'The Eternal Truth'

On Thursday 18th November, there was a seminar held at London Metropolitant University, titled 'The Eternal Truth', as part of London Sikhi Week.

Dr. Dipinder Singh Ji from East London presented an interested presentation and talk on Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a person (i.e. 'Nanak') and the 'Guru' aspect of Guru Sahib. Bhai Sahib talked about how from an early age Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed wonder and amazement by being so devoted to Waheguru and yearning to become one with the Beloved. Day and night Guru Sahib would sing and be in bairaag (a state of longing) for the One Lord. Society thought Guru Ji was mad and crazy because they couldn't 'understand'.

If we can't understand someone we call them 'crazy' and 'mad'. But why? There are two types of people whom society sometimes percieves as mad or cannot 'understand' - firstly, the Gurmukhs, and secondly the mentally insane person. For the "normal" person, the Gurmukh is above his or her understanding, and, therefore, the Gurmukh is criticised by the Manmukh. On the other hand, the mentally insane person is talks under the normal person's understanding. And so they don't make any sense and are put into medical care.

In 1499 Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his companion Baba Mardana Ji did their regular routine of getting up at Amrit-vela and going to the River Bein to do ishnaan (bathe) and then focus themselves on Naam Simran. However, one day Guru Nanak Dev Ji went into the river, and never came out. People thought Guru Nanak Dev Ji had died. However, on the third day Guru Ji emerged out of the water with a gift for the world, given by the Almighty. Guru Sahib had received a Divine Revelation and given the Mool Mantr. And as a special gift to his disciples and devotees he gave them the Gur-Mantr (the Guru's Mantr), which one recieves when taking Amrit from the Guru.

Guru Sahib describes this Divine Revelation in Maajh Ki Vaar on Ang 150 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

ਪਉੜੀ ॥
Pauree:

ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਰਾਿਤ ਿਦਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
I was free of work, when Waheguru took me into His service and gave the (true) work of being ’Dhadi’ (minstrel). Right from the start, Waheguru gave me His Hukam (Order) to sing His Praises day and night.

ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਿਲ ਖਸਿਮ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਿਤ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Waheguru, my Lord and Master summoned me, His Dhadi (minstrel) (meaning, when he joined to Praise His Praises), to the True Mansion of His Presence. (Waheguru) The image of True Praise and Glory, gave me the Siropaao (Siropa), robe of honour.

ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਿਜ ਿਤਿਨ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Amrit Naam, the True Name, which gives eternal giver of spiritual life, (given by Him) has become my food (for my soul‘s support). Those who follow the Guru's Teachings, who eat this food (of ‘Amrit Naam’) with satisfaction, obtain peace.

ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਿਹ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥27॥ ਸੁਧੁ ॥
His Dhadi, minstrel, (Guru Nanak Dev Ji), spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad (meaning, enjoying the ecstasy of Naam) O Nanak! Praising the True Lord, one obtains the Perfect Lord. 27. Shudh.

Bhai Sahib talked about Guru Nanak Dev Ji coming into this world with a universal message. The talk led into a discussion on the meaning of the first passage in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, called the ‘Mool Mantr', and how can one improve one's life and the world by understanding and putting into practice this simple universal message.

Some Photos:


Poor Raghbir Singh Bhaji! - I was testing out the flash of my camera. I think the flash was a bit too much and Bhaji felt slightly blinded by the double flash mode on my camera. (Waheguru)


A photo Bhaji Prabhdev Singh and Singhs from Lond Met uni, beofe the talk started.


Dr. Dipinder Singh Ji - guest speaker.


It was nice to see non-Sikhs also come to the seminar. However, I admit (with my hands up! lol) this is kind of a bad photo. O well!


This photo was not taken by me! Focus is kind of poor. Shame shame to the camerman. lol. The room was a bit dark!


Yum, yum! I was starving during the talk. The Bhaji sitting next to me, his tummy was rumbling. Poor person! I couldn't wait for the food (no offense to Bhai Sahib who gave the talk). Bhenji Hardeep Kaur made some nice pasta for us all and Rav Singh's mum made some nice Pakore. So if you missed out - your loss! :)

A Short Glimpse at the Life of Guru Nanak Ji

A special a article I have written in tribute to my SatGuru, marking Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakash Utsav (Birth date anniversary) gurpurb:

 Social Revolution: Rejection of the 'Janeoo'

At the age of nine, when Pandit Hardyal asked the Guru Nanak Ji to put on Janeoo (’sacred‘ thread), he refused to have the thread that discriminated amongst humanity and represented the caste system. The Janeoo, which was made of the silk for a Brahman (Hindu priests), of cotton for a Khatri (Hindu warrior), of wool for a Vanish (Hindu skilled worker), and which was strictly forbidden for Shudr (so called ‘untouchables‘ or lower castes). And, again which is twisted with three folds for a Brahman, two folds for a Khatri and only one fold for a Vaish. He asked the Pandit if he had the thread made of compassion the cotton, contentment the yarn, continence the knot and purity the twist, he was ready to wear it. The Pandit was dumb-founded. Guru Ji says on Ang 471 in Sri Granth Sahib Ji in Aasa Raag:

ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥

Make compassion the cotton, contentment the thread, modesty the knot and truth the twist. ਏਹੁ ਜਨੇਊ ਜੀਅ ਕਾ ਹਈ ਤ ਪਾਡੇ ਘਤੁ ॥
This is the sacred thread of the soul; if you have it, then go ahead and put it on me.

ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਤੁਟੈ ਨਾ ਮਲੁ ਲਗੈ ਨਾ ਏਹੁ ਜਲੈ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
It does not break, it cannot be soiled by filth, it cannot be burnt, or lost.

ਧੰਨੁ ਸੁ ਮਾਣਸ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੋ ਗਲ ਚਲੇ ਪਾਇ ॥
Blessed are those mortal beings, O Nanak, who wear such a thread around their necks.

Guru Nanak Sahib Ji rejected the Brahman’s Janeoo (sacred thread). This was no normal act. Guru Ji overthrew the caste system by defying the Janeoo which was an embodiment and represented the ideology of the caste system and social division. Guru Sahib showed us that we must ‘what is the purpose’ of things. Blind practices and blind faith should be addressed. If we do not understand the purpose and meaning of something, then how will appreciate it?

Divine Revelation - SachKhand Darshan

In 1499, Guru Nanak Sahib Sahib Ji, at the age of 30, had a divine revelation, which is recorded in Maajh Ki Vaar on Ang 150 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

ਪਉੜੀ
Pauree:

ਹਉ ਢਾਢੀ ਵੇਕਾਰੁ ਕਾਰੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਰਾਤਿ ਦਿਹੈ ਕੈ ਵਾਰ ਧੁਰਹੁ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ॥
I was free of work, when Waheguru took me into His service and gave the (true) work of being ’Dhadi’ (minstrel). Right from the start, Waheguru gave me His Hukam (Order) to sing His Praises day and night.

ਢਾਢੀ ਸਚੈ ਮਹਿਲ ਖਸਿਮ ਬੁਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਸਚੀ ਸਿਫਿਤ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਪੜਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Waheguru, my Lord and Master summoned me, His Dhadi (minstrel) (meaning, when he joined to Praise His Praises), to the True Mansion of His Presence. (Waheguru) The image of True Praise and Glory, gave me the Siropaao (Siropa), robe of honour.

ਸਚਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਖਾਧਾ ਰਜਿ ਤਿਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
The Amrit Naam, the True Name, which gives eternal giver of spiritual life, (given by Him) has become my food (for my soul‘s support). Those who follow the Guru's Teachings, who eat this food (of ‘Amrit Naam’) with satisfaction, obtain peace.

ਢਾਢੀ ਕਰੇ ਪਸਾਉ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹਿ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਾਇਆ ॥27॥ ਸੁਧੁ ॥
His Dhadi, minstrel, (Guru Nanak Dev Ji), spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad (meaning, enjoying the ecstasy of Naam) O Nanak! Praising the True Lord, one obtains the Perfect Lord. 27.Sudh.

First meeting with Bhai Lehna

The first meeting with Bhai Lehna Ji (who later becomes the Second Nanak, and renamed [Guru] ‘Angad’ Ji) is truly remarkable. Bhai Lehna Ji was a rich man, and he sought Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s darshan, blessed vision. He travelled to Kartarpur Sahib on horse, and saw a man who he thought he would approach and ask where Guru Ji’s House was. He stopped. Talking while sitting on the horse, Bhai Lehna Ji asked, “Excuse me, do you know where the House of Guru Nanak is?” “Yes,” replied the man. He held the rope of the horse and guided Bhai Lehna Ji on his horse to the house. “Here you go, this is Guru Nanak’s House.”
Bhai Lehna Ji then asked, “Do you know where I can find Guru Nanak?” To this the man replied, “I am [Guru] Nanak.” Hearing this Bhai Lehna Ji jumped off his horse and fell at Guru Nanak Ji’s feet.

How humbling to hear this Saakhi (account). So what do we learn from this incident. Firstly, that dialogue with the Guru is nothing physical or not to do with how your perceive things. Secondly, even when you think you are the biggest person, be careful how you operate.

Udaasis - Long Journeys

Guru Arjan Dev Ji says on Ang 615 in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, in Sorath Raag:

ਗੋਸਟਿ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਣਿ ਉਧਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਿਨਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
ਭਇਓ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਪੁਨਾ ਅਨਦ ਸੇਤੀ ਘਰਿ ਆਇਆ ॥4॥13॥24॥

"They are saved, who receive the Blessed Vision of His Darshan; they listen to the spiritual dialogue of the Naam. Nanak's God has become Merciful to him; he has arrived home in ecstasy. 4.13.24."

Let us reflect upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Udasis (journeys). Guru Sahib didn’t lecture people, unlike we do. Guru Ji had ‘dialogue’ with common people. Relating to their level he communicated and won people’s hearts with the sweet words of Wisdom. Guru Ji lectured only religious intellectuals such as the Pandits and Qazis, who were hypocritical and abusing the power of religious authority on the simple common folk. Dr. Iqbal, writing about Guru Nanak Ji says that Guru Ji “effectively communicated with common people.” Yes, our Guru was an effective communicator. He listened to people, unlike us today. Guru Sahib was innovative and energetic in the way he inspired and showed people the True Path. For example, at the Ganga (River Ganges), Guru Sahib witnessed the Hindu Brahmans throwing water towards the sun, believing that it would quench the thirst of their dead ancestors. Guru Ji could have laughed at them or shouted at them and said “stop, this is wrong!” However, blessed is my Guru who uses marvellous ways to teach our minds to wake up. Instead Guru Nanak Ji started throwing water in the opposite direction. When the Brahman saw this, they asked, “Why are throwing water in the opposite direction.” Guru Ji replied, “If your water can reach the Sun, which is billions of miles way, then can’t my water reach my fields in Kartarpur Sahib which is not as far?” The Brahmans ‘realised’ their ignorance and blind faith and bowed down Guru Nanak Ji and the Infinite Wisdom he shared with the world.

In Guru Nanak Ji on Ang 465 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Raag Aasa says:

ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥ ਨਦਰੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਲਘਾਏ ਪਾਰਿ ॥

"Sikhi is learning by contemplating on the Shabd Guru, granting His Grace, He carries His servants across."

City of Katarpur Sahib

Guru Nanak Ji founded Kartarpur Sahib. Sadly, nowadays, we can’t successfully make a family forget an organisation. However, Guru Ji created cities! How amazing. See the vision of the Guru. The Guru planned big and thought big, not small. The vision of Sikh sovereignty did not originate from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The seeds of Sikh Sovereignty were planted by Guru Nanak Ji. Guru Ji demonstrated this by finding and constructing cities. This is not an easy task. Prophets of other religions did not do this type of work, what Guru Nanak Ji did. This tradition and vision of Sikh Sovereignty was carried on by other Guru Sahibaans, who continued to find and build various cities.

Fellow Companion - Baba Mardana Ji

ਇਕ ਬਾਬਾ ਅਕਾਲ ਰੂਪ ਦੂਜਾ ਰਬਾਬੀ ਮਰਦਾਨਾ ॥

“There was one Baba [Guru Nanak Dev Ji], who himself was the image of the Timeless (Waheguru), and secondly, he had his companion Bhai Mardana, the Rabaabi, rebeck player.”
(Vaar 1, Pauree 35, Bhai Gurdaas Ji)

Lastly, I wish to touch upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s companionship with Baba Mardana Ji. When going on a long expedition in different foreign langs, think who would you take to accompany you? Translators, scholars, linguists etc? Guru Nanak Ji did not choose a linguist, scholar etc, instead he choose a musician. Not any musician, but a musician of social background, which society considered the lowest class. Guru Nanak Ji says in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on Ang 15 in Siree Raag:

ਨੀਚਾ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਨੀਚ ਜਾਤਿ ਨੀਚੀ ਹੂ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਚੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਾਥਿ ਵਡਿਆ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਆ ਰੀਸ ॥ ਜਿਥੈ ਨੀਚ ਸਮਾਲੀਅਨਿ ਤਿਥੈ ਨਦਰਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ॥4॥3॥

“(O Waheguru! I I beg this from You, that Your) Nanak attains the company of those people of who consider themselves the lowest of the low class, the very lowest of the low. I have no urge to walk on the path of ‘Maya-dhari’, those caught up in the illusion of the world, (because I know) the Blessings of Your Glance of Grace rain down where the lowly are cared for. 43”

How wonderful is this. Guru Nanak Ji overthrew all social barriers, not merely with Gurbani, but by through actual real life. Hence, Gurbaani is not a philosophy but a reality.


Summary
Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji, a contemporary and court-poet of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, wrote a poem about all the Ten Guru Sahibaans. He described each Guru with one word, which summarised their nature and character. All the Guru’s shared each of the ten personalities nature and virtue, however each one demonstrated and highlighted the virtue in their life. Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji summarises Guru Nanak Ji with the word ‘Humility’. This ‘gun’, virtue, was instilled within the Sikhs.

Sikhs everday say in the daily Ardaas (prayer):

ਸਿਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਨੀਵਾਂ, ਮਤ ਉਚੀ, ਮਤ ਦਾ ਰਾਖਾ ਆਪਿ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ॥

“May the minds of all Sikhs remain humble and their wisdom be profound, You are the protector of wisdom O Waheguru.”

Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji!

Many happy returns to everyone on the Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Ji.

ਖਤ੍ਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣ ਸੂਦ ਵੈਸ ਸਭ ਏਕੈ ਨਾਮਿ ਤਰਾਨਥ ॥

ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਕਹਤੁ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਸੁਨੈ ਸੋ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਰਾਨਥ ॥4॥1॥10॥

The Khatri, Brahmans, Shoodr and Vanish (i.e. everyone from society) all cross over, through ‘Naam’, the Name of the One Lord. Guru Nanak speaks the Teachings; whoever listens to them is carried across. 4.1.10.
(Ang 1001, Raag Maaroo, Sri Granth Sahib Ji)

Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji

Yesterday was Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Diwas. In honour of Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) and also the other Singhs who became Shaheed (martyrs) while fighting alongside Baba Deep Singh Ji in protecting the sanctity of Sri Harmandar Sahib, I have written an article on Baba Ji's Jeewan (life):

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF SHAHEED BABA DEEP SINGH JEE

Childhood and meeting Guru Sahib Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on January 20, 1682, in the village of Pahu-vind, district Amritsar. His father's name was Bhai Bhagtu Ji. At the age of twelve, Baba Deep Singh Ji went with his parents to Anandpur Sahib to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh guru. They stayed at Anandpur Sahib for several days, doing sewa (service) with the Sangat. When his parents were ready to return to their village, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Baba Deep Singh Ji to stay with him. He humbly accepted Guru Ji's command and began serving him. Training & knowledge From Bhai Mani Singh Ji Baba Ji began learning reading and writing Gurmukhi and santhiyaa (exegesis) of Gurbaani. As well as gurmukhi he learnt several other languages. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also taught him horseback riding, hunting and Shastar-vidiyaa (weaponry). At the age of eighteen, on the Vaisakhi of 1700, he received the blessing of Khande-di-pahul, amrit, from the Guru-roop Panj Piaare. As an Amritdhari Sikh, Baba Deep Singh Ji took an oath to serve in Akaal Purakh's Fauj (the Almighty’s army), and that following the way of the Khalsa one is to always help the weak and needy, and to fight for truth and justice. Baba Deep Singh Ji soon became one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's most beloved Sikhs. During this time countless spiritually elevated souls were residing in Anandpur, doing Sangat with them and with the Guru's blessings, the Sangat recognised the young Deep Singh Ji as a "Baba" (wise person) and gave him this title. Return back home Baba Deep Singh Ji stayed in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's service for about eight years. At Guru Ji's request, he returned to his village to help his parents. Guru Gobind Singh Ji met Baba Deep Singh Ji at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in 1705. Here, he learned that two of the Guru' sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, had become Shaheed (martyred) in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Guru Ji also told him that his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were cold-heartedly bricked alive and attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) at Sirhind under the orders of the governor Wazir Khan.

Sent Message to meet Guru Sahib at Damdama Sahib

In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Ji placed Baba Deep Singh Ji in charge at Damdama Sahib, while Bhai Mani Singh Ji was made Head Granthi of Sri Harmander Sahib in Amritsar. After Guru Sahib left for Delhi, he took up the duty of preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried on the sewa blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji of managing this Sikh Centre. ‘Taksal’ means a minting factory. Sri Damdama Sahib, had become a factory where Sikhs would come to mint and prepare their shastars (weapons), as well as mint their minds and enshrine Gurbaani within their hearts through learning the correct pronunciation and grammar of reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As a result this centre of education and weaponry was known as “Damdami Taksal”. Baba Deep Singh Ji spent many years at Sri Damdama Sahib preaching Sikh values and teachings and doing sewa of the Sangat. He was always ready to serve those in need and to fight for justice.

The Khalsa delivers justice to the Tyrants In 1709, Baba Ji joined Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar in punishing the tyrants of Sadhaura and Sirhind. Baba Ji fought so bravely without care for his life, that Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur entrusted Baba Ji with the title "Jinda Shaheed" (living martyr). Since that moment Baba Ji was called "Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji". It is noteworthy that Baba Ji wasn't called "Shaheed" after he died, but during his own lifetime. In 1733 Nawab Kapoor Singh Ji, the commander of the Khalsa forces, appointed Baba Ji as the leader of one of the jathas (groups) of Dal Khalsa (a united and collective body of groups of Khalsa divided and dispersed across Panjab). On Vaisakhi day of 1748, when Dal Khalsa was reorganised into twelve misls, he was entrusted with the leadership of Shaheedaa(n) di Misl. News of sacrilege at Amritsar In April 1757, Ahmed Shah Abdali, after his fourth invasion, was returning to Kabul from Delhi with precious booty and young men and women as captives. Singhs made a plan to retrieve the valuables and set the prisoners free. The jatha (squad) of Baba Deep Singh Ji was deployed near Kurkhetar (also called Kurukshetra). His squad freed large number of prisoners and lightened the burden of valuables of Abdali considerably. While departing from Lahore, Abdali appointed his son Taimur Shah, the Governor of Lahore and told him, "Try to finish the Sikhs". In Accordance with his orders, Taimur Shah started demolishing Gurdwaré and filling the sarovars (pool tanks) with debris and alcohol. When Baba Deep Singh Ji came to know of this beadbi (violation of sanctity) and demolition of Sri Harmandar Sahib, he narrated it to the Sangat (congregation) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and said, "Diwali will be celebrated at Amritsar this year." Five hundred Singhs came forward to go with him. Baba Deep Singh Ji offered an Ardaas (pray) before starting for Amritsar, "May my head fall at Sri Harmandar Sahib."

Baba jee leaves for Amritsar Although Baba Deep Singh Ji was seventy-five years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. He gathered a large group of Sikhs and advanced towards Sir Harmandar Sahib. By the time they reached the Taran Taaran, about ten miles from Amritsar, the number of Singhs had risen to about five thousand. At this time, Baba Ji drew a line on the ground with his Khanda (double-edged sword), and asked only those who were willing to fight and die to cross the line. Those willing to die for the Guru and give up their attachment for their homes and families crossed the line eagerly. Baba Deep Singh Ji then recited the shabad:

ਜਉ ਤਉ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਖੇਲਣ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਧਰਿ ਤਲੀ ਗਲੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਆਉ ॥ ਇਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪੈਰੁ ਧਰੀਜੈ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਾਣਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ॥20॥

“Those who wish to play the game of love (follow the Guru‘s path), come to me with your head in your palm. If you wish your feet to travel this path, don't delay in accepting to give your head. 20” (Ang 1412, SGGS)

Clash with the Mughals At the news of the approach of Singhs, the Governor of Lahore sent one of his generals with an army of twenty thousand to face them. His army took up position six miles north of Amritsar and waited for the Singhs there. Both the armies clashed near Gohalwarh on the 11th November, 1757. Fighting bravely, the Singhs pushed the army back and reached village Chabba where Attal Khan came forward and fierce battle ensued during which Attal Khan inflicted a blow on Baba Deep Singh Ji severing his head from his body. Baba Deep Singh, more than seventy-five years of age at that time, started to lose his footing under the impact of the blow, when a Sikh reminded him, "Baba ji, you had resolved (Ardaasa soddhyaa see) to reach the Parkarma of Sri Darbar Sahib." On hearing this, an inhuman energy suddenly took over, and Baba ji placed his head on the palm of one hand and with the other hand moved his 14kg Khanda (double-edged sword) with such ferocity and strength that enemy soldiers started running away in panic. Thus, Baba Deep Singh made his way to the Parkarma of Sri Harmandar Sahib where, due to the severe injury, attained martyrdom.

Baba jee lays to rest at Harmandir Sahib The Singhs celebrated the Diwali of 1757 in Sri Harmandar Sahib. The place where his head had fallen is marked by a stone and the Sikhs go past this place on their way to pay obeisance in Sri Darbar Sahib. It reminds them that the way to Sri Darbar Sahib is paved with the sacrifices of people like Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji. Summary Baba Deep Singh Ji's shaheedi incited the Sikhs to continue to fight against oppression for many years. Even today, his life serves as an example for all Sikhs on how to live and die with dignity, and never stand or tolerate the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or the Guru Ghar (Gurdwara). This is a message, which we can all learn from and aspire to follow, and ensure that Gurdwaré and individuals upkeep the respect and dignity of Gurmat and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, something which has been highlighted by Panthic Weekly in recent months with the reports of various Gurdwaré using Gurdwara property to allow parties, which cater for alcohol, and Granthi Singhs taking Guru Ji’s Saroops to Hotel, Clubs and Banqueting Halls. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare. Dhan Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.

ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਧਰਤੀ ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਬਾਪੂ, ਧੰਨ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਮਾਈ ।

ਢੰਗ ਜਿਉਣ ਦਾ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਦੱਸ ਗਿਆ ਸਦੀਆ ਸਾਈਂ ।

“Blessed is that land, blessed is that father, blessed is the great mother. Who’s son has shown the way to live, for centuries to come.”

“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”.

Photos of My Brother

Here's some photos of my brother, Benjit. He's twenty five years old and at the moment is Second Lieutenant Officer in the British Army. He's on duty abroad. Guru Rakha!


Posing outside the main Sandhurst building


My brother told me that marching is quite hard, because you have to keep your back straight and its very tiring on the body.


Photo of my brother with his platoon whom he trained with


Training expedition in Lake District


Morning exercise - running and carrying a large heavy pole. (Doesn't look like fun!)


During the training period, the army holds days for the family's of cadet's to visit. The cadet's do a special parade march and afterwards there is a Barbeque for the families. Here's some photos from our family visit to Sandhurst to see my brother:


I'm standing with my brother and mum outside the main Sandhurst building.


This is a window painting found in the main Sandhurst building chapel hall. In the corridor there is a gallery of pictures of Sikhs and Indians who fought for the British. Most of the pictures of Sikh Sardars :)


My dad and brother looking towards the lake.


This is a picture of my brother's cupboard in his room at Sandhurst. Every single thing has to put in certain place and kept in order. If not then you get disciplined (Waheguru!).



Commissiong day - April 2005




Photos of Commissioning Parade and ceremony



My brother now is deployed in Poland. He is away from home for 6 months. Rab Rakha. May Guru Ji bless him with Gursikhi Jeevan and keep him in chardikala.

Ban Smoking in Public Places!!!

WAHEGUROO!! ... Yesterday I was invited to Westminster Uni to do a talk and bit of Kirtan in their Sikh Society simran programme, which is going to be a weekly thing.

Firstly, I got the WRONG CAMPUS. I was sitting on jubilee line from London Bridge to Baker Street and I thought to myself, "Wow. I have arrived bit early. That's good. Usually people turn up late when doing talks and stuff, but today I am bit earlier." Bhenji and Bhaji from Sikh Society didn't want me to come late, so I was chuffed (happy) with myself that I was 5 minutes earlier (rather than turning up on Pindoo timing).

Coming out the station I saw loads of Panjabis and a few Singhs. I was thinking 'shall I approach them and say, "Come to Sikh society"? But then I thought to myself, 'well I don't know the room number or know exactly where to go. On top of that no-one from Westminster Sikh Society is answering their phone.' So it would be bit embarrassing if I asked people to come to Sikh Society but I didn't know which room it is happening.

I got to the main entrance and for the FIFTH time or so I tried ringing the Westminster Sikh Society people. NO ONE PICKED. O dear - was it a wasted journey? I rang another Singh and asked him to look on the Internet which room the simran programme is (I know - I should have done that before I left!). SHOCK HORROR!!!! I was standing at the WRONG CAMPUS.

”WAHEGUROO! WAHEGUROO! WAHEGUROO!” rolled off my tongue. O dear me! My pride of turning up on time (according to English time) was smashed! lol. I was meant to have gone to the Regent Street Campus, which near Oxford Circus tube station. So I hopped on the tube and got off at Oxford Circus.

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? Coming out of the station I thought - 'hun mai kithe jaavaa(n)?' I tried ringing AGAIN, but no-one picked up their phone. I thought 'Chalo - Rab Rakha, let's see where I turn up'.

I started walking up Regent Street (hoping I was walking in the right direction). I thought I would ring bhenji from Westminster Uni again and give it a go. I got my phone out of my pocket and dialled the number. Just as waited for the phone to be answered someone walked by and was smoking. It was DISGUSTING. They were so inconsiderate and blew out their Cigarette smoke in my face. WAHEGUROO! I felt sick. I was coughing and felt like I choking on it. Bhenji answered the phone and I could barely breathe NEVER MIND TALKING! I said "Ek minute" and tried to get some air and clear my throat and air passage. I was so annoyed! Firstly, I am asthmatic and secondly, I hate tobacco and cigarette smell or smoke!

It took me a good few second to be able to breathe properly and talk to Bhenji. Then I saw a building saying 'Westminster University'. WAHEGUROO! Rab Da Shukar!! I had found the university. Bhenji was standing outside.

I didn't feel like talking! Because after the incident I felt sick, and I felt my air passage was violated by the dirty smoke, and congested or something. I felt like coughing! Sitting infront of the Vaaja I thought 'hope I can talk properly, because I felt queasy'. But with Guru's Kirpa I did a small talk and sangat joined together to sing a shabad and bhenji Tasvinder Kaur led some nice Simran.

From Westminster Uni I was going to my university library. I was doing Rehraas Sahib and walking and "PRAISE THE LORD" i coughed and my air passage and lungs or dil (chest-area) felt clear AT LAST! It was now all decongested and I felt I could breathe without being traumatized by the experience with the inconsiderate smoker.

I really hope that the government bans smoking in all public places. Firstly, it harms those who consume tobacco, and secondly, those who inhale other's smoke are at greater health risk.


To end with, I want to share what Guru Ji tells us about tobacco:

paan supaaree khaateeaa, mukh beeReeaa laaeeaa.
har har kade na chetiou, jam pakaR chalaaeeaa. 13
“Those who eat ‘paan’ (betel leaves which contain nicotine) and betel nuts and their mouths touch cigarettes, but do not contemplate the Lord, Har, Har, the Messenger of Death will sieze them and take them away (and made to enter the cycle of reincarnation). 13”
(Ang 726, SGGS)

suN gursikh kee rehit ko, taje tamaakoo sang.
marNee marai tau at bhalaa, jagat joot nehee ang.
"Listen to the Rehit (discipline) of the Gursikh who relinquishes the accompaniment of tobacco, avoding bodily contact with tobacco as he/she knows that he/she is better off dead than having to touch tobacco."
(Rehitnaama Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji)

Trip to Southall Nagar Kirtan

Yesterday, their was a Nagar Kirtan in Southall to celebrate the Parkash Ustav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Nagar Kirtan took place between 12pm – 3.30pm, starting from Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Havelock Road and ended at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Park Avenue. It went through King Street, South Road, then High Street, Uxbridge Rd., Green Drive, following onto Park Avenue.

The weather was wet and cold, but it was great to see so many people out on the day and joining in the celebrations. Young and old were all present. Due to weather not as many people turned up on the streets and joined the Nagar Kirtan as in previous Nagar Kirtans. However, still there was a good amount of Sangat present.

The highlight for me in the Nagar Kirtan was the Afghani Kabuli Sikh Sangat. They are inspiration. Firstly, there attitude and devotion to Sewa is humbling to see. From the sewa of looking-after the Sangat's shoes, to sweeping the streets and picking up rubbish. It was amazing to see this enthusiasm. Furthermore, I loved the way they sang Shabds in the Nagar Kirtan. It was in true spirit of the meaning of "Nagar Kirtan" (moving Kirtan procession through a village/city/town).
Here are some photos from the day:

Young Sewadaars helped to clear rubbish and sweep the streets


Youngsters doing sewa



Nagar Kirtan procession being led by Panj Singhs


Youngsters who recently took Amrit participate in sewa of Panj. I thought it would have been nice to give them same shoes or something, and also a rain jacket (perhaps see-through or orange colour). I felt sorry for the Singhs afterwards when I saw them at Havelock Rd. Gurdwara. They were freezing, drenched, and looked pale :(


Sangat singing along to Shabad Kirtan despite the poor weather conditions


The Nagar Kirtan stopped for a short while at Park Avenue Gurdwara



Even though it was raining, young and old came out to celebrate Guru Nanak Ji's Prakash Utsav


The Kabuli Sikh Sangat of Southall celebrated with great enthusiam and energy through singing Shabads


Students from Ramgarhia Gurdwara Sunday School sang Shabads and did Simran while walking. Saw a lot of friends there who attend the Sunday School and help out with Sewa. Throughout the whole Nagar Kirta families, businesses and homes offered Langar Pani (food and refreshments) to the Sangat


The Southall Afghani Sikh community demonstrated immense pyaar (love) and shardaa (devotion), and created an energetic and joyous atmosphere through their singing of Shabads


Young Afghani Sikhs singing shabads under a plastic sheet, covering them from the rain


Young children siting on floats (they look a bit serious!)


Sangat approaching Park Avenue Gurdwara for Samaapti


Near the end of the Nagar Kirtan - this pretty much sums up the day... cold and wet


Ardaas for the conclusion of the Nagar Kirtan


Guru Granth Sahib Ji being carried back inside the Gurdwara Sahib with great awe and reverence.