusrat-i-bedirang, Yaft az Nanak Guru Gobind Singh.
'Kettle (the means to feed the poor), Sword (the power to protect the weak and helpless), Victory and Unhesitating Patronage (are) obtained from Nanak Guru Gobind Singh.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Purpose of life?

Last week we had a special class on the government elections. Someone in the class said to me, "Sir, what is the point? The world is going to end in 2012." She said she had watched a film in which it said the world was going to end. I told her that she doesn't need to worry and be a bit positive about life. Then her friend said, "It's on google. The world is going to end in 2012." I was surprised that these 15 year old students were so gullible and genuinely thought the world was going to end.

One of the girls said, "I don't understand why we're alive. We live to just die. The only thing we have to look forward to is death. What's the point? I wish I was not born." Her friend, who sounded really frustrated, said, "Sir, when we feel hungry we eat, but then we get hungry again! When we feel thirsty, we drink something - but then we feel thirsty again! We can never be satisfied. I don't see the point of life."

The other teacher in the classroom and I were shocked that young adults in the class felt this way and were genuinely pessimistic about life and didn't understand what the purpose of their life is or know any reason why their life is worth living for. Surprisingly, when the other teacher asked, "Do you believe in God?" One of the girl's replied, "Yeah - but it doesn't make a difference that we all going to die and that all we are doing is waiting till we die." Waheguru.

Hearing this conversation I was thinking of the shabad by Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdaas jee:

ਅਖੀ ਵੇਖਿ ਨ ਰਜੀਆ ਬਹੁ ਰੰਗ ਤਮਾਸੇ ।
akhee vekh n rajeeaa bahu rang tamaashe.
The eyes are not satisfied with beholding sights and exhibitions;

ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨਿਦਾ ਕੰਨਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਰੋਵਣਿ ਤੈ ਹਾਸੇ ।
ustat nindaa kann sunn rovan tai haase
the ears are not satisfied with hearing praise or blame, mourning or rejoicing;

ਸਾਦੀਂ ਜੀਭ ਨ ਰਜੀਆ ਕਰਿ ਭੋਗ ਬਿਲਾਸੇ ।
saadee(n) jeebh na rajeeaa kar bhog bilaase
the tongue is not satisfied with eating what affords pleasure and delight;

ਨਕ ਨ ਰਜਾ ਵਾਸੁ ਲੈ ਦੁਰਗੰਧ ਸੁਵਾਸੇ ।
nak na rajaa vaasai durgandh suvaase
the nose is not contented with good or evil odour;

ਰਜਿ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਕੂੜੇ ਭਰਵਾਸੇ ।
raj na koee jeeviaa koorhe bharvaase
nobody is satisfied with their span of life, and everyone entertains false hopes.

ਪੀਰ ਮੁਰੀਦਾਂ ਪਿਰਹੜੀ ਸਚੀ ਰਹਰਾਸੇ ॥੯॥
peer mureedaa(n) pirharree sachee rehraase ॥9॥
But the Sikhs are satisfied with the Guru and theirs is the true love and delight.

The Sikh of the True Guru is fortunate and immensely blessed that they have been blessed with amazing gifts of Amrit, Rehat, and Gurbani; placed on a Path (maarag); shown the true purpose of life; and a way of life and faith that is not only worth dieing for but for living for.

ਭੂਲੇ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਬਤਾਇਆ ॥ ਐਸਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
bhoole maarag jinhi bataaeiaa.
aisaa gur vadbhaagee paaeiaa. 1
He places the one who strays back on the Path; such a Guru is found by great good fortune. 1
(Ang 803)

Reflection on how we value our Sikhi...

Kathaa by Bhai Paramjeet Singh Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib vale:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3


Dhan Guru, Dhan Teree Sikhee!

Power of Gurbani...

Subject: The Paaras Kaala Of GurbaNee crushed the hate.
Author: Bhai Sahib Kulbir Singh Jee (Tapoban wale)
Loose translation from a book by Giani Amar Singh jee

During the times of Sikhs Misls, the Sikhs were badly disunited. They successfully destroyed the aggressors but now they were fighting amongst themselves. All Sardaars (chieftains) were trying to destroy each other to extend their kingdoms. After the death of Sardar Gurbaksh Singh in a fight with one of the misls, his wife, Sardarni Sada Kaur took over the reins of her misl. The Singhpuria Misl had great enmity with Sardar Gurbaksh Singh. After his death, his wife Sardarni Sada Kaur like a warrior kept her position fortified thus resulting in the Singhpuriya Misl Sardar becoming her sworn enemy. He always looked for an opportunity to win over Sardarni Sada Kaur. His intelligence agents were always behind Sardarni Sada Kaur to watch her activities. On the other side Sardarni Sada Kaur was no less vigilant than the Singhpuriya Sardar. She always ensured that she was well-protected and always went out with no less than few hundred soldiers protecting her. The history stands witness to the fact that not only she was able to save her honour and position but she played a leading role in boosting the power of her son-in-law Raja Ranjit Singh. She fought along with Raja Ranjit Singh in all his big battles.


This incident that we are going to narrate is long before she become a relative of Raja Ranjit Singh. Once Sardarni Sada Kaur decided to visit Siri Darbar Sahib – Amritsar Sahib. She took her guards and a small army and reached Siri Amritsar Sahib. At the same time as a coincidence the Singhpuriya Sardar too reached Siri Amritsar Sahib at the same time as Sardarni Sada Kaur. Both had similar aim of visiting Siri Darbar Sahib i.e. to do ishnaan in the sacred sarovar – Ramdas Sarovar and to pay obeisance at Siri Harmandir Sahib. The Singhpuria Sardar after doing ishnaan went inside Siri Darbar Sahib to matha tek and listen to kirtan. Right at that time, Sardarni Sada Kaur reached the Parkarma of Sarovar and went inside the ladies section to do ishnaan. While she was taking ishnaan (ablutions) her maids were standing outside and the Singhpuria agents realized quickly that Sardarni Sada Kaur was inside the ishnaan porch all alone. The agents whispered in ears about the presence of Sardarni jee and by then the maids standing outside too realized that the Singhpuriya sardaar was here and that his agents had found out that Sardarni Sada Kaur was all by herself and defenceless at Darbar Sahib. As the agents rushed to inform the Sardar about Sada Kaur being present at Darbar Sahib totally defenceless, the maids dashed inside the ladies area of sarovar to tell Sardarni jee about the possible danger from the Singhpuriya Sardaar. Sardarni Sada Kaur at that time was in some other mood. When the maids informed her of the Singhpuriya Sardar and the imminent danger from him, Sardarni jee with total faith in Guru Sahib responded, “Look, at this time I am sitting in the heavenly lap of my father Guru Ramdass jee and I am pretty sure that the Singhpuriya sardar will not make the mistake of attacking me in such position. But if he does attack me, then I will not fight and will readily get arrested by him but will not fight back in the premises of Siri Darbar Sahib.” Then Sardarni told one of her maids to go outside Darbar Sahib and inform her soldiers that they should not be prepared for a possible fight outside Darbar Sahib. After such bold answer, she became oblivious of her surrounding and started doing ishnaan again. On the other hand, the intelligence agent went to inform the Sardar about Sardarni Sada Kaur being alone and how it was a great opportunity to capture or kill her. The Singhpuriya Sardar was listening to kirtan very keenly. The kirtanees were singing a very bairaagmai shabad that stated the futility of our efforts to collect worldly wealth. Sardaar’s mind had become purified as it was one with shabad.


The soohiya (agent) unaware of the spiritual and mental state of the Sardar, went dashing in Darbar Sahib and even forgot to do matha tek. The only thing in his mind was to get reward for telling the whereabouts of Sardarni Sada Kaur. He did not care about keeping respect of the sangat present there, nor did he realize the message of the shabad being sung. He hurriedly went over to the Sardar and in his ear whispered, “Sardar jee, Rani Sada Kaur at this time is taking ishnaan in the ladies area of the sarovar. She is totally unprotected. This is a great opportunity to kill her or capture her alive”. Sardar’s mann (mind) at that time was totally engrossed in Gurbani and had become pure. He got upset at the action of the soohiya and how he had not cared about keeping respect of Guru and sangat. He thought if this soohiya was only a soohiya and not a Sikh. The soohiya in the meantime was standing by waiting for the Sardar to respond. The sardar keeping fear of Guru whisperingly said, “Go away from here. You are not fit to stand here in Siri Harmandir Sahib. You did not even care about Guru, Sangat and Siri Harmandir Sahib. You did not care that this was not the right time and place to talk about such lowly thing. You are not a Sikh of Guru. Get away from my eyes”. Saying this the Sardar came out and ordered one of his soldiers to arrest the soohiya. The sardar came back and started meditating on the shabad of Guru. After some time the Sardar got up and started walking out of Siri Harmandir Sahib.


In the meantime, Sardarni Sada Kaur after finishing her ishnaan, started walking towards Siri Harmandir Sahib. She was standing by Darshani DeoRi and the Sardar came out. Both Sardarni and Sardar were engrossed in baani. There were sworn enemies of each other. When they saw each other, both stopped. The sardar made the first move. He had Degh (parshaad) in his hands and said fateh to Sardarni jee, “Bhain jee please accept parshaad of Guru Ramdas jee. I had thought that when I come out of Darbar Sahib, I will wait for you to come and give you parshaad. It is my honour and good fortune that you came right at the time I came out of Darbar Sahib. Now please accept parshaad from me”. Sardarni jee was moved by the humility of the Sardar and said fateh back to him and responded, “It is my big fortune (Dhan bhaag) that I am receiving parshaad from that veer’s hands whose hands only handle sword. Well! My visit in the hazoor of Guru Ramdas jee has been successful”. Sardar got emotional and said, “After listening to the great gift of Guru Sahib to us – Gurbani – I can only derive that we are doing is futile. Only his naam is true and rest is false. Listening to Gurbani brings peace to mind. How foolish are we who indulge in petty enmities and ignore the message of Guru”. “What you are saying is so true Veer jeeo. For so long we foolishly kept enmity between us. Now Satguru himself has done kirpa on us and we have realized the true path.” “If you too are thinking along these lines, then Bhain jeeo, let us bury our enmities right now and perform an ardaas before Guru Ramdass jee. Let us make up for the past and from now on live like real brother and sister. Let us reconcile and finish off these problems and enmities created by maaiya”. “Veer jeeo, you and I are both children of Guru Gobind Singh jee and at this time we are standing in the house of Guru Ramdass jee. If our problems and enmities are not going to get eliminated here, then where would they?” After this they both sent a message to one of the greatest Granthi of Siri Darbar Sahib – Bhai Sahib Chanchal Singh jee to perform an ardaas for their unity. While they were waiting for Granthi jee to come, they both closed their eyes in Anand of Gurbani and felt immense love and thankfulness for Guru Sahib. From that day onwards, they stayed like real brother and sister for rest of their lives. Ones who were thirsty for each other’s blood developed so much love for each other that even real biological brother sister cannot do. Such is the shakti of Gurbani and Naam. It is my ardaas before Satguru to do such miracle on the Sikh panth at this time. We are totally disunited. We need a miracle to get united again. Guru Sahib jeeo, kirpa karo.

Daas, Kulbir Singh
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. The Paaras Kaala Of GurbaNee crushed the hate.
Dhan Siree Guroo Granth Sahib Jee
ਪਾਰਸਪਰਸਿਐਪਾਰਸੁਹੋਵੈਸਚਿਰਹੈਲਿਵਲਾਇ

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫ਼ਤਹਿ

Sikh Interview with Gordon Brown (Video)...

Bhai Jagjit Singh jee (Leeds) interviews UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown:

Bliss of reading Gurbani...

Sukrit StudentConference Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib:

Useful link:
How to do a Sehaj Paath?


Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

PM Gordon Brown visits Sikhs in Derby...

On Tuesday 13th April, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling visited the National Sikh Heritage Centre & Holocaust Museum, and the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Derby. They were initially greeted by young Sikh children and addressed the Sikh community. They spent time looking at the exhibitions in the Museum, which highlight the huge contribution of Sikhs in UK. 83,000 Sikhs died in the World Wars and a further 109,000 were injured. In conjunction with the Army and the RAF, the Museum has exhibits showing this amazing history. Sikh women were involved in the Suffragette movement in the UK, and Sikhs today contribute widely to the richness of society in the UK.

The Prime Minister answered questions regarding issues that Sikhs feel strongly about in a short interview. He commented on the humanity of Sikhism, and his strong regard for the Sikh community. Alistair Darling toured the Museum and discussed the many facets of Sikh History exhibited there. The short exclusive interview will be released soon.

Some photos from the PM's visit:


Children line up outside the National Sikh Museum.


Sikh Sangat and representatives wait for the PM's arrival.


Bhai Raghbir Singh from the National Sikh Museum with MP Margaret Beckett.


Bhai Baljit Singh escorting PM Gordon Brown and the Chanellor to Singh Sabha Gurdwara.


Sikh children welcome the PM and Chanellor with flower garlands.


Sangat meeting the PM.


The PM and Chancellor given some gifts on behalf of the Sangat.


The Chancellor being shown ancient Sikh weapons on his tour of the National Sikh Museum.


Visitors being shown an ancient canon belonging to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.


Sangat and community representatives with the PM, Chanellor and MP Magaret Beckett.

Vaisakhi.... Love, Faith & Sacrifice

Gurbani Touches All...

Bhaji Navjot Singh from Bradford works as a pharmacist in Leeds. Bhaji recently came across a Gora (white Englishman) who said he listens to keertan and used to go to the gurdwara sahib in Walsall when he was growing up. He learnt Panjabi after moving to Leeds and can read and write Gurmukhi now with Guru jee's kirpaa. Bhaji said that this gentleman came to the pharamcy to buy some vegetarian omega 3 capsules.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Luton Sikhi Camp photos...

On Saturday 20th March, a one-day Sikhi camp was held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Luton. The camp was organised by the Gurdwara Youth Committee and Luton Sikhi Club. The one-day camp included talks, discussions, Q&A, arts and crafts, dastaar tying, and keertan. The local youth and Sangat did a great job in organising the camp. With Vaheguru's kirpaa the Luton Sikh youth have becoming really strong with their Sikhi since they have started a weekly Sikhi class for parents and children. It is so inspiring to see youngsters so eager to learn more about Sikhi and making positive progress in following Gurmat.

Some photos taken from the camp:


Story-telling with younger group.


Talk on history of the Guru Sahibaan.


Saakhis about Guru Nanak Dev jee.


Sangat.


Bhai Gurpreet Singh jee tying a Dumalla on Veer jee.


Bhai Davinder Singh jee tying Dastaars on children.


A happy looking Singh :)


Happy looking young bhenjis.


Bhenji having a Dastaar tied.


Veer Jagdeep Singh teaching children a Simran tune.


Bhai Vijay Singh jee doing a talk about building a relationship with Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Younger class with Bhenji Navrup Kaur.


Q&A session with the elder boys.



Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Annual Vaisakhi Smaagam (UK)

Message:

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ || ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫ਼ਤਹਿ ||

30th March 2010 to 4th April 2010

ANNUAL VAISAKHI
AKHAND KEERTAN SMAAGAM
COVENTRY
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sahba
47 - 49 Cross Roads, Coventry, CV6 5GR

In Celebration Of The Birth Of Khalsa
& Memory of the 13 Shaheeds of 1978

Laarvaar Siree Akhand Paath Sahib
Arambh 6pm on Tuesday 30th March 2010
Bhog 6pm on Thursday 1st April at 6pm
Followed by Rehras Sahib & Akhand Kirtan divan at 6.30pm until 9.30pm

Friday 2nd April
Asa Ki Vaar Kirtan: 6am - 10am
Sukhmani Sahib Paath: 4pm - 6pm
Akhand Kirtan Diwan: 6pm - 10pm

Saturday 3rd April
Asa Ki Vaar Kirtan : 6am - 11am
Sukhmani Sahib Paath : 4pm - 6pm
Akhand Kirtan Diwan : 6pm - 12am

Sunday 4th April
Asa Ki Vaar: 9.30am - 1.30pm
Sukhmani Sahib Paath: 4pm - 6pm
Rainsbaaee Keertan: 7pm - 5am


AMRIT SANCHAAR
The Amrit Sanchaar will be on Sunday 4th April 2010 starting at 8pm sharp at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sahba, 47 - 49 Cross Roads, Coventry, CV6 5GR . Contact Jathedar Bhai Ragbhir Singh - 01926 740160 for details of Amrit Sanchaar. If you have questions, you can contact Jathedar Raghbir Singh 01926 740160 or Bhai Tarunjeet Singh 07877888874

If any persons do not have full kakaars, then Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK will provide them as part of the seva.


ACCOMODATION

• Accomodation @ Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sahib - Contact Bhai. Preetam Singh 07983 959291
• Bibiaan contact Bibi Gursimran Kaur 07849098888
• A benti for all sangat staying at Gurdwara sahib to bring their own Duvet/Blanket/Sleeping bag and pillow

---

Story - Bus Journey...

Sangat jee, a nice post forwarded to me by a Gursikh:

Several years ago, a Giani Jee from out-of-town accepted a call to a Gurdwara in Canada.

Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it."

Then he thought,
"Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Vaheguru and keep quiet. When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."

The driver, with a smile, replied,
"Aren't you the new Giani Jee in town?
I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I ' ll see you at Gurdwara on Sunday."

When the Giani Jee stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh Vaheguru, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only teachings some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Sikhs and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Guru Jee on your shoulders when you call yourself "Sikh."

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Events this weekend..

LUTON SIKHI CAMP

Arts and crafts
Inspirational talks
Discussion group for ladies
Questions & answers session
Keertan
Dastaar tying
Fun

Come to this wonderful day and support the Luton Sangat and yourself!

20 March 2010 9.30am - 5pm
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Luton, 2a Dallow Road, Luton.




HOLLA MOHALLA EVENT

Ever wondered about the origins of Holla Mohalla?

Don't miss this opportunity!

Gatka Demonstration by Baba Ajit Singh Akhara
Archery
Kirtan
Katha
Saint Soldier Presentation
&
A Special Presentation by United Sikhs

Khalsa Primary School, Wexham Road, Slough SL2 5QR
21 March 2010 11am - 2pm

Katha by Bhai Rama Singh Jee...

Read more about the life of Bhai Rama Singh jee here.


Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare

Brotherly love...

Sadly, in recent times it seems that many Sikh youngsters are going towards dividing themselves in groups and stressing their group is the right group and the other groups are not legitimate, mistaken, or worst still not Sikhs because they don't believe what they believe. Throughout Sikh history, Sikhs have enjoyed the support of being in Sangat in the forms of small groups (jathas), but no one believed that their group was the Panth - the Panth is much greater than any group. Many Sikh Saints who may have had differences in their interpretation and observance of Maryada (Code of Conduct), shared the one common thing - the love of the Guru and the thirst and hunger to please the Guru. Looking back at the lives of the Great Sikhs, you realise that they agreed to disagree with fellow Guru-fearing-and-loving Sikhs and had a mutual respect with one another. They still considered those with perhaps different beliefs, like whether Dharnas should be sung or not, whether Rag Mala is read or not, or what school of thought they followed in pronouncing Gurbani, as fellow Sikh brothers and sisters. One more recent example in history is Baba Jarnail Singh jee Bhindran Wale, who showed that the authority of the Sri Akaal Takht comes before our own respect-worthy personal Maryadas we follow and practice. Whilst staying at Sri Harimandir Sahib (Amritsar), Baba jee instructed his Sikhs not to impose their Dera's Maryada there or in any Gurdwara and instead uphold and respect the Maryada of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib. Why? It showed Baba jee's reverence for the One-Panth and believing we are all - whether individuals or groups - members of this One-Panth. May Guru jee do kirpaa on us all that our Sikhi is built on pursuit for Guru jee's kushee (happiness) and kushee of the Panth and avoid getting stuck enmity and poison filled anger over the way someone else recites Paath or where they got santhiyaa from or not, how someone does Simran, whether someone can do Swaas Swaas simran or not, where someone recites Mool Mantar up to, how someone else does Keertan, which length Rehraas someone recites etc. Isn't it more important that someone recites Paath, someone actually does Simran (whether it is just repeating Waheguru with their Rasnaa (tongue) or with their Swaas (breaths)), someone actually meditates on Guru's Word whether up to GurPrasaad, Nanak Hosee Bhee Sach or even just meditating on one-single word of the Guru! Raag keertan is part of our history and culture that the Panth should preserve, but aren't we all capable of singing the true Raag - love? Should we get annoyed with someone else's Nitnem (daily prayers) and become negative whether they recite long, short, or medium-size Rehraas - isn't it praise-worthy that they are doing Nitnem? May Guru jee bless us all. Recently I came across an inspiring article on TheLangarHall.com:

On Common Ground
Posted by RP Singh in General, Sikhi on 27th May 2009 |

Years ago, I attended a Sikh retreat far from home – outside of the United States and outside of my “normal crowd.” It was interesting to experience Sikh life in a different country…and I think Bono had it right when he said, “We are one, but we’re not the same.” The first morning we all woke up at Amrit Vela and joined in Nit-Nem and Shabad Keertan. Everybody was in to it and nobody seemed distracted. It was one of those powerful “Sangat” experiences where you lose yourself and become part of the whole. I loved it! I was so energized after that Deevan and was excited for all the weekend’s activities to come…then came breakfast. It was a little chaotic as we entered the dining hall. Although the meals were vegetarian (God help us if they weren’t), a group of Singhs were arguing with the aunties demanding to see the packaging for the bread. They were convinced that this particular brand of bread had an animal byproduct as an ingredient. I skipped the bread and quickly moved pass, but finding a place to sit became an ordeal in itself. Although there were at least 50 people at the retreat, less than half were eating in the dining hall. I looked around and saw a handful of Singhs back in the kitchen sitting together eating from Sarab Loh (iron) bowls, cups, and plates. Another group of Singhs were heading back to their dorms to eat the food they brought, as their maryada only permitted them to eat food prepared by other Amritdharis who followed their same maryada. As for me, I felt like the new kid walking in the cafeteria on the first day at school trying to figure out which group I could fit in to. What happened to that warm and fuzzy feeling I had sitting in the Deevan? Now this Sangat, who couldn’t share a meal together, felt cold and distant. Turns out mealtime wasn’t the only time we found ourselves at odds. We spent much of the weekend arguing over how many Baanis (prayers) one should read daily, or whether Raag Mala is Baani, or the authenticity of Dasam Granth, or whether Keertan should only be sung in Raag. We even debated over what colors should be prohibited for Sikhs to wear. Considering I grew up in a Sikh community that still argues over whether keeping “Kesh” is necessary, this was all quite a culture shock. The whole experience was difficult for me to swallow. I thought to myself…with all the challenges we as a community face in the real world, it is disheartening to see how disjointed and fragile we really are. If we can’t agree on some of the most basic of Sikh principles and practices, how can we really progress as a community? Mid-way though the retreat, I became frustrated. I mentally checked out and just waited for the whole thing to end. However – on the last morning, one of my dorm-mates, who I spent much of the weekend arguing with, arose at Amrit Vela to wash his hair and begin his Nit-Nem. He must’ve done this every day, but on this particular morning, it woke me up. Although we both criticized each other’s maryada, I was impressed with his discipline and moved by the way he personally connected with the Guru in this way. And then it dawned on me, “Who am I to judge or criticize, when he is up at Amrit Vela engrossed in Simran and I am lazily lying in bed.” There is, after all, one thing we do have in common – and that is the love for our Guru. But our Sangat, experiences, and influence are different. Therefore, there are differences in the way we practice. The way we practice is tightly aligned with our belief, and belief is not something we take lightly. Most are unlikely to change. But does this mean we have to settle for Panthic disunity? Perhaps. But I ask, have we ever really been united as a Panth? Only a handful of historical events come to mind where Sikhs from various groups had set aside their differences and shared a common goal – Banda Singh Bahadur’s conquer of Sirhind, and the immediate days after the 1984 Darbar Sahib attack come to mind, but for much of our history, there has been such disparity – even during the Guru’s time. It did not seem to prevent the Gurus from accomplishing their mission, so why should it prevent us? There are some groups of Sikhs I disagree with, but they do the most amazing Keertan that touches my soul. There are some groups of Sikhs I am critical of, but I envy their sense of discipline. There are some groups of Sikhs I don’t see eye to eye with, but their passion for activism and social justice is inspiring. So it begs the question…is it possible for us as Sikhs to embrace our commonalities and dare I say, “learn” from each other’s influences, yet be mature enough to accept each other’s differences…and agree to disagree? Rather than spending our energy challenging one another over maryada and being critical of each other’s practices…can we instead focus that energy on living up to our own maryada and bettering our self? I, for one, have long ways to go.

I guess I’m starting to see the glass half-full. At this year’s Nagar Keertan, I passed by several aunties and uncles complaining of how chaotic the event was and how disorganized we were. But what I saw were thousands of my brothers and sisters…in different clothes, speaking different languages, some from different cultures, and even with slightly different practices…all marching the same direction. And I can’t help but wonder…rather than fight over our differences, is it possible we can rise above…and celebrate the beauty in our diversity?

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ਜਿਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਜਨ ਸੁਘੜ ਸਿਆਣੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਜੇ ॥
jin anṯar har har pareeṯ hai ṯe jan sugẖaṛ siaaṇe raam raaje.
Those whose hearts are filled with the love of the Lord, are the wisest and most clever people, O Lord King.

ਜੇ ਬਾਹਰਹੁ ਭੁਲਿ ਚੁਕਿ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਭੀ ਖਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਭਾਣੇ ॥
je baahrahu bẖul cẖuk bolḏe bẖee kẖare har bẖaaṇe.
Even if they outwardly say something mistakable, they are still very pleasing to the Lord.

Poem: A Sikh Woman

A poem written by Bibi Kamaljit kaur at Yuba City Sikh Youth Camp Dec 2009:



A Sikh Woman

I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light shines through me,

He is the living Guru - Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me to read Gurbani.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me about Seva,

Which is selfless service to humanity.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me to do Simran,

Which brings peace to my mind, body and soul.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me to listen to Keertan,

which is inspiration in the darkness of Kalyug.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me that the Shabad Guru lives forever.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me that Sikh History is unbeatable.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me that Sikh bibi`s are equal to Sikh men.



I am a Sikh Woman,

The Gurus Grace is with me,

His light taught me that Vaheguru is One and He lives in Everyone.