Concentrating when Reading & Meditating on Gurbani

During the first year of university, fresher's week had passed and Sunday had arrived. I was looking forward to going to the Gurdwara. My brother had told me that there was a Gurdwara in Sheperd's Bush. I was excited to go to the Gurdwara because during Fresher's Week I didn't have the opportunity to meet Gurmukhs and do Sangat.

I arrived at the Gurdwara at 10.15am. I thought I was 'not too early' or 'too late'. However, I had MISSED the whole Gurdwara programme. On Sundays Shepards Bush Gurdwara has Aasa Di Vaar keertan followed by Langar EARLY MORNING from 6am to 8.30am. Then Sunday evening evening there is a programme from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. On Wednesday evenings there is another Diwaan held. However, I didn't know this, so I missed the whole programme. At 10.15am there was NO ONE at the Gurdwara, other than the Giani Jee.

I did Matha Tekh and Giani Jee gave me Karhah Parshaad. He then asked who I was and where I came from. I explained I was new to London and started university a week ago. Giani Jee was very friendly and said something very meaningful. He said: "Son! Don't think your university studies are difficult. The TRUE EDUCATION is the living the life of a Gursikh and NAAM JAPNAA (meditating on Waheguru's Name). Compared to degrees and PhD's, the path of the Guru and Naam is the most difficult thing to study, but it is also THE MOST REWARDING. Remember this!"

Giani Jee quoted Gurbani:
ਆਖਾ ਜੀਵਾ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
aakhaa jeevaa, visrai mar jaa-o.
Chanting it, I live; forgetting it, I die.

ਆਖਣਿ ਅਉਖਾ ਸਾਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥
aakhan aukhaa saachaa naa-o.
It is so difficult to chant the True Name.
(Ang 9)

Concentrating on Gurbaani & Naam is very difficult and not easy. We ourselves cannot achieve anything, its ALL Guru's Kirpa. Reading inspiring books of the jeevan and biographies of Great Gursikhs, doing Sangat of Gurmukhs, going to the Gurdwara and listening to Katha (discourse) on Gurbaani at the Gurdwara Daas has learnt some ways of improving concentrating when reading and meditating on Gurbaani, in particular Nitnem (daily routine prayers). Below are some things which Daas has learnt:

1. PREPARING THE MIND and bringing it in the RIGHT MOOD/state.

Tuning the mind to make it receptive to Gurbaani & Simran is important. Through personal experience some ways of doing this are:

• Singing MOOL MANTR or any SHABAD while in the shower.
• For 15 minutes or so closing eyes and doing Mool Mantr meditation - slowly and clearly saying each Word. One's focus should be on the SHABAD (the Divine Word). I usually try to visualise my ear's going infront of my head and then picking up the vibration and sound of Gurbaani. The same applies with Naam Simran (meditating on Gur-Mantr - "VAAHE-GUROO").
  
• Closing eyes and bringing the mind's ATTENTION to the breath. FEEL yourself breathe in and out. Then as well as that gradually draw your attention to your where your hands are placed, what your are feet are touching, then eventually also try to draw attention to what you can hear. Adding this up all together, it helps to achieve the mind to come into the PRESENT.

2. Reading out ALOUD so that one can HEAR what is being read.

Gurbaani says:

ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਜਸੁ ਸੁਨਤਾ ॥
surat sat, sat jas suntaa.
Those ears are True, and True are those who listen to Waheguru's Praises.
(Ang 285)

Why are our ears and listening so important? Note that a child which cannot hear, whose hearing is impaired or who is not able to listen, that child cannot speak. A child who cannot hear cannot speak. This is a medical fact. A child may be born with a perfect mouth and tongue, yet if he or she cannot hear then they cannot speak.

The ears are connected to the brain (mind) and mouth. For this reason Guru Nanak Sahib jee in Japjee Sahib first emphasises "SunNaa," (listening) then Guru Sahib talks about "ManNaa," (obeying and following).


3. Paying careful attention to the CORRECT PRONUNCIATION the Gurbaani.

Two weeks ago I was listening to Katha (discourse) by a Giani Jee at Park Avenue Gurdwara, Southall. The Giani Jee pointed out that people are always saying that "I cannot concentrate when reading Paath". He said that one way of focusing the mind, particularly for those who are not so familiar with the meanings and explanations of the Gurbaani being read, is to focus on the letters, sounds and pronunciation.

Giani Jee told a Saakhi (story) from Guru Gobind Singh's jee's time. A Paathi Singh (Sikh reading Gurbaani) was reading Gurbaani incorrectly and mispronounced a word due to the fact he was not paying careful attention to the grammar and sounds. Guru Sahib asked some Sikhs to go and make the point that one should correctly pronounce Gurbaani.

The Sikhs called over the Paathi Singh. One of the Sikhs was hot-tempered and slapped the Paathi Singh. The Paathi Singh came rushing to Guru Sahib and said, "Guru Sahib! You said that those who read Gurbaani will not face the wrath and punishment of the Messengers of Death, BUT I am facing punishment and slaps HERE for reading Gurbaani. Please explain."

Guru Sahib said that the he had not asked for anyone to slap him but rather make a point. Guru Sahib said that he just wished the Sikhs to make a point to him that one should be CAREFUL to pronounce Gurbaani correctly. A sound said wrong can change the meaning to mean something totally different. Guru jee said the Divine Words are his LIMBS (angs), a part of his body. When someone mis-reads Gurbaani then it is like twisting the limbs of Guru.

The Paathi Singh apologised and asked Guru Sahib to organise someone to teach the Sikhs 'shud' (correctly) pronounced Paath.

If the mind is focusing on the SOUNDS and LETTERS (lagaa maatraa) then the mind will less likely wonder. We are NOT perfect! However, we can make a step in the right direction of being AWARE of sounds, grammar and letters and taking benefit of learned Gursikhs and Giani Jee's to learn correct pronunciation of Gurbaani.


4. While reading, trying to focus the mind on the MEANINGS of what is being read.

A Gutka (prayer-book) with Gurmukhi plus English (or Panjabi) TRANSLATION is very useful. One can UNDERSTAND what is being said while reading Gurbaani. When you get to a stage that you sub-consciously know most of the Paath, then it becomes easy to recite the Gurbaani with your mouth and with your eyes read the English translation, so the mind is able to process both and ABSORB the MESSAGE.

ਹਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਜੀਉ ਵਾਰੀ ਪੜਿ ਬੁਝਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਵਣਿਆ ॥
hau vaaree jee-o, vaaree paR bujh man vasaavaNi-aa.
I am a sacrifice, my soul is a sacrifice, to those who read of the Lord Waheguru, who understand and enshrine Him within their minds.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪੜਹਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਲਾਹਹਿ ਦਰਿ ਸਚੈ ਸੋਭਾ ਪਾਵਣਿਆ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
gurmukh paRehi har naam salaahehi, dar sachai sobhaa paavni-aa. ||1|| rahaa-o.
The Gurmukhs read and praise the Lord Waheguru's Name; they are honored in the True Court. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 127)

bhul chuk maaf.

Why bother with Nitnem?

Last summer, during one of the camps I attended, an Amritdhari camper approached me and asked me about practicing NITNEM (daily-prayers). Below is a summary of the conversation, which took place:

Camper: Bhaji, I would like to ask you a question.

Daas: Go ahead. Hukam Karo.

Camper: Why should I do my Nitnem?

Daas: It is Guru's Rehat (discipline), which we commit to when we take Amrit.

Camper: Other than the reason that "the Panj Piyaare told me to do so" is their any othe reason? Is there any point?

Daas: Is it not enough Guru Sahib in the form of the Panj Piyaare have instructed you to read daily Banis (prayers)? Taking Amrit is a commitment. When we take Amrit we adopt the life-style of the Guru and strive to create an internal and external environment where one can receive the fruits of Naam.

Why are you asking me this Bhenji?

Camper: I don't do my Nitnem. I am on a 'spiritual-low'. I don't wake up Amrit-vela (early morning) and don't do Nitnem in morning or evening. I have lost enthusiasm and don't see the point of doing the same thing, day in - day out! Other than the Panj Piyaare saying to do Nitnem, there is no other reason why one should read the same Bani over and over again, every day!

Practicing Nitnem should not be a BURDEN, however a spiritual RELIEF. Reading Nitnem in the morning, evening and at bedtime is drawing on the Guru’s DIVINE WORD to give STRENGTH and INSPIRATION for the day. Click here to read read people's comments and views on lines from their Nitnem which they particularly find uplifting and inspiring from a discussion topic on www.DiscoverSikhi.com. Basic Nitnem (daily-prayers) keeps the CONNECTION between the Sikh and Guru alive, and reminds a Sikh of the Guru’s message.


The same Banian (prayers) which are recited during the PREPARATION OF AMRIT during an Amrit-Sanchaar, are the same Banian recited by a Sikh daily. The EXPERIENCE of receiving Amrit from the Guru in the Amrit Sanchaar is RE-LIVED everyday and the INNER-AMRIT is FELT and ENJOYED, just as one drank the sweet Amrit given by the Panj Piyaare and felt it trickling down inside.

This question comes up with many people, and not necessarily limited to youngsters. First of all, we must recognise that HUKAM (order) is HUKAM (order). The relationship between the Guru and the Sikh is like that of a MENTOR and PRODIGY. Let’s look at the life of Guru Angad Dev jee (known as Bhai Lehna jee) before he became Guru. Guru Angad Dev jee’s life can be summarised as “Hukam Mannaa” (ACCEPTING the WILL). Guru Angad Dev jee served Guru Nanak jee with such devotion that he NEVER questioned Guru Nanak jee’s order. If Guru Nanak jee said, “Go wash my clothes” during when there’s a stormy rain, Guru Angad Dev jee would fold his hands and happily do it. He would not say “Sorry Guru jee, I will do it once the rain has stopped.” Guru Angad Dev jee’s Sewa & Simran made him worthy of becoming Guru and carrying on the Jyot (light) of Guru Nanak jee.


The role of mentor and prodigy reminds me of the film ‘KARATE KID.’ The film is about a young boy called ‘DANIEL’ who learns Karate from MR. MIYAGI. When Mr. Miyagi tells Daniel son to do something, Daniel would never question Mr. Miyagi. Even if Mr. Miyagi said “Climb the tree”. He would do it. Why? OBEDIENCE is the foundation stone for the relationship between coach and student. How will Daniel learn Karate if he questions and scrutinizes everything Mr. Miyagi says? However this is what we do with Guru Sahib and yet expect so much.

To EXPERIENCE Amrit and feel the sublime essence, we have been given REHAT, a way of life. Just as a farmer will not produce good crop unless he PLOUGHS his field, despite how much rain falls on the fields. The more you plough a field; better quality the crop will be produced.

For this reason, Bhagat Dhanna Ji, a farmer by occupation, in praying to Waheguru for the basic necessities of life, says:

ਦਾਲਿ ਸੀਧਾ ਮਾਗਉ ਘੀਉ ॥ ਹਮਰਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਤ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਪਨ੍ੀਆ ਛਾਦਨੁ ਨੀਕਾ ॥ ਅਨਾਜੁ ਮਗਉ ਸਤ ਸੀ ਕਾ ॥1॥
daal seeDhaa maa(n)gau gheeo. hamraa kushee karai nit jeeo. panHeeaa chhadan neekaa. anaaj magau sat see kaa.
Lentils, flour and ghee - these things, I beg of You. My mind shall ever be pleased. Shoes, fine clothes, and grain from a field, which has been ploughed seven times - I beg of You, Waheguru. 1.
(Ang 695)

Similarly, when we take Khande-di-pahul, the Amrit of the double-edged sword, from the Panj Piyaare we obtain Amrit to drink, then we are given the SEEDS of NAAM to sow, and a REHAT, way of life, to use to PLOUGH our MIND and BODY ready. If we take Amrit, but don’t sow the seeds of Naam, then we don’t obtain the crop of Guru Sahib’s blessings. If we take Amrit, but don’t observe Rehat, then the quality of our Naam’s fruits will be affected. With Amrit, Naam and Rehat a Sikh lives in CHARDIKALA, high spirits, and blessed with a PEACEFUL and HARMONIOUS life in Waheguru’s Will through the Guru’s blessings.

ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝ ਕੋ ਸਿਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹਿ ॥
rehit piaaree mujh ko, sikh piaaraa naahi.
"I love a Sikh’s disciplined way of life, not the Sikh."
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh)

To be continued… (Tips to concentrate or take maximum benefit from reading Nitnem).

Vaisakhi Drama Play

Vaisakhi is coming up soon, so I thought I would post about some memorable past experiences of celebrating Vaisakhi:


Every Saturday my brother and I, my cousins and some other local children would go to Saturday school in the morning and learn Panjabi from my Bhua jee (paternal aunt). Looking back it was fun going to classes (at the time I thought "I am missing out on Saturday morning cartoons and a nice lie in!"). I learnt so much and my bhua jee gave me and the other children a foundation not just in Panjabi language but also we learnt about Sikhi, culture and values. I started going to Panjabi classes when I was 5 or so, and finished at 12 years old when I completed my Panjabi GCSE (in 1998).

In 1996, my Bhua jee got our Panjabi class to act in a play for the Vaisakhi celebrations, which was to be held at the local Secondary School where we learnt Panjabi. We were given acting roles and a script to learn from. The play was ALL in Panjabi. In short the story line was that a man called 'Santa'. It was based on a group of farmers. A man comes to the village and makes an announcement drumming his drum. He roars, "Hear up, hear up, hear up! A message from Guru Gobind Singh jee. The Sangat has been invited to attend Vaisakhi gathering at Sri Anandpur Sahib...." Santa responds to Guru's call and attends. The drama manifests as Santa comes back to the village and meets the village locals who ask him why he is looking the way he is and why is face glowing. Santa then answers them and explains the wonders of Guru Gobind Singh jee and how he is now "Santa Singh".

Here are some photos:


I played the role of "Santa Singh". All the people participating had cut hair, however ALL of them enjoyed having a dastaar tied. I always loved wearing a Dastaar and especially dressing up as an Amritdhari (hoping that one day Guru jee will bless me to become a Gursikh).


My brother and I.

The local Lord Mayor was invited to the function. After the play he presented trophies to all the children who participated in the drama.




That's Daas (after the play).



In 1999, during the tri-centinary Vaisakhi celebrations, my family and I were discussing what the local children could do to participate in the celebrations and feel involved. My parents suggested that the Vaisakhi drama play acted in 1996 was successful and fun for the children, so why not do another play. So, I put forward the suggestion to the local children from the Panjabi class, which my dad now taught. The children seemed to like the idea.

My dad and I sat together and put together a simple Panjabi script based on the same idea as we did in 1996. The children were given one or two lines each, which they all could easily act out. A big Vaisakhi celebration programme was held at Leamington Spa. In the Royal Spa Centre there were various talks, lectures and presentations. We were given the opportunity to act the play there infront of a full audience (the hall was packed!). The children were nervous but the play was fairly short so they were okay.

Here are some photos from the Vaisakhi 1999 drama play:






A group photo of everyone who participated. (I'm standing at the back in the blue dastaar).

During gurpurbs its nice to involve children. INVOLVEMENT is the key for children to feel a PART of something. Involve children in school and they will enjoy school. Involve children in sports and games and they will take interest. Similarly, if children are involved in the Gurdwara or Sikhi related activities then they will take interest and ENJOY it.

Don't sit back but take ACTIVE PART. Don't wait for people, an uncle jee, or the Gurdwara Committee to ask you to do something for the youth, instead take INITIATIVE and allow the Guru to use you as a vehicle to do community work and share the SPIRIT of Sikhi with the young people. Share your ideas with others and everyone will contribute, and then just watch Guru jee do wonders!

bhul chuk maaf.

Training Day & Experiencing the Power of the Wind

Yesterday I went to a training course on domestic violence at St. Thomas Hospital, which I attended as part of being a Sikh volunteer for the Hospital's Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy department. It was a very interesting training, and discovered very GRIM and DEPRESSING statistics on domestic violence. Then in the training session the trainer played an audio recording of a lady who survived domestic violence (but was nearly shot-dead by her husband). It was FREAKY. The lady was given a SAFE HOUSE to live in. Next door was a derilect building. The worst thing was that the husband found out where his wife was living and he climbed through into the house through the derelict building. He came into the house through the LOFT and terrorised this poor lady. I just put my hands together and kept saying "WAHEGURU". No other word could comprehend what this woman went through. The man would HARRASS the lady and steal her clothes, house keys and food. She thought she was going mad. He then got a shotgun and forced her back home. Eventually (THANK GOD) she rang the police and the man was put into prison. Rab Rakha!

Later on the trainer mentioned an example of a Panjabi lady she came across. Apparently the man was from UK and he married from Panjab. He wanted power of his wife and wanted to control her life. When she asked if she could learn English, he would beat her. If she were seen asking English words from relatives, he would beat her. Apparently he didn't want her to pick up English so that she would remain DEPENDENT on him and he could do whatever he wanted to her and she would not have the confidence to tell anyone. Very sad! Rab Rakha.


The trainer pointed out that the main cause for Domestic violence is "POWER & CONTROL." Gurbaani time and time tells us the ill effects of HANKAAR (EGO):

ਗਰਬੰਤਿ ਨਾਰੀ ਮਦੋਨ ਮਤੰ ॥
garbant naaree madon mataN.
Those who are proud, and intoxicated with the pleasures of sex,

ਬਲਵੰਤ ਬਲਾਤ ਕਾਰਣਹ ॥
balvant balaat kaarNeh.
and asserting their power over others,

ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਨਹ ਭਜੰਤ ਤ੍ਰਿਣ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਜਨਮਨਹ ॥
charan kamal neh bhajant triN samaan Dhrig janamneh.
never contemplate the Lord Waheguru's Lotus Feet. (For this reason) their lives are as worthless as straw, and deemed as cursed.

ਹੇ ਪਪੀਲਕਾ ਗ੍ਰਸਟੇ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਮਰਣ ਤੁਯੰ ਧਨੇ ॥
he papeelkaa grestte gobind simran tu-yaN Dhane.
You are as tiny and insignificant as an ant, but if you have the wealth of Simran, the Lord's Meditation then (despite being tiny) you shall become great.

ਨਾਨਕ ਅਨਿਕ ਬਾਰ ਨਮੋ ਨਮਹ ॥੬੩॥
naanak anik baar namo nameh. 63.
O Nanak! Bow in humble worship to Waheguru, countless times, over and over again. 63.
(Ang 1359)

Guru jee explains the above shabad that person who does Waheguru's Simran (meditation) and keeps humility is better than the person who forgets Waheguru and shows power & control over others in ego. The solution is NAAM and SUBMITTING to Waheguru's HUKAM (Will). Unfortunately Man thinks that he is God. He may not say it, but he acts like it. We say "ITS MY LIFE" (you hear many children say this). However, we don't realize its NOT OUR LIFE, its WAHEGURU'S LIFE which is a GIFT TO US. Until we don't realize this, then we do not escape this intoxication of power & control, which we egotistically exercise over others and bully them. We have to realise we are NOTHING and Waheguru is EVERYTHING, we are INSIGNIFICANT and Waheguru is GREATEST, then we can truly enjoy peace, tranquillity and harmony in the household and everyday life.


On the way back from the Hospital I went to the library because I had to return some books. I was crossing Waterloo Bridge and there was a GUSH of WIND. It was VERY WINDY. Everyone was feeling the POWER of the windy breeze. As I walking across the bridge I was doing Simran and repeating "VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO." How amazing! God is Great! In Aasa Di Vaar it says:

ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਵਣੁ ਵਹੈ ਸਦਵਾਉ ॥
bhai vich pavaN vahai sadvaa-o.
In the Awe of God, the wind and breezes ever blow.
(Ang 464)

I thought to myself that people don't acknowledge God's existence and say "PROVE IT, I CAN'T SEE GOD." However, I thought, "LOOK ITS WINDY. SHOW ME the wind!" You can't see the wind, but you definitely EXPERIENCE the wind. Waheguru is not sitting in Heaven (as believed by mainstream Christianity), sitting in the Seventh Sky above Earth (as believed by mainstream Islam) or dwelling in idols (as believed by mainstream Hinduism). Waheguru is here, EVERYWHERE and in dwelling amongst His Creation.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
gurmukh Dhartee gurmukh paaNee.
The Gurmukh sees the Lord Waheguru on the earth, and the Gurmukh sees Him
in the water.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਪਵਣੁ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੁ ਖੇਲੈ ਵਿਡਾਣੀ ॥
gurmukh pavaN baisantar khelai viddaaNee.
The Gurmukh sees Him in wind and fire; such is the wonder of His Play.
(Ang 117)

The same wind and air which we CANNOT SEE, destroys homes, moves the waves in the river & seas, presses against people's face, and causes trees to shake. Look at the POWER and BEAUTY of Waheguru who CREATES, SUSTAINS and DWELLS within this magnificent NATURE and Universe. ਕਮਾਲ ਹੈ (Kamaal Hai)! VAAH (Wonderful) comes out of the mouth!

ਏਕੁ ਅਚਾਰੁ ਰੰਗੁ ਇਕੁ ਰੂਪੁ ॥
eik achaar, rang ik roop.
The One Lord Waheguru is in all actions, colours and forms.

ਪਉਣ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਗਨੀ ਅਸਰੂਪੁ ॥
pauN paaNee agnee asroop.
Waheguru manifests in many shapes through wind, water and fire.
(Ang 930)

It was beautiful. If you just become part of the EXPERIENCE and let your breath go with the breeze it's great! Deeply breathe in, and breathe out. You can hear the vibration of "VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO... VAAHE-GUROO" being whispered by the windy breeze! It reminds me of Michael Jackson's "EARTH" song, which came out in 1995 (Ps. I remember the song from my school days!). In the song video (according to what I remember) Michael Jackson is standing there with his arms up and facing the breezy wind and embracing nature.


Guru Nanak Jee captures this feeling of AWE and ECSTASY through experiencing the Creation of Waheguru in Gurbaani:

ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ ਪਉਣੁ ਵਿਸਮਾਦੁ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
vismaad pauN vismaad paaNee.
Wonderful is the wind, wonderful is the water.
(Ang 464)

You can see the beauty of the GUR-MANTR, the Divine Word "VAAHE-GUROO" - ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ. It is an ecstatic expression of awe and wonderment - "WONDROUS DISPELLER OF DARKNESS." With each breath in and out, a Gursikh breathes this ecstatic expression (given as a gift by the True Guru), which attunes the Gursikh’s mind and consciousness to the Wonder and Glory of God.

As I was crossing the bridge I could see the worried faces of people as their hair blew up and across. It reminded me of when I had my hair cut. I used to keep a side parting. It would be a nightmare when sitting in the car and the window was down (especially in India), because by chance if I was sitting on the wrong side, then the wind would blow in opposite direction to my side parting, MESSING UP MY HAIR-STYLE. lol. It was humorous looking at everyone's hair being blown away and then thinking "Rab Da Shukar that I wear a Dastaar!" :)

Busy Saturday

Saturday was in one word - "busy"! In the morning to afternoon it was KHALSA TALKS at King's College London. Bhaji Gurvinder Singh from Bradford gave a talk on "the World of Maya" and Bhaji Jagjit Singh from Leeds (originally from Slough) gave a talk on "Unique Sikhi". It was nice to see so many new friendly faces at the event.

Bhaji Gurvinder Singh's talk looked at what is MAYA, the features of Maya, is it bad and what is the solution. For those who have not heard of "Maya" before, it means "the illusionary world" or anything and everything which is not Waheguru. It is usually used to refer to money, worldly possessions and worldly materials. The talk highlighted that Maya IN ITSELF is NOT bad. Contrary to what many of us think. Having a good car, big house, and nice clothes are NOT bad. The bad thing is when we become CAUGHT UP or ENTANGLED in having a good car, big house or nice clothes. This obsession or CLINGINGNESS to MAYA or objects is the NEGATIVE thing. Stealing to get good clothes, or doing fraud to get a big house are examples of how our NEGATIVITY has made us drown in MAYA. The simple solution is NAAM (meditation on the Name of Waheguru). Through Naam we get CONTENTMENT and SATISFACTION.


In between the talks there was a quick SAMOSA BREAK. O deary me! I think I got caught in the trap of MAYA. I had FOUR SAMOSAY and by the end of the talk FELT LIKE A SAMOSA. Its one of those things that at the time you don't feel the build-up of grease and oil and AFTER EATING them you realize that perhaps you had one two many. Chalo Rab Rakha!

After the break, Bhaji Jagjit Singh's talk looked at the UNIQUE ASPECTS of Sikhi. From Sikhi's unique history, unique doctrine (beliefs) to unique way of life. Bhaji compared traditional religions to the religion of GURMAT and NAAM and highlighted the beauty of Guru Nanak Jee's universal religion of NAAM and GURMAT. The beliefs and values (not necessarily religious), which people hold, are usually like "we are all equal", "don't discriminate", "see beyond colour, race and gender," and "universal love" etc. THESE are the EXPLICIT values of Sikhi. Sikhi is so SIMPLE yet beautiful that it is a shame that we have not shared the spirituality and values given to us by our Gurus.



After the Khalsa Talks most of us went to the Rainsbayee Keertan (All-Night Keertan) held at Park Avenue Gurdwara, Southall. It was uplifting to have darshan of so many Gurmukhs and listen to Keertan with Naam Ras. I definitely recommend going to a Rainsbayee Keertan and seeing the power of Keertan & Sangat for yourself, if you have not been before. There are monthly Rainsbayee's up and down the country in the UK, with transport provided from various cities. For further info of programmes click here.

I got late going back to Halls of Residence. Sat Naam, Waheguru! Firstly, on the train going from Southall to Paddington, it was FILTHY! Stank of alcohol, food on the floor, beer cans on the seats. Yuck! Rab Rakha! Eventually got to the underground (caught the last tube for the night!). O deary me! As you can imagine I don't go out at night time and don't know about London's "NIGHT LIFE". However, I have experienced drunk people on the tube at night. It was so saddening to see drunken girls STAGGERING in the underground, drunken men SLEEPING on the floor, and people getting into verbal fights after getting drunk. Rab Sumat Bakshe. It just shows the CONTRAST between SATJUG (Heaven - i.e. Saadh Sangat and joining in singing Naam Baani) and KALJUG (Hell - i.e. getting drunk, losing consciousness and drifting away from True Reality).


On the tube there was one DODGEY BLOKE. Waheguru! Waheguru! Waheguru! I sat down and across the tube carriage I saw a Jamaican looking person. I didn't know whether it was a man or woman! They had short hair with a few strands of dreadlocks coming out of the top of the head, and looked like a male but also had LIPSTICK on. Chalo! I assumed it was a man who liked lipstick. He was also wearing sunglasses (AND IT WAS NIGHT-TIME) and on top of the sunglasses (on his forehead) he had HUGE SKI-GLASSES. Waheguru.


I was sitting there and trying to do simran amidst the smell of Sharaab on the tube. But this SKI-GLASSES bloke didn't let go of his mobile phone! He had it right next to his ear and Reggae or some sort of shouting-type slow music pumping out of it. It was FREAKY music. It was bit disheartening to having to listen to that type of music after hearing such sweet-Gurbaani Keertan at the Rainsbayee. Chalo, Rab Rakha. I suppose just like a Gursikh cannot live without Gurbani, that this bloke couldn't live without his Reggae music!

Eventually got home. Then I realised the clocks had moved forward! Waheguru! (So missed 1 hour worth of sleep!). I'm thankful to Waheguru for blessing Daas with the darshan of Gurmukhs and the giving the opportunity to listen to vichaar on Gurbaani and enjoy listening & singing along to Gurbaani.

The Story of Bhai Joga Singh

Joga as a young boy of maybe about 15 came to Guru Gobind Singh Maharaaj’s darbaar. He was so overcome on seeing Satguru jee and Guru Sahib asked “WHO ARE YOU?” He replied “I am JOGA” Guru Sahib asked “TOO KEHDAA JOGA? - ਤੂੰ ਕਿਹਦੇ ਜੋਗਾ?” (who’s joga are you i.e. who are you worthy of?) Joga replied “MAI TERE JOGA GURU JEE, Guru jee mai tere joga - ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ, ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ” i.e. I am yours/ I am worthy of you; Satguru ji replied, “too mere Joga, MAI TERE JOGA - ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ, ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ”. Guru jee asked Joga to stay with Him and become part of the Khalsa thus he became known as Bhai Joga Singh.

Love grew between Guru jee and Bhai Joga Singh, and Bhai Joga Singh loved being with Guru Sahib. Several years passed and Bhai Joga Singh’s parents came to take him home, they thought he should now be married as he had come of age. They went to ask permission from Guru Sahib to take him back home and Guru jee gave the go ahead on the condition that Bhai Joga Singh was to return whenever he was asked, he would be called when he Khalsa needed him regardless of where he was and what he was doing he should come. They agreed to this and headed off back to his village.


Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh in the City of Peshawar (now in West Pakistan).

So the wedding preparations began and Bhai Joga Singh's Anand Kaaraj took place in the city of Peshawar. Bhai Joga Singh had been newly wedded and spent only a day as a married man, when a messenger from Guru Sahib arrived and presented Bhai Joga Singh with a letter requesting that he return as he was needed by the Khalsa. His family pleaded with him that he stay as he has just newly married and that how could he leave his wife so soon. However, Bhai Joga Singh was adamant that he would go back to Guru Sahib as nothing was more important than his Guru. Indeed the path of the devotees is sharper than the edge of a sword, and it is even narrower than a hair.

Bhai Joga Singh continued his journey to Anandpur as fast as he could. After passing through Lahore and Amritsar, he reached a resting spot at Hoshiarpur. On his way his ego got inflated and he thought, "WHO COULD HAVE ACTED LIKE ME? Certainly very few Sikhs would leave home after being newly wedded and carry out the Guru jee's order like me." This sense of pride brought his fall. At night he was overwhelmed by evil-passion and he started towards the house of a PROSTITUTE.


Bhai Joga Singh was wearing the Guru's uniform- full appearance with a Dastaar and the 5Ks adorned on his body. On his way to the prostitute, Bhai Joga Singh said to himself, "If some one sees me going into the house of a prostitute, it will bring DISGRACE to the Guru. Outwardly I am in Guru's attire. So NOBODY should see me entering the prostitute's house." On trying to enter he came across a GUARD standing there so he paused and backed away, he tried four times to enter the building but could not get past the guard seeing him. He realised how weak he was being and rode back to Guru jee.

On entering the divaan he payed his respects to Guru Sahib and Guru Jee looked at Bhai Joga Singh. Guru jee asked Bhai Joga to explain where he was last night. In shame Bhai Joga Singh did not answer. However, the all-knowing Guru knew of Bhai Joga Singh's temptations. Guru Sahib again asked, "Bhai Joga Singh! I have asked you a question, you are struggling to answer. Why cannot you answer me? Tell me WHERE WERE YOU LAST NIGHT?" As the incident unfolded Guru jee revealed that HE HIMSELF was the GUARD, and that He were there to stop Bhai Joga Singh from entering and sinning. Bhai Joga Singh fell at Guru jee’s charan (feet) and begged for forgiveness. Guru Sahib reminded him of what he had said before, “Guru Jee MAI TERE JOGA - ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ” (I am worthy only of You Guru ji). Guru Sahib said “because you belong to me - I belong to you Bhai Joga, I BELONG TO YOU! Mai tere joga! - ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਜੋਗਾ”

Such are the ways of the Beloved Guru. Once we put our complete faith in Him, He does not abandon us and let us waver.

Episode of 8 of India Travels (Part 5): Chucked Off Train

We had spent 4 nights at Sri Hazoor Sahib. On the fifth day we showed our tickets to the Gurdwara Accomodation sewadaars and asked them when and where is the train leaving from. The Sewadaar looked at our tickets and said "You are boarding tomorrow. A bus will be leaving outside the Gurdwara at 6am to go to the train station." Two Sewadaars checked our train tickets and both replied that we needed to board the train the next day (which was Monday).

So we got our things packed and ready the night before. We woke up and after Ishnaan and Nitnem we went to the mini-bus outside, which was leaving for the trainstation. We arrived at the train station and we went to the train platform. The seats were pre-booked, so I had to on passenger lists which were stuck up on the outside of the train to see where we were sitting. I couldn't find our Surname on the list.

My mum told me to go to the ticket office. So I went there. But they didn't speak Panjabi nor did they speak Hindi! I spoke English (however even their English was tutty futty). The man checked the list and said "Fine, fine, take seat, take seat. New list is to be stuck up. Your name will be on there." We waited for the new list and still our name is not on their, it said "M SINGH" and few other SINGH with random initials. I thought perhaps they got our initials muddled up. So we spoke to a Police Office to double-check and he said "Sit down, sit down, take your seats." He was friendly. So we thought if he thinks its okay to sit down then it must be okay.

The train leaves and in my mind I said "Good-bye" to the land of Sri Hazoor Sahib, cherishing the experience. The train left NandeR. Eventually the train was coming near Aurangabad. It had been 2 hours in the journey. A Singh family came on the train and said to us "those are our seats." We told them "sorry, these are our places. We have booked tickets." We showed our tickets and it said "LEAVING: 15th July". But the date was 14th JULY. Just as we discover we have boarded the train ONE DAY EARLY, the train conductor comes. He was a grumpy old man.

The train conductor said "Why have you boarded the train?" We said that we showed two Gurdwara Sewadaars our tickets. We showed our tickets to the man sitting in the NandeR train ticket office. And we even showed the policeman at the train station in NandeR. Everyone said that we are to leave today and that we ARRIVE on 15th July in Jalandhar. We looked like a bunch of Lemons! The conductor said to me, "You are from England and you can read a simple train ticket where it says: LEAVING 15th July". He made me look really silly infront of the whole train. He threatened to fine us 1,500 rupees each (my mum, tayee jee and I) or if we refuse to pay then he will call the police.

Sat Naam, Waheguru! So much DRAMA! He said that we HAD TO leave the train at the next station. So when Aurangabad arrived we had to leave the train (there wasn't even a platform to get off on!). We were the only passengers getting off and everyone stared at us through the windows. We had to go to the ticket office at Aurangabad trainstation and ask for a ticket to back to NandeR (Hazoor Sahib).

MORE DRAMA! The train arrives at Aurangabad to go back to NandeR. However, we were given THIRD CLASS tickets. Sat Naam. We had to sit in a OVER-CROWDED compartment with dodgey looking people. The seats were wooden planks, which were UNCOMFORTABLE and people were SMOKING and you could notice some people taking dodgey substances. Everyone was staring at me, my mum and tayee jee thinking "Why are these 3 people sitting in THIRD CLASS."

FOUR HOURS LATER we arrived back at NandeR. We got the mini-bus back to the Gurdwara Langar Sahib. When we went to ask for a room to stay, the sewadaar said, "Haven't I seen you before?" lol. I explained what happened and all the Sewadaars had a good laugh. (Suppose it was funny looking at back!)

We got on the correct train the next day and arrived back in Jalandhar the following evening.

New Posts will be Coming Soon...

Since Wednesday I have had the flu, so as a result I have been unable to post anything on the blog. However, I will be posting the final part of the Hazoor Sahib travels in the next few days. So watch this space.

On Wednesday I went to the local corner-shop to get some LEMSIP. I remember drinking it before when I had a cold. I was feeling drowsy and just wanted to have something to relieve the flu. I asked the shopkeeper "Excuse me what I have got for flu? Do you have LEMSIP?" He replied, "Yes. Which one?" He pointed at "LEMSIP" and "LEMSIP MAX".


I replied, "Ermm... what flavours are there?" The shopkeeper (who was Gujrati) stared at me and paused for a second and then slowly said, "LEMON". Just before he said that I just realised that I spoke without thinking and that obviously LEMSIP was going to be "LEMON" flavour. lol.

I went for LEMSIP MAX. However, it wasn't very appetizing. It might have been the fact that I had added sauNf (ਸੌਂਫ) and jawain (ਜਵੈਣ) to the boiling water. So the taste was a mix of lemon, sauNf (ਸੌਂਫ) and jawain (ਜਵੈਣ). I felt queasy drinking it. But chalo, I drank it!

However, the best medicine I found for flu symptoms is BENYLIN 4 FLU tablets.


Chalo, Rab Rakha.

Power of Ardaas

Article which I came across on Topoban Forum:

Naked Eyes-- by Bismaadh Kaur

Sikhi was never of any importance to me. I was still young, and always believed it was something that people did in their fifty’s to pass time. I wanted to “live life to the fullest,” and that wasn’t possible if I was living the lifestyle of a Sikh. I didn’t care to understand the concept of God, or why people had so much faith in Him. All I cared about was looking good, and having as much fun as I could before I got married (I knew my parents would marry me off to a Sikh). If I was to get into Sikhi it would be a lot later in my life.

I had just turned 22, and because I had finished my degree and was able to support myself, I thought it was time that I went my own way. I had been under the control of my parents all of my life and although I respected that they were devoted to Sikhi, I knew that it wasn’t what I wanted in my life.

I had been thinking about getting my hair trimmed for a while. I was getting sick of putting my hair up in a bun. My eyebrows took after my Pita Jee, bushy as can be, and I couldn’t wait to get those plucked.

I didn’t tell my parents since I felt I was old enough to make my own decisions. I knew it was a bit selfish of me to go behind their backs, but I didn’t think too much of it.


I went into the shop and got my hair trimmed a couple of centimeters and had my eyebrows shaped. There was a look of accomplishment when I looked at myself in the mirror for the first time. The reflection showed a new person, it was the person I always wanted to be.
“Freedom!” I remember thinking to myself.

I drove up into the garage of the house I had lived in for the last ten years of my life, and hoped that it would recognize me. As I walked into the house, I could feel my heart beating rapidly. My parents were in the kitchen so I walked in hastily, said my hello’s and headed into my room.

I didn’t stay long enough in the kitchen to see my parents’ reactions. Mata Jee had just looked up at me when I left and Pita Jee was too absorbed reading the Panjabi newspaper.

I could hear murmurs coming from the living room. And then for a couple of minutes they stopped. My heart was beating so fast.

“Simran?” I could hear my mom calling for me.

At first I didn’t want to answer.
“Hunjee Mata Jee?” I whispered back hoping she wouldn’t hear me.
“Can you come outside please?”
“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.”

I started feeling guilty for cutting my hair but kept my composure and walked down the hall towards the living room.

My parents were sitting cross legged on the rug, holding gutkay in their hands. My mom looked up at me and handed me a gutka and then nodded her head downwards (her way of telling me to sit down).

It was the first time since I can remember that my parents called me to do paat with them. At first I wanted to get up and tell them I had work to do but then I just felt relieved that they weren’t yelling at me, so I sat down beside my mom and read along with Rehraas.

Rehraas was finally over, and by this time I was yawning and just wanted to go to bed. We all got up to do ardaas. Pita Jee did it. Although I didn’t care for Sikhi, ardaas was the one aspect of Sikhi that meant something to me so I actually listened to the ardaas.

Pita Jee came to the end of the ardaas. He did ardaas for Rehraas and then in a calm loving tone he asked, “Guru Sahib Jee, please bless our daughter with a Gursikhi life.”

Mata Jee was sobbing. I wanted to cry as well, not becaus e I felt guilty but because I was hurt. Why would they do that to me? They could have done ardaas on their own time.

I didn’t sleep that whole night. Pita Jee’s words kept running through my head no matter how high I turned up the radio.

Two months had gone by. I kept my distance from my parents and even when Mata Jee tried to talk to me I gave her one word answers. Although two months had passed, I could still hear Pita Jee’s voice from that night. His ardaas was straight from his heart and I was afraid that it would come true. I had even done ardaas to undo the ardaas he did.

That night my good friend was having a keertan at the Gurudwara. I never liked going to anyone’s programs, especially if they were at the Gurudwara, but that day I kept getting this push from inside to go.


I arrived at the Gurudwara early and after failing to find someone I knew I proceeded towards the main darbar hall. I took a glance at Guru Granth Sahib Jee to make sure I was walking in the right direction. As I looked down at the ground I felt warmth take over my body. I felt calm. The vision of Guru Granth Sahib Jee covered with royal blue ramalay was grounded in my mind. I stood still for a moment and embraced the vision in my heart. Everything around me slowly disappeared.

I took a step forward and then another, until I had reached the end. I looked up at the Guru. My mind was silenced in admiration of the beauty that was in front of me. I once again remembered Pita Jee’s ardaas and started to shed tears. Kneeling down to matha taake I could hear Pita Jee’s words so clearly, “Guru Sahib Jee please bless our daughter with a Gursikhi life.”
The moment my forehead touched the Guru’s Charan I could hear whispers in my ear. I was trying to listen to what was being said but I couldn’t make out the words. I concentrated and tried again to listen to the sounds.
“Waahe-Guroo. Waahe-Guroo. Waahe-Guroo…”

At that time I didn’t know what to think of the moment. But, with the energy I had left I got up and sat in the Sangat. Time had vanished. My eyes were tightly fastened together and my mind was still. A soft white filled the room and I could hear more voices repeating “Waahe-Guroo.” I absorbed myself in the moment.

Some time had gone by and I could see two figures appear in the distance. They were too far away for me to see if they were male or female but I could see that one was shorter than the other. I couldn’t see any details because the colours were meshed into one blur consisting of black, red and a pale brown. I tried to focus on the two figures hoping that I could piece together who they were.

The two figures had vanished and then for a split second materialized again and this time I could see them clearly.

That was the day that my Pita Jee’s ardaas had been answered. I took Amrit a week later. Every night in my ardaas I ask that everyone be blessed with a Gursikhi life.

There are still days that go by when I feel distant from Sikhi. But, when those days come, I think back to the day when Guru Sahib Jee, with my naked eyes, showed me the Piyaar in the face of Bhai Taru Singh Jee as his scalp was being cut away from his body.

Happy New Year! ਨਵੇਂ ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਵਧਾਈ!

Today on 1st Chet (Panjabi Month), 14 March, the Sikh Nation celebrates the Sikh New Year. On this day I would like to wish everyone a prosperous new year and may the year ahead help us to realise our divine potential.

You can download the Sikh Calendar for the new year on www.nanakshahi.org.


Guru jee's Hukam (instruction) to us on commencing of the month of Chet (mid March - mid April):

cyiq goivMdu ArwDIAY hovY Anµdu Gxw ] sMq jnw imil pweIAY rsnw nwmu Bxw ] ijin pwieAw pRBu Awpxw Awey iqsih gxw ] ieku iKnu iqsu ibnu jIvxw ibrQw jnmu jxw ] jil Qil mhIAil pUirAw rivAw ivic vxw ] so pRBu iciq n AwveI ikqVw duKu gxw ] ijnI rwivAw so pRBU iqMnw Bwgu mxw ] hir drsn kMau mnu locdw nwnk ipAws mnw ] cyiq imlwey so pRBU iqs kY pwie lgw ]2]
In the month of Chet (the Spring season arrives, the blossoming of flowers everywhere brings joy to the mind), meditate on Waheguru, the Lord of the Universe, (and through the blessings of doing Simran) a deep and profound spiritual joy can arise. However, meeting with the humble Saints, the gift of chanting Waheguru's Name with our tongue is obtained. Those who have found Waheguru (through the aid of Simran) are blessed in their coming into this world, (because) those who live without Him, for even an instant - their lives are rendered useless. That Lord who is totally pervading the water, the land, and all space, He is contained in the forests as well. Those who do not remember such a Lord (i.e. Waheguru) then that person's mental anguish and suffering cannot be explained. (However,) those who enshrine that (All-prevading) God in their hearts, have great good fortune. My mind yearns for the Blessed Vision of the Lord Waheguru’s Darshan. O Nanak! My mind is so thirsty to have Your Darshan! I will touch the feet of the one who unites me with Waheguru in the month of Chet. 2
(Ang 133)

Busy Weekend - On the Go!

Last weekend was the London Sikh Societies' Akhand Paath Sahib (kindly organised by Bhenji Manmeet Kaur) at Shepard's Bush Gurdwara Sahib. So the weekend was busy, busy, busy. With Guru Sahib's Kirpaa I was fortunate to meet loads of Chardikala Sangat on the three days of the Akhand Paath Sahib. Here some photos of the Akhand Paath Sahib from Simrit Kaur's blog and R S Khalsa's blog.



Some memorable things from the Akhand Paath:

* Super-fast reading of Paath by some Paathis (when I mean "super fast", I mean "super duper fast") - definately makes you think what is happening and that instead it is better to do a Sehaj/Sadharan Paath (completion of Normal, Intermittent Reading of the Guru Granth Sahib jee)

* Very nice Keertan by Students on Saturday night (Bhaji Abinash Singh, Bhaji Maninder Singh (aka Minna Bhaji), Gursharan Kaur bhenji, Accapella Jatha and more).

* Thick star-shape and maps of India style rotis & parotay.

* Tasty birthday cake (eggless of course) to commemorate 100years of UCL Sikh Society.

* Being able to read along with the Akhand Paath on Sikhi To The Max (but after ten minutes of staring at the projector screen my eyes went blurry!)

* Realizing there is no warm or luke-warm water to have ishnaan, and instead having to warm some water in a pateela to have ishnaan (reminded me of India).

* Finding out that even Singhs keep dogs as pets.

* Having oppurtunity to do Guru jee's sewa.

* Beautifully sung Aasa Di Vaar keertan on Sunday morning.

* Most of all it was great to see Students taking part in the Gurdwara and doing sewa from their heart. Again I would like to thank Bhenji Manmeet Kaur and also Bhenji Simrit Kaur for their tireless sewa. May Guru jee bless Gursikhi jeevan, Naam di daat and Charan-Kamalaa da Pyaar to all those who helped out and everyone else.


On Sunday evening I went to do the show on radio. Waheguru! It was bit of a nightmare for me because I had to do all the controls as the bhaji who usually does it was away on holiday. I accidentally played the news a minute or so early and instead of the news, a live football match came on (don't know much about football but apparently it was the Liverpool match). Deary me! Thankfully help came along and the news was played!


Then yesterday morning I went to Hounslow Singh Sabha Gurdwara to see Princes Charles. I was surprised that most of the people there had their beards tied up and gelled, wearing coat pent kameej. Shame that there weren't enough people wearing BaaNaa and Kurtaa Pyjaamaa. When Charles walked pass Ravjeet Singh and me, he smiled and said: "At least you two are dressed properly." lol. He is a funny guy and seems very down to earth.

Bhai Sahib Uptej Singh (Teji) with his students did a Gatka demonstration. It was pretty funny, bechaari Camilla jee (if you didn't know that's Prince Charle's wife) got really scared of the Kirpaanaa being swung around. By the time Bhai Sahib got to the part where he was going to cut a water-melon placed on a Singh's stomach while being blind folded, poor Camilla looked shaken up. First of all she started looking down, then started to sweat, then she tried to (unsuccessfully) push her chair back. Eventually bechaari (poor lady) covered her face. Waheguru!


Photos of Camilla and Charles watching Gatka.


Picture of Bhai Sahib Uptej Singh (Teji).