"Such a Guru is found by great good fortune who places the one who strays back on the Path."
(Ang 803)
Continuing the series of interesting and inspiring pictures of people who have gone back to Sikhi. Gurmukh Pyaare from Bradford in Yorkshire (England):
O Kabeer! What good would it be, to be a pebble? It would only hurt the traveller on the path.
Your slave, O Lord, is like the dust of the earth. ||147||
O Kabeer! What then, if one could become dust? It is blown up by the wind, and sticks to the body.
The humble servant of the Lord should be like water, which cleans everything. ||148||
Mata Gurjeet Kaur jee first appeared on the BBC news website with the story of how her family were killed by the Panjab Police. She also featured on the Sikh Channel adverts to raise awareness of how people today are suffering from the human rights abuses committed against them by the State since 1984 onwards.
Mata jee was arrested in 1988 and spent two years in prison;
one year at Nabha Jail and two years at Sangrur Jail. Upon her release,
she was then arrested again in 1990 in Ferozepur and spent nine months
and seven days in prison. During her ordeal in prison, she was subjected to third degree torture. This was not the end of her suffering. Mata jee's husband, 4
sons and her daughter were killed by the police, within the year of her
release.
Mata jee is now 65 years old and has one remaining daughter;
Bibi Sharanjeet Kaur. Bibi Sharanjeet Kaur was 13 years old during the
time of the massacre; she is now 33 years old and married. Even till this day, the mother and daughter are still being harassed
by the police. Mata Gurjeet Kaur jee lost her home, her land and her family;
she is now living alone, in a small room in her local Gurdwara. Before receiving help from SOPW Mata jee never had enough money to buy soap and had to ask the Gurdwara if she could have some soap and ate Langar to keep alive. Due to the horrendous conditions Mata jee lived and survived
through during her time in prison; she continues to suffer in
continuous anguish as well as physical misery. SOPW are currently given Mata jee a monthly pension to help her with her medical care and daily living.
I visited Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar in June. It was Sangrand and there were lots of Sangat coming have darshan (glimpse of) of Guru jee. It took hours standing the long queue from near Sri Akal Takht Sahib to go to Sri Darbaar Sahib. It was so hot and the sun was scorching! They had fans on but because there were so many people it was so stuffy standing in the queue. One girl from abroad even became sick and vomited in the queue and another lady collapsed from heat exhaustion. Waheguru!
Whilst queuing near the entrance of Sri Darbaar Sahib, I saw Bibi Gurjeet Kaur jee humbly sweeping the floor. I kept looking at Mata jee, as I recognised her from the Sikh Channel adverts in the build up to the June 1984 remembrance march and freedom rally, and seen her on the SOPW youtube videos. Mata jee looked at me and smiled. I think she realised that I had recognised her. She stopped sweeping and came up to me and shared Guru's Fateh.
I told her that I recognised her from television and that I was from the UK. She smiled and said she would really like to sit and talk with me. I said after I do Matha Tekh I would find her (I don't know why on earth I said because there were so many people that day at Sri Harimandir Sahib!).
After doing Matha Tekh I came back outside on the Parkarma (the marble walkway surrounding the Amrit Sarowar). I told my relatives from India about Mata Gurjeet Kaur jee and how her family became Shaheed and how she lives in the Gurdwara with no home or family for support. My relatives from India were eager to meet her and say Guru's Fateh to her but she was no where to be seen.
I had to go all the way back to Sri Darbaar Sahib to find her. Waheguru! Mata jee was picking up rubbish and slowly putting them in a carrier bag. I told her my relatives wished to meet her. She slowly walked with me whilst picking up rubbish, so I joined in. Waheguru. She said, "With great fortune you get to do sevaa here. You very lucky that you have this opportunity to do this sevaa." Waheguru!
After we came outside I introduced Mata jee to my relatives. I forgot how many of how her children became Shaheed. I said, "Mata jee, did all your sons become Shaheed?" She replied, "Four sons and one daughter were all killed... however, dear son - you are also my son. All of you are my children." She smiled and repeated the lines that Guru Gobind Singh jee said to Mata Sundri Jee when she asked about the fate of her four sons. She said, "Chaar mooe taa kyaa hooaa; jeevat ke-ee hazaar" (If four died, so what; thousands shall live). She smiled and said, "Why should I be sad? I should be sad if I had no sons. But you are my son and all of you are my children. Thank you for meeting me son and showing your love." She hugged me and gave her blessings to my relatives and went back to carry on with seva. Waheguru!
Meeting Mata Gurjeet Kaur jee made me feel like I had darshan of Mata Gujjar Kaur jee and the mother of Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh jee.
Last month I stayed a few days at Bradford Wakefield Road Gurdwara. On Tuesdays they have a weekly Divaaan for children. It was impressive to see children lead the recitation of Rehraas Sahib and then young children come to the front to recite Mool Mantar, Vaheguru Simran, and Shabads they have learnt. Bhai Sahib Surjit Singh jee who stays at the Gurdwara Sahib shares a story and explains Gurmat in very simple and understandable Panjabi to the children every week. It was inspiring to see how the children were so excited to the come to the front to do Paath and how they are eager to learn about Sikhi. Waheguru.
Children reciting Rehraas Sahib
A young child, around 4 years old, leading Vaheguru Simran and recitation of Mool Mantar
"When one meets the True Guru, he becomes the philosopher's stone, with the ability to transform others, inspiring them to worship the Lord. One who worships the Lord in adoration, obtains his rewards; instructing others, he reveals the Truth."
(Ang 491)
Continuing the series of interesting and inspiring pictures of people who have gone back to Sikhi...
During the Akhand Kirtani Jatha Amritsar Vaisakhi Smaagam we visited Mata Amarjeet Kaur jee, the wife of Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee. Bhai Fauja Singh jee was an amazing Gursikh who did Gurmat Parchar seva through Gatka, camps and Keertan Vichaar with Akhand Kirtani Jatha and who was a true Saint Warrior that became a Shaheed (martyr) along with 12 other Gursikhs defending the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee in a peaceful protest against the Nakli-Nirankari anti-Sikh cult.
The last time I visited Bibi jee was in 2009, which was the first time I had ever met Bibi jee. I was surprised that after 3 years, Bibi jee remembered both my mother and I. It just showed how good her memory was! Bibi jee lives in a humble looking room near to the Nishaan Sahibs next to Sri
Akaal Takht Sahib. Her room overlooks Sri Darbaar Sahib and the Amrit Sarovar.
For some time now Bibi jee has not been well. She told us that someone who claimed to be a doctor came to see her and injected her with an injection. Since then she has struggled to walk. She told us that she knew when he came that he was a wrong person and was working for the RSS but she couldn't do anything about it. Waheguru. Despite this she always remains in high spirits.
With Guru jee's Grace, Bibi jee runs an orphanage for children of all backgrounds and she pays for their education. During our visit, she had 3 girls from the orphanage staying with her and helping out. The children were so well behaved and well mannered. It is a credit to Bibi jee and the sevadaars of the orphanage.
It was amazing listening to the stories and vichaar of Bibi Amarjeet Kaur jee. We sat with her for about an hour and a half hearing stories of Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee and her personal account of what happened in June 1984 at Sri Harimandir Sahib. Bibi jee narrated the follow up to the 1984 attack on Sri Harimandir, the attack itself, the Shaheedi and cremation of Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranwale and her getting arrested and put in prison along with other Sangat and Sikh political leaders. The accounts were very insightful and found out things which I didn't know.
After meeting Bibi jee we visited Bhai Sahib Bhai Jeevan Singh jee. As always it is humbling to have darshan of such a spiritual Gursikh whose presence alone is awe-inspiring.
Did you have a great time learning about Sikhi at
Khalsa camp 2012??? Well don't let it stop there!!!! Come to the SIKHING
INSPIRATION CLASS.............
Are you an Adult or teenager with
questions about Sikhi or life in general? Then come along to the
'Sikhing Inspiration' class taken by knowledgeable Gursikhs BHAI MANVIR
SINGH, BHAI VIJAY SINGH and BHAI RAJINDER SINGH
WHEN?
Gurdwara Singh Sabha Bradford, Every 2 weeks starting Sunday 9th September 1pm-2.30pm.
WHO?Open to all, males and females alike
WHAT?Separate womens discussions, Q&A, Discussions, Practical Workshops, Guest speakers, Kaurs Corner & much more.
Confirm your attendance to this event & Check out the Poster below for more information! www.facebook.com/singhsabha
Below are the Gurdwara
programmes for the month of July 2012. Every month there will be different
speakers and kirtanis. Please attend these specially organised programmes and
ask your family and friends to also attend.
Sri Akhand
Paath Sahib: Friday 31st August
to Sunday 2nd September
Marking the first Parkaash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Shaheedi Divas' of Shaheed Bhai Anokh Singh Ji Babbar and Shaheed Bhai Dilawar Singh Babbar
Sunday 19th August 10.45am to 12pm Keertan & Talk by Bhai Navreet Singh (Coventry)
Young UK born Parchaarik who travels across the
country spreading the Guru’s message. Despite being born in the UK Bhai Sahib lives
and works in full Baanaa and keeps Khalsa Rehit. He is on the forefront of the
Satkaar campaign in the UK which aims to raise awareness of respecting Gurbani.
Sunday 26th August, 10.45am to 12pm
Keertan by Bhai Baljinder Singh Khalsa & Jatha (Leamington Spa)
Bhai Sahib is UK born professional Gursikh who lives
and works in Leamington. Bhai Sahib is part of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy which
teaches Sikh classical music in an attempt to preserve Sikh musical heritage.
Their Jatha does Keertan and Simran programmes up and down the country.
Sunday 2nd September, 10.45am to 12pm
Keertan by Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK The Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) is dedicated to the Sikh lifestyle.They enjoy an active style of Keertan recited by
Sikhs in a collective manner in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.
This style of Keertan is relatively simple, and the entire congregation
devotionally participates in singing along. The Jatha charge no money for doing Keertan and have inspired countless people to take Amrit and join the Khalsa Panth.
Address:
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Banbury
43 West Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire, OX16 3HA
Tel: 01295 265400
On Saturday 21st July and Sunday 22nd July, Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bradford held a weekend family camp under the banner of 'Sikh Unity Camp'. The inspiration behind organising the camp was Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and his call for unity of Sikhs under the Kesri Nishaan Sahib and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Both myself and Bhai Vijay Singh felt that this camp was one of the most enjoyable Gurdwara based weekend camps we have been to. The camp atmosphere was packed of energy, the organisation was done brilliantly and the children behaved exemplary.
There were five zones in the camp in which campers rotated in. The zones were: History Zone, Spiritual Zone, Open Zone, Inspiration Zone and Warrior Zone. Bhai Sahib Bhai Surjit Singh did classes for parents and adults in the main Darbaar Sahib. In the History Zone Bhai Jatinder Singh (Bradford) and another Veer Jee went through Sikh history from 1947 to the present day, summarising key events which impacted on the Sikh nation. In the Spiritual Zone, Bibi Angad Kaur Khalsa (London) and Bibi Sangeet Kaur (Leeds) did relaxation exercises (yoga), Simran and chanting of Gurbani. In the Open Zone, Bhai Vijay Singh (Luton) did an open questions and answers session. In the Inspiration Zone, Daas, Bhenji Kiran Kaur and Bhenji Bulbinder Kaur looked at the power of Mool Mantar and how Gurbani can change people's lives and a reflection on Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana's Sikhi message.
Below are some photos and videos of the camp:
Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bradford
Keertan
Ardaas
Hukamnama
Langar sewadaars
Langar
Nursery creche
Children doing Simran
Inspiration Zone
Warrior Zone
Spiritual Zone
Warrior Zone
Open Zone
Open Zone
Inspiration Zone
Parents Class
Children were given recognition for their contribution in the camp and were given opportunity to say why they enjoyed the camp
Group photo of children who wore a Dastaar at the camp.
Gurdwara Baba Attal Sahib is situated to the south of Sri Harimandir Sahib and close to the accommodation buildings for pilgrims. The Gurdwara Sahib has nine floors and is the tallest building in Amritsar. The Gurdwara Sahib was made in memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib jee's son, Baba Attal Rai jee.
At the age of nine, Baba jee brought his close friend Mohan, son of a widow, back to life after his sudden death. In accordance you cannot alter with Waheguru's Hukam, so Guru Hargobind Sahib jee was not pleased with his son performing such a miracle. It is said that Baba Attal Rai jee told his father that he would lay down his own life for breaking the law of nature by reviving his friend from the dead. So he went into a meditative trance and soon breathed his last. Although he died at the age of nine, he was honoured with the title of Baba, a grand old man, for the extraordinary powers he had displayed. The present nine-storey building represents the nine years of Baba Atal's life.
There are many murals on the walls of the Gurdwara Sahib, however many of these have been damaged beyond recognition and at present only 42 panels survive. A large series of paintings unfold, stage by stage, the life of Guru Nanak Dev jee. Another series represents Sikh martyrs, including the four Sahibzaade (princes) of Guru Gobind Singh jee, who laid down their lives for the cause of their faith.
Large panels illustrate scenes from the life of Baba Atal and Guru Nanak; and the various stages of the battle of Muketsar. Some historians date the murals to the early nineteenth century, and some suggest even later.
Below are photographs showing how poorly Sikh heritage buildings are being maintained:
It was very disheartening to see the condition of certain buildings in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex.
Whilst queuing near the entrance of Sri Darbaar Sahib, I saw Bibi Gurjeet Kaur jee humbly sweeping the floor. I kept looking at Mata jee, as I recognised her from the Sikh Channel adverts in the build up to the June 1984 remembrance march and freedom rally, and seen her on the SOPW youtube videos. Mata jee looked at me and smiled. I think she realised that I had recognised her. She stopped sweeping and came up to me and shared Guru's Fateh. 
Sunday 19th August
Sunday 2nd September, 
