sehajvirsingh

52 hukamnamay of Guru Granth Sahib

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:18:00 +0000

I will try to do some research and find out what writing these hukamnamay originated from. Its easy to read, the hard part is to read contemplate understand and than put it into practice. Lets try to take at least a few of these and try them in our daily lives.

52 hukams of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

1) Dharam di Kirat karni - Earn by honest means.

2) Daswand dena - Give one tenth of your salary.

3) Gurbani kantth karni - Memorize Gurbani.

4) Amrit Vaelae utthna - Wake up Amrit Vela (before dawn).

5) Sikh sewak di sewa ruchi naal karni - Serve a Sikh Servant with devotion.

6) Gurbani dae arth Sikh vidhvana tuo parrhnae- Learn the meanings of Gurbani from Sikh Scholars.

7) Punj Kakaar di Rehat drirh kar rukhni - Follow the discipline of the 5 K's strictly.

Shabad da abhihas karna - Practice Shabad Gurbani in life.

9) Sat-Saroop Satgur da dhian dharna - Concentrate on the True Guru (God).

10)Guru Granth Sahib Ji noo Guru mananaa - Accept the Guru Granth Sahib as Guru.

11)Kaarjaan dae arambh vich ardaas karni - At the beginning of a task, do ardaas.

12)Jaman, maran, ja viah mokae Jup da paatth kar tihaaval (Karaah Parsaad) kar anand sahib dia punj paurian, ardaas, pratham punj pyaariaan atae hazoori granthi noo vartaa kae oprunth sangat noo vartaaouna - At birth, death, or marriage ceremonies, do Japji Sahib, make Karaah Parshaad, do five stanzas of anand sahib, do ardaas, and then distribute Karaah Parshaad to the Panj Pyare, the Granthi, and then to the sangat.

13)Jad tak Karaah Parshaad Parshaad vartadaa rahae sadh sangat addol batthee rahae - Until Karaah Parshaad is completely distributed, the Sangat should remain sitting and unmoving.

14)Anand Viah b

ina grahist nahi karna - Do not start married life without Anand Karaj (Sikh ceremony of marriage).

15)Par-Istri, Ma-Bhain, Dhi-Bhain, kar jaanani. Par Istri da sang nahi karna - Recognize all other women other than your wife as mothers and sisters. Do not engage in marital behavior with them.

16)Istri da mooh nahi fitkaarnaa - Do not silence your wife.

17)Jagat-jootth tambaaku bikhiaa da tiaag karna - Abandon the worldly, false tobacco-poison.

18)Rehatvaan atae naam jupan vaalae gursikhaa di sangat karni - Keep the company of Sikhs who follow the Rehat and meditate on the Name (of God).

19)Kum karan vich daridar nahi karna - Dont't be lazy while doing work.

20)Gurbani di katha tae keertan roaz sunanaa atae karna - Listen and do kirtan and Gurbani discourses daily.

21)Kisae di ninda, chugali, atae eirkha nahi karni - Do not engage in slander, gossip or spite anyone.

22)Dhan, jawaani, tae kul-jaat da abhiman nahi karnaa (Nanak daadak tahe duae goath. Saak guru sikhan sang hoath) - Do not take pride in wealth, youth and caste. (Mother and Father's caste both castes. All Sikhs of the Guru are siblings)

23)Mat uchi tae suchi rakhni - Keep the religious discipline high and pure.

24)Shubh karman tao kadae naa ttarnaa - Do not refrain from doing Righteous deeds.

25)Budh bal da daataa vaheguroo noo jaananaa - Recognize God as the giver of intellect and strength.

26)Sugandh (kasam sahu) dae kar itbaar janaaoun vaalae tae yakeen nahi karna - Do not believe a person who breaks promises

27)Sutantar Vicharna. Raaj Kaaj dian kamaan tae doosrae mutaa dia purshaan noo huk nahi daenaa - Rule Independently In the affaris of government, do not give people of other religions authority/power.

28)Raajniti parhni - Study politics.

29)Dushman naal saam, daam, bhaed, aadiak, upaa vartnae - Treat the opponent with respect (definitions of the individual words are unknown to me)

30)Shaster vidyaa atae ghorhae d

i savaari da abhiaas karna - Practice the knowledge of weaponry and horse riding.

31)Doosrae mataa dae pustak, vidyaa parhni. Pur bhrosaa drirh Gurbani, Akal Purakh tae karnaa - Study the books and knowledge of other faiths. But keep trust in Gurbani and Akal Purukh.

32)Gurupdaesaa noo dhaaran karna - Follow the teachings of the Guru.

33)Raheraas da paath kar kharae ho kae ardaas karni - After Rehras Paatth, do Ardaas standing up.

34)Saun valae sohila atae 'paun guru pani pita...' salok parhna - Recite Sohila and 'paun guru pani pita...' stanza before going to sleep.

35)Dastaar bina nahi rehnaa - Wear a turban at all times.

36)Singha da adha naam nahi bulauna - Do not call a Singh by half of their name (nickname).

37)Sharaab nai saevani - Do not partake of alcoholic drinks.

38)Sir munae noo kanaiaa nahi daeni. Uos ghar daevni jithae Akal Purukh di sikhi ha, jo karzaai naa hovae, bhalae subhaa da hovae, bibaeki atae gyanvaan hovae - Do not given a daughter's hand to a clean shaven. Give her hand in a house where God's Sikhi exists, where the household is not in debt, is of a good nature, is disciplined and knowledgable.

39)Subh kaaraj Gurbani anusaar karnae - Do all work in accordance with Gurbani.

40)Chugali kar kisae da kam nahi vigaarnaa - Do not ruin someone's work by gossip.

41)Kaurha bachan nahi kahinaa - Do not utter bitter statements.

42)Darshan yaatraa gurdwaaraa di hi karni - Make pilgrimages to Gurudwaras only.

43)Bachan karkae paalnaa - Fulfill all promises that are made.

44)Pardaesi, lorvaan, dukhi, apung manukh di yataahshkat sewa karni - Do as much sewa as you can for foreigners, the needy and the troubled.

45)Putari da dhan bikh jananaa - Recognize the property of a daughter as poison.

46)Dikhaawae da Sikh nahi bananaa - Do not become an outward show-off Sikh.

47)Sikhi kesaa-suaasa sang nibhaaouni - Live as a Keshadhari Sikh.

48) Chori, yaari, thugi, dhokaa, dagaa bahi karnaa - Do not engage in theft, dating, fraud, and falisity.

49)Sikh da itbaar karna - Believe a Sikh.

50)Jhutthi gavaahi nahi daeni - Do not give false testimony.

51)Dhroh nahi karnaa - Do not cheat.

52)Langar-Parshaad ik ras vartaaunaa - Distribute Langar and Karaah Parshaad with equality.

Shabad Guru

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Wow. This video is absolutly amazing. Shanti Kaur Khalsa talks about some profound concepts. Enjoy. Gurparsadh.

Women in Sikhi

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Very interesting video I found on women in Sikhi. This goes out to all my beloved gursikh sister out there. The ones who are on the path and the ones who are trying to be. God bless and Enjoy!!

Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji (acapalla jatha, Baba Ranjit SIngh)

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:42:00 +0000

Hey guys with gurus kirpa made a simple video of acapalla jatha and baba ranjit singh kirtan set to pictures of Guru Gobind Singh ji. Please watch preferably full screen its really nice dharna by baba ji. Leave comments. Gurparsaadh

One God One Love

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 06:18:00 +0000

I hope you enjoy this amazing slideshow presentation. The title says it all its about the similarities in the different faiths. Its about the one love that binds us all. It has a lot of sikhi refrences as well which is a good thing to see. Please enjoy and feel free to share this as well to others. OH AND PLEASE WATCH IN FULLSCREEN MODE, ITS MUCH BETTER

Vaheguru and the Four Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 16:56:00 +0000

I came across some translations of Bhai Gurdas ji's Vaars. I just want to share some interesting things I learned.

Creation:
To keep it short and simple first there was nothing but darkness. The body was created the five elements were joined together. Air, water, water, fire and earth were put together. The sixth element was Akaal purakh which permeated invisible through out the creation. "To create the human body, five elements and twenty five qualities opposite to each other were joined and mixed." Taken from actual translation of vaars. The four life forms originated from 1.egg 2.Foetus 3. Sweat 4. vegetation. Thus eighty four LACS or 8.4 million species were created. That’s the very short brief description of the beginning according to my extremely limited knowledge.

4 Yugs:
Next is the four Yugs (Ages), I have heard it described as the four Yugs being a chairs four legs. I’m not sure if this is written in Bhai Gurdas ji’s varaan I haven’t got that far but I have heard this in a few kathas. When the age of Satyug was going on all four legs were hold the chair (world) up. When the second Treta Yug came than only three legs were left so the chair was unstable but still strong. Then Dvapur Yug came and only two legs were left to hold up the chair. Now it is Kalyug the worst stage of all and the world is being balanced on one leg. The meaning behind all this is now it is a fragile time period where the world can fall with just a slight nudge. Following the four Yugs are briefly described according the translation of Bhai Gurdas ji’s Vaaran.

Satyug: This age was very pure and all that people did was meditate all day. “Vishnu is said to come to earth as Hansavaar and explained the problems pertaining to metaphysics” Bhai Gurdas ji Vaaran Translation. People were unaffected by Maya (temptation) and would praise the one lord. They lived for lacks (hundred thousands) of years and construct palaces, forts and grand mansions. I have heard in katha this was the age of bhagti. 100% of the people were pure and God oriented.

Tretayug: “Now the nine portions of age lessened and illusion, attachment and ego inflated.” Bhai Gurdas ji Vaaran Translation. I have heard this is the age where Maya started to entice man and 75% were god oriented while 25% were corrupted.

Dvapur: “In Dvapur, Yadav-dynasty came to the forefront i.e. the incarnation of Krishna became known to the people; but because of the lack of good conduct, Age by Age, the life span-of man went on decreasing.” Bhai Gurdas ji Vaaran Translation. I have heard this is the age where 50% were god oriented and 50% were engrossed in Maya.

This is the Age where they say the world is on fire

Kalyug: “Kalyug became prevalent as the fourth age in which the low instincts gripped the world…..The entire earth got enticed by Maya and the antics of Kalijug put everyone into delusion….the emperors are tyrants an their satraps butchers….The justice of three ages has become extinct and now whosoever gives something-as bribe get- justice.” Bhai Gurdas ji Vaaran Translation. I have read this age is where <90% are engrossed and entrapped in Maya and very few are holy and truthfully walking the path of the Lord. It is said that this is the age where everyone follows only their own desires and the righteousness is forgotten. Everything is backwards what was considered in the other Yugs as fruitful is now considered absurd or a waste of time. What was considered before to be of great detriment to ones spiritual progression in the other ages is considered to be very rewarding. For example lust, violence, anger doing whatever it takes to make a dollar. This is all considered normal in Kaljug. The pursuit of emancipation and spiritual perfection is left behind so one can fulfill worldly desires.

This is the most dangerous age because it is easy to be caught up in the illusion of Maya. However I have also heard that since this age is so bad the rewards of doing meditation are much great then previous ages. For example thousands of years of strong meditation in Satjug is equal to one breath of Vaheguru uttered with a pure consciousness. However it is harder in this age to start on the path of Enlightenment. Also according to Bhai Gurdas Jis Vaars all the previous types of meditation in other ages is fruitless in kaljug. Burnt offering, empty worship and rituals do not work now and will not get you closer to God in the dark age. “In Kaliyug, only repeating the name of Lord is considered grand.” Bhai Gurdas ji Vaaran Translation.

So what is the name of the lord that needs to be meditated on as a Gursikh? Before I put all this together lets take a look at how important human birth is.
Human birth is the most sacred and hard to achieve of all the life forms.
“ Heeraa laal amol janam hai kaudee badlay haariou rae.” Human birth is the priceless jewel, which has been squandered in exchange for a worthless shell //1// Pause//. Bhagat Kabeer ji panna 325.
“Maanas janam dhulanb hai jag mehi khattiaa aae //” This human birth is so precious; one must ear the right to come into the world. Guru Amardas ji panna 565.
“Anik janam Bhramatha hee aaeiou maanas janam dhulabhahee//” You wandered through countless incarnations, until finally you attained this priceless human birth. Guru Arjan Dev Ji Panna 1207.
Their are countless more lines from Gurbani describing the preciousness of human birth and the consequences of squandering it. Human life is the only time your soul can obtain liberation because you have some power to choose what you do. Whether one wants to accumulate bad karma or good is in our hands as a human being. But as an animal we do not have this choice. Also our past lives karma reflects upon what happens to us now (but this is a topic all on its own so I will not get into this). So what are we supposed to do in this human birth? Well it is said in Gurbani many times we are put here for one reason and one reason alone and that is to obtain oneness with Akaal Purakh through naam simran (recitation).

“Bhaee prapaapth maanukh dhaehureaa// gobind Milan ki eih tharee bareaa// avar kaaj tharai kithai na kaam// mil saadhsangat bhaj keval naam//1//” This human body has been given to you. This is your chance to meet the lord of the Universe. Nothing else will work. Join the Saadh Sangat, the company of the holy; vibrate and mediate on the jewel of the Naam. Guru Arjan Dev Ji Panna 12.

What we are meant to meditate upon is our Gurmantre (Gurus mantra, Mantra given to us by our Guru). Our Gurmantre is Vaheguru and this precious mantre is very powerful.
The origins of Vaheguru go back to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this precious Mantre is explained in Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Vaara. The reason why this mantra is so powerful is because it uses all the four Yugs Avtaars in one word. V in Vaheguru comes from the Age of Satyug which had the Avtar of Vishnu. The true Guru of Dvapur is said to be Harkrisna and the H in Vaheguru is to remind you of Hari. In the Tretayug there was Raam and R in Vaheguru is to from raam which will produce joy and happiness. And finally in the age of Kalyug Gobind is the form of Guru Nanak and G of Vaheguru get Govind recited. “When joining four letters Vahiguru is remembered, the jiv merges in its origin.” Bhai Gurdas ji Vaaran Translation

Once again please forgive me for my mistakes. I’m just a person who read a few translations of the mahaan(great) vaaran of Bhai Gurdas ji and wanted to share what I came across. I’m not a scholar so if I have said anything wrong in the eyes of my Guru I ask his forgiveness. Also feel free to comment but please do not degrade me or this writing if you find something wrong. Point it out and I will be happy to fix it.

Khalsa Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:30:00 +0000

A pic of Varinderpal Singh and me, and a poem I wrote underneath the pic

Khalsa Youth

New vessels, which they may be
Their Souls are ancient, it’s plain to see

Gazing into the eyes of a khalsa youth
I see the reflection of eternal truth

When you feel your heart is bare
And our future is in grave despair

Look towards our beloved khalsa youth
And fill your heart with their eternal truth

When the ways of the elders takes it's toll on me
And I get sick and tired of their hypocrisy

I spend my time with the khalsa youth
And bathe myself in their eternal truth

Dear God I have only one request for thee
It has to do with your khalsa family

Let me be in service to your khalsa youth
For I am inspired by their eternal truth

People I know

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:11:00 +0000

Here are pics i made in ms paint of the Singhs I went to B.C with. I am very close with the Singhs and I've provided a breif description of them.

Harman Singh, The good brother.
The most Laid back Soldier I know. I love this guy so much. He listens to whatever I say. Has so much pyaar in him I miss him every day.

Vishavdeep Singh, The difficult brother.
This Soldier will argue complain and try to push his will throughout the trip. But I still love him to death. The most affectionate Singh I know. Also my gatka coach. Love you Singh

Ramneet Singh, The unwanted brother.
LOL, his title says it all. No No, even though this Soldier annoys the crap out of me with his constant weird and out of place questions. Still have much love for him.

Amarpreet Kaur, Quiet Sister.
Umm Amarpreet Kaur doesn't talk much around me. So I'm Assuming shes cool. LOL. CONGRATS SHE CAME IN FIRST AT THE TOURNEY. This is the best pic I have made. I wish I did something cool like this for my pic. Amarpreet your so lucky. Took me forever as well.

ME. haha nothing but good things to say about me. Unless you get me MAD. GRRRRRRRR. But seriously respect to all the Singhs who fought, Vishi 2nd place Harman 3rd place Ram 2nd place. Amarpreet 1st place

Me Again

Inspired by the Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:44:00 +0000

Now to talk a little bit about the youth and how they inspire me.
Those of you who know me, know that I love hanging out with youth. Besides my few friends I have all I do is hang out with the younger generations. I'm talking from 2 years old up. The younger the kids are the more I find less they have been influenced by societies ills. I live my life with one principle and that is "you can only get closer to guruji and akaal (god) through pyaar." Without love you have nothing. You can have the most strict rehit (lifestyle) in the world but without pyaar it’s fruitless. You can have the most gian (knowledge) in the world but without pyaar its nothing. "Sach Kahu Sun Lay Sabhi Hi Jin Prem Kiyo Tin He Prabh Payo" (I speak the truth so everyone listen, only through love can one find god) Guru Gobind Singh Ji. I have made this my philosophy. And I find the most purest love you can find is with young children.
You can teach and mold youth into anything you want. Whether that is to hate others or to love others. So all you people who live your life through love I ask you guys to spend as much time as you can with children and spread that message.

While at the Jormela I met this young singh who just blew me away. When I first looked at him I felt an instant connection. After his first fight I went looking for him and I congratulated him on a good performance. I than hugged him. But I couldn't get him out of my mind. So I decided to hang out with him and see what his response was with hanging out with me. Well we hung out for a while and instantly he felt the same connection with me. We were inseparable after that. I was sad when I left early the first day of the tourney because I wanted to hang out with him more. The next day he gave me the biggest hug and sat in my lap for a long time. And I just felt these pure vibrations coming from him. After a while we walked around and he would tell me things and he talks not like an eight year old but like a very wise person. He has an orah to him where you know he is an old soul. I call him Jathedar gee, because he reminds me of a jathedar of a puratan fauj. I will give you an example of his character.

While he was fighting on the second day he went for a hit but the other person blocked it. The ref gave Varinderpal Singh two points but varinderpal turned to the ref and said no I didn't hit him. He was the only one in the tournament to do that. Even I looked deep into myself after he said that. I knew the reffing wasn't up to par and there was favoritism but that was no excuse to lose my cool. I was inspired to keep it calm after that. There are so many examples I can give you of this Singh that have truly inspired me.

We need to look at the youth as open vessels who are ready to learn whatever we teach them. Whether that be love or whether that be hate. We can learn so much more from youth if we pay attention to them. Young Singhs like Varinderpal Singh are hard to find in this world. We need to cherish them and show them the way of love. So I would like to give a special shout out to all the youth out there trying to walk the path. Keep your head up and practice sikhi through love.

B.C Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:26:00 +0000

Well I just got back from B.C and like I said before I had a great time. I have always said "Your trip is only as good as the people you meet." And I met some wonderful Singhs. The Singhs pictured above are Navdeep Singh and Pardeep Singh. The two singhs we stayed with and man what a wonderful experience we had. I don't want to praise too much because I believe gursikhs don't want or need it. However I will say that the family was one of the most wonderful Gursikhs I have ever met. I mean when we came back from Jormela (gatka tournament) around one am there were no pizza places open so Pardeep singh made food for all of us. I mean just gestures like that really touched us. All the singhs I traveled with loved the trip because of these two wonderful brothers. We have no way of repaying their kindness. Thanks for everything guys. Love you all. Stay in Chardi Kalla.

The situation in Punjab

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:12:00 +0000

Well if you guys haven't heard of the situation thats happening in punjab heres a link http://www.sikhsangat.org/ssn/publish/India_18/Violence_erupts_in_Patiala_Punjab_remains_tense.shtml

I will not put the fake babas picture up because I'm sick of looking at his fat ugly out of shape face. But I have a bit of a different view and here it is. Tell me what you think. LEAVE SOME COMMENTS.

This issue of raam rahim goes way deeper than what we just see. For those of you who do not know what is going on here is a link This person needs to be dealt with. The allegations put against this pakhandi baba need to be dealt with. The amount of disrespect needs to be dealt with. The real question is how. How do we deal with a corrupt baba who has disrespected in my opinion the greatest human being who has ever walked the earth. Among other things he has multiple rape and murder charges pending against him. So what do we do? Should we hit the streets and fight burn and rampage our way to justice? Can any of this rioting yield any real results? In an article I was reading by ex jathedar of akaal taka ranjit singh. (Who was the person who killed the nakli nirankari guru who put his feet upon guru granth sahib and killed 13 innocent protesters, he was the central figure in the events leading up to 84)

In my opinion this person ranjit singh did a lot for the panth. After many peaceful means he took matters into his own hands. Ex jathedar ranjit singh said " violence is not the answer, it did not solve anything back then and it won't solve anything now."
I whole heartedly agree. Especially since all these people (who are taking to the streets) are being manipulated by the powers to be to do there work. The other thing that really gets to me are those people who are not living in india therefore will not be affected by any backlash calling for blood. How can people living abroad with a clean conscious ask for the blood of this paapi. Knowing full well they will not feel any of the ramifications, only the poor sikhs in india will. If this person ends up being killed I guarantee you there will be blood on the streets. then we will see how many of these living abroad who are calling for blood go and hop on a plane to defend our brothers and sisters who will be effected.

What I'm trying to say is we need to be smart. We need to ask the right questions. Do the right thing. Guru ji said when all else fails only then it is just to pick up the sword. Well have all other means failed? Have our leaders tried spending money on proper parchaar of sikhi. Have they made efforts to get media under there control so we're not always portrayed in a bad light? Has any effort been made to curb the epidemic of drugs and alcohol sweeping Punjab the answer is sadly NO. So sangat ji we kill one ram rahim twenty more will pop up in his place.

We need to cut these weeds of fake sants and gurus at the root. We need to do massive parchaar and educate the youth. Most importantly we need to look to our leaders in Punjab and see them as they really are. Blood sucking, corrupt dogs who are selling out there own people to get a suckle at badals teet.

Food for though. In 1998 a guy named bhaniyara came onto the scene and called guru granth sahib ji a mere book. He said I will write the real granth a mahan granth. Than he himself ripped up guru ji limb for limb and encouraged other to burn Guru Granth sahib ji and bury the limbs. Badal's wife and daughter in-law are his followers. I think its time we start looking away from where our leaders want us to look and have a glance at what they are doing.

I'M BACK

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:50:00 +0000

I'M BACK

Wow its been a while since I added anything to my blog. Its weird I never thought anyone checked my blog until recently when a few ppl mentioned I hadn't updated it for a while. You can imagine my shock and surprise. I was thinking what you mean other people besides my mother (who I force to look at my blog just so I can have the satisfaction of knowing someone checks my blog) actually looks at my blog. Well now I'm pumped. The last time I updated my blog Rampage Jackson was just entering the UFC, Cro Cop was a force to be reckoned with, George St.Pierre was king of his division, and I had no interest in fighting in gatka competitions. Well a lot has changed my friend. The world is indeed a much more different place in a just a few short months. Jackson upsetted the Chuck Liddell and is now the light heavy weight champ, Cro Cop suffered the most devastating K.O I have ever witnessed (I mean it looked like he dropped dead), GSP lost in a surprise upset to Matt Serra and finally I have experienced my first gatka competition. Man what an experience it was. Even though the experience is gonna leave me in crutches for at least ten day from a painful fall I suffered in a fight, it was still a wonderful experience. Next few days I will put up pics and talk about my experience.

But enough about UFC and fighting. Some hot topics I intend to discuss in the upcoming week are Sikhi and love, whats the connection how important is it. Gurmat retreat camp we did. Sacha sauda baba and the state of Punjab. A fresh new poem will be uploaded. And I will talk about some of the younger Singhs I met in b.c and how they have inspired me. Alright so keep an eye on this blog now Sehajvir Singh is back.

Genocide in Darfur

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:22:00 +0000

Today I have decided to write a little bit about something that is effecting millions of lives as we speak. And most likely you probably haven't heard much about it. The situation in Darfur is very bad and is a cause that me and some of my friends are very passionate about.

"Darfur has been embroiled in a deadly conflict for over three years. At least 400,000 people have been killed; more than 2 million innocent civilians have been forced to flee their homes and now live in displaced-persons camps in Sudan or in refugee camps in neighboring Chad; and more than 3.5 million men, women, and children are completely reliant on international aid for survival. Not since the Rwandan genocide of 1994 has the world seen such a calculated campaign of displacement, starvation, rape, and mass slaughter."

It is a sad state of affairs when this many people are suffering and the news media couldn't care less because they are to busy reporting on the latest celeberty break up. Anyways because of the book "left to tell" which I have featured on this blog I feel connected not to just africans but everyone around the world. Please watch the following video. Feel free to leave comments and please check back because as soon as I figure out how to get a powerpoint presentation online I will put up our darfur presentation. It is very touching and moving, however I haven't figured out how to get it uploaded.

In the meantime enjoy this short video of me speaking at a rally held on september 17 2006 which was marked the global day for darfur. It was held in downtown calgary at the harry hayes buidling. I wasn't prepared to speak but I was forced to by my good friend Kunal. Special shout out to him, for always pushing me to live big. If you want to be involved with our small organization Enlightened Activist Coalition please email me at EAC_CALGARY@YAHOO.CA

In Memory Of Bhai Jasbir Singh Ji Khannewale

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:54:00 +0000

As many of you have probably heard Bhai Sahib Jasbir Singh passed away recently and now is with Guru Ji. I had a really special connection with this great Gurmukh, even though I only met him twice. He had a way of making you feeling closer to Guru ji, just by being in his presence. The first time we met was in Toronto for smagam that happened a few years back. I remember seeing him after the diwan and him lighting up with joy as he seen me and my friends in sikhi saroop. After that first day every time he saw us he would get really happy. And finally I got a chance to hug him and to ask him to come to Calgary.

He came to calgary not to long ago and I had the chance to spend a lot of time with him because he stayed at a close personal friends house. I felt so uplifted that I went with him to B.C. Every time I would go into his room to say my fateh he would light up and that light would instantly light up my heart. He was truly amazing. His kirtan was so filled with prem rass for Akaal Purakh, listening to it one would feel things that were indescribable. Even though the doctors told him not to do kirtan anymore because of his poor health, he never stopped. He said he couldn't live without it.

The attribute I admired most about Bhai Sahib was his selfless service. Bhai sahib had done so much and was always on the move. His passion for the kaum and humanity was what really drew me closer to him. It felt like this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. I finally had met a Gurmukh who would help guide me. A Gurmukh who had nothing but love for humanity and Guru key Sikh.

His passing has inspired me to not sit idle and wait for tomorrow. He has inspired me even more after his passing to take steps to get closer to my Guru. He was truly a panthic jewel. I wish all of you could have had the same opportunity as me. Anyone who crossed his path instantly felt closer to Guru Ji. He will be missed very much by me and I'm sure by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him.

I hope you enjoy this tribute video to him.

Khalra video

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 18:14:00 +0000

A few months ago I talked about showing a video on this blog about the injustice of 1984. I think no one can describe it better then this human right lawyer. Sadly he disappeared after campaigning for those innocent people who had suffered unjustly in 84. He was told by a well known police officer who committed acts of mass murder, that if khalra ever came back to india he would be killed. After his human right rallying tour in the west, when khalra returned back to india he disappeared.

Here is the link to the video, they have subtitles as well which is a bonus.

http://www.ensaaf.org/Khalravideo.html

Inspiring women

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 05:25:00 +0000

This post goes out to all those strong SINGHNI sisters who have gone through so much to keep strong in sikhi. I was reading this post on a forum about how kaurs are supposed to be treated like princesses. BUT ARE THEY? in our faith do we look at kaurs as equal as princesses? Idealy of course thats what sikhi mandates. For us to give the utmost respect to women and love every one of them like sisters mothers and daughters. When i think of the struggle women go through in the world and in sikhi. It really pierces my heart. I have the utmost love and respect for all of you. You are strong, you are powerful and from the bottom of my heart you all are my inspiration. Keep doing what you are doing because you are lighting the lamp of love for guru ji in all our hearts. Do not give up, keep up the struggle it will pay off in the end. WAHEGURU ANG SANG

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Author: warrior*princessDate: 07-04-03 19:16My wife, the beautiful oneI came in from the fields and found my wife sleeping, her head was down on the table, and there was some papers in her hand. Without disturbing her I gently removed them and read what she had written.She wrote:"Everything has been changing so suddenly, I don't know who to tell, there is no one to tell, but I must tell someone, so I am just writing this to myself to try to organize my thoughts, to try to find some sense, to all the changes, recently, in my life.

My husband had been acting so strangely, weeping and talking about sleep and death. Then he met this unusual man, Sat Kartar Singh. This man is a Sikh. He wears a beard, and has uncut hair which he keeps bound in a turban. After this meeting my husband was much calmer, less disturbed, happy even, but still nothing has ever been normal again in the usual sense.We went for keertan, to this Singhs home. The music was very beautiful, it wrenched my heart, and made me want to weep, I didn't say anything, because I felt so strange, and the children's father seemed so happy I didn't want to break the spell.Then a few mornings later he went running from the house. When he returned he seemed calmer, he told me we were going to a sikh gathering.The smagham had the most unusual effect on me. It is hard to describe, but I must try. It has changed my whole life...I met a very unusual woman there. She was a Singhni. I think she was the most beautifu l woman I have ever met in my life. Her face was radiant and glowed with sach light. Her eyes had sach depth, when I looked into them it was as though the universe opened up its mysteries to me.

This woman Bibi ji, was unlike other woman, her face was covered with hair like a young man, soft black and curly. She sat quietly and greeted me quietly and softly. From the very first I was drawn to her. So many were staying at that gathering, she asked me to come and sleep with her and the other ladies. My husband joined the men, and children went off with others their own age.Bibi ji slept completely covered with a black lo-ee. Or I was never sure that she was sleeping, she was so still. I found myself yearning to be like her. Like the Singhs she also kept her hair bound in a turban. I thought of all the women in my village, with their jewelry, make up lipstick, and nail polish, silk dresses, and artificial finery, none were so beautiful as Bibi ji. She had only 2 changes of clothes, very simple, one blue, and one white, and the ever present black lo-ee.In the morning everyone began getting up very early, I heard strange sounds, as though there were many lovers, I was frightened and covered my face with my blanket. I slept very late. No one disturbed me. Later Bibi ji came to take me to the langer. I saw my husband there. He greeted me "Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh" I had never heard these words spoken before.

I smiled and nodded.I asked Bibi ji what the words meant. She said this is how Singhs greet each other.She told me when Guru gobind Singh the father of the Khalsa gave Amrit, he told Singhs to greet each other in this manner. I was even more curious. She explained about Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak. I asked her "How does one become a Singh?" She said they must be given Guru jis Amrit, that is baptized.Just then a very fierce looking Singh, carrying weapons, entered the langer. I must have looked alarmed, She said not to be afraid. He was our protector. Then she e xplained about the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. There was so much to learn. But I was so thirsty to hear everything. I can't explain even now, to my self what was happening to me. It was so bewildering. I just knew I did not want to leave Bibi jis side.She said "Lets go to the keertan." She did keertan for one hour, the same 4 lines over and over,Gurmukh pi-aaray aa-e mil, main chireen vichhunnay raam raajay. Mayraa man tan bahut bairaage-aa, har nain ras bhinnay. Main har prabh pi-aaraa das gur, mil har man mannay Haon moorakh kaarai laa-ee-aa, naanak har kammay"I am unworthy. I am unworthy of your love."She was weeping. I was weeping. A beautiful young girl wiped the tears from her face as she sang. I wondered where her children and husband were. It was obvious to me that she was in some sort of deep mourning. I thought she must have lost a child. I learned later that this was mourning was called "vairaag" by the sikhs. It meant deep and urgent longing for the guru. I felt so much love for her.

That evening when we went for sleep. I asked her if she would wake me too, in the morning. She agreed, then, disappeared beneath her lo-ee.I was sleeping face down, I heard "waheguru waheguru" just as I turned, she touched me, I gasped. An electrical current shot though my body shocking me. "Are you ok ?" she asked. I replied only that I had been startled. How could I explain?She led me to the showers, "isnaan", she said. During her bath she kept on some of her clothing. I was surprised, she said these are kachara, and kirpan, they are a part of me given to me at baptism I can never be separated from them... She explained more about the baptism, how one never removes hair and must keep a comb, and kara also, with one at all times. Her hair, kesh, fell to her knees gleaming as she washed, oiled, and combed it.Beside her I felt utterly filthy, to my soul. I started weeping, I couldn't stop my self, "No amount of water can ever clean me," I sobbed. She put he r arms around me, lovingly and said, "Guru can wash you clean in an instant, when you receive His Amrit."We went to join the others. "Waheguru Waheguru waheguru waheguru waheguru" Every one together, in once voice was calling "waheguru"; it was very comforting.When I met my husband again , I said," I want to take the Amrit." He looked deeply into my eyes and smiled. It felt as though he touched my soul.The thing is since baptism I have undergoing so many changes.

Nothing has been easy, everything has been very difficult, and sometimes a real struggle. Those three hairs, I had plucked from my chin before, have turned to fifty. All my facial hair has gotten darker and much heavier. I don't know what to do. I feel so hideous, and yet there is my Masters face looking back at me when ever I look in the mirror.Some of my closest former friends are shunning me. I know it is not because they do not love me., They are uncomfortable, and so am I. But my farmer comes in from the fields happy now. He looks at me and says, "I feel so alive." He tells me I am beautiful and the daughter of Guru Gobind singh, but it doesn't stop the shame. The singhs give me so much love and treat me as their sister. But inside I see the beautiful smooth faces of other women, and I feel disfigured. Bibi ji was special, she had courage, I am not like her. I want to cover my face in shame. I weep into the ramalas and plead with Guru ji, for what? To make me like other women rather than like Him. I can't ask for that, and so I just weep and feel ashamed. I feel like I am being punished for all my past misdeeds. Sometimes, I don't know how I can bear it.We went to another smagham. A young girl was washing feet. I heard her say, "Who is she she? She is so beautiful." Later she met me and said, "They say you practice a different kind of Sikhism." I replied, "There is only one Waheguru, What is different? We both love Him. Sikhism is Sikhism." I wanted to tell her , "Yes, do AMrit vela, do wahegur u waheguru waheguru waheguru waheguru. Do Naam simran." But I couldn't say anything.I felt beautiful, but I know that I am not. It's just vanity , this body is corruption, and it is rotting away. Nothing matters to me any more but Naam, and my Kakars and Paath. I can't be separated from them, it would kill me. Literally I would die. Slip back into a partial person, not fit to be called human, consumed in pain, always trying to anesthetize myself with fruitless activities.It is a struggle to wake up and do Paath. Sometimes we are so sleepy, we want to go for the bed, but we look at each other and remember how it was before, that is enough to wake us up again. I envy those born to this path, so pure and innocent, they don't feel the traces of dirt..."

I put the papers down, and woke my wife, I pulled her into my arms, and looked in to her eyes, *HE* looked back at me."I didn't know, you should have told me. I have been so selfish, thinking everything was me all this time. I thought you just did this for me. Forgive me."We both started weeping in to each others arms. "It will be ok, we'll get through this with waheguru waheguru waheguru waheguru waheguru." Then we were weeping and laughing together.The children came in and found us. They just looked at us like we were crazy,"What's for langar?" the little one asked.
........................................................................................................................................................................

ma 1
First Mehla:

bha(n)dd ja(n)meeai bha(n)dd ni(n)meeai bha(n)dd ma(n)gan veeaahu
From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married.

bha(n)ddahu hovai dhosathee bha(n)ddahu chalai raahu
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.

bha(n)dd muaa bha(n)dd bhaaleeai bha(n)dd hovai ba(n)dhhaan
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound.

so kio ma(n)dhaa aakheeai jith ja(n)mehi raajaan
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.

bha(n)ddahu hee bha(n)dd oopajai bha(n)ddai baajh n koe
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.

naanak bha(n)ddai baaharaa eaeko sachaa soe
O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman.

jith mukh sadhaa saalaaheeai bhaagaa rathee chaar
That mouth which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful.

naanak thae mukh oojalae thith sachai dharabaar 2
O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in the Court of the True Lord. 2

Sorry Guys

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 05:19:00 +0000

Sorry to all those like five people that actually check out my site. Its been a while since i posted. But no more.....hopefully. I will try to keep my blog updated. So here goes. Some more from sehajvir singhs world. ENJOY.

Ok this pic here on the right really pumps me up. To me this symbolizes the khalsa (nihung singh) going up against false evil athourity (Punjab Police). We all know how many human rights violations this organization has committed if you don't will then stay tuned i have a special informative video for all of you.

Anyways enjoy this pic. No disrespect to all the hard working honest policemen in punjab. This to all the corrupt police out there.

FEATURED BOOK "LEFT TO TELL"

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 06:41:00 +0000

What a wondeful, amazing, heart rendering yet inspiring book this is. I have written a bit about the first chapter and I would like to share this writing with you in the hopes you might go out and read this amazing book. This book has inspired me to ask god to give me seva towards darfur. Whether the All Mighty will do this seva through me remains to be seen.

Wow, what an amazing book. I can already tell and I have just read the fwd. At first I was afraid the book would bring be down. But now after reading the fwd I cannot wait to read the rest of the book. Basically Wayne talks about how he met Immaculee Ilibagiza, how he was so taken by her the first few seconds they met. He talks about how they got in contact and he insisted she write her story down in a book. He also talks about how close they have become because she goes on tour with him everywhere. So who is Immaculee? Well she is the survivor of the Rwandan holocaust (hotel Rwanda) where nearly 1 million people dies in around 100 days, and this is her story:

Part 1: Gathering of the Storm
Chapter 1: The eternal spring:

Wow it was really hard for me to read this chapter because I kept on thinking of what was to come. This book is extremely well written. I don’t know if I can read this book. Its going to be tough. Immaculee talks about her life as a child in Rwanda. “Rwanda is a tiny country set like a jewel in central Africa. She is so breathtakingly beautiful that it’s impossible not to see the hand of God in her lush, rolling hills; mist-shrouded mountains; green valleys; and sparkling lakes. The gentle breezes drifting down from the hills and through the pine and cedar forest are scented with the sweet aroma of lilies and chrysanthemums. And the weather is so pleasant year-round the German settlers who arrived in the late 1800s christened her “the land of the eternal spring”. What amazing writing. I could envision the beautiful country of Rwanda. Right away the author has set me up for heart break.

Then immacule talks about going swimming with her family every so often in the warm crystal lake. She mentions how young children in her village would walk for eight mile to and from work and parents never worried about being abducted. What an amazing place to live. You see Rwanda and kids on T.V. and it makes you sad for a bit, but then you move on even though deep inside you know they are part of you. Those people are human beings as well who have the same connection the lord and god you pray too. But I ignore that feeling or push it deep down inside me so I don’t have to feel the pain. Now this author has put a face to all those children suffering. How will I be able to ignore it now. I will not be able to, as I shouldn’t. I should take ownership of my human existence and help those who are suffering. Waheguru no one knows your secrets. Help me be in service to you.

Immaculee talks about her family and really puts a personal touch to all of them. She talks about her father who is strong and reserved yet very loving towards his family. How her mother and father are teachers and the first in the village to graduate high school. She talks about how the children were pushed to get an even better education then they did. Her dad was a person who the entire village respected and came to for advice. He was someone who was wise and settled arguments in the village, also people came from far and wide to ask him for advice. She talks about how she felt safe in his strong arms. How he used to come home a little tipsy and wake up the kids so he didn’t have to eat alone. How the kids cherished these moments: “Well I can’t eat dinner alone.” He’d say, and gently get us all out of bed. We’d sit around the table in our pajamas while he ate dinner and told us about his day, we loved every minute of it… “They’ve already said their prayers, Leonard. They have school tomorrow!?”. “Well, Rose, I have work tomorrow. And you can never say to many prayers. Right, Immaculee?” “yes, Daddy,” I’d answer shyly. I idolized my dad and was delighted that he’d ask me such an important question.”

The mother was also a teacher and a beautiful person who worried about her family constantly and was up earlier then everyone getting everything ready and went to sleep later then everyone. The family was well off compared to others. Only family with two vehicles and a nice house for Rwanden standards. Once the neighbor was telling the mother her problems of getting her daughter married. How she didn’t have enough money for a new wedding dress. The mother responded just pray and everything will be fine. Then the next day the mother took her money that she saved from teaching and went and bought cloths and stayed up all night making the wedding and bridesmaid dresses for her neighbors daughters wedding. What an amazing story.

When she talked about her three brother I was touched. The eldest (amiable) was a introverted mature person who was very humble. The mother doted over him the most but he was always embarrassed to get the attention. Always looking out for the family when the father was gone, by making sure the doors were locked and mother was safe. Immaculee talks about how she never got to know him as well because of the five year age difference. But she loved him so much. The part that touched me unspeakably was when he went to boarding school, she developed a terrible stomach ache. Then when she was to write to him she wrote “Dear Aimable I love you, I miss you, I love you I miss you I love you, I miss you, I love you I miss you I love you, I miss you, I love you I miss you I love you, I miss you, I love you I miss you I love you, I miss you, I love you I miss you I love you, I miss you, I love you I miss you I love you….and I miss you. Love Immaculee P.S I miss you.” Even now thinking of this I can't help but fight back some tears. What a beautiful child Immaculee was, so much love and innocence.

I See Beauty Poem

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 05:45:00 +0000

I SEE BEAUTY
I see beauty in that distinct smell after a rainstorm
I see beauty in that simple drop on a leaf that is about to form
I see beauty in those colourful leaves shining in the autumn sun
I see beauty in children’s laughter as they run free and experience fun
I see beauty in the innocent and trusting soul of a child
I see beauty in their carefree spirit that is so tender and mild
I see beauty in the aw-inspiring colours of a sunrise
I see beauty in the gratitude of a home less person’s eyes
I see beauty in my longing for my soul mate.
I see beauty in the fact that I have to wait.
I see beauty in the free flight of an enchanting and peaceful dove.
I see beauty in its gleaming array of white, which represents love.
Ultimately I see beauty in the one that is pure and true
I see beauty in the creator, the all mighty Waheguru.

By Divine Quest
(Sehajvir S Randhawa)

My poem about Bhai Taru Singh

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:03:00 +0000

With his hands shackled but no fear in his eyes
Awaiting death his khalsa spirit begins to rise

They tell him to convert, but to their dismay
Bhai Taru Singhs faith is firm and does not sway

“Fine don’t give up your faith, just give us your hair and we will spare you life”
Bhai Taru Singh replies “you think I will bend under the threat of your knife”

“Oh cruel people why are you so blind, why can’t you see”
“My brothers have been shedding their blood for this faith long before me”

“We are Guru Gobind Singh ji’s Sikhs, we are a different breed”
“Do what you must so I can join my brothers as a Shaheed”

“I will never give up my hair because it was gifted to me by the king of all kings”
“I will endure any kind of tourture to stay true to my father Guru Gobind Singh”

“So do your worst, entice me, threaten me, burn me, cut me or scalp me alive”
“It makes no difference because I have taken the Amrit from the beloved five”

PLEASE DO NOT COPY THIS POEM WITHOUT MY PERMISSION

Bhai Taru Singh

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 01:22:00 +0000

bilaaval mehalaa 5
Bilaaval, Fifth Mehla:
rog mittaaeiaa aap prabh oupajiaa sukh saa(n)th
God Himself eradicated the disease; peace and tranquility have welled up.
vadd parathaap acharaj roop har keenhee dhaath 1
The Lord blessed me with the gifts of great, glorious radiance and wondrous form. 1
gur govi(n)dh kirapaa karee raakhiaa maeraa bhaaee
The Guru, the Lord of the Universe, has shown mercy to me, and saved my brother.
ham this kee saranaagathee jo sadhaa sehaaee 1 rehaao
I am under His Protection; He is always my help and support. 1Pause
birathhee kadhae n hovee jan kee aradhaas
The prayer of the Lord's humble servant is never offered in vain.
naanak jor govi(n)dh kaa pooran gunathaas 21377
Nanak takes the strength of the Perfect Lord of the Universe, the treasure of excellence. 21377

This month, July 1st, it was the shaheedi (martyrdom) anniversary of bhai taru singh ji. This mahan (great) gursikh is one of my personal heroes because of his dedication and fearlessness. A humble Gursikh Bhai Taru Singh used to farm his land and do his banis with great dedication. He also used to help the Singhs who were in the jungles fighting to overthrow the evil mughal rule. At that time most Sikhs were on the run and living in jungles fighting against tyranny. However a few village chiefs who were noble men and against the evil actions of the ruling government helped out Sikhs and let them stay in their villages to live normal lives. The rulers at the time allowed this, thinking the Sikhs would turn in their brethren if they ever needed information on the outlaw Singhs. This however was not the case, all the Sikhs sympathized with their brothers fighting for the cause and gave them food, water, clothing and any other aid whenever they could. They were living in the villages in order to help the Singhs.

Bhai Taru singh was one such individual who had such immense love for the Guru and his Gursikhs, he would help them every possible chance he could get. He was a true devotee who had full faith in the scriptures and would help anyone irrespective fo caste or religion. Because of this Bhai sahib had a reputation as a noble person and was respected by not only his village but other surrounding villages. Then one day Harbhagat Naranjinia (A government agent) complained to the governor about Bhai Sahibs actions. When Bhai sahib was arrested and questioned about aiding the "rebel" singhs, he remained calm and without any fear admitted to all the charges. They twenty guards who came to arrest him were shocked at how calmly and courageously bhai sahib admitted to the charges which would lead to his execution. But bhai sahib wasn't worried he had gurus bani ingrained in every fiber of his body, after all, what could the rulers of this world do to his soul which belonged to the Guru.

As bhai sahib was being taken away the people of his village and others protested, however it fell on deaf ears. As they walked further down, the other Sikhs from other villages came to rescue bhai sahib. But bhai sahib told them to not interfere and lose their lives for him. Whatever god has intended for me I am ready to accept, because I know my Guru is with me all the time. After days and days of torture they saw that it wasn't doing anything except strengthening his resolve and love for his Guru. They decided to take him the governor, Zakhirya Khan. They told the governor about how they tortured bhai sahib and how it had no effect on the great Gursikh. But Zakhirya Khan thought "Don't worry I know how to make even the hardest captives beg for mercy."

Zakhirya Khan asked Bhai Sahib to either accept Islam or be tortured to death. To which bhai sahib replied " Will I never die if I become a musalman? Don't Muslims die? When I am going to die one day, irrespective of my religion, then why should I desert my faith of which I am extremely proud of? Why should I commit an act to fall out of favour of my beloved Guru? If God had will me to be a Muslim, I would have been born to Muslim parents. I love my faith more than my life and I will defend it at all cost. To this Zakhiriya khan was taken aback. He got angry at this answer, however he kept his calm and decided to take away Bhai sahib's pride.

"Fine Taru Singh if you do not want wealth, riches or to convert to Islam then why not just save your life by giving me some of your hair. " He explained you are a young man, you have so much more to see in your life. Cut off some of your hair and you will be set free. You will not have to convert and your life will be spared. How cunning was Zakhirya, he knew that hair was important to Sikhs and if he could not force him to convert he could take away his pride by getting him to cut his hair. After all what fool would value his hair more then his life he thought.

But Bhai Taru Singh was not and ordinary human being. No he was a Sikh of the Gurus and had extreme love and faith in his Guru. He understood the importance of the five sacred gifts the Guru had bestowed upon his Sikhs. Kirpan (Sword to fight against injustice), Kara (Iron Bracelett to always remind one of God), Kacherra (Long underwear representing control of lust), Kanga (Wooden comb to keep the hair clean) and finally KESH (Unshorn hair which represented surrendering to God's Will, Not changing the form that God intended us to be in). Bhai sahib understood the sacrifices the tenth master had poured into these gifts. The sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh jis Four beloved children. The sacrifice of Guru ji's father mother and entire family. These gifts were not just mere items. NO these gifts were chosen by Akaal Purakh (Immortal God) himself and made benevolent by the Sacrifices of Akaals beloved ones (Our Gurus). NO these Gifts are not merely GIFTS, They are benevolent TOOLS that were designed to uplift and protect the Gurus beloved's as they walk the path of truth towards their All Mighty Creator. Only the true devotees of the Guru know the mystical hidden power of these GIFTS. And My beloved hereo, my beloved inspiration, my beloved mentor Bhai Taru Singh was one of these true devotees.

With a thunderous booming voice he said "you fool, how can I make a spiritually blind person see the magnifesence of these gifts. How can I make you see that these are more precious to me then not just one life, but an infinite amount of lives. I would die countless number of times defending these gifts. Do your worst to me I will never cut my hair." Zakhirya Khan being furious ordered his men to tie up Bhai Sahibs arms and to cut his hair by force. When Bhai Sahibs hands were tied and he had the sharpened knife above his head. He closed his eyes and he prayed with his heart to the all mighty.

Did he ask for his life to be spared? Did he ask to not feel pain? Did he ask Akaal why is all this happening? NO. Bhai sahib asked for one thing and one thing only. "Dear Lord save my precious hair, I can not bare for this precious gift to dishonored. I do not care what happens to me as long as my Gurus Gift remains intact." Hearing this Zakhirya Khan was even more furious. "You think your God is more powerful then ME!!" Cut his hair he ordered. As the butchers Knife came down and the sharp blade came in contact with the hair sparks flew and the knife bounced off the hair as if it were hitting strong metal. Not even minor damage was done to Bhai Taru Singhs Precious Hair. Furious Zakhirya ordered for them to use an axe. But the same thing happened. "USE A SAW THEN" He screamed. But of course nothing could damage bhai sahibs hair "birtha kadi na hovay jan ki ardas." Zakhriya Khan now was in an all out rage "If you cannot cut his hair then cut his scalp." And that's what they did. After which bhai Sahib did an ardas (Prayer) "Thank you lord for taking my scalp but leaving my hair intact."

While the blood kept oozing from Bhai Taru Singh's head, Zakaria Khan started crying in pain since he could not pass urine. All efforts on the part of best of doctors attending on Zakaria Khan failed to relieve the Governor of Punjab of unbearable pain.

As a last resort, Zakaria Khan sent a message to Khalsa Panth through S. Subeg Singh asking for forgiveness for his cruel acts agains the Sikhs and promised to stop their persecution forth with. S. Subeg Singh suggested that Zakaria Khan should get his own scalp hit by Bhai Taru Singh’s shoes. Zakaria Khan readily agreed to the suggestion, made by S. Subeg Singh, Bhai Taru Singh who was still alive even after removal of his scalp, was approached for loaning his shoe for the purpose of hitting Zakaria Khan’s head with it, as suggested by S. Subeg Singh.As soon as Bhai Taru Singh’s shoe went into action, Zakaria Khan’s pain started receding and finally disappeared but a little later Zakaria Khan died while Bhai Taru Singh was yet to breathe his last. As soon as Bhai Taru Singh got the news of Zakaria Khan’s death, he too breathed his last.

My beloved Taru Singh is one of my many inspirations. I am an amritdhari with Gurus Grace. So i can proudly say i am his brother. He is my older sibling who is sitting in Sach Khand watching out and protecting his fellow Gursikhs. My brothers and sisters if you are a Sikh then ponder on this true event and become steadfast in your conviction and love for your Guru. And if you are not a Sikh then I hope I have shed some light on how important hair is for a Sikh. God bless you all.

bloggers note* this event is true and has been recorded in the history of the sikhs. However most of the dialogue was made up by the Blogger to protray the situation according to what i have imagined. thank you

My writing featured on www.Mrsikhnet.com

noreply@blogger.com (Quest4akaal) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 19:55:00 +0000

Janurary 11 2006 If you go on mrsikhnet.com and scroll waaaay down you will come across something I wrote up on my experience at the winter soltice. You can see some of my pics in my gallery If you are too lazy to go and check it out, I will let you read it here Love, Change, Sikhi, Sangat @ Winter Solstice Camp A friend who works with the 3HO events office forwarded me the following email from a "Punjabi" Sikh who participated in the recent "Winter Solstice Camp" which took place last week in Florida. It is always nice to see people go through their own personal growth and make positive changes in their lives. We can all learn from each other's experiences. (Ps. The Summer Solstice Camp is in the middle of June here in Espanola, New Mexico. We are also going to be holding another camp on "Jaap Sahib" right before that camp. More info to come in the spring)

"As I sit here getting ready to write about my experience at winter solstice my mind is struggling to find the words. After all how do you put into words the emotions of love, peace, acceptance, universal oneness? I am almost afraid to write these words because I know they will not do these emotions justice. But I will try with my limited capacity as a writer to express what I experienced. I feel like it to be a duty to tell the world (especially the Punjabi youth) about my experience with the 3ho sangat. Before I start I would like to tell the people this is my own personal experience of just meeting the sangat. I did not do much yoga there because I am a beginner and it was difficult for me to participate in the main events. So I am writing about only my experience with interacting with the sangat. I would like to tell the readers a little bit about my background. I have done personal development courses in my life which have opened me to new experiences. However it has been a long time since I did these courses and I found myself going back to my same old mundane life. The experience at 3ho has rejuvenated me; it has touched my heart in such a profound way. I have been into Sikhi pretty much my whole life in one form or another. I have taken guru jiý’s amrit about 2 years ago. It was a wonderful time in my life. I had so much pyaar for Guru ji and this kept me on track and happy. However along the way I started to become more strict for whatever reasons. I somehow forgot about the love of Sikhi and focused on being strict in order to achieve my spiritual goals. Do not get me wrong, I believe it is fine to be strict IF your soul asks for it. For example if through simran you naturally do not want to watch t.v. because your soul (inner self) feels it is distracting and taking you away from meditation, then that is wonderful and beautiful. However if you stop watching T.V. because you are copying someone who is spiritual, then it can be dangerous. If you do not know why you are doing what you are doing then you can lose that pyaar for God. My point is always know why you are doing what you are doing. Do not let Sikhi become ritualistic.

This is a lesson I have learned the hard way. I had lost the pure emotion of love for my guru and it had been replaced with love buried in rituals and superstitions. After attending this solstice camp my heart has become open to love again. I have experienced so much love energy from the sangat at the solstice that my heart became opened once again. When I become strict for the wrong reasons I automatically started putting up walls. I started havingjudgmentss on people who weren't as strict as me. I was like this because of my environment of fear based thinking. "God will punish you if you do this or that". "You need to be perfect, or God will not love you". I started thinking about people who trimmed their beards as wrong, people who were amritdhari yet wore make up as weak, people who went out to see a movie, as sinners. Why? Because I was so miserable with myself I had to make myself feel better by judging others. I made thesejudgmentss without even realizing it. My heart had been closed. So recently I gave up being strict and decided to just be. Iý’m not saying I went out doing kurheits (braking my amrit). I just stopped depriving myself of small pleasures. However my heart was still closed.

After going to winter solstice and seeing their love for humanity and love for people in general my heart has become open once again. What I have seen is that the 3HO sangat do not push their views on others. They do not put up walls, instead they build bridges. They show people nothing but love. And this love is like a tidal wave that bursts through the barriers of the heart which are preventing one from realizing God. There were many Sikhs and non-sikhs attending this solstice camp. The key that opened my heart was the way they just loved everyone and anyone regardless of how much simran they did, or what religion they were. The lesson that I have learned is that every one person is their own and they have the right to find their own way to practice sikhi. Why should I impose my beliefs on someone? A person is an individual child of god who has the right to practice however he or she wants. I also realized that it iridiculousas to interfere or pasjudgmentsts on another individual. Who am I to say what is right or wrong. There is only one way to god, and that is through love. Only through love will you be able to touch another persons heart. Only through love will people listen to you. Not througjudgmentsts.

This lesson has been implanted in my heart after being around some of these beautiful Sikhs at the solstice. Through love they have touched my heart and opened it once again. I have realized that walls melt away when you have love. But if you have rituals and you follow other people's version of sikhi blindly then walls get put up and you end up cold and alone. Thank you 3ho for showing me how to be compassionate again. Thank you for showing me that sikhi is inclusive not exclusive. Thank you for showing me that Gurbani can only be understood fully through love. "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 realize Him.)" - Sehajvir Singh