Saturday, December 31, 2005
Amrit - very special
Intresting article from Naam Vairaag Blog
Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!
Before I took Amrit, I read Bhai sahib Randhir Singh ji book. “Amrit ke hai” or “Meaning of Sikh Baptism”. This is a fantastic book, because it questions you. It asks you the fundamental question why are you taking Amrit? If your answer is I want to spend the rest of my life Jaapping Naam, in Seva of the Sangat. Then you are ready. But if sincerely this is not the case, then are you really giving your head? I have read this book many times afterwards aswell. Each time it inspires me more in different ways.
On the day, do full ishnaan. Clear your mind and focus on what you are here to do. I was lucky Bhai Rama Singh ji came and sat next to me. He told me to do Mool Mantar da Path. This is fantastic advise. Mool Mantar is harder to do than Gurmantar. You have to focus more. Spend all your time doing this. Do not let yourself be distracted by those around you. If you have any questions, ask the Peradaar (Guard). Otherwise just concentrate on inside. Guru ji states, “the more you prepare and sow your field beforehand, the more it benefit it will have.” Do not worry about anything around you, just read Gurbani and reflect inside.
Bhai Rama Singh ji also said to me, “when the Panj Payres prepare the Amrit focus on the Khanda, watch the Bata, and listen to the Bani.” I fo und this very helpful. It is kind of hypnotic, keep you eyes on it, it helps you focus more.
When the Panj Pyares give you Naam learn it correctly. This is the biggest blessing of your life. The five give you Amrit and place their hands on your head and give you Naam. If afterwards when you are getting Naam dhirr, you still cannot do it, then just go back to the Panj, and get it again. Do not leave unless the Naam is in your breaths, and you Naam Jaap comfortably.
Naam is the seed. This is what it is all about. As humans we prepare the soil. We keep it clean and pure. The seed is placed by the Panj Pyares. We do seva in complete humilty to push it deeper and deeper, until we are nothing. We water it with keertan and sangat. The day we realise we are nothing, and everything is Akaal, the day when we completely submit, is the day that the seed will sprout. Then regular watering with keertan, seva, and sangat will make it blossom into something so beautiful. Only then can this beauty be something so special that it is worthy of sacrifice.
The day after Amrit you still have so many blessings. If you do not continue to capitalise, then you will lose more blessings each day. For many that is their spiritual peak. But do not make this mistake. Attend Amrit vela with like minded Gursikhs everyday. If you cannot find, do Ardas, Guru Maharaj will Pargat them. Make this the beginning of your spiritual journey, not your peak.
A person who is 5 kakkaari is the wealthiest person on this earth. His kaakaars, his body armour of Nitnem, the sprinkling of Amrit in his eyes, kesh, and mouth, plus the ultimate wealth which is Naam. What can be more valuable on this earth!
This Amrit will make his eyes view the world as the world views itself. Like water, it never differentiates when it is being drunk. It does not look at black, white skin, educated, non-educated, male, female, tall, thin, or worst of all castes. Not even differentiating between human and animal. It just quenches the thirst of whoever drinks it. Similarly the wind never looks at who face it blows at, it just blows. The sun never looks on whos face it shines on, it just shines. This is the nature that Waheguru created, and as Waheguru children this is how we should become. When Amrit is sprinkled in our eyes, this is how they should see.
When Amrit is sprinkled in our mouths, our mouths too become pavitaar. The mouth that has tasted Amrit. Could that mouth ever again taste ninda? Could that mouth ever again say a harsh word? Could that mouth ever again swear? From now only as sweat as the Amrit it has tasted, this is how sweat each word should be that leaves that mouth. My Guru states “Aap Naam Jaapo Avra Naam Jaappavo”. (Recite the Naam yourself, and inspire others to recite it too). The day each word that leaves our mouth is as sweat as Amrit, every person we meet in this world will wish to take Amrit.
When Amrit is sprinkled in our Kesh, this is so special. May Guru ji bless us to witness a day, when not only our mouths recite Naam, but also our hearts and we breath it too. Such will be the overwhelming nature of Naam, that even our Kesh will Jaap this Naam. An aura of Naam, pure blessings of Waheguru will radiate from us. Every Virtue of Akaal will be reflected in his Gursikh. So much pyaar, humilty, Sehaj, courage, and Khalsa Spirit.
A true Amritdhari is not one who drinks Amrit just on one day. But one who washes in the same way -Top of head to toe, as he did on that day. Jaaps the same Gurmantar for many hours at Amritvela, reads the same 5 banis every morning, and realises it body is the Sarbloh Bata, and with this process of Nitnem creates Amrit inside everyday. A true Amritdhari drinks Amrit in his mouth everyday.
That person who drinks it every morning at Amrit vela is then ready for his day. Then during the day he will continue to Jaap Naam, and face the worlds challenges as a True Sant Siphai. He will never fear death, because he is already Amar (immortal). His voice will speak of righte ousnous and freedom, because he has attained both.
This is the kind of Gursikhs we need today, and the kind I hope I someday become. Never set your sights at goals so achievable, that you achieve them and become lazy. Set your sights, that you push yourself and over-achieve. Think! I am sikh, one day before I die I want to reach Sachkhand. Set it as a goal. Put it on your bedroom mirror. Read it everyday when you do your dastaar. Remember it, work at it and one day with Guru ji s blessing you will achieve it.
Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!
Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!
Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa! Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!
Before I took Amrit, I read Bhai sahib Randhir Singh ji book. “Amrit ke hai” or “Meaning of Sikh Baptism”. This is a fantastic book, because it questions you. It asks you the fundamental question why are you taking Amrit? If your answer is I want to spend the rest of my life Jaapping Naam, in Seva of the Sangat. Then you are ready. But if sincerely this is not the case, then are you really giving your head? I have read this book many times afterwards aswell. Each time it inspires me more in different ways.
On the day, do full ishnaan. Clear your mind and focus on what you are here to do. I was lucky Bhai Rama Singh ji came and sat next to me. He told me to do Mool Mantar da Path. This is fantastic advise. Mool Mantar is harder to do than Gurmantar. You have to focus more. Spend all your time doing this. Do not let yourself be distracted by those around you. If you have any questions, ask the Peradaar (Guard). Otherwise just concentrate on inside. Guru ji states, “the more you prepare and sow your field beforehand, the more it benefit it will have.” Do not worry about anything around you, just read Gurbani and reflect inside.
Bhai Rama Singh ji also said to me, “when the Panj Payres prepare the Amrit focus on the Khanda, watch the Bata, and listen to the Bani.” I fo und this very helpful. It is kind of hypnotic, keep you eyes on it, it helps you focus more.
When the Panj Pyares give you Naam learn it correctly. This is the biggest blessing of your life. The five give you Amrit and place their hands on your head and give you Naam. If afterwards when you are getting Naam dhirr, you still cannot do it, then just go back to the Panj, and get it again. Do not leave unless the Naam is in your breaths, and you Naam Jaap comfortably.
Naam is the seed. This is what it is all about. As humans we prepare the soil. We keep it clean and pure. The seed is placed by the Panj Pyares. We do seva in complete humilty to push it deeper and deeper, until we are nothing. We water it with keertan and sangat. The day we realise we are nothing, and everything is Akaal, the day when we completely submit, is the day that the seed will sprout. Then regular watering with keertan, seva, and sangat will make it blossom into something so beautiful. Only then can this beauty be something so special that it is worthy of sacrifice.
The day after Amrit you still have so many blessings. If you do not continue to capitalise, then you will lose more blessings each day. For many that is their spiritual peak. But do not make this mistake. Attend Amrit vela with like minded Gursikhs everyday. If you cannot find, do Ardas, Guru Maharaj will Pargat them. Make this the beginning of your spiritual journey, not your peak.
A person who is 5 kakkaari is the wealthiest person on this earth. His kaakaars, his body armour of Nitnem, the sprinkling of Amrit in his eyes, kesh, and mouth, plus the ultimate wealth which is Naam. What can be more valuable on this earth!
This Amrit will make his eyes view the world as the world views itself. Like water, it never differentiates when it is being drunk. It does not look at black, white skin, educated, non-educated, male, female, tall, thin, or worst of all castes. Not even differentiating between human and animal. It just quenches the thirst of whoever drinks it. Similarly the wind never looks at who face it blows at, it just blows. The sun never looks on whos face it shines on, it just shines. This is the nature that Waheguru created, and as Waheguru children this is how we should become. When Amrit is sprinkled in our eyes, this is how they should see.
When Amrit is sprinkled in our mouths, our mouths too become pavitaar. The mouth that has tasted Amrit. Could that mouth ever again taste ninda? Could that mouth ever again say a harsh word? Could that mouth ever again swear? From now only as sweat as the Amrit it has tasted, this is how sweat each word should be that leaves that mouth. My Guru states “Aap Naam Jaapo Avra Naam Jaappavo”. (Recite the Naam yourself, and inspire others to recite it too). The day each word that leaves our mouth is as sweat as Amrit, every person we meet in this world will wish to take Amrit.
When Amrit is sprinkled in our Kesh, this is so special. May Guru ji bless us to witness a day, when not only our mouths recite Naam, but also our hearts and we breath it too. Such will be the overwhelming nature of Naam, that even our Kesh will Jaap this Naam. An aura of Naam, pure blessings of Waheguru will radiate from us. Every Virtue of Akaal will be reflected in his Gursikh. So much pyaar, humilty, Sehaj, courage, and Khalsa Spirit.
A true Amritdhari is not one who drinks Amrit just on one day. But one who washes in the same way -Top of head to toe, as he did on that day. Jaaps the same Gurmantar for many hours at Amritvela, reads the same 5 banis every morning, and realises it body is the Sarbloh Bata, and with this process of Nitnem creates Amrit inside everyday. A true Amritdhari drinks Amrit in his mouth everyday.
That person who drinks it every morning at Amrit vela is then ready for his day. Then during the day he will continue to Jaap Naam, and face the worlds challenges as a True Sant Siphai. He will never fear death, because he is already Amar (immortal). His voice will speak of righte ousnous and freedom, because he has attained both.
This is the kind of Gursikhs we need today, and the kind I hope I someday become. Never set your sights at goals so achievable, that you achieve them and become lazy. Set your sights, that you push yourself and over-achieve. Think! I am sikh, one day before I die I want to reach Sachkhand. Set it as a goal. Put it on your bedroom mirror. Read it everyday when you do your dastaar. Remember it, work at it and one day with Guru ji s blessing you will achieve it.
Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!
Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
The Khalsa Will Be Forever Free!
Something I found on Click here to watch' Sikh Web Forum and thought I would share. Its from the blog of DAVINDER SINGH. You MUST visit his blog. First make sure you have your audio on, its wiked. Vahiguroo :D
The Khalsa Will Be Forever Free!
Khalsa was created for all,
Let us answer the Guru's Call.
Guru Hargobind gave us power,
And strength in the darkest hour.
Our goal is to be God's true friend,
And serve him till the end.
Guru Amar Das, who taught by his humble example.
Guru Ram Das, who gave us the Golden Temple.
Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Gobind Singh.
Kneels but to one True King.
That is the King of Kings.
The goal is peace.
Then only is our soul released.
Let us learn a lesson from,
Guru Gobind Singh's four courageous Sons.
And remember the Five Beloved Ones.
Bless those who were cut limb to limb.
And gave their lives to only Him.
Women who offered no cry of complaint.
Who remembered those brave saints.
Bhai Fauja Singh had taken eleven bullets in the body.
And still said "Waheguru" and some asked how could thee?
We felt pain,
Again and Again.
But we will never forgive and forget,
Because it can't be forgotten in the rain.
Waheguru can travel through time and space.
From this place to that place.
May the Khalsa light the way for the whole human race.
Let the voice of Satguru,
Teach us how to get to Waheguru.
And we will reach our goals,
That is to clean our souls.
God has traveled all the lands.
Has blessed them with His hands.
But with grace our Takhats will stand.
If confidence is kept in thee.
The Khalsa will be forever free.
The Khalsa Will Be Forever Free!
Khalsa was created for all,
Let us answer the Guru's Call.
Guru Hargobind gave us power,
And strength in the darkest hour.
Our goal is to be God's true friend,
And serve him till the end.
Guru Amar Das, who taught by his humble example.
Guru Ram Das, who gave us the Golden Temple.
Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Gobind Singh.
Kneels but to one True King.
That is the King of Kings.
The goal is peace.
Then only is our soul released.
Let us learn a lesson from,
Guru Gobind Singh's four courageous Sons.
And remember the Five Beloved Ones.
Bless those who were cut limb to limb.
And gave their lives to only Him.
Women who offered no cry of complaint.
Who remembered those brave saints.
Bhai Fauja Singh had taken eleven bullets in the body.
And still said "Waheguru" and some asked how could thee?
We felt pain,
Again and Again.
But we will never forgive and forget,
Because it can't be forgotten in the rain.
Waheguru can travel through time and space.
From this place to that place.
May the Khalsa light the way for the whole human race.
Let the voice of Satguru,
Teach us how to get to Waheguru.
And we will reach our goals,
That is to clean our souls.
God has traveled all the lands.
Has blessed them with His hands.
But with grace our Takhats will stand.
If confidence is kept in thee.
The Khalsa will be forever free.
Click Here for Post
The Khalsa Will Be Forever Free!
Khalsa was created for all,
Let us answer the Guru's Call.
Guru Hargobind gave us power,
And strength in the darkest hour.
Our goal is to be God's true friend,
And serve him till the end.
Guru Amar Das, who taught by his humble example.
Guru Ram Das, who gave us the Golden Temple.
Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Gobind Singh.
Kneels but to one True King.
That is the King of Kings.
The goal is peace.
Then only is our soul released.
Let us learn a lesson from,
Guru Gobind Singh's four courageous Sons.
And remember the Five Beloved Ones.
Bless those who were cut limb to limb.
And gave their lives to only Him.
Women who offered no cry of complaint.
Who remembered those brave saints.
Bhai Fauja Singh had taken eleven bullets in the body.
And still said "Waheguru" and some asked how could thee?
We felt pain,
Again and Again.
But we will never forgive and forget,
Because it can't be forgotten in the rain.
Waheguru can travel through time and space.
From this place to that place.
May the Khalsa light the way for the whole human race.
Let the voice of Satguru,
Teach us how to get to Waheguru.
And we will reach our goals,
That is to clean our souls.
God has traveled all the lands.
Has blessed them with His hands.
But with grace our Takhats will stand.
If confidence is kept in thee.
The Khalsa will be forever free.
The Khalsa Will Be Forever Free!
Khalsa was created for all,
Let us answer the Guru's Call.
Guru Hargobind gave us power,
And strength in the darkest hour.
Our goal is to be God's true friend,
And serve him till the end.
Guru Amar Das, who taught by his humble example.
Guru Ram Das, who gave us the Golden Temple.
Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Gobind Singh.
Kneels but to one True King.
That is the King of Kings.
The goal is peace.
Then only is our soul released.
Let us learn a lesson from,
Guru Gobind Singh's four courageous Sons.
And remember the Five Beloved Ones.
Bless those who were cut limb to limb.
And gave their lives to only Him.
Women who offered no cry of complaint.
Who remembered those brave saints.
Bhai Fauja Singh had taken eleven bullets in the body.
And still said "Waheguru" and some asked how could thee?
We felt pain,
Again and Again.
But we will never forgive and forget,
Because it can't be forgotten in the rain.
Waheguru can travel through time and space.
From this place to that place.
May the Khalsa light the way for the whole human race.
Let the voice of Satguru,
Teach us how to get to Waheguru.
And we will reach our goals,
That is to clean our souls.
God has traveled all the lands.
Has blessed them with His hands.
But with grace our Takhats will stand.
If confidence is kept in thee.
The Khalsa will be forever free.
Click Here for Post
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Standing, Sitting, I am at Peace
This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Bhairao on Pannaa 1136'
ਭੈਰਉ ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
bhairo mehalaa 5
Bhairao, Fifth Mehl:
ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥
oot(h)ath sukheeaa bait(h)ath sukheeaa
Standing up, I am at peace; sitting down, I am at peace.
ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥1॥
bho nehee laagai jaa(n) aisae bujheeaa 1I feel no fear, because this is what I understand. 1
ਰਾਖਾ ਏਕੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
raakhaa eaek hamaaraa suaamee
The One Lord, my Lord and Master, is my Protector.
ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਕਾ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
sagal ghattaa kaa a(n)tharajaamee 1 rehaao
He is the Inner-knower, the Searcher of Hearts. 1Pause
ਸੋਇ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਗਿ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ॥
soe achi(n)thaa jaag achi(n)thaa
I sleep without worry, and I awake without worry.
ਜਹਾ ਕਹਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਤੂੰ ਵਰਤੰਤਾ ॥2॥
jehaa kehaa(n) prabh thoo(n) varatha(n)thaa 2
You, O God, are pervading everywhere. 2
ਘਰਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Ghar sukh vasiaa baahar sukh paaeiaa
I dwell in peace in my home, and I am at peace outside.
Click here to watch 'ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥ ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥1॥ - Bhai Niraml Singh Khalsa (Hazoori Raagi) Audio'
Monday, December 26, 2005
Audio
This entry will contain links to all audios I upload. You can access it any time from the new menu on right called "Blog Links."
Sukhmani Sahib
Sangat
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Divaan, Dasam Granth Bani [Part 1]
Bhai Balbir Singh Ji
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Divaan, Dasam Granth Bani [Part 2]
Bhai Balbir Singh Ji
Aate Pritam Man Mohna
Bhai Balbir Singh Ji
Tum Gavoh Mere Nirbhow Ka Sohlia
Sikh Musical Heritage
'Extract of Jugalbundi Raag Suhee '
Sikh Musical Heritage
ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਇਹੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਾਜਿ ਹੈ ॥ raam simar raam simar eihai thaerai kaaj hai
Sikh Musical Heritage
Shaheed Udam Singh,
Panjab Radio
'ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥ ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥1॥ -
Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa (Hazoori Raagi)
Sorath-Taam-Sukhawni
Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa Ji
Sukhmani Sahib
Sangat
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Divaan, Dasam Granth Bani [Part 1]
Bhai Balbir Singh Ji
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Divaan, Dasam Granth Bani [Part 2]
Bhai Balbir Singh Ji
Aate Pritam Man Mohna
Bhai Balbir Singh Ji
Tum Gavoh Mere Nirbhow Ka Sohlia
Sikh Musical Heritage
'Extract of Jugalbundi Raag Suhee '
Sikh Musical Heritage
ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਇਹੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਾਜਿ ਹੈ ॥ raam simar raam simar eihai thaerai kaaj hai
Sikh Musical Heritage
Shaheed Udam Singh,
Panjab Radio
'ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥ ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥1॥ -
Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa (Hazoori Raagi)
Sorath-Taam-Sukhawni
Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa Ji
Copyright © 2005 rskhalsa.blogspot.com. All rights reserved.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Raag Jaijawantee - Raam simar raam simar
The following shabad is in Raag Jaijawantee
Raag Jaijawantee: -
An expression of feelings of satisfaction of achieving a goal, and great happiness, but at the same time it can also convey the sense of sadness of losing. An anecdote which can be used to explain this is like that of a King winning a battle, however he is then told her has lost his son on the battlefield. This particular Raag set across the feeling of putting your duty first, no mater what you inner feelings maybe like that of a saint soldier riding into battle to protect the downtrodden even if the oppressor who he shall fight was once a friend. The balance of joy and sorrow put across will keep a balance and help put in prospective ones own life achievements.
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ik oa(n)kaar sath naam karathaa purakh nirabho niravair akaal moorath ajoonee saibha(n) gur prasaadh
ik oa(n)kaar sath naam karathaa purakh nirabho niravair akaal moorath ajoonee saibha(n) gur prasaadh
One Universal Creator God. Truth Is The Name. Creative Being Personified. No Fear. No Hatred. Image Of The Undying. Beyond Birth. Self-Existent. By Guru's Grace:
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ ਮਹਲਾ 9 ॥
raag jaijaava(n)thee mehalaa 9
Raag Jaijaavantee, Ninth Mehl:
ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਇਹੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਾਜਿ ਹੈ ॥
raam simar raam simar eihai thaerai kaaj hai
Meditate in remembrance on the Lord - meditate on the Lord; this alone shall be of use to you.
ਮਾਇਆ ਕੋ ਸੰਗੁ ਤਿਆਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੂ ਕੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਲਾਗੁ ॥
maaeiaa ko sa(n)g thiaag prabh joo kee saran laag
Abandon your association with Maya, and take shelter in the Sanctuary of God.
ਜਗਤ ਸੁਖ ਮਾਨੁ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਝੂਠੋ ਸਭ ਸਾਜੁ ਹੈ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jagath sukh maan mithhiaa jhoot(h)o sabh saaj hai 1 rehaao
Remember that the pleasures of the world are false; this whole show is just an illusion. 1Pause
ਸੁਪਨੇ ਜਿਉ ਧਨੁ ਪਛਾਨੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਪਰਿ ਕਰਤ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
supanae jio dhhan pashhaan kaahae par karath maan
You must understand that this wealth is just a dream. Why are you so proud?
ਬਾਰੂ ਕੀ ਭੀਤਿ ਜੈਸੇ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਕੋ ਰਾਜੁ ਹੈ ॥1॥
baaroo kee bheeth jaisae basudhhaa ko raaj hai 1
The empires of the earth are like walls of sand. 1
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਕਹਤੁ ਬਾਤ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜੈਹੈ ਤੇਰੋ ਗਾਤੁ ॥
naanak jan kehath baath binas jaihai thaero gaath
Servant Nanak speaks the Truth: your body shall perish and pass away.
ਛਿਨੁ ਛਿਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਗਇਓ ਕਾਲੁ ਤੈਸੇ ਜਾਤੁ ਆਜੁ ਹੈ ॥2॥1॥
shhin shhin kar gaeiou kaal thaisae jaath aaj hai 21
Moment by moment, yesterday passed. Today is passing as well. 21
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ ਮਹਲਾ 9 ॥
raag jaijaava(n)thee mehalaa 9
Raag Jaijaavantee, Ninth Mehl:
ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਇਹੈ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਾਜਿ ਹੈ ॥
raam simar raam simar eihai thaerai kaaj hai
Meditate in remembrance on the Lord - meditate on the Lord; this alone shall be of use to you.
ਮਾਇਆ ਕੋ ਸੰਗੁ ਤਿਆਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜੂ ਕੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਲਾਗੁ ॥
maaeiaa ko sa(n)g thiaag prabh joo kee saran laag
Abandon your association with Maya, and take shelter in the Sanctuary of God.
ਜਗਤ ਸੁਖ ਮਾਨੁ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਝੂਠੋ ਸਭ ਸਾਜੁ ਹੈ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
jagath sukh maan mithhiaa jhoot(h)o sabh saaj hai 1 rehaao
Remember that the pleasures of the world are false; this whole show is just an illusion. 1Pause
ਸੁਪਨੇ ਜਿਉ ਧਨੁ ਪਛਾਨੁ ਕਾਹੇ ਪਰਿ ਕਰਤ ਮਾਨੁ ॥
supanae jio dhhan pashhaan kaahae par karath maan
You must understand that this wealth is just a dream. Why are you so proud?
ਬਾਰੂ ਕੀ ਭੀਤਿ ਜੈਸੇ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਕੋ ਰਾਜੁ ਹੈ ॥1॥
baaroo kee bheeth jaisae basudhhaa ko raaj hai 1
The empires of the earth are like walls of sand. 1
ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਕਹਤੁ ਬਾਤ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਜੈਹੈ ਤੇਰੋ ਗਾਤੁ ॥
naanak jan kehath baath binas jaihai thaero gaath
Servant Nanak speaks the Truth: your body shall perish and pass away.
ਛਿਨੁ ਛਿਨੁ ਕਰਿ ਗਇਓ ਕਾਲੁ ਤੈਸੇ ਜਾਤੁ ਆਜੁ ਹੈ ॥2॥1॥
shhin shhin kar gaeiou kaal thaisae jaath aaj hai 21
Moment by moment, yesterday passed. Today is passing as well. 21
Friday, December 23, 2005
Jugalbundi of Raag Suhee
This is a Jugalbudi between Sarangi and Pakawaj done in Raag Suhee.
Jugalbandi is an ancient Indian art form where two musicians with different instruments or styles perform together. A relatively under-explored concept, it provides a medium through which two artists share a musical canvas, striving to present a single picture, while exploring each other's depths of creativity, intermingling their personal styles.
Raag Suhee
Suhee is an expression of great devotion. Though this devotion the listener experiences feelings of great closeness with underlying love. The listener is bathed in Love and comes to understand the meaning of adoring.
Click here to watch 'extract_of_Jugalbundi-Raag_Suhee_1'
All photos and audios are Copyright 2005 www.rskhalsa.blogspot.com All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Learning Gurmat Sangeet and Namdharhis
People often object to Gurmat Sangeet particularly if it is taught by an academy that employees Namdharhis. But please tell me how many kirtanis you know of who do Kirtan? I mean Kirtan as in proper Gurmat sangeet, such as Raag?
Now tell me how many people can teach this in the UK (London)?
Raj Academy is one of the only Gurmat Sangeet Academy’s in the world. Yes they employee Namdharhis, but until we have GurSikhs who capable of learning and actually doing Gurmat Sangeet, it is very difficult to teach over 400 students singhle handly variety of instruments, such as Saranda to Pakwaj. Prof Surinder Singh head of Raj Academy has always stated that he would replace the namdharhi if someone would provide him Gursikhs who are able to do Gurmat Sangeet.
But for those who suggest that Sikhs should not learn Gurmat Sangeet, I ask them is it better if I put on a bollywood music CD and string Gurbani words to it? That is what nowadays “famous kirtanis” are doing. They even have the cheek to go to the Darbar Sahib and play some Kaami tuni singing Gurbani to the Sangat. One even stated he had to sit through a film so he could get the tune of a song for a Sahbad.
The Vaaja (Harmonium) is not a instrument that was invented by the Sikhs. It is in fact an import from the British, when they had control over India. At the time there was much uproar in the Sikh community that this instrument should not be adopted into the community, however, due to the stupidity of the Sikh community at the time, we could not resist. The vaaja is an instrument which can be learnt within months if not days of practice, and it is very limited compared to instruments invented and given to us by our Guru Sahibs. Sikhi is the only dharm to have an authentic granth which was given and directed by our Guru Sahibs. At the same time they gave us Gurmat Sangeet, with certain instruments that allows us, Sikhs, to sing Gurabani.
It saddens me that we have pushed certain rehits out, such as Surbloh Bebik rehit, which was given by Mahraj to stop us, Sikhs, from becoming lazy. However, we always look for the easy way out. Bebik rehit advises that we Sikhs we live a active lifestyle, rather than a lazy lifestyle. Gurmat Sangeet takes years to master, thus, rather than simply listening to bollywood tunes to string on to Sahbads, Gurmat Sangeet actually allows you to learn very intensively the true meaning of Gurbani. As a result, years of dedication, similar to Bebik Rehit, this should be follow and thus, it will have an effect on our spirituality. We fell into a trap during the British Raaj, were educated Sikhs slipped down to low levels of education. For that reason, people lost faith, which gave room for the Christian preachers to move in and convert the Sikhs into Christian. At that time, respected parcharic, looked at Kachi bani and the Vaaja to bring people back in to Sikhi. But that was then, this is now, we are educated, and therefore we should revive this tradition and rehit of our Guru Sahibs. Whethers those Gursikhs where right at the time or not I am not one to judge but I will I can say Guru Sahib Ji titled shabads in in raag in Guru Granth Sahib from day one who are we to change that? Have we now beyond the Guru? Are we today any better then Namdharhis ourselves as we have started singing kachi bani and bollywood tunes.
Slowly we have pushed aside Gurmat Sangeet and non-title raag kirtan, infavor of the vaja and lustful bollywood tunes are more prevalent in our Gurdwaras. I ask you, which is better, Kaami (lustful) Bollywood tunes on a vaja, or Gurmat Sangeet sung on instruments made and or blessed by pur Guru Sahibs?
Gurmat Sangeet takes dedication and time to learn. Why does it seem that our com does not want to learn, or even open up facilities that teach Gurmat Sangeet.
We today have many issues with granthis, gyanis, and kirtani’s who have set times and hourly rates to do kirtan, I must say this they are not far of Satta and Balwand sorry to say. I would even suggest that they are probably worse. Our so called gyani’s are being accused of unbelievable practices and we are not far of from the scandals which are today being uncovered in church’s in England and USA. Our gyanis have no gyan. They have no idea of raag, the majority of them have learnt SRGM of vaja nothing beyond and as long as they say hanjee to the committee they are hired. I can give you plenty of examples in London Gurdwaras alone and I have my doubts if they are even amritdharhi. When a Kirtan smagam is advertised for sangat the first thing you will see are names of Kirtanis. These kirtanis are paid vast amount of cash and have set rates. So, these well known kirtanis have a lot of money and wealth to survive yet when attending programs in UK they make sure to notify organizers of there fees before hand.
Gurmat Sangeet takes years to master and its effect is such that is can change ones jeevan. We today are loosing our belief in mystics and spirituality. Today, I want you to believe this, when raaj, and gurbani come together and are sungh with pyar and nimrita, you will not even need Sikhi to the Max translations to have an effect on you.
It is the duty of each and every amritdharhi to be a granthi and gyani. Our guru Sahib’s eradicated the position of pandits/priests but instead I would say made it the duties of each and every Gursikh to have gyan of Gurbani.
I truly believe a Gursikh should have some knowledge of certain key areas, such as, Shaster Vidya (gatka), Gurmat Sangeet, Vidya of Gurbani and many more. A Sikhs is then able to look after them physically, spiritually and worldly.
One thing I would like to state is, great Sikh scholars have to learn from cults such as nirmalai but they have gone on to become panthic heerai. I don’t see why Amritdharhi Gursikhs can not learn from namdharhis and then go on to teach other Sikhs.
Not defending namdharhis but would you rather learn other types of sangeet from Hindu pandits or muslim ustads who use tobacco openly and tell there students to go and fetch them a fresh pack tobacco or other intoxicants, or would you rather learn from a namdharhi. At least they have some kind of moral standing. Also they will teach Gurmat Sangeet not shastery or any other dance sangeet. We need to firstly learn raags which are contained in Guru Granth Sahib ji before we learn so called classical Indian raags which are actually used for kanjar puna.
Why shouldn’t Gursikhs learn from namdharhis and exceed them. Imagine the effect we can have within our generation, we will have no need for namdharhis and therefore they will have no use. At this moment in time they claim the upper hand on Kirtan (Gurmat sangeet) without this, they have nothing.
So I say stop being lazy and follow Guru Sahibs rehit of Gurmat Sangeet.
Now tell me how many people can teach this in the UK (London)?
Raj Academy is one of the only Gurmat Sangeet Academy’s in the world. Yes they employee Namdharhis, but until we have GurSikhs who capable of learning and actually doing Gurmat Sangeet, it is very difficult to teach over 400 students singhle handly variety of instruments, such as Saranda to Pakwaj. Prof Surinder Singh head of Raj Academy has always stated that he would replace the namdharhi if someone would provide him Gursikhs who are able to do Gurmat Sangeet.
But for those who suggest that Sikhs should not learn Gurmat Sangeet, I ask them is it better if I put on a bollywood music CD and string Gurbani words to it? That is what nowadays “famous kirtanis” are doing. They even have the cheek to go to the Darbar Sahib and play some Kaami tuni singing Gurbani to the Sangat. One even stated he had to sit through a film so he could get the tune of a song for a Sahbad.
The Vaaja (Harmonium) is not a instrument that was invented by the Sikhs. It is in fact an import from the British, when they had control over India. At the time there was much uproar in the Sikh community that this instrument should not be adopted into the community, however, due to the stupidity of the Sikh community at the time, we could not resist. The vaaja is an instrument which can be learnt within months if not days of practice, and it is very limited compared to instruments invented and given to us by our Guru Sahibs. Sikhi is the only dharm to have an authentic granth which was given and directed by our Guru Sahibs. At the same time they gave us Gurmat Sangeet, with certain instruments that allows us, Sikhs, to sing Gurabani.
It saddens me that we have pushed certain rehits out, such as Surbloh Bebik rehit, which was given by Mahraj to stop us, Sikhs, from becoming lazy. However, we always look for the easy way out. Bebik rehit advises that we Sikhs we live a active lifestyle, rather than a lazy lifestyle. Gurmat Sangeet takes years to master, thus, rather than simply listening to bollywood tunes to string on to Sahbads, Gurmat Sangeet actually allows you to learn very intensively the true meaning of Gurbani. As a result, years of dedication, similar to Bebik Rehit, this should be follow and thus, it will have an effect on our spirituality. We fell into a trap during the British Raaj, were educated Sikhs slipped down to low levels of education. For that reason, people lost faith, which gave room for the Christian preachers to move in and convert the Sikhs into Christian. At that time, respected parcharic, looked at Kachi bani and the Vaaja to bring people back in to Sikhi. But that was then, this is now, we are educated, and therefore we should revive this tradition and rehit of our Guru Sahibs. Whethers those Gursikhs where right at the time or not I am not one to judge but I will I can say Guru Sahib Ji titled shabads in in raag in Guru Granth Sahib from day one who are we to change that? Have we now beyond the Guru? Are we today any better then Namdharhis ourselves as we have started singing kachi bani and bollywood tunes.
Slowly we have pushed aside Gurmat Sangeet and non-title raag kirtan, infavor of the vaja and lustful bollywood tunes are more prevalent in our Gurdwaras. I ask you, which is better, Kaami (lustful) Bollywood tunes on a vaja, or Gurmat Sangeet sung on instruments made and or blessed by pur Guru Sahibs?
Gurmat Sangeet takes dedication and time to learn. Why does it seem that our com does not want to learn, or even open up facilities that teach Gurmat Sangeet.
We today have many issues with granthis, gyanis, and kirtani’s who have set times and hourly rates to do kirtan, I must say this they are not far of Satta and Balwand sorry to say. I would even suggest that they are probably worse. Our so called gyani’s are being accused of unbelievable practices and we are not far of from the scandals which are today being uncovered in church’s in England and USA. Our gyanis have no gyan. They have no idea of raag, the majority of them have learnt SRGM of vaja nothing beyond and as long as they say hanjee to the committee they are hired. I can give you plenty of examples in London Gurdwaras alone and I have my doubts if they are even amritdharhi. When a Kirtan smagam is advertised for sangat the first thing you will see are names of Kirtanis. These kirtanis are paid vast amount of cash and have set rates. So, these well known kirtanis have a lot of money and wealth to survive yet when attending programs in UK they make sure to notify organizers of there fees before hand.
Gurmat Sangeet takes years to master and its effect is such that is can change ones jeevan. We today are loosing our belief in mystics and spirituality. Today, I want you to believe this, when raaj, and gurbani come together and are sungh with pyar and nimrita, you will not even need Sikhi to the Max translations to have an effect on you.
It is the duty of each and every amritdharhi to be a granthi and gyani. Our guru Sahib’s eradicated the position of pandits/priests but instead I would say made it the duties of each and every Gursikh to have gyan of Gurbani.
I truly believe a Gursikh should have some knowledge of certain key areas, such as, Shaster Vidya (gatka), Gurmat Sangeet, Vidya of Gurbani and many more. A Sikhs is then able to look after them physically, spiritually and worldly.
One thing I would like to state is, great Sikh scholars have to learn from cults such as nirmalai but they have gone on to become panthic heerai. I don’t see why Amritdharhi Gursikhs can not learn from namdharhis and then go on to teach other Sikhs.
Not defending namdharhis but would you rather learn other types of sangeet from Hindu pandits or muslim ustads who use tobacco openly and tell there students to go and fetch them a fresh pack tobacco or other intoxicants, or would you rather learn from a namdharhi. At least they have some kind of moral standing. Also they will teach Gurmat Sangeet not shastery or any other dance sangeet. We need to firstly learn raags which are contained in Guru Granth Sahib ji before we learn so called classical Indian raags which are actually used for kanjar puna.
Why shouldn’t Gursikhs learn from namdharhis and exceed them. Imagine the effect we can have within our generation, we will have no need for namdharhis and therefore they will have no use. At this moment in time they claim the upper hand on Kirtan (Gurmat sangeet) without this, they have nothing.
So I say stop being lazy and follow Guru Sahibs rehit of Gurmat Sangeet.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The Journey to Bradford
We were going to smagam this weekend in a mini bus. On the say we discovered the mini bus speed limit had been capped at 62 mph which was disheartening Singh had his pedal right down and we could do anything. Then we finally got to Bradford. Those there RAC road maps messes you up as it’s no clear. We ended up going in circles and Singh coming to the conclusion he need to buy a tom-tom satellite navigation system.
On top of this all is was freezing cold but sitting at the front wasn’t too bad. Kirtan blasting from my IPod and the warm heater was good but I also had the stress of navigating which meant I couldn’t get any sleep. Now as we were trying to find the place after we were going around a major roundabout. As we approached the light was amber turning red Singh thought he was clear and took it. Next thing he goes to me, "cops are right behind us" and there with the police lights for us to pull over.
Oh no, not only could we find out way in the freezing cold, but now stopped by police. The police man was Asian. So he came up and Singh said, "we're lost do you know where the local Gurdwara is."
Cop: "We will talk about that in a bit, firstly what just happened there."
Singh: "the light was orange"
Cop: "theres no orange. This is amber"
(At this point i am trying to stop my self from laughing)
Singh: "I mean amber"
Anyway the cop was like well it was read don’t do it again, blah blah don’t want anyone clipping you. The gora cop with him seemed more cold then anything. Anyway then we started changing subject to where the Gurdwara was. So he finally told us go down this road there’s a number of Gurdwaras. We said ok thanks won’t happen again and got on our way. Only thing no one actually listened to the Cops directions except me. So once again all pressure on me ha-ha. I think everyone was just relived not to get any points, etc.
Anyway I stringed together some direction stopped and asked some Panjabi looking guy in Bradford where this road was. Singh’s behind shouting whereas Gurdwara but he chose to ignore them until I asked. We finally go to area but couldn’t see he Gurdwara as we had been seen from the inside roads.
We saw a car a young Muslim family where getting in so we drove up along side and asked. The lady was really nice and started giving directions then the guy said just follow me. Finally we were close to getting there. You know how frustrating it is to get close and then not be able to find the place especially when you’re late. Will thanks to that family we got there. Singh insisting this could be right place as we wee at the back entrance and me and everyone else saying it is, (more like hoping so we could get out of the cold.) then we went around corner and there where some Singh’s and phenjees standing out side (outside instead of inside in raisnbhai.. lol).
Anyway we the offloaded all the boxes and got inside with a sigh of relief to have got there finally, still freezing trying to warm up.
Way back took found hours plus again. Me it took over 5 hours to get home. Oh well it was good but It was even colder then the way there this time freezing all they way back wanting to sleep have ishnaan and do amritvela. Although overall it was a great smagam and great to meet sangat from up north.
Vahiguroo.
On top of this all is was freezing cold but sitting at the front wasn’t too bad. Kirtan blasting from my IPod and the warm heater was good but I also had the stress of navigating which meant I couldn’t get any sleep. Now as we were trying to find the place after we were going around a major roundabout. As we approached the light was amber turning red Singh thought he was clear and took it. Next thing he goes to me, "cops are right behind us" and there with the police lights for us to pull over.
Oh no, not only could we find out way in the freezing cold, but now stopped by police. The police man was Asian. So he came up and Singh said, "we're lost do you know where the local Gurdwara is."
Cop: "We will talk about that in a bit, firstly what just happened there."
Singh: "the light was orange"
Cop: "theres no orange. This is amber"
(At this point i am trying to stop my self from laughing)
Singh: "I mean amber"
Anyway the cop was like well it was read don’t do it again, blah blah don’t want anyone clipping you. The gora cop with him seemed more cold then anything. Anyway then we started changing subject to where the Gurdwara was. So he finally told us go down this road there’s a number of Gurdwaras. We said ok thanks won’t happen again and got on our way. Only thing no one actually listened to the Cops directions except me. So once again all pressure on me ha-ha. I think everyone was just relived not to get any points, etc.
Anyway I stringed together some direction stopped and asked some Panjabi looking guy in Bradford where this road was. Singh’s behind shouting whereas Gurdwara but he chose to ignore them until I asked. We finally go to area but couldn’t see he Gurdwara as we had been seen from the inside roads.
We saw a car a young Muslim family where getting in so we drove up along side and asked. The lady was really nice and started giving directions then the guy said just follow me. Finally we were close to getting there. You know how frustrating it is to get close and then not be able to find the place especially when you’re late. Will thanks to that family we got there. Singh insisting this could be right place as we wee at the back entrance and me and everyone else saying it is, (more like hoping so we could get out of the cold.) then we went around corner and there where some Singh’s and phenjees standing out side (outside instead of inside in raisnbhai.. lol).
Anyway we the offloaded all the boxes and got inside with a sigh of relief to have got there finally, still freezing trying to warm up.
Way back took found hours plus again. Me it took over 5 hours to get home. Oh well it was good but It was even colder then the way there this time freezing all they way back wanting to sleep have ishnaan and do amritvela. Although overall it was a great smagam and great to meet sangat from up north.
Vahiguroo.
Q & A on Sikhi and Life: by Bhai Rama Singh Ji
A series of blog entries of questions and answers by Bhai Rama Singh Ji, taken from: Roop Gobind Ka Raj Khalsa Ka Sika Sohna Ka, by Bhai Rama Singh (translated by Bhai Gurmukh Singh.) Below are links to the six entries and there titles.
Part 1 - Purpose of life and attaining Vahiguroo.
Part 2 - Interference with meditation on GodÂ’s Name
Part 4 - Simran (Meditation) at Home and in Sangat
Spiritual Powers
Part 6 - Cult And Yogic Spiritual Powers
“Bhai Sahib Ji, tell us something about cult and yogic powers[4].”
(see footnote[5])
Any Gursikh who does simran early in the morning (Amrit Vela), earns the credit of Guru’s Shabad, he or she certainly acquires spiritual powers (which cannot be explained by worldly science). The first indications of these are through dreams when one sees unusual sights and get some advance knowledge of a future event. For example, one gets to know beforehand of some sad or happy event in the family. If one wants to go and see someone, one knows beforehand if that person is likely to be at home. This has happened with me on occasions. At the next stage many kautaks (unusual happenings) take place and one is not left in any doubt. If a Gursikh, who does regular Nit Nem does not get up in time, the Shaheed Singhs encourage the Gursikh to rise and do Nit Nem. Then Guru Ji makes one experience other kautaks. When a Gursikh is awake and alert, he suddenly starts doing the Paatth of Mool Mantar, Gurmantar (“Waheguru”) or Sukhmani. One experiences a strange pleasant sensation at such a time. Sometimes one is witness, in a dream, to the Prakaash of Guru Ji; the Sangat is there and one can hear kirtan. Ordinary people acquire spiritual powers. However, Gursikhs, after taking Amrit should control such powers. One should not gain worldly benefit from such spiritual powers. One should pray to Guru Ji in order to aspire to the next stage by controlling, and not misusing or announcing such spiritual achievements. Boasting to others about such powers detracts from the spiritual attainment and a great deal more effort is required to reach the same stage.
A Gursikh should remember the Guru’s Order. You can impress people with spiritual powers, but suffer a great loss in the wealth of Naam, and you would be turning away from the Guru. It is the Guru’s Order that Gursikhs must not use cult powers. They should rise high above these and attain salvation during this lifetime.
Once I decided to go to India. I was staying at Bhai Amrik Singh’s house at that time. Bhai Sahib said, “As you are going to India, do go and see Bhai Bhan Singh Ji. He is a true Braham-giani (one who knows all by being at one with The One - see Glossary). I went to Bhai Amrik Singh’s village and told his brother, “I would like to do darshan of Baba Bhan Singh Ji.”
We both started off for Baba Ji’s darshan. As we were travelling in the bus, Bhai Amrik Singh’s brother told me, “One day Baba Ji said to the Sangat that his time to go to Sach Khand was near.” Braham-gianis know about such things beforehand. Baba Ji wanted to know the views of the Sangat. The Sangat asked, “Baba Ji, if you go to Sach Khand, who would you appoint in your place? If someone is appointed, the sewa and simran will continue.” Hearing this, Baba Ji fell silent. There were two sewadars doing sewa at Baba Ji’s dera (establishment) for many years. Baba Ji decided to make one of them the main sewadar. He decided to test both. The one who had started doing sewa first, had acquired certain powers from Baba Ji. He became too arrogant, got upset with Baba Ji and went and settled in another village. He started using his powers there and the villagers were impressed. They started looking after him. However, after a few days, whatever he tried to do with his powers, the opposi te would happen. He lost face. No one bothered about him and stopped serving him food even. He returned to Baba Ji, who smiled and said, “You have come back empty”, meaning, he had lost all that he had earned spiritually. The second sewadar was humble and never displayed his spiritual powers. Baba Ji decided to appoint him in his own place.
I was very pleased to do darshan of Baba Ji and we discussed Gurmatt. One who goes beyond yogic displays of power will get closer to Waheguru Ji. This is the first sign that one is on the right path to meeting Waheguru Ji.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1]Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life is like a light-house regarding acceptance of Waheguru’s Will (Bhana). He, gratefully, regarded the “loss” of his four sons as the safe return of what had been entrusted to him by Waheguru Ji. His Ardaas at the time, was an Ardaas of thankfulness! That is Guru Ji’s guidance by example, for us regarding acceptance of sorrow or pain as Waheguru’s Hukam.
[2]One and a quarter pehar before dawn. A pehar is three hours. (see Glossary)
[3] Furna (with hard “r” are dream-like thought flashes in the mind. They may be in the nature of sankallap (good) or vikallap (bad). The furna need to be overcome through Naam simran.
[4]Mental or supernatural powers developed through austerities.
[5]Editorial note: The central theme of Gurbani is to control the aimless wandering of the mind which harms both, worldly and spiritual objectives of this life. Whether some experiences described by Bhai Sahib Ji can be explained logically or (psychologically) is to miss the point. Regrettably, the modern (clever and arrogant) mind will insist on scientific/logical explanations; but then Gurbani says that everything is within His Will and everything can (ultimately) be explained once His Will (Hukam or Order of Scheme of Things) is understood. The Gursikhi stress in this life is on continual and con tinuous mind-focus on Naam. the Omnipresent, Omniscient and All Pervading Presence of The Ultimate Reality, “Waheguru”, the One and Only Mystical Formula (Mantar) for a Gursikh. No power is “supernatural” and no power is greater than the All Powerful Positive One (Ik) Creator (Oangkaar).
Monday, December 19, 2005
Family Life
Part 5 - Household Life
“Bhai Sahib Ji, is it important to live the life of a house-holder?”
“Yes, if an individual is seeking salvation then the family life is important. If one attempts to do meditation without being marri ed, then the mind will remain unstable. This is the Age of Kalyug and the unstable mind continuously runs towards worldly attractions and wasteful life style. It takes many years of simran to stabilise the wandering mind. Even then lust is a great evil force and will continue to trouble the mind. Most of the great avatars (saints and prophets) who came to this world, were married. Of the Ten Gurus nine were married (Sri Har Krishan Ji’s Light merged with Waheguru Ji when He was only 8 years old). Sri Ram Chandar Ji, Bhagwan Krishan, Shiv Ji, Mahatma Budh, Brahma and Muhammed Sahib, they all had families. So, it is important to get married. Akal Purakh (Waheguru) established all creation in two parts, for example, man/woman; night/day; birth/death; youth/old age; sunlight/darkness; earth/sky and sorrow/happiness etc. Akal Purakh has established this meaningful system. The day is for working and the night is for resting. Married life is for procreation, so that life may continue. Those saadhus and sants who say that one should not get married are breaking the Divine Law. However, there are other great saints who did not get married because they were sent for preaching religion; they have been sent by Guru Ji Himself. Examples of such holy people are: Sant Baba Atar Singh Ji Mastuanay-waalay, Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji Hoti Mardan, Sant Baba Jwala Singh Ji Harkhowal, Sant Baba Gurmukh Singh Ji Patialay-waalay, Sant Baba Isher Singh Ji Rare-waalay, Sant Baba Bhan Singh Jagraon, Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji Kaleran-waalay and many others; no one can equal their saintliness. They would recite Bani all night and do simran.
It is my own experience how troublesome lust (sexual urge) can be when one engages in Waheguru meditation. I too spent life as a family man for five or six years. I used medicine too to control this distracting force. From the day I was blessed by Guru Ji’s darshan, my mind did not waver. This was a gift of Naam. My life changed. For controlling this distracting influence, it is necessary to do simran for 10 to 12 hours a day. Then a stage is reached where lust cannot trouble a devotee. Some Gursikhs ask me, “Being family people, how can we do so many hours of simran?” The way this can be done is that if two members of a family sit together to do Paatths of Nit Nem and Sukhmani and simran, then it becomes a Sangat and the reward doubles. In the same way while doing daily chores one should keep reciting all the Bani one knows by heart. Proceeding in this way, with Guru Ji’s blessing, one achieves spiritual success while living a normal family life.”
Meditation (Simran)
Part 4 - Simran (Meditation) at Home and in Sangat
I am asked sometimes:"Bhai Sahib Ji, what is the difference between doing simran at home and doing simran in Sangat at the Gurdwara!"
I explain: One has to make a special effort to go to the Gurdwara. If a person walks to the Gurdwara, his feet are purified. Those who go in a car, also spend their time usefully. If one decides to go to the Gurdwara, but is unable to attend, in the Age of Kalyug, even that intention is rewarded because the intention was good. When a person goes to the Gurdwara then the dust of the feet of Sangat touches one’s forehead. The spiritual fruit of cleaning Sangat’s shoes early in the morning is great. Eyes are purified by Guru Ji’s darshan (holy sight) early in the morning. The tongue is purified by simran. The resonance of Naam simran by the Saadh Sangat, increases the effect of simran many times. If one hundred Gursikhs are doing simran the impact on the soul, and, therefore, the benefit, will be multiplied one hundred times. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji has given the Sangat the highest status. If one does Naam simran in the presence of Guru Ji in the morning then the sins of many previous life cycles are washed away.
"The bumble bee is greedy for the flower's fragrance; finding it, it traps himself in the flower. Just so, the humble Saints love the Lord; beholding the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, they are satisfied and satiated." (SGGS Anng. 708)
An insect loves the fragrance of flowers but meets its death in the bosom of the flower. However, look at the praise of the Guru, that a Gursikh sitting in His lap (presence) becomes immortal (i.e. is freed from the cycles of birth and death). Many people prefer to sit at home to do simran with own family. In that way they can redeem their own family only but cannot help others. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji could have done the same, but His main aim was to connect every human being to the Guru’s Charan (holy feet of the Guru, symbolic of concentration on Guru’s Shabad in total humility). The people redeemed by Guru Ji included such sinners as Sajan Tthag, Kauda Rakhash, Vali Kandhari and many such evil doers. Guru Ji went to these people to redeem them. If we, the Sikhs of Guru Nanak sit aloof like yogis, then what is the difference between us and the monastic yogis.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Unseen Ego
Part 3 - Unseen Haomai (Ego)
Once a Gursikh asked me the meaning of subtle (or unseen) haumai (ego, also see Glossary).
I explained, that people do not recognise the unseen haomai. After doing research of Bani I understood that sewa, simran, humility and charity (doing good deeds for others) are the four pillars of Sikhi. If the four supports of a bed get infected by woodworm, they become weak from the inside. The effect of unseen haumai is like that. The symptoms are: to be jealous of someone; to condemn others and to gossip about others; to feel happy listening to own praise; and, to think bad about others. In this way the unseen haumai affects a person from the inside. The victim does not realise this until that person misses the main objective of life. This haumai is most dangerous.
“Whoever I see is diseased. Only my True Guru, the True Yogi, is free of disease.”
(SGGS Anng. 1140)
Only the Satguru is without haumai.
“Naam is the medicine for all types of disease.” (Sukhmani: GGS Anng. 274)
There is only one way to save yourself from this disease of unseen haumai and that is through continuous Naam simran; do this as long as you can and say and pray to Waheguru Ji.
“I run around in all directions, searching for the love of God. The five evil enemies are tormenting me; how can I destroy them? (Guru’s response:) Shoot them with the sharp arrows of meditation on the Name of God. O Lord! The way to slaughter these terrible sadistic enemies is obtained from the Perfect Guru.” (SGGS Anng. 1363)
In this Shabad, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji is praying to Waheguru Ji, “My desire is to recite Your Name, but the Five (lust and anger etc.) are so powerful that they prevent me from doing this.” Waheguru Ji replied, “To control these (evils) and to free yourself from these, shoot the sharp arrows of Naam.”
A person should not give up in disappointment. Staguru Ji come to the rescue at times to ensure that a person does not waver. At times one hears kirtan and sometimes feels as if one is in the presence of Guru Ji. The mind experiences these positive aspects of Gursikhi and becomes steady again. Sometimes, one becomes proud about doing simran. Thus, this subtle form of haumai pollutes the mind, for you cannot have two swords in the same sheath. So where there is haumai, Naam cannot reside there. To get rid of haumai, one should go to the Gurdwara and do sewa (service in humility) of cleaning Sangat’s footwear.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Interference with meditation on God’s Name
Part 2 - Interference with meditation on God’s Name
Bhai Sukhdev Singh: “Bhai Sahib Ji, what are the things which interfere with the path of bhagti (meditation on God’s Name)?” I replied:-
Firstly, Gursikhs must have complete faith in the Guru. When doing simran, a Gursikh should regard the Guru as ever present with him.
“My Guru is always with me, near at hand. Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever.” (SGGS P. 394)
A Gursikh’s mental make-up should be so disciplined that he or she should remain even tempered (unaffected) by pain or happiness. Simran should be done with such conviction as if it is being recited to Guru Ji, Who is sitting right in front of the Gursikh. Some Gursikhs take Amrit but fail the first test set by Guru Ji. If they experience any sorrow they start complaining to Guru Ji. They do not have total faith in Guru Ji. Any good or bad life experience should be regarded as the Will (Hukam) of the Guru. The Will of Guru Ji should be accepted in total faith and gratefully[1]. Pray to Guru Ji:-
“Satguru Ji, please spare us any trials (tests); we are not strong and may waver. Give us the strength to accept Bhana (Your Will)”
Simran erases all bad deeds of past lives and this life. When they have been totally eradicated, one starts enjoying a state of bliss in simran (due to a clear conscience through repentance, humility and sewa). As Guru Ji says:-
“But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.” (SGGS p. 4)
It is only through simran that dirt of sins is washed away from the mind.
“The mind of the faithless cynic is like a crazy elephant. It wanders around the forest, distracted by attachment to Maya (see Glossary).” (SGGS p. 415)
Guru Ji says, that caught in the vicious cycle of maaya (worldly attachment and craving for more - see Glossary), the mind is charging around like a mad elephant. It is important to control this mind. It is also important to take Khanday Baatay da Amrit (Ambrosial Water (Amrit) of the double edged sword (khanda) and the iron bowl (bata) and accept the Guru’s Hukam (Will and Order). One should follow the orders of the Panj Piaray given during the Amrit Sanchaar ceremony, to get up early in the morning and to recite the Five Banis (see Glossary). The Amrit vela starts at 1.00 o’ clock[2] in the early morning. At first, sleep will trouble the devotee; the cure for that is to sprinkle the eyes with cold water, or do simran aloud. It takes some years to overcome the problem of sleep. It took me 15 to 20 years.
Secondly, the mind will wander while doing simran[3]. When some thoughts begin to trouble the mind then start a loud chant of “Waheguru, Waheguru” to bring the mind back to simran. When Naam resides in the swas (each life breath), then thought concentration is achieved. The tongue also stops and nothing is heard by the ears. The soul is enjoying the bliss of Naam (The God’s Being or Holy Presence). The body becomes light. Much simran is needed to reach this stage.
It took me 15 to 20 years to reach this stage. That is my experience. Some Gursikhs expect this stage immediately on taking Amrit. Many unusual experiences are felt when doing simran, but it takes a long time to start enjoying the true bliss of Naam (feeling at one with the Divine Being).
Thirdly, the five evil influences, lust (uncontrolled sexual desire), anger, greed, attachment and self-centred conceit (ego) trouble the mind. Lust troubles most. It poses a great challenge and it is very difficult to free oneself from this basic human instinct. I too have suffered from it for many years. At times my mind became very unsteady and troubled me. I would keep thinking, “I do simran, I get up early in the morning, but why do these thoughts and dreams trouble me so. Sometimes, I became depressed and would begin to doubt this path of bhagti (meditation on and devotion for Waheguru’s Naam); in great distress, I would pray to Waheguru Ji to free me from the bad dreams. When I became very distressed then a, achint Shaheed Singh (appearance of a martyr Singh outside my thoughts) would console and encourage me and ask me to rise for Naam simran. Then I would take heart again and felt the presence of Satguru with me. I have noticed that these days almost everyone is caught up in maaya’s (see Glossary) net in the form of female attraction. Whatever true wealth (of Naam) they save, is looted by the Five bandits (the Five evils mentioned above). The spiritual credit of Naam simran - the true wealth - is lost.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Purpose of Life and Attaining Vahiguroo
I am going to start a series of posts on questions and answers by Bhai Rama Singh Ji, taken from: Roop Gobind Ka Raj Khalsa Ka Sika Sohna Ka, by Bhai Rama Singh (translated by Bhai Gurmukh Singh)
"Gurmat Discussion (Some of my replies to questions asked by Gursikhs from time to time.)"
Part 1 - Purpose of life and attaining Vahiguroo.
One day Bhai Sukhdev Singh and I were discussing Gurmatt topics and he asked me,“Bhai Sahib Ji, how can one quickly reach the spiritual stage, so that Waheguru resides in one’s mind and salvation is achieved?”
I explained, “It takes the effort of many life times to reach this stage. After taking many births there comes a time when, through the grace of Waheguru, this stage is achieved. There is a need for a lot of simran.”
I said, “To meet Waheguru, one has to give up three things:
“Rise at Amrit vela (early in the morning) and contemplate on the praise of Waheguru.” (Jap Ji Sahib: SGGS p. 2)
“These three things one must give up are: early morning sleep; another’s wealth and another’s body (i.e. extra-marital relations).
“If one follows these principles, at tends Guru Ji regularly and does simran early in the morning, then Guru Ji helps such a person. If one is unable to get up then Guru Ji sends Shaheed Singhs to wake a Sikh up. When the Shaheed Singhs come to wake up a Sikh, from that day his mind gets totally immersed in simran. When a Gursikh reaches this stage, then Waheguru is very close to him and saves him from the three things mentioned above. These are the first three steps to reach Waheguru. The one who passes these three steps reaches the fourth. Then Waheguru Ji shows many kautaks (unusual experiences) to such an individual. In this stage the physical body remains here and the ethereal body escapes through the dasam duar (tenth gate - see Glossary) to see numerous phenomena of nature and then returns into the physical body again. When the soul returns to the body, then the chant of Waheguru starts in the body in such a way that it is difficult to stop it. If a person reaches this stage then it is important to beware of haumai (ego-centricity or arrogance).
“When I started simran, Waheguru made me experience many unusual phenomena. Many Gursikhs reach this stage, but cannot remain unaffected and humble. They tell others and the word spreads. Waheguru Ji is not happy when this happens. It takes a great deal of effort to reach this stage again.
“Indulgence in useless dramatic exhibition of magic,
(From such practices) Godly people (refrain because they) are ashamed (to compete with God).” (Bachittar Natak Patshahi 10)
If Waheguru has blessed someone then one should not tell others. The same happened with me at the beginning; I would see kautaks and tell others about them. This was a great loss to me. Then it would take me many months of simran to reach that stage again. If you tell people then you cannot make further progress.
Once Giani Amolak Singh Ji advised me, that just as someone who has wealth, will not talk about his bank balance; not even to his own family, so Naam is real wealth, the more silent you remain about it, the better. After that I did not talk to others about my spiritual experiences.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Sri Darbar Sahib from Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji's Gurpurb
Photos of Sri Darbar Sahib from Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji's Gurpurb.
November 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Todays World and Kuljug
Got home from Kings simran today. We did a bit of kirtan then I made my way home. Had BBC1 on and crime watch is on. There are so many bad things I thank Guroo Jee he blessed me and my family with Sikhi. They just done an appeal for three men who part took in a rape on one women.
The bechari was out with friends she hadn’t seen in a while. She decided to leave early and go home. She asked the mini cab how much and then got in. He apparently made a wrong turn which she pointed out and he apologised and said he would get back on the right way next turn.
He failed to do this and she panics and well I won’t go in to the rest. But its so distressing the kind of things going on. Of course it’s not a persons fault they get rapped.
Vahiguoo help her to get over this cant imagine how she must feel. She went to th police days after and was able to draw there faces. At this point I was thinking to my self about the bibian in Panjab from over 20 years till now who are going thew this and much more. They can’t even tell anyone as they will be ashamed and go through this alone. It’s so sad but our community doesn’t help them.
These are the same Singh’s of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who use to go and save Hindu women from the moguls today cant seem to protect there own bibian.
Every community treats there Martyrs (shaheeds) with respect offering families monetary comforts etc we do nothing. I was watching Widows Colony preview he other day. About women of a block who are all widows as there sons and husbands where murdered in cold blood while they and there daughters had been rapped. We have not done anything for them and still do nothing. One thing a widow said on that film was how many people made films but nothing had been done. They said they dont want money, clothes, food, or any thing just justice. They are willing to work 24-7 and wear simple clothes but just ask for justice.
The same bibian who is protecting them? No one why? Why haven’t Akal Takath treated them as royalty of the panth? Someone posted how there daughters are in prostitution to survive. Sikh daughters, of Shaheeds in Prostitution if this is not a shame and black stain on Sikhs internationally then what is?
I just remembered a Panjab Radio show where he talked about two sisters. One was Gurdeep Kaur, can’t remember the name of the other. Sister 1 was taken by Panjab Police and returned next say. They then took Gurdeep she said how she was tied up stripped and blind folded and drunk officers and men ....(I cant go into it)... She was bleeding all over. They abused her so much all night, she got no sleep.
She was returned and told to keep her mouth shut. Elders told her to do same due to our culture of shame and how bibi won’t be able to marry, etc. She couldn’t, pehnjee was so brave she took on the world and told her story. Allot of these daughters, Sisters end up committing suicide as they have no other way out. They have no one, no one to talk to nothing. May Guroo Sahib bless the Panth with tyar by tyar Gursikhs who will stop this and help our brothers and sisters. With all these comforts living in UK we should do more to help them.
We should all hold our heads in shame and do ardaas for these families and try and volunteer in Panjab, etc try and make a difference. http://www.fatehworld.org/ is one great site.
Today we can get involved with parchar in our home towns not only in our Sikh community but helping all communities as in the essence of Sikhi.
The bechari was out with friends she hadn’t seen in a while. She decided to leave early and go home. She asked the mini cab how much and then got in. He apparently made a wrong turn which she pointed out and he apologised and said he would get back on the right way next turn.
He failed to do this and she panics and well I won’t go in to the rest. But its so distressing the kind of things going on. Of course it’s not a persons fault they get rapped.
Vahiguoo help her to get over this cant imagine how she must feel. She went to th police days after and was able to draw there faces. At this point I was thinking to my self about the bibian in Panjab from over 20 years till now who are going thew this and much more. They can’t even tell anyone as they will be ashamed and go through this alone. It’s so sad but our community doesn’t help them.
These are the same Singh’s of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who use to go and save Hindu women from the moguls today cant seem to protect there own bibian.
Every community treats there Martyrs (shaheeds) with respect offering families monetary comforts etc we do nothing. I was watching Widows Colony preview he other day. About women of a block who are all widows as there sons and husbands where murdered in cold blood while they and there daughters had been rapped. We have not done anything for them and still do nothing. One thing a widow said on that film was how many people made films but nothing had been done. They said they dont want money, clothes, food, or any thing just justice. They are willing to work 24-7 and wear simple clothes but just ask for justice.
The same bibian who is protecting them? No one why? Why haven’t Akal Takath treated them as royalty of the panth? Someone posted how there daughters are in prostitution to survive. Sikh daughters, of Shaheeds in Prostitution if this is not a shame and black stain on Sikhs internationally then what is?
I just remembered a Panjab Radio show where he talked about two sisters. One was Gurdeep Kaur, can’t remember the name of the other. Sister 1 was taken by Panjab Police and returned next say. They then took Gurdeep she said how she was tied up stripped and blind folded and drunk officers and men ....(I cant go into it)... She was bleeding all over. They abused her so much all night, she got no sleep.
She was returned and told to keep her mouth shut. Elders told her to do same due to our culture of shame and how bibi won’t be able to marry, etc. She couldn’t, pehnjee was so brave she took on the world and told her story. Allot of these daughters, Sisters end up committing suicide as they have no other way out. They have no one, no one to talk to nothing. May Guroo Sahib bless the Panth with tyar by tyar Gursikhs who will stop this and help our brothers and sisters. With all these comforts living in UK we should do more to help them.
We should all hold our heads in shame and do ardaas for these families and try and volunteer in Panjab, etc try and make a difference. http://www.fatehworld.org/ is one great site.
Today we can get involved with parchar in our home towns not only in our Sikh community but helping all communities as in the essence of Sikhi.
Bhai Rama Singh Ji..., Bharosaa....
Vahiguroo Jee.. Something I found inspirational and linked in with what a group of singhs had been discussing on the weekend.
sae charan suhaavae jo har maarag chalae ho bal thin sa(n)g pashhaanaa jeeo 2
Those feet which walk in the Lord's Way are beautiful. I am a sacrifice to that Congregation in which the Lord is recognized. 2
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Raag Maajh, 103)
---------------
What I am about to write may not be of big deal but here goes...
As I was reading the above Gurbanee I remembered some memories, just felt that maybe it would be nice to share it with the sangat so that we may remember those Great spiritual warriors of our time and seek to follow Guru ji's footsteps just as they did...
Once there was paaht to be held at an Amritdharee's house during morning hours...my family and I were invited and were very grateful to have the opportunity of being in the company of such great sangat.
On the actual day we ended up arriving to the paaht very late and were saddened and felt bad for turning up late. But thought we must go inside to fulfill what we travelled out for. Ardaas was soon to begin as we went in to do Mata-thek to Dhan Dhan Guru ji. We had to sit outside in the garden as there was no room inside, i sat right in front, beside the concrete step that led to the lower ground of the garden. Once all paaht was over we eat langar.
After having eaten I still did not feel as though we had completed what we went there for because we arrived late. So sitting there with legs crossed beside that step, looking down at the ground with my elbow on knee, and chin resting on hand, i sat th ere all gloomy looking. Many people had passed by from out of the house to the garden, but after a while in front of me i saw these beautiful feet. Just reminded me of Guru Gobind Singh ji for some reason. The person had a white puchamee tightly on the legs...and then i as i looked up, the person was wearing a cholaa too...it was Bhai Rama Singh ji !!
He spoke to my father and said some very kind and special words about my family. I was SO happy just to see Bhai Rama Singh ji. People only have to be near to him to feel the peace and look at him to see the pyar in his eyes of his soul for Sikhi/Vaheguru ji....
My father asked him that 'how comes we havent seen you around lately at ransbaes etc'...and Bhai Rama Singh ji replied that he only has a few Saas left and he wishes to make the most of them as much as possible as he can (i.e. by doing Saas Gras/Naam jap).
It was just after a couple of days after that day we met Bhai Sahib that I/we heard his soul left Earth for SaachKhand.
Vaheguru ji is SO wondrous, there are no words to describe. Vaheguru ji ALWAYS has a Good reason for Everything that goes on. We MUST learn to keep in our highest spirits (Chardee Kaalaaa) even IF the 'going gets tough' by keeping Great FAITH/Bharosaa in Guru ji...in VAHEGURU ji.
Lets all look up and imagine SaachKhand in our minds and aim for it. This is by keeping on the True Marag we are destined for; Sikhi. We must ask for Guru ji's kirpaa and do sevaa n sikhi parchar. Lets Complete our duty as per Sikhi on Earth.
We have waited endless lives for this Human lifetime...lets accomplish what we have been sent here for so that we may meet each other and other GREAT GurSikhs in SaachKhand! Our TRUE Home.
We don't know when our last breaths are up, maybe next second, minute, hour, day, year, who knows....naam japoe with every breath......even our final thoughts and swaas/breath should be of vaheguru ji !
sae charan suhaavae jo har maarag chalae ho bal thin sa(n)g pashhaanaa jeeo 2
Those feet which walk in the Lord's Way are beautiful. I am a sacrifice to that Congregation in which the Lord is recognized. 2
(Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Raag Maajh, 103)
---------------
What I am about to write may not be of big deal but here goes...
As I was reading the above Gurbanee I remembered some memories, just felt that maybe it would be nice to share it with the sangat so that we may remember those Great spiritual warriors of our time and seek to follow Guru ji's footsteps just as they did...
Once there was paaht to be held at an Amritdharee's house during morning hours...my family and I were invited and were very grateful to have the opportunity of being in the company of such great sangat.
On the actual day we ended up arriving to the paaht very late and were saddened and felt bad for turning up late. But thought we must go inside to fulfill what we travelled out for. Ardaas was soon to begin as we went in to do Mata-thek to Dhan Dhan Guru ji. We had to sit outside in the garden as there was no room inside, i sat right in front, beside the concrete step that led to the lower ground of the garden. Once all paaht was over we eat langar.
After having eaten I still did not feel as though we had completed what we went there for because we arrived late. So sitting there with legs crossed beside that step, looking down at the ground with my elbow on knee, and chin resting on hand, i sat th ere all gloomy looking. Many people had passed by from out of the house to the garden, but after a while in front of me i saw these beautiful feet. Just reminded me of Guru Gobind Singh ji for some reason. The person had a white puchamee tightly on the legs...and then i as i looked up, the person was wearing a cholaa too...it was Bhai Rama Singh ji !!
He spoke to my father and said some very kind and special words about my family. I was SO happy just to see Bhai Rama Singh ji. People only have to be near to him to feel the peace and look at him to see the pyar in his eyes of his soul for Sikhi/Vaheguru ji....
My father asked him that 'how comes we havent seen you around lately at ransbaes etc'...and Bhai Rama Singh ji replied that he only has a few Saas left and he wishes to make the most of them as much as possible as he can (i.e. by doing Saas Gras/Naam jap).
It was just after a couple of days after that day we met Bhai Sahib that I/we heard his soul left Earth for SaachKhand.
Vaheguru ji is SO wondrous, there are no words to describe. Vaheguru ji ALWAYS has a Good reason for Everything that goes on. We MUST learn to keep in our highest spirits (Chardee Kaalaaa) even IF the 'going gets tough' by keeping Great FAITH/Bharosaa in Guru ji...in VAHEGURU ji.
Lets all look up and imagine SaachKhand in our minds and aim for it. This is by keeping on the True Marag we are destined for; Sikhi. We must ask for Guru ji's kirpaa and do sevaa n sikhi parchar. Lets Complete our duty as per Sikhi on Earth.
We have waited endless lives for this Human lifetime...lets accomplish what we have been sent here for so that we may meet each other and other GREAT GurSikhs in SaachKhand! Our TRUE Home.
We don't know when our last breaths are up, maybe next second, minute, hour, day, year, who knows....naam japoe with every breath......even our final thoughts and swaas/breath should be of vaheguru ji !
Monday, December 12, 2005
Righteous Judge of Dharma calls for Account
This Shabad is by Bhagat Kabeer Ji in Raag Maaroo on Pannaa 1104
ਦੇਹੀ ਗਾਵਾ ਜੀਉ ਧਰ ਮਹਤਉ ਬਸਹਿ ਪੰਚ ਕਿਰਸਾਨਾ ॥
dhaehee gaavaa jeeo dhhar mehatho basehi pa(n)ch kirasaanaa The body is a village, and the soul is the owner and farmer; the five farm-hands live there.
ਨੈਨੂ ਨਕਟੂ ਸ੍ਰਵਨੂ ਰਸਪਤਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਕਹਿਆ ਨ ਮਾਨਾ ॥1॥
nainoo nakattoo sravanoo rasapath ei(n)dhree kehiaa n maanaa 1
The eyes, nose, ears, tongue and sensory organs of touch do not obey any order. 1
ਬਾਬਾ ਅਬ ਨ ਬਸਉ ਇਹ ਗਾਉ ॥
baabaa ab n baso eih gaao
O father, now I shall not live in this village.
ਘਰੀ ਘਰੀ ਕਾ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਕਾਇਥੁ ਚੇਤੂ ਨਾਉ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
gharee gharee kaa laekhaa maagai kaaeithh chaethoo naao 1 rehaao
The accountants summoned Chitar and Gupat, the recording scribes of the conscious and the unconscious, to ask for an account of each and every moment. 1Pause
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਬਾਕੀ ਨਿਕਸੀ ਭਾਰੀ ॥
dhharam raae jab laekhaa maagai baakee nikasee bhaaree
When the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls for my account, there shall be a very heavy balance against me.
ਪੰਚ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਾਨਵਾ ਭਾਗਿ ਗਏ ਲੈ ਬਾਧਿਓ ਜੀਉ ਦਰਬਾਰੀ ॥2॥
pa(n)ch kirasaanavaa bhaag geae lai baadhhiou jeeo dharabaaree 2 The five farm-hands shall then run away, and the bailiff shall arrest the soul. 2
ਕਹੈ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਖੇਤ ਹੀ ਕਰਹੁ ਨਿਬੇਰਾ ॥
kehai kabeer sunahu rae sa(n)thahu khaeth hee karahu nibaeraa
Says Kabeer, listen, O Saints: settle your accounts in this farm.
ਅਬ ਕੀ ਬਾਰ ਬਖਸਿ ਬੰਦੇ ਕਉ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਭਉਜਲਿ ਫੇਰਾ ॥3॥7॥
ab kee baar bakhas ba(n)dhae ko bahur n bhoujal faeraa 37
O Lord, please forgive Your slave now, in this life, so that he may not have to return again to this terrifying world-ocean. 37 I cant find the audio of this shabad anone know its location?
I think I have herd an audio but cant find it. Anyone find it post a link please.
ਦੇਹੀ ਗਾਵਾ ਜੀਉ ਧਰ ਮਹਤਉ ਬਸਹਿ ਪੰਚ ਕਿਰਸਾਨਾ ॥
dhaehee gaavaa jeeo dhhar mehatho basehi pa(n)ch kirasaanaa The body is a village, and the soul is the owner and farmer; the five farm-hands live there.
ਨੈਨੂ ਨਕਟੂ ਸ੍ਰਵਨੂ ਰਸਪਤਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀ ਕਹਿਆ ਨ ਮਾਨਾ ॥1॥
nainoo nakattoo sravanoo rasapath ei(n)dhree kehiaa n maanaa 1
The eyes, nose, ears, tongue and sensory organs of touch do not obey any order. 1
ਬਾਬਾ ਅਬ ਨ ਬਸਉ ਇਹ ਗਾਉ ॥
baabaa ab n baso eih gaao
O father, now I shall not live in this village.
ਘਰੀ ਘਰੀ ਕਾ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਕਾਇਥੁ ਚੇਤੂ ਨਾਉ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
gharee gharee kaa laekhaa maagai kaaeithh chaethoo naao 1 rehaao
The accountants summoned Chitar and Gupat, the recording scribes of the conscious and the unconscious, to ask for an account of each and every moment. 1Pause
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਬਾਕੀ ਨਿਕਸੀ ਭਾਰੀ ॥
dhharam raae jab laekhaa maagai baakee nikasee bhaaree
When the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls for my account, there shall be a very heavy balance against me.
ਪੰਚ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਾਨਵਾ ਭਾਗਿ ਗਏ ਲੈ ਬਾਧਿਓ ਜੀਉ ਦਰਬਾਰੀ ॥2॥
pa(n)ch kirasaanavaa bhaag geae lai baadhhiou jeeo dharabaaree 2 The five farm-hands shall then run away, and the bailiff shall arrest the soul. 2
ਕਹੈ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਖੇਤ ਹੀ ਕਰਹੁ ਨਿਬੇਰਾ ॥
kehai kabeer sunahu rae sa(n)thahu khaeth hee karahu nibaeraa
Says Kabeer, listen, O Saints: settle your accounts in this farm.
ਅਬ ਕੀ ਬਾਰ ਬਖਸਿ ਬੰਦੇ ਕਉ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਭਉਜਲਿ ਫੇਰਾ ॥3॥7॥
ab kee baar bakhas ba(n)dhae ko bahur n bhoujal faeraa 37
O Lord, please forgive Your slave now, in this life, so that he may not have to return again to this terrifying world-ocean. 37 I cant find the audio of this shabad anone know its location?
I think I have herd an audio but cant find it. Anyone find it post a link please.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Im Sorry..
I make so many mistakes, there is no end or limit to them.
O Lord, please be merciful and forgive me; I am a sinner, a great offender.
O Dear Lord, if You made an account of my mistakes, my turn to be forgiven would not even come. Please forgive me, and unite me with Yourself.
The Guru, in His Pleasure, has united me with the Lord God; He has cut away all my sinful mistakes.
Servant Nanak celebrates the victory of those who meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. 29
This Shabad is by Guru Amar Daas Ji in Salok Vaaraan Thay Vadheek on Anng 1413
I am sorry to those I have hurt, to sangat and anyone I may have offended or anything else. In particular to one person who trusted me. I hope you find it some where in your heart one day to forgive this worthless dass. May VahiGuroo forgive me..
sorry...
O Lord, please be merciful and forgive me; I am a sinner, a great offender.
O Dear Lord, if You made an account of my mistakes, my turn to be forgiven would not even come. Please forgive me, and unite me with Yourself.
The Guru, in His Pleasure, has united me with the Lord God; He has cut away all my sinful mistakes.
Servant Nanak celebrates the victory of those who meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. 29
This Shabad is by Guru Amar Daas Ji in Salok Vaaraan Thay Vadheek on Anng 1413
I am sorry to those I have hurt, to sangat and anyone I may have offended or anything else. In particular to one person who trusted me. I hope you find it some where in your heart one day to forgive this worthless dass. May VahiGuroo forgive me..
sorry...
VahiGuroo
Yesterday I found out a friend is veery Ill. I didnt know what to say. I tried to confort the person telling them Im here for them to talk and stuff. This erson seem to be trying to deal on there own they should really tell family I hope they do soon. May Guroo Bless them and keep them strong.
Then in evening another storm came over me. ahh life is how you call it eventful. will this evenings been that.
I just wanted to say Sorry... If I Have ever done anything to hurt you or offend you please forgive dass and do ardaas Guru ji bless me I dont do it to anyone else again. Sorry..
Im sorry to those I hurt and betrayed the trust of.
Then in evening another storm came over me. ahh life is how you call it eventful. will this evenings been that.
I just wanted to say Sorry... If I Have ever done anything to hurt you or offend you please forgive dass and do ardaas Guru ji bless me I dont do it to anyone else again. Sorry..
Im sorry to those I hurt and betrayed the trust of.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Why are you so sad? My True Guru is Perfect.
Yesterday I was feeling a bit off. Had long day at University and its comming up to exam time and everyones in the doom gloom stage. Any way through out the day I found myself singing to my self one tuk of gurbani.ਮਨ ਕਿਉ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ਕਰਹਿਗਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪੂਰਾ ॥
man kio bairaag karehigaa sathigur maeraa pooraa
O my mind, why are you so sad? My True Guru is Perfect.
I could hear my self just reapeating it over and over. I can seem to find the audio now but yeh. In the afternoon talking to two of my best mates, I just started thinking about the lines of Gurbani. I realied that here I was feeling blues and yet Guroo mahraaj was always anng sanng. sometimes we can be so stupid and not realise the obvious.
This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Aasaa on Anng 375
ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
aasaa mehalaa 5
Aasaa, Fifth Mehl:
ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਹੋਇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲੁ ਤ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਈ ॥
prabh hoe kirapaal th eihu man laaee
When God shows His Mercy, then this mind is focused on Him.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਸਭੈ ਫਲ ਪਾਈ ॥1॥
sathigur saev sabhai fal paaee 1
Serving the True Guru, all rewards are obtained. 1
ਮਨ ਕਿਉ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ਕਰਹਿਗਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪੂਰਾ ॥
man kio bairaag karehigaa sathigur maeraa pooraa
O my mind, why are you so sad? My True Guru is Perfect.
ਮਨਸਾ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਸਭ ਸੁਖ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਭਰਪੂਰਾ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
manasaa kaa dhaathaa sabh sukh nidhhaan a(n)mrith sar sadh hee bharapooraa 1 rehaao
He is the Giver of blessings, the treasure of all comforts; His Ambrosial Pool of Nectar is always overflowing. 1Pause
ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਰਿਦ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਧਾਰੇ ॥
charan kamal ridh a(n)thar dhhaarae
One who enshrines His Lotus Feet within the heart,
ਪ੍ਰਗਟੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਰਾਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥2॥
pragattee joth milae raam piaarae 2
meets the Beloved Lord; the Divine Light is revealed to him. 2
ਪੰਚ ਸਖੀ ਮਿਲਿ ਮੰਗਲੁ ਗਾਇਆ ॥
pa(n)ch sakhee mil ma(n)gal gaaeiaa
The five companions have met together to sing the songs of joy.
ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥3॥
anehadh baanee naadh vajaaeiaa 3
The unstruck melody, the sound current of the Naad, vibrates and resounds. 3
ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤੁਠਾ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥
gur naanak thut(h)aa miliaa har raae
O Nanak, when the Guru is totally pleased, one meets the Lord, the King.
ਸੁਖਿ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥4॥17॥
sukh rain vihaanee sehaj subhaae 417
Then, the night of one's life passes in peace and natural ease. 417
ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
aasaa mehalaa 5
Aasaa, Fifth Mehl:
ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਹੋਇ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਲੁ ਤ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਲਾਈ ॥
prabh hoe kirapaal th eihu man laaee
When God shows His Mercy, then this mind is focused on Him.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸੇਵਿ ਸਭੈ ਫਲ ਪਾਈ ॥1॥
sathigur saev sabhai fal paaee 1
Serving the True Guru, all rewards are obtained. 1
ਮਨ ਕਿਉ ਬੈਰਾਗੁ ਕਰਹਿਗਾ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਪੂਰਾ ॥
man kio bairaag karehigaa sathigur maeraa pooraa
O my mind, why are you so sad? My True Guru is Perfect.
ਮਨਸਾ ਕਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਸਭ ਸੁਖ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਭਰਪੂਰਾ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
manasaa kaa dhaathaa sabh sukh nidhhaan a(n)mrith sar sadh hee bharapooraa 1 rehaao
He is the Giver of blessings, the treasure of all comforts; His Ambrosial Pool of Nectar is always overflowing. 1Pause
ਚਰਣ ਕਮਲ ਰਿਦ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਧਾਰੇ ॥
charan kamal ridh a(n)thar dhhaarae
One who enshrines His Lotus Feet within the heart,
ਪ੍ਰਗਟੀ ਜੋਤਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਰਾਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥2॥
pragattee joth milae raam piaarae 2
meets the Beloved Lord; the Divine Light is revealed to him. 2
ਪੰਚ ਸਖੀ ਮਿਲਿ ਮੰਗਲੁ ਗਾਇਆ ॥
pa(n)ch sakhee mil ma(n)gal gaaeiaa
The five companions have met together to sing the songs of joy.
ਅਨਹਦ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਾਦੁ ਵਜਾਇਆ ॥3॥
anehadh baanee naadh vajaaeiaa 3
The unstruck melody, the sound current of the Naad, vibrates and resounds. 3
ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਤੁਠਾ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥
gur naanak thut(h)aa miliaa har raae
O Nanak, when the Guru is totally pleased, one meets the Lord, the King.
ਸੁਖਿ ਰੈਣਿ ਵਿਹਾਣੀ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥4॥17॥
sukh rain vihaanee sehaj subhaae 417
Then, the night of one's life passes in peace and natural ease. 417
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Guroo Anng Sanng
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Experiences With Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh Jee
Experiences With Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee
By Bibi Harsharan Kaur & Principal Gurmukh Singh jee
Atam Rang, July 1999
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org
First Encounter
We had heard about the Gurmat lifestyle of most respected father, Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee in Srinagar. We had heard of his name before and that he had spent 16 years in prison. We had heard about him being a patriot and about his role in the Gurdvara Rakab Ganj struggle, but it was in Srinagar where we first heard about his life as a devotee at the feet of the Guru. We heard about him this way: there were a brother and sister who were detached from worldly life. They remained in Satsang. They used to discuss which path would let them be accepted at the door of the Satguru and thus be ferried across the world-ocean. They used to go to Satsang, read BaaNee and eventually, they came to the realisation that one of them was soon to depart. They decided that whoever left first, would come back and tell the other what to do. By Akaal Purakh's will, the sister passed away first. As per the promise, her soul returned to meet her brother and said "The path upon which we were travelling is the right one, but it's most important to receive Amrit and doing Satsang while keeping Rehit. I'll tell you about
some of the Guru's beloved Satsangees and you should certainly go see them."
She encouraged her brother to go to Narangvaal and to remain on the Gursikhi path while reciting naam and staying in Satsangat. The brother heard all this and told his friends. We also heard all this and coincidentally, we were coming upon a vacation. We arrived at the Poh Suptamee at Narangvaal and for the first time heard a raN sabaaiee keertan. We heard it, and
the effect was such that our relationship was forever established (with this Jatha). This was our first meeting with Bhai Sahib.
Meeting Bhai Sahib
It was our second or third vacation and we were staying in Ludhiana. We came and found out that Bhai Sahib was not longer in Narangvaal but in Ludhiana's Model Town. He was living in house #79. We were very excited to go meet him. This all happened around 1951. We weren't amritdhaaree, and my husband( Col. Daljeet Singh jee) wasn't even keshdhaaree. However we definitely loved going to keertans. So, my husband alone went to Model Town Gurdvara to
enquire about Bhai Sahib. It was a Sunday and keertan was taking place. My husband heard the keertan and after the bhog, he followed Bhai Sahib on foot. Bhai Sahib was in the lead and the other Singhs walked to house #79.
My husband also entered the house and asked, to see Bhai Sahib. In response one carefree-type Singh said "not now, Bhai Sahib is resting." But Col. Daljeet Singh was called in from the inside. When Col. Daljeet Singh went in, he was a man who had been without kesh for 17 years and was wearing a borrowed reddish dastaar which he didn't even know how to tie properly.
Little hair were coming out of the dastaar and his beard was trimmed.
But as soon as he entered, Bhai Sahib sat him down with love and asked how he
was.
My husband's heart was won over. Col. Daljeet Singh asked "if I have your permission, may I come have your darshan in the future?"
Bhai Sahib replied sweetly, "Oh, you should certainly come! I will have YOUR darshan. And be sure to bring your wife as well."
Col. Sahib returned home and there was a unique happiness on his face, and he was thinking "Bhai Sahib has given so much love to a patit like me, and asked me to be sure to come again. Imagine that he said to me, 'I'll happily have your darshan too.'"
That divinely coloured soul, sent from the Guru's door could see the future of this lost person, and knew the Guru was about to take him in, and knew it was his duty to bring this lost one to the Guru's door.
In Delhi
After some time, we went to Delhi. One day I was in the Chandnee Chounk Bazzar buying some winter items when at the Red Fort bus stand I saw a bust stop and out came some women with dastaars. I saw this and was astounded. I wondered where they had come from. Usually no one like this could be seen. I saw those Gurmukhi forms and was internally drawn towards them. I
asked, "Who are you? Where do you live?"
They replied "We are from Ludhiana, and we're here because of the yearly Delhi Dussehra Smaagam. Today, the keertan will be at the PahaaR Ganj Gurdvara and tomorrow will be the RaN Sabaaiee at Bangla Sahib."
I quickly took a taxi home and asked my husband to quickly get ready and take me to the PahaaR Ganj Gurdvara. He agreed. When we arrived in the Sangat, before us we saw Bapoo Jee (Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh) with both his arms on a bairaagaN, clanging his KaRas, lost in the Shabad "Gobind mun mohiaa jeeo. Santan kai parsaad agaadh kanthay lag sohiaa jeeo."
The women I had seen at the Red Fort were the same ones doing keertan. Those were Bibi Updaysh Kaur and Gurcharan Kaur. That scene and that current immersed into me. The world was forgotten. What I saw before me cannot be described.
The next day we arrived at the ransabaiee and the whole night, amrit rained down. This was beyond words or descriptions. Then I don't know where those souls went (f rom the smaagam). I searched for them, but couldn't find them.
Meeting Chaanee Jee
One day my husband came home and said that he had found a Singh from the Jatha. He was living in Delhi and did keertan as well. The next day he brought the Singh with him. He seemed like he was from another world. He spoke in a different way too. And what he said was different too. He would eat nothing but I noticed a sense of happiness and care-freeness from him. This was our first meeting with Singhs. That Singh was Chaanee Jee. His full name is Bhai Preetam Singh but Bhai Sahib used to call him Chaanee jee out of love. In keertans, he would play the tabla. At that time, he was a Sarblohi Singh.
Becoming Amritdhaaree
We began to find out about keertan programs and began to go to the Sunday keertans. We found Satsangat. My husband began to keep his kesh and wear a dastaar. The Sangat of Gursikhs and their loving ways made our lives beautiful and sweet. One day, Col. Piara Singh jee came to Delhi to visit his son Major Inderjeet Singh. Due to some business regarding his son, he came to our house. Meeting him at that time made our desire to receive amrit very intense. Then Poh Sudee Suptmee came and we went to Ludhiana. We went to meet Bapoo jee and he lovingly met us. "Oh Bhai! You are very fortunate! Your wife is also very fortunate! Even the Bibi's mother is fortunate!"
With his amrit-filled glance, he took us lowly, worldly ones, stuck and covered in the mud of maya and washed us with the rain of praise. He said, "Take Amrit (amrit chakk lo)." My husband replied, "My wife is hesitant to wear a dastaar." Bhai Sahib then said, "She will certainly take amrit." Those words became true. Satguru jee gave us the gift of Amrit.
Our desire to see Bhai Sahib increased. After short intervals, we'd come to Ludhiana to see him, and by doing so, our souls would blossom. If any question arose when meeting him, he would answer it without us even asking. He was really the knower of the heart, and could guess what was within it.
One day Bhai Sahib asked "Do you know any shabads?" I said, "Jee, I know one." "Fine, let's hear it." Jaan Sukhaalaa jee went and got the joRee. I sang the shabad "Keeo shingaar milan kay taaee(n). Har na milay jagjeevan gosaaee(n)." Hearing the Shabad, Bhai Sahib was very happy. He gave me so much love. With this shabad, our relationship was made even closer.
Meeting a 'Sant'
One day two young, unknowing girls from Bhai Sahib's family along with a friend went to see a Sant's smaagam at a dera. There, there was a huge crowd. People were rushing to see the Sant. The sevaadaars would take some select people near the Sant, and the rest of the people stood waiting in the sun. These two bibis with their dastaars could be seen from far away. The Sant called them close and said "Some people are very fundamentalist..." etc. He was saying all this because the bibis hadn't bowed before the Sant, and only said Fateh. So they returned after hearing a lot from the Sant.
Because they had gone with their friend without taking permission, they were afraid. One said "Now Bapoo jee will scold us." The other then said "We won't tell him."
When they returned, no one knew they had gone to the Dera. Then one Singh came and said that Bhai Sahib was summoning the two bibis. We understood, but we couldn't believe he knew. When we went inside Bhai Sahib said, "Have you gotten the darshan of the Saadh? Did you hear the slander of Gursikhs? What did you not have that you went there to get? Bibi! Satguru jee has given you birth in the house of Gursi khs, and so you are fortunate. You received amrit in your mouths, which has no equal. He has given you the gift of Naam and a place in the Sangat. Even more blessings were given and you were given the gift of keertan. What did you want that you went there?"
We asked for forgiveness and said "Bapoo jee, we just went to see what happens there. We've made a mistake. We also thought that you wouldn't know and no one would know. We've made a big mistake. Forgive us. " Bhai Sahib didn't say any of this in front of anyone and scolded us in private.
Blessings of Keertan
One day Bhai Sahib called us and said "Bibi! The committee of Gurdvara Aalamgeer has printed their yearly Smaagam posters without asking us and written that The Jatha will do the three hour Amrit Vela Aasaa dee Vaar and then open keertan too, until the dhaadees begin."
I was worried. Bibi Gurdeesh Kaur had gone to her in-laws and she was our main keertanee. We said, "Baapoo jee, we can't do it. Gurdeesh Kaur isn't there. There will be a big gathering of sangat there." Bhai Sahib then said, "What are you going to do? Satguru jee is going to do it. You just go."
With Bibi Daler Kaur, the two of us and a Singh on the joRee, we left. It was as if someone had given us something magical to drink. We only became conscious after the final chhakaa. When we got up and came out, it was as if our feet weren't touching the ground, just floating on it. We went home and went straight to Bhai Sahib. He was strolling outside. He saw us and began
to laugh. He said "My pair of precious jewels did so well!" We said "But you were with us though..." He gave us so much love and then said "Ask for what you want." What could we ask for? We couldn't speak. Our insides were asking for that same awareness th at he experienced. Vahiguru, Vahiguru! If we write this story, it'll never end. This all took place around 1957-58. It's true that Guru Sahib himself takes the seva of keertan from us. That day the two of us did keertan seva with love and then Satguru jee gave us countless blessings.
1965
The 1965 war had started. We were at Ferozepur Cantonment. Without warning, the army crossed the Satluj and all the houses and barracks emptied around us. The whole area was silent and empty. No one could come to take the children from the house at that time. The whole area was deserted, the streets empty, and all buildings uninhabited. Night fell. No light could be
seen for miles. At a distance was a church, nothing else. Anyone could break the windows of those big bungalows and easily enter. In our house were three girls and six-month-old baby. No other servants or caretakers. All Quarters were empty around us. That was a terrifying night. I fell unconscious with fright. Then Bapoo jee came and stood before me. He said, "Get up Bibi!
Why are you afraid? I'm here now. The Guru is with you. Nothing can happen to you. Get up and recite the shabad. He sang the shabad with me "Bhairo(n) Mahulla 5. Oothat sukheeaa baaithat sukheeaa..." He sang this entire shabad. I got up and took the Amrit Keertan Pothee and read this shabad over and over. All my fears went away.
Morning came and someone came to get us and I happily went to my own home. Remember that Bhai Sahib had left us in 1961. This event happened in 1965.
Stories from Pr. Gurmukh Singh jee:
Bibi Bhupinder Kaur jee's Keertan
This is a story of Bibi Bhupinder Kaur jee, wife of Bhai Soorat Singh Pooran jee. I heard this story from them and wrote it down so our keertanee Singhs and Bibis can learn something from it. Bibi jee had learnt to do keertan in classical raags at a very young age. Bibi jee used to go to Narangvaal for the Poh Sudee Satvee(n) gupurab to celebrate the arrival of Dashmesh pita
jee. She tells us that once she prepared 25 new shaabads for the smaagam so that they could be done at four or five turns at keertan. But what happened was the opposite. When she arrived at Narangvaal, Sodar was concluding and upon arriving, Bhai Sahib called her to the stage and asked her to sing keertan. At that deevaan after Sodar, one by one, all 25 shabads were sung
and Bhai Sahib was very happy. He said "sing more!" But he knew that I had no other shabads prepared. He then said.."That's it? You're empty? You came so full. Well, prepare more for the morning."
Bibi Bhupinder Kaur thought to herself "all the shabads I had prepared, Bhai Sahib has heard in the first sitting. How will I do 5 more divaans? But know this as truth that the bliss I got after becoming empty at that smaagam is one of my unforgettable memories. I don't know how Guru Sahib first emptied me and then with his own blessings made me do keertan. We think that WE
do keertan. Satguru jee himself comes within us and takes this seva. It's like "Nanak jant vajaaiyaa vaajai"
The above story teaches us that Satugur jee himself blesses us and makes us do keertan. By becoming "empty" and then doing keertan while attached to the feet of the Guru, we get a totally different type of enjoyment. The ones who listen to keertan always remain in enjoyment if they listen to keertan with their consciousness but Keertanees are always either "full" (with new shabads) or "empty". Keertan is a gift, not an art.
Bhai Santa Singh & Bhai Sahib
Bhai Santa Singh (IAS Rtd.) told me this story. At 79 Modelt Town Ludhiana, he and Bhai Bava Singh used to help bathe Bhai Sahib at Amrit Vela (1.30AM-2AM). Then Bhai Bava Singh began to stay at Kumarhatti to do seva in the Gurdvara there, and then Bhai Santa Singh began to do this seva alone. Bhai Santa Singh tells us, "One day while helping Bhai Sahib bathe, a thought entered my mind that 'if there was no mighty Singh like me to do this seva here, then no one would've been able to lift Bhai Sahib's big frame, and Bhai Sahib wouldn't have been able to bathe.' At that time, Bhai Sahib was sitting on a wooden stool. After he bathed, I used to put my
arms underneath his, and raise him with my strength. That day, when the thought was in my head, I don't know how Bhai Sahib found out about it. When I was raising him from under his arms that day, it felt as if Bhai Sahib was heavier. I tried with even more strength than usual that day but I couldn't lift Bhai Sahib. Then, in pride of my youthfulness, I gave it all my
strength, but Bhai Sahib didn't budge. Bhai Sahib kept laughing and saying "Oi Santa Singh! What's happened to you today? Why aren't you lifting and standing me up?"
I understood what he was saying and said in a crying voice "Bapoo jee, today I'm powerless. You yourself, please stand up." Then, with just a little bit of my effort, Bhai Sahib himself stood up. Everything was hidden in his laughter. He said nothing more to me. This hint was enough for me to understand that what pride could I have over my strength? This strength was all Akaal's gift and this seva was also his gift.
Man too(n) mut maaN karaih(n) jih hou(n) kicch jaaNdaa, Gurmukh
nimaaNaa
hoho. (Anng 441)
Jo jaanai mai jobanvant. So hovat bishtaa kaa jant. (panaa, 278)
By Bibi Harsharan Kaur & Principal Gurmukh Singh jee
Atam Rang, July 1999
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org
First Encounter
We had heard about the Gurmat lifestyle of most respected father, Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee in Srinagar. We had heard of his name before and that he had spent 16 years in prison. We had heard about him being a patriot and about his role in the Gurdvara Rakab Ganj struggle, but it was in Srinagar where we first heard about his life as a devotee at the feet of the Guru. We heard about him this way: there were a brother and sister who were detached from worldly life. They remained in Satsang. They used to discuss which path would let them be accepted at the door of the Satguru and thus be ferried across the world-ocean. They used to go to Satsang, read BaaNee and eventually, they came to the realisation that one of them was soon to depart. They decided that whoever left first, would come back and tell the other what to do. By Akaal Purakh's will, the sister passed away first. As per the promise, her soul returned to meet her brother and said "The path upon which we were travelling is the right one, but it's most important to receive Amrit and doing Satsang while keeping Rehit. I'll tell you about
some of the Guru's beloved Satsangees and you should certainly go see them."
She encouraged her brother to go to Narangvaal and to remain on the Gursikhi path while reciting naam and staying in Satsangat. The brother heard all this and told his friends. We also heard all this and coincidentally, we were coming upon a vacation. We arrived at the Poh Suptamee at Narangvaal and for the first time heard a raN sabaaiee keertan. We heard it, and
the effect was such that our relationship was forever established (with this Jatha). This was our first meeting with Bhai Sahib.
Meeting Bhai Sahib
It was our second or third vacation and we were staying in Ludhiana. We came and found out that Bhai Sahib was not longer in Narangvaal but in Ludhiana's Model Town. He was living in house #79. We were very excited to go meet him. This all happened around 1951. We weren't amritdhaaree, and my husband( Col. Daljeet Singh jee) wasn't even keshdhaaree. However we definitely loved going to keertans. So, my husband alone went to Model Town Gurdvara to
enquire about Bhai Sahib. It was a Sunday and keertan was taking place. My husband heard the keertan and after the bhog, he followed Bhai Sahib on foot. Bhai Sahib was in the lead and the other Singhs walked to house #79.
My husband also entered the house and asked, to see Bhai Sahib. In response one carefree-type Singh said "not now, Bhai Sahib is resting." But Col. Daljeet Singh was called in from the inside. When Col. Daljeet Singh went in, he was a man who had been without kesh for 17 years and was wearing a borrowed reddish dastaar which he didn't even know how to tie properly.
Little hair were coming out of the dastaar and his beard was trimmed.
But as soon as he entered, Bhai Sahib sat him down with love and asked how he
was.
My husband's heart was won over. Col. Daljeet Singh asked "if I have your permission, may I come have your darshan in the future?"
Bhai Sahib replied sweetly, "Oh, you should certainly come! I will have YOUR darshan. And be sure to bring your wife as well."
Col. Sahib returned home and there was a unique happiness on his face, and he was thinking "Bhai Sahib has given so much love to a patit like me, and asked me to be sure to come again. Imagine that he said to me, 'I'll happily have your darshan too.'"
That divinely coloured soul, sent from the Guru's door could see the future of this lost person, and knew the Guru was about to take him in, and knew it was his duty to bring this lost one to the Guru's door.
In Delhi
After some time, we went to Delhi. One day I was in the Chandnee Chounk Bazzar buying some winter items when at the Red Fort bus stand I saw a bust stop and out came some women with dastaars. I saw this and was astounded. I wondered where they had come from. Usually no one like this could be seen. I saw those Gurmukhi forms and was internally drawn towards them. I
asked, "Who are you? Where do you live?"
They replied "We are from Ludhiana, and we're here because of the yearly Delhi Dussehra Smaagam. Today, the keertan will be at the PahaaR Ganj Gurdvara and tomorrow will be the RaN Sabaaiee at Bangla Sahib."
I quickly took a taxi home and asked my husband to quickly get ready and take me to the PahaaR Ganj Gurdvara. He agreed. When we arrived in the Sangat, before us we saw Bapoo Jee (Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh) with both his arms on a bairaagaN, clanging his KaRas, lost in the Shabad "Gobind mun mohiaa jeeo. Santan kai parsaad agaadh kanthay lag sohiaa jeeo."
The women I had seen at the Red Fort were the same ones doing keertan. Those were Bibi Updaysh Kaur and Gurcharan Kaur. That scene and that current immersed into me. The world was forgotten. What I saw before me cannot be described.
The next day we arrived at the ransabaiee and the whole night, amrit rained down. This was beyond words or descriptions. Then I don't know where those souls went (f rom the smaagam). I searched for them, but couldn't find them.
Meeting Chaanee Jee
One day my husband came home and said that he had found a Singh from the Jatha. He was living in Delhi and did keertan as well. The next day he brought the Singh with him. He seemed like he was from another world. He spoke in a different way too. And what he said was different too. He would eat nothing but I noticed a sense of happiness and care-freeness from him. This was our first meeting with Singhs. That Singh was Chaanee Jee. His full name is Bhai Preetam Singh but Bhai Sahib used to call him Chaanee jee out of love. In keertans, he would play the tabla. At that time, he was a Sarblohi Singh.
Becoming Amritdhaaree
We began to find out about keertan programs and began to go to the Sunday keertans. We found Satsangat. My husband began to keep his kesh and wear a dastaar. The Sangat of Gursikhs and their loving ways made our lives beautiful and sweet. One day, Col. Piara Singh jee came to Delhi to visit his son Major Inderjeet Singh. Due to some business regarding his son, he came to our house. Meeting him at that time made our desire to receive amrit very intense. Then Poh Sudee Suptmee came and we went to Ludhiana. We went to meet Bapoo jee and he lovingly met us. "Oh Bhai! You are very fortunate! Your wife is also very fortunate! Even the Bibi's mother is fortunate!"
With his amrit-filled glance, he took us lowly, worldly ones, stuck and covered in the mud of maya and washed us with the rain of praise. He said, "Take Amrit (amrit chakk lo)." My husband replied, "My wife is hesitant to wear a dastaar." Bhai Sahib then said, "She will certainly take amrit." Those words became true. Satguru jee gave us the gift of Amrit.
Our desire to see Bhai Sahib increased. After short intervals, we'd come to Ludhiana to see him, and by doing so, our souls would blossom. If any question arose when meeting him, he would answer it without us even asking. He was really the knower of the heart, and could guess what was within it.
One day Bhai Sahib asked "Do you know any shabads?" I said, "Jee, I know one." "Fine, let's hear it." Jaan Sukhaalaa jee went and got the joRee. I sang the shabad "Keeo shingaar milan kay taaee(n). Har na milay jagjeevan gosaaee(n)." Hearing the Shabad, Bhai Sahib was very happy. He gave me so much love. With this shabad, our relationship was made even closer.
Meeting a 'Sant'
One day two young, unknowing girls from Bhai Sahib's family along with a friend went to see a Sant's smaagam at a dera. There, there was a huge crowd. People were rushing to see the Sant. The sevaadaars would take some select people near the Sant, and the rest of the people stood waiting in the sun. These two bibis with their dastaars could be seen from far away. The Sant called them close and said "Some people are very fundamentalist..." etc. He was saying all this because the bibis hadn't bowed before the Sant, and only said Fateh. So they returned after hearing a lot from the Sant.
Because they had gone with their friend without taking permission, they were afraid. One said "Now Bapoo jee will scold us." The other then said "We won't tell him."
When they returned, no one knew they had gone to the Dera. Then one Singh came and said that Bhai Sahib was summoning the two bibis. We understood, but we couldn't believe he knew. When we went inside Bhai Sahib said, "Have you gotten the darshan of the Saadh? Did you hear the slander of Gursikhs? What did you not have that you went there to get? Bibi! Satguru jee has given you birth in the house of Gursi khs, and so you are fortunate. You received amrit in your mouths, which has no equal. He has given you the gift of Naam and a place in the Sangat. Even more blessings were given and you were given the gift of keertan. What did you want that you went there?"
We asked for forgiveness and said "Bapoo jee, we just went to see what happens there. We've made a mistake. We also thought that you wouldn't know and no one would know. We've made a big mistake. Forgive us. " Bhai Sahib didn't say any of this in front of anyone and scolded us in private.
Blessings of Keertan
One day Bhai Sahib called us and said "Bibi! The committee of Gurdvara Aalamgeer has printed their yearly Smaagam posters without asking us and written that The Jatha will do the three hour Amrit Vela Aasaa dee Vaar and then open keertan too, until the dhaadees begin."
I was worried. Bibi Gurdeesh Kaur had gone to her in-laws and she was our main keertanee. We said, "Baapoo jee, we can't do it. Gurdeesh Kaur isn't there. There will be a big gathering of sangat there." Bhai Sahib then said, "What are you going to do? Satguru jee is going to do it. You just go."
With Bibi Daler Kaur, the two of us and a Singh on the joRee, we left. It was as if someone had given us something magical to drink. We only became conscious after the final chhakaa. When we got up and came out, it was as if our feet weren't touching the ground, just floating on it. We went home and went straight to Bhai Sahib. He was strolling outside. He saw us and began
to laugh. He said "My pair of precious jewels did so well!" We said "But you were with us though..." He gave us so much love and then said "Ask for what you want." What could we ask for? We couldn't speak. Our insides were asking for that same awareness th at he experienced. Vahiguru, Vahiguru! If we write this story, it'll never end. This all took place around 1957-58. It's true that Guru Sahib himself takes the seva of keertan from us. That day the two of us did keertan seva with love and then Satguru jee gave us countless blessings.
1965
The 1965 war had started. We were at Ferozepur Cantonment. Without warning, the army crossed the Satluj and all the houses and barracks emptied around us. The whole area was silent and empty. No one could come to take the children from the house at that time. The whole area was deserted, the streets empty, and all buildings uninhabited. Night fell. No light could be
seen for miles. At a distance was a church, nothing else. Anyone could break the windows of those big bungalows and easily enter. In our house were three girls and six-month-old baby. No other servants or caretakers. All Quarters were empty around us. That was a terrifying night. I fell unconscious with fright. Then Bapoo jee came and stood before me. He said, "Get up Bibi!
Why are you afraid? I'm here now. The Guru is with you. Nothing can happen to you. Get up and recite the shabad. He sang the shabad with me "Bhairo(n) Mahulla 5. Oothat sukheeaa baaithat sukheeaa..." He sang this entire shabad. I got up and took the Amrit Keertan Pothee and read this shabad over and over. All my fears went away.
Morning came and someone came to get us and I happily went to my own home. Remember that Bhai Sahib had left us in 1961. This event happened in 1965.
Stories from Pr. Gurmukh Singh jee:
Bibi Bhupinder Kaur jee's Keertan
This is a story of Bibi Bhupinder Kaur jee, wife of Bhai Soorat Singh Pooran jee. I heard this story from them and wrote it down so our keertanee Singhs and Bibis can learn something from it. Bibi jee had learnt to do keertan in classical raags at a very young age. Bibi jee used to go to Narangvaal for the Poh Sudee Satvee(n) gupurab to celebrate the arrival of Dashmesh pita
jee. She tells us that once she prepared 25 new shaabads for the smaagam so that they could be done at four or five turns at keertan. But what happened was the opposite. When she arrived at Narangvaal, Sodar was concluding and upon arriving, Bhai Sahib called her to the stage and asked her to sing keertan. At that deevaan after Sodar, one by one, all 25 shabads were sung
and Bhai Sahib was very happy. He said "sing more!" But he knew that I had no other shabads prepared. He then said.."That's it? You're empty? You came so full. Well, prepare more for the morning."
Bibi Bhupinder Kaur thought to herself "all the shabads I had prepared, Bhai Sahib has heard in the first sitting. How will I do 5 more divaans? But know this as truth that the bliss I got after becoming empty at that smaagam is one of my unforgettable memories. I don't know how Guru Sahib first emptied me and then with his own blessings made me do keertan. We think that WE
do keertan. Satguru jee himself comes within us and takes this seva. It's like "Nanak jant vajaaiyaa vaajai"
The above story teaches us that Satugur jee himself blesses us and makes us do keertan. By becoming "empty" and then doing keertan while attached to the feet of the Guru, we get a totally different type of enjoyment. The ones who listen to keertan always remain in enjoyment if they listen to keertan with their consciousness but Keertanees are always either "full" (with new shabads) or "empty". Keertan is a gift, not an art.
Bhai Santa Singh & Bhai Sahib
Bhai Santa Singh (IAS Rtd.) told me this story. At 79 Modelt Town Ludhiana, he and Bhai Bava Singh used to help bathe Bhai Sahib at Amrit Vela (1.30AM-2AM). Then Bhai Bava Singh began to stay at Kumarhatti to do seva in the Gurdvara there, and then Bhai Santa Singh began to do this seva alone. Bhai Santa Singh tells us, "One day while helping Bhai Sahib bathe, a thought entered my mind that 'if there was no mighty Singh like me to do this seva here, then no one would've been able to lift Bhai Sahib's big frame, and Bhai Sahib wouldn't have been able to bathe.' At that time, Bhai Sahib was sitting on a wooden stool. After he bathed, I used to put my
arms underneath his, and raise him with my strength. That day, when the thought was in my head, I don't know how Bhai Sahib found out about it. When I was raising him from under his arms that day, it felt as if Bhai Sahib was heavier. I tried with even more strength than usual that day but I couldn't lift Bhai Sahib. Then, in pride of my youthfulness, I gave it all my
strength, but Bhai Sahib didn't budge. Bhai Sahib kept laughing and saying "Oi Santa Singh! What's happened to you today? Why aren't you lifting and standing me up?"
I understood what he was saying and said in a crying voice "Bapoo jee, today I'm powerless. You yourself, please stand up." Then, with just a little bit of my effort, Bhai Sahib himself stood up. Everything was hidden in his laughter. He said nothing more to me. This hint was enough for me to understand that what pride could I have over my strength? This strength was all Akaal's gift and this seva was also his gift.
Man too(n) mut maaN karaih(n) jih hou(n) kicch jaaNdaa, Gurmukh
nimaaNaa
hoho. (Anng 441)
Jo jaanai mai jobanvant. So hovat bishtaa kaa jant. (panaa, 278)
Abandoned Sikh Women & Children: Pakistan, 1947
Author: Balpreet Singh
Date: 05-27-03 22:24
This is the true story of the Sikh women forgotten in Pakistan in the rush to escape in 1947 and story of Akali Chakar Kaur Singh who 4 years later in 1951 went on a mission to save them.
Left Behind: Sikh Women Forgotten in Pakistan after 1947
Introduction
Once the Khalsa used to be the saviour of other communities. When the Afghan raiders kidnapped Hindu women and were selling them in Afghan markets, the Khalsa army took the responsibility of recovering these helpless souls and returning them to their families. The perpetrators were also punished. In one case, in 1774, a powerful leader in Jalalabad kidnapped and mistreated a Hindu girl. The Khalsa found out and not only sacked the entire town but tied the perpetrator to a manja and burned him alive. Sikhs were heroes who saved the honour of the powerless.
But the Sikhs soon forgot about rehit and their proud traditions. The result is before us today. In the 20th Century, Sikhs left behind their women and children and fled to save their lives. Below is the story of the Sikhs during Partition in 1947 (taken from Sikhaa(n) Dey Pakistan Vicho(n) NiklaN dee Gatha by Dr. Kirpaal Singh):
When Punjab was partitioned, millions of Sikhs found themselves on the wrong side of the border. Punjab's most fertile lands, hundreds of sacred Gurdvaras like Sree NankaNa Sahib, Sree Punjaa Saahib, etc. were all lost. The Muslim population had started the large-scale slaughter of Sikhs in West Punjab and the Sikhs were forced to flee. Tens of thousands of Sikh women and children were kidnapped by the marauders and taken as slaves. Our story, however, begins with Akaalee Chakr Kaur Singh jee.
Akali Chakr Kaur Singh
Akali Chakar Kaur Singh jee was born in 1892 in village AvayRaa Chakaar, Muzufraabaad Kashmir (now Pakistan). His father was Sd. Soobaa Singh and mother Tulas Kaur jee. He was named Lachhman Singh at birth. When he was ready to go to school, his parents sent him to a Maulvee where he learnt Persian. At the age of 18, he left for Sree Amritsar. He was always more attached to doing Sirman and Paath. At Sree Amritsar, he would bathe in the Sarovar and sit in meditation on the Parkarma. One day, Sant Ratan Singh jee and Sant Mishra Singh jee were passing by and saw this young man in meditation and were very pleased. They took the young boy to their dera and here he learned GurbaaNee and Gurmat. He received amrit at Sree Akaal Takhat Saahib and had his name changed to Chakar Kaur Singh.
After four or five years, Chakar Kaur Singh returned to his village and his family expressed their desire to marry him. He refused and remained a life-long bachelor. He then went to Benaras and learned Sanskrit and studied other religious texts from the Nirmala scholars. He would go from place to place preaching Gurmat and the importance of Amrit. At partition, he was at Lahore.
Partition 1947
When the violence of Partition erupted, Akali jee went to Jammu. The Pakistani sponsored irregulars had attacked Kashmir and Akali jee became a guide for the Indian army forces (who were mainly Sikhs). Akali jee knew the area very well and led the army through blazing fires and bullets.
Akali jee's entire family, 111 members, were all killed by the locals of their village. His old mother was tied to a pillar and burnt alive by the same boys she considered her sons and helped raise. All his brothers and their families were killed. Countless women and children were kidnapped and taken away. The bodies were completely stripped of all clothes and valuables. The bullet riddled bodies were then hacked into pieces.
Serving Refugees
Akali jee was deeply affected by all this and began to serve the refugees who had arrived on the Eastern side. No effort was made to recover the thousands of kidnapped women and children by either the Indian government or the Sikh community. The Pakistan government was determined to not send any back until they too received back some women and children from the Indian side. 1600 women and children were kept in Pakistani Kashmir in the Amore Camp. These unfortunate ones were told that let alone any of their family members, no Sikhs were left in the world and convinced to sign a letter saying they wished to stay in Pakistan. The conditions of the camp were disgusting.
1951 Rescue Mission
Akali jee, alone, decided something must be done to recover the Sikh women and children who had been abandoned. He himself arranged to go to Pakistan for this task. He arrived in Lahore on April 3 1951. For four years now, those abandoned Sikhs had been living like slaves in various villages in Pakistan and in the Amore Camp. Many Pakistanis were hostile to Akali jee and had not seen a Sikh for years. Akali jee travelled with the help of some Pakistani police officers, with a shawl wrapped around his head so that he would have less trouble from those hostile to Sikhs. For his travels, he purchased nuts and ghee and other materials so that if he couldn't make parshada, he could at least have this.
Panja Sahib
Akali jee travelled north to go near the Amore camp. As he passed through Hassan Abdal, he stopped at Gurdvara Sree Punjaa Saahib. He writes that the driver "stopped the jeep a the DeoRee [gate]. I came down and from the outside kissed the dirt and drank some of the water [from Guru jee's spring] but pain was rising within my heart." He was unable to enter the Gurdvara because it was closed off.
As he travelled, it began to rain heavily and Akali jee writes "the screams of the kidnapped and enslaved souls naturally began to enter my ears. Those young girls and boys who were thrown on trucks and taken away…Their souls were screaming and calling out, begging loudly "Oh God! Where are we being taken like lambs and cattle? Our mothers, fathers, husbands, brothers, sisters and sons have all been killed. Taken from those bloody piles of bodies, why too did you not destroy us in the rivers of their blood?…Why were we left alive? Our clothes are now caked with the dry blood of our relatives and we are in the hands of the enemy. Who knows where we will be sold for just cents…God, no one will hear our cries but you…we are helpless, please do something."
At The Camp
When Akali jee arrived near the camp, they authorities refused to let him see the captive women and children. He returned to Pakistani Punjab with a heavy heart and managed to recover a few young Sikh boys and girls. Before he was to return to East Punjab with the few children he had found, he requested to be taken to the banks of the Jehlum river. He writes "Tears began to flow from my eyes by themselves and I saw many skeletons lying by the banks of the river that had kaRas on their hands. I had thought before that my brothers bodies must have washed ashore here and before me was the proof. What doubt could remain? I took the KaRas from two skeletons and kissed them and kept them with me. My own state was very bad. I was soaked in sweat and had to sit. I drank two sips of the water but my heart told me to stop…this was the blood of 33 000 shaheeds…soon Khan jee [Akali jee's guide and companion] came to me and put his hand on my shoulder, saying "don't feel so much sorrow. This is what pleased God. I will tell you the truth, for five days we could not see the water of the Jehlum. Like logs floating down a river, from one end to the other Jehlum was filled with Sikh bodies and for five days the water flowed red with Sikh blood…"
Letter from The Forgotten Sisters
Akali jee returned to East Punjab. The Amore Camp captives had found out about his visit and began to send him letters. Some excerpts are below from these: "we are unfortunate that we too did not die, because of which for the past four years we have been captive and death too is scared to come near us…We began to hear that Chakar Kaur Singh jee and Akali Kaur Singh jee and other Singhs from Kashmir as well as a lot of the Khalsa in Punjab was still alive. But we suspected it was all lies. If there really were Singhs left, they would have taken care of us. They used to even free the women from other communities…"
Another letter reads "For four years we have not been able to fill our stomachs with food and have been making clothes and turbans from left over sacks. We were the children of wealthy people, but now we are wasting away. Now, neither death kills us nor these enemies nor our hunger or nakedness…We cannot run, we cannot die, we cannot go into the villages; If we are to do something, what should we do? We have heard that the Panth is the saviour of the poor and helpless, but four years have passed and neither our own nor any strangers have come to take care of us…For God and Guru's sake, please take us out from here. Or if not, then please pray that death may encourage our captors to kill us as well, or that some disease comes and we may all die here"
The one who had originally convinced these Sikh women and children to sign the letter saying they would stay in the camp (by telling them all Sikhs were dead) was Pandit Shiv jee. He sold Sikh women from the camp and also kept two or three for himself. He was the officer of the camp and kept the women and children in perpetual distress.
Release
Eventually, Akali jee found a way to release these captives. The Commander of the Camp, Mohammed Sabar had been separated from his daughter Kulzam Akhtar, who was stranded with her sister in Srinagar. When Akali jee wrote to Sabar, he replied with the story of his daughter. Akali jee took the hint and managed to arrange for the return of the girl, despite diplomatic roadblocks and other hardships. Sabar was eternally grateful, and Kulzam had grown so fond of Akali jee, she referred to him as her second father. The captives were then released but taking care of them upon their return was again left only to Chakar Kaur Singh jee and Akali Kaur Singh jee Nihung. The women were put by the government in a new camp in the deserts of Bikaner in Rajasthan. Although many were later settled and lived happy lives, others continued to live in terrible conditions. No political leader nor any Singh Sabha nor any Sant helped in this matter of freeing the young women and children or in taking care of them. Many officials in the Indian government in fact tried to prove that Akali jee was a Pakistani spy.
Akali jee passed away in 1954, and till that time continued on as the father for all these helpless children.
The reality is that thousands of women and children remained in Pakistan and the Sikhs were unable to ever get them back.
1984: Repeat of Our Disgrace
This sad story does not end here. The Sikh community also forgot the widows and orphans of the 1984 riots. I once read an article about how many had been forced into prostitution and lived in abject poverty. The widows continue to this day to beg for their rights. The widows and orphans of the Shaheeds of the Freedom Movement are still not properly taken care of. Many live in poverty and people refused to marry into those families thinking they would be the victims of police harassment if they did.
When will we start taking care of our own again? When will the Sikhs remember their role as saviours of the helpless and save their own children, let alone saving those from other communities? May Guru Saahib have mercy on his Panth.
http://www.tapoban.org/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=1543&t=1543
Date: 05-27-03 22:24
This is the true story of the Sikh women forgotten in Pakistan in the rush to escape in 1947 and story of Akali Chakar Kaur Singh who 4 years later in 1951 went on a mission to save them.
Left Behind: Sikh Women Forgotten in Pakistan after 1947
Introduction
Once the Khalsa used to be the saviour of other communities. When the Afghan raiders kidnapped Hindu women and were selling them in Afghan markets, the Khalsa army took the responsibility of recovering these helpless souls and returning them to their families. The perpetrators were also punished. In one case, in 1774, a powerful leader in Jalalabad kidnapped and mistreated a Hindu girl. The Khalsa found out and not only sacked the entire town but tied the perpetrator to a manja and burned him alive. Sikhs were heroes who saved the honour of the powerless.
But the Sikhs soon forgot about rehit and their proud traditions. The result is before us today. In the 20th Century, Sikhs left behind their women and children and fled to save their lives. Below is the story of the Sikhs during Partition in 1947 (taken from Sikhaa(n) Dey Pakistan Vicho(n) NiklaN dee Gatha by Dr. Kirpaal Singh):
When Punjab was partitioned, millions of Sikhs found themselves on the wrong side of the border. Punjab's most fertile lands, hundreds of sacred Gurdvaras like Sree NankaNa Sahib, Sree Punjaa Saahib, etc. were all lost. The Muslim population had started the large-scale slaughter of Sikhs in West Punjab and the Sikhs were forced to flee. Tens of thousands of Sikh women and children were kidnapped by the marauders and taken as slaves. Our story, however, begins with Akaalee Chakr Kaur Singh jee.
Akali Chakr Kaur Singh
Akali Chakar Kaur Singh jee was born in 1892 in village AvayRaa Chakaar, Muzufraabaad Kashmir (now Pakistan). His father was Sd. Soobaa Singh and mother Tulas Kaur jee. He was named Lachhman Singh at birth. When he was ready to go to school, his parents sent him to a Maulvee where he learnt Persian. At the age of 18, he left for Sree Amritsar. He was always more attached to doing Sirman and Paath. At Sree Amritsar, he would bathe in the Sarovar and sit in meditation on the Parkarma. One day, Sant Ratan Singh jee and Sant Mishra Singh jee were passing by and saw this young man in meditation and were very pleased. They took the young boy to their dera and here he learned GurbaaNee and Gurmat. He received amrit at Sree Akaal Takhat Saahib and had his name changed to Chakar Kaur Singh.
After four or five years, Chakar Kaur Singh returned to his village and his family expressed their desire to marry him. He refused and remained a life-long bachelor. He then went to Benaras and learned Sanskrit and studied other religious texts from the Nirmala scholars. He would go from place to place preaching Gurmat and the importance of Amrit. At partition, he was at Lahore.
Partition 1947
When the violence of Partition erupted, Akali jee went to Jammu. The Pakistani sponsored irregulars had attacked Kashmir and Akali jee became a guide for the Indian army forces (who were mainly Sikhs). Akali jee knew the area very well and led the army through blazing fires and bullets.
Akali jee's entire family, 111 members, were all killed by the locals of their village. His old mother was tied to a pillar and burnt alive by the same boys she considered her sons and helped raise. All his brothers and their families were killed. Countless women and children were kidnapped and taken away. The bodies were completely stripped of all clothes and valuables. The bullet riddled bodies were then hacked into pieces.
Serving Refugees
Akali jee was deeply affected by all this and began to serve the refugees who had arrived on the Eastern side. No effort was made to recover the thousands of kidnapped women and children by either the Indian government or the Sikh community. The Pakistan government was determined to not send any back until they too received back some women and children from the Indian side. 1600 women and children were kept in Pakistani Kashmir in the Amore Camp. These unfortunate ones were told that let alone any of their family members, no Sikhs were left in the world and convinced to sign a letter saying they wished to stay in Pakistan. The conditions of the camp were disgusting.
1951 Rescue Mission
Akali jee, alone, decided something must be done to recover the Sikh women and children who had been abandoned. He himself arranged to go to Pakistan for this task. He arrived in Lahore on April 3 1951. For four years now, those abandoned Sikhs had been living like slaves in various villages in Pakistan and in the Amore Camp. Many Pakistanis were hostile to Akali jee and had not seen a Sikh for years. Akali jee travelled with the help of some Pakistani police officers, with a shawl wrapped around his head so that he would have less trouble from those hostile to Sikhs. For his travels, he purchased nuts and ghee and other materials so that if he couldn't make parshada, he could at least have this.
Panja Sahib
Akali jee travelled north to go near the Amore camp. As he passed through Hassan Abdal, he stopped at Gurdvara Sree Punjaa Saahib. He writes that the driver "stopped the jeep a the DeoRee [gate]. I came down and from the outside kissed the dirt and drank some of the water [from Guru jee's spring] but pain was rising within my heart." He was unable to enter the Gurdvara because it was closed off.
As he travelled, it began to rain heavily and Akali jee writes "the screams of the kidnapped and enslaved souls naturally began to enter my ears. Those young girls and boys who were thrown on trucks and taken away…Their souls were screaming and calling out, begging loudly "Oh God! Where are we being taken like lambs and cattle? Our mothers, fathers, husbands, brothers, sisters and sons have all been killed. Taken from those bloody piles of bodies, why too did you not destroy us in the rivers of their blood?…Why were we left alive? Our clothes are now caked with the dry blood of our relatives and we are in the hands of the enemy. Who knows where we will be sold for just cents…God, no one will hear our cries but you…we are helpless, please do something."
At The Camp
When Akali jee arrived near the camp, they authorities refused to let him see the captive women and children. He returned to Pakistani Punjab with a heavy heart and managed to recover a few young Sikh boys and girls. Before he was to return to East Punjab with the few children he had found, he requested to be taken to the banks of the Jehlum river. He writes "Tears began to flow from my eyes by themselves and I saw many skeletons lying by the banks of the river that had kaRas on their hands. I had thought before that my brothers bodies must have washed ashore here and before me was the proof. What doubt could remain? I took the KaRas from two skeletons and kissed them and kept them with me. My own state was very bad. I was soaked in sweat and had to sit. I drank two sips of the water but my heart told me to stop…this was the blood of 33 000 shaheeds…soon Khan jee [Akali jee's guide and companion] came to me and put his hand on my shoulder, saying "don't feel so much sorrow. This is what pleased God. I will tell you the truth, for five days we could not see the water of the Jehlum. Like logs floating down a river, from one end to the other Jehlum was filled with Sikh bodies and for five days the water flowed red with Sikh blood…"
Letter from The Forgotten Sisters
Akali jee returned to East Punjab. The Amore Camp captives had found out about his visit and began to send him letters. Some excerpts are below from these: "we are unfortunate that we too did not die, because of which for the past four years we have been captive and death too is scared to come near us…We began to hear that Chakar Kaur Singh jee and Akali Kaur Singh jee and other Singhs from Kashmir as well as a lot of the Khalsa in Punjab was still alive. But we suspected it was all lies. If there really were Singhs left, they would have taken care of us. They used to even free the women from other communities…"
Another letter reads "For four years we have not been able to fill our stomachs with food and have been making clothes and turbans from left over sacks. We were the children of wealthy people, but now we are wasting away. Now, neither death kills us nor these enemies nor our hunger or nakedness…We cannot run, we cannot die, we cannot go into the villages; If we are to do something, what should we do? We have heard that the Panth is the saviour of the poor and helpless, but four years have passed and neither our own nor any strangers have come to take care of us…For God and Guru's sake, please take us out from here. Or if not, then please pray that death may encourage our captors to kill us as well, or that some disease comes and we may all die here"
The one who had originally convinced these Sikh women and children to sign the letter saying they would stay in the camp (by telling them all Sikhs were dead) was Pandit Shiv jee. He sold Sikh women from the camp and also kept two or three for himself. He was the officer of the camp and kept the women and children in perpetual distress.
Release
Eventually, Akali jee found a way to release these captives. The Commander of the Camp, Mohammed Sabar had been separated from his daughter Kulzam Akhtar, who was stranded with her sister in Srinagar. When Akali jee wrote to Sabar, he replied with the story of his daughter. Akali jee took the hint and managed to arrange for the return of the girl, despite diplomatic roadblocks and other hardships. Sabar was eternally grateful, and Kulzam had grown so fond of Akali jee, she referred to him as her second father. The captives were then released but taking care of them upon their return was again left only to Chakar Kaur Singh jee and Akali Kaur Singh jee Nihung. The women were put by the government in a new camp in the deserts of Bikaner in Rajasthan. Although many were later settled and lived happy lives, others continued to live in terrible conditions. No political leader nor any Singh Sabha nor any Sant helped in this matter of freeing the young women and children or in taking care of them. Many officials in the Indian government in fact tried to prove that Akali jee was a Pakistani spy.
Akali jee passed away in 1954, and till that time continued on as the father for all these helpless children.
The reality is that thousands of women and children remained in Pakistan and the Sikhs were unable to ever get them back.
1984: Repeat of Our Disgrace
This sad story does not end here. The Sikh community also forgot the widows and orphans of the 1984 riots. I once read an article about how many had been forced into prostitution and lived in abject poverty. The widows continue to this day to beg for their rights. The widows and orphans of the Shaheeds of the Freedom Movement are still not properly taken care of. Many live in poverty and people refused to marry into those families thinking they would be the victims of police harassment if they did.
When will we start taking care of our own again? When will the Sikhs remember their role as saviours of the helpless and save their own children, let alone saving those from other communities? May Guru Saahib have mercy on his Panth.
http://www.tapoban.org/phorum/read.php?f=1&i=1543&t=1543
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