Singhs at Crossroads

WaeguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Dear Sangat Jee,

The sevadaars in the 'Tothemax' teams have decided to translate Punjabi articles and chapters that we have read. All these Articles are specially chosen for their Gurmat persuasion. We have through our research tried uncover Gems which can ONLY be found in books written in Punjabi. We hope Sangat Jee reads the translations and forgives any transgressions made in the translations.  

The first article is from the Book 'Sikh Sidanth' by Baba Iqbal Singh (Gurdwara Baroo Sahib). It is entitled 'The mental stages pertaining to the contemplation of Naam' and is in 2 parts. The next Part will be uploaded on Friday. As the Translations are Seva, we have no ownership and will allow others to use the Articles for GURMAT PARCHAR ONLY. Please pass on E-groups and Forums if you feel the articles will help others.

Bhul Chuk Marf Karna

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

The mental stages pertaining to the contemplation of Naam

Prem / Love

It is stated that the meaning of prem or love is a ‘beholding of the soul' experience; beyond ‘me' or moving away from egotism and cultivating closeness and rendering service to those on the spiritual path. Love is essentially used to express closeness or oneness with the Primal Being Waheguru. The seeker moves away from his I-am-ness or egotism and establishes a love filled relationship with gursikhs, with the pure ones, with the Guru-orientated ones and with evolved souls filled with soul-experience, so that in their company with instruction from them he can walk the spiritual path with faith filled love and motivation.

He sees the light of the Primal Being Waheguru in the rest of mankind and life-forms and serves them selflessly without seeking anything in return. Apart from this, whatever relationship man has with anyone, that is attachment. It doesn't matter whether it is with ones family namely mother-father, husband-wife, off springs, relations or with any otherworldly person because (this relationship) is based on worldly chores, desires or for some self-serving purpose. The attraction to whatever that is visible or the taste and relish in worldly comforts of materialism is indeed deep attachment.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj (the great king) has stated in very clear terms that love is one true-pure path towards establishing a union or oneness with the Primal Being Waheguru.

Sach kahon sun leho sabai jin prem kio tin hee prabh paio.
All should listen to this truth that only those who love God can realise Him. (9)

Guru Ji says, "I'm not telling a lie. It's the truth." These words from the holy mouth of the Guru should be ingrained in our hearts with conviction because there is no reason for Guru Maharaj Ji to say (or stress the fact) that he speaks the truth. He used these strong words to make fools like us understand.

Vairaag / Detachment

A feeling of indifference towards worldly things and comforts and experiencing a pull towards the Primal Being Waheguru brings about a state called Vairaag. This is that stage where a seeker gets an understanding that worldly things are only capable of providing physical comforts and they do not allow spiritual progress to take place because they are part of maya or materialism. For this reason the seeker detaches himself from these worldly ways. He continues to perform his worldly business as a spiritual responsibility while his mind is engrossed in the pull of union with the Primal Being Waheguru.

Bhagat Kabir Ji says that without vairaag, detachment from maya is not possible.

bin bairaag n shhoottas maaeiaa ||1||
Without renunciation, I cannot escape Maya. ||1||

man bairaag bhaeiaa dharasan dhaekhanai kaa chaao ||
My mind has become detached from the world; it longs to see the Vision of God's Darshan.

There are three types of Vairaag:

Spontaneous Vairaag -

In this type of vairaag, man, from a very young age experiences a very sharp pull towards union with the Primal Being Waheguru because he has the earnings (spiritual deposits) of the cultivation of Naam Simran from his previous life forms. The Gurus too as did other sants-devotees like Sant Attar Singh and many other highly evolved souls, experienced this sharp pull towards union with the Primal Being Waheguru at a very young age.

Sangtee (congregational) Vairaag -

In this category man experiences vairaag from the company of the Primal Being Waheguru's beloveds and begins to make an effort to tread the spiritual path. Baba Budhaa Ji, Bhai Bhageerth Ji, Bhai Mansukh Ji and Dunee Chandh etc experienced vairaag when they beheld the sight of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, cultivated his instruction and became Gursikh beholders of their soul.

Bhai (Sant) Teja Singh Ji (Ma, LLb) in his writings says, "Under the influence to western education I became an apostate but when I attained the company of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, I experienced the sharp viraag, a yearning for union with the Primal Being Waheguru." Cultivating the teachings of Gurmat he contemplated upon Naam -Banee and became a beholder of the soul.

Causative Vairaag -

For this vairaag to arise there must be some kind of cause or process in which the mind experiences a knock, - for example death of relations, facing deceit in world of business or love etc. Raja Bhartharee renounced his kingdom and became a very renowned divine.

Bhai Lachman Dhaas Rajpoot hunted down a female deer and when he cut open its stomach he witnessed with his very eyes two unborn baby deers who tossed, turned and wriggled in pain as they died. This (pain) caused him to leave his home- family and become a vairaagee (a renunciate). Being in the company of one sadhu earned him the name Madho Dhas Vairagee. But when he met Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he took amrit and from Madho Dhass Vairagee he became Baba Gurbaksh Singh or Baba Bandhaa Singh Bahadhar.

To be continued…..

I looked at her. She was so beautiful. Breathtakingly beautiful. Nay, she was beauty itself. She was wearing a bluish garment sparkling with light. Her face radiated peace and composure I had yet to experience on Earth.

She was standing besides a river. The sun was rising and the river reflected the dawn's beauty in all it's glory. The whole scene raptured me and filled me with awe.

She had a big bag which seemed to be half filled with stones. It was only when she pulled out one of the stones that I realized it was no ordinary
 stone. No, it was a beautiful gem. I had never seen such a beautiful gem, surpassing the brilliance and the elegance of any gem on Earth.

Then she did a rather peculiar thing. She threw the gem into the river. Before I could say anything she did the same thing again. And again. And
again.

It was beyond me how such beautiful gems could be so easily discarded by her. Couldn't she see how precious, how valuable these gems
were?

Once in a while, she would put a gem into her pocket. But then she would go right back to dropping those beautiful gems, one after another, into the river.

Finally I broke out of my spell and said, "Who are you?".

She looked at me and her eyes sparkling with life and mirth, said, "I am you".

It completely shocked me to think that I could be that beautiful. "But", I stumbled, "I am ugly and dirty, you are pure…?"

I could feel her laughter inside. "I am your soul."

Like a flash of lightening, I completely understood her. I saw her and me as one. My dirt and ugliness were the false and fleeting me.

She was the true me. Like a jewel wrapped in rags,

I had hidden her from the world. Nay, I had hidden her from me.

There was complete understanding.

I didn't have to ask her about her curious behaviour of throwing gems. The gems were the priceless suaas (breaths) given to me. The ones I had spent on SIMRAN, she had put in her pocket and had became part of her treasure. The rest were uselessly thrown away.

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Sangat Jee,

The Photo's from last night's Keertan are now online.

Check them out at - Gallery -> Sri Guru Singh Sabha Album -> Monthly Youth Keertan Darbar -> August Album.

Audio will be put up through the week. It's worth waiting for!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Sangat Jee,

Everyone is aware that this weekend is a Bank Holiday Weekend.

So we decided to have a Keertan program at Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Tomorrow from 7pm - 12pm.

Next weeks Monthly Youth Keertan Darbar is also confirmed. So try and get as much Lahaa from both programs.

Sorry for the short notice, please try and attend.

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Dear sangat Jee!

Recently we were advised by the cyber sangat, that the software developed to help the western youth understand gurbani - Sikhitothemax, is being used in our homeland of Punjab. Please see the below link :

http://in.news.yahoo.com/060821/211/66u25.html

We are truly grateful to Guru Jee for his immense Blessings. Whatever is used to promote Sikhi and the understanding of Gurbani should be used as much as possible. We are at a crossroads in the Parchar of Sikhi and only innovative and new ways of Parchar will help the new generations of Sikhs.

We pray to Guru Jee to keep blessing us Moorakhs and those who will in the future take the software to a new level.

We pray that Sangat Jee continues to support us, as without the Support and Pyaar from Sangat Jee we would never be able to do this seva.

Bhul Chuk Marf Karna!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKaaFateh!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Whilst looking at the stats for this site we realised that we have visitors from all over the world. So we though it would be interesting to post some information on our Sikh Sporting hero's in the UK.

The first post is to do with Bhai Fauja Singh, who at the age of 95 runs marathons. He is quite well known in the UK and the Athletics scene basically because of his appearance as a Sikh and his sponsors which is the huge Sports company ADIDAS, who did quite a large advertising campaign about Bhai Fauja Singh. It was amazing to see Bhai Sahib sitting crossed legged talking about meditation and eating Ginger curry on a massive bill board.

Bhai Sahib also visited the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Cross Road, Coventry, last year due to run in aid of charity organised by the Gurdwara's in Coventry. Below you can see Bhai Sahib in front of the Gurdwrara. we hope you enjoy the articles we have mish-mashed together, we hope he becomes a inspiration for future athletes and young Sikhs to keep their appearance as even he has become accepted all over the world and runs marathons when invited.

Now, Fauja Singh is something of a phenomenon. His charity work is well documented - all the money he is to receive from the lucrative Adidas advertising campaign will be given to charity - and he ran the London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation and Bliss, a premature baby charity. "I think that it is a good thing for the oldest runner in the race to run for the youngest people in our world," he said.

There's no secret to his success, he says. He practises, eats a basic vegetarian Punjab diet, doesn't drink or smoke and avoids experimenting with food in case something new upsets his system. "With the grace of God I am still running, and because of my faith I run to help the vulnerable," he says humbly.

He is 180 per cent fitter than an average man of his age, with a bone density in his left leg of a 50-year-old and a "20-year-old's right leg". He walks or runs 7 to 10 miles every day and has a training session with his coach once a week, although, he confesses, "When I am tired I do use my bus pass."

His trainer, Harmander Singh, says: "He loves being a star. He values being recognised and sees it as raising the profile of Sikhs."

Fauja Singh hopes to return in 2009 to break the record for the oldest marathon runner - held by a 98-year-old Greek athlete - but his fundraising will continue. "Any spare money I have I give to charity," he says, "after all, you can't take it with you."

Life begins at 90  

It's just six years until the Queen's telegram lands on your mat congratulating you on your 100th birthday.

You're taking it easy, right? Slippers on, trips to the coast with a blanket on your lap and a short shuffle to the newsagent's for your Werther's Originals the closest you get to exercise.

Not if you're Fauja Singh - who can regularly be spotted flying down the streets of Essex in his spikes.

At 94, he's run seven marathons (five in London), countless half-marathons and was recently part of the world's oldest marathon team in Edinburgh.

Fauja's jogging skills were developed on an Indian farm in Punjab, and then at the magical age of 81, when he moved to the UK, his love for the sport became more "serious".

Next up? He set his sights on being a record breaker.

And Asafa Powell might have to watch his back. The Jamaican may have the new 100m record, but Fauja's now grabbed a whole load of new ones.

London's Mile End Park Stadium played host to the great man attempting to set world bests for men over 90.

The event was all in aid of charity and promoting the London 2012 Olympic bid.

And Fauja came up with five new records in 94 incredible minutes.

So any secrets to fitness? Fauja's training regime includes a daily eight-mile walk and run, no smoking or drinking, plenty of smiling and lashings of ginger curry.

The pounding pensioner is already a superstar. Last year Adidas signed up Fauja alongside David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson as part of its 'Impossible is nothing' campaign.

And next on the list?

More marathons - and coach Harminder Singh is trying to set up a showdown between Fauja and Japan's Kozo Haraguchi - the new 100m world record holder for the 95-99 age group.

Expect some serious fireworks on the starting line.

So, having only run seriously for the last 13 years, when does Fauja think he'll trade in his spikes for a zimmer frame?

"When I die!" he laughs.

So at least another 50 years, then.

Here is a example of Bhai Sahib's pyaar for Sikhi, the question is would you do the same? 

London, England — Rob Marris MP tabled the following Early Day Motion (EDM) in the UK Parliament after marathon runner, Fauja Singh, was refused entry on the London Eye, the large observation wheel that overlooks the city.

EDM 1327 - That this House is concerned to note that the renowned nonagenarian runner, Mr. Fauja Singh, who completed this year's London Marathon, was refused entry to a consequent ceremony at the British Airways London Eye when he understandably refused to remove his kirpan, the ceremonial knife carried by all practising Sikhs, because the operators of the London Eye regard a kirpan as a weapon, and thus a security hazard, despite the fact that the Offensive Weapons Act 1996, the Crime Act 1951 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988, all exempt, albeit on public rather than private property, items which have religious significance; and urges those operators to work with the Sikh community to draw up suitable guidelines, similar to those long since adopted in Wolverhampton schools, allowing kirpans to be carried by Sikhs when travelling on the London Eye.

Osama jeers didn't stop Sikh marathon man, 92

A 92-year-old Sikh man who ran the New York City Marathon wearing his turban endured taunts of "Hey, Osama Bin Laden" and "Look at Saddam" along the 26-mile route.
Fauja Singh had decided to run to educate the public about Sikhism, a religion founded in Punjab, India, in the 1500s. He found he still has a long road ahead.

"Sikhs are not a part of any other religion. It is its own religion," said Singh, who took 7-1/2 hours to run through the five boroughs on Nov. 12. "I wasn't hurt by it," he said. "Those comments had nothing to do with the race."

Singh, a British citizen who lives in London, said that for all the offensive comments there were plenty of cheers and a continuous roar of clapping that kept him focused on the asphalt.

When the people were looking [cheering] at me, I was getting all of their energies," said the nonagenarian, speaking in Punjabi through an interpreter.

Yesterday, Singh was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition Organization, a group that advocates ethnic pride and tolerance.

William Fugazy, the chairman of the coalition, said Singh is a symbol of racial tolerance, and his run helps bridge the gap created by the Sept.11 terrorist attacks.

"He is the greatest inspiration," said Fugazy, adding that Singh is the first non-American to receive the honor.

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!!

Sangat Jee,

More details on the return of the Friday Gurmat Class.

The class is going to start approx around 7.30 and finish at 9. It will take place upstairs in the Hall Number 5. Q&A session and discussions are also included. Please make sure you attend on time.

See you there!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa!!

From the below post you will get a more indepth study of why Bhai Sahib started Khalsa Farm and a glimpse of what sort of Sangat the Singh/Singhnees used to have. Please take some time to read the below.

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. 

Once Bhai Sahib, Bibi Jee and I were coming to the farm.  The river was overflowing that day.   As we were crossing there were a number of soldiers there too.  One of them was ranked as Major and he lit up a cigarette.  It appeared that he did this intentionally because he saw Bhai Sahib wearing the full Bana (Khalsa uniform).  Bhai Sahib asked him very politely to put out the cigarette because it would be courteous since it was a public place.  He just ignored the request and began inhaling longer breaths while smoking.   He asked again humbly but again he took no notice.  This time Bhai Sahib placed his hand on his Khanda (double edged sword) and shouted at him.  Me and Bibi Jee both got worried, we feared what would take place now.   He told him that he was trying to make a mockery of his request.  He said that if you are the man that you believe you are, you will not put out that cigarette now because I am going to cut you into two pieces.  He quickly threw the cigarette into the water and asked for forgiveness. 

This was an act of righteousness that was driven by the Naam that resounded in Bhai Sahib’s very being.  But his personality was a fine balance between the great Khalsa Soldier and the humble Khalsa Saint.  Where he upheld righteousness he also helped the needy.  This he recognised as his duty and he also recognised the Sikhs in higher regards than his own life.  He was forever ready to give his life for them.  It was unfortunate that many at that time recognised him as a troublemaker who was always caught up in some sort of strife.  Why doesn’t he just carry on repeating God’s name without getting entangled in these issues.  But Bhai Sahib’s only concern was the level of deterioration occurring in the Panth and the disrespect given the the Guru. 

Je Jeevay Path Luthee Jaa-ay Sabh Huraam..

These great words of the Guru were enshrined in his heart.

While the world is attached to their wealth, homes, cars and possessions.  Looking for ways to amass more wealth.  Bhai Sahib had no regard for these things.  He was searching for ways to bring Chardhee Kalaa and progression to the Panth. 

In 1976 this mission took further steps forward.  10 day camps were organised around Amritsar, which were attended by many Singhs.  The days would begin with the service of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee.  Many areas were in a sorry state and were filthy.  First they were taught to serve Guru Maharaj with respect, then Asa Dee Vaar would be sung.  Then there would be a session on Gurmat Vichaar.  In the evenings there would be Rehraas followed by a Keertan Deevaan, after which Bhai Sahib would lecture on Gurmat.  After hearing these lectures, the lives of many took a turn and they prepared themselves to take Amrit.  The youth were especially influenced by his words.  It was a great phenomenon to witness.  Even while travelling the Singhs and Singhnees would perform Kirtan on trailers which had a wondrous effect on the surrounding villagers.  Many would just join in and create a large procession.  Singhs like Master Niranjan Singh Jee (Gurdaspur), Hazara Singh Jee Retd. DSP (Gurdaspur), Gurmukh Singh Jee (Patiala), Baldev Singh Jee (Amritsar) all took part in this.  They all helped in the Keertan and Vichaar seva.  All who attended this "Chaldhaa Vaheer Smaagam" lost any desire to return home. 

As the Singhs were travelling to the Gallee Village, they were obstructed by a CID team.  The police had been sent by Niranjan ‘Singh’ Nirankaree to intentionally cause a disturbance.  The police took Bhai Sahib in for questioning at a nearby Doctor’s building.  They asked who had given them permission to go from village to village doing missionary work.  Bhai Sahib responded by telling them that no permission needs to be sought for the work of the Sikh mission.  The police were dumbstruck by his quick and sharp responses and the vigour and love he showed for his faith.  The police asked for forgiveness for obstructing and went on their way. 

On one occasion at Khalsa Farm, some of the Singhs warned Bhai Sahib that the nearby river was overflowing and could cause problems.  They suggested that two or three huts be constructed with deep foundations.  Bhai Sahib responded saying that the construction of  deep and unshakable foundations of the Panth was of greater importance and that this was his sole concern.   When Singhs would come to stay, he would remind them to ignore the sleeping conditions and lack of delicacies.  This was a training centre that would prepare them both physically and mentally.  Even though the conditions and food were simple, I myself will never forgot the bliss of living such as simple, spiritual life.  Many came for a week at a time but ended up staying for months instead. 

As the camps of the Chaldhaa Vaheer came to a close the ultimate programme was a Rehnsbhai at about a kilometer on the other side from the river.   On one side of the river, the Singhs from the farm approached.  On the other side, the villagers stood in anticipation and greeted them.  The whole episode brought tears to the eyes.  The whole Jatha went to the village singing Keertan.  Many Singhs attended from Amritsar and Gurdaspur.  There was an Amrit Sanchar ceremony where many adopted the Khalsa lifestyle.  The villagers stood amazed and fascinated by what they regarded as a miracle.   This man was transforming even the lowest of the low; drunks and addicts.  Those villages which were once polluted by arguments and profanity were now decorated with women in Dastaars and orange Keskees.  The foul language was now replaced with resounding Naam Simran and the worldly hell had become heavenly.  The women expressed their regret to Bhai Fauja Singh . If he had come earlier they could have witnessed this peace and tranquillity and not wasted those years.   

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Sangat Jee,

Monthly Youth Keertan Darbar has been postponed for this month. If there is any Youth Keertan at the Gurdwara this month we will put a message up on this board. This is due to August being a very busy month for programmes. This Saturday there is a Ekta Rehnsbhai in Birmingham and the following week Khalsa Camp is starting on the Sunday. We hope the Sangat gets as much Lahaa as they can from both of these events.

FRIDAY GURMAT class is BACK!! This means there is NO Saturday GURMAT classes anymore.

We will give the times for the class later in the week, but provisionally it will be from 7pm - 8.30/9pm at Gurdwara Sahib in the Normal room where is was before.

The format will be as before and there will be a Q/A session every class, with a number of Gursikhs participating in the classes.

For those who used to come before, please tell your Friends and family and hopefully we will have the same great attendances we used to have before, the classes as usual will be in English.

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!

Sangat Jee,

Audio from a memorable night of Keertan at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Coventry is now ONLINE.

Please goto the MP3 Page -> Keertan -> Gurdwara Keertan.

You might have experienced some problems downloading Keertan from the BSC program today. This has been rectified.

We apologise for taking so long in Uploading the Keertan, please enjoy.

WaheguruJeeKaaKhalsa WaheguruJeeKeeFateh!!