Saturday, April 04, 2020

ਜੇਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਚੈਪਲਿਨਸੀ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਦੀ ਟ੍ਰੇਨਿੰਗ ਦਿਨ । Sikh Chaplaincy Service (UK) Training Day

Group photo of some of the Sikh prison Chaplains
The Sikh Chaplaincy Service is dedicated to providing pastoral care and fulfilling the religious needs of Sikhs prisoners and Sikh staff working at Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). There is a dedicated team of Sikh men and women working in prison chaplaincy, helping to change lives and ensure offenders do not re-offend again in the future. 

On 12th March the Sikh Chaplaincy Service held a training day which was also attended by Rev James Ridge,  Chaplain-General of prison and Bhai Tajinder Singh Matharu, Deputy Director for Assurance (Risk Management & Governance) for Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service. Bhai Tajinder Singh is an Amritdhari Singh who has been blessed with a such a high government position through his hard work and effort. The Sikh Deputy Faith Advisors, on behalf of all the Sikh Chaplains, presented Veer Ji with a Siropa to recognise his achievement and as a sign of encouragement and support from the Sikh community.


Bhai Tajinder Singh Matharu being honoured

The training day was a great opportunity for Sikhs working in this field to share good practice and work together to address the needs and upcoming challenges facing those from within our community serving prison sentences and those working in the prison environment. Papers on resettlement and radicalisation written by Lord Indarjit Singh (Director of Sikh Chaplaincy Service) were also read. Bhai Gagandeep Singh and Bhai Ajmer Singh, the Deputy Sikh Faith Advisors, provided excellent direction and motivation to all those attending.

Friday, April 03, 2020

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਅਧਾਰਿਤ ਧਿਆਨ ਸਾਧਾਨਾ । Gurbani based Meditation and Mindfulness for beginners

Five small steps anyone can take 
to feel relaxed and closer to Vahiguru


ਪਹਿਲਾ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਾਧਿ ਕੈ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇ ਦਾਣੁ ॥
pehilaa dhartee saadh kai sach naam de daan.
First prepare the ground, and then plant the Seed of the True Name.
(Siree Raag M:1, Ang 18)
 
1. Physically prepare yourself for meditation and prayer: 
Doing physical fitness at any time is beneficial, however, there is an optimum time to do physical fitness that gives greater results. For example, doing physical fitness early in the morning before having a heavy breakfast, and after work before having the evening meal. Similarly, Guru Sahib has made Amrit-Vela, the early morning hours, the optimum time for meditation and prayer. A Sikh's prayer routine is based on before sunrise, after sunset (evening time) and before going to sleep. There more serious you take something, the greater the output you get. Preparation includes physically preparing ourselves, which aids us in our mental preparation. So for beginners, wake up the latest at 5am, and have a full body wash whilst reciting Mool Mantar or Simran. Cover your head and sit cross-legged on your bed in preparation for being ready to meditate. For those with a back problem, sit on half of your pillow, and tightly wrap yourself from behind going forward with a duvet, blanket or shawl. This will provide back support and feel like you sitting in a seat. 


ਇਤੁ ਤਨਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਬਾਣੀਆ ॥ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਣੀਆ ॥
et tan laagai baanee-aa. sukh ho-vai seyv kamaanee-aa.
This body is softened with the Word of the Guru's Bani; you shall find peace, by serving the Lord (through meditation).
(Siree Raag M:1, Ang 25)


2. Slowly repeat the Mool Mantar at least five times: 
ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ
ਅਕਾਲ
ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ 

ik o-un-kaar, sat naam, kartaa purakh, nirbho, nir-vair,
a-kaal moorat, a-joonee, sai-bhun, gur pra-saad. 

One Creator God who presence is everywhere; Truth is His Name; The Doer; Without Fear; Without Enemies; Timeless; Beyond the cycle of rebirth; Self-existent; and known through His Grace. 
(Jap, M:1, Ang 1)
This is the basic Sikh prayer which describes God and helps us to focus on God’s qualities. Take a deep breath in and out in-between reciting each part of the Mool Mantar. 



ਸੋ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਸਭਿ ਧੰਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰ ਲਹਾਇਆ ॥੩॥
so satgur kahu-hu sabh dhan dhan, jin har bhagat bhanddaar lahaayaa.3.
Praise and say "Dhan" (Great) and over and again to that True Guru who has led us to find the treasure of the Lord's devotional worship. ||3||
(Kaanraa M:4, Ang 1316)
 

3. Repeat ‘Dhan Guru Nanak’ at least five times: 
“Dhan” means “Great”. “Dhan Guru Nanak” – “Great is Guru Nanak”. Before chanting this, think of an ocean, and picture a small boat in the middle. Reflect how the ocean is bigger than the boat. The boat is your sins and mistakes, and the ocean is Guru Nanak’s Grace and blessings. Feel how Guru Nanak is greater than your mistakes, and the ocean is Guru Nanak’s Grace and blessings. Feel how Guru Nanak is greater than your sins, greater than your troubles and is there for you to hold your hand and give your reassurance and protection. Those that are more confident with Gurbani can include the following to this Jaap (chanting):
ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਚਿਹਨੁ ਸੋਈ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕਾ ਹਰਿ ਆਪੇ ਜਨ ਮਹਿ ਆਪੁ ਰਖਾਂਤਿ ॥
har ka chihan so-ee har jan kaa, har aap-e jan mehi aap rakhaant.
The qualities of the Lord becomes that of the Lord's humble servants (through meditative remembrance); the Lord Himself places His qualities within them.

ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਮਦਰਸੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਤਰੀ ਤਰਾਂਤਿ ॥੪॥੫॥
dhan dhan guroo naaanak sam-darsee, jin nindaa us-tat taree taraant.4.5.
Great, Great is Guru Nanak who looks impartially on all; He is saved and crossed over both slander and praise, and save others and carries them across. ||4||5||
(Malaar M:4, Ang 1264)

Another line one can add is:
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਤੇਰੀ ॥
gi-aan dhi-aan kichh karam na jaanaa, saar na jaanaa teree.
O Lord! I know nothing about wisdom (of spirituality), how to focus the mind on You, and spiritual actions; I have not appreciated the Worth of Your blessings.

ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥
sabh te vadda satgur naanak, jin kal raakhee meree.4.10.57.
But (with your Grace I have met) Guru Nanak, the greatest of all; He has saved my honour in this Dark Age (through uniting me to You). ||4||10||57||

(Soohee M:5, Ang 749)
Feel the protection and love that a child feels when holding on to the hand of his father. Even though we may be zero in meditation and spirituality, the greatness of Guru Nanak and his blessings can fill us with hope and progress.


ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੁ ਨਿਤ ਚਿਤਵਤੇ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ॥੨॥
par-upkaar nit chit-vatey naahee kachh poch.2.
(The humble devotees) everyday think of wishing good for others and harbor no ill will towards anyone. ||2||
(Bilaaval M:5, Ang 815)

4. Wish good for others, forgive others, and seek forgiveness: 
The more our soul feels lighter and free, the easier it is to get closer to God. The more baggage the soul is carrying, the journey to God gets slowed down or even stops. Bad-feelings and hatred for others weighs down our soul and makes it difficult to become a spiritual person. So, think of your family members and say “Bhallaa ho-vay” (“Good wishes”). Repeat this exercise, thinking of your friends, all the residents and staff at the prison, and then those that have wished bad to you and those you have caused hurt to. In your mind seek forgiveness from those who you have hurt and forgive those that have cause you hurt. end by repeating three times, “naanak naam chardi-kala, tere bhaane sarbat da bhallaa” (Through Your Name, as taught by Guru Nanak, may I remain forever in high spirits; Within Your Will, may all humanity prosper). 


ਛਾਤੀ ਸੀਤਲ ਮਨੁ ਸੁਖੀ ਛੰਤ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ॥
The heart is cooled and soothed, and the mind becomes at peace, chanting and singing Your Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe.
(Gauree M:4, Ang 254)
 

5. Chant “Vaahi-Guroo, Vaahi-Guroo, Vaahi-Guroo, Vaahi-Jeeo” at least five times. 
The following line is from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and can be used, like all of Gurbani, for meditation and chanting:
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿ ਜੀਉ ॥  
vaahi-guroo, vaahi-guroo, vaahi-guroo, vaah-jeeo.
O Amazing Light in darkness; O Amazing Light in darkness; O Amazing Light in darkness; O my Amazing and Beloved Lord.
(Svaiyye Mahalla 5, Bhatt Gayandh, Ang 1402)
God is the Light of your life, that gets rid of the darkness of your sins and mistakes. The first word a child learns to say is “Mummaa”. With one word, the child cries out to his mother. With one word, a child talks to his mother, whether he is hungry, needs changing, wants to be picked up or feeling happy. However, the one word is more than just a word. When the child says the word, there is feeling and emotion behind it. It actually means something and there is a whole conversation the child wants to have with its mother but can only express everything with one word – “Mummaa”. Similarly, we are the children of God. God is so great and we are so small. We communicate and talk to God through chanting God’s Name, and God speaks back to us through His Name. God listens to us through our own ears, speaks back to us through our own tongue, and sees through our eyes. We simply have to feel and experience it.

Thursday, April 02, 2020

ਜਿਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਬੀਬੀ ਦਾ ਤਲਾਕ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ ਇੱਕ ਸਿੱਖ ਮਿਲਦਾ । When a depressed woman going through a divorce meets a Sikh


A re-post of an old inspirational blog post linked to Guru Arjan Dev Jee's Shaheedi day.
(Originally posted 27th September 2011)

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.
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji gives us all the following message in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਦੁਪਦੇ ॥
One Universal Creator God: Raag Nat Naaraayan, by Fifth Nanak, written two parts. 
ਉਲਾਹਨੋ ਮੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਨ ਦੀਓ ॥
(O Lord! Since receiving the Guru's Grace) I don't blame anyone else.

ਮਨ ਮੀਠ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਕੀਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥Whatever You do is sweet to my mind. ||1||Pause||
ਆਗਿਆ ਮਾਨਿ ਜਾਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁਨਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਜੀਓ ॥
O Lord! Understanding and sweetly obeying Your Order, I have found peace; hearing, listening to Your Name, I have become spiritually alive.
ਈਹਾਂ ਊਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਇਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੀਓ ॥੧॥
I have firmly implanted the teaching of the Guru within (my mind) that here and hereafter, O Lord, You, only You (will be of help to me). ||1||
ਜਬ ਤੇ ਜਾਨਿ ਪਾਈ ਏਹ ਬਾਤਾ ਤਬ ਕੁਸਲ ਖੇਮ ਸਭ ਥੀਓ ॥
Since I came to realize this (from the Guru), I have been blessed with total inner peace and pleasure.
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਗਾਸਿਓ ਆਨ ਨਾਹੀ ਰੇ ਬੀਓ ॥੨॥੧॥੨॥
O Nanak! (Say-) in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, the Guru has revealed that other than the Lord there is no other (who can do anything). ||2||1||2||


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

ਅਫਗਾਨੀ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਓ: ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਫਰਜ਼ ਨਿਭਾਉ ਜੀ । Save Afghan Sikhs: Recognise your duty!

ਅਫਗਾਨੀ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਓ: ਆਪਣੇ ਐਮ.ਪੀ. ਨੂੰ ਲਿਖਣਾ ਜਰੂਰੀ ਹੈ । Save Afghan Sikhs: Important request to write to your local MP

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO SHARE WITH ALL

ਬੋਲਿ ਸੁਧਰਮੀੜਿਆ ਮੋਨਿ ਕਤ ਧਾਰੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
"O person of faith! Why do you remain silent?"
(Bihaagraa M:5, Ang 547)



Template letter to send to UK Member of Parliament

ਜੇਕਰ ਅਫ਼ਗ਼ਾਨਿਸਤਾਨ ਕਾਬੁਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਏ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀ ਹਮਲੇ ਦਾ ਦੁੱਖ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਇਸ ਮੈਸਜ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ੇਅਰ ਕਰੋ ਅਤੇ ਵੱਧ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਈ-ਮੇਲਾਂ ਕਰਵਾਉ।

ਦੋਸਤੋ ਸਿਰਫ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਕਰਨ ਜਾਂ ਵੱਡੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਬਿਆਨ ਦੇਣ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਮਸਲੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਸੁਲ਼ਝਦੇ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਜੀ
ਇਸ ਲਈ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸਾਰਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਰਲ ਮਿਲਕੇ ਹੰਭਲਾ ਮਾਰਨਾ ਪੈਣਾ ਹੈ |

ਮੇਰੇ ਵੀਰੋ ਭੈਣੋ ਅਫ਼ਗ਼ਾਨਿਸਤਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਏ ਅੱਤਵਾਦੀ ਹਮਲੇ ਉੱਪਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਮੇਂਬਰ ਪਰਲੀਮੈਂਟ  ਨੂੰ E-mail ਕਰੀਏ ਜੀ ... ਵੱਸ ਤੁਸੀ ਕਾਪੀ ਪੇਸਟ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ ਜੀ ।

You are feeling pained by the recent terrorist attack on adghan Sikhs then please share this post and email it to as many people.

Dear friends, international matters are not dealt with just talk and giving statements, we all need to work together to do something.

Dear brothers and sisters, please e-mail your local MP regarding the Afghan terrorist attack as soon as possible. All you have to do is copy and paste the template letter below into an email and add the name of your MP at the top and your name and address (with post code) at the bottom.


STEP 1👉Find your local MP on link below:
https://members.parliament.uk/constituencies/

STEP 2
👉 Write the following as your email's subject:  
Providing Safe Passage to Affected Sikh Families of Afghanistan and ensuring their safety.


STEP 3
👇 Copy and paste the text below into the email, remember to add yoru name and address at the end.


Dear MP


As a member of the Sikh faith, World Sikh Parliament and a citizen of the United Kingdom, I would like to express my sadness and outrage at the death of over 25 innocent people who lost their lives praying in their place of worship in Kabul, Afghanistan this week.

At around 7am on the morning of the 25th March, gunmen and suicide bombers entered the Sikh place of worship known as the Gurdwara and began firing upon the innocent Sikhs inside the complex. They were neutralised by the Afghan security forces and around 80 hostages who were trapped within the Gurdwara complex were able to be freed.

The 25 people included 11 children who were among those to be innocently killed by a gunman of the name of Abu Khalid Al-Hindi, who was an Indian national who had joined an offshoot of the Islamic State terrorist organisation called ISIS Khurasan an have claimed responsibility for the massacre which took place.

The attack on the Sikhs further intensified during the funeral of the 25 who had been killed. The funeral which took place on the 26th March witnessed a bomb blast just on the outskirts of the crematorium where countless Sikhs had arrived to mourn and pay their respects to those who had innocently been killed. Thankfully, only one young boy was injured and no one had been killed.

The Sikhs of Afghanistan are a persecuted minority that has been subject to ethnic cleansing for many years. In the early 1990s there were as many as 200,000 Sikhs spread across Afghanistan, but as a result of over 30 years of unabated attacks, the community has been reduced to under 300 families.

History has shown how the significant Sikh minority within Afghanistan have been able to live their lives peacefully and in harmony with other communities.

However, recent times have shown how Sikhs, Hindus and other minorities have been persecuted consistently. From targeted killings, forced conversions and attacks on places of worships, it has become evident that Sikhs are no longer safe within Afghanistan and require assistance in finding a new life overseas.

Many Sikhs prior to this shocking incident have been able to seek refuge within the United Kingdom and successfully contribute to British values, economy and the society.

On Thursday the 26th January, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric responded to the horrific event that took place in Afghanistan by stating that: “asylum rights must be respected for Sikhs and Hindus who may be fleeing religious persecution in Afghanistan. The asylum regime, the refugee regime must be respected the world over."

In 2014, when a group of 35 Afghan Sikhs were found in a container from Belgium, after having left Kabul due to persecution, they were all able to be involved in the process of asylum in Britain.

Furthermore, a Home Office spokesman stated that “The UK takes its international obligations extremely seriously and has a proud history of offering protection to those who need it.”

In addition to this, I urge the Secretary of State to refer to the 2019 Home Office report on Afghanistan’s Policy and Information Note for Sikhs and Hindus, which highlights the serious issues of Sikhs, Hindus and how they should be able to claim refugee status within the UK based on the ‘fear of persecution or serious harm by the state or non-state actors because of their faith.’

With countless numbers of Sikh Afghan refugees who have been able to reside within the United Kingdom and as a member of the World Sikh Parliament, I urge Boris Johnson and Her Majesty’s Government to take up this serious issue with the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations, in order to facilitate the help and support of the Afghan Sikh community who no longer are safe within their homeland and face further persecution if not helped.

The World Sikh Parliament was formed on directions of the Jathedar (leader) Jagtar Singh Hawara, nominated by the Sikh community in the 2015 Sarbat Khalsa (gathering), to embrace Sikhs’ political and religious aspirations worldwide. In addition to this, the World Sikh Parliament has been established to represent, at national and international levels, the interests of the Sikh Nation, Sikh communities and Sikh organizations around the world, irrespective of their cultural, linguistic and social background.

The WSP will deploy whatever resources needed to promote the social, religious, political, linguistic, human and environmental rights of Sikhs across the world, and to facilitate Sikh empowerment and sovereignty.

Yours sincerely, 
[INSERT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS HERE]

For more information Email : info@worldsikhsparliament.com

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

ਕਰੋਨਾ ਦੀ ਮਹਾ ਮਾਰੀ ਵੇਲੇ ੧੦ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਯਾਦ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ । 10 lessons from Gurbani that Coronavirus pandemic reminds us of


Article by: Bhai Manvir Singh

The Infinite Wisdom of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is relevant at all times and for all people. The Creator talks to humanity through the Holy Words of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, providing clarity during uncertainty, reassurance during insecurity, and hope during helplessness. 

The sad pandemic of Covid-19, also known as Coronavirus, is a reminder for us to establish a relationship with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and have conversations with the Guru. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji not only provides answers, but provides love, support and direction for our lives and for humanity.

Below are 10 lessons from Gurbani (the Holy Words of the Guru) that this pandemic helps to remember:


1. Humans easily become divorced from the reality that the world we know is only temporary. Only the Creator alone is eternal. However, human kind easily falls in the trap of becoming self-absorbed in just working, making money, and temporary pleasures.
ਸਚੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਚੁ ਵੈਦਿਓ ਤੂ ਆਘੂ ਆਘੇ ਸਲਵੇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਤਸੜੀ ਮੰਝਿ ਨੈਣੂ ਬਿਆ ਢਲਿ ਪਬਣਿ ਜਿਉ ਜੁੰਮਿਓ ॥੨॥

You believe what is false and temporary to be true, and so you run on and on. O Nanak! Like butter in the fire, it shall melt away; it shall fade away like the water-lily. ||2||
(Maaroo M:5, Ang 1095)

2. With advancement of technology, more wealth and an increase of power, humans sometimes think they are invisible. However, the reality is that we are fragile bodies made of the five elements.
ਅਮਰ ਜਾਨਿ ਸੰਚੀ ਇਹ ਕਾਇਆ ਇਹ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਕਾਚੀ ਗਗਰੀ ॥
ਜਿਨਹਿ ਨਿਵਾਜਿ ਸਾਜਿ ਹਮ ਕੀਏ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਬਿਸਾਰਿ ਅਵਰ ਲਗਰੀ ॥੧॥

Believing this body to be immortal, I pampered it, but it is a fragile and perishable vessel.  Forgetting the Lord who formed, fashioned and embellished me, I have become attached to another. ||1||
(Bilaaval Kabeer Ji, Ang 856)

3. At time of death one dies alone, with even family not able to stand by their side. Hospitals are not allowing any relatives to go near anyone who has been quarantined for Covid-19. Furthermore, families cannot bathe or dress their dead and funerals cannot be attended more than 2 people.  
ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ ਕੁਟੰਬੁ ਜੀਵਾਇਆ ॥
ਮਰਤੀ ਬਾਰ ਇਕਸਰ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥

Through pain and pleasure, you have taken care of your family. But at the time of death, you shall have to endure the agony all alone. ||2||
(Soohee Kabeer Ji, Ang 792)

4. Everyone should be prepared for death. Someone you know will inevitably die with this pandemic
ਰਾਮ ਨ ਜਪਹੁ ਕਵਨ ਮਤਿ ਲਾਗੇ ॥
ਮਰਿ ਜਇਬੇ ਕਉ ਕਿਆ ਕਰਹੁ ਅਭਾਗੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

You have not meditated on the Lord; what thoughts are you attached to? What preparations are you making for your death, O unfortunate one? ||1||Pause||
(Soohee Kabeer Ji, Ang 792)
 

5.  In an instant the world has been allowed to heal from the suffering imposed on it by humans through deforestation, pollution, animal cruelty and careless human behaviour towards the world. 
ਏਹੁ ਆਕਾਰੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੈ ਧਾਰਾ ॥
ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ਬਾਰਾ ॥੨॥

This Creation was established by You. In an instant You destroy it, and You create it again without a moment's delay. ||2||
(Bhairo M:3, Ang 1128)

6. We are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease has engulfed people beyond distinguishes and boundaries. Royalty like Prince Charles, actors like Tom Hanks and countless politicians and religious figures have tested positive for Covid-19. 
ਧਨਵੰਤਾ ਅਰੁ ਨਿਰਧਨ ਮਨਈ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਕਾਨੀ ਰੇ ॥
ਰਾਜਾ ਪਰਜਾ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਮਾਰੈ ਐਸੋ ਕਾਲੁ ਬਡਾਨੀ ਰੇ ॥੨॥

It gives no special consideration to either the rich or the poor. The king and his subjects are equally killed; such is the power of Death. ||2||
(Bilaaval Kabeer Ji, Ang 855)

7. It is important to live in a disciplined manner and following precautions to avoid inner and out disease and sickness.  
ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੀਆ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਉ ਫਿਰਿ ਦੂਖ ਨ ਥੀਆ ॥੪੫॥
 
The Perfect Guru given instructions for precautions and how to live. O Nanak! (Following this) one then does not suffer illness. ||45|| 
(Gauree M:5, Ang 259)

8. Each and every one has to make an effort to act, be responsible, share and help one another. If we do that, let go of our worries and stress, by putting our trust in God as our Helper. 
ਉਦਮੁ ਕਰੇਦਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਤੂੰ ਕਮਾਵਦਿਆ ਸੁਖ ਭੁੰਚੁ ॥
ਧਿਆਇਦਿਆ ਤੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਮਿਲੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਉਤਰੀ ਚਿੰਤ ॥੧॥

Make the effort, and you shall live; practicing it, you shall enjoy peace. O Nanak! Through meditating you shall meet God and your anxiety shall vanish. ||1||
(Goojree M:5, Ang 522)

9. Through prayer and meditation we become self-confident and attain the will-power to fight and get through disease and crisis. 
ਮਨੁ ਨ ਡਿਗੈ ਤਨੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਕਉ ਡਰਾਇ ॥
ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਚਿਤੁ ਰਹਿਓ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
The mind which is absorbed in the Lord, such a mind is not shaken (in hardships); then how can the body become frightened? ||1||Pause|| 
(Bhairo M:5, Ang 1162)

10. Seeing the world in melt-down, we are reminded to turn to the Creator-Lord and rely on the power of Ardaas (prayer) and take refuge in the calmness and coolness that comes chanting and remembering the Lord's Name:
ਏਹੁ ਜਗੁ ਜਲਤਾ ਦੇਖਿ ਕੈ ਭਜਿ ਪਏ ਹਰਿ ਸਰਣਾਈ ਰਾਮ ॥
ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ਕਰੀਂ ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਆਗੈ ਰਖਿ ਲੇਵਹੁ ਦੇਹੁ ਵਡਾਈ ਰਾਮ ॥

Seeing that this world on fire, hurry to the Sanctuary of the Lord (where you can be saved). Offer your prayer to the Perfect Guru: please save me, and bless me with greatness of being able to remember You. 
(Vadhans M:3, Ang 571)

Monday, March 23, 2020

ਸਕੂਲ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਫੇਰੀ - ਹੇਜ਼ (ਲੰਡਨ) । Sikh educational school visit - Hayes (London) ।

On Monday 20th January 2020, I was invited by Pinkwell Primary School in Hayes, London, to talk to the students about Sikhi. Bhenji Sukhbinder Kaur Ji who works at the school as a teacher, helped to arrange the programme. The school had planned for the whole of Year 5 to spend the entire day learning about Sikhi and building upon the knowledge of the students that they had learnt from previous lessons.

The day started with an assembly. I was kindly received from the reception and taking to the assembly hall. One by one the classes arrived. The students included Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. There were children of different ethnic backgrounds. The 30 minute interactive assembly was based on the Mool Mantar. I used each word from the Mool Mantar to explain firstly about Vahiguru, and secondly how a Sikhs practically embrace and live each part of the Mool Mantar. 

So, we started with Ek Oankaar. So I explained to the children, there is One Divine Power that made all of us, keeps us all alive and whose presence is within all of us and around all of us. "If God is one, then how can I, as a Sikh, learn from this and make this a part of my daily living?" The children gave their various answers. Then I explained, "Sikhs experience "oneness" with God through Simran (meditation), and experience "oneness" with humanity through Langar that is available at all Gurdwaras." This way, we went through the whole Mool Mantar with photographs of Sikhs putting Sikhi into practice to provoke thought and discussion. The children were really engaged and had some really nice answers. One child commented on "Akaal Moorat" (Timeless Existence) by saying, "We may get busy, but God always takes time to hear us and help us because he is Timeless." Lovely.

After the assembly I had 20 minutes to visit 3 Year 5 classes. The students had an opportunity in this session to ask me any questions. The children had really nice questions. Some of the questions were so innocently asked and put a smile on my face. For example, "Can you have a shower?" "Can Sikhs build houses because they love the environment?" Vaheguru. As usual, they loved to ask about the Kirpaan. The children were very excited and some of the classes took more than time than scheduled.
 
I was really taken aback how well behaved and disciplined the children were. They were very calm and collective (which is a rarity with children nowadays!). One class was even happy to give up some of their lunch time so that they could continue to ask questions.

Such initiatives of going to school and interacting with the wider community is really important to break down barriers and promote social cohesion. Whether or not the children will remember what they learnt in 20 years time is unsure, however, hopefully they will feel welcomed and safe when they see a Sikh wearing a Kirpan and Bana because they remembered the feeling they had when they interacted with Sikhs when they were younger.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਰਜ ਚਮਤਕਾਰ: ਸਾਖੀ ਭਗਤ ਨਾਮ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ । Miracle recorded in Gurbani: Account of Bhagat Naam Dev Ji

ਰਾਗੁ ਭੈਰਉ - ਭਗਤ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਜੀ - ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ - ਅੰਗ ੧੧੬੫
Raag Bhairao - Bhagat Naam Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 1165


ਸੁਲਤਾਨੁ ਪੂਛੈ ਸੁਨੁ ਬੇ ਨਾਮਾ ॥ ਦੇਖਉ ਰਾਮ ਤੁਮੑਾਰੇ ਕਾਮਾ ॥੧॥
The Sultan (ruler) said, ""Listen, O Naam Dev: let me see the actions of your Lord."||1||
ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਪੁੱਛਦਾ ਹੈ—ਹੇ ਨਾਮੇ! ਸੁਣ, ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਵੇਖਣੇ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ।੧।

ਨਾਮਾ ਸੁਲਤਾਨੇ ਬਾਧਿਲਾ ॥  ਦੇਖਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਹਰਿ ਬੀਠੁਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
The Sultan arrested me, (and said) Naam Dev: "Let me see your Beloved Lord."||1||Pause|| 
ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਨੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ (ਨਾਮੇ ਨੂੰ) ਬੰਨ੍ਹ ਲਿਆ (ਤੇ ਆਖਣ ਲੱਗਾ—) ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰਾ ਹਰੀ,ਤੇਰਾ ਬੀਠਲੁ, ਵੇਖਣਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।

ਬਿਸਮਿਲਿ ਗਊ ਦੇਹੁ ਜੀਵਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਤਰੁ ਗਰਦਨਿ ਮਾਰਉ ਠਾਂਇ ॥੨॥
"Bring back to life this dead cow (of mine); otherwise, I shall cut off your head here and now."||2|| 
(ਮੇਰੀ ਇਹ) ਮੋਈ ਹੋਈ ਗਾਂ ਜਿਵਾਲ ਦੇਹ,ਨਹੀਂ ਤਾਂ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਭੀ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ (ਹੁਣੇ ਹੀ) ਮਾਰ ਦਿਆਂਗਾ ।੨।
 
ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ਐਸੀ ਕਿਉ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਬਿਸਮਿਲਿ ਕੀਆ ਨ ਜੀਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥੩॥
Naam Dev answered, "O king! How can this happen? Never have the dead come back to life.||3|| 
(ਮੈਂ ਆਖਿਆ—) ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ! ਅਜਿਹੀ ਗੱਲ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ?ਕਦੇ ਕੋਈ ਮੋਇਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਮੁੜ ਨਹੀਂ ਜੀਵਿਆ ।੩।
 
ਮੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਹੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਹੋਇ ਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੪॥ 
(There is one more thing,) I cannot do anything by my own actions. Whatever the Lord does, that alone happens."||4||
(ਤੇ ਇਕ ਹੋਰ ਗੱਲ ਭੀ ਹੈ) ਉਹੀ ਕੁਝ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ,ਮੇਰਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਕੁਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ।੪।

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹੁ ਚੜਿੑਓ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ॥ ਗਜ ਹਸਤੀ ਦੀਨੋ ਚਮਕਾਰਿ ॥੫॥
The arrogant king was enraged at this reply. He incited an elephant to attack (Naam Dev Ji). ||5|| 
ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ (ਇਹ ਉੱਤਰ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ) ਅਹੰਕਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਆਇਆ,ਉਸ ਨੇ (ਮੇਰੇ ਉੱਤੇ) ਇਕ ਵੱਡਾ ਹਾਥੀ ਚਮਕਾ ਕੇ ਚਾੜ੍ਹ ਦਿੱਤਾ ।੫।

ਰੁਦਨੁ ਕਰੈ ਨਾਮੇ ਕੀ ਮਾਇ ॥  ਛੋਡਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਕੀ ਨ ਭਜਹਿ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥੬॥
Naam Dev's mother began to cry, and said to me, "(O son!) Why don't you abandon saying Raam as God's Name and worship their Name for God - Kudhaae?"||6||
(ਮੇਰੀ) ਨਾਮੇ ਦੀ ਮਾਂ ਰੋਣ ਲੱਗ ਪਈ (ਤੇ ਆਖਣ ਲੱਗੀ—ਹੇ ਬੱਚਾ!) ਤੂੰ ਰਾਮ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਖ਼ੁਦਾ ਖ਼ੁਦਾ ਕਿਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਖਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦਾ? ।੬।

ਨ ਹਉ ਤੇਰਾ ਪੂੰਗੜਾ ਨ ਤੂ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪੜੈ ਤਉ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ॥੭॥
Naam Dev answered, "I am not your son, and you are not my mother. Even if my body dies, I will still sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord."||7||
(ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਨੇ ਉਤਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਕਿ ਅਜਿਹੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲੀ) ਨਾਮ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰਾ ਪੁੱਤਰ ਹਾਂ। ਨਾ ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਂ ਹੈ।ਭਾਵੇਂ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਤੇ (ਕੋਈ ਬਿਪਤਾ) ਆ ਪਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਭੀ (ਨਾਮਦੇਵ) ਹਰੀ ਦੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੀ ਗਾਂਦਾ ਰਹੇਗਾ।੭। 

 ਕਰੈ ਗਜਿੰਦੁ ਸੁੰਡ ਕੀ ਚੋਟ ॥ ਨਾਮਾ ਉਬਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਓਟ ॥੮॥
The elephant attacked him with his trunk, but Naam Dev was saved, protected by the Lord. ||8|| 
ਹਾਥੀ ਨੇ ਸੁੰਡ ਦੀ ਸੱਟ ਮਾਰੀ(ਪਰ) ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਹਰੀ ਦੇ ਆਸਰੇ ਬਚ ਗਿਆ।੮।  

ਕਾਜੀ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਕਰਹਿ ਸਲਾਮੁ ॥  ਇਨਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਲਿਆ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੯॥
The king thinks, "The religious leaders of my faith, the Qazis (Muslim judges) and the Mullahs (Muslim clerics) bow down to me, but this Hindu has trampled my honour."||9|| 
(ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਲ ਵਿਚ ਸੋਚਿਆ ਕਿ) ਮੈਨੂੰ ਵੱਡੇ ਕਾਜ਼ੀ ਤੇ ਮੁੱਲਾਂ (ਸਾਰੇ) ਸਲਾਮ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ(ਪਰ) ਇਸ ਹਿੰਦੂ (ਨਾਮਦੇਵ) ਨੇ (ਮੇਰੀ ਗਲ ਨਾ ਮੰਨ ਕੇ) ਮੇਰਾ ਮਾਣ (ਆਦਰ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਹੀ) ਭੰਗ ਕਰ ਦਿਤਾ ਹੈ।੯।  

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਸੁਨੇਹੁ ॥  ਨਾਮੇ ਸਰ ਭਰਿ ਸੋਨਾ ਲੇਹੁ ॥੧੦॥
The public pleaded with the king, "Hear our prayer, O king. Here, take Naam Dev's weight in gold, and release him."||10|| 
(ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਲੋਕ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਆਖਣ ਲਗੇ) ਹੇ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਸਾਡੀ ਅਰਜ਼ ਸੁਣੋ।ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਦੇ ਭਾਰ ਬਰਾਬਰ ਦਾ ਸੋਨਾ ਸਾਡੇ ਪਾਸੋਂ ਲੈ ਲਵੋ (ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਡ ਦਿਉਂ)।੧੦। 

ਮਾਲੁ ਲੇਉ ਤਉ ਦੋਜਕਿ ਪਰਉ ॥  ਦੀਨੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਕਉ ਭਰਉ ॥੧੧॥
The king replied, "If I take the gold, then I will go to hell for forsaking my faith and gathering worldly wealth."||11|| 
(ਉਸ ਨੇ ਉੱਤਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ) ਜੇ ਮੈਂ ਵੱਢੀ ਲਵਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਦੋਜ਼ਕ ਵਿਚ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ, (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਤਾਂ) ਮੈਂ ਮਜ਼ਹਬ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਦੌਲਤ ਇਕੱਠੀ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ।੧੧। 

ਪਾਵਹੁ ਬੇੜੀ ਹਾਥਹੁ ਤਾਲ ॥ ਨਾਮਾ ਗਾਵੈ ਗੁਨ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥੧੨॥ 
With his feet in chains, Naam Dev kept the beat with his hands, singing the Praises of the Lord. ||12|| ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਦੇ ਪੈਰਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਬੇੜੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਫਿਰ ਭੀ ਉਹ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਤਾਲ ਦੇ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ।੧੨। 

ਗੰਗ ਜਮੁਨ ਜਉ ਉਲਟੀ ਬਹੈ ॥ ਤਉ ਨਾਮਾ ਹਰਿ ਕਰਤਾ ਰਹੈ ॥੧੩॥
"Even if the Ganges and the Jamunaa rivers flow backwards, I will still continue singing the Praises of the Lord (and under your forced-pressure will not repeat "Kudhaa, Kudhaa")."||13|| 
ਜੇ ਗੰਗਾ ਤੇ ਜਮਨਾ ਉਲਟੀਆਂ ਭੀ ਵਗਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਣ, ਤਾਂ ਭੀ ਨਾਮਾ ਹਰੀ ਦੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਂਦਾ ਰਹੇਗਾ (ਤੇ ਦਬਾਉ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਕੇ ਖ਼ੁਦਾ ਖ਼ੁਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਖੇਗਾ) ।੧੩। 

ਸਾਤ ਘੜੀ ਜਬ ਬੀਤੀ ਸੁਣੀ ॥ ਅਜਹੁ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਧਣੀ ॥੧੪॥
(The ruler had given three hours to make the cow back a live; when) over two and half hours passed, (Naam Dev thought) even then, the Lord of the three worlds has not come. ||14|| 
(ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਨੇ ਗਾਂ ਜਿਵਾਲਣ ਲਈ ਇਕ ਪਹਿਰ ਮੁਹਲਤ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ) ਜਦੋਂ (ਘੜਿਆਲ ਤੇ) ਸੱਤ ਘੜੀਆਂ ਗੁਜ਼ਰੀਆਂ ਸੁਣੀਆਂ, ਤਾਂ (ਮੈਂ ਨਾਮੇ ਨੇ ਸੋਚਿਆ ਕਿ) ਅਜੇ ਤਕ ਭੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਲੋਕੀ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਇਆ ।੧੪। 

 ਪਾਖੰਤਣ ਬਾਜ ਬਜਾਇਲਾ ॥ ਗਰੁੜ ਚੜੑੇ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਆਇਲਾ ॥੧੫॥ 
(That's it! Just then) the sound feathered wings came. The Lord of the Universe had come, mounted on the eagle garura. ||15|| 
(ਬਸ ਦਿਲ ਵਿਚ ਫੁਰਨਾ ਉਠਿਆ ਹੀ ਸੀ ਕਿ) ਖੰਭਾਂ ਦਾ ਵਾਜਾ ਵਜਿਆ(ਤੇ ਪਉਣ ਰੂਪ) ਗਰੁੜ ਤੇ ਚੜ੍ਹੇ ਹੋਏ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਆ ਗਏ।੧੫।

ਅਪਨੇ ਭਗਤ ਪਰਿ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ॥ ਗਰੁੜ ਚੜੑੇ ਆਏ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥੧੬॥
He cherished His devotee, and the Lord came, mounted on the eagle garura. ||16|| 
ਆਪਣੇ ਭਗਤ ਦੀ ਰਖਿਆ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ (ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ) ਗਰੜ ਤੇ ਚੜ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਆ ਗਏ।੧੬। 

ਕਹਹਿ ਤ ਧਰਣਿ ਇਕੋਡੀ ਕਰਉ ॥ ਕਹਹਿ ਤ ਲੇ ਕਰਿ ਊਪਰਿ ਧਰਉ ॥੧੭॥  
The Lord said to Naam Dev, "If you wish, I shall turn the earth sideways. If you wish, I shall turn it upside down. ||17|| 
ਗੋਪਾਲ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, ਹੇ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ! ਜੇ ਤੂੰ) ਆਖੇਂ ਤਾਂ ਧਰਤੀ ਟੇਢੀ ਕਰ ਦਿਆਂ?ਆਖੇ ਤਾਂ (ਧਰਤੀ) ਲੈ ਕੇ (ਅਸਮਾਨ) ਉਤੇ ਰਖ ਦਿਆਂ?।੧੭।

ਕਹਹਿ ਤ ਮੁਈ ਗਊ ਦੇਉ ਜੀਆਇ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਕੋਈ ਦੇਖੈ ਪਤੀਆਇ ॥੧੮॥ 
If you wish, I shall bring the dead cow back to life. Everyone will see and be convinced."||18|| 
ਆਖੇਂ ਤਾਂ ਮੋਈ ਹੋਈ ਗਾਂ ਜਿਵਾ ਦਿਆਂ।ਸਾਰੇ (ਲੋਕ) ਵੇਖੀ ਜਾਣ, (ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਭਰੋਸਾ ਆ ਜਾਏ (ਕਿ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਵੱਡੀ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ)।੧੮।

ਨਾਮਾ ਪ੍ਰਣਵੈ ਸੇਲ ਮਸੇਲ ॥ ਗਊ ਦੁਹਾਈ ਬਛਰਾ ਮੇਲਿ ॥੧੯॥ 
Naam Dev requested (the people) for the calf to be united with the cow. (They then) brought the calf to the cow, and milked her. ||19|| 
(ਗੋਪਾਲ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ) ਮੈਂ ਨਾਮੇ ਨੇ (ਉਹਨਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ—(ਗਊ ਨੂੰ) ਨਿਆਣਾ ਪਾ ਦਿਉ । (ਤਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ) ਵੱਛਾ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਗਾਂ ਚੋ ਲਈ ।੧੯। 

ਦੂਧਹਿ ਦੁਹਿ ਜਬ ਮਟੁਕੀ ਭਰੀ ॥ ਲੇ ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ਕੇ ਆਗੇ ਧਰੀ ॥੨੦॥ 
When the pitcher was filled with milk, Naam Dev took it and placed it before the ruler. ||20|| 
ਦੁੱਧ ਚੋ ਕੇ ਜਦੋਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਮਟਕੀ ਭਰ ਲਈ  ਤਾਂ ਉਹ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਦੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਰੱਖ ਦਿੱਤੀ ।੨੦। 

ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹੁ ਮਹਲ ਮਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਅਉਘਟ ਕੀ ਘਟ ਲਾਗੀ ਆਇ ॥੨੧॥
The ruler went into his palace, and (their) he felt troubled (meaning that he felt shaken up). ||21|| 
ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਮਹਲਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਚਲਾ ਗਿਆ (ਤੇ ਉੱਥੇ ਉਸ ਉੱਤੇ) ਔਖੀ ਘੜੀ ਆ ਗਈ (ਭਾਵ, ਉਹ ਸਹਿਮ ਗਿਆ) ।੨੧। 

ਕਾਜੀ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਬਿਨਤੀ ਫੁਰਮਾਇ ॥  ਬਖਸੀ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੈ ਤੇਰੀ ਗਾਇ ॥੨੨॥
Through the Qazis and the Mullahs, the king offered his prayer, "O Hindu! Please forgive me; (whatever you order me, I will do, for) I am your cow."||22|| 
ਆਪਣੇ ਕਾਜ਼ੀਆਂ ਤੇ ਮੌਲਵੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਬੇਨਤੀ (ਕਰ ਘੱਲੀ) —ਹੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ! ਮੈਨੂੰ ਹੁਕਮ ਕਰ (ਜੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਤੂੰ ਦੇਵੇਂਗਾ ਮੈਂ ਕਰਾਂਗਾ), ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼, ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੀ ਗਾਂ ਹਾਂ ।੨੨। 

ਨਾਮਾ ਕਹੈ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਬਾਦਿਸਾਹ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਪਤੀਆ ਮੁਝੈ ਦਿਖਾਇ ॥੨੩॥
Naam Dev said, "O king! Listen: was this miracle performed by me? ||23|| 
ਨਾਮੇ ਨੇ ਆਖਿਆ: 'ਤੂੰ ਸੁਣ, ਹੇ ਬਾਦਿਸ਼ਾਹ! ਕੀ ਇਹ ਕਰਾਮਾਤ ਮੈਂ ਵਿਖਾਲੀ ਹੈ? ।੨੩।
 
ਇਸ ਪਤੀਆ ਕਾ ਇਹੈ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥ ਸਾਚਿ ਸੀਲਿ ਚਾਲਹੁ ਸੁਲਿਤਾਨ ॥੨੪॥
The purpose of this miracle is that you, O king, should walk on the path of truth and humility."||24||
ਇਸ ਕਰਾਮਾਤ ਦਾ ਇਹ ਮਲੋਰਥ ਹੈ, ਕਿ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਹੇ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ! ਸੱਚ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਮਰਤਾ ਦੇ ਰਸਤੇ ਟੁਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ।੨੪। 

ਨਾਮਦੇਉ ਸਭ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਮਿਲਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਸਭ ਨਾਮੇ ਪਹਿ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੨੫॥
(Witnessing this miracle) Naam Dev became famous everywhere. The Hindus (of the city) all went together to Naam Dev. ||25||
(ਇਹ ਕੌਤਕ ਸੁਣ ਵੇਖ ਕੇ) ਘਰ ਘਰ ਵਿਚ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਦੀਆਂ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਹੋਣ ਲੱਗ ਪਈਆਂ, (ਨਗਰ ਦੇ) ਸਾਰੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਰਲ ਕੇ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਪਾਸ ਆਏ (ਤੇ ਆਖਣ ਲੱਗੇ—) ।੨੫।

ਜਉ ਅਬ ਕੀ ਬਾਰ ਨ ਜੀਵੈ ਗਾਇ ॥ ਤ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਕਾ ਪਤੀਆ ਜਾਇ ॥੨੬॥
(They said to Naam Dev,) if the cow had not been revived, people would have lost faith in Naam Dev. ||26||
ਜੇ ਐਤਕੀਂ ਗਾਂ ਨਾ ਜੀਊਂਦੀ ਤਾਂ ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਦਾ ਇਤਬਾਰ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਰਹਿਣਾ ਸੀ ।੨੬। 

ਨਾਮੇ ਕੀ ਕੀਰਤਿ ਰਹੀ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ॥ ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾਂ ਲੇ ਉਧਰਿਆ ਪਾਰਿ ॥੨੭॥
The fame of Naam Dev remained preserved throughout the world. Embracing His humble devotees the Lord has saved them and carried them across. ||27||
ਪਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਭਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ, ਆਪਣੇ ਸੇਵਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਚਰਨੀਂ ਲਾ ਕੇ ਪਾਰ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ, ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਦੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਬਣੀ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ; ।੨੭।

ਸਗਲ ਕਲੇਸ ਨਿੰਦਕ ਭਇਆ ਖੇਦੁ ॥ ਨਾਮੇ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ ਨਾਹੀ ਭੇਦੁ ॥੨੮॥੧॥੧੦॥
(Listening to this praise,) all sorts of troubles and pains afflicted the slanderers, (because they never knew that) there is no difference between Naam Dev and the Lord. ||28||1||10||
(ਇਹ ਸੋਭਾ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ) ਨਿੰਦਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬੜੇ ਕਲੇਸ਼ ਤੇ ਬੜਾ ਦੁੱਖ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ (ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਉਹ ਇਹ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਕਿ) ਨਾਮਦੇਵ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਵਿਚ ਕੋਈ ਵਿੱਥ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਹਿ ਗਈ ।੨੮।੧।੧੦।

Sunday, March 08, 2020

ਕੀ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਆਮ ਸਮਝ (common-sense) ਹੈ? । Is Gurbani just common-sense?


I have recently heard some Sikhs say, "Sikhi is common sense", and "Gurbani is common sense". But is it really? 

Firstly, the word common, by definition, suggests that common sense is held universally or by the majority of people. But the idea that if most people think something makes sense then it must be correct has been disproven time and time again! Furthermore, it is often people who might be accused of not having 'common sense' who prove that what is 'common sense' is not only lacking sense, but is also completely wrong. 

Secondly, is common sense really common? Everybody's perception of common sense is different, even with the same religious community. For example, for someone living in the West it may be common sense to drink alcohol and eating meat is okay for fun and enjoyment. However, for a Sikh it would be common sense that it is categorically wrong to drink alcohol and unnecessarily kill animals for pleasing one's taste buds. More seriously, it is common sense for people that if someone is not the same religion as you, it's okay to beat and even kill them. It's pretty clear, that everyone's perception of what is common sense is different. Therefore, common sense, and even logic, depends on where the individual is basing their 'sense' and 'logic'. This sounds more subjective than objective!


Now, is the Truth subjective or objective? If subjective, then someone could argue that people who pray to idols are right for doing so because that is the truth for them and make sense to them. However, if the Truth is objective, then it doesn't matter what anyone says, believes, thinks or senses, the Truth is the Truth, even if the whole world gets it wrong!

This leads on to the discussion of people making assertions that "Sikhi is logical," which is being thrown around quite a lot nowadays. Before, even I thought there was nothing wrong with saying this. However, again, with time the understanding came that logic is subjective, not objective. Someone's logic says that it is perfectly okay for an elderly man to marry an eleven-year-old girl. Someone's logic says that it is okay to eat cats, dogs and rats. Everyone's logic is not the same. Regarding individual intellect, logic and common sense. Guru Ji says:
ਮਨ ਕੀ ਮਤਿ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੂਝਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਈਐ ਰੇ ॥
"O humble servants of the Lord! Renounce the intellectual cleverness of your mind; peace is found understanding the Lord's Hukam, Divine-Commands."
(Gauree M:5, Ang 209)

What is the testing ground for logic? Our own imperfect minds, or something greater than us all? The Greatest of the Great is Vahiguru, the Almighty. For a Sikh, their logic and sense of what is right and wrong is based on Gurbani, not on science, not on someone's personal perception, not on a community's perception, and not based on man-made laws. Gurbani says:
ਬਿਬੇਕ ਬੁਧਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਪਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇਰਾ ॥
"The intellect to identify what is good and bad is obtained from the True Guru; and the Guru reveals the spiritual wisdom of God."
(Todee M:4, Ang 711)

Finally, to equate the soch (ideology) of Sikhi or the divine-revelations of Gurbani as just a 'common' (ਆਮ) thing, undermines Sikhi and Gurbani. Human minds and human experiences are limited, but we cannot put a limit of Gurbani and the Power of Vahiguru. For people 100 years ago, it would be a miracle to say someone can travel to the moon, and for someone be against human logic. For people 50 years ago, it would be a miracle to say that someone could see your face on a device on the other side of the world and you could talk! What was then a miracle, is understood today as someone very much possible and achievable. Why? Because our understanding has developed.

Vahiguru can make a dead person can back alive, and make a living person dead. Vahiguru can change the laws of nature for His devotees. Vahiguru has the Power to do anything. The Guru is no less, for the Guru is Vahiguru revealed on earth. Vahiguru showed Himself and spoke to the world through the bodies of the Ten Gurus, and today Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhi doesn't believe in miracles? Really? Sikhi doesn't believe in performing miracles to please others or increase one's ego. But life is full of miracles, history is full of miracles and Gurbani is full of miracles. Where one's own limited sense and logic ceases to be able to comprehend or explain something, that can be understood to be a miracle.


Note: Upcoming post will be on miracles and Gurbani.

Saturday, March 07, 2020

ਹੱਥ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਮਿਲਨਾ । Greeting with folded hands

Khalsa traditions relevance in modern society becoming increasingly recognised as the way forward 🙏🏻



Tuesday, March 03, 2020

ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਇਨਸਾਨੀਅਤ ਅਤੇ ਧਰਮ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਸ਼ਲਾਘਾਂ । The praise of the humanity and religious teachings of the Sikhs

Indian poet and journalist, Pritish Nandy, on Twitter


Bertrand Russel was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950 and said the following about Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & Sikhi: 

“If some lucky men survive the onslaught of the third world war of atomic and hydrogen bombs, the Sikh religion will be the only means of guiding them... the splendid doctrines of their religion, which has come into existence for the benefit of entire mankind.”


Message of Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1299:
ਕਾਨੜਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
kaanaRaa mahallaa panjvaa ||
Kaanraa, revealed through the Fifth Nanak:

ਬਿਸਰਿ ਗਈ ਸਭ ਤਾਤਿ ਪਰਾਈ ॥
bisar gayee sabh taat paraayee ||
My burning jealousy of others (enjoying peace and happiness) has been totally forgotten,

ਜਬ ਤੇ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੋਹਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jab te saadh-sangat mohi paayee ||1|| rahaau ||
since I found the Sangat (company) of the Holy-Guru. ||1||Pause||

ਨਾ ਕੋ ਬੈਰੀ ਨਹੀ ਬਿਗਾਨਾ ਸਗਲ ਸੰਗਿ ਹਮ ਕਉ ਬਨਿ ਆਈ ॥੧॥
naa ko bairee nehee bigaanaa sagal sang ham kau ban aayee ||1||
(Now,) I see no one as my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I lovingly get along with everyone. ||1||

ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀਨੋ ਸੋ ਭਲ ਮਾਨਿਓ ਏਹ ਸੁਮਤਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਤੇ ਪਾਈ ॥੨॥
jo prabh keeno so bhal maaniyo eh sumat saadhoo te paayee ||2||
(Now,) I accept whatever God does (for all beings) as good. I have learnt this beautiful wisdom from the Holy-Guru. ||2||

ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਏਕੈ ਪੇਖਿ ਪੇਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਗਸਾਈ ॥੩॥੮॥
sabh mehi rav rehiaa prabh ekai pekh pekh naanak bigsaaee ||3||8||
O Nanak! (Say- since meeting the Holy Company, I now see) the presence of One God is pervading in all; and for this reason I get happy looking and seeing everybody. ||3||8||

One non-Sikh on twitter posted the following:
Priyashmita Guha's twitter

The answer to this sister's question is our Guru. The Gurbani given to us by our Gurus and the example set by the lives of the Gurus, is the foundation for the high ideals and humanity shown by the faithful followers of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji.

Below are some of the many stories of Sikhs defending, sheltering and feeding Muslims during anti-Muslim violence in Delhi, putting into practice the teachings of Great Sikh Gurus:
Novelist, Niranjana Roy, on Twitter

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

ਦਿੱਲੀ ਦੇ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਣਾ ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ । Attack on the Muslim of Delhi



Not a scene from a movie, nor from a historical archive, but footage from last night of Delhi being burnt with slogans of “Jai Shree Raam”. Muslim mosques, homes and businesses burnt. Their crime?... They are not Hindus and don’t fit the Hindu nationalist picture of a India with one religion, one language and one culture. Sound familiar? Yes, the same thing Hitler wanted for Germany. This scene reminds me of scenes from November 1984 during Government orchestrated genocide of the Sikhs.


When will the world wake up and address this terrorism by radicalised extremist Hindus. Any form of terrorism and attack on humanity, from whichever community or group is condemnable. Any individual or group behaving like Aurangzeb by claiming they are getting revenge for how their ancestors were treated by the Mughals, makes them no less evil than Aurangzeb. 

May the world learn and follow the example of Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji how to respond to evil with bravery and standing up for humanity, not destroying it. The home of Guru Teg Bahadar Ji’s Sikh and every Gurdwara has its doors open to provide food, shelter, and safety to Muslims, Hindus and anyone else in need.

May the Almighty bring peace, calm and compassion to their hearts of those filled with hate, and division🙏🏻.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

ਬਿਬੇਕ ਰਹਿਤ (ਖਾਣ ਦੀ) ਬਾਰੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ | Vichaar on dietary Bibek Rehat - Giani Pinderpal Singh Ji


Giani Pinderpal Singh Ji explaining logic behind Bibek dietary Rehat that Guru Sahib has instructed his disciples to keep. Giani Ji explains how the food we eat, who prepares it, how the food was bought and who serves it makes a difference to our individual spirituality. Giani Ji further explains that “Guru Ka Langar” today in many places is just name sake and importance of making Langar so it spiritually benefits those cooking and those eating it. .

Giani Ji explains that each individual has an aura. One’s aura is shaped by one’s faithfulness to the Lord, spiritual practice one observes, one’s behaviour and one’s habits. According to Gurbani, if a Gurmukh (Guru-centred individual) holds a dry Roti, that roti becomes Amrit (spiritual life-energy filled) and if a Manmukh (ego centred individual) who chooses not to follow the Guru’s Hukam but their own thinking, even if they are holding various types of food delicacies, it becomes spiritual-poison for the spiritual-seeker. Gurbani says:
ਸੰਤਨ ਕਾ ਦਾਨਾ ਰੂਖਾ ਸੋ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਧਾਨ ॥
ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਸਾਕਤ ਛਤੀਹ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਬਿਖੂ ਸਮਾਨ ॥੨॥
santan kaa daanaa rookhaa so sarab nidhaan. 
grehi saakat chhateeh prakaar te bikhoo samaan ||2||
“The dry bread of the Saints is equal to all treasures. The thirty-six tasty dishes of the faithless one, are just like poison. ||2||”
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 881)

Wednesday, February 19, 2020


A child can hear and experience things whilst in the mother’s womb. The mothers of great Gursikhs, used the time of pregnancy to read more Gurbani, more Simran and listen to the stories the Great Gurus and great Gursikhs. .

Whatever the mother exposes her eyes, ears and mouth to, has an influence on the child. It is so sad to see young children swearing or getting angry, and then you wonder if the mother swore and got angry when she was pregnant or perhaps she watched lots of movies with negative behaviour. .

Then you see children full of peace, with a calm aura and who remember Gurbani quickly and do Simran with great love. You then think, the mother must have avoided negative company, thoughts, words and sights during pregnancy and sowed the seeds of the Guru’s love during her pregnancy.🙏🏻

Friday, February 14, 2020

ਛੋਟੀ ਫਿਲਮ: 'ਵੈਲਿਟਾਈਨ' ਦਾ ਦਿਨ | Short Film: Valentine's Day

ਬਾਪੂ ਕੋਲੋਂ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਨੂੰ ਫੁੱਲ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ ਪੈਸੇ ਲਏ... ਤੇ ਘਰ ਆਓਂਦੇ ਨੂੰ ਭੈਣ ਵੀ ਕਈਆਂ ਕੋਲੋ ਫੁੱਲ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਬੈਠੀ|

Friday, February 07, 2020

ਗੁਰਮਤ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਆਹ ਤੋਂ ਪਿਹਲਾ ਪੋਜ਼ ਪਾਜ਼ ਕਰਨੇ । Gurmat and pre-wedding poses

Nowadays, there are lots of publicly shared videos and photographs of Gursikh couples before marriage holding hands, posing with their heads very close together, and one another's hands resting on the other’s shoulder or waist. Pre-wedding shoots are seemingly becoming a common thing for Gursikhs and it seems families are quite comfortable with these type of non-Gurmat poses.

Even wedding or post-wedding photos, are becoming uncomfortable to watch! Gursikhs dressed in Bana (Khalsa dress) sharing photos with the world of them standing in intimate poses is something that gursikhs of previous generatons would never been seen doing. Respected late Jathedaar Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji would instruct the Sangat: “Until you standing before Guru Maharaaj for your Anand Kaaraj, you are brothers and sisters.” 

Guru’s Rehat (code of discipline) requires Gursikhs to treat and behave with everyone, other than their wife/husband, as their father/mother, brother/sister, or son/daughter. Until the Anand Karaj has not been completed, a person cannot treat or behave someone as their wife/husband. 

However, it seems the line of what is and isn’t acceptable in Gurmat has been confused or relaxed by individuals, perhaps due to lack of Sangat (company) with elder Gursikhs, a lack of knowledge of Sikh history and customs, and a lack of awareness of Rehat.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj made the Khalsa “Niaaraa” (distinct). The way stand, speak, interact, eat, and do things should be distinct from the ways of the world. If we are behaving and acting like the rest of the world and forgetting the Guru’s Way then we are far from being distinct. Guru Ji says: 
ਜਬ ਲਗ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਰਹੇ ਨਿਆਰਾ ॥ ਤਬ ਲਗ ਤੇਜ ਕੀਉ ਮੈਂ ਸਾਰਾ ॥ 
ਜਬ ਇਹ ਗਹੈ ਬਿਪਰਨ ਕੀ ਰੀਤ ॥ ਮੈਂ ਨ ਕਰੋਂ ਇਨ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਤ ॥
As long as the Khalsa remains distinct, I will give You my power and support;
but the day they begin to follow the ways of the world, I will lose faith in them.

(Patshahi 10, Khalsa Mehima)

Let’s rise to seek Dashmesh Pita Ji’s blessings and be inspired to live and behave like the respected Gursikhs and Shaheeds throughout Sikh history who fully dedicated themselves to living Gurmat in all aspects of their life. Living in Grace, dignity and respect, may Guru Ji’s glory shine through us.