Dhan Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji - Happy Gurpurb!

ਭਲੇ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਗੁਣ ਤੇਰੇ ਤੇਰੀ ਉਪਮਾ ਤੋਹਿ ਬਨਿ ਆਵੈ ॥੧॥੨੨॥
bhale amardaas gun tere, teree upmaa tohi ban aavai.
O Guru Amar Daas Ji, Your Glorious Virtues are so sublime; Your Praises belong only to You.
(Ang 1396)

Sariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee Hove on today's Gurpurb. Today is the 527th Parkaash Diwas (Birth Day) of GURU AMAR DAAS SAHIB JI, the 3rd Jyot (Light) of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, who was born at BASARKE, a small village in Amritsar district in 1479.


A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU AMAR DAAS SAHIB JI SAHIB


Need of Guru
Baba Amar Daas Sahib Ji was introduced to Path of Gurmat and Naam through Bibi Amro Ji, the daughter in-law of Baba Amar Daas Ji’s younger brother. Bibi Amro Ji was the daughter of the Second Nanak, Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji. Through HEARING the Divine SHABAD being sung by Bibi Amro Ji, Baba Amar Daas Ji was introduced to the House of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji.

Despite being THIRTY YEARS OLDER, Baba Amar Daas Ji bowed to Guru Angad Dev Ji Sahib. This illustrated that AGE or RELATIONSHIPS (ਰਿਸ਼ਤੇ) have NO RELEVANCE.


Guruship
Baba Amar Daas Sahib Ji served Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji with utmost devotion and dedication. Besides fetching water from the river Beas for Guru Sahib's daily bath, he would serve in the Guru Ka Langar. Every year Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji acknowledged his services by conferring upon him a SIROPA (a robe of honour) which the Great Guru wrapped around his head. Baba Amar Daas Ji was honoured with a Siropa seven times. SEVA (selfless service) is one of the main tenets of the House of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, exemplified through the lives of the Gurus. Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji was the OLDEST aged Guru. This illustrated that EVEN THE OLD CAN MAKE CHANGE.


Responding to Hostility with Humility
Bhai Datu Ji, son of Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji, considered himself to be the claimant of 'Gurgaddi' (the seat of Guruship), which he however could not ascend to. Deeply frustrated, Bhai Datu Ji KICKED Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji with his foot while Guru Ji was seated on the throne. With a rare display of SWEETNESS and HUMILITY, Guru Sahib kept seated and did not utter a word of anguish. Rather, he grabbed Bhai Datu Ji’s foot and said, “Your foot must have been hurt by my hard bones.” Guru Sahib did not respond with a REACTION rather through displaying his compassion. The Guru showed that each situation requires a UNIQUE RESPONSE depending on the circumstances.


Rejection of Sati and Pardah
The reality of India at the time of the Guru Sahibs was that the author of Ramayan (Hindu mythological epic) had written that “The drum, Shudar (low caste) and woman are to beaten.” Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji rejected the old age practice and tradition of women BURNING THEMSELVES in the funeral pyres of their husbands and women VEILING their faces. Guru Sahib taught that women are NOT a COMMODITY and implemented SOCIAL CHANGE.

Furthermore, Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji promoted and propagated that WIDOW REMARRIAGE was acceptable. This was underlined by the principle that every single person is DIVINE (Man Too Jyot Saroop Hai, Apnaa Mool Pachhaan). However, we do not recognise this! Guru Sahib emphasised that why should we WASTE LIFE by committing Sati.


Established Manjees
Guru Sahib POLITICALLY developed the Sikh community. Four Sikh women were appointed as the RELIGIOUS HEADS of Sikh education centres. Districts under the charge of men were known as Manjeeaa(n), from manjee or string-bed. Those in the charge of women were known as PeeReeaa(n), form peehee or sitting-stools on which they sat to minister to the disciples. Their selection for this important task indicated the faith of the Guru in the capacity of women for ORGANISATIONAL WORK.


Founded Goindval
Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji followed the steps of the earlier Gurus in CONSTRUCTING CITIES. This was part of the VISION of the Gurus to broaden the horizons of the Sikh People and show them that Sikhs should not confine themselves to thinking small but to THINK BIG. The Guru Sahibs were FORWARD THINKERS. Realising that the water of the River Beas was becoming not fit for human consumption, (which later become polluted) Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji constructed a BAOLI (well) at Goindwal Sahib, covering the entire area with trees. This not only provided SAFE DRINKING WATER to the people but also helped to create an ECO-FRIENDLY environment.


Summary

ਗੁਰ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਕੀ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਹੈ ਇਕ ਜੀਹ ਕਛੁ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
gur amardaas kee akath kathaa hai ik jeeh kachh kahee na jaa-ee.
The Unspoken Speech of Guru Amar Daas Ji cannot be expressed with only one tongue.
(Ang 1406)

Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji's life, that word be "EQUALITY."

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

Manvir Singh Khalsa

DHAN GURU AMAR DAAS SAHIB JI.

Sri Akal Takht Sahib Issues Sandesh in reaction to UK Gurdwara violations

BREAKING: Sri Akal Takht Sahib Issues Sandesh in reaction to UK Gurdwara violations
Wednesday 17th May, 2006
EXCLUSIVE: Panthic Weekly News Bureau

Amritsar Sahib, Punjab (KP) – Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Sikh Supreme Authority of the Sikh Nation, has issued a 'Sandesh' (memorandum) on the prohibition of ‘saraab-kabaab’ (liquor and meat) at religious functions and marriages following a meeting held with representatives of the Respect Guru Ji Campaign (UK).

View the Sandesh in Gurmukhi

Panthic Weekly has brought to light in recent years that many UK Gurdwaras are using money from the Sikh Sangat or Gurdwara funds to open ‘recreational centres’ or ‘community centres’ which are then used to hire out for parties and where the use of sharab (alcohol), smoking of tobacco, other intoxicants and the preparation and consumption of meat are permitted. UK Gurdwara management committees, which allow such perversions of Gurmat, justify their acts as ‘catering to the needs of the community’. Also, a small number of Gurdwara management committees have allowed Pavitar Saroops of Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be taken to hotels, banquet halls and other premises where there is alcohol, intoxicants, meat and where lurid singing and dancing take place after the Anand Karaj.

With the help of the Budha Dal and Tarna Dal, members of the UK Sikh Sangat were granted an audience with Giani Joginder Singh Vendanti, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji. The meeting was held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar on 1st March 2006. Evidence and proof of abuse towards Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and of violations of Sikh principles in recent years, collected by the Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign in the UK, were presented to the Singh Sahib and the Panj Piyarey (Five Sikhs) at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

On reviewing the evidence presented before them, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has recognised the deep problem that exists in the UK. As the Sikhs’ supreme authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has voiced its concerns by issuing a new 'Sandesh' strongly reinforcing Sikh Rehit Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) and Gurmat (Sikh principles) on the following issues:

• Any form of intoxicants (alcohol, drugs etc) and preparation or consumption of foods such as meat, fish and eggs are not permitted on Gurdwara property.

• Guru-ka-Langar should be prepared and observed in accordance to Gurus' maryada (tradition).

• No person under the influence of intoxicants is allowed inside Gurdwara property.

• Inside the property of the Guru Sahibs, only the recital of Gurbani, katha, kirtan and reccounting of the Gurus' history are permitted.

• Buildings bought or constructed using the Daswand (one tenth of earnings) of the Sikh Sangat or Gurdwara donations are solely to be used to be used for Gurmat purposes and the betterment of society.

• Anand Karajs (Sikh wedding ceremonies) etc must be performed in Gurdwaras in accordance to Gurmat and the Panthic accepted Sikh Rehit Maryada.

• There is no permission granted for dancing and singing or any acts which go against the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Sri Akal Takht Sahib is clear on its position on the above abuses of Sikh principles and has unanimously condemned the abuses towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the exploitation of Gurdwara Sahibs in the UK.

Gurdwaras are where Gurmat ( Guru Sahib’s principles) are implemented and maintained rather than manipulated or exploited. It is the duty of all Gurdwara management committees to adhere to the above and implement this Gur-Maryada (code of conduct sactioned by the Gurus) immediately for the betterment of the Sikh religion in UK.

The Respect Guru Ji Campaign (UK) told Panthic Weekly, “With increasing wakefulness of these issues, the UK Sikh Community will contribute in resolves that maintain the honor and prestige of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, our eternal Guru, and take a leading role within the global Sikh community.”

Full Link

****

So now we have something recent, as in last month, to take to Gurudwara Sahibs to enforce the above problems.

Congratualations to the Global Sangat on this issue, now all we need to do is enforce it.

NeverForget84.com Poetry Competition

Something I recieved in an email:

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Khalsa Ji

A Poetry Competition in commemoration of the Victims of the Massacre of Operation Bluestar - 1984 has been organised. An example of a poem is enclosed, basically the idea behind the competition is to raise and provoke awareness and understanding particularly amoungst youth. PLs forward this message and promote in Punjabi/Gurmat classes.

The rules are simple. There are 3 age groups:

Under 11's

12-16

17+

* Poems MUST be original and cannot be copied from anyone else.

* All poems MUST be submitted via email to: 84poems@neverforget84.com / matilda13@hotmail.co.uk

* Poems MUST be submitted by 11:59pm (GMT) 28th May 2006. Late entries may not be counted.

* If your entry is successful you will be contacted via telephone/email and asked to read your poem to the Sangaton Sunday 4th June (if you wish to do so). If transport is required let us know in due course.

Humbly ask for your forgiveness for our endless flaws

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Wedding Season is ON

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.



The SUMMER season is here and this means WEDDING SEASON is here. I came home for the weekend and found some wedding cards lying around. I have noticed that every single wedding card has Gurbaani printed on them. Popular lines from Gurbaani used in cards is:

ਲਖ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
lakh khushee-aa paatshaahee-aa, je satgur nadar kare-i.
Hundreds of thousands of princely pleasures are enjoyed, if the True Guru bestows His Glance of Grace.
(Ang 44)


ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਧੁਰੇ ਪਇਆ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥੧॥
naanak satgur tinaa milaa-i-aa jinaa Dhure pa-i-aa sanjog. ||1||
O Nanak, he alone meets the True Guru, who has such union pre-ordained. ||1||
(Ang 957)



I remember last summer we received a wedding card, which advertised the Anand Kaaraj and the reception PARTY on the same piece of card. It was IRONIC that a few lines up it had Gurbaani and few lines down it said, “COCKTAILS will be served” and “BEER BAR will be open”. Sat Naam, Waheguru.

Have we LOST THE PLOT?

Can you imagine a Muslim advertising a Muslim wedding and just underneath writing “PORK SCRATCHING will be served with refreshments”? I DON’T THINK SO. Nor can you imagine a Hindu wedding card saying “BEEF KEBABS will be served with chutney in lunch.” However, “Sikhs” advertise BOOZING and Anand Kaaraj on the same card. (Just the fact that people distribute SHARAAB (alcohol) after having Anand Kaaraj, which is taking an OATH to Waheguru with Guru Jee as the witness makes a mockery of the "VOWS"). Very depressing thought! Rab Bhalla Kare.

Gurbaani is the revealed Word of God.

ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥
baaNee guroo, guroo hai baaNee, vich baaNee amrit saare.
The Word, the Baani is Guru, and Guru is the Baani. Within the Baani, the Spiritual-life giving Nectar is contained.
(Ang 982)

However, how much respect do we show Gurbaani? To make a card “LOOK NICE” we risk the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Gurbaani. Most, if not all, wedding cards in UK and the West are thrown in the bins once the wedding has happened (unless you are Gursikh and show respect to Gurbaani or for some reason you have a hobby to collect and archive wedding cards!). I am shocked that no one realizes this and year on year every card has Gurbaani printed on them. How can we expect SUKH (peace and happiness) when we treat Gurbaani in such an intolerable (and sorry to say) cheap way. Rab Rakha!

Newspapers, for example DES PARDES and others, have Gurbaani printed in articles relating to Sikhi or on a top of an event poster printed. However, the same newspapers advertise JAADOO TOONAA (black-magic) and other wacky and silly stuff. Newspapers are generally thrown in the bin and sometimes while the newspaper is on the table people put their chaa da cup (cup of tea) on top of the newspaper) or some Auntian (aunties) use newspaper pages for covering the bottom of cupboards to keep the cupboards clean. Where is the SATKAAR (respect) for the WORD OF GOD printed on those pages?

We conveniently do Matha Tekh and say “Guru Jee, Guru Jee…” at the Gurdwara, but at home we print Gurbaani on cards, throw newspapers with Gurbaani in it in the bins etc. Is this not HYPROCISY?


So, what can we do about it?
… I think firstly if someone in your family is getting married then MAKE THEM AWARE of the abuse of Gurbaani and kindly ask them to print a card WITHOUT any Gurbaani. End of the day a simple card with adequate information is enough. Secondly, create awareness of the issue in your COMMUNITY. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of printing and simply make people STOP and THINK about the issue. Hopefully when someone sees Gurbaani on a wedding card, newspaper and calendar, they will think and realise not to put it on the floor, throw it in the bin or use it as a table mat.


Bhul chuk maaf.

Daas,
Manvir Singh

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

I'd just like to add:

Weddings in the UK usually equal beadbi - this is something which we cannot tolerate, so if you find out about a wedding taking place in a hall where alcohol/tobacco will be please do not hesitate to contact the R4G Campaign on:

Mobile : 07944 445651
E-Mail : SikhAlerts@yahoo.co.uk

Any correspondence is anonymous.

If there are any protests/telephone campaigns organised please ensure your attendance, if we're Sikhs and our Guru is being disrespected and we do nothing, then who's Sikhs are we??

Before You Act, Think....

Today before you think of saying an unkind word
Think of someone who can't speak

Before you complain about the taste of your food
Think of someone who has nothing to eat


Before you complain about your husband or wife
Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion


Today before you complain about life
Think of someone who went too early to heaven

Before you complain about your children
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren

Before you argue about your dirty house; someone didn't clean or sweep
Think of the people who are living in the streets

Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet

And when you are tired and complain about your job
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job


But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around

Life is a gift
Live it...
Enjoy it...
Celebrate it...
And fulfill it.

Awsw mhlw 5 ]
aasaa mehlaa panjavaa(n) ]
Aasaa, Fifth Mehl:

BeI prwpiq mwnuK dyhurIAw ]
bha-ee paraapat maanukh dayhuree-aa.
This human body has been given to you.

goibMd imlx kI ieh qyrI brIAw ]
gobind milan kee ih tayree baree-aa.
This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.

Avir kwj qyrY ikqY n kwm ]
avar kaaj tayrai kitai na kaam.
Nothing else will work.

imlu swDsMgiq Bju kyvl nwm ]1]
mil saadhsangat bhaj kayval naam. ||1||
Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. ||1||

srMjwim lwgu Bvjl qrn kY ]
saranjaam laag bhavjal taran kai.
Make every effort to cross over this terrifying world-ocean.

jnmu ibRQw jwq rMig mwieAw kY ]1] rhwau ]
janam baritha jaat rang maa-i-aa kai. ||1|| rahaa-o||
You are squandering this life uselessly in the love of Maya. ||1||Pause||

jpu qpu sMjmu Drmu n kmwieAw ]
jap tap sanjam dharam na kamaa-i-aa.
I have not practiced meditation, self-discipline, self-restraint or righteous living.

syvw swD n jwinAw hir rwieAw ]
sayvaa saadh na jaani-aa har raa-i-aa.
I have not served the Holy; I have not acknowledged the Lord, my King.

khu nwnk hm nIc krMmw ]
kaho naanak ham neech karammaa.
Says Nanak, my actions are contemptible!

srix pry kI rwKhu srmw ]2]4]
saran paray kee raakho sarmaa. ||2||4||
O Lord, I seek Your Sanctuary; please, preserve my honor! ||2||4||

Rise of the Khalsa - New Animated Movie

Here is the latest film by the makers of "Sahibzadey" which tells the story of Banda Singh Bahadhur.

"The movie takes you along Babaji's journey from his first meeting with Dasmesh Pita at Nanded to conquering of Sirhind. Guruji ordained Babaji to reach Punjab to reorganize the Khalsa forces and put an end to tyranny and injustice."

Click on THIS LINK or visit their website for more information. The movie is in Punjabi with English sub-titles. I'll let you know how it is when I get a copy.

From: MrSikhNet.Com

R4G - Disrespect Stopped in the Midlands

West Midlands, UK – Saturday 6th May 2006

SANGAT STOP SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI'S SAROOP BEING TAKEN TO OFF-LICENCE.

VaheguruJiKaKhalsaVaheguruJiKiFateh!

Reports were being received from various sources that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Saroop was arranged, by the local Gurdwara committee, to be taken to an “off-license” premises in order to recite the sacred Bani Sukhmani Sahib. Members of the UK Sikh Community were made aware of the situation on the night before.

As news of the potential blatant contempt of Sikh principles spread across the UK, members of the Sangat started arriving at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, West Bromwich Street, Walsall in large numbers during the early hours of Saturday morning to resolve the situation by not allowing the Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj to be taken to the “off-licence” premises.

At first, a meeting took place between the concerned members of the Sikh Community and the Gurdwara Parbhandak committee of Guru Nanak Gurdwara (West Bromwich Street, Walsall) to try and arrange a solution. The gathered Sangat were informed that the Gurudwara President had ‘cancelled’ the program, and were assured that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Saroop would not be taken to a place where alcohol and tobacco is stored and sold.

As the gathered Sangat were about to depart, Treasurer of the committee announced that the Guru Maharajs Saroop would indeed be taken, as the building was ‘separate’ from the “off-licence” shop and therefore acceptable.

The property had actually been visited by members of the Sangat and it was found that the building was not actually separated to differentiate between the intoxicants and the area where the Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj would be placed.

After further discussions with the family and the Gurudwara Committee it was agreed that Guru Ji’s Saroop would not be disrespected, and that a local Granthi could recite the Bani from a Gutka Sahib. This resolution would not have been possible without the pressure from the large group of members of the UK Sikh Sangat who were peaceful protesting outside the Gurdwara.

This is a firm reminder to all Gurdwara Prabhandak Committees that they are responsible for where the Saroop for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj is taken. If they wish to lapse this responsibility than the Sangat will intervene.

To thank Guru Ji for showering His blessings, the large group assembled together to complete 5 Benti Chaupai Sahibs and Ardaas.

VaheguruJiKaKhalsaVaheguruJiKiFateh!

--------------------

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign


07944 445651

sikhalerts@yahoo.co.uk

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

Akali Singh and the Thugs

I have come across an amazing life of a nameless Akali Singh whose jeevan I feel very compelled to share with all of you. Akali jee was 81 years old in 1973, when his life was first written. Akali jee instructed the original author to withhold his name as he did not like to advertise his greatness. Akali jee always stayed in Akali baana and was never seen without shaster (weapons). He led a very simple life and was a great rassiya of Gurbani and Naam. His humility was unmatched and his speech was sweet as honey.

He was arrested by the British government in 1916 and till 1932 he stayed in jail for playing part in the independence of India. After getting released, he went to jail many times and in 1942 he was in jail with Jawahar Lal Nehru; the first prime minister of India. After the independence of India, Akali jee stayed fully independent of worldly responsibilities and led his life helping out others. He forever stayed merged in the Naam of Vaheguru. He would stay in one place for few months and then move on. He did not have any attachments in the world and had no belongings to worry about.

In 1962, he came to the Sipri town of Madhya Pardesh (largest state of India). Sipri town of Madhya Pardesh was greatly infected with crime at that time. There was a small Gurdwara Sahib in the town and Akali jee stayed there during his stay in this town.

One evening, Akali jee finished doing his Rehraas Sahib paath and went out for a walk. While he was coming back from the walk and was walking by a water tank, he heard the moaning of a woman that grew in a loud scream as if she heard someone walk by. Akali jee stopped and started walking towards the back of the water tank and saw about 8-10 men removing the clothes and jewelery of a struggling woman. He also saw a young man tied to a tree.

Akali jee tried to stop the thugs from committing this crime but they did not pay any attention to a old person. How could Akali jee tolerate such cruelty on a helpless woman right in front of him? He did realize his age which was about 71 years at that time, and that he was against about 10 badmaashs (thugs). He briefly closed his eyes and remembered Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee and reminded him of his bachan of Sava laakh se ek laraayoon i.e. I will make my Khalsa fight with 125,000 persons. Akali jee felt immense power at the end of the ardaas and he took his 2 feet long stick and started beating the thugs with it.

When the thugs got hurt with the stick, they all took out their Rampuri knives and attacked Akali jee. Akali jee who was an accomplished player of gatka, immediately changed his paintra and took out his kirpaan. He played gatka in such a way that no badmash could even come near him, let alone hit him. Many of the badmashs got severely injured with his attack. They could not believe that they were being beaten by a 70+ years old man. They tried to subdue him but all in vain. Eventually they all ran away.

Akali jee opened the ropes of the tied young man. He then tried to lift the half unconscious young woman, who was constantly repeating, bachaayo bachaayo (help me, help me). Akali jee took her head in his two hands, brought her near his heart, like a father would do to his distressed daughter, and said, Beta, oh chale gaye hunn. Chal ghar chaliye. (O daughter, they are gone now. Let us go home).

Hearing his comforting voice, she regained her consciousness and the three started walking back to their house. They went to the Gurdwara Sahib but the doors of the Gurdwara Sahib had been locked and the sewadaars did not open the doors even after heavy knocking. At this the three of them walked towards the couple house. The relatives were anxiously waiting for the couple as they had been gone for a long time. When they heard how Akali jee had saved their honour, they wanted to thank Akali jee, but Akali jee had left for the Gurdwara Sahib by then. He stayed outside the Gurdwara all night as the doors were closed.

The girl belonged to a very influential family in the town. At the rise of the day, when everyone found out about the incident, they all came to the Gurdwara Sahib to get the darshan of Akali jee. The Police chief himself came with a lot of people and the press to see Akali jee. The girl who was saved by Akali jee too was along with the huge crowd that came to the Gurdwara Sahib.

The police chief asked the girl about the person who had saved her honour and life. Hearing this the young woman, moved forward and tearfully hugged Akali jee and said, Yeh mere baapoo jee hain, Inhon ne meri jaan bachaayee thee (He is my father who saved my life and honour). This is all that the girl could say and then she burst into tears. The whole atmosphere became very emotional and Akali jee comforted the girl by slowly patting her back.

The people gathered a large amount of money and presented to Akali jee but Akali jee refused to accept it. When they persisted, Akali jee took the money and then in front of them placed the money in front of Siri Guru Granth Sahib jee. The police chief asked Akali jee to stay in the town and that he would ensure that Akali jee got pension for life. Akali jee politely declined the offer saying that after taking the amrit of Siri Guru Gobind Singh jee he has done naukri (job) of only Panth and did not want anything in return.

Hearing such high ideals of Akali jee, the whole crowd started praising him. How could a singh of Guru Gobind Singh jee hear his praise. The newspapers wrote about him too. He left the town and moved on to another unknown destination after that. This story was originally written by Sardar Chanda Singh Bareli and published in 1973.

Kulbir Singh

Dress up when it suits us.

(pardon the pun)

http://www.tapoban.org/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=81680&t=81680

Totally agree with this post. However, I'm a hypocrite.

Usually whenever we go to big keertans, or camps we dress differently to how we usually do. If we are going to see the same Guru Ji, then surely we are dressing up for the people?

Langar Article - Bring Back the OLDSCHOOL

What's become of Langar and How to revive the original spirit ?

When Guru Nanak started the tradition of Langar upon his return to Kartarpur; it was meant to be its literal meaning: ‘The Anchor’ to bind the community together under the principles of Vand Chhakana . A simple diet of produce and water which would not only satiate the basic dietary need of the visitors, but of the needy, the servers and the Guru alike in their physical, mental and spiritual quest. Guru Ka Langar since then embarked on its journey enriched by the sweetness of Mata Khivi, the dedication of Bhai Manjh, the humility of Emperor Akbar, and the revival of the true spirit of the principle of Langar by Bhai Nand Lal Ji.

Whatever the transformation, the basic principles remained the same. Langar was kept simple. It was there for everyone to partake. Needy people knew where to go to satisfy their hunger if they could not provide for their family, and the community was bound together.
Unfortunately, today in the Diaspora, Langar is losing its meaning. It has lost most of its original characteristics. Let us see how.

1. Langar today is anything but the simple nutritious food it was intended to be.
2. It is not reaching the truly needy and homeless.
3. It has become a burden and in some cases a competition.
4. The Spirit of gratefulness and appreciation with which it is received is somewhat gone.


Simple and Langar are antonyms today. Loaded with ghee and oils, deep fried items, dairy, sugars, spices, refined white flour and artificial colors, our Langar today is complicated and refined Indian cuisine. You feel like you are eating fancy Indian Restaurant food only on the floor and in Styrofoam plates. You are virtually unable to move after you stuff yourself with Langar on Sunday afternoons. Was that Guru Nanak’s intention for Langar?

And by the way, what happened to feeding the needy and homeless? Do they even know that something like Langar exits? Granted, often in North America Gurdwaras are not located in areas surrounded by people having to beg for food. However, even the leftover food is usually distributed among the Sangat instead of being carried to shelters or low-income areas.

In the past Langar was prepared from the collaborative dasvandh and by the sangat pooling in physical sewa together complete with humility and dedication. Today in many western Gurdwaras, it has become the responsibility of individual families as they take turns providing the sewa. In the quest to show off their skills and resources, Langar has become so elaborate that some people are scared to take the responsibility for fear of not being able to meet expectations. This, in turn, means that a limited number of families keep getting assigned to the sewa. The pleasure and gratitude of doing sewa for the Sangat then becomes a burden every time they have to take their turn.

Another complication is that we produce so much non biodegradable trash during Sunday Langars from the North American Gurdwaras that I am certain it contributes to the pollution of our environment, to Nature, and to the Cosmic Physical Entity.
The Baani says, “Pavan Guru Paani Pita Maata Dhart Mahat” – Environment is the Guru, Water the Father, Earth is the great mother. Yet, we go out of our way to prepare fancy dishes that are costly both in time and money when we could put that time and money towards buying and washing reusable steel plates.

The spirit of thankfulness in which the Langar is received today is gone. If it is anything less than a lavish party meal done to culinary perfection, you can hear comments being whispered. On the flip side, unnecessary encouragement on elaborate and lavish food deters families who want to keep it simple. Instead they are forced to be flexible and keep up with the trend.

If we transform the Langar back to a simple daal, whole grain roti and a side of slightly cooked vegetables or a salad, we can easily satisfy our stomachs. We save time, money and effort, which we can spend on spreading the mission of Langar and other useful programs. Besides, we ensure that we are providing only nutritious food to our body, mind and spirit in accordance with the Guru’s Hukam:
Unni Duniya toRe bandhanaa ann paani thoRa khaayaa: They burn away the bonds of the world, who eat a simple diet of grain and water (SGGS – Ang 467)

It is a simple task to incorporate ‘serving the needy’ element back into Langar. Most Churches have a marquee where they display a Sunday message. We could advertise something to the effect of “Free Nutritious Food For All – Sunday 1-2 PM”. A volunteer could be assigned to receive the visitors, explain Sikhi and make sure they are served. What a way to serve the hungry and reach out to the community at the same time! In addition we could advertise in other venues like homeless shelters, local food banks, offices and universities campuses (you can find a lot of hungry; short of money and, eager to learn students).

Also, by doing this we will alleviate the evils of competition and the problems that arise at times when Langar becomes a burden. If the Langar was going to be just the three items of daal, roti and vegetables, it will be so much easier that more people will be willing to sponsor it.


Fortunately, in spite of the shortcomings, to a great extent Langar today is still the anchor that holds the community together; which gives us the chance and hope to revive it completely in its true meaning as Bhai Nadlal Ji did.

For readers who are not familiar with the context; during Guru Gobind Singh’s time Langar did take a ritualistic flavor. They were offered only after a whole sequence of ceremonies, i.e. Path and Ardaas. It also was opened only at meal times when all the dishes were ready. Bhai Sahib felt that the spirit of Langar needed revival. So he opened Langar at his house where, irrespective of the time of day, whatever food was ready was rationed to any who came. Guru Ji visited Bhai Sahib’s Langar and was pleased with the true spirit.

And now it is time for us to revive the true spirit and practice of this wonderful tradition.

Men, discuss Langar with your families, including its simplicity, impact upon the environmental, and nutritional value as well as the need to provide it in a spirit of dedication to the Sangat and the needy alike.

Ladies, stop that competition and let go of the desire for praise of your culinary skills. Add a piece of fruit if you feel the need for sweets at the end of Langar. Don’t worry; with the plenty of beans, lentils, legumes available in the market your daal will not be boring. With the array of vegetables, herbs and fruits your sabzi or salad can be simple, highly nutritious yet, colorful with nature’s beauty and taste. With whole grain flour available at all grocery stores around the continent; you can make the goodness and wholesomeness of the traditional Langar parshaade felt once more.

Gurdwara Management Leaders, talk to the Sangat to make Langar simple. Mandate it. Start a project to fund raise for those reusable steel utensils and build large sinks. Encourage youth to take on the dish cleaning sewa. And, make sure to get those biodegradable dishwashing soaps to protect the water and earth.

Youngsters, stop pressuring your parents to cater Pizza and donuts for Langar. It is neither nutritious nor prepared with sewa bhavna (serving devotion); nor are the devotional traditions in preparations observed, i.e. heads covered; simaran done.

Let us take whatever steps we as individuals can take on this road to transformation.
Let us make the Gurdwaras once again a model that anchors the community, revives our physical, mental and spiritual bodies, and caters to the needy with eco-friendly, nutritious, simple meals.

More information on the tradition of Langar can be found at:
http://allaboutsikhs.com/way/langar.htm

Article from: http://gurmeetkaur.blogspot.com/

Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj - Happy Gurpurb!

Today is the Parkaash Diwas (Birth Day) of Guru Arjan Dev Ji Sahib, the 5th Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev Ji Sahib, the youngest son of the fourth Guru, Guru Raam Daas Sahib Ji, and Mata Bhani Ji was born at Goindwal Sahib on 2nd May, 1563. Sariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee Hove.


A GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU ARJAN DEV JI SAHIB


Compilation of Aad Granth Sahib Ji
Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji compiled the 'AAD GRANTH' Sahib Ji, which was scribed by Bhai Gurdaas Ji (the maternal uncle of Guru Arjan Dev Ji). The 'Aad Granth' Sahib Ji was an earlier version of today's Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which had the Baani (the revealed Divine Word) of the first four Guru Sahibs, Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Baani, Bhagats (Devotees of God), and Bhatts (spiritual Bards). The Aad Granth Sahib Ji was completed and installed in Sri Harmandar Sahib (Amritsar) in 1604. This re-emphasised that the SHABAD (the Infinite Divine Wisdom) is the Guru.


Establishment of Sri Darbaar Sahib
Sri Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar was established as the centre of the Sikh People. Baba Sai Mian Mir Ji, a Sufi mystic, was asked by Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji to lay the foundation stone for Sri Harmandar Sahib. This was a symbolic act which demonstrated that a Sikh shouldn't look at a non-Sikh in terms of his/her laws but instead consider their VALUES and VALUE SYSTEM. Baba Sai Mir Ji and other Sufi mystics close to the Guru Sahibs had the values and value system of GURMAT and NAAM.


Establishing Taran Taaran
The city of TARAN TAARAN was founded by Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji. This was a BIG CITY on a BIG ROAD. This was a declaration to the world and the Mughal authorities that "The Sikhs are here to stay!" The city had the largest Sarowar (water pool) for the Sangat to bathe. Guru Sahib took special care of people suffering sickness and disease. A Leper Home was made near the Sarovar of Taran Taaran Sahib. Guru Sahib personally looked after the lepers by providing them with medicines, dresses and showering them with Divine Grace.


Developing an Economic Centre
Amritsar was developed as an ECONOMIC CENTRE. Amritsar was next to Lahore, Amritsar becoming an economic and social centre of the Sikhs was a strategic move by Guru Ji for the Sikhs to have their own state. Sikhs from far and wide would come and have darshan (audience) with Guru Sahib and also engage in trade and business, which led to the growing prosperity of the Sikh Nation.


Martyrdom
Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji was the first Sikh Guru to be SHAHEED (martyred). The Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji started a tradition which carried on throughout history, and will continue to carry on. Guru Arjan Dev Ji said that he can accept Shaheedi (martyrdom) but he cannot accept INSULT. The way a leader or prophet lives becomes the CHARACTER OF THE FOLLOWERS. Guru Sahib showed that a Sikh should live in DIGNITY and die with HONOUR, and that a Sikh should never tolerate insult. Father Xavia of Spain, who was in India the time of Guru Ji's Shaheedi, wrote Queen Isabella of Spain and described Guru Arjan Dev Ji as embracing martyrdom.

Summary
Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Arjan Dev Ji's life, that word be SELF-SACRIFICE.

DHAN GURU ARJAN DEV SAHIB JI.

Bhul Chuk maaf karnee jee.


Related Links:
Katha (Panjabi) - Giani Sant Singh Maskeen Ji
Katha (English - Bhai Parminder Singh Ji
Shabad: ਮੂਰਤਿ ਪੰਚ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਅਰਜੁਨੁ ਪਿਖਹੁ ਨਯਣ ॥੧॥ - Audio / Translation

Manvir Singh

Sikhi Camp 2006 - 10 Years of Sikhi Camp

Sikhi Camp 2006

24th - 29th July 2006

SIKHI CAMP 2006 The Journey … Birth … Life … Death …? Life is journey we all take, but do we really know where we started from, where were going and how to get there?! We walk in darkness but the light of the Guru can show us the true path. Through their actions and writings the Guru’s taught us how to live but also how to die as shown by our rich history of saint soldiers. This year at Sikhi Camp 2006 we join together to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdom to uphold the ideals of truth, freedom and justice, as well as a number of other historical milestones. If you have a little voice in your head which questions the world we live in, the things we do and the lives we live then Sikhi Camp is for you! (We would also advise that you seek medical help as that little voice is not normal!) It is also for everybody else aged 16 and above who would like to enjoy an action packed residential week in an environment which you will never have experienced before! You will get the chance to meet Sikhs of you age from all corners of the world, and learn the basics about Sikhi in a friendly, chilled, non-judgemental/non-preachy environment. It doesn't matter how religious you are. It's all about how keen you are to learn! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!! Sikhi Camp features excellent talks, small group discussions, kirtan darbars with english katha (explanations) of Gurbani, action packed outdoor activities all set out in the beautiful countryside...it really cannot be missed!! (If nothing else it’s a week away from your parents!) Why don’t you check out the pictures and videos from our last few camps at www.sikhicamp.org and see what an amazing experience you could be having! If that isn’t enough then we welcome you to our 10 th Birthday!!! Yup, this is the 10th Sikhi Camp which, through the years has helped thousands of young Sikhs discover that little something special about themselves and their faith! So yes there will be cake, cake and more cake! So if you like cake how can you stay away?! So come on what are you waiting for? Fill the form in, get £55 (£50 if you send this back before May 30 th) and get ready for a summer you will never forget!! Sikhi Camp 2006 … the next step in the journey …

www.sikhicamp.org info@sikhicamp.org 07956 595850 07710 844496

****

Check out the site, download the application, while places last!

The Widow Colony

There is a very good interview with Harpreet Kaur of Sach Production who is responsible for the making of The Widow Colony on the Sikh Network News website.

From the interview:

The Widow Colony’ is a seventy-three-minute film that documents personal stories of women, in their own words, of what happened in November 1984, and how they have been surviving since then. The film takes an in-depth look into the lives of the widows of the Sikh men who were killed in the massacre. It unearths the sad and deplorable condition of most of these widows and their children living in the widow colonies of Delhi. It reveals their suffering, their battle for justice and their struggle for survival in India.
…
The final product is a gut-wrenching tale of what has become of the survivors of the 1984 pogroms against the Sikhs of New Delhi.

Along with the testimonies of the widows, supplemented with imagery of the killings and the destruction that followed after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the film conveys the intensity of the tragedy that occurred twenty-one years ago.
…

I’ve written previously about The Widow Colony and how the 13 minute freely available preview was show in London’s Trafalgar Sq in November 2005 on a giant screen at the end of Sikhs in the Square event. Despite the pouring rain and everybody wanting to get home after a long tiring day there was complete silence and stunned looks as the sangat and the general public heard the tearful stories of the Widows of 1984.

According to the website The DVD of the Widow Colony will not be available until November 2006 but there have been a number of screenings and more are planned. There are more details on the project available on the Sikh Research Institute website.

While I’m on the subject I’ll take this opportunity to inform the UK Sangat of the upcoming June 4th Remembrance March & Freedom Rally. You can see more details on the Campaign84

website. I know the sevadaars for this project are very busy behind the scenes and they expect to update their site with further information in the near future. Please book this datein your diary now and lets see the wider international Sikh community organising around the world on the 22nd anniversary of the 1984 June attacks. More details soon.

http://solarider.org/blog/

Mad World

Nepalese Child stuck in a riot

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

On a side not the above picture reminds me of the Sikh Nations own troubles:

We cannot be bystanders, pick a side of the fence. If you see injustice happening - as Sikhs it is your DUTY to act.


Too many times I've seen people sit back and think:

"let those people sort it out" "The R4G Campaign should do something about this..."
"Generations of Sikhs have always done it like this"
"Who am I say whats right and whats wrong"

It's like Bhai Santbir Singh Ji says in the Katha in the post below, "WE ARE GURU KHALSA PANTH" so act as Guru Ji would have. Read your Guru's word in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

"If theres one thing a Sikh isnt, its a coward".

We gotta make a change...
It's time for us as a people to start makin' some changes.
Let's change the way we eat, let's change the way we live
and let's change the way we treat each other.
You see the old way wasn't working so it's on us to do
what we gotta do, to survive.
Tupac Amaru Shakur 1971+

Update from bcsikhyouth.com:

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa,
Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

Khalsa Ji,

The Khalsa has a responsibility to stand up and defend the defenseless, with the grace of the Guru, in the spirit of the Guru’s teachings. We are failing our responsibility with this one crisis - the first genocide of the 21st century, a horrible reality that is happening in the present day as you read these words. There is not enough Sikh activism to help stop this genocide.
Please add this information and the links of savedarfur.org/home and standnow.org to your blog and Sikhi website. Please do whatever you can to help in this crisis. We are all one human race, children of the same God, and the Khalsa must not only say “sarbat da bhalla” (wellbeing of all) but actually live for it and practice it.

___________________

The ethnic conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan has resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths, 200,000 refugees in Chad, and 2.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). The vast majority of these are ethnic-black African Darfurians, many from the three largest ethnic tribes of the Fur, Masaalit, and Zaghawa. The recent cycle of violence, of which the above statistics result from, began in February 2003 when two ethnic-African rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) attacked government outposts. The government of Khartoum (led by the National Congress Party, formerly the National Islamic Front) and its proxy Arab militias (the janjaweed) responded by targeting civilians, in addition to clashing with the rebel groups. The US Congress has labeled the Sudanese government’s counter insurgency strategy “genocide”, while the UN and others have determined Khartoum’s actions to be “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity”. Beyond playing around with terminology, the international community has only meagerly addressed the issue of Darfur. Efforts have been made in three main areas in attempt to manage the conflict, relying heavily on the young African Union: peace negotiations, peace monitoring troops, and diplomatic, symbolic action. As approximately 10,000 civilians continue to die each month due to violence, malnutrition, and disease, the measures taken by the international community – the most capable, experienced, and arguably responsible actors in stopping the conflict – have been too little, too late.

For more information:

www.darfurgenocide.org

www.savedarfur.org/home

www.standnow.org

www.studentsagainstgenocide.org

Leadership Lecture in English

Leading by Example
Bhai Santbir Singh


An awesome talk given by Bhai Santbir Singh Ji

Please download and take the time to listen to it - really inspiring.

We could really do with more speakers like this for the youth and adults alike
*** minus the Canadian accent :) ***

DOWNLOAD HERE
Right Click + Save As

Coventry Gurmat Camp Pictures

Inspiring Photos of the youth:
(Click on any pictures to Enlarge)

Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji

He's Happy!

Nihang Singh

Another happy individual

Reminds me of Nihang Major Singh

Is that an AXE?!

Look no hands!

Two tone, matches his Bana

Akali Boonga

Wow..

I like this one!

Needs two people just to hold it up - Vaheguru

Beautiful

3 Helpers this time

Awesome Dumalrah

Biggest Chand in all of Coventry

Birds Eye View

Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaaaas
Pictures: CovKhalsa