Game of love ❤️- WHY I CHOSE SIKHI?

WHY I CHOSE SIKHI?

Japjeet Kaur Khalsa, from Leicester speaks of her journey into Sikhi in the Huffington Post Newspaper:

"I was brought up in Weelde, near Antwerp in Belgium, my Western name is Nele Bemong. I was quite religious as a child, with quite religious Catholic grandparents, my parents much less so. I was baptised, and went to Catholic school and university. I was always a spiritual child, I prayed a lot and talked to God before I went to bed.

After the age of eight or nine, I began questioning God, when some people very close to me died and I couldn’t understand why God would allow that. Other Catholic concepts, like for example, original sin also did not make sense to me and it was hard for me to agree with what institutionalised religion had turned the intrinsically very beautiful teachings of the Bible into.

By the time I went through high school, I had really stopped practicing anything. I am very much a Westerner who practices Sikhi, but I don't adopt Punjabi culture. It is very uncommon in Europe to be a white Sikh. There are more white Sikhs in America but they tend to live in communities of other white Sikhs, not so much in the Punjabi community.

I am one of very few white people in this country, who have converted and live amongst the Punjabi community. But I do get a lot of respect, and often Punjabi people will start looking anew at what Sikhi offers, if they see that I have adopted it and have given up my previous life in the process. They will often even say 'you're a proper Sikh' – a mirror is being held up and often that inspires them to re-evaluate Sikhi. It can be quite inspiring for young people, who sometimes think there is nothing in Sikhi for them as the spiritual side has often gotten mixed with deep-seated cultural practices. I help them see the immense value of the Guru’s teachings and how much contentment and happiness there is to be gained by adopting the spiritual teachings into one’s life."

We have great karma and are blessed to be born in sikh families, yet we choose to ignore the Gurus teachings. To be punjabi is not being a sikh, sikhi is way beyond this. Sikhi is a beautiful way of life, combined with the True Gurus physical discipline and liberating spiritual wisdom. This has to be lived and not just talked about.

We should all take steps towards the True Guru and accomplish the purpose of this life, which is to liberate this impure mind through the love of Vaheguroo's name, by becoming one with him.

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Come, and join together, O my companions; let's sing the Glorious Praises of Vaheguroo, and follow the comforting advice of the True Guru"

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 💜- AGE OF DARKNESS

AGE OF DARKNESS

Bhai Mardhana saw a man, wrapped up in a shawl with holes in it. He asked him, who he was. He said, "I am Kaljug (the age of darkness), I make people lust with these eyes and eat/talk filth with this toungue. I control all their senses."

Bhai Mardhana said, "You can only do that to the weak, who have no control over their minds, as they have no Naam meditation to control their senses and thoughts."

Bhai Mardhana then noticed lots of holes in his shawl and asked, "Why have you got so many holes in your shawl?"

Kaljug replied, "Just like you said, I tried to control the minds of those that meditated on Naam but they pierced through me as though I never existed. This is the reason I have these holes in my shawl."

Vaheguroo!

The mind is very weak, it is controlled by the mind's desires (maya/kaljug). Kaljug is the state of our mind, we need to revert it back to Satjug (the age of truth and true love for Vaheguroo). The only substance which can control and conquer this filthy mind is the Name of God. Repetition of the Name, replaces all thoughts and purifies our senses. One's mind becomes balanced and controlled by the True Guru's teachings of Naam Meditation. Then, the eyes only begin to see God in all, the ears only yearn to hear positive and listen to Vaheguroo's praises, and the tongue only loves to speak positive, Praise God and their Creation. All negativity disappears from within.

Guru Amardas Ji Says, "The True Guru is imbued with the Naam, the Name of God; He is the boat in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 💙- GURU TEGHBAHADUR JI

GURU TEGHBAHADUR JI

The Moghul dynasty, which had ruled India for nearly 200 years had stepped up their mission to turn India into a solely Moghul state. Non Moghul citizens were being persecuted and denied many basic rights, like openly practising their religion, riding a horse or being in positions of authority. The order was given to the ruling Moghul army to rid India of Hindus, destroy their Mandirs and places of worship and replace them with Mosques. Wherever a Hindu is found, they should be killed, unless they are prepared to accept Islam. Delhi was targeted! Many thousands were being slaughtered in the streets of Delhi. Events which triggered 100 Kashmiri pandits, the highest pandits in India, who controlled the Hindu faith to beg at the feet of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for help.

They arrived at Sri Anandpur Sahib to meet the king of kings and cried uncontrollably. Pandit Kirpa Raam, who was the leader of the pandits  said, "Our whole history is at stake. Thousands and thousands of years of existence are going up in flames."

The Moghuls were wiping them out without a trace, just like they had expertly done across North Africa and Eastern Asia during the crusades.

The only saviour was Guru sahib Ji. After consulting with his son Gobind Rai, Guru sahib set off to Delhi to discuss this issue with Aurangzeb.

Of course, Guru Sahib and the gursikhs knew he would not return to Anandpur Sahib. Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyaal Dass Ji all accompanied Guru Ji. On seeing the Guru arrive in Delhi, he was instantly arrested and imprisoned. He was given the same ultimatum as the others. "Accept Islam or accept death."

Guru sahib responded with a challenge. "If you can convert me, you may continue on your murderous rampage. if you can't, leave these people alone." Aurangzeb liked these kinds of challenges and accepted.

The Moghuls tried for many days to convert Guru sahib. He was made to witness the torture and murder of his Sikhs, he was given the most terrorizing torture known to man but he never displayed any pain or discomfort. He instead remained immersed in Naam and bani. Eventually, the Moghuls gave up and ordered his execution at Chandni Chownk, near the Red Fort in what is now known as old Delhi.

When Guru Ji's head was brought back to Gobind Rai (Guru Gobind Singh Ji), they asked, "How many Sikhs were there?"

Bhai Jetha  replied, "There were many but I couldn't recognise them, they all looked the same."

Gobind Rai said, "in time to come, I will create such an army (khalsa), with such an image, which won't be able to hide from anyone. Both male & female will wear uche dumale (high turbans) and stand out amongst thousands."  Guru sahib Ji laid down his life as a teaching for all so have we honoured their martyrdom and the words of our 10th Master today, by keeping their image and living the saint/soldier lifestyle ordained by them?

History states, that Guru Tegh Bahadur's Shaheedi ignited a new spirit amongst the Hindus and they began to come together and stand up against the enemy. They were no longer this dysfunctional army, which were conquered by only 12000 of Babars Pathan soldiers in the 1400's.

So as history states, Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his life for the religious freedom of the Hindus so they could be free to practice their faith without oppression.

Without Guru's Shaheedi, the Hindu faith and India would not exist today. Although many people choose to ignore this, it is nice to see that when you arrive in Delhi, the sign saying 'Welcome to Delhi,' is followed by a specially made memorial in memory of the Guru, whose sacrifice saved a nation and a whole religion.

Today Guru Sahib ji is known as Hindh di chaddher (the protective blanket of the Hindu faith)!

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Says, "He protected the forehead mark and sacred thread of the Hindus, which marked a great event in this dark age.  He laid down his head without even a sigh."

Dhan Guru Teghbahadur Sahib Ji

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love 💛- LIBERATED WHILST ALIVE

LIBERATED WHILST ALIVE

Bhai Mardhana went to a village, where he met Saarsarai the jeweller and his servant Adharka. Saarsarai showed him a beautiful jewel. Mardhana asked, "What is the price of this?" 

Saarsarai said, "Beyond your reach, it's priceless." 

Mardhana said, "let me take you to meet my Guru, Guru Nanak, he'll show you a priceless jewel."

All three of them went to meet Guru Ji. Guru Nanak caught Adharkas (the servants) eye, Adharka fell to Guru Nanaks feet. Guru ji put his hand on his head and Adharka started japping Naam (meditating on Gods name) with every breath, great love and found true peace in an instance. Guru Ji blessed him. 

Saarsarai said, "Please bless me with this Naam also Guru Ji." 

Guru Ji replied, "This is the true priceless jewel, you need to be loving and humble to receive it. It won't settle in your heart, you need to put your ego aside. Put your head in your servant's feet." 

Saarsarai responded, "How can I do that? He's served me all his life by washing my clothes and dishes. I've fed him throughout his life." 

"That is why the name won't settle in your heart," uttered Guru ji. "You have too much ego."

Naam is beautiful, many of us meditate on it but it only settles in the heart of a few. Those that consider themselves to be lowly and the dust of all, receive the true benefits of naam. The naam pierces through their hearts, never leaves them and purifies their mind and actions throughout this life. One is liberated whilst alive and finds true peace within (jeevan mukht). 

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "The humble servants of my Lord and Master are unattached and liberated. They are like ducks, whose feathers do not get wet."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- Blessings!

Blessings!

When we are gifted to sing the supreme Mantra of the Divine One (Vaheguroo), we receive incredible bliss and joy, feeling deeply connected to the One we came from.

The Pure Guru, the perfect embodiment of the One who brings light into darkness, has showered their blessings by gifting them the opportunity to meditate upon God's purest Name.

In the video, the gospel choir are singing "Vaheguroo" Gur-mantra at the Strand In London where SWAT (Sikh Welfare and Awareness Team) had their annual homeless street party, feeding many many free hot vegetarian meals to the homeless of London.

"Jin saeviaa jin saeviaa maeraa har jee thae har har roop samaasee ||
Those who serve, those who serve my Dear God, are absorbed into the Being of the Eternal One, Har, Har.

Sae dhha(n)n sae dhha(n)n jin har dhhiaaeiaa jee jan naanak thin bal jaasee ||3||
Blessed are they, blessed are they, who meditate on their Dear Eternal God 'Har'. Servant Nanak is a sacrifice to them. ||3||"

Please view 3min link below!

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- TAKING STEPS

TAKING STEPS

Bhai Hapreet Singh, before and after.

Author: Harpreet Singh, 18th Nov 2013

Background

My story begins with my parents, both from different parts of the World. My Mother’s side of the family consists of mostly Hindus or Radhaa Swamis, who all have a lot of respect for Sikhi. My Grandmother gave birth to seven daughters, of which the first five were married in India. The remaining two, the youngest being my mother, were married abroad to English born husbands.

My Father’s side of the family were Sikh. His parents were Amritdhari (baptised) and I’ve been told that my Grandmother was an incredible woman who inspired many around her, but I never got to meet her as she passed away before I was born. My Grandfather then remarried and from two wives he had six sons and three daughters, none of whom are religious now.

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say my Father is a terrible human being. He was very aggressive and short tempered, and would pursue women of the night (even after marriage). If he wasn’t drunk on the streets, he was sober in jail. He would beat my Mother on many occasions and in those days domestic violence was always kept secret. My Mother was forced to endure this, she was virtually alone with nowhere to run. She tells me today that her Faith in God was what kept her going, and by reading Gurbani or doing seva at the Gurdwara she kept her spirits high. She had the opportunity to take Amrit when she came to England, but the issue with my Father prevented her from doing so. His constant affairs forced us to move town, from Derby to Wolverhampton, but he still didn’t stop. It was only when my Mother found out he got another woman pregnant, that she decided to divorce him. By this time she had given birth to four children, three girls and a boy… Me!

My Mother worked hard to raise four children and keep the home, often working 15 hours a day. Poverty, as you can imagine, was very much in our lives at the time. During the hardest times of the divorce my sisters decided to rebel. The oldest two left the house to live with my Father, thinking it would give them more freedom. They were incredibly naive to think a man like that could take care of them, and Mother never let them back in the house as her heart was broken. I never saw them again until my eldest sister got Cancer; her funeral, 1st November 1998, brought the family together for at least one day. Even after this, my mother kept the Faith.

Later my mother remarried a guy from India, as she was harassed by many for being a single Asian mother. He wears a turban but isn’t a baptised Sikh, and struggled to play the “father role” if I’m honest. It was just me and my sister left in the house, and instead of understanding my Mother’s struggles she did exactly the same as my older two sisters and left the house in 2008. It was just me, my Mother and my Stepdad left.

I felt the need to mention all this, because it’s becoming increasingly common story for many children of my generation.


My StoryMy story really begins when I became a teenager. Many would say I was a rather weird child, who loved to laugh and joke a lot, never taking anything too serious. All my cousins kept their hair as kids, but cut it when they were older. As a result, my hair was cut from birth. I was a bright kid who spoke a lot in class, never violent but always disruptive. Mother forced me to go to Punjabi school as a child but I never really felt anything when I went to the Gurdwara. Looking back at it you could say that I lost faith at a young age, and at my school hardly anyone was Religious.

I was carefree and there wasn’t really any depth to my personality. Sometimes my comments would be offensive, but if they made me laugh I would keep on saying them.  When I turned sixteen years old I was about six feet tall, which in my family meant I was the age to start drinking. I never smoked, but the moment I had my first taste of alcohol I knew this was a feeling I’d like to experience again. It was at my Nephew’s first birthday party where my Mother found out I was drinking, where I simply drank until I lost consciousness (lousy open bar). Even now my cousins make fun of me, but at that moment in time I was “enjoying life” even with vomit all over me. Mother was disappointed and told me I should stop now, but what sixteen year old listens to their Mother?

I would continue to drink at family functions and when I became of the legal age, I would drink with my friends at the local park. I would drink a lot of Whiskey, not because of the taste, only because my body could take a lot of it - and apparently the more you drank the more of a “man” you were. I would also drink a lot of Strongbow Super because it got me drunk faster. When I got a part-time job catering at Asian weddings, free alcohol became incredibly easy to get. The more I drank, the more I just wanted to get drunk and forget the World.

As time went on I found myself falling into a deep hole and kept on using alcohol to escape, sometimes even drinking alone, but as you can imagine this only made things worse. I would put on a face at school but my relations with people weren’t always the best. At home, I would argue with my Mother a lot and at one point I felt so low that I reached for some pills and just decided to call it quits. I’m still here, so it was a failed attempt, but I was still slipping. I had a girlfriend at the time who I forced to suffer with me, I was pretty hard to tolerate and our rocky relationship made me want to drink more. My sister who hadn’t moved out yet was a nightmare to live with and was confrontational almost every day, which made me bottle up a lot of my emotion. At school my grades would suffer because I just lacked the will to go on, life at this point seemed rather pointless.

But then, as if out of nowhere, I bumped into some Sikhs! My neighbour and his family were practising Sikhs and had good relations with my Mother. I started to play football with one of their sons who treated me like a little brother. Due to my social habits I wasn’t very good (mostly fitness reasons) but I got introduced to a lot of other Sikhs in the community as well. I became good friends with a few who, through general conversation, got me to go to the Gurdwara again. I noticed something in their lives that I didn’t have, and felt the need to explore.

When I turned nineteen in 2007 I finished Highschool and got into University of Wolverhampton to study Mathematics. Staying in my hometown meant I didn’t go clubbing because my Mother hated me staying out late at night, so instead I would attend local Sikh events such as “Saint Souldier Youth Forums”, which in hindsight came at the perfect time. At University my mentality changed and I started to use my brain a lot more, viewing life and my actions in a more logical manner. At the Forums I met many inspirational people who asked questions that I had no response to. For example; “What is your life purpose?” The more I explored, the happier I felt, and as time went on I started questioning my own actions such as drinking alcohol, eating meat, and the lack of respect I had for my own Mother. It was like I woke up from a bad dream and felt like a brand new person. With God’s grace I left my catering job and gave up alcohol for good. My friends were surprised and kept asking whether I was tempted to drink again, I could honestly say I had no more desire to get drunk! I wanted to keep my hair, but that took more time due to vanity issues (my beard only grew on one side of my face).

As time went on I felt guilty and upset when I shaved, so around April 2008 I stopped cutting my hair. I’m one of those people that find it difficult to
do things I know I shouldn’t be doing, which helped in this transition. Sometimes the mind can be our greatest enemy. I use to have terrible nightmares that I shaved my beard off, but then when I woke up I would grab it and thank God for such a beautiful blessing. Finally, on 16th November 2008 (which was Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab) I decided to give my head to my Guru and take Amrit. It’s important to understand that this is the first real step a Sikh can take in their Spiritual journey, and for me the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Just before I took Amrit I faced a huge test in my life where my lung collapsed. I had just started growing my hair (but hadn’t taken Amrit) and was hospitalised for about a month. The pain I went through was unreal but, it was Gurbani that kept me going. My neighbours came to visit me and one of the conversations we had were about suffering. I was curious to know, why now? Why, when I’ve decided to walk a more righteous path must I suffer? To which the response I got was; “Just think of what you could be going through had you not changed paths.” And so be it, the glass in my life became half full and has been ever since.

As my journey continued I got the opportunity to help run the Forums that inspired me for a short while, and then the Sikh Society at my old University. I also made a very good Christian friend who would take me to his Church where I made some very blessed Christians friends that showed me God’s grace has no limitations. I enjoy Religion a lot more and explore other faiths, just to see life through the eyes of other people is what interests most. Sikhi really is the embodiment of Inter-Faith and its foundations allow for tolerance and peace towards others.

Final Remarks

It has now been five years since I took Amrit and I’ve learnt a lot on this journey. If I could share anything it would be to respect your parents and understand the sacrifices they have made to bring you into this World. For me, it took nearly twenty years to finally treat my Mother with a bit of respect but now she can honestly say she is proud of me (her words, not mine). I am a tribute to my Mother’s love for me, and we are both a tribute to Guru Nanak’s love for his Sikhs.

I do regret my actions like most people would, but I understand they hold their own purpose and that part of my life was a learning curve that has given me strong foundations for the rest of my life. Sometimes we all feel low, but it’s important not to cover up the issue like I did, and truly understand your own worth. I’m happy now, and have been for many years. Having good people around you is important, having faith in yourself is essential. We are blessed beyond measure.

Gur kaa sabadh rakhavaarae||
The Word of the Guru’s Shabad is my Saving Grace.
Choukee chougiradh hamaarae|| It is a guardian posted on all four sides around me.

Vaheguroo!

Contact Information

If you have any Questions after reading my story or are at the stage in your Life where you would like to understand more about your Faith, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Will accept Facebook friend requests but please message me first.

www.facebook.com/hsbutoy
www.twitter.com/hsbutoy
hsbutoy@hotmail.com

Game of love- CHARDEEKALLAH (rising spirits)

CHARDEEKALLAH (rising spirits)

Guru's Sikhs should always be in chardeekallah (high spirits), our spirits should always be rising. We should never be on a low. The Nitnem (daily prayers) we do and the daily routine of our Naam Abhiyaas (practise) should keep our spirits rising. Through it our character should build as a pure, loving human being of every virtue God has.

We spend too much time judging and praising others jivans (spiritual lives) and forget about doing the ghaalnaa (hard graft) and kamaaee (earning the profit) we were supposed to do. Our jivan should be that of true Naam Ras (unbearable taste of naam meditation) at all times (24/7), Which should show on our chehraa (face). This is not always red and radiant. It differs for individuals. In some, it shows a Raunak (freshness). Some it shows a shine and on some it shows their glassy eyes. Some go quiet, some become more active and energetic. Our jivan becomes that of just to love, support and help others. One doesn't bother about getting hurt, as the only thing that gets hurt is our ego. This is when we know Guru sahib is blessing us with Naam Ras.

When every Gursikh in the Panth (Those on Gurus Path) realises the above, Guru Sahib will bless us with Khalsa Raj (the pure minded, spiritual beings to rule). When each of us conquer our mind, the universe will become ours also.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Says, "When my Khalsa remain pure, then I will give them my all (the universe). When they follow their own mind, I will not be there to protect & support them."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- THE TRUE STATE OF LOVE 3

THE TRUE STATE OF LOVE 3

Continued!

What does the love of God do to our being?

Our body is filled with totally pure, loving, positive energy. This energy creates an aura, which other spirits naturally become attracted to. Our eyes start to shine and are imbued with love. This is also an attraction for other humans, seeing true love and genuinity in the eyes of others. One way of relating to this, is through a worldly situation. Man thinks he falls in love with a Women, his eyes show affection towards the opposite gender. A Gursikhs eyes are always imbued in Vaheguroo's love (naam ras) Athai Pehar (24/7). One perfect example that springs to mind is late Bhai Rama Singh Jee, from Southall, UK. Gursikhs are also blessed with lalee (radiant faces) or a glow, this is also an attraction for other humans. When the mind reaches a state of total Naam Ras, (pure love through Naam 24/7) then whatever one touches, sees or feels is also blessed through Naam. Anything this Gurmukh desires will come true.

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Man Chindiarra  Phal Paaeaa Mere Govinda, Gur pooraa vekh vigas jeeo. 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."

Naam Ras also creates a genuine smile on the Gurmukh, who is imbued in the sublime essence of Naam. The way he/she walks, talks and conducts themselves is totally different from normal human beings. "Bhagtaa Kee Chaal Niraalee (The way of the Saints is most distinct)," Anand Sahib sermon). In this stage, ones way of thinking and physically doing becomes very slow, aware and focussed. One is in total control of their mind, pure love pores out of their being, as God is love. This Gurmukh reaches a beautiful stage of Sehaj (intuitive peace, poise, Nirvaana). Everything he/she does in this worldly life is blessed. Life becomes very easy, relaxed and stress free. The spirit is free and the mind is purified. Most spiritual people call this the golden age, as this is where all our karma is paid back effortlessly and it becomes the last human life one experiences before their soul is liberated.

Guru Amardas Ji Says, Meditating on the Naam, the mind becomes pure, the Door of Liberation is found.

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- MEAT/FLESH

MEAT/FLESH

I was driving to work today and something I saw made me write this poem!!

I WONDER IF THEY KNOW....

Crammed into lorries they cry out in separation,
Cooped up in small spaces with little ventilation.
From their caring mother they have had to let go,
I wonder if they know...

Arriving at unfamiliar places,
Loaded off with panicked faces.
Huge psychological torture they undergo,
I wonder if they know....

Inside the slaughterhouse they are made to wait,
For showing distress the beating is great.
They are hit with sticks and their pain really shows,
I wonder if they know...

They watch their family being murdered for their meat,
With chains they are hung upside down from their feet.
As others watch on, hearing screams and moans,
I wonder if they know....

The time comes for them to meet their fate,
What crime have they done with a punishment so great.
The knife is inserted and the blood flows,
I wonder if they know....

An everyday story of an animals life,
To satisfy the human they must face the knife.
Just like the Jews were herded onto trains,
their fate unknown and no one to explain.
Animals face the same torture everyday,
for this pain and suffering we must surely pay.
Think before you eat! How would you feel,
If you had to experience such an ordeal.
Your body is not a graveyard,
It's the temple of God,
With care and compassion where love is stored.

Do we not feel the suffering and pain of these animals? We eat meat to satisfy our own taste buds yet forget about all the torture we are held accountable for. When we eat flesh, we are accountable for all the karma the animal has brought with it into this life. We eat all the rubbish the animal has also digested. How would we feel, if our loved ones were killed and eaten? Have we forgotten we are Sikhs (the army of God) and we are supposed to see God in all? Have we forgotten that a human being should be compassionate to all beings?

To eat flesh is a NO NO! No Sikh should tell you otherwise!

Bhagat Kabir Ji Says, "You say that the One Lord is in all, so why do you kill chickens?

O Mullah, tell me: is this God's Justice?

The doubts of your mind have not been dispelled. You have not understood spiritual wisdom and compassion."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- BHAI JAGRAJ SINGH'S SPEECH!

BHAI JAGRAJ SINGH'S SPEECH!

Please click on the YouTube link above: Bhai Jagraj Singh's 17 minute speech, from the programme in Southall for his Chardeekallah. Could be his last, only Guru Ji knows. 

Veer Ji delivers the speech, whilst smiling and laughing! The shabad below enlightens us to why he feels in this state! 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

har saevaa mehi param nidhhaan ||

In the Lord's service, are the greatest treasures.

har saevaa mukh a(n)mrith naam ||1||

Serving the Lord, the Ambrosial Naam comes into one's mouth. ||1|| har maeraa saathhee sa(n)g sakhaaee ||

The Lord is my Companion; He is with me, as my Help and Support.

dhukh sukh simaree theh moujoodh jam bapuraa mo ko kehaa ddaraaee ||1|| rehaao ||

In pain and pleasure, whenever I remember Him, He is present. How can the poor Messenger of Death frighten me now? ||1||Pause|| har maeree outt mai har kaa thaan ||

The Lord is my Support; the Lord is my Power.

har maeraa sakhaa man maahi dheebaan ||2||

The Lord is my Friend; He is my mind's advisor. ||2|| har maeree poo(n)jee maeraa har vaesaahu ||

The Lord is my capital; the Lord is my credit.

guramukh dhhan khattee har maeraa saahu ||3||

As Gurmukh, I earn the wealth, with the Lord as my Banker. ||3|| gur kirapaa thae eih math aavai ||

By Guru's Grace, this wisdom has come.

jan naanak har kai a(n)k samaavai ||4||16||

Servant Nanak has merged into the Being of the Lord. ||4||16||

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- TIRELESS SEVADAARS DEPART

TIRELESS SEVADAARS DEPART

As per the Gurvaak (Guru's word) attached, taking Amrit is simply not enough. We have to dedicate our mind, body and soul to Guru Sahibs Jees message. Who knows when we will draw our next breath? We have given our head to Guru Sahib Jee in the Amrit sanchar and promised to dedicate our everything to him. But we fail to recognise that azraaeel (the messenger of death) is hovering above our heads and will take us away in an instant without warning, therefore it is imperative that we follow the updesh (message) in Gurbani and meditate on Naam breath by breath. 

Over the past couple of months, some of our beloved Gursikhs in Bradford, have been snatched away from us by the clutches of death. Bhai Sohan Singh and Bhai Joginder Singh were both tireless sevadars in Bradford, who dedicated their lives to the Guru. They would quietly and graciously, serve the sangat and take great pleasure in doing so. Today, we have learnt that another sevadar in Bradford, Bhai Rajinder Singh Panesar, has also breathed his last this morning. Bhai Sahib Jee had committed decades of his life to serving others throughout the city of Bradford. He worked as an interfaith representative and also taught Sikh studies and Punjabi language to generations of Sikh children.  

Let us all come together, on New Year's Eve, at Singh Sabha Bradford at 7pm-midnight to remember those beloved ones, who have departed and to celebrate the coming of the new year by awakening our inner-being to the Shabad Guru and Naam.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says: "Sajan maerae ra(n)gulae jaae suthae jeeraan ||
My playful friends have gone to sleep in the graveyard.

Ha(n) bhee va(n)n(j)aa ddumanee rovaa jheenee baan ||2||
In my double-mindedness, I shall have to go as well. I cry in a feeble voice."

Vaheguroo! 

Game of love- TRANSFORMATIONS (Nick Robson TO Bhai Harkirpa Singh Ji)

TRANSFORMATIONS (Nick Robson TO Bhai Harkirpa Singh Ji) 

Recent events have left me rather lost for words. The true power and impact of these events are beyond comprehension but I feel it's important to try to understand and describe them so that we can build unity and oneness. 

As many of you know, I am a 'Sikh'; someone who is trying their best to follow the way of life given by the 10 Sikh Gurus who lived on this Earth between 1469 and 1708.

The Sikh Gurus came to Punjab (North West India) at a time of great darkness and corruption. The caste system at the time created huge inequalities and suffering meaning some people were treated as if their very presence would pollute others. Thus the “untouchables” were forced to live in terrible inhumane conditions and squalor.  There was also religious persecution, with people being forced to convert faith or face the death penalty. Many people were following blind rituals and had lost the true teachings of their religion. 

The Sikh Gurus were completely revolutionary in their teachings. They came to spread the light of spiritual wisdom to the people of the world and eliminate the darkness of ignorance. 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji did not only confine their teachings to India but travelled over 3500 miles on foot to reach as far as Mecca, Baghdad.

The Sikh Gurus rejected the caste system, replacing the previous caste-revealing surnames of Sikh initiates with ‘Singh’ for men and ‘Kaur’ for women, meaning ‘lion’ and ‘Princess’. 

They empowered women, not only by giving them top positions of political and spiritual authority but arming them with weapons too and training them in martial arts. 

They showed how we can recognise the whole human race as one, regardless of our gender, religious, social and racial differences; with the ninth Guru even sacrificing their own life to save another faith.

They built a whole political system and army based on compassion and righteousness balanced with an unbreakable foundation of pure spiritual practice. 

They started a kitchen that now feeds over 6 million people worldwide free of charge every day.

They taught us to earn an honest living and volunteer our time and donate our money selflessly to those in need.

However, beyond the Guru’s ‘worldly’ achievements, they taught people the true meaning of life.

The Gurus taught that the only Eternal Truth is the ੧ Supreme Being/Energy that Creates, Sustains and Destroys. This ੧ Energy expanded into the world and its light permeates everything. It is Infinite Bliss, Pure Love, Without Hate or Fear, Compassionate, All Knowing, Eternal, and Ever-Forgiving. The Guru’s path is one of earning grace and achieving Oneness with the Divine ੧. 

The Supreme Being is our real Soulmate. Although we search for happiness in worldly things, deep within, our Soul seeks union with the ੧. The ੧ is inside us and accessible to all of us. When we connect to the one we cry tears of joy, our body tingles and divine bliss floods our minds 

Love is the fastest and surest way to get to the Supreme ੧. Once this fire is kindled within us, we feed it with spirituality. Chanting God’s name, singing divine songs written by the Gurus themselves and serving to the Immaculate ੧.

On 14th November 2016, the Gurpurab (birthday) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (first Sikh Guru), I was blessed with Amrit “Khande di Pahul” (Nectar of Immortality).

This ceremony first happened in 1699 when the 10th Sikh Guru tested their Sikhs to see who would follow their path even if it meant death. The collective of committed Sikhs who passed the test were given the status of Guru Khalsa, the Guru’s own body. All Khalsa (men and women) are ordered to stand out. The turban and uncut hair are part of this distinct appearance. The Khalsa is armed and ever ready to defend others from injustice and oppression. Khalsa members have a daily spiritual discipline of Naam and are forbidden any intoxicants or sex outside of marriage. The Khalsa collective is the Eternal physical embodiment of the Guru and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the Eternal spiritual embodiment. 

For those born into a Sikh family, a Hukamnama (random reading) is taken shortly after birth from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh 'holy scripture' that we regard as the Eternal spiritual embodiment of the Guru). The first letter of the Shabad (hymn) on that Ang (limb of the Guru) forms the first letter of the name of that child. By allowing our name to be chosen in this way, we can constantly be reminded of the Divine ੧ that we come from and that gives everything to us.

For those not born into a Sikh family (like myself) this ceremony can be performed later. This was done for me at the Amrit Sanchar and I was blessed with the letter H and the two words "Har Kirpa" meaning "the grace of the supreme eternal being" which now forms my Sikh name - Harkirpa. 

I hope this post helps to educate readers about Sikhi, which is frequently misunderstood and misrepresented (and I'm only beginning to realise Sikhi's amazing power myself!). Often people don't realise that Sikhi is for more than just Punjabis and I hope my story illustrates otherwise. Sikhs don’t aim to convert others nor impose Sikh law on everyone. Although Guru is the straight path to ੧ realisation, people of other faiths (and none) can be inspired by Guru’s wisdom without converting. Sikhi is the result of the universal teachings of the Guru, applicable to anyone and everyone, regardless of their gender, race, caste, background. 

I feel incredibly blessed to have been through such positive transformation, which completely changed my life for the better. Throughout my journey, I've been blessed with the loving support and guidance of a Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji. 

When I was introduced to Sikhi by a friend at uni, Bhai Sahib Ji had just started Basics of Sikhi. I remember being completely amazed by Sikhi and also overwhelmed at how much I wanted to learn. Bhai Sahib Ji was doing Japji Sahib Katha at the time and this was such an inspiration to me. Basics of Sikhi has made Sikhi so much more accessible to a non-Panjabi like me. A couple of weeks before I was blessed with Amrit, Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji discussed some Gurbani with me and the way he described it changed everything for me. It gave me the understanding I was looking for, it was as if he knew what my doubts were and instantly dispelled them for me. Like so many, I was deeply saddened by Bhai Sahib Ji’s recent diagnosis but as a Panth we must remain Chardi Kala (in ever rising optimism). Amazingly, Bhai Sahib Ji showed us all how to do this at his Simran Jaap last night, talking with such love and Chardi Kala.

I've still got such a long long way to go and with Guru Ji's Kirpa, I'm striving to improve every day. My Benti to Sadh Sangat is for us to all to support Basics of Sikhi, and our whole Panth as one, more than ever before. May we take the time to reflect on our lives and see what we can do to inspire ourselves and others. Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji and their team have inspired countless people into Sikhi and we have a responsibility to do our best to keep the legacy going.

May we all be blessed to connect to the Eternal ੧ within us all 🙏🏻

ਭੁਲ ਚੁਕ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨੀ ਜੀ

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਹਿ

Game of love- THE TRUE STATE OF LOVE 2

THE TRUE STATE OF LOVE 2

People in general, always talk about love but most people who talk about love, have no clue how powerful this word really is, it should not be used as loosely as it does. The love we know about in general, is more attachment in reality. To know about love, we have to experience it first. This only comes from contemplating and meditating on Naam, bringing our self closer to our soul and recognising our mind.

When we meditate on Gods name continuously, Naam becomes a natural contemplation. Most say it's very difficult, it's only difficult because in reality, we are not willing to put the time and effort in to practice it. Nothing is achieved without time and effort. It is nothing to worry about, just keep on meditating Athai Pehar (24/7).

The word love means, to love something more than ourselves i.e, sidelining our ego by the love of Gods name. Singh Sahib Yogee Harbhajan Singh says, “love is the experience of sacrifice in ones self”.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Kanaeiya Jee was an embodiment and shining example of love. This is one Saakhee (story) that probably all of us know. When the Mughals were in battle with Gursikhs, Bhai Sahib Jee went around with a sack of water and quenched the thirst of most, if not all injured soldiers on the battle field, regardless of whether they were Muslims or Sikhs. The Sikhs complained to Guru Jee, that Bhai Sahib was helping the Muslims in battle, Guru Jee in turn questioned Bhai Sahib. Bhai Sahib said, "I only gave water to where I saw your roop (face)." Guru Jee is Ghat Ghat Ke Antar Kee Jaanat (the knower of all hearts), he embraced Bhai Sahib with a hug and said "This is my true Sikh." The Muslims were humbled by this amazing human being and did not have it in them to attack the embodiment of love. Bhai Sahib must have reached the amazing state of oneness with God, only Vaheguroo knows.

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "One whose mind loves the Lord, Har Har, obtains supreme peace. He reaps the profit of the Lord's Name, the state of Nirvaanaa."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love- BHAI JAGRAJ SINGH JI

BHAI JAGRAJ SINGH JI

As we hear the news of Bhai Jagraj Singh, being diagnosed with grade 4 cancer, we are all deeply saddened. But, we all have complete faith in Guru Sahib Ji that our blessed, loving brother will definitely be ok and come through this difficult period, as millions around the globe are praying for him and most of all, he has a pure father like Guru Granth Sahib Ji Mahraj that sits besides him, with their hand on his head. 

Bhai Sahib ji has touched the lives of many in his revolutionised parchaar of Gurmat and Sikhi. He has inspired many around the globe to walk on this path of love, contentment, compassion and truth. 

Even whilst falling ill with cancer, bhai Sahib ji held the parchaar of sikhi firmly to his heart by setting up the 'Parchaar Course' (spreading of faith), in order that the panth creates more parcharaks and doesn't rely on the few we have. Such was his love for sikhi and the spreading of this universal truth (Sikhi). 

We can speak forever about Bhai Sahib Ji's gunn (virtues) and seva (selfless service), as he dedicated all his time to seva but what are we going to do about it? We can all feel very sad that Bhai Sahib ji has been diagnosed but again, how are we going to better ourselves to support him? We all need to push ourselves a little further. If we haven't taken Amrit, we have to do so. If we have taken Amrit, we need to do more kamaaee (earn profit of Naam meditation) and serve the panth and universe unconditionally. These have always been Veer Jagraj Singh's wishes. This is what he wanted most. Let's fulfil his beautiful desires. This is the least we can do for our brother, who is suffering through severe illness. 

Bhai Sahib ji has been diagnosed with grade four cancer and a lot of us have lost hope but let us not forget we have the most powerful Guru sat besides us, who can change the face of this earth. We may have lost hope in doctors but the most spiritual doctor ( Vaidh Guru) still holds Bhai Jagraj Singh's hand today and forever. 

The least we can do for Bhai Sahib ji is, personal Ardassaan (prayers), sangtee (congregational) Ardaasan, read Baani for him, meditate for him. We have full faith our Guru will pull him through! We are not going to let him leave us so soon! We still need him serving by our side! Guru Ji still has plenty more Seva (selfless service) to bless him with. 

Let this be a teaching to us all. Life's too short. Please take them steps towards sikhi now and let's not wait until it's too late. Let's become that positive change! 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji Says, "Jaa thoo maerai val hai thaa kiaa muhashha(n)dhaa||
When You are on my side, Lord, what do I need to worry about?

thudhh sabh kishh maino soupiaa jaa thaeraa ba(n)dhaa||
You entrusted everything to me, when I became Your slave."

Vaheguroo!