Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Photos of King's College Simran Programme

Here's some photos of the first Simran programme for the new academic year at King's College London. It's held every Tuesday 5.15-6pm in Room G4, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, open to everyone.

We had a really good turn out at this week's Simran programme. It is good to see new faces, freshers, non-Sikhs and people from other unis coming along. At the Simran programmes we do Jaap (meditation) of Mool Mantr and Salokh, and then we do Waheguru Simran using Vaaja Tabla.

Everyone joined in, which is really uplifting. We then conclude with singing 6 Puarian (stanzas) of Anand Sahib, followed by Ardaas. Afterwards we either have discussion or share Saakhis and socialise with one another whilst enjoying some food and refreshments.

Sorry! Most of the pictures have come out dark due to the lighting in the room.







Bhaji Hardeep Singh & Bhenji Harminder Kaur


Seleena Kaur Bhenji posing with some food


Smile for the camera!


"Speak to the hand!!"


Harjit Singh (President of Sikh Soc) with Ratan Singh from South Bank Uni.



Good 'gap shap' going on.


Jasjot Singh Bhaji trying to sell some 'Soul-Sikher' show tickets!


A potential customer interested in a ticket. Jasjot Singh means business!


Gurpreet Kaur Bhenji dazed by the camera


Bhaji Premneek Singh from Leeds checking Harkiret Singh's tabla skills



Chilling out outside

Monday, September 26, 2005

"I Wrote Your Name" (A Short Poem)

Posted by 'GirlofOne' on the SikhiUnleashed Forum
http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=11949

WaheGuru Ji I wrote your name in the sky
but the wind blow it away.

WaheGuru Ji I wrote your name in the sand
but the waves washed it away.

WaheGuru Ji I wrote your name in the sea
but the fish took it away.

WaheGuru Ji I wrote your name in my heart
But there it will forever stay.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Feeling Hungry, Then Guess What Happens...

I thought I would share with you two incidents which I had last week regarding food.

I felt like having something sweet to eat. I had nothing in the cupboard or the room which was sweet other than sultanas (sogee), but I wanted something else sweet to eat because I think I had eaten too many sultanas few days before! So I walked to the shop thinking of what chocolate I am going to eat. I go there and looked around and saw a "Flyte" chocolate bar. I grabbed it and didn't pay attention to reading the back of the label to see whether it had egg in it or not. So I bought it and looking forward to eating it. I was hungry and was craving something sweet to eat.

I walked out of the shop and unwrapped the chocolate bar as I walked. Standing outside next to the shop door on the corner was a tramp. He was standing and staring at me unwrapping my chocolate bar. I felt sorry for him but I thought, "O well, I only have one chocolate bar". I carried on walking around the corner. Suddenly I thought, "read the label before you put anything in your mouth". Reading the ingredients I read, "EGG WHITE". I was like "O Dear!" I had bought it and was looking forward to eating it. I thought what should I do now? I remembered the tramp who was around the corner. I walked backwards and gave him the chocolate bar. I told him that I had not eaten it but unwrapped it mistakenly. He didn't care! He was over the moon. He had a huge smile on his face and felt so happy. It was amazing what a small thing like chocolate can make someone feel so happy. Seeing the tramp feel happy, my craving for something sweet or eating chocolate died! One word came out of my mouth: "Vaahe-Guroo" (Wonderful Lord!!)


The other incident happened last Saturday. Everyone was moving into halls and as a Senior Student I had to welcome people and ensure they were okay where to go etc. During the day the other Senior students said that they wanted pizza for lunch. I had to pop down Tesco to buy some bread and fruit. I asked whether it was okay for me to quickly pop out. They said it was fine. So I went to Tesco. I thought I would buy something to eat because I wasn't too keen on eating a Pizza. I looked around the vegetarian selection at Tesco and couldn't find anything without EGG!!! Vegetarian Sausages, Vegetarian burgers.... but they all had egg in them. I eventually found something without egg - Vegetarian Cottage Pie. I thought "at last! I fin something quick and easy to eat."

Walking back from Tesco I munched on a banana. I thought that would keep my going tell I get back to room at halls then I would warm the Cottage Pie in the microwave and eat it for my lunch. In the courtyard one the Senior students shouted, "Manvir! We've got Pizza! Come and eat. “I thought, No need, i have some food for lunch. I hurried to my room and put the Cottage Pie in the microwave. 5 minutes and it should be ready. I ripped up the packaging and threw it in the bin. I came back in the room 5 minutes later. Something guided me back to the bin and I felt drawn to reading the ingredients on the cardboard packaging which I had torn up I found the ingredients on the package. Yes, it has NO EGG! However, closely reading I had totally overlooked that the Cottage pie had RED WINE in it!! "O Dear!" So I ended up throwing the Cottage Pie in the bin. I ended up eating fruit for lunch (I suppose I got the healthier option at the end. lol). I thought I could either cry or laugh. I ended up laughing! :)


Guru Rakha.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Pressures from Society to "fit in"

For the past two days I have been getting to know my flat mates in halls of residence. They are really nice people and very easy to talk to and have a laugh with. As I am a Senior Student for the Block where I am living (it's like being a Warden or helper for the residents), people have been coming up to me and asking about the Freshers Events i.e. student events during the week at night-clubs.

People have been asking me "are you coming?", "did you go last year", "where's the best pub around here", and "what you do tonight?". Society expects us to "fit in". I felt awkward when people ask questions about clubbing, because I feel will they understand if I say I don't go clubbing, I don't go to pubs and I don't drink?

I was standing outside guiding the students to their rooms on the first day of people moving into Halls. A group of boys came and asked, "Excuse mate. Do you know which the best pub is or bar around here?" I said, "err... I wouldn't know. I don't go to pubs or bars." The group of boys were puzzled and showed an expression of shock when they heard me say that. One of them then said, "You can't be a student and not know about pubs!?" I smiled and thought it was bit humorous how they expected me to go to pubs and clubs and by not doing so found me to be odd.

Today in the kitchen my flatmates saw my Kirpaan and so they asked me about it. I explained about the Panj Kakkaar being a uniform of the Sikh who is a 'Saint-Warrior' (Santi-Sipaahi), and how each Kakkaar has a symbol (i.e. a meaning) as well as a practical function. The flatmates took a keen interest and were pleased to hear about why I wear a dastaar and Kirpaan etc.

Then one the flatmates asked, "So do you have trouble going to clubs?" You feel the pressure of Kaljug, the pressure of society to conform and you are made to feel out of place for being different. However, I was direct and straight and said, "I don't go clubbing or go to pubs". The flatmates where surprised and there faces expressed a bit of confusion of how I enjoy myself. It is difficult to explain to someone who hasn't experienced the path of the Guru that you can have fun without clubbing, pubbing, drinking sharaab or in sangat with people who doing those things. You can enjoy "anand" in Saadh Sangat and doing other things which don't involve alcohol, smoking or provoking the Panj Chor. But, the flatmates respected my principles and Sikh way of life and showed support. The conversation concluded with one of the flatmates saying: "We are lucky to have a Sikh living with us in our flat."

Even yesterday morning, a Panjabi boy from a Sikh family asked, "Bhaji are you going to the Freshers event at Inverse (the night-club)?" I had to bite the bullet and be honest with him without giving a round about answer (which society's pressures push us to do). I said, "I am Amritdhari and don't feel going to those places." However, the Bhaji seemed okay with me and respected me for the way of life I choose to live.

I learnt that as long as a person respects their own way of life, respects themselves and respects the principles he or she stands for and is proud of them, then others will admire and respect you for that and not be judgemental. However, if we ourselves are unsure of our way of life, unsure of our principles and not able to give our Rehat the respect it deserves, then you will be swooped into following others like a sheep and compromising what you stand for in order to "fit in" and "not be awkward".

Thank you to my Guru who gave me the name "Singh" (meaning 'lion') and reminding me to stick out of the crowd and be unique and distinct and not to follow the crowd like a sheep.

The Guru is great, and great is His Sikhi!

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Kirtan @ The Kriya Centre

I received an email that on Saturday 17th September there was going to be a Kirtan programme at the Kriya Centre in Archway, North London. The Centre is used for teaching yoga, running the Guru Ram Das project and carrying out activities which serve the community in one form or another.

I decided to go to the Kirtan programme. It was the first time I had been to the Kriya Centre. It was amazing to see non-Panjabi origin Sikh organising, running and participating in sewa projects. From outside the Kriya Centre I could here the sound of sweet Simran through Kirtan. It was such a nice atmosphere to enter. Bhenji Harminder Kaur from Birmingham did simran, then Bhenji Gursharan Kaur (Kent) sang the shabad "haa, haa, prabh raakh leho" and another shabad. Followed by Bhaji Ravinderpal Singh (aka Rumta) singing "saajanRaa meraa saajanRaa." It was beautiful to see everyone in the spirit and taking laahaa (benefit) of Gurbaani Kirtan. One non-Panjabi origin bhenji from Birmingham did Kirtan and sang the Shabad "jin siriaa tinai savaariaa. Dhan Dhan raam daas gur". It was so uplifting to hear a non-Panjabi voice singing Gurbaani!

Everyone was singing along in the small hall which was used as the Diwaan for Guru Ji. You could feel the vibrations of Naam and Baani vibrating in the air. It was good experience and I recommend others to visit the Kriya Centre and attend the Kirtan programmes held there.


Visit the Kriya Centre website:
http://www.karamkriya.co.uk

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Love for God... a nice post i found on a forum

Author: Satnam Singh
Date: 09-15-05 12:05


waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh.

Once again when all else fails we ask God in Her infinite wisdom.

Satnam: God, you there?

God: i am always here, there everywhere......you guys just don't see.

Satnam: does it matter? as long as we love you right?

God: it does not matter. Until you start "seeing" the "soul" reason for your being, until you connect with the truth inside you, you will love me all you want yet never truly love me at all?

Satnam: but love is all that matters?!?!

God: really? since when?


To Read Full Article

Nimartaa (Humility)

A case of true nimartaa...

Baba Seva Singh jee Anandpur Sahib vale were visiting England and were leaving a house when a Singh picked up Baba jee's shoes and respectfully put them in front of Baba jee to put on.

Baba Seva Singh became very agitated. He cried out "You being a Sikh, why are you touching my shoes?"

He left his shoes there and left the house barefoot and said, "If I put my feet in the shoes that have been touched by a Gursikh, who will I ask to take the jutiyaa(n) waiting for me in the Dargaah (the Lord's Court)?"

Posted on: http://tapoban.org/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=52144&t=52144

Monday, September 12, 2005

Guru's Kirpaa - The Gift of Amrit

Today my friend Bhaji Gupreet Singh Khalsa rang me. He recently took Amrit from Siri Anandpur Sahib while he was on a yatra trip visiting various Gurdwaras in India with a jatha from the UK. Gurpreet Singh was telling me about his visit to Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar, Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib and Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib. Listening to his voice explaining the yatra and the anand (joy) of the experience overwhelmed me and me hairs on body feel tingly. I felt as if I was having darshan of the Gurdwaras in India which he had been to through listening to his experiences.

August last year Bhaji Gurpreet Singh was cut-haired, and he used to be like the average Panjabi lad who drinks occasionally and goes out with his mates clubbing etc. However within this year Bhaji has internally flourished and the fragrance within has come and spread.

I first met Bhaji at a Sikh Camp in August 2004. I was originally sleeping alone in the balcony of the Diwaan Hall with one or two other sewadaars. A few days into the camp someone asked me to move into a room and sleep with the other campers, because the balcony floor was hard and uncomfortable. With Guru's Kirpaa I met Bhaji Gurpreet Singh (Kent), Bhaji Arvinder Singh (Reading), and others who were sleeping in that room. We became friends and brothers and enjoyed having Gurmat Vichaar.

I remember near the end of the camp Gupreet Singh told me that he had decided to stop shaving and trimming his hair and that he had gone off the thought of drinking alcohol and eating meat. The pyaar and shardaa that Bhaji and the other campers had for Sikhi was inspirational.

Now look! A year later, Bhaji now asked Guru Ji for Amrit and became a member of the Khalsa. He practices rehat and does his Nitnem (daily paath and simran). He is lucky that his father and mother are also Amritdhari. He said to me, "I have been reborn... After taking Amrit you see a whole new world... You cannot explain it in words".

In Anand Sahib we read the lines (Ang 922):
eihu vis sansaar tum dekhde, eihu har kaa roop hai, har roop nadaree aaeiaa.
This whole world which you see is the image of Vaheguru; only the image of Vaheguru is seen.

gur parsaadee bujhiaa, jaa vekhaa har eik hai, har bin avar na koee.
By Guru's Grace, I understand, and I see only the One Lord; there is no one except the Lord.

kehai naanak eihi netr andh se, satgur miliai dib drisatt hoee. 36.
Says Nanak, these eyes were blind; but meeting the True Guru, they became all-seeing. 36.


In my spare time I was reading a book in Panjabi on Sikh Philosophy. There was a topic on "Why should we do Nitnem and the importance of Nitnem." There were a few lines which stuck out and hit me. It said that when we do our Panj Banian da Nitnem (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasaad Svaiye, Benti Chaupayee Sahib, & Anand Sahib) at Amrit-vela the person reading is taking Amrit everyday. This made me think and remember the beautiful ras (taste) of Amrit and the feeling of when the Panj Piaare sweetly sin the Panj Banian and all five hold and stir the Sarbloh Khanda (double-edged sword) in the Sarbloh Baata (iron bowl) and prepare Amrit. In the morning we can take the Anand (the bliss) which we got from Amrit every day from "Amrit-Baani".
eh rasnaa too an ras raach rehee, teree piaas na jaae.
O my tongue, you are engrossed in other tastes, but your thirsty desire is not quenched.

piaas na jaae horat kitai, jichar har ras palai na paae.
Your thirst shall not be quenched by any means, until you attain the 'ras', subtle essence, of the Lord.

har ras paae palai peeai har ras, bahurr na trisnaa laagai aae.
If you do obtain the 'ras', subtle essence, of the Lord, and drink in this 'ras', essence,
of the Lord, you shall not be troubled by desire again.

eihu har ras karmee paaeeai satgur milai jis aae.
This 'ras', subtle essence, of the Lord is obtained by good karma, when one comes to meet with the True Guru.

kehai naanak hor an ras sabh veesre, jaa har vasai man aae. 32.
O Nanak! All other tastes and essences are forgotten, when the Lord comes to dwell within the mind. 32.
(Ang 921)

My ardaas for Bhaji is that may he remain in chardikala and keep hold of the Guru's feet. May the Guru continue to keep him on his path and hold his hand. :)

Back to Uni...

On Sunday I moved into halls of residence and also my brother left for Germany. My brother's in an Officer in the British Army so he's going to be posted in Germany for 6 months (I think) then he is being sent to Iraq. He will be returning home in 18 months but he might get a few weeks holiday in December.

My mum and dad helped to drop all my things off in London. I was amazed at the amount of stuff I had brought! I just discovered today that yesterday when we were moving my things from the car to the room I accidentally dropped the toasty machine (sandwich toaster) on the floor. Woops! I realised today when I was unpacking that the toasty machine had a huge crack in it and the bit which locks it in place has snapped.

After moving all my stuff into halls, my family I went to Southall because it was my turn to the radio show. Afte the show I went to Park Avenue Gurdwara. I was looking from outside and thinking "There seems to be a lot of youngsters in the sangat then usual." I kept spotting familiar faces from Boss Camp. Then I realised that people who went to boss camp organised a day out to Thorpe Park and on the way back they came to Southall to do darshan of Guru jee. It was great to see everyone.


Today I was feeling bit down (well not depressed. lol. just bit down) because no-one has moved into halls yet and there is nothing to do. I only moved in this week because I am working for halls of residence as a warden type of thing. My laptop has been sent to get repaired, I forgot to bring a television from home and I forgot to bring all my Kirtan CDs as well! So, the one or two CDs which I had I played. Listening to Shabad Kirtan and Simran my mind was cooled and felt at peace with myself.

Then I came to Library and logged onto the internet to read the daily Hukamnama from Siri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar. The Hukamnama was so comforting and beautiful (on Ang 671):

dhanaasaree mehalaa 5
Dhanaasaree, Fifth Mehl:

jis kaa tan man dhan sabh tis kaa, soee sugharr sujaanee
Body, mind, wealth and everything belong to Him; He alone is all-wise and all-knowing.

tin hee suniaa dukh sukh meraa, tau bidh neekee khattaanee.1.
He listens to my pains and pleasures, and then my condition improves. 1.

jeea kee eikai hee pehi maanee.
My soul is satisfied with the One Lord alone.

avar jatan kar rehe bahu-tere, tin til nehee keemat jaanee. rahaao.
People make all sorts of other efforts, but they have no value at all. Pause.

amrit naam nirmolak heeraa, gur deeno mantaanee.
The Ambrosial Naam, the Name of Vaheguru, is a priceless jewel. The Guru has given me this advice.

ddolai drirr kar rehiou, pooran hoe triptaanee.2.
It cannot be lost, and it cannot be shaken off; it remains steady, and I am perfectly satisfied with it. 2.

ou-e ju beech ham tum kachh hote, tin kee baat bilaanee.
Those things which tore me away from You, Vaheguru, are now gone.

ala(n)kaar mil thailee hoee hai, taa te kanik vakhaanee.3.
When golden ornaments are melted down into a lump, they are still said to be gold. 3.

pragattiou jot sehaj sukh sobhaa, baaje anhat baanee.
The Divine Light has illuminated me, and I am filled with celestial peace and glory; the unstruck melody of the Lord's Bani resounds within me.

kahu naanak nihchal ghar baadhiou, gur keeou bandhaanee.4.5.
Says Nanak, I have built my eternal home; the Guru has constructed it for me. 4.5.


Dhan Dhan Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Reading the Hukamnaama I felt so boosted. :) Now I am feeling Chardikala. Its amazing how Guru Ji just speaking to us can make us feel so uplifted and positive.

aise gur kau bal bal jaaeeai, aap mukat mohe taare. 1. rahaao.

- I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to such a Guru; He Himself is liberated, and He carries me across as well. 1. Pause.
(Ang 1301, SGGS)


Guru Raakaa!

Saturday, September 10, 2005

How To Make Karhah Parshaad

by Manvir Singh Khalsa


Ingredients

  • Salted Butter
  • Aata (Chapati flour)
  • Sugar (Brown Sugar for health conscious people!)


Measurements

  • 1 tikki/block of butter = approx. 15-25 people
  • 2 tikkian/blocks of butter = approx. 25- 35 people
  • 3 tikkian/blocks of butter = approx. 50-60 people




Step 1
Melt the amount of butter you wish to use according to the measurements given above. Then add in some flour (aata) a little bit at time while stirring it in. The mixture should be not liquidy but it should be moist and fluffy (basically it should look like extra-oily Karaah) – according to that you put the flour in.

Measure the amount flour you mixed in (so you need to keep an eye out for how much you put in while adding it in). However much flour you put in (e.g. 1 bowl), you put one and half the amount of water (e.g. one and half bowls) into a separate saucepan.


Step 2
However much flour you used (e.g. 1 bowl); put three quarters (for low-fat option) or equal amount of that of sugar and add it to the water and boil it on the side (until the sugar dissolves in the water).

Cook the buttered flour mixture on medium heat and keep on stirring (make sure it doesn’t burn on the sides or bottom of the saucepan). Keep on stirring the aata mixture on medium heat until usually the water has boiled. By this time you should be able to smell a nice cooked smell coming out of the flour, the colour should be golden brown and sometimes the butter comes to the top (not always).


Step 3
Add the water slowly to the flour. Do it bit by bit and stir the water in each time. This prevents a mess and it also stops the Karaah becoming gluey.

Once you have added all the water, stir the Karaah around on high gas for roughly 3-5 minutes. All the mixture should be mixed in well and when stirring usually the whole mixture moves as a whole. Make sure the Karaah looks cooked (i.e. colour and smell – you don’t want to give anyone food poisoning)!!

Let the Karaah cool down for at least half an hour (minimum time) before serving (advisable if you wish people to avoid getting burns when eating it)

Practice makes perfect!



What makes tasty Karaah?

  • Reciting Gurbani or ‘Waheguru’ when making it
  • Make it with LOVE and ENTHUSIAM!

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Sweden Gurmat Camp (June 2005)


In June a Sikh Naujawan Camp was held in Stockholm, Sweden. The camp was held from Thursday 16th June to Sunday 19th June. We were invited by the Sikh Naujawan from Stockholm to come to Sweden and hold a four day Gurmat Camp. Bhenji Navleen Kaur, Bhenji Sharonjit Kaur and I went in December 2004 when the first Sikh Naujawan camp was held. This year Bhenji Sharonjeet Kaur couldn't make it.

Fifteen youngsters, from 12 years old to 22 years old, participated in the camp. The camp involved a series of workshops on Gurbaani, Sikh Principals, Sikh Rehat Maryada and Gurmat issues. One day all the youngsters and elder members of the Sangat went on a trip to the seaside and enjoyed canoing.

Nirlep Kaur, her brother Onkar Singh, and Nidhi Kaur Bhenji (from Denmark)

Aunty jis watched, and had chaa-paani ready for when finished canoing.

Jagjit Singh Uncle ji heading the canoe. Uncle ji chased our canoe and got us wet!

Virpal Singh and Gagan Bhenji drenching wet after they capsized!

The campers were divided into two groups. The younger children explored Gurmat through fun activities and a drama play.

The younger group worked on a drama on Pakhandi Babe (fake holy men).

The elder youngsters explored Gurbaani and Gurmat at a deeper level. In the Gurbaani workshops the youngsters analyzed the Sidh Ghost, and shabads from different Raags. Also the youngsters were able to discuss social issues, Swedish culture and how this effects their Sikh identity and faith.

Daas explaining how to take Hukamnaama.

During the four day camp all campers were taught how to prepare, cook and according to Sikh Rehat Maryada serve Karhah Parshaad, as well how to do perform Guru Ji’s sewa – such as Parkaash, Sukhaasan and taking a Hukamnama.

Bhenji Navleen Kaur going through Gurbaani workshop with campers

On the final day of the camp the new Sikh cartoon film “Sahibzaadey” was shown to all the Gurdwara Sangat. The hands on sewa and exploring Sikhi through techniques and medians, which appeal to the youth proved to be successful.

Monday, September 05, 2005

Welcome to the Family!

On Wednesday 10th August my friend Gurpreet Singh from Kent took Amrit while he was on a Yatra trip in India with a jatha from the UK. During the Yatra trip he gave his head to the Guru and became part of the Guru's family at Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib. May Guru Ji keep him in chardikala!

Gurpreet Singh Khalsa visiting Sri Harmandar Sahib after taking Amrit on his trip to India

Gupreet Singh Khalsa with the Jatha walking to Sri Hemkunt Sahib

The Hukamnaama at the Amrit Sanchaar after Bhaji took Amrit was from Ang 619 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

sorath mehulaa 5
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehl:

hamree ganat na ganeeaa kaaee apnaa birad pachhaan.
He did not take my accounts into account; such is His forgiving nature.

haath de-e raakhe kar apne, sadaa sadaa rang maan.1.
He gave me His hand, and saved me and made me His own; forever and ever, I enjoy His Love. 1

saachaa saahib sad miharvaan.
The True Lord and Master is forever merciful and forgiving.

band paaeiaa merai satgur poorai, hoee sarab kaliaan. rahaao.
My Perfect Guru has bound me to Him, and now, I am in absolute ecstasy. Pause.

jeeo paae pindd, jin saajiaa ditaa painann khaann.
The One who fashioned the body and placed the soul within, who gives you clothing and nourishment

apne daas kee aap paij raakhee, naanak sad kurbaan.2.16.44
- He Himself preserves the honor of His slaves. Nanak is forever a sacrifice to Him. 2.16.44.




On Saturday 13th August, my friend Ravjeet Singh took Amrit in Coventry and became a member of the Khalsa Family. It was great to see so many youngsters take Amrit on that day.

Ravjeet Singh Khalsa standing outside the Gurdwara Sahib before the Amrit-Sanchaar.

The Hukamnaama from in the Amrit Sanchaar was on Ang 623 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

sorath mehulaa 5
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehl:

gur poorai charnee laaeiaa.
The Perfect Guru has attached me to His feet.

har sang sahaaee paaeiaa.
I have obtained the Lord as my companion, my support, my best friend.

jeh jaaeeai tahaa suhele.
Wherever I go, I am happy there.

kar kirpaa prabh mele.1.
By His Kind Mercy, Vaheguru united me with Himself. 1

har gun gaavhu sadaa subhaaee.
So sing forever the Glorious Praises of the Lord with loving devotion.

man chinde sagle phal paavhu jeea kai sang sahaaee.1. rahaao.
You shall obtain all the fruits of your mind's desires, and the Lord
shall become the companion and the support of your soul. 1. Pause.

naaraaein praan adhaaraa.
The Lord is the support of the breath of life.

ham sant janaa renaaraa.
I am the dust of the feet of the Holy people.

patit puneet kar leene.
I am a sinner, but the Lord made me pure.

kar kirpaa har jas deene.2.
By His Kind Mercy, the Lord blessed me with His Praises. 2

paarbrahm kare pratipaalaa.

The Supreme Lord Vaheguru cherishes and nurtures me.

sad jeea sang rakhvaalaa.
He is always with me, the Protector of my soul.

har din rain keertan gaaeeai.
Singing the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises day and night,

bahurr na jonee paaeeai.3.
I shall not be consigned to reincarnation again. 3.

jis devai purakh bidhaataa.
One who is blessed by the Primal Lord, the Architect of Destiny,

har ras tin hee jaataa.
realises the subtle essence of the Lord.

jam-kankar nerr na aaeiaa.
The Messenger of Death does not come near him.

sukh naanak sarnnee paaeiaa.4.9.59.

In the Lord's Sanctuary, Nanak has found peace. 4959

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Boss Camp 2005

This year the Boss Camp was held at Portsmouth, next to the sea-side at an army training centre. The weather was HOT! I got sunburnt at the camp! However, the camp was a good fun and met loads of chardikala people!


Evening Diwaan


Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - beautiful shastars!


The army organised the physical activities.


Me with a machine gun :)


Me and Varinder Singh from King's Uni. This photo is of a boat trip between Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.



Chilling out on the deck




The evening sunset.



Sukhaasan di sewa in the evening - all the campers joined in. The amount of respect and shardaa for Guru Ji was amazing!


Kamal Singh (Walsall) on the Sarangi and Pardip Singh Dhesi (Leamington Spa) on the Dhad practice their Dhadi Prasan.


Bhaji Sukhvinder Singh (Sukhi) from Birmingham having a jamming session on Dhad and Sarangi with campers

Pardip Singh blowing the Big Brother chair!


Ravjit Singh Khalsa and Pardip Singh posing with the Big Brother chair.


Poor Indy! On his birthday he got soaked and covered with flour! :D


Sports Day - Harbhajan Singh Bhaji taking part in the asault course.


Everyone cheering on the groups.


The Army giving out the prizes to winning team.


Group discussion sittin outside in the sun.


Dhadi Prasan on the Sahibzaadey.


Warrant Officer Makand Singh


On the last night of the camp there was a Rainsbayee Kirtan where campers did Kirtan. It was so uplifting to see everyone sing along and be absorbed in the Kirtan. Even though there was a Rainsbayee Kirtan (which went on til 2am or so) the campers still woke up on time for the morning diwaan, and many campers attended the Amrit-vela diwaan. :)


Abi Kaur from Manchester doing Kirtan.

Campers from the Midlands doing Kirtan. Listening to Bhaji doing Kirtan it felt as if the Kirtani, Bhai Manpreet Singh Kanpur wale was singing. Really boosted kirtan!!

Daas doing kirtan.

This bhaji was chardikala!


Last day of camp - Guru Ji leaving the camp site in full Chardikala!