Daughters of the Khalsa

2007-11-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

Dedicated to Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
To Read more about the November Posts on Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Click on the following Links:

Early Childhood:

“He will be a great man and our village Talwandi will become famous in the world.”

The Day –Dreamer
The Questioning Years
The Sacred Thread

Youth Years:

"Guru Nanak Dev Ji put all his ideas about God into poetry, so that people could memorize them. Then he, Bala and Mardana sang them together. Soon all over the Punjab, people were singing Nanak’s hymns about the One God, who is greater than anyone else, who is good and loves his creatures."

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gets Married
The Boy who Traded Money for a Blessing
All Men are Brothers
The Man who was Re-born

The Journey of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji:

"Nor did his love for the people lessen with the years. He was never too tired to listen to their problems and was always ready to offer words of comfort and advice. The circle of peole who respect him and followed his guidance increased daily…"

Guru Nanak Dev ji on the “Holy” Ganga
Life by Good Deeds
Gold cannot be Taken to Heaven
A King Pays Homage to Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The Rich Man and the Poor Carpenter

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Teachings:

“There is always room for holiness and goodness,” Guru Nanak Dev Ji answers. “Just as one jasmine petal can perfume a whole bowlful of milk so can one man re-fill the world with the fragrance of faith in God and in good deeds!”

There is Only one God
Sajjan the Robber
God is Everywhere
God Made all Men Equal
Guru Nanak Dev Ji chooses a Successor
There is Never Enough of Goodness

2007-10-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Pritam Bagauti

I bow to the woman of strength,
who's grace could be described at length.
I bow to the divine feminine,
in all women and within.

I bow to the adi shakti, the primal feminine power,
I honor that creativity in all, from each person to each flower.
I bow to the Khalsa women and their valiant bravery,
They are examples to the women in slavery.

Slavery of the mind, steals a woman's grace,
her unrighteous actions written on her face.
She does not realized she is enslaved,
she thinks she's empowered by actions depraved.

The women of the Khalsa, are worthy of praise,
Examples of how to follow the Guru's divine ways.
I bow to that divine feminine spirit of WaheGuru,
The mother and nurturer of all that is true.

Picture: Jathedar from Flickr: Click here to View

2007-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

"...Without a voice, how is one to sing?..."

Lend Me Your Heart and Give Me Reciprocity

Lend Me Your Spirit and Give Me a Choice

Lend Me Your Mind and Give Me Empathy

Lend Me Your Ears and Give Me a Voice.

I am the Jewel of Your Crown

I am the Walls of Your Fort

I am the Pillars of Your Mansion

I am a Daughter of the Khalsa

Picture: Simmal Tree Click here to View

2007-10-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Guru Ji's Daughters - Let us Do Seva

Harimandir Sahib longs for the touch of Thy mothers,
Thy sisters, daughters, and all the others,
Who bow each day to Siri Guru Granth,
Following the path of the Khalsa Panth,
Who enter freely through all four doors,
Except when it is time to clean the floors.

In those holiest hours when it is such
A beautiful time to serve and touch
The marble where the saints have walked,
Why must those gilded doors be locked
To women alone, the Guru’s daughters,
Cleansed by Thy Word and Thy Holy Waters?

The women of Bibi Bhani’s line,
And those descended from Mata Sahib Kaur’s time,
Gather as one to utter this prayer:
"O compassionate Guru of infinite care,
Let all Sikhs enact this holy rite,
As all are immaculate in Thy sight."

Poem: Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa

Picture: Gurumustuk Singh Click here to View

2007-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

You are our Lord and Master; to You, I offer this prayer.
This body and soul are all Your property.
You are our mother and father; we are Your children.
In Your Grace, there are so many joys!
No one knows Your limits.
O Highest of the High, Most Generous God,
the whole creation is strung on Your thread.
That which has come from You is under Your Command.
You alone know Your state and extent.
Nanak, Your slave, is forever a sacrifice. II8II4II

-Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The bond between mother and child is a special one. It remains unchanged by time or distance. It is the purest love ~ unconditional and true. It is understanding of any situation and forgiving of any mistake.

The bond between mother and child creates a support that is constant while everything else changes. It is a friendship based on mutual love, respect, and a genuine liking of each other as a person. It is knowing that no matter where you go or who you are, there is someone who truly loves you and is always there to support and console you. When a situation seems impossible, you make it through together by holding on to each other.

The bond between mother and child is strong enough to withstand harsh words and hurt feelings, for it is smart enough to always see the love beyond words. It is brave enough to always speak the truth, even when lies would be easier. It is always there ~ anytime, anywhere ~ whenever it is needed. It is a gift held in the heart and in the soul, and it canot be taken away or exchanged for another. To possess this love is a treasure that makes life more valuable.

Picture: Water Color Painting by Hartaarn from Flickr: Click here to View

2007-09-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

In loving memory of Mata Preetam Kaur Ji

1947- Sep 14, 2007‏

kabeer sa(n)th mooeae kiaa roeeai jo apunae grihi jaae II
Kabeer, why cry at the death of a Saint? They are just going back to their home.

rovahu saakath baapurae j haattai haatt bikaae II16II
Cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is sold from store to store. II16II

2007-09-15T00:39:00.000-07:00

Sava Laakh Se Ek Larhaaoo Tabhai

Gobind Singh Naam Kahaaoo

Kaurs United International 2007

Chardi Kala
Amazing
Naam
Love
Simran
Power
Leaders
Integrity
Satnaam
United
Waheguru
Singhnee
Sava Lakh
AmritVela
Devoition
Dhan Guru
Sisters
Spiritual
Warrior
Gurbani
Teachers
Kaurs

2007-09-15T00:34:00.001-07:00

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs who get up in the last quarter of night.

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs who getting up in the ambrosial hours, and bathe in the holy tank.

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs who remember the Lord with single devotion.

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs also who go to the holy congregation and sit there.

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs who sing and listen to Gurbani daily.

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs who meet others whole-heartedly.

I am sacrifice unto those Gursikhs who celebrate Guru’s anniversaries with full devotion.

Such Sikhs become blest by the service of the Guru and progress further successfully.

Shabad is by Bhai Gurdaas Ji

2007-09-15T00:28:00.001-07:00

Siree Raag, First Mehla:

Come, my dear sisters and spiritual companions; hug me close in your embrace.

Let's join together, and tell stories of our All-powerful Husband Lord.

All Virtues are in our True Lord and Master; we are utterly without virtue. II1II

O Creator Lord, all are in Your Power.

I dwell upon the One Word of the Shabad. You are mine-what else do I need? II1II IIPauseII

Go, and ask the happy soul-brides, ""By what virtuous qualities do you enjoy your Husband Lord?""

"We are adorned with intuitive ease, contentment and sweet words.

We meet with our Beloved, the Source of Joy, when we listen to the Word of the Guru's Shabad.""II2II

You have so many Creative Powers, Lord; Your Bountiful Blessings are so Great.

So many of Your beings and creatures praise You day and night.

You have so many forms and colors, so many classes, high and low. II3II

Meeting the True One, Truth wells up. The truthful are absorbed into the True Lord.

Intuitive understanding is obtained and one is welcomed with honor, through the Guru's Word, filled with the Fear of God.

O Nanak, the True King absorbs us into Himself. II4II II10II

2007-09-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

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.

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. II1II IIPauseII

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. II4II II4II

Shabad is by Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Raam Daas Ji

2007-07-26T13:26:00.001-07:00

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/

2007-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

2007 Khalsa Ladies Camp
"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.

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

2007-07-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

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….

2007-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Humility in Life

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,

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

2007-07-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-14T13:58:00.002-07:00

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.

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

2007-07-14T13:58:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

2007-06-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

Siree Raag, Fourth Mehla:

I sing His Glories, I describe His Glories, I speak of His Glories, O my mother.

The Gurmukhs, my spiritual friends, bestow virtue. Meeting with my spiritual friends, I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.

The Diamond of the Guru has pierced the diamond of my mind, which is now dyed in the deep crimson color of the Name. II1II

O my Lord of the Universe, singing Your Glorious Praises, my mind is satisfied.

Within me is the thirst for the Lord's Name; may the Guru, in His Pleasure, grant it to me. II1IIPauseII

Let your minds be imbued with His Love, O blessed and fortunate ones. By His Pleasure, the Guru bestows His Gifts.

The Guru has lovingly implanted the Naam, the Name of the Lord, within me; I am a sacrifice to the True Guru

Without the True Guru, the Name of the Lord is not found, even though people may perform hundreds of thousands, even millions of rituals. II2II

Without destiny, the True Guru is not found, even though He sits within the home of our own inner being, always near and close at hand.

There is ignorance within, and the pain of doubt, like a separating screen.

Without meeting with the True Guru, no one is transformed into gold. The self-willed manmukh sinks like iron, while the boat is very close. II3II

The Boat of the True Guru is the Name of the Lord. How can we climb on board?

One who walks in harmony with the True Guru's Will comes to sit in this Boat.

Blessed, blessed are those very fortunate ones, O Nanak, who are united with the Lord through the True Guru. II4II3II67II

...Bless the Sangat by doing Keertan...

2007-06-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Music

‘From the Primal One Has emanatde the Gurbani, and it has effaced all the anxiety’

With the inspirational music came the words of heaven and elevated humanity into a garden of exalted life. This music with the heavenly words came to Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji from the universe. Guru Sahib says, ‘as the word of the Lord comes to me, so do I utter, O Lalo.’

These are the universal words in the inspirational music of Bani. They are for all; for the high and low, for the saint and the sinner, for the thug and the benevolent, for the selfish and the generous, for the sinful woman and the nobles and purest woman. It gives solace to the afflicted. It comforts the soul that cries in pain. It is to be remembered in thick and thin. It cheers the sad and gives inspiration to all. It gives relief to the suffering and puts them to the tone of patience. The distressed and grieved find a ray of hope and happiness in the light of these amazing words. The agony of the depressed is lighted by the sweet and inspirational music that flows from Gurbani.

This music of bliss fills the environment with sounds that soothe the rough edges of life and make them sleek and glossy. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji placed the stars, the moon and the sun in the salver of the sky to ignite and illumine the garden of life.

Raag Dhanaasaree, First Mehla:

Upon that cosmic plate of the sky, the sun and the moon are the lamps. The stars and their orbs are the studded pearls.

The fragrance of sandalwood in the air is the temple incense, and the wind is the fan. All the plants of the world are the altar flowers in offering to You, O Luminous Lord. II1II

What a beautiful Aartee, lamp-lit worship service this is! O Destroyer of Fear, this is Your Ceremony of Light.

The Unstruck Sound-current of the Shabad is the vibration of the temple drums. II1IIPauseII
You have thousands of eyes, and yet You have no eyes. You have thousands of forms, and yet You do not have even one.

You have thousands of Lotus Feet, and yet You do not have even one foot. You have no nose, but you have thousands of noses. This Play of Yours entrances me. II2II

Amongst all is the Light-You are that Light.

By this Illumination, that Light is radiant within all.

Through the Guru's Teachings, the Light shines forth.

That which is pleasing to Him is the lamp-lit worship service. II3II

My mind is enticed by the honey-sweet Lotus Feet of the Lord. Day and night, I thirst for them.

Bestow the Water of Your Mercy upon Nanak, the thirsty song-bird, so that he may come to dwell in Your Name. II4II3II

Such a great romance with nature is practice in this garland of words. With this beauty of words, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji healed the suffering. With the touch of these words, he turned thugs into saints, the cannibals into altruistic human beings, the recreants into lions, and the cruel into humane beings.

Guru Sahib Ji teaches us love, sympathy, and compassion by arousing in us our own humanity and divinity. Our own humanity is soaked in mercy, kindness, and selfless service with the touch of Gurbani. Humility creeps into the life of Guru Ji’s Sikhs who surrenders himself in totality of the Guru. In the love of God, other virtues also glide into life to make it deal and consummate. Patience allures sobriety and temperance.

With patience a mother or a teacher listens to a child and develops self-confidence in him.

The wind of benevolence blows the fragrance of kindness, charity, liberty, and benignity in the garden of life and reaches it with forgiveness, righteousness, and justice. Life blooms with the colourful flowers of these holy and pious virtues with the Godly in nature. Kindness develops sympathy for others. Charity showers life with thoughtfulness and commiseration. Even the dark and gloomy corners of life bloom into happiness. It is the wonder touch of the Gurbani!

The feeling and spirit of righteousness and justice give courage even to the meek to stand for it at any cost. Discrimination and selfishness disappear from the garden of life, where these flowers of piety and sanctity bloom. Nature sows the seeds of solace and ecstasy with its invisible hand.

The saintly and holy words by means of inspirational music flow into life and create wonders in the garden of life. The prodigy astonishes life itself and waves of celestial music enliven every corner of life. The mind, the environment, the earth, the plants, the trees, the vegetation, the rocks, and sea are embraced and soaked in this heavenly music and holy words. Life becomes wondrous, startling with this inspirational music!

2007-06-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Keertan

Beautiful Kirtan By Children

Amazing & Beautiful Keertan & Simran By a Child

2007-06-28T22:53:00.001-07:00

Facts of Keertan

The Holy Sikh Scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the main spiritual authority for the Sikhs. The Sikhs hold unique high regards for their Granth (Literally “scripture”), which is treated as a living Guru (“religious master”). When Kirtan is sung, the lyrics are normally lines from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Shabads (“Hymns”) of the Sikh Scriptures are primarily arranged in Chapters, which are names of musical Ragas (“musical theme”). Each of these Ragas is unique and all the Shabads in Guru Sahib have to be sung in that particular Raga. The title of the Shabad also has a numeric notation, which many believe gives the singers a clear idea of the Tala or musical rhythm or beat that needs to be used for that hymn.

Raag Siree Raag, First Section, First House:
If I had a palace made of pearls, inlaid with jewels, Scented with musk, saffron and sandalwood, a sheer delight to behold. Seeing this, I might go astray and forget You, and Your Name would not enter into my mind. II1II

Ragas in Kirtan

Ragas have a direct relationship to human moods and the following are the connections between Ragas and feeling:

Soohi - joy and separation
Bilaaval - happiness
Gaund - strangeness, surprise, beauty
Sri - satisfaction and balance
Maajh - loss, beautification
Gauri - seriousness
Aasa - making effort
Gujri - satisfaction, softness of heart, sadness
Devgandhari - no specific feeling but the Raag has a softness
Bihaagra - beautification
Sorath - motivation
Dhanasari - inspiration, motivation
Jaitsree - softness, satisfaction, sadness
Todi - this being a flexible Raag it is apt for communicating many feelings
Bhairaagi - sadness, (Gurus have, however, used it for the message of *Bhakti)
Tilang - this is a favourite Raag of Muslims. It denotes feeling of beautification and yearning. Raamkali - calmness
Nat Narayan - happiness
Maali Gaura - happiness
Maaru - giving up of cowardice
Tukhari - beautification
Kedara - love and beautification
Bhairav - seriousness, brings stability of mind
Basant - happiness
Sarang - sadness
Malaar - separation
Jaijawanti - viraag
Kalyaan - Bhakti Ras
Vadhans - vairaag, loss
Parbhati - Bhakti and seriousness
Kaanra - Bhakti and seriousness

Taals in Kirtan

In connection with Tala or musical beats/rhythms and the ‘Ghar’ in the SGGS, the following can be concluded.

GHAR 1 - DADRA TAAL (There are 1 Taalis and the Beat has 6 Maatraas)
GHAR 2 - RUPAK TAAL (There are 2 Taalis and the Beat has 7 Maatraas)
GHAR 3 - TEEN TAAL (There 3 Taalis and the Beat has 16 Maatraas)
GHAR 4 - CHAAR TAAL (There are 4 Taalis and the Beat has 12 Maatraas)
GHAR 5 - PUNJ TAAL (There are 5 Taalis and the Beat has 15 Maatraas)
GHAR 6 - KHUT TAAL (There are 6 Taalis and the Beat has 18 Maatraas)
GHAR 7 - MUT TAAL (There are 7 Taalis and the Beat has 21 Maatraas)
GHAR 8 - ASHT MANGAL TAAL (There are 8 Taalis and the Beat has 22 Maatraas)
GHAR 9 - MOHINI TAAL (There are 9 Taalis and the Beat has 23 Maatraas)
GHAR 10 - BRAHAM TAAL (There are 10 Taalis and the Beat has 28 Maatraas)
GHAR 11 - RUDRA TAAL (There are 11 Taalis and the Beat has 32 Maatraas)
GHAR 12 - VISHNU TAAL (There are 12 Taalis and the Beat has 36 Maatraas)
GHAR 13 - MUCHKUND TAAL (There are 13 Taalis and the Beat has 34 Maatraas)
GHAR 14 - MAHASHANI TAAL (There are 14 Taalis and the Beat has 42 Maatraas)
GHAR 15 - MISHR BARAN TAAL (There are 15 Taalis and the Beat has 47 Maatraas)
GHAR 16 - KUL TAAL (There are 16 Taalis and the Beat has 42 Maatraas)
GHAR 17 - CHRCHARI TAAL (There are 17 Taalis and the Beat has 40 Maatraas)

Between the Lord and His Saint, there is no difference at all. Among hundreds of thousands and millions, there is scarcely one humble being. Those whose hearts are illuminated by God, sing the Kirtan of His Praises night and day with their tongues. II3II

2007-06-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Immortal Gift of Holy Kirtan

Kirtan restores the forgotten and lost glory of the soul. In the ecstasy of holy Kirtan, ‘I’ ego melts and gets dissolved in the infinity of Supreme Nam. ‘I’ ego melts and gets dissolved in “Thou” and that is the most wonderful spiritual experience of this holy Kirtan...

Of inestimable significance is the composition of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Divine Poetry. Lovers of God invariably choose to express and communicate their mystic experiences in this language of love, language of spirit. Musicality adopted in the composition is also unique. It awakens deeper layers of human heart and consciousness. It encompasses what is otherwise indescribable and incommunicable. Divine wisdom is laced with sweat melodious fragrance. This divine melody tunes the soul with Rhythm Eternal.

It is all composed in mystic poetry. It was cast into 31 musical measures (Ragas). It is a natural flow of the divine ecstasy of Lovers of God. Language used being the spoken language of the people is simple and easily understandable. Music is the medium of expression of deep spirituality. It is natural outcome and flow of religion of love. It transports others also to the realm of divinity. He thus passed on an inexhaustible treasure of Celestial Music and an inexhaustible divine source of Holy Kirtan for posterity. He preaches the whole range of spirituality with his lyrical power, singing the Glory of the Lord to the accompaniment of a Tambura (a musical instrument) with the touch of His Holy Hands. His Grace flows in torrents through these hymns and fills the hearts with intense devotion, stimulates humility and stirs Amrit Nam latent in the soul.

The influence of Holy Kirtan is deep, profound and divine. Kirtan transports one to the Abode of the Lord. It lifts one out of time and space. It blesses one with a true glimpse of divinity. In this Dark Age (Kaliyuga) fruition of life lies in singing the praises and glory of the Lord (Holy Kirtan).

Holy Kirtan acts as a powerful arrow piercing through the heart. This is the way the Guru injects love and purity through His powerful Bani.

By composing the whole of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Divine Melodies, in various Ragas, Sri Guru Arjan has divinised the very foundation of music, has divinised the Rag Mala. Utilisation of the whole range of alphabets and the Music (Rag Mala) is divine in its totality in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Every hymn of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a monument of direct and experienced divine love. In these hymns some are transported with Bliss, some are driven into raptures of love, some are reduced to utter humility-some fall head-long in total reverence. This is the magical effect. Holy Kirtan is a sure divine prescription, in this Dark Age, for the cure of all ills of life. Holy Kirtan releases Divine Power, Influence and Potencies which envelop the soul and the whole atmosphere with tremendous impact and effect.

Divine music being the language of the spirit transcends all barriers. It is in these holy melodies of the soul that all lovers of God, Hindus and Muslims, high caste and low caste, outcaste and untouchables, sing in soul-stirring unison the Glory of the Sole God in this Holiest of the Holy Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

These melodies flow like natural nectar from their very source through the holy lips of Sri Guru Nanak Sahib and His other manifestations.

2007-06-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Peace

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Courage

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Soul

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is God

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Love

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Tears

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Light

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Pride

I seek Wahe-Guru
What I found is Me

2007-06-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Martyrdom anniversary of
Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji

The month of June since 1606, Sikhs have commemorated the martyrdom of their first martyr, the fifth Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev. Sikh history until then had been peaceful and non-violent. All the Sikh Gurus had taught the message of compassion, love, dedication, hard work, belief of one God and the commitment to peace and harmony for all the peoples of the world.

During the Guruship of Guru Arjan many thousands of the native people had began to follow the teachings of Sikhism and both the Hindus and Muslims were crowding to Gobindwal, the centre of Sikh during the late 1500's. Guru Arjan Sahib Maharaj’s act of total surrender and devotion, of willing to give his head is commemorated every year. It was through his selfless courage, absolute love, and total fearlessness that he became the first martyr in Sikhi.

But how did Guru Arjan Sahib Ji become fearless, and selfless? How was he raised by his mother, to have such a consciousness? Everyone has the Light of the Divine within them. That is never the question. But to live that Light unto death - that is a matter of training and the mother is the first training ground of the soul. What values did His mothers instil in him? What discipline? What stories? How did His mothers teach him? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had a parenting book for Sikhs based on how Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Mother raised him?

...Truly, Bibi Bhaniji must have been a Khalsa Mother, even though the Khalsa had not yet come to life...

Bibi BhaniJi has a unique place in the Sikh history. She is the noble lady who was, Daughter of a Guru (Guru Amardas),Wife of a Guru (Guru Ram Das),Mother of a Guru (Guru Arjan Dev),Grandmother of a Guru (Guru Hargobind),Great Grandmother of a Guru (Guru Tegh Bahadar)and Great, Great Grandmother of a Guru (Guru Gobind Singh).

Whether we consider her as a Daughter or Mother. She was a symbol of service. In the Sikh history, she is known as an embodiment of service. There is special status of Bibi Bhani in the life of Guru Amardas by the way she cared for her father proving that there was no difference between a son and a daughter. Both can equally serve their parents

She was married in the beginning of 1553. She served Bhai Jetha (Sri Guru Ram Das Ji) not only as a husband but also as a saint. She was so contented that she never complained about the poverty of her in-laws. She kept serving her father even after her marriage, as her in-laws were local. She continued doing her worldly duties along with the service of her father. Her husband continued serving in the common kitchen even after his marriage. They had three sons, Prithi Chand, Maha Dev, and Arjan Dev. Prithi Chand was arrogant, lazy, and dishonest, but still wanted the Guruship after his father. He wanted that his Mother should recommend him for Guruship. She advised him that the decision made by his father would be on merit and she remained neutral. When Guru Arjan Dev was selected for Guruship, Prithi Chand misbehaved with his father.

Bibi Bhani snubbed Prithi Chand and admonished him. She said to him that the decision made by his father was impartial. This has been the tradition from the time of Guru Nanak. She also said, “Your father was also selected on the basis of his service and humility.” Bibi Bhani always stood for truth.

After the death of Guru Ram Das, Bibi Bhani helped her son, Guru Arjan Dev, in every activity undertaken by him and advised him She persuaded Guru Arjan Dev to remarry after the death of his first wife. It seems Guru Arjan Dev has mentioned her blessings and advice in one of his hymns given on Ang 496 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib:

Goojaree, Fifth Mehla:

Remembering Him, all sins are erased, and ones generations are saved.

So meditate continually on the Lord, Har, Har; He has no end or limitation. II1II

O son, this is your mother's hope and prayer, that you may never forget the Lord,

Har, Har, even for an instant. May you ever vibrate upon the Lord of the Universe. II1IIPauseII

May the True Guru be kind to you, and may you love the Society of the Saints.

May the preservation of your honor by the Transcendent Lord be your clothes, and may the singing of His Praises be your food. II2II

So drink in forever the Ambrosial Nectar; may you live long, and may the meditative remembrance of the Lord give you infinite delight.

May joy and pleasure be yours; may your hopes be fulfilled, and may you never be troubled by worries. II3II

Let this mind of yours be the bumble bee, and let the Lord's feet be the lotus flower. Says servant Nanak, attach your mind to them, and blossom forth like the song-bird, upon finding the rain-drop. II4II3II4II

2007-06-12T12:13:00.001-07:00

Mata Ganga Ji was the wife of Sri Guru Arjan Dev, and Mother of Sri Guru HarGobind ji. She had her only son that too, after a long time into her marriage. Mata Ganga Ji (Guru Ji's wife) once expressed a wish to be blessed with a son.

Guru Arjan Dev ji said to her "Ask not me but a pious Sikh like Baba Buddha Ji".

Mata Ji went to see Baba Ji taking with her many richly prepared dishes. Baba Ji was not happy, "I am but a grass cutter of the House of Guru Nanak how can I grant you what you wish?" Mata Ji returned home and told Guru ji what had happened.

Guru Ji said "Mata Ji do as I say, prepare a simple meal. Make missi roti (bread made of wheat and lentils) with your own hands and take some onions and lassi (butter milk) and walk with humility in your heart. Mata Ji did as she was asked. She humbly presented the food, Baba Ji was pleased. As he ate he blessed Mata Ji

"O mother, thy son will be the king of kings, he will rule the hearts of his people" As he crushed an onion in his hand Baba ji said " and he will crush the heads of evil rulers".

Although Mata Ji only received the blessings to live a life of humility and humbleness, soon, she was blessed with her only son, who was named HarGobind. Sri Guru HarGobind Ji became the sixth Guru of the Sikhs.

At the birth of his Son, Guru Ji uttered the following Sabad:

"The True Guru sent me a son;
A long-lived son hath been born by destiny.
When he took his dwelling in the womb,
His mother's heart was exceedingly glad.
The destiny recorded in the beginning hath become manifest to all.
By God's order the boy hath been born in the tenth month.
(Asa Mohalla 5, Ang-396)

2007-06-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

Master of Martyrs

As a religious centre was a need of the Sikhs, a sacred book of their own scripture was needed for the Sikhs. It was necessary to focus on the Sikhs physically and as well mentally and spiritually. With this realism of vision of Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictated the hymns of the first four Gurus and himself, including the hymns of Hindu and Muslim saints in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This compilation was completed in 1604. there ware more than 2000 hymns contributed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji himself. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is, but, One Song, One Idea, One Light. It conveys the message of love, light and life.

Thousands of Hindus and Muslims wer fascinated by the beauty of Guru Sahib Ji’s spirit, his piety, and saintliness. This stirred the bigotry of Emperor Jahangeer and he looked for an excuse to end this movement. A charge of sedition was brought up against the Guru Sahib. Guru Ji was arrested and he was brought to Lahore. Jahangeer ordered Guru Arjan Dev Ji to death by torture. He was handed to Diwan Chandu who bore a grudge against Guru Sahib Ji.
Chandu, the officer of Jahangeer, was in charge of torturing Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib told them,

"I bear NO ENEMIES or ill-will against any one. All happens as God Almighty wills it to happen. I am prepared to ACCEPT HIS WILL. You may do what you like".

Day 1 of Torture:
Guru Jee was not given anything to EAT or DRINK. He was not allowed to sleep at night. He was KEPT AWAKE. Guru Sahib bore all this calmly. He remained immersed in Simran and repeated from his lips, "WaaheGuroo, WaaheGuroo, WaaheGuroo..." and sang Shabads from Gurbaani.

Day 2 of Torture:
On the following day, Chandu made the Guru sit in a BIG COPPER VESSEL. He filled the vessel with water. He ordered his men to light a fire under the copper vessel. The water began to get hot. After a time, the water began to boil. It SCALDED the Guru Sahib's body. But Guru Jee sat calmly and quietly. He felt no pain, nor did he cry out or even sigh. He felt no anger against those who were torturing him. He remained absorbed in the sweet remembrance of Waheguru and repeated,

"All is happening, O Waheguru, according to Thy Will.
Thy Will is ever sweet to me."

The boiling water made the Guru's flesh soft and left blisters all over the body.

Day 3 of Torture:
On the third day, Chandu ordered his men, "Make some sand red hot in iron pans. Seat the Guru in BOILING WATER. Then pour the RED HOT SAND on his head and body". The water boiled Guru Sahib's flesh from below. The burning red-hot sand burned Guru Jee's head and body from above. The persons engaged in torturing him were wet with sweat. They felt most uncomfortable because of the heat. It was the hottest summer month. But Guru Sahib kept calm and quiet. Again, Guru Jee felt no pain, nor did he cry out, sigh or feel anger. He kept thinking of Waheguru and doing Simran. Guru Jee repeated:

teraa kee-aa meethaa laagai.
O Waheguru! Your actions seem so sweet to me.

har naam padaarath naanak maaNgai.
Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

Baba Mian Meer Jee (a Muslim Sufi Saint and friend of Guru Sahib) tried to intercede on behalf of Guru Sahib but Guru Jee forbid him to interfere in the "Will of the Almighty". Guru Sahib said,

"All is happening in accordance with WAHEGURU's WILL. Men who stand for Truth have often to SUFFER. Their sufferings give STRENGTH to the cause of Truth. Go, brother. Pray for me. Pray for the success of my cause. Pray for VICTORY to TRUTH."

Day 4 of Torture:
On the fourth day, Guru Jee was made to sit on an IRON PLATE. It was heated from below. The iron plate became RED HOT with the heat. Guru Jee's flesh began to be ROASTED. Burning RED-HOT SAND was poured on his body. Guru Sahib sat calm and quite, without a cry or sigh, feeling no physical pain. He sat with his mind fixed on Waheguru and physically living the message of Gurbaani and accepting the Will of Waheguru sweetly.

Day 5 of Torture:
On the fifth day, Guru Sahib was taken the RIVER RAVI bounded in shackles. Guru Sahib's physical body was covered with burns and blisters. To add to the torture Guru Jee was thrown into the river, never to come back out, attaining shaheedi (martyrdom).

Bhai Gurdas Ji writes about this martyrdom: “Profound indeed was Guru Arjan’s Martyrdom. As a fish swims into the depth of flowing water; so Guru Arjan swam deep into the Eternal Stream of Lord’s presence. As the moth flings its body into the flame sacrificing itself on it, so Guru Arjan Ji submitted his body to the torture of fire and heat and blended his should with undying Flam of God.”

When King Jahangeer summoned Guru Arjan Dev Ji, his Mother encouraged him to face the difficulties boldly. When Guru Ji was tortured and the news of his martyrdom reached the family, she maintained her composure and did not let her Daughter-in-law, Guru Arjan Dev’s wife, and 11 year-old grandson, Hargobind, lose heart.

She advised them to abide by God’s will. She encouraged her grandson to face the new situation bravely.

She left this world in 1598 at the age of 65 at Tarn Taran where she was serving the lepers. Guru Arjan Dev Ji had a well constructed in her memory at Tarn Taran. It is still known as the Well of Bibi Bhani.

We can safely call her the embodiment of service,
truth, endurance, obedience, and humility.

She will always be remembered for
the unique service rendered by her to her Father.

She has the distinction of being the
Mother of the first Sikh martyr, Guru Arjan Dev,

Great-Grandmother of the second
Sikh martyr, Guru Tegh Bahadur,
and Great-Great- Grandmother of Guru Gobind Singh,
who sacrificed himself and his four sons for the sake of justice.

Thus she belongs to a family
whose seven members were martyred.

Source: Manvir Singh's Blog

2007-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Guru Nanak is perfect and transcendental Brahm.

Guru Angad attained merger in Word by being in the company of the Guru.

After Guru Angad, the imperceptible and without duality, Guru Amas Das, the bestower of immortality has flourished.

After Guru Amar Das, the forbearing and storehouse of infinite virtues, Guru Ram Das made manifest his existence.

From Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan Dev, who absorbed one in Ram-Nam, beyond all blemishes and immovable one, was born.

Then came Guru Hargobind who is the cause of all the causes i.e. who is Gobind, the Lord himself.

Shabad is by Bhai Gurdaas Ji in Vaars Bhai Gurdaas on Anng 13

Congratulations to all of the Khalsa Panth on the Gurgaddi Divas of the master of Sikh temporal & spiritual lifestyle balance (Miri Piri Day Maalak) Satguru Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

The Bravery of Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji

On the day Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji ascended the spiritual throne, he asked Baba Buddha Ji to enrobe him with a sword instead of the traditional ‘seli’ (ribbob) of renunciation that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had handed over to his successors. Sri Hargobind Singh Ji bowed to the ‘seli’, but put it aside. Thus, Baba Buddha Ji embosomed Guru Ji with a sword (KIrpan). Guru Sahib Ji asked for another sword, and wore two swords. They were emblems of spiritual and temporal authority, commonly referred to as, the Miri – Piri. They symbolized Bhakti and Shakti.

Guru Sahib Ji addressed his Sikhs and urged them bring about a change in their attitudes. He preached on strength and spirituality. He urged the Sikhs to have weapons and horses, and to practice their defensive tactics on a daily routine. Guru Sahib Ji spoke highly of physical activity in the lives of the Sikhs, through wrestling, Kabadi, Gatka, Horse-riding, and to learn various martial arts. He also wanted the Sikhs to learn how to live in the Jungles and hunt in the jungles.

“Weakness is a sin and Sikhs must get rid of it. We will make use of the sword to blunt the sword of oppression, injustice, and cruelty. We will fight for justice and not beg for it.”
– Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji

His writings and teachings kindled the emotions from deep slumber and made everyone aware of his basic human rights. Every Sikh should shun fear and dedicate his life to eliminate tyranny and oppression.

Wielding the sword to protect the weak and oppressed, to uphold truth and righteousness would become the way of life. This new inspiration and dedication brought about a revolutionary change in the way of Sikh life. During Guru Sahib Ji’s time, Sikhs from across the land came to him, to offer their lives for the protection of Sikhs, all they asked for in exhcnage was shelter, clothing and food.

Soon, Guru Sahib Ji had an army of dedicated saint soldiers to serve under his command. Guru Hargobind Singh Ji fought four wars and won all of them. In the forth battle, Guru Ji had to fight aginst Painde Khan, who had deserted Guru Ji and joined the Mughal army. He was a forlorn orphan brought up by Guru Ji himself. He was given education and all the necessary training in the use of all kinds of arms.

When Guru Ji came face to face with Painde Khan, he gave him the option to strike first. Painde Khan, struck three times, but failed to harm Guru Ji. Then the Master of Miri-Piri gave him a strong and dextrous blow with his sword and Painde Khan was mortally wounded. He fell down from his horse and lying bleeding on the ground. The Master came down from his horse, and took him in his arms. Guru Ji asked him to recite the Kalma as he was dying.

Painde Khan was amazed, Guru Ji had come down from his horse to help him. Painde Khan responded to his Guru Ji, “O’ Master! From your sword I have already tasted the Elixir of Immortality. The cut by your sword is my Kalma now.”

The Sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji built the Akal Takht (The Throne of Timeless) and equipped himself with two swords so that no one had to suffer repression and humiliation. He waged four battles. He exhorted the Sikhs to lead a life of independence. He was a soldier and an altruist of unparalleled standing, a far reaching darvesh (seer) who was much sought after in Kiratpur.

2007-06-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

INSPIRED BY A SWORD

WEARING GURSIKH SWORD

My sword is my companion my warrior and friend,
Not to be offensive but sworn to defend,
The infusion of steel runs through my veins,
Making me immune from sorrow and pain,

My sword is the protector of the needy and poor,
When oppression becomes a disease my sword is the cure,
My sword sings the song of selfless love,
It lives in harmony with law from above,

The flash of my Guru’s sword awakens the sleeping soul,
Without the sword I can never be whole,
The sword of the Guru is the giver of life,
Before the soul was barren now it is ripe,

I am the saint and the soldier that walks in peace,
I am the humble dust of your feet,
But don’t think my spirituality makes me weak,
The heavens will roar if my sword were to speak,

Death is my bride, fear is my friend,
My Guru’s path is the map heaven sent,
To Follow the path, surrender your whole,
The power of the Guru’s sword will give light to your soul.

2007-06-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

The month of June is dedicated to the countless men, women and children who gave their all to protect Sri Darbar Sahib in June 1984. Khalsa Ji, today, we bow our heads to those who sacrificed their lives for our Khalsa Panth. Dhan Dhan Guru Ke Sikh, who will be honoured for their mutual acts of bravery, in essence, for saving the Khalsa Panth. They will be remembered in our ardass eternally...

2007-06-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

This is a real life story about a brave family that scarficed their lives for the Khalsa Panth: Bhai Mohar Singh of the Damdami Taksal and his wife Bibi Pritam Kaur and their daughters 8 year old Satnam Kaur, 6 year old Vaheguru Kaur. They sacrificed their lives defending Sri Harmandir Sahib in June 1984. Bhai Sahib’s was no ordinary family they had converted into Sikhi and were regarded as Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale’s closest aides. When the army attacked Sri Harmandir Sahib they held their positions until the tanks came into the parakarma (walk way around Sri Harmandir Sahib)...

Click Here to Read More

2007-06-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

Shaheed Bibi Ravinder Kaur Ji

Later on during the fighting, her husband ran out of ammunition and they had to surrender. All of them were told to stand in a line and were about to be shot when an army officer came by and asked that a few men were needed. The requirement was of a Granthee Singh and a Ragee Jatha in order to perform keertan at Darbaar Sahib. Bhai Harbhajan Singh Jee was picked out of the line to play tabla but the Singhs alongside him were killed. He explained that his wife, Rano, knew how he might not sacrifice himself for the Khalsa Panth and she warned him against this. Nonetheless, the Punjab police killed him two years later.

This is how Bibi Ravinder Kaur Jee lived the true life of a Gursikh and finally died as a martyr doing seva of Khalsa Panth.

Click Here to Read More on Shaheed Bibi Ravinder Kaur Ji

Picture Courtesy of Karamsingh

2007-06-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Never Forget

In God we trust, in God we must dwell.
Forget politicians and the lies they tell.
The Indian government comes straight from hell.
For a few rupees - their soul, they will sell.

Twenty three years later, and who's in Punjab?
The same criminals, the government and the mob.
The corrupt police, the corrupt 'Sikh' leadership.
holding onto their power with an ever tighter grip.

What have we learned, what will our response be?
will we react and be macho, stupid, and angry?
Will we yell and scream about an ill-defined country?
Or will we quitely gain power through the perfect bani?

They know that they cannot defeat us, that's why they attack,
they're afraid of our purity, something they totally lack.
Our purity belongs to WaheGuru, so too does victory,
by the grace of God we live in Dharma, not depravity.

We are the Khalsa, and we shall totally rule.
Don't be manipulated, don't be a fool.
We are not bound to a small piece of land,
the infinite is within us, we must understand.

Dirty politics and fanatic behaviors,
belong elsewhere, they're not our saviors.
We have all the power of the universe within,
refining ourselves is where we should begin.

Bana, Bani, Seva, and Simran
with these, we shall always win.

Let us remember WaheGuru, and we shall be set.
Let it be WaheGuru that we never forget.
Let it be WaheGuru that we never forget.
Let it be WaheGuru that we never forget.

Poem: Prabu's Blog

2007-06-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Akal Takhat Martyrdom in 1984

Shanti Kaur reflecting on how the Akal Takhat choose to be martyred, and the changes in the Panth as a result of that awakening. (Recorded in 2002)

Video: Mrsikhnet.com

2007-06-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

SIKH WOMEN’S WEEKEND

For the Mind, Body and Soul

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh!

With the Guru's grace, we would like to invite you to the second...

June 8th @ 2 pm - June10th @ 4 pm

Join in a spiritual retreat to heal the inner self. Designed for spiritual and emotional upliftment as well as fun!

Activities include: Meditation, PT, Amrit Vela, Gurbani, Kundalini Yoga, Gatka, Workshops on Ayurvedic health & well being, Fun evening activities and more!

Please Bring: Ramal or head covering, sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, yoga mat, comfortable clothing for exercise & yoga, suits for Gurudwara, runners, rain jacket, water bottle, pen and notebook.

Location: Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Prakash. Aldergrove, BC

Fee: $100

To register contact: Inderjit Kaur 604-596-3868
Salindran Kaur 778-881-4318
ik.kaur@yahoo.com

This retreat is open to all women, but please note that the main language medium will be Punjabi. Please spread the word!

Thank you

2007-05-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Sikh youth of BC are happy to present:

BC SANJHA SMAGAM 2007

This year, BC Sanjha Smagam will commemorate the Shaheedi (martyrdom) of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, the fifth enlightener, as well as the Shaheeds (martyrs) of 1984.

BC Sanjha Smagam 2007 will be held at Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, New Westminster from May 31 – June 3. It is going to be held in collaboration with the Shaheed Jor Mela organized by Sikh Vision Foundation.

See below for details about the Shaheedi Jor Mela:

**************************
BC SANJHA SMAGAM SCHEDULE
----------------------------------------

Thursday, May 31
5:30pm - Rehiras Sahib
6pm - Keertan Program
Friday, June 1
4am - Simran, Nitnem & Asa Ki Vaar

Friday, June 1
5:30pm - Rehiras Sahib
6pm to 3am
***AKHAND JAAP RAINSABHAEE***
9 Hours of Continuous "Waheguru" Simran program

Saturday, June 2
3am to 5am - Asa Ki Vaar Keertan
9am to 6pm - Jor Mela (Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar)

Saturday, June 2 (Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar)
5:30pm - Rehiras Sahib
6:00pm - ***SHABAD CHAUNKI***
Featuring Bhai Niranjan Singh Ji (Jawaddi Kalla)
and Jagowala Jatha (England)

Sunday - June 3
4am - Simran, Nitnem & Asa Ki Vaar10am to 6pm –
‘Shaheedi Jor Mela (Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar)

*****************
LOCATION
-------------------------
All programs (except Saturday) at:
Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar
Wood Street, Queensborough, New Westminster
http://www.sukhsagar.ca/
info@sukhsagar.ca

Saturday Evening Program at:
Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar
85 Avenue, Surrey, BC
*****************
MORE INFORMATION
--------------------------

For more information:

Visit http://www.bcsikhyouth.com/ss/

E-mail sanjhasmagam@gmail.com

2007-05-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

Shaheedi Kirtan Darbar (UK)

Many of you may be aware of what has been happening with regards to the formation of a new group/cult; known as the Sacha Sauda movement in India.

Read the following article to find out more: http://www.panthic.org/news/125/ARTICLE/3288/2007-05-16.html

On Saturday, a Kirtan darbar is being held in East London to remember those who fought for freedom, intergrity and righteousness; people like Shaheed Bhai Kanwaljeet Singh who was protesting peacefully against the Sacha Sauda movement and was shot dead on May 17th. http://www.panthic.org/news/130/ARTICLE/3301/2007-05-23.html

If you are free, please come along and enjoy a night full of beautiful kirtan (with Sikhi to the max translations).

Time:
6.30- 7pm- Rehraas Sahib
7pm-1am- Kirtan

Location:
Gurdwara Singh Sabha
London East
720-730 High Road
Seven Kings
Ilford
Essex
IG3 8SX

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jakara 2007 -- Right Now -- Sarbat Khalsa

Ravidasia, Khatri, Jatt, Tarkhan.... The labels that divide us are endless. Caste, gender, class, and power tear apart our Qaum, our Gurdwaras, and our families. How do we overcome? This year at the 8th Jakara, we remember and reflect on the Sarbat Khalsa. Plan on attending and REGISTER RIGHT NOW -- www.jakara.org -- June 21st - 24th. TELL YOUR FRIENDS and FAMILY and post where you can!

2007-05-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

The BC Sikh Community cordially invites you to: SHAHEEDI JOR MELA 2007 International Gatka, Power-Lifting & Wrestling TournamentA Sikh Vision Foundation event hosted at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, Surrey, BC. With competitors from BC, Alberta, Ontario, California, Arizona, Washington DC, and other locations.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sikh Vision Foundation will be holding their second Sikh youth sporting event for competitors around North America. Sikh youth from around the continent will be invited to partake in sporting events such as, Gatka, Wrestling, and Power-lifting.

This is a great opportunity for everyone to come participate in a tournament displaying skill, concentration, and body control. Gatka has a long and rich history, dating back to the times of Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee. Gatka offers some unique benefits not offered by other conventional sports programs.

For example, the centuries old traditions of martial arts training have resulted in time-proven teaching methods that, coupled with modern research and innovations, offer a learning environment that can be beneficial for all ages.It would be a great honor to have your skills at the tournament competing in gatka, power-lifting, and/or wrestling.

2007-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Bhairao, Naam Dayv Jee, Second House:

One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:

As the hungry person loves food,
and the thirsty person is obsessed with water,
and as the fool is attached to his family
- just so, the Lord is very dear to Naam Dayv. II1II

Naam Dayv is in love with the Lord.

He has naturally and intuitively become detached from the world. II1IIPauseII

Like the woman who falls in love with another man,
and the greedy man who loves only wealth,
and the sexually promiscuous man who loves women and sex,
just so, Naam Dayv is in love with the Lord. II2II

But that alone is real love, which the Lord Himself inspires;
by Guru's Grace, duality is eradicated.

Such love never breaks; through it, the mortal remains merged in the Lord.

Naam Dayv has focused his consciousness on the True Name. II3II

Like the love between the child and its mother,
so is my mind imbued with the Lord.

Prays Naam Dayv, I am in love with the Lord.

The Lord of the Universe abides within my consciousness. II4II1II7II

2007-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Siree Raag, First Mehla, Fifth House:

The Undeceiveable is not deceived by deception. He cannot be wounded by any dagger.

As our Lord and Master keeps us, so do we exist. The soul of this greedy person is tossed this way and that. II1II

Without the oil, how can the lamp be lit? II1IIPauseII

Let the reading of your prayer book be the oil, and let the Fear of God be the wick for the lamp of this body.

Light this lamp with the understanding of Truth. II2II

Use this oil to light this lamp.

Light it, and meet your Lord and Master.II1IIPauseII

This body is softened with the Word of the Guru's Bani;
you shall find peace, doing seva (selfless service).

All the world continues coming and going in reincarnation. II3II

In the midst of this world, do seva,
and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord.

Says Nanak, swing your arms in joy! II4II33II

2007-05-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

She is decorated with the Word of the Guru's Shabad; her mind and body belong to her Husband Lord.

With her palms pressed together, she stands, waiting on Him, and offers her True prayers to Him.

Click Here for Full Shabad

2007-05-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Recently Daughters of the Khalsa has teamed up with Sikh Speak to write a monthly column on Sikh Women.

To Keep up with the columns, check out some of the past issues: http://sikhspeak.com/downloads.html

2007-05-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

A Tribute to our Mothers

In a world’s space of timeMany strong women have graced many history books
But none have equaled to the

sacrifice of Great Sikh Women

We know this,
We have followed you,
Every action and every adoption
Your heart was in it all

All your sweat and tears were unconditional
With the teachings you have inspired; with your miraculous life
You are a true inspiration

By being the unique, caring and

deep loving Sikh women
The Sikhs know, no other women can equal

to the determination you each had…

Great Sikh Warriors
You Have come so Far
With your endless Strength
And Your Grace

Your Life had a Purpose for all…

2007-05-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

A woman is a spirit that can attain five great personalities..
Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother

How can we ridicule the concept of women when our Guru Sahibans addressed Akal Purakh Sahib as the husband and portrayed themselves as a woman on countless occasions? He commented that a woman's heart is komal (soft) and kind.

Sikhs are forbidden from keeping any relations with ‘kurimars’ (those who kills their female children) yet it is sad to see that in Punjab every tenth house is a ‘kurimar’." He blamed the ‘snake of dowry’ for making these people do such evil things. On one hand a father is sending his daughter in a brand new car bought on loans and on the other hand he is getting ready for his funeral because of those loans.

By killing innocent girls in the womb, we are killing a spirit that can attain five great personalities: a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother and a grandmother. We are acting like God not realizing that this spirit can have great karams written on her forehead and that she can change our lives for the better.

Why don't we teach and guide our daughters from our great history?

They can be great sisters like Bebe Nanaki Ji who had unequivocal trust in Guru Nanak Dev ji when no one else did and became the very first Sikh of Guru Sahib.

There were great mothers like Mata Tripta Ji .How great she must be that she gave birth to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and thus did not incur any worldly desires. She was truly ‘tripat’ as her name implies, satisfied in life.

There was Mata Khivi Ji, Bibi Ji was like a big tree with a cool and sweet shadow, who raised two great daughters Bibi Amro Ji and Bibi Anokhi Ji. Mata Khivi Ji took her husbands, Guru Angad Dev Ji teachings seriously, she made it clear that one must earn one's living through one's own labour.

There were daughters like Bibi Bhani Ji who was so humble and polite to her father, Guru Amar Das Ji, and thus, Bibi Bhani Ji's son Guru Arjan Dev Ji inherited great qualities.

There were grandmothers like Mata Gujar Kaur (Gujri ji) who was unwavering, and had an enormous loving heart.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji told his daughter Bibi Veero Ji when she got married to never let a blemish come on this Guru-kul (Guru’s family). Imagine how great she must have been that all five of her sons became Shaheed on the battlefields!

Finally, what about the Mothers of the Punj Pyare! It was through their selfless courage, absolute love, and total fearlessness that the Khalsa came to life. But do we know the names of their mothers and what their mothers did to raise them with such a consciousness? Everyone has the Light of the Divine within them. That is never the question. But to live that Light unto death - that is a matter of training and the mother is the first training ground of the soul.

What values did their mothers instill in them?

What discipline?

What stories?

How did their mothers teach them?

What did they teach them?

Source Panthic Weekly

2007-05-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

He who did the work, is accepted as Guru; so which is better - the thistle or the rice?

The Righteous Judge of Dharma considered the arguments and made the decision.

Whatever the True Guru says, the True Lord does; it comes to pass instantaneously.

Guru Angad was proclaimed, and the True Creator confirmed it.

Nanak merely changed his body; He still sits on the throne, with hundreds of branches reaching out.

Standing at His door, His followers serve Him; by this service, their rust is scraped off.

He is the Dervish - the Saint, at the door of His Lord and Master; He loves the True Name, and the Bani of the Guru's Word.

Balwand says that Khivi, the Guru's wife, is a noble woman, who gives soothing, leafy shade to all.

She distributes the bounty of the Guru's Langar; the kheer - the rice pudding and ghee, is like sweet ambrosia.

The faces of the Guru's Sikhs are radiant and bright; the self-willed manmukhs are pale, like straw.

The Master gave His approval, when Angad exerted Himself heroically.
Such is the Husband of mother Khivi; He sustains the world. II3II

Shabad is by Bhatt Sathaa & Balvand in Raag Raamkalee on Anng 967

2007-05-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Aasaa, Fourth Mehla:

Constantly listening to the Ambrosial Gurbani in the heart, it becomes pleasing to the mind.

Through Gurbani, the Incomprehensible Lord is comprehended. II1II

As Gurmukh, listen to the Naam, the Name of the Lord, O my sisters.

The One Lord is pervading and permeating deep within the heart; with your mouth, recite the Ambrosial Hymns of the Guru. II1IIPauseII

My mind and body are filled with divine love, and great sadness.

By great good fortune, I have obtained the True Guru, the Primal Being. II2II

In the love of duality, the mortals wander through poisonous Maya.

The unfortunate ones do not meet the True Guru. II3II

The Lord Himself inspires us to drink in the Lord's Ambrosial Elixir.

Through the Perfect Guru, O Nanak, the Lord is obtained. II4II3II55II

Shabad is by Guru Raam Daas Ji in Raag Aasaa on Anng 366

2007-05-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Siree Raag, Third Mehla:

Emotional attachment to Maya is created by my God; He Himself misleads us through illusion and doubt.

The self-willed manmukhs perform their actions, but they do not understand; they waste away their lives in vain.

Gurbani is the Light to illuminate this world; by His Grace, it comes to abide within the mind. II1II

O mind, chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and find peace.

Praising the Perfect Guru, you shall easily meet with that God. II1IIPauseII

Doubt departs, and fear runs away, when you focus your consciousness on the Lord's Feet.

The Gurmukh practices the Shabad, and the Lord comes to dwell within the mind.

In the mansion of the home within the self, we merge in Truth, and the Messenger of Death cannot devour us. II2II

Naam Dayv the printer, and Kabeer the weaver, obtained salvation through the Perfect Guru.

Those who know God and recognize His Shabad lose their ego and class consciousness.

Their Banis are sung by the angelic beings, and no one can erase them, O Siblings of Destiny! II3II

The demon's son Prahlaad had not read about religious rituals or ceremonies, austerity or self-discipline; he did not know the love of duality.

Upon meeting with the True Guru, he became pure; night and day, he chanted the Naam, the Name of the Lord.

He read only of the One and he understood only the One Name; he knew no other at all. II4II

The followers of the six different life-styles and world-views, the Yogis and the Sanyaasees have gone astray in doubt without the Guru.

If they serve the True Guru, they find the state of salvation; they enshrine the Dear Lord within their minds.

They focus their consciousness on the True Bani, and their comings and goings in reincarnation are over. II5II

The Pandits, the religious scholars, read and argue and stir up controversies, but without the Guru, they are deluded by doubt.

They wander around the cycle of 8.4 million reincarnations; without the Shabad, they do not attain liberation.

But when they remember the Name, then they attain the state of salvation, when the True Guru unites them in Union. II6II

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

I offer my mind and body, and I renounce my selfishness and conceit; I walk in Harmony with the Will of the True Guru.

I am forever a sacrifice to my Guru, who has attached my consciousness to the Lord. II7II

He alone is a Brahmin, who knows the Lord Brahma, and is attuned to the Love of the Lord.

God is close at hand; He dwells deep within the hearts of all. How rare are those who, as Gurmukh, know Him.

O Nanak, through the Naam, greatness is obtained; through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, He is realized. II8II5II22II

Shabad is by Guru Amar Daas Ji in Siree Raag on Anng 67

2007-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Bilaaval:

Every day, he rises early, and brings a fresh clay pot; he passes his life embellishing and glazing it.

He does not think at all of worldly weaving; he is absorbed in the subtle essence of the Lord, Har, Har. II1II

Who in our family has ever chanted the Name of the Lord?

Ever since this worthless son of mine began chanting with his mala, we have had no peace at all! II1IIPauseII

Listen, O my sisters-in-law, a wondrous thing has happenedII

This boy has ruined our weaving business. Why didn't he simply die? II2II

O mother, the One Lord, the Lord and Master, is the source of all peace. The Guru has blessed me with His Name.

He preserved the honor of Prahlaad, and destroyed Harnaakhash with his nails. II3II

I have renounced the gods and ancestors of my house, for the Word of the Guru's Shabad.Says Kabeer, God is the Destroyer of all sins; He is the Saving Grace of His Saints. II4II4II

Shabad is by Bhagat Kabeer Ji in Raag Bilaaval on Anng 856

2007-05-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Pauree:

BABBA: One who knows God is a Brahmin.

A Vaishnaav is one who, as Gurmukh, lives the righteous life of Dharma.

One who eradicates his own evil is a brave warrior; no evil even approaches him.

Man is bound by the chains of his own egotism, selfishness and conceit.

The spiritually blind place the blame on others.

But all debates and clever tricks are of no use at all.O Nanak, he alone comes to know, whom the Lord inspires to know. II39II

Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree on Anng 258

2007-05-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Pauree:

KHAKHA: The All-powerful Lord lacks nothing;
whatever He is to give, He continues to give - let anyone go anywhere he pleases.

The wealth of the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is a treasure to spend; it is the capital of His devotees.

With tolerance, humility, bliss and intuitive poise, they continue to meditate on the Lord, the Treasure of excellence.

Those, unto whom the Lord shows His Mercy, play happily and blossom forth.

Those who have the wealth of the Lord's Name in their homes are forever wealthy and beautiful.

Those who are blessed with the Lord's Glance of Grace suffer neither torture, nor pain, nor punishment.

O Nanak, those who are pleasing to God become perfectly successful.II18II

Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree on Anng 253

2007-05-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

Concentrate upon the Guru-word considering it as the figure of the Guru who is always with you.

Due to the knowledge of the Word, the gurmukh finds the Lord always near and not far off.

But the seed of karmas aprouts according to the previous karmas.

The valiant servant becomes leader in doing service to the Guru.

God, the supreme store house is always full and omnipresent.

His glory shines forth in the holy congregation of the saints.

The brightness of myriads of moons and suns is subdued before the light of the holy congregation.

Millions of Vedas and Puranas are insignificant before the praises of the Lord.

The dust of the feet of the beloved of the Lord is dear to the gurmukh.

Shabad is by Bhai Gurdaas Ji in Vaars Bhai Gurdaas on Anng 3

2007-05-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Mothers of Our Guru Sahib Ji’s time were so strong
Look at them, they were so bright

Strong women, taking on many tasks
Strong women, building their souls

Setting the stage for their sons and daughters
Setting the values and persistency of Sikhi

They did it with Grace and Meditation
Doing what they enjoyed and loved

Strong Women, made of steel and substance
Strong Women, the Sikhs say

We can just be like them
We can do what they did

Look how far they have come
Look at them, and be encouraged by them

Because they built their Sikhi with strong foundations
With Naam, Bani, Simran and Seva

They were Strong Women
...Waheguru...

2007-05-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Shaheed Sardarnee Darshan Kaur Jee

Sardarnee Darshan Kaur was a very brave and daring woman who had a great enthusiasm for Panthic affairs. Her husband Sardar Harnam Singh is also a very spirited individual. Darshan Kaur jee's father was Sardar Partap Singh and she married into a family from village Rajat Dist. Campbellpore in 1947.

Bibi jee had a deep love with the Guru Ghar and would always swerve Gursikhs who would come to her home. People were all awe struck at the humble service she would give. Bibi Darshan Kaur would never eat without first completing her nitnem.

During the 1960s Punjabi Suba Agitation, she, along with her 3-year-old daughter courted arrest and spent six months in jail.

In the Kanpur massacre, bibi jee was accompanying the march with fervour and fearlessness. The Nirankaris' bullets struck her once in the chest and twice in the legs but she did not step back.

...In her age of 50 years, she was martyred and gave the entire Sikh community renewed vitality...

Source: http://www.tapoban.org/darshankaur.htm

2007-04-21T11:11:00.004-07:00

One Universal Creator God.

By The Grace Of The True Guru:

Raag Aasaa, Eighth House, Kaafee, Fourth Mehla:

Death is ordained from the very beginning, and yet ego makes us cry.

Meditating on the Naam, as Gurmukh, one becomes stable and steady. II1II

Blessed is the Perfect Guru, through whom the way of Death is known.
The sublime people earn the profit of the Naam, the Name of the Lord; they are absorbed in the Word of the Shabad. II1IIPauseII

The days of one's life are pre-ordained; they will come to their end, O mother.

One must depart, today or tomorrow, according to the Lord's Primal Order. II2II

Useless are the lives of those, who have forgotten the Naam.They play the game of chance in this world, and lose their mind. II3II

Those who have found the Guru are at peace, in life and in death.
O Nanak, the true ones are truly absorbed into the True Lord. II4II12II64II

Guru Raam Daas Ji in Raag Aasaa on Pannaa 369

2007-04-21T11:11:00.003-07:00

In the mindst of our celebrations this month for 308 years of Khalsa, take some time out to remember the outrageous acts that took place in 1978, when no fewer than 13 Singhs were slaughtered, for peacefully protesting.

Baisakhi Day, 1978

The Martyrs of Amritsar

It was out of this spirit of devotion, this sense ' of duty towards the Guru and towards the essence of the spirit of `Khalsa' that these beloved ones felt the call on Baisakhi Day, the 13th of April, 1978. It was in the city of Amritsar, and official permission had been given to the-,'Sant Nirankaris to hold a procession through Amritsar, carrying the man they call their 'guru', Gurbachan Singh around the city on a palki, waving a chouri over his head. It would not take much wisdom to imagine that in the very city of Amritsar, the holiest of holy places for Sikhs.

A renegade sect of Nirankaris being allowed to demonstrate their exaltation of a human being over and above the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, that such an action might cause some reaction among the Khalsa.

However, nothing was done on an official level to prevent the procession or the subsequent meeting which was to take place. Watching this insult, a group of Sikhs met to discuss a way of dealing with the situation. They determined to send a group of 100 peaceful protesters to do kirtan outside of the Nirankari meeting. They requested that the leadership and officials of Amritsar give them their support and assistance but this was denied. Nonetheless, the 100 protesters set out, unarmed except with their required Kirpans.

Approaching the meeting place, the police stopped the protesters, under the guise of granting them official and safe passage. During this half-hour stop, an ambush was set in motion. Trucks filled with acid-soaked bricks and acid-filled bottles pulled in behind the peacefully protesting Sikhs. Armed units of Nirankaris surrounded the area, and when the 100 protesters were allowed to pass through the police lines, they were barraged on every side, first with bricks and bottles of acid, then with shot guns, rifles and pistols, even machine gun fire and an automatic arrow shooter were used.

There was none there to defend these courageous Sikhs, except their God and Guru, and each one who fell uttered 'Wahe Guru' and surely was received into the arms of the Guru as he died this martyr's death...

Bhai Fauja Singh himself was fired upon by the District Superintendent of Police, who accused him of being responsible for all of this trouble, and emptied his 32-calibre pistol into Bhai Fauja Singh's chest. These were not the only bullets he was to receive that day, but he kept standing, uttering only `Wahe Guru'. Two Sikhs attempted to carry the still breathing and chanting Bhai Fauja Singh to the hospital for treatment, but those two men were arrested by Police, and Bhai Fauja Singh's body was taken by the police and put into the `Dead Wagon'.

Again, another Sikh came upon Bhai Fauja Singh and found him breathing and still uttering Wahe Guru'. He called for someone to help, but half an hour later, Sardarni Amarjit Kaur, his wife, found Bhai Fauja Singh dead.

He was just one out of the 13 known dead on that day, and even today there are some people who are missing, who never returned from that peaceful protest in Amritsar. The Sikhs of the Punjab are outraged. The Sikhs of the world watch in horror: Right in the Punjab, right in the Sikh stronghold, with our own leadership in power, this atrocity could happen.

In reality, this is the greatest massacre of Sikhs, perhaps ever, because they were shot in cold blood, they were unarmed, and they were singing the Guru's Bani. They had come to request that the ‘Sant Nirankaris' stop their abuse and public slander of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and of Guru Gobind Singh, and they had come to ask them to stop calling themselves Sikhs. They had come to defend the honor and the spirit of the Khalsa. They were met with treachery and they were butchered.

http://www.mrsikhnet.com/BhaiFaujaSingh/
Poem "Remeber" By Balmeet Kaur, Guru Gobind
Singh Ji Children's Foundation

Remember

Brave are the martyrs,

That fought for the Sikhs

Courageous are the Shaheeds

That stood up for what they believed

They died and gave up their lives,

They believed and trusted Guru Ji.

They didn’t give in to their country and nation;

They protected their beliefs for future generations.

Strong were those who stood up to evil;

Stood beside their Guru, through thick and think.

Remember them always, for they fought for us.

Those strong, brave, courageous Gursikhs

Did what was just.

Whether you light a candle

Or just do Ardaas,

Follow their example,

And keep them in your heart!

….Remember….

2007-04-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

...The Day were countless Sikhs gave up their lives for our Panth, Shall never be Forgotten...

When a time of darkness falls upon a community and its people are in a deep sleep, then Akaal Purakh sends some blessed souls who may only spend a short time on the earth but light the way of their people for centuries. These blessed souls spread the rays of truth, remove the darkness and awaken the long sleeping people.

In 1978, the Sikh youth were in a deep sleep. Akaal Purakh at that time sent such a blessed soul, who, with the splashes of his blood, woke the Panth. That soul was Shaheed Jathedar Bhai Fauja Singh jee. The entire Sikh community was falling into the pit of Communism, Brahminism and faith in false human-gurus. The martyrdom of Bhai Fauja Singh and his companions started a new chapter for the Sikhs....

Here is an interview with the Brave Warrior wife of Bhai Fauja Singh Ji, and the Brave Daughter of the Khalsa, Bibi Amarjit Kaur:

Respected Bibi jeeo!
Will you tell us about the Khalsa Farm that was started by Bhai Sahib Fauja Singh ?

-Inside him (Bhai Fauja Singh) there was a blazing inferno to reinvigorate the Sikhs. He wanted every Sikh to be both religiously and politically aware. He wanted the community to take the Khalsa form and move towards Khalsa Raj.

Once, he (Bhai Fauja Singh) was in vairaag and he went from Amritsar to MachheevaaRaa, near the Satluj river and went into Bhai Hardial Singh and Darshan Singh’s fields to do solitary simran. Those Singhs respected him very much and when he wanted to return after spending quite a bit of time there, they would not let him leave. They were even willing to give him some land there. When I found out about this, I reminded him, you yourself used to tell me that across the river in Gazneepur you have some land and used to suggest making a farm there to start Sikhi camps

"...He liked my suggestion. This is how Khalsa Farm was started..."

In the Farm, all the Singhs woke up around 2am and did amrit vela. After that there was keertan, gatka practice, etc. that lasted the entire day. He (Bhai Fauja Singh) used to jap naam very loudly. When the camp concluded, all the Singhs would be sad to be separating and departing and would even begin to weep. They did not feel like leaving.

Fauja Singh used to say that this was the place of Shaheed Singhs from the smaller Ghalooghaaraa. Many other Singhs also felt the presence and patrol of Shaheed Singhs. The location was very peaceful. Because it was isolated, it was very good for simran, keertan and gurbaaNee.

He had immeasurable desire to see Sikhi grow and blossom but Vahiguru did not give enough time

While staying with Bhai Sahib, can you tell us about any unforgettable memories?

-There are so many memories. Actually, the entire time spent with him was unforgettable. I will never forget them, even now I feel his presence. He had such a personality that everyone was attracted to him. He was always surrounded by both worldly people and religious people. I too couldn’t help but be effected by him.

There was a pull towards him, but I did not even think of marriage with him. I did not tie a keskee back then, but I did do keertan. I also went to the Akhand Keertanee Jathas smaagams. But I had no desire to be married. In truth, I was quite afraid of household life. To take care of children and prepare food was no easy taks for me because I had very little desire to do those sort of things.

Once, he (Bhai Fauja Singh) saw me doing keertan at Bhai Bakhtaavar Singh (Chayharta) house and asked Bhai Bakhtaavar Singh about me. When Bhai Bakhtaavar Singhs Singhnee asked me, I said in very clear words that I dont know much about cooking or other housekeeping and I’m very afraid of raising children and because of this I have decided to not get married.

He replied that he already prepares his own food and he didn’t feel any need to have children and that all Gursikh’s children were like his own and he gave them just as much love.

After this, my mother and father saw him. A year after our engagement ardaas, we had our anand kaaraj. During this time, I began to tie a dastaar. He kept both his promises: for his entire life he made his own food.

Will you tell us about any words Bhai Fauja Singh spoke before his martyrdom about the future?

-Quite a bit before his martyrdom, he began to say that there was another battle to be fought. It was about this time that S. Gajinder Singhs poem “Gangoo dee Rooh”(Gangoos spirit) was published. He would read the lines from this poem many times:

There is Gandhi, there iss Nehru and there is Nehru’s daughter. They are all just Gangoo, what else is there here? He said they would try to bring Sikhi down with any way possible and that to stop them, every Singh would have to be shastardhaari (carry weapons). He would say to me many times, Every time you’re left behind. And then I have to take birth again for you. This time I won’t leave you behind.

Every day, at least ten times a day he would say to me, Don’t cry when you see my body, this is going to happen. Accept BhaaNaa.

In India death is not a mysterious stage of life, it is accepted as a fact of life and acknowledged as the greatest opportunity for merging with the Divine. Sardarni Amarjit Kaur stands at the side of her martyred husband, Bhai Fauja Singh.

One day, he came to get me from my school. My fellow teachers were with me and they also respected him a lot (this was April 11th). He said to my fellow teachers, Bhain jee, the divine call is coming. I’m going to leave and I’m ready.

Once we went to meet Bhai Avtaar Singh of KhuDaa(n) Kalaa(n) and he too said, Bibi, me and Bhai Fauja Singh are going to leave very soon. You should keep working At that time I didn’t understand what he meant but when it happened, only then did I understand what he was trying to say.

He used to also say, "...If the Sikh Kaum became solid in BaaNee, BaaNaa, Sevaa and Simran, Satguru jee is willing to give them Raj even today. He used to say that as soon as the Kaum becomes pure, Khalsa Raj will come.."

What was the relationship like between Bhai Sahib and Sant Giani Kartar Singh jee Bhindravale?

-There was a very loving relationship. Sant Giani Kartar Singh jee used to have a lot of love and respect for him. He would spread his hazooriya on the ground for him (Bhai Sahib) to sit on.

It was in those days that some mischievous people disrespected Sree Guru Granth Sahib jee in Gurdwara Guru Kay Mehal and he (Bhai Sahib) had arrived there along with his companions. The incensed mob threw rocks and bottles of acid at the Singhs. Their clothes burnt off but their bodies were alright. After this incident, we along with the Bhindravala Jatha took out a march through Amritsar and at this time Sant jee gave his full support.

It was also at this time that we would go to Mehta Chownk to do Akhand Keertan. Sant Giani Kartar Singh was very opposed to human Gurudoms and because of this, he (Bhai Sahib) had a lot of love for him. To stop the Narakhdari attacks, we started a common front.

And in addition, he also had a lot of love for Sant Baba Harnam Singh Rampur Khaeray vaalay. One time Sant jee came from Khaera Sahib to Sree Amritsar and his avasthaa was very vairagi. I met him in Guru Ram Das Saraa(n) and I asked him to come to our home. Sant jee had not eaten for four days.

He (Bhai Sahib) said to Baba jee, Baba jee, please give my message to Guru Gobind Singh jee Baba jee replied, Alright son, I’ll give it. What that message was, I didn’t know nor did he ask.

The next day Sant jee said, Son, I gave your message to Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib has said, So Sikh sakhaa bandhap hai bhai jo gur kay bhaanay vich aavai

At that time I didn’t understand what Guru Sahibs bhaaNaa was. When he became shaheed though, I understood everything about what bhaaNaa Sant jee was talking about.

At the time of Bhai Sahib’s martyrdom, what do you think Sant Giani Jarnail Singh jee Bhindranvales mental state was?

-I felt that because of his (Bhai Sahibs) shaheedee along with the shaheedee of his companions, Sant jee was feeling a lot of pain. The pain in his heart was visible on his face. He used to say that he was indebted to these Singhs who had spilled their blood for Shabad Guru. I will pay off this debt by spilling my own blood. The whole world will be left watching

Usually in the media and in the religious-political groups, you are presented as having been opposed to Sant jee. How much truth is there in this?

-There is no truth in this at all. I truly respected Sant Giani Jarnail Singh jee from my heart and will continue to do so. He used to have a lot of respect for me as well. I remember that when we used to meet in the Parkarma, he would say Fateh first and would say over and over, Well Bibi jee, are you well? Is there any seva, if you need anything let me know.

"...My head bows before you and because you are the wife of a Shaheed, I respect you from my heart..."

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Blue Star Operation. Will you share your experiences with the Sangat?

-During Operation Blue Star, I was here inside (Sree Darbaar Sahib). On June 4th, at amrit vela, the bombardment began. On June 5th, I was successful in reaching Darbar Sahib to matha taek. There, I met Ragi Amrik Singh who was blind. I said to him, Bhai sahib jee, keertan should not stop in Guru Ram Das jee’s home (WAHEGURU) He agreed and even though there was bombardment, he kept doing keertan. In the end, he was martyred after being hit by a bullet near the Lachi Baer. We all became used to the sounds of bullets. We came and went to Darbar Sahib in a hail of bullets. My younger sister Paramjit Kaur was also here. She did the seva of tending to injured Singhs. She gave water to the fighting Singhs and in the end she was martyred by the chhabeel (water station). One Singh came from the Babbar’s side and took me to the Saraa(n). I didn’t want to go but he forcibly took me.

One thing is for sure, everything that happened (all the planning and fortifications) can be attributed to Gen. Shabegh Singh’s mind. That amazing warrior-General did something that the whole world will remember.

"...I bow my head before the bravery and daring of Sant Jarnail Singh and his companion Singhs. They ended up being great shaheeds of the Kaum..."

What would you like to say about the Sant-vaad growing under the name of Sikhism in Punjab today?

- In truth, Sant is not the name of some type of special dress, it is the name for the nature of a Gurmukh who has lived his life according to GurbaaNee. Today there are a lot of Sant Babas in the Kaum who talk about the Guru. They attach the sangat to the Guru Ghar and they are to be congratulated. But if someone attaches others to himself, then he is dangerous. The Kaum today needs Mahapurakhs. If they are like Baba Harnam Singh Khaeray vaalay, they are welcome. But if they are frauds and hypocrites, then the Sikhs must begin to think, because it is they themselves that give bundles of money to the Sants.

Will you tell us something about Bhai Fauja Singh Trust?

-That is our home. We don’t charge any child. We enroll four types of children:

1) Those effected by the Punjab problem including the children of Kharkoos and the children of those killed by kharkoos. We don’t discriminate. No matter what side that child came from, he can be enrolled.

2) Orphan children with no mother or father.

3) Widow families and the children of women who have been widowed for whatever reason.

4) Those children from poor families who want to study and are smart.

We don’t take help from any government agency. I want that this house becomes the children’s own and orphaned children consider it their own home.

In the end, do you have any message for the Panth’s youth?

-This is a difficult question. They are themselves wise. I just have one request, Man maeray satgur kai bhaaNai chal. Nij ghar vaseh(n) amrit peeveh(n) taa(n) such laheh(n) mahul.

Memories of Bhai Fauja Singh: Interview with Bibi Amarjit Kaur
Taken from So Kaheeat Hai Soora, August 2004
Translated by Admin http://www.tapoban.org/

2007-04-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Memories of Bhai Fauja Singh Ji

Bhai Fauja Singh. 'Fauja' means soldier, and he truly lived to his name. Much of his life was spent in fighting against unrighteousness and standing up for the true principles of Sikh Dharma.

Bhai Sahib longed for young Sikhs to come forward and take on a life in the Khalsa army. He would feel great pain whenever he heard of any act of contempt against Gurmat principles. His lifestyle was a throwback to our great forefathers and Sikh ancestors and his speech and conversation levelled on the theme of a warrior lifestyle. He had no regard for his own prosperity and wealth and recognised everything as the property of the Khalsa.
-Bhai Sahib Hazoraa Singh

I know he was a fierce and brave warrior of the Guru, but I remember him as a gentle and kind teacher. We were so young, and so new to Sikhi, and so ignorant. Bibi Amarjeet Kaur and Bhai Fauja Singh treated us like spiritual children, and patiently taught us and inspired us on the Guru's Path. They wrote the sweetest letters to encourage our devotion to Waheguru. He never chastized us or humiliated us for the hundreds of thousands of mistakes that we made every day - instead there was such a pure love that any mistake was gently corrected and immediately forgiven.
-Bibi Shanti Kaur Khalsa

One day there were about 12 Sikhs from our village who were sitting in conversation with Bhai Sahib. Bibi Jee was there too. He told her that they were so lucky to not have had children. He said that Guru Sahib had blessed them with these children who were already grown up. He recognised the youth as his children and showed them the utmost love and devotion.
-Bhai Sahib Hazoraa Singh

Bhai Fauja Singh was a very carefree soul. He did not care for his own self nor for luxuries, etc. which we all seem to be gathering today. Once, in a Gathka spar fight with swords, Bhai Sahib was cut on the leg by the other Singh. When some Singhs came to look at the cut, Bhai Sahib told them not to bother about it..but it was clear to everyone that the cut was a serious one. It was about 4 inches long and one inch deep. However to everyones amazement, he continued to fight as if nothing had happened. This was the everyday life of this most special Gursikh.
-Master Niranjan Singh Ji, Gurdaspur

His daily routine began by waking up at 2 a.m Amrit Vela. After having a bath he would begin Nam Simran. After Nam Simran he would do Nitnem, the Satguru`s Darshan, Kirtan, Sat Sangat and then he would be happy doing Sewa all day long. Bhai Fauja Singh's house was very close to the Siri Darbar Sahib, for many years so many Singhs and Singhnis used to visit him when going to the Darbar Sahib. The couple lived on the third floor where there were no facilities for water. Every night, before going to sleep, Bhai Fauja Singh would fill buckets of water from the water pump down below and take them upstairs for the Amrit Vela Ishnan of the Sangat staying there. The three flights of stairs were so narrow it was even difficult to walk up them without carrying anything. When we asked him to make some facilities for the water, he would laughingly reply, "Sister, if some other facilities were made available then I would not be able to do this Sewa anymore".

He was always ready to help others by himself or by giving money and his mind was always thinking of the Satguru or the Panth. Laziness, sleep and hunger were never around him.

We used to talk at home amongst ourselves that this was a soul of a Shaheed sent here for a particular reason and when that event has taken place it will go, we could not see it staying for long. Guru Ji gave his blessings and made him give Shaheedi to wake up the sleeping Khalsa Panth and bring back the Khalsa spirit and love, devotion and respect for Satguru. This Singh was always ready to obey the Guru`s orders. It was out of this spirit of devotion and sense of duty towards the Guru that Bhai Fauja Singh immediately got up from doing the Sewa of the Langar and presented himself. He completed the Sewa that Satguru had sent him to do. Bhai Fauja Singh and the other 12 Gursikhs gave their lives to break the unconsciousness of the Panth and to make it stand on its own two feet again. The Panth should uphold the respect of the Satguru at all times.
-Bibi Harsharan Kaur Ji, Jullunder

This is the day to be proud of, that at least there were men among us who would live by the very tradition of the Khlasa. There were men among us while alive who could live and who could take eleven bullets in their body and still say, “Waheguru-Waheguru-Waheguru.” They went as a true Son goes to defend the Grace of the Father.
– Siri Singh Sahib Ji

We should follow equally in the very footsteps, of these gracious people who at least knew how to die, and not how to die in the Name of the Guru and the Khalsa. So, now we can tell our children that Sikh History has not ended, it has begun, as a new page of life.

www.tapoban.org

http://www.mrsikhnet.com/BhaiFaujaSingh/

www.neverforget84.com

2007-04-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Saint Soldiers

Glory filled the armies stand,
Guru’s fighters, hand in hand.

Amrit courses through their veins,
Men and women, both the same.

God is great, the chant and chant,
Spreading love through every land.

Defending truth, upholding rights,
Never losing Guru’s fight.

The Sikhs they are, forever true,
God’s Saint Soldiers, now guarding you!

-Harjot Kaur Atwal

Guru Gobind Singh Children's Foundatoin

Sakhian: A collection of short stories written

by children and youth

2007-04-14T00:21:00.002-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa!
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh!!

May All the World Rejoice in the Praise and Glory of Almighty Akaal Purakh Vaheguru and celebrate the Revelation of the Khalsa Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj...

Dhan Dhan Bhai Daya Singh Ji!

Dhan Dhan Bhai Dharam Singh Ji!

Dhan Dhan Bhai Himmat Singh Ji!

Dhan Dhan Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji!

Dhan Dhan Bhai Sahib Singh Ji!

Dhan Dhan Sri Mata Sahib Kaur Ji!

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji!

DEG TEG FATHEH!

PANTH KEE JEETH !

Your Spiritual Father is Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Your Spiritual Mother is Mata Sahib Kaur Ji

Your Place of Birth is Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib

Your Place of Birth is of Sri Anandpur Sahib

Your Maternal home (Nanakee) is Guru Ka Lahore

Your Obedience is to the One Timeless Lord

Your only Guru is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

You are not to bow to any person as being your Guru, not even by mistake

Your examination is only via the Shabad and Gurbani

Your Nation is Khalsa

2007-04-14T00:21:00.001-07:00

Dhan Dhan Mata Sahib Kaur Ji

Mothers are teachers, hopers, believers, coaches, leaders, finders, seekers, followers, encouragers, helpers, speakers, and most importantly, AMAZING WOMEN!

All we have learned that is worthy and true,

Dear, faithful Mother, was taught us by You.

Your mission shaped by Guru Ji’s teaching has given us the power to live life as

DAUGHTERS OF THE KHALSA

Whatever goodness in us there may be,

We trace to its source, it was given by thee—

Waheguru!

Daughters of the Khalsa

Picture: Courtesy of Kaurs United Sevadars

2007-04-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

MOTHER OF KHALSA

In Sikh history Mata Sahib Kaur is known as the Mother of the Khalsa. This honour was bestowed upon her by the Tenth Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When a Sikh receives the gift of Khande Dee Pauhul (Amrit), he/she is told that from today onward your father is Guru Gobind Singh Ji and you mother is Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, whose name before taking Amrit was Mata Sahib Devan Ji, was born on the 1st November 1681 in a village called Rohtas, District Jehlum, in West Panjab, (now in Pakistan). Her mother’s name was Mata Jasdevi Ji and father’s name was Bhai Rama Ji. Her father, who was an ardent sewak (devotee) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, influenced her to the extent that she wanted to devote her whole life in the service of the Guru Sahib. From her childhood, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji was a sweet and quiet natured girl. Because of the religious atmosphere at home, she was deeply influenced by Gurbaani during her formative years. It is possible that in her childhood she might have seen Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib during the visit of her family.

"...She had inherited humility, love and sacrifice to humanity and devotion to Waheguru..."

When she came of age, her father and other devotees of village Rohtas, took her to Sri Anandpur Sahib and requested Guru Gobind Singh Ji to take her as his bride. Guru Ji told the Sangat that he was already married and could not marry again. However, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji's father had pledged his daughter to Guru Sahib and no-one else would marry her now. Therefore, Guru Sahib agreed that Mata Sahib Kaur Ji could stay with the Guru's family, however, they could not marry or ever have children.

Guru Sahib instead promised Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, that you will become a great Mother to thousands. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji lived in the Guru's household and served Guru Ji and the Sangat with full shardaa (devotion).

Mata Sahib Kaur Ji accompanied Guru Sahib throughout his life, even during battles, serving him in every possible way. On Vaisakhi 1699, in the first Amrit-Sanchaar, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji participated in the sewa of the Amrit-Sanchaar by adding Pataasey (sugar wafers) to the Amrit, and was bestowed the honour of eternal motherhood of Khalsa Panth.

Mata Ji guided the Khalsa Panth through period of crisis many times and issued eight decrees in the name of Khalsa

When Guru Gobind Singh reached Abchal Nagar (Sri Hazoor Sahib), he sent Mata Sahib Kaur Ji to Delhi and gave her five weapons of the Sixth Nanak, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, for safekeeping. These weapons are today displayed at Gurdwara Rakabganj in Delhi. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, passed away before Mata Sundri Ji. She left for heavenly abode at the age of sixty six in 1747 and her last rites were performed in Bala Sahib, Delhi.

Father of Khalsa
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

You are wrong if you think I had only four sons, I have thousands of sons and daughters and in them I see the four I sacrificed. Those four sons were four virtues from Waheguru Ji, their body pots were to be smashed so that those virtues could be poured into the Khalsa.

Ajit means unconquerable, my Khalsa would rather die fighting than run like a coward.

Jujhar means warrior, my Khalsa is powerful and strong.

Zorawar means Power, as long as my Khalsa is distinct I will give them all of my power.

Fateh is victory, my Khalsa will fight for Waheguru's victory.O Mata Jee, when I see one Khalsa with these 4 qualities I see all four sons.

Article By: Bhaiji, Manvir Singh Ji

2007-04-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

Guru Ji’s Divine Commission

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji continued the Sikh Mission by stating:

"He (Guru Nanak Dev Ji) established religion in the Kali age...Nanak assumed the body of Angad...Afterwards, Nanak was called Amar Das, As one lamp is lit from another...And Amar Das became Ram Das, The Pious saw this, but not the fools, Who thought them all distinct, But some rare persons recognized that they were all one. They who understood obtained perfection, Without understanding (this), perfection cannot be obtained."

There cannot be more authenitc evidence than the one recorded in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and by Sri Guru Gobing Singh Ji. All the Gurus were inspired by the same unified thesis and mission. Emphasizing this point, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji states that without the acceptance of this view, there can be no true understanding of teh Sikh Path.

The Guru saw in this the danger of backsliding among the Sikhs. ‘it is possible’ thought He, ‘that the Sikhs might fall back into the great sea from which they have been taken out from.’ Hence he vowed that he would make it *impossible for the Sikhs to hide their creed in the future. He would give them such a form and appearance, some such distinguishing marks that even a single Sikh mixed up with thousands of others would be recognizable at once, most easily and unmistakably. A distinctive form and appearance would serve another purpose too. The Sikhs would have to be true and pure in order to maintain the dignity or their distinctive guise, so that none might have a chance or justification to remark. In this way the Sikhs would stand out distinct from others not only in external appearance, but also internal virtue and day –to – day life.

We shall find the same continutiy of the Sikh Mission in the Creation of the Khalsa of God

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

Picture: Courtesy of Kaurs United Sevadars

2007-04-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

The Guru Ji's Amazing Call:
The Beloved Five

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had worked to create a casteless society, a society in which no one was considered high or low, simply on account of having been born in this or that caste. His successors had worked on the same lines. Hosts of low-caste people were taken in the fold of Sikhism, made members of the Brotherhood of Man founded by the Guru. The result was that jats, who were considered to be Sudras, enjoyed the greatest privilege along with the Khatris, and the Brahmins were no longer held in esteem.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh as well, decided to cut at the root of all such customs and practices as stood in the way of a complete unification of the nation. He wanted to create a united and strong body of community who would be pure enough to free themselves from the oppression of priests and rulers, and at the same time, be strong enough to maintain this freedom.

In 1699 A.D. Guru Ji invited all Sikhs to gather at his home for prayers and a special occasion. The Guru had set up a tent for all the Sikhs to see, many Sikhs whispered amongst themselves wondering why such a tent was set up. Once the Guru came out, His appearance was altogether different from what it had usually been. His eyes were shining like fire. His face was hardest and red. His naked sword shone in his uplifted hand. He looked like a warrior about to jump into a battle-field. In a voice as of thunder he said:

“My Dear Sikhs, my Beloved Sons, this sword of mine wants to taste the Blood of a Sikh. Is there any among you read to offer his neck for the purpose, to lay down His life at a call from Me?”

All present grew pale, on hearing such a strange demand. There was no response to this amazing, breath-taking call. The Guru repeated it. Still there was no reply. A third time he spoke in a louder, more thundering voice.

“Is there any true Sikhs of mine among you? If so let he come up and give me his head as an offering, as a proof of his faith in me.”

After some minutes, Bhai Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh Ji) a Khatri of Lahore stood up and said ‘O True King, my head is at your service, Cut it off from the trunk, and make it fall at your sacred feet.’

Guru Ji took Bhai Daya Ram into the tent, the sound of a sword-blow was heard, and then Guru Ji came out of his tent with a blood sword. Once Guru Ji showed the sword, the crowds realized that Guru Ji really meant what he said. They were convinced that Bhai Daya Ram was dead. Guru Ji asked again, if there were any other Sikhs willing to give up their heads. No one raised their head. After a few minutes, Bhai Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh Ji), stood up, and offered his head.

The call for a Head continued three more times, however, the crowd of Sikhs grew thinner and thinner. Some Sikhs even went to the Guru Ji’s mother, Mata Gujjar Kaur Ji, and complained to her against t the Guru,

‘He seems to have gone mad,’ said they. ‘He is killing his Sikhs. Remove him fro Guru ship. Let a grandson of yours take his place as the Guru.’

Mata Gujjar Kaur Ji sent a messenger to her Son and see what was actually happening, but Guru was in no mood to receive, heed, or listen to anyone. On the third call, Bhai Mohkham Chand (Bhai Mohkham Singh Ji) stood up and offered his head. After a short time the Guru came out again. In the same manner as before, he called for another head. Finally Bhai Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh Ji) stood up and begged the Guru to accept his head. The Guru treated him in the manner as he had treated the other three. Lastly, Bhai Himmat Rai, (Bhai Himmat Singh Ji) stood up and offered his head. At this time the crowd outside of the tent assumed that five Sikhs had been killed by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

At last, Guru Ji came out of the tent, his face was beaming with joy and statisifaction. He was followed by five Sikhs dressed exactly like him. who were they? Oh Wonder! They were the same who had given their heads to the Guru. They had been killed. Had they been brought back to life? Their faces, their dresses, and their whole appearance were all like the Guru Ji’s.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, “When Baba Nanak Ji tested his Sikhs, only one Sikh, Baba Lahihna, stood the test successfully. Now I, on the other hand, have found five Sikhs totally devoted to the Guru. I am immensely pleased. It is a matter of joy for all of us. The Sikh Faith will grow and flourish well and ever. These five are my Punj Pyare, my beloved five. They are in my form, I am in theirs. They are one with me, I am in them. They in me.”

Picture: Courtesy of Kaurs United and MrSikhnet

2007-04-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

Initiation of the Khalsa

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, proclaimed, from that today forward, the Sikh nation shall be called the Khalsa. Charnpahul will give place to Khande Da Amrit the nectar of two –edged sword. The person desiring to become a Sikh, to become a member of the Khalsa brotherhood, will drink water that has been stirred with a Khanda or two –edged sword. This water shall be called Amrit (nectar). I shall presently let you see how Amrit is to be administered.

Those who partake of this Amrit will be changed from Jackals to LIONS, form sparrows to HAWKS. They will be called SINGHS or KAURS. All castes, all people, are equally welcome to take the Amrit. I mean to make all Sikhs give up and forget for ever their previous caste. I want to combine them all into one Brotherhood, the KHALSA.

...The Khalsa will be equally in all respects, the lowest with the highest, males with females, and children with adults...

Through this blessing of Amrit, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji poured his life into his Sikhs and invested them with his own personality. They came to be looked up as models of physical power and beauty, and stateliness of character. The whole tone of national character was immensely changed. Sweepers, barbers, water-carriers, washermen, and confectioners who had never touched a sword or shouldered a gun, who had for countless generations, lived as slaves of the so-called higher classes, were under the Guru Ji’s lead, they were reborn into brave warriors, ready to rush into the jaws of death at the bidding of their Guru, and leaders of armies before whom the Rajas and the Nawabs trembled with terror and dared not raise their heads.

Thus was born the Khalsa—a nation of Saint Soldiers reciting only Naam of One God. Friends and servants of man, and sworn foes of all tyrants, a Brotherhood in which all were to be equal in all respects, and in which all castes were united to form one nation – the KHALSA. The Khalsa was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s type of universal man of God –

BRAVE

FEARLESS

STRONG AS A LION

SWEET HUMBLE

LOVING AS A WOMAN

HOLY AND PIOUS AS A SAINT

BROTHER OF ALL

STRIKING FEAR IN NONE

AFRAID OF NONE

He who keeps alight the unquenchable torch of truth and never swerves from the thought of one God; he who has full love and confidence of one God and does not put his faith, even by mistake, in fasting or worshipping tombs, cemeteries, cremation grounds or monasteries; he only recognizes one God and makes no fetish of pilgrimages, alms, penances or austerities; and in whose heart and soul the light of the Perfect One shines froth, he is to be recognized as a true member of the KHALSA

Be part of the ARMY OF GOD – Take AMRIT – you will be glad you did!

What team are we on? Akaal Purakh Kee Fauj

This is our team...Defence: YOU

Who are our captains?

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji

Who is our coach?

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Who is our goalie?

Our own REHIT

Who are our opponents?

Kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, ahankaar, jhoot, nindaa, vair, virod

And their coach is Maayaa

2007-04-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

Why did Guru Gobind Singh Ji make his Sikh drink the amrit of a Khanda. Why not a kirpan? Why not of anything else? In Sanskrit, Khanda means DEATH (mauth) KHANDA. Guru Gobind Singh Ji mixed this with water and gave it to his Sikh to drink. The Sikh has mixed death in water and swallowed it altogether (Sikh mauth noo ghol kay pee gya). Anybody can come up to a Sikh and say, 'Hey, I will hurt you, I will get you,'' and the Sikh will say:

'I've already drank death from a bowl. What can you do to me?!'

She/He is the True Khalsa (Sikh), who remembers the ever-awakened Light throughout night and day and does not bring anyone else in the mind; she/he practices her/his vow with whole hearted affection and does not believe in even by oversight, the graves, Hindu monuments and monasteries;

She/He does not recognize anyone else except the One Lord God, not even the bestowal of charities, performance of merciful acts, austerities and restraint on pilgrim-stations; the perfect light of the Lord illuminates her/his heart, only then consider her/him as the Immaculate Khalsa.

The 10th Nanak -Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

2007-04-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hmm... so what DOES AMRIT offer?

Surely we cannot be so naive as to assume that just because AMRIT gives you guidelines, that AMRIT does not have something to offer. If we say this, we would be the most ignorant fools on the earth. There is a reality we must embrace - that AMRIT is a wonderful gift, a wonderful change of lifestyle, and a very drastic and valuable opportunity.

Let us look at this example, which is very minor compared to being blessed with AMRIT: Somebody offers you the position of Captain on the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. You would be simply astounded. But uh oh, wait a second - what a big responsibility that is! You will have to get training, become professional, be a good role model, and be leadership material. You will have to accept accountability, big expectations from people. you will have to follow certain guidelines - you will need to wear a certain uniform and act in a certain way.

Pretty limiting? Ask the captain of Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman, if he loves his job. Of course he does! Would he trade it for anything? Definitely not! Does it have restrictions? For sure! Do the advantages of the job beat the restrictions? No competition - there are tons of advantages and the disadvantages just seem like reasonable parts of the game.

What game are we playing here?
This is the game of love.
What is the first restriction?

...We must remove our head - be willing to completely surrender our physical, emotional, spiritual and mental self to the cause of the Guru. We must have no doubts when we set on this path - we should not care for what the world says...

"...Sikhism, AMRIT and Salvation: Consider if you will that Sachkhand is a foreign country. You will need a passport to get in and a visa stamp. AMRIT is that passport and the visa stamp is the Almighty's Kirpa (blessing). In which case Dharam Raaj is immigration. By taking AMRIT, you are going to your Guru and saying that: Your teachings are the best, so I promise to lead the life in the way that you have set for me, with your and Waheguroo's blessings..."

How many teachers does a person have throughout their education? I have had over 25 to earn a degree. this was just to get a degree in worldy knowledge about one field of study.

It took ten Guru Sahibs to mould a cowardly people into Sant Sipahis. The first nine Gurus armed our minds with Gurbani or God's word. Guru Gobind Singh Ji armed us physically. Why didn't the first nine Gurus take AMRIT?

"What is AMRIT? Is it a time to get a sword? AMRIT is a Sikh’s wedding to Guru Sahib. A commitment to keep the Khalsa Rehit. Guru Gobind Singh Ji says that for him Rehit is more dear than a Sikh. You can't give people without Rehit or discipline swords or weapons. One becomes a Saint Soldier or Sant Sipahi after committing to the Rehit so one is truly a Sant Sipahi and not some fanatic with a weapon..."

Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not take AMRIT to become a Sikh, Guru Sahib took AMRIT to show that the Khalsa was Guru' s Sroop or the Guru's image. Basically like the student is now the master. This is why we say Guru’s Panth Khalsa..."

It took ten Gurus to make an Army of God. It takes over 25 teachers to earn a degree in some useless major. You do the math …"

AMRIT is a physical concept to show one's commitment to the Khalsa Rehit or discipline. The real AMRIT in Sikhi one strives for is the AMRIT of Naam. This AMRIT was in all the Gurus and also the Bhagats such as Bhagat Ravidas Ji, Bhagat Naam Dev Ji, Skeih Farid Sahib, Bhagat Kabir Ji, and many more. Naam is above all. To say why didn't ourGurus take AMRIT is like saying that the Gurus lacked a spiritual Rehit..."

Be part of the ARMY OF GOD

– Take AMRIT –

You will be glad you did!

What team are we on? Akaal Purakh Kee Fauj.
This is our team...
Defence: YOU
Who are our captains?
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
Who is our coach?
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Who is our goalie? Our own REHIT.
Who are our opponents?
Kaam, krodh, lobh, moh, ahankaar, jhoot, nindaa, vair, virodAnd their coach is Maayaa. If we want to play we know the rules. We know the risks. But our skates are like ice, and our ice is like the sharp blades of skates. This path is sharper than a sword's edge and thinner than a hair.

This skating arena is the world. There is no overtime in this game. Our Sangat is on our team. Our Rehit Maryada are the referees.

All the devis, devtas, sur, nar, mun, jan - THEY WANT TO PLAY THE GAME - but they are our fans. They cheer us on, we can win, and the rewards are endless: theh anek roop nau nav nidh this daa anth naa jaaee paaeiaa, man jeetay jug jeet, jis no bakshay sifat salaahu naanak paatshaahee paathsaahu...

The rewards are endless. All the worldly bliss, but more importantly the true love of the Guru Ji’s feet... and the internal bliss of immortal nectar of the Guru Ji's bani. We can obtain this if we win the game. BUT there is a lot at stake. We must remain dedicated. We should not have duality. We should not lose faith in our team. And we should never waver from the high standards of our team. Or else we will lose in the end.

Article: SaadhRayn Kaur

2007-04-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Anandpur Sahib
Our True Birth Place

O Anandpur Sahib
City of Bliss
Land of the Pure
Birthplace of mind

Crade of the Khalsa, Home of Kesgarh Sahib, Our Guru Ji’s Shrine,

You were first founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur, Nanak Number Nine,
Who soon summoned Gobind Rai to his side at the tender age of nine.

His father was deep in thought so he inquired, what was on his mind?
The Guru replied that tyranny had sunk their country into dire decline.

Gobind Rai proclaimed, why my noble father, let the blood be thine,
For I would rather go fatherless than see innocent millions maligned.

Thus a helping hand he did extend as all the while his life was on the line,
But the language of love is sometimes not enough as his brave son did find.

O Anandpur Sahib, City of Bliss, Land of the Pure, birthplace of mine,
From whose sacred soil sprang forth the Khalsa on the Vasakhi of 1699

Where the five beloved ones were baptized as they all knelt in a line,
And the tenth master declared, I am likewise your discipline as your art mine.

Here the Red Cross was foreseen well over a century ahead of its time,
Only they battlefields, not aiding the wounded was considered a crime.

You see neither friend nor foe, only faces of children of the One Divine,
With walls which shine dazzling white and borders that are colour blind.

Countless Pilgrims have been blessed by thee since the Spring of 1699,
May thy message of human rights spring eternal in our hearts and minds.

And so, to where Gobind Rai was reborn Guru Gobind Singh, I humbly pine,

O Anandpur Sahib
City of Bliss
Land of the Pure
Birthplace of mine

May our souls rekindle, our paths reconnect, and our stars realign,
To renew thy sprit in all mankind.

Harmohanjit Singh Pandher holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. His poems have won awards in recognition of their contribution to the Khalsa terecentary celebrations in 1999. For more information on his book, Sugar, Steel, and the Maple Leaf: the Poems of a Young Sikh Canada, e-mail at Steelblueboods@hotmail.com

2007-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

International AmritVela Week

In Sri Japji Sahib, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji tell us:

a(n)mrith vaelaa sach naao vaddiaaee veechaar II
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.

Discover Sikhi is proposing an International Amritvela Week, taking place next week in celebration of Vaisakhi. Amritvela is the time in the early hours of the morning during which Gursikhs wake up and recite their daily Banis and do simran of Vaheguru.

har dhhan rathan javaehar maanak har dhhanai naal a(n)mrith vaelai vathai har bhagathee har liv laaee II
The Lord's wealth is like jewels, gems and rubies. At the appointed time in the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours of the morning, the Lord's devotees lovingly center their attention on the Lord, and the wealth of the Lord.

What do I do for International Amritvela Week?

The first thing to do is to do ardaas asking Guru Sahib for his Kirpa. Members of Discover Sikhi - take the challenge! Make a plan to wake up at amritvela. Get together with others and organize amritvela programs at your local Gurdwara Sahib or at houses of Gursikhs and receive the blessings of Guru Sahib together

And, once an amritvela program is in place, post in this thread and let the Sangat know. Please spread the word about International Amritvela Day.

2007-03-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

“Listen, O my mother; I shall never give up the Lord's Name. My Guru has taught me this…”

This was the time when the army of Mir Mannu was going from house to house searching for Sikhs. Many of the Sikhs took shelter in jungles but some Sikhs who were living with their families in the cities and could not just leave right away or join any jathas. They were captured by the army and all were being sent to Lahore. Most of the prisoners were Sikh women and children. Many of the old women were killed on the way because they were weak and could not walk for a long time.

All of the Singhnis and their children were put in Lahore jail. For labor they were given "chakkis". They were given no food or water. This was a way to torture them so they would leave Sikhi. They were separated from their children. Everyday muslims would come and taunt them by saying "where is your Khalsa now?" They can't even come to rescue you. All of them have been killed by the army. So it is better for you to accept islam and live a rich happy life." Singhnis never ever thought of leaving Sikhi. They kept reciting:

"Waheguru Dhan Guru Waheguru Waheguru".

All children were separated from their mothers and were given no food or water. Then muslims started killing the innocent children by throwing them up in the air and landing them on sharp spears. Some children were cut into pieces and garlands were made out of their pieces. Then they put those garlands around the necks of Sikh mothers. But the faith of Sikh women was unshakable. One of the women was very beautiful and Qazi wanted to marry her. He would come everyday and try to convince her to accept him but she never did. She had a son who was less than two years old. One day upon leaving, qazi gave orders to some of the army men to torture her and her son so she would give up her faith.

One night the cruel animals (men) tied her up first and then started torturing her son. They hung her son upside down, took a knife and started to cut into his flesh from the neck all the way down to stomach. Singhni kept calm and kept praying:

"Guru Ji, Jaan Jayai par Dharam Na Jaayai"

Then they slowly cut her son into pieces and he became shaheed. Then they started beating the Singhni with sticks and "chabuks". They hung her upside down and left. She stayed that way all night. In the morning they took her down but she was unable to get up and walk. She lay there by the wall, did Nitnem and then did Ardas:

"Sacchay Paatshah Ji, Saari Raat Aap De Bhanay tay Sukh Naal Beetee Hai. Aap ji da kotaan kot shukar hai, aap jee nay aapnee amanat vaapas lai layee hai. Aggay waastay vee bhanay vich chalan da uddam ball bakhsis karna. Daata Ji, praan jayai par Sikhi na jayai. Mehar karni"

Hearing this some of the guards were shocked and wondering what Sikhs were made up of? Some of the guards left their jobs by saying "These Sikhs are religious people. We cannot torture these innocent souls. Even their women and children are so strong and brave. They will rule Punjab one day." Some fanatic muslims were enraged by this. They started to torture her again. Heavy weight was put on her body and her bones were crushed. They hit her with sticks. After so much torture she became shaheed but she never gave up her faith. Only word that came out of her mouth was "Waheguru Waheguru" When Singhs heard the news of the tortures, they attacked Lahore and freed all the prisoners and punished the criminals. At the same time Mir Mannu died a horrible death.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

2007-03-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Siree Raag, Fifth Mehla:

I fall at His Feet to please and appease Him.
The True Guru has united me with the Lord, the Primal Being. There is no other as great as He. II1IIPauseII

The Lord of the Universe is my Sweet Beloved.
He is sweeter than my mother or father.
Among all sisters and brothers and friends, there is no one like You. II1II

By Your Command, the month of Saawan has come.
I have hooked up the plow of Truth,and I plant the seed of the Name in hopes that the Lord, in His Generosity, will bestow a bountiful harvest. II2II

Meeting with the Guru, I recognize only the One Lord.
In my consciousness, I do not know of any other account.
The Lord has assigned one task to me; as it pleases Him, I perform it. II3II

Enjoy yourselves and eat, O Siblings of Destiny.
In the Guru's Court, He has blessed me with the Robe of Honor.
I have become the Master of my body-village; I have taken the five rivals as prisoners. II4II

I have come to Your Sanctuary.
The five farm-hands have become my tenants; none dare to raise their heads against me.
O Nanak, my village is populous and prosperous. II5II

I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to You.
I meditate on You continually.
The village was in ruins, but You have re-populated it. I am a sacrifice to You. II6II

O Beloved Lord, I meditate on You continually;
I obtain the fruits of my mind's desires.
All my affairs are arranged, and the hunger of my mind is appeased. II7II

I have forsaken all my entanglements;
I serve the True Lord of the Universe.
I have firmly attached the Name, the Home of the Nine Treasures to my robe. II8II

I have obtained the comfort of comforts.
The Guru has implanted the Word of the Shabad deep within me.
The True Guru has shown me my Husband Lord; He has placed His Hand upon my forehead. II9II

I have established the Temple of Truth.
I sought out the Guru's Sikhs, and brought them into it.
I wash their feet, and wave the fan over them. Bowing low, I fall at their feet. II10II

I heard of the Guru, and so I went to Him.
He instilled within me the Naam, the goodness of charity and true cleansing.
All the world is liberated, O Nanak, by embarking upon the Boat of Truth. II11II

The whole Universe serves You, day and night.
Please hear my prayer, O Dear Lord.
I have thoroughly tested and seen all-You alone, by Your Pleasure, can save us. II12II

Now, the Merciful Lord has issued His Command.
Let no one chase after and attack anyone else.
Let all abide in peace, under this Benevolent Rule. II13II

Softly and gently, drop by drop, the Ambrosial Nectar trickles down.
I speak as my Lord and Master causes me to speak.
I place all my faith in You; please accept me. II14II

Your devotees are forever hungry for You.
O Lord, please fulfill my desires.
Grant me the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan, O Giver of Peace. Please, take me into Your Embrace. II15II

I have not found any other as Great as You.
You pervade the continents, the worlds and the nether regions;
You are permeating all places and interspaces. Nanak: You are the True Support of Your devotees. II16II

I am a wrestler; I belong to the Lord of the World.
I met with the Guru, and I have tied a tall, plumed turban.
All have gathered to watch the wrestling match, and the Merciful Lord Himself is seated to behold it. II17II

The bugles play and the drums beat.
The wrestlers enter the arena and circle around.
I have thrown the five challengers to the ground, and the Guru has patted me on the back. II18II

All have gathered together,but we shall return home by different routes.
The Gurmukhs reap their profits and leave, while the self-willed manmukhs lose their investment and depart.II19II

You are without color or mark.
The Lord is seen to be manifest and present.
Hearing of Your Glories again and again, Your devotees meditate on You;
they are attuned to You, O Lord, Treasure of Excellence. II20II

Through age after age, I am the servant of the Merciful Lord.
The Guru has cut away my bonds.
I shall not have to dance in the wrestling arena of life again.

Nanak has searched, and found this opportunity. II21II2II29II

Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Siree Raag on Pannaa 73

2007-03-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Kaurs United on Facebook:

A great group has come together to form a discussion board on Facebook: Kaurs United! Take part in interesting discussion about the role of Sikh women today. How to deal with problems we might face & Learn about other Kaurs around the world and what steps they have taken to learn about Sikhi, and be part of the Khalsa family…

Kaurs United: 2006 Video Clip

Trailers made of pictures of worldwide Sikh Women:

…the Future of Khalsa is in our Hands…

Click Here to Join Facebook: Kaurs United

2007-03-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Daughters of the Khalsa
On FLICKR!

Some of the pictures used on the

Daughters of the Khalsa Blog are now on Flickr!

Click Here to View

2007-03-22T12:12:00.001-07:00

Gursikh Women Martyrs:
The Battle of Anandpur Sahib

It is said that whenever any of the Rajput fort was about to be captured, all women would commit themselves to sati (burn themselves in fire), in order to protect their honor. Although, GurSikh women faced a similar situation, they did not choose sati as a way out. Why not?

They had partaken Guru's Amrit

They were Daughters of Kalgidhar Patshah.

They were lionesses.

Why would they submit to Sati?

Why wouldn't they challenge the enemy and die fighting in the battlefield? The remaining GurSikh men asked them, "Sisters the delicate time is upon us. What should we do? We aren't worried of our death? What we are worried about is your honor. The deceitful enemy could dishonor you all after our death."

Bibi Dalaer Kaur, Jathedar of GurSikh women, responded

"Brothers, the amrit of Kalgidhar Patshah that you all have partaken is the same Amrit that we have partaken. No force of this world can dishonor us. We shall accept martyrdom fighting the enemy of truth before you all."

Enclosing Anandpur in a Fort, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj initiated the battle for freedom and sovereignty. The biting sound of his "Ranjit Nagara," a large kettle drum, shook up and instilled fear among the neighboring Hill Rajas. They had started considering Kalgidhar Patshah as their arch enemy and deployed several strategies to get him to leave Anandpur. The Rajas of the 22 mountain ridges (BaiDhar) consolidated themselves against Guru Maharaj, blew the trumpets of war and initiated regular attacks against Anandpur Sahib.

However, the courageous GurSikhs warriors, under the command of our Tenth Guru, displayed such martial skills in the battlefield that the enemy was forced to retreat with sustained heavy losses and severe damages in every attack.

Irritated by the almost daily defeats with heavy losses, the Hill Rajas approached Delhi and sought Aurangzeb's help. The rationale provided by the Hill Rajas against Guru Maharaj was that "if the rising tide of Sikh movement isn't suppressed at this stage, it will destroy the Mughal empire." Aurangzeb's contempt for Sikhs was well known. He was independently searching for an opportune moment to destroy the Sikhs. And now the pleas of Hill Rajas provided him an excellent opportunity. Thus Aurangzeb eagerly issued orders for the Royal forces to attack Anandpur.

At this moment, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was accompanied by ten thousand brave GurSikh men and some 100 GurSikh women inside the Anandpur Fort. The royal forces arrived suddenly and seized Anandpur. The invading forces not only comprised of the Royal forces from Delhi, but were joined by the forces of Wajir Khan, Suba Sirhind, and Jabardast Khan, Lahore, along the way. Upon their arrival in Anandpur, even the hill rats had come out of their hiding places to help the invading forces. Altogether, the little fort of Anandpur Sahib was facing a force of 10 lakh (a million) strong. The enemy immediately seized the surrounding area and were now ruthlessly advancing in attempts to capture the fort.

On the other side, GurSikhs warriors prepared themselves at the sound of "Ranjit Nagara" and came out to defend and arrest the invading forces from reaching the fort. A fierce battle ensued and the GurSikhs fought courageously to check the enemy advanced. Many gave their lives in the fort's defense and thereby enrolled among the ranks of martyrs in defence of righteousness.

While our GurSikh brothers were fighting the fierce battle, GurSikh sisters were engrossed in nursing the wounded, managing the supply lines, and organizing the Langar...

At the time of the attack the invading forces were extremely confident of their strength. They were certain that the thousand odd GurSikhs wouldn't last beyond a day, especially in face of 10 lakh (a million) strong forces with canyons and heavy armors. However, the enemy sensed the error of their judgement, during the first day of the battle. And quickly realized that capturing Anandpur fort wouldn't be as easy as they had thought. Having suffered heavy causalities, the invading forces retreated and imposed curfew on the surrounding area. Their seize of the area was so tight that nothing could move in or out of Anandpur.

All supply lines to the fort were cut of. Now they adopted a strategy to simply waited for the GurSikhs to deplete their supplies and come out. This situation went on for nine months without any movement on either side.

By now, the situation was grim on both sides. Ration and water had virtually depleted inside the Anandpur fort. Nothing could be brought in from outside as all supply line had been severed. On the opposing side, the invading forces had become targets of various diseases because of the ensuing floods. Their soldiers were dying in large numbers, causing major havoc and desertions among the ranks. The enemy had lost all hope of ever capturing the Anandpur fort. Yet, their own strategy and the situation demanded them to stay engaged. While they wanted to abandon the seize of Anandpur, their pride wouldn't allow them to do so. Comparatively, the situation among invading forces was deteriorating more rapidly than among GurSikhs.

Finally, all military tactics of the invading forces proved ineffective against the defence of GurSikhs inside Anandpur fort. The invading forces had been totally humiliated and defeated. Now diplomatic strategies were explored to turn their defeat into a victory. Under this strategy, the Hill Rajas and Mughal forces, took sacred oath of Cow and Koran respectively, and asked Guru Sahib to leave Anandpur. They wanted Guru Maharaj to leave the Anandpur fort just once and then return anytime at will. The rationale being that this would allow the invading forces to safe face. However, Tenth Patshah was well aware of their hidden agenda and thus declined the offer. Subsequently, the request was resubmitted accompanied by an official letter of assurances signed by Aurangzeb himself. By now the situation inside the fort had further deteriorated.

GurSikhs of Majha had already given their "Baedhawa," petition of disassociation with Guru Maharaj, and left the fort. The remaining GurSikhs were increasingly exhausted and wearied because of hunger. At this critical moment, under advice of Matta Gujar Kaur Ji and some prominent GurSikhs, decision to leave the Anandpur fort was announced. Guru Maharaj, along with 500 GurSikhs and family members left the Anandpur fort during the bitter December-January winter freeze. Since the seize of Anandpur fort was to be shortly lifted, as per the agreement, a hundred GurSikhs women and about 10 GurSikh men stayed behind.

As soon Kalgidhar Patshah left the fort, the combined forces of mughal and Hill Rajas quickly abandoned their sacred oaths. And contrary to the agreement, they pursued Guru Sahib's party. Finally, they caught up with and attacked Guru Sahib on the banks of Sirsa river. In this battle many GurSikhs were killed and Guru Sahib's family scattered. Younger Sahibjadas (sons) and Matta Gujari left with the deceitful Gangu to his village. While Bhai Mani Singh along with Guru Sahib's wife left for Delhi. Guru Sahib left for Chamkaur with the remaining 40 GurSikhs and elder Sahibjadas. At Chamkaur, once again Guru Sahib had to face the enemy forces in large numbers. All 40 GurSikhs, along with the elder Sahibjadas, accepted martyrdom in this battle. And Guru Sahib left for Mashiwadha while challenging the enemy forces. Readers must be familiar with the subsequent events; especially, the martyrdom of younger Sahibjadas and Matta Gujari. I shall skip these details for brevity.

"O Beloved Khalsa jee, I would rather die fighting than walk away from this battle. But Khalsa jee, you are my Guru and you have ordered that we accept the offer of safe passage and leave the fort. So we will leave tomorrow. But, I don't intend to leave the fort unguarded. Bibi Dalaer Kaur, you are my trusted Sikh. I want you and the rest of my daughters to stay here along with 10 Khalsa men." ~Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

"Pita Jee, your words are true, bless us so we may do this duty and bring honour to the Khalsa," ~Bibi Dalaer Kaur ji.

...Sri Guru Gobind Singh jee tapped her shoulder with the tip of his arrow...

---------------------------
As soon as Guru Gobind Singh jee left the fort, the combined forces of Moghal troops and Hill Rajas quickly abandoned their sacred oaths. They charged after Guru Gobind Singh jee and his 500 Khalsa soldiers. A bloody battle took place on the banks of the Sirsa river. Many Khalsa soldiers were killed and Guru jee's family was scattered. His younger sons and mother escaped with Gangu to his village. Later on he turned them in to the authorities for a reward. This lead to their martyrdom.

Instead, lets return to the Anandpur fort where the invading forces were awaiting Guru Sahib's departure to start looting and destroying the fort. As soon as Guru Sahib left the fort, the greedy soldiers of the invading forces broke their ranks and proceeded towards the fort, burning and looting everything in their way. Now they seized the fort with Guru's GurSikhs inside.

What a power of Guru Ji's Amrit?

The fort is seized by the enemy forces with no force inside to defend it. All there were a hundred women. Women, the fairer sex, popularly understood as weak and powerless by the world. However, these women neither considered themselves to be weak nor powerless. They echoed, "We too have partaken the Amrit from our Kalgidhar PitaJi and the moment to prove it has come upon us."

These daughters of lions picked up the guns, took up positions on the fort's pillars, and started firing on the enemy soldiers.

The enemy soldiers had presumed the fort to be was empty. As such they were taken aback by this sudden rain of bullets. Soon piles of stacked dead enemy soldiers were visible outside the fort. Seeing this, the enemy soldiers left their position and ran for their lives. Now, no living enemy could be seen anymore, as everyone fled for their lives.

The Brave Daughter of the Guru made the enemy chew iron grams, their bullets.

Witnessing the disastrous situation of his forces, the mughal commander got irritated and issued orders for canyon fire against the fort. Intense canyon fire succeeded in breaking through a wall of the fort. Now, once again, the enemy foot soldiers moved towards the fort. They were again showered with bullets by the Guru's daughters. Hundreds of enemy soldiers again shut their eyes for ever. Unfortunately, by now the ammunition had depleted inside the fort. The enemy forces were rapidly advancing but there was no more firing coming from inside, in response. Fort's capture was almost certain.

By now, the enemy was advancing so rapidly that there was no time for further debate. Upon Jathedar Dalaer Kaur's signal, all GurSikh women drew their swords and moved behind the damaged wall. This was the only way for the enemy to enter the fort. Here they patiently awaited the enemy's entrance.

Tears came to the GurSikh men, who still were worried about the fate of their sisters at the hands of the enemy. Jathedar Dalaer Kaur noticed the predicament of her brothers and said "Brothers do not worry about us. The enemy cannot enter the fort while we are alive."

At this moment the enemy had reached the fort and as expected, attempted to enter the fort through the damaged wall. Inside were 10 hungry GurSikh men and a hundred GurSikh women facing thousands of well bread Mughals and Pathans. In normal situation this was no match. But this was no ordinary situation.

Guru's Amrit that could awakens the weakest, filled the GurSikhs with such power and spirit that the enemy couldn't put a foot inside the fort. The enemy advance having reached the damaged wall was forcibly restrained just outside the fort.

Witnessing the events from a distance, the mughal commander yelled, "cowards, you are afraid of the princesses inside the fort. They are gifts for you and excellent hunts. Advance inside the fort, loot all the wealth and capture them as well." These words were so loud that they could be heard inside the fort.

Jathedar Dalaer Kaur yelled back a fitting response, "Hunt or hunter? Cowards come and find out for yourself."

Dalaer Kaur's challenging response simply cut off the commander's challenge. The enemy soldiers had no will left to advance. Seeing this the commander was extremely aggravated. He gathered some of the best horsemen from his group, picked up all the courage he could muster, and advanced inside the fort. As soon as he entered the fort with his men, GurSikh sisters attacked them from every corner.

Very quickly the enemy became target of GurSikh women's swords and fell to the ground. The commander of the mughal forces was killed in this attack. While some GurSikh brothers and sisters also lost their lives. How many? It was difficult to determine.

The cries of the wounded echoed in the fort. Soon the enemy forces outside figured out what had transpired with their companions inside the fort. Now no one had the courage to advance towards the fort. The previous information that the enemy had, about only a few women inside the fort, seemed inaccurate at best. The enemy was increasingly frightened by now.

Now the deputy commander of the mughal forces gave orders to retreat. Simultaneously, he asking for intense canyon fire. The enemy canyons opened fire and continuously pounded on the fort. Already a wall had been damaged and weakened by previous pounding and with this recent canyon pounding it fell inside. Through the fallen wall, the inner compound was clearly visible. No living humans could be seen inside. The enemy by now was convinced that no one was left on this side of the fort. They advanced in huge numbers and reached inside the fort.

Afraid for their lives they cautiously proceeding to look around. But there was nothing to be afraid of. They searched every inch of the fort but did not find anyone. Where did the remaining GurSikhs disappeared? Where were they? No one knew. The enemy couldn't understand. The soldiers were still afraid, expecting sudden attacks at any moment from any direction.

After intense search, when no one could be found inside the fort, the enemy concluded that the remaining GurSikhs must have escaped through some secret passage. Orders were given for abandon the search and initiate looting. The very soldiers who were afraid for their lives until now, anxiously started searching for wealth inside the fort. In the process they moved the fallen wall of the fort.

What they found was no wealth but the bodies of our martyrs.

The faces of Kalgidhar's daughter were still radiant yet peaceful as they slept in their permanent sleep.

It seemed as if they were resting after having successfully fulfilled their obligations.

Rightly so, they had stood by their Jathedar and taken the stance that while living they shall not allow the enemy to enter the fort.

They had fulfilled their promise.

Guru's amrit was successful while they joined the ranks of GurSikh martyrs.

Then why wouldn't their faces be radiant and peaceful? Along side them were the bodies of their martyr GurSikh brothers. Their faces were peaceful too. It seemed that they were convinced, prior to their death, that their GurSikh sisters would not be mistreated. And yes, they knew that no power of this world could dishonor them. The invading forces were shocked to witness this scene - such small numbers could face the immense mughal force and engaged them in such a fierce battle? They were astonished beyond belief. Spontaneously these words came out of a mughal governor's mouth,

"Where such a fighting spirit is instilled among women, no force of this world could ever succeed challenging that Tribe."

Source: Article from Panthic Weekly

Pictures: Sikhnet, Flickr, SikhiWiki, & more

2007-03-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Shabad is by Guru Raam Daas Ji in Raag Aasaa on Pannaa 369

ik oa(n)kaar sathigur prasaadh II
raag aasaa ghar 8 kae kaafee mehalaa 4 II
aaeiaa maran dhhuraahu houmai roeeai II
guramukh naam dhhiaae asathhir hoeeai II1II
gur poorae saabaas chalan jaaniaa II
laahaa naam s saar sabadh samaaniaa II1II rehaoo II
poorab likhae ddaeh s aaeae maaeiaa II
chalan aj k kalih dhhurahu furamaaeiaa II2II
birathhaa janam thinaa jinhee naam visaariaa II
jooai khaelan jag k eihu man haariaa II3II
jeevan maran sukh hoe jinhaa gur paaeiaa II
naanak sachae sach sach samaaeiaa II4II12II64II

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One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru:
Raag Aasaa, Eighth House, Kaafee, Fourth Mehla:
Death is ordained from the very beginning, and yet ego makes us cry.
Meditating on the Naam, as Gurmukh, one becomes stable and steady. II1II
Blessed is the Perfect Guru, through whom the way of Death is known.
The sublime people earn the profit of the Naam, the Name of the Lord; they are absorbed in the Word of the Shabad. II1II PauseII
The days of one's life are pre-ordained; they will come to their end, O mother.
One must depart, today or tomorrow, according to the Lord's Primal Order. II2II
Useless are the lives of those, who have forgotten the Naam.
They play the game of chance in this world, and lose their mind. II3II
Those who have found the Guru are at peace, in life and in death.
O Nanak, the true ones are truly absorbed into the True Lord. II4II12II64II

SikhiToTheMax

2007-03-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

“Mommy I want some Waheguru…”

The phrase above is exactly what a young child said to her mother at the Gurdwara. The mom’s face went completely blank. What did the child mean, she wanted some Waheguru? She told her to close her eyes and do Simran, and she will get some Waheguru. The child looked confused, but she did what her mother told her. After a few mintues, she says to her mother, “Mommy, no one came, no one brought me Waheguru.” The mother, once again distracted by her Daughter, says,

“Continue to close your eyes, and eventually Waheguru will come...”

This conversation happened a few times before the ardaas happened for the evening. At this point Degh was being given out by the Sevadars to the remaining Sangat left in the Gurdwara. The child quickly put up her two hands and got some Parshahd. Afters she had eaten it all up, she says to her mother, “Mommy, I got some Waheguru…”

The funny thing was, when the child was asking her mother for “Waheguru” she meant she wanted some Degh. Her mother asked her why she referred to the Degh as Waheguru, and the child responds,

“When the Baba Ji’s come around giving it to people, he always says Waheguru!”

(I thought this was such a cute story, had to share it with the Sangat)

Picture: Mrsikhnet.com

2007-03-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Khalsa Princess

I am a princess, I wear a Crown
Don't let my Kesh go tumbling down
Instead I keep them neatly wound
Inside, beneath, my Keski, bound

I am a princess, I let it show
I want everyone to know
I am daughter of a King, and so
I let 'each' one of my Kesh grow

I am a Princess, as royalty, I wear a Bana
With my breath do Simran, read Banee, learn Kathaa
My hands help with Langar, do shoe Seva
My hearts home is in my Fathers Castle, His Gurdwara

I am a Princess, I keep Panj Kakar
Precious gifts from Five Beloved Sevadar
Weapons to help me fight five enemies, win the 'world' war
I am a Warrior Princess, my name is KAUR

~By, Sukhmander Kaur

Source: DiscoverSikhi.com

2007-03-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Warrior Bibi Sharanagat Kaur
This week’s Sakhi is about a Great Sikh Woman –

Sharanagat Kaur Ji was born in a Hindu Family in the Pathan, located west of Punjab. The area was under the Sikh Raj, by General Hari Singh Nalwa (To Read more about General Hari Singh Nalwa – Click Here)

To completely understand how Sharanagat Kaur Ji became a courageous Daughter of Khalsa, we need to trace back to her wedding day. After a successful wedding ceremony, Bibi Ji and her groom, with the wedding party, travelled to their village. On the way to her in-laws home, Bibi Ji and her newly husband were attacked by dacoits. Crying for help, and fighting back with all their strength, the dacoits ordered all the people to surrender their cash and valuables. The helpless party had no choice; they were not carrying any weapons, and did not have the means to fight back. They gave up everything, all the valuables and cash that they were carrying on that special day were taken away from them by the dacoits. But that was not the worse part; the dacoits demanded that beautiful bride to come with them...

On her wedding day, Bibi Ji was kidnapped by dacoits, while others stood there and watched, with no strength at all to fight back.

Her husband was upset, and did not know what to do. Right after the incident, he went straight to General Nalwa, the governor of the Pathan province. Bibi Ji’s husband told the General exactly what had happened that awful day. The General listened closely, however he was distracted while sitting in his court. He was listening to what Bibi Ji’s husband was saying, but while he was listening he observed two individuals behaving suspiciously near the door. The General suspected the individuals to be friends of the dacoits. What happened next was surprising. After the husband finished his story, General ordered out loud, for the two individuals who he suspected were dacoits to hear, “Put this man in Prison. He did not care to protect a helpless woman, who was his own wife.” The Husband was shocked; the General did not know believe him.

It turned out that the two individuals that the General did suspect were associates of the dacoits. When they heard that the General order this man to be imprisoned they were quite pleased. They could not hide their excitement; for them they were pleased, they did not have to go search the hide-outs of the dacoits. They came into General court with glowing eyes and wide smiles on their faces. While in court, they assured the General of their complicity in looting the marriage party and carrying away the bride.

Once the two suspects left, the General secretly ordered ten Sikh horsemen to take Bibi Ji’s husband with them, and follow the two suspected individuals.

The General was accurate when he suspected the two individuals of the dacoits. Soon after the individuals received the orders from the General that Bibi Ji’s husband would be imprisoned for a false complaint they went straight to dacoit’s hide-out. The men reported that the General was angry with the cowardly behaviour of the groom; the associates of the dacoits assumed the whole ordeal would be forgotten. As they discussed more about the General reaction to the situation, they became happier. But the joyful atmosphere did not last for long. Soon, the ten Sikh soldiers that General ordered to follow the two suspected individuals surrounded the dacoits and ordered them to put their hands up. The dacoits were shocked, dumbfounded, and upset. The General tricked them into believing he did not care, and did not believe Bibi Ji’s husband

Bibi Ji (the beautiful bride) was rescued, and brought before the General. Once he got a glimpse of Bibi Ji, he asked her “What is your name?” She replied, “I am nobody. I would have been dead had you not saved my life. Now I am under your ‘sharan’ (protection)”. The word 'sharan' voluntarily coming out of the mouth of a helpless, scared woman gave her the popular name Sharanagat Kaur. The General was pleased with Bibi Ji’s response.

When the husband received notice that his bride was saved he came running to the General’s court. Once he reunited with his wife, the General returned everything, including the valuables and cash. The General with great gratitude asked that, the newly couple should go home. However, Bibi Ji, and her husband, begged the General to allow them to stay with him.

They begged to become part of the Khalsa Panth. Both expressed how they wanted to enjoy the honour of living as Sikhs, and dying as Sikhs. They were quite firm about becoming Guru Ji’s Sikhs, the Children of the Khalsa, and Warriors of the Khalsa Panth.

The General was excited, and agreed. He could not refuse two individuals who wanted to become Guru Ji’s Sikhs. Bibi Ji and Husband in the mean time, shaaked Amrit, and were allowed to stay with the General.

Just imagine, the day Bibi Ji and her husband were attacked. If they were part of the Panth, they would of the spiritual strength, and physical strength to fight back against the dacoits who robbed them, and kidnapped Bibi Ji.

While his visit to Jamrod Fort, Hari Singh Nalwa fell seriously ill. The area was surrounded with the Pathan population unfriendly towards him. Knowing that the General was sick and was not in any physical condition to engage in battle, they all rebelled against his rule.

To send the message that he was hale and hearty, the General, bravely, went up to the upper story of the fort from where he could be seen by all the people outside. Seeing him moving about on the fort, the rebels retreated quickly.

However, one of them aimed his gun at him and shot him. Unfortunately, the General was hit and died of the bullet wound.

The news of the Generals death was shocking. The situation in the fort became very tense, and everyone was depressed when realizing the General was dead, and there was no one else to replace his bravery, his dedication, and his intelligence.

Like a true Sikh woman, Bibi Ji, kept her composure. She did not allow herself to cry over a death of the General. She knew, the General was in the Darshan of Akal Purak, and no one should be upset.

She try to help those around her, Bibi Ji, thought for some time and said, “This is not the time to feel worried or scared. Let us face this critical moment, with courage and confidence. I have a plan to the save us from the rebels”. Her plan was thoughtful, and dangerous. A plan, that General surely would have been proud. Bibi Ji decided to leave the fort. To do this, she tied a rope on the back of the fort, and slid down to the ground. She disguised herself was a Pathan woman. Once she did this, she headed towards Peshawar, to inform the army there about the situation taking place in their village.

Her journey was difficult. Bibi Ji needed to be strong, and smart in order to fight against the obstacles she face while travelling to Peshawar. She had to travel through a hilly route that covered twenty miles, swarming with Pathan rebels. There were wild animals in the forest through which she had to walk at night, and she could easily become their prey. It was a very risky journey. It looked impossible for a woman to reach Peshawar alive under those conditions and give the sad news to the army and request their help.

The brave, daring, and young Sikh Woman did reach there by walking and running through dense forest the whole night.

Without losing any time, she asked the best horsemen to get ready quickly and ride their horses. The Sikh soldiers were under the guidance of Bibi Sharanagat Kaur, they traveled as fast as they could to reach Lahore. They covered their long arduous journey quickly and reported the episode to Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.

After hearing the death of a Great General who raised the honour of the Khalsa army to the skies, he felt very sad. Assessing the situation to be critical, he himself left for Peshawar. Knowing that the Maharaja had personally come to punish the rebels, the Pathans immediately surrendered without fighting and promised to remain friendly thereafter.

The Khalsa Raj of Punjab, founded with the statesmanship of a woman, Sardarni Sada Kaur (Click Here to Read More about Bibi Sada Kaur), was thus saved from being dismembered, by the bravery of another Sikh woman, Bibi Sharanagat Kaur. She was honoured by the Khalsa Panth with the title of "Brave Daughter of the Punjab."

Sikh women can successfully face all kinds of critical and risky situations like any good general and statesman. Like other brave Sikh Woman, Bibi Sharanagat Kaur Ji kept her composure during a difficult ordeal, the loss of the General created many Sikhs to be upset. However, Bibi Ji was determined not to give up the legacy of the General. The General worked his whole life, to maintain, a pure Sikhi life with guidance of the Guru Ji’s Bani, and Guru Ji’s Code of Conduct. Dhan Dhan Guru De Sikh!! No matter what type of situation they are in, they willing and ready to fight back with the strength they have gained by doing Naam Simran.

*Edited *

2007-03-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

aasaa mehalaa 5 II
baa(n)shhath naahee s baelaa aaee II
bin hukamai kio bujhai bujhaaee II1II
t(h)a(n)dtee thaathee mittee khaaee II
ouhu n baalaa boodtaa bhaaee II1II rehaao II
naanak dhaas saadhh saranaaee II
gur prasaadh bho paar paraaee II2II33II

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Aasaa, Fifth Mehla:
That time, which the mortal does not wish for, eventually comes.
Without the Lord's Command, how can understanding be understood? II1II
The body is consumed by water, fire and earth.
But the soul is neither young nor old, O Siblings of Destiny.II1IIPauseII
Servant Nanak has entered the Sanctuary of the Holy.
By Guru's Grace, he has shaken off the fear of death. II2II33II

Shabad By: Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Aasaa on Pannaa 378

2007-03-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Daughters of the Khalsa

In a world’s space of time
Many strong women have graced many history books
But none have equalled to the sacrifice of Great Sikh Women

Daughters of the Khalsa

We know this,
We have followed you,
Every action and every adoption
Your heart was in it all

Daughters of the Khalsa

All your sweat and tears were unconditional
With the teachings you have inspired; with your miraculous life
You are a true inspiration

Daughters of the Khalsa

By being the unique, caring and deep loving Sikh women
The Sikhs know, no other women will equal to the determination you each had…

Daughters of the Khalsa

Great Sikh Warriors
You Have come so Far
With your endless Strength
And Your Grace
Your Life had a Purpose for all…

2007-03-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Bond Between Mother and Child Lasts a Lifetime

Picture Source: Flickr - Simmal Tree

2007-03-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

...With my palms pressed together, I offer this prayer:
please bless me with Your Mercy, and save this sinking stone...

Maajh, Fifth Mehla:
Blessed are those words, by which the Naam is chanted.
Rare are those who know this, by Guru's Grace.
Blessed is that time when one sings and hears the Lord's Name.

Blessed and approved is the coming of such a one. II1II
Those eyes which behold the Blessed Vision of the Lord's Darshan are approved and accepted.

Those hands which write the Praises of the Lord are good.
Those feet which walk in the Lord's Way are beautiful.

I am a sacrifice to that Congregation in which the Lord is recognized. II2II
Listen, O my beloved friends and companions:
in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you shall be saved in an instant
Your sins will be cut out; your mind will be immaculate and pure.

Your comings and goings shall cease. II3II
With my palms pressed together, I offer this prayer:
please bless me with Your Mercy, and save this sinking stone.
God has become merciful to Nanak; God is pleasing to Nanak's mind. II4II22II29II

Shabad is by our Guru Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji

in Raag Maajh on Pannaa 103

Click Here for Source: Sikhi to the Max

Picture Source: Flickr-Simmal Tree

2007-03-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

The bond between Bibi Amro Ji and her Mata Ji, Mata Khivi Ji was a bond that existed in only between a child and mother who were determined to live a full Gursikh life. The bond was strong, supportive and special.

Bibi Ji was disciplined and educated in regards to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings. She was noble, confident, and spiritual. All of these attributes gave her the power to attract Guru Amar Das Ji into Sikhi. If it wasn’t for her, we would not be blessed with our third Guru, Guru Amar Das Ji. Hearing Bibi Amro Ji beautiful voice, Guru Amar Das Ji was curious as to what she was reciting. The sacred hymn touched his heart:

maaroo mehalaa 1 ghar 1II
Maaroo, First Mehl, First House:

karanee kaagadh man masavaanee buraa bhalaa dhue laekh peae
Actions are the paper, and the mind is the ink; good and bad are both recorded upon it.

jio jio kirath chalaaeae thio chaleeai tho gun naahee a(n)th harae II1II
As their past actions drive them, so are mortals driven. There is no end to Your Glorious Virtues, Lord. II1II

chith chaethas kee nehee baavariaa
Why do you not keep Him in your consciousness, you mad man?

har bisarath thaerae gun galiaa II1IIrehaaoII
Forgetting the Lord, your own virtues shall rot away. II1IIPauseII

jaalee rain jaal dhin hooaa jaethee gharree faahee thaethee
The night is a net, and the day is a net; there are as many traps as there are moments.

ras ras chog chugehi nith faasehi shhoottas moorrae kavan gunee II2II
With relish and delight, you continually bite at the bait; you are trapped, you fool - how will you ever escape? II2II

kaaeiaa aaran man vich lohaa pa(n)ch agan thith laag rehee

The body is a furnace, and the mind is the iron within it; the five fires are heating it.

koeilae paap parrae this oopar man jaliaa sa(n)nhee chi(n)th bhee II3II
Sin is the charcoal placed upon it, which burns the mind; the tongs are anxiety and worry. II3II

bhaeiaa manoor ka(n)chan fir hovai jae gur milai thinaehaa
What was turned to slag is again transformed into gold, if one meets with the Guru.

eaek naam a(n)mrith ouhu dhaevai tho naanak thrisattas dhaehaa II4II3II
He blesses the mortal with the Ambrosial Name of the One Lord, and then, O Nanak, the body is held steady. II4II3II

Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raag Maaroo on Pannaa 990

Guru Amar Das started to listen to them every day until he was enchanted by them. Bibi Amro told Guru Amar Das about the mission of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and promised to introduce him to her father Guru Angad Dev Ji.

It was she who first introduced him to the teachings of Sikhism. As his interest grew it was she who sent him to her father to learn more about these teachings.

Bibi Ji is an inspiration for all Sikhs. She was a strong woman, who contined to walk on the path of Guru Nanak Dev Ji even after she was married. Even though she faced obstacles, she still choose to walk in this path, the right path for her. Her parents equipped her mind with discipline that she was able to bring her teachings into her new family. This bond between her, and Chardi Kala, Gursikhs parents, lived in her heart, and as a result, blessed us with Guru Amar Das Ji...

Keep on reciting Guru Ji’s BANI

Keep on singing Guru Ji’s BANI

Keep on preaching Guru Ji’s BANI

Keep on understanding Guru Ji’s BANI

…You never know who might be listening…

Pictures: Sikhnet.com & Mr.Sikhnet.com