Belgium Gurmat Camp 2010...

From 2nd to 7th August a Gurmat Camp was held in Belgium at Gurdwara Sangat Sahib, Sint Truiden. For many years the Chalda Vaheer Jatha, founded by late Bhai Sahib Rajinder Singh (Dudley, UK), has been doing annual camps in Belgium as well as countries across Europe. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa, this year's camp was very successful and very inspirational. About 50 local children attended the 6 day camp. The camp included classes for learning Panjabi, memorising Gurbani, learning Keertan and Tablaa, Sikh history, and Mudhlee Vidiyaa (core knowledge). Local sevadaars and parents of children contributed with the classes. The camp would start at 10am with Japji Sahib, Chaupai Sahib and followed by Ardaas. After discussing the meanings of the Hukamnama there was breakfast followed by classes. It was so moving to see that the youngsters were so eager to learn more Gurbani, more Shabads for Keertan and how to tie a Dastaar that some would turn up 8am at the Gurdwara or even earlier to take maximum laahaa (benefit) of the camp. The hunger and thirst for Sikhi shown by the children was inspirational. The most inspiring from the camp was hearing a 6 year old recite full Japji Sahib off-by heart! Some photos from the camp:
Morning Simran led by Bhaji Karanjeet Singh from Germany.

Campers reciting Japji Sahib.
Camper doing Ardaas.


Camper doing Chaur Sahib. None of the campers had done Chaur Sahib sevaa before and were very excited to be given the opportunity.


Younger children watching a Sikhi film.


Langar


Bhai Harjinder Singh (known as 'Man in Blue') helping children learn Panjabi.


Two sisters, aged 4 and 5, wearing Dastaar :)


Dastaar tying competition (these Veer jees didn't have time to practice).


One of the Dastaar tying competiton winners.


Bhenji who at the age of 2 knew Mool Mantar and say a loud Fateh :)


Campers learning to memorise Japji Sahib with Giani Keval Singh, the local Granthi Singh.

During the camp the elder children prepared presentations on different topics covering personalities from Sikh history. It was amazing to see how the campers researched and prepared very detailed presentations and did a great job in presenting them to the rest of the class:


Bhenji Nirvair Kaur did her presentation on Mata Sahib Kaur jee.


Bhenji Ampritpal Kaur did her presentation on Guru Raam Daas jee.


Bhenji Vigaas Kaur did her presentation on Baba Banda Singh jee Bahadar.


Bhaji Amritpal Singh did a presentation on Guru Hargobind Sahib jee.


Bhaji Ravinder Singh did a presentation on Guru Arjan Dev jee.


Bhaji Jorawar Singh did a presentation on Guru Tegh Bahadar jee.


Bhaji Lovepreet Singh did a presentationon Guru Gobind Singh jee.


Bhai Harjinder Singh taking the elder group's class in Flemish (the children's local language).


Bhenji in blue is the 6 year old who has memorised full Japji Sahib with the support of her mother and Guru jee's blessings.


Bhai Jaspal Singh teaching Tablaa.


Bhaji Jujhar Singh teaching campers keertan.


Campers were tested on what they had learnt and given marks near the end of the camp.

On the last day, campers recieved their certificate and gifts from the Gurdwara Committee members and community elders:




Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Story about Bhai Jeevan Singh Jee...

Bhai Jeevan Singh jee's 1978 Canada Tour & Controversy
From Soora Feb 1979
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org

Bhai Sahib Jeevan Singh jee was one of the first Gursikhs who did parchaar of Tat (pure) Gurmat in Canada and helped bring people into a Sikh way of life. In 1978, Bhai Sahib visited Toronto and a controversy erupted when he refused to take parshaad or langar in the Gurdwara. The "Khalsa Samaachaar" newspaper and Toronto's "Pardesi Punjab" condemned Bhai Sahib for this "violation" of Gurmat. Bhai Sahib was then a Hazooree Raagee at Takht Sri Patna Sahib and the accusation was leveled that Bhai Sahib does not eat Karah Parshaad nor takes Langar.

Here's what the Soora magazine had to say about the entire issue:

Respected Sardaar Jeeo (editor of Khalsa Samaachaar),

We are astonished to see that a learned man like you, without knowing the truth, in Khalsa Samachaar's December 28, 1978 issue published the news that Bhai Jeevan Singh's not accepting Parshaad and Langar is against Gurmat.

Before publishing this, did you even try to find out why Bhai Jeevan Singh jee, while preaching in Canada does not accept parshaad in those people's langar?

According to the Gurmat Rehit Maryada, the langar prepared by a patit or non-amritdhaaree
is not acceptable and this food cannot be called "Guru Kaa Langar".

In "Nirguneearaa" 1977, Prof. Pooran Singh jee writes in the article "Satguru's Divine Langar":

"In the Baba's langar, there is not un-touchability over caste and class, but this langar is hidden from plain view. This is the langar of an Emperor. Not just anybody (Lundee Buchee) can come here…"tithay jodh maahbal soor" Guru's totally prepared Singhs who are tyaar-bar-tyaar, are the Soldiers (workers) here" etc.

The meaning of this writing is that in the Pangat (area where langar is eaten) there is no caste or class distinction or discrimination, but in preparing the langar, it is the Guru's specific maryada that not just anyone can prepare the langar. For this task, it is necessary to be "guru vala" or amritdhaaree.

That is the Guru's Langar where the food's preparers and servers are Guru's Singhs. "Vaydeenaa(n) kee dostee vaydeenaa(n) kaa khaaN" i.e. according to the Guru's orders eating the food of those without the Faith is restricted in Gurmat. According to the Sikh Rehit Maryada, a Sikh should have food and social relations with other Sikhs only.

We've found out that Bhai Jeevan Singh jee in last year's Canada tour did keertan in a Gurdvara. After the keertan, that Gurdvara's Committee President was about to give Bhai Sahib a Siropa. That President was a Patit (apostate) Sikh with no kesh or beard. Bhai Sahib in the Deevan said "Daas cannot accept a Siropa from the hands of a Patit Sikh, so please forgive Daas for this."

The disease of Patit-ism is very big in Canada and many Gurdvara organisers are Patits. In this situation, if Bhai Jeevan Singh jee refused to eat the parshaad of a Patit individual, then this is following the Guru's orders. Is it a crime to remain steadfast in Gurmat Rehit and obey the Guru's orders?

If our other preachers and ragis in an attitude of greed go to those countries and eat the food of these sharabee-kababee (meat/liquor consuming) patit individuals, it does not mean that one should start pointless propaganda against such a person who remains firm in Gurmat maryada and refuses to eat this food. We can expect this from the patit individuals but it's beyond our understanding when a Panthic Newspaper does this propaganda.

It's regrettable you haven't bothered to know the truth about how Bhai Jeevan Singh has gone there without any greed and is humbly preaching Gursikhi. So we request you try to find out the reality and make the Sangat aware of this reality and Gurmat.

Soora Parivar

Despite all the controversy and pressure, Bhai Jeevan Singh jee remained firm in his bibek (conscious living), and took a stand, even where it alienated some people who refused to accept or understand Gurmat. This episode teaches us that no matter what, we must take a stand when it comes to following the rehit of Guru Sahib.

------


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Teree Sikhee.

Bradford Sikh Family Camp 2010...

From Saturday 24th July to Sunday 25th July, Bradford Guru Nanak Gurdwara held the Sikh Family Camp for all ages. The Gurdwara Sahib is a youth-run Gurdwara, with it's President and majority of the committee being UK born Amritdhari Gursikhs. The Gurdwara is definitely a role model for Gurdwaras with so many projects aimed at inspiring and serving the Sangat and promoting Gurmat. On August 15th the Gurdwara Sahib is opening it's own gym called "Khalsa Fitness". Only recently, the local youngsters did the seva of renovating the Darbaar Sahib, which looks really nice.

With Guru Sahib's kirpaa there was a really good turnout at the camp from young and old. There were lots of different activities and zones for campers to find out more about Sikhi. There were four zones - the spiritual zone, open zone, inspirational zone, and warrior zone. In addition to the zones, on Saturday campers had a chance to see and find out more about wild animals like monkeys, tortoises, and reptiles. On Sunday someone brought in falcons and birds of preys for the Sangat to have a look, as Guru Gobind Singh jee used to keep a falcon with him which apparently was brought to India from Northern Europe.

The camp had a really buzzing atmosphere and was very inspiring. I found the "Khalsa Kaur" puppet show to be one of memorable things from the camp (which the younger children really enjoyed - and also the elders!). It was a creative way of teaching children Saakhis etc. Children also experienced how to do different sevas in the Gurdwara Sahib and learnt about the basic Maryada that should be followed when doing seva and coming to the Gurdwara Sahib. May Guru jee bless all the organizers and sevadaars to do more sevaa!

Some photos:


Morning assembly.


Signs for the different zones.


Inspirational zone.


Warrior Zone.


Elder boys group.


Superman Singh entertaining the children.


Bhaji Jagjit Singh showing children why and how we do Chaur Sahib sevaa.


Langar.


Bhaji Inderjeet Singh doing poster work with the children.


Cute Khalsa Singhnee.



Animal charity workers showing the different animals they look after in their sanctuary.

Bhenjee holding an owl.

12 to 14 year old group.


Younger group.


Youngest group.


Parents/adults group.


Bhenjee singing theme shabad with campers.


Camper doing Ardaas.


Camp sevadaars group photo.



Gurdwara website - http://www.gurunanakgurdwara.org/



Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Blessings of Guru Jee - A True Story...

Today marks the Parkaash Divas (birth date) of Guru Har Krishan Sahib jee, the eighth Guru. On this happy occasion I would like to share the story of how my grandfather was pulled towards Sikhi and the blessings of Guru jee...

My late grand-father was not that serious about Sikhi. Although he was Keshdhari, being in the army he drank alcohol, ate meat and recited no daily Paatth (prayers). I am going to narrate an incident which occurred in the 1957 in Delhi that changed my grandfather's life and made him a faithful devotee of Guru Jee.

My grandfather's best friend was called Bhai Manohar Singh. Both of them worked together in the army in India. Bhai Manohar Singh had one daughter. She is described to have been very beautiful and was a teacher in a school in Delhi.

One day during 1954 Bhai Sahib's daughter (Gurmeet Kaur) was arguing with another work colleague at school. The argument made Gurmeet Kaur angry and whilst shouting in rage she lost her eye-sight. She couldn't see anything, everything had gone black.


Bhai Manohar Singh was notified about his daughter. He took her to the doctors immediately. The doctor said, "I cannot do anything, I don't know what caused it, nor do I know how to cure it. Sorry Sardaar Ji." Bhai Sahib took her to different hospitals. All the hospitals gave the same response, "Sorry Sardaar Ji, we can't help your daughter. Her eye-sight seems permanently damaged by something which we cannot find out. We are sorry, but we cannot do anything now."

In desperation, Manohar Singh took his daughter to the army hospitals, with the thought that perhaps the army hospitals would have more specialist doctors which might be able to help his daughter. However, unfortunately Manohar Singh and his daughter were destroyed to find out that even they said, "Sorry, we cannot do anything."

Everyone had said "we can't help you." Where should they go? Who should they ask for help? Who will listen to the cries of despair?

Guru jee says:

ਸਗਲ ਦੁਆਰ ਕਉ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ ਗਹਿਓ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਦੁਆਰ ||

sagal dhuaar kau chhaad kai, gaheoh thuhaaro dhuaar.
Having abandoned all other doors, I have come to Your door for protection and help.

ਬਾਂਹਿ ਗਹੇ ਕੀ ਲਾਜ ਅਸ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਦਾਸ ਤੁਹਾਰ ||

baa(n)he gahey kee laaj as Gobind daas thuhaar.
O Lord! I have held Your arm, I am Your servant a devotee.
(Dasam Granth)

Bhai Manohar Singh thought, "O well if everything else has failed, then why not go to Guru Nanak's Darbaar." Many people advised Bhai Sahib to go to different Sadhus, Babas and other places but he had made his mind that he will place his hope and faith no other than the Guru jee. Bhai Sahib would go to work during the week and then every Sunday without fail he would take his daughter to Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib on his cycle. Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib is a historical Guru Ghar built in the memory of Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib jee. Originally it had been the house of Raja Jai Raam, a devotee of Guru jee. When Guru jee travelled to Delhi Guru jee cured the pains of the ill and sick, and hit the ground with his toe to reveal a fountain of water which was used to relieve the disease of small pox that hit the local citizens of the time. Guru Gobind Singh Jee says:

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਡਿਠੇ ਸਭ ਦੁਖਿ ਜਾਇ||

sree har-krishan dhiaaeeai, jis ditthai sabh dukh jaai.
Remembering Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, all pains and suffering vanish.
(Dasam Granth)

Every Sunday, despite any family programmes or special occasions, Bhai Sahib would without fail go to the Gurdwara Sahib with his daughter and do sevaa from early morning to evening. Both father and daughter would clean the floors and clean the Sangat's shoes. In the evening they would sit in the evening Divaan and listen to Keertan before going back home.

3 years had passed and now, both Manohar Singh and his daughter had got used to the thought of Gurmeet Kaur being permanently blind. Accepting Vaheguru's Will, both father and daughter continued serving Guru jee through devoting their lives to doing seva at the Gurdwara.

One Sunday during 1957, after having done seva, both Manohar Singh and his daughter went to the Guru's Darbaar to listen to Keertan, as they usually did. The Raagi Singhs were singing this particular shabad:

ਜੋ ਮਾਗਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਤੇ ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਦੇਵੈ ॥

jo maangėh thaakur apune ṯe soee see ḏevai.
Whatever I ask for from my Lord and Master, he gives that to me.

ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸੁ ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਈਹਾ ਊਹਾ ਸਚੁ ਹੋਵੈ ॥੨॥੧੪॥੪੫॥

naanak ḏaas mukẖ ṯe jo bolai eehaa oohaa sacẖ hovai. ||2||14||45||
Whatever the Lord's slave Nanak utters with his mouth, proves to be true, here and hereafter. ||2||14||45||
(Ang 681)

While the shabad was being sung by the Hazoori Raagi Jatha, Gurmeet Kaur experienced something strange. She used to sit next to her father in the Diwaan Hall. She nudged her father and said, "Papa Jee, I can see Guru Nanak Dev Jee in front of me." Her father, with a tear in his eye, thought "O Vaheguru, she is blind and now she is going mad now as well. Maharaaj do Kirpaa on her, bless her."
Guru jee says:

ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਸਿਰ ਊਪਰਿ ਤੂੰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸੋ ਦੁਖੁ ਕੈਸਾ ਪਾਵੈ ||

jis ke sir oopar thoon suaamee so dukh kaisaa paavai
When You stand over our heads, O Lord and Master, how can we suffer in pain?
(Ang 749)

She now grabbed her father's hand and said, "Papa jee, I am scared. I can see a Jyot (light) coming from Guru jee's hand and coming towards the direction of my forehead. I don't know what to do!" Manohar Singh now believed that perhaps his daughter is not going mad and that there may be a chance that this is a miracle happening. He held her hand and said, "Daughter! Tell me what is happening." "Papa jee, the Jyot is getting closer and closer," she said. She then described that the Jyot had entered her forehead.

"Open your eyes, open your eyes my child!" His daughter replied, "No! I can't. I am scared that if I open my eyes and I can't see then I will lose all hope." Manohar Singh convinced his daughter to open her eyes slowly. As she opened her eyes, everything was black. As she opened them slightly more, she could see a blur. Then when she opened them fully, she could see Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee and the Guru Pyaaree Saadh Sangat sitting the holy presence of Guru jee listening to the Shabad Kirtan.

"Papa jee, I can see, I can see. Guru jee has given me back my vision! Guru jee has given back my vision!" Bhai Manohar Singh stood up in the Sangat and starting make a commotion and shouted, "My daughter can see, my daughter can see". A Sevadaar came up to Bhai Manohar Singh and asked what all the commotion was about. Hearing what happened, the Gurdwara Sevadaars performed an Ardaas (prayer) of thanks and the whole story was narrated in front of the entire Sangat.

That day Bhai Manohar Singh went straight from the Gurdwara Sahib to the sweet shop and brought huge box of laddoos. The first place Bhai Sahib went to tell his good news was my grandfather's house. When Bhai Sahib came shouting outside the house, my Baba jee asked what has happened. My Baba jee heard what had happened to Bhai Manohar Singh's daughter and was wonder struck and realised the greatness of Guru Nanak's House. From that day on my grandfather gave up drinking alcohol and eating meat, and began to put full faith in Baani and Simran. He would recite Sukhmani Sahib, do keertan and recite regular Sehaj-paatths of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. If anyone would ask my granddad for help with paper work (as he could read and write during the time when most Panjabi villagers were illiterate), he would tell every person to first wake up every morning and do Mool Mantar da Abhiaas or Japji Sahib and then their work will become successful.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Story of a Visitor to the Gurdwara Sahib...

Last January during the Monday evening Simran programme at Leamington Gurdwara Sahib, Daas was asked by a member of the Sangat to speak to a non-Sikh visitor who had some questions she wanted answering. I approached the Gori and asked her what made her come to the Gurdwara Sahib. She replied, "I have been driving pass this place for a while and I have always felt like going in. Last week I decided to come in and I found it so peaceful that I decided to come back again. I really like what the children sing and find peace when they do their singing (i.e. Vaheguru Simran)." Looking at the lady she seemed to have something on her mind and didn't seem at peace. So I asked, "Please don't mind, but you don't look right. Is there something bothering you which we can help with?" The Gori replied, "You have all been kind enough to welcome me to the Gurdwara, I don't want to bother you with my problems." I said, "Coming here, you a member of the Sangat, congregation, so we regard you as a sister and we are your family. It doesn't matter that you a Christian, you are still part of our family here, so please share your problems." The lady's face lit up and she was so grateful that the Sangat was so kind to her.

She sat in the Langar hall and ate langar with the rest of the Sangat. Whilst sitting down she shared her problems. She stated that is a Christian but feels drawn to coming to the Gurdwara and sitting in Guru jee's Darbaar. She said that she feels depressed with the world and that when she sees and hears suffering in the world she gets saddened and it affects her mind. Bhai Gurdaas Jee's bachan (words) come to my mind and shared it with the lady:

ਦਰਪਣ ਵਾਂਗ ਧਿਆਨ ਧਰ ਆਪ ਆਪ ਨਿਹਾਲੈ ॥
"Humans are reflected (in the mirror of the world) in exactly the same way as their inner nature."
(Vaar 9, PauRee 6 - Bhai Gurdaas jee)

Similarly Guru Arjan Dev jee says:

ਸੁਖੀਏ ਕਉ ਪੇਖੈ ਸਭ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਰੋਗੀ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਸਭ ਰੋਗੀ ||
sukheeeae ko paekhai sabh sukheeaa rogee kai bhaanai sabh rogee ||
To the happy person, everyone seems happy; to the sick person, everyone seems sick.
(Ang 610)

Daas attempted to explain what Guru jee says to the lady and how if one is peaceful and happy inside then they will see the world as happy and peaceful. Hearing this lady started to think and she said "That makes sense to me. It is true, I am not happy inside. I don't have peace inside of me... How can I do that?"

Daas asked the lady, "Please don't mind, do you drink alcohol? Because alcohol affects the mind, body and spirit and is bad for you." She smiled and said, "No I don't drink alcohol. I used to - but I decided to give it up 6 months ago. I don't go to nightclubs anymore either." Then I asked, "Do you eat meat? Because the body is the temple of God and not a graveyard. Meat disturbs one's spiritual energy." Again, the lady smile and said, "I used to eat meat but I am now a vegetarian. My father is ill and he cannot process meat, so I have to give him vegetarian food. 6 months ago I stopped eating meat." I thought this is really strange and how this lady is following basic Rehat already. The lady added that she hasn't cut her hair for a long time also.

Daas explained Mool Mantar to the lady and advised that it may help to wake up early, do ishnaan (bathe) and then practice Mool Mantar for 10 or 15 minutes. I realised that there was nothing to write down Mool Mantar so that the lady could keep it with her so I asked her to practice one word till next week and then I would give her a print out of Mool Mantar. She said that she found "Sat Naam" easy to remember and say. So Daas said anytime you feel sad or down just say "Sat Naam" and think God.

A week later, the same lady attended the Monday Simran programme. She sat listening to the children doing Simran on the Vaaja from the beginning to end. After sukhaasan aand smaaptee the lady approached Daas and was smiling. She seemed to look very happy and her faced seemed to have colour now. She said, "I am sorry, I didn't wake up early like you said and do meditation however I recited 'Sat Naam' every time I felt low and it worked wonders. When I said 'Sat Naam' I began to feel happy." I don't know much about Guru Nanak, but whenever I hear his name or read his name I get an inner peace and happiness."

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Unique Home - a refuge for abandoned girls...

Video about the Unique Home from 'Dateline Punjab' (11th May 2009):

The address to visit:

Unique Home
Bhai Ghanaiya Ji Charitable Trust (Regd.)
1082-B, Model House,
Jalandhar.

The Sangat is requested to ring the Unique Home before visiting as they would like to know who is visiting as they have to be cautious for the children's sake. Also by ringing you can arrange to meet Mata Parkash Kaur jee (the main sevadaar) who can show you around:

Phone: 0181-2276066/ 2274005
Mobile: 98721-20664

Some of the Sangat members have asked for the bank details of the Unique Home so that they can transfer and donate money. There is an outside charity in UK that has made an account for the Unique Home however the details of this charity are not known 100% and therefore it is suggested that you send money directly yourself or via family and friends visiting Panjab.

Inspirational Sister...

A daughter of Mata Bhaag Kaur jee awakening the Sangat: