Trip to California... (Part 1)

During the Christmas holidays I went to America. With Guru Jee's kirpaa a kind Bhenji who worked at the airport gave me a nice seat on the aeroplane with extra leg room (sometimes some airlines have really tight leg room where you can barely move!). When I arrived at San Francisco Airport, it took such a long time to get outside! Knowing me I picked the slowest queue! The old guy checking everyone's passport was so slow. It was like watching paint dry. People who were standing behind me in the other queues over took me and had already got through the passport checking and there I was still waiting. Vaheguru. The guy was really nice, however, he was taking the phrase "taking it easy" a bit too far. Vaheguru.

When I got outside I couldn't see anyone at airport. I looked around and around and couldn't see any Dastaar. I thought I would put my phone on just in case someone tried to call me. When I got my phone out I realised that my phone was really hot and had somehow stayed on and the battery was about to die.

At first I went to this kiosk where a Chinese man was sitting. I asked him if I could use his phone but then I realised my phone had perhaps a little life left to send a text message. I didn't have anyone's phone number so I thought I would text Ravjeet Singh and get some phone numbers. Just as I sent the text my phone died. I thought, "What should I do now?" I went to get my phone charger wire out of my suitcase and went back to the kiosk where the Chinese man was selling phones. Next to the kiosk there was a plug on the outside side wall facing the public. Soon as I plugged in my phone, the Chinese man loudly said, "Hey, you cannot do that. Read the sign man, you have to pay $2 to use the plug." I though, "Hai Rabbaa, what type of place is this where you get charged to use a plug which looks like a public plug!". I didn't have any dollars on me so I thought what should I do. The guy replied, "Too bad." As I had just put my Kirpaan on I thought I would start Japji Sahib da Paath. I walked towards the outside exit so that I could do Paath standing outside. When I got near the door I saw a Singh.

The Singh was wearing a black patka. I thought, "How strange? Usually people send Singhs to come collect Singhs. Perhaps he is a younger cousin of one of the Singhs." The guy was wearing a doo-rag style patka and had his joorraa on top of his head. Then I looked closer and the guy was carrying a bag. I thought that perhaps he is carrying Langar Paanee for me. When I got through the door to get closer to the person, the person walked straight pass me. It ended out that the person was a black American who had long hair and had decided to tie it up on top of his head and wear a black patkaa. Vaheguru.

After finishing Japji Sahib, I thought, "Vaheguru, I have no phone, no money and even the kiosk guy is too kanjoos to allow me to charge my phone, please do kirpaa." As I just walked back through airport doors, Bhai Prabhjyot Singh was standing right there. Guru Jee is great. Apparently he had been waiting there all the time and had not seen me. It felt like I should have been on one of those "Should gone to Spec Savers" adverts. Vaheguru.

To be continued...

Wealthiest People in the World...

ਸਲੋਕ ਮਃ ੧ ॥
salok mahalaa 1.
Shalok, First Mehl:
ਸਰਮੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦੁਇ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੇ ਧਨੁ ਪਲੈ ਪਾਇ ॥
sharam ḏẖaram ḏue naanakaa je ḏẖan palai paae.
Modesty and righteousness both, O Nanak, are qualities of those who are blessed with true wealth.

ਸੋ ਧਨੁ ਮਿਤ੍ਰੁ ਨ ਕਾਂਢੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਸਿਰਿ ਚੋਟਾਂ ਖਾਇ ॥
so ḏẖan miṯar na kaaʼndẖeeai jiṯ sir cẖotaaʼn kẖaae.
Do not refer to that wealth as your friend, which leads you to get your head beaten.

ਜਿਨ ਕੈ ਪਲੈ ਧਨੁ ਵਸੈ ਤਿਨ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਫਕੀਰ ॥
jin kai palai ḏẖan vasai ṯin kā naao fakeer.
Those who possess only this worldly wealth are known as paupers.

ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕੈ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਤੂ ਵਸਹਿ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਗੁਣੀ ਗਹੀਰ ॥੧॥
jinĥ kai hirḏai ṯoo vasėh ṯe nar guṇee gaheer. ||1||
But those, within whose hearts You dwell, O Lord - those people are oceans of virtue. ||1||

(Guru Nanak Dev Jee - Ang 1287)

Dawn of Gyaan...

A thought-provoking article written from Bhai Kulbir Singh jee, taken from www.GurmatBibek.com:

Dawn of Gyaan

Now a days, the days are short and the nights are long. Even around 6 am, there is darkness outside.

The following Samagam happened at our Greh, in an informal setting, with a few near and dear Gursikhs.

Siri Akhand Paath Sahib jee's Bhog occurred around 5:15 am. Degh was distributed after Bhog. Siri Asa kee Vaar Kirtan had not yet started. I went outside to wash my hands. When I came back after few minutes, the lights in the Darbar had been switched off. The room of Darbar Sahib was exhibiting crazy spiritual vibrations due to Siri Akhand Paath Sahib. Kirtan had begun and the room was totally packed.

I sat in one corner and Gursikh Kirtanees continued to do Kirtan of Siri Asa kee Vaar with full vigour and Anand. When I had came, the lights had been switched off. When I closed my eyes, the image I had in my mind was that of mixture of darkness and light because though the lights of Darbar Sahib were switched off, there was light outside the Darbar Sahib and that prevented total darkness.

After an hour or so, I noticed that with the rise of sun, there was dim light outside and due to that, a very mild and cool light and entered Guru Sahib's room from outside. Right then, a thought entered the mind. This room is more fortunate than our hearts. When the Kirtan started, there was darkness in the room but after an hour of Kirtan, the room was getting some light. On the other hand, the darkness in our hearts has still not been dispelled... Gyaan has still not dawned in our hearts. Gurbani has not done Prakash in our hearts. We are still far from Gurmat Rehit-Rehni. We are still stuck in Maya. Our priorities are still not set right. Worldly priorities are still taking precedence over spiritual priorities.

Guru Sahib Kirpa karo.

Kulbir Singh

Plight of Panjabis in Southall...

Inspiring Poem: 'Self reflection'...

Poem by Bhenji Mala Kaur (Gravesend):

Self reflection

Dear Lord, you blessed us with this human form,
after years and years of numerous births and deaths.
We have finally received this precious gift
but how do we allow our days to pass away?

Dear Lord you taught us,
to do that which is right
to do that which is truthful
to do that which is loving
But how do we allow our days to pass away?

Dear Lord you taught us,
to help the disadvantaged
to share what we process
to love and to respect humanity
But how do we allow our days to pass away?

Dear Lord you taught us,
to bow down to no other
to believe in one God
to rest our faith in you
But how do we allow our days to pass away?



Dear Lord you taught us,
to mediate on your name
to not forget you for an instant
to remember you in all that we do
But how do we allow our days to pass away?

Dear Lord, you blessed us with this human form,
after years and years of numerous births and deaths.
We have finally received this precious gift
but how do we allow our days to pass away?

East London Sikh Family Camp photos...

On Saturday 3rd December, sevadaars of Mata Sahib Kaur Academy in Ilford, East London, organised its first Sikh Family Camp. The academy holds mini-camps every Saturday, however, this was the first camp which involved sevadaars from outside and was aimed at all age groups.

It was the first time I have ever been to the Academy. I had heard lots of good things about the Academy from others but never had the opportunity to visit. The Academy is not a very big building, however, the amount of good which is coming out is amazing. In such a small building, every inch of the space is used for something productive which helps young children come closer to Guru Jee. There are regular Gurmat classes, Gatka, santhiyaa classes, keertan classes, helping children with homework and lots more. The childrens' work on the walls of the Academy speaks words. You can see the pride that children take in learning about Sikhi. Despite facing severe financial problems, with Guru Jee's blessings the Academy has continued to serve the Sangat and helping to shape the parchaariks of the future. I would urge the Sangat to the support the Academy in any way they can. The Academy website is www.SikhAcademy.co.uk and to donate money to keep the Academy running please visit here.


Below are photographs from the Sikh Family Camp:


Bhenji Harsimrat Kaur (Bradford) with the younger group.


Bhai Rajdeep Singh (Gillingham) and Bhai Gurpreet Singh (Woolwich) doing a class with the middle group.


Children presenting their group work.


Children presenting their group work.



The elder group. Topic - the existence of God.


Bhai Satnam Singh (Hayes) and other sevadaars helping with Dastaar tying during the Langar break.


Keertan doing the Langar break.


Children playing activities.


A fury friendly guest visited the children.


Q & A session with the elder group.


Bhai Ravjeet Singh (North London) who does seva with SOPW doing a presentation on the plight of Sikh prisoners of conscience and Sikhs illegally detained in prisons.



If anyone would like to organise a Sikh Family camp at their local Gurdwara please contact SikhSevaa@gmail.com



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Inspiring Poem: 'Searching...'

Poem by Bhenji Mala Kaur (Gravesend):

Searching (Guru Nanak Dev Jee)...

My heart's in darkness, my mind is soiled,
my soul lost, its voice unheard.
The sun and moon no longer shine brightly,
Oh Naanak I beg, enlighten me

The world, my friends, my family and I,
search for answers in life to please you Lord.
Tempted by society, blinded are we,
Oh Naanak I beg enlighten me

The guilt, the knowledge of my many sins,
I hide in darkness, a shameful life I lead.
Forgive me dear Lord, this is my plea,
Oh Naanak I beg enlighten me

When will I answer the call of my soul?
Day by day I wonder around lost,
from the worldly ocean, my soul please free.
Oh Naanak I beg enlighten me

Teach me the Truth, my mind wash clean,
bathe my soul in your divine word.
Bless me to love and respect humanity,
Oh Naanak I beg enlighten me

Iminder Arts...

Bhai Iminder Singh from Bradford (UK) is a gifted artist who has launched his own website - www.IminderArts.com - to feature his fantastic art work. Please visit his website and support the up and coming Gursikh artist.

About the Artist
“I have always had the urge to create from a young age. My Mother tells me she too had the same passion whilst studying, so I guess it’s in the genes, and I can’t take all the credit for that! : ) I studied Art at school, but completely lost touch with it during University, and after graduating I got caught up in the rut of life with work! By occupation, I’m an IT professional.

In 2009, I felt the desire to pick up my brushes again, but found I kept making excuses and putting it off for some reason or another. However, after discussions with some close friends and family about this, I was hugely encouraged to create and share, so that is exactly what I did!

What inspires me? Well, simply, that Mysterious that beholds us all. My work is mostly based around a journey inside, grasping those heart-searching thoughts/feelings that leave our senses Awe-inspired and Wonderstruck. Above all, I try to place the message of Love in Gurbani at the centre of my work.

I don’t class myself as an Artist, simply because I don’t know anything about being one. I have no qualifications, my tools are rugged, and my knowledge about the ‘Art World’ is limited. But after much inspiration from those around me, I’m here to share in what I seek, understand and create, and hopefully inspire others to do the same."


Art Auction raises money for Charity
On Sunday 9th November 2011, IminderArts.com held an auction at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Wakefield for an art piece called ‘a Glimmer of Hope’ which helped to raise money for the Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare (SOPW). With Guru's Grace the Sangat raised £2,500 for SOPW.

East London - Sikh Family Camp...

SIKH FAMILY CAMP
SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER, 2011
Mata Sahib Kaur Academy,
8 Oaks Lane, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG2 7PL

PROGRAMME:

10am to 5pm - Sikh Family Camp (for children and adults)

5pm to 6.30pm - Sukhmani Sahib Paath

6.30pm 7pm - Rehraas and Ardaas

7pm to 12am - Keertan

Project Conversion - Experiencing being Sikh for a month...

I came across an interesting blog by Andrew Bowen. He writes about his project:

Project Conversion: Twelve Months of Spiritual Promiscuity has a mission: To enlighten and entertain. Over the course of a year, I will immerse myself in one religion per month. With the help of spiritual mentors and research, every step of the journey will be documented here via photos, video, and blog entry. In addition, each week of each month will focus on one of four areas:

Week One: Religous Practices, Worship, and Ritual

Week Two: Culture and Art

Week Three: Social Issues/Conflicts

Week Four: Personal Reflection on the Month

Should be fun. Will certainly be interesting, and hopefully by the end a few folks who may have been reticent to find out about different faiths will learn something by vicariously practicing for a month through me.

Please check out his reflections of immersing himself in the lifestyle of a Sikh for one month.

http://blog.beliefnet.com/projectconversion/2011/09/my-last-day-as-a-sikh.html

Born to Lead...

Born to Lead - a short movie by Satdeep Singh:

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Remembering the 1984 Shaheeds

Warning: Post contains graphic images

http://www.sikh24.com/2011/11/remembering-the-1984-shaheeds/

With Guru Sahib’s Grace, Sangat throughout the world has this month commemorated and remembered the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms and the Shaheeds (martyrs) who fought for justice. I recently heard a saying by a non-Sikh who said, “It is more important how you remember, rather than what you remember.”

Hearing this quote, I started reflecting on how we remember our Shaheeds.

Is it enough that we remember our great Gurus and Shaheeds or do we need to reflect on how we are remembering them? Every year there are Akhand Paaths in memory of Shaheeds, there are Kirtan Darbars and there are talks. However, are we truly remembering our Shaheeds? Have we done justice to their memory by just announcing that “today we are remembering the Shaheeds”?

Let us remember what happened to the Sikhs in November 1984. The killers of the Sikhs cut the hair of Sikh men before they burnt them to death. Why did the raging blood thirsty killers cut the hair of the Sikhs when they were going to kill them anyway? It was an act of dishonouring the Sikhs before killing them.

We have to ask ourselves, are we today dishonouring our Sikhi by paying others to cut our Kesh, plucking our eyebrows and shaving our hair? The Sikh women were physically raped and the Sikh men were psychologically raped by dishonouring their God-given Kesh which is the covenant between a Sikh and God. If we wish to remember the Shaheeds, then may we remember the Shaheeds by vowing not to cut, pluck, dye or dishonour our beautiful Kesh which acts like a robe of love which links us to the Great Guru.

In November 1984 the killers of the Sikhs poured kerosene over the Sikhs and burnt them to death. We have to ask ourselves, are we today pouring alcohol inside ourselves and burning our Sikhi? If we wish to remember the Shaheeds, then may we remember the Shaheeds by vowing to not drink alcohol anymore and instead look after the body which was supposed to be a field for the seeds of Sikhi to flourish.

In November 1984 the killers of the Sikhs shamelessly desecrated Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. We have to ask ourselves, are we today disrespecting Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee by not following the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? If we wish to remember the Shaheeds, then may Guru Jee bless us with the desire and effort to strive to follow the Guru’s teachings and become light-houses of Sikhi through living Guru Jee’s message and Hukam.

Sikhs have experienced many holocausts and genocidal pogroms, but the Sikh spirit has never died. When 18th century Sikh women were arrested and endured torture in Mir Mannu’s Jail in Lahore, they chanted: “ਮਨੂੰ ਸਾਡੀ ਦਾਤਰੀ ਅਸੀਂ ਮਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਸੋਏ || ਜਿਉਂ ਜਿਉਂ ਮਨੂੰ ਵਢਦਾ ਅਸੀਂ ਦੂਣ ਸਵਾਏ ਹੋਏ || (We are the grass, and Mannu the sickle (grass-cutting blade); The more he cuts us, the more we grow.)”

How did the Sikhs grow? When the blood of the Sikhs spilt, the Sikh nation’s spirit, faith and determination grew. The best way to remember those who were killed by the killers of the Sikhs who wished to kill off the Sikh Panth is to strive to become good Sikhs ourselves. Where the killers attempted to kill the Sikhs, we can show the world that Sikhi has not been killed but will flourish, starting from ourselves. May Guru Jee inspire us all to read Gurbani, do Simran, receive Khande-Di-Pahul and become tyar-bar-tyar Rehitvaan Gursikhs.

http://www.sikh24.com/2011/11/remembering-the-1984-shaheeds/

----
Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

3 types of Mr. Singh...

I met a Gursikh who works for Heathrow Airport who shared a story about his workplace with me. He said that one day a white non-Sikh English colleague asked him, "You are Mr. Singh because you are a Sikh. But today I met a man who has his hair cut and is clean-shave who said he was Mr. Singh as well. I am confused! Can you please explain."

The Gursikh gave the reply, "There are 3 types of Mr. Singh. Firstly, a "real Singh", secondly a "shame singh", and thirdly a "name Singh". The Gursikh explained a 'real Singh' is one who practices Sikhi in word and deed. A 'shame Singh' is someone who although wears a turban, but goes against their religion by trimming their beard or drinking alcohol etc. A 'name Singh' is someone who is from a Sikh heritage and has no Sikh identity.

The next day, the Englishman comes up to the Gursikh, smiled and said, "Today I saw a shame Singh on the bus." Waheguru.

'The Life of Guru Nanak' (Animated Story)...

'The Life of Guru Nanak' animated story, produced by Channel 4 (UK):

Having used this video to educate non-Sikh children about Sikhi, it left a very positive impression about Guru Nanak Dev jee on their minds and they remember they key messages preached by Guru jee.

Letter from the Vatican to mark the Gurpurb

Happy Gurpurb to everyone. Today I received an email from a Catholic colleague who I have worked with in local inter-faith events. He forwarded me a letter from the Catholic church congratulating Sikhs on the Gurpurb of Guru Nanak Dev jee. Here is the letter:

PONT1FICIUM CONSILIUM
PRO
DIALOGO INTER RELIGIONES

N. 1262/11

Dear Sikh Friends,

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue most cordially greets you all as you commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib on 10th November this year. May the celebration of this feast be an occasion to enhance harmony, happiness and unity within your families and communities.

Festive events such as this offer the opportunity to believers to expand the horizons of our relatedness with the larger human family by furthering our reach out and seeking to work together ever more earnestly for the welfare of the society, most especially towards building a harmonious society.

A harmonious society, as largely desired across the globe, is a people oriented society wherein persons are truly respected in their transcendent, innate human dignity and whose common aspirations for freedom, serenity, security and equal opportunity for development are governed by a morally sound set of values that animates the life of the individuals and of the entire society. On the contrary, moral relativism, which undermines human being in his/her objective dignity, will only render the aspiration for a harmonious society an evanescent dream. Pope Benedict XVI spoke of it in unequivocal words saying, "the illusion that moral relativism provides the way for peaceful coexistence is ...the origin of divisions and the denial of the dignity of the human beings"(Message for the World Day of Peace, 2011).

We believers, more than others, because of our openness to God, are called upon to reject whatever is contrary to the dignity of the human persons and to make coordinated and sustained efforts to protect the legitimate interests of everyone in society. On us, therefore, falls the responsibility to render the human yearning for a harmonious society a reality. Our shared values such as fraternity, honesty, justice and unity are powerful tools for building a better world.

Wishing you a Happy Prakash Divas of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib!

Jean-Louis Cardinal TAURAN President

Archbishop Pier Luigi CELATA Secretary

Ufficio / Office: 00193 Roma - Via della Conciliazione, 5 - Tel. +39.06.698.84.321 - Fax +39.06.698.84.494 - E-mail: dialogo@interrel.va Indirizzo Postale / Adresse Postale / Postal Address: 00120 Citta del Vaticano

The exposed plan to annihilate the Sikhs...

In Dr. Sangat Singh's book "The Sikhs in History" (page 415) he gives details of Operation Shanti, exposing Indira Gandhi's evil plan to wipe out all the Sikhs in India. After Beant Singh and Satwant Singh came back from visiting Sri Harimandir Sahib in October 1984, they were deeply troubled by the destruction and bloodshed inflicted on the Sikhs. After discovering the planned genocide of the Sikhs, both Satwant Singh and Beant Singh took Amrit and then carried out their own plan to stop Indira.

"Indira drew a diabolical plan, named Operation Shanti, to carry out a general massacre of the Sikhs, of genocidal proportions, around November 8, when the Sikhs would assemble in various Gurdwaras for Guru Nanak's birthday celebrations. According to the plan, large-scale skirmishes virtually amounting to a war were to take place all along the India-Pakistan borders. And, it was to be given out that the Sikhs had risen in revolt in Punjab and joined hands with Pakistani armed forces which had made considerable advances into the Indian Territory. The Sikhs all over Punjab, especially in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts were to be subjected to massive aerial bombardment, apart from being slaughtered by army and para military forces. The Sikhs all over India were to be subjected to mass scale massacre, loot, arson and incendiarism by lumpen elements organized by Youth Congress(I) activists. Elaborate preparations were made by Youth Congress (I) network all over India; they were to await a coded signal to start mayhem.

The plan was discussed with certain army generals who advised Indira against it. They pointed out that Nazis had used gas chambers to finish off the Jews, but had not been able to do so. And, her plan to finish off the Sikhs in one go would only club her name with that of Hitler. But she was unrelenting. Indira was not receptive. In view of her nefarious Sikh genocidal plan, she paid a sudden visit to Kashmir on October 27, when, however, she got the omen of her imminent death.

Back in New Delhi, the following day, records the Prime Minister's Principle Secretary, P.C. Alexander, "she sent for Gen. Vaidya and asked him in my presence about the preparedness of the Indian army in J & K to meet any unexpected outbreak of trouble. General Vaidya assured her that the army was very well prepared for any eventuality and there was no danger of it being taken unaware by the Pakistanis. Indira wanted to involve Vice President from that very stage, as he was to be the acting President once Operation Shanti was operative, and the inconvenient Zail Singh was bumped off. Significantly, Zia ul Haq stated at Indira's funeral that it was with great difficulty that he had been able to avert a war with India. His then No. 2, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, after demitting the office of President of Pakistan in July 1993, stated that Indira had planned to attack Pakistan but was shot dead some ten days before the D-Day.

The omen of her imminent death weighed on Indira for the rest of her four days of life. That was uppermost in her mind when she spoke of her violent death at the public meeting at Bhubaneshwar on October 29. Later, in the evening, she broached the subject with Orissa Governor, B. N. Pandey, at the dinner table. The thought lingered on, as she returned to Delhi on October 30 night. But unlike Aurangzeb who was remorseful at the "burden of sin" he was carrying, Indira, not being religious, was unrelenting.

Beant Singh, Sub-Inspector in Indira's security, got the outlines of Indira's Sikh-genocidal plan from R. K. Dhawan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister, and decided to act to thwart it. He commissioned Satwant Singh to assist him. On October 31, 1984, at 9.00 a.m. Beant Singh with his service revolver shot Indira in the abdomen five times. In less than a minute, at his call, Satwant Singh emptied his automatic carbine in Indira's abdomen region. Actually, one bullet in the head would have been sufficient. But abdomen was chosen because, firstly, they had been assured that she would not be wearing her bulletproof jacket, and secondly, they did not want to hurt anyone else, which a shot at her head might have entailed.

Beant Singh had cautioned Satwant Singh to ensure that his friend Dhawan was not hurt in the melee. After shooting Indira, both threw down their weapons and Beant Singh said, "I have done what I had to do. You do what you want to do"

Inspirational Story of Bibi Siri Kartar Kaur...

Bibi Siri Kartar Kaur from Finland shares her personal experience and journey into Sikhi:

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Bandi Chhor Divas....

As every year, as a community we celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (Divali) with eating laddoos and letting off fireworks? We celebrate that 52 kings got saved holding on to Guru jee, however, we have to ask ourselves are we holding on to Guru Jee? How will we have a chance of being saved without Gurbani, Naam or Rehat?

ਅਗਨਿ ਸਾਗਰ ਬੂਡਤ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ||
agan saagar booddat sansaaraa ||
The world is drowning in the ocean of fire.

ਨਾਨਕ ਬਾਹ ਪਕਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ||੪||੩||੮||
naanak baah pakar satgur nisataaraa.
O Nanak, holding me by the arm, the True Guru has saved me.
(Ang 803)

May Guru Jee bless us all with Gursikh Jeevan and Chardi Kalaa.



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Insects and Sweets?...

News article taken from The Tribune:

Want to eat sweets? Think again
Insects found in samples

Anupam Bhagria
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 21
This Diwali, think twice before relishing sweets as most of these are not only of substandard, but also infested with insects. Test reports of various sweet samples collected by the health department have revealed this.

Dr Kulwinder Singh, district health officer, Ludhiana, said, “We took samples of ‘rasogulla’, ‘burfi’ and ‘petha’ from Super Lovely Sweet Shop at Lakkar Bazaar. Nine dead insects were found in samples of the ‘rasogulla’ and ‘burfi’. Refined oil used for preparing these sweets, too, was of substandard quality. Its BR reading (which tells whether refined has been used or it is milk fat) was also higher than the permissible limits. Thirteen insects were also found in the ‘petha’ samples. All these samples were found unfit for human consumption.”

Similarly, ‘petha’ samples collected from Bhure Lal’s factory was also found unfit for human consumption. The District Health Officer said, “Two honeybees and two houseflies were found in the samples collected from the factory.”

“Patisa” samples taken from Sheesh Ram Shop at Dasmesh Nagar in Jagraon, too, was unfit for human consumption as foreign starch was used for preparing it. The owners of all these shops have been booked under the Food Safety and Standard Act.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111022/ldh1.htm

Vaheguru!

Fake Encounters - Uncovered...

Aridaman Jit Singh has spent two decades working with the Government of India's Central police Organizations(NSG/BSF), where as a senior officer he was involved in anti-militancy and Intelligence Operations. He also remain associated with the training and policy making at the Country Head Quarters.

Aridaman now works with 'Nishan', a non-profit public policy advocacy and development organization dedicated to "Upholding Rights & Justice" in the society with the crusade against corruption and the abuse of power. They are primarily focused on cases arising from police apathy and rampant corruption in the Indian bureaucracy and government authorities. You can read more about the organization on their website www.NishanJustice.org.

Please watch the interview below in which Aridaman Jit Singh, a tireless campaigner against fake encounters, who speaks openly how the Police arrested innocent young Sikhs and murdered them in the name of militancy. It is harrowing to hear how those who are supposed to be protecting society are instead terrorising society fuelled by corruption, greed, and insincerity.

May Guru jee keep Aridaman Jit Singh and others who are fearlessly speaking the truth and expose the terror being committed by those in power in high spirits and bless them with success.

ਰਾਜੇ ਸੀਹ ਮੁਕਦਮ ਕੁਤੇ ॥ ਜਾਇ ਜਗਾਇਨਿ੍ ਬੈਠੇ ਸੁਤੇ ॥
Raaje sheeh mukaḏam kuṯe. Jaae jagaaen baiṯẖe suṯe.
The kings are tigers, and their officials are dogs; they go out and awaken the sleeping people to harass them.

ਚਾਕਰ ਨਹਦਾ ਪਾਇਨਿ੍ ਘਾਉ ॥ ਰਤੁ ਪਿਤੁ ਕੁਤਿਹੋ ਚਟਿ ਜਾਹੁ ॥
Cẖaakar nahḏaa pāenih gẖaao. Raṯ piṯ kuṯiho cẖatt jaahu.
The public servants inflict wounds with their nails. The dogs lick up the blood that is spilled.

ਜਿਥੈ ਜੀਆਂ ਹੋਸੀ ਸਾਰ ॥ ਨਕੀਂ ਵਢੀਂ ਲਾਇਤਬਾਰ ||੨||
Jithai jeeaa(ʼn) hosee saar. Nakee(ʼn) vadẖee(ʼn) laaiṯbaar. ||2||
But there, in the Court of the Lord, all beings will be judged. Those who have violated the people's trust will be disgraced; their noses will be cut off. ||2||
(Guru Nanak Dev Jee - Ang 1288)

A Letter to You...

An inspiring email which I received many years ago:

My dear friend,

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me,
even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanked me for
something good that happened in your life yesterday, but i noticed you were
too busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to work. So I
waited. When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a
few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy. At one
point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a
chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet, I thought you wanted to talk to
me, but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip.

I watched you as you went to work and I waited patiently all day long. With
all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me. I
noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to
talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four
tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly
before they ate, but you didn't. That's okay, there is still more time left,
and I hope that you will talk to me even yet.

You went home and it seems as you had lots of things to do. After a few of
them were done you turned on the TV. I don't know if I like TV or not, just
about anything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of
it, not thinking about anything else - just enjoying the show. I waited
patiently a gain as you watched TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't
talk to me. As you did your housework I waited again, as you did what you
had to do. At bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight
to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay,
because you may not realise that I am always there for you.

I've got patience more than you will ever know. I love you so much that I
wait everyday for a nod, a prayer, a thought or a thankful part of your
heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well, you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but
love for you hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day.

Yours,
WAHEGURU

--------------------------

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

The Guru's Call...

ਆਪੁ ਸਵਾਰਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਿਲਹਿ ਮੈ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ||
ਫਰੀਦਾ ਜੇ ਤੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਹੋਇ ਰਹਹਿ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੋਇ ||੯੫||
aap savaarehi mai milehi mai miliaa sukh hoe ||
fareedaa je too meraa hoe rehehi sabh jag teraa hoe ||95||
"God says, ""If you reform yourself, you shall meet me, and meeting me, you shall be at peace. O Fareed! If you will be mine, the whole world will be yours.""||95||"
(Ang 1382)

A Mother's Love...

I was emailed this story by Bhai Vijay Singh Jee:

After the Earthquake had subsided, when the rescuers reached the ruins of a young woman’s house, they saw her dead body through the cracks. But her pose was somehow strange that she knelt on her knees like a person was worshipping; her body was leaning forward, and her two hands were supporting by an object. The collapsed house had crashed her back and her head. With so many difficulties, the leader of the rescuer team put his hand through a narrow gap on the wall to reach the woman’s body. He was hoping that this woman could be still alive. However, the cold and stiff body told him that she had passed away for sure. He and the rest of the team left this house and were going to search the next collapsed building. For some reasons, the team leader was driven by a compelling force to go back to the ruin house of the dead woman. Again, he knelt down and used his had through the narrow cracks to search the little space under the dead body. Suddenly, he screamed with excitement, "A child! There is a child!" The whole team worked together; carefully they removed the piles of ruined objects around the dead woman. There was a 3 months old little boy wrapped in a flowery blanket under his mother’s dead body. Obviously, the woman had made an ultimate sacrifice for saving her son. When her house was falling, she used her body to make a cover to protect her son. The little boy was still sleeping peacefully when the team leader picked him up. The medical doctor came quickly to exam the little boy. After he opened the blanket, he saw a cell phone inside the blanket. There was a text message on the screen. It said,” If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” This cell phone was passing around from one hand to another. Every body that read the message wept. ” If you can survive, you must remember that I love you.” Such is the mother’s love for her child!!

One can learn two things from this story. Firstly, looking at this worldly mother who loves her child so much, imagine how much Waheguru, our True and Eternal Mother (and Father), must be loving us! Secondly, the story emphasises that parents make so many sacrifices for their children, so it is the children's responsibility to respect their parents and care for their parents when they are in need (i.e. when they are old). Blessed is Guru Gobind Singh jee who sacrificed his four sons for his children - the Khalsa. No one can repay the debt of the sacrifice of the Great Guru nor one's parents. Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdaas jee, the ideal Sikh of the Guru, writes:

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਦਾਨ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪਰਾਣੀ||
maa pio parhar karai daan be-eemaan agiaan praanee||
The person who having deserted their parents but performs charities, is corrupt and ignorant.

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਵਰਤ ਕਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਜੰਮੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਣੀ||
maa pio parhar varat kar mar mar janmai bharam bhulaanee||
The person who having deserted their parents undertakes fasts, goes on to wander in the cycle of births and deaths.

ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਸਾਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੀ ||੧੩||
gur parmesar saar na jaanee ||13||
That person (in fact) has not understood the essence of Guru and God.(13)
(Vaar 37, Pauree 13)

Inspirations - Linden Barrett to Gianroop Singh...

Inspirations is a spiritual workshop that took place at Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Coventry (UK), where people learn and ask questions about the Sikh Faith. Season 1 consisted of 12 episodes.

Below is a video of a session with Linden Singh, who has recently taken Amrit and become Gianroop Singh. He talks to us about his journey into Sikhi, and gives us a perspective coming from a Western Background.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

"There's no good people in the world..."

During Dastaar Day in London on Sunday, I met Bhai Amrik Singh is a Sikh Chaplain working at Heathrow Airport who shared an inspirational story...

During Guru Arjan Dev jee's Shaheedi purb (martyrdom day) the Sikhs working at Heathrow airport decided to give out free ice creams to the public and at the same time give out a small and simple leaflet about the Gurpurb. Sikh volunteers got on the buses and gave out free ice-creams to the passengers and then handed over the small leaflet. At the end the bottom of the leaflet was Bhai Amrik Singh jee's contact details and phone number.

One young lady who was given a free ice-cream on the bus rang Bhai Amrik Singh that evening. She said,
"Hi, I got a free ice-cream today and got your number from the leaflet. I was going through a really bad day. I am going through a divorce and I am feeling depressed and sad about life and the world. I was thinking there's no good people in the world, when a lovely Sikh man offered me a free ice-cream. I got home and remembered I was given a leaflet. I read the leaflet and found out about Guru Arjan Dev. Reading the leaflet has changed me. I thought my pain and suffering was bad, but reading about Guru Arjan Dev everything got put in perspective. What I was going through was nothing like what the Guru went through. I couldn't believe and get over how he said, "I accept God's Will sweetly" whilst going through so much torture. I just wanted to say thanks for making me realise this and changing my life."

Bhai Sahib said that since they have commemorated the Gurpurb in this way every year and do similar things for other Gurpurbs.



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Without Amrit is the world losing the game?...

Below is another question asked by someone which Bhai Balpreet Singh jee (Toronto) kindly answered with Guru Jee's Kirpaa. Daas felt like sharing this question answer with the Sangat...

Question:
"If Sikhi is the true religion and without Amrit Sach Khand or absorption into God is not possible, then this means most of the world is playing a losing game. But why would God put all humans to a test he knew hardly any of them would pass - does this not prove this concept to be questionable?"

Answer:
This interpretation of 'losing game' is based on the Semitic idea that we only have one shot at life and then either hell or heaven. The game is much longer and complicated than that. We come to Sikhi through great karma and kirpa (grace) from past lives. Others who haven't' found Sikhi aren't condemned. If they do good karma perhaps they will get Sikhi in a future life. So indeed, we are where we are in Sikhi today because we too are players in this 'losing game'. It would only truly be losing if this was our only shot, like the Christians and Muslims believe.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

My Faith - Brainwashed or the Truth?...

Below is a question asked by someone which Bhai Balpreet Singh jee (Toronto) kindly answered with Guru Jee's Kirpaa. Daas felt like sharing this question answer with the Sangat...

Question:
"I recently watched a documentary about a man who claimed he was God, he in this way had brainwashed many people to believe the same, he of course was lying for his own benefit. However it got me thinking that just as those people were convinced he was God, in the same way am I brainwashed to believe in my faith? Each faith claims to be the ultimate truth however which faith is? How do I know that I am not brainwashed just like those in the video. I never question my religion as it is taboo, but if for example Islam says the same then no woman would stand up and is it not the same if I don't stand up."

Answer:
Brainwashing: the difference between Sikhi and that man who claims he is God is that Sikh attaches us to Shabad whereas that man was attaching people to himself. Guru Sahib never attached us to personality, shabad was always the Guru. Guru Sahib encourages us to experience Shabad ourselves. The result isn't' something we have to wait for after death but something we can have in life. Looking at cults and other faiths, the question is whether I am incurring some pain or loss of status due to following my faith. If I am a low caste Hindu, I follow my faith because although I am low now, in the next life I will do better. If I am a Muslim woman, I accept I am subservient but I will get my reward in the afterlife. Sikhi doesn't' ask you to do anything in this life which would be negative or accept a position which is to your detriment. Sikhi is "halt sukh, palt sukh" or sukh here and sukh hereafter. Everything Sikhi asks you to do is for your own benefit. So just ask yourself whether being a Sikh is a detriment to you and whether it benefits a third party.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Importance of Maa Boli...

When Your Language Dies...
Posted by: Bhai Atma Singh (UK)

"One language system is lost every two weeks. Of 6,000 known human languages, half are in imminent danger of disappearing and 90% could be erased forever within a century." - United Nations Cultural Agency

"When a language dies,
the divine things,
stars, sun and moon,
the human things.
to think and to feel,
are no longer reflected
in this mirror.

When a language dies,
all that there is in this world,
oceans and rivers,
animals and plants,
do not think of them,
do not pronounce their names;
they do not exist now.

When a language dies,
the window and the door
are closed up
to all the people of the world,
no longer will they be shown
a different way
to name the divine and human things which is what it means
to be and to live
on the earth.

When a language dies,
its words of love,
intonations of pain and caring,
perhaps the old songs,
the old stories,
the speeches, the prayers,
no one no matter whom
will be able to repeat them again.

When a language dies,
then many have died,
and many more will die soon,
mirrors forever broken,
shadows of voices
forever silenced.
Humanity grows poorer
when a language dies."

- 'When a Language Dies', translated from the Aztec by Miguel Leon Portillo & John Ross.

Journey Back from Khalsa Camp 2011...

Inspiring video made by the Bradford Sangat showing the journey home back from camp. The Sangat got caught up in traffic due to various accidents that happened on the motorway and got home really late. With Guru jee's Kirpaa the campers did keertan throughout the journey and then got of the bus and offered food and drink to the people stuck in the cars. Waheguru.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!