Game of love 164- FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!

FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS! 

Bhai Mehtaab Singh's Journey in to Sikhi!  

Vaheguroo Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguroo  Ji Ki Fateh

As a child I had a somewhat mixed upbringing in that my father was very westernised (having come to the UK at a very young age) but my mother was more traditional. My dad would spend a lot of time socialising with his friends leaving my mother at home with us. My mom would do some paath and would also tell us sakhia from time to time. However looking back she was also a little confused herself when it came to religion as she would partake in ritualistic things with her friends and also attend mandhirs from time to time. 

As a teenager I was a typical Punjabi lad, designer haircut with designer beard with Indian gold jewellery and real ‘proud’ to be jatt/sikh! The type of ‘sikh’ who would celebrate Vaisakhi by getting drunk, blasting bhangra tunes from my car on soho road, but it was ok because I wore an orange armband with a Khanda on it!!!!

The first turning point in my life came when I was about 17 and I heard about Operatinon Bluestar and thus was introduced to Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale. To my family’s dismay in the next year every spare second I had, I would listen to Sant Ji’s speeches. Listening to these speeches would leave me feeling belittled and ashamed of who I was and had many sleepless nights because of how I had failed my ancestors by not living Sikhi.

I then made the decision I would keep my Kesh. BUT still there was something holding me back.  I was now the kind of Sikh who wore a bandana (instead of a Dastaar/Turban) still kept my designer beard and drank alcohol and ate meat!

Then came university. Again I drifted from Sikhi, considering myself to be a lads lads I did many things that now disgust me which I am too ashamed to repeat, but you name it I’ve done it. Whilst studying I was also a Bouncer (security at pubs and clubs) so this was also a huge hindrance to me advancing my sikhi in any way. Funnily enough though it was at this stage in my life where I gave up alcohol (nothing to do with Sikhi though), probably because of working in such places I came to realise how idiotically people behave when drunk!

Completing my studies came that dreaded day, it totally came out of the blue when my mother said someone’s told me about a girl you may be interested in!!!  I was mortified (I had an older brother and sister who were yet to be married!). So not wanting to  hurt my mothers feelings I said I would meet this girl (telling myself I would just tell my parents it didn’t work out). Little did I know this girl would be my now Singhni!

She was light years ahead of me in terms of Sikhi with her parents both being amritdharis! (she was not). At this stage in my life I didn’t know what nitnem was! But we did initially talk about sikhi and I think the reason she agreed to marry me then was because I said to her I could see myself taking amrit one day.

So we got married! For the wedding I grew my beard longer and fuller than normal. I joked to her after the wedding that I wouldn’t cut it again and she became happy telling me that was really good!! I thought to myself don’t worry she’ll tell me to cut it again later, but that day never came and so it was never cut again.

Then came our honeymoon where she would wake each morning and recite japji sahib and I would sit and listen, this was the first time in my life I took an interest in Gurbani!!

Then came the day when I knew Sikhi would be my everything. It was my first experience of a rehansbhai and seeing Gursikhs. I walked into the darbar sahib which was full with all the sangat singing and the atmosphere was amazing.  I could see Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s Khalsa dressed in bana with beautiful dumalleh with Khandeh and chakkars, amazing shastar and I knew this is where I belonged! I sat down quite close to the front and the shabad being sang was ‘man meh ram nama jaap’ (meditate on Gods name within your mind) and the darbar sahib was vibrating with naam, something I had never experienced! I sat that day for about 4/5 hours (having previously never stay for more than 20 mins in a gurdwara). I can remember thinking why have I never seen the gurdwara like this on a Sunday or at a wedding or at any other time infact!

From that day something changed within me and I couldn’t learn about Sikhi quick enough. From that day I never listened to another song again all I wanted was kirtan! I would do more research on the internet and came to learn about mahaan gursikhs like Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh and Shaheed Bhai Anokh Singh, who's sacrifices were out of this world and had a massive impact on me.

However  now the only thing holding me back was the fact I ate meat. This was very difficult for me as I was very much into my training and a massive meat eater. My wife was desperate for me to give it up, as this was the first time in her life she was around meat, as she had been a vegetarian all her life. But with maharaj’s kirpa (and maybe a little nagging from my wife) a few months into marriage I gave it up.

So by now I was desperate for more sikhi and sangat and I would ensure I would attend all the kirtan darbars and rehansbhais as i possibly could.

I had now made up my mind I wanted to take Amrit... but... my wife wasn’t ready!! It was definitely something she wanted to do but she was still being held back. We then made the decision to attend sikhi camp, as I wanted her to be away from everyday life and family who were feeding us with negativity around sikhi. I remember packing a dastar for her, as I was desperate for us to start preparing for amrit. With Guru Sahib's kirpa she tied a dastar at camp and soon after returning home she began tying it daily.

Now the time came where we were both ready and we decided we would take amrit. It was at 2010 smagam in Bradford and we decided we would attend the whole smagam to get us in the right frame of mind. It was beautiful. But then came the day of the rehansbhai. When we woke up it had snowed very heavily and I was informed by elder gursikhs that the amrit sanchar would not be taking place as the sevadars would not make it because of the distance they had to travel in the snow. I was DEVASTATED! There I was this fully grown man blubbering like a baby, I couldn’t control myself. I begged and pleaded and said I would pick up each sevadar myself but it was of no use. This gursikh sat with me and my wife for a while and just said leave it in Maharaj’s hands, if he thinks you are ready and worthy then you will be blessed. We then immediately went to maharaj and did an ardas begging to be made worthy of receiving amrit that night.... and so it was, maharaj did beant kirpa on this moorakh and I was blessed with amrit.

Along the way I suffered alot of negative comments from my nearest and dearest, warning me not to grow my kesh, take amrit etc but eventually maharaj held my hand and took me into his embrace and gave me the understanding of ‘sir deejeh kaan na keejeh’ – (Give me your head and do not pay attention to public opinion). And that is how I try to live my life today, if my actions upset anyone then so be it, as long as they do not upset or go against the teachings of my guru.
Looking back I have countless regrets and wish I had found Sikhi earlier but I believe due to my past actions It wasn’t meant to happen any earlier. I am eternally grateful to maharaj who has blessed me with so much, everything I need and more. I have been blessed with two amazing daughters, who's birth together with beant kirpa from guru sahib have inspired my mother to also take amrit. I am grateful to the sangat and gursikhs around me who inspire me and encourage me to improve my jeevan (life) and be a better Sikh.

...................................

A great transformation, when we see veer ji at programmes he always adorns his dummalla (turban) with a beautiful khanda and karra chakar. May guru Sahib bless us all with the love of adopting Guru Sahibs amazing roop (image). 

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Ham Jaisae apraadee avar koi rakhai, jaisae ham satgur rakh leeae shadae."
Can anyone else save a sinner like me? The True Guru has protected and saved me.

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 163- ACCEPTANCE/APPRECIATION!

ACCEPTANCE/APPRECIATION!

A bird was walking on the baking hot desert floor. An angel came down and greeted the bird. The bird recognized the angel was from Vaheguroo (God), and asked if it could help by blessing it with a tree to perch on and avoid the burning desert floor. 
The angel said it couldn't grant this gift but it would go and ask Vaheguroo if he could give the bird this blessing.
The angel went to Vaheguroo and asked whether the bird could be given a tree to help it cope with the desert heat. 
Vaheguroo replied 'No it can't, because it is not in it's destiny, however go back and tell the bird to walk on one leg and then switch to the other, it should find walking easier. Another message Vaheguroo had for the bird was, 'tell the bird it should be grateful for all the things it's ever been given and all the good things it has now' 
The angel agreed and went back to the bird. The bird was told Vaheguroo's  message and it thanked the angel. The bird began walking on one foot and then switched to the other which helped it manage the heat better. 
The angel then left.
A little while later the angel returned to the desert to find the bird looking happy, as it now perched on a tree. 
The angel was shocked and surprised. It immediately went to Vaheguroo to ask, 'you said that the tree wasn't in the birds destiny and now I have seen it perching on a tree, I don't understand'. 
Vaheguroo replied 'when the bird began to be grateful for what it had previously received and thankful for all the gifts it currently had, then its destiny changed. It changed because it appreciated all the gifts it had ever received, hence now being blessed with the tree. 

This is a valuable lesson for us all. We may suffer ups and downs and focus on looking at what we don't have or need. This can lead us to be unappreciative of what we currently have. Let us appreciate all the great blessings we have been given and our destiny may change to include more positivity. 

When one accepts the will of Akaal Purakh Vaheguroo (God), one becomes peaceful and content. The mind becomes relaxed, the name of God settles within them and Guru Sahib Ji fulfils all their wishes. 

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "I have obtained the fruits of my mind's desires, O my Lord of the Universe; I am transfixed with ecstasy, gazing upon the Perfect Guru."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 162- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 13

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 13

"Without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, the body and mind are empty; like fish out of water, they die."

Guru Sahib is clearing us from all doubt in this Shabad, just like a Fish will die out of Water, Guru Sahib says the Gurmukh will die without Naam. The body and mind are empty without naam, the mind searches for materialistic pleasures to occupy itself. If this mind is not occupied by the love of Naam, it will be occupied by evil thought, which in turn will cause evil actions. 

Why are we wasting time in worldly affairs and spending less time Japping Naam. All worldly affairs are only accomplished with great honor through every breath of Naam Abhiyaas (practice). To meditate is a command of our Guru and it should not be ignored. Just as we are punctual in all our worldly affairs, we should be equally punctual, if not more when it comes to waking up and reciting Vaheguroo's (Gods) name with every breath. Failure to do so is classed as turning our back on the True Guru. We physically try not to turn our back on Guru Sahib, but have we ever thought, that Guru Sahib wants us not to turn our back on them with every breath we breathe. They want us to love them always. If we are only practicing the physical without the every breath of spiritual, it is pakhand (hypocrisy). 

When we do something wrong or make a mistake in our physical discipline (Rehit), we go to the Panj (beloved ones) for forgiveness. Guru Sahibs Hukum (command) is also of Athai Pehar Naam Abhiyaas (24/7meditation on Naam). Do we meditate with every breath? Lets all ask ourselves this question, if not shouldn’t we be presenting ourselves to the Panj for a solution. There is no solution, the solution is effort. We are not willing to put the effort in but we all want to look like Gurmukhs (true Sikhs) on the outside. The true Gurmukh will always be pure on the inside and outside. In this way the true Gurmukh will earn love and respect in this life and the here after. 

This is the last of "without naam" posts. The whole of Gurbaanee is full of Shabads, in which tell us what happens to us WITHOUT NAAM. The question is, do we read Gurbaani to follow, or has it become another ritual within our lives. 

The mind is a drunken elephant and can only be controlled through meditation on the love of Vaheguroo's name. 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "The intellect of the mind is like a drunken elephant.
Whatever one utters is totally false, the most false of the false."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 161- FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!

FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS! 

Bhenji Baljinder Kaur's Journey in to Sikhi!  

My parents weren't really into Sikhi when I was young; they had cut hair and my dad drank etc. But because they were from India they had a routine of listening to Asa Di Vaar every morning on a record player and when they did JapJi Sahib and Rehras Sahib, me, my brother and sister used to be in the same room playing around. We used to walk to Derby Gurdwara every Sunday just for the kheer (rice pudding) and then we would walk home after doing matha tek quickly. After a trip to India (I was in my teenage years), I recieved a Gutka which had the romanized (Punjabi-English) writing. I used to read just a few verses everyday and slowly little bits started making sense out of no effort of my own. 

After I got married, my husband would stay asleep, whilst I went to the Gurdwara with my in-laws. Then when I was expecting my first child, I faced many difficulties and almost lost him at 4 months so I cut down on Japji sahib due to stress. I was told by Gursikhs in Bradford to carry on doing JapJi Sahib and read the one line "ishaa poorak sarab sukhadhaathaa har" (The Lord is the Fulfiller of desires, the Giver of total peace). They said don't stop and during the day do Mool Mantar whenever I can; because if a Mother recites Gurbani whilst having a child, it will have a spiritual and positive effect on the baby and will change their life. 

After having my baby boy; my life and my families life transformed through only the grace of Guru Ji. 
My in-laws took Amrit, and my husband started going to the Gurdwara a bit more and doing Sangat/Amritvela with amazing gursikhs in Bradford. We would take our children to Keertan and Sikhi class on a Wednesday, where they enjoyed the chips and beans too. My husband started keeping rehit (discipline) and said, "lets take Amrit next month." I used to ignore him, as I didn't want to take this step. I especially didn't want to tie a dastar,  as I was into my appearance and societies opinions. Also I thought that living the life of an Amritdhari would be hard and get in the way of what I considered my "normal life". But then speaking to Gursikhs (females especially), they upheld my spirits and made me imagine what life would be like if my husband was an alcoholic and abusive and how blessed am I to have Sikhi in my life. I was still in doubt about it, until my son got upset and said "Mum what is your problem, go take Amrit." So hearing this on the night of the Amrit Sanchaar, I rubbed my make-up off, took out my ear piercings and tied a dastar for the first time. When I got to the amrit sanchar an elder Gursikh hugged me and asked me what was wrong (he knew I was nervous) and he said, Guru Sahib will hold my hand. All I have to do is take the first step. 

The Change! 

So in December 2007 me and my Husband were blessed into Guru Sahibs beautiful family. And from that day on I've never looked back. The spiritual experience of Amrit is amazing. It's beyond this world. The power is underestimated. I didn't find living as an Amritdhari hard at all, because it was extremely rewarding. My whole life became more peaceful and I felt satisfied. I had never experienced such bliss. I deeply regretted not taking Amrit earlier. Before, I felt lost and clueless but after following Gurus path, I realised the purpose of life and what I should be doing and where true happiness is found. All anxieties and worries were pushed away, because I knew my Guru had my hand. My minds desires were fulfilled. Even in terms of the world, I always wanted a successful business but was scared to start up. Gurikhs would tell me not to be scared as Guru Sahib is very near at hand. All we have to do is Ardaas. My children followed our path and I'm ever thankful to Guru Sahib for taking me out of the dark, useless, pointless lifestyle I lived and bringing me into Sikhi. 

Message! 

If there's any message I would like my journey to show, firstly I would say that, Sangat of Gursikhs is very important. I realised how important doing Sangat of Gursikhs is and the enjoyment you get of just being around them is much more than any other Sangat. They are so supportive and will guide you and go out of their way for you, especially in difficult times. Don't be scared to approach Gursikhs, they are there to help. They can have an impact without even speaking. So any Keertan programs locally, just go and sit beside the saints and if possible invite Gursikhs to your home and serve them. A lot of blessings are received by sitting in the company of Saints. 

Also I would say, take a small step,  any step. Something that will bring you and your children closer to Sikhi. Be it mool mantar or just 2 minutes of Waheguru Simran in the morning, or having Keertan on in the background, on the way to work in the car. 
Without a doubt, any little steps we make in our early stages, will have an effect and we will be rewarded in the future. Guru sahib says we can change our Karam; We can change our destiny and future. Just listening to Bani will have an impact on our future, even if we don't understand it. Our whole future will be changed and it will bring us and our children closer to the true path of Sikhi.

I just want to finish off by saying, if a women changes, many generations are transformed. This is the power of a women and the blessings of Guru Sahib, Amrit and Sangat are immense. 

............................

Bhenji has been blessed with great Seva, Guru Sahib has blessed them with the opportunity of running local camps, being a part of the Kaurs Corner team, serving others in need and many more selfless services of Guru Sahibs Panth. May Guru Sahib ji bless them always ji! 

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Sing forever the Praises of the Lord, O Nanak, and you shall be saved, under the Shelter of the Feet of the True Guru."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 160- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 12

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 12

"Without the Name of the Lord, no one can be saved. Through the Guru's Teachings, we are united in His Union."

In the above Shabad Guru Sahib says, without Naam no one can be liberated or saved. Only Naam will liberate the soul and mind, nothing else. We can search all we want for many lifetimes, but in the end we will all have to accept Guru Sahib Jis Amrit. In this way we will all be saved through the blessings of Guru Sahibs devotional worship, Naam, Amrit and rehit (physical discipline). Only the Gurus teachings will unite us with Vaheguroo (God), no other teaching will get us anywhere close. 

As mentioned above, Guru Sahib has created a direct link between servant and master through Shabad (Gurus word). Guru Sahib Ji will make sure we meet God in this life time, they only ask for sincere effort, love and belief. 

Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Through sincere efforts, the mind is made peaceful and calm.
Walking on the Lord's Way, all pains are taken away.
Chanting the Naam, the Name of the Lord, the mind becomes blissful."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 159- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 11

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 11

"Without the Name, wealth is useless; deceived by wealth, they have lost their way."

Guru Jee says in this Shabad, crying out "mine mine!" for wealth, they have departed but their body, family and friends did not go with them. Guru Sahib goes on to say, deceived by wealth they have lost their way. We always want more and more, we will never be satisfied or content with what we have, as desire and greed always makes us strive for more. This causes us to be unhappy and we lose our inner peace. We can be as rich as we want but ideally we should remain content, never desire more, and be detached from all our possessions. In this way we will find true peace and contentment. 

Guru Sahib says, the true wealth is the wealth of Naam. Naam is only given to us by Guru Sahib Ji after taking Amrit, alongside the practice of Rehit (physical discipline). This wealth is carried across with us after death. This wealth will naturally spread itself in to the Universe through our physical being. This wealth will not decrease, burn, get wet or die. This beautiful wealth will find us peace, respect and honour. This wealth will introduce us to love, compassion, truth, and many more virtues. This wealth is an immaculate treasure, which we can never get bored of and can never stop talking about.

You are made of Gods light, shine brightly through Naam meditation dear one, it is your nature. 

Guru Ramdaas Ji is talking about those that love to meditate: "Even if the entire earth were to be transformed into gold, and given to them, without the Naam, they love nothing else.

The Lord's Name is pleasing to their minds, and they obtain supreme peace; when they depart in the end, it shall go with them as their support.

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 158- TRANSFORMATIONS!

TRANSFORMATIONS! 

Bhai Bhupinder Singh's journey! 

I'm a British born sikh, born In a relatively punjabi family. My parents kept my kesh (hair) until I was 16. They never really educated me on Sikhi and the reason we keep our hair. I was a proud punjabi lad and would never let anyone outside Sikhi speak ill about my hair or faith. At the age of 16, due to hardly ever going to the gurdwara and lack of education, I made the decision to cut my kesh. My family were very upset, yet could really do nothing about it. 

For the next 5 years, I thought I really enjoyed life, having loads of friends, going out, smoking, clubbing and all the rest of it. I would come home in the early hours of every Friday andSaturday night, sleep until late, freshen up and get ready for the next night out. I hardly spent any time with my family, if I did it would be sitting on the couch, not speaking to anyone and just staring at the tv, recovering from the last night out. 

My parents got sick of this behaviour and wanted me to get married, so that I would settle down. It wasn't something I really wanted to do at the age of 20. Anyway, they found a girl who I agreed to speak with, we both were attracted to each other and agreed to get married a year later. 

I was getting married in August 1998 and told all my friends, "In April I will be settling down and not be having anymore late nights out." I was true to my word and settled down in April, after having my last night out on my 21st birthday. I wanted to create a fresh start with my partner. 

After April, I started going to the Gurdwara every Sunday with my mother and father, as felt, I needed to practice sitting cross legged with my marriage date approaching swiftly. I could barely cross my legs and struggled to sit for 10 minutes. 

After our wedding in August, we both started going to the Gurdwara regularly on Sundays. We got on really well and the relationship was growing superbly. 

One Sunday, the speaker on the stage was reiterating the story of Guru Teghbahadur Ji. He got to the part where Gobind Rai said, "How many Sikhs were there when my father was beheaded?" Bhai Jetha responded, "I couldn't see any; They all looked like Hindus and Muslims, I couldn't tell the difference." Gobind Rai replied, "In time, I will create such a Sikh who will stand out in thousands, he/she won't be able to hide, they will have a tall dastaar (turban)." (This was 3 Months in to my marriage). 

I went home that day, looked in the mirror and thought to my self, my surname is Singh but I don't look like one, I look like a Hindu or Muslim. I was deeply hurt. I wanted to look like a Sikh, because I was now aware of my forefathers' sacrifices. From that day, I decided to keep my hair on my head, wrapped with a turban, but I decided I would trim my beard. My wife was very upset with my decision and didn't at all agree. She said, she never married a turbaned Sikh and doesn't want me to wear a turban or grow my hair. 

This was a very challenging time in our lives, there would be many arguments between us. It got worse, as I never trimmed my beard after the promise I made either. She said, she would sleep with a pair of scissors under the pillow and cut my beard, whilst I was sleeping. At the time it was quite frightening, but now we both laugh about it to this day.

I began to live life like an Amritdhaaree Sikh, kept all of Guru Ji's rehit (discipline), Nitnem (daily prayers), amritvela (rise early to meditate). Guru sahib was doing a lot of bakhshish (blessings). When I look back, it's probably the best times I had spiritually. I kept doing Ardaas to Guru Sahib for Amrit (sikh baptism) and to change Sukhy's (wife's) thinking. I was getting very thirsty for Amrit, I didn't want to lose this life after being so close. I would go to Camps, Rehansbhais, Kirtans, do sangat with Gursikhs and would always try to take the Mrs with me. One family of Gursikhs and my chacha (uncle) would guide and support me daily. The Singh Sabha Bradford family also helped greatly in my journey. 

THE CHANGE!

A year passed, we had the opportunity to go to Italy with a Jatha (group) of Gursikhs (think it was year 2000). I asked Singhni (wife) to wear a patka (head covering), I always wanted her to be adorned with Guru's fantastic roop of a dastaar. Patka was a start, she agreed. It was a four day smaagam (I think). From what I can remember, I've not felt anything like it to this day. For me it was the best smaagam (program) to date. The kirtan was electrifying, sangat was awesome, so much love from the Gursikhs, I never experienced anything like it. The love seemed so genuine, there was no difference between us and the sangat, we were welcomed with open arms. This is where I learnt, Gursikh prem is the most powerful love ever. I never experienced this with my sansaaree (worldly) friends. 

On this trip, I was more worried about my Singhni and hoped the trip would change her life. Then all of a sudden, out of the blue, Bhai Rama Singh Ji came up to both of us. He hugged us both with so much love in his eyes and said, thusee lardyaa na karo (you guys shouldn't fight), smiled and walked away. We were shocked, thinking how did he know? Throughout this smaagam Bhai Sahib gave us so much love it was indescribable. He would always come to speak to us when we were alone, he would just stand there and keep smiling. His glass like eyes would shine in our faces, we both felt magnetically attracted to Bhai sahib, we never wanted to be separated from him, such was his aura and energy. We became very close with Bhai Sahib, until he breathed his last. He would always come to speak and sit with us in the langar hall at rehansbhais and whenever we met. He was a very special and extremely beautiful soul. 

This was it, the smaagam was over, we came back home, we were separated from Guru's sangat. We were both depressed, it was as though our souls had been ripped out of our bodies. We both had never experienced anything like it. The power, energy and love of Gursikh sangat was the connecting energy to our soul. We had both realised, this is who we are, we can not be separated from Guru and their pyaaree (loving) sangat. 

That same year we both went on to be blessed with Amrit, Guru Sahib had fulfilled our dreams. It was the happiest day of our life. Guru sahib ji had accepted us and blessed us with their rehit and naam (name of God). 

A few months before the Amrit Sanchaar, we wanted to visit Darbaar Sahib (Amritsar) and a few inspirational Gursikhs. We were fortunate enough to visit Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji and beg him to do an Ardass (prayer) at Darbaar Sahib for us. We asked him to do the ardaas for: "The blessings of Amrit, pooran (pure) Gursikhi Jeevan and a naam/baanee filled jeevan (life) throughout." Bhai Sahib ji accepted and did it straight away. Gursikhs blessings (asseesaa) are very pure in Gurmat (Gurus teachings). 

FOUNDATION!

Today it seems, Sikhi has become more of an outwardly show and more about the image. I remember the time when working in a warehouse for 9 years, I met a practicing bhuddist there, he had immense love and compassion. I learnt that a human should be extremely virtuous throughout their jivan, I held this teaching close to my heart, as this is what Gurbaanee teaches us too. I would continue repeating, "Become the dust of every beings feet through humility." (Hoho sabna ki rainkaa). If I ever saw anyone struggling with their work or in general, I would take the opportunity as Seva (service of good deeds) and try helping them. In general, I would try not to say no to any form of Seva, as I realised Seva was only blessed by Guru Ji. I would endeavour to acknowledge everyone with a smile and give all as much prem (love) as possible. This gave me a great inner feeling of contentment, as others would become very happy, through these 'not so hard to do' deeds. I would often repeat, "bahut janam bishray thay maadho, eh janam thumaare lekhay" (i have been separated from you for many life times God, I dedicate this life only to you). Repeating this would strengthen my will and belief in Wanting to meet Vaheguroo. 

The bhuddist friend would meditate with so much dhiaan (focus) throughout the day. This also raised my hopes and practice, it was as if Guru sahib Ji sent him only for me, as he left after a few months. I understood as a Sikh I could learn from all, as long as it was in line with Gurbaanee (Gurus Teachings). I wanted to meditate with every breath,  as this was my Guru's hukum (command). I didn't want to waste even a breath, as this would be a breath wasted in evil thought. With Guru Sahibs kirpa I started meditating with full concentration for 9 hours of the working day, this lasted 9 years. I would attempt to speak little. This improved my Amritvela and daily abhiyaas (practice) immensely. Even when doing daily house chores, brushing my teeth, eating etc I wanted to be adjoined to the love of Vaheguroo's feet (God), as the ras (taste) of God's name became ecstatic and inseparable. 

The warehouse job consisted of very little concentration, it was picking car parts, whilst walking down aisles, hence finding it easy to meditate. Walking Simran (meditation) became a part of my life, I would repeat 'Vahe' with left foot and 'Guroo' with my right foot forward and listen intensely with my inner ears (mind). The love of Gods Name is what I wanted most from life, hence keeping the job for so long. I wanted Guru Sahib to bless me with the drishtee (internal vision) of seeing the love of Vaheguroo's supreme soul in every being, and wherever I may look, it now became my only desire. 

I remember when going to Rehansbhais, we would make a conscious decision of not leaving, until Guru Sahib ji had stopped speaking to us. We would have one parshada (chapatee), with one dhaal (curry) and some kheer (rice pudding), so we were not too full to sit down for a long period of time. We would go to the men's room before hand, in order that we didn't have to leave the darbaar. Then we would make a conscious decision of sitting through the full Rehansbhai Kirtan, with our eyes closed throughout and meditate constantly with ik mann ik chitt dhiaan (single minded concentration), until the event was samaapath (finished). This would last for around9/10 hours. With Guru sahibs apaar kirpa (blessings), the Nitnem baaneeaa and hours of meditation at Amritvela increased naturally and impressively through Anand (ecstasy).  I would also try to find time throughout the day for seated meditation. Naturally, when repeating one word constantly for long periods, it becomes a part of the mind, body and soul. These practices became the foundation of our jeevan (life).  

Once one has done ghaalnaa (worked hard) in the early stages of their Sikhi, it becomes easier to practice throughout their jivan. Guru sahib blesses the individual and implants the naam within them forever.   

Also, It's extremely important for every Gursikh to read Sehj paath daily (recitation of GGSJ from Guru's Saroop or senchyaa). Gurbaanee is paraskalla (philosophers stone) and transforms us from being like iron to the purity of gold. 

To all those reading, I would like to say, the life of falsehood I lived, was no where near the peace, love and contentment I have received from Guru Sahibs Sangat and Sikhi in it's self. Guru Sahib is the best father/friend anyone can have, he always listens and never let's us down. It's just we lose our faith very easily in him, we stop believing. 

Guru Nanak Dev ji has blessed us with two beautiful children, and blessed both of them with the daat (gift) of his kirtan (singing of Gods word), in order to bring raunak (constant happiness) in to our very poor home. We now feel the most wealthiest, after receiving this sweet gift.  

Sikhi is a path/way of life, which needs to be experienced, until we experience it, we will not realise its worth. It's an ecstasy that guides us through life in high spirits. 

Don't waste this human life. Please take steps, so Guru Sahib can shower his love and grace on all of us!

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "I am a sinner, saved only by the Company of the True Guru and their sangat. He has bestowed the Teachings of God's Name, which saved me."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 157- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 10

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 10

"Without the Name, the body suffers in pain; it crumbles like a wall of sand."

In this Shabad, Guru Sahib says the body crumbles like a wall of Sand and suffers in pain. Without Naam our life is not worth living, we will struggle to be happy, content and at peace. One tends to suffer through greed and personal ego. we will most likely not be respected or loved by anyone, as most people look out for themselves or their own in this World. We will have no one to turn to in hard times, If we did find someone, there would usually come a point where we would have to repay them in some form or another. And life goes on in a struggle for survival, until the body falls like a wall of Sand. 

True love only comes through the Guru and their sangat (congregation), the rest is all false. 

We will be more successful in all our endeavours if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-centre ourselves through naam meditation. In this way we would gain a lot more joy and peace in living. 

Guru Amardas Ji Says, "In the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, the Name of the Lord wells up, when the True Guru unites us in His Sublime Love."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 156- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 9

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 9

"Those chaylaas, those devotees, whose spiritual teacher is blind, shall not find their place of rest."

In this Shabad Guru Sahib talks about those students who search for a spiritual teacher. Guru Sahib says, their teacher is blind without divine-knowledge, so how will he enlighten you? Only Guru Sahib (Satguru) is pure, we can not be sure of any human being to be pure. Only God is pure this is why Guru Sahib has united us with Shabad and a direct link to God, through the mantra of Naam (Vaheguroo). 

All the Sikh Gurus, Bhagats (saints) and Patts (poets) were one to one with God, this is why their teachings were compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib Jee. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the word of God and has come straight from God through the blessings of the True Guru. Sikhi has no flaws and there will never be a more purer faith. 

Don't wait for anyone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, with Guru Ji's extremely beautiful baani (teachings), and mantra of Gods name (Vaheguroo).

"Without the True Guru, the Name is not obtained. Without the Name, what is the use of it all (life)?"

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 155- FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!

FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!

Bhenji Rajbinder Kaur's Journey!

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The journey that Guru Sahib placed me on was a long treacherous one; treacherous because of my own faults and wrong doings, making the wrong decisions in life and pushing Sikhi principles away as far as I could in pursuit of worldly happiness. 

Thinking back now, the main memories of 'Sikhi' I have as a child was going to the Gurdwara on a regular basis with my mother. I remember an elder Gursikh, who used to come to the Gurdwara, and all the kids knew him as the baba who gave all the children a pencil and paper to take and doodle on. We didn't used to have iPhones or any kind of gadgets in those days, so pencils and paper were a luxury. All the kids used to flock to him and it's funny how that's now one of the few childhood memories I have. As I grew older, my Gurdwara visits became few and far between. I only used to go for weddings etc and only if I was forced. I remember skipping Anand Karaj's (weddings), as I felt they were 'boring' and I used to only go to the reception after, as I felt this was the main part of the wedding! 

I started removing my hair as early as I could. I remember feeling a lot of pressure from my school friends to fit in, in this way. I first removed leg hair, arm hair, and then started removing facial hair and started to regularly visit the hair dresser, because I wanted to feel beautiful and wanted to fit in with the crowd. I wanted to become more attractive to others. I won't go in to details, but I rebelled against my parents wishes as much as I possibly could. I would lie to them, sneak out and got in to bad company and didn't care who I was hurting along the way. I used to drink alcohol and stayed out late at night, and just wanted to be a free spirit, I wanted to do what I wanted to do and that was it. I didn't care about my parents worrying at home, or the consequences of someone seeing me while out "doing my thing" and the word getting back to my parents. 

When I reached my mid 20s I met my now husband. We were monay (had shorn hair) and based our relationship on mutual attraction. Funnily enough, we first spoke about Sikhi, even though I knew absolutely nothing, and still don't. Within two weeks of meeting, I knew I was going to marry him. I'm not sure how, but call it woman's intuition. There was a long battle between my parents and I about caste as my parents were typically culturally inclined. However my father was first to come round, as I was always a daddy's girl and something pulled at his heart strings and he agreed to the marriage. Mum was a bit harder to convince. During our engagement period, my fiancé was coming more and more in to Sikhi. He started doing sangat with Gursikhs and I remember one time, we met, and he said "I want to take Amrit". I didn't have a clue what Amrit was or what living as a Gursikh involved. I was shocked and emotional and said to him please don't change yet. We were weeks away from our marriage and I wanted all my family to see my husband in the image that I had met him in. We agreed to compromise. The compromise was that he would wait for me and that I would look in to becoming Amritdhari after marriage. 

We got married and my husband kept wanting to keep his kesh, but I stubbornly didn't want him to. His love for Sikhi kept growing and growing, and I honestly resented it. I didn't want him to change the way he looked. I loved the way he looked when we first met, and felt so attached to that image. I used to force him to go to the hairdressers. I wouldn't talk to him until he had tidied himself up, as he looked messy with a beard and unshorn hair. I fought his want to change to the point that I would cut his hair for him, as he started to refuse going to the hairdressers. I used to turn off paath or Kirtan he used to play in the car as I wanted his attention. 

During the first couple of years of marriage a few elders in the family passed away. This hit me hard and I started to question what happens when we die. At my grandmothers funeral, when everyone recited Sohila Sahib, I couldn't do it as I didn't know it. So I promised myself I would learn this paath. This was the first I had learnt in my then 28 years of life. 28 years.

My sadness about death didn't change the fact that I didn't want my husband to change his appearance. He would go to programs alone and, even though he still cut his hair he used to tie a Dastar. He felt he couldn't go in to sangat without a dastaar on. When he came home from programs I would resent his change and tell him to take his dastaar off. Such was my hate for his change. He used to invite Gursikh to our house to do veechaar with us. But I still didn't want to move towards Sikhi.

It was only until I fell pregnant in 2007, that I really started to change. We were told that I had a high risk pregnancy for Downs syndrome baby. My heart broke. As a mother, your instinct is to want your children to be healthy and happy. My husbands first reaction was to of course turn to Guru Sahib. We started to do Ardaas every day asking Guru Sahib to make sure the baby would be okay. I cried so many times during the Ardaas. I started to listen to JapJi Sahib every day, and would play it on my phone every morning and as my bump grew I would balance the phone on my belly so baby would hear too. I started to read Chaupai Sahib too in English first, as I wanted to understand it. We attended Khalsa Camp for 2 days in 2007 when I was 4 months pregnant. It was mind blowing. Although we only stayed there a short while, we felt a pull from being in that sangat. We bought DVDs from previous Khalsa Camps and when we got home we watched them on repeat for months. We didn't watch anything else as we just wanted to be in that sangat again.

My husbands last hair cut was at his usual barbers. He had a deep conversation with the white hairdresser about Sikhi after she noticed his Kara. Ironically he spoke about kesh (hair) and its importance. At the end of the appointment, she said to him "I don't expect to see you here again". He came home and told me about his conversation and her last words and we felt that Guru Sahib had spoken and that was his command.

My husband was starting a new job and he wanted to go to his new work as a Singh. We agreed, knowing that this would be it, he would remain a Singh from now onwards. 

It was only when our baby was finally born in January 2008 that we came to know that she was a normal healthy baby. We cannot put that down to anything but Kirpa from Guru Sahib.

In the first year after our baby was born I started to physically change. Two things really stick in my mind when it came to deciding to make the change in my appearance and follow Sikhi: It was through sangat of other bibian that I found the strength to keep Kesh. I felt if they can do it and look so beautiful then so can I. I started to keep my eyebrows, started to tie my hair back and stopped dying it. It wasn't easy to do this though. I fell a few times, but just kept trying. I think I felt that I owed Guru Sahib something in return for listening to our Ardaasa. Secondly, when our baby was born, when I saw just how perfect Guru Sahib had made her, I thought to myself, I would never want to change her from her perfect natural form, so I had to lead by example. I couldn't be a hypocrite. 

My friends and family were very supportive of my change. I didn't get any negative comments from anyone. When my eyebrows were fully grown out and my facial hair had returned to its equilibrium I somehow still didn't feel complete. It was only when sangat came round or we went to Gursikhs houses and bibian showed me how to tie a dastaar, that I felt that I could look in the mirror and everything then seemed to fit in to place. That's what was missing. 

Living away from family, and meeting them with my crown on and seeing their reaction was something that I struggled with and was the next hurdle I had to get over. Humans, especially women, especially in the western world, are sensitive beings. We take in too much of what society thinks and says and this is why I struggled. My husband would take pictures of me when I practiced tying my dastaar at home and sent pictures to my sisters phones. Their reaction was very positive. So when they did actually see me with my dastaar on they were fine with it, as it was already familiar to them. 

By this time, in 2009, my husband was so desperate to give his head to Guru Sahib. He had waited patiently for years now, and he so wanted to take Amrit. For the past year or so since I started to change I kept putting him off, saying I wasn't quite ready. He would get Gursikhs to do Ardaas (pray) for us, so that we could walk on the path together. 

I remember after a Kirtan program, on the way home, a Gursikh had travelled with us. He did a little veechaar (Sikhi chat) with me in the car. He knew how desperately my husband wanted to take Amrit as a family, and how long he had waited. The Gursikh said something like "YOU hold the key". It was then that I thought I can’t hold my husband back any more.

Finally, in December 2009, we were blessed with Amrit. It was a wonderful experience. My only regret is that I didn't ask Guru Sahib for Amrit earlier, as this was only the beginning of our journey. I wasted so many years in pursuit of worldly happiness. What I thought was making me happy was the very thing that was pulling me away from Guru Sahib. Of the few things I've learned over the years, one of the key lessons is that as a Gursikh, even the smallest gestures can inspire Sikhi in the most unlikely characters. 

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Bhenji was inspired by Gursikh bibiaa, they guided her towards Sikhi. Bhenji has now been blessed with the Seva of guiding other females towards the blessed path of Sikhi. Guru Sahib ji has blessed bhenji to form and run the "Kaur's Corner" organisation alongside a team of sisters. The Seva they are doing is awesome and has transformed the life's of many!! 

Guru Sahib Ji will lift us out of the filth and place us amongst the most wealthiest. 

What an extremely amazing, beautiful, loving, perfect and pure Guru we have!!

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "The spiritual wisdom of the True Guru is the most excellent cleansing bath; bathing in it, all the filthy sins are washed away."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 154- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 8

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 8

"When the Lord bestows His Glance of Grace, we obtain the True Name. Without the Name, who are our relatives?"

In this Shabad Guru Sahib says, we will only be blessed with Naam when Guru Sahib bestows his glance of grace. Guru Sahib then goes on to say, without Naam who are our relatives. Guru Sahib is saying here, if we have not made best friends with Vaheguroo (God) who created the Universe, how can we call people our relatives, friends and family, as all is God and everything is false without God. Soon as somebody says something wrong or disagrees with us, or doesn’t help us in the time of need, these relationships fall like a weak pile of bricks. 

Without Naam there is no love, one will only know how to love and maintain relationships without being attached, when one falls in love with our Beloved Guru. This is when one understands the true meaning of love without a desire or condition.

When we embody the love of Vaheguroo's name, we are the most powerful being in the universe. 

Guru Ramdaas Ji Says, "Renounce selfishness, conceit and arrogant pride, and your love for your children and spouse. Abandon your thirsty hopes and desires, and embrace love for God."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 153- WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 7

WITHOUT NAAM MEDITATION 7

"Receiving the Naam, the mind is satisfied; without the Naam, life is cursed."

This is a beautiful Shabad by Guru Raamdaas Jee, both these lines are from one Shabad. This Shabad goes on to say, this priceless jewel is only kept in the palms of Guru Sahib Ji. If we are fortunate he will bless us with the loving devotion of Naam.

Guru Sahib says in the top line,  without Naam my life is cursed, there is no satisfaction for my mind, body or soul without Naam. Everything we do or touch will also be cursed, as the mind is very powerful and the energy of negativity has the power to spread in amongst anything and everything. On the other hand if we do deeds through the power of Naam, everyone we come in to contact with will be blessed and find peace through the power of Guru Sahib and the positive mind. The mind is the Universe, but unfortunately we have not recognized our powerful innerself.

In the line below, Guru Jee goes on to say, without Naam my life does not exist. Life is not even worth living without Naam, as this mind is controlled by the evils of Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh, Ahankaar (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Ego). Without Naam these powerful warriors will run our show. Our body and mind will become their Puppets. We have not realized our Divine Inner-Self, therefore we do not exist. We only exist when our mind is blessed with divine knowledge, to instruct the mind on the path of Guru Sahibs lotus charan (feet), through the powerful substance of Naam.

Once you let the meditation of Naam flow through you, you'll discover your infinite potential. 

"Without Your Name, my life does not even exist. My True Guru has implanted the Naam within me."

Vaheguroo!