Monday, February 26, 2007

Gravesend Workshop on "Sangat"


Last Saturday was a long day. I was invited to Gravesend to do a workshop with the youngsters there in the afternoon. It was a very long drive - two and a half hours! But listening to Keertan in the car made the journey okay. With Guru Sahib's Kirpaa I didn't get lost on the journey! The last time I went to Gravesend was last November for a History workshop with the youngsters.


Around 50 youngsters, aged from 7 to 20 yrs old, attended. The topic of the workshop was SANGAT. The motivation behind choosing this topic was that Sangat one chooses affects one's life either in a positive way or negative way.


First of all the youngsters were asked what the word "Sangat" means to them and then the different ways one can do Sangat with someone. The following Shabad was looked at to explain that the colour of the Sangat rubs off on the person (Jaisee Sangat, Taisee Rangat):
ਕਬੀਰ ਮਨੁ ਪੰਖੀ ਭਇਓ ਉਡਿ ਉਡਿ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਜਾਇ ॥
kabeer man pankhee bhe-i-o udd udd deh dis jaa-ay.
O Kabeer! The mind has become a bird; it soars and flies in the ten directions.

ਜੋ ਜੈਸੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋ ਤੈਸੋ ਫਲੁ ਖਾਇ ॥੮੬॥
jo jaisee sangat milai so taiso fal khaa-ay. ||86||
According to the company it keeps, so are the fruits it eats. ||86||
(Ang 1369)

Everyone was then divided into three groups and given the task of planning a short drama on the effects and influence Sangat has on a person. The groups were given 30 minutes or so to plan. It was good to see that the younger kids and elder ones all worked together and came up with some good ideas.



Below is the performance of Group 1. The narrator in this play is also called 'Manvir Singh'. (Note: The workshop was held in Gurdwara's Panjabi School building. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not present in the building).



After the dramas, Gurbaani's perspective on good Sangat and bad Sangat were shared with examples of personal stories of the effects of Sangat in school and university etc. The dangers facing Sikh youngsters in schools, colleges and universities were shared also. This was followed by questions. It was an enjoyable day and the youngsters were nice.


In the evening I went to Southall for the End of Month Youth Keertan Darbaar. I was feeling bit tired from the long journey and sitting in the car for such a long time. However, the Keertan at the Gurdwara was so uplifting that all my tiredness went away! It was amazing. The turnout was great and Chardikalaa Gursikhs from Midlands also came down which uplifted the spirits :)
ਮਿਲਿ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਰਧਾ ਊਪਜੈ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖੁ ॥
mil sangat sharDhaa oopjai gur shabdee har ras chaakh.
Joining the Sangat, the Holy Congregation, faith (in Japping Naam) has welled up within me; through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, keep tasting the sublime essence of the Lord's Name.

ਸਭੁ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਭਾਖੁ ॥੧॥
sabh man tan hari-aa ho-i-aa gurbaaNee har guN bhaakh. ||1||
(One who tastes the sublime essence of Naam,) their mind and body all the time blossoms forth; through Gurbaani, chant the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||
(Ang 997)

Friday, February 23, 2007

Gurmat & Charity

Today I had to pop out to buy something from the shop. I got to the shop and realised I had forgot to bring some money! Waheguru. So I had to go all the way back home, get some money, then go back to the shop. On the way back from the shop I heard someone say "Hello Manvir". I looked around and it was a Christian gentleman who works for a charity which provides food, shelter and guidance to homeless people. He is a very good soul and friendly chap.

It was a short conversation. He said, "Manvir, I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated hearing about Sikhism at the Inter-faith meeting. As always I find Sikh beliefs and way of thinking wonderful. What Sikhs believe just seems to make simple sense. Just wanted to say thanks." Dhan Guru, Dhan Teri Sikhi.

Last week's inter-faith meeting was on CHARITY & POVERTY. The speakers this month were myself and a Muslim Maulvi talking about Islam.

In summary this what was said for the Sikh perspective:
Charity is usually thought of as giving wealth, alms, gifts, donations, etc, which is assumed to be virtuous and noble. However, charity becomes a problem when it becomes an obstacle in one’s spiritual progress. (To this everyone was surprised and shocked - it was interesting to look at their reaction).

Guru jee tells us that charity must be performed with DISCERNING INTELLIGENCE (AKKAL). If performed ignorantly or foolishly without using intelligence, the act of charity inflates our false ego-sense.
ਅਕਲੀ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਿ ਕੈ ਬੁਝੀਐ ਅਕਲੀ ਕੀਚੈ ਦਾਨੁ ॥
"One should read (Gurbaani) with intelligence, and then understand it; One should use intelligence in giving charity."
(1245)

Wealth in the hands of fool is worse than the poverty of the learned. Some people give charity in hope for sanctifying dishonest living or ill-gotten wealth. Gurbani says:
ਸਤੀਆ ਮਨਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਉਪਜੈ ਦੇਣੈ ਕੈ ਵੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
ਦੇ ਦੇ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਸਹਸਾ ਗੂਣਾ ਸੋਭ ਕਰੇ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
“In the minds of the givers, contentment is produced by thinking about their giving. They give and give, but ask a thousand-fold more, and hope that the world will honour them…” (466).

Charity replaces greed — it is giving up of one's inflated ego-centeredness. If giving charity does not replace our greed, then it's counterproductive thus worthless.

True Charity is that which is done without any consideration of return or expectation and should be given to worthy receiver to promote Truthfulness in the world – NISHKAAM SEVA. Through this one creates a more harmonious relation with the external world, i.e. society, home, workplace etc. However, giving must be voluntary and out of a genuine feeling.
ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥
“One who truthfully works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has - O Nanak, he knows the path.” (1245).

Charity is good but it is NOT the END. Guru jee tells us that: Nothing is "equal" to NAAM Japnaa (devotional remembrance and meditation on God) for one's spiritual life development and invoking God's love.
ਆਤਮ ਜਉ ਨਿਰਮਾਇਲੁ ਕੀਜੈ ਆਪ ਬਰਾਬਰਿ ਕੰਚਨੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਸਰਿ ਤਊ ਨ ਪੂਜੈ ॥੩॥
“He may purify his soul, and give away in charity his body weight in gold; none of these is equal to the worship of the Divine Name” (973).

To illustrate true charity, I shared the story of Guru Nanak Sahib jee refusing Malik Bhago's meal and instead eating at Bhai Lalo jee's house. Malik Bhago thought he was doing an act of charity and religious merit by feeding the Holy people. However, his food was made with the blood money of the poor and abused. On the other hand, Bhai Lalo jee's meal was like milk made of pure and honest earnings.

To illustrate poverty, I shared the story of Sacha Sauda and how Guru Nanak Sahib jee started the tradition of Guru-Ka-Langar and feeding the needy and hungry. Also how Guru Nanak Sahib jee founded Kartarpur Sahib and got rid of slums to create an egalitarian society based on Truth and Naam. Gurbaani talks of the ideal society, which Bhagat Ravidaas jee call's "Begampura". I ended by talking about the story of Bhagat Puran Singh jee and Pingalwara charity in Amritsar.

Dhan Satguru Nanak Sahib jee


Note: Events over weekend...
Birmingham: National Kirtan Darbaar on Saturday evening @ Smethwick Guru Nanak Gurdwara
Southall: End of Month Youth Keertan on Saturday evening @ Southall Park. Ave Gurdwara

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Gift Given by an Englishman


When I used to walk to Secondary School, I used to walk past a house where an elderly English couple lived. Sometimes on the way to school or on the way back from school I would see the elderly gentleman gardening or washing his car. I would say hello to him and we would talk about the weather or something.

Every time I would go past their house they began to take time out to talk to me and ask how was school and how I was getting on and I would then ask about them. They asked my name and from then every time I saw them they would say "Hello Manvir, how are you today."

There was another elderly English lady about 90-years-old who walked with a metal walking frame. She would take her dog for a walk at about the same time I would go to school and come back from school. She lived on the same road as the elderly couple. She would also stop and always talk to me when she saw me. I would talk to her but used to say "Hope you don't mind but I don't like dogs licking or touching me." She would laugh and say "She wants to lick you because she has not seen you for a long time." Waheguru. She would regularly ask about me from the elderly couple (as I walked pass their house - her house was further up the road). It is amazing how Waheguru causes us to meet certain people and how we have connections with certain souls, perhaps these are rishte (connections) we had with souls from previous lives.

Time went on and I got to Sixth Form College. The elderly couple and the old lady would always ask me about university and say they will miss me and our conversations when I go to university. In my final year at Sixth Form College the elderly couple said that they have a special present to give me. The man said, "Manvir I have something special to give you. When I was in the army I used to collect these cards which used to come with match boxes. I have collected a set of cards of Indian soldiers, I think they could be Sikhs - the soldiers are wearing turbans. I want to give you them." The man had nicely mounted some of his cards in a frame and gave them to me one day while I was on the way back from school. I was honoured how this man and his wife, who I didn't even know properly, could give such Pyaar.



The cards don't feature any Sikh soldiers but of the different regiments from across India including Panjab. The cards are from a collection of match box cards from World War II. Below are two of the cards in the frame:


Saturday, February 17, 2007

National Keertan Event 24th Feb 2007

National Keertan Darbaar
Guru Nanak Gurdwara: Smethwick
(6:30pm - midnight)



Being the first event of its kind, the first annual national keertan darbaar (as part of West Midlands Sikhi Bitesize) is taking place at GNG Gurdwara in Smethwick, Birmingham, with participation from Sikh Societies across the UK.

For coach transport details please contact the regional coordinator in the area you live.

Friday, February 16, 2007

God's Light Within All (Part 2)

Continued...


A week later I went back to Southall to visit the Gurdwara Sahib to listen to Katha and Keertan. It was getting late and nearly time for me to leave because I had to get the train back to university.

On the way to the train station, on the corner of the road, a man fell down to the ground. It looked like he had been pushed by two drunkards who suddenly rushed off after the man had collapsed to the ground. I hurried to the man to see if he was okay. I realised the man in his 40s or 50s was drunk. He looked like he has been living on the streets and in bad state. I have seen the man before in Southall. He was Panjabi, but looked as if he was homeless. His clothes looked tattered, his appearance looked dirty, and he was a tall and large man. I asked the man in Panjab, "Are you okay?.. tusee tee hai?" Worryingly I could hear no reply.

Two young passer-bys looked at the man lying on the floor and carried on walking. I was shocked. How can people just walk by when this man has been pushed or collapsed in the middle of the pavement? I thought to myself does he need my help? In situations like this it's difficult to know whether one should intervene if the other person is drunk and it's late at night. It's expected that people would exercise caution drunk people's behaviour is unexpected.

My moorakh mind was saying, "You are wearing clean kurta pyjaaama, your hands will get dirty touching this dirty drunkard… Why help him get up, he has caused his own misery by drinking alcohol… I am sure he will be fine. There are many like him who drink too much and fall to the ground."

But my Aatma, my soul said something different. My Aatma told me, "O Mind! Despite this man is drunk, caused his own misery or whether he is dirty. At the end of the day, he was made by Waheguru. Whether I can see it or not, but my dear Waheguru's Light resides within him as well. So O Mind! Pick up this man. Remember Giani Ji’s story of how Guru Nanak Ji gave his arm and helped people to get out of the gutter. O Sikh of Guru Nanak, help this man get up."

ਸਭਨਾ ਵਿਚਿ ਵਰਤੈ ਇਕੁ ਸੋਈ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਈ ॥
ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਇ ਸਾਚੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਜੈ ਹੇ ॥੮॥
The One Lord is contained within all. By Guru's Grace, He is revealed. One who subdues their ego, finds lasting peace; that person drinks in the spiritual-life giving Nectar of the True Name. ||8||
(Ang 1049)

Following my Aatma, I stretched my arm out to the drunkard man to get up. The man seemed to have had cuts, bruises and marks across his face and body from previous incidents. I said to the man three times in Panjabi, "Come, I will help you. Give me your hand."

He stared at my face intensely and said nothing. After the third time I stretched my hand out to him, he said, "O Bhaajee, police noo phone karde-o, hor kuchh nehee…. Police noo phone kar deyo… please Bhaajee" ("O Brother, please the police, nothing else). I said, "Teek hai jee, mai police noo phone kardaa" ("Okay, I will call the police"). I was about to get my mobile phone out, when two Community Officer Wardens came up. I told them to ring for an ambulance and police. The wardens stood there and smiled and said "What’s the problem" to the man. Though I found their response unsympathetic, I expected it was due to high regular incidents of this kind when some people may cause a nuisance. Eventually the ambulance were called and I left the drunk poor man in the care of the wardens.

That night, I thought. Dhan Dhan Satguru Guru Nanak Sahib jee Maharaaj. That Guru, which didn’t look to see whether his clothes would get dirty, that guru which did not stop to consider whether the person smelt or was lowly – but in all cases the Guru indiscriminately offered his supporting arm of help. He embraced the leper and the king equally. “Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak” was coming out of my mouth on the journey back to Halls of Residence. I am the dust of the feet of that Perfect True Guru, who so great and beyond description. May we all be blessed with the humility, love and kindness of Guru Nanak Sahib jee and be graced with the vision to see the unseen Lord in within all.

ਭੂਲੇ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਬਤਾਇਆ ॥
ਐਸਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
He places the one who strays back on the Path - such a Guru is found by great good fortune. ||1||
(Ang 803)

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

God's Light Within All (Part 1)


In December 2004, while I was studying in London, I visited the Gurdwara Sahib in Southall and Giani jee was doing Kathaa (discourse on Gurbaani). Giani jee's words stuck to my mind. He explained how Gurbaani says Waheguru resides WITHIN ALL and that Waheguru FORGIVES and CLEANS the sins or filth of a sinner.

He went on to explain how at the end of Ardaas we all say together, ‘naanak naam chardee kalaa, tere bhaane sarbat da bhalaa’. Yes, we say, ‘SARBAT DA BHALAA’. We ask for the good of ‘ALL’. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee did NOT say, "I ask for the good of all EXCEPT for AURANGZEB who cowardly murdered my two young sons." No. When we do Ardaas we do not say, "Sarbat Da Bhalaa, but NOT that person who swore at me last week… I don’t want his bhalaa (good)."

A beautiful analogy was given to illustrate that there is good within all. We say Waheguru is within all, but from personal experience seeing Waheguru is difficult at times. The example given by Giani jee was:
A lady works hard to earn a living. On the side, she saves a little bit of money at a time, so that they she can save up to buy a GOLD BRACLET. Eventually, the lady saves enough money to go the jeweller’s shop and buys a gold bracelet. She gives the bracelet to her child. The child one day is walking with the bracelet and accidentally DROPS the bracelet in the GUTTER. The gutter is DIRTY. God knows what is in the gutter – urine, dirt, people’s spit, and the smell.

Would we expect the child to leave the bracelet in the gutter and walk on home? NO. Why not? Because he knows how HARD his mother has WORKED to earn the money, which she used to buy the bracelet. Therefore, he stretches out his arm and PICKS UP the dirty bracelet. He goes to WASH the bracelet with WATER and SOAP, and then puts it back on his hand.

Vaheguru has made ALL of us. Vaheguru sees us all in an EQUAL light, because the Lord has created us and the Lord knows how beautiful we are within DESPITE how much FILTH and DIRT we throw on ourselves.

Guru Nanak Sahib jee did not only REVEAL Gurbaani, but he also LIVED Gurbaani. Guru Nanak Sahib jee stretched his arm out to help people. Guru Nanak Sahib jee stretched his arm out to help people out of the gutter of Kaljug. Guru Nanak Sahib jee stretched his arm out of people to give them the CHANCE to realise that they can clean themselves and realise that under this dirt and filth lies a beautiful TREASURE.

Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out to BHUMEEAA CHOR, a bandit and thief, and helped him to become a SANT, saintly person. Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out to KAUDA RAAKASH, a cannibal who ate men, and inspired him to remember Waheguru and live a TRUTHFUL LIFE. Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out to SAJJAN THAG, a deceitful murderer who would rob people of their money, and made him REALISE the consequences of his actions and CHANGE his life.

Giani Jee explained to the Sangat that Guru Nanak Sahib jee gave his arm out. He saw Waheguru within all, because he shared the Light of God, he knew that Waheguru had created EVERYONE. It is the PERVERSION of the MIND and one's ACTIONS that are EVIL, not the person. Just as the child stretched out his arm to get out the gold bangle from the dirty gutter because he knew his mother had worked hard to buy it, similarly the Gurmukh recognises the divinity WITHIN ALL the creation, despite the dirt and filth which one may throw over themselves. Waheguru...

(...to be continued)

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Dhan Baba Ajeet Singh Jee

Sunday 11th February marks the birth day of our Beloved Brother, Sahibzaada Baba Ajeet Singh jee. Saaria Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee Hove. May Guru Sahib do kirpaa on us that we are blessed with the Gursikhi Jeevan, Sikhi Sidq and pyaar for Guru jee which all of the Four Sahibzaaday displayed in their lives.




ਮੁਖ ਸਚੇ ਸਚੁ ਦਾੜੀਆ ਸਚੁ ਬੋਲਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
mukh sachay sach daaRee-aa sach bolehi sach kamaahi.
True are the faces and true are the beards, of those who speak the Truth and live the Truth.

ਸਚਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਮਾਂਹਿ ਸਮਾਂਹਿ ॥
sachaa shabad man vasi-aa satgur maaNhi samaaNhi.
The True Word of the Shabad abides in their minds; they are absorbed in the True Guru.

ਸਚੀ ਰਾਸੀ ਸਚੁ ਧਨੁ ਉਤਮ ਪਦਵੀ ਪਾਂਹਿ ॥
sachee raasee sach Dhan utam padvee paaNhi
True is their capital, and true is their wealth; they are blessed with the ultimate status.

ਸਚੁ ਸੁਣਹਿ ਸਚੁ ਮੰਨਿ ਲੈਨਿ ਸਚੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਹਿ ॥
sach suNehi sach man lain sachee kaar kamaahi.
They hear the Truth, they believe in the Truth; they act and work in the Truth.

Read Full Shabad here

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Video on Sikh Identity

I came across this short video put together by sevadars of www.SikhSoul.com from Birmingham. The acting is great and the message is relevant to current times.



Video: Sikh Identity
"People who come from India, come to UK with the intentions to make themselves better as an individual. But instead get involved with the wrong crowd and get easily influnced."

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Train Journey


Last Tuesday was a long day! I came back from university on the train. I was feeling slightly sleepy so I decided to nod off for a while. I felt the train stop and looked outside the window. Little did I realise that it was the stop I was meant to get off at! I quickly got up and went to the door. The train was still standing but the doors had locked. I kept pressing the “Open” button on the door but it wouldn’t open! I thought I could press the emergency open door button or speak to the driver to let me out, but I was unsure if you could be cautioned with a criminal charge for unnecessary use of the emergency button! Waheguru.

I had to go back to my seat. Sitting back down a thought came to my mind. At a recent Gurdwara Sahib talk I remember hearing the Gurbaani lines:
ਜੋ ਜਾਗੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਸੂਤੇ ਗਏ ਮੁਹਾਇ ॥
jo jaagay say ubray sootay ga-ay muhaa-ay.
Those who remain awake and aware are saved, while those who sleep are plundered.
(Ang 34)

I had merely missed my stop to go home because I was asleep. However, in life how many of us are asleep and miss the golden opportunity to realise the Truth of the Guru’s Word (Gurbaani) and Jap Naam.
ਜੋ ਜਾਗੇ ਸੇ ਉਬਰੇ ਸੂਤੇ ਗਏ ਮੁਹਾਇ ॥
jo jaagay say ubray sootay ga-ay muhaa-ay.
Those who remain awake and aware are saved, while those who sleep are plundered.

ਸਚਾ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਪਛਾਣਿਓ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਗਇਆ ਵਿਹਾਇ ॥
sachaa sabad na pachhaani-o supnaa ga-i-aa vihaa-ay.
They do not recognize the True Word of the Shabad, and like a dream, their lives fade away.

ਸੁੰਞੇ ਘਰ ਕਾ ਪਾਹੁਣਾ ਜਿਉ ਆਇਆ ਤਿਉ ਜਾਇ ॥
sunjay ghar kaa paahunaa ji-o aa-i-aa ti-o jaa-ay.
Like guests in a deserted house, they leave just exactly as they have come.

ਮਨਮੁਖ ਜਨਮੁ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਗਇਆ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹੁ ਦੇਸੀ ਜਾਇ ॥੩॥
manmukh janam birthaa ga-i-aa ki-aa muhu daysee jaa-ay. ||3||
The life of the self-willed manmukh passes uselessly. What face will he show when he passes beyond? ||3||
(Ang 34)

May Guru Sahib do Kirpaa that we all remain awake and realise the true reality and with his Kirpaa we Jap Naam and live in accordance to His Will. Waheguru. Reflecting on the thought that we have been dogs, cats, rats, cows, pigs, donkeys, ants and plants in countless lives before, it puts things into perspective on how blessed we are by Waheguru. We are very fortunate that we are have been born into Sikh families or have been graced with a connection to Guru Nanak's House. The Perfect Satguru has given us Naam, Amrit, Gurbaani and Rehat to give us a happy, complete and fulfilling life where we can build a relationship with Waheguru and invoke His Love. Waheguru Kirpaa Karan.

I had to get off at the next station and then walk to the opposite platform to go back in the other direction. I had to wait there for about 20 minutes or so for the train. In total I had wasted 1 hour by missing my stop.


When the train arrived, I got on and tried to look for a seat. It’s really mind boggling that when there are so many passengers trying to find a seat that there are some passengers who take up TWO SEATS! In India you find three or four people sitting on two seats, but here you find one person taking up two or three seats! They will be sitting on one seat and leave their bag, coat, newspaper or sandwich on the seat next to them. It’s slightly frustrating to see people do this when there are elderly people trying to look for places to sit. I usually end up having to request the passenger if they could let me sit down on the seat and could they remove their bag or jacket from the seat. Chalo, Rab Raakha.

This time I made sure I didn't go to sleep! I didn’t want to miss the stop AGAIN! When I got off at the trainstation and went to get my bike to cycle home. Knowing my luck the bike chain had come off and had got jammed. Waheguru, Waheguru! So I ended up spending a good 15 minutes trying to get my bike chain back on (hoping not to get my white Kurta dirty with black oil marks). With Waheguru’s Kirpaa I got the bike chain back on. I cycled a short while and then realised that this time the chain had come off on the end of the chain (where the gear clogs are). So I had to get off and spend 5 or 10 minutes trying to get it out where it had jammed and put it back on.

I eventually got home and was glad to get home and relax!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Dhan Guru Har Rai Sahib Jee - Happy Gurpurb!

Today it is the Seventh Guru, Dhan Dhan Guru Har Rai Sahib jee's prakaash diwas (birth day). Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee (many happy returns) to everyone on this Gurpurb. May Guru Sahib bless us all.


A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU HAR RAI SAHIB JEE


Story of Kurta stuck on thorn flower
As a young child Guru Sahib was running in the flower garden at Kiratpur Sahib. He was wearing a baggy cloak (Chola). While running the cloak he brushed passed some flowers, thus the flowers were damaged. With love and compassion, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee, the seventh Guru's grandfather, explained: "Always walk and move with care. Look after and manage your cloak and ensure that it doesn't hurt or damage anything in its path." Guru Hargobind Sahib jee taught his grandson that "one should watch how one walks" and work on oneself. Guru Sahib promised his grandfather, that he would in the future be careful in his responsibilities towards man, animals and plants. Boundless compassion and charity were reflected in all his actions and dealings with others throught Guru Sahib's life.


Protection of Animals & Environment
Guru Sahib founded free hospitals, herbal medical clinics, animal sanctuaries and beautiful gardens. Guru Har Rai Sahib jee developed Kiratpur sahib as a town of parks and gardens. Located on the banks of tributary of the Sutlej, he planted flowers and fruit bearing trees all over the area. This created a salubrious environment, attracting beautiful birds to the town and turning it into an idyllic place to live in. The Guru would go hunting; capturing animals he would care for them and give them treatment. When the animals were healthy and fit they would be released into the animal sanctuary or wild.


Excommunication Directive
Baba Raam Rai jee, Guru Sahib's son, was sent by Guru jee to meet with Aurangzeb. In order to please the Emperor and gain his sympathy Baba Raam Rai distorted Gurbani. As a result of this Aurangzeb rewarded him with land at Dehra Doon. When Guru Sahib found out he immediately excommunicated Baba Ram Rai jee. Guru showed that no one has a right to orally or physically alter the Word of God. Once some Sikhs asked Guru Arjan Sahib jee that Gurbaani is difficult to understand and that instead can he produce a translation. Kavi Santokh Singh jee writes that Guru Sahib replied, “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. No one has power to limit Gurbaani.” The lesson learnt is that our relationships need to be kept checked.


Devotion to Gurbaani
One day the Sikhs asked Guru Sahib whether those who read Gurbaani without understanding it obtain any spiritual advantage from it. Guru Sahib gave no reply at the time, and next morning went hunting. En route, the Guru came across a broken pot which had held butter. The rays of the sun were melting the butter on the broken pot fragments. Guru Sahib took one of these fragments in his hand and said, "Look my Sikhs, broken pot parts - when they are heated, the butter that adhered to them readily melts. As the grease sticks to the pot, so does the Guru’s Word stick to the heart. Whether understood or not, it has within it the "seed of salvation." Perfume still clings to a broken vase." We learn that whoseoever daily reads the Gurbaani shall surely obtain peace. And even though one may not fully understand it, Vaheguru will undoubtedly assist the person to understand.


22,000 Horsemen
Although very sensitive and caring, Guru Sahib was ever ready to fight for sovereignty and justice. Arms remind us of sovereignty. Guru Sahib exemplified that one should live a caring and compassionate life and always be ready to defend oneself and others.


Summary
Bhai Nand Lal Singh jee summarises Guru Har Rai Sahib jee personality with the word "Compassion"! J. G. Cunningham describes in his book "History of Sikhs" that the Seventh Nanak lived "a life of humility" and is "the Image of Compassion".

Monday, January 29, 2007

Gurbani MP3 Files

I have been trying to find mp3 audio files for Baanis from Sundar Gutka and more. Yesterday, I was fortunate to find a whole treasure of Gurbani files on GurmatVeechar.com. The paath is by Bhai Jarnail Singh jee Mehta Chownk wale. Below are the links to the site for downloading and listening:
1) Beant Banian - Bhai Jarnail Singh jee
2) Sundar Gutka - Bhai Jarnail Singh jee



I came across this inspirational video, which is a dedication to Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib jee Maharaaj and his three Beloved Sikhs, Bhai Mati Das jee, Bhai Sati Das jee and Bhai Dyaala jee. May Guru Sahib do Kirpaa on us all and bless us with Sikhi Sidq, Gursikhi Jeevan and Naam.



ਗੁਰ ਸੇਵਾ ਤੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਈਐ ਜਾ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
gur sayvaa tay har paa-ee-ai jaa kau nadar karay-e.
Serving the Guru, the Lord is obtained, when He bestows His Glance of Grace.

ਮਾਣਸ ਤੇ ਦੇਵਤੇ ਭਏ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਹਰੇ ॥
maaNas tay dayvtay bha-ay Dhi-aa-i-aa naam haray.
They are transformed from humans into angels, meditating on Naam, the Name of Vaheguru.
(Ang 90)

Friday, January 26, 2007

X and O



I received this nice email from Royal Holloway Sikh Society:
Place your mouse on the X below and drag to the O.

X
Even though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O




Baba Fareed jee says:

ਹਉ ਢੂਢੇਦੀ ਸਜਣਾ ਸਜਣੁ ਮੈਡੇ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
hau dhoodhaydee sajNaa sajaN mai(n)dday naal.
I search for my Friend, but my Friend is already with me.

ਨਾਨਕ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਲਖੀਐ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਦੇਇ ਦਿਖਾਲਿ ॥੧੨੧॥
naanak alakh na lakhee-ai gurmukh day-ay dikhaal. ||121||
O Nanak, the Unseen Lord cannot be seen; He is revealed only to the Gurmukh. ||121||
(Ang 1384)

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Nice Story - A Gurdwara in Bangladesh

Today I came across this uplifting news story of a Granthi Singh serving at the main Gurdwara Sahib in Bangladesh:

Sikh priest wins hearts in Muslim Bangladesh
Mon Jan 22, 2007

By Azad Majumder



DHAKA (Reuters Life!) - Practicing what he preaches has won Sikh priest Bhai Piara Singh many admirers in Dhaka, the capital of overwhelming Muslim Bangladesh.

Singh came to Bangladesh eight years ago from India to head the main Gurdwara, or Sikh temple, in Dhaka, where his doctrine of peace and generosity to all mankind has made its mark on Bengalis of all faiths -- and helped keep his community safe.

"People respect us," Singh told Reuters. "Often I get a chance to speak at inter-religion discussions."

"Never we had a communal problem nor did I hear of any. People of all religions visit us. Muslims often donate (money) to help us run the Gurdwara," he added.

Sectarian violence has often erupted in impoverished Bangladesh, which is also wracked by political unrest. Sunni Muslim militants have attacked other Muslim sects and bombed churches within the past few years.

But the Gurdwara, which is inside Dhaka University's campus, has so far been spared. The century-old building is protected by the authorities but also fondly preserved by students, who often engage in gunbattles on campus.

"All religions preach non-violence, no hatred and love. The Sikhs are a true reflection of that and so they are loved by all," said Atiqur Rahman, Muslim who attended Dhaka University...

Read full news article here


The Gurdwara Sahib mentioned in the news is GURDWARA NANAK SHAHI, which is situated in the capital city's university campus. The Gurdwara marks Guru Nanak Sahib jee and Guru's visit, later visted by Guru Tegh Bahdar Sahib jee. The Gurdwara was founded by a missionary sent to Bangladesh by Baba Gurditta, son of Guru Har Gobind 6th Guru within 17th century and was completed in 1830. Old relics-an old handwritten volume of guru granth sahib, and Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib jee's sandals are preserved here. There are five historical Gurdwara Sahibs in Bangladesh linked to the history of the First and Ninth Guru Sahibs.

From 1915 to 1947, Sri Chandrajyoti served as the sevadaar of Gurdwara Nanakshahi. After 1947 the Gurdwara was neglected and almost abandoned. After Bangladesh's independence it was repaired and revived. With the help of Sikh soldiers the members of the deputation led by Captain Bhaag Singh of Calcutta recovered possession of the Gurdwara, cleaned it and held a congregation in it on 2nd January, 1972. Sayyad Nazar-ul-Islam, then acting President of Bangla Desh attended the congregation and gave assurance about the safety and reconstruction of this and the other Gurdwaras. Now, there is a management board that includes local as well as foreign members, to run the affairs of the Gurdwara.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Reflections on the Week



On Monday, after my lecture I went to the library and looked at some Sikhi books. I came across one book edited by Bhai Kharak Singh jee. It contained an essay by 90-year-old Gursikh, Bhai Karnail Singh jee, on the life and achievements of Jathedaar Kartar Singh Jhabbar. I ended up reading about the Singh Sabha Movement and Jathedaar Kartar Singh Jhabbar jee for two hours until I eventually realised the time. I had never heard of Bhai Kartar Singh Jhabbar jee until Monday, and after reading about him it reminded me of what a Sikh's jeevan should be like and what we should strive towards.

The story of Jathedaar Kartar Singh Jhabbar jee is of a Gursikh who played a key role in the epic struggle for the Khalsa to gain control of the Gurdwaras from the Mahants (Nirmala and Udaasi Saadhus heavily inclined towards Brahmanism and Brahamical teaching learnt from Banaaras). Originally Mahants managed the Gurdwaras during the time the Khalsa had to leave the villages and cities to live in jungles and deserts due to a campaign of indiscriminate killing of all Sikhs seen. However, the Mahants had managed to assume possession of the Sikh Gurdwaras. Most of the Mahants were not only corrupt and immoral but indulged in distorting Gur Maryada (the religious traditions). The Mahants plotted and organised heinous and violent acts employing hooligans and paid workers to retain their hold on the Gurdwara Sahibs. Reading about the state of the Gurdwaras during this period had some relevance to the poor state of today's Guru Ghars and the issues which have been raised in recent years in regards to Beadbi and wrong management.

The mass participation of the Sikh Sangat in the Gurdwara Reform Movement was a great degree due to the inspiration and leadership provided by Jathedar Kartar Singh Jhabbar. There were some Sikh leaders of that period who may have got entrapped by politicians to divert the Movement from reform of Gurdwaras to confrontation with the British government for securing independence and for delaying the reform in Gurdwaras till after the independence. However, Jathedar Kartar Singh Jhabbar played a crucial and farsighted role in avoiding such an entrapment. Reading the full account of Bhai Sahib's jeevan and struggles provided inspiration in a world where we the problems of the past are resurfacing in new forms. I was overwhelmed reading about the Sikhi Sidq (steadfastness) and Chardikalaa outlook of Bhai Sahib and my mind asked the question, "How unfortunate I was that I didn't know about this person before?"

You can read about his life on www.Sikh-History.com:
Part 1
Part 2


On Tuesday, on the way back home from Birmingham I sat on the train. I looked to my side and found a smartly dressed young black man who looked like he had come from abroad. He turned to look at me and said, "Tuhaadaa Kee Haal Chaal Hai jee" (How are you?). I was pleasantly shocked to hear the Kaala speak Panjabi. I thought perhaps he has learnt one or two lines from a Panjabi friend or work colleague. I asked him where did you learn Panjabi? The whole 45 minute conversation was ALL in Panjabi. He replied that he had a Panjabi aunty in Walsall who he lived with for two years. He said, "Saadaa Virsaa BaRaa Mahaan Hai - Maharaaja Ranjeet Singh jee ta Guru Naanak - Kithnaa Sohnaa Ithihaas." He told me he was a studying A-Levels and that he has come from Jamaica. Then he asked me, "Tusee Granthi han?" lol.

I eventually found out that he was a Jehovah Witness who spoke Panjabi and did Parchaar in Panjabi. I was impressed. The man was polite and friendly and said that his main aim was for people to remember God rather than convert. We had a good conversation we talked about visiting Panjab and Sikh culture, and then we went on to discuss the concept of Evil and Satan, and Daas asked him about his beliefs. Also he asked about eating meat and killing animals. We had to end our conversation because he had to get off at Leamington Spa station. It was refreshing to talk to someone in Panjabi for a full conversation and they were NOT PANJABI, yet sometimes our own people struggle speaking or maintaining a conversation in Panjabi. "God works in mysterious ways" - is true. It's amazing how Vaheguru causes us to meet strangers.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Panthic Ekta (Unity)

True Panthik Ekta & Naam
An excert from an article by Bhai Jagjit Singh jee posted on the Tapoban Forum


We often talk about Panthik Ekta. It is something we all long for, if we have “Khalsa Spirit” or “Panthik dard”. However sometimes we all work together and achieve a lot and others we have things like above. It is a shame, but these things happen.

I have come to the conclusion, where there is Naam you will always find Panthik Ekta. You see the thing about Ekta is that it is unnatural for human beings. Lust, anger, greed, attachment and especially ego get in its way. Naam is the only cure.

To achieve Ekta on any level, we must first find Ekta in ourselves. If our mind wanders in keertan or paath, then we have not yet found Ekta in ourselves. If our conscious speaks to us, then our minds are still not living the truth. Only when our conscious is made redundant have we found balance. When we have found our Guru inside, only then we have done Ekta with him. So first we must do Ekta with ourselves and our Guru. If we cannot do that, then how can we honestly expect Ekta with others? A person who cannot do Ekta with his Guru, will always let down his Gursikhs.

We as youth are fortunate that we were not born a generation before, and live in the West. Otherwise we may well have lived at the times of genocide of Panjab in its killing fields. To hear and witness the deeds of Gursikhs of that time, it makes us realise how far we are. If we were tortured like Bhai Anokh Singh, would we be able to handle it? Very few would, and most of us would fail. In these circumstances, upholding Truth, Guru, Panth is very hard. Without Naam, we would all fail. It is them who attained Shaheedi in such a manner who really understand the true meaning of Truth, Guru and Panth.

True Panthik Ekta will come, but it will only come with Naam. Youth should disregard anyones comments that attempt to mock or discourage Naam. Naam is the most essential ingredient of a Gursikh. Guru ji states “saaDh sangat kaisee janiea, jithe eiko naam vakaaNeeai” ("How do you recognise the correct Sangat? Is is where you witness Naam"). Many people will come and go, but only those who Jaap Naam will fulfil their destiny as Abyaasee Gursikhs.

Read any shabad in Gurbani and its mentions Naam. In life, whatever you do as youth, Never Compromise with Naam. That is the only wealth of any value. We should spend these precious days of our lives collecting this wealth and not allowing others to distract us from this path. Let those who think they are funny, be funny to themselves. You collect Naam, and in yourself be Pure and Truthful to the Khalsa Panth.

Others will do according to their karams that is not in our hands. But we should do everything that we can for the Panth, regardless of others. We should not decide how Panthik we are according to the actions of others towards us. We should be dedicated to the Panth regardless of others, and that dedication should be just as complete as our dedication is to Gurbani. This is because this Panth belongs to the Guru, and that is what counts.

One God: Waheguru
One Guru : Sahib Siri Guru Granth sahib Ji.
One Group : Guru Khalsa Panth!

This should be the Motto of Our Generation

Thursday, January 11, 2007

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.