Khalsa Camp USA 2018...

This year Khalsa Camp USA was launched in California. The camp was held from 5th to 9th August at a camp site in the mountains about 2 hours away from Los Angeles. Khalsa Foundation UK Sevadaars helped to set up the camp with the help of USA sevadaars. The camp was filled with Guru Sahib's Kirpa and left a positive mark on all those that attended. As a first camp, it was not as big as the UK or BC Khalsa Camps, however, the Sangat that came were like one big family with lots of positivity and love for the Guru to share with another. It was really inspiring.

Hopefully with Guru Sahib's Kirpaa, Khalsa Camp USA will grow and campers from this year's camp will be the one's organising next year's camp.

Some photos from the camp:

Sevadaars - Bhai Harsimran Singh (LA) and Bhai Harbakhshish Singh (LA)

Veer Jagdeep Singh (UK) introducing the camp

Bhenji Mandeep Kaur (UK) giving her lecture.

Evening Kirtan

Evening ice-breaker with Bhai Sukhwinder Singh

 

 Even the elder campers got involved in the ice-breaker. Baba Ji playing Charades.

Late evening Kirtan session on the piano

Amrit-Vela

Lecture hall

Workshop by Bhai Manvinder Singh (Clovis)

Workshop with Bhai Ravinder Singh Lal (LA)

Late afternoon Kirtan - Bhenji Manpreet Kaur (with some help)

Veer Fareed Singh, a Mexican-American who discovered Sikhi on YouTube and attended Khalsa Camp for the first time

Bhai Sukhwinder Singh leading Rehraas Sahib in Kirtan form

Satguru Ji

Hukamnama

Bonfire night

Sangat enjoying hot chocolate and some late-night stories

 Hike group

Hike group

Last day - fun session outside

 Ending camp with some last messages

 Post-camp mini reunion

Post camp Kirtan at Mata Kuldip Kaur's home. Local Gursikh Sangat came to do Seva.

Gurbani Vichaar: What can I do to get Guru's Kirpaa (Grace)?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji tells that mind can only be controlled if one get's Perfect One's Grace:

 

ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥

salok ||

Shalok:

 

ਦਸ ਦਿਸ ਖੋਜਤ ਮੈ ਫਿਰਿਓ ਜਤ ਦੇਖਉ ਤਤ ਸੋਇ ॥

das dis khojat mai firio jat dekhau tat soe ||

I have wandered, searching in the ten directions - wherever I look, there I see Him.

ਮਨੁ ਬਸਿ ਆਵੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਜੇ ਪੂਰਨ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੧੦॥

man bass aavai naanakaa je pooran kirpaa ho ||10||

The mind comes to be controlled, O Nanak, if He grants His Perfect Grace. ||10||

(Raag Gauree - Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Ang 298)

The question that follow's on from this is, "Is there anything I can do to get Guru's Kirpaa (Grace)?"

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the Pauri (verse) that follows from the Salok (couplet) gives 7 things that one can do as part of one's way of life that can help to achieve the Perfect One's Grace:

 

ਪਉੜੀ ॥

pauRee ||

Pauree:

 

ਦਸਮੀ ਦਸ ਦੁਆਰ ਬਸਿ ਕੀਨੇ ॥

dasmee das duaar bas keene ||

(1) Control the ten doors (motory organs - arms, feet and mouth; and sensory organs - touch, smell, sight, taste and hearing).

 

ਮਨਿ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਿ ਲੀਨੇ ॥

man santokh naam jap leene ||

(2) Through chanting the Naam the mind becomes content.

 

ਕਰਨੀ ਸੁਨੀਐ ਜਸੁ ਗੋਪਾਲ ॥

karnee suneeaai jas gopaal ||

(3) With your ears, hear the Praises of the Lord of the World.

 

ਨੈਨੀ ਪੇਖਤ ਸਾਧ ਦਇਆਲ ॥

nainee pekhat saadh dayaal ||

(4) With your eyes, behold the Home of kindness, the Holy Saints.

 

ਰਸਨਾ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਵੈ ਬੇਅੰਤ ॥

rasnaa gun gaavai beant ||

(5) With your tongue, sing the Glorious Praises of the Infinite Lord.

 

ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਿਤਵੈ ਪੂਰਨ ਭਗਵੰਤ ॥

man mehi chitvai pooran bhagvant ||

(6) In your mind, remember the All-Pervading Lord God.

 

ਹਸਤ ਚਰਨ ਸੰਤ ਟਹਲ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥

hasat charan sant Tahal kamaayeeaai ||

(7) With your hands and feet, work for the Saints.

 

ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਪਾਈਐ ॥੧੦॥

naanak ehu sanjam prabh kirpaa paayeeaai ||10||

O Nanak! Following this way of life (as mentioned above) one obtains God's Grace. ||10||

(Raag Gauree - Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Ang 298)

[Video] ਸਿਖ ਨੂੰ ਦਾੜ੍ਹੀ ਕਿਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਬੰਨਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ? | Why Shouldn't a Sikh Tie His Beard?

Be careful when driving...

Last month I was driving to East London. I was on the M25 and turned off at junction 27 to turn on to the M11. There is a sharp bend as the road curves around. On this bend, I saw what seemed to be a broken down vehicle. I couldn't see too clearly, but it seemed a light-skinned Pakistani or perhaps Eastern European man and I assumed his family was with him. 

He was waving towards the traffic and seemed to be flagging for help. I thought perhaps someone is having a heart attack or perhaps he doesn't have a mobile phone and needs urgent help with ringing emergency services or something. So I decide to pull up on the hard shoulder about 30 yards away from the broken down car. Seeing me slow down, the man ran towards the car. 

Having read a few news items about car jackings, I pressed the central locking system so the doors were locked. I then put my window down just enough so I can hear him but not enough for someone to put their arm through the window. The man came right up to the window and said, "Hello Sir! Please help me." I replied, "What help do you need?" He said, "Can you please give me £10. My car has ran out of petrol and I am stuck."

I thought, hold up, how is a £10 note going to get his car going when he has ran out of petrol on the motorway? Thankfully I had my phone on and on display in the car as I was on the phone to another Singh when this was happening. I said, "If you have ran out petrol, you need to get to a petrol station and get petrol - not ask for money on the motorway!... Ring your breakdown people or shall I call the police for you?" He quickly responded, "No, no... no police... just £10. You give me and help me.... I can get home... I have my family... You good man."

Something inside me made me look into my rear mirror, and guess what... he didn't have a family with him. Instead a black guy who was standing to a side (on the hard shoulder of the motorway) got in this car and was about to drive the car towards me (proving the story false that the car had ran out of petrol). I thought this looks like a gang trying to get me to stop and have me pass over money and then have the rest of the gang steal my car. I said "I will call the Police for you now..." He said, "No its okay and ran off." I quickly drove off before they could get close with their car.

It said that criminals are taking advantage of people's good will and more dangerously it is important to say safe and keep your car doors locked when driving.

[Video] The soul of Afghanistan speaks to Punjab...

Toronto Singhs Camp 2018...

This year's Toronto Singhs Camp camp was attended by around 100+ campers. The camp is aimed at people aged 16 years and above, however it had some younger children who also benefited from the Sangat, Seva, and Simran. It is a great opportunity to experience Sikhi in a relaxed, friendly and spiritually charged environment. This year, Toronto Singhs Camp took place at Pearson Williams Christian Center in London, Ontorio. The beautiful natural surroundings helped to connect with and appreciate the Creator and creation.

This year's workshop facilitators and speakers included Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (UK) and Bhai Harman Singh (Calgary). The theme of the camp was based on topics taken from Japji Sahib.  Each year the camp organisers pick thoughtful topics that are relevant to the daily lives of campers.

Some photos from the camp taken by Bhai Ranjit Singh:

Satguru Ji arriving with grandeur and style to the camp site. 

 

The local Sevadaars have a great set up in doing Satguru Ji's Seva. Very inspiring. 

 

Satguru Ji's Darbaar looking amazing. 

 Singhs Camp dedicated Langar team. Langar is an integral part of the camp! #LangarCamp

 

Veer Ji Harman Singh's lecture was on Hukam. What Hukam means and why and how a Sikh should follow Hukam.  

 Sangat listening to the talk.

 

 During Toronto Singhs Camp 2018, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (UK), aka Sukhi Baba, did the grand launch of his new charity organisation called 'Basics of Sukhi'. His strap line is 'Harm yourself with knowledge'. I think Veer Harman Singh (Basics of Sikhi) has got some healthy competition going on!

 

Bhai Sukhwinder Singh's talk was on on how Gurbani deals with Dukh (suffering). What is suffering, how we suffer, what is true suffering and how to overcome suffering. 

 

Evening divaan. 

Bhai Jagjit Singh (Melbourne) doing Kirtan in the evening darbaar.

 Sukhaasan Seva led by campers

Daas' workshop was on using Mool Mantar to explain Sikhi to non-Sikhs and ideas of how to do Parchaar.

 Sangat doing group work during discussions.

 You cannot escape Big Brother's camera at Toronto Singhs Camp (aka known as Veer Jaspaul Singh. His dedication to Seva is inspiring)!

 Pool party (without the party).

 

When war breaks lose in the camp!

 

 Some campers took things more seriously than others!

 

 Evening Kirtan in the open.

 

Sangat doing Kirtan.

 When someone decides to make a Parshaada that is bigger than their face!

 

Sangat making Langar

Eye-Opening Speech!

Note: Sikhi diet is not vegan because gheo and milk has been a part and parcel of Langar and Degh Maryada. However, the Sikhi diet is supposed to be ethical, compassionate, cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly, and spiritualised. Although Sikhi allows consuming dairy products, modern-day industrial milk farming is far from the ethical or compassionate.

Primary school children learn about Sikhi... (Part 2)

Continued...

Some people grow their hair long, and some people have their hair short. Put your hands up if you have long hair or have not cut your hair? [Clearly one child didn't understand the question because he had short cut hair but had his hand up!]

Well! As a Sikh we believe that God has made this body as a gift and we look after it. We don't cut our hair because it helps us to stay connected with God's vibration and feel his holy presence. It always give us spiritual strength, similar to a story in the Bible. To prevent us looking really messy or having your hair go all over the place, we nicely tie it up on top of our head. It looks really cool.

Put your hand up if you are against animal cruelty? [Everyone put their hand up]
Now, what is the most cruelest thing you could do an animal? [Someone put their hand up and said "kill it".]

Well done! As a Sikh we are are against cruelty and believe an animal's right to live is more important than someone taste.  As humans we can still survive without eating animals. Being caring, compassionate and kind to all living beings is really important if we want to stay connected with God's holy presence.

What do you find in a garden? [Children said - vegetables, plants, flowers...]
Now, what do you find a grave yard? [Children said - grave stones, dead bodies...]

Well, as Sikhs we treat our body like a beautiful garden, rather than a grave yard. So we don't eat dead animals. Instead we eat vegetables, lentils, pulses, wheat and fruit. 

As a Sikh I am supposed to have pure thoughts and see everyone as part of my family. So I treat all elderly women with the same respect as my mum. Everyone the same age as me, with the same respect as a sister, and anyone younger than me with the respect of a daughter. And the same the other way around.

Can you drink and drive? [A student said "No."]
Why not? [A student said, "Because it is effects your mind and you can have an accident]

Well done! The body is a temple or house of God. Just as you cannot drink and drive because its dangerous and not good for your mind. As Sikhs we do not drink, smoke or take drugs. We always want our mind to stay focused and able to connect with God's vibration and feel His presence.

Lastly, you may be thinking why I look like this. 

The Guru has given us a special uniform to remind me to stay connected with God.

We wear a turban to cover our hair. The turban is a crown. But not any old crown. It is a crown with special jewels. Can you see them? [They looked confused and said no].

My turban is a crown. Just like a king or queen wears a crown and they have responsibilities and duties. A Sikh wearing a turban has responsibilities and duties. The jewels of my crown are values taught by our Guru, a bit like your school values. The jewels are - being fearless, not hating anyone, respecting all, standing up for others, being of service to others, being kind, being fair, etc. 

On my wrist I am wearing these. What do you think they are made of? [Someone said silver].
They made of iron. Just like God is strong like iron, Sikhs wear an iron bracelet to remind us to be strong in our faith. They also look like handcuffs. It reminds me that I am handcuffed to God and God is always with me, and with these hands I should do good and help others.

Inside my turban, I have a small wooden comb which is used to comb my hair. Just like we keep our hair tidy, we are reminded to keep our mind and thoughts tidy each time we comb our hair.

You can't see, but I am wearing some long white shorts. They are really wide.... not that I am that fat. There is cord-string which you pull and makes the shorts look like a curtain that goes around my waist. It is really comfortable and it means I can do anything and always be covered and looking respectable. It is white colour and reminds me to behave like a saint and always be careful with my thoughts.

Lastly, this is called a Kirpaan! Can you say "Kirpaan" for me. [They all repeated after me].

This a gift by the Guru worn to protect and stand up for others. It is not something to be scared of. Just like you wouldn't be scared of your school cook with a knife, because you know she is going to use for cutting vegetables. You would not be scared of a doctor with a knife, because you know he is going to use it save someones life in surgery. You would not be scared of a Sikh wearing a Kirpaan, because you know that he or she is wearing it for protecting others. Sikhs are God's Police. We have a duty to protect and serve others just like the Police.

To end with... as Sikhs we get together and pray in a place called a Gurdwara. There is a special room where the Guru sits on the throne and we read, sing and pray. Then there is a special dining room where everyone can come and eat food. Wherever Sikhs are in the world, we give free food because our Guru taught us that no one should go hungry. So if you ever see a Gurdwara, feel free to go inside and visit.

The children gave a very positive response. Afterwards I went to the classrooms where students got an opportunity to ask questions. Their questions were really sweet. Hopefully the write-up can give some ideas and confidence to others to do seva in schools and share the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with the world and prevent intolerance and racism.

Primary school children learn about Sikhi... (Part 1)

Last Monday I was invited to Bishop Carpenter Primary School. It is a small village school where many of the children have not seen a Sikh before. The school is a Church of England school and has only 100 students. 

The day started with the school assembly. The students began with their usual Christian worship and singing of hymns. I was then given 15 minutes to speak to the children about Sikhi. All the children were really respectful and listened very carefully. Afterwards I had an opportunity to talk to the children during their break time and then after the break there was a questions and answers session with the two elder classes. 

Below is a short write-up of what was said in the assembly for the benefit of those who wish to have some ideas of what to can say when given the opportunity to speak about Sikhi with young school children from a non-Sikh background.

"Good morning everyone! Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you! 

Put your hands up if you have heard of a Sikh before? [Some hands go up]

Today I am going to share with you about my faith. 

God made the world and wants to see us happy. However, people became fed up, frustrated, angry and behaving in a not so nice way because they didn't realise how to work the mind and body that God has given. So God decided to come to earth as a special teacher, called a Guru. Can you say "Guru" for me? [They all said Guru]

God decided I will tell you whats inside your mind and body and how to use it wisely so you can be happy. The name of the Guru was Guru Nanak. Can you all say Guru Nanak for me? [They all repeated after me]

Guru Nanak taught us that there is one God. Different people in the world call different names like Raam, Allah, God or Vahiguru. Does anyone know different words for water? [Someone said H2O, wasser, and agua]. If someone said that they wanted H2O, but not water. Or that they wanted agua but not wasser, would that sound right? [Children said no]. At the end of the day, it is the same thing but with different names. Similarly, there is one God but people call Him different names. 

Guru Nanak taught us that God made this world by saying a Word. The vibration from that Word made all the world and that vibration vibrates in everything that was created. It's pretty cool and amazing! That vibration vibrates in everything you see around you - inside me and you. 

When you are tuning the radio, it makes some sounds and eventually you tune into the radio station and you can hear the words. Similarly, the vibration of God when tuned into make a word, that is the Name of God.  So to connect with God, we use the Name of God to feel that special vibration of God or the Holy Presence of God. It similar to the Holy Spirit in one sense.

In order to connect with the Presence of God, this amazing vibration of God that is within us and around us, we follow a special way of life that Guru Nanak has shown us. 

Who likes sleeping? [Everyone's hand went up] I do as well! I love my duvet and like sleeping. But Guru Nanak taught us that we can give God a very special gift. That gift is giving up our sleep time and waking up to remember Him and connect with Him. So Sikhs wake up before sunrise, when all the iPads are still off, when most people are not watching TV, and people are not up working. It's really quiet and lovely. But its not just Sikhs waking up that time, you can hear the birds and other animals waking up around the same time. It's really peaceful.

So when we wake up, we have a shower, wash our hair, and then we sit down and chant God's Name. By chanting God's Name we feel connected with God's vibration and presence. It's really relaxing and gives you lots of energy and positivity to have a nice day. We then say some special prayers which we read everyday.

During the day we are supposed to remember God in everything we do, and see God's presence and vibration vibrating in all. Then when we come back home from school or work, and say a special prayer to make sure our scattered mind becomes nice and focused and ready for the evening. We sing prayers, go to the Gurdwara - the special place where Sikhs pray with others, and help others. In the evening before going to sleep, we sit on the bed and say a special prayer to make sure our mind is really focused and we are ready for a nice sleep, ready to get up for the next morning....

To be continued...

[Video] ਕੀ ਕੁਦਰਤ ਹੀ ਰੱਬ ਹੈ? | Is God really just Nature?...

"It was as if every Sikh was Christ..."

This month in 1716, Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadar was publicly beheaded in Delhi for refusing to give up his Sikhi. Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Ji was arrested with 736 Sikhs and brought to Delhi in March 1716. 700 Singhs fearlessly accepted execution but refused to give up their faith. 

On 10th March 1716, Sir Lawrence Henry, watching the executions of the Singhs wrote to the English Governor of Bengal: 

"Every day I have seen 100 Sikhs been killed but none accepted Islam. After the 3rd day all of the Sikhs got together and told Sarbrah Khan (Head of Police) don't waste time by asking us to convert we are here to accept death... It was as if every Sikh was Christ and didn't sacrifice his religion."

Our ancestors gave up their lives but not their Sikhi, today our people have sacrificed their beards and made patterns in them (looking very much like the Mughals that wished to rob our ancestors of their Sikhi). The Kara and Kirpan which our ancestors refused to remove, is today happily taken off or some have not even worn a Kirpan in their life and claim you can still be a faithful Sikh without the Panj Kakkaar. The Gurbani and Nitnem which the Mughals could not get our ancestors to stop repeating has today been lost to DJs, sleazy songs in the name of culture, and swearing. 

It’s not too late ji! Lets all wake up and reclaim the glorious Sikhi that ancestors fought and died to preserve.

Tattoos and Sikhi...

There is a growing trend amongst youth in the Sikh community to get tattoos. More worrying is the number of Amritdharis getting tattoos! Gurbani was to read, listen and sing... but now people tattoo Gurbani on themselves! 

From all the photos have seen, I am pretty sure people making tattoos shave off the hair where they are going to make the tattoo. Cutting kesh is the most offensive thing for anyone who loves and respects Kalgidhar Patshah Ji, in fact its considered worse than death! The irony then to get a Sikhi tattoo through dishonouring the Kesh! 

It is deepest of offensive to take a Gurbani Gutka to the toilet yet people think its okay to use arms and hands tattooed with Gurbani to clean themselves when going to the toilet? Would anyone drink alcohol or smoke next a Gutka? Well there are some with Gurbani tattooed on their bodies who do that and don’t realise the seriousness of what they are doing. 

Does anyone really think the Chaar Sahibzaade would have a tattoo? Would Kalgidhar Paatshah have a tattoo? The tattoos Guru Ji talks about is writing Naam and Bani on your heart, mind and thoughts, but where have we gone instead? Same Sikhi tattooed bodies can be seen drinking, in the barbers, indulging in ghor manmat? 

Brothers and sisters, take claim to your Sikhi pride and use it to live and breathe Sikhi! Lets wake up Amrit vela, read Nitnem, do Seva, keep our Guru given identity and take Khande-Di-Pahul and become real Singhs and Singhnian of Kalgidhar Paatshah! 

Bhul chuk maaf🙏🏻 

Note: There are some Gursikhs who have tattoos, but they are from their past life before taking Amrit. Therefore not much can be done, however no excuse for others ji.

The Future is on Our Hands...

Jago! We are destined to be kings (sardaars), not to be dancers (nachaar) or entertainment! Our Paatshaahi (kingship) laid in our Amrit-Vela, Nitnem, Simran, Rehat, moral character, godly virtues and undying faith in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Khande-Di-Pahul. 

When our brothers and sisters chose Sharaab instead of Amrit, filthy immoral songs instead of Gurbani, and fake Babas and Pakhandi Saadhs instead of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, they ended up losing the hand of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji that for centuries had made paupers into kings, sinners to saints, and virtue-less people to virtuous people. 

The throne of Delhi then bowed before Sikhs, and now so-called Sikhs dance for those sitting on the throne of Delhi.

ਜਬ ਲਗ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਰਹੇ ਨਿਆਰਾ ਤਬ ਲਗ ਤੇਜ ਦਿਉਂ ਮੈਂ ਸਾਰਾ ।। 
Jab lag khalsa rehai niaaraa, tab lag tej deo mai saaraa. 
As long as the Khalsa remains distinct, I will protect them with my sword (power).
 
ਜਬ ਯੇਹ ਗਹੇਂ ਬਿਪਰਨ ਕੀ ਰੀਤ ਮੈਂ ਨਾ ਕਰੂੰ ਇਨ ਕੀ ਪਰਤੀਤ।। 
Jab eh gaye bipran kee reet, mai na karon en kee parteet.

But when they follow anti-Sikh ways, I will no longer have faith in them.

(Sarbloh Granth)

Jago pyaario! Jago!

Video: Child doing Parchaar (A must watch!)

Respecting others views...

Bhai Gurdaas Ji, Kabit 399:

ਜੈਸੇ ਨੈਨ ਬੈਨ ਪੰਖ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਸ੍ਰਬੰਗ ਮੋਰ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਪਗ ਓਰ ਦੇਖਿ ਦੋਖ ਨ ਬੀਚਾਰੀਐ ।

Jaise Nain Bain Pankh Sundar Srabang Mora, 
Taa Ke Pag Aur Dekhi Dokh Na Beechaareeai ।

Just as a peacock's eyes, call, feathers and all other limbs are beautiful, one should not condemn him for his ugly feet. (see the merits alone). 

ਸੰਦਲ ਸੁਗੰਧ ਅਤਿ ਕੋਮਲ ਕਮਲ ਜੈਸੇ ਕੰਟਕਿ ਬਿਲੋਕ ਨ ਅਉਗਨ ਉਰਧਾਰੀਐ ।

Sandal Sugandh At Komal Kamal Jaise, 
Kanttak Bilok Na Augan Urdhaareeai ।

Just as Sandalwood is very fragrant and lotus flower very delicate, one should not bring to mind their demerit of the fact that a snake generally wraps itself around the sandalwood tree while a lotus flower has thorn on its stem. 

ਜੈਸੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਫਲ ਮਿਸਟਿ ਗੁਨਾਦਿ ਸ੍ਵਾਦ ਬੀਜ ਕਰਵਾਈ ਕੈ ਬੁਰਾਈ ਨ ਸਮਾਰੀਐ ।

Jaise Amrit Phal Mistt Gunaad Svaad, 
Beej Karvaaee Kai Buraaee Na Samaareeai ।

Just as a mango is sweet and delicious but its kernal's bitterness should not be thought of. 

ਤੈਸੇ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨ ਦਾਨ ਸਬਹੂੰ ਸੈ ਮਾਂਗਿ ਲੀਜੈ ਬੰਦਨਾ ਸਕਲ ਭੂਤ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਨ ਤਕਾਰੀਐ ॥੩੯੯॥

Taise Gur Giaan Daan Sabhoon Sai Maang Leejai, 
Bandanaa Sakal Bhoot Nindaa Na Takaareeai ॥399॥

Similarly one should take Guru's word and his sermons from everyone and everywhere. Everyone should be respected also. No one should be ever slandered and condemned for his demerit.

ਆਇ ਮਿਲੁ ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਆਇ ਮਿਲੁ... | Aaye Mil Gursikh Aaye Mil...

This Monday we had a friendly surprise at the Banbury Gurmat Class. Gursikhs from East London - Veer Uttam Singh, Bhenji Kulvinder Kaur, Veer Amanjot Singh and Veer Inderbir Singh were passing by our town and decided to kindly visit the Gurdwara Sahib and speak to the children. The Sangat really appreciated their visit and sharing Vichaar of Gurbani with the children and parents.

Talks on Sikh rites of passage in accordance to Rehat Maryada...

Janam Ate Naam Sanskaar - Birth and Naming Ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn7dREm31x0

Amrit Sanskaar - Initiation Ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNllVNsTxEQ

Anand Sanskaar - Marriage Ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byxR_kkYmOo

Mirtak Sanskaar - Death Ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQvH3a9oiwQ
 

"I respect Sikhs..."

A few weeks ago, I came across a black gentleman and said "Hi" to him. He put his hands together (like we say Fateh) and said "Hello, Mr Singh". Seeing how friendly the guy was, I stopped to talk to him. He said, "I respect Sikhs you know." 

He was wearing yellow colour trainers that seemed expensive. I made a comment, "I like like your trainers. They look very bright!" He replied, "Mr Singh there is a special story behind these trainers I am wearing." 

He continued, "One day I was walking down Soho Road (in Birmingham). I was walking barefooted because I was not in a good situation. A Sikh gentleman like you, with a turban and flowing beard was walking past me on Soho Road and stopped. He took off his brand new trainers and said that he cannot bare to watch me walk barefooted and that he should kindly accept his trainers." The black gentleman said that he refused at first and told the Singh "I cannot do that. What about you?" He said that the Singh replied, "I cannot bare to watch you walk barefooted, I will be fine brother."

The black gentleman had a huge smile on his face and said, "That's why I respect Sikhs!"

A response to hate preacher Narain Daas...

ਕੋਈ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕਰੇ ਪੂਰੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕੀ ਤਿਸ ਨੋ ਫਿਟੁ ਫਿਟੁ ਕਹੈ ਸਭੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥

koee nindaa kare poore satiguroo kee, tis no fitth fitth kahai sabh sansaar || 

"If someone slanders the Perfect True Guru, they will be rebuked and cursed by the whole world."

 (Gauree M:4, 302)

A video went viral this week of a hate preacher going by the name of Narain Daas. Below is a response to the hate preacher's video:

Article: Is repeating 'Vahiguru' Naam? A Gurmat response...

ਕੀ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਰਨਾ ਨਾਮ ਹੈ? 

ਇੱਕ ਸੁਆਲ ਦੇ ਜੁਆਬ'ਚ ਵੀਚਾਰ 

Author: Bhai Jarnail Singh Delhi

ਦਾਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਨਾਮ ਦੇ ਸੰਬੰਧ ਚ ਕਲਮ ਚੁੱਕਣ ਦੀ ਯੋਗਤਾ, ਸਮਰੱਥਾ ਨਹੀਂ। ਨਿਗੂਣੀ ਸਮਝ ਤੋਂ ਟੂਕ ਮਾਤਰ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ। 

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰਮੰਤ੍ ਹੈ। ਗੁਰਮੰਤ੍ ਦਾ ਅਭਿਆਸ ਵੀ ਨਾਮ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਨਾਮ ਸਿਰਫ ਇੱਕ ਅੱਖਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਰ ਓਸ ਦੀ ਯਾਦ ਤੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਭਿੱਜਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਅੱਖਰ ਨਾਮ ਹੋਇ ਵਰਤਦਾ ਹੈ। ਜਿਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਿਰਫ "ਮਾਂ" ਕਹਿਣ ਨਾਲ ਮਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਰੂਪ, ਗੁਣ, ਪਿਆਰ, ਕੀਤੇ ਉਪਕਾਰ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਯਾਦ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਓਸੇ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਰੱਬ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਚਿਤਾਰਨ ਨਾਲ ਓਸਦੇ ਗੁਣ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਚ ਪਰਗਟ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਇਹ ਦੋਨੋ ਢੰਗਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਗੁਣ ਗਾਉਂਦੇ, ਪੜਦੇ, ਵੀਚਾਰਦੇ ਆਪਮੁਹਾਰੇ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵੀ ਆਰੰਭ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ'ਚ ਧਿਆਨ ਜੋੜਿਆਂ ਓਸਦੇ ਗੁਣ ਪਰਗਟ ਹੋਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਪਰ ਓਸ ਦੀ ਨਦਰਿ, ਕਿਰਪਾ, ਬਖਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਨਹੀਂ। ਧੰਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਜੀ ਫੁਰਮਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ: 

"ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਕਰਤੀ ਰਸਨਾ ਸਬਦਿ ਸੁਹਾਈ ।। 

ਪੂਰੇ ਸਬਦਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਆਈ ।। 

ਵਡਭਾਗੀਆ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਮੁਹਹੁ ਕਢਾਈ ।।"

ਅਵਸਥਾ ਇਹ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਕੇ: 

"ਰਸਨਾ ਜਪੈ ਨ ਨਾਮੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਤਿਲੁ ਕਰ ਕਟੀਐ ।।"

ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਸਰਿਗੁਣ, ਨਿਰਗੁਣ, ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ, ਸੁੰਨ ਸਮਾਧ ਸਭ ਅਵਸਥਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਰਤ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਪਰ ਜਗਤ ਉਧਾਰ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਮੇਸ਼ਰ ਰੂਪ ਚ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਹੋ ਨਿਬੜਦੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੋਹਣੇ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਸਬਦਿ ਰੂਪ ਚ ਹੋਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਹੋਵੇ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਨਾਲ, ਭਾਵਨਾ ਸੰਪੂਰਣ। ਸਿਰਫ ਮੂੰਹ ਨਾਲ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਹਵਾ ਦਾ ਅੰਦਰ ਆਣਾ ਜਾਣਾ ਹੈ। ਆਸਾ ਦੀ ਵਾਰ ਕਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ: 

"ਜੋ ਜੀਇ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਉਗਵੈ ਮੁਹ ਕਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਵਾਉ ।।" 

"ਮਨਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਰ ਥਕੇ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਧੋਇ ।।"

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਅਤੇ ਨਾਮ ਵੱਖਰੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਨ। ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ, ਨਾਮੀ (ਪਰਮੇਸ਼ਰ) ਚ ਅਭੇਦ ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ਦੀ ਸੁਰਤ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਨਿਕਲੇ ਓਹ ਸਬਦਿ ਹਨ ਜੋ ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਹੀ ਵਿਸਤਾਰ, ਗੁਣਾਂ ਦੇ ਲਖਾਇਕ ਹਨ ਤੇ "ਗੁਣ ਕਹਿ ਗੁਣੀ ਸਮਾਵਣਿਆ" ਦੇ ਗੂੜ ਭੇਦ ਨੂੰ ਸਹਿਜੇ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਚਿੱਤ, ਸੁਨਣਾ, ਗਾਉਣਾ, ਪੜਨਾ ਵੀ ਨਾਮ ਧਿਆਉਣਾ ਹੋ ਨਿਬੜਦਾ ਹੈ ਜੇ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਨਾਮ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਹੋਵੇ। ਕਿਉਂ ਜੋ ਧਿਆਨ ਦੀ ਇਕਾਗਰਤਾ ਸੋਖੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਐਸ ਲਈ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਦੇ ਸਹਾਰੇ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਨੂੰ ਟਿਕਾ ਕੇ ਭਾਵ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਬਲ ਕਰ ਗਿਆਨ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਮਹਾਨ ਬਖਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਗੁਰੂ ਨੇ ਸਾਡੇ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਚ ਲਿਬੜੇ, ਮੈਲ ਕੁਚੈਲੇ ਮਨਾਂ ਲਈ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। 

ਕੀਰਤਨ ਤੋਂ, ਜੱਸ ਗਾਉਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਵੀ ਨਾਉਂ ਉਪਜਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤੇ ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰਿਆਂ ਸਨਮੁੱਖ "ਤਨੁ ਮਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਹਿ ਵੇਚਿਆ ਮਨੁ ਦੀਆ ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਲਿ ।।" ਵਾਲੇ ਸਮਰਪਣ ਤੇ ਗੁਰਮੰਤਰ ਦੀ ਬਖਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਦਿ੍ੜ ਕੀਤਿਆਂ ਨਾਉ ਉਪਜਦਾ ਹੈ, ਇਹ ਨਾਮ ਸਰੂਪ ਹੀ ਹੈ: 

"ਸਭਿ ਜਾਇ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕੋ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏ ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਵੈ ਰਾਮ ।।" 

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਤੋਂ ਭਾਵ ਬਾਰ ਬਾਰ ਜਪਣ, ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਹੈ। 

"ਬਾਰੰ ਬਾਰ ਬਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਪੀਐ, ਪੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਧ੍ਰਪੀਐ ।।" 

ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਜੱਪਣਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਓਸਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਨਾਮ ਨਹੀਂ। ਕੋਈ ਸਰੂਪ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਰ ਸਭ ਸਰੂਪ ਓਸਦੇ ਹਨ, ਨਿਰਗੁਣ ਵੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਸਰਗੁਣ ਵੀ ਆਪ ਹੀ, ਨਿਰ ਤੋਂ ਆਕਾਰ ਵੀ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਤੇ ਸੁੰਨ ਸਮਾਧ ਵੀ ਆਪ ਹੀ। ਸੰਪੂਰਣ ਬ੍ਰਹਿਮੰਡ ਵੱਖ ਵੱਖ ਅਵਸਥਾਵਾਂ ਚ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਹਰਿ ਸਰੂਪ ਚ ਓਹ ਆਪ ਹੈ। ਹਰਿ, ਗੋਪਾਲ, ਰਾਮ, ਮਾਧੋ, ਕਰੀਮ, ਰਹੀਮ....ਸਭ ਓਸ ਦੇ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਦੇ ਲਖਾਇਕ ਹਨ, ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਨਹੀਂ। ਸਤਿਨਾਮ ਪਰਾ ਪੂਰਬਲਾ ਹੈ। 

"ਕਿਰਤਮ ਨਾਮ ਕਥੈ ਤੇਰੇ ਜਿਹਬਾ, ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰਾ ਪਰਾ ਪੂਰਬਲਾ ।।" 

ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਇਹ ਸਬਦਿ ਆਖ ਗੱਲ ਮੁਕਾ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਕੇ "ਸਿਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਲੋਕਾ ਪਾਵ ਹੈ, ਕੁਰਬਾਣੁ ਜਾਉ ਜੇਤੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਵ ਹੈ ।।"........ਇਹ ਗੂੰਗੇ ਦੀ ਮਿਠਿਆਈ ਹੈ, ਕਹਿਣ ਕਹਾਉਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਹੈ। ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਹਜੂਰੀ ਗੁਰਮੰਤਰ ਨਾਮ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ ਕਰਕੇ ਜਪੀਐ, ਕਿੰਤੂ ਪਰੰਤੂ ਛੱਡ ਆਪਾ ਅਰਪਣ ਕਰ ਨਿਤਨੇਮ, ਕੀਰਤਨ ਚ ਜੁੜ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪ੍ਰਬਲ ਕਰੀਏ। ਸਾਰੀ ਖੇਡ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਦੀ ਹੈ, ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਪੈ ਗਿਆ ਤਾਂ ਸਮਝੋ ਨਦਰਿ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਜੇ ਖੁਸ਼ਕੀ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਫੇਰ ਹੱਥ ਜੋੜ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰੀਏ। ਜੱਲ ਚ ਉਤਰੇ ਬਿਨਾ ਕਿਨਾਰੇ ਬਹਿ ਕੋਈ ਤੈਰਨਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਿਖ ਸਕਦਾ....ਸੰਸਾਰ ਸਾਗਰ ਤੋਂ ਤਾਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰੇਗਾ। 

ਭੁੱਲ ਚੁੱਕ ਦੀ ਖਿਮਾਂ.

The relationship with Vahiguru Ji when we do Naam Simran...

Gujri - Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 498 

ਗੂਜਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ 

goojree mahalaa panjvaa || 

Goojaree, Fifth Nanak: 

ਮਤਾ ਮਸੂਰਤਿ ਅਵਰ ਸਿਆਨਪ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਆਇਓ ॥ 

mataa masoorat avar siaanap jan kou kachhoo na aayio || 

The humble servant of the Lord has no plans, politics or other clever tricks.  

ਜਹ ਜਹ ਅਉਸਰੁ ਆਇ ਬਨਿਓ ਹੈ ਤਹਾ ਤਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਇਓ ॥੧॥ 

jeh jeh ausar aaye baniyo hai tahaa tahaa har dhiyaaeo ||1|| 

Whenever the occasion arises, there, they meditate on the Lord. ||1||  

ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੋ ਭਗਤਿ ਵਛਲੁ ਬਿਰਦਾਇਓ ॥ 

prabh ko bhagat vachhal birdaayio || 

It is the very nature of God to love His devotees; 

 

ਕਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਲ ਬਾਰਿਕ ਕੀ ਨਿਆਈ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਲਾਡ ਲਡਾਇਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ 

kare pratipaal baarik kee niyaaee jan kau laadd laddaio ||1|| rahaao || 

He cherishes His servant, and nurtures them as His own child. ||1||Pause|| 

ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੰਜਮ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਜਨਿ ਗਾਇਓ ॥ 

jap tap sanjam karam dharam har keeratan jan gaayio || 

The Lord's servant have forever sung His Praises; for the devotee this is their worship, deep meditation, self-discipline and religious observance. 

ਸਰਨਿ ਪਰਿਓ ਨਾਨਕ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕੀ ਅਭੈ ਦਾਨੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਓ ॥੨॥੩॥੧੨॥ 

sharan pario naanak ttaakur kee abhai daan sukh paayio ||2||3||12|| 

O Nanak! The Lord's servant remains in the Lord-Master's Sanctuary and obtains the blessings of fearlessness and spiritual peace. ||2||3||12||