Something a Christian told a Sikh...

I received an email from Bhaji Mehtab Singh, which I felt like sharing with everyone. The article is of what a Christian pastor said to a Sikh gentleman in London that was published by the Sikh Missionary College Ludhiana. It's a strong email, which some may think is difficult to read. It presents a painful reality, however it also reflects the glory of Sikhi.

O Sikhs ! do what ever you like, your Guru shall never feel happy with you. I have read your history. I have also read translation of your Gurbani what ever I could lay my hands on. I have read much about your religion; as much as you perhaps have not yourself. l am telling you the truth, we spread our religion in the entire world on the strength of one Jesus Christ having been put on the cross. But your history is replete with thousands Christs. Which other religion of the world can claim to have its leaders martyred through torture of being boiled in hot water? Or made to sit on hot plates? Which lover of a religion had his joints cut one by one, and even sawed into two? The followers of which religion had raised their voice and arms to fight injustice, tyranny and oppression by forming small bands of fighters with virtually coffin on their heads? Is there any religion in the world whose leader had his two young ones burried alive in the walls?

What a God’s wrath! Only five hundred years old history and that too written in blood ! And imagine when Gurbani professes love and service of humanity and fellow beings, you sing the songs of love and do not shirk raising arms against cruelty and oppression. What a strange religion it is that to establish justice you don’t even hesitate to lay down your life. You have hidden such an unparalleled and not to be found history in just 20 million hearts. Perhaps even less because I am sure the modern educated Sikhs do not even narrate these episodes to their children. And less informed rural elders may be inadvertently adding falsehood in it. The chasm between belief and blind faith is very wide.

O friend, belief demands a ray of knowledge. Outside knowledge is only blind faith, doubts and superstitions and it keeps getting adulterated. What have you done to check and arrest it ? We have distributed millions of copies of Bible free of cost or have charged very nominal cost. I have heard that SGPC, the governing and administrative body of your Gurudawaras has annual income running into many millions. You should use some money to translate Gurbani in various languages and distribute it. Translate your Sikh history in many languages and distribute its copies free to the world for others to know and realise what you are. Haven’t we printed Bible in all Indian languages including Punjabi ? I have heard that you people have not even reached your Sikh history in every house of your community. How ungrateful are you towads your Gurus and your martyrs ! An ungrateful person has no place other than hell. All you Sikhs will go to hell. O wretched people ! I worry that you will even make hell over crowded.

Source: Sikh Missionary College (Ludhiana)

New Month Begins!

Today is the first day of the month of BHAADO in the Sikh Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Jee has given us a HUKAM (Order) for the beginning of each month, which is recorded in "BARAAH-MAAHAA". As mentioned in previous posts, Sikhs don't "celebrate" the first day of the month (known as SANGRAAND) nor do Sikhs see it as a "more special day" compared to other days. Instead Guru Sahib has given us a Hukam which relates with the season and month and is intended to REMIND the soul-bride that she is SEPARATED from the Lord Waheguru and that she should make every EFFORT to unite and attach herself to the Lord Waheguru. So each month Guru Sahib reminds us of re-uniting with Waheguru.


Hukam for the month of Bhaadon (August 16th - September 15th):

ਭਾਦੁਇ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਣੀਆ ਦੂਜੈ ਲਗਾ ਹੇਤੁ ॥
ਲਖ ਸੀਗਾਰ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੇਤੁ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਦਿਨਿ ਦੇਹ ਬਿਨਸਸੀ ਤਿਤੁ ਵੇਲੈ ਕਹਸਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਤੁ ॥
ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਇਨਿ ਦੂਤ ਜਮ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਦੇਨੀ ਭੇਤੁ ॥
ਛਡਿ ਖੜੋਤੇ ਖਿਨੈ ਮਾਹਿ ਜਿਨ ਸਿਉ ਲਗਾ ਹੇਤੁ ॥
ਹਥ ਮਰੋੜੈ ਤਨੁ ਕਪੇ ਸਿਆਹਹੁ ਹੋਆ ਸੇਤੁ ॥
ਜੇਹਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੈ ਕਰਮਾ ਸੰਦੜਾ ਖੇਤੁ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਚਰਣ ਬੋਹਿਥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਦੇਤੁ ॥
ਸੇ ਭਾਦੁਇ ਨਰਕਿ ਨ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਰਖਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੇਤੁ ॥੭॥

In the month of Bhaadon, the soul-bride who has love for other things without love for Waheguru is is deluded by doubt because of her attachment to duality. She may wear thousands of ornaments, but they are of no use at all (for her).

On that day when the body perishes (when a person dies) - at that time, (all the relatives and relations will say) she has become a ghost. The Messenger of Death seizes (the soul) and holds her, and does not tell anyone his secret (of where he is taking the soul). Those with whom you have loved (lots) - in an instant, they move on, leaving one's side.

(Seeing Death, the human) shakes her hands, her body writhes in pain, and (becoming shaken up) her colour turns from black to white. This body is the field of our karma - as one plants, so does one harvest (as you sow, you shall reap).

O Nanak! Those for whom the Guru is their love and their Protector and Saviour, in Bhaadon, shall not fall into hell, (because with the Guru's Grace) those people seek Waheguru's Sanctuary; and the Guru gives them the Boat of Waheguru's Feet (to climb on) ||7||
(Ang 134)

Nice Poem

I ASKED FOR STRENGTH
Author: Unknown

I asked for Strength...
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom...
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity...
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage...
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love...
And God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors...
and God gave me Opportunities.

I got nothing I wanted...
But I received everything I needed.

---

Mata Gujjar Kaur jee

Last Sunday after the SMS camp my family and I went to see some relatives. One of the relatives we met was an elderly Bibi jee, who is my Tayee jee's Bhua jee. Every time I see her I just think "Waheguru! I can see Mata Gujjar Kaur Jee (the mother of Guru Gobind Singh jee and grandmother of the Sahibzaadey)". She is very old (eighty years old or so) and now looking frail. She speaks so sweetly and gives Pyaar to everyone. She is very religious and talks only about religious things.

Bibi jee told me that from a young age her mother taught them Japji Sahib. Going to school, cooking, playing and walking she would recite Japji Sahib. Now she thanks her mother for giving her these blessings. She said that she is old and frail now but with Guru's Kirpaa still tries to keep Rehat (discipline) and in the morning does 5 Nitnem Banian, then Shabad Hazaare, Dukh Bhanjan Shabads followed by Sukhmani Sahib. Then everyday she would go to the Gurdwara Sahib. Very inspiring!

 

Mata jee said to me, "Guru jee says "rehit piyaaree mujh ko, sikh piyaaraa naahi" (meaning: "I love a Sikh's discipline/ way of life rather than a Sikh.") We should try our utmost to earn the Guru's words and keep rehit." I felt moved by her bairaag and how she said "We make countless mistakes and due to my ill-health I sometimes am not able to keep my regular Rehit and routine... May Guru Sahib forgive me, forgive me." All I could think was "Dhan Guru! Dhan Guru Piyaare." So much pyaar and dedication. Despite her old age, Mata jee has a cold bath everyday. Waheguru!

I felt privileged and thankful to Waheguru for gracing me with the darshan of such a blessed soul who holds so much love, fear and dedication for Guru Sahib. When she spoke, I just imagined Mata Gujri Kaur jee sitting with me and talking.

What do the different Raags in Gurbaani mean?

You are the Gurdwara Sahib listening to Paath or a Hukamnama and you hear "DHANAASREE MEHLAA 5... " or "AASA MEHLAA 1..." followed by a shabad. What does this mean? Well, Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is the Eternal Guru within which the Light and soul of Guru Nanak Sahib jee resides. If we wish to talk Guru Nanak Sahib jee then Guru jee is residing in the Divine Infinite Wisdom, the SHABAD. Just as a person talks with emotions and moods, Guru Jee also talks to us with particular MOODS and EMOTIONS attached to shabads, which are indicated by RAAGS (musical measures).

There are 31 main raags within the Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. However, these raags are frequently combined with additional raags making Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee a treasury of sophisticated poetry and music. The wide range of musical measures (which communicate various moods and themes) within Gurbaani re-emphasises that Gurbaani (the Infinite Divine Wisdom) and its message is intended for PEOPLE OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE.


Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee singing Gurbaani on the Sarandaa (an instrument created by Guru Sahib)


Information on 31 Raags in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee

Panna	Raag	Common Themes	Feelings communicated
1-13	~	~	~
14-93	Sri	Maya (illusionary world) and detachment	Satisfaction and balance
94-150	Maajh	Yearning to merge with Lord, giving up of negative values.	Loss, beautification
151-346	Gauri	Principles, serious, thoughtfulness, composed	Seriousness
347-388	Aasa	Hope	Making effort
489-526	Goojri	Prayer (Pooja)	Satisfaction, softness of heart, sadness
527-536	Devgandaari	Merging with spouse, self – realization	No specific feeling but the Raag has a softness
537-556	Bihaagra	Yearning due to separation of soul and happiness due to meeting the Lord.	Beautification
557-594	Vadhans	Bhakti (Prayer) Ras
595-599	Sorath	Merits of God	Motivation
660-695	Dhanaasari	Mixed theme	Inspiration, motivation
696-710	Jaitsree	Stability	Softness, satisfaction, sadness
711-718	Todee	Maya, separation	This being a flexible Raag it is apt for communicating many feelings
719-720	Bairaari	Motivation to sing praises of Lord	Sadness, (Gurus have, however, used it for the message of Bhakti)
721-727	Tilang	Many words from the vocabulary of Islamic origins are used, sadness, beautification.	This is a favourite Raag of Muslims. It denotes feeling of beautification and yearning.
728-794	Soohi	Being away from home. The soul being away from the House of Lord and the joy of meeting the true husband.	Joy and separation
795-858	Bilaaval	Beautification of soul, happiness.	Happiness
859-875	Gaund	Separation, union, surprise.	Strangeness, surprise, beauty
876-974	Raamkali	to give up the life of a wandering Yogi	Calmness
975-983	Nat Narayan	Joy of meeting the Lord	Happiness
984-1987	Maali Gaura	Happiness	Happiness
989-1106	Maaru	Bravery	Giving up of cowardice
1107-1117	Tukhari	Separation and union with Lord	Beautification
1118-1124	Kedara	Love	Love and beautification
1125-1167	Bhairau	Man's state of hell	Seriousness, brings stability of mind
1168-1196	Basant	Happiness	Happiness
1197-1253	Saarang	Thirst to meet God	Sadness
1254-1293	Malaar	State of separated and united soul	Separation
1294-1218	Kaanra	Bhakti (Devotion/Prayer)	Bhakti (devotion) and seriousness
1319-1326	Kalyaan	Bhakti (Devotion/Prayer) Ras	Bhakti Ras (feeling the sweet nectar from loving devotion to the Lord)
1327-1351	Parbhati	Vairaag (Detachment)	Bhakti and seriousness
1352-1356	Jaijawanti	Vairaag (Detachment)	Viraag (Detachment)
1357-1430	~	~	~

Source: Prof. Surinder Singh (Raj Academy)

SMS Camp 2006

Sunday 31st July to Sunday 6th August was the 29th ANNUAL GURMAT CAMP held by the SIKH MISSIONARY SOCIETY (Southall) in Leicester. The SMS camps are always ENJOYABLE. The age group was from 9 - 15 years old. The majority of campers were from SOUTHALL and a large group came from BRISTOL, however there were campers from different parts of UK.

The timetable was that at 7am there was NISHAAN SAHIB SALAAMI (flag ceremony) and singing Deh Shiva shabad, followed by EXERCISES. Then at 7.30am the morning diwaan begins with JAPJI SAHIB, Ardaas and Hukamnama with explanation in English. After breakfast the first WORKSHOP or TALK would start. There would be two talks/workshops a day. In the afternoon after lunch there would be GAMES in the nearby park. In the evening there would be REHRAAS SAHIB and Ardaas and after Langar there would be the EVENING DIWAAN, finishing the day off with keertan. The guest speakers through the week were Bhai Roop Singh jee (Leeds), Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains jee (Canada) and Bhaji Kuljit Singh jee (Leicester).

The THEME SHABAD for the camp, which was sung throughout the camp and had got enshrined within the minds of the campers, was:

ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਉ ਸਾਸਿ ਸਾਸਿ ॥
tis gur kau simrau saas saas.
I remember the Guru with each and every breath.

ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੀ ਰਾਸਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
gur mere praaN satgur meree raas. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
The Guru is my breath of life, the True Guru is my wealth. ||1||Pause||

ਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਦੇਖਿ ਜੀਵਾ ॥
gur kaa darshan dekh dekh jeevaa.
Beholding the Blessed Vision of the Guru's Darshan, I live.

ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਧੋਇ ਧੋਇ ਪੀਵਾ ॥੧॥
gur ke charan Dho-e Dho-e peevaa. ||1||
I wash the Guru's Feet, and drink in this water. ||1||
(Ang 239)

Here are some photos:


Morning Japji Sahib.


Campers doing keertan.


Uncle Surinder Singh jee (Secretary of SMS) and Dr. Raghbir Singh from Canada.


Campers doing seva.


Games in the Park.



Bhai Roop Singh jee talking to campers.


On one day the film 'Rise of the Khalsa', about the jeevan (life) of Shaheed Baba Banda Singh jee Bahaadar, was shown to the campers.


On the Thursday everyone went to Alton Towers.


Campers participating in the essay writing competition. It reminded me of my GCSE exams!


On Saturday morning a Bhai Sahib from Southall who teaches Kung Fu came to the camp and taught some basic moves and discipline to the campers.


My group's photo.


On the last night of the camp the camp sevadaars did a short drama for the campers. The play was about Pakhandi Babas and how we should only have faith in Waheguru and Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, the Spoken Word of God.

Sikhi Camp Photos

For the past two weeks Daas has been at BOSS SIKHI CAMP, which was held in NORTH WALES, and then at the SIKH MISSIONARY SOCIETY GURMAT CAMP, which was held at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara Sahib in LEICESTER. Both camps were chardi kalaa and provided a great opportunity to have GREAT SANGAT and be in the company of Guru Sahib.

This year's Boss Sikhi Camp theme was "THE JOURNEY... BIRTH... LIFE... DEATH... ?" It also celebrated 400 years of Guru Arjan Dev jee's SHAHEEDI DIWAS (martyrdom) as well as a number of other historical milestones. In the mornings there would be Amrit-vela Simran and Nitnem, then Aasa Di Vaar keertan, Japji Sahib and explanation of the morning Hukamnaama. After breakfast there would be a talk followed by groups discussions. In the afternoon there would be activities organised by the Army, which included Hiking, water sports, abseiling, and more. In the evening there would be Rehraas Sahib, keertan, explanation of the evening Hukamnama, and Sukhaasan.

The talks were on BIRTH, AMRIT, MARRIAGE and DEATH. There guest speakers at the camp were from abroad. One was Bhai Jarnail Singh, also known as Martin Singh, who is white Canadian Sikh who is President of the Martime Sikh Society and is active in his Sikh community in Nova Scotia in Canada (Read more about him here). The other one was a Bhai Sahib from Toronto who is a white Sikh who has his own television and radio show. Both speakers very inspiring. Also a Jatha (group) of Singhs from Sri Hazoor Sahib were at the camp and did really nice keertan and kaveeshree (poetry singing).

Here are some photos:


Guru Sahib's Pavitar Saroop being carried to the Darbaar Sahib


Guru Jee's Darbaar


Keertan in evening


On the last evening of the camp one of the activities instructors from the Outdoor Leisure Centre who helped with the activities spoke to the Sangat and shared what she had learnt about Sikhi. Everyone was impressed with her enthusiasm, love and respect for Sikhi and Sikh people.


Below are some photos from a Hiking trip in the Welsh countryside:







Dhadi Master jee


Group photo of a few people from our Dorm


On the coach journey to Wales and back to Southall the Sangat did Simran and shabad keertan:

Bhenji doing simran


Mandeep Singh bhaji doing simran


Bhaji Jagpreet Singh doing mind blowing keertan! He had an angelic voice.

Dhan Guru HarKrishan Sahib jee!!

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕਿ੍ਰਸ਼ਨ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਜਿਸ ਡਿਠੈ ਸਭਿ ਦੁਖ ਜਾਇ ॥
sree harkrishan Dhiaaee-ai jis dithai sabh dukh jaae.
Think of the holy Harkrishan, whose sight dispels all sorrows.
(Ardaas/ Guru Gobind Singh jee)

Sariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee Hove on today's Gurpurb. Today is the 350th Parkaash Diwas (Birth Day) of GURU HARKRISHAN SAHIB JI, the 8th Jyot (Light) of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji.
 

A GILMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU HARKRISHAN SAHIB JEE


Very Young Age
Guru HarKrishan Sahib jee was born on July 23rd in 1656 at Kiratpur Sahib, Panjab. He was the second son of the Seventh Nanak, Guru Har Rai Sahib jee, and Mata Krishan Kaur jee. Guru Sahib was fondly called "Baal Guru" as Guru jee became Guru at a young age of just over 5 years old. This showed the world that age does not determine wisdom and power to bring age to the world.


Small Pox Clinics
When Guru HarKrishan Sahib jee came to Delhi the city was then in the grip of an epidemic of smallpox. Guru Sahib went all over the the city even in narrow lanes. He gave succour to all in anguish without any discrimination whatsoever. His very presence and the Divine Look would rid the patients of their sufferings. He also opened clinics across Delhi offering medical treatment to the citizens of city.


Aurangzeb's Call to Delhi
Guru Sahib refused the invitation of Aurangzeb. The issue of smallpox was more important for Guru jee as Aurangzeb had not specified why he had invited Guru Sahib.


Breaking the Brahmans Pride
On the way to Delhi Guru Sahib stopped off at the village of Panjokhara near Ambala. But before leaving this place Guru Harkrishan Sahib jee showed the great powers which were bestowed upon him by the Almighty Waheguru. Pandit Lal Chand, a learned scholar of Hindu literature questioned Guru Sahib about the meanings of Gita. Then Guru Sahib called a water-carrier named Chhaju Ram, and with the Guru's grace, this unlettered man was able to expound the philosophy of the Gita. When Pandit Lal Chand listened the scholarly answer from Chhaju, he bent his head in shame and besought the forgiveness of Guru Sahib. Pandit Lal Chand became the Sikh and escorted the Guru Sahib up to Kurukashatra. Guru Sahib showed that even the Shudra (those considered 'low-caste') know everything and that the Guru can shower his Grace upon anyone.


Baba Bakala - Sikh Nation is Built
Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee manifested the virtue of making consultative decisions with the Sikhs. However, during the physical passing away of Guru HarKrishan Sahib jee, it was the first time the Sikhs got to find the Guru. The eight generation Sikhs were put to the challenge whether or not they could recognise their Guru. Before breathing the last breaths, Guru HarKrishan Sahib jee said that the next Guru is "Baba Bakala", meaning the Ninth Nanak is residing in the village Bakala (in Amritsar). Opportunist parasites took advantage of this.

ਗਜ ਸਾਢੇ ਤੈ ਤੈ ਧੋਤੀਆ ਤਿਹਰੇ ਪਾਇਨਿ ਤਗ ॥
gaj saadhe tai tai Dhotee-aa tihre paa-in tag.
They wear loin cloths, three and a half yards long, and triple-wound sacred threads.

ਗਲੀ ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾ ਜਪਮਾਲੀਆ ਲੋਟੇ ਹਥਿ ਨਿਬਗ ॥
galee jinHaa japmaalee-aa lotte hath nibag.
They have rosaries around their necks, and they carry glittering jugs in their hands.

ਓਇ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਸੰਤ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਹਿ ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ ॥੧॥
o-e har ke sant na aakhee-ahi baanaaras ke thag. ||1||
They are not called Saints of the Lord - they are thugs of Banaras. ||1||
(Ang 476)

22 imposters posed as the successors of Guru Sahib. However, Makhan Shah Labhana recognised the True Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib jee. As Sikhs we learn from this that can we recongise who our Guru is in today's world?

Summary
Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru HarKrishan Sahib jee's life, that word be "CLARITY." Guru Sahib jee was clear in his response to the egotistical Brahman and to the Emperor. He also showed leadership skills a such a young age, providing clarity for the followers.

Visit to Norway (Part 2)

Continued...


On Monday 17th July, the Gurdwara Sahib organised a trip to a "Fishing and Hunting Museum" (which showed old Norwegian history) for all the elders and children participating in the camp. It was an unforgetable trip! :)


Afterwards everyone went outside to the Museum's park. It had a few rides and beauitful scenary. It was good to see kids enjoying themselves. In this photo we are sitting on the see-saw. The Gurdwara Raagi Jatha also came on the trip. They joined in the fun.


In the park, the aunty jee's and youngsters prepared sandwiches and we all had lunch.


This Mata jee was participated in the camp. She was so chaRdi kalaa. Every time we saw her we got so much energy from her. She was always happy and smiling and vibrated positive vibrations. In this photo Mata jee is enjoying the swings in the park.


After lunch all the young campers were divided into groups and we prepared small sketches/dramas on issues relating to Sikh children. We had about 15 minutes to prepared and then we presented it on a stage in the park. Some of the dramas were very very good!


When we got back to the Gurdwara in the evening, the children performed their drama sketches again for their parents to see. I was surprised that the children were confident and didn't get shy. The parents were pleased and everyone enjoyed the dramas.


On the last day of the camp a Darbaar Sahib workshop was held for the the under 10's age group. They were very excited to see Guru Sahib and understand more about the maryada (conduct) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


The last day Diwaan with all Sangat, children and parents, participating in singing the theme shabad.


Special Thanks

During our stay the Sangat gave us a lot of pyaar and satkaar. The sangat were chaRdi kalaa. The house where we stayed, the aunty and uncle jee were so nice. May Guru Sahib bless them with Gursikhi Jeevan and blessings of Naam.


This is a photo with Sumeet Singh bhaji. He is so chaRdi kalaa. He helped us with the camp and did loads of seva! It was great having his sangat for the week.


Also Mandeep Singh bhaji who has been living in Norway for 2 years now. He helped us to manage the under 10s. Again he was a very chaRdi kalaa Gursikh.


May Guru Sahib keep all the Norway Sangat in chaRdi kalaa and may they remain firm in their Sikhi sidq.