"I wish my children grow up as Sikhs..."

 

 

Two weeks ago I came across a young Somalian man. He said, "Mr Singh, I really respect Sikhs. You give free food in your temples. I have eaten many times." I smiled back. He then said, "You Sikhs are the one's who have come to rescue the world. You are special." I was bit taken aback by his remarks. 

He ended with, "I pray that when I have children they wear turban, have long uncut hair and wear a kirpan like you. I would like them to wear the 5 Ks and have the same beliefs as you because you are good people and come to the rescue the world. But not everyone is blessed to be one."  

A very short but moving conversation.



Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Banbury Gurdwara mentioned in local News...

It is very good of my town's local newspaper, Banbury Gurdian, to publish that Sikhs marked a 'Black Diwali' and covered the issues taking place in Panjab. Please see article below:

Banbury Sikhs hold 'Black Diwali' in ppposition to unrest

Published Friday 13 November 2015

For the first time in more than 20 years, Sikhs from Banbury withheld from lighting candles or divas and use of fireworks to celebrate the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Divas (The Day of Liberation).

The event coincides with the Indian cultural festival and holiday of Diwali and celebrates the release of the sixth Guru of the Sikhs from prison along with fifty-two other political prisoners whose release was secured by the Guru’s refusal to leave prison without them.

The Sikh community of Banbury, have had a ‘Black Diwali’ to mark the recent continuing deliberate acts of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy Sikh scriptures which to Sikhs is the embodiment of their living Guru.  

It also follows on from the lack of adequate action and heavy handed treatment of peaceful protestors by the authorities in Punjab, northern India.

Banbury town councillor Surinder Dhesi said, “The desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is extremely hurtful to Sikhs. The desecrations are continuing to happen in so many places across the state of Punjab in northern India, and this seems to indicate an organised campaign to hurt the sentiments of Sikhs.

“The Banbury Sikh community decided to stand in solidarity with the majority of Sikh communities around the world choosing to mark not to light candles or use fireworks this year when celebrating Bandhi Chhor Divas.” 

In recent weeks in Punjab, the homeland of Sikhs, there have been a growing number of cases reported of desecrations of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In protest at the lack of action from the authorities to trace and bring to justice the perpetrators of these attacks, Sikhs peacefully protested across Punjab. 

These tactics resulted in two protestors being killed and hundreds more being injured.

Manvir Singh, a Sikh Educationalist, said, “Banbury Gurdwara will celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas through the established Sikh ways of singing hymns, sermons, prayers and sharing of free communal meal this Sunday. 

“However, the Sikh community are pained with the human rights violations in India and how the minority Sikh community in India is being treated. The Indian PM, Mr Modi’s visit to the UK this week is of concern to Sikhs, Muslims and Christian communities due to increase intolerance and attacks on India’s minority communities.”

Taken from: http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/banbury-sikhs-hold-black-diwali-in-opposition-to-unrest-1-7064387#ixzz3rasjgRvi

Today: Shaheedi Day of Baba Deep Singh Ji...

Today is Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Divas. In honour of Baba Deep Singh Ji's Shaheedi Divas (martyrdom day) and also the other Singhs who became Shaheed (martyrs) while fighting alongside Baba Deep Singh Ji in protecting the sanctity of Sri Harmandar Sahib, I have written an article on Baba Ji's Jeevan (life):

 

A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF SHAHEED BABA DEEP SINGH JEE

 

Childhood and meeting Guru Sahib
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on January 20, 1682, in the village of Pahu-vind, district Amritsar. His father's name was Bhai Bhagtu Ji. At the age of twelve, Baba Deep Singh Ji went with his parents to Anandpur Sahib to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh guru. They stayed at Anandpur Sahib for several days, doing sewa (service) with the Sangat. When his parents were ready to return to their village, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked Baba Deep Singh Ji to stay with him. He humbly accepted Guru Ji's command and began serving him. Baba Deep Singh Ji used to do seva of cleaning the Sarbloh utensils of the Sangat. Once, when Guru Ji asked Baba Ji what he was doing, he replied, "I am cleaning the filth of my mind."


Training & knowledge
From Bhai Mani Singh Ji Baba Ji began learning reading and writing Gurmukhi and santhiyaa (exegesis) of Gurbani. As well as Gurmukhi he learnt several other languages. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also taught him horseback riding, hunting and Shastar-vidiyaa (weaponry). At the age of eighteen, on the Vaisakhi of 1700, he received the blessing of Khande-di-pahul, Amrit, from the Guru-roop Panj Piaare, which include Guru Gobind Singh Ji serving as one of the Panj Piaare. As an Amritdhari Sikh, Baba Deep Singh Ji took an oath to serve in Akaal Purakh's Fauj (the Almighty’s army), and that following the way of the Khalsa one is to always help the weak and needy, and to fight for truth and justice. Baba Deep Singh Ji soon became one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's most beloved Sikhs. During this time countless spiritually elevated souls were residing in Anandpur, doing Sangat with them and with the Guru's blessings, the Sangat recognised the young Deep Singh Ji as a "Baba" (wise person) and gave him this title.


Return back home
Baba Deep Singh Ji stayed in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's service for about eight years. At Guru Ji's request, he returned to his village to help his parents and he got married. Guru Gobind Singh Ji met Baba Deep Singh Ji at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo in 1705. Here, he learned that two of the Guru' sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, had become Shaheed (martyred) in the battle of Chamkaur Sahib. Guru Ji also told him that his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were cold-heartedly bricked alive and attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) at Sirhind under the orders of the governor Wazir Khan.

Sent Message to meet Guru Sahib at Damdama Sahib
In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Ji placed Baba Deep Singh Ji in charge at Damdama Sahib, while Bhai Mani Singh Ji was made Head Granthi of Sri Harmander Sahib in Amritsar. After Guru Sahib left for Delhi, he took up the duty of preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and carried on the sewa blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji of managing this Sikh Centre. ‘Taksal’ means a minting factory. Sri Damdama Sahib, had become a factory where Sikhs would come to mint and prepare their shastars (weapons), as well as mint their minds and enshrine Gurbaani within their hearts through learning the correct pronunciation and grammar of reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As a result this centre of education and weaponry was known as “Damdami Taksal”. Baba Deep Singh Ji spent many years at Sri Damdama Sahib preaching Sikh values and teachings and doing sewa of the Sangat. He was always ready to serve those in need and to fight for justice.

The Khalsa delivers justice to the Tyrants
In 1709, Baba Ji joined Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar in punishing the tyrants of Sadhaura and Sirhind. Baba Deep Singh Ji killed Wazir Khan, who was responsible for bricking alive the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Baba Ji fought so bravely without care for his life, that Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur entrusted Baba Ji with the title "Jinda Shaheed" (living martyr). Since that moment Baba Ji was called "Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji". It is noteworthy that Baba Ji wasn't called "Shaheed" after he died, but during his own lifetime. In 1733 Nawab Kapoor Singh Ji, the commander of the Khalsa forces, appointed Baba Ji as the leader of one of the jathas (groups) of Dal Khalsa (a united and collective body of groups of Khalsa divided and dispersed across Panjab). On Vaisakhi day of 1748, when Dal Khalsa was reorganised into twelve misls, he was entrusted with the leadership of Shaheedaa(n) di Misl.


News of sacrilege at AmritsarIn April 1757, Ahmed Shah Abdali, after his fourth invasion, was returning to Kabul from Delhi with precious booty and young men and women as captives. Singhs made a plan to retrieve the valuables and set the prisoners free. The jatha (squad) of Baba Deep Singh Ji was deployed near Kurkhetar (also called Kurukshetra). His squad freed large number of prisoners and lightened the burden of valuables of Abdali considerably. While departing from Lahore, Abdali appointed his son Taimur Shah, the Governor of Lahore and told him, "Try to finish the Sikhs". In Accordance with his orders, Taimur Shah started demolishing Gurdwaré and filling the sarovars (pool tanks) with debris and alcohol. When Baba Deep Singh Ji came to know of this beadbi (violation of sanctity) and demolition of Sri Harmandar Sahib, he narrated it to the Sangat (congregation) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and said, "Diwali will be celebrated at Amritsar this year." Five hundred Singhs came forward to go with him. Baba Deep Singh Ji offered an Ardaas (pray) before starting for Amritsar, "May my head fall at Sri Harmandar Sahib."

Baba jee leaves for Amritsar
Although Baba Deep Singh Ji was seventy-five years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. He gathered a large group of Sikhs and advanced towards Sir Harmandar Sahib. By the time they reached the Taran Taaran, about ten miles from Amritsar, the number of Singhs had risen to about five thousand. At this time, Baba Ji drew a line on the ground with his Khanda (double-edged sword), and asked only those who were willing to fight and die to cross the line. Those willing to die for the Guru and give up their attachment for their homes and families crossed the line eagerly. Baba Deep Singh Ji then recited the shabad:

ਜਉ ਤਉ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਖੇਲਣ ਕਾ ਚਾਉ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਧਰਿ ਤਲੀ ਗਲੀ ਮੇਰੀ ਆਉ ॥
ਇਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਪੈਰੁ ਧਰੀਜੈ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਾਣਿ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ॥20॥

“Those who wish to play the game of love (follow the Guru‘s path), come to me with your head in your palm. If you wish your feet to travel this path, don't delay in accepting to give your head. 20”
(Ang 1412, SGGS)

Clash with the Mughals
At the news of the approach of Singhs, the Governor of Lahore sent one of his generals with an army of twenty thousand to face them. His army took up position six miles north of Amritsar and waited for the Singhs there. Both the armies clashed near Gohalwarh on the 11th November, 1757. Baba Deep Singh Ji fought with his 'khanda', double-edged sword, which weighed 32lbs (15+ kg). Despite his old age, he carried the strength of a young warrior. Fighting bravely, the Singhs pushed the army back and reached village Chabba where Attal Khan came forward and fierce battle ensued during which Attal Khan inflicted a blow on Baba Deep Singh Ji severing his head from his body. Baba Deep Singh, more than seventy-five years of age at that time, started to lose his footing under the impact of the blow, when a Sikh reminded him, "Baba ji, you had resolved (Ardaasa soddhyaa see) to reach the Parkarma of Sri Darbar Sahib." On hearing this, an inhuman energy suddenly took over, and Baba ji placed his head on the palm of one hand and with the other hand moved his 15+kg Khanda (double-edged sword) with such ferocity and strength that enemy soldiers started running away in panic. Thus, Baba Deep Singh made his way to the Parkarma (circumferance) of Sri Harmandar Sahib where, due to the severe injury, attained martyrdom.

Baba jee lays to rest at Harmandir Sahib
The Singhs celebrated the holiday of Divali of 1757 in Sri Harmandar Sahib. The place where his head had fallen is marked by a stone and the Sikhs go past this place on their way to pay obeisance in Sri Darbar Sahib. It reminds them that the way to Sri Darbar Sahib is paved with the sacrifices of people like Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.


Summary
Baba Deep Singh Ji's shaheedi incited the Sikhs to continue to fight against oppression for many years. Even today, his life serves as an example for all Sikhs on how to live and die with dignity, and never stand or tolerate the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or Gurdwaras. This is a message, which we can all learn from and aspire to follow, and ensure that Gurdwaras and individuals upkeep the respect and dignity of Gurmat and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, something which has been highlighted by the recent sacriligious acts committed against Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in various places in Punjab.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Piaare.
Dhan Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji.

ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਧਰਤੀ ਧੰਨ ਉਹ ਬਾਪੂ, ਧੰਨ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਮਾਈ ।

ਢੰਗ ਜਿਉਣ ਦਾ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਦੱਸ ਗਿਆ ਸਦੀਆ ਸਾਈਂ ।

“Blessed is that land, blessed is that father, blessed is the great mother. Who’s son has shown the way to live, for centuries to come.”
(Poem)

Bandi Chhor Divas - Information to share with non-Sikhs...

Below is a very brief write-up which you could use to share with colleagues at work, school or college class fellows, or with the local media:

BANDI CHHOR DIVAS (THE DAY OF LIBERATION)  
Sikhs celebrate the festival of Bandi Chhor, not Divali, which today is popularly celebrated by the worldwide Sikh community on the same day. The festival of Bandi Chhor celebrates the release from prison of the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Ji, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619.

 

Bandi Chhor Divas, literally the ‘the day of the release of captives’, is popularly celebrated on the same day as the Indian cultural festival of Divali (the festival of lights) which is celebrated by the Hindu community.

 

The 17th century intolerant and cruel Mughal Emperor of India, Jahangir, wary of those who might oppose his rule, arrested the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind, and a number of others and imprisoned them in Gwalior Fort. As the festival of Divali approached he ordered the release of Guru Hargobind. To his surprise, the Guru refused to leave unless all other political prisoners were released at the same time.

 

Jahangir decided to compromise and said that anyone who could hold onto the Guru’s clothes could be freed with him. He thought that at the most, two or three of his fellow prisoners would be able to go with the Guru through the fort’s narrow passage to freedom. In the event, the Guru walked to freedom followed by all the 52 political prisoners holding onto tassels of varying length that had been sewn onto the Guru’s cloak.

 

The story reminds Sikhs to put the wellbeing of others before our own; in this case the freedom and human rights of the Guru’s fellow captives. Bandi Chhor Divas is a useful reminder to the rest of us to make concern for others part of our daily lives.

 

Although this time of year is propularly lit with lights and fireworks by communities, this year round, the Sikh community has decided to have no special lighting or fireworks in pain of recent events happening in Punjab, India, that has been largerly ignored by the world's media. In October 2015, there were multiple cases of the Sikh sacred scripture, considered the holiest of holy to all Sikhs, being desecrated and ripped by unknown culprits at various Sikh shrines. On 14th October, peaceful demonstraters that were sitting down and praying in protest to these sacrileges and the inaction of the Police or Government to find the actual culprits, were fired upon with bullets and beaten with canes by the Punjab Police without any warning or justified reason, resulting in the death of two Sikh civilians and many left with serious injuries.

1984 Anti-Sikh Genocide: A Mexican Catholic touching message

Mexican Catholic wears a Turban to honour the victims of 1984 Sikh Genocide... 

Please read below the message posted by this amazing Mexican Catholic sister:

Today I would like to encourage All my Sikh brothers, specially the young ones, to wear a Turban ... to FLOURISH your BEAUTIFUL Identity with PRIDE but most important to honour the victims of the 1984 Sikh Genocide who were identified and killed as a result of wearing one. In so many instances, their turbans were removed first as a final act of humiliation prior to their deaths.

To All Non Sikhs: I would like to encourage you to learn and appreciate how BEAUTIFUL and UNIQUE Sikh identity is ... An appeal is being made to the global freedom and peace loving community to stand in solidarity with the victims of the 1984 Sikh Genocide by taking a photograph wearing a turban and uploading it onto social media with the hashtag. #SikhTurban84


"BACKGROUND"

The 1984 Anti-Sikh Genocide refers to the harrowing episode which commenced on 31 October, 1984 across India.

In the capital alone, over ten thousands members of the Sikh community were butchered, beaten and burned alive. Easily identifiable due to their turbans, Sikh males were targeted with ease whilst the law enforcement agencies turned a blind eye or actively participated in the carnage. Sikhs were further targeted at their homes through voter lists identifying the names Singh and Kaur, used almost exclusively by male and female Sikhs respectively. Females were kidnapped, brutally gang raped and killed by the Government sponsored mobs.

This event was the most deadly in the violent history of Delhi and remains highly controversial. Thirty-one years later, the instigators and perpetrators remain unpunished despite the evidence of various survivors and human rights groups that the Genocide was orchestrated by officials of the Congress Party with the connivance of Delhi administration and police. Anti-Sikh violence was not restricted to Delhi but also took place in other states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Speaking about the events in December 2014, the Indian Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh stated the massacre of Sikhs in 1984 was a genocide and that thise who had a role in the carnage are yet to be punished.

Miri Piri Foundation in conjunction with Sikh Channel #SikhTurban84

1984: A Sikh Mother's remaining memories of her son...

Above is a photo of a Sikh mother whose son was dragged out of the house by mobs in November in 1984. The mobs removed his Dastaar and got scissors out. Despite the pleas of the mothers, the killers of the Sikhs killed the young boy's connection with his eternal Guru, his Kesh. After cutting his hair and dishonouring him in the most horrible way a Sikh can imagine. They then put a tyre around his neck and burnt him alive.

This mother is holding her son's passport with his photo with his proud Sikh appearance in one hand and the other the remains of her son's desecrated cut hair. When she looks at other young Sikhs she sees her own son within them.

Dear Sikh brothers and sisters, before cutting your own hair with scissors in your own very hands, take one look in this mother's eyes and tell her what you are about to do. Vaheguru!

Punjab Unrest is Comparable to 1984 - Says Non-Sikh Analyst

Please see this interview of Dr. Iqtidar Cheema, an international relations expert based in the United Kingdom, about the growing unrest in Punjab, India and the role of state-led violence by Indian security forces against peaceful protesters. The interviewer is Pieter Friedrich, 'Organization for Minorities of India' Advising Director for California, USA.

 

Anmol Bachan: Bhagat Puran Singh Ji on Devotion to Vaheguru...



Bhagat Puran Singh on Bhagti

If you make your morning, you've made your day. Don't be irritated by trivial matters. Make sure you take time in the morning for silent, solitary reflection.

Daily have a talk with God. He is a true friend and "It is so natural to discuss with a friend your ambitions and aspirations, your plans and programmes, your failures and frustrations and ask him to help you". We may not be able to at first see Him or hear Him, but be certain that He does see and hear you.

We will meet God only when He is sure that "you truly need Him and nothing besides."
Prayer is not easy: "A holy man driving a car, met a beggar on the way. The beggar exclaimed, "If only I too became a holy man, a man of prayer, I would have a car!"

"Prayer is not that easy" said the holy man. "If you say too(n) thaakur tum pai ardaas... with a concentated mind, the car (and much more) can belong to you"

"Wonderful!" Said the astonished beggar. Joining his hands and closing his eyes he said the prayer aloud, "Too(n) thakur tum pai ardaas. Jeeo pind sabhi teree raas..."

Suddenly in mid prayer, his eyes opened up and he asked, "Shall I have a garage along with car? Else where would I keep it???" Moral: concentrated prayer is not an easy task.

Make God your life partner: He can be a partner in your daily life and all activities and miracles can happen. Rest assured that there is no problem which you and God cannot solve together and no situation you cannot handle together.

A loving relationship is based on a feeling of being needed. Think about when you have felt closest to someone. It is quite possibly a time when you have been needed by them. Feeling needed and wanted is something that fosters love not only between humans but also with God. When God knows you need Him and only Him and have no other support, He will then come to you.

How and Why Tat-Khalsa Will Be Victorious....

How and Why Tat-Khalsa Will Be Victorious 

Author: Bhai Balpreet Singh Ji (Toronto)

Bhai Balpreet Singh Ji

Today we are seeing some very dark days for our Panth. Not because of our enemies attacking us or trying to destroy us, that has been happening since our creation, but because we ourselves are our own enemies. 

 People in Sikh appearance are amongst us eating at our roots. We ourselves allow ourselves to be fooled by them. Our "leadership" is filled with failed old men who talk big but have no Jeevan or character. These "leaders" will be remembered one day as those idiots who led the Panth to its biggest defeats in history. 

All I see before me is the need to step away from this old and failed leadership. Its time to recognize that our institutions (SGPC, SANT SAMAJ, TAKHTS etc) have rotted away from the inside out because of these people who have sold their souls and compromised every Khalsa rehit. 

But I am absolutely optimistic. Why? I see the youth. I see strong Khalsa youth coming up all over and I have a strong hope that these youth will never make any compromise in Khalsa principles and Rehit. They will stand for Dashmesh Pita jee and not sell out for personal gain or to appease anybody. This Tat-Khalsa (Pristine Khalsa) Guru Sahib is creating will drive out the Mallech-Khalsa (Wretched Khalsa) who are destroying us today! 

The following is based on Pr. Satbir Singh's book "Rabab to(n) Nagara" on Why the Khalsa was victorious in the past, and why it will be in the future. 

1) The Khalsa has full confidence and faith that they are the rightful and true rulers of this land (Punjab). Sri Guru Gobind Singh jee has promised us "Raj Karega Khalsa". This is his promise to us. When we become Khalsa and take those Rehits, we should have confidence that Dashmesh Pita is with us in all our fights. 

Kalgidhar Pita Jee once said to his Khalsa, "Where the Singhs are fighting for Dharam for Parupkaar and Sikhi, you will forever see me fighting along side my Sikhs as well."

When Abdali asked Baba Ala Singh why the Sikhs never finish, Baba Ala Singh replied, "Sri Guru Gobind Singh jee has given the Khalsa this blessing that wherever one Sikh falls for the Dharam, two more will come to take his place". 

2) The Sikhs know their land. Sikhs are sons of the soil. Punjab is ours. We know every village, every forest, every swamp and every hill. We are the rightful heirs of Punjab. This is the land of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib jee and no foreign power has any right to it. 

3) Khalsa has high character and high jeevan. This has been the fault that has stopped us in the recent past. We have abandoned our rehit. When we are ready to sacrifice our lives but not our principles, victory is certain. Khalsa does not harm those who come to its shelter or surrender. Khalsa does not so much as touch another woman/man or her/his wealth. The Khalsa rules of battle were so high that if an enemy's turban fell off during battle, the Sikh would say, "Take care of your turban. I'm not here to interfere with your honour..." 

This is a contrast to today where Sikhs (more accurately, Malechh Khalsa) when fighting other Sikhs first grab for the dastaar and have no shame in even pulling Kesh. 

4) Khalsa would give up Moh (attachment) of all worldly possessions and their homes. They would make their saddles their homes. For the cause of the Panth it was a saying that the Khalsa never put his back down to rest but even slept while walking around. If they were wounded in battle, they would consider the blow to be a holy blessing. 

The Khalsa would never retreat, only run back and then run forward again. Kazi Nur Muhammed writes, "If they ever run from battle, do not consider this to be a retreat. This is their strategy of war. Watch out! Save yourself from this trap of theirs. Once again, watch out!" 

It is this tenacity and selflessness that will come to the Rehitvan Khalsa. It is this attitude that will result in Khalsa Raj! Gurmat Jeevan, Gursikhs and Rajneeti (Intelligent Politics) will get our Jeeth (Victory)! 

 ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ॥ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫ਼ਤਹਿ॥

The Power of Sohila Sahib...

 

Author: Mandeep Singh

 

A Gursikh businessman once met an African man who approached him and began talking to him and asking him to come join him for a coffee. The African man was being very friendly but also very inquisitive about the Gursikh and was repeatedly asking what he does at night. The Gursikh was suspicious about his questions and asked him why he wanted to know. The African man said he was curious. So the Gursikh said that he has his evening meal and watches a bit of TV then goes to bed.

 

But the African man kept enquiring further as to what else he does. By this time the Gursikh was concerned about the personal and private detail that he was asking for and demanded why he wanted to know.

 

So the African man told him. He said that he was a Voodoo practioner and was paid to put Black Magic on him to make him ill and ruin his business. For the past few nights he had stood outside the Gursikh's house and sent Black magic to affect the Singh. But to his dismay the Black magic spells kept returning back to him. After such time he realised his black magic wasn't working and now he has quit his job.

 

So that's why he was asking the Gursikh about what he does at night that gives him the Power to withstand and repel the black magic that was sent his way.

 

Then the Gursikh realised what it was. Every night he recites the Sikh prayer of Sohila Sahib as part of his daily Nitnem before going to bed. This is meant to provide a spiritual force field of protection around anyone who does so. He didn't know how true that was until just then!

ਏ ਦੇਸ਼ ਸਾਡਾ ਨੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ... Eh Desh Saadaa Nee Ho Sakdaa...

Poem - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, My Father

Author: Rajdeep Singh (Derby, UK)

My father has been taken from His home. Disrespected, beaten... his limbs torn apart. Thrown in a canal when the thugs have mindlessly tortured Him.

My father has sacrificed Himself so that I wake up. So that my whole family wakes up. So that the whole world wakes up. So that we realise there is no equality... That we are second class citizens... We are slaves.

My father shouldn't have to have sacrificed Himself. He saved the poor, the vulnerable, the weak. Now the poor, vulnerable and weak have a bit of power, they decide to torture Him. Regularly.

My brothers and sisters have had enough. They can't see their beloved father, who took them from being the lowest of the low and made them the highest of the high. He put a crown on each of their heads. He made everyone a king. He treats everyone equally, He says everyone is royalty. Every being regardless of race, gender, religion, is royalty.

My brothers and sisters walk out into the streets. Their father has told them to remain calm. To only use force when all other means have failed. They sit peacefully in the street. Peacefully protesting. They all meditate and sing the prayers that Our Father has given them.

Hoping for change. Hoping for peace. Hoping to finally be treated as equals after 68 years of being a slave.

The thugs aren't interested. They've received orders from the mob bosses to beat, abuse and kill. Don't let them sit peacefully. Force them to accept the abuse of their Father as the norm. Make them understand that they're powerless.

My brothers and sisters are beaten. Beaten with batons, fired at with water cannons, fired at... With bullets.

They sit peacefully and are fired at... With bullets.

Some of my brothers and sisters are old and frail. They don't know what to do. They're beaten severely, so bad that they lose their sight.

Some of my brothers and sisters are young. They had their whole lives ahead of them. Bullets rain down into the bodies.

They're killed... For peacefully protesting the desecration, disrespect and abuse of their Father.

Wake up. Our Father is telling us to wake up. It is time to break the shackles of slavery and unite under our Father.

ਕੀਤਾ ਸਰਸੇ ਵਾਲੇ ਨਾਲ ਫੈਸਲਾ ਨਹੀਉ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਨਜ਼ੂਰ....

Katha: Brahm-Gyanis and Naam...

Priceless Gurbani Vichaar by Bhai Surjit Singh Ji on the topic of self-proclaimed Brahm-Gyanis that can start people's Anhad Shabad, open their Dasam Dwaar and give Naam to those without Amrit, smoke tobacco and drink alcohol:

Becoming a Devotee...

Bhagat Puran Singh Ji, Pingalware

Salok Fareed Ji, Ang 1384:
 
ਮਤਿ ਹੋਦੀ ਹੋਇ ਇਆਣਾ ॥  If you are wise, (appear to) be simple;    ਮਤਿ = ਅਕਲ। ਹੋਇ = ਬਣੇ।
(ਜੋ ਮਨੁੱਖ) ਅਕਲ ਹੁੰਦਿਆਂ ਭੀ ਅੰਞਾਣਾ ਬਣੇ (ਭਾਵ, ਅਕਲ ਦੇ ਤ੍ਰਾਣ ਦੂਜਿਆਂ ਤੇ ਕੋਈ ਦਬਾਉ ਨ ਪਾਏ),

ਤਾਣ ਹੋਦੇ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਤਾਣਾ ॥  being powerful, (appear to) be weak (i.e. don't quarrel or subjugate others);   ਤਾਣੁ = ਜ਼ੋਰ, ਤਾਕਤ।
ਜ਼ੋਰ ਹੁੰਦਿਆਂ ਕਮਜ਼ੋਰਾਂ ਵਾਂਗ ਜੀਵੇ (ਭਾਵ, ਕਿਸੇ ਉਤੇ ਧੱਕਾ ਨਾ ਕਰੇ),

ਅਣਹੋਦੇ ਆਪੁ ਵੰਡਾਏ ॥  and when there is nothing worthy to share, then share with others (your share).    ਅਣਹੋਦੇ = ਜਦੋਂ ਕੁਝ ਭੀ ਦੇਣ ਜੋਗਾ ਨਾਹ ਹੋਵੇ।
ਜਦੋਂ ਕੁਝ ਭੀ ਦੇਣ-ਜੋਗਾ ਨਾਹ ਹੋਵੇ, ਤਦੋਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪ (ਭਾਵ, ਆਪਣਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ) ਵੰਡ ਦੇਵੇ,

ਕੋ ਐਸਾ ਭਗਤੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥੧੨੮॥  How rare is one who is known as such a devotee. ||128||  
ਸਦਾਏ = ਅਖਵਾਏ ॥੧੨੮॥
ਕਿਸੇ ਅਜੇਹੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ (ਹੀ) ਭਗਤ ਆਖਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ॥੧੨੮॥ 

Kavishree (Poetry) - "Today's Modern Boys & Girls"..

Story of Bhai Devinder Singh (Australia)...

Here is an amazing story of a white Australian, Donald Harry Goldsmith, who took Amrit and became Sikh, and now called Devinder Singh. Bhai Devinder Singh is from Adelaide, Australia, and kindly shared his story of becoming a Sikh with the Sangat on the Internet:

Bhai Devinder Singh (Australia) - Before and After

I believe Amrit is very important. For me it was my commitment to Vaheguru. I feel an unexplained definite connection that has changed my life to be less stressful and significantly more peaceful and happy. Most importantly, it has made me a better and more loving human being. I don't like the word 'religion'. I much prefer 'faith'. My dad used to say, "Respect and love. We are put on earth not to see through people but to see people through love." 

Dad served in World War 2, serving in army medical corps in New Guinea. He had so much respect and love for Sikhs that fought with the Allied forces describing them as "True warriors - compassionate and brave." 

I was in India in 1984 with my late father when all hell broke out in the streets of India. My Sikh friends got me out of Delhi. From that day, I always loved the Sikh people, their caring nature for humanity, and their strong faith in Vaheguru. Dad also said I would one day become a Sikh through the experience of wonderful love. 

In 2007 I had two heart attacks, almost died twice and the first thing I spoke after four days in coma was "Vaheguru wants me to become Sikh". I felt I was brought back to life twice and I am now so thankful to be in happy health. After the heart attacks I went straight into a turban, because I already had a beard from performing Shakespeare's Antonio in The Merchant of Venice (that was another life). I wanted to go straight to Amritsar to give my heart and soul to Vaheguru. 

I have found the Sikh community in Australia to be generally fantastic. Extremely happy, beautiful people. I am so pleased with Vaheguru for showing me this path. 

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In 2012, Bhai Devinder Singh recieved Amrit and he legally changed his name to Devinder Singh.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Khalsa Camp BC 2015 - Photos...

Khalsa Camp BC (Canada) took place from 26th to 31st August 2015. This was the fifth successful year of Khalsa Camp BC. It was very impressive to see how the camp has grown and developed over the years. The camp was well organised and the atmosphere was inspirational! It was great to have darshan of so many Gurmukhs this year.

This years camp had a range of speakers which included Bhai Santbir Singh jee (Toronto), Bhai Jagjit Singh (UK), Bhai Shaminder Singh (BC), Giani Kulwinder Singh (BC), Bhenji Gurminder Kaur (BC), and Bhai Paramjit Singh Khalsa (Anandpur Sahib wale). Bhai Davinder Singh (California) also attended and held workshops.

I found the whole camp amazing! Great atmosphere, great Gursikh speakers, and great Sangat. The most memorable thing about the camp was the mosquitos and being bitten over and over again and being swamped by mosquitos! Vaheguru!

The camp left a very positive impression on my mind and I found it very uplifting and beneficial. May Guru Sahib continue to bless the Sangat and may their flourish in Gursikhi.

Some of the photos from the camp (taken from Khalsa Camp BC Facebook):

Orientation

Divaan

Keertan

Ice-breaker

Langar Seva

Bhai Santbir Singh workshop

Bhenji Gurminder Kaur did an amazing talk!

Evening Questions and Answers session

 Gatka by Veer Harman Singh

Gatka

Gatka

Talk by Bhai Shaminder Singh

 In the workshop we were lucky enough to have Bhai Prabhsimran Singh, a white-Canadian Gursikh share his experiences of how he becoming an Amritdhari Singh.

 Calligraphy workshop

Calligraphy workshop

 Workshop with Bhai Jagjit Singh

Workshop with Bhai Davinder Singh

Bhai Harveen Singh was previously from UK and is currently living in BC

Bhai Paramjit Singh Khalsa 

 Giani Kulwinder Singh's talk on Gurbani

Keertan

 Campers doing Satguru Ji's seva

Deg Seva

 End of camp closing comments

 A lovely Gursikh that I share the week with at Khalsa Camp BC - Baba Harbans Singh Ji. Baba Ji had so much knowledge and wisdom and deep reflections on Gurbani, yet so much humility and also lots of humour. Vaheguru!

 Bus journey back home from camp

Group photo on arrival back from camp