France Gurmat Camp 2013...

From Monday 8th July to Sunday 21st July, the annual France Gurmat Camp took place that is organised by Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Bobigny and the Chalda Vaheer Jatha (UK) which is run by Mata Balbir Kaur (UK). The camp was attended by around two-hundred and fifty or so youngsters, aged from four to eighteen years old. This year's camp was dedicated to Guru Angad Dev jee.  Over the two-week camp there were classes on mudhlee vidiya (basic knowledge), Panjabi, Gurbani, Keertan and history. Near the end of the week all the campers sit tests and are tested basic knowledge, history, keertan, Gurbani pronunciation, memorising Banian (prayers) and Bana (Khalsa uniform). On the final day of the camp all the campers are given prizes and rewards.

It is very uplifting to see the spirit and dedication of the French Sikhs. Despite the dastaar (turban) being banned from schools and some universities, there is so much pyaar for Sikhi Saroop. It was further inspiring to see several white French people at the Gurdwara who have kept their Kesh and now wish to take Amrit. May Guru Sahib to continue to bless the Sangat of France and may the youth become Gursikh role models for the whole of Europe.

Photos from the camp:

 

Bobigny Gurdwara Sahib

 Gurmat Vichaar class

 Gurbani Vichaar class with Bhai Pavitar Singh (UK)

 Gurbani Santhiyaa class with Bhai Pavitar Singh (UK)

 Local bhenji teaching the very young group keertan

 The under 5's learning Panjabi

 Child learning Panjabi alphabet

 Gurmat Vichaar class with the 9-11 group

 Elder group learning Panjabi

 Elder group learning Panjabi

 

 5-8 years old group

 The future generation of France

 Veer Jaskarn Singh Holland taking 9-11 class

 Veer Harmandeep Singh France and Bhai Pavitar Singh (UK) leading workshop on how to do Guru Jee's seva

 Mata Balbir Kaur jee tying Dastaars on children

 

Local bhenji tying dastaars on campers

 Elder group of boys learning Keertan

 Elder group of boys learning Tablaa

 Young group on stage presenting what they have learnt at the camp

Bhenji from Italy leading small group to sing a Shabad

 Bhai Gurdial Singh France leading Gurmat class

 Young children learning keertan

 Bhenji Navdeep Kaur (UK) leading keertan session with younger campers

 Future generation of France

 Elder girls' group doing keertan

 Sangat relaxing in the park

 Gurdwara Committee Vs. campers volleyball match

 Bhai Jagdev Singh France and their Singhni

 The bhenji in the blue dastaar is Russian. Bhenji tied a dastaar during the camp. There was another camper whose mother was white Russian and cannot speak Panjabi, yet the 7 year old child had memorised all of Japji Sahib.

 Sangat enjoying a nice hot summer's day in the park

 Children's games in the park

 Children's games in the park

Campers playing football

 Sikh Channel UK interviewing campers

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Khalsa Camp 2013...

Khalsa Camp 2013 Registration is now open!! Please share

www.KhalsaCamp.com

ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਭਾਈ ਮਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ - ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਦੀ ਗਾਥਾ । Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Jee - The Story of His Martyrdom

Yesterday was the Shaheedi Divas (martyrdom day) of Bhai Mani Singh jee, who was a great Gursikh. Bhai Sahib Jee first had darshan of Guru Har Rai Sahib jee, the seventh Guru, at the age of 13. He served the eighth, ninth and tenth Guru. In 1699, he received Amrit of the double-edged sword. Fifty-two members of his family became shaheed and died for Sikhi. Bhai Sahib jee was the scribe for writing Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee when Guru Gobind Singh jee dictated it from beginning to end at Sri Damdama Sahib and he was made in charge of teaching Gurbani and starts seminary schools (taksaals). Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.


Translation of Katha by Giani Amritpal Singh (Ludhiana):

Bhai Mani Singh was the Head Granthi of Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar. Mata Jeeto Ji (short for Ajeet Kaur, also known as Mata Sundri Ji), the wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji requested Bhai Mani Singh to sort out the disputes amongst the different Sikh groups, which had formed, and unite the Sikh nation as one. Bhai Mani Singh Ji planned to use Bandi Chhor Divas, Diwali, as an opportunity to unite the Khalsa together at Sri Harimandar Sahib.

Permission was sought from the Mughal authorities to allow the big gathering on Diwali. The Governor of Panjab, Zakhriya Khan accepted the plea in return of 5000 gold coins worth of tax. Bhai Mani Singh Ji accepted and sent letters out to the Sikhs across Panjab that all Sikhs will unite on Diwali day at Amritsar.

However, the Mughals were cunning and they planned to attack the Sikhs and kill all the young Sikh men when they gathered at Amritsar. With the blessings of Waheguru, an informant informed Bhai Mani Singh of the Mughal plans. Bhai Mani Singh Ji was angered at the betrayal of Zakhriya Khan. He resent letters out to the Sikhs across Panjab, telling them not to come to Amritsar on Diwali and that the gathering of all the Khalsa has been cancelled.

Bhai Mani Singh Ji refused to pay the tax for Sikh gathering at Amritsar, which was supposed to take place on Diwali day but was cancelled. On refusing to pay the 5000 gold coins worth of tax, Bhai Mani Singh Ji was arrested by the Mughal police force and brought to Lahore to the court of Zakhriya Khan. Bhai Mani Singh Ji greeted Zakhriya Khan with Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s salutation, “Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Ki Fateh" (the Khalsa is Waheguru’s, the victory is Waheguru’s).

Listening, Zakhriya Khan became enraged and said, “O Mani Singh, open your eyes and see, you are that this moment not walking in the parkarmaa of Harimandar, where you shout these slogans! You are now in Lahore, in Zakhriya Khan’s court, where the air says, “Allah is great, Allah is great”, where do you get the nerve to say your Sikh slogans?" Bhai Mani Singh said with might and power, “You haven’t met a fox today, you have today met a lion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji!”

Zakhriya Khan contained his anger and said, “O old man, you are no longer young. If you convert into my religion, then I will convert the remainder of your life into happiness and pleasure. I will give you many wives, I will give you land and will give you a throne to sit on. O Mani Singh, what is the difference, before you read Gurbaani and now can you read the Qur’an. Before you used to say ‘Waheguru’, now you can say ‘Allah is Great’. What is the difference in this?”

Bhai Mani Singh, who was an educated Sikh, said, “O Zakhriya Khan, remember, we have no anger or hatred with your religion. Our Bani says…

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੇ ਨਿਵਾਜਾ ਕੁਤਿਆ ਏਹ ਨ ਭਲੀ ਰੀਤਿ || ਕਬਹੀ ਚਲਿ ਨ ਆਇਆ ਪੰਜੇ ਵਖਤ ਮਸੀਤਿ ||੭੦|| "Fareed: O faithless dog, this is not a good way of life. You never come to the Mosque for your five daily prayers." (Ang 1381)

 ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ || ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ||੧|| "First, Allah created the Light; then, by His Creative Power, He made all mortal beings. From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad?"
(Ang 1349)

...O Zakhriya Khan, remember, in the religion we were born, in that religion, we will breathe our last breaths. You say you know the stories about the Sikhs. Do you know that Guru Nanak Ji planted the flower of Sikhi and that even a storm cannot uproot that flower? Not even a storm! It is that type of flower which does not bend down but instead breaks,” said Bhai Mani Singh Ji.

Shakespeare says: “Those who face the storm they stay, those who bend they break.”

Gurbaani says:

ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ||…
"He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle..."
(Ang 1105)

Zakhriya Khan replied to Bhai Mani Singh Ji, “Your talk is very big Mani Singh. Remember, I will give you that type of torture; I will decree that type of fatwaa, legal decree, that you will shake and tremble.

With a smile one his face, Bhai Mani Singh Ji answered back, “The land can shake, the sky can tremble, but a Sikh of Guru Nanak Ji cannot tremble or shake. Sikhi is that religion, whose fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji sat on a hot plate and faced tortures. It is that religion, that in order to keep it alive, children aged 5 and 7 years old gave up their lives but not their religion. Remember Zakhriya, I will die for my religion, but will not do what you say.”

The next day, Zakhriya Khan called the Qazi. “O Qazi, from your book of Shari’a Law, I want you declare a fatwaa (legal judgement), such a fatwaa that the whole earth and sky will tremble,” said Zakhriya Khan. The Qazi opened the Book of Shari’a and announced the fatwaa: “May this Kaafir (Infidel) be cut piece by piece, limb by limb.”

Listening, Bhai Mani Singh started to stump his foot into the ground in frustration. Zakhriya was standing by and said, “O Mani Singh, you got scared? You seemed be getting frustrated. We have only made you listen to the fatwaa, we have yet to cut you limb by limb.”

Staring into Zakhriya Khan’s eyes, Bhai Mani Singh said, “O Zakhriya Khan I am not scared. I am frustrated with my Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.” He replied, “Obviously you were going to get frustrated with your Guru! What have you got out of your Guru’s Sikhi? Having a fatwaa of being cut limb by limb. You still have time to convert to Islam.”

Bhai Mani Singh answered back, “This is not the case. I am frustrated with my Guru because when I left Amritsar, I did an Ardaas. “O King and Master, may each hair on my body be accepted for GurSikhi.” But instead why have my limbs only been accepted and not each hair on my body. What shortage (kammee) was there in my Ardaas?”

“You seem to talk lots, but remember yet you have not seen the face of the executioner. When you see him you will get frightened,” said Zakhriya Khan. The executioner arrived. In his hand is a blade. “O executioner, sharpen up your blade and I will sharpen up my mind,” said Bhai Mani Singh to the executioner. The executioner replied, “I will sharpen my blade with sand. What will you sharpen your mind with?” Bhai Mani Singh answered him, “O executioner, with the sand you are going to sharpen your blade, that sand can break because man made it. But Akaal Purakh makes the sand I am going to use. That sand is, Naam, that sand is Gurbaani. I will sharpen my mind with Naam and Gurbani.”

Now the executioner sharpens his blade with sand and Bhai Mani Singh Ji sharpened his mind with Naam. He recited Japji sahib and finishing reciting Gurbaani he roared a loud jaikaara, “Boley so nihaal! Sat sri Akaal!” With a glowing face with the power of Naam and Gurbaani, Bhai Mani Singh Ji shouted to the executioner, “Come on executioner, now me and you will talk.” A wooden block was brought forward. Bhai Mani Singh came forward saying “Waheguru Waheguru” he put forward his right hand on the wooden block.

The executioner makes his mark on Bhai Mani Singh’s fingers. Bhai Mani Singh Ji pulls away his hand. “Mani Singh, you got scared! Before you were talking so much, yet this is the first cut. You couldn’t even handle the first cut, yet we are going to cut you limb by limb, your whole body,” said Zakhriya Khan.

Bhai Mani Singh Ji replied back, “O executioner, what were your orders? You were ordered to cut me piece by piece. You have left all my fingers. Zakhriya Khan, ensure your servant doesn’t disrespect your orders and I will not disrespect my Father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Paatshaah’s orders."

Piece by piece, Bhai Mani Singh Ji’s body was cut to bits. Bhai Mani Singh Ji only recited Gurbaani, and it was what he had lived and breathed…

ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ||…
"He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle..."
(Ang 1105)

Reciting "Waheguru, Waheguru" Bhai Mani Singh Ji’s fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulder, toes, and knees were all chopped on the wooden block. There was a pool of blood. The body lay severed into pieces. No arms, no legs. “ਮੇਰਾ ਸਿਰ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਜਾਵੇ, ਪਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਸਿਦਕ ਨਾ ਜਾਵੇ || Mera Sir Jaava Taa Jaava Par Meri Sikhi Sidq naa java… If my head goes then so be it, but may I never give up my Sikh faith.”
 

We salute Bhai Mani Singh Ji.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Veer Ravjeet Singh and Bhenji Daljit Kaur's Anand Kaaraj...

On Saturday 6th July, Veer Ravjeet Singh and Bhenji Daljit Kaur got married at Chapeltown Gurdwara in Leeds. I've known Veer jee since university and he has always been active in seva and had a drive to do something for the Panth. In 2005 he took Amrit and has done seva with various organisations such as British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS), Sweet Sikhi, Sikh Seva, United Sikhs, Sikh Organisation of Prisoner Welfare (SOPW), Khalsa Camp and others. In April 2008 the Panjabis in Britain All-Parliamentary Group gave Veer jee an award for Contribution to Community in Britain for organising events, talks, camps and London Sikhi month. May Guru jee continue to bless Veer jee and also Bhenji with Panthic seva in the future as well.

The Hukamnama before the Anand Kaaraj was:

ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਚਰਨੀ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਹਾਈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
ਜਹ ਜਾਈਐ ਤਹਾ ਸੁਹੇਲੇ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਮੇਲੇ ॥੧॥...

One whom the Perfect Guru has attached to Vaheguru's feet - has obtained the Lord as their companion, their (spiritual) support, their best friend. (If one remains attached to Vaheguru's feet, then) wherever one goes, one is happy. By His Kind Mercy, God united me with Himself. ||1||...

(Ang 623)

The Hukamnama after the Anand Kaaraj was:

ਏਕੁ ਪਿਤਾ ਏਕਸ ਕੇ ਹਮ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਤੂ ਮੇਰਾ ਗੁਰ ਹਾਈ ॥
ਸੁਣਿ ਮੀਤਾ ਜੀਉ ਹਮਾਰਾ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਹੁ ਦਿਖਾਈ ॥੧॥

The One God is our father; we are the children of the One God. You are also our Guru. Listen, friends: my soul is a sacrifice, a sacrifice to You; O Lord, please reveal to me Your Blessed Vision. ||1|| 

(Ang 611)

Below is a video of the Anand Kaaraj (courtesy of Bhenji Harsimrat Kaur):

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Fake Encounters in Panjab...

A police official in Panjab admits that he has killed innocent Sikh youths in fake encounters following orders from KP Gill. The Sub-Inspector claimed before the media that he had killed 83 innocent ‘Sikhs’ during early 1990s. Surjit Singh who was deployed as a constable in 1990 after he completed his training revealed before the media how he was asked by senior police officers to kill a Sikh youth who was in police custody. He was soon promoted to the rank of SHO police station Mehta for obediently complying with the orders.

While speaking in Panjabi, the Sub-Inspector said, “I was a constable, promoted to SHO. What was the reason?" He disclosed how the likes of KPS Gill directed him to carry out fake encounters and he was rewarded with promotions. Since Surjit Singh became a whistle blower he has been suspended by Tarn Taran police and now claims his life is in danger.  He gave details of another police inspector who had committed suicide three years ago under the same circumstances.  He also quoted another case of Police Inspector Jagir Singh who had committed suicide last week.

Surjit told the press that he was threatened and told to find “Khalra” and others who too had tried to expose the Punjab Police.  Surjit alleged that he had at one time made up his mind to commit suicide as he was being mistreated by the Police.  It should be noted that at one time, this same police officer was given a high rank for carrying out mass murders of the Sikhs.

The SI claimed before media that he had killed 83 innocent ‘Sikhs’ during early 1990s. - See more at: http://www.punjabnewsline.com/news/punjab-police-si-claims-83-fake-encounters-during-insurgency/82009#sthash.rMuAy7rT.dpuf

Evil Tyrant: KP Gill leading fake encounters campaign in Panjab in early to mid 1990s

Staged fake encounters of young Sikh men by Panjab Police under the leadership of KP Gill

Staged fake encounters of young Sikh men by Panjab Police

Dr. Subramanian Swami speaks on June 1984 and Sant Bhindranwale Jee...

In an open interview that is going to shatter misconceptions, Dr. Subramanian Swami, who spent several days with Sant Bhindranwale inside the Darbar Sahib complex in 1984, talks in details about Shaheed Sant Bhindranwale's personality and his mission. He also reveals some crucial facts about the whole operation which, according to him, was carried out by the Indian Government on the behest of the communist USSR in order to halt the moral upliftment of the people of Punjab that Shaheed Sant Bhindranwale was engaged in during early 1980s. 

Help Sikh Secondary School in Slough...

Community message forward:

As you may be aware we recently launched our Petition to "Keep Khalsa Secondary Academy at Pioneer House".

Unfortunately we have had very few people complete the online petition which is available via:

www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/khalsaschool

We desperately need a lot more signatures online.

About the Petition 

This petition has been set up to support the long-term future of Khalsa Secondary Academy, the Free School proposal being brought forward by the Slough Sikh Education Trust in Stoke Poges, South Bucks.

Pioneer House, the preferred site for the school, has been secured for one academic year under permitted development rights recently introduced by the Government.

However, we believe that Pioneer House is the ideal permanent site for the outstanding new secondary school that we want to deliver.  We need your support to secure the long-term future of the site and urge you to sign our “Keep Khalsa Secondary Academy at Pioneer House” petition.

Our aim for Khalsa Secondary Academy is to provide a high-quality education for our students within a supportive, structured and progressive learning environment.  By providing a disciplined and faith-inspired culture from the classroom to the sports field, Khalsa Secondary Academy will create a distinctive ethos that encourages students and staff to achieve more and to realise their full potential.  Our ambition is to be the best non-selective school in South Bucks within five years.

Pioneer House provides the best possible site for us to achieve this vision.

10 reasons to sign

1. Khalsa Secondary Academy will provide excellence in education for children of all faiths and none, and can improve the prospects of young people in Slough and South Bucks


2. The existing Khalsa Primary School has an incredibly successful record – it is rated Ofsted “Outstanding” – and this can be repeated in Stoke Poges if a long-term future there can be guaranteed


3. The Pioneer House site is less than three miles from Khalsa Primary School and there is an identified shortage of overall secondary school places in the area.  There is very strong demand for the school to open at this site.


4. Pioneer House is an existing building ready for conversion and can provide a much-needed new school at minimal cost to the taxpayer.  At present, the building is largely vacant and has been on the market for some time without any deal with an office occupier coming forward


5. The building and wider site at Pioneer House is ideally suited for use as a school, providing the facilities needed to deliver an outstanding education


6. The extensive grounds at Pioneer House offer a wonderful environment for children to learn, play and develop in.  They are currently largely unused by office occupiers and would offer a unique opportunity to deliver our ambitious programme of diverse extra-curricular and sport activity


7. The school facilities could become an asset for the whole village, providing a new community resource for people living in Stoke Poges


8. Khalsa Primary School has shown that Khalsa schools are assets to the community in which they are located.  The existing primary school enjoys a strong relationship with the local community and parents are proud of it


9. The team behind Khalsa Secondary Academy is dedicated to working with the local community once the school is open to ensure a strong and constructive relationship with neighbours and the wider community is built.  This includes the implementation of a Travel Plan and the school will add to, not detract from the village environment


10. Continuity and stability play an important role in education.  The education of students who will begin at the school in September 2013 would be disrupted by changing locations mid-way through their education and they should be provided with the full facilities of the school as soon as possible

What does signing mean?
 By registering your details, you agree to the petition statement below:

Petition statement
We, the undersigned, support the opening of Khalsa Secondary Academy at the Pioneer House site in Stoke Poges, South Bucks on a permanent basis.  Pioneer House offers the most suitable, sustainable and viable site of those available in the Slough and South Bucks area.  Pioneer House is located less than three miles from Khalsa Primary School and will provide an ideal learning environment for local young people and the potential for an outstanding extra-curricular activity programme.  The Khalsa Secondary Academy team is committed to turning the site into an asset for the village by creating an Ofsted “Outstanding” school within five years and opening its facilities to the local community.

www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/khalsaschool

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END OF MESSAGE

 

ਇਕ ਸੂਫੀ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰਕ ਨੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤ ਕੀਤੀ ... । A Sufi Muslim preacher praises Guru Gobind Singh Jee...

A respected Sufi Muslim preacher narrates the story of Sayyid Peer Baba Bheekhan Shah visiting Guru Gobind Singh jee when he comes to this earth on the holy land of Sri Patna Sahib. 

 

During the video, the respected Sufi Muslim preacher explains he feels upset when Sikhs say "our Guru". He says that Guru Gobind Singh jee is also his Guru (as a Muslim). He says "Guru is the Guru of all creatures, all living beings..." He praises Guru Gobind Singh jee and the Khalsa, quoting the Zafarnama (Letter of Victory, written by the Tenth Guru).

Bhai Sahib says, "in the past, you made other Sikhs, now we have to ask Sikhs to become Sikhs. How shameful..." He urges the Sangat to stop cutting their Kesh and take Amrit and renounce intoxicants. Vaheguru. It is also noteworthy that although Bhai Sahib is a Muslim, he has unshorn hair and wears a Dastaar - following the footsteps of other saints, devotees, and lovers of Waheguru.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Hidden dangers of cookware and beauty of Sarbloh...

I went to someone's house a while ago and they mentioned how they listened to a presentation about the hidden dangers of different types of cookware. The person speaking was not a Gursikh and I was pleasantly surprised that he was praising Sarbloh (cast iron). He said the Khalsa Rehat is Sarbloh and that the British introduced bronze dishes (which we call 'pittal' in Panjabi) to Panjab to weaken the Panjabis and Sikhs minds. He said that eating out of bronze over time leads to weakening of one's memory. The person claimed that the British during the Raaj wished to affect the minds of the people of Panjab and therefore introduced cookware and utensils that would slowly over time affect the mental health of the people. 

I decided to do some research about the different types of cookware and found the following:

STAINLESS STEEL

There are many grades of stainless steel. Regular stainless steel cookware is made from different alloys including scrap metal.For cleanliness and safety reasons, you food should be cooked on only high -grade surgical stainless steel. "The kind of steel used in most stainless steel cookware is not the best metal in which to prepare foods. Most stainless steel cookware sold in stores is of such a nature as to allow chrome and nickel to bleed out into foods as water and food chemicals react with the walls of the vessels as they are heated. The chrome and nickel salts are retained when ingested. They cannot be eliminated. They build up and in time can create troublesome conditions". - Dr. Shelton's Hygienic Review Division of Science, Engineering and Technology, The Pennsylvania State University at Erie, The Behrend College, 16563 Erie, Pennsylvania, USA.

GLASS / ENAMEL COATED

Poor heat distribution. Foods stick and burn. Contains lead. Lead can cause reproductive harm and learning disabilities. Prop. 65 If gas is unleaded, shouldn't our cookware also be free of lead

NON-STICK COATED / TEFLON

Can scratch, chip and flake. "Exposure to Teflon resins at temperatures above 393ºF may produce a condition termed polymer fume fever characterized by flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, body aches, nausea and occasional vomiting." Federal Aviation Agency Occupational Health & Safety Bulletin. A chemical, C-8, used to make non-stick coated pans has been linked to birth defects in humans to cancer in laboratory animals. The chemical is also present in the blood for up to 4 years and can show up in breast milk.

ALUMINIUM

Very soft metal. Extreme chemical reaction between food and pan. Aluminium is used in most Gurdwaras in the West for cooking Langar and distributing Degh, however this is not only not part of Maryada but also hazardous for one's health. "All Vegetables cooked in Aluminium produce hydroxide poison which neutralizes digestive juices, producing stomach and gastrointestinal trouble, such as stomach ulcers and colitis." Dr. A. McGuigan's Report on Findings for the Federal Trade Comm. In Docet Case No. 540 Washington, D.C. Note: The sale of aluminium cookware is prohibited in Germany, France, Belgium, Gr. Britain Switzerland, Hungary and Brazil.

Sarbloh (iron) utensils

CAST IRON (SARBLOH)

A good choice is that old standby, cast iron, which is known for its durability and even heat distribution. Cast iron cookware can also help ensure that eaters in your house get enough iron—which the body needs to produce red blood cells—as it seeps off the cookware into food in small amounts. Unlike the metals that can come off of some other types of pots and pans, iron is considered a healthy food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

When you wash any utensils, whether plastic, steel, glass, etc, you wash as much as you can, but inevitably because there is a solid layer, you will never get it perfectly clean. However when you wash sarbloh (iron) utensils and dishes, you will find that you actually through the motion of washing, you scrap a layer of iron off, and it reveals a completely new layer of sarbloh.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

“Bhai Manvir Singh”, “Bhai Manvir Singh”, “Bhai Manvir Singh”. “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”, “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”, “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”. “Manvir Singh Khalsa”, “Manvir Singh Khalsa”, “Manvir Singh Khalsa”. “Manvir Singh”, “Manvir Singh”, “Manvir Singh”.

Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Jee...

This week marks the Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Guru Arjan Dev Jee. Guru Jee laid down the tradition of living in dignity and dying with honour, and paved the path for the tradition of martyrdom in Sikh history.

SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE SHAHEEDI (MARTYRDOM) OF GURU ARJAN DEV JEE

THREAT TO SIKHI

During Guru Arjan Dev Jee’s time the Sikh community flourished and Amritsar was becoming a strong centre for the Sikh People. More and more people of all castes were embracing the Path of the Guru and becoming Sikhs, which included Hindus and Muslims. The Muslim priests did not like this and saw Guru Arjan Dev Jee as a threat to the propagation of Islam. As a consequence of this they made plans against Guru Sahib.

EMPEROR JAHANGEER & GROWING ENEMIES OF THE SIKHS
After the death of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1605, his son Jahangeer sat on the throne. Unlike his liberal, tolerant and open-minded father, Jahangeer’s policies and views were to fanatical and radical in pursuit of spreading Islam. The enemies of Guru Sahib took advantage of this highly charged atmosphere.

Prithi Chand: To begin with, it was Guru Sahib's elder brother, who devoted his whole life to harm the Guru in every possible way.

Chandu Shah: He was the Brahman advisor and officer of Jahangeer. He held animosity over his daughter's non-alliance with the Guru Sahib's son, which is considered the main fuel for his vendetta.

Naqshbandi, Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi and Sheikh Fareed Bukhari, (Murtaza Khan), Governor of Panjab: Zealous Muslims who were jealous of the growing popularity of Sikhi and considered Guru Arjan Dev jee and the Sikhs a threat to the growth of Islam.

Mahesh Daas Bhatt (known as Birbal): An anti-Sikh Hindu Brahmin, who considered Guru Arjan Dev jee a threat to Brahmanism.


PLOT AGAINST GURU SAHIB
These men with jealousies in their hearts, concocted the real story of Guru Sahib sheltering the rebellious Khusro, Jahangeer's son, who had fled a battle with his father and was a fugitive, to rouse the rage of Emperor Jahangeer which added fuel to the blazing fire. Along with these circumstances Guru Sahib's increasing influence on large numbers of Hindus and Muslims to adopt Gurmat, created a stir in the minds of the Brahmin Pandits (Hindu priests) and the Qazis (Muslim priests). The compilation of Sri Aad Granth jee (the early version of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee) was considered a serious blow to the monopolies and social oppression maintained by so-called men of religion. Through all these circumstances Guru Arjan Sahib Jee fell a victim to the bigotry and inhumanity of Jahangeer.


ARREST OF GURU SAHIB
In "Tuzuk-i-Jahagiri" ("Memoirs of Jahangeer"), Jahangeer wrote:

"In Gobindwal, which is on the river Biyah (Beas), there was a Hindu named Arjun, in the garments of sainthood and sanctity, so much so that he had captured many of the simple-hearted of the Hindus, and even of the ignorant and foolish followers of Islam, by his ways and manners, and they had loudly sounded the drum of his holiness. They called him Guru, and from all sides stupid people crowded to worship and manifest complete faith in him. For three or four generations (of spiritual successors) they had kept this shop warm. Many times it occurred to me to put a stop to this vain affair or to bring him into the assembly of the people of Islam.

At last when Khusro passed along this road this insignificant fellow proposed to wait upon him. Khusro happened to halt at the place where he was, and he came out and did homage to him. He behaved to Khusro in certain special ways, and made on his forehead a finger-mark in saffron, which the Indians (Hindus) call qashqa (Tilak) and is considered propitious. When this came to my ears and I clearly understood his folly, I ordered them to produce him and handed over his houses, dwelling-places, and children to Murtaza Khan, and having confiscated his property commanded that he should be put to death."

TORTURES
Chandu, the officer of Jahangeer, was in charge of torturing Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib told them, "I bear no enemies or ill-will against any one. All happens as God Almighty wills it to happen. I am prepared to accept His Will. You may do what you like".

Day 1 of Torture: Chandu began to torture the Guru. On the first day, Guru Jee was not given anything to eat or drink. He was kept awake and not allowed to sleep at night. During the day his body was left in the full exposure of the burning heat of the sun. Guru Sahib bore all this calmly. He remained immersed in Simran and repeated from his lips, "WaaheGuroo, WaaheGuroo, WaaheGuroo..." and sang Shabads from Gurbaani.

Day 2 of Torture: On the following day, Chandu made the Guru sit in a large copper vessel. He filled the vessel with water. He ordered his men to light a fire under the copper vessel. The water began to get hot. After a time, the water began to boil. It scaled Guru Sahib's body. But Guru Jee sat calmly and quietly. He showed no feeling of pain, nor did he cry out or even sigh. He felt no anger against those who were torturing him. He remained absorbed in the sweet remembrance of Waheguru and repeated, "All is happening, O Waheguru, according to Thy Will. Thy Will is ever sweet to me." The boiling water made the Guru's flesh soft and left blisters all over the body.

Day 3 of Torture: On the third day, Chandu ordered his men, "Make some sand red hot in iron pans. Seat the Guru in burning water. Then pour the red hot sand over his head and body". The water boiled Guru Sahib's flesh from below. The burning red-hot sand burned Guru Jee's head and body from above. The persons engaged in torturing him were wet with sweat. They felt most uncomfortable because of the heat. It was the hottest summer month. But Guru Sahib kept calm and quiet. Again, Guru Jee felt no pain, nor did he cry out, sigh or feel anger. He kept thinking of Waheguru and doing Simran. Guru Jee repeated:

ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥

teraa kee-aa meethaa laagai.
O Waheguru! Your actions seem so sweet to me.

ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਾਂਗੈ ॥੨॥੪੨॥੯੩॥

har naam padaarath naanak maaNgai. ||2||42||93||
Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||2||42||93||

Baba Mian Meer Jee (a Muslim Sufi Saint and friend of Guru Sahib) tried to intercede on behalf of Guru Sahib but Guru Jee forbid him to interfere in the "Will of the Almighty". Guru Sahib said, "All is happening in accordance with Waheguru's Will. Men who stand for Truth have often to suffer. Their sufferings give strength to the cause of Truth. Go, brother. Pray for me. Pray for the success of my cause. Pray for Victory to Truth."

Day 4 of Torture: On the fourth day, Guru Jee was made to sit on an iron plate. It was heated from below. The iron plate became red hot with the heat. Guru Jee's flesh began to be roasted. Burning red-hot sand was poured on his body. Guru Sahib sat calm and quite, without a cry or sigh, feeling no physical pain. He sat with his mind fixed on Waheguru and physically living the message of Gurbaani and accepting the Will of Waheguru sweetly.

Day 5 of Torture: On the fifth day, Guru Sahib was taken to the bank of the River Raavi bounded in shackles. Guru Sahib's physical body was covered with burns and blisters. Guru jee was pelted with rocks. One rock hit Guru jee on his forehead which led to bleeding. Two drops of blood fell to the ground. Jahangeer had given strict orders that Guru jee should be tortured to death in a such a way that his blood should not fall on the ground in the belief that a holy or great man's blood spilling on the ground leads to further martyrs being born. This tradition was called Nasar law and was upheld by Genghis Khan. To hide the bloodied body of Guru jee, the soldiers threw Guru jee's body in the River Raavi and then concocted a story that Guru jee went to bathe and never came out of the river. This fake story was used to firstly, make the martyrdom into a suicide case and ensure that people do not revolt in response to the barbaric martyrdom of Guru jee.


Summary
Guru Arjan Dev Jee sowed the seed of martyrdom which flourished after him and became the heritage of the Sikh People. Guru Sahib physically manifested and lived the Divine message of Gurbaani of conquering death and suffering, remaining fearless in defending the Truth, and showing the extremes one can take in remaining steadfast in the love of Waheguru and Guru Nanak Jee's Sikhi. Guru Arjan Dev Jee said, lived, and showed that he can accept Shaheedi (martyrdom) but he cannot accept insult. The way a leader or prophet lives becomes the character of the followers. Guru Sahib showed that a Sikh should live in dignity and die with honour, and that a Sikh should never tolerate insult or oppression.


Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee.
Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam.

Related Audios:
Dharmik Geet: Saara Hee Lahore Kambiaa
(Manmohan Waris/ Ghar Hunt Kitni Ku Door)

Shabad: Teraa Kee-aa Meethaa Laagai
(Gurbinder Kaur/ Southall Monthly Keertan

Shaheedi Diwas: Sant Jarnail Singh Jee Bhindranwale & Other Great Gursikhs...

Today, June 6th, marks the 23rd anniversary of when military tanks stormed Sri Harmandar Sahib (the Golden Temple), Amritsar, and the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of one of the 20th century's greatest Sikh Saint-Warriors, Mahaapurakh Giani Baba Jarnail Singh jee Bhindran Wale alongside thousands of brave Sikhs who became immortal martyrs. Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam.
 

“No prayers stir the silence under golden dome of the Golden Temple. There are no priests left to intone them. They are all dead or missing. The musical instruments which at all times drummed out the tones and rhythms of worship are quiet for the first time in centuries. There are no visitors, only soldiers. The Sikhs Holy Bible is closed, covered by a blue cloth. There is no one to read its scriptures. It is like the Vatican without a Pope. At the other end of the causeway that links the Temple to the Akhal Takhat, the second most sacred shrine in Sikhdom, the quiet is more permanent.”  
- Ross Benson of the Daily Express on June 19 1984

 

 

 Video of late Giani Sant Singh Maskeen jee on the June 1984 Sikh Holocaust

 

 

The Indian army besieging Sri Harimandir Sahib

 

For first time ever, Maryada (code of conduct) was not carried out at Sri Darbar Sahib (the Golden Temple) on 7th June, 1984 due to presence of the army and the murder of countless Raagi Singhs and Granthi Singhs. On 8th June 1984, prakaash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee was done and in the evening time only Rehraas Sahib was read followed by sukhaasan. On this day, the following Hukumnama came from Guru Sahib:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Ik ­oaʼnkār saṯgur parsāḏ.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru: 
 

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਘਰੁ ੧ ਤਿਤੁਕੇ
Soraṯẖ mehlā 5 gẖar 1 ṯiṯukė
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehl, First House, Ti-Tukas:

ਕਿਸੁ ਹਉ ਜਾਚੀ ਕਿਸ ਆਰਾਧੀ ਜਾ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੋਸੀ ॥
Kis ha­o jācẖī kis ārāḏẖī jā sabẖ ko kīṯā hosī.
Who should I ask? Who should I worship? All were created by Him.

ਜੋ ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਵਡਾ ਵਡੇਰਾ ਸੋ ਸੋ ਖਾਕੂ ਰਲਸੀ ॥
Jo jo ḏīsai vadā vadėrā so so kẖākū ralsī.
Whoever appears to be the greatest of the great, shall ultimately be mixed with the dust.

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਭਵ ਖੰਡਨੁ ਸਭਿ ਸੁਖ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਦੇਸੀ ॥੧॥
Nirbẖa­o nirankār bẖav kẖandan sabẖ sukẖ nav niḏẖ ḏėsī. ||1||
The Fearless, Formless Lord, the Destroyer of Fear bestows all comforts, and the nine treasures. ||1||

ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤੀ ਰਾਜਾ ॥
Har jī­o ṯėrī ḏāṯī rājā.
O Dear Lord, Your gifts alone satisfy me.

ਮਾਣਸੁ ਬਪੁੜਾ ਕਿਆ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਕਿਆ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਮੁਹਤਾਜਾ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Māṇas bapuṛā ki­ā sālāhī ki­ā ṯis kā muhṯājā. Rahā­o.
Why should I praise the poor helpless man? Why should I feel subservient to him? ||Pause||

Read full Hukamnama

 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Related posts:
- Remembering the Great Martyrs of Operation Bluestar... -
- The First Martyr of the 1984 Sikh Holocaust
- Some books on 1984
- 1984 - Myth & Reality
- Independent Sources on the 1984 Sikh Holocaust
- The Third Sikh Holocaust
- Shaheedi Diwas - Remembering the Dark Holocaust