Dharam Dee Chaadar - Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Jee... (Part 2)

Continued...

Leaving Anandpur Sahib

Knowing that he was not going to return back from Delhi, Guru jee made arrangements before leaving Anandpur Sahib. On 8th July 1675, Guru Teg Bahadar jee appointed his son, Sri Gobind Rai jee, to be the next Guru and performed the formal ceremony for Guruship. On 11th July, Guru jee left Anandpur Sahib for Delhi. Before leaving, he instructed all the Sangat that they should obey and follow his son, Sri Gobind Rai jee. Guru jee's mother, Mata Nanaki jee, came and placed her hands on Guru jee's head and gave her love and blessings. Five Sikhs leave with Guru jee towards Delhi - Bhai Mati Daas jee, Bhai Sati Daas jee, Bhai Dyaala jee, Bhai Uday jee and Bhai Gurditta jee. 

Courting Arrest

Guru jee along with Bhai Mati Daas jee, Bhai Sati Daas jee and Bhai Dyaala jee, courted arrest on 4th November 1675 in Delhi and were detained at a police station that was known to be haunted ("Bhootaa Da Haveli"). The other two Gursikhs and a Sikh of Delhi called Bhai Jaita jee didn't court arrest and instead kept intelligence of what was happening. The cruel jailer's name was Sayyid Hassan Abdulla who was from Mani Majra, near Chandigarh. Guru jee was kept a cage in which one cannot stand nor lie down and had nails on the sides. One day, at 1.45am, Hassan Abdulla came to check up on Guru jee, fearing he didn't escape. Guru jee was doing Nitnem (prayers). Hearing the sweet words of Gurbani from the pure mouth of Guru jee, Hassan Abdulla's heart melted and he fell at the feet of the Guru. He asked Guru jee, "Please forgive me. I wish to give a sacrifice... I will get you back to Anandpur Sahib before sunrise. No one will know." Guru jee praised Hassan Abdulla's sentiments but reminded him that he has come on his own accord to give his life.  

The reaction of the Sikhs of Delhi

Respecting the wishes of Hassan Abdulla to do seva, Guru jee asked him to bring Bhai Jaita jee to visit him. Bhai Jaita jee had been outside the police station who was acting a sweeper in order to keep intelligence. According to Bansavalinama the Sikhs of Delhi gathered together at Bhai Naanoo jee's house and raised 1 Cror (10 million) rupees for the release of Guru jee. The Sikhs of Delhi could not stand by and not do anything. Bhai Jaita jee explained to Guru jee that the Sikhs of Delhi had approached the Qazi (Muslim priest) named Abbul Wahaab Bora. The Qazis took bribes and this Qazi had agreed to take a bribe and arrange for Guru jee to go back to Anandpur Sahib. Guru jee replied, "Who gave the Sangat the order to do such a thing? This is not my wish. I have come here to die and with my death crush Aurangzeb's tyranny." Guru jee instead gave Bhai Jaita jee a personal seva and said, "Aurangzeb wishes to chop my body into four and have the body parts hung from the four gates of Delhi to crush any fears of a revolt. However, your seva is to bring my head back to Anandpur Sahib." When asked about what will happen to rest of the body, Guru jee replied, "Don't worry, that will be taken care of."

To be continued...

Dharam Dee Chaadar - Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Jee... (Part 1)

ਬਾਹੇ ਜਿਨਾ ਦੀ ਪਕੜੀਐ ਸਿਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਬਾਹੇ ਨ ਛੋੜੀਐ |

ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਬੋਲਿਆ ਧਰਿ ਮਈਐ ਧਰਮ ਨ ਛੋੜੀਐ |
(ਕਵੀ ਦੇ ਬੋਲ)

“Give up your head, but forsake not those whom you have undertaken to protect. Says Guru Tegh Bahadur Sacrifice your life, but relinquish not your faith.” (poet’s word) 

"Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom was the first ever martyrdom for human rights in the world". (Professor Noel King, University of California) 

A GLIMPSE AT THE STORY OF THE SHAHEEDI
OF SRI GURU TEG BAHADAR JEE

Aurangzeb's reign of terror 
Aurangzeb ruled India from 1658 to 1707. In the 49 years of his rule, Kashmir had 14 governors. He tried to make the Mughal state a Muslim nation, similar to other Islam invaders who had invaded other countries. In November 1665 he issued orders to ban the celebration of Holi and Diwali. In 1668 he banned the holding of Hindu festivals in pilgrimage centres. In 1668 he banned music and prosecuted musicians. Taxes were imposed on Hindus in almost every field. Pilgrim tax was imposed and Jizya (tax for non-Muslims) was re-imposed. Kashmir and Banaras, the two Hindu religious centres in India where targeted in the campaign. According to Macauliffe (The Sikh Religion, Vol. IV, p. 369): "The experiment of wholesale conversion was first tried in Kashmir. The Kashmiri Pandits were well known for their scholarship and converting them to Islam would encourage other Hindus to embrace Islam. Surrounded as they were with Muslim lands, they could be threatened with war and complete annihilation. The peaceful Kashmiris could not be expected to resist the Muslim military might. The emperor also felt that he might succeed in tempting the Brahmins from Kashmir into accepting Islam by promises of money and government appointments.” Iftikhar Khan (also known as Sher Afghan Kan), the Governor of Kashmir from 1671 to 1675 began in full zeal to terrorise the non-Muslims with force conversions, death, imprisonment and destruction of their schools, temples and homes.

Pandit Kirpa Raam Jee

The Hindu leaders didn't know who to turn to. The leadership of the Brahmins first turned to the Rajputs, the Hindu kings. However, they declined to help fearing the wrath of Aurganzeb. The Brahmins then turned to their gods. However, even their gods were silent and didn't come to their aid. Having failed to secure help from anywhere, Pandit Kirpa Raam jee asked the Brahmin leadership to approach Guru Teg Bahadar jee. Pandit Kirpa Raam jee of Mattan (Kashmir) was a Sikh of Guru Teg Bahadar jee. He came from a family of scholars (Pandits). His forefather, Pandit Brahm Daas had first met Guru Nanak Dev jee in 1517 in Mattan on their third Udaasi (journey) and become a Sikh. His grandfather, Pandit Narain Daas met Guru Hargobind Sahib jee in Sri Nagar, Kashmir and was blessed by the Guru. His father, Pandit Arroo Raam jee was blessed by Guru Har Rai jee in 1660 in Kashmir. Pandit Kirpa Raam jee had done Sangat with Guru Teg Bahadar jee and spent time with Guru jee. For this reason he shared with the other Brahmins that if there is anyone who can save you, it is Guru Teg Bahadar jee. Having faith in Pandit Kirpa Raam jee, 16 Head Brahmins who were leaders from the different main Hindu centres across India and a group of 500 normal Brahmins from Kashmir followed him to Anandpur Sahib.

Plea to the Guru

The 16 Hindu Brahmins representing the major Hindu centres and 500 Kashmiri Brahmins led by Pandit Kirpa Raam jee arrived at Anandpur Sahib on 25th May 1675. The Brahmins took off their Janeoos (sacred threads) and placed it before Guru jee and falling it his feet. They asked him to save their people, religion, culture, mother tongue, and identity. They shared their stories of horror and how Guru Teg Bahadar jee was their only hope for their identity, religion and culture to survive. Guru Sahib said, "A great soul needs to give a sacrifice. Blood is needed. The conscience of the people of this land has become ill. The honour of the people has died. It requires blood through which Naam flows to be donated so that Aurangzeb's rule will break." At the age of 9, Sri Gobind Rai jee, said to his father, "Whose blood can be more pure than yours. Who better than you to give the sacrifice." Guru jee happily accepted sacrificing himself and asked the Brahmins to tell Aurangzeb that if he bring the Sikh Guru to become a Muslim then they will follow in converting.

The challenge

As Aurangzeb was staying for a few days at Lahore on his way back to Delhi from Hasan Abdal, therefore, the Kashmiri Pandits submitted their petition at Lahore through Zalim Khan, the Governor. The Hindu Brahmins told Aurangzeb that that they are behind Guru Teg Bahadar jee and said, "Whatever the Guru is, we will become." The petition was submitted. "The Emperor was highly gratified to read it and called the Qazis and Maulvis in a durbar and joyfully announced the contents of the petition to them. Of course they all received the tiding with acclamation. He told the Pundits that he cheerfully accepted the condition laid down. He sent them back to Kashmir, making a suitable arrangement for their return journey. He wrote to Iftikhar Khan, Governor of Kashmir, to desist from forcible proselytising; for he said, he was now satisfied that no more force was needed for attaining the object in view."  (P. N. Kaul Bamzai: A History of Kashmir, p. 555). Guru jee was offered the title of 'Peeran Peer (Holiest of Holy) of Hindustan' if he converted to Islam. Guru jee refused the offer.

To be continued...

Did you know this?....

Related links:

• Article: A Flawed Logic - Some thoughts on Laridaar Saroop... (Author: Bhai Kulbir Singh)
• PDF book: ਲੜੀਦਾਰ ਸਰੂਪ (Author: Jathedaar Bhai Ram Singh)
• PDF article: The True Guru is Lost! (Author: Bhai Jasvant Singh, Amritsar)
• Article: What is Lareedaar and why is it important?

When a Gursikh saved the Honour of a Muslim Family...

Story from the life of Gursikh Saint, Baba Karam Singh jee of Hoti Mardaan based on Chanan Murare programme on Sikh Channel presented by Bhai Avtar Singh UK and www.sabh13.com:

Baba Karam Singh Ji was a soldier in the British army during the British Raaj. In 1857, the British Government raised a commotion  and told all soldiers, that they can do as they wish in the capital city of Delhi. Many soldiers became excited upon hearing this and after losing all trace of thought began to practise things which were very much against the basic conduct of a soldier – someone whose duty is to protect a country and it’s people. Soldiers began riots and mass looting through Delhi. The soldiers began raiding peoples home and committing mass atrocities. The daughters of Delhi placed their heads between their legs and cried, contemplating what was about to happen. Hearing this, Baba Karam Singh Ji became very upset and made a sincere plea to Waheguru – “O Waheguru! Please bless me with such courage and power, that I be able to fulfil the duty of protecting the honour of many, and bringing a end to this horror and tyranny. Give me the strength to serve under you. May I be granted the boon to be the support of the poor and weak. May I be given the strength to show your Sikhi and may I prevail, with your grace, in this action.”

After finishing the Ardaas, Baba Karam Singh Ji left for the town whilst being very upset. In front of Baba Ji stood a huge mansion style building and nearby, were the sounds of crying, screaming and pain. Baba Ji instantly stopped. It appeared that a mischievous soldier was attempting to discard the honour of the women of the house. Baba Karam Singh Ji ran there and fearlessly warned the soldier – “How dare you! This family is under my supervision. I have been sent by the Lord Master, and I see it as my duty to protect them. If you attempt to commit any action which will be threatening towards any of these individuals, be warned – I will shoot you.” Trembling with fear, the soldier ran away as fast as he could. 

The frightened young woman ran insider her house to seek shelter. An old woman, again wearing a full face veil, then came outside from the house and said, “O Khuda! O Saint Soldier! We are the descendants of Hazrat (The Prophet) Muhammad Sahib. All our men are away from home and have since not returned. For the sake of the Prophet and for the sake of Guru Nanak Dev, please be the support of us troubled women. The Lord will grant you this boon!”

Baba Karam Singh Ji reassured the Muslim women that there is no need to worry and that they will be protected. Baba Karam Singh Ji proclaimed – “As long as their is strength in my arms, these men will be unable to even cast their eyes upon you.” Baba Karam Singh Ji took their gun and sat infront of this large house as a guard. Baba Ji did not eat or drink water and maintained security and protection of the women 24 hours a day. The resident men of the house soon returned.

After hearing the amazing sacrifice of Baba Karam Singh Ji, the men were extremely happy. Baba Ji was invited inside of the house and thanked by the Muslim men. The Muslim women of the house came forward and removed their veil infront of Baba Ji. The Muslim said, "As you are sent by God and the Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, our women have no need to cover their face infront of you." 

Baba Karam Singh Ji then asked for permission to leave and at this point was requested by the family members to take mass amounts of gold which has been presented by them. Baba Ji however refused and said that they fulfilled their duties as a Saint Soldier and so had no need for such possessions. After hearing this, Shah Sahib’s (the head of the house) eyes began to water and after folding his hands said – “O beloved being of God – You truly are the living and breathing ideology of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Your name is not only Karam Singh – You truly are the Karam of support that has come to our house, in our service. We would have nothing, if you and your Gun were not here to protect us!” After several methods of persuasion, Baba Ji finally agreed to take the gift. 

Baba Karam Singh Ji then returned to the army and settled down in the army base headquarters at Hoti Mardaan. At Hoti Mardaan all the soldiers that had been sent to raise havoc in Delhi were sanctioned and were suspended for 3 months without pay. Baba Karam Singh Ji also took time off for vacation and after returning, engaged in excessive amounts of meditation whilst practising the remembrance of Waheguru. Baba Ji would always focus their mind and soul in an emotional state of mind and remain indulged in spiritual bliss. Baba Ji continued to serve their duties within the army.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Prakaash Purb...

Today marks the Prakaash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev jee. Happy Gurpurb to everyone. May Guru Nanak Dev jee bless us all and light up our lives with Naam and Gurbani.

 

Old rare photo of Sri Nankana Sahib

Below is a really nice written article by the Sikh Research Institue in celebration of Guru jee's Gurpurb:

"He [Guru Nanak] dispenses justice judiciously and
in his kingdom tolerated no atrocity or tyrant.
The wise Guru has manifest itself as the mentor of the world."

- Bhai Gurdas, 24.4

Guru Nanak Sahib, the center of Sikh consciousness, means different things to different people. For some he is the source of boons, bounties and happiness; for others the fountain of spiritual wealth, ascendency and contentment; and for still others he is the deliverer from bondage of ignorance, protector of the oppressed, and a flag bearer against slavery, hegemony, hypocrisy and so on.

Today as we celebrate Guru Nanak Sahib’s arrival (prakash purab – popularly birth anniversary, but literally illumination day) on the world scene 546 years ago, let’s take a moment to reflect on what he means to each of us.

He met the panda and forever changed the yardstick of education and learning. He took twenty rupees (today’s $300,000) from father Kalu and changed the rules of trade. When Bebe Nanaki got married, he moved in with her and defied cultural norms. He encountered Babar at Saidpur, and with his defiance changed the equation between the ruler and the ruled. He engaged with the kazi, the brahman and the jogi, and redefined religiosity and leadership. He fostered an environment of honest dialog and communication.

“The mist cleared and the light scattered,” as the Guru Nanak of Bhai Gurdas “rose like the Sun to dispel the darkness. Stars disappeared. The Lion roared, and the flock of deer ran away.”

The Divine-like Guru Nanak Sahib changed the status quo and questioned the conventional wisdom. He nurtured a sovereign and aware individual, based on love of humanity and justice as its foundation, free to experience the beauty of the Divine within and around.

Prof. Puran Singh writes, “Guru Nanak condemns false creeds, crooked politics and unjust social order. He condemns the hollow scriptures and isms of the times; he condemns barren pieties, asceticism, trances, sound-hearing yogas, bead-telling, namazes’ fasts, and all formal vagaries of religious and political hypocrisies. He condemns them without sparing any, for it was all darkness in the world and men.”

In a world with increasing differences in wealth and power distribution, the brother of Bebe Nanaki is more relevant to us than ever before, as the principle revealed to us in the Divine wisdom of the Sabad.

A fitting celebration of Guru Nanak Sahib’s arrival would require us to reflect on the values inculcated by him (and not whether it was month of Kattak or Vaisakh, though that is historically important) and ask reflective questions:
Am I furthering dead forms and perverted social orders in the guise of religiosity?
Is the law of Love dominating all spheres of human activity?
Is my journey starting with where the Creator dwells—Kartarpur?
Is the Sikh collective working towards realizing the Guru’s City of Joy—Anandpur?

 

1984 - Govt. orchestrated Sikh Genocide.... 30 years

Inspiring Story - Thirst for Amrit...

Today Bhenji Teji Kaur posted a comment on an old blog post - "I Want to Take Amrit, But MY PARENTS!". The comment was so inspiring that I've decided to post as a separate post so that Sangat can easily read it. Here it goes...

Courtesy: www.iminderarts.com

Author: Teji Kaur

GurFateh all! I was googling something else and I came across this ("I Want to Take Amrit, But MY PARENTS!" blog post) and it bought a smile to my face many years later. I wrote that post when I was about 14 years old. I have now been Amritdhari for five years, since 2009. I am in Law School [now] and wear a dastaar, and I am happier every second of every day.

 

Guru Ji has not left me through lifes trials, my family has come around, and I fall more and more and more and more and more in love with my Guru every second. This love will never break or die and I thank God for Amrit every day.

 

I just wanted to let you know that it took me five tries to be blessed with Amrit. I went around the world. It was Guru Sahib's test. I went to Sri Hazoor Sahib and they refused to give me Amrit because I was a girl. The fourth attempt was spiritually something. I wrote a poem called 'Tomorrow', where I spoke about my excitement about being blessed with Amrit. I cleaned my room and washed all my clothes and put new sheets on my bed. I did this out of my innocence at that age. I thought it was my marrige to Guru Sahib. I did not know what happens on a marriage night between a husband and wife at that time but I knew that at my cousin's wedding they had the most beautiful sheets.

 

I changed my sheets and washed my clothes and put petals on my bed because I thought it would be my wedding with Guru Sahib. I cleaned my room very nicely and spent all night till Amrit-vela. I then showered to go to Gurudwara Sahib. Upon reaching the Gurudwara I realized that the Amrit Sanchaar had taken place the day before, and I had missed it!

 

I was broken and angry and I cried so long. I finally calmed down and told myself that all happens as per Guru Ji's Will and Guru Ji has a reason for everything. I then stood by my bed to do Ardaas. In between the bed and dresser there was a space. The light was off this whole time. I stood to do Ardaas and I told myself that everything God does has good in it that we can not see. I then did matha tek (bowed) at the end of Ardaas and ended up hitting my back on the edge of my bed. It did not hurt but I was already angry with God and I yelled, "God! If everything You do has a good reason then why did you let me get hurt while I was doing Ardaas?"

 

I was so angry about the Amrit still. I got up, did not matha tek and in anger asked in my heart, "God, how is there good in me getting hurt when I was doing matha tek?" I then turned on the light and what I saw shocked me and built up my faith. There was broken glass on the floor at the spot where I would have done matha tek. Had I not hurt my back, my eye would have gone into the glass and I would have gotten hurt very seriously. My head would have hit the broken glass with force. After seeing how Guru Ji was so amazing and blessed me, like Gurbani says: "tum karo bhalla hum bhallo na jaane--- God does good but we do not see it as Good, God is always merciful", my faith strengthened and I was blessed with Amrit the next year...

 

Now it has been five amazing years :) I just wanted to let everyone know that the above story has a happy ending or shall I say a happy beginning :)

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

Respecting Our Elders...

 “The Wooden Bowl Story”

Author: Unknown

An old man moved in with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson. The old man was in poor health, his eyesight was bad, and his hands trembled. When the family sat down to eat together, the grandfather’s shaky hands and bad eyesight made eating difficult. Food fell off his spoon, and when he drank from a glass, his drink spilled on the tablecloth. The son and his wife quickly became irritated with the old man. “We must do something about this mess” said the son. So they put a small table in the corner, where the grandfather would eat alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since he had broken some dishes before, he now ate from a wooden bowl. When the family looked at the old man, he would sometimes have a tear in his eye as he sat by himself. Still, the only time the family would talk to him is when they scolded him for making a mess. The four year old watched this treatment of his grandfather and said nothing.

One evening before dinner, the father noticed the little boy playing with wood scraps on the floor. The father asked his son what he was making. The boy responded “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up”. Smiling, the boy went back to playing with the wood scraps. The parents were speechless. They knew what had to be done. That evening, grandfather sat at the table during dinner. For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family, and no one ever minded the mess on the tablecloth.

Lessons Learned

The initial treatment of the grandfather in this story embodies society’s growing trend of how elders are perceived. The parents in the story represent all of us while the old man signifies all the elderly.  In this story, it was only through the eyes of a child that the parents were able to realise their error in the way the grandfather was treated. The child represents the pure honest truth, which freed the parents to truly see life. Children are remarkably perceptive, and if they see us patiently provide a comfortable atmosphere for our older family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਦਾਨ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪਰਾਣੀ ||
ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਵਰਤ ਕਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਜੰਮੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲਾਣੀ ||
ਗੁਰੁ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਸਾਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਣੀ ||੧੩||
"The person who having deserted their parents performs charities, is corrupt and ignorant. He who pushes away their parents undertakes fasts, goes on to wander in the cycle of births and deaths. That man (in fact) has not understood the essence of Guru and God.(13)"

(Bhai Gurdaas Jee, Vaar 37: Pauri 13)

Story: The Effect of Swearing & Bad Language...

ਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਸਿਖ ਗੰਦ-ਵਾਕੀ ਨਾ ਹੋਵੈ ||
"The Sikh of the Guru should never speak disgusting speech."
(Rehitnama Bhai Chaupa Singh)

Author: Bhai Vijay Singh (UK)

A Chardi kallaa Gursikh from America was found crying uncontrollably. His friends asked him why he was crying. He said he had dream and he was waiting outside a tent to see Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the guard didn't let me in. He kept asking the guard, "why, why am I not allowed in?" The guard just said, "Guru Sahib doesn't want to see you."

The friends who were listening to his story asked, "but you are a Chardi kalla (fine), Bana-vala (wearer of the Guru-given dress), and Abhiyaasi Singh (practitioner of Naam)! Why wouldn't you be allowed in?" He said, "I carried on pleading to be let in and then was asked to leave. That evening I returned and asked the guard to ask Guru Ji personally why I am not allowed in. The guard went inside to ask Guru Sahib."

When the guard returned he narrated to the Singh what Guru Sahib had said. The guard said, "Guru Ji says you can do as much paath (prayers) and simran (meditation) that you want but I will never see you, because on some occasions you swore (used disgusting language) at your wife."

This is a true story and has a very important message for those people who think it's okay to swear and use disgusting language.  

ਕੂੜੁ ਬੋਲਿ ਮੁਰਦਾਰੁ ਖਾਇ ||
"Speaking filth, they eat dead bodies."
(Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Ang 139)

An Inspiring True Story...

A true recent story narrated by Bhai Davinder Singh (Surrey) of an incident that took place with him driving Bhai Bharpoor Singh jee to USA:

 

 The True Guru watches over his Gursikhs

Written by Bhai Gagan Singh (Surrey)

In 2010 there was a Smaagam in Portland, USA. The Singhs from Portland had invited Bhai Bharpoor Singh to do seva during the Akhand Paatth Sahib. It was decided a Singh from Surrey would take Bhai Sahib across the USA Border and then Singhs from Seattle would pick Bhai Sahib up and take him to Portland. When Bhai Davinder Singh Surrey and his Singhni went to go pick Bhai Sahib and Mata Jee from their house at 6 AM, Bhai Sahib had a big bundle of Rumaalle Sahibs for Guru Sahib, which he put in his lap when he sat in the car. 

Bhai Bharpoor Singh Jee

Seeing the big bundle the Singh got scared thinking they will be stopped at the Border by the USA officers, and requested Bhai Sahib to put the bundle of Rumaalle in the trunk. Bhai Sahib refused saying that would be beadbi (disrespectful). Bhai Sahib told the Singh to not worry. A few minutes later the Singh asked Bhai Sahib to at least give the bundle to Mata Jee who was sitting in the back passenger seat. Bhai Sahib agreed to this, while laughing and saying not to worry nothing will happen.

Then a few minutes later the Singh tried explaining to Bhai Sahib that the USA border officers are really strict and they may search the car and if they see a big bundle in our car they may get suspicious and we may get in trouble, they will search the Rumaalle. Bhai Sahib told him to stop worrying and relax nothing will happen. The Singh finally stopped asking questions. A little while later, he brought up the Rumaalle again and said that the 'Gore' (white people) at the border will cause them a lot of grief and trouble. Bhai Sahib said, "No. Don’t worry! No 'Gore' will say anything. We will be fine."

Finally they reached the border and got in line to be inspected. Bhai Davinder Singh, who was telling this story, said in his 15-20 years of going across the border he has never seen an Indian or Punjabi border guard, but that day when their turn came to be inspected it was a Amritdhari Gursikh in a huge Dumaalla. He was a very Darshani Singh, and smiled at them when they came up to the inspection booth. He said Fateh and asked him where they were going. They told the Singh about the Smaagam in Portland and the Rumaalle for Guru Sahib. The Singh was very happy and let them through without any hassle.

This story is a real testament to a few things. One that Guru Sahib is always looking over us and giving us his protection. Two, Gursikhs like Bhai Bharpoor Singh are very rare but they do exist, such Gursikhs who are a living example of what we should aspire to be. They are a big inspiration for all of us.

Beauty of Sukhmani Sahib...

When I went to New York to attend Camp Chardi Kala I was fortunate to meet Bhai Jatinder Singh who does seva with UNITED SIKHS in New York. He was a sevadaar the camp. Bhai Jatinder Singh shared some really inspiring personal stories about Sikhi with me. I wish to share one story that Bhai Sahib shared with me. Last year in February Bhai Jatinder Singh, who is an Associate Director of UNITED SIKHS, offered prayers at the United Nations 67th General Assembly Opening Session that took place in New York. During the interfaith event Bhai Sahib read the Mool Mantar and a verses from the translation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib.



After the event Bhai Sahib told me that several faith representatives and guests from the event came to him and thanked him for sharing the beautiful prayer and asked about Sikhi. One particular American lady asked Bhai Sahib about where the prayer was from that he read as she found it so beautiful. Bhai Sahib told her that he read the English translation of a Sikh prayer called 'Sukhmani Sahib'. 

The American lady asked Bhai Sahib if she could have a copy of Sukhmani Sahib in English. Bhai Sahib gave her the translation Gutka Sahib of Sukhmani Sahib and told her, "the best time to read this prayer is 'Nectar Time' (i.e. Amrit Vela)." She asked, "What is 'Nectar Time'?" Bhai Sahib replied, "It is early morning before sunrise. Waking up between 2am and 3am is the best time to pray and meditate." On departing, both of them shared their contact details. 

If I remember correctly, a month later the American lady got in touch with Bhai Sahib. She said, "I am in trouble. I need your help!" Bhai Sahib enquired what trouble she is in and how he can help. She replied, "I am working away from home and gone to Florida. I am staying at a hotel. I have forgotten my prayer book that you gave me. Today was the first day that I didn't read the prayers early in the morning. My day has passed very difficulty and I am struggling to survive without the prayer book."  

The American lady explained that since meeting Bhai Sahib she has been waking up every day at 2am, having a shower and then reading all of the Sukhmani Sahib in English. She asked, "Are there any Sikhs in Florida that you know of that can give me a copy of the prayer book?" Bhai Sahib explained, "You don't need anyone to give you a copy of the prayer book. If you have WiFi and internet access then you can download Sukhmani Sahib and read from your computer or device." The lady was thankful to Bhai Sahib for the advice so that she could continue to read Sukhmani at Amrit vela.

Amazing how people get introduced to Gurbani and how it affects the lives of non-Sikhs.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Inspiring Poem: 'Heaven on Earth'...

 

Heaven on Earth
A poem written by a prisoner

“Nanak Tay Mukh Ujlay Keetee Shhuttee Naal” –Salok, Japji Sahib
“Says Nanak! Their faces are radiant and glow in the Court of God and many others are saved along with them (by doing their company).”

Why am I in shadow Vaheguru (Wondrous Lord)?
The Universe was formed by the word from Your mouth (Naam) at the start,
With sparkling jewels in dark space,
Rotating in space, the emerald Earth,
Bathed in heavenly light,
The blue sky and wavy sea, the blanket of green trees,
Fish in the sea, the birds in the air,
Dusty plains with roaming animals
All live in grace and freedom.
Majestic snow-capped mountains and,
The gasping beauty of flowers,
Wondrous mankind, individual names so dear to Your heart.
Your creation so good and perfect,
Your love so strong and pure.
As a young boy I marvelled in Your creation,
I took things apart to understand their workings,
Studied hard and become a “worldly creator” (graduate engineer),
Mine was a life of hard honest householder living (kirt karnee),
I shared the fruits of labour with others (vand kay shhaknaa),
I did a lot for charity and community work (seva),
I helped build a hospital for the poor in Panjab (sewa/ daswandh),
Been a good father to my children,
Loving husband to my wife – joined in spirit in Your presence (Anand Kaaraj),
Attending Gurdwara where I could,
I was happy outside.
I thought about Your wonders all the time
I appreciated the intricate beauty of Your complete world,
Tell me please Vaheguru, why am I in shadow?


Why am I in shadow Vaheguru?
I see around me there is greed, hatred, envy, pain and hunger.
Will the torn world ever by joyful again?
Will the air be clean and the rivers be run clear?
Will the seas be full of fish again?
Will wars be left in history?
Peace talks are held by the nations of the world,
But when will it come – will it last?
The future is uncertain as horrors unfold,
Lives are filled with despair and grief,
Some turn to drugs, drinking, crime and violence (I never did).
Many, quite simply, don’t care.
And why am I in prison and falsely accused?
Why am I experiencing loss – separated from my loving family?
Why am I confined and bound?
Part of me silently screams, “But why me?”
So many times alone, I have cried – silently from the heart…
I have been searching all along…. Searching, but for what?
At the Gurdwara, I listened, but understood little.
Deep down in me, there remained a void unfilled
I was ignorant and never had the time to seek you.
If the world was so good and so pure at the start, then why?
I’m asking and want to know why the Kalyug (Dark Age)?
Then just why Vaheguru, why am I in shadow?


Why am I in shadow, Vaheguru?
In my darkest hour I was humbled right down.
I was forced to reach out and up, in search for You more deeply.
There in that place of darkness and pain, You made me understand.
Only in the darkness, I searched within.
Only then, the glory of Your Divine Light was made known to me.
I was born a Sikh with the divine light dimly lit within me.
Sachay Pita (Truthful Father) You have given me time here to learn.
Shadows only exist where your light and presence is.
Thank you Dasmay Paatshaah (God) for the shadows,
Living within which, I know You are there – always.
With Chardee Kalaa (rising optimism) I contemplate Your Naam,
Vaheguru, Vaheguru, Vaheguru, Vaheguru….
With Your Grace, You have restored my Atma (soul).
Disobedience brought sin and death to this world.
I obey Your Hukam (Divine-Law) written deep inside me,
And walk within Your Divine Will.
My haumai (Ego) is lowering,
My understanding of Your Bani (Sacred Words) is rising.
I read it with tearful joyful eyes,
“Anand bheya mere maae, satguru mai paaya”
“O my mother! I am in spiritual joy, for I found my true Guru.”
Looking back, my mind always heard the Unstruck Melodies.
Naam is in my mind for ever and ever – bakshish (blessed)
But now I understand, I am contented, I am at peace day and night
Perfect love in the end has won through
Sachay Pita, You was longing and waiting for me since I was born,
I remain a lotus and your humble servant.
Who do I see in the mirror?
“Man Too Jyot Saroop Hai, Apnaa Mool Pashhaan”
“O mind you are the image of God, recognise your ownself.”
Your ways I cannot fathom, but,
“Your doings are sweet to me”
Thank you Vaheguru for heaven on earth”

“Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh”
“Of God is the Khalsa, All victory is victory of God”

“Bhul Chuk Maaf Karnee”
"Please pardon my errors."


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

No One Has Recognized Gods Secret...

Beautiful summary of Tav Prasaad Svaiyye, the 10 stanzas from Akaal Ustat, Amrit Bani of Guru Gobind Singh jee Maharaaj:

Tav Prasaad Savaiyye Sahib – Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji

Author: Bhai Vijay Singh (Luton, UK)

ਤ੍ਵਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਸ੍ਵਯੇ ॥

While dreaming I found myself walking on a path with a guide. I had asked to be shown the path to God. As we walked I was taken down a side path, which led to a village. There were some Buddhist monks and Jains who were living such simple lives. They were very disciplined and completely devoted to their lifestyle. With them were some yogis who were practising controlling their breaths and clearing their internal chakras of dirt. Some lived purely on consuming air and seem to be hundreds of years old. I saw many religious saints and God devoted people at that place. My guide then took me to the next village where I was shown many different religious practices and disciplines. I saw big institutions and systems dating back thousands of years. Everywhere I went I was left amazed at how devoted these people were but my wonder was greeted by my guide saying, "the whole world is practising false things, no one has recognized Gods secret."

ਸ੍ਰਾਵਗ ਸੁੱਧ ਸਮੂਹ ਸਿਧਾਨ ਕੇ ਦੇਖਿ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਘਰ ਜੋਗ ਜਤੀ ਕੇ ॥
ਸੂਰ ਸੁਰਾਰਦਨ ਸੁੱਧ ਸੁਧਾਦਿਕ ਸੰਤ ਸਮੂਹ ਅਨੇਕ ਮਤੀ ਕੇ ॥
ਸਾਰੇ ਹੀ ਦੇਸ ਕੋ ਦੇਖਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਮਤ ਕੋਊ ਨ ਦੇਖੀਅਤ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਪਤੀ ਕੇ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕੀ ਭਾਇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਹੂ ਤੇ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਕੇ ॥੧॥੨੧॥

We returned to the path which took us to huge palaces, bigger than the eye could see. They were covered in gold and jewels, where kings lived with their armies of soldiers, horses, elephants numbering millions. All such weaponry was plated in gold and jewels. Kings with limitless wealth. I was awe struck but my guide said "all that you see is false, the king will leave alone and with nothing."

ਮਾਤੇ ਮਤੰਗ ਜਰੇ ਜਰ ਸੰਗ ਅਨੂਪ ਉਤੰਗ ਸੁਰੰਗ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥
ਕੋਟ ਤੁਰੰਗ ਕੁਰੰਗ ਸੇ ਕੂਦਤ ਪਉਨ ਕੇ ਗਉਨ ਕਉ ਜਾਤ ਨਿਵਾਰੇ ॥
ਭਾਰੀ ਭੁਜਾਨ ਕੇ ਭੂਪ ਭਲੀ ਬਿਧਿ ਨਿਆਵਤ ਸੀਸ ਨ ਜਾਤ ਬਿਚਾਰੇ ॥
ਏਤੇ ਭਏ ਤੁ ਕਹਾ ਭਏ ਭੂਪਤਿ ਅੰਤ ਕੌ ਨਾਂਗੇ ਹੀ ਪਾਂਇ ਪਧਾਰੇ ॥੨॥੨੨॥
ਜੀਤ ਫਿਰੈ ਸਭ ਦੇਸ ਦਿਸਾਨ ਕੋ ਬਾਜਤ ਢੋਲ ਮ੍ਰਿਦੰਗ ਨਗਾਰੇ ॥
ਗੁੰਜਤ ਗੂੜ ਗਜਾਨ ਕੇ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਹਿੰਸਤ ਹੈਂ ਹਯਰਾਜ ਹਜਾਰੇ ॥
ਭੂਤ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਭਵਾਨ ਕੇ ਭੂਪਤ ਕਉਨੁ ਗਨੈ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਤ ਬਿਚਾਰੇ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਭਜੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਅੰਤ ਕਉ ਅੰਤ ਕੇ ਧਾਮ ਸਿਧਾਰੇ ॥੩॥੨੩॥

We walked into a Mosque, a Mandir, then a Church, a Synagogue and many other places of worship. Each place we witnessed their religious customs and practices. We heard the readings of their religious scriptures but none seemed impressive to my guide. He kept shaking his head and saying "the whole world is practicing false things, no one has recognized Gods secret."

ਤੀਰਥ ਨਾਨ ਦਇਆ ਦਮ ਦਾਨ ਸੁ ਸੰਜਮ ਨੇਮ ਅਨੇਕ ਬਿਸੇਖੈ ॥
ਬੇਦ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਕਤੇਬ ਕੁਰਾਨ ਜਮੀਨ ਜਮਾਨ ਸਬਾਨ ਕੇ ਪੇਖੈ ॥
ਪਉਨ ਅਹਾਰ ਜਤੀ ਜਤ ਧਾਰ ਸਬੈ ਸੁ ਬਿਚਾਰ ਹਜਾਰਕ ਦੇਖੈ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਭਜੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਭੂਪਤਿ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਬਿਨੁ ਏਕ ਨ ਲੇਖੈ ॥੪॥੨੪॥

As we walked on I saw a huge castle. It was very daunting to look at. It was an impenetrable fortress and I remember thinking that it must be impossible for enemies to attack. The walls were over 10 feet thick with huge moats containing crocodiles, alligators and other dangerous and poisonous killers. However, the soldiers in this castle were running out in panic and abandoning it. I asked my guide, "why are they doing this?" He replied, "they have heard that the enemy warriors are coming." I said "but surely it is more safe if they stay inside." My guide described these warriors. "They are greatly trained and can even take down huge drunk elephants, they destroy enemy forces in very little time. They are hugely feared and nothing can stand in their way. They are fearless and have conquered whole countries." I then saw these warriors. They were huge and like nothing I had ever seen. They were super human in their strength and could each kill armies of hundreds of soldiers themselves. My guide said that these warriors are just beggars. Without Gods gifts they are powerless. They spend their entire life begging for gifts of strength to maintain and further boost their egos.

ਸੁੱਧ ਸਿਪਾਹ ਦੁਰੰਤ ਦੁਬਾਹ ਸੁ ਸਾਜ ਸਨਾਹ ਦੁਰਜਾਨ ਦਲੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਭਾਰੀ ਗੁਮਾਨ ਭਰੇ ਮਨ ਮੈਂ ਕਰ ਪਰਬਤ ਪੰਖ ਹਲੇ ਨ ਹਲੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਤੋਰਿ ਅਰੀਨ ਮਰੋਰਿ ਮਵਾਸਨ ਮਾਤੇ ਮਤੰਗਨ ਮਾਨ ਮਲੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਬਿਨੁ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਜਹਾਨ ਨਿਦਾਨ ਚਲੈਂਗੇ ॥੫॥੨੫॥
ਬੀਰ ਅਪਾਰ ਬਡੇ ਬਰਿਆਰ ਅਬਿਚਾਰਹਿ ਸਾਰ ਕੀ ਧਾਰ ਭਛੱਯਾ ॥
ਤੋਰਤ ਦੇਸ ਮਲਿੰਦ ਮਵਾਸਨ ਮਾਤੇ ਗਜਾਨ ਕੇ ਮਾਨ ਮਲੱਯਾ ॥
ਗਾੜ੍ਹੇ ਗੜ੍ਹਾਨ ਕੋ ਤੋੜਨਹਾਰ ਸੁ ਬਾਤਨ ਹੀਂ ਚਕ ਚਾਰ ਲਵੱਯਾ ॥
ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਸਭ ਕੋ ਸਿਰਨਾਇਕ ਜਾਚਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਸੁ ਏਕ ਦਿਵੱਯਾ ॥੬॥੨੬॥

Then my guide placed his hand on my head and I was instantly witnessed an unfathomable sight. It was the vision of the whole creation before me, praising God. I saw how the visible and non-visible creatures on land and sea were all singing the praises of their creator. It became apparent that their very existence is a credit to the magnificence of the one that made them.

ਦਾਨਵ ਦੇਵ ਫਨਿੰਦ ਨਿਸਾਚਰ ਭੂਤ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਭਵਾਨ ਜਪੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਜੀਵ ਜਿਤੇ ਜਲ ਮੈ ਥਲ ਮੈ ਪਲ ਹੀ ਪਲ ਮੈ ਸਭ ਥਾਪ ਥਪੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਪੁੰਨ ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪਨ ਬਾਢ ਜੈਤ ਧੁਨ ਪਾਪਨ ਕੇ ਬਹੁ ਪੁੰਜ ਖਪੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਸਾਧ ਸਮੂਹ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਫਿਰੈਂ ਜਗ ਸਤ੍ਰ ਸਭੈ ਅਵਲੋਕ ਚਪੈਂਗੇ ॥੭॥੨੭॥
ਮਾਨਵ ਇੰਦ੍ਰ ਗਜਿੰਦ੍ਰ ਨਰਾਧਪ ਜੌਨ ਤ੍ਰਿਲੋਕ ਕੋ ਰਾਜ ਕਰੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਕੋਟਿ ਇਸਨਾਨ ਗਜਾਦਿਕ ਦਾਨ ਅਨੇਕ ਸੁਅੰਬਰ ਸਾਜ ਬਰੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮਹੇਸਰ ਬਿਸਨ ਸਚੀਪਿਤ ਅੰਤ ਫਸੇ ਜਮ ਫਾਸਿ ਪਰੈਂਗੇ ॥
ਜੇ ਨਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਤਿ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਸ ਹੈਂ ਪਗ ਤੇ ਨਰ ਫੇਰ ਨ ਦੇਹ ਧਰੈਂਗੇ ॥੮॥੨੮॥

My guide turned to me and said, "you try to meditate with your eyes closed, but deep down are you really meditating, you may have completed many religious practices but have you truly given up your evil actions?" My guide continued, "as I've shown you, some people in this world worship stones and carry them around their necks. Some pray in different directions, believing to find God there. Some seek him in the west and some seek him in the south. Some even worship men who are alive or dead, in this way the whole world is practising false things, no one has recognized Gods secret."

ਕਹਾ ਭਯੋ ਜੋ ਦੋਉ ਲੋਚਨ ਮੂੰਦ ਕੈ ਬੈਠਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਬਕ ਧਿਆਨ ਲਗਾਇਓ ॥
ਨ੍ਹਾਤ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਲੀਏ ਸਾਤ ਸਮੁਦ੍ਰਨਿ ਲੋਕ ਗਯੋ ਪਰਲੋਕ ਗਵਾਇਓ ॥
ਬਾਸ ਕੀਓ ਬਿਖਿਆਨ ਸੋ ਬੈਠ ਕੈ ਐਸੇ ਹੀ ਐਸੇ ਸੁ ਬੈਸ ਬਿਤਾਇਓ ॥
ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੋਂ ਸੁਨ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੀਓ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੯॥੨੯॥

ਕਾਹੂ ਲੈ ਪਾਹਨ ਪੂਜ ਧਰਯੋ ਸਿਰ ਕਾਹੂ ਲੈ ਲਿੰਗ ਗਰੇ ਲਟਕਾਇਓ ॥

ਕਾਹੂ ਲਖਿਓ ਹਰਿ ਅਵਾਚੀ ਦਿਸਾ ਮਹਿ ਕਾਹੂ ਪਛਾਹ ਕੋ ਸੀਸੁ ਨਿਵਾਇਓ ॥
ਕੋਉ ਬੁਤਾਨ ਕੋ ਪੂਜਤ ਹੈ ਪਸੁ ਕੋਉ ਮ੍ਰਿਤਾਨ ਕੋ ਪੂਜਨ ਧਾਇਓ ॥
ਕੂਰ ਕ੍ਰਿਆ ਉਰਿਝਓ ਸਭ ਹੀ ਜਗ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਕੋ ਭੇਦੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੧੦॥੩੦॥

Before my guide left me he uttered one last thing, "The path to God is in fact an internal path, you must look inside and use Naam to guide you and Gurbani as your lighthouse as a measure of your progress. Dear seeker I'll tell you, those who have love for God, will eventually find God, but right now the whole world is practising false things, no one has recognized Gods secret."

A little inspiration...

Author: Bhai Vijay Singh

Last weekend I was doing a talk at Connect2Sikhi Camp at Barking Gurdwara on 'heroes'. I started by asking the kids who their heroes are and why. 

A 9 year old Gursikh girl put her hand up and emotionally said, "My Massi (aunt) is my hero". I said "Why?" She replied, "When I was young both my parents died, so my Massi withdrew herself from University and gave up her education so she could look after me." I said "That's amazing! Your Massi is a true hero."

Even more amazing is that the Massi inspired her to keep her faith in Guru and raised her as a Gursikh. Very inspirational.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Which is the real Bhagti? ਅਸਲੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਕਿਹੜੀ ਹੈ?

ਕਬੀਰ ਪਾਪੀ ਭਗਤਿ ਨ ਭਾਵਈ ਹਰਿ ਪੂਜਾ ਨ ਸੁਹਾਇ ॥ 
ਮਾਖੀ ਚੰਦਨੁ ਪਰਹਰੈ ਜਹ ਬਿਗੰਧ ਤਹ ਜਾਇ ॥੬੮॥ 
"O Kabeer! The sinner does not like devotion to the Lord; he does not appreciate worship. (Just like) the fly abandons the sandalwood tree, and goes after the rotten smell. ||68||"

(Salok Kabeer jee, Ang 1368)

Amazing vichaar by Bhai Sahib Ranjit Singh jee Dhadrianwale. Please listen.

Khalsa Camp UK 2014...

Khalsa Camp UK took place from 24th to 28th August. This year's camp was mind blowing and one of the best Khalsa Camp that I have been to and many other campers shared the same view. The camp atmosphere was awesome and full of pyaar and Naam. Every single part of the camp was great - Amritvela, Nitnem, workshops, talks, groups, discussions, Keertan and Sangat. This year Bhai Paramjeet Singh Khalsa Anandpur Sahib wale was invited as one of the guest speakers. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa this year's camp was well attended with over 200 people at the camp. The majority of campers were new campers. There were campers from Ireland, Holland, Denmark and from across the UK.

On Sunday Bhenji Sukhwinder Kaur did a lecture on Hukam and her personal relationship with Guru jee. Bhenji set the tone of the camp and inspired everyone with her personal testimonies of Guru jee's love and greatness. On Monday Bhai Tarsem Singh jee did a talk on Anand Sahib. It was a very deep lecture which looked at the journey of the soul after death and Dharam Raaj questioning the individual based on Anand Sahib. On Tuesday Bhai Jaspreet Singh from the V&A Museum did a talk on Khalsa Raaj and Baba Banda Singh jee Bahadar. On Wednesday there was a talk on Gursikhs who fought in World War 1 and their amazing jeevans. On Thursday Bhai Paramjeet Singh Khalsa Anandpur Sahib wale did an amazing talk on the Panj Khands and the Jeevan of a Gursikh.

Below are some photos (taken from Khalsa Camp Facebook):

Guru Sahib coming to the Darbaar

 Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaaj

Sarbat Khalsa workshop led Bhai Mehtaab Singh. Everyone loved this workshop.

Workshop with Bhai Surjeet Singh. Such an inspiration!

 

Langar

 Canoeing

 Football

 

 I think this is called abseiling (?)

Evening Kathaa by Bhai Paramjeet Singh Khalsa. Amazing jeevan and amazing Tat-Gurmat kathaa which is all backed up and based on Gurbani.

 

 Sukhaasan time

 Amrit Vela. Vaheguru!

Questions and answers time after Bhai Tarsem Singh jee's talk. 

 

 Keertan by Bhai Tarsem Singh jee

 Evening Divaan

 Bhai Surjeet Singh jee taking Hukamnama

 Bhai Jaspreet Singh from V&A Museum

 Bhai Paramjeet Singh Khalsa Anandpur Sahib wale. Vaheguru.

 Two of my favourite parchaariks together, on the same stage, with one microphone! Vaheguru!

 Both bhenjis were first time campers and sharing their experiences on camera

Looking forward to Khalsa Camp 2015!


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Camp Chardi Kala 2014 (New York, USA)...

This summer I was privileged to be invited to Camp Chardi Kala in the USA. Camp Chardi Kala has been running for the past 35 years. It was set up by a small group of Sikhs in the 1970s who were concerned about the upcoming generation and didn't want them to lose their Sikh identity and spirit in the wave of Westernisation. These elders sacrificed their time and put every effort into providing a religious experience for young Sikhs in USA which reinforces the Sikh spirit and pride.

 Camp organisers - Bhai Livleen Singh and Dr. Sandeep Singh. Bhai Livleen Singh's father was one of the founders of the camp. He was at the camp and is a very inspirational character who has a great love for Sikhi and the Panth.

At Amrit-vela, some campers and sevadaars would do Aasa Kee Vaar keertan. Some campers showed some real dedication for Amrit-vela and Aasa Kee Vaar. At 7am the camp began with Nitnem of Panj Banian. The very young campers did a shortened form of Nitnem separately. Afterwards campers have breakfast followed by intensive training for learning a particular Nitnem Bani the camper chooses. Following on from this, all the campers would congregate around the Nishaan Sahib to sing shabads and sometimes there would be Gatkaa performed. A short divaan was held afterwards in the Darbaar Sahib where campers do Keertan and the morning Hukamnama is explained. There were Gurmat classes where campers rotated between the different speakers, followed by lunch. The afternoon was for sports and activities. At 4.30pm campers would gather in the Darbaar Sahib for Simran, Keertan and Rehraas Sahib. After evening dinner the campers would gather again in Darbaar Sahib for Keertan and evening activities.

Three particular things stood out for me in the camp. Firstly, the morning Nishaan Sahib salaamee, where the campers gather outside in front of the Nishaan Sahib to sing the shabads - "...Jai Tegun" and "Deh Shiva..". The campers do loud jaikaaray and raise their arms and it helps to instil a feeling of pride of great and rich history of sacrifices and bravery. Secondly, it was so nice to see all the campers able to do keertan and so many campers knew Raag keertan. The Raag keertan was sung so well and some young campers beautifully sang Dasam Bani shabads which otherwise are difficult to pronounce for youngsters let alone sing wonderfully. Thirdly, in the evenings before retiring back to the cabins to sleep, the sevadaars would sing a Sikh lullaby based on the Sikh Gurus, followed by some Simran and Sohila Sahib. It was a really nice way to unwind for the day and go to sleep thinking of all the Ten Gurus and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

 Morning divaan

Hukamnama vichaar by Bhai Jasdeep Singh Texas

Campers being trained to do Ardaas

 Intensive training in learning a Nitnem Bani. This group was learning how to recite Tav Prasaad Svaiyye. Groups then moved on to the meanings of words and the message of the Bani.

Intensive training in how to do Maharaaj's Seva.

Singing outside before Nishaan Sahib

Campers doing Jaikaaray

Gatka being performed in the morning

 Gatka being performed in the morning

 Photo with Bhai Jasdeep Singh Texas. A very inspirational speaker who does Sikhi Parchaar in English and Panjabi.

Morning Gurmat class for elders

Morning talk by Bhai Jasdeep Singh Texas with elder campers

Younger campers learning Gatka

Younger campers presenting what they have learnt in their class

 

Afternoon activities

One day there was a carnival where campers and sevadaars were plunged into a pool

Some people at the camp took "Thandaa Ishnaan" (cold shower) maryada too far. lol

Camp fire

 

 Camp fire Saakhi by Bhai Jasdeep Singh Texas

Camp fire bedtime lullaby

Evening Divaan

Young camper taking Hukamnama

Evening presentation on 30 years of 1984

Late night group discussion

Simran and Keertan before bedtime by Bhai Kavitoj Singh.

 Talent show - young Singh sang a rap about wearing a Dastaar. A well thought it rap.

Sangat watching talent show

Veer jee sang a rap about 1984 in memory of 30 years

Keertan from camp be listened/downloaded from the following link:
https://soundcloud.com/campchardikala_official/sets/cck-2014

 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!