Sikhi Saroop....

A celebrated Australian Visual artist captures the essence of Sikh Saroop and describes it in his unique way:

The Apostle of Peace...

Below is an article printed and distributed by Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Coventry to commemorate the Shaheedi Purb (martyrdom day) of Guru Arjan Dev jee, the fifth Guru. Gursikhs collectively made the article. Please feel free to copy and distribute the article to the wider public in your local areas where there are going to be programmes:

On the Martyrdom Day of The Apostle of Peace
— the 5th Master of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev ji

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the 5th successor of the divine light of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji (The founder of Sikh religion). He was born on 15th April, 1563, in the house of Guru Ram Das Ji, the 4th successor of the divine light. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was an embodiment of divine devotion, selfless service and universal love. During his times the Sikh religion was gaining popularity with large number of followers throughout India. The Guru had become very popular among masses due to his simple message of love and service to humanity. He himself served free food and gave medical aid to people for 8 months when in 1597 Lahore’s streets were stinking with dead bodies due to disease and famine.

Two of the everlasting contributions of the Guru towards the Sikh religion are; the construction of Harimander Sahib, Amritsar (known to westerns as the Golden Temple) and compilation and installation of the Aad Granth (later known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sacred Scripture, the ‘Living Voice’ of spiritual wisdom) in 1604. The Aad Granth embodied the spirit of Truth revealed by God through the first five Gurus and the chosen Holy Saints who were born in Hindu and Muslim homes from various social backgrounds. The Holy Words provided a connection with God’s love and values, ideals, and spirituality to guide and inspire humanity.

The ever increasing popularity of the Guru and the completion and installation of the Aad Granth were taken as a danger to the established religions of Islam and Hinduism and hence their leaders conspired against the Guru and complaints were lodged to the rulers. The Guru had also become a power to be reckoned that Khusro, the prince, also sought his blessings and support. A mixture of influences from orthodox Muslim and Hindu leaders, enemies such as Chandu, Prithia (his own brother) and an intolerance towards the universal message revealed in the Aad Granth motivated Emperor Jahangir to issue a decree against the Guru as stated in his personal accounts in Tuzak-i-Jahangiri.

The Guru was tortured and executed on the orders of Mogul Emperor Jahangir on 13th May 1606. Saint Xavier a Father from Portugal was then in Lahore where the Guru was tortured. He wrote on 25th September 1606, “The Guru was kept hungry and every day tortured differently. The good Pope died, overwhelmed by the sufferings, tortures and dishonors.” Tortures like boiling in water, stoning etc. were inflicted for five days. The last torture that led to the Guru’s martyrdom was that he was made to sit on a hot plate whilst burning hot sand was poured over his head and body. The Guru did not curse his torturers or ask for God’s help, instead he was an Ocean of Peace which echoed the divine word, “I accept Your Will sweetly. I only beg for the treasure of Your Divine Name.”

One marvels at the moral steadfastness that Guru showed. The Guru endured inexpressible tortures leading to his death with utter calmness and complete submission to the Will of God. He was truly an Apostle of Peace with hatred towards none— not even for his enemies. “No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone” (Guru Granth Sahib: 1299).

Persecution of Sikhs started with martyrdom of the 5th Guru which resulted in countless sacrifices throughout history till the present day. Just as the Guru showed, Sikhs throughout history showed courage, fearlessness and calmness when they were inflicted tortures by tyrant rulers.

The Sikh Gurus showed their follower through their own exemplary acts that a Sikh is always prepared to lay down his life for the human rights of others to live freely and without fear. “Fear none, and frighten none” (Guru Granth Sahib: 1427). For instance, the 9th Master Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib got martyred on 11th November 1675 in Delhi for the human rights of Hindus to live freely without persecution even though he was not part of that religion or shared its beliefs. The Guru showed that a Sikh is willing to defend and even die for another religion or community in the cause of righteousness. This principal was lived up to during the two World Wars when 200,000 turbaned Sikh soldiers defended the freedom of Britain and Europe; 83,005 were killed and 109,045 were wounded.

Sikhi is the most modern religion that stands boldly before modern science. It recognises that there is One Creator who is father and mother of all and that all living beings have a spark of God within them. A Sikh rises above the labels of religion, race, gender and age and recognises that all human beings deserve respect, dignity, and love. Sikhi’s three pillars: remembrance of God, honest work and sharing with others provides the foundation for a spiritually balanced life that leads to contentment, peace and happiness.

While remembering the sacrifice of the 5th Master in the hot month of June, Sikhs in Coventry offer free soft-cold drinks to all, and hope that as you feel cool and relaxed, we can also reflect on working towards bringing calmness, peace and harmony to the world.



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

The Divine Sword....

Below is an extract taken from an article by Dr. Trilochan Singh published in 1955 which is on www.patshahi10.org. Bhai Sahib explains the opening verse to Bachitar Naatak Granth, composed by Guru Gobind Singh jee:

PART III-THE BACHITER NATAK GRANTH

INTRODUCTION

The introduction to the Bachiter Natak Granth gives Guru Gobind Singh's personal faith and philosophy.

The opening lines state in the most vigorous and clear words Guru Gobind Singh's conception of God as the sword of dharma. Not only the sword but every weapon became an attributive symbol of God. He loved God and saluted Him through the attributive names coined by the Guru from the weapons of dharma. The opening line is:

ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
dohraa.
Couplet.

ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਖੜਗ ਕੋ ਕਰੋਂ ਸੁ ਹਿਤੁ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਇ ॥
namaskaar sri kharrag kai karo su hit chit laae.
I salute the Glorious SWORD with all my heart`s affection.

ਪੂਰਨ ਕਰੋਂ ਗਰੰਥ ਇਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਮੁਹਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਸਹਾਇ ॥੧॥
pooran karo granth eihu muhi karhu sahaae.
I shall complete this Granth only if Thou Helpest me. ||1||

And then he sings the glory of this sword of dharma and explains it in one remarkable verse which Dr. Gokal Chand Narang calls the finest verse in all the world literature:

ਤ੍ਰਿਭੰਗੀ ਛੰਦ ||
Tribhang Chhand.

ਖਗ ਖੰਡ ਬਿਹੰਡੰ ਖਲ ਦਲ ਖੰਡੰ ਅਤਿ ਰਣ ਮੰਡੰ ਬਰ ਬੰਡੰ ||
khag khand bihandun khal dal khandun at ran mandun bar bundun.
The sword breaks through and cuts down evil, branch and root; The sword destroys all satanic troops; Its sway over evil makes life's battle impressive and grand;

ਭੁਜ ਦੰਡ ਅਖੰਡੰ ਤੇਜ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਅਮੰਡੰ ਭਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੰ ||
bhug dand akhandun tej prachandun jot amandun bhaan prabhun.
It is as an extension of the arm, unbreakable, terribly fast, it’s awesome splendor overshadows even the sun.

ਸੁਖ ਸੰਤਾ ਕਰਣੰ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਦਰਣੰ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਹਰਣੰ ਅਸਿ ਸਰਣੰ ||
sukh santaa karnun durmat darnun kilbikh harnun as sarnun.
It protects the peace and happiness of the saints and destroys any powerful negative energy. It has erased the negativity and guilt that I carry. I seek its refuge.

ਜੈ ਜੈ ਜਗ ਕਾਰਣ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਉਬਾਰਣ ਮਮ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਰਣ ਜੈ ਤੇਗੰ ||੨||
jai jai jag kaarun srist ubaaran mam pratipaaran jai tegun.
Praise, praise be to the great doer of the world, savior of the creation, my great protector, praise be to the sword!

Here is Guru Gobind Singh's complete conception of the sword. This was the sword, 'the spirit of dharma," which Guru Gobind Singh received from Guru Nanak after it had been handled by the other Gurus. This was the sword Guru Gobind Singh gave to the Khalsa. Before writing the Bachiter Natak Granth, Guru Gobind Singh wanted to clarify two points, two conceptions which were new to the Indian masses. One was his conception of the sword and the other was his conception of the avatars and prophets in comparison with the infinite God.


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1984 Remembrance March...

Last Sunday it was the annual 1984 Sikh Genocide Remembrance March & Freedom Rally which took place in London. With Guru Sahib's kirpaa, approximately 35,000 people attending the march and rally. The march started at Hyde Park and ended at Trafalgar Square. This year there were some really inspiring and uplifting speeches in Trafalgar Square in English and Panjabi.

During the march, I saw an elderly white English lady in her late 60s or early 70s walking with the Sangat. At first I thought she must be wanting to cross over the road and caught up in the Sangat. However, I noticed that she missed a few opportunities to get out of the march and instead was walking along.

After 5 minutes or so of walking, the lady showed signs of wanting to leave the march and go elsewhere. I kindly lifted the rope that bordered the sides of the road so that she could pass. The lady said, "Thank you." I briefly explained the reason behind marching. The lady smiled and replied, "I know all about it.... I think what you people are doing today is marvellous! I hope and pray you have success. I fully support you." It was so nice that a non-Sikh had such a positive impression of the march and not only understood the message behind it but also supported it.


Photos of Sunday's programme taken by G5Sikhmedia.com

Sangat gathered at Hyde Park.

Panj Singh leading the march.


Thousands marching through Central London.

A girl's Dhadi Jatha from India which consists of girls that have had their fathers or families made shaheeds (martyred) by the Indian authorities.

Sangat gathered at Trafalgar Square.


Video shown in Trafalgar Square followed by a speech by Bhai Jarnail Singh jee (Journalist) from India.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar...

Shall We Forget?...

Death Row...

Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, a graduate in electrical engineering from Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana, served as professor in different technical colleges of Punjab. Like many Sikh youth facing harassment from the Punjab Police, he had managed to escape to Germany in December, 1994, when his father disappeared while in the police custody.

Charges against Bhai Davinder Singh Bhullar were framed by Indian Authorities under the controvercial and now defunct TADA laws of the 1980s and 1990s for an alleged attack on Youth Congress leader Maninder Bitta on September 11, 1993. Germany broke European law by deporting Professor Bhullar to India, as it illegal to deport someone to a country that practices the death penalty.

Professor Bhullar was sentenced to death in 2001 based on a "confession" that was forced upon him using torture, which Amnesty International has flagged up. Furthermore, none of the 133 witnesses produced by the prosecution, while the case was in the lower court, identified Professor Bhullar. For the first time in India’s Supreme Court’s history, someone was sentenced to death on the basis of a split judgment. The presiding judge, Justice Shah acquitted the accused whereas the other two judges, Justice Aggarwal and Justice Passayat upheld the death sentence.

For 16 years he has been kept in solitary confinement, spending 22 hours in a 9x7 cell. The Professor’s mental health has deteriorated and it has become life threatening. Justice Shah acquitted Professor Bhullar stating that the conspiracy theory falls flat as the “rest of the accused who are named in the confessional statement are not convicted or tried.”

Despite appeals for a life sentence instead of capital punishment, the President of India recently announced that the death penalty will be delivered to Professor Bhullar.

Urgent request, please visit www.SikhFederation.com to see how you can help Professor Bhullar.

India is advertising for an executioner for the first executions for those on death row in 7 years - Amnesty International UK describe this as a huge "step back for human rights".

Perhaps what is most disturbing is that both people who are due to be killed, have huge support for their innocence and their is massive doubt over the Indian Government's reasons and evidence.

Read: Amnesty International Article

The last moment before death...

Below is an inspiring post by Bhai Jagjit Singh jee from Wakefield (Leeds) about the last moments of death:

Scene from the Movie 'Sundri', when her soul is accompanied by Panj Singh to the Waheguru's Court.

Subject: Ant-kaal
Author: Bhai Jagjit Singh (Wakefield)

Vaheguru ji ke khalsa vaheguru ji ke fateh Pyaare jio, last weekend I was in the Midlands doing programmes, but the weekend before I was fortunate to attend the Sunday Divaan at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Wakefield Road, Bradford. There was the now usual nice atmosphere, which was enhanced by the manner in which all the Sangat did Sukhmani Sahib together, with everyone participating, especially bibian. Then Bhai Surjit Singh did keertan and veechar which was its usual high standard. In this veechar Bhai Sahib mentioned about the grandmother of Bhenji Rajinder Kaur passing away only days before. At her final moment, Bibi ji was doing simran, then she did some loud Jaikaare, then she said "Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Kee Fateh!!" before breathing her last.

I have heard such stories about many Gursikhs, when they approach their final moment. When that final moment comes, for those blessed enough to be immersed in Naam, that moment is glorious for they complete the cycle of births and death, and witness indescribable illumination. For they have merged with the One. Shaheed Gursikhs spirits come and escort their souls as they merge. May Guru Ji bless us all with such Jeevans that we have such final moments.

It reminded me of a time in Slough, many years ago, when Gursikhs would come together and do Naam Abhiyass. Afterwards elder Gursikhs would occasionally share Gurmat stories. One such elder was Bhai Keval Singh. He is a very respected elder who spent years helping people in their daily lives relate with Gurbani. Whenever any family had hard times and happy occasions, they would invite Bhai Sahib to their house and he would do paath and keertan with them families, regardless if they were religious or not.

On one such occasion, Bhai Sahib was invited to the house of a Panjabi man, who was a heavy drinker and not at all religious. He had become very unwell due to alcoholism, was now passing away. As Bhai Sahib arrived at the house, the family was crying and surrounded a bed where the man was in a bed breathing, but very weak. Everyone knew his time had come. Bhai Sahib requested that everyone be quiet, and he sat next to the man and started doing Sukhmani Sahib. While Bhai Sahib was doing paath, initially the man was slightly more at ease, but after some time the man suddenly screamed and became very uncomfortable. Sensing what was happening, Bhai Sahib stopped doing paath and immediately as he stopped, the man breathed his last.

The contrast is stark. On one side we have a man who choose alcohol instead of Gurbani, and at his final moment, the Jamdhoot (messengers of death) came for him. While most souls are taken straight away, without worldly reaction, he had Gurbani near him at the last moment. So he saw the Jamdhoots, but they did could not come close while Gurbani was there. So he screamed at their sight, but as soon as the Gurbani stopped he was taken. But the Bibi ji who was blessed with Gurbani in her life at that final moment was greeted by amazing sight that she did a Jaikaara and said Gurfateh.

The question is what will we experience at our final moment? Honestly reflect... If honestly you know at that moment according to the way you live today, you are more likely to see the Jamdhoots... then you still have time to make the necessary change!

Vaheguru ji ke khalsa vaheguru ji ke fateh

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Jeweller's Shop...

Just something interesting to share. A few weeks ago Veer Ravjeet Singh was walking home from work and came across an expensive jeweller's shop in Central London which had a mannequin of a Sardaar in it's shop window. The window display is a concept by Jasleen Kaur. The information card in the bottom of the window said that Maharaja of Patiala went to France and tied a Dastaar (turban) on Louis Vuitton, a French designer.

Kesh - The Covenant between Man and God

The Rehat (discipline) of maintaining the sanctity of the Kesh (hair) and not dishonouring it anyway (i.e. cutting, trimming, colouring, or bleaching) was started by Guru Nanak Dev jee. Guru Sahib stresses that keeping Kesh is essential for a Sikh as well as any other human being. Below are quotes from "Makke di Gosht" - Guru Nanak Dev jee's conversation with Muslim scholar/priests, during Guru Sahib's Udaasi (journey) to Mecca.

ਜਵਾਬ ਨਾਨਕ ਸ਼ਾਹ ਸੂਰਾ:
ਸਚੀ ਸੁਨਿਤ ਰਬ ਦੀ ਮੋਇਆ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ਨਾਲ |
ਜੋ ਰਖੇ ਮੋਇ ਅਮਾਨਤੀ ਖਾਸਾ ਬੰਦਾ ਭਾਲਿ |
ਅਵਲ ਸੁੰਨਤ ਮੋਇ ਹੈ ਸਿਰ ਪਰ ਰਖੇ ਕੋਇ |
ਪਾਵੇ ਮਰਾਤਬਾ ਸਯਦੀ ਬਡਾ ਰਿਖੀਸਰ ਹੋਇ |
(ਮੱਕੇ ਮਦੀਨੇ ਦੀ ਗੋਸ਼ਟਿ, ਪੰਨਾ ੧੪੪. ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਯੂਨਿਵਰਸਿਟੀ)
"Courageous Lord Nanak replied: The true divine sunnat (tradition) is the hair brought by birth. Blessed is the one who keeps the hair as a trust of God. The primary sunnat is hair and the one who adorns it on his head acquires the status of a rishi (sage) or a sayyid (master)."
(Conversation of Mecca-Madina, page 144, Punjabi University)

ਮੋਇ ਸਿਰਪਾਉ ਖੁਦਾਇਦਾ ਲੈ ਆਇਆ ਬੰਦਾ ਨਾਲ |
ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖੇ ਪੀਰ ਜੀ ਫਿਰ ਲੈ ਜਾਇ ਨਾਲ |
ਫਿਰ ਗਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਵਿਚਿ ਅਕੇ ਰਖਿ ਨੀਸਾਨ |
ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਰਬ ਦੀ ਭੰਨਨ ਬੇਈਮਾਨ |
(ਮੱਕੇ ਮਦੀਨੇ ਦੀ ਗੋਸ਼ਟਿ, ਪੰਨਾ ੧੪੪. ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਯੂਨਿਵਰਸਿਟੀ)
"Says Nanak, the hair is the blessing of the Lord to man which ought to be presented back. The man has to present himself in the court of Lord with this trust. The one who could not keep the hair intact has is in fact committed breach of trust and is to be regarded as be-eemaan (faithless)."
(Conversation of Mecca-Madina, page 144, Punjabi University)

ਆਖੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹ ਸਚੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਬਹਾਵਦੀ ਪੀਰ |
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਦੁਇ ਸਿਰ ਗੁੰਮ ਥੀਏ ਜਹੀਰਿ |
(ਮੱਕੇ ਮਦੀਨੇ ਦੀ ਗੋਸ਼ਟਿ, ਪੰਨਾ ੧੩੮. ਪੰਜਾਬੀਯੂਨਿਵਰਸਿਟੀ)
"Says Nanak to Pir Bahavdeen, both Hindus and Muslims by losing the hair in fact have lost head and have become sirgum."
(Conversation of Mecca-Madina, page 138, Punjabi University)

A Sikh's love for their Guru is represented in the maintaining of the Kesh. A Sikh would would not grieve losing an arm, leg or even their own life, but a Sikh could never accept having anyone touch his or her Kesh (hair).

When Sikhs were ethnically cleansed in Delhi during the 1984 anti-Sikh programs, the Hindu mobs would first cut the Kesh (hair) of a Sikh and then put a tyre around their head and burn them alive. Someone may think, why cut their hair when they are going to kill them anyway? The whole purpose of cutting the hair was to dishonour a Sikh through the greatest insult a Sikh could imagine and then murder them.

Amsterdam Smaagam...

From Wednesday to Saturday a Gurmat Camp was held at Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Amsterdam, Holland, which was attended by about 90 children. From Saturday to Sunday a Keertan Smaagam was held with a Rainsbaaee Keertan on Saturday night. With Guru jee's kirpaa, the local Sangat are becoming stronger in their Sikhi. Since the last Sikh Family Camp in December, Guru jee has brought a positive change to the Sangat. Many young bhenjis who used to wear a Dastaar when coming to the Gurdwara and learning Gatka have begun wearing the Dastaar permanently and wearing it to school. Some Veer jees have decided to keep their Kesh. And many of the Sangat, young and old have begun doing daily Nitnem and Amrit-vela. May Guru Sahib continue to bless the Sangat.

Some photos from the Smaagam (from Bhai Amrik Singh's Flickr):


Bhai Abinash Singh doing Keertan


Bibi Ishpreet Kaur doing Keertan with her son, Tavgun Singh, playing Tablaa. I think he is 2 or 3 years old. Vaheguru!


Bibi Kuldeep Kaur doing Keertan


Bhai Jasbir Singh doing Keertan



Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Keertan Videos from Derby Smaagam

Saturday night (Rainsbaaee) - Bhai Parminder Singh Jee (Australia)


More keertan videos from Derby 2011 Vaisakhi Smaagam upload by Bhenji Harsimrat Kaur here.

Derby Akhand Keertan Smaagam...

Last week was the Vaisakhi Akhand Keertan Smaagam. Smaagam literally means "programme" or "event." The Smaagam was from Monday 18th April to Sunday 24th April at Singh Sabha Gurdwara and Guru Arjan Dev Jee Gurdwara. The Smaagam was in tribute to 50 years of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee's leaving this earthly abode and in tribute to Shaheeds (martyrs) of the Vaisakhi 1978 massacre that took place in Amritsar. With Guru jee's kirpaa, the Smaagam was really successful and had a great Naam-filled atmosphere! Accomodation was provided by the Gurdwara Sahib for the Sangat to stay over. Being with the Sangat felt like being at home and having a family reunion.

From Monday to Wednesday, there was a Sri Akhand Paatth Sahib jee from a Larreevaar Saroop (which has joined up writing without any spaces) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. One person who was fortunate to attend the Akhand Paatth Sahib said that one of the Gurmukh Pyaare who seemed very elderly was reading Paatth with such high spirits and was singing Gurbani in a sweet melody rather than reading. The person said it seemed as if the Gurmukh Pyaare knew Gurbani off by heart and was in great ecstasy. It makes you think that when Gurbani is read with love, rass (sweetness) and pyaar (love) it not only has a great affect on the reader but also those in the Sangat listening. Vaheguru!

From Thursday to Saturday, Aasa Dee Vaar Keertan took place. Every day from 2pm to 4pm there was a seminar and discussion that took place with knowledgeable Gursikhs on Gurbani and the Gurbani vichaar of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee. On Saturday, Neil Carleton, a speaker from the V&A museum, came to do a talk about Sikh artillery and explained about the Shastars (weapons) of the time of Baba Banda Singh jee Bahadar and Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. The following day there was a presentation and vichaar by Bhai Joginder Singh jee, Bhai Jagjit Singh jee and Dr. Virk about the life, Rehat (discipline), sacrifice and service to the Khalsa Panth. With Guru jee's kirpaa the foundation stone for a monument in memory of the all Shaheeds of the Khalsa Panth and in memory of the 6 holocausts the Sikh nation has faced was laid by the Panj Pyaare.

Below are pictures (taken from Scottish Sikhs Flickr) of the Sunday night Rainsbaaee Keertan:

Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.


Sangat at Rainsbaaee Keertan


Master Niranjan Singh jee (Canada). Vaheguru!


Bhai Manmohan Singh jee (California)


Bhai Jagdev Singh jee (France)


Bhai Manjeet Singh jee (Glasgow)


Bhai Sahib from India who looks and sounds like Dr. Tejinderpal Singh jee (Dulla Veer jee).


Bhai Parminder Singh jee (Australia). Vaheguru! Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Ke Pyaare.


Panj Pyaare after Amrit Sanchaar. Vaheguru! With Guru jee's kirpaa approximately 100 or so people took Amrit. The Amrit Sanchaar started 4pm and finished at 3.30am.


NOTE:

The next Smaagam is this week at Leamington & Warwick Gurdwara Sahib with a Rainsbaaee Keertan on Saturday 30th April. Visit www.akj.org for more details.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Seva of the Panth...

Below is a letter of Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee sent to his wife Bibi Amarjeet Kaur jee whilst he was in prison. Bhai Sahib stressed that just doing Naam Simran and Paath and focusing on our own personal life alone is not good enough. Neither is focusing on seva of the Panth whilst ignoring and not putting in practice Rehat (discipline), Amrit-Vela and Naam Simran. Bhai Sahib instilled spirit of seva, simran and sacrifice in the youth of the time. May Guru jee bless us all with the devotion, Rehat and spirit shown by Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh jee. Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru ke Pyaare!

Respected Amarjeet Kaur jeeo,

Waheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Jee Kee Fateh!


I have accepted your advice and have forgotten that Singh. He can do whatever he wants. What is it to us?

Otherwise, I have a request I want to make of you. We have finished our worldly lives and taken birth in the Guru’s house and even more than that, we have enlisted in the Guru’s army. It is the responsibility of every Sikh born in the Guru’s house that he does some seva, and we have as of yet not been able to do this seva with our own hands. But we certainly should do some seva. You should consider the case you are fighting as seva of Gursikhi and do so in a heartfelt, happy and thankful spirit, knowing that Satguru jee is teaching something and something good will come out of this lesson.

If you stay laughing and happy, then know that His Will is sweet. There is almost no Sikh spirit left in Singhs now. If you stay laughing and happy, then forget just Fauja Singh, know that you will break the jail of the entire world. If you lose this battle or feel scared/worried, and if you go sit alone in regret, then know that the living example of Sikhi has begun to falter. Become like how Singhs and Singhnees are supposed to be. Make your life embody those principles. That hot air (hard time) you are in now, should become cool after touching your body. Those jungles that you must go through should remain laughing by your spirit for years to come. Those oceans which you must cross, their deepness and terror should always be reduced. Those paths that you are going to walk on, should forever bear your marks. That life which rises above cowardice becomes like a spring of love. It becomes a tower of sacrifice. Those people who call sacrifice “being destroyed”, let them say it. This is what suits them. Those people who enjoy sleeping on their comfortable beds, and call this “life”, let them talk. This is their delusion.

Those who see jail and the noose as Manmat, let them rest. They cannot resolve any affair of the Kaum (nation). Those who become terrified by the crackle of the gun, let them Jap Naam so their cowardice can be eliminated.

Those who cannot protect their own life, faith and daughters and sisters, let them act smart because they cannot do kurbani (sacrifice). Those who are attached to their daughters, sons, properties, wealth, jobs etc. let them remain intoxicated in that. They know a lot of excuses and they cannot bear any hardships due to their nature.

Do not feel bad about those who use the excuse of bhagti (devotional worship) and do not pay attention to the work of the Kaum. This is their karma.

Don’t speak to the frog in the well about the ocean. Understanding the ocean is not something it is capable of doing. Those Kaums who smoke cigarettes and use tobacco are rising to new heights. The Singh children of Dasam Guru, the free Kaums, are crying for the Saviour.

Sat Sri Akaal to the Sarbat Khalsa.

Fauja Singh

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Vaisakhi...

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

Nishkam Primary School...

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

Nishkam Primary School Video from Be Inspired Films on Vimeo.

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


Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

BBC documentary,,,

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

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

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

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

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

"Stop your car..."

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

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

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


Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Bibi Harvinder Kaur Jee is back again!

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

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

Old Kirtan Video...

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

Waheguru.