Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 18In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 18In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe Kamal – 18 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Status of women in most societies of the world has been lower than the men. In...
Sahibe Kamal – 18
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
Status of women in most societies of
the world has been lower than the men. In India the status of women
deteriorated even more after the invasions of Islamic forces. Islamic troops
after plundering the country captivated women and used them as object of lust
or slave to cook food for the soldiers. This pitiable condition of women was noted
by Guru Nanak when he and Mardana were put in jail by the Moguls in Saidpur
where he committed genocide. He has written many verses that are enshrined in
Granth Sahib regarding the position of women in Hindu society. Hindu society
instead of contemplating to better the position of women started condemning
them. The women were considered impure to enter many temples so the entry was
banned for them. In most religions of the world women were considered as
temptress and bad influence on the path to achieve spiritual bliss therefore celibacy
was recommended for becoming a priest. The segregation of women from spiritual
experience and company of wise men deteriorated her social status to that of an
object rather than an individual. The legally married women were subjected to
condemnation after the death of her husband and were forced to burn alive on
the pyre of their husbands. There was no place for her in the family. Guru Nanak
wrote in one of his verse;” why condemn a woman who gives birth to Kings and
Leaders?”
Guru Nanak promoted the life of a
householder to stop wandering in search of truth. Truth was that we have to
promote the procreation for the purpose the Almighty has created a set of human
kind to sustain this world and His creation. Guru Amardas ji took many
practical measures to upgrade the position of women. Women were to take part in
all activities at Goindwal Sahib and come to Durbar without the veil, he
promoted widow marriages, he also asked the Emperor Akbar to abolish the widow
burning known as Sati Pratha. He created manjis for the missionary work and also
appointed women to spread Sikhism. Later Gurus also promoted all these pro
women policies of Sikhism but that summit of all this was reached by the Tenth
guru when he ordered that all women will now adorn an adjective ‘Kaur” meaning
princess to their names. Further to consolidate the tenet of gender equality he
asked parents to encourage common names for boys and girls. To regard more
respect to women he prohibited Khalsa to have extra-marital relationships. In
his strict discipline he wanted to have his Sikhs with highest and purest form
of personal and community conduct so he prohibited abduction of women after
victories in the battle field. Molestation of Muslim women in battlefields was
strictly prohibited and met with severe punishments. Women were encouraged to
read and write and also read the Holy Scriptures that was prohibited to women
in Hindu society.
The respect given to women was so
well ingrained by him that many were ready to fight in the battlefield and
started learning the art of weapon wielding. When the 40 soldiers of Guru ji
deserted him during the seize of Anandpur Sahib their women folk chided them
for deserting the Guru in adverse time and didn’t allow them entry into homes.
These men returned to the battlefield and gave a tough fight to Moguls near Isharsar
and all of them fell. One of the Sikh was still alive when Guru ji reached this
place where they were all lying fallen. The injured Sikh Mahan Singh begged
Guruji to tear off the letter they had given before desertion. Guruji blessed
the 40 men as 40 Muktas - the immortals. The place Isharsar is now known as
Muktsar. Respect shown to women was taken with full gratitude and they have
become the carriers of Sikh heritage.
Looking forward...: Sahibe kamal – 17In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe kamal – 17In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe kamal – 17 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji People call him Sant sipahi or Sache Patshah but he remained a humble duty bound Si...
Sahibe kamal – 17
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
People call him Sant sipahi or Sache Patshah but he remained a humble duty bound Sikh of the Akal Purakh. He was being pursued by the Mogul forces after he evacuated from the Anandpur Sahib Fort. On the night of 5th to 6th December 1705 he had to fight the battle of Chamkour with the pursuing Moguls of Sirhind and Lahore. They had gone back on their promise of giving free passage to Guruji and his Sikhs. Most of his brave Sikhs who were also starved due to the seize of Anandpur Sahib fell in this battle including three of his Panj Piaras – Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh and Bhai himmat Singh. He then sent his elder sons Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh in the battle and they were also killed fighting bravely. Seeing all these personal losses his faith in the Timeless being remained unshaken. His belief in the Almighty and his vision that he has been chosen for a purpose made him sing the praises of the Timeless Being. Reclining under a tree in the lonely jungle of Machhiwara he sang the praises of Lord: ‘Mitar Piyare nu haal Muridan da kehna……
“Soft beds, dear Friend, beloved God, are but a torment without thee, Residence in Mansions is like living with serpents, The wine goblet is like the cross and its rim is like a dagger, all this without thee is like keenness of a butcher’s thrust; to dwell with thee in adversity dear friend is better than residence in palaces without thee.”
The Moguls had gone back on their word and pursued and killed many of his beloved Sikhs this fact was disturbing the Guruji a lot because this showed the unethical behavior of Moguls and showed their cruelty in not sparing small kids of Guruji who were bricked alive by the Subedar of Sirhind. From village Dina in Faridkot district He wrote a letter in Persian verse called Zafarnamah – the epistle of victory. He reprimanded the Mogul Emperor and stressed that the ethical principles should have the supremacy in the matters of State and Public policy as well as the private behviour. Victory will always be judged by the standards of morality than by the material gains. He chided the Emperor for his not maintaining any morality and sovereignty in the matters of State and his personal behavior. He wrote to the Emperor that you have become too proud that you pray to God and He will forgive all your sins. He reprimanded the Emperor in many verses and in the end he writes ‘Beware Khalsa is now born.’
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
People call him Sant sipahi or Sache Patshah but he remained a humble duty bound Sikh of the Akal Purakh. He was being pursued by the Mogul forces after he evacuated from the Anandpur Sahib Fort. On the night of 5th to 6th December 1705 he had to fight the battle of Chamkour with the pursuing Moguls of Sirhind and Lahore. They had gone back on their promise of giving free passage to Guruji and his Sikhs. Most of his brave Sikhs who were also starved due to the seize of Anandpur Sahib fell in this battle including three of his Panj Piaras – Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh and Bhai himmat Singh. He then sent his elder sons Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh in the battle and they were also killed fighting bravely. Seeing all these personal losses his faith in the Timeless being remained unshaken. His belief in the Almighty and his vision that he has been chosen for a purpose made him sing the praises of the Timeless Being. Reclining under a tree in the lonely jungle of Machhiwara he sang the praises of Lord: ‘Mitar Piyare nu haal Muridan da kehna……
“Soft beds, dear Friend, beloved God, are but a torment without thee, Residence in Mansions is like living with serpents, The wine goblet is like the cross and its rim is like a dagger, all this without thee is like keenness of a butcher’s thrust; to dwell with thee in adversity dear friend is better than residence in palaces without thee.”
The Moguls had gone back on their word and pursued and killed many of his beloved Sikhs this fact was disturbing the Guruji a lot because this showed the unethical behavior of Moguls and showed their cruelty in not sparing small kids of Guruji who were bricked alive by the Subedar of Sirhind. From village Dina in Faridkot district He wrote a letter in Persian verse called Zafarnamah – the epistle of victory. He reprimanded the Mogul Emperor and stressed that the ethical principles should have the supremacy in the matters of State and Public policy as well as the private behviour. Victory will always be judged by the standards of morality than by the material gains. He chided the Emperor for his not maintaining any morality and sovereignty in the matters of State and his personal behavior. He wrote to the Emperor that you have become too proud that you pray to God and He will forgive all your sins. He reprimanded the Emperor in many verses and in the end he writes ‘Beware Khalsa is now born.’
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Sahibe Kamal – 16
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
Guru Gobind Singh ji accomplished many things in his short life span on this earth. It looks as if his life was specially designed by the Almighty to fulfill his commitments to the house of Nanak. His character can be compared with that of mountain- always standing erect on solid footings, unmoved even in the most adverse conditions like when he lost all of his sons, mother and many of his beloved Sikhs in the battles. He was thinking of his duties which he still had to fulfill. One of that was protecting the Gurbani and the granth sahib. With his steel like resolute determination he continued his journey and started working on the final edition of Guru Granth Sahib ji at Damdama Sahib in Talwandi. He added his father Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib ji’s verses and never added any of his own poetry. Guru Gobind Singh ji’s work is best understood from his understanding of the revelation of Guru Nanak because all his life he spent safe guarding those values that Guru Nanak expressed. In his own words the purpose of his life is; “For this purpose was I born, understand all ye pious people; to uphold righteousness, to protect those worthy and virtuous, to overcome and destroy the evil doers.” Like Guru Nanak he was against oppression and intolerance and at the same time for the reign of Almighty. He never fought any battle for worldly powers, territories, religion or sect. This policy won him admirers from Muslims and Hindus who sacrificed their lives for him. During his time he made the Sikh into an organization that endorsed a State like power but that limited to fighting injustice, intolerance, oppression and inequality. This very point proves that all his endeavors’ were in keeping the splendor and glory of the House of Nanak. The spiritual succession of the ten Gurus was taking final shape and culminated in the creation of Khalsa and to maintain the purity of this order a final authority was required that could forever take the High Seat and guide the Sikhs for ever to all on coming ages. Guru Gobind Singh ji vested this final authority in Guru Granth Sahib ji and dropped the Live Guru tradition. This was his visionary accomplishment because he was a great psychologist and worked towards all the practical problems that the Panth was facing due to weak human nature and tendencies. Guru Amardasji had started the tradition of Masands for the missionary work to spread the Sikh thought as per the Hindu tradition offerings were sent for the good work to continue. These masands started becoming corrupt and appropriate the money sent for missionary work. Guruji abolished this tradition of Masands and sent messages to Sikhs at far-off places. Guruji laid clear guidelines for the Sikhs so that they remain above human weaknesses to maintain good community behaviour.
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
Guru Gobind Singh ji accomplished many things in his short life span on this earth. It looks as if his life was specially designed by the Almighty to fulfill his commitments to the house of Nanak. His character can be compared with that of mountain- always standing erect on solid footings, unmoved even in the most adverse conditions like when he lost all of his sons, mother and many of his beloved Sikhs in the battles. He was thinking of his duties which he still had to fulfill. One of that was protecting the Gurbani and the granth sahib. With his steel like resolute determination he continued his journey and started working on the final edition of Guru Granth Sahib ji at Damdama Sahib in Talwandi. He added his father Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib ji’s verses and never added any of his own poetry. Guru Gobind Singh ji’s work is best understood from his understanding of the revelation of Guru Nanak because all his life he spent safe guarding those values that Guru Nanak expressed. In his own words the purpose of his life is; “For this purpose was I born, understand all ye pious people; to uphold righteousness, to protect those worthy and virtuous, to overcome and destroy the evil doers.” Like Guru Nanak he was against oppression and intolerance and at the same time for the reign of Almighty. He never fought any battle for worldly powers, territories, religion or sect. This policy won him admirers from Muslims and Hindus who sacrificed their lives for him. During his time he made the Sikh into an organization that endorsed a State like power but that limited to fighting injustice, intolerance, oppression and inequality. This very point proves that all his endeavors’ were in keeping the splendor and glory of the House of Nanak. The spiritual succession of the ten Gurus was taking final shape and culminated in the creation of Khalsa and to maintain the purity of this order a final authority was required that could forever take the High Seat and guide the Sikhs for ever to all on coming ages. Guru Gobind Singh ji vested this final authority in Guru Granth Sahib ji and dropped the Live Guru tradition. This was his visionary accomplishment because he was a great psychologist and worked towards all the practical problems that the Panth was facing due to weak human nature and tendencies. Guru Amardasji had started the tradition of Masands for the missionary work to spread the Sikh thought as per the Hindu tradition offerings were sent for the good work to continue. These masands started becoming corrupt and appropriate the money sent for missionary work. Guruji abolished this tradition of Masands and sent messages to Sikhs at far-off places. Guruji laid clear guidelines for the Sikhs so that they remain above human weaknesses to maintain good community behaviour.
Friday, 27 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 15In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 15In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe Kamal – 15 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji Creation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh ji, was it a demand of time contempor...
Sahibe Kamal – 15
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji
Creation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh
ji, was it a demand of time contemporary to the Guru’s life? Many historians
would like to differ on this. Was it just an organizational aspect that was
important at that time to fight the tyranny of Moguls? There are many opinions
because people like to say things that are convenient to them or they simply
follow an opinion conveyed by someone else of importance. An extremely deeper
study of Sikh history, Guru Gobind Singhji’s literature and Guru Nanak’s
thought provoking, revolutionary and reformatory concept of a perfect society gives
a picture that making of a Khalsa was a visionary expression that had very deep
rooted psychological effects. Remaining within the command of Akal Purakh an organizational
framework was provided that brought unity and brotherhood irrespective of caste
and class by drinking Amrit from a same bowl, adornment of five Kakkars
provided an undying courage in downtrodden people that made them understand
their self-worth, self-respect that they can stand together with high caste
people and fight for a worthy cause be it nation, community or human rights.
Keeping long hair and beard gave them a distinction to uplift their personal
character that they will not run away from battlefield or difficult situations
and never show their back to any problem. Kirpan provided them a political
power to stand on their ground and use it only when all other means fail. It
was never to be used for offence or defense. By amalgamating the power of Steel
or ‘Sarbloh’ with the power of Akal Purakh a spiritual factor was attached to
the Kirpan to stop the misuse of it. Wearing a kirpan is a matter of self-respect
and political freedom that means it symbolizes the freedom from political
subjugation. Kirpan is an open diplomacy because you wear it by showing it and
declaring that you are from Khalsa Panth and you have the political right to
your opinion. Kachh the warrior breeches worn by Sikhs was a symbol of freedom
from social subjugation. Hindus especially the priest class wears unstitched
cloth for performing religious rituals. In contrast to that Kachh which is a
stitched breech was to be worn by the warriors and anybody wearing that could
perform rituals done before crusades. All the religious rituals done before
going to war by Brahman were thus made un- necessary. Supremacy of Brahman was
thus abolished. Kara or the iron bracelet was another signature given to Khalsa
that should constantly remind him that he is not to believe in superstitions,
dates, days or constellation of stars to lead his life. Kangha a type of comb
was to be adorned in hair so that personal hygiene could be maintained which is
necessary unlike the Hindu ascetics who renounced life and society. The Sikh
was to remain in the society and do all the duties to his family and society.
All these adornments made a permanent psychological effect on the mindset of
people and converted them into people who lost hatred for one another, caste
differences were forgotten when people sat together in langar to eat,
worshipping became a congregational affair instead of personal matter. Greetings
with Waheguruji ka khalsa and Waheguruji ki Fateh made the bonding with one God
thesis of Guru Nanak a permanent thought. All this deep rooted psychological
changes were not possible without breaking away from Hinduism in its orthodox,
caste conscious, divisive way of life.
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 14In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 14In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe Kamal – 14 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji The growing influence of Guru Gobind Singhji who promoted the equalitarian ...
Sahibe Kamal – 14
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
The growing influence of Guru Gobind
Singhji who promoted the equalitarian society, prepared a sacrificial force
from amongst the downtrodden lot of Hindus who will be ready to lay their lives
for justice and righteousness, a patriotic force who will follow the command of
the Akal Purakh – Timeless Being was causing hostile reaction in the Hindu hill Chieftains. These hill Chieftains who
lived only for themselves, who did not know what a nation meant, who did not
know what a patriotism was, they were so selfish that they didn’t hesitate to
join hands with the same invaders who killed their countrymen to convert them
into Islam, who abducted their women and molested them and using them as
trophies, who burnt villages after villages to prove their authority, who laid
taxes to believe in your own religion and humiliation of all kind was meted to
Hindus. India had grown into this downgraded state because of such selfish
rulers that anybody from the deserts of Asia came and ruled and looted this
country for centuries. Even seven centuries later they did not awaken, such
orthodox pride in the caste system that nation could go to dogs. Such miss-
appropriated priorities that when the awakening by the Gurus was brought in the
Hindus showing where their weaknesses are laying them only opposed the most and
showed their personal greed and priorities above that of a nation. The hill
chieftains showed their intolerance and asked the enemies of the Hindus - the
Moguls to join hands and finish off Guru Gobind Singh ji. Several of them
joined hands and instigated Mogul Emepror against the Sikhs. Guru ji fought 14
senseless battles because of these selfish rulers of hills and fiercest onslaught
was made when they came aided by moguls from Lahore and Sirhind and seized
Anandpur Sahib in 1705. The supply chain of rations to the city was cut-off and
Guru ji was forced to leave the fort. The Sikhs of Guruji fought valiantly and
two elder sons of Guruji were martyred along with them in this battle. The
other two sons were arrested along with Mata Gujar Kaur ji because of the list
of a selfish Brahmin named Gangu and they were bricked alive as they didn’t
agree to accept Islam. Such strong commitment for faith could come only from a
family where there was tradition or a rather heritage of martyrdom.
Looking forward...: Today on the martyr day of two Sahibjadaji - Joraw...
Looking forward...: Today on the martyr day of two Sahibjadaji - Joraw...: Today on the martyr day of two Sahibjadaji - Jorawar Singh and Fateh Singh who at the age of 7 and 9 were bricked up alive by Suba Sirhind ...
Today on the martyr day of two Sahibjadaji - Jorawar Singh and Fateh Singh who at the age of 7 and 9 were bricked up alive by Suba Sirhind for not accepting Islam - pay tribute.The determination with which they laid their lives at this tender age and not give up their dharma is in itself exemplary. Sikhism is founded on this firm, determination sentiments that has helped the faith to grow amidst adversaries of all kinds. god bless the youth with their courage and determination.
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 13In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 13In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe Kamal – 13 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji The creation of Khalsa was not just a simple ceremony where you partake Amri...
Sahibe Kamal – 13
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
The creation of Khalsa was not just a
simple ceremony where you partake Amrit- the nectar of life to come into this
new fold. Guruji laid down a strict code of conduct and injunctions. The Khalsa
should never cut or trim his hair and beard. The Khalsa should never eat or
smoke tobacco. A khalsa should never have sexual relationship outside the
marital bond. A khalsa should never eat flesh of the animal cut with Islamic
traditions of butchering. Apart from this Khalsa should always adorn the five
Kakaar that are Kesh, Kangha, Kachh, Kara and Kirpan.
The inauguration of Khalsa was to
become a historical moment and a movement that was inspired by divine vision of
Guru Gobind Singh ji for the uplift of people divided by religion, their
servitude nature, their dormant spirit, their belief in superstitions and blind
faith and their weakness in the belief that this predicament is their destiny.
To bring and free people from this predicament was indeed a revolutionary
vision of Guru Gobind Singh ji because people had so entombed themselves in
this downtrodden state. The creation of Khalsa was an effort to create a consciousness
and build pride in all people. This new impulse arose an awakening for self-worth,
bravery and brotherhood. This new spirit, vigour and vitality later showed
unaccounted deeds of chivalrous gallantry amongst Sikhs and Guruji was
successful in creating a martial race from ordinary, superstitious and blind
faith ridden society that had reconciled to its downtrodden status for
centuries. This is nothing less than a miracle in the history of this country. Such
was the alchemy of his ‘Amrit’ that touched the heart of his Sikhs that it
awakened a regenerative principle in them that now they could fight the tyrant
in a ratio of one to one lakh and a quarter. So much courage and faith in people
fallen to servitude and lassitude for centuries. All those who were once
barbers, weavers and sweepers, who had cowered to see a sword and the sight of
blood, now had become stout hearted warriors and could fight with hawks. A new
spirit was infused in languid and inert India. A fighting spirit of kshtriyas
that had almost vanished due to constant defeats at the hands of Islamic
invader who had now dominated the whole of India and established their rule was
now transfused into an equalitarian, brave, casteless society. It took shape
under the very nose of tyrannical Mogul and conservative Hindu hill
chieftains. An unmatched challenge to
the rulers of the time.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Looking forward...: Let us pay tribute to the Two Sahibjadaji, who mar...
Looking forward...: Let us pay tribute to the Two Sahibjadaji, who mar...: Let us pay tribute to the Two Sahibjadaji, who martyred at Chamkaur fighting tyranny to save humanity. God bless the youth with their coura...
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Sahibe Kamal – 12
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
The highest appreciation for
followers of Guru was to unfold now as Guru ji asked his five beloved ones to
prepare the Amrit in the same way he had done it. When it was ready he asked
the five beloved ones to pour this on his palm and allow him to join their
brotherhood. The request sounded unusual so there was little hesitation but
Guruji explained to them : “Though Khalsa is his own image, his embodiment and
his beloved ideal but it has been created by the direct command of the Akal Purakh.”
The five beloved now invested with the authority stirred the sugar crystals
with water in an iron bowl. Guruji sat before them in heroic posture and took
Amrit from his disciples, from each one of them. He thus joined the order of
Khalsa and his name changed from Gobind das to Gobind Singh. Every time he took
the Amrit from his palm there were shout of “ Wahe guruji ka Khalsa, Wahe
guruji ki Fateh.” By merging in to Khalsa he had merged his own charisma and
personality into khalsa. This baptism or Amrit chhakna ceremony continued for
many days as thousands of Sikhs entered in to the fold and renewed themselves
in body and soul of Khalsa.
Guruji’s appreciation of his Khalsa
is written by himself in Khalsa Mahima’ inhi ki kirpa se saje ham hain’ –
My battles I have won through the favours of
my Sikhs;
Through their favours have I been
able to dispense largesse.
Through their favours my troubles
have receded,
And through their favours my
prosperity expanded.
It is through their favour that I
acquired knowledge.
Through their favours I subdued my
enemies.
Through their favours am I exalted;
There are, else millions of such
humble persons as myself.
Let my body, my mind, my head, my
wealth, and all that is mine
Be to them consecrated.
Thus he transferred his own image
into Khalsa.
Friday, 20 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 11In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 11In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe Kamal – 11 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Having declared the inauguration of Khalsa Panth Guru ji started performing ...
Sahibe Kamal – 11
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
Having declared the inauguration of
Khalsa Panth Guru ji started performing the ceremony to initiate or baptize
these Five Beloved ones to immortalize them as a symbol and nucleus of the new
order of the Almighty. He took an iron bowl with clean water and Mata jitoji
poured some sugar crystals in to it while Guru ji was stirring it with his
Khanda the two edged sword. Sweetness of the dharma (righteousness) was now
mixed with the iron (all encompassing power of the Almighty) to fight for
justice and just cause and nectar called ‘Amrit’ was prepared. The Guru now
gave each one of his five beloved ones five palmful of this Amrit to drink.
Sitting in a heroic posture with left knee up and the right knee on the ground
the five chosen ones received their Amrit and each time he poured the Amrit on
their palms he hailed the Almighty and the Khalsa with a new slogan: “Wahe Guru
ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh”( hail the Khalsa who belongs to the Lord
and hail the Lord whom belongs the victory). The Sikhs repeated this slogan each
time. After getting this new life giving elixir Guruji sprinkled the nectar on
their hair thus consecrating it to the Eternal Lord. They were then asked to
drink the remaining Amrit from the same bowl to bring the token of brotherhood alive. With this new birth in the
order of Khalsa their previous birth and their standing in the community was
now cancelled. With this their family ties, their occupations and their
standing in the society, their belonging to a particular caste and creed,
religion, earlier beliefs and rituals all stand cancelled. Their worship now
was only the Akal Purakh the Timeless being. Their father was Guru Gobind Singh
and their birth place Anandpur Sahib. Their rebirth into the order of Khalsa
marked their complete break from the past.
The five Sikhs the “Panj Piyaras”
belonged earlier to different castes, three of them from so called low
castes now belonged to the
self-abnegating, martial and spiritual order of the Khalsa of Guru Gobind Singh
ji and thus became the nucleus of the new order. They were given the surname of
‘Singh’ meaning lion instead of their original surname that denoted their
caste. They were to wear the five emblems like Kesha - inviolate hair and beard
and Kangha to keep them in order unlike jogis who kept them matted to renounce
the world, Kara – an iron bracelet the symbol and reminder that they will never
believe in any superstitions and never have blind faith, kachch – short
breeches worn by the soldiers of that time and Kirpan- a sword that will be
used only for justice when all other means fail. With these five emblems a
power of the Almighty was transferred to fight injustice, oppression to have
faith in One Immortal being and considering the humanity as equal, irrespective
of caste and creed.
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 10In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 10In dedication to Guru Gobind Sing...: Sahibe Kamal – 10 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji On the day of Baisakhi thousands of people gathered to celebrate the festiv...
Sahibe Kamal – 10
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
On the day of Baisakhi thousands of
people gathered to celebrate the festival in a large shamiana erected for the
purpose. Hymns from granth Sahib were being sung by Bhai Mani Singh. The air
was full of expectations and low murmurs were being heard as people were eager
to know why Guruji summoned people in large numbers to come with their beards
and hair inviolate, fully attired with weapons. The sub consciousness of the
moment was being felt. Guru Gobind Singhji as usual rose early and sat in
meditation. He prepared to go to Sangat and was greeted and hailed by the
Sangat with large shouts. He stood before sangat with his sword unsheathed and
spoke:” My sword wants today a head. Is there a Sikh of mine who will give his
head for Guru and dharma( righteousness)? Let any one of my true Sikh come
forward. Isn’t there a Sikh of mine who would sacrifice his head for his Guru
and dharma?” There was silence in the audience and also fear because people
didn’t understand what Guruji was asking for. They gazed in awed silence until
he spoke again for third time repeating his demand. Daya Ram a khatri from
Lahore rose and said with humility,”My head is at your disposal ‘O’ Sache
Patshah. There could be no greater gain then to die for you under your sword.” He
walked behind Guru in a smaller tent specially erected for the purpose. Guruji
came out alone from this tent with his sword dripping with blood and demanded
another head. Some weak hearted people started leaving in fear but a Jat from
Hastinapur rose and offered his head and said: “This humble Sikh offers his
head ‘O’ Sache Patshah (true lord) because it was yours when I became your
Sikh.” Three more calls were made and now people rose with full enthusiasm
first Bhai Mohkam Chand of Dwarka from Gujrat stood with his hand folded, then
Himmat of Jagannath of Orrisa and lastly Bhai Sahib Chand from Bidar in Andhra.
People saw that they rose cheerfully and offered their heads. In this specially
erected tent Guruji dressed all five Sikhs in specially made dresses and
head-gear of saffron colour and also wore himself the same attire. After a
while he came out of this tent with five Sikhs dressed in saffron attire. The
audience that thinned, out of fear now saw that all five Sikhs in flesh and
blood alive. Guruji introduced the five chosen Sikhs to the audience as ‘Panj
Piyare’ the ‘Five Beloved’ ones. He then addressed the audience and said;” that
this event is the culmination of the faith of the revelation of truth that was
revealed to Guru Nanak by the Almighty. These Five Beloved ones have blessed
themselves and brought glory to the faith and these five will make the nucleus of
the Order of Khalsa, God’s own that I will inaugurate now.”
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 9In dedication to Guru Gobind singh...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 9In dedication to Guru Gobind singh...: Sahibe Kamal – 9 In dedication to Guru Gobind singh ji Guru Gobind Singh ji had the grand concept of creation of Khalsa was evident ...
Sahibe Kamal – 9
In dedication to Guru Gobind singh ji
Guru Gobind Singh ji had the grand
concept of creation of Khalsa was evident from his Hukamnamas( Messages) that
he sent to his Sangat all over the country. One of them was his dictate that
asked his men to grow kesh (hair) and beard. Baisakhi is one of the most
popular festivals of North and it is celebrated on the first day of month
vaishakh according to lunar calendar. It is celebrated to mark the onset of
harvest festival and therefore has an importance for rural folk. From Guru
Amardas ji’s time it was celebrated in Gurmat tradition by making an assembly
of people and singing the hymns in praise of Almighty. The assembly of people
or sangat was irrespective of caste and class. This tradition of celebrating
Baisakhi continued till the time of Guru Gobind Singh ji and became special
festivals of Sikhs. With the new lunar year, harvest of rabi crops, changing of
weather from harsh winter into mild spring brought happiness all over. Before
indulging in hectic activities of harvesting, marketing the agricultural
produce and preparing the land for next season farmers have plenty of time for assembly
(sadh-sangat and jodmela) that is why this festival was given so much
importance. This time was important for the Sikh missionary work and preaching
of Guru Nanak’s teachings. The Baisakhi festival was also celebrated at
Anandpur Sahib with large congregation by singing hymns from Granth Sahib and a
Kavi- darbar of poets. Much before the Baisakhi of year 1699 Guruji sent
messages all over the country for his Sikhs to come over to Anandpur Sahib on
Baisakhi day. Sikhs from near and far off places from all over the country
started assembling at Anandpur Sahib. He asked his men to make large scale preparations.
Days before the Baisakhi after morning assembly Guruji would sit in meditation
for long intervals. There was silence in the air and people felt the atmosphere
becoming mystic and magical. He had not shared his plan with anyone so the air
was full of expectation to know what is going to happen. Outside the fields
around Anandpur Sahib were being filled by the guests who camped there. There
was a question on everybody’s lips as to why they were asked to assemble. Large
tents were erected for the assembly and according to estimates around 20000
people gathered. The air stood still like it happens before a storm. On
Baisakhi day people started gathering in the large tents and awaiting Guruji.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal -8In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal -8In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ...: Sahibe Kamal -8 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Guru Gobind Singh ji had decided to uplift the overall personality and charact...
Sahibe Kamal -8
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
Guru Gobind Singh ji had decided to
uplift the overall personality and character of his Sikhs before he could
launch his grand event the creation of Khalsa. Once during a small skirmish
with Moguls, his Sikhs abducted a Muslim girl just like Moguls always abducted
Hindu women after victory. When Guruji learned about this misdeed of his men,
he not only admonished them but asked them to bring back the girl with dignity.
He then prohibited the relation with women other then married wives. For a Sikh
relation with Turk’s women was prohibited. Guruji wanted dynamic personality in
his Sikhs so the care was taken that his Sikhs have simple but clean image at
the same time they should be so fearless and brave and ready to lay their lives
for a good cause. Since the Emperor had prohibited the good music, poetry and
any discussions in his Durbar all the famous poets and musicians started
assembling at Poanta Sahib when they heard Guruji’s love for poetry and his
fearless assembly despite the prohibition orders. There were 52 poets in his
Durbar and Guruji inspired them to write poetry in Bir-ras that means poetry in
heroic form written and rendered. In his evening durbar when all the Sangat
assembled the heroic poetry was sung by himself and his poets. This form of education
thus infused that vigor and vitality required awakening a spirit to fight any
odds and any wars. Another tradition of beating drums was prohibited by the
Emperor Aurangzeb that Guruji started again by beating drums he called Ranjit
Nagara, initially he did that to go for hunting and later it was done whenever
he left his abode. The beating of ranjit nagara where filled his men with a
brave spirit caused jealousy in the hill chieftains and mogul subedars.
Guru ji wanted to ready a force of
men who would not only fight for their own rights but that of their countrymen
and always remaining under one banner united and firm. Never running away from
battle whatever the odds and ready to lay their lives. His men will get
martyred even if cut limb by limb but not leave the battle field. There was no synonym
for such men in Hindu world because the society was divided and the fighter
class kshtriyas were themselves so divided and full of hatred could not make
unity of any kind. Muslim had no synonym for such force all they had was the
word ‘millat’ but that was associated with terrorism because the rulers used it
for tyrannical purpose to inflict terror and to create fear in people. Guru ji
wanted a force that would not forget the existence of the Almighty and at the
same time united to fight to save human rights. The concept that he conceived to
make such brave people from ordinary folk irrespective of caste and class has
terminated his search and he decided to create ‘Khalsa’. He called it appropriately”Whaheguruji
ka Khalsa”. Creation of Khalsa would ever remain a unique feature in world history
because no other religion has been created and where people stood in ques to
get baptized for days. Most religion were forced upon people by concise or by
incentives or force.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 7In dedication to GuruGobind Singh...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal – 7
In dedication to GuruGobind Singh...: Sahibe Kamal – 7 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Guru Gobind singh ji’s extensive studies of various literary works in sever...
In dedication to GuruGobind Singh...: Sahibe Kamal – 7 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Guru Gobind singh ji’s extensive studies of various literary works in sever...
Sahibe Kamal – 7
In dedication to Guru
Gobind Singh ji
Guru Gobind singh ji’s extensive studies of various literary
works in several languages and his interaction with scholars on various matters
as well as with poets not only helped him to gain insight into the matters of
State and the condition of the Hindu society during his sojourn at Paonta but
perhaps helped him to conceive an idea to metamorphosis’ the existing society
into something far more active, brave, ready for sacrifices, united under one
banner and patriotic at the same time an extremely spiritual and devotional society.
This was his idea of Khalsa but he needed time to give a very firm foundation.
After his return from Paonta he started working towards this direction. To
bring about any revolutionary changes one needs like minded people, though Guru
Nanak had provided a very wide spectrum with his missionary travels so did Guru
Teg Bahadurji with his travels in the north - east, Patna Bihar and Bengal. There
was Sikh sangat all over the country but still to bring about the revolutionary
change more preparation was required. Guruji was getting lots of inputs about degradation
in personal behavior and corruptions in Masands, all these matters needed
urgent attention. To create Khalsa he needed a solid foundation of personal and
collective behavior and character in his men. After the Bhangani battle it took
him ten more years to consolidate the values he needed in his men. He had large
contingent of followers who were getting training in marshal art, warfare and
religion and all those who were far-off, Hukumnamas( dictates) were sent to
them about directions that they needed to follow. There was very good
communication with people living at far off places.
Hindu society lacked unity because of
its caste division and hatred factor that is why the invaders could gain an
upper hand. Brahmin would not help in fighting the invaders, shudras were not
allowed and kashtriyas were never united, there were constant fightings amongst
various kingdoms and because of that there was no general policy and no
national character. Many hill kingdoms failed to understand the importance of
unity and patriotism of Guru Gobind Singh so much so that they were constantly
complaining to the Emperor and plotting with Moguls against Sikhs just because
of their egoistic upper caste position. A different class of people was
required who would be high on moral values, brave, self-sacrificing, patriotic
to the core and who understood the meaning of unity in society and religious matters.
There was constant effort in 1) uplifting the personal and collective character
of the followers, 2) Superstitious beliefs and blind faith was eradicated, 3) equality
in the society was emphasized 4) Respect for women got new parameters, 5)
surrender in ego 6) faith in one supreme God were certain factors that had to be
consolidated.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Sahibe Kamal -6
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
After the battle at Bhangani Guruji stayed for few more
months at Paonta and then returned to Anandpur Sahib. Guru ji realized that
Moguls and Kings of hills will retaliate after the defeat of Bhangani. The
fortification of Anandpur had become important. It was also important to
consolidate tenets of Sikhism because after his return at Anandpur Sahib he saw
many of his devotees had joined the adversaries and those weak hearted had run
away from there. Much of his time was spent in making several forts at
strategic points so that enemy could be defeated much outside the territory of
Anandpur Sahib. The Hill Kingdoms continuously
complained to the Emperor regarding the fortification and growing influence of
Guruji. So many years of contemplation on the matters of State, study of
scriptures had given an insight to Guruji that something more dramatic event
was necessary to change the suppressive, downtrodden mentality of people so
that they become so brave, loyal, high spirited and at the same time remain
spiritual. For bringing about the change, the change in conduct of people was
necessary, eradication of fear from invisible and superstitions and foremost a
good physical and mental training was necessary.
In Hindus the main festivals
were divided according to the castes like Brahmins celebrated Baisakhi – the
festival when new crops come and offerings to Gods were made. Kashtriyas
celebrated Dussehra – festivals to have victory over evil and during this
festival all the weapons were worshipped, the Vaishyas celebrated the diwali
and worshipped Godess Laxmi. The Shudras were allowed to celebrate holi, a
festival to celebrate onset of spring and this is mostly celebrated by throwing
colours on each other and lot of intoxicants were used during this festival. To
bring about the vigour and vitality and to enhance the respect for this
festival of shudras Guruji totally changed the celebration art of this
festival. He invited people for this festival to Anandpur Sahib and started calling
this festival hola- mahala. This word was coined from two languages that is
Persian where hola or halla means attack and Mahala from Arabic meaning charge
in a column (like making a column in war). The people were divided in two
columns and actual war games with several weapon types were played and several
groups took part in it. This was not only display of mastery in war games but
to bring that spirit of chardi kala in people from all castes. People came from
all over the country to take part in these war games and fighting, this
tradition still continues in Anandpur Sahib. This practical training was
necessary to enhance physical and mental exercise for making a smooth
transition in a dormant spirit to making knights from the downtrodden like
sparrows fighting the hawks.
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 5In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 5
In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...: Sahibe Kamal - 5 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Sikh prayer or Ardas as we call it and which is a composition by Guru Gobind S...
In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...: Sahibe Kamal - 5 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji Sikh prayer or Ardas as we call it and which is a composition by Guru Gobind S...
Sahibe Kamal - 5
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
Sikh prayer or Ardas as we call it and which is a composition by Guru Gobind Singh ji has a preamble: it begins with " Pratham bhagwati simar ke Guru Nanak lai dhiyaye", meaning; " having first remembered the sword meditate on Guru Nanak..... " Many try to explain that it meant remembering the Godess Durga. This is completely wrong and can be explained by an incident that happened when some Pundit told Guruji that with their chanting of Mantras and making offerings in the fire Godess Durga or Bhagwati with one her many names will show her presence. Guruji allowed them to do this yagna to recall the Godess in her human form. After several days the Pundits could not present the Godess. Guruji was tired of this tamasha and removed his sword and said this is Bhagwati, this is the power that world likes to be afraid of. His spiritual upbringing did not allow him to wield its power in unworthy cause. So when he calls the Almighty as 'Sarbloh' or 'bhagwati' he was not oblivious of His characteristics of love and compassion. His composition Jaap Sahib has a verse that reads:
I bow to Thee, Lord, Who art the wielder of the sword!
I bow to Thee,Lord, Who art the possessor of the arms!
I bow to Thee,Lord, Who knowest the ultimate secrete!
I bow to Thee,Lord Who lovest the world like mother!
God is symbolised in the sword which is one of the weapons of war. This interchangeable term with God and sword only emphasizes Guru Gobind Singh's philosophy. God is presented by Guru Nanak as 'Nirbhay' -without fear and 'Prasad'- benevolent. He - the God is destroyer of the tyrant, punisher of the evil. Prasad -the benevolent aspect is equally emphasized as saviour of the downtrodden and poor, and bestower of his goodwill and mercy. This fusion of the spiritual and martial, devotional and heroic features was the unique mark of Guru Gobind Singh's philosophy. He never deviated from the house of Nanak by adopting this policy because in many of his verses Guru Nanak not only reprimands the tyrant, evil doers, jogis, Brahman, kings he does not even spare the God when he says in a verse:' Khurasan Khasmana kiya Hindustan daraya ll Appe dosh na deyin Karta jam kar Mogul charaya ll Eti mar pai kurlane tain ki dard na aiya.ll' GG.pg 360
Meaning: having conquered Khurasan, Babur terrified Hindustan.The creator does not take any blame on Himself and has send the Mogul as messenger of death.so much terror was inflicted upon people.'O' god didn't you feel any compassion? The sword thus stood for righteous and brave actions for the protection of truth and virtue, The sword became the symbol of self-respect because it was to be used only for self defence as a last resort. Guru Gobind ji said: when all others means have failed, It is but righteous to take the sword.
Looking forward...: Sahibe - Kamal - 4In dedication to Guru Gobind ...
Looking forward...: Sahibe - Kamal - 4
In dedication to Guru Gobind ...: Sahibe - Kamal - 4 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji The tranquil and serene environment of Paonta was the best time where Guruj...
In dedication to Guru Gobind ...: Sahibe - Kamal - 4 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji The tranquil and serene environment of Paonta was the best time where Guruj...
Sahibe - Kamal - 4
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
The tranquil and serene environment of Paonta was the best time where Guruji could reveal to us his best poetic imaginations and mystic intuitions. In his poetry he reveals to us his versatile personality and his amazing range of learning languages and acquiring knowledge in diverse fields of mythology, metaphysics, astronomy, geography, ayurveda, botany, human psychology, religion and warfare. He possessed mastery over words and that too in many languages such as Braj, Avdhi, Arabic, Persian and Punjabi. His favourite language was Braj because that was considered as language of poetic expression contemporary to his time. The poetry was not his aim though, it was just a medium of expression for him to reveal his divine principles and to consolidate the tenets of Sikhism that he inherited from the house of Nanak. Poetry was his personal vision which he could express best to preach the Sikh tenets of equality, love for fellow human beings, strictly ethical and moral codes of conduct. He preached the belief in One Supreme Being, shunning the idolatry, superstitions and blind faith that encouraged fear in people. He glorified sword as a symbol for fulfilment of God's justice. The strict disciplinarian as he was sword was for the use of self defence as a last resort and never to be used as weapon to make acquisitions of any kind like territories, property or even women. It was allowed to be used for the protection of poor, downtrodden victims of tyranny. It stood for the brave righteous action to defend truth and virtue.
The poesy-laden atmosphere of preachings started attracting large number of devotees to the hilly Paonta. The Hill Chieftains of the surrounding areas started becoming jealous and as it is they never liked the mingling of four varnas in Sikhs because such preachings diluted their power and sway over poverty ridden, ignorant people who were only used as revenue provider for the luxurious and immoral life-style of the Rajas.
Not only that they were so coward that to retain their territories they bowed down to the Moguls without conditions. For Moguls they were not of any interest as fighting in the difficult terrain of hills was not easy and they were more interested in the plains from where revenue from agriculture was more beneficial. The rajah Fateh Shah of Srinagar, Garhwal plotted a battle against Guruji along with other small rajhas. The battle site - Bhangini was chosen by Guruji 11 km from Paonta between Jamuna and river Giri as this provided strategical advantage. A fierce battle between an organised and well trained armies of rajahs and Guruji's Sikhs took place. Sikhs who had not fought any wars, fought with such gallantry and courage that the adversaries had to beat retreat. Guruji has written about this battle in Bachitra Natak because he never understood the purpose of this war. This battle of Bhangani was fought on September 18,1688and soon Guruji left for Anandpur Sahib.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 3In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 3
In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...: Sahibe Kamal - 3 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji At the tender age of nine years Guru Gobindji inherited the house of Nanak and...
In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...: Sahibe Kamal - 3 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji At the tender age of nine years Guru Gobindji inherited the house of Nanak and...
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Sahibe Kamal - 3
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
At the tender age of nine years Guru Gobindji inherited the house of Nanak and with that the responsibility of guiding the Sikh faith and fulfilling teachings of Guru Nanak were transferred on these young shoulders.Such responsibilities makes you even more responsible person whatever the age. For this an utmost discipline in life is necessary. After attending to his duties towards community matters,he gave full attention to his physical training and enhancing his skills in warfare, marshal games and hunting. He maintained a strict discipline of getting up early morning for meditation and contemplation, then attending to the assembly for congregational hymn singing by the musicians and he himself explained the verses from Gurbani. Rest of the day was spent in the recitation and composing of heroic poetry and attending to the problems of disciples. In the evening assembly political excesses by the rulers and how the other Gurus dealt with the problems were discussed. His growing years were spent in training and learning of all types of classical literature. This is evident at his prowess of learning so many languages and mastering them. At the age of 11 he was married to Jitoji daughter of Harjas from Lahore.
He received an invitation from Raja Medini Prakash of Sirmour with Nahan its capital. After staying for few days at Nahan Guruji left it and came upon a beautiful spot where his horse refused to move further. Guruji admired the spot and asked for the permission from Raja Medini Prakash to put his camp. Guruji named the place Paonta - foot of the horse, because his horse had put his foot firmly there and refused to move. This place on the bank of Jamuna river is serenely beautiful and very inspiring. At this captivating beautiful place Guru ji spent many years and they were the most creative years of his life. He could sit for hours on the bank of Jamuna and contemplate while his disciples were receiving training in religious and marshal arts. Here in Paonta he contemplated on the state of country and in his mind prepared a grand design for the recovery and rehabilitation of the lost and suppressed vigour and vitality of the Hindu Society. His poetic expositions found the best expression at this place. He wrote poetry to inspire spirit of courage and heroism. In his composition he has named sword as sarbloh i.e. all steel and also called God as Sarbloh. This was intended to give a new direction to the minds of people subdued to passivity. People needed a new vocabulary and new principle of faith. God and sword became interchangeable words. In his invocation he says;" I bow with love and devotion to the Holy Sword, Assist me so that I may be able to complete this task." -Bachhitra Natak.
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 2In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 2In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh...: Sahibe Kamal - 2 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji In today's terminology we would describe a multi-talented and multi-faceted...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 2In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 2In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh...: Sahibe Kamal - 2 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji In today's terminology we would describe a multi-talented and multi-faceted...
Sahibe Kamal - 2
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singh ji
In today's terminology we would describe a multi-talented and multi-faceted personality for Guru Gobind Singh ji. But if you study the story of his life minutely you would say he was par excellence, he was beyond the understanding of normal human beings. He learnt so much in his short life and gave so much to the humanity that even the so called incarnations of God could not do for humanity. The incarnate of God fought battles for personal and family's honour whereas Guru Gobind Singh ji sacrificed his father, mother, four sons in the cause of human rights and to free the humanity from tyranny. He could see his father only after five years after his birth in Patna and then moved to Punjab. In those five years he was given extensive training and with his excellent grasping he had the hold on Brij language. Not only the hold, he could develop fine muse for the language that later he wrote his famous biography 'Bachitra Natak' in prose in that language. His hold in languages was so good that he not only wrote in Sanskrit, farsi, Prakrit and Punjabi but composed many books.After returning to Punjab his father Guru Teg Bahadur ji settled in Anandpur Sahib and he was given extensive training in weapons, horse riding and marshal games and of-course in Sikh history and philosophy. He was just nine years when his father was martyred in Delhi. It was the most terrifying period in Indian history where an Emperor had gone crazy with zeal to convert Hindus by force in to Islam. The janeyu's the sacred thread of upper caste Hindus weighed daily in mounds after killing them. Lacs of people were arrested daily and they had only two options convert or get killed. After Guru Teg Bahadur ji's martyrdom the events of conversion became lesser and it was hard time for Sikhs because Guru Gobind Singh ji started organising Sikhs and many Islamic rulers and mountain Kings didn't like the new religion that was teaching equality for all human beings. The wielding power of force doesn't work on awakened people for that corrupt rulers need downtrodden people. Guru ji had imbibed the philosophy of Guru Nanak so minutely at that young age of nine that he started contemplating on how to revive that spirit of awakening in people that the weakest could stand and fight for his and his countrymen's rights. He was so perturbed by the people of Delhi when his father was martyred that no one had the courage to come forward and claim his body. After the events of his father's martyrdom he decided to create a race from the same people who would be fearless, courageous but pure in intentions. To think of such mammoth task with handful of followers, no resources, no revenue and an Emperor as opponent who was so tyrannical and enjoyed the humiliation of people was not a mean task.
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 1In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...
Looking forward...: Sahibe Kamal - 1
In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...: Sahibe Kamal - 1 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji Guru Gobind Singhji is that personality in Sikh History for whom Sikh's will...
In dedication to Guru Gobind Sin...: Sahibe Kamal - 1 In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji Guru Gobind Singhji is that personality in Sikh History for whom Sikh's will...
Sahibe Kamal - 1
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji
In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji
Guru Gobind Singhji is that personality in Sikh History for whom Sikh's will be ready to lay their lives even today. He gave that impulse to the downtrodden, raised that spirit in them that we call 'Chardi. Kala",infused that bravery in his followers that people forgot to turn and look back instead prepared to die in dedication to the cause of humanity. He made a marshal race out of those people who embraced Islam out of fear instead of fighting for their rights,sufferings and humiliations. Understanding this personality of Guru Gobind Singh is not a job of common historian. Most historians are influenced by the contemporary ruling class, discriminatory outlook and their negligence to see the facts in right light. Back ground of so many historical facts, social conditions of the time and political situation are to be taken into consideration before we analyse a historical personality. After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb his successors were too weak to take control of the socio-political uprisings. The last Emperor was too dependent on the radical Muslim clergy and the Subedars of Punjab had become independent. A wide spread persecution of Sikhs followed and there were orders to kill Sikh on sight. Guru Gobind Singhji was aware of this political development but could't come to take situation in his hands as he was injured and later succumbed to his injuries. He sent an emissary with extraordinary powers to Punjab known as Banda Bahadur to organise Sikhs. He did that with all that graceful exhibition of power that a Sikh Empire was founded on it. With the creation of Sikh Empire a new unique impulse was born in this country that invaders were fearful to come to India and Khyber pass was forever closed to reach and terrify Indians. so much so that the handful mercenaries of England who had acquired political powers and established Empire after beating a retreat in Muslim rulers also feared the power of Khalsa. They couldn't look towards Punjab until the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
There will be an introduction to this great personality Guru Gobind Singh ji through historical, social, political perspectives in few write ups. The name Sahibe Kamal was given by an ardent admirer who was an Arya Samaji - Daulat Rai. Who wrote about him when Sikh historians were not yet prepared to give right perspective to the personality of Guru Gobind Singh ji and lot of other historians were writing a discriminatory account of Gurus personality.
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Inspirations from Gurubani - 1
Today's Hukumnama
BILAAVAL, FIFTH MEHL:
Dwelling in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, all sinful residues are erased. One who is attuned to the Love of God, is not cast into the womb of reincarnation. || 1 ||
We are what company we keep! In Gurbani we call it Sadhu Sangat means if we keep the company of holy people all their qualities influence us and there is change in our person. In Gurbani an example is given that of 'honey bee'. In comparison the house fly a very restless being is always on the move and cannot sit at one place for a minute and it sits on anything preferably on dirty places like rubbish, cow-dung, dirty floor, dirty clothes and carries all the germs from these places and then sit on our food and transfers all the germs. Whereas honey-bee fly to far off places, looks for most fragrant flowers sucks the nectar and fly back to her home- honey comb and transfers all the nectar and purifies it to make honey. It takes the best from flowers and gives back the best- honey.
Today's Hukumnama
BILAAVAL, FIFTH MEHL:
Dwelling in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, all sinful residues are erased. One who is attuned to the Love of God, is not cast into the womb of reincarnation. || 1 ||
We are what company we keep! In Gurbani we call it Sadhu Sangat means if we keep the company of holy people all their qualities influence us and there is change in our person. In Gurbani an example is given that of 'honey bee'. In comparison the house fly a very restless being is always on the move and cannot sit at one place for a minute and it sits on anything preferably on dirty places like rubbish, cow-dung, dirty floor, dirty clothes and carries all the germs from these places and then sit on our food and transfers all the germs. Whereas honey-bee fly to far off places, looks for most fragrant flowers sucks the nectar and fly back to her home- honey comb and transfers all the nectar and purifies it to make honey. It takes the best from flowers and gives back the best- honey.
Winds of Change
Today the winds of change have knocked on our doors. Congress goes flat. What a relief. Last year the large protests in Delhi by AAM Adami ( Not Kejrivals) had given a signal that they will teach congress a lesson. Bravo Delhites! Corruption was exposed naked in Congress, arbitrary behaviour of Congress spokes persons, ministers showed that they have no connection to aam adami. They think they are above everybody and above law also.
Today the winds of change have knocked on our doors. Congress goes flat. What a relief. Last year the large protests in Delhi by AAM Adami ( Not Kejrivals) had given a signal that they will teach congress a lesson. Bravo Delhites! Corruption was exposed naked in Congress, arbitrary behaviour of Congress spokes persons, ministers showed that they have no connection to aam adami. They think they are above everybody and above law also.
Inner Strength - 18
Today I shall conclude my write ups Inner Strength with few words.
Bringing of total change in the way of thinking about religion, rituals, concepts of God, social duties and social hierarchy is nothing short of a revolution. For Guru Nanak the perfect man is Gurmukh who is guided by his conscience, and follows the path shown by the Eternal Guru. For Guru Arjun Dev the perfect man is Brahm Gyani and to reach that stage he needs to cause no hindrance in the Will or Hukam. For Guru Gobind Singh the perfect man is Khalsa who tries to be above all and develop all the attributes as ordained by the Almighty. They all are saying same thing but we need inner strength to become perfect. Sikh tenets lay down some teachings to achieve these characteristics. A Gurmukh must develop traits: 1) Truthful (Sachiar) this is a self realisation state and that can be achieved by recognising the Truth of Almighty. Guru Nanak says:' Truth is higher than everything else but true conduct is higher than even the Truth". 2) Tolerance( Sahansheelta): there are several levels of understanding tolerance- personal,communal or religious,political and economical. For world piece all levels of understanding and practising tolerance are required. Therefore it is necessary to ingrain tolerance at personal level. Baba Sheikh Farid says; Farida jo tain mare mukiyan tina na mare ghumm ll Apnade ghar jayiye paiyer tina de chumm ll Shlok GG PG 1378. 3) Surrender of Ego: Ego or haumai as it is expressed by Gurus is a state of self love, self concern only and 'I am' ness. This arises when a person right from his childhood is taught about the caste, standing, economic status and that we are above others. This leads to ego, hatred for others, intolerance and pride. Guru Amardas says: "The riches of the world give rise to excessive ego, the man drowns in the pride and receives no honour." GG pg.1089. Guru Arjun Dev has very clearly tried to explain the destiny of a proud man: "The King who is proud of his kingship is hell dweller, a dog.He, who is proud of his youth and believes that he is ever going to be young is a worm of ordure. He, who is proud of his good actions will live without salvation on this earth. He, who is proud of worldly riches like land,wealth is stupid blind and ignorant, He, in whose heart Lord mercifully plants humbleness 'O' Nanak obtains salvation here and hereafter," 4) Fearless- Nirbhay: In Mul mantra Guru Nanak call the Almighty Fearless or Nirbhay but he relates this to man and says if a man lives in fear his personal development stops and a fearless person can speak truth and behave truthfully in any circumstances. He says; He alone who commits sins is in fear and virtuous one rejoices. Thou theyself are true and true is your justice, then why should man be afraid? GG pg 84. 5) Chardi Kala or highest degree of Optimism: This is state of mind that gets lost or diffused and man fall into a deep pit of distress and helplessness. This can happen with the large masses as well when Indians were oppressed by invaders and forced to live in humiliation. When we achieve this attribute we can achieve almost immortal power to face atrocities, oppression, adversities and even death penalties as were meted out to several Bhagatas from 12 century onwards and culminated in the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadurji. This state of extreme optimism helps you to believe in your own convictions, religion, your personal and those of your countrymen's rights. :In Sukhmani Sahib there is a verse: "He, who in his heart loves Lords ordinance is said to be the man having salvation while still alive. As is joy,so is sorrow for him.In that state there is everlasting happiness and no separation from Lord. As is gold so is dust for him. As is nectar so is poison for him. To him as honour so is dishonour. As is the pauper so is the king." GG pg 275.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe guru ji ke phateh.
Today I shall conclude my write ups Inner Strength with few words.
Bringing of total change in the way of thinking about religion, rituals, concepts of God, social duties and social hierarchy is nothing short of a revolution. For Guru Nanak the perfect man is Gurmukh who is guided by his conscience, and follows the path shown by the Eternal Guru. For Guru Arjun Dev the perfect man is Brahm Gyani and to reach that stage he needs to cause no hindrance in the Will or Hukam. For Guru Gobind Singh the perfect man is Khalsa who tries to be above all and develop all the attributes as ordained by the Almighty. They all are saying same thing but we need inner strength to become perfect. Sikh tenets lay down some teachings to achieve these characteristics. A Gurmukh must develop traits: 1) Truthful (Sachiar) this is a self realisation state and that can be achieved by recognising the Truth of Almighty. Guru Nanak says:' Truth is higher than everything else but true conduct is higher than even the Truth". 2) Tolerance( Sahansheelta): there are several levels of understanding tolerance- personal,communal or religious,political and economical. For world piece all levels of understanding and practising tolerance are required. Therefore it is necessary to ingrain tolerance at personal level. Baba Sheikh Farid says; Farida jo tain mare mukiyan tina na mare ghumm ll Apnade ghar jayiye paiyer tina de chumm ll Shlok GG PG 1378. 3) Surrender of Ego: Ego or haumai as it is expressed by Gurus is a state of self love, self concern only and 'I am' ness. This arises when a person right from his childhood is taught about the caste, standing, economic status and that we are above others. This leads to ego, hatred for others, intolerance and pride. Guru Amardas says: "The riches of the world give rise to excessive ego, the man drowns in the pride and receives no honour." GG pg.1089. Guru Arjun Dev has very clearly tried to explain the destiny of a proud man: "The King who is proud of his kingship is hell dweller, a dog.He, who is proud of his youth and believes that he is ever going to be young is a worm of ordure. He, who is proud of his good actions will live without salvation on this earth. He, who is proud of worldly riches like land,wealth is stupid blind and ignorant, He, in whose heart Lord mercifully plants humbleness 'O' Nanak obtains salvation here and hereafter," 4) Fearless- Nirbhay: In Mul mantra Guru Nanak call the Almighty Fearless or Nirbhay but he relates this to man and says if a man lives in fear his personal development stops and a fearless person can speak truth and behave truthfully in any circumstances. He says; He alone who commits sins is in fear and virtuous one rejoices. Thou theyself are true and true is your justice, then why should man be afraid? GG pg 84. 5) Chardi Kala or highest degree of Optimism: This is state of mind that gets lost or diffused and man fall into a deep pit of distress and helplessness. This can happen with the large masses as well when Indians were oppressed by invaders and forced to live in humiliation. When we achieve this attribute we can achieve almost immortal power to face atrocities, oppression, adversities and even death penalties as were meted out to several Bhagatas from 12 century onwards and culminated in the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadurji. This state of extreme optimism helps you to believe in your own convictions, religion, your personal and those of your countrymen's rights. :In Sukhmani Sahib there is a verse: "He, who in his heart loves Lords ordinance is said to be the man having salvation while still alive. As is joy,so is sorrow for him.In that state there is everlasting happiness and no separation from Lord. As is gold so is dust for him. As is nectar so is poison for him. To him as honour so is dishonour. As is the pauper so is the king." GG pg 275.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe guru ji ke phateh.
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Inner Strength - 18
Today I shall conclude my write ups Inner Strength with few words.
Bringing of total change in the way of thinking about religion, rituals, concepts of God, social duties and social hierarchy is nothing short of a revolution. For Guru Nanak the perfect man is Gurmukh who is guided by his conscience, and follows the path shown by the Eternal Guru. For Guru Arjun Dev the perfect man is Brahm Gyani and to reach that stage he needs to cause no hindrance in the Will or Hukam. For Guru Gobind Singh the perfect man is Khalsa who tries to be above all and develop all the attributes as ordained by the Almighty. They all are saying same thing but we need inner strength to become perfect. Sikh tenets lay down some teachings to achieve these characteristics. A Gurmukh must develop traits: 1) Truthful (Sachiar) this is a self realisation state and that can be achieved by recognising the Truth of Almighty. Guru Nanak says:' Truth is higher than everything else but true conduct is higher than even the Truth". 2) Tolerance( Sahansheelta): there are several levels of understanding tolerance- personal,communal or religious,political and economical. For world piece all levels of understanding and practising tolerance are required. Therefore it is necessary to ingrain tolerance at personal level. Baba Sheikh Farid says; Farida jo tain mare mukiyan tina na mare ghumm ll Apnade ghar jayiye paiyer tina de chumm ll Shlok GG PG 1378. 3) Surrender of Ego: Ego or haumai as it is expressed by Gurus is a state of self love, self concern only and 'I am' ness. This arises when a person right from his childhood is taught about the caste, standing, economic status and that we are above others. This leads to ego, hatred for others, intolerance and pride. Guru Amardas says: "The riches of the world give rise to excessive ego, the man drowns in the pride and receives no honour." GG pg.1089. Guru Arjun Dev has very clearly tried to explain the destiny of a proud man: "The King who is proud of his kingship is hell dweller, a dog.He, who is proud of his youth and believes that he is ever going to be young is a worm of ordure. He, who is proud of his good actions will live without salvation on this earth. He, who is proud of worldly riches like land,wealth is stupid blind and ignorant, He, in whose heart Lord mercifully plants humbleness 'O' Nanak obtains salvation here and hereafter," 4) Fearless- Nirbhay: In Mul mantra Guru Nanak call the Almighty Fearless or Nirbhay but he relates this to man and says if a man lives in fear his personal development stops and a fearless person can speak truth and behave truthfully in any circumstances. He says; He alone who commits sins is in fear and virtuous one rejoices. Thou theyself are true and true is your justice, then why should man be afraid? GG pg 84. 5) Chardi Kala or highest degree of Optimism: This is state of mind that gets lost or diffused and man fall into a deep pit of distress and helplessness. This can happen with the large masses as well when Indians were oppressed by invaders and forced to live in humiliation. When we achieve this attribute we can achieve almost immortal power to face atrocities, oppression, adversities and even death penalties as were meted out to several Bhagatas from 12 century onwards and culminated in the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadurji. This state of extreme optimism helps you to believe in your own convictions, religion, your personal and those of your countrymen's rights. :In Sukhmani Sahib there is a verse: "He, who in his heart loves Lords ordinance is said to be the man having salvation while still alive. As is joy,so is sorrow for him.In that state there is everlasting happiness and no separation from Lord. As is gold so is dust for him. As is nectar so is poison for him. To him as honour so is dishonour. As is the pauper so is the king." GG pg 275.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe guru ji ke phateh.
Today I shall conclude my write ups Inner Strength with few words.
Bringing of total change in the way of thinking about religion, rituals, concepts of God, social duties and social hierarchy is nothing short of a revolution. For Guru Nanak the perfect man is Gurmukh who is guided by his conscience, and follows the path shown by the Eternal Guru. For Guru Arjun Dev the perfect man is Brahm Gyani and to reach that stage he needs to cause no hindrance in the Will or Hukam. For Guru Gobind Singh the perfect man is Khalsa who tries to be above all and develop all the attributes as ordained by the Almighty. They all are saying same thing but we need inner strength to become perfect. Sikh tenets lay down some teachings to achieve these characteristics. A Gurmukh must develop traits: 1) Truthful (Sachiar) this is a self realisation state and that can be achieved by recognising the Truth of Almighty. Guru Nanak says:' Truth is higher than everything else but true conduct is higher than even the Truth". 2) Tolerance( Sahansheelta): there are several levels of understanding tolerance- personal,communal or religious,political and economical. For world piece all levels of understanding and practising tolerance are required. Therefore it is necessary to ingrain tolerance at personal level. Baba Sheikh Farid says; Farida jo tain mare mukiyan tina na mare ghumm ll Apnade ghar jayiye paiyer tina de chumm ll Shlok GG PG 1378. 3) Surrender of Ego: Ego or haumai as it is expressed by Gurus is a state of self love, self concern only and 'I am' ness. This arises when a person right from his childhood is taught about the caste, standing, economic status and that we are above others. This leads to ego, hatred for others, intolerance and pride. Guru Amardas says: "The riches of the world give rise to excessive ego, the man drowns in the pride and receives no honour." GG pg.1089. Guru Arjun Dev has very clearly tried to explain the destiny of a proud man: "The King who is proud of his kingship is hell dweller, a dog.He, who is proud of his youth and believes that he is ever going to be young is a worm of ordure. He, who is proud of his good actions will live without salvation on this earth. He, who is proud of worldly riches like land,wealth is stupid blind and ignorant, He, in whose heart Lord mercifully plants humbleness 'O' Nanak obtains salvation here and hereafter," 4) Fearless- Nirbhay: In Mul mantra Guru Nanak call the Almighty Fearless or Nirbhay but he relates this to man and says if a man lives in fear his personal development stops and a fearless person can speak truth and behave truthfully in any circumstances. He says; He alone who commits sins is in fear and virtuous one rejoices. Thou theyself are true and true is your justice, then why should man be afraid? GG pg 84. 5) Chardi Kala or highest degree of Optimism: This is state of mind that gets lost or diffused and man fall into a deep pit of distress and helplessness. This can happen with the large masses as well when Indians were oppressed by invaders and forced to live in humiliation. When we achieve this attribute we can achieve almost immortal power to face atrocities, oppression, adversities and even death penalties as were meted out to several Bhagatas from 12 century onwards and culminated in the beheading of Guru Teg Bahadurji. This state of extreme optimism helps you to believe in your own convictions, religion, your personal and those of your countrymen's rights. :In Sukhmani Sahib there is a verse: "He, who in his heart loves Lords ordinance is said to be the man having salvation while still alive. As is joy,so is sorrow for him.In that state there is everlasting happiness and no separation from Lord. As is gold so is dust for him. As is nectar so is poison for him. To him as honour so is dishonour. As is the pauper so is the king." GG pg 275.
Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa Wahe guru ji ke phateh.
Looking forward...: Inner strength - Guru Nanak#tag while passing on h...
Looking forward...: Inner strength - Guru Nanak#tag while passing on h...: Inner strength - Guru Nanak#tag while passing on his Guruship to Guru Angad Devji suggested that Guru Angadji go back to Khaddor Sahib area...
Looking forward...: Inner Stength -2Baba Shahid : 39 years ago after ...
Looking forward...: Inner Stength -2
Baba Shahid : 39 years ago after ...: Inner Stength -2 Baba Shahid : 39 years ago after my marriage I came to my husband's village near Khadoor Sahib and the in-laws wanted...
Baba Shahid : 39 years ago after ...: Inner Stength -2 Baba Shahid : 39 years ago after my marriage I came to my husband's village near Khadoor Sahib and the in-laws wanted...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 3Baba Garhaji bada Zahraji is a ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 3
Baba Garhaji bada Zahraji is a ...: Inner Strength - 3 Baba Garhaji bada Zahraji is a grave of a Muslim near my village on Khadoor Sahib- Tarn Taran Road. The belief has been...
Baba Garhaji bada Zahraji is a ...: Inner Strength - 3 Baba Garhaji bada Zahraji is a grave of a Muslim near my village on Khadoor Sahib- Tarn Taran Road. The belief has been...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 4 Baba Shekhpataji is a grave of...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 4
Baba Shekhpataji is a grave of...: Inner Strength - 4 Baba Shekhpataji is a grave of a Muslim near Jandiala Guru off Jallundhar Amritsar Highway. The belief from this grave...
Baba Shekhpataji is a grave of...: Inner Strength - 4 Baba Shekhpataji is a grave of a Muslim near Jandiala Guru off Jallundhar Amritsar Highway. The belief from this grave...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 5In last four write ups I tried ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 5
In last four write ups I tried ...: Inner Strength - 5 In last four write ups I tried to give picture of what malady is still gripping Sikhs particularly rural folks but grav...
In last four write ups I tried ...: Inner Strength - 5 In last four write ups I tried to give picture of what malady is still gripping Sikhs particularly rural folks but grav...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength -6Talking of Deras it will be inter...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength -6Talking of Deras it will be inter...: Inner Strength -6 Talking of Deras it will be interesting to throw some light on the modus operandi of these institutionalised exploiters. ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 7I happen to be in a village of ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 7
I happen to be in a village of ...: Inner Strength - 7 I happen to be in a village of a close relative for Akhand Paath samapati. The paath was carried by normal pathis but t...
I happen to be in a village of ...: Inner Strength - 7 I happen to be in a village of a close relative for Akhand Paath samapati. The paath was carried by normal pathis but t...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength -8A fad to perform Akhand Paath at...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength -8
A fad to perform Akhand Paath at...: Inner Strength -8 A fad to perform Akhand Paath at home is reaching new meaningless dimensions. For some it is show of power, for some it ...
A fad to perform Akhand Paath at...: Inner Strength -8 A fad to perform Akhand Paath at home is reaching new meaningless dimensions. For some it is show of power, for some it ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 9Guru Nanak travelled for more ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 9
Guru Nanak travelled for more ...: Inner Strength - 9 Guru Nanak travelled for more than 47000 miles and spent his youth for learning and bringing his revolutionary ideas t...
Guru Nanak travelled for more ...: Inner Strength - 9 Guru Nanak travelled for more than 47000 miles and spent his youth for learning and bringing his revolutionary ideas t...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 10In many parts of Punjab massy...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 10
In many parts of Punjab massy...: Inner Strength - 10 In many parts of Punjab massya or Amawas is not only associated with the holy dip in the waters but many villages hav...
In many parts of Punjab massy...: Inner Strength - 10 In many parts of Punjab massya or Amawas is not only associated with the holy dip in the waters but many villages hav...
Friday, 6 December 2013
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 17In Germany if you belong to a ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength - 17
In Germany if you belong to a ...: Inner Strength - 17 In Germany if you belong to a Church that means if you are a member in the community Church you pay a tax through Inco...
In Germany if you belong to a ...: Inner Strength - 17 In Germany if you belong to a Church that means if you are a member in the community Church you pay a tax through Inco...
Inner Strength - 17
In Germany if you belong to a Church that means if you are a member in the community Church you pay a tax through Income Tax department. If you don't want to pay this tax you have to declare yourself atheist. The tax so collected by the state is given to the Church administration and salaries of the Priest are thus ensured.The Priest provide all services like baptism, marriages free of cost. Any extra charity that Church carries out donations are collected during the Sunday service.Very well thought and executed religious matter. The number of Churches remain minimised and the profession of Priest is highly valued and respected. Everything is perfectly regularised. India is supposed to be a secular state that means governments policies in the matters of religion should be neutral and all the religions should have total freedom. When we have code Bill for various religions and they all come legally under constitution then how do we call it secular. Sikhs, Muslims and Christians have organised central authority to control religious matters but Hindus are most disorganised in this matter. SGPC the central board of Sikhs can organise the matters of salaries to the priests with their budgets in multi- billion rupees every year. The degradation in the religious matters come from the neglect of Priest class. Gurudwaras are necessary for the well being and religious need of the society. Then why neglect the priest. Why cannot SGPC look after the training and salaries of the Priests in each Gurudwara and community should get free service? As it is Guru Nanak in one of his verse PG 471 reprimands: Lai bhara kare viyah ll Kaduh kagad dasse rahu ll sunoh vekho lokoh ehu vidhan ll Man andha naam Sujan ll4ll Meaning: He (priest) takes fees to tell the correct holy hour for the wedding and takes out his book to show the right path.Nanak warns people blind from greed men who call themselves Sujan (Pundit). When Guru Nanak was so much against paid services of the priests then are not we becoming Anti Guru Nanak in today's life.If Gurudwaras get regularised in matters of training of priests and salaries of priests then community will get free service and we will have less number of Gurudwaras in the villages.
In Germany if you belong to a Church that means if you are a member in the community Church you pay a tax through Income Tax department. If you don't want to pay this tax you have to declare yourself atheist. The tax so collected by the state is given to the Church administration and salaries of the Priest are thus ensured.The Priest provide all services like baptism, marriages free of cost. Any extra charity that Church carries out donations are collected during the Sunday service.Very well thought and executed religious matter. The number of Churches remain minimised and the profession of Priest is highly valued and respected. Everything is perfectly regularised. India is supposed to be a secular state that means governments policies in the matters of religion should be neutral and all the religions should have total freedom. When we have code Bill for various religions and they all come legally under constitution then how do we call it secular. Sikhs, Muslims and Christians have organised central authority to control religious matters but Hindus are most disorganised in this matter. SGPC the central board of Sikhs can organise the matters of salaries to the priests with their budgets in multi- billion rupees every year. The degradation in the religious matters come from the neglect of Priest class. Gurudwaras are necessary for the well being and religious need of the society. Then why neglect the priest. Why cannot SGPC look after the training and salaries of the Priests in each Gurudwara and community should get free service? As it is Guru Nanak in one of his verse PG 471 reprimands: Lai bhara kare viyah ll Kaduh kagad dasse rahu ll sunoh vekho lokoh ehu vidhan ll Man andha naam Sujan ll4ll Meaning: He (priest) takes fees to tell the correct holy hour for the wedding and takes out his book to show the right path.Nanak warns people blind from greed men who call themselves Sujan (Pundit). When Guru Nanak was so much against paid services of the priests then are not we becoming Anti Guru Nanak in today's life.If Gurudwaras get regularised in matters of training of priests and salaries of priests then community will get free service and we will have less number of Gurudwaras in the villages.
Inner Strength - 16
In my last write up I posted few words on compassion. To continue...compassion should not be associated with charity. Charity is something that haves dole out to make their conscience clear because they have been exploiting so much that their own conscience starts troubling. Charity and penance are two words that Sikh Gurus did not allow in the tenets of Sikhism. Charity - because it helps create a sub-human species of mankind who loose self respect and become shy and lazy of work. Penance - because you loose the touch with reality and your communication with the world is lost and thus you are not helpful to humanity in any ways.Why then compassion is missing from our society? We do sympathise with our neighbours, poor relatives but when it comes to showing compassion to people beyond our circle we usually keep away. We have lot of compassion to show to the people hard hit by floods, earthquakes or any other calamities but that still is a joint action of the community and there is no comparison to Sikhs. Still I feel at personal level we don't care so much about people in distress and we have not developed religious place where we can do counselling for people in distress, drug addicts and old and abandoned. Some Gurudwaras do take abandoned people but they are not shown compassion, they just get food and shelter. I saw many lying in verandas and nobody talking to them.
When I was doing my post graduation at University there were two boys studying with us and they were associated with a Christian seminary where missionaries get training. These boys had already studied 4 years of theology and still 4 years to do and they were doing Anthropology, sociology,psychology and philosophy at post graduate level. After doing so many subjects at post graduate level to become missionaries the compassion comes so naturally. Whereas our pracharaks get only knowledge of Sikhism through various Sakhis and that too not through any standardised institutions. Most granthis in the rural areas are not even matric passed. They learn to read Granth Sahib from existing Bhaiees and start doing Akhand paath. In fact many people get trained to become Granth Sahib readers just to earn a living. How will they develop such strong feelings of love and compassion. They have only replaced the Pundit.
In my last write up I posted few words on compassion. To continue...compassion should not be associated with charity. Charity is something that haves dole out to make their conscience clear because they have been exploiting so much that their own conscience starts troubling. Charity and penance are two words that Sikh Gurus did not allow in the tenets of Sikhism. Charity - because it helps create a sub-human species of mankind who loose self respect and become shy and lazy of work. Penance - because you loose the touch with reality and your communication with the world is lost and thus you are not helpful to humanity in any ways.Why then compassion is missing from our society? We do sympathise with our neighbours, poor relatives but when it comes to showing compassion to people beyond our circle we usually keep away. We have lot of compassion to show to the people hard hit by floods, earthquakes or any other calamities but that still is a joint action of the community and there is no comparison to Sikhs. Still I feel at personal level we don't care so much about people in distress and we have not developed religious place where we can do counselling for people in distress, drug addicts and old and abandoned. Some Gurudwaras do take abandoned people but they are not shown compassion, they just get food and shelter. I saw many lying in verandas and nobody talking to them.
When I was doing my post graduation at University there were two boys studying with us and they were associated with a Christian seminary where missionaries get training. These boys had already studied 4 years of theology and still 4 years to do and they were doing Anthropology, sociology,psychology and philosophy at post graduate level. After doing so many subjects at post graduate level to become missionaries the compassion comes so naturally. Whereas our pracharaks get only knowledge of Sikhism through various Sakhis and that too not through any standardised institutions. Most granthis in the rural areas are not even matric passed. They learn to read Granth Sahib from existing Bhaiees and start doing Akhand paath. In fact many people get trained to become Granth Sahib readers just to earn a living. How will they develop such strong feelings of love and compassion. They have only replaced the Pundit.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Looking forward...: Inner Strength -15I was always impressed by the ...
Looking forward...: Inner Strength -15
I was always impressed by the ...: Inner Strength -15 I was always impressed by the work of Christian missionaries but only in the matters of compassion. When I was in Engl...
I was always impressed by the ...: Inner Strength -15 I was always impressed by the work of Christian missionaries but only in the matters of compassion. When I was in Engl...
Inner Strength -15
I was always impressed by the work of Christian missionaries but only in the matters of compassion. When I was in England I saw some missionaries going out at night carrying food for the downtrodden vagabonds, prostitutes and drug addicts. There is nobody to take care of these people, many go without food because they have no money, and the drug addicts after stealing or robbing always spend on drugs only. Showing compassion to these out -caste of society and bringing them food one really needs big heart. We usually tend to shut our eyes without realising that such people have come to that status because they are extremely weak and cannot fight back to recover on their own. In our society we have many such out-castes roaming in the bazaars, mad from depression, elderly left by their children to die on roads. Instead of sparing a glance at them we simply carry on and generalise a category of beggars for them. We don't feel that kind of compassion to reach them and help them. Very few amongst us like Bhai Puran Singh have that compassion to do something for these out-castes of society. Guru Nanak in his youth when asked do some work by his father and was given money. He spent all the money on wandering Sadhus because he was compelled by his compassion for these hungry people. Some say compassion is born in you but compassion can be developed also by looking for needy people. We need to make a part of our nature.
There is one more thing missing in Sikhs in the matter of compassion that is when we are in distress, loss and lack of company and care we have no religious person or place that can share and sympathise with us and guide us to do right things. We have congregations or jod -melas but in that crowd all we do is simran and if a person is really distressed he is uncomfortable all the time and cannot enjoy the congregation. A personal touch, words of sympathy or just listening to somebodies problems does help.
I was always impressed by the work of Christian missionaries but only in the matters of compassion. When I was in England I saw some missionaries going out at night carrying food for the downtrodden vagabonds, prostitutes and drug addicts. There is nobody to take care of these people, many go without food because they have no money, and the drug addicts after stealing or robbing always spend on drugs only. Showing compassion to these out -caste of society and bringing them food one really needs big heart. We usually tend to shut our eyes without realising that such people have come to that status because they are extremely weak and cannot fight back to recover on their own. In our society we have many such out-castes roaming in the bazaars, mad from depression, elderly left by their children to die on roads. Instead of sparing a glance at them we simply carry on and generalise a category of beggars for them. We don't feel that kind of compassion to reach them and help them. Very few amongst us like Bhai Puran Singh have that compassion to do something for these out-castes of society. Guru Nanak in his youth when asked do some work by his father and was given money. He spent all the money on wandering Sadhus because he was compelled by his compassion for these hungry people. Some say compassion is born in you but compassion can be developed also by looking for needy people. We need to make a part of our nature.
There is one more thing missing in Sikhs in the matter of compassion that is when we are in distress, loss and lack of company and care we have no religious person or place that can share and sympathise with us and guide us to do right things. We have congregations or jod -melas but in that crowd all we do is simran and if a person is really distressed he is uncomfortable all the time and cannot enjoy the congregation. A personal touch, words of sympathy or just listening to somebodies problems does help.
Looking forward...: God tussi great ho!Once a traveller was passing b...
Looking forward...: God tussi great ho!
Once a traveller was passing b...: God tussi great ho! Once a traveller was passing by a field of Water-melons. when he saw huge water melons hanging on very weak creepers h...
Once a traveller was passing b...: God tussi great ho! Once a traveller was passing by a field of Water-melons. when he saw huge water melons hanging on very weak creepers h...
Looking forward...: Nelson MandelaThe legendary Nelson Mandela has di...
Looking forward...: Nelson Mandela
The legendary Nelson Mandela has di...: Nelson Mandela The legendary Nelson Mandela has died. He fought apartheid and was imprisoned for 18 years. But destiny and Almighty play t...
The legendary Nelson Mandela has di...: Nelson Mandela The legendary Nelson Mandela has died. He fought apartheid and was imprisoned for 18 years. But destiny and Almighty play t...
Nelson Mandela
The legendary Nelson Mandela has died. He fought apartheid and was imprisoned for 18 years. But destiny and Almighty play their game for justice. His long fight brought freedom from apartheid for South Africa. A constant effort to fight for you rights and those of your countrymen paid and he became the first black President of South Africa. He became one of the great world leader because after becoming President he did't take the path of vengeance instead all enmity was cast away from his personality. There is a verse from Gurbani that expresse his nature: Na ko mera dushman rahiya na hum kissi ke bairyee ll
Brahm pasar passaryeo bhitar satguru te sojhi payee ll2ll
sabuh ko hum meet apna kina humah sabuh ke sajan ll
door paraiyo man ka birtha ta mel kiyo mere rajan ll3ll
No one is my enemy now nor am I enemy of anyone. The supreme Lord who has spread this world is within all, this I have learned from the true Guru. I have made friends with all and I have become friends of everyone. When this separation from mind was removed I met my King ( The Lord).
The legendary Nelson Mandela has died. He fought apartheid and was imprisoned for 18 years. But destiny and Almighty play their game for justice. His long fight brought freedom from apartheid for South Africa. A constant effort to fight for you rights and those of your countrymen paid and he became the first black President of South Africa. He became one of the great world leader because after becoming President he did't take the path of vengeance instead all enmity was cast away from his personality. There is a verse from Gurbani that expresse his nature: Na ko mera dushman rahiya na hum kissi ke bairyee ll
Brahm pasar passaryeo bhitar satguru te sojhi payee ll2ll
sabuh ko hum meet apna kina humah sabuh ke sajan ll
door paraiyo man ka birtha ta mel kiyo mere rajan ll3ll
No one is my enemy now nor am I enemy of anyone. The supreme Lord who has spread this world is within all, this I have learned from the true Guru. I have made friends with all and I have become friends of everyone. When this separation from mind was removed I met my King ( The Lord).
God tussi great ho!
Once a traveller was passing by a field of Water-melons. when he saw huge water melons hanging on very weak creepers he thought : God must be foolish to grow such huge fruits on such weak plants, the plants can barely carry the weight of these fruits. He travelled further, he sat to eat his food under the thick shadow of the Mango tree. he felt very nice under the tree and soon was sleepy. After sometime he was snoring in a deep slumber. Suddenly he woke up in a shock for a mango had fallen on his chest. After sometime he remembered that he had called God foolish for growing such big fruits on weak trees. Imagine if water melon had fallen on his chest he would be dead by now. He now said God tussi great ho!
Once a traveller was passing by a field of Water-melons. when he saw huge water melons hanging on very weak creepers he thought : God must be foolish to grow such huge fruits on such weak plants, the plants can barely carry the weight of these fruits. He travelled further, he sat to eat his food under the thick shadow of the Mango tree. he felt very nice under the tree and soon was sleepy. After sometime he was snoring in a deep slumber. Suddenly he woke up in a shock for a mango had fallen on his chest. After sometime he remembered that he had called God foolish for growing such big fruits on weak trees. Imagine if water melon had fallen on his chest he would be dead by now. He now said God tussi great ho!
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Inner Strength -14
For Guru Nanak the thought of somebody being ignorant was painful. In many verses he has always protested against the societies division and upper hand of Brahmins for the drastic and cruel division of society where majority of the people were not allowed to read and write, they were not allowed to enter the temples and were forced to live upon inhuman jobs. On top of that they were humiliated and forced to live outside villages in sub-human conditions.To change the condition of these people a long term plan was drawn because one life was not sufficient to do the mammoth task of awakening people. In his plan he started the task of Guruship transfer during his life time. Guru Angad ji proved to be a very worthy successor and to carry forward Guru Nanak's legacy he first simplified the Mahajani lipi into 35 akhri and then made easy books called quayda to teach people.A challenge to high caste Hindus was posed but they ignored it because for the Brahman as long as learning from Vedas and other holy scriptures was not being undertaken it makes no difference. Because in those days learning meant only from scriptures about the dharma, grammer and structure of language and astronomy. They didn't realise the awakening that can come from learning any other language can cost them their superiority in the society. That awakening continued in Sikhs and many of them became literate.When Britishers took over the reign from fall of Sikh Empire their first aim was to start missionary schools in Punjab and educate people in Bible. When they started converting people in to Christianity the awakening in Sikh intellectuals to save Sikhism from total downfall and extinction, as was the plan of Goras, took place. The Khalsa College Amritsar came in to being in 1893 and record meetings of Sikh intellectuals to get the control of education institutes from Britishers started. Punjabi press was established and lot of literature was written and published. The maximum literature in the form of news papers, magazines and books was published in Punjabi. Down the line after independence we somehow lost the enthusiasm to read and write and neglect of our schools has cost us heavily particularly those in rural areas. The standard of education has become poor and neglected. We never realised that a strong political class wants us to be ignorant to safe guard their vote banks. Our youth was pushed towards drugs and alcohol. You just check the political leaders most of them have liquor making factories or they are drug smugglers or paddlers. To win votes they supply free liquor foe weeks.
For Guru Nanak the thought of somebody being ignorant was painful. In many verses he has always protested against the societies division and upper hand of Brahmins for the drastic and cruel division of society where majority of the people were not allowed to read and write, they were not allowed to enter the temples and were forced to live upon inhuman jobs. On top of that they were humiliated and forced to live outside villages in sub-human conditions.To change the condition of these people a long term plan was drawn because one life was not sufficient to do the mammoth task of awakening people. In his plan he started the task of Guruship transfer during his life time. Guru Angad ji proved to be a very worthy successor and to carry forward Guru Nanak's legacy he first simplified the Mahajani lipi into 35 akhri and then made easy books called quayda to teach people.A challenge to high caste Hindus was posed but they ignored it because for the Brahman as long as learning from Vedas and other holy scriptures was not being undertaken it makes no difference. Because in those days learning meant only from scriptures about the dharma, grammer and structure of language and astronomy. They didn't realise the awakening that can come from learning any other language can cost them their superiority in the society. That awakening continued in Sikhs and many of them became literate.When Britishers took over the reign from fall of Sikh Empire their first aim was to start missionary schools in Punjab and educate people in Bible. When they started converting people in to Christianity the awakening in Sikh intellectuals to save Sikhism from total downfall and extinction, as was the plan of Goras, took place. The Khalsa College Amritsar came in to being in 1893 and record meetings of Sikh intellectuals to get the control of education institutes from Britishers started. Punjabi press was established and lot of literature was written and published. The maximum literature in the form of news papers, magazines and books was published in Punjabi. Down the line after independence we somehow lost the enthusiasm to read and write and neglect of our schools has cost us heavily particularly those in rural areas. The standard of education has become poor and neglected. We never realised that a strong political class wants us to be ignorant to safe guard their vote banks. Our youth was pushed towards drugs and alcohol. You just check the political leaders most of them have liquor making factories or they are drug smugglers or paddlers. To win votes they supply free liquor foe weeks.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Inner Strength - 13
Enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib are many teachings of Guru Nanak where he reprimands the Brahman for taking Bhada( fees) for performing wedding ceremony of a daughter and his total outlook on this problem where parents are depended on a Pundit for getting their daughter married was so emotional that one can reflect that he considered this a serious matter. This impulse of Guru Nanak was carried forward by the fourth Guru Ramdasji and he scripted Lavan ( The hymns to be sung for a wedding ceremony) and ordained that from now onwards the Sikh marriages will be performed by singing these hymns only. Another reason for this dictate was that according to Hindus the marriages could be performed only by a Pundit whereas Guru Ramdasji totally stopped this tradition and marriages could be performed by any Granthi irrespective of his caste and class. The Sikh marriages are called Anand Karaj- a ceremony of bliss and happiness. The role of Brahman was cut-off forever. The Sikh marriages are supposed to be simple, without fan fare, early morning( at Amrit vela), without dowry and tamasha. Last year I attended few weddings in Punjab and observed that there was only sheep mentality in all the weddings. None of the weddings were performed at Amrit vela. Marriages were held in Palaces( So called) where barati and gharati gather and unlimited circle of snacks and drinks starts. Men and women are separated, women get chairs near the stage and cheap dancing on full volume starts that majority of the women are not interested to watch. Men get round tables with liquor bottles, soda, cola and chips served. Unlimited non-veg snacks make rounds here whereas women are served only veg snacks. Everybody is fully intoxicated and nobody even bothers for what they have gathered here for. Marriage of the groom and bride is hushed up in a nearby Gurudwara in the presence of parents and few close friends only. Most marriages take place around 3 P M. Meanwhile people are forced to sit and wait and to pacify waiters keep making rounds of snacks and drinks which most people are now tired of. After 3.45 the bride and groom make entry and every body rushes to throw shagun in their lap where a towel is spread to collect it. The food stalls now open and chaos break open. The most interesting thing that I was amused with was the Menu - it was always same each and every wedding. Without any taste and without any imagination. In a wedding the gathering of people is supposed to come and bless the couple when Lavan are taking place and guide them to do righteous things in life. There is no community interaction, just food, drinks and merry making at the cost of poor parents of bride who might have sold his property for this extravaganza.
Enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib are many teachings of Guru Nanak where he reprimands the Brahman for taking Bhada( fees) for performing wedding ceremony of a daughter and his total outlook on this problem where parents are depended on a Pundit for getting their daughter married was so emotional that one can reflect that he considered this a serious matter. This impulse of Guru Nanak was carried forward by the fourth Guru Ramdasji and he scripted Lavan ( The hymns to be sung for a wedding ceremony) and ordained that from now onwards the Sikh marriages will be performed by singing these hymns only. Another reason for this dictate was that according to Hindus the marriages could be performed only by a Pundit whereas Guru Ramdasji totally stopped this tradition and marriages could be performed by any Granthi irrespective of his caste and class. The Sikh marriages are called Anand Karaj- a ceremony of bliss and happiness. The role of Brahman was cut-off forever. The Sikh marriages are supposed to be simple, without fan fare, early morning( at Amrit vela), without dowry and tamasha. Last year I attended few weddings in Punjab and observed that there was only sheep mentality in all the weddings. None of the weddings were performed at Amrit vela. Marriages were held in Palaces( So called) where barati and gharati gather and unlimited circle of snacks and drinks starts. Men and women are separated, women get chairs near the stage and cheap dancing on full volume starts that majority of the women are not interested to watch. Men get round tables with liquor bottles, soda, cola and chips served. Unlimited non-veg snacks make rounds here whereas women are served only veg snacks. Everybody is fully intoxicated and nobody even bothers for what they have gathered here for. Marriage of the groom and bride is hushed up in a nearby Gurudwara in the presence of parents and few close friends only. Most marriages take place around 3 P M. Meanwhile people are forced to sit and wait and to pacify waiters keep making rounds of snacks and drinks which most people are now tired of. After 3.45 the bride and groom make entry and every body rushes to throw shagun in their lap where a towel is spread to collect it. The food stalls now open and chaos break open. The most interesting thing that I was amused with was the Menu - it was always same each and every wedding. Without any taste and without any imagination. In a wedding the gathering of people is supposed to come and bless the couple when Lavan are taking place and guide them to do righteous things in life. There is no community interaction, just food, drinks and merry making at the cost of poor parents of bride who might have sold his property for this extravaganza.
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