Prince George Sikh Youth

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-11T02:31:00.000-08:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Happy New Year Everyone!

May Waheguru bring you lakh kushiya in 2012!

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday

2011-11-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Gurpurb

It was Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday on Nov 2. There will be an akhand paath at the Guru Nanak Darbar on Nov 7-8-9.

From "Sikhiwiki.com"
Guru Nanak founded and formalised the three pillars of Sikhism:

1. Naam Japna Guru ji led the Sikhs directly to practise Simran and Naam Japna – meditation on God through reciting, chanting, singing and constant remembrance followed by deep study & comprehension of God’s Name and virtues. In real life to practice and tread on the path of Dharam (righteousness) - The inner thought of the Sikh thus stays constantly immersed in praises and appreciation of the Creator and the ONE ETERNAL GOD Waheguru.

2. Kirat Karni He expected the Sikhs to live as honourable householders and practise Kirat Karni – To honestly earn by ones physical and mental effort while accepting both pains and pleasures as GOD's gifts and blessings. One is to stay truthful at all times and, fear none but the Eternal Super Soul. Live a life founded on decency immersed in Dharam - life controlled by high spiritual, moral and social values.

3. Vand Chakna. The Sikhs were asked to share their wealth within the community by practising Vand Chakna – “Share and Consume together”. The community or Sadh Sangat is an important part of Sikhism. One must be part of a community that is living the flawless objective values set out by the Sikh Gurus and every Sikh has to contribute in whatever way possible to the common community pool. This spirit of Sharing and Giving is an important message from Guru Nanak.

It is cool to see how far Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled on foot!

Some things I have learned

2011-08-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Life can be hard, especially as Sikhs when we are very aware about the patterns of our mind and our subconscious.

Here are some tips that I have learned in my life as a Sikh, some things I have noticed as I journey forward.

1. Don’t generalize. When facing an adverse situation, it’s sometimes convenient to say, “Oh this always happens to me” or “I’ve been going through this forever.” But these kinds of statements, not only bring the negatives emotions of past events into the present, but also paint a bleak picture for the future. Try to focus on the current event, what the problem is, what you can do about it, what you have learned, what you would differently in the future. Remember, there are always exceptions to the rule, and although finding a pattern in your life can sometimes be useful, it can also be detrimental to stay stuck in the past and convince yourself that past events will repeat in the future. The same applies to making generalizing comments to someone else like “you never care about me” or “you always do [blank]”.

2. Be careful of TV. In the old days, people had to sit down and watch their fave tv show at the exact time it came on TV. Now with modern technology, like DVR/PVRs, DVD players, youtube etc. we can watch entire seasons of TV shows at a time, something I admit to doing. Someimtes watching TV though is to keep your mind preoccupied. If you are watching TV excessively, you should ask yourself why. Chances are you are trying to avoid thinking about or feeling something that is bothering you, which leaves you exhausted the next day. Watching TV should not come at the expense of your sleep. It is better to be well rested to tackle the next day, than watch another episode of Modern Family.

3. Consider yourself equal. With the increasing globalization of the world comes more competition for jobs and positions. Sometimes you have to tout your own horn to get ahead. Although many Sikhs are adverse to bragging about what they have done, there are very few CEOs or committee members that would understand this. You have to let people know what you have accomplished in an honest fashion. Don’t think your better than anyone, but don’t think you are less than anyone either. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish many things without the need to sabotage or destroy your competition.

4. Don’t self-sabotage. Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in our past, and let the decisions we made rule our future. Remember, Waheguru gave you this opportunity to life for a reason. If we live in chardi kala (a positive attitude) and rise to the challenge, then Waheguru will give us all the tools and skills we need to complete the tasks we are meant to complete. But if we self-pity and think that we are too inadequate for the job, we are not only self-sabotaging ourselves, but also fighting against Waheguru’s hukam- thinking that we know better than he does.

5. Care about what you think about yourself. People will judge us no matter what. Some people will think good things and some people will think bad things about what we do, how we dress etc. What people think about us is not really a reflection about us, but rather a reflection about the person who is judging and their mindset. For example, an open-minded positive person may think very highly about a project that we completed, but another person who has a negative mindset or a person who gets jealous may tell us our project is a disaster. None of these opinions are the absolute truth and more or less reflect on the person judging us, rather than our project. So it is more important to understand what you think about yourself, rather than strangers.

So these are just some things I have learned on my journey, by serious self-reflection.

Keeping Traditions Alive

2011-07-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

There are a lot of old traditions that were passed down generation to generation in Punjab, but as the world gets “westernized”, people around the world are leaving the rich traditions and practises behind. Items that used to be handmade in the past are substituted by modern mass production items, which we use once and then throw away. With modernization, we lose part of rich heritage and part of our cultural consciousness.

My father learned how to weave manja from his great-grandfather, who lived to be more than a 100 years old. A manja is a woven bed that was frequently used in India. My great great grandfather, I have heard, was always doing things, utilizing his energy to create something, even in his old age. In a way his legacy lives on, as my father showed my two sisters and I how to weave our first manja.

Click on the link to read more

Watch your drinks

2011-07-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

By Prince George Citizen

Police warn to check your glass after incidents involving more than mix

Men and women in Prince George are having their drinks spiked with drugs.

Police do not consider recent findings to be an anomaly, but tests have found that within the last couple of months a man and a woman have both been victims of illicit drink doctoring in unrelated incidents.

“They were completely different places and situations,” said Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass.

The timing of each incident was not disclosed, nor the social setting in particular, because Douglass said the issue is ongoing and could happen in any large social group.

“The motives for slipping a drug into the drink of a male or female can be quite different,” Douglass added. “For females it is typically done to facilitate a sexual assault. It is often done to males to make them vulnerable to violence.”

Without specifying, Douglass confirmed that in at least one of the recent cases harm was done to the targeted victim. More than one investigation is underway.

“The precautions the public should take would apply as much in any other town in the province, but you should definitely put those precautions into use here in Prince George,” Douglass said.

The most commonly administered drug to put people in a vulnerable position is alcohol, he said, so beware of overindulgence, especially at the encouragement of someone providing the drinks.

Other drugs that have locally shown themselves in recent times include Ketamine and Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).

Although common in medical use, and to some extent naturally occurring in the human body making them challenging to detect, these chemicals are predatory drugs said Douglass, that kick in after only a few minutes. They are “often odourless and often tasteless when mixed in a drink,” he explained, and have very similar effects to alcohol.

“Should you feel your drink has been spiked, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Get to the nearest hospital for a urine test right away,” Douglass said. “It is imperative that you do not go to the bathroom. Drugs that are used to facilitate sexual assaults are quickly metabolized in the body and excreted through one’s urine. Preserve as much evidence as possible. Do not shower, bathe, urinate, eat, drink or throw away clothing. If possible, save the glasses or containers that you drank from.”

Call police as soon as possible as well. It may help not only the situation you may find yourself in, but tie into other ongoing investigations as well.

Punjabi sing-along

2011-07-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

This is a cool punjabi sing-along.

Blood Donation Camp

2011-07-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji kI Fateh

Here are a couple of pictures taken at the blood donation camps over the past couple of years, which is organized by Sikh Nation in honor of the 1984 massacres. Thank you to all the people who came out and donated. Sorry I don't have all of your pictures.

Humble Beginnings

2011-07-05T17:43:00.000-07:00


Solange School, Quebec

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

It's hard to imagine where one will end up in course of one's life. But one thing is for certain

DREAM BIG!


University of Alberta Hospital

I started my kindergarten year in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Quebec. There were were probably about 15 students from kindergarten to grade 7. Although I knew I would do great things, I would never have imagined the journey I would travel.
With Waheguru's kirpa, I got a full scholarship to the University of Northern BC, where I finished my degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. With Waheguru's kirpa, I was able to volunteer and serve the people of Prince George while doing my studies. In 2010, I was accepted into one of the top five medical schools in Canada, the University of Alberta.
I used to dream big, but honestly the journey from a small school in rural Quebec to one of the most prestigious universities in the world was orchestrated by Waheguru or God. I just kept taking the opportunities that he gave me and my family and here I am! It just goes to show you, dream big and Waheguru will give you a way to fulfill the destiny that you were put on this Earth to do.


University of Alberta

Doing research

2011-07-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

We are really fortunate in northern BC to have the opportunity to do research in the various labs at UNBC. Since we have such a small university, there are more opportunities to volunteer in a research lab, or even become a paid research assistant. The NSERC USRA award is granted every March to capable and enthusiastic students to undertake summer research projects. The deadline for this award is Feb 1. Furthermore, in smaller university undergraduate students are given more challenging projects with more responsibility. Therefore, you really get to be involved in life-changing research by doing interesting projects.
I completed two summer research projects in a cancer research lab here at UNBC, which was funded by NSERC USRA. The experience was very useful. I got to apply the theory and the scientific method I learned in the classroom to real life problems encountered in my projects. I learned a variety of biochemistry techniques. I also learned how to use critical thinking skills when assessing evidence and scientific literature. The coolest things of course was knowing that my research could be used in helping find treatments for cancer.

I also attended various research conferences where I could present my research findings to other scientists. This was a good learning experience and helped me improve my public speaking skills.

Canadian Cancer Society

2011-07-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Here are some pictures from the Canadian Cancer Society 24 hour relay. Click on the read more tab to see more pictures

Diabetes Event 2011

2011-07-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

On March 26, 2011 PGSYS with the Canadian Diabetes Association organized an event called, “The Big Picture of Diabetes”. This free event was held in English and Punjabi and was held at the Civic Centre. Its main purpose was to increase the awareness of diabetes among the Prince George and Northern BC South Asian populations.

Speakers included:

1. Tarlok Sablok: MC

2. Manorma Bhat: Dietician

3. Dr. Parmjit Sohal: Gave General Info on Diabetes

4. Manpreet K Sidhu: greeter

At the door, people had the opportunity to have their blood pressure and blood glucose checked. They also received information on diet and nutrition, and general information on diabetes in Punjabi. MLA Shirley Bond and Mayor Dan Rogers also came and said their greetings. Tarlok Sablok was the MC and introduced the speakers. Dr. Sahol then did a presentation about diabetes in Punjabi, and Manorma the dietician finished off with information on nutrition and health.

We would like to thank all the volunteers that made this event possible. They helped with a variety of tasks including setting up, greeting guests, taking surveys, registering guests etc.

We would also like to thank our sponsors who made this event possible!

Sponsors/Partners:

· Canadian Diabetes Association: Boyanne Young

· SD57: Arvinder Singh Billing

· Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple

· Guru Gobind Sikh Temple

· Grewal Group

· Pharmasave

The event was very successful and a lot of people felt it was very useful. Gaining knowledge on diabetes is the key to prevention.

Click on the Read More tab to see pictures!

Read more »

More about PG Sikh Youth Society

2011-07-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Serving to bring peace and prosperity to everyone

Who We Are

The Prince George Sikh Youth Society is an independent, nonprofit organization that is registered with the Government of British Columbia. It was created in May 2008.

Our Mission is to share the spirit of Sikhism and its values such as honesty, compassion, truthfulness, and equality with others.

We believe that Sikhs should strive to uplift and serve humanity, to promote equality among all humans, to understand that one God pervades through all of creation, to act and live truthfully and compassionately, to remember and meditate on God always, to make an honest living, and to share your earnings to help the people in need.

Our goals include:

Creating awareness of Sikhism and its values among Sikh youth and the general public
Increasing youth volunteerism with organizations that serve the greater public good, so youth realize the importance of serving and uplifting people in need
Providing workshops/seminars to increase the well being of youth and others alike

Search our blog: pgsikhyouth.blogspot.com to see pictures of all of the events we have done so far, as well as to get notifications of future events!

About Sikhs in Prince George

2011-07-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

I know there is not a lot of information on the internet about Sikhs or Punjabi people in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada so here are a few facts.

Prince George is the home of 76,000 people and is the largest city in northern BC.
Prince George is the home of University of Northern BC, one of the leading research universities in Canada

It has two Sikh gurudwaras or temples

1. Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple

4298 Davis Road

(250)906-0011

2. Guru Gobind Singh Temple
443 Kelly St S
(250)562-2766

Approximately 250 people attend gurudwara regularly
There is an annual Nagar Keertan and Ranswayee keertan organized by the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple
Prince George Sikh Youth Society is an independent society that not only caters to the needs of the Sikh Youth, but also to the general Sikh Public
The Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) also provides services to immigrants in PG
Around 910 people speak Punjabi at home, making Punjabi- speaking people the largest minority group in PG (Canadian Census Stats 2006)
9.6% of the total population were immigrants in 2006 (Canadian Census Stats 2006)

And the Volunteer Award goes to...

2011-07-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Manpreet Kaur Sidhu, a member of the PGSYS, was honored with the "Volunteer of the year" award by the Canadian Diabetes Association at a banquet held on May 28, 2011. She has been an active volunteer at the CDA for a number of years now, and she was an integral part of organizing both South Asian diabetes events here in Prince George. Congratulations Manpreet!
"Manpreet Kaur Sidhu has shown extreme dedication in assisting the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) towards its missions and goals. She has contributed vast amounts of time and effort to increase the awareness of diabetes. Being a part of the South Asian community, Manpreet knew that South Asians are at a higher risk for diabetes. She has worked tirelessly to increase the knowledge of diabetes among South Asians, so that diabetes can be prevented or properly managed. Manpreet has been volunteering at the CDA office in Prince George since 2008. She has assisted the CDA at numerous events, including the 2008 BC Senior games, UNBC events, Healthier You Expo, TELUS Walk for Diabetes, and other CDA events. She also participated in a regional focus group, and helped provide ideas to improve the CDA. She also helped to hand out DVDs about healthy cooking in Punjabi at the Sikh parade. Manpreet created the South Asian Advisory Committee in 2009 to plan ways to reach out to the South Asian public and to educate them on diabetes. She has been trained in delivering presentations on diabetes, and delivered a presentation with Dr. Satish Mann in English and Punjabi in June 2009. Recently, Manpreet worked with Boyanne Young of the CDA to organize an event called, “The Big Picture of Diabetes” in March 2011. This event was held in English and Punjabi, and its main purpose was to increase the awareness of diabetes among the Prince George and Northern BC South Asian populations. Manpreet took on huge responsibilities to ensure the success of this large-scale event.
Despite being a second-year undergraduate student studying Biochemistry and having various other volunteer responsibilities, no one else I know shows such extreme dedication and commitment to uphold the mission and values of the CDA and to help educate people in Prince George about diabetes, as Manpreet does. "

More Stuffed Animals Donation

2011-06-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

A few times last year the PGSYS donates stuffed animals to the pediatrics ward or the emergency ward at the Prince George hospital. The stuffed animals are given to children who come into the ward, and provide them with comfort while they stay at the hospital. Here are some pictures.

Prince George City Awards

2011-06-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

This year two people involved with the PGSYS were honored with Prince George City Awards on April 28, 2011. One of the them was Harjas Singh Grewal who received the Prince George Youth of the Year Honorable Mention award. Harjas has been an active volunteer in the community and with the PGSYS. He is also an avid hockey player. Harjas also recieved the UNBC Raven Scholarship, worth $6500. Congratulations Harjas!

Another award went to Navpreet Kaur Sidhu, who was honored with the PG Community Service Award for the volunteer work she did in Prince George. Congratulations Navpreet!

Camp Raj Yog

2011-06-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru JI Ki Fateh

Camp Raj Yog occurs every summer, located on the Sunshine coast. My sister and I had the pleasure of attending the women's camp in 2009, which was a blast. A few of the camp leaders also came to Prince George in 2009 and we had the pleasure of listening to their keertan. Here are some pictures.

Nagar Keertan 2011!!

2011-06-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Here are some pictures taken at Nagar Keertan 2011, which was organized by the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple. The Nagar Keertan made its way from the Gurudwara to the CN centre, where there was free langar, and also speeches from guest speakers and gatka performed by the youth. There were a few floats, one of them being the palki sahib that graced the sangat with keertan, one with the dhaddi jatha, and one with the local PG youth that did keertan. We would like to thank the sangat, gatka teams and guest speakers from across BC and Canada, including Surrey, Williams Lake, Quesnal, New Westminster, Vancouver that made the trip to come to the PG Nagar Keertan. Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

For more pictures, click the read more link at the bottom

Nagar Keertan 2010

2011-06-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Here are some pictures from the Nagar Keertan in 2010. This Nagar Keertan was organized by the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple. Enjoy!

We would like to thank all of the organizers and volunteers that made the nagar keertan possible. Also, we would like to thank the sangat that came from various places around the world, including India, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Williams Lake, New Westminster, Quesnal etc. for making the trip to PG to join us in this nagar keertan.

Click on the Read More link at the bottom to see more pictures!

Volunteering in the langar

2011-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Here are some pictures of the ladies doing seva in the kitchen in Guru Nanak Darbar. I believe they are making various types of food for the langar for the Nagar Keertan 2010.

Click on the read more link at the bottom for more pictures.

Random Pics over the years

2011-06-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Here are some pictures taken over the years in the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple. Enjoy!

Click on the Read More Link to see more pics

Nagar Keertan #1 and #2

2011-06-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the first Nagar Keertans that occurred in 2006 and 2007. Enjoy!

Nagar Keertan 2010

2011-06-25T20:34:00.001-07:00

Here is a youtube video uploaded by Prince George Citizen of the Nagar Keertan in 2010.

Watch it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJN_NjbeyZU

Updates

2011-06-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Just wanted to let you know that the society blog will be updated in the next week to include some of the major events that have occurred in the past year. Stay tuned!

Nagar Keertan tomorrow!

2011-05-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

It is once that time of year again. Prince George sangat will be enjoying the annual Nagar Keertan in celebration of Khalsa da Sajna Divas!

When: Saturday May 21, 2011 (tomorrow!)

Time: starts at 10:00 am at the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple

Arrive at the CN Centre at 12:00pm where we can enjoy free food and learn more about Khalsa da Sajna Divas/Vaisakhi
Head back to the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple at 2:00pm, and arrive at 4:00pm
There will be other programs before 10:00am and after 4:00pm at the Gurudwara.

Rain or shine, I hope everyone comes out and not only enjoys the free food and festivities, but also gets to join the sangat in celebrating the historic event that made Sikhism what it is today.

South Asian Diabetes Event: March 26

2011-03-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

There is a FREE diabetes event hosted by the Canadian Diabetes Association called the Big Picture on Diabetes, coming up on SATURDAY MARCH 26 from 12:30 to 4:30 at the PRINCE GEORGE CIVIC CENTER in PUNJABI and ENGLISH. Our guest speakers include Dr. Parmjit Sohal, M.D., PH.D., and Manorma Bhate, registered dietician, as well as Tarlok Sablok, emcee. Manorma will be doing a skit with visual props, showing the nutritional content of your favorite sweets such as gulab jaman, ladoo, and barfee. These speakers are all coming from Vancouver/Surrey, so please come out to show your support. There will be FREE BLOOD SUGAR and BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING from 12:30 to 1:30, with presentations beginning at 1:30. Diabetes is a very serious issue for people of all ages, and South Asians are at high risk for diabetes.
For more information please contact Boyanne Young at the Canadian Diabetes Association Office 250-561-9284, or Manpreet K. Sidhu at 250-964-2590.

Sikhnet Audio Story Script Writing Competition

2011-01-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

From Sikhnet.com

SikhNet is looking for creative writers (You!) to create new original Sikh-themed stories and story series for children. The winning story, as well as a selection of other story submissions, may be used to produce new audio/video stories on SikhNet. If your script wins, it will be featured in future SikhNet Audio Stories online, CDs, books, AS WELL as possibly being animated and shown on SikhNet and on TV!

Deadline: Feb. 20th, 2011

Are you excited?! Put your creativity turban/chuni on and get those creative ideas going!

What We are Looking for:

An original story with Sikh characters that is inspirational or teaches something and speaks, in an entertaining and engaging way, to modern children.
Stories that are geared towards Sikh girls and female characters that serve as role models and address the needs of Sikh girls. Stories can have both boy and girl characters together as long as there is a strong female character in addition to the boy character. (See 4 below.)
Stories that can be made into a series (i.e., multiple unique stories using the main characters in different plots and settings.) We want characters kids can 'connect with' and get familiar with through lots of different "Adventures."
Stories with Sikh Boy & Girl characters that appeal to both genders and tackle topics that relate to both. It could also have other main characters, parents, teachers, adults, animals/imaginary characters/sidekicks, etc.
We are primarily looking for original work. This means that if history is used, it should be used in a new and original way. Historical stories are more limited, and for that reason we want new ideas and situations that apply to young people today. Historical fiction can serve this purpose provided it is original and "modern." Modern fiction and future fiction will also be exciting. I'm sure you have some good ideas that are itching to come out.

If this sounds interesting to you, then get started right away since we need your scripts really soon! Once you've started your creative process, you may want to read the suggestions below on how YOU can win the excellent prizes and help create more inspiring stories for kids on SikhNet.

In order for your story to be produced as an actual SikhNet Audio or Video Story you will want to keep in mind the following guidelines (of course don't let anything hinder your creativity!)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday

2010-11-19T21:34:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone a Happy Gurpurab- Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday (November 21, 2010)

Guru Nanak founded and formalised the three pillars of Sikhism:

1. Naam Japna: Guru ji led the Sikhs directly to practise Simran and Naam Japna – meditation on God through reciting, chanting, singing and constant remembrance followed by deep study & comprehension of God’s Name and virtues. In real life to practice and tread on the path of Dharam (righteousness) - The inner thought of the Sikh thus stays constantly immersed in praises and appreciation of the Creator and the ONE ETERNAL GOD Waheguru.

2. Kirat Karni: He expected the Sikhs to live as honourable householders and practise Kirat Karni – To honestly earn by ones physical and mental effort while accepting both pains and pleasures as GOD's gifts and blessings. One is to stay truthful at all times and, fear none but the Eternal Super Soul. Live a life founded on decency immersed in Dharam - life controlled by high spiritual, moral and social values.

3. Vand Chakna: The Sikhs were asked to share their wealth within the community by practising Vand Chakna – “Share and Consume together”. The community or Sadh Sangat is an important part of Sikhism. One must be part of a community that is living the flawless objective values set out by the Sikh Gurus and every Sikh has to contribute in whatever way possible to the common community pool. This spirit of Sharing and Giving is an important message from Guru Nanak.
(From "Sikhiwiki.com")

Letting Go

2010-09-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

This was on the Mr. Sikhnet website (http://www.mrsikhnet.com/2010/04/26/letting-go/). Taken from Ek Ong Kaar Kaur's blog.

"When I was a young girl, my family lived in an old 2-story home in a quiet neighborhood in South Jersey. Our house was only a few blocks away from St. Rose of Lima, the Catholic elementary school that my brothers and sister and I attended. We used to walk to school every morning through the snows of winter and the honey-suckle blooming of spring. So many children lived on our street that summer became an endless game of bike-riding, catching lightning bugs and playing Blind Man’s Bluff.

I’d like to remember my childhood as idyllic. But I was a little too internal, introspective and bookish to fit in with more than a handful of friends. Those early years passed in the paradoxical angst of feeling like I didn’t belong anywhere; and having deep connections with a small group of people who understood what I meant, and felt exactly the same way.

Then, in the 8th grade, right before starting high school, my father got a job in Texas. We were moving. I would never see my friends again. (Or so I thought.) Even worse, I would never see that cute Italian (who shall remain nameless) again. It didn’t matter that the cute boy never looked at me, or that my closest friends promised to write. My life was comfortable. It was what I knew. And without having any say in the matter, it was about to completely change. My last day in New Jersey, as we pulled out of the driveway, the neighborhood kids rode past on their bicycles, waving and shouting good-bye. It was a teary but joyful escort away from the familiarity of my childhood home.
Since that time, letting go has been hard for me. I don’t like change. I want my life to be cozy, to have a sense of routine and stability. The same faces around for years; bonds and relationships that survive the test of time. I am not by nature a rolling stone. I am a stone that sits there, year after year, sinking deeper into the earth, covered with a soft, lacey moss while butterflies perch on me, and squirrels scamper across me, and the trees around me get older and more beautiful with the years. My ideal life is to be still, enjoy and watch everything in peace.
All of this is probably why, when the Universe needs to create transformation in my life, it tends to involve a Cosmic sledgehammer. Change rarely happens in my world in a slow and gradual manner. Rather, it comes through total upheaval, all at once, with nowhere to hide, no room for negotiation and definitely no road back.

I wish I could say that moving from New Jersey to Texas was the most traumatic experience of my life. But of course, it wasn’t. It was a child’s initiation into what the Masters call the “impermanence of life.”
I began studying yoga in my early 20’s. Yet, it is only in the last year that I have come to understand why yoga is connected with the image of the Divine called Shiva. Shiva – the Lord of Destruction. Shiva – the meditator and aesthetic. It isn’t so mystical, really. Destruction and endings are just so incredibly difficult to navigate that humans had to develop a way to cope. Perhaps yoga began as an experiment of how a person could keep himself sane while everything around him fell apart. Perhaps we reflect something in the Cosmic Play that mirrors an inner cycle within ourselves. Endings happen. Change is inevitable. Transformation can hardly be avoided. So how do we keep ourselves balanced through the experience? How do we handle letting go?
No one escapes the power of destruction. The problem is, from a spiritual point of view, destruction and learning go hand in hand. Sometimes, endings are the perfect path to find the inner strength of our own Indestructibility. It is only when we are touching the death of everything we know that we see within ourselves the Light that never dies. When the environments collapse, when the relationships no longer provide the support they once did, we have a chance to experience that we don’t actually depend on that, anyway. There is a soul in me, a spark of Divinity, a Divine Identity that can carry me through. And in that moment when we realize our survival depends upon what is within us, not on what surrounds us, then we experience ourselves as God.
The paradox of it is that you can’t have that experience when everything is cozy and nice and easy. That experience comes when everything challenges you and fights you – which is perhaps why Shiva, who represents the wisdom of yoga, also has to represent total annihilation. The path to self-realization requires the pressure that only intense change can bring.

The first week in Texas, I spent with my family in a condo at the beach along the Gulf Coast. I remember the sound of the ocean while I sat on the porch, the sun beaming down, the sand gritty in my teeth; and me, as usual, with my nose in a book. In the years ahead, it wasn’t that life was better or worse as a teenager than it was when I was a child. In retrospect, I dealt with many of the same challenges, and continued to experience many of the same blessings. It was simply on a bigger scale.

That is what I have found throughout my life. When something ends, after a time of repose, something new begins. Not better. Not worse. Just – more. More powerful. More expansive. More deep.

That, to me, is the nature of growth. We grow in cycles. When we’ve reached the limit of what we can learn and experience in one matrix of time and space, the Universe accommodates us – destroying one reality and replacing it with something new. We go through so many cycles in the course of this life. And then even more cycles when this life, itself, needs to end in order for the soul to continue progressing. Destruction, wisdom, endings, union – they all work together in the Cosmic scheme of things.
But with destruction and endings, how do we survive them? The common sense, ages-old answer. Just BREATHE.

And how to touch the Divine within you? The foundation of all spiritual and yogic wisdom? Just BREATHE.

It’s taken me 20 years of study, but I finally understand. These are two sides of the same coin for a reason.

Yours humbly in Divine Light and Divine Love,
Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa. "

Which part of this peice resonates with you? Since this peice is about change, I think everyone will find some part that really speaks to them. I think a very powerful part was "It is only when we are touching the death of everything we know that we see within ourselves the Light that never dies. "

What Can a Banana Do for YOU?

2010-08-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here is an article from sikhnet http://www.sikhnet.com/news/eat-bananas-and-you-will-never-go-bananas (originally from http://www.ou.org/) about the health benefits of bananas- just amazing!
Eat Bananas and You will Never Go Bananas

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
First of all, never keep your bananas in the refrigerator. Just leave them out at room temperature.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking.. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal..

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.
These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack..
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!

Youth Volunteerism- Why volunteer?

2010-06-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Why Volunteer?
I have been making presentations on youth engagement, and just recently one with the Canadian Cancer Society on the value of Volunteerism, so I decided to expand on that and talk about why it’s important to volunteer, as well as some of my experiences. I started off volunteering by example of my family, and Sikhism’s values of helping others. I volunteer because it’s a great way to make a difference in people’s lives, and to give back to the community. I will not only be helping the organization I am volunteering for, but more importantly those who rely on the services of that organization. It has allowed me to apply my skills and talents to impact the community, and motivate and inspire others. Volunteering has also provided me with many valuable opportunities and has shown me that I can do things I never would have thought I was capable of doing. There are volunteer jobs for everyone. It may take a while to find the right job for you, but it is worthwhile to explore, because everything that you do until you find that job is helping develop you as a person. In these tough economic times, many organizations are relying on the help of volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities- whether you are interested in animals, art/culture, disaster relief, education, health, animals, addictions, multiculturalism, sports, religion, or something else. In volunteering there are two main ways that it will help you: personally and in terms of your career. From a personal perspective, volunteering allows you to grow as a person- learn new skills and talents, discover more about yourself, try new things, meet new people, get to know and connect with the community. I have learned countless skills from volunteering, including leadership, interpersonal, teamwork, problem solving, organizational, time-management, how to promote events, and the list goes on! Volunteering allows us to try new tasks, such as creating a committee, planning an event, or teaching a language, which keeps things interesting, and allows us to continue to learn. Volunteering allows us to learn to work with different people. I have learned how to work with elders, young children, and people in various life situations. Working with different people can make you understand their point of views better. Thus, Volunteering allows you to gain a new perspective and understanding of the world. One of my volunteer experiences was being a peer tutor in high school, and it helped me learn to adjust my expectations according to other peoples’ skills levels- their strengths and weaknesses. It was a valuable and rewarding experience as one of the students I worked with, who was failing at the time, went on to get excellent grades and become a tutor himself. In volunteering we explore strengths, develop new interests, hobbies, experiences, and meet people we would not otherwise meet. The more I volunteered the more opportunities arose. One opportunity can lead to many others, for example I met someone through volunteering that referred me for a Youth Dialogue on sustainability, and someone I met there gave me the opportunity to be a youth representative at a BC Youth Congress event in Vancouver, which led me to the opportunity work with the Fraser Basin Council, and the City of Prince George, and be a youth leader in sustainability for our region. I got to be a youth representative in sustainability processes such as Smart Growth on the Ground, and myPG, and make a presentation for city council as well as at various climate action events. Volunteering can also improve confidence and self esteem. I used to be very nervous when I talked in front of people- my knees and hands used to shake, but it eventually became something I love to do because I became comfortable speaking in front of very large groups of people. This confidence came from volunteering to make presentations. Volunteering helps you feel good. If you are going through a hard time, it can help you get your mind off things and act as a sort of therapy to find new purpose and move on. You feel a sense of accomplishment. As a volunteer you can be an agent of change, spreading hope and positive energy that “revives your spirit,” and gives you a sense of empowerment, and independence. It makes you feel satisfied, and lets you appreciate what you have. The health benefits include: low level of stress, better immune system, and better sleep, among others. Volunteering can also challenge you, and make you step outside your comfort zone. One of my favourite things in volunteering is networking, and meeting people that become your friends, your mentors, your inspiration, or perhaps you will be their role models and will do the same for them. I encourage you to volunteer for things you really have a passion for- for me it is volunteering on sustainability initiatives and working with youth. Volunteer work is a lot of fun when you love what you are doing. Volunteering can help you fight for a cause you believe in, learn about a cause, change people’s lives, and take action, help friend/relative, get to voice opinion about it, and make use of resources you otherwise would not have access to. Volunteering has allowed me to learn about various issues and causes such as Cancer and Diabetes. Because of volunteering I have developed an interest in sustainability, and the future of our city in terms of that. Volunteering helps me leave my mark in the world .You can become a role model to others, old and young, to show them, that each person really can make a difference on the lives of others, and that through volunteering we can learn a lot. In terms of career: Volunteering helps you explore a career early on, build your resume, learn how to do interviews, build career-related skills, find out if a job is suitable for you, learn about organizations from the inside, improve your job opportunities (and can lead directly to job opportunities), obtain letters of reference, and fulfill career/education requirements. Volunteering as a Junior Volunteer at the hospital has helped me gain work experience for a health-related career. It has helped me learn about the hospital environment in a way I would not have otherwise been able to experience. For school, it can help you get credit for a class, gain entrance to university or college, and get scholarships (major factor in many scholarships). You can also learn a new language, which will also improve career opportunities.
Many organizations also have great recognition programs, they hold lunches/dinners, or have awards for their volunteers. Also there are awards available for volunteers. For Youth under 18, you can apply for the Canada Day Youth Award if you have over 100 hours of volunteer work. Cities also have their own recognition programs. Prince George has the Youth of the Year award for youth under 18, and many other volunteer recognition awards for others. Your work as a volunteer is really appreciated! To look for local volunteer opportunities, just ask your local volunteer center- ours is Volunteer Prince George- www.volunteerpg.com . Join their email list, which sends emails monthly with a long list of opportunities. To start a volunteer project visit http://volunteer.ca/files/youthworks.pdf for some excellent tips. Volunteering is a lot of fun and can also be something you do with friends and family. You Can make a difference!
References: www.volunteer.ca

Cool Science

2010-04-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is a cool science video of Steven Spangler on the Ellen Degeneres Show.

Another Sikhi Story

2010-03-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Journey towards Sikhi

Author: Dorian Gordan-Bates

Although I was not born into a Sikh family (or even an Indian one) I grew up listening to stories from ancient Hindu epics such as the Ramayan, and stories about the legendary bravery of the greatest warriors ever, the Nihang lions of the Punjab. My mother is French and my father is English, and I have been living in France most of my life. My father’s ancestors were in India during the days of the Raaj, and my great great grandfather, who was a soldier, fought in the Anglo-Pathan wars. After leaving the army, he got married to a Punjabi girl called Amrita. My ancestors have therefore had a direct relationship to Sikhi, and perhaps this is how I discovered it.

In the 1980’s, my parents lived in New Delhi for five or six years. In 1984, my father (who was a journalist at the time) was sent to the Punjab to write about the infamous Operation Blue Star. I have been told about the massacre of the Sikhs that followed Indira Gandhi’s assassination, and this has profoundly touched me as a child. How could such peace loving people, who had always been willing to lay down their life for justice, be targeted as terrorists and treated in such a horrendous way?

I also could not understand why Sikhs were portrayed as comedians in almost all Hindi films, and so many jokes were told about them. Why are they shown so much disrespect? The reason for this, is that they do not dress or act like other people. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, to wear their turban with pride and dignity, and to live according to their own standards, not to blindly follow vane fashions and trends like most people in this superficial world that we live in. A true Sikh concentrates on pleasing God and serving mankind, and not on his or her physical appearance and selfish desires. For me, Sikhs are a beacon of hope in this world of materialism and godlessness.

The exemplary lifestyle of Sikhs has always inspired me, and although I have not started wearing the 5 K’s (which I hope to one day, with Guru’s grace) I try to adopt as many aspects of Sikhi into my life, such as Naam Simran, Japji. Although I have never touched alcohol or tobacco in my whole life (who knows, perhaps this was a sign?), but I try to give up eating meat and other bad habits. I keep a beard, but leaving my hair uncut is still a challenge which will take some time to overcome. I guess I am still afraid of being different.

It is amazing that despite being the world’s youngest religion, Sikh history is so rich and contains so many great heroes and martyrs compared to other faiths. Reading about these saints has changed my life, because through their amazing sacrifices, I have discovered the strength and power of faith. When I am in trouble or in a difficult situation and I feel afraid or tempted to abandon, I try to remember the great heroes of Sikhi such as Baba Deep Singh, Banda Singh or the Sahibzade who all showed exceptional courage in the face of adversity. What better role models then them?

Sikhi is more than a religion; it is a wonderful and perfect way of life which leads to the Supreme Being, to Waheguru who is the Lord of all Creation. It is a complete religion with a simple message that anyone can understand and follow. It matters not whether one is born into a family of scholars or into a family of farmers: Sikhi teaches people to respect everybody irrespective of one’s social class or ethnic background. In fact, this is one of the first things that attracted me to Sikhi: the beautiful message of love, respect and tolerance that the ten Gurus taught the world.

Born in a time when religion was in decline, when Muslims hated Hindus and when Brahmins hated the so-called low-castes, Guru Nanak’s divine mission was to remind mankind that it matters not what religion one follows or what family one was born into. It matters not whether one is dark or fair, or whether one is female or male. We are all brothers and sisters, equally children of God. Therefore, Sikhi is unique in the way that it emphasises on a beautiful word that unfortunately the world has forgotten: equality. There is no other religion which regards all mankind as equals, as brothers and sisters. Usually Muslims would regard their fellow Muslims as family, and in the same way, Christians would regard their fellow Christians as brothers and sisters. For those who are outside the faith, there is no salvation. But Sikhi preaches an unconditional love for all mankind, irrespective of religion, nationality, race, caste or creed. It is the duty of all Sikhs to serve humanity selflessly, and to disregard any differences between men.
According to the religion of Guru Nanak Devji, the blessed Lord is both within and beyond His Creation. He resides within all living creatures, and that is what makes Creation so beautiful. To serve humanity is to serve God, and one cannot love God if one does not love his fellow man. As the saying goes, if one cannot see God in all, one cannot see God at all. This is what is so beautiful and unique about the Sikh Dharam. It is a humanist religion which teaches love and brotherhood. What the Gurus have taught us is very relevant today, and I believe that anybody can learn from Sikhi in the same way that the Sikh Gurus learned from great Islamic sages like Kabir or Hindu sages such as Ravidas.

When people force their religion on you, it is difficult to accept it. But when people are happy to teach you about their religion but without trying to trick you into converting, you feel much more comfortable and willing to learn. This is what led me away from Christianity and Islam, and led me towards Sikhi. I explored various faiths including the 3 religions of the Book (Judaism, Islam and Christianity). Each of these religions teach truths (such as ‘love thy neighbour as thyself’, an ideal which is crucial in Sikhi), but also falsehoods.

For example, I was lid by Christians that if I did not accept Jesus as my saviour, I would go to hell. And I was told by Muslims that if I did not accept Muhammad as Allah’s final messenger, I would go to hell. How can this be the truth? According to their way of thinking, it is more important to follow these dogmas than to be a good person. For example, many Christians believe that if a non-Christian is good and kind to others, compassionate and generous he will still go to hell if he does not believe in Jesus, and similarly many Muslims believe that even good people go to hell if they do not believe in Muhammad as final messenger. This can only lead to arrogance and hatred.

Sikhi on the other hand, teaches the beautiful idea that all paths lead to God.
God is like a vast, infinite ocean and all faiths and creeds are like rivers. Like all rivers lead to the ocean, all religions lead to the Eternal Being. Sikhs believe that all souls are divine, because all personal souls (atman) are part of the Supreme Soul (Waheguru). Therefore, compassion and loving kindness are the essence of true religion, not rituals or dogmas which come second. And this is the case in Sikhi, as illustrated by the great Guru Tegh Bahadur Dev ji who sacrificed his own life for people of another religion. This is because he did not see them as Hindus, as Pandits or as Kashmiris: he saw them as fellow human beings, as God’s children, and they needed his help.
I am forever grateful to the Lord that He has made me discover Sikhi. Nothing has been a coincidence, and I feel that it is Waheguru who has led me to Sikhi, that it was according to His will, and that everything had already been planned by the Master of Life. Once I began studying the Sikh religion, I simply could not stop. I have fallen in love with Sikhi thanks to God, and thanks to Sikhi I have fallen in love with God. Sikhi has taught me how to live my life as a good human being and as a humble servant of mankind. I pray to Waheguru for help in following the path of the blessed Gurus and that I may one day become a true Sikh of the Khalsa Panth.

Inspiring Article Posted in theLangarHall.com

2010-03-19T18:24:00.001-07:00

On Common Ground

Posted by RP Singh in General, Sikhi on 27th May 2009

Years ago, I attended a Sikh retreat far from home – outside of the United States and outside of my “normal crowd.” It was interesting to experience Sikh life in a different country…and I think Bono had it right when he said, “We are one, but we’re not the same.”

The first morning we all woke up at Amrit Vela and joined in Nit-Nem and Shabad Keertan. Everybody was in to it and nobody seemed distracted. It was one of those powerful “Sangat” experiences where you lose yourself and become part of the whole. I loved it! I was so energized after that Deevan and was excited for all the weekend’s activities to come…then came breakfast.

It was a little chaotic as we entered the dining hall. Although the meals were vegetarian (God help us if they weren’t), a group of Singhs were arguing with the aunties demanding to see the packaging for the bread. They were convinced that this particular brand of bread had an animal byproduct as an ingredient. I skipped the bread and quickly moved pass, but finding a place to sit became an ordeal in itself. Although there were at least 50 people at the retreat, less than half were eating in the dining hall. I looked around and saw a handful of Singhs back in the kitchen sitting together eating from Sarab Loh (iron) bowls, cups, and plates. Another group of Singhs were heading back to their dorms to eat the food they brought, as their maryada only permitted them to eat food prepared by other Amritdharis who followed their same maryada. As for me, I felt like the new kid walking in the cafeteria on the first day at school trying to figure out which group I could fit in to. What happened to that warm and fuzzy feeling I had sitting in the Deevan? Now this Sangat, who couldn’t share a meal together, felt cold and distant.

Turns out mealtime wasn’t the only time we found ourselves at odds. We spent much of the weekend arguing over how many Baanis (prayers) one should read daily, or whether Raag Mala is Baani, or the authenticity of Dasam Granth, or whether Keertan should only be sung in Raag. We even debated over what colors should be prohibited for Sikhs to wear. Considering I grew up in a Sikh community that still argues over whether keeping “Kesh” is necessary, this was all quite a culture shock. The whole experience was difficult for me to swallow.

I thought to myself…with all the challenges we as a community face in the real world, it is disheartening to see how disjointed and fragile we really are. If we can’t agree on some of the most basic of Sikh principles and practices, how can we really progress as a community?

Mid-way though the retreat, I became frustrated. I mentally checked out and just waited for the whole thing to end.

However – on the last morning, one of my dorm-mates, who I spent much of the weekend arguing with, arose at Amrit Vela to wash his hair and begin his Nit-Nem. He must’ve done this every day, but on this particular morning, it woke me up. Although we both criticized each other’s maryada, I was impressed with his discipline and moved by the way he personally connected with the Guru in this way. And then it dawned on me,

“Who am I to judge or criticize, when he is up at Amrit Vela engrossed in Simran and I am lazily lying in bed.”

There is, after all, one thing we do have in common – and that is the love for our Guru. But our Sangat, experiences, and influence are different. Therefore, there are differences in the way we practice. The way we practice is tightly aligned with our belief, and belief is not something we take lightly. Most are unlikely to change. But does this mean we have to settle for Panthic disunity?

Perhaps.

But I ask, have we ever really been united as a Panth? Only a handful of historical events come to mind where Sikhs from various groups had set aside their differences and shared a common goal – Banda Singh Bahadur’s conquer of Sirhind, and the immediate days after the 1984 Darbar Sahib attack come to mind, but for much of our history, there has been such disparity – even during the Guru’s time. It did not seem to prevent the Gurus from accomplishing their mission, so why should it prevent us?

There are some groups of Sikhs I disagree with, but they do the most amazing Keertan that touches my soul. There are some groups of Sikhs I am critical of, but I envy their sense of discipline. There are some groups of Sikhs I don’t see eye to eye with, but their passion for activism and social justice is inspiring.

So it begs the question…is it possible for us as Sikhs to embrace our commonalities and dare I say, “learn” from each other’s influences, yet be mature enough to accept each other’s differences…and agree to disagree?

Rather than spending our energy challenging one another over maryada and being critical of each other’s practices…can we instead focus that energy on living up to our own maryada and bettering our self? I, for one, have long ways to go.

I guess I’m starting to see the glass half-full. At this year’s Nagar Keertan, I passed by several aunties and uncles complaining of how chaotic the event was and how disorganized we were. But what I saw were thousands of my brothers and sisters…in different clothes, speaking different languages, some from different cultures, and even with slightly different practices…all marching the same direction. And I can’t help but wonder…rather than fight over our differences, is it possible we can rise above…and celebrate the beauty in our diversity?

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I love the Olympics

2010-02-16T16:45:00.001-08:00

Vote for Jakara

2010-01-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

This was found on http://www.votesikh.com/

Vote for Jakara Movement on facebook so that they can make a million dollars.

1 Million Dollars = Sikh Museum in North America and the Mata Gujri Women’s Center

Chase Bank is holding a competition on Facebook with the winning charity receiving 1 Million Dollars. Anyone with a facebook account (anywhere in the world - UK, Canada, US, Mexico, Punjab, India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya, etc.) can vote.

The Jakara Movement is publicly committed to use ALL money for the construction of 2 projects - the first North American Sikh Museum AND a Sikh Women's Center.

By voting for the Jakara Movement from January 15th-22nd, you will make this a reality.

Remember you can ONLY vote through facebook between January 15-22, 2010. We need the help and mobilization of our entire community throughout the world to win this together. Anyone with a facebook account can vote!

Scratch the Surface- from Sikhnet

2010-01-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I was peeling a batch of Brussels sprouts, then putting them in a slow cooker for soup. Each sprout was covered with dirt — and probably mildew and insect droppings. But no matter how grungy each sprout was, after I had peeled away enough outer leaves, a beautiful, clean and edible miniature cabbage emerged, which I then plopped in the slow cooker.

Sikh writings tell us over and over that God’s own self pervades all creation. My spiritual teacher, Yogi Bhajan, used to say, “If you can’t see God in all, you can’t see God at all.” God in all creation; God in the best; God in the worst; God in the grungy Brussels sprouts.

As the perfectly beautiful and edible Brussels sprouts emerged from the dirt and gunk covering them, I remembered a time I had the privilege of seeing the divine emerge from a particularly grungy man. It happened this way: My husband and I once had to get rid of a bunch of books from his grandmother’s estate. She had lived just outside Tigard, so we took the unwanted books to a large bookstore in downtown Portland. We dropped the books off and headed back to the car, with me hustling to keep up with my husband, an ex-track star who can walk faster than some people can run.

As I was struggling to keep up, I spotted a couple of homeless men on the sidewalk, covered in filthy blankets. I didn’t want to gawk at their misery so I kept my eyes resolutely turned straight. But as I passed, one of the men began to yell. Clearly, he was upset that I wasn’t looking at him. So I turned, gave him my best smile and projected out the thought, “I see God in you, too!”

First the man’s face reflected a horrified comprehension, then he bowed his head and said in a normal human voice, not a screaming crazy one, “May God forgive me! May you never be where I am now!”

Scratch the surface and God was there, the second word out of the man’s mouth.

God is always there. The one person I don’t like may be the one person forcing me to be a better me, the one person pushing me out of the situation I need to leave in order to fulfill my destiny elsewhere. The pain I undergo may be just the ticket for me to travel the path of compassion. The painful circumstance may open the door to divine opportunity. It’s true for me. I think it’s true for everyone who chooses to see it.

OK, it’s true that I was forcibly turning those Brussels sprouts into what I wanted them to be. I don’t advocate that we should do that with people. True decency with our fellow humans is to accept them as they are — dirty blankets, dirty words and all. But beneath the surface, the goodness of God always shines out.

Siri Kirpal Kaur Khalsa is a member of the Sikh community in Eugene, and is an author and founder of the Oneness Coalition, an interfaith organization in Salem. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-5693.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji Life Story

2010-01-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today is Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Birthday and I decided to post some information that I found on sikhiwiki.org. The story is quite long, and his full life story of with all of the details would probably fill up volumes.

(1666 to 1708)

Birth : Friday, January 5, 1666 in Patna, Bihar, India

Guruship : 1675 to 1708

Joti Jot : Thursday, 21 October, 1708 at Nanded

Parents : Guru Tegh Bahadur & Mata Gujri

Brother/Sisters : -N.A-

Spouse : Mata Jeeto, Mata Sundri & Mata Sahib Devan

Children : Zorawar Singh, Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Fateh Singh

Guru Gobind Singh ji (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ) (Friday, January 5, 16661, in Patna, Bihar, India - Thursday, 21 October, 1708) was the tenth and last of the Ten human form Gurus of Sikhism. He became Guru on November 24, 1675 at the age of nine, following in the footsteps of his father Guru Teg Bahadur ji.

Before Guru ji left his mortal body for his heavenly abode, he nominated Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (SGGS) as the next perpetual Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh moulded the Sikh religion into its present, with the formation of the Khalsa fraternity and completion of the Guru Granth Sahib as we find it today, which some will say was his greatest act.

"If we consider the work which (Guru) Gobind (Singh) accomplished, both in reforming his religion and instituting a new code of law for his followers, his personal bravery under all circumstances; his persevering endurance amidst difficulties, which would have disheartened others and overwhelmed them in inextricable distress, and lastly his final victory over his powerful enemies by the very men who had previously forsaken him, we need not be surprised that the Sikhs venerate his memory. He was undoubtedly a great man." (W, L. McGregor)

The tenth Guru (teacher) of the Sikh faith, was born Gobind Rai. It may not be out of context to say here that throughout the chronicles of human history, there was no other individual who could be of more inspiring personality than Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji infused the spirit of both sainthood and soldier in the minds and hearts of his followers to fight oppression in order to restore justice, peace, righteousness (Dharma) and to uplift the down-trodden people in this world.

It is said that after the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the tenth Master declared that he would create such a Panth (Sect) which would challenge the tyrant rulers in every walk of life to restore justice, equality and peace for all of mankind. As a prophet, the Guru is unique.

His teachings are very scientific and most suitable for all times. Unlike many other prophets he never called himself God or 'the only son of God.' Instead he called all people the sons of God sharing His Kingdom equally. For himself he used the word 'slave' or servant of God.

"Those who call me God, will fall into the deep pit of hell. Regard me as one of his slaves and have no doubt whatever about it. I am a servant of the Supreme Being; and have come to behold the wonderful drama of life."

Extracts from Guru Gobind Singh's writings;

"God has no marks, no colour, no caste, and no ancestors, No form, no complexion, no outline, no costume and is indescribable.

He is fearless, luminous and measureless in might. He is the king of kings, the Lord of the prophets.

He is the sovereign of the universe, gods, men and demons. The woods and dales sing the indescribable.

O Lord, none can tell Thy names. The wise count your blessings to coin your names." (Jaap Sahib)

Early Life
Gobind Rai was born with a holy mission of which he tells us in his autobiography “Bachitar Natak” (Wonderous Drama). In it Guru Ji tells us how and for what purpose he was sent into this world by God. He states that before he came into this world , as a free spirit he was engaged in meditation in the seven peaked Hemkunt mountain. Having merged with God and having become One with the Unmanifest and the Infinite, God commanded him:

“I have cherished thee as my Son, and created thee to establish a religion and restrain the world from senseless acts. I stood up, folded my hands, bowed my head and replied,‘Thy religion will prevail in all the world, when it has Thy support’.”

Guru Ji describes the purpose of his coming to this world and why he emerged from the Supreme Reality in human form to carry out his Creator’s command :

“For this purpose was I born, let all virtuous people understand. I was born to advance righteousness, to emancipate the good, and to destroy all evil-doers root and branch.”

Early Life

Gobind Rai's father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Ninth Guru, was then travelling across Bengal and Assam. Returning to Patna in 1670, he directed his family to return to the Punjab. On the site of the house at Patna in which Gobind Rai was born and where he spent his early childhood now stands a sacred shrine, Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara, Bihar.

Gobind Rai was escorted to Anandpur (then known as Chakk Nanaki) on the foothills of the Sivaliks where he reached in March 1672 and where his early education included reading and writing of Punjabi, Braj, Sanskrit and Persian. He was barely nine years of age when a sudden turn came in his life as well as in the life of the community he was destined to lead.

Kashmiri Brahmins come to Anandpur

Early in 1675, a group of Kashmiri brahmins under the leadership of Pandit Kirpa Ram, mad in desperation by the religious fanaticism of the Mughals General, Iftikar Khan, (he had threatened them with forced conversion to Islam) visited Anandpur to seek Guru Tegh Bahadur's advice. Aurangzeb had ordered the forced conversion of all Hindus and thought that if the respected Kashmiri brahmans accepted Islam, others in the country would be easily converted. They had been given six months to decide or suffer the consequences. Time was running out!

As the Guru sat reflecting what to do, young Gobind Rai, arriving there in company with his playmates, asked why he looked so preoccupied. The father, as records Kuir Singh in his Gurbilas Patshahi 10, replied, "Grave are the burdens the earth bears. She will be redeemed only if a truly worthy person comes forward to lay down his head. Distress will then be expunged and happiness ushered in."

"None could be worthier than you to make such a sacrifice," remarked Gobind Rai in his innocent manner.

Guru Tegh Bahadur advised the brahmins to return to their village and tell the authorities that they would accept Islam if Guru Tegh Bahadur could first be persuaded to do so.

Father Guru's martyrdom

Soon afterwards the Guru with a few followers proceeded to the imperial capital, Delhi. After watching the tortured deaths of three of his followers he, as well, refused to convert and was beheaded on November 11, 1675. The 13 year old Gobind Rai, ordained as the next Guru before his father departed Anandpur, was formally installed as Guru Gobind Singh on the Baisakhi day of March 1676. In the midst of his engagement with the concerns of the community, he gave attention to the mastery of physical skills and literary accomplishment.

For the first 20 years or so of his life, Guru Gobind Singh lived peacefully at Anandpur practicing arms and exercises to complete his training as a soldier. He also studied Persian and Sanskrit and engaged 52 poets to translate the Hindu epics. Stories of ancient heroes were translated into Punjabi in order to create the martial spirit among the Sikhs. The Guru also wrote several compositions including Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat and Sawayas during this period. He also established a Gurdwara at Paonta Sahib on the banks of the river Jamna.

Through his poetry he preached love and equality and a strictly ethical and moral code of conduct. He preached the worship of the One Supreme Being, deprecating idolatry and superstitious beliefs and observances. The glorification of the sword itself which he eulogized as Bhagauti was to secure fulfilment of God's justice. The sword was never meant as a symbol of aggression. It was the emblem of manliness and self-respect and was to be used only in self-defence, as a last resort. For Guru Gobind Singh said in a Persian couplet in his Zafarnamah:

"When all other means have failed, It is but lawful to take to the sword."

Creation of the Khalsa

The Amrit Sanskar CeremonyAn open air diwan was held in Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur. The Guru drew his sword and in a thundering voice said, "I want one head, is there any one who can offer me?"

This most unusual call caused some terror in the gathering and the people were stunned. There was dead silence. The Guru made a second call. Nobody came forward. There was still more silence. On the third call there raised Daya Ram, a khatri of Lahore who said, "O true king, my head is at your service."

The Guru took Daya Ram by the arm and led him inside a tent. A blow and thud were heard. Then the Guru, with his sword dripping with blood, came out and said, "I want another head, is there anyone who can offer?" Again on third call Dharam Das, a Jat from Delhi came forward and said, "O true king! My head is at thy disposal."

The Guru took Dharam Das inside the tent, again a blow and thud were heard, and he came out with his sword dripping with blood and repeated, "I want another head, is there any beloved Sikh who can offer it?"

Upon this some people in the assembly remarked that the Guru had lost all reason and went to his mother to complain.

Mohkam Chand, a calico priner/tailor of Dwarka (west coast of India) offered himself as a sacrifice. The Guru took him inside the tent and went through the same process. When he came out, he made a call for the fourth head. The Sikhs began to think that he was going to kill all of them.

Some of them ran away and the others hung their heads down in disbelief. Himmat Chand, a cook of Jagan Nath Puri, offered himself as a fourth sacrifice. Then the Guru made a fifth and the last call for a fifth head. Sahib Chand, a barber of Bidar (in central India), came forward and the Guru took him inside the tent. A blow and thud were heard.

The last time he stayed longer in the tent. People began to breathe with relief. They thought may be the Guru has realised "his mistake" and has now stopped.

The panj pyare

The Guru now clad his five volunteers in splendid garments. They had offered their heads to the Guru, and the Guru had now given them himself and his glory. When they were brought outside, they were in the most radiant form. There were exclamations of wonder and the sighs of regret on all sides. Now people were sorry for not offering their heads.
Since the time of Guru Nanak, Charan Pauhal had been the customary form of initiation. People were to drink the holy water which had been touched or washed by the Guru's toe or feet. The Guru proceeded to initiate them to his new order (Khande di Pauhal) by asking the five faithful Sikhs to stand up.

He put pure water into an iron vessel or Bowl (Batta of Sarbloh) and stirred it with a Khanda (two edged small sword). While stirring the water with Khanda, he recited Gurbani (Five Banis- Japji, Jaap Sahib, Anand Sahib, Swayas, and Chaupai). Sugar crystals called 'Patasas' which incidently the Guru's wife, Mata Sahib Kaur, had brought at that moment, were mixed in the water.

Amrit Sanchar

The Guru then stood up with the sacred Amrit (nectar) prepared in the iron bowl. Each of the five faithful, by turn, each kneeling upon his left knee, looked up to the Master to receive the divine amrit. He gave five palmfuls of Amrit to each of them to drink and sprinkled it five times in the eyes, asking them to repeat aloud with each sprinkle, "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh." (This means: Khalsa belongs to God and all triumph be to His Name) Then he anointed with five sprinkles in the hair.

In this way Amrit was administered to the five faithful from the same bowl. After that he asked them to sip Amrit from the same bowl to signify their initiation into the casteless fraternity of the Khalsa. All the five faithful were baptized in this way by the Guru who then called them the 'PANJ PYARE' or Five Beloved Ones.

He gave them the appellation of SINGHS (Lions) and they were named from Daya Ram to Daya Singh, Dharam Das to Dharam Singh, Mohkam Chand to Mohkam Singh, Himmat Chand to Himmat Singh, and Sahib Chand to Sahib Singh. The Guru then addressed them as the supreme, the liberated ones, pure ones and he called them THE KHALSA.

Guru asks for Amrit

After the Guru had administered Amrit to his Five Beloved Ones, he stood up in supplication and with folded hands, begged them to baptize him in the same way as he had baptized them. He himself became their disciple (Wonderful is Guru Gobind Singh, himself the Master and himself the disciple).

The Five Beloved Ones were astonished at such a proposal, and represented their own unworthiness, and the greatness of the Guru, whom they deemed God's Vicar upon earth. They asked him why he made such a request and why he stood in a supplicant posture before them. He replied," I am the son of the Immortal God. It is by His order I have been born and have established this form of baptism. They who accept it shall henceforth be known as the KHALSA.

The Khalsa is the Guru and the Guru is the Khalsa. There is no difference between you and me. As Guru Nanak seated Guru Angad on the throne, so have I made you also a Guru. Wherefore administer the baptismal nectar to me without any hesitation." Accordingly the Five Beloved Ones baptized the Guru with the same ceremonies and injunctions he himself had employed.

The rise of the Khalsa

The Guru was then named Gobind Singh instead of Gobind Rai. Guru Gobind Singh was the first one to take Amrit from the Khalsa, the Five Beloved Ones. About 80,000 men and women were baptized within a few days at Anandpur. "The creation of the Khalsa was the greatest work of the Guru. He created a type of superman, a universal man of God, casteless and country less. The Guru regarded himself as the servant of the Khalsa. He said, "To serve them pleases me the most; no other service is so dear to my soul." The Khalsa was the spearhead of resistance against tyranny." (Miss Pearl, S. Buck)

Siege of Anandpur

They hence rallied under the leadership of the Raja of Bilaspur, in whose territory lay Anandpur, to forcibly evict Guru Gobind Singh from his hilly citadel. Their repeated expeditions during 1700-04 however proved abortive. The Khalsa forces were too strong to be dealt with by the hill Rajas. They at last petitioned Emperor Aurangzeb for help. In concert with contingents sent under imperial orders by the governor of Lahore and those of the faujdar of Sirhind, they marched upon Anandpur and laid a siege to the fort in May 1705.

Over the months, the Guru and his Sikhs firmly withstood their successive assaults despite insufficient amounts of food resulting from the prolonged blockade. While the besieged (Sikhs) were reduced to desperate straits, the besiegers (governor of Lahore) too were exhausted at the courage of the Sikhs. At this stage the besiegers offered, on Oath (promise) of the Qur'an, safe exit to the Sikhs if they quit Anandpur. At last, the town was evacuated during a night of December 1705. But as the Guru and his Sikhs came out, the hill monarchs and their Mughal allies set upon them in full fury.

Sikhs "tricked" by the Mughals

In the ensuing confusion many Sikhs were killed and all of the Guru's baggage, including most of the precious manuscripts, was lost. The Guru himself was able to make his way to Chamkaur, 40 km southwest of Anandpur, with barely 40 Sikhs and his two elder sons. There the imperial army, following closely on his heels, caught up with him. His two sons, Ajit Singh (born. 1687) and Jujhar Singh (born. 1691) and all but five of the Sikhs fell in the action that took place on 7 December 1705. The five surviving Sikhs commanded the Guru to save himself in order to reconsolidate the Khalsa.

Guru Gobind Singh with three of his Sikhs escaped into the wilderness of the Malva, two of his Muslim devotees, Gani Khan and Nabi Khan, helping him at great personal risk. Guru Gobind Singh's two younger sons, Zorawar Singh (born. 1696), Fateh Singh (born.1699), and his mother, Mata Gujari Ji, also evacuated Anandpur but were betrayed by their old servant and escort, Gangu, to the faujdar of Sirhind, who had the young children executed on 13 December 1705. Their grandmother died the same day.

Guru Gobind Singh reached Dina in the heart of the Malva. There he enlisted a few hundred warriors of the Brar clan, and also composed his famous letter, Zafarnamah (the Epistle of Victory), in Persian verse, addressed to Emperor Aurangzeb. The letter was a severe indictment of the Emperor and his commanders who had broken their oath. They attacked Guru Gobind Singh once he was outside the safety of his fortification at Anandpur. Two of the Sikhs, Daya Singh and Dharam Singh, were despatched with the Zafarnamah to Ahmadnagar in the South to deliver it to Aurangzeb, then in camp in that town. From Dina, Guru Gobind Singh continued his westward march until, finding the host close upon his heels; he took position beside the water pool of Khidrana to make a last-ditch stand.

Brave Sikh women join fight

The fighting on 29 December 1705 was hard and desperate. In spite of their overwhelming numbers, the Mughal troops failed to capture the Guru and had to retire in defeat. The major part in this battle was played by a group of 40 Sikhs who had deserted the Guru at Anandpur during the long siege, but who, scolded by their wives at home, had come back under the leadership of a brave and devoted woman, Mai Bhago, to redeem themselves. They had fallen fighting desperately to check the enemy's advance towards the Guru's position. The Guru blessed the 40 dead as 40 mukte, i.e. the 40 Saved Ones. The site is now marked by a sacred shrine and tank and the town which has grown around them is called Muktsar, the Pool of Liberations.

After spending some time in the Lakkhi Jungle country, Guru Gobind Singh arrived at Talvandi Sabo, now called Damdama Sahib, on 20 January 1706. During his stay there of over nine months, a number of Sikhs rejoined him. He prepared a fresh text of Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, with the celebrated scholar, Bhai Mani Singh, who wrote the Guru's bani. From the number of scholars who had rallied round Guru Gobind Singh and from the literary activity initiated, the place came to be known as the Guru's Kashi or seat of learning like Varanasi (A city of northeast-central India).

Zafarnamah bears result

The Zafarnamah sent by Guru Gobind Singh from Dina seems to have touched the heart of Emperor Aurungzeb. He forthwith invited him for a meeting. According to history, the Emperor had a letter written to the deputy governor of Lahore, Munim Khan, to conciliate the Guru and make the required arrangements for his journey to the Deccan.
Guru Gobind Singh had, however, already left for the South on 30 October 1706. He was in the neighbourhood of Baghor, in Rajasthan, when the news arrived of the death of the Emperor at Ahmadnagar on 20 February 1707. The Guru there upon decided to return to the Punjab, via Shahjahanabad (Delhi). That was the time when the sons of the deceased Emperor were preparing to contest succession.

Guru helps Bahadur Shah

Guru Gobind Singh despatched for the help of the eldest claimant, the liberal Prince Muazzam, a token contingent of Sikhs which took part in the battle of Jajau (8 June 1707), decisively won by the Prince who ascended the throne with the title of Bahadur Shah. The new Emperor invited Guru Gobind Singh for a meeting which took place at Agra on 23 July 1707.

While Bahadur Shah proceeded further South, Guru Gobind Singh decided to stay awhile at Nanded. Here he met a Bairagi (a person who withdraws from the world), Madho Das, whom he blessed into a Sikh with the vows of the Khalsa, renaming him Gurbakhsh Singh (popular name Banda Singh). Guru Gobind Singh gave Banda Singh five arrows from his own quiver and an escort, including five of his chosen Sikhs, and directed him to go to the Punjab and carry on the campaign against the tyranny of the provincial overlords.

Plan to assassinate the Guru

Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind had felt concerned at the Emperor's conciliatory treatment of Guru Gobind Singh. Their marching together to the South made him jealous, and he ordered two of his trusted men with murdering the Guru before his increasing friendship with the Emperor resulted in any harm to him.

These two pathans Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg are the names given in the Guru Kian Sakhian pursued the Guru secretly and overtook him at Nanded, where, according to Sri Gur Sobha by Senapati, a contemporary writer, one of them stabbed the Guru in the left side below the heart as he lay one evening in his chamber resting after the Rahras prayer. Before he could deal another blow, Guru Gobind Singh struck him down with his sabre, while his fleeing companion fell under the swords of Sikhs who had rushed in on hearing the noise. As the news reached Bahadar Shah's camp, he sent expert surgeons, to attend to the Guru.

Guru recovers but mission is at an end

The Guru's wound was immediately stitched by the Emperor's European surgeon and within a few days it appeared to have been healed. The injury had been contained and the Guru had made a good recovery. However, several days later, when the Guru tugged at a hard strong bow, the imperfectly healed wound burst open and caused profuse bleeding. It was again treated but it was now clear to the Guru that the call of the Father from Heaven had come. He prepared the sangat for his departure; instruction were given to the immediate main Sewadars and finally he gave his last and enduring message of his mission to the assembly of the Khalsa.

He then opened the Granth Sahib, placed five paise and solemnly bowed to it as his successor, GURU GRANTH SAHIB. Saying 'Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh', he walked around the Guru Granth Sahib and proclaimed, "O beloved Khalsa, let him who desireth to behold me, behold the Guru Granth. Obey the Granth Sahib. It is the visible body of the Gurus. And let him who desires to meet me, search me in the hymns."

He then sang his self-composed hymn: "Agya bhai Akal ki tabhi chalayo Panth Sabh Sikhan ko hukam hai Guru manyo Granth Guru Granth Ji manyo pargat Guran ki deh Jo Prabhu ko milbo chahe khoj shabad mein le Raj karega Khalsa aqi rahei na koe Khwar hoe sabh milange bache sharan jo hoe."

Translation of the above:

"Under orders of the Immortal Being, the Panth was created. All the Sikhs are enjoined to accept the Granth as their Guru. Consider the Guru Granth as embodiment of the Gurus. Those who want to meet God, can find Him in its hymns. The Khalsa shall rule, and its opponents will be no more, Those separated will unite and all the devotees shall be saved."

Guru Granth Sahib becomes Guru

He, in grateful acknowledgement of the spiritual benefactions of the founder of his religion, uttered a Persian distich, the translation of which is:

"Gobind Singh obtained from Guru Nanak Hospitality, the sword, victory, and prompt assistance."

(These lines were impressed on a seal made by the Sikhs after the Guru left for his heavenly abode, and were adopted by Ranjit Singh for his coinage after he had assumed the title of Maharaja in the Punjab)

The Guru then left for his heavenly abode. The Sikhs made preparations for his final rites as he had instructed them, the Sohila was chanted and Parsahd (sacred food) was distributed. While all were mourning the loss, a Sikh arrived and said," You suppose that the Guru is dead. I met him this very morning riding his bay horse. After bowing to him, I asked where he was going. He smiled and replied that he was going to the forest." The Sikhs who heard this statement arrived at the conclusion that it was all the Guru's play, that he dwelt in uninterrupted bliss, that he showed himself wherever he was remembered. He who treasures even a grain of the Lord's love in his heart, is the blessed one and the Guru reveals himself to such a devotee in mysterious ways.

Wherefore for such a Guru who had departed bodily to Heaven, there ought to be no mourning. The Word as contained in the Guru Granth Sahib was henceforth, and for all time to come to be the Guru for the Sikhs

Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Birthday

2010-01-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Sacrificed entire family

In any other religion you don't hear how the Prophet or leader sleeps. However, in Sikhi we remember in our history how our Tenth Father slept in the Machheewala Jungle. Despite losing his father, mother, four sons, home, wealth and followers, the Guru slept as if nothing had happened. A Dervish mocked the Guru and said “guroo rehgiaa kalaa kalaa” (the Guru remains alone, alone). The Guru replied: “nehee, guroo de naal allaah allaah” (No, with the Guru there is Allah, Allah). Guru Sahib exemplified the attitude and psyche of always remaining positivistic and in Chardi Kalaa (high spirits).

Inauguration of Khalsa (sovereign) – Vaisakhi 1699

Through creating the Khalsa the Guru rested leadership with the community. Guru Sahib carried on the tradition of Amrit from Guru Nanak Sahib jee, which was whereby the follower is spiritually reborn and commits himself or herself to a new life with a distinct lifestyle, morals and principles. Through Amrit, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee eradicated stereotypes of who comes into the idealistic community.

40 Mukte

40 Sikhs deserted Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee and wrote a letter of disownment saying, “We are not your Sikhs, and you are not our Guru.” However, realising they were wrong through speaking to their wives, the 40 Sikhs returned and fought defending the Guru in battle. As a last wish, the leader of the 40 Sikhs asked the Guru to tear up the letter of disownment. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee forgave them. This shows that the relationship with the Guru is most important and that Guru will always give us another chance and forgive our past.

Mai Bhago jee

She led the 40 deserted Sikhs back to Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee and to fight alongside them in the battle. Mai Bhago (properly known as Mata Bhaag Kaur jee) was the personal bodyguard of Guru jee for 7 months and is a role model of leadership and decision-making.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadar jee

Meeting Guru Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee, Madho Daas, a misguided spiritual mystic, was transformed to Gurbaksh Singh, a Saint-Warrior. He was a role of leadership and decision-making to establish Khalsa Raaj. He ruled in accordance to the Guru’s teachings of leadership resting in the ‘Khalsa Panchayat’, which is a board of 5 spiritually wise and practicing Sikhs, with the chief executive officer (the Jathedaar) being the executor of decisions.

Summary

Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee's life, that word be "COURAGE." Guru Sahib not only showed courage in his psyche, personality and life however instilled courage into his followers to always remain victorious as victory always belongs to Vaheguru.

btw, kesri or the orange colour that we wear during Vaisakhi was Guru Gobind Singh Ji's favourite colour.

Dec 28: Martyrdom of the Two Youngest Sahibjadey

2009-12-28T04:18:00.000-08:00

This is taken from http://www.sikhiwiki.com/

As the year approaches the end, on December 28 every year, the global world Sikh community commemorate the martyrdom of three of their most loved figures of the Guru household. On this darkest of days, their youngest hero and bravest comrade of Sikhism, Sahibzada Fateh Singh (1699-1705) who was the youngest of Guru Gobind Singh's four sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (1696-1705), his elder brother and Mata Gujar Kaur ji, his grandmother sacrificed their lives for their faith and the right to remain Sikhs.

Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib which is situated 5 km north of Sirhind marks the sad site of the execution of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh at the behest of Wazir Khan of Kunjpura, the faujdar of Sirhind. The three shrines exist within this Gurdwara complex to mark the exact spot where these tragic events were witnessed in 1705.

Baba Fateh Singh with his elder brother, set a precedence in Sikh history (and perhaps also in world history) by becoming the youngest known martyrs to sacrifice their lives for their principles and the right to practice their religion and their faith without coercion or the threat of terror. Even at such a tender age of 6 years, Baba Fateh Singh showed courage, determination and free-will not to be intimidated by the cruel, barbaric and unjust authorities of the time. He showed composure, fearlessness and the renowned trait of unparalleled heroism becoming of the Sikh leadership and was prepared to sacrifice his life but not his faith.

The mind boggles to understand how children of such young age had the guts, courage, bravery and focus to refuse the promise of many lavish gifts and a future of cosy comforts of royalty that were being offered by the Mughals if they abandoned their faith against the other stark option of a brutal, painful and tragic death entombed within a wall of bricks and mortar. The world salutes the supreme sacrifice of these kids of steel who never once - even of a moment considered the easy option and always remained focused on their mission to uphold the principles of God's kingdom and allowed their bodies to be tortured and violated and endured the intense pain of a slow, pain-ridden and certain death.

On the one hand the world witnessed, the supreme sacrifice of the youngest members of the Guru household for the highest ideals of humanity and on the other hand you have the lowly, cruel, cold-blooded and barbaric acts of the mighty, heartless and immoral rulers of a huge nation. May the world reflect on this grim and gutless episode in the history of humanity and learn from it the values of life and the way to uphold these values and the dangers posed by an uncontrolled and immoral mind.

On 26 December 1705, Baba Fateh Singh ji was cruelly and mercilessly martyred at Sirhind along with his elder brother, Zorawar Singh. He is probably the youngest recorded martyr in history who knowingly and consciously laid down his life at the very tender age of 6 years. Sahibzada Fateh Singh and his older brother, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh are among the most hallowed martyrs in Sikhism.

As soon as the two Sahibzadas attained martyrdom, Mata Gujri ji, who was sitting in meditation in the tower, breathed her last. The messenger who came with the news of the martyrdom of the Sahibzade found that Mata-Ji had already attained salvation. There was great commotion in the town of Sirhind. Everyone was furious at the atrocious crime. They were unanimous in their view that this heinous act would herald the doomsday of the Mughal Empire. They admired the courage and steadfastness of the brave sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and remarked, "What determination at such a young age! They did not budge an inch from their position in spite of several allurements by the Nawab and Qazi."

The same evening Dewan Todar Mal, a jeweller reached Nawab Wazir Khan's court for permission to cremate the dead bodies of the two Sahibzadas and Mata Gurji. So as to highlight the extreme cruelty of the administration, the Nawab agreed on condition that the dewan paid for the required piece of land by spreading as many Gold coins as would cover the entire spot. The dewan accepted the terms and brought bagfuls of gold coins to satisfy the condition set by the Mughal administration. He marked the site and spread coins on entire piece of land he selected for cremation. The two martyred young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji were cremated with full honours along with their grand mother.

There is no parallel to the martyrdom of such young boys in the annals of human history. Sahibzada Fateh Singh was less than six years old (born 1699) and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh was just over eight (born in 1696). They laid down their lives in December 1705. At such a tender age, they were bricked alive but did not bow before the tyranny and cruelty of the Mughal government. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was at the time in the forests of Machhiwara when the news of the martyrdom of his younger sons reached him. On hearing this he pulled out a plant with the tip of his arrow and prophesized that this tragedy will herald the uprooting of Mughal Empire in India. And to the Emperor he wrote in the Zafarnama: "…Even though my four sons were killed, I remain like a coiled snake. What bravery is it to quench a few sparks of life?..... When God is a friend, what can an enemy do, even though he multiplies hundred times? If an enemy practices enmity and hatred a thousand times, he cannot, as long as God is a friend, injure even a hair on one’s head."

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji addressed his followers and reassured them thus: "Although, four of my sons have joined Waheguru, many thousands of my sons are still alive", meaning that the Guru accepted all Sikhs as his sons and daughters. A wave of anguish gripped the country as the news of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas spread. After some time the recluse Banda Bairagi came under the influence of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and was made a Khalsa as was Banda Singh Bahadar. He undertook the task of dealing with these cruel oppressors and shook the very heart of the Mughal empire. The town of Sirhind was reduced to utter ruins as a consequence of the cruel, uncaring and heartless treatment of the Sahibzade.

The renowned Hindi poet, Maithli Saran Gupta in his well known book Bharat Bharati said: "Whatever their present position, the future of the community whose sons can thus lay down their lives for their faith, is bound to be glorious."

News Article From Sikhnet

2009-12-25T04:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas - Walking the Line Between Two Cultures

December 24th, 2009 by Erin Donaghue Source: www.gazette.net

To tree or not to tree? It's only one of the many dilemmas county Sikhs are faced with around the holiday season. And for followers of the faith, there seems to be just as many approaches to melding their own traditions with the Santas, reindeer, presents and elves that are pervasive in the communities in which they live.

For Sikh families in the county, many of whom worship at the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation in North Potomac, navigating the holiday season often means celebrating different traditions from multiple cultures — though no one family navigates the cultural divide in quite the same way.

"In the beginning it was like, ‘OK, when in Rome,'" said Burtonsville resident Gagan Narang. Born in India, Narang worships with her family at the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation. Though the family doesn't celebrate Christmas, Narang said that she used to put up a Christmas tree when her children — now 20, 18 and 15 — were young. "It's all the marketing," she added. "There's a lot of pressure on the kids and they want presents, so it's easy to get swayed."

Now that her children are older and have learned more about their cultural heritage, she said, a bit of the pressure has been alleviated. For now, the Christmas tree is sitting in her basement. But she still enjoys giving small gifts around the holidays and attending Christmas parties at the homes of her Christian friends. "Time is too short — why not take every excuse to celebrate?" she said.

The Sikh religion is based on the belief in one God and a strong adherence to equality for all men and women. Sikhs follow the teachings of 10 spiritual teachers, or gurus, who lived from 1469 to 1708. Many Sikh men and women carry the same last name — Singh for men, and Kaur for women — because when the religion was founded in India last names were tell-tale signs of the caste to which a person belonged. Sikhs are known for keeping long hair, and men wear turbans and boys wear head coverings known as patkas.

Sikhs do have several celebrations around this time of year, most notably the birthday celebration of the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev, which fell on Nov. 2 this year. Sikhs will also celebrate the birthday of the 10th guru, Guru Gobind Singh, on Jan. 5. While the celebrations involve singing, reading of the sacred scripture, processions and the sharing of sweets, there isn't too much emphasis on the gift-giving that's typical of Christmas, Narang said.

Some county families celebrate Guru Nanak Dev's birthday and go on to partake in Christmas traditions around the holidays. Harminder Kaur, a Potomac resident, says she puts up a Christmas tree with her children, 9, 15 and 19. "It's just about holiday cheer, and it's nice to have lights in the house," Kaur said. "We don't attach any religious significance to it, and I don't have mistletoe and all that."
Kaur's son, Vikram Mangat, a sophomore at Winston Churchill High School, said that the family tries to give back to those in need around the holidays. They also celebrate with Christian friends, he said. "We go to their house and we eat dinner and show our respect toward their celebration," he said.
Not all county Sikhs, however, put up a Christmas tree around the holidays. "Christmas has a lot of religious meaning, and that's not the religion that we follow," said North Potomac resident Ravi Singh. However, he said his family strings lights on his home to celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev in November, and leaves the lights on until the holiday marking Guru Gobind Singh's birthday in January.

When walking the line between two cultures, there isn't always a clear-cut solution, many say. As the first generation in her family to immigrate to the United States, Narang said she can't fall back on advice from her parents on how to meld holiday traditions. "We are making our mistakes and hopefully doing a few things right in the process," Narang said. "I'm hoping when my kids are all grown up, they'll know what to do.

Saka Chamkaur Sahib: Shaheedi Jorh Mela: Dec 21

2009-12-23T04:18:00.000-08:00

This was taken from Manvir Singh Khalsa's blog and provides excellent information on the Saka Chamkaur and the martydom of the two older Sahibjadey of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Today is the commemoration day of "Saka Chamkaur," a unique battle that took place, in which Guru Gobind Singh jee's two elder Sahibzaadey (princes) attained shaheedi (martydom) along with 40 other Singhs. I felt inspired to write this after listening to Dr. Gurdeep Singh jee on radio this morning. The Katha (account) which he gave about the episode of Chamkaur Sahib has been written down and translated by Daas.

Evacuation of Anandpur Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh jee and 400 Sikhs left Sri Anandpur Sahib on the bitter cold and rainy night of December 5 1704 after a prolonged siege by the Mughal and Hindu Hill chieftains’ armies. The Mughals and Hindu Hill chieftains had offered Guru Sahib a safe passage to leave Anandpur Sahib on an oath on the Quran by emperor Aurangzeb and an oath on the cow (which Hindus consider as sacred) by the hill chieftains. However, their oaths were meaningless and they betrayed Guru Sahib.

Separation of the Family (Parivaar Vichhoraa)
In the early hours of the morning at the river Sarsa the Guru and his Sikhs were attacked by the Mughal army under the command of Wazir Khan, breaking their oath to of safe conduct. In the confusion, which followed the attack in the cold and darkness, many Sikhs became Shaheed (martyrs). A group of Singhs fought the armies and kept them back while the rest of the Sikhs, Guru Sahib and Guru Sahib’s family crossed the river in the heat of the battle. Many Sikhs perished in crossing the cold river and got swept away by the current of the river. During the confusion in crossing the River Sarsa, Guru Sahib was separated from his family. Guru jee, his two eldest sons and 40 Sikhs were able to cross the river and were united on the other side. Gurdwara Parivaar Vichhora Sahib is built on the spot where the battle occurred and the Gurus family were separated.

Chamkaur Sahib
On 20 December 1704 Guru Sahib and the 40 Singhs camped in an open space in Ropar. Bhai Budhi Chand who owned a Haveli (open house) in the town of Chamkaur visited Guru Sahib and offered his home and family at the Feet of the Guru. Guru Sahib had once visited the mud-house of Bhai Budhi Chand when returning from Kurekshetr. Guru Sahib and the 40 Singhs moved into house of Bhai Budhi Chand situated on a hill, which became a mud-fort of Guru Sahib.

At Amritvela (early hours of the day before sunrise) Guru Sahib woke up Bhai Sangat Jee. “Wake up Sangat Singh, its time for Aasa Di Vaar. Let’s do Keertan,” Guru jee said. What amazing Warrior Guru jee was! An army of 100,000 are pursuing Guru Sahib and planning to attack the place where they are staying, and Guru Sahib is still blissfully continuing his routine Rehat of Nitnem and Aasa Di Vaar Keertan with all Singhs joining in. Nawab Wazir Khan, announced outside the fort of Chamkaur, “Gobind Singh! If you and your Sikhs come out now, you will be spared!” Guru Sahib replied to this with rain of arrows. There was silence now in the cold morning. Clouds filled the sky and thundered and let out lightening. Guru Jee and the Singhs became ready for the battle.

Preparing for Battle
There was a chill in the air and morning had not yet come. A Mughal messenger came to see Guru Sahib to negotiate with Sikhs. However, Guru Sahib told the messenger to go away or face death. Inside the four walls of the mud-house Guru Sahib declares war.

First one Singh comes out and when he is about to become Shaheed (martyr), he roars the Jaikaaraa (slogan) of “Sat Siree Akaal!” As soon as the sound of “Sat Siree Akaal” echoes from the battlefield, the next Singh comes out to fight in the battleground. The Nawab was astonished at what these Singhs were made of. One Sikh equalled Savaa Lakh (125,000).

Baba Ajeet Singh jee Seeks Permission To Fight
Baba Ajeet Singh jee now goes before Guru Sahib. "Dear father, permit me to go and fight on the battleground and grace me with the oppurtunity to make my life fruitful and worthy in your service.” Guru Gobind Singh jee hugged his beloved son and gave him a Shastr (weapon). A beard or moustache has yet not grown on Baba Ajeet Singh jee’s face, showing how young he was. Every father wants to see their child get married, but this is the time of fighting the enemy. Death is waiting and today Baba Ajeet Singh will be marrying death.

The sun is about to come out. Guru jee saw that Nawab Wazir Khan wants to take hold of the fort of Chamkaur in one go. The Nawab surrounded the fort with his armies. At this time the Singhs did a benti (request) to Guru Sahib that there is no means of escaping the siege, please escape with Sahibzaadey. However the Guru Sahib told them that there is no difference between the Singhs and the Sahibzaadey. “You are all mine! We will be victorious and we will all be free.”

Baba Ajeet Singh roars in the Battlefield
Baba Ajeet Singh jee boldly and valiantly comes out of fort, accompanied with 8 other Singh, which includes one of the original Panj Piaare, Bhai Mohkam Singh jee. Guru jee watches the battle scene from the top of the fort. There is silence on all four sides. As they come into the battleground they roar Jaikaare, which sounds everywhere like a roar of a lion. Today the 8 Singhs feel proud that under the leadership of Baba Ajeet Singh jee they have been blessed with an opportunity to fight alongside Baba Ajeet Singh jee. Baba Ajeet Singh jee advances on the battlefield and shows weaponry skills with great courage and bravery. The army surrounds the Sahibzaada on four sides. Baba Ajeet Singh calls out, “Come nearer if you have guts.” Soldiers run away frightened. Now they come back in a large group. They have no guts to individually fight Baba Ajeet Singh jee.a large group. They have no guts to individually fight Baba Ajeet Singh jee.

The Singhs weaponry skill on the battlefield reminds the Mughal soldiers of Allah, as they fear their lives. While fighting, Baba Ajeet Singh jee’s Kirpan (sword) breaks. He then begins to fight with a Nejaa (spear). However, when killing one Mughal chief the Nejaa became stuck in his chest. But Baba Ajeet Singh jee remained in bliss and peace. While fighting, all 8 Singhs become Shaheed (martyrs). One Mughal chief injured Baba jee’s horse. As a result he fought on the ground with his talwaar (sword). With each blow of the sword, he split the enemy into two. When he strikes the enemy twice with his sword, they are cut up into four pieces. Now the army surrounds Baba jee. Guru jee watches. When Baba jee attains Shaheedi, Guru Sahib roars a Jaikaaraa of “Sat Siree Akaal.”

Baba Jujhar Singh ready for Shaheedi
The news of Baba Ajeet Singh jee attaining Shaheedi (martyrdom) spread. Hearing the news of his brother, Baba Jujhar Singh jee now desired to fight in the battlefield. He asked Guru Sahib, “Permit me, dear father, to go where my brother has gone. Don’t say that I am too young. I am your son; I am a Singh, a Lion, of yours. I shall prove worthy of you. I shall die fighting, with my face towards the enemy, with the Naam on my lips and the Guru in my heart.” Guru Gobind Singh jee embraced him and said, "Go my son and wed life-giving bride, Death.” Guru Sahib gave blessings to Baba Jujhar Singh jee; just a father gives blessings to the bride on the day of her marriage. Guru jee added, “I asked my father to give his life for "dharam" (righteousness and justice). Today, what I told my father, I now tell you.” Bhai Himmat Singh jee and Bhai Sahib Singh jee (two of the original Panj Piaare) along with 3 other Singhs accompanied Sahibzaada Baba Jujhar Singh jee. The Mughals were shocked at what they saw. It looked as if Ajeet Singh has come back.

ਐਸੀ ਮਰਨੀ ਜੋ ਮਰੈ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ ਮਰਨਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੧॥
aisee marnee jo marai, bahur na marnaa hoe. 1. Whoever dies, let him die such a death, that he does not have to die again. 1. (Ang 555, SGGS)

Fighting Til The Last Breath
Dead bodies laid everywhere. The army assemble to kill Baba Jujhar Singh jee. He is now surrounded and has a Nejaa (spear) in his hand. Wherever the Nejaa hits, the enemy is destroyed. He also used a Khanda (double-sword), with which he killed the enemy as if a farmer is cutting his crop. Guru jee saw that Baba jee is being surrounded and the opportunity to kill the Mughal soldiers is decreasing. So Guru Sahib sprayed arrows in the air. In the army they call this ‘Protection Fire.’ The person providing Protection Fire must be very skilful and precise because if the target is missed, people on the same side can be killed. Guru Sahib gave Protection Fire with arrows, but none of the 5 singhs or Baba jee were hit or injured by the arrows. Baba jee and the 5 Singhs demonstrated the Sikh concept of one equalling “Savaa Lakh” (125,000).

Baba Jujhar Singh eventually was enabled to break the ring of the Mughal army surrounding him. Baba jee then attained Shaheedi.
ਸੂਰਾ ਸੋ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਐ ਜੁ ਲਰੈ ਦੀਨ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ॥
sooraa so pahichaanee-ai, jo larai deen ke het.
That person alone is known as a spiritual warrior, who fights in defence of religion.

ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ॥੨॥੨॥
purjaa purjaa katt marai, kabhoo na chhaadai khet. 22.
They may be cut apart, piece by piece, but they never leave the field of battle. 22.
(Ang 1105, SGGS)
This is the sign of a true warrior! By the time Baba Jujhar Singh jee had attained Shaheedi nightfall had arrived and the moon could be seen in the sky. Guru Sahib writes in his writing, the Zafarnama:
ਚਿ ਕਸਮੇ ਕੁਰਾਂ ਮਨ ਕੁਨਮ ਏਤਬਾਰ ਵਗਰਨਾ ਤੁ ਗੋਈ ਮਨ ਈਂ ਰਾਹਚਿਕਾਰ
che kasm-e kuraa(n), man kunam eitbaar
vagarnaa tu goee, man ee(n) raah chi-kaar
What trust can I have on your oath on Koran? Otherwise, why should I have taken this path (of taking up the sword)?
(Line 23, Zafarnama)

Leaving Chamkaur Sahib
During the night Bhai Daya Singh jee and Bhai Dharam Singh jee (two of the original Panj Piaare) along with Bhai Maan Singh jee and other singhs remain in the fort of Chamkaur Sahib. There were a total of 10 Singhs left. Now the Guru-roop Panj Piaare (Five Singhs) gave Hukam to Guru Sahib to leave the fort. Guru Sahib accepted the decision of the 'Guru Khalsa'. Before Guru Sahib left the Garhi of Chamkaur, he put his dress and his Kalgee (plume) on Bhai Sangat Singh jee, who looked very much like Guru Sahib. The Mughals thought they were fighting the Guru, while Guru Sahib escaped after challenging them. Guru Sahib did not leave quietly. On leaving, Guru Sahib blew his horn and stood on high ground and clapped his hands three times saying “Peeré Hind Rahaavat” (“The "Peer" of India is Leaving”).

Guru jee along with the Bhai Daya Singh jee and Bhai Dharam Singh jee left the garhi at night, leaving Bhai Sangat Singh jee and a few others behind. They were told to keep the army engaged the next day when the fighting restarts. In the morning when the army attacked the Sikhs they were ready to defend themselves. Finally when all Sikhs fell fighting, the enemy soldiers entered the Garhi. The Mughal commanders were overjoyed to see the dead body of Bhai Sangat Singh jee because they mistook him for Guru jee. Later, when more people were shown the dead body, they identified it not to be that of Guru Gobind Singh jee. The commanders felt ashamed of their failure to kill or capture Guru Sahib.

Shaheedaa(n) Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam.
We salute those who died for our today and died fighting for Dharam.

You can download the Zafarnama, written by Guru Gobind Singh jee below:
Zafarnama
(note: Guru jee writes about the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib on pg. 7)

Please forgive me for any mistakes made when writing this.

Finally Updated

2009-12-23T03:47:00.001-08:00

I know it has been a long time since I updated the blog. Here is a nice story I found on Manvir Singh Khalsa's blog: manvirsingh.blogspot.com

The Secret of Life

Have you read this before?
Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life(at least the way you react to situations). What is this principle?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean?

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light., but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.You curse. You harshly s'cold your daughter for knocking the cup over.

She breaks down in tears. After s'colding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work.

You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is " D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee.

How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel?
A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off)
Do you curse?
Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them?
WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.

The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache.

We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!

I asked God

2009-11-16T18:15:00.001-08:00

From Painting My Life Blog

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole,
his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations;
it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings
you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me love others, as much as He loves me.
God said…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

The writer is anonymous, this was not written by me. However, it is saturated with the truth. We often keep asking God for more, but everything is a blessing. When we are unawakened, we are blind to the limitless miracles all around us.

Sikh Youth Slate Wins in Surrey- From CTV.com

2009-11-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Youth Slate to run No. 2 Sikh temple in Canada
Updated: Mon Nov. 24 2008 13:43:22

ctvbc.ca

A Sikh Youth slate has taken control of North America's second largest Sikh temple, after being elected to run the executive of the Guru Nanak Temple in Surrey, B.C.
Observers say the Sikh Youth slate was able capitalize on in-fighting between two separate groups of moderate Sikhs, who have managed to retain control of the Temple for the past decade.

This election is being closely watched because of divisions within the community over issues such as the use of tables and chairs in the communal dining area, a place that is meant to promote equality.

The moderate Sikhs have favoured keeping tables and chairs at the temple, while the Youth Slate favours getting rid of them.
It is an issue that has sparked violence in the past.
When the results were declared at 3:00 a.m. on Monday, the more fundamentalist Sikh Youth slate emerged with 5,900 votes, beating a moderate slate led by Balwant Singh Gill, which came in second with 4,470 votes.
Another group of moderate Sikhs, led by Sadhu Samra came in third with 3,947 votes.
Of the roughly 21,000 Temple members who are eligible to vote, 14,594 actually did so.
Now that the Youth slate has won, it is expected to hold a referendum on the issue of whether to keep tables and chairs in the temple.
Like another youth slate which controls the Sikh Temple Sukhsagar in New Westminster, Guru Nanak's new executive is expected to hold seminars in a bid to discourage young Sikhs from taking drugs and get them more involved in religion and temple affairs.

"We're a new generation and we're hoping we can just put the whole community together again, and you know, move past this issue of the tables and chairs," said Randheer Singh, a Youth Slate member told CTV on Sunday.

Under the new executive, the temple will no longer be used for political purposes, said Radio India talk show host Harpreet Singh.

Guru Nanak is North America's second largest Sikh temple. The Ross Street Temple in Vancouver is the largest.

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

War Story

2009-11-15T12:52:00.001-08:00

In 2005 an American woman wrote a letter on the SikhNet Question & Answer forum sharing some things that I thought you might like to read.

MAKING AN IMPRESSION: A TRUE STORY
“First, I would like to say Hello to everyone here and wish you all the Peace of God in your lives. I am a Christian who came here to learn about Sikhism, and I have never posted before, but I would like to do so now, as I have recently read some posts from the young people here about the difficulty of keeping hair, beard and turban in a western country.
“I am not young, I am 44 years old. The reason I wanted to learn about Sikhism is that during World War II, in Italy, my favorite, and very loving uncle was an American soldier. At the battle of Cassino, he was wounded, could not walk, and was buried so deep in the mud that when the American troops went by, they thought he was dead. When my uncle regained consciousness, he thought he was finished, and began what he thought were his final prayers. After some time, he saw the legs of soldiers, and he cried out in a weak voice "water". A Sikh soldier came to help him. He carried him over two miles on his own back under heavy gunfire to a medical aid station. If it was not for a Sikh, I would not ever have had the opportunity to know my Uncle Danny, who was very special to me. Uncle Danny did not know what a Sikh was, but he was very thankful for being saved. Before the Sikh soldier left him at the medical station, he asked him what his name was, all the soldier said was ‘Singh.’
“Uncle Danny wrote from the hospital to his sister, my grandmother, about this soldier over 60 years ago, in a letter. He also wrote to his commanding officer to tell him that this man should get a medal, but all he knew was that his name was ‘Singh,’ and he could never locate him.
”Way back in 1965 when I was 5 years old, Uncle Danny took me to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia because everyone else in the family was tired, and I was the ‘baby’ of the family, and his children were already grown at that time; he volunteered to keep me quiet:-) Well, when we were downtown at the parade, a man with a turban, beard and the biggest moustache I had ever seen walked by, and I asked my uncle to pick me up because I was frightened of him. Uncle Danny picked me up and said, ‘Elena, don’t be afraid of him. He is a ‘Singh’, and ‘Singhs’ are the bravest and kindest people I have ever known. They come from a far away country called India, where I know there are a lot of brave people, but they are the best.’
“Uncle Danny died of cancer in 1977, when I was in my first year in college. Before his death he was the father of two daughters, and grandfather of four children, not to mention loving uncle to my mother and all of us. If it were not for a Sikh, he would not have come home to us.
“Although I have known Sikhs in the past, and was friendly with several especially during my college years, I became interested in understanding their beliefs because of two incidents; the first being the hate crimes committed against Sikhs after 9-11, and the second was inheriting the family photos and papers when my grandmother died in December 2003, three weeks away from her 92nd birthday. When I went through the box of papers and photos, I found the letters Uncle Danny had written to her during the War about the ‘Singh’ who saved his life. At the time I found the letters, I also recalled that Thanksgiving Day when I first saw a Sikh. The Sikhs I had known in the past were also very upstanding and decent people who would help anyone, of any faith, or race, and I became interested in what their religious teachings were, as I thought it may have something to do with the way they behave towards others. I also wanted to learn about Sikh beliefs because I live in an area where there has been a lot of prejudice after 9-11, and if there is anyway that I can help by teaching people, or even just saying something positive about my Sikh neighbors when I hear ignorance, I wanted to be able to tell them more than just, ‘they are not Muslims.’So please, to all the Sikh youth out there that are considering giving up your hair, beards and turbans, I would ask you to reconsider, and keep your identity. Practice your faith, as it is very beautiful.
“Although I am a Christian, I am of Middle Eastern back ground, so I know what prejudice can do; I also belong to a Christian group that believes in head coverings, and after 9-11 it was frightening for a while. I really wanted to take off my headscarf, and look like everyone else. After much prayer and soul searching I came to the conclusion that God and my belief in my path to Him was the most important thing, not the opinions of others.
“All you need to do is to be a faithful Sikh, and let people get to know you, and the wonderful person you are, because you are faithful.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you, and I wish you all of God’s blessings in your life.”

Sikhs in the World Wars

2009-11-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Over 138,000 Indian troops fought in Belgium and France during World War I, many of them Sikhs. More than one quarter of these soldiers would became casualties.
In the first battle of Ypres at Flanders in 1914 a platoon of Dogra Sikhs died fighting to the last man, who shot himself with his last cartridge rather than surrender.

After the bloody battle of Neuve Chapelle in 1915 the Sikh regements had lost 80% of their men, 3 regements stood at only 16% of their original compliment.

Sikhs are not recgonized enough for their fearless and courageous contribution in both World Wars and in other wars.
For more information, you can visit sikhs.org for film footage and photos

There are also inspirational stories that I will be posting for month of November.

Domestic Abuse

2009-11-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Domestic Violence is not something unheard of in Punjabi Culture.

In Feb 2009 (as you probably know), Rihanna (singer/mega-star) was brutally beaten by her boyfriend Chris Brown (also a singer/mega-star). There was a giant media uproar- and even a greater uproar when Rihanna went back to her abuser three weeks after the incident.

She became a stronger person though and dumped her abuser boyfriend, stating in an interview that it was because she wanted to be a good role model to the girls that looked up to her.

In an interview with Diane Sawyer (part of which I posted), she states " Don't react out of love, 'F' love" and tells other women who are victims of abuse to look at the situation from a third person perspective.

I posted this video today because domestic violence can affect anyone, no matter what culture you are from. Rihanna had the courage to get of a dangerous and potentially life-threatening relationship with her boyfriend, even though she loved him. I wish more Punjabi women in abusive relationships will look at their relationship from a third person perspective and realize that they deserve a better life than they are living.

The Water Goddess

2009-11-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

A young author from Prince George has published her first book called, "The Water Goddess". Jesmeen Kaur Deo, only twelve years old, has accomplished what many young authors wish they could do: actually finish the novels that they are working on. Her first novel is sold at amazon, barnes and noble and will be coming soon to Chapters. If you are looking for a perfect gift for your child this season, this book is perfect. Congratulations Jesmeen on your accomplishment!
Click here for the link to amazon

This is a short description of the plot.
------------------------------------------------
Jeff and Whitney are the lifeguards at the pool (note: Jeff can't swim!). When the manager tells them they have invitations to go to a summer camp as supervisors, they're all for it. So they go, and become friends with one of the other supervisors, Mona, and between lessons with bratty kids, challenges involving untrained bears and eating fast food, they can't find any time for themselves. But Jeff and Mona do find time to follow Whitney, who takes trips into the forest at night of which Jeff and Mona can't seem to find the purpose of.
But when wolves invade the camp, Jeff, Mona and Whitney are randomly chosen to journey across the forest and river to the village in the valley for help. A journey that none of them will forget, when all is revealed. This fun kids' novel is full of ridiculous twists and turns that will get you laughing in no time.

Blood Drive

2009-11-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sikh Nation also holds a blood drive in the lower mainland, where they have helped save the lives of thousands of people.

"Blood Donation by Sikh Nation
To commemorate the memory of the victims of the November 1984 Sikh Massacre, the Sikh Nation started the campaign of blood donation in North America in November 1999. Along with our fellow Canadians, we invite you to join this campaign to save lives by donating blood.
Canadian Blood Services - CBS (Canadian federal organization) presented the Sikh Nation a "Top Donor" award for being the foremost in saving lives."

Here are the dates for all of the cities:

Surrey: 6830 King George Hwy
Fri, Nov 06 2009: 11:00am - 5:30pm
Sat, Nov 07 2009: 11:00am - 5:30pm

Penticton:
Fri, Nov 06 2009 1:45pm - 5:00pm

Prince George:
Sat, Nov 07 2009: 10:00am - 2:30pm

Vancouver: 4750 Oak Street
Sun Nov 08 2009: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Kelowna: 1865 Delworth Drive
Thu, Nov 12 2009: 12:00pm - 6:10pm

Kamloops: 1205 Rogers Way
Tue, Nov 17 2009: 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Abbotsford: 3145 Gladwin Road
Sat, Nov 21 2009: 11:00am - 5:00pm

Victoria: 3449 Saanich RoadSat,
Nov 21 2009: 10:00am - 4:30pm

Cloverdale: 17475 59 AveSun,
Nov 29 2009: 11:00am - 4:20pm

Calgary: 395 Fallshire Drive NE
Sat, Nov 07 2009: 08:30am - 2:30pm
Sat, Nov 21 2009: 08:00am - 2:30pm

25 years ago, in November 1984, more than 10 thousand Sikhs were hunted down all over India. They were burnt alive, the girls were gang raped then killed and the Sikh's properties worth billions of dollars was looted and destroyed. Since 1984, the successive Indian Governments have been fooling the people by setting up various commissions. The failure to punish the guilty indicates the complicity of the Government and its agencies in the "Sikh Massacre". Instead of prosecution, the perpetrators of this heinous crime were awarded with medals or rewarded with promotions. But on the contrary the Sikhs who voiced against the carnage were branded as terrorists and killed in fake encounters. The people who were clearly responsible for this carnage enjoyed political patronage and administrative positions. No one has been hanged or given suitable sentences for the genocide.
To commemorate the memory of the victims of the November 1984 Sikh Massacre, the Sikh Nation started the campaign of blood donation in North America in November 1999. Along with our fellow Canadians, we invite you to join this campaign to save lives by donating blood.

Cool Science

2009-11-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a cool science video from the Ellen Degeneres Show on her Halloween show.
Enjoy!

New Question

2009-11-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

I have a new question, hopefully one that will generate more debate.

There is obviously a difference in style in the way that Punjabi parents raise their kids vs. mainstream culture. In an interview that I heard on Punjabi Omni news (I can't remember the woman's name; the interview got erased on my PVR), one woman mentioned the difference in the way that we introduce the world to children. She noticed that mainstream parents have a tendency to introduce the world in a restricted way; ie. they restrict the freedom of their children, whether it be by only allowing them to play in a playpen, by baby-locking all of the cupboards, or only allowing kids to eat certain vegetables in their early years. As they grow older, the amount of freedom given to kids, though, increases exponentially. By the time they are 13, kids are given the freedom to be with their friends until late hours of the day, with the parents often not knowing where they are or what they are doing.

Punjabi parents on the other hand, place less restriction on a child when they start walking and exploring the world. They usually don't baby-proof cupboards, or restrict them to certain toys. If the child wants to play with pots, or flour, or the broom, they usually let them and also let them play wherever they want (as long as it is safe). As the children get older though and enter their late teens, usually, parents want more control over their life; ie they want to know where they are going, what they are doing, who they are going with. And of course, ultimately, parents want to decide or have a say on who the child marries. But, by then, reasoning with the children, or "controlling" them can't be done.

The effects of the first method on late teenagers, to me, will probably make the child feel that their parents don't have an interest in their life anymore, or that they can get away with anything (If parents only knew what their children were doing with firecrackers on Halloween night!)

The second method would probably confuse the child. Here they were with so much freedom when they were young, and now all of a sudden parents want to place restrictions on them. It will seem unfair to the children as they get older.

So, obviously, there is an inverted way that each culture deals with enforcing restrictions or giving responsibility to their children. I know that this doesn't apply to everyone, and that each culture is continuously changing, but I have seen these trends in parents today.

So what are your comments? Do you agree with these observations?

Is duality worse than ignorance?

2009-10-22T02:48:00.001-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Now and again you meet people who are totally engrossed in parties, drug and alcohol, and spend most of their time trying to achieve the "high" that they get from these things. Most of the time these people are ignorant of the effect that these things are having to their body and soul, or just don't care because they can't see the bigger picture.

But then there are people who take part in actions that they know will harm them or others. They might be addicted to drugs and have tried to quit numerous times, but just couldn't. They may be people who try to do sadhana in the morning, but just can't seem to wake up. They may be people who know that chanting the name of Waheguru is the ultimate high, but opt out on other things. They may be people who know that bullying someone is wrong, but do nothing to stop it. These people live in a state of duality.

So the question is : Is duality worse than ignorance?

What are your thoughts?

Gurdaddi Divas Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

2009-10-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

From SikhiWiki.org

Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji, is more than just a scripture of the Sikhs. The Sikhs treat this Granth (holy book) as a living Guru. The holy text spans 1430 pages and contains the actual words spoken by the founders of the Sikh religion (the Ten Gurus of Sikhism) and the words of various other Saints from other religions including Hinduism and Islam.
Guru Granth Sahib was given the Guruship by the last of the living Sikh Masters, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708. Guru Gobind Singh said before his demise that the Sikhs were to treat the Granth Sahib as their next Guru. Guru Ji said – “Sab Sikhan ko hokam hai Guru Manyo Granth” meaning “All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru” So today if asked, the Sikhs will tell you that they have a total of 11 Gurus. ( 10 in human form and the SGGS).
When one visits a Gurdwara (a Sikh temple) , the Guru Granth Sahib forms the main part of the Darbar Sahib or Main Hall. The holy book is placed on a dominant platform and covered in a very beautiful and attractively coloured fine cloth. The platform is always covered by a canopy, which is also decorated in expensive and very attractive coloured materials. The text in which the Granth is written is a script called Gurmukhi (literally "From the Guru's mouth"), which is considered a modern development of the ancient language called Sanskrit.

What Diwali Means to Us

2009-10-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

History Bhandi Chhor Divas
Courtesy of Manvir Singh Khalsa from his blog
The word "Bandi" means "imprisoned", "Chhor" means "release" and "Divas" means "day" and together "Bandi Chhor Divas" means Prisoners Release Day.

The Sikh celebration of the return of the sixth Nanak from detention in the Gwalior Fort coincides with Hindu festival of Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in similarity of celebration amongst Sikhs and Hindus.

When Murtaja Khan, Nawab of Lahore, noticed that Guru Ji had constructed Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, 'The Throne of the Almighty', at Amritsar, and was also strengthening his army, he informed about it to the Mughal Emperor Jahangeer. He also emphasized that he was making preparations to take revenge for his father's torture and martyrdom. When Jahangeer came to know about this he at once sent Wazir Khan and Guncha Beg to Amritsar in order to arrest Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.But Wazir Khan who was a well-wisher of the Sikh Guru’s requested the Guru to accompany them to Delhi as Emperor Jahangeer wanted to meet him. Guru Sahib accepted the invitation and reached Delhi.On their first meeting when Jahangeer saw the Guru, he was completely won over by his youthful charm and holiness. The Emperor decided to become friends with the Guru. So he gave a royal welcome to the Guru. But Chandu Shah could not bear it. His daughter was still unmarried and thus the rotten sore was still bleeding (that Guru Arjan Dev Ji refused the offer to marry his daughter to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji).

At Agra, the Emperor fell seriously ill. The physicians tried their best but they failed to care him. Then Chandu Shah conspired with the astrologers, who were asked to tell the Emperor that his sickness was due to wrong track of stars and it could, be cared only if some holy man goes to Gwallior Fort to offer prayers to the deity. He also pointed out that Guru Hargobind Ji was such a holy man and he should be asked go to Gwallior Fort. At the Emperor’s request the Guru readily agreed and left for the Gawalior Fort.In the fort Guru Ji met many princes who were detained there due to political reasons. They were leading a very deplorable life. With the help of Hari Dass, the governor of fort, the Guru improved their condition. Hari Daas was a Sikh of Guru Nanak and he become ardent devotee of Guru Hargobind. Once when Chandu wrote to Hari Daas to poison Guru Sahib, he at once placed that letter before Guru Ji.When several months passed and Guru Ji was not released then Baba Buddha Ji and other devotees met the Guru. They informed him about the despicable condition of the Sikhs, who were waiting for him with great eagerness. The Guru assured them that they should not worry, he would join them soon. Sikhs would gather and carry out Parbaat-Pheris, walking and singing Gurbaani, around the Gawalior Fort awaiting for Guru Ji's arrival out.In the meantime Sai Mian Meer met Jahangeer and asked him to release the Guru. Jahangeer, who had fully recovered, ordered Wazir Khan to release Guru Sahib, who reached Gwallior Fort and informed Hari Daas about the message of the Emperor. Hari Daas was very pleased to hear it. He informed Guru Ji about the message of Emperor. But the Guru declined to leave the fort unless the princes confined in the fort were also released.When Wazir Khan informed the Emperor about the desire of the Guru, the Emperor was forced to agree, though he didn't want to free the prisoners. So, out of cleverly the Emperor put down the condition that "Whoever can hold on to the Guru's cloak can be released." The fifty–two princes who had been detained due to political reasons or for committing default, were pining in fort for years. Having compassion for others, Guru Sahib was determined to get the prisoners freed. He had a cloak made with 52 corners, for each King to hold on to. The Guru left the fort with all fifty-two princes. As the Guru liberated the fifty-two princes so he is known as Bandi-Chhor (Liberator).
A Gurdwara known as Bandi-Chhor is built at the place where Guru stayed during his detention. Jahangeer advised Wazir Khan to bring Guru Hargobind in his court at Delhi with great honour. Jahangeer had realised that he wrong for torturing and killing Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who had not committed no crime or offense. He wanted to exonerate himself by indicting this crime on Chandu Shah and other officers. So in order to show his innocence he wanted to meet Guru Hargobind Ji. The Sikhs celebrate this day as Bandi Chhorr Divas i.e., 'the day of release of detainees' . So in the evening, illuminations are done with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles and fireworks. The celebrations are held both in the Gurdwaras and in homes.What do we learn from Bandi-Chhor Diwas?52 Hindu Kings were freed with Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib could have left the Fort when he was offered the chance. However, Guru Ji thought of others before himself. Others freedom and rights were more important than his own. Guru Ji is always thinking not of his emancipation but everyone's emancipation. This is the attitude and virtue which Guru Ji filled within his Sikhs, by putting into reality this positive message.

Winner of Today's Woman Award Show

2009-10-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

In an event held on Friday October 2, 2009, the winners of Today's Woman Award Show were announced at the Civic Centre.

"In October, Special Events Creators produces the annual Today's Woman Show. This event consists of the Northern British Columbia Today's Woman's Awards, the Today's Woman Leadership Conference and a biennial Trade Show that is geared towards women of all walks of life, ages, lifestyles and varied interests. It provides an opportunity to learn what's new in business, careers, investment opportunities, fashion, health & wellness, cooking, recreation and so much more. Each show just gets better and better!!"

COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARD and RISING STAR AWARD: Navpreet Kaur Sidhu – Prince George. Through her volunteer work with the Canadian Diabetes Association, Navpreet has helped increase awareness of Diabetes among South Asians.

As an active young leader and role model to the youth in the community, she has promoted youth volunteerism by leading a team for the Partners For Life Program and Canadian Cancer Society Annual Relay.

The events hosts were MLA Shirley Bond and MLA Pat Bell. The Free Press sponsored the Community Enrichment Award, while CNC sponsored the Rising Stars Award.

Here are some pictures

Technology!

2009-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Nowadays you need a backup drive for your backup drive! I was downloading all the TVs shows recorded on PVR to an external hard drive, when the hard drive crashed. I didn't really care much about what I lost (most were just tv shows), until I realized I lost a recording of the Chardi Kala Jatha in Harminder Sahib! I was going to upload it on this blog soon too:( Then I also realized that I lost all the English and Punjabi interviews I recorded on various social topics. Digital media can be so frustrating. You never know when it is going to vanish!

I once knew a Bobjeet

2009-10-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

I have been going to university for about four years now, and I have met so many different kinds of people. During a summer course, I came across a certain young gentleman... let's call him Bobjeet, who was from one of the smaller cities, either Dawson's Creek, William's Lake, I can't really remember. Now, 70% of communication is non-verbal communication, so when I say I know this person, I mean that I know this person's behaviour, attitude and opinions from observing him afar in class or walking in the hallways. You can learn a lot about a person from how they walk, sit idly or conduct themselves in public.

Bobjeet was keen on learning, he asked question after question to the professor, anticipating responses and purposing rebuttals. He was curious about every aspect of the study he was undertaking... or he used be. He wasn't amritdhari, but he was a "pure" Punjabi, and looking at how he conducted himself, he was a Sikh. I had one chance to talk to him during a break in the class, just common chit-chat on the the midterm that we just finished writing. Once he found out I spoke Punjabi he conducted the rest of the conversation quite fluently in it. Quite amazing since most people are embarrassed to even admit that they know Punjabi! Looking at his timid nature, you could tell that he was respectful and courteous. But, I said "timid" for a reason.... and not self-confident.

Now your thinking, wouldn't it be great if this young man became something great in his life. Bobjeet could help our Punjabi people gain access to basic services, such as health care, computer technology, bank services and more. He would be such a great asset to the community, with his genuine respect and courtesy. But, we will never know for sure.

Now before I go any further, let's explain my role in all of this. During the unfolding of the events you are about to hear, I luckily stumbled upon the role of silent observer... sort of like invisible entity that no one really cared to notice. I knew Bobjeet and his disposition and demeanor from my class. I also inadvertently knew his "new" friends from UNBC from a volunteer job that I undertook every week. You can probably guess the demeanor of his new friends. These people knew neither their culture or their language. Let loose in Prince George with more money than they need, this group of about three frequently got drunk and "partied" during the weekends, and aspired to be doctors during the weekdays. "Partied" is a mild term. What they did was get intoxicated to the point that they probably couldn't recognize their own sister if they saw her.

One evening, as we were volunteering together, the group was side-tracked as usual and started chatting. Again, people don't usually notice me when they start talking. As they were chatting away, instead of working, Bobjeet's name came up in the conversation. Here is a brief dialogue of what ensued.
" Bobjeet, yeah man, we definitely have to get him drunk"
"Man, Can you believe he has never had a drink before. What, is he a Mama's boy"
(Girl interjects) " C'mon, Bobjeet's nice, you better not convert him"
"Yeah, but he's not cool. No, we are definitely taking him to a pub tonight and getting him hammered".

Now I wasn't there for the actual incident, and during the entire time I never thought that Bobjeet would ever go through something as stupid as that. But like I said, I used the word "timid" instead of "self-confident'
A week passed in class, and I was busy with midterm and exams. The next time I noticed Bobjeet was outside of class, with a newly pierced ear and listening to loud rap music on his iphone. No more questions, no more Punjabi, no more curiosity to learn, no more intellectual behaviour. You may see him occasionally at UNBC hanging out with his girlfriend or smoking a cigarette. He's still here, his friends aren't. None of them got into medical school, thank god, and I suppose they moved back to their respective home towns.

I never knew that this could actually happen to people. I mean you see it in cheesy Punjabi movies and dramas, but now that I look back at the experience, I never really realized the seriousness. I wish I could have been more than I silent observer, but really how could I interfere in the life of a person that I didn't know. Of course, there is always the fear of being branded a whistleblower among peers.

Now you can imagine that everyone in a small town knows everyone, hence there is less chance of youth to get involved in drugs and alcohol, but also more chance that youth lack self-confidence when they move to bigger cities. No parent is going to tell themselves 'I am sending my child away to university so that they can get involved in gangs and drugs". Every parent is anxious when they send their child away for school, but Punjabi parents are more so. And they have a good reason. So many Indo-Canadian Sikh youth come to Prince George from smaller towns to study UNBC. So many anxious parents await in the small towns hoping that their kids are going to pass the tests and challenges of life brought in front of them by their peers.

I am astounded by the fact that Prince George doesn't have counseling and support services specifically designated toward Sikh youth. Really what is a gurudwara supposed to be for. It is supposed to be the centre where people come to find spiritual guidance and support. To date, no Prince George temple has provided formal counseling services to anyone, with full protection of a person's confidentiality. In the future, it would be nice to see community leaders that have been through the same ordeal to step in and provide comfort to parents by mentoring the youth. When youth come to UNBC from smaller communities the gurdwara should act kind of like a check-in, where Prince George community leaders and volunteers give an orientation to Prince George and the spiritual services provided to assist youth in their life and studies (programs which we need more of.. but that will be a different blog post). Out-of-townees get to know each other and Prince Georgians and kind of form a community. Throughout the year, volunteers check in with various students and provide guidance, mentoring and counselling services if needed. Most importantly if the counsellor can't help them, than they should contact the parents and relatives to step in and provide support.

Now, you may think, isn't this over the top. I mean aren't we controlling the lives of these young people. When I talk about guidance and counseling, I don't mean that preachers should follow the youth around and make sure that they don't cut their hair, or make sure that they do their 5 banis paath everyday; these choices are ultimately left to the youth to decide. What I mean is that relatable people, like university professors, fellow grad students, medical students, doctors should be there to help Sikh youth deal with the stresses and peer pressure encountered in university life, instead of turning to alcohol and drugs. Sikh Youth have different needs than the average university students, because they feel different societal pressures. Normal guidance counseling at universities aren't enough to address the specialized issues that Indo-Canadian youth are facing, and this drives youth into gangs, drugs and alcohol. No young person is going to look back in their life and say " I wish I would have done drugs in school, I missed out on so much." Similarly a person who did drugs, probably never imagined themselves in that position a few years ago.

Now the second problem that comes to mind is community gossip. You would think young people would be off limits, but know the "aunties" are as vicious to us as they are to anyone else, more-so behind your back. No wonder youth don't just come out and ask for help and admit that they have a problem. Deep down they don't want their parents or themselves to suffer public humiliation.

I can't imagine the looks of Bobjeet's parents when he stepped into their home again. I still can't believe the transformation to this day, sometimes I wonder if this alter ego thing really existed or if it was just my imagination.

Anyways, that is my story for today, and obviously the names were changed to protect the persons' identity. If anyone has any comments, please feel free to leave them at the bottom.

Amusing Video

2009-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Amusing video on Punjabi Body Language- first posted by Maple Leaf Sikh

I can definitely pick out some gestures that I see often:)

Sikhnet Film

2009-09-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Waheguru ji Ka khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

You didn't think we would make a film did you? Well we did! It wasn't as ambitious of a project as I usually undertake, but still it is better than nothing, and I loved the idea. I got the inspiration during Sukhmani Sahib, and just thinking if I were to die tomorrow, what would I regret... what would I have changed in my life.

The original idea was to do a documentary on the society and the challenges and accomplisments we faced, but summer was too short for such a big project, with all the work I had to do, so this did just fine in satisfying my creative abilities.

For more Sikhnet Film Festival movies, visit Sikhnet.

My Guru and I

2009-09-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

By rsingh

If you walked into this Gurdwara and instead of the Guru Granth Sahib being there, say it was Guru Nanak, or Guru Amar Das or Gur Tegh Bahadur, sitting there – how would you act? How would you carry yourself when walking in? Would your mind-set be any different? Would your muthha tek take on a different meaning? Would you be more attentive and alert during the divan? Would you be more eager to listen to his words and try harder to understand him?

Guru Ram Das says:Baani Guru Guru Hai Baani Vich Baani Amrit SaareyBani is the Guru and Guru is the Bani. And it’s within this Bani, that Amrit is found. Thus, the Shabad (”The Word”) is, was and always will be the Guru. History tells us that even during Guru Arjan’s time, the Granth (then referred to as the Pothi Sahib because it was yet to be completed and anointed Guru), was the center of the congregation, the center of the Darbar, even in the presence of Guru Arjan himself.

The saakhis tell us that Guru Arjan had so much reverence for the Pothi Sahib that he kept it on an pedestal elevated even from himself, and joined the Sikhs in paying obeisance to it. This tells me that it is not the person, the attire or the physical attributes that make the Guru; instead, it is the Shabad. But we call the ten physical forms (from Nanak to Gobind Singh) Guru because they were the living manifestation of that Shabad.

They lived the Shabad. We sing it, they lived it.Guru Nanak was so immersed in the Shabad that the two became one.He says in Raag Ramkalee:Shabad Guru Bhavsaagar Tariye Ith Uth Eko JaanaiShabad is the Guru that will ferry you across the terrifying world-ocean.So, if this is the case, how can the Guru Granth Sahib we bow before, be any different than Guru Angad or Guru Amar Das sitting before us?We refer to the Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru. But is it really living to me?Some say we have it harder, because we don’t have a physical Guru simply telling us what to do, particularly since, in Sikhi, we don’t believe in “holy” persons being the official “interpreters” of scripture. Thus, it falls upon us to make the effort to listen to, read, and apply the lessons to our lives.

People often asked, “What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about this or that?” About life after death, about good and evil, about socio-political issues, such as abortion, divorce, climate change, etc., and the children are often disappointed when I can’t point them to a direct quote – a simple “Thou shalt …” – to answer their question.To some, this is frustrating; but I find it … beautiful!The Guru refrains from giving commandments or a list of do’s and don’ts. Instead, He has compiled 1430 pages of divine poetry that provides a structure for our life and a personal map to guide us through our daily choices and challenges. Instead of quick and fast answers , the Guru has trusted and empowered his Sikhs, to reflect, discuss and interpret the Word [within basic parameters] and form our own opinions and make ethical decisions accordingly … for anything and everything.

So, is the Guru living?I can go through life and treat the Guru Granth as a mere idol and bow before it out of empty ritualism, or I can take the time to reflect on Gurbani – to think, reason, understand and genuinely act on the Guru’s teachings … and that is when the Guru comes alive.As a Sikh, do I need the Guru in my life? This is where Gurbani is as very clear…black and white:Anand Anand Sabh Ko Kahai Anand Guru Tay JaniaBliss! bliss! Everyone talks of bliss! Bliss is but known only through the Guru.Then he goes on to say:Jai Ko Gur Tay Vaymukh Hovai Bin Satgur Mukhat Na PaavaiOne who turns away from the Guru and becomes “baymukh” – without the True Guru – shall not find liberation.

The role of the Guru is to enlighten and bring us to a heightened sense of awareness, to establish that connection with the Divine. The forces of kaam, krodh, lobh, moh and ahankaar – lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride – are so strong that it is only through the Guru that we can overcome them.Throughout this festive year, there have been many celebrations, kirtan darbars, nagar kirtans, conferences and seminars and symposia, discussions and debates on all aspects of the Guru Granth to mark this special milestone – but I truly hope that we, even if we are small and isolated communities, take this opportunity to develop and strengthen our personal relationship with the Guru. I believe this one-on-one conversation, this spiritual dialogue with the Guru, is essential in our self-discovery – which is fundamental to being a Sikh.On this very early stage of my journey with the Guru, I have learned that all roads on this path lead to within. As the Guru says:Mun Tu Joth Saroop Hai Apna Mool PaichanO my mind, you are the embodiment of this Divine Light – recognize it, O, recognize your own origin … the true origin of thy self.

I have been the beneficiary of a lot of advice and guidance in my life, but one of the most meaningful things has been what a friend once said to me: “You know, many think the Guru Granth Sahib’s 1430 pages are about the Guru’s lives and teaching … but, in reality, it’s about you.” And I believe this. There is not a Shabad I come across where the Guru is not challenging me, where the Guru doesn’t push me to question myself.

I often stop in my tracks while reading Baani and ask: Is he referring to me? Am I one of those ego-filled beings that he is talking about, that is, obsessed with myself and my own thinking? Am I being humble in my actions, am I truly forgiving to those who have hurt me, do I speak lovingly to others? Am I really walking the walk … or am I just talking the talk?This is my dialogue with the Guru, and with my Ardaas and his Grace, I continue to strive to improve myself every time I stand before him.So I hope this year will not end as just a celebration of a historical event, but instead, be the motivation for a spiritual event – for personal change, within me, within each of us … that brings us closer to the Guru.

The psycological glass ceiling

2009-09-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

News article from msn.com

I did a media-training session with a couple of colleagues a few weeks back, to hone our on-camera skills. There were seven of us—four men, three women—and each of us was interviewed, then critiqued, on a giant flat-screen television overhead. I spoke about a story I'd spent months working on, and gave what I thought was a confident interview. So did my other female colleagues.
But when we watched ourselves on the big screen, our apprehension became embarrassingly clear—especially in comparison to our male counterparts. The trainer described me as "sing-songy," my voice inflecting up, time and again, turning my statements into questions. We used self-defeating words like "sort of," and started our sentences with "I'm not sure, but"—doubting our opinions before we even expressed them. The irony, of course, is that we're accomplished journalists; we knew these topics well. So why did we sound so unsure of ourselves?
It was mortifying to watch myself apologize to the camera, but the consequence of that insecurity isn't just bad media. According to a new book about female self-esteem, being cautious and apologetic impacts just about every standard measure of success in the workplace: money, accomplishment, recognition. In The Curse of the Good Girl, author Rachel Simmons argues that women pressure themselves to fit the mold of modest, selfless, rule-following "good girl" for fear of being labeled a "bitch." But it's those bitchlike qualities that help us get ahead—which means we're left with imbalanced salaries, lower titles, and shorter professional trajectories. "In many ways the zeitgeist is that girls are excelling and boys are having trouble," says Simmons. "But it all depends on what you're measuring."
It's easy to look at today's women and think we've come a long way. On one hand, we've reaped the benefits our feminist mothers fought for, and we're encouraged, time and again, to "be whatever we want to be." We outnumber boys in graduation rates, college enrollment, and school leadership positions, and have proven ourselves professionally. Things look promising; to the point that even a beauty queen can climb on stage and declare "there are no longer any barriers against us," as did the winner of Miss Universe this month. (Though apparently she doesn't see the irony of announcing this while being judged and rated on her appearance and poise.)
But all those ribbons and medals don't translate to the real world if women are too afraid to ask for what they deserve. As Simmons puts it, "Girls collect achievements by the handful, but often don't have the confidence to own them." Sure, we may outpace the guys around us in school, but by the time we enter college, we'll have given up our leadership roles. We'll make up just a third of business-school students and barely a quarter of law-firm partners. We invalidate ourselves through speech, body language, and weak handshakes. And we still earn less—77 cents to every dollar—and ask for raises less frequently. "If you look at girls on paper, they're terrific," says Simmons, who runs a leadership institute for girls and has also written on female aggression. "But get them into a job interview or negotiating a raise, and it's another story."
Part of that comes from a lifetime of mixed messages about what it means to be strong. We've grown up watching the Hillary Clintons of the world vilified for being pushy, while our soft-spoken colleagues struggle to rise up the corporate ladder. Society, pop culture and the media all encourage us to be tough but sexy in the process. In a way, we're hybrids of the 1950s woman, who was forced to conform, the 1970s woman who refused to, with a bit of 21st-century porn culture thrown in. We live with outdated expectations about what's acceptable, while pressuring ourselves to achieve it all.
As Simmons describes it, it's a "yes, but" mentality: yes, be a go-getter, but be nice all the time. Yes, accomplish, but don't brag about it. "It is a constant qualification—two steps forward, one step back," she says. "And just as an anorexic might say, 'I shouldn't eat this, it will make me fat,' girls are saying to themselves, 'I shouldn't say this, it will make me a bitch, a drama queen, an outcast.' "
Nowhere is that qualification clearer than in the words of a bunch of middle-school girls, whom Simmons surveyed. Asked to write down how society expects a "good girl" to behave, their responses ranged from "perfect" and "kind," "intelligent" with "tons of friends" to "no opinions on things" and "doesn't get mad." A bad girl, on the other hand, was described as a "proud" "rule breaker" who "speaks her mind" and likes being the "center of attention." Or, to put it simply, all of the things that make somebody a good leader.
How do we reconcile those two extremes? Perhaps by shifting some of the blame onto ourselves. Time and again, studies have shown that girls face pressures that are unique. We feel burdened to please everyone (as reported by 74 percent of girls in a 2006 Girls Inc. study) but worry that leadership positions will make us seem "bossy," (according to a recent Girl Scouts report.) Yet we've been mulling about the loss of girls' self-esteem since the '90s, when Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia became standard reading for every mother.
It seems that while the doors of opportunity have finally opened, we're still having trouble walking through them. "We've created what I call a 'psychological glass ceiling'," says Simmons. "But on some level, we need to say to ourselves, 'Yes, I have the same piece of paper from the same university, but why aren't I walking through the law firm door?'" We've come along way, ladies. But we've still got a lot further to go.

School is near...

2009-09-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Wow! School is almost here, although it seems that the summer weather is going to last a little bit longer.
Punjabi classes are also coming up, whether informal or formal ones at school. I thought for this blog I will give you a couple of reasons on why we should learn Punjabi.

1. Learning the language of a culture will help you experience the culture more effectively.
-learning Punjabi will help us experience our rich culture and heritage more fully. If you don't know what a charkha or manja is, then how can you get a full understanding of the culture in Punjab, the place where most of our parents grew up.

2. Learning two or more languages can help you express yourself better
-Anyone who has learned another language can agree that there are certain words and phrases that can't be translated into English, but it seems like we can't fully express ourselves without them. There has been multiple times when my sister and I communicate in half Punjabi/half English, just to get our feelings across better. For example, there doesn't seem to be an equivalent word for the word "nazar" in Punjabi. The same goes for the word "taran", the kind of knot/sensation one gets in the upper stomach. English doctors don't even know that "taran" exists!

3. Learning Punjabi can help us understand Gurbani
-There is "superficial" Punjabi, as I like to call it, which is more conversational, and then there is "deep" Punjabi. To be able to communicate in "deep" Punjabi, one has to have a greater vocabulary and be able to properly use the words. Deep Punjabi enables us to not only carry out meaningful conversations with others in relation to religion, politics, literature etc. but it also helps us to understand the vast amounts of ancient literature available. For example, an adequate knowledge of Punjabi can help us understand Sri Guru Granth Sahib, even though Punjabi isn't the only language in the Guru. So far I haven't found an adequate English translation, because I feel that some of the phrases are "lost in translation" and lose there meaning. That is not to say that people shouldn't read English translations, but if you have a chance to learn Punjabi, then take the opportunity! It will make your studies of gurbani easier. I am not going to lie, without Gurbani, we wouldn't be Sikhs, so it is important not only read and understand, but also to apply Gurbani teachings to your everyday life (but that it going to be another blog post).

4. It would be easier to communicate with grandparents or relatives that don't know English.
- Did you know that our grandparents have a first hand experience of the rich history of India. They were lived through the British Rule, Independence, the Partition and many more events. If you know Punjabi you can get a first hand account of all those experiences.

5. Learning a new language is fun!

So that's it. The main five reasons you should learn Punjabi. If anyone has more, please tell us in the comments:)

From Mr.Sikhnet

2009-08-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I had the kids with me while my wife worked late, and for some reason my daughter Charanjeet was having "one of those days" and was crying incessantly about everything. It was like a marathon (with a few pit stops). It can be SOO intense when your children cry and "freak out." Lots of the times it is them trying to assert themselves, or get what they want. It’s as if they are experimenting with their ego and learning how to use it. As a parent this can be really challenging sometimes! The crying and screaming has a very strong effect on parents. Those of you who have kids will understand what I mean by this. It takes quite a bit of discipline and calmness to deal with your children in a neutral way without bending to their will, or having a meltdown during one of these "storms". They can be like tornadoes trying to suck you up to make you do what they want.

This morning as I was thinking about this it made me also think about the many Sikhs that I deal with online who are very critical, judgmental and REACTIVE. Whenever something happens some people just lash out at others. Some perceived disrespect is done… and there seem to always be people who are ready with the pitchforks… ready to burn someone at the stake. It feels like such an old primal reactive nature (like the violence in Delhi in 1984), fueled by hate, and inner anger.

It’s as if these things are done to make the person feel better and give them "power" when they feel empty inside. Why is it some people’s habitual reaction to divide and attack? There are lots of things that I don’t agree with that other people believe, but I don’t go out of my way to tell them "what I think" and how "my way" is the correct way.

I think that actually, people see a mirror of what is already inside of them projected out onto others. When we hate, we see hate.

I still don’t get why so many Sikh are so close-minded. Our Gurus taught that there is only One God and many paths, yet when someone does something "wrong" people react and kick them out. It’s no wonder so many of the youth don’t want to be Sikhs! There seems to be so little compassion and understanding. It’s "my way or the highway". "You either follow what I believe or you are wrong!".

Being a parent with kids, and just dealing with negativity and the reactive natures of some people has really allowed me to grow. Every time someone posts a negative comment judging or criticizing me, it challenges me. Initially when this happens I feel that gut wrenching feeling in my stomach/naval as I emotionally want to protect myself. The next thing is the feeling of wanting to react to them; as if they are trying to suck my energy and draw me into theirs. This is the challenging part of being non-reactive and not letting these things effect me.

When I was thinking about all of this I tried to imagine what the Gurus were like and how they would act. I can’t imagine one of the Gurus reacting in anger or pretty much any strong emotion that is reactive in nature. I imagine them still like a pond, not affected by whatever storm may blow by and by whatever people say. With anger coming at them they might smile back and share some inspirational words about God.

I personally strive to reach this type of stillness in my life, where no matter what people say or do, I am not affected by it. This takes a certain meditative mind and awareness to achieve. As Sikhs we are are learners and are, by definition, always be open to learning. It is when we become rigid in our thinking and actions that our "window" becomes smaller, and we limit our own opportunities for learning and personal growth.

My prayer today is that we all can keep our hearts open and see the God in each other, no matter what the perceived differences are. To love each other and treat one another with KINDNESS and compassion and not jump on people and criticize them because of something we feel is wrong or different than what we believe.

We as a planet of beings will never unite together until we learn to look beyond our differences and see that we are all one and that we are each a piece of the larger "Body". I am you and you are me. I look at you and see me. Love, compassion, acceptance, understanding, unity and forgiveness; these are all things that support the greater good, while the other negative things only bring us all down. Daya is the first quality of Khalsa. How do you recognize Khalsa? By kindness. That is the hallmark of the Gurus own.

Lifestyle Tips

2009-08-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

NAPS
When you "sleep" you are not rally sleeping. If you take 8 hours of sleep, actually you sleep for half an hour.

The rest of the time you either dream, or you go into scupit, which is a particular state of consciousness reached during sleep. Peaceful sleep that you call sleep, is "nap sleep."

Let us put it in a Western term. If you can take a half hour nap, you can survive the rest of the time in absolute glory. Nap. Nap means switch off and switch on sleep. The best time to nap is anytime, but the most wonderful time is when you have eaten food. During the daytime, at what is called lunchtime you can nap for 10 to 15 minutes, If you can switch off, and you cannot switch back on, either your digestive system is wrong or your lower back is wrong.

DRINK WATER
Are you having trouble controlling your temper? Do you want to be calm and cool and be self-contained? Drink 10-12-16 glasses of water a day! Keep a pitcher of water on your desk if you can. Maintaining water balance is very important. Be sure to drink a couple of glasses first thing in the morning to flush out the kidneys, and drink a Glass before bedtime so you won’t sleep dehydrated, which can cause bad dreams.

DRESS IN WHITE
When some day you are totally depressed and negative, which is normal and it happens sometimes, do the following experiment. Take a shower, rub yourself thoroughly with a soft towel, and then dress yourself from top to bottom in white. From that negative state to that positive state will take normally about 15 minutes. You will be a different person. It is that physical, a gross physical action which can change your temperament, consciousness and energy.

From the book Ancient Art of Self Healing which is a collection of excerpts from lectures, notes and classes by SSS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa (Yogi Bhajan)

Four Teachers

2009-08-25T21:23:00.001-07:00

he following excerpt is from the great book called: Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power by Shakti Parwha Kaur. She is a dear friend and like a grandmother (just turned 80!) since I was a little kid.

"Unfortunately, most parents, including yours and mine, have to depend upon their instincts and the parents they learned from their parents. Most of them are not yogis. They can only guide us within the limits of their own knowledge and experience. Even with the best of intentions, their own neuroses and biases color the way they teach us to deal with ourselves and the world.

It is not only what parents say to us, but what they do and what they are that deeply affects us and forms our basic attitudes toward ourselves and everyone else. We in turn pass along this legacy to our children, consciously or unconsciously.

Your first teacher in this school of life is your mother, second is your father, third is the environment (relatives, school teachers, friends), and finally, the forth is your spiritual teacher whose job it is to correct any misconceptions you received from the first three

MOTHER

Your first teacher is your mother. From the 120th day following conception (it is on your 120th day that the soul actually enters the womb) through the first three years of life, your mother’s influence dominates. She is the primary, powerful, most compelling shaper of the attitudes, habits, prejudices, relationships, and self-images that usually stay with you for the rest of your life. For better or for worse, your mother’s influence is almost indelible. The umbilical cord lasts well beyond the womb. The seeds of growing up with fear of failure, or fear of success, are planted during these early years.

FATHER

Your second teacher is your father. From age three to eight, his impact predominates. He is the male figure (or absence thereof) who supplies the example, the role model for a son. Dad is the archetype to imitate, to love, or to hate. Father personifies "man." For a daughter, daddy or poppa is the standard which she will compare every other man she ever meets, for better for for worse.

RELATIVES and FRIENDS

The third teacher enters our consciousness at about age eight, in the form of brothers and sisters, relatives, neighbors, teachers, friends. They take on a major role of influence in our lives. Peer pressure rears its ugly head, and continues to grow stronger until it becomes enormous during the teen-age years. Of course given ideal circumstances, peer pressure can be useful, supportive, and can encourage positive growth, but in most instances, it has the opposite effect.

SPIRITUAL TEACHER

The forth teacher is your spiritual teacher. Most people born in the West don’t really know what a "spiritual teacher" is. We suffer from a collective cultural deficiency, i.e., lack of education about the nature and function of a spiritual teacher and the necessity and important of this relationship in our lives.
Who does think he is. He has had the actual experience of confirming his identity beyond question. His mission in life is to help other people achieve that same experience. And when your soul leaves the body, he’s there to help you make the transition. He works more in the non-physical planes than on the physical.

When you go mountain climbing, you hire a guide – someone who knows the way and the technology to get you to the top without falling and breaking your neck. He tells you where to step. You have the choice of following his instructions or not. You have that same choice on your spiritual path. Your spiritual teacher is like the rope with the hook on one end that you can safely climb up on, because it’s anchored on the top. He offers himself as that rope. You have to project a link to it from your heart and then hold on! He takes on the weight of you and your karma as well as that of all the others he is helping reach the same destination. That link is never broken by the teacher, but the student has the option to let go at anytime, and many do. It is that link of the mind and heart which we create with our teacher that enables him to help us free ourselves from our past, from our pain, from our patterns of fear, jealousy, greed, and anger, which cause us so much suffering and keep us trapped in our lower consciousness. Yogi Bhajan is my spiritual teacher.

Yogi Bhajan describes the student-teacher relationship: "Like a hammer and a chisel with a stone: when they meet, the sparks fly."

The relationship of a student to a spiritual teacher has to be described in analogies, because it is fundamentally so different from any other relationship you have. The relationship is not between personalities, although to the student it can appear to be!

A spiritual teacher is like a forklift who has to come down to earth, pick you up and lift you to the height of his level of consciousness. When he meets you, how you perceive him depends on your degree of consciousness. He can play whatever role you need in order for you to evolve.

TIME IS A TEACHER TOO
Life is a school. We can choose: We can either learn our lessons in the hands of Time or from a Teacher. Our spiritual teacher acts as a catalyst to accelerate the learning process. He saves us time (perhaps even lifetimes). He doesn’t necessarily make life easier, but he makes our growth as a spiritual being the main focus. He challenges us to fulfill our highest potential. He doesn’t, and isn’t supposed to, solve our problems for us, because that is OUR job. He gives us the tools and teaches us how to use them to cope with all the things we must face. He can suggest and recommend, but he cannot make our choices for us.

In this Aquarian Age, it is no longer adequate to know about something, we have to experience it. A spiritual teacher is not a preacher. Lots of people can give fabulous lecture and quote plenty of scripture. A spiritual teacher gives you an experience.

Abstract Movie- On Time

2009-08-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

This is kind of an abstract movie directed by Ted Chung. I am starting to really like his short films.

2009-08-20T19:49:00.001-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Panjab Digital Library publicly launched. Check it out by clicking here.

Definitely exciting. I just checked out the photographs they have uploaded so far.

"For the first time ever a searchable collection of millions of rare pages, on Sikhs and the region of Panjab has been made available. Panjab Digital Library (PDL) will include texts of manuscripts, books, magazines, newspapers and photographs and will be available to anyone with Internet access at www.panjabdigilib.org. This launch was made possible in part by the Nanakshahi Trust and the Sikh Research Institute.
Panjab Digital Library has been in development since 2003, charged with a mission to select, collect, preserve, digitize and make accessible the accumulated wisdom of Panjab. Texts were included without distinction as to script, language, religion, nationality, or other human condition"

Some pictures

2009-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

From Mr.Sikhnet

2009-08-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

by SSS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa – February 19th 1985, Los Angeles, CA
Read it here

6 things to change your consciousness...

2009-07-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

This was posted on the blog "The Divine Within"

Here is today's Yogi Bhajan quote on changing your consciousness:

"Six things must change in the human if he or she wants to change their consciousness: longing, destiny, the path to your destiny, eating habits, what you wear, and social behaviour."

What a beautiful quote right? But, what does it mean? Let's break this down into bite-size pieces:

Longing - What do you desire? - Do you desire permanent happiness or short-term happiness? If it's permanent then you will look inside for that happiness, otherwise you will look outside. Inside is permanent, outside is temporary.

Destiny - What is your purpose in life? - There is usually one thing in your life that truly inspires you and you never get tired of it, that is usually your purpose in life.

Path to your destiny - How are you going to fulfil this purpose? - After you've found a purpose, there are things you need to start doing on a daily basis to fulfil or achieve that purpose. There also may be things you need to stop doing to achieve that purpose.

Eating habits - How do you eat? Not what do you eat, but how. Do you eat with grace, care and respect for the privilege of being able to eat at all today when others go hungry? Do you bless your food before you eat, or just dive in like an instinctual animal?

What you wear - How do you dress? Do you dress with the thought that you want to impress others, or do you dress with the thought that you wish to create and spread more grace in this world?

Social behaviour - How do you act? How do you act around your parents, family members, friends, people you know very little and people you don't know at all? Is there a humility to the way you listen and speak to other people? Do you recognise that the other person is you and there is no difference between who you know and who you don't know? Can you overcome your own insecurity and speak to people who you know and don't know with equal grace, respect, dignity and divinity for who they are and for who they're not?

From the above, I've formulated my own little plan to develop my consciousness:
Longing - I'm committed to achieving a permanent state of happiness, I long to see the feet of God
Destiny - My destiny is to see other people fulfilled, and in their fulfillment, I shall be fulfilled
Path to your destiny - Become a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and a professional counsellor/psychotherapist, run personal development workshops
Eating habits - Need to take more time whilst eating, not to rush
What you wear - Ordinary clothes and bana, but bana is more beautiful and graceful and I wish to wear it more often
Social behaviours - Need to be more meditatively calm when people say negative comments
Anyone have any other thoughts/comments? I would love to hear them =).Sat Naam!

Solar Eclipse

2009-07-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Here are some pictures of the solar eclipse at Sri Harminder Sahib.

Finally

2009-07-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

I have finally finished uploading and writing about most of the events that the PG Sikh Youth Society has organized or participated in since last May of 2008 . Enjoy:)

First of all I would like to thank Waheguru and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji for answering our prayers, and have helped us get to heights we never thought were possible.

We would also like to thank people who have supported and donated to us over the past year. Without your contributions we would not have been able to do these programs and activities.

Amrit Vela Pictures- pictures by Navpreet

Diabetes Event June 28

2009-07-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

Diabetes Event

PG Sikh Youth Society recently organized a seminar on diabetes held at UNBC on June 28, 2009. Canadian Diabetes Association was instrumental in helping finance this event. The seminar was aimed at Indo-Canadians. Guest speakers, including Dr. Mann, explained Diabetes, its cause, and its effect on the body in Punjabi, while Manpreet Kaur Sidhu and Dale Dhillon translated the presentation into English. In this way both youth and seniors could understand what was going on. The main goal was to encourage people to live healthier by eating a well balanced diet and by exercising regularly, in order to reduce the complications associated with diabetes or to prevent diabetes altogether. Many seniors had a lot of questions, and Dr. Mann explained the answers fully. There was a friendly and positive atmosphere, where everyone felt welcome to discuss health problems. The MC for this program was Sarbjot (Sunny) Singh Kullar, who also volunteered in bringing this event together. Prince George Sikh Youth Society would like to thank all of the volunteers that helped at this event, and also thank Boyanne from the Canadian Diabetes Association for making this event possible. We would also like to thank Devi Parsad, the nurse coordinator at UNBC, for organizing a blood pressure check-up at the seminar.

Devi Parsad, Sarbjot Singh Kullar, Manpreet Kaur Sidhu, Navpreet Kaur Sidhu, Boyanne, Dr. Mann, Dale Dhillon.

Diabetes Display
Guest Speakers doing presentations.

Youth of the Year twice!

2009-07-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

Manpreet Kaur is the vice-president here at the Prince Goerge Sikh Youth Society and she has been recently honored by being named both Prince George Youth of the Year and Canada Day Youth Award. Here are some press releases and pictures.

Press Release- Sidhu Wins Youth Award
Prince George Free Press

Manpreet Kaur Sidhu is ahead of her time. She took part in the Head Start program at UNBC which allowed her to complete a university course during her final year of high school. If all goes according to plan, Sidhu, 17, will enter UNBC this fall and plans a future in medicine. On June 15, Sidhu was named Youth of the Year 2009 at a city council meeting where Mayor Dan Rogers presented her with a plaque and spoke of her many accomplishments.

“Manpreet is an outstanding young woman who has not only achieved high standards academically but has also reached out to the community as an active volunteer. The Youth of the Year Award is well-deserved.”

In a City of Prince George press release, recreation coordinator Cheryl Livingstone-Leman said Sidhu understands the value of living a balanced life, and part of that for her is giving back to the community.

“She is bright, energetic, compassionate and always willing to lend a hand. She is mature beyond her years and is a very positive role model for youth of all ages.”

The Grade 12 College Heights Secondary school student achieved a 97 per cent average in Grade 11 and has given her time to several local organizations. She has volunteered at The Exploration Place as a Science Alliance Leader helping children aged 6 to 12 learn about and enjoy science. At school, she volunteered as a tutor for Grade 9 students and through her efforts, the students she helped improved their grades.

Sidhu is what some might call a “well-rounded” student with many interests. She volunteers with Prince George Sikh Youth Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association, PHRH, Community Policing, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society and IMMS. She’s also involved with Smart Growth on the Ground and the Fraser Basin Council. Her special interest is in bridging the gap between the older Indo-Canadian population and younger generation.

Sidhu speaks English, French and Punjabi and volunteers every Sunday to teach young children the Punjabi language and pass on cultural traditions. In her spare time, she enjoys sports and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Prince George citizen
Busy volunteer wins youth of year award
Written by Christine Skorepa
Citizen staff
Friday, 12 June 2009

Manpreet Kaur Sidhu, whose average was 97 per cent in Grade 11 and is now in Grade 12 at College Heights secondary, is focusing her energy on the Indo-Canadian youth and how to engage them in volunteerism.
"I want to encourage youth involvement in the community," said Sidhu. "I want to empower the youth to make a difference in the community, because they really can."
Recently she helped organize a seminar on gang violence, and her youth group donated blankets to the Elizabeth Fry Society, stuffed animals to the pediatrics department at the hospital and also helped raise funds for the playground there too.
Sidhu said she volunteers with the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Prince George Sikh Youth Society, PGRH, community policing, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Punjabi Canadian Seniors society, the Immigrant and Multicultural Society, the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Society, as well as the Smart Growth on the Ground program and the Fraser Basin Council.
"I plan to stay in Prince George because I love it here," said Sidhu. "I will go to UNBC for my bachelor of science and then on to medical school to be a doctor. I want to go to different countries to help people then settle in Prince George. I am very connected to the community."
Sidhu is also a black belt in tae kwon-do.
Next on her list is a seminar entitled Living Well with Diabetes to be held on June 28 at UNBC from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be two guest speakers and she said she will say a few words, too

Manpreet was also the Canada Youth of the Year and was presented the award by Shirley Gratton on Canada Day. She represents PGSYS and is helping get the word out on our society and its mission and goals.

Manpreet and her teachers/principal from College Heights Secondary School

Manpreet with MLA Shirley Bond and MLA Pat Bell

All of the Volunteers recgonized

Manpreet being presented the award from Mayor Dan Rogers and Councillor Garth Frizzell.

Manpreet being presented with Canada Day Youth Award by Shirley Gratton at the Canada's Day Event at Fort George Park

Board of Director Baljit Sethi of Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society with Manpreet

Recgonition

2009-07-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

On April 26 the PG Sikh Youth Society got recognized with the "Youth of the Year" Award by the Canadian Diabetes Association. PG Sikh Youth Society has been working with the Canadian Diabetes Association to help educate Indo-Canadians about diabetes in a language that they can understand. A committee of Indo-Canadian community leaders was also formed last fall to discuss ways to decrease the prevalence of diabetes among Indo-Canadians. Punjabi people are more likely to be affected by diabetes, partly owing to our more sedentary lifestyle and the increased use of butter and sugar in our food. Recognizing the problem and forming the committee was the first step in tackling this issue.

Prince George Sikh Youth Members with members of the Canadian Diabetes Association

Picture Taken by Citizen Staff Member

In a world filled with junk food, I think there is really one thing to say, "Healthier foods make you feel better." Loading yourself up with sugar, coffee, butter and processed foods puts stress on your body and ultimately slows you down. I have returned many times from the gurdwara to feel bloated and unable to concentrate. In fact, I have often fell asleep after langar, which is a sign that my body is processing too much fat. The only way we can really control diabetes is if we eat healthy foods ourselves and set an example for others.

vs.

.... funny video

Members getting the word out....

2009-07-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Manpreet Kaur is the vice-president here at PGSYS. She has been fortunate enough to represent PGSYS and work with the Prince George City Council and other committees and to represent PGSYS at these events.
In May 2009, Prince George City held a charette to create a plan to improve the downtown of the city. Manpreet represented the youth in this 4-day event and helped bring ideas on what the youth would want in downtown at the brainstorming sessions. She also made presentations about youth engagement and the Youth 20/20 Consensus Report (created from an event she attended in 2008) during the charrette, and spoke a few words at the final public presentation of the charrette about her experience on the team.

Manpreet working with others at the charrette

Brainstorming

Here are also some pictures from the Community Policing Appreciation Dinner. Here volunteers for Community Policing, including Manpreet Kaur, were recgonized for their efforts.

Manpreet Kaur was also involved with the Fraser Basin Council, which works on sustainability issues. She participated in an event in July 2008 called Imagine Prince George: Youth 20/20 Vision, in which youth developed a future vision for Prince George. She traveled to Vancouver to be a part of BC Youth Congress: Youth Uniting for Sustainability 2009, and also gave presentations to City Council (as part of the Smart Growth event). Manpreet also made a presentation at one of the City Council meetings about the importance of youth involvement in decision-making, as well as some of the findings and her experience from the BC Youth Congress event. At all of these events Manpreet Kaur represented the PGSYS and youth in general, brought her ideas to the meetings and brainstorming sessions, and also made presentations and speeches about making changes that will benefit the youth.
Here are some pictures from Smart Growth in Vancouver

We are proud that she represents PG Sikh Youth Society.

Navpreet has also attended research conferences, including Rising Stars of Reaserch, held at UBC, where she was named as one of Canada’s top young researchers. For more visit previous posts of August.

Donating Blankets

2009-07-23T00:34:00.001-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

In March 2009, the PG Sikh Youth Society donated thirty blankets to the Elizabeth Fry Society. The Elizabeth Fry Society provides shelter and counseling, as well as other services to women and their children in their time of need. These blankets would be given to women in the shelter. Some are mothers with children, some are moving into new homes, and some can't go back to their own homes because it is unsafe. We found this to be a very important project to show our appreciation to this vital society in Prince George as well as to give a small gift to women who are going through a rough patch in their lives. Little things can make a difference.

Picture By Prince George Citizen Staff Member

PG Sikh Youth Members with staff of Elizabeth Fry Society

Donating to Paediatrics

2009-07-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
PG Sikh Youth Society is fortunate enough to occasionally donate stuffed animals to the paediatrics ward at the Prince George Regional Hospital. We have done it three times now, and from what I have heard, the kids/patients really seem to enjoy them. Usually a patient will get a stuffed animal near the end of their stay. A few of our members are Junior volunteers and volunteer at the hospital once a week for two hours. In this time we help with various duties such as cleaning toys and well as getting to interact with the patients.

I have had to visit family members in the hospital at times in my life, as many of us have had to do. One can only imagine how hard it must be to have an illness and live in the hospital. It must be even harder for kids, who should be carefree and be playing. Any little thing, like a new stuffed animal, would help the children and their parents pass through tough times. That is what we are trying to do when we give stuffed toys.

The Paediatrics ward is working on a new project for the kids, an outdoor playground. This is a great idea. It will help young patients visiting the hospital get more active, which will help them get healthier and feel better sooner. It will help them remember something about the hospital other than the needles, exams, doctors, X-rays etc.

On March 29, 2009 the PG Sikh Youth donated 1150$ to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation to go towards the outdoor playground. Members fundraised money.

Showing compassion towards others and helping each other out is what Sikhism is all about.

PG Sikh Youth members donating to Pediatrics Ward at the Prince George Regional Hospital

Blood Drive

2009-07-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sikh Nation usually holds a blood drive in November in remembrance of the events that happened with the Sikhs in 1984. We also do a blood drive here in Prince George, under the team name of “Sikh Nation” in November. Many youth come to save lives by donating their blood at the Canadian Blood Services. Here are some pictures

Here are some pictures...

2009-07-23T00:32:00.001-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

PG Sikh Youth Members with MLA Shirley Bond and MLA Pat Bell

Members fundraising at UNBC

Networking

2009-07-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

Networking

PG Sikh Youth Society is fortunate enough to volunteer and network with various organizations, such as the Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Blood Services, Canadian Cancer Society, Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society, Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Society, Elizabeth Fry Society, Prince George Regional Hospital, and Immigrant and Multicultural Society.

Some of our members have been volunteering with Canadian Diabetes Assoc, to help adovocate information on diabetes and prevent it from increasing, especially in the Indo-Canadian population.

PGSYS members also volunteer for the Canadian Diabetes Association and give out information on diabetes in a way to prevent diabetes from increasing in Indo-Canadian/South Asian people.

Here are some pictures from the Healthier You Expo hosted by the BC government and Immigrant and Multicultural Heritage Society. PGSYS members volunteered at the Expo and also attended the dinner.

Members at a Diabetes Booth.

Gang Violence Seminar

2009-07-23T00:31:00.000-07:00

Gang Violence Seminar

In September 2008, the RCMP held a gang violence seminar at UNBC. Approximately 100 people, from seniors to youth, attended this seminar. The RCMP organized and financed the event, while PG Sikh Youth helped promote the events in the community and in the media. PG Sikh Youth Society gave an honorium to the speakers and members were also the MCs for the event. Members also volunteered at the event to help people reach the seminar. Prominent speakers, Sgt. Baltej Singh Dhillon and Rob Rai from the lower mainland explained the reasons of gang violence and its effect on youth and families. They also described risk factors and signs of youth that are involved in gangs. The seminar was in both English and Punjabi and therefore both youth and seniors could understand and learn the information presented.

People who attended thought the seminar to be very informative. Parents, especially, felt that the speakers gave them a “wake-up” call and that it made them want to have better communication and a closer relationship with their younger children.

The PG Sikh Youth society would like to thank the speakers, who provided an upbeat attitude and enthusiasm in their presentation. We would also like to thank Cst. Gary Godwin who helped organize this seminar. We are also appreciative of the Punjabi Canadians Seniors Society that donated $600 toward this seminar.

PG Sikh Youth Members with Sgt. Baltej Singh Dhillon, Rob Rai and Balbinder Singh Deo (from left to right)

Sgt. Baltej Singh Dhillon

Rob Rai

Media Articles on Gang Violence Seminar
Here are some articles that appeared in the Prince George Citizen.

Seminar looks at gang issues

Written by FRANK PEEBLES

Citizen staff Wednesday, 01 October 2008

Indo-Canadian criminal gangs are a major problem in the Lower Mainland and the East Indian community of Prince George wants to keep it from happening here. This weekend a group of local Sikh youth joined with the RCMP to hold a gang awareness seminar in the Punjabi language. Communication barriers are what breed the development of gangs, organizers said."A lot of parents don't speak English, so they wouldn't go to an event where English was only spoken," said Manpreet Sidhu, 16, a member of the Prince George Sikh Youth Society. "But it is a big issue, it is starting to come up to Prince George, so we wanted to get kids and parents together and talk to them in a language they would understand, so it was half in English and half in Punjabi."The reason for the half-and-half approach, said Sidhu, exemplifies the very issue. In a great many Indo-Canadian homes the grandparents speak only Punjabi and the children speak only English, with parents caught somewhere in the middle. Also, she said, there can be very ingrained generational protocols that do not make for a good flow of communication. This can alienate the youth of the household, and effectively conceal any bad behaviours leading to gang involvement until it is too late."There are a lot of Indo-Canadian people getting killed, you see it on the news, and their families getting hurt," Sidhu said. "People were really worried about this in Prince George and the people are saying the same things now that they were saying 10 years ago in Surrey, so are we going to be in the same situation down the road? We want to stop it before it gets into a problem like Surrey has. Right now it is not that big a thing here, but it could get big, so we want to be proactive and tackle it now." Information session on gangs aimed at Sikh community

Written by Citizen staff Friday, 26 September 2008 GARY GODWIN

The city's Sikh community is being encouraged to attend an information session on criminal gangs.The session will be conducted almost entirely in Punjabi, said Prince George RCMP Cst. Gary Godwin, after Indo-Canadians were "noticeable by their absence" when a similar session in English was held in April for the city as a whole."We feel that was just because of the language barrier," said Godwin. The idea is to warn parents and youth about the tactics gangs use to recruit members."We don't have any Indo-Canadian gangs up here, it doesn't appear there's one forming, the idea's just to be proactive," Godwin said. "We just want to show them what the real side of gangs are about and how dangerous they can be."Being a gang member is not a good life to be caught up in, Godwin said."They may look like they have flashy cars and lots of money to spend but that's not the real gangs, the gangs are very controlling," he said. "The money goes to the leaders of the gang and you're in a regime and if you don't perform for that regime there are some dire consequences."

Video

2009-07-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of keertan that the youth did at the program

Music Event

2009-07-23T00:29:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2009 Program

PGSYS organized a Culture/Music event in July where students who were learning shabd bani (spiritual hymns) in classical raag (classical Indian music) for the month of July showcased their talent and what they had learned by doing shabd keertan in front of an audience/sangat. They also received prizes for the completion of their month of learning. Tokens of appreciation were also given to community leaders that have made the lives of Sikh/Indo-Canadians/Punjabi people better here in Prince George. Afterwards, everyone ate lunch that was prepared by PG Sikh Youth members. Members also helped hand out lunch and clean up. Around 1:00pm everyone was invited to watch a movie on Sri Harimandar Sahib/Golden Temple.

Youth and seniors alike enjoyed this program thoroughly.

Here are some pictures.

Gurcharn Singh as noted above was the classical music teacher for students here in Prince George during the summer months of years 2005-2008. He inspired love for Gurbani and shabd keertan in his students. He is a trained professional in classical music (both Western and Indian style) and has earned his pHD in music.
Bhagwan Singh Korotana has been instrumental in helping connect the youth with the seniors. His vast knowledge on various issues in a great asset to the Indo-Canadian community. He helped organize the Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society. Bhagwan Singh helped the seniors acquire and set up technology, including computers, projector etc. and helped them gain internet access.
Dr. Balbinder Singh Deo is a dedicated volunteer and takes time out of his busy schedule to help the youth, seniors and many others in the Punjabi community. His expertise on business issues has made him a valuable member of our community. He had also helped run a Punjabi school every Sunday for five years at Guru Nanak Darbar.
Members with the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Society, who allowed us to do our program at the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple.
Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society- PGSYS members volunteered with them in July (see previous posts).
Tanvir Kaur Bassi- She is also a music teacher.
Gian Kaur Bains
Giani Bal Singh Bal who has shown dedication to the Sikh community.

Here are some pictures of youth and others preparing food and helping clean up at the end of the program.

`

Here is a group photo of youth/music students, Guru Nanak Darbar Committee, PGSYS members, and Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society members.

Keertan/Classical Music Program

2009-07-23T00:28:00.001-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

In July 2008, a keertan/classical music program was held at the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple and was taught by Ustad Gurcharn Singh from Singapore. Here youth came to learn keertan (singing of spirtual hymns) in the classical raag format. Classes were held according to the skill level of the student, from beginners to advanced. Tabla was also taught according to classical teaching style.

This was one of the most well-run and worthwhile camps that the students could ever attend. Firstly, classical raag was taught as opposed to the newer more simpler versions of shabd keertan present today. The shabds/gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is written in 31 raags including, Bilaaval, Gauri, Dhanaseri etc. According to Baba Iqbal Singh from Baru Sahib, classical raag music is so powerful that it is believed to “melt” even hearts made of stone into softness and sway them to the path of truth and remembrance of Waheguru. The shabds ranged from simple (for beginners) to more complex (for advanced). Shabds were more inspiring and invigorating as they became more complex. Learning different raags and there corresponding keys on the harmonium was the most beneficial thing of attending this camp.

Secondly, usually other teachers teach the student by showing them the keys over and over again. This can be very long and cumbersome as the teacher has to spend time with each individual student. Also, with time the student usually forgets the keys and consequently the shabd. Another problem would be how to play the shabd according to the rhythm of the tabla. Both of the problems were solved with the teaching system. Ustaad Gurcharn Singh wrote out the notes of the shabds to be played out on the harmonium by denoting them by their name (ie Sa Re Ga) etc. He also wrote the notes of the tabla (ie Dhin Dha) next to the shabd to convey the rhythm. In this way, the student could practise and learn the shabd by themselves and without the aid of another person on the tabla. This is not to say that guidance by our music teacher was not needed. Usually only by his trained musical ear could he pick up where our notes were not being hit at the proper time.

Here are some pictures, and also a movie.

An example of a shabd written out in harmonium and tabla notes.

Students of the tabla class

Students in keertan class

Teaching Seniors

2009-07-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Over the summer of 2008 Prince George Sikh Youth Society members helped Punjabi seniors learn basic computer skills. The Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society recently got new computers and technology due to government grants. They partnered up with the Sikh Youth to help get the most benefit out of them. This helped bridge the gap between the two as the youth taught the seniors something that they knew, while the seniors helped the youth learn things from the wisdom that they knew. Many times, and not just in the Punjabi culture, seniors feel isolated from the younger generations due to the rapid advancement of technology. This is amplified in the Punjabi culture since many younger children and teens are forgetting Punjabi, which is the main and sometimes only language spoken by the elders. More and more isolation is being felt by older Punjabi immigrants, who know little about technology and English.

In this project, PG Sikh Youth members got to interact with the seniors and teach them basic skills of navigating on the computer and on the Internet. One of the favorite things the seniors enjoyed was reading religious scriptures or Punjabi newspapers on the Internet. PG Sikh Youth members also constructed a basic manual written in Punjabi with illustrations on how to navigate on the computer. In this way the seniors could self learn or remind themselves in the future, making them self-reliant.

This was an enjoyable experience, and the members on both sides learned a lot. The youth feel that this gives seniors a new kind of freedom and boosts their self esteem. The internet is taken by granted by many young people as it is a vital search tool. Teaching how to navigate on the internet benefited the seniors greatly as they learned how to search Gurbani (Sikh Scriptures) or listen to keertan/music live from the Golden Temple/Harminder Sahib. Our favorite parts include teaching the seniors how to access divine music/keertan from all around the world by accessing the Sikhnet radio channels. Sikhnet is a great website on Sikhism and we taught Punjabi seniors how to use it to the fullest.

Seniors taught the youth a lot too. They helped us refine our oral and written Punjabi skills since we explained things in Punjabi. Personally it was very fun to interact with them and learn about their hobbies and what they enjoy and like. We also got to know a little bit of their past life in India and their life right now in Canada. They were kind of afraid of using the technology at first, but with time they built their self-confidence. We have seen these elders attending temple every Sunday for the past decades, but we really never got to know them. This project provided the perfect opportunity.

Here are some pictures.

Canadian Cancer Society Relay

2009-07-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

This year the youth got together again and participated in the Canadian Cancer Society 24 hour Relay. We organized the Team Guru Nanak Darbar, and invited people to come and walk one hour shifts. We fundraised over $2000.

The relay was on May 9 and May 10th from 10am to 10am. It was really fun and enjoyable as there are different activities, entertainment there and you got to move around and socialize.
Here are some pictures at the Recent Canadian Cancer Society Relay.

Youth walking at the relay

Group Photo

Youth doing bhangra/Punjabi dance

I posted the following last year. It describes last year's relay
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The PG Sikh Youth Society participated and helped organize a team for an annual relay organized by the Canadian Cancer Society here in Prince George on May 10/11 2008. It runs for 24 hours and various teams register to raise money to find a cure for cancer. Our team was called Guru Nanak Darbar. For the event most teams set up a tent where they can eat and sleep overnight. Representatives of the teams take turns walking around the track for the entire 24 hours (although one guy walked the entire 24 hours himself last year). There are various activities to do as well and lots of food and entertainment. At midnight there are candles lit in remembrance for the friends and family who have died with cancer.
We raised approximately $3000, which is a huge accomplishment for the size of our fundraising team. The Punjabi Canadian Seniors Society (which is also based in Prince George) helped set up the tent at the last minute. Both The local Gurdwara, Guru Nanak Darbar, also supplied us with lots of langar (food) with Waheguru's kirpa. All this happened in the flow and at the last minute, but it seemed like a perfectly orchestrated event (I guess it was Waheguru's hukam). The turnout of Sikh/Punjabi people was astounding, almost triple, or even quadruple the size from last year! People from all walks of life came together for a good cause. The PG Sikh Youth also volunteered at the event, and handed out apples and water to people walking. It was kind of hard work because most people were eating junk food from the concession. It was a very fun weekend.

The main purposes of participating in events like these are:
a) to increase Sikh/Punjabi representation in public/community events (help people understand more about Sikh people)
b) To do Seva/volunteer work
c) Show Compassion and help the needy - in this case people with cancer by fundraising money for finding a cure.

The event overall was very successful .The Canadian Cancer Society raised over $500 000 from Prince George alone. This is a huge amount considering that we only have a population of
80 000.

Here are some pictures.

The Punjabi Canadians Senior Society

Our tent for the relay

People walking at the relay

Group Photo

Some pictures....

2009-07-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Nishaan Sahib De Seva at Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Gurdwara.

Jot

2009-05-03T19:08:00.001-07:00