When I First Started Uni... (Part 2)

Continued...

In the second year of university I lived in Halls again. I had to move earlier than everyone else because I was a Senior Student. All that means is that I worked for the Residence Office to help and support the students at Halls. The first day back at Halls during that year, I felt a little bit low because I MISSED HOME. That night the Residence Office had organised an EVENING OUT for the Senior Students and Staff to SOCIALISE and to get to know one another. On the form it said that we were going SUPER BOWL. So I thought I would go along and socialise as well.

Arriving at the reception I met up with all the other Senior Students and introduced myself. They all seemed nice people and we chatted. Everyone was ready to go out now. The person who had organised the evening said, “Right we are going to the PUB for a couple of pints and then we’ll head down to the restaurant”. I thought, ‘Hey Vaheguru Jee, Eh Ta Pub Noo Jaan Lage’ (O Vaheguru, they’re going to the pub!).

I thought to myself how could I say to them that I don’t want to go the pub without sounding odd or UNSOCIABLE. Everyone was about to walk outside and then said, “Sorry, I won’t be able to go to the pub. It’s because of RELIGIOUS REASONS. Sorry, hope you don’t mind, but I don’t mind meeting you up at the restaurant.” They smiled back and said that’s FINE and that they’ll meet up at the restaurant in about an hour or so.

Going back to my room I felt a bit ISOLATED and awkward. My friends hadn’t come back to university yet and no one had moved into Halls of Residence yet apart from about ten people, including myself, who were working for the Halls of Residence. I recited my evening Rehraas Sahib, followed by Ardaas (standing prayer). The Ardaas has power. I am not talking in terms of Vaheguru answering your prayers but just by looking deep into the MEANING of the Ardaas, which we read.


The Ardaas starts (using English translation to explain):

"There is one God. All Victory belongs to God. May the dynamic power of God help us. The Vaar (poetic verse) of Sri Bhagauti, composed by the tenth king. Having first involved the dynamic power of God, call on Guru Nanak. Then on Angad Guru, Amar Das and Ram Das, may they ever protect us. Then call on Arjan, and Har Gobind, holy Har Rai and on Har Krishan, whose sight dispels all sorrows. Then remember Teg Bahadur by whose remembrance the nine treasures come hurrying to ones home. Be ever with us O Masters. May the tenth king, Guru Gobind Singh be ever on our side. Let us now turn our thoughts to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, the visible embodiment of the ten Gurus and utter, O Khalsa jee, Vaheguru (glory be to God)."

In the Ardaas first we INVOKE the POWER and BLESSINGS of Vaheguru, then the Ten Gurus, and the Living Spirit of the Ten Gurus enshrined in the Divine Words of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

"The Panj Piyaare (Five Beloved Ones), the four Sahibzaade (sons of the tenth Master), the forty emancipated ones, the martyrs, the true disciples, the contemplators of God, and those who remained steadfast on the path of Dharma, remember their glorious deeds and utter O Khalsa jee, Vaheguru."

We then seek power and STRENGTH in REMEMBERING the glorious deeds of the PANJ PIYAARE – who surrendered their heads for Guru jee, the FOUR SAHIBZAADE – the eldest two sons of Guru Jee valiantly fought and died in battle defending righteousness. The youngest two sons were bricked alive for refusing to give up their Sikhi at the age of 5 and 7yrs old, and till their last breath they kept in high spirits and cried the slogans of ‘Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akaal’. We remember the CHAALEE MUKTE, the forty Singhs who deserted Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee but then returned to die fighting for him. Remembering all glorious actions and deeds of such pure devotees we get strength. We get a feeling of 'WOW' – these people are great, they are inspiration and source of strength for us; hence we say, ‘Vaheguru’ (Wonderful Lord).

The Ardaas continues with:

"Those Singhs and Singhnian who offered their heads at the altar of Dharma (justice and righteousness), were cut up limb by limb, skinned alive, boiled or sawn alive, but did not utter a sigh nor faltered in their faith, kept the sanctity of their hair until their last breath, sacrificed their lives for the sanctity of Gurdwaras; who did not give up their faith and kept their long unshorn hair till their last breath, remember their glorious deeds and utter O Khalsa jee, Vaheguru."

If we think we have PROBLEMS or that we face SUFFERING, then we should THINK AGAIN. Reciting this verse of the Ardaas we are reminded of the COURAGE, determination and SUPREME FAITH of the Sikhs such as Bhai Mani Singh jee who was CUT LIM BY LIMB yet he never gave up his faith, Bhai Taru Singh jee had so much faith and a spirit of courage that he refused to have his hair forcibly cut and instead had his SCALP REMOVED. Bhai Mati Daas jee who was SAWN ALIVE on refusing to comply to the demands of the Mughal rulers to convert and to abandon the Sikhi of Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib jee. We share the strength of these brave Singhs and Singhnian we remember them and we realise that we are BLESSED that we are here because of THEM and that we should always be in a state of mind of VICTORY.

Reciting the Ardaas and contemplating on it, I realised that I was worrying about TRIVIAL MATTERS. Finishing Rehraas Sahib, I went to the restaurant to meet the others. Everyone ordered meals, but I stuck to eating plain uncooked SALAD because I felt uncomfortable eating cooked food in a restaurant. However, thinking back now, I still felt uncomfortable with eating with intoxicated people and could have socialised with the others the next morning etc. Rab Rakha. Half of the people afterwards went back to the pub and half of them went back to Halls. I went back to Halls and rested for the night, knowing that Vaheguru and my Guru were ALWAYS with me.

ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥
gur merai sang sadaa hai naale.
My Guru is always with me, near at hand.

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
simar simar tis sadaa samaale ||1||rahaao||
Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. ||1||Pause||
(Ang 394)

By realising the BIG PICTURE, we realise how the issues in our lives can be so TRIVIAL and SMALL. From my experiences I have learnt to always have 100% faith in Vaheguru and always take the support of the SHABAD GURU. Gurbaani has all the ANSWERS and can answer ALL our problems.



During the summer, I went to a Gurmat Camp. At the camp students had an opportunity to take a personal HUKAMNAAMA (taking an order for guidance from Guru jee) with the help of a sewadaar. You wouldn’t believe it but the people who took part in taking a personal Hukamnaama realised that Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is NOT ink and paper. But that VAHEGURU had spoken to them. Their heart and soul was touched by the personal message from Guru jee to them. This is the POWER of Gurbaani.

Realising that Vaheguru is always with us, we have nothing to fear.
Realising that Vaheguru does everything for the good of us, we realise that our stumbling blocks become our building blocks of life.
Realising that Vaheguru is everything and that I am nothing, we realise everything is Vaheguru and we enjoy the power and glory of the Supreme Being.

When I First Started Uni... (Part 1)

I'm posting my experiences of starting university, which I wrote a while back. Students starting college or university this month may find it useful because sometimes new students have concerns and worry about what it will be like and how they will cope.


As a Sikh starting University…

During the summer holidays before I started university, I was looking forward to starting university. I had been brought up and lived in an English area and not been exposed to a large Sikh community or presence, therefore I was excited to go to King’s College London because it was known for having a large number of Sikh students and had the largest Sikh Society in England. I heard people call it SINGH'S COLLEGE’.

The days get closer and closer and soon I was to move to Halls of Residence and start university. The day, which I had to move into Halls of Residence, my family had a wedding to attend to. So we decided to drop my belongings at the accommodation on Saturday and move in properly on Sunday after the wedding. My brother was going to drop me off in London.



On the Sunday going back to Halls of Residence I didn’t know what to accept. The day before, I didn’t see many people or really get a feel of what it would be like. So I wondered how many Singhs I would be living with at Halls or how many Sikhs I would get to know on the first day.

My brother and I arrived in London in the evening. He dropped me off and came inside with me. No one was around and I wondered where everyone had gone. The place looked DEAD. My brother suggested that we should go to the student union bar or something similar to get to know people. I felt NERVOUS, as I was not used to going to bars, clubs or pubs.

Across the road from the Halls of Residence was the King’s College Waterloo Campus. We decided to see what was happening there. At the Student Union Bar everyone from the Halls of Residence had got together as an opportunity to socialise. I felt OUT OF PLACE and struggling not to BREATHE in cigarette smoke from some people standing around me.

I couldn't see any Sikh, anyone wearing a Pagh (turban) nor any Panjabis. I thought ‘Waheguru, where am I?’ This wasn’t what I was expecting. Trying to mingle with people and introducing myself, I felt out of place and not comfortable in the smoking and drinking environment. My brother left a little while after. I was thankful for him that he at least helped me by coming with me to the Student Union, by myself I don’t know how I would have coped.

I got to know some people. But I didn’t get to meet any Panjabis. The next day I got to know all my flatmates. All of them were nice and easy to talk to. During the week I felt bit let down and shocked that I didn’t see any Panjabi or Sikh. Was this ‘SINGH'S COLLEGE’? I was the only visible Sikh in the whole Halls of Residence.

One of the people who I was sharing a flat with asked me to go to a student Club Night. She said that all of the people from our flat were going and perhaps it would be a nice place to meet people. "You don’t have to drink and perhaps you might see some Sikhs there", she said. Feeling bit low and lonely, I thought that I might as well go clubbing, despite not feeling comfortable with the idea considering I have never been before and that don’t like a smoky environment.

I bought a ticket for the student Club Night from a boy selling tickets at the Hall’s reception area. Getting the ticket I walked back to my room, I opened my door and I looked straight at Shaheed Baba Jarnail Singh Jee Bhindranwale’s photo, which I had in my windowsill. It dawned to me, WHY am I doing this? Why am I doing something, which I am not comfortable with? Why don’t I have FAITH in Vaheguru? Vaheguru will make me meet up with Gurmukhs and Saadh Sangat when He wishes to do so. I felt GUILTY for buying a ticket. I walked back to the reception and asked the boy whether I could get a refund. He said that he usually doesn’t do refunds however he said he would make an exception for me. I thanked him.
ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਜੀਉ ਜਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਉ ॥
har bin jee-o jal bal jaa-o.
Without the Lord, my soul is scorched and burnt.

ਮੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਛਿ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਅਵਰੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਥਾਉ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
mai aapNaa gur poochh dekhi-aa avar naahee thaa-o. ||1||rahaa-o||
I consulted my Guru, and now I see that there is no other place at all. ||1||Pause||


That night, it felt as if everyone had gone either clubbing or to the Student Union bar. The Halls or Residence was DEAD SILENT. I didn’t know where to go or who to meet up with, without having to go to place where there is ALCOHOL or people SMOKING. I got out my vaaja (harmonium) and did simran and sang some Gurbaani Shabads that night.

I thought and meditated on Guru Gobind Singh jee’s shabad:

ਖਿਆਲ ਪ: ੧੦ ॥
khiaal paatishaahee dasvee
Shabad composed by the Tenth Master.

ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਹਾਲ ਮੁਰੀਦਾ ਦਾ ਕਿਹਣਾ ॥
mitr pyaare noo, haal mareedaan da kehNaa.
Please tell the dear friend - the Lord - the plight of his disciples.

ਤੁਧੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਰਜਾਈਆ ਦਾ ਓਢਣ ਨਾਗ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ਦੇ ਹਿਹਣਾ ॥
tuDh bin rog rajaaeeaan da odhaN, naag nivaasaaan da rehNaa.
Without you the use of rich blankets is like a disease for us and the comfort of the house is like living with snakes.

ਸੂਲ ਸੁਰਾਹੀ ਖੰਜਰ ਪਿਆਲਾ ਬਿੰਗ ਕਸਾਈਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਿਹਣਾ ॥
sool saraahee kanjar pyaala, bing kasayeeaan da sehNaa.
Our water pitchers are like stakes of torture and our cups have edges like daggers. Your neglect is like the suffering of animals at the hands of butchers.

ਯਾਰੜੇ ਦਾ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸੱਥਰੁ ਚੰਗਾ ਭਠ ਖੇੜਿਆ ਦਾ ਰਿਹਣਾ ॥
yaarRe da saanu sathar changa, bhath kheRiaan da rehNaa
Our Beloved Lord's straw bed is more pleasing to us than living in costly furnace-like mansions.
(Shabad Hazaare Paatishaahee Dasvee)

Our Father, Guru Gobind Singh Jee, has written this beautiful shabad. He composed this Divine shabad, at a time when he had lost his wife, children, family, home, wealth and disciples. Walking BAREFOOTED in the jungle of MaacheewaRa, with THORNS pricking Guru Jee’s feet, NO PILLOW to rest on, and no four walls to give him shelter, Guru Jee composed this UPLIFTING hymn.

Thinking about Guru Gobind Singh Jee and this shabad, something dawned upon me. Looking around I realised that I was blessed with four walls and a roof around me to give me shelter. I was blessed with a bed, pillow and a nice place to live. I was blessed with an opportunity to go to university. The realisation was that I was blessed and that I should be GRATEFUL about all I had and not feeling sad or disappointed.


With the grace of Waheguru, I met with Sikhs through SIKH SOCIETY. It was great. The people I met at Sikh Society were like a family to me. I met so many people. I then became familiar where Shepard’s Bush Gurdwara was and found out the way to get to Southall Gurdwara. Once or twice a week I would go to the Gurdwara. I felt so HAPPY. I had made friends in the Saadh Sangat (the company of the holy), I had made friends with people whom I could share Gurmat (the Guru’s teachings) with and I could relate to. This is not to say that I wasn’t friends with the people that I lived with or with the people who were on my degree course. However, I had never had Panjabi or Sikh friends at school or Sixth Form, it was great to be able to socialise and do things with friends who could APPRECIATE Gurmat and do Saadh Sangat with them.

Sometimes I would see people around university and Halls, "COME OUT TONIGHT WITH US". However I would smile and kindly say "NO THANKS" and that I had other plans. I was conscious to make sure that no one thought I was being judgemental about people going clubbing or looking down at them, because I wasn’t. However, I didn’t personally feel comfortable being a Sikh of the Guru and going clubbing or sitting at the bar.

ਕਬੀਰ ਮਾਰੀ ਮਰਉ ਕੁਸੰਗ ਕੀ ਕੇਲੇ ਨਿਕਟਿ ਜੁ ਬੇਰਿ ॥
kabeer maaree mar-o kusang kee kele nikatt jo ber.
O Kabeer! (If you abandon praising Vahguru, and have company with those who are broken from Vaheguru; then look) never have company with those broken from Vaheguru. I have been ruined and destroyed by bad company, like the banana plant near the thorn bush.

ਉਹ ਝੂਲੈ ਉਹ ਚੀਰੀਐ ਸਾਕਤ ਸੰਗੁ ਨ ਹੇਰਿ ॥੮੮॥
ouh jhoolai ouh cheeree-ai saakat sang na her. ||88||
If a thorn bush grows near a banana plant, the thorn bush will wave in the wind, and pierces the banana plant (with it's thorns); Similarly (O Kabeer!) sitting in a negative environment under the affect of corruption and sin your soul will die at the hands of spiritual death. ||88|| Note: Singing Vaheguru's Praise no limit can be achieved, but through it's blessings one is saved from bad company and the soul is spared from spiritual death.
(Ang 1369)

Some people would ask me, "Do you think going out clubbing is wrong?" I would answer them:

“Whatever you do in life, imagine Guru Gobind Singh Jee is WATCHING YOU and is with you. If the Panj Piyaare who gave you Khande-Pahul Da Amrit saw a CCTV video of you being somewhere, and the same video was shown to the Saadh Sangat in the presence of Guru Sahib, you must ask yourself, would you feel EMBARRASSED or COMFORTABLE with that idea? If you would feel comfortable with Guru Jee, the Panj Piyaare and the Guru Piyaaree Saadh Sangat knowing where you have been socialising and hanging out then all the best to you and may Waheguru bless you. However, if you would feel embarrassed, even the SLIGHTEST, then you must ask yourself, "Why are you at that place and is it WORTH BEING THERE?" Who I am to tell someone not to clubbing or to clubbing? What does you AATMA (soul) say?”


ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਖੁ ਲੈ ਕੈ ਜਾਹਿਗਾ ॥
Dharam raa-e jab lekhaa maagai ki-aa mukh lai kai jaahigaa.
O mind! When the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls for your account (of your actions in life), what face will you show Him then?

ਕਹਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਤਰਿ ਜਾਂਹਿਗਾ ॥੩॥੧॥
kehat kabeer sunhu re santahu saaDhsangat tar jaa(n)higaa. ||3||1||
Says Kabeer, O Saints! Listen: In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you shall be saved (from the world-ocean). ||3||1||
(Ang 1106)

I enjoyed university so much. The Sangat, going to the Gurdwara Sahib, meeting knew people, making friends, the Sikhi events across London and the various universities and the pyaar which people have one another as Sikh brothers and sisters.


To be continued...

"Are You a Buddhist?"

I thought its about time for light-hearted post.

Today I was thinking about an incident, which happened with me at the beginning of my second year of university (it always put a smile on my face thinking about this). I was living in Halls of Residence, and had moved in earlier than everyone else because I employed as a Senior Student. All that meant was that I worked for the Residence Office to help and support the students at Halls and conduct weekly inspections of the building block. No one had moved into Halls of Residence yet apart from about ten people, including myself, who were working for the Halls of Residence.

I knocked on the doors in my corridor to double-check if anyone had moved in. However, no reply and I couldn't hear anyone. So I thought, "Great! I can do my Paath and Simran without having to worry that I am too loud or disturbing someone's sleep." So at Amrit-Vela I woke up and had a shower while loudly singing "VaheGuroo" (Bhai Niranjan Singh jee Simran tune). Afterwards I sat down on my bed and started Naam Abhiaas (meditation). While I was doing Simran I could hear moans and groans but thought to myself either its my stomach or water is stuck in my ears as no one else has moved into Halls. So I loudly continued to do Simran.

Afterwards I began reading morning Nitnem Banian (daily prayers) and I heard banging. I thought "O Mind! What's happening? What am I hearing. No one has moved in. Perhaps its a structural problem in the building." I continued reading Baani with full force. Eventually I had very loud banging on my door. I thought "Hai, Hai ! Wonder who that could be." I opened the door to find a half asleep foreign bald skin-headed man (he reminded me a Buddhist monk). He looked baffled, stunned and bit annoyed. I said, "Hello". He just stared at me gob smacked and then I realised perhaps he hadn't probably seen a Singh before, let alone a Kachheraa and Kirpaan. He then managed to say "What are you doing man!" "Ermm... Doing my morning meditation and prayers". "Do you know what time it is! I am trying to go to sleep." "Sleep? Where do you live?" He replied "Next door." I said "Sorry, I didn't realise anyone had moved in". And then he staggered back to his room.

I continued my Nitnem ("trying" to keep it as quiet as possible!). I saw the man again sitting on the counter-desk of the Residence Office. I said, "Hello" to him and apologised for disturbing him as I didn't realise anyone had moved in. He said that he was from Brazil and works for the Residence Office.

He looked at my Kirpaan and with a horrified face said, "What's that?" I explained that its called a 'Kirpaan' which is an Article of Faith part of the Saint-Warrior uniform, which a Sikh wears. He then said, "So, you are a Buddhist?" "Buddhist?" I replied. I thought to myself "Do I look like a Buddhist! He said, "Yeah, You are Buddhist?" I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! lol. "Ermm… No, I am Sikh." He looked at my Dastaar and me and said, "So, you not Buddhist?" I couldn't believe this bloke! Him being seriously just added to the live comedy! I've heard "Are you are a Hindu?", "Are you from Afghanistan" or "Are you a Muslim", but never "Are you a Buddhist!"

I then explained, "You never heard of a Sikh? Never seen a Sikh - people who have uncut hair and tie a turban on their head?" He said "No." I had to give a quick low down of Sikhi and explain its origins lay in Panjab and not in Tibet or China :)

Remembering 9/11

Hard to believe that it’s been five years since 9/11 when 2,973 people were killed. I remember that day I had just come back from school in the afternoon and switched on the tele. I was slightly unsure what had happened but every channel had the news on it. Watching the news in detail it became clear that terrorists had blown up the Twin Towers. The footage on the news looked unreal! It was like something out of a movie. It was sad to think of so many people being burnt or crushed to death.

ਖੂਨ ਕੇ ਸੋਹਿਲੇ ਗਾਵੀਅਹਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਤੁ ਕਾ ਕੁੰਗੂ ਪਾਇ ਵੇ ਲਾਲੋ ॥੧॥
khoon ke sohile gavee-ahi naanak rat kaa kungoo paa-e ve laalo. ||1||
O Nanak! The wedding songs of murder are being sung and blood is sprinkled instead of saffron. ||1||
(Ang 723)

Later on I got a message from work of not to come to work today. At the time I used to work in a call centre selling card protection insurance. Obviously you get some abusive phone calls when ringing someone to sell insurance. However, I would just say to them "God bless you - thank you for your time." So as you can imagine ringing someone on 9/11 would be insensitive so the call centre was closed for the day.


The link of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda being involved and the constant showing of Bin Laden's face didn't look too good! Sitting there watching the news the thought of ignorant people mistaking Sikhs for the Taliban went through my head.

It had only been 9 months since I started to wear a Dastaar (turban) and kept my Kes (hair). It was initially difficult to deal with the confidence of wearing a Dastaar and keeping Sikhi Saroop with there being no other turbaned Sikh youngsters living in the town and a small minority of ignorant people at school shouting silly comments, laughing or making snide remarks like "Turbanator", "Like your hat" or "Rag-head", on top of Pakistani boys annoyingly giggling and saying "Daler Mehndi" and singing "Naa Naa Naa Naa Re" (Daler Mehndi song!). It generally died down after confronting people and also talking about Sikhi and the significance of Sikhi Saroop in different year group assemblies, multi-cultural days held at the school and talking about Sikhi to students in the school in Religious Education classes.

9/11 happens and now the comments were "Bin Laden" and "Taliban". It was only a few people but still at the time I felt annoyed. I became very self-conscious. If someone were laughing nearby I would think they are laughing at me. If a car hooted its horn I would assume it’s at me. I gradually learnt through reading Gurbaani, doing Simran and going to school reciting Mool Mantr, not to get worked up, to have control over my emotions and remain graceful. With Guru's Kirpaa when someone would laugh or say a small passing comment it didn't affect me or dwindle my confidence as before.

ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਆਨ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਆਸ ਤੇਰਾ ਮਨਿ ਤਾਣੁ ॥
har bin aan na koee samrath teree aas teraa man taaN
O Vaheguru! Other than You, no one is all-powerful. You are the Hope and the Strength of my mind.
(Ang 1323)

There was one incident when one racist boy would continuously laugh every time he saw me and would point at my Dastaar and get others standing around him to shout "Bin Laden" or "Taliban" at me. Once I was so frustrated so I confronted him and he said "Sorry, sorry..." However, he dint seem to get the message. So I decided to tell the Head of Year that a group of boys are being very annoying and that one racist boy is the main ringleader. She asked what action should be taken. It was decided to nip the bud and call the boy in a meeting to see me face to face infront of the teacher and the school community Police Officer.

I had written a poem about racism, which was motivated by the death of Vijay Singh and generally being fed up of ignorant silly racists. Hearing the poem and being told the sad consequences of ignorance and racism, using examples of Sikhs being abused, attacked and killed in hate-crimes, the racist boy started to cry and said "Sorry" to me. He couldn't stop the tears. It was a pleasant surprise. When I saw him again he humbly smiled and said, "I am sorry about before. I am really sorry. Hope we can be friends" I smiled back and said, “No problem”. Guru jee’s Kirpaa (Grace) is amazing!

Weekend Programme

Marking the 300th sampoorantaa of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and 300th Anniversary of the Gurmat institution of DamDami Taksaal & in loving memory of Mahapurakh Giani Baba Kartar Singh jee a Sri Akhand Paath Sahib will be being held from 8th - 10th September 2006 at Baba Sang Gurdwara, Smethwick in Birmingham .

Keertan with English translations projected, Katha (Gurbaani discourse) and talks in English will also take place over three days.

NOTE: Amrit Sanchaar
With Guru jee's kirpaa an Amrit Sanchaar will take place on Saturday 9th September 2006 at Baba Sang Gurdwara for anyone who wishes to give their head to Guru Sahib and be reborn in the Guru's Family. Candidates for Amrit are asked to be at the Gurdwara Sahib for 4pm. For further details contact: Bhervinder Singh - 07985 246484


Gurdwara Baba Sang
Saint Pauls Road,
High Street,
Smethwick,
Sandwell,
West Midlands
B66 1EE
0121 558 2681
View Map

Keertani’s:
* Bhai Satvinder Singh & Harvinder Singh Delhi wale
* Bhai Moinderjeet Singh Delhi wale
* Bhai Gurcharan Singh Delhi wale
* Bhai Kuldeep Singh & Bhai Dalbag Singh Tuhana wale
All will be taking part in a International Kirtan council Uk Atem Ras Kirtan Darbar on Sat 9th

Other Keertani’s
* Bhai Lehna Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Gurmej Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Gursharan Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Sukhjinder Singh Birmingham

Katha
* Giani Avtar Singh ji Badhny Kala
* Giani Preetam Singh Ji Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Satnam Singh Damdami Taksal
* Bhai Balbir Singh Damdami Taksal

Dhadi
Jago wale and many more international Dhadi’s

Uni Graduation

On 19th July Daas GRADUATED from university. I was pleasantly surprised (as well as I am sure some others will be thinking) that I got through Uni and graduated with GURU's KIRPAA. To be honest I always prioritised Sikhi over education. The amount of time I spent at the Gurdwara, Keertan programmes and Sikh Society seva etc, rather than doing extra study and doing reading for my course, I was thankful to Guru Sahib that I got through my exams! I always would plan "I am going to the library everyday and do extra reading and do all my work in the week it is set rather than nearer the deadline." But it NEVER works! Always end up doing Keertan, going to Gurdwara, reading Sikhi books or listening to Keertan etc. However, its so good to have all the essay deadline stresses and frantic reading over and done with (until next year begins!).

The graduation ceremony was on one of the HOTTEST days of the year! On the news weather reports they said it was the hottest day in July for 100 YEARS! Sadly my brother wasn't in the country (as he was in Iraq) so it was just my parents and I. First of all we went to Park Avenue Gurdwara Sahib to do Ardaas and Shukraanaa (be thankful). Gurbaani tells us:

ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ ॥
keetaa loRee-ai kamm, su har pehi aakhee-ai.
Whatever work you wish to accomplish - tell it to Waheguru.

ਕਾਰਜੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥
kaaraj de-e savaar, satgur sach saakhee-ai.
Waheguru will resolve your affairs; the True Guru gives His Guarantee of Truth.
(Ang 91)

ONLY with Guru Sahib's blessings do we have what we have. Gurmat (the Guru's Teachings) teach us two things EFFORT and DIVINE GRACE. We all must try our best and do as much as we can and then the rest is in the hands of Waheguru. He may accept our efforts or not accept our efforts - that is His Will. Both ways, Guru Sahib tells us to be thankful and grateful:

ਜੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਅਰਾਧੀ ਦੁਖਿ ਭੀ ਤੁਝੈ ਧਿਆਈ ॥੨॥
je sukh dehi ta tujhehi araaDhee, dukh bhee tujhai Dhi-aa-ee. ||2||
If You will bless me with happiness, then I will worship and adore You. Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2||
(Ang 757)

I remember a GurSikh telling me that a Sikh has two things - DWAA and DUAA. "DWAA" means "EFFORT" and "DUAA" means "PRAYER". One's dwaa, efforts, will only work if Waheguru APPROVES it. Therefore, one needs to pray as well. We cannot tell Waheguru what to do! Sometimes we fall in the trap of "You do this FOR ME, and I will do this FOR YOU." Guru Nanak Sahib jee tells in Aasa Di Vaar:

ਜਿਸ ਦਾ ਦਿਤਾ ਖਾਵਣਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥
jis daa ditaa khaavNaa, tis kehee-ai saabaas.
Let us all celebrate Him, from whom we receive our nourishment.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਖਸਮ ਚਲੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥੨੨॥
naanak hukam na chale-ee, naal khasam chalai ardaas. ||22||
O Nanak, no one can issue commands to the Lord Master; let us offer prayers instead. ||22||
(Ang 474)

We cannot tell Waheguru what to do. Instead we have been blessed with the ARDAAS, the ability to offer PRAYERS. A Sikh has ARDAAS with him. Therefore, before undergoing task, whether before one drives the car, before one starts university, before one enters an exam, or before one buys a new house a Sikh does ARDAAS. And then at the end of the task a Sikh does Ardaas again for gratitude. Irrespective of the end result, a Sikh accepts the Will of Waheguru.


By the time we got to the graduation venue we were all SWEATING and feeling extremely HOT, especially dressed in a suit and tie. Rab Da Shukar that some people were given away FREE WATER bottles at the tube station. At the graduation venue one juice cost £2.20! I was SHOCKED at the prices. lol.


The ceremony was LONG with loads of speeches. Waheguru! I could see some people nearly DOZING OFF :) When collecting the awards there was one Gujrati boy who literally RAN across the stage, quickly shook the hand of the Dean of the College and then quickly ran down the stage. He was either very NERVOUS or likes RUNNING. lol.

After the ceremony there were refreshments and a buffet. Daas didn't eat anything but I could see everyone was EXCITED at seeing KEBABS and CHICKEN pieces! Waheguru! I was glad to get out and get some FRESH AIR and go back to the Gurdwara Sahib and do darshan of Guru Sahib.

After finishing uni and also on the graduation day the pangtee (line) from the first PauRee (stanza) of Japjee Sahib kept going through my mind:

ਸਹਸ ਸਿਆਣਪਾ ਲਖ ਹੋਹਿ ਤ ਇਕ ਨ ਚਲੈ ਨਾਲਿ ॥
sehas si-aaNpaa lakh hohi ta ek na chalai naal.
One may possess thousands of clever thoughts or the biggest wisdom, yet not even one wise thought will accompany you to the next world.
(Ang 1)

It is amazing that we go to school, then college, followed by university and people do various other educations or learn skills but NOT even ONE WISE THOUGHT will accompany us when we DIE. It puts in perspective that though education, learning, worldly life and skills are important for living Gristee-jeevan (householder life) that one should not take PRIDE and get EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED to their education or wisdom because at the end of the day it will not accompany you and nor will it remain forever with you. For example, God forbid, but someone could lose their memory tom0rrow when they wake up! Scary thought, but true. All Waheguru's HUKAM. All Waheguru's Kirpaa.

Some lines from today's Hukamnaama (daily edict of Guru Sahib) from Amritsar reminded me of this:

ਤੂ ਸਮਰਥੁ ਵਡਾ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਤਿ ਥੋਰੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
too samrath vadaa meree mat thoree raam.
You are great and all-powerful; my understanding is so inadequate, O Vaheguru.

ਪਾਲਹਿ ਅਕਿਰਤਘਨਾ ਪੂਰਨ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
paaleh akirat-ghanaa pooran dristt teree raam.
You cherish even the ungrateful ones; Your Glance of Grace is perfect, Vaheguru.
(Ang 547)

Happy Gurpurb!

On 1st September the Sikh Calendar (Nanakshahi Calendar) marks the day when the Aad Sri Granth Sahib jee (the first version of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee) was ceremoniously installed in Sri Darbaar Sahib, Amritsar. Sariaa Nu Gurpurb di Lakh Lakh Vaadhaaee Hove.

AAD GRANTH SAHIB JEE

The Revealed Word of God

Gurbaani is real, i.e. it is reality not philosophy. The 'Shabad' (Infinite Wisdom) is the Guru. Guru Nanak Sahib jee and the Das Saroop (10 Bodies) interpreted and revealed the Shabad. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee, accumulated the Shabad’s revelation from the first five Nanaks 15 Bhagats and 11 Bhatts etc, and recorded it into the physical world in the form of Aad Granth Sahib Jee (also referred to as 'Pothi Sahib'), which was the earlier form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

The religion of the Bhagats

It is often said that Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee included the Baanis of Hindu and Muslim mystics. This is false. All the Bhagats, Bhatts and Sikhs whose revealed Baani was accepted and included in the Aaad Granth Sahib jee shared the common religion of Gurmat and Naam and had experienced Sat (the Truth). Truth is the Truth. The Truth is eternal, unchanging, and the same irrespective of which light someone sees it. Therefore, the Sikh Guru Sahibaans, the Bhagats, Bhatts and Sikhs all experienced and talked about this One Universal Truth, which was Ek Oankaar, as explained in the first verse of Aad Granth Sahib Jee:

ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik-oankaar sat naam kartaa purakh nirbhau nirvair akaal moorat ajoonee saibhun(g) gur prasaad.
There is only One, the Sound from which the creation expanded into existence. Truth is the Name. Creative Power within all. Without Fear. Without Hatred. Timeless Existence. Beyond the birth cycle (reincarnation). Self-Existent Light. Known by the Guru's Grace
(Ang 1)

So what is the difference between 'Guru' and 'Bhagat' (Devotee of God). Giani Sant Singh jee Maskeen explained in Katha (Gurbaani discourse) gave the following analogy to explain this difference. There is one child who opens his eyes and realizes he is sitting in his mother's lap. There is another child who crawls to his mother and then sits on her lap. Guru Nanak Sahib jee and the Sikh Guru Sahibaans had Brahm-Gyaan (God enlightenment) from the beginning. They opened their eyes and they were already sitting on the lap of Vaheguru. The Bhagats were those who through life and experience attained union with the Divine and sat in the lap of Vaheguru. Once they reached this level, through the chosen Bhagats of Vaheguru the Shabad was revealed to the world. As a consequence, there is no difference between the Shabad (Gurbaani) revealed through the Sikh Gurus and the Bhagats etc. Both are 'Gurbani'.

Collecting the Shabads

From Guru Nanak Sahib jee to Guru Raam Daas Sahib jee, each and every Guru Sahib recorded the revealed Shabad in Pothi Sahibs (small Volumes). These Pothi Sahibs were collected together by Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee. He sent trusted Sikhs such as Bhai Piara jee, Bhai Gurdaas jee and Baba Buddha jee across the country to bring the Baani of the Bhagats etc.

Scribing the Aad Granth Sahib jee

Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee pitched a tent by the side of Ramsar Sarovar (tank) in Amritsar and started the task of compiling the first edition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Bhai Gurdas Jee (the maternal uncle of Guru Sahib) was entrusted as Guru jee's scribe for the master copy. The monumental task was finally completed after five years. This original edition of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib known at that time as Pothi Sahib was installed on a high pedestal within Sri Darbaar Sahib in August 1604. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee seated himself at a lower level and instructed all Sikhs to bow before it, not as an idol, but as the divine spoken word of God, which would save anyone who would enshrine and live by the Divine Word. The revered Baba Buddha jee was appointed the first Granthi (custodian of the Granth).

The Epilogue of the Aad Granth Sahib jee
Guru Arjan Dev jee wrote in the last verses of Aad Granth Sahib jee:

ਮੁੰਦਾਵਣੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਖਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਭੁੰਚੈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਏਹ ਵਸਤੁ ਤਜੀ ਨਹ ਜਾਈ ਨਿਤ ਨਿਤ ਰਖੁ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰੋ ॥ ਤਮ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਚਰਨ ਲਗਿ ਤਰੀਐ ਸਭੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਸਾਰੋ ॥੧॥
"Mundaavanee, Fifth Mehl: Upon this Plate, three things have been placed: Truth, Contentment and Spiritual Understanding. The spiritual life giving Naam, the Name of our Lord and Master, has been placed upon it as well; it is the Support of all. One who eats (this spiritual food) and enjoys it shall be saved. (If you wish to be spiritually saved then) this thing can never be forsaken; keep this always and forever in your mind. O Nanak! (With the blessings of Naam) grasping the Feet of Vaheguru (i.e. Gurbaani) the dark world-ocean is crossed over and (one begins to see) everywhere the Divine Light of Vaheguru is manifest. ||1||"
(Ang 1429)

The whereabouts of the original Aad Granth Sahib jee

Pothi Sahib (known today as the Kartarpur Bir) was kept by the Sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee in his house. From here it was stolen by his grandson called Dheer Mal, who intended to use it to further his claims on the succession of the Guruship. Some thirty years later, the Sikhs of the Ninth Nanak, Guru Tegh Bahadur forcibly recovered it but were instructed by Guru Sahib to return it. But as the Sikhs were far from the town, they placed it in the shallow river bed of the River Satluj. From here Dhir Mal recovered it, miraculously it was undamaged. In 1850, with the annexation of Punjab, the Bir together with its golden stand were discovered by the British in the custody of the Lahore Royal Court. It is said that the present Bir (Volume) remains with Dheer Mal's family, the Sodhis of Kartarpur (Panjab), thus the name Kartarpuri Bir ('Bir' meaning 'Volume'). However, the Sodhi family are reluctant to allow Sikhs full access to the Bir.

"Are You Carrying a Gun?"

A while ago someone requested that I write about my experiences of wearing a Kirpaan and challenges I have come across with security guards. So I've decided to write about one of the incidents and how it was dealt with.

During the first a month and so of university I wore a small 6 inch Kirpaan on top of my clothes and a half sleeve jacket on top. During lectures I would remove my jacket, which allowed students to see the Kirpaan and then ASK QUESTIONS. Gradually as people got used to it and were able to ask questions I was less conscious of covering the Kirpaan with my coat jacket. Lectures and students were happy with it and felt COMFORTABLE with it. So after this I started wearing my LARGER Kirpaan and students and lecturers my department were totally okay with it. I realised that all one needs to do is be CONFIDENT and be able to provide SHORT & SWEET information about the Kirpaan and reasons for wearing it. All the people who found out about it were very RESPECTFUL.


It was my FIRST YEAR at university and end of term ESSAY DEADLINES were looming. So I went to the library to get some books. My kirpaan was over my clothes but on top of that I had a LARGE COAT. I was browsing through the computer and then walked to the Theology books where I decided to sit down and study. Its really QUIET in the library and I was feeling slightly hungry but I thought, chalo sit study for an hour and then take the books back to Halls of Residence.


30 minutes later 2 BIG LOOKING African security guards came up to me and said, "Please STAND UP and come with us." I was bit startled and thought "Chalo, let's see what they want." They took me around the corner and said, "We have reason to believe you are carrying a GUN". I was like "A GUN?" One security guard looked more aggressive than the other. He looked more like a Night-club BOUNCER (well what I would imagine one to look like!).


I opened my coat and showed my 11inch Kirpaan. He became ANGRY and said "TAKE IT OFF, take it off now." I said, "It's an Article of Faith, which is a requirement of my religious uniform." He said, "Err... Religion? Well you take it off and give it to us. Every time you come to the library you give it to reception and collect it on leaving." I calmly and politely said, "I will NOT do that. Under the 1996 Criminal Justice Act, Section 129, Sikhs are allowed to wear the Kirpaan as it is part of the Sikh religion and an Article of Faith. It is not an OFFENSIVE weapon. Do you know that by you asking me to REMOVE my Kirpaan, you are acting ILLEGALLY and can be PROSECUTED for RACIAL DISCRIMINATION and violation of HUMAN RIGHTS, which result in you losing your jobs?" Both security guards became SILENT and panicked and ended up walking in their walkie-talkies and telling their boss that this young man claims he is wearing a small sword which is a part of his religious uniform. In the next minute or so both security guards left and just said "OKAY" to me.

I sat back down and continued doing my work. 10 minutes later a member of the library staff came over me and said that he APOLOGISED for the inconvenience caused to me and that he knew about the 5Ks and how wearing the Kirpaan is part of the Sikh uniform. He also apologised for the OVER-REACTION of the security guards. As a consequence of this I wrote a letter to the DEAN of the College and met him in person. He apologised for the incident and said that the staff should have known about the Kirpaan. Also an email was sent to all departments to forward to students to explain that initiated Sikhs wear the 5Ks and information about the Kirpaan. So with Guru's Kirpaa when a non-Sikh student sees someone openly wearing a Kirpaan they don't get scared and feel COMFORTABLE.

300 years Sampoorantaa Diwas!

On 30th August the Sikh Calendar (Nanakshahi Calendar) marks 300 years since Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee COMPLETED the compilation of SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JEE on the land of SRI DAMDAMA SAHIB, Bathinda. This also marks 300 years of when Damdami Taksaal which Baba Deep Singh headed at Takht Damdama Sahib was .


SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JEE (DAMDAMI BIR)


Aad Granth Sahib (also known as 'Pothi Sahib')
Gurbaani is REAL, i.e. it is REALITY not philosophy. The SHABAD (Infinite Wisdom) is the Guru. Guru Nanak Sahib jee and the Das Saroop (10 Bodies) interpreted and revealed the Shabad. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee, accumulated the Shabad’s revelation from first five Nanaks 15 BHAGATS and 11 BHATTS etc, and recorded it into the PHYSICAL WORD in the form of AAD GRANTH SAHIB JEE (also referred to as 'POTHI SAHIB'), which was earlier form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. In 1604 the Aad Granth Sahib jee was installed on a high pedestal within Sri Darbaar Sahib.



Aad Granth Sahib jee & Dheer Mal
Pothi Sahib (known today as the Kartarpur Bir) was kept by the Sixth Nanak, GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB JEE in his house. From here it was STOLEN by his GRANDSON called DHEER MAL, who intended to use it to further his claims on the succession of the Guruship. Some THIRTY YEARS LATER the Sikhs of the Ninth Nanak, Guru Tegh Bahadur FORCIBLY RECOVERED it, but were instructed by Guru Sahib to RETURN IT. But as the Sikhs were far from the town, they placed it in the shallow river bed of the SATLUJ RIVER. From here Dheer Mal recovered it, miraculously it was UNDAMAGED. The Bir was taken by Dheer Mal and his family to where they lived in Kartarpur, thus the name KARTARPUR BIR ('Bir' meaning 'Volume').


The Damdami Bir
During Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee's Guruship, Dheer Mal even REFUSED to return the Kartarpur Bir over to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee when Baba Deep Singh jee along with 24 other Singhs went to visit him. Instead Dheer Mal said, "If your Guru is the SAME ROOP (form) as the first and fifth Guru Sahibs, then why doesn't he fashion Gurbaani from MEMORY?"


Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee stayed Talwandi Sabo (known as Sri Damdama Sahib today) for nine months and nine days in 1706 and dictated the ENTIRE Aad Granth Sahib jee with the addition of the Ninth Nanak, GURU TEGH BAHADAR SAHIB JEE's revealed Shabads to BHAI MANI SINGH JEE. Undoubtedly, Guru Sahib got rid of certain unauthorised writings which had crept into some PIRATED COPIES and gave it a FINAL FORM. As this Bir (Volume) was compiled at Sri Damdama Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh jee, this final form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee became known as the 'Damdami Bir'. This Bir was then taken to Sri Hazoor Sahib, NandeR where in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh jee added all human succession to Guruship and left Guruship to the Shabad Guru, the Everlasting Divine Light, Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and the Guru Khalsa Panth, the physical form of the Guru.


Damdami Taksaal
In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee placed BABA DEEP SINGH JEE in charge at SRI DAMDAMA SAHIB, while BHAI MANI SINGH JEE was made HEAD GRANTHI of SRI HARMANDAR SAHIB in Amritsar. After Guru Sahib left for Delhi, Baba Deep Singh jee took up the duty of preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and carried on the seva blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee of managing this Sikh Centre. 'TAKSAAL' means a MINTING FACTORY. Sri Damdama Sahib, had become a factory where Sikhs would come to mint and prepare their SHASTARS (weapons), as well as mint their MINDS and enshrine GURBAANI within their hearts through learning knowledge reading Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. As a result this particular centre of EDUCATION and WEAPONRY at Damdama Sahib became known as "DAMDAMI TAKSAAL".


The 20th century Jathedar of Damdami Taksal Bhindran (founded in village 'Bhindran'), Giani BABA GURBACHAN SINGH JEE KHALSA did the COMPLETE KATHA (discourse) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee many times and today we find that a lot of his students are Granthis at Sri Harmandar Sahib and many of them held positions of esteem and were Jathedaars of the Takhat Sahibs (Five Seats of Authority). The Jathedaar succeeding him, Giani BABA KARTAR SINGH JEE KHALSA started the DHARAM YUDH MORCHA, a movement against the anti-Sikh Nirankari Movement and demanding rights for Panjab and Sikh Nation, which was continued by Shaheed Giani BABA JARNAIL SINGH JEE KHALSA (which you can read more about here).

DHAN SRI GRANTH SAHIB JEE!

Sariaa Nu Gurpurb dee Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee Hove!

A Divine Week!

Today I have just got back from Khalsa Camp. I don't know what to write. I had an amazing time, which is very difficult to describe in words! The amount of LOVE, HUMILITY and SPIRITUALITY that everyone felt was great. All Guru Sahib's Kirpaa.

On Sunday the coaches arrived at the campsite at about 2pm. After registration we received the keys to our rooms. The accommodation was FIRST CLASS (in the terms of camps!). There were single ENSUITE ROOMS per person. It was good as it allowed a person to rest and go to sleep and in the mornings there was no rush to have a shower.


After settling in there was a welcome talk. The welcome talk was a good balance of basic rules and expectations with a FUNNY VIDEO and performance by Sukhi Singh bhaji from Midlands. It was HILLARIOUS. Everyone couldn't stop laughing. I've been told the clips will be on the Khalsa Camp 2006 DVDs which will be available in the near future.

The day would consist of everyone waking up at AMRIT-VELA at 3am. At 4am the morning diwaan would begin with Vaheguru Simran, followed by NITNEM of Panj Banian. After the morning the diwaan there would 2 hours of REST for campers between 6am and 8am. This was a good time to relax and ensure one's not tired for the rest of the day.


Between 8am and 9am was BREAKFAST. Afterwards there would be a TALK by an outside speaker would be for one hour followed by one hour of question time. Guest speakers had come from AUSTRALIA, CANADA, and AMERICA. The talks were on various indepth spiritual topics such as "Battle of the Mind", "The 5 Khands (Realms)" (as described in Japji Sahib), "God, Guru & Sikh", "Anhad Dasam Duaar" etc. After a break there would be various WORKSHOPS for campers to choose from. The various workshops were on the themes of: 1) Sikh Principles, 2) Basics of Sikhi, 3) Gurbaani Grammar, 4) Panthic Issues, 5) Youth & Social Issues, 6) Darbaar Sahib & Guru jee's Seva, 7) Keertan, and 8) Dastaar (turban) tyings.



After the workshops there would be lunch. The Langar (like the rest of the things at camp) was CHARDI KALAA. May Waheguru bless the Langar Sevadaars. We had all sorts to eat like pizzas, jacket potatoes, pasta, roti, different daal sabjee, different cakes, flapjacks, cookies, trifle, chips and beans etc. It takes A LOT OF EFFORT to cook langar for such a large sangat of 300 or so people, so its inspirational to see the sevadaars cook and serve langar with such calmness, pyaar, and humility. Waheguru!

After lunch there were various physical activities. Two activities off-site were HORSE RIDING and GO-KARTING. I went Go-Karting. It was EVENTFUL. It was fun driving. Some poor singhs' dastaars came flying off when driving and there were few collisions! It was a good day out and everyone enjoyed themselves.


At 5.45pm the evening diwaan would begin with one hour of Vaheguru Simran. Every diwaan would have an ELECTRIFYING feel to it. The vibrations of Naam and Baani would fill the room. It was amazing! After Rehiraas Sahib and Keertan there would be Langar at 7.45pm. Then in the evenings there would be OPTIONAL DISCUSSION groups, which campers could attend from 9 to 10pm. This gave time for campers to ask questions on anything they learnt or heard during the day or anything in general.


On Tuesday everyone went to BLACKPOOL to the SEA-SIDE. It was a good day out and with Guru's Kirpaa the weather was good. There was beach volleyball and various games and some decided to walk around and enjoy the nice outdoor atmosphere. In the evening after having something to eat there was Keertan on the beach followed by Rehraas Sahib by everyone. Very RELAXING and PEACEFUL experience.





Today campers were VIDEO-INTERVIEWED about what they felt about Khalsa Camp 2006 and what they GAINED from the camp. It was really inspiring to hear stories of bhajis and bhenjis who have been inspired by Guru Sahib during the week and have been positively influenced in their lives by the pyaar, humility and spirituality shown during the camp. The power of SAADH SANGAT and GURBAANI is indescribable!


Generally the camp was GREAT! So many JEEVANI GURSIKHS, which one feel's like being the dust of their feet. It was honour and a blessing to be graced with such sangat. Even now thinking of the GurSikhs I met with Waheguru's Kirpaa, it is BEYOND WORDS to explain the inspiration they gave.

Off to Khalsa Camp!

Tomorrow Daas is off to Khalsa Camp for one week! When I come back Daas will post some pictures and share what I've learnt and experienced. Can't wait to spend one week with Guru Sahib and have sangat with great Gursikhs.