June Gurpurbs - Sacrifice & Justice

On 11th June it was Gurgaddi Divas of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee. Saariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee Hove. On 16th June it is the Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom day) of the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Sahib jee. May Guru Sahib bless us all.

SHORT GLIMPSE OF THE GURGADDI DIWAS OF GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB JEE

Threat of Sikhi
During Guru Arjan Sahib jee’s time the Sikh Community flourished and Amritsar became a strong centre for the Sikh People. More and more people of all castes embraced the Path of the Guru and became Sikhs, which included Hindus and Muslims. The Muslim priests did not like this and saw the Sikh Guru as a threat to the propagation of Islam. As a consequence of this they made plans against Guru Sahib.


Enemies of the Guru
Unlike his father, Emperor Jaahangeer's policies and views were fanatical and radical in spreading Islam across India. The enemies of Guru Sahib took advantage of this highly charged atmosphere.

Prithi Chand: The elder brother of Guru Arjan Sahib jee had devoted his whole life to harm the Guru in every possible way. He would misinform the Sikh Sangat and divert Sevadaars away from Langar Seva and other Seva attempting to create chaos. He also attempted to poison and kill the Sixth Guru as a child so that his children would be heirs to the Guru's throne.

Chandu Shah: A Brahman adviser and officer of Jaahangeer, he held animosity over his daughter's non-alliance with the Guru Sahib's son. This is considered the main fuel. When he approached the Guru about a Rishtaa (proposal) he used very derogatory and ego filled words with the Guru that implied that the Guru's family were low and should be lucky that they can be joined to a high class family.

Pandits & Maulvis (Hindu & Muslim Priests): The religious leaders of the Hindus and Muslims were jealous at the popularity of Guru Sahib. Furthermore, the Pandits and the Qazis were enraged at the compilation of Aad Granth Sahib (early form of Guru Granth Sahib jee) which criticised the idol worship and rituals of the Hindus, and also the fasting and hypocrisy of the Muslims.


ArrestGuru Arjan Sahib jee was arrested for various charges:
Aiding Khusro: The enemies of the Guru concocted the real story of Guru Arjan Sahib jee sheltering the rebellious Khusro, Jahangeer's son, who had fled a battle with his father and was a fugitive, to rouse the rage of Emperor Jahangeer which added fuel to the blazing fire.

Blasphemy against Islam: The jealous Qazis (Muslim priests) and Brahman Pandits (Hindu priests) were enraged by Hindus and Muslims embracing the Path of Gurmat and abandoning the authorities of the Qazis, Panddits, Vedas and Quran. The Aad Granth Sahib jee (also known as Pothi Sahib) was claimed to be blasphemous because it did not glorify Islam or the Prophet Muhammad and criticised the Qazis.

Guruship passed to the Sixth Guru
While in prison, before his martyrdom at Lahore, Guru Arjan Sahib jee sent a message to his son, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee, then aged only 11, that from today he should maintain an army. Guru Arjan Sahib jee instructed his son to uphold the concept of Miri-Piri (spiritual and worldly authority) and wear two swords, one representing his spiritual leadership and the other his temporal and political leadership.

Torture and Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib jeeOrders were given to torture Guru Sahib to death but in such a way that no blood is spilt because the Mughals feared that the spilt blood of martyrs would create more future martyrs. Chandu was in charge of the torture. Guru Sahib told him: "I bear no enemies or ill-will against any one. All happens as God Almighty wills it to happen. I am prepared to accept His Will. You may do what you like". Guru Sahib was tortured for five days that included starvation, left exposed in the burning heat of the sun, boiled alive in water, red hot sand poured over the body, and made to sit on a red hot iron plate. On the fifth day, according to historian Bhai Kesar Singh Chhibar, Guru Arjan Dev jee was brought outside near the River Raavi and stoned. One stone hit Guru Sahib on his forehead where his eyebrow was, leading Guru Sahib to attain martyrdom. Two drops of blood fell on the floor and the executioners fearing Jahangeer's order not to spill any blood immersed Guru Sahib's body into the River Raavi. Rumours were later made that Guru Sahib wished to bathe in the river and then gave up his own life as a way of taking the blame away from the government and undermining Guru Sahib's martyrdom.


Saint-Warrior Guru
Soon after, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee constructed Sri Akaal Takht Sahib (the Throne of the Immortal) in front of Sri Darbaar Sahib in Amritsar. He raised two flags representing Miri-Piri and instructed the Sikhs: "My rosary shall be my sword-belt and on my turban I shall wear the emblem of royalty (the Kalgi)." Guru Sahib advised every Sikh to keep a sword and maintain a horse, wherever possible. He recruited a regular army and had a personal bodyguard of 57 horsemen and kept 700 horses, 60 gunmen and 500 infantry men. Thus the sovereign Sikh nation that was a state within a state, started and developed by the earlier Gurus, was consolidated by Guru Hargobind Sahib jee.


SummaryBhai Nand Lal Singh jee summarises the personalities of Guru Arjan Sahib jee and Guru Hargobind Sahib jee with the words "Sacrifice" and "Justice". The Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Arjan Sahib jee and the Gurgaddi Diwas of Guru Hargobind Sahib jee shows that the Guru Sahibs taught the Sikhs how to to remain fearless, steadfast and peaceful whilst being tortured defending the Truth, as well as how to raise the sword and take a stand in the world against tyranny to upkeep justice and freedom.

Boss Sikhi Camp, UK

I applied to go to Boss Sikhi Camp in 2001. It would have been my first experience of a camp and I was really looking forward to but also bit worried because I had recently kept Kesh and didn't know any Sangat. Unfortunately I couldn't make Sikhi Camp 2001 because I fell over and fractured my foot when walking to work from my lunch break - just a week before the camp! Waheguru. My first Sikhi Camp was in summer 2005 that was held in Southampton. As like with Khalsa Camp, there are some misconceptions of Sikhi Camp that it is a camp for Amritdharis or for particular Jatha (group) and that anyone who isn't Amritdhari or cuts their hair is treated badly or not given respect. Far from the truth! Everyone is given respect and dignity in the camp and everyone enjoys the pyaar of Guru Sahib and Gursikhs. It was an excellent camp and I thoroughly enjoyed having darshan of Guru jee and Saadh Sangat for a whole week - so I attend camp in 2006 as well.

What to expect from Sikhi Camp? The organisers always pick nice locations. In 2005 the camp was held at Southampton sea-side and last year it was held in a picturesque part of Wales.


Chardikalaa Gursikhs from early as 2am would start Simran in the Diwaan. At 4am Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee's Saroop was brought with great grandeuar and majesty to the Diwaan and Guru jee's Parkaash seva was done. This was followed with the Amrit-Vela Simran, Nitnem and Aasa Ki Vaar. Although it was not compulsary for all campers, the MAJORITY of campers out of personal choice attended Amrit-Vela and enjoyed it very much. Everyone I have to spoken to who has been to Sikhi Camp will say that the highlight of camp was the way devotion and respect was shown to Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee!


Everyone has to be inside the Guru's Darbaar for 7am for morning Diwaan. In the morning Diwaan everyone recited Japji Sahib that was followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama which was explained and expanded upon in English by knowledgable Gursikhs who related the Hukamnamas to daily life and the individual. This was followed by breakfast.



From 9am to 1pm there were talks followed by informal and open group discussions sitting on the grass. It was very relaxing but if you're not careful you can get sun burnt! Best to sit in the shade! I know some people get worried that the talks or speakers will be talking down to others, however all the campers I spoke to found the the talks as non-judgemental and welcoming. The discussions allowed campers to share their views and raise questions regarding the talks.



Lunch was from 1pm to 2pm. This followed by activities up to 5pm. The activities were organised and run by the Army. The activities were hiking, abseiling, assault course, football, archery and there was a water sport (but I didn't go because most people came back drenching wet from head to toe!).



5pm to 6pm was relax and refresh time. 6pm sharp everyone used to be in the Guru's Darbaar. The atmosphers of the Guru Darbaar is electric. There would be Keertan by campers followed by Rehraas Sahib, Aarti De Shabad sung, Ardaas and Hukamnama. During both camps the weather was very hot. It was amazing to see campers volunteer to fan the Sangat using pieces of large cardboard. Very humbling to see.

Langar was served after the evening Diwaan. The Langar was Chardikalaa! Like Khalsa Camp, the cakes and other nice treats were great! Aunty jees worked really really hard in Langar seva.



Sikhi Camp is great place for making friends from all over the UK. Through Sangat of others you learn from one and another. Its a relaxed environment where you can enjoy yourself and learn about Sikhi.

On the last day of the camp there was an extended Keertan Darbaar. Great Keertan that everyone enjoyed and took part in.



The coach journey going to camp and coming back was memorable. On the Southall coach everyone did Keertan. It was an amazing atmosphere and nice way to end camp with.

Boss Sikhi Camp is really nice camp to meet Gursikhs, make friends and learn about Sikhi. I would recommend it to everyone.

Mark your calendar for Sunday 26th August to Saturday 1st September to participate in the camp. For more information and to apply, check out www.SikhiCamp.com. If you wish to get £10 discount, then apply before 30th June.

The Third Sikh Holocaust

Today, June 6th, marks the 23rd anniversary of when military tanks stormed Sri Harmandar Sahib (the Golden Temple), Amritsar, and the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of one of the 20th century's greatest Sikh Saint-Warriors, Mahaapurakh Giani Baba Jarnail Singh jee Bhindran Wale alongside thousands of brave Sikhs who became immortal martyrs. Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam.

“No prayers stir the silence under golden dome of the Golden Temple. There are no priests left to intone them. They are all dead or missing. The musical instruments which at all times drummed out the tones and rhythms of worship are quiet for the first time in centuries. There are no visitors, only soldiers. The Sikhs Holy Bible is closed, covered by a blue cloth. There is no one to read its scriptures. It is like the Vatican without a Pope. At the other end of the causeway that links the Temple to the Akhal Takhat, the second most sacred shrine in Sikhdom, the quiet is more permanent.”

- Ross Benson of the Daily Express on June 19 1984

"Akaal Takhat has totally sacrificed itself. I would like you to share with me something which I have been sharing all along. Akaal Takhat has its own independent sovereign identity. Akaal Takhat had to sacrifice itself to awaken these Sikhs. There was no other way...

Out of my pain, I have been praying whenever I go to Gurdwara. Whenever I go to some houses, I have nothing to share because there is liquor and chicken and this and that. Through just seeing this impurity in tons and tons I would pray every morning, "Guru Jee, if there will be no purity, there will be no Khalsa. Do something!" I think that what Guru has done is to ask Akaal Takhat to go ahead now and sacrifice. I think the sacrifice is very timely. It will just awaken every sleeping soul."
- Bhai Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi jee on July 1 1984 (New Mexico)

On this day let's do Ardaas (pray) for the Chardikalaa of the Khalsa Panth and read Gurbaani that reminds us of the sacrifices and great jeevans of these Gurmukhs.

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ, ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਣੇ. ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ।
naanak naam chaRdee kalaa, tere bhaaNe sarbat da bhalla.
Through Guru Nanak may Naam, the Name of the Lord, be exalted; May all Humanity prosper according to Your Will.
(Sikh Ardaas)

Bhagat Puran Singh Jee - Epitome of Seva

Today is the birthday of one of the most prominent Gursikhs of the 20th century - Bhagat Puran Singh jee. He gave most of his adult life to the total selfless service to terminal and mentally ill patients, who in most cases had been abandoned by their families and society at large. He gave his life to provide the last hope for these desperate patients. It is recorded that whenever and wherever he saw a deserted dead body (human or animal), he would immediately prepare by his own hand a grave and give the corpse a deserving burial or cremation as a sign of respect for the dead body. He is recorded to have said, "Dignity in death is a birthright of each living thing." Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Piaare.

SUMMARY OF BHAGAT PURAN SINGH JEE'S JEEVAN (LIFE)
Adapted from article on www.SikhiWiki.org


Childhood
On 4th June 1904, Bhagat Puran Singh jee was born in the house of Bhai Chaudhari Chibu Mal and Bibi Mehtab Kaur at Rajewal, district Ludhiana. As a child Bhagat jee was named "Raamjee Daas" was raised in a Hindu household. Due to poverty he had to leave school and his parents made him do seva at Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj and Gurdwara Dera Sahib. From an early age, Bhagat jee's mother had taught and inspired him to help others and to do Nishkaam Seva (fee selfless service). Bhagat jee wrote: "From my childhood, my mother had asked me to do personal service to all the creations of God. This tender and distinct feelings of virtuous tasks was ingrained in my mind. My mother had taught me to provide water to the animals, plant trees and water newly planted saplings, offer feed to the Sparrows, Crows and Mynahs, pick up thorns from the paths, and remove the stones from cart tracks. This had embedded the Name of the Almighty in my heart. She had entrusted me to the custody of Gurdwara Dera Sahib [in Lahore] and started me on a path of virtuous living. By following this path your mind can never waver."


Becoming a Sikh
In his early life Bhagat jee used to travel a lot from village to village and would stay at a Mandir (Hindu Temple). One day when he was staying at a Mandar (Temple) and the Brahmins (Hindu priests) told him to clean the temple and then when he was done they sat in front of him and ate the food without offering any to him. Incidentally the next time he had to stay at a Gurdwara Sahib, the Gurdwara Granthi Singh not only gave him good food (Langar) but also a cot and a glass of milk afterwards, without asking for any seva (service) for the Gurdwara in return for the hospitality. After this incident of recieving indiscriminate pyaar (love) and affection from the House of Guru Nanank, Bhagat Puran Singh jee embraced Sikhi without thinking twice. Bhagat jee wrote: "Every night 25-30 travellers would come to the Gurdwara to stay; they were all served food from the common kitchen. This culture of the Gurdwaras deeply affected me"


Dedication to the Cause of Humanity
In 1924, at the age of 19, Bhagat jee he vowed a life dedicated to seva and serving humanity. Since then Bhagat jee tirelessly carried out seva barefooted, day and night in scorching heat and biting cold, in rains and under dust storms, undeterred by adversities, undaunted by criticism, and unruffled by the obstacles that crop up on the path of social service. Friend of the abandoned, helper of the helpless, a ready nurse for a patient of any disease however loathsome, infectious, unmindful of his personal health; safety or convenience, making not the slightest distinction on the basis of caste, creed or community regarding the person in need of his service; this single man has, by his example and precept, inspired many and with their co-operation has, in a short space of nine years, built from a scratch what may justly claim to be an institution. Bhagat jee served and cared for both humans and animals.


Institution of Pingalwara
In 1947, Bhagat jee founded the institute called "Pingalwara" meaning "The Home of the Cripple" with a few discarded cripple or sick patients. The word "Pingal" means "Cripple" and "Waaraa" mean "Home". Today, this institute which is run by Bibi Dr Inderjeet Kaur jee cares for over 1000 patients.


Environmentalist & Writer
Bhagat jee was also writer as well as publisher and an environmentalist. Bhagat jee's contribution in spreading awareness about the global dangers of environmental pollution, increasing soil erosion, etc are now well recognised. For his dedication and unreserved service to humanity was awarded with many honours from many quarters. Prestigious among these was the "Padamshri Award" in 1979, which he surrendered in the wake of the army attack on the Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) and the bloodbath in Panjab in 1984.


Summary
Bhagat jee left for his heavenly abode on 5th August 5 1992, aged 88 years. Bhagat Puran Singh jee's life practically shows Guru Nanak Sahib jee's divine words:

ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥ ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੋਖੰਤਰੁ ਪਾਏ ॥੨॥
Bẖā­o bẖagaṯ kar nīcẖ saḏā­ė. Ŧa­o Nānak mokẖanṯar pā­ė. ||2||
With loving devotional worship, abiding in humility, O Nanak, salvation is attained. ||2||
(Ang 470)

Bhagat Puran Singh would echo Guru Nanak Dev... "I have learnt by the light shed by the Master, perfectly endowed; Recluse, hero, celibate or sanyassi - No one may expect to earn merit without dedicated service — Service which is the essence of purity."

May Guru Sahib do Kirpaa on us all. Bhagat Puran Singh jee's life exemplifies a life of Seva and Simran who practically made a difference in the world through letting Guru Sahib do seva through him. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Guru Ke Piaare.

More info: http://www.pingalwaraonline.org/

3 K's or 5 K's?

On Saturday, I was cashing up money with the Manager and the Manager asked me what my religion was. I said that I was a Sikh. He replied, "O yeah! Sikhs". He said he lived in Coventry and had seen Sikhs. He then said, "So do you wear the 3 Ks? Let me remember what they are... is the first "K" - "Koran"?" Waheguru! I couldn't stop laughing. I said firstly there are "5 Ks" and secondly "Koran" is a religious book not an article of faith. Shockingly he then said, "So is the Koran your religious book?" Sat Naam, Waheguru. "No, its the holy book of the Muslims," I replied. It was very surprising that he was from the part of Coventry where there lived a lot of Sikhs yet he didn't know who's holy book the Koran was! However, with Waheguru's Kirpaa after showing my Kirpaan and Karaa, he said that he remembered what he had learnt at school years ago. Rab da Shukar.

Saturday night was the end of month youth keertan at Southall Park Avenue Gurdwara. It was nice to see new faces and new Keertanis. Next week there's a youth keertan programme on Saturday 2nd June at Seven King's Gurdwara starting 7pm to late, and also there's a programme in Leicester at Gurdwara Gur Panth Parkaash, Ashford Road, from 6.30pm to 10pm.

Here's some photos of Saturday's youth keertan in Southall:








On Bank Holiday Monday I was working! I was standing at the cash desk and I saw a family walk into the store. The customer came up to me with his son and wife behind him. He said, "Excuse me mate... I would like to order two CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA CURRYS please." I glared at him and thought "Hai? Chicken Tikka? Where am I going to get Chicken for you from - forget Tikka Masala Chicken!" I didn't know what to say. I was just shocked that I am standing in an electrical store and a man is asking me for a Chicken Curry! Waheguru. Rab Raakhaa!

Then the man said, "Go on then... Can I order some Currys please." I looked at him with a confused face lost for words! He was either barking mad or I thought he must have been thinking that I reminded him of an Indian restaurant waiter or something (scary if he did think that!). He then pointed to a huge sign at the back of the store that had the store name "Currys" on it. The man said, "I am standing in Currys right?" and then started to laugh. I started to laugh as well. The man said that his son and him had a bet on whether he could ask me for a Curry because the store name was "Currys". He said that his son was moaning and groaning that he felt hungry and that he promised him a Curry for lunch. Instead of taking him to the restaurant, he teased him by bring him to the "Currys" electrical store. Waheguru. It was funny after he told me.

Khalsa Camp, UK

Time has flown by and now summer is just around the corner. Summer holidays means a summer of camps! Last year was my first year at Khalsa Camp. I was slightly apprehensive about going as I didn't know what to expect at the camp. However, I applied and ended up going. The atmosphere at Khalsa Camp was amazing. Everyone was so friendly, warm and welcoming. The amount of pyaar (love) and humility shown definitely moved my heart, and speaking to others who attended the camp (people with cut hair, non-Amritdharis and Amritdharis) - they felt this from the camp sevadaars and the whole camp as well.



So, what to expect at Khalsa Camp? I was pleasantly surprised that everyone got an ensuite room to sleep. This was helpful to go to sleep and get rest without being disturbed! Otherwise camp can be very tiring.


Everyone wakes up before 4am and has to be inside the Guru's Darbaar for 4am sharp for Amrit-Velaa. Everyone I have to spoken to who has been to Khalsa Camp will say that the highlight of Khalsa Camp is the AMRIT-VELA (early morning) Simran and Nitnem together with the Sangat. It was very powerful and you can feel the power and energy of Naam in the environment. 4am to 5am is Naam Simran, 5 am to 6am is Nitnem (daily prayers) followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama.


6am to 8am is SNOOZE TIME. lol. It was good to get time to rest after Nitnem so that one feels fresh and awake for the rest of the day. 8am to 9am was breakfast.



From 9am to 1pm there were two talks with discussions and afterwards campers had the option of choosing a workshop on the subject of their choice. I would describe the talks as very deep, thought-provoking and spiritual relating to the individual and life. It was nice to see a mixture of seriousness and reflection as well as comedy, humour and fun in the talks.



Lunch was from 1pm to 2pm. This followed by activities up to 5pm. The activities ranged from Dastaar (turban) tying class, yoga exercise, netball, football, go-karting, horse-riding and more. Go-karting was funny! Well I shouldn't say that - it was dangerous and PAINFUL for some. No names mentioned, some Singhs from London bashed their cars into one another - didn't look too good! Although I'm not a brilliant driver, with Guru Sahib's Kirpaa I didn't crash into anybody or anything!


5pm to 6pm was relax and refresh time. 6pm sharp everyone used to be in the Guru's Darbaar. There would be Keertan by campers followed by Rehraas Sahib, Ardaas and Hukamnama.



One day everyone went to the sea-side! It was a nice day out. Some people had water fights in the sea, others played volleyball and some just walked on the sandy beach and soaked up the nice weather.



On that day Keertan was done on the beach. It was mind blowing. There was a particular young Keertani from India who sang amazingly. Whenever there was Keertan, everyone sang along and you can feel that everyone was immersed in the Sangat and Shabad. It was like heaven on earth.


Langar was served at 7pm. The Langar was Chardikalaa! Like Boss Sikhi Camp, the cakes and other nice treats were great! Summer time always means putting on a few extra pounds for me with all camps having chardikalaa langar :)

8pm to 9pm there were optional discussions that took place in small groups. Usually at the end of day a lot of campers had questions in their mind or wanted answers about something. This was a good opportunity for those people to go along and share their thoughts or even just listen to what others have to say and learn from it. The evening was open to campers. Most campers were in bed by 10pm ready to wake up in the morning!

I am glad I attended Khalsa Camp. You have to experience it yourself to know the feeling. I am looking forward to Khalsa Camp 2007.

Mark your calendar for Saturday 18th to Thursday 23rd August to participate in the camp. For more information and to apply, check out www.KhalsaCamp.com


Next post on camps will be about my experience at Boss Sikhi Camp.