Inter-Faith Meeting: Sangat

Yesterday I attended my local RE Centre inter-faith public meeting which is a series of talks from different speakers from the local community representing the different faiths (i.e. Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh). It's nice to attend because everyone there is very friendly, and the environment is peaceful and welcoming.

I met a very old Christian gentleman who said that this was the first time he had spoken to a Sikh person. He was a very nice person and I enjoyed talking to him. Then I met a man who was a Catholic and said he was the carpenter who had built a Gurdwara in Cardiff, Wales. He was impressed by the hospitality and pyaar of the Sangat at the Gurdwara and said he enjoyed Langar and what it meant.

Yesterday's topic was "COMMUNITY". The speakers were from Buddhism and Christianity. The Buddhist lady talked about the "SANGHA" (Pali word for 'Community'). The Sangha or Sangat is one of the three 'jewels' of Buddhism. The Sangha is not everyone or anyone but the company of monks and nuns from whom the wider community or the lay people get inspiration, guidance and strength from. This made me of think of Gurbani telling us to have the Sangat of Gurmukhs.

ਸਾਧਸੰਗੁ ਜਿਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੇਈ ਵਡਭਾਗੇ ॥
saaDhsang jin paa-i-aa say-ee vadbhaagay.
Those who attain the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, are very fortunate.
(Ang 322)

When the Christian spoke about community he spoke about his own personal community. He lived in a communal residence with a group of Christian families. They all have jobs ranging from university lecturers to farmers who live together, put their money in a shared place and they eat and pray together. Living in such a communal and shared environment he said that one learns from one another to forgive one another, overlook others shortcomings, and that things unachievable alone become achievable as a group of people. The expression of peace, humility and love the Christian showed was nice to look at. It reminded me of the feeling that I experience at Gurmat Camps like Sikhi Camp and Khalsa Camp in the summer. You get feeling of Chardi Kalaa in Sangat.

At the end I shared with the public Gurmat's view of Sangat - good and bad.

Good Sangat is compared to the Sandalwood tree which shares its virtues and beautiful fragrance on others around it irrespective of their shape, form or nature, for example even the Castor oil plant begins smelling of Sandalwood when planted nearby:

ਚੰਦਨ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਤਰਵਰੁ ਬਿਗਰਿਓ ॥
chandan kai sang tarvar bigri-o.
Associating with the sandalwood tree, the tree nearby is changed;

ਸੋ ਤਰਵਰੁ ਚੰਦਨੁ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਬਰਿਓ ॥੨॥
so tarvar chandan ho-ay nibri-o. ||2||
that tree begins to smell just like the sandalwood tree. ||2||
(Ang 1158)

Bad Sangat is compared to a Banana tree planted next to a thorn bush:

ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਰੀ ਮਰਉ ਕੁਸੰਗ ਕੀ ਕੇਲੇ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਜੁ ਬੇਰਿ ॥
kabeer maaree mar-o kusang kee kele nikatt jo ber.
O Kabeer! Never have company with those broken from Vaheguru. I have been ruined and destroyed by bad company, like the banana plant near the thorn bush.

ਉਹ ਝੂਲੈ ਉਹ ਚੀਰੀਐ ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਹੇਰਿ ॥੮੮॥
ouh jhoolai ouh cheeree-ai saakat sang na her. ||88||
If a thorn bush grows near a banana plant, the thorn bush will wave in the wind, and pierces the banana plant (with it's thorns); Similarly (O Kabeer!) sitting in a negative environment under the affect of corruption and sin your soul will die at the hands of spiritual death. ||88||
(Ang 1369)

The topic for next month at the Inter-faith meeting is "CHARITY& POVERTY." The main speakers will be sharing their views about the subject from Sikhi and Islam.

"Strangers Who Changed My Life..."

A Devout Sikh
By Ron Chaplin

The time: It was the mid-1970's, in the wee small hours of a Saturday night/Sunday morning..

The place: Yonge Street in downtown Toronto, as I was walking home, alone, after an evening with friends at a house party. The street was all but deserted, with only a few cars and pedestrians visible.

Suddenly, a shout which I had learned to dread pierced the calm of the night. "FAGGOT!" I glanced over my shoulder to see a half- dozen young men advancing upon me rapidly.

My adrenalin started pumping immediately. I quickly assessed my options. I had to reach a safe place, and quickly. There were no late-night shops in sight. Although I was barely six short blocks from home, I realized I could not likely outrun the pack of young men.

Hoping against hope, I turned, facing the group, and saw a taxicab approaching. I stood and raised my arm to flag the cab, praying the driver would stop.

To my alarm, as the cab approached, it seemed to accelerate. I thought I was a goner. Then, the cab moved to the curb, and I saw the driver reach across to open the passenger door, motioning to me to jump in.

As soon as I did so, the cab driver hit the accelerator hard, just as the young men were lunging at the still open passenger door.

My heart pounding wildly in my chest, the cab driver and I exchanged no words. But as I glanced in his direction, I was surprised to see that he wore the turban and neatly coiffed, uncut beard of a devout Sikh.

As we pulled up before the door of my apartment building, I noticed for the first time that the cab's meter was not running. I reached into my billfold, and pulled out all my cash, about $30, to hand it to the driver.

"No," he said in his gentle Punjabi accent. "I cannot accept your money. You were in danger. It was my duty to assist you."

"Then, please," I responded, "accept this money as a gift to your favourite charity or your temple." With these words, he demurred, and accepted the cash offered.

I sat up late that night, alone in my apartment, in wonder at what I had just experienced. I was humbled by the heroism of the turbaned cab driver. At that time in Toronto, Sikhs, as the most visible members of the most recent group of immigrants, were often the targets of random acts of violence. Had those young men managed to reach the taxicab before we sped away, that cab driver would also have been in mortal danger.

And I could not help but reach for my Bible to read again Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, as recounted in St. Luke's version of the Gospel. This Sikh cab driver was, in a very real and tangible way, my own good "Samaritan". He was a member of an oft- despised minority, of different ethnicity and a different faith. And yet he acted with Christ-like compassion.

I do not know the cab driver's name, but he taught me, in the most visceral way imaginable, to cast aside prejudice and fear, to make no assumptions about people based on skin colour, ethnicity, apparel, nor their particular religious faith.

It was a life-changing experience.

Ron Chaplin
Parish of St. John the Evangelist
Ottawa, Canada

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/angels/angel02.html

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ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥੫॥
sachahu orai sabh ko upar sach aachaar. ||5||
Truth is higher than everything; but higher still is truthful living. ||5||
(Ang 62)

We often fall in the trap of trying to CHANGE people merely through ARGUING or IMPOSING our ideas. We often forget that EXAMPLE is the greatest teacher and most impressive.

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੀ ਰੀਤਿ ਸਾਂਈ ਸੇਤੀ ਰਤਿਆ ॥੨॥
naanak sachee reet saaN-ee saytee rati-aa. ||2||
O Nanak, that way of life is true, which inspires love of Vaheguru. ||2||
(Ang 706)

Bhul Chuk Maaf Karnee jee

Happy Gurpurb - Prakaash Divas of Dasam Pitaa

Today is the 341st Prakaash Diwas (Birth Day) of

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee

---Sariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee---

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB JEE


Sacrificed entire family
In any other religion you don't hear how the Prophet or leader sleeps. However, in Sikhi we remember in our history how our Tenth Father slept in the Machheewala Jungle. Despite losing his father, mother, four sons, home, wealth and followers, the Guru slept as if nothing had happened. A Dervish mocked the Guru and said “guroo rehgiaa kalaa kalaa” (the Guru remains alone, alone). The Guru replied: “nehee, guroo de naal allaah allaah” (No, with the Guru there is Allah, Allah). Guru Sahib exemplified the attitude and psyche of always remaining positivistic and in Chardi Kalaa (high spirits).


Inauguration of Khalsa (sovereign) – Vaisakhi 1699
Through creating the Khalsa the Guru rested leadership with the community. Guru Sahib carried on the tradition of Amrit from Guru Nanak Sahib jee, which was whereby the follower is spiritually reborn and commits himself or herself to a new life with a distinct lifestyle, morals and principles. Through Amrit, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee eradicated stereotypes of who comes into the idealistic community.


40 Mukte
40 Sikhs deserted Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee and wrote a letter of disownment saying, “We are not your Sikhs, and you are not our Guru.” However, realising they were wrong through speaking to their wives, the 40 Sikhs returned and fought defending the Guru in battle. As a last wish, the leader of the 40 Sikhs asked the Guru to tear up the letter of disownment. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee forgave them. This shows that the relationship with the Guru is most important and that Guru will always give us another chance and forgive our past.


Mai Bhago jee
She led the 40 deserted Sikhs back to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee and to fight alongside them in the battle. Mai Bhago (properly known as Mata Bhaag Kaur jee) was the personal bodyguard of Guru jee for 7 months and is a role model of leadership and decision-making.


Baba Banda Singh Bahadar jee
Meeting Guru Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee, Madho Daas, a misguided spiritual mystic, was transformed to Gurbaksh Singh, a Saint-Warrior. He was a role of leadership and decision-making to establish Khalsa Raaj. He ruled in accordance to the Guru’s teachings of leadership resting in the ‘Khalsa Panchayat’, which is a board of 5 spiritually wise and practicing Sikhs, with the chief executive officer (the Jathedaar) being the executor of decisions.


Summary
Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee's life, that word be "COURAGE." Guru Sahib not only showed courage in his psyche, personality and life however instilled courage into his followers to always remain victorious as victory always belongs to Vaheguru.

-- Dhan Dhan Pitaa Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee --

"Dont Kill Me" - The Unheard Cries of Baby Girls

Today I came across the following news article:

India Kills 10 million girls in 20 years
Ten million girls have been killed by their parents in India in the past 20 years, either before they were born or immediately after, a government minister said, describing it as a "national crisis".

A United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) report released this week said 7 000 fewer girls are born in the country every day than the global average would suggest, largely because female foetuses are aborted after sex determination tests, but also through murder of new borns...

Read Full Article here

It's a very depressing read. However, sadly female infanticide has existed in India for a long time but has only changed its form. Now the advances in medicine and technology are being openly used to choose the gender of an unborn child and to abort it if it is a girl. Unfortunately women are either forced to have abortions through pressure and threats from family members or are persuaded to subscribe to this sin and many of them profess to be Sikh.

Gurmat condemns female infanticide. C.H. Payne (P. 35) writes:

"Female infanticide, a custom prevalent then and for many years after in the Punjab, was strictly forbidden, as was also the practice of sati, and rules and regulations were enjoined relating to daily worship, marriage, the law of inheritance, and other matters in which the Sikhs had hitherto conformed to Hindu law."

The Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada says: "(l) The Sikh will not kill the daughters nor shall he give his daughter in marriage into a family where this act is committed." Furthermore when one receives Amrit from the Guru-Roop Panj Piaare all Amrit candidates are instructed that certain individuals are liable to chastisement involving automatic boycott. According to the Sikh Rehit Maryada this includes "(1) Anyone maintaining relations or communion... killers of female infants."

It was a custom throughout India to strangulate the baby daughters at birth. Usually well-to-do people killed their daughters at birth. The Sikh Gurus right from Guru Nanak Sahib jee condemned this practice and detested the idea of female inferiority, reminding people of the divinity of women.

ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
mehlaa 5.
Fifth Mehl:

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਖਾਲਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਲਕ ਵਸੈ ਰਬ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
fareedaa khaalak khalak mehi khalak vasai rab maahi.
Fareed, the Creator is in the Creation, and the Creation abides in God.

ਮੰਦਾ ਕਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੭੫॥
mandaa kis no aakhee-ai jaaN tis bin ko-ee naahi. ||75||
Whom can we call low? There is none without Him. ||75||

(Ang 1381)

Daas would like to share the accounts from the lives of two great Sikh women, which I came across after reading the book "Sikh Religion and Women" written by G.S. Sidhu. Their stories demonstrate the Divine Grace of Vaheguru can make the impossible possible and how one's fortunate can change in one instant. Reading the two accounts I was stunned to see how from being considered a burden in life, with the Guru's Kirpaa one's fortune and life can change course.


Story of Mai Fatto jee (Mata Fateh Kaur)
The parents of Mai Fatto felt burdened with the birth a baby girl. Usually this was to do with unable to pay to dowry. Her father decided to murder the child. Bhai Dyaal Singh (descendent of Bhai Bhagtu jee) reached their village Kalayke and heard of the terrible act of evil that was to be committed on a helpless baby. He refused to dine with Fatto's father Bhai Maluka unless he spared the life of their baby girl.

The girl was thereon looked after and brought up by Bhai Dyaal Singh and was named 'Fateh Kaur'. She was raised with full dignity and respect in accordance to Gurmat and became a proud and strong woman. She was married to Sardaar Aala Singh (d. 1765), founder of Patiala and became the Maharani (Queen) of Patiala State but remained indebted to Bhai Bhagtu's descendents all through her life. She was very wise, politically astute, and a Gurmukh woman who was well read in Sikh history and literature. Whatever Maharaja Aala Singh achieved was due to her efforts and advice.


Story of Bibi Raaj Kaur
As soon as a baby girl was born in the family of Raja Gajpat Singh (of Jind state), he had her put in a box and buried her. The news somehow leaked to Baba Gudar Singh jee who was a great scholar of Sikhi. Baba jee could not bear the pain and anguish of the baby girl and quickly reached Badrukha. Immediately he had the girl taken out. He scorned the family for their evil actions and how they could be so cruel to a gift of a God. Taking the baby girl in his arms he took her home with him where he brought her up.

ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀਅ ਜੁ ਮਾਰਹਿ ਜੋਰੁ ਕਰਿ ਕਹਤੇ ਹਹਿ ਜੁ ਹਲਾਲੁ ॥
kabeer jee-a jo maarehi jor kar kahtay hehi jo halaal.
O Kabeer! They oppress living beings and kill them, and call it proper.

ਦਫਤਰੁ ਦਈ ਜਬ ਕਾਢਿ ਹੈ ਹੋਇਗਾ ਕਉਨੁ ਹਵਾਲੁ ॥੧੯੯॥
daftar de-ee jab kaadh hai ho-igaa kaun havaal. ||199||
When Vaheguru calls for their account, what will their condition be? ||199||
(Ang 1375)

Bibi Raaj Kaur grew up to be a very spiritual girl through the blessings of Vaheguru. When she reached a marital age she was married to Sardaar Mahaa Singh (1774 CE), who later became leader of misl Shukarchakiyan (one of eleven Khalsa federations of the time). Bibi Raaj Kaur and Sardaar Mahaa Singh had only one child (b. 1780 CE) who later became Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the famous king of Panjab.

ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ॥
so ki-o mandaa aakhee-ai jit jamehi raajaan.
So why call woman bad? From her, kings are born.

ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੀ ਭੰਡੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਝੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
bhandahu hee bhand oopjai bhandai baajh na ko-ay.
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.

(Ang 473)

Happy New Year

A nice video I found today. It's of Bhai Sahib Joginder Singh jee Talwara doing Keeertan with Bhai Amolak Singh jee Australia Wale doing seva of playing the Tablaa at Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar Sahib, in April 1984. The shabad they are singing is:

ਗਉੜੀ ਬੈਰਾਗਣਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ॥
gauRee bairaagaN, mehlaa 4.
Gauree Bairaagan, Fourth Mehl:

ਜਿਸੁ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਮਨਿ ਹੋਇ ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ॥
jis mili-ai man ho-ay anand, so satgur kahee-ai.
Meeting whom the mind is filled with bliss - He is called the True Guru.

ਮਨ ਕੀ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਲਹੀਐ ॥੧॥
man kee dubiDhaa binas jaa-ay, har param pad lehee-ai. ||1||
Double-mindedness departs, and the supreme spiritual status of meeting Vaheguru is obtained. ||1||

ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਕਿਤੁ ਬਿਧਿ ਮਿਲੈ ॥
mayraa satgur pi-aaraa, kit biDh milai.
(Tell me) how can I meet my Beloved True Guru?

ਹਉ ਖਿਨੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਕਰੀ ਨਮਸਕਾਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਿਉ ਮਿਲੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
hau khin khin karee namaskaar, mayraa gur pooraa ki-o milai. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
Each and every moment, I humbly bow (before that person who tell's me) how I will meet my Perfect Guru? ||1||Pause||

ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਲਿਆ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ॥
kar kirpaa, har mayli-aa mayraa satgur pooraa.
Granting His Grace, Vaheguru has led me to meet my Perfect True Guru.

ਇਛ ਪੁੰਨੀ ਜਨ ਕੇਰੀਆ ਲੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਧੂਰਾ ॥੨॥
ichh punnee jan kayree-aa, lay satgur Dhooraa. ||2||
Receiving the dust of the Feet of the True Guru (all) the desires of His humble servant are fulfilled. ||2||

ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਵੈ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸੁਣੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਿਲੀਐ ॥
har bhagat driR-aavai, har bhagat suNai, tis satgur milee-ai.
(O person!) One should meet the True Guru who implants Bhagti (devotional worship) of Vaheguru (in the heart of a person), and (meeting whom one) listens (with enthusiasm) to the praises of Vaheguru.

ਤੋਟਾ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਹਰਿ ਲਾਭੁ ਨਿਤਿ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੀਐ ॥੩॥
tottaa mool na aave-ee, har laabh nit driRee-ai. ||3||
(Meeting whom) they continually earn the profit of the wealth of Naam one and never suffer any loss (in this wealth). ||3||

ਜਿਸ ਕਉ ਰਿਦੈ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਉ ਦੂਜਾ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
jis kau ridai vigaas hai, bhaa-o doojaa naahee.
One whose heart blossoms forth, is not attached to love of anything else other than Vaheguru.

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਉਧਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਾਹੀ ॥੪॥੮॥੧੪॥੫੨॥
naanak tis gur mil uDhrai, har guN gaavaahee. ||4||8||14||52||
O Nanak! Meeting the Guru, one is saved (from wickedness and corruption) and they sing His Glorious Praises. ||4||8||14||52||
(Ang 168)

In the background you can see Chardi Kalaa Sangat of Singh and Singhnian. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare.

Happy New Year to everyone. May Vaheguru shower blessings of Naam, Baanee and Gursikhi Jeevan upon us all so that we can become closer to true happiness - Vaheguru, and be saved from drowning in Maya and doubt. May our love for Vaheguru increase every moment! Rab Raakhaa.

Tonight

Vahiguroo Jee Ka Khalsa, Vahiguroo Jee Kee Fateh.

The last Youth Keertan Darbaar of 2006 - Not to be missed!

Youth Keertan Darbaar


In commemoration of Dasam Pita jee's four sons and Mata Gujar Kaur jee who gave up their lives but never gave up their Sikhi in the face of adversity

Please attend on:
Saturday 30th December 2006
at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara,
Park Avenue, Southall
Nearest Train: Southall (Paddington) Bus: 120, E5, H32
The programme will commence at 7.pm till late (in upstairs hall)

Also
anyone free at 7.30 pm please come to the Gurdwara to
help setup the stage and start the programme. Sevadars needed for projector and Sikhi to the max!!

Christmas Reflections

During Christmas I was reflecting on how people celebrate this public holiday. Christmas is a time when those who follow JESUS CHRIST world dedicate to celebrating the BIRTH and LIFE of their Prophet during this cold and winter month. However, isn't it strange that birth of LIFE is celebrated with the DEATH of millions. You may be wondering what am I going on about. Nowadays eating Turkey is inescapable for celebrating Christmas. Millions of Turkeys and other birds are slaughtered for this festive season so that people can celebrate the LIFE of a holy man. What irony?

Gurbaani says:

ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹੁ ਸੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਅਧਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥
jee-a baDhahu su Dharam kar thaapahu aDharam kahahu kat bhaa-ee.
You kill living beings, and call it Dharam (a religious action). Tell me, brother, what would you call A-Dharam (an athiestic action)?

ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮੁਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਸਾਈ ॥੨॥
aapas kau munivar kar thaapahu kaa ka-o kahuhu kasaa-ee. ||2||
You call yourself the most religious person; then who would you call a butcher? ||2||
(Ang 1103)

On Boxing Day I was at work. We were given a shortened lunch time to 30 minutes. The work people had organised lunches for the staff. They bought chicken, buns, cheese and Crisps for people to eat. In private the manager out of interest asked me whether I eat meat. I explained that I was a strict vegetarian, which includes not eating fish and eggs. Then he asked, "So what did you eat for lunch?" I told him that I eat at home or I bring a lunch box. I explained that today my mum made Rotian, which I had with Ahloo Mattar Paneer. In English it sounded WEIRD. I ended up saying, "I ate Chapattis with cheese and potatoe curry." Then he asked, "What did you eat for Christmas?" I ended up at the Gurdwara Sahib and had Langar because I didn't really fancy eating Roast Pork or Lamb. Vaheguru.

Translating some Daal Sabjeeaa is really difficult. I said to him, "I ate Red-Kidney Beans Curry (Raajmaa), a vegetable which I think is from the Cabbage family (Arbee), lentils (Daal)." When saying it in English it didn't sound as good as the Panjabi! He said "Sorry Manvir, eating lentils, beans and cheese every day, doesn't tickle my fancy." lol. (Not that I told him to eat Daal Sabjee).

Christmas is a time of remembering a birth that gave life to a community. Similarly, December marks a time of remembering life for Sikhs. However, for Sikhs the celebration of life in December is not birth but through DEATH.

ਸਲੋਕ ਮ: ੫ ॥
salok mehilaa 5.
Shalok, Dakhanay Fifth Mehl:

ਪਹਿਲਾ ਮਰਣੁ ਕਬੂਲਿ ਜੀਵਣ ਕੀ ਛਡਿ ਆਸ ॥
pehilaa maraN kabool jeevaN kee chhadd aas.
First, accept death, and give up any hope of life.

ਹੋਹੁ ਸਭਨਾ ਕੀ ਰੇਣੁਕਾ ਤਉ ਆਉ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪਾਸਿ ॥੧॥
hohu sabhnaa kee rayNkaa tau aa-o hamaarai paas. ||1||
Become the dust of the feet of all, and then, you may come to me. ||1||
(Ang 1102)

The martyrdom of the Four Sahibzaadey (princes of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee) and martyrdom of Mata Gujar Kaur jee marks the celebration of eternal life glorified through death. They were SHAHEEDS (martyrs). Shaheed comes from the word SHAHAADAT, which literally means - "WITNESS TO THE TRUTH". These great souls overcame the illusion of the world and realised the precious value of Naam and Baani and therefore kept their undying faith in Guru Sahib and Sikhi.

For Sikhs martyrdom equals life of the community. Professor Mohan Singh asks in one of his poems:

“ਉਹ ਕਿਹੜਾ ਬੂਟਾ ਏ? ਹਰ ਥਾਂ ਜੋ ਪਲਦਾ ਏ, ਜਿੰਨਾ ਵੀ ਛਾਂਗ ਦਈਏ ਓਨਾ ਹੀ ਫਲਦਾ ਏ?”
"Which flower are they? Every place they blossom; even when chopped-down they grow more?"

The simple answer is the flower of Sikhi (ਸਿੱਖੀ ਦਾ ਬੂਟਾ). During the bloody period of the 18th century Sikh history, the Mughal forces brutally chopped the heads of Sikhs. The babies of mothers were hacked into pieces using their body parts as necklaces they were placed around the mothers' necks; however they did not falter or become weakened in their Sikhi spirit. Holding on to Naam, Baani and Ardaas they remained in Chardi Kalaa and undaunted by Death itself. The flower of Sikhi was chopped and split however through this the flower grew more and more. The Sikh mothers of the 18th century would sing in Chardi Kalaa:

“ਮੰਨੂ ਸਾਡੀ ਦਾਤਰੀ, ਅਸੀਂ ਮੰਨੂ ਦੇ ਸੋਏ, ਜਿਉਂ-ਜਿਉਂ ਮੰਨੂ ਵੱਢਦਾ ਅਸੀਂ ਦੂਣ-ਸਵਾਏ ਹੋਏ।”
(Meer) Mannu is the grass-cutter, and we Mannu's crop. As Mannu chops us down, so we multiply."

Sikh history is a witness to the fact that martyrdom is the life of a community. Therefore, Christmas season is a time when the Sikhs according to the Sikh calendar mark the martyrdom days of great Gursikhs who gave their lives for our today. They lived in dignity and died in honour.

ਕਬੀਰ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਰਨੇ ਤੇ ਜਗੁ ਡਰੈ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨਿ ਆਨੰਦੁ ॥
kabeer jis marnay tay jag darai mayray man aanand.

(For the sake of the world people forsake religion to make wealth, riches, children and spouse, and upon these the person rests their happiness; for this reason attachment cannot break away. But,) O Kabeer! The death (in the form of freeing oneself from attachments), which the world is afraid of - that death fills my mind with bliss.

ਮਰਨੇ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਪਾਈਐ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਪਰਮਾਨੰਦੁ ॥੨੨॥
marnay hee tay paa-ee-ai pooran parmaanand. ||22||

It is only by this worldy death from attachment that one meets Vaheguru and experiences perfect and supreme bliss. ||22||

(Ang 1365)

The Cold Weather of December

I am sure everyone in the UK has experienced the bitter winter cold weather last week. It has been FREEZING! For the past few days I have been wearing five layers of clothing go to work as I work near the entrance of the store and therefore constantly exposed to the cold wind resulting from the door opening every time customers leave. One work colleague said to me, "Manvir you look like an ESKIMO". Waheguru.

I went outside and felt the cold on my face and hands and then a thought entered my mind - it reminded me of Dasam Pitaa jee (the Tenth Father) and his beloved four children, mother and his blessed Sikhs who faced unthinkable conditions in this cold month. Mata Gujar Kaur jee and the two younger Sahibzaadey (princes) were kept as prisoners in the Tanddaa Burj (Cold Tower), which was a raised tower that had no walls to protect them from the chilly winds, they had no extra clothes to keep them warm and no blankets to protect them from freezing, yet they kept warm and in Chardi Kalaa (high spirits) through Naam, Gurbaani and reflecting on the inspiration and spirit of the Guru Sahibs.

ਜਾ ਕਉ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਗੋ ਇਸੁ ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਸੋ ਕਹੀਅਤ ਹੈ ਸੂਰਾ ॥
jaa ka-o har rang laago is jug meh so kahee-at hai sooraa.
That person alone is called a warrior, who is attached to Vaheguru's Love in this age.

ਆਤਮ ਜਿਣੈ ਸਗਲ ਵਸਿ ਤਾ ਕੈ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ॥੧॥
aatam jinai sagal vas taa kai jaa kaa satgur pooraa. ||1||
Through the Perfect True Guru, they conquer their own soul, and then everything comes under their control. ||1||
(Ang 679)

Sahibzaada Baba Ajeet Singh jee (17) - martyred in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib


Sahibzaada Baba Jujhaar Singh jee (15) - martyred in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib


Mata Gujar Kaur Jee - martryed in the Tandaa Burj (Cold Tower) at Sirhind.


Sahibzaada Baba Fateh Singh jee (7), and Sahibzaada Baba Zorawar Singh jee (5) - martyred by being bricked alive at Sirhind.

Packed Weekend

This weekend from Friday to Sunday there is plenty on to get benefit of Saadh Sangat, Naam and Baani. There is a Sri Akhand Paath Sahib in memory of Giani Baba Takhur Singh jee of Damdami Taksal Bhindran, and also there is a Youth AKJ Smaagam dedicated to the four Sahibzaadey (princes) of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee.

Details of both events are below:


SRI AKHAND PAATH SAHIB
Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th December 2006
Arambh (start) Sri Akhand Paath Sahib - 5.30pm
Bhog (completion) Sri Akhand Paath Sahib - 5.30pm

Main Hall 1
Guru Nanak Gurdwara
High Street, Smethwick, B66 3AP

Bhog Sri Akhand Paath Sahib to be attended by world renowned Katha Vaachiks, Kaveeshari and Raagi Jathas.



RAINSBAAEE KEERTAN (Part of AKJ Youth Smaagam)
Saturday 23rd December 2006
7pm to 6am the next morning

Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha,
47 - 49 Cross Road,
COVENTRY
CV6 5GR

Coach transport will be leaving Southall at 5.30pm and Slough at 6pm. To book your place please contact Bhai Satnam Singh on 07956 519256

Coach transport will also be available from North, leaving Singh Sabha Bradford at 6.00 pm. To book your place, please contact Bhai Bhupinder Singh on 07790921881

Transport is also available from West Bromwich, North London and Derby.



AMRIT SANCHAAR
The Amrit Sanchaar will be on Saturday 23rd December starting at 8pm sharp at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Coventry. Can all ablakhyees (candidates) contact Bhai Taranjeet Singh jee to provide their names for the Amrit sanchaar. If you have questions or queries you can contact Bhai Raghbir Singh jee on 01926 740160.

If any persons do not have full kakaars, then they will provided as part of the seva.

Shaheed Bhai Jeevan Singh Jee

21st December marks the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of Shaheed Bhai Jeevan Singh jee. Bhai Jeevan Singh was born in 1649, who's name was Bhai Jaita jee before he received the divine Amrit from the hands of Dasam Pitaa Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee in 1699. This post is in commemoration to Shaheed Bhai Jeevan jee who lived as a true Saint-Warrior.

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF SHAHEED BHAI JEEVAN SINGH JEE

Background

Bhai Jaita jee was born on 30th November 1649 to Bibi Kanno jee and Bhai Sada Chand jee. When he was born he was named 'Jag Chand', and 'Jagu' or 'Jota' for short. He and his younger brother Bhag Chand, also Called Bhagu, were the disciples of the seventh Nanak, Guru Har Rai Sahib jee. They lived at Kiratpur Sahib where Guru Sahib was staying, however later his family and him moved to the village Jhandaa Raamdaas where they stayed with Bhai Gurditta jee (1625-1675), the great great-grandson of Baba Buddha jee.

Fearless Seva (Selfless Service)

In 1675, Kashmiri Pandits came to seek the Ninth Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib jee’s help to save humanity and defend the right of living in peace without oppression, as Aurangzeb was cruelly and forcefully converting large numbers of people to Islam through the sword and making the common man's life a living hell. Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib jee responding to the cries of society and sacrificed his head alongside his 3 disciples in Delhi to defend the human rights and right of free religious expression for humanity.

In total 5 Sikhs had accompanied Guru Sahib to Delhi. One of these were Bhai Gurditta jee, who was detained in Delhi following the arrest of Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib jee. Bhai Jaita jee was sent by the family to bring news of Bhai Gurditta jee. He was in Delhi when Guru Sahib was beheaded in a public on 11th November 1675. No one dared to come forward to claim the dead physical body of the Guru or the head fearing the army's aggression. However, Bhai Jaita jee was successful in evading the guards and escaping with the severed head to Sri Anandpur Sahib where he was received by the Tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee.

Honour Given to Bhai Jaita jee

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee honoured Bhai Jaita jee when he arrived to Sri Anandpur Sahib with the head of Guru Sahib. Socially, Bhai Jaita jee belonged to the background of 'Ranghars' (scavengers). The Ranghar caste were the people who had one of their ancestors born out of mixed parentage of a Hindu and Muslim couple, and thus were outcastes out of Hindu religion. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee, raised Bhai Jaita jee by embracing him in front of the Sikh Sangat and describing him as 'Ranghrettaa Guru Ka Betaa' (the young man of the Ranghar caste is the Guru's own son).

Seva of Dasam Pita (Tenth Father)

Bhai Jaita jee thereafter lived at Sri Anandpur Sahib and became the first assigned beater of the Nagaaraa (war drum) when the Guru set up the Ranjeet Nagaara (The battle war drum of victory). In 1691 he was married to Bibi Raj Kaur, daughter of Bhai Sujan Singh of the village of Riaar, near Amritsar. They had four sons. Bhai Jaita along with his family became Amritdhari on the Vaisaakhi of 1699 and became Bhai Jeevan Singh jee from there on. He became famous as a marksman and trained the two elder Sahibzaadey (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee in the art of warfare. Bhai Jeevan Singh jee took part in all of Guru Sahib's battles against the attacking Hindu Hill Rajas and the Mughal imperial forces.

Shaheedi (Martyrdom)

Bhai Jeevan Singh jee fell a Shaheed (martyr) in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib on 7th December 1705 defending the Guru and his beloved Sikhs. A burj (watch tower) called 'Gurdwara Shaheed Burj Bhai Jeevan Singh' stands on the site as a monument to Bhai Sahib's memory. According to Bhatt Vahees (a historical text), Bhai Jeevan Singh jee was killed in a rear-guard action while protecting Guru Sahib, his family and the beloved Sikh Sangat on the bank of the River Sarsaa after the evacuation of Sri Anandpur Sahib in the cold and stormy night.

ਜਦ ਡੁੱਲ੍ਹਦਾ ਖ਼ੂਨ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ ਦਾ, ਤਸਵੀਰ ਬਦਲਦੀ ਕੌਮਾਂ ਦੀ।

jad dulHdaa khoon shaheedaa(n) daa, tasveer badaldee khaumaa(n) dee.
When the the blood of martyrs spills, the picture of a nation changes.

Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam

The Guru Transforms Individiuals

ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮ: ੧ ॥
salok mehilaa 1.
Shalok, First Mehl:

ਬਲਿਹਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਿਉਹਾੜੀ ਸਦ ਵਾਰ ॥
balihaaree gur aapNe, di-uhaaRee sad vaar.
A hundred times a day, I am a sacrifice to my Guru;

ਜਿਨਿ ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕਰਤ ਨ ਲਾਗੀ ਵਾਰ ॥੧॥
jin maaNas te devte kee-e karat na laagee vaar. ||1||
Who made humans into angels, without delay. ||1||
(Aasa Di Vaar, Ang 462, )

Thank God for Daal Sabjee :)

Mandeep Singh jee Khalsa (I assume Bhaji from Scotland) emailed me this link. Very nice link! Daas avoids "Can Sikhs eat meat discussions". However, this isn't a discussion, a mere sharing of facts. New research carried out by a UK university shows Vegetarians have a HIGHER IQ than meat eaters.

The amount of times concerned and worried Aunty jee's have said to me, "put, kuchh khaa-e kar. naa meat khaaNdaa, naa hor cheejaa khaaNdaa. mainoo fikar bohat hai" (Son, you shout eat. You don't eat meat and other things. I am worried.) Well, the news article is a good read which proves otherwise.

So if you need brain power, put aside McDonalds Cheese Burgers, Kebabs, or a Bacon Butty. Get out the tavaa (iron plate) and aataa and make some fresh rotian with some lovely daal sabjee :)

Here is the news article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6180753.stm

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High IQ link to being vegetarian

A Southampton University team found those who were vegetarian by 30 had recorded five IQ points more on average at the age of 10.

Researchers said it could explain why people with higher IQ were healthier as a vegetarian diet was linked to lower heart disease and obesity rates.

The study of 8,179 was reported in the British Medical Journal.

Twenty years after the IQ tests were carried out in 1970, 366 of the participants said they were vegetarian - although more than 100 reported eating either fish or chicken.

Men who were vegetarian had an IQ score of 106, compared with 101 for non-vegetarians; while female vegetarians averaged 104, compared with 99 for non-vegetarians.

Read full article here

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Mark of Excellence at LSE

Last Saturday Daas attended the Mark of Excellence day by the Sikh Research Institute (Texas) held at LSE in London. It was a very nice day out. However, most people including myself arrived late (well - on time according to Panjabi time). Approximately 25 people attended the event.

After introductions, the first lecture was on CLASH OF CLUCTURES, which looked at the historical context and state of society when Guru Nanak Sahib jee was born in 1469. The second lecture was on JOURNEY OF THE SIKH NATION, which looked at how Singhs and Singhnian lived the Khalsa revolution in the 18th century. This was very insightful. The Khalsa faced most gruesome and barbaric tortures and conditions in this time period, however their Sikhi spirit was the strongest.


Lunch was Guru-Ka-Langar. Very tasty. Unfortunately some how I got a Daal stain on my Kurta (don't know how!) but o well. Thank God I was wearing a blue Kurta! After lunch, there was a lecture on THE IDEAL PERSON. It looked at understanding the Gurmukh and the Khalsa. It was interesting to hear the different viewpoints.

The event ended with a Q&A session. It was good opportunity to ask questions relating to the talks and discussions as well as other questions relating to Sikhi.

Below are some more photos from the Mark of Excellence event at LSE:


Slightly blurry photo (not taken by me).


O dear! After eating Langar, Bhenji Kamaldeep Kaur decides to take a quick nap.

Some Funny Experiences at Work

I thought I would share something funny and light hearted today. Below are some experiences from work:

Incident 1
It was near the end of the day and the manager was standing by me and another staff member who is in her early 20s but a mother of two young children. The manager said to the young lady, "So are you going out CLUBBING tonight?" She replied, "No. Today I prefer to have a soak in the bath, have a nice cup of tea and meal with my family. Then watch a DVD with my kids." The manager, who is in his 40s, said seriously, "What's happening to you? Come on. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE. Life is more than just drinking tea and watching DVDs at home! You need to get out there and enjoy yourself. Come to the club and have a good night out. Don't waste your life."

ਹੀਰਾ ਲਾਲੁ ਅਮੋਲੁ ਜਨਮੁ ਹੈ ਕਉਡੀ ਬਦਲੈ ਹਾਰਿਓ ਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

heeraa laal amol janam hai ka-udee badlai haari-o ray. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
Human birth is a priceless jewel, which has been squandered in exchange for a worthless shell. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 335)

I was standing there thinking "Sachay Paatshaah! Is this a comedy show or something?" I had a huge smile on my face and tried to stop myself from laughing! In my mind I was comparing what the manager said to what you would expect a Stage Secretary of a Gurdwara to say: "guroo waale baNo taa apNaa janam saflaa karo" (Become the Gurus (i.e. take Amrit) and make your life complete and fulfilled). I thought if I were to do a Panjabi translation of what the manager said it would be, "club noo jaa-o, taa apNaa janam safal karo." Rab Rakha.

It made me think how each and every person has their own goals in life. One person makes his or her goal in life to get married and earn enough to get on the property ladder. Someone's goal is to become successful in their career. Another person's goal is to go clubbing, fulfil their desires, eat Kebabs and have a "good time". It's all the Vaheguru's Kedh (God's Game).

ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਕਰਤ ਮਹਾ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਬੂਡੋ ਅਨਿਕ ਜੋਨਿ ਭਰਮਈਹੈ ॥
dukh sukh karat mahaa bharam booddo anik jon bharam-eehai.
Enduring pleasure and pain, drowned in the great ocean of doubt, you shall wander in numerous reincarnations.

ਰਤਨ ਜਨਮੁ ਖੋਇਓ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਬਿਸਰਿਓ ਇਹੁ ਅਉਸਰੁ ਕਤ ਪਈਹੈ ॥੩॥
ratan janam kho-i-o prabh bisri-o ihu ausar kat pa-eehai. ||3||
You have lost the jewel of human birth by forgetting Vaheguru; when will you have such an opportunity again? ||3||
(Ang 524)

Incident 2
I was at the cash desk and an elderly lady came up and said she wants to buy vacuum bags. She had brought her DIRTY and USED vacuum bag with her, which she kept flapping around and poking infront of me. I said I would show her the hoover bags. As we were crossing the store she stopped and with a warm smile on her face said, "Dear young man, I love the 'PUNJAB' THING you have on your head. Looks utterly marvellous." I smiled and told her, "Madam, its a TURBAN." She didn't hear or didn't pay attention and carried on walking.

She wanted me to check it was the right vacuum bag so she decides to get her dirty vacuum bag out and shake it infront of me. I just took two big steps BACK. She looked at me and said, "What is the problem young man?" I said, "Madam, I am allergic to dust and I am going to sneeze with all the dust from the bag." She looked at me and said, "Don't we all sneeze? Stop being so silly." I thought, Rab Raakhaa! She eventually took away the hoover bags and she left a whole pile of dirt and dust where she fiddled with her dirty used vacuum bag. Although the lady was rude and abrupt, she was nice and had good intentions.


Ps. Daas will try and post about Saturday's seminar workshop in the next few days.

Saturday 9th December - Talk @ LSE

Bit short notice to put it on blog, however this Saturday there is a Mark of Excellence seminar, lecture and workshop. Daas attended last year and it was fantastic (You can read about last year's seminar here). In a day I learnt so much. Its an opportunity not to miss. If you want to attend then you have to register. All that means is that you email the organiser (jagdeep@cantab.net). Details are below:

Mark of Excellence - The Sikh Revolution
Date: 09/12/2006

Mark of Excellence is a series of lectures, presentations and workshops specifically catered to meet the needs and desires of a particular audience. Essentially, participants attend personal and community development sessions that seek to foster the Sikh values based on Gurmat traditions: Sikh scripture, history, and discipline. Other principles of universal significance are also incorporated that do not disturb the harmony of the Sikh faith.

The Sikh Research Institute offers a variety of theme-oriented sessions for emerging leaders in the community – high school and college students and young professionals. Each event seeks to facilitate learning while enhancing personal development and growth for each participant. Through each program, workshop presenters provide an opportunity for the youth to ask questions and seek an answer through discussion and interpretation.

Theme: The Sikh Revolution
Date: Saturday 9 December 2006
Time: 8:30am-4:00pm
Location: Room S75, St Clements Building, London School of Economics, London, UK
Participants: University Students and Young Professionals
Sponsor: Sikh-Panjab Society, LSE
Registration: Student £7 | Young Professionals £12

This Mark of Excellence event will feature the following sessions:

Session I: Clash of Cultures – Historical context of Guru Nanak's advent
Session II: Journey of the Sikh Nation – How practitioners lived the Revolution (18th Century)
Session III: The Ideal Person – Understanding the Gurmukh and the Khalsa
Session IV: Questions & Answers – Open forum to seek opinions from a Gurmat perspective

For more information and to obtain a registration form, please contact:
Jagdeep Singh | jagdeep@cantab.net

Leicester - East Midlands Sikhi Week

Last Thursday Daas was invited to Leicester University to do a talk at the Sikh Society as part of the EAST MIDLANDS SIKHI WEEK. It took me just over TWO HOURS to get there! When it should have taken ONE HOUR and ten minutes according to RAC route planner. Vaheguru. I suppose some of it was down to the evening traffic. However, I also got slightly LOST when I got to Leicester.

I arrived teek taak to Leicester. On the instructions I printed off from RAC route planner it said, "Go on A426". But when I got near by I realised there were signs for A426 going left and right. It was a gamble so I thought, 'Chalo Rab Rakha lets go right!' But I was slightly too late to get into the lane and I ended up half in one lane and half in the other. It was so EMBARRASSING. Cars going straight could just SQUEEZE BY and each car HOOTED at me and some people stuck their fingers up and swore. Rab Bhalla Kare! Eventually I was given room to get in the lane turning right and had a sigh of relief.

I was going down and thinking I hope this is the right direction. It looked very countryside type so I thought "Is Leicester University in the countryside?" Then I entered a village called "BLABY" (what a weird name!). I thought "O mind! Where have gone!" I rang the Leicester Sikh Society to help me. They tried their best but it was difficult, as I didn't know where I was and they didn't know where I was. All I knew was that I was in a small village called "BLABLY".

I saw the police station and thought I would go inside and get some help. But guess what? The police station is CLOSED. Can you believe that a police station closes at 2pm! Doesn't most crime happen in the evening? O deary me! It was crazy. Outside the police station there was a phone in a box and a huge sign saying, "Please ring this number for help and enquiries." I thought, "That's good!" But I read a little more down the sign where it said, "All calls well go to the Police Head Office". I thought hope I don't get arrested ringing the Police Head Office to get directions and get charged with wasting police time. Sat Naam, Vaheguru.

I then asked some Goray at the village bus stop who told me I had gone in the wrong direction of A426 and that the university was near the cinema etc. I eventually got there with the help of the Sikh Society and a Bhaji giving clear directions. Then I had to find a space to park! It was a struggle parking amongst tight spaces! I was so glad just to arrive and relax with Guru's Kirpaa. I definitely need a SAT NAV or something - that would save such a headache and time wasted in getting lost!

There was a nice crowd of people. About 60 more people attended the event. The talk title given to me was "THE TRAVELS OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI." However I rewrote the title of the presentation as "THE UNIVERSAL DHARAM OF GURU NANAK SAHIB JEE". The presentation was about Gurmat being a Universal religion looking at the countries Guru Nanak Sahib jee travelled. There are at least 16 countries, which Guru Nanak Sahib jee is known to have travelled, and the evidence to the support these findings are being strengthened by research undertaken by Sikh academics.


Jesus remained within Palestine. Buddha remained within India. Muhammad remained Arabia (Mecca and Madina). However, Satguru Guru Nanak Sahib jee travelled the MAJORITY of the KNOWN WORLD through countries like Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Burma, Russia, Arabia, Iraq, and Turkey etc. What does this teach us? It tells us that Guru Nanak Sahib jee was JAGAT GURU (Guru of the World) and that Gurmat was not intended for Panjabis alone however for whole of HUMANITY.

ਸੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਦੇ ਸਭ ਸ੍ਰਿਸ੍ਟਿ ਸਵਾਰੀ ॥

so satgur pooraa Dhan Dhan hai, jin har updes de sabh sristt savaaree.
Blessed, blessed is the Perfect True Guru, who has given the Lord's Teachings to reform the whole world.
(Ang 586)

This followed on to the complete, perfect and spiritually balanced lifestyle and religion that Guru Nanak Sahib jee has shown us which will get us to have union with the Divine. The presentation ended with despite Guru Nanak Sahib jee being Jagat Guru and that we are blessed as Sikhs to have the true, complete and perfect lifestyle. however as Sikhs have we realised this? If not, then why.

Difficulties with Naam

Bhaji Mandeep Singh Scotland wale requested Daas to write about what was discussed at the Midlands Sikhi Week talk "WHAT IS NAAM" by the group who looked at "DIFFICULTIES WITH NAAM." Apologies for the late post.

The group presented the problems with attuning and Japping Naam alongside with the solutions (Daas will elaborate and add to some of the solutions):

1. Distractions in day to day life (education, job etc)
Try and focus. Keep at it and continue doing Ardaas. With Guru's Kirpaa, Guru Sahib will guide you and help your mind. When one receives Gurmat Naam and Amrit from the Guru-Roop Panj Piyaare, it is a spiritual rebirth. Naam is made firm within us and we receive the blessings of Naam from the Panj Piyaare (known as Naam DriR). Through Amrit and Naam given by Panj Piyarae it becomes easier to focus on Naam and meditate, however this requires willingness and effort on behalf of the individual. Daily Ardaas for focus and power to concentrate on Naam will give you strength and will power to strive.

2. Lack of time or not being able to make time.
Simple answer - make time. Anything worth having requires time and dedication. Building a routine and daily plan is best help. When we receive Amrit from the Guru-Roop Panj Piyaare they give us Rehit (code of conduct) which helps us to make Naam and Baani a part of our life and a part of our routine. For example a Gursikh does daily Nitnem in morning, evening and before going to sleep.

3. Family
Educate and work with others. Do Ardaas, live the change you wish to see in your family. With Guru's Kirpaa if you try to Jap Naam the atmosphere in the house will change. Be inspired and inspire those around you through doing Sangat together and slowly introducing small but significant changes like praying before eating, doing Rehraas Sahib da Paath together, putting on a Keertan CD in the car rather than other songs or radio, ask "Shall we all go to the Gurdwara together."

4. Disadvantages of the society we live in and the Western influence
Live in society but be aware of possible negative influences and then stay clear of them. Don't get so involved with people, objects, or media that the negative influence sticks to you. Rather keep that level of relationship with society whereby you can live, work and inspire others with Gurmat. Guru Sahib teaches us this concept through the beauty of a lotus flower which is so beautiful yet floats above the muddy water unaffected in the environment it lives and sustains itself from. One's Rehit (Code of Conduct) and Sangat (company) acts as protection against negative influences.

5. Friends - peer pressure
Do Sangat of Gursikhs. Sometimes a person may live where there is no good Sangat. So what should they do? One can do Sangat (company) with Great Gursikhs through reading their life stories, autobiographies and Gurmat literature for example Bhai Sahib Rama Singh jee's book - "In Search of the True Guru", Baba Harnam Singh jee's book - "Se Kineya", Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee's autobiography etc. Another form of Sangat is listening to Katha and Keertan, even if it means listening to MP3s or through Internet.

6. Lack of positive role models
Make the Guru and Saadh Sangat your role model. We are blessed as Sikhs that our Guru Sahibs are the Perfect role models and examples of character, spirit and inspiration. All Gursikhs who follow the Path of the Guru and exemplify the Guru’s teachings are positive role models.