Bandi-Chhor Diwas (Diwali)

The Sikh celebration of the return of the sixth Nanak from detention in the Gwalior Fort coincides with Hindu festival of Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in similarity of celebration amongst Sikhs and Hindus.

When Murtaja Khan, Nawab of Lahore, noticed that Guru Ji had constructed Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, 'The Throne of the Almighty', at Amritsar, and was also strengthening his army, he informed about it to the Mughal Emperor Jahangeer. He also emphasized that he was making preparations to take revenge for his father's torture and martyrdom. When Jahangeer came to know about this he at once sent Wazir Khan and Guncha Beg to Amritsar in order to arrest Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

But Wazir Khan who was a well-wisher of the Sikh Guru’s requested the Guru to accompany them to Delhi as Emperor Jahangeer wanted to meet him. Guru Sahib accepted the invitation and reached Delhi.

On their first meeting when Jahangeer saw the Guru, he was completely won over by his youthful charm and holiness. The Emperor decided to become friends with the Guru. So he gave a royal welcome to the Guru. But Chandu Shah could not bear it. His daughter was still unmarried and thus the rotten sore was still bleeding (that Guru Arjan Dev Ji refused the offer to marry his daughter to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji). At Agra, the Emperor fell seriously ill. The physicians tried their best but they failed to care him. Then Chandu Shah conspired with the astrologers, who were asked to tell the Emperor that his sickness was due to wrong track of stars and it could, be cared only if some holy man goes to Gwallior Fort to offer prayers to the deity. He also pointed out that Guru Hargobind Ji was such a holy man and he should be asked go to Gwallior Fort. At the Emperor’s request the Guru readily agreed and left for the Gawalior Fort.

In the fort Guru Ji met many princes who were detained there due to political reasons. They were leading a very deplorable life. With the help of Hari Dass, the governor of fort, the Guru improved their condition. Hari Daas was a Sikh of Guru Nanak and he become ardent devotee of Guru Hargobind. Once when Chandu wrote to Hari Daas to poison Guru Sahib, he at once placed that letter before Guru Ji.

When several months passed and Guru Ji was not released then Baba Buddha Ji and other devotees met the Guru. They informed him about the despicable condition of the Sikhs, who were waiting for him with great eagerness. The Guru assured them that they should not worry, he would join them soon. Sikhs would gather and carry out Parbaat-Pheris, walking and singing Gurbaani, around the Gawalior Fort awaiting for Guru Ji's arrival out.

In the meantime Sai Mian Meer met Jahangeer and asked him to release the Guru. Jahangeer, who had fully recovered, ordered Wazir Khan to release Guru Sahib, who reached Gwallior Fort and informed Hari Daas about the message of the Emperor. Hari Daas was very pleased to hear it. He informed Guru Ji about the message of Emperor. But the Guru declined to leave the fort unless the princes confined in the fort were also released.

When Wazir Khan informed the Emperor about the desire of the Guru, the Emperor was forced to agree, though he didn't want to free the prisoners. So, out of cleverly the Emperor put down the condition that "Whoever can hold on to the Guru's cloak can be released." The fifty–two princes who had been detained due to political reasons or for committing default, were pining in fort for years. Having compassion for others, Guru Sahib was determined to get the prisoners freed. He had a cloak made with 52 corners, for each King to hold on to. The Guru left the fort with all fifty-two princes. As the Guru liberated the fifty-two princes so he is known as Bandi-Chhor (Liberator).

A Gurdwara known as Bandi-Chhor is built at the place where Guru stayed during his detention. Jahangeer advised Wazir Khan to bring Guru Hargobind in his court at Delhi with great honour. Jahangeer had realised that he wrong for torturing and killing Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who had not committed no crime or offense. He wanted to exonerate himself by indicting this crime on Chandu Shah and other officers. So in order to show his innocence he wanted to meet Guru Hargobind Ji. The Sikhs celebrate this day as Bandi Chhorr Divas i.e., 'the day of release of detainees' . So in the evening, illuminations are done with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles and fireworks. The celebrations are held both in the Gurdwaras and in homes.


What do we learn from Bandi-Chhor Diwas?

52 Hindu Kings were freed with Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib could have left the Fort when he was offered the chance. However, Guru Ji thought of others before himself. Others freedom and rights were more important than his own. Guru Ji is always thinking not of his emancipation but everyone's emancipation. This is the attitude and virtue which Guru Ji filled within his Sikhs, by putting into reality this positive message.

Cynthia Keppley Mahmood in her book "Fighting for Faith & Nation" interviewed some Jhajhaaroo Singhs (Sikh freedom-fighters) who were fighting for the independence and freedom of Sikhs in India. She asked the Singh, "If you obtain your goal and the Sikhs achieve independence and freedom, then what would you do?" This is where the colour which Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji filled within the Sikhs come to light. He replied, "After Khalistan, we will go and free Bosnia and then once we have freed Bosnia we will go to the next place where tyranny is oppressing the people." Cynthia Mahmood was overwhelmed by the sincerety and great ATTITUDE of the Singh. This is the blessings of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji describes Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji with one word in his poetry. The one word he used to summarise the Jeevan (life) of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is "JUSTICE."

Dhan Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji!!

"Mil Saadh Sangat Bhaj Keval Naam..."

Today I went to Southall after my university lecture finished. I made my small pilgrimage from Park Avenue Gurdwara and then to Havelock Road Gurdwara. The Kirtan at Park Avenue Gurdwara was really sweet and nice. I was told that today there was a Sikh youth programme at the Sikh Missionary Society. So I thought I would pop along and see what is happening.

On the way from the Gurdwara I walked pass the Havelock Arms pub. I was really disheartened to see a group of young Panjabi men smoking cigarettes on the street corner. It was hard to sink in how a Panjabi or someone whose family has a Sikh background could smoke openly, even though they had their hair cut and clean-shaven. I was bit disheartened at seeing this.

Reaching Sikh Missionary Society I saw some familiar faces and said 'fateh' to them. I was pointed in the right direction where the programme was happening. Walking up the stairs of the Sikh Missionary Society I could hear "WAAHE-GUROO, WAAHE-GUROO, WAAHE-GUROO..." being powerfully sung. Entering the room where there was simran happening, I felt a strong vibration of "WAAHE-GUROO" permeating in the air. It was so beautiful and so peaceful – a small room full of young and old, men and women. Everyone was singing along and take Laahaa (benefit) of Naam Simran.

Afterwards Bhaji Navraj Singh Ji shared some Vichaar with the Sangat (majority which were youngsters of different age-groups). He shared his experience of how he came to into Sikhi and started to adopt the Sikh path. I must say, it was an inspiring talk. Bhaji shared how he was a clean-shaven boy when he was growing up and sadly hanged around in the wrong crowd. However, the one word, which Bhaji used to summarise what got him into Sikhi, was "SANGAT" (Company). Changee Sangat (Good Company) inspired Bhaji to think and evaluate his life. Through self-reflection and being inspired by in-laws being Gursikhs, Bhaji started taking steps towards Guru Ji. Bhaji's talk ended with deep-felt message of being brave and being strong is about fighting the Panj Chor and negativity. This is the true battle, which take place. One should always be brave and strong internally and find their inner-strength.

Afterwards Bhaji Sukhraj Singh Ji led Jaap (meditation) of Mool Mantr & Salokh. He followed on with a small talk, discussing the 33rd pauree (stanza) from Japji Sahib and the steps towards finding and experiencing Waheguru:

aakhan jor, chupai neh jor.
No power to speak, no power to keep silent.

jor na mangan, den na jor.
No power to beg, no power to give.

jor na jeevan, maran neh jor.
No power to live, no power to die.

jor na raaj, maal man sor.
No power to rule, with wealth and occult mental powers.

jor na surtee giaan veechaar.
No power to gain intuitive understanding, spiritual wisdom and meditation.

jor na jugtee chhuttai sansaar.
No power to find the way to escape from the world.

jis hath jor kar vekhai soe.
He alone has the Power in His Hands. He watches over all.

naanak utam neech na koe.33.
O Nanak, no one is high or low. 33.

Again it was a very inspiring and meaningful talk.

The programme finished with everyone singing 6 paurees (stanzas) of Anand Sahib and an Ardaas for thanking Waheguru and Guru Ji for blessing us with the oppurtunity to joining the Saadh Sangat and enjoying Naam Simran and Gurmat Vichaar.

Some mittiyaaee (indian sweets) were distributed to everyone and Langar was served.

The programme was in word - inspiring!! I can't explain the joy I felt in the Saadh Sangat. To feel it, you will have to come along and feel it for yourself. The programme takes place the last Friday of every month between 7pm-9pm at the Sikh Missionary Society, by the youth for the youth, and all are welcome.

Here are some photos from today's programme:

Saka Panja Sahib - Story of Sacrifice for Sewa

On the 8th August 1922, during the British Raaj in India, the police arrested five Singhs for cutting Acacia wood for Guru-Ka-Langar (free community kitchen) from uncultivated land attached to Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh, Sri Anandpur Sahib. Under the British Raaj law, everyone was sentenced to a fine of fifty rupees and imprisoned for six months on the charge of stealing wood from the land of the Hindu Mahants, who had taken management and control of the Sikh Gurdwara from the time the Sikhs had fled to the jungles during the barbaric rule of the Mughals. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee started an agitation against the decision of the Government. It was Gurdwara land and Sikhs had the right to cut down wood from it for Langar. The additional police superintendent started beating the Sikh protestors with clubs. On the 13th September 1922, the beatings and abuse were stopped, with the help of Reverend C.F. Andrews and after a number of Singhs were arrested and sent to prisons.


One day a squad of army pensioners led by Subedaar Amar Singh Dhaliwal from Kapurthala district courted arrest. Magistrate Aslam Khan sentenced those Singhs to imprisonment of two and a half years and fined them each one hundred rupees each. Those Singhs were boarded on a train from Amritsar to Attak on the night of the 29th October 1922. The train stopped at Rawalpindi on 30th October and moved on after change of train staff, and fueling up the train with water.

That day, the Sikh Sangat of Gurdwara Panja Sahib prepared to do sewa of the Jatha of Singhs who were held as prisoners on the train. They prepared food and planned to serve food and drink to the prisoners. On the morning of 31st October, the Sikh Sangat took the Langar to the railway station and stood waiting for the train to arrive. The stationmaster at Panja Sahib announced to the Sikh Sangat waiting to serve Langar to Singhs on the train, "The train shall not stop at this station. You have made these arrangements for nothing." Bhai Karam Singh Ji replied, "Baba Nanak had stopped a mountain with one hand. Can his Sikhs not stop a train?"

At ten o'clock, seeing the train approaching, Bhai Karam Singh Ji lied down on the railway line. Bhai Partap Singh Ji joined him on alongside Bhai Ganga Singh, Bhai Charan Singh, Bhai Nihal Singh, Bhai Tara Singh, Bhai Fakir Singh, Bhai Kalyan Singh and many other Singhs and Singhnian squatted on the track. Seeing the Gursikhs laying down on the track, the train driver blew the whistle time and again but the Gursikhs did not falter, they did not budge as if they had not heard the whistle at all. "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru…" (Wondrous Lord…) could be heard repeated and and vibrated the air. The train engine grounded the bones of Bhai Karam Singh Ji and Bhai Partap Singh Ji to pieces and the other Gursikhs suffered injuries. The train had stopped!

Bhai Partap Singh Ji told the Sangat trying to tend his injuries, "Serve Langar to the hungry Singhs on the train first. You can take care of us afterwards." The train halted for one and a half hours. The Sangat of Panja Sahib served the Singhs on the train whole-heartedly and then turned to the injured. Bhai Karam Singh Ji, thirty year old son of Bhai Bhagwan Daas Mahant of Sri Kesgarh Sahib died after a few hours. On the next day Bhai Partap Singh Ji, twenty-four years of age, son of Bhai Saroop Singh, a goldsmith of Akaal Garh, Gujranwala, attained shaheedi (martyrdom). Before attaining shaheedi he recited the Salokh (on ang 1365 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji):

ਕਬੀਰ ਸੰਤ ਮੂਏ ਕਿਆ ਰੋਈਐ ਜੋ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
Kabīr sanṯ mū­ė ki­ā ro­ī­ai jo apunė garihi jā­ė.
O Kabeer! There is no need to cry or feel sad at the death of a Saint (Gurmukh); because he is just going back to his home where no-one can remove him (meaning, the Gurmukh is now forever absorbed in the Presence of Waheguru).

ਰੋਵਹੁ ਸਾਕਤ ਬਾਪੁਰੇ ਜੁ ਹਾਟੈ ਹਾਟ ਬਿਕਾਇ ॥੧੬॥
Rovhu sākaṯ bāpurė jo hātai hāt bikā­ė. ||16||
(If you wish to cry or feel sorry then) cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is separated from Waheguru, (in exchange for his bad actions) he is sold from store to store (meaning, he suffers in reincarnation). ||16||
(Ang 1365)

And he instructed his 18 years old wife that never cry over his death otherwise his sacrifice would be wasted. It is said Mata Ji, wife of Shaheed Partap Singh Ji, never cried her whole live and bravely recited Gaddi the Chhand, poetry, written in honour of these great Train Shaheeds and was also engrossed in 'Naam Simran'.

When the train-driver was asked the reason for stopping the train, he replied, "When the train hit the Singhs lying on the track, vacuum lever dropped out of my hand and the train stopped. I did not apply the brakes."

May we all learn and be inspired by the courage and dedication of the Sikhs of Panja Sahib in this incident (Saka). Look at the love these Sikhs had not just for their Guru, but for the Sikhs of their Guru. Seeing a poor man’s mouth as the Guru’s Golak (deposit box) they want to the extreme and willingness to give up their lives but not falter in their duty to feed the hungry and help their fellow Sikh brothers. We can all learn something from this.

Let us look at our own lives, let us look at the state of our Gurdwara and local Sikh community. What is it that those Sikhs at Panja Sahib had, but we don’t have today? We all love the Guru, but how far are we willing to follow and respect the Guru? Those Sikhs had the power, support and strength of Amrit, keeping Gurmat Rehat (Sikh discipline), Naam Abhiyaas, not just reading Gurbani but contemplating and enshrining Gurbani within their hearts, and full faith & allegiance to the Guru Granth Sahib and the Guru Khalsa Panth.

Bibi Jaswant Kaur

Recorded at her home in Delhi, July 2005


Bibi Jaswant Kaur in her home in Delhi in July 2005

Bibi Jaswant Kaur is the only known surviving student of Bhai Taba Ji, the legendary Rababi Kirtaniya, who with Bhai Chand, was one of the eminent Kirtaniyas at Sri Harmandir Sahib before 1947. Bhai Taba Ji will always be remebered for the tremendous service her rendered to the Sikh Panth by working with Gyani Gian Singh Ji Abbotabad and Gyani Dyal Singh Ji to document numerous ancient Gurmat Sangeet compositions.

As a young woman in Amritsar, Bibi Jaswant Kaur Ji studied Gurmat Sangeet with Bhai Taba Ji for sixteen years. She represents the Rababi Tradition, which has almost completely died after the partition of India and the migrations of most of the Rababis to Pakistan, where their art has withered and died.

Bibi Ji was kind enough o record a few compositions taught to her by Bhai Taba Ji. Bhai Kavinder Singh, a student of Gyani Dyal Singh Ji, provided tabla accompaniment.


Shabad Kirtan recordings:

Dekh phool phool phoolai
Raag: Basant

Dhan dhan oh ram ben baje
Raag: Maalee-gauraa

Ghar me thakur nadar na aaveh
Raag: Soohee

Har jan bolar sri ram nama
Raag: Shudh Malhaar; Taal: Partaal

Jal jasi dhola hath na lai kasumbde
Raag: Soohee

Maha maha mumarkhi
Raag: Basant (Marwa); Taal: Iktaal

Man re jap ram gopal
Raag: Darbari Kanarraa; Taal: Partaal


http://www.gurmatsangeetproject.com/Pages/JaswantKaur.asp

Heaven & Paradise: Mere Talk

About six months ago there was a programme series on BBC 2 called, “In Search of Myths and Heroes”. In this series, historian Michael Wood went in search of the truth behind the legends of the Queen of Sheba, Shangri-La, Jason and the Golden Fleece, and King Arthur. I watched one of the series where Michael Wood explored the historical and religious background to the Shangri-La myth of an earthly paradise.

The programme was fantastic. It showed the ancient lost Tibetan Kingdom made in Stone, and how it was like a living Paradise. Details of the programme are available on http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/shangri_la_01.shtml. The scenery of the Himalayas, Tibet and Nepal were mind blowing. All I could of think of was “Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru…Teri Kudrat Kau Kurbaan!” (Wondrous Lord…I am a sacrifice to your Creative Potency!)

In the end of the programme, Michael Wood, the documentary presenter said: “Paradise can be anywhere in this world. We can either create it or destroy it… We can live a Paradise in this world, if we conquer the desire of reaching Paradise in the next world.”

Hearing this “Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji” and “Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru…” rolled off my tongue and vibrated my mind. Hearing the presenter say that, I could hear my Guru also saying something similar in my mind. The shabad, which picks up on this issue of Bhagat Kabeer Ji, is on ang 323. However, continuing from last week’s Shabad on Heaven and Paradise, this week the Shabad is continued with the Shabad, which follows on. This shabad and last week’s shabad are about Bhagat Kabeer Ji and his experience, however Guru Arjan Dev Ji recorded it. This is indicated by “Bhairo Mehla 5” which is written at the begging of the whole group of verses about Bhagat Kabeer Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji uses the shabad written by Bhagat Kabeer Ji on ang 323 on ang 1161 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to expand upon....

Read Full Article

Everyone was forced to bow before the power of Naam

Taken from: http://www.tapoban.org/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=56554&t=56554

Author: Kulbir Singh
Date: 10-11-05 06:47

Karanpreet Kaur is 7 years old and Virla Singh close to 5 years. They live in that part of Brampton that is mostly populated by goray and kaalay. They are neighbours to Nihaal Singh (8 years old) and Gurjant Singh (7 years old). The four of them always stand united against external forces that sometimes attack them. These kids always wear Baana and dumaala; even to school they go to.

One day Gurjant Singh and Nihaal Singh were away and Karanpreet Kaur and Virla Singh were playing in the lawn of their house. About 10-12 goray bachay between the age of 6 years and 10 years came in a group and started throwing things at them. Normally, all four of these kids would have combated these external forces but that day, half of the fauj was out and only 2 Lakh fauj was home. First they thought of defending themselves but then, both Virla Singh and Karanpreet Kaur closed their eyes and started doing simran. At times, when the attacks would become fierce, they would do simran loudly.

As they immersed their concentrations in Naam Simran, they forgot about other options they had e.g. going inside their home. Goray and Kaalay kids continued their offensive. A Gori Bibi was watching everything. She could no longer restrain herself and she came out of her house and stopped the goray and kaalay kids. Then she went to their homes and complained to their moms.

In the meantime, Karanpreet Kaur and Virla Singh finished doing simran and went to their home. An hour or so later, a big group including all the kids who had attacked Karanpreet Kaur and Virla Singh, and their moms came to their house. Each gora kid and kaala kid apologised for their mistake. Virla Singh and Karanpreet Kaur accepted their apology.

All I can say is that the power of Naam forced everyone to bow before Karanpreet Kaur and Virla Singh. Nihaal Singh and Gurjant Singh were quite upset when they heard about the attack but they were pacified by their parents. All four of the kids living together found out about the power of Naam.

The following Shabad comes to mind:

Pauree:
Meditate on that Name of the Lord, O my mind, whose Command rules over all.
Chant that Name of the Lord, O my mind, which will save you at the very last moment.
Chant that Name of the Lord, O my mind, which shall drive out all hunger and desire from your mind.
Very fortunate and blessed is that Gurmukh who chants the Naam; it shall bring all slanderers and wicked enemies to fall at his feet.
O Nanak, worship and adore the Naam, the Greatest Name of all, before which all come and bow. 15. (Ang 89, SGGS)

Kulbir Singh

Sri Har Krishan Dhiyaaeeai, Jis Dithai Sabh Dukh Jaae

Today there are a few Gurpurbs. The Seventh Nanak, Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji's Jyoti Jyot Diwas (leaving his body), the Gurgaddi of the Eigth Nanak, Dhan Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji. Also it is today that Guru Gobind Singh Ji left sole Guruship with the Shabd Guru, Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji and left the Sikhs under the sovereignty of the Guru Granth and Guru Panth.

I am the Sikh Chaplaincy or Spiritual Care volunteer for St. Thomas & St. Guy's Hospitals. Today there was a training day about NHS administration, child protection, and dealing with loss of relatives etc. At the end of the day, about 4pm there was an optional group prayer. I was asked, "would you like to stay and join in". I said, "yes, no problem." So I stayed and about fifteen of us, mostly Christians, with one Buddhist, one Hindu and me as the Sikh representative. We sang a religious song and then an African Vicar gave a sermon.

When the vicar said the sermon all i could think of was Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji and Guru HarKrishan Ji and my mind was saying "WAHEGURU, WAHEGURU, WAHEGUROOO". The vicar said, "We are the spiritual care department. We are all different here today, with different faiths and background. That is wonderful! We should recognise this and rejoice! We all hold something common in our religions - we are caring and we are spiritual; hence we are here today." He explained about helping the sick, being compassionate and doing SEWA of the ill and needy of society. Throughout his whole talk I was picturing Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, whom Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji (the contemporary and court poet of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) describes with one word as "Mercy" and Guru HarKrishan as "Purity".

It was amazing how it was Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji & Guru HarKrishan Ji's Gurpurb today, and the same day I had a training day about Spiritual care and the NHS at a hospital. Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji is the picture of "compassion". Guru Sahib opened sanctuaries for animals, hospitals for the sick, planted and stored herbs for medicines, and opened medical centres.

Once, Daara Shikoh, the elder son of the Mughal Emperor Shaah-jahaan ( r. 1627-1658 CE) fell ill. Despite the best efforts of Hakims (doctors), he could not be cured. The rare medicine needed for his ailment was nowhere available. Information reached the Royal Hakim that required medicine was available with Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. Though the Mughal Rulers disliked the Sikhs and considered them their enemies, out of desperation they came for the Guru's help. He came personally to Guru Sahib and requested for the medicine. Guru Sahib gave him the rare medicine required for the treatment and also sent a pearl, which was to be ground into fine powder, and taken with the medicine.

Though the Mughals plotted against the Sikhs, martyred the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and waged wars against Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji's grandfather, Guru Hargobind Ji; Guru Sahib had mercy and compassion that he overlook Dara Shikoh and Shaah-Jahaans faults and weaknesses.

Guru HarKrishan ascended the throne of Guru Nanak Sahib at the age of 5 years and 8 months. He was blessed with the Divine spirit. When Guru Sahib came to Delhi, the city was in the grip of an epidemic of cholera and small pox. Guru HarKrishan Ji went all over the city and gave solace to those in anguish. His very Divine Presence and the Divine Look would rid the patients of their maladies. Guru Sahib opened medical dispensaries and furthermore, distributed medicines and cared for the sick patients.

Both Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji and Guru HarKrishan Ji offered me inspiration at my day at the hospital. Thinking of their works and achievements, and how it was so practical and relevant to today's day and age, the hairs on my body stood up. All I could say was "WAHEGURU, WAHEGURU, WAHEGUROO"

Dhan Dhan Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji.

Dhan Dhan Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji.

King's Chaa & Samosaa Partyy!!

Every year Sikh Societies hold a Cha & Samosa Party event. It is one the main important events in the Sikh Soc calendar which marks the begging of the academic year. Students from all across the university and other universities came together, Sikhs and non-Sikhs, to enjoy a nice get-together, and eat loads of samosa and drink chaa paani. Speakers give talks introducing Sikh Society, breaking misconceptions of Sikhi, Sikhs and what to expect at Sikh Society. Also a low-down of the up-coming events is given.

Here are some photos of King's Cha & Samosa Party, which took place on Wednesday 19th October, at Inverse, Boland House, Guy's Campus:


Amanroop Kaur bhenji doing a short talk


Samosaa Competition - shame on Singh! He lost... haha... not first time as well :)


Rav Bhaji struggling to swallow the Samosa... he got beat by Sukh Bhenji last year in the Prontha Eating Competition.


Rav Bhaji looking like he is gonna be sick and Sukhi Bhenji looks like she is eyeing up another Samosaa!


Sukhdeep Kaur Bhenji and Dilpreet Kaur Bhenji


Reminds me of photos of special opening ceremonies. It looks I am the first person to be honoured with a cup of chaa made by Bhaji Amritpal Singh (and Gupreet Kaur bhenji - she's not in the photo!)


Smile for the camera! - Harjeet Singh (President of Sikh Soc) with his cousin.

I Have Lost My Train Ticket and Need Money!!! PART 2

Continuing from the last post....


About May time, I was going to Southall to go to the Gurdwara Sahib and afterwards to do the radio show. I arrived at Paddington Station and went to the screen to find out when the train was leaving. The display board hadn't yet shown which platform was leaving so I waited near the screen.

An Asian looking man, who I thought looked Pakistani, came up to me. He spoke to me in a mixture of Urdu and Panjabi. He said, "Sardar Ji, Sardar Ji, I have lost my train ticket and need some money." I thought WAHEGURU!!! Here we go again!

He further explained, "I was sitting on the tube, and I left my coat there. It had my ticket and wallet. I need to get to Luton." I said, "Well, I am going to Southall, so if you want you can come with me to the Gurdwara." He said, "I thought I saw a fellow Panjabi brother, and would ask for help. I know little English." I said, "Sorry I can't help you, please go to the police, report the incident, get a crime number and then go to the train help desk and they will help you."

He was persistent that he wanted my help. I said, "The man sitting in the Information desk is also a Sardar Ji and will help you." He then said, "I have a watch, I am willing to sell it, but I need money to go to Luton."

Considering I had two previous experience which were similar. Actually three. During London Sikhi Week a Gujrati guy asked me for money for his train fare from London to MANCHESTER. I didn't hear the bit where he said that he wanted money, so I stood with him. I kept talking to him Panjabi and said, "Don’t worry". Another Bhenji who I was with, said, "Let’s go!" I told her, "That’s a bit rude." She said, "Didn't you hear him, he wanted your money!" Guru Raakhaa!

So I thought of this man - is he genuine or his fraudster. Has he come to ask me for help because he saw a Sikh Sardar wearing a white Kurta pyjama and standing out of the crowd? Or was he taking advantage of me? Eventually I said, "Sorry Bhaji, I can't help you, please go to the Sardar at the help desk or ask someone else."


It is weird that after having bad experiences, you don't know who is genuine and who is making a quick few pounds.

I Have Lost My Train Ticket and Need Money!!!

I thought I would share with you stories from my journeys around London.

Once I was coming back from home to London, to go back to university. I was waiting the Bakerloo line tube at Marylebone station. A black man dressed very smartly, wearing a a suit and tie, large green over-coat and a black briefcase in his hand approaches me. He says, "I am going to Gatwick Airport, I need to catch a flight back to Nigeria. I have lost my money and wallet and nice some money to cover the cost to the airport. If I don't make it to the airport in time I will miss my flight."

The man looked very shifty and I was sensing negative energy from him. I smiled to give the facial response of "Sorry". But he persisted to ask for money, he came intimidatingly close to me and said, "Give me money, give me money, give me money." I thought "WAHEGUROO!!!!"

I said "No English!" and waved my arms at him. He laughed really weirdly and walked off. Rab Da Shukar I thought! At last my freshy appearance wearing white Kurta Pyjama paid off! lol.


6 months later I was walking back from my university library, which is near London High Court. It was evening so as I walked I was reciting Rehraas Sahib da Paath. A man comes and says, "Sorry to interrupt you, but I need to ask you for a favour..." I was bit annoyed to be disturbed to be disturbed while I was reciting Rehraas Sahib. When I looked at up at who had asked me for help! WAHEGURU!!!! It was the same man who 6 months ago tried to get money out of me. He was wearing the EXACT SAME clothes, same briefcase and he even repeated the SAME scenario, "I need to get to Gatwick airport, I have lost my money and wallet..."

I was so angry at the man for his cheek to stop me AGAIN! I looked at him and said, "You are a fraud! Get away from me or I will ring the police now!" He said, "What are going about it?" He smiled in a very uncomfortable way and looked like he was mentally unstable or greedy for money that bad that he was desperate to make a quick few pounds. I said, "You said the same story 6 months ago at Marylebone station. Get away from me! I am going to report you to the police." He quickly hurried off away from me.


You meet some really funny (funny in weird sense!) in London. Rab Rakha! :)

Sunday: Nice Trip to the Gurdwara

Last Sunday I went to Southall to go to the Gurdwara and do darshan of Guru Ji and the Sangat, and take Laahaa (benefit) of listening to Keertan and Katha.

I was sitting at the front in the Diwaan Hall at Park Avenue. A granddad and his two grandchildren where with him sitting right in front of Guru Ji and near the Keertan stage. The granddad was explaining the Shabad to his two young children, who were aged about 4 and 6 or 5 and 7 years old. It was so nice to see. Both the children sat attentively and they sang along to the Keertan. The granddad smiled and helped the young ones to sing the words to the Shabad. Then one of them enjoying the Shabad, pretended to play the tabla on his granddad's lapse. It was so uplifting to see children with their family enjoying the Guru and getting inspiration from the Guru's House.

Also sitting near the golak were a brother and sister aged about 8 or 9 years old. They were sitting there right in front of Guru Ji. I was amazed to see enthusiasm and pyaar on their face. Then every time someone donated food or milk in front of Guru ji in the basket, the brother and sister would quickly hurry and take the food and milk to the Langar Hall. They were so enthusiastic and energetic to do sewa. At such a young age they are tuned into doing sewa, how fortunate are their parents, who gave birth to them!

Just seeing these children enjoying the Gurdwara, enjoying Keertan and enjoying Sewa made my Sunday trip to the Gurdwara worthwhile. :)

Heaven & Paradise...

One day a Jehovah’s Witness came to our house. He was very keen to sell his religion to me. “Are you happy with the world?” he said, “Yes, I am.” “Really? But there is war, crime and destruction. Jesus has promised us Paradise and Heaven. The Kingdom of God is to come soon.”



I thought about what he had said and asked him, “Whose kingdom are you living in now? Is this your Kingdom? No. We are already living in God’s Kingdom, but you have not realised this, because you are too busy selling Heaven and Paradise to others, rather than making your own life like Heaven by cherishing and enjoying the Presence of God.”

This idea of selling a ticket to Heaven and luring people with the hope of Paradise is used by many religions, in particular the Semitic religions like Christianity and Islam.

surag mukat baikuntt sabh baa(n)chehi, nit aasa aas kareejai. har darshan ke jan mukat maa(n)gehi, mil darshan tripat man dheejai.1.
Everyone longs for paradise, liberation and heaven; all place their hopes in them. The humble long for the Blessed Vision of His Darshan; they do not ask for liberation. Their minds are satisfied and comforted by His Darshan.1.
(Ang 1324, SGGS)

I thought why not consult my Guru (literally meaning ‘Enlightener’ who dispels the darkness of ignorance) about Heaven and Paradise. Reading Gurbani, I came across a shabad, which if you read carefully, it appears as if a Muslim person is trying to persuade Baba Kabeer Ji to convert to Islam, and says that if he accepts being a Muslim he will receive Paradise (Heaven). I thought “Waheguru!!” (Wondrous Lord).


A picture depicting Bhagat Kabeer Ji weaving clothes

It is amazing how what the Shabd Guru (the Divine Infinite Wisdom recorded in Gurbani) does not offer just a philosophy but actual experience and reality. Gurbani is real and offers reality. Ninety percent of Gurbani is first hand experience of the Divine and reality. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and the Bhagats of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji don’t show experience, as Sants, Babé and self-proclaimed Satgurus do, rather the Eternal True Guru shows a person how they can have an experience. For this reason, Gurbani many times follows the style of asking questions and provoking people to think and reflect rather than telling them x,y,z without making the person contemplate on the Ultimate reality and Truth...

Saturday - My Travels

On Saturday I went to UCL for 'Mark of Excellence' one-day event, which organised and facilitated by Bhai Harinder Singh ji from Sikh Research Institute (USA). It was fantastic day and provided real inspiration. We had a workshop on "Who is your Guru?” which discussed the concept of Guru, role of Guru and who is our Guru.




















Bhai Harinder Singh leading a workshop

Then there was a lecture on the Das Guru Sahibaan (The Ten Nanaks), exploring the Jeevan (life) of each of Das Saroop of Guru Nanak Ji in brief and referring to episodes from their life, which provides practical guidance and support to us. The lecture re-emphasised that there is 'One Guru' which was revealed through the Ten bodies or personalities of Guru Nanak Ji. Though the bodies were different, the jyot and mission were the same.



After lunch we looked at 'The Guru Khalsa Panth'. We often use the word "Panth" but what does it mean and who is the Panth. It was really interesting looking back at our history and seeing the works of the Panth and the role it played and how it was formed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699 at the first Amrit-Sanchaar on Vaisakhi.

The event ended with a Q&A session. It was good a oppurtunity to ask questions relating to the talks and discussions as well as other questions relating to Sikhi.

Below are some more photos from the Mark of Excellence event at UCL:

Harjit Singh from Kings College


Ravjeet Singh & Bhenji Gurbinder Kaur from Oxford Uni


Suprise photo of Seleena Kaur bhenji


Kamaldeep Kaur bhenji running away from the camera (not my fault the photo's blurry! lol.)

Afterwards a few of us went to Shepard's Bush Gurdwara for the Youth Kirtan which was happening there. We were like a group of confused people walking around not knowing where to go! We eventually realised that we had to take tube from Tottenham Court Road. While walking there we decided to do Rehraas Sahib da Paath. We continued the Paath on the tube as well. I think we scared some people on the tube when they saw us reciting Rehraas Sahib!







We got to Shepard's Bush Gurdwara. The upstairs Diwaan Hall was packed with youngsters. They had just finished Rehraas Sahib and Keertan was going to start. I listen to one shabad and then had to go, because I was going to back home.




I had to take a train from Paddington to Banbury because the Marylebone station was closed. I took a train from Paddington to Reading. From Reading I had to change. Then I realised that there was no direct train to Banbury from Reading so I had to change from Oxford.

The screen showed the Oxford train departing from platform 4. So i stood there. Then it suddenly changed to platform 8 and leaving in 3 mins! So quickly ran to platform 8 then the details for Oxford went off the screen. Next thing I know there's an announcement on the speaker "platform change - the train for oxford is now going from platform 4". I thought "Waheguru! Rab Rakha." So I hurried to platform 8. I didn't miss my train because it was 10 minutes late!

I got on the train and it took a further 10-15 minutes to leave because some vandals had smashed the train windows on the journey to Reading. Eventually the train left. At last I thought, getting back home soon. So i ring my dad to pick me up in about 45 mins.

Little did I realise that Oxford train station was closed! I thought "Waheguru!" I asked the train platform person "I want to go Banbury". He said that the station was closed now and only way to Banbury was bus. A bus was leaving outside the station at 11.35pm. I had to wait 40 minutes at Oxford train station.

It was cold and a lot of people were standing outside the train station waiting for a bus. And most people were drunk and rowdy. There was me wearing my white kurta pyjama standing out like a sore thumb in a crowd of a bunch of rowdy drunkard teenagers. I was hoping that no sharaabi would come over to me and start shouting abuse or something. The train manager saw me and asked me, "Sir where are you going." I told him and he said, "Please take a seat inside."

It was strange that everyone else was standing outside and waiting but the train manager offered me a seat inside, despite that the train station was closed. I sat inside; there were another two ladies there. The train manager locked the front doors, switched the main lights off and started cleaning inside the train station. Some people started banging on the door and kicking and saying, "Let us! I want to catch a train! F*ckin open the door!"

The train manager shouted from inside "the station is closed!" People who came to see whether the station was open were surprised and baffled at why the two ladies and I were inside sitting down. It was strange how the train manager was so kind that he offered me a seat inside.

25 minutes later the train manager said, "Sorry I have to lock up now." He showed the way outside through the back entrance. We came outside and waited for the bus with the other people waiting in the front of the station. A drunken girl said, "How did you come out? How come you were allowed to wait inside?"

Rab da shukar, in those 5 minutes before I came outside, the main crowd of rowdy sharaabi teenagers had got on their bus and gone. I eventually got home at 12.30am.

I thank Waheguru that train manager showed so much pyaar and respect and gave me a seat inside the train station away from the drunken teenagers.

That's my Saturday travels!

'Amrit Peeaa, Satgur Deeaa...' - Congratulations!!

Last Saturday, 1st October 2005, my friend Pardip Singh Dhesi who is a Dhadi from Royal Leamington Spa took Amrit. I remember the first time I met Pardip Singh about 6 or 7 years ago. My family and I used to go the Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahib on Thursdays. Dr. Gurnam Singh and Dr. Tarlochan Singh used to hold a weekly diwaan on Thursday in English. Dr. Gurnam Singh used to do Kirtan and explain shabads in English and Dr. Tarlochan Singh used to do Katha Vichaar in English from 'Guru Nanak Chamatkaar' book, about the Jeevan (life) of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji.

I used to have my hair cut then. Also Pardip used to be short-haired. He started to keep his Kesh before me. I remember during the Thursday programmes that Pardip Singh's hair was slightly longer than normal hairstyles. (I eventually knew why!). The weekly diwaans on Thursday lasted about 6 months or more during 1999. Eventually it stopped. I remember going to Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahib a while later and Pardip Singh was wearing a Patka. It was nice to see him keep Kesh. During the same time I had also kept Kesh and started tying a dastaar.


We became good friends and both attended the Sikh Study Circle meetings, which happen fortnightly at the Gurdwara Sahib. Pardip Singh gradually built up his Rehat. He loves Dhadi, and is also keen on doing Sangat. It was great news to hear he took Amrit on Saturday when he rang and told me. The Boss Sikhi Camp in the summer really helped him make his decision to walk on the path of the Guru and give his head to Guru ji.

One week before taking Amrit he went to Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sahib and took a Hukamnaama to ask for Guru Ji's guidance on his desire to take Amrit and give his head to the Guru. The Hukamnama was on Ang 563 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Raag Vaddhans. We must remember that Guru Granth Sahib is our living and ever-present Guru. Guru Sahib speaks to us, and the Raag indicates the mood, feels and emotions, which Guru Sahib is conveying in Shabad.

Vaddhans Raag is based on Punjabi Folk music and is set in the traditions of Ghoreea, Suhag and Alohnian. The feelings instilled by this Raag can be compared to those of a bride on the day of her wedding; she is happy and sad. Although she is going to her groom, who fills her with hope and joy, she is also sad to be leaving her family:

vaddhans M: 5
Vaddhans, Fifth Mehl:

too jaanaaeihi, taa koee jaanai.
When You allow Yourself to be known, (only) then a person knows You.

teraa deeaa naam vakhaanai. 1.
[And] we chant Your Name, which You have given to us. 1.

too achraj kudrat teree bismaa. 1. rahaao.
You are wonderful! Your creative power is amazing! 1. Pause.

tudh aape kaaran, aape karnaa.
You Yourself are the Cause of causes, You Yourself are the Creator.

hukame jamman, hukme marnaa. 2.
By Your Will, we are born, and by Your Will, we die. 2.

naam teraa man tan aadhaaree.
Your Name is the Support of my mind and body.

naanak daas bakhshees tumaaree. 3.8.
O Nanak! (Say-O Waheguru!) bless Your slave (with Your Name). 3.8.

The Raag of the Hukamnama speaks for itself. And the last line clearly gives guidance of asking the blessing. In the case the blessing of Amrit and asking for the gift of Naam from the Guru-Roop Panj-Pyaare.


Also on the same day when Pardip Singh took Amrit, two other Bhajis who came to the summer Boss Camp also took Amrit. One of the Bhajis slept in the dorm where I was sleeping. His name was 'Chan', (Charan-Kamal Singh), the other Bhaji was Mandev Singh. Chan Bhaji was clean-shaven and short-cut hair. However, on the last day of the camp Bhaji publicly stated in the sangat that he was going to maintain his kesh. It was amazing to see so much conviction and courage! Mandev Singh Bhaji kept a trimmed beard before coming to the camp where he decided to keep his beard in full glory!


Bhaji Mandev Singh who also went to Boss Sikhi Camp, just before Amrit-Sanchaar.


Bhaji Pardip Singh waiting to take Amrit before Amrit Sanchaar.

It's so inspiring and uplifting to hear how Guru Ji blesses everyone and how a person can change his Jeewan from being manmukh (slave to the mind) to Gurmukh (Guru-orientated) and living forever holding the Guru's hand.

On the day of the Amrit Sanchaar the Hukamnaama, which was taken after the Panj Pyaare gave Amrit, was in Sorath Raag on Ang 624. Sorath Raag conveys the feeling of having such a strong belief in something that you want to keep repeating the experience. In fact this feeling of certainty is so strong that you become the belief and live that belief. The atmosphere of Sorath is so powerful, that eventually even the most unresponsive listener will be attracted:

sorath mehlaa 5
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehl:

gur poorai keetee pooree.
The Perfect Guru has made me perfect (in my spiritual life).

prabh rav rehiaa bharpooree.
(I see) Waheguru totally pervading and permeating everywhere.

khem kusal bheiaa ishnaanaa.
Within me I have obtained spiritual joy and pleasure - this is the purifying bath (which I have taken in the pool of the Guru).

paarbrahm vitthu kurbaanaa. 1.
I am a sacrifice to the Supreme Lord Waheguru (who caused me to meet the Guru). 1

gur ke charan kaval ridh dhaare.
He who enshrine the lotus feet of the Guru within their heart.

bighan na laagai til kaa koee, kaaraj sagal savaare. 1. rahaao.
(In their life journey) not even the tiniest obstacle blocks their way; all their affairs are resolved by the Guru. 1. Pause.

mil saadhoo durmath khoe.
Meeting with the Guru, evil-mindedness is eradicated.

patit puneet sabh hoe.
Meeting the Guru even sinners are purified.

raamdaas sarovar naate.
Those people who bathe (spiritually) in the pool of 'Raam de Daas' (the Guru's Sangat), (those who bathe their mind in the spiritual life-giving Naam),

sabh laathe paap kamaate. 2.
all the (past) sins they have committed are washed away. 2.

gun gobind nit gaaeeai.
So sing forever the Glorious Praises of Waheguru, the Lord of the Universe;

saadhsang mil dhiaaeeai.
Joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, do Simran, meditate on Waheguru.

man baa(n)chhat phal paae.
The fruits of the mind's desires are obtained (from Waheguru's door)

gur pooraa ridhai dhiaae. 3.
by meditating on the Perfect Guru within the heart. 3.

gur gopaal aanandaa.
The Guru, the Lord of the World, is blissful;

jap jap jeevai parmaanandaa.
One who does Naam Simran, chants, meditating on Waheguru, the Lord of supreme bliss, obtains spiritual life.

jan naanak naam dhiaaeiaa.
Servant Nanak meditates on the Naam, the Name of Waheguru.

prabh apnaa birad rakhaaeiaa. 4.10.60.
Waheguru confirmed His (loving) innate nature. 4.10.60.

Charan-Kamal Singh Khalsa (Chan) after Amrit Sanchaar standing with his proud Bibi Ji (Grandma)

After Amrit Sanchaar - [Left to Right] Mandev Singh, Charan-Kamal Singh & Pardip Singh

May Guru Ji keep all three Bhajis in Chardikala!!

Forgiveness

I was once watching the Oprah Winfrey Show. It was a really sad but nice show. The topic being discussed on the show was ‘Forgiveness'.


A lady who had been attacked and raped by a man spoke on the show. She had been beaten so badly that she went blind in one eye. She had to have surgery done to her skull and to her face. The lady's pancreas was damaged and needed repair. On top of all that misery, her boyfriend was murdered in front of her own eyes by the man who attacked and raped her.

This lady was angry with the culprit. She was so angry that she didn't want people to be nice to her. She was so angry that that she didn't want people to like her. She was so angry that she put up a wall between herself and anybody who cared for her. She thought she was in control of herself and the situation, as she was calling the shots and deciding whether to be nice to people or talk to people.

But One day, the people who bothered about her and cared for her turned there back on her and left her alone. She felt so lonely. She felt so sad. She felt so left alone that she had to do something.