Recently a trend that I’ve noticed is that we as a nation are BEGGING our fellow Sikhs to take Amrit, the baptism ceremony into our religion

I’ve done it myself in the past, talked to people in such a way that they only see the benefit in taking Amrit and don’t really have time to contemplate what would happen if they did not keep up the Rehit (Discipline).

Lets go back to the first initiation ceremony in Sikhism – at Vaisakhi time 1699.

The Five Beloved Ones gave their heads.

'Jo Tho Prem Khelan Kaa Chaao, Sir Dhar Thali Gali Meri Auo.'

Are we ready to play the game of love? If so then put your head on the palm of your hand and walk my path says the Guru.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was even questioned when he BEGGED for Amrit. He was asked by the Five Beloved Ones “We gave our heads… What will you give??”

Guru Ji replied, he would give everything – his whole self and his family. Which we can see from the history how not only did Guru Ji give his father for the good of another faith at the tender age of 9 years old, he gave his mother for the righteous cause and then further the lives of his 4 sons…

And today?

We beg people to take amrit, parents fight with their children and we argue with our spouses to take Amrit.

This is not an “Amrit bashing post”, I strongly believe in Amrit as stated in this Rehitnama:

pRQm rihq Xih jwn KMfy kI pwhul Cky ] 4
prathham rehith yehi jaan kha(n)ddae kee paahul shhakae || To drink the Ambrosial Nectar of the Khanda (Amrit) is the primary instruction for the Sikh

soeI isMG pRDwn Avr n pwhul jo ley ]
soee si(n)gh pradhhaan avar n paahul jo leae || He who abandons all other initiations is truly a great Sikh.
Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh Ji

To take Amrit is the first step towards your Guru, not the last.

But it should be a choice you make on your own, when you get the thirst for it – an uncontrollable thirst that you’re willing to die for a sip of Guru ji’s Amrit – then your ready.

So instead of never taking Amrit, or taking it because your forced to – try to live the way a Sikh should before you take Amrit. Wake up every morning in the early hours and do the prescribed Banis, live honestly without commiting the 4 Bajjar Kurehits.

Once you’re able to do this for some time, then you are ready.

Amrit isn’t cheap. People have died for it, and even in the recent history of Bhai Randhir Singh Ji’s times people were routinely turned away from Amrit Sanchaars. I remember personally talking to a Singh who said that he threatened to jump into a well if he wasn’t given it, and his mother had to beg the 5 beloved ones to give her son Amrit.

In recent history (past 50/60 years) certain tests have had to be passed before Amrit is blessed. One such test was to sit through a reading of the entire Akhaand Paath Sahib without food/water or restroom break. (48 hours) This is the type of commitment needed by the panth, Akaal Puraakh’s(Gods) Army.

If only the people who were ready for Amrit took it, then there wouldn’t be fake people like myself who take Amrit but don’t live up to the values that Guru ji has told us to live by.

So please brothers and sisters, don’t force people to take Amrit. We’re weakening ourselves by pushing people into something they are not ready for. It’s one of the reasons there are so many “Amritdharis” misrepresenting the faith and giving Guru Jis sweet Sikhi a bad name.

However, Amrit is something we should all aspire to do at some stage for it is the initiation into the Sikh faith as laid down by Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.

(Click on image to enlarge)

In summary, do take Amrit and inspire others to do so. But.. don’t do it by force, do it by example. Make your life so pious and pure that people want to be like you, like Guru Jis Khalsa.

Forgive me for any mistakes.

Nazanin



On January 3, 2006, 18-year-old Nazanin was sentenced to death for murder by court in Iran after she reportedly admitted fatally stabbing one of three men who attempted to rape her and her 16-year-old niece in a park in Karaj (a suburb of Tehran) in March 2005. She was seventeen at the time. Her sentence is subject to review by the Court of Appeal, and if upheld, to confirmation by the Supreme Court.

According to reports in the Iranian newspaper E’temaad, Nazanin told the court that three men had approached her and her niece, forced them to the ground and attempted to rape them. Seeking to defend her niece and herself, Nazanin stabbed one man in the hand with a knife that she possessed. As the men continued their attack, she stabbed another of the men in the chest, which eventually caused his death. She reportedly told the court “I wanted to defend myself and my niece. I did not want to kill that boy. At the heat of the moment I did not know what to do because no one came to our help”. She was nevertheless sentenced to the maximum punishment possible under the law, death by hanging.

Urgent action is needed to help save a young life whose only crime was an attempt to defend herself. Nazanin and many like her are caught between two undesirable options. On one hand, Iranian Penal Code severely limits the possibility of using ‘self-defense’ as a legitimate defence to aggression. On the other hand, if Nazanin had allowed the rape to take place, she could still be imprisoned, flogged or stoned for having sex outside of marriage unless four male witnesses to the actual rape would testify on her behalf.

Moreover, Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and is therefore under obligation NOT to impose the death penalty on those under the age of 18. Nevertheless, Amnesty International has recorded 18 executions of child offenders in Iran since 1990. In 2005 alone, at least eight executions of child offenders were recorded. Nazanin was 17 years old at the time of commission of the offense and therefore Iran is in breach.

Sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/Nazanin/


Women sentenced to death are frequently hung by the crane. The case of Nazanin is not the only one like this in Iran, at least 8 children have been hung in direct violation of International Convention on Rights of the Child.

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We should be in Iran protesting outside the prison showing our support for the courage of our sister - the least we can do is sign a petition

Post on your blogs/news sites. Nothing is important as fighting for righteousness.

After this post in ShindaSingh's Blog it is important to clarify who are Sikhs.

There are obviously Amritdhari (baptised) people, but the SGPC also recognises Sahajdhari Sikhs.

These are people who follow the Sikh teachings but have not yet taken Amrit:

" 'Sahajdhari Sikh' means a person-

(i) Who professes the Sikh Religion, believes in one God, follows the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib and Ten Gurus only;
(ii) Who performs all the ceremonies according to the Sikh rites;
(iii) Who does not smoke, use tobacco, kutha (Halal Meat) in any forms;
(iv) Who does not take alcoholic in any forms drinks;
(v) Who is born in not Sikh family, but not a Patit."

First english edition of SGPC Rehat Maryada, November 1978

Anyone who commits any deeds contrary to the above is simply not a Sikh.

So, at a press conference announcing details of this year’s massive parade, I agreed to have Sabharwal and another event attendee, Kwantlen University College student Davinder Singh, wrap a turban on my head.

I worried about offending Sikhs in the room by wearing the turban, but Sabharwal put my mind at ease. “We are offering this to you,” he said. “Just don’t take it off and use it to clean up your spilled drink or anything.”

Agreed.

The royal blue colour of the thin, bed sheet-sized cloth represents “royalty” or “status,” they told me. I was humbled, and wondered why a saffron (”spiritual sovereignty” or white (”wisdom”) was not chosen.

The Sikh name for a turban is dastaar, an article of faith that has been made mandatory by the founders of Sikhism. It is not to be regarded as mere cultural paraphernalia.

It took only a couple of minutes and the turban crowned by head. I looked in the mirror: the headdress looked huge. It felt tight, and covered my ears. “It would be great in the winter, because it’s really warm,” I said to nobody in particular.

“Yeah,” somebody in the room replied, “but don’t forget that in India, the weather is really hot.”

As others in the room at the press conference looked on, I wondered how people are able to wear a turban all day long.

“You get used to it,” Sabharwal noted.

Someone challenged me to wear the turban for the entire day, but instead I removed it after some speeches, a few pictures. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to explain myself for the rest of the day. “What’s with the turban?” is not a question Westerners are expected to answer. Not only that, I expected much laughter from friends and co-workers (and complete strangers, for that matter) who would surely find humour in a pale-skinned man of Germanic descent wearing a turban. I did not want to be the source of jokes.

Afterward, I did some research on the turban. According to www.sikhcoalition.org, there was a time when only kings, royalty and those of high stature wore turbans. Two people would trade their turbans to show love or friendship toward each other.

The turban has been an integral part of the Sikh tradition since the time of Guru Nanak Dev. All Sikh gurus wore turbans and their followers - Sikhs - have been wearing them since the formation of Sikhism.

“It is a true mark of sovereignty and a crown,” according to a passage on the website.

By adorning their turbans, Sikhs serve as “ambassadors” of the Sikh faith and commit externally to following the path laid down by the Sikh gurus. True submission, of course, occurs internally.

“The next time you see a Sikh,” the website says, “greet him or her and know that the turban you see is the same turban and stood up against oppression against those identified as lower castes in India, tyranny in WWI, the Nazi empire in WWII. As Sikhs tie their turbans each day, they should be heedful that it represents a very real commitment to the founders of the Sikh faith. The turban is deeply intertwined with the Sikh identity and is a manifestation of the mission given to all Sikhs - to act as a divine prince or princess by standing firm against tyranny and protecting the downtrodden.”

Lesson learned, with a little firsthand experience.

By: Tom Zillich

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The best way to get used to tying a dastaar if you've never worn one before is to practice regularly

If you practice, when you go out it wont:

• take you 30 mins
• feel too uncomfortable as you'll be used to it
  
• and it'll actually look like a turban!

Check out this link to learn how to tye various styles.

Be proud brothers and sisters, we're so lucky to have these gifts.

307 years of Khalsa Panth.

At this time of the year all those years ago 5 brave men gave their heads to their Guru.

What are you going to give?

Your kesh? (uncut hair)
Your diet? (meat/alcohol/drugs)
Your time? (simran)
Your body? (seva)

Nothing?

Firstly check out this video, from the show 'Sleeper Cell':



or CLICK ME

16+ video!

interesting especially as its on a prime time T.V show in the states....

Further a great movie on Sikh identity:

"This video presents the struggle of the Sikh American community against discrimination and violence caused by ignorance of an essential symbol of the Sikh faith -- the dastaar , or turban.

The documentary begins by observing the simple, quiet act of putting on the dastaar, a daily ritual imbued with the Sikh values of honor, discipline and faith. The solemnity of this ritual contrasts with recent incidents of violence and discrimination against Sikhs due to the wearing of the dastaar , which all Sikh men are required to wear at all times in public. Such incidents include the vicious attack on Gurcharan Singh and Rajinder Singh Khalsa by five men after being accused of being terrorists, two NYPD officers who left the force after refusing the order to remove their dastaars while on duty, and a subway operator who wore his dastaar for 20 years until being recently ordered to remove his dastaar.

Even though Sikhs have no relationship with the terrorist networks of the Middle East, they are often mistaken as terrorists due to their wearing turbans. The film explores how images in the media fuel the association of the turban with terrorism, leading to the widespread discrimination against Sikhs. The film also shows the efforts made by the Sikh community to counter this discrimination through a combination of community activism, legal action, legislation and education. "

Description and video from: http://www.warriorsaintsfilm.com/

Download Video

From Gurmastak Singhs Blog

Immortal Productions alongside Tigerstyle, XS-BASS and introducing Narinder Singh & Surinder Singh proudly present their latest addition to the revolutionary Shaheedi series: Shaheedi 400 - Saint Soldier.

After the resounding success of the previous three albums, the Immortals team have released their latest album. With this latest offering the purpose remains the same, to halt the fading memories of our fallen brothers and sisters. 400 years of spilt blood has not been in vain, nor has the attempt of many, to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Dedicated to Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji, this fourth album commemorates 400 years of sacrifice, by countless saintly warriors who abandoned the comforts of their homes and loved ones, to walk on a path where mortal death was a near certainty.

The pulsating music and harrowing vocals are contrasted with a sombre tone and poignant lyrics to symbolise the complexity of sacrifice. Not only is it an act that inspires courage and valour, but also an act that offers reverence and gratitude to the Creator as a beautiful flower is plucked from His garden.

Traditional dhad, sarangi and kaveeshar have been fused with modern and western sounds such as the guitar to create a captivating and innovative sound that is unparalleled. Not only are the tracks enthralling to listen to, but the elegance of the lyrics instils a sense of pride that links us back to our sisters & brothers-in-arms, who have sacrificed their present to secure our future.

We pay homage to these sons and daughters of Guru Ji, who have engraved their names into those chapters of history that glow to inspire our glory. This album is devoted to them, and all the budding flowers within us all, that may once again bloom and transform the term sacrifice.

Available across the World at Vaisakhi celebrations in April 2006. The Album can also be purchased from the Immortal Productions website at www.shaheedi.com. Press and media can claim a free copy from the Immortal Productions team.

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I've listened to this album many times and its one piece of education that is worth the currency.

It will be shipped as quickly as possible via the website, however if you want a copy quickly it is possible to visit your local Nagar Keertan where sevadaars should be distributing these - along with the new Tshirt/Hoody Designs.

Samples Here:

Mukhon Satnaam Bolda

Reet Khalsay Di

Chamakde Taare

The Legend of Jinda Sukha

Azaad Sherni Bibi Deep Kaur

I'll post the translations when they appear on the Shaheedi.com website.

Keep up the good work Immortal Productions, help save the youth.

Download Here

History

Bhai Mati Das came from a Brahman family of village Kariala in the district of Jhelum (Pakistan). He was the eldest son of Bhai Praga. His grandfather, Mahatma Gautam Das, used to be a deeply religious man of noble, saintly character. He was loved and respected by all, Hindus and Muslims alike. Bhai Praga was a strong stalwart. He had the body and the strength of a giant. He embraced the Sikh faith during Guru Har Gobind's time. He lived the life of a true Sikh. His life was a model for others. He was a prominent saint-soldier of Guru Har Gobind's. He took a hero's part in Guru Har Gobind's battle. He had four sons: Bhai Mati Das, Sati Das, Jati Das and Sakhi Das. Bhai Mati Das was a strongly built as his father, Bhai Praga. He was a dear, devout disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He actually practiced what he believed and professed. Guru Tegh Bahadur made him his diwan. He had to look after the income and expenditure of the Guru's darbar.

Along with the Guru, Bhai Mati Das was also arrested, chained and imprisoned. Under Emperor Aurangzeb's orders, Guru Tegh Bahadur was to be beheaded. The qazis decided to torture and kill the Guru's companions before his eyes. They thought, 'The sight of their suffering and fate might shake his resolve. He might be inclined to save himself be agreeing to our proposal. He might embrace Islam.' So they picked out Bhai Mati Das first of all. He was led out in chains to Chandani Chowk under a heavy guard. He was calm. His face beamed with glory. His gait was a mighty hero's swagger. He walked like a superior among inferiors. His whole bearing showed wonderful self-confidence and self-satisfaction. A large crowd had gathered already in Chandani Chowk. Bhai Mati Das was brought there under a heavy guard. A number of qazis accompanied him. They were apparently saying something to him. But he neither listened nor heard. His mind was wholly fixed on God. He was eager to meet him. No eyes were dry. All observers were filled with reverence and admiration for that tall, strong, calm, and holy man of God. They shuddered at the thought of what was about to happen to him.

The spot fixed for his execution was reached. The guard and the qazis halted, with Bhai Mati Das in their midst. The chief Qazi then said to Bhai Mati Das, 'O brave young man, be wise. This is my last appeal to your common-sense. Why throw away your youthful life and all the joys it may bring ? Accept Islam, and be one of the ruling class. You will have wealth and high position. You will enjoy a life of peace, plenty and pleasure. When you die, prophet Mohammad will receive you among the faithful. You will be led into Paradise. You will live there forever among pleasure of all kinds. If you refuse to accept all these good things of this world and the next, you will be killed with torture. So be wise. Make a wise choice.' Bhai Mati Das replied, 'Why waste your time and breath ? I prefer dying to giving up my faith. Be quick.' The Qazi said, 'All right, let it be as you desire. But have you any last wish which you would like to be fulfilled before you are killed ?'

Bhai Mati Das said, 'Yes. Stand me with my face toward my Guru. In that way I shall behold him to the last moments of my life here.' His wish was granted. He was made to stand with his face toward the Guru. He was tightly tied between two erect flat logs of wood. A saw was placed on his head. Each end of it was held by a fierce looking Pathan. The saw began to move to and fro. Blood began to flow down Bhai Mati Das's face and neck. He did not utter any cry of pain. His face showed no sign of suffering. He was calmly repeating Japji. His body was sawn into two. His devout, brave soul reached the bosom of the kind and loving Father of all. Bhai Mati Das has not died. He still lives in the hearts of those who worship goodness, who admire nobility. He lives in the minds of those who lead a spiritual life. He is the inspiration of those who prefer the soul to the body; who, in order to save their soul, to keep in pure and unsullied, would gladly sacrifice the body and all its pleasures. He is the motivation of those who place duty before self. He is the hero of all who work for noble objectives, not for rewards or recognition.

Lyrics: Tribute To A Hero

Sirho ban ke tatteeree khoon cho gaya
Droplets of blood formed a stream and started flowing;

Sirho ban ke tateeree khoon cho gaya
Droplets of blood formed a stream and started flowing;

Chowk Chandini da Delhi (naal)laal ho gaya
Chandni Chowk’s Delhi became sanguine(red) with his blood;

Roya umber dekh kay nazara
Watching this grim scene, the sky wept;

Mukho Sat Nam bol da
From his mouth he spoke (the eternal lyric) The True Name; the only true name we know is of The Lord;

Bhai Mati Das, Guru Da Piyara
Bhai Mati Das, the beloved of the Guru;

Mukho Sat Nam bol da
From his mouth he spoke (the eternal lyric) The True Name; the only true name we know is of The Lord;

Aara khichda jalaad sun doliya
Working the saw; the executioner on hearing Gods Name from Bhai Sahibs mouth; he was shocked/amazed

Mukhon Gaj Ke see Mati Das boliya
From his mouth, Mati Das courageously roared;

Mera nibh javay sidak piyaara
Go on so that I may prove how strong my Gurus discipline (rehnee;rehat) is; or how dear my Gurus sikhi is to me;

Mukho Sat Nam bol da
Bhai Mati Das, Guru Da Piyara
Mukho Sat Nam bol da

Aara karda hai do par shareer noon
The saw splits the physical body into two halves;

Lokee dekh ke vagaunde akhon neer noon
As they watched, those that looked on, wiped away the tears that flowed.

Dol gaya see Moghul hathiyara
The Moghul emperor himself was stunned.

Mukho sat nam bol da
Bhai Mati Das, Guru Da Piyara
Mukho Sat Nam Bol da

Singh ant noon shaheedi jaam pee gaya
At the very end, our Lion, drank the nectar of martyrdom;

Sher mar-ke tareekay vala jee gaya
Transcendently(in-a-way), our lion, even in death lived on (Even when hes dead the legend still lives on).

Sher Mur-Ke tareekay vala jee gaya
Transcendently(in-a-way), our lion, even in death lived on (Even when hes dead the legend still lives on).

Gun gaunda hai dev jag sara
The whole world sings the praises of his sacrifice.

Mukho sat nam bol da
Bhai Mati Das, Guru Da Piyara
Mukho Sat Nam Bol da

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A Picture From Punjab

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaaj, our living Guru, the spiritual light of our 10 Guru’s, King of Kings, the ones who give us everything and have all the answers. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji deserves the utmost respect. Unfortunately this has not been happening.

We hear stories of people keeping saroops of Guru Ji in closets or on shelves. People taking Guru Sahib to halls and other inappropriate places where Guru Sahib would never want their children to be seen let alone themselves. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s horse knew better than to step in a tobacco field, but yet we take Guru Sahibs saroop to where alcohol and tobacco is served or is stored. This just breaks my heart. Where has the respect for our Guru gone, they’ve blessed us with everything, and this is how we repay them?

In olden times people use to walk to the gurdwara every morning to have darshan of Guru Sahib. This was such a big deal for them. Now we have been printing of so many saroops of Guru Sahib that people don’t have that respect or excitement of going to see Guru Sahib. We have forgotten how to treat Guru Sahib with respect. When people have weddings they do shagan in front of Guru Sahib, wear kalgi’s, and uncles and aunties put their hands on top of the couples head as if they can give more blessings than guru sahib. How lost we are.

Even people who have Guru Sahibs saroop at home, they don’t have the time to properly attend to Guru Sahib. They spend their day watching tv, entertaining guests, but they don’t have time to sit with Guru Ji. When Guru Ji is at your house it is not a small thing, it requires lots of time and devotion. You have such an important guest at your house, you have to devote your time to. People make food for themselves but they don’t think to do bhog to it and offer it to Guru Sahib before eating it themselves.

In India people take Guru Sahib to marriage palaces and sit on tables and chairs, with their head uncovered and shoes on their feet, drinking alcohol and eating meat. With no care in the world, not caring that Guru Sahib is there with them watching everything. They may enjoy now but this is just sowing bad karms for their future.

What can be done about this. First we can try to educate our families and ourselves about Sikhi and Guru Sahib. Another solution could be instead of people keeping Guru Sahibs saroop at home they can bring home sancheeya and do paath from them, and than go to Gurdwara for darshan. SGPC should stop printing so many saroops and instead print sancheeya.

The Respect For Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign in England has done a great amount of work in educating people about not taking Guru Sahib to halls and other inappropriate places. We should support them fully and start up similar campaigns in our own areas. If not than if we see something wrong happening in our family we should at least educate them.

Below is the Hukamnama from Akal Takht prohibiting taking Guru Sahib to Marriage Palaces and Hotels.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

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