Vaisakhi...

During Vaisakhi (14th April 2011), the Sikhs remember the faith and devotion of the Panj Pyaare, and also the sacrifices of innocent people in Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 and the bold sacrifice of the 13 Gursikhs who died in 1978 whilst peacefully protesting against disrespect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. May Guru Jee bless all of us with Rehat (discipline), devotion, and desire to follow his Path. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.

Nishkam Primary School...

With Waheguru's kirpaa, the first Sikh Primary School in Birmingham is opening September 2011. At the moment there is a Nishkam Nursery which has children from Hindu, Muslim and other backgrounds as well as Sikh children. Below is a video about the school:

Nishkam Primary School Video from Be Inspired Films on Vimeo.

There is a positive newspaper article about the new Sikh school as well. See link.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

BBC documentary,,,

The BBC has for the first-time made a special 30-minute programme called ‘The Story of Vaisakhi’.

The programme aims to increase awareness of non-Sikhs about how Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created a blueprint for a Sikhs’ distinctive and unique visual identity.

The film explores themes, such as, tolerance, equality, humility, dignity and an active concern for others.

Many including the Sikh Federation (UK) have contributed to this film to provide an introduction to this annual Sikh festival.

It has been confirmed ‘The Story of Vaisakhi’ will be shown on Sunday 10 April 2011 on BBC 1 at 1.15pm (UK time) and the film can be seen across Europe via satellite.

"Stop your car..."

Today I stopped over at the local shop to buy some groceries. On the way out of the shop I sat in my car. A man pulled up in a car next to me. I could feel as if he was looking at me. The man then looked away, so I didn't think much of it. I was pulling out my car, when the same man gets out of the car and stands in front of the car and waves me to stop. I thought perhaps my car tyre has a puncture or something.

I put the window down, and the man said, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I saw you wearing a turban and wanted to ask you a question." I smiled and said, "What is your question." He said, "Do Hindus wear turbans?... Ermm... Are you Sikh?" I replied, "Well, some Hindus in India might wear a turban for cultural reasons, however Sikhs wear a turban because it is a part of their religion." He smiled and said, "I have been waiting for a long time to find someone wearing a turban to ask that question. Thank you for that. My grandfather fought in World War 2 in Burma. He used tell me that the Sikhs are a brave people and that they are courageous. He has a lot of respect for Sikhs. I am glad I met you. Sorry for taking your time." He smiled and walked away.

It was a strange but pleasant meeting. Amazing how much respect the man had for the Dastaar and Sikhi.


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Bibi Harvinder Kaur Jee is back again!

Good news - Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa (former celebrity, Alexandra Aitken) returns back to Coventry to inspire the Sangat. Bibi jee will be doing a follow up talk and question & answers session with her husband, Bhai Inderjot Singh. Bhai Sahib will be telling his amazing story of transformation to a Gursikh. This is another opportunity to be inspired if you missed the first talk by Bibi Harvinder Kaur. For more info: www.facebook.com/sikh.inspirations

Friday 8th April 2011
7pm to 9pm
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR.

Old Kirtan Video...

An old video of Giani Gurdev Singh jee doing Keertan which Veer Japnaam Singh found. Bhai Sahib is a Kirtani of Akhand Kirtani Jatha and been trained in Gurbani with Damdami Taksaal.

Waheguru.

Anand Karaj highlights...

Video of Bhai Harbir Singh jee and Bhenji Darshan Kaur jee's Anand Kaaraj that took place on Saturday 18th December:

http://vimeo.com/18394688

On the day of the wedding it snowed so much that a 1 hour journey to get back from Slough, took 8 hours! Vaheguru. Definitely an unforgettable wedding.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Inspirations - Bhai Joginder Singh Jee...

After last week's inspiring talk with Bibi Angad Kaur, a white English lady who embraced the Sikh faith and took Amrit, this Friday Bhai Joginder Singh jee will be inspiring the Sangat with an open Q&A. This is an ideal opportunity to get your questions answered with direct and straight answers supported by Gurbani. Programme details below:

Friday 1st April 2011
7pm to 9pm
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR.

Shaheed Bibi Balbir Kaur Jee...

ਸਲੋਕ || ਕਬੀਰਾ ਮਰਤਾ ਮਰਤਾ ਜਗੁ ਮੁਆ ਮਰਿ ਭਿ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ਕੋਇ ||
ਐਸੀ ਮਰਨੀ ਜੋ ਮਰੈ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਮਰਨਾ ਹੋਇ ||੧||
"O Kabeer! In this world people die every day, but none knows how to die. Whosoever dies, let them die such a death that they may not have to die again."
Ang 555

A GLIMPSE AT THE MARTYRDOM OF
SHAHEED BIBI BALBIR KAUR JEE

Sikhs under British Raj

During the British Raaj, the Sikh Gurdware were under the control of Nirmala and Udaasi Mahants (caretakers) who had introduced anti-Sikh practices such as consuming meat, drugs, alcohol and even dancing prostitutes in Sikh institutions. Realising the spirit and threat of the Sikhs uprising to seek freedom, the British made the Mahants more powerful and ensured that the Sikhs didn't control or manage their own Gurdware. The Singh Sabha and Akali Movements rejuvenated the spirit, faith and consciousness of the Sikh population, which led to a non-violent movement to free the Sikh Gurdware from corrupt non-Sikh control and re-introduce Gurmat Maryada in Sikh institutions.


The State of Nabha
The Maharaja of Nabha, Ripudaman Singh, was a Gursikh minded ruler. He considered himself a humble servant of the Panth and supported the Akali Movement in freeing the Gurdware from the clutches of the Mahants. In protest against the British oppression of the Sikhs, the Akalis promoted that all Sikhs should wear black dastaars (turbans), as black was a colour of protest. Nabha was the only state in Punjab were Sikhs could freely wear black dastaars, keep their beards flowing and wearing Baanaa (Khalsa attire) without being arrested. Elsewhere Sikhs wearing black dastaars were arrested and put in jail, as they were suspected as troublemakers. Fearing a Sikh uprising with the help of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, the Maharaja was arrested and taken to Delhi.


Protest against Maharaja Ripudaman Singh's expulsion
In protest the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), working in collaboration with the Shiromani Akali Dal, conducted Akhand Paath Sahibs at various places to openly express their outrage at this injustice and demanded the reinstatement of the Maharaja. Sikhs in Jaito initiated an Akhand Paath Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee at the Gurdwara Sahib. Unfortunately, it was not allowed to be completed. Soldiers forcibly arrested the Singhs performing the Akhand Paath and committed sacrilege. This was an attack on the Guru and the Panth. This was an open challenge to Guru Khalsa Panth's freedom and honour.


Protest against Jaito Gurdwara sacrilege
Akali leaders decided to accept this challenge. They immediately announced a non-violent morcha (movement) for the resumption and completion of the interrupted Akhand Paath, this happened in 1924. An Ardaas was done at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, and the Khalsa vowed to complete 101 Sri Akhand Paaths in response to the sacrilege. Thousands of Sikh men, women and children flocked to Amritsar ready to shed their lives for the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. After seeking blessings at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, a Jatha of 500 Sikhs was sent to march to Jaito. Walking in a column of 4, bare footed, with black dastaars on their head and repeating "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru..." they vowed to peacefully march to Jaito. The group of peaceful protesters sent from Amritsar were known as "Shaheedi Jathas" (group of martyrs), as they accepted death before they began. Some Singhs did Ardaas at Sri Akaal Takht Sahib that their home, land and money all goes to the Panth after they die and another lady cried out that she is unfortunate that Vaheguru only blessed her with one son, because if she had two, she would send both to attain martyrdom for the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Bibi Balbir Kaur meets the Shaheedi Jatha
Soon they the Shaheedi Jatha reached its first rest-stop. Although the British had warned that any person serving food or water to the Jathas sent from Amritsar would be punished, villagers in their hundreds flocked to do the seva (selfless service) of the Singhs and Singhnia. One of these villagers serving the Jatha was Bibi Balbir Kaur jee. She joined the Jatha but was asked by the Jathedaar to return. Bibi jee's eyes filled with tears. She said, "Veer! Do not stop me from serving the living martyrs of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Seva is the only essence of this life. Beside we never know when death will come upon us. I plead for permission to continue for Guru's sake. Let me proceed." Jathedaar could not break her heart. He reluctantly gave permission, especially when faced with her utter display of self-sacrifice.


Bibi Jee joins the Jatha
Bibi Balbir Kaur jee was 22 years old, full of youth and beautiful. Guru jee's faith and feelings of selfless service for humanity had generated such a glow on her face that she seemed like the embodiment of purity. She was not alone. She was accompanied by her two year old beautiful son. The playful happy face of this child was not only Balbir Kaur's joy but the source of amusement for the whole Jatha. The journey was nearing completion. Jatha prepared to depart from its final rest-stop. The Jathedaar stood on a high spot and pleaded for the return of the accompanying Sangat. The British forces had dug-in with machine gun. This information had previously reached the Jatha. The Jathedaar did not hide this information from anyone. He said, "With Guru's blessing, our Shaheedi (martyrdom) awaits. However, only those GurSikhs, who have Sri Akaal Takhat's Hukam, should proceed further. Others should return and await their turn." The Sangat stopped and let the Jatha proceed. However, not everyone obeyed the Jathedaar's instructions.


Thirst for Martyrdom
The Jathedaar tried to persuade Bibi Balbir Kaur jee to not continue further, however spirit and courageous words made the Jathedaar accept. The British troops awaited the Jatha and opened fire on them. They showered them with rain of bullets. Whilst peacefully reciting "Waheguru... Waheguru... Waheguru..." Singhs courageously fell to the ground. Suddenly Bibi jee was hit by a bullet in her forehead. Her whole face was covered with blood, eyes were covered with blood. However, this did not affect her march. She continued with the chanting of "Waheguru... Waheguru... Waheguru..." with her son in her arms. Suddenly another bullet hit Bibi Balbir Kaur jee's child. The bullet pierced the child through his ear and then hit Balbir Kaur's chest. The child died immediately and proceeded to the Guru's court. Bibi jee kissed his forehead and placed his body with the other martyrs saying "Waheguru look after your given gift." However, she did not stop. Her face had turned yellow from the loss of blood. She had no strength left to continue. Another bullet came straight in Bibi jee's chest, pierced her body and left from the other side. Falling on the ground she embraced martyrdom and her soul left to join her child in Kalgidhar Father's protection.


Summary
Bibi Balbir Kaur jee showed a Gursikh's love, devotion, and fearlessness to maintain the respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Bibi jee sacrificed her life and her son's life for the sake of respect of Guru jee and honour of the Panth. The Gursikhs who participated in the peaceful protest showed that the Panth is more important than our lives and personal interests. For the sake of the Panth Gursikhs sacrificed their homes, sons and lives. May Guru jee bless us all with the spirit, love and devotion of serving the Panth and put Guru jee and the Panth before anything else.



Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Inspirations: Bibi Angad Kaur Jee

Bibi Angad Kaur jee, a white English lady who embraced the Sikh faith and took Amrit, will be sharing her inspirational story and reflections on Gurbani with the Sangat this Friday. Programme details below:

Friday 25th March 2011
7pm to 9pm
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
47-49 Cross Road, Coventry, CV6 5GR.

GIllingham Sikhi Camp....

Video of the Gillingham Sikhi Camp that was held 12th March 2011.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Summary of talk by Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa

Last Friday, Bibi Harvinder Kaur Khalsa, formerly known as Alexandra Aitken who used to be in the circle of celebrities and wealthy people but now an Amritdhari Singhni, visited Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cross Road, Coventry, to do a talk at the weekly inspirational class that is held every Friday, 7pm to 8.30pm. Bibi jee was accompanied by husband, Veer Inderjot Singh jee. Both had come from Amritsar this month. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa there was a fantastic turn out of Sangat, which included people of all ages.

Bibi Ji definitely had a radiating and peaceful presence. She told the Sangat the she was nervous to speak as this was her first talk. However, despite her initial nerves, Bibi jee presence, talk and way of communicating Gurmat in a simple and practical manner inspired all the Sangat. She soon became comfortable speaking on the stage and share answers to questions that people had asked. Whilst on the stage, she had a sarbloh baattaa (iron bowl) filled with water to drink from.

She started off to explain how she came into Sikhi. Her first encounter with Sikhi was when she visited a Sikh's house and they had keertan playing in the house. Hearing he keertan she became mesmerised and fell in love with sound current of Gurbani. She went on trip to India, and was due to go back to the USA, however her visa expired. This resulted in a further 40 days stay in India. During these 40 days she had a life changing experience and got the opportunity to further her Sikhi and visit Amritsar.

One day she wanted to buy some thermal underwear because she was feeling cold. She went to Sikh shop. When she asked for underwear to keep her warm, the Sikh shopkeeper gave her a Kachhera (traditional Sikh shorts), and told her to wear them. Although she found them odd to look at, she decided to buy them and try them on. She said, once she wore the Kachhera, she never turned back. Bibi jee described the spiritual and health benefits of wearing the Kachhera to the Sangat. As well as being comfortable to wear and looking modest, the Kachhera that goes up to knee height and is tight around the knees, traps Calcium in the body which helps to weight controll/loss and the design maintains a constant body temperature. She said that she told her Yoga teacher off for not telling her before that Sikhs wear the Kachhera.

Bibi Jee told the Sangat that the Sikhs are so blessed to be given such a wonderful religion, such an amazing Rehat (code of conduct) and practical message that Sikhs have not done enough to share it with others. She urged all the Sangat to wear Kachhere and experience the spiritual and health benefits of it.

She then went on to explain why she wears Baanaa (traditional Sikh attire). She said that when she saw her husband for the first time, she saw Guru Gobind Singh jee's image in him. She said that her other white Sikh friends would not marry a man that didn't wear full Baanaa all the time because the Baanaa represents total submission, devotion and acceptance of the Guru. She explained how she couldn't understand why someone would want to cut their beard or shave their hair and lose their beauty. The physical appearance and clothes of an individual manifests their personality and inner self and therefore an individual wearing Baanaa shows that her or she loves the Guru.

She told the Sangat that she wears her Baanaa in full pride and that all Sikhs should wear Baanaa with pride and dignity and not shy away from it. Whilst describing the Baanaa, she explained the significance of the Kesh and Keski/Dastaar (turban). It was very uplifting to hear Bibi jee telling all the ladies in the Sangat that as Sikh women they should have their hair knot (jooraa) on the top of their head and it should be covered with a Dastaar. She described the spiritual, health and mental benefits of wearing a Dastaar and having one's jooraa on the top of the head. The way she described it was really positively received by the whole Sangat. She also told the ladies that they should ensure their husbands or children do not cut their beards. If a man is moody, irritable or has headaches, then a woman should check whether her son or husband has abused their Kesh by dyeing it, cutting it or trimming it. She said cutting Kesh is "a big no!" and that women must ensure it never happens in their house. She went further on to explain the importance of lady's hair and why women shouldn't shave, trim or colour their hair.

Near the end she explained the significance of keeping Sarbloh Rehat. Sarbloh means iron. It is a Khalsa tradition that Amrit, Langar, Parshaad and the daily food of a Sikh is prepared in a Sarbloh (pure iron utensils). In modern times, the observance of this tradition has been relaxed by Sikhs, however a small number of Gursikhs have continued to practice the discipline of cooking and eating only from Sarbloh.

Bibi jee explained that her first gift from her husband was a Sarbloh Baattaa. She questioned the gift when receiving it. Being an inquistive person and not accepting anything until having done some research, she began researching reasons behind cooking and eating in Sarbloh. Her research from multiple sources, led her to the conclusion that cooking and eating in Sarbloh was a must and that as a Sikh we should be grateful to our Great Gurus for blessing us with such a tradition. She explained that the core of the earth is Sarbloh (iron), and by eating in Sarbloh one grounds their personality. If someone has scatty thoughts and struggles to remembering things (i.e. "is spaced out") then she recommended that those people cook and eat from Sarbloh. When one cooks food in Sarbloh and recites Gurbani or Naam, the vibrations multiply and so the spiritual benefit of eating in Sarbloh is also multiplied.

She reminded the Sangat that they are lucky to be born in the Sikh faith or at least have some sort of connection with the Guru and Gurdwara. She said she was not so lucky but is thankful that she found out. She urged the Sangat to play Gurbani keertan in their cars, homes, and workplaces so that other white people like herself can take advantage of this spiritual treasure. Even though she doesn't understand Gurmukhi or Gurbani at the moment, she said that the sound current of Gurbani itself is heals and brings peace to the mind and soul. She said that Sikhs need to tell the world that the Gurbani and Naam is the cure for all diseases and that it has power to heal the mind, body and soul. She smiled and said "You have the cure, you have the medicine - and you need to share it with the world!"


It was a very inspirational talk. I haven't done justice to it in this short summary of the talk. Unfortunately there were no recordings, in accordance to Bibi Harvinder Kaur jee's wishes.



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Sehaj Paatth...

Last Saturday, with Guru jee's kirpaa, 13 year old Amritpal Singh celebrated his birthday with bhog (completion) of his first Sehaj Paatth (complete reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee). Veer jee has taken part in Sehaj Paatths before with his family, but this one was the first Sehaj Paatth that Guru jee blessed him with the complete seva. It is very inspiring to see a UK born young child having a relationship with Gurbani and taken the time and effort to read and experience Guru Jee's Baanee. It gives great motivation to those who have not started a Sehaj Paatth to begin one.

After the bhog, Gursikhs did keertan and there was a birthday cake prepared by Bhenji Satnam Kaur (Coventry) which looked too good to cut and eat! All the members of the Sangat were shocked how stunning the cake was and it was really sad to cut it! Vaheguru.

Local children doing keertan with tantee saaj.


Veer Preetam Singh jee (Coventry) doing keertan.


Bhai Tarsem Singh jee (Warwick) doing keertan.


Veer Navreet Singh jee (Coventry) doing keertan.


Beautiful cake made by Bhenji Satnam Kaur (Coventry). For more info for cakes, telephone 07584 943 661 or email info@princess-cakes.co.uk

May Guru Sahib bless us all with the love, dedication and devotion to read, sing, understand, and connect with Gurbani so that our lives can become lit up with the Guru's divine knowledge.


Useful links for starting a Sehaj Paatth:

SikhAnswers.com - Procedure for a Sehaj Paath

Read Gurbani online: www.SriGranth.org / www.SikhToTheMax.com

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

"I am not in favour of Sikh Schools..."

Yesterday I went to an education meeting and was talking to a representative of Catholic Schools. We were talking about faith schools and how Sikhs are apply to make some schools now. I shared how I think it is very good that Sikh community will have its own schools. The Christian gentleman replied, "I am not in favour of Sikh Schools... It would be a great shame to make Sikh schools." I was taken aback by his comments.

He carried on and said, "It will be a great shame to Catholic schools. The Sikhs have so much to offer and bring so much to Catholic schools that the Catholics will be saddened lose Sikh students to Sikh schools." I was humbled by his sincere views about Sikhs. He finished by saying, "I used to be an Ofsted inspector and visited state schools in Wolverhampton. I found that the Sikh students have great hospitality, work ethics and attitude." Inside I lowered my head to Guru Nanak Dev jee and thought, "Dhan Hai Guru!" On the journey back from the meeting I kept reflecting on the virtues that Guru jee has blessed us with and how fortunate we are - from serving food and water to any visitors to working honestly. Waheguru.

First UK talk...

Harvinder Kaur Khalsa, formerly known as Alexandra Aitken, will be doing her FIRST UK TALK

Friday 11th March
7pm till 9pm

Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara,
47-49 Cross Road,
Coventry

The daughter of former UK government minister Jonathan Aitken, will seek to inspire by telling us how her transformation from a hedonistic party girl to a recently married devout Gursikh came about. The Inspirational series will continue every Friday thereafter, 7pm - 9pm, with different Gursikhs giving inspiring talks.

For further info, contact: 07818 567727 / www.crossrdgurdwara.com.

INTERNATIONAL AKHAND KIRTAN SMAAGAM Monday 18th - Sunday 24th April 2011

See attached for official poster and link for You tube video of Bhai Parminder Singh Jallandhar Wale - who will be attending the smaagam from India!

Sri Akhand Paat(h) Sahib Jee:
Arambh - Mon 18th at 6pm Bhog - Wed 20th


Asa Dee Vaar Kirtan: Rehras & Kirtan:
Thu 21st 5.30am - 10am Thu 21st 6pm - 9pm
Fri 22nd 5.30am - 10am Fri 22nd 6pm - 10pm
Sat 23rd 5.30am - 11am Sat 23rd 6pm - 12am

Sat 23rd April - SIKH ARTILLERY 1pm - 3pm (talk by Neil Carleton from the Victoria & albert Museum London)

Sunday 24th April - PRESENTATION AND VEECHAAR 10.30am - 12.30pm (Presentation on the life and rehat of Bhai Sahib Randir Singh Jee)

Sunday 24th April - GATKA DISPLAY 1pm - 2pm (Martial Arts display from youth from all over the world)

AMRIT SANCHAAR: Sunday 24th April at 1pm

RAINSBAAEE KIRTAN: SUNDAY 24th APRIL 2011 7pm - 6am

For details and questions regarding the Amrit Sanchaar, please call Bhai Jarnail Singh 01926 771 944 or Bhai Tarnjit Singh 07877 888 874

Nice poem...

Hey Waheguru
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, a smile. Hey Waheguru ji,
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 Waheguru ji, 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 Waheguru ji,
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 Waheguru ji, forgive me when I whine. I've
been blessed indeed, the world is mine

This poem is just a simple reminder that we have so-o-o much to be thankful for!

-----------

ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ||
ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖਾਹਿ ||
ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਰਖੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ||
ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਸੁਗੰਧਤ ਤਨਿ ਲਾਵਹਿ ||
ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਪਰਮ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਵਹਿ ||
ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਬਸਹਿ ਸੁਖ ਮੰਦਰਿ ||
ਤਿਸਹਿ ਧਿਆਇ ਸਦਾ ਮਨ ਅੰਦਰਿ ||
ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਸੰਗਿ ਸੁਖ ਬਸਨਾ ||
ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਸਿਮਰਹੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਰਸਨਾ ||
ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਰੰਗ ਰਸ ਭੋਗ ||
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦਾ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਧਿਆਵਨ ਜੋਗ ||੧||
Ashtapadee:
By God's Grace, you partake of the thirty-six delicacies;
(so) enshrine that Lord and Master within your mind.
By God's Grace, you apply scented oils to your body;
remembering Him, the supreme status is obtained.
By God's Grace, you dwell in the home of peace;
meditate forever on Him within your mind.
By God's Grace, you abide with your family in peace;
keep His remembrance upon your tongue, twenty-four hours a day.
By God's Grace, you enjoy tastes and pleasures;
O Nanak! Meditate forever on the One, who is worthy of meditation. ||1||
(Ang 269)

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Discussion on love....

Majnoo: “If I don’t get married to her I will die”

Author: Bhai Kulbir Singh
Taken from www.GurmatBibek.com

Meaning of Majnoo

Majnoo literally means crazy. Other synonyms for this word in Indian languages are Divaana, Baura, Baawra, Pagla, Paagal, Kamla etc.

Even though the word Majnoo means Divaana but in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu, this word is used for such person who becomes crazy in love. Mostly, Majnoo is associated with such male lover who goes crazy over infatuation with a female.

The most famous worldly Majnoo has been a person called Qaiz who became crazy in love with a girl called Laila. He became so crazy that he left his home and really became a crazy person and soon people forgot his real name and everyone started calling him Majnoon-e-Laila which means Majnoo of Laila.

If an ordinary worldly person hears this story, he is probably inspired and loves it but when a Gurmukh hears about the plight and fate of Qaiz, he feels sorry for Qaiz but also knows that while the love of Qaiz may have been sincere and genuine but his object of love was false. He wasted his human life in love of an idol of flesh and blood.


Two types of Majnoos

There are two types of Majnoos out there – Majnoos of Vaheguru and Majnoos of Laila.


Read the full article here.

----

Ethnically cleansed village discovered...

Mobs killing innocent Sikhs in anti-Sikh programs in November 1984

26 years after the1984 anti-Sikh programs took place in India, mass graves of murdered Sikhs has been discovered. The village named Hondh Chillar, in Rewari District of Haryana, was a Sikh village that was ethnically cleansed by organised mobs and reduced to ashes. The complete wipe out of a Sikh village follows the pattern of violence against Sikhs carried out by organised mobs in November 1984. Unfortunately it is claimed that the massacre was not investigated by the authorities.

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) have investigated this graveyard village and released a list of 25 people who were inhumanly murdered or burnt alive at the Hondh Chillar village. Evidence shows that the women folk were raped, most of the Sikhs living in the village were murdered and the Gurdwara Sahib was reduced to ashes. The entire village was wiped out and survivors, if any, never dared to visit or lay claim to their properties in the village.

The list of 25 Sikhs released includes 16 male and 9 women. The women include married ladies and unmarried girls. The list shows at least 3-4 families and there is a family which lost at least 8 people.





Pictures of the discovered ethnically cleansed village:

AISSF and S F J Leaders before the remains of a house of Sikhs at Village Hondh-Chillar in Haryana.


A view of one of the abandoned houses of Sikhs at Hondh Chillar village in Haryana.


Burnt out house


Ruins of a destroyed house


Remains of the destroy village Gurdwara Sahib.


Burnt home of a family.


Faded out Gurbani painted on a wall shown from a burnt out house.

Bhagat Ravidaas Sahib Jee...

ਚਿਤ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਕਰਉ ਨੈਨ ਅਵਿਲੋਕਨੋ ਸ੍ਰਵਨ ਬਾਨੀ ਸੁਜਸੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਾਖਉ ||
chit simran karo nain avilokano sravan baanee sujas poor raakho |
(My prayer is that) in my consciousness I continue remembering You; with my eyes, I continue beholding You; and keep Your Bani (Divine Word) and Your beautiful Praises filled in my ears.

ਮਨੁ ਸੁ ਮਧੁਕਰੁ ਕਰਉ ਚਰਨ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਧਰਉ ਰਸਨ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮ ਭਾਖਉ ||੧||
man su madhukar karo charan hirde dharo rasan amrit raam naam bhaakho |1|
May my mind continue being the bumble bee, enshrining Your lotus-feet within my heart, and with my tongue, may continue chanting life-giving Name of God. ||1||

ਮੇਰੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਉ ਜਿਨਿ ਘਟੈ ||
meree preet gobind sio jin ghattai |
(I am fearful that may) my love for the Lord of the Universe never decrease.

ਮੈ ਤਉ ਮੋਲਿ ਮਹਗੀ ਲਈ ਜੀਅ ਸਟੈ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||
mai tau mol mehagee lee jeea sattai |1| rahaao |
I paid for it dearly, in exchange for my soul. ||1||Pause and reflect||

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਬਿਨਾ ਭਾਉ ਨਹੀ ਊਪਜੈ ਭਾਵ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਹੋਇ ਤੇਰੀ ||
saadh-sangath binaa bhaao nehee oopjai bhaav bin bhagat nahee hoe teree |
(But this) love does not well up without the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; and without this love, Your devotional worship cannot be performed.

ਕਹੈ ਰਵਿਦਾਸੁ ਇਕ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪੈਜ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਰਾਜਾ ਰਾਮ ਮੇਰੀ ||੨||੨||
kehai ravidaas ek bentee har sio paij raakhahu raajaa raam meree |2|2|
Ravi Daas offers this one prayer unto the Lord: O Lord, my King! (I have to Your sanctuary) please preserve and protect my honour. ||2||2||
(Ang 694)

Many happy returns to everyone on the janam divas (birth day) of Bhagat Ravidaas Sahib jee.

Illegal detention and murder of Young Sikh...

Shaminder Singh (Shera) a young 24 year old Sikh from a poor family and the only Amritdhari Sikh in Bagguwal village was singled out for being an Amritdhari and picked by police in Nawanshahar district on 31st October 2010. Shaminder Singh was the only son, who supported his elderly mother and two sisters.

He was mercilessly thrashed and subjected to third-degree torture for 18 days as he refused to admit involvement in waging war against the Indian state. No case was registered against him. According to his own words reported on television he would have been eliminated by the Indian Police in a police encounter, as has happened with thousands of young Amritdharis since 1984. He overheard the police officers planning to eliminate him and managed to escape from police custody on 18 November.

He was later arrested from Sri Patna Sahib where he revealed he had become the victim of police torture. Luckily for him the media listened and reported on his experience. A report published in the Hindustan Times on 3rd December 2010 forced the Panjab and Haryana High Court into action. Following an investigation the court ordered a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the state of Panjab for illegally detaining him and subjecting him to third-degree torture. The court also directed the state government on 3rd January to take care of Shaminder Singh.

Television news interview before murder

Video Part 1


Video Part 2



Two weeks later, after giving his television news interview, on 17th January Shaminder Singh and his brother Harwinder Singh were going to the Gurdwara Sahib in Bagguwal village when they were attacked by about 9-10 unidentified men with sharp edged weapons. It has been widely reported that the finger of blame is pointing squarely at the police. Shaminder Singh was admitted to hospital where he died several days later.

On 30th January the Punjab government (who were ordered by the Court to take care of Shaminder Singh) ordered a probe into the circumstances leading to the death of Shaminder Singh. This followed considerable media and other pressure.

It is unfortunate that an innocent Amritdhari Singh was not just falsely accused of crimes, he was then tortured, and after being proven innocent was murdered by an unidentified gang. According to reports, no Jathedaar, Mahapurkh or politician attended Shaminder Singh's family nor have any of them raised a cry against this injustice and oppression.

May Guru jee bless us all with the strength to speak and stand up for the truth.

TO HELP

Please write to your local MPs about this case to help put pressure for Shaheed Bhai Shaminder Singh's family to get justice. Details of a template letter and how to contact your local MP on link below:

link

Celebrating Valentines' Day?

Valentine's Day, properly known as Saint Valentine's Day, is on 14th February. Although it's a Christian festival or day, nowadays it is celebrated across the world, even India! This day is usually associated with a festival of love and giving gifts to one's partner. You would think you one would appreciate their husband and wife everyday rather than one day. Perhaps we should look a little deeper at this festival....

History of Valentine's Day

There are different reasons for celebrating St. Valentine's Day which are based on different legends. Historically its a pagan festival associated with love and fertility. The first official Saint Valentine's Day was declared on 14th of February by Pope Galasius in 496, in memory of a 3rd century Christian bishop (priest) that was martyred in Rome. There have been two Christian priests with the name Valentine during the same period, who were both martyred by the Romans. It is said that the younger bishop of the two, was arrested in 270 AD. While in jail, he is said to have converted his jailer to Christianity by healing his blind daughter's sight. When the cured girl came to see him with flowers as a gift, both of them fell in love. The bishop is said to have sent the girl a note saying “From your Valentine”. Like his earlier namesake, Bishop Valentine of Rome was martyred on 14th February. Source: The Telegraph

Recently my dad asked someone whether they celebrate St. Valentine's Day. The Panjabi person, who is of Sikh heritage, said "Yes, I do. I buy my wife flowers on this day." My dad explained that Valentine's Day marks the martyrdom day of Saint Valentine who fell in love with a woman who came to visit him in jail. He then asked, "Do you observe the Shaheedi (martyrdom) day of Guru Arjan Dev jee or Guru Tegh Bahadar jee?" The person replied, "No." My dad replied, "So, being born in a Sikh family you observe the martyrdom and day of a Christian saint who fell in love with a woman but not those of your Gurus, who sacrificed their lives for truth and love of God, and with whose blessings we are free and alive today?"

May Guru jee guide us in walking the Guru's Path.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

“Bhai Manvir Singh”, “Bhai Manvir Singh”, “Bhai Manvir Singh”. “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”, “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”, “Bhai Manvir Singh UK”. “Manvir Singh Khalsa”, “Manvir Singh Khalsa”, “Manvir Singh Khalsa”. “Manvir Singh”, “Manvir Singh”, “Manvir Singh”.

ਨਾਮ ਵਿਚ ਕੀ ਹੈ? । What is in a name?

A relative gave me a book to read called "Meree Duneeyaa, Teree Duneeyaa" published by Sikh Missionary College Ludhiana. The book contains a collection of true life stories and experiences of Gursikhs on different issues. In particular I wish to share a story by Bhai Sant Singh from India which was entitled "Naam vee kee peiaa hai?" (What is in a name?).


Translation:

What is in name?

My son sent me a letter from UK notifying me that I had become a grandfather. I was full of joy and rejoiced. I went to the Gurdwara Sahib and did Ardaas for thanking Waheguru for blessing me with a grandson and prayed that may the Great Guru blesses him with the gift of Sikhi, Naam and seva of the Panth.

In short space of time I arrived to the UK to meet my son and family. When I arrived, I told my son "Let's go to the Gurdwara and do Naam Sanskaar (the Sikh naming ceremony)." My son replied, "Father, I have already kept my son's name, we don't need to go to the Gurdwara." I was shocked and said, "What name have you kept?" My son replied, "Robin". I lowered my head in shame and said, "Being born in a Sikh family you have turned your back on your faith, customs and heritage to choose a Christian name? I feel shame that has happened in my family - may the Guru forgive me! I did Ardaas that may my grandson become a servant of the Panth and instead he is named after Christians! Waheguru!"

I asked my son who gave you such an idea to name him Robin. He told me that his next door neighbours, who are a white English couple, suggested the name. The neighbours apparently are very close to my son and daughter-inlaw and constantly suggested naming the baby Robin. My son said he eventually accepted their suggestion. He told me that he could not change it, even if he wanted to, as he had registered it with the registration office and it was written on his birth certificate.

A few months later the next door couple were blessed with a baby son. They went to the hospital to collect the baby and brought him home. On the arrival of the baby a party was held at their home. Our family were also invited. I attended the party with my son. During the party the couple asked all the family and friends gathered for suggestions baby names. I jumped to the chance and suggested that they name their son 'Pal Singh'. The couple looked baffled. I repeated the name. The couple then replied, "It is a lovely name. However, we are Christians. I am sure it would be a nice name for a Sikh child, but as we are Christians we are looking to name him a Christian name". My son looked at me and went quiet.

When we got home, my son lowered his head and asked for forgiveness. "I have been a fool! I followed the suggestion of those people to name my son. Yet I didn't realise that they would never sacrifice their identity and religion for us." With Great Guru's blessings, the next day the whole family went to the Gurdwara Sahib for doing Naam Sanksaar. My grandson was blessed with the name 'Surinder Pal Singh'.


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From the above story we learn the message that we should be proud of who we are not sacrifice our identity. A name is very powerful. Sri Guru Gobind Singh jee named his four sons - Ajeet (unbeatable), Jujhaar (fighter), Zoravar (powerful) and Fateh (victory). What beautiful and powerful names. Truly they lived up to their names. What face can we show the Guru if we sacrifice our children's names to name them after Christian apostles, disciples and saints (e.g. Steven, Simon, Nick, David, Paul, Gavin etc). May Guru jee awaken our spirits and give us the strength to follow the true path.


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

A poor man's generous heart...

Inspirational Saakhi taken and adapted from Tapoban.org:

Story of Bhai Soma Jee

Guru Ramdas Sahib jee was doing kaar-sewa (construction service) of the sarovar (holy pool) at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. A lot of sangat used to help out in the digging of the sarovar and doing other kinds of sewa. There was a Sikh called Bhai Soma Arora, who used to earn his living by selling 'ghungraniyaan' (a snack made from chick peas) in Amritsar.

One evening Guru Sahib saw Bhai Soma jee and asked him how much vattee (profit) he had made. He came over to Guru Sahib and did matha tek and with extreme humility he answered Guru Sahib. Guru jee asked him to hand over his all day’s earnings. Without any hesitation at all, Bhai Soma jee placed all he had at the feet of Great Guru, Guru Ramdas jee.

Bhai Soma jee was a very poor person and was struggling to get by. The next day, Guru jee asked him how much he had earned and asked him to give all his earnings to him. Guru jee kept doing this for 5 days. Bhai Soma jee who was always broke, did not have any doubts on Guru Sahib. He trusted Guru Sahib 100% and believed that Guru Sahib knows better.

On the sixth day, Bhai Soma jee saw Guru Sahib at the Sarovar looking at the sangat doing sewa, with full Kirpa-Drishtee (gaze of grace). This time Bhai Soma jee did not wait for Guru Sahib to ask for the money but he came, did matha tek to Guru Sahib and placed all his earning at the blessed feet of the Great Guru. Guru Sahib, who was only testing Bhai Soma jee, was extremely pleased at him and said, "Today I have not come to take anything, I have come to give. Today you are no longer Soma, you are now 'Soma Shah'." (note: 'Shah' means very rich person).

Guru Sahib’s divine words of calling Soma, Soma Shah, forced the great force of Vaheguru’s power to come in action. Within days Soma became a shah. He became a shah of not only of worldly money but also of the greatest wealth of all, Naam (the Name of the Lord).


This is a great saakhi and we can learn a lot from this. We all know that all that we have has been given to us by Satguru but yet when it is our turn to do some seva or give back something to Guru Sahib or his Panth, we find thousand reasons not to do so. We become selfish. May Guru Sahib give us the wisdom of Bhai Soma Shah jee.

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Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!