Monday, April 30, 2018

Is that really my Guru? Really?...


The below claim to be Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji according to the maker and seller. Which of these are true?








If none are really true, why would you have a fake/false/untrue image of Guru Patshah Ji? People became upset and said Nanak Shah Fakeer movie had committed Beadbi (sacrilege) because an actor was playing Satguru Patshah Ji. But isn’t the face of someone else being used to be called or labelled (or even worshipped in some cases) as Guru Patshah Ji the same thing? 

I went to someone’s house and saw the above plastic idol claiming to be of Kalgidhar Patshah Ji. Shocked? (Side note: notice the “Om” symbol at the bottom). All that has happened is that we have moved from paper idols to plastic idols and there are even stone idols of Satguru Ji now. Satguru Patshah Ji in Bani told us how the Hindus became spiritually dead...
ਬੁਤ ਪੂਜਿ ਪੂਜਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੂਏ ਤੁਰਕ ਮੂਏ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਈ ॥ 
buth pooj pooj hindu mooe turk mooe naaee.
“Worshipping their idols, the Hindus (spiritually) die; the Muslims die bowing their heads (towards Mecca thinking God lives there)”. 
(Ang 654)

A question for us all, are going towards spiritual death or spiritual life?

Friday, April 20, 2018

Gurmat Bibek Video: Gauranteed guide to raising Gursikh children...




THE MOST IMPORTANT FAIL-SAFE TICK LIST FOR SIKH PARENTS PLANNING TO RAISE CHILDREN.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਔਲਾਦ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਪੱਕਾ ਤਰੀਕਾ । A SHORT GUIDE ON HOW TO GUARANTEE GURSIKH CHILDREN WHO WILL TURN INTO SUCCESSFUL ADULTS – FROM BEFORE BIRTH TO AFTER CHILDHOOD

ਹਰੇਕ ਦੀ ਇਛਾ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਸਦੀ ਔਲਾਦ ਚੰਗੀ ਹੋਵੇ ਪਰ ਇਸ ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਦੇ ਕਾਲੇ ਦੌਰ ਵਿਚ ਚੰਗੇ ਬਨਣ ਲਈ ਧਾਰਮਕ ਬਨਣਾ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਹੈ। ਸਾਡੀ ਅਜ ਦੀ ਵੀਡੀਓ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੰਤਾਨ ਦੇ ਚਾਹਵਾਨ ਮਾਪਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਮਾਰਗ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਉਹ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੰਤਾਨ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਵੀਡੀਓ ਆਪ ਵੀ ਦੇਖੋ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਦਿਖਾਓ।

Every parent wants their children to grow-up into good adults. The process to achieve this can only be guaranteed if efforts are made by the parents from before conception to the late childhood years. Without dedicated efforts from the parents during these important years, achievement to gift good personalities to the world is uncertain and left to chance. To raise a child into a GURSIKH adult is the most wonderful achievement for parents – and it is also the primary purpose of having offspring. If one is GURSIKH, then all other successes will follow automatically, including a peaceful, happy and prosperous life.

FAIL-SAFE TICKLIST – Here is a short list of pointers to guarantee children that will grow into successful adults:

1) DOING ARDAAS BEFORE TRYING FOR CHILDREN: 
It starts at family planning. After the Anand Kaaraj marriage and before conception, the parents should always ask the Creator Lord to send pure souls. This should be from the bottom of one's heart. Remember, the children will always belong to the Creator Lord – you have simply volunteered for the task to raise them. The attitude of "I will bring up my children however I want" is only the voice of ego, because the only way to raise them is to raise within the laws of righteousness, with good, morally strong, God-like qualities to gift to the world.

2) KEEPING PURITY OF MIND AND BODY DURING PREGNANCY:  
When the child is in the womb, the parents should stay away from negative environments and all vices. Intimacy between husband and wife should be avoided during pregnancy. When the child is in the womb, it is developing and is also learning through the activities of the mother.

3) READ GURBANI AND SIKH HISTORY DURING PREGNANCY:
When the mother is carrying the child, she should endeavor to read as much Gurbani and Sikh history as possible, and take into her mind all knowledge that is good and true. From here the child's journey of learning begins (and that journey to learn should never end - hence "Sikh", a learner).

4) AVOID NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR AND ENVIRONMENTS DURING PREGNANCY:
When expecting, the mother should completely avoid listening to slander, gossip, particularly vulgar music, television serials/movies that contain negative/useless information and refrain from being present at adverse environments such as parties. This undoubtedly has a negative effect on the mother herself, but it also effects the developing mind of the unborn child. She should read good factual books, Sikh history and listen to valuable knowledge and Gurbani Kirtan instead (whilst trying to understand its meanings too).

5) AVOID TELEVISION AND RADIO DURING PREGNANCY:
The mother of the unborn child should avoid reading magazines and negative/useless stories/tabloids, and stay away from pointless radio/television discussion shows that would be of no use to the child's mind.

6) KEEP IMAGES OF SIKH MARTYRS, HISTORY AND GURBANI AROUND THE HOUSE:
It is the advice of wise people that for the expecting mother, and also for the child to constantly observe throughout his/her childhood, that the Sikh home should be decorated with beautiful art depicting inspirational Sikh history, Shaheed martyrs, saints and Gurbani Shabad's. Sikhs do not worship pictures and photos, but such pictures and photos are used as reminders for the parents and learning tools for the children. Children should be encouraged to ask questions as part of their learning and mental development process. There is no benefit and little point in family photos (although they are by no means forbidden or considered to be anything bad as such), but there is an abundance of benefit in the former recommendation. What the mother sees in her environment on a daily basis affects the unborn child. What the born child sees on a daily basis during childhood certainly does affect his/her adulthood.

7) PERFORM A SEHAJ PAATH AFTER GIVING BIRTH:
After the birth of the child into the world, preferably a Sehaj Paath should take place whereby the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be read in the presence of the new-born baby – small amounts each day at one’s own reading or listening pace. This should not be as a ceremonial ritual, but should act as the beginning of the child’s learning process.

8) KEEP BABY IN ROUTINE OF DOING NITNEM:
Parents should give the baby child a bath each day and do the Nitnem routine with the baby child listening on a daily basis. This will also help the discipline and routine-keeping learning process.

9) SING GURBANI INSTEAD OF CHILDREN'S RHYMES:
As the child grows, instead of teaching them "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and feeling some sort of pride when the child begins to remember it and sing it, the parents should instead teach them rhyming Gurbani verses. That will truly be something for the parents to be proud of. Slowly, over time, those rhyming Gurbani verses during childhood will turn into practical knowledge in adulthood.

10) READ SIKH HISTORY STORIES AT BEDTIME:
Without fail, the parents should read the child bedtime stories every night before bed. These should be stories of the Guru's and of Sikh history. The child from a young age should be flooded with good moral based stories and useful knowledge to help his/her brain develop and thirst for further knowledge. Other impractical rhymes, an overdose of solely television cartoons and useless fairy-tale bedtime stories should be avoided to ensure the child is being given a Gursikhi, moral-based and knowledge-orientated head start in life. The stories told to the child during these years will never be forgotten throughout his/her life and will always help in the later adult years. Once the child is a little older, Sikh history books and other knowledge based information should be given to the child to read, and the parents should then only assist the child in his/her reading. This will help the child form habits to always have a thirst to acquire new information and to absorb that information fast – and will almost certainly make them into exemplary students at school later.

11) TEACH  YOUR CHILDREN KIRTAN AND GATKA:
Sikh children should be taught Kirtan, Gatka and other sports from a young age so they become active in extracurricular activities, remain physically fit and also spiritually nourished.

12) FEED YOUR CHILDREN SPIRITUALISED AND HEALTHY FOOD:
The mother should always read Gurbani or listen to Kirtan when preparing the household food. She should avoid listening to music whilst cooking and follow the protocols we learn at the Gurdwara. If eating out, it is best to avoid restaurants or takeaways that serve dead animal food (meat) so the young child is not brought into the presence of the smells and site of such unnatural and unhealthy food. This will help the child stay accustomed to the healthier and natural human diet – i.e. a non-meat diet.

13) KEEP YOUR CHILDREN IN GOOD COMPANY:
It's extremely important that the child is kept within good surroundings, particularly in the younger years. At all costs, parents should totally avoid taking the child to parties and dance floors where almost all vices will begin to quickly breed within the child's mind during the important development years. The child should not be allowed to interact with other children, or adults, that will have a negative influence. The company one keeps also has an effect on one’s mentality. The child should interact with appropriate role models or practising Sikhs that will have a positive influence towards a Gursikhi Jeevan.


Sometimes parents unknowingly conduct bad, immoral or negative actions, but they expect their children to be good adults in the future. Children will always see their parents as inspirational figures to mimic – children will always try to copy their parents. The actions of the parents in front of the child will most definitely impact their adulthood. It is important for parents to become good Sikh role models for their children – they will closely be watching 'Mum and Dad'. If parents curse unnecessarily, use bad language, listen to vulgar music, are ill-mannered etc, no matter what they say to the child, he/she will follow in those footsteps. If the father drinks alcohol and dances unconsciously at the parties, why would the son not want to follow in the same footsteps? If the mother smokes tobacco, why would the daughter not follow and do the same? Without the right role models, the child’s future in the current vice-orientated society will only be drugs, alcohol, non-education, eloping, no care for a career and so forth. If the parents themselves read Gurbani, only then will the children follow. If the parents themselves are in the physical outer Sikh form, only then will the children want to look the same. If the parents themselves are morally true inside, speak pleasantly and conduct honest actions in their everyday life, only then will the children have the same mentality. The parents being practical examples for their children is absolutely vital. If not, one leaves the fate of their children to chance.

If you are a Sikh and therefore you believe the raising of good GURSIKH children is a task given to you by God through the creation, then it is extremely important that you, as parents, seriously consider the important responsibility BEFORE VOLUNTEERING to commit to the God-given task. Help a human being grow into what it was meant to be…

Monday, April 16, 2018

Episode 5 of Punjab Travels: Meeting Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti Ji...

Whilst staying in Amritsar, I rang Giani Joginder Singh Ji Vedanti, former Jatheder of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. I asked whether it is possible to meet up with him. He was so friendly and invited me to visit his home. My family and I went one evening to Giani Ji's house. I must say, usually when people reach positions of power and influence, they usually become unapproachable and arrogant. However, Giani Ji and his wife were so down to earth and welcoming, that it was really inspiring and humbling.


Giani Ji respects the Maryada of Bibek and Sarbloh. He said that the whole Panth should be following this as it is the Maryada of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. However, due to our personal weaknesses we have lost these traditions and instead only a small number of Sikhs strive to observe them. He said any Gursikh who keeps Bibek or Sarbloh Maryada is respect worthy and said some of the closest Gursikhs that he admires and respects follow this Maryada.  He mentioned that sometimes there two Langars in programmes, one with 'Khullaa' (open/relaxed, i.e. made by anyone without question) Langar and the other 'Bibek' Langar (prepared by Rehat observing Gursikhs only). He said this is not a bad thing as the majority of the Sangat has let go of Maryada and are happy for smokers and Patits to make Langar. He said "Where else can the Guru-abiding Gursikhs go and eat? They have to make Langar. I always feel blessed to be served such Langar."



I asked Giani Ji about the Mangals (beginning lines) that appear before 'Sir-lekhs' (titles) of Banis. I have noticed differences in Mangals in particular with the Nitnem Banis from Dasam Granth. Different Pothi/Gutka Sahibs have different Mangals. Giani Ji, who is a researcher of Gurbani and has a wealth of knowledge of historical copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Dasam Granth and Sikh literature, explained what is written in old copies of Dasam Granth.

Chaupai Sahib
I had heard different variations of the 'Mangal' for Benti Chaupai Sahib. It was interesting to find out that in Dasam Granth, Benti Chaupai Sahib doesn't have a 'Mangal', and begins as: "ਕਬਿਯੋਬਾਚ ਬੇਨਤੀ || ਚੋਪਈ ||". 




Jaap Sahib
I have read in SGPC Gutka Sahibs the Mangal of "ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ || ਜਾਪੁ || ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੁਖਵਾਕ ਪਾਤਿਸ਼ਾਹੀ ੧੦ ||" In other Gutka Sahibs I have read "ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ || ਸ੍ਰੀ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਹਿ || ਜਾਪੁ || ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੁਖਵਾਕ ਪਾਤਿਸ਼ਾਹੀ ੧੦ ||" Which one is right I asked Giani Ji. Giani Ji said in the scanned copies of Dasam Granth that he has in his position, the Mangal is: "ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ||  || ਜਾਪੁ ||  ਸ੍ਰੀ ਮੁਖਵਾਕ ਪਾਤਿਸ਼ਾਹੀ ੧੦ ||

Svaiyye 
Similarly, for the Svaiyye we read in Nitnem I have seen different Mangals. Svaiyye read as part of Nitnem is part of Akaal Ustat. Giani Ji showed that in accordance to Dasam Granth, there is no Mangal, as it is part of a larger Bani (i.e. Akaal Ustat), and therefore the Mangal appears above the beginning of Akaal Ustat.

Time passed so quickly talking to Giani Ji. He walked us out to the road and showed everyone Pyaar. A very pleasant experience.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

'Nanak Shah Fakir' Movie Controversy...

Have you ever asked your mum, “How’s my dastaar?” And she says (without looking in your direction, let alone look at the dastaar), “yeah, its fine.” Then when you sit in the car ready to go where are you going, she says: “O dear! Didn’t you look in the mirror today when tying your dastaar? You should have re-tied it and made it look nicer.”

The above sums up the SGPC in the whole controversy over the controversial film ‘Nanak Shah Fakeer’. I can imagine the SGPC were busy tucking into Pakoray, Samosay and Jaleebis in their office when the film producer walked in and said “Hi guys, is this film that I have made okay with you all?” Response, “Yeah, yeah that's fine.... show it in all gurdwaras. No that's done, can you please pass the sauce and chutney whilst your standing.”


Two years later they actually bothered to look at the trailer of the movie and thought “O Lord! Who on earth allowed this film to be made. This needs banning.” 

The same SGPC and Giani Gurbachan Singh that is seeking to ban the movie, are the ones who had earlier given a clean chit to make the movie:




A SUMMARY OF WHY THE MOVIE SHOULD BE BANNED


1) No individual can act or play the role of any of the Guru Sahibans or their family members in accordance to a ruling an earlier ruling from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and the SGPC.
In the movie, Harish Khanna plays the role of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, however the movie makers have used silhouette lighting to hide his identity. Bollywood actors play the role of Mata Tripta Ji, Pita Kalyan Das Ji, Bebe Nanaki, Bhai Jai Ram Ji, and Bhai Mardana Ji.

2. The movie suggests in one scene that all religions and philosophies come from Hinduism
Sikhi does not originate from Hinduism. Sikhi is a unique revealed religion. Our concept of God, Saviour, holy scriptures, birth rites, initiation rites, marriage rites, death rites, uniform, articles of faith, religious places of worship, religious authority and daily prayers are all different from Hinduism.

3. The "Aum" sign of Hindus is shown in the sky in one scene.
What has this got to do with a film claiming to be preaching Sikhi?

4. The actor playing Bebe Nanaki Ji in the film is wearing a black thread in the movie.
Sikhi is against superstitious rituals. The movie is discreetly promoting them. How is this promoting Sikhi?

6. The film promotes "Deh" (body) "Pooja" (worship). Our Guru is Jyot and Shabd. We are supposed to follow Guru Ji's message and immerse in Gurbani, not get physically attached any body.
A Sikh's life changes by listening, accepting and loving the Word of the Guru. The body of the Guru for us is the Khalsa, represented in the Panj Pyaare. Any other attempts to depict the Guru's physically whether with paintings, models, idols or actors are contrary to Gurmat.

7. The movie-maker Harinder Sikka in a Zee news documentary is seen promoting Hindu mythology and on the fore-front of a project trying to revive a site that claims Sita was held captive by the Raavan in the story of Ramayan.
This makes Sikhs suspicious of his claims that he had a dream of Guru Nanak Dev Ji who told him to make this movie, and what his real motives are.



GURMAT VICHAAR ON THE ISSUE

I was listening to a Parchaarik talk about the controversial film ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ that Sikhs wish to see banned. Below I have paraphased what was said in the Katha:

“The controversy began when Sikhs began to put up depicted images of the Guru in their homes. First of all they made us accept that we accept the image as Guru. Talk of who played Bebe Nanaki Ji, Bhai Mardana Ji, and how Guru Nanak Dev Ji was depicted in the movie came after. Gurbani says:
ਬੁਤ ਪੂਜਿ ਪੂਜਿ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੂਏ ਤੁਰਕ ਮੂਏ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਈ ॥ 
“Worshipping their idols, the Hindus (spiritually) die; the Muslims die bowing their heads (towards Mecca thinking God lives there).” 
(Sorath Kabeer Ji, 654)
Gurbani says that the Hindus became spiritually dead by worshipping idols. Today idols have been made of the Guru that brought us this Bani. Images made with the imagination of the mind have come into our homes. Some Deras claim that their Baba revealed the picture of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and invited an artist to make a painting. Things should have been stopped then. The Guru’s Word is the Guru, the Guru’s message is the Guru. Japji Sahib is our Guru for us. During the time of the Guru, were there no artists? Why didn’t the Gurus get artists to paint them? When the Guru is the Word, then why have images. The movie Nanak Shah Fakir has violated all principles of Gurmat… 

The SGPC gave permission for this movie but when they realised it has sparked controversy they took back their permission and sought a ban. This is not an issue of banning a movie. Can Sikhi Parchaar only be done via movies? I remember when Chaar Sahibzaade animation movie came on in the cinema, some families came out crying. They said, “We are 40 years old, we are 50 years old, and only today we found out the sacrifices of the Chaar Sahibzaade.” This is a question mark for our community. If took this movie, after such a long time, to just get that message across, then what have the 4 or 5 Gurdwaras built in the village done all this time? This is a big question… What are these Gurdwaras made for? 

Until we do not study ourselves, we will continue to have these controversies. During Gurpurbs like Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakaash Divas, people send messages to one another on WhatsApp with these pictures depicting the Guru. These are then forwarded on. Things should have stopped there, but it didn’t..."

Monday, April 09, 2018

Short write-up on Vaisakhi to share with non-Sikhs...

Sangat Ji, I have written a short article for the local newspaper and to share with work. Please feel free to use and adapt the below article as an opportunity to share the message of Sikhi during Vaisakhi.





Spring is an important time of the year for the Sikh community. Just as spring marks new beginnings and new life, the Sikh spring festival of Vaisakhi (pronounced ‘vai-saa-khee’), which falls this year on 14th April, marks the beginning of Sikhs being formalised into a community of the faithful, known as the ‘Khalsa’, dedicated to thoughtful activism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru and founder of the Sikh faith, came on this earth in 1469. Through nine other succeeding gurus the Sikh faith was revealed, and the final picture of the ideal Sikh and the ideal divine-conscience community was completed with the inauguration of the ‘Khalsa’ on the spring festival of Vaisakhi in 1699.

Just as the trees embrace change and blossom with a new identity in spring, the Sikh community was given a fresh lease of life and its distinctive identity (the ‘Panj Kakkaar’ known as the ‘5 Ks’) was consolidated. In 1699, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, in a unique initiation ceremony, initiated five daring and faithful Sikhs who had stepped forward and passed a test of faith. This new form of the Sikh community, known as Khalsa (the sovereign ones) was to be loyal to the one God, to serve and protect others, and become beacons of holiness and spirituality for the world.


The Tenth Guru gave all Sikh men the suffix name of ‘Singh’ (meaning ‘lion’), which was a royal name in India at the time. It was to remind Sikhs to be brave and courageous. All Sikh women were given the suffix name of ‘Kaur’ (meaning ‘crown prince). At a time when women had to change their names for their husband, have no inheritance rights and suffer from inequality, the Guru uplifted the status of women with the name ‘Kaur’ representing equality as the crown prince is entitled to the inheritance.

This time of year reminds Sikhs of their commitments to their faith and their responsibilities towards serving humanity and fighting against social injustice for all.



  Wishing you all a happy Vaisakhi and good wishes.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Respect of parents...



ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਸਣੈ ਵੇਦ ਭੇਦ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ਕਥਾ ਕਹਾਣੀ
maan piu parahari sunai vaydu bhaydu n jaanai kadaa kahaanee
Renouncing the parents, the listener of Vedas cannot understand their mystery.

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਤਪ ਵਣਖੰਡਿ ਭਲਾ ਫਿਰੈ ਬਿਬਾਣੀ
maan piu parahari karai tapu vanakhandi bhulaa dhirai bibaanee
Repudiating the parents, meditation in the forest is similar to the wanderings at deserted places.


ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਪੂਜ ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵ ਨ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਣੀ
maan piu parahari karai pooju dayvee dayv n sayv kamaanee
The service and worship to the gods and goddesses are useless if one has renounced his parents.


ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਨ ਹਾਵਣਾ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਘੰਮਣ ਵਾਣੀ ॥
maan piu parahari nhaavanaa atdasatdi teerad ghunman vaanee
Without service to the parents, bath at the sixty-eight pilgrimage centres is nothing but gyrating in a whirlpool.

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਕਰੈ ਦਾਨ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਪਰਾਣੀ ।
maan piu parahari karai daan bayeemaan agiaan paraanee
The person who having deserted his parents performs charities, is corrupt and ignorant.

ਮਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਵਰਤ ਕਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਮਰਿ ਜੰਮੈ ਭਰਮਿ ਭਲਾਣੀ ।
maan piu parahari varat kari mari mari janmai bharami bhulaanee
He who repudiating the parents undertakes fasts, goes on to wander in the cycle of births and deaths.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣੀ ॥੧੩॥
guru paramaysaru saaru n jaanee ॥13॥
That man (in fact) has not understood the essence of Guru and God.

(Bhai Gurdaas Ji, Vaar 37: Pauri 13)

Saturday, March 03, 2018

Khalsa Camp New Zealand 2018...


With the blessings of Guru Sahib, Khalsa Camp New Zealand 2018 was held for the second year running. The camp was held from 2nd to 6th February at Camp Adair in Hanua.The camp was attended by over 100 campers. The target audience was 16+ years, however families also attended. Some of the Parchaariks attending the camp included by Bhai Navreet Singh (UK) and Bhai Harman Singh (Basics of Sikhi). 

It was so nice to see so many new faces to the camp. Campers had so much positive energy that during the camp you could witness so many positive transformations. Campers who had not worn a Dastaar before, experienced wearing a Dastaaar and loved it so much that they wished to keep it on. Other campers felt so inspired by the Sangat and Pyaar of Sikhi that they wished to take Amrit. There were also campers who felt the power of Sarbloh Bibek Langar lovingly prepared with Simran and Gurbani that Sarbloh Baatte were on their next shopping list! It was a really inspiring and uplifting week with Satguru Ji and the Saadh Sangat. 

Khalsa Foundation New Zealand have promised to continue holding events and programmes throughout the year, so if you are living in New Zealand please keep up to date with all the different Seva happening and get involved.

Some photos of the camp: 

 Sarbloh baatte ready for camp!

 
Camp began with Bhai Parminder Singh (Australia) leading Kirtan and Rehraas Sahib

Satguru Ji's Darbaar

Kirtan by Bhai Navreet Singh

Hukamnama

Bhai Harman Singh's lecture

Archery

 
Archery

Zip wires

 
Langar preparation 

Amrit-Rass Sarbloh Langar in the making

Sangat eating Langar

 
When Langar is so tasty that you take your Sarbloh Batte and eat more outside

Mata Balbir Kaur Ji (UK) teaching the youngest group 

Fun activities with the youngest group

 Evening Kirtan

 
Talk about Shastars and Sikh martial arts


Shastars on display
Evening story-telling session with Bhai Harman Singh

Camp fire

Amrit-Vela

 Arambh of Sehaj Paath for campers

 Group photo

When someone is not just letting go of you!

 Post camp trip to the beach


Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Movie: Sacho Sach

I recently watched this movie in Sikhi class. Everyone really appreciated the message of the movie. The movie is about the true rule of the Gurdwara and about corrupt managements who are far from following the Guru's teachings themselves, let alone propagate the Guru's teachings to the Sangat.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Sarbloh and Sikhi...



Sarbloh (All-Iron) is an amazing gift given to Sikhs. Through Sarbloh Sikhi starts. When we take Amrit it is made and served in Sarbloh. When we were given the gifts of the Panj Kakkaar, two are made of Sarbloh (Karha and Kirpaan). Sarbloh is so special, that Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji describes Vahiguru Ji as Sarbloh and that Sarbloh is our Protector in the Bani of Akaal Ustat.
ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ ਰਛਾ ਹਮਨੈ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਲੋਹ ਕੀ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥ 
ਸਰਬ ਕਾਲ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥ ਸਰਬ ਲੋਹ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਸਦਾ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥ 
akaal purakh kee rashhaa hamnai. sarab loh kee rashhiaa hamnai.
sarab kaal jee dee rashhiaa hamnai. sarab loh jee dee sadaa rashhiaa hamnai. 
“The Timeless Lord is my Protector. The All-Iron Lord is my Protector. The All-Destroying Lord is my Protector. The All-Iron Lord is ever my Protector.” 
(Akaal Ustat)

Keeping the above in mind, there is no doubt that Sarbloh with conjunction with vibrations of Gurbani, Naam and Pyaar is an aid on the Path to Vahiguru Ji. 

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj’s happiness lies in Rehat (code of discipline):
ਰਹਿਤ ਪਿਆਰੀ ਮੁਝ ਕਉ, ਸਿਖ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਨਾਹਿ
rehat pyaaree mujh ko, sikh pyaara naahi. 
"I love the Rehat (code of discipline) of a Sikh, not the (mere label of being a) Sikh."
(Rehatnama)

Langar being served in Sarbloh Baatte in the first part of the 20th century before steel plates were introduced for eating Langar

Monday, January 22, 2018

Banbury Gurmat Class - January 2018...



Banbury Gurmat Class group photo (some children and parents missing due to flu going around). So much Kirpa (blessings). Last Monday the children were restless during Rehraas Sahib and Ardaas. We started a competition of whoever could sit the longest without fidgeting will get points and eventually lead to a prize. Then we are running a Japji Sahib competition. Learning half Japji Sahib is £10, and on completion of memorising full Japji Sahib they get £20 (so £30 in total). 

 
Today one the students, Jyot Kaur Ji, (pictured in next photo), memorised 20 Paurian of Japji Sahib. She learnt 20 Paurian in 3 weeks. When she first recited Paath in class she know the 1st Pauri. She was inspired to see other children knowing more Paath than her. Whilst I was America over Christmas holidays there were no classes. The child’s mum said over 2 weeks she kept listening to Japji Sahib on YouTube (Bhai Gurpreet Singh Shimla recital) and learnt 20 Paurian. Her mum makes her sit with her everyday and learn a Pauri a day. Today she came wearing a Dastaar. At the age of 9, she said she wants to start wearing a Dastaar to school. When I got out £10 to give her for learning half of Japji Sahib, she said “Bhaji I dont want money. Can you please get me Sahibzaade movie instead.” Her mum said she wants to memorise all the scenes and information. Vahiguru. Maharaj’s blessings on on such a small town and credit to parents for making the effort with their children. If you have already not learnt Japji Sahib, please do! Forgot to mention she is also learning the meanings of each Pauri she memorises

Jyot Kaur Ji's inspiration to start wearing the Dastaar comes from the Just Sikhi team from Wolverhampton who came to Banbury Gurdwara to do Parchaar two months earlier. Bhenji tied a dastaar on her head and all the Sangat gave her so much encouragement and love. Amazing how Sangat can inspire someone.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Congratulations to Veer Uttam Singh Ji and Bhenji Kuljit Kaur Ji...



Congratulations to Veer Uttam Singh Ji and Bhenji Kuljit Kaur Ji on their Anand Karaj today. The vibrations in the Darbar Sahib were amazing. So much Kirpa during the Kirtan and Lava(n). May they stay blessed