"Can I Speak to Mr. Singh Please."

Yesterday I was sitting in the waiting room in the Citizen Advice Bureau. It was an EVENTFUL waiting time. I walked up the stairs and entered the Office. I was looking for the Reception. Infront was a room, which peeked into. An elderly gentleman was sitting there and asked, "How can I help you?" I said, "I am looking for the Reception." It was a bit of WEIRD conversation because the elderly man spoke to me as if I couldn't UNDERSTAND ENGLISH and slightly patronising. Chalo, I found the Reception desk and got my ticket number to see an advisor.

I sat back in the waiting room. It was a very SMALL ROOM with two elderly white people, one middle aged white man and one young dental student from India. As soon as I sat down the elderly man asked, "So, WHERE are you from?" I replied, "I am born HERE." "Naa, I mean, which COUNTRY you come from BACK HOME?" I said, "PANJAB, in Northern India". He said, "Aaah. I know, I know. THE PUNJAB." I was slightly baffled by the conversation. Referring to the Indian dental student and myself, the old man said, "I don't mind EDUCATED young people like yourselves coming to our country and making something of yourselves - do good in EDUCATION and EARN A FEW BOB... then GO BACK to your own country and enjoy life. Or stay here if you like our country. We don't want any old RIFF-RAFF" I looked at him just smiled, trying to avoid having a debate.

Then the conversation turned to about the local hospital being possibly closed down. The middle aged white person said, "Nowadays there is too much bureaucracy. Managers in suits are being paid for nothing. There are too many CHIEFS not enough INDIANS." Then he looked at me and said "Sorry, NO OFFENCE to you mate." I looked at him and didn't know whether to laugh or not. It was hilarious.

Then the elder man said, "I know YOUR LOT! Once I got my CAR FIXED from one of YOUR LOT. He was from HAYES. Yeah, I needed a car part for my car. I rang the man and he said come to my house, which he had turned into his Car Garage. I asked how should I find you. He said, "Just ask anyone for MR. A SINGH and you find me." He went on to say, "I got to Hayes and it was all your lot everywhere. I pulled over and asked someone, "Can I speak to MR. SINGH." The man replied, "WHICH MR. SINGH - you will find five thousand of us around here." I thought "O No! O heck!" I rang him and got to his house. He was a very nice man, a really nice man. He gave me a GREAT BARGAIN."

I think the man was genuinely nice however his way of talking was slightly crude. It was a good one-hour time pass.

Reality Check

Today was the ANTAM SANSKAAR (funeral) of 2 of the 3 Gursikhs who passed away 2 weeks ago in the Lake District. Funerals are a REALITY CHECK. "Death is TRUE, Life is FALSE" - one day God will summon ALL of his and take us away from this life. The ROPE OF DEATH is hanging around everyone's neck - any time, any place death can take us away.

ਹਮ ਆਦਮੀ ਹਾਂ ਇਕ ਦਮੀ ਮੁਹਲਤਿ ਮੁਹਤੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ॥
ham aadmee haa(n) ek damee, muhlat muhat na jaaNaa.
We are human beings of the briefest moment; we do not know the appointed time of our departure.

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਬਿਨਵੈ ਤਿਸੈ ਸਰੇਵਹੁ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਜੀਅ ਪਰਾਣਾ ॥੧॥
naanak binvai tisai sarevhu jaa ke jee-a paraaNaa. ||1||
Prays Nanak, serve the One, to whom our soul and breath of life belong. ||1||
(Ang 660)

This morning Daas was doing vichaar with an elder Gursikh about death and Vaheguru's 'BHAANAA' (Will). As Sikhs, the Guru has told us to ACCEPT the 'bhaaNaa' (Will) of Vaheguru. There is no two way about it - we cannot on one hand say "WHAT IF" and "WHY" and on the other hand say "We accept the Will of God." Vaheguru is Great and his 'Kalaa' (Wonder) is Great. The world is His PLAY. The Singh who initially drowned was SAVED, on the other hand the Singhs who went to save him DROWNED. It's part of Vaheguru's HUKAM - the time of death is written before we are born. Life and death are in His hands - He will save the one who is not ready to die, and take away life where He pleases. We are nothing, He is everything.

ਮਾਰੈ ਰਾਖੈ ਏਕੋ ਆਪਿ ॥
maarai raakhai eiko aap.
The One Lord Himself destroys and also preserves.

ਮਾਨੁਖ ਕੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਾਥਿ ॥
maanukh kai kichh naahee haath.
Nothing at all is in the hands of mortal beings.
(Ang 281)

The 3 Gursikhs are being honoured, remembered and given respect throughout the world. Their JEEVAN (spiritual life) and dedication to BAANI & BAANAA (Gurbaani and keeping Rehit) has affected everyone. When a Gursikh passes away to go back to Vaheguru, his life is CELEBRATED. The death of Gursikhs causes others to remember Vaheguru, do Ardaas, re-evaluate one's life and take steps to improve their spiritual life. It is the Will of Vaheguru that Gursikhs INSPIRE OTHERS others while alive and continue inspire people even after death - i.e. the Gursikh becomes IMMORTAL and forever honoured.

ਜਨੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਧੂੜਿ ਮੰਗੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਕੀ ਜੋ ਆਪਿ ਜਪੈ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵੈ ॥੨॥
jan naanak DhooR mangai tis gursikh kee, jo aap japai avreh naam japaavai. ||2||
Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2||
(Ang 306)

Life is too SHORT. The death of these 3 Gursikhs is a 'WAKE UP CALL'. Today Bhai Sahib did Kathaa (Gurbaani discourse) at the funeral. He wonderfully said, "We should NOT mourn or cry at the death of a Gursikh, rather if one is to cry then it should because one looks at themselves and thinks "WHERE IS MY LIFE GOING?" and "What have earned or gained in this life?"."

ਕਬੀਰ ਸੰਤ ਮੂਏ ਕਿਆ ਰੋਈਐ ਜੋ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
kabeer sant moo-e ki-aa ro-ee-ai, jo apune grihi jaa-e.
Kabeer, why cry at the death of a Saint? He is just going back to his home.

ਰੋਵਹੁ ਸਾਕਤ ਬਾਪੁਰੇ ਜੁ ਹਾਟੈ ਹਾਟ ਬਿਕਾਇ ॥੧੬॥
rovhu saakat baapure jo haattai haatt bikaa-e. ||16||
Cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is sold from store to store (i.e. reborn in the reincarnation cycle). ||16||
(Ang 1365)

The only way to be liberated and saved is through holding the hand of Guru Nanak Sahib jee. How does one do this? This is through taking Amrit (the nectar of immortality), living Gursikhi Jeevan and Japping Naam (meditating on Naam). There is no other way. Gurbaani tells us that True Religion has two components:

ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥
sarab Dharam meh saraysat Dharam.
Of all Dharams (ways of righteous living), the best Dharam,

ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥
har ko naam jap nirmal karam.
is to Naam Jap (chant the Name of Vaheguru) and maintain pure conduct.
(Ang 266)

So one needs to NAAM JAP and also one needs NIRMAL KARAM, i.e. a spiritual and righteous character, conduct and life-style. The lifestyle of Guru Nanak Sahib jee is SUPREME and most EXALTED. On the train journey to Wolverhampton Daas sat next to a middle aged English lady. She was friendly and said she had been to Amritsar. She had also travelled to Nepal, Pakistan and other parts of India. She said "Sikhs are wonderful. They are so humble and their way of life and principles are great. We need MORE Sikhs in the world. It would be wonderful if Sikhs could EXPAND somehow and people could LEARN to live from GURU NANAK and the SIKHS." I thought to myself, "Dhan Guru, Dhan Teri Sikhi" (Blessed is the Guru, Blessed is Your Sikhi). If one wishes to save and fulfil the TRUE OBJECTIVE of life then one has to add STYLE to one's life. The style will only come from Guru Nanak Sahib jee - the way of life of GURMAT-NAAM.

ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਕੀ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਰੀਤਿ ॥
gur poore kee nirmal reet.
The lifestyle of the Perfect Guru is immaculate and pure.
(Ang 893)

The past few weeks has made everyone ask themselves, "How much BAANI have I recited and tried to contemplate; Have I taken AMRIT and held onto the hand of Guru Nanak Sahib jee; How much NAAM JAPNAA do I do" Life is a passing DREAM, the only true reality is Vaheguru. The 3 Gursikhs have shown that through Amrit, Gursikhi Jeevan and Naam Japnaa one lives in honour and dies with honour - they have gone back to their ETERNAL FATHER.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਜੀਵਣੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
gurmukh maraN jeevaN prabh naal.
The Gurmukh dies, and lives with Vaheguru.
(Ang 932)

First day at Birmingham

Today was my first day starting university at Birmingham. On the train I was reading Baba Harnaam Singh jee (Rampur Khera Wale's) autobiography "Se Khineyaa". It's a really nice book and an easy read with small easy to digest chapters. You can download it from here. The chapter I read today on the train was about Baba jee's encounter with Dr. Kartar Singh, a medical doctor, who was a communist and atheist. The atheist said to Baba jee:

"'He' who nobody has ever seen and who cannot be seen with eyes, who there is no evidence of and who nobody has ever been able to show. These people call Him God and have begun worshipping Him. People call him by many names. They pray to him in the mornings and in the evenings. How can anyone have faith in something, which there is no evidence of existing? What can 'He' grant you? Yes, many have gained a great deal by putting this superstition into peoples minds."

Baba jee's reply was based on Gurbaani and very simple, yet very thought-provoking and hitting:

Baba ji humbly asked Doctor ji "Doctor sahib, does this mean that you only believe in those things which you can physically see with your eyes? If you can't see it, you don't believe it exists? Doctor ji listen. Seeing God is a very distant thing. A lot of his creation is invisible to the naked eye. Take a chilli for example, if it was in front of you, you wouldn't be able to see the 'hot' aspect of it. And you cannot see the bitterness in the medicines you prescribe every day. There are many examples like this where things seem different on the exterior but they have other qualities which cannot be seen."

Doctor immediately replied by saying that although we cannot see if a chilli or medication or sugar is bitter or sweet, we can use another sense, our tongue, to taste it and see what sort of taste it has. Baba ji said yes you can taste it but you cannot see it can you? Then Baba ji gave another example, that milk is in front of you but can anyone see the butter in it? Even if you put your hand in the milk you won't be able to take any butter out. Taste it with your tongue and you will not taste butter. But ask the individual who has heated the milk up and left it to become yoghurt. Who, when the yoghurt is set has stirred (rirrakan) the yoghurt and has taken the cream which surfaces and heated it up and made butter. He will constantly tell you that you are wrong. The butter is in this milk, but you only say it isn't because of your lack of knowledge saying that there is no butter because you can't see it and you can't taste it. The butter cannot be taken from the milk with your bare hand. This is you lack of knowledge is it not? But it is not your fault because you have never been through the process of making butter. If you follow these instructions, you yourself will be able to make butter. Then you will realise how mistaken you really are. The butter remains in every drop of milk.

Our Great Guru has given another example in Gurbani that every log has fire hidden inside it. But has anyone seen it? No. But this does not mean that because we have not seen it, we become total disbelievers. If we decide that we really want to see this fire, if we take another piece of wood (Baa(n)sh) and rub them together, after a short period they will begin to burn. Our fifth Satguru Gurdev Ji has used all these examples in Gurbani and tells us that as wood contains fire but we cannot see it, milk contains butter but we cannot see it, God exists in low and high, rich and poor but He is not visible. This is because our eyes are not capable of seeing:

ਸਗਲ ਬਨਸਪਤਿ ਮਹਿ ਬੈਸੰਤਰੁ ਸਗਲ ਦੂਧ ਮਹਿ ਘੀਆ ॥
ਊਚ ਨੀਚ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਮਾਧਉ ਜੀਆ ॥੧॥
ਸੰਤਹੁ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਹਿਓ ॥
ਪੂਰਨ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸਰਬ ਮਹਿ ਜਲਿ ਥਲਿ ਰਮਈਆ ਆਹਿਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਗੁਣ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਵੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਭਰਮੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਓ ॥
ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਅਲੇਪਾ ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਇਓ ॥੨॥੧॥੨੯॥
Fire is contained in all firewood, and butter is contained in all milk. Vaheguru's Light is contained in the high and the low; the Lord is in the hearts of all beings. ||1|| O Saints, He is pervading and permeating each and every heart. The Perfect Lord is completely permeating everyone, everywhere; He is diffused in the water and the land. ||1||Pause|| Nanak sings the Praises of Vaheguru, the treasure of excellence; the True Guru has dispelled his doubt. The Lord is pervading everywhere, permeating all, and yet, He is unattached from all. ||2||1||29||
(Sorat M:5, Ang 617)

If you want to see Him, He who is omnipresent then some real effort is required as Guru Ji has stated in this Shabad. 'Gunn Nidhaan Nanak Jass Gaavai' is the way you have to go. Doctor! You will have to wear the spectacles of spirituality (Bhagthi).

ਕਰਿ ਫਕਰੁ ਦਾਇਮ ਲਾਇ ਚਸਮੇ ਜਹ ਤਹਾ ਮਉਜੂਦੁ ॥੩॥
Serve the Lord forever; use your eyes, and see Him ever-present everywhere. ||3||
(Baani Kabeer Jee, Ang 727)

If we control our minds for even a short period we will see Him present everywhere.

ਟੁਕੁ ਦਮੁ ਕਰਾਰੀ ਜਉ ਕਰਹੁ ਹਾਜਿਰ ਹਜੂਰਿ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥੧॥
If you will only center yourself on the Lord, even for just a breath, then you shall see the Lord face-to-face, present before you. ||1||
(Baani Kabeer Jee, Ang 727)

Doctor, those who have seen God, what bigger guarantee can they give us than this..................

At New Street train station I saw an advertisement poster, which was advertising a book. The poster read:

"Nothing in this World is Forever - Even a Life a Sentence."

Looking at the poster the following Salokh (small couplet) from Gurbaani came to mind:

ਜਿਉ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਅਰੁ ਪੇਖਨਾ ਐਸੇ ਜਗ ਕਉ ਜਾਨਿ ॥
ਇਨ ਮੈ ਕਛੁ ਸਾਚੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਵਾਨ ॥੨੩॥
Like a dream and a show, so is this world, you must know. None of this is true, O Nanak, without Vaheguru. ||23||
(Ang 1427)

It was an interesting start to my day.

Student Advice

Fresher's Week is over for the new university students and the reality of leaving home has probably sunk in. From past experience it can be a tough time and challenging. Yesterday my cousin and I were sitting down trying to think of questions which first year students may have and useful advice that would help:

“I have just started university and feeling lonely.”
Leaving home, family and friends and coming to a new environment, where you don’t know anyone is always a big step. However, you are not the only one in this situation. Every first year student is in the same position. Always remember that the Guru is with you. You feel the Guru is with you when you begin to read Gurbaani and do Ardaas.

ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥

gur mayrai sang sadaa hai naalay.
My Guru is always with me, near at hand.

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

simar simar tis sadaa samHaalay. ||1|| rahaa-o.
Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 394)

If you can’t read Gurmukhi, then read English translation of Gurbaani, or you can also play an audio of Keertan or Paath. Keertan, Paath and soothing Simran can be downloaded from here.


“I don’t know how to make friends or where to meet people.”
Firstly, don’t worry. Have faith in Vaheguru.

ਜਾ ਤੂ ਮੇਰੈ ਵਲਿ ਹੈ ਤਾ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹਛੰਦਾ ॥

jaa too merai val hai taa ki-aa muhchhandaa.
When You are on my side, Lord, what do I need to worry about?
(Ang 1096)

If you see a group of people together, don’t get disheartened and think, you don’t know anyone. They might have known each other from before or met one another in lectures. You will meet people in your lectures, at Sikh Society and through friends. From personal experience it takes time. There are times when you will think you don’t know anyone but come the end of the year you would have found like-minded people.

Whenever you see someone, always smile and be friendly and confident. You will meet many people at university, a lot of them will not be like you or have the same interests as you. However, inevitably you will meet like-minded company who will more than likely be friends for life. Through doing as much Simran as possible one will avoid bad company with Vaheguru's Grace.


“Is it okay to have friends of the opposite gender?”

ਦੇਖਿ ਪਰਾਈਆਂ ਚੰਗੀਆਂ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਭੈਣਾਂ ਧੀਆਂ ਜਾਣੈ ॥

"Men should look at the opposite gender as mothers, sisters and daughters, (women should look at the opposite gender as fathers, brothers and sons)."
(Vaar 29, PauRee 11 - Bhai Gurdaas jee)

Having friends who are girls or boys is fine. However, a Sikh male treats and respects every female as a mother, sister or daughter; and a Sikh female treats and respects every male as a father, brother or son.

The possible benefits of girlfriend and boyfriend relationships is that one "thinks" that he or she has someone who cares for them by their side and that they feel love or compassion. On the other hand, the downside of these relationships is one becomes emotionally attached to the other person which inevitably causes anguish, heartache and misery. For example, how many times do you know someone who has cried over a girlfriend or boyfriend in the past? According to Sikhi the true relationship is between God and the soul.

Intimate relationships at any level are harmful – whether it is physical intimacy or emotional one. Intimacy on any level (physical or emotional) should be restricted to one’s husband or wife, who are one’s committed life partners. If you send texts, emails or chat to someone and you feel embarrassed and ashamed if someone else reads the text, email or heard the conversation, then that tells you that you shouldn’t be doing it.

ਹੇ ਕਾਮੰ ਨਰਕ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮੰ ਬਹੁ ਜੋਨੀ ਭ੍ਰਮਾਵਣਹ ॥

he kaamaN narak bisraamaN bahu jonee bhramaavNeh.
O sexual desire! (Taking hold of the person) you lead to hell and make them wander in reincarnation through countless species.

ਚਿਤ ਹਰਣੰ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਲੋਕ ਗੰਮ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੀਲ ਬਿਦਾਰਣਹ ॥

chit harnaN trai lok gam-yaN jap tap seel bidaarNeh.
You cheat the consciousness, and pervade the three worlds (i.e the whole world). You destroy meditation, penance and virtue.
(Ang 1358)

“I am unsure of whether I should go to clubs and bars?”
Whatever you do in life, imagine Guru Gobind Singh Jee is watching you and is with you. If Guru jee saw a CCTV video of you being somewhere, you must ask yourself, would you feel embarrassed or comfortable with that idea? If you would feel comfortable with Guru Gobind Singh jee, knowing where you have been socialising and hanging out then all the best to you and may Vaheguru bless you. However, if you would feel embarrassed, even the slightest, then you must ask yourself, "Why are you at that place and is it worth being there?”

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)

“I am feeling low and depressed. What can I do?”
Understandably with the stress, deadlines and pressures of university, we fall in the trap of feeling overworked, lacking energy and generally run down feeling. However, to counteract this feeling everyone needs regular uplifting, peaceful and calming influences. Some people resort to “having a pint or two” but this actually makes depression worse and doesn’t do your body or mind any favours. The guaranteed cure for depression is VAHEGURU SIMRAN (meditating on ‘Vaheguru’). Take some time out and focus your attention and mind on the virtues of Vaheguru, sing, listen and enjoy the peace that remembering Vaheguru brings.

A good starting point and what works for a lot of people is doing Vaheguru Simran or listen to a Simran CD whilst getting ready in the morning, revising/ doing coursework, and just before bedtime. To download Simran audios click here.

Good sangat (company) is very important. Keep the company of uplifted souls through Sikh Society, going to the Gurdwara, and attended Keertan programmes.


“How do I find out where the nearest Gurdwara is?”
You can ask local Sikh Soc, or alternatively find out from the Boss website:
http://www.boss-uk.org/gurdwara/


Bhul Chuk Maaf

Remembrance Youth Keertan Darbaar

Vahiguroo Jee Ka Khalsa, Vahiguroo Jee Kee Fateh.
Youth Keertan Darbaar

In remembrance of these three young souls who gave up their lives trying to save one another from drowning after an accident in the Lake District on Saturday 23rd September 2006.

Please attend on:
Saturday 30th September 2006
at
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara,
Park Avenue,
Southall
Nearest Train: Southall (Paddington) Bus: 120, E5, H32

The programme will commence at 8pm (in Main Hall)

Anyone wishing to do Keertan or help in advertising please contact

T: 07940431925 / E: lovesikhi@hotmail.com


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.

Reflection on Death

On Saturday afternoon I was discussing with my family about funerals. We discussed whether there is any point in funerals when the dead body is displayed at the house of the family or sometimes just outside the Gurdwara so that the Sangat can have Darshan (glimpse) at the body before its cremated.

Various points were raised. It is true that a lot of people don't even want to look at the dead body but just walk pass because they are 'expected' to do so. The main people who wish to probably see the dead body before cremation are close family members. Therefore, bringing the body to public view causes unnecessary crying by random people, making family members feel more sad and upset. On the other hand, showing the body of the dead person is a physical reminder of death to everyone. In the fast pace of life, absorbed in worldly pursuits and attachments we so easily forget that one day we will die. It is true that in India people remember death more, even the trucks and tractors have "Rab Raakhaa" written on them to remind passers by that death can come any time and that God is our Guardian.

I came across this Shabad, which really hit me:

ਸੂਕਰ ਕੂਕਰ ਜੋਨਿ ਭ੍ਰਮੇ ਤਊ ਲਾਜ ਨ ਆਈ ॥
sookar kookar jon bhrame ta-oo laaj na aa-ee.
You have wandered in reincarnation, as pigs and dogs - did you feel no shame?

ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਛਾਡਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਕਾਹੇ ਬਿਖੁ ਖਾਈ ॥੩॥
raam naam chhaadd amrit kaahe bikh khaa-ee. ||3||
Forsaking the spiritual-life giving Name of Vaheguru, why do you eat poison? ||3||
(Ang 692)

We forget so easily that this human life is so special! After wandering through so many births Vaheguru has given us this human body. So why compromise? Being a dog, pig or cattle - is this our goal? Vaheguru help us! Vaheguru bless us to make our life WORTHY of living through blessing us with Gursikhi Jeevan (the lifestyle of the Guru's Sikhi), the gift of Naam Japnaa (meditating on Naam) and living in His Grace and Glory.

In the evening Daas went to the Rainsbayee (all-night) Keertan at Bedford. A Bhaji from India, who did Keertan at Khalsa Camp, beautifully sang a Shabad. The Shabad was:

ਸਭੁ ਜੀਉ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਮੁਖੁ ਨਕੁ ਦੀਆ ਵਰਤਣ ਕਉ ਪਾਣੀ ॥
sabh jee-o pindd mukh nak dee-aa vartaN kau paaNee.
He gave all beings souls, bodies, mouths, noses and water to drink.

ਅੰਨੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਕਪੜੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਦੀਆ ਰਸ ਅਨਿ ਭੋਗਾਣੀ ॥
ann khaaNaa kapaR painaN dee-aa ras an bhogaaNee.
He gave them corn to eat, clothes to wear, and other pleasures to enjoy.

ਜਿਨਿ ਦੀਏ ਸੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਪਸੂ ਹਉ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਣੀ ॥੩॥
jin dee-e so chit na aave-ee pasoo hau kar jaaNee. ||3||

But they do not remember the One who gave them all this. The animals think that they made themselves! ||3||

(Ang 167)

The Shabad made me reflect on life, death and that being thankful to Vaheguru for everything should be constantly on our mind. Something, which we easily forget.

Today I was walking on Smethwick High Street towards the Gurdwara Sahib when bumped into a Veerjee who told me some very sad news that today the bodies of 3 young Gursikhs, aged 15, 17 and 21, were recovered from a lake in the Lake District (For full news story click here).

ਮਰਣਿ ਨ ਮੂਰਤੁ ਪੁਛਿਆ ਪੁਛੀ ਥਿਤਿ ਨ ਵਾਰੁ ॥
maraN na moorat puchhi-aa, puchhee thit na vaar.
Death does not ask the time; it does not ask the date or the day of the week.
(Ang 1244)

The shocking news, reminded me of the Saakhi (story) of when Guru Nanak Sahib jee asked a 7 year old child why he wakes up at Amrit-vela and comes to see the Guru when he could be sleeping or playing. The young child called BooRaa replied: "Guru jee I fear death!" Guru asked, "Why is that?" The young child replied: "Well, one day my mother asked me to light the cooking fire. When I put fire on the wood, I observed that the smaller sticks burned before the larger sticks. Since that day I thought death might come at any time. Therefore, I enjoy hearing Gurbaani in your Sangat (Company)." Hearing this Guru Nanak Sahib jee renamed the child 'Bhai Buddha' jee ('Buddha,' meaning wise old man) because he had the wisdom of an old wise man as opposed to a young immature child.

Please take time out to do Ardaas (a prayer) for the Aatmik Shaantee (peace for the souls) of the 3 young Gursikhs who sadly died, for the recovery of those who suffered injuries, and also for the families of all those affected.

ਕਬੀਰ ਸੰਤ ਮੂਏ ਕਿਆ ਰੋਈਐ ਜੋ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
kabeer sant moo-e kiaa ro-ee-ai, jo apne grihi jaa-e.

O Kabeer! There is no need to cry or feel sad at the death of a Saint (Gurmukh); because he is just going back to his home where no-one can remove him (meaning, the Gurmukh is now forever absorbed in the Presence of Vaheguru).

ਰੋਵਹੁ ਸਾਕਤ ਬਾਪੁਰੇ ਜੁ ਹਾਟੈ ਹਾਟ ਬਿਕਾਇ ॥੧੬॥
rovhu saakat baapure ju haattai haatt bikaaa-e. ||16||

(If you wish to cry or feel sorry then) cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is separated from Vaheguru, (in exchange for his bad actions) he is sold from store to store (meaning, he suffers in reincarnation). ||16||

(Ang 1365)

Rainsbayee Keertan

An email I received:

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Vaaheguru ji Ka Khalsa!! Vaaheguru ji Ke Fateh!!

With the Grace of Waheguru, there will be a Rainsbhai Keertan, to commemorate the Joti Jot of Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, organised by Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK.

It will be held on Saturday 23th September 2006 at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Ford End Road, Bedford

The South coach will leave Southall from pick up point at Havelock Road at 5.30pm. It will leave Slough from the pick up point at Wexham Road at 6pm.

For further details, contact Bhai Satnam Singh 07956 519256 or Bhai Onkar Singh 07956 528735.

The North coach will be leaving from Singh sabha Gurdwara, Bradford at 6pm.

Mini-bus transport is available from Derby .

Further listing of AKJ UK programmes can be seen on:
http://www.akj.org/skins/default/programs.php?countryid=4

Recordings of Derby smagam are now all on-line, as well as recent Toronto and Vancouver smagams:
http://www.akj.org/skins/default/multimedia.php?b=2&ba=1

As many have now seen, AKJ UK website has merged with AKJ.org. The sevadaars are now jointly working on a completely brand new designed site which will serve all AKJ units worldwide. AKJ sevadaars from UK, Canada, USA and India are jointly working on this new site, and from then the sangat can access all the smagams worldwide on one site.

We hope the sangat will show patience as the new joint worldwide site comes into being. We believe the sangat will benefit greatly from the new features it will have.


Vaaheguru ji Ka Khalsa!! Vaaheguru ji Ke Fateh!!

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A Nice Poem

The Secret
Author: Unknown


One day, one friend asked another,
"How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy,
and you never seem to get down."

With her eyes smiling, she said,
"I know the Secret!"
"What secret is that?"
To which she replied,
"I'll tell you all about it,
but you have to promise to
share the Secret with others."

"The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do
in my life that will make me truly happy.
I must depend on Vaheguru to make
me happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life,
I have to trust Vaheguru to supply
according to HIS riches.
I have learned most of the time
I don't need half of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."


The questioner's first thought was,
"That's too simple!"
But upon reflecting over her own life
she recalled how she thought a bigger house
would make her happy, but it didn't!
She thought a better paying job
would make her happy, but it hadn't.
When did she realize her greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren,
playing games, eating roti or reading a story,
a simple gift from Vaheguru.

Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only Vaheguru in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust Vaheguru!
And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?

YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!
That Vaheguru in His wisdom will take care of YOU!
But it's not really a secret...
We just have to believe it and do it...
Really trust Vaheguru!

In everything you do, put Vaheguru first, and Vaheguru will direct
you and crown your effort with success .
--------------------------------

When I First Started Uni... (Part 2)

Continued...

In the second year of university I lived in Halls again. I had to move earlier than everyone else because I was a Senior Student. All that means is that I worked for the Residence Office to help and support the students at Halls. The first day back at Halls during that year, I felt a little bit low because I MISSED HOME. That night the Residence Office had organised an EVENING OUT for the Senior Students and Staff to SOCIALISE and to get to know one another. On the form it said that we were going SUPER BOWL. So I thought I would go along and socialise as well.

Arriving at the reception I met up with all the other Senior Students and introduced myself. They all seemed nice people and we chatted. Everyone was ready to go out now. The person who had organised the evening said, “Right we are going to the PUB for a couple of pints and then we’ll head down to the restaurant”. I thought, ‘Hey Vaheguru Jee, Eh Ta Pub Noo Jaan Lage’ (O Vaheguru, they’re going to the pub!).

I thought to myself how could I say to them that I don’t want to go the pub without sounding odd or UNSOCIABLE. Everyone was about to walk outside and then said, “Sorry, I won’t be able to go to the pub. It’s because of RELIGIOUS REASONS. Sorry, hope you don’t mind, but I don’t mind meeting you up at the restaurant.” They smiled back and said that’s FINE and that they’ll meet up at the restaurant in about an hour or so.

Going back to my room I felt a bit ISOLATED and awkward. My friends hadn’t come back to university yet and no one had moved into Halls of Residence yet apart from about ten people, including myself, who were working for the Halls of Residence. I recited my evening Rehraas Sahib, followed by Ardaas (standing prayer). The Ardaas has power. I am not talking in terms of Vaheguru answering your prayers but just by looking deep into the MEANING of the Ardaas, which we read.


The Ardaas starts (using English translation to explain):

"There is one God. All Victory belongs to God. May the dynamic power of God help us. The Vaar (poetic verse) of Sri Bhagauti, composed by the tenth king. Having first involved the dynamic power of God, call on Guru Nanak. Then on Angad Guru, Amar Das and Ram Das, may they ever protect us. Then call on Arjan, and Har Gobind, holy Har Rai and on Har Krishan, whose sight dispels all sorrows. Then remember Teg Bahadur by whose remembrance the nine treasures come hurrying to ones home. Be ever with us O Masters. May the tenth king, Guru Gobind Singh be ever on our side. Let us now turn our thoughts to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, the visible embodiment of the ten Gurus and utter, O Khalsa jee, Vaheguru (glory be to God)."

In the Ardaas first we INVOKE the POWER and BLESSINGS of Vaheguru, then the Ten Gurus, and the Living Spirit of the Ten Gurus enshrined in the Divine Words of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

"The Panj Piyaare (Five Beloved Ones), the four Sahibzaade (sons of the tenth Master), the forty emancipated ones, the martyrs, the true disciples, the contemplators of God, and those who remained steadfast on the path of Dharma, remember their glorious deeds and utter O Khalsa jee, Vaheguru."

We then seek power and STRENGTH in REMEMBERING the glorious deeds of the PANJ PIYAARE – who surrendered their heads for Guru jee, the FOUR SAHIBZAADE – the eldest two sons of Guru Jee valiantly fought and died in battle defending righteousness. The youngest two sons were bricked alive for refusing to give up their Sikhi at the age of 5 and 7yrs old, and till their last breath they kept in high spirits and cried the slogans of ‘Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akaal’. We remember the CHAALEE MUKTE, the forty Singhs who deserted Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee but then returned to die fighting for him. Remembering all glorious actions and deeds of such pure devotees we get strength. We get a feeling of 'WOW' – these people are great, they are inspiration and source of strength for us; hence we say, ‘Vaheguru’ (Wonderful Lord).

The Ardaas continues with:

"Those Singhs and Singhnian who offered their heads at the altar of Dharma (justice and righteousness), were cut up limb by limb, skinned alive, boiled or sawn alive, but did not utter a sigh nor faltered in their faith, kept the sanctity of their hair until their last breath, sacrificed their lives for the sanctity of Gurdwaras; who did not give up their faith and kept their long unshorn hair till their last breath, remember their glorious deeds and utter O Khalsa jee, Vaheguru."

If we think we have PROBLEMS or that we face SUFFERING, then we should THINK AGAIN. Reciting this verse of the Ardaas we are reminded of the COURAGE, determination and SUPREME FAITH of the Sikhs such as Bhai Mani Singh jee who was CUT LIM BY LIMB yet he never gave up his faith, Bhai Taru Singh jee had so much faith and a spirit of courage that he refused to have his hair forcibly cut and instead had his SCALP REMOVED. Bhai Mati Daas jee who was SAWN ALIVE on refusing to comply to the demands of the Mughal rulers to convert and to abandon the Sikhi of Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib jee. We share the strength of these brave Singhs and Singhnian we remember them and we realise that we are BLESSED that we are here because of THEM and that we should always be in a state of mind of VICTORY.

Reciting the Ardaas and contemplating on it, I realised that I was worrying about TRIVIAL MATTERS. Finishing Rehraas Sahib, I went to the restaurant to meet the others. Everyone ordered meals, but I stuck to eating plain uncooked SALAD because I felt uncomfortable eating cooked food in a restaurant. However, thinking back now, I still felt uncomfortable with eating with intoxicated people and could have socialised with the others the next morning etc. Rab Rakha. Half of the people afterwards went back to the pub and half of them went back to Halls. I went back to Halls and rested for the night, knowing that Vaheguru and my Guru were ALWAYS with me.

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

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
simar simar tis sadaa samaale ||1||rahaao||
Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 394)

By realising the BIG PICTURE, we realise how the issues in our lives can be so TRIVIAL and SMALL. From my experiences I have learnt to always have 100% faith in Vaheguru and always take the support of the SHABAD GURU. Gurbaani has all the ANSWERS and can answer ALL our problems.



During the summer, I went to a Gurmat Camp. At the camp students had an opportunity to take a personal HUKAMNAAMA (taking an order for guidance from Guru jee) with the help of a sewadaar. You wouldn’t believe it but the people who took part in taking a personal Hukamnaama realised that Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is NOT ink and paper. But that VAHEGURU had spoken to them. Their heart and soul was touched by the personal message from Guru jee to them. This is the POWER of Gurbaani.

Realising that Vaheguru is always with us, we have nothing to fear.
Realising that Vaheguru does everything for the good of us, we realise that our stumbling blocks become our building blocks of life.
Realising that Vaheguru is everything and that I am nothing, we realise everything is Vaheguru and we enjoy the power and glory of the Supreme Being.

When I First Started Uni... (Part 1)

I'm posting my experiences of starting university, which I wrote a while back. Students starting college or university this month may find it useful because sometimes new students have concerns and worry about what it will be like and how they will cope.


As a Sikh starting University…

During the summer holidays before I started university, I was looking forward to starting university. I had been brought up and lived in an English area and not been exposed to a large Sikh community or presence, therefore I was excited to go to King’s College London because it was known for having a large number of Sikh students and had the largest Sikh Society in England. I heard people call it SINGH'S COLLEGE’.

The days get closer and closer and soon I was to move to Halls of Residence and start university. The day, which I had to move into Halls of Residence, my family had a wedding to attend to. So we decided to drop my belongings at the accommodation on Saturday and move in properly on Sunday after the wedding. My brother was going to drop me off in London.



On the Sunday going back to Halls of Residence I didn’t know what to accept. The day before, I didn’t see many people or really get a feel of what it would be like. So I wondered how many Singhs I would be living with at Halls or how many Sikhs I would get to know on the first day.

My brother and I arrived in London in the evening. He dropped me off and came inside with me. No one was around and I wondered where everyone had gone. The place looked DEAD. My brother suggested that we should go to the student union bar or something similar to get to know people. I felt NERVOUS, as I was not used to going to bars, clubs or pubs.

Across the road from the Halls of Residence was the King’s College Waterloo Campus. We decided to see what was happening there. At the Student Union Bar everyone from the Halls of Residence had got together as an opportunity to socialise. I felt OUT OF PLACE and struggling not to BREATHE in cigarette smoke from some people standing around me.

I couldn't see any Sikh, anyone wearing a Pagh (turban) nor any Panjabis. I thought ‘Waheguru, where am I?’ This wasn’t what I was expecting. Trying to mingle with people and introducing myself, I felt out of place and not comfortable in the smoking and drinking environment. My brother left a little while after. I was thankful for him that he at least helped me by coming with me to the Student Union, by myself I don’t know how I would have coped.

I got to know some people. But I didn’t get to meet any Panjabis. The next day I got to know all my flatmates. All of them were nice and easy to talk to. During the week I felt bit let down and shocked that I didn’t see any Panjabi or Sikh. Was this ‘SINGH'S COLLEGE’? I was the only visible Sikh in the whole Halls of Residence.

One of the people who I was sharing a flat with asked me to go to a student Club Night. She said that all of the people from our flat were going and perhaps it would be a nice place to meet people. "You don’t have to drink and perhaps you might see some Sikhs there", she said. Feeling bit low and lonely, I thought that I might as well go clubbing, despite not feeling comfortable with the idea considering I have never been before and that don’t like a smoky environment.

I bought a ticket for the student Club Night from a boy selling tickets at the Hall’s reception area. Getting the ticket I walked back to my room, I opened my door and I looked straight at Shaheed Baba Jarnail Singh Jee Bhindranwale’s photo, which I had in my windowsill. It dawned to me, WHY am I doing this? Why am I doing something, which I am not comfortable with? Why don’t I have FAITH in Vaheguru? Vaheguru will make me meet up with Gurmukhs and Saadh Sangat when He wishes to do so. I felt GUILTY for buying a ticket. I walked back to the reception and asked the boy whether I could get a refund. He said that he usually doesn’t do refunds however he said he would make an exception for me. I thanked him.
ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਜੀਉ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
har bin jee-o jal bal jaa-o.
Without the Lord, my soul is scorched and burnt.

ਮੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਛਿ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਅਵਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਥਾਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
mai aapNaa gur poochh dekhi-aa avar naahee thaa-o. ||1||rahaa-o||
I consulted my Guru, and now I see that there is no other place at all. ||1||Pause||


That night, it felt as if everyone had gone either clubbing or to the Student Union bar. The Halls or Residence was DEAD SILENT. I didn’t know where to go or who to meet up with, without having to go to place where there is ALCOHOL or people SMOKING. I got out my vaaja (harmonium) and did simran and sang some Gurbaani Shabads that night.

I thought and meditated on Guru Gobind Singh jee’s shabad:

ਖਿਆਲ ਪ: ੧੦ ॥
khiaal paatishaahee dasvee
Shabad composed by the Tenth Master.

ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਹਾਲ ਮੁਰੀਦਾ ਦਾ ਕਿਹਣਾ ॥
mitr pyaare noo, haal mareedaan da kehNaa.
Please tell the dear friend - the Lord - the plight of his disciples.

ਤੁਧੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਰਜਾਈਆ ਦਾ ਓਢਣ ਨਾਗ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ਦੇ ਹਿਹਣਾ ॥
tuDh bin rog rajaaeeaan da odhaN, naag nivaasaaan da rehNaa.
Without you the use of rich blankets is like a disease for us and the comfort of the house is like living with snakes.

ਸੂਲ ਸੁਰਾਹੀ ਖੰਜਰ ਪਿਆਲਾ ਬਿੰਗ ਕਸਾਈਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਿਹਣਾ ॥
sool saraahee kanjar pyaala, bing kasayeeaan da sehNaa.
Our water pitchers are like stakes of torture and our cups have edges like daggers. Your neglect is like the suffering of animals at the hands of butchers.

ਯਾਰੜੇ ਦਾ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸੱਥਰੁ ਚੰਗਾ ਭਠ ਖੇੜਿਆ ਦਾ ਰਿਹਣਾ ॥
yaarRe da saanu sathar changa, bhath kheRiaan da rehNaa
Our Beloved Lord's straw bed is more pleasing to us than living in costly furnace-like mansions.
(Shabad Hazaare Paatishaahee Dasvee)

Our Father, Guru Gobind Singh Jee, has written this beautiful shabad. He composed this Divine shabad, at a time when he had lost his wife, children, family, home, wealth and disciples. Walking BAREFOOTED in the jungle of MaacheewaRa, with THORNS pricking Guru Jee’s feet, NO PILLOW to rest on, and no four walls to give him shelter, Guru Jee composed this UPLIFTING hymn.

Thinking about Guru Gobind Singh Jee and this shabad, something dawned upon me. Looking around I realised that I was blessed with four walls and a roof around me to give me shelter. I was blessed with a bed, pillow and a nice place to live. I was blessed with an opportunity to go to university. The realisation was that I was blessed and that I should be GRATEFUL about all I had and not feeling sad or disappointed.


With the grace of Waheguru, I met with Sikhs through SIKH SOCIETY. It was great. The people I met at Sikh Society were like a family to me. I met so many people. I then became familiar where Shepard’s Bush Gurdwara was and found out the way to get to Southall Gurdwara. Once or twice a week I would go to the Gurdwara. I felt so HAPPY. I had made friends in the Saadh Sangat (the company of the holy), I had made friends with people whom I could share Gurmat (the Guru’s teachings) with and I could relate to. This is not to say that I wasn’t friends with the people that I lived with or with the people who were on my degree course. However, I had never had Panjabi or Sikh friends at school or Sixth Form, it was great to be able to socialise and do things with friends who could APPRECIATE Gurmat and do Saadh Sangat with them.

Sometimes I would see people around university and Halls, "COME OUT TONIGHT WITH US". However I would smile and kindly say "NO THANKS" and that I had other plans. I was conscious to make sure that no one thought I was being judgemental about people going clubbing or looking down at them, because I wasn’t. However, I didn’t personally feel comfortable being a Sikh of the Guru and going clubbing or sitting at the bar.

ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਰੀ ਮਰਉ ਕੁਸੰਗ ਕੀ ਕੇਲੇ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਜੁ ਬੇਰਿ ॥
kabeer maaree mar-o kusang kee kele nikatt jo ber.
O Kabeer! (If you abandon praising Vahguru, and have company with those who are broken from Vaheguru; then look) 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|| Note: Singing Vaheguru's Praise no limit can be achieved, but through it's blessings one is saved from bad company and the soul is spared from spiritual death.
(Ang 1369)

Some people would ask me, "Do you think going out clubbing is wrong?" I would answer them:

“Whatever you do in life, imagine Guru Gobind Singh Jee is WATCHING YOU and is with you. If the Panj Piyaare who gave you Khande-Pahul Da Amrit saw a CCTV video of you being somewhere, and the same video was shown to the Saadh Sangat in the presence of Guru Sahib, you must ask yourself, would you feel EMBARRASSED or COMFORTABLE with that idea? If you would feel comfortable with Guru Jee, the Panj Piyaare and the Guru Piyaaree Saadh Sangat knowing where you have been socialising and hanging out then all the best to you and may Waheguru bless you. However, if you would feel embarrassed, even the SLIGHTEST, then you must ask yourself, "Why are you at that place and is it WORTH BEING THERE?" Who I am to tell someone not to clubbing or to clubbing? What does you AATMA (soul) say?”


ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਖੁ ਲੈ ਕੈ ਜਾਹਿਗਾ ॥
Dharam raa-e jab lekhaa maagai ki-aa mukh lai kai jaahigaa.
O mind! When the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls for your account (of your actions in life), what face will you show Him then?

ਕਹਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਤਰਿ ਜਾਂਹਿਗਾ ॥੩॥੧॥
kehat kabeer sunhu re santahu saaDhsangat tar jaa(n)higaa. ||3||1||
Says Kabeer, O Saints! Listen: In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you shall be saved (from the world-ocean). ||3||1||
(Ang 1106)

I enjoyed university so much. The Sangat, going to the Gurdwara Sahib, meeting knew people, making friends, the Sikhi events across London and the various universities and the pyaar which people have one another as Sikh brothers and sisters.


To be continued...

"Are You a Buddhist?"

I thought its about time for light-hearted post.

Today I was thinking about an incident, which happened with me at the beginning of my second year of university (it always put a smile on my face thinking about this). I was living in Halls of Residence, and had moved in earlier than everyone else because I employed as a Senior Student. All that meant was that I worked for the Residence Office to help and support the students at Halls and conduct weekly inspections of the building block. No one had moved into Halls of Residence yet apart from about ten people, including myself, who were working for the Halls of Residence.

I knocked on the doors in my corridor to double-check if anyone had moved in. However, no reply and I couldn't hear anyone. So I thought, "Great! I can do my Paath and Simran without having to worry that I am too loud or disturbing someone's sleep." So at Amrit-Vela I woke up and had a shower while loudly singing "VaheGuroo" (Bhai Niranjan Singh jee Simran tune). Afterwards I sat down on my bed and started Naam Abhiaas (meditation). While I was doing Simran I could hear moans and groans but thought to myself either its my stomach or water is stuck in my ears as no one else has moved into Halls. So I loudly continued to do Simran.

Afterwards I began reading morning Nitnem Banian (daily prayers) and I heard banging. I thought "O Mind! What's happening? What am I hearing. No one has moved in. Perhaps its a structural problem in the building." I continued reading Baani with full force. Eventually I had very loud banging on my door. I thought "Hai, Hai ! Wonder who that could be." I opened the door to find a half asleep foreign bald skin-headed man (he reminded me a Buddhist monk). He looked baffled, stunned and bit annoyed. I said, "Hello". He just stared at me gob smacked and then I realised perhaps he hadn't probably seen a Singh before, let alone a Kachheraa and Kirpaan. He then managed to say "What are you doing man!" "Ermm... Doing my morning meditation and prayers". "Do you know what time it is! I am trying to go to sleep." "Sleep? Where do you live?" He replied "Next door." I said "Sorry, I didn't realise anyone had moved in". And then he staggered back to his room.

I continued my Nitnem ("trying" to keep it as quiet as possible!). I saw the man again sitting on the counter-desk of the Residence Office. I said, "Hello" to him and apologised for disturbing him as I didn't realise anyone had moved in. He said that he was from Brazil and works for the Residence Office.

He looked at my Kirpaan and with a horrified face said, "What's that?" I explained that its called a 'Kirpaan' which is an Article of Faith part of the Saint-Warrior uniform, which a Sikh wears. He then said, "So, you are a Buddhist?" "Buddhist?" I replied. I thought to myself "Do I look like a Buddhist! He said, "Yeah, You are Buddhist?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! lol. "Ermm… No, I am Sikh." He looked at my Dastaar and me and said, "So, you not Buddhist?" I couldn't believe this bloke! Him being seriously just added to the live comedy! I've heard "Are you are a Hindu?", "Are you from Afghanistan" or "Are you a Muslim", but never "Are you a Buddhist!"

I then explained, "You never heard of a Sikh? Never seen a Sikh - people who have uncut hair and tie a turban on their head?" He said "No." I had to give a quick low down of Sikhi and explain its origins lay in Panjab and not in Tibet or China :)

Remembering 9/11

Hard to believe that it’s been five years since 9/11 when 2,973 people were killed. I remember that day I had just come back from school in the afternoon and switched on the tele. I was slightly unsure what had happened but every channel had the news on it. Watching the news in detail it became clear that terrorists had blown up the Twin Towers. The footage on the news looked unreal! It was like something out of a movie. It was sad to think of so many people being burnt or crushed to death.

ਖੂਨ ਕੇ ਸੋਹਿਲੇ ਗਾਵੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਤੁ ਕਾ ਕੁੰਗੂ ਪਾਇ ਵੇ ਲਾਲੋ ॥੧॥
khoon ke sohile gavee-ahi naanak rat kaa kungoo paa-e ve laalo. ||1||
O Nanak! The wedding songs of murder are being sung and blood is sprinkled instead of saffron. ||1||
(Ang 723)

Later on I got a message from work of not to come to work today. At the time I used to work in a call centre selling card protection insurance. Obviously you get some abusive phone calls when ringing someone to sell insurance. However, I would just say to them "God bless you - thank you for your time." So as you can imagine ringing someone on 9/11 would be insensitive so the call centre was closed for the day.


The link of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda being involved and the constant showing of Bin Laden's face didn't look too good! Sitting there watching the news the thought of ignorant people mistaking Sikhs for the Taliban went through my head.

It had only been 9 months since I started to wear a Dastaar (turban) and kept my Kes (hair). It was initially difficult to deal with the confidence of wearing a Dastaar and keeping Sikhi Saroop with there being no other turbaned Sikh youngsters living in the town and a small minority of ignorant people at school shouting silly comments, laughing or making snide remarks like "Turbanator", "Like your hat" or "Rag-head", on top of Pakistani boys annoyingly giggling and saying "Daler Mehndi" and singing "Naa Naa Naa Naa Re" (Daler Mehndi song!). It generally died down after confronting people and also talking about Sikhi and the significance of Sikhi Saroop in different year group assemblies, multi-cultural days held at the school and talking about Sikhi to students in the school in Religious Education classes.

9/11 happens and now the comments were "Bin Laden" and "Taliban". It was only a few people but still at the time I felt annoyed. I became very self-conscious. If someone were laughing nearby I would think they are laughing at me. If a car hooted its horn I would assume it’s at me. I gradually learnt through reading Gurbaani, doing Simran and going to school reciting Mool Mantr, not to get worked up, to have control over my emotions and remain graceful. With Guru's Kirpaa when someone would laugh or say a small passing comment it didn't affect me or dwindle my confidence as before.

ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਆਨ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਆਸ ਤੇਰਾ ਮਨਿ ਤਾਣੁ ॥
har bin aan na koee samrath teree aas teraa man taaN
O Vaheguru! Other than You, no one is all-powerful. You are the Hope and the Strength of my mind.
(Ang 1323)

There was one incident when one racist boy would continuously laugh every time he saw me and would point at my Dastaar and get others standing around him to shout "Bin Laden" or "Taliban" at me. Once I was so frustrated so I confronted him and he said "Sorry, sorry..." However, he dint seem to get the message. So I decided to tell the Head of Year that a group of boys are being very annoying and that one racist boy is the main ringleader. She asked what action should be taken. It was decided to nip the bud and call the boy in a meeting to see me face to face infront of the teacher and the school community Police Officer.

I had written a poem about racism, which was motivated by the death of Vijay Singh and generally being fed up of ignorant silly racists. Hearing the poem and being told the sad consequences of ignorance and racism, using examples of Sikhs being abused, attacked and killed in hate-crimes, the racist boy started to cry and said "Sorry" to me. He couldn't stop the tears. It was a pleasant surprise. When I saw him again he humbly smiled and said, "I am sorry about before. I am really sorry. Hope we can be friends" I smiled back and said, “No problem”. Guru jee’s Kirpaa (Grace) is amazing!

Weekend Programme

Marking the 300th sampoorantaa of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and 300th Anniversary of the Gurmat institution of DamDami Taksaal & in loving memory of Mahapurakh Giani Baba Kartar Singh jee a Sri Akhand Paath Sahib will be being held from 8th - 10th September 2006 at Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick in Birmingham .

Keertan with English translations projected, Katha (Gurbaani discourse) and talks in English will also take place over three days.

NOTE: Amrit Sanchaar
With Guru jee's kirpaa an Amrit Sanchaar will take place on Saturday 9th September 2006 at Baba Sang Gurdwara for anyone who wishes to give their head to Guru Sahib and be reborn in the Guru's Family. Candidates for Amrit are asked to be at the Gurdwara Sahib for 4pm. For further details contact: Bhervinder Singh - 07985 246484


Gurdwara Baba Sang
Saint Pauls Road,
High Street,
Smethwick,
Sandwell,
West Midlands
B66 1EE
0121 558 2681
View Map

Keertani’s:
* Bhai Satvinder Singh & Harvinder Singh Delhi wale
* Bhai Moinderjeet Singh Delhi wale
* Bhai Gurcharan Singh Delhi wale
* Bhai Kuldeep Singh & Bhai Dalbag Singh Tuhana wale
All will be taking part in a International Kirtan council Uk Atem Ras Kirtan Darbar on Sat 9th

Other Keertani’s
* Bhai Lehna Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Gurmej Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Gursharan Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Sukhjinder Singh Birmingham

Katha
* Giani Avtar Singh ji Badhny Kala
* Giani Preetam Singh Ji Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Satnam Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Balbir Singh Damdami Taksal

Dhadi
Jago wale and many more international Dhadi’s

Uni Graduation

On 19th July Daas GRADUATED from university. I was pleasantly surprised (as well as I am sure some others will be thinking) that I got through Uni and graduated with GURU's KIRPAA. To be honest I always prioritised Sikhi over education. The amount of time I spent at the Gurdwara, Keertan programmes and Sikh Society seva etc, rather than doing extra study and doing reading for my course, I was thankful to Guru Sahib that I got through my exams! I always would plan "I am going to the library everyday and do extra reading and do all my work in the week it is set rather than nearer the deadline." But it NEVER works! Always end up doing Keertan, going to Gurdwara, reading Sikhi books or listening to Keertan etc. However, its so good to have all the essay deadline stresses and frantic reading over and done with (until next year begins!).

The graduation ceremony was on one of the HOTTEST days of the year! On the news weather reports they said it was the hottest day in July for 100 YEARS! Sadly my brother wasn't in the country (as he was in Iraq) so it was just my parents and I. First of all we went to Park Avenue Gurdwara Sahib to do Ardaas and Shukraanaa (be thankful). Gurbaani tells us:

ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ ॥
keetaa loRee-ai kamm, su har pehi aakhee-ai.
Whatever work you wish to accomplish - tell it to Waheguru.

ਕਾਰਜੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥
kaaraj de-e savaar, satgur sach saakhee-ai.
Waheguru will resolve your affairs; the True Guru gives His Guarantee of Truth.
(Ang 91)

ONLY with Guru Sahib's blessings do we have what we have. Gurmat (the Guru's Teachings) teach us two things EFFORT and DIVINE GRACE. We all must try our best and do as much as we can and then the rest is in the hands of Waheguru. He may accept our efforts or not accept our efforts - that is His Will. Both ways, Guru Sahib tells us to be thankful and grateful:

ਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਅਰਾਧੀ ਦੁਖਿ ਭੀ ਤੁਝੈ ਧਿਆਈ ॥੨॥
je sukh dehi ta tujhehi araaDhee, dukh bhee tujhai Dhi-aa-ee. ||2||
If You will bless me with happiness, then I will worship and adore You. Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2||
(Ang 757)

I remember a GurSikh telling me that a Sikh has two things - DWAA and DUAA. "DWAA" means "EFFORT" and "DUAA" means "PRAYER". One's dwaa, efforts, will only work if Waheguru APPROVES it. Therefore, one needs to pray as well. We cannot tell Waheguru what to do! Sometimes we fall in the trap of "You do this FOR ME, and I will do this FOR YOU." Guru Nanak Sahib jee tells in Aasa Di Vaar:

ਜਿਸ ਦਾ ਦਿਤਾ ਖਾਵਣਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥
jis daa ditaa khaavNaa, tis kehee-ai saabaas.
Let us all celebrate Him, from whom we receive our nourishment.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਖਸਮ ਚਲੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥੨੨॥
naanak hukam na chale-ee, naal khasam chalai ardaas. ||22||
O Nanak, no one can issue commands to the Lord Master; let us offer prayers instead. ||22||
(Ang 474)

We cannot tell Waheguru what to do. Instead we have been blessed with the ARDAAS, the ability to offer PRAYERS. A Sikh has ARDAAS with him. Therefore, before undergoing task, whether before one drives the car, before one starts university, before one enters an exam, or before one buys a new house a Sikh does ARDAAS. And then at the end of the task a Sikh does Ardaas again for gratitude. Irrespective of the end result, a Sikh accepts the Will of Waheguru.


By the time we got to the graduation venue we were all SWEATING and feeling extremely HOT, especially dressed in a suit and tie. Rab Da Shukar that some people were given away FREE WATER bottles at the tube station. At the graduation venue one juice cost £2.20! I was SHOCKED at the prices. lol.


The ceremony was LONG with loads of speeches. Waheguru! I could see some people nearly DOZING OFF :) When collecting the awards there was one Gujrati boy who literally RAN across the stage, quickly shook the hand of the Dean of the College and then quickly ran down the stage. He was either very NERVOUS or likes RUNNING. lol.

After the ceremony there were refreshments and a buffet. Daas didn't eat anything but I could see everyone was EXCITED at seeing KEBABS and CHICKEN pieces! Waheguru! I was glad to get out and get some FRESH AIR and go back to the Gurdwara Sahib and do darshan of Guru Sahib.

After finishing uni and also on the graduation day the pangtee (line) from the first PauRee (stanza) of Japjee Sahib kept going through my mind:

ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਤ ਇਕ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
sehas si-aaNpaa lakh hohi ta ek na chalai naal.
One may possess thousands of clever thoughts or the biggest wisdom, yet not even one wise thought will accompany you to the next world.
(Ang 1)

It is amazing that we go to school, then college, followed by university and people do various other educations or learn skills but NOT even ONE WISE THOUGHT will accompany us when we DIE. It puts in perspective that though education, learning, worldly life and skills are important for living Gristee-jeevan (householder life) that one should not take PRIDE and get EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED to their education or wisdom because at the end of the day it will not accompany you and nor will it remain forever with you. For example, God forbid, but someone could lose their memory tom0rrow when they wake up! Scary thought, but true. All Waheguru's HUKAM. All Waheguru's Kirpaa.

Some lines from today's Hukamnaama (daily edict of Guru Sahib) from Amritsar reminded me of this:

ਤੂ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਵਡਾ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਤਿ ਥੋਰੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
too samrath vadaa meree mat thoree raam.
You are great and all-powerful; my understanding is so inadequate, O Vaheguru.

ਪਾਲਹਿ ਅਕਿਰਤਘਨਾ ਪੂਰਨ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
paaleh akirat-ghanaa pooran dristt teree raam.
You cherish even the ungrateful ones; Your Glance of Grace is perfect, Vaheguru.
(Ang 547)

Happy Gurpurb!

On 1st September the Sikh Calendar (Nanakshahi Calendar) marks the day when the Aad Sri Granth Sahib jee (the first version of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee) was ceremoniously installed in Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar. Sariaa Nu Gurpurb di Lakh Lakh Vaadhaaee Hove.

AAD GRANTH SAHIB JEE

The Revealed Word of God

Gurbaani is real, i.e. it is reality not philosophy. The 'Shabad' (Infinite Wisdom) is the Guru. Guru Nanak Sahib jee and the Das Saroop (10 Bodies) interpreted and revealed the Shabad. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee, accumulated the Shabad’s revelation from the first five Nanaks 15 Bhagats and 11 Bhatts etc, and recorded it into the physical world in the form of Aad Granth Sahib Jee (also referred to as 'Pothi Sahib'), which was the earlier form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

The religion of the Bhagats

It is often said that Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee included the Baanis of Hindu and Muslim mystics. This is false. All the Bhagats, Bhatts and Sikhs whose revealed Baani was accepted and included in the Aaad Granth Sahib jee shared the common religion of Gurmat and Naam and had experienced Sat (the Truth). Truth is the Truth. The Truth is eternal, unchanging, and the same irrespective of which light someone sees it. Therefore, the Sikh Guru Sahibaans, the Bhagats, Bhatts and Sikhs all experienced and talked about this One Universal Truth, which was Ek Oankaar, as explained in the first verse of Aad Granth Sahib Jee:

ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik-oankaar sat naam kartaa purakh nirbhau nirvair akaal moorat ajoonee saibhun(g) gur prasaad.
There is only One, the Sound from which the creation expanded into existence. Truth is the Name. Creative Power within all. Without Fear. Without Hatred. Timeless Existence. Beyond the birth cycle (reincarnation). Self-Existent Light. Known by the Guru's Grace
(Ang 1)

So what is the difference between 'Guru' and 'Bhagat' (Devotee of God). Giani Sant Singh jee Maskeen explained in Katha (Gurbaani discourse) gave the following analogy to explain this difference. There is one child who opens his eyes and realizes he is sitting in his mother's lap. There is another child who crawls to his mother and then sits on her lap. Guru Nanak Sahib jee and the Sikh Guru Sahibaans had Brahm-Gyaan (God enlightenment) from the beginning. They opened their eyes and they were already sitting on the lap of Vaheguru. The Bhagats were those who through life and experience attained union with the Divine and sat in the lap of Vaheguru. Once they reached this level, through the chosen Bhagats of Vaheguru the Shabad was revealed to the world. As a consequence, there is no difference between the Shabad (Gurbaani) revealed through the Sikh Gurus and the Bhagats etc. Both are 'Gurbani'.

Collecting the Shabads

From Guru Nanak Sahib jee to Guru Raam Daas Sahib jee, each and every Guru Sahib recorded the revealed Shabad in Pothi Sahibs (small Volumes). These Pothi Sahibs were collected together by Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee. He sent trusted Sikhs such as Bhai Piara jee, Bhai Gurdaas jee and Baba Buddha jee across the country to bring the Baani of the Bhagats etc.

Scribing the Aad Granth Sahib jee

Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee pitched a tent by the side of Ramsar Sarovar (tank) in Amritsar and started the task of compiling the first edition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Bhai Gurdas Jee (the maternal uncle of Guru Sahib) was entrusted as Guru jee's scribe for the master copy. The monumental task was finally completed after five years. This original edition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib known at that time as Pothi Sahib was installed on a high pedestal within Sri Darbaar Sahib in August 1604. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee seated himself at a lower level and instructed all Sikhs to bow before it, not as an idol, but as the divine spoken word of God, which would save anyone who would enshrine and live by the Divine Word. The revered Baba Buddha jee was appointed the first Granthi (custodian of the Granth).

The Epilogue of the Aad Granth Sahib jee
Guru Arjan Dev jee wrote in the last verses of Aad Granth Sahib jee:

ਮੁੰਦਾਵਣੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਏਹ ਵਸਤੁ ਤਜੀ ਨਹ ਜਾਈ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਰਖੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਤਮ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਚਰਨ ਲਗਿ ਤਰੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਸਾਰੋ ॥੧॥
"Mundaavanee, Fifth Mehl: Upon this Plate, three things have been placed: Truth, Contentment and Spiritual Understanding. The spiritual life giving Naam, the Name of our Lord and Master, has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all. One who eats (this spiritual food) and enjoys it shall be saved. (If you wish to be spiritually saved then) this thing can never be forsaken; keep this always and forever in your mind. O Nanak! (With the blessings of Naam) grasping the Feet of Vaheguru (i.e. Gurbaani) the dark world-ocean is crossed over and (one begins to see) everywhere the Divine Light of Vaheguru is manifest. ||1||"
(Ang 1429)

The whereabouts of the original Aad Granth Sahib jee

Pothi Sahib (known today as the Kartarpur Bir) was kept by the Sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee in his house. From here it was stolen by his grandson called Dheer Mal, who intended to use it to further his claims on the succession of the Guruship. Some thirty years later, the Sikhs of the Ninth Nanak, Guru Tegh Bahadur forcibly recovered it but were instructed by Guru Sahib to return it. But as the Sikhs were far from the town, they placed it in the shallow river bed of the River Satluj. From here Dhir Mal recovered it, miraculously it was undamaged. In 1850, with the annexation of Punjab, the Bir together with its golden stand were discovered by the British in the custody of the Lahore Royal Court. It is said that the present Bir (Volume) remains with Dheer Mal's family, the Sodhis of Kartarpur (Panjab), thus the name Kartarpuri Bir ('Bir' meaning 'Volume'). However, the Sodhi family are reluctant to allow Sikhs full access to the Bir.