Hounslow Sikhi Day Camp Photos

On Sunday 5th October, Hounslow Singh Sabha Gurdwara along with the help of Sikh Seva group organized a one-day Sikhi camp, open to all ages. It was first of a kind event held at the Gurdwara Sahib. The amount of Sangat and children grew as the day went on, which was very good to see.

The camp started at 10am with Ardaas, Hukamnama, and vichaar (discussion) on the message of the Hukamnama. After doing some Simran, Bhaji Vijay Singh did a short talk on the basics of Sikhi. This was followed by a group work activity based on learning about the history of the Ten Gurus. Groups had to discuss image cards which depicted different Saakhis from the Ten Gurus lives. The story cards had to be matched with the correct Guru Sahib and the group had to discuss the history and message behind the Saakhi. The activity was concluded by going through some of the answers and stressing the need of learning one's history and how we can do this.

After lunch, the younger children watched a Sikhi film and the elders did a workshop discussion looking at issues affecting young Sikhs at school, college and university. This was followed by a Q&A session which went through questions that campers had put in a Q&A box throughout the day. The day ended with the Sangat doing Simran, followed by Ardaas & Hukamnama.


Some photos below (taken from Ravjeet Singh's flickr):


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee (beautiful palki!).


Bhenji Amrit Kaur's group.


Bhaji Vijay Singh's group.


Saakhi (story) cards arranged to match the correct Guru Sahib the Saakhi is linked to.


Daas's group.


Veer Jagdeep Singh with younger children.


Bhaji Mandeep Singh working with a younger group.


Exhibition celeberating 300 years of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Display board showing the different concepts, themes, and topics covered in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Display boards showing a timeline of Sikh history.


Younger children watching Sikhi film.


Question & Answers session with elder group



Q&A session



Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


More photos on flickr.


Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

Dhan Guru Raam Daas Jee

9th October markes the Parkaash Diwaas (birth date) of Guru Raam Daas jee, the fourth Guru. Saariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee Hove.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU RAAM DAAS JEE

Background
Guru Raam Daas jee was born at Choona Manddee Bazaar in Lahore in 1534. His parents, Mata Anoop Devi jee and Bhai Hari Daas jee, named him 'Jetha', meaning 'first born'. At a young age Bhai Jetha jee joined Sangat who were travelling to Goindval Sahib to meet Guru Amar Daas jee. Since meeting Guru Amar Daas jee, the third Jyot of Guru Nanak, Bhai Jetha fell in love with the True Guru and became a devout Sikh who would do tireless seva.


Marriage to Bibi Bhani
Bhai Jetha jee would roast chick-peas (sholay) and sell them to the public for his livelihood. He was honest, hard-working, and remembered Waheguru whilst working. He was not from a wealthy family and only made ends meet with the little he earned. Guru Amar Daas jee was so impressed with character of Bhai Jetha jee that he asked him to marry his daughter, Bibi Bhani jee. This showed that Guru jee did not take in account social or economic background of Bhai Jetha jee, but instead considered his values. Something that modern society can learn from, as nowadays we focus more on how rich a family is, what caste background, and how many degrees some has rather than the character, values, and Gursikhi jeevan of an individual.


Obedience and Correct Attitude for Seva
Guru Amar Daas jee tested the faith, devotion, humility and obediance of his two son-inlaws, Bhai Rama jee (married to Bibi Daani jee) and Bhai Jetha jee (married to Bibi Bhaani jee). Both were ordered by Guru jee to make a platform for him to sit on and that whoever does the better work will receive the greater honour. Both began doing the task. Bhai Rama jee finished and bowed before Guru jee but Guru jee said, "It's crooked. Tear it down and build another." Although Bhai Rama jee spent time and effort on it, he decided to rebuild it for the second time but it still failed the test so he built the third one. He mumbled, "The Guru has grown old, he must be senile." On the other hand, when Guru jee tested Bhai Jetha jee and repeatedly failed his work, Bhai Jetha jee fell at Guru jee's feet and begged, "I am a fool and lack understanding, while you possess all knowledge. Kindly bless me with the wisdom so that I may be able to erect the platform to your liking." Bhai Jetha jee showed how a Sikh must always obey the Guru no matter what their own mind thinks, and also to do seva with correct attitude - to continue doing seva even if criticised, even if there is nothing to gain, or no one to praise you.


Response to Baba Sri Chand
The elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Jee went to Amritsar to visit Guru Raam Daas Jee. Baba Sri Chand disobeyed Guru Nanak Dev jee and went separate from Sikhi. Baba Sri Chand made a new sect called the "Udaasis". Guru Amar Daas jee took steps to keep the Udaasi sect separate from the Sikh Panth. There was a basic difference between the two sections. The Sikhs believed in family-life, while the Udaasis believed in celibacy. The Udaasis wanted to join Sikhi on their own terms to which Guru jee did not agree. When Baba Sri Chand met Guru Raam Daas jee, he tried to belittle him and laugh at him. He said, “O Raam Daas! Why is your beard so long?” Guru jee replied, “I have a long beard to wipe the feet of holy men like you.” Guru Sahib’s humility hit Baba Sri Chand who feel at the feet of Guru Sahib and said: “Now I know why I didn’t become chosen to be Guru and instead you are sitting on my father’s throne.” Guru Raam Daas jee showed that each situation requires ‘awareness’ to react appropriately, and how humility can be the most powerful weapon.


Founded Amritsar (Chakk Ramdas)
Guru Raam Daas jee followed the steps of the first three Guru Sahibs in constructing cities. This was part of the vision of the Guru Sahibs to broaden the horizons of the Sikh People and show them that Sikhs should not confine themselves to thinking small but to thinking big. The Guru Sahibs were forward thinker. Guru Raam Daas jee founded the city of Amritsar, which was then known as 'Chakk Raamdaas' and later 'Raamdaas Pur'. The site was initially founded by Guru Amar Daas jee but it was Guru Raam Daas jee who made it into a city and began work on the excavation of the Amrit Sarovar (pool). Guru Raam Daas jee founded the place which became known as the centre and heartbeat of the Sikh faith.

Summary
Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Raam Daas Sahib jee's life, that word be "SEVA" (SELFLESS SERVICE).


Bhul Chuk Maaf.

One-Day Sikhi Camp - Sun 5th October

Fun packed Discussions, Keertan, Q&A, Workshops and much more!

SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER 2008 9.30am till 3pm @

Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha - Hounslow
Alice Way, Hanworth Road,
Hounslow, Middx.,
TW3 3UA, UK.

Open to all ages! Special workshops for 16+ on Student Issues

Please attend!

Bring a friend policy. Please try and bring at least 1 friend with you to the camp.

Photos from Saturday Night Keertan

Last Saturday it was the End of Month Youth Keertan at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Park Avenue, Southall. It's a monthly event from 8pm till 12am.

Some photos below (taken from Ravjeet Singh's flickr):


Jagdeep Singh doing keertan.


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaaj


Bibi jee doing keertan


Guru Sahib.


Bhenji Harmohan Kaur doing keertan


More photos on http://flickr.com/photos/rskhalsa/

Keertan on Campus Photos

On Wednesday, University of Birmingham Sikh Society held its first event for the academic year - Keertan on Campus. Students and Gursikhs got together and done Keertan together at the university chapel. Afterwards there were samosey and refreshments.

Photos from the event (taken from flickr):

Bhaji Bhupinder Singh (Bass) doing keertan.


Bhaji Amandeep Singh doing Keertan.


Bhenji doing Keertan.


Gurbani Vichaar at the end.


Keep up-to-date with the Sikhi events taken place around University of Birmingham on their website: http://bhamunisikhsoc.blogspot.com/


Related links:
* British Organisation of Sikh Students (B.O.S.S.) - www.boss-uk.org
* West Midland's Sikh Societies blog - http://bhamunisikhsoc.blogspot.com/

Singh Sabha Gurdwara Derby Gurmat Camp

On Sunday 21st September Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Derby held its first major Sikhi Camp for the youth. The local Sangat and sevadaars did a great job in organising the event and make it an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Some photos from the camp:


Dastaar tying class


Story telling class with younger children.


Keertan class.


Gatka class.



Tug of war game in the park :)


A group photo in the park of some of the sevadaars.


Bouncy Castle


Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.


Dhan Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee

ਗੁਰਗੱਦੀ ਦਿਵਸ - ਗੁਰੂ ਅੰਗਦ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ । urgaddi Diwas - Guru Angad Dev Jee

Today marks Gurgaddi Diwas (guruship day)of Guru Angad Dev jee, the 2nd Jyot (Light) of Guru Nanak Dev jee. Good wishes to everyone on this Gurpurb!

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU ANGAD DEV SAHIB JEE

Background

Guru Angad Dev jee was known as "Bhai Lehna" before he became the Guru. He was the son of Mata Ramo jee and Bhai Pheru Mall jee who were rich traders. He was married to Mata Kheevi jee in January 1520 and had two sons (Bhai Dasu jee and Bhai Datu jee) and two daughters (Bibi Amro jee and Bibi Anokhi jee). Under the influence of his mother, Mata Ramo jee, Bhai Lehna jee began to worship Durga (a Hindu mythological goddess). He used to lead a batch of worshippers to Jawaala-mukhi Temple every year. One day, Bhai Lehna jee heard Japji Sahib from Bhai Jodha jee, a Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev jee. Hearing Japji Sahib, Bhai Lehna jee's heart melted and began to yearn to have a glimpse of the Great Guru himself. Bhai Lehna jee met Guru Nanak Dev jee at Kartarpur Sahib which turned his life around and from then on he renounced Hinduism and became initiated as a Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev jee.

Seva of Guru Nanak Dev jee

Guru Nanak Dev jee set a number of tasks to test his devotees, in all of them Bhai Lehna jee came out top. In one test Guru jee was wandering outside and the Sikhs were following him. While passing through the wilderness area, Guru jee waved his wooden stick in his hand and signalled the followers to stay away from him. Some walked away and others said, "Guru jee, please answer our prayers." Guru jee said, "Whatever you desire, you will get. You want children, you are blessed. You want success in business, you are blessed." The followers were happy and left the Guru. Now, Guru jee looked at Bhai Lehna jee and told him to ask for what he wanted or go away. Bhai Lehna jee with tears in his eyes said, “O True Guru! Where should I go? I have got no house, place or any other shelter except your holy feet. I desire nothing other than you alone Guru jee." Guru Nanak affectionately, with divine love, told him that he was also searching for a home for his divine light to reside, which he had found in his (Bhai Lehna’s) heart. Guru Nanak Dev jee proclaimed “You are my Angad, a part of my body” and had made him the next Guru.

Education and Gurmukhi Script

Guru Sahib institutionalised the Gurmukhi script and was strong on education. Centres were made for young people to learn to read and write. Guru Angad Dev jee revealed the 35 letter Gurmukhi script, which is used for Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Guru jee stressed the importance of learning and teaching others. Guru jee would personally teach Panjabi in Gurmukhi script to children in a medium that they could understand and enjoy. He provided education and means of communication to common folk who would no longer be dependent on the religious or political establishment to pursue their own economic, educational or spiritual goals.

Sports and Health

Guru Sahib built centres (Akhaaras) for sports and training for young people from all walks of life. Guru Angad Dev jee took a keen interest in physical fitness and encouraged his devotees to be involved in sports and lead healthy lives. He provided opportunities to underprivileged sections of society to maintain good health. Guru jee encouraged all people to be involved in wrestling matches and compete in physical competitions. According to Guru jee, if you are physically fit only then you can pursue higher goals in life because a sound mind can exist only in a sound body.

Institutionalised Langar

The concept of Guru-ka-Langar (free-community kitchen), started by Guru Nanak Dev jee was formalised by the Guru. The Langar allowed everyone regardless of gender, caste, religion or economic status to be served a meal and eat sitting together on one common level. Mata Kheevi jee, Guru jee's wife, was instrumental in creating and managing the institution of langar. Her role in that capacity was unique and revolutionary because women were usually not seen at the forefront of society or given managerial roles. She also personally made sure that the food being served in the Langar was fit to eat for the Sangat, and ensured the food was nutritious and wholesome because many who came to see Guru were needy and destitute. Her role and praise are recorded in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

Founded the city of Khadoor Sahib

Guru Angad Dev jee followed the steps of the first Guru in constructing cities. This was part of the vision of the Guru Sahibs to broaden the horizons of the Sikh People and show them that Sikhs should not confine themselves to thinking small but to thinking big. The Guru Sahibs were forward thinker. Guru Angad Dev jee founded the city of Khadoor Sahib which became a centre for education, sports, learning, seva (selfless service), and bhagti (devotional worship).

Summary

ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮੰਨਿਐ ਹੋਵੈ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਤਾ ਖਸਮੈ ਕਾ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥
Hukam mani▫ai hovai parvāṇ ṯā kẖasmai kā mahal pā▫isī.
Obeying the Order of His Will, he becomes acceptable, and then, he obtains the Mansion of the Lord's Presence.
(Ang 471)

Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji's life, that word is "SUBMISSION."

Bhul Chuk Maaf.


Dhan Guru Angad Dev jee

Ipswich Sikhi Camp Photos

On Saturday 13th September, a one-day Sikh camp was held at Ipswich Gurdwara (Suffolk, England). The main theme of this camp was to provide the Sikh youth and local Sangat with ample knowledge about their identity, history and what they can do day to day to bring Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the centre of their lives. The local Sangat were very friendly and welcoming. The Sangat had a thirst for Sikhi and yearned to find out more about Gurmat. This was very inspiring to see. May Guru Sahib keep the youth and the Sangat in Chardi Kalaa and bless them with Gursikhi, Naam, and Seva.

Some photos from the day (taken by Ravjeet Singh flickr):


Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaaj.


Sangat.


Bhaji Vijay Singh doing vichaar on different Saakhis (stories) from Guru Sahib's times.


Group discussing and arranging the different Saakhiaan cards.


Summarising the need to know history of the Guru Sahibs.


Questions box (well it's not much of a box! More like "Questions Baataa").


Short talk on Gursikhi Jeevan and Gurmukhs of the Panth.


Younger children doing colouring and making posters.


Young boy making a poster.


Bhaji Vijay Singh's talk on purpose of life and how we can build upon our aspirations to live and enjoy Gursikhi.


Elders class.


Q&A session.

More photos on flickr.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee.

English Q&A Session Audio

A rare live recording of Gurmukh Pyaare Bhai Mani Singh jee who recently left his mortal life. This was recorded over 12 years ago at Sikhi Camp 1996, kindly uploaded by SikhRoots.com.

Part 1 (English Q&A Session)

Download


Part 2 (English Q&A Session)

Download

Making Time for Sikhi

ਕਹਾ ਭੂਲਿਓ ਰੇ ਝੂਠੇ ਲੋਭ ਲਾਗ ॥

Kahā bẖūli­o rė jẖūṯẖė lobẖ lāg.
Why do you wander lost, O mortal, attached to falsehood and greed?

ਕਛੁ ਬਿਗਰਿਓ ਨਾਹਿਨ ਅਜਹੁ ਜਾਗ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Kacẖẖ bigri­o nāhin ajahu jāg. ||1|| rahā­o.
Nothing has been lost yet - there is still time to wake up! ||1||Pause||
(Basant M: 9, Ang 1187)

I came across this inspirational story! I read this a long time ago somewhere and came across it again recently. Waheguru.

Important Things in Life
Author: Unknown

One day an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high powered overachievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz."

Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?"

Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the big rocks. Then he asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?"

By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full??"

"No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good."

Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked,
"What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit more things in it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."

What are the 'big rocks' in your life?

WAHEGURU, NAAM SIMRAN, SEWA, and then your partner, your children, your loved ones, your education, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others, doing things that you love, time for yourself, your health etc.

Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all. If you sweat the little stuff (the gravel, the sand) then you'll fill your life with little things you worry about that don't really matter, and you'll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff (the big rocks). So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question:

What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first.

ਸਭ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ਆਇਆ ॥ ਘਰਿ ਜਾਸਨਿ ਵਾਟ ਵਟਾਇਆ ॥
Sabẖ ikṯẖė ho­ė ā­i­ā. Gẖar jāsan vāt vatā­i­ā.
All have been born and come here to this life, but (according to our actions here) we shall return home (our next life) by our different routes.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਲਾਹਾ ਲੈ ਗਏ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਚਲੇ ਮੂਲੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੧੯॥
Gurmukẖ lāhā lai ga­ė manmukẖ cẖalė mūl gavā­ė jī­o. ||19||
The Gurmukhs reap their profits (of Naam) and leave, while the self-willed manmukhs lose their investment (of any good actions) and depart. ||19||
(Ang 74)