MEAT SCARE

Note: Just to clarify this post is not about a new out-break of Foot & Mouth Disease or BSE

Today went to SOAS library. Its really good for Sikhi books. I had to do so much photocopying and it was HOT in the library and BOILING in the photocopying room. I don't think my shell-suit type material kurta pyjama did me any favours!! I felt so warm and bit stuffy! Couldn't wait to get out and go back to halls to have something to eat.

On the way back to halls I walked and did Rehraas Sahib da paath. On the weekend my mum gave me daal sabjee to take back to uni. So I was all excited to eat daal sabji (and not regular old cheese on toast :( Waheguru!). On the way back I bought some Pitta Breads from the nearby shop. Well, Pita Breads are the next best thing to roti when you're desperate. So I went for the "6 Garlic Pitta".

Got back to halls and got the sabji out of the freezer and quickly put it in the microwave. Waheguru! Yum, yum... nice sabji.. and a bit of pitta bread - maujaa hee maujaa :). I put the Pitta bread in my small oven in my room. Waheguru! Pitta bread is ready and sabji is garam. Vah vi vah. I put sabji and dehee (yoghurt) in my plate and do Ardaas. I looked at the Sabji and wondered what sabji it was. O well, I broke a piece of Pitta and put the Sabji in my mouth.


WAIT!! Something inside me says, "WHAT ARE YOU EATING." I stop. I look back at my plate and stare at the sabji. Wahegurooo.... is that sabji or KEEMAA (minced lamb!)!! I stared carefully and all I could see is a huge chunks, like Keema. I felt sick. THANK GOD that I hadn't swallowed what I had in my mouth. I spat it out, washed my mouth out with paani (water) and then did my toothbrush.



I rang home to say that my mum accidently gave my KEEMA to eat. My dad picked up and told him what happened. He said that it wasn't keema or meat but sabji. He said that they hadn't made meat for a long long time, and furthermore they don't freeze meat. He said ring back in few minutes when my mum is free. So while I am waiting I stare at the sabji, and start to prod and poke at it. RAB DA SHUKAR... I see a few mushroom pieces amongst the peas and ahloo. Then I got confused - it could be Keema with mushroom, peas and ahloo!?!?!

WHY ME!!!!!!!!! Bit shocked by the meat scare!

I rang back and my mum said that it is definately not Keema and that she gave me Mushroom di sabji. Apparently my mum put more Piaaj (onions) than usual, so the turkaa is stronger and might have looked like "Keema". lol. I felt soooo relieved and got tucked into the Sabji. yum, yum.. good to have good old home cooked daal sabji at university :)

Spiritual Vibes Kirtan - AUDIO

RSingh has kindly uploaded the kirtan from the Spiritual Vibes Kirtan programme, 2nd December 2005. Click on "Listen" to hear the Kirtan. To download the Kirtan, right click on the link and click on "Save Target As".


Kirtan by Bhenji Prabhjit Kaur Jee:

ਮਾਗਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਾਇ ਇਹ ਭਿਖਿਆ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰਸਨ ਕਉ ਕੁਰਬਾਣੈ ॥ - Listen/Download
maageh naam paae ih bhikhi-aa, tere darshan kau kurbaanai.
They beg for Your Name, and You bless them with this charity. I am a sacrifice to the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan.
(Full Shabad)

Kirtan by Bhenji Ishpreet Kaur Jee:

ਮੈ ਪੇਖਿਓ ਰੀ ਊਚਾ ਮੋਹਨੁ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥ - Listen/Download
mai pekhi-o ree oochaa mohan, sabh te oochaa.
O Sister! I have seen that the Fascinating Lord is high; He is the highest of all.
(Full Shabad)

Simran:

Bibi Ishpreet Kaur Jee - Listen/Download
Bhai Varinder Singh Jee - Listen/Download
Bhai Tarsem Singh Jee - Listen/Download
Veer Ravjeet Singh Jee - Listen/Download

Kirtan by Daas:

ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੇ ਨਿਤ ਧਿਆਵਉ ॥ - Listen/Download
charan kamal parabh kay nit Dhi-aava-o.
I meditate continually on the Lotus Feet of God.
(Read Full Shabad)

ਗੁਰ ਬਿਨੁ ਘੋਰੁ ਅੰਧਾਰੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਮਝ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥ - Listen/Download
gur bin ghor anDhaar guroo bin samajh na aavai.
Without the Guru, there is utter darkness; without the Guru, understanding does not come.
(Read Full Shabad)

ਬੰਦਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਬੰਦਨਾ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਰਾਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ - Listen/Download
bandnaa har bandnaa gun gaavhu gopaal raa-ay. rahaa-o.
I bow in reverence to the Lord, I bow in reverence. I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, my King. Pause.
(Read Full Shabad)

ਅਨੰਦੁ ਸਾਹਿਬ - Listen/Download
anand saahib.
The Song of Bliss. (6 Stanzas)
(Read Full Shabad)

Thanks to Rsingh for uploading Kirtan, http://www.rskhalsa.blogspot.com

My Visit to a Primary School

Today I went to a Primary School near to where I live. A young Singh, aged 6, has moved with his family from Holland to where we live in UK. There's not many Sikhs were we live (well very FEW Sikhi Saroop wale people).

The school the kid is in doesn't have any other Sikh children. So the family were concerned about his Kesh and possibility of children not understanding why he looks different, causing problems etc. Especially because he can only speak Dutch and Panjabi yet.

So I went to the young Singh's class today to explain about why Sikhs have Kesh, we look different and basics of Sikhi. WAHEGURU. The kids were soooo SMALL. They were 5 - 6 years old. One girl was 7yrs old. They were so funny. Going into the classroom brought back memories when I was at primary school. I felt like a GIANT. The tables and chairs were really small!!

So the kids got registered by their teacher, then I was asked to sit in the teacher's chair and talk to the kids. The kids patiently sat on the floor and looked at me. The teacher introduced me and the kids all together (like in one voice) said, "Good morning Manvir". It was really cute. When they first came and sat in the classroom they said, "Good morning Mrs...., good morning everyone." Memories flooded back of school. :)

I asked the children "Everyone excited about Christmas?" The kids eagerly put their hands up and said "yes". I asked whose birthday do we celebrate on Christmas. They said, "Jesus". I said "who was Jesus." I explained "Jesus was a special man, sent by God, to tell us how to be nice people and be good. Jesus taught us how to good children, didn't he?" "Yes" they replied. "Well, another special man, sent by God, was 'Guru Nanak.' Can you say "Guru Nanak"?" All the children said "Guru Nanak" like three times.

"Christians are told how to be good children, nice people and make God happy by Jesus. And Sikhs are told how to be good children, nice people and make God happy, by our special person called... Can anyone remember?" One boy said, "erm... Gur Naa". "Nearly," I said. Someone then said, "Guru Nanak". I said, "Well done."

"Guru Nanak told us to remember God always, share everything you have, and live like good people. On Christmas, when you get sweets and chocolates. Do you eat them all yourself or share them?" All the children shouted out, "We share them." "Well done, thats what Guru Nanak taught us, and also Jesus taught us. You are very good children."

When talking about the Kesh I asked the children, "who has an arm?" "who has a leg?" "who has hair?" I got the children to touch their arm, leg etc etc and wave it about. It seemed to make them happy and they laughed. I said God has given us an arm and leg, and He has also given us hair. "Who has hair?" Everyone pointed their hand up. "Well some of you have long hair, and some short. Those with long hair, I see that one person has her hair in braids, another in a pony-tail. How else can you keep your long hair?" One child said, "You can tie it up on the top of the head" and he pointed at the young Singh.

"Our special person, Guru Nanak, told us that just as you take care of your body, you should look after your hair. Our special person has told us not to cut our hair. Just like some of you have braided your hair or have put it in a pony tail. We keep our hair in a knot on the top. We all have hair, but some of us decide not to cut it and we decide to keep it clean and tidy by tying it up on our head. Does that sound odd or silly to you?" The children replied, "No".

"What's good about tying your long hair on the top of your head?" Loads of children put their hair up. Some said, "Ermm.... I have forgotten what I wanted to say." Some said, "So hair doesnt go in our face". I said "Well done. To take care of our hair and make sure that it doesn't get mucky and dirty, we tie it up and keep it covered with material." Pointing to dastaar I said, "This is called a "Turban". Who can say "turban"?" Everyone shouted "turban" about three times. :) I explained that just as you wear clothes to protect your body, we tie something on our head to protect our hair.

"You all look very nice today. You are wearing your school uniform. Who can point out something they are wearing, which is part of their uniform?" Someone pointed out their school jumper, someone their school trousers etc. I said, "just as you wear a uniform and look smart. Sikhs wear a uniform and look a certain way."

"Now do it seem odd that me and Vikram keep long hair and keep it covered?" The children smiled and said "No".

To end with I asked, "Does anyone have any questions." Most of the questions were totally off the mark and were random comments. Bit still it was interesting and funny to hear them. Someone started to tell me when their sister's birthday was, someone asked me whether I knew when Vikram was born, another person asked me "Did you go to school as well." So fun to hear the kids. One child asked, "Why aren't we allowed to touch Vikram's hair?" The teacher had told the children that no child is to touch or play with the Singhs Kesh or Guttee.

I picked a girl sitting near the front. I asked her, "how would you feel if I did this..." I got my hand and placed it near her face and pretend to touch her face and hair. I asked, "is it nice?" She said "no." Then I asked a child who had his hair gelled, "How would you feel I started to touch and mess around with your hair? Would you like it?" He nodded his head saying "no." Just as you wouldn't like someone touching your face or hair with their mucky and dirty hands, Vikram doesn't want anyone touching his hair. I asked them, "Does that sound fair?" "Yes it does" they replied.

Its challenging to educate young kids when they are only 5 - 6 years old. The concentration span is very low. However they have a lot of enthusiasm. I tried to make the talk interactive and get them to shout out, which they enjoyed. Apparently, the Singh is happy and the children don't find his Kesh odd or silly now. :)

Stories from Travels on Friday (Part 2)

Continued....

Sonia Kaur bhenji, Tazvinder Kaur bhenji and other kind bhenjis from Westminster university had made Sholay Bhatooray. Because I had to leave early they packed some sholay and bhatooray in small plastic boxes for me to take away. The amount of pyaar and shardaa they had is admirable. May Waheguru bless them.

So with my suitcase in one hand, and Sholay Bhatooray in the other hand (in Tesco bag. lol) I left. As walked outside I saw some non-Sikh students peering through the window looking at the Gatka. They seemed by gob-smacked. I told them "please feel free to go inside and take a seat." "What are these guys doing?" once person asked. I said, "they are demonstrating the Sikh Saint-Warrior martial art of 'Gatka'". Another person say, "O man! Isn't it dangerous! They don't have any protection on!" I smiled and said, "they have the protection of GOD!"


So I rolled my suitcase to Marylebone station. The train was leaving in 30 minutes. So I thought, chalo Sholay Bhatooray khaavo! I went and washed my hands in the toilet (don't want to side-track but "yuck!" toilets were not pleasant site!). Then I found a seat in the station to sit down. I opened the bag and eagerly waited to eat the Bhatooray (because I had only had breakfast and now it was 7pm). I did Ardaas and got stuck in into the Sholay Bhatooray. WAHEGURU! They were tasty! I could see some other people who were munching on their crisps and sandwiches looking at the sholay bhatooray and thinking "that looks tastier than crisps and sandwiches!" lol.

Then I got on the train. Met a friendly familiar face from a bhaji who lives a nearby town. I did Rehraas Sahib da paath on the train. I had my ipod so I played it, as well as speak along with the paath. The gora sitting next to me didn't seem to mind because he was lisening to his music, but I sensed he was feeling slightly squashed. Sat Naam. By the time of Ardaas, I sensed that the Gora was getting slightly freaked out because I had my hand folded as well. :)

Half through the journey MY LEGS WERE ACHING from the lack of leg-space on the train. So I decide to stretch my legs side wards (towards the isle way). Little did I realise that I was stretching my legs out I was leaning back (ACCIDENTLY) and SQUASHING the poor Gora. Waheguru! As I suddenly realised I apologised. Poor chap was trying to read and there was my stretching backwards into his face. WAHEGURU!

Then 15 minutes before my stop comes, some sharaabi (drunk) Gore come and sit opposite me. One bloke smiled and the other made a weird face at me. I was unsure whether he was trying to make a silly holloween type face at me jokingly, or whether he was trying to make feel intimidated or scared. I looked at him and thought "Rab Bhalla Kare" and continued to listen to my iPod (really nice Dharmik songs by Hans Raj Hans and Sardool Sikander).

5 minutes before my stop arrived, I got up and stood near the train door. So did the two sharaabis (drunkards). One of them was on the phone and RANDOMLY put his phone to my ear and said "Say something". I was bit taken back and thought "WAHEGURU!". Again he said, "Say something." So I said, "hello". lol. He then said said thanks. Apparently his friend on the friend didn't believe he was on the train, so me saying "HELLO" was the proof that he was on the train. Waheguru Bhalla Kare.

Then the bloke was saying something to me. I don't know whether it was a compliment or insult because I was listening to my iPod. I just smiled back, and then I hear the Gora say "Sorry mate!" Next thing he wants to shake my hand and say "take it easy, cool, cool..." I was thinking "what the heck is happening." I hesitatingly shook the bloke's hand (think OMG now I got to wash my hands ASAP because the bloke is DRUNK!). I thought how are these people wearing t-shirts and jeans and NO COAT or JACKET in such COLD WEATHER. Next thing the bloke says to me, "Mate, my dad has the same shoes as you've got on." I just smiled back. I don't know whether he was saying I am wearing granddad shoes or whether his dad is "hip and cool". lol.

EVENTUALLY the train arrived and thought Rab Da Shukar!!! Got home and WASHED MY HANDS, chilled with family and ate Amb (MANGOES)! yum, yum!!

Stories from Travels on Friday (Part 1)

Guru Piyaari'o. Yesterday I had to hand in the last essay for the TERM. Yippeee!!! Rab Da Lakh Lakh Shukar! So I completed the essay and went to uni. First of all I had a tutorial with one my lectures. She was going to give my feed-back on my essay, which I wrote a few weeks back. I was bit nervous but did Ardaas to Guru Sahib for keeping me in His Hukham (Will) and that I don't stress out too much!

Sat Naam! The tutorial went well and with Guru's Kirpa I did well in the essay (thank you Guru Ji!). Then I handed in my essay! THANK GOD! So everything out of the way. At 2pm it was my lecture, then FINISHE FOR THE WEEKEND. So I go to the lecture. Quite interesting. Two ladies from a new religious movement (what some people might call a cult) called "Children of God" came to give a talk to us. Ermm.. it was a fascinating to hear what they believed and what they practiced. She said that the main law they follow is "LAW OF LOVE". Teek hai - sounds good. She said "We love everyone and EVERY THING. We love God, Jesus and the CREATION."

Question time comes up. So I put my hand up and ask, "You say you Love everyone and EVERYTHING. So can I ask, are you Vegetarians? Meaning do you eat meat?" She seemed a bit taken back by my question, making it sound like I was asking a bit of a bizzare question. She said, "Yes we eat meat. We live in accordance to Bible. We are individuals and we live healthy lives as the Bible says the body is the Temple of the Spirit (i.e. God)." Sat Naam. Reminded me of Gurbaani:

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਵੇਖੁ ਤੂ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਤੇਰੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥

gur parsaadee vekh too, har mandar terai naal.
By Guru's Grace, see that the Temple of Waheguru is within you.

ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰੁ ਸਬਦੇ ਖੋਜੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੋ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲਿ ॥੧॥

har mandar shabade khojee-ai, har naamo leho samHaal. 1.
The Temple of Waheguru is found through the Word of the Shabad; contemplate Waheguru's Name. 1.
(Ang 1346, SGGS)

What a beautiful concept! How it remains a concept if we don't implement it. I didn't want to argue with the lady, but I thought to myself - "You believe love everyone and you stressed EVERYTHING, yet your love for animals seems to be lost? Its acceptable to lock a thousands of chickens and coop them up in a farm and abuse them and kill then in horrific ways (by the way I am not talking about Halaal slaughter, I am talking about Western meat farms!! Yes Western meat farms! For further info check this video out (WARNING: bit sickening!) however you still claim to love God's creation."


Chalo! Lecture finished and got out like a shot. Got on the bus (EVENTUALLY!) and made my way back to halls. I was going to pick my vaaja and few clothes, and go back home! (I WAS STARVING - couldn't wait to have some Daal Sabji, considering most of the week I was overloaded with BREAD, SOGEE (thats dried sultanas by the way!), and CHEESE (Waheguru!! Too much cheese can get sickening - trust me!). The same day there was a Gatka programme at Westminster University, which is on Baker Street. So I thought why not kill two birds with one stone (obviously not literally - I don't want RSPA or whoever after me!)... I would pop by to the Gatka event and then from there its a 5 mins walk to Marylebone station, where I was going to catch the train to go back home.

The journey to Westminster Uni -- WAHEGURU! It was peak hour! The tube was full. With me was my friends Varinder Singh and Prenmeek Singh. I said "Waheguru" and just went full force ahead on the tube, not bothering that I had a HUGE suitcase with me, which had my vaaja and clothes in. I got on the tube (VERY TIGHT SQUEEZE i must say). Varinder Singh and Premneek Singh had to squeeze in on the other carriage as the carriage I was in was FULL (could barely breathe!!!).


Sat Naam. Eventually arrived at Baker Street tube station. Rab Da Shukar! I get off and meet Premneek Singh and Varinder Singh, and we make our way to Wesminster Uni. Got there and felt bit EMBARRASSED!!! People were sitting around the room and the door was right in front. I walked wearing my white kurta pjyjama and BIG SUITCASE - it looked like I was going to India or more probably that I had come from India! lol. Saw a few people looking at me and thinking "what's in the huge suitcase!". lol.

I couldn't stay for long because it takes 1 and half hours to get back home on the train. Typical Indian timing! So the programme was late 1 hour. So I waited around and chatted to people. Interestingly there was a white English lady sitting next to me. She was the only white lady sitting in the room. I thought I would say hello to the lady. She replied back and didn't say much. She was very quiet and had a peculiar positive aura to her face.

Eventually she started a conversation with me. "What are you studying?" I said "a BA in Religious Studies." "Beautiful" she said. "The path of God is beautiful... The Spiritual World is beautiful, marvelous!!" I agreed with her. She said, "this world is false. Yes this world is false, the only truth is God. The spiritual world, seeing God in the world is the true world, everything is false." WAHEGURU! SAT NAAM! The lady was a Roman Catholic, yet her vichaar (views) were as if she was a Sikh of Guru Nanak. She spoke very nicely, and I definately noticed that she was vibrating Naam or something spiritually positive.

The shabad which came in my head as she said those things was:

ਜਿਉ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਅਰੁ ਪੇਖਨਾ ਐਸੇ ਜਗ ਕਉ ਜਾਨਿ ॥

ji-o supnaa ar pekhnaa, aise jag kau jaan.
Like a dream and a show, so is this world, you must know.

ਇਨ ਮੈ ਕਛੁ ਸਾਚੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਵਾਨ ॥੨੩॥

in mai kachh saacho nehee, naanak bin bhagvaan. 23.
None of this is reality or true, O Nanak, without Waheguru. 23.
(Salokh Mehla 9, Ang 1427, SGGS)

I said that I am studying something different to most people (referring to Panjabis). Usually people study law, medicine, engineering or something to do with computers. She said, "Wonderful! You would be good at all of those. Because if you are spiritual person, if you are man of God, if you walk the path of spirituality, then you concentration is FOCUSED. So you will succeed in any part of your life, you will have God's blessings and your mind will always be FOCUSED and prepared for any challenge."

Sat Naam. I felt bad and good hearing this. Bad because I asked myself, "O mind! How much faith do you have for Waheguru!" Good because she was speaking the TRUTH and she expressed 100% Drirr Vishvaas (pure commitment and faith) to Waheguru. How amazing.

I asked how long have you walked upon this path (i.e. the path of Waheguru). She said, "It has been since the 1970s. I am not 70 years old. You realise the true reality when you lose things around you and your body starts to go down. It is then when I realise true reality. God is the true reality. The spirit of God is everywhere and in everything. It's beautiful. When you come to this stage, you begin to see God everywhere. You no longer see the false world, which we live in, you only see the Glory of God." I said, "I agree with you, definitely." She said, "NO! I AM TELLING YOU." "I have reached this stage, and I tell you it is wonderful! I tell you, the more deeper you go in God, the more blessings you will obtain, the more you feel this wonder."

Everyday in the morning Nitnem (daily prayer) I read in Anand Sahib:

ਏ ਨੇਤ੍ਰਹੁ ਮੇਰਿਹੋ ਹਰਿ ਤੁਮ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਧਰੀ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਕੋਈ ॥

eh netrahu meriho har tum meh jot Dharee, har bin avar na dekhhu ko-ee.
O my eyes, the Lord has infused His Light into you; do not look upon any other than the Lord.

ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਕੋਈ ਨਦਰੀ ਹਰਿ ਨਿਹਾਲਿਆ ॥

har bin avar na dekhhu ko-ee nadree har nihaali-aa.
Do not look upon any other than the Lord; the Lord alone is worthy of beholding.

ਏਹੁ ਵਿਸੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਤੁਮ ਦੇਖਦੇ ਏਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਰੂਪੁ ਨਦਰੀ ਆਇਆ ॥

eihu vis sansaar tum dekh-de eihu har kaa roop hai, har roop nadree aa-i-aa.
This whole world which you see is the image of the Lord; only the image of the Lord is seen.

ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਬੁਝਿਆ ਜਾ ਵੇਖਾ ਹਰਿ ਇਕੁ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥

parsaadee bujhi-aa jaa vekhaa har ik hai, har bin avar na ko-ee.
By Guru's Grace, I understand, and I see only the One Lord; there is no one except the Lord.

ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਏਹਿ ਨੇਤ੍ਰ ਅੰਧ ਸੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਦਿਬ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੩੬॥

kahai naanak ayhi naytar anDh se satgur mili-ai dib dristt ho-ee. 36.
Says Nanak, these eyes were blind; but meeting the True Guru, they became all-seeing. 36.
(36th Pauree of Anand Sahib, Ang 922, SGGS)

It was WEIRD and AMAZING. Firstly, weird because I was sitting at this Sikh Society Gatka event, and this elderly Gori Roman Catholic lady was sitting next to me. "AMAZING" because once this lady started to talk, she spoke the reality as experienced by Guru Nanak and shared by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It just demonstrated the universality of the religion of GURMAT & NAAM.

I felt honoured to have darshan of Rab De Piyaare. Dhan Waheguroo! Waheguroo! Leaving I folded my hands and said "Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh" (in mind) to her, as I would do to Gursikhs. Very nice experience meeting her.

Some photos of the Gatka event:





To be continued...

O Deary Me!

Sat Naam. Waheguroo.

I have a confession to make! When is (Guru Gobind Singh Ji's youngest son) Sahibzaada Baba Fateh Singh Ji's birth day? It's on 12th DECEMBER!!

Well, last Saturday I was looking at the online-Sikh calender (downloaded it from www.sgpc.net). Because I was going to Southall the next day, I thought I would check out if there any Gurpurbs, anniversaries or special dates to mark. I spotted "JANAM DIN (birth day) BABA FATEH SINGH JI" on the calendar. Looked at the date and I thought it was 4th December (don't know why). I suppose I assumed 12 on teh calender meant 12 as in the 12th month, i.e. December. WAHEGURU!

Anway, so on Sunday 4th December I thought it was Gurpurb of Baba Fateh Singh Ji, so I did Ardaas in the morning after Nitnem for Baba Ji's birth day. Then went to the Gurdwara and did special ardaas for Gurpurb. (Chalo, teek hai. Nothing to loose. Remembering great Gursikhs always is good thing :) )

Okay, then in evening I went to the radio show in Southall. Rehraas Sahib times come. Then comes Ardaas. So what to do I say? "He Nimaniaa(n) De Maan, Nitaaniyaa(n) De Taan, Ni Ohttiyaa(n) di Ohtt, Sache Pitaa Waheguroo......... AJ BABA FATEH SINGH JI DA JANAM DIN HAI. Daas walo ate sunnan wale sarotiaa(n) walo shardaa de phul bhet karde han. lakh lakh vadhaayee hove taa Baba Fateh Singh ji warge Jeevan taa Sikhi de vich bharosa sangtaa noo baksho...." (English Translation: Today is Baba Fateh Singh Ji's Birth day. From all the listeners we offer our flowers of devotion to Baba Ji. Congratulations to everyone and please bless us with the life and faith which Baba Fateh Singh Ji to all the Sangat, congregation...)"


NOT JUST THAT. Then "Competition time" comes up. What do I do? "Today's question is "WHOSE BIRTH DAY IS IT TODAY? And a special clue is that it was mentioned in today's programme."" Okay. So children start ringing up, "The answer is Bhai Veer Singh Ji..." I say "thanks for call, ermm... you want another try?" Then someone else rings "Is it Baba Zorawar Singh?" "Oooh, sorry! Are you sure? You want to give another answer?" WAHEGURU! Then a girl rings and says (sounding UNSURE) "Errmmm... is the answer Baba Fateh Singh Ji".

Sat Naam. "Congratulations to "..........." who is today's winner. The answer was "BABA FATEH SINGH JI". Yes it was Baba Fateh Singh Ji's birth day today. Some people had a close answer, but missed getting the right answer."

Go back to university halls. Go to sleep. Wake up and put on the radio. SHOCK HORROR!!! Bhai Jasvir Singh (Gurbani show presenter) says, "Hanji, this month we celebrating x, y, z...." Then I hear "And Baba Fateh Singh Ji's janam din (birth day) on 12th DECEMBER!". WAHEGURU! I quickly checked the calender and to my suprise it said "12th DECEMBER!"

I felt sooo bad that I had told people on radio and EVEN DONE A COMPETITION saying Baba Ji's birth day was on 4th December! O well, it will seem that its not only the Queen who has two birthdays, and this year me and all the children who listened to the radio last week will celebrating Baba Fateh Singh Ji's birth day twice as well! :) (Could be a good thing, apart from that now some children may be confused when Baba Ji's birth day is! Sorry!)


Apologese to anyone who was confused when listening to Sunday's show.

Rabh Raakhaa!

Say A Little Prayer

This is a moving email which I was forwarded by a friend. Reading it I was saying to myself, "I hope this is not true!" It has a powerful message, which hopefully everyone should get by the end of reading the story.

Please do Ardaas (say a small prayer) for all mothers and fathers who are not with us. And if you are lucky and your parents are with you, please love them every moment of your life.


Story from Seoul:

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such an embarrassment.

My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell... anything for the money we needed, she was such an embarrassment.

There was this one day during elementary school. I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school..."Your mom only has one eye?!" and they taunted me.

I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time.

Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly. That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away.

Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so,I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty.

Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too.

Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom. This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!" ... It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on
me.

My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye. And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if he trying to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared.

Thank goodness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life.

Then a wave of relief came upon me...one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground.

But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me.

She wrote:

My son... I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while?

I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion.

But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye.

As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did.

The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.'

I miss the times when you were still young around me.

I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me.

My world shattered!!!

Then I cried for the person who lived for me. My MOTHER!

I am not asking you guys to forward this email to anyone. Just pause for a moment and pray for our parents so that God gives them all the happiness that they rightfully deserve.......!!!!!

That was the end of the email. Waheguru! Waheguru! Told my mum this story and I made her cry! Woops. I suppose it really does encourage us to appreciate all we have around us, while not getting too attached to people. Guru Ji teaches to live a life which we can rejoice, not a life which we regret. Something to think about for all of us (including mysefl!).

ਸਾਰਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ਘਰੁ ੩ ਦੁਪਦਾ
saarang mehlaa 4, ghar 3 ,dupdaa
Saarang, Fourth Mehl, Third House, Du-Padas:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik-oNkaar satgur parsaad.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਕਾਹੇ ਪੂਤ ਝਗਰਤ ਹਉ ਸੰਗਿ ਬਾਪ ॥
kaahay poot jhagrat ha-o sang baap.
O son, why do you argue with your father (for the sake of the worldly wealth and gain)?

ਜਿਨ ਕੇ ਜਣੇ ਬਡੀਰੇ ਤੁਮ ਹਉ ਤਿਨ ਸਿਉ ਝਗਰਤ ਪਾਪ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jin kay janay badeeray tum ha-o tin si-o jhagrat paap. 1 rahaa-o.
It is a sin to argue with the parents who gave you birth you and raised you (for the sake of wealth and gain). 1. Pause.

ਜਿਸੁ ਧਨ ਕਾ ਤੁਮ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰਤ ਹਉ ਸੋ ਧਨੁ ਕਿਸਹਿ ਨ ਆਪ ॥
jis Dhan kaa tum garab karat ha-o so Dhan kiseh na aap.
O son! That wealth, which you are so proud of - that wealth does not (ever) belong to anyone.

ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਛੋਡਿ ਜਾਇ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਰਸੁ ਤਉ ਲਾਗੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਪ ॥੧॥
khin meh chhod jaa-ay bikhi-aa ras ta-o laagai pachhutaap. 1.
In an instant, every person shall have to leave behind all their corrupt pleasures (at time of death); you shall be left to regret and repent (leaving all this). 1.

ਜੋ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਹੋਤੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਹਰਿ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਜਾਪਹੁ ਜਾਪ ॥
jo tumray parabh hotay su-aamee har tin kay jaapahu jaap.
O son! The God, who is your (and everyone's) Lord and Master - chant the Name of that Lord.

ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਕਰਤ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਤੁਮ ਕਉ ਜਉ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਤਉ ਜਾਇ ਸੰਤਾਪ ॥੨॥੧॥੭॥
updays karat naanak jan tum ka-o ja-o sunhu ta-o jaa-ay santaap. 217
(O Son!) The servant Nanak who spreads the Teachings; if you listen to it (attentively), you shall be rid of your (inner) pain and misery. 2.1.7.

(Ang 1200, SGGS)

How To Do Simran

This article is taken from http://abhiyaas.blogspot.com:

Daas feels very upset when ‘Amritdhari Gursikhs’ approach to me and ask ‘how do we do simran?’ Worst of all is when these Gursikhs have been Amritdhari for some time. Majority of the time Daas is led to believe it is not all their fault. Sikhi is a very spiritual religion, infact, probably the most spiritual religion ever created and ever to be created. However, how can we be spiritual and call ourselves Gursikhs without meditation (Simran).

ਇਕੁ ਪਲੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਵਿਸਰਹਿ ਤੂ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਜਾਣਉ ਬਰਸ ਪਚਾਸਾ ॥
Ik Pal Khin Visrehi Too(n) Suaamee JaaNao Baras Pachaasaa
If I were to forget You, for a moment, even for an instant, O Vaheguru, it would be like fifty years for me.
(Ang 601, SGGS)

Daas’ opinion is when Abhilaakees (Candidates for Amrit) go to take Amrit, it is the duty of the Panj Piaare (Five beloved ones) to teach these Gursikhs how to do Simran and the Panj Piaare should also be Jeevan vale Singhs, Abhiyaasee Singhs, (very spiritual). This is so they can inform the Abhilaakees about ups and downs that they may face in their lives, different stages of spirituality, Amritvela, Athai Pehar Simran (24 hours simran) etc, so, the Abhilaakees get a fine idea that the path they are going to tread on is not easy and it is the strict path of meditation, leading us in reunion with Vahiguroo again.

Daas is a firm believer in sharing Spiritual wisdom, as it improves our Jeevan (life) and someone else’s Jeevan aswell.

ਆਪਿ ਜਪਹੁ ਅਵਰਹ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਾਵਹੁ ॥
Aap Japho, Avraa Naam Japaavho
Meditate yourself and inspire others to meditate.
(Ang 290, SGGS)

HOW TO MEDITATE

If we have not been taught how to meditate by the Panj Piaare, Daas recommends one should go and present ourselves (pesh) to the five beloved ones, as they will teach us meditation. Daas know of one Jathebandee that carry’s out this type of practice, namely the Akhand Keertanee Jathaa, there may be more. All Panthik Panj Piaare should carry out this type of practice, for the upliftment of the Panth.


BASICS OF SIMRAN

First of all we meditate out loud using our lips and tongue, as you can imagine this type of practice can not be carried out 24 hours a day (Athai Pehar).

ਖੜਿ ਦਰਗਹ ਪੈਨਾਈਐ ਮੁਖਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ॥੩॥
KhaR Dargeh Painaaeeai Mukh Har Naam Nivaas
They are dressed in robes of honour in the Court of Vaheguru; the Name of Vaheguruis on their lips. 3

Secondly comes Swaas Swaas Simran. This is what the five beloved ones teach us, even this practice becomes difficult do 24 hours a day, because of worldly affairs etc. Bhai Raghbir Singh Bir, in Bandginama, talks about this practice, he says, “When you say Vaah you breathe in and when you say Guroo you breathe out”

ਸਾਹਿ ਸਾਹਿ ਤੁਝੁ ਸੰਮਲਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਵਿਸਾਰੇਉ ॥
Saahi Saahi Tujh Sumlaa Kade Na Visaareo
With each and every breath, I dwell upon You; I shall never forget You.

Third comes meditating in the mind and contemplating the Shabad. So, basically listening to the Mantar and contemplating it at the same time, this can only be achieved through dedication and plenty practice. When we contemplate the Shabad we think about how beautiful Vahiguroo is and he created this beautiful creation, automatically ‘Vah Vah’ (Great, Great) comes out of our mouth; this naturally gives us Naam Ras, Prem Ras, Amrit Ras. Daas will write about this subject in depth later on. Now this is the time we can do Simran Athai Pehar (24 hours) without anyone knowing what is going on inside, but we are in total ecstasy, people will know there is something different about us but they will not know what, as their spirits will be attracted to ours without their body knowing. AURA ENERGY PRESENCE.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਸਮਝਾਈਐ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥੨॥
Gurmukh Man Samjhaaeeai Aatam Raam Beechaar
The Gurmukhs train their minds to contemplate the Lord, the Supreme Soul. 2

Then comes the fourth stage when the concentration of the Shabad goes in to the Dasam Duaar, this is an amazing stage because life becomes very easy and meditation carries on by itself in Sehaj (peace). We just accept Guroo Sahib's Bhaana (will) as sweet, our mind is not affected by any negative thoughts or actions at all just Anand and Sehaj (peace and poise) total contentment. The concentration has reached the crown Chakraa and there is no coming back down, total upliftment. This stage comes with Mahaaraj’s blessings and past Karam (deeds) plus plenty of Abhiyaas.

ਹਿਰਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸੁ ਗਿਆਨ ਗੁਰ ਗੰਮਿਤ ਗਗਨ ਮੰਡਲ ਮਹਿ ਧਿਆਨਾਨਾਂ ॥
Hirde Pargaas Giaan Gur Gunmit Gagan Manddal Mehi Dhiaanaanaa(n)
My heart is illuminated by spiritual wisdom; meeting the Guru, I meditate in the Sky of the Tenth Gate.

ਊਂਧ ਕਵਲੁ ਜਿਸੁ ਹੋਇ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਡੀਠਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
Oodh Kaval Jis Hoe Pargaasaa Tin Sarab Niranjan Deethaa Jeeo
Those, whose inverted lotus of the crown chakra is illuminated, see the Immaculate Lord everywhere.

Daas would just like to finish off by saying Simran in Sikhi is not about technique for meditation, it is about loving the Lord Vahiguroo and what he created.

ਸਾਚੁ ਕਹੋਂ ਸੁਨ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਭੈ ਜਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਕੀਓ ਤਿਨ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਪਾਇਓ ॥ ੯॥੨੯॥
Saach kaho(n) sun lehu sabhai jin prem kooo tin hoo prabh paaio||9||29||
I speak Truth, all should turn their ears towards it: he, who is absorbed in True Love, he would realize the Lord. 9.29.
(9th Pauree, Tav Prasaad Svaiye)

http://abhiyaas.blogspot.com/2005/12/how-do-we-do-simran.html

Positive Experiences of Young Children following Gursikhi

On Friday, after the kirtan darbar at London Met university, me and Ravjeet Singh went to South Gate Gurdwara Sahib to drop off the vaaja, tabla and chhenai.

On the way back Ravjeet Singh's mum kindly drove to me from the Gurdwara to the tube station. His younger brother who is about 10 years old, and his sister who is about 15yrs old were sitting in the car. As we drove off from the Gurdwara, Ravjeet Singh's young brother said:

ਦੁਕਾਲੰ ਪ੍ਰਣਾਸੀ ਦਿਆਲੰ ਸਰੂਪੇ ॥
dukaalan(g) praaNaasee, diaalan(g) saroope.
You liberate from the pain of birth and death, and are the Kind Being.

ਸਦਾ ਅੰਗ ਸੰਗੇ ਅਭੰਗੰ ਬਿਭੂਤੇ ॥ ੧੯੯॥
sadaa ang sange, abhangan(g) bibhoote. 199.
Waheguru is always with everyone, and is of the Immortal Glory.

Then he did a Jaikaaraa (bole so nihaal - sat sri akaal!) and then said "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!"

I was amazed and pleased that this child without anyone telling him, read lines Gurbani to seek Guru Ji's blessings on commencing the journey in the car. To what I understood, everytime the family goes on a journey in the car, the young singh does Ardaas for Guru Ji to be "Sadaa Ang Sange" - always with them and protect them.

It was a very nice and uplifting experience. Credit to his mum and dad. It would so wonderful if all parents could inspire their children with small things like this, which build great foundations for children becoming strong Gursikhs.


Second experience I would like to share is of today. I went to Southall Gurdwara. Firstly, Park Avenue Gurdwara. The Kirtani were singing a shabad really nice. The shabad was:

ਮੇਰੇ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਜਨ ਕਉ ਦੇਹਿ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
mayray gobind, apunay jan kau deh vaddi-aa-ee.
O my Lord of the Universe, please bless Your humble servant with glory.

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਗਾਸਹੁ ਸਦਾ ਰਹਹੁ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
gurmat raam naam pargaasahu, sadaa rahhu sarnaa-ee. rahaa-o.
Under Guru's Instructions, enlighten me with the Lord's Name, that I may dwell forever in Your Sanctuary. ||Pause||

I was sitting at the front of Diwaan near the Kirtani. I could hear a very small child's voice coming from behind me. I turned back and saw a 3 year old toddler trying to sing along with the shabad. It put a smile on my face to see the pyaar and kamaal of this child. I thought children at that age don't say much etc. But I was feeling so happy that this child was so enthusiastically singing along to the shabad, especially the rahaao lines of the shabad, while sitting in his father's lapse.


Third experience is of young children doing Kirtan at Havelock Road Gurdwara. As part of my Southall trip I did my yatra from Park Avenue Gurdwara to Havelock Road Gurdwara. Young children came on to the stage to do Kirtan. It was so nice to see young girls and boys wearing dastaars and in Sikhi Saroop.

The young children sang shabads, and some in traditional raags. Very nice! They were so small that you couldn't see their heads when they were doing Kirtan, yet I was sitting at the front of the Diwaan. It was because there was a flower pot infront of the Kirtan stage, which covered the face of the poor children doing Kirtan on the vaaja.

Seeing the children have so much pyaar, energy and enthusiasm to sing Gurbaani was very inspiring!

Another Birmingham Birthday Bash - Embrace Yourselves!

Last week it was Bhaji Jujhar Singh's 25th birthday and Bhaji Mandave Singh's 19th birthday. So guess what? It was PARTY CENTRAL in Birmingham - obvisouly within the boundaries of Gurmat :)

"Birthday de Kushee de vich" everyone they ordered Pizza (thats "Peejaa" for the more Panjabified readers). Looks like the bhenji behind the pizza box is "making sure the pizzas are worthy for the sangat to eat" so she is doing food-tasting with a few slices.

Sat Naam! Bhaji Balraj Singh Chakking the Phattey with a Pizza there.

Bhenji Amrit Kaur, Bhenji Nadine Kaur & bhenji Satnam Kaur. Lets hope they are looking slightly dazed (and out of it) because they drank too much Chaa and nothing else (i.e. like Tinsel Wale Baba Ji's 'alcohol-free beer!')

Talking of Tinsel wale baba ji, panth de mahaan dhadhi & lecturer, bhai sahib Pardip Singh eating pizza. Baba Ji is so elevated that he doesn't have to look at the food or plate when eating.

The Singhs after eating are practising the Shastar Vidhiyaa of their hands by playing slaps.

Aaaah. What a nice cake (just to clarify its egg-free!!). I don't know whether that is real fruit on the cake or is it banoti (fake) fruit.

The "Bhog" of the cake.

Bhai Sahib Pardip Singh playing "Happy Birthday to you..." on the Sarangi. (I don't know who took the photo, but by the looks of the photo it looks like they are toppling over because they had too much pizza to eat)

Bhaji Jujhar Singh (doesn't look too thrilled!)

Spiritual Vibes Kirtan

Yesterday there was a Kirtan programme at London Met university. Me and another singh went together from my university and got on the tube. I told the singh that i needed to do rehraas. So while standing on the tube I was going to start rehraas sahib, and then the singh goes, "Could you say it out aloud so I can hear as well." Chalo. So I started Rehraas Sahib aloud (not loud, just normal conversation sound level). Got a few stares, but O well that's life! (By the way the other singh was wearing a blue dumalla and blue kurta).

We had to change tube at King's Cross Station. While walking to get the Picaddily Line, we continued Rehraas Sahib (by now we had reached Chaupayee Sahib). The tube arrives and we get on. I continue with Rehraas and the singh continues to listen and follow along. I could feel some 'negative vibes'. I looked up and saw a Gora staring at me and giving me a dirty look. I closed my eyes and continued doing paath while standing at the end of the tube. A few minutes later I opened my eyes and he is stilling looking at me and this time he is nodding his head, taking his ear phones out of his ear and he opens his hands up (signalling "what's your problem"). I smiled at him (trying to give out to positive and happy vibes. lol) and continued with the last part of Rehraas.

Just as I was finishing Rehraas, a Muslim lady wearing a hijaab gets on the tube and stands next to us and near the Gora. Waheguroo! The Gora' face - it was a face to see! Poor chap. Rab Rakha. We finished the paath, and then our stop arrived. When getting off the train, I smiled and nodded at the bloke, but I don't think he was too impressed by me trying to be friendly.

We eventually got to London Met Uni (even though their main entrance doors were blocked off because of some building works). So we found out where the other entrance was we tried to find the room where the kirtan was happening. With Guru's Kirpa we found it. We could hear Ishpreet Kaur Bhenji's sister, Prabhjeet Kaur, doing Kirtan.

Here are a few photos from the Kirtan programme:



Bhenji Ishpreet Kaur from London Met Uni doing Kirtan


Rav Singh & Tarsem Singh doing group effort Kirtan.


Bhenji Hardeep Kaur, with her sister Bhenji Tazvinder Kaur and bhenji from Westminster Uni


Students listening and singing along with Shabad Kirtan


Baba Ji (aka Bhaji Tarsem Singh jee), the godfather of London Met Uni, giving his blessings to sangat.

Decieved! It Looked like Roti...

Sat Naam. Waaheguroo. Today I went to my lecture. Guess what? ITS CANCELLED! So I decided to walk to the King's Library. I check my emails and guess what? I have recieved an email, "THE LECTURE HAS BEEN CANCELLED". lol.

The library didn't have a good range of books on the topic area I was looking for, so I decided to go to SOAS university library. I decided to walk. It took about 35 minutes, plus it was raining a little. Chalo, Rab Rakha.

Got to library and spent like four hours or so finding books and photocopying relevant pages. Waheguroo! I felt soo hot inside! Because I am wearing so many layers and wearing really thick Kurta Pyjama and on top I had a really big coat. The photocopy room was BOILING from all the heat from the machines.

Chalo, by 4pm I was STARVING. If I were a Gora and ate meat, the expression would be "I could eat a horse!" (Note: just to clarify I am a vegetarian!). So I leave the library and walk up the road trying to see if there are any decent shops (which are HYGIENIC), where I can get something to eat from. Couldn't find much hope. I popped into Tesco, but their sandwiches had MAYO in it, so I left disappointed.

Eventually, a saw a Benjy's shop (not "Bhenji's shop" (as in 'sister') but "Benjy" a healthy food restaurant). I said to myself, "O mind, at last - FOOODD!!!". I got in and they had two types of vege sandwiches on the shelf, which were without mayo. The sandwiches were pre-packed so no big issues about hygiene.

I had a choice - Normal Sandwich (with carrots, and all sorts) or Vegetables in Tortilla wrap. I thought ermm... the Tortilla wrap reminded me of Roti. I thought O well, its bit like SABJI (without the turkaa and piaaj) wrapped in ROTI. So, I buy it. And guess what? ITS ON REDUCED PRICE - £1 off. What a BARGAIN! hehehe. I even bought TWO, because I thought they would be tastey and I wouldn't have to eat anything in the evening.



So I sit on the bus going towards London Bridge station (trying to make it in time for the Aids Day vigil thing). I get out my Tortilla wrap and do small Ardaas of thanks to Waheguru for the food. Then munch, munch, munch, the Bhog of the Tortilla wrap takes place.

SHOCK HORROR. Its not at all like ROTI AND SABJEE!!! Its more like half-cooked roti, and bland carrots, and other random vegetables stuffed in. No TASTE, No MIRCH, No MASALA. It was BLAND and tasted UNCOOKED!

O Well! I was hungry so saying "Waheguru" I ate the Tortilla, and in my mind I pictured Ahloo Baigan Di Sabjee (thats 'Aubergine' Curry for those who don't know what 'Baigan' means). I ate the Tortilla wrap and thought, "Can't wait to go home and have good old roti made by mum".


After the Aids Day Vigil, I thought as I walk back to my halls, I will get out the other Tortilla Wrap in my bag and give it to a tramp or homeless person (well i assume they are homeless because they sit on the floor and ask for money). Guess what? I DON'T SEE ANY TRAMPS! I was bit disappointed. So I walked back from halls and walked towards the tube station, hoping to bump into some tramps. Any luck? NO!

So I walked back to halls with memories of the disappointing lunch I had. The Tortilla Wrap at present is in my fridge. May it rest in peace there, because it ain't going to go in my mouth!!


Is there a point to this story? Rab Jaanai!

Thoughts on World Aids Day & Guru's Rehat

Today is World Aids Day, and I have been asked to say a few words tonight on behalf of the King's College Sikh Society at a vigil being held in the university. So as I was walking to my morning lecture I was thinking about Sikhi and Aids. It dawned upon me that a 'Sikh of the Guru' could never get Aids, which led my mind to ponder over fundamental parts of Rehat (discipline) given by Guru Ji and how they help us and society. (Note: By the way, this is not what I am going to be saying tonight! Tonight I will be just saying a short prayer for the welfare of humanity and those suffering from disease & ilnness).

When one takes Khande-di-Pahul (Amrit), a person makes a declaration that his or her allegiance is solely with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Guru Khalsa Panth. Each and every person taking Amrit makes a vow. They promise to avoid and never commit four things, known as the Bajjar Kurehats. According to the Panthic 'Sikh Rehat Maryada', the undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided are:

1. ਕੇਸਾਂ ਦੀ ਬੇ-ਅਦਬੀ

Keshaa Di Beadbee: To dishonour the hair

2. ਕੁੱਠਾ ਖਾਣਾ

Kutha KhaaNaa: To eat a killed animal (i.e. meat, fish or eggs)

3. ਪਰ-ਇਸਤਰੀ ਜਾ ਪੁਰਸ਼ ਨਾਲ ਗਮਨ (ਭੋਗਣਾ)

Par Istree Ja Purash Naal Gaman (BhogNa): Intimate relationship with a person outside of marriage

4. ਤਮਾਕੂ ਦਾ ਵਰਤਣਾ

Tamaakoo Da Vartnaa: Using tobacco (which means using any narcatic drug or intoxicating substances, e.g. alcohol, opium, cannabis etc)

So each person taking Amrit takes these four vows. How amazing is the Guru? I cannot praise Him enough or understand His Glory! What is eating the world away? Disease and illness of individuals and society! Some of the diseases are physical, mental and spiritual and extend from individuals to across society. Blessed is the Guru's Sikh, who has taken Amrit, and follows the vow and promise he or she made to the Guru! Blessed is the Guru's Sikh, who has taken Amrit, and honours their Rehat given by Guru Ji. Blessed is the Guru's Sikh, who has taken Amrit, and escaped the illnesses of society, illnesses of the body, and illnesses of the soul by obeying the four vows he or she took. Everywhere you look, television, newspapers and around university, you see VANITY, and MORE VANITY. In pursuing to please others, people have become 'OBSESSED' with their appearances and have become entangled in worldly fashions. More horrifying, is to see young children in primary school even putting make-up on their faces and wearing adult-like clothes. On the other hand, you see people who have nose studs, and piercings coming out left right centre from their face! There is a craze to DEFORM the body in the pursuit of fashion fads and trying to seek happiness. People are steering away from natural beauty, peace of spiritualism, and living harmony with the Creation and Creator.

O Guru Ke Pyaari'o, blessed is my Guru who asked His Sikh to never dishonour his hair, and remain in the GRACE and GLORY of the Creator, and to maintain and take care the gift of the body given by Waheguru. The Guru asked His Sikh who wishes to become His, to promise, "I will not dishonour my hair." That Sikh enjoys the practical bodily function of the hair on his or her body, which Waheguru implanted in nature. That Sikh uses the blessed hair to meditate on Waheguru, with each and every hair vibrate Naam. That Sikh is honoured with a Graceful and Glorious appearance of an ANGEL! So Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free of becoming ungrateful of the gift of the body, and remain in spiritual, bodily and natural harmony and peace. Many religions and traditions slaughter animals slowly and ritualistically, believing that this is the PURE and SANCTIFIED way of doing it. (?)

Furthermore, certain religions believe that if someone has committed a terrible sin or wishes to thank God, then one should sacrifice an animal to God. Strange how the sacrifice is for God, but the PERSON and THEIR FAMILY end up eating the dead animal! How will God be pleased with people destroying and killing his creation in HIS NAME!? Ritually slaughtered animals are killed slowly so that their blood drains out of the body. In the name of God, the distressed grief the animal's heart beats so fast that blood pours out of the slits cut by the butcher. Due to the animal in prolonged PAIN and intentional SUFFERING; chemical toxins are let off in the animal. People say, "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT"! Who would want to eat suffering and cruelty? I would rather be a carrot, piece of Saag, or Gobi, rather than be an abused Pig, Cow or Chicken (note: just to clarify, if don't follow along with the joke - I am referring to the "you are what you eat")! However, blessed is my Guru, who given His Sikh the guiding principle to maintain a healthy body and refrain from those foods which cause harm to the body and mind, as the body is the temple of Waheguru.

ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
baabaa hor khaaNaa khushee khuaar.
O Baba, the pleasures of other foods are false.

ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jit khaaDhai tan peeReeai, man meh chaleh vikaar. 1. rahaa-o.
Eating which, is unhealthy for the body, and cause wickedness and corruption to enter into the mind. 1. Pause.

Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free from barbaric acts of butchery, and are free from health outbreaks caused by Western farmers who TORTURE animals and ABUSE them in animal factories (which is no better than the pain caused by Halaal/Kosher way of slaughtering) causing mad-cow disease, foot and mouth disease, bird flue, and other illnesses due to genetic modification of animals.

Today is 'World Aids Day'. Sadly, STDs are the MAJOR KILLER of the world. Aids and HIV is the biggest disease of society in the modern world. More than 39 million people around the world are living with HIV – slightly more than the population of Poland. Nearly two-thirds of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the dramatic rise in cases among women is particularly evident. Women now account for nearly half all infected adults worldwide. The global HIV/Aids epidemic killed MORE THAN 3 MILLION people in 2004. However, blessed is my Guru, who asked his beloved Sikh to promise "I will never have an intimate relationship or have a physical relationship with anyone other than my wife/husband." Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free of this huge global epidemic and societal disease of STDs.

Every year, around 114,000 tobacco smokers in the UK die as a result of their habit. Deaths caused by smoking are FIVE TIMES HIGHER than the 22,833 deaths arising from: road traffic accidents (3,439), other accidents (8,579), poisoning and overdose (881), alcoholic liver disease (5,121), murder and manslaughter (513), suicide (4,066), and HIV infection (234) in the UK during 2002. About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit. Smoking causes about 30% of all cancer deaths (including around 84% of lung cancer deaths), 17% of all heart disease deaths and at least 80% of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema. Furthermore, polls show that people underestimate the health risks of smoking and the effects of PASSIVE SMOKING. However, blessed is my Guru, who asked his beloved Sikh to promise, "I will never touch or go near tobacco and intoxicants." Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free from the addiction, cancers, and diseases caused by tobacco and intoxicants.

Amazing isn't it, how if one walks on the path of the Guru, the Guru saves them from what we would call today global diseases and illness, affecting the body, mind and undoubtedly the soul. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Piaare. I think today on World Aids day we should reflect upon the wisdom given by our Guru and show appreciation to what we have been blessed with. And also as opportunity to pray for those who are less fortunate, are suffering from diseases, and especially the families left behind to struggle along with life after one or more of the child’s parents dies due to the disease. It is really sad. Rab Bhallaa Kare Sabhnaa Da! One-way of doing sewa (which is very simple and everyone can do it) is joining the 'MAKING POVERTY CAMPAIGN'. They will send you emails and will send you template letters for various global issues to send to politicians. All you have to do is fill in your name, address and the name of your MP and press CLICK. So if you want to do that, the website is: http://www.makepovertyhistory.org

Note: This post is not intended to cause offence to anyone. If it has then bhul chuk maaf. ed to cause offence to anyone. If it has then bhul chuk maaf.

Gurmat Sangeet

An extract from an article from www.gurmatsangeetproject.com about the inaugural Gurmat Sangeet Darbar held 29-30 October, in Boston, USA.

The tradition of Gurmat Sangeet has been evolving from the times of the Gurus to the present. Historically this has largely been an oral tradition, which has been handed from generation to generation often from father to son in families that have been associated with Gurmat Sangeet since the times of the Gurus. The absence of a written tradition and the lack of a consistent framework for the documentation and preservation of Gurmat Sangeet has had a devastating effect, as this centuries-old system for the transmission of the tradition has broken down under the pressures of the modern world.

Baba Mardana Ji, first Kirtani in Sikh history, who accompanied Guru Nanak Dev Ji and did sewa of playing the Rabaab (rubeck) while Guru Ji sang Gurbaani.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji teaching handicapped persons how to play traditional instruments (Saaj), some which were actually designed by the Gurus themselves.

Drawing by W. Carpenter of Sri Harmandar in 1858, showing the Guru's Court open and Kirtani doing Raag Kirtan using traditional Gurmat Sangeet instruments.

Fortunately, at the turn of the century, a system for musical notation invented by Pandit Vishnu Narain Bhatkhande was adopted for use by S. Gian Singh Abbotabad, who under the auspices of the SGPC, produced two volumes titled Gurbani Sangeet in 1961. These volumes represented the first notable effort to document centuries old compositions that define Gurmat Sangeet and preserve them for posterity. This work was followed by other notable works by Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Gurcharan Singh as well as Gyani Dyal Singh of the Rakab Ganj Kirtan Vidyalay.

Despite these excellent efforts, Gurmat Sangeet suffered the onslaught of ‘modernization’, driven largely by the lure of popularity and financial gain, particularly in the last four decades. Ragis increasingly switched to popular tunes which required less effort and could be plagiarized from readily available sources such as film music, discovering that pandering to popular taste was often the shortest path to popularity and riches. The problem was exacerbated by the ready availability of very cheap mass marketed recordings, which further strengthened the grip of the banal form of Kirtan to the detriment of the Gurmat Sangeet tradition.

In recent times, particularly in the Sikh Diaspora, we have been fortunate to witness a reanissance of sorts, where young Sikhs in particular are beginning to show interest in understanding and preserving the traditions of Gurmat Sangeet.

Some Kirtan in Raag in accordance to the title Raag, which Guru Sahib wrote and intended it to be sung in:

Mouli dhartu mouliya akash
Manmmet Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Satpreet Singh
Raag Basant

Preet preet guriya mohan lalna
Manmmet Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Satpreet Singh
Raag Soohee

Har jas gavoh bhagwan
Rupinder Singh, Nampreet Singh, Shamsher Singh
Raag KaanRa

Har charan saran gobind dukh bhanjana
Bhai Gupal Singh
Raag Dhanaasri

Gun nad dhun anand bhed
Sonia Kaur
Yaman Kalyaan

Ramiya hou barak tera
Sonia Kaur
Raag Aasa

Halt sukh palat sukh
Amrit Kaur, Mehr Kaur
Raag Dhanaasri

At pritam man mohana
Amrit Kaur, Mehr Kaur
Raag BihaagRa

For more info on Gurmat Sangeet or to download Kirtan visit:
www.gurmatsangeetproject.com

Dhan Baba Zorawar Singh Ji

Today is the Birth day of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji. Tributes go to the Great Souls who made the Supreme Sacrifice. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Pyaare.