New Years - (update)

This is a perfect time of the year to reflect on what you have achieved in the past 12 months, but more importantly to plan what your going to do in the coming 12.

It's only worth making mistakes if your going to learn from them.

In the past if you've wasted time on t.v/internet (like i do everyday), then its a time to maybe use this precious time that we have on this earth to do more constructive things.

From New Years day, or any consecutive day - why not add something to your daily life that will improve yourself?

Add a japji sahib to your nitnem, start morning simran for 15 minutes before your prayers, volunteer at your local homeless centre once a week, learn a martial art, learn how to read/write punjabi at your local Gurudwara - do something that will improve you.

Time spent on the t.v is useless, as when you've spent 3 hours daily on it - you have nothing to show for it. You might have laughed, cried or scared yourself senseless but after a while its just wasted time that your likely to forget about.

Don't make this the story of your life, someone who was forgotten because they did not contribute to society (Vaheguru's Creation).

******

New Years Reolution..
Nimrita Sath Benti..

Benti suggestion of new years resolution for Sikhs all around the world.


1. Naam Simran.
Meditate on his naam through simran, keertan, amrit vela. Take one step at a time try to build up your amrit vela.

Simran is so important it shall bring us peace and sort out everything. Do not worry about anything leave it to vahiguroo do simran. Get up at amrit vela and do simran of gurmantar vahigurooo and jaap of mool mantar. You can repeat the first Saloak of Sukhmani Sahib:

aad gur-ay namah.
jugaad gur-ay namah.
satgur-ay namah.
saree gurdayv-ay namah. 1

Read this article on how to do Simran on Gupt Wannabe Naam Abhiyaasee blog.

2. Let us all do khoj of gurbani.
Let us all look at gurbani and try to begin and understand what Guroo Sahib is saying from here we will see the pyar (love) ignite with in out hearts. Gurbani is all we have as Sikhs

Read hukamnama of Sri Harimandir Sahib from internet and listen to it at same time. Get a ramdom shabad of www.sikhitothemax.com or listen to a shabad and do a search. Try and learn more gurbani do more nitnem.

3. Stop Kesh Katal.
Those who do kesh katal/kesh di bedbi take the new year to make a change. Make a fresh start do ardaas for Guru Sahibs kirpa and to keep kesh. Cut, pluk ,shave, colour nimrita benti to take a difference and stop. Keep Guroo Sahibs moore and his sampooran roop and if you keep your kesh make a pran to tie dastar/keski. This besnti is to my Veerjis and Penjees.

4. Learn and Teach a Shabad.
Learn and teach at least one other person two shabads this year of by heart. With or with out an instrument. You do not need an instrument to sing gurbani. You need pyar, nimrita and determination to meet vahiguroo to sign a shabad which will touch the hearts of all around you.

Teaching and or learning you will have a profane effect on you life and that of the other person. They will not forget the seva you are doing and will remember you in years to come even If they start to drift away from Sikhi one day Guru Sahib will do kirpa on them and you pyar and nimrita may change there lives for the better now or in years to come. Is it not worth changing not only your life but that of someone around you?

5. Seva
Do seva where you live, at Gurdwara, for you neighbour, at high school, University. Any where and everywhere for anyone and everyone like Bhai Ghanayia Ji, see Akaal Purkh inside everyone and do seva for them help them. Do not do seva for reward here or after do it for pyar with pyar and nimrita for Akaal purkh. Put aside your jathabandis and differences of rehit and come together as one Khalsa Panth owing allegiance to only Sri Akal Takath Sahib and one Guroo, Guroo Granth.

Please pass this on other forums, emails, etc, and let us all make a difference in 2006 let is kep these promisies to go vahiguroo.

http://naamvairaag.blogspot.com/

Man attempts to set fire to Gurudwara Sahib

Picture captured by security cameras of the Esso Service Station.

Bristol, UK (KP) - Police in North Bristol are hunting for a man who attempted to set fire to a Gurdwara in Britol. Police are appealing the public for information to help catch the man who poured and lit petrol outside of the Gurdwara on Muller Road.

On Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 3:50 am, a man went into the Esso service station on Muller Road purchased and brought petrol in a jerrycan before walking off.

At 4.19am the man was seen pouring petrol outside of the Gurdwara Sahib and setting fire to an area in front of it.

Thankfully the blaze was quickly extinguished by fire crews and damage was minimized.

Police are now treating the incident as racially motivated as detectives probe into this case in search for the man identified by CCTV.

The offender is described as a white male in his mind 20s with dark receding hair.

The suspect police are searching for is a man who was wearing a black coat, with a Stone Island motif on the arm and ripped denim jeans.

Anyone who has information regarding the suspect should contact Crimestoppers through the Avon and Somerset Police online secure web form. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You may remain anonymous and could receive a reward for information leading to his arrest.

www.panthic.org

Swearing! *!*!"&%&@!

Firstly please read this to get some backround information on how 'mere' words effect us as humans. (click me)



"One thing which we don't always realize is the impact that the vibration from our words and prayers have. When you speak it has a vibration. This vibration can communicate love, hate, or just anything. Different words and languages have different vibrations and effects."

Gurbani has a positive vibration, it has the power to change your mood, enlighten your senses and much more. However Swearing is something I am strongly against.

Please dont get me wrong, I am not perfect as sometimes I still swear however I am trying to cut down.

One important thing that we must all remember is that once something leaves our lips, we cannot take it back. This is why holy people don't speak very much, as listening to slander/nindia is harmful to our sikhi/spiritual well being. The less we speak, the less chance we have of offending someone.

However, we have to speak right? This is true, however if our vocabulary contains abusive words this is not always a good thing. To us, and our close group of friends who are used to it it is a mere joke, to be laughed off. However, to a passerby or someone who can hear your conversation it probably isnt as funny. I've seen physical fights start in the past simply because someone swore at someone, even jokingly.

It's only a joke if all parties find it funny, this is hardly ever the case!

I have especially noticed this in the Sikh Youth. The amount that some people swear is unbelievable - even in Gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship). If a muslim ever swore in a mosque he'd be kicked out, probably after a beating - however when our youth do it we look away and hope someone else will stop them. All it takes is to politely say, "Language" or something to this effect.

The problem isn't that they do it on purpose, but they swear so much in their everyday lives that they have become accustomed to swearing innumerous times. I believe this is why I still swear sometimes, as the music I listened to in the past is maybe engraved on my mind.

So a humble request, please cut down on the 'F's and the 'P's, if not for yourself, then do it for me!

(see what i did there? it's christmas time!)

Small Souls, Great Sacrifice

"This year marks the 300th anniversary of the martyrdom of the 4 Sahibzadas. On 26 December 1705, Sahibzada Fateh Singh was martyred at Sirhind along with his elder brother Sahibzada Zorawar Singh . He is probably the youngest recorded martyr in history who knowingly laid down his life at the very tender age of 5 years."


Small Souls, Great Sacrifice..............

RUBBISH!!

We've got this totally wrong, it should be

Great Souls, Small Sacrifice.

We have to remember that even though they were in human form, the level of their spirituality was very high, Much higher than we can comprehend, this is why they are given the title "Baba".
The souls they had were very powerful indeed, with alot of love for God and Guru

and the sacrifice was indeed small. Think about it, what is life and what is death to someone who is at one with God?

When we think about the young sahibzade's shaheedi we think "Oh my God, Guru Gobind Singh Ji would be very angry - imagine how you would feel.." However, if we actually think about it - Guru Ji is not effected by these things. It was in the Hukam/Command of God - therefore it is right.

As I've said before, its only good reading Gurbani or listening to Katha/Ithiaas (History) if after we have listened to it we try and apply it to our own lives. So next time your worried about what other people will think of your dastaar, or how your friends will react to your beard growing naturally - just think... Can you try and be as brave as the sahibzade? (5 and 7 years of age)

Can you have the pride of Sikhi that they did? Head high no matter where you go, you represent the whole sikh nation when you tye a dastaar/turban on your head.
Act as Guru ji would want you to.

Happy Capitalismas!

Maybe its because im getting older and grumpier (and the presents I get become more depressing), I've started seeing religious festivals in a different light.

Christmas is the most obvious one.

People spend billions at this time of year, errrrrr why!

If we look at it, its just 'consumerism'. A time of the year when people buy other people stuff and eat way too much food/drink.

Nobody remembers that Jesus was born on this day, hardly anyone goes to church or remembers what Jesus actually did for humanity.

But i bet most people have bought other people gifts, with money they probably didnt have and put them under a very well decorated christmas tree (which is related to christmas how?).

I bet people signed lots of Christmas cards, (which are only really useful to the people who make them, or the people who sell stamps because of the profits they generate).

I know what your all thinking, SCROOOOOOOOGE!

But the truth is, especially in the U.K people are suffering from credit card debt like never before - people are starving around the world, freezing to death (even in the UK)..

"Two years ago, during a mild winter, deaths from cold were just 25,630. But if January is as cold as predicted, the figure could rise to 70,000."

and yet we waste millions every year on stuff we dont need!!

If I was Jesus i'd be pretty annoyed that all this is done in his name, after all it is CHRISTmas.

Wouldn't it be better to tell all your friends that they werent getting Christmas cards this year because you'd donated the £20 to an old peoples charity or cancer research? They might even follow suit!

Just a thought...

The Truth

What appears on the surface
May not be exactly true
What is under the surface
May not be readily digestible
The truth is not always sweet
But once you understand it
There's no turning back from it

The Guru is out there still
The people are fighting
Futile wars over Him
It is His will not to reveal Himself
For this is the time of Kalyug
When less people realize the Truth
The effect of Maya is so strong
It sways the people with it

The Guru teached the students
The Only way to Him
After a while He observed
That a crowd was forming
He did a drama for the crowd
And went into hiding
Revealing Himself Only to
A select few
Rest were left practicing rituals
Those they thought would
Lead them to Him
But actually would bring them
Nowhere near to Him

--------

When we Matha Tek (bow to Guru Ji, supposedly giving our heads) or when we do paath in sangat or alone, how many of us are actully thinking about the act?

Are we more focused on what we look like to other people, or are we worried how other people percieve us? I know I am..

To do this, is the same as throwing water at the sun or dancing infront of the fire, its a mere ritual.

Our lifes goal should be to get to Vaheguru/God, everything we do should be a calculated step to attain this. We dont have time for mistakes, or rituals - especially when that short time we do pray should be sooo valuable to our development.

Method to do ishnaan/bathe

1) We should get up at amritvela. [between 12-6am]

2) We should try to clean our stomach (through excretion) before doing ishnaan.

3) We should brush our teeth (or use daatun).

4) Tie our keski to our waist, wrap Siri Sahib (kirpaan) around keski and also keep your kanga there. Open our kesh.

5) Use full cold water (no hot water at all) and wash your hair and face. In Canada, water is ice-cold in summer and winter. The feeling after taking shower in cold water is amazing. Consciousness reaches it's maximum. Abhyaas goes automatically.

6) After washing your hair, soak out water and comb your hair and beard. Wash your kanga and place in in your jooRa (hair knot). Tie your keski ( a new one, a fresh one) on your head.

7) Wash your Siri Sahib and Gaatra or use your second set of washed gaatra and Siri Sahib and tie it around your head.

8) Now do ishnaan of your body, again with pure cold water. Such is the affect of cold water (ice cold water) that automatically swaas swaas simran abhyaas starts in full force. The feeling after ishnaan with cold water is undescribible (beyond description).

9) Keep separate towels for your body and hair. Use your body wala towel and dry your body.

10) Remove your kachherra and ensure that the right leg is removed first. Keep the wet kachhera in your left leg for now.

11) Take your new (fresh) kachhera (must be white kachherra, long till knees) and place your right foot or leg in the new kachherra. Now remove your left leg from the wet kachherra and wear your left leg in the new kachherra.

12) All the time while we do ishnaan we must do either Siri Jap jee Sahib or Vaheguru Gurmantra or Mool Mantra. Otherwise Guru Sahib does not accept ishnaan dee sewa.

Bhul chukk dee maafi. (Apologies for any mistakes)
Daas, Kulbir Singh
--------------------

I found this really interesting, especially using cold water - i've tried it a few times, and there really is no better "wake you up'er". The best way to make the transition is to turn the hot water off gradually, like cut down once every few days. Eventually you'll be using just cold water.

Batheing is the start of our day, therefore we must make sure we get it right. Using hot water will just send us to sleep, so its definately worth the effort to switch to the BURRR tap!

Offerings to the the Guru are Deposits

Once, the Guru invited Pandas from Kanshi, and organised a hom through them. The Khalsa Panth was created. "Guru ji, if you permit, we would like to ask some questions," said the Pandas.

"Sure, do not hesitate," replied the Guru.

"Guru ji, the Vedas prescribe different duties (dharam) for each caste (varan) ,specifying
that a particular varan should not perform the functions of other varans. According to the
Vedas, it is the function of the Brahmins to accept offerings. And the duty of the Kshatris is
to make offerings.

You belong to the Kshatri varan. How is it that you accept offerings from the world, while according to your varan it is not in order for you to do so? The proper thing for you would be to give offerings or charity. How do you justify your accepting offerings from the public? This doubt has arisen in our minds. Kindly explain this to us."

"Respected Pandas, it is good you have asked this question. Now listen to the answer. Acceptance of offerings is of two kinds. One is accepting a charity. The other is accepting a deposit. In the latter case, he appears to be taking it. But he is in fact not taking anything. Rather he is doing a favour by accepting its custody. An illustration will make the point clear. There was a king to whom the services of astrologers were available. They were perfect, and whatever they predicted, always came true. The king had tested them several times. Once the astrologers told him, there will be a huge fire in your city, very widespread.' They predicted the month, date and the day also. The king asked if there would be any place in the town which would be safe, or everything would get destroyed.

To this the astrologers replied, 'Only your mansions will be saved. All the remaining town will be burnt.' When the time arrived, the king made a public announcement to the effect that according to the astrologers, it was the Will of God that the whole of the town burn in a devastating fife. The citizens were advised to deposit their belongings at the royal mansions, to be taken back after the calamity was over. All residents of the town belonging to all varans followed the advice, and deposited their belongings with the king.

They took their belongings back, when the danger was no more. Thus, when the king accepted their deposits, he did a favour to them. Similarly, when the public hands over money and other offerings to me, I keep it as a deposit like the king. I do not take any charity. The world is aflame with lust, rancour, etc. Whatever money is spent on such pursuits, goes down the drain. And whatever money is offered before the Guru, will be of avail to them. Whatever be their desires while making the offering, will be realised by the grace of the Guru.”

“Guru ji, we did not know that you are a philospher. Hearing your philosophy has gladdened our hearts. We are indeed very grateful to you for the answers,” said the Pandas. (15)

Episode No. 15
- PARCHIAN SEWADAS -
ENGLISH TRANSALTION

powerful words!

If a person commits a heinous act against another person or a being we don’t tolerate it and rush every which way possible to bring justice or protest against injustice. If we do things that we think are normal by us and society at large but NOT acceptable to God; do you think we will not be judged according to our acts


The Path to God is narrower than a hairline with ditches on all sides. The attractions in the ditches are very attempting and trying. It can boggle the mind of anyone that looks at them. It would be like running your computer with viruses. We maybe able to get away or get ahead from law and order or cheat our way higher or get many rewards and degrees or noble prizes but they are worthless in the court of God. Only humans have a free choice to accept God and His way of life or not. We have a choice to do the right or wrong thing and / or face the consequences here and after.

Human is quality that makes us human; it’s not name of the frame we live-in. In-humane acts make us think that person is not human. If we can fail because of one point or one vote, it wouldn’t matter how hard we worked or how good and clean our heart is; we wouldn’t get the certificate or seat. Are we failing with God? How can we be passing or our minds be good and clean if we are busy cutting and trimming what is most precious to God and messing the body up with jewelry? How can we get to heavens if we are criminals in God’s records; If not heavens who is going to save us after life?

If you want to cheat or mislead some you can do it by either becoming by force or violence. They are going to become your best friend or relative and build your trust. When your guard is down they strike. That is what the devil has done. All of the mankind believes that all you need is good clean heart to reach God. God say not so. People are made with God qualities; people want more God want more than just good clean heart.

Some quotes found on http://www.waheguru.ca

Giving up everything in hard times...

Have you ever felt so sick physically due to whatever reason - you felt so bad that you didn't care about anything else besides getting back to being well again? You didn't care about the things happening around you anymore; you didn't care about the stuff you spent hours on everyday; you didn't care about your job, your career, your house, your assets, etc. All your desires and the want for material things seemed to have disappeared? You would give up anything just to fell better again?

These days some hospitals have meditation rooms for the close ones of patients under treatment to pray. Usually these meditation rooms are full with people from different religions praying in their own ways but for a common purpose. All of them pray so that their close ones become better.

If only a person would stay in this state forever - the state a person enters when facing such adversity. We are ready to give up anything in such times of adversity; we plead before Him; we are ready to part with anything just to make our real ones feel better.

Why are we ready to give up everything when faced with such adversity? It is because during such times, we realize that all the stuff we are ready to give up has very less or no value compared to this precious life He gave us. We don't want to lose it.

If only we could remember this in our minds once we get out of these troubled times...

Useless Sikhs

kbIr swcw siqguru ikAw krY jau isKw mih cUk ]

kubeer saachaa sathigur kiaa kurai jo sikhaa mehi chook
Kabeer, what can the True Guru do, when His Sikhs are at fault?

AMDy eyk n lwgeI ijau bWsu bjweIAY PUk ]158]

andhae eaek n laagee jio baas bujaaeeai fook
The blind do not take in any of His Teachings; it is as useless as blowing into bamboo. ||158||

Limb 1372, Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

How can we call ourselves sikhs if we cut our hair/consume alcohol? (link - click me for more info)
How can we call ourselves sikhs is we dont wake up in the early hours to meditate? (link - click me for more info)
How can we call ourselves sikhs if we lie/cheat/steal or make another person unhappy?

A wise man once told me, Sikh's are like the farmer who has a candle and goes into the field at night but yet he still falls into the well. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the candle, the well is this world/maya - an illusion.....

Ksmu ivswir kIey rs Bog ]

khusum visaar keeeae rus bhog
Forgetting his Lord and Master, the mortal enjoys sensual pleasures;

qW qin auiT Kloey rog ]

thaa than outh khuloeae rog
then, disease rises up in his body.

mn AMDy kau imlY sjwie ]

mun andhae ko milai sujaae
The blind mortal receives his punishment.

vYd n Boly dwrU lwie ]2]

vaidh n bholae dhaaroo laae
O foolish doctor, don't give me medicine. ||2||

Limb 1256, Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Many times in Gurbani, Guru's or bhagats call us blind - how can this be when we have eyes? It means blind to God. We think that because we see things around us they are real, this is Gods game.


The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist!
[Devils Advocate]


In the same way the greatest test of God is asking us to put our faith into him when he never shows Himself, however his creation oozes a creators touch - next time your out, look at the tree's dancing in the wind or the water falling from the sky, God is ever present - all we need to do it open our eyes!

oh vaykhai onaa nadar na aavai bahutaa ayhu vidaan.

He watches over all, but none see Him. How wonderful this is!

Siri Japji Sahib (First Daily Prayer of the Sikhs)

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

-Reinhold Niebuhr

We often fight for the wrong things, while submitting to situations we should triumph in. The only way to know when to do what is ardaas/prayer. Ask for wisdom, and to act through Gurmat.

Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh ji

The Khalsa Will Be Forever Free!

Khalsa was created for all,
Let us answer the Guru's Call.
Guru Hargobind gave us power,
And strength in the darkest hour.

Our goal is to be God's true friend,
And serve him till the end.
Guru Amar Das, who taught by his humble example.
Guru Ram Das, who gave us the Golden Temple.

Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Gobind Singh.
Kneels but to one True King.
That is the King of Kings.
The goal is peace.
Then only is our soul released.

Let us learn a lesson from,
Guru Gobind Singh's four courageous Sons.
And remember the Five Beloved Ones.
Bless those who were cut limb to limb.
And gave their lives to only Him.

Women who offered no cry of complaint.
Who remembered those brave saints.
Bhai Fauja Singh had taken eleven bullets in the body.
And still said "Waheguru" and some asked how could thee?

We felt pain,
Again and Again.
But we will never forgive and forget,
Because it can't be forgotten in the rain.

Waheguru can travel through time and space.
From this place to that place.
May the Khalsa light the way for the whole human race.

Let the voice of Satguru,
Teach us how to get to Waheguru.
And we will reach our goals,
That is to clean our souls.

God has traveled all the lands.
Has blessed them with His hands.
But with grace our Takhats will stand.

If confidence is kept in thee.
The Khalsa will be forever free.

- Bhai Daljit Singh Grade 10 (1999)

Question & Answer: Bana!

Question:
i have a question for GuruKa Singh Veer Ji....
Oh Guruka SIngh, Well my question is well people often ask me... well what is the purpose of Bana in Sikhi... they often state "if Sikhi is practiced from the heart whats the whole dillio of the KHalsa Bana?? B/c even Guru nanak Dev ji was upset at the "Fake" holy men, and wrote about them in Asa Ki Vaar..." the people even tell me "Oh Growing your hair doesn't make you a better person... b/c i see people who keep their hair do just as bad things as the ones that dont' keep their Hair"...
so do you have an answer to tell these people, b/c i dont know what to tell them... i just say Guru Ji will tell you answer when you "Follow SIkhi with your Heart"

Answer:
Gurvinder Pal Singh Ji - Our bana makes us stand out in a crowd. We are instantly recognizable. Our bana forces us to the self awareness that we must be very consciously conscious of our words and actions, because we represent the image of our Gurus. It is both a self-discipline and also a signal to the world that we live as men and women who are committed to our values. One must be committed to be constant in bana. So our Guru has given us a very special gift.

Here is what Yogi Ji said about our bana:

"Bana is neither American nor it is Indian. I want to make it very clear. Bana is not a Punjabi dress, nor it is a U.P. dress, nor it is a South Indian dress, neither it comes from Sri Lanka, nor it comes from Canada, and neither Yogi Bhajan manufactured it. I just want to let you know. Bana comes from the concept and consciousness of Guru Gobind Singh himself.

Why I believe in it? I believe in it because at that time the humanity was so downtrodden, so rotten, so nothing. Tragedy of human life was so great, there was nothing to it. And I do believe at that time there were Pandits, there were scriptures, there were temples, there was puja, there was every facet of spiritual life practice available in India, and nothing worked. History guarantees it, confirms it, and makes us to read it.

Then, Guru Gobind Singh called a congregation on the day of Baisakhi. It is written in the records of the Imperial writer, that there were eighty to ninety thousand people there who came on his call alone. He also writes that the Guru asked for a sacrificial head... and he doesn't address us like Sikhs. He addressed us like... saags kootay... dogs. And he said he and his dog... 80,000 dogs he said... Sagay taavaa. He and his 80 to 85 thousand dogs gathered together to bark at the imperial forces. Well... that's how he writes. So he was not extremely friendly and compassionate, either. But he said that something strange happened, that this big dog asked the small dogs to give a sacrificial head and he said: "Some murmured and looked around. Some walked away, but one after the other, five got up. And each time a bleeding sword came out of the tent." And he said, "I was, myself, shocked, what this guy is doing. This... the Guru of these people." And he said, "After awhile I was shocked and amazed..." This is his writing, not mine... "That five people, totally alive, dressed by him in bana, came out." And he said, "That shook my total being inside, and I knew what he has done, it is going to tear up the imperial power."

That is why I know what bana did then, and I know humanity is not in a better condition now than then. And I do believe that what Guru Gobind Singh did, worked, and I do believe it will work now. To me, bana is not what I want to believe and I want to wear. But I know the time and the circumstances are coming so heavily, and humanity has to go through such a grind. I knew then, and I know it now, and I can say it for the future: We need people of that grit... that courage. And I agree with you scientifically, your stupid clothes -- in YOUR English now I am talking -- "A few stupid clothes are not going to make any difference." Well, a few stupid thoughts are not going to make any difference, either! Bana is going to be bana and it's going to be worn, and there's not going to be two opinions about it! And this seals the argument against and for it. A proven fact is that the father of this nation did something, and we cannot betray it because that worked, and we have to take advantage of it. We want it to work now.

Psychologically it has an advantage. And that is an interpretation. It may not be true. Therefore I take no responsibility about the truth of it. You can interpret it the way you want it. Psychologically when a person wears bana, how richly he can wear, how poorly he can wear, he becomes very lonely and extremely exclusive. Absolutely out of the window. Bana does that and I know it. And Guru Gobind Singh says that,

"Jab lag khalsa rahe niaaraa.
Tab lag tej dee-o meh saaraa.
Jab eh gahai bipran kee re!t.
Meh naa karo in kee parteet."

I will give divine radiance
to the Khalsa who will live as distinct.
But if they adopt the common ways, I will not satisfy them.

--Guru Gobind Singh, Sarab Loh Granth.

"I'll not give them any satisfaction if they follow the commoner."

And I have seen, understood, and thoroughly understand now, that bana is one thing which makes you totally exclusively separate from everything. It is very difficult to wear a bana and not think that you have to do something other than what you are doing. "Aashaa isht to paasanaa, kaan paan peraan." (Peraan is bana.) "Tusee katay ko ahhay miter pachaan." These three things must merge together to create the friendship."

.....G

Sikhs aren't punjabis!

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while now, but havent been near a computer when i had the "urge"!

Sikhi, although it originated in Panjab doesnt mean that all sikhs are punjabi. This is obvious from the 3HO movement, and the small but dedicated non-sikhs who have embraced sikhi saroop (identity) across the world.

It is important to distinguish between what is religion and what is culture - to mix the two is extremely bad for our spiritual well being, and we are portraying our religionly badly to other people by doing so.

( CLICK ME FOR BIGGER IMAGE)

First and foremostly we need to drop the caste from our names, be it using Sandhu/Bains/SHER GILL or whatever in your name - it promotes caste. This is one of the first things the founder of Sikhi criticised about the hindu culture. And our last Guru in worldy form was also against this as he gave us the names Singh and Kaur to use, simply to enforce that all sikhs are equal.

I'm not sure if many people know but from your last name, the older/wiser generation can determine your caste!! so the less we use it the better, it only costs £10 from UK courts to do this.

Jatt Pride has no place in sikhi, no one is better than anyone else because of their bloodline - it is only the actions of a person that determine a persons worth. Many Bhagats in Siri GUru Granth Sahib ji were of very low caste, Namdev was a Shudra and Bhagat Ravidaas was a chumaar (or another lowly caste) yet Guru ji saw that they were worth more than all the ego filled brahmins.

Another thing i'd like to touch on briefly is bhangra, bhangra is a great way to exercise and for this reason i believe it is ok to practice like the Western Sikhs do - however the lyrics in the majority of the songs are filthy. So for someone who see's their goal in life to achieve oneness with vaheguru/guru ji we need to stop these hippedy/hoppedy acts!

Racism on British Airways Flight

This took place on a BA flight between Johannesburg and London.

A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black man.

Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess.

"Madam, what is the matter," The hostess asked.

"You obviously do not see it then?" she responded. "You placed me next to a black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat."

"Be calm please," the hostess replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go to see if another place is available."

The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later.

"Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the economy class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is also no seat in the business class. All the same, we still have one place in the first class."

Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued: "It is not usual for Our company to permit someone from the economy class to sit in the first class. However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting."

She turned to the black man, and said, "Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in first class."

At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had just witnessed stood up and applauded.

Forgive me for the sins I am about to commit..

Over time as humans, we gain knowledge as to what is universally right and wrong.

To hurt another persons feelings is wrong, to improve another persons standard of life is good..
However, how often do we talk lowly of people? In Sikhism, this is called Nindia/Slandering.
Especially nindia of Gursikhs is extremely bad for our spiritual health.

When we talk about people we will say this person is all right, apart from....
then we mention one thing that we know/have heard about a person and that person is labelled as
"the flirt" "the snob" "the liar" "the thief"

but do we stop and think about all the good things in the person?
We really need to stop seeing the one bad thing in people, and highlighting it so to label the whole person as bad.

Everyone has good points, and to advance in this game of life we really need to focus on them. If we cant forgive or overlook someones bad points, then everytime you see them your anger/contempt will rise up. and the reason for this is hunkaar/pride...

Awps kau jo jwxY nIcw ]
aapus ko jo jaanai neechaa
One who sees himself as lowly,

soaU gnIAY sB qy aUcw ]
sooo guneeai subh thae oochaa
shall be accounted as the highest of all.

Ang 266 Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

We see ourselves as higher than these people, but do we look at our own lives? how many of us are perfect and have never commited a bad deed. I'm sure we all have embaressing things we've done and would wish to forget and maybe even pretend they never happened - but they did, they happen to everyone.

nw hm cMgy AwKIAh burw n idsY koie ]
naa hum chungae aakheeah buraa n dhisai koe
I am not called good, and I see none who are bad.

nwnk haumY mwrIAY scy jyhVw soie ]8]2]10]
naanuk houmai maareeai suchae jaehurraa soe
O Nanak, one who conquers and subdues his ego, becomes just like the True Lord. ||8||2||10||

Ang 1015 Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

I notice this most when people talk about certain Gursikhs, "yes they are a really good group of people, they keep sarbloh bibek, lots of naam abhiaas, never miss an amritvela, strong nitnem, but did you know..."

and this is where we falter, we need to hold our tongues. This can be very hard to do when we want to 'liven up a conversation' but not only are we harming ourselves but also anyone who is listening.

Manchester Keertan Smagam!!

I was just browsing the web and there is a programme in the U.K (Manchester) being broadcasted via the internet at:

http://www.gsghks.org.uk/

There are some really good keertanis attending including Bibi Harjit Kaur (Toronto), Bhai Manpreet Singh (India), Bhai Amolak Singh Ji (Australia) and Bhai Manjit Singh (Glasgow) has also arrived.

The Asa Kee Vaar programme starts tommorow at 3am in Manchester (more information on the website), and there will be keertan at the Gurudwara until 12pm (Friday).

Then on Saturday Asa Kee Vaar starts at 3am, and there is a rehansabai (All night keertan, until 5/6am) on the same day.

From my understanding they will be doing live broadcasts at the above address, so if you are unable to attend in person it would be really good to tune in!!

kljug mih kIrqnu prDwnw ]

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, The Kirtan of the Lord's Praises are most sublime and exalted!

gurmuiK jpIAY lwie iDAwnw ]

Become Gurmukh, chant and focus your meditation.

Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang: 1075

3rd Story From The Life of Bhai Rama Singh Ji

Forever Young, Bhai Rama Singh Jee

Waheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

I too was blessed to have had Bhai Rama Singh ji's sangat while I was in Southall. He loved the kids and the youth, he always came to our programmes and made everyone he met feel very special, like they were the only person in the world that mattered to him. He had the true light of Waheguru shining brightly in him and was a true Khalsa. I never thought of him as old , he was forever young , always smiling. He started the Waheguru kirtan programmes at 4am in Southall and 5.30 in hounslow. He got up in the early hours and did his amritvela, then made his way to Southall and Hounslow every morning. Just to see him in the sangat was SO inspiring. He was always at the kids camps - a beacon of light to all that were in darkness. I will miss him very much and can feel the tears welling up as I write this.

I remember meeting Harjot, like his grandson, who told me that Bhai Sahib was in hospital a few years ago and went into a coma. The doctors said there was no hope now and the family should prepare for the worst. Harjot and his father sat by his bedside day and night just praying. Miracle of miracles he came out of the coma and the Doctors couldn't believe it. Bhai Rama Singh ji told them his soul went to a
beautiful place and he thought it was time for him to leave the world. Then two Shaheed Singhs came and greeted hims with love and affection. They told him that he had done so much naam simran that few could match him, but it was not his time to go yet. They said that he had one thing left to do and that was to earn gareebi - spiritual poverty, to become as humble as the earth, then his life journey would be complete. Then they gave him divine amrit to drink and he drank it till he could drink no more. It completely rejuvinated him spiritually, mentally and physically. Harjot lived with Bhai Sahib and said he Bhai Rama Singh ji was so high on naam after that he didn't sleep for days.

I remember Bhai Rama Singh ji would always recommend to everyone he met to do 'joria dee seva' to clean the sangats shoes, to be humble. I think if anyone want s to show love for Bhai Rama Singh then that would have been his request - do joria dee seva , find humility and naam simran , make your life successful, have the true light of the Khalsa shining bright in you.

Waheguruji ka khalsa Waheguruji kee fateh!

Harjit Singh

2nd Story From The Life of Bhai Rama Singh Ji

My First Experience of Bhai Sahib, The Gursikh.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Payre jio, I remember many years ago, at a Khalsa camp in Bangor, wales. This was my first time that I had really met bhai sahib ji.I had just kept my kesh, and had a litttle dastaar on.

In the morning, the asa-di-var keertan was excellent. I remember thinking how i wish i could do keertan. I felt so unlucky at all my life being a mona, and never learning these things. As i was walking back to my room, in front of me on a grassy area, I saw bhai sahib with a waaja, with a young lad playing tabla. i knew bhai sahib was special, but never had the courage to go up to him and say anything. anyway, he called me over, to my surprise. I went over, and he told me to sit next to him, saying that he was going to teach me a shabad. He began teaching me a very simple shabad, but even this I could not pick up. Once he had taught me the shabad, he said start doing keertan. I was now feeling very uncomfortable, but he said do not worry, just close your eyes, and sing the shabad.

it was first time touching the waaja, so i was very nervous. But bhai sahib starting singing with me, we closed our eyes and started singing. My vioce was shaking, showing my nerviousness. Bhai sahib came closer, and put his hand on my back. This felt so reassuring, and eyes closed, we were doing keertan. For the first time, I felt so relaxed, and a cold breeze enters the mind.

After a while, when the shabad was finished, bhai sahib lifted his hand from my back, i opened my eyes. To my surprise, there was now about twenty-plus people sitting in front of us listening to the keertan. It suddenly dawned on me what I was doing. Feeling really embarrassed, me a nobody doing keertan, infront of these poeple. I quickly passed the waaja on to someone who I knew did keertan.

bhai sahib just smiled at me, then carried on singing with the keertan. that was the first time I witnessed what Bhai sahib was. It was like he knew what I was yearning for, and just gave it to me. Always the friendly smile. No commotion, just simplicity.

So many things happened at that khalsa camp with Bhai sahib, it was my first introduction to the world of these Gursikhs. Bhai sahib ji is azaad, but his worldly funeral is on Saturday week. I will attempt to relate one story everyday, and hope many others will do the same. maybe through these stories, it may inspire another to immerse themselves in Joorian de seva and bhagti, creating a new generation of Bhai sahib`s. You never know who guru maharaj will place his Grace on.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguruji ke fateh

Stories From The Life of Bhai Rama Singh Ji

A Celebration of Bhai sahib Ji's life

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Pyare jio, most people are now aware of the sad loss to the Guru Khalsa Panth of one of its sewaks, Bhai sahib Rama Singh ji. But however, he is has gone to a far superior place.

yesterday, Veer Harpreet singh wrote to me, that on the message board, inspirational stories on bhai sahib ji`s are being collated. I thought that was nice. Similarly this morning I have seen a few messages in my box of people writing about Bhai sahib.

If all the members and moderator of this forum do not mind, can we do the same here. It is not to do Ustat of bhai sahib, as this was something he was against.He always as per maryada, wished of only Ustat of Guru maharaj. So please when submitting e-mails, restrict from glorifying Bhai sahib, just stories of the message that he wished to share, and the pyar that he showed.

I hope this is fine, and agreeable with everyone. If a gursikh would like to take the seva of transferring messages from message board and egroup, aswell.

The one thing that really makes Gursikhs like Bhai sahib stand out, is that no-ones needs to do their ustat. they do not need titles like Mahaprush, bhramgyani, etc, neither a hoard of propoganda machine. Everyone just knows, it never needs to be mentioned. That is when you realise that that it is Guru Maharaj himself who is doing their Ustat, and this is the way it should be.

waheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguruji ke fateh

***********************

Everyday I'm going to post a story about Bhai Sahib ji, written by Jagjit Singh. They really are inspirational and give an insight as to how we should be living.

Say A Little Prayer

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Please say a small prayer for All Mothers and Fathers who are not with us.

And if you are lucky and your parents are with you, please love them every Moment of Your Life.


Story from Seoul:

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such an embarrassment.

My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell... anything for the money we needed, she was such an embarrassment.

There was this one day during elementary school. I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school..."Your mom only has one eye?!" and they taunted me.

I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time.

Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly. That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away.

Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so,I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty.

Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too.

Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom. This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!" ... It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on
me.

My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye. And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if he trying to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared.

Thank goodness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life.

Then a wave of relief came upon me...one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground.

But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me.

She wrote:

My son...

I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while?

I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion.

But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye.

As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did.

The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.'

I miss the times when you were still young around me.

I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me.

My world shattered!!!

Then I cried for the person who lived for me.

My MOTHER

I am not asking you guys to forward this email to anyone. Just pause for a moment and pray for our parents so that God gives them all the happiness that they rightfully deserve.......!!!!!

From ManvirSingh.Blogspot.com (i love this guy, i think im gonna ask to combine blogs!)

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ਸਾਰਗ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ਘਰੁ ੩ ਦੁਪਦਾ
saarang mehlaa 4, ghar 3 ,dupdaa
Saarang, Fourth Mehl, Third House, Du-Padas:

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik-oNkaar satgur parsaad.
One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

ਕਾਹੇ ਪੂਤ ਝਗਰਤ ਹਉ ਸੰਗਿ ਬਾਪ ॥
kaahay poot jhagrat ha-o sang baap.
O son, why do you argue with your father (for the sake of the worldly wealth and gain)?

ਜਿਨ ਕੇ ਜਣੇ ਬਡੀਰੇ ਤੁਮ ਹਉ ਤਿਨ ਸਿਉ ਝਗਰਤ ਪਾਪ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jin kay janay badeeray tum ha-o tin si-o jhagrat paap. 1 rahaa-o.
It is a sin to argue with the parents who gave you birth you and raised you (for the sake of wealth and gain). 1. Pause.

ਜਿਸੁ ਧਨ ਕਾ ਤੁਮ ਗਰਬੁ ਕਰਤ ਹਉ ਸੋ ਧਨੁ ਕਿਸਹਿ ਨ ਆਪ ॥
jis Dhan kaa tum garab karat ha-o so Dhan kiseh na aap.
O son! That wealth, which you are so proud of - that wealth does not (ever) belong to anyone.

ਖਿਨ ਮਹਿ ਛੋਡਿ ਜਾਇ ਬਿਖਿਆ ਰਸੁ ਤਉ ਲਾਗੈ ਪਛੁਤਾਪ ॥੧॥
khin meh chhod jaa-ay bikhi-aa ras ta-o laagai pachhutaap. 1.
In an instant, every person shall have to leave behind all their corrupt pleasures (at time of death); you shall be left to regret and repent (leaving all this). 1.

ਜੋ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਹੋਤੇ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਹਰਿ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਜਾਪਹੁ ਜਾਪ ॥
jo tumray parabh hotay su-aamee har tin kay jaapahu jaap.
O son! The God, who is your (and everyone's) Lord and Master - chant the Name of that Lord.

ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਕਰਤ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨ ਤੁਮ ਕਉ ਜਉ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਤਉ ਜਾਇ ਸੰਤਾਪ ॥੨॥੧॥੭॥
updays karat naanak jan tum ka-o ja-o sunhu ta-o jaa-ay santaap. 217
(O Son!) The servant Nanak who spreads the Teachings; if you listen to it (attentively), you shall be rid of your (inner) pain and misery. 2.1.7.

(Ang 1200, SGGS)

I am a liar

O Lord!
I am a liar
I have been lying for ages
I make promises that
I never keep
I say things
I never do
I tell others stuff
I never follow myself
I pretend to do things
I don't know myself

I promised to You
In my mother's womb
I will not waste
A moment of this life
Again I lied
As I have done
So many times in this strife

What shall you do with me
For I am such a fool
I am beyond repair
Please forgive me
For You are the Giver
And I am the taker

Meet your Meat

Click Me


Guru Ji's foresight is unbelievable yet again... please pass this on to friends.

How to do Simran.. Meditate on God

Daas feels very upset when ‘Amritdhari Gursikhs’ approach to me and ask ‘how do we do simran?’ Worst of all is when these Gursikhs have been Amritdhari for some time. Majority of the time Daas is led to believe it is not all their fault. Sikhi is a very spiritual religion, infact, probably the most spiritual religion ever created and ever to be created. However, how can we be spiritual and call ourselves Gursikhs without meditation (Simran).

Ik Pal Khin Visrehi Too(n) Suaamee Jaanao Baras Pachaasaa
If I were to forget You, for a moment, even for an instant, O Lord Master, it would be like fifty years for me.

Daas’ opinion is when Abhilaakees (Candidates for Amrit) go to take Amrit, it is the duty of the Panj Piaare (Five beloved ones) to teach these Gursikhs how to do Simran and the Panj Piaare should also be Jeevan vale Singhs, Abhiyaasee Singhs, (very spiritual). This is so they can inform the Abhilaakees about ups and downs that they may face in their lives, different stages of spirituality, Amritvela, Athai Pehar Simran (24 hours simran) etc, so, the Abhilaakees get a fine idea that the path they are going to tread on is not easy and it is the strict path of meditation, leading us in reunion with Vahiguroo again.

Daas is a firm believer in sharing Spiritual wisdom, as it improves our Jeevan (life) and someone else’s Jeevan aswell.

Aap Japo, Avraa Naam Japaavo
(Meditate yourself and inspire others to meditate).

HOW TO MEDITATE

If we have not been taught how to meditate by the Panj Piaare, Daas recommends one should go and present ourselves (pesh) to the five beloved ones, as they will teach us meditation. Daas know of one Jathebandee that carry’s out this type of practice, namely the Akhand Keertanee Jathaa, there may be more. All Panthik Panj Piaare should carry out this type of practice, for the upliftment of the Panth.

BASICS OF SIMRAN

First of all we meditate out loud using our lips and tongue, as you can imagine this type of practice can not be carried out 24 hours a day (Athai Pehar).

KhaR Dargaihi Painaaeeai Mukh Har Naam Nivaas
They are dressed in robes of honor in the Court of the Lord; the Name of the Lord
is on their lips. ||3||

Secondly comes Swaas Swaas Simran. This is what the five beloved ones teach us, even this practice becomes difficult do 24 hours a day, because of worldly affairs etc. Bhai Raghbir Singh Bir, in Bandginama, talks about this practice, he says, “When you say Vah you breathe in and when you say Guroo you breathe out”

Saahi Saahi Thujh Sunmulaa Kudhae Na Visaaraeo
With each and every breath, I dwell upon You; I shall never forget You.

Third comes meditating in the mind and contemplating the Shabad. So, basically listening to the Mantar and contemplating it at the same time, this can only be achieved through dedication and plenty practice. When we contemplate the Shabad we think about how beautiful Vahiguroo is and he created this beautiful creation, automatically ‘Vah Vah’ (Great, Great) comes out of our mouth; this naturally gives us Naam Ras, Prem Ras, Amrit Ras. Daas will write about this subject in depth later on. Now this is the time we can do Simran Athai Pehar (24 hours) without anyone knowing what is going on inside, but we are in total ecstasy, people will know there is something different about us but they will not know what, as their spirits will be attracted to ours without their body knowing. AURA ENERGY PRESENCE.


Gurmukh Man Samjhaaeeai Aatham Raam Beechaar
The Gurmukhs train their minds to contemplate the Lord, the Supreme Soul. ||2||

Then comes the fourth stage when the concentration of the Shabad goes in to the Dasam Duaar, this is an amazing stage because life becomes very easy and meditation carries on by itself in Sehaj (peace). We just accept Guroo Sahibs Bhaana (will) as sweet, our mind is not affected by any negative thoughts or actions at all just Anand and Sehaj (peace and poise) total contentment. The concentration has reached the crown Chakraa and there is no coming back down, total upliftment. This stage comes with Mahaaraj’s blessings and past Karam (deeds) plus plenty of Abhiyaas.


Hirdhae Pargaas Giaan Gur Gunmith Gagan Manddal Mehi Dhiaanaanaa
My heart is illuminated by spiritual wisdom; meeting the Guru, I meditate in the Sky of the Tenth Gate.


Oodh Kaval Jis Hoe Pargaasaa Tin Sarab Niranjan Deethaa Jeeo
Those, whose inverted lotus of the crown chakra is illuminated, see the Immaculate Lord everywhere.

Daas would just like to finish off by saying Simran in Sikhi is not about technique for meditation, it is about loving the Lord Vahiguroo and what he created.

- Abhiyaas.Blogspot.Com

Thoughts on World Aids Day & Guru's Rehat

When one takes Khande-di-Pahul (Amrit), a person makes a declaration that his or her allegiance is soley with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Guru Khalsa Panth.

Each and every person taking Amrit makes a vow. They promise to avoid and never commit four things, known as the Bajjar Kurehats. According to the Panthic 'Sikh Rehat Maryada', the undermentioned four transgressions (tabooed practices) must be avoided are:

1. ਕੇਸਾਂ ਦੀ ਬੇ-ਅਦਬੀ
Keshaa Di Be-adbi: Dishonouring the hair

2. ਕੁੱਠਾ ਖਾਣਾ
Kutha KhaaNa: Eating the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way

3. ਪਰ-ਇਸਤਰੀ ਜਾ ਪੁਰਸ਼ ਨਾਲ ਗਮਨ (ਭੋਗਣਾ)
Par Istri Ja Purash Naal Gaman (BhogNa): Cohabiting with a person other than one's spouse

4. ਤਮਾਕੂ ਦਾ ਵਰਤਣਾ
Tamaakoo Da Vartnaa: Using tobacco

So each person taking Amrit takes these four vows.

How amazing is the Guru? I cannot praise Him enough or understand His Glory!


What is eating the world away? Disease and illness of individauls and society!
Some of the diseases are physical, mental and spiritiual and extend from individuals to across society.

Blessed is the Guru's Sikh, who has taken Amrit, and follows the vow and promise he or she made to the Guru!
Blessed is the Guru's Sikh, who has taken Amrit, and honours their Rehat given by Guru Ji.
Blessed is the Guru's Sikh, who has taken Amrit, and escaped the illnesses of society, illnesses of the body, and illnesses of the soul by obeying the four vows he or she took.


Everywhere you look, television, newspapers and around university, you see VANITY, and MORE VANITY. In pursuing to please others, people have become 'OBSESSED' with their appearances and have become entangled in worldly fashions. More horrifying, is to see young children in primary school even putting make-up on their faces and wearing adult-like clothes. On the other hand, you see people who have nose studs, and piercings coming out left right centre from their face! Their is craze to DEFORM the body in the pursuit of fashion fads and trying to seek happiness. People are steering away from natural beauty, peace of spiritualism, and living harmony with the Creation and Creator.

O Guru Ke Pyaari'o, blessed is my Guru who asked His Sikh to never dishonour his hair, and remain in the GRACE and GLORY of the Creator, and to maintain and take care the gift of the body given by Waheguru. The Guru asked His Sikh who wishes to become His, to promise "I will dishonour my hair." That Sikh enjoys the practical bodily function of the hair on his or her body, which Waheguru implanted in nature. That Sikh uses the blessed hair to meditate on Waheguru, with and every hair vibrate Naam. That Sikh is honoured with a Graceful and Gloriful appearance of an ANGEL!

So Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free of becoming ungrateful of the gift of the body, and remain in spiritual, bodily and natural harmony and peace.


Many religions and traditions slaughter animals slowly and ritualistically, believing that this is the PURE and SANCTIFIED way of doing it.(?) Furthermore, certains religions believe that if someone has committed a terrible sin or wishes to thank God, then one should sacrifice an animal to God. Strange how the sacrifice is for God, but the PERSON and THEIR FAMILY end up eating the dead animal! How will God be pleased with people destroying and killing his creation in HIS NAME!? Ritually slaughtered animals are killed slowly so that their blood drains out of the body. In the name and grief the animal's heart beats so fast that blood pours out of the slits cut by the butcher. Due to the animal in prolonged PAIN and intentional SUFFERING, chemical toxins are let off in the animal.

People say, "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT"! Who would want to eat suffering and cruelty? I would rather be a carrot, piece of Saag, or Gobi, rather than be an abused Pig, Cow or Chicken (note: just to clarify, if don't follow along with the joke - i am reffering to the "you are what you eat")! However, blessed is my Guru, who given His Sikh the guiding principle to maintain a healthy body and refrain from those foods which cause harm to the body and mind, as the body is the temple of Waheguru.

ਬਾਬਾ ਹੋਰੁ ਖਾਣਾ ਖੁਸੀ ਖੁਆਰੁ ॥
baabaa hor khaaNaa khushee khuaar.
O Baba, the pleasures of other foods are false.

ਜਿਤੁ ਖਾਧੈ ਤਨੁ ਪੀੜੀਐ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jit khaaDhai tan peeReeai, man meh chaleh vikaar. 1. rahaa-o.
Eating which, is unhealthy for the body, and cause wickedness and corruption to enter into the mind. 1. Pause.

Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free from barbaric acts of butchery, and are free from health outbreaks caused by Western farmers who TORTURE animals and ABUSE them in animal factories (which is not better than the pain caused by Halaal/Kosher way of slaughtering) causing mad-cow disease, foot and mouth disease, bird flue, and other illnesses due to genetic modifcation of animals.


Today is 'World Aids Day'. Sadly, sexually transmitted diseases are the MAJOR KILLER of the world. Aids and HIV is the biggest diease of society in the modern world. More than 39 million people around the world are living with HIV – slightly more than the population of Poland. Nearly two-thirds of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the dramatic rise in cases among women is particularly evident. Women now account for nearly half all infected adults worldwide. The global HIV/Aids epidemic killed MORE THAN 3 MILLION people in 2004.

However, blessed is my Guru, who asked his beloved Sikh to promise "I will never co-habit or have a physical relationship with anyone other than my spouse."

Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free of this huge global epidemic and societal disease of sexual transmitted diseases.


Every year, around 114,000 tobacco smokers in the UK die as a result of their habit. Deaths caused by smoking are FIVE TIMES HIGHER than the 22,833 deaths arising from: road traffic accidents (3,439), other accidents (8,579), poisoning and overdose (881), alcoholic liver disease (5,121), murder and manslaughter (513), suicide (4,066), and HIV infection (234) in the UK during 2002. About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit. Smoking causes about 30% of all cancer deaths (including around 84% of lung cancer deaths), 17% of all heart disease deaths and at least 80% of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema. Furthemore, polls show that people underestimate the health risks of smoking and the effects of PASSIVE SMOKING.

However, blessed is my Guru, who asked his beloved Sikh to promise "I will never touch or go near tobacco and intoxicants."

Thanks to the Guru's Grace, the Guru's Sikhs, those who taken Amrit and made these promises are free from the addiction, cancers, and diseases caused by tobacco and intoxicants.


Amazing isn't it, how if one walks on the path of the Guru, the Guru saves them from what we would call today global diseases and illness, affecting the body, mind and undoubtedly the soul.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Piaare.


I think today on World Aids day we should reflect upon the wisdom given by our Guru and show appreciation to what we have been blessed with. And also as oppurtunity to pray for those who are less fortunate, are suffering from diseases and especially the families left behind to struggle along with life after one or more of the parents dies due to the disease. It is really sad. Rab Bhallaa Kare Sabhnaa Da!

One way of doing sewa (which is very simple and everyone can do it) is joining the 'Making Poverty Campaign'. They will send you emails and will send you template letters for various global issues to send to politicians. All you have to do is fill in your name, address and the name of your MP and press CLICK. So if you want to do that, the website is: http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/


Note: This post is not intended to cause offense to anyone. If it has then bhul chuk maaf.
extract from Manvir Singh's blog.