Monday, May 06, 2019

Different spellings of 'Prasaad' in Gurbani...

 
In Gurbani, the word "Prasaad" is spelt in 3 ways: (1) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ - prasaad(u); (2) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ - prasaad(i); and (3) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ - prasaad. Depending on the spelling, the word can mean different things:

(1) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ - prasaad(u) = blessing; grace
Example:
ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਰਣਾਗਤੀ ਕਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦੁ ਗੁਰਦੇਵ ॥੧॥"Nanak seeks the Sanctuary of God; please bless me with Your Grace, O Divine Guru. ||1||"
(Gauree M:5, Ang 269)

(2) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ - prasaad(i) = through the blessing; by the grace of
Example:
ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਰਖੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥
"By His Grace, you partake of the thirty-six delicacies; enshrine that Lord and Master within your mind."
(Gauree M:5, Ang 269)

(3) ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ - prasaad = when used as preposition 
Example:
ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਪਰਸਾਦ ॥੨॥      
"Perfect is the Grace of the Perfect Guru. ||2||"
(Bhairo M:5, Ang 1143)

Thursday, April 25, 2019

ਸਵੇਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਨਿਤਨੇਮ ਬਾਣੀਆਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਸਪਸ਼ਟਤਾ । Clarity on which Banis are prescribed for morning Nitnem


Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha in his work Gurmat Martand, which was first published in 1938, states 5 Banian for the morning:

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Gurmat Martand (7th Ed.), Vol. 2, p. 640):
Translation: 
The daily things one does in accordance to religion is called ‘Nitnem’. The Nitnem of Sikhs is – to clean one’s teeth, clean the body through washing and then do Simran (meditation) of Vahiguru. To read Jap, Jaap, Anand, Svaiyye, Chaupai; practice knowledge, and earn a livelihood. In the evening read ‘Rehraas’ and at night time ‘Sohila’. 

On 28th April 1985, a Hukamnama (edict) was issued by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib stating the following:
Reference: http://old.sgpc.net/CDN/hukamname_Aadesh_Sandesh.pdf, number 41, p. 108
Translation: 
Today, on 28-4-85, the below written resolution has been unanimously passed by the Five Singh Sahibs. The prescribed Nitnem Banis written on page 9 and page 26 of the ‘Sikh Rehat Maryada’ should be corrected as follows: Jap, Jaap, 10 Svaiyye (beginning Sraavag Sudh), Benti Chaupai and Anand. 

The Hukamnama was signed by the following: 
i) Giani Kirpal Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib 
ii) Giani Sahib Singh, Head Granthi, Sri Darbar Sahib (Amritsar) iii) Giani Harcharan Singh Mahalo, Jathedar Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) 
iv) Sant Lakha Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) 
v) Giani Pritam Singh, Head Granthi, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (Amritsar) 

Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the S.G.P.C. printed version of the Sikh Rehat Maryada document never got updated with this amendment. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, the former S.G.P.C. appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (2000-2008), told me that he made several requests to the S.G.P.C. to amend the printed version of the Sikh Rehat Maryada document, however no response was given by the S.G.P.C. Office. 

The current online version of the Sikh Rehat Maryada document on the S.G.P.C. website states: 
Online Sikh Rehat Maryada document taken from www.sgpc.net (25/02/2018)
Translation: 
2. Recite Nitnem (daily prayers). The following Banis (scriptural compositions) are part of Nitnem: Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, and Ten Svaiyye (beginning ‘sraavag sudh’) – These should be read at Amrit-Vela (early morning before sunrise). 

On 5th March 2009, a resolution was passed at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib that reiterated the 1985 ruling concerning the amending of the prescribed Nitnem in the Sikh Rehat Maryada document: 
Translation: 
Today, date Fagan 22, 540 Nanakshahi (5th March 2009), the Five Singh Sahibs gathered at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and passed: Resolution No. 7 In the gathering of the Five Singh Sahibs on 28-4-85 it was unanimously passed that the prescribed Nitnem on page 9 and page 26 of the Sikh Rehat Maryada should be corrected as follows: Jap, Jaap, 10 Svaiyye (beginning Sraavag Sudh), Benti Chaupai and Anand. Today, 5-3-2009, in the gathering of the Five Singh Sahibs it is again unanimously passed that the prescribed Nitnem Banis as above should be passed the by General House of the Shiromani Committee. Gurbachan Singh Jathedar Copied: 1. President, S.G.P.C., Amritsar 2. Secretary, S.G.P.C., Amritsar

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Out reach Keertan Seva...


Seva trip during Derby Smaagam. Gursikh Pyaare from Bradford, Derby and Slough did the amazing seva of bringing Keertan to those who are not able to visit a Gurdwara and hear Keertan in the Saadh Sangat. 🙏🏻

Friday, April 19, 2019

The 3 meanings of "Sat" in Gurbani...

 
In Gurbani, the word "Sat" is spelt in 3 ways: (1) ਸਤ - sat; (2) ਸਤਿ - sat(i); and (3) ਸਤੁ - sat(u). Depending on the spelling, "Sat" can mean three things:

(1) ਸਤ - sat = the number 7 

(2) ਸਤਿ - sat(i) = eternal.
From the Sanskrit word 'Satya'.

(3) ਸਤੁ - sat(u) = goodness or truthful conduct. 
This word is often comes together with 'Santokh' (contentment).

Monday, April 15, 2019

"I trust you because the way you look..."

 

Last year December, I was coming back to the UK from Amsterdam airport after attending a Gurmat camp in Belgium. I had forgotten to put my small Kirpaan in my checked-in luggage. When I went through the security scanner machine and got to the other side, the security officer greeted me. He said, "You are dressed wonderfully.... Who are you?" I smiled, and said, "I am a Sikh." He said, "I like the way you are dressed."  

The security officer genuinely seemed happy to see Sikhi Saroop (identity). The second security officer then came forward and said, "You look so royal. I like the way you are dressed. Are you a king?" I replied, "My Guru is the King." He asked if he could check my luggage, which I agreed to. 

When he opened my luggage he found 2 small Kirpaans. He said, "What's this? I said, its part of my religious uniform. I was supposed to put it in my checked-in luggage but I forgot." He smiled and said, "Don't worry. By looking at you, I trust you. I trust you to keep these with you." I was pleasantly surprised and said, "So you allow Kirpaans of this size?" He replied, "No. I am allowing you out of on the decision of my discretion because I trust you because the way you look."

It was a very humbling moment that how much respect and honour one gets by wearing 'Baana' (the Khalsa royal uniform). I am sure I would not have had the same response if I was not wearing 'Baana'. Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji!

Sunday, April 07, 2019

ਨਿੱਕੇ ਜੇਹੇ ਬੱਚੇ ਦੇ ਥੋੜੇ ਜੇਹੇ ਸਵਾਲ | Nikke Jihe Bache de Thorhe Jehe Savaal...

A video of 7 year old Namastang Singh from New Zealand reciting a poem at Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib Ji (Amritsar) during a Kirtan Smaagam last year. Please listen:

Friday, March 08, 2019

Gurbani: What happens to successful and good people who don't follow Vahiguru's Path?


ਬਹੁਤੁ ਧਨਾਢਿ ਅਚਾਰਵੰਤੁ ਸੋਭਾ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਰੀਤਿ ॥ 
bahut dhanaadd achaar-vant sobhaa nirmal reet || 
You may possess vast riches, maintain virtuous conduct, have a spotless reputation and observe religious customs; 

ਮਾਤ ਪਿਤਾ ਸੁਤ ਭਾਈਆ ਸਾਜਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਰੀਤਿ ॥ 
maat pitaa suth bhaaee-aa saajan sang pareet || 
you may have the loving affections of mother, father, children, siblings and friends; 

ਲਸਕਰ ਤਰਕਸਬੰਦ ਬੰਦ ਜੀਉ ਜੀਉ ਸਗਲੀ ਕੀਤ ॥ 
lasakar tarak-saband band jee-o jee-o saglee keet || 
you may have armies well-equipped with weapons, and all may salute you with respect; 

ਚਿਤਿ ਨ ਆਇਓ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਤਾ ਖੜਿ ਰਸਾਤਲਿ ਦੀਤ ॥੭॥ 
chit na aayo paar-brahm taa khaR rasaatal deet ||7|| 
But still, if you do not come to remember the Supreme Lord God, then you shall be taken and consigned to the most hideous hell! ||7|| 

(Siree Raag - Guru Arjan Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 70)

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Master Niranjan Singh Ji (Gurdaspur Wale) leaves this world...

A small write-up dedicated to the late Master Niranjan Singh Ji (Gurdaspur wale), a role model Gursikh that I was blessed to meet and spend time with in the Sangat. Master Ji left this world to the Guru's abode on 14th February 2019.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF
MASTER NIRANJAN SINGH JI (GURDASPUR WALE)



Background
Master Niranjan Singh Ji was born in 1937 in a village in the district of Gurdaspur. Life was simple when he was growing up. There were no televisions and distractions. Before the partition of Punjab in 1947, Master Ji learned from Muslim teachers who taught him math, as well as how to read and write. They were very strict, and would beat students if they made mistakes. However, they taught him to write Gurmukhi beautifully. This would later go on to help him as he would write a complete Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by hand. Master Ji attended DAB school in the village Dhaliwal for grade 5. From grade 6 to 10 he studied at a local Khalsa School. He was very intelligent and would regularly score first in his class. For this reason, other students knew him as "First". He finished High School (Grade 10) in 1953. In 1954 he trained to become a teacher at a school near Jagraaon at this point he was 17/18 years old. In 1955 he became a teacher, first teaching in a primary school and then teaching Punjabi. Master Ji also completed his BA and Giani certification. Master Ji retired from his teaching job in 1995 at Gurdaspur Senior Secondary School, teaching Punjabi for 40 years.

Meeting the Holy Saint
Master Ji was in grade 10 when he took Amrit. He had memorized some Bani from a young age as he had an interest in studying and learning rather than in playing. When he had taken Amrit he was not aware of the Rehat he needed to keep. He didn’t know that he needed to wear all the Panj Kakkars or even which Banis to do read daily. He says some local village Paathis had done the Amrit Sanchar without much effort to ensure the Abhilakhis were prepared to live a Guru-centered life. When Master Ji attended his teacher training he met a Gursikh whose father taught in the village Mohi, near Narangvaal, which was Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji’s Pind. This Gursikh asked Master Ji if he was Amritdhari to which Master Ji replied that he was. So, the Gursikh asked where his Kirpan was. Master Ji asked him if wearing a Kirpan was mandatory, and the Gursikh being taken aback said “Yes! It is very important. Wearing all 5 Kakkars is extremely important!” The Gursikh then asked Master Ji which Banis he read as his Nitnem. Master Ji replied that he read Jap Ji Sahib, Rehras Sahib and Kirtan Sohila. The Gursikh then explained to Master Ji that he must do 5 Banis in the morning and 2 in the evening and night time. Master Ji says that this was all shocking to him but he accepted the Gursikh’s bachan. Master Ji and the Gursikh would then daily do their Nitnem. After a while the Gursikh brought Master Ji to Poh Sudi Saptami Smagam at Narangvaal. Master Ji attended the Rainsbaaee where he heard Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji do Kirtan. Bhai Sahib was a saint, soldier, scholar, mystic, and kirtani, who had been honored by all Takhat Sahibs for his contribution to the Sikh nation and his high Gurmat character. Bhai Sahib did Kirtan for 2.5-3 hours. He sang in a high-pitched tone, which captured the hearts of everyone who heard the Kirtan. The one line Bhai Sahib sang over and over was:
ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਕਾ ਵਿਛੁੜਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਸਜਣੁ ਸੈਣ॥
"Through countless lifetimes and incarnations, I was separated from Him. O Lord, you are my Friend and Companion-please unite me with Yourself." 

Sangat with Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh Ji
Master Niranjan Singh first met Bhai Fauja Singh in 1963 and remained friends with him until his Shaheedi in 1978. Master Ji then became close to Bhai Fauja Singh and his family. Bhai Fauja Singh’s mother showed him a lot of love, treating him like her own son. From then on Master Ji would stop by every evening after work to eat and do Kirtan. Master Ji and Bhai Fauja Singh spent many days together doing Kirtan and Naam Abhiaas. At times they would go out into the fields and would fall asleep doing Kirtan and Abhiaas. In the morning at Amritvela they would again rise and do Abhiaas together. In 1977 Bhai Fauja Singh founded Khalsa Farm, which was the first kind of modern-day Gurmat camp where Sangat were trained in a Gursikhi way of life. They would wake up at 2 AM doing Abhiaas, Nitnem and Asa di Vaar Kirtan. During the day they would do Gurmat Vichaar, Gatka and more Kirtan. Master Niranjan Singh Ji would accompany Bhai Fauja Singh Ji's group (Chalda Vaheer Jatha) from village to village to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through Kirtan, Gurmat Vichaar, and Shastar Vidiya (martial arts). Mata Amarjit Kaur Ji (wife of Bhai Fauja Singh) mentions that Master Ji was Bhai Fauja Singh Ji's favourite Kirtani.

Amrit-Vela
Master Ji was very strict about Amrit-vela Naam Abhiaas (Practice). During Amrit Sanchaars. Master Ji was so strict on the Sevadaars and Abhilakhis about doing 2.5 hours of Abhiaas every day. He would say that 2.5 hours a day of Abhiaas (practice of Naam) is mandatory, it’s our lekha (account given) to Guru Sahib, after 2.5 hours is where our real Kamaee (earning spiritual wealth) starts. When asked if it is okay to do Jaap of Vahiguru (known as 'Dhuni') in Kirtan, Master Ji said all the Kirtani of the past that he had seen do Kirtan did Vahiguru Jaap in Kirtan. However, he said those Kirtani used to do over 2.5 hours of Naam Abhiaas daily at Amrit-vela. Hearing such Gurmukhs do Simran in Kirtan was a blessed moment. However, Master Ji warned others of doing Vahiguru Jaap in Kirtan in Sangat when we ourselves have not followed Hukam of Guru Sahib of doing Naam Abhiaas at Amrit-Vela. Master Ji said there is no restriction on doing Simran in Kirtan, however we should first drench ourselves in Gurbani and if after this the Simran happens then it happens, but we should not force it.

Love for Kakkaars
When Master Niranjan Singh Ji visited Australia in 2005, he was very exhausted and weak when he arrived at the airport and nearly collapsed. The reason for Master Ji's weakness was due to him not drinking or eating anything throughout the whole journey. Master Ji had travelled from USA to Australia and it was a long journey. However, Master Ji, like many Sidaki (faithful) Gursikhs, refused to drink or eat anything as a form of protest of not being able to wear his Kirpan on the journey. If someone has so much Pyaar for the Kirpan, imagine how much Pyaar they must have for the one who blessed them with the Kirpan. On receiving the Kirpan on arrival, Master Ji only ate and drank after doing Paath and Ardaas for forgiveness that his Kakkaars had been separated from him.

Khalsa Camps
The first-ever Khalsa Camp in Canada took place in BC in 2010. Master Niranjan Singh Ji, along with Bhai Bharpoor Singh Ji were an integral part of the camp and gave encouragement to the organisers to hold such camps. I remember Master Ji saying, "this is a training a camp." He believed as Sikhs we are the army of Guru Ji, and we need to become disciplined in the way we dress, speak, talk, walk, eat etc. He would tell campers to truly accept and see Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the King of Kings and for this reason to dress as such in the Guru's Darbaar. Master Ji would tell all campers and sevadaars to refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, and other such clothes in the Guru's Darbaar and instead wear Gurmukhi-attire to respect the True King, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Master Ji was always really approachable to all campers and sevadaars. He was like everyone’s father and grandfather.Master Ji spent many years abroad visiting countries doing Gurmat Parchar. His presence has especially been felt in Canada, USA and UK. His Seva at Smagams and Camps has helped bring many on to the path of Gursikhi.


Leaving the world for the Guru's Abode (Gurpuri)
On Thursday 14th February 2019, at the age of 82, Master Niranjan Singh Ji left his earthly body. Master Niranjan Singh Ji’s passing was felt worldwide by Gursikhs he had impacted through his Gursikhi Jeevan. Master Ji had lived Gurmat embodying many Gurmukhi gunns (qualities) such as humility, sweet speech, compassion, steadfastness in Gurmat, amongst many others. He was a Naam imbued soul and the definition of a Gursikh. He lived his life in the service and love of Guru Sahib, and he lived within Gurmat until the end. For such Gursikhs there are so many Shabads within Gurbani but let us reflect on the following as we remember our Pyare Pyare Master Niranjan Singh Ji:
ਜਿਨ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੇ ਦਰਿ ਸਾਚੇ ਦਰਿ ਸਾਚੈ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ॥
ਓਨਾ ਦੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਜੁਗਿ ਜੁਗਿ ਹੋਈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਮੇਟਣਹਾਰਾ॥ 
ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਨ ਕੈ ਸਦ ਬਲਿਹਾਰੈ ਜਿਨ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਖਿਆ ਉਰਿਧਾਰਾ॥੮॥੧॥
Those whose minds are filled with the Lord are judged as true in the Court of the Lord; they are hailed as true in the True Court. Their praises echo throughout the ages, and no one can erase them. Nanak is forever a sacrifice to those who enshrine the Lord within their hearts. ||8||1||

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Khalsa Camp New Zealand 2019...


With the blessings of Guru Sahib, Khalsa Camp New Zealand 2019 was held for the third year running. The camp was held from 30th January to 3rd February on Motatapu island. The camp was attended by over 100 campers. The target audience was 16+ years, however families also attended. Some of the Parchaariks attending the camp included by Bhai Bharpoor Singh Ji from Samana (Punjab) and Bibi Mandeep Kaur Ji from the UK. 

It was so nice to see so many new faces to the camp. Campers had so much positive energy that during the camp you could witness so many positive transformations. Campers who had not worn a Dastaar before, experienced wearing a Dastaaar and loved it so much that they wished to keep it on. Other campers felt so inspired by the Sangat and Pyaar of Sikhi that they wished to take Amrit. It was a really inspiring and uplifting week with Satguru Ji and the Saadh Sangat. 
Khalsa Foundation New Zealand have promised to continue holding events and programmes throughout the year, so if you are living in New Zealand please keep up to date with all the different Seva happening and get involved.
Some photos of the camp: 

With Satguru Ji and Bhai Bharpoor Singh Ji on the ferry

Keertan on the ferry as Satguru Ji and campers head to the island for the camp

"Bholu Singh" the camp mascot who helped to welcome the Sangat :)

Ice-breaker and welcome. Campers from previous years shared their emotional testimonies of their personal journies from last year's camp.

Everybody commented how the camp Langar was simple but tasty, which helped all the Sangat to stay alert for the camp.

Dedicated Langar sevadaars

 Langar Hall

Group discussions outside

Keertan

 
Keertan

 Enjoying the sun and sea

 Star of the camp, Bholu Singh (the teddy bear) with Bhai Bharpoor Singh Ji

 Enjoying the sea-side

 Evening Kirtan with Bhenji Mandeep Kaur UK

 
Evening Kirtan with Bhai Bikramjit Singh Garhi (India)
 
 Gatka class

Archery

Archery

 
Hiking
Lecture by Bhenji Mandeep Kaur UK

Evening Diwaan

Satguru Ji


Evening Questions and Answers session

In a war-bunker on the island that was made during World War 2

Open-air Gurmat Vichaar

Wonderful Gursikhs - Bhai Bharpoor Singh Ji India and Bhenji Mandeep Kaur Ji UK

The Sangat sat on top of this building to sing Gurbani and enjoy the sea-view

 
Group photo with Pyaare Gursikhs from Auckland

Satguru Ji leaving the camp site



Group photo

Sangat leaving the island (camp site) via a ferry

Saturday, February 16, 2019

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਵਿਚਾਰ: ਸਮਲਿੰਗੀ ਵਿਆਹ ... । A Gurmat Perspective: LGBT relationships and same-sex marriages...



The Sikh Rehat Maryada document states:
ੳ) ਸਿੱਖ ਸਿੱਖਣੀ ਦਾ ਵਿਆਹ, ਬਿਨਾਂ ਜ਼ਾਤ-ਪਾਤ, ਗੋਤ ਵਿਚਾਰੇ ਦੇ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਏ ।
a. A Sikh man and woman should enter wedlock without giving thought to the future spouse’s caste and descent.

Same-sex marriages are not allowed in Sikhi. The Sikh Gurus are the role models for how to live as a Sikh. The Gurus were above human desires and did not require to go through human experiences. However, they lived through everyday human experiences in order to set an ideal example for humans. 

The facts are:
  • All the Sikh Gurus, with the exception of Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji who was aged 8 when he left his earthly body, had heterosexual marriages (i.e. marriage between man and woman).
  • The children of the Gurus had heterosexual marriages.
  • Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and other Sikh scriptures like Bhai Gurdaas Ji’s Bani do not entertain the possibility of a homosexual marriage.
  • The Maryada (tradition) of the Anand Kaaraj (Sikh marriage ceremony) refers to heterosexual couples.
  • No form of intimate partnership, union or sexual relationship (regardless of sexual orientation) is allowed without the Anand Kaaraj ceremony.
ਬਿਨਾ ਅਨੰਦ ਬਿਵਾਹ ਤੇ, ਭੁਗਤੇ ਪਰ ਕੀ ਜੋਇ। ਸੁਣ ਸਿਖਾ! ਗੁਰ ਕਹਿ ਥੱਕੇ, ਮੇਰਾ ਸਿਖ ਨ ਸੋਇ।੨੫।
“Without ‘Anand’ marriage ceremony, one who committs intimacy with another; Listen O Sikh! The Guru pushes away such a person and doesn’t consider them a Sikh.”
(Mukhtnama Bhai Sahib Singh Ji, p. 143)
  • All other men and women other than one’s spouse should be considered and treated as brother or sister if the same age, father or mother if elder, and son or daughter if younger.
ਗੁਰੂ ਕੀ ਸਿਖਣੀ ਸੀਲ-ਧਰਮ ਰਖੇ । ਆਪਣੇ ਭਰਤੇ ਨੂੰ ਭਰਤਾ ਜਾਣੇ, ਹੋਰ ਸਭ ਪਿਤਾ, ਭਾਈ, ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਣੇ । ਪਤਿਬ੍ਰਤ ਧਰਮ ਰਖੇ, ਜੈਸੇ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਚ ਕਹਿਆ ਹੈ ।
“A Sikh woman should maintain humility and righteousness. Know her brothers to be her brothers, and treat all others as a father, brother, or son. Maintain a high moral way of life as explained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”
(Tankhahnama: Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji – p. 107)
ਵੱਡੀ ਮਾਂ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਣੀ, ਹਾਣ ਦੀ ਭੇਣ ਕਰ ਦੇਖਣੀ ।
ਪਰਾਈ ਧੀ ਭੈਣ ਨੂੰ ਬੁਰੀ ਦ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟਿ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖਣਾ ।

“See an elder woman as you mother, and see woman of the same age as your sister. Do not see the daughter or sister of another in a wrongful way.” 
(Sakhi Rehat Ki: Bhai Nand Lal Ji, p. 63)
  • Gurbani tells us to not to attach our identity to our ego or worldly labels. Therefore, to identify one’s identity using sexual orientation, caste, social status etc. would not be in line with the Guru’s teachings.
ਹੋਹੁ ਨਿਮਾਣਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਅਗੈ ਮਤ ਕਿਛੁ ਆਪੁ ਲਖਾਵਹੇ ॥
ਆਪਣੈ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ਜਗਤੁ ਜਲਿਆ ਮਤ ਤੂੰ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਵਹੇ ॥
“O mind! Becoming humble, surrender to the True Guru and do not attach your identity to your ego. The world is consumed by ego and self-identity; watch out that you do destroy yourself (by getting caught up in ego).”
(Aasa M:3, Ang 441)
  • Gurbani promotes identifying oneself solely as a devotee, humble servant of God, Sikh of the Guru, and embodiment of the Divine-Light.
ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ 
“O my mind, you are the embodiment of the Divine Light - recognize your own origin.”
(Aasa M:3, Ang 441)
  • During the history of the Ten Gurus and the Khalsa, not a single recorded same-sex Anand Kaaraj or any other form of marriage has been conducted by the Gurus or his Sikhs.
  • Homosexuality or same-sex marriages have never arisen as an issue or debate in the history of the Sikhs.
  • In Sikh tradition the purpose of sex is the potential of reproducing. Any other sexual acts that do not fulfil this purpose would be considered as fulfilling lustful desires. To intentionally waste semen is forbidden in Gurbani:
ਸੁਪਨੈ ਬਿੰਦੁ ਨ ਦੇਈ ਝਰਨਾ ॥
“Do not (waste and) lose your semen, even in your dreams.”
(Bhairo, Bhagat Kabeer Ji, Ang 1160)
Intentional waste of semen would include the using of contraception in a heterosexual marriage, masturbation, and other sexual activities that do not lead to the potential of reproducing.
  • Same-sex friendships of Gurmukhs (Guru-orientated individuals) are encouraged as long as the intention is to have union with God and not fornication. A lot of spiritual love exists in these relationships, that do not require any form of romance, intimacy or sexual behaviour.
ਸੋਈ ਸਾਜਨ ਮੀਤੁ ਪਿਆਰਾ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗਿ ਤਰੀਜੈ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਕਟੀਐ ਜਮ ਕੀ ਫਾਸਾ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥
“He is a companion, a friend, and a beloved of mine, who reflects upon the Lord's Name, in the Company of the Holy. (Staying) in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, cross over the world-ocean, and the noose of death shall be cut away. ||2||”
(Maajh M:5, Ang 108)

Attempts to distort and dilute Gurmat traditions preserved throughout history cannot be accepted in any circumstances. Diluting or changing the Anand Kaaraj code or the accepted notion of marriage presented in Sikh scriptures to compensate homosexuals for historical persecution and hatred directed towards them in wider society is irresponsible and unacceptable. 

Same-sex marriages have recently been legalised in countries like Canada and the UK that have significant size Sikh populations. On the request of Gurdwaras seeking an official letter stating the already accepting Sikh position, Akal Takhat Sahib issued a Sandesh (memorandum). All Gurdwaras across the world are bound to disallow any form of same-sex marriage ceremony or blessing in accordance to the above Sandesh. 

In accordance to guidance provided to Gurdwaras by the Sikh Council UK in an official letter dated 28th July 2013:
“The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 contains what has been described as a ‘quadruple lock’ to protect religious places of worship from being forced to carry out same sex marriages. Government Ministers have given written assurances that no Gurdwara will be forced to carry out same sex marriages against their wishes.” 
Source:
Sikh Council UK - Marriage Guidance Letter PDF