ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੁਰਾਬਾਂ ਪਾਉਣੀਆਂ । Wearing socks in the Gurdwara...

It is very disheartening to see anyone wearing socks inside the Gurdwara Sahib, in particular Gursikhs. Before entering the Guru’s Darbaar one should remove their shoes or socks and ensure their feet are clean, ideally washed along with the face and hands (this is called Panj Ishnaana). In Islam and other traditions this is a given when entering their place of worship, and it also expected of Sikhs. 

Most Gurdwaras in Punjab and India have a special arrangement where first you remove your shoes and socks, then wash your hands and face and then going inside you are compelled to walk through a feet wash area. There is no escaping of having your feet cleaned before entering. As part or the process of mentally and spiritually preparing ourselves to see the Guru and Sangat, there is an element of physical preparation and etiquette. However, modern day Sikhs either through sheer ignorance or more often laziness are wearing socks inside the Guru’s Darbaar, forget about washing their feet! 

Above are photos of dirty socks. Can anyone really tell me that wearing such footwear - called “Adhee Jutee” or “half-shoes” in Punjabi - is respectful in such a spiritual and pure environment? Removing socks is important for the following reasons: 1) It’s Sikh Maryada (tradition/code), 2) it’s hygienic, 3) it is less distracting to other worshippers, 4) dirty socks (which all socks will become eventually!) is an eye sore, and 5) if we cannot wear socks in amrit sanchaar, harmandir sahib, on tabiyaa (Guru’s stage) when doing seva, or when doing keertan on stage then how on earth can socks be okay? 

Sikhi is about kurbani (sacrifice), but are we willing to sacrifice our personal habits of wearing socks to upkeep the respect and reverence of Guru Nanak Ji’s House and maintain the Maryada and traditions that have been passed by our Great Gurus?

ਜੇ 3D ਮੂਰਤੀਆਂ ਪਰਵਾਨ ਨਹੀਂ, ਫਿਰ 2D ਮੂਰਤੀਆਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ? । If 3D idols are not acceptable, then what about 2D idols?...

As Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurb is approaching, Sikhs are holding events and spreading awareness about the history, life and teachings of Guru Sahib. I am usually quite disheartened how our community has allowed not only 2D murtis (idols) of Guru Sahib, the depictions are not real or genuine and actually portray Guru Sahib opposite to what he actually was. The above picture is an example from Slough Singh Sabha Gurdwara where the image looks angry, not happy, and over weight! That’s definitely not my Guru Nanak and I think is beadbi (disrespectful)! 

However, what I wanted to share is positive examples (see below) where people are 1) not claiming to know what Guru Sahib’s face looked like, 2) not faking images of Guru Sahib, and 3) not promoting 2D murtis that leads to slippery slope to 3D murtis and even actors dressing up as Guru Ji.

Sikhi is clear: “Gur Moorat Gur Shabad” (“The Guru’s Image is the Guru’s Word”) concept. The above images have used artistic ways of showing Guru Nanak Dev Ji without compromising Gurmat. I hope others can also use, make and promote these type of images rather than the framed photo shown in the beginning that have arisen from the painter Sobha Singh and taken Sikhs further away from Gurbani. 

People argue, images, even if fake and unreal, are helpful in remembering the Guru and promoting Sikhi. There are other religions who are expanding that have no images but emphasise their children to memorise their holy book and understand their teachings. Gurbani is the basis for Sikhi, and the fact is that modern Sikhs have more (unreal/ fake) images of the Gurus but remember and understand less Gurbani is proof that its helping Sikhi! Whereas Sikhs of the past did not have these images all of their homes and Gurdwaras etc but memorised and understood Gurbani. 

Now the question is what do what we for ourselves and our community? I prefer memorising, understanding and promoting Gurbani and striving to become the living image of the Guru (“Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas”).

Sikhi Vs. Smoking and Vaping...

CHOOSING DEATH OVER TOUCHING TOBACCO 

~ STORY OF BHAI JAI SINGH JEE 

Bhai Jai Singh ‘Khal-katt’ was a devout, faithful, honest and hard working Sikh of the Guru who lived in the village of Mughalmajra about 5km on the Patiala to Sirhind Road. One day in 1753 Bhai Jai Singh jee was sitting in a field doing Naam Abhyaas (engaged in meditation) when the Muslim Governor Abdul Samund Khan passed by. Bhai Jai Singh jee didn’t get up or salute Samund Khan as he was not even aware of his presence. His 2nd in Command kicked him awake and ordered him, “Wake up! Carry the Nawaab’s (Governor’s) baggage!” At that time such free labour was conscripted to carry baggage from one village to another. 

Bhai Jai Singh jee replied, “Can you please tell me what is in the bag that you have asked me to carry?” Bhai Sahib suspected from the smell that it might be hukka and tobacco. The Mughal admitted that it was indeed tobacco and hukka of the Nawaab. Bhai Jai Singh jee refused point blank to touch the bag and said, “It is my Guru’s Hukam (order) that I cannot touch the tobacco, let alone carry the bag containing it.” 

Bhai Sahib was dragged to the nearest tree and his feet were tied to the branches, with his body hanging downwards. Using sharp blades they peeled off the skin from Bhai Sahib’s entire body, starting from the feet. Within minutes his whole body and the ground become red with blood. All along this barbaric torture Bhai Sahib was repeating the Name of God, “Vaheguru… Vaheguru…”. 

After Bhai Sahib’s martyrdom, the Governor ordered for Bhai Sahib’s wife, 2 sons and daughter-in-law to be mercilessly killed. When the Khalsa armies heard of this great tragedy they attacked the village of Mughalmajra and attacked the barbaric Mughals. Today in the village Baran stands a Gurdwara in memory of this forgotten sacrifice. 

Guru Nanak’s Sikhi is life. Living it and sharing it message with others can save someone’s life and brings positivity. Consuming tobacco and vaping brings death and negativity. We can choose between being a messenger of life or messenger of death. 

NOTE: Sangat is here to support anyone who wishes to give up smoking/vaping and follow the Path of Sikhi

"ਮੈ ਵੀ ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਪੜ੍ਹਣਾ..." । "I want to read Sukhmani Sahib as well..."

Children from today's weekly Sikhi class reciting Gurmukhi alphabet. From not knowing any Punjabi at all, these children have really progressed. 

With Satguru Ji’s kirpa (blessings), one of the families is holding Sukhmani Sahib programme at their house and their 10 year old son who attends the class said, “Mum, can I please have a turn to read an Astpadee (chapter) of Sukhmani Sahib?” With Satguru Ji’s kirpaa, when this idea was shared in class, other elder children came forward to say they are happy to also read one Astpadee. 

Seeing children’s enthusiasm to wanting to read Gurbani is very motivating and I think imagine how blessed and advance they will be with their Sikhi when they older. This week, in celebration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s upcoming Gurpurb, the children a weekly chart with a points system. For example listening or reading to Japji Sahib is 20 points, reciting Mool Mantar 20 times is 5 points, doing Gurmat Ishnaan is 5 points and so on. All children who participate will get prizes. The more points children get the bigger the prize. 

It is this type of child-like rewards that Baba Fareed Ji’s mother used to give him when encouraging him to Bhagti (devotional worship) as a young child. However, one day Baba Ji said to his mum “I don’t need this prize.” When the mother asked why? He replied “Allah has given me His reward.”  

May we all be inspired to learn Gurmukhi, read Gurbani and try to understand Gurbani so that we with Satguru Ji’s Grace live Gurbani and earn Satguru Ji’s happiness and blessings.

ਜਪਨਾ । Japnaa (Chanting/meditation)...

“Jap” is the title of the first Bani (sacred composition) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It literally means “to chant”. By having this is at the start of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Sahib tells us that our spiritual journey to enlightenment and to Sakh Khand (the Eternal Home of God) has to start with “Jap” or “Japnaa” (meditatively chanting and calling out to the Creator Lord).

Interestingly, the next Bani that appears in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is “So Dar” (that Door), ie Jaap will lead you to “So Dar”, to the door of the Home of the Almighty. Then comes the Bani of “So Purakh” (that Divine-Being). At that divine-spiritual state and place, Vahiguru is met. Then comes the Bani of “Sohila” (the song of happiness). In this divine state and place, the song of happiness of the Lord exists, and nothing else. To experience, the song of happiness, divine-joy... one has start with Jap, with Jaap, with chanting, with spiritual effort to call out to the Loving Creator Lord.

How do we call out- through the support of a Mantra, divine words, through chanting which leads you back to where these Words came from. The Gur-Mantar is given by the Guru during initiation (taking Amrit). In addition to this, the first opening line of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (referred as Mangla Charan or Mool Mantar) is used by Sikhs and non-Sikhs to connect with the Divine, earn the Almighty’s Grace and elevate oneself beyond worldliness to divinity.

If you don’t already, make a start to do Jaap of Gurbani, whether it is Mool Mantar, any other line/Shabad (sacred hymn) of from Gurbani, as a lovely way marking the 550th Prakaash Divas (anniversary of the coming) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

"Thank You Vaheguru"...

Three weeks ago, during the evening children’s class at my local Gurdwara Sahib, I found this thank-you card placed in front of Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It was lovely to read. Aged 7 and 10, two sisters along with other children who attend the class accepted the Gurmat class challenge for the summer holidays of waking up in the morning, doing Gurmat ishnaan (simran or paath whilst having a full body wash) followed by reading or listening to full Japji Sahib and then having breakfast. The children received some prizes for this as encouragement. 

The young girl said to her mum, “Can you ask Bhaji why has Baba Ji (referring to Guru Sahib) not read my card yet?” Seeing her innocent love for Guru Ji was overwhelming! Guru Sahib gave me a thought which I shared... “If someone sent your Bibi Ji (grandmother) a card... would she read it or would she ask you to read it to her because she really loves you?” She replied “Bibi Ji would love for us to open the card for her and read it to her!” I then said “Do you think Baba Ji would like it if you open the card and read it to Him?” She nodded her head excitedly and got her sister to help her to read the card. 

 

Her mum said to me that the youngest child said to her at home “Baba Ji can see me, hears me doing Paath and speaks to me.” The mum said “how?” She replied “Mum when you look at me, Vahiguru sees me through your eyes. Vahiguru also sees the world through my eyes.” Then she said, “When I do Paath Vahiguru hears me through my ears.” And then she said, “When I do Paath and Simran, Vahiguru speaks to me through my tongue.” I learnt so much from this young child that day, and always learning from these students!

ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਮਾਂ-ਬੋਲੀ । Punjabi mother-tongue...

Today we all know how Punjabi mother-tongue and Gurmukhi script is being undermined in its own home- Punjab. Signs in the capital city of Punjab are in English and or Hindi, with Punjabi nowhere to be seen. Punjabi singers who made money from Punjab singing Punjabi, have now made a u-turn and turned their back to Punjabi. Schools in Punjab are fining children for speaking Punjabi. Families are replacing Punjabi with Hindi, thinking Punjabi sounds too common. 

All languages are respect-worthy and the more languages one can speak the better it is. However, lets not turn our back on our mother-tongue. The day we break away from Punjabi and Gurmukhi, we will break away from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is sad that many children in Gursikh families struggle to put a sentence together and have a flowing conversation in Punjabi- you can’t blame the government or RSS for that! Then people make excuses that they are born abroad or 3rd generation. Sorry- but Pakistani families 3rd generation in UK speak fluent Punjabi. 

We might not be able to do much on a big level, but at least save Gurmukhi and Punjabi with our families and be proud to be speak Punjabi with fellow Gursikhs.

"Start with your plate..."

Author: Bhai Brahmjit Singh 

Have you read the above? Now think how much you rely on ready meals, microwaves, GM food, non-organic and processed food, compared to 100 years ago. Have you ever considered, there must be some correlation between the rise in illnesses and diseases and what we eat and drink?

I’ve been saying this for a while and many still don’t believe it…... Good health starts from your plate. When we were kids (yes it was long ago) much of what was eaten by families was home cooked food using fresh ingredients, in fact, once upon a time, most food was organic! It’s not too late for us to make a change, its never too late; its even more important for those of you with young children- let’s give them the best chance going forward.

According to the BBC, researchers have now linked ultra-processed food to Cancer. But, what is ultra-processed food? Cakes, chocolates, crisps, ready meals, sweet drinks and even mass-produced bread (that you get in supermarkets). These foods are a big contributory factor to being overweight, which is the biggest preventable cause of disease after smoking.

Some of us are lucky having a head start in this; we were given a GurSikh Rehit (code of conduct), over 300 years ago, which guides Sikhs in all aspects of life. Those that follow Rehit (amongst other things) only eat food prepared at home, using only raw ingredients by those that follow Rehit too- this includes not using plastic at all. Every aspect of our Rehit is practical and beneficial to our physical and mental health. Let’s share this amazing information and make this post viral, share it with everyone, share it far and wide and in years to come, let’s see if we can reverse the figures in the above post.

The Khalsa Bibekery- where everything is made by hand, using raw and (where possible) only organic ingredients, including milk and handmade butter. Be inspired!

[Video] ਪਾਠ ਕਰਨ ਵੇਲੇ ਮਾੜੇ ਫੁਰਨਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਇਲਾਜ। Remedy for bad thoughts when doing Paath...

House-Programme Seva by Khalsa Foundation Sevadaars...

Last Saturday sevadaars of Khalsa Foundation were invited to do Sukhmani Sahib and Keertan at someone’s house. Paath and Keertan was done for free. The only condition was that the family have to participate in the Paath and no need to make food for the sevadaars. Degh was made in accordance to Maryada and brought to the home along with Satguru Ji’s lareevaar Saroop as a part of the seva. Each member of the Sangat was given a Gutka Sahib and turn-by-turn read one Asttpadee (chapter) of Sri Sukhmani Sahib. Each Salok at the start of the Astpadee was sung in Keertan form. 

One aunty ji sent the following message after the programme: “Many thanks.I really enjoyed today....felt in heaven and soooooo peaceful and shanti.” If anyone wishes to book a simple programme and wants Khalsa Foundation sevadaars to do seva then please message Khalsa Foundation on Instagram, Facebook or info@khalsafoundation.com🙏🏻

ਭੁਲਣਹਾਰ ਤੇ ਦਯਾ ਕਰਨੀ । Being compassionate when people make mistakess...

Today I saw a video of a sincere mistake that a young Singh made when doing Guru Ji’s seva (which I don’t wish to dwell on) that prompted this post as sometimes people use the smallest opportunity to jump on the wagon to put down others faced in an unfortunate situation (which could sadly happen to anyone!). 

This reminded me of a story from Bhai Vir Singh Ji’s book "Gurmukh Sikhyaa". The book shares a story of when Bhai Vir Singh Ji's friend is on his death-bed. His friend helplessly says to Bhai Vir Singh Ji that he is a big sinner and has no chance to be saved or get peace. Bhai Sahib asked him “what is bigger- a boat or the ocean?” The friend replied “the ocean, with no doubt.” Then Bhai Sahib said, “What is bigger- your sins or Guru Nanak’s Nadar (Grace)?” His friend’s eyes welled up with water and said “Guru Nanak’s Nadar (Grace)!” This is the reality. 

Anyone can make mistakes, and it is easy to say I have got my mistake forgiven. However, Gurbani teaches to not just to remember Guru is always All-Forgiving, but to also remember we are always going to make mistakes. And therefore a Sikh lives in continuous Ardaas for Vahiguru to forgive them and also show them the correct way. Just as Guru is All-Forgiving to those who come to seek His sanctuary, the Sangat also reflects the Pyaar (love) of the Guru in being All-Forgiving. When Kauda Bheel the cannibal fell before Guru Nanak Dev Ji and asked for forgiveness for his mistakes, Guru Ji lifted him up and made him into a Saint. 

I think, if that was today, would we really allow Kauda to move on from a cannibal to saint, because Guru Ji did? Or would people share his mistake done in ignorance of the true wisdom and make it viral on Facebook and Whatsapp and have a free for all mud slinging match? It sometimes feels that mistakes not even close to what Kauda done in his past life as a cannibal are highlighted and made public in today’s world not because they are threat to someone or the Panth (nation), not with the intention of spreading education of Sikhi but enjoyment in seeing others mistakes (especially if they are from a different Jathebandi/group or have different views from us) not realising that it could be us tomorrow. 

Let’s follow the footsteps of our Great Guru, Satguru Nanak Dev Ji and receive his happiness and blessings🙏🏻

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ । Pehila Prakaash (First Reading) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji...

Gurbani is the Word of God. Vahiguru revealed His Word through the bodies of 6 Gurus, 6 Bhagats (devotee-saints), 11 Batt (poet-saints), and 3 Sikhs. Although there are 35 bodies through which Gurbani was revealed, the author or voice speaking in all the revelations is the one and the same. Truly, Vahiguru is the author, the one who is speaking. 

When Gurbani was revealed, each Guru or Bhagat would write down the Bani (Word) in a Pothi (small scriptural volume). Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to keep his Pothi with him on his travels. This is evidenced by Bhai Gurdaas Ji who writes about Guru Nanak Dev Ji visiting Mecca as follows:

ਪੁਛਨਿ ਫੋਲਿ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਨੋ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਵਡਾ ਕਿ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨੋਈ  ।

"They asked Baba Nanak to open and search in his book whether Hindu is great or the Muslim."
(Vaar 1, Pauree 33)

Guru Arjan Dev Ji did the task of gathering all the written revelations of the previous Gurus and Bhagats. Bhai Mohan Ji, the son of Guru Amar Das Ji, had the Pothis of the previous Gurus. After accepting the request of Guru Ji, Bhai Mohan Ji brought these Pothis to Amritsar on a Palki Sahib (palanquin) with full-respect.

 After receiving this Pothis, Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictated all the Bani and Bhai Gurdaas Ji did the task of scribing it in a single-bounded scripture. To remind humanity that the author of Bani is the One, regardless of whose body the Gurbani was revealed. For this reason Bhagat Bani is given the same respect and authority as the Bani revealed through the Gurus. This task was completed on 31st August 1604. This single-bounded scripture was called 'Aad Granth Sahib' and 'Pothi Sahib'. 'Aad' means the beginning or first. As this scripture was the first form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, as the final form was given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, it was called the 'Aad Granth Sahib Ji'.

On 1st September 1604, Guru Arjan Dev Ji brought Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Aad Granth Sahib Ji) to Sri Darbar Sahib to have it installed on the holy-throne. Baba Buddha Ji was chosen to carry the Holy-Volume and Guru Ji waved the royal-whisk over it to show the respect of a king. 

The Prakaash (opening) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was performed, followed by a Hukamnama (holy-reading). At this point Guru Arjan Dev Ji sat on the floor. Since this time, whenever Guru Granth Sahib Ji was installed on the throne, the Guru would always sit on a lower platform to show that Gurbani is more important than the physical body of the Guru. The same things done today to show respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were actually practised by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji used to live with his family at Gurdwara Guru Ka Mehal in Amritsar. However, after the first Prakaash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji slept in the same place where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was kept for rest. The place were Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was kept for rest was called 'Kottha Sahib'. In this place, Guru Ji placed Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on bed, whilst he himself slept on a sheet laid out on the floor. This was the ultimate humility of the Guru. Guru Ji showed the faithful how to respect and honour Gurbani and how never to forget how important Gurbani and the scripture containing Gurbani is.

Today in Sikh History: 30th August

In Sikh history, 30th August marks the extraordinary martyrdom of an extraordinary Singh. “Anokh” means extraordinary. On 30th August 1987 Bhai Anokh Singh Ji Babbar was martyred by the then Punjab Police. According to the written account of his martyrdom in the book “Te Deeva Jaagda Rahegaa” (written by Bhai Amardeep Singh Amar), every bone of Bhai Anokh Singh Ji’s body had been broken through torture, yet the saintly-lion kept chanting God’s Name, “Vahiguru”. Bhai Sahib awoke from consciousness to see darkness, to later realise that the barbaric torturers had ripped out both of his eyes. When he asked the prison guard what the time was, he replied “7.15pm”. Bhai Sahib said, “time for ‘Rehraas Sahib’ (name of the evening Sikh prayer)”. Bhai Sahib began reciting Bani (sacred prayer). 

On completing the Bani, he wanted to stand for Ardaas (standing prayer) but unable to as they had tortured him so badly. Whilst sitting he prayed to Vahiguru that he was blessed to have had such a peaceful and happy day passing in His Divine-Will and may the night also pass happily in His Will. Not being able to tolerate Bhai Sahib reciting “Vahiguru” over again, the torturers cut off Bhai Sahib’s tongue.

Scene from movie 'Toofan Singh' depicting Bhai Anokh Singh Ji Babbar's martyrdom

 

A true example of a saint-soldier who never gave up on his Nitnem (daily prayers) or Simran (meditation upon the Lord’s Name) even when faced with the most evilest tortures imaginable. Bhai Sahib’s shaheedi (martyrdom) shows the extremes of humankind. On one end the tortures show how low humankind can go in cold-heartedly destroying life. On the other hand Bhai Anokh Singh shows how amazing humankind can be in being selfless in happily risking and sacrificing one’s life to protect and defend others.

“Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare” (blessed is the Guru, and blessed are the Beloveds of the Guru). The spiritual life, seva (selfless service) and shaheedi (martyrdom) of Bhai Sahib will continue to inspire the lovers of humanity and God.🙏🏻.

ਰਖੜੀ ਦਾ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖੀ ~ The festival of Rakhri and Sikhs...

"I just want Baba Ji's prize..."

Every Monday, there is a children's class at my local Gurdwara Sahib. Before the school summer-holidays began, I told the children that whoever has a shower and reads or listens to Japji Sahib before they have breakfast during the 6 week holiday period will get a prize. I explained that I will give them the small prize, and the big prize will be given by Guru Ji (i.e. Guru Sahib's blessings).

This Monday, at the end of class, one young girl, aged 7, with her mother and sister stayed behind to talk to me. The girls' mother shared that usually she struggled to wake up her 7 year old daughter to go school and she always asked for some more time to sleep. She said, "However, during these holidays, I have been shocked how I just need to say one time about waking up and she will jump out of bed and say 'Vahiguru time'." Her mother explained that she has a shower herself everyday in the holidays and has then come up to her and said, "Mum, its Vahiguru time." Her mum will sit with her and read Japji Sahib, whilst she listens, followed by an Ardaas, and then they have breakfast.

When her mum mentioned prizes. Her 7 year-old daughter said, "I don't want Bhaji to give me a prize. I just want Baba Ji's (Guru Nanak Dev Ji's) prize." Her mum asked, "What prize do you want from Baba Ji?" She said, "I want Baba Ji to give me a huggy-hug!" Her mum became emotional and was taken aback by what prize the child wanted for waking up in the morning and listening to Japji Sahib. The 7 year-old went on to say, "But mum, as Baba Ji is invisible and we can't see him... will Baba Ji able to give me a huggy-hug?" 

I looked at 7 year-old with her smile and thought of her innocent love she had for Guru Sahib and said, "I am sure, Guru Sahib will give you a very big huggy-hug, if that's what you want!"

Bibi Gur Kaur reciting a Dharmik Geet in December 2018

"You're a Sikh, right?"...

On Sunday 28th July, after having spent a week at Camp Jeevan in Fresno (California), I was flying back home to the UK. My flight from Fresno to Los Angeles had been delayed for some reason and there was a chance I would miss my connecting flight back to the UK.

When I arrived at Lose Angels airport, I had to literally run to the boarding gate for my connecting flight. I was last passenger to board the plane. As I entered the plane, a white-woman flight attendant, who looked like in early 50s, welcomed me and said, "How are you Sir?" Whilst catching my breath, I said, "I am feeling out of breath! I have just ran to get on this flight." 

With a warm smile the lady said, "You're a Sikh, right?" I was taken aback that the flight attendant knew I was Sikh (considering it was America!). I replied, "Yes, I am a Sikh." She smiled back and said, "Great. So nice to see you.... Sat Kartaar!" I was thinking "Did I hear her correctly?... Did she just say 'Sat Kartaar' ("True is the Creator Lord" - a phrase from Gurbani)?" Then she enthusiastically said, “Aah! I love Keertan (the singing of Gurbani)!” I replied, “You know of Keertan?” She said, “Yes I can get enough of it. My iPod is full of Keertan.” I had to go and take my seat, so I said, "It would be nice to catch up with later on the flight."

I took my seat, which was right in the far end of the plane. Then the same flight-attendant came to my seat and said, "Hi Sir! Look at this..." She got out her iPod. She said, "I only listen to Keertan. I don't like listening to anything else.... It is so relaxing and uplifting." I was so happy to see how this lady, who was a non-Sikh, had been touched so much by Gurbani Keertan. She then had to go somewhere else before the flight took off.

After having a good sleep, I thought it was time for "Amrit-Vela" (the nectar hours/ early hours before dawn), so I got up and walked towards the toilets to wash my face. As I got near the toilets, the flight attendant I had been early talking to was sitting nearby. She said, "Hi". We started talking. I asked her, "How did you discover Keertan?" 

She replied, "I actually learn Yoga. Through my Yoga lessons I got introduced to Keertan but Yoga teacher is not a Sikh." She continued, "I am pretty sure I was a Sikh in my last life... Guru Ram Das touches my heart so much." So I asked, "Have you been to a Gurdwara before?" She said, "No. Sadly not. I don't know if there is a Gurdwara where I live." I told her that there a lots of Gurdwaras in Los Angeles area and that she should search on the Internet and visit one. I explained how the soul is fed at the Gurdwara through Keertan (singing of Gurbani), Simran (meditation) and recital of Gurbani, and how the body is fed through Langar. She never knew about Langar.

I then asked, "Do you read or know of Japji - the Song of the Soul?" She said, "No... I have not heard of that?" I then shared a story of how a Swedish lady heard Japji Sahib for the first time in her Yoga class and that led her to recite Japji Sahib everyday and eventually give up eating meat, drinking alcohol and cutting her hair, and eventually taking Amrit (initiation), despite not having any Sikhs live in her area. She seemed very curious and interested.

I then asked, "Have you heard of Sukhmani Sahib - the Psalm of Peace?" She said, "No." I said, "It was written by the son of Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji." She had huge smile on her face and said "Wow, it sounds lovely..." I shared a story of how a prisoner ended up keeping his Kes (hair), wearing a Dastaar (turban) and wanting to take Amrit. When I asked him what made you keep your Kes and start wearing a Dastaar, he said, "Sukhmani Sahib." Within one week of listening to Sukhmani Sahib and reciting along, his heart and mind changed and he got spiritual strength. At times he said he would listen to Sukhmani Sahib 3 or 4 times a day. The lady sounded very interested in how Bani is so powerful. 

The conversation had to end as meals were going to be served and she said, "Sorry, I have been to called to work. But its been really nice talking to you."

ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਲਈ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਵਰਦਾਨ | The Gift of Sikhi for my Grandfather...

In celebrating of Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji's Gurpurb, below is a an article that I wrote about my grandfather's story of rediscovering Sikhi that was kindly translated into Punjabi by Bibi Amarjit Kaur (Belgium):

ਅੱਠਵੇਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਆਗਮਨ ਪੁਰਬ ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਭ ਮੌਕੇ ਤੇ ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਪਰੀ ਇੱਕ ਅਜਿਹੀ ਸੱਚੀ ਘਟਨਾ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਵੱਲ ਆਉਣ ਲਈ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਿਆ।

        ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਬਖਸ਼ੀਸ਼ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਫੌਜ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਨੌਕਰੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਸਨ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਿਹਾਇਸ਼ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀ।ਮੇਰੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਕੁਝ ਸਮਾਂ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਰਹਿਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਦ ਰੋਜ਼ੀ ਰੋਟੀ ਦੀ ਭਾਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਰਤਾਨੀਆਂ ਆ ਗਏ ਅਤੇ ਮੇਰਾ ਜਨਮ ਵੀ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਹੋਇਆ। ਕਦੇ ਕਦੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਵਰਗਵਾਸੀ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਸਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝੀਆਂ ਕਰਿਆ ਕਰਦੇ ਸਨ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਸਿੱਖੀ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਨ। ਬੇਸ਼ੱਕ ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤ ਸਨ ਪਰ ਫੌਜ ਦੀ ਨੌਕਰੀ ਕਰਨ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੀਟ ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਪੀਣ ਦੇ ਆਦੀ ਵੀ ਸਨ। ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਪਾਠ ਵੀ ਕਦੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਦੇ ਸਨ। 

ਮੈਂ ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨਾਲ ੧੯੫੭ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਵਿਖੇ ਘਟੀ ਉਹ ਘਟਨਾ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਕਰਨ ਲੱਗਾ ਹਾਂ ਜਿਸਨੇ ਉਹਨਾ ਦੇ ਜੀਵਨ ਨੂੰ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਹਲੂਣਿਆਂ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਸੱਚੇ ਸੁੱਚੇ ਸ਼ਰਧਾਲੂ ਸਿੱਖ ਬਣ ਗਏ। ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਨਜ਼ਦੀਕੀ ਦੋਸਤ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਸਨ ਜੋ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਫੌਜ ਦੀ ਨੌਕਰੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਸਨ। ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਬੇਟੀ ਸੀ ਜੋ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਦੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਸਕੂਲ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਤੌਰ ਅਧਿਆਪਕਾ ਨੌਕਰੀ ਕਰਦੀ ਸੀ। 

੧੯੫੪ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਦਾ ਆਪਣੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਸਾਥਣ ਅਧਿਆਪਕਾ ਨਾਲ ਝਗੜਾ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ।ਝਗੜਦਿਆਂ ਝਗੜਦਿਆਂ ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਗੁੱਸੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਐਨੇ ਜੋਰ ਨਾਲ ਚਿਲਲਾਈ ਕਿ ਉਸ ਦੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਜੋਤ ਹੀ ਚਲੇ ਗਈ।ਹੁਣ ਸਿਵਾਏ ਹਨੇਰੇ ਦੇ ਉਹ ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੀ ਸੀ। ਭਾਈ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਲਈ ਇਹ ਬੜੀ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਦਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਾ ਸੀ। ਉਹ ਆਪਣੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਲੈਕੇ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਹੀ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਕੋਲ ਗਏਾ। ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੇ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਨੂੰ ਚੈੱਕ ਕਰਨ ਉਪਰੰਤ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਸਰਦਾਰ ਜੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਅਫਸੋਸ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਆਪ ਦੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਇਲਾਜ਼ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ;ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਰੋਗ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਣ ਮੇਰੀ ਸਮਝ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਹੈ"। 

ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਦ ਭਾਈ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਆਪਣੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਲੈਕੇ ਵੱਖਰਿਆਂ ਵੱਖਰਿਆਂ ਹਸਪਤਾਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਗਏ ਪਰ ਸਭ ਦਾ ਜਵਾਬ ਇੱਕੋ ਹੀ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਹੁਣ ਕੁਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ। ਮਿਲਟਰੀ ਹਸਪਤਾਲ ਦਾ ਇਲਾਜ਼ ਮੰਨਿਆਂ ਪ੍ਰਮੰਨਿਆਂ ਇਲਾਜ਼ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ,ਉਥੋਂ ਵੀ ਭਾਈ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਰਾਸ਼ਾ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਹੋਰ ਕੁਝ ਪੱਲੇ ਨਾਂ ਪਿਆ। ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਜਦੋਂ ਬੰਦਾ ਹਰ ਪਾਸੇ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਨਿਰਾਸ਼ ਹੋ ਜਾਏ ਤਾਂ ਉਦੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਰਾਹ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਬਾਕੀ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ,ਉਹ ਹੈ: 

ਸਗਲ ਦੁਆਰ ਕਉ ਛਾਡਿ ਕੈ ਗਹਿਓ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਦੁਆਰ ॥ 
ਬਾਂਹਿ ਗਹੇ ਕੀ ਲਾਜ ਅਸ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਦਾਸ ਤੁਹਾਰ ॥ 

ਭਾਈ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਭ ਚਿੰਤਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਕਈ ਹੋਰ ਸਿਆਣਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਤਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਜਾਣ ਲਈ ਕਿਹਾ ਪਰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਦਰ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਹੋਰ ਕਿਧਰੇ ਜਾਣਾ ਮੁਨਾਸਬ ਨਾਂ ਸਮਝਿਆ। ਸਾਰਾ ਹਫਤਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦੇ ਅਤੇ ਹਰ ਐਤਵਾਰ ਨੇਮ ਨਾਲ ਉਹ ਆਪਣੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਲੈਕੇ ਸਾਈਕਲ ਤੇ ਗੁਰਦਵਾਰਾ ਬੰਗਲਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜਾਂਦੇ। 

ਇਹ ਉਹ ਇਤਿਹਾਸਕ ਸਥਾਨ ਹੈ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਅੱਠਵੇਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਜੀ ਰਾਜੇ ਜੈ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਦਰਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਭਾਵਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਖ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਆਏ ਅਤੇ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਦੇ ਆਖਰੀ ਸੱਤ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਬਿਤਾਏ। ਰਾਜਾ ਜੈ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਇਹ ਸਥਾਨ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਸ਼ਰਧਾ ਸਹਿਤ ਭੇਟ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਚੇਚਕ ਦਾ ਰੋਗ ਮਹਾਂਮਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਰੂਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਫੈਲ ਗਿਆ। ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਐਨੀ ਬਰਕਤ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕਰਕੇ ਹੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਦੁੱਖਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਛੁਟਕਾਰਾ ਪਉਣ ਲੱਗੇ। ਮਹਿਮਾਂ ਦੂਰ ਦੂਰ ਫੈਲਣ ਲੱਗੀ। ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਸਤਾਏ ਮਰੀਜ਼ਾਂ ਦੀ ਆਮਦ ਦਿਨੋਂ ਦਿਨ ਵਧਣ ਲੱਗੀ। ਭੀੜ ਜਿਆਦਾ ਹੋਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਕਈ ਵਾਰ ਦੁਖੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਨਾਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੇ। ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੌਖ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਖ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਚਰਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਛੁਹ ਨਾਲ ਇੱਥੇ ਇੱਕ ਝਰਨਾਂ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ। ਇਸ ਜਲ ਨੂੰ ਵਰਤ ਕੇ ਰੋਗੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਰੋਗ ਦੂਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੇ। ਇਹ ਬਰਕਤ ਅੱਜ ਤੱਕ ਜਿਉਂ ਦੀ ਤਿਉਂ ਵਰਤ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸੇ ਲਈ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਫੁਰਮਾਇਆ ਹੈ:-- 

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਜਿਸ ਡਿਠੇ ਸਭਿ ਦੁਖਿ ਜਾਇ। 

ਸਵੇਰੇ ਭਾਈ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਆਪਣੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਲੈਕੇ ਗੁਰਦਵਾਰਾ ਬੰਗਲਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਆ ਜਾਂਦੇ, ਸ਼ਾਮ ਤੱਕ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿਚ ਰੁੱਝੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ। ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਦੇ ਜੋੜਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਤੋਂ ਵਿਹਲੇ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਤਾਂ ਝਾੜੂ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਂਦੇ, ਉੱਥੋਂ ਵਿਹਲ ਮਿਲਦੀ ਤਾਂ ਬਰਤਨ ਸਾਫ ਕਰਨ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਂਦੇ। ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਸੇਵਾ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਦੀ ਹਾਜ਼ਰੀ ਭਰ ਕੇ ਘਰ ਵਾਪਸ ਆ ਜਾਂਦੇ।

੧੯੫੪ ਤੋਂ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋ ਕੇ ੧੯੫੭ ਤੱਕ ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਘਾਲਨਾ ਘਾਲਦਿਆਂ ਤਿੰਨ ਸਾਲ ਬੀਤ ਗਏ। ਹੁਣ ਤੱਕ ਇਹ ਗੱਲ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਦਿਮਾਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਘਰ ਕਰ ਗਈ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਅੰਨੀ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੀ ਹੈ।ਰੱਬੀ ਭਾਣੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਜ਼ੀ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਦੋਨਾਂ ਪਿਉ ਧੀ ਨੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਪੂਰੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਰਪਨ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਹਰ ਵਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਇਸ ਵਾਰ ਵੀ ਐਤਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਪਿਉ ਅਤੇ ਧੀ ਨੇ ਸਾਰਾ ਦਿਨ ਸੇਵਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਿਤਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਸ਼ਾਮ ਪਈ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸੁਨਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਰਾਗੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਸਨ:

ਜੋ ਮਾਗਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਤੇ ਸੋਈ ਸੋਈ ਦੇਵੈ ॥ 

ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸੁ ਮੁਖ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਈਹਾ ਊਹਾ ਸਚੁ ਹੋਵੈ ॥੨॥੧੪॥੪੫॥

(ਅੰਗ ੬੮੧) 

ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੇ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੂੰ ਕੁਝ ਅਜੀਬ ਜਿਹਾ ਮਹਿਸੂਸ ਹੋਇਆ। ਉਸ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਹਲੂਣ ਕੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ "ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਖ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਹੋ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ"। ਇਹ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਨੇ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੰਝੂ ਭਰ ਕੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਐਹ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਬੇਟੀ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਸਿਰਫ ਅੰਨੀ ਹੀ ਸੀ ਹੁਣ ਝੱਲੀ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਹੈ,ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਇਸ ਤੇ ਰਹਿਮ ਕਰੋ ਮਹਾਂਰਾਜ"! ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਫੁਰਮਾਣ ਹੈ ਕਿ: 

ਜਿਸ ਕੇ ਸਿਰ ਊਪਰਿ ਤੂੰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਸੋ ਦੁਖੁ ਕੈਸਾ ਪਾਵੈ ॥

(ਅੰਗ ੭੪੯) 

ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਹੁਣ ਪਿਤਾ ਦਾ ਹੱਥ ਬੜੇ ਜੋਰ ਨਾਲ ਹਲੂਣਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਕਹਿਣ ਲੱਗੀ ਕਿ, "ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਡਰ ਲਗ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਹੱਥ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਨਿਕਲਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਮੇਰੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਵੱਲ ਵੱਧ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ"। ਹੁਣ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਪਣ ਲੱਗਾ ਕਿ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਝੱਲੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਈ, ਸਗੋਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਰਹਿਮਤ ਉਸ ਤੇ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਆਪਣੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਧਰਵਾਸ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, "ਬੇਟਾ ਜੇ,ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦੱਸੋ ਹੁਣ ਕੀ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ"? ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਆਖਿਆ, " ਰੌਸ਼ਨੀ ਮੇਰੇ ਹੋਰ ਨੇੜੇ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ...ਹੋਰ ਨੇੜੇ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ.....ਅਤੇ ਹੁਣ ਇਹ ਮੇਰੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਾਖਲ ਹੋ ਚੁੱਕੀ ਹੈ"। ਪਿਤਾ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ " ਮੇਰੇ ਬੱਚੇ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹ"।ਬੇਟੀ ਨੇ ਜਵਾਬ ਦਿੱਤਾ "ਨਹੀਂ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ,ਇਹ ਮੈਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੀ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਡਰਦੀ ਹਾਂ ਜੇਕਰ ਮੈਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਦ ਵੀ ਨਾਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕੀ ਤਾਂ ਮੇਰੀਆਂ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਉਮੀਦਾਂ ਤੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਫਿਰ ਜਾਏਗਾ"। 

ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ਼ ਦਿਵਾਇਆ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਹੌਲੀ ਹੌਲੀ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਜਰੂਰ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੇ। ਪਹਿਲੀ ਵਾਰ ਜਦੋਂ ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਨੇ ਥ੍ਹੋੜੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਤਾਂ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਸਭ ਕੁਝ ਕਾਲਾ ਕਾਲਾ ਦਿਸਿਆ। ਫਿਰ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਥੋੜ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਜਿਹੀਆਂ ਹੋਰ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਤਾਂ ਧੁੰਦਲਾ ਜਿਹਾ ਦਿਸਣ ਲੱਗਾ।ਹੁਣ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਪੂਰੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਤਾਂ ਉਸਨੇ ਧੰਨ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਸ਼੍ਰਵਣ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਸਾਧ ਸੰਗਤ ਦੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਕੀਤੇ। "ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਮੈਂ ਹੁਣ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੀ ਹਾਂ। ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਤੇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਗਈ ਹੋਈ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਵਾਪਸ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ", ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ ਦੇ ਇਹਨਾਂ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਣਦੇ ਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਹੜਬੜਾ ਕੇ ਸੰਗਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਉੱਚੀ ਉੱਚੀ ਬੋਲ ਕੇ ਖਲਬਲੀ ਮਚਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਕਿ "ਮੇਰੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ,ਮੇਰੀ ਬੇਟੀ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ..." ਇਸ ਸਾਰੇ ਰੌਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਇੱਕ ਸੇਵਾਦਾਰ ਉੱਠ ਕੇ ਭਾਈ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੇ ਕੋਲ ਆਇਆ ਕਿ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਕੀ ਹੈ? ਸਾਰੀ ਸੰਗਤ ਨੂੰ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਤਿੰਨ ਸਾਲ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਵਾਪਰੀ ਸਾਰੀ ਹੱਡਬੀਤੀ ਸੁਣਾਈ। ਕਹਾਣੀ ਜਾਨਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਦ ਸਾਰੀ ਸੰਗਤ ਨੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਹਾਂਰਾਜ ਅੱਗੇ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਸ਼ੁਕਰਾਨੇ ਦੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਤੀ। 

ਗੁਰਦਵਾਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਤੋਂ ਸਿੱਧੇ ਭਾਈ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਠਿਆਈ ਵਾਲੀ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਤੇ ਗਏ। ਲੱਡੂਆਂ ਦਾ ਬੜਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਡੱਬਾ ਖ੍ਰੀਦ ਕੇ ਉਹ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਕੋਲ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ। ਬੂਹੇ ਦੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਹੀ ਉਹਨਾ ਨੇ ਰੌਲਾ ਪਉਣਾ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ। ਬਾਬਾ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਪਾਸੋਂ ਜਦੋਂ ਸਾਰੀ ਹੋਈ ਬੀਤੀ ਸੁਣੀ ਤਾਂ ਇੱਕ ਦਮ ਹੈਰਾਨ ਰਹਿ ਗਏ। ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਅਸਚਰਜ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਜਿਹਾ ਹਲੂਣਿਆ ਕਿ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਉਸੇ ਵੇਲੇ ਮੀਟ ਸ਼ਰਾਬ ਛੱਡਣ ਦਾ ਫੈਸਲਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਬਾਣੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਨੂੰ ਮਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਸਾ ਲਿਆ। ਹੁਣ ਉਹ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਹਰ ਰੋਜ਼ ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾ ਪਾਠ ਕਰਦੇ,ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਕਰਦੇ ਉੱਥੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾ ਸਹਿਜ ਪਾਠ ਵੀ ਕਰਨ ਲੱਗ ਪਏ। 

ਨੌਕਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਦ ਬਾਬਾ ਜੀ ਪਿੰਡ ਚਲੇ ਗਏ। ਪਿੰਡ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਹ ਇੱਕਲੇ ਹੀ ਪੜ੍ਹੇ ਲਿਖੇ ਹੋਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਪਿੰਡ ਵਾਸੀ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਪੱਤਰ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਉਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਅਕਸਰ ਹੀ ਆਇਆ ਕਰਦੇ ਸਨ। ਜਿੱਥੇ ਬਾਬਾ ਜੀ ਆਏ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਸਵਾਰਦੇ ਉੱਥੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਸੀਹਤ ਕਰਦੇ ਕਿ ਜੇਕਰ ਉਹ ਮੂਲ ਮੰਤਰ ਦਾ ਜਾਪ ਕਰਨਗੇ ਅਤੇ ਜਪੁਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਪੜ੍ਹਣਗੇ ਤਾਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਬਖਸ਼ਣਗੇ। 

ਦਾਸ,

ਮਨਵੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ 

[Poem] ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਂ ਬੋਲੀ || Meri Maa Boli || Mother Language

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.