Here's to 2012

2011 has taught me that hard work reaps rewards. It's taught me that I'll get back what I put into my relationships, my spirituality and my work. It's taught me to appreciate and savour those precious little things and moments that make life so beautiful. It's taught me not to focus on broken friendships, but to focus on those wonderful people who Maharaaj has blessed my life with, who continue to help, inspire and support me, even in the smallest of ways.

I've realised that there are too many people in the world for us to be able to please and get along with everyone, so we shouldn’t be so attached to the idea of being liked by everyone we meet. But we should understand that every person who has stepped into our lives has taught us something, and has changed our lives, even in the tiniest of ways. The world and people in it are full of hypocrisies and faults, but rather than dwelling on them, we should learn from them and move forward. I’ve learned that it’s important to accept that you can’t always change someone for the better, but you can continue to help them, and that despite everything, the love you show them never goes unappreciated.

2011 has thrown some hard times at me, but it's shown me how to smile through losses, failures and hard times. 2011 opened my eyes to how little we really are aware of, and how little we know. There is so much that is beyond our understanding, but we should accept that it all happens for a reason and we should make the most out of it. . I've been shown the beauty of open mindedness, simplicity and contentment. It's shown me that peace and happiness is internal, and that if I want to attain it, I need to keep my mind clear of negative thoughts and full of love.

This year has pulled me a step closer to realising how blessed we are to have what we have, and how beautiful our Sikhi and our Guru really is. If we accept the mindset and the lifestyle, we can reap the benefits of it. This year has taught me that our only true relationship is with Maharaaj, and that if I want to love my Guru, I have to learn to love myself first. Life is not something that should be taken for granted. Each and every second we spend on this Earth is a blessing. I ask for Maharaaj to bless us all to use wisely and to learn from the year ahead. Roll on 2012!  ♥

Raagmala Audio - Sikhi Camp 2011

This is the audio to Raagmala Bani at the bhog of the sehaj paath at Boss Sikhi Camp 2011. It was a beautiful atmosphere.... the whole sangat joined in and recited Raagmala. Enjoy! :)

A Message to Sikh Youth

Today we are more lost than ever from the teachings of our Guru, we are forgetting Guru Gobind Singh’s words; Rehit Binaa Neh Sikh Kehavai, Rehit Binaa Dar Chotaa Khhaavai This means that: Without the Rehat (the code of conduct) he should not be called a Sikh. Without the Rehat, the doors are closed in his face. Guru has told us than when we follow his words, he will bless us, but when we slacken in our faith and discipline Guru Ji does not shower us with his blessings.

We forget Guru Ji’s own words “Rehat is more important to me than a Sikh”. Why is this? Guru Ji has 25 million Sikhs worldwide. He does not need any more. What Guru Ji loves is the Singh or Singhnee who follows Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s words; “If you desire to play this game of love with me, then step onto My Path with your head in your hand. When you place your feet on this Path, give me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion.” One who is steadfast in his faith in the Guru and all of the Gurus teachings is a Gursikh, not one who decides which parts of Sikhi he or she wants to follow, deciding which parts of the divinely inspired Sikhi are appropriate and which parts aren’t.

If the human wishes to be liberated in this lifetime then the path he or she follows is full of pitfalls. In Gurbani the path is described as “as sharp as the edge of a sword and as thin as a hair”. Since Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s times it was made compulsory that all Sikh had to keep Kesh (hair); Guru Nanak himself administered baptism or Amrit to all his followers in what was known as “Charan Pahul”. This is shown in all old historical documents and Bhai Gurdas’s Varan, which is considered Gurbani. So Amrit and the compulsory nature of Kesh did not start with the 10th Guru. Power was given to the Panj Pyare so they could administer Amrit since Guru Gobind Singh was to be the last living Guru.

If one intends to gain salvation from this world living life as millions of others do, in what many term as “living a good life,” is not enough. Liberation is open only to a select few who have truly realized Waheguru and followed Akal Purakh’s every command. In Gurbani it says “As a stone placed in a boat can cross over the river, so is the mortal saved, grasping hold of the Guru's Feet.” Our body is the stone and will sink in the water. Only with the Guru’s help, by submitting our full mind and body to Him, can we cross this world ocean and gain liberation.

Guru says “What useless activities are you attached to? Your life-night is coming to its end. The animals and the birds frolic and play-they do not see death. Mankind is also with them, trapped in the net of Maya (worldly illusion)...that dwelling (one’s own body) which you will have to abandon and vacate-you are attached to it in your mind… Those who fall at the Feet of the Guru are released from this bondage.” If one wastes day after day in shallow worldly pursuits, their precious chance of liberation will be over.

To begin to follow the true Gursikh path is much more fruitful than any worldly pursuits. Drinking, clubbing and other such activities provide only short term, shallow enjoyment and destruction to the inner body. Once a high spiritual level is obtained (such levels can be found by all, easily with some effort) the seeker is in a permanent state of bliss, beyond any possible words. For any reader who does not believe this, they are suggested to consult a Gursikh for details and be advised to follow full Rehat (Khalsa code of conduct) for 3 months. In these three months if all of Guru Ji’s Rehat and advice is adhered to with full effort and more importantly love from the seeker, with Guru’s grace the disciple will no longer be attracted to the empty worldly attractions and instead try to feel again the Anand (ecstasy) that is derived from the spiritual practices a Gursikh follows. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji says, “To explain this is as hard as steel”; such feelings cannot be explained but only experienced. Until this point we are wasting our days away making no spiritual progress to be reunited with Waheguru.

Whilst it is easy to say “I will take Amrit later” or “only the very religious take Amrit, it is not necessary”, or “I go to the Gurdwara once a week and pray, what more is needed”, until one has experience life the way our infinitely wise Guru have told us to live, how can we comment? The Gurus were not stupid. They were not mere men; every word they said came through them from God; Guru Ji tells us “Dhurr Kee Bani Aaee” – what they spoke came from God. For a change in lifestyle for only a few months of our lives, our entire path on this world may very possibly be changed. For those who have attempted to practice Khalsa Rehat, done Paath and Amritvela consistently with Pyaar for even a short period of time, they have seen for themselves the hidden gem in Sikhism which today’s modern youth have forgotten, rejecting the nectar instead for the mud and dirt.

To begin walking on the Sikh path can start with making small amounts of Paath part of one’s daily lifestyle, and over time the Rehat can be integrated into one’s life to accelerate spiritual progress. More Paath will make Rehat easier, and a stronger Rehat makes more Paath easier. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji tells us “O servant Nanak, among millions, there is scarcely anyone who attains the Lord’s meditation.” To be gifted with the good karma from past lifetimes to realize the Truth, or even to attempt to practice the Truth, is truly a gift that many of us squander away. The path of Gursikhi is difficult in the beginning, but if we take one step towards the Guru the Guru will in turn come one hundred steps closer to us. To harbor false delusions of what Sikhi is and how release from this world is obtained, will not help one in the end, as Gurbani clearly tells us, the majority of us are consigned back to the wheel of reincarnation, and only those truly devoted to God reach a resting place.

It is often commented on that outside Punjabi culture, Sikhism is thriving whilst within Punjabi culture Sikhism is dying out; this is true in a way, as there are hundreds and thousands of white Sikhs in America and many thousands in the UK according to surveys. However it is also true that many Monna (cut haired) Punjabis are tasting the blissful flavor of the Naam, growing their hair, following the Guru’s Path and becoming much better Sikhs than many of those who have kept their hair from birth. As Guru Gobind Singh said, “Without arms (weapon – kirpan) and kesh (hair) do not even bother to come into my presence.” How many of us are fit to even stand before our Guru, never mind learn from Him?

In the late 80’s after Bhai Anokh Singh had his eyes gouged out, abdomen slit, groin electrocuted, metal poles dug into chest and legs, whilst uttering WAHEGURU instead of screaming in pain, Bhai Sahib’s last words were “Satguru, may the Sikhi and Kesh you have given me last with me till my final breaths” before his tongue was cut out with a metal saw, still finishing his Ardas at this time before being shot.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself begged in humility in front of the Panj Pyare for Amrit. Once they were created, he considered himself inferior to them when the full Panj were assembled. It is the most important thing to take the Guru’s Amrit; Amrit is not the end but the beginning of a beautiful spiritual journey. Without Amrit, the Gurmantar “Waheguru” is not bestowed on the seeker in his heart and one is defined as a “Nirgurey” or one without the Guru. In Guru Granth Sahib it says “For him who is without the Guru, there is no liberation.” Do not forget that Guru Gobind Singh’s 47th Hukam from Nanded was; “Live and die a Kesadhari Sikh”.

Do not dishonor the Gurus’ sacrifices by squandering the opportunity you have been given. They have died for your freedom to practice religion which we all are guilty of squandering.

Taken from:  http://www.vidhia.com/Informational/A_Message_to_Sikh_Youth.pdf

Bhai Bachittar Singh Ji

Bhai Bachittar Singh (6 May 1664–8 December 1705), the second son of Bhai Mani Ram, a Parmar Rajput and devotee of the Gurus, was a Minhas Sikh Rajput hero, a warrior under Guru Gobind Singh. His native village was Padhiana. He is best remembered today as the soldier who drove a spear (Nagni Barchha) into the head of an intoxicated elephant at the Battle of Anandpur.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and a small number of Sikhs were defending their position in Lohgarh fort of Anandpur Sahib, which was under attack by numerically far suprior forces under the rule of the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb and the Hindu rulers of the Hill States. Despite superior numbers, the besiedging forces were unable to penetrate the heavily-defended fort. They brought forth an armoured, druken elephant to batter in the gates. Bhai Bachittar Singh was tasked with stopping the elephant, armed with a nagni barcha, a type of spear with a twisted  head. Singh Sahib rode out of the fort on horseback and attacked the elephant, thrusting his spear into the animal's forehead and cutting the its trunk with his sword. The wounded elephant retreated, disrupting the attackers' ranks.

Bachittar Singh also took part in actions at Nirmohgarh and Basali and was wounded after taking part in the fifth and last battle of Anandpur. The city was evacuated, and Bhai Sahib safely crossed the Sirsa River. However, he was wounded in a skirmish near Malikpur Ranghran.

Hearing that Nihang Khan was sheltering some Sikhs, the Mughal troops searched his house while the mortally wounded Bachittar Singh lay in a small room attended by Nihang Khan's daughter. Living up to his name, Nihang Khan maintained his cool and succeeded in keeping the search party from entering the room by telling them that his daughter was nursing her very sick husband. Thus the danger was averted, but the life of Bachchittar Singh could not be saved. He succumbed to his injuries and breathed his last on 8 December 1705. Nihang Khan had the cremation performed secretly the following night.

Raag Kirtan, Raag Kirtaniya, and links

This is a list of my favourite Raag Kirtaniya and a few links where you can download Raag Kirtan. Enjoy!

Raagis I would recommend:

Bhai Balbir Singh Ji

Bhai Avtar Singh Ji

Bibi Ashupreet Kaur Ji

Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shaant

Bhai Amrik Singh and Dharam Singh Zakhmi

Bhai Dilbagh Singh and Gulbagh Singh

Giani Gian Singh Almast

Bhai Gurdial Singh Rasia

Almost any Naamdharis... especially Gurmeet Singh & Baljit Singh

Check out the nanaksar kirtaniya... especially  Bhai Amarjit singh ji nanaksar

All kirtan done in harmandir sahib is in raag

http://www.sikhsangeet.com/genre5-0-Shabad-Kirtan.html ... click on the ragis such as Bibi Ashupreet Kaur, Bhai Balbir Singh Ji, Bhai Avtar Singh Ji etc. Amrik Singh Zakhmi and Gurmeet Singh Shaant are amazing too, but they don’t always play in the raag that the shabad is written in.

http://www.keertan.org/multimedia.htm

http://www.sikhroots.com/zina/Keertani%20-%20International ... again, click on the names of the well known raagis... especially balbir singh and avtar singh. if you need help then just ask anyone who knows their kirtaniya :P

http://www.gurmatsangeetdarbar.com/ ... Gurmat sangeet, and in the Ragis section, click on the names of the raag kirtaniya

 

http://www.keertan.net/ ...  again, go on kirtanis, and click on the ragis

http://www.gurmatchanan.com/zina/Gurmat%20Keertan%20-%20Classical%20Raag ... this is one of my favourites :)

Shastar Naam Mala - Garland of Weapons

Shastar Naam Mala is a composition written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In it Guru Sahib Ji envokes the Almighty by describing Him through names of weapons.

Much of the composition is in 'Braham gian' and says that everything is as it is, according to the Almighty. "You are the one who causes conflict and yet You are the one on hand to resolve the whole situation." Again Guru ji says, "You O'Lord are Sri Raam Ji, You are Bhagwan Krishan Ji, You are the incarnations of Vishnu, You are Bawan, You are Buddha." A hard concept to understand for many questions arise. The way to resolve this is to emerse yourself in the bani of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and only then can the true meanings be understood.

In the wrong hands weapons can be a source of tyranny and oppression, but here Guru Ji is using the names of weapons as a source of inspiration, liberation and self pride. For too long the people of India had lain prostrate as wave after wave of conquorers from the north-west came and looted their homes and families. Here, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is giving these people their self worth, their pride. Guru Ji asks the Almighty to protect him and to destroy his enemies and oppressors of the poor and needy.

Literally translating to 'string of weapons', this is a comprehensive list of weapons used in battle and covers many verses. Many names of weapons are given in addition to references of great warriors (historical and mythological) who wielded them. Many weapons that were in their infancy at the time of the Guru, such as cannons and rifles, are also mentioned.

Guru Ji uses weapons through which to worship the Almighty. – You are the death, you are the destroyer of death, You are the Tegh and the Arrow. Your ultimate goal is victory and today, You are the ultimate warrior.

A description of some of the weapons used in the prayer. Only the introduction portion of Shastar Naam Mala has been reporduced below. The chapters after this deal with specific weapons -Chakar, Talwar, Barsha, Arrow and Gun among others.

Sarohi - Special sword made in Sarohi, Rajasthan
Saif - Straight sword
Asi - Curved sword
Turwar - Sword
Satrantak - Sword - destroyer of the enemy
Kavchantak - Armour severing sword
Jamdaadh - Two blade dagger, looks like demon tooth.
Tega - Broad & straight sword
Khanda - Double-edged blade
Kharag - Sword
Tabar - Battle-axe
Sehthi - Spear
karad - Small sword, usually used as symbol and kept in hairs
Tulvar - Sword
karwaar - Shamsheer=sword
Katar - Which destroys the demons, jungi name of shri sahib
Bichhua - Crooked dagger
Baank - Kind of sword
tufang - Matchlock musket
Bugda - A bent cutlass or dagger
Bisikh - Arrow without feathers
Khagarbhan - Arrow, which moves in the sky
Kaiber - Special arrow
Khatang - A rare type of wooden arrow
Tatarcho - An unusual arrow
Sasbaan - Special arrow with a half moon end
Patis - Double-edged sword
Sakkar - Special arrow
Jamdhar - A dagger like a tooth
Jamdhara - A double faced blade
Jodhantak - Sword and arrow that destroys warriors
Shasterser - King of arms
Samrantak - Sword, which ends battle
Sipra - Arrow, which breaks a shield
Sattar - Sword type
Sarangaar - Sword, which cuts bow
Tupak - Gun

Shastar Naam Mala - Garland of weapons

The one (and only) Savious - Unique Lord - victory to thee.
Invocation to Sri Bhagauti (the eternal and infinate supreme power of God) for assistance.
The narration (bani) of the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Couplet.
Spear, Sarohi (special sword made in Sarohi, Rajasthan) , Saif(stright sword), Asi (curved sword), arrow, gun and Turwar (sword), Satratak (sword -destroyer of the enemy) , kavchantak (armour piercing sword) (all these weapons kindly) protect me.
Asi, Saif, trident and Jamdaadh(dagger with two blades). Kavchantak Satrantak (lrage sword), tegh (broad sword) , arrow and sword that cuts the torso.
Asi, kirpan(sword), khanda (double edged sword), kharag (sword), gun, tabar(battle axe) and arrow. Saif, sarohi, sethi (spear) are our Guru (guide)
You are the arrow, spear, battle-axe and sword. Whosoever contemplates on your name crosses the ocean of life and death.
You are death and you are the destroyer of death, Kali , and you are the sword and the arrow. You are the emblem of victory and the bravest of warriors in the universe.
You are the trident, spear and battle-axe, the quiver and the arrow. You are also the dagger, lance, karad (small knife) and the sword.
You are the armament, sheild, armour and the quiver. The sword is your image and you are universally present.
You are the supreme and doer of everything and you are the essence of knowledge. You represent all and confer liberation upon them.
You are the day and you are the night and you are the granter of life. To perform miracles you incite them to quarrel amoungst themselves.
Ari, khanda, kharag, saif, tegh and talwar. Alwars protect us O armour breaking sword and karwar.
You are the katar, bichhua and the arrow. (Please) let me prostrate at your feet, and protect me as your (humble) servant.
You are the baank, mace, dagger, battle-axe and the sword. You are the dagger and spear - kindly protect me.
You are the mace, club, arrow and the tufung (matchlock musket) . think of me as your slave and protect me O omniscient (power)
All these names - knife, sharpened small knife, karad( small dagger) , dagger, bugda (a curved cutlass). Please help me from all the worldly illusions.
You initially created this universe and then created the (different) sects. You create conflict amongst them and then help them resolve it.
You are the incarnation of the fish, tortoise, boar and Waman the dwarf. Narasingh and Buddha incarnations were also yours and you are the sustainer of the universe.
You are (Lord) Raam. Siri Krishan and your are the incarnations of (Lord) Vishnu. You are the subjects and you are also the Emperor of this universe.
Your are the Brahmin and your are the Kashattria , you are the pauper and the king.
You transact unanimity , vanquish them, penalise them and are an answer to everything.
You are the head, you are the torso and you are the soul of the being.
You have granted the knowledge to (the four faced) Brahma, who has uttered the Vedas.
Bisakh (arrow without feathers) , Khatang, Tatarcho(unusual arrow) , all these (kindly) always fulfil my wishes.
You are present in the quiver as the susbaan (special arrow with a half moon end), which hunts and kills the enemy and game.
You overpower your enemies and then proclaim victory with your sword.
You are patis (double edged sword), spear, battle-axe and a mine of miracles.
the enemy of the enemy - the sword, khanda, kharag (large sword) and kirpan (sword) are all your names.
Your bestowed the Sakkar (special arrow) to your devotee, the king of the demi-gods (Lord Indra)
Jamdhar (a dagger like a tooth) Jamdhara (a double faced blade) Jodhantak (sword and arrow that destroys warriors) - all these weapon names. The warrior who goes into battle without them is badly hammered.
Baank (sword), mace, dagger, biaskh (arrow), birha (arrow with feathers) - are all your identity.
On the ones your granted your benevolence, they become kings of the world.
Shastersar (King of arms), Samrantak (sword, which ends battles), spira (shield breaking arrow) and shamshere (sword). He escapes the net of doom that mentions your name even once.
saif (straight sword) Sarohi, satter (sword), Sarangaar (sword, which cuts bows) are all these names.
Invariably remain in my mind and constantly comply with my wishes.
The Glory of Sri Bhagauti in the first chapter of Naam Malafrom the puraan has been concluded auspicially.

Simran Tune & Notation

This is  a very basic simran tune with the notation for anyone who is new to kirtan and wants to learn a simple simran tune. I apologise for the poorness of it - it was rushed! But I hope it helps :)

Amrit Vela - Katha By Sahib Gyaani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen translation

ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੈ ਵਤੈ ਕਾ ਬੀਜਿਆ ਭਗਤ ਖਾਇ ਖਰਚਿ ਰਹੇ ਨਿਖੁਟੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
har dhhan anmrith vaelai vathai kaa beejiaa bhagath khaae kharach rehae nikhuttai naahee
The devotees of the Lord plant the seed of the Lord's wealth in the ambrosial hours of the Amrit Vaylaa; they eat it, and spend it, but it is never exhausted.
(Ang 734, SGGS Ji)

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਉ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
anmrith vaelaa sach naao vaddiaaee veechaar
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.
(Ang 2, SGGS Ji)

The Bani of Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj gives special importance to Amrit Vela. If we look at the way nature has formed us, we can observe that seasons and time have their influences on one's mind. During monsoon season, the whole natural landscape looks melancholic. The strong gushing winds, the falling leaves, make the branches change their appearance, and the trees appear sad and naked. The nature of one's mann appears to be exactly the same as well. In the spring season, the entire vegetation, leaves and flowers look bright and happy. Beautiful flowers of different colours provide a colourful costume to the land and decorates it with immense grace. The spring season also leaves a special impression on one's mind. Similarly, summer and winter season both create impact on one's mind. In winter, we have to switch to warm clothes while summer forces us to put these warm clothes aside. Therefore, seasons influence one's body and mind both.

Just like seasons, time - the four pehars of day and four pehars of night, also creates their influence on one's body and mind. Sants had figured out long ago that, if one has sleeps before the end of the first pehar of the night, the body's need for sleep completes in the fourth pehar of the night. It is a different matter that, if one has not slept on time, it is difficult to wake up at Amrit Vela. But, if one has gone to sleep at the right time, then nature automatically wakes one up on time as well. We can observe nature wakes up the birds and animals on the right time, this is because their sleep is natural, in total accordance with the laws of nature. When the night enters the fourth pehar, the birds wake up and start twittering, the cows and their calves start mooing, the animal kingdom obeys this law of nature. Human beings, however, have made their sleeping and waking patterns artifical, and this artificiality can be observed in the eating and dressing habits as well.

By distancing themselves away from nature, human beings started going further away from Akaal Purakh too. In order to come closer to Akaal Purakh, it is imperative one comes closer to nature and adopt its laws in the lifestyle. So, the great Sants realised the fact that this fourth pehar is highly beneficial for Naam Simran. It is said, if one has eaten properly at night, it brings about laziness in the body and sleep takes over. During the sleep, the food is digested and the body starts getting rid of the laziness, and the body eventually wakes up when the laziness is over. Just like body will need food again, similarly, the mind will need Naam Simran too. It is said, 'Sau lugmeh din de, te ik lugmah subeh da' – saadhna done during the entire day and the saadhna done at amrit vela becomes equal.

Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji clearly states:

ਜੇ ਇਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਉਗਵੈ ਰੁਤੀ ਹੂ ਰੁਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥
jae eik hoe th ougavai ruthee hoo ruth hoe
If the seed is whole, and it is the proper season, then the seed will sprout.
(Ang 468, SGGS Ji)

That, even if the seed is complete, still it will need the help of proper season, only then it will sprout. The farmer who does not sow the seeds in accordance with the present season does not develop properly. That farmer will not be able to fill his granary with the sub-par output of his seeds.

The fourth pehar of the night has been referred by the snaatan sants as 'Bhram-Mahurat' – the time to meditate and connect with Bhram's Name. Guru Nanak Dev Ji called this time amrit vela – that time when rain of amrit is falling. Mohammed Sahib termed this time, 'Allill Subah', the morning of Allah - that morning, which automatically reminds one of God. Therefore, anyone who has any desire to be an 'Antarmukhi', this time helps immensely.

Dhan Guru Ramdas Ji Maharaj says:

ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੈ ਵਤੈ ਕਾ ਬੀਜਿਆ ਭਗਤ ਖਾਇ ਖਰਚਿ ਰਹੇ ਨਿਖੁਟੈ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
har dhhan anmrith vaelai vathai kaa beejiaa bhagath khaae kharach rehae nikhuttai naahee
The devotees of the Lord plant the seed of the Lord's wealth in the ambrosial hours of the Amrit Vaylaa; they eat it, and spend it, but it is never exhausted.
(Ang 734, SGGS Ji)

Even Avtari Purash regard anybody who has recited the Naam at Amrit Vela in the highest of esteem.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Nand Lal says:

Shabad kurban-e-khaake raahe sangat,
dile-e-goya humee bass aarzoo karat.

He says, Maharaj, there is only one desire left in my heart – Make me dust of the feet of that sangat that go towards you at Amrit Vela, such feet are pure and that walk is great. So, this walk is the walk towards Akaal Purakh, and waking up and meditating at Amrit Vela is a great device to accomplish that journey.

Bedari-ast zindaghi eh sahibaan-e-shauk
goya haraam-e-gardan aaieenda khawab-e-subah.

Bhai Nand Lal Ji goes further and says that anybody who has remained asleep during Amrit Vela, his sleep is Haraam, he has slept a sinful sleep.

Anybody who has got spiritually wiser, he has considered sleeping at Amrit Vela totally haraam. He wakes up naturally at amrit vela and utilises that time to its maximum.

Bhai Gurdas Ji does a prayer to Akaal Purakh:

nK isK lau sgl AMg rom rom kir
kwit kwit isKn ky crn pr vwrIAY ]

He says, hey Akaal Purakh, such is the state of my mind that I want my whole body to be cut into pieces, these pieces should go under the feet of the Gursikhs. But, the pieces of flesh will still remain.

So, Bhai Gurdas Ji says:

Agin jlwie, Puin pIsn pIswie qWihlY
aufy pvn huie Aink pRkwrIAY ]

Burn the pieces of my flesh and crush the bones that remain. Then, request the wind to blow it all away. But then, wind cant keep dust with it, it will have to drop it somewhere at some time.

Bhai Gurdas Ji says, yes, do drop it:

jq kq isK pg DrY gur pMQ pRwq
qwhU qwhU mwrg mY Bsm kY fwrIAY ]

But oh kind wind, drop this dust anywhere where the beloved Gursikhs wake up at amrit vela and meditate the name of Akaal Purakh.

iqh pd pwdk crn ilv lwgI rhY
dXw kY dXwl moih piqq auDwrIAY ]672]

This way, O Akaal Purakh Waheguru, a patit like me will be able attain salvation. So, anyone who wakes up at amrit vela and recites or listen to Gurbani, or does Waheguru Naam Jaap to move closer to God, such feet are truly blessed.

Bhai Gurdas Ji has written a precious pauri in regards to this:

ਚਰਣੋਦਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਸੁਰਸਰੀ ਤਜਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਧਰਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਈ ।
charanodaku hoi surasaree taji baikuntd dharati vichi aaee
Ganges, the wash of the Lords' feet, left heavens and came down to arth.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

The mythology says Ganges is the water of Shiva's hair, of Bhrama's Karmandal, and water that washed Vishnu's feet. The myth goes like this: Brahma had thrown the water from that karmandal on vishnu's feet. This water ended up falling on Shiv's hair and that water eventually came to be known as Ganges. The shape given to this myth by Bhai Gurdas Ji is indeed remarkable:

ਚਰਣੋਦਕੁ ਹੋਇ ਸੁਰਸਰੀ ਤਜਿ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਧਰਤਿ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਈ ।
charanodaku hoi surasaree taji baikuntd dharati vichi aaee
Ganges, the wash of the Lords' feet, left heavens and came down to arth.

ਨਉ ਸੈ ਨਦੀ ਨੜਿੰਨਵੈ ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਅੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ।
nau sai nadee narhinnavai atdasatdi teeradi angi samaaee
Nine hundred ninety nine rivers and sixty eight pilgrimage centres erged in it.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

According to Bhai Gurdas Ji, there are nine hundred and ninety nine perennial rivers flowing on this earth. Bhai Gurdas Ji says, out of all these rivers, Ganges is considered as the most important, and its water has its own unique properties because of the minerals and other elements found at its floor at various places. People often suggest someone sick to try 'changing the air', and it has been observed it does have a positive affect. Actually, physical fitness is one of the important conditions of Naam Simram. And, water from the Ganges used to work like amrit for keeping the body fit. In those time, washing clothes or spitting in Ganges was considered a major sin but these days, Ganges is used for dumping sewage water, it is being converted into poison. Maskeen Ji apologises for deviating and continues: There are about sixty eight different pilgrimages are constructed on the banks of Ganges. People go these pilgrimages and try to purify their mind, body and souls.

ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਈ ਪਰਵਾਣੁ ਹੈ ਮਹਾਦੇਵ ਲੈ ਸੀਸ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਈ ।
tihuoee paravaanu hai mahaadayvai sees charhhaaee
In all the three worlds, it is accepted as authentic and Mahadev Shiva has borne it on his head.

ਦੇਵੀ ਦੇਵ ਸਰੇਵਦੇ ਜੈ ਜੈ ਕਾਰ ਵਡੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ।
dayvee dayv sarayvaday jai jai kaar vadee vadiaaee
Gods and goddesses all worship it and hail s greatness.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

But Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurdas Ji's perspective which follows has its own unique greatness:

ਸਣੁ ਗੰਗਾ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਲਖ ਲਖ ਬੈਕੁੰਠ ਨਾਥਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ।
sanu gangaa baikuntdakhakh baikuntd naadiivaaee
Myriads of heavens and the master of heavens including the ranges, absorbed in meditation declare,

Millions of Ganges from millions of Brahma's karmandal, millions of Ganges from Vishnu's feet and Millions of Ganges from Shiva's hair declare:

ਸਾਧੂ ਧੂੜਿ ਦੁਲਭ ਹੈ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਸਰਣਾਈ ।
saadhoo dhoorhi dulabh hai saadhasangati satiguru saranaaee
that the dust of the feet of sadhu is rare and is obtainable only by coming under the shelter of the true Guru.
(Vaar 3, Pauri 4, Bhai Gurdas Ji)

That sant who is awake at amrit vela and is meditating Akaal Purakh's name by placing all his attention in The Word, such millions of Ganges can be sacrificed over him.

We get to hear the beautiful sounds of birds singing at amrit vela, the happy, joyous sounds are heard at that time. Nobody is more unfortunate than the one who has slept this time away. If one has awoken at amrit vela, however, it would be difficult to find someone more fortunate than him. That time is meant to be dedicated to God, time can be taken out of the day to earn money, eat food, discuss politics, etc.

It is said that maya is asleep at amrit vela. By that, we mean because the rest of the world around us is asleep, there is less negative energy in the air, something which can disturb the concentration while meditating. One can meditate during the day but the immense negative energy during the day will not allow to concentrate fully. So, O human, wake up at amrit vela, create positive energy within you so that you can avail the nectars of Akaal Purakh's blessings.

- Unknown source

The Three Good Men (Joke)

Three friends - a pandit, a mullah and a nihang - head out towards Anandpur Sahib to attend the Hola Mohalla fair. It's a bit of a trek from their village, and they expect it to take a couple of days.

The pandit's wife, known for her cooking, has prepared a pot of kheer (rice pudding) for their journey. The trio, anticipating the sumptuous delicacy en route, sets off eagerly and each willingly takes his turn in carrying the heavy pot.

At sundown, they decide to take a break. Exhausted, they decide to sleep right away, and agree to save the kheer for a hearty breakfast in the morning.

The sun wakes them up. They quickly wash up in a nearby stream, and then gather around the pot.

 

"Before we begin", pipes up the pandit, "I have something to tell you."

The other two look at him and nod.

The pandit explains: "Last night, I had a dream. And in my dream, Lord Krishna appeared. He expressed approval of all that I do at the temple. He was pleased by the prayers I sing in his honour everyday. And ... and he has asked me to give the two of you a message. He said he was so happy with me that he wanted to reward me. So, he asked me to ask you to let me eat half of the kheer in the pot. Now, I'm not being greedy or anything. I know my fair share would entitle me only to a third. But this what he told me to tell you. It's up to you ..."

He looks around at the other two. The mullah straightens the cap on his head, re-arranges the shawl around his shoulders, clears his throat, and says:

"Well, pandit-ji, I appreciate what you've just said. You are so blessed. And I would like to agree. But... but, you see, I too had a dream. And in my dream, the Holy Prophet Muhammad - may peace be upon him - appeared. And he too was extremely pleased with my service. He knew of the work I have done amongst my flock, and he liked the fact that I have said my prayers faithfully five times everyday. And he too wanted to reward me. Friends, this is the truth - I swear - he has asked me to ask you to let me eat the whole kheer! Not just my one-third share, but all of it. He felt I deserve it because of my life of service. This is not my desire, but this is what the Holy Prophet - may peace be upon him - wants you and me to do. Now that I've done my bit in conveying his message, I'm fine with whatever you decide." He wrings his hands, and awaits their verdict.

Both the pandit and the mullah turn to the nihang. He seems to be immersed deep in thought, as he quietly draws figures on the ground with his toe.

The two wait for him to speak. He remains silent, still lost in thought. A full minute goes by, and he hasn't looked up once. They wait and fidget, until they can wait no more.

"Well," burst out the pandit and mullah in chorus, "what do you say, Singh ji?"

"Anything you decide, we'll abide by it," adds the pandit. The mullah nods.

Finally, the nihang breaks from his reverie and looks up for a brief moment, and then goes back to doodling in the dust.

"I heard you, dear pandit-ji, and you too, dear mullah sahib. I have immense respect for Krishan-ji and for the Holy Prophet as well. But here's my dilemma..."

He goes silent for what appears to be an eternity. Jogged back with a "huh?" from the pandit, he continues ...

"I too had a dream. And a beautiful one too. In my dream, Guru Gobind Singh - the Lord of the White Falcon, the Rider of the Blue Charger - he appeared in my dream and blessed me. He too was aware of my life-work - of all the times I have risked my life to defend the weak, to protect the poor. He knew of all of my seva ... I didn't have to tell him a thing. And, you know, he expressed a desire to reward me. I didn't ask. This was on his own volition, I assure you ...."
His voice faded. The mullah nudged him back with a "Ji...?"

"The Great Guru wanted me, as my reward, to be given all the kheer. All of it."

All sit quietly for a while. The pandit and the mullah look at each other, resigning themselves to a one-third share each. The latter leans forward, reaching out for the pot, when the nihang pipes up:

"Wait! I'm not finished. So, once the Great Guru told me what he'd like me to do, he became adamant about it. I hesitated, obviously, because I wanted to be fair to the two of you. But, the Guru Sahib was unhappy about my hesitation. He grabbed me by my arm and took me to the kheer pot and insisted that I eat the kheer, all of the kheer, there and then, right before his very eyes. "Son, eat it now," he said. So, dear friends ....Sorry! But, what else could I do?"

The Little Things In Life

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Albino_peacock.jpg

“Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies for instance.”

Singh With Me

Inspiring Poem - 'If' by Rudyard Kipling

Sikhs prove EDL wrong

http://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/united_kingdom/8836769.Sikhs_prove_EDL_wrong/

A delegation of Sikhs marched proudly joining a big rally against the English Defence League (EDL) held in Luton.

They played the Dhol, a Punjabi war drum, as they entered the rally carrying a banner that read ‘Sikhs Against the English Defence League – Fighting Intolerance since 1699’, a reference to the establishment of martial Sikhism by the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

They were greeted with cheers by more than two thousand demonstrators gathered in the Park Square, in the centre of Luton, who gave the marching Sikhs a great applause.

This comes as a great blow to the English Defence League (EDL) as they had claimed that they are getting support from many Sikhs.

The demonstration by ‘Sikhs Against the EDL’ shows otherwise.

The Sikh protesters shouted slogans against Guramit Singh, one of the self-styled EDL leaders from Sikh background and called him a traitor.

They claimed that he had brought shame to the Sikh community and should be locked up due to some of his recent speeches.

Varinder Singh spoke on behalf of the Sikh delegation and pointed out that the Sikh community has a proud tradition of fighting Fascism in the Second World War. He asked, “Given our proud history, how can Sikhs not oppose the racism and Fascism espoused by EDL?”

Varinder Singh went on to condemn Guramit Singh (ethnic spokesperson for the EDL) and other racist traitors of Sikh origin joining EDL and expressed that these individuals should be held accountable.

Balwindar Singh Rana, also from a Sikh background said, “The Sikhs Against the EDL have launched a ‘Joint Statement’ which has already gained support from some of the major Sikh and Hindu organisations, including many Sikh Student Societies, as well as many prominent individuals in this country.

People are waking up to the dangers of the racist poison that is being spread by the EDL and they will no longer fall for their ‘divide & rule’ tactics.”

He added:”In the ‘70s and ‘80s, whether we were Sikhs, Hindus or Muslim, we were all united against the racists and fascists of the National Front and the BNP. We now have to show the same unity again if we are going to halt this tide of racist hatred by the EDL.”

Salvinder Singh Dhillon from the Indian Workers Association pointed out that the rally was being attended by all communities was a proof that they all stand shoulder to shoulder against promotion of racism and fascism.

He said, “The poison of racism serves to divide people and weaken their common struggles against the attacks by the state on their livelihood, against imposition of tuition fees, and the pending massive spending cuts in social services, health and education.”

The rally was organized by Unite Against Fascism(UAF), a broad based organisation supported by numerous individuals and organizations including trade unions and members of parliament.

Various speakers expressed their opposition to EDL and the racist British National Party( BNP).

There was also a further protest in the Bury Park, near the Mosque, organized by the Muslim community and attended by nearly two thousand people.

Conversation

God and I in space alone . . .
and nobody else in view . . .
"And where are all the people,
Oh Lord" I said,
"the earth below
and the sky overhead
and the dead that I once knew?"
"That was a dream," God smiled
and said: "The dream that seemed to
be true; there were no people
living or dead; there was no earth,
and no sky overhead,
there was only myself in you."
"Why do I feel no fear?" I asked,
"meeting you here in this way?
For I have sinned, I know full well
and is there heaven and is there hell,
and is this Judgement Day?"
"Nay, those were but dreams"
the Great God said, "dreams that have ceased to
be.
There are no such things as fear and sin;
there is no you . . . you never have been.
There is nothing at all but me."


 Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Music Quotes

How important is music? Some say it's linked to the soul, whereas others see it as mere entertainment. Some use it for leisure, some as a form of expression, or some as a coping mechanism. Some use it as a tool to put accross ideas or messages, and some just see it as something to relax to. Here is how some famous musical people interpret music.

• After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. Aldous Huxley 
• I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. Billy Joel 
• I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me-like food or water. Ray Charles 
• If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music. Gustav Mahler  
• Music can change the world because it can change people. Bono 
• Music has charms to sooth a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. William Congreve 
• Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. Lao Tzu 
• Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Plato 
• Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue. Plato  
• Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together. Edgar Winter 
• Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. Berthold Auerbach  
• One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. Bob Marley  

http://thelostharmony.blogspot.com/2009/11/facts-and-quotes-about-music.html

• Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies.  ~Edward George Bulwer-Lytton
•  The pause is as important as the note.  ~Truman Fisher
• Its language is a language which the soul alone understands, but which the soul can never translate.  ~Arnold Bennett
• Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.  ~Robert G. Ingersoll 
• Music has been my playmate, my lover, and my crying towel.  ~Buffy Sainte-Marie
• Music is an outburst of the soul.  ~Frederick Delius
• Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.  ~Ludwig van Beethoven
• There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is.  ~William P. Merrill
•  Music is what feelings sound like.  ~Author Unknown

Art Quotes

Okay I was in need of a bit of artistic inspiration this week, so naturally I resorted to browsing through the creative works posted on the internet. Then I decided to see what some of the most creative people ever had to say about art. I thought I'd share some of the inspiring quotes I found.

• Whether I'm painting or not, I have this overweening interest in humanity. Even if I'm not working, I'm still analyzing people. Alice Neel 
• All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness.  Eckhart Tolle
• I dream a lot. I do more painting when I'm not painting. It's in the subconscious. Andrew Wyeth
• There's no retirement for an artist, it's your way of living so there's no end to it. Henry Moore
• The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. Michelangelo
• A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession. Albert Camus 
• A picture is a poem without words. Horace 
• A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Oscar Wilde 
• An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. Charles Horton Cooley 
• An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world. George Santayana 
• Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. Thomas Merton
• Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. Andre Gide 
• Drawing is the honesty of the art. There is no possibility of cheating. It is either good or bad. Salvador Dali 
• Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. Henry Ward Beecher 
• Great art picks up where nature ends. Marc Chagall
• In art as in love, instinct is enough. Anatole France 
• Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams
• Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. ~Pablo Picasso
• Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one. ~Stella Adler
• Anyone who says you can't see a thought simply doesn't know art. ~Wynetka Ann Reynolds
• When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work.  I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw.  She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" ~Howard Ikemoto
• Let me ask you something, what is not art? ~Author Unknown
• Man will begin to recover the moment he takes art as seriously as physics, chemistry or money. ~Ernst Levy
• Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul - and you answer. ~Terri Guillemets
• Artists can color the sky red because they know it's blue.  Those of us who aren't artists must color things the way they really are or people might think we're stupid. ~Jules Feiffer

Patience and Understanding

I had a bad day yesterday and a bad morning today, and I got impatient with  people. Every tiny thing got on my nerves... things that normally I'm patient enough to ignore. Then there's other things that always irritate me, and I get annoyed with the person doing it. Sometimes I can't understand why people act the way they do, or talk the way they do, or do what they do, and it also irritates me. But today I realised this:

Sometimes I get annoyed when my little brother asks stupid or trivial questions.
Sometimes I get annoyed when my Grandparents constantly call me by the wrong name.
Sometimes I get annoyed when an adult doesn't understand my problems.
Sometimes I get annoyed when someone asks me to repeat myself because they didn't hear... twice.
Sometimes I get annoyed when a really slow walker gets in my way and slows me down.
Sometimes I get annoyed when I have to explain something over and over again and they still don't get it.

And then I realise.

When I was a curious child I asked my parents silly questions and they always answered them, no matter how trivial they were.
When I was a toddler I called my family members the wrong thing and they always smiled and gently corrected me.
When an adult tells me their problems, I can't understand, but they smile and tell me not to worry.
When someone tells me something I don't always hear, and I have to ask them to repeat themselves, and they always do.
When I was smaller, or when I'm tired or injured, I walk really slowly and get in the way, but people put up with me.
When people explain something to me I don't always understand, but they keep explaining until I do, because they hold onto something even after I lose it - they have the patience and understanding.

Patience and understanding. Two beautiful qualities which we constantly demand but find difficult to give. Treating people the way we expect to be treated is a simple but great step to take. Maybe that's something we need to work on. Just a little thought.

Dastaar - Rastafarians

You may have seen my earlier post about the significance of Kesh (uncut hair) in other cultures. Here's the link: http://ambrosialnectar.blogspot.com/2011/01/kesh-unshorn-hair.html

So I thought I should mention something about the dastaar. We all know than in India Hindus and Muslims wore, and still wear, a turban as either a symbol of royalty or a symbol of saintliness. In other cultures a turban-like headdress can be worn as protection from the heat or just as cultural clothing.

What I found interesting was that the Bobo Shanti branch of the Rastafarian movement cover their dreadlocks with a dastaar as their religious identity. I won't bother going into it (it's worth researching) but here are some pictures.

Enjoy!

Note: None of these pictures are mine (all taken from searching 'Bobo Shanti' on google images)