...Meeting the Atheist (Part 2)

Continued...



So this bloke is an atheist Buddhist. He then starts saying to me "Why do you believe in God?" I said, "Because He created me, He created the Universe, and He has given me so much... How can I not believe in God?" He became fired up. At this point (believe me or not) it was as if I could see total pitch darkness in the man's eyes with fire burning in them. No joke!

Once, twice, three times, he continued to dissuade me that there is God. "Show me where is God?" "Show where my God is not?" I replied. (Sikhs don't believe in Satan as in the Christianity and Islam, however) the man was like Satan! He represented pure evil. You may think I am mad. But I cant explain the amount of negativity I felt. It was not only me, my mum felt this, and both of us shared our experience of this man who was hell-bent on dissuading me to worship and follow Waheguru.

ਨਿੰਦਕੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਭੁਲਾਇਆ ਕਾਲੁ ਨੇਰੈ ਆਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਸਿਉ ਬਾਦੁ ਉਠਰੀਐ ॥

nindak prabhoo bhulaa-i-aa, kaal nerai aa-i-aa, har jan si-o baad uthree-ai.
The slanderer forgets Waheguru, death approaches him, and he starts to argue with the humble servant of the Lord Waheguru.

ਨਾਨਕ ਕਾ ਰਾਖਾ ਆਪਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਕਿਆ ਮਾਨਸ ਬਪੁਰੇ ਕਰੀਐ ॥੨॥੯॥੯੫॥

naanak kaa raakhaa aap prabh su-aamee, ki-aa maanas bapure karee-ai. 2995
Waheguru Himself, the Lord and Master, is Nanak's protector. What can any wretched person do to him? 2995
(Ang 823, SGGS)

Guess what? Then this atheist dodgey man had the cheek to use GURBANI to defend his atheistic cynical views! (I will go into this later on). He was pushing it. I remember telling people afterwards about this man and people said, "Why don't swear at him" "Why didn't you hit him" "Why didn't you threaten this man." However, at the time my mind was in battle with this man and to be honest afterwards I thought "I wish had I said this and that.. etc"

Mr. Ashoka or whatever his name was, began saying, "GURU NANAK WAS AN ATHEIST." Sat Naam, Waheguru. At this point, "O my Lord! I am sitting next to a loony or he's the Devil!" I said, "How was Guru Nanak Sahib an atheist? The whole Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is about how to meet Waheguru! Have you read or heard the Mool Mantar?"

Now this was getting disturbing. He started to say "Guru Nanak was an undercover atheist because he knew the world would not accept him if they knew he didn't believe in God. He was the incarnation of the Lord Buddha." O my God! What can I say to this Moorakh (foolish guy)?

ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਉਪਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਕੀਆ ਤਿਸੈ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ॥

jin jagat upaa-e har rang kee-aa, tisai vittahu kurbaan.
I am a sacrifice to that Lord who created the world, and who loves it.

ਆਪੁ ਛੋਡਹਿ ਤਾਂ ਸਹੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸਚਾ ਏਹੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥

aap chhoddeh taa(n) saho milai, sachaa eihu veechaar.
Give up your selfishness, and then you shall meet your Husband Lord Waheguru. Consider this Truth.

ਹਉਮੈ ਫਿਕਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਬੁਝਿ ਨ ਸਕਾ ਕਾਰ ॥

hau-mai fikaa bolnaa, bujh na sakaa kaar.
Speaking in shallow egotism, no one understands the Ways of Waheguru.
(Ang 1420, SGGS)

I said who created the world? Who created the land, water and sky? Who creates, sustains and destroys life and the creation? The atheist was like the Devil (Manmukh/Saakat) trying to convince me not to believe in Waheguru and not to take Amrit. He said the creation of the world was mere pot-luck with various collisions of different atoms or something and "Wallah the world is here."

I think he had some issues with Sikhs. He said that he had been a Sikh and gone to the Gurdwara. However, he said that people look down on others of lower-castes and this that the other. I think he was so anti-Sikh because of a bad personal experience or something, which made him become a Radha Soami, then a Nirankari and now a Buddhist (but his vichaar were typical of Nakli Nirankaris). Rab Bhalla Kare (God help him!).

He said, "God has no power, God is not strong and God is not the creator!" I suppose he thought he was the Creator! Well not quite. He said, "Allah means VOID. All empty space around us "RAB."" Okay we're getting somewhere. So he now believes in God, right? No! He said empty space is God - then he says "YOU WANT TO BECOME A BRAHM-GYAANI? HERE, I CAN GIVE YOU BRAHM GYAAN!" I was like "Err... this bloke who looks half-dead, bags under his eyes, evil look on his face, reminds of the devil, who is letting off negative vibes and is further more got a face like he has a hang over wants to give "BRAHM-GYAAN" (Wisdom of Enlightenment of God). O Deary me!"

To be continued...

Episode 1 India Travels: Meeting the Atheist (Part 1)

Passages from my diary of my trip to India in June 2003:



During my last year of A-Levels I had planned to go to India after my final exams and ask for the gift of Amrit from the Panj Piyaare. I had planned either to go to Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib or Sri Kesgharh Sahib, basically wherever Guru Sahib destined.

The Turkmenistan flight was booked for Thursday 26th June 2003 to leave from Birmingham to Amritsar. My mum and I were going. I was going for 2 months and my mum was going for four weeks.

The flight was an early morning flight. Once we had done all checking and handed in our luggage, we went towards the aeroplane. Getting on the aeroplane we found our seats and sat down. My mum had a window seat and I was sitting next to her. One seat towards the aisle was left empty. Eventually an Indian man came and sat there.

He looked a bit weird (don't want to sound nasty or anything). Its been a long time, however I think his name was Ashoka (don't know whether that was his surname or first-name). His eyes had a funny look (not funny "ha ha," but funny "Sat Naam, Waheguru"). His eyes just seemed black and drained. He had bags under his eyes as well.

Chalo (O well), despite looking slightly shifty, the bloke seemed friendly and started chatting. Most of the conversation was about him and how he had this business, then he bought an old people's home etc etc. Then he started talking about his son and how he is proud of his son. I remember him mentioning a Christian name like "Paul" or something. I was suprised to hear his kids have Christian names.

Eventually the aeroplane lifted off. The man continued to talk to me. He asked, "Is there any reason you are going to India?" "Yes, with Guru's Kirpa I am going to take Amrit in India." He then said, "Amrit? What is Amrit?" I was curious at either his ignorance of Khande-di-Pahul or that he was being clever. I explained the process of Amrit and how the Panj Piyaare prepare Amrit and give the gift to the candidates. I explained that it was pledging one's life to the Feet of the Guru and a declaring sole allegiance to the Guru Granth Sahib jee and Guru Khalsa Panth. He kept listening.

Out of curiosity I asked him, "What religion are?" Sat Naam. He started giving me a lecture about Radha Soami this, Radha Soami that. (Radha Soamis are a cult who have a self-proclaimed Satguru who uses and distorts Gurbani in preaching his own religion). I was like "Hey, I am not into this Radha Soami stuff." Then he started to talk about (Nakli) Nirankaris (another cult). I said, "What Narak-dharis"? (Nirankaris are referred by Sikhs as "Narak-dharis" (the dwellers of Hell) because in 1978 they insulted Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee by their Guru saying he is going to put his foot on top of Guru Granth Sahib jee and if any Sikh has the guts to stop him, then come and stop him. Futhermore he challenged Guru Gobind Singh jee and said, "If Guru Gobind Singh jee can make the Five Beloved Ones, I will make the "Sat Sitaare" (Seven Stars). Hearing this Sikhs led a peaceful protest, who were then gunned down by the Nirankari followers. No Nirankari was arrested for the murder of 13 Singhs). Then he stopped mentioning the word "Nirankari".

I was confused at what is this man's religion? Is he Radha Soami? Is he Nirankari? Is he half-half? Rab jaane. I asked again, "What is your religion?" He then said, "I am a Buddhist." I was taken aback because I haven't come across any Panjabi Buddhists, well especially people born in Panjab. I said do you believe in the Dalai Lama? He got angry and said, "NO! Those Buddhists who believe in a Supreme Power and Supreme Being (i.e. Waheguru) are not true Budhists. They are misguided people!" He told me the branch of Buddhism he belongs to (I forgot the name) and said that he was an atheist! I said "Waheguru" :)


To be continued...

What's Does The Anand Kaaraj Mean?

Last Saturday was Bhaji Satpal Singh & Bhenji Harmeet Kaur's wedding. Before the Anand Kaaraj, Bhai Davinder Singh Panesar (from Midlands) gave a short talk on the significance, meanning and value of the Anand Kaaraj and the Laavaa(n) da Paath (the four marriage vows). Pressed by time, Bhai Sahib summarised the Anand Kaaraj and the four Laavaa(n) in a nutshell, which was short and sweet.

Here's a summary of what Bhai Davinder Singh Panesar said:

Anand Kaaraj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, is about the INNER-JOURNEY of the self and soul, explaining the four stages of Spiritual Development of the individual beings, leading them to Divine Union with their True Self within. However, when translating the marriage vows into English, we translate it and interpret it on a worldly level to match our world-perspective. It's about the SOUL (Aatma) and WAHEGURU (Parmaatma). We are told that the teaching of Gurbani (the Sacred Scriptures) is the sacred basis upon which the sanctity of marriage is to be recognised by people. Thus, marriage in Sikhi is a sacramental knot under the roof of TRUE LOVE, tied in the presence of TRUTH and DIVINITY.

Blessings of Shabad Guru (Divine Infinite Wisdom enshrined in the Word) - that is the main focus of Sikh way of marriage. The Laavaa(n) consist of four verses, which makes up four rounds of the inner-journey and building a relationship with our soul to Waheguru. Getting married, both husband and wife embrace this journey. Husband and wife are "SANGAT," company, who walk together on the path to Waheguru and enjoy the bliss, peace and contentment that one gets from this path.

The First Laav (verse):

ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿਲੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਕਰਮ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har pehilaRee laav, parvirtee karam driR-aa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the first round of the marriage ceremony, Waheguru sets out His Instructions for performing the daily duties of married life.

In this first verse, the first vow, Guru Sahib gives us guidance of how we can EXPERIENCE the Divine, how we experience the Supreme Infinite Lord Waheguru. The next line shows us that we can have this EXPERIENCE through DHARAM.

ਬਾਣੀ ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਵੇਦੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਹੁ ਪਾਪ ਤਜਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
baaNee brahmaa ved Dharam driRHu, paap tajaa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
Instead of the hymns of the Vedas to Brahma, embrace Dharam (the righteous way of life), and renounce sinful actions.

What is DHARAM? Is it religion? Not quite. DHARAM is a WAY OF LIFE. Just as water being wet is insperable, Dharam is that way of life, which becomes insperable and a part of person. Guru Sahib's not interested in us being a "SUNDAY SIKH," who comes to the Gurdwara on Sunday, does Matha Tekh and eat Langar, and that's his "religious Sikh thing" done for the week. DHARAM is a WAY OF LIFE. If you wish to EXPERIENCE the Divine, and experience SUKH (peace) then one has to live a certain way of life, which is living in the remebrance, meditation and grace of Waheguru.



FOUR TYPES OF SIKHS
There are four types of Sikhs. To illustrate this point, let's use the example of a fire.
1/ The first type of person knows through his or her FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE that by putting one's hand in the fire, it will burn. So they experience the heat of the fire and learnt that it would do them harm. This is like the first type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on EXPERIENCE of the Guru (Gurbani) and Simran.

2/ The second type of person knows that fire will burn their hand, because of another's experience. Therefore, person 2 BELIEVES in person 1, and on the basis of this BELIEF he or she keeps away from fire. This is like the second type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on BELIEF in what they have been told about Guru Sahib and Sikhi.

3/ The third type of person does knows fire is dangerous and not to touch it because person 2 told them that person 1 had experienced the fire. Therefore, person 3 has BLIND FAITH in person 2, and basis his BELIEF on someone else's belief. This is like the third type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on BLIND-FAITH and they plod along and follow Sikhi because so and so told so and so, and this got passed down.

4/ The fourth type of person does not go near fire, not knowing why and thinks its a tradition of the ancestors not to touch fire. Therefore, person 4 follows BLIND-RITUALISM. Not going near fire becomes a RITUAL with no meaning or understand. This is like the fourth type of Sikh - one whose Sikhi is based on BLIND-RITUALISM and they do things, e.g. Matha Tekh, read Paath, or go the Gurdwara NOT KNOWING "WHY" and carry out these acts because their ancestors andprevious generations did this.

What type of Sikhs are we today? Sadly, most of us fall into Sikh no. 4. Hence, Gurbani shows us HOW TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE. We don't rely on experience of others, rather Gurbani shows us how we can experience Waheguru and Sukh also.

ਹਰਿ ਦੂਜੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har doojRee laav, satgur purakh milaa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the second round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord lead you to meet the True Guru, the Primal Being.

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਭੈ ਮਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਹਉਮੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
nirbhau bhai man ho-e, hau-mai mail gavaa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
With the Fear (awe) of Waheguru, the Fearless Lord Waheguru in the mind, the filth of egotism is eradicated.

In the Second Laav Guru Jee stressed that in forming any relationship you need the quality (ਗੁਣ) of living in fear of your Loved one. What does fear mean? It does not mean FEAR in the BIBLICAL sense, where God curses people and gets angry. No! Fear means that you love the beauty of flowers so much that you FEAR to harm them and you FEAR to damage them. Guru Jee tells us to build a relationship on Love through which fear takes birth, fear in the sense of awe, respect and being humble. Gurmat does not believe in LOVE born in FEAR (as propagated by certain other belief-systems). Through this our EGO will depart and we can live in harmony in our inner-house and outer-house. Washing away our EGO husband & wife can live in harmony and build a relationship with Waheguru.

ਹਰਿ ਤੀਜੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਮਨਿ ਚਾਉ ਭਇਆ ਬੈਰਾਗੀਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har teejRee laav, man chaa-o bhe-i-aa bairaagee-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the third round of the marriage ceremony, the mind is filled with Divine Love.

ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਲੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਵਡਭਾਗੀਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
sant janaa har mel har paa-i-aa, vadbhaagee-aa bal raam jee-o.
Meeting with the humble Saints of the Lord, I have found the Lord Waheguru, by great good fortune.

The third Laav emphasises that through living DHARAM and washing away one's EGO, the mind is filled with Love. Love does not come with marriage, Love grows with marriage. Through the SANGAT, through the support of Godly people, we are able to sing, reflect and contemplate on Gurbani, the Divine Treasure of Peace. Guru Sahib doesn't want us to live like Hermits or still secluded from people. The Gurmukh is instructed to sit and join the company of the Saints and through this one obtains strength, support and inspiration.

ਹਰਿ ਚਉਥੜੀ ਲਾਵ ਮਨਿ ਸਹਜੁ ਭਇਆ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
har chautaRee laav, man sehaj bhe-i-aa har paa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
In the fourth round of the marriage ceremony, my mind has become peaceful; I have found the Lord, Waheguru.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਸੁਭਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਇਆ ਬਲਿ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥
gurmukh mili-aa subhaa-e, har man tan meethaa laa-i-aa bal raam jee-o.
As Gurmukh, I have met Him, with intuitive ease; the Lord Waheguru seems so sweet to my mind and body.

The last and fourth laav talks about the last part of the inner journey, which both husband and wife commit to and travel together on. Through DHARAM, through washing away our EGO and living in LOVE & FEAR of our Waheguru, and through the SAADH SANGAT (company of the holy) one is filled with ecstasy and bliss. This is happiness! Through the Laavaa(n) Guru Sahib shows us the basic ingredients of a Blissful and Happy marriage between husband and wife, and between the couple and Waheguru.


Note: You can download an audio on the practical meaning of Anand Kaaraj, why should we get married and guidance for new couples from a lecture given by Prof. Darshan Singh, translated by Bhenji Navleen Kaur at the Guru Granth Sahib Academy, Toronto:
Prof Darshan Singh - Anand Kaaraj (Audio)

Photo Satpal Singh & Harmeet Kaur's Anand Kaaraj

ਮ: ੩ ॥
mehlaa 3.
Third Mehl:

ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
Dhan pir eihi na aakhee-an, behan ikathe ho-e.
They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together.

ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
eik jot du-e moortee, Dhan pir kahee-ai so-e. 3
They alone are called husband and wife, who have one light in two bodies. 3.
(Ang 788, SGGS)

A Day in Southall

Today I went to Southall. I needed to buy a new mobile phone, so Southall's the best place with Panjabi bargains! Eventually got a phone. Afterwards I went to Havelock Road Gurdwara. There was really nice Keertan being sung by the Raagi Jatha.

The Shabad they were singing was:

ਮਨੁ ਨ ਡਿਗੈ ਤਨੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਕਉ ਡਰਾਇ ॥
man na digai tan kaahay ka-o daraa-ay.
My mind was not shaken; why should my body be afraid?

ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਚਿਤੁ ਰਹਿਓ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
charan kamal chit rahi-o samaa-ay. rahaa-o.
My consciousness remained immersed in the Lotus Feet of the Lord. 1. Pause.
(Ang 1162, SGGS)
Read the Full Shabad

The Shabad was about how Bhagat Kabeer Jee was persecuted and tortured for not following the dominate religion of Islam and submitting the king of the time, called 'Sikandar.' The Brahmans disliked Bhagat Kabeer jee because he rejected the monopoly on religion, which they had over the people and the petty rituals and superstitions, which they propagated to enslave people's minds. On the other hand Mullahs (Muslim priests) disliked Bhagat Kabeer jee because he did not follow or accept the Qur'an or Shari'a, nor did he accept the authority of the Mullahs. Bhagat Kabeer jee strictly believed in the same religion as Guru Nanak Jee, which was Naam ਨਾਮੁ (meditating on the One Infinite Lord), Daan ਦਾਨੁ (sharing with others and doing selfless service), Ishnaan ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨੁ(and keeping the mind pure with washing it with the 'Shabad' (Infinite Wisdom) and looking after the body, which is considered as the Temple of the Lord, through living a healthy lifestyle).

As a result of this, Bhagat Kabeer jee was punished by being tied up and thrown in the Ganga (the River Ganges). However, Waheguru, saved the honour of his devotee, as he has done in the past as well. Through the waves of the river, the shackles broke and Bhagat Kabeer jee was released. A deer skin floating in the river came to Bhagat Kabeer on which he sat. Everyone was suprised to see the man they thought they had killed, floating freely immersed in the love for Waheguru sitting on deer skin.


While I was listening to the shabad keertan, something BAD happened. I felt AWFUL. Waheguru! I noticed a little toddler (must be about 4 years old or something) going to do Matha Tekh. She had a bottle of milk with her. She placed the milk on the Golak (money deposit box) BUT THEN she TRIPPED OVER on the mat and smacked her head on the golak. WAHEGURU! I felt the pain she must have gone through! I felt so sorry for her!

Her grandmother came rushing and picked her. The girl did not stop crying! After being hugged and patted she quietend down, but I could still see from her face that she was in distress. I think she hurt her teeth. Bechaare KuRee (poor girl!).


Afterwards I went to Park Avenue Gurdwara. I came on good timing. Bhai Veer Singh jee from Delhi was doing Katha (lecture/discourse on Gurbani). It was weird (in a good sense). His voice was very mesmerising and there was pin-drop silence. From his face you could see a glow. The Katha was amazing and he was absorbed in singing. He also gave reference to passages from the Quran and said them in Arabic, which I was very impressed by.

It was a bit ironic that Bhai Sahib's Katha was on a shabad that emphasised on how God protects the honour of his devotees and looks after all His creation. Bhai Veer Singh jee shared two stories, which had a very good moral.

The first story Bhai Sahib said was from the Islamic world. It was a story of Abraham's life:

Abraham was a pious man. He did not eat his food, until he had fed a hungry person. One day Abraham came across an elderly hungry man. The man's beard was white as milk. He was a bag of bones and looked like he would appreciate being fed by him. So Abraham invited him to his house. The Baba (elderly man) accepted the invitation.

The meal was prepared and placed infront of the elderly man. The man got stuck in and jus as he put food in his mouth Abraham grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?" "I am eating!" replied the elderly man. "No! First we thank God who has graced us with food, then we eat." The Baba was upset. He said, "Has God fed me? If God gave me the food, he could have given it to me in the street!... I can thank you for feeding me, but I can't thank God for this. You have given me the food, so I will praise you, but not God." The man spoke ill of God and insulted the Almighty. Abraham refused to be praised by the man. "I am not feeding you. I am the slave of God. Through me God does his works." The man continued his insults to God.

Abraham had enough. For how long can you expect someone to put up someone insulting one's parents! So Abraham grabbed the man and threw him outside. The elderly man fell down the stairs and landed faced down in the street. Blood was pouring from his boney body and he had hurt his head. However, Abraham did not care! "How dare he be so ungrateful to God!" he thought.

That day when Abraham did Bandigee (meditation) and absorbed his mind into God's remembrance, God spoke to him. God said, "O Abraham! You invited the hungry man to your house to feed him in MY NAME, then you kicked him out and abused him in MY NAME. O Abraham, why did you do this? The man has all his life sworn at me, insulted me and bad-mouth me, however, I love all my children and till this day made sure he does not die of hunger. But you hear him for one day and chuck him out?" Abraham realised how Waheguru looks after all his creation, irrespetive whether they love him or not. Love is blind. Therefore, those who serve God through serving His creation, should also serve indiscriminately.

The second story Bhai Sahib shared was also from Abraham's life:

One day Abraham was walking and came across a lake of water, which had dried up. He realised that the animals which had wings to fly, flew away when the water dried up. However, those animals with no wings, i.e. the fish, ended up with the water till the water dried up. When the water went, the fish died with it.

Reflecting upon this, God made Abraham realise that be like the fish in the water. True love is that which you cannot live without. A relationship of a slave of God (Bhagat) and Waheguru is like that of a fish has with water. Just as fish cannot live without water, a devotee of God cannot live without Waheguru.

Gurbani says:

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਜੈਸੀ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਨੀਰ ॥
re man aisee har si-o preet kar, jaisee machhulee neer.
O mind, love the Lord Waheguru, as the fish loves the water.

ਜਿਉ ਅਧਿਕਉ ਤਿਉ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਣੋ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਰੀਰ ॥
ji-o aDhikau ti-o sukh ghaNo, man tan saaNt sareer.
The more the water, the more the happiness, and the greater the peace of mind and body.

ਬਿਨੁ ਜਲ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਜੀਵਈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਅਭ ਪੀਰ ॥੨॥
bin jal gharhee na jeev-ee parabh jaanai abh peer. 2
Without water, she cannot live, even for an instant. Waheguru knows the suffering of her mind. 2.
(Ang 60, SGGS)

Afterwards Bhai Jatinder Singh Noor-Puri's Dhadi Jatha came on stage for 30 minutes or so. The Sarangi Master was excellent. And the two Singhs playing the Dhad's had really good voices as well as played the Dhad really well. The Dhadi Jatha filled Bir Ras (uplifting energy) within the Sangat.

ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਚਟਸਾਲ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਸਿਖਾ ॥
satsangat satgur chattsaal hai, jit har gun sikhaa.
The Sat Sangat, the True Congregation of the True Guru, is the school of the soul, where the Glorious Virtues of the Lord are studied.
(Ang 1316, SGGS)

Going to the Gurdwara, Darshan of Guru Sahib, listening to Keertan, Katha and to top it off with listening to Dhadi Vaaran made my day! :)

Saturday .... PART 2

Continued...

Chalo, after the Anand Kaaraj I had langar to eat. Everyone else went to the next door Gurdwara hall to eat Roti Paani. However, because I was in a rush to get back home because I had another program to attend, I decided to eat Langar.

As usually, Langar was tastey! Dhan Guru Nanak! Saag, Daal and Kheer... Sat Naam, Waaheguroo! :) I was a bit disappointed that the Gurdwara had no-where to sit on the floor and eat Langar! I thought it doesn't take much for the Gurdwara Parbandhaks (Management Committee) to lay down a few strips of carpet or sheets so that Sangat who wish to eat Langar on the floor (as per Gurmat tradition) can do so. Chalo, Rab Rakha!


From the Gurdwara I walked back to the train station (this time I walked, didn't need to jog. lol). There was light rain so I used my Hazoorian to cover my dastaar (probably looked a bit dodgey, but O well!). I got to the train station and the train was set to leave at 1.50pm. So, I waited for 20 minutes and listened to Keertan on my iPod.

ਸੁਣਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਰਵਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਲਿਖਾ ॥
sun keertan, har gun ravaa, har jas man likhaa.
"Listening to the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises, I contemplate His virtues; I write His Praises on the fabric of my mind."
(Ang 650)

Eventually the train arrived, and it took me to Reading in 25 minutes. There was no direct train going back to my home town. So from Reading I had to change train. Usually from Reading there is a direct train to Banbury or Oxford. However, on that day for some reason (probably train works) there were no direct train to even Oxford! So I had to take a train to Didcot Park (Rab Jaane, where there it is!). It took 30 minutes to get there.

Sat Naam! When I arrived at Didcot Park, there was a huge sign saying "No trains." Instead there were buses going to Oxford. Waheguru! A bit disappointed, but O well, so I went downstairs and sat on the bus. I thought to myself:

ਕੇਤਿਆ ਦੂਖ ਭੂਖ ਸਦ ਮਾਰ ॥
keti-aa dookh bhookh sad maar.
So many endure distress, deprivation and constant abuse.

ਏਹਿ ਭਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥
eihi bhe daat teree daataar.
(But) even these are Your Gifts, O Great Giver!
(Ang 5)

Couldn't believe that I waited for 40 minutes or perhaps longer for the bus to go! I was just sitting there, thinking "Come on driver, make a move on!" Thank God I had my iPod. So I went through my Keertan playlist. One shabad I remember, which I kept on playing was - man preet charan kamal-laare (may mind remain in love with your Lotus Feet) sung by Bhai Satvinder Singh & Bhai Harvinder Singh. Then the bus left, arriving at Oxford in about 20 minutes.


More bad news! Train delays at Oxford! Waheguru Bhalla Kare. I couldn't believe it. The train to Banbury was leaving in 45 minutes or possibly an hour. I waited inside for a bit, then I decided to sit on the platform. WRONG DECISION. It was cold, wet and miserable weather. Long wait! But I had my iPod. So plus point was that Waheguru graced me with an oppurtunity to listen to loads of shabads :)



The train took 25 minutes to get to Banbury. When I arrived at Banbury I put hands together and put head down and said "Rab, Tera Shukar Hai, Tera Shukar Hai! Thank O God!" I was so tired from all the travelling, wet weather, waiting around and lack of sleep.

It was good to get back home and enjoy a nice cup of chaa and relax, after over 3 and a half hours of travelling!!



Note: I will post the wedding photos soon (just waiting for someone to email them to me). So please sit tight. Also I will share the Hukamnama given by Guru Sahib on the day.

Saturday - Long Day Travelling

Yesterday, it was Bhaji Satpal Singh and Bhenji Harmeet Kaur's Anand Kaaraj (wedding) at Slough Gurdwara. It was a beautiful wedding, and the first Anand Kaaraj of an Amritdhari Gursikh couple, which I have seen. So it was a new experience, which I am grateful to Waheguru for.

On Friday night I stayed at Halls, and didn't go back. But the the wedding card was at home, and my parents had gone out some where. So, I didn't know what time the wedding was. Obviously, it was going to be in the morning (not exactly going to happen at 12 o'clock at night or something, well unless its a Rainsbayee Keertan Anand Kaaraj). So I texted my friend Amritpal Singh to ask the time. He texted back "9am sharp." So I assumed it would be 10am GM time.

I took the tube to Paddington, from where I took a train to Slough. The train took about 30 to 35 minutes. Chalo, I got to Slough. I noted down from the internet which bus to take to get to Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Woodland Avenue. According to the London Transport website I should have taken BUS 81, from STOP 4 at the bus station, which should got me to the Gurdwara in 15 minutes.

First of all I asked the taxi driver in Panjabi "Where's Ramgarhia Gurdwara." Poor bloke didn't have a clue. Then I asked about the bus station. Thankfully (Rab Da Shukar) he knew where that was (probably because it was just up the road). I saw a BUS 81 parked to the side. Thank you God! I got there, and double my luck, it was an elderly Gursikh bus driver. I said GurFateh with him and asked whether his bus was going near Ramgharia Gurdwara (apparently the internet said the bus goes to Windsor Avenue or Slough High Street, from where its a 5 minute walk).

WAHEGUROO! The Bus driver Bhai Sahib hadn't even HEARD OF RAMGARHIA GURDWARA, forget driving me there! O Deary me! Sachee, it was unbelievable. Chalo, Rab De Rang! I continued to walk in the bus station trying to tout about looking for a Singh or Panjabi-looking person. No luck! I went and sat at STOP 4, as indicated on the internet. The Bus eventually arrives. Guess what? THE BUS DRIVER IS THE SAME ELDERLY GURSIKH, which I just spoke to 5 minutes earlier. Sat Naam, Waheguroo!

He said that he has a feeling that the Gurdwara I wish to go to is in the opposite direction to where he is going. I said, "Shall I ask a Gora on the bus." He said that Gore don't know much. Then I asked shall I ask the Apna-looking person (but I think he was either South Indian or something similar) so he said leave it. I was thankful to the Bhai Sahib that he ensured that I was not going in the wrong direction, and therefore advised me to ask someone else at the bus station.

RAB DA SHUKAR. I found an old Baba jee and Bibi jee coming off a bus. I asked them "Baba jee, I want to go to Ramgarhia Gurdwara, can you help me?" The Baba jee was very helpful and very nicely gave me the directions how to get there. It was now 10 o'clock. I was hoping that I didn't miss the Chaa & Samosay, lol. So, I started jogging. As I jogged through the subway, I saw a Singh uncle jee. He started to smile when he saw me. I think it was because of the fact I was wearing a Kurta Pyjama and Hazooria wrapped around me and jogging away (considering usually you just imagine Singhs eating Langar, and eating more Langar. Waheguru!).

He was wearing an African white Pagh (turban). So, I thought just to be on the safe side I would ask him whether I was going in the right direction to Ramgarhia Gurdwara. He said yes. So that was reassuring. As I was walking up the road, I saw a Singh taxi drive and waved at me. I waved back. In the back of mind I was hoping he would stop and ask to give me a lift, lol. But it was flowing traffic. Udhaa, it looked like he would have stopped.

Eventually, got to Woodland Avenue and saw the Nishaan Sahib flying in air. Its such a great feeling to see a Nishaan Sahib in the air from a far distance. On entering the Gurdwara I bumped into Tegpal Singh from King's and his sister. Guess what? I hadn't missed the Chaa & Samosay, lol. It was great to see everyone, however, bit disturbed to see a growing number of shrinking dastaars and sprayed down daaris (beards). lol.

Satpal Singh, vah vi vah. He looked great in his blue embroided chola and and blue dumalla. Not only were the Chaa & Samosay sawaad and tastey, but the keertan was also very sweet! The Keertanis sang a few shabads in title Raag, which was good to hear.


To be continued...

Relax & Enjoy Remembering Your Beloved Friend...

ਸਾਜਨ ਦੇਸਿ ਵਿਦੇਸੀਅੜੇ ਸਾਨੇਹੜੇ ਦੇਦੀ ॥
saajan des videsee-aRe, saanehRe dedee.
O Friend, You have traveled so far from Your homeland; I send my message of love to You.

ਸਾਰਿ ਸਮਾਲੇ ਤਿਨ ਸਜਣਾ ਮੁੰਧ ਨੈਣ ਭਰੇਦੀ ॥
saar samaale tin sajNaa, munDh nain bharedee.
I cherish and remember that Friend; the eyes of this soul-bride are filled with tears.

ਮੁੰਧ ਨੈਣ ਭਰੇਦੀ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰੇਦੀ ਕਿਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਾ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
munDh nain bharedee gun saaredee, ki-o prabh milaa pi-aare.
The eyes of the soul-bride are filled with tears; I dwell upon Your Glorious Virtues. How can I meet my Beloved Lord Waheguru?

ਮਾਰਗੁ ਪੰਥੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਉ ਵਿਖੜਾ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਪਿਰੁ ਪਾਰੇ ॥
maarag panth na jaana-o vikh-Raa, ki-o paa-ee-ai pir paare.
I do not know the treacherous path, the way to You. How can I find You and cross over, O my Husband Lord?

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਿਛੁੰਨੀ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਆਗੈ ਰਾਖੈ ॥
satgur shabdee milai vichhunnee, tan man aagai raakhai.
Through the Shabad, the Word of the True Guru, the separated soul-bride meets with the Lord; I place my body and mind before You.

ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਿਰਖੁ ਮਹਾ ਰਸ ਫਲਿਆ ਮਿਲਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖੈ ॥੩॥
naanak amrit birakh mahaa ras phali-aa, mil preetam ras chaakhai. ||3||
O Nanak, the ambrosial tree bears the most delicious fruits; meeting with my Beloved, I taste the sweet essence. ||3||
(Guru Nanak Dev Jee, Ang 1111, SGGS)

ਸਿਮਰਨ (Simran) in Panjabi means the word ਯਾਦ ਕਰਨਾ (yaad karnaa), to remember. Therefore, you can do simran about your parents, simran on your house, or simran on Waheguru. Guru Sahib has instructed us to do Simran of the Eternal Waheguru, as the rest of the world is Maya (illusionary).

When we remember someone, the relationship between that person and us remains alive. When we forget someone the relationship dies. There are some people who you would have gone to school with or studied at college with. Those people who you remember or they remember you, then the relationship remains alive. However if you forget them or they forget you then the relationship falls apart. For this reason Guru Nanak Sahib said:

ਆਖਾ ਜੀਵਾ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
aakhaa jeevaa, visrai mar jaa-o.
(As I am) chanting Naam (Waheguru's Name), spiritual life takes life within me; (but) forgetting (Waheguru's Name), I experience spiritual death.
(Ang 9, SGGS)

Simran, remembrance is very powerful. So powerful, that sometimes when I am at university, I feel the presence of my mum and feel her near me. Feeling this, I ring my mum just to say "hi". Answering the phone my mum says, “I was just remembering you, and then the phone just rang”. This is power of remembrance, the power of simran.

If we remember Waheguru with pyaar (love), will he not respond? Of course He would!

ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
gur merai sang sadaa hai naale.
My Guru is always with me, near at hand.

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
simar simar tis sadaa samHaale. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. ||1||Pause||

Click here to read more about Naam Simran by Bhai Dya Singh, Australia.



Below are some nice Waheguru Simran tracks, which can enjoy and relax to:

Accapella Style Simran

by Gurpal Kaur, Rupjit Kaur and Gurbinder Kaur:
Simran (Accapella)
Mool Mantr (Accapella)


Simran by Bhai Niranjan Singh (Jawadi Kala Wale):

Simran (Live Trance)
Simran (With Love)
Simran (Devotional)


Simran by Bibi Ashupreet Kaur:

Simran


Simran & Shabad by Bhai Lehna Singh:

ਜਲਿ ਜਾਉ ਜੀਵਨੁ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ॥
jal jaa-o jeevan naam binaa.
Translation:- "Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, life might just as well be burnt down."
Read Full Shabad

Do I Have a Right to Breathe Freely?

Today I was walking to my lecture. On the way I was dodging and weaving smokers! It’s awful. Everywhere I look someone was smoking. I thought to myself, “O Mind! Why are these people shoving paper in their mouth, and letting out this disgusting smell… and violating my breathing space?”

Our body is so sacred, its a gift from Waheguru. But we destroy it and discard it! From a beautiful temple, we pollute it so much that it ends up being like a graveyard (you can see what I mean when you look at the face of a heavy smoker - no offence to anyone!)

Guru Sahib says:

ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਿਰ ਜੀਉ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਲਾਲ ਜੀਉ ਹਿਰ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਿਹ ਰਿਹਆ ਸਮਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥
har mandar har jeeo saajiaa, mere laal jeeo, har tis mehi rehiaa sumaae raam.
The Dear Lord has fashioned the body as the temple of the Lord, O my dear beloveds; the Lord continues to dwell there.
(Ang 541, SGGS)

I wish the government bans smoking in public places. After hearing the news today it seems there is a glimmer of hope that smoking in plubic eating places (at least) will be shortly banned. Smoking is so inconsiderate that not only the person smoking dies and destroys their body-temple, but also those associated or standing near the person end up passive smoking and also become ill. For this reason, Guru Sahib was strict and said that a Sikh should not even touch tobacco. Gurbani says:

ਪਾਨ ਸੁਪਾਰੀ ਖਾਤੀਆ ਮੁਖਿ ਬੀੜੀਆ ਲਾਈਆ ॥
paan supaaree khaatee-aa, mukh beeRee-aa laa-ee-aa.
Those people who eat and chew "Paan" (nicotine betel nuts), and smoke tobacco (meaning that they those who in indulge in intoxicants),

ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਚੇਤਿਓ ਜਮਿ ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਈਆ ॥੧੩॥
har har kade na cheti-o, jam pakaR chalaa-ee-aa. 13
and, do not contemplate or do simran of Waheguru - (the cycle of) Death will seize them and take them away (to become entangled in the cycle of reincarnation). 13

Chalo (O well), I eventually got on bus and arrived at university. After my lecture I met up with Tegpal Singh to give him the money from Sikh Society for the trip to Ice-Skating, which he is organising. My bag was full with oranges oranges (well they were Clementines) because it was buy one get one free at Sainsbury’s. So I bought two bags (considering my numerous eating-out experiences!!). I offered Tegpal Singh an orange and had one myself. I left university, and on the way I was peeling the orange. I was trying to be careful that my hands don’t touch the orange (well as much as I could help it) because didn’t have the opportunity to clean my hands anywhere.

I was walking down the Strand and peeling my orange. Eventually I bit a segment off the orange. It was very sweet and tasty. I took my next bite and ended up putting half an orange in my mouth. I was struggling to chew on the orange with my teeth. Just as I was about to chew on the orange, a man walked passed and breathed in my face! WAAHEGUROO!

It was disgusting. The man’s breath really badly smelt of Chicken & Mushroom pie (no offence to him). Ermm, someone may be thinking, “How does Manvir Singh know what Chicken & Mushroom pie smells like?” Do I sneakily eat Chicken & Mushroom pies when no-one’s looking? To put everyone’s heart to rest, don’t worry I’m a vegetarian. I know the smell from my school days when I used to eat Chicken & Mushroom pie with chips. Waheguru!

Back to the story. I felt queasy and overwhelmed by the smell. God knows how many chicken pies that man had eaten to have such a strong smell! I was munching the half orange piece in my mouth, but no I had lost the pleasure of tasting it. I was overrun by the smell of CHICKEN & MUSHROOM PIE. As I was walking back to halls, the smell just followed me. I felt sickened!

On the journey back I was thinking to myself, “Do I have a right to breathe freely?” Koyee Bandaa Chicken Mushroom pie khaah ke breathing space violate karee jaandaa, Koyee hor Tamaakoo peeh ke breathing space violate karee jaandaa (Someone is violating breathing space by eating Chicken & Mushroom pie, another person is violating breathing space by smoking tobacco). What's the world coming to hey :)

Short Preview of Episode 1 of Trip to India Series

Guru Piyaari'o... I will be shortly posting the first episode (post) from my travels to India in 2003.

Just a quick teaser... the first episode will be about the aeroplane journey from Birmingham to Amritsar with my mum, and sitting next to a scary athiest in the aeroplane (ps. the bloke was a Panjabi Indian athiest!).

So, watch this space...

Strange Things Happening at the Gurdwara

Today I went to my local Gurdwara (a small converted house). It was the Sri Akhand Paath da Bhog (completion of the continuous reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee) in celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Jee's Prakaash Utsav (Birth Day).

Got there before the bhog, so I had a chaa da cup, then made my way up to the Diwaan Hall. On completion of the Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Ardaas was done. I was standing with my eyes closed listening to the Ardaas. Then I could here a scuffle. What's happening? So I open my eyes and see an old Bibi jee dashing over to the Gurdwara Treasurer giving him £10 and loudly saying "Bhaji, £10 Karhah Parshaad Vaaste" (well it was loud enough that I could hear it and lose concentration from Ardaas!!). It was unbelievable! Disturbing not one's own concentration but others as well just to get your name and £10 read out! Waheguru!

Chalo, so I close my eyes again. Now someone is gently shaking my arm (Yes! During Ardaas!). I open my eyes and see the old Bibi jee, "Kidaa Put, Teek Taak?" (How are you son, are you fine?). I was gobsmacked at how this elderly Bibi Jee could do this and be so calm and casual about it. I smiled and said "Teek jee" and quickly closed my eyes. Waheguru Bhalla Kare.

Sat Naam! Then the point came in Ardaas where there is a huge list of people's names to be read and out and how much money they have given to the Gurdwara building fund. In one word, 'boring!' It really breaks the flow of Ardaas and it seems pointless, other than boost one's ego. So while Giani jee was say, "Sardar...... Das Pound.... Sardar...... Panj Pound..." you even get people announcing that they gave £1.25 (Savaa Pound) to the Gurdwara Building Fund. Is it necessary? Why can't someone just put the money in the Golak. Simple dimple.

So while the names were being read out I quietly did Simran of Waheguru in my mind. Then at last, the list of names was near the end. What next? "Giani jee, You got that name wrong, its Sardar........" O My God! I couldn't believe what Gurdwara Ardaas has turned into! So eventually after using the life lines of 50/50, phone a friend (or more like ask Waheguru) and ask the 'Sangat', Giani jee said the right name for the person who donated £5. Deary me.

Praise the Lord! The list of names had come to an end. Now came the Jaikaare (shouting the slogan of "Bole So Nihaal" (whoseover shall reply to this shall be blessed) with the reply of "Sat Sri Akaal" (True is the Immortal))! Giani jee does the first Jaikaara, and I bend down to do matha tekh. I was half way down until I realised, "Woops, I think there's going to be more than one Jaikaara." So I stood back up and hoped that I didn't stand out too much.

Another Singh does Jaikaara. Then the another Singh, followed by a uncomfortable pause. Everyone is looking at everyone is going to do the Jaikaara. At this point I am always a bit scared of the scenario that I do a Jaikaara at the same time as someone else and my Jaikaara gets drowned out! lol. Chalo, So I am about to do a Jaikaara, then I hear "Manvir Singh! Manvir Singh! Jaikaaraa Bolo." Waheguru! It was so funny that there was no flow, no focus and no concentration of the Sangat in the Ardaas (including myself). So I did a Jaikaara. Then another uncomfortable pause. O deary me! You either get too many Jaikaare or none at all. Eventually a Singh did a Jaikaara. Thank God! Then there was another uncomfortable pause with half people saying Fateh at that point and the other half still staning waiting to say Fateh and the Giani jee stood there for a bit (I don't know what he was thinking) and eventually said Fateh.

Hukamnaama was read and then Keertan began. Sat Naam! Keertan is happening and guess what? Ladies are talking away! And I don't mean quietly! The bibi jee doing Keertan ending up stopping and saying that she will not continue until ladies stop having loud conversations amongst themselves. There seemed to be a bit of an argument or something brewing up amongst the lady. It was really off-putting. Firstly, no focus or no concentration in Ardaas, NOW the same for Keertan. I looked at the ladies and one of the aunty jee's ended up saying "Manvir come here." So I walked across the Darbaar and one of the aunty jee's from the group of aunty jee's who were arguing about something said, "Has the Langar and Karhah Parshaad been Kirpaan Bhet?" I was thinking "Is that what you were arguing about while Keertan is happening?". I said "Yes, the Singh did it after the ardaas." Rab Da Shukar that the talking amongst the ladies quietened down, but not for long.

Generally I found my Gurdwara experience today a bit funny and amusing (not funny "ha ha", but funny "o deary me"). God help us all :)

Nice Keertan :)

I came across this keertan by Bibi Ashupreet Kaur jee and her sisters on www.EktaOne.com. Its really peaceful and soothing to listen to. Also I think it is done in accordance to the title Raag in the shabad. Its beautifully sung Keertan. The Keertan is from Jap108 Rainsbayee programme, which was held in Wolverhampton to commemorate the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of the Chhote Sahibzaadey (young princes of Guru Gobind Singh jee) who were bricked alive at the age of 5 and 7, and Shaheedi of their elderly grandmother Mata Gujri Kaur jee.

ਸਿਮਰਨ
Simran

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਛਾਡਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਹੋਇ ਨਾਚਹੁ ਇਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਡਾਂਡੇ ॥
man re, chhaaddhu bharam pragatt ho-e, naachahu i-aa maa-i-aa ke daa(n)dde.
Translation:- O people, O victims of this Maya (illusionary world), abandon your doubts and dance out in the open.
(Bhagat Kabeer Jee, Raag GauRee, Ang 338)
Read Full Shabad

ਗਗਨ ਦਮਾਮਾ ਬਾਜਿਓ ਪਰਿਓ ਨੀਸਾਨੈ ਘਾਉ ॥
gagan damaamaa baaji-o, pari-o neeshaanai ghaa-o.
Translation:- The battle-drum beats in the sky of the mind; aim is taken, and the wound is inflicted.
(Bhagat Kabeer Jee, Raag Maaroo, Ang 1105)
Read Full Shabad

ਬਿਨੁ ਭਾਗਾ ਸਤਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਲਭੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਭਰੀਜੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
bin bhaagaa satsang na labhai, bin sangat mail bhareejai jee-o. 3
Translation:- Without good fortune, the Sat Sangat is not found; without this Sangat, people are stained with filth and pollution. 3
(Guru Raam Daas Jee, Raag Maajh, Ang 95)
Read Full Shabad

ਜਿਨਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਅਰਾਧਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਜਨ ਦੇਖਾ ਨੈਣੀ ॥
jinaa satgur meraa pi-aaraa araaDhi-aa, tin jan dekhaa nainee.
Translation:- May I behold with my eyes those who worship and adore my Beloved True Guru.
(Guru Amar Daas Jee, Raag Sorath, Ang 652)
Read Full Shabad

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੁਰੇ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਗੁਸਾ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਹਢਾਇ ॥
fareedaa bure daa bhalaa kar, gusaa man na hadhaa-e.
Fareed, answer evil with goodness; do not fill your mind with anger.
(Bhagat Fareed Jee, Ang 1381)
Read Full Shalok



Keertan by Bibi Ashupreet Kaur jee from the Akhand Kirtan Smagam held on Saturday 10th December 2005, held at Gurdwara Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Jee, Manchester:
Bibi Ashupreet Kaur jee - 55mins:33secs

Letter From India

Today I was pleased to see that I had a letter from India (Well usually I am pleased whenever I get a letter in the post, because I don't get that many! lol). The letter was addressed to "MANBIR SINGH." My brother had a field day and kept saying "MANBIR, MANBIR..." to me. Chalo, Rab Bhalla Kare. On the envelope it had the sender's address on it. The letter was from Talwandi Sabo, Sri Damdama Sahib, District Bathinda. I opened the envelope and found a nice Gurpurb card in it. The card was from Granthi Nirmal Singh jee who does sewa at Takht Damdama Sahib. He had kindly written a message in the card and also sent a photo of me and his two sons from when I visited and stayed at Sri Damdama Sahib for 2 weeks. Here's the photo (it was taken in August 2003 at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib):

   

Looking at the picture, my face looks a bit serious! And the same goes for the kids with me! lol. Generally, I noticed that in Panjab people become tense and put a serious face on when taking a photo (I am no exception!). Inside the card he wished my family and I a happy Gurpurb and said that his family send their regards. I was quite impressed, because usually people you meet on holiday don't bother to keep in touch (especially in PANJAB!). 

Bhai Sahib Nirmal Singh sent me a card and also a letter previously as well, in which he sent a photo of himself, his kids and I. He is such a nice person, and so is his family. I think this has inspired me to write about my travels, adventures and experiences from my trip to India and Panjab in 2003. It was an important visit, becuase it was during that period I was graced with the gift of taking Amrit and pledging my life to Guru Sahib. So watch this space for small episodes from journey to India in 2003 :)

Forever FATEH! Always VICTORY!

Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Jee on the 340th Prakaash Utsav (Birth Day commemoration):

'All my wishes have been fulfilled, I lack nothing. God's victory resounds through the world and all my woes have passed.'

(Soohi, M. 5 : Guru Granth Sahib jee)

Imagine how depressed you'd feel if you'd lost everything you loved:

if your father had been martyred while you were still a 9 year old child,

if your four beautiful sons all under the age of 20 had been sacrificed,

if your precious mother had left this world soon afterwards,

if your loyal devotees deserted you when you needed them most,

if you had no permanent home but were forced to live on the run from a fanatical enemy?


This was the nightmarish situation Guru Gobind Singh jee was in... but did he weep? Did he give up the fight? Did he give up his beliefs and convert to the enemy's way of life? Was he driven to drink, did he put down his sword and cut his hair so that he could have an easy life?

No, this was Guru Gobind Singh jee - the King of this world and the next. This was the master poet with the pen who wrote verses to inspire coming generations of Sikhs. This was the most powerful, muscular warrior, the master of all weapons. This was the beloved saint of Waheguru, sent into the world to protect the saints and the innocent, and to uproot the false holy men. No matter what the situation, His inner state could be described in the words of Guru Granth Sahib jee:
'All my wishes have been fulfilled, I lack nothing. God's victory resounds through the world and all my woes have passed.' (Suhi, M. 5 : Guru Granth Sahib jee)


So what did the King of Kings do when faced with such a crisis? He wrote ZafarNama - the letter of VICTORY! Guru jee seemed to have lost everything, yet wrote a letter of VICTORY! He sent it to the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb and told the Emperor of half the globe that although he was handsome, and a great soldier - he definitely wasn't a man of God as he liked to claim. He was a tyrant who murdered innocent children (refering to the cold-blooded martyrdom of the Master's younger sons).


When we went to Agra we visted the red fort - Aurangzeb's headquarters. It was amazing to see the luxury that he lived in. However, the best bit was when we saw his throne. It was in an open outdoor court overlooking the Taj Mahal in the distance. His throne would have sat upon a 15 foot square black stone slab slightly raised from the ground. I could imagine him sitting there cross-legged looking down at his people. However, there was a giant crack all the way through the great stone and I couldn't help thinking that it was Guru Gobind Singh's mighty golden arrow that had caused it!


For it was Guru Gobind Singh jee who when told of the murder of his younger sons, dug up a weed from the ground with his gold-tipped arrow and said the Moghul Empire has been uprooted!


Guru Gobind Singh jee always had an attitude of victory. Not his own victory so he could show off how great he was but Waheguru jee's victory. Guru Gobind Singh jee said 'all battles have been won by the Grace of Waheguru'.


The Hindu's say 'Jai Mata Dee' (victory of the Mata (Mother) - Mata is a supreme goddess who manifests herself as many other goddesses). Guru Gobind Singh jee doesn't salute Mata - Guru Gobind Singh jee salutes the One Supreme Waheguru who created Mata and everything else by saying:

WAHEGURU JEE KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JEE KI FATEH!

We always say Raj Karega Khalsa - The Khalsa will rule. One meaning of this is when you become Khalsa then by doing simran you will conquer your mind and body: This is the true victory! So do simran, claim victory for Waheguru jee in the kingdom of your mind and body. When there are millions of individuals like this then the Khalsa will truly have ruled worldwide.

Forever Fateh! Always Victory!

WAHEGURU JEE KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JEE KI FATEH!

Article from:

http://www.bsingh.dsl.pipex.com/khalsa/gobind-p.htm#poem1