Happy Khalsa Da Sajna Divas/Vaisakhi 2017!

Happy Khalsa Da Sajna Divas/Vaisakhi!!!

picture from http://www.sikhismguide.org/vaisakhi.aspx

Today is the Anniversary of the Founding of the Khalsa. Congratulations to everyone and we hope that you enjoy the celebrations!

History from www.sikhiwiki.org

On Vaisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib.  The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving the Sikh religion. After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by an equally great sacrifice: Then calling out to the assembled crowd, 'My sword is hungry for a head', He demanded one head for oblation. After some trepidation one person offered himself for the Guru's 'great sacrifice'. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later the Guru came out of the tent, his sword dripping with fresh blood only to ask for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with his sword dripping fresh blood.

Thinking their Guru had gone mad and afraid He would ask for more heads some of the congregation started to disperse when suddenly the Guru emerged with all five men dressed piously in white and in a new ceromony that changed the way that one became a Sikh the Guru now initiated the five into a new and unique order of Sikhs. The ceremony was called pahul, what Sikhs today know as the baptism ceremony or Amrit Shakna. Then the Guru asked the first five Khalsa Sikhs to baptise him, in the same manner. He then proclaimed that the Panj Pyare -- the Five Beloved Ones -- would be the embodiment of the Guru himself.

At the same time the Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptised Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five K's: kesh, unshorn hair; Kanga, the wooden comb; Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet; Kirpan, the sword; and Kachera, the underwear. By being identifiable, no Sikh could never hide behind cowardice again.

Resisting the Stress

I post a lot about work life balance because it’s so important in being able to both work hard to earn a living (kirat karni) but also being able to find the time to Naam Jap and remember God throughout the day. I feel like even though I’ve been balancing pretty well the last few months, no matter what has been happening, this week was an exception. I found the external pressure from others to be rushing around just increased my stress excessively. Worst of all was the expectation that we don’t need to eat, sleep, or take breaks. Life is work. 

Halfway through the week I decided to do the little experiment and just see if this extra stress of running around really does make a difference at all. I was supposed to have a meeting, however no one showed up so I ate my lunch. Suddenly, my co-worker showed up to say the meeting was moved to another building and we all needed to hurry. The urgency in the tone is like always, multiple times a day- do it now, do it fast, be there now. Yet there was no real urgency to this situation. For some reason, in that moment, I had remembered something I had heard about speeding on the highway. There are studies that show that it doesn’t actually make a significant difference in how long your trip will be, despite what you might think. There are so many factors involved that you are actually increasing your risk and not getting much benefit. I don’t know why, but I thought that it would really apply to my situation and I didn’t need to rush. I took a breath, I didn't want to live constantly panicked, running from one place to the next. I finished my juice, gathered my belongings, and started walking over. Everyone was gone. I knew there was no real urgency, but rather just a perceived one. I took a shortcut through an outdoor route because it was such a nice day. Somehow, just as I show up to our meeting, I arrived at the exact same time as everyone else (!), but a lot less stressed, a lot less overwhelmed, and having gotten some sunshine. I really have no idea how that worked, but instead of a knot in my stomach, there was a huge smile across my face. 

I have said it many times, but stress comes down to perceived demands and our abilities to meet them. In some environments, others can constantly try to fuel anxieties, make things time sensitive when they aren’t, and just push us into an unhealthy mode of living. The truth is when there is less stress, we have better communication with our teams, we do a better quality job, we are healthier physically and mentally. I know some days no matter how much I did or how fast I did it, the work just piled up more and more, and the quality deteriorated. It makes a huge difference to our health to be able to take a real lunch break verus scarfing down a sandwich while you work. I guess I really just learned that I need to focus on myself and not what other people are pushing me to focus on. I may be restricted in what I have control over in my environment, but I do get to control what I think and how I manage my day even if its in small ways.

The thing that really held me this week was being able to recharge at the Gurdwara on Sunday before this all started. I do notice that it’s harder to do Simran now. I wondered how, after all this practice, it could be this hard now. I think that as the sleep deprivation and physical pain of being constantly tense kicks in, I find it increasingly harder to sit in one spot, focus, keep my thoughts on track. That’s why I think its really important for us to sit in Sangat and do Simran together. It helps us keep on track and the benefit is a thousand fold more than just doing it on your own. Not only is this important in building so-called “resilience” but it’s simply the whole purpose of our existence in this world. We are meant to meet God and we should spend as much time as possible, as much effort as possible doing it, even when it is hard. While it is hard to be consistent in a new routine, like doing simran daily or reading Nitnem in the morning, if we keep practicing, then it will become a source of stability and strength. 

I think in each experience there is something to learn. I definitely learned more strategies about stress management, and how to take care of myself this week. I would encourage you to think about what you learned this week and share those strategies with other people in your life.

Don't forget Simran at the Gurdwara upstairs 1-2 pm every Sunday! 

Ardas

Ardas is the prayer/address to God that we can do any time, but is typically done after reciting our daily Banis, after a service at the Gurdwara, important events, and before and after completing something important in our lives. The Ardas can be done in Sangat or as an individual, it can be done out loud, or silently. The Ardas is included in gutkas but is not a part of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. We have added onto it over the years in memory of significant parts of our history.  In western culture we often talk about the importance of remembering the past so that it is not repeated in the future, which is why we have days like remembrance day. In our daily Ardas we remember all the sacrifices that Sikhs made before us to get to where we are today. Most importantly, we remember God, who created us, and re-center on the purpose of our lives. Towards the end of the Ardas is where you say what specifically you are doing the Ardas for. Then, as Gyani Ji pointed out at the Gurdwara a few weeks ago, we say a prayer for the well-being for everyone in the world. I would encourage everyone, next time we stand in Ardas to pay attention closely to what is being said. I didn’t understand parts of the Ardas until this year when I began to understand the historical events like Saka Nankana Sahib which led us to where we are today. Here is an English translation of the Ardas:

Ardas

One universal creator God; Victory belongs to the Wondrous Destroyer of darkness. May the might of the All-powerful help! Ode to his might by the 10^th Lord (Guru Gobind Singh).

Having first thought of the almighty’s prowess, let us think of Guru Nanak. Then of Guru Angad, Amar Das and Ram Das- may they be our rescuers! Remember then, Guru Arjan, Hargobind and Sri Har Rai. Meditate then on revered Sri Harkrishan remembering whom all the suffering vanishes.Think then of Guru Tegh Bahadur, remembrance of whom brings all nine treasures*. He comes to rescue everywhere. Then of the tenth Lord, revered Guru Gobind Singh Ji! Who comes to the rescue everywhere. The embodiment of the light of all ten sovereign lordships, the Guru Granth- think of its reading and teachings, and say ‘Vahiguru (Wondrous Destroyer of darkness)’!

The Five Beloved Ones [These are our Panj Pyare Bhai Daya Singh Ji, Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, Bhai Himmat Singh Ji, Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji, and Bhai Sahib Singh Ji. For more information see our post from Vaisakhi last year], Four Sons of the Tenth Guru [the Sahibzaade], Forty Liberated Ones [see the post below about Mai Bhago], determined ones, constant repeaters of the Divine Name, those given to sincere devotion, those who repeated the Nam, shared their fare with others, ran free kitchen, wielded the sword, overlooked faults and shortcomings- meditating on the achievement of such dear and truthful ones, say O Khalsa, ‘Vahiguru (Wondrous Destroyer of darkness)’!

The male and female members of the Khalsa who laid down their lives in the cause of dharma (religion and righteousness), got their bodies dismembered bit by bit, got their skulls sawn off, got mounted on spiked wheels, got their bodies sawn, made sacrifices in the service of the shrines (Gurdwaras), did not betray their faith, sustained their adherence to the Sikh faith with sacred unshorn hair uptill their last breath, mediate on their achievement and say, O’ Khalsa, ‘Vahiguru (Wondrous Destroyer of darkness)’!

Thinking of the 5 thrones (seats of religious authority) [this refers to the 5 Takhts: Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib] and all Gurdwara, say, ‘Vahiguru Wondrous destroyer of darkness)’!

Now it is the prayer of the whole Khalsa. May the conscience of the whole Khasla, remembers Vahiguru, Vahiguru, Vahiguru and in  consequence of such remembrance may total well-being be bestowed. Wherever there are communities of the Khalsa may there be divine protection and grace. The prevalence of the basic needs and of the holy sword, protection of the tradition of grace, victory of the panth, the protection of the holy sword, the rise of the Khalsa, say ‘Vahiguru (Wondrous destroyer of darkness)’!

Unto the Sikhs the gift of the Sikh faith, the gift of the untrimmed hair, the gift of the discipline of their faith, the gift of sense of wisdom. The gift of trust, the gift of confidence and above all the gift of meditation of the Divine Bath in Sri Amritsar (holy tank at Amritsar) [this refers to the Amrit produced in the mind when we reach God and not physical location], many hymns-singing missionary parties, the flags, the mansions, abide from age to age; may righteousness reign supreme, say ‘Vahiguru (wondrous Destroyer of darkness)’!!!

May the Sikhs be imbued with humility and high wisdom, may Vahiguru guard its understanding! O’ Immortal Being, eternal helper of His Panth, benevolent Lord! Bestow on the Khalsa the beneficence of unobstructed visit to and free management of Nankana sahib and other shrines and places of the Guru from which the panth has been separated [this is in memory of Saka Nankana Sahib. See my recent post for more history]. O’ Lord, the honour of the humble, the strength of the weak, aid unto those who have none to rely on, True Father, Wondrous Destroyer of darkness! We humbly render to you…… Pardon any impermissible additions, omissions, errors, mistakes. Fulfill the purposes of all. Grant us the association of those dear ones on meeting whom one is reminded of your Name. O Nanak may the Nam (holy) be ever in ascendance! In His will may the good of all prevail.

This translation has been slightly modified from the second reference below.

*Nau Nidh means 9 Treasures of Wealth.

Traditional thought in India used to be that there was 9 worldy treasures: Padam Nidhi (attainment of children, precious metals, etc.), Mahaan Padam (precious jewels), Sankh (delicious things to eat), Makar (training to rule over others), Kachhap (clothes, food), Kund (trading gold), Neel (trading in precious stones), Mukhand (mastery of fine arts/music), Kharab (all kinds of riches). The 9 spiritual treasures which are referred to in Gurbani, however, are Bharosa (faith), Leenta (absolute absorption in God), Santokh (contentment), detachment, Hukam (accepting God’s Will), Sehaj (equilibrium of the mind), Anand (permanent bliss), Vismaad (ecstacy), Nadar (awakened soul considers God as primary reason of attainments and his own efforts mean nothing).

References:

http://www.wahegurunet.com/sikh-ardas

https://vidhia.com/Ardas_%28English%29.pdf

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Nau_Nidh 

Who is Mai Bhago?

I have been trying to expand my knowledge and learn more so I wanted to share a bit about Mai Bhago.

Mai Bhago (Mata Bhag Kaur) born in Jhabal (present-day Amritsar). Her uncle, Bhai Langaha helped Guru Arjan Dev Ji in the construction of Harmandir Sahib and was martyred in Lahore. Thus, she grew up learning to be brave and courageous from her family's example. She was baptized when she visited Anandpur Sahib in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji started the Khalsa. Although she wanted to stay to train as a soldier, her father denied her as she was a woman and there were no women soldiers at the time. She started to learn warefare and horseriding anyways. She went on to marry Nidhan Singh. 

It is during this time in our history that the Mughals, under the guidance of Aurangzeb laid siege to Anandpur Sahib for 8 months. The Sikhs were dying due to lack of supplies like food. The Mughals said they would spare anyone who declared they were not a Sikh and thus 40 Sikhs, led by Mahan Singh, signed a document and told Guru Ji that they were not Sikhs anymore and returned to their villages.

The Mughals then offered a deal that the Sikhs could leave in peace from Anandpur Sahib. As the Sikhs left, however, Aurangzeb broke his promise. It is during this time that Mata Gujri Ji and the young Sahibzaade were separated from the older Sahibzaade and Guru Ji. The sahibzaade were martyred. Guru Ji and his accompanying Sikhs travelled, pursued by about 16,000 in the Mughal army. Guru Ji set up camp near Khidrana. The Mughals headed there for water, not knowing that the lake was dry.

Meanwhile, as the 40 men returned to their homes, Mai Bhago rallied their wives. They refused to talk to their husbands and kicked them out of their houses, disappointed in how they had deserted Guru Ji. Mai Bhago said that the women would go into battle if the men did not. They prepared their gear. They were ready to fight against injustice. Finally the 40 men, including Mai Bhago’s husband, were able to see their mistake. They headed to Khidrana to apologize to Guru Ji.

At Khidrana, they spread out shirts onto the bushes in order to look as if they had a larger group of Sikh forces, camping in tents. This is now the site of Gurwara Tambu Sahib. On December 29, 1705 a battle ensued. Guru Ji supported the fight from an area above. The Sikhs were martyred and the Mughals retreated, assuming that Guru Ji had died in battle. Mai Bhago and Guru Ji were the only survivors- Mahan Singh lay critically wounded and all else were martyred. Guru Ji took care of Mai Bhago, who was wounded, and Mahan Singh. He asked Mahan Singh his last wish. Mahan Singh asked that the 40 be forgiven, and thus they are remembered as the 40 Mukhte (liberated ones) in the ardas daily. The town of Mukhtsar (“pool of salvation”) was built in this location.

As Mai Bhago’s brother and husband had been martyred, she stayed with Guru Ji as his bodyguard until he merged with God. Then she lived in Jinvara, immersed in meditation and this hut is now called Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago. Thus, Mai Bhago was a brave warrior and the first female Sikh soldier to fight in battle. She set an amazing example for all of us, Singhs and Kaurs, to stand up and fight against injustice no matter what the odds are.

Sources:

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Mai_Bhago

http://kaur.sikhnet.com/who-was-mai-bhago/

http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/warriors/bhago.html 

https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/great-sikh-women/mai-bhago

https://sikhunity.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/249128_10200157311515394_1295594208_n.png?w=1200 

Have a Little Faith

I don’t have a whole lot of time to post, but I thought I would write anyways. I have found myself wrapped up anxiety from indecision the last little while. Sometimes opportunities present and you just aren’t sure if it’s better to pursue them or not! There are so many decisions to be made and I was just feeling that with so many branch points of where my life could lead right now, I wasn’t sure of what is right for me. Particularly at this stage of my life, my decisions around my career and personal life especially are really going to be long-term decisions with big impacts on how I live my life. 

I sought guidance from Guru Ji and I took a Hukamnama that told me not to be scared, have faith. So I waited. Then another day I took a Hukamnama that told me that my conflicts would be resolved and I needed to have faith. I waited again. I found it hard to wait because my ego didn’t want to listen-it was so hard to keep the faith. My stomach was tied up in knots and I had a hard time sleeping, not knowing what to do. I don’t handle having “loose ends” or indecision very well- I like to deal with things and just have it be done. I find it very hard to have the patience to wait things through. Having been drained from exams, and not feeding myself with enough Simran, I found it hard to do anything but be anxious without answers, but I still waited like Guru Ji told me to. I knew that this is the right thing for me to do and that the whole point in a Hukamnama is that I hand over my mindset and accept what the Guru has told me. 

Last night I was working late, and I just came home and fell asleep. When I awoke in the morning I had this feeling that God was with me, and I am loved and complete. I have never felt this refreshed in the morning, despite the fact that it was just a few hours of sleep. The interesting thing is that of all the days of waiting, I got my questions answered today. I didn't think that it was possible for me to just know what the right thing or the wrong thing would be. I think sometimes God Himself intervenes to guide you and I just felt the confusion and the indecision was gone today. I wondered so many times before whether some things are just coincidence in life, and today I know for certain that everything happens with a purpose and that it guides us. We need to pay attention and learn from what life brings us so that we can grow. I am so glad that I just paused and just maintained faith because the answers just found themselves. So next time you find yourself anxious, maybe take a Hukamnama, and maintain that faith! In the best of circumstances it is easy to have faith, but it is when we are challenged when it is the most important. 

The Power of Choice

I asked Gyani Ji some questions at the Gurdwara one afternoon last week. We sat down and started talking about life and Gurbani. He emphasized that although everything is in hukam in this world, we have to understand that God has given us the freedom of being able to choose and make decisions as humans. Gyani Ji said “why is everyone always blaming God when things go wrong? Then when things are right, we say I did so much.” Sometimes I think that we forget that we have that choice and we just kind of sit back and do nothing. I remember in one episode of Being Bliss, the guest give an example about breaking a computer. Would you sit in front of that computer and just pray for it to be fixed, or would you take steps to get it fixed? It’s more logical to actually take steps to solve the problem.

I think sometimes we get scared so we don’t try and then we think that we didn’t have the ability to choose at all. I remember this time many years ago when I was learning how to do gatka with a wooden sword, I was terrified each time someone came at me. I had to practice to learn to trust the sword would protect me and let go of my fear. I think this is similar in life- we have to overcome our fears and just go for it, no matter what the outcome. When I look back, I don’t regret ever having tried to go for something I wanted, even if things didn’t work out. It doesn’t matter how hard I worked and if I failed, because I always learned something. At the very least through that process we learn about flexibility, which is necessary as we grow in life. Recently I saw a new father crying as he held his baby for the first time. I was so touched seeing how happy the family was even though nothing had gone as planned. In these last couple of months I know it has been freeing for me to let go of arbitrary life rules I had set up a long time ago and just readjust things (For example two years ago I would have wanted to move to Ontario to do a specialty, and now I want to stay here and practice family medicine and I know that’s right for me).

I spoke to Gyani Ji again today he emphasized that we can create heaven or hell in this life depending on our choices. If we follow the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and listen to the teachings as a lifestyle then we will have a happy life. He used the example of a husband. If he follows the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, he will treat his wife as his best friend and he will treat her with love and respect. There will be fighting like friends fight and then get along again, but nothing major like we see between husbands and wives. It doesn’t matter if the two people have completely different backgrounds, if they follow the teachings there will be love and friendship and that is the most important. No relationship- whether its mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, or parent and child will be in conflict if we see things the same way. If we see God in everyone and treat each other with love and friendship, we will be in heaven. If we simply sit at the Gurdwara and retain our stress, and don’t follow the teachings then we will remain in dukh (sadness). If we believe and have faith in Gurbani, we can trust God and let go of that stress. This is the power of the mind, and the power of choice.