"Show me a miracle..."

 

Author: Bhai Vijay Singh (UK)

I was talking to a Gursikh about the youth today and he mentioned how they all want to see miracles and get frustrated when they don't. This reminded me of the Mughuls and how they detained the Gurus Sahibs and asked them, "Show us miracles."

How would Guru Sahib respond?
They would look at us, their Gursikhs, and say, "They are the biggest miracles."

The biggest miracles are amongst us! How many of us have come from Manmukh sharabi, druggy lives to now lead a life of waking up Amrit-vela, reading Bani, doing seva, living in discipline. All for someone we have never physically met. Because that is the game.

The miracle has not come from what we have seen with these eyes, but what we have experienced in our soul. We are still attached to these gyaan indreeaa (sensory organs), looking for miracles, but they will be destroyed with our body and our account will have to be settled by the soul only. Guru Sahib doesn't want us to look for miracles, instead look at yourself, you are the biggest miracle.

ਹਮ ਨੀਚ ਸੇ ਊਤਮ ਭਏ ਹਰਿ ਕੀ ਸਰਣਾਈ ||
ਪਾਥਰੁ ਡੁਬਦਾ ਕਾਢਿ ਲੀਆ ਸਾਚੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ||੪||
ਬਿਖੁ ਸੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਏ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਬੁਧਿ ਪਾਈ ||
ਅਕਹੁ ਪਰਮਲ ਭਏ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਵਾਸਨਾ ਵਸਾਈ ||੫||

"I am lowly, but I have been exalted, entering the Sanctuary of the Lord. He has lifted up the sinking stone; True is His glorious greatness. ||4|| From poison, I have been transformed into Amrit (life-giving nectar); under Guru's Instruction, I have obtained wisdom. From bitter herbs, I have been transformed into sandalwood; this fragrance permeates me deep within. ||5||"(Vadhans M:3, 565)

In a mother's womb...

ਜਨਨੀ ਕੇਰੇ ਉਦਰ ਉਦਕ ਮਹਿ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਕੀਆ ਦਸ ਦੁਆਰਾ ||
ਦੇਇ ਅਹਾਰੁ ਅਗਨਿ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਖੈ ਐਸਾ ਖਸਮੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ||੧||
"In the water of the mother's womb, He fashioned the body with ten gates. He gives it sustenance, and preserves it in fire - such is my Lord and Master. ||1||"(Aasa M:5, 488)

In a mother’s womb were two babies. One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?” The other replied, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.” “Nonsense” said the first. “There is no life after delivery. What kind of life would that be?”

The second said, “I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we will have other senses that we can’t understand now.” The first replied, “That is absurd. Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. But the umbilical cord is so short. Life after delivery is to be logically excluded.”

The second insisted, “Well I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here. Maybe we won’t need this physical cord any more.” The first replied, “Nonsense. And moreover if there is life, then why has no one has ever come back from there? Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion. It takes us nowhere.”

“Well, I don’t know,” said the second, “but certainly we will meet Mother and she will take care of us.” The first replied “Mother? You actually believe in Mother? That’s laughable. If Mother exists then where is She now?” The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by her. We are of Her. It is in Her that we live. Without Her this world would not and could not exist.”

Said the first: “Well I don’t see Her, so it is only logical that She doesn’t exist.” To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you’re in silence and you focus and you really listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice, calling down from above.” 

A Christian Lady who does Nitnem...

When I went to New York last year to attend Camp Chardi Kala 2014 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 have previously shared one story and now wish to share another.

Bhai Jatinder Singh was visiting the Home Depot store in New Jersey. When he entered the store a white American lady saw him and said, "Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh!" Bhai Sahib was pleasantly stunned by the random white American lady saying Guru's Fateh. 

Bhai Jatinder Singh asked the lady how she knew the Guru's Fateh and about Sikhs. The lady picked up her phone and showed her phone screen. The phone screen had a picture of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. The lady explained that her father had passed away, and after his death she had reoccurring dreams of her father. Her father would come to her in a dream and whilst looking at her would say, "Nitnem!" Every day she would have her father visit her dream and say "Nitnem" as if he was telling her to do something. 

Being a white American Christian lady, she was not sure really sure what her father was saying and thought perhaps her father is saying 'Nitwit' (which means a 'fool' or 'dumb'). However, her father was clearly saying "Nitnem" time and again.

The lady had attended some Yoga classes when she was nine years old, where she was exposed to the sounds of Gurbani, but she left the classes short after. At that time she didn't know about Gurbani and the Sikh religion. She didn't think much of her father's reoccurring dreams at first, however, over time after meeting different people and different things happening in her life she kept thinking why her father was repeatedly telling her "Nitnem".

On the Internet she discovered 'Nitnem' refers to the Sikh daily prayers. She downloaded a special Gurbani Nitnem application on which she can listen to Nitnem. Now, she listens to full morning Nitnem when waking up, before she goes to work; listens to Rehraas Sahib in the evening after work; and listens to Sohila Sahib before going to bed.

The lady's father was a Christian, however in the reoccurring dreams he repeatedly told her daughter "Nitnem" as a signal for her to do Nitnem. Perhaps the father was signalling to do the daughter that in the world beyond only Nitnem-Gurbani will take you across, so he wanted her to do Nitnem.

ਕਹਤ ਕਬੀਰ ਛੋਡਿ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਰਸ ਇਤੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਨਿਹਚਉ ਮਰਣਾ ||
ਰਮਈਆ ਜਪਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਅਨਤ ਜੀਵਣ ਬਾਣੀ ਇਨ ਬਿਧਿ ਭਵ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਤਰਣਾ ||੨||

"Says Kabeer, give up the pleasures of corruption, or else you will surely die of them. O Mortal! Remember and meditate the Lord through the Gurbani, which shall give you eternal life. In this way, shall you cross over the terrifying world-ocean. ||2||"

(Siree Raag Kabeer Jee, 91)

After hearing this amazing story, Bhai Jatinder Singh pulled out his camera phone and asked the lady if she would mind saying something about the story of her father's dream and Nitnem for him to record. See video below:

ਮਤ ਕੋ ਭਰਮਿ ਭੁਲੈ ਸੰਸਾਰਿ ||

ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਉਤਰਸਿ ਪਾਰਿ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||

"Let no one wander in doubt in the world. Without the Guru, no one can cross over. ||1||Pause||"

(Gond M:5, 864)

I hope this post is encouragement to those brothers and sisters who have not yet began to do any Nitnem to introduce Gurbani to their lives and allow Gurbani to lighten up their life here and beyond. Vaheguru!

Speaking Panjabi amongst Gursikhs...

Author: Bhai Kulbir Singh Ji

Taken from www.GurmatBibek.com

Ones who are from Punjabi background but don't think in Punjabi and converse in a language other than Punjabi, they are very unfortunate. Sikhs who are not from Punjabi background can be excused if they don't speak Punjabi but Sikhs from Punjabi background ought to speak in Punjabi because not knowing Punjabi is detrimental to their Sikhi.

Often it is seen that youngsters brought up on UK, USA and Canada, converse in English when they get together. When they get married, they continue their habit and this results in their children totally becoming Goray. Already the youngsters born here speak in English and can't even speak one sentence of pure Punjabi and imagine who their children will.

Then they complain that their Sikhi is not good and that they can't focus etc. Punjabi is important to learn because our scriptures are in Punjabi. Our Gurbani is in Punjabi. How can we understand the message of Gurbani if we don't speak and understand Punjabi?

The ones who are handicap in Punjabi, have to rely on translations done by someone else, to understand Gurbani. These unfortunate people can never receive message from Gurbani directly. How sad...

Instead of fixing their problem and trying to learn and speak Punjabi, these people pass on their handicap-ness to their children by speaking pure English with them. This results in their children remaining totally devoid of comprehension of Gurbani.

For the sake of their children and for their own sake, the young couples who are brought up in these Western countries, should try their best to only speak in Punjabi with each other. It's not that hard. It is hard in the beginning but later on it becomes natural.

Punjabi Sikhs lived in Kashmir (a non Punjabi state) and Afghanistan for hundreds of years and they spoke the native language with fluency but they never lost touch of Punjabi and continued to speak Punjabi as well. God knows what happened when Punjabi Sikhs moved to English speaking countries. Why did they totally abandon Punjabi?

There is nothing wrong in mastering the native language of the country you are living in and as the matter of fact, one must be fluent in the native language but why should that be done at the cost of your mother-tongue?

The problem is not that the youngsters here know English very well but the problem is that they don't know Punjabi at all. In Punjab, from childhood, Punjabi, Hindi and English languages are taught and kids can understand and converse in these languages. Why should the kids in English countries totally become handicap in Punjabi and speak only English. The little Punjabi they speak is horrible since they can't speak most alphabets.

It is good time to realize our folly and make earnest efforts to bring Punjabi back into our lives, so that our Sikhi jeevan and our Gurbani understanding does not suffer.

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

Saakhi: Countless worlds and planets...

ਫਿਰਿ ਬਾਬਾ ਗਿਆ ਬਗਦਾਦ ਨੋ ਬਾਹਰ ਜਾਇ ਕੀਆ ਅਸਥਾਨਾ||

ਇਕ ਬਾਬਾ ਅਕਾਲ ਰੂਪੁ ਦੂਜਾ ਰਬਾਬੀ ਮਰਦਾਨਾ||

"From Mecca, Baba went to Baghdad and stayed outside the city. There was the Baba himself, the form of Timeless, and secondly there was his companion Mardana, the Rabaab player."

Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived in the outskirts of the city of Baghdad in Iraq. He sung the shabad with Bhai Mardana Ji:

ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ||
pataalaa pataal lakh aagaasaa aagaas.
"There are worlds upon worlds and many hundreds of thousands of them and hundreds of thousands of skies."
(Japji Sahib, ang 5)

Some onlookers heard and went to Pir Dastgeer and told him, "There is a holy man come with a white turban, he is transfixing the local people with his music. He is singing that there are are not only 7 under worlds and 7 skies, there are in fact hundreds of thousands."

The Peer became enraged and said, "This is the worst kind of kaafir (non-believer). He comes to our Islamic land and questions our Quran. Get the people to stone him to death!"

The group gathered a crowd of people in the city armed with stones to kill Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Bhai Mardana said to Guru Nanak Ji, "They are bringing big stones to come and kill you." Guru Nanak Dev smiled and said, "Mardana, if truth never dies, then those that speak the truth never die also."

ਦਿਤੀ ਬਾਂਗਿ ਨਿਵਾਜਿ ਕਰਿ ਸੁੰਨ ਸਮਾਨਿ ਹੋਆ ਜਹਾਨਾ||ਸੁੰਨ ਮੁੰਨਿ ਨਗਰੀ ਭਈ ਦੇਖਿ ਫਰਿ ਭਇਆ ਹੈਰਾਨਾ||

"The Baba gave his version of the call of prayer, listening to which the whole world went into absolute silence. The whole city became quiet and Lo! to behold it, the Peer (of the town) also got wonderstruck."

As they attempted to throw their stones, they grew stiff and couldn't move.

The Peer heard what had happened and came to investigate. He said to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, "What are you talking about, hundreds of thousands skies and worlds?" Guru sahib asked, "How many do you say?" The Peer said, "There are 7 skies and 7 under-worlds." Guru sahib said, "Have you seen these 14?" He replied, "I have seen 14." Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, "I've seen hundreds of thousands." The Peer said, "Can you show me?" Guru Sahib replied, "Sure."

The Peer was asked to look in to Guru Sahib's eyes, and was shocked with what he saw. Before he went any further he became scared and said to Guru Ji, "Here is my son! You can show him instead as my health is not to good..." Guru Sahib said to the son, "Are you ready?" He anxiously said "Yes." Within an instant he left his body and a few seconds later returned.

His father said, "What happened?... What did you see?" He was very shaken and wasn't speaking properly. Then son explained, "I saw millions of worlds and millions of skies, everywhere we went they rejoiced and were overjoyed because Guru Nanak had arrived. They all bowed down to Guru Sahib and came begging to him..."

ਕੋਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ਕੋ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸਰਬ ਜੀਆ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਰੇ ||
"The Lord and Master of millions of universes; He is the Giver of all beings."
(Sorat(h) M:5, 612)

The son went on to say, "I believe Guru Nanak is Khuda (God) himself."  

Guru Nanak Dev Ji even brought some karhah parshaad for Peer Dastgeer from the another world. Seeing and hearing this all, Peer Dastgeer fell at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

ਪੁਛੇ ਫਰਿ ਤਕਰਾਰ ਕਰਿ ਏਹ ਫਕੀਰ ਵਡਾ ਅਤਾਈ||
ਏਥੇ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਗਦਾਦ ਦੇ ਵਡੀ ਕਰਾਮਾਤਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ||
ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਆਕਾਸ ਲਖ ਓੜਕਿ ਭਾਲੀ ਖਬਰੁ ਸੁਣਾਈ||
ਫੇਰਿ ਦੁਰਾਇਣ ਦਸਤਗੀਰ ਅਸੀ ਭਿ ਵੇਖਾਂ ਜੋ ਤੁਹਿ ਪਾਈ||
ਨਾਲਿ ਲੀਤਾ ਬੇਟਾ ਫਰਿ ਦਾ ਅਖੀ ਮੀਟਿ ਗਇਆ ਹਾਵਾਈ||
ਲਖ ਅਕਾਸ ਪਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਅਖਿ ਫੁਰਕ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਭਿ ਦਿਖਲਾਈ||
ਭਰਿ ਕਚਕੌਲ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਦਾ ਧੁਰੋ ਪਤਾਲੋ ਲਈ ਕੜਾਈ||
ਜਾਹਰ ਕਲਾ ਨ ਛਪੈ ਛਪਾਈ ||੩੬||
"The Peer debated and came to know that this Fakeer (Guru Nanak) is much more powerful. Here in Baghdad he has shown a great miracle. Meanwhile he (Guru Nanak) talked about countless netherworlds and skies. Peer Dastgeer asked (the Guru) to show him whatever he had seen. Guru Nanak Dev taking along with him the son of the Peer, melted into thin air. And in a wink of eye visualized him the upper and lower worlds. From the nether world he brought a bowl full of Prashaad and handed it over to Peer.
This manifest power (of the Guru) cannot be made to hide.(36)"
(Bhai Gurdaas Ji: Vaar 1, Pauri 36)

Newcastle Vaisakhi Camp 2015...

When I was first invited to Newcastle Upon Tyne by Bhai Jaswinder Singh and Bhenji Satinder Kaur in October 2014 for doing seva at their Gurdwara camp, I was dreading it thinking "why on earth would someone live so far away in the middle of no where!". I checked on the route planner on the Internet and it was well over a four hour car journey! I nervously accepted the seva, whilst thinking how I was going to drive so far without falling asleep. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa I cut the journey time down by staying a night at Derby Gurdwara Sahib.

When I arrived outside Newcastle Gurdwara Sahib, I was stunned by the beautiful and proud Gurdwara Sahib building. Entering the Gurdwara had an amazing uplifting feeling. There seemed to be so much positivity, welcoming feeling and love. The Sangat in Newcastle were so down to earth and had so much pyaar that it left a lasting impression. I was surprised to see so many non-Sikh children and adults attending the Sikh camp and helping out with seva, who had been welcomed and inspire by the local Sangat.

This April, I had the second opportunity to attend Newcastle Gurdwara camp. This time, I didn't dread the journey (as much)! The camp was held from 3rd to 5th August. The theme of the camp was Vaisakhi. Bhenji Jaspreet Kaur, a Beligum white Singhni, was a speaker at the camp as well as Bhai Sukha Singh, Bhai Harkirat Singh (Northampton), and Bibi Pritam Kaur, wife of Shaheed Bhai Rashpal Singh (PA of Baba Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranwale). The camp attracted many children and families that are new to Sikhi. There was great enthusiasm and spirit shown in the camp. May Satguru jee bless the sevadaars with more seva and may Sikhi in Newcastle grow stronger and stronger.

Some photos of the camp taken from Veer Joojhaar Singh's Facebook:

Morning diwaan

The theme shabad being sung by sevadaars and campers

 

 The theme shabad for the camp

Veer jee doing annoucements

Bhai Jaswinder Singh showing how to make Degh

Children being taken outside for fun activities

Rescuing a bhenji from a tree (joke!) 

Children patiently their turn ("patience is a virtue").

 

 Climbing instructor

 

 Gatka class

Bhai Sukha Singh's class with the younger children

 Children concentrating in their class

 Child learning how to do Chaur Sahib seva.

Bhenji Jaspreet Kaur's class

Adults and parents class

Bibi Preetam Kaur jee telling her life story to the Sangat.

Bhai Jaswinder Singh doing a class (looks like a drama class perhaps)

Langar time. Children look well behaved (and not hyper!)

 

 It was great to hear Vaheguru Simran being continuously played in the kitchen area. I saw that all the Sangat cooking and doing seva spoke very little or not at all and were instead chanting Vaheguru.

 Newcastle Gurdwara Sahib is one of the only Gurdwara Sahibs I have seen that has a large picture of Bhagat Puran Singh jee up (and in a prominent area!). 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

17 Reasons to Prevent Sri Darbar Sahib From Being UNESCO Heritage Site

Sign the Petition:
Prevent Sri Harmandir Sahib
From Being a UNESCO Heritage Site

There are a number of long term implications of applying for this status:

1. The application can only be made by the country. Therefore the Indian government will assume primary responsibility for management and protection of Sri Darbar Sahib. A future Indian government can easily side step the SGPC, or reduce its role and set up a new body to look after ‘protection of heritage’ issues. The Sikhs will not be able to do anything legally to stop this.
   
2. To ensure that buildings are not harmed by erosion etc, a future government committee can impose limits to the number of people who can go into Sri Darbar Sahib at any one time. This will ensure that structures are no damaged by having too many people in the complex!
   
3. The Government can ban any political meeting taking place within Sri Darbar Sahib by claiming that it is necessary to avoid any possible ‘violence’ taking place.
   
4. The government through its body can ban a Surbutt Khalsa taking place in Sri Darbar Sahib.
   
5. The Sovereignty of Sri Akal Takht Sahib will be lost as India’s sovereignty and right to protect as well as manage the Darbar sahib will have been conceded by the Sikhs through this application.
   
6. A future Indian government can install a police post within Darbar Sahib under the pretext of ‘protecting’ the heritage.
   
7. The focus and emphasis of Sri Darbar Sahib will change from a deeply spiritual place where people of faith and longing go to a place of cultural tourism where mass tourism will be catered for.
   
8. There are many misrepresentations in the Application dossier which give a misguided description of Sikhi. The document will become an international document of reference. It is important that its contents are sound and portray a true account of Sikhi.
   
9. The application transfers ‘religious’ decisions concerning maryada, from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to the SGPC, a body of the Government.
   
10. The Sikhs already seem to have lost some control. The application cannot be withdrawn by SGPC. Only the Indian government can withdraw the application.
    
11. A future government will introduce legislation to over ride any restrictions in Gurdwara Act in order to fulfil its international obligations as required by article 153 of the Indian constitution.
    
12. A future government can impose restrictions on the type and number of arms held in the Darbar sahib precinct, including the length of the kirpan when dignitaries visit.
    
13. A future government body can impose new rules to ensure security for important leaders visiting Sri Darbar Sahib. These can over ride any Sikh maryada.
    
14. In the present dossier, there is already a provision for a body consisting of two representatives of Central government, two from State (Punjab) government and four experts chosen by the government and only ONE SGPC members, to supervise management and protection of the site for heritage purpose.
    
15. the representatives from central and state government do not have to be Sikhs, they can even be Radhaswamis or anyone the government nominates.
    
16. Any future development in the complex will need the permission of this body.
    
17. Any decisions taken by SGPC or Sikhs that could reflect on the heritage status or have direct or indirect effect on the buildings, can be vetoed by this body. For instance if the Sikhs decide to hold a month long event to celebrate the anniversary of Sri Akal takht sahib, the body can over rule this.

Remembering the Shaheeds of 1978...

 

Kathaa by Bhai Sahib Pinderpal Singh Ji on the Shaheeds of 1978 from Derby April Smaagam 2014:

Must Listen: Nitnem Katha...

Listen to full Nitnem Katha on Anandpur Sahib YouTube channel
 

The Panth and Me...

 

 What are our duties and responsibilities towards Panth?

Author: Bhai Kulbir Singh Ji (Toronto)

The most important duty and responsibility that we have towards Panth is to follow Gurmat. What good can we do to others, if we can't do the ultimate goodness of following Gurmat for our own self?

Guru Sahib blessed us with His Gurmat which includes firstly Naam, Gurbani and then Rehit and Seva. Sikhi is about obeying Guru Sahib's Hukams that include Naam Simran, Gurbani Sevan, keeping Rehit and doing Seva. If we don't do Naam Abhyaas, Gurbani Paath, Amritvela, and keep Rehit, what Panthik duty can we fulfill? Without fulfilling the Shakhsee Rehnee (individual Rehit), Panthi Rehnee cannot be kept.

Guru Sahib made us Bhagats but today we have started following the ways of the Mayadhaari worldly people. We sleep late at night and don't get up at Amritvela. We spend money on many useless things but hesitate taking out full 10% of our earnings as Dasvandh. We wear Patloon-Kameez (Western dress) with great pride (and shauq) but when it comes to wearing Baana, we make the excuse that it will cause Haumai or that we are not worthy of it. We eat from hands of smokers (narreemaar) and Nigure (ones who don't have Guru Nanak Sahib as their Guru i.e. are not Amritdhari) without thinking twice.

Keeping Sarbloh Bibek, which is one of the most important Rehit that makes Khalsa Niyaara and without which Khalsa can never be in Chardi Kala (in the words of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh jee), is one thing but today most of the Panth and even some of our brothers sisters within the Jatha, openly slander this Rehit and even claim that it's not even a Rehit of Guru Sahib. Never mind keeping this Rehit if you have an majboori (problem, inability) but at least don't slander it.

If we don't keep Rehit including Amritvela Naam Abhyaas Kamaaee which is preceded by Keshi Ishnaan (full bath including the hair), keeping Kakaars (including Keski), staying away from Bajjar Kurehits (cardinal prohibitions), giving out Daswand (one tenth of one's income), and keeping Sarbloh Bibek, then are Hindus and Muslims going to obey these Hukams?

The Seva of Panth starts from us. We must first become Tyaar-bar-Tyaar Gursikhs by keeping Guru Sahib's basic Rehit and then go about executing other duties of Panth. Secondly, if we have a problem or inability to keep a certain Rehit of Guru Sahib, then the second most important Seva we can do is to not slander this Rehit. If not promote it, then at least not oppose it so that others may not get discouraged from keeping this Rehit. Thirdly, we ourselves should not do Be-adbi (disrespect) of Guru Sahib by promoting padd-chhed of Guru Sahib's Birs and also strive to do Smaagams only in the Hazoori of Siri Guru Granth Sahib jee (which is Lareedaar Saroop).

There are many others ways to fulfill our duties towards Guru Panth but without the basic duty of following basic Gurmat, we can't execute any other duty diligently.

Bhul Chuk dee Muaafee jee.

Kulbir Singh

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

Poem: I Wonder If They Know....

I WONDER IF THEY KNOW....Author: Bhai Vijay Singh (UK)

Crammed into lorries they cry out in separation
Cooped up in small spaces with little ventilation
From their caring mother they have had to let go
I wonder if they know...

Arriving at unfamiliar places
Loaded off with panicked faces
Huge psychological torture they undergo
I wonder if they know....

Inside the slaughterhouse they are made to wait
For showing distress the beating is great
They are hit with sticks and their pain really shows
I wonder if they know...

They watch their family being murdered for their meat,
With chains they are hung upside down from their feet,
As others watch on, hearing screams and moans
I wonder if they know....

The time comes for them to meet their fate
What crime have they done with a punishment so great,
The knife is inserted and the blood flows
I wonder if they know....

An everyday story of an animals life
To satisfy the human, they must face the knife
Just like the Jews were herded onto trains
Their fate unknown and no one to explain
Animals face the same torture everyday,
For this pain and suffering we must surely pay
Think before you eat how would you feel
If you had to experience such an ordeal.
Your body is not a graveyard,
It's the temple of the Lord,
With care and compassion where love is stored

Story of Bhai Vijay Singh...

As a child I had no interest or concept of religion. My family would attend the gurdwara now and then and I actually had no idea which religion I belonged to. Life revolved around families, which on the surface seemed very close knit. However I have only recently become aware of the differences and disagreements which I was oblivious to 25 years ago. 

Growing up, again I had not interest in religion and would make fun of keshdhari (unshorn hair) children at school. I would make fun of the way they looked, make fun of their names and also make fun of their religion. Members of my close family would regularly get in trouble with the police and many spent time in prison. I still hung around with them and much of their characteristics and persona rubbed off on me. I began behaving, talking, walking like them but one thing I had, which they didn't was a mother who was devoted to Gurbani. She would listen to Kirtan and do paath everyday. I feel that this is one of the main reasons I didn't fall into such bad ways. I know now that she would do ardas for me, that I'm happy and live a successful life. 

I spent sometime studying in Germany and this was really an eye opening experience. As I left, my mum gave me a gutka and wrote a shabad on a piece of paper. She said, "Whenever you feel down read this." It was:

ਅਉਖੀ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਦੇਖਣ ਦੇਈ ਅਪਨਾ ਬਿਰਦੁ ਸਮਾਲੇ ||
"He does not let His devotees see the difficult times; this is His innate nature."
(Dhanaasree M:5, 682)

In Germany was where I began to start the Sikhi journey. Prior to this I had multiple relationships, engaged in smoking, drugs, excessive drinking etc. I also played dhol for a group, my brothers were DJs and we would regularly do gigs across the country. On returning to UK I began a relationship. We decided very early on, that we wanted to get married. As we were engaged, I kept feeling this pull towards Sikhi.

I remember my mum calling me to come upstairs, because there were some young people talking about Sikhi on Panjab radio. The show was 'Sweet Sikhi'. I called the show and said, I played tabla and asked whether they had any programmes coming up. They said, come to Park Avenue Gurdwara on the last Saturday of the month. I arrived there in jeans and a ramaal (head covering). I was given the opportunity to play tabla, which was a great honour. That day I met Bhai Manvir Singh, who became a lighthouse for my journey towards the Guru. A lighthouse directs those towards the safety of the shore and in the same way the Gursikhs direct people to the safety of the Gurus sharan (court).

From there I kept in touch with Bhai Sahib and was introduced to many other gursikhs. They became my role models. I wanted to become like them. I had so many questions and would wait anxiously to ask and give responses. At that time I also learned another valuable lesson. Just because someone dresses religiously or does Kirtan/tabla seva, that doesn't mean they are holy inside. I found some gursikhs (mainly youngsters) to be rude, unhelpful and very dismissive of a Mona (me) trying to come into Sikhi.

As I moved towards making physical changes I realised that I had a huge obstacle, I was engaged to be married. What shall I do? Break off the engagement? We had been dating for 2 years and our connection was very strong, so I made a decision to wait before I make the physical change. I felt that what greater service could it be, for someone to help them come into Sikhi. We got married in a typical panjabi way, although the gyanis who performed the wedding were slightly surprised to see a Mona groom singing the Laavaa as he goes around.

The hurdle now was to try to encourage my wife to build an interest in Sikhi. I would do ardas (pray) many times a day and consult with gursikhs about what to do. Many have differing opinions. I was quite determined for us to change, however recognized that taking Amrit should be a decision someone makes, because they want to, not because they have to, that way the individual is a lot likely to keep their Amrit.

I then tried a different approach by taking the wife to Kirtan programmes and camps so we could build our knowledge and pyaar (love). I could see, that she was moving slowly towards a gursikhi lifestyle. I would ask gursikh bibian to talk to her about Sikhi saroop (image), dastaar (turban) and Kes (hair), so she could feel support in this. I have lost touch with many of the people, who supported us on our journey but I am very grateful and indebted to them for the time and effort they put into us. I would hate the thought of cutting my hair and it became more and more of a struggle for my wife to get me to the barbers. I would put it off, she would eventually stop talking to me. These were very difficult times. I continued waking up at amritvela everyday and did simran (meditate) and Nitnem (daily prayers). I was basically living as an amritdhari (baptised Sikh) but without Kesh.

I recall the final time I went to the Barbers. A Muslim woman was cutting my hair and spotted my Kara. She said, "You're a Sikh!?" I said, "Yes." "Aren't Sikhs supposed to keep their hair?" I replied, "Yes" but felt very embarrassed. From here I began telling her about Sikhi. She was very impressed and she even started feeling guilty about her lack of devotion, for her own faith. By the end of the haircut, she said something which shocked me. She said, "After all you have told me about your religion you seem very much into it, I don't expect to see you here again." It was a WOW moment, where I felt this comment had a driving force behind it. I went home and told my wife what happened and from there she realised that this is a clear sign. From there I kept my Kes. Now the challenge was encouraging my wife to get into it. She had made some progress but was still having the same old demons inside.

The birth of our child Amrita Kaur led to a change in her. A jeevan-vala (highly spiritual) gursikh said to us recently, that you and your wife became gursikhs as a result of your daughter's kamaaee (accumulation of spiritual wealth) from her previous lives. Now our journey towards Amrit was to step up. With Guru's Apaar Kirpa, my wife started keeping her Kes and one thing she noticed was she felt incomplete without a dastaar. She slowly started doing her full Nitnem and in Dec 2009 we were blessed to become part of the Khalsa (pure) Family.

I have no regrets as every mistake, every good decision, all shape our current destiny. Although we still have a huge distance to travel, Guru Sahib, through the Sangat, has laid a clear path ahead. I am eternally thankful to Guru sahib and our Gursikh family for embracing this nobody and bringing him from the dying cold outside, to experience the warmth of the Gurus lap. May guru sahib bless us all with his love.

Guru Sahib Ji has now blessed veer ji, with the Seva (service) of touring the world to educate/inspire many others, on this extremely beautiful spiritual path of Sikhi. Veer ji does this whilst living in girhast (householders life), with a family and a full time job. Guru Ramdas Ji says,

ਹਮ ਰੁਲਤੇ ਫਿਰਤੇ ਕੋਈ ਬਾਤ ਨ ਪੂਛਤਾ ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੰਗਿ ਕੀਰੇ ਹਮ ਥਾਪੇ ||
"I was rolling around in the dirt, and no one cared for me at all. In the Company of the Guru, the True Guru, I, the worm, have been raised up and exalted."
(Gauree M:4, 167)

Vaheguroo! 

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

Note: Thank you to Bhai Vijay Singh jee for writing his personal story and sharing it with the Sangat.

The Sinner...

"It is God alone who can judge who is really virtuous and who is really sinner. The greatest sinner can become the noblest saint. Our attitude towards evil-doers should be one of compassion and not of hatred. Only those who are willfully cruel should be severely dealt with or avoided"

- Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Jee

#I support Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa...

Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa, a Sikh human rights activist from California, USA, is on hunger strike since 16th January for the permanent release of Sikh detainees who have already completed their life sentences but are still languishing in different jails of India.  Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa took this initiative in order to fulfil the earlier commitments and Ardaas that were made by Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh at Gurdwara Lakhnaur Sahib, Ambala. Sadly, after the dramatic collapse of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh's agitation, the support and interest for these hunger strikes has declined in my opinion. People felt disheartened and questioned the motives and intentions of those starting these protest agitations.   

 

However, it is admirable that elderly Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has stuck at the cause for permanent release of Sikh detainees and his wish to fulfil the unfulfilled Ardaas of Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh. In the beginning of this month, Bapu Surat Singh was illegally detained by the Punjab Police for peacefully protesting against the Punjab and India Government.  Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa was put on a virtual arrest at the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana by the police, where doctors tried to force feed him. 

The illegal activities and ill intentions of the Indian authorities did not stop there! Bapu Surat Singh's family have been harassed and threatened. On 26th February, his son Ravinder Pal Singh, who is a USA citizen, went to visit him in India and was arrested from the hospital and illegally detained by Punjab Police as a political prisoner. A journalist, Surinder Singh, and a Sikh activist, Damandeep Singh, were also arrested from the hospital. Although the Police released journalist Surinder Singh after a few hours, Damandeep Singh was kept detained for nearly two weeks. It is noteworthy that Ravinder Pal Singh and Damandeep Singh had no charges against them when they were arrested. After 24 hours of being detained, and continued pressure from the USA embassy, the Indian authorities finally filed the charges the next day. Ravinder Pal Singh is still being illegally held. With India's history of human rights abuses, making fabricated cases to imprison Sikhs and their record of torturing Sikhs in custody, it is very alarming.

Bapu Surat Singh's family are reporting that their father is being harassed and pressed to end his hunger strike.  When he was arrested, his dastaar was removed on the way to the hospital.  He also fell down and was not given any medical attention.  Police also confiscated his phones and other belongings forcibly. Doctors have forcefully stitched the food pipe on his forehead and nose. He is also being given glucose regularly against his will.  However, despite the administration’s alleged concerns regarding Bapu Ji’s well-being, his health has started declining dramatically after this.

May we all pray for those who have completed their sentences and are being illegally being held in India's prisons. May truth, justice, and humanity prevail. 

AKJ UK Vaisakhi International Smaagam coming up...

Community announcement:

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!! Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK’s Annual INTERNATIONAL AKHAND KIRTAN SMAGAM 2015 will commemorate via the essence of Shabad Guru, Vaisakhi and 100th Anniversary of The Ghadar Movement (1915) & The Vaisakhi Massacre of 1978 in Amritsar from Monday 30th March - Sunday 5th April 2015

Akhand Kirtani Jatha  UK  invites you to join sangat from all over the world for the 20th Annual International Akhand Kirtan Event. Many kirtani jathas and sevadaars from around the world will be taking part in kirtan seva. Gursikh Kirtanis have been invited from  India,  France,  Australia,  USA,  Canada  and throughout the Guru Khalsa Panth

Smagam Breakdown
The programme details listed below will take place at Singh Sabha Gurdwara,  Derby : -

Monday 30th March - Wednesday 1st April April 2015Sri Akhand Patth Sahib: 10am Arambh - 5.30pm Bhog followed by Akhand Kirtan: 6-9pm

Thursday 2nd April 2015:Asa Di Var Kirtan: 6am-10am
Rehras Sahib 5.30pm
Akhand Kirtan: 6-9pm

Friday 3rd April 2015:Asa Di Var Kirtan: 6am-10am
Rehras Sahib 5.30pm
Akhand Kirtan: 6-10pm

Saturday 4th April 2015:Asa Di Var Kirtan: 6am-10am
Rehras Sahib 5.30pm
Akhand Kirtan: 6pm-12am

Sunday 5th April 2015:Panthic Seminar & Akhand Kirtan: 10.30am-1pm

Raensbhai KirtanMAIN INTERNATIONAL RAENSBHAI KIRTAN ON Sunday 5th April 2015 from 7pm-5am at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Princes Street,  Derby,  DE23 8NT. Tel : 01332 773010
For further details contact:
Gen Sec Bhai Rajinder Singh (07966 974505), email – uk@akj.org
Gurdwara Sevadar Bhai Ajit Singh 07533 362911

Amrit SanchaarAMRIT SANCHAAR: Saturday 4th April at 5pm at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Derby
Can all ablakhyees contact Bhai Hardeep Singh (07969 655015) to provide their names for the Amrit sanchaar. If you have questions, you can contact Jathedar Raghbir Singh on 01926 741 944. If any persons do not have full kakaars, then AKJ  UK  will provide them as part of the seva.

Live Broadcast The whole Smagam & Raensbhai will be broadcast live on www.akj.org, Sangat TV (SKY 836) and SikhNet Radio (Singh Sabha Derby Channel)

Additional Programmes· Special Q&A on Sunday 5th April 2015, 4 - 5.30pm by Sangat TV (Sky 836)
· Special exhibitions will be on display in National Sikh Museum covering history from the Guru Khalsa Panths, the 1978 Shaheedi Saka and Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, and the ghadar movement.

AccommodationAccommodation has been arranged for the whole Smagam. Bibian accommodation has been specially arranged.  For further details, contact Bhai Baljit Singh On 07795 545475

Airport/Train PickupsTransport will be arranged for all Gursikhs arriving from abroad at Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, and all other UK Airports.  Please contact Bhai Sarabjit Singh (07737 183324).

Coach TransportCoaches/Mini-buses will leave from the following towns for the Raensbhai Keertan in Derby on Sunday 5th April. Please reserve your seats with your town reps ASAP.

* Southall/Slough - Sevadaar Bhai Japsimran Singh 07400896809
* Ilford - Sevadaar Bhai Upkar Singh 07747 770156
* Coventry -  Sevadaar Bhai Kulwant Singh 07854136413
* Birmingham -  Sevadaar Bhai Bhupinder Singh 07725 973836
* Woolwich - Sevadaar Bibi Navrup Kaur 07747 534502
* Croydon/Tooting - Sevadaar Bhai Harvinder Singh 07501 131313
* Gravesend - Sevadaar Bhai Seva Singh 07831 712430
* Hitchin - Sevadaar Bhai Harkamal Singh 07816361811
* Leamington - Sevadaar Bhai Joginder Singh 07723 367871
* South Shields -  Sevadaar Bhai Karnail Singh 07801 431855
* Reading - Sevadaar Bhai Parminder Singh 07984451061
* Manchester / Bradford - Sevadaar Bhai Maadho Singh 07850 947723

All other UK gurdwara's are requested to provide transport for their local sangat.
Please ring the designated area sevadaar to book your places on the coaches in advance.

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

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!! Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

Daasre Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK
www.akj.org
Uk@akj.org

Holland Sikhi Tour...

In the last week of February Sikh Family Camps were held across Holland. The first two days were held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Amsterdam, then two days at Singh Sabha Gurdwara Denhaag, and then two days at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Rotterdam. The camp was organised by the young Gursikhs from Amsterdam, Bhai Jaskarn Singh and Bhai Jaswinder Singh. A group of sevadaars went from the UK to help with the camp which included Bhai Uttam Singh, Bibi Kamalpreet Kaur, Bibi Simrat Kaur and Uncle Bhupinder Singh.  

The camps were filled with fun, activities, keertan, Gurbani calligraphy, talks, Sikh history, dramas, laughs and of course langar! The local Sangats and Gursikhs showed so much pyaar. In particular, most of the children's parents showed great dedication in staying at the camp and attending the classes. The atmosphere of the camps was very Chardi Kalaa! This blog won't able to do justice of how amazing the camps were.

 

AMSTERDAM:

Morning assembly

Bibi Pati Kaur helping to teach the children Gurmukhi. Bhenji Pati Kaur is Spanish but lives in Holland. Bhenji recently took Amrit in November 2014 and is learning Gurmukhi and Panjabi. It is amazing how Guru Ji finds people and brings them into Sikhi. Bhenji's story of her journey to Sikhi is very inspiring.

 Bibi Pati Kaur with a baby that we ended up calling 'Bhagat Ji'. 'Bhagat Ji' was always smiling and loved to be picked up by Gursikhs. He would walk to a Gursikh and just sit in their lap and not cry or move. A very blessed child.

  Class on what Maya is, how it affects us and how Gurmat teaches that we can be saved from Maya.

 

 Group activities

 Elder group practising handwriting a Shabad of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Fun time. Younger children doing a challenge course.

Rehraas Sahib keertan

It was amazing that at Sukhaasan time, all the children would eagerly come to the front and excitingly pick up instruments to play behind Guru Ji as they are moved to their room.

DENHAAG:

Adults group photo

Middle group photo

Youngest group photo

Vaisakhi cards designed by the youngest group

 Gurbani calligraphy class

 Gurbani calligraphy class

Class on basics of Sikhi

 Fun time. Target practice.

You may have heard of the egg and spoon race but this was the Gurmat version - grape and spoon race.

 Bibi Simrat Kaur helping the children to learn the Gurus names through a playful game.

 Group planning a short sketch on social evils that effect the Punjabi community

 Group planning a sketch on 'Proud to be a Sikh'.

 Group planning a sketch on respecting parents

 Drama by campers on the life and teachings of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji Pingalware.

ROTTERDAM:

The Gurdwara Sahib in Rotterdam is in beautiful location. It was originally a school building. The layout of the Gurdwara is great with a library, classrooms, spacious Darbaar Sahib and a lovely lake situated opposite.

 Morning keertan by children.

 Morning divaan Ardaas.

 Questions and answers session with the elder group

 Bhai Jaskarn Singh's workshop with the middle group on "Fear".

Group discussions.

Bibi Simrat Kaur and Bibi Pati Kaur doing the younger group's class.

This Dutch child attending the Gurdwara for the first time during the camp. She loved the experience and participated in the classes. At the end of the camp she came up and said "Thank you for the camp. I really enjoyed myself." It was amazing to see the amount of Kirpaa Guru Ji done at the camp.

Gurbani art class for youngsters. This young Bhenji cried so much at the end of the camp because she didn't want the camp to end. She is the sister of the baby that we ended up calling 'Bhagat Ji'. The family lives very far away in some part of Holland but drove 2 hours to Amsterdam to attend the camp and then drove 3 and an half hours to Rotterdam to attend the camp. Dedication!

 Fun time. Making a mummy competition. 

 Children presenting group work

 Bhenji showing her work that illustrates the three golden rules with examples.

Children showing off their posters that they made with Bibi Simrat Kaur. For the whole week Bhenji worked with the youngest age group. It is a tough job and requires lots of energy, patience and sanity! lol. Despite losing her voice, Bhenji carried on showing pyaar to the children and teaching them.

 Bhai Jaskarn Singh's class on "Nindya" (Slander). He shared tips on how best to do Nindya and how to do it without others finding out etc. (Joking!) Really - Gurmat perspective on Nindya by doing Gurbani Veechaar!

Group dramas. This group presented a short drama on the life and teachings of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji Pingalware.

 Prize medals given to the children on the last day.

 On the second day of the camp many Bhenjees were wearing Dastaars. The Bhenjee on the right (Javleen Kaur, 12 years old) came up to Bhai Jaskarn Singh and asked: "Bhaji do you have time right now? Can I please tell you something?" He replied, "Sure, go ahead." She tells him in a very sweet voice, "Bhaji you know I talk to my friend everyday." Bhaji looked a bit strange because he got the impression she was talking to some boy everyday and started wondering why she would come to him and tell him this.  Then she smiled and said: "My friend is Waheguru Ji and I talk to him everyday." Bhaji was really surprised and replied back: "Vaheguru! Well done Bhenji and always remember that Guru Saahib is not very far away, but in reality Guru Jee is very close with you at all times and places."  It was very inspiring to see the progress that children were making in building up their relationship with Guru Ji. We can all learn something from this young Bhenji. Do we see Vaheguru as our friend? ਭਾਈ ਰੇ ਮੀਤੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਸੋਇ || (O Siblings of Destiny, make God your Friend.)

 Bhai Baljinder Singh from Rotterdam has kept his Kesh since the last Sikhi Family Camp in October 2014 with Bhai Navreet Singh UK. Bhai Saahib is a photographer and also wear the dastaar to work now. With Guru Ji's kirpaa, he also started doing regular Amrit-vela and Nitnem and has a lot of interest in Gurbani and Sikh history.  Bhai Sahib told me that he now only listens to katha or keertan and nothing else. Vaheguru.

The Bhenji wearing the Dastaar is Rajdeep Kaur. At the end of the last camp that was held in October by Bhai Navreet Singh (UK), Rajdeep Kaur Bhenji gave up eating meat. She cried and said, "I find meat really tasty" but wanted to give it up for Guru Ji. At the end of this camp, Rajdeep Kaur Bhenji has decided to wear a Dastaar to school. On Sunday after langar Rajdeep Kaur Bhenji came up to Bhai Jaskarn Singh and wanted to say goodbye as the sevadaars were leaving. He noticed she was emotional and she even started crying. Bhai Jaskarn Singh asked her: "Why are you crying?" She replied: "You are leaving us again." She wanted camp to take place every week. Vaheguru. Many children enjoyed the Sikhi Family Camp so much that they didn't want it to end so soon. The sevadaars also got a lot of pyaar from the sangat.

Sunday divaan talk on the massacre of Sri Nankana Sahib.

I had the opportunity to meet some Dutch Sikhs. In the photo is Bhai Dharamjodh Singh and Bibi Sajjanbir Kaur. Bhenji Sajjanbir Kaur has not taken Amrit yet, but is planning to. She recently discovered Sikhi and now lives the Sikh way of life by waking up Amrit-vela and practising daily Nitnem. Vaheguru.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!