Edinburgh Trip

Last week Bhaji Dharamveer Singh from Edinburgh invited Daas to Edinburgh Gurdwara. On Saturday evening there was a Diwaan aimed at the young English speaking Sangat, and on Sunday afternoon there was a programme aimed at non-Sikh visitors who had come to the Gurdwara Sahib as part of the Edinburgh "Festival of Spirituality & Peace".

It was very inspiring to meet the Singhs from Edinburgh. A lot of people have taking steps towards Guru jee and made big changes in their Jeevans. It's amazing to see how Guru Sahib's Kirpaa manifests. In place where you wouldn't think there would be little or no Sikhs you find Chardi Kalaa Guru ke Pyaare.

Here are some photos:

This is Bhaji Dharmveer Singh with his nephew Sooraj Singh. Both of them always wear Baana (the Khalsa attire) to the Gurdwara Sahib and both very Chardi Kalaa.

Young Sooraj Singh only turned 10 years old in August. His parents asked him what present or gift he would like for his birthday. He could've asked for a computer console, games, trip to a theme park or something else. But, instead he asked, "For my birthday I would like to have a Rainsbayee Keertan." I was taken aback by the pyaar this child has for Sikhi. May Waheguru continue to keep him in Chardi Kalaa and bless him with Gursikhi Jeevan.

This is Bhaji Siddharat Singh who is from Delhi but studies in Aberdeen University. It took him 3 hours to come to the Edinburgh Gurdwara. He has no Sangat where he lives. It's makes one appreciate the Sangat and nearby Keertan programmes and events that Guru Sahib has blessed us with.

Saturday afternoon trip to the Edinburgh sea-side:



Saturday evening Keertan and a talk in English:



Sunday Edinburgh Peace Festival Sikh talk:

I thought I was bad when travelling and do everything last minute. However, I found somewhere who is even more "LastMinute.com" than me - Bhaji Siddharat Singh! Poor Bhaji missed his bus firstly. He thought it was 6.30pm when it was 5.30pm. Then he couldn't find his ticket. He needed to print off an e-ticket, so he used the Internet at the bus station. But he forgot his email password so he couldn't access his emails! Waheguru. (It was like something in a film! lol). To top it off there were no more free buses going to Aberdeen at that time. Waheguru. Irrespective of all the drama of the day Bhaji was still in Chardi Kalaa and smiling :)

Southall & Slough

The past two weeks there have been camps in Southall and Slough. At both camps the topic for the workshop was "Why am I proud to be Sikh?" which followed by a general talk on general Sikhi, Rehat, making the right choices and awakening the mind.

Below are some photos from class held at the Southall Singh Sabha Gurdwara camp that took place at the Norwood Green school.

Group work discussions

Presentations:





Younger group having discussions:




This uncle jee was at the camp. He was so Chardi Kalaa. He had the Nishaan Sahib always in his hand. Bhai Sahib said that he was old now and the one seva he was capable of doing is holding the Guru's Nishaan wherever he goes. Very inspiring and Chardi Kalaa attitude to life.


On Tuesday I went to the Khalsa Sikh Primary School in Slough camp. There were over 300 children there. The school is amazing! The design of the building is great. I wish I was a child again so that I could go to that school! Waheguru. The classes ranged from the topics of Seva, basic Rehat, Bajjar Kurehats and a summary and history of the Sikh Rehat Maryada. It was nice to see some friendly faces from Bradford at camp :)

On the way back home I had to take the train. The train stopped at Oxford where I had to change. It was long journey but I was given loads of Gurmat books from Slough by a Bhaaji which kept my me busy. At Oxford I had to wait at the station for the Birmingham train. There weren't many people around. On the bench there was an Arab or East European looking man sitting on the bench. He looked astonished when he looked at me. He was looking at the Dastaar (turban) and Kurta Pyjama. I decided to sit on the bench. I thought perhaps he has got scared looking at me and feels uncomfortable that late at night there is not many people around and that I am standing near him.

I sat on the bench and carried on reading the books I had with me. The man then asked me "When is next train to Birmingham." So I told him. After a waiting some time I decided to ask the man, "Which country are you from?" He said that he was Kurdish from (Southern) Iraq. We started talking. It was kind of strange considering that he initially looked bit disturbed but now he felt okay. I asked him if he was sight-seeing in Oxford. He didn't know much English but enough to have a basic conversation. He said that he came to visit his cousin.

I asked him about his family and he said that they were all back in Iraq. The train arrived and I said bye to him thinking that he would want to sit somewhere else on the train but he decided to sit on the seat near me. So I decided to talk to him. He was happy that I was talking to him and asking about his family. He got excited and said, "Sir, I show you photos of my family." I smiled and said okay. He opened his bag and got an envelope full of photos. He showed photos of his mother, father, sisters, brothers. Waheguru. If you think Panjabi families are big, think again. He showed all his relatives.

I asked, "Do you go to Mosque and pray." He looked bit embarrassed and said that he didn't go to the Mosque but he should. I said "Do you remember & thank God?" He said, "Yes I thank God." I was shocked to hear that he was 19 years old. He explained how got to the UK and it didn't sound too glamorous! Very tough and dangerous. He said that he has no one here and he feels lost so he smokes and drinks alcohol. We discussed how God helps us and that God is the biggest friend you can want and that we are never alone. He agreed that alcohol and smoking wasn't the solution to his problems. By that time my stop had come and we said good-bye.

It's strange how Waheguru causes us to meet people. Afterwards I thought to myself that we are very lucky with the lives we have in this country. We have the support of Guru Sahib, the Saadh Sangat and family. There are others in the world who don't have that and instead feel the need to turn to alcohol, drugs and other things to fill in the void in the heart. Guru Sahib has done so much Kirpaa on us yet we so easily forget this. Meeting this man at the train station reminded me that I was lucky that my Guru is always with me and gives hope.

Children doing Simran

Here are some videos from the France Gurmat Camp that took place in July.

This is the 10-12 years old class. At the beginning and end of class we would do Simran. It would help to calm the children and keep them focused:




Video from evening diwaan:

In the evening diwaan, after Rehraas Sahib, Uncle Gurdial Singh jee would lead Simran. After doing Simran, Uncle jee would ask the children (in Panjabi): "Why do we do Simran?" and "Is doing Simran important?" The children were Chardi Kalaa! They would reply with great enthusiasm. Every day Uncle jee would say put your hand up if you do Simran in the morning. Day by day the numbers of hands went up and even parents. Children enjoyed the Simran.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi.

Remembering Bhai Rama Singh Jee

Today is the Barsi (death anniversary) of Bhai Rama Singh jee, who passed away on 1st August 2002. I have'nt had the good fortune of meeting Bhai Sahib, however I read his autobiography called "In Search of the True Guru" which felt like having Bhai Sahib's darshan and doing Sangat with him. The book is very inspirational and once you start reading you don't want to put the back down. Bhai Rama Singh jee lived a life of Seva, Simran and Sikhi Parchaar and a role model to both young and old. Below is a short summary of Bhai Sahib's life and how he came into Sikhi.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF BHAI RAMA SINGH JEE

Childhood & Spiritual Turning Point
Bhai Sahib was born in 1930 in a village of Chhariavli in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India in the household of Vaid Chandar Pal and Bibi Lashmi Devi, a staunch Hindu family. He was named "Rama" and had one brother and two sisters. The turning point in his life, when as at the age 8 years old, when he heard a sermon from Baba Rattan Daas. The Baba (wise man) said that there were 8.4 million species. If a person did not remember Waheguru, then that person went through the suffering of all those forms of existence. Once caught in the pain of the cycle of births and deaths, it took a soul millions of years to get out of it. Bhai Sahib asked himself "Why shouldn't I meditate on God's name in this life and achieve salvation?" As Bhai Sahib meditated, an inner voice echoed "Without the Perfect (True) Guru there is no salvation in life."


Leaving Home
Bhai Sahib left home and proceeded to Rishikesh, which regarded as the land of the saints. Here he decided to stay in the jungle and meditate on "Haray Raama". On the third day of doing continous Simran, an inner voice repeatedly kept saying, "Without the Perfect (True) Guru there is no salvation. Without the perfect Guru there is no salvation." In search of the perfect Guru Bhai Sahib left for Delhi to stay and work for his uncle (father's brother). He didn't want to return home knowing his father would be angry. The hotel was opposite Gurdwara Sees Ganj Sahib.


Discovering Sukhmani Sahib
Bhai Sahib was experienced in the hotel trade and could cook. He saw an advertisement from a senior government official advertising for a job of handling party arrangements and travelling abroad. He met the man and got the job. The officer told Bhai Sahib that they were to leave for Indonesia on 20th July 1957. They stayed in a hotel. The officer had yet not arrived. In the hotel room there were 2 Sukhmani Sahib Gutke (prayer books). One was in Hindi and one in Gurmukhi. Bhai Sahib started reading Sukhmani Sahib in Hindi and on completion the officer returned back to the room. The officer recited the Baani (prayer) daily. For 21 days Bhai Sahib recited Sukhmani Sahib with devotion. The officer witnessed Bhai Sahib's devotion of reading Gurbani and said, "I respect anyone who recites Sukhmani Sahib. From now on you are not my servant but my son." One and half years later Bhai Sahib experienced bliss and happiness in his life.


Indonesia back to Home
Bhai Sahib got a job with the Indian embassy which involved meeting officers and industrialists in hotels and night-clubs. His success grew bigger and bigger. However, the five vices (lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego) were affecting his meditation. His mind wavered and he engaged in relationships with other women. Slowly the bliss of Sukhmani Sahib decreased and he lost the desire to read Baani. He realised his mistake of going to clubs and discos. Six years of working in Indonesia he returned to India back to his family. His brother was angry with him and scorned him after he heard Bhai Sahib recite Sukhmani Sahib instead of the Geeta (Hindu holy book) in the early morning hours.


In Search of the True Guru
Bhai Sahib left home to quench his spiritual thirst. His father was understanding as his birth chart predicted that Bhai Sahib from an early age will begin to meditate. He got on a train to Delhi but ended up going to Bombay. On the train he fell asleep and in his dream, someone said to him, "Your attachments are due to your past deeds and one day you have to part. The Lord's name is written in your destiny. The place where you are going will be good for you." He used read Sukhmani Sahib and for hours do simran. Looking for a perfect guru he went to a church and then a Mandir (Hindu temple) but found no spiritual satisfaction. 2 or 3 month later he came across a Gurdwara. When he went to do Matha Tekh (bow) before Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee he felt a divine force on his head. He listened to Rehraas Sahib and Keertan. In the Kathaa (lecture) the Giani jee said, "the Perfect Guru is Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee." Bhai Sahib at last had found what he had been looking for.


Journey to England
Bhai Sahib decided to come to England on 18th January 1964 by ship at Tilbury. On arrival he got his first Nitnem gutka (daily prayer book) and started repeating Mool Mantar. After 10 months he was blessed with ridhian sidhian (supernatural Powers) and his mind filled with calmness. Bhai Sahib started to attend English classes. The friends he had met there decided to travel to Europe. The group was a brother & sister who were Christians, an Israeli girl, a Panjabi and Bhai Sahib.


Darshan of Guru Gobind Singh jee
Throughout the car journey Bhai Sahib recited Japji Sahib and Chaupayee Sahib. When they reached Germany the hotel where they had arrived was almost fully booked. They managed to get 2 rooms with double beds but realised Dalia (the Israeli girl) had to sleep in the same room of either the Panjabi man or Bhai Sahib. Dalia said, "I'll sleep in Ram's room as I have full trust in him." Bhai Sahib prayed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji that he doesn't have Kesh and has not yet became a true Sikh, and to save the honour of the Guru's Sikhi. At Amrit-Vela (around 2am) the room suddenly flooded with a very bright light. Bhai Sahib experienced Guru Gobind Singh jee who gave him Hukam (order) to take Amrit and gave him a mission to promote Amrit and Gurmat Rehit in many countries. Since that day Bhai Sahib threw away the razor, kept his Kesh and decided to take Amrit.


Becoming part of the Guru's Family - The Gift of Amrit
Returning from Germany. Bhai Sahib met some Gursikhs at Shepherd's Bush Gurdwara who introduced Bhai Sahib to Giani Amolak Singh jee. At the time Baba Puran Singh jee from Africa had come to England. 25 people were ready to take Amrit. However 5 tyaar-bar-tyaar Singhs couldn't be found to do Amrit Sanchaar seva. By this time Baba Puran Singh jee returned back to Africa. The first Rainsbayee (all-night) Keertan was held in 1968 at "The Green" Gurdwara in Southall on the Parkaash Diwas (birth date) of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Bhai Sahib was moved by this. Shortly after many Singhs had migrated from Africa to Southall, so Giani Amolak Singh jee organised an Amrit Sanchaar. That day 25 Singhs and Singhnees, both adorned with dastaars (turbans) alike, recieved Amrit and immersed themselves in Naam.


Mission & Humble Seva (Sefless Service)
Bhai Sahib started his mission. Rainsbayee Keertans were organised and an Amrit-Vela Simran programme was started at Southall Gurdwara that spread to other Gurdwaras. He travelled on trips to Nankana Sahib, Anandpur Sahib and Hemkunt Sahib. He encouraged young and old to receive Amrit. For 30 years he did Sikhi Parchaar seva during his visits to the Far East (Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia), Makindu and Kericho, East Africa, Vancouver, Canada, USA and Europe. Irrespective of Bhai Sahib's popularity he always remained humble and simple. He practiced what he preached and always did seva of cleaning the Sangat's shoes and washing the dishes in the Langar whilst absorbed in Simran to cleanse the mind from ego.


Summary
Bhai Sahib advocated the power of Naam. He said without Naam life is totally wasted and futile. Bhai Sahib's autobiography ("In Search of True Guru") covers his childhood, search for the True Guru, Selfless Service with Humility and Khalsa Raaj. It is worth reading as it talks about the main reason for our existence, being liberated whilst alive, the fruits of Naam Japnaa (meditating on Waheguru) and humble seva (selfless service) to the community without looking for recognition. If anyone wishes to have a copy of Bhai Sahib's autobiography, please e-mail either jastinder_s@hotmail.com or jass@consultant.com for UK and Europe and for the Far East is gurkirpa@singnet.com.sg , specifying whether you prefer the book in English or Gurmukhi.

"If Naam Simran is done in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and in Saadh Sangat, then it is as if one is standing in heavy rain, the flood of which sweeps away everything; in that same way, the sins of previous lives of an individual are washed away."

- Bhai Rama Singh jee

May Waheguru do kirpaa on us all and bless us with a Chardi Kalaa jeevan, Naam Japnaaa, humility, Seva, and Amrit-Velaa.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Guru Ke Pyaare.

Glasgow Camp

On Sunday I flew out to Scotland for a Gurmat Camp held at Glasgow that was organised by the Sikh Naujawan (youngsters) of Glasgow. With Waheguru's kirpaa, this time I had my passport safe and sound! As the aeroplane landed and I entered the airport I saw a group of Gursikhs from the Midlands sitting in the waiting area. It was a nice surprise, as I was expecting to see all Scottish people. The Gursikhs were coming back from the Rainsbayee Keertan held in Glasgow which was followed by the Anand Kaaraj of Bhai Jasmeet Singh jee & Bibi Gurdev Kaur jee.

Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh jee ("Sukhi Singh") also attended the camp :) The camp started on Monday and finished on Thursday. However, Sukhi Bhaji and Daas had to leave on Wednesday afternoon because we had an Anand Kaaraj to attend on Thursday. The Glasgow youth Sangat are Chardi kalaa and very friendly. Around 100 children attended the camp.

In the mornings the camp started with Japji Sahib and Simran, followed by Ardaas and Hukamnama. After breakfast there was one talk for the younger group and one talk for the older group. The talks were on 'the Gurdwara', 'Who is a Sikh?', Sikh history and discussions. After lunch there were activities and another talk. The day would end around 4.30pm with Simran, Keertan, Ardaas and Hukamnama. May Waheguru bless all the young sevadaars and keep them in Chardi Kalaa so that they can do more great seva.

Some photos from the camp:


Morning Diwaaan


Naam Simran


Morning breakfast


Bhaji Sharandeep Singh jee and Bhaji Sukhwinder Singh jee enjoying some Coco Pops!

During activities time the children played blind fold game! Some poor chidren ended up banging into walls! Waheguru.

Group photo before leaving for the airport.


This Singh was so cute and Chardi kalaa. Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teri Sikhi!

France Gurmat Camp 2007 (Part 2)

The day before I was set to fly to France I lost my passport. Waheguru! It was late in the evening and I was packing my bag and I went to the drawer where my passport was kept but I couldn't find it. I looked on my desk and elsewhere but couldn't find it! I thought to myself, "It had to be me! Why O why!" I asked my mum to help me look for the passport. We looked everywhere - even under the bed and pillow (not that I sleep with my passport under my pillow!). Couldn't find it anywhere. It was approaching 11pm and the next morning it was my flight. It was a nightmare.

I checked the drawer where the passports are kept but couldn't find my passport. I checked several times. Checked to see if it had dropped behind the drawers. No luck. My mum checked about five times but no luck again. It was looking bleak so I decided to check the Internet about what I should do. I rang the airport and they said I couldn't travel to France with a driver's license - I needed a passport! I checked the Home Office website and rang their emergency helpline. Sat Naam, Waheguru. The lady on the phone said I will have to wait for 7 days minimum for a new passport before I am allowed out of the country. But she said try ringing the French embassy to ask whether they will let me on the areoplane with a driver's license. How embarrassing! How would France let me in the country with a driver's license when I won't be able to even get on the aeroplane with it! It felt like being in a film - in between a comedy and horror film. Why me! And it was 11.30pm now!

At the end my mum said "Lets do Ardaas and ask God to help." We did Ardaas and then sat down for a bit. My mum went upstairs again and then I heard "Manvir, I've found it!" Waheguru Sache Paatishaah! I was so relieved that it was found. The strange thing was that it was found in the drawer where we first looked (and checked about 7 times) but it was in a small bag (don't know why). Rab Da Shukar I could finally go to sleep!

Lesson learnt: (1) Do Ardaas and Waheguru helps, (2) Pack your bags and get your passport ready a few days before traveling - don't leave it last minute!

More photos from France:


Up and coming Jathedaars (leaders) of France - Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa & Bhai Maha Singh jee. Both Chardikala Guru De Pyaare posing outside the school building.


Giani Pritam Singh jee welcoming everyone to the school building and saying a few words of wisdom to the children. After Baba jee announced it was my birthday and everyone sang Happy birthday.


Uncle Gurdial Singh jee and the local Mayor or Council representative visiting the classrooms.


Some how Aunty jee remembered it was my birthday and Sangat made some delicious eggless cakes which were distributed to each of the classes. This cake was in a teddy bear shape made to give out to the 3-5 years old class.


Giving out cake in the 10-12 years old class. You can tell they were looking forward to eating some cake!

Students sitting there end of camp exam tests:



After the exams there was lunch and everyone went outside to enjoy the nice weather in the nearby park.


On the last Saturday of the camp there was a Rainsbayee Keertan (all-night Keertan). Campers and local Sangat took part.

On Sunday 15th July the last day of the camp all the groups did Keertan in front of the Sangat. Afterwards the campers received small prizes and certificates and sevadaars recieved Siropas.






Video of 3-5 years old group singing "Aagyaa Bhe-ee Akaal Kee" shabad:


That Sunday when I looked at the children, it was as if I had Darshan of Mata Sahib Kaur Jee and the Sahibzaadey. DHAN HAI GURU, DHAN HAI TERI SIKHI! May Waheguru keep all the children in Chardi Kalaa.


Click here for more videos.
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