Photos from Monday Simran

Photos from the weekly Simran that takes place every Monday evening, 6.30pm till 7.30pm, at Leamington & Warwick Gurdwara Sahib, have been posted. Children and youngsters are encouraged to do seva and help one another to learn and do Simran on vaaja, Ardaas, Sukhaasan seva and with Guru Sahib's kirpaa Hukamnama seva.

This week it was Bhenji Gurpreet Kaur's 19th birthday. Bhenji's family made some lovely chocolate and chocolate chip cakes, as well as ahloo tikkian. It's always a pleasure to have darshan of the children of Leamington Spa because they have so much shardaa and enthusiasm. With Waheguru's kirpaa, a 7 year old veer ji came up and said that now his morning Nitnem is Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Svaiye and Chaupai Sahib. His 10 year old cousin's morning Nitnem is now Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Svaiye, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib. Waheguru.

10 year old Vikram Singh doing Simran.


Bhai Pardip Singh doing Chaur Sahib seva.


5 year old Jeevan Singh doing Simran (Waheguru. So cute! Most children his age are too shy to talk but this Singh is great. His mum ties a Dastaar on his head and always happy to do Simran).


10 year old Amritpal Singh on Vaaja and 10 year old Dalraj Singh on Tablaa. Both are amazing! Dalraj Singh is the Tabla maestro! Vaheguru!


9 year old Manbir Singh.


7 year old Beant Singh (Manbir Singh's brother. These Singhs are Chardi Kalaa. Lots of energy and I am sure will become great soldiers for the Khalsa!)


Amritpal Singh doing Chaur Sahib seva.


Don't know the name or age of this boy. He has a lot of devotion and pyaar for Sikhee. His grandparents with Guru's Kirpaa have encouraged him to come into Sikhi. Guru kirpaa kare, he will soon keep his Kesh.


Bhenji Gurpreet Kaur. It was Bhenji's birtdhay yesterday! May Guru Sahib bless them with Gursikhi Jeevan, blessings of Naam and everlasting love for Waheguru.


10 year old Amritpal Singh taking Hukamnama at the end of the Diwaan. His grandmother sat with him for support. Great to see young children making progress and building to become Parchaariks of the future.


Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

Bhai Manpreet Singh Keertan Video

Bhai Manpreet Singh at Kanpur Keertan Smaagam 2007

Inspirational Poem

I came across this inspirational poem.

Title: Blessed
Author: Unknown

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch. But as she passed, she had a smile.
Hey Waheguruji, forgive me when I whine. I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it’d do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, “I thank you, you’ve been so kind.
It’s nice to talk with folks like you. You see,” he said, “I’m blind.”
Hey Waheguruji, forgive me when I whine. I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play. He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said, “Why don’t you join the others, dear?”
He looked ahead without a word. And then I knew, he couldn’t hear.
Hey Waheguruji, forgive me when I whine. I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I’d go.
With eyes to see the sunset’s glow.
With ears to hear what I’d know.
Hey Waheguruji, forgive me when I whine.
I’ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine

Dodgy Baba - Home Delivery

A few weeks ago I was shocked to discover a letter addressed to my mum and I. (The shocking part is yet to come, don't think that the shocking thing is that I received a letter from someone. hehe). On this letter, it had "URGENT" in red stamped on it. On the back of the envelope, it had an address from India on it.

I opened the letter to find several items.;(1) an A4 leaflet, (2) a self-address envelope, and (3) two small pieces of paper - one in Panjabi and one in English. All this information had been sent from India from "Moallim Syed Azazur Rahman Burraqui" (a bit of a tongue twister!). His nickname is "Gharib Nawaz".

A black and white leaflet in Gujrati, Panjabi and English which gives details of this Sufi Baba and then says:

"If you are worldly unhappy like loss of business, not getting success in Education, any suit is going going, not marriage of children... [an endless list! He probably watches the Trisha show or Jerry Springer on Sky or something] ....I assure you will return back with success and fulfilment of your all hearty desires [I think Trisha and Jerry Springer have some competition!]..."

Then there are few phone numbers to call if you have problems. I assume you 1) pay for an international call, and 2) you have to pay extra for calling a premium number. At the end you will all be glad to know that he has said the following:

"...In case you are unable to attend personally you can mark your presence by sending any amount from your hard earned income inshape of British Postal Order, Personal Cheque, Bank Draft, and Money Order through REGISTERED POST (Recorded Delivery) to my name."

Aaah that's nice of Baba jee to be so generous and offer us ways of giving him money from our "hard-earned money" while Baba jee sits and enjoys Jaleebis and Laddoos sitting in a chair all day (paid with the compliments of gullible people who send this clown money!).


He doesn't stop there! Obviously desperate to get some pounds (every pound equal eighty rupees - so that means money, money, money!) he has repeated his requests to sort out any marital, education, work and family problems. Does he have a magic wand or something? Wonder if he can do my degree for me?

I was taken aback at the fact that this Baba in India had first got my full name and address, secondly, he has stamped my town name with a black stamp (so I assume others in the town have received similar letters), and lastly, he has gone through the effort of printing so many leaflets and a self-addressed envelope and sent them abroad. It's worrying how this man got my personal details!

Self-addressed envelope (Looks very professional! He must have spent some money printing them!).

This man has obviously gone through all this effort to MAKE MONEY! Therefore, he is desperate! If he is going through this much effort to find "customers" then why does he not sort out his own money problems and desires! Rab Raakhaa!

Good News for French Sikhs!

With Waheguru's Kirpaa I am happy to share the good news that the French authorities have approved the Paris Sikh school building (a private school) in all the required tests. The school building had failed a few times before. Today the authorities inspected the building and checked that it met all the criteria. This evening I got a text message from Veer Dharamveer Singh from France saying that the building had passed. This means that in September 2008 classes can start at the new Sikh School in Paris and both girls and boys can attend the school dressed in full baanaa (Sikh attire).

Well done to Uncle Gurdial Singh, his family and the Paris Sangat.

Bole So Nihaal! Sat Sree Akaal!

Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Jee

Today it is the Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom day) of the Fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev jee. Guru Sahib not only sowed the seeds of martyrdom and demonstrated fearlessness acquired in the love of God, but also illustrated acceptance of God's Will (Hukam) that is the foundation of Sikhi. Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji and thousands of salutations to the countless martyrs in Sikh history.

Below is a video of Bhai Joginder Singh talking about the the martyrdom of the Guru Arjan Dev jee relating to spirituality:

Portuguese Pope's account of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev jee:

Related Audios:
> Shahaadat Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Kathaa) - Bhai Pinderpal Singh
---Part 01
---Part 02

Related posts:
> Master of Martyrs - Shaheedaa De Sirtaaj
> Small Accident with Frying Pan

School Visit - Sikh Awareness Day

Today Veer Ravjeet Singh was invited to a primary school in London to share knowledge of Sikhi with the students and staff. The day started off with the morning assembly in which Ravjeet Singh gave a 15 minute introduction to who Sikhs are, where they come from, and why they look different (using visuals from a powerpoint).


Children displaying the 5 Ks.

The caretaker for the school also heard the talk in the assembly. He was very interested by Sikhi. Afterwards he approached Veer Ravjeet Singh and requested him to tie a Dastaar on his head. Only having material for small dastaars (keskis) he tied a small dastaar on his head. The caretaker was really impressed and happy at the fact he had a dastaar on his head. However, he said, "You are wearing two turbans. A small one, which is covered with a big one. Can you please tie the big turban on my head as well." Waheguru. Ravjeet Singh didn't have any large dastaar material but used the small dastaar material to tie a second dastaar over the keski. Waheguru. The caretaker was very happy. Amazing to see such enthusiasm and pyaar for Sikhi Saroop from non-Sikhs.

Caretaker with Chhottee Dastaar (keski)


Caretaker with double dastaar. (Not the greatest looking dastaar, but even so he enjoyed the experience and liked the feeling of having a dastaar on his head). Waheguru.

During the day, Ravjeet Singh rotated between three classes and spent an hour with each class. He started off with re-capping the information given in the assembly, e.g. where Sikhs come from, what are the 5 Ks etc. Afterwards he talked about the basic Sikh principles, lifestyle, main festivals and about Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The children afterwards asked questions. One boy pointed to the photo of Harmandir Sahib (on the screen) and asked, "Why is the Golden Temple called Golden Temple?"

At the end of the class sessions Veer jee distributed Karhaah (not parshaad) to show to the children what Karhaah Parshaad would taste like in the Gurdwara. All the children enjoyed the Karhaah. Some children didn't eat the Karhaah because they were Muslims or Christians and felt uncomfortable eating it. However, seeing the rest of children ask for seconds, thirds and more helpings, they decided to eat some and enjoyed it.


Karhaah.

Children were also given the opportunity to have a chhottee Dastaar tied on them. The Dastaar demonstrations were very popular with the children.


Student having a chhottee dastaar tied on her.

I hope that in sharing this information and photographs others will get some ideas of how they can promote awareness of Sikhi in their local schools and colleges. You don't have to make it really complicated. Today's Sikh Awareness Day at this school shows that a simple talk, answering children's questions, sharing some food and tying Dastaars on children (in a fun and interactive way) can help to share understanding of who Sikhs and clear ignorance, prejudices and misconceptions. If anyone would like a copy of the short Powerpoint Presentation on "Introduction to the Sikhs" then please send me an email and I can send that to you (email address is: manvir.khalsa@gmail.com). The better option would be if someone could upload it to a website so that the general sangat can download it whenever they like.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

Summer Camps not to be missed!

Exams have finished for most people and summer holidays are nearly here. There is so much to do in the holidays. We are so blessed that we have opportunity to spend time in Saadh Sangat and be inspired by the power of Sikhi. The only two camps which I personally recommend to everyone over 16 years old to attend this summer are Boss Sikhi Camp and Khalsa Camp. These two camps are great places to learn about Sikhi in a friendly environment, share pyaar for Guru jee and enjoy the bliss of Saadh Sangat.

If you haven't already applied, then best to get in your applications early.

Boss Sikhi Camp 2008
- Sunday the 10th August to Saturday 16th August
More info @ www.SikhiCamp.com

Khalsa Camp 2008
- Friday 29th August to Wednesday 3rd September
More info @ www.KhalsaCamp.com

ਸਰਨਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਸਰਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਵਉ ਦੀਜੈ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਕਿਰਪਾਨਦ ॥
saran saran saran prabh paavo, deejai saaDhsangat kirpaanad.
O God, I seek Your Sanctuary, Your Sanctuary, Your Sanctuary; please mercifully bless me with the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.
(Ang 1204)

6th June 1984

Today is 6th June and on this day we remember the genocide that happened in 1984 and pay tribute to Shaheed Baba Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranwale and the great martyrs of the Panth. Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam.

I came across a lecture delivered by Bhai Harinder Singh (Sikh Research Institute) on the facts about the 1984 Genocide on the Internet. The talk is around 1 hour and has been uploaded on to the Internet in small parts (7 in total):


Part 1 of 7

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7


For first time ever, Maryada (code of conduct) was not carried out at Sri Darbar Sahib (the Golden Temple) on 7th June, 1984 due to presence of the army and the murder of countless Raagi Singhs and Granthi Singhs. On 8th June 1984, prakaash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee was done and in the evening time only Rehraas Sahib was read followed by sukhaasan. On this day, the following Hukumnama came from Guru Sahib:

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਘਰੁ ੧ ਤਿਤੁਕੇ
Soraṯẖ mehlā 5 gẖar 1 ṯiṯukė
Sorat'h, Fifth Mehl, First House, Ti-Tukas:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
Ik ­oaʼnkār saṯgur parsāḏ.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਕਿਸੁ ਹਉ ਜਾਚੀ ਕਿਸ ਆਰਾਧੀ ਜਾ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੋਸੀ ॥
Kis ha­o jācẖī kis ārāḏẖī jā sabẖ ko kīṯā hosī.
Who should I ask? Who should I worship? All were created by Him.

ਜੋ ਜੋ ਦੀਸੈ ਵਡਾ ਵਡੇਰਾ ਸੋ ਸੋ ਖਾਕੂ ਰਲਸੀ ॥
Jo jo ḏīsai vadā vadėrā so so kẖākū ralsī.
Whoever appears to be the greatest of the great, shall ultimately be mixed with the dust.

ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਭਵ ਖੰਡਨੁ ਸਭਿ ਸੁਖ ਨਵ ਨਿਧਿ ਦੇਸੀ ॥੧॥
Nirbẖa­o nirankār bẖav kẖandan sabẖ sukẖ nav niḏẖ ḏėsī. ||1||
The Fearless, Formless Lord, the Destroyer of Fear bestows all comforts, and the nine treasures. ||1||

ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੇਰੀ ਦਾਤੀ ਰਾਜਾ ॥
Har jī­o ṯėrī ḏāṯī rājā.
O Dear Lord, Your gifts alone satisfy me.

ਮਾਣਸੁ ਬਪੁੜਾ ਕਿਆ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਕਿਆ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਮੁਹਤਾਜਾ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Māṇas bapuṛā ki­ā sālāhī ki­ā ṯis kā muhṯājā. Rahā­o.
Why should I praise the poor helpless man? Why should I feel subservient to him? ||Pause||

Read full Hukamnama

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

Peterborough Sikh Activity Day Photos

On Saturday 31st May, the youngsters from Peterborough organised it's first Sikhi Parchaar event at Singh Sabha Gurdwara Peterborough. After the success of setting up a Parent Focus Group in 2007, the youngsters with the help of a few dedicated local adults formed a Sikh youth group called 'Peterborough Sikh Youth Crew (PSYC)'. The one-day Sikh activity day included ice-breakers, activities, talks, group work and discussions with the help of Sikh Seva sevadaars. Bhaji Bitnam Singh and the all the sevadaars done a fantastic job and with Waheguru's kirpaa may the Gurmat parchaar flourish.

Photos from the day (taken by Ravjeet Singh: www.flickr.com/photos/rskhalsa):



Peterborough Sikh Youth Crew (PSYC) introductions.



Children.


Adults workshop on discussing community and youth issues.


Adults group 1.


Adults group 2.


Adults group 3.


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Bhaji Bitnam Singh jee doing Chaur Sahib seva.



Groups presenting their points about the issues.


The youngsters were divided into groups and given a team work task. The task was that they had to build a Gurdwara using paper and card:





Some of



Some of the Gurdwara models.


Children doing Keertan in the afternoon. With Waheguru's kirpaa youngsters requested to do keertan despite time shortage. Great to see such enthusiasm. Bhai Satwinder Singh jee and his wife from Peterborough have done a great seva of teaching children Keertan and inspiring them towards Gurmat.



Elder youngsters and adults combined class.

Discussion groups:




Group presentations on what makes Sikhi unique and why we are proud to be Sikh:







Talk by Daas on importance of Sikhi and Gurmat.


Sangat



At the end of the day the PSYC group were given awards on behalf of the Gurdwara Sahib for the effort and commitment. This was followed by the final Ardaas and Hukamnama.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee