Baba Ranjit Singh Ji - Video Part 1

A video of Bhai Ranjeet Singh talking about how the Sikh panth is trying to put down their own people, rather than being happy that so many are getting initiated to the Sikh panth.

BC Sikhs Respond to Williams Lake Tragedy

Immediate action required from authorities; Community determined to rebuild Sikh Temple with faith and unity.

SURREY, BC – Representatives and volunteers of British Columbia’s Sikh schools, non-profit organizations, youth groups, and Gurdwaras gathered for a special emergency meeting at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar on Tuesday to discuss the BC Sikh community’s reaction to the arson attack on Gurdwara Sahib Western Singh Sabha in Williams Lake, BC on March 26. The suroop (body) of Guru Granth Sahib Jee (scripture and enlightener of Sikhs), that was present in the main hall of Gurdwara Sahib Western Singh Sabha was severely damaged by the fire and a cremation ceremony of the Guru Granth Sahib Jee will have to be done. This fact was the overwhelming cause of sadness and shock amongst the Gurdwara Sahib committee members, priests, and congregation that gathered for the meeting.

The Gurdwara Sahib building could be rebuilt in time, but the suroop (body) of the Guru Granth Sahib which was burned was devastating. Guru Granth Sahib Jee is the living light of God and the embodiment of the ten Gurus (Enlighteners) of Sikhism, from Guru Nanak Dev Jee to Guru Gobind Singh Jee. As such, the attack, in the eyes of the Sikh community, was not simply damage of property but attempted murder and assault on the living leader and teacher of the Sikhs.

The Sikh community of the Lower Mainland voiced their commitment to support the Williams Lake Sikh community in any way possible. Many individuals insisted that Gurdwara Sahibs across British Columbia, and for that matter anywhere in the world, should be equipped with a night-time security guard and 24-hour security surveillance technology, as well as alarm systems. Although reports confirm that Gurdwara Sahib Western Singh Sabha was equipped with a closed-circuit security camera, perhaps other measures could have stopped the attack.

The meeting attendants expressed their solidarity with the Williams Lake Sikh community to lobby the provincial government and the appropriate authorities to ensure justice, and more arrangements for protection of places of prayer and faith across British Columbia. Furthermore, the attendants planned to work together to raise media awareness of the gravity of the incident, not only on the basis of the arson attack on the building, but for the respect of Guru Granth Sahib Jee. It is therefore important for the media, public and courts to recognize Guru Granth Sahib Jee as the living enlightener of Sikhs, rather than a plain book as misinterpreted in most newspaper articles.

The meeting was adjourned with plans for a small group of Gurdwara representatives to visit Williams Lake this coming weekend, as well as a large united BC Sikh community gathering in Williams Lake in April, for the cremation ceremony of the suroop (body) of Guru Granth Sahib Jee.

- 30 -

Further press releases on behalf of the BC Sikh community will be issued from this source. For more information please visit the Sikh youth of BC website at http://www.bcsikhyouth.com or contact the Sikh youth of BC by e-mail sikhyouth@shaw.ca

You Give Off Such A Rotten Smell!

kwm k®oD iqRsnw ky lIny giq nhI eykY jwnI ]
kaam krodh thrisunaa kae leenae gath nehee eaekai jaanee
You are engrossed with unsatisfied sexual desire and unresolved anger; you do not know the State of the One Lord.

PUtI AwKY kCU n sUJY bUif mUey ibnu pwnI ]1]
foottee aakhai kushoo n soojhai boodd mooeae bin paanee
Your eyes are blinded, and you see nothing at all. You drown and die without water. ||1||

clq kq tyFy tyFy tyFy ]
chuluth kuth ttaetae ttaetae ttaetae
Why do you walk in that crooked, zig-zag way?

Asiq crm ibstw ky mUMdy durgMD hI ky byFy ]1] rhwau ]
asath churum bisuttaa kae moondhae dhurugundh hee kae baetae
You are nothing more than a bundle of bones, wrapped in skin, filled with manure; you give off such a rotten smell! ||1||Pause||

rwm n jphu kvn BRm BUly qum qy kwlu n dUry ]
raam n jupuhu kuvun bhrum bhoolae thum thae kaal n dhoorae
You do not meditate on the Lord. What doubts have confused and deluded you? Death is not far away from you!

Aink jqn kir iehu qnu rwKhu rhY AvsQw pUry ]2]
anik juthun kar eihu thun raakhuhu rehai avusuthaa poorae
Making all sorts of efforts, you manage to preserve this body, but it shall only survive until its time is up. ||2||

Awpn kIAw kCU n hovY ikAw ko krY prwnI ]
aapun keeaa kushoo n hovai kiaa ko kurai puraanee
By one's own efforts, nothing is done. What can the mere mortal accomplish?

jw iqsu BwvY siqguru BytY eyko nwmu bKwnI ]3]
jaa this bhaavai sathigur bhaettai eaeko naam bukhaanee
When it pleases the Lord, the mortal meets the True Guru, and chants the Name of the One Lord. ||3||

blUAw ky GrUAw mih bsqy Pulvq dyh AieAwny ]
bulooaa kae ghurooaa mehi busuthae fuluvuth dhaeh aeiaanae
You live in a house of sand, but you still puff up your body - you ignorant fool!

khu kbIr ijh rwmu n cyiqE bUfy bhuqu isAwny ]4]4]
kuhu kubeer jih raam n chaethiou booddae buhuth siaanae
Says Kabeer, those who do not remember the Lord may be very clever, but they still drown. ||4||4||

Limb 1123, Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

:(

Audio Track Here - Click Me

Story of King Janak

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

(Janakpur)

Bhai Gurdas Ji explains in his writings:

ਭਗਤ ਵਡਾ ਰਾਜਾ ਜਨਕ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਮਾਯਾ ਵਿਚ ਉਦਾਸੀ॥
bhagath vaddaa raajaa janak hai guramukh maayaa vich oudhaasee||
King Janak was a great saint who amidst maya remained indifferent to it.

ਦੇਵ ਲੋਕ ਨੋਂ ਚਲਿਆ ਗਣ ਗੰਧਰਬ ਸਭਾ ਸੁਖਵਾਸੀ॥
dhaev lok no(n) chaliaa gan ga(n)dhharab sabhaa sukhavaasee||
Along with gans and gandharvs (calestial musicians) he went to the abode of the gods.

ਜਮਪੁਰ ਗਇਆ ਪੁਕਾਰ ਸੁਣ ਵਿਲਲਾਵਨ ਜੀ ਨਰਕ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ॥
jamapur gaeiaa pukaar sun vilalaavan jee narak nivaasee||
From there, he, hearing the cries of inhabitants of hell, went to them.

ਧਰਮਰਾਇ ਨੋ ਆਖਿਓਨੁ ਸਭਨਾ ਦੀ ਕਰ ਬੰਦ ਖਲਾਸੀ॥
dhharamaraae no aakhioun sabhanaa dhee kar ba(n)dh khalaasee||
He asked the god of death, Dharamrai, to relieve all their suffering.

ਕਰੇ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਧਰਮਰਾਇ ਹਉ ਸੇਵਕ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ॥
karae baenathee dhharamaraae ho saevak t(h)aakur abinaasee||
Hearing this, the god of death told him he was a mere servant of the eternal Lord (and without His orders he could not liberate them).

ਗਹਿਣੇ ਧਰਿਅਨੁ ਇਕ ਨਾਉਂ ਪਾਪਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਕਰੈ ਨਿਰਜਾਸੀ॥
gehinae dhharian eik naaou(n) paapaa(n) naal karai nirajaasee||
Janak offered a part of his devotion and remembrance of the name of the Lord.

ਪਾਸੰਗ ਪਾਪ ਨ ਪੁਜਨੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਨਾਉਂ ਅਤੁਲ ਨ ਤੁਲਾਸੀ॥
paasa(n)g paap n pujanee guramukh naaou(n) athul n thulaasee||
All the sins of hell were found not equal even to the counterweight of balance.

ਨਰਕਹੁੰ ਛੁਟੇ ਜੀਆ ਜੰਤ ਕਟੀ ਗਲਹੁ ਸਿਲਕ ਜਮਫਾਸੀ॥
narakahu(n) shhuttae jeeaa ja(n)th kattee galahu silak jamafaasee||
In fact no balance can weigh the fruits of recitation and remembrance of the Lords name by the gurmukh.

ਮੁਕਤਿ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਨਾਵੈਂ ਕੀ ਦਾਸੀ ॥5॥
mukath jugath naavai(n) kee dhaasee ||a||
All the creatures got liberated from hell and the noose of death was cut. Liberation and the technique of attaining it are the servants of the name of the Lord.

There was once a great sage and his disciple. The sage send this disciple to the court of King Janak to learn how to meditate. The disciple did not want to go. Here he was, a Brahmin, a monk who had renounced the world. What could a King who was only a Kshatriya teach him. But since the master had ordered him he went. When he reached the court of the King, he saw the King living a very luxurious lifestyle. He was disgusted; a great condemnation arose in him. What could such a person have to teach a monk. He bowed to the king. King Janak saw his mental state and said that if he wanted he – the monk – could return the very next day. On this condition the monk agreed to stay the night.

King Janak took every care of the monk’s needs. After having him fed and washed he personally escorted the monk to the bedroom where he was to spend the night. As can be expected the bedroom was luxurious and comfortable. The monk got into bed and tried to sleep. Just then he saw hanging above him a sword suspended from above from a thin thread. The slightest touch of breeze and the sword could fall injuring or even killing him.

The monk spent the entire night in a state of fear and extreme alertness since he knew that if he stopped being watchful for even a moment he might lose his life.
The next morning King Janak asked the monk if he had spent a comfortable night. The monk grew indignant and asked what was the meaning of having him sleep under a naked sward. He said that he had not slept the whole night despite being very tired from his long journey.

King Janak replied that this was exactly the lesson on how to meditate that he had wanted the monk to learn. The monk had to be alert and aware the whole night. It was a matter of life and death to him. This was the teaching of King Janak. King Janak said that despite living in luxury and all else he remained aware of the sword hanging over his head. The sword was invisible, but it was very real. It was his own impending death. Since King Janak kept the awareness of death in his mind, he was able to stay detached from his luxurious lifestyle. He knew that it could end any moment; that in fact it would inevitably end one day. In this manner he lived in the palace and yet was a hermit.

This is exactly the attitude to be brought when we are learning how to meditate or to life itself. You can remain unaware if you think that you will live forever. But how can you be unaware when you know that life can end any moment. You will be constantly aware – on your guard.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Thank God For Pain

A Singh was laying on his bed,
He tried to turn over,
but for
a sharp pain in his leg,
At first he scorned, cursed and swore
but then he thought
"Thank You that the pain I feel is not more".............






When we have a toothache or a bodily ache or pain, do we ever stop and think

"The amount of pain I am feeling is nothing compared to the amount of pain I COULD be feeling?"

In this way maybe, just maybe, we should be thankful when we are in pain that everything else is working properly :)

Shastar Naam Mala - Rosary Of Weapons

This Bani was composed by our 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji.

Literally translating to 'string of weapons', this is a comprehensive list of weapons used in battle and covers many verses. Many names of weapons are given in addition to references of great warriors (historical and mythological) who wealded them. Many weapons that were in their infancy at the time of the Guru, such as cannons and rifles, are also mentioned.

"Firstly Thou createst the world, and then the Paths; then Thou createst the disputes and also help them"

To Download Audio - Click Here

English Translation - Click Here

All Dasam Guru Durbar Bani's Here

Sikh Reality - The Toronto Perspective

Indo- Canadian Reality

BY PUNEET PARHAR
WINNER-YOUTH CATEGORY

I grew up with, played with, studied with, partied with, rebelled with, snuck out with, lied with, sympathized with, adolescented with,

will go to university with, gain my reputation with, acquire professional power with, get married with, have children with, gossip with, then as now, with,

the confused minds of my Indo-Canadian generation,

who, dressed in bright orange, pink, yellow, green, full length Indian suits, played cabbage patch doll at family parties, in front of uncles and aunties, serving spicy tea and playing coy during the day.

who, dressed in the latest backless, braless, bright, Parasuco tops and curvy leather mini skirts, unleashed their wild inner Barbie girls at night, swaying, displaying,

who, at 18, has known since days spent playing with little pink dolls, that she must be at once an intelligent, ambitious engineering student at MIT and a head bowing, tea serving, dinner making, husband pleasing, child rearing, incarnation of Aishwariya Rai herself, that goddess of Bollywood movies and fantasies of sexually charged adolescent males and their lost-in-the-clouds mothers,

who spend countless hours raging, pleading, fighting, and engaging in futile efforts to convince parents, descendants of an ancient civilization which bore dance masters, painting gurus, philosophic geniuses, famous poets, which invented the arts, to let them pursue dreams to paint, to act, to write

who must resign themselves to ties, stethoscopes, briefcases, careers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, which strangle, choke, suffocate them,

who are told to be MEN, not to cry, but never to argue, never to stand up to their fathers, never to disobey their mothers,

who go to McDonald's with friends, but can eat nothing, no meat, no hamburgers, no fries fried in the oil which fries the meat,

who leave the house to party with friends at 8 p.m. but must be home for curfew at 9:30 p.m.

who, shopping at Square One with their mothers, forbidden from tight fitting clothes, doomed to outfits two sizes too big, smuggle in tank tops low waist jeans strapless bras stuffed inside textbooks hidden at the bottom of bags disguised as gifts for friends

who live out their romances at Central, Streetsville, Meadowvale libraries, cell phones in hand, meeting the boys in BMWs, decked out in Ecko, Phatfarm, Nike, making excuses to their scolding mothers, sighing at the relief when the phone finally clicks, another two hours before the next phone call, the next lie,

who, Khandas hanging from their necks, claiming Sikh pride, their bulging mothers dragging them to the temple by the ear, whip out their cell phones in the lobby, smoke their cigarettes in the back, holler at the good Sikh girls they'll be meeting later at 108, or Calypso or Berlin in Brampton,

who sit at family parties bearing the scrutiny of potential mothers in law who pinch arms to check for fat while shoving snack after snack, meal after meal in their faces, mistaking girls with short haircuts for boys,

who chase after Indian girls, looking up skirts, slapping tight asses, pimping, macking, harassing, but refusing to respect, refusing to take home, refusing to marry,

who, brimming with anger beat the white kids, the white cops, the way their drunken fathers beat them,

who are given scotch on their fifth birthday, pass out drunkenly on the porch at family gatherings, crash brand new Mercedes-Benz' every three months,

who, after countless stabbings backups shootings run ins with cracked beer bottles take pride in the scars running down their backs along their arms across their cheeks, continuing the violence, the same scars stripped across their fathers' bodies as if they were born branded, Sikh, Punjabi, fists for life this life that life the one before it the one after it,

who are ill fated to marry only Indians, only Punjabis, only Sikhs,

who must give up their Chinese girlfriends black boyfriends for husbands scanned versions of their fathers for wives printed versions of their mothers after one date one meeting one engagement ceremony,

who are linked, fianceed, married off, by caveparents who sit night after night at the computer, on the web, searching through arranged marriage personals advertising daughters as slim almond eyed quiet obedient excellent cooks,

who hate each other, he said she said they did oh my god did you see the gossip insecurity oho aha Monika Deol Much VJ slut drag her down back down all the way down,

who, turbaned marked with Sikh pride know nothing of gurus eternal truths religious principles misunderstood cut their hair throw away turbans pick up diamond studded playboy bunnies,

who live Bollywood lives only two characters; Singhs, translation: lions, constantly growling fighting, proving staking out territory Brampton crew Malton boys Rexdale thugs ignored by rejected by eventually married off to Kaurs meaning: princess,

who wish all people Blacks Whites Chinese were Indians just like them Arabs Persians Pakistanis all the same as us all Brown

who, singin bling blingin drive Lexuses, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzs, operate out of 100,000 square foot homes, life is money money is life spirituality what deeper meanings what callings what love what cash yes cheques yes diamonds YES!

who, failures the legacy of the American dream parents who slaved day and night, counted every penny sacrificied fun life spending for children a better life better education high class jobs, 21 years old still in high school no pencils no books no grades failures

who never reach adulthood in their parents' eyes, remain children incapable of picking their own clothes, their own husbands, their own homes, even at 37 years of age incapable of making their own decisions,

who, I'm sorry to say I'll grow old with, have children with, continue the cycle with, sorry for you, sorry for me, sorry for them, confusion, confusion, confusion.

Sikh Punjabi

My name is Puneet Parhar. I am an 18-year-old student currently attending Clarkson Secondary School. I wrote this poem after being introduced to Allen Ginsberg's "Howl." This is my Howl.

Link to News Article

R4G Announcement - March 2006

**(this post is a sticky! new posts may be added underneath it!)**

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

Over the past two years the Sikh Community has successfully united to stop the abuse of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh Principles, with a greater awareness being spread across the UK about such issues.

To date over 80 Anand Karaj's (Sikh Wedding ceremonies) have been re-arranged from hotels, banqueting suites, clubs etc to Gurdwaras, thus maintaining full respect of Sri GuruGranth Sahib Ji. Guru Ji has blessed all those involved in resolving these situations.

The unity of the Sangat was most transparent with the much publicised Royal Lancaster London & Hilton Hotel Blackpool incidents, in 2005. This unity has grown very rapidly showing the strong feeling of Sikhs across the UK regarding current disrespect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

We implore the Sangat to continue being vigilant and act on issues of abuse towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikh Principles effectively. We must each take individual responsibility to ensure that disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji ends.

The UK Sikh Community request those who are planning to conduct an the Sikh wedding ceremony in a hotel, club, banqueting suite, etc, to re-arrange to a Gurdwara Sahib and maintain the respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

If any advice is required in relation to making alternative arrangements, please contact 07944 445651 or email: sikhalerts@yahoo.co.uk. So far, this year, 5 Sikh Wedding Ceremonies have been successfully re-arranged to Gurdwaras.

Previously a minority of Gurdwara committees and Granthis (Sikh Priests) exploited the fact that many within the UK Sikh Community were unaware of the Hukamnama from Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Now those same Gurdwara committees and Granthis need to take note that awareness has increased dramatically and they will be solely responsible for misinforming and manipulating families and will receive an ill repute within the Sikh Community.

Taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to a hotel or any such establishment where meat, alcohol & tobacco are served is a sacrilegious act, totally in contradiction to the teachings of our Gurus and edicts from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

With increasing wakefulness of this issue, the UK Sikh Community will contribute in resolves that maintain the honour and prestige of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, our eternal Guru and take a leading role within the Global Sikh Community.

GurFateh
--------------------
Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign

07944 445651
sikhalerts@yahoo.co.uk

www.GuruGranthSahibJi.com
www.SikhDreamWeddings.co.uk

SIKH FEDERATION (UK) SLAMS FOOLISH COMMENTS BY JOSH

SIKH FEDERATION (UK)
PRESS RELEASESunday 19 March 2006

SIKH FEDERATION (UK) SLAMS FOOLISH COMMENTS BY JOSH

At the weekend it was reported that Harcharan Singh Josh the newly appointed member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) had described Sikhs as part and parcel of Hindus. Immediately upon learning of his comments the Sikh Federation (UK) slammed his comments as totally irresponsible. In a radio broadcast and through a press release the Federation urged Sikhs in Panjab in positions of responsibility to take united action to ensure Josh apologised, withdrew his comments and to consider if he should be forced to step down from his position as he appears to lack all knowledge to represent Sikhs.

Josh a former general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and a close confidant of Sanjay Gandhi stated that it was only a turban that distinguished a Sikh from a Hindu. He claimed that the Sikhs came from the same 'Hindu culture' and they should admit this fact gracefully. ''Guru Gobind Singh sacrificed for whom?'' he asked. He said the Sikhs should not deny the facts that they were baptised to protect the Hindus - their brethren - from the Mughal tyranny.

A Federation spokesman said: "It is widely acknowledged that the Sikhs have a distinct and separate identity and any Sikh that refuses to accept this demonstrates he lacks the knowledge and ability to represent the Sikhs on the likes of the National Commission for Minorities."

A Federation spokesman said: "We are aware the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, the SGPC President, Avtar Singh Makkar and Tarlochan Singh the former Chairman of the NCM, have all condemned Josh's statements. We are also aware that Josh met with Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and the SGPC chief yesterday and now both have announced that they will not hold any more meetings with Josh until he withdraws his controversial statements.

The SGPC chief said Josh was nominated as a member of the Sikh community and his "irresponsible statement" amounted to his disqualification. He said Josh's statement showed that he wanted to watch the interests of the majority community instead of the minority.

Tarlochan Singh, former Chairman of the NCM, said Josh must understand that the Sikhs have a separate religion and identity. He said he had now moved the Lok Sabha to amend Article 25 of the Indian Constitution that equated Sikhs with Hindus.

A Federation spokesman said: "If Josh fails to apologise and withdraw his statement he will be making a mockery of the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti and the SGPC President. In these circumstances Josh should be forced to resign from his position on the NCM and be replaced by a Sikh who knows what he is talking about."

Gurjeet Singh
National Press Secretary
Sikh Federation (UK)

Sikh Youth Conference Uk 2006, Wednesday 5th April 2006

Event Title: Sikhs in the UK: FACT FICTION AND FUTURE
Event Date: April 5, 2006
Event Type: Single Day Event

Sikhs in the UK: FACT FICTION AND FUTURE - Conference 2006

The Sikh Human Rights Group (SHRG) and the British Organisation of Sikh Students (BOSS) present a one day conference on issues affecting the Sikhs in the United Kingdom. A day of lectures and seminars will be presented by eminent and impressive Sikh academics, human rights activists and lawyers. The conference aims to examine and highlight the current issues affecting the Sikhs in the United Kingdom and the impact of global issues on the Sikh Diaspora, security, religious freedom, employment and misconceptions about Sikhs.

Graduate /undergraduates these issues affect you - so make your voice heard! The conference is open to all individuals, faiths, communities and organisations. Those with a particular interest in issues affecting Sikhs are especially welcome to attend.

Date: Wednesday 5th April 2006
Time: 10:30am – 5:30pm (Tea and refreshments will be provided for).
Venue: Imperial College, Sir Alexander Fleming Building (No. 5 on the Campus map).

Nearest tube South Kensington

Key note speakers will include;
* Professor Gurharpal - Department of Theology, Birmingham University
* Professor Arvind pal Singh Mandair - Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Hofstra University, USA)
* Manjit Singh Gill – Barrister and leading Queens Counsel
* Dr Jasdev Singh Rai - Director of the Sikh Human Rights Group
* Key note speakers from BOSS.

The lectures will cover key topical issues such as Legal invisibility: Sikhs and the law, The Panth in a global world, Facts, fiction and reality of the Sikh Community in the UK, Challenges and Opportunities.

This conference will act as a focus for debate over the issues and concerns affecting the Sikhs and wider Sikh community.

For more information contact 07971602159 – Whilst the conference is free please register for a full time table and information pack at sikh_conference_2006@yahoo.co.uk
www.boss-uk.org
www.shrg.net

Fresh Appeal over Gurdwara Attack

Police have made fresh appeal for help in identifying this man who is believed to be behind an arson attack on a Sikh temple in Bristol in which a priest was sleeping. Detectives said a man was seen to pour petrol outside the temple in Fishponds Road and set light to it in the early hours of December 10.

An image of the prime suspect was caught on a closed circuit TV camera.

He was seen buying petrol at a nearby filling station less than half an hour before the attack.




He is believed to have poured it at the door of the temple and set fire to it.

A priest was sleeping in the temple at the time but escaped unharmed.

The fire was quickly extinguished by fire crews and little damage was caused.

But police are treating the incident as a race hate crime and are determined to catch the culprit. The arson attack was recorded on the temple's CCTV camera.

Manjit Singh, general secretary of the 300-member temple, said it was the first time such an attack had been made on the building in 30 years.

He said at the time: "It was a good thing that someone called the fire brigade before the fire could take hold."

Mr Singh could not understand why anyone would want to attack the temple, one of four in Bristol.

"Sikhs are a peaceful people. We never do anything to harm this country, " he said.

He believed that the temple had possibly been mistaken for a mosque and the arsonist may have started the fire in retribution for the terrorist attacks on the London underground.

Mr Singh said: "We always condemn terrorism and attacks on people of any faith. We fought for the British in the 20th century. Sikhs made big sacrifices in the first and second world wars."

Police said that the offender was seen to go into the Esso service station on Muller Road at 3.50am on December 9 and buy petrol in a jerry can before walking off.

Then at 4.19am on December 10 the man was seen pouring petrol outside the temple and setting fire to a small area near to the front of the building.

He was white and in his mid-20s, with dark, receding hair.

He was wearing a black coat with a Stone Island motif on the arm and ripped denim jeans.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

Khalsa Talks - London

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

Khalsa Talks is a series of genuinely inspiring & informative talks on the essence of the Sikh faith.
Lasting just 4 hours, you will have the chance to listen to 2 talks and have your questions answered.

Khalsa Talks in London -
Sat 25 March 2006, 1pm - 5pm

Topics:
Talk 1: A World of Maya
Talk 2: Unique Sikhi
Q&A: Open Forum


At: Kings College London
Lecture Theatre 1,
New Hunt's House
Guy's Campus,
London,
SE1 1UL


Nearest Tube/Railway station: London Bridge (Northern/Jubaliee Line and National Rail)

Khalsa Talks are taking place acoss the UK and Seats are limited due to there popularity and high demand we would ask you to please register and reserve your place today via the Khalsa Talks website www.khalsatalks.com
Direct Link to register click here.

Food and refreshments will be provided.
REGISTER NOW! www.KhalsaTalks.com

Hola Mohalla Rainsbai Kirtan in memory of Bhai Ram Singh Jee of AKJ (international) will take place in the evening in Southall

Sat 25 Mar 2006
7pm - 5am

www.akj.org.uk

Singh Sabha Gurdwara
2-8 Park Avenue
SOUTHALL
UB1 3AG

Sangats from the talk will be travelling to Southall to Rainsbai.

More info:
www.khalsatalks.com
email: contact@sweetsikhi.com

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

-- On Behalf of: London and Home Counties Sikh Societies contact: boss@khalsa.com
Subscribe to mailing list: sikhsoc@gmail.com

Amu (U.K Premiere)

Shonali Bose—India—2005—102m—35mm—drama

In English, Bengali, Hindi and Punjabi with English subtitles

AMU begins with the everyday dilemmas of a young Indian-American, Kaju, returning to the "foreignness" of her Indian homeland. Like an approaching thunderstorm, the film gathers a potent political charge as Kaju begins to question her past and realizes how her own privileged life in America was born out of communal violence in India. After Prime Minister Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards in 1984, carnage erupted in the streets of Delhi. More than four thousand Sikhs were killed in three days.

Writer-director Shonali Bose was a student in Delhi during those days. She worked in the relief camps set up after the massacre, writing down the stories of those who survived. Bose brings to the flashback scenes in AMU the intense impact of first-hand experience. AMU is powered by a sense of outrage still felt today. The film makes a strong case that this massacre was not spontaneous but planned, and depicts politicians and police who were involved but went unpunished. Kaju's questions produce difficult answers that force her to face the truth of India's history - and her own. [For more information on this film's Education Screening, please visit our Special Events page.]

Distributor: Emerging Pictures www.emergingpictures.com

SHOWTIMES:

Friday, 17 March 21.00, Ritzy, filmmaker present (tbc)

Sunday, 19 March 18.30, Greenwich

Saturday, 25 March 18.30, Clapham

Co-presented with Tongues on Fire Film Festival www.tonguesonfire.com

--
On Behalf of:
London and Home Counties Sikh Societies
contact: boss@khalsa.com
Subscribe to mailing list: sikhsoc@gmail.com

Bhai Joga Ji

Here is another Sakhi, of Bhai Joga Singh jee... who out of his love for the Guru dedicated his entire life to Guru. In return, Guru always looked after him...

Joga as a young boy of maybe about 15 came to Guru Gobind Singh Mahaaraj’s darbar. He was so overcome on seeing Satguru ji and Guru Sahib asked “who are you?” He replied “I am Joga” Guru Sahib asked “tu kehda Joga” (who’s joga are you i.e. who are you worthy of?) Joga replied “Mein tera Joga Guru ji, Guru ji mein tere joga” i.e. I am yours/ I am worthy of you; Satguru ji replied, “tu mera Joga, Mein tere joga”. Guru ji asked Joga to stay with Him and become part of the Khalsa thus he became known as Bhai Joga Singh.

Love grew between Guru ji and Sikh and Bhai Joga Singh loved being with Guru Sahib.Several years passed and Bhai Joga Singh’s parents came to take him home, they thought he should now be married as he had come of age. They went to ask permission from Guru Sahib to take him back home and Guru ji gave the go ahead on the condition that Bhai Joga Singh was to return whenever he was asked, he would be called when he Khalsa needed him regardless of where he was and what he was doing he should come. They agreed to this and headed off back to his village.

So the wedding preparations began and sure enough the wedding day itself arrived.During the ceremony, only two of the lavaan had been completed when a messenger from Guru Sahib arrived and presented Bhai Joga Singh with a letter requesting that he return as he was needed by the Khalsa. His family pleaded with him that he stay and at least complete the lavaan as Guru Ji had gave him permission to leave to get married; Bhai Joga Singh was adamant that he would go back to Guru Sahib as nothing was more important than his Guru.

On the way back to Anandpur Sahib he thought to himself how cool he was, how no one else would leave their own marriage just like that, no sooner had he had this thought when he became enticed by a prostitute. He rode towards her house and contemplated the thought of entering. As he was the physical image of the Khalsa, of Guru ji, he thought he would bring great shame to Guru Sahib if he was seen entering the house. On tying to enter he came across a guard standing there so he paused and backed away, he tried four times to enter the building but could not get past the guard seeing him. He realised how weak he was being and rode back to Guru ji.

On entering the divaan he payed his respects to Guru Sahib and heard the sangat commenting on how tired Guru Ji looked. Guru ji asked Bhai Joga to explain where he was last night, as the incident unfolded Guru ji revealed that He Himslef was the guard, and that They were there to stop Bhai Joga Singh from entering and sinning.Bhai Joga Singh fell at Guru ji’s charan and begged for forgiveness. Guru Sahib reminded him of what he had said before, “'Guru Ji mein tere joga” (I am worthy only of You Guru ji). Guru Sahib said “because you belong to me - I belong to you Bhai Joga ji, I belong to you! Mein tere joga!”

Such are the ways of the Master. Once we put our complete faith in him, he does not abandon us.

The Guru confirms:

"So long as the Khalsa retains identity, I will bestow to them full glory; but the moment they adopt Brahmanical ways, I will not protect them."
(Guru Gobind Singh)

Source : SikhSangat.com

Holla Mohalla Significance - better late than never!

HOLA MAHALLA

Holla Mahalla - March 15th

Holi is a festival celebrating the victory of the Saint Prahlaad over his evil aunt Holika who tried to burn him alive with order of Harnakaash. However the reasoning behind this festival had long been forgotten, even during the time of the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, it had become a meaningless day of throwing colour on each other. Guru Gobind Singh Ji ordered that his Khalsa would not celebrate Holi and instead introduced the tradition of HOLA MAHALLA. The literal meaning of Hola Mahalla is military exercises or manoeuvres.
Hola Mahalla was celebrated for the first time in the year after the birth of the Khalsa, 1700 AD and from then on has been celebrated every year in the fields of the Holgarh Fort at Anandpur Sahib.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji wanted to make his Khalsa army into a superior fighting force and so asked his followers to come together to have mock battles at the fort of Holgarh to learn the necessary fighting tactics that they would need in a real battle. The Khalsa armies would demonstrate their skills of horsemanship, soldiery, swordsmanship and archery. Each year thousands of Sikhs including large numbers of Nihang Singhs gather at Anandpur Sahib and take part in the procession from the fort of Holgarh to the fort of Fatehgarh. Fighting skills such as Gatka, Archery and Horsemanship are demonstrated as well as more modern sports
Gurbani points the true meaning of Holi :

|| laal rang tis ka-o lagaa jis kay vadbhaagaa. mailaa kaday na hova-ee nah laagai daagaa || (Ang 808 SGGS)
One is dyed in the color of the Lord's Love, by great good fortune. This color is never muddied; no stain ever sticks to it. ||1||
About Holi, Gurbani says

|| aaj hamaarai garihi basant. gun gaa-ay parabh tumH bay-ant ||1|| rahaa-o||
Today, it is springtime in my household. I sing Your Glorious Praises, O Infinite Lord God. ||1||Pause||

|| aaj hamaarai banay faag. parabh sangee mil khaylan laag ||
Today, I am celebrating the festival of Phalgun. Joining with God's companions, I have begun to play.

|| holee keenee sant sayv. rang laagaa at laal dayv. ||2||
I celebrate the festival of Holi by serving the Saints. I am imbued with the deep crimson color of the Lord's Divine Love. ||2||

|| man tan ma-uli-o at anoop. sookai naahee chhaav Dhoop.
saglee rootee hari-aa ho-ay. sad basant gur milay dayv. ||3|| (Ang 1180 SGGS)
My mind and body have blossomed forth, in utter, incomparable beauty. They do not dry out in either sunshine or shade; they flourish in all seasons. It is always springtime, when I meet with the Divine Guru. ||3||

Guruji knew that His Sikhs lived in a Society where Holi is celebrated with gusto. Guruji instructed His Sikhs what the true meaning of Holi should be. Rather than wasting time coloring each other externally we should concentrate on coloring our Souls with the True name of Waheguruji.

SIGNIFICANCE OF HOLA MAHALLA
Guru Gobind Singh Ji had a marvellous foresight; he wanted his Sikhs to have a strong soul, which we achieve by our prayers. He also wanted us to be physically fit and have a disciplined life and Hola can be taken as a symbol or a day, which would remind us that Sikhs need to be physically fit also.
Also, Guru Patshaah wanted us to seek for active forms of entertainment. When one is involved in horsemanship, soldiery, swordsmanship and archery or any other form of sport of today we are actively involved in it unlike the passive forms of entertainment like watching television, playing computer games.
Physical fitness flows from discipline skills. These skills include the ability to organize our life to meet our basic needs adequately, rest, diet, health, hygiene, exercise, reading, prayer, etc. It will help if we draw up an action programme for the acquisition of self-discipline skills. Two important moments of the day are when we get up in the morning and when we go to sleep. In the morning, when we are fresh from sleep, we can resolve to practice this self-discipline and at night we can ask ourselves an account of how have we practised them. Then we may resolve for the following day and go on disciplining ourselves.
Of course, some of you who are reading this are already doing all these because you are at a higher level of functioning and are trying to actualize your potential but this is just a humble effort to share some of my views with all of you.
For Sikhs this is what HOLA day signifies, to make our self externally and internally strong and not by merely wasting our life doing things that bear no fruits.

So, let all of us try to be Victorious by overcoming our evils, our own enemies Kaam, Krodh, Lob, Moh & Aanhkar.

|| kaam kroDh lobh moh jeetahu aisee khayl har pi-aaree|| (Ang 1185 SGGS)
Conquer sexual desire, anger, greed and worldly attachment; only such a game as this is dear to the Lord.

|| janam padaarath jin chali-aa naanak aa-i-aa so parvaan thi-aa. || (Ang 1007 SGGS)
Those who depart after having been victorious in this priceless human life - O Nanak, their coming into the world is approved.

Courtesy: discoversikhi.com

Habits..

Quick note,

We all have many habits from sucking our thumbs, to picking our noses. We do these things "automatically", without thinking - it's become part of our nature.

To make something part of our nature we must intially spend alot of time doing that thing.

Taking the example of Simran (vaheguru, vaheguru, meditation on God), at first to be able to do it 24/7 we must spend time doing it. Starting with 10 mins of quiet time everyday, slowly building up to 1/2 hours in the morning.

soeI ibDwqw iKnu iKnu jpIAY ]
soee bidhaathaa khin khin jupeeai
Each and every instant, meditate on that Creator Lord.

ijsu ismrq Avgux siB FkIAY ]
jis simuruth avugun sabh tukeeai
Meditating in remembrance on Him, all faults and mistakes are covered.

The more we do, the more our body/mind will become used to it. Eventually it will just be our nature, it'll happen without us even thinking about it.

But first, we gotta put in the intial effort!

Here is a mp3 of the shabd above, Click Me.

The Shabd on SikhiToTheMax

and anyone who still sucks their thumb and is able to read this should stop!

Smell of God

A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery. Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news. That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new da ughter, Dana Lu Blessing. At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature. Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs. "I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could."There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one." Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived. She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on. "No! No!" was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four. Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away. But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous s ystem wasessentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love. All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.

There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger. But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there. At last, when Dana turned two months old, her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. Andtwo months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.

Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life. She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.

One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving, Texas, Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing. As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent. Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?" Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, "Yes, it smells like rain." Dana closed her eyes and again asked, "Do yo u smell that?" Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain."Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, "No, it smells like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest." Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along.

During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.

http://www.raminderk.blogspot.com/

Old Age Spares None

Was talking to a colleague this morning about diet. He's older than me. He mentioned now that he is getting old, the metabolism rate of his body is decreasing fast and henceforth, he needs to start eating less than he used to if he wants his weight to remain constant. Later on in the day, after lunch and dinner, I realized too that my metabolism rate has declined dramatically over the years. I can eat only half as much as I could about 10-15 years back and then also I feel that I over eat many times. Age is catching up fast.

It is really dawning upon me now (seeing myself and others) that age doesn't spare anybody, irrespective of how healthy they might appear to be or much exercise they do. No amount of cosmetics, surgery, exercise and diet control can fully hide the stuff inside the body. Everybody knows this from inside. Still the rate of desires, lust, greed, anger and attachment never decreases. On the other hand, it increases for many of us with age. How ironical!

http://masterreluctant.blogspot.com/

Quote of the Day

Guru Har Rai was once asked whether there was any benefit gained by reading the Guru's Bani without understanding it. "Yes," he replied, "as grease sticks to the pot even when it is emptied, so does the Guru’s Word stick to the heart. Whether you understand it or not, the Word bears the Seed of Salvation. Perfume persists in the broken pieces even after the vase that contained it has been shattered."

www.MrSikhNet.com

Sikh presence at the Unite Against Fascism Conference

Dabinderjit Singh speaking from the podium to a packed conference hall.

I haven’t really had the opportunity to blog about Sikh attendance at The Unite Against Fascism conference held to show opposition to the British National Party from the weekend but last ago and I’ve lost my notes and the copy of the speech I wrote but here are a few brief details from the day.

The conference was held with a view to bringing together as many campaigners and communities as possible to discuss strategies and share experiences in combatting the threat from the far right in Britain. The main conference hall was packed and had many hundreds of delgates from all parts of the country.

Including Dabinderjit Singh and myself there was one other visible Sikh. A number of delegates approached us and indicated how glad they were to see Sikh representation.

Dabinderjit Singh as always gave a very well presented speech and the chair made a note of pointing out how good it was to see the Sikhs involved in this conference. His speech was roundly applauded by the audience. A Sikh Federation (UK) press release can be read here.

My own contribution was in the afternoon session titled Racism after 9/11. I explained some of the particular problems that Sikhs have experienced and how Sikhs were often the first victims after incidents due to our appearance and provided a number of anecdotes to this affect, including an incident that had happened to me after the 7/7 attacks in London.

I went on to explain the Sikh principles of fighting against injustice and how Sikhs like all right minded people were opposed to the racist and fascist principles of the BNP and would stand firm against their unjust policies.
I also touched on the wider European dimension, with particular reference to the situation in France and the shifting sands in countries such as Belgium and The Netherlands and how Sikhs were being caught up and forgotten about when they were adversely affected.

This was followed by a question and answer session, where I shared a platform with a Muslim representative and a UAF organiser. While many wanted to draw parallels between the war on terror and the Iraq war and the rise of extremism as a direct consequence of this I was fairly clear on sticking on the knock on effects of knee jerk legislation, far right activity and similar were having on Sikhs. [Disclaimer: I am totally opposed to the war in Iraq and have marched in a number of antiwar demonstrations with other British Sikhs. But my presence was to ensure that the wider public was made aware that as a minority in the UK we were more likely to be victims ahead of any other minority and to share our experiences in that respect.]

Afterwards the Sikhs present were contacted by a number of organisations and individuals on delivering speeches at other events. Anyone want to speak at the University of Warwick? Drop me a reply - it’s too far for me to travel

All in all the Sikh presence had a very positive impact and gained a lot of recognition and the many assembled delegates were able to gain a detailed insight into how Sikhs have been affected since 9/11; something that many had been unaware of previously. Hopefully some of them will take this into consideration in their local areas.

Solarider

Secret of a Good Person

su`K vyly Sukrwnw
Thankfulness in Times of Happiness

du`K vyly Ardws
Prayer in the time of pain and suffering

hr vyly ismrn
Remembering God all the time.

Drink Driving, Sometimes They Dont Die...

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

This is a true story.......

Early on Sunday morning, September 19, 1999, Jacqueline
Saburido 20, and four friends were on their way home from a
birthday party. Reggie Stephey, an 18-year-old star football player,
was on his way home from drinking beer with some buddies. On a
dark road on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, Reggie’s SUV veered
into the Oldsmobile carrying Jacqui and the others.

Two passengers in the car were killed at the scene and two were
rescued. Within minutes, the car caught fire. Jacqui was pinned in
the front seat on the passenger side. She was burned over 60% of
her body; no one thought she could survive. But Jacqui lived. Her
hands were so badly burned that she no longer can use them.

She lost her hair, her ears, her nose, her left eyelid and much of her
vision. She has had more than 40 operations since the crash and
has many more to go. In June 2001 Reggie Stephey was convicted
of two counts of intoxication manslaughter for the deaths of Jacqui’s
two friends. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined
$20,000.


This is Jacqueline Saburido on September 19, 1999








The car in which Jacqueline traveled. She was hit by another car that was driven by a 17-year old male student on his way home after a couple of hard packs with his friends. This was in December 1999





Not everyone who gets hit with a car dies. This picture was taken 4 years after the accident and the doctors are still working on Jacqueline, whose body was covered with 60% severe burnings.


This was the driver...



Now 24 years old, he cannot forgive himself for driving drunk on that night three years ago.

He's aware of devastating Jacqueline Saburido's life.


SO PLEASE DONT DRINK AND DRIVE





To help the sister click here

And please help spread the message to family and friends not to drink and drive.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

(Extract from US Sikhs.com)

I was thinking about this today, and it seems that every single thing that our Guru's told us not to do, are the things that are destroying present society. Be it drink, drugs, media controlled fashion(pride/ego) or greed/attachment (causing theft/murder/rape).

Dhan Dhan Siri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji

"Sikh" implores Britons to stand strong against Islam

24th February 2006

News article filed by BNP news team


The BNP has consciously forged close links with members of Britain’s Sikh community over the past five or six years. These approaches have been reciprocated to the extent that community spokesman Rajinder Singh was present in Leeds Crown Court earlier this year to act as a defence witness for the Free Speech Two; a courageous and noble act which is testimony to the response of Sikhs when they hear about repression and persecution of the underdog.

BNPtv presenter Emma Chamberlain interviews Mr. Singh in a 15 min video presentation filmed in central London. Mr. Singh talks about his family history, the Partition of India which is why so many Sikhs arrived in Britain and the positive contribution made by Sikhs during two world wars last century and their role in modern Britain as industrious, peaceful and law abiding guests.

His passionate call for the British majority to act in a strong and virile manner in dealing with the threat posed by the presence of militant Islamists will strike a chord with most viewers.

Another first for BNPtv which can be seen here.

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

I don't find it suprising that the Sikh spokesman doesnt follow the basic tenets of Sikhism (keeping uncut hair), what I do find surprising is that it seems like he is reading from a BNP created script. There is alot of hate in the uncles mind, and is almost as anti-islam as they are.

I'm not sure if I like being portrayed by this spokesperson as someone who hates islam due to grievances in the past, it seems crazy to condemn a whole nation of people because of actions of so few.

Yet it happens.

I suppose this is a wakeup call to us all, we will be judged by the actions of the few - so we really have to make sure the image of Sikhi is not tarnished by our own actions.