Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Jaap Sahib...
Taken from book "Se Kinehya", a biography of Baba Harnam Singh jee (Rampur Kera) written by Bhai Seva Singh jee:
Chapter 11: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The family had built a small hut in the fields to watch over the crops and to occasionally stay over in. Whenever Baba ji had time he would come and sit in this hut to do his meditation. Baba ji told us of one June when it was very hot. He was doing Mool Mantr jaap in the hut. The door suddenly opened and a Gursikh with very glowing features entered. They both greeted each other with Guru Ji's blessed Fateh.
The Gursikh then said that the Tenth King is on his way to bless you. Harnam Singh was overjoyed. They both rushed outside. At a distance, Guru Ji approached on his horse along with four other Gursikhs. Guru Ji got close and His horse stood still. With great humility, Harnam Singh bowed down at Guru Ji's feet. Satguru Ji smiled very slightly and then continued walking further on and then suddenly disappeared. Harnam Singh was astonished.
The 'mysterious' Gursikh remained standing next to him all the way through this experience. He said "Harnam Singh Ji! You should be absolutely ecstatic but you seem dismayed. What's the matter?" He replied that Satguru Ji had blessed him with Darshan but he said nothing. The Gursikh told him that Satguru Ji was very happy with his spirituality which is why he blessed him. But, he remained silent because when you do Nitnem, you don't recite Jaap Sahib. Baba ji replied that he found it difficult that's why he didn't do it. He did Sukhmani Sahib and Aasa Di Vaar every day. But the Gursikh said that it is Guru Ji's COMMAND to a Gursikh; it is imperative.
Gursikhs who do not do their full Nitnem can do as many other prayers and Baanis as they wish, but they will never be granted with Guru Ji' s full happiness. However, Sikhs who do as the Panj Pyaaray have told them and then do more prayers/Paath/Baani on top will obtain Guru Ji's true happiness. Those who remain sluggish and negligent towards Guru Ji's command will fall short of his full blessing.
Chapter 11: Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The family had built a small hut in the fields to watch over the crops and to occasionally stay over in. Whenever Baba ji had time he would come and sit in this hut to do his meditation. Baba ji told us of one June when it was very hot. He was doing Mool Mantr jaap in the hut. The door suddenly opened and a Gursikh with very glowing features entered. They both greeted each other with Guru Ji's blessed Fateh.
The Gursikh then said that the Tenth King is on his way to bless you. Harnam Singh was overjoyed. They both rushed outside. At a distance, Guru Ji approached on his horse along with four other Gursikhs. Guru Ji got close and His horse stood still. With great humility, Harnam Singh bowed down at Guru Ji's feet. Satguru Ji smiled very slightly and then continued walking further on and then suddenly disappeared. Harnam Singh was astonished.
The 'mysterious' Gursikh remained standing next to him all the way through this experience. He said "Harnam Singh Ji! You should be absolutely ecstatic but you seem dismayed. What's the matter?" He replied that Satguru Ji had blessed him with Darshan but he said nothing. The Gursikh told him that Satguru Ji was very happy with his spirituality which is why he blessed him. But, he remained silent because when you do Nitnem, you don't recite Jaap Sahib. Baba ji replied that he found it difficult that's why he didn't do it. He did Sukhmani Sahib and Aasa Di Vaar every day. But the Gursikh said that it is Guru Ji's COMMAND to a Gursikh; it is imperative.
Gursikhs who do not do their full Nitnem can do as many other prayers and Baanis as they wish, but they will never be granted with Guru Ji' s full happiness. However, Sikhs who do as the Panj Pyaaray have told them and then do more prayers/Paath/Baani on top will obtain Guru Ji's true happiness. Those who remain sluggish and negligent towards Guru Ji's command will fall short of his full blessing.
From that day, he made sure he did his Jaap Sahib daily, no matter how long it took. And slowly he memorised it. Gurbani tells us over and over again about accepting and implementing GurBani into our lives:
ਹੁਕਮਿਮੰਨਿਐਹੋਵੈਪਰਵਾਣੁਤਾਖਸਮੈਕਾਮਹਲੁਪਾਇਸੀ||and
hukam manniai hovai parvaan taa khasmai kaa mehal paaisee||
Obeying the Order of His Will, he becomes acceptable, and then, he obtains the Mansion of the Lord's Presence.
(Ang 471)
ਹੁਕਮਿਰਜਾਈਜੋਚਲੈਸੋਪਵੈਖਜਾਨੈ||
hukam rajaaee jo chalai so pavai khajaanai ||
One who follows the Command of the Lord's Will is taken into the Lord's Treasury.
(Ang 421)
It is quite clear. As our third Guru Ji states:
ਸੋਸਿਖੁਸਖਾਬੰਧਪੁਹੈਭਾਈਜਿਗੁਰਕੇਭਾਣੇਵਿਚਿਆਵੈ||
ਆਪਣੈਭਾਣੈਜੋਚਲੈਭਾਈਵਿਛੁੜਿਚੋਟਾਖਾਵੈ||
so sikh sakhaa ba(n)dhhap hai bhaaee j gur kae bhaanae vich aavai || aapanai bhaanai jo chalai bhaaee vishhurr chottaa khaavai ||
He alone is a Sikh, a friend, a relative and a sibling, who walks in the Way of the Guru's Will. One who walks according to his own will, O Siblings of Destiny, suffers separation from the Lord, and shall be punished.
(Ang 601)
Guru Ji's teachings give supreme precedence to obeying the command. Those who listen to it and follow it will rise to great heights. The whole essence of the religion is to obey:
ਹੁਕਮੁਮੰਨੇਸੋਜਨੁਪਰਵਾਣੁ||
hukam ma(n)ne so jan parvaan ||
That humble being who obeys the Hukam of the Lord's Command is accepted.
(Ang 1175)
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਹੁਕਮੁਮੰਨੇਸਹਕੇਰਾਹੁਕਮੇਹੀਸੁਖੁਪਾਏ||
ਹੁਕਮੋਸੇਵੇਹੁਕਮੁਅਰਾਧੇਹੁਕਮੇਸਮੈਸਮਾਏ||
gurmukh hukam ma(n)nae seh keraa hukame hee sukh paae-e || hukamo seve hukam araadhhe hukame samai samaae-e ||
The Gurmukh obeys the Order of her Husband Lord God; through the Hukam of His Command, she finds peace. In His Will, she serves; in His Will, she worship and adores Him.
(Ang 1423)
Just like Lehnaa Ji followed Guru Nanak Dev Ji's command. Anything Satguru Ji commanded he obeyed heart and soul. After doing that Satguru Guru Nanak Dev Ji infused His own Light into Baba Lehnaa Ji and made him Guru Angad Dev Ji. Guru Ji' s whole history is our perfect example. Those who obeyed were (and will be) raised to great heights:
ਹੁਕਮੁਮੰਨੇਸੋਈਸੁਖੁਪਾਏਹੁਕਮੁਸਿਰਿਸਾਹਾਪਾਤਿਸਾਹਾਹੇ||੩||
hukam ma(n)ne soee sukh paa-e hukam sir shaahaa paatishaahaa he ||3||
Whoever submits to His Command, finds peace; His Command is above the heads of kings and emperors. ||3||
(Ang 1055)
ਹੁਕਮੁਮੰਨਹਿਤਾਹਰਿਮਿਲੈਤਾਵਿਚਹੁਹਉਮੈਜਾਇ||ਰਹਾਉ||
hukam ma(n)nehi taa har milai taa vichahu houmai jaae || rehaao ||
If you submit to the Hukam of the Lord's Command, then you shall meet with the Lord; only then will your ego depart from within. ||Pause||
(Ang 560)
For a Gursikh, the instructions he/she receives from the Panj Pyaaray at the Amrit Ceremony are Guru Ji's command. Any laziness/lethargy in practicing will leave an individual wanting and they will never obtain Guru Ji's happiness.
----
Vaheguru
----
Vaheguru
Monday, May 17, 2010
Khalsa Camp 2010...
Below is the recently released promo video for Khalsa Camp 2010:
Video diaries of a campers from previous UK Khalsa Camps:
For more video diaries click here.
Note: B.O.S.S. Sikhi Camp 2010 promo coming soon...
Khalsa Camp 2010 from Video Singh on Vimeo.
Khalsa Camp 2010
Sunday 22nd August to Thursday 26th August
For more info and to register online, visit:
www.KhalsaCamp.com
Video diaries of a campers from previous UK Khalsa Camps:
For more video diaries click here.
Note: B.O.S.S. Sikhi Camp 2010 promo coming soon...
Friday, May 14, 2010
Fateh Divas - Celebrating the Khalsa Raaj
This year marks the 300 years of the 'Fateh' (victory) of Sirhind and the establishment of the first Khalsa Raaj. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Jee (1670 – 1716) is one the greatest heroes in Sikh history who in 1710 with the Khalsa uprooted the Mughal imperial rule in the Panjab and established the Khalsa Raaj. Baba Jee lived and died like a lion, whose faith in the Guru led to five-years of the Khalsa ruling Panjab.
A GLIMPSE OF THE VICTORY OF SIRHIND
AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KHALSA RAAJ
Background
Baba Jee, was born in a Rajput family in Jammu (Northern India) and named Lachman Dev. As a young man, he shot a deer and was shocked to watch the female deer and her unborn child die painfully, which emotionally moved him and made him become a Saadhu (recluse) and changing his name to Maadho Daas. In the company of Saadhus he finally arrived in Nander (Southern India) where through extreme meditation he gained occult powers (ridhia sidhia). However, after meeting Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Maadho Daas became a changed person and declared himself as the “Bandaa” (slave) of the Guru and hence became known as “Banda Singh”. After receiving the Amrit of the double-edged sword and becoming a Sikh of the Guru, he was blessed with the name "Bhai Gurbaksh Singh".
Mission
Despite promising Guru Gobind Singh Jee, Bahadur Shah, the Mughal Emperor, failed to deliver justice to punish those incharge of murdering Mata Gujar Kaur Jee, Guru Jee's elderly mother, and Guru Jee’s two young sons – aged 6 and 9. Guru Jee blessed Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Jee with the mission of ending the Mughal rule of oppression and persecution and restore justice in the land of Panjab. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Jee was conferred the title of ‘Banda Singh Bahadur’. Supplied with five gold tipped arrows, a ‘nagara’ (war drum), a Nishaan Sahib (flag), a Hukamnama (letter of instruction from Guru jee), an advisory council of Panj Singhs (five devout Sikhs), and twenty-five soldiers, Baba Jee was sent to conquer the tyrant rule in Panjab.
Conquering Samana
Over a few months of marching through various villages and towns, Baba Jee’s army grew with an overflow of volunteers who wanted to join the Sikh army. When entering Panjab, Baba jee first marched to the town of ‘Samana’ where Saiyid Jalal-ud-Din, the executioner of Ninth Guru, and Bashal Beg, who had volunteered to decapitate the younger Sahibzaade, lived. Early on the morning of the 26th November 1709, Baba Jee and his army fauj Banda Singh and his men attacked Samana and overtook its control the town and it’s treasury. Baba Jee and his men carried on marching towards Sirhind. On the way they conquered Kurham, Thaska, Shahabad and Mustafabad, which all fell without much resistance.
Conquering Kapuri
The Mughal commander in charge of Kanpuri Qadam-ud-din was an evil person who was known for molesting, kidnapping and raping the local non-Muslim women. There was hardly any handsome Hindu woman in the area who had not been dishonoured by the evil tyrant. Hearing of this immoral rule that had been terrorising the innocent public, Baba Jee and the Singhs attacked Kapuri to punish the Mughal commander. The stronghold of Qadam-ud-din's immoral rule was reduced to ashes.
Conquering Sadhaura
Baba Jee next turned his attention to Sadhaura which was a notorious centre of oppression. The Hindus of this place were not allowed to cremate (burn) their dead. Osman Khan, the local ruler, was a fanatic and he had tortured to death the great Muslim saint Saiyid Badar-ud-din Shah, popularly known as Peer Budhu Shah, simply because he helped Guru Gobind Singh Jee in the battle of Bhangani. The tyrant was punished and justice was restored by the Khalsa’s conquest.
Joining of the Khalsa forces
Baba Banda Singh Jee was following this particular route so that the Sikhs from the regional areas of Doaba and Majha, whose passage across the River Satluj had been blocked by Sher Mohammad Khan of Maler-Kotla, could join his force before his attack upon Sirhind. While Baba jee occupied the Chhat, the Sikhs from the north defeated the Maler Kotla contingent near Ropar and joined him between Kharar and Banur on the Ambala-Ropar road.
Victory of Sirhind
Fearing defeat from the Sikhs, Wazir Khan's Hindu courtier, 'Sucha Nand', sent his nephew to betray the Sikhs by joining them and to later flee the battlefield. Although doubtful, Baba jee gave the benefit of doubt and allowed him to join the Sikh camp. On 12th May 1710 Wazir Khand and his army entered the battlefield and the battle began. As suspected, the traitor and his army fled the battle hoping to cause confusion, however through Baba Jee’s leadership and tactful strategy the Khalsa army was brought under control and led on to a bold attack. Wazir Khan fell under the sword of Bhai Fateh Singh Jee and the battle was won. On 14th May 1710 the city was entered and occupied by the Khalsa. Baba jee gave strict orders not to kill a single animal there and not to attack any place of worship.
Conferring power in the different territories
Other places of importance offered no resistance and the whole of the province of Sirhind fell into the hands of Bab Banda Singh Jee. Bhai Baj Singh Jee, a member of the Khalsa Panchayat (council of five), was appointed the Subedar (head) of Sirhind, with Bhai Ali Singh Jee as his Naib (deputy). Using the Khalsa tradition of ruling under the authority of Panj Singh (five devout Sikhs), the Khalsa Raaj was estalished in the Punjab. Baba Jee ensured that the power structure of the past was overturned. After taking Amrit and becoming Sikhs, the lowest people in the feudal system became empowered as the rulers of the land. Hearing of the Khalsa's glory and power, the wealthy and higher classes accepted the common people becoming the master's of the land. No person dared to disobey Baba Banda Singh jee or any of the Sikhs.
Gurmat Parchaar and conversion to Sikhi
While at Sirhind and other places, Baba Banda Singh Jee inspired many Hindus and Muslims into becoming Gursikhs. Seeing the Khalsa’s high ideals, character and compassion, many Muslims abandoned Islam and embraced Sikhi. The Mughal writers of the time write that the the hearts and minds of many Hindus and Muslims were captivated by Baba Jee, which led to them receiving Amrit of the double-edged sword, adopting the name ‘Singh’ and embracing the Khalsa way of life.
Establishment of the Khalsa Raaj
With the establishment of the Khalsa Raaj, Baba Banda Singh Jee assumed something of a regal state. He repaired the old Imperial fort of Mukhlispur in Sadhaura and gave it the name of ‘Lohgarh’ (Iron Fort) and established the Khalsa Raaj’s capital there. Although he was like a king, in accordance to Gurmat Baba Jee gave all credit of his victory to Guru Jee and ruled through the system of the Panj (Five) and set up Panchayats (authority rested in five) in villages and towns across Panjab. A Sarpanch, (representative of the five) would be the forefront. Just as there are calendars based on emperors and rulers, Baba Banda Singh Jee introduced his own calendar that starts in the year of the Khalsa’s victory at Sirhind. As a firm declaration of the Sikh sovereignty, coins were struck in the name of the Sikh Gurus and used throughout thr Raaj. The ‘Nanak-Gobind Singh’ coin has inscribed in Persian:
Sikka zad bar har do alam Tegh-.i-Nanak wahib ast, Fateh Gobind Singh Shah-i-Shahan Fazal-i-Sacha Sahib ast.On the reverse were the words:
'Struck coin in the two worlds, by the grace of the true Lord, Victory to Gobind Singh, the King of Kings; The sword of Nanak is the granter of desires.'
Zarb ba aman-ud-dahar, masawwrat shahar, Zina t- u- takht-i-mubarak-bakht.These were the titles and epithets assigned by him to Lohgarh, just as each imperial city had its appropriate honorific name. He also introduced an official seal for his Hukamnamas (letters) and Furmans (orders). It bore the inscription.
'Coined at the refuge of the world, Model (painting) of city, the Ornament of the Fortunate Throne.'
Deg-o-Tegh- o-Fateh Nusrat-i-bedirang, Yaft az Nanak Guru Gobind Singh.Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!
'Kettle (the means to feed the poor), Sword (the power to protect the weak and helpless), Victory and Unhesitating Patronage (are) obtained from Nanak Guru Gobind Singh.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Purpose of life?
Last week we had a special class on the government elections. Someone in the class said to me, "Sir, what is the point? The world is going to end in 2012." She said she had watched a film in which it said the world was going to end. I told her that she doesn't need to worry and be a bit positive about life. Then her friend said, "It's on google. The world is going to end in 2012." I was surprised that these 15 year old students were so gullible and genuinely thought the world was going to end.
One of the girls said, "I don't understand why we're alive. We live to just die. The only thing we have to look forward to is death. What's the point? I wish I was not born." Her friend, who sounded really frustrated, said, "Sir, when we feel hungry we eat, but then we get hungry again! When we feel thirsty, we drink something - but then we feel thirsty again! We can never be satisfied. I don't see the point of life."
The other teacher in the classroom and I were shocked that young adults in the class felt this way and were genuinely pessimistic about life and didn't understand what the purpose of their life is or know any reason why their life is worth living for. Surprisingly, when the other teacher asked, "Do you believe in God?" One of the girl's replied, "Yeah - but it doesn't make a difference that we all going to die and that all we are doing is waiting till we die." Waheguru.
Hearing this conversation I was thinking of the shabad by Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdaas jee:
One of the girls said, "I don't understand why we're alive. We live to just die. The only thing we have to look forward to is death. What's the point? I wish I was not born." Her friend, who sounded really frustrated, said, "Sir, when we feel hungry we eat, but then we get hungry again! When we feel thirsty, we drink something - but then we feel thirsty again! We can never be satisfied. I don't see the point of life."
The other teacher in the classroom and I were shocked that young adults in the class felt this way and were genuinely pessimistic about life and didn't understand what the purpose of their life is or know any reason why their life is worth living for. Surprisingly, when the other teacher asked, "Do you believe in God?" One of the girl's replied, "Yeah - but it doesn't make a difference that we all going to die and that all we are doing is waiting till we die." Waheguru.
Hearing this conversation I was thinking of the shabad by Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdaas jee:
ਅਖੀ ਵੇਖਿ ਨ ਰਜੀਆ ਬਹੁ ਰੰਗ ਤਮਾਸੇ ।
akhee vekh n rajeeaa bahu rang tamaashe.
The eyes are not satisfied with beholding sights and exhibitions;
ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨਿਦਾ ਕੰਨਿ ਸੁਣਿ ਰੋਵਣਿ ਤੈ ਹਾਸੇ ।
ustat nindaa kann sunn rovan tai haase
the ears are not satisfied with hearing praise or blame, mourning or rejoicing;
ਸਾਦੀਂ ਜੀਭ ਨ ਰਜੀਆ ਕਰਿ ਭੋਗ ਬਿਲਾਸੇ ।
saadee(n) jeebh na rajeeaa kar bhog bilaase
the tongue is not satisfied with eating what affords pleasure and delight;
ਨਕ ਨ ਰਜਾ ਵਾਸੁ ਲੈ ਦੁਰਗੰਧ ਸੁਵਾਸੇ ।
nak na rajaa vaasai durgandh suvaase
the nose is not contented with good or evil odour;
ਰਜਿ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਕੂੜੇ ਭਰਵਾਸੇ ।
raj na koee jeeviaa koorhe bharvaase
nobody is satisfied with their span of life, and everyone entertains false hopes.
ਪੀਰ ਮੁਰੀਦਾਂ ਪਿਰਹੜੀ ਸਚੀ ਰਹਰਾਸੇ ॥੯॥
peer mureedaa(n) pirharree sachee rehraase ॥9॥
But the Sikhs are satisfied with the Guru and theirs is the true love and delight.
The Sikh of the True Guru is fortunate and immensely blessed that they have been blessed with amazing gifts of Amrit, Rehat, and Gurbani; placed on a Path (maarag); shown the true purpose of life; and a way of life and faith that is not only worth dieing for but for living for.
ਭੂਲੇ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਬਤਾਇਆ ॥ ਐਸਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
bhoole maarag jinhi bataaeiaa.
aisaa gur vadbhaagee paaeiaa. 1
He places the one who strays back on the Path; such a Guru is found by great good fortune. 1
(Ang 803)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Reflection on how we value our Sikhi...
Monday, May 03, 2010
Power of Gurbani...
Subject: The Paaras Kaala Of GurbaNee crushed the hate.
Author: Bhai Sahib Kulbir Singh Jee (Tapoban wale)
Loose translation from a book by Giani Amar Singh jee
During the times of Sikhs Misls, the Sikhs were badly disunited. They successfully destroyed the aggressors but now they were fighting amongst themselves. All Sardaars (chieftains) were trying to destroy each other to extend their kingdoms. After the death of Sardar Gurbaksh Singh in a fight with one of the misls, his wife, Sardarni Sada Kaur took over the reins of her misl. The Singhpuria Misl had great enmity with Sardar Gurbaksh Singh. After his death, his wife Sardarni Sada Kaur like a warrior kept her position fortified thus resulting in the Singhpuriya Misl Sardar becoming her sworn enemy. He always looked for an opportunity to win over Sardarni Sada Kaur. His intelligence agents were always behind Sardarni Sada Kaur to watch her activities. On the other side Sardarni Sada Kaur was no less vigilant than the Singhpuriya Sardar. She always ensured that she was well-protected and always went out with no less than few hundred soldiers protecting her. The history stands witness to the fact that not only she was able to save her honour and position but she played a leading role in boosting the power of her son-in-law Raja Ranjit Singh. She fought along with Raja Ranjit Singh in all his big battles.
This incident that we are going to narrate is long before she become a relative of Raja Ranjit Singh. Once Sardarni Sada Kaur decided to visit Siri Darbar Sahib – Amritsar Sahib. She took her guards and a small army and reached Siri Amritsar Sahib. At the same time as a coincidence the Singhpuriya Sardar too reached Siri Amritsar Sahib at the same time as Sardarni Sada Kaur. Both had similar aim of visiting Siri Darbar Sahib i.e. to do ishnaan in the sacred sarovar – Ramdas Sarovar and to pay obeisance at Siri Harmandir Sahib. The Singhpuria Sardar after doing ishnaan went inside Siri Darbar Sahib to matha tek and listen to kirtan. Right at that time, Sardarni Sada Kaur reached the Parkarma of Sarovar and went inside the ladies section to do ishnaan. While she was taking ishnaan (ablutions) her maids were standing outside and the Singhpuria agents realized quickly that Sardarni Sada Kaur was inside the ishnaan porch all alone. The agents whispered in ears about the presence of Sardarni jee and by then the maids standing outside too realized that the Singhpuriya sardaar was here and that his agents had found out that Sardarni Sada Kaur was all by herself and defenceless at Darbar Sahib. As the agents rushed to inform the Sardar about Sada Kaur being present at Darbar Sahib totally defenceless, the maids dashed inside the ladies area of sarovar to tell Sardarni jee about the possible danger from the Singhpuriya Sardaar. Sardarni Sada Kaur at that time was in some other mood. When the maids informed her of the Singhpuriya Sardar and the imminent danger from him, Sardarni jee with total faith in Guru Sahib responded, “Look, at this time I am sitting in the heavenly lap of my father Guru Ramdass jee and I am pretty sure that the Singhpuriya sardar will not make the mistake of attacking me in such position. But if he does attack me, then I will not fight and will readily get arrested by him but will not fight back in the premises of Siri Darbar Sahib.” Then Sardarni told one of her maids to go outside Darbar Sahib and inform her soldiers that they should not be prepared for a possible fight outside Darbar Sahib. After such bold answer, she became oblivious of her surrounding and started doing ishnaan again. On the other hand, the intelligence agent went to inform the Sardar about Sardarni Sada Kaur being alone and how it was a great opportunity to capture or kill her. The Singhpuriya Sardar was listening to kirtan very keenly. The kirtanees were singing a very bairaagmai shabad that stated the futility of our efforts to collect worldly wealth. Sardaar’s mind had become purified as it was one with shabad.
The soohiya (agent) unaware of the spiritual and mental state of the Sardar, went dashing in Darbar Sahib and even forgot to do matha tek. The only thing in his mind was to get reward for telling the whereabouts of Sardarni Sada Kaur. He did not care about keeping respect of the sangat present there, nor did he realize the message of the shabad being sung. He hurriedly went over to the Sardar and in his ear whispered, “Sardar jee, Rani Sada Kaur at this time is taking ishnaan in the ladies area of the sarovar. She is totally unprotected. This is a great opportunity to kill her or capture her alive”. Sardar’s mann (mind) at that time was totally engrossed in Gurbani and had become pure. He got upset at the action of the soohiya and how he had not cared about keeping respect of Guru and sangat. He thought if this soohiya was only a soohiya and not a Sikh. The soohiya in the meantime was standing by waiting for the Sardar to respond. The sardar keeping fear of Guru whisperingly said, “Go away from here. You are not fit to stand here in Siri Harmandir Sahib. You did not even care about Guru, Sangat and Siri Harmandir Sahib. You did not care that this was not the right time and place to talk about such lowly thing. You are not a Sikh of Guru. Get away from my eyes”. Saying this the Sardar came out and ordered one of his soldiers to arrest the soohiya. The sardar came back and started meditating on the shabad of Guru. After some time the Sardar got up and started walking out of Siri Harmandir Sahib.
In the meantime, Sardarni Sada Kaur after finishing her ishnaan, started walking towards Siri Harmandir Sahib. She was standing by Darshani DeoRi and the Sardar came out. Both Sardarni and Sardar were engrossed in baani. There were sworn enemies of each other. When they saw each other, both stopped. The sardar made the first move. He had Degh (parshaad) in his hands and said fateh to Sardarni jee, “Bhain jee please accept parshaad of Guru Ramdas jee. I had thought that when I come out of Darbar Sahib, I will wait for you to come and give you parshaad. It is my honour and good fortune that you came right at the time I came out of Darbar Sahib. Now please accept parshaad from me”. Sardarni jee was moved by the humility of the Sardar and said fateh back to him and responded, “It is my big fortune (Dhan bhaag) that I am receiving parshaad from that veer’s hands whose hands only handle sword. Well! My visit in the hazoor of Guru Ramdas jee has been successful”. Sardar got emotional and said, “After listening to the great gift of Guru Sahib to us – Gurbani – I can only derive that we are doing is futile. Only his naam is true and rest is false. Listening to Gurbani brings peace to mind. How foolish are we who indulge in petty enmities and ignore the message of Guru”. “What you are saying is so true Veer jeeo. For so long we foolishly kept enmity between us. Now Satguru himself has done kirpa on us and we have realized the true path.” “If you too are thinking along these lines, then Bhain jeeo, let us bury our enmities right now and perform an ardaas before Guru Ramdass jee. Let us make up for the past and from now on live like real brother and sister. Let us reconcile and finish off these problems and enmities created by maaiya”. “Veer jeeo, you and I are both children of Guru Gobind Singh jee and at this time we are standing in the house of Guru Ramdass jee. If our problems and enmities are not going to get eliminated here, then where would they?” After this they both sent a message to one of the greatest Granthi of Siri Darbar Sahib – Bhai Sahib Chanchal Singh jee to perform an ardaas for their unity. While they were waiting for Granthi jee to come, they both closed their eyes in Anand of Gurbani and felt immense love and thankfulness for Guru Sahib. From that day onwards, they stayed like real brother and sister for rest of their lives. Ones who were thirsty for each other’s blood developed so much love for each other that even real biological brother sister cannot do. Such is the shakti of Gurbani and Naam. It is my ardaas before Satguru to do such miracle on the Sikh panth at this time. We are totally disunited. We need a miracle to get united again. Guru Sahib jeeo, kirpa karo.
Daas, Kulbir Singh
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. The Paaras Kaala Of GurbaNee crushed the hate.
Dhan Siree Guroo Granth Sahib Jee
ਪਾਰਸਪਰਸਿਐਪਾਰਸੁਹੋਵੈਸਚਿਰਹੈਲਿਵਲਾਇ
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫ਼ਤਹਿ
Author: Bhai Sahib Kulbir Singh Jee (Tapoban wale)
Loose translation from a book by Giani Amar Singh jee
During the times of Sikhs Misls, the Sikhs were badly disunited. They successfully destroyed the aggressors but now they were fighting amongst themselves. All Sardaars (chieftains) were trying to destroy each other to extend their kingdoms. After the death of Sardar Gurbaksh Singh in a fight with one of the misls, his wife, Sardarni Sada Kaur took over the reins of her misl. The Singhpuria Misl had great enmity with Sardar Gurbaksh Singh. After his death, his wife Sardarni Sada Kaur like a warrior kept her position fortified thus resulting in the Singhpuriya Misl Sardar becoming her sworn enemy. He always looked for an opportunity to win over Sardarni Sada Kaur. His intelligence agents were always behind Sardarni Sada Kaur to watch her activities. On the other side Sardarni Sada Kaur was no less vigilant than the Singhpuriya Sardar. She always ensured that she was well-protected and always went out with no less than few hundred soldiers protecting her. The history stands witness to the fact that not only she was able to save her honour and position but she played a leading role in boosting the power of her son-in-law Raja Ranjit Singh. She fought along with Raja Ranjit Singh in all his big battles.
This incident that we are going to narrate is long before she become a relative of Raja Ranjit Singh. Once Sardarni Sada Kaur decided to visit Siri Darbar Sahib – Amritsar Sahib. She took her guards and a small army and reached Siri Amritsar Sahib. At the same time as a coincidence the Singhpuriya Sardar too reached Siri Amritsar Sahib at the same time as Sardarni Sada Kaur. Both had similar aim of visiting Siri Darbar Sahib i.e. to do ishnaan in the sacred sarovar – Ramdas Sarovar and to pay obeisance at Siri Harmandir Sahib. The Singhpuria Sardar after doing ishnaan went inside Siri Darbar Sahib to matha tek and listen to kirtan. Right at that time, Sardarni Sada Kaur reached the Parkarma of Sarovar and went inside the ladies section to do ishnaan. While she was taking ishnaan (ablutions) her maids were standing outside and the Singhpuria agents realized quickly that Sardarni Sada Kaur was inside the ishnaan porch all alone. The agents whispered in ears about the presence of Sardarni jee and by then the maids standing outside too realized that the Singhpuriya sardaar was here and that his agents had found out that Sardarni Sada Kaur was all by herself and defenceless at Darbar Sahib. As the agents rushed to inform the Sardar about Sada Kaur being present at Darbar Sahib totally defenceless, the maids dashed inside the ladies area of sarovar to tell Sardarni jee about the possible danger from the Singhpuriya Sardaar. Sardarni Sada Kaur at that time was in some other mood. When the maids informed her of the Singhpuriya Sardar and the imminent danger from him, Sardarni jee with total faith in Guru Sahib responded, “Look, at this time I am sitting in the heavenly lap of my father Guru Ramdass jee and I am pretty sure that the Singhpuriya sardar will not make the mistake of attacking me in such position. But if he does attack me, then I will not fight and will readily get arrested by him but will not fight back in the premises of Siri Darbar Sahib.” Then Sardarni told one of her maids to go outside Darbar Sahib and inform her soldiers that they should not be prepared for a possible fight outside Darbar Sahib. After such bold answer, she became oblivious of her surrounding and started doing ishnaan again. On the other hand, the intelligence agent went to inform the Sardar about Sardarni Sada Kaur being alone and how it was a great opportunity to capture or kill her. The Singhpuriya Sardar was listening to kirtan very keenly. The kirtanees were singing a very bairaagmai shabad that stated the futility of our efforts to collect worldly wealth. Sardaar’s mind had become purified as it was one with shabad.
The soohiya (agent) unaware of the spiritual and mental state of the Sardar, went dashing in Darbar Sahib and even forgot to do matha tek. The only thing in his mind was to get reward for telling the whereabouts of Sardarni Sada Kaur. He did not care about keeping respect of the sangat present there, nor did he realize the message of the shabad being sung. He hurriedly went over to the Sardar and in his ear whispered, “Sardar jee, Rani Sada Kaur at this time is taking ishnaan in the ladies area of the sarovar. She is totally unprotected. This is a great opportunity to kill her or capture her alive”. Sardar’s mann (mind) at that time was totally engrossed in Gurbani and had become pure. He got upset at the action of the soohiya and how he had not cared about keeping respect of Guru and sangat. He thought if this soohiya was only a soohiya and not a Sikh. The soohiya in the meantime was standing by waiting for the Sardar to respond. The sardar keeping fear of Guru whisperingly said, “Go away from here. You are not fit to stand here in Siri Harmandir Sahib. You did not even care about Guru, Sangat and Siri Harmandir Sahib. You did not care that this was not the right time and place to talk about such lowly thing. You are not a Sikh of Guru. Get away from my eyes”. Saying this the Sardar came out and ordered one of his soldiers to arrest the soohiya. The sardar came back and started meditating on the shabad of Guru. After some time the Sardar got up and started walking out of Siri Harmandir Sahib.
In the meantime, Sardarni Sada Kaur after finishing her ishnaan, started walking towards Siri Harmandir Sahib. She was standing by Darshani DeoRi and the Sardar came out. Both Sardarni and Sardar were engrossed in baani. There were sworn enemies of each other. When they saw each other, both stopped. The sardar made the first move. He had Degh (parshaad) in his hands and said fateh to Sardarni jee, “Bhain jee please accept parshaad of Guru Ramdas jee. I had thought that when I come out of Darbar Sahib, I will wait for you to come and give you parshaad. It is my honour and good fortune that you came right at the time I came out of Darbar Sahib. Now please accept parshaad from me”. Sardarni jee was moved by the humility of the Sardar and said fateh back to him and responded, “It is my big fortune (Dhan bhaag) that I am receiving parshaad from that veer’s hands whose hands only handle sword. Well! My visit in the hazoor of Guru Ramdas jee has been successful”. Sardar got emotional and said, “After listening to the great gift of Guru Sahib to us – Gurbani – I can only derive that we are doing is futile. Only his naam is true and rest is false. Listening to Gurbani brings peace to mind. How foolish are we who indulge in petty enmities and ignore the message of Guru”. “What you are saying is so true Veer jeeo. For so long we foolishly kept enmity between us. Now Satguru himself has done kirpa on us and we have realized the true path.” “If you too are thinking along these lines, then Bhain jeeo, let us bury our enmities right now and perform an ardaas before Guru Ramdass jee. Let us make up for the past and from now on live like real brother and sister. Let us reconcile and finish off these problems and enmities created by maaiya”. “Veer jeeo, you and I are both children of Guru Gobind Singh jee and at this time we are standing in the house of Guru Ramdass jee. If our problems and enmities are not going to get eliminated here, then where would they?” After this they both sent a message to one of the greatest Granthi of Siri Darbar Sahib – Bhai Sahib Chanchal Singh jee to perform an ardaas for their unity. While they were waiting for Granthi jee to come, they both closed their eyes in Anand of Gurbani and felt immense love and thankfulness for Guru Sahib. From that day onwards, they stayed like real brother and sister for rest of their lives. Ones who were thirsty for each other’s blood developed so much love for each other that even real biological brother sister cannot do. Such is the shakti of Gurbani and Naam. It is my ardaas before Satguru to do such miracle on the Sikh panth at this time. We are totally disunited. We need a miracle to get united again. Guru Sahib jeeo, kirpa karo.
Daas, Kulbir Singh
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. The Paaras Kaala Of GurbaNee crushed the hate.
Dhan Siree Guroo Granth Sahib Jee
ਪਾਰਸਪਰਸਿਐਪਾਰਸੁਹੋਵੈਸਚਿਰਹੈਲਿਵਲਾਇ
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫ਼ਤਹਿ
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