West Coast Sikhi Camp 2011...

From Wednesday 28th December to Saturday 31st December, West Coast Sikhi Camp 2011 took place in California (USA) organised by the local Gursikh Naujawaan. It was a 4-day residential camp held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara in San Joaquinwhich gave campers an opportunity to experience the Gursikh way of life which included Amrit-vela, sevaa, keertan, talks, discussions, activities, sports and a trip. The camp started in 2009 and has been successfully run every year since. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa about 120 youngsters attended the camp. The theme of the camp was "charan sharan guru eik paindaa jaae chal, satgur kot paindaa aagai hoe let hai" ("take one step towards the Guru, and the True Guru takes a million steps towards you.")

The day would start with Amrit-velaa (early morning) Simran and Nitnem. After a rest period everyone would have breakfast (American style - big portions and very sweet!) . In the day there were talks followed by activities outside. I used the activity time to catch up on my sleep! In the evening there was Rehraas Sahib and Keertan in the Darbaar Sahib and on the last night there was a bonfire with every camper sharing their personal journey to Sikhi, which was very touching and humbling to hear.

It was amazing to see the pyaar of the Sangat and how much love they had for Sikhi. The thirst and hunger of some of the campers was very moving. May Guru Sahib bless all the sevadaars and the youngsters with Gursikhi Jeevan, blessings of Naam & Amrit, and forever love for Sikhi.

Some photos:


Langar and registration sign


Opening Ardaas of camp


Talk on day 1




Amrit-vela Divaan


Afternoon talk



Dastaar-bandi of a camper (for the group plays)


Dramas based on Gurmat theme of taking one-step towards the true Guru.


Bhai Prabhdev Singh and Bhai Baljit Singh peeling oranges?


Gladiators


Ice-cream eating competition (Warning - don't try this at home).


Winner of the ice-cream competition. Vaheguru. (Makes me feel queasy).


Camp fire.




Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

A new initiative for Sikh women by Sikh women...

Message from Sangat:

Launch event...

Saturday 28th January 2012
1pm to 4pm
Khalsa Primary School
Wexham Road
Slough, Berkshire
SL2 5QR

A Sikh sister's journey of keeping Kesh...

In today's world keeping Kesh (hair) has become an issue for some men and women. However, our sisters struggle the hardest to maintain Sikhi saroop in this western society whilst dealing with the images bombarded by the media all around us of what an ideal woman should look like. No longer is it seen natural to have hair on your arms and legs. I have even heard non-Sikh young men saying it is disgusting to see men have hair on their chest and arms, which I found shocking. People are becoming more and more insecure of themselves, moving away from natural beauty and inner grace to conforming to peer pressure, fashion fads and idolising celebrities. For this reason it is an honour to see young men and women keep their Kesh, shine in the glory of Guru Gobind Singh jee and lead the world rather than follow the world.

Bhenji Navrup Kaur jee from UK, a dedicated sevadaar who promotes Sikhi in local Gurmat classes and camps wrote an article about her personal story of keeping Kesh and dealing with excessive facial hair (which is a taboo subject). She has also held workshops on the issue of bibiaa and kesh. This post was originally posted on www.SikhAnswers.com on a question about some women having excessive facial hair and how to cope etc. I know it is a sensitive issue, however I think the Sangat will find it inspiring, Singhs and Singhniaa will appreciate the challenges our sisters face and also encourage sisters to find support from fellow sisters. Bhenji Navrup Kaur has given permission to re-post on this blog:

STORY OF BHENJI NAVRUP KAUR JEE

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh

All my life I was told that it was wrong to cut the kesh on my head but the kesh on my body – underarms, eyebrows, upper lip etc was okay in Sikhi. I was SO paranoid of my kesh that I wasted thousands of pounds on hair removal… for what? To be free. Thing is, I would get some sort of expensive AND painful (I might add) hair removal treatment done and would have this temporary feeling of beauty because one week later I would start to see the kesh growing back.

I would hate myself and think, why can’t I look like the women on TV. Then I heard of the miracle treatment called Lazer hair removal. I was told that the kesh would NEVER return… how amazing is this. So I went for a consultation in Central London. I was told the kesh would never come back if I come for a minimum of 6 treatments over 5 months. This would cost me about £600. So I did it, and it was shocking that the kesh came back… I was so disheartened but continued with the hope that one day the treatment may work. Others that went with me for treatments (with not even close to the amount of kesh I had) also found that the kesh kept returning. After finishing university I really wanted to get into the film industry and as a freelancer was not able to afford the treatments so I was waxing and shaving my face instead. Vaheguru :(

In 2007, I went to India. There my life changed and I made a commitment to walk the path of Sikhi… I stopped meat, cigarettes, sharaab that very day but kesh… it was too big a step to take. I tried to grow the kesh on my face but it would hurt me to look in the mirror, plus friends and family would harass me. I tried to be clever and bleach but a Gursikh (male) said to me, don't do that – it looks worse. I got electrolysis done and that was really expensive but I felt it was working… surprise surprise until the kesh came back.

One day at a gurmat camp, the question of kesh came up and a male gursikh said, "have you ever thought to yourself, that if it keeps growing that its meant to be there?" Vaheguru it was so logically, what was I doing… Guru wanted me to look this way. After that I let go and accepted myself. Months later, Guru blessed me with His Amrit. It was at this point that I visited the doctor who said, "I think you have PCOS and I want to cure this naturally".

So I was exercising 3 times a week, eating lots of fruit and veg and was cutting out crisp chocolates cakes etc… within the space of 4 months, I went from a size 16 to 12. My monthly cycle was somewhat normal. And the kesh miraculously had thinned out so much that a fellow Gursikh questioned if I had done something to my kesh. LOL

After I had my baby, my PCOS spiked again and the kesh is back but this time, I am on Metformin and regularly visit my doctor to keep any eye on the condition – this method to is working.

I worked for 7 years in the film industry. I sat across the table from movie stars and high level executives and they respect you more – because you have the ability to do what they cannot… be you. Be natural. Not be a slave to the outside worlds expectations of what is beautiful.

The important thing to know is that the kesh is apart of who you are once you accept that, then and only then will you feel content within your own skin - then everything will become easier. The hair removal adverts on TV use language to enslave you, such as "Free yourself", "Discover your true self"... I think to myself, they do not even know me. I am free... Why? Because Vaheguru knows me... and He knows 'I'm Worth it!' (((:-)

TIP: Regularly remind yourself of Great GurSikhs who obtained Shaheedi for Kesh... Read and watch the films. Talk about it over and over with Sangat. This will help to empower you! Also, if you are trying to keep kesh on a part of your body and you fall, just keep trying... Never give up giving up!

Bul chuk Maafhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh


Navrup Kaur
Email - navrupkaur@hotmail.co.uk






Related posts:
* Story of Kurbani Kaur (Part 1)
* Story of Kurbani Kaur (Part 2)
* FAQ: What should a woman do if she disturbed by abnormal and excessive facial hair but wants to live by Gurmat?
* Video lecture (Punjabi): Bibi Harpreet Kaur



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Amazing Keertan...

ਕਰਵਤੁ ਭਲਾ ਨ ਕਰਵਟ ਤੇਰੀ ॥
karvat bhalaa na karvatt teree.
I would rather be cut apart by a saw,
than have You turn Your back on me.
(Ang 484)

Bhai Gurinder Singh Jee(CA) from LA Rainsbaaee November 2011, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee and his 3 beloved Gursikhs - Bhai Mati Daas Jee, Bhai Sati Daas jee and Bhai Dyaala Jee:

ਭਲੋ ਭਲੋ ਰੇ ਕੀਰਤਨੀਆ ॥
bhalo bhalo re keertaneeaa.
Blessed and good is such a kirtanee, who sings such Praises.
(Ang 885)

Our priority: The world Vs. Sikhi?

ਕਬੀਰ ਦੀਨੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਦੁਨੀ ਸਿਉ ਦੁਨੀ ਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਸਾਥਿ ॥
kabeer deen gavaaeiaa dunee sio dunee na chaalee saathh ||
O Kabeer! a human loses his 'faith' for the sake of the world, but the world shall not go along with him in the end.

ਪਾਇ ਕੁਹਾੜਾ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਗਾਫਲਿ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਹਾਥਿ ॥੧੩॥
paae kuhaarraa maariaa gaafal apunai haathh ||13||
(in this way) the idiot strikes their own foot with the axe by their own hand (meaning they are doing their own harm). ||13||
(Ang 1365)

Anmol Bachan - Master Niranjan Singh Jee

Great video of vichaar by Master Niranjan Singh Jee:

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Khoj Camp 2011..

On Monday 26th December, Khoj Camp was held at Fremont Gurdwara Sahib. Khoj is a one-day Gurmat camp for ages 16 to 30. It was the first time I have visited Fremont and also the Khoj Camp. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa it was a really nice atmosphere and chardikalaa Sangat. There were two workshops held - 1) The Journey to Sikhi, and 2) The Chhotey Sahibzaadey. After the second workshop there was a Q&A and then Keertan. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa Bhai Tarun Singh and other Gursikhs who organised the annual camp are doing a great seva. May Guru Sahib do more kirpaa on them.

Some photos from the camp:


Guru Sahib.


Sangat.


Morning workshop


Afternoon workshop





Veer Krishan Singh doing Keertan


Bhai Vikram Singh doing Keertan

At the end of the camp I couldn't find my trainers (sneakers). I looked around and around like a lost soul for my shoes. From one place to another, I felt so silly looking for my shoes. They weren't even good shoes. I wondered if someone by mistake picked up them up or wore them to go to the toilet or perhaps mistook them for their shoes. Some very friendly members of the Sangat offered their shoes for me to wear. Although grateful for the offer, I preferred to wear my own shoes. For about an hour I searched and searched and asked every single person who I saw whether they had seen some black trainers! On top of that I lost Bhai Prebhdev Singh! Bhaji was going to drive down to Fresno. As well as asking about my shoes I was asking "Do you know where Bhai Prebhdev Singh is?" I felt like I needed a feeling lost helpline!

With Guru's kirpaa, I eventually found my shoes tucked away outside a side building. I was just glad to have them back on my feet! What drama! Also, Bhaji Prebhdev Singh arrived :) What drama! Makes you realise that you can lose your shoes, lose people and lose your way, however the one thing you cannot lose in life is Waheguru - Waheguru is always there.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

Trip to California... (Part 2)

On Christmas Eve there was a Gursikh wedding at El Sobrante Gurdwara, which is North of San Francisco. The Gurdwara Sahib is made in a really scenic location. From the Gurdwara Sahib you get a beautiful picture of the valley and all the scenery. Driving to the Gurdwara Sahib I was wondering how similar the drive would be going to Hemkunt Sahib!

After the wedding there was a house keertan programme at my cousin's house. A local Amritdhari Gursikh family made the Langar for the Sangat. The aunty jee cooking the Langar said that they won't use the milk the family had brought because it was not appropriate to use and instead said that Gursikhs drink a particular type of milk because the other milk contains fish and egg or something! I was shocked to know that milk is not necessary vegetarian in America! Waheguru!

When Gursikhs came to the house for the keertan programme they pointed out that there are two types of milk in USA. One contains RBST (added harmones) and the other is without. Apparently all milk from Costco (the American version of Tesco I think) contains RBST and is not suitable for vegetarians! To add further shock, I made some parothay that same morning and used a butter margarine which I was given. After hearing about the milk not being vegetarian I decided to read the butter margarine that I used to cook. Waheguru! The tub said "No added preservatives and colours" on the front but on the back in small writing it said it contained "Gelatine" (pig fat/skin). I felt sick of the thought of making a parotha with pig fat! Waheguru! Makes you realise how basic things can be a challenge for Sikhs living in America and you cannot take anything for granted.

I remember last time when I went to America, a Gursikh warned us not to eat red apples because beetles are crushed and sprayed on the apples to make them shine! Why can't people just to eat natural food without messing with nature! Makes you appreciate living in England and all the food regulations we have! Waheguru!

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