Sikhi Game of love- PUT TO THE TEST

PUT TO THE TEST

A Gursikh who reads Gurbani everyday in the form of Nitnem (their daily routine), is examined by the Great Guru to see whether the Guru’s spiritual wisdom is applied within their practical life. Following and applying Guru’s teachings, one is declared to be doing well in their spiritual journey, and on the contrary if we only read but don’t live according to Gurbaani, we are declared as hypocrites by our own subconscious mind. Therefore, it is important to follow the Guru’s teachings and avoid deeds prohibited by Gurbani. Guru Jee says “He who in his thoughts, words and actions, contemplates the One God; that man obtains all the fruits.” A Gursikh who meditates with thought must also meditate with their actions; this way, he/she is to pass the loving test of Guru Ji and is blessed with every pleasure. Guru Arjan Dev Ji Says, “kirpa prabh aapnee har aap parkhay.” God grants His Grace, and the Lord Himself tests them.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- NO CASTE

NO CASTE

The Sikh Guru’s rejected the whole concept of caste, that still exists to this day in modern Indian culture. However, it is unfortunate that the Sikh community has allowed this disease of social status/class to slowly creep in. These differences, based on family lineage or occupations are driven by purely material concerns. In the modern world at large, some people are obsessed with ranking people based on net worth. This is such a meaningless and misguided exercise. Those that are absorbed in the Naam meditation, know no such differences and classifications of people. They see the same essence in all creation. The only hierarchy they know is based on what extent a person has discovered the love of God’s name and creation, that resides within them. The actions of a person in their time on this earth are ultimately a more accurate measure of their status, than any monetary or hereditary factors. The Guru’s wisdom presents us with countless verses of teachings on this topic. Jaath Janam Neh Pooshheeai Sach Ghar Laehu Bathaae || If God exists within in all then we do not need to ask about social class or birth. If you must, then ask which house (body) has the lord revealed himself. Saa Jaath Saa Path Hai Jaehae Karam Kamaae || Your deeds and actions are your social class and that is your status Janam Maran Dhukh Kaatteeai Naanak Shhoottas Naae ||4||10|| The pains of death and rebirth are eradicated; O Nanak, salvation is in the Lord's Name. ||4||10||

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- THE POLICE OFFICER

THE POLICE OFFICER

If you look at a police officer carefully, you will realise that he looks distinct compared to ordinary people. Even though he is a public servant, he is full of confidence and smartness; and, fearlessness and determination is reflected from everything they say. The police officer acts totally fearlessly, as he/she knows that they have the power of the police department and the government behind them. He/she does not consider themselves alone and they carry out their day to day duties full of confidence. Just as the police officers consider the power of the police department and the government behind them, in the same way, the Khalsa of Guru Nanak Dev jee, Guru Gobind Singh jee, also know that the vibrant and all-powerful force of Vaheguroo is behind them at all times. The Gursikh carries out their duties in this world, without any fear, with great confidence and with total honesty. He/she knows that Vaheguroo is always with them and that they are never alone. He/she also knows that Vaheguroo and their Khalsa always win and can never lose any physical or mental battle. Vaheguroo and Vaheguroo's Khalsa attain victory in everything they do. They have faith in God, they stay calm, they are fearless and do not worry about any power the world brings to them. God is the embodiment of victory, his Khalsa too is the embodiment of victory. The khalsa is always victorious! The Khalsa is the servant of Vaheguroo! Guru Granth Sahib Ji Says below: Vaheguroo’s bhagat always stays in bliss. Vaheguroo’s bhagat has no problems. Vaheguroo’s bhagat has no fear. Vaheguroo’s bhagat always attains victory.

Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- LIKE BEES TO HONEY

LIKE BEES TO HONEY

Bee colonies are highly organised organic systems. Every bee works for the good of the wider group; there is no selfish agenda! They are all connected through a singular focus and they all answer to one leader, the Queen Bee. The beehive produces the sweet tasting honey that sustains them all and they all taste and enjoy it together and all the time. This very specific example is used repeatedly in Gurbani, as an analogy for the spiritual beings, who gather in the holy congregation. Just like the bees, these liberated souls have one focus, the Naam, and one spiritual leader Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. They enjoy the sweet essence of the Naam meditation in unison within the sangat. They show no enmity and have no judgement towards anyone and only see a pure holy congregation that they feel a strong connection to at all times. Lets all strive to create perfect spiritual colonies across the entire world, and spread the message of love through meditating on Vaheguroo’s name. Sathasangath Mil Reheeai Maadhho Jaisae Madhhup Makheeraa ||2|| O Lord, I seek to live permanently in the Company of the Saints, like the bee stays in its honeycomb. ||2|| Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- TRUE FRIENDS

TRUE FRIENDS

We often talk about the positive impact someone has made on our lives. This could be the story of a sporting legend, that made us want to train harder, or it could be a business leader that inspires us to take our career to the next level. Equally, this could just be your friend providing some much needed motivation in your life. Too often, the inspiration that we get and indeed seek, only benefits us on a purely worldly or material level. Many spiritual souls have such a radiance and presence, that they can leave one moved just by glancing at them; such is the strength and power of Naam meditation The materialistic mind can be freed of its many worldly entanglements, through meeting and befriending a spiritual/enlightened soul, that can provide guidance, wisdom and inspiration. But, those true gems are rare amongst people. Last autumn, a western spiritual teacher, presented to a full house at the Royal Albert Hall in London. People from all over the UK attended with the view to gaining some valuable insights for their spiritual journey. Let’s all try to find and search out our true friends in this life, so we can fulfil the souls journey. Jinhaa Dhisandharriaa Dhuramath Vannjai Mithr Asaaddarrae Saeee || The sight of them banishes my evil-mindedness; they are my only true friends. Ho Dtoodtaedhee Jag Sabaaeiaa Jan Naanak Viralae Kaeee ||2|| I have searched the whole world; O servant Nanak, how rare are such persons! ||2|| Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- HORSE TRADERS

HORSE TRADERS

When Guru Nanak Dev Jee was asked to join a group of Muslim worshippers in prayer, he gladly agreed. However, when the people were praying and bowing according to the Muslim tradition, Guru Jee did not actually join in. When asked, why they had not joined in, Guru Jee basically explained how all they had seen were people going through the physical motions of prayer. Guru Jee then singled out the individual, who had challenged them and told him, that although he was praying, his mind was absorbed in his worldly affairs and business and it was busy selling horses. This is such a simple and obvious example but in reality, we are all victims of the over active mind. The mind can travel faster than anything else in the universe. It also takes into the past and then in the next instant, in to the future. Who is the driver of the Mind? If we stop to reflect for a moment, we will see that all these thought patterns are driven by the Ego at the centre and the four other negative aspects (lust, anger, greed and attachment) follow closely behind. It is important when we read Gurbani or meditate on the Naam, that we totally surrender ourselves. This is the only way, the Mind and it’s driver, Ego can be kept subdued. Otherwise, we all become the horse traders that Guru Sahib Ji witnessed. bharame bhoolaa dheh dhis dhaavai || Deluded by doubt, their minds wander around in the ten directions. nimakh maeh chaar ku(n)T fir aavai || In an instant, their minds go to the four corners of the world and come back again. kar kirapaa jis apanee bhagat dhei || Those whom the Lord mercifully blesses with His devotional worship naanak te jan naam milei || - O Nanak, they are absorbed into the Naam. Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- KEERTAN SOHILA

KEERTAN SOHILA

Keertan Sohila is a night time Bani, which is read before going to sleep. It’s made up of five small prayers and takes no longer than five minutes to complete with love. ‘Sohila’ means a song of joyful praise. The Bani is about the end of life and union of the soul with God, hence Sohila Sahib is recited at the time of cremation. Reciting it everyday, reminds us that the end of life is imminent and we are not to waste this precious time. It is a motivation for shedding all worries and having a peaceful sleep. A small Ardaas should be done after this to firstly thank Vaheguroo (God) for another day to ask for protection from wrong thoughts in our sleep and assistance in waking up for Amritvela the next day. It also reminds us to keep the Naam meditation (praise of God) within our mind and heart as we sleep. Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, “Thith ghar gaavho Sohilaa sivriaho sirjanhaaro.” -in that house, sing Songs of Praise; meditate and remember the Creator Lord. Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- REHRAAS SAHIB Ji

REHRAAS SAHIB Ji

Sikhi, The Game of Love!

Rehraas Sahib is an evening prayer, usually recited after a long day at work, when one is very tired and has mentally and physically had a draining day. Rehraas sahib Ji boosts ones spiritual and physical energy and gives thanks to God for another successful and high spirited day. Rehraas Sahib Ji motivates one to continue their praising of Vaheguroo through meditation for the remainder of the day. The word ‘Rehraas’ means life’s occupation. The Bani reminds us that although we have to work and earn money in order to feed our family, our true occupation is the praise and meditation of Vaheguroo’s (God’s) Name. Often at work, the workload can get quite high and intense and our mind can tend to wander off in to the distractions of the world. Rehraas sahib allows one to control this mind and bring our thoughts back to the One and neutralise the mind. This allows us to become happy, peaceful, blissful and content. Guru Ramdas Ji Says In Rehraas Sahib Ji, “Gurmat Naam mera praan sakhaaee har keerat hamree rehraas.” Through the Guru's Teachings, the Naam is my breath of life. The Kirtan of the Lord's Praise, is my life's occupation. Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- ANAND SAHIB Ji

ANAND SAHIB Ji

Anand Sahib is the fifth Bani of a Gursikhs morning Nitnem prayer. Anand means bliss! It is said that the person who recites this Blissful Bani daily, with dedication, attention and comprehension, will achieve Anand (Complete Happiness or Bliss) in life. The Bani, written by Third Guru, Guru Amar Daas Ji, tells us how we can achieve bliss and where to get it from. It tells us to control our senses and concentrate single mindedly on the Shabad (Vaheguroo mantra), which is given to us by Panj Piyaare (five beloved Gursikhs); by doing so, one experiences bliss. The bliss described is very different from the worldly pleasures. It has an ecstatic energy! When one experiences the divine bliss of the Soul, all other joys and tastes are seen as tasteless. The experience does not compare! This Anand stays and does not diminish and it pertains during ups and downs of life. It takes dedication and love, however the results are beyond describable. Anand Sahib is a beautiful Bani and easy to understand. Many Gursikhs also sing Anand Sahib, because the power and love felt is surreal and unearthly. Guru Amardas Ji Says: “Anand Sunho vadbhageeho sagal manorath pooray.” Listen to the song of bliss, O most fortunate ones; all your longings shall be fulfilled. Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of Love- CHAUPAI SAHIB Ji

CHAUPAI SAHIB Ji

Chaupai Sahib Ji, is the fourth Baani in the daily prayers of a Sikh. It is written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and it is a Benti (request) to God for protection from all those ritual and false practices mentioned in Tav-Prasaad Savaiye. Further more, it is also recited to ask for energy, positive focus and protection from external and internal enemies, worries and afflictions. The Baani can be read with love and understanding within five minutes at a steady pace and it is very easy to memorise. As a result, a lot of Sikhs read this at anytime during the day. This Bani gives one the feeling of reliability and dependability on Vaheguroo (God). Many Gursikhs in sikh history recited Chaupai sahib hundreds of times a day, which gave them shear strength, power, faith and commitment when fighting battles. They would always recite the Baani before battle too for support from Guru Sahib Ji. If one has a negative feelings and a lack of confidence in the future, one should recite this Bani to get an instant boost. The Baani has a very powerful energy. Guru Gobind Singh Ji Says In Chaupai Sahib, Hamree Karo Haath dhai rashya pooran hoay chith kee ishaa. Protect me O Lord! with Thine own Hands, so all the desires of my heart be fulfilled. Vaheguroo!

Sikhi Game of love- TAV- PRASAAD SAVAIYE

TAV- PRASAAD SAVAIYE

This Bani is the third daily prayer. It is the shortest of the five (composed of 10 stanzas) and takes no longer than five minutes to complete with love. Again, this is written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Tav-Prasaad means with “Thy Grace!” The Bani talks about and rejects idolatry, pilgrimages, grave worshiping and other ritualistic beliefs. Guru ji emphasises, that without Naam meditation on the true one God (Vaheguroo), all other actions are false and none will help us in the end. Only those who have loved and adorned God, will be free from the cycle of birth and death. Guru Gobind Singh Ji Says In Savaiyay: Saach kaho sunn layho sabhai jin prem keeo thinn hee prabh paeyo I speak Truth, all should turn their ears towards it: He, who is absorbed in True Love, will realise Vaheguroo (God).

Vaheguroo!