Friday, July 04, 2014

Boiled Alive: Shaheed Bhai Gurdev Singh 'Debu'

Shaheed Bhai Dyala jee


In 1675 Bhai Dyala jee, who was arrested with Guru Teg Bahadar jee and two other Gursikhs, was boiled alive on the orders of Aurangzeb for refusing to leave Sikhi. 312 years later, history repeated. On 3rd July 1987, Bhai Gurdev Singh 'Debu' was boiled alive by Panjab Police for the crime of fighting for the freedom struggle and Sikh cause against state terror and oppression.

Bhai Gurdev Singh 'Debu'

The body of Shaheed Bhai Gurdev Singh after villagers recovered it from the Police


Please watch interview of Bhai Gurdev Singh's sister on the life and shaheedi of Bhai Sahib:





Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

First TV commercial in US featuring Sikhs...

I just came across this video today on the Internet of a TV commercial that is being aired in the US...



A message from SALDEF, a Sikh American civil rights and educational organization:
"Starting the week of June 30th and running through July 27, 2014, Comcast will donate one million dollars in airtime on cable channels on Comcast to air a PSA featuring Waris Ahluwalia, a Sikh American actor and designer, recognizing Sikh Americans as a vibrant part of America’s cultural tapestry. Using a SALDEF-created script, the PSA demonstrates through words and images how Sikh Americans’ values are America’s values, including a love of service, family, and community."


This is a great initiative by Sikhs in America. It would be great to see such adverts across the world to help bring Sikhs to the forefront and expose the great contributions Sikhs have and are making to society. Hopefully such videos will dismiss many people's misconceptions of Sikhs and create a greater understanding and appreciation of Sikh identity.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

'Game of Love' - New Sikhi blog...

Message to Sangat:

Sewadaars of Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bradford have set up a new blog to share inspirational articles based on Gurmat with the Sangat.




Monday, June 23, 2014

Summer Sikh camps for under 16s...

 
30 June – 6 July 2014
Austria Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camp (Age: 4  – 18)
Gurdwara Nanaksar Vienna, Wien, Austria 

7 – 20 July 2014
Paris Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camp (Age: 4  – 18)
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Lot 1919 No. 85/386, 1618 - Rue De La Ferme, 93000 Bobigny, France
Tel: +33 6 05 92 80 52


19 – 20 July 2014
Sikh Unity Camp (All ages)
9am to 5pm
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Grant St, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 9HD
Register: www.singhsabhabradford.com


19 – 23 July 2014
South Shields Gurmat Camp
(Age: 5+)
Gurdwara Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas, 
West Way, South Shields, NE33 4
 

21 – 27 July 2014
Sweden Sikh Family Camp
(Age: 5 – Adults)
Gurdwara Sangat Sahib Förening Dymmelkärrsv. 23 14650 Tullinge, Stockholm.
Tel +46 (0) 8-778 14 14 


21 – 27 July 2014
Holland Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camps
(Age: 4 – 18)
2 day camps in both Amsterdam Gurdwaras and Rotterdam Gurdwara.


27 July 2 August 2014
Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh Memorial Gurmat Camp
(Age: 8 –15)
Nanaksar Gurdwara, Wellington Street, Pleck, Walsall



4 – 8 August 2014  
Slough Sikh Family Camp (Age: 5+ – Adults)
Khalsa Primary School
Khalsa Primary School, Wexham Road, Slough, SL2 5QR
www.khalsaprimaryschool.com


3 – 8 August 2014  

Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara South Birmingham
629-635 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 4LS
www.facebook.com/pages/SNA-Gurmat-Camps/151467354934736
www.sna.org.uk

4 – 8 August 2014
Slough Sikh Family Camp
(Age: 5+ – Adults)
Khalsa Primary School
Khalsa Primary School, Wexham Road, Slough, SL2 5QR
www.khalsaprimaryschool.com

4 – 8 August 2014
Caldmore Walsall Gurmat Camp
(Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara, West Bromwich Street, Walsall, WS1 4DE
https://www.facebook.com/GuruNanakGurdwara


10 – 15 August 2014
Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp
(Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Har Rai Gurdwara 128 High St, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6JW
www.facebook.com/pages/SNA-Gurmat-Camps/151467354934736
www.sna.org.uk


11 – 15 August 2014

Southall Sikhi Camp
(Singh Sabha Southall) (Age: 7 – 15)
£10 fee and induction on 11th August
Khalsa Primary School, Norwood Green Rd, Southall, Middlesex UB2 4LA


11 – 15 August 2014
South London Sikh Youth Gurmat Summer Camp 
(Age: 8 – 21)
Under 12s £15 fee;  Over 12s £20 fee.
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 1 Calderwood Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6QW
info@southlondonsikhyouth.com

18 – 24 August 2014
Connect 2 Sikhi Camp
(Age: 7 – 16)
East London, venue TBC
www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Sikhi/344775912276305
www.connect2sikhi.com


 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Khalsa Camp 2014 - Book Now...




Still undecided on your plans for this summer?

Looking for a relaxing but uplifting experience?


Then book a place at Khalsa Camp this year to end your summer holidays with an experience that will spiritually uplift you and aid your journey in Discovering the Spirit Within!

There is less then two weeks left for anyone wishing to take advantage of the early birds discount, so don’t miss your chance to get a place at the UK’s most premium and longest running Sikhi Camp.

Khalsa Camp provides accommodation and food for attendees for the 5-day duration of the camp. The content of the camp is a mixture of talks, discussions, seminars, Kirtan, Simran and activities. We always work hard to bring the most enlightening, inspiring and educational experience you can imagine within a 5-day period.


With us conducting Khalsa Camps around the world and being well-established internationally, you're in the best hands possible to learn about your Guru and grow your Sikhi.

No matter what stage of Sikhi you are at in your life, there is one focus at Khalsa Camp - to provide you with the tools to help you 'Discover the Spirit Within'.

Places are going fast, so book now to avoid disappointment!


 
Please note Khalsa Camp is for anyone aged 16+. If you have any questions you can email us at info@khalsacamp.co.uk



 
Early Bird bookers fee £150, which includes:

* Inspiring international guest speakers - including the renowned Bhai Paramjit Singh Khalsa Anandpur Sahib wale
* Top class facilities with en-suite rooms
* Wide range of fun activities
* Open andrelaxed atmosphere
* Over 300 people from all backgrounds
* Transportation from around the UK
* Food, accommodation & more included
* Genuine spiritually uplifting experience
* All this for just £150 until 30th June 2014!



 

 
 
 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Leamington's Monday Simran Programme...


Snapshots of Monday Simran from March 2008
Six years ago the youth with the support and blessings of local respected Gursikh Mata jees, began a weekly youth simran programme at Leamington and Warwick Gurdwara every Monday evening. The programme was aimed at encouraging children and youngsters help one another to learn and do Simran on vaaja, Ardaas, Sukhaasan seva and with Guru Sahib's kirpaa Hukamnama seva. At the end of the diwaans a short explanation of the Hukamnama would take place along with a new point about Rehat and a key word would be shared with the children to increase their knowledge of Gurmat. In the beginning years after the programme the dedicated mothers of the children and elderly Mata jees would warm some milk up and someone would make some small snacks from home and share with the Sangat. Over the years there have also been Gurbani kantth (memorising Gurbani) competitions and the giving of prizes for children who memorise Gurbani or achieved enough confidence to start doing simran on the vaja, doing Ardaas or Hukamnama seva.

Snapshots of Monday Simran from July 2008

I remember a short while after the first Gurbani kantth (memorising) competition was mentioned to the children in the sangat six years ago, a 7 year old veer jee came up and said to me that now his morning Nitnem is Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Svaiye and Chaupai Sahib. He also told me that his 10 year old cousin's morning Nitnem is now Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Svaiye, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib. These were children that never did Nitnem, and now with Guru jee's kirpaa and the support of the family do Sehaj Paatths regularly. It is amazing how with a small prize and gift a child can be encouraged to get attached to Gurbani. The nicest point was once when giving a child a gift the child said to me that he now no longer needed a gift for memorising Bani because Guru jee had blessed him with all he could want. Vaheguru!

Group photo taken last month of children who had memorised Gurbani Paatth and were given prizes.

Over the six years, the children have grown up and moved on getting busy with their studies and exams. Now, there is a new group of young upcoming children that have so much energy. Last Monday when I went to the Monday Simran programme I was so happy to see so many new faces and see young children who cannot even reach over the Vaja to pull the fan doing Simran with the help of either their parents or other elder children.

Some photos of the children this Monday evening's Simran programme:

 

 


10 year old Jeevan Singh doing Ardaas in a sweet voice and devotion

11 year old Nisha Kaur taking Hukamnama

11 year old Nisha Kaur taking Hukamnama

10 year old Jeevan Singh doing Sukhaasan Seva
10 year old Jeevan Singh doing Sukhaasan Seva

The future of Sikhi is bright if we allow children an opportunity to get involved in the Gurdwara, motivate them to keep Rehat, and create enjoyment in reading and memorising Gurbani. I hope this type of simple format children's programme can be duplicated across other Gurdwaras.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

New month begins: Haarh (ਹਾੜ)...

 
This month Guru Arjan Dev jee, gives us the following instruction:


ਆਸਾੜੁ ਤਪੰਦਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਲਗੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਹੁ ਨ ਜਿੰਨਾ ਪਾਸਿ ॥
The month of Aasaarh seems burning hot to that person (and those people heat up like the month of Haarh) who does not have Vaheguru, the Lord-Husband, enshrined in their heart. 

ਜਗਜੀਵਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਕੈ ਮਾਣਸ ਸੰਦੀ ਆਸ ॥
They have forsaken (the support of) Vaheguru, the Support and Life of the World, and have come to rely and place hopes in people.  

ਦੁਯੈ ਭਾਇ ਵਿਗੁਚੀਐ ਗਲਿ ਪਈਸੁ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫਾਸ ॥
(Other than Vaheguru) taking any other support the soul-bride is ruined; around her neck she wears the noose of Death. 

ਜੇਹਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੈ ਮਥੈ ਜੋ ਲਿਖਿਆਸੁ ॥
(Nature's law are such that) as someone plants, (according to the past Karma) that what is written on one's forehead, that is which one shall harvest and receive. 

ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ਪਛੁਤਾਣੀ ਉਠਿ ਚਲੀ ਗਈ ਨਿਰਾਸ ॥

(For the soul-bride who forgets the Support and Life of the World,) the life-night passes away, and in the end, she comes to regret and repent, and then depart with no hope at all. 

ਜਿਨ ਕੌ ਸਾਧੂ ਭੇਟੀਐ ਸੋ ਦਰਗਹ ਹੋਇ ਖਲਾਸੁ ॥
Those who meet with the Guru are honoured and beautified in the Court of the Lord. 


ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਆਪਣੀ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰਸਨ ਹੋਇ ਪਿਆਸ ॥
O Vaheguru! Show Your Mercy to me, (in my mind) my I always thirst for Your Blessed Vision.


ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੁਧੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਕੀ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥

(Because) O Vaheguru! Without You there is no other support and hope at all. This is Nanak's humble prayer. 

ਆਸਾੜੁ ਸੁਹੰਦਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਲਗੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣ ਨਿਵਾਸ ॥੫॥

In that person's mind within in which Vaheguru's Lotus Feet abide, they find (even the heated) month of Haarh pleasant (i.e. the world's pain and troubles cannot make them suffer). ||5|| 


(Ang 133)

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

"There's no good people in the world..."


A re-post of an old inspirational blog post linked to Guru Arjan Dev Jee's Shaheedi day.
(Originally posted 27th September 2011)






During Dastaar Day in London on Sunday, I met Bhai Amrik Singh is a Sikh Chaplain working at Heathrow Airport who shared an inspirational story...

During Guru Arjan Dev jee's Shaheedi purb (martyrdom day) the Sikhs working at Heathrow airport decided to give out free ice creams to the public and at the same time give out a small and simple leaflet about the Gurpurb. Sikh volunteers got on the buses and gave out free ice-creams to the passengers and then handed over the small leaflet. At the end the bottom of the leaflet was Bhai Amrik Singh jee's contact details and phone number.

One young lady who was given a free ice-cream on the bus rang Bhai Amrik Singh that evening. She said,
"Hi, I got a free ice-cream today and got your number from the leaflet. I was going through a really bad day. I am going through a divorce and I am feeling depressed and sad about life and the world. I was thinking there's no good people in the world, when a lovely Sikh man offered me a free ice-cream. I got home and remembered I was given a leaflet. I read the leaflet and found out about Guru Arjan Dev. Reading the leaflet has changed me. I thought my pain and suffering was bad, but reading about Guru Arjan Dev everything got put in perspective. What I was going through was nothing like what the Guru went through. I couldn't believe and get over how he said, "I accept God's Will sweetly" whilst going through so much torture. I just wanted to say thanks for making me realise this and changing my life."

Bhai Sahib said that since they have commemorated the Gurpurb in this way every year and do similar things for other Gurpurbs.



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Toronto Singhs Camp 2014...

With the blessings of Guru Sahib, Toronto Singhs Camp was held from Wednesday 28th May to Sunday 1st June. This is the fourth year the camp has been running. Toronto Singhs Camp provides inspiration and motivation to young and old who want to discover the essence of Sikhi. The camp is aimed to reach out to people of different backgrounds and levels of understanding of Sikhi. The camp was attended by around 70 people. The camp is aimed at people aged 17 years and above. It is a great opportunity to experience Sikhi in a relaxed, friendly and spiritually charged environment. Toronto Singhs Camp 2014 took place at camp Kintail, a beautiful scenic camp site located in Southwestern Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron. The beautiful beach scenery and natural surroundings helped to connect with and appreciate the Creator.


The theme of the camp was "khanio tikhee vaalo nikkee et maaraj chalnaa" and looking at the idea of balance in Gurmat in relation to different topics. On Thursday, Bhai Mani Singh did a workshop on survival skills and facilitated capture the flag game, and in the evening Bhai Gursev Singh did a workshop on Gurmat's take on anger, domestic violence and leadership styles. Bhai Gursev Singh's lecture was not only very important and relevant to today's society, but it also challenged the campers minds on how and why we react to situations in certain ways. Very interesting and motivational session! On Friday Bhai Sarbjeet Singh did a workshop on self-defense and Shastar-vidiya. Bhai Sahib is very passionate about Sikhi. He teaches a mixed martial art which includes Gatka and other styles. In the afternoon, Daas did a lecture on Maya and living in this world. On Saturday Bhai Balpreet Singh from World Sikh Organization Canada did a thought-provoking and inspirational talk on the concept of Shaheedi in Gurmat. Who is a Shaheed and what does Shaheedi really mean. In the afternoon Bhai Amar Singh Nihang did a workshop on the beach on what is Dharam and issues relating to Kaam and Kalyug. The last workshop was on Sunday, looking at the concept of love and the obligation to adhere to Rehat and whether they link etc. 

The day began with mandatory Amrit-vela Naam Simran and Nitnem from 4am to 6am, followed by breakfast. Straight after the Nitnem, Aasa kee Vaar keertan took place and then there was breakfast. Yes. The camp was so Chardikala that they provide breakfast twice! lol. After a rest period campers had physical activities provided like water sports, rock climbing and zip wire etc. Then there was lunch followed by workshop/presentation. After a quick food break there was another workshop/presentation followed by Rehraas Sahib and evening Diwaan. The Keertan was just amazing at the camp. From amazing Rehraas Sahib sung on the Vaaja by a Bhaji to the moving keertan sung in Raag by campers. The night time activities included bonfire night, Rainsbaaee Keertan and a workshop talk. I must say the day was very packed but at the same time a lot of freedom and time to relax throughout the day.

The Sangat was really friendly and no one was made to feel like an outsider or feel alone. It was so nice to see the Panthic spirit in the camp with people associated to different Jathas doing Sangat with one another with no issues being made of small difference in understanding of Maryada. The camp sevadaars did amazing job in organising the camp! I must say the camp felt like a mini-Langar Smaagam. I have heard of three meals a day - but I think the Singhs in Toronto achieved a record by having about ten meals a day! Vaheguru. Having been to many camps, this camp and the Sangat left a very positive impression on my mind. I hope the camp sevadaars continue to do the good work and with Guru Sahib's blessings Toronto Singhs Camp grows in its success.

Some photos of the camp:
 Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee

"Jhooltay Nishaan Rehan Panth Maharaaj Ke..."

Amazing talk by Bhai Gursev Singh Toronto. Bhai Sahib's style of presentating is really interactive, fun and motivational.


During the camp there were audition trials for the new Spider Man movie

Volleyball match on the beach.

Action scene for new Punjabi movie. (Self-defense class really) 

Learning how to take a Hukamnama from Larreedaar Saroop of Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee

A new jatha in town. Taking bookings and they accept credit card payments :)

Water sports

 Bhaji preferred to be in the water than the boat.

Langar! Langar! Langar! The Langar Sevadaars did a great job. They probably over fed everyone with a month's worth of Langar in a week, but they worked tirelessly and did a great job. No camper complained about langar but a few campers were left confused how they had ate so much at the camp. lol


Evening Darbaar... mind blowing keertan

 
Satguru jee's night time resting room

 Workshop - "how to do a Havan". (joking! It was a harmless camp fire and Gurbani vichaar)

Inspiring presentation by Bhai Balpreet Singh on Shaheedi

 Talk on love and Rehat

 Archery

 
Campers go to the jungle to find Saag and Thaneeyaa for Langar (joking! - Capture the flag game!)

 Simran and Rehraas Sahib keertan on the beach

Bhai Aman Singh Nihang workshop on the beach. It was lovely weather that day.

 Group photo of some the campers


For more photos check Toronto Singhs Camp Facebook and Bhai Ranjit Singh's Facebook (who took most of the amazing photos!)


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Japanese-American Sikh...

Conversation with Japanese-American Sikh, Bibi Atma Kaur jee (formerly Mary Okazaki):













Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Dhan Guru Amar Daas Jee...

ਭਲੇ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਉਪਮਾ ਤੋਹਿ ਬਨਿ ਆਵੈ ॥੧॥੨੨॥
bhale amardaas gun tere, teree upmaa tohi ban aavai.
"In the Bhalla family Guru Amar Daas jee has been revealed! Your Glorious Virtues cannot be described; You alone are like You."
(Ang 1396)

Good wishes to everyone on the happy occasion of Guru Amar Daas jee's Parkaash Divas (birth day). May Satguru jee fill the home of our heart with Naam and Gurmat virtues.



A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU AMAR DAAS SAHIB JEE SAHIB

Background
Guru Amar Daas jee was born in the village Basarke, near Amritsar, on Vaisakh 24 in the year 1479. Guru jee was the eldest son of Sri Tej Bhaan jee who was a farmer and trader and Mata Lachhmee jee, his devoted mother. From a young age he was spiritual and in search of the Truth. Guru jee was married at the age of 28 to Mata Manshi jee and had two sons (Bhai Mohri jee and Bhai Mohan jee) and two daughters (Bibi Daanee jee and Bibi Bhaanee jee). The search for the truth led him to go on pilgrimages to places like Hardwar, the river Ganga and other shrines. However, he was never spiritually satisfied. Once on the way back from Hardwar, a Brahmin saw the bottom of the feet of Guru Amar Daas jee. Looking at the outline of the feet, he folded his hands and commented that "Maharaaj, in your holy feet is supreme status. Supreme status is only found in the feet of a Great Holy Being, in the feet of someone who is an Avtaar (incarnation of God)." Guru jee replied, "I am pilgrim in search of the Truth." Days, months and years passed and the search, thirst and pull towards the Truth increased.

The search ends
Eventually one day the search ended. Guru Amar Daas jee heard a Gurbani Shabad uttered through the sacred mouth of Guru Nanak Dev jee through Bibi Amro jee, who was the daughter in-law of Guru Amar Daas jee's younger brother and the daughter of Guru Angad Dev jee. The Shabad was:
ਮੋਤੀ ਤ ਮੰਦਰ ਊਸਰਹਿ ਰਤਨੀ ਤ ਹੋਹਿ ਜੜਾਉ ||
ਕਸਤੂਰਿ ਕੁੰਗੂ ਅਗਰਿ ਚੰਦਨਿ ਲੀਪਿ ਆਵੈ ਚਾਉ ||
ਮਤੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਭੂਲਾ ਵੀਸਰੈ ਤੇਰਾ ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਉ ||੧||
ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਜੀਉ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ||
ਮੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਛਿ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਅਵਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਥਾਉ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||...
"If I had a palace made of pearls, inlaid with jewels, scented with musk, saffron and sandalwood, a sheer delight to behold -seeing this, I might go astray and forget You, and Your Name would not enter into my mind. ||1|| Without the Lord, my soul is scorched and burnt. I consulted my Guru, and now I see that there is no other place at all. ||1||Pause||..."
(Ang 14 - Full Shabad)
He went to his daughter in-law and asked whose Bani (Sacred Words) are you reading? She replied, "Dear father, I am reading the revealed Words of Guru Nanak Dev jee. My father is their successor,  the second Guru." Through Bibi Amro jee Guru Amar Daas jee was united with Guru Angad Dev jee. Despite being thirty years older and being father in-law of his daughter, Guru Amar Daas jee bowed to Guru Angad Dev jee Sahib. This illustrated that age or relationship (ਰਿਸ਼ਤੇ) has no relevance in the relationship between Guru and the Sikh.

The Guru's tests
Just as Guru Nanak Dev jee tested the faith of Bhai Lehna jee who then became Guru Angad Dev jee, similarly Guru Angad Dev jee tested Guru Amar Daas jee. Guru Amar Daas jee would day and night immerse himself in Seva and Simran and personified Gurmat. In addition to Seva in the Guru's Kitchen, every Amrit-vela he would go to the River Beas and fill a container of water that Guru Angad Dev jee used to use to bathe with. One day, in the middle of the night, returning from River Beas with a container of water, he passed the house of a weaver. Outside the house his foot stumbled against a wooden peg that made him fall over into the pit of the weaver's loom. The weaver asked his wife, "Who is this in the middle of the night?" His wife said, "Don't worry in the middle of the night, it is Amroo Nithaanaa - Amroo the homeless one." Although he fell hard, he made sure the container of water never spilled over. The flowing endless river represents the Guru, and the container represents the body. Filling the container with water everyday, was not just filling water, but filling the body with the virtues of the Guru. Stumbling was the ups and downs of life and the world. Despite the world's ups and downs, he never allowed the Guru's virtues to escape or leave him.

Passing the test of Guruship
When this news reached Guru Angad Dev jee, he responded "Amar Dass jee is not homeless, he the Home of the homeless, Shelter for the shelterless and Helper of the helpless..." Guru Amar Daas Sahib jee served Guru Angad Dev jee with utmost devotion and dedication. Besides fetching water from the River Beas, Guru jee would collect firewood for the Guru's Kitchen, serve Langar to the Sangat, clean the floor mats and carry water for Guru's Kitchen. Every year Guru Angad Dev jee acknowledged his services by conferring upon him a Siropa (a robe of honour) which the Great Guru wrapped around his head. Guru Amar Daas jee was honoured with a Siropa seven times. Seva (selfless service) is one of the main tenets of the House of Guru Nanak Dev jee , exemplified through the lives of the Gurus. Guru Amar Daas jee was the oldest aged Guru, illustrating that even the physically old can make change. 

Responding to Hostility with Humility
Bhai Datu jee, son of Guru Angad Dev jee, considered himself to be the claimant of 'Gurgaddi' (the seat of Guruship), which he could not ascend to. Deeply frustrated, Bhai Datu jee kicked Guru Amar Daas jee  with his foot while Guru jee was seated on the throne. With the display of sweetness and humility, Guru jee kept seated and did not utter a word of anger. Rather, he grabbed Bhai Datu jee’s foot and said, “Your foot must have been hurt by my hard bones.” Guru Sahib did not respond with a reaction rather through displaying his compassion. The Guru showed that each situation requires a unique response depending on the circumstances, and that replying to anger with compassion is a powerful weapon.

Abolishing evil and cruel social practices
The reality of India at the time of the Guru Sahibs was that the author of Ramayan (Hindu mythological epic) had written that “The drum, Shudar (low caste) and woman are to beaten.” Guru Amar Daas jee rejected and abolished those cruel and evil social practices that Akbar's Mughal government could not abolish from society. The old age practices and traditions of Sati (women burnt in the funeral pyres of their husbands), Pardaah (women veiling their faces and women), the mistreatment of widows and child marriages were all successfully abolished by Guru jee. Guru Sahib taught that women are not a commodity and implemented social change and justice. Widows were not allowed to get married and were either forced into sexual exploitation or killed in the funeral pyres of their husbands. Guru jee promoted the re-marriages of widow men and women and made one single marriage ceremony (Anand Karaj) for first time marriages or re-marriages. Child marriages were prevalent in India at the time, which ruined a lot of young girls lives. Guru Amar Daas married his own daughter at the age of 18, to set a new example. The Mughal Emperor Akbar was so impressed by the social reforms that Guru jee brought to society that he personally came to visit Guru jee.

Establishment of Manjees
Guru Sahib politically developed the Sikh community. The Mughal Empire of Akbar was divided into 22 areas of rule. Guru Amar Daas jee deployed 22 chosen men and women into these 22 areas for preaching Gurbani and spreading the Guru's message. Four Sikh women were appointed as the religious heads of Sikh education centres. Districts under the charge of men were known as Manjeeaa(n), from manjee or string-bed. Those in the charge of women were known as PeeReeaa(n), which derives from peehee or sitting-stools on which they sat to minister to the disciples. Their selection for this important task indicated the faith of the Guru in the capacity of women for organisational work.

Construction of Goindwal Sahib
Guru Amar Daas jee followed the steps of the earlier Gurus in constructing cities. This was part of the vision of the Gurus to broaden the horizons of the Sikh People and show them that Sikhs should not confine themselves to thinking small but to think big. The Guru Sahibs were forward thinkers. Realising that the water of the River Beas was becoming not fit for human consumption, (which later become polluted) Guru Amar Daas Sahib jee constructed a Baoli (well) at Goindwal Sahib, covering the entire area with trees. This not only provided safe drinking water to the people but also helped to create an eco-friendly environment. Goindwal Sahib became a pilgrimage place for Sikhs and this is where Guru Amar Daas jee started the tradition of gathering Sikhs together on the day of Vaisakhi. Where people engaged in meaningless pilgrimages and bathed in rivers and lakes and got no spiritual gain, Guru Amar Daas jee made a pilgrimage place where you can physically bathe in water like but also spiritually bathe through reciting Gurbani, Simran and Seva.


Summary
ਗੁਰ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਕੀ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਹੈ ਇਕ ਜੀਹ ਕਛੁ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
gur amardaas kee akath kathaa hai ik jeeh kachh kahee na jaa-ee.
"The Unspoken Speech of Guru Amar Daas Ji cannot be expressed with only one tongue."
(Ang 1406)

Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji's life, that word be "EQUALITY."

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

DHAN GURU AMAR DAAS JEE.