A Day in Southall

Today I went to Southall. I needed to buy a new mobile phone, so Southall's the best place with Panjabi bargains! Eventually got a phone. Afterwards I went to Havelock Road Gurdwara. There was really nice Keertan being sung by the Raagi Jatha.

The Shabad they were singing was:

ਮਨੁ ਨ ਡਿਗੈ ਤਨੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਕਉ ਡਰਾਇ ॥
man na digai tan kaahay ka-o daraa-ay.
My mind was not shaken; why should my body be afraid?

ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਚਿਤੁ ਰਹਿਓ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
charan kamal chit rahi-o samaa-ay. rahaa-o.
My consciousness remained immersed in the Lotus Feet of the Lord. 1. Pause.
(Ang 1162, SGGS)
Read the Full Shabad

The Shabad was about how Bhagat Kabeer Jee was persecuted and tortured for not following the dominate religion of Islam and submitting the king of the time, called 'Sikandar.' The Brahmans disliked Bhagat Kabeer jee because he rejected the monopoly on religion, which they had over the people and the petty rituals and superstitions, which they propagated to enslave people's minds. On the other hand Mullahs (Muslim priests) disliked Bhagat Kabeer jee because he did not follow or accept the Qur'an or Shari'a, nor did he accept the authority of the Mullahs. Bhagat Kabeer jee strictly believed in the same religion as Guru Nanak Jee, which was Naam ਨਾਮੁ (meditating on the One Infinite Lord), Daan ਦਾਨੁ (sharing with others and doing selfless service), Ishnaan ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨੁ(and keeping the mind pure with washing it with the 'Shabad' (Infinite Wisdom) and looking after the body, which is considered as the Temple of the Lord, through living a healthy lifestyle).

As a result of this, Bhagat Kabeer jee was punished by being tied up and thrown in the Ganga (the River Ganges). However, Waheguru, saved the honour of his devotee, as he has done in the past as well. Through the waves of the river, the shackles broke and Bhagat Kabeer jee was released. A deer skin floating in the river came to Bhagat Kabeer on which he sat. Everyone was suprised to see the man they thought they had killed, floating freely immersed in the love for Waheguru sitting on deer skin.


While I was listening to the shabad keertan, something BAD happened. I felt AWFUL. Waheguru! I noticed a little toddler (must be about 4 years old or something) going to do Matha Tekh. She had a bottle of milk with her. She placed the milk on the Golak (money deposit box) BUT THEN she TRIPPED OVER on the mat and smacked her head on the golak. WAHEGURU! I felt the pain she must have gone through! I felt so sorry for her!

Her grandmother came rushing and picked her. The girl did not stop crying! After being hugged and patted she quietend down, but I could still see from her face that she was in distress. I think she hurt her teeth. Bechaare KuRee (poor girl!).


Afterwards I went to Park Avenue Gurdwara. I came on good timing. Bhai Veer Singh jee from Delhi was doing Katha (lecture/discourse on Gurbani). It was weird (in a good sense). His voice was very mesmerising and there was pin-drop silence. From his face you could see a glow. The Katha was amazing and he was absorbed in singing. He also gave reference to passages from the Quran and said them in Arabic, which I was very impressed by.

It was a bit ironic that Bhai Sahib's Katha was on a shabad that emphasised on how God protects the honour of his devotees and looks after all His creation. Bhai Veer Singh jee shared two stories, which had a very good moral.

The first story Bhai Sahib said was from the Islamic world. It was a story of Abraham's life:

Abraham was a pious man. He did not eat his food, until he had fed a hungry person. One day Abraham came across an elderly hungry man. The man's beard was white as milk. He was a bag of bones and looked like he would appreciate being fed by him. So Abraham invited him to his house. The Baba (elderly man) accepted the invitation.

The meal was prepared and placed infront of the elderly man. The man got stuck in and jus as he put food in his mouth Abraham grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?" "I am eating!" replied the elderly man. "No! First we thank God who has graced us with food, then we eat." The Baba was upset. He said, "Has God fed me? If God gave me the food, he could have given it to me in the street!... I can thank you for feeding me, but I can't thank God for this. You have given me the food, so I will praise you, but not God." The man spoke ill of God and insulted the Almighty. Abraham refused to be praised by the man. "I am not feeding you. I am the slave of God. Through me God does his works." The man continued his insults to God.

Abraham had enough. For how long can you expect someone to put up someone insulting one's parents! So Abraham grabbed the man and threw him outside. The elderly man fell down the stairs and landed faced down in the street. Blood was pouring from his boney body and he had hurt his head. However, Abraham did not care! "How dare he be so ungrateful to God!" he thought.

That day when Abraham did Bandigee (meditation) and absorbed his mind into God's remembrance, God spoke to him. God said, "O Abraham! You invited the hungry man to your house to feed him in MY NAME, then you kicked him out and abused him in MY NAME. O Abraham, why did you do this? The man has all his life sworn at me, insulted me and bad-mouth me, however, I love all my children and till this day made sure he does not die of hunger. But you hear him for one day and chuck him out?" Abraham realised how Waheguru looks after all his creation, irrespetive whether they love him or not. Love is blind. Therefore, those who serve God through serving His creation, should also serve indiscriminately.

The second story Bhai Sahib shared was also from Abraham's life:

One day Abraham was walking and came across a lake of water, which had dried up. He realised that the animals which had wings to fly, flew away when the water dried up. However, those animals with no wings, i.e. the fish, ended up with the water till the water dried up. When the water went, the fish died with it.

Reflecting upon this, God made Abraham realise that be like the fish in the water. True love is that which you cannot live without. A relationship of a slave of God (Bhagat) and Waheguru is like that of a fish has with water. Just as fish cannot live without water, a devotee of God cannot live without Waheguru.

Gurbani says:

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਜੈਸੀ ਮਛੁਲੀ ਨੀਰ ॥
re man aisee har si-o preet kar, jaisee machhulee neer.
O mind, love the Lord Waheguru, as the fish loves the water.

ਜਿਉ ਅਧਿਕਉ ਤਿਉ ਸੁਖੁ ਘਣੋ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਸਰੀਰ ॥
ji-o aDhikau ti-o sukh ghaNo, man tan saaNt sareer.
The more the water, the more the happiness, and the greater the peace of mind and body.

ਬਿਨੁ ਜਲ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਜੀਵਈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਣੈ ਅਭ ਪੀਰ ॥੨॥
bin jal gharhee na jeev-ee parabh jaanai abh peer. 2
Without water, she cannot live, even for an instant. Waheguru knows the suffering of her mind. 2.
(Ang 60, SGGS)

Afterwards Bhai Jatinder Singh Noor-Puri's Dhadi Jatha came on stage for 30 minutes or so. The Sarangi Master was excellent. And the two Singhs playing the Dhad's had really good voices as well as played the Dhad really well. The Dhadi Jatha filled Bir Ras (uplifting energy) within the Sangat.

ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਚਟਸਾਲ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਸਿਖਾ ॥
satsangat satgur chattsaal hai, jit har gun sikhaa.
The Sat Sangat, the True Congregation of the True Guru, is the school of the soul, where the Glorious Virtues of the Lord are studied.
(Ang 1316, SGGS)

Going to the Gurdwara, Darshan of Guru Sahib, listening to Keertan, Katha and to top it off with listening to Dhadi Vaaran made my day! :)

Saturday .... PART 2

Continued...

Chalo, after the Anand Kaaraj I had langar to eat. Everyone else went to the next door Gurdwara hall to eat Roti Paani. However, because I was in a rush to get back home because I had another program to attend, I decided to eat Langar.

As usually, Langar was tastey! Dhan Guru Nanak! Saag, Daal and Kheer... Sat Naam, Waaheguroo! :) I was a bit disappointed that the Gurdwara had no-where to sit on the floor and eat Langar! I thought it doesn't take much for the Gurdwara Parbandhaks (Management Committee) to lay down a few strips of carpet or sheets so that Sangat who wish to eat Langar on the floor (as per Gurmat tradition) can do so. Chalo, Rab Rakha!


From the Gurdwara I walked back to the train station (this time I walked, didn't need to jog. lol). There was light rain so I used my Hazoorian to cover my dastaar (probably looked a bit dodgey, but O well!). I got to the train station and the train was set to leave at 1.50pm. So, I waited for 20 minutes and listened to Keertan on my iPod.

ਸੁਣਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਰਵਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਲਿਖਾ ॥
sun keertan, har gun ravaa, har jas man likhaa.
"Listening to the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises, I contemplate His virtues; I write His Praises on the fabric of my mind."
(Ang 650)

Eventually the train arrived, and it took me to Reading in 25 minutes. There was no direct train going back to my home town. So from Reading I had to change train. Usually from Reading there is a direct train to Banbury or Oxford. However, on that day for some reason (probably train works) there were no direct train to even Oxford! So I had to take a train to Didcot Park (Rab Jaane, where there it is!). It took 30 minutes to get there.

Sat Naam! When I arrived at Didcot Park, there was a huge sign saying "No trains." Instead there were buses going to Oxford. Waheguru! A bit disappointed, but O well, so I went downstairs and sat on the bus. I thought to myself:

ਕੇਤਿਆ ਦੂਖ ਭੂਖ ਸਦ ਮਾਰ ॥
keti-aa dookh bhookh sad maar.
So many endure distress, deprivation and constant abuse.

ਏਹਿ ਭਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤਾਰ ॥
eihi bhe daat teree daataar.
(But) even these are Your Gifts, O Great Giver!
(Ang 5)

Couldn't believe that I waited for 40 minutes or perhaps longer for the bus to go! I was just sitting there, thinking "Come on driver, make a move on!" Thank God I had my iPod. So I went through my Keertan playlist. One shabad I remember, which I kept on playing was - man preet charan kamal-laare (may mind remain in love with your Lotus Feet) sung by Bhai Satvinder Singh & Bhai Harvinder Singh. Then the bus left, arriving at Oxford in about 20 minutes.


More bad news! Train delays at Oxford! Waheguru Bhalla Kare. I couldn't believe it. The train to Banbury was leaving in 45 minutes or possibly an hour. I waited inside for a bit, then I decided to sit on the platform. WRONG DECISION. It was cold, wet and miserable weather. Long wait! But I had my iPod. So plus point was that Waheguru graced me with an oppurtunity to listen to loads of shabads :)



The train took 25 minutes to get to Banbury. When I arrived at Banbury I put hands together and put head down and said "Rab, Tera Shukar Hai, Tera Shukar Hai! Thank O God!" I was so tired from all the travelling, wet weather, waiting around and lack of sleep.

It was good to get back home and enjoy a nice cup of chaa and relax, after over 3 and a half hours of travelling!!



Note: I will post the wedding photos soon (just waiting for someone to email them to me). So please sit tight. Also I will share the Hukamnama given by Guru Sahib on the day.

Saturday - Long Day Travelling

Yesterday, it was Bhaji Satpal Singh and Bhenji Harmeet Kaur's Anand Kaaraj (wedding) at Slough Gurdwara. It was a beautiful wedding, and the first Anand Kaaraj of an Amritdhari Gursikh couple, which I have seen. So it was a new experience, which I am grateful to Waheguru for.

On Friday night I stayed at Halls, and didn't go back. But the the wedding card was at home, and my parents had gone out some where. So, I didn't know what time the wedding was. Obviously, it was going to be in the morning (not exactly going to happen at 12 o'clock at night or something, well unless its a Rainsbayee Keertan Anand Kaaraj). So I texted my friend Amritpal Singh to ask the time. He texted back "9am sharp." So I assumed it would be 10am GM time.

I took the tube to Paddington, from where I took a train to Slough. The train took about 30 to 35 minutes. Chalo, I got to Slough. I noted down from the internet which bus to take to get to Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Woodland Avenue. According to the London Transport website I should have taken BUS 81, from STOP 4 at the bus station, which should got me to the Gurdwara in 15 minutes.

First of all I asked the taxi driver in Panjabi "Where's Ramgarhia Gurdwara." Poor bloke didn't have a clue. Then I asked about the bus station. Thankfully (Rab Da Shukar) he knew where that was (probably because it was just up the road). I saw a BUS 81 parked to the side. Thank you God! I got there, and double my luck, it was an elderly Gursikh bus driver. I said GurFateh with him and asked whether his bus was going near Ramgharia Gurdwara (apparently the internet said the bus goes to Windsor Avenue or Slough High Street, from where its a 5 minute walk).

WAHEGUROO! The Bus driver Bhai Sahib hadn't even HEARD OF RAMGARHIA GURDWARA, forget driving me there! O Deary me! Sachee, it was unbelievable. Chalo, Rab De Rang! I continued to walk in the bus station trying to tout about looking for a Singh or Panjabi-looking person. No luck! I went and sat at STOP 4, as indicated on the internet. The Bus eventually arrives. Guess what? THE BUS DRIVER IS THE SAME ELDERLY GURSIKH, which I just spoke to 5 minutes earlier. Sat Naam, Waheguroo!

He said that he has a feeling that the Gurdwara I wish to go to is in the opposite direction to where he is going. I said, "Shall I ask a Gora on the bus." He said that Gore don't know much. Then I asked shall I ask the Apna-looking person (but I think he was either South Indian or something similar) so he said leave it. I was thankful to the Bhai Sahib that he ensured that I was not going in the wrong direction, and therefore advised me to ask someone else at the bus station.

RAB DA SHUKAR. I found an old Baba jee and Bibi jee coming off a bus. I asked them "Baba jee, I want to go to Ramgarhia Gurdwara, can you help me?" The Baba jee was very helpful and very nicely gave me the directions how to get there. It was now 10 o'clock. I was hoping that I didn't miss the Chaa & Samosay, lol. So, I started jogging. As I jogged through the subway, I saw a Singh uncle jee. He started to smile when he saw me. I think it was because of the fact I was wearing a Kurta Pyjama and Hazooria wrapped around me and jogging away (considering usually you just imagine Singhs eating Langar, and eating more Langar. Waheguru!).

He was wearing an African white Pagh (turban). So, I thought just to be on the safe side I would ask him whether I was going in the right direction to Ramgarhia Gurdwara. He said yes. So that was reassuring. As I was walking up the road, I saw a Singh taxi drive and waved at me. I waved back. In the back of mind I was hoping he would stop and ask to give me a lift, lol. But it was flowing traffic. Udhaa, it looked like he would have stopped.

Eventually, got to Woodland Avenue and saw the Nishaan Sahib flying in air. Its such a great feeling to see a Nishaan Sahib in the air from a far distance. On entering the Gurdwara I bumped into Tegpal Singh from King's and his sister. Guess what? I hadn't missed the Chaa & Samosay, lol. It was great to see everyone, however, bit disturbed to see a growing number of shrinking dastaars and sprayed down daaris (beards). lol.

Satpal Singh, vah vi vah. He looked great in his blue embroided chola and and blue dumalla. Not only were the Chaa & Samosay sawaad and tastey, but the keertan was also very sweet! The Keertanis sang a few shabads in title Raag, which was good to hear.


To be continued...

Relax & Enjoy Remembering Your Beloved Friend...

ਸਾਜਨ ਦੇਸਿ ਵਿਦੇਸੀਅੜੇ ਸਾਨੇਹੜੇ ਦੇਦੀ ॥
saajan des videsee-aRe, saanehRe dedee.
O Friend, You have traveled so far from Your homeland; I send my message of love to You.

ਸਾਰਿ ਸਮਾਲੇ ਤਿਨ ਸਜਣਾ ਮੁੰਧ ਨੈਣ ਭਰੇਦੀ ॥
saar samaale tin sajNaa, munDh nain bharedee.
I cherish and remember that Friend; the eyes of this soul-bride are filled with tears.

ਮੁੰਧ ਨੈਣ ਭਰੇਦੀ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰੇਦੀ ਕਿਉ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲਾ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
munDh nain bharedee gun saaredee, ki-o prabh milaa pi-aare.
The eyes of the soul-bride are filled with tears; I dwell upon Your Glorious Virtues. How can I meet my Beloved Lord Waheguru?

ਮਾਰਗੁ ਪੰਥੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਉ ਵਿਖੜਾ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਪਿਰੁ ਪਾਰੇ ॥
maarag panth na jaana-o vikh-Raa, ki-o paa-ee-ai pir paare.
I do not know the treacherous path, the way to You. How can I find You and cross over, O my Husband Lord?

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਿਛੁੰਨੀ ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਆਗੈ ਰਾਖੈ ॥
satgur shabdee milai vichhunnee, tan man aagai raakhai.
Through the Shabad, the Word of the True Guru, the separated soul-bride meets with the Lord; I place my body and mind before You.

ਨਾਨਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਿਰਖੁ ਮਹਾ ਰਸ ਫਲਿਆ ਮਿਲਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖੈ ॥੩॥
naanak amrit birakh mahaa ras phali-aa, mil preetam ras chaakhai. ||3||
O Nanak, the ambrosial tree bears the most delicious fruits; meeting with my Beloved, I taste the sweet essence. ||3||
(Guru Nanak Dev Jee, Ang 1111, SGGS)

ਸਿਮਰਨ (Simran) in Panjabi means the word ਯਾਦ ਕਰਨਾ (yaad karnaa), to remember. Therefore, you can do simran about your parents, simran on your house, or simran on Waheguru. Guru Sahib has instructed us to do Simran of the Eternal Waheguru, as the rest of the world is Maya (illusionary).

When we remember someone, the relationship between that person and us remains alive. When we forget someone the relationship dies. There are some people who you would have gone to school with or studied at college with. Those people who you remember or they remember you, then the relationship remains alive. However if you forget them or they forget you then the relationship falls apart. For this reason Guru Nanak Sahib said:

ਆਖਾ ਜੀਵਾ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
aakhaa jeevaa, visrai mar jaa-o.
(As I am) chanting Naam (Waheguru's Name), spiritual life takes life within me; (but) forgetting (Waheguru's Name), I experience spiritual death.
(Ang 9, SGGS)

Simran, remembrance is very powerful. So powerful, that sometimes when I am at university, I feel the presence of my mum and feel her near me. Feeling this, I ring my mum just to say "hi". Answering the phone my mum says, “I was just remembering you, and then the phone just rang”. This is power of remembrance, the power of simran.

If we remember Waheguru with pyaar (love), will he not respond? Of course He would!

ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
gur merai sang sadaa hai naale.
My Guru is always with me, near at hand.

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
simar simar tis sadaa samHaale. ||1|| rahaa-o.||
Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. ||1||Pause||

Click here to read more about Naam Simran by Bhai Dya Singh, Australia.



Below are some nice Waheguru Simran tracks, which can enjoy and relax to:

Accapella Style Simran

by Gurpal Kaur, Rupjit Kaur and Gurbinder Kaur:
Simran (Accapella)
Mool Mantr (Accapella)


Simran by Bhai Niranjan Singh (Jawadi Kala Wale):

Simran (Live Trance)
Simran (With Love)
Simran (Devotional)


Simran by Bibi Ashupreet Kaur:

Simran


Simran & Shabad by Bhai Lehna Singh:

ਜਲਿ ਜਾਉ ਜੀਵਨੁ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨਾ ॥
jal jaa-o jeevan naam binaa.
Translation:- "Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, life might just as well be burnt down."
Read Full Shabad

Do I Have a Right to Breathe Freely?

Today I was walking to my lecture. On the way I was dodging and weaving smokers! It’s awful. Everywhere I look someone was smoking. I thought to myself, “O Mind! Why are these people shoving paper in their mouth, and letting out this disgusting smell… and violating my breathing space?”

Our body is so sacred, its a gift from Waheguru. But we destroy it and discard it! From a beautiful temple, we pollute it so much that it ends up being like a graveyard (you can see what I mean when you look at the face of a heavy smoker - no offence to anyone!)

Guru Sahib says:

ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਹਿਰ ਜੀਉ ਸਾਜਿਆ ਮੇਰੇ ਲਾਲ ਜੀਉ ਹਿਰ ਤਿਸੁ ਮਿਹ ਰਿਹਆ ਸਮਾਏ ਰਾਮ ॥
har mandar har jeeo saajiaa, mere laal jeeo, har tis mehi rehiaa sumaae raam.
The Dear Lord has fashioned the body as the temple of the Lord, O my dear beloveds; the Lord continues to dwell there.
(Ang 541, SGGS)

I wish the government bans smoking in public places. After hearing the news today it seems there is a glimmer of hope that smoking in plubic eating places (at least) will be shortly banned. Smoking is so inconsiderate that not only the person smoking dies and destroys their body-temple, but also those associated or standing near the person end up passive smoking and also become ill. For this reason, Guru Sahib was strict and said that a Sikh should not even touch tobacco. Gurbani says:

ਪਾਨ ਸੁਪਾਰੀ ਖਾਤੀਆ ਮੁਖਿ ਬੀੜੀਆ ਲਾਈਆ ॥
paan supaaree khaatee-aa, mukh beeRee-aa laa-ee-aa.
Those people who eat and chew "Paan" (nicotine betel nuts), and smoke tobacco (meaning that they those who in indulge in intoxicants),

ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਚੇਤਿਓ ਜਮਿ ਪਕੜਿ ਚਲਾਈਆ ॥੧੩॥
har har kade na cheti-o, jam pakaR chalaa-ee-aa. 13
and, do not contemplate or do simran of Waheguru - (the cycle of) Death will seize them and take them away (to become entangled in the cycle of reincarnation). 13

Chalo (O well), I eventually got on bus and arrived at university. After my lecture I met up with Tegpal Singh to give him the money from Sikh Society for the trip to Ice-Skating, which he is organising. My bag was full with oranges oranges (well they were Clementines) because it was buy one get one free at Sainsbury’s. So I bought two bags (considering my numerous eating-out experiences!!). I offered Tegpal Singh an orange and had one myself. I left university, and on the way I was peeling the orange. I was trying to be careful that my hands don’t touch the orange (well as much as I could help it) because didn’t have the opportunity to clean my hands anywhere.

I was walking down the Strand and peeling my orange. Eventually I bit a segment off the orange. It was very sweet and tasty. I took my next bite and ended up putting half an orange in my mouth. I was struggling to chew on the orange with my teeth. Just as I was about to chew on the orange, a man walked passed and breathed in my face! WAAHEGUROO!

It was disgusting. The man’s breath really badly smelt of Chicken & Mushroom pie (no offence to him). Ermm, someone may be thinking, “How does Manvir Singh know what Chicken & Mushroom pie smells like?” Do I sneakily eat Chicken & Mushroom pies when no-one’s looking? To put everyone’s heart to rest, don’t worry I’m a vegetarian. I know the smell from my school days when I used to eat Chicken & Mushroom pie with chips. Waheguru!

Back to the story. I felt queasy and overwhelmed by the smell. God knows how many chicken pies that man had eaten to have such a strong smell! I was munching the half orange piece in my mouth, but no I had lost the pleasure of tasting it. I was overrun by the smell of CHICKEN & MUSHROOM PIE. As I was walking back to halls, the smell just followed me. I felt sickened!

On the journey back I was thinking to myself, “Do I have a right to breathe freely?” Koyee Bandaa Chicken Mushroom pie khaah ke breathing space violate karee jaandaa, Koyee hor Tamaakoo peeh ke breathing space violate karee jaandaa (Someone is violating breathing space by eating Chicken & Mushroom pie, another person is violating breathing space by smoking tobacco). What's the world coming to hey :)

Short Preview of Episode 1 of Trip to India Series

Guru Piyaari'o... I will be shortly posting the first episode (post) from my travels to India in 2003.

Just a quick teaser... the first episode will be about the aeroplane journey from Birmingham to Amritsar with my mum, and sitting next to a scary athiest in the aeroplane (ps. the bloke was a Panjabi Indian athiest!).

So, watch this space...

Strange Things Happening at the Gurdwara

Today I went to my local Gurdwara (a small converted house). It was the Sri Akhand Paath da Bhog (completion of the continuous reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee) in celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Jee's Prakaash Utsav (Birth Day).

Got there before the bhog, so I had a chaa da cup, then made my way up to the Diwaan Hall. On completion of the Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Ardaas was done. I was standing with my eyes closed listening to the Ardaas. Then I could here a scuffle. What's happening? So I open my eyes and see an old Bibi jee dashing over to the Gurdwara Treasurer giving him £10 and loudly saying "Bhaji, £10 Karhah Parshaad Vaaste" (well it was loud enough that I could hear it and lose concentration from Ardaas!!). It was unbelievable! Disturbing not one's own concentration but others as well just to get your name and £10 read out! Waheguru!

Chalo, so I close my eyes again. Now someone is gently shaking my arm (Yes! During Ardaas!). I open my eyes and see the old Bibi jee, "Kidaa Put, Teek Taak?" (How are you son, are you fine?). I was gobsmacked at how this elderly Bibi Jee could do this and be so calm and casual about it. I smiled and said "Teek jee" and quickly closed my eyes. Waheguru Bhalla Kare.

Sat Naam! Then the point came in Ardaas where there is a huge list of people's names to be read and out and how much money they have given to the Gurdwara building fund. In one word, 'boring!' It really breaks the flow of Ardaas and it seems pointless, other than boost one's ego. So while Giani jee was say, "Sardar...... Das Pound.... Sardar...... Panj Pound..." you even get people announcing that they gave £1.25 (Savaa Pound) to the Gurdwara Building Fund. Is it necessary? Why can't someone just put the money in the Golak. Simple dimple.

So while the names were being read out I quietly did Simran of Waheguru in my mind. Then at last, the list of names was near the end. What next? "Giani jee, You got that name wrong, its Sardar........" O My God! I couldn't believe what Gurdwara Ardaas has turned into! So eventually after using the life lines of 50/50, phone a friend (or more like ask Waheguru) and ask the 'Sangat', Giani jee said the right name for the person who donated £5. Deary me.

Praise the Lord! The list of names had come to an end. Now came the Jaikaare (shouting the slogan of "Bole So Nihaal" (whoseover shall reply to this shall be blessed) with the reply of "Sat Sri Akaal" (True is the Immortal))! Giani jee does the first Jaikaara, and I bend down to do matha tekh. I was half way down until I realised, "Woops, I think there's going to be more than one Jaikaara." So I stood back up and hoped that I didn't stand out too much.

Another Singh does Jaikaara. Then the another Singh, followed by a uncomfortable pause. Everyone is looking at everyone is going to do the Jaikaara. At this point I am always a bit scared of the scenario that I do a Jaikaara at the same time as someone else and my Jaikaara gets drowned out! lol. Chalo, So I am about to do a Jaikaara, then I hear "Manvir Singh! Manvir Singh! Jaikaaraa Bolo." Waheguru! It was so funny that there was no flow, no focus and no concentration of the Sangat in the Ardaas (including myself). So I did a Jaikaara. Then another uncomfortable pause. O deary me! You either get too many Jaikaare or none at all. Eventually a Singh did a Jaikaara. Thank God! Then there was another uncomfortable pause with half people saying Fateh at that point and the other half still staning waiting to say Fateh and the Giani jee stood there for a bit (I don't know what he was thinking) and eventually said Fateh.

Hukamnaama was read and then Keertan began. Sat Naam! Keertan is happening and guess what? Ladies are talking away! And I don't mean quietly! The bibi jee doing Keertan ending up stopping and saying that she will not continue until ladies stop having loud conversations amongst themselves. There seemed to be a bit of an argument or something brewing up amongst the lady. It was really off-putting. Firstly, no focus or no concentration in Ardaas, NOW the same for Keertan. I looked at the ladies and one of the aunty jee's ended up saying "Manvir come here." So I walked across the Darbaar and one of the aunty jee's from the group of aunty jee's who were arguing about something said, "Has the Langar and Karhah Parshaad been Kirpaan Bhet?" I was thinking "Is that what you were arguing about while Keertan is happening?". I said "Yes, the Singh did it after the ardaas." Rab Da Shukar that the talking amongst the ladies quietened down, but not for long.

Generally I found my Gurdwara experience today a bit funny and amusing (not funny "ha ha", but funny "o deary me"). God help us all :)

Nice Keertan :)

I came across this keertan by Bibi Ashupreet Kaur jee and her sisters on www.EktaOne.com. Its really peaceful and soothing to listen to. Also I think it is done in accordance to the title Raag in the shabad. Its beautifully sung Keertan. The Keertan is from Jap108 Rainsbayee programme, which was held in Wolverhampton to commemorate the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of the Chhote Sahibzaadey (young princes of Guru Gobind Singh jee) who were bricked alive at the age of 5 and 7, and Shaheedi of their elderly grandmother Mata Gujri Kaur jee.

ਸਿਮਰਨ
Simran

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਛਾਡਹੁ ਭਰਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਹੋਇ ਨਾਚਹੁ ਇਆ ਮਾਇਆ ਕੇ ਡਾਂਡੇ ॥
man re, chhaaddhu bharam pragatt ho-e, naachahu i-aa maa-i-aa ke daa(n)dde.
Translation:- O people, O victims of this Maya (illusionary world), abandon your doubts and dance out in the open.
(Bhagat Kabeer Jee, Raag GauRee, Ang 338)
Read Full Shabad

ਗਗਨ ਦਮਾਮਾ ਬਾਜਿਓ ਪਰਿਓ ਨੀਸਾਨੈ ਘਾਉ ॥
gagan damaamaa baaji-o, pari-o neeshaanai ghaa-o.
Translation:- The battle-drum beats in the sky of the mind; aim is taken, and the wound is inflicted.
(Bhagat Kabeer Jee, Raag Maaroo, Ang 1105)
Read Full Shabad

ਬਿਨੁ ਭਾਗਾ ਸਤਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਲਭੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਸੰਗਤਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਭਰੀਜੈ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥
bin bhaagaa satsang na labhai, bin sangat mail bhareejai jee-o. 3
Translation:- Without good fortune, the Sat Sangat is not found; without this Sangat, people are stained with filth and pollution. 3
(Guru Raam Daas Jee, Raag Maajh, Ang 95)
Read Full Shabad

ਜਿਨਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਅਰਾਧਿਆ ਤਿਨ ਜਨ ਦੇਖਾ ਨੈਣੀ ॥
jinaa satgur meraa pi-aaraa araaDhi-aa, tin jan dekhaa nainee.
Translation:- May I behold with my eyes those who worship and adore my Beloved True Guru.
(Guru Amar Daas Jee, Raag Sorath, Ang 652)
Read Full Shabad

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਬੁਰੇ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਰਿ ਗੁਸਾ ਮਨਿ ਨ ਹਢਾਇ ॥
fareedaa bure daa bhalaa kar, gusaa man na hadhaa-e.
Fareed, answer evil with goodness; do not fill your mind with anger.
(Bhagat Fareed Jee, Ang 1381)
Read Full Shalok



Keertan by Bibi Ashupreet Kaur jee from the Akhand Kirtan Smagam held on Saturday 10th December 2005, held at Gurdwara Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Jee, Manchester:
Bibi Ashupreet Kaur jee - 55mins:33secs

Letter From India

Today I was pleased to see that I had a letter from India (Well usually I am pleased whenever I get a letter in the post, because I don't get that many! lol). The letter was addressed to "MANBIR SINGH." My brother had a field day and kept saying "MANBIR, MANBIR..." to me. Chalo, Rab Bhalla Kare. On the envelope it had the sender's address on it. The letter was from Talwandi Sabo, Sri Damdama Sahib, District Bathinda. I opened the envelope and found a nice Gurpurb card in it. The card was from Granthi Nirmal Singh jee who does sewa at Takht Damdama Sahib. He had kindly written a message in the card and also sent a photo of me and his two sons from when I visited and stayed at Sri Damdama Sahib for 2 weeks. Here's the photo (it was taken in August 2003 at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib):

   

Looking at the picture, my face looks a bit serious! And the same goes for the kids with me! lol. Generally, I noticed that in Panjab people become tense and put a serious face on when taking a photo (I am no exception!). Inside the card he wished my family and I a happy Gurpurb and said that his family send their regards. I was quite impressed, because usually people you meet on holiday don't bother to keep in touch (especially in PANJAB!). 

Bhai Sahib Nirmal Singh sent me a card and also a letter previously as well, in which he sent a photo of himself, his kids and I. He is such a nice person, and so is his family. I think this has inspired me to write about my travels, adventures and experiences from my trip to India and Panjab in 2003. It was an important visit, becuase it was during that period I was graced with the gift of taking Amrit and pledging my life to Guru Sahib. So watch this space for small episodes from journey to India in 2003 :)

Forever FATEH! Always VICTORY!

Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Jee on the 340th Prakaash Utsav (Birth Day commemoration):

'All my wishes have been fulfilled, I lack nothing. God's victory resounds through the world and all my woes have passed.'

(Soohi, M. 5 : Guru Granth Sahib jee)

Imagine how depressed you'd feel if you'd lost everything you loved:

if your father had been martyred while you were still a 9 year old child,

if your four beautiful sons all under the age of 20 had been sacrificed,

if your precious mother had left this world soon afterwards,

if your loyal devotees deserted you when you needed them most,

if you had no permanent home but were forced to live on the run from a fanatical enemy?


This was the nightmarish situation Guru Gobind Singh jee was in... but did he weep? Did he give up the fight? Did he give up his beliefs and convert to the enemy's way of life? Was he driven to drink, did he put down his sword and cut his hair so that he could have an easy life?

No, this was Guru Gobind Singh jee - the King of this world and the next. This was the master poet with the pen who wrote verses to inspire coming generations of Sikhs. This was the most powerful, muscular warrior, the master of all weapons. This was the beloved saint of Waheguru, sent into the world to protect the saints and the innocent, and to uproot the false holy men. No matter what the situation, His inner state could be described in the words of Guru Granth Sahib jee:
'All my wishes have been fulfilled, I lack nothing. God's victory resounds through the world and all my woes have passed.' (Suhi, M. 5 : Guru Granth Sahib jee)


So what did the King of Kings do when faced with such a crisis? He wrote ZafarNama - the letter of VICTORY! Guru jee seemed to have lost everything, yet wrote a letter of VICTORY! He sent it to the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb and told the Emperor of half the globe that although he was handsome, and a great soldier - he definitely wasn't a man of God as he liked to claim. He was a tyrant who murdered innocent children (refering to the cold-blooded martyrdom of the Master's younger sons).


When we went to Agra we visted the red fort - Aurangzeb's headquarters. It was amazing to see the luxury that he lived in. However, the best bit was when we saw his throne. It was in an open outdoor court overlooking the Taj Mahal in the distance. His throne would have sat upon a 15 foot square black stone slab slightly raised from the ground. I could imagine him sitting there cross-legged looking down at his people. However, there was a giant crack all the way through the great stone and I couldn't help thinking that it was Guru Gobind Singh's mighty golden arrow that had caused it!


For it was Guru Gobind Singh jee who when told of the murder of his younger sons, dug up a weed from the ground with his gold-tipped arrow and said the Moghul Empire has been uprooted!


Guru Gobind Singh jee always had an attitude of victory. Not his own victory so he could show off how great he was but Waheguru jee's victory. Guru Gobind Singh jee said 'all battles have been won by the Grace of Waheguru'.


The Hindu's say 'Jai Mata Dee' (victory of the Mata (Mother) - Mata is a supreme goddess who manifests herself as many other goddesses). Guru Gobind Singh jee doesn't salute Mata - Guru Gobind Singh jee salutes the One Supreme Waheguru who created Mata and everything else by saying:

WAHEGURU JEE KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JEE KI FATEH!

We always say Raj Karega Khalsa - The Khalsa will rule. One meaning of this is when you become Khalsa then by doing simran you will conquer your mind and body: This is the true victory! So do simran, claim victory for Waheguru jee in the kingdom of your mind and body. When there are millions of individuals like this then the Khalsa will truly have ruled worldwide.

Forever Fateh! Always Victory!

WAHEGURU JEE KA KHALSA, WAHEGURU JEE KI FATEH!

Article from:

http://www.bsingh.dsl.pipex.com/khalsa/gobind-p.htm#poem1

Happy Gurpurb!!

Today is the 340th Prakaash Diwas (Birth Day) of
Guru Gobind Singh jee

---Sariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee---

Ham eh kaaj jagat mo aae Dharam het Gurdev pathaae
I have been sent into this world by the Preceptor-Lord to propagate Dharma (righteousness).

Jahaa(n) tahaa(n) tum dharam bithaaro Dustt dokhooan pakar pachhaaro42
The Lord asked me to spread Dharma, and vanquish the tyrants and evil-minded persons. 42.
(Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bachitar Naatak)

Dharmik Geet (Religious Panjabi songs):
Tere Chan Varga - ਤੇਰੇ ਚਨ ਵਰਗਾ
Singer: Hans Raj Hans

Mitar Piyaare Nu - ਮਿਤ੍ ਪਿਅਾਰੇ ਨੂੰ
Singer: Hans Raj Hans

Baajaa Vale Pritam Nu - ਬਾਜਾ ਵਾਲੇ ਪੀ੍ਤਮ ਨੂੰ
Singer: Surjit Bhindrakhia


Shabad Keertan:
ਮਿਤ੍ ਪਿਅਾਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਹਾਲ ਮੁਰੀਦਾ ਦਾ ਕਿਹਣਾ ॥
mitr piaare nu, haal mureedaa da kehiNaa.
Please tell the dear friend - the Lord - the plight of his disciples.
Read Full Shabad
Bhai Jasbir Singh jee Poanta Sahib wale

ਹਮ ੲੇਹ ਕਾਜ ਜਗਤ ਮੋ ਅਾੲੇ ॥
ham eih kaaj jagat mo aae
I have come into this world for this purpose.
Read Full Shabad
Bhai Jasbir Singh jee Poanta Sahib wale

Whiskey & Paath!?!?!

Yesterday, my mum & dad and I went to Derby to see some relatives. We arrived at my Mama ji's (maternal uncle's) house and sat inside in the living room. My mama ji was at work and my cousin had to quickly nip out to the doctors. So my mami jee (maternal aunt), nanny jee (grand-mother), and my mum were chilling in the kitchen. My dad and I went to sit in the living room. They had some guests at their house. The aunty jee went to the kitchen to sit with the ladies. The uncle jee was sitting in the living room when we came in.

As I came and sat on the sofa, I noticed that the uncle jee had a glass infront of him. It looked like Whiskey. I thought "eh? Isn't it early to be drinking sharaab?" The time then was 1pm in the afternoon. The more shocking thing was that he had chosen to watch the Aastha TV channel on Sky. Guess what was on? REHRAAS SAHIB from HAZOOR SAHIB! Waheguru!

I couldn't believe it! The uncle jee looked like he was born and brought up in India, I thought at least he would have enough courteousy not to drink sharaab and watch or listen to Paath at the same time. I sat feeling queezy. First of all I though "O Dear! I hand shaked the uncle and he is drinking Whiskey." So when the Chaa Paani (tea and snacks) came in, I straightaway went to the bathroom and washed my hands befor eating.


I kept wondering "Is uncle jee going to change the channel?" I felt quite disturbed by seeing the whiskey glass on the table and Rehraas Sahib on the television in the same room. Sat Naam!


To be continued...


I was thinking to myself, "He Mannaa! O Mind! If that is whiskey in the glass, then how did he get it? My mama jee (uncle) was at work. My elder cousin was at the doctors. My younger cousin was at work. So, either my nanny jee poured the glassy (which I really really doubt!! lol), or my mami jee (aunt) poured the glassy (which again I very much doubt!!) or last possibility that my bhabi jee (my cousin's wife) poured the glassy (which again was unlikely!!). So I was wondering, "eh, that's strange. Firstly its 1 o'clock in the afternoon, so early to be drinking (unless someone's a heavy alcoholic or something and drinks beer or whiskey with their ahloo wala parotaa); Secondly, who poured the glassy?? Thirdly, how could the uncle have the nerve to drink a glassy and watch rehraas sahib at the same time, considering he said that its been a long time since he has been to the gurdwara so he thought he would watch paath on the tele." Chalo, Rab Jaane (God knows!).


My dad and the uncle jee were talking amongst themselves. I got up and grabbed the tv control from the table and changed the channel (Star Plus News. lol). I was thinking fair enough I have changed the channel, but isn't it a bit risky for the uncle to be drinking and then driving back home? The uncle was casually chatting to my dad and I was discretely looking at him and watching his glass (well i hope I was DISCRETE!!)

The uncle jee would pick his glass and slowly SIP the glass. So I thought ermm, it could have been apple juice, but who SIPS APPLE JUICE!!? (Well I don't, and I assume others don't either). So I thought, "Waheguroo! Whiseky it is!"


Later on my mama jee arrives back from work. He then offers to go the pub and have a pint (before anyone is thinking... he didn't ask me to go the pub and have a pint... he asked my dad and the uncle who was their guest from Leicester). My dad said he isn't going to be drinking, so he doesn't want to go to the pub. Then SHOCK HORROR, the uncle jee says "No thanks, I have promised not touch alcohol til 31st June 2006." I thought "Waheguroo! Either he has jus made that promise today sitting here while watching Rehraas Sahib on Aastha TV channel or either he wasn't drinking sharaab!!"

I realised that the uncle jee wasn't drinking SHARAAB it was APPLE JUICE. Afterwards I was telling my dad about this. He said he was thinking the same thing and we both laughed at how we had assumed he was drinking whiskey and watching paath on the television.

"Mum..." A Nice Short Poem

I came across a poem, which is moving but as well being hilarious. Here it is:


My little boy came into the kitchen this evening while I was fixing supper and he handed me a piece of paper he'd been writing on.
So, after wiping my hands on my apron. I read it, and this is what it said:

"For mowing the grass, £5
For making my own bed this week, £1
For going to the shop, £10
For playing with baby brother while you went shopping, £10
For taking out the rubbish, £1
For getting a good school report, £5
For raking the garden, £4"

I looked at him standing there expectantly, and a thousand memories flashed through my mind. So, I picked up the paper, and turning it over, this is what I wrote:

"For the nine months I carried you, growing inside me: No Charge.
For the nights I sat up with you, doctored you, & prayed for you: No Charge.
For the time and the tears, and the cost through the years: No Charge.
For the nights filled with dread, and the worries ahead: No Charge.For advice and knowledge, and the cost of your college: No Charge.
For the toys, food and clothes, and for wiping your nose: No Charge.

Son.
When you add it all up, the full cost of my love: No Charge."

Well, when he finished reading, he had great big tears in his eyes. He looked up at me and said, "Mum, I sure do love you." Then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote:

"PAID IN FULL"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I never got pocket money when I was younger. But I sure knew kids in my class who got paid for doing all sorts from washing their dishes to helping their mum do the hoover! (By the way I am talking about when I was in primary school!) Hearing this I would think "Eh? Getting paid to do the hoover? Wash the dishes? Taking the clothes off the line? You need to visit a Panjabi house!"

Imagine asking your mum or dad £5 for taking the clothes of the washing line. I can just see the answer being "Thappar Khaana je Karchee Khaanee? (ਥਪਰ ਖਾਣਾਂ, ਜੇ ਕੜਚੀ ਖਾਣੀ?)." In English meaning, "You want a slap or a wallop with a Karchee (spoon)?"

"De Le GeRaa... ਦੇ ਲੈ ਗੇੜਾ..."

Last Monday, on Boxing Day, my family and I went to London to meet my brother's in-laws (as he will be getting married) to give "sagan" (a token) to show that we accept the girl and will stop the marital search. Similarly, the Saturday before, the girl's family came to our house and gave "sagan".

They are a nice family. While we were there they played a DVD of the song "De Le GeRaa" by Balvir Boparai. Waheguru! The song was played like three or four times! Everyone apart from me, my bhua and one or two other people got up and started to dance to the song. It seemed the song was a favourite for everyone and so everytime the song finished, it was replayed. I must admit the song did have a catchy tune. lol.


I didn't think much at the time. The next day I got up at Amrit-vela (early morning before sunrise) and combed my hair, and made my way to the bathroom to wash my hair and have a shower. Guess what happens? Is "Vaahe-Guroo, Vaahe-Guroo, Vaahe-Guroo..." going through my head? Is there a shabad going through my head? Or am I contemplating on Mool Mantr? No! "ਦੇ ਲੈ ਗੇੜਾ... ਦੇ ਲੈ ਗੇੜਾ... DE LE GERAA... DE LE GERAA..." is thumping out of my head. Sat Naam. (If you don't know what I am talking about, you can hear the song here: Nanane Goriye)

It was really disturbing! Autmatically the song, which I heard the evening before was going through my head at AMRIT-VELA. Thank God that while having a cold shower my mind was focused on Naam and I was loudly saying "VAAHE-GUROO, VAAHE-GUROO..."

Even throughout the day the song seemed to pop up in my head. It just shows the POWER OF LISTENING. It made me think why Guru jee places so much emphasis on "listening". In Japjee Sahib, pauree (stanza) 8 to 11 is all about "Listening" and the blessings one can recieve if he or she listens to Naam.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਸਿਧ ਪੀਰ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਾਥ ॥
suNi-ai siDh peer sur naath.
Listening - one obtains the status of the Siddhas, the spiritual teachers, the heroic warriors, the yogic masters.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਧਰਤਿ ਧਵਲ ਆਕਾਸ ॥
suNi-ai Dharat Dhaval aakaash.
Listening - one understand that the earth and skies are supported by Waheguru.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੀਪ ਲੋਅ ਪਾਤਾਲ ॥
suNi-ai deep lo-a paataal.
Listening - one realises that Waheguru prevades in the oceans, the lands of the world and the nether regions of the underworld.

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਪੋਹਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕਾਲੁ ॥
suNi-ai pohi na sakai kaal.
Listening- the fear of death cannot even touch you.

ਨਾਨਕ ਭਗਤਾ ਸਦਾ ਵਿਗਾਸੁ ॥
naanak bhagtaa sadaa vigaas.
O Nanak, the devotees (whose consciousness is joined to Naam) are forever in bliss,

ਸੁਣਿਐ ਦੂਖ ਪਾਪ ਕਾ ਨਾਸੁ ॥੮॥
suNi-ai dookh paap kaa naas. 8.
(Because) listening (to the Lord's Glorious Praises) one's pains and sins are erased. 8.

In a nutshell the Pauree tells us that by listening and attuning oneself to Waheguru's Praises and Naam, a "normal" person can obtain a high spiritual state. Through listening and attuning oneself to Waheguru one experiences that Waheguru is prevading in all the realms and galaxies, and is the support of the the land and sky. Through listening and attuning onself to Waheguru who is prevading everywhere one no longer has fear of death. These are the blessing of "Listening."

Gurbaani says:

ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਸਤਿ ਜਸੁ ਸੁਨਤਾ ॥
surat sat, sat jas suntaa.
Those ears are True, and True are those who listen to Waheguru's Praises.

Why are our ears and listening so important? Note that a child which cannot hear, whose hearing is impaired or who is not able to listen, that child cannot speak. A child who cannot hear cannot speak. This a medical fact. A child may be born with a perfect mouth and tognue, yet if he or she cannot hear then they cannot speak.

A child, which has never heard someone speaking German, that child will not be able to speak German.
A child, which is raised hearing his mother, father or friends swearing and speaking foul language, that child also picks up to speak foul language and swear.
A child, which hears Naam and the Praises of Waheguru, that child is able to speak and sing the Praises of Waheguru.

The ears are connected to the brain (mind) and mouth. For this reason Guru Nanak Sahib jee in Japjee Sahib first emphasises "SunNaa," (listening) then Guru Sahib talks about "ManNaa," (obeying and following).

For this reason hearing Baani, listening to Kirtan and opening our ears to the truth is a fundamental part of Sikhi.


I was reflecting on the affect of the song "De Le GeRaa..." had on me. How blissful must the Beloved Gurmukhs who only listen to Gurbaani and Naam be? How peaceful and contentful must the Beloved Gurmukhs be, in whose mind only Gurbaani and Naam vibrates? How happy and radiant must the Beloved Gurmukhs be whose minds dance to the Praises of Waheguru through only listening to the Truth.

ਜੇਨ ਕੇਨ ਪਰਕਾਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ॥
jen ken parkaare har har jas sunhu sravan.
By every means possible, listen to the Praises of the Lord with your ears.

ਸੁਨਿ ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ਬਾਨੀ ਪੁਰਖ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਮਨਿ ਨਿਧਾਨਾ ਪਾਵਹੇ ॥
sun sravan baanee purakh giaanee man niDhaanaa paavehe.
Listen with your ears to the Word of the Lord's Bani, the hymns of spiritual wisdom; thus you shall obtain the treasure in your mind.

Once my mum and I went to a Rainsbayee Kirtan. My mum told me that where she was sitting there was a 9-12 month year old boy. He got up and staggered towards my mum and sat in her laps. Every time the baby heard "Waheguru" the toddler would start smiling and moving his body and say "Waa-he-Gu-Roo". My mum was astonished at how the child was so radiant and with a smile on his face he was saying "Waahe-Guru... Waahe-Guroo..."

After a while the child's mother came over to my mum. My mum told the mother's child that this child is blessed and that everytime he hears "Waheguru" he starts to ecstatically move his arms, legs and head and repeating "Waheguru" as well. The mother was an Amritdhari SinghNee. She said that while she was pregnant she would play loud Simran on the tape player as well as do loud Naam Abhiyaas and Simran so that the child could hear and enjoy as well. When my mum told me this I was pleasantly shocked and thought how blessed that child must be to have a mother who gave the baby in the womb a chance to listen to Gurbaani, Keertan and Simran.

ਨੈਨੀ ਦੇਖਿ ਦਰਸੁ ਮਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤੈ ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੁ ਸੁਣਈਆ ॥
nainee dekh daras man triptai, sravan baaNee gur shabad suNa-ee-aa.
Gazing upon the Blessed Vision of His Darshan with my eyes, my mind is satisfied; with my ears, I listen to the Guru's Bani, and the Word of His Shabad.

ਸੁਨਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਆਤਮ ਦੇਵ ਹੈ ਭੀਨੇ ਰਸਿ ਰਸਿ ਰਾਮ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਰਵਈਆ ॥੬॥
sun sun aatam dev hai, bheene ras ras raam gopaal rav-ee-aa. 6.
Listening, listening, my soul is softened, delighted by His subtle essence, chanting the Name of the Lord of the Universe. 6.

To end with on Wednesday night I got ready to go to bed. I recited Sohilaa Sahib (bed-time prayer) and did small Ardaas. Then I went to bed. As I laid in bed a shabad kept going through mind. Shabad Kirtan is addictive and intoxicating. The shabad kept vibrating in my mind. I ended up getting up and going downstairs to get my vaaja out and play that shabad. Even in the morning, the next day, I woke up at Amrit-vela with the shabad vibrated my mind and came off my lips. The shabad was:

ਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲਾਰੇ ॥
raaj na chaaho, mukat na chaaho, man preet charan kamlaare.
I do not seek power, and I do not seek liberation. My mind is in love with Your Lotus Feet.
(Ang 534, SGGS)

Read Full Shabad

You can download and listen to this shabad below:
Raaj Na Chaaho, Mukat Na Chaao
Sung by: Bhai Satwinder Singh & Bhai Harvinder Singh


I can definately say it is way better to wake up hearing Gurbaani and Simran in your mind rather than Bhangra or any other songs. :)

"Oih Bin Laden!!"...

Last Thursday I went to town with my brother. He was going to the gym, so he dropped me off in town. He gave me his suite to get dry cleaned. So I looked around town looking for a dry-cleaners shop, because the main one has shut down. Chalo, eventually I found one. I browsed through the shops and took a gentle stroll through the shopping centre.

My brother told me to meet him at 3 o'clock outside the gym but I thought usually he takes longer than he says so I decided to walk to my cousins house nearby. Kill two birds with one stone - have a cup of tea and also have gap shap with my cousin.

I was walking down the High Street. Generally the people where I live, have got used to me wearing a pagh (turban) and so don't find me too strange and so I don't get stares (well not very many!). When I initially kept my Kesh and starting tyng a pagh in December 2000 then people did look and stare. I suppose its expected because its something new and there are not many Sikhs where I live.

As I was saying, I was walking down the High Street and I notice three youths walking down. Two boys (a bit scruffing looking I must say), and a girl. They looked about 14 or 15 years old. I could see them looking at me while I was walking, however I could also sense some negativity. The three people were sniggering and laughing amongst themselves and then all three were staring at me. Chalo, Rab Bhalla Kare and bless them with samat (wisdom). I carried on walking. As I walked pass, from behind the girl shouted "OIH BIN LADEN."

Sat Naam. I was bit overwhelmed because its been a while since people said silly things to me like that. Udhaa its nothing new, but its been a long time in my town, since I have experienced something like this. I looked back and saw them laughing but I thought chalo rab rakha thats a part of life.

In November there was a meeting at Scotland Yard held by Mr. Gafoor with members of the Sikh community. I had a chance to go the meeting. A point was raised about racist comments and what one should do, and is there much that really can be done. One Met police representative said that all race crimes and racist incidents, however small or insignificant should be reported to the police so that they can monitor things. It was stressed that reporting small racist comments said in the street is not wasting police time and that you can easily and conveniently report it to the police on their website www.police.uk.

For this reason I thought to myself when I get time in the evening I will report this incident to police on the website to help their statistics etc. I forgot to do it in the evening so I did it the next day in the evening (well it was quite late - 9.30pm). Then the next day I got a call from Thames Valley police at 11 o'clock in the morning. I was pleasantly suprised because (1) it was Christmas eve, (2) it was not a serious crime, (3) didn't know that police would take any steps because you can't really do much about people making silly comments in the street.

After ringing, a police officer came to our house.


To be continued...


The policeman arrived at our house around 1pm or so. He was a very friendly chap. He sat down and noted down the details of the incident, description of the offender and asked me whether I feel okay. I said to him that there's no big deal and that after Sept 11 its nothing new that a Singh recieves a racist comment. However, I told him I was kind of taken back because I have not recieved any "overt" racist comments since I was at school and college.

The police officer seemed shocked by how I felt and how I felt this incident was insignificant. He said, "I have big ears as you can see (Note: he pointed to ears at this point). If someone called me big ears while walking down the street, I would feel upset. Yes if a friend said something then that is different. However, if someone walking down the street insults me then this is unacceptable." It was kind of a bizzare example, but chalo, bechaara tried to give the nearest example he could find.

The police officer said "No! It is unacceptable. You should not find it normal that someone insults you." I was impressed by the police officer's attitude. He then said, "I don't know why someone would want to insult a Sikh? Sikhs are the most respectable, loving and peaceful people in the whole world." I was pleasantly taken back by his comment.

My dad also told him about another incident which happened with my in our town centre. Last April I was walking in the shopping centre and my Kirpaan was popping out of my jacket. I was window shopping and just browsing. I went inside M&S and looked at jumpers, shoes etc. I noticed that a Gora security guard looking at me. I didn't take much notice. I continued to walk to the other shops. I could sense someone following me. I looked back and couldn't see anyone. There was a security guard standing, but he was staring the opposite way. Chalo! I went to Burtons. The shop was empty with no other customers. Suddenly the shop phone rings and the shop-assistant picks it up. While she was on the phone she began to stare at me as I looked at the clothes in the shop. I sensed that something is not quite right.


As I walked past the shops I looked back again and I saw the SAME security guard from earlier standing behind. But he was suspicously pretending to look the other way. I felt as if I am being followed and traced. I was near Ottoka's Bookstore, when I looked back and saw three security guards rushing towards me. Sat Naam, Waaheguroo!

They pulled me to the side infront of the public and said, "We suspect that you are carrying an offensive weapon. You are carrying a knife. Is this true?" "No. I am not carrying a knife. I am WEARING a KIRPAN, an ARTICLE OF FAITH." I opened my coat jacket and showed them my 9" Kirpaan. One of them started speaking on his walky talky saying "The suspect is wearing a large blade..." Waheguru! I explained "Why am I being stopped? I am not wearing anything illegal. The Kirpan is an article of faith, which is part of the Sikh Saint-Warrior uniform. It is not an offensive weapon! I have been to parliament, a high securit place, 5 or 6 times wearing my big Kirpaan and I have never faced any problem. So why is there a problem in the shopping centre?" The man then spoke to someone on the walky talky and all three of them ended up saying "We are sorry for stopping you, please excuse us. We were unaware about your article of faith." I said "Are you given training about these issues?" They replied "No".

So when I got home I wrote a letter to the shopping centre. They replied back with an apology and said that they are sorry that they don't train their security guards about the articles of faith. After the incident the security guards were informed about the Kirpaan. Though there was a positve outcome, it was VERY STRANGE to be followed around the shopping centre as if it was a secret operation monitoring me or something.


The police officer was shocked at hearing about this incident. He said, "Thats awful. All security should be informed about the Sikhs. All police officers are educated about Sikhs and the 5Ks. Even if I saw Sikh wearing a Kirpan in town and it visible, there should be no problem. He or she is not doing anything wrong, other than practice their religion. The only time I would be concerned by a Kirpaan is if a Sikh got it out of it's sheath and started wielding it around town. I would only confiscate the Kirpan off someone if someone used it against me and ONLY when they put it against my neck. Other than that it is outrageous and disrespectful to ask a Sikh to remove his or her Kirpan or be offended be seeing a Sikh wear it." I was overwhelmed by the police officer's positve comments about the Kirpan and Sikhs. I did not expect this.

So the police officer left our house (after eating some Barfi, which he found extremely tasty and drank a cup of chaa). He took down the details of the girl who had shouted the abuse and said he would the CCTV cameras. If he found her he would let me know. Udhaa, it didn't seem a big deal to me because it was a small silly comment, but the police was adament to clamp down on any racism however small or big. :)

Young Brave Souls - The Chhote Sahibzaadey

Today is the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of the Chhote Sahibzaadey (the young two princes of Guru Gobind Singh jee), aged 5 and 7, and also the shaheedi diwas of Mata Gujri Kaur jee, Guru Gobind Singh jee's elderly mother. Today let's remember these great souls and reflect on where they got strength, faith and conviction from and pray to Waheguru that may He do Kirpaa on us (Grace us) with the gift of taking Amrit, keepin Rehat (Sikh discipline), and being imbued with the colour of Naam. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare.



Having left the Fort of Anandpur Sahib and getting separated from Guru Sahib, the family and the rest of the Sikhs, Mata Gujri jee (whose name after taking Amrit was Mata Gujri Kaur jee) and the two young Sahibzadey (sons of Guru Gobind Singh jee) walked through the forest alone. They met Gangu, a Brahman who served as a chef in the Guru’s Kitchen.


Gangu promised to look after Mata Gujri jee, Guru jee’s mother, and the young princes aged 5, and 7. “Let me take you to my village”, said Gangu. “You will be safe there.” Having trust for Gangu, Mata jee agreed that she and the Sahibzadey would go to Gangu’s village. Arriving in the village, Gangu took them home and gave them beds to sleep on.

At night time when everyone had gone to sleep, Gangu sneaked into the room where Mata Gujri jee and the Sahibzadey were sleeping. He searched through Mata jee’s bag of gold coins and stole her money. In the morning Mata Gujri jee asked Gangu, ‘O Gangu, where have the gold coins gone?’ Mata jee knew in heart that Gangu had stolen the money. Angered by Mata jee’s discovery of him stealing her money and lured by the greed of a reward, Gangu hurried outside of his house and shouted that he had captured the Guru’s children and mother in his home.


Read Full Article

Trip to Southall - Meeting a Muslim Man (FINAL Part)

So, I eventually got on this bus. I had to stand up because there was no space to sit down. After a while there were some seats free at the end of the bus. Chalo, I sat down. A few stops later I noticed some old people and a few aunty jis coming on board, so I thought I might as well stand up and offer seat to the aunties and elderly people.

While I was standing up I noticed an old Singh staring at me. He was sitting at the back of the bus. He had a trimmed white beard (it wasn't neatly cut, so I assumed he was from Panjab) and also his pagh (turban) looked a bit pinddoo style (not that there's anything wrong with pinddoo style paghs. lol). A few stops later he stands up and stands next to me near the door of ths bus.

I looked at him smiled (I usually say "Fateh" to every Singh or Panjabi-looking person I see, but usually I don't get a response back so I just smile and if there's a response then I say "Fateh"). The elderly Singh said to me, "Bhai Sahib, have you recently arrived from Panjab?" I said, "I was born here." However, either he was hard of hearing or he just assumed I was a freshie pretending to be born in this country.

I said two or three times that I was born and brought up in this country, but I don't think he was convinced by looking at my Kurta Pyjama and the hazooria around my neck. Chalo! The elderly man said, "Bhai Sahib, you must be from India. I knew it when I saw you outside, trying to get on the bus... You are probably used to buses in Panjab, but son, in this country there is a different system. British buses are different."

I was thinking Rab Bhalla Kare!! Considering I had to try to explain to the Baba jee that I am from Britain but he didn't believe me, so I thought might as well keep quiet and go along with what's happening. He continued to say, "You tried to get on the bus, but I don't think you knew that in this country you can only get on the bus at a bus stop. Under no circumstance will the bus driver stop and let passengers get on other than at the bus stop." O my God! It was so funny! I just said "han jee... han jee... jaroor... okay... hanji" lol.

Then Baba jee started saying to me, "Where are you going?" I said "Southall. I am going to Park Avenue Gurdwara Sahib." He said, I was thinking I have been there a hundred times!! However baba jee was very friendly and so said,"Do you need help getting there... Don't worry son I will tell you when to get off the bus." He started explaining how to get to the Gurdwara. I didn't have the heart to tell Baba jee that I knew how to get to the Gurdwara because I come to Southall nearly every week. Chalo I listened and said "thanks" to him (obviously not in English but in Panjabi!).

So I got off and walked to the Gurdwara from Broadway. An interesting journey I must say!

Trip to Southall - Meeting a Muslim Man (Part 2)

Waheguru! The train arrives at Ealing Broadway. The Muslim man and I got off the train. We walked up the stairs to the main part of the train station. The Muslim man said, “Go ask the train person when the next train to Southall is.” So I went and asked one of the transport officers. He said that the next train would arrive in 11 minutes, however, due to train works it may be delayed.

The Muslim chap then said, “Lets take a bus.” I was thinking, “O mind! What are you doing? Where are you going? How has this man become your companion to Southall?” It was a really strange experience.

So this elderly Muslim man wearing a white salwaar kameez and topi (hat) on his head and I walked outside of Ealing train station. Guess what? WE COULDN’T FIND A BUS to Southall. Sat Naam! So we crossed the road and tried to quickly get to the next bus stop. I gently jogged and told the man to hurry up. Poor bloke! He was huffing, puffing and panting. Bechaara! We got to the main bus stop and guess what? NO BUSES to Southall. Waheguru!

The old man and I walked up to Ealing High Street (well I think it was the High Street because there were lots of shops and people). We eventually got there. A little frustrating because the man was struggling to keep up, but I felt compelled to wait for him and accompany him to Southall.

Eventually we spotted the 207 bus going to Southall. Rab Da Shukar. Just before I got to the bus, I looked back and saw that the old man stopped at a market stall and started talking to the people working there. I think he was either related to them or knew them. So I said bye to the bloke there. But I was slightly disappointed that the bloke didn’t say bye or anything. Chalo, Rab Bhalla Kare.

I quickly ran to get the bus. The driver was a Indian looking man, he looked either Gujrati or Bengali. Anyway, just as I got to the bus, the bus driver drove off. I ran after the bus and knocked on the door but the driver ignored me. I was a bit shocked considering he was Indian as well! Even in Central London bus drivers stop if they see a passenger running to get on. However, this driver was weird.

I thought “Chalo this man isn’t going to stop, so I should run to the next stop.” So I ran to the next stop. Guess what? HE DROVE PAST. I was a bit annoyed! The traffic lights had turned red so I thought I would knock on the bus door and the man should open up. I knocked a few times but he nodded his head and didn’t stop. Rab Da Shukar, he stopped and let me on at the next stop. Before the Muslim man was panting and out of breath, now it was my turn!

To be continued…

Trip to Southall - Meeting a Muslim Man (Part 1)

Last year at university, I went to Southall. I had to take a tube train from Waterloo to Paddington, then take an over ground train to Southall. I got to Paddington and looked at the screen board to see what time the train leaves. I couldn’t see “Southall” on the screen for some reason. So I thought perhaps there are some train works or something. So I decided to take a train to Ealing Broadway. I got to platform 13, and then the man announced on the speaker phone “the platform has changed.” Waheguru! So I quickly tried to get to platform 11.

As I was quickly walking up the platform I bumped into an old Muslim gentleman. He was wearing salwaar kameez, topi (hat) on his head, short white beard and a bit overweight. He asked me (in Urdu) “I want to go to Southall, where should I go?” I said I am going to Southall as well but there are no direct trains going, so I am going to get on the Ealing Broadway train. The bloke wanted me to wait for him and accompany him. But he was REALLY SLOW, firstly because he was old, and secondly because he was overweight. Chalo Rab Rakha.

So I slowly walked with him (even though I didn’t know him or know why I am waiting for him). By the time we got to platform 11 we had missed the train! Waheguru! The Muslim man looked at me and said, “Lets ask the information desk.” Why? We need to get to Ealing Broadway, I don’t need to see the Information desk. Sat Naam. The bloke kept saying to me “lets go to the Information Desk.” Then he started saying “Lets go to Heathrow Airport and take train from there to Southall.” Why do I want to go Heathrow Airport? Waheguru! I said “no its okay, I am going to wait for Ealing Broadway train.” He kept going on. It got a bit frustrating!

Rab Da Shukar! The Ealing Broadway train arrives. This time I made sure that I don’t miss it. I told the Muslim man “We need to hurry and make sure we don’t miss the train.” Poor bloke! He hurried along and hopped on to the train. We got to the train and poor bloke was panting and out of breath. He then said, “Sardar Ji, I have to do something, you please go on in the train.” I looked outside the window and saw him smoking a cigarette. I thought “O dear, no wonder why you are out of breath!” but also I thought it was courteous and respectful of him that he didn’t want to smoke in front of me. He then came on to the train and sat next to me.

In front of us sat a young Gora kid about 6 or 7 years old with his mum and dad. I smiled at them (trying to make an effort to be friendly) and continued to talk to the old Muslim man. He was telling me that he is going to a wedding in Southall and that he wants to make sure that he isn’t late. Then he asked me whether I am from India because he said my Panjabi was good. Plus I was wearing my white Kurta Pyjama. So we continued yapping (talking) away. I didn’t know this bloke but for some reason we stuck together! Strange but true!

Halfway to Ealing Broadway I notice that the kid staring at me and at the Muslim man. I thought perhaps he is finding my dastaar (turban) and the Muslim man’s topi a little strange or something. He then whispered something to his mum and his mum told him to be quiet. However, they continued to look at me and the Muslim man sitting infront of them. So I thought I might as well ask what the child wants to know. The mother replied, “Go on then, you can politely ask the man yourself.” The child felt shy so the mother said, “He wanted to know whether you two were speaking GERMAN.” Waheguru! It was so funny. I had to control my laughter!!

I told him that I am speaking Panjabi and that the other man is speaking Urdu. The whole family were amazed and said, “Wow, how wonderful! You are having a conversation in two different languages!” I smiled and the Muslim man was chuffed (happy) with the cute kid’s comment.

To be continued…