Thursday, July 26, 2007
KAURS UNITED INTERNATIONAL SIKH YOUTH WOMENS CAMP 2007
Uniting Sikh Women Around the Globe
Join us at Kaurs United Camp 2007! This one-of-a-kind Sikh women's retreat will take place from August 19th to 24th, 2007 at Camp Alexandra in White Rock, B.C. This year's camp promises to be the best yet, with an amazing schedule of engaging workshops, inspiring discussions, enlightening meditation, and exciting activities and recreation.
Registration is now open! Participation at camp WILL be fully booked soon, so register now to reserve your spot! Deadline: July 31st.
OUR MISSION
Kaurs United is a non-profitable organization that branches off the Guru Nanak Academy in Surrey, B.C. Run by Sikh women, our aim is to strengthen the spiritual lives of girls and women around the globe in a challenging, motivating, and exciting environment.
Shaheed women from the past, inspirational women of the present, and the anticipated strong women of the future form the backbone of Kaurs United. We are here to inspire, help, and unite Sikh women and girls around the world.
ABOUT CAMP
- Six days of unforgettable fun, motivating discussions, spiritual darbars, inspiring lectures, physical strength training and much, much more!
This year’s camp will feature:
- Serene Amrit Vela and evening darbars
- Naam Simran and Kirtan (at the beach!)
- Workshops and lectures on a variety of engaging topics by speakers from various parts of the world
- Formal and informal group discussions on moving forward in Sikhi and life
- Reflecting on the Guru’s words
- Gatka, archery, self-defense, paintballing, bowling, and various other sports and physical activities
- The opportunity to meet countless other Sikh women and girls from different places.
WHEN ?
Sunday, August 19, 2007 - Friday, August 24, 2007
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WHERE ?
Camp Alexandra (2916 McBride Avenue, White Rock, B.C.). Camp Alexandra is a safe, closed off area, ideal for inspirational and challenging activities – being a short walk away from the Crescent Beach.
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WHO ?
Sikh women aged 12 and over are eligible to attend. Camp participants will be separated into groups for activities based on their age.
Note: You do NOT need to be Amritdhari to attend :)
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
$20 Late Fee after JULY 31st
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: AUGUST 5th
LEARN MORE & REGISTER TODAY:
Camp Information
http://kaursunited.gurmatstudies.com/Kaurs_United_Camp_2007_Info.pdf
Registration Forms
http://kaursunited.gurmatstudies.com/Kaurs_United_Camp_2007_Reg_Form.pdf
Kaurs United Website
http://kaursunited.org/
2007 Khalsa Ladies Camp
"It is an opportunity to relate to one’s own self-grace."
"It is an opportunity to relate to one’s own self-grace."
Saturday 11 - Wednesday 15 August
The challenge and delight of a woman’s life is to find her center, to balance herself in the sacred, and in the joys and challenges of life. She is the center of so much, for so many. From her center, love and power, confidence and harmony flower. Khalsa Ladies Camp is dedicated to this fulfillment. The activities are designed to help the woman nurture and develop the areas of her life which facilitate this process.
The call has come forth for we, as women, to assert our prayerful presence and grace into so many areas of our lives. So many people depend on us in countless ways. In order to be true to ourselves and those whom we love, we need to increase our vitality, and balance our energy. And, most important, we need to develop a relationship with our own soul and the purpose of our lives. This retreat is designed to help one another on this journey.
The call has come forth for we, as women, to assert our prayerful presence and grace into so many areas of our lives. So many people depend on us in countless ways. In order to be true to ourselves and those whom we love, we need to increase our vitality, and balance our energy. And, most important, we need to develop a relationship with our own soul and the purpose of our lives. This retreat is designed to help one another on this journey.
With a full schedule of the revitalizing practice of Kundalini Yoga, the deeply peaceful sacred space of Sat Nam Rasayan Meditation, the graceful power of Sikh Sacred music, and the exilharating practice of Indian Sword Fighting, we renew ourselves and offer support to one another, make new friends, and connect with old ones.
Women of all ages may attend this retreat each year, honouring the wisdom, sacredness, and strength of woman.
Start Time:
Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 3:00pm
End Time:
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 6:00pm
Location:
Sunshine Coast (near Gibsons)
City/Town:
Vancouver, BC
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
July 27, 2007
LEARN MORE & REGISTER:
http://www.khalsaladiescamp.com
July 27, 2007
LEARN MORE & REGISTER:
http://www.khalsaladiescamp.com
KAURAGEOUS
A National meeting will be taking place on Sunday 29th July for all those ladies that want to set up KAURAGEOUS up in their town/city.
For further info on kaurageous please goto www.KAURAGEOUS.comDate: Sunday 29th JulyVenue: Hall 3, Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick, BirminghamTime: 2pm
For further info and to confirm attendance please call/text 07763608328 / 07707100399 or email info@kaurageous.com
KAURAGEOUS has been launched to unite ALL Sikh woman to bring together thoughts, ideas, discussions, raising spiritual awareness and to highlight issues within society as being a Sikh woman today. Kaurageous is about supporting one another and maintaining sisterhood.By raising the awareness of Sikhi all sisters can take away the jewels of the principles and values taught within Sikhi. ALL Sikh sisters are welcome, whether your Amrit thari or not...KAURAGEOUS is for all woman in search of physical and spiritual activities within a comfortable environment where there is no one to judge your actions and beliefs….
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
It’s that time again, SUMMER! There is way too much going on this summer: camp, kirtan programs, etc. Thus, the next blog post on Daughters of the Khalsa will be published on August 9th, 2007. Throughout August expect delays in blog posts. Future blog posts will hopefully focus on more historical Sakhis on Sikh women, Present Day accomplishments of Kaurs, and much more!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
It’s that time again, SUMMER! There is way too much going on this summer: camp, kirtan programs, etc. Thus, the next blog post on Daughters of the Khalsa will be published on August 9th, 2007. Throughout August expect delays in blog posts. Future blog posts will hopefully focus on more historical Sakhis on Sikh women, Present Day accomplishments of Kaurs, and much more!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Sweetness and Humility, O Nanak, is the essence of merit and virtues
Salok, First Mehla:
The simmal tree is straight as an arrow; it is very tall, and very thick.
But those birds which visit it hopefully, depart disappointed.
Its fruits are tasteless, its flowers are nauseating, and its leaves are useless.
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.
Everyone bows down to himself; no one bows down to another.
When something is placed on the balancing scale and weighed, the side which descends is heavier.
The sinner, like the deer hunter, bows down twice as much.
But what can be achieved by bowing the head, when the heart is impure? II1II
By the means of the strength of these virtues as Sikh spreads the sweet fragrance of Sikhism in the garden of humanity. The virtue of humility injects compassion, charity, tolerance, patience, righteousness and forgiveness in human life and life becomes so lovable and adorable. Sweetness and humility become the culture of a man who practices these Godly virtues. The practice of these merits make him a truly educated and cultured man whose words radiate his genuine feeling of sympathy for everyone irrespective of his colour, race, creed, language, or country. These merits elevate him to the status of internationalism. He becomes a leader of all countries that is the world.
It is the same thought of crystal purity that elevates man to the level of an angel, and it is the loftiest way to serve the Lord. A man whose soul is saturated with the fragrance of humility observes all others as angels above him. He sheds even a speak of ego and purifies his soul with the virtue of humility and submissiveness.
sa(n)thahu aisee kathhahu kehaanee II sur pavithr nar dhaev pavithraa khin bolahu guramukh baanee II1II rehaaoII
O Saints, speak that speech which purifies the gods and sanctifies the divine beings. As Gurmukh, chant the Word of His Bani, even for an instant. II1IIPauseII
parapa(n)ch shhodd sehaj ghar baisahu jhoot(h)aa kehahu n koee II
Renounce your fraudulent plans, and dwell in the celestial palace; do not call anyone else false.
sathigur milahu navai nidhh paavahu ein bidhh thath biloee II2II
Meeting with the True Guru, you shall receive the nine treasures; in this way, you shall find the essence of reality. II2II
Humility in Life
He who deems Himself low is counted the Highest of all
He who deems Himself low is counted the Highest of all
Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji says,
Ego is the greatest obstacle in the path of Spiritual clarity, but those who shed ego from their life are deemed to the be the highest of human beings in the house of the Lord
Humility wins over the hearts of even the toughest people. The beauty of humility melts even the firm hearts and blooms them into flowers of sympathy, mercy, kindness, compassion and humility. The human garden becomes saturated with the fragrance of amicability, and tenderness.
Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji says,
Ego is the greatest obstacle in the path of Spiritual clarity, but those who shed ego from their life are deemed to the be the highest of human beings in the house of the Lord
Humility wins over the hearts of even the toughest people. The beauty of humility melts even the firm hearts and blooms them into flowers of sympathy, mercy, kindness, compassion and humility. The human garden becomes saturated with the fragrance of amicability, and tenderness.
Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji says,
Sweetness and Humility, O Nanak, is the essence of merit and virtues
Salok, First Mehla:
The simmal tree is straight as an arrow; it is very tall, and very thick.
But those birds which visit it hopefully, depart disappointed.
Its fruits are tasteless, its flowers are nauseating, and its leaves are useless.
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.
Everyone bows down to himself; no one bows down to another.
When something is placed on the balancing scale and weighed, the side which descends is heavier.
The sinner, like the deer hunter, bows down twice as much.
But what can be achieved by bowing the head, when the heart is impure? II1II
By the means of the strength of these virtues as Sikh spreads the sweet fragrance of Sikhism in the garden of humanity. The virtue of humility injects compassion, charity, tolerance, patience, righteousness and forgiveness in human life and life becomes so lovable and adorable. Sweetness and humility become the culture of a man who practices these Godly virtues. The practice of these merits make him a truly educated and cultured man whose words radiate his genuine feeling of sympathy for everyone irrespective of his colour, race, creed, language, or country. These merits elevate him to the status of internationalism. He becomes a leader of all countries that is the world.
It is the same thought of crystal purity that elevates man to the level of an angel, and it is the loftiest way to serve the Lord. A man whose soul is saturated with the fragrance of humility observes all others as angels above him. He sheds even a speak of ego and purifies his soul with the virtue of humility and submissiveness.
sa(n)thahu aisee kathhahu kehaanee II sur pavithr nar dhaev pavithraa khin bolahu guramukh baanee II1II rehaaoII
O Saints, speak that speech which purifies the gods and sanctifies the divine beings. As Gurmukh, chant the Word of His Bani, even for an instant. II1IIPauseII
parapa(n)ch shhodd sehaj ghar baisahu jhoot(h)aa kehahu n koee II
Renounce your fraudulent plans, and dwell in the celestial palace; do not call anyone else false.
sathigur milahu navai nidhh paavahu ein bidhh thath biloee II2II
Meeting with the True Guru, you shall receive the nine treasures; in this way, you shall find the essence of reality. II2II
The Humble Heart of a Sikh
Bhai Gurdas Ji says about the humble heart of a Sikh,
I respectfully bow to those who have power, yet remain humble
I respectfully bow to those who have status, remain meek
I respectfully bow to those who have wisdom, appear ingenuous
I respectfully bow to those who are resigned to the Will of God
I respectfully bow to those, who devotedly follow the Guru’s way of life
I respectfully bow to those, who live like a guest in this temporary world
Such persons are honoured both in this world and in God’s Court
Normally power brings vanity, conceit, arrogance, and egotism. In such vanity humanity takes to wings and savagery and barbarism become homely. With status, meekness, disappears and man becomes selfish and self-centered. He does not resign to the Will of God, but has his own ways of living and believes more in illusions of pleasure and merry-making. He works out ways for his own destruction. He loses respect, honour and status in this world and works for his own downfall.
In another hymn, Bhai Gurdas Ji says, The Guru oriented Sikhs are humble in spirit, for they eliminate their pride and vanity. They gain wisdom and enlightenment from the Guru’s teaching, and dispels their ignorance and superstition.
A Sikh who can bow to others in
humility is honoured in God’s Court
Mata Kaulaan was daughter of a Quazi of Lahore named Rustam Khan She was very wise and intellectual. When she completed her elementary education, the Qauzi got her admitted in the school of Sain Mian Mir for higher education. She was very influenced by the personality of Sain Mian Mir and became his great devotee Sain Mian Mir had great respect for the Sikh Gurus. He used to tell her about the Sikh Gurus and their hymns, Sain also told her about Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Sain Mian Mir had learnt many hymns of Gurus. He was able to recite the hyms by memory. So, he used to recite those in a very melodious voice. Kaulaan also learnt some hymns and was feeling very blissful by reciting those in her sweet voice.
One day Quazi heard these hymns. He was a fanatic Muslim. He considered the Sikh Gurus as infidels. So he could not tolerate that his daughter sing the hymns of infidels. He warned her daughter not to sing such hymns. One day she requested Sain Mian Mir that she wanted to have a glimpse of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Thus, while Sain Main Mir went to visit Guru Sahib, Kaulaan as well got auspicious opportunity to see the Divine face of Guru Sahib.
She was so impressed that she considered herself the most fortunate woman of the world. She was so mesmerized that she could not utter a single word from her mouth.
For some time she stood there as a lifeless statue Sain Mian Mir informed Guru Sahib about the love of the girl for the Sikh faith. He also told Guru Sahib that she sings the hynms of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in a very sweet voice, Guru Sahib blessed her and said,
"You are very fortunate, whoever sings the praises of God, attains the Supreme Bliss."
One day Bibi Kaulaan became so emotional that she began to sing the Divine Hymns in a loud voice. She forgot that Quazi was present in the house. When Quazi heard her voice, he was so enraged that he took one stick and began to beat her ruthlessly. Her mother requested the Quazi and saved her. Nonetheless, those who have gave their head and soul to Guru Sahib never care about such beatings She started to recite the hymns day and night. When Quazi found that she had become fearless he requested his colleagues and got a decree passed by Mohammdan Priests. According to Muslim law ordained in Quraan, she was sentenced to death. When her mother heard about it she sent her in the school of Sain Mian Mir. She also told him about the death sentence. Sain Mian Mir knew well that Nawab Wazir Khan and King Jahangir were friends of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, so he planned to dispatch Bibi Kaulaan to Amritsar . He called for Shah Abdul Yaar and advised him to take away Kaulaan to Amritsar. He also told him to handover Kaulaan to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji so that he could make arrangements for her safe residence.
He reached Amritsar early in the morning and through an attendant of the Guru, met Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and told him all about Kaulaan The Guru assured him that Sain Ji should not worry, she would be accommodated properly. Next day the Guru allotted her a house near Sri Harimandir Sahib. He also made arrangements for meals and clothes. A lady attendant was recruited to help her and to give her company.
While she remained in the safety of Guru Sahib, Bibi Kaulaan was free to recite the hymns of the Gurus according to her desire. One day mother Kaulaan asked her maid servant that she wanted to see the residence of Guru Sahib. The maid servant agreed and she took her to Guru's Mahal. When she saw the lovely children of the Guru, she was very pleased to play with them She spent the whole day with them. But when she returned to her house she became very sad. She was thinking again and again about the children of Guru Sahib. A hidden desire germinated in her mind that she should also be a mother of a child. One day Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib went to see her, he was astonished to see her sad face When the Guru asked her the reason of sadness. She told him about her aspiration of being a mother and having children. Hearing this Guru Sahib said,
"These children take birth and die.
But we would give you an immortal son."
He told her that on her name a Sarovar would be constructed in front of her house This Sarovar would be known as Kaulsar. This Sarovar is near Gurdwara Baba Attal Rai. On the opposite side of Sarover is a beautiful Gurdwara Mother Kaulaan.
Taking refuge at Guru Sahib’s home saved her life and allowed her to practise her faith in an independent and free manner as promoted by the Gurus
Raag Goojaree, Fourth Mehla:
O humble servant of the Lord, O True Guru, O True Primal Being: I offer my humble prayer to You, O Guru.
O humble servant of the Lord, O True Guru, O True Primal Being: I offer my humble prayer to You, O Guru.
I am a mere insect, a worm. O True Guru, I seek Your Sanctuary. Please be merciful, and bless me with the Light of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. II1II
O my Best Friend, O Divine Guru, please enlighten me with the Name of the Lord.
Through the Guru's Teachings, the Naam is my breath of life. The Kirtan of the Lord's Praise is my life's occupation. II1IIPauseII
The servants of the Lord have the greatest good fortune; they have faith in the Lord, and a longing for the Lord.
Obtaining the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, they are satisfied; joining the Sangat, the Blessed Congregation, their virtues shine forth. II2II
Those who have not obtained the Sublime Essence of the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, are most unfortunate; they are led away by the Messenger of Death.
Those who have not sought the Sanctuary of the True Guru and the Sangat, the Holy Congregation-cursed are their lives, and cursed are their hopes of life. II3II
Those humble servants of the Lord who have attained the Company of the True Guru, have such pre-ordained destiny inscribed on their foreheads.
Blessed, blessed is the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, where the Lord's Essence is obtained. Meeting with His humble servant, O Nanak, the Light of the Naam shines forth. II4II4II
By thinking that I am weak, don’t oppress, just listen to me now!
If you want to get respected, you should learn to respect me.
Now we aren’t going to face Tyranny (oppression), don’t think women are Weak.
If you want to get respected, you should learn to respect me.
Now we aren’t going to face Tyranny (oppression), don’t think women are Weak.
I am Singhani of Guru Gobind Singh; I will take revenge from enemies.
Have had enough of oppression, now it’s about time to wake up
Come Singhani’s, together lets kill now all the enemies.
Will look the enemies of this world, but let’s first make a decision
Internal five thieves of ours, we should step up to control them first
After taking care of internal five thieves, if we will look outside
Neither will stay our enemy, nor will be stranger, we will love everyone
Come Frineds, let’s make an effort, let’s control our five thieves
Come Singhani’s let’s together fight, our name is “Kaur” of Guru's.
