ਪ੍ਰੇਰਣਾ: ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਪੱਤਰ । Inspiration: A letter to You

A Letter to You...

My dear friend,

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanked me for something good that happened in your life yesterday, but I noticed you were too busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to work. So, I waited. 

When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy. At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet, I thought you wanted to talk to me, but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip.

I watched you as you went to work and I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me. I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't. That's okay, there is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me even yet.

You went home and it seems as you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done you turned on the TV. I don't know if I like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of it, not thinking about anything else - just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me. As you did your housework I waited again, as you did what you had to do. At bedtime, I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay, because you may not realise that I am always there for you.

I've got patience more than you will ever know. I love you so much that I wait every day for a nod, a prayer, a thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well, you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but love for you hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day.

Yours,
VAHEGURU

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਵਾਰ ਵਾਰ ਜਪਣਾ । Repeating God's Name...

ਅਮੀਰ ਅਮੀਰ ਕਹਿਣ ਨਾਲ ਕੋਈ ਅਮੀਰ ਨਹੀ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ... 

ਗਰੀਬ ਗਰੀਬ ਕਹਿਣ ਨਾਲ ਕੋਈ ਗਰੀਬ ਨਹੀ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ... 

ਪਰ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ-ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਹਿਣ ਨਾਲ ਬੰਦਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਜਰੂਰ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦਾ!

"By saying “rich, rich” no one becomes rich… 

By saying “poor, poor”, no one becomes poor… 

But by saying God’s Name over and again, one becomes a person of God."

– The late Giani Sant Singh Maskeen (Sikh philosopher and scholar) 

The Guru’s message: 

ਕਬੀਰ ਤੂੰ ਤੂੰ ਕਰਤਾ ਤੂ ਹੂਆ ਮੁਝ ਮਹਿ ਰਹਾ ਨ ਹੂੰ ॥

ਜਬ ਆਪਾ ਪਰ ਕਾ ਮਿਟਿ ਗਇਆ ਜਤ ਦੇਖਉ ਤਤ ਤੂ ॥੨੦੪॥

kabeer tooN tooN kartaa too hoo-aa, mujh mehi rahaa na hooN || 

jab aapaa par kaa mitt gayaa jat dekhou tat too ||204|| 

Kabeer says: O Lord! Repeating, "You, You”, I have become like You. Nothing of me remains in myself. When the difference between myself and others is removed, then wherever I look, I see only You. ||204|| 

ਕਬੀਰ (ਜੀ ਆਖਦੇ ਹਨ ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ!) ਤੂੰ ਤੂੰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ (ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰਾ ਰੂਪ ਹੀ) ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਹਾਂ । ਜਦ ਆਪਣੇ ਤੇ ਪਰਾਏ ਦਾ (ਭੇਦ) ਦੂਰ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ, ਜਿਧਰ ਵੇਖਦਾ ਹਾਂ, ਉਧਰ ਤੂੰ (ਹੀ ਤੂੰ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਆਉਂਦਾ) ਹੈਂ ।੨੦੪। 

(Salok Bhagat Kabir Ji, Ang 1375)

ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਸਿੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਛੋਟੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ । Short Shabads for children to learn...

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

 
ਐਸੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਹੁ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ॥
aisee preet kar-hu man mere. 
Enshrine such love, O my mind,
Full Shabad

 
ਰਾਖਾ ਏਕੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
raakhaa eyk hamaaraa suaamee. 
The One Lord, my Lord and Master, is my Protector.
Full Shabad




 
ਜੀਵਤ ਜੀਵਤ ਜੀਵਤ ਰਹਹੁ ॥
jeevat jeevat jeevat rahahu.
Live, live, live forever.
Full Shabad


ਹੇ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਹੇ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਹੇ ਦਇਆਲ ਲਾਲ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
hey gobind, hey gopaal, hey dayaal laal ||1|| rahaa-o ||
O Lord of the Universe, O Lord of the World, O Dear Merciful Beloved. ||1||Pause||
Full Shabad


ਜਗਤੁ ਜਲੰਦਾ ਰਖਿ ਲੈ ਆਪਣੀ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ॥
jagat jalandaa rakh lai aapnee kirpaa dhaar.
The world is going up in flames - shower it with Your Mercy, and save it!
Full Shabad


ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਰਾਖਿ ਲਈ ॥
gur poorai meree raakh leyee. 
The Perfect Guru has has saved me.
Full Shabad


ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਗਾਈਐ ਆਤਮ ਰੰਗਿ ॥
tthaakur gaayee-ai aatam rang.
Sing the Praises of the Lord and Master, with the love of your soul.
Full Shabad


ਜਪਿ ਮਨ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥
jap man sat naam, sadaa sat naam. 
Chant, O my mind, the True Name, forver the True Name of the Lord.
Full Shabad




Request: If anyone would like to suggest some Short Shabads to add to the list then please email me manvir.khalsa[@]gmail.com or leave a comment. Thanks.

ਸਿੱਖ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੋਣਾ ... (ਈਰਾ ਪਾਂਡੇ ਦਾ ਲੇਖ) । To be born a Sikh... (Article by Ira Pande)

"I must applaud the Sikh religion and its followers. Can’t holy men and women of all other religions follow this splendid example?"

- Ira Pande

THE lockdown has given me a lot of time to go over the past. Many beloved and lost faces swim across my mind, among them my parents and parents-in-law. I did all my growing up in either of their homes and learnt a lot from both sets. I was fortunate that I shared a very warm and loving relationship with my parents-in-law who, in turn, loved me back as a daughter.

They belonged to the war generation: my parents-in-law were married in 1938, just a year before WW I, and my parents in 1945, the year World War II ended and two years before Independence. These were momentous times for the entire world. My civil servant father-in-law was posted in Faizabad as the Ration Officer and made in charge of distributing goods across the district as and when they arrived. The memory of those hard times and the unavailability of necessary items made them frugal and thrifty in a way that we could never fully understand. Long after he retired, as a distinguished officer, he would still walk down to post his own letters, buy the fruit and grocery and tended to the garden, particularly the vegetable patch. He never held back when tapped for money we often needed to run a large household, but frowned on our profligate ways. In the same way, my mother-in-law kept meticulous accounts, used every scrap of vegetable and fruit and never threw away old envelopes (recycled for making lists), flowers from her puja were dried and used as fresheners to keep in old socks between sheets and linen. Old pillow cases were used to stitch shopping bags, torn saris cut up to make dusters and even the cloth bag in which we got our atta was re-used. As you can imagine, we made fun of them and chuckled over their strait-laced rules.

Come now to my own parents. We were four siblings and two cousins stayed with us as well to study in Nainital’s renowned schools. Our house was on a steep hill and going to the market and lugging stuff a back-breaking exercise. Added to this was a long trek to school in Nainital’s notorious weather. We were never pampered with treats and made to swallow whatever was cooked. I think my life-long aversion to Pahari fruit comes from there. Our shoes were patched until they were beyond help and hand-me-downs were the order of the day. So I got my school books from older siblings and my uniform was always a cast-off as well. New clothes were made only for one’s birthday and since mine fell in January, it was always warm clothes and sweaters. How I used to long for frilly cotton frocks and ‘pointy’ shoes!

The reason for this long recall is to say that I can now appreciate many of these sacrifices. Neither my parents nor my in-laws invested in property but spent most of their savings instead in helping less fortunate relatives. Some were sent money orders, others were provided accommodation until they found a place of their own, still others were helped when they needed medical treatment. They shared whatever they had without stinting and the result was that they left us little in the bank but a huge investment in human relationships and love. Till now, we meet those who remember them as having helped their families when they needed support.

If this long lockdown has taught us anything, it is that there are so many who have no roof over their heads, no food in their bellies and no prospect of an income. This is why when someone complains of being suffocated or being stressed because they are unable to go out to a restaurant or a mall, I want to bang their heads against the wall. Imagine not knowing where your next meal is going to come from, before you complain about the unavailability of organic vegetables and meat or fish.

Before I end, I must applaud the Sikh religion and its followers all over the world. Gurdwaras have provided relief and shelter to the needy. Not bothering to ensure whether they have Aadhaar cards or wear a turban, they have fed thousands of poor and homeless people in the spirit of sewa that is their central tenet of belief. The Harmandar Sahib has promised to underwrite the expense for the medical gear and ventilators that Punjab needs. What greater sewa can a religious organisation do than open up its coffers at a time like this?

I want to ask all the holy men and women of all other religions whether they can’t follow this splendid example. The great Hindu shrines alone can bail out all those migrants who have lost their jobs and homes. Instead, one hears with disgust how medical teams and health workers are beaten up and attacked, how poor vegetable vendors are chased away if they are members of a particular religion and how members of one community go after members of another for fear of contamination. Do such people even deserve to be called human?

In my next janam, I want to be born a Sikh.

- The Tribune Chandigarh April 19/2020

The Old Vaisakhi Vs. Guru Nanak's Vaisakhi

'Vaisakhi’ or ‘Vesakhi’ is the first day of the month of ‘Vaisaakh’ in the Sikh calendar. Vaisakhi has been celebrated as a festival before the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During this time of year, farmers finish harvesting their crops and receive money for it. This is the time of year when people have money in their pockets and able to relax after a hard year of work. 

People celebrated Vaisakhi before Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this world by getting together, holding Melas (fairs), and men dancing in joy. Some still celebrate Vaisakhi today in the same way as the people of the past, before Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time. But Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed his disciples, his Sikhs, a new way of celebrating Vaisakhi, a different way of celebrating. 

Vaisakhi comes in the spring season, called ‘Basant’ in Panjabi. During this season nature renews itself with life. The tree branches re-decorate themselves with leaves and greenery, and flowers blossom with a new lease of life. 

Gurbani (scripture) says:

ਵੈਸਾਖੁ ਭਲਾ ਸਾਖਾ ਵੇਸ ਕਰੇ ॥ vai-saakh bhalaa, saakhaa veys kar-e. (The month of) Vaisaakh is so pleasant; the branches (of trees) decorate themselves with new leaves. (Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Raag Tukhari, Ang 1108)

In the season of autumn, called ‘Pat-jhar’, the leaves of the tree fall off and in winter (called ‘Sardee’) the tree becomes dried up. However, the same time in spring (Basant) comes back to life and blossoms beautifully with leaves. But there is a condition for the tree to blossom. The condition is that the tree must be connected to its roots. In the month of Vaisaakh, you can pour buckets of water to a tree, but if its roots have been cut, it will not blossom with life. Such a tree’s branches will not become green with leaves. A tree with separated from his roots, becomes dried up within. The tree that is connected to its roots, not only gets new leaves, it bears fruit, provides shade, and becomes a resting place for birds. 

Gurbani (scripture) says:

ਤੂੰ ਪੇਡੁ ਸਾਖ ਤੇਰੀ ਫੂਲੀ ॥too(n) peydd, saakh teree foolee || O Lord! You are like a tree; all the beings in this world are Your branches that blossom (whilst they are attached to You). (Guru Arjan Dev Ji – Raag Maajh, Ang 102)

God and our faith are our roots. Just like the winter season dries up the tree from within if it is separated from its roots, the influence of Maya (the worldly-illusion) dries up all one’s inner-peace and spiritual-life when we are disconnected from God.

Gurbani (scriptures) says:

ਵੈਸਾਖਿ ਧੀਰਨਿ ਕਿਉ ਵਾਢੀਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਬਿਛੋਹੁ ॥
vaisaakh dheeran kio vaaddee-aa, jinaa prem bi-chhohu || In the month of Vaisaakh, how can the soul feel steady and patience if it is separated from the Beloved-Lord? 
ਹਰਿ ਸਾਜਨੁ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਕੈ ਲਗੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਧੋਹੁ ॥
har saajan purakh visaar kai, lagee maayaa dho-hu || Becoming attached to Maya (the world-illusion/ everything that is temporary, i.e. all that is not God) the soul is deceived and forgets the Lord-Creator is its soul’s Life-companion. (Guru Arjan Dev Ji – Raag Maajh, Ang 133)

Those souls that remain connected with their Creator-Lord experience ease within and on the outer they blossom with the happiness. But those who are disconnected from the Creator-Lord end up regretting and repenting that in the distractions of this temporary world (Maya) they forgot the Creator-Lord and lost their spiritual-wealth. 

So, how can we experience inner-ease and peace during times of difficulty? How can we experience happiness and feel spiritually alive? The answer is to remain connected with your spiritual roots, to remain attached to God. To connect with God, we have God’s own words – Gurbani (e.g. the Mool Mantar, Japji Sahib, or Nitnem), we have Simran – repeating God’s Name, and we have Sangat- company of those who help us to stay connected (which can be keeping company of people or even company of inspiring religious books). Whilst thinking about connecting with God, we also need to be mindful of those things, those actions, and those habits that are breaking us away from our roots. Now is the time to think seriously, think about the true meaning of life, connect with God, embrace your faith and give up unrighteous and bad habits like swearing, vaping, drugs, eating meat, etc. 

This Vaisakhi, let’s all make a promise to celebrate Guru Nanak’s Vaisakhi instead of the old Vaisakhi and work towards experiencing inner joy and peace through staying connected with God, like the tree connected to its roots; and may behaviour and life show virtues and godly qualities (e.g. truth, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness) to the world and those around us, just like the spring season brings out the lush green leaves of the tree. 

Gurbani (scripture) says:

ਵੈਸਾਖੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਤਾਂ ਲਗੈ ਜਾ ਸੰਤੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
vai-saakh su-haavaa taa lagai, jaa sant bhettai har so-e ||3|| (With the change of season all nature is looking beautiful, but) the month of Vaisaakh is only beautiful and pleasant for the soul, if we meet and remain connected with the Lord. ||3|| (Guru Arjan Dev Ji – Raag Maajh, Ang 133)

ਆਨਲਾਈਨ ਸਿੱਖ ਫਿਲਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੂਚੀ । List of Sikh movies online

LONGER MOVIES

(Longer than 30 mins)

A Little Gardener (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:36:03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6h7sVi-zDw

Apna Mool Pachhan (Panjabi । 01:34:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NjsjEml01g

Andaata (Panjabi । 00:45:52)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT182mGjbvI

Anokhe Amar Shaheed Baba Deep Singh (Panjabi । 02:34:01)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Teaq-PpzTnE

Banda Guru Da (Animation । Panjabi । 02:12:04)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px9dsdc6Gns&t=3995s

Bhai Subeg Singh Shahbaz Singh (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 01:23:48)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzq50HCuw2o

Bhai Taru Singh (Animation । Panjabi । 01:32:35)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDrgvEudoKQ

Bole So Nihal (ਬੋਲੇ ਸੋ ਨਿਹਾਲ) (Panjabi । 01:33:53)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp26g1aGelQ 

Dharam Yudh Morcha (Panjabi । 02:01:51)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM_xmh1DL60

Empty Inside (Panjabi । Subtitles । 01:35:12)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBQnE1SEIW4

Impact (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:34:13)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NTLwUuoUqw 

Identifying Yourself (Panjabi । 00:31:40)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7k9rvutGDE

Kab Gal Lavehnge (Panjabi । 01:48:25)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPWfolOVSSU

Mool Mantar (Panjabi । 00:58:26)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuN0z1CMux4&t=2323s

Nanak Naam Chardikala (Panjabi । 01:52:16)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDdcNhxfXIw

Nanak Shah Fakir (Panjabi । Subtitles । 02:17:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OETtNQ7-who

Patta Patta Singha Da Vairee (Panjabi । 02:11:14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WmNbO_vL3Q

PK with Singh (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:15:06)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVaeef5NCXg 

Proud to be a Sikh I (Panjabi । Subtitles । 01:35:17)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwT0IbRhAGU

Proud to be a Sikh II (Panjabi । Subtitles । 01:46:23)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhYEMcAOOSI&t=1154s

Sacho Sach (Panjabi । Subtitles । 01:04:21)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XciEb8aPC_8

Sadda Haq (Panjabi । Subtitles । 02:13:37)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppbeNqf0mk0

Sardari (Panjabi । 01:14:11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A2i1J56y5E&t=963s

Singh Soorme (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 01:03:42)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F8eaowlIrU

Shamshere Khalsa (Panjabi । 01:11:09)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONCgoPT9NLE

Shudra The Rising (Hindi । Subtitles । 01:40:06)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhlAilX3V0w

Three Golden Rules (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:17:43 + 00:19:26)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzQXkZQqITs&t=584s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeaZV_80WxY&t=780s

Toofan Singh (Panjabi । 02:22:31)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDWJllytQwM

Veer Khalsa- The Warrior (Panjabi । 01:01:31)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N12h6aWzrVo

SHORTER MOVIES

(Shorter than 30 mins)

Aulad (Panjabi । 00:06:14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJHG0NSzDSk

Bhagat Singh  (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:17:46)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cs90Y7BTPI

Bhai Joga Singh Ji & Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:09:20)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWAUKbBqGoU&t=15s

Bhai Lakhi Shah Ji Vanjara & Shaheedi of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:09:02)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4tkyUx-NaA

Bhai Makhan Shah Ji (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:08:06)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_laygyCwjNw

Bhai Manjh Ji & Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:11:03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyN0krWZxGs

Bhai Nand Lal Ji & Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:10:57)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj7oF5jtWig

Bhai Satta Ji & Bhai Balwand Ji (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:08:54)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlKylyDn3d0

Blind Joureny (Panjabi । 00:07:24 + 00:05:17)
Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5qyUm1iTcQ
Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDCGFsZMh6A

Chaabi (Panjabi । 00:16:38)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U367_grHHsc

Chhote Ghallughara (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:22:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZqyTYcb3eI

Daastaan (Panjabi । 00:10:07)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui_OWYeI-as

Example (Panjabi । 00:17:58)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmRgDSkuss8

Fateh (Panjabi । 00:06:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5xTqIFtCrY

Five Folds (Panjabi । 00:10:03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLQgSQ38z60

Guneh Amol (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:11:18)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpwPe_aqJ4U

Guru (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:14:23)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0n6_mqtOoM&t=2s

Guru Angad Dev Jee and the Yogi (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:07:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWwH9qVOFVE

Guru Nanak and the Boulder (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:06:35)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PLrHR5xmYY

Ibaadat (Panjabi । 00:12:34)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu-A9bkn_x8

Jaag Svere (Amrit Vele) (Panjabi । 00:08:31)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CL7x4AbRco

Jagaah (Panjabi । 00:12:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WedVdY5Vwig

Kaafir (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:08:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIIRditECeo

Kaur - Mai Bhago (Animation । English । 00:21:57)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVL3nco-0AM

Kaur - Mai Bhago (Animation । Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:21:57)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ9a_76VO4A

Khalsa (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:06:23)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm-JDVitjsQ

Kundi (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:05:14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAwugsYVROk

Lakeer (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:09:03)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMTGQ64UruA

Life in a Lego Gurdwara - Story of Baba Ji and Fateh Singh (English । 00:02:57)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77mRMMjUimQ&t=36s

Little Warrior (Panjabi । 00:06:11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeD0PB73yjE
 
Manan (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:27:02)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Mrhe8Y618

Mann Deea Sir Naal (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:07:17)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxiNPXo1y-s

Mata Dharat (Panjabi । 00:10:58)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34bbPJHU0j4

Mata Khivi Ji  (Animation । English । 00:05:53)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8PKsK8R_4U

Mata Sahib Kaur Ji  (Animation । English । 00:07:14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScsWeEiGrjA

Patjhad (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:06:50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVkzziaLK_o

Shukrana (Panjabi । 00:21:28)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlYzU92ZwSY

Sikh Sardari (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:19:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g00lL3qX8A

Sutlej Boleya  (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:11:06)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUQ-N1DLWds

Taaj (Panjabi । 00:05:01)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5HBiwehYZA

The Dog (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:07:16)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiFtH7fXNz0&t=57s

The Power of Amritvela (Hindi । 00:14:52)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lANZlEJed54&t=16s

Udeek (Panjabi । 00:14:36)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqZOKrVRpRc

Valentine's Day (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:05:41)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmpyik2YDFU&t=25s

Veera (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:28:43)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX7DJMALW7k

Wadda Ghallughara (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:25:32)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwqu0OkwZ1o

DOCUMENTARIES

Bhai Fauja Singh Ji (Panjabi । Subtitles । 00:58:05)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw-h5GOb52M

Hindu Kush to Thames
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usmOTLiWQTw

Soch - The Aftermath of the 1984 Sikh Genocide (Panjabi । 00:31:21)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjhKIOVqx7I



Note: List updated on 14/04/2020

ਜੇਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਚੈਪਲਿਨਸੀ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਦੀ ਟ੍ਰੇਨਿੰਗ ਦਿਨ । Sikh Chaplaincy Service (UK) Training Day

Group photo of some of the Sikh prison Chaplains

The Sikh Chaplaincy Service is dedicated to providing pastoral care and fulfilling the religious needs of Sikhs prisoners and Sikh staff working at Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). There is a dedicated team of Sikh men and women working in prison chaplaincy, helping to change lives and ensure offenders do not re-offend again in the future. 

On 12th March the Sikh Chaplaincy Service held a training day which was also attended by Rev James Ridge,  Chaplain-General of prison and Bhai Tajinder Singh Matharu, Deputy Director for Assurance (Risk Management & Governance) for Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service. Bhai Tajinder Singh is an Amritdhari Singh who has been blessed with a such a high government position through his hard work and effort. The Sikh Deputy Faith Advisors, on behalf of all the Sikh Chaplains, presented Veer Ji with a Siropa to recognise his achievement and as a sign of encouragement and support from the Sikh community.

Bhai Tajinder Singh Matharu being honoured

The training day was a great opportunity for Sikhs working in this field to share good practice and work together to address the needs and upcoming challenges facing those from within our community serving prison sentences and those working in the prison environment. Papers on resettlement and radicalisation written by Lord Indarjit Singh (Director of Sikh Chaplaincy Service) were also read. Bhai Gagandeep Singh and Bhai Ajmer Singh, the Deputy Sikh Faith Advisors, provided excellent direction and motivation to all those attending.

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਅਧਾਰਿਤ ਧਿਆਨ ਸਾਧਾਨਾ । Gurbani based Meditation and Mindfulness for beginners

Five small steps anyone can take 

to feel relaxed and closer to Vahiguru

ਪਹਿਲਾ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਾਧਿ ਕੈ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇ ਦਾਣੁ ॥

pehilaa dhartee saadh kai sach naam de daan.

First prepare the ground, and then plant the Seed of the True Name.

(Siree Raag M:1, Ang 18)

 

1. Physically prepare yourself for meditation and prayer: 

Doing physical fitness at any time is beneficial, however, there is an optimum time to do physical fitness that gives greater results. For example, doing physical fitness early in the morning before having a heavy breakfast, and after work before having the evening meal. Similarly, Guru Sahib has made Amrit-Vela, the early morning hours, the optimum time for meditation and prayer. A Sikh's prayer routine is based on before sunrise, after sunset (evening time) and before going to sleep. There more serious you take something, the greater the output you get. Preparation includes physically preparing ourselves, which aids us in our mental preparation. So for beginners, wake up the latest at 5am, and have a full body wash whilst reciting Mool Mantar or Simran. Cover your head and sit cross-legged on your bed in preparation for being ready to meditate. For those with a back problem, sit on half of your pillow, and tightly wrap yourself from behind going forward with a duvet, blanket or shawl. This will provide back support and feel like you sitting in a seat. 

ਇਤੁ ਤਨਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਬਾਣੀਆ ॥ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਣੀਆ ॥
et tan laagai baanee-aa. sukh ho-vai seyv kamaanee-aa.
This body is softened with the Word of the Guru's Bani; you shall find peace, by serving the Lord (through meditation).

(Siree Raag M:1, Ang 25)

2. Slowly repeat the Mool Mantar at least five times: 

ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ
ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ 
ik o-un-kaar, sat naam, kartaa purakh, nirbho, nir-vair,
a-kaal moorat, a-joonee, sai-bhun, gur pra-saad. 
One Creator God who presence is everywhere; Truth is His Name; The Doer; Without Fear; Without Enemies; Timeless; Beyond the cycle of rebirth; Self-existent; and known through His Grace. 
(Jap, M:1, Ang 1)

This is the basic Sikh prayer which describes God and helps us to focus on God’s qualities. Take a deep breath in and out in-between reciting each part of the Mool Mantar. 

ਸੋ ਸਤਗੁਰੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਸਭਿ ਧੰਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰ ਲਹਾਇਆ ॥੩॥

so satgur kahu-hu sabh dhan dhan, jin har bhagat bhanddaar lahaayaa.3.

Praise and say "Dhan" (Great) and over and again to that True Guru who has led us to find the treasure of the Lord's devotional worship. ||3||

(Kaanraa M:4, Ang 1316)

 

3. Repeat ‘Dhan Guru Nanak’ at least five times: 

“Dhan” means “Great”. “Dhan Guru Nanak” – “Great is Guru Nanak”. Before chanting this, think of an ocean, and picture a small boat in the middle. Reflect how the ocean is bigger than the boat. The boat is your sins and mistakes, and the ocean is Guru Nanak’s Grace and blessings. Feel how Guru Nanak is greater than your mistakes, and the ocean is Guru Nanak’s Grace and blessings. Feel how Guru Nanak is greater than your sins, greater than your troubles and is there for you to hold your hand and give your reassurance and protection. Those that are more confident with Gurbani can include the following to this Jaap (chanting):

ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਚਿਹਨੁ ਸੋਈ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਕਾ ਹਰਿ ਆਪੇ ਜਨ ਮਹਿ ਆਪੁ ਰਖਾਂਤਿ ॥

har ka chihan so-ee har jan kaa, har aap-e jan mehi aap rakhaant.

The qualities of the Lord becomes that of the Lord's humble servants (through meditative remembrance); the Lord Himself places His qualities within them.

ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਸਮਦਰਸੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਤਰੀ ਤਰਾਂਤਿ ॥੪॥੫॥

dhan dhan guroo naaanak sam-darsee, jin nindaa us-tat taree taraant.4.5.

Great, Great is Guru Nanak who looks impartially on all; He is saved and crossed over both slander and praise, and save others and carries them across. ||4||5||

(Malaar M:4, Ang 1264)

Another line one can add is:

ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਾ ਤੇਰੀ ॥
gi-aan dhi-aan kichh karam na jaanaa, saar na jaanaa teree.
O Lord! I know nothing about wisdom (of spirituality), how to focus the mind on You, and spiritual actions; I have not appreciated the Worth of Your blessings.

ਸਭ ਤੇ ਵਡਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਲ ਰਾਖੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥੪॥੧੦॥੫੭॥
sabh te vadda satgur naanak, jin kal raakhee meree.4.10.57.
But (with your Grace I have met) Guru Nanak, the greatest of all; He has saved my honour in this Dark Age (through uniting me to You). ||4||10||57||

(Soohee M:5, Ang 749)

Feel the protection and love that a child feels when holding on to the hand of his father. Even though we may be zero in meditation and spirituality, the greatness of Guru Nanak and his blessings can fill us with hope and progress.

ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੁ ਨਿਤ ਚਿਤਵਤੇ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ॥੨॥

par-upkaar nit chit-vatey naahee kachh poch.2.

(The humble devotees) everyday think of wishing good for others and harbor no ill will towards anyone. ||2||

(Bilaaval M:5, Ang 815)

4. Wish good for others, forgive others, and seek forgiveness: 

The more our soul feels lighter and free, the easier it is to get closer to God. The more baggage the soul is carrying, the journey to God gets slowed down or even stops. Bad-feelings and hatred for others weighs down our soul and makes it difficult to become a spiritual person. So, think of your family members and say “Bhallaa ho-vay” (“Good wishes”). Repeat this exercise, thinking of your friends, all the residents and staff at the prison, and then those that have wished bad to you and those you have caused hurt to. In your mind seek forgiveness from those who you have hurt and forgive those that have cause you hurt. end by repeating three times, “naanak naam chardi-kala, tere bhaane sarbat da bhallaa” (Through Your Name, as taught by Guru Nanak, may I remain forever in high spirits; Within Your Will, may all humanity prosper). 

ਛਾਤੀ ਸੀਤਲ ਮਨੁ ਸੁਖੀ ਛੰਤ ਗੋਬਿਦ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ॥

The heart is cooled and soothed, and the mind becomes at peace, chanting and singing Your Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe.

(Gauree M:4, Ang 254)

 

5. Chant “Vaahi-Guroo, Vaahi-Guroo, Vaahi-Guroo, Vaahi-Jeeo” at least five times. 

The following line is from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and can be used, like all of Gurbani, for meditation and chanting:

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿ ਜੀਉ ॥  

vaahi-guroo, vaahi-guroo, vaahi-guroo, vaah-jeeo.

O Amazing Light in darkness; O Amazing Light in darkness; O Amazing Light in darkness; O my Amazing and Beloved Lord.

(Svaiyye Mahalla 5, Bhatt Gayandh, Ang 1402)

God is the Light of your life, that gets rid of the darkness of your sins and mistakes. The first word a child learns to say is “Mummaa”. With one word, the child cries out to his mother. With one word, a child talks to his mother, whether he is hungry, needs changing, wants to be picked up or feeling happy. However, the one word is more than just a word. When the child says the word, there is feeling and emotion behind it. It actually means something and there is a whole conversation the child wants to have with its mother but can only express everything with one word – “Mummaa”. Similarly, we are the children of God. God is so great and we are so small. We communicate and talk to God through chanting God’s Name, and God speaks back to us through His Name. God listens to us through our own ears, speaks back to us through our own tongue, and sees through our eyes. We simply have to feel and experience it.

ਜਿਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਬੀਬੀ ਦਾ ਤਲਾਕ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ ਇੱਕ ਸਿੱਖ ਮਿਲਦਾ । When a depressed woman going through a divorce meets a Sikh

A re-post of an old inspirational blog post linked to Guru Arjan Dev Jee's Shaheedi day.
(Originally posted 27th September 2011)

During Dastaar Day in London on Sunday, I met Bhai Amrik Singh is a Sikh Chaplain working at Heathrow Airport who shared an inspirational story...

During Guru Arjan Dev jee's Shaheedi purb (martyrdom day) the Sikhs working at Heathrow airport decided to give out free ice creams to the public and at the same time give out a small and simple leaflet about the Gurpurb. Sikh volunteers got on the buses and gave out free ice-creams to the passengers and then handed over the small leaflet. At the end the bottom of the leaflet was Bhai Amrik Singh jee's contact details and phone number.

One young lady who was given a free ice-cream on the bus rang Bhai Amrik Singh that evening. She said:

"Hi, I got a free ice-cream today and got your number from the leaflet. I was going through a really bad day. I am going through a divorce and I am feeling depressed and sad about life and the world. I was thinking there's no good people in the world, when a lovely Sikh man offered me a free ice-cream. 

I got home and remembered I was given a leaflet. I read the leaflet and found out about Guru Arjan Dev. Reading the leaflet has changed me. I thought my pain and suffering was bad, but reading about Guru Arjan Dev everything got put in perspective. What I was going through was nothing like what the Guru went through. I couldn't believe and get over how he said, "I accept God's Will sweetly" whilst going through so much torture. I just wanted to say thanks for making me realise this and changing my life."

Bhai Sahib said that since they have commemorated the Gurpurb in this way every year and do similar things for other Gurpurbs.

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji gives us all the following message in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਦੁਪਦੇ ॥

One Universal Creator God: Raag Nat Naaraayan, by Fifth Nanak, written two parts. 

ਉਲਾਹਨੋ ਮੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਨ ਦੀਓ ॥

(O Lord! Since receiving the Guru's Grace) I don't blame anyone else.

ਮਨ ਮੀਠ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਕੀਓ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥Whatever You do is sweet to my mind. ||1||Pause||

ਆਗਿਆ ਮਾਨਿ ਜਾਨਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁਨਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਜੀਓ ॥

O Lord! Understanding and sweetly obeying Your Order, I have found peace; hearing, listening to Your Name, I have become spiritually alive.

ਈਹਾਂ ਊਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਇਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜੀਓ ॥੧॥

I have firmly implanted the teaching of the Guru within (my mind) that here and hereafter, O Lord, You, only You (will be of help to me). ||1||

ਜਬ ਤੇ ਜਾਨਿ ਪਾਈ ਏਹ ਬਾਤਾ ਤਬ ਕੁਸਲ ਖੇਮ ਸਭ ਥੀਓ ॥

Since I came to realize this (from the Guru), I have been blessed with total inner peace and pleasure.

ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਰਗਾਸਿਓ ਆਨ ਨਾਹੀ ਰੇ ਬੀਓ ॥੨॥੧॥੨॥

O Nanak! (Say-) in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, the Guru has revealed that other than the Lord there is no other (who can do anything). ||2||1||2||

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

ਅਫਗਾਨੀ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਚਾਓ: ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਫਰਜ਼ ਨਿਭਾਉ ਜੀ । Save Afghan Sikhs: Recognise your duty!

PLEASE WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL POLITICIANS & THE UNITED NATIONS

Template letter for UK  :
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Template letter for Canada:
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Template letter for USA:
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Template letter to United Nations:
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