ਕੈਂਪ ਪਰਗਾਸ (ਨਿਊ ਯੋਰਕ) ੨੦੧੯ । Camp Pargaas (New York) 2019

From 27th to 29th June 2019, Camp Pargaas was held at Glen Cove Gurdwara Sahib, New York (USA). This was the first-ever camp held by Camp Pargaas, and was a very memorable and inspirational 2 days. Approximately 70 people attended the camp, which was aimed at the 16+ age group. Bhai Jagjit Singh Ji, Bhai Gagandeep Singh Ji, Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji and the rest of the Sevadaar team did an amazing job.

The main theme of the camp was Sangat. The power of doing Sangat with the Guru, the benefits of Saadh Sangat and the harmful effects of negative Sangat were discussed during the camp in light of Gurbani. Unlike the usual camp talks, this camp had professional Gursikhs that were successful at university and in the current work-field to share how to be successful and the best one can be in education, studies and succeed in a job that can help the Panth. Campers were guided on how to improve their grades in their studies and made to think about their future worldly goals as well as spiritual goals.

Some photos from the camp:

Sevadaars making Langar for campers

First day ice-breaker

First day ice-breaker

 Workshop on the importance of Guru and having Sangat of the Guru

 

Prakaash Di Seva

 Workshop on the importance of good and bad Sangat

 Evening Kirtan

 Langar

 Sukhaasan Prakaash Seva workshop

Degh Seva workshop

 Rehraas Sahib

Evening Kirtan

Kitchen Seva

Gatka workshop

 Group photo with Gatka Ustaad Ji - Dr Deep Singh (President of Gatka Federation USA & Convener of World Gatka Federation), and Veer Sarabveer Singh Ji (New Jersey)

 Gatka workshop

Gatka workshop

Evening Divaan - Rehraas Sahib and Kirtan

 Sukhaasan Seva

Bonfire and Sakhi night

Morning Divaan Simran

Workshop on good and bad Sangat

Langar

 Workshop continued

 Evening Kirtan

 

Evening Kirtan 

 Bhai Sahib is from Texas and gave a talk on Sangat and Gurbani

 Sangat during workshop

 Bhai Sahib's presentation

 Group discussions

Groups feeding back to the Sangat

 Talk by young professional on importance of education

 Education and Sikhi workshop

 Successful proffesionals sharing their tips for success

 Campers in smaller groups looking at how they can improve their grades and what they need to get in order to get to their desired university

 The youth at the camp were well-behaved and grounded individuals that all had a thirst to progress in Sikhi

 Satguru Ji

 Bhai Jagjit Singh Ji doing Kirtan at end divaan

 Ardaas

 End Divaan

Bhai Jaswinder Singh Ji and their Singhni, Bhenji Miwa Kaur Ji who is Japanese origin.

[Poem] Khalsa Raaj - We were once rulers...

Effects of False Beauty...

 

 ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਪੈਨਣੁ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥      

Such pleasures of dressing up are detrimental,     
ਹੇ ਭਾਈ !ਇਹੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਪਹਿਨਣ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੌਂਕ ਤੇ ਚਾਉ ਖ਼ੁਆਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ    

ਜਿਤੁ ਪੈਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥      

wearing which, the body suffers, and sinful or corrupt thoughts enter the mind. ||1||Pause||      

ਜਿਸ ਪਹਿਨਣ ਨਾਲ ਸਰੀਰ ਦੁਖੀ ਹੋਵੇ, ਤੇ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਭੀ ਭੈੜੇ ਖ਼ਿਆਲ ਤੁਰ ਪੈਣ, ਇਹੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਪਹਿਨਣ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੌਂਕ ਤੇ ਚਾਉ ਖ਼ੁਆਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।

(Siree Raag M:1, Ang 16)

ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਹੀਦੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਗੁਝੇ ਸਚ। Real Story of Martyrdom of Guru Arjun Sahib

The Truth Behind Meat...

WARNING: Disturbing Content. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Farm to Fridge: Help Expose the Truth Using the Power of Video "Mercy For Animals (MFA) recently released their most powerful and important video yet. It's called Farm To Fridge. Please watch and share".

ਕਬੀਰ ਜੋਰੁ ਕੀਆ ਸੋ ਜੁਲਮੁ ਹੈ ਲੇਇ ਜਬਾਬੁ ਖੁਦਾਇ ॥ 

ਦਫਤਰਿ ਲੇਖਾ ਨੀਕਸੈ ਮਾਰ ਮੁਹੈ ਮੁਹਿ ਖਾਇ ॥੨੦੦॥ 

“O Kabeer! It is tyranny to use force to kill; the Lord shall call you to account (for the tyranny committed). When the account is called for (in the world hereafter), the individual is strucken on their face and beaten (for repaying their Karma). ||200||” 

ਕਬੀਰ (ਜੀ ਆਖਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ) ਜੋ ਜ਼ੋਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਉਹ ਜ਼ੁਲਮ ਹੈ, (ਕੀਤੇ ਜ਼ੁਲਮ ਦਾ) ਜਵਾਬ ਰਬ ਲਵੇਗਾ।(ਜਦ) ਦਫ਼ਤਰ ਵਿਚ ਲੇਖਾ (ਵਹੀ ਖਾਤਾ) ਨਿਕਲੇਗਾ (ਤਾਂ ਕੀਤੇ ਜੁਲਮ ਬਦਲੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ) ਮੂੰਹੋ ਮੂੰਹ ਮਾਰ ਖਾਏਗਾ।੨੦੦। 

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – Ang 1375)

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਜ਼ਾਦੀ ਦੀ ਅਵਾਜ਼ ਮਜ਼ਬੂਤ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ । The voice for freedom strengthens in Punjab...

Many people have said that only Sikhs outside India want Khalistan. However, during the past week I have seen many videos of Sikhs in India, young and old boldly respectfully and honourably raising slogans for Khalistan fearlessly with the Punjab Police walking past. Perhaps the voice was unheard before, but now it seems to be getting louder and louder. Even the SGPC appointed Head of Akal Takhat, Giani Harpreet Singh, said in a media statement that if someone gives Khalistan we should accept it.

It seems people want to live in a country in which all people, irrespective of religion, are safe to live; to live in a country where, no place or worship or sacred text is attacked and violated; to live in a country where justice is the same for all religions, genders and classes; to live in a country that welcomes all and shares it wealth equally; to live in a country where no one is treated as a second class citizen; and to live in a country which is not robbed of its electricity, water and revenues by outside states. In Gurbani, such a country is called “Begum-puraa”, the place without sorrow or sadness. 

ਬੇਗਮ ਪੁਰਾ ਸਹਰ ਕੋ ਨਾਉ ॥ 
Begumpura, 'the place without sorrow', is the name of the town. 

ਦੂਖੁ ਅੰਦੋਹੁ ਨਹੀ ਤਿਹਿ ਠਾਉ ॥
There is no suffering or anxiety there. 

ਨਾਂ ਤਸਵੀਸ ਖਿਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਮਾਲੁ ॥ 
There are no troubles or taxes on commodities there. 

ਖਉਫੁ ਨ ਖਤਾ ਨ ਤਰਸੁ ਜਵਾਲੁ ॥੧॥ 
There is no fear, no danger of committing sin or downfall there. ||1|| 
(Gauree Bhagat Ravidaas Ji, Ang 345) 

Is it possible? Yes. This was the reality of the Khalsa Raaj led by Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar and the Raaj of Shere-E-Punjab Raja Ranjeet Singh Ji. In both periods of times, Sikhs were a minority, but won the hearts of the majority (non-Sikhs) through their sincerity, love, honour, integrity, pure moral character and undying faith in the Guru’s teachings. May Satguru Ji bless us with these virtues and high character that we can earn Divine-Grace and help make a more happier, safer and godlier place where all irrespective of belief, creed or gender can feel valued as a fellow human, fellow brother and sister and enjoy the glow of the God-given right of freedom.

ਬਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ । The Power of 'Baana' (our dress)...

Yesterday, whilst attending the London 1984 remembrance march, I was remembering a conversation I had with the late Bhai Nirmal Singh ji (1963 - 2009). Bhai Nirmal Singh, for those who don't know, was a Sikh youth leader and dedicated sevadaar of the Khalsa Panth with an undying passion for educating and inspiring youth towards Sikhi. From the early 1990s, he was instrumental in starting up Sikh societies in colleges and universities across the UK and continued to support these societies and various other organisations in a voluntary capacity throughout his lifetime. Through his voluntary work at youth camps, gurdwaras, universities and colleges, he inspired countless youngsters into becoming Gursikhs and getting involved in voluntary work.

Sikh protest in London 1978 after the Amritsar massacre

So yesterday, I remembered a conversation I had with Bhai Sahib. He was shared how he wasn't born into Gursikhi, and before becoming a Gursikh he had a skin-head (totally shaven-head and face) and knew little about Sikhi, let alone follow it. However, the turning point was 1978. After the 1978 bloody massacre of Amritsar where 13 Gursikhs attained martyrdom, there was a protest rally held in London, which Bhai Nirmal Singh attended.

Bhai Jarnail Singh in front centre wearing blue Baana and an organe Dumaala

He said, in the first time in his life, he saw a Khalsa dressed in full Gurmukhi (Gurmat orientated) Baana (dress). The person who he saw in Baana was Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK. Referring to himself, he said, "a young skin-head youngster who was distanced from Sikhi became inspired to keep his Kes (hair) and take Amrit by having Darshan (the sight) of a Gursikh wearing Baana and looking Chardikala."

Bhai Nirmal Singh in 1980s after taking Amrit

This story stresses that sometimes its not just speeches or literature that can change someone's life, but just someone's appearance. Wearing a Gurmukhi Baana is a huge seva in itself in projecting the immortality of the Khalsa and the glory of the Guru. I hope this story inspires other youngsters to wear Baana, especially at events, to honour the Shaheeds who died and fought for our unique identity as well as do our small Seva in perhaps inspiring someone towards Sikhi. 

[Video] ਬੱਚੀ ਦਾ ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਦਕ ਦੇਖ ਕੇ ਅਸ਼ ਅਸ਼ ਕਰ ਉਠੋਗੇ। Inspirational Talk by a Sikh Girl...

Different spellings of 'Prasaad' in Gurbani...

 
In Gurbani, the word "Prasaad" is spelt in 3 ways: (1) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ - prasaad(u); (2) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ - prasaad(i); and (3) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ - prasaad. Depending on the spelling, the word can mean different things:

(1) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ - prasaad(u) = blessing; grace
Example:

ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥੧॥"Nanak seeks the Sanctuary of God; please bless me with Your Grace, O Divine Guru. ||1||"
(Gauree M:5, Ang 269)

(2) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ - prasaad(i) = through the blessing; by the grace of
Example:

ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਰਖੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
"By His Grace, you partake of the thirty-six delicacies; enshrine that Lord and Master within your mind."
(Gauree M:5, Ang 269)

(3) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ - prasaad = when used as preposition 
Example:

ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਰਸਾਦ ॥੨॥      
"Perfect is the Grace of the Perfect Guru. ||2||"
(Bhairo M:5, Ang 1143)

ਸਵੇਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਨਿਤਨੇਮ ਬਾਣੀਆਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਸਪਸ਼ਟਤਾ । Clarity on which Banis are prescribed for morning Nitnem

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha in his work Gurmat Martand, which was first published in 1938, states 5 Banian for the morning:

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Gurmat Martand (7th Ed.), Vol. 2, p. 640):

Translation: 

The daily things one does in accordance to religion is called ‘Nitnem’. The Nitnem of Sikhs is – to clean one’s teeth, clean the body through washing and then do Simran (meditation) of Vahiguru. To read Jap, Jaap, Anand, Svaiyye, Chaupai; practice knowledge, and earn a livelihood. In the evening read ‘Rehraas’ and at night time ‘Sohila’. 

On 28th April 1985, a Hukamnama (edict) was issued by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib stating the following:

Reference: http://old.sgpc.net/CDN/hukamname_Aadesh_Sandesh.pdf, number 41, p. 108

Translation: 

Today, on 28-4-85, the below written resolution has been unanimously passed by the Five Singh Sahibs. The prescribed Nitnem Banis written on page 9 and page 26 of the ‘Sikh Rehat Maryada’ should be corrected as follows: Jap, Jaap, 10 Svaiyye (beginning Sraavag Sudh), Benti Chaupai and Anand. 

The Hukamnama was signed by the following: 

i) Giani Kirpal Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib 

ii) Giani Sahib Singh, Head Granthi, Sri Darbar Sahib (Amritsar) iii) Giani Harcharan Singh Mahalo, Jathedar Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) 

iv) Sant Lakha Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) 

v) Giani Pritam Singh, Head Granthi, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (Amritsar) 

Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the S.G.P.C. printed version of the Sikh Rehat Maryada document never got updated with this amendment. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, the former S.G.P.C. appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (2000-2008), told me that he made several requests to the S.G.P.C. to amend the printed version of the Sikh Rehat Maryada document, however no response was given by the S.G.P.C. Office. 

The current online version of the Sikh Rehat Maryada document on the S.G.P.C. website states: 

Online Sikh Rehat Maryada document taken from www.sgpc.net (25/02/2018)

Translation: 

2. Recite Nitnem (daily prayers). The following Banis (scriptural compositions) are part of Nitnem: Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, and Ten Svaiyye (beginning ‘sraavag sudh’) – These should be read at Amrit-Vela (early morning before sunrise). 

On 5th March 2009, a resolution was passed at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib that reiterated the 1985 ruling concerning the amending of the prescribed Nitnem in the Sikh Rehat Maryada document: 

Translation: 

Today, date Fagan 22, 540 Nanakshahi (5th March 2009), the Five Singh Sahibs gathered at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and passed: Resolution No. 7 In the gathering of the Five Singh Sahibs on 28-4-85 it was unanimously passed that the prescribed Nitnem on page 9 and page 26 of the Sikh Rehat Maryada should be corrected as follows: Jap, Jaap, 10 Svaiyye (beginning Sraavag Sudh), Benti Chaupai and Anand. Today, 5-3-2009, in the gathering of the Five Singh Sahibs it is again unanimously passed that the prescribed Nitnem Banis as above should be passed the by General House of the Shiromani Committee. Gurbachan Singh Jathedar Copied: 1. President, S.G.P.C., Amritsar 2. Secretary, S.G.P.C., Amritsar

Out reach Keertan Seva...

Seva trip during Derby Smaagam. Gursikh Pyaare from Bradford, Derby and Slough did the amazing seva of bringing Keertan to those who are not able to visit a Gurdwara and hear Keertan in the Saadh Sangat. 🙏🏻

The 3 meanings of "Sat" in Gurbani...

 
In Gurbani, the word "Sat" is spelt in 3 ways: (1) ਸਤ - sat; (2) ਸਤਿ - sat(i); and (3) ਸਤੁ - sat(u). Depending on the spelling, "Sat" can mean three things:

(1) ਸਤ - sat = the number 7 

(2) ਸਤਿ - sat(i) = eternal.
From the Sanskrit word 'Satya'.

(3) ਸਤੁ - sat(u) = goodness or truthful conduct. 
This word is often comes together with 'Santokh' (contentment).

"I trust you because the way you look..."

 

Last year December, I was coming back to the UK from Amsterdam airport after attending a Gurmat camp in Belgium. I had forgotten to put my small Kirpaan in my checked-in luggage. When I went through the security scanner machine and got to the other side, the security officer greeted me. He said, "You are dressed wonderfully.... Who are you?" I smiled, and said, "I am a Sikh." He said, "I like the way you are dressed."  

The security officer genuinely seemed happy to see Sikhi Saroop (identity). The second security officer then came forward and said, "You look so royal. I like the way you are dressed. Are you a king?" I replied, "My Guru is the King." He asked if he could check my luggage, which I agreed to. 

When he opened my luggage he found 2 small Kirpaans. He said, "What's this? I said, its part of my religious uniform. I was supposed to put it in my checked-in luggage but I forgot." He smiled and said, "Don't worry. By looking at you, I trust you. I trust you to keep these with you." I was pleasantly surprised and said, "So you allow Kirpaans of this size?" He replied, "No. I am allowing you out of on the decision of my discretion because I trust you because the way you look."

It was a very humbling moment that how much respect and honour one gets by wearing 'Baana' (the Khalsa royal uniform). I am sure I would not have had the same response if I was not wearing 'Baana'. Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji!

ਨਿੱਕੇ ਜੇਹੇ ਬੱਚੇ ਦੇ ਥੋੜੇ ਜੇਹੇ ਸਵਾਲ | Nikke Jihe Bache de Thorhe Jehe Savaal...

A video of 7 year old Namastang Singh from New Zealand reciting a poem at Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib Ji (Amritsar) during a Kirtan Smaagam last year. Please listen:

Interview with Kaar Seva Baba regarding Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib...