Shalok bhagat Kabeer jee kay....

Here Bhagat Kabeer jee is emphasising on importance of having pure heart and clean conscious besides just wearing clean clothes because just wearing clean clothes won't help you find God... Click on the shalok and read on.....

Shalok bhagat Kabeer jee kay....

Here Bhagat Kabeer jee explains who can pass the test of love for the Lord....

$24.2 million for men burned atop rail car.....

Trespassing pair climbed boxcar as teens, were injured by electrical wires...

A federal jury awarded $24.2 million to two men who were severely burned by electrical wires when they trespassed onto railroad property and climbed atop a rail car.

Does it takes degree from MIT to know the overhead electrical wires have high voltage and could be dangerous. Taking advantage of the law being on their side.....

Click here for complete story....

Jyoti Jyot of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj

October 21st was the Jyoti Jot Divas of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj and it coinsided with Diwali. I a'm posting a little late the episode (sakhi) where Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj were attacked while asleep and the wound lead to the cause of his Joyti Jyot.

The Guru started from Damdama travelling southwards on his missionary tour preaching and converting people to the fold of the Khalsa. Rumours reached the Guru that as soon as the Emperor found time he would march against the Guru and finish his power once and for all. Seeing the gravity off the situation and being sure of the Emperor's complicity with Wazir Khan (a minister in the Bhadur Shah’s court who bricked alive 2 of the Guru Gobind Singh’s sons) , the Guru appointed Banda Singh as the Commander of the Khalsa. Banda Singh was instructed always to adhere to Truth and always to abide by the counsel of the Five Sikhs. Thus equipped, Banda Singh marched towards the Punjab along with Binod Singh, Kahn Singh (descendants of Guru Angad) and Baz Singh (a descendant of Guru Amar Das) who commanded their own sections of the army.

The Guru was planning to go back to the Punjab himself after some time. One day the Guru was having a nap after the evening prayers when a Pathan named Jamshaid Khan entered his room stealthily. He thrust a dagger into the Master's side and tried to escape. The Master woke up at once and with one stroke of his sword cut him in two. The Guru's wound was immediately attended to and he encouraged his Sikhs saying, "Have no fear. The Immortal God has protected me and I will be well again." Although the Guru was in bed for many days, he kept his usual cheerfulness. However, it was clear to the Guru that the call of the Father in Heaven had come. One day, after the evening prayers he addressed his Sikhs:

"My dear beloved Khalsa, Guru Arjan has said, 'Everything we behold must perish.' It is the God alone who is eternal. All other things, however, holy and exalted, must depart from this world. Of what account is Man? Know that what is everlasting is the light of God in your hearts. So always remember God and never give way to mourning over the death of beloved ones. I have entrusted you to the care of the immortal God. Read the Granth or listen to it and your minds shall receive consolation. Remain under the Lord's protection and trust no other. Wherever five Sikhs, who abide by the Guru's instructions, assemble, there shall I be also. It was instructed by my Father to set up the Khalsa and now this is my final order, that the Khalsa should consider the Holy Word of the Granth as their Guru from now on. Let all who want to seek the Lord, meditate on the divine Name in the Guru Granth Sahib, wherein lies the spirit of all the ten Gurus."

Saying this, the Guru went to his bed and retired for the night leaving the Khalsa worried and sad. About an hour after midnight he arose and recited the Japji (the Sikh Morning Prayer). He then called His Sikhs around him and bade them his last farewell.

"Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh."
"The Khalsa is of God, May it be victorious in his Will."

Deep was the grief of the Khalsa when the news of the Guru's death reached the Punjab. The Master returned to his eternal home, having served the nation for 42 years. Though not physically visible, every Sikh feels his presence in his heart, and a Muslim saint has very aptly said:

"Neither am I prejudiced nor biased, I say the truth. If Guru Gobind Singh had not come on the Indian scene all would be circumcised."

source : various web-sites

Gurmat Sangeet Competition

Punjabi University Patiala is organising a Gurmat Sangeet Competition from 26th Oct. to 28th Oct. 2006.

For mor information please click Gurmat Sangeet Competition

The Festival of Lights... Diwali....

Wishing all a very happy Diwali....

For more on Sikhs and Diwali, Click here...

Unsung Indian Rappers....

Really humorous Indian Rappers...

Sikhs and Diwali.....

Diwali is an important festival for the Sikh community, reason being that in 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid in Amritsar on Diwali. For Sikhs, Diwali hold a different meaning than what Hindus celebrate it for. Following is an attempt to explain the special meaning the day holds for Sikhs...

The Muslim Emperor Jahengir, imprisoned the Sixth sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib and 52 Kings.The Emperor ruled India at this time. The Emperor was sent several requests to release the Guru and the Emperor agreed but the Gurus said also to release the other kings. To this the Emperor said that as many kings will be relesed who are able to grab Guru ji’s Chola (gown). Guru ji had a gown made with 52 string pieces for the Hindus to hold. The Guru and the Hindu kings were also freed at Diwali, Sikhs were very happy when their leader was released. Guru Hargobind Sahib went to the Golden Temple Amritsar in the Punjab. Sikh Diwali is recalled throughout India and in many countries; each year to remember Guru ji's release. At Diwali we worship the religious freedom for Sikhs and this is why Diwali is called the Light Festival. As Guru's Mother was full of happiness that her son was released she ordered food and sweets and gave them to everyone. The worshippers float multi-coloured light candles on the water at the Golden Temple. The gurdwara, held a grand fireworks display.

Purpose of the Celebrations is to remember Guru Ji and pray for one's own release from the imprisonment like 52 rajas. One might think that he/she is not in prison and is free to do whatever.One might be wrong here. Most people are constantly being forced into the PRISON of pride, rat race, show off, peer pressure and one may go to the extent of turning morals against what Gurus have laid down (smoking, using intoxicants, adultery, removing hair and so on .....). Most of us are prisoners of the culture, society and our big ego. Objective of the celebration should be to pray for our liberation from the worldly bonds and act upon Guru's path of truthfulness to avail human life time (i.e. to be one with Waheguru / Lord). Rather than lighting a deeva of clay, oil & wick, one should light the mind with the divine knowledge contained in Gurbani.

Therefore, lighting a deeva (lamp) in true sense is acquiring Divine knowledge & virtues (being kind, humble, meek, tolerant, selfless, sweet spoken .....) that leads one to become one with Waheguru / God.

Gurbani advises us which deeva to light and where in the following shabad ;

Aasaa Mahalaa 1, Deevaa meraa ek naam dukh vich paayeyaa t'ail un chaanan oh sokheyaa chookaa jum seon mail

which means that God's Name (divine devotion) is my lamp (to be lighted in the mind); I have put the oil of suffering (ego, jealousy, anger, lust, greed) into it. Its flame has dried up this oil, and I have escaped meeting with the Messenger of Death i.e. attained union with Waheguru. (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Page 358)

May our prayers be listened and Waheguru grant us freedom from the worldly bonds (ego, lust, anger, greed, jealousy, hatred and peer pressure etc.).

SACRIFICE OF BHAI MANI SINGH JI ON DIWALI

Bhai Mani Singh transcribed the final version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dictation from Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1704 at Damdamma Sahib. After heavenly abode of Guru Sahib in 1708, he took charge of Harmandir Sahib's management. In 1737, invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. A tax of 5000 rupees (some authors have mentioned 10,000 rupees) had to be paid to the Mogul governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan. Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered the secret plan of Zakariya Khan to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. Zakariya Khan was not happy about the situation and he ordered Bhai Mani Singh's assassination at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him limb-by-limb to death. Ever since, the great sacrifice & devotion of Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the day of Diwali.

This year Diwali falls on Oct 21st.

After the Fact.....

No wonder why many criminals find easy getaway.....

Small plane crashed into a 50-story luxury high-rise in Manhattan

NEW YORK — A small plane apparently registered to Yankees pitcher Corey Lidle crashed into a 50-story luxury high-rise building on Manhattan's Upper East Side Wednesday, igniting a raging fire, killing at least four and initially trapping people on the floors above the point of impact.

For complete story, click here....

PS. Just noticed. It is 10/11 today... a month from 9/11 this yr....

Pictures courtsey Fox News Online....

Dhan Dhan Guru Ram Daas Sahib jee Maharaaj ....

Congratulations to the whole Sikh Panth on the occasion of Parkash Divas of the Fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, being commemorated 9th October this year.

The fourth Naanak, Guru Ramdas Ji was born on the second day of the dark half of the month Karthik in the Bikrami Samvat 1591 (9th October 1534 AD) in Lahore where Guru Sahib resided at Mohalla Chuna Mandi.

Guru Ramdas Sahib strengthened the Sikhism a step further by composing Four Lawans and advised the Sikhs to recite them in order to solemnize the marriages of their children. Thus Guru Sahib introduced a new matrimonial system based upon Sikhism instead of the Vedi system followed by Hindus. Thus this distinct marriage code for the Sikhs separated them from the orthodox and traditional Hindu system. Guru Sahib, like his predecessors, carried forward the tradition of Guru Ka Langar. Superstitions, caste system and pilgrimages were strongly decried. Guru Sahib founded the town of Amritsar which continues to be the centre of Sikhism till today.

Guru Sahib wrote 638 hymns in 30 ragas that include 246 Paday, 138 Saloks, 31 Ashtpadis and 8 Vars and are a part of Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Sahib nominated his youngest son (Guru) Arjan Sahib as Fifth Nanak. After this Guru Sahib left Amritsar and retired to Goindwal Sahib. There, after a few days Guru Sahib left this temporary world on Bhadon Sudi 3rd (2nd Assu) Samvat 1638 (September 1, 1581). The Guru had a distinct sense of his mission and did everything to establish it as a separate religious system and entity.

This year, celebrate the Gurpurab and wish your near and dears by visiting and participating @ your local gurdwara and spread the message of Guru Sahib among all the human beings. May Guru Sahib bless us all to understand the importance of the Gurpurabs and help us live life in accordance with the Gurmat so that we could be able to celebrate these Gurpurabs at spiritual levels.

Have a Happy Gurpurab.

Parts of material from e-mail sent by a sikh online institution....

Dhan Dhan Baba Buddha jee...

Congratulation to the whole Sikh Panth on 500th birthday of Baba Buddha ji being commemorated today (Oct 6th).

Baba Buddha was the great Sikh saint who had the pleasure of serving under the first six Gurus. He was born on 6 October 1506 at the village of Katthu Nangal, 18 km northeast of Amritsar. He was originally named Bura and was the only son of Bhai Suggha and Mai Gauran.

As a small boy, he was one day grazing cattle outside the village when Guru Nanak happened to pass by. According to Bhai Mani Singh in Sikhan Di Bhagat Mala, Bura went up to him and, making obeisance with a bowl of milk as his offering, prayed to him in this manner: "O sustainer of the poor! I am fortunate to have had a sight of you today. Absolve me now from the cycle of birth and death."

The Guru said, "You are only a child yet. But you talk so wisely."

"Some soldiers set up camp by our village," replied Bura, "and they mowed down all our crops - ripe as well as unripe. Then it occurred to me that, when no one could check these indiscriminating soldiers, who would restrain Death from laying his hand upon us, young or old."

At this Guru Nanak pronounced the words: "You are not a child; you possess the wisdom of an old man." From that day, Bura, came to be known as Bhai Buddha. Buddha in Punjabi means an old man. And later, when advanced in years, he became known as Baba Buddha.

He devoted himself zealously to tasks such as the digging of the baoli at Goindval under the instructions of Guru Amar Das and the excavation of the sarovar at Amritsar under Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan Dev.

Parts of material from e-mail sent by a sikh online institution....

Desi Communicating with an ET....

See how successful Desi's are in communicating..... Thats why you find them all over the world....

Selling Bani.......

We have a Bhai jee visiting from India, doing Katha, Gurbani Veechar at our local Gurudwara. He was narrating an incident that was told to him by another person (Treasurer of some local Gurdwara) who witnessed an “Aanand Karaj” some where in India. He went to a Singh family’s Aanand Karaj and upon completion of the Aanand Karaj when the Singh, Father of the Bride asked that how much was the Sewa (money involved) for the Anand Karaj. The Treasurer said that the Gurudwara has prescribed that for Aanand Karaj the Raagee Singhs be given Rs. 1,100 of which Rs. 550 goes to the Gurudwara funds and other 550 is for the Raagee Jatha to keep. Listening to this the father of the Bride got real upset and said to the Treasurer that it is not fair and that he (the Treasurer) was selling the Bani and all that… To be short, he paid those 1,100 rupees with a lot hue and cry.

Now, in the evening there was a party to which the treasurer was also invited. The treasurer went there and when the party began, he saw one of the famous singers whom the father of the Bride had called to entertain the people attending the party. Upon asking the treasurer was told that the singer was paid Rs. 250,000 for singing and entertaining the crowd at the party. The treasurer was stunned upon learning this as he was the one who when asked for a mere 1,100 rupee that the Gurudwara committee has prescribed for Aanand Karaj was told 101 things by the Singh… but to pay the Singer, Rs. 250,000, the father of the bride did it happily.

Ain’t that surprising…. To me it is…. For the Guru and Guru’s Singhs, 1,100 was a huge sum for the father of the Bride to pay, but to pay a Singer to perform for a few hours 250,000 was paid by him without a hitch….

WaheGuru….