Toronto Singhs Camp 2015...

With the blessings of Guru Sahib, Toronto Singhs Camp was held from Wednesday 27th May to Sunday 31st May. This is the fifth year the camp has been running. Toronto Singhs Camp provides inspiration and motivation to young and old who want to discover the essence of Sikhi. The camp is aimed to reach out to people of different backgrounds and levels of understanding of Sikhi. Bhai Jaspual Singh and the organising team of sevadaars are doing a great job with Guru Ji's Kirpaa. The group continue with seva beyond the camp with regular Amrit-vela sessions, weekly Simran programme, community seva and fun activities.

 

This year's camp was attended by around 70 people. The camp is aimed at people aged 17 years and above, however had some younger teenagers who also benefited from the Sangat, Seva, and Simran. It is a great opportunity to experience Sikhi in a relaxed, friendly and spiritually charged environment. Toronto Singhs Camp 2014 took place at camp Kintail, a beautiful scenic camp site located in South-western Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron. The beautiful beach scenery and natural surroundings helped to connect with and appreciate the Creator.

This year's workshop facilitators included, Bhai Gursev Singh (Toronto), Bhai Simerneet Singh (Chicago) and Bhai Mani Singh (Toronto). Special guests at the camp included Bhagat Ji (Bhai Jaswant Singh Ji), and Nihang Singh Bhai Maan Singh (Taruna Dal). 

The theme of the camp was "unity".  The theme of the camp very appropriately describes what Toronto Singhs Camp represents. The camp is a Panthic camp which has representation from different Jathebandis and has an ethos and feel which very inclusive, welcoming and goes beyond the minor differences of Maryada between individuals and seeks to show love to Guru Ji and all Gursikhs. 

The concept of unity was explored by the speakers and discussed with campers from different perspectives and angles. The first workshop was held on the beach. It was really hot that day and the sun was blinding. The workshop led by Bhai Simerneet Singh (Chicago) explored how we can merge back to the source through Gurbani and Naam and emphasised on unity between a Sikh and Naam. Veer Ji talked about the importance of Satguru and Naam.

The second workshop's seva with given to Daas. The topic was Ekta with Guru Ji and exploring the concept of Gurmat Bibek. The whole of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji revolves around unity between the individual with the Creator and this unity and consciousness of seeking to become one is call 'Bibek'. Different aspects of practical Bibek according to Gurbani were discussed, for example of Gurmat Bibek of speaking, Gurmat Bibek of seeing, Gurmat Bibek of what we hear, Gurmat Bibek or eating and so on.

The third workshop was by Bhai Gursev Singh (Toronto) on how we become united with our mind, thoughts and actions. The workshop practically looked at day-to-day living from family life and to being united within the community and Gurdwaras.  Bhai Sahib gave some really nice examples from the life of Gurmukh-Saints to show the virtues needed for unity amongst Gursikhs and with Akaal Purkh. 

The fourth workshop was by Bhai Mani Singh (Toronto) on survival skills and practical skills to help oneself. The Singhs were put in two groups and they had to compete with one another on a mission. (I didn't participate in this workshop as I needed some rest, but it looks like everyone had a great time!).

The fifth workshop was a questions and answers session. The session was interesting to say the least, with a lively discussion.

 

The sixth workshop was on Sarbat Khalsa. The history of Sarbat Khalsa and how Gursikhs in history would sit together and resolve matters and plan ahead in accordance to Gurmat was explored. We had our own 'mock' Sarbat Khalsa at the camp to form a Gurmatta on the issue on whether inter-faith marriages should be allowed in Gurdwaras and who should be eligible for Anand Kaaraj, as someone could argue it is not fair that someone is allowed to have Anand Kaaraj just because they are born in a Sikh familiy despite the fact that they might be an athiest, have no faith in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, have cut hair, drink alcohol and behave more un-Sikh like than someone of another faith. It was a really fun and thought-provoking exercise which made everyone realise how great the Gursikhs of the past were for being able to gather together and make decisions for the betterment for the Panth in very efficient and Guru-orientated manner.  And, the last workshop was on Panthic Ekta using examples throughout history. Old and modern examples were shared and reflected upon in hope we can all learn from our history for a better future.

Some photos from the camp:

 

Setting up Nishaan Sahib at the camp site.

 Satguru Ji arriving at the site and taking place on their beautifully decorated throne. The Seva of Maharaaj is done with lots of reverence and devotion by the Sangat.

  

Campers arriving at the camp site.

 Amrit-vela Naam Simran

 Amrit-vela Nitnem.

 Satguru Ji


Hukamnama Vichaar.


Singhs Camp is famous for Langar (also known as Langar Smaagam) because there are so many Langar breaks! This is the only camp I have been two were you get breakfast twice!

Post Langar Gurmat Vichaar on the topic of......... Langar.

Bhagat Ji explaining to Singhs about healthing eating and living (after everyone had pancakes, syrup and cream for breakfast. Vaheguru).

 

 Abseiling - You are never too old. Bhagat Ji showing the younger ones how it should be done.

Training for new spider man movie.

Enjoying the beach

 

Boating. (An example of how not to do it being shown by Bhai Palminder Singh)

 

Enjoying a walk in the woods.

Gurmat Vichaar by Bhagat Ji near the beach
 

 Gatka

 

Arrow firing - Veer Palminder Singh. He looks professional.

 

Arrow shooting.

Football


Whilst everyone enjoyed the divaans, activities and rest, Bhai Sahib would be doing seva of washing dishes. Vaheguru.


Group photo on the beach.


Bhagat Ji and Bhai Maan Singh saying goodbye to the camp.
 

Rainsbaaee Keertan - Bhai Jaspaul Singh


Rainsbaaee Keertan


 Rainsbaaee Keertan


Rainsbaaee Keertan

More photos on Toronto Singhs Camp Facebook.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
 

Information on Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji for non-Sikhs...

During the month of June, Sikhs of all backgrounds and ages get together in their local communities and hand out drinks to passers-by to remember the sacrifice of the fifth Sikh Guru and express ‘Chardi-Kala’ (‘Ever Rising-Spirits’), the Sikh ethos of remaining optimistic and positive. 

 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606) was the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus. As soon as he became the Guru at the age of eighteen he became a champion for the welfare of the poor, sick and disadvantaged sections of society. He spent nearly eight months in Lahore helping thousands of people who were suffering from malaria and chicken pox. He started a centre at Tarn Taran to help people suffering from leprosy, and would feed and serve the suffering with his own hands. To overcome religious, social and gender inequalities the Guru further promoted Guru Nanak’s teachings by furthering the institution of Langar – the Guru’s holy kitchen where all people sit together and eat a free meal, and building of wells and pools for all sections of society to use.  

 

 

Testimony to the Guru’s vision was the construction of the world-class city of Amritsar in the Punjab and the establishment of Harmandar Sahib, known as the Golden Temple, as a religious centre. These were key components in the formation of the Sikh nation and of Sikhism as an independent faith.  Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the first version of the Sikh religion’s holy scripture, which was collection of the authentic revealed sacred hymns of the first five Gurus and a number of holy saints that were born different social and religious backgrounds. The new sacred scripture was installed in the sacred shrine in Amritsar in 1604.  

The Guru’s social and spiritual revolutionary activities were deemed a threat to institutionalized religion by the ruler of the land. Refusing to waver from his faith, he was tortured until his body succumbed.   

Over the period of five days the Guru was cruelly tortured. He was kept without food or water, exposed to the burning sun and boiled in boiling water. On the last day of the torture he was made to sit on a heated plate placed over a burning fire, with tonnes of burning sand poured over him. His body was then immersed into the nearby river that flowed through the city. Throughout the torture, the Guru calmly repeated “Sweet is Your Will, O Lord…”  

Traditionally, Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom by the free distribution of sweetened and chilled drinks to all. Instead of remembering this event through mourning, the Guru taught the Sikhs to accept Gods will as sweet. Therefore, Sikhs changed negativity to positivity by turning an attack upon them into a chance to serve others. Sikhs honour the Guru’s burning by cooling everyone else. This is Chardi-Kala.

 

What is the difference between Punn and Paap?

Author: Bhai Atamjeet Singh (Toronto)

Punn (virtue) is a debit card - pay first and enjoy later.

Paap (sin) is a credit card - enjoy first and pay later.!

KARAM (acts) is a restaurant, where there is no need to place order - We are served, what we have cooked..!

1984 Sikh Holocaust and Genocide in Amritsar - Sketch

Tribute to all the Shaheeds of the 1984 Holocaust and Genocide. 

Please attend the protest march and freedom rally tomorrow in Central London.

Remembering the Shaheeds of 1984...

Author: Bhai Vijay Singh UK

As we remember the shaheeds of 1984 and salute their sacrifices,
we should ask ourselves have we truly valued and taken benefit from their shaheedi (martyrdom)?
How have we moved forward? Are we still ghulaam (enslaved)?

Gurbani says that when Gursikhs leave this world, their names are never forgotten. But WE have forgotten.
We've forgotten those who smiled when their end came because they had sacrificed their all for what they loved most - their Panth.
It's time to wake up and recognise your responsibility.
You sit in your house on your comfortable sofa, watching your TV, feeling happy because you did your Nitnem that morning.
Ask yourself, what do you do for the Panth?

IF your answer is NOTHING... Then recognise Guru is calling for your shaheedi too. We all need to give shaheedi... HOW?
Sacrifice your time to do much needed seva;
Get involved in local/national projects;
Start up kids classes;
Work with gursikh groups to support our community and fight for our rights;
Give up your money to support the Panth.
The Panth's future is in YOUR hands.

Or forget this message and carry on living your comfortable little lives and forget the Panth... Who cares about the Panth?

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

Summer Sikh camps for under 16s in UK & Europe....

NOTE: The list of camps will be updated as more upcoming Gurmat Camps are announced by the Sangat.

 

6 – 19 July 2014
Paris Chalda Vaheer Gurmat Camp (Age: 4  – 18)
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Lot 1919 No. 85/386, 1618 - Rue De La Ferme, 93000 Bobigny, France
Tel: +33 6 05 92 80 52

25 – 26 July 2014
Sikh Unity Camp (All ages)
9am to 5pm
Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Grant St, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 9HD
Register: www.singhsabhabradford.com

 

 

26 – 30 July 2014 
Sikh Naujawan Academy Leicester Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Tegh Bahadar Gurdwara, 106 East Park Road, Leicester LE5 4QB.

Contact: Giani Sukha Singh - 07956 938737 

 

 

25 – 26 July 2014
Newcastle Summer Sikhi Camp (Age 5 - Adults)

Gurdwara Singh Sabha Newcastle, Cottenham Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 5QU


27 July – 2 August 2014
Sweden Khalsa Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – Adults)

Gurdwara Sangat Sahib Förening Dymmelkärrsv. 23 14650 Tullinge, Stockholm.
Tel +46 (0) 8-778 14 14 

 

2– 7 August 2014  
Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara South Birmingham
629-635 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 4LS.

Contact: Giani Sukha Singh - 07956 938737  

 

 

3 – 6 August 2014
Slough Sikh Family Camp (Age: 5+ – Adults)
Khalsa Primary School
Khalsa Primary School, Wexham Road, Slough, SL2 5QR
www.khalsaprimaryschool.com

3 – 7 August 2014
Southall Singh Sabha Summer Camp (Age: 7 – 15+)Khalsa Primary School - 9am to 3.30pm
Khalsa Primary School, Norwood Green, Middlesex, UB2 5QP.
To register:
 Phone: 07984714808 / Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthallSikhiCamp

 

6 – 10 August 2014
Southshields Gurmat Summer Camp (Age: 7 – Adults)Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas Gurdwara, West Way, South Shields, NE33 4
For further information please contact Bhai Karnail Singh on 07801431855

 

9 – 14 August 2014
Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Har Rai Gurdwara 128 High St, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6JW 

Contact: Giani Sukha Singh - 07956 938737  

 

16 – 20 August 2014 
Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Baba Deep Singh Shaheed Gurdwara, 4 Holyhead Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B21 0L.

Contact: Giani Sukha Singh - 07956 938737  

21 – 26 August 2014
Connect 2 Sikhi Camp (Age: 7 – 16, residential camp)
Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Roding Lane, Chigwell, Essex IG7 6BQ.
To register: www.connect2sikhi.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Sikhi/344775912276305

23 – 28 August 2014

Sikh Naujawan Academy Gurmat Camp (Age: 5 – 18)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Wolverhampton, Sedgley St, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV2 3AJ.

Contact: Giani Sukha Singh - 07956 938737  

"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