TheNameofParamatma(UniversalSpirit)iswritteninthedestinyofeveryhumanbeingfromthe outset;thisrealisationcomesthroughtheGraceoftheLord(UniversalSpiritOneofthemany namesofGodintheIndianVedictradition.ManytraditionalHinduandIslamicnamesofGodare usedintheSikhHolyScriptures,SriGuruGranthSahib(SGGS).However,theSikhdefinitionofGod isasinthebasicprecept,theMoolMantar,atthebeginningofSGGS,andnoother). Beforetakingbirthonthisearth,thehumansoulvowstoremembertheLord'sName.Untilsuch timeasthechildisinthemother'swombitcarriesonwithswasswassimran(utteranceofGod's Namewitheachbreath).However,aftertakingbirth,caughtintheenticingcircleofmaya (Mammon),heforgetsParamatma(theSupremeSoul).BhaiGurdashasmadeitclearthat Waheguru(theWondrousEnlightener)istheGurmantar(Guru'smysticalformula)whichmaybe recitedbyanyoneregardlessofcasteorreligion.AllthewishesofonewhorecitesthisGurmantar arefulfilled.TherearetwomethodsforrecitingWaheguru:thefirstistorecitetheword WaheguruandthesecondtorepeatWaheguruwitheveryswas(lifebreath).Themethodfor repeatingWaheguruwitheveryswasistaughtbythePanjPiaray(theFiveBelovedOnessee Glossary).

.Inthisway,bydoingswasswassimraanintheearlymorning,atimecomeswhenthe swasbegintoascendtotheforehead(tothrikuti,aspotbetweentheeyebrows)andone experiencesasfollows: "Youbrawling,ignorantpersonoflowmentality,reverseyourbreathandturnitinward.Letyour mindbeintoxicatedwiththestreamofAmbrosialNectarwhichtricklesdownfromthefurnaceof thetenthgate(seedasamduarintheGlossary)."(SGGSp.1123) Inthisstate,Wahegururesidesintheswas(lifebreath)andoneisunabletospeak.Waheguru simran(recitationofWaheguru'sName)iscontinuedautomaticallyandsubconsciouslyinthe mind.Inthisstate,allthoughtsstop.Whilesimrancontinues,firstthefeetgonumbandthenthe restofthebody.Onefeelsnodiscomfortwhilesittingcrosslegged.Then,suchisthejoyofsimran thattimepassesunnoticed.Whentheendofahumanbeingcomes,Waheguru'sNaam(God's NameorBeing)whichresidesinone'sswastakesonestraighttotheSachkhand(theultimate Reality,thePlaneofTruthortheLord'scountry).Ifahumanbeingsodesires,thenhecanfinda homeforNaaminhismind.AsinIndia,thestringthatpullsthewatercontainerfromawell,cutsa grooveonthestoneedgeofthewell;so,ifastringcanmakeitspermanentmarkorgrooveona stone,whycan'tahumanbeinglocate(Waheguru's)Naaminhishirda(innerselfseeGlossary)?

Dedicated OnthetercentennialanniversaryoftheinaugurationoftheKhalsaPanth tothosewhorecitedGod'sName,sharedtheirfood(earnings)with others,continuedwiththecommunitykitchenandwieldedtheirswordin defenceoftheweakandachievedmartyrdom.

CONTENTS NeedforpublicationinEnglishandacknowledgements ....................................................................8 AfewwordsaboutthisEnglishpublication.........................................................................................9 MessagefromSardarKesarSinghJiMand........................................................................................11 MessagefromHarjinderSinghMander.............................................................................................12 Commentsfromreaders....................................................................................................................13 TheTrueGuru ....................................................................................................................................15 IntroductionbyBhaiSahibBhaiRamaSinghJi..................................................................................16 PART1CHILDHOOD .........................................................................................................................19 Childhood .......................................................................................................................................20 ASelfishWorld ...............................................................................................................................23 SuntSamoohAnekMatiKay ..........................................................................................................24 ThreeImpostorSaadhus(HolyMen) .............................................................................................25 SaadhusoftheJainFaith................................................................................................................27 Celibacyasawaytosalvation ........................................................................................................29 WorshipofShivLingandWorshipofSayiad .................................................................................30 TheFiveFires..................................................................................................................................31 InBanaras,thesuicidalsawinthewellofsalvation! ....................................................................32 Donationofacowtocharity..........................................................................................................33 BathingtheStatueofMahadev .....................................................................................................34 DonationofaBedtoCharity..........................................................................................................35 Saraadh...........................................................................................................................................37 NaagPanchmi(SnakeWorship) ...................................................................................................39 TheworshipofKaliMaaee(KaliMaaee:MotherorGoddessKali)...........................................40 ThebenefitofMathaTekan...........................................................................................................41 Asceneofdeath.............................................................................................................................42 PART2SEARCHFORTHETRUEGURU .............................................................................................43 Nosalvationwithouttheperfect(True)Guru ...............................................................................44 JourneytoIndonesia ...................................................................................................................... 45 TherewardofthePaatthofSukhmaniSahib. ...............................................................................47 InsearchoftheTrueGuru .............................................................................................................50 Sinnerssinandsufferinagony ......................................................................................................54 JourneytoEngland .........................................................................................................................65

PertakhDarshan(ExperienceofaHolySightinreality) ................................................................67 KeskitheFifthArticleofFaith .....................................................................................................69 SantBabaNidhanSinghJi ..............................................................................................................71 SantBabaSewaSinghJi .................................................................................................................72 BhagatPuranSinghJi .....................................................................................................................74 BibiBalwantKaur ........................................................................................................................... 75 MakinduGurdwara,EastAfrica .....................................................................................................76 LookofDivineGrace ......................................................................................................................77 KodaBheeltheCannibal.............................................................................................................77 SajanThug...................................................................................................................................77 ValiKandhari...............................................................................................................................78 TheVillageofThugs....................................................................................................................79 BitternessChangedtoSweetness ..............................................................................................80 ThefirstRaaenSubaaeeinEngland ...............................................................................................83 AMRITCHHAKNA(IreceivetheDivineGiftofAmritInitiation) ............................................85 TheStoryofChhajuRamJi .........................................................................................................86 YathratoNankanaSahib ................................................................................................................88 AmritPrachaar ...............................................................................................................................90 BhaiJiwanSinghJi ........................................................................................................................101 TheSewaoftheLangaratAnandpurSahib .................................................................................103 YathratoSiriHemkuntSahib .......................................................................................................110 ChaldaVaheer(AmritParchaar)...................................................................................................115 AmritSanchaarinSingapore ....................................................................................................116 AmritSanchaarinMalaysia ....................................................................................................117 AmritSanchaarinAmerica .....................................................................................................117 JivanJugti......................................................................................................................................119 CharitableActs .............................................................................................................................121 PART3SEWA .................................................................................................................................123 SEWATheGurmatttraditionofselflessservice ........................................................................124 TheSewaofSriGuruGranthSahibJi ...........................................................................................128 Simran...........................................................................................................................................130 InstitutionsofLangarandPangat ................................................................................................137 SignsofaRestlessMind ...............................................................................................................138

TheFineEdgeofGursikhi.............................................................................................................140 TheTransformation......................................................................................................................143 ElectionsatGurdwaras.................................................................................................................145 Injustice ........................................................................................................................................149 TheHolocaust...............................................................................................................................151 TheSignsofKhalsaRaj .................................................................................................................154 WeaknessofthePanthicLeaders ................................................................................................160 "AsThe(Provocative)ArrowStruckSoWasRousedTheSpiritOfRighteousAnger".................161 AttacksOnHarmandarSahibJi ....................................................................................................162 PropagationOfOwnReligion.......................................................................................................163 Bairag(Spirituallonging) ..............................................................................................................165 Mantar(MagicalCharmsandSpells) ...........................................................................................166 Gurmantar ....................................................................................................................................168 PeopleTreatRamlikeaToy!........................................................................................................170 LoveForAnimals ..........................................................................................................................171 TheCycleofBirthandDeath........................................................................................................175 TheFruitofBribery ......................................................................................................................178 TheIgnorantPersonAccumulatesFalseWealth .........................................................................179 TheCycleofMaaya ......................................................................................................................182 TheLifeOfGursikhs(Thedesiretodosewa) ............................................................................185 DivinePower ................................................................................................................................202 TheChosenFive............................................................................................................................203 GuruofAllReligions .....................................................................................................................205 CrueltyWithTruthItself...............................................................................................................207 TheArdaasOfGursikhs ................................................................................................................209 NewLife........................................................................................................................................214 PrayeroftheParents....................................................................................................................216 PART4KHALSARAJ ......................................................................................................................218 PreparationsforKhalsaRaj ..........................................................................................................219 SandalwoodTree..........................................................................................................................221 SimranofAmritVela ....................................................................................................................223 FewUnderstandtheGreatnessofNaam.....................................................................................229 TheGuruIsAlwaysWithMe ........................................................................................................234

TheGiftofGursikhi....................................................................................................................... 235 AttendanceatSackKhand............................................................................................................236 DependenceonAnother ..............................................................................................................237 SalvationofFamilies.....................................................................................................................238 TheSecondPanjab .......................................................................................................................241 SikhYouthCamps .........................................................................................................................243 NagarKirtan(LocalSikhreligiousprocessionseeGlossary) ......................................................248 TheTestofTrueSikhs ..................................................................................................................251 InPraiseoftheTrueName(Naam)..............................................................................................253 PureSoul.......................................................................................................................................254 MyMemorableRaaenSubaaee ...............................................................................................260 GurmattDiscussion ......................................................................................................................263 MyBeautifulDream .....................................................................................................................269 ThePunisherofEvildoers:GuruGobindSinghJi ........................................................................276 "Maymyfamilylivehappily" .......................................................................................................278 DifficultJourney ...........................................................................................................................279 GLOSSARY.........................................................................................................................................285 AFewWordsfromBhaiSukhdevSinghJiandBibiAmarjitKaur ....................................................307

NeedforpublicationinEnglishandacknowledgements WhilewritingRoopGobindka,RajKhalsayka;SikkasonaykainPanjabi,Ifeltthattherewasa needforanEnglishtranslationforthebenefitofournextgenerationandthosewhocannotread Panjabi.Also,thereweremanyrequestsforanEnglishtranslationwhenthebookwaspublishedin PanjabianddistributedwidelytotheglobalSikhSangat.However,thedifficultywasinfindinga GursikhwhoseproficiencyinEnglish(towhichwesterneducatedyoungSikhscouldrelate) matchedhisindepthunderstandingoftheSikhwayoflife.WithGuruJi'sblessing,SardarKesar SinghMandintroducedmetoSardarGurmukhSingh,retiredPrincipalofficerfromtheBritishcivil service.Myprayerswereansweredandthisprojecthasnowbeencompleted. IamgratefultoGursikhsfrommanycountrieswhohavegivenmemuchencouragementand supporttoproducethisEnglishpublication.IwouldliketothankSardarGurmukhSinghJifora mostreadable,accurateandeducationaltranslationwhichwillalsohelpthenextgenerationto understandthemainGurmattwordsandconcepts.IalsothankSardarKesarSinghJiMandforhis messageandcontinuedsupportandadvice.Ithankthefollowingfortheirinvaluablesupportin proofreading:MasterSantokhSinghNijran,Nottingham,BhaiOnkarSinghandBhaiKuldipSingh, Slough,andBhaiKamaljitSingh,Bradford.Thisprojectcouldnothavebeencompletedwithoutthe mostdedicatedanduntiringsupportofBhaiSukhdevSinghJi,BibiAmarjitKaurandBibiJagdeep KaurKudhail. ThedailyArdaasofthishumbleservantbeforeWaheguruJiistobestowthedivinegiftofNaam simraanandthedesiretodosewaonall. ServantoftheSangat BhaiRamaSingh

AfewwordsaboutthisEnglishpublication TherearetwomainaimsofthisEnglishtranslationofBhaiSahibBhaiRamaSinghJi'spublication inPanjabi:RoopGobindKa,RajKhalsayKa,SikkaSonnyKa(IdentityofGobind,RajoftheKhalsa, CoinageofGold). Firstly,tomakethiscompilationofBhaiSahib'sworldlyandspiritualexperiencesavailabletothose whoareeithernotabletoreadPanjabi,orwhofinditeasiertoreadsomeofthedeeperSikhi (Sikhwayoflife)conceptsinEnglish.Thereisawealthofguidancehere,charmingandreadable duetoBhaiSahib'ssimplenarrativestyle.Everyefforthasbeenmadeinthistranslationtoretain thatstyle.WhateverviewsonemayhaveabouttheSikhwayoflife,onecannotremain unimpressedbyBhaiSahib'shonestyandfrankness.Hismessagecomesfromthedepthsofhis soul,aboutthatthereadercannotremaininanydoubt.Forthatreason,thiscollationofreallife experiencesofthisGursikh(Guru'sSikh)willhavealastingimpactonthereader. Thesecondaimofthistranslationor,morecorrectlyinterpretation,iseducational:a"Glossary"of thekeyPanjabiwordsusedintheSikhideologyandreligioustraditionlikesewa,Sangat,Pangat, Naamsimran,rehat,Ardaas,mathatekanetc.hasbeencompiledandtheusageoftheseisshown inthetextofthebook.Thepronunciationhasbeenmadeaseasyaspossible,although,duetothe limitationofthe26lettersoftheEnglishalphabet,itisnotpossibletoentirelysatisfythisaspect. Anyoneshouldbeabletopickupthesewords(showninitalics)andremembertheminthe contextoftheirusage.Inthisway,wordconceptsinlinewithGurmatt(Guru'steaching)canbe easilypickedupandremembered.TomakeiteasyfortheyoungSikhandnonSikhreaders,such wordshavebeenbrieflyexplainedinbrackets(asinthisintroduction)whenfirstused,sothatone neednotrefertotheGlossaryeverytime.Fewerexplanationsaregiveninthesecondhalfofthe book;hopefully,bythen,thereadershouldknowthemeaningsofthesecommonlyusedwords. Thismethodofpresentationmaybequiteuniqueandcouldprovetobeamodelforacquainting thenextgenerationwiththeoriginalkeyGurmattwordsandconcepts. InretainingBhaiSahibJi'soriginal,simpleandattractivepersonalstyle,thereislessconcernfor rulesofsyntax.BhaiSahibJi'srecitationofownexperiencesandGursikhepisodesaregivenmostly intheoriginalformat.Thenotesinbracketsgivesfurtherexplanationandbackgroundinformation wherethisisdeemednecessary. Sometimes,useofGurbaniorGurmattwordsisalsoaformof"shorthand"anditsavesspace.The expression"mathatekana"isaveryshortwayforsaying,"AwayofpayingrespecttoGuruJi.You approachSriGuruGranthSahibJiwithfoldedhands.Thenbygoingdownonyourknees;andby balancingyourselfonthepalmsofyourhands;youbowforwardandtouchyourforeheadonthe ground.Youthenstandupwithfoldedhands,bowtotheGuruandmoveaway."Butifyousay "mathatekana"toaGursikhthenheorshewillknowimmediatelywhatismeant.Wordslike kautakalsoneedproperunderstanding.Gurmattforbidstheperformanceofmiraclesormagic.To translatekautakbyGuruJiasperformanceofamiraclewouldnotbeappropriate,although,only thediscerningreaderwouldknowthedifferencebetweenakautakandamiracle.Therefore,the wordhasnotbeentranslated,although,ithasbeenexplainedintheGlossary. Thereisnogenderdiscrimination(i.e.sexdiscrimination)inSikhi.So,carehasbeentakentouse genderneutralwordslike"humankind"insteadof"mankind","individual","person"and"one"etc.

However,followingthestandardusage,unlesswekeeprepeating"heorshe",dependingupon theintendedmeaningofthesentence,"he"means"heorshe". Honestyintranslationorinterpretationismoreimportantthancompleteagreementwithallthat istranslated.Thistranslationisnoexception.Spiritualexperience,byitsverynature,ispersonal. However,itneedstobeunderstoodthatthecentralthemeofGurbaniistocontroltheaimless wanderingofthemindwhichharmsboth,worldlyandspiritualobjectivesofthislife.Whether someexperiencesdescribedbyBhaiSahibJicanorcannotbeexplainedlogicallyor (psychologically)istomissthepoint.GurbanisaysthateverythingiswithinHisWillandeverything can(ultimately)beexplainedonceHisHukam(LaworOrderorSchemeofThings)isunderstood. TheGursikhi(Sikhwayoflife)stressinthislifeisoncontinualandcontinuousmindfocuson Naam,theAllPervadingPresenceofTheUltimateReality,"Waheguru",theOneandOnlyMystical Formula(Mantar)foraGursikh.Nopoweris"supernatural"andnopowerisgreaterthantheAll PowerfulPositiveOne(Ik)Creator(Oangkaar).BhaiSahib'sexperiencescanbeofhelptothose preparedtofollowtheGuru'sspiritualpathinhumility.TheultimateguidanceforGursikhswill alwaysbethatoftheGuru'sOwnWord,Gurbani;thatisGuruGobindSinghJi'sinjunction.Ihave learntmuchduringtheprocessoftranslationandwhileinterpretingGurbaniconcepts.Ithank BhaiRamaSinghJiforthisopportunity.IamalsogratefultoS.KesarSinghJiMandforpersuading andencouragingmetoundertakethissewa. Acknowledgements:IowemygratitudetoBhaiSukhdevSingh,BibiAmarjitKaurandBibiJagdeep KaurfortheirgreateffortincrosscheckingthedraftwiththePanjabiversionandsuggesting improvements;tomysonInderBirSinghforgivinghisviewsaboutthestyleandpresentation; and,tomywifeHarpalKaurforherpatienceandthetimelycupsofgaramchaawhileIpunched awayatthePCforlonghours. Thissewahasbeencompletedisindeedakautak(seeGlossary)inviewofmytotallackof experienceforsuchatask.Forthis,myArdaas(Prayer)ofthanksgivingtoWaheguruJi. GurmukhSingh Emailsewauk@hotmail.com January,2001

MessagefromSardarKesarSinghJiMand BhaiSahibRamaSinghJiwasborninaHindufamilyin1930.However,hissearchforthePerfect andTrueGuru(PooraSatguru)whichstartedfromaveryyoungage,ledhimtothepathof Gursikhi(Gursikhimaarg). WhenIfirstreadaboutBhaiRamaSinghJi'slifeexperiencesinPanjabi(RoopGobindKa;Raj KhalsayKa;SikkaSonayKa),itbecamecleartomewhyhewasspirituallyattractedtoGursikhi (Sikhwayoflife).HisspiritualconnectionwithSriGuruGobindSinghJiandSikhiwentbackover previouslifecycles.Hissearchwaspredestined.ThespirituallongingforreturningtotheGuru's pathwasalreadytherefromchildhood.HowhewasabletoreturntotheGuru'sfoldisa spirituallymovingstory.ManyhavereadBhaiSahibJi'slifestoryinPanjabiandhavefoundmuch spiritualcomfortandguidanceassomecommentsquotedinthisbookwillshow. ItisthemessageofdeterminedpursuanceoftheGuru'spathandcompletefaithintheGuruthat iscentraltothislifestoryofaGursikh.Noonewhoreadsthisbook,withwhateverSikhideological beliefsorbelongingtowhicheverschoolofthought,canremainuntouchedbyBhaiRamaSinghJi's simplicity,sincerityandsinglemindeddedicationtoNaamsimranandGuru'sservice(sewa).By makinghislifeexperiencesavailabletothefollowersoftheGuru'spath,BhaiSahibJihasdonea greatservice:thispublicationisanexperiencebasedguidanceforspiritualprogressinthislife.The impactonthereaderisthatmuchgreaterseeingthatBhaiSahibJiwasborninahighcasteHindu familyandhisownpathwasfullofgreathardship.BhaiSahibJineverwaveredfromhisquestfor theTrueGuru,whothenblessedhimwithpartakhdarshan(experienceofdivinesight). ThisEnglishtranslationbySardarGurmukhSinghJi,withthemostapttitleofInSearchoftheTrue Guru,whileretainingfullflavouroftheoriginalbookbyBhaiRamaSinghJi,isahighlyeducational work.ItwillbenefitthousandsofnextgenerationSikhsandmanynonSikhs.SardarGurmukh SinghJihasexplainedcomplexGurmattwordswithgreatclarityforthebenefitofwestern educatednextgenerationSikhsandnonSikhs. IrecommendthisuniquepublicationtoallresearchstudentsofGursikhi,theGurusway. ServantoftheSatguru KesarSinghMand(Journalist) Hayes,Middlesex,England

MessagefromHarjinderSinghMander (ChiefEditor,PanjabTimes) WhileIdidnotknowmuchaboutBhaiRamaSinghJi'slife,Iwasawarethathehadbeenlivingin Englandforsomeyears.However,neverdidIrealisethatBhaiSahibJi'sliferepresentedthe historyoftheSikhsofUK.WhenIreadabouthisthoughtsandsentiments,andabouthiswayof lifefromthebookwrittenbyhim,Icouldnotremainunimpressedbyhisuniquepersonality. Ordinarybeingssufferfromweaknessesandalaxattitude;andasIwaseditingthe(original Panjabi)book,Ialsofoundtimeforselfreflection.ThewayBhaiSahibhasoutlinedthelifeofSikhi (Sikhwayoflife)anddescribedthelivesofGursikhs,onreadingthat,anordinarypersonwould certainlybecomeimpatienttoadoptSikhi.Although,itisanothermatterif: Abamboodoesnotbecomefragrantevenwhengrowingnexttosandalwood. (SGGSp.1365) Likearockinthemiddleofariver,suchamentalityremainsdryfromtheinside.Otherwise,it cannotbethatonreadingthisbookoneremainsmentallyunaffectedandhesitatesfromadopting Sikhi.Itmaybethattosomepeopleofacertaintypeofmentality,someincidentsmayappearto beoverstated.However,forthosesteepedinspiritualthoughtandexperience,theseareblissful experiences. ThefourthpartofthebookisauniqueandwondrousexampleoftheoutlineconceptofKhalsaRaj (Sikhiconceptoftheidealstate).ThemainobjectiveofthisbookistoreiteratetheGuru's teachingtotheSikhsandtolinkthemtothatteaching. HarjinderSinghMander ChiefEditor,PanjabTimes DerbyUK. (OriginalmessageofMarch,1999,inPanjabi.)

Commentsfromreaders SomeextractsfromthemanylettersreceivedbyBhaiRamaSinghJifromthereadersofhisbook, RoopGovindka;RajKhalsayka;Sikkasonayka.Thewordinginbracketsisforclarification. "AfterreadingthebookIcouldnotstopfromreproachingmyself.Iwascompelledtothinkthatwe aremillionsofmilesawayfromourtruemission.WhatdidourGuruJiteachusandwhatarewe doing?WhatformdidtheDasmeshPita(TenthspiritualFather,GuruGobindSinghJi)bestowon usandwhatformarewelivingin.WehaveforgottenallthesacrificesHemadeforus.NotonlyI, buthundredsofthousandsofSikhyouthlikemehavedeviatedfromthepathshowntous(by GuruJi).Tobringtheseyoungpeoplebacktotherightpath,itisimportantthattheyaremade awareofthetruththroughtherighttypeofpreaching.Bywritingthisbookyouarehelping hundredsofthousandsinthisworld.Guidanceisgivenabouthowtofollowtherightpathand achievesalvation.ThepathtoSachKhand(Waheguru'sCourt)isshownthroughtherecitationof Naam(Waheguru'sName).Whoeverreadsthisbookwillatleastrealiseowndeficienciesandwill certainlymakeeffortstosortout(hisorher)remaininglife." (FromaletterinPanjabibyNarinderSingh,Spain) "Inmysorrow,Ialwaysrecallthisportioninyourbookdescribingthetimeyouweresupposedto leavethisworldandwhenyoursoulleftyourbodyandtravelledoffwhenyouaskedtoseeGuru Ji,youwerenotallowedtobecausetherewassomethingelseyouhadtoworkon.Thestoriesthat youhavesharedthroughyourbookhavebeentrulyenlighteningandIenjoyedreadingit." (FromaletterinEnglishfromBibiParveenKaurofSingapore.) "BabaJi,thisbookaboutyourlifetrulyshowstherightpathtomeetParamatma(SupremeSoul). AnyonewhoreadsaboutyourholylifewillsurelytakeAmritandbecomeGuruwala(followerof theGurui.e.Guru'sKhalsa)wewilldistributeyourbookstoGuru'sdevotees.Theywillgetcloser toSatguruJiafterreadingaboutyoursaintlylife." (LetterinPanjabifromBhaiMohinderSinghofNewZealand) "IreadyourbookRoopGobindKa,RajKhalsayka;Sikkasonayka.Igainedmuchknowledgeafter readingitanddevelopedaninterestindoingsimran(recitationofWaheguru'sName).Ideveloped aninterestinpreachingGurbaniandrecitingSukhmaniSahib.IreciteSukhmaniSahibdailyIwas soimpressedbyyourbookthatIreaditinashorttime.FromnowIdo"Waheguru,Waheguru" simran.PleaseprayformethatGuruJibestowsonmethegiftofNaamsimran(spontaneous recitationofWaheguru'sName).Ihavebeenverymuchinfluencedbyyourbook.Afterreading yourbookoneunderstandshowtolivealifeofSikhi (LetterinPanjabifromBhaiDarshanKumarfromGhotri(Sindh),Pakistan.) "Iwastoldbymywifetoreadthisbook(RoopGobindKa,RajKhalsayka;Sikkasonayka).Thatit wasaverygoodbook.YoureverystoryfillsonewithwondermentandIcannotdescribehow impressedIwas.ThefirstthingwhichimpressedmewasthatdespitebelongingtoaHindufamily youhavecomesoclosetotheGuru.WebelongtoSikhfamilies,yetwearesofaraway;thisshows clearlythatyourloveforParamatma(SupremeSoul)istrue,forwhichreasonyouhavealso experienceddarshan(divinesight)ofGuruSahibJi.AfterreadingyourbookIfeelthatIhave wastedmywholelifebecauseitisonlynowthatIunderstand" (LetterinPanjabifromBhaiJaswinderSingh,Jalandhar,Punjab.)

"BhaiSahibJi,afterreadingyourbookRoopGobindKa,RajKhalsayka;Sikkasonayka,asoulfull ofdeficiencieslikemehasgainedmuch.Theteachingisveryhelpful.Idonothavetheintellectto writeitordescribeit.ThankstoyourkindnessthatthroughyourbookIhavealsoseen(the Gursikhilivesof)otherSinghs.Youhaveshowngreatkindness(bywritingthisbook). (LetterinPanjabifromBibiRanjitKaurofNewZealand.)

TheTrueGuru PraisebetotheWeareroftheplume,whodestroyedego(GuruGobindSinghJi). TheLordofcountlessgalaxiescallinghimselfabeggar. OTrueGuru!WhentheVaisakhicomesIamtearful. IturnmytearfilledeyestowardsmyLord,whenwillHecome. ForWhosesakeIamdistressed,theLordisnottobeseen. AsIshedtears,whowillconsolemenow. PraisebetotheWeareroftheplume,whodestroyedego. TheLordofcountlessgalaxiescallinghimselfabeggar. Myfriendsaskme,whyareyoutearful? Onlymymindknowsmyplight,whoknowsanother'spain? HowshallIspeakofmyowndeeds,howIhavewastedmylife? TheLordWhogavemeeverything,Ihavenotgivenanabode. PraisebetotheWeareroftheplume,whodestroyedego. TheLordofcountlessgalaxiescallinghimselfabeggar. Everymoment,lifeebbs,youthdoesnotlast. Nooneknowsabouttomorrow,whethertomorrowwillcomeornot. OnedayinmydreamcametheLordofcountlessgalaxies. PrepareforAmrit(AmritinitiationintoSikhi(seeGlossaryforAmritandSikhi)),forwithoutrehat (Sikhdiscipline(seeGlossary))onecannotbecalledaSikh. PraisebetotheWeareroftheplume,whodestroyedego. TheLordofcountlessgalaxiescallinghimselfabeggar. FromthetimeItookAmrit,OTrueGuruIsitinyourlap. ThenectaroftheTrueNameshowereduponme,Iremainednotconsciousofself. ReciteyourselfandpersuadeotherstorecitetheName,thistheTrueGurutaughtme. MeditateontheNamewiththeholycongregation,breakthecycleofbirthanddeath. PraisebetotheWeareroftheplume,whodestroyedego. TheLordofcountlessgalaxiescallinghimselfabeggar.

IntroductionbyBhaiSahibBhaiRamaSinghJi IkOnkarSatgurPrasaad (OneUniversalCreator,BytheGraceoftheTrueGuru) "TheLordHimselfhasstooduptoresolvetheaffairsoftheSaints;Hehascometocompletetheir tasks."(SGGSp.783) ThisservantisgratefultotheEternalLivingLight,SriGuruGranthSahibJi,forgrantinghimthe wisdomtowritethisbook(BhaiRamaSinghJihasreferredtohimselfinthetraditionalGursikh wayas"daas"(humbleservant)insteadofusingthefirstperson.However,intheremainderofthis translation,thefirstcaseisused). InthisKalyug(seeGlossary),manyindividualsarewanderingaroundaimlessly.Theyhaveno knowledgeoftheTrueGuru("LiteraltranslationofPuranGuruisthe"'PerfectGuru".However, unliketheword"puran"inPanjabi,"perfect"inEnglishhasthescopeforsubjectiveinterpretation. Thepreferencehereistoequatethe"PerfectGuru"withtheOneandOnlySatGuru,theTrue Guruasintended,thusavoidinganypossiblemisinterpretation).Itoosufferedfromsuch ignoranceinmyyouth,lookinginmanydirectionsfortheTrueGuru.Iwanderedthroughmany pathstofinallyreachthetruepath. WhenthePanjPiaray(theFiveBelovedOnesseeGlossary)intheGuru'sOwnImage,initiatedme totheKhalsaPanththroughtheAmritSancharceremony,theypreachedthatsewa(selfless service),simran(meditativerecitationofGod'sName),charitableactsandhumilitywerethe pillarsofSikhi(theSikhwayoflife).Thisservantactedonthoseprinciplesandafterstudying GurbaniofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,tooktoheartcertainpreciousgems.Forexample: FromJapjiSahib: "IntheAmritVela,theambrosialhoursbeforedawn,chanttheTrueName,andcontemplateon HisGloriousGreatness. FromAnandSahib: "ThesaintlybeingsandthesilentsagessearchfortheAmbrosialNectar;thisAmritisobtained fromtheGuru." "Omyeyes,theLordhasinfusedHisLightintoyou;donotlookuponanyotherthantheLord." "Omyears,youwerecreatedonlytoheartheTruth." FromSukhmaniSahib: "Meditate,andbymeditatingcontinually,findcontentmentandhappiness." "One,whoseeyesdonotgazeuponthebeautyofotherwomen(i.e.otherthanownmarriage partner)."(Partriashouldnotbeinterpretedasanother'swomaninaproprietarysense,asis donebysome.InSikhi,womenarenotchattelswhichcanbepossessed!Parinthiscontextmeans "onewhoisnotyourmarriagepartner"andthereforethewordincludesallotherwomenwho shouldbetreatedasmothers,sistersanddaughters).

"Onewhoseheartismercifullyblessedwithabidinghumility,ONanak,isliberatedhere,and obtainspeacehereafter." Inthisway,IfollowedtheWordsoftheSatguru(TrueGuru)Ji.Anypersonwhofollowsthe teachingofSatguruJi,willbesavedfromthecycleofbirthanddeath.Ihadnointentionofwriting abook.OnoneoccasionBhaiBalvirSinghmetmeatacamp.Heasked,"BhaiSahibJi,Iwouldlike toknowwhyyouadoptedSikhidespiteyourHindubackground?"Iwasreluctanttosayanything butIcouldnothelpmentioningthatSriGuruGobindSinghJigavemehisdarshan(holysight)and instructedmetopartakeofAmritinitiationanddothesewaofAmritSanchar(seeGlossary). Hearingthis,heshowedmuchinterestandencouragedmetowriteaboutmylifeexperiences. Thatmanywouldbenefitfromsuchapublication.InthesamewayBhaiSatnamSinghandBhai PrithipalSinghalsoencouragedme.Ithought,thatifbywritingaboutmylifeotherscanbenefit, thenaneffortshouldbemade. FewknowhowexaltedthelifeoftheartistSobhaSinghwas,exceptforwhatcanbeassessedfrom hisportraitsoftheGurus.FirstheopenedhishearttotheGurusandthenhepaintedtheir portraits.Inthesameway,firstthemelodiouscompositionsforminthemindofaraagi (professionalGurbanisinger)andhesingsthemontheharmoniumandispleasedhimself;hethen conveysthatenjoymenttotheSangat(HolyCongregation).Thekathakar(onewhopreaches GurbaniseekathaintheGlossary),firststudiesGurbaniandunderstandsitandthenwinsthe heartsoftheSangat.Apoetformsanideabeforewritingapoem.Thenheselectstherightwords andcomposesapoemwhichherecitestotheSangatandfeelshappy.Inthesameway,Ihada vision(oftheKhalsabeauideals): "RoopGobindKa,RajKhalsaKa,SikaSonhaka." WithGuruJi'sblessing,asIrecitedWaheguru'sName,IexperiencedthoughtflasheswhichI startednotingdown. "Idonotknowanythingaboutspiritualwisdom,meditationorkarma(philosophyandrituals),and mywayoflifeisnotcleanandpure."(SGGSp.702) Beforestartingthisbook,IprayedtotheLivingLight,SriGuruGranthSahibJi,theBenevolent Providerofunlimitednumberofqualities,tobestowuponmetheefforttorealisemyaim.This humbleservanthasexperiencedfourkautaks(unusualhappeningsseeGlossary).First,adivine messageinthejungleofHardwar;second,darshan(holyvision)ofSriGuruGobindSinghJi;third, thegiftofsimran(recitationofGod'sName)atAmritvela(earlymorningseeGlossary);and fourth,avividdreamofKhalsaRaj.Allthatiswritteninthisbookismyownpersonalexperience; thefruitofthelabourofdedicatedpursuitofspiritualattainmentandnotsomethingheardfrom others. "Iamnotcelibate,nortruthful,norscholarly.Iwasbornfoolishandignorantintothisworld." (RehraasSahib) Iamnotawriterandtherewillbemanyshortcomingsinmywriting.Allareliabletoerrforonly theCreatorisperfect.Ahumanbeingwillalwaysmakemistakes.IapologisetotheSangat(Holy Congregation)foranyomissions.Pleaseacceptwhatyoulikeinthispublication,andwritetomeif youdonotlikeanything.Thepurposeofthisbookisservedifanypersongainsfromit.Evenifa singleindividual,onreadingthisbook,partakesofKhandayBaataydaAmrit(i.e.undertakesAmrit

initiationseeGlossary),startsearningthecreditofNaamSimran(recitationofWaheguru'sName seeGlossary)andwalksonthepathtosalvation,thentheeffortofwritingthisbookwouldhave beenworthwhile. Iamgratefultoallthosebrothersandsisterswhohavesupportedinanywayinproducingthis publication.Thenamesofthefollowingneedspecialmention:BhaiPremSinghwhoproducedthe coverdesignandthepictureofSriHarmandarSahib;BhaiManpreetSinghwhoproducedthe pictureconceptionoftheundergroundtunnel;BhaiSukhdevSinghandBibiAmarjitKaurfortheir supportinwriting;BhaiRamSinghGravesend,BhaiKesarSinghMand,BhaiRajinderSingh Purewal,BhaiHarjinderSinghMander,JathedarBalvirSinghandBhaiBhupinderSingh,BhaiBalkar SinghDhillon,BhaiBaljinderSinghandBibiDavinderKaurDhandwhogavemefullsupportand encouragementineveryway. Finally,IamextremelygratefultoSriGuruGobindSinghJiMaharaj(theGreatKing),whoplaced HisBenevolentGuidingHandonmyheadandblessedmetoaccomplishthissewa(service). WhatevertheGreatKinginspiredmetowrite,soIhavedonemybesttoputonpaper.Ihave writtennothinginhaomai(vanity),butifanyonedoesgetthatimpression,thenIseekforgiveness inallhumility. WaheguruJiKaKhalsa;WaheguruJiKiFateh. "TheKhalsabelongstotheWondrousEnlightener,Whoisalwaysvictorious." ServantoftheSangat(HolyCongregation) BhaiRamaSingh SardarGurmukhSingh SardarGurmukhSinghretiredasaPrincipalofficerintheBritishCivilServiceafterthirtyfouryears service.HewasthefirstsabatsuratGursikhtorepresenttheUKabroadatofficiallevelandhas heldmanyresponsiblepositions.HereceivedhisGurmatteducationfromhisfather,Giani HarchandSinghJiBassian,awellknownGursikhpracharakofMalaysia.Hisstudiesaimtocollate constructiveinterpretationofGuruNanak'smissioninthecontextofcontemporaryissues.

PART1CHILDHOOD

Childhood Infrontofourhousetherewasaplatformwheremyfatherwouldsitanddispensehomeopathic medicine.Sometimes,visitingholymenwouldusethesameplatformtopreachfromtheHindu holybooksofGitaandRamayana.Thevillagerswouldlistentothesermonswithattentive devotion.Itoowasverykeenandusedtolistenwithgreatinterest. OnedayIcamehomeafterplayingoutsideandsawmymotherandsomeotherladieswashing clothesatthelocalwell.Theywouldfirstrubsoaponthewetclothesandwouldthenbeatthem withasmallpieceofwood(thaapishapedlikeasmallcricketbat).Iwascuriousandaskedmy mother,"Whyareyoubeatingtheclotheslikethat?" "Theseclothesareverydirty,I'mbeatingoutthedirt,"motherrepliedandpreached,"Thosewho takebirthonthisearthbutdon'tmeditateontheGod'sName,getthiskindofpunishmentfrom jamdoots(angelsofdeath).Ifyoudon'trememberGod,thenyoutoowillgetthesame treatment." HearingthisIwasfrightenedandatthatverymomentIstartedsaying'HaarayRama,Haaray Rama'(i.e.startedrecitingtheLord'sName).Whiledoingthissimran(recitation)Ifeltgreatjoy andcalmness.IfeltasifIwasabouttoreapthefruitofthegooddeedsdoneinmypastlife.Iwas hardlysixyearsoldthen.Achild'sfirstteachersareitsparents.Amotheristhefirstpersonachild learnsfrom. IheardasermonfromBabaRatanDaswhenIwaseight.HesaidthataccordingtotheHindu religion,therewere8.4millionlifeforms.IfapersondidnotrememberGod'sName,thenthat personwentthroughthesufferingofallthoselifeforms.Oncecaughtinthatcycleofbirthsand deaths,ittookasoulmillionsofyearstogetoutofit.Thelifespanofsomelifeformse.g.acrow orasnakeisquitelong.Thereisonlysufferingandpaininthatcycleofbirthsanddeathsandno comfortatall. Thoserulingtheworldatonetimemusthavedonegooddeedsintheirpastlives.Theywere reapingtherewardofagoodreligiousliving,charityandpilgrimagestoholyplacesintheirpast lives.However,intoxicatedwithpower,theythenforgotGod,starteddoingbaddeedsandreaped thepunishmentinhell.IfapersonremembersGoddayandnight,hecouldachievesalvation. ThesewordsofBabaRamRatanDashadmuchimpactonme.Ithoughtthatasarewardfor readingGitaandRamayana,Imightbereborninthefamilyofakinginmynextlife;thewealth andpowercouldmakemeforgetGodandIcouldgotohellasaresult.Whyshouldn'tImeditate onGod'sNameinthislifeandachievesalvation?WhatBabaJimeantwasthatweshould meditateontheLord'sNameandmakethislifeasuccess;simran(recitationoftheLord'sName)is veryimportant. Oneday,whenIwasaboutnineyearsold,IwenttobuybooksfromthecityofAligarh,whichis aboutoneandahalfmilesfromourvillage.Uponenteringthecity,Isawacartthatwas overloadedwithgoods.Ahorsewithblinkersoveritseyeswaspullingitwithgreatdifficulty.Each timethehorsesloweddownthedriverwouldbeatitwithastick.Onseeingtheplightofthis dumbanimal,Iwasmuchsaddened;thepoorbeastcouldnotexpressitssufferingandwastaking allthatpunishmentinsilence.

WhenIreturnedtothebusstationafterbuyingthebooks,IsawthatthehorsecartonwhichIhad comewasovercrowdedlikethecartIhadseenearlier.Everyonehadboughtthingsfromthecity andtheweighthadmorethandoubled.Thecartownerseatedeveryoneandalsoloadedtheir luggage.Heappearedtobetotallyunconcernedastohowthepoorhorsewasgoingtopullallthat weight.Eachtimethehorsesloweddown,thedriverwouldstrikethehorsewithaleatherwhip. Thehorse'sbackwassorewithwoundsbutthedriverkeptstrikingonthosewoundsothatthe horsewouldrunfaster. Everyday,duringtheschoolrecessatmidday,Iwouldtakefoodtoourservantwhowasworking inthefields.Oneday,Ibroughtthefoodalittleearlier.Isawthatwhileploughingthefield,the servantwashittingtheoxenwithastickwhileswearingatthem.Attheendofthesticktherewas anail.Whentheoxenbehavedstubbornly,hewouldprodthemwiththepointedendofthestick. Feelingthepain,theoxenwouldmovefaster.Iwasdistressedtoseethis;thatifIdidnotmeditate ontheNameofGod,Iwouldsufferthesamefate. Intheevening,theservantlefttheoxenathomeaftergivingthemwater.Inoticedthattheir backswerebleeding.Fliesweresittingonthewoundsandsuckingblood.Theoxenwere repeatedlywhiskingawaytheflieswiththeirtails. "Howcananyoneknowthepainofanother,ifthereisnocompassionandsympathywithin?" (SGGSp.793) Evenhumanbeingsdonotunderstandeachother'spain;howcouldthesedumbanimals?They couldnottalkabouttheirsufferingtoanyone.Theyhadwastedthepreciousgiftoftheirprevious humanlives,andasaresultofbaddeeds,theywererebornasanimals.SeeingallthisIwasmuch saddenedandtearsrolleddownmyeyes. Myjobwastoputfodderbeforetheoxen.Whileputtingabasketofhayinfrontofeachoxen,I startedthinking,"Despiteworkinghardallday,allthesepooroxengettoeatischaffandadrink ofwaterandthatonlyonceaday!" Ohumanbeing!Godhasgivenyoucountlessvarietiesoffoodtoeatandclothingtowear;yet,you rememberHimonlywhenyouareindistress.Tobesavedfromsuchapunishment,sucha frighteningandterriblecondition,everyhumanbeingshouldstartdoingsimran(recitingGod's Name)foratleastfiveminutesdaily.WiththeTrueGuru'sgracethesefiveminutescaneventually becomefivehoursofmeditation.Oneonlyneedstomakeastart.BhagatKabirJisaysinthissalok: "Kabir,whetheritisforoneghari(atimeperiodof24minutes),halfaghari,orhalfofthat, whateveritis,itisworthwhiletotalkto(beinthecompanyof)saintlypeople."(SGGSp.1377) WhenIadoptedSikhi,Ibeheldtheholydarshan(sight;alsoseeGlossary)ofSiriGuruGranthSahib Ji. WhileIwasdoingpaatth(readingGurbaniwithreverence)ofSriGuruGranthSahib,thefollowing linesremindedmeofthoseoxen.WhatKabirSahibJisaysinthefollowingshabad(hymn)istrue: "Withfourfeet,twohornsandamutemouth,howcouldyousingthePraisesoftheLord? Standingupandsittingdown,thestickshallstillfallonyou,sowherewillyouhideyourhead?|| 1||WithouttheLord,youarelikeastrayox;withyournosetorn,andyourshouldersinjured,you

shallhaveonlythestrawofcoarsegraintoeat.||1||Pause||Alldaylong,youshallwanderin theforest,andeventhen,yourbellywillnotbefull.Youdidnotfollowtheadviceoftheholymen, andsoyoushallobtainthefruitsofyouractions.||2||Enduringpleasureandpain,drownedin thegreatoceanofdoubt,youshallwanderinnumerousreincarnations.Youhavelostthejewelof humanbirthbyforgettingGod;whenwillyouhavesuchanopportunityagain?||3||Youturnon thewheelofreincarnation,likeanoxattheoilpress;thenightofyourlifepassesawaywithout salvation.SaysKabir,withouttheNameoftheLord,youshallsmiteyourhead,andrepent.||4 ||"(SGGSp.524) Inthisshabad,KabirJisaysthatifoneisbornananimal,thenhowcanthatdumbcreaturerecite God'sName?Itisonlyasahumanbeingthatonecanmakelifeasuccessandachievesalvation. Iwasfilledwithgrief.IthoughtthatIshouldrememberGod,otherwiseItoowouldsufferthe samefateastheoxen.Aninnervoicewastellingmetomeditate.Thenextdaytheoxenwent throughthesameordeal.WhenIlookedatthem,Iwasfilledwithsuchsorrow,thataftergiving foodtotheservant,Ididnotreturnhome.Instead,Istartedwalkingtowardsthejungle.Ifounda placeinthejunglewherenoonecouldseeme.ThereIstartedreciting'HaarayRama','Haaray Rama'.Iwasfeelingfrightened;Itookoffmyshirtandtieditovermyeyes.WhileIcontinued meditating,timepassedanditwasevening.Icouldhearthesoundofanimalsandbirdsreturning totheirhomes.Itwaswinter.Acoldbreezewasblowinganditwasdrizzling.Mymindwavered, thatIshouldrunhome;however,Ifeltasifsomemysteriousforcewasholdingmeback. Duetothecold,IdidnotfallasleepthewholenightasIdidnothaveanywarmclotheswithme. WithGod'sGraceIdidnotevenrealisethepassageoftimewhilemeditating.Ibegantoenjoy reciting'HaarayRama,HaarayRama'.ItwasdawnandIcouldhearthesweetchirpingofthebirds wakingup.Asthesunrose,Istartedfeelingveryhungry.Ibegantorealisethatitwasnoteasyto rememberGod'sName.Iwonderedwhattodo;shouldIgohomeornot?IfIwenthome,Iwould getascoldingbutifIdidn't,Iwoulddieofhunger! Iwasstillsittingthereuntil5o'clockintheevening.Finally,Ireturnedhomeinfear.Thewhole familywasworried.Myfatherwasveryangryandaskedme,"Wherehaveyoubeen?We'vebeen lookingforyousinceyesterday?" Isaid,"Father,avoicefrominsidemewastellingmetomeditate.IfeltverysadandthatiswhyI wenttothejungletodosimran." Hearingthis,fathercooleddownabit.Mothercamein.Shealsohadbeenworriedaboutme. FathertoldherthatIhadgonetomeditateatsuchayoungage.Headvisedmethatoneshould reciteGod'sNameinoldage.Inanycase,whatwasIsofrightenedofthatIhadstartedmeditation atsuchayoungage.Hetoldme,"Thistimeweforgiveyoubecauseyouhavementionedthe NameofRaam(God),butifyougoawayagainyouwillbepunished!"

ASelfishWorld Anoldmanlivedinourvillageandhadtwosons.Astimepassed,hethoughtofsharinghis propertybetweenthem.Themoneyfromthesaleofhislandwasdividedequallyandgivento them.AtthattimeIwasabouttenyearsold. Timepassed.Forawhilethedaughtersinlawservedhimwell.Latertheystartedcomplaining, "Sometimeshedemandshotfood,sometimeshefallssickorsuffersfromsomeotherailment,he isaburdenonus."Hefeltverysadlisteningtoallthisandrealisedthatitwashisownfault becausehehadgivenawayallhismoneytothem.Noonebotheredtakingcareofhimanymore, thinkingthattherewasnothingmoretobegained. Onedayhebecameverysickandcametoseemyfatherformedicine.Hetoldmyfatherthathe wasgivenonlyleftoverfoodthatwasnothealthy.Heaskedmyfathertogivehimsomegood medicinesothathecouldgetwellsoon. Myfathergavehimthemedicineandalsosuggestedasolutiontohisproblems.Heputsome stonesinaclaypotandput20silverrupeecoinsontopofthestones.Hetoldtheoldman,"Take thishome.Afteryoushowittoyourfamily,returnthemoneytome." Whenthedaughtersinlawsawtheclaypottheyaskedhimaboutitscontents. Hereplied,"Ihadsomemoneyburiedintheground,butIthoughtthatifIdied,nobodywould knowaboutit.That'swhyIbroughtithome,sothatyouwillknowaboutit,andcanhaveitafterI die." Thedaughtersinlawwereveryhappy,andthoughtthattheirfatherinlawhadlotsofmoney. Theybegantotakegoodcareofhim.Hereturnedthesilverrupeestomyfatherandhidthepotof stonesunderhisbed.Inthosedaystherewerenobanksandpeoplekepttheirmoneyintheir homes.Theoldmanputtwolocksonthedoortohisroom,andlockedthembothwheneverhe wentout.Fromthenon,hestartedreceivinggoodservice.Onedaughterinlawwouldsay," Father,todayIhavemadekarah'(asweetdish,seealsokarahprasadintheglossary)foryou!" Theotheronewouldsay,"Ihavemadericeandspecialcurryforyou!" Before,noonewouldbotheraboutwashinghisclothes.Now,hestartedreceivingwashedclothes regularly.Hethoughthowselfishtheworldwas.Onlywealthandnothumanbeingsreceived respect.Apersonwaspopular,ifhehadmoney.Otherwisenoonereallybothered.Hecametomy fatherandthankedhimsaying,"NowadaysIamlookedafterverywell."Andsotimepassed. Whentheoldmandied,thefamilycarriedhisbody,togetherwithhisbed,outofthehouse.When theygotholdoftheclaypotunderthebed,totheirsurpriseanddismay,allthattheyfoundinthe potwerestones!

SuntSamoohAnekMatiKay (MenofGodbelongtomanyschools) "Ihaveseenmanyabodes,wheregroupsofSarogis,Sudhs,Sidhs,YogisandJainsreside. (SarogisareasectofJains,Sudhsarethosewhoremainclean,whileSidhsarethosewhopossess occultpowers). (Ihavealsoseen)variousgroupsofthebravemenanddemons,godswhodrinknectar,andother saints,belongingtovarioussects. Ihavenoticed(religionsof)differentcountries,butnoneseemstobe(thereligion)of(preaching worshipof)theCreator(bywhichthesoulbecomesHisslave). Alltheseareworthless,ifthesemendonotearnthekindGlanceandLoveofGodandfaithin Him."(Patshahi10TavparsaadSawaiyae) Oneday,asaadhu(holyman)cametoourvillage.Hewentaboutnakedeveninfreezingcold.In hisdesiretomeetGod,hewentthroughausteritiesbeyondtheimaginationofanordinaryperson. Thevillagerswouldtakefoodforthissaadhu,and,afterplacingsomemoneyinfrontofhim,they wouldbowtohim.Forhistaste,hewouldeatfinelygroundfood,butbeforeitcouldreachhis stomachandbedigested,hewoulddrinkalargequantityofwaterandvomitthewatermixed withundigestedfoodoutintoanironcontainer.Hisfollowerswouldthendisposeofthecontents ofthecontainerinthefields.Hehadcontroloverhisinternalorgansincludingbowelsand bladder,sothathehadnoneedtorelievehimself.Hisbodywasallbonesandhelookedquite frightening.InHinduism,thisisbelievedtobeoneofthewaysofattainingGod. "IfIperformhundredsofthousandsandmillionsofreligiousritualsstill,allthesearenotequal totheNameoftheLord."(SGGSp.62) "Somegoandsitintheforestrealms,anddonotansweranycalls.Some,inthedeadofwinter, breaktheiceandimmersethemselvesinfreezingwater.Somerubashesontheirbodies,and neverwashofftheirdirt.Somelookhideous,withtheiruncuthairmattedanddishevelled.They bringdishonourtotheirfamilyandancestry.Somewandernakeddayandnightandneversleep. Someburntheirlimbsinfire,damagingandruiningthemselves.WithouttheName,thebodyis reducedtoashes;whatgoodisittospeakandcrythen?ThosewhoservetheTrueGuru,are embellishedandexaltedintheCourtoftheirLordandMaster."(SGGSp.1284) Thissaadhualsokeptavowofsilence.Hewouldnotspeaktoanyone.Iwenttoseehim.There wasalwaysacrowdofpeoplearoundhim.Ithoughttomyself,"Thisisadifficultpathinsearchof God.HowcanthismanmeetGod?HedoesnotrecitetheNameofGodbutremainsentrappedin hisownrituals.InsteadofenjoyingthetasteofNaam(God'sName),hetastesfood."Ibecame evenmoredisillusioned. Atthattime,Iwasinsearchofsalvation.ButaftercomingtothepathofSikhi,IrealisedthatGuru NanakDevJi'spathwasthesimplestofall.Whilebeingahouseholder,onecanmeditateonthe Lord. "ONanak,meetingtheTrueGuru,onecomestoknowthePerfectWay.Whilelaughing,playing, dressingandeating,heisliberated."(SGGSp.522)

ThreeImpostorSaadhus(HolyMen) Iwaselevenwhenoneday,myfatherwasreadingtheGitabeforealargecongregation.Two saadhus(holymen)cameintothegatheringlookingforthebhagat(devotee)ofMahadev (anothernameforShiva,oneofthethreeHindugodheads;theothertwobeingBrahma andVishnu).Theyinquiredifanyofushadseenhim.Accordingtothem,thisbhagatwasa brahamgiani(atonewithGod)andLordMahadevalwaysappearedbyhisside.Whateverhe utteredwouldcometopass.Sometimes,whilemeditating,hewoulddisappear. Oneofthetwosaadhusbecameveryemotionalandsaidthathecouldnotlivewithoutthebhagat ofMahadev.Seeingsuchdisplayofemotionaldevotion,thevillagersthoughtthatthebhagatof Mahadevmustreallybeaveryaccomplishedpersonandthattheyshouldhelptosearchforhim. Thetwosaadhuswenttotheneighbouringvillagesandrepeatedthesamestorythere.Allthe villagerswereconvincedthatthebhagatofMahadevmustbenearby. Thetwomensetuptheirabodeinthemiddleoffourorfivevillages.Theyfilledthreelargeskin bagsofwaterandburiedtheseintheground.Theirleaderwhohadbeenmissingsofar,joined themandsatinameditativepose.Thevillagerswerethenledtobelievethatthebhagatof Mahadevhadappeared.Peoplefromthesurroundingvillagesgatheredatthatplace. Thebhagatwasmeditatingatthetime.Whenheopenedhiseyes,heannouncedthatLord MahadevtoldhimthatatthatspottheriversGanges,JamunaandSaraswatiwouldmeet.Hethen struckatarshul(aspear,thespecialheadofwhichissymbolicoftheHindufaith)atthespot wherethethreewaterfilledskinbagsofwaterwereburied.Asthewaterspoutedout,people startedbowinginreverencetothefakebhagat.Heannouncedthattheplacewassacred.That holyriversGanges,JamunaandSaraswatihadappearedthereandLordMahadevhadblessedthe place.HeaddedthatLordMahadevwouldbepleasedifatempleandasacredpoolweretobe constructedtherewithoutdelay.Withthewaterofthethreeholyrivers,thegreenfieldswould flourish. Butfirst,thevillagersweretoldtoconstructawoodenplatformforsitting.WhentheLordwas pleasedtheneveryonewouldbeabletoseehim.Thebhagatgottheplatformconstructedinsuch awaythatonemancouldsitunderneathit.Atnight,oneofhishelperswouldstandguardwhile theotherwouldsitunderneaththeplatform.Thebhagatwouldwraphimselfinablanketandsit ontheplatform.Thepersonbeneaththeplatformwouldpassafakesnakelikerubberropeto him,whichheswungaroundhisneckmakingitlooklikearealsnake.Thenaivepeoplethought thatLordMahadev'ssnakehadappeared. Inthosedays,therewasnoarrangementforelectricity.Peopleusedlanternsoroillamps.The saadhushadlitalanternandkeptthepeopleawayfromthebhagat,sayingthatsnakescameto him.Peoplewerekeptoutsidealargecirclesothattheycouldnotlooktooclosely.Thebhagat hadhiddenasmalllightbulbonhishead(hiddeninhismattedhairlocks)andhisassistantunder theseatoperateditbyconnectingthewirestobatteries.Theotherassistantstandingoutside wouldchant"Har,HarMahadev!"andallthepeoplegatheredtherewouldrepeatafterhim"Har, HarMahadev!"People'sfaithinthebhagatincreased.Theydecidedthatthetempleandsacred poolshouldbebuiltwithoutdelayandstartedcollectingmoneyforthisworthyproject.

Onedaytheheadmanofthevillagecametoseethebhagatwhosaidtotheheadman,"O devotee!LordMahadevisverypleasedwithyouandyouwillfindfivesilverrupeesunderastone nearacertaintree."Thebhagat'shelpershadalreadyplacedthemoneythere.Theheadmandug uptheareaandfoundthefiverupees.Hewasveryhappy;hewasimpressedthatthebhagatwas allknowingandwenttoseehimwiththemoneyhefound.Thebhagataskedhimtodonatethe moneytoLordMahadevandwiththeLord'sblessings,hewouldreceivetenrupeesthefollowing weekandgoldcoinsinthefourthweek! Theheadman'sfaithinthebhagatincreasedanddayandnighthestartedcollectingmoneyforthe bhagatwithgreatenthusiasm.Heevendonatedhiswife'sgoldornamentsbecausehewas convincedthatinthefourthweek,hewouldbegettinggoldcoins.Thefollowingweekhefound tenrupeesasforetoldandhedonatedthismoneytothebhagat.Thebhagattoldhim,"Lord Mahadevissopleasedwithyouthatwealthwillnotbeexhaustedinyourfamilyforten generations.DoserviceoftheLord(i.e.collectfunds)wholeheartedly.Donottellthistoanyone orthebenefitwillgotosomeotherperson." Theheadmangottogetherthemostinfluentialmeninthevillageandstartedmakingadoorto doorcollection.Thevillagersdonatedwillinglyandgavewhatevertheyhad.Someladieseven gavetheirgoldornaments.PeopleinthevillagesbelievedthatLordMahadevhimselfwaspresent whenthebhagat'sheadlitup.Everybodywaseagerandpleasedtogetadarshan(holysight)of thebhagatformakingthislifeasuccess(Themainpurposeofhumanlifeistoseeksalvationand thetraditionalbeliefisthatdarshan(holysight)ofadietyisasteptowardsachievingthisgoal). Atnight,theheadmanwouldplaceasackforthevillagerstoputtheirdonationsin.Whenthe peopleleftfortheirhomes,oneofthebhagat'sassistantswouldkeepthemoneyinasafeplace. Thiswentonforthreeweeks.Thewaterintheskinbagsplacedunderground,wasbeginningto dryup.Onenight,thefakesaadhustookallthemoneyandgoldandslippedaway.Peoplesaw thatthebhagatwasnotthere.Theywereatfirstfrightenedtoseeasnakeunderthewooden seat.However,acloserinspectionrevealedthatthesnakewasmadeofrubber.Theydugup wherethewaterwasseepingthroughandfoundthreeskinbags. Thenpeoplerealisedthatthesaadhuswerereallytricksters.Theheadmanwenttotheplace wherehewastoreceivethegoldcoinsandfoundonlyanemptypot.Hecursedhisbadluckin dismay,forhehadgivenawayallhissavings.Hefiledareportwiththepolice.Whenthepolice askedhimfordescriptions,hewasunabletotellthemanythingbecausethesaadhushadalways coveredtheirfaceswithashes. Nowadays,evenwelleducatedpeoplegetdefraudedinthisway.MayGodsaveusfromsuchfalse holymen.

SaadhusoftheJainFaith (Saadhu:AHinduasceticholyman) "Youmaypracticetechniquesofinnercleansingandallsortsofyogicpostures;youmayadoptthe selfmortifyingwaysoftheJainsandgreatspiritualdisciplines."(SGGSp.265) Aftersometime,agroupofsaadhus(holymen)belongingtotheJainfaithcametoourhouse. Theyhadtwodiscipleswiththem.Oneday,oneofthedisciplessaidtothemaster,"BabaJi(O' wiseone),ithasbeentwoyearssinceI'vebeeninyourservicebutyouhavenotinitiatedmeasa Jainpriestasyet.Pleaseblessme. BabaJireplied,"Youhavealreadybeenblessed.Intwodaystime,it'llbethebirthdayofourelder master.Iwillinitiateyouthen."BabaJiturnedtomeandrequested,"Ram,goandbringsomeash fromthefireplace."ItoldmymotherthatBabaJiwasaskingforash.Sheputsomeintoasmall bowl,whichIbroughttoBabaJi,thinkingthatmaybehewantedtocleanhisteeth(beforethe arrivaloftoothpasteinIndia,manypeopleusedcharcoalorashtocleantheirteeth). Babajisaid,"Thisisnotenough!Ineedabigbucketful."Ithoughttomyself,"Abigbucketful! MaybeBabajiwantstomixitwithwateranddrinkitinsteadofhavinghismeal!"Itoldmymother thatBabajiwantedabigbucketofashes.Sheimmediatelytookabucketandwentfromhouseto housecollectingash.Theneighbouringladiesstartedgigglingremarking,"LachmiDevi,wehave heardofpeopleaskingforacupofaata(flour)butyouareaskingforswah(ash)!"Mymothersaid thatBabaJiwantedash. Whenthebucketwasfull,IbroughtittoBabaJi.Hisfellowsaadhusseatedthenewdiscipledown andstartedscrubbinghisheadwithash.Byrubbingashintothehead,therootsofthehair becomeweakanditbecomeseasiertopluckthehairwithouttoomuchbleeding.Wheneverthere wasanybleeding,theywouldcoveritwithmoreash.Astheypluckedthepoorboy'shair,he fainted.BabaJisaidtome,"Ram,goandgetsomemilk."Iwentintothekitchenandsawthatmy motherhadboiledsomemilkformakingcurd.Itooksomemilkfromthepot.Afterdrinkingthe milk,thenewdiscipleregainedconsciousnessandsaid,"IfIhadknownthatitwasgoingtobeso difficult,Iwouldn'thaveaskedtobecomeaJainsaadhu."BabaJireplied,"Togainsalvationfrom thecycleofbirthanddeath,itisnecessarytogothroughalittlepain." Thenextday,theygavehimabathandthenBabaJicoveredhismouthwithaclothandsaid, "YourparentsareblessedbecauseyouhaveacceptedtheJainfaith.Dharamraj,whojudgesevery onesdeeds,willbeverypleasedwithyouforthegoodyouhavedone.Bycoveringyourmouth,no fliesorotherinsectscanflyintoitandsoyouwouldnotbecommittinganysin.Dharamrajwill sendyoustraighttoheavenwhenheseesthisclothcoveringyourmouth."AccordingtotheJain faith,thisisthewaytosalvationandacceptanceinGod'sCourt.Iconsidermyselffortunatethat Godhasshownmetheuselessnessofsuchrituals. Wheneveranyholymencametoourvillage,thevillagerswouldsendthemtoourhousewhere theywerewelllookedafter.Anothersaadhucame.Hisvowwastoremainstandingthroughout hislife.ThisisalsoonewayofmeetingGodaccordingtotheHindufaith.Itrequiresgreatwill power(hatth).Thissaadhuhadremainedstandingfortwelveyears!Itisverydifficultforan ordinarypersontodothis.

Yetanothersaadhucame.Hehadatilak,markpaintedonhisforehead,andwasimitatingthe God,Inder.Whenfoodwasreadymymotheraskedmetoinvitethesaadhutoeat.WhenIwent tocallhimhewasbusygrindingsandalwoodforthetilakonhisforehead.Hetookatleasthalfan hourbutnotoncedidheutterthenameofRam.Hetoldme,"ItismyroutinethatIpaintatilak markfirstandthenhavemymeals."Iasked,"BabaJi,whydoyoupaintatilak?"Herepliedin irritation,"Youarestillachild,whydoyouneedtoknow?"Ianswered,"Someday,Iwouldwant topaintatilaktoo." Thenhetoldmethat,Dharamrajrespectedthetilakandsentthosewearingonestraightupto heaven.IfoundthistobeaneasierwaytoreachGod,butthenIthoughtthat,ifthiswastrue, theneveryonecouldputonatilaktogotoheaven.Whytakethetroubletomeditate?Irealised thatthiswasmerelyasuperstition.When,inmyearlychildhood,Ispentanightinthejungle reciting'HaarayRaam,HaarayRaam',IfeltmuchclosertoGod.Later,aftermuchwanderingand searching,IwasfinallyconvincedbyGurbani(Guru'sWordinSriGuruGranthSahib),thatwithout recitingNaam(meditationonGod'sBeingthroughrecitationofHisName)therewasnoplacein theGod'scourt.OnlythroughrecitationofNaamcanoneachievesalvation. "SaysNanak,thisistheessenceofTruth:withouttheLord'smeditation,thereisnosalvation." (SGGSp.144) Oneday,asaadhucalledLachmanDascame.Hecouldholdhisbreathinthedasamdwar(the "tenthgate"locatedinthemind,seealsotheGlossary)).Hepreachedthatthiswasthefirststep towardsmeetingGod.Hesaidittookhimthirtyyearstoreachthisstage.Ithoughttomyself,"I wouldliketomeetasaintlypersonwhocanreallyshowmetherightpathtoGod?"Alltheholy menwereshowingdifferentpaths.However,myconclusionfromwhattheyallseemedtobe sayingwas,thattheholymanwhowouldteachmetorecite'HaarayRaam',wouldbeshowingme thecorrectpathtoGod.

Celibacyasawaytosalvation Oncetwobrahamchari(celibateholymen)came.Theypreachedthattogainsalvation,itwasvery importanttoabstainfromrecreation.Theystresseditwasimpossibletogainsalvationasa marriedhouseholder.Theysaidthattherewerethreemethodsofbecomingabrahamchari:first, tohangupsidedowninthejungleandtiethesexorgantightlysothatitbecameimpotent; second,totakecertaindrugstoachieveimpotency;andthird,todrinkamixtureofcorianderand poppyseed,soakedovernightinwaterandgroundtogetherinthemorning. Ithoughttomyself,"Thisisn'tthepathtosalvationeither."Myyoungmindthoughtthatmaybe bystayingacelibate,salvationcanbeachieved;butifeveryonefollowedthispath,theworld wouldcometoanendbecausenoonewouldeverbeborn.AnattempttoendGod'splaninthis waywouldbeabigsin.Iwasnotsatisfiedwiththisbrahamchariway. Gurbanihasmadeitclearthatevenafterusingallthesemethods,amanstillremainslustful: "Theheartofthesinnerisfilledwithunfulfilledsexualdesire.Hecannotcontrolhisficklemind.|| 1||Pause||TheYogis,wanderingasceticsandrenunciatesthisnetiscastoverthemall.||1 ||ThosewhocontemplatetheNameoftheLordcrossovertheterrifyingworldocean.||2|| ServantNanakseekstheSanctuaryoftheLord.PleasebestowtheblessingofYourName,thathe maycontinuetosingYourGloriousPraises.||3||"(SGGSp.1186) InGuruNanakDevJi'swords,lustcannotbeovercomewithoutNaam.

WorshipofShivLingandWorshipofSayiad (ContinuationintheHindutraditionoftheprimitiveformofphallusworship.) TheritualisticwaysofmanyIndiansectsaresoemptyofanyrealteachingsometimes.Some believethatbydoingcertainrituals,salvationandheavencanbeachieved.Forexample,theydo theworshipofShivling,thesymbolicnatureofwhichisobscenetosaytheleast(andderivesfrom ancientcults).Suchworshipcannotbeseriouslyregardedasthewaytosalvation.Itisnotso cheap. SomepeopleworshipSayiad(anIslamicsaint).Adrumisbeatenandthevillagersgatheraround. Theythengotoatombwheretheyoffersacrificeofanegg.Thispathtosalvationalsoseemed easytome.However,Iwasnotsatisfiedwithanyoftheseways.Mysearchforthetruewayto meetGodcontinued.IfeltthatIwouldsurelyfindmydestinationsomeday.Theteachingsof GurbaniremovedallmydoubtsandmybodyandmindwererefreshedwhenIcameto understandtheTenthMaster'shymn: Someworshipstonesorputthemontheirheads,andsomesuspendlingams(smallstoneidols) fromtheirnecks. SomeclaimtoseeGodinthesouth,andsomebowtheirheadstowardsthewest. Somefoolsworshipidolsorproceedtoworshipthedead. Thewholeworld,beinginthegripoffalseceremonies,hasnotknownGod'ssecrets. (Patshahi10TwaipersadSewaiyae)

TheFiveFires AsaHindu,Isawmanystrangepractices.Itisnecessarytomentiontheritualofthefivefires.To overcomethefivevicesofkaam(lust),krodh(anger),lobh(greed),moh(attachment)andahankar (ego),somesaadhussitundertheblazingsuninJuneandburnfivefiresaroundthem.Theytell peoplethatbydoingso,thefiveevilvicesaredestroyedandthemindbecomespure.Theyalso spreadablanketinfrontofthefiresasaninvitationtothosewhocometoseethemtodonate money.Ifoundthistobenothingbutadeviouswayofcollectingmoney.Thesightoffiresinthat hotsunseemedsostrange. IamevergratefultoGurbani,whichspeakssoclearlyofsuchpeopleinthefollowingshabad (Gurbanihymn): "Theybeatthedrumsforthesakeofbread.Theythrowthemselvesupontheground." (SGGSp.465)

InBanaras,thesuicidalsawinthewellofsalvation! "Hismind'sdesiresmayleadhimtogoanddwellatsacredplacesofpilgrimage,andofferhishead tobesawnoff;butthiswillnotcausethefilthofhismindtodepart,eventhoughhemaymake thousandsofefforts"(SGGSp.642) AccordingtotheHindufaith,BanarasisconsideredtobethecityofthedeityShivai.e.asacred city.Somepundits(Hindupriests)hadlocatedasawinoneofthewellsthere.Therearepeople whothinkthatsalvationcanbebought.Whenwealthypeopleinsearchofsalvationapproached thesecunningpunditstheywerenotspared.Thepunditswouldpreach,"Ifyoudesiresalvation, thenyoumustsacrificeeverything."Whenapersonagreedtodothis,thepunditswouldtakehim tothewellinwhichwasplacedasaw.Thepunditswouldbrainwashtheunfortunatevictimto jumpontothesteelsaw.Andsotheignorantpersonwouldjumpinandgetsawnintotwohalves. Thepunditstookpossessionofalltheperson'sbelongings. Thiswentonformanyyears.Itsohappenedthattheghostofonesuchvictimreturnedtohaunt thepunditresponsibleforhisdeath.Theghostsaid,"Icametoyouforsalvationbutyouturned meintoaghost.NowIshallgiveyousalvation!"Hearingthis,thepriestbecameveryfrightened andtoldtheotherpunditsaboutthisthreat.Oneday,theangryghostthrewthepunditintothe well.Seeingthis,theotherpunditswerefrightenedanddecidedthattheyshouldmendtheirways ortheywouldsufferthesamefate.

Donationofacowtocharity Once,awomanneighbourofours,wasveryill.Therewasnohopeofherrecovery.Herfamily askedapundit(Hindupriest)whattheyshoulddotoensurehersalvation.Thepunditsuggested donationofacow.Thesickwomanwouldcrossoverfromthislifetoheaven,holdingthecow's tail.Accordingly,thefamilymembersboughtacowandcalledthepundit.Heaskedthemtobathe thecowandbringitclosetothesickwoman.Hestartedrecitingsacredwords.Neighbours gatheredaroundthewoman'sbedside.Thecowwasilltempered.Whenthewoman'ssontriedto holdthecow'stailandplaceitinhismother'shand,thecowgotfrightenedandkickedtheboy hard(atshortrangeandoutofsight!).Theboystartedscreaminginanguish.Peoplethoughtthat themotherwasdead.Theothermembersofthefamilyalsostartedwailing.Thewoman,stillvery muchalive,satupandsaid,"Iamstillalive,butyou'vealreadystartedcryingforme!" Iwaswatchingthisdrama.Ithoughttomyself,"Howcanapersongainsalvationbyholdingonto acow'stail?Ahumanbeingranksatthetopofthe(mythical)8.4millionformsoflife.Aperson canonlyachievesalvationbysewa(selflessserviceinhumility),simran(recitationofNaam)and prayers.Ananimalhasnoknowledgeofthis.Thenhowcanithelptosavehumansouls?" Nowadays,peopledonotwanttodoanythingthemselvesandarealwayslookingforashortcut. O'humanbeing!Youarethehighestofalllifeforms.Ifyoudesiresalvation,thenmeditateanddo service.Inthiswayyouwillbenefitandachievesalvation. "Thishumanbodyhasbeengiventoyou.ThisisyourchancetomeettheLordoftheUniverse. Nothingelsewillwork.JointheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly;meditateontheJewelof theNaam.||1||Makeeveryefforttocrossoverthisterrifyingworldocean.Youaresquandering thislifeuselesslyintheloveofMaya(attachmenttoworldlywealthandrelationships).||1|| Pause||Ihavenotpractisedmeditation,selfdiscipline,selfrestraintorrighteousliving.Ihave notservedthesaintlypeople;IhavenotacknowledgedtheLord,myKing.SaysNanak,myactions arecontemptible.OLord,IseekYourSanctuary;please,preservemyhonour."(SGGSp.12) IntheabovehymnGuruArjanDevJisays,"Oman,youhavebeenblessedwithahumanbody.In thislife,meditateontheLord'sNameandmakeyourlifeasuccess."

BathingtheStatueofMahadev SomedevoteesgotoHardwarhopingtoachievesalvation.TheyaretoldbytheBrahminsthat salvationcanbesecuredbybathingthestatueofthedeityMahadevwiththewaterfromGanges andbygivinggenerouslytocharity(i.e.tothem!).Thereisaconditionthatthewatershouldbe collectedfromHardwarbyfootandnotplacedontheground.Twopersonstaketurnsdoingthis. Whenonepersongetstired,theothertakesover.Andsotheyreachtheirdestinationwithout restingthepotontheground.Somedevoteesperformthisserviceeveryyear. SomedevoteesgotoMathura,thebirthplaceofLordKrishna.Theymaketheirjourneybycrawling ontheirbelliesallthewayfromtheirvillagestoMathura.Thispilgrimagetakesthemyearsto complete.TheyprostratetosaluteandaskLordKrishnaforsalvation.Bydoingsuchpenance, salvationisnotachievedbutsomebenefitisperhapsderived.Thebodymayreceivesome comfortsinthenextlife.

DonationofaBedtoCharity Iwasabout12yearsoldwhenmygrandmotherpassedaway.MymotherandIwenttoHardwar withherashes.MyfathercouldnotgobecauseofworksoIhadtoaccompanymymother.We stayedatapundit'shouseinHardwar.Heexplainedtheprocedurefortheritualofthrowingthe ashesintoGanges.Firstmyheadwouldhavetobeshaved,leavingonlyalockcalledbodionthe top.OnlythencouldIdisposeofmygrandmother'sashesintothewaterofGanges.Therewasa barberseatednexttohim.Ididnotwanttokeepabodiandargued,"Whyisitimportanttokeep abodi?"Hereplied,"YouareaBrahmin(highcastepriestclassusuallycalledpunditswhen practisingaspriests)andyouwillgetrespectbykeepingabodi.Whenyoudieandgobefore Dharamraj,hewillregardyouasadiscipleofNaradMuniandsendyoustraighttoheaven.Itis importantforthatreason."Andsothebarbershavedmyhead.Whenheputamirrorinfrontof me,Ididnotlikemylooks.Iwentoutandboughtahatandputiton.Aswewerethrowingthe ashesintothewater,theprieststartedrecitingsomemantras(Vedicpsalms).Laterheaskedfor fiverupees,whichinthosedayshadmuchvalue.Hethensaid,"Itisalsonecessarytodonatea bedandbedclothes.Grandmotherwillneedabedandbedclothestosleep."Therewasareadily availablebedwithbedclotheswithhimsowepaidfortheitems.Thenhesaidtheprayersformy grandmother'ssalvation. Anotherfamilyarrived.Heconductedthesameritualforthemandaskedthemtodonateabed andbedclothesaswell.Wesawthathewasusingthesamebedandbedclotheseachtime.There wasboundtobeafightinheavenastowhichpersonthebeddingbelongedto!Wedonotknow howmanypeoplepaidthepriceofthissamebedbeforeus.Thisisallhypocrisy.Evenamongstthe Sikhs,sucharitualhasstarted.Thereisaneedtoputastoptothis. Fortheirlivelihood,thepunditshavestartedmanyritualslikeofferingfoodtoBrahmins(Pundit meansaBrahmanicscholar.PunditsbelongtotheBrahmincaste,whichisthehighestinthe oppressiveanddivisiveIndiancastesystemintroducedbyMannu,andthewordspunditand Bhahminareinterchangeable)inhonourofthedead,blanketdonation,utensilsdonation,cow donation,moneydonation,beddonationetc.Theirbeliefisthatwhenpeopledie,theywillneed thesethingsinthenextworld.PunditsaskforsuchdonationsfromtheHindusbuttheSikhsare themselvesgivingsuchdonationswithoutbeingasked.Sowhatisthedifferencebetweenthe punditsandtheSikhs?Wouldthedeadreceivetheseitemsinthenextworld?Never! Apersonwhohasnevergivenanythingtocharityorsharedanythingwiththeneedyduringthis life,whatcanthatpersonexpectinthenextworld?Ifapersonhasnotdonegooddeeds, meditationandcharityinthislifeand,asaresult,Dharamrajputshimintothecycleof8.4million lifeforms,howcanthechantyanddonationsofhisfuturegenerationshelphim?Thereare4.2 millionlifeformsinthewater.Theydonotneedanyblanket,utensilsormoney.Thenwhatisthe useofsuchdonations?Exceptforthehumanform,allotherformsoflifedonotutilisesuch commodities. Ifapersonhasnotdoneanycharityorgooddeedsduringhislifetimebutisbornahumanbeing againduetosomepastdeed,hewillbeborninapoorfamily.Charitygivenbythefamiliesofa deadpersonwillonlybenefitthosefamiliesandnotthedeadsoul.Thisisbecausetheyhavegiven charitywiththeirownhands.Thepunditsand(priestsofothersects)haveputthesuperstitionin people'smindthatiftheashesofadeadpersonaredisposedoffinHardwar,thedeadpersonwill attainsalvation.SriGuruArjanDevJisaysinhisBani:

"AllothereffortsarepunishedbytheMessengerofDeath,whoacceptsnothingatall,except meditationontheLordoftheUniverse."(SGGSp.266) MeaningthatotherthanmeditationontheLord'sname,thereisnoroutetosalvation.Dharamraj doesnotevengiveaniotaofrecognitiontoanyritualsordeedsotherthanmeditation.Some Sikhsalsofollowthewaysofthepunditsandinsistondiscardingadeadperson'sashesonlyat Patalpuri(atKiratpurSahib,nearAnandpurSahibinPanjab).Somepeoplemayneverhavevisited AnandpurSahibduringtheirlifetimebuttheirashesarebroughtthere.Sucharitualisfutile.Itis notimportanttodiscardtheashesatPatalpuri.Anyriverwithrunningwaterwilldo.Theperson whohasbroughttheashestoGurdwaraSahibwilldefinitelybenefitbygoingintotheGurdwara andbowingbeforeGuruGranthSahibJi.Thedeadsoulwillonlybenefitfromthecharityand deedsdoneduringownlifetime.Gursikhsshouldaskthemselves,"HavenottheHinduritualscrept intoourwayofdoingthings?" SatguruJi(theTrueGuru)hasdenouncedallthesehypocriticalpracticesbutsomeSikhshavenot actedonGuruJi'swords.Likewise,therearepeoplewhosendmoneyforPaatths(complete readingofSriGuruGranthSahibJi),tobedoneintheirname.Theymaybenefitfromthecharity ofsendingmoney,buttheywillnotreceivethefullbenefitofthePaatth,becausetheydidnot listentothePaath. "AllYourSikhfollowerscometoworshipandadoreYou;theysingthesublimeBanioftheLord. TheirsingingandlisteningisapprovedbytheLord;whoaccepttheOrderoftheTrueGuruasTrue, totallyTrue."(SGGSp.669) SomeSikhsarrangeforPaathsathomebutnobodysitsdowntolisten.Theladiesarebusy preparinglangar(foodforthecongregation)inthekitchenanddonothavetimetolistentoBani (shortforGurbanimeaningtheGuru'sWord).IfyouhavenotlistenedtotheBani,howcanyou deriveanybenefitfromit?True,youwillbenefitfromtheserviceperformedduringandon completionofthePaatth(e.g.langarandlookingaftertheSangat,theholycongregation). However,thespiritualbenefitoflisteningtoGurbaniwillnotbereceived.Ifyouarrangefora PaatthathomethendolistentoGurbaniasmuchasyoucan.

Saraadh (Offeringoffood,clothesetc.toBrahminsforthebenefitofdeadancestors.) Duringthethirteendaysofsaraadh,foodisfirstfedtothecrows.Whenthedaysofsaraadh came,mymothermadeavarietyoffoodandplaceditonleaves.Shethenaskedmetotakethe foodtotherooftopandsitbesideit.Shealsogavemeastickandtoldmetofeedthisfoodonlyto crowsandnotallowotherbirdsnearit.OnlywhenthecrowshadeatenwouldIbeallowedtoeat myfood. Thebeliefis,thatbecausecrowshaveaverylonglife,iftheyeatthefoodfirst,thefoodwould reachthedeadancestors.Forthefirsttwodays,thecrowscamequicklytoeatthefoodbutonthe thirdday,nocrowscame.Thiswasbecausetherewasfoodavailabletothemoneveryrooftop.It startedgettinglate.Iwasgettinghungrysittingunderthehotsun.Iaskedmyself,"Howmuch longershouldIwait?Maybe,thecrowswon'tcomeatall!" Igottiredofwaitingandatethefoodmyself.Ithoughthowsuperstitiousthepeopleweretothink thatthefoodeatenbythecrowswouldreachthedeadancestors.Thedeadmayevenbedwelling inotherlifeforms.However,thecrows,dogsandotheranimalswerecertainlygettingtheirfilldue tothesesuperstitiousrituals.AsGurbanisays: "Whyoffercamphortoacrow?Whygivethesnakemilktodrink?"(SGGSp.481) "Hecameandhewent,andnow,evenhisnamehasdied.Afterheleft,foodwasofferedon leaves,andthebirdswerecalledtocomeandeat.ONanak,theselfwilledmanmukhs(see Glossary)lovethedarkness.WithouttheGuru,theworldisdrowning."(SGGSp.138) GuruNanakDevJisaysthatadeadpersonwillnotreceiveanythinginthismanner.Onlymisled peoplefollowsuchrituals.BhagatKabirJisays "Hedoesnothonourhisancestorswhiletheyarealive,butheholdsfeastsintheirhonourafter theyhavedied.Tellme,howcanhispoorancestorsreceivewhatthecrowsandthedogshave eatenup?"(SGGSp.332) Whiletheparentsarealive,peopledonottakecareofthemnorgivethemproperclothesand food.Theywishthattheirparentswoulddiequickly.Whenthishappens,theycarryonwiththese ritualsonlytopleasethepublic.Whatistheuseofsuchritualswhentheydonotbenefitthe dead?Onlythecrowsanddogseatthefood. DuniChand,aresidentofLahoreperformedsaraadheveryyear.Once,GuruNanakDevJiwasalso presentathisgathering.GuruJitoldDuniChand,"Yourfatherissittinghungryforthepastthree days.Hehasnotreceivedthebenefitofthisritual."DuniChandaskedGuruJiwherehisfather was.GuruJireplied,"Fivekoh(kohisaboutonemile)fromhere,heissittinginthejungleinthe formofawolf.Takesomefoodtohimanddon'tbefrightenedbecausewithyourarrivalhewill acquireahumanmindandeatthefood." DuniChandwentintothejungleandsawthewolfsittingimpatiently.Heplacedthefoodbefore thewolfanditacquiredthesenseofahuman.DuniChandasked,"Youwereanuprightandgood person,howdidyougetthelifeofawolf?"Hisfatherreplied,"IdidnothaveatrueGuru.Thatis

whythishashappenedtome.Whenmyendwasdrawingnear,ourneighbourswerecooking somemeatandIcouldsmellit.Iwantedtoeatthemeat,andbecausemymindwasthinkingof meatwhenIdied,Iwasrebornasawolf." ByreceivingthefoodfromDuniChand,hisfatherwasreleasedfromthelifecycleofawolf.Duni ChandreturnedhomeandbowedatthefeetofGuruJiandaskedforhisblessingthathispresent lifeandnextlifebereformed.GuruJiblessedhimwithNaam.

NaagPanchmi(SnakeWorship) Atayoungage,alongwithotherritualsIalsogottoknowaboutNaagPanchmi.Onthisday, peoplepraytotheSnakegod.Mymothergavemeasmallcoin,andtoldmetogototheshopto getapictureofNaagBhagwan,thesnakegod.Allthecopiesweresoldoutintheshops.Icame backandtoldmymother.Shewasupsetandsaid,"Goandlookforitagainandgetitfrom anywhereyoucan."Iwonderedwheretogetthepicturefrom. Thinkingaboutthis,Iwalkedouttotheshopsagain.Imetmyfriendwhoasked,"Mydearfellow, whydoyoulooksosad?"Ireplied,"MymotheraskedmetobuyapictureofNaagBhagwan,butit issoldoutintheshops.WherecanIgetitfrom?"Myfriendsaid,"Don'tworry.Theshopkeeper gavemetwobymistakeandyoucanhaveone." Ibroughtthepicturehomeandgaveittomymother.Thatday,mymotherpreparedmanydishes. SheplacedthefoodbeforethepictureofNaagDevta(deity)andprayedfortheprotectionand wellbeingofthefamily.Iwondered,"Howcanasnakefullofpoisonprotectanybody?"Iregarded thistobeasuperstitionalso.Whatpeacecanbeobtainedfromasnake? "Themindoftheselfwilledmanmukhisnotsoftened;hisconsciousnessistotallypollutedand stonehearted.Evenifthevenomoussnakeisfedonmilk,itshallstillbefilledwithpoison."(SGGS p.755) Itsohappenedthatsometimelaterthatday,asnakesuddenlyappearedfromnowhereandwe wereallfrightened.TheNaagBhagwanwewereprayingto,andfromwhomwewereaskingfor protection,wasnowthreateningourlives.Myfatherovercamehisfear,gotholdofastickand completedtheNaagPanchamiritualbycrushingthesnake'shead!Ilearntalessonfromthis incidentandfreedmymindfromsuchasuperstitiousbelief.

TheworshipofKaliMaaee(KaliMaaee:MotherorGoddessKali) Aboutfivemilesfromourvillage,thereisatempledevotedtotheworshipofgoddessKaliwherea carnivalisheldannually.Villagersgotogetherinprocessionstothistemple.Theyareledbyaflag bearercarryingtheblackflagofKaliandtheystopashortdistancefromthetemple.Toplease Kali,somepeoplepierceneedlesintotheirthroats.Thosewhohavesinnedbegforforgiveness fromKalibyhittingthemselvesontheirbackswithchains. Irecallonesaadhulyingonabedofsharpthornsinacarriage.Peoplewonderedwhythethorns werenotpiercinghim.ThesaadhusaidthathehadtheprotectionofKali.Thatiswhyhedidn't feelanypain.Thentherewasagroupofwomenfolkintheprocession.Thosewomenwhodidnot havebabies,eachcarriedaclaybabydoll.TheyprayedtoKalitograntthemchildren.Everyone wasshoutingloudly,"HailKaliMaaee!"TherewasanEnglishmantakingphotographsofthis strangeprocession.Hewasastonished.HeaskedanEnglishspeakingpersonwhatwasgoingon. ThepersonexplainedthatthepeopleweretryingtopleasetheGoddessKaliwiththeserituals. TheEnglishmanwasamazedhowpeopleweretorturingthemselves. Ialsostartedthinking,"InsteadofdoingsomegooddeedsorpraisingtheLord'sName,theyare performinguselessrituals."Regardingsuchsuperstitiousrituals,Gurbanisays: "Thereligiousrites,ritualsandhypocrisieswhichareseen,areplunderedbytheMessengerof Death,theultimatetaxcollector.InthestateofNirvaanaa,singtheKirtanoftheCreator'sPraises; contemplatingHiminmeditation,evenforaninstant,oneissaved."(SGGSp.747) WithouttheLord'sName,salvationcannotbeobtained.Itisextremelyimportanttomeditateon Naam.

ThebenefitofMathaTekan Mathatekanisaformofrespectwhentheforehead(matha)isbowedoreventouchedonthe groundinfrontofanyfigurecommandingrespecte.g.anelderlyperson,asaint,aguruoradiety. HoweverinSikhi(theSikhfaith),mathatekanisreservedonlyfortheTrueGuru(seeGlossaryfor mathatekna). Iwasabout15yearsold,whenonmywaytoschoolsomewomenandoldermenwouldsayto me,"PunditJi,Itouchyourfeet."Ifeltembarrassedandwonderedwhattheyachievedbysaying thistome.Oneday,Iaskedmyfather.Hereplied,"Wehavetakenbirthinahighcasteandpeople feelthatbyshowingrespecttoustheywouldbenefitalso.IntheHindutradition,itiscustomary forpeopletobowbeforeyogis,rishisandotherpeoplewhogiveupnormallifeandliveinthe jungles.Peopleoflowercastesalwaysinvitethepunditsforceremoniessuchasmarriagesand otherritualsandfeelhappywhentheymakedonationstous."Iasked,"WhatshouldIsaywhen theyshowmerespect?"Hereplied,"Say,'BeHappy'tothem."Iaskediftheywouldbenefitin anywayfromthisblessing.Fathersaid,"OnlyGodknowsiftheywouldgainanything.Allwewant isduerespect." Fatherwasverysurprisedtohearsuchquestionsandsaid,"Whydoyouasksuchquestions? Sometimesyouwanttoknowwhyweweartilakmarksonourforeheads,sometimesyouask aboutoursacredthread,sometimesyouaskwhyweshouldkeepabodi(sacredlockofhair).This isourfaith.Whydoyouquestionit?Youdon'tknowanythingaboutreligion.Whenyougrowup, you'llrealisehowgreattheHindufaithis."However,astothegreatnessofanyfaith,Gurbanisays "Ofallreligions,thebestreligionistochanttheNameoftheLordandmaintainhighestconduct." (SGGSp.266) InthisdarkageofKalyug(seeGlossary),theperfectGuruisSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Bypayingour respectsandbowingbeforeGuruJi,aperson'ssinsofmanybirthsarewashedoff.Whatbenefit canwegetbybowingtoahumanbeing?

Asceneofdeath TherewasamanbythenameofHiraNathinourvillage.Heneverdidanygooddeedsallhislife. Hispreoccupationwastogohuntingwithhisfriendsanddrinkingliquor.Hehuntedbirds,deer, wildboars,andchickens,andkilledandatethem.Hedranksomuchliquorthathiskidneyswere damaged.Whenhisenddrewnear,hewasingreatpainbuttheswas(breathoflife)wouldnot leavehisbody.Hewasshoutingandscreamingthatthedeerwerepiercinghimwiththeirhorns andthechickenwerepeckinghim.Hisconditionbecamethetalkofthevillage.Hearingaboutthis, Ialsowenttoseehim.WhenIheardhisscreaming,Ithoughttomyselfthatthatwastheresultof doingbaddeeds.Whatwouldhappentohissoul?Suchapersonwouldsurelyhavetosuffer throughthecycleof8.4millionlifeforms(seeGlossaryforchawrasilaakhjooni).Seeingthis terriblescene,Ibecameverysadanddidnotreturnhome. IwentstraighttoHardwar.IthoughtthatifIstayednearby,myparentswouldfindmeandsoon getmemarriedasIwasalready22yearsold.Twoproposalsformymarriagehadalreadybeen received.Onewasofthesamesubcaste(marriagewithinthesamesubcaste,asindicatedby familysurname,isforbiddenintheHindutradition)aswewereandunsuitableforthat reason,andtheotherwasfoundunsuitableforotherreasons.IthoughtthatifIsettleddownasa familyman,IwouldmoveawayfrommeditationontheLord'sName.Withthisinmind,Iwent directlytoHardwar.

PART2SEARCHFORTHETRUEGURU
InSikhithereisonlyOneTrueGuruwhoiscapableofbeingPerfect,andnoneother.Therefore, thePooraGuru(PerfectGuru)isthatOneTrueGururealisedthroughGurbani.Contemplationofa "perfectguru"evenatthisearlystagebyBhaiSahibJi,needstobeunderstoodintheSikhisense. HisspiritualdestinationwasalwaystheOneTrueGuru.

Nosalvationwithouttheperfect(True)Guru Hardwarisabout30milesfrommyvillage.AftertakingabathatHarKiPauri(Literallymeans "God'sstep"or"thesteptoGod".ThereisalsoaHarkiPauriatHarimandar(GoldenTemple), Amritsar)inHardwar,IproceededtoRishikesh,whichisregardedasthelandofsaints.IthoughtI wouldstayhereandmeditateon"HaarayRama".Iwentintoadensejungle,foundaquietspot andspentthedayreciting'HaarayRama,HaareRama'.Atnight,Iblindfoldedmyselfand continuedmeditationandsoonthefollowingday.Ididnotcareforhungerorthirst. Onthethirdday,whilemeditating,aninnervoicerepeatedlykeptsaying, 'Withouttheperfect(True)Guruthereisnosalvation.WithouttheperfectGuruthereisno salvation." Thisinnervoicebecameacontinuoushuminmymind.IthoughtIshouldlookfortheperfectGuru butwhereshouldIgo?IfIwenthome,myfatherwouldbeveryangry.ThenIrememberedmy uncle(father'sbrother)whoownedahotelinDelhi.Iwenttostaywithhimandalsostarted helpinginthehotelbusiness. Atthattime,IhadnoknowledgeoftheSikhfaithandneitherdidIknowabouttheconceptofthe TrueGuru.ItwasmydestinytobeunitedwiththeTrueGuruthroughinitiationintoSikhi.When thetimeisright,apersoncomesintothesharan(protectivepresence)oftheTrueGuru.Thehotel IwasworkinginwasinfrontofSisGanjSahibGurdwara.ButIhadnoknowledgeofSikhinordidI knowhowtopayrespectstoSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Ithoughtthatjustasthemosqueisonlyfor theMuslims,andtheMandar(Hindutemple)isonlyfortheHindus,theGurdwaramustalsobe onlyfortheSikhs.Now,havingembracedSikhi,IknowthatGurdwarasareopentoallreligions andanyonecangoinandpayrespectstotheGuru. Istartedhelpingmyuncleinthehotelandalsolearnedhowtocook.Therewerenewspapers availableforthegueststoreadatthehotel.Oneday,whilehavingmymealandglancingthrough anewspaper,Isawanadvertisementfromaseniorgovernmentofficial.Itread,"Ineedaperson whoisabletohandlepartyarrangementsandisalsowillingtotravelabroad."Itookdownthe addressandafterworkintheevening,Iwenttoseetheofficerwhohadplacedtheadvertisement. ItoldhimthatIwasinterestedintravellingandthatIwaspresentlyworkinginmyuncle'shotel whereIwasinchargeofcatering.Ialsohadcookingskills.Ileftmyaddresswithhim. Hehadashorttraveldeadlinetomeetandhecametoseemetheverynextday.Myunclehad goneoutoftownandIwasrunningthehotelonmyown.Iofferedthemansometea.Hewasvery impressedtoseemerunningthehotel.Hetookdownmydetailedparticularsandaskedforthree photographs.Ihadthephotosmadethenextdayandhearrangedformypassporttobemade withinaweek.

JourneytoIndonesia TheofficertoldmethatwewouldbeleavingforIndonesiaon20July,1957.Ididnotdiscussthis withanyone.Iwenttoseehimatthehotelwherehewasstaying.Hewasn'tthere,buthad alreadygivenmeasetofkeystohisroom.SoIwentinsideandwaitedforhisreturn. ThereweretwoSukhmaniSahibprayerbooksonthetable(SukhmaniSahibisaBaniinSriGuru GranthSahibJi.ItwascomposedbytheFifthGuru,GuruArjanDevJianditspopularityisdueto itssimplelanguageandsoothingmessageforthehumansoul.AfterGuruNanakDevJi'sJapJi Sahib,SukhmaniSahibmayberegardedasthenextcomprehensivestatementofSikhideology). OnewasinHindiandtheotherinGurmukhi.IstartedreadingtheHindiversionslowly.Ifeltasif thegooddeedsofmypreviouslifewerebeingrewardedandexperiencedgreatpeaceand satisfactionfromreadingtheSukhmaniSahib.AsIcompletedtheBani,theofficerwalkedin.He informedmethathehadboughttheprayerbooksforme.Incasehebecameill,hewantedmeto beabletoreadSukhmaniSahibtohim. HerecitedthisBanidaily.HesaidthatwhoeverrecitedthisBanireceivedmuchpeaceand contentment.Hecontinued,"Iwasformerlyateacher.Becauseoftheblessingfromcontinuously recitingtheSukhmaniSahib,I'venowbecomeanambassador." Sincewehadextraluggage,hesentmeaheadonaship.Hewastofollowbyair.Ihadnothingelse todo,soIstartedenjoyingtheblissofreadingSukhmaniSahib.Afterabout21days,Ireached Indonesia.Iwasgivenaroominaguesthouse. Oneday,asIwasreadingtheGurmukhiversionofSukhmaniSahib,mybosscameinandstood behindme.HewasverysurprisedtoseemerecitingGurbaniwithsuchdevotion.Hesaid,"I respectanyonewhorecitesSukhmaniSahib.Fromnowon,youarenotmyservantbutmyson. Wewilldopaatth(readingofBani)together.Youaretoinstructtheservantstodothe housework." Mybosshadadaughterandason.Thedaughterwasmarriedandtheson,whowastobe married,haddied.Mybossandhiswifewereverysad.WhenIstartedlivingwiththem,their mindsbecamepeaceful.Wepassedourdayshappily.IbegantoreadSukhmaniSahibdaily.One andahalfyearsofmylifepasseddoingdailyrecitationofSukhmaniSahiband"HaarayRama".I begantofeelmuchbliss.Mybosssaidtomeoneday,"ThereisajobvacancyintheIndian Embassy.Sinceyouhavetimeonyourhands,whydon'tyoutakethejob." ThejobrequiredmetopresentdocumentaryfilmsofIndia'sadvancementinthevarious industriesatmeetingsofofficersandindustrialists.Thisjobtookmetofamoushotelsandnight clubs.Ibegantodrawanevenhighersalary.Ithoughttomyself,"Ihaveonlyrecentlystarted doingthePaatthofSukhmaniSahibandIamalreadygettingsomuchhappinessandsuccess.I startedoutasaservantandnowIhavealreadybecomeaboss."Wehadtwocars.Onewasour ownandtheotherwasofficial.Wealsohadthreeservants,sotherewasnoneedformetodoany domesticwork.IbegantoreciteSukhmaniSahibmoreoftenthanonceaday.Yet,thewaysofthe worldbegantoaffectme.Thefiveevilvicesofkaam(lust),krodh(anger),lobh(greed),moh (attachment)andahankar(ego)donotallowapersontodomeditation.Ofthese,kaam(lust)is themostoverpowering.Itbotheredmemost.

AsIstartedgoingtothenightclubs,mymindstartedgettingsoiled.Istartedengagingin relationshipswithgirls.Itriedveryhardtostopmyselfbutwasunableto.TheblissIgotfrom recitingSukhmaniSahibslowlydecreased.Whenmybosswouldgototheparties,Iwouldtakea walkinthegardenandrecite'HaarayRama'.However,Ididnotgetasmuchspiritualcontentment asIdidbefore.Ithoughttomyself,"WhyamInotgettinganyblissfulcontentmentthesedays? Surely,Ihavecommittedsomesin."MymindbecamesosoiledthatIdidnotevenfeellikereciting asingleSukhmaniSahibPaatth.Yet,IusedtorecitemanyPaatthsinaday.Ithought,"Iamthe sameperson,theSukhmaniSahibisthesame;thenwhyismymindwanderinginalldirections?" Oneday,whilerecitingtheprayer,mymindpausedonaverse: "One,whoseeyesdonotgazeuponthebeautyofothers'wives,whoservestheHolyandloves theSaintly'Congregation."(SGGSp.274) IrealisedthatIhadmadeabigmistakebyindulginginimmoralrelationshipswithwomen.That waswhyIwasnotgettinganysatisfactionfromrecitingBanianymore.Iprayedrepeatedlytothe LordbutmywanderingmindwouldnotstayonGurbani.Thosewhogotonightclubs,discosand pubsareboundtogettheirmindssoiled.Thoseplacesarelikeroomsfullofsoot.Whoevergoes intosuchaplaceevenonce,isboundtocomeoutwithhisorherfaceandbodyblackened(Here, BhaiSahibispointingtothelastingspiritualandpsychologicaldamagedonebyimmorallivingand pornography.Thosewhoindulgein"nightlife"inthenameofmodernityareunwittinglydoing incalculabledamagetotheirspiritualwellbeingandfamilylife). OursixyeardutytourinIndonesiawasoveranditwastimetoreturntoIndia.Iwaslooking forwardtoseeingmyparentsagain.WhenIgothome,myparentswereveryhappytoseeme.In themorningwhenIrecitedSukhmaniSahib,mybrotheraskedmewhatIwasreading.Itoldhim thatitwasSukhmaniSahib,aprayercompiledbythefifthGuru,GuruArjanDevJi.Hearingthis,he gotveryangryandsaid,"YoushouldberecitingtheGitaortheRamayan!"Iwassadthatmy brothercouldnotunderstandthatthisBanigavepeaceandbliss.OnlyIknewhowmuch happinessIhadderivedfromrecitingit.Insteadofamereservant,Ihadbecometheboss.Money wasneveraproblemforme.Afterreceivingsomanyboons,howcouldIgiveuprecitingthisBani. ApersonofanyfaithcanreadSukhmaniSahib.ThepowerofthisBaniissogreatthatthereader orthelistenerovercomesallpainanddistress.Mybossusedtotellmetruestoriesrelatingto SukhmaniSahibafterourdailyrecitaloftheprayer.

TherewardofthePaatthofSukhmaniSahib. (i) TherewasonceaMuslimfamilydeepindebt.Themoneylenderwoulddailyharassthemtopay up.Oneday,ingreatdistress,theMuslimleftthehousewithhisfamily.Afterwalkingforsome time,hesawaGurdwaraSahib.Hethought,"MaybeIcangetsomethingtoeatfromhere."He waswithhiswifeandbaby.HewentinandtoldtheGranthiSingh(Sikhpriest)inchargethathis childwasveryhungry(Agranthimaybedescribedasa"Sikhpriest"butitmustberemembered thatthereisnoordainedpriesthoodinSikhi.Thismeansthatthisisnotaprofessionandany GursikhmanorwomancandopaatthofSriGuruGranthSahibandperformanyreligious ceremony.ThisisanimportantSikhprincipleasGuruNanakDevJispokestronglyagainstthe priesthoodwhichexploitedpeopleandspreadsuperstitionforselfishreasons.Unfortunately,this iswhatgoesoninmanySikhGurdwarasalsoandasizeable"Sikhpriesthood"classhascomeinto being). ThecompassionateGranthiJigavethechildsomemilkandfoodtotheparents.Afterthemeal, themanrelatedhissadstory.Hewasverypoor,inheavydebtandwasinsearchofajob.Granthi Jiassuredhim,"YouhavecometotheHouseofGuruNanak.Here,thosewithouthopegethope andthosewithoutrespectgetrespect.HowmuchrespectdoyouhaveforGuruNanak?" "IhavemuchrespectforGuruNanak,"themanreplied."MyparentsalsohadfaithinGuru Nanak."TheGranthiSinghaskedhimifhewouldfollowtheWordofGuruNanak.Themansaid,"I willfollowwhateveryousay.Iamgratefultoyouforprovidingmewithameal." NextmorningduringAmritvelai.e.beforesunrise,theGranthiJitoldtheman,"Sitherecloseto me,whileyourwifeandchildareresting.IamgoingtoreciteSukhmaniSahibandyoulistentoit." SinghSahib(i.e.GranthiJi)startedtheprayer.AfterhearingittheMuslimmansaid,"Ifeltalotof peacebylisteningtothisprayer.Pleaseteachmehowtoreciteit."TheGranthiSahibtoldhim, "Untilyoufindajob,youcanstayhereandhelpout.Atthesametimeyoucanlearntoread SukhmaniSahib."Thefamilyweregivenaroomtostayin. Oneday,itsohappened,thataSikharmyofficercametopayrespectstoGuruMaharaj(King)at theGurdwaraSahib.HetoldtheGranthiSahib,"Ihaveapieceofuntitledlandadjoiningthe GurdwaraIamlookingforsomeonetofarmthislandforme."TheGranthiSinghthanked Wahegurusayingthat,"Whoevercomestoyourdoornevergoesbackempty."Hethenturnedto thearmyofficerandreplied,"Ihaveapersonwithmewhowillfarmyourlandandtakegoodcare ofit."GranthiJicalledtheMusalmaan(Muslim)brotherandtoldhimthegoodnews.Theman wasveryhappythatGuruNanakhadlistenedtohisprayers.Hestartedcultivatingtheland.While ploughingtheland,hewouldrecitetheversesofSukhmaniSahibonebyone. "Recite(Waheguru'sName)andthroughcontinualremembrance(ofHisNamereceiveHis benedictionand)behappy."(SGGSp.262) AsGranthiJitaughthim,soherememberedandrecitedSukhmaniSahib.Whiledoingthepaatth, thedaywouldpasseasilyandhewouldnotevenfeeltiredafterwork.Afteralotofhardwork,the cropsflourished.Itsohappenedthatovertime,thecropdoubled,andthentripled.Whenthe militaryofficerreturned,hewassurprisedtoseethecropsgrowingsowell.HeaskedtheMuslim brother,"Whatmiraclehastakenplacehere?"Thelatterreplied,"GranthiJitaughtmetodo

SukhmaniSahibPaatthandIreciteitthewholedaywhileploughingthefields.Thisisthemiracle ofSukhmaniSahib."Theofficerwasveryhappytohearthisandsaid,"Ihavewastedmyentirelife. Now,ItoowillstartdoingGurbanipaatth."Andso,healsostartedrecitingtheSukhmaniSahib. (ii) ThereweretwofriendsfromMadrasworkinginanoffice.OneofthemmovedtoBombayon promotion.HeinvitedhisfriendinMadrastoBombayforholidays.Inhisletterofinvitation,he wrotehisaddressandtelephonenumber.Readingtheletter,thefriendinMadrasandhisfamily wereveryhappyandrepliedbypostsayingthattheywouldbearrivinginBombayonsuchand suchadateetc.andaskedtobepickedupfromtherailwaystation. Onthedayoftheirarrival,thefriendinBombaywenttothestationtopickthemupbutthetrain wasgoingtobedelayedfortwohoursormore.Hedecidedtogohomethinkingthat,afterall,his friendhadhisaddressandtelephonenumberandwouldsurely'phonehimonarrival. Twohourslaterthetrainarrived.Thestationwasverycrowded.Thefamilygotoffthetrainand lookedaroundthestationfortheirfriendbuthewasnowheretobeseen.Thewifesaid,"Never mind.Letus'phonehim."Themansearchedhispocketstogetthetelephonenumberandrealised thathehadbeenpickpocketed.Hiswalletwasmissingandsowastheaddressslipinsideit.The entirefamilywasindistressandwonderedwheretogo.Theydidnotevenhavemoneylefttostay overnightinahotel. Afterthinkingforsometime,theydecidedtogotoachurchtopassthenight.Theytookataxito thenearestchurchandrangthedoorbell.Thepastorcametothedoorandinquiredwhytheyhad rungthebell.Themanreplied,"IamaChristian.IhavecomefromMadrasanduponarrivalin Bombay,Iwaspickpocketed.Mymoneyandmyfriend'saddresshavebeenstolen.Iwashoping tospendthenightinthechurch."Thepastorwonderedaboutthemthinkingtohimself,"Idon't knowwhothesepeopleare.Whatiftheyarethieves?"Hereplied,"Thereisnoplacehereforyou tostay.Pleasegotosomehotel,"andheshutthedoor. Themanwasreallyworriednowandwonderedwhattodonext.Hetoldtheirtaxidrivertotake themtosomeHindutemple.Theyrangthedoorbellatatemple.Thetemplepriestgotupand cametothedoor.Itwasquitelatealreadyandthepriestaskedangrily,"Whydidyouwakeme up?"Themanexplainedhissituationandthatthefamilyneededaplacetospendthenight.The priestreplied,"Thereisnoplaceforyoutostayhere."Hearingthis,themanfeltevenmore desperate. ThetaxidriverwasaSikh.Hesuggested,"LetmetakeyoutomyGurdwara.Maybethereyou'llget aplacetostaythenight."ItwasalreadyverylatewhentheyreachedtheGurdwara.Theyrangthe doorbell.TheGranthiJicametothedoorandthemanrelatedhisstory,andaskedforaplaceto passthenight.GranthiJirepliedwarmly,"Youarewelcome.Youwillgetaplacetostayandfood toeat."Theman'swifehadsomemoneywithher.Shepaidthetaxidriverandthankedhimfor bringingthemtoagoodplace.GranthiJitoldhiswifetoprepareamealforthem.Afterdinner, shealsogavethemsomewarmmilktodrink.Thefamilyfeltrelievedandsafe. AtAmritvela(earlymorning),GranthiJirecitedSukhmaniSahib.ThemanfromMadrasfelt comfortedbylisteningtoGurbani.HeaskedtheGranthiJiwhathewasreading.GranthiJireplied, "Thisistheprayerwhichgivespeacetothemind,SukhmaniSahib."Themanasked,"Doyouhave anEnglishversion.IfeellikereadingittoobutIcanonlyreadEnglish."GranthiJireplied,"Ihave

anEnglishversionwhichIcangiveyou,butitisforbiddeninourreligionforsomeonetohandle theprayerbookwhiledrinkingliquororsmokingcigarettes."Themangavehisassurancethathe didnotsmokeordrink. ThesecretaryoftheGurdwaracame.TheGranthirelatedthefamily'sdifficultytohim.The secretarywasakindheartedman.Hereassuredthem,saying"Wewillbuyyoureturnticketsfrom theGurdwarafundandwhenyoureturntoMadras,youmayrepaythemoneyifyouwish."When thefamilyreturnedtoMadras,themansentbackthemoneytotheGurdwara.Healsowrotethat hewasreadingSukhmaniSahibeveryday.Aftersometime,hereceivedajobpromotionandsent somemoneytotheGurdwara'sLangar(holycommunitykitchenopentoallwithoutdistinction). (iii) TherelivedarichmaninLudhiana.Hehadaservantgirl.Whentheladyofthehouserecited SukhmaniSahib,theservantgirlalsolistenedtoit.Shewouldsitneartheladyandlistento Gurbaniwhileironingclothes.Althoughthegirlwasuneducated,hermindbecamepeacefulwhen shelistenedtotheprayers.Theladythought,"Thisgirlisreachingmaturity.Soonitwillbetime forhertogetmarried.Shewillbeneedingsomemoneyforhermarriage."So,sheincreasedthe girl'ssalaryputtingtheextraamountinabank.Whenitwastimeforthewedding,theladywent tomeetthegirl'sfatherandhandedoverthegirl'ssavingstohim.Shesaid,"Ilikedyourdaughter andincreasedhersalarysothatshecoulduseitforherwedding."Thegirl'sfatherwasveryhappy andthankedthelady.Theladyreplied,"YourdaughterlistenedtotheSukhmaniSahibPaatth daily.Thisistheblessingoftheprayer."

InsearchoftheTrueGuru Afterrememberingalltheseincidents,IthoughtthatwhileIcouldpartwithmyownbrother,I couldnotdowithoutrecitingSukhmaniSahib.Iwasunhappyandfeltlikegoingtosomequiet placetodosimran(shortforNaamsimran:meditativerecitationofGod'sName).Iwenttomy motherandsaid,"Youhavetwosonsandtwodaughters.Ifanythinghappenstooneofthem,you havetoacceptGod'swill." Hearingthis,mymothertookmeinherarmsamwebothwept.SheknewthatIwantedtoleave.I said,"TheNaamyoutaughtmetoreciteduringmychildhoodisnowinmyheartandsoul.NowI onlyfeellikecontinuingwholeheartedlywiththerecitationofNaam."Mymothersaid,"Iknow thatitiswritteninyourfatetoreciteNaam.Whenyoumeditate,wewillbenefitalso." Inextwenttomyfatherandalsotoldhimaboutmydesiretomeditate.Whenheheardthis,he tookoutmybirthchartandstartedreadingit(thisisthejanamkundliorjanumpathwhich foretellsone'scourseinlife.Itispreparedbypunditsonthebasisofone'sdateandtimeand otherdetailsrelatingtoone'sbirth.WhilesomeSikhsindulgeinsuchpracticestheyhaveno validityinapracticallifeideologylikeSikhiwhichbelievesinudham(effort),ghaal(sustained efforttoliveanuprightlifeofNaamsimranandsewa)andnadar(Waheguru'sunpredictable benevolencewhichunitesthewanderingsoulwiththeUltimateReality)). ItwaswrittenthatIwasgoingtostartmeditatingfromaveryyoungage.WhenIgrewup,Iwould visitmanycountries.Myfathersaid,"Ifthisiswritteninyourfate,Ishallnottrytostopyou'I huggedmyfatherandtoldhim"OtherthanrepeatingtheLord'sName,Ihavelostinterestin everythingelse." Whengoingtobedthatnight,Ithoughttomyself,"Ishouldobtaingurmantar(guru'smystical blessing)fromagreatsoulandsitinsomequietplacetodosimran."Thenextmorning,Itooka bustoDelhi.WhenIreachedDelhi,Ithought,"Imightmeetsomebodyherewhowouldrecognise me,mymoh(attachment)mayberekindled.Imightstartmissingmyfamily,giveupmymission andgohome.ItransferredtoatrainthatwasgoingtoBombay.AsIsatinthetrain,Ikeptthinking ofmyhome.IwonderedwhereIwasgoing,leavingmyparents,brotherandsisters.Ihadno destinationandnoabode.Soonitwasnightand,tiredasIwas,Ifellasleep. Inmydream,someonesaidtome,"Yourattachmentsareduetopastdeedsandoneday,you havetopart.TheLord'sNameiswritteninyourdestiny.Theplacewhereyouaregoingwillbe goodforyou." WhenIarrivedinBombay,Istayedinahotelforonenight.Idecidedtolookforcheaper accommodation.Fromthenewspaperadvertisements,IfoundaroominPanjabiColony.Ithought tomyself,"Mysoulhasbecomeverysoiled.Withoutmeditationitisnotgoingtogetcleansed."I recitedSukhmaniSahibdailyandspentalotoftimedoingsimran.Mymindwasfullofbairag (spirituallonelinessseealsoGlossary)andwhiledoingsimranformanyhours,Iusedtowonder whenIwouldmeettheperfectguru.Ibeganmysearch. FirstIwenttoachurch.Everyonewassittingonchairs.Isatdowntoo.Onemangotupandreada poemaboutJesus."BelovedJesus,youaretheKingofthewholeworld,thewholeworldknows you."

Ididnotfindpeaceatthisplace.IntheHindufaith,peopletakeofftheirshoesandsitonthefloor whentheypray.Ididn'tlikeitatthechurchbecauseeverybodywassittingonchairswiththeir shoeson.Idecidedtogobackhome.Thenextday,IwenttotheMandar(Hindutemple).There wasaladies'satsang(congregation)inprogress.Afewmenwerepresent,also.Theladieswere singingafolksonginpraiseofBhagwanKrishan. "Goawaytheblackclouds.Don'traininmycity.Mylordhasgonetoforeignlands..." IwashopingtomeetasainttherebutIwasdisappointed.Whentheprogrammeendedthepriest gaveeachofustwotulsi(basil)leavesasprasaad(sacrament).IntheHindufaith,tulsiis consideredverysacred.Myaimtofindatrueguruwasnotfulfilledthereeither.Iwasverysad.I hadnotfoundatrueguruandthoughtofgoingtoHardwar.Meanwhile,Icontinuedtomeditate.I usedtogotoaparktodosimran.Twotothreemonthspassedinthismanner.Whilemeditating Kalyug(worldlydistractionsattributedtotheAgeofKalyugseeyugintheGlossary)started disturbingme.Mymindstartedtowander.IprayedtotheLord,"IhavegivenupeverythingbutI amstillgettingbaddreams.WhenwillIbefreedfromsins?"TheLordheardmyprayer.Therewas aGurdwaraonthewaytothepark. "ThelovingdesiretomeetmyBelovedhasarisenwithinmymind.ItouchHisFeet,andoffermy prayertoHim.IfonlyIhadthegreatgoodfortunetomeettheSaint."(SGGSp.204) IthadnotoccurredtomethatpeopleofallfaithscouldgototheGurdwara.Isawpeoplegoing intotheGurdwaraformathatekan(payingrespectsseeGlossary)toSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Somewerecomingoutafterpayingtheirrespects.Thosewhohadshorthaircoveredtheirheads withhandkerchiefs.Iaskedthem,"CanIgoinsidetoo?"Theyreplied,"Ifyouhaveahandkerchief withyou,youcancoveryourheadandgoinside."Icoveredmyheadwithahandkerchiefand wentinsidetopaymyrespects.WhenperformingmathatekanbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi,I feltsomedivineforceonmyheadandcouldnotliftitupforsometime.Afterawhile,Igotupand satwiththeSangat(holyCongregation).IfeltasthoughIhadfinallycomehome. Itwasevening.TheGranthiSinghstartedrecitingtheBaniofRehraasSahib.Itwasfollowedby kirtan(devotionalsingingofGurbanitotheaccompanimentofmusicalinstruments)donebya raagijatha(groupofprofessionalGurbanisingers).Listeningtothewords,mymindbecamevery calm.Asewadar(anyonewhoisserving)whosawmesittingverystill,thoughtthatIwassleeping andrequestedmetocomeoutsidetohavesometea.HethenadvisedmethatwheneverIcome totheGurdwara,Ishouldsitattentively.WhenIwentbackintotheGurdwara,aGurbanikatha (sermonexplainingthemeaningofGurbani)wasinprogress.TheGianiJi(titleofrespectfora learnedperson)saidthatintheageofKalyug(seeGlossary),thePerfectGuruwasSriGuruGranth SahibJi.Hearingthis,IwasfilledwithjoythatmysearchforthePerfectGuruwasover;thatIhad atlastfoundtheGuruIhadbeenlookingforandmyinnermostdesirehadbeenfulfilled.I returnedhome. ThatnightIdreamtthatthejamdoots(anglesofdeath)weretakingmysoulawaytosome destination(Jamdootsarethedoots(envoysormessengers)ofJamrajorDharamraj,themythical judgewhoholdshiscourtattheentrytothenextworld,thehereafter.Dharamrajpasses jugdementonthesoulsleavingthisworldlyexistence.Sojamdootsrepresentdeathandarethe darkangelsofdeathi.e.Dharamraj.TheydothebiddingofDharamrajandalsopunishsouls.A farishtaontheotherhand,incommonlanguageisawhiteangelofgod.Thewordisalsousedfor apersonwhodoesgood).

Ontheway,Isawothersoulsbeingtakenawaytoo.Theywerebeingtorturedbythejamdoots. Wewereinalonglinewithmanysoulsinfrontofmeandmanyfollowingbehind.However,my soulwasnotbeingtorturedbecauseIhadrecitedGod'sName. Wherethereisnomother,father,children,friendsorbrothers,Omymind,there,onlytheNaam, theNameoftheLord,shallbewithyouasyourhelpandsupport.Wherethegreatandterrible MessengerofDeathshalltrytocrushyou,there,onlytheNaamshallgoalongwithyou.(SGGSp. 264) Aswewalkedalong,wepassedbyaverydarkarea.Inthisdarkness,wesawsomeveryfrightful scenes.Theyweresoterrifyingthatapersoncouldeasilyfaintfromfright. "Wherethepathisdifficultandthestreetisnarrow,theretheLordshallliberateyou."(SGGSp. 996) Aswewentfurtherwecametoanextremelyhotplace.Itfeltasiftherewasfireburningunder ourfeet.Thentherewasahill,whichwewereorderedtoclimb.Those,whosesoulsweresoiled, founditverydifficulttoclimbthishill.Thejamdootsbeatthemandforcedthemtoclimbthehill. Thosewithpuresoulsclimbedthehillveryeasily.AccordingtotheHindufaith,ittakesoneyear forthesoultoreachthecourtofthejudgeDharamraj.Mysoulwastravellingataveryfastspeed. Alongtheway,Isawallthesescenesbuttheydidnotaffectmysouldirectly. Ontheothersideofthehill,wasthecourtofDharamrajwherethegoodandbaddeedsdonein one'slifearejudged,andrewardorpunishmentmetedoutaccordingly.Likethemodern computerwhichenablesimmediateaccesstoinformation,Dharamrajtooisabletolookup accountsofpeople'sdeedsinstantly.Therewasaladystandinginthelinenexttomine.Dharamraj saidtoher,"Youhaveservedsaintlypeople.Therearemanypotsofmilkandavarietyoffoodfor you.Although,youhavedonegooddeeds,youdidnotmeditateontheLord'sName.Youwillbe rebornahumanbeing.ThistimebesuretomeditateontheLord'sNameandobtainsalvation." Anotherperson'sturncamebeforemine. Dharamrajsaid,"Althoughyouweregivenachanceasahumanbeing,youdidn'tdoanygood deeds.Youwastedyourlifedoingevildeeds."Hetoldthejamdoots,"Sendthissoultohelland throwitbackintothecycleofchawrasilakhjoon(8.4millionlifeforms)." Nextitwasmyturn(ItneedstoberememberedthatBhaiSahibJiisrecitingownexperienceata certaintimeinhislifebasedonhisbeliefatthetime).Dharamrajsaidtome,"Youhaverecitcd BaniandmeditatedontheLord'sName,butyourmindissoiledfromthesinsinthislife.Youhave tobesentencedforthis.Thejamdootstookmetoaplacewherehumansoulswerepunishedfor theirbaddeeds.Theplaceresembledanimmigrationareaattheairportwherepeoplewith differentpassportslineupindifferentlanes.Here,therewasaseparatelineforeachbaddeed. Therewasasignboarddisplayedoneverylane.Foralustfulperson,therewasadoortoafire chamber.Nextwasadoorwayforthosewhohadlistenedtootherpeople'sgossip.Theywere punishedbyhavingredhotliquidironpouredintotheirears.Liarshadtheirtonguescutoff. Thieveshadtheirhandscutoff.IcouldseetheseterrifyingscenesfromwhereIwasstanding. Therewasstillalonglineinfrontofme. Thenthejamdootsbroughtmeinfrontofthefiredoorwayandcommandedmetogoinside.Iwas terrified.TheysaidthatifIdidnotgoin,theywouldbeatmyheadwithaheavyclub.Theypushed

mein.Itwasamostdreadfulplacelikeabigpond.Manypeopleweresufferingthereand screaminginagony.Nothingbutcriesofanguishcouldbeheard.Nobodycouldthinkoffoodor water.Thewaterinthepondwasboilinglikeavolcanoandsmallcreatureswerestingingpeople. Thewholenightpassedinthisdream.WhenitwastimeformetogetuptodomyPaatthof SukhmaniSahib,mysoulreturnedfromhellintomybodyasIchanted,"AadGuraynameh,jugad Guraynameh...."thefirstlineofSukhmaniSahibBani,"IbowtotheGreatest(Waheguru)Whois thesourceofall;IbowtotheGuruWhoisthroughtheages. WhenIopenedmyeyes,IwassweatingandIhadmarksofinsectstingsallovermybody.Atthis pointIthankedGuruArjanDevJiamilliontimesfortheBaniofSukhmaniSahibandstartedcrying profusely.Ikeptrepeating,"Dhan(Praisebeto)GuruArjanDevJi!DhanGuruArjanDevJi!"and thankedGodforblessingmeandsavingmefromhell. Itisawellknowntruththatrecommendationofaninfluentialpersonworksinourworldlyaffairs. Ifapersonisjailedandahighrankingofficercallsinaskingfortheperson'srelease,thepersonis freed.Thesameisverytrueinourspirituallife.GuruArjanDevJiMaharaj(GreatKing)helpedme outofhell.Ithoughttomyself,"O'lustfulman!Foramomentofsexualpleasure,seehowmuch youhadtosuffer." "Osexualdesire,youleadthemortalstohell;youmakethemwanderinreincarnationthrough countlessspecies.Youcheattheconsciousness,andpervadethethreeworlds.Youdestroy meditation,penanceandvirtue.Butyougiveonlyshallowpleasure,whileyoumakethemortals weakandunsteady;youpervadethehighandthelow.YourfearisdispelledintheSaadhSangat, theCompanyoftheHoly,ONanak,throughtheProtectionandSupportoftheLord"(SGGSp. 1358)

Sinnerssinandsufferinagony "Thesinners(commitsinfulacts),andgeneratebadkarma(sowtheseedsofpunishment),and thentheyweepandwail.ONanak,justasthechurningstickchurnsthebutter,sodoesthe RighteousJudgeofDharmachurnthem."(SGGSp.1425) Thisshabad(hymn)appearsinthelastfewsaloks(stanzas)ofpage1425ofSriGuruGranthSahib Ji.MaharajJiseemstoberemindingus,"Ohumanbeing,ifyouhavenotrealisedthistruthinthe last1424pagesofGuruGranthSahibJi,thenyouarebeingremindedagain." Inthisworldsinnershappilycommitsinsbutwhentheydie,theycryoutinanguish,"Hai,hai"as theypassthroughterrifyingpathsandseeterrifyingjamdoots(darkangelsofdeath)ontheirway totheotherworld.GuruJisays,thatjustasaturningchurnbeatscurd(toseparatebutter),so Dharamraj,throughhisjamdoots,torturesandpunishesthesinnersinhell.Itisfrightfulenoughto seethesetortures,letalonegothroughthem. O'humanbeing!Youpreoccupyyourselfsatisfyingyourworldlyneeds.Hourly,youdemandacup oftea.Youeatseveraltimesaday.Youspendmanyhourswatchingtelevision.Everymorning,you mustreadthenewspapers.Ifsomeneighbourscomevisiting,youendupgossiping.Thisishow yourdaypasses.Everypersonhascomeintothisworldforashorttime.Theinevitablereturnto theGod'scourtisforgotten.Thereisnoenthusiasmtodogooddeeds. "Makingallsortsofefforts,theywanderaround;buttheydonotmakeevenoneeffort.ONanak, howrarearethosewhounderstandtheeffortwhichsavestheworld."(SGGSp.965) Youarenotperformingthetaskforwhichyoucameandwasteyourwholedayinmaterialistic pursuits. "Ohumanbeing,meditateontheLord,aslongasthereisbreathinyourbody."(SGGSp.724) YouhavecomeintothisworldforthesolepurposeofmeditatingontheLord'sName. "Omortal,youcameheretoearnaprofit.Whatuselessactivitiesareyouattachedto?Yourlife nightiscomingtoitsend."(SGGSp.43) SatguruJi(theTrueGuru)saysthatyouhavecometothisworldtoreapthefruitoftheTrue Namebutyouarewastingyourpreciouslifeinworldlypursuits. "Fareed,thehoursofthedayarelostwanderingaround,andthehoursofthenightarelostin sleep.Godwillcallforyouraccount,andaskyouwhyyoucameintothisworld."(SGGSp.1379) BhagatFaridsaysthat,"Ohumanbeing,youwastehalfoftheday/nightcycle(i.e.halfoftwenty fourhours)doingyourhouseholdchoresandtheotherhalfsleeping.Youhavenotmeditatedon God'sName.Whenyoudie,Dharamrajwillaskforanaccountofyourdeeds.Whatreplywillyou givethen?" MeditateontheNameofGodandmakeyourlifesuccessful.Saveyourself!Saveyourselffromthe tortureofjamdootswhichisverysevereindeed.Gurbanibearswitnesstothesufferingofthesoul

followingawastedlife.The(lifeanddeath)oceanoffearcanonlybecrossedinthecompanyof theSaadhSangat(HolyCongregation). Ihavehadpersonalexperienceofhowalustfulpersonistorturedinthathorriblenightmare.A personisfirsttakenthroughagateoffireandthrownintothepitofhellwherethewaterisboiling allthetime. Whenthesoulreachesthere,itrepentsforit'sevildeeds.Thereisnofoodorwaterserved.Onall foursides,onecanhearthewailingof"hai!hai!"Ifsomeoneasksforwater,heisfirstaskedbythe jamdootsforwhichgooddeeddoneduringhislifetimeheshouldbegivenwater.Ifhehasnoneto hiscredit,thennowaterisgiven.Therefore,Ohumanbeing,fortheremainderofyourlife,useit forsimranandcharity,becausewhenyoudie,onlyNaamsimran(seeGlossary)willbeofanyhelp toyou.Reapthebenefitofthehumanform.Ifyouendupinthecycleof8.4millionlifeforms,you donotknowwhenyouwillgetahumanbirthagain.Now,thatyouhavebeengivenahuman body,youshouldmakegooduseofit.Ifyouhavenotstarteddoingsimran,itisstillnottoolate foryoutomakeastart.BhagatKabirJisaysinthefollowingshabad: "MeditateinremembranceontheLord,orelseyouwillregretitintheend,Omind.Osinfulsoul, youactingreed,buttodayortomorrow,youwillhavetogetupandleave.||1||Pause|| Clingingtogreed,youhavewastedyourlife,deludedinthedoubtofMaya(seeGlossary).Donot takeprideinyourwealthandyouth;youshallcrumbleapartlikedrypaper.||1||Whenthe MessengerofDeathcomesandgrabsyoubythehair,andknocksyoudown,onthatday,youshall bepowerless.YoudonotremembertheLord,orvibrateuponHiminmeditation,andyoudonot practisecompassion;youshallbebeatenonyourface.||2||WhentheRighteousJudgeof Dharam(RighteousConduct)callsforyouraccount,whatfacewillyoushowHimthen?SaysKabir, listen,OSaints:intheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly,youshallbesaved.||3|| (SGGSp.1106) InashabadinSriDasamGranthSahib,(RoopkaurPrathaiPatshahi10),GuruGobindSinghJi repeatedhisfather'sadvicetohimforbiddingextramaritalrelationshipswithwomen.Aman shoulddailygetclosertohisownlifepartnerandnever,eveninadream,thinkaboutsleeping withanotherwoman. ManyexamplesfromIndianlorearegivenillustratingclearlythatnothingbutgriefresultsfrom extramaritalaffairs. "Themindofthefaithlesscynicislikeacrazyelephant.Itwandersaroundtheforest,distractedby attachmenttoMaya(seeGlossary)."(SGGSp.415) Theteachinginthisshabadisthatthewanderingmindshouldbecontrolledasahorseiskeptin checkbythereigns,andsensesshouldbecontrolledasthesaddleonahorseissecuredinplace. Fromthatdayonwards,IstartedgoingtotheGurdwaradaily.ThereweretwoGurdwarasnearthe vicinityofmyhouse.Oneday,IwenttotheotherGurdwara.AfterthePaatthofRehraasSahib, kirtanwassung.Someonehaddonethesewa(arrangement)oflangar(Gurdwarafood)thatday. TheSecretaryrequestedeveryonetohavelangarbeforeleaving.Isatdowninthepangat(non discriminatorylineinthelangarareaforeatingfood).Thepersonservinglangarwasscrutinizing everybodytoseeifanyonehadcomebackforasecondroundoflangar.Isaidtosomeone,"That personisdoingsewa,butheislookingatussternly."Justthen,apooroldladycameandsatinthe

pangat.Sheaskedforametalplateforfood.Thepersonservingthefoodscoldedher,"Youbad woman!Youhavecometoeatforthesecondtime!Ishallnotgiveyoufoodtwice!" Seeingtheactionofthatman,IrealizedthatGurbanihadnoeffectonhimatall. "Kabir,whatcantheTrueGurudo,whenHisSikhsareatfault?TheblinddonottakeinanyofHis Teachings;itisasuselessasblowingintobamboo."(SGGSp.1372) HumilityandcourtesyarethepillarsofSikhibutthismanlackedboththesevirtues.Hisharsh wordsaffectedmebutGuru'sBaniwhichhadpierceddeeplyintomyheart,remindedme(as above)thatIwastobecometheSikhoftheGuruandnottheSikhofanotherSikh,hence,Bhai SahibJiisremindingusherethatwearetobecometheSikhsoftheOneandOnlyTrueGuru throughHisBani(GuruBani)andnevertheSikhsofanotherGurbhaiSikh,nomatterhow accomplished.ThispointneedsstressinginviewoftheglobalspreadofSikhgurudoms.Thisman willreapwhatheissowing.

ScenesofHell:ThesepicturesaredisplayedataSingaporemuseum(HawParVilla).Thescenesof HellresemblethosewhichBhaiRamaSinghsawinhisdreamlikevision.

BhaiRamaSinghinPariswithDalia,beforeembracingSikhismandbeforeGuruSahibJispartakh Darshan(divinesight).

AndafterembracingGursikhiwhenDallywasleavingforIsrael.

 InEnglandafterthesecondAmritSanchaar(seeGlossary),thePanjPiaray(Fivebelovedonesin orangerobesfromrighttoleft)GianiAmolakSingh,BhaiMohinderSingh,BhaiRamaSingh,Bhai AvtarSinghandBhaiAmrikSingh

InVancouver(Canada)BhaiRamaSingh(left)canbeseenwithSantBabaSewaSinghJi,Bhai JoginderSinghandhisson,andGianiJi.

SinghSahibHarbhajanSinghYogipreachingSikhiinAmerica,andanAmericanSingh.

IntheWest,thewhitepeoplearealsoembracingSikhi.AmodelofSikhiparchaar(preaching),Bhai SukhdevSinghJiofMalaysiawithSinghsandSinghanisfromEnglandandAmerica.

FountainofAmrit,promotingkaarseva(varietyofservicesincludingconstructionprojects)atSri AnandpurSahib,SantBabaLabhSinghJiatDerby.Withhimfromlefttoright)S.RajinderSingh Purewal(ProprietorofPunjabTimes)andBibiJasvirKaurPurewal,BhaiRamaSingh,BhaiPakhar Singh,BabaLabhSinghJi,BhaiJagtarSingh,BhaiWaheguruSinghandBhaiMalkitSingh.

WhenSantBabaSheeshaSinghJi,whoispromotingKaarsewaatGurdwaraLangarSahib(Baba NidhanSinghJi)atSriNaded(Nanded)Sahib,cametoEnglandformakingasewacollection.(Left toright)BhaiAmarjitSingh,BabaSheeshaSinghJi,BhaiHarbansSinghandBhaiHarcharanSingh withthesangatatLondon.

Abovedoingkirtan:BhaiSukhdevSingh,BhaiHarbhajanSinghandBhaiDupinderSingh

BhaiPrithipalSinghandAmritpalSinghplayingGatkainItaly.

AsangatsceneinwhichBhaiSahibsSadhuSinghAtwal,PakharSinghandRandhirSinghAtwalcan beseen.

BhaiRamaSinghJidiscussingGurmatwithchildrenatachildrenscampatMakinduGurdwarain EastAfrica.OntheleftisBibiManjitKaur,ontheright,BhaiSatnamSingh(Southall)andchildren.

TheSinghsofNewYorkgreetingthejatha(group)fromEnglandatKennedyAirporttoattendthe GurmatCampatNewYork.Fromrighttoleft;BhaiRaghbirSingh,BhaiSohanSingh,BhaiJarnail Singh,BhaiPakharSingh,BhaiRajinderSinghPurewal.

 Sikhchildrenlivingindifferentcountriesarekeentolearnkirtan.Intheabovephoto, NottinghamsBhaiMalkitSinghsdaughterBibiMansunderKaur(Sundri)isplayingtabla(drums) withBhaiJiwanSinghJi.

Smallchildrendoingkirtan

InternationalAkhandKirtanSmaagamatGuruNanakGurdwara,Smethwick,Birmingham.

JourneytoEngland AshokKumarandIwereclassmates.HehadmigratedtoAfricawithhisparentsandlatergoneto Englandtopursuefurtherstudies.Wewroteletterstoeachother.Oneday,Ireceivedhisletter, invitingmetovisithiminEngland.Hesentmethenecessaryimmigrationpapersalso.Istarted makingpreparations. Ialreadyhadapassport,soIboughtatickettotravelbyshiptoEngland.TheshipleftBombayon 1January1964,andarrivedatTilbury,Englandon18January1964.Thejourneytook17daysand thesightoftheseaeverywherewasagreatexperience.Myfriendcametopickmeup.Whenwe reachedhishouse,IaskedhimiftherewasanyGurdwaranearby.Hesaidthathehadheardofa GurdwarainShepherdsBushbuthehadnotbeentheretoseeit.Itwasnottoofar.Iwas delighted.Igotmyfirstnitnemgutka(dailyprayerbook)fromthisGurdwara. AshokwasworkingintheIndianEmbassyinEngland.Hetoldmeofajobopeninginhisworkplace andaskedmetoapplyforthejob.Thenextday,IwenttoIndiaHouse.Ihadaletterof recommendationfromthePresidentofIndia.WhenIwasworkinginIndonesia,thePresidentof Indiahadcomeforatour.Theofficer,forwhomIwasworking,assignedmethejoboflooking afterthewellbeingofthePresidentduringhisstayinIndonesia.Hestayedforaweek,during whichIservedhimwell.Beforeleaving,hewrotemeacharacterreferenceinwhichhesaidthatI wasagoodandhonestworkerandthathewashappywithmyservice.Itookthisreferencealong formyinterview. ItoldtheinterviewingofficerthatIhadUcharacterreferenceletterfromthePresidentofIndia. WhileIcouldnotspeakfluentEnglish,Iwasabletoreadandwrite.Whenhesawmyreferral letter,hewasverypleasedandsaidpolitely,"ThereisnorealneedtospeakEnglishhereasallthe officersareIndians."Iwasgiventhejobandassignedlightduties.Ithoughttomyself,"Becauseof areferencefromaworldly"king"(i.e.thePresident),nobodyquestionedme.Ifapersonsingsthe gloriesoftheLord,thenhewillsurelyreceiverespectandbewelcomedinGod'scourt."Myfaith intheLordincreasedevenmore. Afterworkingfortwoorthreedays,Isaidtomyself,"YouareforgettingthemeditationonNaam. Whyhaveyougotyourselfentangledinworldlyaffairs?"Hearingmyheart'sprayer,WaheguruJi gavemeanopportunitytomeditateonhisName.SoontheHighCommissionerofIndiawas transferredtoIndia.Hishousewasnowvacant.MycolleagueandIweregiventhedutyoflooking afterit.Isawthisasanopportunitytospendmoretimedoingpaatthandsimran.Oneday,asI startedrecitingtheJapjiSahib,mythoughtswerefocusedontheopeningBasicPreceptof Gurbani,theMoolMantar;IkOangkar,Satnaam,KartaPurakh,Nirbhau,Nirvair,AkaalMoorat, Ajooni,Saibhang,Gurprasaad.(MoolMantar,SGGSp.1) InthewordingoftheMoolMantarabove,theGodasrevealedtoGuruNanakDevJiisdescribed as:ThepositivelyinfiniteOne ( I k indicatedbythenumerical1issymbolicofthepositivenature oftheGodBeing.GodisnotzeroorshunasinsomeotherIndiantraditions).SupremeSourceof allcreation(OangkarshownbythefirstletteroftheGurmukhialphabetooda,whichisleftopen endedatthetoptoindicatetheinfiniteandcreativenatureoftheGodBeing),theTruth(Sat),the UniversalSpiritorBeing(Naam),theCreatorBeing(KartaPurakh),theFearlessSovereignwhois withoutenmity(NirbhauNirvair),thePictureofEternalBeauty(AkaalMoorat),theUnbornand Selfexistent(AjooniSaibhang),theEnlightener(Gur),theBountiful(Prasaad).(GurPrasaadisalso interpretedas"(toberealised)throughtheGraceoftheGuru(Thisisaformofinterpretation

whichissometimesmisconstruedtopromoteintermediarygurus.InSikhitheGuruistheTrue Guru'sBaniandthroughBanitheUltimateTruthi.e.theGodBeingdescribedbyGuruNanakDevJi intheMoolMantar)."Translationoftheoriginalwordingcanneverbecertain,therefore,the originaldivinewordingmustbereadbySikhsandnonSikhstofeelthedeepermeaningknown onlytotheTrueGuruHimself. Ifeltlikerepeatingthisverseoverandoveragain.Ifeltthatthismustbesomekindofmantar (mysticalformula)anddecidedtorepeatitcontinuously.IrecitedtheMoolMantarforonehour andmymindbecamecalm.Itoldmycolleague,"Iwillcoveryourdutiesandyouarefreetogo whereveryouwant.Iwillalsocookyourmealsbutyoumustbuythefood.AllIaskforistobeleft alone."Hewasveryhappytohearthis,ashewasnotrequiredtodoanywork.Thenextday,I experiencedevenmorecalmnessinmymind.Istarteddoingmoremeditation.IthankedGodfor providingmewiththatjobandalsoampletimefordoingsimran.Thiswentonforsixorseven months.Istartedenjoyingitmoreandmore.IwouldreciteMoolMantartwelvetothirteenhours daily. Afterabouttenmonths,Iwasblessedwithridhiansidhian'(spiritualpowersn"issoftin pronunciation.RidhiansidhianareassociatedwithmagicalcultpowersandnotapprovedinSikhi). Iachievedcalmnessofmindandfeltlikerecitingprayersallthetime.ByridhiansidhianImean thatIwasabletoforetellthenearfuture.Icouldforeseeifitwouldrainorshinethefollowing day.Therearemanyotherkindsofthingstoowhichcanbeforeseen.Tobeblessedwithsuch extrasensebyGod,maybecomparedtothesituation,whenabossishappywithhis subordinate'swork,hepromotesthelatterandprovideshimasecretarytolightentheworkload. Thesecretarytakescareofalloftheoddjobs.Inthesameway,apersonwhopleasestheLordby meditatingonHisName,isblessedwiththesespiritualpowersforhelpinlife.Unfortunately, manypeople,whoareblessedwithspiritualpowers,getpreoccupiedwiththem.Theyremain stuckatthispointandfailtomakeanyfurtherprogress.TheynevergettoenjoyNaamras(the sweetambrosialtasteofGod'sName). "(Suchpowersof)Ridhsidhsymboliseworldlyattachment,andobstructthehabitationofNaamin thedevoteesmind."(SGGSp.593) Iwasveryhappythathavingdonesolittlesimran,Godwastakingcareofallmyaffairs.Afterone year,theHighCommissionerreturnedhome.Wewererelievedofdutyfromthereandreturned tothemainofficeatIndiaHouse. Nomatterwhatfaithapersonbelongsto,heissuretoobtainspiritualpowersifhemeditateson theMoolMantartentotwelvehoursdaily.AtthattimeIwascleanshaven.WhenIreturnedto IndiaHouse,Iwasgivenheavierworkloadandmyjobrequiredmetotalktopeople.Therewasno peaceinthesurroundingenvironmentandIcouldnotreciteandcompletemypaatth.Ispenttime readingnewspapersandthetimeIspentdoingpaatthofMoolMantardecreasedconsiderably. MymindstartedwanderingagainandIlostthegiftofthespiritualpowers. IdevelopedaninterestinlearningEnglish.Afterofficehoursintheevening,Istartedattending Englishclasses.ThereImademorefriends.Oneday,whilemyfriendsandIweresittingand chattinginthecanteen,wedecidedtotakeatripoutoftownduringtheholidays.APunjabifriend ofminehadacar.OurgroupwasmadeupofabrotherandsisterwhowereChristians,another girlfromIsrael,myPanjabifriendandme.Allofuswereclassmates.Wefinalisedourplantovisit otherpartsofEurope.

PertakhDarshan(ExperienceofaHolySightinreality) Whenwewereabouttoleaveforourholiday,oneofthegirlssuddenlyfellill.Wecouldnotcancel ourtripaswehadalreadytakenleavefromwork.Theremainingfourofussetoffasplanned. FromDoverwewenttoParis,Italy,Switzerland,AustriaandGermany.IwasrecitingJapjiSahib andChaupaiSahiballalongthejourney.TheIsraeligirl,Dalia,askedmyPunjabifriend,"Whatis Ramreadinginthemorningandevening?"Hereplied,"HeisreadingthehymnsoftheGuru.By readingthesehymns,themindbecomespure.TheGurutakescareofhisSikhandsaveshimfrom doingbaddeeds."Daliaaskedhim,"Thenwhyaren'tyoureadingthehymnstoo?"towhichhe replied,"Iusedtoreadthem.Ididn'tcutmyhaireither.Now,becauseofwork,Ihavecutmyhair andalsostoppedrecitingmyprayers." WereachedGermanyquitelateatnight.Allofuswereexhausted.Thehotelwasalmostfully booked.Wemanagedtoget2roomswithdoublebeds.Afterbookingtherooms,werealisedthat Daliahadtosleepsomewheretoo;shewouldhavetosleepwithoneofus.DaliaknewIwasa religiouspersonandaSikhoftheGuru.Daliasaid,"Ireallydon'tmind.I'llsleepwithRamasIhave fulltrustinhim."Atthatmoment,IrememberedSriGuruGobindSinghJiandinthedepthofmy heartprayed,"OTrueKing,IhavenotbecomeyourtrueSikhyet,Ihaven'tkeptmyhair.Thisgirl believesmetobeyourSikh.PleasesavethehonourofyourSikhi."Eventhen,mymindwas doubtfulasIwonderedwhatthoughtscouldberunninginDalia'smind.Hopefully,hermindwould notwaver.AsIwenttobed,Irememberedthesceneinhell.IwassoexhaustedthatIfellintoa deepsleepandevenforgetthattherewasagirlintheroomwithme. AtAmritvela(aboutoneortwointhemorning),theroomwassuddenlyfloodedbyavery brightlight.Mybodybecameweightless.Asweet,melodioustunestartedplayinginmyears, andIwasinastateofspontaneousNaamsimran.Icouldhardlybeartheecstasyofthis phenomenon.AtthattimeSriGuruGobindSinghJiMaharajgavemehisholypertakhdarshan (Pertakhexperienceisthat,therealityofwhichisnotinanydoubti.e."real,clearandpresent" (e.g.pertakhGurunistaaray)i.e.notimaginary.Thereforepertakhdarshanisnotavisionbuta realexperienceofseeingandhearingaholypersonoradiety).IfeltthatIhadseenGuru MaharajJiinthisformsometimebefore,whenHewasinalivingbody,duringHislifetime.Guru MaharajJi'sfirstwordstomewere,"TakeAmritandbeinitiatedasaSingh.Yourmissionwillbe topromoteAmritbaptisminmanycountries." GuruMaharajJi'ssecondcommandwas,"IhavegivenmyKhalsafivekakars(articlesoffaith) kachhera(Khalsamartialshorts),kara(ironbangle),kirpan(sword),kanga(smallwooden comb),andkeski(ashortturbantocoverandprotectunshornhairkes).TheSikhPanth(those whobelongtotheSikhfaith)andtheKhalsa(thosewhohavetakenAmrit)donotfollowmy directive.Somehavemodifiedthefifthkakarfromkeski(shortturbanforcoveringhair)tokes (hair).YouareorderednottogiveAmritinthebaptismceremonyunlesskeskiisincludedasone ofthe5kakars ThethirdmessageofGuruJiwas,"ThecomingofKhalsaRajisinevitable.But,onlywhenthe Khalsafollowsmyguidance.Rehat,thecodeofconductfortheSikhs,ismoreimportanttome thanaSikh. DuringtheKhalsaRaj,spiritualguidancewillbemineandthePanjPiaray,theFiveBeloved Ones,willgivethelead.Punjabwillbecomelikeheaven,apartofSachkhand,thePlaneofTruth

i.e.God'scountry.TheKhalsainstitutionofPanjPiaraywillheadeverylocal(villagelevel) community. Onhearingthesedivinewords,Icouldnotcontainmyselfandlostconsciousness.WhenIopened myeyes,MaharajJihadgone.Ididnothaveenoughstrengthleftinmetotryeventospeakwith GuruJi.Inallhumility,Ifeltextremelyblessedtohavebeenentrustedwiththesupremesewaof AmritsanchaarinitiatingSikhstothesupremeorderoftheKhalsathroughtheceremonyof Amritsanchaar(seeAmritintheGlossary). "ChanttheNaamyourself,andinspireotherstochantitaswellHearing,speakingandlivingit, emancipationisobtained.ToessentialrealityistheTrueNameoftheLord.Withintuitiveease,0 Nanak,singHisGloriousPraises."(SGGSp.289) "Whentheseedofthekarmaofpastactionssprouted,ImettheLord;HeisboththeEnjoyedand theRenunciate.MydarknesswasdispelledwhenImettheLord.ONanak,afterbeingasleep countlessincarnations,Ihaveawakened."(SGGSp.204) WhenIwokeupinthemorning,myeyeswerefilledwithtears.Daliaaskedme,"Ram,whathas happenedtoyou?"Ireplied,"YouwillnotunderstandwhatmiracleIhaveexperienced."Islowly explainedtoherthatGuruGobindSinghJi,theMasteroftheuniverse,cameheretograntme salvation.ShewasverysurprisedthatmyGuruwassomercifulthathehadcometomeetme.She toldmethatshedreamtthatshewasasleepinabeautifullandwithsweetsmellingflowers.Iwas sotouchedtoknowthatGuruJihadalsoblessedthisgirl.Shemustbeaveryfortunatesoul. Becauseofher,IgotthechancetoseetheLord. Fromthatdayonwards,Istoppedshavingmybeardandcuttingmyhair.Idecidedtoreceive Guru'sGiftofAmrit(throughAmritinitiationseeGlossary)andbeinitiatedintotheOrderofthe KhalsaassoonasIreturnedtoEngland.ThelongingofmysoulforunionwiththeLordGuru (throughtheceremonyofAmritSancharseeGlossary)waslikethatofBhaiGurdaswhenhewas inKanshiandremainedseparatedfromGuruJiforaprolongedperiod. [Translationnote:AtthistimeBhaiGurdaswroteaKabit(stanza)whichdescribesinthemost poeticlanguagethelongingofthesoul,depictedasawoman,whomeetsherTrueLoveinHisfull Gloryandwakesuptofindthatherconditionislikeafishwhichhasbeenthrownoutofthe water.ItisnotwithinthelinguisticskillofthisservantoftheGurutobeabletocapturethe intensityandbeautyofBhaiSahib'slanguage.Forreference,theKabitstarts,"Supancharitar chitar,banakbanaybachitar,PavanPavitarMittar,aajmorayaaayhain..."(BhaiGurdasKabit 205.)BearinginmindBhaiRamaSinghJi'sconstantreminderaboutthegreatimportanceof learningthePanjabilanguageandunderstandingGurbaniinitsoriginalwording,muchinjusticeis doneinattemptingwhatcannotbetranslatedbutonlyvaguelyinterpreted.] InthisageofKalyugI,ahumbleservantofSikhi,amnottheonlyonewhohasbeenblessedby GuruGobindSinghJi'sdarshan.BabaSewaSinghJi,BabaPuranSinghJiKerichowaalay,Bibi BalwantKaurandBabaNidhanSinghJihavealsobeenblessedwithGuruJi'sdarshan.Itismost surprisingthatGuruJialsogavedarshantoanAfricanwhohadnoknowledgeofSikhiatall.Thisis asignofone'spreviousgooddeeds.Thelifestoriesofthesepeoplearegiveninthefollowing chapters.

KeskitheFifthArticleofFaith "TheSikhwhokeepshishairbutdoesnottakePahul(Amrit)isahypocriticalandfoolishSikh.He willnothavemydarshan(vision),heisasinner. ItismostimportantforeverySikhtotakeAmrit(seeGlossary).WithouttakingAmritonecannot beatrueSikh,evenifoneisborninaSikhfamilyandkeepsunshornhair.GuruGobindSinghJi directedtheSikhstokeepakeski,ashortdastar(Sikhturban)woundneatlyaroundtheheadto coverandprotectthehair(TheEnglishtranslationofdastarsajaonias"tyingaturban",while acceptable,isinadequateandevenabitoffensive.Sajaonaistopresentordisplaycarefullyand neatlyand"tying"doesnotgivethesamemeaning). HistoryhasrecordedhowmuchGuruGobindSinghJilovedkeskiHehimselfhonouredMaaee BhaagKaurwithakeski(MaaeeBhagKaurpopularlyknownasMaaeeBhagoledtheMajhailSikhs tothebattleatMukatsarsothattheycouldberedeemedbyGuruJi.TheyhadledGuruJiduring thesiegeofAnandpur(in1704CE)).GuruJipromisedAmritdhari(thosewhohadtakenAmrit) menandwomen: "AslongastheKhalsaremainsdistinct,Iwillgivethemallmyblessings/power."(SarbLohGranth) AmritdhariSikhwomenareGuru'sKhalsa(seeGlossary)andholdthesamestatusasSikhmen. Theirrehat(codeforlivingshouldalsobethesame.GuruJididnotdiscriminatebetweenmenand women.Inthestormywindsoffashion,theSikhwomenshouldstayfirmandremainsteadfastin theirSikhiprinciplesbypreservingtheirhairneatlyintheformofatopknotcoveredwithkeski. FromthetraditionaltextsrelatingtotheSikhcodeofconduct,thefollowinglineshowsthatkeski wasgiventhesameimportanceastheotherfourarticlesoffaith: Thedrawers,steelbracelet,swordofmercy,woodencombandthesmallturban.Theonewho keepsthedisciplineoftheseFiveK'sisaSikh.(RehatnamaBhaiChaupaSinghJi) ThefamousEnglishhistorianMr.Cunninghaminhisbook(HISTORYOFTHESIKHS)haswritten aboutSikhwomen"TheSikhwomenaredistinguishedfromHinduoftheirsexbysomevarietyof dresschieflybythehighertopknotofhair" InMaharajaRanjitSingh'sfortinLahoreandintheVictoriaMuseuminCalcutta,thereare paintingsofbraveSikhwomen.ThesepaintingsportraySikhwomenwearingkeskis.InMehthiana GurdwaranearJagraon,districtLudhiana,therearestatuesofbraveSikhwomenadornedwith keskis. BhaiVeerSinghJiinhisbook"RanaSuratSingh"hasportrayedanimpressivepictureofRaniRaj Kaur.SheisshownwearingakeskidecoratedwithakhandathesymbolofGursikhi. EvenbeforeWorldWar1,Amritdhariwomenwerestrictaboutkeepingtherehat(discipline)of keski.TheSikhschoolsandcollegesinFerozepur,Kairon(Amritsar),JaspalonandSidhwan (Ludhiana)madeitcompulsoryforthegirlstoweardastar(Sikhturban).Withoutwearingthe dastartheycouldnotstudyintheseschoolsandcolleges.Beforethepartitionofthecountry, ChiefKhalsaDiwanusedtoholdaneducationalconferenceeveryyear.Thegirlswhocamefrom thesevillageschoolsandcollegestoattendtheseconferencesallhadtheirheadscoveredwith

dastars.Mostofthewomen,whotookpartintheAkalifreedommovementandunderwent imprisonment,woredastars. Everyfamilymember,menandwomen,ofthefamousSikhscholarGianiGurbachanSinghJi KhalsaofBhindra,worekeski.ThewomeninthekirtangroupofBhaiSahibTejaSinghJiof Masthuanausedtowearkeski.InthedistrictofBhasodinMalwa,therewasasocietycalled "PanchKhalsaDiwan",andthewomeninthisgroupwererequiredtowearkeski.BeforetheAkali movementtherewasaprominentorganisationcalled"CentralMajhaDiwan".Besidepreaching, thisorganisationinstilledinthemindsofthepeopleofPanjabtheimportanceofkeski.Many womenstartedwearingkeskiandabandonedthetraditionaldupatta(alsocalledchooni,a traditionalpieceoffineclothusedwiththePanjabidress,tocoverthehead). ThewomenintheAkhandKirtaniJathaattachedtoBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJicontinueto wearkeskitoday.Theyfirmlyadheretotheprinciplesofwearingakeskiandportrayanupright anddistinctlifestyleintheGurmattandKhalsatradition.Theyvisiblyrepresenttheunique characteristicsoftheKhalsa.WomeninthisgroupconsiderkeskitobepartofSikhrehatasthe fiftharticleoffaith.Theyfirmlyadheretoandremindthemselvesofthisdisciplineandkeepintact thedistinctivenessbestowedontheSikhsbythetenthGuruJi.

SantBabaNidhanSinghJi SantBabaNidhanSinghJiwasbornin1882,inthevillageNadhola,indistrictHoshiarpur.Fromhis childhood,heenjoyedservingothersanddoingsimran(meditatingonGod'sName.WhatisGod's Name?DozensofNamesforGod,usedbymanyreligionsandsectsaregiveninSriGuruGranth SahibJi.Devotionalhymnsof36saintlybeingsfromdifferentfaiths,includingthoseofsixGuru Sahibans,aregiveninthelivingGranthGuru(SikhholyScriptures)oftheSikhs.Clearlyitdoesnot matterwhatNametheGodBeingiscalledby,although,IkOangkar,WaheguruandSatnaamare themostcommonamongsttheSikhs.SorepetitionofanyNameforGodisacceptablesofarthe mentalandspiritualmeditativefocusistheGod'sBeingi.e.GodBeing'shazarnazarDivine Presencehereandnow). AftercompletinghisstudiesBabaJijoinedthearmy.HislongingfortheLordgrewinhisheart. Oneday,whileservinginthearmy,hewassoovercomebythissorrowfullongingthatheheaded towardsthejungle.Therehehaddarshanof(saw)shaheedSinghs(martyredSikhs).Theshaheed SinghswererecitingSukhmaniSahibandridingonhorsebacktowardsSachKhandHazoorSahib (OneofthefiveThronesofSikhi.HajoorSahibisatNanded(Naded)incentralIndia,whereGuru GobindSinghJiwasmartyred.SachKhand(PlaneofTruthorGod'scourt)indicatestheholystatus oftheplace.GuruGobindSinghJileftforSachKhandfromherehavingcompletedHisearthly mission.HisfinalcommandtotheKhalsaPanthwastoalwaysseektheguidanceofSriGuru GranthSahibJirespectingitastheLivingGuru). AttractedbythesweetBaniofSukhmaniSahib,hestartedfollowingthemuntiltheyreachedSri HazoorSahib.AtSriHazoorSahib,hegotbusydoingsewa(servicewithhumility)dayandnight anddidnotworryabouthisarmyservice.Whiledoingsewaofthesangat(holycongregation whichatSriHazoorSahibincludesthousandsofvisitorsfromallovertheworld)hewoulddo simran.Thismadehimpopularwiththesangat.Someothersewadars(thoseintheGurdwara establishment)becamejealousandstartedinterruptinghissewa.Theytoldhimthathecouldnot servethereanylonger.BabaJithought,"IfIcannotservehere,thenwhyshouldIstayhere?"He startedbacktoPunjab.Hewasverysadatheart.OnhiswaybackBabaJisatinmeditationata placewhereGurdwaraManmaadisnowsituated(Thisdsound(inManmaad)peculiartoIndian languagesisadapronouncedquicklywitharollingtongue.TheSikhironbanglekadais pronouncedinthiswayandmostwesternbornchildrenhavegreatdifficultypronouncingthis sound). Ashewasdoingsimran,hereachedastateofintenseBairag(seeGlossary)andSriGuruGobind SinghJigavepartakhdarshan(seeGlossary).GuruJiasked,"Whereareyougoing,leavingthesewa atSriHazoorSahib?"GuruJiorderedBabaJitogobacktoHazoorSahibandstartdoinglangar sewa.BabaJisaid"GuruJi,Ihavenothingwithme,howcanIstartthissewa?" GuruJireplied,"(With)Mypocketandyourhand!"(Merakheesaterahaath!) BabaJiwentbacktoHazoorSahibandstartedtheLangar.GuruJi'swordscametopass.The langarsewainBabaNidhanSinghJi'snamecontinues.FollowingBabaJi,SantHarnamSinghJiand BabaAtmaSinghJiMonitookupthisservice.Today,thisservice(expandedtoinclude accommodation)isbeingdonebyBatSisaSinghJi.

SantBabaSewaSinghJi AsGuruJibestowedthegiftofsewaonme,inthesamewayHedirectedBabaSewaSinghJiof AnandpurSahib.In1912,ontheoccasionofHolaMahalla,SantBabaSewaSinghJiwentto AnandpurSahib.HewasstandingatthelocationwhereSriBauliSahibnowstands.Anoldwoman camealong.Shewascarryingalongthinstickinherhand.BabaJiaskedher,"MataJi,Ihavecome tovisitthefort.Isthistherightplace?" MataJirepliedbyasking,"Haveyoucometoseetheruins?"BabaJisaid,"MataJi,thesearenot ruins.Thisisasacredmemorialtohonourtheproudwarriors."Bythistimetheoldwomanhad disappeared.BabaJi'seyesfilledwithtears.Hemadeapromisetohimselfthathewouldnotlet thehistoricalstructurescrumbletotheground.Afterthatheneverreturnedhome. Beforebeginninghisproject,hesoughtthehelpofSantGhanayaJiofPathlavaewaalay,inthis difficulttask.SantGhanayaJiwasalwayseagertohelpinpromotingSikhiandservingtheGuru. HetoldBabaJi,"Icandevoteonlyalittletimetothisproject;youwillhavetodomostofthesewa yourself." "Whateverworkyouwishtoaccomplish,tellittotheLord.Hewillresolveyouraffairs;theTrue GuruistheTrueWitness."(SGGSp.91) InaccordancewiththeGuru'sinstruction,anAkhandPaatth(thecontinuousreadingofSriGuru GranthSahibtocompletion)wasstarted.However,therewasnodrinkingwaterorrationsfor preparingfoodforthepaatthis(thosewhodopaatth).Provisionshadtobebought.Thewaterfor theKarahPrasaad(sweetsacramentseeGlossary),andfortheLangarwasbroughtfrom ShaheediBagh.(Generally,inthispublication,capitalinitialletterLhasbeenusedforLangarwhen itismentionedasaninstitutionofSikhi.Otherwise,useofthelowercaseinitiallforlangarmay beinterpretedasmeaningfoodservedfromtheLangar(nondiscriminatorykitchen)atthe Gurdwaraorevenathomewhenpreparedforvisitingsangat). ThewaterfromthehistoricalBauli(largeopenwelllocatedatAnandpurfort)wasunpleasant tastingandwasinfestedwithgerms.SantGhanayaJidecidedtoinvokeGuruJi'shelptogetridof theseproblems.HepreparedtheKarahPrasad(holysacramentalsweetseeGlossary)and standinginthewaterofBauliSahib,heprayedtoSriGuruGobindSinghSahibJi.Asaresultofhis prayer,thewaterinthetankturnedsweet.WithGuruJi'sblessing,theprojectwasstarted. TheLangarwasstartedinasheltermadeofreedgrass.BabaJirequestedthesangattomake donationsfortheLangar.Heaskedthemtocontributejustahandfulofgraineachdaytakenfrom theirowndailyration.Throughcollectionofdonationstheywereabletoprovidelangarfor everyone.DuringGuruGobindSinghJi'stime,langarwasservedalldaylong.BabaJihopedthat thelangarwouldbeprovidedeveryday,evenafterhisdeath.WithGuruJi'sgraceandtheefforts ofthesangat,langarcontinuestobeservedtothisday.FromBabaJi'stimeuntilnow,pureghee isusedinthepreparationoffoodintheLangar.DuringthereligiousfestivalofHolaMahallain March,whenthousandsgather,zarda,aspecialdishofricemadewithpuregheeisservedonthe dayofHola,andKarahPrasaadmadewithpuregheeservedonthedayoftheMahalla(Hola MahallafestivalwasstartedbyGuruGobindSinghJitopromotetheskillsofwarfareamongstthe Sikhs.Literally,holameansattackandmahalladenotesthecapturingofaplace).

Inthosedays,therewerenomodemmeansoftransportation,notrains,andnobuses.BabaJi usedtotransporttheprovisionsforlangaronrentedcamels.Lateron,camelswereboughtfor carryingrations.Evenwithallthetransportationproblems,thelangarwaskeptgoing. BabaJifirststartedworkingontheentranceporchoffortAnandgarh.Hemadeanarrangementto buildhisownkilnforbakingbricksforthis.Hehadtogetpermissionfromthegovernment.The DeputycommissionerofHoshiarpur,whowasaMuslim,wasverymuchimpressedwithBabaJi's selflessservice.HegrantedBabaJiopenlicenceforbakingbricksinthekiln,eventhough, normally,akilnwasallowedtoturnoutonly800,000bricksinayear.BabaJi'shelpers,Jathedar SherSinghandJathedarNarangSingh,bothofvillageNora,andBhaiNihalSinghfacedalotof problemstryingtoprovidefueletc.forthekiln. DuringtheconstructionoftheentranceporchatSriTakhatKeshgarhSahib,anewwellwasbuilt sothattherewouldbenoshortageofwater.Thesangatstartedenjoyingthefacilitiesofwater supplyforbathingandwashingclothes.NowthereisabeautifulGurdwarathereandpeoplefrom faroffplacesvisitit.Thereisrunningwaterandseparatebathingfacilitiesforladiesandmen. Langarisserveddayandnight.BabaSewaSinghpassedonthesewatoBabaBhagSinghandBaba LabhSingh. BabaLabhSinghenjoyeddoingsewaofGuruGhar(Guru'sHouse)fromchildhood.Everydayhe wenttoSriDarbarSahib(Amritsar)andtookcareofthesangat'sshoes.Hewasveryhumbleand politetothevisitors,andtheywereverypleasedwithhisregularservice.AGursikh,BhaiKaram SinghJiHaldhiwaalay,wasveryclosetoSantBabaSewaSinghJianddedicatedfullytodoing sewa.SeeingBabaLabhSingh'sdevotionalsewa,oneday,in1966,SantSewaSinghJisuggestedto BhaiKaramSinghJithatitwastimethatthesewaoftheGurdwarasofSriAnandpurSahibwas handedovertoBabaLabhSingh.WithBhaiKaramSinghJi'spersuasionandspiritualinspirationof BabaSewaSinghJi,BabaLabhSinghtookoverthesewaofSriAnandpurSahib.Hetook responsibilityoftheofficeworkandcareofalltheGurdwaras.Hededicatedhimselftotakingcare ofthevisitorsbyprovidingfacilitiesfortheirlodgingandlangar.

BhagatPuranSinghJi BhagatPuranSinghJiwasbornin1904inaKhatri(aHinducaste)family,inavillagenamed RajewalRohno,nearSamralainDistrictLudhiana.Hismother,MehtabKaur,wasfromaSikh family.HegothisloveforSikhifromher.Duringhischildhood,BhagatJilearnedthatdoinggood forothersisalsoagoodwaytoserveGod.Helefthisstudiesaftercompletingmatriculation(10th class)duetohisfather,ChhibuMai'sdeath.[HisnameatthetimewasRamjiDas.Togetherwith hismother,hetravelledtoLahoreandtookshelteratGurdwaraDehraSahib,andgotemployedas asewadar(helper)]. Oneday,whenhewasinfrontofGurdwaraDehraSahib,heheardanabandonedchild(about4 yearsold)crying.Thechildwasmentallyandphysicallyhandicapped.BhagatJiwasverykindand tookthechildtotheGurdwaraandgaveitmilk.Hecontinuedtakingcareofthechildatthe Gurdwara. In1947,duringthepartitionofPanjabState,BhagatPuranSinghJicarriedthechild,bynowa teenager,onhisbackacrossthenewborderandbroughthimtoAmritsar.Theylivedthere together.[ThisspasticchildwasnamedPiaraSinghandalwaysremainedclosetoBhagatJi.]As timewentbyothersickandhandicappedchildrencametohimforhelp.Heinspiredthesangatby caringforallofthechildrenwhocametohim.Othersalsowantedtodosomethingtohelpout.In thebeginning,thelangarusedtocomefromGuruRamDasSaran.Astimewenton,thenumber ofsickandhandicappedpatientsincreased.Charityboxeswereputatdifferentlocationstocollect donations.Thepublicstartedmakingdonations,whichhelpedtolaythefoundationofthehome forthehandicapped,knowntodayasthePingalwarah.Thiskindofserviceisverydifficult,only rarepeoplecandoit.BhagatPuranSinghJicarriedonwiththisservicetillhisdeathin1992.He becameasourceofinspirationformanyothers.

BibiBalwantKaur BibiBalwantKaurusedtoliveinAfrica.Herhusbandpassedawaywhenshewasstillquiteyoung. Shehadveryyoungchildren.Shewasverydepressedwhenherhusbanddied.BibiJi'sprevious life'sgooddeedswererewardedandshedevelopedalovefortheLord'sName.Shereceived Amritandstarteddoingsimran.Inthiswaymanyyearspasseddoingsewaandsimranand,indue course,BibiJimigratedfromAfricatoEngland.BibiJistarteddoingthesewaofkirtanwhen invitedbyGursikhstodoKirtanathome.WiththesupportofthesangatBibiJiarrangedforthe constructionofBebeNanakiGurdwaraatBirmingham.Herethesangatassemblesandenjoysthe blissofkirtan. AftermovingtoEnglandBibiJihadadreamonenight.Inherdreamsomedivineinfluence directedhertogotoSultanpurandsetupaGurdwaratohonorBebeNanakiJi(GuruNanakDev Ji'ssister,reveredbytheSikhsduetohergreataffectionforGuruJiandearlyrecognitionbyherof GuruJi'smissiononearth).BibiBalwantKaurimmediatelymadeplanstogotoIndia.Whenshe arrived,shefoundtheplacethatshehadseeninherdreaminSultanpur. Shetalkedtotheowneroftheland.WhenhelearnedthataGurdwaraofBebeNanakiJiwastobe builtonthatland,hewasveryhappy.Hesaidthathewouldtalktohisfamilyaboutitandwould getbacktoher.Heassuredher,"Iwilldowhateverispossible.Itwillbemygoodfortuneifthis placeisblessedwithkathaandkirtan."HetouchedBibiJi'sfeetrespectfully.Hethendiscussed thematterwithhisfamilyanditwasdecidedtogivethelandforbuildingtheGurdwara. BibiJirealised,thattobuildaGurdwarawasabigundertaking.Shehadnoideahowshewasgoing tomanageitallbyherself.Laterthatnightinanotherdream,BibiJiwasassuredbythesame divineinspiration,thatshehadtheblessingofSatguru.TheprojectwasGod'sownwork,whichHe wasgoingtogetdonethroughher. BibiJireturnedtoEnglandandstartedasuccessionofkirtanprogrammes.Shemade announcementsaboutthebuildingofBebeNanaki'sGurdwara.Sangatmembersgavegenerous financialhelp.BhaiSahibHarbhajanSinghSagooandChanniJigaveagreatdealofassistanceto BibiJi.WithGuruJi'sgrace,theentireprojectwasfinallycompleted.LaterBibiJiwasshowered withmoreGracefromGuruJiandreceivedinspirationandfundsnecessarytoopenaneyeclinic forthepoor. BibiJilearnedfromwatchingatelevisionprogram,thattherewaslotofpovertyinEthiopia.She feltreallysadwatchingthepoornaked,hungrychildren,andtearswelledupinhereyes.She prayedtoWaheguruandaskedforawaytohelpthem.Shecouldnotbeartoseethedesperate conditionofthepoorchildren.BibiJidistributedclothesamongthechildren.Shesentfood.She wentthereandhadwellsdugtocombatdroughtconditions.BibiJihasbeendoingsewaforthe lastfiftyyearsandisrespectedbythelocalcommunity.Recognitionhasbeengiventoherworkby thelocalciviccommunity.

MakinduGurdwara,EastAfrica SikhsmigratedtoEastAfricainlargenumbers.Manywereemployedindoingrailwayconstruction workataplacecalledMakindu.TheybuiltasmallGurdwarathere,andstartedholdingmorning andeveningkirtanprogrammes.Whentherailwayprojectwascompleted,theSikhsmovedto Nairobi.Beforeleaving,theyemployedanativeAfricansewadar(onewhodoessewa)tocleanthe Gurdwaraeveryday.Themanwasverylazyandbegantoneglecthisduties.Onenight,whilehe wassleeping,SriGuruGobindSinghJiappearedinhisdream.GuruJitoldhim,"Youarenotdoing yourdutyproperly."Buthecontinuedasbefore.GuruJithengavepartakhdarshan(i.e.wasseen inreality).TheAfricanwasscared.Assoonashegotupthenextmorning,hecleanedthewhole Gurdwara.Whenvisitingmembersofthesangatcame,hetoldthemabouthisstrangeexperience. HepointedtowardsapaintingofGuruGobindSinghJi,andsaid,"HeistheOneIsaw." AfterlisteningtotheAfricansewadar,thevisitingSikhsdecidedtogotoKerichotoseeBabaPuran SinghJi.Theythoughtthatperhapshewouldknowsomething.BabaJiexplainedthattherewasa divineforceattheGurdwaralocation.Withhisencouragement,plansweremadeforbuildinga newGurdwara.ThesedaysthereisalargeGurdwaratherewithgoodarrangementforlangar, whichisserveddayandnight,andaccommodation.Whoevergoesthereandprayswithfaithhas hisprayersanswered.ItissurprisingthatonlyAfricanpeoplelivethereandtherearenoSikhs.Not muchmoneyisdonatedexceptbythevisitingsangat.Wheneveranyneedarises,itistakencare ofwithGuruJi'sGrace.WhenGuruJishowersHisblessingonsomeone,twentyonegenerations ofthatpersonareredeemedbytheGuru'sGrace.WithGuruJi'sdarshanbyoneAfrican,others arenowkeentodosewaintheGurdwara.

LookofDivineGrace (Panjabiwordswhichconveythesamemeaning:KripadristeeorMehardiNazar) InthepresentageofKalyug(seeGlossary),peoplebelieveonlywhattheyseewiththeirowneyes. Fivehundredyearsago,GuruNanakDevJi'slookofDivineGrace(kindness),bestowedthegiftof salvationonmany.GuruJigavesalvationtoKodaBheelgavelifetoadeadperson,andsavedthe soulsofSajanThugandValiKandharibypointingthemtotherightpath. KodaBheeltheCannibal Duringhistravels,GuruNanakDevJi,whengoingfromPuritoRameshwar,wentintothejunglein ordertosaveKodaBheelfromhissins.GuruJiandhiscompanion,Mardana,weredependenton thefruitgrowinginthejunglefortheirsustenance.GuruJisentBhaiMardanatosearchforfruit buthegotlostandcouldnotfindhiswayback.HewascaughtbyKodaBheel,acanniballivingin thejungle.KodadecidedtofryMardanainacauldronofhotoilandeathim.WhenBhaiMardana sawthehotcauldronheprayedtoGuruJitosavehim.TheallknowingGuruJirespondedto Mardana'sprayerandreachedKoda'splaceintimetosaveMardana. GuruJi'ssaintlypersonalityandsoothinglookofbenevolence,coolednotonlythehotcauldron butalsotheburningsoulofKoda,whofellatGuruJi'sholyfeetintotalrepentance.GuruJifreed himfromhissinsandforgavehim.Kodatookcharanpahul(watersanctifiedwiththetouchof GuruJi'sholyfeet)andadoptedSikhi. SajanThug SajanThughadbuiltatempleandamosquewherehelivedandalsoaresthousefortravellers.He showedgreathospitalitytohisguestsandservedthemwell;butatnight,wheneveryonewentto sleep,Sajankilledthevisitingtravellersandthrewtheirbodiesintoawell.Hetookalltheir belongingsforhimself.Inthemorninghesatdownpiouslywithprayerbeadsinhishandsto deceivepeople.Oneday,GuruNanakDevJiarrivedathishousetodeliverhimfromhissins.Sajan lookedafterGuruJiverywellduringtheday.WhennightfellheaskedGuruJitogoandrest. GuruJiaskedhim,"Whatisyourname?" Hereplied,"MynameisSajan." GuruJisaid,"Sajan,wewillsleepaftersayingourprayers." GuruJiaskedMardanatoplaytherabab,astringedinstrument,andsangaShabad. "Bronzeisbrightandshiny,butwhenitisrubbed,itsblacknessappears.Washingit,itsimpurityis notremoved,evenifitiswashedahundredtimes.||1||Theyalonearemyfriends,whotravel alongwithme;andinthatplace,wheretheaccountsarecalledfor,theyappearstandingwithme. ||1||Pause||Therearehouses,mansionsandtallbuildings,paintedonallsides;buttheyare emptywithin,andtheycrumblelikeuselessruins.||2||Theheronsintheirwhitefeathersdwell inthesacredshrinesofpilgrimage.Theytearapartandeatthelivingbeings,andsotheyarenot calledwhite.||3||Mybodyislikethesimmaltree;seeingme,otherpeoplearefooled.Itsfruits areuseless,justlikethequalitiesofmybody.||4||Theblindmaniscarryingsuchaheavyload,

andhisjourneythroughthemountainsissolong.Myeyescansee,butIcannotfindtheWay.How canIclimbupandcrossoverthemountain?||5||Whatgooddoesitdotoserve,andbegood, andbeclever?ONanak,contemplatetheNaamtheNameoftheLord,andyoushallbereleased frombondage.||6||"(SGGSp.729) WhenSajanheardthesewordshewassorryforhisevildeeds.HefellonGuruJi'sfeetandasked forforgiveness.GuruJisavedhimfromalifeofsinandtaughthimhowtoliveagoodlifewhich wouldleadtohissalvation. ValiKandhari Inthesameway,tofreeValiKandharifromhisahankaar(egoorarroganceoneofthefivevices), GuruNanakDevJistoppedatatowncalledHasanAbdal.GuruJicampedatthefootofahill.Bhai MardanatoldGuruJithathewasverythirstybutcouldfindnowaternearby.Theallknowing GuruJisaid,"AMuslimbythenameofValiKandharilivesatthetopofthehillbyaspring.Thereis nowaterdownhere;youwillhavetoclimbupthehillandaskhimforadrinktoquenchyour thirst."BhaiMardanaclimbedthehillwithgreatdifficultyandreachedValiKandhariatthetop. BhaiMardanagreetedhimpolitelywithIslamicgreeting(BhaiMardanawasaMuslimhimself)and saidwithrespect,"OsaintlyFakir,Iamverythirsty.Pleasegivemesomewatertodrink."Seeing hisstrangeattire,ValiKandhariaskedhim,"Whoareyou?Wherehaveyoucomefrom?Whatis yourname?Areyoualoneordoyouhavesomeonetravellingwithyou?"BhaiMardanaanswered, "Iamwiththereveredsageandgreattappa(manofrighteousliving)ofPunjab,SriGuruNanak DevJi,whomtheHindusacceptastheirGuruandtheMuslimsastheirPir.Hehascomehereafter touringtheworldandliberatingpeopleoftheirsins.Heissittingatthefootofthishill.Mynameis MardanaMarasi.Iamhistravellingcompanion.Iplaytherababandsingshabads(praisesofthe Lord)withGuruJi." HearingsuchpraiseofGuruNanak,ValiKandhariwasfuriouswithjealousyandtoldBhai Mardana,"IfyourPir(Islamicwordforareligiousteacher)issogreat,whydoesn'theusehis powerandgetwaterfromwhereheissittingsothatyoucanquenchyourthirst?Itisrighttogive watertoathirstyperson,butinyourcase,goandtellyourPirtousehisdivinepowertoquench yourthirst." BhaiMardanawastakenabackbysucharudereply.HereturnedtoGuruJiandrecitedwhathad happened.GuruJiaskedhimtotryoncemoreandaskforwaterinallhumility.BhaiMardana climbedupthehotdustytrailinthescorchingsunandpleadedagainwithValiKandhariforadrink ofwater.ValiKandhariretortedangrily,"Can'tyourGuruNanaktappa,withsuchspiritualpowers, quenchyourthirst?Gobackandgetwaterfromhim."BhaiMardanawentbackandtoldGuruJi thathehadnotbeengivenanywater;thathewasverythirsty. GuruJiaskedMardanatogoupthehillyetonceagain.BhaiMardanawentupthehillathirdtime forwater.Onceagain,hehumblygreetedValiKandhari,andoncemorepleadedwithhimfora drinkofwater.ValiKandharireplied,"Youwillnotgetanywaterfrommeuntilyouforsakethat Hindufakirandbecomemydisciple."Onhearingthis,BhaiMardanasaid,"Evenifyougiveme waternow,Ishallnottakeitfromyou;butIhaveaquestionforyou." ValiKandharireplied,"Whatdoyouwishtoask?"

BhaiMardana:"Canyoutellmehowmanyheartsapersonhas?" Vali:"Youlivewithasaintandyoudon'tevenknowhowmanyheartsapersonhas?" Mardana:"WithmyGuru'sGraceIknoweverything.However,Ijustwanttoaskyou." Vali:"Youtalktoomuch.Ahumanbeinghasonlyoneheart." WithpatienceandcourageMardanareplied,"ValiJiyouareright.Apersonhasonlyoneheart.I havegivenminetomybelovedGuruNanakDevJiandbowonlytohimandhimalone.Thatis why,justtogetadrinkofwater,Idon'twanttodeceiveyoubybowingtoyouwithmybody(but notwithmyheart)alone.MyGuruwillquenchmythirstHimself."MardanareturnedtoGuruJi andtoldhimwhathadhappened,saying"NeverhaveIseensuchastoneheartedpersonwhocall himselfamanofGod,andyet,refusestogivewatertoathirstyperson.Ithinkheisalostsoul." GuruJisaid,"Mardana,hehasachievedmuchthroughmeditationandsitsonthetopofthishill. However,becauseofhisangerandvanityhecannoweasilyslipfromhishighspiritualattainment. Weareheretosavehimfromslipping."KnowingValiKandhari'sspiritualneed,inanactofmercy andtoquenchMardana'sthirst,GuruNanakDevJipulledupastonewithhishand.Pureandcool watergushedoutfromthespot.BhaiMardanadrankthecoolclearwatertohisheart'scontent. However,ValiKandhari'swatersupplyonthetopofthehillbegantobedrained.Allthewater floweddowntothespotfromwhereGuruNanakDevJihadmovedthestone.ValiKandhari becameveryangrywhenhiswaterwasgone.Usingthepowergainedthroughausterities,he pushedahugeboulderdownthehillstraighttowardsGuruJi.WhenGuruJisawtheenormous rockrollingdowntowardshim,hecalmlyputouthisrighthand.WithGuruJi'sdivinelook,the hardrocksoftenedlikewaxandGuruJi'shandsunkintoitasitcametoastop. WhenValisawthatGuruJihadstoppedtheboulderandthewaterwasstillrunning,hewas ashamedofhimself.HeacceptedGuruJi'sdivinepower(andmission)andcamedownthehillto asforforgiveness.ThereisnowabeautifulGurdwaraatthisplace. Thepurposeoftellingthissaakhee(seeGlossary)is,toemphasisethat,although,onecanachieve ahighstateofmindthroughmeditation,onehastoguardagainstthefivevices;andespecially, replaceangerandarrogancewithhumilityandcharity.Otherwiseallspiritualearningsarewasted away. TheVillageofThugs OneeveningGuruNanakDevJiandMardanaarrivedatavillage.Itwasavillageofrobbers. Nobodytherewelcomedthemorservedthemanything.GuruJispentthenightunderaporch. ThevillagersthoughtthatGuruJiandMardanahadalotofmoneyandsotwomenwerepostedto keepaneyeonthem.Theywereinstructed,"Whentheyfallasleeprobthemofalltheirwealth!" Buttheoppositehappened,andthetwothugsfellasleepinstead.GuruJiandMardanagotup duringAmritvela,severalhoursbeforesunrise,andstartedoffontheirjourney.Whenthe villagersfoundoutthatGuruJihadalreadygone,theyaskedthetwothugstosharetheirlootwith them.ThethugsexplainedthattheyhadfallenasleepandhadnoideawhenGuruJitookoff.A fewmendecidedtogooutandsearchforGuruJi.Aftergoingashortwayintothejunglethey foundGuruJiandMardanaandsurroundedthemdemandingalltheirwealth.

GuruJiexplained,"Wedon'thaveanyworldlywealth.WearedevoteesofGod."Buttherobbers didnotbelievethem.TheykeptlookingatMardana'srabab(musicalstringinstrument)thinking thattheremustbesomethinghiddeninit.Theylookedinitandonnotfindinganything,they threatenedtokillGuruJiandMardana.GuruJisaid,"Youcankillusbutwehaveonerequest. Afteryoukillus,cremateourbodiesbyburningthemupinafire."Therobbersaskedfromwhere theywouldgetthefire(forpeopledidnothaveanymatchesthosedays).GuruJipointedinone directionandsaid,"Thereisafireburningoverthere,getitfromthere." FouroftherobbersguardedGuruJi,whiletheothertwowenttogetthefire.Whentheygot there,theysawastrangesight.Therewasaquarrelgoingonbetweenjamdoots(darkangelsof death)andfarishtas(heavenlymessengers)overthedestinationofadeadperson'ssoul.The jamdootsclaimedthattheyhadarighttotakethesoultohell,forthedeadpersonhadnotdone anygooddeedsinhislife.ThefarishtasagreedbutsaidthatasGuruNanak'slook(ofdivine benevolence)hadfallenonthesoul,itmeritedaplaceinheaven. Hearingthisstrangearguement,themenrealisedtheirerror.Theyreturnedandtoldtheirfriends whattheyhadseenandheard.AllofthembeggedforGuruJi'sforgivenessandtheybecameGuru Ji'sSikhs. WeshouldrememberallthegoodthatGuruJihasdoneforus.WhenwegobeforeSriGuru GranthSahibJi,notonlyshouldweperformtheceremonialmathatekan(bowandpayour respects),weshouldalsorememberthevaluableteachingsofGurbaniandputwhatwelearninto practiceinourdailylives.ThiswaywewillreceivetheblessingsofGuruJiandachievesukh (spiritualcomfortthroughcontentment)inthislifeandsalvationhereafter. BitternessChangedtoSweetness Notonlywerethelivesofhumanbeingschanged,butGuruNanakDevJi'skripadristee(lookof divinebenevolence)changedthecharacteroftheenvironmentaroundHim.Hisholylookchanged bitterreethay(awildfruit)tosweetness.DuringHistravelstothenorthernregion,beforegoingto NanakMata,GuruNanakDevJihadareligiousdiscoursewithyogis.Mardanawashungryandthe yogisfullofahankar(falseprideinownspiritualpowers)werecuriousastohowGuruJiwasgoing tofeedMardana. GuruJiwassittingunderatreeofreethay,whicharenormallysobitternoonecaneatthem.Guru JilookedupandHisgraciousglancechangedthebitterfruitintosweetfruitlikedates.Hetold Mardanatoclimbupthetreeandeatasmuchofthesweetfruitasheliked.Thereethayofthe sametreestillbearsweetfruitandwillcontinuetodoso. Therefore,ifwewanttoreceivetheblessingsofGuruNanak,weshoulddiscardbitterness(like thereethay)fromournatureandfillourmindswithhumility.Whenwetalktoanyoneabout anything,weshouldwinoverheartsbybeingsweetandhumble. Thesesakhees(seeGlossary)are500yearsoldandtheyaretrue.Today'syouthaskquestions wantingtoknowhowthesethingsarepossible.Letmenarrateapersonalexperience.In1966,I wascleanshavenanddidnothavemuchknowledgeofSikhi.IusedtoreadonlyMoolMantarand SukhmaniSahib.IhadnoplanstobecomeaKhalsaSingh.WhenIwenttotheGurdwarapeople wouldaskmetokeepmyhair.IwasfindingexcusesthatsomedayIwilltakeAmritinIndia.When IwentforaholidaytoGermany,likeSajanThugandKodaBhil,GuruJiblessedmewithHis

partakhdarshan.HecommandedmetotakeAmritandtakeupthesewaofAmritSanchaar (initiatingthosepreparedtofollowtheGuru'spathintotheOrderoftheKhalsa).WhenIheard thiscommand,mysoulbecamesostrongthatIstartedwaitingeagerlyforthedaywhenIwould returntoEnglandandreceiveAmrit. OnreturningfromGermany,IwenttoShepherdsBushGurdwara.Onthewayhomefromthe Gurdwara,ImetBhaiAmrikSingh.Heaskedme,"Wherehaveyoubeen?Ihavenotseenyoufora longtime."ItoldhimthatIhadgoneforaholiday.BhaiAmrikSinghinspiredinmeadesireto serveothers.HehasagreatknowledgeofGurbanianddoesthepaatthwithdueregardfor correctpronunciation.ItismostenjoyablelisteningtohimwhenheisdoingpaatthatanAkhand Paath(seeGlossary).Anyonewhohearshim,becomesenchantedbytheGurbanibeingread aloudwithsuchdevotion.BhaiSahibadvisedmethatifIwastojoinGuruNanakDevJi'sfamily (i.e.becomeaSikh)theonlyoptionwastotakeAmrit.TheperfectGurumanifestsHimselfinthe PanjPiaray(theFiveBelovedOnes)andinstilstheNameofGodinaperson.SantPuranSinghJiof KerichohadthenrecentlycometoEnglandandBhaiAmrikSinghsuggestedthatwebothtake AmritwhenSanJiarrangedthenextceremony.IwasverypleasedthatMaharaj(theGreatKing) hadheardmyprayerssosoon.IwassearchingfortheperfectGuruandhadfoundHim.WhenI wenttotheGurdwarathenextday,GianiAmolakSinghJiwasdoingmelodiouskirtan.Hesangthe followingshabad: "Thefroginthedeepwellknowsnothingofitsowncountryorotherlands;justso,mymind, infatuatedwithcorruption,understandsnothingaboutthisworldorthenext.||1||OLordofall worlds:revealtome,evenforaninstant,theBlessedVisionofYourDarshan.||1||Pause||My intellectispolluted;IcannotunderstandYourstate,OLord.Takepityonme,dispelmydoubts, andteachmetruewisdom.||2||EventhegreatYogiscannotdescribeYourGloriousVirtues; theyarebeyondwords.IamdedicatedtoYourlovingdevotionalworship,saysRaviDaasthe tanner.||3||" (SGGSp.346) Ienjoyedlisteningtothekirtan.Later,whenwewereeatinglangar,BhaiAmrikSinghintroduced metoGianiAmolakSinghJi.HeexplainedthatIwasasehajdhariSingh(oneaspiringtobe initiatedintotheOrderoftheKhalsa).HeexplainedthatIhadbeendirected(byGuruJi)totake AmritandrequestedGianiJiforarrangementofAmritSanchaar.GianiJisuggestedconsulting BabaPuranSinghJifromKericho(Africa)whowasinLondonwithhisdaughterwholivedat Perivale. ThenextdayfourofusBhaiAmrikSingh,BhaiBhagirathSingh,GianiAmolakSingh,andmyself wenttoseeBabaJi.GianiAmolakSinghrequestedBabaJitomakearrangementsforAmrit SanchaarforthosewhodesiredAmritinitiation.Therewere25personswhowerereadyatthat time(thosewhoarepreparedforAmritinitiationi.e.KhandayBaataydiPahul,arecalledAmrit abhilaakhiSinghs).BabaJitoldusthattherewerenootherAmritdhariSinghs(thosewhohad takenAmritandwerequalifiedtodosewaasPanjPiaray)whohadcomeoverwithhim.Heasked ustofindfiveAmritdhariSinghswhodidnoteatmeatanddrinkliquor,andwhorecitedGurbani dailyanddidsimran.WelookedaroundwithoutsuccessforfivesuchSinghs(itneedstobe rememberedthattherewerefewSinghsandtheywerewidelydispersedinmanytowns.The impressionshouldnotbegainedthattherewerelessthanfiverehatwaanSinghs(thosewhokept fullrehat)inLondonoreveninWestLondonin1964).Noarrangementcouldbemade.BabaJi wentbacktoAfricaandsixmonthspassed.

BhaiDharamSingh,BhaiNandhSingh,BhaiSuchaSingh,BhaiNhonihalSinghandBhaiHardev Singh.OfficialopeningofCoventryGurdwara.AtthattimetherewerenotenoughAmritdhari Sikhsinthecountry.

ThefirstRaaenSubaaeeinEngland (RaaenSubaaee:Continuous,allnightsingingofGurbanikirtan) TheveryfirstRaaenSubaaee(wholenightkirtanwithoutinterruption)inEngland,washeldin "TheGreen"Gurdwara,Southallin1968,onGuruGobindSinghJi'sAvtarGurpurbcelebrating GuruJi'sbirthday.GianiAmolakSinghJistartedRaaenSubaaeekirtanprogrammesinEngland.He didmelodiouskirtanforfivehours.Thisfirstnight,hestartedtheRaaenSubaaeewiththisshabad: "Amongkings,YouarecalledtheKing.Amonglandlords,YouaretheLandlord.Amongmasters, YouaretheMaster.Amongtribes,YoursistheSupremeTribe.||1||MyFatheriswealthy,deep andprofound.WhatpraisesshouldIchant,OCreatorLord?BeholdingYou,Iamwonderstruck.|| 1||Pause||Amongthepeaceful,YouarecalledthePeacefulOne.Amonggivers,Youarethe GreatestGiver.Amongtheglorious,YouaresaidtobetheMostGlorious.Amongrevellers,You aretheReveller.||2||Amongwarriors,YouarecalledtheWarrior.Amongindulgers,Youarethe Indulger.Amonghouseholders,YouaretheGreatHouseholder.Amongyogis,YouaretheYogi.|| 3||Amongcreators,YouarecalledtheCreator.Amongthecultured,YouaretheCulturedOne. Amongbankers,YouaretheTrueBanker.Amongmerchants,YouaretheMerchant.||4|| Amongcourts,YoursistheCourt.YoursistheMostSublimeofSanctuaries.TheextentofYour wealthcannotbedetermined.YourCoinscannotbecounted.||5||Amongnames,YourName, God,isthemostrespected.Amongthewise,YouaretheWisest.Amongways,Yours,God,isthe BestWay.Amongpurifyingbaths,Yours(immersioninYourName)istheMostPurifying.||6|| Amongspiritualpowers,Yours,OGod,aretheSpiritualPowers.Amongactions,Yoursarethe GreatestActions.Amongwills,YourWill,God,istheSupremeWill.Ofcommands,Yoursisthe SupremeCommand.||7||AsYoucausemetospeak,sodoIspeak,OLordMaster.Whatother powerdoIhave?IntheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly,ONanak,singHisPraises;they aresoverydeartoGod.||8||"(SGGSp.507) GianiJisangthesecondShabad: "Heissodeartome;Hefascinatesmymind;theLordistheornamentofmyheart,thesupportof thebreathoflife.TheGloryoftheBeloved,theMercifulLordoftheUniverse,isbeautiful;Heis infiniteandunlimited.OCompassionateLordoftheWorld,BelovedLordoftheUniverse,please joinwithYourhumblesoulbride.MyeyeslongfortheBlessedVisionofYourDarshan;thenight passes,butIcannotsleep.Ihaveappliedthehealingointmentofspiritualwisdomtomyeyes;the Naam,theNameoftheLord,ismyfood.Theseareallmydecorations.PraysNanak,meditateon theSaint,thathemayuniteuswithourHusbandLord.||1||"(SGGSp.542) GianiJi'sdaughters,BhupinderKaurandRaminderKaurdidbeautifulkirtan.Theysangthe followingshabadinwhichGuruGobindSinghJitellsusabouthischildhood: "Myparentstravelledtotheeastandpassedthroughmanyholyplaces.Onreachingtheplace wherethreeriversmeet(PraagRaj)manydayswerespent(bymyfamily)indoingcharitableacts. There,atPatnacity,Iwasborn.TheybroughtmebacktoMadharDes(Panjab)wheremany differentnurses(childminders)lookedafterme.Iwasnurturedandtaughtavarietyofskills.AsI matured,myfatherdepartedfortheheavenlyabode(PlaneofTruth)."(BachittarNatak) MakhanSingh'sdaughtersangthefollowingshabad:

"Myfriendshavecomeintomyhome.TheTrueLordhasunitedmewiththem.TheLord automaticallyunitedmewiththemwhenitpleasedHim;unitingwiththechosenones,Ihave foundpeace.Ihaveobtainedthatthing,whichmyminddesired.Meetingwiththem,nightand day,mymindispleased;myhomeandmansionarebeautified.Theunstrucksoundcurrentofthe PanchShabad,theFivePrimalSounds,vibratesandresounds;myfriendshavecomeintomy home.||1||Socome,mybelovedfriends,andsingthesongsofjoy,Osisters.Singthetrue songsofjoyandGodwillbepleased.Youshallbecelebratedthroughoutthefourages.My HusbandLordhascomeintomyhome,andmyplaceisadornedanddecorated.Throughthe Shabad,myaffairshavebeenresolved.Applyingtheointment,thesupremeessence,ofdivine wisdomtomyeyes,IseetheLord'sformthroughoutthethreeworlds.Sojoinwithme,mysisters, andsingthesongsofjoyanddelight;myfriendshavecomeintomyhome.||2||" (SGGSp.764) SardarBaora'ssonsangthefollowingshabad: RelyingonYourMercy,DearLord,Ihaveindulgedinsensualpleasures.Likeafoolishchild,Ihave mademistakes.OLord,YouaremyFatherandMother.||1||Itiseasytospeakandtalk,butitis difficulttoacceptYourWill.||1||Pause||Istandtall;YouaremyStrength.IknowthatYouare mine.Insideofall,andoutsideofall,YouareourSelfsufficientFather.||2||OFather,Idonot know,howcanIknowYourWay? Hefreesusfrombondage,OSaints,andsavesusfrompossessiveness.||3||BecomingMerciful, myLordandMasterhasendedmycomingsandgoingsinreincarnation.MeetingwiththeGuru, NanakhasrecognisedtheSupremeLordGod.||4||27||97||(SGGSp.51) ThiswasthefirsttimeIexperiencedtheblissofaRaaenSubaaee.ThechildrenoftheGranthiJi JoginderSinghofSinghSabhaGurdwaraplayedthetablaandalsodidkirtanthatnight.Thewhole sangatexperiencedthespiritualjoyofGurbanikirtan.Therewereabout400peopleinthesangat andmanyhadcomefromotherareas.Teaandlangarwereservedallnight.

AMRITCHHAKNA(IreceivetheDivineGiftofAmritInitiation) (ThereaderisadvisedtorefertotheGlossaryforsomekeySikhiwordslikeAmrit,Naamsimranas thesearefrequentlyrepeatedfromthischapteronwards.) SoonafterthefirstRaaenSubaaeekirtanatSouthall,manySikhsmigratedfromAfricatoEngland. GianiAmolakSinghJiwasabletoarrangeAmritSanchaarbyfiveAmritdhariSinghs,thePanj Piaray,whowere:BhaiJawalaSingh,BhaiThakurSingh,BhaiMahinderSinghLai,GianiAmolak SinghandBhaiPrithpalSingh.BhaiMihanSinghtooktheresponsibilityofactingasGranthiSingh attendingSriGuruGranthSahibJiduringtheceremony. ThisAmritSancharwasheldatBeaconsfieldRoadGurdwaraon13April,1969.ItwastheVaisakhi day,theanniversaryoftheveryfirstAmritSanchaarceremonybyGuruGobindSinghJiin1699. TwentyfiveSikhmenandwomentookAmritinthefulltraditionalmanner.SinghsandSinghanis alikeadornedthemselvesbytyingdastars(Sikhturbans).ThosewhotookAmritbecame completelyimmersedinNaam.Seeingthisscene,GianiAmolakSinghJiremarked,thatsuchan atmosphereusedtobecreatedintheAmritSancharceremoniesduringBhaiSahibBhaiRandhir SinghJi'stimes. ThehukamnamafortheAmritSancharwas: "ThePerfectGuruhasattachedmetoHisfeet.IhaveobtainedtheLordasmycompanion,my support,mybestfriend.WhereverIgo,Iamhappythere.ByHisKindMercy,Godunitedmewith Himself.||1||SosingforevertheGloriousPraisesoftheLordwithlovingdevotion.Youshall obtainallthefirstsofyourmind'sdesires,andtheLordshallbecomethecompanionandthe supportofyoursoul.||1||Pause||TheLordisthesupportofthebreathoflife.Iamthedustof thefeetoftheHolypeople.Iamasinner,buttheLordmademepure.ByHisKindMercy,theLord blessedmewithHisPraises.||2||TheSupremeLordGodcherishesandnurturesme.Heis alwayswithme,theProtectorofmysoul.SingingtheKirtanoftheLord'sPraisesdayandnight,I shallnotbeconsignedtoreincarnationagain.||3||OnewhoisblessedbythePrimalLord,the ArchitectofDestiny,realisesthesubtleessenceoftheLord.TheMessengerofDeathdoesnot comenearhim.IntheLord'sSanctuary,Nanakhasfoundpeace.||4||" (SGGSp.623) GuruAmardasJi'swordsarethatGodhasputlightineveryhumanbeing.Whenthislight extinguishes,thebodydies.Humanlifeisthehighestlifeformwhichasoulcanachieve(thestress hereisonlifeform.Humanlifeisameansforsalvationandnotanendinitselfforthesoul).Only ahumanbeingisblessedwiththeknowledgethatrecitationofNaamcanenlightenthesouland raiseittohigherplanesofknowledge(SeeJapjiSahibshabads34to37(DharamKhandtoSach Khand)).SomeGursikhs'pastdeedsaresostrongthatwhenthePanjPiarayplacetheirhandson theGursikhs'headsandteachthemhowtoreciteNaam,theirmindsareilluminatedimmediately. Ihavewitnessedmanysuchkautaks(happeningsseeGlossary)duringAmritSancharceremonies, especiallyinthecaseofSikhwomen.Forsome,theenlightenmentstaysforanhourandthen fadesaway,whileforothersitlastsforuptoaweek.Othershavesuchuncleanmindsthatitis difficulttoinstilthespiritofNaamintheirhearts.Suchpeoplehavetoworkveryhardforthegift ofNaam.

WhenIreceivedAmrit,Iwentthroughthemostunusualexperience.WhilethePanjPiaraywere teachingmetherecitationofNaam,myeyesclosedbutIcould"see"everythinggoingonaround me.Evenafterwards,whenIhadgonehome,simrancontinuedwithmyeverybreath.Iwasnot abletosleepthatnight.Allnightsimrancontinuedsubconsciously.Ifeltasifaverybrightlamp wasglowinginsideme.Thebrightnesswaslikethatofaflashoflightening.Onlythatthe lighteningvanishesafterafewseconds,butthislightinsidemecontinuedtoshineon.Itisvery difficulttodescribethisexperience. Whenoneexperiencessuchenlightenment,thereismuchspiritualjoyinrecitingNaam.Onefeels likemeditatingcontinuously.Thebenefitsofmypreviousmeditationskeptmyinnerlightglowing forweeks,butalltoosoon,myworkenvironmentcausedmymindtowaverandtheinnerglow wasturnedoff.Gursikhsundergomanyunusualspiritualexperiences.Itispossiblefortheinner lamptobelightedagain.However,thevicesoflustandangerareverypowerfulandtheycan extinguishthislight.Whenoneworkshardagainstthem,thelampglowsbrightoncemore.Andso thisinnerspiritualenlightenmentglowsorfadesaccordingtotheinfluenceofworldlyvices.To keepitglowing,continuousNaamsimran(seeGlossary)isrequired.Thosewhohaveneverdone anysimran,theirspirituallampshaveneverbeenlit;therefore,theyareunabletolighttheinner lampinothers.ThosesaintlybeingswhohavebeensentbySatgurutopreach,theirspiritual lampscontinuetoglowbright.Toattainsalvationitisnecessarytohaveanenlightenedmind. OftheSikhswhotookAmritinitiationthatday,severaldidsewaformanyyearsintheGurdwara, washingtheLangarutensils.Someoftheirnamesare:BhaiBhagirathSingh,BhaiAmrikSmgh, BhaiDevinderSingh,BibiPrakashKaur,BhaiHardialSinghandthisservantoftheGuru.Many SikhshadcomefromBirminghamandCoventryforthisAmritSanchaar,theveryfirstinEngland. Afterthis,aseriesofAmritSancharprogrammeswasstarted.ItwasjustaweekafterIbecame AmritdhariKhalsa,thatsomeAmericanSikhmenandwomencametoEnglandforreceivingAmrit initiationalso.GianiAmolakSinghJiaskedmetoserveasoneofthePanjPiaray.AtthattimeI recalledthekautakunusualhappening)whichhadtakenplacewhileIwasinGermany,whenGuru GobindSinghJihadblessedmewithhispartakhdarshanandinstructedmetotakeAmritand thentodothesewaofAmritSanchaar.GuruJi'swordscametopass.Withinaweekoftaking Amrit,IwasgiventhesewaoftakingpartinAmritSancharasoneofthePanjPiaray.Ifelt unqualifiedforsuchaservice.LookatGuruJi'sgreatness.GuruMaharajblessedmetodoservice asoneofthePanjPiaray,justlikeGuruHarkrishanJitouchedChhaju'sheadwithhiscaneand blessedhimwithknowledge,andthusenabledhimtorecitethemeaningsofthestanzasfrom Gita,soGuruJiraisedHisservanttodosuchexaltedsewa. TheStoryofChhajuRamJi PunditLaluofKurukshetrawasveryproudofhisknowledge.GuruHarKrishanJi,stoppedin KurukshetraonhiswaytoDelhi.TherewasalargeSangatwithGuruJi.Seeingsuchabiggathering PunditLaluaskedthereasonandwastoldthattheeighthGuru,GuruHarkrishan(whoreceived thedivineLightofGuruNanakattheageoffive)wasblessingpeople.PanditLalusaidinahankar (selfcentredarrogance)thathewouldonlybelieveintheGuruJi'sdivinityifHecouldexplainthe meaningsofstanzas(shlokas)fromtheHinduholybookofGita.GuruHarkrishanJi,whentold aboutthis(beingawareoftheindirectdoubtexpressedaboutGuruNanakDevJi'sdivinemission) saidtothearrogantPundit,"IfIexplainthemeaningsoftheshlokas,youwillthinksomeoneelse taughtme.Bringanymanfromyourtownwhoisignorantandilliterate,andwiththeblessingof Maharaj(theGreatKingi.e.theSupremePower),hewillexplainthemeaningsoftheshlokas."

ThePunditwentawayandbroughtbackwithhimamancalledChhaju,ahumblewatercarrier.He wasdumb,deafandilliterate.Hehadneverlearnedtoreadorwrite.GuruJiplacedthetipofhis handcaneonChhaju'sheadandhismindwasenlightenedandhisspeechandhearingwas restored.GuruJitoldthePundittoreadshlokasforChhajuRamtointerpretinpopularlanguage (PartlythearroganceofthePunditsthosedayswasduetotheirknowledgeofSanskrit,the difficultandsacredlanguageoftheVedas.GuruNanakDevJi'smissionwastopreachSikhi,an ideologyofthepeopleandforthepeople'sbenefit,inpopularlanguage.Chhaju'sepisodeshould beseeninthiscontext.Also,thiswasatimewhentheveryyoungGuruJi'scredentialstoGuruship werebeingchallengedbythoseopposed).ThePunditreadashlokaandChhajuRamexplainedthe meaning.ThePunditfellatGuruJi'sfeetrealisingGuruJi'sdivinityandbeggedforforgiveness. GuruJipreachedthatoneshoulddosimranandgiveupahankar.EveryonepaidhomagetoGuru Ji.ChhajuRambecameverydevotedtoGuruJiandstartedspendingtimeinNoamsimran. IsaidtoGianiAmolakSinghJithat,accordingtoGuruJi'steachingsthefiftharticleoffaithwas keski.GianiJiexplainedduringtheAmritSanchaar,thatkeskimustbekeptasoneofthefive kakars.ThewhiteAmericanSikhsespeciallyacceptedthisinjunctionandmenandwomen adornedkeskisontheirheads. ThosewhotookpartinAmritSancharprogrammeinthesecondweekPanjPiaraywereBhai AmrikSingh,GianiAmolakSingh,BhaiMahinderSinghJiLai,BhaiKhadagSinghandmyself.Bhai AvtarSinghdidthesewaofGranthiSingh.Inthethirdweektherewasabigprogrammein LeicesterofRaaenSubaaeeandAmritSanchaar.BhaiJoginderSingh,BhaiOnkarSingh,Bhai InderjeetSingh,BhaiPakharSingh,andBibiChananKaurandmanyothersfromthesangat receivedAmritinitiationandbecameKhalsaoftheGuru. Inthisway,amovementforholdingAmritSanchaarceremoniesinEnglandwasstarted.

YathratoNankanaSahib (Yathra:"pilgrimage"butseeGlossary) OnedaywhenIwenttotheShepherdsBushGurdwara,thesecretarymadeanannouncement, thaton23November1969,GuruNanakDevJi's500thPrakaashUtsav(BirthdayGurpurab)was goingtobecelebratedwithmuchenthusiasmandsplendouratNankanaSahib(inPakistan).Abus wasarrangedfortheyathraandmanycarsweregoingalso.Ifanyonewasinterestedingoing, theyshouldenlisttheirnames. Atthattimethesangatwassmall,butevenso,fiftypeoplegotreadytogo.Ialsogavemyname. Inthosedaysallusedtoparticipateindoingsewa.Therewereonlyafewpeopleinthesangat whocoulddokirtanorkatha(deliverasermonseeGlossary).Slowlythenumberofpeople increasedinoursangat.Beforeourjourneystartedwehadalreadypurchasedthebuildingof GurdwaraHavelockRoad,Southall.Whenthetimecameforourdepartureweallgatheredin GurdwaraSinghSabhabecausetheGurdwarainShepherdsBushwastoosmall.TheHigh CommissionerofPakistancametoseeusoff.ThegroupdidArdaas(prayerandsupplication)for oursafeandsuccessfuljourney,andwesetoffforPakistan.ThiswasthefirstgroupfromEngland evertoundertakesuchayathra. BhaiSahibRanjitSinghwasleadingthisgroup.WewentfromDovertoBelgiumviaFerryandthen reachedGermany.FromGermanywetravelledtoAustria.Whenwearrivedattheborderof Austria,wewerestopped.WewerenotallowedtoproceedaswedidnothavevisasforAustria. Wehadvisasforeveryothercountry,butwehadlistenedunwiselytosomepeoplewhohadtold usthattherewasnoneedfortheAustrianvisa.BhaiRanjitSinghcollectedallourpassportsand wentbacktoGermanytogettherequiredvisas. Justasoneneedsavisatogofromonecountrytoanother,inthesameway,thevisaofhumility andmeditationisneededtoenterDargah(God'sCourtorSachkhandi.ethePlaneofTruth).When GuruNanakDevJivisitedSachkhandhebroughtbackwithhimNaamandhumility.Itisvery importanttoreciteNaamandtodosewa(selflessservicewithhumility).IfGod'sNameand humilitydonotresideinaperson'sheartthen,justaswehadtogobacktoGermanytogetthe visa,thepersonwillhavetotakebirthtimeanagaininthisworld,beforeheisallowedtoenter Dargah. WespentthenightinAustria.Thenextmorningweleftatfiveo'clockinthemorning.Wewent fromAustriatoTurkey.WhenwewerepassingthroughTurkeywesawmanyattractive landscapes.Ononesidetherewerehillsandontheothertherewasthesurgingsea.Itwasa beautifulsightindeed. GermanyandBelgiumhavemadegreatprogressdespitemuchdestructionduringthewar.There arewidehighwayswithattractivestoppingplacesforteaandrefreshments.Turkeyisabig countryandittookusmanydaystocrossit.Thereisastretchofseaalsoandittakesabouthalfan hourtocrossit.Therestofthejourneywascompletedbyroad. AfterTurkey,wereachedIran,wheretherearealsoquiteafewbeautifulplaces.FromIran,we travelledthroughAfghanistanandfinallyreachedPakistan.OurfirststopwasGurdwaraPanja Sahib.Wetookourbathsatthishistoricalshrine.WhenwewentinsideforGurudarshan,there wasnoprakaash(seeGlossary)ofGuruGranthSahibJi.Weweresurprisedtofindthateven

thoughthiswasahistoricalGurdwaratherewasnosewadartolookafterthepremises,norwas thereanyarrangementforlangar. Therewereonlysomepolicemensittinginoneroom.OneofusdidtheprakaashofSriGuru GranthSahibJiandwealljoinedintheArdaas,"OTrueLord,weareverythankfultoYouforthe darshanofthisholyplace(ofPanjaSahib).WithyourGracewehavereachedheresafely.Afterthe ArdaastheHukamnama(randomreadingofashabadforguidance)fromSriGuruGranthSahibJi wastaken. IthadtakenusthreeweekstoarriveatPanjaSahibGurdwara.Afterstayingforafewhoursweset offforNankanaSahib.AfterabouteighthourswefinallyreachedNankanaSahibatabouteight o'clockintheevening.UponarrivalwesaidArdaas,"OTrueLord,withyourGracewehave reachedheresafelyintimetocelebrateyourPrakaashGurpurb "Ihavecomesofar,seekingtheProtectionofYourSanctuary.Withinmymind,Iplacemyhopesin You;please,takemypainandsufferingaway!"(SGGSp.763) IncelebrationofGuruNanakDevJi'sPrakaashUtsav,theGurdwarawasdecoratedwithmany beautifullights.ArrangementwasmadeforamassiveNagarKirtan(processionseeGlossary).It wasabeautifulsight.Thepalaki(palanquin)forSriGuruGranthSahibJi'sswari(majesticride)was decoratedwellbeforeitwastimetosetout.Itwascoveredwithfreshflowers.Atthebeginningof theNagarKirtanaprocessionofyoungboysperformedgatka(martialart)demonstrations.The NagarKirtanwasledbythePanjPiaraywalkingjustinfrontoftheswariofSriGuruGranthSahib. OncetheNagarKirtanstarted,therewasadisplayoffireworks.Aftervisitingmanyother GurdwarasatNankanaSahib(markingthemaineventsofGuruNanakDevJi'searlylife),the NagarKirtanfinallyarrivedatGurdwaraJanamAsthaan(theGurdwaralocatedwhereGuruNanak DevJiwasbornin1469). WethankedMaharajJiforbringingusallthewayfromLondonfordarshanoftheseholy Gurdwaras.AfterthePrakashUstavcelebrations,membersoftheUKjatha(group)dispersedto visittheirownfamiliesandrelativesinIndia. "Theriversandstreamswhichseparatemaysometimebeunitedagain.Inageafterage,that whichissweet,isfullofpoison;howrareistheYogiwhounderstandsthis.Thatrarepersonwho centreshisconsciousnessontheTrueGuru,knowsintuitivelyandrealisestheLord.Withoutthe Naam,theNameoftheLord,thethoughtlessfoolswanderindoubt,andareruined.Thosewhose heartsarenottouchedbydevotionalworshipandtheNameoftheTrueLord,shallweepandwail loudlyintheend.NanakspeakstheTruth;throughtheTrueWordoftheShabad,thoselong separatedfromtheLord,areunitedonceagain.||4||"(SGGSp.439) IwentontovisitotherGurdwarasofIndia.FirstIvisitedSriHarmandarSahibandother GurdwarasofAmritsar.ThenIvisitedSriTaranTaranSahib,GoindwalSahibandothernearby Gurdwaras.IthenwenttoSriAnandpurSahib.AftervisitingSriHazoorSahibandotherGurdwaras ofDelhi,IcamebacktoPunjab.FromAmritsarIreturnedthroughPakistanwiththeoriginaljatha (group)toIEnglandbyroad,thewaywecame.Theentireyathralastednearlythreemonths.

AmritPrachaar (ThemissionofAmritSanchaarseeGlossary) [TheGuru'schallenge"Ifyouwishtoplaythegameoflovethen(bepreparedto)placeyourhead onthepalmofyourhandandcomemyway."(GuruNanakDevJiSGGSp.1412).GuruNanak's TenthLight,GuruGobindSinghJirepeatedthesamechallengeontheVaisakhidayin1699,and madethepartakingofAmritorKhandayBaataydiPahul,anecessaryconditionforfollowinginHis footsteps.] GuruNanakDevJisaysthatwherevergoodmengo,theywillalwayspreachwhateverisgood. Once,GuruNanakDevJiandBhaiMardanawenttoavillage.Thepeopletherewereillmannered andinhospitable.Theyneverdidanygoodforanyone.Theyshowednorespectforanyone.They showednorespecteventothesaintlyGuruNanakDevJiandBhaiMardanawhostayedtherefor onlyonenight.ThenextmorningasGuruJiwasabouttoleave,hesaidtothevillagers,"Mayyou continuelivinghereforever." Thentheywenttoanothervillage.Inthisnextvillage,thepeoplewerehospitableandkind.They servedallvisitorsverywell.TheytookverygoodcareofGuruJi.ThenextdaywhenGuruJiwas abouttoleaveheturnedtothesevillagersandsaid,"Mayyoubeuprootedfromthisplace." MardanawasmystifiedtohearGuruJi'swords.Heasked,"Whatdoesthismean,GuruJi?You blessedthosewhogaveyounorespect,andofferedyounofood,andyet,youcursedthosewho servedyouwell." GuruJireplied,"Whereverhospitableandpolitepeoplego,theytaketheirgoodqualitieswith themandspreadthesegoodqualitiesamongstothers.ThatiswhyIsaidtothesepeopletomove outandpreachgoodqualitieswherevertheygo.Ontheotherhand,I"blessed"thepeoplewith badqualitiestostaywheretheyweresothatothersmaynotbeinfluencedbythem."Mardana replied,"Onlyyouunderstandyourwaysandnoother." Likethosepeoplewithgoodqualities,BhaiGurnamSingh,BhaiMadanSingh,BhaiShingaraSingh, GianiAmolakSingh,BhaiBantaSinghandotherslikethemeventuallysettledinUKandstartedto spreadSikhi.TheystartedthesewaofAkhandPaatths.SikhmigrantsstartedarrivingfromAfrica andIndiaandstartedpreachingSikhi.GianiAmolakSinghdidtheserviceofteachingGurbani kirtanwithtablaandharmonium. WhenSantBabaPuranSinghKerichowaalaycametoEngland,manyGurdwaraswerebuilt.He startedAmritPrachaar(preachingthenecessityforeveryonewhowantedtofollowtheGuru's pathtopartakeofAmrit).ManygreatpreachersandsaintlyloversofWaheguru'sNamecameto EnglandandwiththeirspiritualpresenceandGuruJi'sGrace,Sikhistartedprospering.Thosewho haddriftedawayfromSikhistartedreturningtotheGuru'spath.SantIsharSinghRaarhaywaalay alsocametoEnglandtospreadtheGuru'sWordandmanySikhsreadoptedSikhidentity.Ajatha (group)consistingofBhaiPuranSinghJi,hiswife,ChanniJi,BhaiMeharSinghandBibiHarjitKaur cameandpreachedSikhi.ManypeoplewereimpressedwiththeirteachingsandconsequentlyI underwentAmritinitiation.Afterthis,manykathakaars,peoplewhopreachGurbaniandSikh tradition,likeBhaiSantSinghJiMaskin,BhaiJaswantSinghJiParwana,ProfessorSantokhSinghJi andmanyotherintellectualscontinuedtovisitUK.SoonSikhibegantospread.SantBabaMaan Singhalsocameandpreached.Peoplewereimpressedbyhismessage.Hepersuadedmanyto becomeAmritdhaariGursikhs.

ChachaDarshanSinghofSouthallalsoformedagroupAmritPrachaar,preachingandinspiring peopletoreceiveAmrit.BhaiSahibBhaiKishanSinghJiParwanafromIndiaandhiskirtanijatha werethefirstprofessionalraagistoperformclassicalkirtan.BhaiJoginderSingh,thePresidentof Shephard'sBushGurdwara,madealloftheirarrangements.GianiAmolakSingh,GianiSurjitSingh, BhaiSewaSinghLalli,BhaiBantaSinghandBibiKirpalKaurformedakirtanijathaandsetthe trendforkirtanprogrammesandRaaenSubaaees.Intime,BhaiGurnamSinghgottheAkhand KirtaniJatharegisteredandthemembershipstartedincreasingdaybyday.TheSangatappointed BhaiGurnamSinghasjathedar,theheadofthegroup.HeservedtheJathadevotedlybyarranging programmes,schedulingthem,andtheninformingeveryoneofthedate,time,andplacetomeet. BhaiSahibJialsoplannedtheAmritSanchaars.SometimeshealsoservedasoneofthePanj PiarayduringAmritSanchaarceremonies.Hestartedarrangingtheserviceofkirtaninpeople's homes.HeplannedRaaenSubaaeeandvariousotherprogrammesinallpartsofEngland.He managedthestageduringprogrammes.HealsosentsubscriptionsoftheSuramagazine,a publicationofAkhandKirtaniJatha.Hemadeagenerouscontributionofhisvaluabletimeand efforttoupliftthepositionoftheAkhandKirtaniJathaandkeepitingoodspirit. BhaiAjitSinghBhogalofDelhiservedtheJathabyhelpinginAmritSanchaars.Sometimes,one's pastgooddeedsarerewardedandsomehowopportunitiesfordoingsewaarise.BhaiSahib arrivedfromIndiaandwenttoGravesend.Hewaslookingforaroomtostay.Someonetoldhim thattherewasavacantroominBhaiHarbakshSingh'shouse.BhaiSahibtooktheaddressin Gravesendandsetofftoenquireaboutit.HerangthedoorbellandBhaiHarbakshSinghopened thedoor.BhaiAjitSinghgreetedhim,"WaheguruJiKaKhalsaWaheguruJiKiFateh,"andthen enquiredabouttheroom.BhaiHarbakshSinghhappilygavehimaroomandsoBhaiSahibmoved in.EverymorningatAmritvela(seeGlossary)BhaiSahibwouldgetupandaftertakingabath, startsimran(meditativerecitationof"Waheguru"Naam).Theatmosphereofthehousebecame verypeacefulasaresultofWahegurusimran.HarbakshSinghaskedBhaiSahibtoexplaintohim theproperwaytorecitesimranashereceivedgreatpeacewhenheheardothersdoingit.Bhai SahibtoldhimthatonlyPanjPiaraycouldteachthecorrectmethodforswasswassimran.One hastoexperiencetheAmritSanchaarceremonytoreceivethisblessing.SoBhaiHarbakshSingh tookAmrit.HebecameaGursikhandstarteddoingservicefortheJatha.Ashehadaverybig house,theAmritSanchaarceremonieswereheldthere.Helivedat77PeasRoad,NorthFleet, Kent.HarbakshSinghwasalsooneofthefivemembersofthe"GaganDamamaBaajio"Paper. WithBhaiAjitSingh'sinspiration,manySikhstookAmritinGravesend.AfterawhileBhai HarbakhshSinghmovedtoChathamandthebaptismceremonieswereperformedinthehouses ofeitherBhaiGulzarSinghorBhaiRamSingh. ThenumberofSinghsintheJathacontinuedtoincrease.Sangatfromotherareasalsostarted askingforkirtanprogrammes,sothekirtanandRaaenSubaaeetrendgainedmomentum.Many SinghsandSinghanisstartedlearningkirtan.ThekirtanijathaofBhaiBantaSingh,BibiKirpalKaur, BhaiSewaSinghLalli,BhaiRajinderSingh,BhaiKuldipSingh,BhaiManjitSingh,BhaiAjaibSingh andBhaiMahinderSinghwasformed.BhaiSarabjitSinghandBhaiTrilochanSinghdidthesewaof tabla.ThosewhotookpartinAmritPrachaarwere:BhaiAjitSinghBhogal,BhaiShingaraSingh Nihang,BhaiSwaranSinghMalhi,BhaiJoginderSinghLeicester,BhaiGurnamSingh,BhaiRam Singh,BhaiNirmalSingh,BhaiJarnailSingh,BhaiRaghvirSingh,BhaiSohanSingh,BhaiOnkarSingh andmyself.BhaiSahibBhaiJiwanSinghJicontinuedtotakeaprominentpartindoingSikh missionarywork.

 BhaiRamaSinghJidoingkirtanduringthetourofNorwayaccompaniedbyBhaiAjaibSingh,Bhai PrithipalSingh,BhaiNachhatarSingh,BhaiKuldipSinghandBibiJi

AmemorablephotoduringAmritSanchaar(seeGlossary),SikhiPrachaartourofAustralia.From lefttoright;BhaiSubegSingh,BhaiRajinderSingh,BhaiRamaSingh,BhaiHardialSinghandBhai GurdipSingh.

BhaiHarbhajanSinghSagooandfamilydoingkirtanatBebayNanakiGurdwaraSahib,Birmingham.

AtNewYork,BhaiPalaSinghjisdaughterdoingkirtanaccompaniedbyhissonplayingtabladrums. GianiJiissittingwiththemandontheleftisBhaiPalaSinghhimself.

DuringAmritSanchaar(seeGlossary)functionsatLemingtonSpa.Fromlefttoright;BhaiSohan Singh,BhaiRaghbirSingh,BhaiRamaSingh,BhaiJarnailSinghandBhaiPritamSingh

AmericanSinghsdoingkirtanatSanFrancisco(America)duringthePrachaartour.Fromleftto right;BhaiRamaSingh,BhaiDupinderSinghandBhaiMohanSinghdoingkirtanaccompaniedby BhaiUptejSingh(Leyton,England)playingtabladrums.

InAmerica,BhaiJagdeeshSinghandBibiJagjitKaurdoingkirtan.

SikhchildrendoingkirtanatToronto(Canada)duringSikhiPrachaar.BibiRavinderKaur,Bibi RupinderKaurdoingkirtanandBhaiSukhvirSinghplayingthetabla,whilethesangatislistening.

 SikhladiesofNewZealand.TheSikhladiescanpreservetheSikhnationandheritagebybecoming Amritdhari(seeGlossary).

InSingapore,GurleenKaur,thedaughterofBhaiSukhjinderSinghandBibiKulwantKaur,doing kirtan.WithherareBhaiRamaSinghJiandBibiJi.

LittleSikhchildrenofNewZealandwholoveSikhi,infullSikhidress.

DuringtheGurmatPrachaartourofThailand,onBhaiRamaSinghJiarrivalareseenBhaiBalvir Singh,BibiHarvinderKaurandSinghsfromGermanyandThailand.

DuringthePrachaartourofNewZealand,withthesangatareseenBhaiMohinderSinghandBhai PiaraSingh

 HeavenlysceneoftheNagarKirtan(localkirtan)processionledbythePanjPiaray(theFive BelovedOnes)takenoutbytheSikhNaujawanSabhaofMalaysiawiththeSangatssupport.

AsceneofthesangatwhichhadtakenAmritduringtheAmritPrachaartourofFiji.Over80 membersoftheSangattookAmritonthatoccasion.

AsceneofthesangatontheoccasionoftheDharmicDiwan(religiousfunction)heldattheKhalsa CollegeinFiji.ItneedstoberememberedthatKhalsaCollegeswerefirstsetupoutsideIndiain Vancouver(Canada)andinFiji.

SangatmemberswhotookAmritduringthePrachaartourinSingapore.

BhaiRamaSinghdoingkirtanontheoccasionwithBhaiSukhdevSingh(playingtabla),Bibi HarvinderKaurandBhaiRanjitSingh(right).

GursikhgirlswiththeAmericanBibiJagjitKaurduringthePrachaartourofAustralia.

BhaiSahibBhaiJiwanSinghJi,FounderoftheKhalsaSchools

BhaiJiwanSinghJi "ThePerfectGuruhasattachedmetoHisfeet.IhaveobtainedtheLordasmycompanion,my support,mybestfriend.WhereverIgo,Iamhappythere.ByHisKindMercy,Godunitedmewith Himself.||1||SosingforevertheGloriousPraisesoftheLordwithlovingdevotion.Youshall obtainallthefruitsofyourmind'sdesires,andtheLordshallbecomethecompanionandthe supportofyoursoul.||1||Pause||TheLordisthesupportofthebreathoflife.Iamthedustof thefeetoftheHolypeople.Iamasinner,buttheLordmademepure.ByHisKindMercy,theLord blessedmewithHisPraises.||2||TheSupremeLordGodcherishesandnurturesme.Heis alwayswithme,theProtectorofmysoul.SingingtheKirtanoftheLord'sPraisesdayandnight,I shallnotbeconsignedtoreincarnationagain.||3||OnewhoisblessedbythePrimalLord,the ArchitectofDestiny,realisesthesubtleessenceoftheLord.TheMessengerofDeathdoesnot comenearhim.IntheLord'sSanctuary,Nanakhasfoundpeace.||4||" (SGGSp.623) "TheKirtanoftheLord'sPraiseisapricelessdiamond.Itistheoceanofblissandvirtue.Inthe WordoftheGuru'sBaniisthewealthoftheunstrucksoundcurrent.TheSaintsholdthekeytoit intheirhands."(SGGSp.893) In1942,BhaiJiwanSinghJifirststarteddoingsewawhenhebecameapaatthi(onewhoreadsSri GuruGranthSahib)ofAkhandPaatthsinSriHarmandirSahib(AkhandPaatthisthecontinuous readingtocompletionofSriGuruGranthSahibJi).Heimpressedeveryonewithhisflawless andmelodiousrecitationofpaath.Hestartedlearningkirtan(Gurbanisinging)also.Thefirst shabadhelearntwas:"DukhbhanjanTeraNaamJi"(meaning"YourNameisthedestroyerof painandailments").Thisshabadwouldcontinuetoresoundinhisears.Soon,hestarted performingkirtanproficientlyandwaseventuallyappointedtodokirtanatHarimandarSahib (GoldenTemple)atAmritsar.AftertwoyearshewenttoGoindwalSahibandcontinueddoing kirtanforalongtime.IqbalSinghaccompaniedhimontabla.Hiskirtanhadalastingimpressionon peoplebecausehehadnogreedformoney.HemetBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJiandwent withhimtoLudhiana.TherehestartedtakingpartinRaaenSubaaeekirtans. ImetBhaiSahibduringDusehraatBanglaSahibGurdwara(Delhi)in1972(DusehraisaHindu festivalheldinOctober/November,celebratingthedestructionofthedemonkingRawanbygod Rama).IrequestedhimtocometoEngland.BhaiSahibrepliedthathewasalsoeagertovisit Englandandtomeetthesangat,buthedidnotknowanyone.ItoldBhaiSahibthatGianiAmolak SinghwasinEngland.HewaspleasedtoknowthisandaskedmetoconveyhisgreetingstoGiani Ji.Godwilling,hewouldvisitEngland. BhaiSahibJididserviceasHeadGranthi(seeGlossary)ofPatnaSahibGurdwara.Hewastherefor nineortenyears.BhaiSahibusedtocollectwheatfromPunjabandtakeittoPatnaSahibforthe Langar.HetaughtkirtantomanydevoteesandbroughtthemeverclosertoGod.TheGurdwara committeesenthimabroadtopreach,mainlyinCanada.Heusedtodokirtanandgivekatha sermonsexplainingGurbani.ManywereinspiredtotakeAmrit.AtthattimeinCanada,itwas difficulttofindfiveAmritdhariSikhstodoAmritSanchaar.SoAmrikSinghandIwenttherefrom Englandforthispurpose.ThisfirstAmritSancharinVancouverwasheldinTattKhalsaGurdwara. Peoplecamefromfaraway,includingSikhsfromAmerica.Eightypeoplewerereadytoreceive Amrit.TheAmritSanchaarprogrammestartedat2a.m.andendedintheafternoon.Whenthe processionofeightySikhswhohadreceivedAmritcameoutwiththePanjPiarayintothesangat,

everyonewasimpressed.ManyotherswereinspiredtotakeAmrit.Thiswasespeciallythecase withSurjeetSingh'sfamily,whoreceivedAmritsoonafterandbecameKhalsaSinghs.AfterAmrit SanchaarIsangthefollowingshabad: "SeparatedfromtheLordforcountlesslifetimes,theselfwilledmanmukh(seeGlossary)sutlersin pain,engagedinactsofegotismBeholdingtheHolySaint,IfoundGod;OLordoftheUniverse,I seekYourSanctuary.||1||TheLoveofGodisverydeartomeWhenIjoinedtheSatSangat,the CompanyoftheHolyPeople,theLord,(heembodimentofpeace,cameintomyheart.||Pause|| Youdwell,hidden,withinmyheartdayandnight.Lord;butthepoorfoolsdonotunderstandYour Love.MeetingwiththeAlmightyTrueGuru,Godwasrevealedtome;IsingHisGloriousPraises, andreflectuponHisGlories.||2||AsGurmukh,Ihavebecomeenlightened;peacehascome, andevilmindednesshasbeendispelledfrommymind.Understandingtherelationshipofthe individualsoulwithGod,Ihavefoundpeace,inYourSatSangat,YourTrueCongregation,OLord. ||3||ThosewhoareblessedbyYourKindMercy,meettheAlmightyLord,andfindtheGuru. Nanakhasfoundtheimmeasurable,celestialpeace;nightandday,heremainsawaketotheLord, theMasteroftheForestoftheUniverse.||4||" (SGGSp.607) InderjitSinghplayedthetabla.WheneverIgotoVancouverBibiKulwantKaurasksmetosingthis sameshabad.BhaiAmrikSinghJithensangthefollowingshabad: "Maymyemotionalattachment,mysenseofmineandyours,andmyselfconceitbedispelled.|| 1||OSaints,showmesuchaway,bywhichmyegotismandpridemightbeeliminated.||1|| Pause||seetheSupremeLordGodinallbeings,andIamthedustofall.||2||IseeGodalways withme,andthewallofdoubthasbeenshattered.||3||ThemedicineoftheNaam,andthe ImmaculateWaterofAmbrosialNectar,areobtainedthroughtheGuru'sGate.II4IISaysNanak, onewhohassuchpreordaineddestinyinscribeduponhisforehead,meetswiththeGuru,andhis diseasesarecured.||5||17||28II"(SGGSp.616) ThesecondAmritSanchaarwasinToronto.ThesewaofPanjPiaraywasperformedbyBhaiJiwan Singh,BhaiAmrikSingh,BhaiUdaySingh,BhaiIqbalSinghandmyself.DuringAmritSanchaar, whenBhaiAmrikSinghwasrecitingtheBaaniofJaapSahib,Icouldclearlyseetwohandsonthe sword.OnewasthehandofBhaiAmrikSinghandtheotherhandwasoftenthGuru,SriGuru GobindSinghJi.GuruMaharajHimselfwasinfusingHisownpositivespiritintotheAmrit.When LachhmanSingh'swifetookherfirstsipofAmrit,shelostconsciousnessandittooksometimefor hertorecover.MeanwhileherNaamsimrancontinuedandcouldbeheard.ThisAmritSanchaar tookplaceinBhaiLashmanSinghBanga'shouseand16peoplereceivedAmrit. IrequestedBhaiJeevanSinghtocometoEnglandandblessthesangat.Soonhisreturnfrom CanadatoIndia,BhaiSahibcametoEnglandforaweek.HetookpartinaRaaenSubaaee,andthe sangatwasdeeplymovedbyhiskirtan.TodayBhaiSahibhaslongretiredfromtheserviceof PatnaSahibGurdwaraandnowdoessewaofkirtanandAmritSanchaar. InthiswaytheAkhandKirtaniJathamovementspreadinAmericaandCanada.BhaiSahibbecame verypopularinEngland,America,CanadaandEurope.WheneverhearrivesinEngland,thesangat enjoyshiskirtan.InhisArdaashealwayspraystotheLord,"OWaheguru,leteveryoneinthe worldreciteYourName."Hiswife,BibiJoginderKaur,hasalwayssupportedhiminhismissionary work.

TheSewaoftheLangaratAnandpurSahib (Langar:TheSikhinstitutionofthenondiscriminatorycommunitykitchen) WhenIwasstayinginChachaDarshanSingh'shouse,SantSewaSinghJicamethere.Iwas delightedtomeethim.Itseemedasifweweretwofriendsmeetingafteralongtime.Ithoughtto myselfthateveninoldageBabaJiwasdoingsuchdifficultsewaandIdecidedtofollowhis example.IaccompaniedBabaJifromhousetohousetocollectfundsforAnandpurSahiband otherGurdwaras.Peoplecontributedgenerously. OnedayChachaDarshanSingh,BhaiPakharSingh,BhaiMahinderSinghBainsandmyselfreturned aftercollectingfundsandsatdownwithBabaJiforourmeal.BibiMahinderKaurwasservingus andBibiSurjeetKaurwasmakingparshaaday(chapatis).BabaSewaSinghJienjoyedhismeal eatingmanyparshaaday.Afterwardshewenttowashhishands.Whiledoingthis,heaskedboth ladieswhichdailyBanistheyrecited(FiveBanis:TheFiveBanisinthemorningare:JapjiSahib; JaapSahib;TenSwayyas;Chaupai;andAnandSahib(full).(ReharasandKirtanSohilaarerecitedin theevening)).MahinderKaurrepliedthatshedidnotknowmuchPunjabi.SurjitKauradmitted thatalthoughshecouldreadGurbani,shehadnotmemorisedanyBani.BabaJitoldbothofthem thattherewasnoshortageintheGuru'shouse.HetoldMahinderKaurtolearntoreadGurbani fromherfather,ChachaDarshanSingh,andtoldSurjitKaurtocontinuewithhereffortalso.With Guru'sblessing,bothhavesincememorisedthefivedailyBanisandSukhmaniSahib. OneGursikhcelebratedhisson'sbirthdaybyhavingAkhandPaatthreadinhishouse.Giani AmolakSingh,BhaiShadiSingh,BhaiBhagirathSingh,BhaiHarcharanSingh,BhaiMahinderSingh BainsandBhaiAmrikSinghdidthePaatth.Oncompletion,GianiAmolakSinghJiperformedthe kirtan.IstayedforthreedaysintheirhouseduringtheAkhandPaatthandwasresponsibleforall oftheservices.AfterthecompletionofAkhandPaatthweallgottogetheranddecidedtogivethe offeringscollectedtoBabaSewaSinghJionhisnexttriptoEngland. BabaJicametoEnglandasecondtime.Iaccompaniedhimcollectingfunds.Thesangatmembers ofEnglanddonatedgenerouslyforBauliSahibandforroomsforsangataccommodation.Many womendonatedgoldandabouttwokilogramsofgoldwascollected. BabaJistayedfortwoorthreemonths.Whenhewasabouttoreturn,Igavehimthefunds collectedfromAkhandPaatths.Aftersomethought,BabaJisaid,"Whydon'tyoustartdoingthe sewaofAkhandpaatths'Ireplied,"BabaJi,Iamnotapaatthi(fluentinreadingGurbani).Icannot dokirtan.Idonothaveanyqualificaticforthissewa."Inthosedaystherewereveryfewpaathis. BabaJiassuredmethattheGuruJiHimselfwouldhelpmewiththissewaandthatIwasnotto worryaboutthat.WithSatguruJi'sblessing,sizeablegroupofpaatthisgottogether,sothat,for thedurationooneAkhandPaatth(about48hours),eachpersongotonlyoneturntodopaatth. Thenamesofthesepaatthisareworthmentioningbecauseoftheirunselfishserviceforothers: BhaiMahinderSinghGadgaj,BhaiHardipSingh,BhaiPrithipalSingh,BhaiJogaSingh,Bhai HarbhajanSingh,BhaiSukhdevSingh,BibiKulvinderKaur,BibiCharanjitKaurandmanyother ladieswhousedtodopaatthduringtheday.IwouldalwaysstayandenjoytheblissofAkhand Paatthforthethreedays(BhaiSahibusuallyusestheworddaas(slaveorservant)insteadoffirst person"I"inhisnarrative).

BhaiRamaSinghJiwithaccomplishedGurbanireadersandsingerswhoperformedAkhandPaatth (seeGlossary)servicesanddonatedtheSangat'scontributionstotheLangar(Guru'scommunity kitchen)atSriAnandpurSahib. BhaiMahinderSingh'schildren,andHarbhajanSinghwoulddothesewaofGurbanikirtan.We collectedlargefundsfromtheseAkhandPaaths,Thesangatmemberschosemetomanagethe donations.AtthattimeitwasaLabourgovernmentandonecouldnotsendmorethanathousand poundsabroad. Witheveryone'sapprovalwestartedtheDashmeshReligiousCharitableTrust.BhaiMahinder SinghBainswasthePresident,BhaiHarcharanSingh,theGeneralSecretaryandBhaiSukhdev SinghtheTreasurer.BhaiPakharSinghandBhaiMahinderSinghGadgajwerethetrustees. FundsfromthesewaoftheseAkhandPaatthsweregiventoBabaJitobuyalargebusat AnandpurSahib.Atthattimethecostofthebuswas125,000rupees.FundsfromtheAkhand PaatthsaresenttoAnandgarhGurdwarafortheLangar.AspeopleheardthatBhaiRamaSingh wassendingalldonationsfromAkhandPaatthsforLangarsewaatAnandpurSahib,morepeople startedaskingforAkhandPaatthsintheirhomes.Therewasawaitinglistofthreetofourmonths. Manydevoteesmadetheirbookingsannuallyinadvance.ConsequentlyatrendforAkhand Paatths(athome)started.TheGuruHimselfblessedthecontinuationofthissewa.Thissewaof AkhandPaatthscontinuedforalongtime.AtthesametimeGuruJiblessedmetotravelfrom countrytocountrydoingAmritSanchaar.ThesewaoforganisingAkhandPaatthswashanded overtoBhaiPakharSinghJianditcontinueswithgreatenthusiasm.

 AbusboughtfromtheSangat'sdonationsduringAkhandPaatthsinEnglandforGurdwaraKila AnandgarhSahib. WhenBabaJitookthegolddonationsforsewa,heleftthecollectionboxwithus.Itooktheboxto theGurdwaraforcollectionoffundsfortheworldfamousPingalwarha,aninstitutionatAmritsar forthehandicapped,startedbyBhagatPuranSinghJi.Onthefirstdaydonationsof16pounds werecollected.IhandedtheboxwiththemoneytoBibiChananKaur.Shewasveryhappytotake onthissewaforthebenefitoftheneedy.Shecontinuestodothisservice.Tocollectdonations, BibiJisitshumblywherepeopleleavetheirshoes.Somedropapenny,someafewpenniesand someafewPounds.Whateversomeonewishestogiveisputintheboxandgooduseismadeof themoney.ThisBibiisblessedwithcompassion.Shebegsfromthesangat,collectingmoneyfor orphans.WheneverthereisaGurpurbshealsocollectsmoneyfortheLangaratAnandpurSahib. BhaiJogindarSinghSandhuwentonayathra(seeGlossary)toHazoorSahib.Whenhereturned, hetoldmethatwhilethere,hehadmetSardarChananSingh,whoinformedhimaboutthe vanjaaray,apeoplewhomoveaboutmakingtheirlivingastraders(vanajmeanstrade)and entertainers.Thesepeople,perhapsasmanyastenmillion,wereinterestedinembracingtheSikh religion.Whentheygetmarried,theydonatearupeeandaquarter(sawarupee)inGuruNanak DevJi'snameaspartoftheweddingritual.However,therewasnoSikhorganisationorfacilities fordoingSikhiparchaar(i.e.preachingSikhi).BhaiJogindarSinghencouragedustostarta collectionoffunds,sayingthatitwouldbeagreatservicetohelpthesepeoplelearnaboutSikhi andthatweshouldmakeanefforttohelp.Healsoaskedthatwegivehelptoaprojectfor buildingaGurdwaraonthehighwayfromBombaytoNagpur.IformedaKirtaniJathawithBhai HarbhajanSingh,DrDavinderSingh,BhaiSatnamSingh,BhaiMahinderSingh'schildren,Bhai SatvinderSingh,BhaiPrithipalSinghandsomeladies.Wewentfromhousetohouseperforming kirtan. Formanyyearswesentthedonationscollectedforthisworthycause.WithGuruJi'sGrace,the Gurdwarawasbuilt.AwellwasalsodugandthesedaysLangarisserveddaily.BhaiJogindarSingh contributedverygenerouslytothisproject.WhenBhaiChananSinghvisitedEnglandin1995,the sangatofSouthallGurdwaraandtheneighbouringareasdonatedmoneyforthepurchaseofa jeep.

SantBabaSewaSinghJicameathirdtimetoEnglandtocollectfunds.GianiGurdeepSinghatone timehadbeentheGranthiatGurdwaraSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall,HavelockRoad.Hewasat thattimedoingsewaasGranthiinAmerica.HelearnedfromChachaDarshanSinghthatBabaJi wasinEngland.HeaskedChachaJitorequestBabaJitocometoAmerica.Hepromisedtohelp withfundraisingforBabaJi'ssewaprojects.WhenGianiJididkathapeoplefromdistantplaces wouldcometolistentohimandwerefilledwithblissfuljoywhentheyheardhissermons.He taughtmanytodocorrectpaatth.BabaJihadalotofrespectforGianiJi,soheagreedandmade planstogotoAmerica.BecauseBabaJispokenoEnglishitwasdecidedthatIshouldaccompany him.WhenwearrivedinNewYorkattheKennedyAirport,GianiJiandmanymembersofthe sangatwerewaitingtowelcomeus.AsweweredrivingawayfromtheAirport,BabaJiremarked, "ThisisthefirsttimeinmylifeIhaveseensuchbigcars."GianiJireplied,"InAmericapetrolis cheapanditisaffordabletodrivebigcarsevenwhenthereisonlyonepersoninacar.Americais suchabigcountrythatwhenyoutravelfromonesidetotheother,youneedtochangethetime onyourwatch."WestayedattheGurdwarawithGianiJiforoneweek.TheSikhslivingnearby collectedfundsforBabaJi.WhilewewerethereGianiJi,arrangedtosendBabaJitoCaliforniato HarbajanSinghKhalsaYogiJi. Thedaywereachedthere,aRaaenSubaaeeKirtanwasbeingheld.YogiJiusedtoholdcamps everyyearfromlateJunethroughAugust.Peoplecameinsmallgroupsfromallovertotakepart. Theywereallwearingwhiteclothes.Themostsurprisingthingforuswasthatthesewhite Westernersweredoingkirtanwithharmoniumandtabla.BabaJiwasverypleasedandsurprised toseethatsomanypeopleofWesternoriginhadbecomeSikhs.Thereweremanypeople gatheredinthesangat,theonlypeopleofIndianoriginbeingBabaJi,JoginderSingh,thefamilyof YogiBhajanSinghJi,andmyself.TherewereseveralthousandAmericanSikhmenandwomen. Everyoneattendingwaswearingwhiteclothes.TheSikhwomenwerewearingwhiteturbansand theirdresseswerewhite.ItseemedtomelikeSachkhand,God'sheavenlyabode.Everyoneclosed theireyesandlistenedtothekirtanattentively.Allwerequietlycomposedandnoonewas speakinginthistranquilatmosphere.ItappearedasifGuruGobindSinghJi'sspiritualLightwas shiningonthisland.AccordingtoSriGuruGobindSinghJi'sinjunctionthat"Rehat,andnotthe Sikh,isdeartome",allofthemearnedthetrueSikhidentity.ABibi(lady)sangthefollowing shabad: "GuruRamDaswasblessedwiththeThroneofraajyog(spiritualkingship).First,GuruNanak illuminatedtheworld,likethefullmoon,andfilleditwithbliss.Tocarryhumanityacross,He bestowedHisRadiance.HeblessedGuruAngadwiththetreasureofspiritualwisdom,andthe indescribableKnowledge(oftheUltimateReality);Heovercamethefivedemonsandthefearof theMessengerofDeath.TheGreatandTrueGuru,GuruAmarDas,haspreservedhonourinthis DarkAgeofKaliYug.SeeingHisLotusFeet,sinandevilaredestroyed.WhenHismindwastotally satisfiedineveryway,whenHewastotallypleased,HebestoweduponGuruRamDastheThrone ofRajaYoga.||4||"(SGGSp.1399) AnotherBibisangthisshabad. "ServetheImmaculateLordGod,andmeditateontheLord'sName.JointheSocietyoftheHoly Saints,andbeabsorbedintheLord'sName.OLord,gloriousandgreatisservicetoYou;Iamso foolish,please,commitmetoit.IamYourservantandslave;commandme,accordingtoYour Will.Asgurmukh(seeGlossary),IshallserveYou,asGuruhasinstructedme.||2||"(SGGSp. 643)

Bothofthemsangdevoutlyfromtheirheartsandwefeltsomuchspiritualjoy. Thecampwasheldinahillyarea.Ononesidewastheriverandontheotherside,SriGuruGranth SahibJi'sPrakaash(seeGlossary)wasonabeautifulpalaki(speciallyconstructedpalanquin).For theentirenightshabadsweresung.OncompletionoftheRaaenSubaaeeKirtan,YogiJitookus homewithhim.Nextday,YogiJitookustoaplacewhereYogawasbeingtaught.Therewasabig hallwherewhiteAmericans,bothmenandwomen,cametolearnYoga.Atthatplace,YogiJi taughtthesestudentshowtopracticeyogaandreciteMoolMantar. MoolMantarhasthedivinepowertogivepeaceofmind.Before,manyofthesestudentsofSikhi usedtoeatmeatanddrinkalcohol.ThepracticeofyogaandthepaatthofMoolMantarchanged theirhabitsandgavethemspiritualtranquillity.YogiJitaughtthemthatbyadoptingtheSikh identityinaccordancewithSikhrehat(code)theywouldderiveevengreatersatisfaction.When hisstudentsaskedabouttherequirementsofrehat,heexplainedthatSikhrehatmeantthatthey wouldhavetobekeshadhari(keepunshornhair)andtakeAmrit.Anypersonfromanyreligioncan receiveAmritandbecomeaSikhandliveaccordingtotherehat(innerandouterdisciplineof Sikhi)sodeartoSriGuruGobindSinghJi.Andso,theypreparedthemselvesandreceivedthegift ofAmrit. YogiJisaidthattherealsowasanashram(yogicschool)inHollywoodwhichheinvitedustovisit. WeflewbyplanetoHollywood.YogiJi'sdrivercametoreceiveusfromtheairport.Whenwe arrivedattheashramhetookustoseechildrenofwhiteAmericanSingh'sinthenursery.All childrenworekeski's(smallSikhdastarsorturbans)ontheirheads.Thedrivertoldmethat everydaythesechildrenweretaughttoreciteMoolMantarforfiveminutes.Theyweretaughtto saySatnamWaheguruwhenevertheyansweredatelephonecall.Thesechildrenweretaught aboutSikhi.Noneofthesechildren's'hairhadbeencut.TheyweresostaunchinSikhithatthey wouldneverwaverfromthepathofSikhiwhengrownup.Evenarock,whenitcameunderthe divineprotectionofSriGuruNanakDevJi,softenedintowax,asatPanjaSahib;withGuruJi's blessingKodaBheelstartedrecitingNaamand,SajanThugconvertedintoasaintlyperson.Even MeccaturnedaroundwithGuruNanakDevJi'sdivinelook(sothatthekaajiscouldunderstand thatAllahwasallaroundus).BabaJiwasverypleasedtoseethechildrenandsaidthatrehatwas deartoSriGuruGobindSinghJi;onewhoremainstruetorehatwouldinheritKhalsaRaj.From therewewenttoCanada. Experienceofstayingwithwealthyfamilieshasmademerealise,thatsometimes,perhaps unwittingly,richpeoplespoiltheirchildren.Ontheirbirthdaystheygivethemexpensivepresents liketelevision,VCR,videogamesetc.Thechildrenplayandwatchtelevisionuntillateinthenight. Thechildrendonotdotheirstudieswellandwastetheirtimeplayingandwatchingtelevision. Manychildrenevenforgettheirmeals.Thechildrenspoiltheirhealthbyeatingchocolates,sweets anddrinkingCocaColaandjuice.Whentheparentsareawayatwork,thechildrenwatchuseless filmsand,asaresult,havebaddreams.Panjabichildrenhaveforgottentheirownlanguageand theyspeakonlyinEnglish.Manychildrenhavestartedcuttingtheirhair.Nowadays,girlsrarely weardupatta(aclothusuallymadeoffinematerialforcoveringthehead).TheMuslimsaredoing muchbetterthanweareatmaintainingtradition.Theyhaveopenedseparateschoolsforgirls. TheMuslimgirlswearscarvesontheirheadsanddonotkeeptheirheadsuncovered.Parents needtolookaftertheirchildren.Thesedaysdrugsarecommoninschools.ManySikhchildren shownorespectforanyone.

OurchildrenshouldlearnPanjabi.IftheydonotknowPanjabiandGurmukhiscript,howwould theyexperiencedarshan(holysight)ofGuruJi,fortheLivingGurufortheSikhsisSriGuruGranth SahibJiwhichiswritteninGurmukhi.IftheycannotreadtheoriginalWordoftheGuruthenitwill bedifficultforthemtounderstandwhatGuruJisays(letnoSikhunderratetheimportanceofthe originalwordingofGurbaniwritteninGurmukhiscript.Assomescholarsaidaboutanothergreat religiousbook,thatitcouldnotbetranslatedbutonlyinterpretedbyindividuals,soGurbani cannotbetranslatedbutonlyinterpretedaccordingtotheindividuallinguistic,mentaland spiritualattainmentsofascholar.Theoutcome(asindeedthistranslationofBhaiRamaSinghJis experiences),canneverberegardedasauthenticorcomplete.Theoriginalmessage,especiallyof theGuru'sOwnAuthenticWordasrecordedinSriGuruGranthSahib(acceptedbyallgreat scholarsasuniqueinthehistoryofworldreligionsforitsauthenticity),canonlybeexperiencedin theoriginallanguageandscript.Importantthoughtranslationsandinterpretationsare,thekhoj (study)ofthespiritualmessageandexperienceofGurbanimustcontinueintheoriginallanguage ofSriGuruGranthSahib.ForthatreasonitisimportanttoreciteandpronounceGurbanias written). Ihumblyrequestthatparentsshouldlookaftertheirchildren'sreligiousandculturalneedsand continuetoteachthemaboutGursikhi,theGuru'sway.

AmericanChildreninfullSikhuniform

TranslationfromGurmukhiofletterof10October,1979,fromJathedarGurcharanSinghTohra, President,ShromaniGurdwaraPrabandhakCommittee: "DearSardarRamSinghJi, WaheguruJiKaKhalsa. WaheguruJiKiFateh. Thankyouforyourundatedletter,Iamgratefulfortheinformationsentinresponsetoourappeal forcompilingadirectoryofSikhbrotherslivingabroad. Itisagreatpleasuretoknowaboutyoureffortstopromotereligiousprojectsandtheteachingsof SikhiinEngland.YouraccountsforDasmeshTrusthavealsobeenreceived.OurArdaasisthat SatguruJicontinuestoblessyouwithaffectionforandfaithintheGuru'sHouseandloveforthe Panth. Respectfully, Concernedforyourwelfare, Signed:GurcharanSinghTohra. SardarRamSinghJi137AWesternRoad, Southall,Middlesex,UK."

YathratoSiriHemkuntSahib (Yathra:Pilgrimage,butseeGlossary) BhaiMohanSinghBhanvraplannedaprogrammetogotoHemkuntSahibon30May1978.Eighty fiveSikhmenandwomentookpartandthejatha(group)includedDidarSingh,SurjitSinghBilga, BhagatHariSingh,BhaiPrithipalSingh,BhaiPakharSingh,BibiChannanKaur,BibiBalwantKaur, BhaiHarbhajanSinghSagoo,BhaiShadiSingh,BhaiMohanSinghandmanyothers.Firstofallwe performedanAkhandPaatthceremony.WesetoffafterseekingGuruJi'sblessing.ManySinghs fromothertownswereattheairport.Weweregivensiropas(i.e.honouredreligioussiropais usuallyanorangecolouredpieceofclothwhichishandedoverorputaroundone'sneck;onother occasions,asiropamaybeanytokengift)andseenoffbyRamgarhiaSabha,SouthallGurdwara (RamgarhiaSikhdenominationrelatestocertaincastes,andisanunfortunateandcontradictory developmentsofarasSikhiisconcerned).Ifeltacertainspiritualhappinessonmeetingsomany Gursikhs.BhaiMohanSinghlookedaftereveryoneintheaircraft.WeflewbyJapanAirlinesand reachedDelhiairportearlynextmorning.

AleadingfigureoftheSikhPanth,S.InderjitSinghJi,ChairmanPunjabandSindhBankwelcoming theJathaatDelhiairport. OurswasthefirstgroupfromLondontogoonayathratoHemkuntSahib.BhaiInderjitSinghJi, ChairmanofPunjabandSindhBank,ColonelJoginderSinghMaan,BhaiRaghbirSinghRaees, ShamsherSinghofKanpur,BaldevSingh,ColonelJPRameshShahiandmanyotherrespected gentlemenandladiescametoreceivethejatha. Theywelcomedusbyputtingflowergarlandsaroundournecks.Thenwewenttoahotelat KashmiriGate,Delhi,tospendthenight.Thehotelowner,RaghbirSinghwasagurmukh(onewho faithfullyfollowsGuru'steachings)andaverycharitableman.Hehimselfundertookthesewaof makingboardingandlodgingarrangementsforourgroup.WestayedinDelhifortwodays.During thistime,wevisitedallthehistoricalGurdwarasofDelhi.BhaiInderjitSingh,ChairmanofPunjab andSindhBank,welcomedusatthebank'sJanpathbranch.SantBabaHarbansSinghmadethe arrangementsforourlangar(food)inBanglaSahibGurdwara. Onthesecondday,aftereatingbreakfastintheChairman'shouse,wesetoffforAgra.Ontheway wevisitedGurdwaraGurudeTaal,sawthebeautifulTajMahalandcamebackintheevening.On thethirddaywebeganourjourneytoSiriHemkuntSahib.

Thegroup'sfirstdestinationwasGurdwaraNirmalaChhavniatHardwar.SantBabaRamSinghJi Jharruwaalaywelcomedourgroupwarmly.AnothergroupfromKanpurjoinedusthereandwe partookoflangar.RishikeshisfifteenmilesfromHardwar.Ourgroupsetoutandsoonreached theretothesoundofloudjaikaras(SikhcriesseeGlossary)bythesangat.Thejathawaswarmly welcomed.BythattimetherewerenearlyonehundredandfiftySinghsandSinghanisinthe sangat.RishikeshisonthebanksoftheGangesriver.TherearemanyHindutemplesandshrines. Intheevening,akirtanprogrammewasheldintheGurdwara.BhaiMohanSinghJi,akirtania(one whodoeskirtan),alongwithhisoldmothercamefromBombay.MasterSurjitSinghDardi'skirtani jathahadalsocomefromKanpur.Everykirtanijathatookpartinturn.Sikhladies'jathafrom Thailanddidmelodiouskirtan.Thekirtanprogrammelastedwellintothenight,afterwhichlangar wasserved.SantSunderSinghJihadcomeespeciallyfromKanpurtotakechargeoftheLangar. Heservedthesangatwithgreataffectionandrespect. ThesangatenjoyedtwodaysstayatRishikesh.WeleftforSriNagaron2June1978(Nottobe confusedwithSriNagar,thecapitalofKashmirState.SriNagarwasahillstateduringGuruGobind SinghJi'stime).Whenwearrivedtherewewereservedlangarandthenspentthenightthere.The nextmorning,SukhmaniSahibPaatthwasrecitedfromfiveo'clock.TwoancientBirs(volumes)of SiriGuruGranthSahibJi,fromtheperiodofGuruGobindSinghJiarekeptthere.Intheevening, theorganiserstoldusthatthePrakaash(seeGlossary)oftheseBirswouldbedoneinthemorning fordarshanbythesangat. AfterthekirtanofAsadiVarBani(ABanisungatGurdwarasinthemorningtoaprescribed popularbeatandrhythmcalledTundeAsraajaykiDhunee.Thereareothersimilarpopularbeats andrhythmsprescribedforsingingGurbaniinfolkmusicstylescommoninthedaysofGuru Sahibaan),thesangatdiddarshanofthetwoBirs,andfollowingArdaas,setoffforthenext stretchofthejourney.Thepathstartedrisingup,cuttingthroughthemountains.SriNagarisat 1500feetabovesealevel.Asweclimbed,wepassedbymanyparyaags,wheresmallspringsmeet andflowtogether. AfterpassingPipalKoti,andChamoli,wereachedJoshimatthGurdwara.Itwasquitecoldthere. AfterGurdwaradarshanweproceededtoGobindGhaat.Fromtheretheroadbecamevery narrow.AftertheGurdwaraatGobindGhaatitbecomesnecessarytowalktherestoftheway. TheGurdwaraisaboutonekilometrefromtheroad.HerethesewaofNishaanSahib(therevered KhalsaFlagseeninfrontofallGurdwaras)wasundertaken(thesewaofNishaanSahibincludesthe changingofthesaffronclothing(CholaSahib)coveringtheflagpoleandtheKhalsabanneronthe top.ThisisusuallydoneonceayearwithgreatreligiousandKhalsanationalfervour). Thesangatdidkirtanwhilethissewawasbeingdone.Whentheceremonywascomplete,two falconswereseenflyingintheskyabove.TheycircledaroundtheNishaanSahibandthenflew towardsHemkuntSahib.Thesangatwereoverjoyedbythisomen(forintheSikhpsyche,afalcon isalwaysassociatedwithGuruGobindSinghJi).Thehilltopsresoundedtothejaikarasof"Boleso Nihaal!SatSriAkaal!!"(seejaikaraintheGlossary). IntheeveningafterthepaatthofRehraas,theorganisersannouncedthatanyonewantingto receivetheblessingsoftheGurucouldtakeAmritthefollowingevening,beforecontinuingonto HemkuntSahib.MohanSinghBhanvratoldmethatIwastotakepartintheAmritSanchaar.The otherswhoundertookthissewawere:SurjitSinghGill,HarbhajanSingSagghu,BhaiPrithipal Singh,BhagatHariSingh,BhaiMohanSingh,andBhaiNirmalSingh.FortySikhmenandwomen

tookAmritandbecameGuruwaalay(Guruwaalaybaanayisafairlystandardexpressionamongst devotedSikhs.WhenapersontakesAmrit,thatpersonbecomesaGuruwaala.Thismeansthat aftertakingAmrit,aperson'sclaimtohaveaGurucannotbedenied,forthatpersonhastaken vowstotreadtheGuru'spathandtokeepHisrehat.WeakarguentsaboutanAmritdhariSingh's actualintentionsorbehaviour,andthatwhatmattersisinnerrehat,arefutileexcusesfornot takingAmrit.Youdonotpointtootherstohideyourownweaknessesortodenytheimportance oftakingAmritinSikhi).Itwasasighttosee;allthewomenwerewearingdastaars. GobindGhaatisaverypleasantandpeacefulplace.GurdwaraAlakNandaisonariverbank.A swingingconcretebridgeisnexttoit.ThefoottracktoHemkuntSahibstartsaftercrossingthis bridge.AlongthesideflowstheriverHemGangathatstartsatHemkuntSahibandthenjoinsAlak Nanda.Whataunionofpurity!ThisbreathtakingsightatGobindGhaatisverybeautiful.Gobind Ghaatisatanaltitudeof6000feet.ThedistancebetweenGobindGhaatandGobindDhaamis13 kilometres. Aswesetoff,therewasgreatenthusiasmoneveryface.Everybodycarriedastaffintheirhands. Everyoneutteredtheword"Waheguru".Gursikhsmeetingontheway,greetedeachotherwith "WaheguruJikaKhalsa,WaheguruJikiFateh."Therewasarrangementforteaandlangaratmany placesalongtheway.ThtffootpathgoesalongtheriverHemGanga.Thereareverybeautiful scenestobeseenontheway.Aftertrekkingforabout11hours,wefinallyreachedGobind Dhaam.ThemaingroupreachedtheGurdwarabutBhaiDidarSinghwassomewherebehindand hadlosttheway.Itwasgettingdark.Whenhecametoajunctionoffootpaths,hedidnotknow whichpathtofollow.HeprayedforSatguruJi'shelp.Justthen,twogoldenfalconscameand startedwalkinginfrontofhim.Hefeltthatthiswasakautak(seeGlossary)andthefalconshad cometoshowhimtheway.Hefollowedthepathshownbythefalcons,andthenthey disappeared.Hesawsomesangataheadofhimandhecaughtupwiththemandreachedthe Gurdwara.AttheGurdwaraherecitedhisunusualexperiencetotheSangat.Thesedays,ifanyone loseshisway,dogsownedbyGobindDhaamGurdwaraaresentouttofindtheperson. Aperson'stirednessisrelievedbydoingsewa.BhaiSurjitSinghandhiswifeKulwantKaurfrom Canada,BhaiPakharSingh,BibiChannanKaurandafewotherSikhsincludingmyselfhelpedwith thelangarpreparation.Despitethewholeday'ssteepclimb,weweresobusydoingsewathatwe forgotallaboutourfatigue.WhileIwasdoingthesewa,aladycametomeandsaid,"BhaiSahib Ji,pleasewakemeupinthemorningwhenyoudoyoursimran"WhenIheardher,Iwondered howsheknewthatIdidsimranatAmritvela.Iwaswonderingaboutthiswhensherepeated,"I amgoingtosleepoverthere,donotforgettowakemeup." Iwasconcerned.HowwouldIwakeherup;Ididnotevenknowhernameandwhatwouldthe othersthink?Nextmorning,Itookthecouragetocallher,"Bibi,itisAmritvela,getup."Aninner voicetoldme,"Goodsoul,GuruGobindSinghJihascome,getupquickly,takeyourbathand cometoMaharajJi'sroom." WhileIwasdoingsimran,InoticedthattheBibi(lady)wasbowingdowntopayherrespectstoSiri GuruGranthSahibJi.Myeyesclosedimmediatelyandathoughtpassedthroughmymindthat, "SheisnootherthanGuruGobindSinghJiMaharajHimself,whohascometodosimran.While, doingsimranIbecameimmersedinadivinemusicalhumwithinme.Iwassofilledwithspiritual joythatIfeltlikecontinuingtolistentothatmysticalhum.WhenIopenedmyeyes,theladywas notthere.Ididnotknowwhereshehadgone.IfeltthatthiswasakautakofMaharajJi.Itis

difficulttodescribethisexperience.Ididnotevenknowthatwoman.Wheredidshecomefrom andwheredidshego?Shehadnotevencomewithourgroup. ToreachHemkuntSahib,onehastoclimb1,160stonestairs.Therewassnoweverywhere.A pathwayhadbeencutthroughthesnow.Whenwereachedthetop,aheavenlyscenewasbefore us.ThepeaksofSapatSnngMountainwerecoveredwithsnow.Theholysarowar(lakeorpool) wascoveredwithsnow.HalfoftheGurdwarabuildingwasalsocoveredwithsnow.Itwas impossibletobelievemyeyesthatwhatIwasseeingwasrealandnotadream!Itwasaglimpseof heavenonearth.Aswewentfarther,mymindwasatpeace.Inthisveryspotmanysaintsand sagesmeditatedtogetherforcountlessyears.Heretoo,inapreviousincarnation,GuruGobind SinghJi,'thedestroyerofthewicked',spentmanyyearsindeepmeditation.AkalPurakh persuadedthisdivineentitytoentertheworldandtakebirthintheformoftheTenthGuru. WetookabathonreachingtheGurdwara.Allexhaustiondisappearedonsettingfootinthe water.IfeltasifIwasbathinginaanimmeasurableandfathomlessseaofAmrit(Waterof immortality).Ididnotevenfeelthebittercold. TheLondonsangathadarrangedforanAkhandPaatthduringourstay.AfewotherSinghsandI wentaheadandstartedtheAkhandPaatth.Istayedwiththemfortheentirethreedaysdoing sewa.Aroundaboutoneo'clockinthemorning,someofusstartedfeelingunwell,suffering perhapsfromtheeffectsofaltitudei.e.duetolowoxygenlevel.Itsohappenedthatthosedoing paatthdidnotfeelanyadverseeffects.Wecameoutanddranktheambrosialwaterfromthepool andfeltawholelotbetter.Everypaatthi(whotookhisturntoreadfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi) tookabathbeforedoingpaatthduty. AftertheAkhandPaatthwascompleted,BhaiMalkeetSinghandBibiJasminderKaurdidAsadi VarKirtan.JathedarSahib(theheadofourjatha)didtheArdaasandwepreparedtoreturn, although,IdidnotfeellikeleavingHemkuntSahib.WereachedGobindDhaamthatnightandthe verynextdaywereachedGobindGhaat. AtGobindGhaatthereweremanyotherjathasontheirwaytoHemkuntSahib.Thesecretary announcedthatifanyonehadnotbeenblessedwiththedarshan(holysight)ofGuruGobind SinghJi,tosayaprayertoMaharajJi,bowandlookattheKhanda(Sikhinsignia)onthetopofthe NishanSahiboutside.BydoingthistheywouldbeblessedwithGuruJi'sdarshan.Thesangat followedtheseinstructionswithgreatshardha(meditativedevotion)andeachsoulwasblessedby GuruJi'sdarshan. Thedeparturekirtanprogrammewasheldintheevening.MasterSurjitSinghDardisangthe followingshabad: "Theriversandstreamswhichseparatemaysometimebeunitedagain.Inageafterage,that whichissweet,isfullofpoison;howrareistheYogiwhounderstandsthis.Thatrarepersonwho centreshisconsciousnessontheTrueGuru,knowsintuitivelyandrealisestheLord.Withoutthe Naam,theNameoftheLord,thethoughtlessfoolswanderindoubt,andaremined.Thosewhose heartsarenottouchedbydevotionalworshipandtheNameoftheTrueLord,shallweepandwail loudlyintheend.NanakspeakstheTruth;throughtheTrueWordoftheShabad,thoselong separatedfromtheLord,areunitedonceagain.||4||"(SGGSp.439) Thesangatwasdeeplymovedwhenlisteningtothisshabad.Everypersonwasthenpresenteda Siropai.e.ashortlengthofdaslaargiventohonourthem.AfterleavingRishikesh,wewentfor

darshanofPaontaSahib,about60kilometresfromRishikesh.Thisjourneywascompletedintwo hours.ThesangatrecitedChaupaiSahibtogetheralltheway.WereachedtheGurdwaraatnoon. ThesangatenjoyedtheblissoftheGurdwara'sdarshanandpartookoffoodfromGuru'sLangar. FromPaontaSahib,wevisitedSarhindandfinallyreachedAnandpurSahib,wherewespentthe night.AfterAnandpurSahibwevisitedAmritsarandthenreturnedtoEngland.

ChaldaVaheer(AmritParchaar) (ChaldaVaheer:Themovinggroup.) (ThereaderwouldbefamiliarbynowwiththekeyGurmattwordslikeAmritParchaar,Amrit Sanchaar,AkhandPaatth,kirtan,katha,Bani,simranorNaamsimran.sewa.sangat.langaretc. However,pleaseseeGlossarywhennotsure.) WithGuruJi'sGrace,forfiveorsixyears,IperformedthesewaofAkhandPaatthsinEngland. Duringthistime,IalsotookpartinAmritSanchaarceremonies,bringingthoseblessedbythe Guru,intothefoldofSikhi.Afterthis,ourjatha(religiousgroup),wentforAmritSanchaartothe neighbouringEuropeancountriesWecontinuedperformingthissewaforthreeorfouryears. LaterwewentfurthertoAustraliaandtheFarEast.In1987,BhaiJiwanSinghJiinvitedusto Canada. BhaiRajinderSinghofDudleywenttoHollandonbusiness.Whilehewasthere,hepreachedSikhi throughkirtanandkatha,andmanybecameeagertopartakeinAmritSanchaar.ManySinghsof theAkhandKirtaniJathausedtoaccompanyBhaiRajinderSinghtoperformkirtan.BhaiRajinder SinghwasunabletofindfiveAmritdhariSinghsinHolland,soheinvitedfiveSinghsfromEngland andarrangedanAmritSanchaarinHolland.BhaiSuchaSinghandmanyotherswereinitiatedinto Sikhi.TheHollandsangatincreasedinnumbers.WiththeeffortsofBhaiRajinderSinghJi,a GurdwarawasbuiltwhereSinghscouldgoforkirtanprogrammes.BhaiKuldipSinghalsospread themessageofGurbaniandbroughtmanyinthefoldofSikhi.HetravelledwidelyfromEnglandto Norway,Sweden,Germany,DenmarkandmanyothercountriesAfterlisteningtohiskatha sermonsandkirtan,manymembersoftbesangatpreparedthemselvestobeinitiatedintoSikhi. BhaiSubegSinghwasdoingsewainAustralia.ImpressedwithBhaiSahib'skathaandkirtanmany membersofthecongregationwerereadyforinitiationbutitwasdifficulttofindfiveAmritdhari SinghsqualifiedfortheinitiationceremonyofAmritSanchaar.BhaiSubegSinghwrotetoBhai RajinderSinghJiwhospoketoafewSinghsandmeaboutBhaiSubegSingh'sletter.Soonajatha wasformed.ThemembersofthisgroupwereBhaiHardialSingh,BhaiSwaranSinghMalhi,Bhai PrithipalSingh,BhaiRajindarSingh,BibiManjeetKaurofHolland,BhaiGurbachanSinghof Norway,BhaiPakharSingh,BhaiGurdipSinghandmyself.ThisjathaledbyBhaiRajinderSinghJi, leftforAustralia.Thejathawascalled"ChaldaVaheerJatha"becauseitwasonthemove,going fromcountrytocountrydoingSikhiparchaar,preachingandteaching.TheChaldaVaheer movementwasoriginallystartedinPunjabbyBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi. ThesangatofAustraliagaveusawarmwelcomewhenourJathaarrivedatSydneyairport.Bhai SubegSinghhadmadearrangementsfortheaccommodationofourentiregroupattheGurdwara Sahib.ThesangatwasgreatlyinspiredbythesweetandmelodiouskirtanbyBhaiSahibRajinder SinghJiinthemorningsandevenings.BhaiRaghujitSinghtookustohishometownof Woolgoolga.ThereweperformedthefirstAmritSanchaar,andallthemembersofhisfamilywere initiatedintoSikhi.ThenextAmritSanchaarwasperformedinSydney.Thenwewentto Melbourne.AfterholdingAkhandPaatthandAmritSanchaarthere,wewenttoAdelaide.About 250kilometresfromAdelaide,weheldanotherAkhandPaatthinavillagenamedGlossop.After theAkhandPaatth,AmritSanchaarwasheld.FinallywereturnedtoSydney.Withthe encouragementofBhaiSubhegSinghandinspiredbythesangataRaaenSubaaeeKirtan programmewasheld,andGurbanikirtanwassungthroughoutthenight.Wereceivedan invitationfromBhaiJasveerSingh,PresidentofNewZealandGurdwaraaskingtheJathatoholdan

AmritSanchaarprogramme;manyfromthesangatwerereadytoreceiveAmrit.(TOreceiveAmrit ortotakeAmrit"shouldbereadastakingKhandayBaataydiPahulorAmritshakna,forwhichsee Glossary.ThisistheinitiationceremonyintofullSikhi,theSikhwayoflifewhichincludes practisingthefullapprovedRehatMaryada,theSikhCodeofConduct.Theword"baptism"has certainwesternorChristianconnotationandhasbeenavoided.) OurJathaarrivedinNewZealandon31December.Thesangatwelcomedusverywarmly.Thereis abeautifulGurdwarainAuckland.ArrangementsweremadefortheJathatostaythere.The sangatwasveryimpressedtohearBibiManjitKaur'smelodiouskirtanandtoseeherinGursikhi dress.WeheldAmritSanchaar,thefirstinthiscountry.Wemetaverydevotedlady,BibiRanjeet KaurShehadreceivedAmritinitiationfromSriHazoorSahibandwasabibaekeei.e.onewholived anausterelifestyleaccordingtostrictstandardsofrehat.Everydayshewouldpray,"O,TrueKing, bekindtous.PleasesendyourSinghssothatpeopleherecanreceiveAmritinitiation.OurJatha performedtheAmritSanchaarandmanySinghsandSinghanisjoinedtheSikhifold.Thisladytold uswithgreataffection,Today,theTrueKinghasansweredmyprayers!"DuringtheAmrit Sanchaar,RaaenSubaaeeKirtancontinuedinthemainGurdwarasangathall.WhenthePanj Piarayledtheprocessionofthosewhohadbeeninitiatedintothemainsangathall,manyothers weresomovedbythespiritualimpact,thattheytoodesiredAmritinitiation. OneladywhowassuspectedofbeingundersonieevilinfluencealsotookAmrit(Interpretation note:Literaltranslationoforiginaltextwouldreadas"ghostorevilspirit").ThePanjPiaray sprinkledAmrit,theWaterofImmortality,ontothetopofherheadwhereherdasamduar,the tenthgateway(ofinnerspiritualconsciousness)waslocated.Immediately,thattormenting influenceleftherbodyandshewasinstantlycuredoftheproblemsshehadendured.Thesecond AmritSanchaarprogrammewasheldinHamilton.TheGurdwarathereislocatedinthefields.First akirtanprogrammewasheld,followedbyAmritSanchaar.ManywereinitiatedintotheSikhifold. Whenwewerepreparingtoleave,theNewZealandsangatrequestedtheJathatoreturnforan AmritSanchaarontheVaisakhiday,theanniversaryoftheinaugurationoftheKhalsaPanth.The sangatwasimpressedbythepiouslifestyleoftheJatha.TheJathareturnedtoNewZealandin April.ThesangattookgoodcareoftheJathaduringbothvisits.Alltheprogrammeswereheld underthesupervisionandguidanceofBhaiRajinderSinghJiandBhaiSubegSinghJi AmritSanchaarinSingapore TheNaujawanSabhaofSingapore(anorganisationofyoungSikhs)learntofthetourofthe AkhandKirtaniJathafromEngland,toAustraliaandNewZealandonamissionofAmritSanchaar. TheyoungSikhsespeciallypressedtheJathatocometoSingaporetoholdAmritSanchaarand kirtanprogrammesforthebenefitofthesangat.WereachedSingaporeairportataboutmidnight. Evenatthatlatehour,thereweremanyyoungSikhswaitingattheairporttoreceivetheJatha. Theygaveusawarmwelcome.WereachedtheGurdwaraSahibataboutoneo'clockinthe morning.Arrangementsforourlangarhadbeenmade.Inyearspast,theGurdwarainSingapore hadbeenthebiggestoutsideIndia.TheothertwoimportantGurdwaraswereatTehran,andin Thailand. ArrangementforouraccommodationhadbeenmadeattheGurdwara.Intheearlymorningat Amritvela,ourJathaperformedSiriAsaDiVarkirtan.Eventually,sangatinotherGurdwarascame toknowabouttheJathaandaskedforkirtanprogrammes.Initially,wewereschemedtostayfor onlythreeorfourdaysbutbecauseoftheaffectionshownbythesangatofSingapore,westayed

fortwofullweeks.RaaenSuhaaeeandAmritSanchaarprogrammeswereheldatDharmakSabha Gurdwara,and26peoplereceivedAmritinitiation. AmritSanchaarinMalaysia Thenaujawan(young)SinghsofMalaysiarequestedtheJathatocometoMalaysia;many individualswerereadytoreceiveAmritthere.Acceptingtheirinvitation,ourJathatravelledto KualaLumpur,Malaysia.OurstaywasarrangedatGurdwaraTattKhalsa.TheSangatshoweredus withlotsofaffection.ManyyoungSinghsandSinghanisreceivedAmrit.TheSangatwantedto holdaRaaenSubaaeekirtananditwasheldwithgreatenthusiasm.AnewGurdwarawastobe builtinMalaysia.SangatmembersmadearequestfortheJathatocometoperformthe inaugurationceremony. Weagreed,andsoFiveSinghslaidthefoundationstoneofthenewGurdwara.SikhNaujawan SabhaofMalaysia,asocietyofyouth,printedanddistributedGurbanigutkas,prayerbooks,in bothPanjabiandEnglish. WehadplanstostayinMalaysiaforonlyonemonthbuttheloveandaffectionofthesangatwas sostrongthatourstaywasextendedtotwomonths.WithGuruJi'sGrace,alltheAmritSanchaars weresuccessful.SuchwastheinfluenceoftheNaamandBani,(Waheguru'sNameandHisWord) thatitchangedthelivesofmanypeoplecompletely.TheywerereadyforinitiationintoSikhiand requestedthattheJathashouldreturnforanotherAmritSanchaarduringVaisakhi. OurJathareturnedtoEnglandinFebruary.TwomonthslatertheJathaleftagainonanother ParchaartourofSydney(Australia),NewZealand,Fiji,SingaporeandMalaysia.Atevery destination,GuruJiblesseduswithverysuccessfulAmritSanchaarprogrammes.Thistimethere wereevenmorecandidateswishingtoreceiveAmrit,especiallyinFiji.AFijianladyhadbeen prayingtoGuruJitosendHisPanjPiaraysothatshecouldreceiveAmrit.Ittook12yearsforher prayerstobeanswered.InFiji86peoplewereinitiatedintoSikhi.Thisladyexperiencedspiritual ecstasyduringtheAmritceremony. TherearethreeGurdwarasinFiji.OurJathaheldAmritSanchaarceremoniesineachofthem. FromtherewetravelledtothePhilippineswherethereisaGurdwarabuiltin1905bythefirstSikh immigrants.InthisGurdwara,aSinghwhowasmarriedtoalocalFilipinolady,receivedAmritwith hisfamily.Thefamilywasblessedandtheirspiritsroseveryhigh.Duringtheceremony,whenone ofthePanjPiaraypouredAmritintothelady'smouth,shelostconsciousness.Thegooddeedsof herpastlifewererewardedandsheautomaticallystarteddoingswasswassimran(seeGlossary). ShewassurprisedtodiscoverthepowerofAmrit.FromPhilippineswereturnedtoEngland. AmritSanchaarinAmerica Dr.JaspalSinghofAmericawrotetoBhaiRajinderSinghthatsomeofthemwerereadytoreceive AmritandaskedforanAmritsanchaartobeheldthere.Accordingly,BhaiSahibBhaiJiwanSingh Ji,BhaiRajinderSinghandmyselfjoinedtheprogramme.TwoAmritdhariSinghswereavailable thereandtwomorejoinedusfromCalifornia.ThisAmritSancharprogrammewasheldinFlorida, wheremanypeoplebecameAmritdhari.Amongthemwerethedoctorandhisfamily.Hehadan eightorninemontholdson.Sometimes,whenasaintlysoultakesbirthinafamily,thenthewhole family'soutlookchanges.Thishappenedwiththisfamily.Whenthisbabyarrived,theparents wereinspiredtowardsSikhiandmadeuptheirmindstopartakeofAmrit.

OnthecompletionoftheAmritSanchaar,thesangatjoinsinfiveloudJaikaras(upliftingcriessee Glossary).WhenthefifthJaikarawascalledout,thischildenthusiasticallyshoutedtheJaikaraso loudlythatthesangatwaspleasantlysurprised.Thischildhadanunusualhabit.Hewouldgo happilytoanySingh,butwouldstartcryingifanyperson,whosehairhadbeencut,comenear him.WhenthechildwasgivendropsofAmrittodrink,hespontaneouslybegandoingswasswas simran(seeGlossary).Achild'ssoulisverypure.Itdoesnothaveanyfeelingsofenmityor discrimination.Veryyoungchildrenaredevoidofthefiveelementsofevil.Becauseofthespiritual wealthofthischild'spreviouslife,hisparents'livesalsochangedforthebetter. AfterthisAmritSanchaarwewenttoCalifornia.ThereisabeautifulGurdwarabuiltinthemiddle ofsomefields.SurroundingtheGurdwaraarebeautifulfruitorchards.Sixteenindividualswere initiatedintoSikhiinthisAmritsanchaar.WhereveranAmritsanchaartookplace,thewomen adornedthemselveswithdastars(Sikhturbans;thesmallerturban,usuallywornbywomen,is calledakeski.) Oncewhileonaparchaar(preaching)tour,wearrivedataGurdwarainHollywood.Therewasa bigsangatandkathasermonwasheldafterRehrasSahibpaatth.Thekathakar(preacher)had recentlyarrivedfromIndia.Whiledoingkatha,hiseyesfellonsomewhiteAmericanSinghanisand hecommented,"Timeshavechanged.Nowadays,evenladieshavestartedwearingbigturbans likemen!" Therewerequiteanumberofwhite(nonPanjabi)AmericanSinghaniswhoweredressedinthe traditionalattireofAmritdhariGursikhsi.e.fullcholla(fulllengthdress),pyjamalikeleggings,and adastar.TheGianiwasprobablyundertheimpressionthatlightcomplexionedwesternersdidnot understandPunjabiandsohecouldspeakashepleased.Hemademorecommentsagainstladies wearingdastar. BhaiJagdishSingh,originallyfromIndia,ismarriedtoawhiteAmericanSinghani.Hernameis JagjeetKaur.JagdishSinghhastaughtherPunjabiandshehaslearnedkirtanverywell.Shetakes partduringAkhandPaatthsandsingskirtanwithutmostdevotion.Shewassittinginthis particularsangatandwaspainedwhensheheardGianiJi'scomments.AftertheDiwan (kirtan/katha)programme,shewenttoseeGianiJiandaskedhim,"GianiJi,canyoupleasetell me,whatismostprecioustoGuruGobindSinghJi?"TheGianiwassurprisedtodiscoverthatthis whiteladyknewPanjabi.Hereplied,"GuruGobindSinghlovestherehatofaSikhthemost." JagjeetKaurthenasked,"Couldyoutellme,whichistheRehatthatGuruJilovesthemost?" GianiJianswered,"Theonethatyouarekeeping.ThatistheoneGuruGobindSinghJilovesthe most." JagjeetKaurpressedherpointsaying,"ThenwhydidyoudoubtyourGuruandspeakagainstthe keski?Wouldyouratherpleasepeople,thanmakeourGuruhappy?" GianiJirepliedremorsefully,"Pleaseforgiveme.Iwasmistaken."Thenaddedsincerely,"From nowonwards,IshallpreachthecompleteRehatMaryadaofGuruGobindSinghJi."

JivanJugti (Jivanjugti:Lifemethodforachievingthemainobjectiveoflife.) Humanlifegetsshorterwitheverybreath.Thisrealisationcomesonlywhentheendisnear.The timethathaspassedisnotgoingtocomeback.So,weshouldmakefulluseofwhatevertimewe haveleft.ItisveryimportanttohaveadirectGuruSikhspiritualrelationshipi.e.tobecomeGuru waalaySikh.ThisisonlypossibleifaSikh'scommitmenttotheGuruiswholeheartedthroughthe acceptanceofKhandayBaataydiPahuli.e.Amrit. "TheLordcreatedtheThroneofTruth,whichrestsintheSatSangat,theHolyCongregation. ONanak,theLordisFearlessandFormless;allplayinthePowerofGod. RememberingtheGuru,weconquerdeath.Nowisthetimetotakeupthesword! DrinkintheAmritstrengthenedbytheSword,Andyourlifeshallberenewed. TheKhalsamakeuptheGuru'sCongregation.Theselfwilledmanmukhsaremiserable. Waaho!Waaho!Hail!Hail!UntoGuruGobindSingh!HeistheGuru,andHeHimselfistheDisciple. (BhaiGurdas:Vaar41.1) "Aftertakingyourcleansingbath,rememberyourGodinmeditation,andyourmindandbody shallbefreeofdisease.Millionsofobstaclesareremoved,intheSanctuaryofGod,andgood fortunedawns.||1||TheWordofGod'sBani,andHisShabad,arethebestutterances.So constantlysingthem,listentothem,andreadthem,Obrothers,andthePerfectGurushallsave you.||Pause||ThegloriousgreatnessoftheTrueLordisimmeasurable;theMercifulLordisthe LoverofHisdevotees.HehaspreservedthehonourofHisSaints;fromtheverybeginningoftime, HisNatureistocherishthem.||2||SoeattheAmbrosialNameoftheLordasyourfood;putit intoyourmouthatalltimes.Thepainsofoldageanddeathshallalldepart,whenyouconstantly singtheGloriousPraisesoftheLordoftheUniverse.||3||MyLordandMasterhasheardmy prayer,andallmyaffairshavebeenresolved.ThegloriousgreatnessofGuruNanakismanifest, throughoutalltheages.||4||"(SGGSp.611) Weshouldnotbelaxindoingsimran.WeshouldgetupatAmritvelai.e.earlyinthemorning, beforesunrise,andamassthistruewealthofNaamandmakegooduseofeverylifebreath.Just aswerequiremoneytotravelfromonecountrytoanother,soweneedthistruewealthofNaam togotoDargahi.e.God'scountry.Howcanthiswealthbeaccumulated?Thereisonlyonewayto doit:whenaNewYearstarts,oneshouldresolvetobringapositivechangeinone'slife.Every personshouldresolvetodoatleastoneSehajPaattheachyear.ASehajPaatthisPaatthofthe wholeGuruGranthSahibJidoneatone'sownpaceandoveraperiodoftimei.e.afewpagesare readatatime.EveryoneshouldalsoreciteMoolMantar,theBasicPrecept,125,000timeseach year.Ifonecandomorethanthis,somuchthebetter.Ifsomeoneisunabletoread,thenthat personshouldaskanotherwhocandothepaatth,butshouldlistentoitwithcompleteattention. ThisistheonlywayforapersontogetthebenefitofSehajPaatth. SatguruJiblessedBhaiPrithipalSinghJiwithsuchanopportunity.BhaiSahibandIdecidedto usherintheNewYearwithaworthwhileresolution.Everyyear,ontheeveof31December,a kirtanprogrammeisheldinSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall.Itlaststillmidnightandthenthereis anArdaasfortheNewYear.Onthisoccasion,aftertheArdaas,wewenttoPrithipalSingh'shouse andstartedaSehajPaatthandsimranprogramme.BhaiSahibdidthePaatthandIdidsimran.

EverydaywewouldstartthePaathandsimranat1a.m.BhaiSahibwoulddothePaathwithgreat devotionandeverylineofGurbanicouldbeunderstoodclearlyandweenjoyedthepaatth.The mindbecametranquilwhenthePaatthandsimranstartedandweexperienceddivinerasor ambrosialtaste.AsSatguruJisays,: "Come,ObelovedSikhsoftheTrueGuru,andsingtheTrueWordofHisBani.SingtheGuru'sBani, thesupremeWordofWords.ThosewhoareblessedbytheLord'sGlanceofGracetheirhearts areimbuedwiththisBani.DrinkinthisAmbrosialNectar,andremainintheLord'sLoveforever; meditateontheLord,theSustaineroftheworld.SaysNanak,singthisTrueBaniforever.||23||" (AnandSahib:SGGSp.920) Eachyear,wecompletedtheSehajPaatthduringEasterholidays.

CharitableActs Therearemanypeoplewhodokindthingsforothersbutithasbeenobservedthatmostpeople doitfortheirownegoisticreasons.Theywantpeopletopraisetheiractionsandsaythattheyare verygenerous.SomepeoplegivedonationsintheGurdwaraandinsistthattheirnamesbe announcedintheArdaas. Todonateforthebenefitofothersisthehighestcharitableacts;forinstancetohelptheneedy withgiftsofmoney,topayforthemarriageexpenditureofapoorperson'sdaughter,andgivingto othercharitiesanddoinggooddeeds.Somepeoplehelpothersbyusingtheirownhandsfordoing sewa(unselfishservice). ChachaDarshanSinghwassickandIwenttoseehiminthehospital.WhileIwassittingtheretwo whitemencameandstartedmassaginghisfeet.ChachaJithoughtofgivingthemsomemoney. Theyrefusedtotakeanymoneyandsaid,"Wedothisfreeofcharge;justpleaserememberusin yourprayerstoGod".Iwasverypleasedtoseethattheydidnothaveanyprejudiceintheir hearts.TheywereonlylookingforGod'sblessing.Thatwasatrueunselfishcharitableact. OnceIwentwiththeJathatoKoln,GermanyforthepurposeAmritSanchaar.Thesangatthere rentedahalleverySundayfortheirprayermeetings,whichwasveryexpensive.Ispoketothe mainorganiserandaskedhimtolookforsomelandonwhichtobuildaGurdwara.Hesaid,"Bhai SahibJi,therearemanyplacesavailablebutmoneyisneeded."Iassuredhimthatthesangatof Englandwouldhelp. Later,whentheGurdwarawasbuilt,wewentthereagainforAmritparchaar(i.e.forpreaching thespiritualneedoftakingAmrit)andInoticedthatthePalkionwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJi rested,wasverysmallinsize.ItoldthemthatwewouldgetanewPalkimade.WhenIreturned fromGermany,ImentionedthistoBhaiGursharanSingh.HepromisedtotalktoBhaiJagtarSingh andBhaiAvtarSingh,theownersofawoodworkingshop. Thenextday,AvtarSinghandJagtarSinghcametomeandexpressedtheireagernesstohelp. Theysaidenthusiastically,"Itisourgoodluckthatwearegettinganopportunitytomakethe Throne(palanquin)onwhichMaharajJiwillsit."Theyadded,"Whatevermaterialisrequiredwe willsupplyfreeofcharge.Oneofourshopsisvacantatthemoment.ThePalkicanbemade there."ThenIspoketoacarpenter,BhaiRatanSingh.Hediscussedthisprojectwithhisfellow carpenters,BhaiPhumanSinghandBhaiAjitSingh.Theywerealsoverydelightedtohelp.Bhai HardevSinghtooktheresponsibilityoftransportingthematerialsfromoneshoptoanother. WhenthePalkiSahibwasready,IaskedBhaiJarnailSinghtotransportittoGermany.Heandhis Singhani,BibiGurmailKaur,borrowedavanfromBhaiJarnailSinghofLeicester,andtransported thePalkitoGermany.Nextweek,BhaiHardevSinghandIwenttoGermanywiththecarpenters, tocompletetheworkandassemblethePalkiintheGurdwara.Thissewawasdonewithoutdesire foranyreward.Everyonewashappytotakepart.Noonewashopingforanythinginreturn. SatguruJiknowswhatisineachperson'sheart.Whoeverdoessewawithouttellingothers,is rewardedmanytimesoverbySatguruJi.

ThegreatestcharitabledeedsweredonebyGuruTeghBahadurJiandGuruGobindSinghJI.Sri GuruTeghBahadurJisacrificedhislifeinordertosaveanotherreligion,atthetime,theHindu religion.Hehadnodesireforpraise.Itwasapureactofselflessservicetosaveanotherreligion. ThepeopleofIndiahaveforgottenSatguruJi'sgreatsacrifice.NoweventhepeopleofPunjabare beginningtoforgetGuruJi'sactofcharity.GuruJi'sinjunctionis:partakeofAmrit,dohonest work,reciteNameanddoactsofcharity.

PART3SEWA Selflessservicewithhumility

SEWATheGurmatttraditionofselflessservice "Onewhoseheartismercifullyblessedwithabidinghumility,ONanak,isliberatedhere,and obtainspeacehereafter"(SukhmaniSahib12.1SGGSp.278) Performanceofsewa(selflessservice)makesthemindhumble.Itgenerateshumility.Forthis reason,wheneveryougototheGurdwara,startbydoingthesewaofcleaningtheSangat'sshoes. "EgotismisopposedtotheNameoftheLord;thetwodonotdwellinthesameplace.Inegotism, selflessservicecannotbeperformed,andsothemindgoesunfulfilled."(SGGSp.560) "ServicetotheTrueGuruisfruitfulandrewarding,ifoneperformsitwithone'smindfocusedon it.Thefruitsofthemind'sdesiresareobtained,andegotismdepartsfromwithin.Hisbondsare broken,andheisliberated;heremainsabsorbedintheTrueLord.Itissodifficulttoobtainthe Naaminthisworld;itcomestodwellinthemindoftheGurmukh.ONanak,Iamasacrificetoone whoserveshisTrueGuru." (SGGSp.644) Sewaisdoneinmanydifferentways.GuruArjanDevJistartedthesewaofcleaningSangat'sshoes intheGurdwara.When700SikhsarrivedfromKabul,GuruArjanDevJi,personallygroundwheat grainonachakkitoproduceflour(Untilthemiddleofthe20thCentury,everyhouseholdinPunjab hadachakkiathome.Twocirculargrindstoneswereusedtogrindgraintoflourformakingrotis. Thelowerstonewasfixedinacircularearthenholdandthesecondplacedonthetopforcircular motionbyhand).HeaskedMataGangaJitopreparefoodwhilereadingtheGurbaniofJapJiSahib ("Note:TheGuru'swifeisaddressedwithrespectasMatameaning"Mother").TheSangatof KabulstayedataplacenowcalledPipleeSahib.Asordinarysewadars(thosewhoserve),GuruJi servedthelangar(food)totheSangat(HolyCongregation)whileMataJididthesewaofthe pakha(Atraditionallargefanalsocalledpakhaheldwithbothhandsandswunggentlyfromside sidetoproduceacoolingdraughtinhotweather).TheSangatwenttoHarmandarSahib(Golden Temple)forGuruJi'sdarshan(i.e.spiritualexperienceofseeingGuruJi).AsistheSikhtradition, shoesaretakenoffattheentrancebeforegoingintoDarbarSahib.Thejathedar(groupleader)of theKabulSangataskedforthreeorfourvolunteerstolookaftertheshoessothattheotherscould goinside;butnoonewaspreparedforthishumbletask.Allwerekeenandexcitedtobethefirst toexperienceGuruJi'sholydarshan.Theyrushedin,leavingtheleaderbehind.GuruJi,being awareofthesituation,approachedthejathedarwithoutrevealinghisidentity,andofferedtolook aftertheshoes. WhentheSangatwentinsidetheDarbarSahib,theyfoundtheGuruJi'ssinghasan("throne"i.e. theGuru'sseatfacingtheSangat)empty.ThejathedaroftheKabulSangat,seeingtherevered BabaBudhaJiarrive,asked,"BabaJiwhereisGuruJi?";littlerealisingthathehadleftGuruJi outside,lookingaftertheSangat'sshoes!BabaBudhaJiwenttotheentranceandsawGuruJi doingthesewaofcleaningtheSangat'sshoes.GuruJiwascleaningtheshoesinhumilityand sayingthefollowingshabad(hymn)fromGuruGranthSahib: "TheTrueGurumeditatesontheLord,thePrimalBeing.TheSatSangat(theTrueCongregation) lovestheTrueGuru.ThosewhojointheSatSangat,andservetheTrueGuru,theGuruunites themintheLord'sunion.Thisworld,thisuniverse,isaterrifyingocean.OntheShipoftheNaam (theNameoftheLord),theGurucarriesusacross.TheSikhsoftheGuruacceptandobeythe

Lord'sWill;thePerfectGurucarriesthemacross.OLord,blessmewiththedustofthefeetofthe Guru'sSikhs,thatIasinnermayalsobesaved.Thosewhohavesuchpreordaineddestinywritten upontheirforeheadsbytheLordGod,cometomeetGuruNanak.TheMessengerofDeathis beatenanddrivenaway;wearesavedintheCourtoftheLord.Blessedandcelebratedarethe SikhsoftheGuru;inHisPleasure,theLordunitestheminHisUnion. (SGGSp.1424) BabaBudhaJireturnedtotheSangatandsaidthatGuruJiwasdoingsewaoftheSangat'sshoes. ThewholeSangatapologisedtoGuruJiandaskedforforgiveness. Thissewarequirestotalhumilityandforthatreason,isthemostdifficult;fewarepreparedtodo itbecausemostpeoplesufferfromasenseoffalsepride.Thespiritualsatisfactionofthissewais thereforethegreatest.Ifanyindividualdoessewainhumilitythenthebeneficialeffectisfelt sooner.ThesewaofcleaningSangat'sshoesisofthehighestorderbecausethiscanonlybedone withhumility.Ordinarypeoplethinkthatthisisthelowestformofsewaanditisnotpopular. Peoplewonderwhatwouldothersthinkiftheywereseencleaningshoes.Somemistakenlythink thatthosecleaningshoeswereperhapsbeingpunishedbythePanjPiarayforbreakingsomerules oftheRehat(theKhalsacodeofconduct)andforthatreasontheydonotdothistypeofsewa.But suchsewawashesthedirtofsinsfromthemind. "IfyoutakeevenonesteptowardstheGuru,Hewilltakemillionsofstepstowelcomeyou." (BhaiGurdasKabit111) IfyouwalktotheGurdwaratheneachstepgoestoyourspiritualcreditandyourfeetareblessed. WhengoingtotheGurdwaraoneshoulddoWahegurusimranorrepeattheMoolMantar(Basic Precept).Ifpaatthisdonewithconcentrationthenoneremainscontentandpositive.Abirdhas twowingsandcannotflywithoutthese.Inthesameway,fortheGursikhssewaandsimranare liketwowings.Withoutsewaandsimrananindividualwillnotriseabovetheproblemsofdailylife andremaincontentandpositive.Bydoingsewa,thehands,feetandthewholehumanbody becomepurified.Bydoingsimranthetongueandthemindarepurified. "TheNaamisaPricelessJewel;itiswiththePerfectTrueGuru.Whenoneisenjoinedtoservethe TrueGuru,HebringsoutthisJewelandbestowsthisenlightenment.Blessed,andmostfortunate oftheveryfortunate,arethosewhocometomeettheGuru." (SGGSp.40) "Mydoubtandfearhavebeentakenaway,andIhavebeenmadepure,sincemyegowas conquered." (SGGSp.207) "Butiftheegoislost(bythesoulbride),thenshemergesinherHusbandLord. OnlythencanthesoulbrideobtaintheninetreasuresofherBeloved." (SGGSp.750)(TheseninetreasuresarementionedinSanskritic(Vedic)literaturee.g.thePurans andrelatetocertainworldlytreasurese.gwealth,children;orqualitiesandtalentslikeliterary, musicalormartialskillsetc) ThisepisodeisknowntoallthatGuruAmarDasJi(beforehisGuruship)didsewafortwelveyears, butSriGuruAngadDevJineverpraisedhimfordoingsewawithsuchgreatdevotion.GuruJiwas allknowingandrealisedthatifpraised,AmarDasJimaynotremainqualifiedforGuruship.Guru

AngadDevJirealisedthatAmarDasJiwouldneverdeviatefromhischosenpath.Thelatter passedthetestsetbytheGuru.WhenAmarDasJihadacquiredcompletepurityofspirit,GuruJi causedakautak(anunusualevent)totakeplace.Ononedarkstormynight,AmarDasJiwas returningfromRiverBiascarryingwater.Onthewayhefellinaclothweaver'sholeintheground. Onhearingthesound,theweaveraskedwhocouldbeoutthereinthatdarkstormynight.Hiswife replied,"Whoelse,butAmrutheonewithoutshelter!".AmarDasJireplied;"Foolishwoman,Iam notwithoutshelter,IbelongtotheGuru."Hearingthis,suchwastheimpactofthissimple reaction(fromapurifiedsoul)thattheweaver'swifebecamementallysick.(Shewascuredwhen sheandherhusbandbeggedforforgivenessfromGuruJi). SomeSikhsbegintofeelproudafterdoingsewaforafewdays.Theyareverypleasedtohear praisefromothers.SomeSikhsnevergiveuptheirprideevenafterdoingsewaforalifetime.They cannotachievetheirlifeobjective.Whensomeonepraisesyouandsaysthatyouaredoinggreat sewa,thenpraytoWahegurutosaveyoufromhaomai(arroganceorpride). PraisebetoGuruMaharaj,thatHecontinuestosaveme,Hisservant,fromhaumai.Nooneknows howmuchsewaandsimranIdoandatwhattimeIsleeporatwhattimeIgetup;allthisIhave kepttomyself.WhensomeonepraisesmethenmyheadbowsinhumilityattheGuru'sholyfeet. Theinnervoiceofmyspiritsays,"OLord!ThispraiseisnotofYourservant;itisYourpraise;itis praiseofYourNaam,(Name)notmine." Thereisawaytoknowthatonehasbeensavedfromhaumai(prideorconceit)andthatistodoa secretprayerinthemind.Atthattimeyouwillfeelhumbleduetoaninnerawarenessofyour owninsignificance.Ifyoureyesbecometearful(withhumility),youwillrealisethatyouhavebeen savedfromhaumai.Someindividualsdonotshunhaumaiandcraveforloudpraise. "EgotismisopposedtotheNameoftheLord;thetwodonotdwellinthesameplace.Inegotism, selflessservicecannotbeperformed,andsothemindgoesunfulfilled." (SGGSp.560) Therearemanywhomakededicatedeffortbutdonotachieveanysuccessbecausetheyremain drownedinhaumai. Onedevoteehadagreatdesiretotakeishnaan(holybath)intheSarovar(sacredpoolnexttoany Gurdwara,butinthiscaseatSriDarbarSahib,Amritsar).Heprayedthatifhisdeformedfeetwere cured,hewouldattendDarbarSahibtotakeishnaanonceeverymonth.Hisprayerwasanswered. Withwhateverdesireasincereprayerissaid,thatdesireisfulfilled.Whateverillnessonehasis cured.ForthisreasonitisimportanttohavetotalfaithintheGuru. InSriHarmandarSahib,sewastartsatoneo'clockinthemorning.Manydevoteeshavebeendoing sewaformanyyears.Somedevoteesdosewaofsweepingthepremisesonalldays,without break.Onedevoteehadbeendoingthesewaofsweepingthefloorforover15years.Oneday GuruRamDasJicasthisbenevolentlookonthisdevoteeandwantedtobestowonhimthe preciousgiftofWaheguru'sNaamsimran,butbeforedoingso,HewantedtotesttheSikh's readiness.Whenhewasdoingthesewaofsweeping,GuruJistartedwalkingalongside,disguising hisownidentityastheGuru.TheGursikhhadcollectedthelitterinaheap.GuruJiintentionally disturbedtheheapandscatteredthelitter.TheSikhsewadarsawthattheplacewaslittered again.Hewasfuriousandsaid,"Whoevercomesfordarshan(holysightofDarbarSahibandGuru Ji),walkslikeablindperson;Ihavebeencollectingthelittersincemorningandyouhavescattered

itagain."Hearingthesewords,GuruJigavedarshaninhistrueformanddisappeared.The devotee'sheartwasfilledwithgreatsorrowandhestartedregrettinghisharshwords.He thought,"Mymanyyearsofdedicatedefforthasbeenwasted".HestartedprayingtoGuruJi, admittinghismistakeandaskingforforgiveness. Thisservantrequeststhatwhosoeverdoessewashoulddosohumblywithoutshowingarrogance. GuruJiisallknowing.HewantedtoenlightenthisSikh,thatsewashouldbedoneinhumility.Guru JigavedarshantothisSikhforthissamereasonthatheshouldbecomewise;heshoulddosewain humilitybygivingupprideandonlythenwouldsewabefruitful. Onedayaftertheconclusionoftheeveningdiwan(Gurbanisingingandprayers),theSangat(holy congregation)wastakingtheGuruGranthSahibJiinceremonialprocessiontoSriAkalTakhat Sahib.OneSikhhidontheupperfloorofSriHarmandarSahib.Hebecamegreedyandwantedto stealthegoldplatesfromSriHarmandarSahib.Ashestartedtosteal,theGuruappearedinthe formofaGursikhandsaid."Donotdothisbaddeed;thereisgreatpowerhere."Thesikhignored thiswarningandsaid"Goaway!GuruRamDasJiisnotkeepingwatchhere.JustkeepquietandI willgiveyousomegoldalso."WhentheSikhdidnotrefrainfromdoingthisdeed,bytheGuru's Willhefelldownandbrokehisleg.ThenhestartedcryingouttotheGurutoforgivehimknowing thathehadstrayedfromtherightpath.Bythenthewatchmanarrivedandaskedwhathad happenedtotheman.ManySikhsfromthesangatcamealso.Heconfessedthathebecame greedyandstartedtostealthegoldplates.HethenrealisedthatSriGuruRamDasJiwasever presentateveryplace.

TheSewaofSriGuruGranthSahibJi SewaoftheTrueGurubearsfruitonlyifdonewithtotaldevotion." (SGGSp.552) ThesewaofSriGuruGranthSahibJiismeritoriousonlyifapersonisdoingitwiththe understanding,thatGuruJi,whenkeptathome,iseverpresentlikealivingBeing.SriGuruGranth SahibJimustberegardedastheLivingLight.Weshouldregarditinthesamewayaswewould regardalivingGurusittinginfrontofus.TheGursikhwhoservesSriGuruGranthSahibJiismost fortunate. "Kabir,thosemortalswhoconsumemarijuana,fishandwine,nomatterwhatpilgrimages,fasts andritualstheyfollow,theywillallgotohell."(SGGSp.1377) BhagatKabirJisaysinthisshabadthatthesewaisfruitlessifdonebythosewhoeatmeatand drinkalcohol.Thesewaofsuchpeopleiswasted.Pilgrimagesandfastsofsuchpeoplearenot successful.ThesacredspiritsofGursikhmartyrs(shaheeds)guardtheplacewherethereis Prakaash(seeGlossary)ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Ifsewaisnotdoneproperlyandrespectfully, thenthefamilybeginstosufferfrompainandhardship.Waheguru'ssewashouldbedonewith greataffection.DailythePrashaadorDegh(holysweetsacrament)shouldbepreparedand offeredforblessingofGuruJi.Toseeksuchblessingdailypermeateseverythingwithapositive spirit.GuruJi'swhitesheetsshouldbechangedeveryweek.Theyshouldbewashedproperlyand ironed.Theroomshouldbecleanedthoroughly.Rumalas(colouredanddecorativecovering piecesofcloth)shouldbeironedeveryweek.IfGuruJi'ssewaistobedoneathome,thenasa matterofprinciple,themorningPrakaashceremonymustbeadheredto.Intheeveningbetween sixtoseveno'clock,afterrecitingRehrasandKirtanSohila,theclosingceremonyofGuruGranth Sahib(SukhaasanseeGlossary)mustbeperformedandGuruJiplacedinarestingposition. SomedevoteeskeepSriGuruGranthSahibJiathome,butdonotdothesewaproperly.Ifguests arrive,ofteninidolchatter,GuruGranthSahibJi'ssewaisforgotten.ThesewaofGuruJimustbe doneattherighttime.Ifsomeoneisvisitingthenonepersoncanattendtotheguestwhile anothercandoGuruJi'ssewa.ChildrenshouldalsobetrainedinhowtodoPrakaashinthe morning,andSukhaasanintheevening.Inthemorningallthefamilyshouldtakepartindoing Nitnem(dailyprayers)andthenstarttheday'schores.Intheeveningthewholefamilyshouldjoin intodothePaatthofRehras.Childrenshouldalwayssitwiththeirparents,ithasbeenseenin manyhousesthatwhiletheparentsgoupstairstodopaatth,thechildrensitdownstairswatching television.ThechildrenshouldalsobeencouragedtoacquirethehabitofrecitingGurbani.Itisthe parents'dutytoinstilthevirtueofSikhiintotheirchildren,howelsearetheytolearn? WhenIwaslivinginIndonesia,thePresidentofIndiacameforavisit.Ihadagreatdesiretomeet him.Itisverydifficultforanordinarypersonlikemyselftomeetafamousperson.Apoorperson justcannotmeetsuchpeople.AnIndonesianseniorofficialandmybossaskedmetohelpinthe arrangementsforthePresident.IwasdelightedforthisopportunitytostaynearthePresident.I wasverykeenforoneortwodays,butafterthat,IsoonrealisedthatthePresidentwasjustan ordinaryperson.Slowly,myrespectforhimdecreased.WhenIusedtoenterhisresidence, importantbusinessmenwouldpleadwithmetogethisautograph.Thosewhodidnotknowthe Presidentclosely,theyhadagreatdesiretomeethim;IwasclosetohimandIhadlostanysuch desire.

Forthissamereason,weplacelessvalueonwhatisavailabletous.Forexample,wevalueour limbsonlywhentheystopworking.Onlywhenonehasnoeyesdoesonerealisethevalueofeyes. Inthesameway,ithasbeennoticedthatsomepeopledonotunderstandthestatusofSriGuru GranthSahibJi. "TheMaster'sNameispriceless;nooneknowsitsvalue.Thosewhohavegooddestinyrecorded ontheirforeheads,ONanak,enjoytheLoveoftheLord."(SGGSp.81) SomehavelimitedknowledgeandregardSriGuruGranthSahibJiasanordinarybookonly,not therealGuru.Theyseeothersbowbutwithnoreverence.ThoseGursikhwhoarefullyawarethat SriGuruGranthSahibJiistheperfectTrueGuru,offertheirbodies,mindsandwealthtotheGuru whenbowingindeepreverence.WhentheybowtheirheadsbeforetheTrueGuruinallsincerity, theirsinsofmanypreviouslifecyclesarewashedaway.Thoseindividualswhoachievedthe preciousgiftofSikhi(SikhfaithSikhismisawesternisedandlesscorrectwordtodescribethe Sikhwayoflifeasacompletewholelifesystem)throughgreateffort,onlytheyhavetrue realisationofthegreatnessofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Peopleofotherreligionscarriedoutresearchandrealised,thatinthisdarkageofKalyug(see Glossary),onlySriGuruGranthSahibJiistheperfectGuruandtheytookAmrittobecomethe Guru'sSikhs.Inthesameway,peopleintheWestbecameSikhs.Theysacrificedeverythingin ordertogainGuruJi'sblessingandsoughtrefugewiththeGuru.WhiteSinghsandSinghanis (maleandfemaleGursikhs)allliveaccordingtoGursikhMaryada(Codeofconduct).Weshould learnsomethingfromthem,fortheyaredestinedtomakeagreatcontributiontothe establishmentofKhalsaRaj.

Simran (MeditativerepetitionofWaheguru'sName) "Onthedayofthenewmoon,mysoulisatpeace;theDivineGuruhasblessedmewith contentment.Mymindandbodyarecooledandsoothed,inintuitivepeaceandpoise;Ihave dedicatedmyselftoservingGod.OnewhomeditatesinremembranceontheNameoftheLord, hisbondsarebroken,allhissinsareerased,andhisworksarebroughttoperfectfruition;hisevil mindednessdisappears,andhisegoissubdued.TakingtotheSanctuaryoftheSupremeLordGod, hiscomingsandgoingsinreincarnationareended.Hesaveshimself,alongwithhisfamily, chantingthePraisesofGod,theLordoftheUniverse.IservetheLord,andIchanttheNameof God.FromthePerfectGuru,Nanakhasobtainedpeaceandcomfortableease. (SGGSp.299) "Now,theDarkAgeofKalyughascome.PlanttheNaam(theNameoftheOneLord).Itisnotthe seasontoplantotherseeds.Donotwanderlostindoubtanddelusion.Onewhohassuchdestiny writtenonhisforehead,shallmeetwiththeGuruandfindtheLord.Omortal,thisistheseasonof theNaam.NanakutterstheGloriousPraisesoftheLord.(SGGSp.1185) "RememberingGod,onedoesnothavetoenterintothewombagain.RememberingGod,thepain ofdeathisdispelled.RememberingGod,deathiseliminated.RememberingGod,one'senemies arerepelled.RememberingGod,noobstaclesaremet.RememberingGod,oneremainsawake andaware,nightandday.RememberingGod,oneisnottouchedbyfear.RememberingGod,one doesnotsuffersorrow."(SukhmaniSahib1.2SGGSp.262) BydoingWahegurusimranahumanbeingisfreedfromthecycleofbirthanddeath;achieves contentment;andisfreedfromalltypesoffear.Aboutthosewhodonotpractisesimran.Guru ArjanDevJisays: WithoutmeditatinginremembranceontheLord,one'slifeislikethatofasnake.Thisishowthe faithlesscyniclives,forgettingtheNaam,theNameoftheLord.||1||Onewholivesin meditativeremembrance,evenforaninstant,livesforhundredsofthousandsandmillionsof days,andbecomesstableforever.||1||Pause||Withoutmeditatinginremembranceonthe Lord,one'sactionsandworksarecursed.Likethecrow'sbeak,hedwellsinmanure.||2|| WithoutmeditatinginremembranceontheLord,oneactslikeadog.Thefaithlesscynicis nameless,liketheprostitute'sson.||3||WithoutmeditatinginremembranceontheLord,oneis likeahornedram.Thefaithlesscynicbarksouthislies,andhisfaceisblackened.||4||Without meditatinginremembranceontheLord,oneislikeadonkey.Thefaithlesscynicwandersaround inpollutedplaces.||5||WithoutmeditatinginremembranceontheLord,oneislikeamaddog. Thegreedy,faithlesscynicfallsintoentanglements.||6||Withoutmeditatinginremembrance ontheLord,hemurdershisownsoul.Thefaithlesscyniciswretched,withoutfamilyorsocial standing.(SGGSp.239) IfapersonisseekingsalvationthenitisveryimportantforthatpersontoreceiveAmritinitiation. Everypersonshouldsearchforsalvation. "Thishumanbodyissodifficulttoobtain;itisonlyobtainedbygreatgoodfortune.Thosewhodo notmeditateontheNaam,theNameoftheLord,aremurderersofthesoul.||1||Thosewho forgettheLordmightjustaswelldie.WithouttheNaam,ofwhatusearetheirlives?||1||Pause

||Eating,drinking,playing,laughingandshowingoffwhatusearetheostentatiousdisplaysof thedead?||2||ThosewhodonotlistentothePraisesoftheLordofsupremebliss,areworse offthanbeasts,birdsorcreepingcreatures.||3||SaysNanak,theGurMantarhasbeen implantedwithinme;theNamealoneiscontainedwithinmyheart.||4|||"(SGGSp.188) "WaheguruistheGuru'smantar(mysticalformula)"anditmayberecitedbyHindu,Muslim,Sikh andChristianand,infact,anyone.Allhappinessisachievedbyitsrecitation.Rehat(SikhiCode)is deartoSriGuruGobindSinghJi: "Rehatisdeartome,nottheSikh".(GuruGobindSinghJi) ThatpersonismySikhwhokeepsrehat. HeismyMasterandIhisfollower. Withoutrehat,onecannotbecalledaSikh. Withoutrehat,onestumblesfromdoortodoor(andsuffershereafter), Withoutrehat,oneisnevercontent. Forthesereasonsoneshouldremainsteadfastinrehat. (RehatnamaBhaiDesaSinghJi) AmritshouldbetakenfromthosePanjPiaray(FiveBelovedOnes)whofollowfullRehatMaryada anddosimraninthemorningwitheverybreath. "Witheachandeverybreath,meditateinremembranceontheLordoftheUniverse,andthe anxietywithinyourmindshalldepart."(SukhmaniSahib24.1SGGSp.295) TheTrueGuruJihasgivenequalitytomenandwomen.RehatMaryadaappliestobothequally. ThePanjPiaraypreachNaamsimraanafterconductingtheAmritceremony. "OmyTrueGuru,implantwithinmetheNameoftheLord.TheLordismymother,father,child andrelative;IhavenoneotherthantheLord,Omymother." (SGGSp.996) ThosewhodonotrecitetheFiveBanis(prescribeddailyGurbanirecitation),theyshouldnot volunteerforthesewaofbeingappointedasPanjPiaray(forthepurposeofAmritSanchaari.e. theAmritinitiationceremony).Thosewhodosuchsewahavetogiveawayaportionfromtheir ownspiritualearnings.Onewhohasnotdonesimraninthemorning,whatcanthatpersongive fromhisorherspiritualearnings(forthatpersonhasnone);thatpersoncanonlybutsufferaloss. ManypeopleundergotheAmritceremonybutdonotearnspiritualcreditbysimran.Onlyafew getupinthemorningtosingthepraisesoftheGuru. AftertheAmritceremony,thePanjPiaraydirectthatNaamshouldberecitedaftertakingabath atAmritvela(earlyinthemorning),andinthemannertaughtbythem.TheAmritvelastartsat oneo'clockinthemorning. "Aftertakingyourcleansingbath,rememberyourGodinmeditation,andyourmindandbody shallbefreeofdisease.Millionsofobstaclesareremoved,intheSanctuaryofGod,andgood fortunedawns.||1||TheWordofGod'sBani,andHisShabad,arethebestutterances.So constantlysingthem,listentothem,andreadthem,Osiblingsofdestiny,andthePerfectGuru shallsaveyou.||Pause||ThegloriousgreatnessoftheTrueLordisimmeasurable;theMerciful

LordistheLoverofHisdevotees.HehaspreservedthehonourofHisSaints;fromthevery beginningoftime,HisNatureistocherishthem.||2||SoeattheAmbrosialNameoftheLordas yourfood;putitintoyourmouthatalltimes.Thepainsofoldageanddeathshallalldepart,when youconstantlysingtheGloriousPraisesoftheLordoftheUniverse.||3||MyLordandMaster hasheardmyprayer,andallmyaffairshavebeenresolved.ThegloriousgreatnessofGuruNanak ismanifest,throughoutalltheages.||4||"(SGGSp.611) TherearetwomethodsofWahegurusimran:thefirstisrecitationof"Waheguru,Waheguru",and thesecondisWahegurusimranwitheveryswas(lifebreath).Throughthefirstmethodof Wahegurusimranoneacquiresexceptionalmentalpowersbutittakesalongtimetoachievethe trueobjective.However,ifAkalPurakhshowersHisGraceonaperson,orifonehasdone meditationinapreviouslife,thenWaheguru'ssimranflowsinrhythmwitheveryswas(life breath). "Witheachandeverybreath,meditateinremembranceontheLordoftheUniverse,andthe anxietywithinyourmindshalldepart."(SukhmaniSahib24.1SGGSp.295) ThesecondmethodofWahegurusimranwitheverybreathistaughtbythePanjPiarayduringthe Amritceremony.TheydirectthatWahegurusimranwitheverybreathisveryimportantatAmrit vela.SimranwitheverybreathmeansthatrecitationofWaheguru'sNamebecomesnaturalwith everybreathi.e."findsahome"ineverybreathorswas.Aswebreathetwentyfourhoursaday, so,asamatterofhabit,Naamsimrancontinueswitheverybreath.Whenlifecomestoanend,the lastbreathoflife(swas)inhabitedbyWaheguru'sNaam,onleavingthebody,takesthesoultothe PlainofTruth,theTrueAbodeofWaheguruJi.SaysSriGuruArjanDevJi: "Meditate,meditate,meditateinremembranceofHim,andfindpeace.Worryandanguishshall bedispelledfromyourbody.RememberinpraisetheOnewhopervadesthewholeUniverse.His Nameischantedbycountlesspeople,insomanyways.TheVedas,thePuraansandtheSimritees, thepurestofutterances,werecreatedfromtheOneWordoftheNameoftheLord.Thatone,in whosesoultheOneLorddwells,thepraisesofhisglorycannotberecounted. ThosewhoyearnonlyfortheblessingofYourDarshan,Nanak:savemealongwiththem.||1|| (SukhmaniSahib1.1SGGSp.262) Oneday,IwenttoBhaiSukhdevSingh'shouse.Hetookmetothegarden.Iamalsokeenon gardening.Hesaid,"BhaiSahibJi,Iplantedtwoseedsofmarrow,bothonthesameday.Onehas sproutedandgrownquiteabit,buttheotheronehasnotevensproutedasyet.Whatcanbethe reasonforthat?" Ireplied,"Itispossibleyoudidnotplanttheseedintherightway,letusdigitupandsee.When theseedwasexposedithadbeenplacedincorrectlyandwasthereforetakinglongertosprout. Justastheseedplantedintherightwaysproutsfaster,soNaamsimranwitheverybreathsettles morequicklyintheheart. NaamsimraninSaadhSangat(holycongregation)ismuchmorefruitfulthanifdonealone. "HisGloryshinesforthintheHolyCongregationofthesaints."(BhaiGurdasVaar3Pauri10)

"Heisacompanion,afriend,andabelovedofmine,whoreflectsupontheLord'sName,inthe CompanyoftheHoly.IntheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly,crossovertheworldocean, andthenooseofdeathshallbecutaway."(SGGSp.108) IfapersonsitsathomeanddoesNaamsimran,thefruitofthatislikesmalldropletsofrain.If NaamsimranisinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthJiandinSaadhSangat,thenitisasifoneis standinginheavyrain,thefloodofwhichsweepsawayeverything;inthatsamewaythesinsof previouslivesofanindividualarewashedaway. Withsomeindividuals,RaamNaam(Waheguru'sName)findsahomeintheirmindswhenheard evenonce.TherearemanyexamplesofhowthegiftofNaamisobtained. (A) OnedayKabirJimetawiseelderlyman.Adiscussionstartedandtheelderlypersonasked: "Tellmewhoisyourguru?" KabirJireplied,"Idonothaveaguruasyet." "Youmustseekaguru."Advisedtheelderlyman. Kabiragreedtolookforone.However,hethought,"Iamoflowcasteandnoguruwouldaccept meashisdisciple."Thisthoughtwasduetothefactthatinthosedaystherewasmuch discriminationbasedonhighandlowcastes. Aftergivingthematterfurtherthought,KabirdecidedtogotoBanaras,theholycityonGanges River,andbecomethediscipleofSwamiRamanand.Hethought,thathewasunlikelytofinda moreaccomplishedguruthanRamanand.InhisquestforaGuru,regardlessofthedifficultiesin theway,hewasdeterminedtotakeonRamanandashisguru. Oneday,hethoughtofastrategy.SwamiRamanandusedtogotoRiverGangeseverymorningto takeabath.Kabirgotupveryearlyinthemorningandwentandlaiddowninthepathwhichthe SwamiusedtotaketoGanges.WhenSwamiRamanandcameforhisbath,hisfootstruckagainst KabirJi'shead.SwamiJifeltwiththetouchofhisfootthatsomeonewassleeping."Itistimeto takeyourbath"saidSwamiJiaswashisnaturetosaytoanyoneatthattimeinthemorning,"Get upmanofRaam(i.e.God),sayRaam" WhenKabirJiheardthesewordshewasimmediatelyinastateofbliss;hehadbeenblessedwith thegiftofNaam.HegotupquicklyandtouchedtheSwamiJi'sfeet.Inthiswayheadoptedaguru andWaheguru'sNamefoundanabodeinhisheart. (B) Balmeekusedtorobtravellersandbringuphisfamilyontheproceedsofhisrobberies.Livingthis typeoflife,hishearthadhardenedandbecomemerciless.Oneday,agroupofsants(holypeople) passedthatway.Truetohishabit,Balmeektookawayeverythingfromthem.Thesantsasked, "Brother,whyhaveyoudonethisdeed?""Tobringupmyfamily",repliedBalmeek.Thesants asked,"Whenyouarepunishedforthesemisdeedshereafter,wouldtheysharethatpunishment withyou?".Hereplied,"Certainly,theywill".Thesantssaid,"Ifyouarethatcertain,wewillsit here,yougoandaskthemiftheywouldshareyourburden."Agreeingtothesants'request Balmeekwenthomeand,firstofall,askedhisparentsif,havinglivedontheloothebrought home,theywouldsharehissinfulburdenonthedayofreckoning.Theparentsreplied,"We lookedafteryouwhenyouwereyoung.Nowitisyourdutytoserveus.Weneveraskedyouto becomearobber.Wejustwantfoodtoeat;youcanearnyourlivelihoodbysomeotherhonest

meanssothatwegetfoodandclothing.Wecannotshareyourburdenofsins."Hethenaskedhis wifeandshesaid,"Asyourwife,Iamunderyourcareanditisyourmaritaldutytofeedme;Iam notresponsibleforyoursins."Thenheaskedhissonwhoalsogavearesoundingreply,"Father,I wasborninyourhouse,itisyourdutytobringmeup.Idonotsaythatyoushoulddependonsin forlivelihood.Youcancarryoutyourresponsibilitiesthroughhonestearnings." Havingheardsuchforthrightresponses,adisappointedBalmeekreturnedtothesantsandtold themeverything.Thatnofamilymemberwaspreparedtostandbyhimandthathehadbeen mistaken.Hesaid,"FromtodayIshallnotdosuchbaddeeds,youshowmetherightpathsothat myremaininglifecanbesuccessful."Hereturnedallthathehadtakenawayfromthesantsand said,"Pleaseforgivemeformymistake."Thesantsthoughtthatthetimewasrighttogivehim someguidance.Consideringeverything,thesantssaid,"Keepreciting"Mara,Mara"untilwe return,andthenweshallteachyoumore."Balmeekfollowedtheteachingandkeptreciting "Mara,Mara"fromwhichrecitation,thewordsbeingrepeatedbecameGod'sName"Raam, Raam"!ByrecitingthisName,Balmeekgainedpopularityandrespectintheworld.Hewrotethe epicofRamayanalongbeforetheeventactuallytookplace. (C) Inthesameway,Ganaka'snamecomesup.Ononeoccasionamahatma(saintlyperson)stood closetoherdoortoshelterfromtherain.Ganakasawthatasaintlypersonwasstandingoutside. Sheinvitedhiminanddidsewawithrespect.Whentherainstoppedandthemahatmaprepared toleave,sheprayedwithfoldedhands,"Iamasinnerandhavewastedmylifeinprostitution,be kindtomesothatIcansalvagemylife."Seeinghercondition,themahatmatookpityonher.He gaveheraparrotandsaid,"Everymorningteachthisbirdtorepeat"Raam,Raam"."Shestarted teachingtheparrot"Raam,Raam"everyday.Whileteachingtheparrot"RaamRaam"(God's Name)herownspiritbecamepureandshewenttoheavenattheendofherlife.Bysaying "Raam",shetookGod'sNametoheart. Similarly,God'sNamefoundaplaceintheheartsofBhagatKabirJiandBalmeekwhenthey (sincerelyandmeditatively)said"Raam"once.ItshowsthegreatnessofGuruGobindSinghJithat duringtheAmritSanchaarceremonyheinstructedtheGursikhs,performingtheceremonyto repeatWaheguru'sNamethirtytimes;ifevenafterthat,theNamedoesnotfindabodeinthe heartthenitisasignofmisfortune.FivetimesAmrit(Ambrosialwater)istakenbymouthand witheachsip"Waheguru"Mantar(mysticalformula)isrepeated,thetongueispurifiedwhen doingthis.DropsofAmritareputontheheadfivetimes.Everyone'sswas(breathoflifeorlife energy)isletoutfromthe"tenthdoor"whichisinthehead,andputtingthedropsofAmritinthe headmeansthatthedepartureofthesoulduringdeathismadeeasier(i.e.deathbecomes painlessandpeaceful).Amritissprinkledintotheeyesfivetimes.Thuseyesarepurified;sothat theeyesshouldnotdesireanyonebutonesownlifepartnerandtheeyesshouldbeableto experiencetheholydarshan(sight)ofGuruJi.Evildoersbreathetheirlastverypainfullyandwith greatdifficulty.ThemessengersofDharamraj(seeGlossary)beatthedyingsinnerfromthetoesto thetopoftheheadtoforceoutthebreathoflife.IntheHindureligionitisalsowrittenthatthe painofdeathisthesameasthestingsofahundredscorpions.Anyonewhotakestheteachingsof GuruNanaktoheartwillfindsalvation.ItisveryimportanttodoNaamsimran(reciting Waheguru'sName)witheverybreath.Waheguru'sNamesettlesinandharmoniseswitheverylife breathwhenrecitedhabituallywitheachbreath.Sitting,standingandsleepingNaamrepetition continuesandwhentheendcomes,duetothishabitofNaamsimran,Waheguru'sNameinthe dyingbreathtakesonestraighttoSachkhand(ThePlainofTruthwhereWahegururesides).Many individualsdonotenjoydoingNaamsimran,justasittakessometimetosetfiretowetwood.A

personshouldnotgetfrustrated.HeshouldaccepttheGuru'sWordandcontinuewithsewaand simranandGuruJiwillhelp.GuruJiwillrewardthosewhoaredoingsewaandsimran.Ispent26 yearsdoingsewaandsimran.ForaboutfifteenyearstherewasnojoyindoingsobutIcontinued hopingthatParamatma(Waheguru)willshowerHisGrace.For26yearsIhavedonesewa, believingintheeverpresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,andalwaysprayingforthegiftofNaam andnothingelse.GoingtotheGurdwara,IwoulddothesewaofmakingPrasaad(holysweet sacrament),andsimran.Iwouldsingandtheladieswouldsingafterme.Wewouldcontinuewith simranof"Waheguru,Satnam". OnedayGianiAmolakSinghJimetmeatacamp.Thechildrenwentouttoplay.Wewereboth discussingGurmattGuru'steachings.ItoldGianiJi,thatwhenIdosimranmanynaturalscenes comeinmyvision.ShaheedSinghs(holyspiritsofmartyredSinghs)helpagreatdeal.IfIdonot wakeupintimethensomeoneringsthebell,whenIlookoutthereisnoonethere.Sometimes theysay"GetupanddoNaamsimran".Ibecomeawarebeforehandofcertainthingsthatwould happenthefollowingday.Hearingthis,GianiJisaidthattheGuru'sGracewaswithme,thatI shouldnottellthisgenerallytopeople.Hespokeofhisownexperience,thatonedayBhaiAmrik Singhcametohishouse.Hesaid,"TodayIhavedonefourpaatths(recitations)ofSukhmani Sahib."GianiJireplied,"Whatdoyouknow,IdopaatthsofSukhmaniallnight.Iworkfulltime, anddaily,Ido6or7paathhs."GianiJiusedtoworkatnightthosedays.Byrevealingthis,hewas neverabletodothatnumbrofpaatthsagain. ItoldGianiJithatIhadasimilarexperience.WhenIusedtoreciteMoolMantar(theBasic Precept)for12to13hoursdaily,IletthisbeknownandwasneverabletodoMoolMantarforso manyhoursagain. GianiJiexplainedthatjustasyoushouldnevertellyourbankbalancetoanyone,soisthewealth ofNaamwhichshouldbesafeguarded.GianiJisaidthathehadbeeninthecompanyofBhai SahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi.Hehadalsobeeninthesangat(company)ofBabaIsharSinghJiand BabaPuranSinghKenchowaalay.Fromthemoneunderstoodhowtheysafeguardedthewealth ofNaam.ManyGursikhswouldaskBhaiSahibtohelpthem.BhaiSahibwouldtellthemthatGuru Nanak'sdoorwasopentoall,"AsIdosimran,youcandothesame.Youwillalsobegintoremain inchardhikala(positivespirit).Whatcanyouaskofme,abeggarmyself?BegfromSriGuruNanak DevJi,whohasthewealthofNaam"IwasverymuchimpressedbyGianiJi'swordsandIbeganto understand.FromthatmomentonIhavenotspokentoanyoneaboutachievementofspiritual powers,because,whateverfruitwesow,wehavetowaitpatientlyforthereward.Justlikethe plantsofmangoororangebearfruitafter15to20years. OnoneoccasionIwenttoseeBhaiBalwinderSinghandBibiHarwinderKaur.TheirfriendDr. HarcharanSinghalsocametoseethemandrequested,"IwouldliketoinviteBhaiSahibfor dinner."Wewenttohishouse.Afterthemeal,Iwenttoseethegardenwhereamangotreewas ladenwithlargemangoes.Imentionedtothedoctorthatthemangoeslookedverysweet.He replied,"BhaiSahib,thisisthefirstfruitseasonforthistree.Itwasplantedbymyfather20years ago.Hewasnotabletotastethefruit.Itseemsweshallnotbeabletoenjoythisfruiteither,as wearemovingtoalargerhouse."Justasonehastowaitforthesweetfruitofmango,soonehas towaitforthesweetfruitofNaamsimran,asittakestime.ThetastesenseofNaamisdeepdown inaperson'ssoul.Pleasureismorereadilyfeltfromsports,entertainment,television,food,sex andotherworldlyformsofenjoyment,butthedeepspiritualpleasureofNaamisonlyenjoyed withtheGraceoftheGuru.ThenyourspiritwillbeimmersedinthejoyofNaam.EveryGursikh desiresthejoyofNaamontheveryfirstdayhetakesAmritbutoneneedscontinuousdedicated

efforttoachievethis.Someindividualsgiveup;theyfeeltheyhavenotexperiencedblissandthey arenotlikelyto;theymoveawayfromtheGursikhwayoflife.Ialsodidagreatdealofsimranbut neverwavered;acceptingtheGuru'sWill,Icontinuedwithsimran.And,induecourse,whiledoing simran,adayarrivedwhenitwaslikethefollowing: "Yousenseless(likeadrunk)person,withyourprimitiveintellect,reverseyourbreathandturnit inward.LetyourmindbeintoxicatedwiththestreamofAmbrosialNectarwhichtricklesdown fromthefurnaceofthetenthgate.||1||Obrothers,callontheLord.Osaints,drinkinthiswine forever;itissodifficulttoobtain,anditquenchesyourthirstsoeasily.||1||Pause||Inthefear ofGod,istheloveofGod.OnlythosefewwhounderstandHisLoveobtainthesublimeessenceof theLord,Obrothers.Asmanyheartsasthereareinallofthem,isHisAmbrosialNectar;asHe pleases,Hecausesthemtodrinkitin.||2||Thereareninegatestotheonecityofthebody; restrainyourmindfromescapingthroughthem.Whentheknotofthethreequalitiesisuntied, thenthetenthgateopensup,andthemindisintoxicated,Obrothers.||3||Whenthemortal fullyrealisesthestateoffearlessdignity,thenhissufferingsvanish;sosaysKabiraftercareful deliberation.Turningawayfromtheworld,Ihaveobtainedthiswine,andIamintoxicatedwithit. ||4||3||(SGGSp.1123) Suddenlymybreathingbegantorisetothedasamdwaar(tenthsecretoutletlocatedinthehead), astagewhichtheyogisachieveonlyafter30to40yearsofaustereexercises(thewordswaasor breathingisapparentlyusedintwosensesinPanjabi.Firstly,theworddescribesnormalbreathing processwhichisessentialforsustaininglifeinthebodyHowever,thewordalsohasadeeper meaninganditdescribestherelationshipbetween"lifeenergy"andeachbreathorswaas.Each breathorswaascontainsthislifeforceandthelastbreathbeforedying,takesthespiritviathe dasamdwaarawaytothenextdestinationhereafter.Thatisthelastswaas.Dasamdwaar literallythe"tenthdoor"issupposedtobelocatedinthebrainatthetopofthehead.Tobeable toreversetheseswaasinwardsandupwardsintodasamdwaaristhemainobjectiveofsome yogicexercises.Whenthisisfullyachieved,thepersonactuallystopsbreathingandisinastateof perfecttranquillityandalsoacquiresmysteriousmentalpowers.Theswaasideahasbeen translatedas"lifebreath"forthesakeofabbreviationintranslation.Mostprobably,takingthe swaasintodasamdwaarissomeformofselfregulationofthepulseandbodyfunctionssothat, totheoutsiderthepersonshowsveryfew,ifany,lifesigns.Obviously,somepartofthebrain continuestofunctionwhilethebodyremainsinasuspendedlifestate(i.e.stateofinanimation)). Theyogiscanraisetheirswas(lifebreath)tothedasamduar(theystopexternalbreathingduring thisexercise)buttheirspiritualpulsationremains"empty"(i.e.withouttheblissofNaam)when theyareinthatstate.ThoseGursikhswhoaftertakingAmritrecite"Waheguru"witheverybreath, theirsimranautomaticallycontinues(evenwhenundergoingthedasamduarexperience).Naam whichinhabitstheirswastakesthemstraighttotheSachkhand(seeGlossary).Iwasnevertold themethodofelevatingtheswastodasamduarbutlearntitwithWaheguru'sGrace.While continuingroutinelywithNaamsimran,after15to20years,oneday,quiteunexpectedlymy breathingreversedinwardsandupwards.IhadaslightirritatingsensationonmyforeheadandI keptstrokingmyforeheadabovemynose,timeandagain.Whentheswas(lifebreath)reaches here,thenalldistractingthoughtsstop.Themindisinastateofequilibriumandonefeelslike continuingwithsimran.Startingwiththefeet,thebodygoesnumb.Thereisnosensationandone doesnotknowifthebodyisstillthere.Ihadtodomanyhoursofsimranandsewadailytoreach thisstage.Nothingcanbeachievedbyjusttalking,norwilltherebeanyspiritualjoy. "Somewanderaround,babblingonandon,butnoneobtainHimbybabbling."(SGGSp.919)

InstitutionsofLangarandPangat ForthepurposeofAmritSanchar,BhaiSubegSinghinvitedtheJathatoAustraliaandNew Zealand.ThefirstAmritSanchartookplaceatSydneyandthesecondatAuckland.The accommodationarrangementfortheJathawasintheGurdwaraatSydney.TheGeneralSecretary oftheGurdwaraintroducedustotheworldrenownedDrPritamSingh.PraisegoestotheGuru thatevenaftergainingsuchhighqualifications,thedoctorretainshisfullSikhidentityand observestheSikhcodeofconduct(rehat).HehasgreatinterestinlisteningtoKirtan.Herecords anddistributestheKirtanofanyraagijathasingingattheGurdwara.Heissomodestthatheis notpreparedtobecomethepresidentoftheGurdwara;saysheisnotfitforsuchaposition.Yet, therearealsothosewhodonotunderstandGurbani,buttheyalwaysfeelthattheyarereadyfor suchresponsiblepositions. IntheGurdwara,twopartieswereatloggerheadswitheachother.Thefirstpartypreferredan arrangementofchairsandtablesintheLangar.Thepresidentofthenewparty,BhaiJasvirSingh wantedtointroducetheGuruGhar(Guru'sHouse)traditionaccordingtothecorrectRehat Maryada:toseatthesangatinrowsonthefloor(pangat)asinSriHarmandarSahib(Amritsar), andtoservelangarafterNaamSimraanfortenminutes.Inthiswaythefamilywhichwasdoing thesewaofthelangarwouldalsobenefit.FinallybothpartiesagreedtoabidebyDrPritamSingh's decision.TheDoctorsaid,"Athomewesitonchairs,whatistheharmifattheGurdwarawesiton thefloorfortenminutestopartakeofthelangar?WeshouldsitinhumilityintheGuruGhar.This istheGuru'steaching.Itisforthebenefitofall.Firstly,simraanisdoneandsecondly,intheGuru Ghar,themoreoneremainsinhumilitythegreaterthespiritualreward.SriGuruNanakDevJiwas alwayshumble,youarenothigherthanhim."Bothpartiesrespectedhisdecisionandfromthat daythesangatpartakesintheLangarbysittinginapangat. InthesamewayatDarlingtonGurdwarainEnglandthesangattakesLangarsittinginapangat afterNaamsimran.AtShepherd'sBushandatDerby(atGuruArjanDevJi'sGurdwara)thesame maryada(Guru'stradition)isfollowed.TogiveimportancetoanyindividualintheLangarisa greatviolationoftheinstitutionoftheLangar.ItmattersnotwhichSikhreligiousorganisationthat personleads.TogiveprioritytreatmenttoanindividualovertheSangatsittinginpangatisagreat insulttotheGuru'sSangat.ForcontinuityofthegreattraditionofSangatandPangat,everySikh shouldrefrainfromsuchinsultingbehaviour.

SignsofaRestlessMind Oneday,theSovereignofmiri(temporal)andpiri(spiritual)worlds,SriGuruHargobindJiwas goingthroughthejunglewithhisGursikhs.TheallknowingSatguru(TrueGuru)stoppedundera tree.HetoldaSikh,"Climbupthistreeandkillacrowchick,itisinneedofsalvation."TheSikh climbedup,lookedintothecrow'snestandsaid,"GuruJitherearemanychickshere,whichisthe oneinneedofsalvation?"GuruJireplied,"Itwillcryouttoyou."Andsothechickwasredeemed. TheSikhswerewonderingaboutGuruJi'skautak(mysteriousaction).OneSikhasked,"GuruJi! Whatcrimehadthiscreaturecommitted?"GuruJitoldtheSikhs,"Inhispreviouslifehewasa devoteeoftheGuru'sHouse.HewouldgototheGurdwaradaily.Onedayakatha(interpretation ofGurbanibyalearnedpersonattheGurdwara)wasinprocessandtheSangatwaslisteningwith concentration.Hisfriendwassittingnexttohimandhestartedtalkingtohisfriend.Thereare manydevoteesintheSangatwhoareinmeditativelinkwithWaheguruJi.Theconversation betweenthesetwodistractedaSikhfromhismeditationandhesaid,"Whydoyougoonwith yourkankanlikeacrow?"ForthisreasonthisSikhwhowastalkinginSangatwasrebornasa crow. Whenpaatth,kirtanorkatha(recitationofGurbani,GurbanisingingorexplanationofGurbani)is goingoninGurdwaras,somepeoplekeepontalking.Oneshouldsitquietlyandpeacefullyinthe SangatandlistentotheGuru'sWord(Guru'sTeaching). OnoneoccasionalargeSangatwasgoingfordarshanofGuruArjanDevJi.Inthosedaysthey usedtotravelbyfoot.Astheyweregoing,asnakeblockedtheirpath.Itkeptcominginthewayof theSangat.Theythought,perhapsthissnaketoowantstogoforGuruJi'sdarshan.Theyhadan earthenpotandtheysaidtothesnakethatifitwantedtogoforGuruJi'sdarshan,itshouldenter thepot.Thatiswhatthesnakedid. OnreachingtheGurdwara,theSangatwentforGuruJi'sdarshan.TheallknowingGuruJiasked, "WhereismyoneotherSikh?Youhavenotbroughthiminwithyou."TheSangatsaidthatthere wasnootherSikh,exceptforasnakeinapot,andtheybroughtthepotandplaceditinfrontof GuruJi.ThesnakegotoutofthepotandboweditshoodinfrontofGuruJi.GuruJi,awareofthe wrongdoingofthecreatureinitspreviouslife,wasforgiving.Hesprinkledholywateronthe creatureandgaveitsalvation(freedom)fromthelifeofasnake.TheSangatasked,"GuruJiwhat isthiskautak(strangehappening)?" GuruJiexplainedthatinitsprevioushumanlife,thispersonhadthehabitofstealing.Hedidnot refrainfromstealingevenintheGurdwara.Ashewouldrespectfullygetonhiskneestobowhis headbeforetheGuru(mathatekan),hewouldmakeanofferingofonerupee(Indiancurrency) and,withoutanyoneseeing,wouldpickupmore.HeusedtoattendSangatdaily.Hewouldkeep onthinkingaboutmoneyandattheendofhislifehewasstillthinkingaboutwealth.Andso,he wasrebornasnake.However,becausehehadbeenattendingSangat,hewasawarethathehad donewrong.ForthatreasonhehascomeforGuru'sdarshantoseekforgiveness.TheTrueGuruis compassionateandsavesthosewhocometoHim.Thewrongdoingofthesnakeinitspreviouslife wasforgivenanditsspiritwasfreedfromthatunhappylife. "Attheverylastmoment,onewhothinksofwealth,anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbe reincarnatedoverandoveragain,intheformofserpents."(SGGSp.526)

 (C) Theholydarbar(royalcourtSee"Darbar"intheglossary)ofSriGuruGobindSinghJiwasin session.Onthisoccasion,ananimaltrainerbroughtalargebearintothedarbar.Hestarted wrestlingwiththebearinfrontofGuruJi.Hethenmadethebeardanceandperformothertricks. BhaiKeertiawasdoingchaur(seeGlossary)onGuruJi.Hekeptlaughingloudlyatthetricksofthe bear.GuruJisaidtohim,"BhaiKeertia,thisbearwasyourfatherinitspreviouslife."Hearingthis BhaiKeertiaandtheSangatweregreatlysurprised.BhaiKeertiafoldedhishandsbeforetheGuru andsaid,"OTrueGuru,myfatheralwaysdidregularsewainyourdarbar.Myfatheralsoserved theNinthKing(GuruTeghBahadurJi)whosedarshan(holysight)gavesalvationtothousandsof Sikhs.Ifhavingdonesuchdedicatedsewa,thisistherewardmyfatherhasreaped,thenwhatis thepointofdoingsewaandwhatlifeformwouldIgetnext?Sewaisdonetoseeksalvation,butif therewardistheopposite,thennoSikhwilldosewainfuture.Kindlypleasetellme,whymy fathergotintothislifeform." TheTrueGurusaid,"ListenBhaiKeertia,onedayyourfatherwasservingPrasaad(sweet sacrament).AtthattimeaSikhwaspassingbywithhisbullockcart.Hecameintothedarbarto payhisrespects(formathatekna)andseeingthatPrasaadwasbeingserved,heaskedforPrasaad fromyourfatherwithgreatdevotionandrespect.TheSikh'sfaceandbeardwascoveredwith dust.YourfatherseeinghisdirtcoveredfacedidnotgivehimPrasaadbutkeptonservingitto others.WhentheSikhgotinfrontofyourfatheragainandrepeatedhisrequest,yourfathersaid inrage,"Whydoyoukeepjumpingupanddownlikeabear!Goandsitdownattheback.Youwill receiveyourPrasaadinturn."Onhearingthis,theSikh(whohadlefthisgaddai.e.largebullock cartmovingon),pickedupasmallbitofPrasaadwhichhadfallenonthefloor,putitintohis mouthsaying"Waheguru",andrushedoffsaying,"Youmaybethebear!" Whenyourfatherpassedaway,hewasrebornabear.ThehumbleGursikh'swordscametobe true.BhaiKeertiaprayedtoGuruJitoforgivehisfather.GuruJisprinkledholywateronthebear andfreeditsspiritfromthatlifeform.Theanimaltrainerwasgivenagenerouscompensation. TheTrueGurualwaysrewardsthosewhocometoHimanddosewaattheGurdwara.TheTrue Guruismercifulandverygenerous.Hedoesnotlookatanyone'spreviouswrongdoingsand alwaysofferssalvation. Ifapersonwantstosucceedinachievingthemainpurposeofthislife,thenheorsheshoulddo sewaintheGurdwara.Doingsewapurifiesthehands.IfaGursikhwhohastakenAmrit,does simranandreadsGurbani,thenevenifhe(orshe)doesnotachievesalvationinthislifethen successwillcomeinthenext.However,thislifeobjectivewillbeachievedonlyifsewaandsimran aredoneinhumilitybygivinguphaumai(egoorpride).

TheFineEdgeofGursikhi (Gursikhiislikewalkingonthefineedgeofasword.) "Iamblind,totallyblind,entangledincorruptionandpoison.HowcanIwalkontheGuru'sPath? IftheTrueGuru,theGiverofpeace,showsHiskindness,HeattachesustothehemofHisrobe.f| 1||OSikhsoftheGuru,Ofriends,walkontheGuru'sPath.WhatevertheGurusays,acceptthat asgood;thesermonoftheLordisuniqueandwonderful.||1||Pause||OSaintsoftheLord,O brothers,listen:servetheGuru,quicklynow!LetyourservicetotheTrueGurubeyoursupplieson theLord'sPath;packthemup,anddon'tthinkoftodayortomorrow.||2||OSaintsoftheLord, chantthechantoftheLord'sName;theLord'sSaintswalkwiththeLord.Thosewhomeditateon theLord,becometheLord;theplayful,wondrousLordmeetsthem.||3||Tochantthechantof theLord'sNameisthelongingIlongfor;havemercyuponme,OLordoftheworldforest.OLord, uniteservantNanakwiththeSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly;makemethedustofthe feetoftheHoly.||4||" (SGGSp.667) "OTrueGuruJi!Although,IamcalledyourSikh,myneedforsleepisnotsatisfiedevenafter sleepingallnight;sometimes,Ievensleepduringtheday;andthereisnoquestionofgettingup earlyinthemorning.Noproblemabouttakingabathinthesummer,butnotsointhewinter. Eveninsummer,Itrytododgetheeveningbath.Why,becausethatriskswettingthebeardfixed with"Fixo"(Brandnameofaspecialglueforfixingthehairofthebeard)! Ifthebeardgetswetoncethentheproblemofrefixingitarises.Thereisnotimeinthemorning fordoingpaatth(Gurbanirecitation),for,bythetimeIhavewashedupandfixedthebeard,itis timetorushtotheoffice.Itietheturbanonlyonceforthewholeweek.IfIhavetotieitdaily, thenIcanneverreachtheofficeintime.Sometimes,whilegettingupanddoingthemorning routine,Iamdelayedandhavetotakemyteaattheofficecanteen.Evenotherwise,ifourlittle songetsstubbornanddoesnotallowhisMumtoleavethebedroom,Ihavetotakemyteaatthe canteen. Whentheweekendarrives,mostofthetimeistakenupintakingbath,washingandforother chores.Withdifficultywemanagetofindtimeintheeveningtogotothecinema.OftenIthinkof goingtotheGurdwaraonSundaybutonthatdayIamunabletogetupearlyinthemorning.In anycase,itisonlyaftersixdaysthatonehastimetorelaxonSunday.Soonehastogetridofthe fatigueaccumulatedduringtheweek.Allday,oneisbusyintheofficewithpaperworkandinthe eveningthereishardlytimetolistentosoothingsongsontheradio.Onelongsforthosesongs playedinresponsetospecialrequestsfromlisteners.Oncetheprogrammestartsthenonewishes thatitwouldcontinueallnight. Thereismuchinflationthesedaysandonecanhardlymanagewithinone'ssalary.Untiloneisable tocontrivewaysforsomeadditionalincome"underthetable"(i.e.throughbribery),onecannot meetthemonth'sexpenditure.AccordingtotheRehatnamaoneissupposedtodenoteatenthof one'sincomeforreligious/charitablepurposes,butthatisonlypossibleiftheexpenditureneeds aresatisfied."Mum"alwayskeepsaskingforsomething."Ji,getmeasariofnylax;getmea Banarsisuit;getmehighheeledshoes;andlipstick,andcreamarefinished.Getmeavanitybox andsoon."LastyearourlittlesonwastakenillwithsmallpoxandourneighbourMadanLai'swife said,"Brother,takethechildtothetempleofMataDevi(goddessofsmallpox).OnSunday,people comewithofferings(inreturnforcureofsmallpoxbythegoddess).YoualsotakePrasaadas

offeringtotheMataandtakethechildwithyousothatitcankneelbeforethegoddessand performmathatekna(payhomage).MataDeviwillbepleasedandthechildwillbecured."Iwas stillthinkingaboutthiswhilethe"Mum"quietlytookthechildtothetempleofthegoddesstopay homage."(Fromapublication:RahiniRahaySoiSikhMera.) WhyhasthelifestyleoftheSikhnationchanged?Itissurprisingthatthreehundredyearshave passedsincetheformalinstitutionoftheKhalsaand,untilnow,theKhalsahasnotbeenableto establishownrule.Theremustbesomereasonforthis.Therearegreatscholars,gianis(those withknowledgeofGurbaniandSikhtradition)andraagis(Gurbanisingers)intheSikhreligion.But theyhavenotspreadtheTrueWordofGuruGobindSinghJi.GuruJiproclaimed: "Rehat(Sikhcodeofdiscipline)isdeartome,notaSikh" SuchweaknesshascreptintotheSikhs,thatnooneispayingattentiontorehat.Theyhave shunnedAmritandtakealcohol,theyhaveshunnedtruthandspeakfalsehood.Theladieshave uncoveredtheirheads.Beforegoingtoschoolorforwork,somegirlsdogototheGurdwarafor mathatekan,butborrowascarffromtheGurdwarajustforthatpurpose.Thetraditionofkeeping aheadcloth(dupatta)isdyingout.GuruJigavethegiftofKeski(smallturban)tomenandwomen alike,butnoweventhedupatta(orchunni)isdisappearing!TodaythechildrenofSikhshavealso becomesofashionablethatsometimesonecannottellthedifferencebetweenaboyandagirl. Onedaysomeonerangthebellatourhouse.Iopenedthedoorandthepersonasked,"IsJassiat home?"Ireplied,"BhainJi(i.e.sister),hehasgoneout."Thispersonhadlonghair,waswearing twoearringsineachearandseemedtobeabout16yearsold.WhenJassicamehomeItoldhim thatagirlhadcometoseehimandthatIwasgoingtolethisdadknowthathehadmadeagirl friend.Jassisaid,"UncleJi,Idonothaveanygirlfriend.Whatareyousaying?"Isaiddonotlieto me.Isawhermyself."Jassithenrememberedthathisfriendwascomingtodropafilm;itmustbe "him".HedescribedhimandIconfirmed.Jassisaid,"OhthatTalwinderismyfriend.Heisnota girl,heisaboy!"IexplainedtoJassithatwhenweadministerAmrit,weforbidgirlstopiercetheir nosesandears(forthepurposeofwearingornaments),butnowadayseventheboyshavestarted piercingholesintheirearsforwearingrings.Jassisaid,"UncleJi,nowadaysthatisthefashion."I wastakenabackandfeltthatthiswasareflectiononparent'sweaknesswithregardtotheir children. Iftheparentshadbeenwise,theywouldhavetoldtheirchildrenthehistoryoftheGurus;howSri GuruGobindSinghJisacrificedhiswholefamily.IsaytoallSikhs,"Daughters,sistersandmothers! ForthesakeofGursikhi(Gursikhwayoflife),lookafterthisflowergardenplantedbySriGuru GobindSinghJi.Heputthe(growthpromoting)fertiliserofthebloodofhisfatherSriGuruTegh BahadurJi,motherMataGujriJi,hisfoursons,thePanjPiaray,theChaaliMuktayandhundredsof thousandsofSikhmartyrstoensureahealthybloom(ThefortySikhswhohadfirstabandoned GuruJiatAnanpurbutthengavetheirlivestodefendhimatMukatsar.Theywereblessedby GuruJiastheforty(chaaliinPanjabi)whohadbeensavedandthusreceivedtheirsalvation, (mukti).ThustheyarerememberedastheChaaliMuktayortheFortywhoreceivedsalvationby theGuru'sBlessingatMukatsar). ForpreservingthisgardenofSikhi,manybraveSikhwomen(Singhania)receivedintotheirlaps theirlittlechildrencutintopieces,sothatthisgardenoftheSikhiwouldnotwither.Evennow thereistimetoundotheharm.Lookafteryourchildrenandteachthemtofollowthepathof Gursikhi,adoptKhalsaidentityanddress;livetheKhalsaway.

"OnewholivestheKhalsaway(rehani)ismySikh". (BhaiDesaSingh'sRehatNama,quotingSriGuruGobindSinghJi) SriGuruGobindSinghJi'sinjunctionisthatfivespecifiedBanis(Gurbanicompositions)shouldbe recitedinthemorningaspartofNitNem(dailyroutine).ButnowadaystheRehatMaryada(Code oftheSikhwayoflife)publishedbytheShromaniPrabandhakCommittee,atpage10,prescribes forreciting3Banisinthemorning:JapJiSahib,JaapSahibandSawayas,andtwoBanisinthe evening.ForthisreasontheKhalsaisnotreceivingthefullspiritualstrengthoffiveBanisinthe morning.ThePanjPiarayhadinstructedtheKhalsathatrecitationoffiveBanisinthemorningwas essential. ThosewhodonotrecitefiveBanisinthemorningdonotreceivetheblessingofSriGuruGobind SinghJi.OnceIwasreadingSeKinahia,thelifestoryofSriMaanBabaHarnamSinghJiofRampur, Khera,inwhichiswrittenthatoneday,inthemonthofJetth(lunarmonthfallinginMay/June),it wasveryhot.ThisiswhatBabaHarnamSinghJiwrote: "IwasrecitingMoolMantarinaroom.ThedooropenedandaGursikhwithaveryradiantface walkedin.WeexchangedtheGurFatehgreeting.WhereupontheSikhsaidthattheDasam Patshah(theTenthKingi.e.GuruGobindSinghJi)wascomingtoblessmewithHisdarshan.Iwas thrilledandwebothcameoutoftheroom.InthewesterndirectionwesawtheSatguruJiridinga horseandtherewerefourotherSinghswithHim.SatguruJicamenearandpaused.Ibowedin homageatGuruJi'sholyfeetinthestirrup.GuruJismiledalittlearidmovedaway.Atalittle distanceHedisappeared.Iwasleftinaconfusedstate. "TheotherGursikhwhohadbroughtthemessageofGuruJi'sarrivalkeptstandingnearme.He said,"BhaiHarnamSinghJi!Youshouldbeveryhappybutyoulookconfusedandsad;whatisthe reason?"ItoldthatGursikhthattheSatgurublessedmewithhisdarshanbutdidnotspeaka word. "TheGursikhreplied,"SatguruJiispleasedwithyourmeditativeNaamsimran,forwhichreason hegaveyoudarshan.HedidnotspeaktoyoubecauseinyourNitNemyoudonotdothePaatth ofJaapSahib."IsaidthatIdidnotdoJaapSahibbecauseitwasadifficultPaatthtorecite. EverydayIreciteSriSukhmaniSahibandAsaDiVaar."TheGursikhreplied,"Itisveryimportant thattheinjunctionofGuruSahibisfollowed.NomatterhowmanyotherBanisaSikhrecites,ifthe prescribedBanisoftheNitNemarenotrecited,GuruJiwillnotbeentirelypleased.Ifonefollows theinjunctionoftheGurupassedontotheSikhsthroughthePanjPiarayandthenrecitesother Banis,thatpleasesGuruJiverymuch.Onewhoislaxaboutacceptingthisinjunctionisdeprivedof GuruJi'sblessing." Fromthatday,nomatterhowlongittakes,IincludedtherecitationofJaapSahibinmyNitNem, andintime,learntitbyheart.GurbanialsoconfirmsthattheorderoftheGurumustbeaccepted andfollowed."(TheaboveisBabaHarnamSinghJi'spersonalexperiencenarratedbytheauthor.) Amritdhari(thosewhohavetakenAmrit)GursikhsmustfollowtheordersofthePanjPiaray.The recitation{paatth)ofFiveBanisinthemorningisextremelyimportant. (ThefiveBanisinthemorningareJapJiSahib,JaapSahib,TenSwayyas,ChaupaiandFullAnand Sahib.RehrasshouldberecitedatsunsetandKirtanSohilajustbeforegoingtobed.)

TheTransformation SweetLord!Iwanderinconfusion; Whereisthepath,wherethebeacon? Igropeinthedark,amwearyanddisillusioned; Thechainsofsinenslaveme. I'mcoldandlonely,Lord! Showmetheway. YourBelovedFivehaveIsoughtandtheytellme; "TheLightiswithinyou." Ibelieveandbehold!...Thedoorisunlocked! Iknockanditglidesopen,IpatientlykindleYourLightanditshowstheway. Notlookingback,IgazestraightaheadAndlo!thepathisclearbeforeme. SweetLord!thepathisclearkindlyreceiveme, (Apangoffeargraspsmyheart, Icallonyou,GuruGobindSingh;Youinfusemewithcourage; Myfearsanddoubtsdissipate.)Theyspeakofbeuty,truth,duty,spirituality, Rebirth,renewalandtheloveofYou,Lord. Astheyspeak,aflashofyourlightbrightensmylife. Aloadisliftedoffmyshoulders, Myheartrejoices:"I'vefoundtheTruth." Mythirstisquenched,mysearchisended. Satguru!Iembraceyourlotusfeetatleast. IsingyourHolyNameasItaketheKandeKiPahul. YournectarNamemakesmewhole,

TheLightinmeisfocusedtoitsSource. BythewhisperofYourname,ThesleepingcrysalisistransformedIntoacarefreebutterfly. OWaheguru!IamYourlowlyservant; Nothingismine,allisYours;YourNamedoItakewitheverybreath, IrevelinYourwonderfulgarden; ORighteousMaster!IamYoursforever; TodowithasYouwish;AninstrumentthroughwhichtoworkYourWill. OGenerousMaster! YourNameeachmomentdoIrecite; Mycaresfleelikedarknessbeforethedawn; IntheflameofYournameDothedreadedfive(Arrogance,anger,lust,greedandattachment) meltlikebutter. OWaheguru! TheseedoftheKhalsagrowsinthesoiloffaith; WateredwithAmrit,warmedbytheloveofNam; ItsrootstakestrongholdItsgracefulstalksstandtallabovetherest; Itsfragrantbloomsareprofuse,Theharvestpromisestobeabundant. Iftheseedcanbeassuredhealthygrowth. OSatguru!IamasacrificeUntotheloversofYourName;Themartyrs,theseekersofTruth, Theupholdersofrighteousness;Themagnanimoussouls,theinnocentchildrenThe compassionateservantsofhumanity; Thepure...theSatsangat...TheKhalsa. "TruthishigherthaneverythingButhigherstillistruthfulliving." ByJAGJITKAURKHALSA(JagjitKaurKhalsaisaFrenchCanadianladywhohasrecentlyinitiated intoSikhism).

ElectionsatGurdwaras Nooneispreparedtolistentooneanother.IntheKhalsaPanthtootherearedifferentfactions. Theydonotlistentooneanother,eachoneofthemsays,"Onlywhatwearedoingisright."For thesakeofleadershipintheGurdwarastheydodishonestthings.Theymakedummyvotesfor winningelections.FightstakeplaceintheGurdwaras.TheydonotfullyrespectSriGuruGranth SahibJi.IfweacceptSriGuruGranthSahibJiastheperfectGuru,thenwhydowegotononSikhs toconductelections.WhenwewantsomethingthenwepraytoGuruJi.WearrangePaatths (completereadingofGuruGranthSahib)tobedoneandaskforspecialArdaas(prayers)tobesaid forussothatourinnerwishesarefulfilled.Satguru(TrueGuru)showersHisBlessingandour prayersareanswered,stillwedonothavecompletefaithinSatguru.Wewanderaroundoutside, awayfromtheGuru. IwastoldbyaFrenchbornyounglady,BibiJagjeetKaur,whokeepsfullSikhidentity,thatinthis Ageofdarkness,Kalyog,theperfectGuruisSriGuruGranthSahibJi,andshehastotalbeliefinthe Guru.IfsomeonepraysintotalfaiththencertainlytheGurulistens.TheGuruknowswhatisin everymind.Shesaid,"Iwasinvolvedinaroadaccidentandmycarhitanothercar.Whenthe accidentoccurred,manywerepreparedtogiveevidenceagainstme.Iwasveryworried.Iwas afraidoftheotherparty'switnessesthatIwouldlosethecase.Whenthedateforthehearing came,IprayedtoSatguruthatYouknoweverything,Idonotknowwhosefaultitis.Ihaveno witness,pleasesavethehonouroftruth.IdidArdaas(standingprayer)tookaHukamnama (randomreadingofahymnfromSriGuruGranthSahibJiforguidance).WhenIappearedbefore thejudge,nowitnessfortheotherpartyshowedup.Iwonthecase." WhenthetimeforchangingthemanagementcommitteeofaGurdwaracomes,wedonotpay heedtoanyguidanceofSatguruJi.TherearesomeGurdwaraswhichacceptGuruJi'sguidance. Whenselectinganewcommittee,theydoArdaasanddrawlotsandthoseselectedbecomethe newcommitteemembers.ThisiswhathappensatSriGuruSinghSabha,Slough(UK). Oneday,GianiPritamSinghJi,theHeadGranthiofPatnaSahibJi,wasdoingkathaatSriGuru SinghSabhaGurdwara.HesaidthatonedaytheKhalsawillbecomesofeeblethattheywillnot evencarefortheGuru.Forselfcentredleaderships,theKhalsawillturntheirbacksontheGuru. TheGianiJisaidthatevenduringthetimeofSriGuruGobindSinghJithequestionofKhalsaRaj (independentKhalsarule)cameup.TheSinghsasked,"WhydoyounotgiveRajtotheKhalsa?" TheallknowingGuruJicarriedoutanunusualtest.Heaskedforsweetricetobepreparedwith manyotherexpensiveanddeliciousingredientsandspreadthisriceonawhitesheet.Heaskedfor aboutadozendogstobebroughtin.Whenthedogssawthericetheystartedbarkingandsnarling ateachother.Noneatetherice,theyjustspreadthericearoundindirtwiththeirfeetandkept snarlingateachother. InthesamewaytheSinghsarenotunderstandingthevalueofGurbani.Theyquarrelwitheach otherforleadership.UntilsuchtimeastheKhalsabeginstoobserverehat(theprescribedcodeof conduct),reciteGurbanianddoNaamsimran,Khalsawillnotgetownraj. InLondonononeoccasionadevoteearrangedforanAkhandPaatth(continuousreadingofSiri GuruGranthSahibJiwhichtakesabout48hours).Thefamilyhadsetupacameraforvideo recordingofthePaatth.TheywerewatchingontheTVscreenwhiledoingsewaoflangar (preparingandservingfoodasintheGurdwara).TheGianiJidoingthePaatthwasleftonhisown

intheroomwhereSriGuruGranthSahibJiwaskept.TheGianiJibecamegreedy,gotupand pickedupthemoneyofferedbydevotees,lyinginfrontofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Whenthe familysawwhatwasgoingon(ontheirTVscreen),theyaskedtheGianiJitostopdoingPaatth andtoleave.TheGianiJiwaspuzzled.Hesaid,"YouhavestartedthisAkhandPaatthwhichis meanttobenonstop;itwillbeinterrupted."Thefamilysaid,"Theinterruptionhasalready happened.Youbettergo.YoupickedupmoneyplacedbeforetheGuruwhileyouweresupposed tobedoingpaatth."Hedidnotconfess.Theysaidthatitisrecordedonvideo,youcanseeit.On hearingthishewasveryembarrassedandwentaway.Itwasnightandnooneevendrovehim backtohisplace. TherewasanewspaperreportthatinIndia,atonevillage,aGursikhfamilyarrangedanAkhand Paatth.Therewasagroupoffivepaatthis(thosewhoreadfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi).Oneof themwasaboyofabout18yearsold.Hewasdoingpaatthatnight.Thedaughterofthefamily,a prettygirl,waslisteningtothepaatthonherown.Theyoungpaatthi'smindwaveredandhe started"reading"nonsense,"MahalaPanjwan,Ogirlbringmesomewarmtea."Thegirlwas surprisedandwentandaskedhermotherifsuchwordswereincludedinanyhymn.Themother toldthefather,whointurntoldtheyoungpaatthiSinghtostopdoingpaatthtopickuphis clothesandtomakeaspeedyexit.Theboyranaway. ManyindividualshavenofearoftheGuru.TheyhaveforgottenGod.Apersonthinksthatnoone iswatching.ButtheSatguruknowsall.Heknowswhatisineachheart.Youcankeepsecretsfrom otherpeoplebutyoucannothideanythingfromGod.Whoknowswithwhatwishesandhopes thesepeoplehadaskedforAkhandPaatths,butgreedandlustinterruptedthecontinuousreading ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Nowadays,theSikhshavemovedawayfromrehatthatisthereasonwhytheSikhshadtosuffer thetragiceventssince1984.Theyhavebecomesoentrappedinmaterialismthatitisdifficultto escapefromit.EventheAmritdhariSikhsarecaughtupinthistrap.ForSriGuruGobindSinghJi, rehatisdear.Nooneispreachingtheimportanceofrehat.TheSangatdoesnothavethatmuch knowledgeandiswanderingaboutaimlessly.Everypersonislookingforaneasywaytorealise God.ManypeoplearebecomingRadhaSwamiandNirankari.Thesesectsdonotfollowanycode ofconduct.Ifoneislookingforsalvationthenkeepingrehatisveryimportant. OnceIwenttoIndiawithBhaiAmrikSingh.WestayedatMogatown,atthehouseoftheinlaws ofBhaiAmrikSingh.AfterNitNem(i.e.recitingmorningBanis)wewenttoseethelocalGurdwara Sahib.AfterpayingourrespectstotheGuru,wesatonabedintheveranda.TheGranthiJi(priest) cameandsatontheotherbed.Soonaladycamewithherchild.Thechildwasnotwell.GranthiJi tookoffhisKara(steelbangle)andwaveditupanddowninfrontofthechild'sfacewhile whisperingsomemagicalwords.Hethentoldthelady,"Youcango,yourchildwillbefine."Wesat inamazement. ItoldtheGranthiJi,"YouaretheGuru'sminister.Whatmanmatt(antiGurmatti.e.againstGuru's teaching)areyoupreaching?YouknowverywellthattheeverpresentGuruJisitsinthe Gurdwara.Itwasyourdutytotellthelady,tofirstgoinsideandbowbeforetheGuruwhoisever presentandTimeless.ThenyoushouldhaveadvisedhertodoWahegurusimran,paatthofMool Mantar,ofJapJiSahiborofSukhmaniSahib. "ThemedicineforalltypesofillnessisNaam"(SGGSp.274)

YoushouldhavedirectedhertoseekcomfortfromBani.ReadingorlisteningtoBanicuresallpain andunhappiness.Theladydidnotknowthis.Andyou,insteadofshowinghertherightpath, startedreadingsomemagicformula.WhenarewegoingtounderstandhowtorespectSriGuru GranthSahibJi?IfGranthisdonotputthesangatonthestraightpaththenwhowould?" GranthJiwasembarrassedandrealisedhismistake. Once,whilewalkingaround,BabaNandSinghJicameacrossawell.Itwassummer.Thewater wheelonthewellwasbeingturnedbytwooxenharnessedtothelongwoodenoperatingarm (Thebullspullthisoperatingarmandmoveroundinacircleandthewaterwheelisturnedbya systemofcogwheelsconnectedtotheoperatingarm.Thewholesystemiscalledahaalt.These waterwheelshavenowbeentakenoverbymotordriventubewellsystems). Thetonguesoftheoxenwerehangingoutduetotheheatandthestrain.Theywerestrugglingto keepgoing.TheywereprayingtoGodtogivethemdeathinsteadofputtingthemthroughsuch torture.BabaJistoppednearthemandsaid,"Wellbrothers!Thisisthetypeofsufferingyougo throughwithoutdoingsewaandsimran.Youarenowbeingpunished."Hearingthis,bothoxen loweredtheirheadsandstartedcrying.BabaJiaskedthefarmertoresttheoxenandtoirrigate hisfarmatnight(whenitiscooler). Hearingthis,thefarmersaidwithfoldedhands,"BabaJi,weareworkers.Thecropsaredryingup. Evenafterturningthewaterwheeldayandnightthecropsarenotreceivingtheproperirrigation. Ithasnotrained,andifwestopthewaterwheel,thecropswilldryup."Onhearingthis,BabaJi said,"OGoodman,pickupyourkahi(longhandledapplianceusedfordigging)andcomewith me."ThefarmerreleasedtheoxenandwalkedwithBabaJi.TherewereotherSinghswithBabaJi aswell.Oneasked,"BabaJiwhoarethesesoulssufferingasoxen?"BabaJireplied,"Thesewere Granthisintheirpreviouslives.OneGranthiusedtoshutSriGuruGranthSahibJiinacloset,while hesleptinacomfortablebed.HeregardedtheGuruasabook.Duetolackoffaithhehassuffered thispain." TheSinghsaskedaboutthesecondGranthi(whowasrebornanox),thathetoomusthave committedasimilarsacrilege.BabaJisaid,"Oneday,whenIwasdoingsewaatHajoorSahib,a ShaheedSingh(spiritofaSikhmartyr)tookpossessionofthisGranthi.Thelatterkeptcryingoutto theShaheedtolethimgo,thathewasaGranthidoingsewa,andpleadedthatheshouldnotbe harmed."TheShaheedSinghreplied,"Didyoudosewaormetedoutpunishment?Youshouldbe punished."Sayingthis,theShaheedstartedpouringparaffinoilintohismouth.TheGranthikept cryingoutaloudbutnoonecouldfreehim.TheGranthiwasinpoorcondition.Afterpouringoil intohimhewasalsobeatenseverelyandknockedunconscious.Theonlookerswereamazed.The localsewadars(thosedoingsewa)tookhimoutside.Whenheregainedconsciousnesshewas askedwhyhadtheShaheedSinghbeatenhim,whatwronghadhedone.TheGranthiconfessed, "AtmyvillageIusedtogetmanyrequestsfordoingPaatth(completereadingofSriGuruGranth SahibJi).Icouldnotcompletethemandalsothepeopleconcerneddidnotdopropersewa.For thisreasonIusedtocompletetheceremonyofBhog(completionofPaatth)withoutactually readingthecompleteGuruGranthSahibJi.Iusedtothink: "Readthebeginning,readtheendandjustdodarshaninside;Considerallas"read"bydawn;and leavetheresultwiththehousewife!"

TomisleadthepeopleIwouldgetupearlyinthemorningandwithouttakingabath,Iwoulddo Paatthinthelightofaparaffinlamp.Iwouldrefillthelampfromaparaffinbottlelyingnearby, andwithhandssmellingofparaffinwouldtouchthepagesofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Forthat sacrilege,theShaheedputparaffininmymouth." BabaJisaidthatafterwitnessingsuchmysterioushappenings,thenumberofpeoplegoingto HajoorSahibbegantodwindle.Seeingthisthepujari(personwhoperformedreligious ceremonies)prayedtoSriGuruGobindSinghJi,"OTrueKing(SaachePatshah)ifyoucontinueto besostrictonwrongdoers(asinthecaseoftheGranthimentionedabove),thenpeoplewillstop cominghere.OTrueKing,ifyoupunishsomeone,pleasemakethepunishmenthidden.Donot punishoffenderssoopenly.Everyoneerrsonceinawhile."FollowingthatArdaas(prayer),public punishmentofsinnersstoppedbuthiddenpunishmentcontinues. Aftersometime,thetwoGranthidiedandwererebornasoxenandsufferedthispunishment.The Singhsasked,"Inwhichcasewhyrescuethem?Youshouldhaveallowedthemtocontinue receivingtheirpunishment."BabaJireplied,"Nevertheless,theyweredoingsewa.Sonscanignore theirparents,buttheparentscannotdothesame."Inthemeantime,BabaJireachedhisabode. Hesaidtothefarmer,"Buildaridgearoundmyhut."Thefarmerasked,"Howhigh?"BabaJi replied,"Makeitashighasyouwantthewaterlevelinyourfieldstobe."Thefarmerwas delightedanddidaccordingly.Assoonashehadfinished,raincloudscameoverhead.Thefarmer bowedbeforeBabaJiandassoonashereachedhiswell,rainstarted.Itrainedtothelevelofthe ridgehehadraisedaroundBabaJi'shut.Thefieldswerewateredandthecropswerenolonger dry.

Injustice Followingtheindependenceofthecountryin1947,therehasbeenanarchyinIndia. Therearelawsbutnoonefollowsthem.Thegovernmentitselfdoesnotfollowthem,whyshould weexpectthepublictofollowthem?Oneexampleisthataboutfivethousandgirlsburntodeath (i.e.casesofsuicideormurderbyburning)everyyearduetothecrueldowrysystem(propertyor moneyabridebringstoherhusbandfromherparents.Girlswhoareunabletosatisfythegreedof theirinlawssufferaterriblefatesometimes).Mostinvolvedinsuchcrueltiesgoscotfree.Ifyou rentahousethetenantsjusttakeoverthehouse.Thereisnoremedythroughthecourts.Bribery istheorderoftheday.Thesamegoesforfarmlandwhichistakenoverbythosewhorentitfrom you.Theftiscommon.Thepolicecolludewiththosethatareguilty. OntheVaisakhidayin1978,thefalseNirankariscampedattheholycity,SriAmritsarSahib,and usedderogatorylanguageaboutSriGuruGranthSahib(AbreakawaySikhsect."Nirankari"literally meansafollowerofNirankari.e.God.Theyarefalsebecause,insteadoffollowingTrueGod's path,theystartedtoeingthedeviouspoliticalaimsoftherulingpartyinIndiaagainstthemain streamSikhism).ThefalseNirankariGurbachanSihonclaimedhimselftobetheGuru(forhedid notdeservetobecalleda"Singh".SihonisusedbynonSikhs,although,itmeansthesamei.e. lion),"IhavebeenordainedtheSikhprophetandpreacherbyGod.SriGuruGranthSahibis nothingbutabook.TheSikhshavebeenmisledandhavestartedbelievingthisbooktobetheir TrueGuru."Thecitypeopleheardthisblasphemyandweretakenaback.SantJarnailSingh Bhindranwalealsoheardthatthisfalsemessiah(Gurbachan)wasspreadingsacrilegiousfalsehood againstSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Atthattime,theAkhandKirtaniJathafrommanyIndianstates hadassembledatAmritsarforcelebratingVaisakhiPurab(religiousday)andtheanniversaryof BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi.TheyhadbeendoingkirtanofAmritBani(AmbrosialWordofthe Guru)fromtheearlymorning.AmessagearrivedfromSantJarnailSinghBhindranwalethatthe falseNirankariGurbachanSinghwasusingdisrespectfullanguageagainstSatguruJiandmaking funofGursikhi(theSikhwayoflife). "KhalsashallnothearanyonedenouncingtheGuru,butputthemtothesword."(Rehatnama). JathedarFaujaSinghandtheotherSinghswereaggrievedtohearthis.Theystartedouttogether withtheJatha(group)ofBhindranwaletotakethismatterupwiththefakeNirankariguru.The groupwalkedtotheNirankariplace;howeverthepolicestoppedthemandaskedforthereason fortheirvisit.TheJathasaidthattheyhadcomepeacefullytodiscussmatters;thepoliceofficer inchargeofferedtogoinsideandmediateontheirbehalf.Thatpoliceofficer,togetherwithhis colleagues,cameoutafterabouthalfanhour.TheytoldtheJathatogoback.Inthemeantime, theNirankarisattackedtheJatha. Theystartedfiringandthrowingstones.ThirteenSinghswerekilledinthisattackandseventy injured.However,therewasnojusticefromtheIndianauthorities.TheNirankarisshouldhave beenpunished,butthecourtruledthattheydidnothaveanycasetoanswer.Itwasallthefault oftheSinghsandtheNirankariswerereleased!Whatsortofjusticewasthat?Howlongwould sucharegimelast?Hearingtheverdictofthecourt,BhaiRanjitSinghresolvedthathewould punishtheoffenders;heriskedhislifeandkilledGurbachanSihon.ThirteenSikhmendied upholdingtheirfaith.ThenamesofthethirteenmartyredSinghsareasfollows:BhaiFaujaSingh Ji,BhaiAvtarSinghJi,BhaiHarbhajanSinghJi,BhaiPiaraSinghJi,BhaiRaghbirSinghJi,Bhai GurcharanSinghJi,BhaiGurdialSinghJi,BhaiAmrikSinghJi,BhaiDharamvirSinghJi,BhaiKewal

SinghJiBhaiHariSinghJi,BhaiRanbirSinghJiandBhaiDarshanSinghJi.Theyarerememberedas shaheeds.

TheHolocaust ForgettingGod,Oman,whathorrendousdeedshaveyoudone?Arroganceisnotacceptableto God,Oman,whathaveyoudone? ThepowerfulRawanbecamearrogant,"nowarriorisequaltome".Hebroughthomeanother's woman,whowasblameless. (Asaresult)hewitnessedgoldenLankaburning,andthoughtwhydidIearnanimosity. AsRama'sarrowspiercedhischest,heregrettedrepeatedly.ForgettingGod,Oman,what horrendousdeedshaveyoudone?ArroganceisnotacceptabletoGod,Oman,whathaveyou done? ArrogancepossessedDaryodhan,"Immovable,Ishallrule".HeorderedthedeclothingofDropadi infullgathering. Allsatquietandnoonecametoheraid. Indesperation,DropadiprayedtoKrishanBhagwan. ForgettingGod,Oman,whathorrendousdeedshaveyoudone?Arroganceisnotacceptableto God,Oman,whathaveyoudone? ArrogantbecameGurbachanSingh,"WhyshouldInotdoasIplease? Ihavebeensentfromabove,tolookaftertheSikhs. TheSikhsrecognisemenot,whereshouldIcomplain? Nogurucomparabletomewillbefoundevenifyousearcheveryhouse." ForgettingGod,Oman,whathorrendousdeedshaveyoudone?Arroganceisnotacceptableto God,Oman,whathaveyoudone? Thefalsebaba(Gurbachna)wasvictorious,peopleshoweredflowersonhim. Thebabagloatedwithdancingandcelebration. RanjitSinghshothimandthebabacriedoutinpain. Thebabafelltotheground,"Comesomeoneandsavemylife".ForgettingGod,Oman,what horrendousdeedshaveyoudone? ArroganceisnotacceptabletoGod,Oman,whathaveyoudone? ArrogancepossessedIndraGandhi,"Mypowerisgreat. IshallkillGursikhs,theirnumbersarefew.

Indiaisindependent,nowtheyarenotneeded. Itisnotacceptabletomethattheyaskforanindependentstate". ForgettingGod,Oman,whathorrendousdeedshaveyoudone? ArroganceisnotacceptabletoGod,Oman,whathaveyoudone? ManyadvisedhernottomaketroubleinGod'sabode. Placingthebundleofsinsonherheadshewrongedtruthfulness. TheblindIndraGandhiputoutherownflame(oflife). "IamintheclutchesoftheAngelofDeath,OZailSingh!Comeandrescueme". ForgettingGod,Oman,whathorrendousdeedshaveyoudone?Arroganceisnotacceptableto God,Oman,whathaveyoudone? On6June,1984,IndraGandhiorderedanattackonSriHarmandarSahibJi.Thousandsofinnocent Sikhmenandwomenweremartyred.TheGovernmentsaidthattheinvasiontookplacebecause SantJarnailSinghBhindranwalewasoccupyingSriHarmandarSahibJi.Butwhywereother GurdwaraswithinandoutsidePunjabattacked?Forexample,GurdwaraMukatsarSahib,Sri DookhNiwaranSahib,Patiala,GurdwaraBhatthaSahibJi,Ropar,andmanyotherGurdwaraswere invaded.OvertenthousandSinghswereaccusedofbeingextremistsandarrested.ThatIndra GandhiwaskilledbytheSikhswhohadsufferedsomuchcrueltyandoppression,is understandable.OnlytwoSikhskilledher,butwhatwasthecrimeoftheSikhsinandaround Delhi?Anyoneseenwearingasteelbangle(Kara,oneoftheSikharticlesoffaith),waskilled mercilessly.ThecarsandtaxisoftheSikhsweresetonfire.TheSikhsweresoakedwithpetroland burntalive.Thehousesweresetonfire.Thejudgewhowasinchargeofinvestigationsdidnot makeanyattempttoconsoletheaggrievedSikhs.Suchtyrannydidnottakeplaceevenwhen MahatmaGandhiwasshotbyNathuramGodse,aswasunleashedontheSikhsafterIndra Gandhi'sdeath.ThisisbecauseNathuRamwasaHindu.Undertheseconditions,howlongcanthis regimelast?Somuchpersecutionisgoingoninthisrule,whichhassimplyabandonedtruth. The300thanniversaryofthemartyrdomofSriGuruTeghBahadhur,thedefenderofIndia's honour,wascelebratedjointlybyallin1975.GuruJisacrificedhisownlifetosavethefaithofthe Hindus.ThepeopleofIndiajustshruggedoffthemagnitudeofthissupremesacrifice.GuruJi savedthereligionoftheHindus.But,inreturn,theGovernmentofIndiaattemptedtowipeout theSikhfaith. IfTheSikhsHadTheirOwnRule TheSikhswouldnothavesufferedthiscruelty,iftheyhadtheirownrule, Thistyrannywouldnothavetakenplace,iftheyhadtheirownrule. TheSikhssufferedoppression,theworldkeptsilent. BulletsshoweredonHarmandar,theworldkeptsilent. AdreadfulstormblewoverDelhion31November. WayfaringSikhswerecaughtandburntinfire. TheSikhswouldnothavesufferedthiscruelty,iftheyhadtheirownrule,

Thistyrannywouldnothavetakenplace,iftheyhadtheirownrule. TheSikhswereofferedownrule,whichTaraSinghrejected. "Whatshallwedoseparated?"heacceptedlivingtogether. TaraSinghtheascetic,whorenouncedownsovereignty. Whenhecametohissenses,thenheaskedforPunjabiSuba. TheSikhswouldnothavesufferedthiscruelty,iftheyhadtheirownrule, Thistyrannywouldnothavetakenplace,iftheyhadtheirownrule.Nehruspoke,"ListenTara Singh,listentomewithintent. Thewhitesofferedyouselfrule,thenwhydidyousay"no"? Nowyoudonotneedasuba(statewithinIndia),don'tbotherme. Youarenotfittorule,thatiswhyyousaid"no" TheSikhswouldnothavesufferedthiscruelty,iftheyhadtheirownrule, Thistyrannywouldnothavetakenplace,iftheyhadtheirownrule. "Ishalldieforthe(Sikh)nation,if(you)say"no"toasuba". WhenNehrusaid"no",hewentonfast. ThecunningNehruspoketoTaraSingh'sdaughter,"Listendaughter,dosomethingforme. Breakthefastofyourfatherbyfeedinghimsecretly." TheSikhswouldnothavesufferedthiscruelty,iftheyhadtheirownrule, Thistyrannywouldnothavetakenplace,iftheyhadtheirownrule. NowFatehSingh,withenthusiasm,askedforPunjabiSuba. "IfIdonotgettheSuba,theninfireshallIburnmyself." Actionismoredifficultthanwords,sowhymakesuchpromises? Fastinguntodeath,burninginfire,Gurmattforbidsthese. TheSikhswouldnothavesufferedthiscruelty,iftheyhadtheirownrule, Thistyrannywouldnothavetakenplace,iftheyhadtheirownrule.

TheSignsofKhalsaRaj "NooneknowsthestateoftheLord.TheYogis,thecelibates,theausterepenitents,andallsorts ofcleverpeoplehavefailed.||1||Pause||Inaninstant,Hechangesthebeggarintoaking,and thekingintoabeggar.Hefillswhatisempty,andemptieswhatisfull.SuchareHisways.||1|| HeHimselfspreadouttheexpanseofHisMaya,andHeHimselfbeholdsit.Heassumessomany forms,andplayssomanygames,andyetHeremainsdistinctanddetachedfromitall.||2|| Incalculable,infinite,incomprehensibleandimmaculate,Hehasmystifiedthewholeworld.Sogive upallyourdoubts;praysNanak,Omortal,focusyourconsciousnessonHisFeet.||3||"(SGGSp. 537) "Fromtheearth,themortalisexaltedtotheskies;andfromtheskies,heisthrowndown.||2|| Thebeggaristransformedintoaking,andthekingintoabeggar.Theidioticfoolistransformed intoaPandit,areligiousscholar,andthePanditintoafool.||3||Thewomanistransformedinto aman,andthemenintowomen.SaysKabir,GodistheBelovedoftheHolySaints.Iamasacrifice untoHisimage."(SGGSp.1252) On6June,1984,theGovernmentofIndiainvadedtheholypremisesofSriHarmandarSahibJi. ThiswasthedayoftheGurpurabcommemoratingthemartyrdomofSriGuruArjanDevJi.Inthis invasion,alargenumberofSikhmen,womenandchildrenwerekilled.Asthenewsspread,the deeplyshockedworldSikhcommunity,heldmassivedemonstrationsinprotest.WhenIheardthis news,mygriefwasgreat.IkeptthinkingofthedeathofsomanySinghs,Singhanis(womenSikhs) andchildren.Insteadofgettingtheirownrule(aspromisedbytheCongressleaders),eventheir basicdemandswerenotmet.Ithought,"TheSinghshavemadecountlesssacrifices,whyisGuruJi notgivingHisKhalsatheirownrule?Nowtheyhavesufferedsuchatrocities.Abullethiteventhe holySriGuruGranthSahibJi(inPrakaashatthesantumsanctorum,HarmandarSahib).Thebullet piercedtheHolyScripturesuptotheGurbaniofSukhmaniSahib(atpage262)."Iwassogrieved andfrustratedthatIcouldnotsleepformostofthatnight.Mysorrowcannotbedescribed. However,whenmyeyesdidclose,asiftoconsolemeaShaheedSinghappeared.HesaidthatI shouldnotbesofrustrated.Hesaid,"OnlythetrueKhalsaisqualifiedtorule,buttoday'sKhalsais notthetrueKhalsa.OnlytheGuruoftheKhalsacangivewhatisneeded.Whatcanyoubegfrom thosewhoarebeggarsthemselves?TheKhalsaissofeeblespirituallythattheyhaveforgotten fromwhomtoaskforfavours.Khalsaistherulerofmillionsofgalaxies.ItiswithintheWillofGuru Jitoturndusttogoldinasecond.However;thePanthdoesnothavefaithintheWordofSriGuru NanakDevJi: "WhateverIaskforfrommyLordandMaster,hegivesthattome.WhatevertheLord'sslave Nanakutterswithhismouth,provestobetrue,hereandhereafter.||2||" (SGGSp.681) SotheShaheedSinghspoke,"TheancientSinghshadcompletefaithintheGuruandonesuchwas BhaiBidhiChand.OnedayaSikhcameandperformedmathatekanbeforetheSovereignofboth worlds,SriGuruHarGobindJi.HeofferedanexpensiveshawltoGuruJiandprayed,"OTrueKing! TheGuardianofthetwoworlds(theseenandtheunseen),Iwasbringingtwomoreshawlslike thisone.Thelocalgovernorthreatenedmeandtookthemaway."GuruJiwastouchedbythe Sikh'saffectionandtoldBhaiBidhiChandtobringtheshawlsback.BhaiBidhiChandsaid,"Asyou wishOTrueKing."HedisguisedhimselfandwentinsidethePathangovernor'shouse.Onlythe servantwomenandthewivesofthePathanwerearound.BhaiBidhiChandtoldthemtobring

forththeshawlsandthefrightenedwomendidastheyweretold.However,ashegotoutofthe housetheyraisedthealarmandthegatesofthetownwereclosed. BhaiBidhiChandmovedawayfromthehousewhilethinkingofsomewaytoescape.Awareofthe gravedangerhemeditatedontheGuru'scharan(holyfeet)andjumpedintoalargeburningoven! Indeepmeditation,herecited: "ThehotwinddoesnoteventouchonewhoisundertheProtectionoftheSupremeLordGod.On allfoursidesIamsurroundedbytheLord'sCircleofProtection;paindoesnotafflictme,O brothers.||1||IhavemetthePerfectTrueGuru,whohasdonethisdeed.Hehasgivenmethe medicineoftheLord'sName,andIenshrinelovefortheOneLord.||1||Pause||TheSaviour Lordhassavedme,anderadicatedallmysickness.SaysNanak,GodhasshoweredmewithHis Mercy;Hehasbecomemyhelpandsupport.||2||" (SGGSp.819) "WhereYouare,AlmightyLord,thereisnooneelse.There,inthefireofthemother'swomb,You protectedus." (SGGSp.962) "RecitingtheseShabads,thisgreatwarriorsaint,satintheburningoven,withhismindsetonthe Guru'severprotectingpresence. "Atthatverytime,theSovereignofMiriPiri(worldlyandspiritualrealms),wassittingwithalarge Sangat.AsHeheardBhaiBidhiChand'sprayer,heaskedforcontainersofwatertobebroughtand pouredoverHisownbody.AndsothetrueSikhoftheGuruwassavedfromthefirewhilethe guardsofthePathansearchedforhiminvain.RaincameandputoutthefireandBhaiBidhiChand disappearedinthemiddleofthenight.HereachedSriAmritsar,placedthetwoshawlsbeforethe GuruandtouchedHisholycharan(feet)indeepreverence.TheSangatwasamazed,thatGuruJi hadaskedforsomuchwatertobepouredoverHimself.Toclarifythemystery,GuruJitoldBhai BidhiChand,"LookatthepainIhadtosufferforyou."GuruJi'sbodywascoveredwithblisters,for HehadHimselfsufferedtheheatwhichBhaiBidhiChandwouldhavefeltwhensittinginthehot oven.ThatalsoexplainedthewaterwhichwasbeingpouredonHim.TheGurutakesuponHimself thesufferingofHistruedevoteeslikeBhaiBidhiChand.TheSatgurulooksafteranyonewhohas totalfaithintheGuruandwhoneverallowshismindtowaver." TheShaheedSinghsaid,"ThewholecountrywouldsufferasaresultofthecrueltyatAmritsar. God'sWillisallpowerful: "NooneknowsthestateoftheLord.TheYogis,thecelibates,theausterepenitents,andallsorts ofcleverpeoplehavefailed.||1||Pause||Inaninstant,Hechangesthebeggarintoaking,and thekingintoabeggar.Hefillswhatisempty,andemptieswhatisfull.SuchareHisways.||1||" (SGGSp.537) "Punjabwillsuffergreatlosses.ThereisadarkcloudoverPunjabbecausethePunjabishavenot followedtheteachingsofSriGuruGranthsahibJi.Theyhavefalteredfromthepathoftruthand sidedwithfalsehood.TheharvestofsinwillbefirstreapedbyPunjab,thenbytherestofIndia." Whosoeverclashedwithanavtaar(adivinepersonGodincarnateaccordingtotheHindu tradition,towhichSikhismdoesnotsubscribe)wasdestroyed.Forexample,inSatyug(firstpartof

thetimespanofthisuniverse)therakhshas(demons)clashedwithVishnuandweredestroyed.In theageofTreta,thedemonkingRawanclashedwithRamChandarJiandmethisend.Inthe Duaparage,theKauravprinces,ledbyDaryodhanwagedanunjustwarontherighteousPandav brothers(whowerebackedbyKrishanBhagwan)andtheKauravsweredestroyed(intheHindu Vedictradition,theageoftheuniverseisdividedintofourunequalpartscalledYug.ThefourYug areSatyug,Treta,Duapar,andKalyuginthatorder.Theyrepresentthedescendingofrighteous andtruthfulconduct.ThepresentisthelastYugi.e.Kalyug,variouslycalledtheageoffire, falsehoodanddarkness.ItisruledbythegoddessKali,thegodessofwar,rageanddestruction. DespitetheunderlyingVedicidiomusedforillustrativepurposes,Sikhismdoesnotsubscribeto theseviews.ThesymptomsassociatedwiththefourYugs,canexistatthesametimeaccordingto one'smentalstate,company(sangat)andconduct). Theavtar(i.e.thesymbolofrighteousconduct)ofKalyugisGuruNanakDevJi.TheTenthLight(of GuruNanakDevJi),SriGuruGobindSinghJiproclaimedSriGuruGranthSahibJitobetheGuruof allages.ThegovernmentofIndiaclashedwithSriGuruGranthSahibJi,anditsruleshallbe destroyed;fortruthisalwaysvictorious. SriGuruGobindSinghJihasmadeitclearthat: "Rehat(theprescribedSikhwayoflife)isdeartomeandnotaSikh." Fewhavefollowedthisinjunction.TheSikhshavestoppedrisingearlyinthemorningtorecite GurbaniandtheydonothavefullfaithintheirGuru.Somanyweaknesseshavecreptintothe Sikhsthattheyhaveabandonedtruthandpreferfalsehood.Theyhateeachother.Theygiveup Amritanddrinkalcohol.TheyhavebuiltGurdwarasnamedaftercastes;theynolongerlivein harmonyandhaveenteredtheratraceofwealth.TodaytheSikhsfollowanyonewhilethey shouldbefollowingtheguidanceofSriGuruGranthSahibJionly.Khalsameans"pure";Khalsa representstruthandKhalsafaithisthefaithoftruth.UntilsuchtimeasaSikhdoesnotgiveup falsehood,doesnotkeeprehatoftheGuru,doesnotriseearlyinthemorninganddosimranand reciteBani,heisnotqualifiedforselfrule.SatguruJisaysinthisShabad: "OnewhocallshimselfaSikhoftheGuru,theTrueGuru,shallriseintheearlymorninghoursand meditateontheLord'sName.Uponarisingearlyinthemorning,heistobathe,andcleanse himselfinthepoolofnectar.FollowingtheInstructionsoftheGuru,heistochanttheNameof theLord.Allsins,misdeedsandnegativityshallbeerased.Then,attherisingofthesun,heisto singGurbani;whethersittingdownorstandingup,heistomeditateontheLord'sName.Onewho meditatesonmyLordwitheverybreathandeverymorseloffood,thatGursikhbecomespleasing totheGuru'sMind.Thatperson,untowhommyLordandMasteriskindandcompassionate,upon thatGursikh,theGuru'sTeachingsarebestowed.ServantNanakbegsforthedustofthefeetof thatGursikh,whohimselfchantstheNaam,andinspiresotherstochantit.||2||" (SGGSp.305) TheShaheedSinghrevealedtome: "SriGuruGobindSinghJiwillshowthePanjPiaraywherethetreasureoftheKhalsalies.Withthat treasurePunjabwillbedevelopedintoanewageparadise.TheKhalsawillmakeanunderground passagefromAmritsartoDelhiinwhichhundredsofthousandsofSinghswillsitanddosimran. Flowerswillbeplantedonbothsidesofthisundergroundpassageandtherewillbesettlements onbothsidesalso.Thefragranceoftheflowerswilldriftintotheundergroundchambersinthe

passage.Inthemorningfromthreetofoursimranwillbedone.Fromfourtofive"Waheguru" dhuni(musicalrhythm)willbesung.Inthisheavenlyplacefollowersofotherreligionswillbe welcometodosimran.GoldcoinswillbeusedinKhalsaRaj(rule).SriHarmandarSahibwillbe decoratedwithdiamonds.TheweatherinKhalsaRajwillremainconstantasspringweather.There willbecleanandcaringhospitals.TheKhalsashallnumber960millionandtherewillbeKhalsa embassiesinothercountriestospreadtheKhalsamessage.InKhalsaRajpeoplewilllivelonger. Therewillbenoshortageofmilkorbutter.Suchstoneswillbebroughtupfromthelandaround Anandpur,thattheywillradiatelightindarkness.TheKhalsawillpayforwaterandelectricity. Anotherdamandacanalwillbeconstructed.Womenwillenjoycompleteequalitywithmen. TherewillbemarriagesbetweenIndianandwhiteraces.Thedresswillbeblueandwhiteandit willbewornattheGurpurabs,whichwillbecelebratedwithgreatsplendour.Beautifulplaceswill beconstructedandtherewillbenumerousparksforchildrentoplayin.Individualswillneedto workonlyfourhoursaday.Therewillbeeducationalandspirituallybeneficialprogrammesonthe television.TheremainingtimewillbespentinblissfulNaamsimran." IaskedtheShaheedSingh:"HowwilltheageoftheKhalsabeprolonged?" ShaheedSingh:ThereisaplaceinEcuadorwherepeoplelivefrom150200years.Thesepeople drinkthewaterofariver.Thereisacertainstoneintheriverwhichaffectsthewatersothatby drinkingthiswaterpeoplebreathemoreslowlywhensleeping.Forthisreasontheirlifeis prolonged.SimilarstoneswillbefoundbelowthesurfaceinthelandaroundAnandpur,butonly whentheKhalsafollowstheRehatMaryada(prescribedKhalsacode).WhentheKhalistanvillages aredeveloped,theywillhavesarovars(watertanks).Bydrinkingthewaterfromthesesarovars andduetothespiritualpowerofNaamsimranthelivesoftheKhalsawillbeprolonged.Atnight thestoneswillwarmthewaterofthesarovarssteamcloudswillformandtherewillberainevery night.Itwillbespringweatherallthroughtheyear.Flowerswillbloomalways.Therewillbeno autumnandtheweatherwillremainconstant;nottoocoldandnottoohot.Themeditativepower ofsimranwilleasethepassagetoSachkhand(thePlainofTruthorGod'sAbode)afterthislife. Iasked:"HowwillgoldcoinagebecomethecommoncurrencyinKhalsaRaj?" ShaheedSingh:"EveryavtaarhasthepowerofKaamdhen(Divinepowertograntmaterialwishes) whichcanbeusedatanytime(KaamdhenistheHindunameforamythologicalheavenly cowcapableofgrantinganyboon). SriGuruGobindSinghJiwishestousethispowerforthegloryoftheKhalsa.Noregimewill comparewithKhalsaRajinwhichgoldcurrencyisGuruJi'sdesire.ThetreasureburiedbyGuruJiis goingtobeusedfortheKhalsaRaj.SuchistheGuru'sWillthatthiswealthwillnotbeexhausted. ThewealthofNaamearnedbythesaintsandhighsoulsisinexhaustible.Howcanthetreasure buriedbySriGuruGobindSinghJiwithHisownhandsbeeverspent?Khalsaistheownerof billionsofgalaxies.ThewholelandofPunjabcanbeconvertedtogoldiftheGurusowishes.The Khalsawillbewithoutanyimpurity.Thesedays,manychildrenofGursikhsarriveinthisworldwith theNameofPramatma(God)engravedontheirhearts. "Nowadays,thesoulswhichPramatmaissendingtothiseartharealreadyimmersedinHisName. DuetotheirNaamsimran,thenextgenerationwillbequalifiedforKhalsaRaj.Thenextgeneration willkeepfullRehatMaryada(prescribedKhalsacode).ThechildrenwilldoNaamsimaranand Gurbanikirtan.GuruJiproclaimsinthefollowingShabad:

"OnlythatpersoncanbecalledKhalsatrueInwhoseheartthereisnosuperstition." (FromSainapatt'swork"GurSobha") "Khalsaismyidentitytrue. IresidewiththeKhalsa." (SarabLohGranth) GuruJisaysthattheKhalsaisinHisOwnImage. Khalsashallnotsteal.Khalsashallnotspeakevilofothers. KhalsashallbethedevoteeofOne(SriGuruGranthSahibJi)only Khalsashallalwaysspeakthetruth,nevertelllies. Khalsashallhaveonecasteonly;thehighandthelowshallbecomeequal. KhalsashallhaveoneLangar(eatfromonekitchen). Khalsashallnotgonearanother'swoman. Khalsashallnottakebribery. ThesouloftheKhalsashallbesopure(nonattached),thathewillregardgoldanddiamondsas dirt. "Khalsameanspure,withoutimpurity,true;andKhalsafaithisthefaithoftruth. TheKhalsaarenotqualifiedtoruleuntiltheydenouncefalsehood,remaintruetotheirrehat,and riseearlyinthemorningtodoNaamsimran. "SriGuruGobindSinghJihasconferredraj(ownrule)ontheKhalsa,butwhenKhalsaacceptsand adoptsthecompleteRehatMaryada(fullcodeoftheKhalsainternalandexternaldiscipline). "ThewholeUniverseservesYou,dayandnight.Pleasehearmyprayer,ODearLord.Ihave thoroughlytestedandseenall,Youalone,byYourPleasure,cansaveus.||12||Now,the MercifulLordhasissuedHisCommand.Letnoonechaseafterandattackanyoneelse.Letall abideinpeace,underthisBenevolentRule.||13||Softlyandgently,dropbydrop,theAmbrosial Nectartricklesdown.IspeakasmyLordandMastercausesmetospeak.Iplaceallmyfaithin You;pleaseacceptme.||14||YourdevoteesareforeverhungryforYou.OLord,pleasefulfilmy desires.GrantmetheBlessedVisionofYourDarshan,OGiverofPeace.Please,takemeintoYour Embrace.||15||IhavenotfoundanyotherasGreatasYou.Youpervadethecontinents,the worldsandthenetherregions;Youarepermeatingallplacesandinterspaces.Nanak:Youarethe TrueSupportofYourdevotees.||16||"(SGGSp.74) "DuetoNaamsimranbyGursikhs,thelandofPunjabshallbecomeapartofSachKhand(thePlain ofTruth,whereWahegurudwells).ThepowerofsimranwillbringpeopleclosertotheSach Khand.IntheKhalsaRaj,HarmandarSahibwillbedecoratedwithdiamonds." Iasked:"Wherewouldthediamondscomefrom?" ShaheedSinghsaid:"BahadurShahprayedtoGuruJitohelphimandgethimthethrone(ofIndia). SriGuruGobindSinghJisaid,"Ishallhelpyou,if,whenyoubecometheemperor,youpresent beforemetheonewhomartyredmytwoyoungersons(GuruJiisreferringtotheevilNawabof SarhindwhobackedalivethetwoyoungerSahibzadayBabaFatehSinghJiandBabaJorawarSingh Ji)."BahadurShahagreed.Howeverwhenhegothiskingdomhestartedwonderinghowtosatisfy GuruJi.IfhedeliveredtheNawab,theMuslimswouldturnagainsthim.Sohetried(indirectly)to

bribeGuruJi!HepresentedadiamondtoGuruJiandtheallknowingGuruJiknewwhatwasinthe Emperor'smind. "GuruJiwassittingnearRiverGodawriandthrewthediamondintotheriver.BahadurShahwas takenabackandasked,"Thisdiamondwasveryexpensive.Whyhaveyouthrownitintothe river?"GuruJisaid,"Ifitissoexpensivethengoandgetitout."WhentheKinglookedforthe diamondhesawthousandsofsimilardiamondsintheGodavri.Hewasamazedtoseesomany diamonds. "ThesediamondswillonedaydecorateSriHarmandarSahib.GuruJisaidtoBahadurShah,"You havebrokenyourpromise.IshallsendmyownSikhtopunishtheNawab."GuruJithengave BandaSinghBahadurfivearrowsandsenthimtoPunjab.BandaSinghBahadurexactedthe revengeforthemartyrdomoftheyoungSahibjadas(princes)andrazedthecitytotheground." Iaskedhumbly,"WouldIbeabletoseeKhalsaRajwithmyowneyes?" ShaheedSinghreplied,"NowyourmindissetonseeingKhalsaRaj;youmaybeabletoseeit,but youwillhavetodo13or14hourssimranaday.WhenyoureceiveSriGuruGranthSahibJi's blessing,theGuruHimselfwillhelpyoutodoNaamsimranandgiveyouthewilltodotheearly morningsimran. WithyoutheotherSangatwillbenefitalso.BydoingsimraninSaadhSangat,thequalityofyour lifewillimprove.AsaresultyouwouldbeabletoseeKhalsaRaj. "ThoseGursikhswhodosimraninthemorningwillestablishtheKhalsaRajwhentheyareborn again.ByrunningtheKhalsaadministration(assewadars),theywillachievesalvation,fortheir effortwillbegreat.Theirsimranwillbesointenseandtruethat: "Inspiredbydevotion,andawaketotheLight;Neverforgetting,evenforamoment,thesingingof theNameoftheLord.HavingfaithonlyintheLord,absorbedinHisSplendour,absorbedinHis Love;neverbelievinginfastsandtombs,templesoridols.Notforpenancesnorbathingatholy places,norfortheYogis'selfmaceration;notinanythingbutdevotiontotheOne.Thesethings meannothing,ifGod'sLightisnotinyou.Whenone'sinnerselfisthoroughlyilluminatedwiththe CelestialLight;OnlythencanonetrulybeconsideredasKhalsa."(SarabLohGranth) TheShaheedSinghcontinued,"Suchistherewardofsimranintheearlymorning,thatifa hundredGursikhssittogetherintheholypresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJianddosimranfor onehour,theneachGursikhwillreceivethebenefitofonehundredhoursofsimran." "JustasDhrooandPrahlaadmeditatedontheLord,soshouldyoumeditateontheLord,Omy soul."(SGGSp.337) "GurbanishowsthatBhagats,DhruandPralaad,becameimmortalthroughsimran. DhruBhagatwasgivenhiskingdombymeditatingonGod'sNameallbyhimself.Withyou,alarge numberofSangatwilldoNaamSimran.Throughthepowerofsimran,KhalsaRajwillbe achieved."Aftersayingthesewords,theShaheedSinghdisappeared.

WeaknessofthePanthicLeaders SantHarchandSinghLongowal,PresidentoftheAkaliDal,andSardarGurcharanSinghTohra,the PresidentoftheGurdwaraPrabandhakCommitteebetrayedtheirfaith.Theypromised,thatifthe IndiangovernmentinvadedSriHarmandarSahib,thenitwillbeovertheirdeadbodies. WhenIndraGandhiorderedtheinvasionofSriHarmanadarSahib,Longowal,Tohra,SantJarnail SinghBhindranwaalayandalargenumberoftheSangatwereinside.Alargenumberofdevotees hadarrivedfromoutsideduetoGuruArjanDevJi'sShaheedee(martyrdom)Gurpurabthatday.In theSangatwerelittlechildren.ThearmykilledlargenumbersofinnocentSangat.SantLongowal andTohrasawthishorrifyingactwiththeirowneyes.However,theydidnotkeepinmindthat: "Healoneisknownasa(true)warrior,whofightsindefenceofthedefenceless(thepoor).Hemay becuttopieces,butheneverleavesthefieldofbattle.||2||"(SGGSp.1105) TheydidnotremembertheabovequotationfromGurbani.Theydidnotremembertheyoung Sahibzaaday(PrincesofSriGuruGobindSinghJi)aged7and9years,whoweremartyredat Sirhind.Theydidnotthinkofthoselittlechildrenkilledrightinfrontoftheireyes.Despitetheir matureyearstheysavedtheirownlivesandranaway.TheyhadonlythatmuchloveforSikhi(Sikh faith).SantLongowalwasnotevenmarried,hedidnothaveafamily,butstillhesavedhisownlife andranaway.Whatwashesoattachedto?HediedasatraitoroftheGuru.Ifhehaddiedfacing theinvaders,hewouldhavebeencountedasamartyrliketheotherSinghs. WhenthePanthbecomesweak,Paramatma(Waheguru)sendssomerighteousperson.Sant JarnailSinghawakenedasleepingnation.TheSanthadpredictedthatthedaySriHarmandar Sahibisattacked,thefoundationofKhalistanwouldhavebeenlaid.

"AsThe(Provocative)ArrowStruckSoWasRousedTheSpiritOfRighteousAnger" (GuruGobindSinghJi) ManysetouttodestroytheSikhnation,especiallythesefourtriedtheirlevelbest:MirMannu, LakhpatRai,IndraGandhiandRajivGandhi.Butallfourofthemperishedintheattempt. "TheWillofGodhathordainedtheOrderoftheKhalsaPanthThisisthefinalCommandmenttoall theSikhs,accepttheGranthastheGuru." (SikhArdaasandRehatnama) ThePanthwasinauguratedbytheorderofAkalPurakh(Waheguru);whoelsecandestroyit? IndraGandhisucceededincreatingBangladesh.(Thus,shewassuccessfulindestroyingthelarger PakistanwhichincludedBangladeshasEastPakistan.)ShethoughtthereareonlyafewSinghs, whynotfinishthemoffaswell.Thatwillboostmypowerandprestigeevenmore.Thearrestof SantJarnailSinghwasonlyanexcuse.ShehaddecidedtodestroytheSikhs.Shewasarrogantdue tothestrengthofherarmy,planesandtanksandthoughtthattheSikhscouldbeconvertedto Hinduismwithease.Withsuchintent,sheorderedtheinvasionofSriHarmandarSahibon6June, 1984,ontheMartyrdom(Shaheedi)GurpurabofSriGuruArjanDevJi.Inremembranceofthisday, alargenumberofSangat,includingtheelderly,womenandchildrenhadcomefrommanyvillages andtownsnearandfar.Suddenlytheattackwasordered.TheSangatwereinnocentbutwere sprayedwithbullets.AtthattimeSriGuruGranthSahibJiwasinPrakaash(openforSangat's darshan).Abulletstruck"SriGuruArjanDevJi"inthesensethatitpiercedSriGuruGranthSahib atpage262fromwherestartsSriGuruArjanDevJi'sSukhmaniSahib."TheGuruisawake". "Asthearrowstruck,soawakenedthespiritofrighteousanger."(GuruGobindSinghJi) SriGuruGranthSahibJiistheAvtar(DivinePresenceintheworld)ofthisAgeofKalyug. Whosoevershowedenmitytowardsanavtar,losteverything.Indiawillsufferthesamefate.Truth remainedinhiding.Nooneprotestedagainsttheatrocitiescommitted.ExceptfortheSikhs themselves,nooneelseraisedavoicetosay,"Youhavedonewrong!"Although,therearemany spiritualleadersinIndia,buteventheywerefrightenedtospeakthetruth.ThereisbutoneSri GuruNanakDevJiwhosaidbluntlytoBabar(theinvadingMughal),"YouarenotBabarbuta tyrant.Youwillhavetoaccountforyourevildeeds."Anyonewhoiscruelhastoaccountforhis cruelty.Anyonewhostealsormurderssomeoneissafeonlyforashorttime,whilethejudgeis consideringtheverdict.Oncethepunishmentispronounced,thenthepersonregretstheevil deedsdone.ThewholecountrywillhavetopayfortheinvasionorderedbyIndraGandhi.Punjab willbepunishedalsobecausePunjabdidnotstandontruth.ExceptfortheSikhsthemselves,no otherPunjabiprotested.Thattherewassomuchloss(oflifeandheritage)atsuchasacredplace andanyinhabitantofPunjab,regardlessofownreligion,shouldnotspeakoutagainstitandsay "thisiswrong"?Nonebelongingtootherfaithssaid,"Youhavedonewrong".Theharvestofthis evilwillbereapedbyPunjabandthewholeofIndia.ThosewhowerelatermartyredbythePunjab governmentwilltakebirthagainandpunishtheperpetratorsofthesecrimes.

AttacksOnHarmandarSahibJi TodestroytheSikhs,theMuslimsfoughtmanywarsbutdidnotsucceed.Theyfoundoutthatthe energiesoftheSikhswerebeingcontinuallyrenewedbysomedivinepowerinthewatersofthe Sarowar(holywatertankaroundtheGoldenTemple)atSriHarmandarSahib.Sotheythoughtof fillinguptheSarowar. In1762,AhmadShahAbdalidestroyedthebuildingofHarmandarSahibwithcannonfireandfilled uptheholySarowar.Healsopulleddownthesurroundingbuildingsandstructures.Hesupervised allthisinperson.SomegoodpeopleadvisedhimthatthisHouseofGodshouldnotbedestroyed, butAbdaliignoredit.Hewassaying,"ThisisthesourceofthepoweroftheSikhs;thisisthewater ofimmortality;Iamdeterminedtostopthisspringfromflowing."Atthattimeitsohappened, thatasthecannonswerefiring,apieceofbrickflewoffandhitAbdali'snose.Thewounddidnot healuntilhisdeath.WhentheSikhsheardofthedestructionofSriHarmandarSahib,theystarted marchingtowardstheholycity.Theynumberedonlyaboutfivethousand.However,asthey marchedon,shoutingtheirJaikara(battlecry),thousandsofyoungpatriotsjoinedthemonthe way.TheseweretheyoungSikhspreparedtodiefortheSikhcause.AstheSinghsreachedSri DarbarSahibtheycampedneartheSarowarandchallengedAhmadShahAbdalitothebattlefield. ThetwoarmiesclashedbetweenLahoreandAmritsarandthearmyofAhmadShahAbdali sufferedaresoundingdefeat.HeretreatedinthedarknessofthenighttoLahoreleavingthe Singhsvictoriousinthefield. In1984,theIndiangovernmentdiditslevelbest,butwhocandestroythissacredplace?Akal PurakhHimselffoundedHarmandarSahib.Theholinessofthisplacehasbeenrecognisedthrough theages.Itisthelandofgreatsages,therishisandmunis,whomeditatedhereforthousandsof years.TheycontemplatedandutteredthegreatVedicliteraturehere.WhenSriRamChandarand LachhmanfoughtLavandKush,thelatterwereknockedunconsciousandwerebarelyalive.They wererevivedbythewaterofimmortality(Amrit)ofthisplace.Thisisthatsacredplacewherethe husbandofprincessRajnirecoveredfromleprosyaftertakingabath.Todayalso,abathinthe Sarowarisgivenaveryspecialsignificance.GuruJiHimselfpraisedthisplace,thatthereisnone otherlikeit. Ihaveseenallplaces,butnonecancomparetoYou.ThePrimalLord,theArchitectofDestiny, hasestablishedYou;thusYouareadornedandembellished.Ramdaspurisprosperousandthickly populated,andincomparablybeautiful.OLord!BathingintheSacredPoolofRamDas,the residuesofsinsarewashedaway,ONanak.||10||(SGGSp.1362) LepersandthoseunwellarecuredaftertakingabathinthisSarowar. "BathinginthenectartankofRamDas,theresiduesofallsinsareerased.Onebecomes immaculatelypure,takingthiscleansingbath.ThePerfectGuruhasbestowedthisgift.||1||God hasblessedallwithpeaceandpleasure.Everythingissafeandsound,aswecontemplatethe WordoftheGuru'sShabad.||Pause||IntheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly,filthis washedoff.TheSupremeLordGodhasbecomeourfriendandhelper.Nanakmeditatesonthe Naam,theNameoftheLord.HehasfoundGod,thePrimalBeing.||2||"(SGGSp.625) So,noonecandestroythissacredplace.

PropagationOfOwnReligion "TheBaba(GuruNanakDevJi)isworshippedineveryhomeregardlessofthepeople'sHinduor Muslim(religious)difference."(BhaiGurdas) Everyonelovesonesownreligion.Alltrytospreadthewordoftheirownreligion.Forexample, theMuslimsspreadtheirreligionthroughtheforceofarms.TheHinduswereforcedtoaccept IslamandmanypeoplebecameMuslimsthroughfear.TheChristiansusedcharityandserviceto spreadtheirreligion;theyhelpoutwhereverthereisaneed.Ifthereisanearthquakesomewhere orthereisdisease,theygotothehelpofthevictims.Whateverisneededtheyprovide.Theyhelp thepoor.InthiswaypeopleacceptChristianitywillingly.TheHindureligionistheeasiesttoadopt fortheyworshipanythingoranyone.Forthisreason,theirnumberhasincreased.TheSikhreligion isthepathofloveanditwillspreadthroughtruthfulconductandthespiritualpowerofNaam (awarenessofGodBeing).Everyoneissearchingforhappiness.However: "ThereisnopeacewithoutdevotionalworshipoftheLord.Bevictorious,andwinthepriceless jewelofthishumanlife,bymeditatingonHimintheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly,even foraninstant.||1||Pause||Manyhaverenouncedandlefttheirchildren,wealth,spouses, joyfulgamesandpleasures.||1||Horses,elephantsandthepleasuresofpowerleavingthese behind,thefoolmustdepartnaked.||2||Thebody,scentedwithmuskandsandalwoodthat bodyshallcometorollinthedust.||3||Infatuatedwithemotionalattachment,theythinkthat Godisfaraway.SaysNanak,heisEverpresent!||4||" (SGGSp.210) GuruNanakDevJihasshownadirectandsimplepathtoGod'sName(i.e.Godrealisation).Do Naamsimran;honestworkandshareyourearningswithothers.ThisistheGuruJi'sinjunction. "ONanak,meetingtheTrueGuru,onecomestoknowthePerfectWay.Whilelaughing,playing, dressingandeating,oneisliberated. ||2||(SGGSp.522) TheSikhreligionhasprosperedthroughthedivinepowerofNaamandsoitwillkeepon spreading.Forexample,HarbhajanSinghJiYogi(BhaiSahibBhaiHarbhajanSinghispopularly addressedasYogiJiwhich,duetoitsasceticconnotation,mayberegardedbysomeasa misleadingdescriptionofhistruemissionintheSikhicontext)hasbroughtoverahundred thousandAmericansandEuropeansintothefoldofSikhism,andtheyfollowtheSikhRehat Maryada(religiouscode). FollowingtheBhaiSahibJi'sexample,ifsimilarparchaar(preaching)isdonebytheordersofthe Panth(KhalsaNation),thentheprophecyofSriGuruGobindSinghJiof960millionKhalsawillbe fulfilledandKhalsaRajwillbeestablishedsoon.BhaiHarbhajanSinghJipreachedNaamsimran, honestworkandsharingwithothersandopenedupvegetarianhotelsinthelargecitiesof America,AsiaandEurope.Sikhreligiousliteratureisdistributedatthesehotels.Whenthe customerscome,theyalsoreceiveadviceabouthealthgivingyogaexercises;informationisgiven outabouttheSikhreligionthatforpeaceofmindtherecitationofGurbaniishelpful.Thewhite followersarewelleducatedandfollowtheadviceoftheirleader.BhaiHarbhajanSinghJibrought thousandsintothefoldoftheSikhreligion.AllSinghsandSinghanis(ladySikhs)accepthis guidance.HeformedsmallJathas(groups)headedbyaleadingsewadar(onewhogivesguidance

indoingsewabyownexample).Allfollowtheleadoftheleadingsewadar.BhaiHarbhajanSinghJi hastakenthisinitiativetospreadtheSikhreligion,butthespiritualpoweristhatoftherecitation ofMoolMantar(seeGlossary). ThespreadofreligionhasbeenthroughthemiracleofNaamandthisprocesswillcontinue.Itmay bethatBhaiHarbhajanSinghJimayhaveincurredalosshimselfbuthehascertainlypromotedthe Sikhreligion(Thiswouldbeareferencetospiritual"loss".ElsewhereBhaiRamaSinghJiexplains howspirituallosscanbeincurredifonegoesaroundtalkingaboutownspiritualattainment,even thoughthismaysometimesbedonetopersuadeotherstocometotherightpath). ThechildrenborninSikhfamilieshavedriftedawayfromreligion.TheyhavenoloveforSikhiat heart.Theyabidebytheirparents'wishesandgototheGurdwaraformathatekan,butotherwise theyhavenoknowledgeofthegreatspiritualpowerofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.TheyregardGuru Jijustasanotherbook.OnlyiftheycouldreadPunjabiwouldtheygainknowledgeofBani.Thisis theunfortunateattitudeofthechildrenbornintotheSikhfaith. Withthespiritualpower(andappeal)oftheMoolMantar,BhaiHarbhajanSinghJiconverted aboutahundredthousandtoSikhifromotherfaiths.TheyhadnoknowledgeoftheSikhreligion. Theyatemeatanddrankalcohol.OncetheyrealisedthattheseareforbiddenintheSikhreligion theyacceptedtheGuru'sinjunctionandabstainedfromboth.ThentheyrealisedthatSriGuru GobindSinghJilovedtheSikhrehat,accordingly,theystartedkeepingrehatthefullKhalsa identityandinnerandouterdisciplinesprescribedbyGuruJi.Theyfullypractisewhateverisdear totheGuru.TheywearthefulldressoftheKhalsa.AllSinghandSinghaniswearthesmalldastar (smallturbancalledthekeski). BhaiSahibBhaiHarbhajanSinghJinowgoestoIndiatopreachSikhiaswell.Heisplanningtosend tenthousandwhiteSinghsandSinghanistoIndiawhowillgofromvillagetovillagepreachingthe Sikhfaith(thoseintheWest,inspiredbyBhaiHarbhajanSinghJi'syogicexercisescombinedwith Naamsimran,havenowbecomescholarsofmainstreamSikhiintheirownright.BhaiSahib's initiativeisthereforehighlycommendable). BhaiSahibJihasdonewhatwehavebeenunabletodo.Howmanypeoplehavewebeenableto convertfromotherfaiths?(Elsewhere,ithasbeenmentionedthatSikhi,ifproperlypreachedand practisedinaccordancewithGuruJi'sinjunctions,shouldattractfollowers.OtherwiseSikhreligion isareligionofloveandtoleranceandrespectsotherreligiouspathsalso.So,theword"convert" shouldbeinterpretedinthiscontext.Sikhismisnotaproselytisingreligion). Wehaveseen,thatwhilewearehavingdifficultyteachingSikhitoourownchildren,BhaiSahibis convertingthosefromotherfaithstotheSikhreligion(Yet,itneedstobenotedthatSikhismisnot aproselytisingreligion).

Bairag(Spirituallonging) (Editor'snote:"Bairag"or"Vairag"meansdeepsorrow;andinthespiritualsenseitisalsothe longingandsadnessonefeelsattheseparationofthelonelysoulfromtheUltimateTruth,the Waheguru,theLordofCreation.Bairaginthelattercaseisasuresignofasoul(alma)lookingfor itscounterparttheSupremeSoul(Paramatma).Thistypeofbairagisamostfortunatesignin thishumanlife.ThereisacertainpurityattachingtothiswordinGurbaniwhichisnotreadily conveyedinanotherlanguagemedium.Therefore,likemanyotherGurbaniwords,thiswordhas sometimesbeenusedwithouttranslationinthischapter.) Ifafamilymemberdepartsthen,quitenaturally,thememoryofthatpersonmakesoneverysad. Thememoryofthedepartedpersoniseverpresentathomewhenoneismovingaboutthinking thatthedepartedpersonusedtositormovearoundhereandthere,andallthefamilywas together.Ifapersonisinlovewithanother,thenthemoretheclosenessthegreaterthe attachment. ImetayoungmanatSingapore.Hesaidtome,"BabaJiIamverymuchstruckbybairag". Thinkingofthespiritualbairag,Iwaspleasedtohearthisandsaid,"Youaremostfortunate.Itis onlywithgoodfortunethatonefeelsthatway."Hereplied,"NoBabaJi,Ihavefalleninlovewitha girl.Ithinkofherallthetime.Idonotlikeanythingelse.Icannotlivewithoutseeingher.Shehas leftme.Shehasbrokenherengagementwithmeandsaidourpathsaredifferent.Icannotlive withouther,pleaseprayforme."Isaid,"IfyouhaveadesiretolookforWaheguru,thenIshall certainlyprayforyou.ButIdonotprayforworldlydesires."Iaskedhimtodeveloptrueaffection withWaheguruWhowillhelpandprotectintheend Bairag(ofthehumansoul)formeetingtheSupremeSoul "IcannotsurvivewithoutseeingmyBeloved.Myeyesarewellingupwithtears." (SGGSp.94) Godresidesinalllivingcreatures,butisnotseen.ItisverydifficulttodeveloptrueloveforGod. ThosewhomeditateonGod,theirsoulsareilluminatedbyHisLight.AsGurbanisays: "IhaveseizedtheUnseenandUnfathomableLord,throughtheWordoftheGuru'sShabad.Iama sacrificetotheTrueGuru.IplacemyheadinofferingbeforetheTrueGuru,ifittrulypleasesthe TrueGuru.Takepityonme,OGod,GreatGiver,thatNanakmaymergeinYourBeing." (SGGSp.1114) Firsttheirsoulsarepurifiedthroughmeditation.Thentheybegintodevelopbairagthesoul beginstobecomesadandlongsforunionwiththeUniversalSoul.Duetothisbairagthesinsof manypreviouslifecyclesarewashedaway.SalvationisachievedduetothisbairagandGod absorbstheGodcentredsoul.

Mantar(MagicalCharmsandSpells) Somepeoplepracticerecitationofmantartooverpowerelements,spiritsorlifeforms.For example,byrecitingblackmantar(formulaforblackmagic)theytrytoenslaveghostsandother spiritstoinflictsufferingonothers.Theyfinditeasiertogivemoneytosomepractitionerofblack magictodestroyorhurtthefamilyofsomeonetheydonotlike.Somelosetheirlives.Thisisall toocommontoday. (A) OncethreeladiescametomeandaskedmetodoArdaas(standingprayer)foroneofthem.She wassufferingfromillhealth.Iaskedtheladyconcernedwhatwaswrongwithher.Hersistertold hermostunhappyexperience.ThatshewasmarriedinIndia.TheboywentfromEnglandandhe likedthegirl.Hemarriedherandbroughtherbackwithhim.Thecouplehadababygirl.Her motherinlawmadelifehellforher.Shewasgettingweakerdaybyday.Thesymptomswereasif shewereundersomesortofblackmagicspell.Shewouldseesomethingatnightandrunoutof thehouse. Inthissamewaymanyfamiliesareunhappy.Iadvisedtheladywhowasill,"RecitethePaatthof MoolMantar.NothingafflictsapersonwhomeditatesonWaheguru'sName.Thosewhoindulge insuchpracticessufferthemselvesandmakeothersunhappyalso.Thosewhobelieveinand practiseblackmantarsgothroughmuchpainandsuffering.TheygothroughtheChaurasiLakh (8.4million)lifecycles.InGurmatt(Guru'sguidance),allthisismanmatti.e.beliefsandbehaviour whichleadsoneawayfromGodcenteredness.Onewhousesthesemantarshastosuffer punishmentthreetimes:onceeach,fortheonewhogavethemantar,themediumwhousedit andfortheonewhowasinflictedwithit.Allthiswillhavetobesufferedbytheonewhoarranged iti.e.yourmotherinlaw." Ohumanbeing!Howcruelcanyoubeforthesakeofafewdaysofmaterialcomfort.Beforeyou inflictcrueltyonothers,youshouldpauseandreflect,thatyouwillhavetosufferthreetimesthe punishmentforindulginginblackmantars. MagicSpells (B) Onedaytwoyoungmencametomyhouse.Onesaid,IamnotwellandmyfamilythinkIamout ofmymind.Ikeepworryinganddonotfeellikedoinganything.MywifeandIquarrelwitheach other.Myheadisheavy.Thereissomethinginmymindwhichsays,"Goandcutyourhair,ifyou remainaSikh,Ishallkillyou."IexplainedtohimthatlifeanddeathisinthehandsofGod;noone cankillanother. "OnewhoseLordisAllpowerful,noonecandestroyhim." (SGGSp.842) "GototheGurdwaraanddosewaoftheSangat."Iadvised. Hestartedwearingadastar(turban)andgoingtotheGurdwara.Hisafflictionbecameless.Then hewentawayfortwoorthreeweeksandthevoicereturnedandtoldhim,thatifhedidnotcut hishairthenhewoulddiebyDecember,1995.Hecamebacktomeandsaid,"Iamvery

frightened."Itoldhim,"Whenyouseeorhearthisthingthenrecite"Waheguru,Waheguru" simranloudly." WithGuruJi'sGrace,theyear1996arrived;hewasverymuchencouragedthattheevilinfluence troublinghimcouldnotharmhim.HebegantohavesuchfaithinsimranthatheaskedforGuru's blessingsothathecouldbereadytotakeAmrit.

Gurmantar (Guru'sSacredFormula) Gurmantar:"TheMantaroftheGuruisWaheguru,therecitationofwhichexpelsego" (BhaiGurdas) TherearetwomethodsforrecitingandmeditatingontheWord,"Waheguru".Thefirstis repetitionof"Waheguru,Waheguru"andthesecondis,astaughtbythePanjPiarayduringthe Amritceremony.ThisissimranofWaheguruwitheachbreathorswasswas.Thebenefitofswas swassimranisthattherhythmicmusicalsoundof"Waheguru"findsresonancewitheachbreath taken.Breathinggoesonfortwentyfourhours.Asthewatch,oncewoundup,ticksonfortwenty fourhours,soifaGursikhrecitesNaamwitheverybreathi.e.swasswasearlyinthemorning, thenNaamsimrancontinuesautomaticallyallday.SriGuruArjanDevJisaysinSukhmaniSahibJi: "ListentotheTeachingsofthePerfectGuru;seetheSupremeLordnearyou.Witheachandevery breath,meditateinremembranceontheLordoftheUniverse,andtheanxietywithinyourmind shalldepart."(SukhmaniSahib24.1;SGGSp.295) WaheguruHimselftakesthosedoingswasswassimranintofurtherstages.Adayarriveswhen SatguruJirevealsthesecretofthetenthgateinthemind.Thenthedevotee'sexperienceis; "Youbrawlingignorantpersonofunculturedintellect,reverseyourbreathandturnitinward.Let yourmindbeintoxicatedwiththestreamofAmbrosialNectarwhichtricklesfromthefurnaceof theTenthGate."(SGGSp.1123) Accordingtothishymn,whenthisstageofblissisreached,thensimranbecomesone (harmonises)withthebreathingprocess.Itbecomesintegratedwitheachswas. SriGuruNanakDevJihasdisclosedthemethodbywhichGursikhsaretoregulatetheirlives.Rising earlyinthemorninganddoingswasswasNaamsimranisessential.Thisisthefirstprincipleof Gursikhi.Allthegreatholypeoplehavedonesimranintheearlymorning.ItisSriGuruNanakDev Ji'sreign(Kingdom)intheAgeofKalyug.BhaiGurdashasmadeitclearthat"Waheguru"isthe Gurmantar. BhaiGurdasJiexplainsinthisVaar1.49(startingSatyug,SatgurVaasdev...atPauri49inVaar1 'Vaarsareballadtypeofepicswrittentopopularbeatandrhythm.Vaarsusedtobeverypopular inPanjabandsomeGurbaniissungtovaarmeasuree.g.AsaJidiVaarsunginthemorning),that intheAgeofSatyug,Vaasdevwastheavtar(Divinity)andtaughtthesimranof"Vishnu".Inthe AgeofDuapar,HariKrishanwastheavtarandtaughtsimranof"HarHar".IntheAgeofTreta, RamJiwastheavtarandtaughtthesimranof"RamRam".InthisdarkAgeofKalyug,SriGuru NanakDevJitaughtthesimranof"Gobind". AndthustakingthefirstletterfromtheDivineNameforsimranineachYug,theGurmantarWord of"Waheguru"or"Vaheguru"wasformed(Thereisnodistinctionbetweenthe"wa"andthe"va" soundsinPunjabi.So"VAHEGURUhasVforVishnu,HforHar,RforRam,andGforGobind:the fourNaamWordsforthefourYugs.SoVaheguru(meaningtheWonderfulGiverofLight)isthe NaamWordofSikhianditincludestheNaamwordusedduringeachoftheYugs.Editingnote: ProminentSikhscholarshaveexpresseddoubtabouttheauthenticityofthisPauribeingoneof

BhaiGurdasJi's,although,notabouttheWordWahegurubeingtheGurMantar(Guru'sMystical Word)forNaamsimran). TherewardofthisGurmantaristhehighestasitincludestheinitialsoftheNaamsimranwordsof thefourYugs. Ineachregimeonlyonecurrencyisusedandtheoldcurrencieshavenovalue.Inthesameway theMantaroftheoldYugshavelittlevaluenow,fortheGurmantarofthisYugis"Waheguru".In Kalyug,"Waheguru"simranismostbeneficial.

PeopleTreatRamlikeaToy! OnedayIwasattendingSinghSabhaGurdwarafrom10to11inthemorning.Iwassittingnearthe personissuingreceiptsfordonations.ItwasthedayofSangrand(thefirstdayofthelunarmonth) andtherewasalargenumberofSangat.ManySinghsdonatedmoneyseekingGuruJi'sblessing forwhateverprayerstheyhadinmind.Thelistbecameverylong.Finally,aladycameand donatedonepoundandtwentyfivepenceandsaid,"LastyearmyhusbandpassedawayIwould likeaprayersaidforthepeaceofhissoul.Prayforthehealthofmyyoungersonandforthewell beingofmyfamily."Shethencontinued,"MydaughterinlawisgoingtoIndiatomorrow,mayshe returningoodhealth;mysonissittingforexams,praythathepasses;mydaughterhasadriving test,praythatshepasses;myyoungestsonhasnochildren,pleasepraythatWahegurugranthim thegiftofachild."Thelady'sfamilywassurroundingthetreasurerissuingthereceiptsandnoting namesfortheArdaas.Ilistenedtowhatwasbeingaskedforandwassurprisedthatonlyworldly giftswerebeingaskedfor,noonewasaskingfortheblessingofNaam.Thelady'snamewasnoted andthefamilysatintheSangat. Aftersometime,oncompletionoftheprogrammeofNaamsimran,theGianiJistarteddoingthe Ardaas(standingprayer).Hethoughtthelistofnameswasverylong;thatitwouldtakealong timetoreadallthenamesandthespecificprayersrelatingtoeachname.So,hedecidedtoread thenamesaftertheHukamnama(readingofaShabadfromSriGuruGranthSahibJiatrandom, forguidance).AstheHukamnamastarted,theladybecameupsetandwenttothetreasurerand said,"GianiJihasnotmentionedournameintheArdaas.YousitintheGurdwaraandstilldonot dealfairly." Thetreasurersaid,"Yournamewillbementionedinthelistofdonationstobereadafterthe Hukamnama."TheGianiJireadthelistaftertheHukamnamaandtheladykeptsittingnearthe treasureruntilhernamecameup.Hernamewasmentionedandshesaid,"Weaskedformany thingstobementionedintheArdaas,GianiJimentionedmynameonly."Thetreasurersaid, "TodaytherearealotofSangat;youcometomorrow.WeshallthendoArdaasasyoudesire."The ladyretorted,Ishallthenhavetocometomorrowagainandspendanotheronepoundand twentyfivepence!" Ithoughttomyself,"PeoplethinkGodisaToywhichcanbeboughtwithmoney.Nooneistalking aboutNaamandBani.PeoplewanttopleaseGodwithmoney.Butahumanbeingcannotachieve unionwithGodinthisway.NoonecanseeksalvationwithoutNaam. "Themortalisentangledinmaya(seeGlossary);hehasforgottentheNameoftheLordofthe Universe.SaysNanak,withoutmeditatingontheLord,whatistheuseofthishumanlife?||30||" (SGGSp.1428)

LoveForAnimals (A) AletterarrivedfromBhaiSahibJagdeeshSinghthatinHollywood(USA),therewereanumberof individualsreadyforAmritSanchaar(Amritceremony);theywerekeentobeinitiatedintothe KhalsaPanth.IarrivedtherewiththeJathaofBhaiRajinderSingh.AccompanyinguswasBhai HardialSinghandsomeotherSinghs.TherewasaKirtanprogrammeintheGurdwara.Therewe metawealthymanwithhisfamily.TheywereverypleasedtoseetheJathaandenjoyedthe Kirtanprogramme.Herequestedthatweeatfoodathisplacethefollowingday,butthemain JathawasreturningtoLondononthatday.Therestofusgavehimourtime. Hecameingoodtimeandtookusinhiscar.AsIwasabouttositdown,theladydrewmeaside andsaidthatshewantedtotalktome.Ithought,mostprobablyshewantstotalkaboutGurbani andNaamsimran;thatis,howtomeditateonNaam.Shesaid,"Todayistheanniversaryof ChamanLai.WhenChamanLaicametothishouseourbusinessprospered.ChamanLaiwasso luckythatifwetoucheddustitbecamegold!Nowwetouchgoldanditbecomesdust."Istarted wondering,"WhoisthisChamanLai?"ThisisaSikhfamily.Theladysaid,"Hewouldcomeandsit nexttome;helovedmeverymuch."Iwouldstrokehimforalongtime.Hewouldfetchtheball backinasecond."IwassurprisedtorealisewhoChamanLaiwas!Theladysaid,"WithChamanLai thewholefamilywashappy.Thechildrenalsoenjoyedhiscompany.Withhimthehome atmosphereremainedalive.Wefeelasifwehavelostaverypreciousthing."Sayingthis,tears filledhereyes.Irealisedthatshewasnottalkingaboutsomeperson.IaskedherwhoChamanLai was.TheladyrepliedthatChamanLaiwastheirpetdog.WhileshewassheddingtearsIcould hardlycontainmylaughter.Ikeptreciting"Waheguru",thinkingwhatsortofasituationhaveIgot myselfinto.ThesepeoplehavenothingtosayaboutWaheguru'sName.Theladyaskedmetosay aprayerforthefamily.Duringthistimeweweretalkinginaroomupstairs.Iaskedher,"Whose roomisthis?IgettheimpressionthatsomeonehasbeenrecitingBanihereanddoingNaam simran."Theladyreplied,"Thisistheroomofmyfatherinlaw.HebroughtSriGuruGranthSahib JifromIndia.WithgreatdevotionheusedtodoPaatthofSukhmaniSahibandalsocontinuedwith SehajPaatth.HealsodidmuchNaamsimran.Unfortunately,hepassedaway.Wedonottake interestinsewaofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandwehaveputtheHolyScripturesinacupboard. Soonafterthearrivalofmyfatherinlaw,wealsobroughthomealittlepuppydogandnamedit ChamanLai.Italsodiedsoonafterfather'sdeath." Bythattime,theirdaughterarrivedandIwassurprisedtoseeherlongtrailingdressandthought, "Twoorthreeladiesdressedlikethiswouldautomaticallysweeptheroadastheywalkalong!Her mothersaid,"SaySatSriAkaltoBabaJi."Instead,shesaid,"Hello!"andrushedawaytochange clothes.Whenshereturned,Iaskedher,"DoyoudoanyNitNem,simranorthePaatthofMool Mantar?"ThegirlaskedhermotherinEnglish,"WhatisBabaJisaying?Themotherexplained.I explainedtoher,"Wehave,duetoourgoodfortunereceivedthegiftofthishumanform.We shouldbenefitfromNaamsimran."Sheagainturnedtohermotherandasked,"Whatishe saying?"ShecouldnotunderstandawordofPunjabi.HermothertranslatedwhateverIsaidtoher intoEnglish.Iexplained,"Bydoingpaatthwepreparethewayforabetterlifehereafter.Those whoreciteNaamaresavedfromthetormentsofhellishsufferingintheafterlife."Shesaidthat shedidnotbelieveinallthat.ItoldherthatBanisays:

"Youhavebeenblessedwiththishumanbody.ThisisyourchancetomeettheLordofthe Universe.Othereffortsareofnousetoyou.JoiningtheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly, meditateonlyontheNaam,theNameoftheLord.||1||"(SGGSp.378) Itoldher,"DoPaatthofMoolMantarforfiveminutesdaily."ThenIexplainedtothem,"Nothing happenedduetoChamanLai.ItwasalltheblessingofthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. BhaiSahib(thehouselady'sfatherinlaw)enjoyedtheblissofNaamandBanianddidPaatth daily;itwasduetotheblessingofNaamthatyourbusinessflourished.Butyougaveupthesewa ofSriGuruGranthSahibandstartedsufferinglossesinyourbusiness."Itoldthembluntly,"Bhain Ji,IshalltakefoodonlyifyoufirstdothePrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJi."Andthatiswhat theydid.GuruJi'sPrakaashwasdone.SriGuruGranthSahibJiwassoforgivingandgenerousthat aHukamnama(seeGlossary)ofblessingwasissued.Isaid,"DodailypaatthoftheHukamnama youhavereceivedtoday.GuruJiwillshowerHisGraceonyou." Aftersometime,Ireceivedaletterfromthefamilythankingmeandthatthewholefamilyhad starteddoingpaatthdaily.WithGuruJi'sblessingthefamilybusinesswasdoingwellandtheir daughterhadstarteddoingpaatthalso.IpraytoallGursikhstoteachtheirchildrenPunjabi(and Gurmukhiscript)andtotalktotheirchildreninPunjabi. (B) WhenwewerestayingattheSydney(Australia)Gurdwara,aladycametotheGurdwara.Shesaid totheHeadGranthi,BhaiSubegSingh,"BhaiSahib,IwouldliketoinvitetheSinghs(ourJatha)for ameal(parshadashakauna).BhaiSubegSinghmadetheprogrammeforthefollowingday.Aswe wereenteringthehouseofthislady,sheshowedusthegraveofRani,onwhichwaswritten,when Raniwasbornandwhenshedied.Theladysaid,"IlovedRaniandtodayisherdeathanniversary. PleasesingappropriateShabads."ListeningtotheKirtan,theladybecameemotional.Thenshe servedusfood.Whenwehadeaten,shebroughtoutaphotoalbumandsaid,"Havealookat Rani'sphotos."Wewereverymuchsurprisedwhenwesawthephotos,thatshelovedananimal somuch.Shecalledherfemaledog,Rani("queen").Theladywasaloneandshesoughtthe companionshipofRanitodealwithherloneliness. Ithought,"OHumanbeing!Youhavegoneastrayforyoushouldbeseekingtheloveand companionshipofGod.Insteadyouareattachedtotheseworldlythings.Godwillsupportyou hereaswellashereafter.Theoneyouloveinthislifeistheoneyouwillrememberwhenyourend comes."BhagatTarlochanJisaysinhisShabad "Attheverylastmoment,onewhothinksofwealth,anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbebornover andoveragain,intheformofserpents.||1||Osister,donotforgettheNameoftheLordofthe Universe."(SGGSp.526) (C) Iwasdoingsewaofwashingthaal(foodservingtrays)atSinghSabhaGurdwara.Therewas anotherladywhoregularlydidsewaaswell.Shehadnochildren;duetothedeedsofherprevious lifeshewasnotblessedwithchildreninthislife.However,shehadagreatdesireforchildrenof herown. AftersometimeshemetmeattheGurdwaraonceagain.WegreetedeachotherwithWaheguru's Fateh(Sikhgreeting)andshesaid,"BhaiSahib,wehaveanadditionalfamilymember."Inmy heart,IofferedaprayerofthankstotheLord,thatatlastherwishwasfulfilled.Shesaid,

 "Pleasecometoourhouse."IsaidthatIwoulddropinovertheweekend. IthoughtthatitwasaveryhappyoccasionandIshouldbuyadressforthechild.Theshopkeeper askedifitwasaboyoragirl.Iaskedforonewhichcouldbewornbyeither.Ireachedtheirhouse; tookoffmyshoesoutsideandwenttothebathroomtowashmyhands.Icouldnothearany soundofababyandthoughtitmustbesleeping.Icametothelivingroomandofferedmy congratulationstothelady'shusband.Wesatdownandafterawhilehegotup,wenttothe garageandbroughtinakitten.Itwasonlythenthatitdawneduponmethattheladywastalking aboutakitten!BhaiSahib(herhusband)said,"Youwillkindlyselecthernameplease."Isaid,It wasborninEngland,socallitPeter."Theywerehappywiththisnameandsaidthatnoother memberofthefamilyhadthatname.Thentheystartedtraininghim,"Comehere;Gothere!"and Peterstartedmovingaround.Thelady'shusbandsaid,"BhaiSahibJi,itisstillyoung;hewilllearn ashegrowsup."BythenPeter'smother"Madhu"cameinwithherdirtyfeet.Theladysaid sternly,"Ihavetoldyousomanytimesnottowalkinwithyourdirtyfeet." Madhusatdownquietlylookingupset.Theladysaid,"YouseeBhaiSahib,shegetsangryeasily." andfedhercatfood.Theladywasclearlytreatingthecatslikethechildrenshedidnothave.We startedtalking.Isaidtothehusband,"BhaiSahibJi,IhavenotseenyouattheGurdwaraformany years."Heaskedme,"WhatisthereattheGurdwara?"Ithought,"Ifsomeone'sinnerwishesare notsatisfied,thenthisisthereactiononewouldexpect."Hecontinued,"Gurdwaraisaplacefor arguments.Allarefightingwitheachother."Iwasveryhurt,thataplacewhereoneshouldbe findingpeacewasbeingdescribedinthisway.Still,Ithoughtheshouldbehelpedandsaid,"From tentoeleveneverymorning,NaamsimranisdoneattheGurdwara.Docomeandmakeyourlife successfulbydoingsewa.Ifnothingelse,servefoodintheLangar."Hemadesomeexcuseand saidhewouldthinkaboutit. AftersomemonthshecametotheGurdwarawhen"Waheguru"simranwasgoingon.Isawhim andsaidaprayerofthankstoWaheguru,"YouhaveinspiredhimtocometotheGurdwara."As theNaamsimranwasgoingonhispastgooddeedsborefruit,hiseyesfilledupandhewentintoa stateofbairag(seeGlossary).HemetmeafterwardsandIsaid,"HavefoodintheLangarandalso taketheopportunitytodosewa."Hesaid,"BhaiSahibJi,Iamverygratefultoyou.Ifeltsuchbliss whendoingsimranthatIcannotdescribeittoyou.Youhaveshownmetherightpath."Ireplied, "BhaiSahibJi,thereisnothingbutblissandtranquillityhere.Youwillmeetmanyelderlyandwise peoplehere.Onegetstheopportunitytodosewaandsimran.Whatmoredoesonewant?Do sewawholeheartedly."Whenhemetmenexttimehesaidthatthecathadbeenhandedoverto theRSPCA."WewouldliketomakeourlivessuccessfulthroughtheGuru'ssewa;" "Heplacestheonewhostraysbackonthepath;suchaGuruisfoundbygreatgoodfortune.||1 ||Meditate,contemplatetheNameoftheLord,Omind.TheBelovedFeetoftheGuruabide withinmyheart.||1||Pause||Themindisengrossedinsexualdesire,anger,greedand emotionalattachment.Breakingmybonds,theGuruhasliberatedme.||2||Experiencingpain andpleasure,oneisborn,onlytodieagain.TheLotusFeetoftheGurubringpeaceandshelter.|| 3||Theworldisdrowningintheoceanoffire.ONanak,holdingmebythearm,theTrueGuru hassavedme.||4||"(SGGSp.803) Humanlifeisattheheadofotherlifeforms.Yet,humanbeingsloveanimalsmorebecausethey deceiveeachother.Thatisthereasonwhytheyhavemoreaffectionforpets.Ohumanbeing! Peopleregardanimalsasbetterthanyou.Ireadinonenewspaperthatadriverdroveoverthepet

dogofaneighbourandbrokeitsleg.Theneighbourwassofuriousthatsheshotthedriver.Itgives theimpressionthathumanbeingshavenovaluetoday.Animalsarebetterlookedafter.Thatwas thereasontheneighbourwasshot.Ohumanbeing!Youstillhavetime.Makeyourlifeasuccess bymeditatingonGod'sName. InthePunjabTimes(weeklyPunjabipaper),therewasareportofastrangemarriage.Itwas written,thataladyarrangedamarriagebetweenabullockandacow,becauseshedidnothave anygrownupchildrenofherown.Shedidthisforherownsalvation.Thismarriagetookplaceina HindutempleaccordingtoHindureligiousrituals.Theanimalcoupleworegarlands,thePundit readtheMantar(sacredformula)andthecouplewereledaroundtheritualfire.ManyIndian dignitariestookpartinthisritual.Sweetsweredistributedandtheanimalcouple,togetherwith thedowry,wasseenofftothehomeforcows.Iwasamazedtoreadthatthisladyarrangedthis marriageforherownsalvation.Itisworthpondering,howcouldthisladyachievesalvationbythis act? UntilhumanbeingsmeditateonGod'sName(whichistheUltimateTruth),theycannotredeem themselves.OnlywhilerecitingGod'sNamecanahumanbeingachievesalvation.

TheCycleofBirthandDeath "Themobileandimmobilecreatures,insectsandmoths,innumerouslifetimes,Ihavepassed throughthosemanyforms.||1||Ilivedinmanysuchhomes,OLord,beforeIcameintothe wombthistime.||1||Pause||IwasaYogi,acelibate,apenitent,andaBrahmchaaree,with strictselfdiscipline.SometimesIwasaking,sittingonthethrone,andsometimesIwasabeggar. ||2||Thefaithlesscynicsshalldie,whiletheSaintsshallallsurvive.TheydrinkintheLord's AmbrosialEssencewiththeirtongues.||3||SaysKabir,OGod,havemercyonme.Iamsotired; now,pleaseblessmewithYourperfection.||4||"(SGGSp.325) "Forsomanyincarnations,IhavebeenseparatedfromYou,Lord;IdedicatethislifetoYou." (SGGSp.694) InthisShabad,BhagatRavidasJisays,"OLord,Ihavebeenseparatedfromyouformanylife cycles,butnowthishumanlifegoesintoyouraccount(i.e.itisdevotedtoyou).Hesaysabouthis previouslifethathewasaBrahmchari(aholybeggarwhocontrolshissensesandwhostudies Vedas)andwasadiscipleofRamanandJi.Hewouldbegfoodandpreparefood.Oneday,whenhe gotoutoftheMandar(temple)toaskforoffering,itwasraining.Duetotheheavyrain,hefell downinfrontofashopkeeper'shouse.Theshopkeeper'ssonwasstandingthere.Hehelpedthe BrahmchariJi(i.e.Ravidasinhisperviouslife)upand,fromhishouse,gaveallthefoodrequired fortheholypeopleintheMandar.BrahmchariJireturnedtotheMandarandpreparedfood.That dayRamanandJicouldnotconcentrateandmeditateonNaam.HeaskedtheBrahmchari,"From whichhousedidyoubegthefood?"TheBrahamcharireplied,"DuetotherainIbroughtitonly fromthehouseoftheshopkeeper."RamanandJiwasfuriousandsaid,"Youlowlyperson,you havealowmentality;youhavefedmethefoodofthosewhoearntheirlivelihooddishonestly. Youhavesinnedandyouwillbereborninalowcaste.ForthisreasontheBrahmchariwasreborn (asRavidasJi)inalowcastefamily(thosewhomakeleatherfootwearetc.Itneedstobe rememberedthatSikhism,inprinciple,doesnotgiveanycredibilitytothecastesystemdespite thecontinuedpractiseofthisevilanddiscriminatorysystem,muchagainstGuruJi'sinjunction. ThePanjPiaraymakethisclearduringtheAmritSanchar(Khalsabaptismceremony).Manysuch ShabadsinGurbanimustbeinterpretedfortheirinnermeaning.Itmustberememberedthatthe idiomandillustrationsinGurbaniarethosewhichwerereadilyunderstoodbypeople.Beingborn inalowcastewasindeedagreatpunishmentthosedaysandBhagatRavidas'referenceistothis punishmentwhichhereceivedandshouldnotbetakenasconfirmationonhispartofthecaste system.WhenitcomestothestatementoftheprinciplesofSikhi,Gurbaniisalwaysclear.Itisfor theSikhtodoresearchoftheShabadandunderstandwhatistrueSikhi;forthatveryprocessof researchingandfindingoutistrueSikhi(SikhisikhiaGurvichaar). Inthesameway,BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi,inhislettersfromtheprison(Thesehavebeen publishedandareavailableas"JailChithian"),writesabouthispreviouslife,"IamaprinceandI amofyoungage.Itisabeautifulhillyarea.Inremotecaves,atsomeplaces,holypeoplearesitting inmediation.Ihadaninterestinservingthem.Iwouldtakefoodofmanyvarietiestothemwith myservantsandsoldiers. "Once,whileplayingHoli(festivalwhenpeoplespraycoloursoneachother),Iwenttoaremote placecarryingfruitandmilkwithme.Ontheway,inacave,sataholypersonindeepmeditation. Hewasofveryslenderbuild;justbarebones.Itseemedasifhewasnotevenbreathing.

"Iwasfrightenedtoseehim.Itookpityonhimandthoughtthatheshouldberevived.Ithought, "NooneevercomesthiswayandthisSadhu(ascetic)hasnotbeengettinganyfoodtoeat.My chancetripthiswaywasmeant(byGod)torevivehim.Heisstillaliveandifhecantakealittle milkthenhewouldbecomewellagain." "Afterthisthought,Ifilledthespraypump(usedforsprayingcoloursduringtheHolifestivities) withmilkandattemptedtoputthemilkinhismouthusingthespray.Buthisteethwereclenched together.Hisbodywasstifflikeastone.Isoughtthehelpofmyguardswhousedastonetobreak hisfrontteeth;andIsprayedsomemilkintohismouth.Withthepainofbrokenteethandthe sensationofthemilkenteringhisdigestivesystem,hisswas(lifebreath)residinginhisbrain, descendedtothenormalbreathingcondition.Asherecoveredconsciousness,hestartedcursing, "Iwasmeditatingtogetthekingdomofyourfather.Youhaveinterruptedmymeditation.Ifmy wishesarenotsatisfied,thenyourheritageofthiskingdomwillalsobedestroyed;Ishalltake revengeinthenextlife." "Sayingallthisandcursingmeallthetime,hethrewatrishul(athreepointedspear,symbolof Shiva)atmeingreatrage.Iamnotsurefromwhereitcameintohishand.Iwasnothitbutit struckandcutoffthelegofmyguard.Thenthisscenedisappearedfrommymindtobereplaced byanotherwhichappearedtobelongtothesamelife. "Thatsamesadhuwhohadbeenmeditating,camebeforemewithoutaleg,butlookingveryfit andveryarrogant.Hewasleadinganarmy.Isaidtohim,"Sothisisallyouhaveachievedfrom youryearsofmeditation,justselfcentredarrogance?Whohascutyourleg?"Hereplied,"The samesoldierwhoselegIcutoffwiththetrishul.HeshotitandmadeituselessandIhadtogetit cutoff.Thatwastitfortat.NowyougetreadyforIhavecometotakerevengeofmypastlife."I said,"OKbrother.Doasyouplease."Hearingthisheseizedmeandforcedsomelonginstrument intomymouth.IthadhardlyreachedmythroatwhenIwokeup.AsIcameoutfullyfromthat meditativestate,Ifeltasifthispredictionwouldtakeplaceanditdid." Asmentionedbefore,I(i.e.BhaiRamaSinghJi)wasintheserviceofSriGuruGobindSinghJi's army.Ihadalsogonethroughmanyhumanlifecyclesbeforethat.Meditationduringtheselives earnedmetheopportunitytoservewithGuruJi.Inturn,asaresultofthatsewa,Ihavetaken birthinGursikhfamiliesbutdidnotachievesalvation.ThereasonisthatwhileIrecitedGurbaniI didnotdoNaamsimran. Iwasaraagi(singerofGurbaniKirtan)inmylastlife.Iwaswitharaagijathaincludingmyself,a blindGursikhandanotherwhoplayedtabla.Despitebeingaraagi,Ihadmanyweaknesses. EventhoughIwasstayingataGurdwara,Iwouldnotattendthemorningoreveningprayersinthe Sangat.Whenwewouldgotosomekirtanprogramme,wewoulddokirtanonlyandcomeaway.I wassoarrogantthatIwouldnotlistentoanyone'skirtan.Despiteknowingsomuchabout Gursikhi,Ididnotdoanysimraninthemorning. "TheGurmukhgettingupintheambrosialhoursoftheearlymorning,takesbathinthesacred tank. RecitingtheholyhymnsoftheGuru,hethengoestotheGurdwara.There,joiningtheholy congregation,helovinglylistenstoGurbani,theholyhymnsoftheGuru. Effacingalldoubtfromhismind,heservestheSikhsoftheGuru.Then,byrighteousmeans,he earnshislivelihoodandhedistributesthehardearnedmeal.

Offeringfirst,totheSikhsofGuru,theremainderhehimselfeats.Inthisdarkage,illuminedby suchfeelings,thedisciplebecomesGuruandtheGurudisciple. TheGurmukhstreadonsuchahighway(ofreligiouslife)."(Var40Pauri11BhaiGurdaasJi) AsBhaiGurdasisclarifyinginthisVaar,whatsortofalifeaGursikhshouldlead,Ididnotpractise that. IdidnotpreachaccordingtoGuruJi'sinstructions.Ibecamegreedy.Ibecamedishonestinthe distributionofmoney(donatedbytheSangatlisteningtoGurbanikirtan).Iwouldgivelessmoney toourblindpartner.HefoundoutonedayandadvisedmethatitwasnotrighttodothatbutIdid notheedhisadvicebecausethishadbecomemyhabit.TheblindSinghknewalotofBanibyheart andhewasalsoonewhodidNaamsimran.Oncehebecameupsetandsaid,"Whydoyoubehave likePandits(Hindupriestlyclass)inyourgreed?ItisthePanditswhocheatregardingofferings fromdevotees.YouwillbeborninafamilyofPandits."Iwasfrightened. Whenthey(theKhalsa)followthewaysoftheBrahmins,Ishallplacenotrustorfaithinthem. (SarabLohGranth) IrealisedthatifIamborninaPandit(Hindu)family,thenIwilldriftawayfromSikhi. HowwillIbeblessedwithGuruJi'sdarshan?IfIcannotreciteGurbani,howwouldIachievethe mainpurposeoflife?IwasfullofremorseandprayedtotheblindraagiSinghtotakebackhis words.Hereplied,"Whathasbeensaidwillcometopass." AhundredyearsagothelivesoftheGursikhswereofaveryhighspirituallevel.TheblindSingh wasonesuchpersonandhewasalsoacharitableperson.Hearingmyprayerhesaid,"Indeed,you willbeborninaPanditfamilybutIshallprayforyouthatSriGuruGobindSinghJihimselfgrant youSikhi"Forthisreason,IwasborninaPanditfamily.Followingthatevent,IstarteddoingNaam simranwithgreatdetermination.Iwoulddosimranforhours.Mylifechanged.TodaytheSinghs dodarshanofSriGuruGranthSahibJibuttheydonotputintheefforttodoNaamsimran. SalvationliesonlyinNaamsimran. "ChanttheNameoftheLord,Omind,andyoushallbeemancipated.TheLordshalldestroyallthe sinsofmillionsuponmillionsofincarnations,andcarryyouacrosstheterrifyingworldocean.||1 ||Pause||Inthebodyvillage,theLordMasterabides;theLordiswithoutfear,without vengeance,andwithoutform.TheLordisdwellingnearathand,butHecannotbeseen.Bythe Guru'sTeachings,theLordisobtained.||1||TheLordHimselfisthebanker,thejeweller,the jewel,thegem;theLordHimselfcreatedtheentireexpanseofthecreation.ONanak,onewhois blessedbytheLord'sKindMercy,tradesintheLord'sName;Healoneisthetruebanker,thetrue trader.||2||"(SGGSp.720)

TheFruitofBribery Onedayafriendtoldmethatamanhasbecomeahighrankingofficer.Hewasthinkingofgaining reputationasagoodmanbutatthesametimewouldliketocontinuereceivingbribery.Hehadan idea.HebroughthometheholySriGuruGranthSahibJianddidthePrakashinaroomupstairs. Whenanyonecameforsomeofficialfavour,theman'swifewouldsay,"Brother,goupstairsand payyourrespectstoGuruJi(i.e.domathatekan)."Theworkofsomeonewhoofferedalargesum ofmoneybeforeGuruJi,wasdonequickly.Slowly,peoplebegantounderstandthesystem:thatif youdonatemoremoneyupstairsbeforeGuruJi,yourjobwasdonesooner,whileittooklonger withlessmoney.Ifthedonationwastoosmalltheofficerwouldmakesomeexcuseanddelay doinganything.Theofficer'swifewasverycrafty;shewouldchecktheamountofdonationmade, writeitdownonaslipofpaperand,quietly,handitovertothehusbandofficer.Andsothe systemcontinued. "Allthewealth,landandpropertywhichyouconsideryourown,whenyouleaveyourbody,none ofitshallgoalongwithyou.Whydoyouclingtothem?||1||"(SSGSp.1231) Suddenly,thehusbandandwifeweretakenill.Itwasanillnessforwhichtherewasnocure.The doctorsaidthathewouldhavetogivethemaninjectiondailyforrelief.Theinjectionwasvery expensive.Allthewealththattheyhadaccumulatedwasspentontheillnessandthencamethe realisation:thatnothingbutunhappinesshadresultedfromthemoneytheyhadreceivedbyusing SriGuruGranthSahibJi. Therearesomewhoneverrealise,nomatterhowmuchtheysuffer,thattheyhavehurtandput throughhardshipmanypeoplewhileaccumulatingtheirwealth.Theofficialmentionedabovetold hisfriend,"Ihavemadeabigmistakeandrealisethattotakebriberyisevil.Wearenowsuffering asaresult." APanjabibhai(brother)usedtoworkwithme.Onedayweweretalkinginthecanteen.Iasked him,"Whatisthematter,yourfaceisswollen."Hetoldme,"BhaiSahib,Ihavereapedthe punishmentformyowndeedsandcannotblameanyone.Myfatherinlawhadalargebusiness. Hehadcontactswithhighofficials.Heusedhisinfluencetoemploymeasapoliceofficer.Istarted takingbriberyevenforpettythings.Ibroughtupmyfamilywiththatmoney.Bychance,an opportunitycameupandImigratedwithmyfamilytoEngland.Heremysonhasgoneastray.He doesnotdoanywork.HetakesmoneyfrommetobuyalcoholicdrinksandifIdonotgivehimthe money,hebeatsme;thatisthereasonmyfaceisswollen.Imadepeopleunhappyandtook briberyandIamnowsufferingforthat.Myownsonbeatsme.WhathappinesscanIexpectfrom suchoffspring?Icarrytheburdenofpeople'scurses.Inowrealisewhatagreatsinitistotake bribery." GuruJisays,"Earnyoulivelihoodthroughhonestworkandshareyourearningswiththosein need.Donotoppressothers,anddonateonetenthofyourincometocharityandsewa."

TheIgnorantPersonAccumulatesFalseWealth "Liketheking,whofallsasleepuponhisthrone,anddreamsthatheisabeggar.Hiskingdomis intact,butseparatedfromit,hesuffersinsorrow.Suchismyowncondition.||2||" (SGGSp.657) Everypersondreams.Indreamsthebodysleepsbutthemindisactive.Wedreamaccordingto thethoughtswehaveinourmindswhengoingtosleep. Onceakingdreamtthathehadlosthiskingdomandthathewasabeggar.Hewasveryunhappy. Theworldweseeislikethat.Theworldlywealthremainsinthisworld.ExceptforGod'sName, nothingelsegoeswiththesoul.Ifaperson'sminddwellsonbadthoughts,hisdreamsarelike nightmares.However,nicethoughtsresultinsoothingdreams.IfonerecitesBaniduringtheday andsingsorlistenstoGurbaniKirtan,theninthedreamsonecontinuestohearGurbani.Thereare manywhohavelotsofmoneybuttheydonotfeellikespendingit.Theyarethinkingofmoneyall thetime. Onerichmancametomeandsaid,"Inmydreamatnightalargesnakecomesandsitsonmy chest.TellmesomemethodbywhichIcanfreemyselffromthisapparition."Iaskedhim,"Have youeverdonatedanythingtocharity?"Hereplied,"No,Ihaveacquiredthehabitofgathering wealthonly,notspendingit."IrecitedafewlinesfromGurbani "Attheverylastmoment,onewhothinksofwealth,anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbe reincarnatedoverandoveragain,intheformofserpents.||1||Osister,donotforgettheName oftheLordoftheUniverse."(SGGSp.526) Itoldhim,"Yourmindisalwaysonwealth;and,attheendofyourlifeyouwillstillbethinking aboutwealth.Onewhoremainsmentallyattachedtowealthattheendwillgetthelifeofasnake. Youstillhavetime;youcanuseyourwealthtohelpyoutoachievetheobjectiveofthislife. DonatetowardstheLangarintheGurdwara.Helpthepoorandyouwillberewarded.Recite Waheguru'sName."Heacceptedmyadviceandsaidhewouldtrytofollowit. "Nothingshallgowithyou,exceptyourdevotion.Deadlysinsarelikeashes.PractisetheNameof theLord.ONanak,thisisexcellentwealth"(SGGSp.288) Whereveroneisdestinedtogoonewillreachthere.Accordingly,aladylivinginavillageinPunjab managedtogetvisatovisitEngland.Herdaughterhadinvitedherovertoattendafamily wedding.Theneighboursinthevillagewereveryhappythinkingthatshewouldreturnwith presentsforthem.HerrelativewhohadvisitedherownsoninEnglandsaidthathehadshownher manybeautifulplaces.Shesaid,"Youshouldalsoseetheseplaces.IsawthepalaceoftheQueen; itisverybig.MysontookmetoPiccadillyandthereareverylargeshopsthere.Isawthebiggest clockintheworld(BigBen).Isawoneplacewheretherearemanypigeons(TrafalgarSquare)and wethrewsomefoodforthem.Theysurroundeduslikeflies.Therewasabridgetherewhich wouldriseupwards.Thatbridgeiswellknownallovertheworld.Trainsrunundergroundin London.Therearemanystairsifyouwanttogetoffthetrainandcometothesurface.These stairsgoupanddownbythemselves.Ifyouarestandingbelowyoucannotseethetopofthe stairs.Theyarethathigh!Iwasfrightenedtoseethem.IsaidthatIamafraidthatImightfalloff.

ThenIsawaplacewherethereweremodelsofthesuitandstarsandnextdoorwaxstatuesof famouspeople.Theywereworthseeing;theyweresolifelike.Therearemanyotherthingstosee; dogoaroundandseeeverything.Youmaynotgetanotherchance." TheladyreachedEngland.Anotherrelativewhohadalsocomefortheweddingsaid,"Nowyou arehere,whydon'tyoumakesomemoney.Iworkinthefields.Igettheequivalentof1,200 RupeesadayandImake6,000Rupeesinaweek."Theladywasmuchimpressed.Shecouldnot sleepatnight.Shehadagreaturgetomakemoney.Shekeptwaitingforthemorningsothatshe couldgotowork.Shehadcomewithakeendesiretoseeeverything,butforgotitallinhergreed formoney.Shestartedandkeptonworking.Shebecamesobusywithherworkthatinsteadof cookingaproperPunjabimealofpraunthasinthemorning,shestartedeatingbread;shewould alsotakebreadsandwichestoworkandeatthemwithcoke.Shechangedherdressingstyledue tohercompany.Shebecamesogreedythatshedidnotfeellikespendinganymoney.Shewould gototheGurdwarasometimesonSundaysandwouldjustdomathatekanofapenny.Urgedon byhergreed,shewouldnotgettiredeither.Sheregardeditashergoodfortuneifshegotany overtimework.Thenshestartedthinking,"Ihavesomuchmoney,whatshallIdowithit?"She returnedtoIndiaaftersixmonths.Withovertimeetc.shemadeafairlylargesumofmoney.The familyputinalittlemoremoneyandboughtahouseinthelocalcityandletitonrent.Theywere ofcoursestayinginthevillage.Therentstartedcominginforaboutsixmonthsafterwhichit stopped. Theladyandhersonwenttocollecttherentandthetenantsaid,"Donotworry;youwillgetyour rent."Andsoanotherfiveorsixmonthspassed.Theybecameworriedthatnorenthadbeen received.Thesonthoughtthattheyshouldgettherentbymakingthreats.Whentheymade threats,thetenantsaid,"AreyounotawarethatIamrelatedtothelocalpoliceofficer?Youhave boughtthishouseillegally(inordertoevadepropertytax).Youcanbesenttojail."Thetenant toldhisrelativepoliceofficer,whosaid,"Nexttimetheycomeletmeknow."Whentheladyand hersonwenttoaskforrentthenexttime,thetenantcalledthepoliceofficer.Hetookthelady's sontothepolicestationandbeathimandsaid,"Thenexttimeyouaskforrent,Ishallshootyou." Worried,theladybecameill.DuetothehardworkinthefieldsinEngland,shewassufferingfrom backacheaswell.Shenowregrettedthatshehadwastedthemoney.Shehadnotseenanyplaces inEngland.Ifshehadgivenanythingforcharity,atleastthatwouldhavegivensatisfactiontoher soul. IfyoumakeahouseinIndiaandyoudonotstayinit,thenyouhavetogiveitonrent.Thetenants oftentakeoverandbecometheowners.Thereismuchbriberyandcorruption.Youcangive moneyandgetanythingdone.Whereistheprofitinthistypeofpropertywhichcannotbeused andwhichisthentakenoverbyothers?Apersonworksdayandnighttomakemoneybut someoneelsegetsthebenefitofit.Peopleleavetheirlittlechildrenwithothersandworksohard tomakemoney.Ifapersonreflectsalittle,andmakeshisownlifesuccessfulbyremembering God'sName,thenthatwillhelphereandhereafter.Allthematerialwealthgatheredherewill remaininthisworld.DohonestworkbutalsodoNaamsimran.Thetruewealth(ofNaam)gives happinessandcontentmenthereandthehumansoulgetspraiseandrespectbeyondthislifealso. ThetruewealthisthegiftofNaamwhichthePanjPiarayconfersonanindividualwhenAmritis taken.Byearningthiswealthyoucanachievesalvation. "GathersuchawealthoftheLord,Obrother.Itcannotbeburnedbyfire,andwatercannotdrown it;itdoesnotdesertaperson."(SGGSP375)

"Theignorantfoolsamassfalsewealth.Theblind,foolish,selfwilledmanmukhshavegoneastray. Poisonouswealthbringsconstantpain.Itwillnotgowithyou,anditwillnotyieldanyprofit." (SGGSp.665) Oneday,aGianiJiwasdoingkatha(seeGlossary)intheGurdwara.Hesaidthatabout60years agoatavillageGurdwara,aGranthiwasdoingsewaofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Whoevercameto theGurdwaraformathatekan,woulddonatesomethingi.e.moneyorthings.Heshouldhave usedtheofferingsfortheGurdwarabuthewasmoreinterestedinsavingthemoneyforhimself. Abigmela(fair)isheldatHardwar(Hinduholyplace)everytwelveyears.ItiscalledKumbhda Mela.ItwastheyearofthismelaatHardwarandhethoughtofgoingthere.Hetookthemoney heneededandlockedtherestinatrunk.TherewasagreatcrowdatthemelaatHardwarandin therushhedied.Whenhedied,hismindwasonmoney,sohewasreborninthelifeformofa snake.WhentheGranthididnotreturnforsometime,thepeoplewantedtoseewhatwasinhis room.Theroomwaslocked.Theybrokethelockandenteredtheroomandsawasnakesittingon thetrunk.Thatisbecauseattheendofhislife,theGranthi'smindwasfixedonmoney.Aperson whohasnotbeencharitableandkeepshismindtotheendofhislifeonwealthhewillbereborna snake. "Onewhothinksofwealthattheend(ofhislife),anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbebornagain andagainintheserpentspecies.(SGGSp.526)

TheCycleofMaaya (Maayaisattachmenttothismaterialworldandwealth,personified.EquatestoMammoninthe NewTestamentseeGlossary.) "Maayaisaserpent,clingingtotheworld.Whoeverservesher,sheultimatelydevours." (SGGSp.510) Whenahumanbeingishangingupsidedowninthewomb,thenhepraystoWahegurutofreehim fromthatpredicament."FrombirthIshallrememberYou,"saysthehumansoul.Ontakingbirth, thebabycriesduetothebreakofthemeditativelinkwithWaheguru.Exceptionally,thereisone whodoesnotcry,andthatgreatsoulhasbeensentwithaspecialmission:toteachhumanityto serveGod'screationi.e.todosewaandtoteachNaamsimran. Aftertakingbirth,thechildgetscaughtinthenetofmaaya:attachment,desireformaterialthings andcomfortsgrows.Greedtakesover.Thatistheluringcycleofmaayaatwork. "Childhood,youthandoldage,knowtheseasthethreestagesoflife.SaysNanak,without meditatingontheLord,everythingisuseless;youmustappreciatethis."(SGGSp.1428) Toattainjiwanmukti(salvation),asoulhastomigratethroughmanylifeforms(Theendpurpose ofallliferepresentedinSikhibytheachievementofcompleteharmonyofthesoulwith theUltimateReality,theWaheguruJi).Amanmakesmanyanefforttoearnaliving.Hetravels fromonecountrytoanotherlookingforwork.Forexample,manypeoplelefttheircountry(Des) PunjabtomigratetoCanada,AmericaandEnglandetc.Inthesameway,BhaiHarbansSingh,Bhai GursharanSinghandIcametoEngland. TheearlyPunjabisettlersinEnglandfirstworkedveryhardinfactories,savedmoneyandbought theirownhouses.Aspeoplemademoremoney,theirambitionandgreedalsoincreased.First theyboughthousestoliveinthentheystartedbuyingbusinesses.Withincreasingmaterial ambitiontheystartedforgettingWaheguru'sName.MyfellowGursikhsalsofollowedthetrend. BhaiHarbansSinghJiofWalsallfirststartedworkinafactoryandeducatedhischildren.The childrenqualifiedaspharmacistsandopeneduptheirownbusinessesaschemists.Firstthey openedoneshopanditwasveryprofitable.Andsotheyopenedasecond,athirdandlatera fourthshop.Theyhadfourshops.ThetwosonstookovertwoandtheotherswerelettononSikh managers.Astheseemployeemanagerstookover,theprofitsbegantodrop. OnedaySantShishaSinghJi,whowasmakingacollectionforacharity,droppedinattheirhouse; onlythentheyrealisedthattheyshouldusetheirwealthforagoodcause.BabaJisaid,"Wewould likeyoutodosewaofatruck."BhaiHarbansSinghJidonatedmoneyforatruckandalsomadea furthercontribution.FromthatdayBhaiHarbansSinghJistarteddonatingdaswandh(onetenthof netincome)andthebusinessstartedpickingup.BhaiSahibgothisfamilyaroundhimandsaid, "WewereborntodoNaamsimranbutwehavegotcaughtinthecycleofmaayaandforgotten Satguru.Theyallrealisedthis.TodaytheydoNaamsimrananddosewaofSriGuruGranthSahib Ji.

WhenweinitiatedBhaiHarbansSinghofWalsallwithAmrit,heexperiencedscenesfromthetime ofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.AftertheAmritSanchaar,hecametomeandsaid,"BhaiSahibJiit seemsthatinsomepastlifeweweretogether." IwenttoseeBhaiHarbansSingh.TherewasaPrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJiintheirsecond house.AfterdoingtheSukhaasanofGuruJi,westartedtalking.Aswetalked,wewentintoa meditativestate.Thesceneofawarcameinfrontofus.WehadaccompaniedSriGuruGobind SinghJiinthebattlefield. Whentalkingagain,BhaiHarbansSinghsaid,"Ihavegreatregardforyoubutyoudonot rememberme,youdonottelephone,areyouupsetwithme?"Itoldhim,"BhaiSahibJi,wewere togetherinthelastlifecycle.IfwemeettoooftenthenIbegintorememberthehappeningsof thepreviouslife,justaswesawthebattlefieldscene.Talkingaboutthepastlifecanrouse attachment.WeareclosetoWaheguruandifwetalkaboutthepastlifethenwecoulddriftaway fromWaheguruduetoourpreviousattachment.Wecouldgetcaughtinfurtherlifecycles.SoIdo nottroubleyoutoomuch.Iknowthewholefamilyrespectsme." Inthisway,sometimes,separatedfriendsmeetagain.SantBabaSewaSinghJitoowaswithme duringthetimeofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.Inaffectionhewouldblessmeand,whenverymuch pleasedwithme,hewouldsay,"HailRamaSingh;inhimthereissomething." InthesamewayBhaiGursharanSinghSouthall,BhaiJagtarSinghandBhaiAvtarSinghalso workedveryhardtobecomewelltodo.Theyjoinedtogetherandboughtashop.Thebusiness flourishedandtheyboughtanothershop.Theybecamemoreambitiousasisthenatureofmaaya, andboughtasyetanothershop.Atthispointtheystartedgoingthroughbusinessdifficulties. However,GuruJidefendedtheirhonour,becausetheyhadfaithintheGuru.GuruJialways protectsanyonewhobecomesattachedtoHim.ThroughGuruJi'sgraceeverythingwassorted out.EvenduringthehardtimestheywoulddonatedaswandhforAnandpurSahib. OnedayIwastalkingtoBhaiGursharanSinghandhesaid,"IwasnineyearsoldwhenIsawthe sceneofabattlefieldinmydream,thatIwaslyingwoundedinthefield.Atthattime,SriGuru GobindSinghJiwaspassingthatwaywithPanjPiarayandheaskedthemtopauseandsaid,"Our Singhislyingwoundedhere."GuruJi,gavemewaterandalsospoketome,butIdonotnow rememberthewords." AtthattimeBhaiSahibdidnothavemuchknowledgeofGurbani.Hewouldalwaysprayforthe giftofBani.NowheisenjoyingWaheguru'sgrace.BhaiSahibhasmemorisedtheFiveBanis(see PanjBanisintheGlossary)andAsadiVaar,SukhmaniSahibandotherBanis.Healsodoessweet GurbaniKirtanandisverymuchattachedtoAnandpurSahibbecauseinanearlierlifehewas thereinthebattlesofAnandpur.HedoesmostofhissewaatAnandpur. Ohumanbeing!YouhavecomeforrecitingWaheGuru'sName.DoNaamsimranandmakeyour lifeasuccess.Onlythatistruewealth.Onlythiswealthwillaccompanyyouafterdeath.Sikhs shouldmakematerialprogressbuttheyshouldremainalooffromthegreedofwealth. "Nooneismorepowerfulthanthesheserpentmaya,whodeceivedevenBrahma,Vishnuand Shiva.(SGGSp.480)

Allthesepeoplebecameentangledinthenetofmaaya,butGuruJisavedthemwithHisown helpinghand.Itoobecameengrossedinthecycleofmaaya.Thismaayawhichtemptedeven Brahma,VishnuandMahadeo,thethreeHindudeities(trinity)representingcreation,life sustenanceandthepowerofdestruction(Itneedstoberememberedthatwhilstthesenames appearinSriGuruGranthSahibJiasthepopularidiomaticexpressionsforGodorGod'spower, SikhibeliefisinOneGodonlyasdescribedintheMoolMantar(theBasicPrecept)givenatthe beginningofSriGuruGranthSahibJi). "Suchismaaya,thewoman,whichtheOneLordhascreated.Sheisdevouringthewholeworld, buttheGuruhassavedme,Obrother.||Pause||Administeringherpoisons,shehasovercome thewholeworld.ShehasbewitchedBrahma,VishnuandShiva."(SGGSp.394) (Womandenotestheattractivequalityofmaayainthiscontextandnomore.Ininterpreting Gurbani,thegenderequalityofSikhimustalwaysbekeptinmind.SomeSikhpreacherstendto forgetthisimportantpoint.) Itoodidnotremainuntouchedbythismaaya.However,asGuruJihelpedthesepeople,soIwas savedalso. "Takingbythearm,Youliftedyourown,outofthedeepdarkpitofattachmentandmaaya.Says Nanak,theGuruhasbrokenmybonds,andendedmyseparation;HehasunitedmewithGod." (SGGSp.1218) Allthesepeople,evenaftersufferingsuchlossesdidnotleavethedooroftheGuru;insteadthey startedrecitingmoreBani.Otherwise,evenwithalittlesuffering,peoplestartaccusingtheGuru, "WhathastheGurudoneforus?WegototheGurdwara;wedopaatth,buteventhenGuruJihas nothelpedus." IprayinernestthatnopersonshouldmoveawayfromthedooroftheGuru.Wemusthavefull confidenceintheGuru.GuruJihelpedme.DuetotherecitationofSukhmaniSahib,mysinswere destroyedinadream.GuruJihasstoodbyanyonewhohaskeptawayfromthecycleofmaaya.

TheLifeOfGursikhs(Thedesiretodosewa) (HumilityofBhaiGurdasJi) "(May)theGursikhswearoutshoesmadefrommyskin. Thedustofthe(feetof)saintstouchtheforeheadsofonlythosewhoaremostfortunate." (A) Everypersonintheworldspendstimewithone'sownfamilyafterthedayswork.Thereareonlya fewwhotaketimeofftodosewaattheGurdwarawithSatguru'sBlessing.Someinmy acquaintance(atSouthallinEngland),whosenamesareworthmentioningare:ChachaDarshan Singh,BhaiKesarSinghMand,LateBibiGurdialKaur,BhaiGurdialSinghGill,BhaiJagirSingh,Late BhaiKartarSinghandBhaiSurjeetSinghBilga.Theyconsultedwitheachotherandmadetheeffort tobuildaGurdwarainSouthall.Therewereonlyabout5060SinghsinSouthallatthetime. TheyjoinedtogetherandstartedGurdwaraprogrammesatBeaconsfieldRoad,Southall.There wasnooneinSouthallatthetimewhocoulddoGurbaniKirtan.Therewereafewwhocoulddo PaatthatGurpurabs.IntheLangar,BhaiShankarSinghwouldmakepakaudas,puttheminsmall bagsandwoulddistributethemwithtea.AtthattimenoladieshadarrivedinEngland.Allwere thinkingofreturningtoIndia,butnoonecouldgetoutofthesweetprisonofthiscountry.Slowly familiesstartedarrivingandpeoplestartedbuyingtheirownhouseshere.TherewasonePunjabi foodrationshopownedbyaBhai. ThePunjabiinhabitantswithfamiliesstartedincreasingandtheircolourfulstylemadethetown livelier.TherewasaBingohallatthecomerofBeaconsfieldRoad.Theywouldrentitoverthe weekendsforDiwan(holdingreligiousprogrammesinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi). TheywouldcleanandmopthehallflooronSaturdaynightandwouldspreadwhitesheetsforthe Sangat.OnSunday,theSawari(Carriage)ofSriGuruGranthSahibJiwouldbebroughtfromthe houseofBhaiPritamSinghJiBauraandAsaJidiVaarwouldbeginat7.30inthemorning.Bhai RanjodhSinghJiDiwanaaccompaniedbyBhaiKesarSinghManddidtheKirtan.BhaiGurbachan Singhdidthesewaofthetabla.BhaiDharamSinghusedtodoKirtanwiththesmalldrum,the dholki,andBhaiMihanSinghwoulddosomekatha.BhaiKesarSingh,withthesupportofhis colleagueswoulddistributeatta(flour)anddaaltoanumberoffamiliesforcookinglangarand wouldcollectthecookedlangar(rotisanddaal)onSundaymorningandtakeittothehallwhere theDiwan(seeGlossary)wasbeingheld. WhentheSangatincreasedthen,withtheinitiativeofBhaiKesarSinghMand,theSangat collected6,000poundsforbuyingabuildingatTheGreen(Southall)fortheGurdwara.Bythis timemanyladiesweretheretodosewaofthelangarwhichbegantobepreparedatthenew Gurdwara. AtthebuildingboughtonTheGreenmuchcleaningneededtobedone.ChachaDarshanSingh, KesarSinghMand,SurainSinghandPritamSinghBauradidthis.TheGurdwaraSahibwasformally inauguratedontheGurpurabofGuruArjanDevJi'smartyrdom.TheSangatkeptincreasingand thisplaceseemedtoosmallforholdingDiwans. Oneday,KesarSinghandHardialSinghsawamilkdiaryhouseforsaleonHavelockRoad.The pricewas26,000(UKcurrency).TheyspoketoBhaiGurcharanSinghGill.Hetookoutaloanon hisownassuranceforthisbuilding.Onthisplacewasthenestablishedtheworldfamous

Gurdwara,SriGuruSinghSabha,Southall.TheSangatselectedBhaiGurcharanSinghGillasthe firstPresident. ThekeysforthisGurdwarawereobtainedon1January1967.The300thanniversaryofthe PrakashUtsavGurpurabofSriGuruGobindSinghJiwasinthatsameyearon22January1967.The inaugurationoftheGurdwarawasalsoarrangedforthesamedate.Muchneededtobedone.The partitioningwallsbetween9roomshadtobeknockeddowntomaketheSangathall.BhaiKesar SinghJistartedthework,andwiththesupportoftheSangatthisworkwentondayandnight. ChachaDarshanSinghwoulddosewaafterworkalso. ThefamilyofBhaiKesarSinghMandisinfullGursikhi.Hehasdonemuchworkineducationand otherfields.Whenin1977,theShromaniCommitteecelebratedthe400thanniversaryofthe establishmentofthecityofSriAmritsarasthe"AmritsarSthapnaDivas",thenBhaiKesarSingh Mand,BhaiRanjitSinghBhailandGianiAmolakSinghjointlyorganisedthecelebrationsatthe RoyalAlbertHall,London.ThisprogrammewasattendedbyelevenseniormembersofthePunjab Government,ShromaniAkaliDalandtheShromaniCommittee.Atthattime,KesarSinghMand, withhiscolleaguessetupanorganisationcalledthe"InternationalGoldenTempleRadio Corporation"andsubmittedarequesttotheGovernmentofIndiathattheywouldliketoinstallan internationalrangetransmitterinSriHarmandarSahib.ThiswouldenabletheinternationalSikh communitytolistentothemorningHukamnamaandtheGurbaniKirtanfromSriHarmandar Sahib.AlltheexpenditurewouldbeincurredbytheemigrantSikhcommunitybuttheIndian Governmentrefusedtoacceptthisdemand.AtthattimeKesarSinghMandhadgiventhismatter highprofilethroughthemedia.ItwasduetotheinitiativesofBhaiKesarSinghMandthatthe 500thbirthdayanniversary(PrakashUtsavGurpurab)ofSriGuruNanakDevJi,andthe300th PrakashUtsavofSriGuruGobindSinghJi,werecelebratedintheRoyalAlbertHall.Thenthe300th anniversaryofthemartyrdomofSriGuruTeghBahadhur(ShahidiGurpurab)wasalsocelebrated intheAlbertHallin1975.TheseprogrammesweremanagedfromthestagebyBhaiKesarSinghJi inamostefficientmanner.HeisservingtheSikhPanththroughhisenlightenedarticles.Allthe childrenoftheMandfamilydoverymelodiousGurbaniKirtaninclassicalraags. (B) ThelateChachaDarshanSinghwasalsoverykeenondoingsewa.ChachaJiwouldtakeanysaintly personorscholararrivingfromIndiatohishouse.Hewoulddosewawithallhisheart.Hewould persuadetheotherstootodosewa.HedidmuchsewaofwashingutensilsintheLangaratthe Gurdwaraandhedidthatcontinuouslyfor32years.Hehadacquiredsuchspiritualharmony throughsewathatwhateverhesaidinhissincereandsimplemannercametopass.HeknewNit Nem,SukhmaniSahibandtheBaniofGuruTeghBahadurbyheart.Hewouldcontinuereciting Baniwhiledoingsewa. OnedayaladycametotheGurdwaratodosewaofwashingutensilsandtrays.Shedidthisfor aboutfiveminutesandthenstartedtoleave;ChachaJisaid,"Bibiwhereareyougoing?Ifyou wouldlikeyoursewatobesuccessfulthenyoushoulddoitforatleasthalfanhour."Thelady starteddoingsewawholeheartedly.Onedaywhileshewasdoingsewa,ChachaJiaskedher, "Howmanychildrendoyouhave?"Theladyreplied."Ihavetwodaughters."ChachaJisaid, "Continuedoingsewa,thereisnoshortageintheGuru'sHouse."Shekeptondoingsewaandwas blessedwithababyson. OneotherladyusedtodosewaattheGurdwara.ShespoketoChachaDarshanSinghthather daughterinlawhadcomefromIndiaandsufferedfromsevereheadacheononesideofherhead.

ShehadreceivedtreatmentinIndiaandinEnglandbutnocurehadbeenfound.ChachaJisaid, "ThebiggestDoctorisSriGuruGranthsahibJisittingintheGurdwara.Domathatekandaily,wipe theSangat'sshoeswithahandkerchiefandwipeitoverthepartoftheheadwhereitpains.The Guruwillhelp."Thelady'sdaughterinlawstarteddoingthesewaofcleaningSangat'sshoesand herheadachestopped. (C) EveryonereadsorhearsGurbani,butfewresearchandunderstanditsdeepermeaning.Bhai SohanSinghofSloughisoneGursikhwhohasgreataffectionforSikhi.HeattendstheGurdwara daily.TheGurdwaraSahibisnearhishouse.Heistotallydedicatedtorecitingandlisteningto Gurbani. BhaiSahibJitoldmethatonedayhewentfordarshanattheGurdwaraandanAkhandPaatth (continuousreadingofSriGuruGranthsahibJi)wasinprogress.Hewasverymuchtouchedbythe followingShabad: "Oneortwoareinthehouse,andoneortwomoreareontheway.Wesleeponthefloor,while theysleepinthebeds.Theyrubtheirbareheads,andcarryprayerbooksintheirwaistbands.We getdrygrains,whiletheygetloavesofbread."(SGGSp.871) Hesaid,"Iwasindeepbairag(seeGlossary)whenIheardthisShabadandfeltgreatsorrow.I wenthomeandthewife,SurinderKaur,askedwhyIlookedsosad.Isaidtoher,"TheBaniof BhagatKabirisringinginmyears.Despitehispoverty,KabirJiservedallthosewhovisitedhim. TheLordhasgivenuseverythingbutstillwehavenokeendesiretodosewa. Hearingthis,theirwifewasalsoverymuchtouched.Shesaid,"IfanyGursikhcomestoourhouse, Ishallservefood.Ifwedosewathenourlifewillbesuccessful.Mysoulwillbehelpedalso.Many Gursikhsknowyou,whydon'tweorganiseaKirtanprogrammeathome?"Andsotheyinvited manySinghsonaKirtanprogrammeandalmostallcame. IhavenoticedthatwheneversomeSinghcomesfromoutside,theyaskhimtostayattheirplace. Forexample,BhaiJiwanSingh,Dr.TejinderpalSinghDoola,BhaiPuranSinghJi,BhaiSahibChaniJi, BibiHarjitKaurandBibiBhupinderKauretc.,theyallstayedatBhaiSohanSinghJi'splace.Theydo dedicatedsewa. (D) Oneday,BhaiJarnailSinghJimetmeatRaaenSubaaee(seeGlossary)Kirtan.Hesaid,"Ikeep sayingtomyparentstotakeAmrit,buttheywouldnotlisten.BothgototheGurdwaradailyand dosewawithgreatdedication.Theyarecontentwithjustdoingsewaanddonotthinkthatthere isanyneedtotakeAmrit.TheyhavebeenpreparedtotakeAmritattimesbutthentheygoand telltheirfriendsthattheyaregoingtotakeAmrit.Theirfriendstellthem,"Forgetit,whatisthere inAmrit.WedosewaattheGurdwaraandthatisenoughforsalvation."Hearingthis,father changeshismindagain.WhenIaskagain,"Father,areyoureadytotakeAmrit?"Fatherwould say,"IamreadybutyourMumisnotreadytowearakeski(smallturbanbeneaththeheadcloth ordupatta).WhensheisreadywewilltakeAmrit.Andsohemakesexcuses.WhenIgohome thenmotherasksmetotakefood.Isay,"WhenyoutakeAmritonlythenwillIeatfoodcookedby you."Mothersays,"Welookedafteryouandbroughtyouup,nowyoudon'teatfoodmadeby us."

AftersometimeIwenttomyparentshouse.Motheraskedmetoeatfood.Iexplainedtomy mother,"Ihavenowadoptedsarabloh"(sarablohmeans"iron"andthereferencehereistoAmrit whichispreparedinanironbowlwithadoubleedgedswordcalledKhanda);"Ieatfoodprepared byAmritdharis(thosewhohavetakenAmrit)andservedinironutensilsonly."Ididnoteatfood thatday.Motherwasmuchpainedbythis. Whenfathercamehome,motherwasverysadandtoldhimthat"todaymyGursikhsondidnot eatfood."Fathersaidifyouwanttoservefood,IshallbringfiveSinghstomorrowandyoucan preparefoodforthem. Thefollowingday,fatherwentandtoldfiveSinghstocomeandeatathome.Motherwasvery happythatfiveSinghswerecomingtoeat.Shepreparedlangarwithdevotion.Whenshesawthe Singhs,shewassurprisedbecausenoneofthemseemedtobekeepingfullrehatofGursikhs.All hadcuttheirbeards.Motheraskedthemtosaytheprayer{Ardaas)andtheylookedateach other.FathersaidtheArdaasandfoodwasserved.However,motherwasnothappy.Itoomade fewervisitstomyparent'shouse. Oneday,Katha(sermon)wasinprogressattheCoventryGurdwaraSahibthatBabaAtarSinghJi MasthuanasaidtohismothertotakeAmritbecausetherewasnocertaintyofthislife.However, BabaJi'smotherdidnotshowmuchinterest.SriGuruGobindSinghJihadgivenBabaJithedutyof AmritSancharandBabaJihadpersuadedmanyhundredsofthousandstobeinitiatedintofull Sikhirehat. Timepassedandquitesuddenly,BabaJi'smotherpassedaway.HersoulappearedbeforeDharam Raj(thedivinejudgeatthedoorofthespiritualworld,whoassessesgoodandbaddeedsof individuals).Hethought,"Thisisthemotherofagreatsaint;Icannotsendhertohell,norcanI sendhertotheheavenlySachkhandforshehasnottakenAmrit"Hesaidtothemother,"Ican giveyouthreemoredaysoflife.GoandtakeAmritandyouwillbegivenaplaceinSachkhand." MothertookAmritandthenpassedontoSachkhand. Whenfatherheardthiskatha,hewasfrightened.HekepttelephoningmebutIwasnotathome. Whenhewasabletotalktomehesaid,"Wherewereyou,Ihavebeentelephoningyou.When willthenextAmritSanchartakeplace?"Itoldhimthatitwastotakeplacethefollowingmonth. Hesaid,"Nextmonth?Thatistoolong.Can'titbearrangedsooner?IwouldliketotakeAmritas soonaspossible."HewasnowveryimpatienttotakeAmrit.ItoldhimthatAmritSancharwas takingplacethefollowingmonthatLeamingtonSpaontheShaheediday(dayinremembranceof martyrs)andAmritSanchardidtakeplacethatday." IwasstandingnexttoBhaiJarnailSinghneartheshoes.Hisfather,BhaiPritamSinghalsocame there.Therewasalotofrush.EveryonewhocamewouldgreetBhaiJarnailSinghandaskabout hiswelfare.BhaiPritamSinghstandingtherewassurprisedthateveryonewasgreetingBhai JarnailSinghbutnothim.HethoughtthatifhehadtakenAmritearlier,hetoowouldbepopular andpeoplewouldgreethimwiththesamewarmth.WhenhetookAmrithiswholelifechanged. BhaiJarnailSinghwasveryhappy.AftertakingAmritboth(BhaiPritamSinghandhiswife)would doNaamsimran.Theywouldgetupearlyatoneo'clockinthemorningandstartNaamsimran andmorethancaughtupwithothersinthisrespect.BhaiPritamSinghwouldsometimesdosewa asoneofthePanjPiaray.

ThisistheAgeofKalyug(seeGlossary).Parentsshouldbeteachingchildren,butthesedaysthe childrenteachparents.OnedayKuldeepSingh,sonofChachaDarshanSinghsaidtome,"Comelet metakeyoutoseetheSinghsofLeicester."Iwentwithhim.BhaiKuldeepSinghwastotally dedicatedtoNaamsimran.BhaiKuldeepSingh,BhaiJoginderSingh,BhaiInderjitSinghandBhai OnkarSinghwouldsittogetheranddosimranearlyinthemorning.BhaiKuldeepSinghtookme withhimandImetalltheseGursikhsthere(atLeicester).BhaiJoginderSinghsaid,"BhaiSahibJi, allourfamilymembershavetakenAmritbutourparentsarenotpreparedtodoso.Lookatthe cycle(reversetrend)ofKalyugthatitshouldbetheparentsadvisingtheirchildrentotakeAmrit. NowIamtellingthembuttheywouldnotlisten.Youtry,seeiftheylistentoyou."IspoketoBhai JoginderSingh'sparents,"DobecomeAmritdhari,forthenyouwillbesavedfromtheburdenof accounting(foryourdeedasyouenterthenextworld);youwillbesavedfromthebeatingbythe yams(thosewhocarryoutthepunishment)ofhell."Theysaidtheywouldthinkaboutit.They tookAmritaftersometime.BhaiJoginderSinghwassokeenthathelearnedtodobeautiful GurbaniKirtan.SeeinghishumilityhewaselectedJathedar(leader)manytimesbytheSangat.His mainaimwhilehewastheJathedarwastobringunityinthePanthandthatallGursikhsshould showbrotherlyaffection. "Theperson,whoisnotaffectedbypleasure,affectionorfear,andwholooksalikeupongoldand dust."(SGGSp.633) TheLordresidesintheheartofonewhogivesupothers'wealthandfollowsastrictmoralcode regardingsexualrelations.InthisKalyug(seeGlossary),itisverydifficulttoshunthese.Evenholy peopleofthehighestorder(therishisandmunis)getentangledinthiswebofmaaya(see Glossary).IfapersonisblessedbyGuruNanak,thenthatpersonregardsearthandgoldalikei.e. becomesimmunetotemptationofanysort.Thatpersonattainssalvationfromthisworld.There aremanyGursikhswhoregardtheGurdwara'smoneyastheGuru'smoneyandspenditonlyon theGurdwararelatedcauses.OnesuchGursikhisBhaiHarbhajanSinghJiSagoo.Hehastakena veryfullpartinthesewaoftheGurdwaraandcontinuestodoso. Whileearninghislivelihood,hecontributedtowardstheconstructionofBebeNanakiGurdwara. Pleasedwithhissewa,BibiBalwantKaurmadehimtheheadsewadar(onewholeadswith humilityinthemanagementofaSikhorganisation).Hekeptverydetailedaccountsofallincome andexpenditure.Hecarriesouthissewadutiesinamostproficientmanner.Duetohiseffortsand thegenerosityoftheSangat,BibiBalwantKaurconstructedaBebeNanakiGurdwaraandhospital inIndia.Hehassuchapleasantpersonalitythateveryoneisattractedtohim. BhaiHarbhajanSinghJimetmeonceandIaskedhim,"Howdidyoudevelopsuchacloseinterest inGursikhi?hesaid,"MyBabaJi(grandfather)usedtorecitealotofGurbaniandwouldtakeme totheGurdwara.MyparentstooweredevotedtotheGuruGhar(Guru'sHouse).WhenIwasstill young,aholyperson(saadhu)cametotheGurdwara.Hewasverypleasedtoseemedoingsewa andsaid,"Ishallgiveyougurmantar(seeGlossary)wherebyyourattachmenttoWaheguruwill increase."Hesaid,"Befreshandalertandsittingcrosslegged(asintheGurdwara),dothesimran ofOhangSohang.Accordingly,IkeptondoingthesimranofOhangSohangbutwithoutmuch result. OnoneoccasiontheGurdwaralibrarianwentonleaveandmademeresponsibleforthelibrary.I hadtheopportunitytoreadreligiousbooksthere.Afterreadingthebooks,Icametounderstand thattheGurMantaris"Waheguru".IwasverysadthathavingtakenbirthinaGursikhfamilywhy didIallowmyselftobeledastray.ThenIstarted"Waheguru"simranandIstartedenjoying

spiritualpeace.HavingreadmanybooksmyknowledgeincreasedandItookAmrit.Mypastgood deedsborefruit.ImetBibiBalwantKaurinEastAfricaandinhercompanyIbecamededicatedto 'Kirtanandsimran. Inoticedthatwhenthemembersofthisfamilysittodosimrantheyallbecomeimmersedin simranandtheycontinuedoingitforhours.Theydonotallowabreakinsimran.Ifoneperson getsupanothersitsinthatperson'splace.Evenlittlechildrenusekhadtaals(handheldsmall roundedmetaldiscsforproducingmetallicmusicalsound)forkeepingrhythmofsimran.There areonlyafewfamilieswhojoininsimraninthisway.Alldosewaontabla(i.e.playtabladrums) andharmonium.Othersgainspirituallyfromthesimranofthisfamily.Theydosimraninthe SangateverymorningatBebeNankiGurdwara. EveryGursikhshouldmakesuchaneffort.ChildrenshouldbeguidedtowardsthepathofGursikhi. Generally,peopledonothavefaithintheGuru.Mostly,theyadvisetheirchildrentostudywell andgainqualifications,sothattheycangetgoodjobs.Theydonotteachthemanythingabout GursikhitheSikhculture,languageandtheSikhwayoflifeinaccordancewiththeGuru's teachings.ThereareotherGursikhswhohavetotalfaithintheGuru.TheyteachNitNemtotheir childrenwiththeirotherstudiesandencouragethemtodoNitNem(seeGlossary).TheGuru helpsachildwhofollowsthisadvice.Thechildisgrantedthegiftoftablaandharmonium.The Guruhelpsinstudiesaswell.Suchchildrengainqualification,dogoodjobsandsingthepraisesof theGuru. ThemotivatedyoungSikhsarekeentolearnKirtanwiththeirstudiesandarrangeweekly programmes.TherearemanydoctorsinAmericawhodomelodiousKirtan.BhaiTejinderPalSingh isadoctoranddoesmelodiousKirtan.BhaiManjitSinghofGlasgowhasM.Sc.degree.Hispast gooddeedsawakenedhisspirit.HebecameinterestedinKirtanattheageofeight.Hesaid, "Seeingmyinterestmyfatherboughtmeaharmoniumandtabla.Theydidnotrestrictme. However,myparentsdidsaythatifIstartedlearningKirtanhowwouldIstudy?Butduetothe blessingofGuruJiIdidwellinstudiesalso."DrDupinderSinghplaysharmoniumandtablawell. BhaiPrabhjotSinghisadoctoranddoesmelodiousKirtan. EveryoneknowsGianiAmolakSinghJi.HeiseducatedandisaccomplishedinGurbaniKirtan.He specialisesinbothharmoniumandtabla.HeaccompaniedBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJifor manyyears. (G) BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJiwasamostsaintlyperson.OnedayhemetBibiGulabKaurJi.Bibi GulabKaursymbolisedpositivespiritofaGursikhsoul.SheblessedBhaiSahibsaying,"OSikhof theGuruyouhaveachievedthestateofbliss.Inyou,SatguruJihaslightedalamp."BhaiSahib requestedhumbly,"Becharitable,sothatthislampshouldcontinueradiatinglight."Sheblessed himwiththesewords,"ThisbrightlampsheddingthelightofWaheguru'sNameindevotees' hearts,willburnevermorebrightly."Sheinstructed,"StartholdingcontinualGurbaniKirtansand AkhandPaatths."BhaiSahibstartedorganisingAkhandPaatthsandallnight(RaaenSubaaee) Kirtanprogrammes.Now,theGursikhslivinginIndiaandabroadenjoytheblissofRaaenSubaaee Kirtan. BhaiSahibJiwouldalwaysprayfortherisingspiritoftheKhalsaPanth.Hedidnotstarthisown derai.e.eastablishmentorschool,because,thentheSinghswouldthinkoftheprogressofthat particularestablishmentandnotabouttheprogressofthewholePanth.

SeriesofKirtanprogrammescontinuedduringBhaiSahib'stime.ForthisreasonthenameofBhai SahibBhaiRandhirSingh'sGurbaniKirtanijatha(group)cametobeknownastheAkhandKirtani Jatha.Akhandmeanscontinuousi.e.tosingtheGuru'spraisescontinuously.Kirtanisdone continuouslyinthesamewayasAkhandPaatth.AfterBhaiSahib,BhaiMaiSinghdidsewainthe Jatha. TheJathaisdoingselflesssewaofthePanth.Alldonatedaswandh(onetenthofearnings)for AmritParchaar(preachingandholdingAmritSanchar)toursinmanycountries.Theypayall expensesthemselves.IfBhaiSahibhadestablishedownschool(dera)thenthissewawouldnot havebeendoneinthisway.Tolabelgoldas"gold"isnotabadthing;notsoifyoupresentbronze as"gold". (H) (WaheguruHimself)looksafterhissewak(servant))andinspireshimtodoNaamsimran." (SGGSp.403) OnedayBhaiPremSinghdecidedtoinvitefiveSinghsforfood.Iwasoneofthoseinvited.The wholefamilydidsewawithgreatdevotion.TherewasaphotoofanelderlyGursikhonthewall.I asked,whosephotoitwas.BhaiSahibsaid,"Itismyfather,SardarGurdialSingh'sphoto.He wouldreciteSukhmaniSahibdailyandalsodidNaamsimran.MymotherAmarKaurJialsohad greatfaithinGurbani.MyfatherwasintheNavy(Police)atSingapore." "Onedayfather'sdutywasonawatchtoweronahill.Toreachitonehadtowalkthroughthe graveyard.Forthatreasonnoonewaspreparedtododutythere.Everyonewasfrightened.The dutywasatnightandfathersaidthathewoulddotheduty.FatherwoulddoPaatthofSukhmani Sahiballnight.Onedayashewasdoingpaatthhedozedoff.AtonceaShaheedSingh(spiritofa martyrSingh)said,"SinghoftheGuru,itismorningtime;getupanddoNaamsimran.Fathergot upandstartedrecitingNaamsimran.Aftersometimehisofficercameandsaid,"Iamvery satisfiedwithyourperformance.Youaredoingagoodjob.Youshouldgetapromotion." "Onenightwhendoingnightdutyfathersawalargesnakewithaspreadhoodheadingtowards him.Suddenlytherewaslighteninganditstruckthesnake.FatherwasgratefultoWaheguruJi." Aperson,whorecitesSukhmaniSahibandNaamsimran,becomesfearless.Waheguruiscloseto thatpersonandprotectshimasinthecaseofBhaiGurdialSinghJi.Thisisallduetothestrong beneficialinfluenceofNaamandBani. (I) IaccompaniedBabaSewaSinghtoVancouverandwestayedattheTattKhalsaGurdwara.The GianiJioftheGurdwaraknewBabaJiwell.HehelpedtomakeacollectionforBabaJifrommany places.AfterthiswewenttoRosesStreetGurdwara.TheeveningDiwaan(GurbaniKirtanand prayers)wasbeingheld.TherewemetBhaiRipdamanSinghMalak.ItoldhimthatBabaJihad comefromAnandpurSahibtomakeacollection.Herequestedthatweatefoodathisplacethe followingday.Hehadalargehouse.Hegavetheequivalentof20,000Rupeesandshowedgreat respecttoBabaJi.Hesaid,"BabaJiyouaredoingmuchgoodwork,Whenyoucomeagainplease domeetme."WhenIwenttoVancouveragain,Isawthecharityhehadgivenbroughthimmore wealth.Hehadopenedhisownbank. "OnewhoisaSinghhimselfisdutyboundtohelppoorSinghs."(Rehatnama)

BhaiSahibSinghenjoysGuruJi'sgraceandrunsfourbanksnow.Hehasbeenveryhelpfulto othersandemploysmanyinhisbanks.WiththehelpoftheSangat,hehasbuiltaGurdwaraanda college.Here,thechildrenfirstgototheGurdwarainthemorning,theydoKirtanandArdaasand thenattendtheirclasses.WiththeirotherstudiestheyalsolearnabouttheSikhreligion. WealthyGursikhsinothercountrieslikeEnglandandAmericashouldfollowthegoodexampleof theSangatofVancouvertoensurethatourchildrenshouldnotmoveawayfromSikhi.They shouldthinkaboutthenextgeneration.Ifsimilarinitiativesaretaken,andKhalsacollegesopened forourchildrenthentheywillnotgiveupSikhidentityandrehat.Suchinitiativesaretoday'sneed. IfanyonemakesthiseffortthenitwouldbeagreatsewaoftheSikhnation.AsBhaiRipdaman SinghandtheSangatofVancouverhavebuiltaGurdwaraandacollege,thisisanoutstanding examplefortheSikhs;anyonewhotakessuchaninitiativewillalwaysberemembered.Withsuch aneffort,manygetjobs.Allthosewhoworkintheseinstitutions(Gurdwarasandcolleges)are Sikhs.Ifonehaswealththenoneshouldalsohavethegenerosityofheart.Charityneverresultsin alossbutalwaysingain;itisalsolikesowingtheseedsofgooddeedsforhereafter. AfterthevisittoVancouver,wewenttoasmallislandtoBhaiJoginderSingh.Herunsmilkdiaries. HeknewBabaJiwell.Hedonatedmoneyandalsomadeacollectionfromhisrelativesandfriends andsupportedBabaJi'scause.Goodpeoplealwayshavegoodideas.Theyalwayslookaheadand thinkofimprovingthelifeofothers.HefeltthatthereshouldbeaGurdwaranearthemotorway there.Itisabeautifulsite.Accommodationcouldbeprovidedfortourists.WereturnedtoEngland aftermakingacollectionfromAmericaandCanada.BabaJistayedinEnglandforaweekandthen wentbacktoIndia. (J) AhumanbeingrememberseverythingelsebutforgetsWaheguru'sNameandkeepsthinking aboutpersonalenjoymentandcomfort.Anindividualremainsattachedtoownfamily.Sometimes onethinksaboutexpansionofbusiness,sometimesaboutbuyingacarofthelatestmakeanda largehouseforliving;immersedinthesethoughtsheforgetsGod'sName.Manyfamiliesdonot evenreciteGurbani.WhereverIgo,Iremindfamilies,"YouarenotlaxaboutNitNem(see Glossary),areyou?AreyoulivingaccordingtoGurmatt(Guru'steachings)?Howmuchdoyou respectBani?"InGurmatt,toremindsomeonethatitisimportanttodoNitNemandsewaisan actofcommunityservice. OnedayBhaiSuchaSingharrangedanAkhandPaatth;whenhewaseatingLangar,hecameand satnearme.Iaskedhim,"HowisyourNitNemgoing."BhaiSahibtoldme,"WithGuruJi'sgrace,I getupat1o'clockinthemorning.FirstIgoforawalkforhalfanhour.ThenItakeabathanddo thePrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.ThenIdothePaatthofSukhmaniandthenfrom4.00to 5.00attendthemorningNaamsimran."Iaskedhim,"AreyouanAkhandpaatthi?Doyouhave moresatisfactiondoingpaatthatspeedormoreslowly?"(Note:AnAkhandpaatthiisabletodo fluentpaatthfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.)Hesaid,"Ihavemuchsatisfactionandenjoymentin doingpaatthslowly.Sometimes,IamrequiredtodopaatthabitfastbutIdonotenjoythat.Of course,thosewholistenwouldnotenjoypaatthatspeedeither." Heaskedme,"BhaiSahib,isitessentialthatanAkhandPaatthmustbecompletedin48hours?"I said,"ThereisnotimelimitforcompletingAkhandPaatth.ThemeaningofAkhandPaatthisthat Gurbanishouldbereadcontinuouslywithoutabreak.However,theBanishouldbereadcorrectly sothatthoselisteningarealsounderstandingandenjoyingit

(K) BhaiRaghbirSinghsaidthattheirjatha(group)oftwelveSinghsledbyBhaiMalkitSingh,was returningfromCalgarytoVancouver(Canada)afterdoingKirtan.Itwasajourneyof12or13 hoursatnight.Hesaid,"IwasrecitingGurbanialoud.Anelderlypersonlookedbacktoseeifa cassetteplayerwason;hewaswonderingwhowasdoingpaatthinthedarknessatnight.Hewas surprisedthattherewasnolight,sowhowasrecitingBaniforthreeorfourhoursnonstop.Itold himthatbythegraceoftheGuruIhadbeenabletomemorisealotofBani.WhenIwasyoung,I wasverykeenonwrestling.Seeingmyinterest,myfatherboughtasackofalmondsaspartofmy strengthbuildingdiet." BhaiRaghbirSinghbelievesthatthedietofalmondshashelpedhismemorypoweraswell.For thatreasonhehasbeenabletocommittomemoryalotofBani.IrequestthateveryGursikh shouldtrytolearnandcommittomemoryasmuchBaniashecan.TheminimumaretheBanisof JapJiSahibandRehras.TheaimshouldbetolearnbyheartalltheFiveBanisoftheNitNemand SukhmaniSahibandasmuchotherBaniaspossible.TheancientSinghsknewbyheartallBanis. Whentheywereinwarsagainstoppression,theyrecitedJaapSahibinthebattlefieldandwere alwaysvictorious.TherewerenoGutkas(smallbookletsofselecteddailyBanis)inthosedays. NowthereareGutkasandunfortunatelymanyGursikhsdonotlearnBanibyheart.Ifonehas committedBanitomemory,onecanreciteitanywhere.Gutkasmustbetreatedwithrespect. TherearesomehouseswheretheGutkasarenotkeptwithrespect.Bani,nomatterinwhatform, mustbeheldingreatrespect. "BeholdtheGreatnessofGodOsaints,Hebestowshonouronthelowly."(SGGSp.735) "Mycondition,OmyTrueGuru,thatcondition,OLord,isknownonlytoYou.Iwaswandering aroundlost,andnoonecaredforme.IntheCompanyoftheGuru,theTrueGuru,I,theworm, havebeenraisedupandexalted."(SGGSp.167) ThepastbaddeedsofapersonareerasedwhenthatpersondoesmathatekanbeforeSriGuru GranthSahibJi.IftheGuruwishestheneventhehumblecanberaisedtoapositionofhonourand respect.IhavenotbeenfittodothedutyofoneofthePanjPiaray,butpraisebetoGuruJiand thatmyweaknesseshavebeenoverlooked.GuruJihasbestowedonus(theJatha)themost exaltedsewaofPanjPiaray.GuruJihasgivenustheinitiativeandefforttogotomanycountries forAmritSancharsothatwhilewebenefitfromNaamsimran,sowepersuadeotherstobenefitin thesameway.WehavebeengiventhesewaofpreachingSikhi.Waheguruhasgivenusthejoyof doingsewa. IjoinwithBhaiJarnailSingh,BhaiRaghbirSingh,BhaiSohanSingh,BhaiOnkarSinghandmany otherSinghsandSinghanisforthesewaofAmritSanchar.WhenthereareholidaysinEnglandora Bankholiday,somecallothersfordinner,otherswatchtelevisionbuttheprogrammeofthe GursikhsistogoandpreachSikhiinEnglandandabroad.BhaiJarnailSinghwoulddrivethewhole nightanddoNaamsimran.Whenwereachourdestination,wedoRaaenSubaaeeKirtanand preachSangatstofollowGuruJi'steachings,"IfyoudonotaccepttheGuru'sWord(i.e.become Guruwaalay),thenyouwillreenterthecycleofbirthanddeath." OnceIwenttoThailandwiththeJatha.Onthereturnflight,therewerequiteafewofusGursikhs togetherintheplane.

Suddenly,BhaiRaghbirSingh,whoknowsBanibyheart,startedtheNitNem.Everyonelistenedto thePaatthoftheFiveBanis,OneSinghlookedatthetimeandasked,"BhaiSahib,whydidyou starttheNitNemsoearly?"TheEnglandtimeatthetimewas3.00inthemorning.Inthisway, duetoforceofhabit,BaniistimedandrecordedinthemindsofGursikhsandthepaatthstarts automatically;inthesamewayastaperecordersandradiosstartontimersthesedays. "ONanak,meetingtheTrueGuru,theart(ofharmoniouslivingwiththeGod'sNameintheheart) isperfected.Whilelaughing,playing,dressingandeating,oneisliberated."(SGGSp.522)(Thisis theGurbanireferencetothemiri/piri(worldly/spiritual)ideologyofSikhi(seeGlossary)) Gursikhsearntheirliving,bringuptheirfamilies,raisetheirchildren,andaftertheirmarriages, spendtheirfreetimepractisingandpreachingGursikhi.Thisisthepathtospiritualpower.Thisis thetruelifestyleofGursikhs.

ThoseGursikhsofEnglandwhoestablishedtheGurusHouse(Gurdwara)beforebuyingtheirown houses.Thosestandingfromlefttoright;S.MohanSingh,S.BaldevSingh,S.SarwanSingh,S. AmrikSingh,S.SurjitSingh,S.RatanSinghandS.BachanSingh.Thosesittingfromlefttoright;S. GurdevSingh,S.PritamSingh,S.AjitSingh,Dr.STaraSingh,GianiBalwantSinghandHarbans Singh.

 DuringSimranonstage;BhaiGursharanSingh,BhaiRamaSingh,BibiMohinderKaur,BhaiJagtar Singh,BibiRanjitKaur,BhaiJaspalSingh(playingtabla)andBibiBhajanKaur.

SangatmeetforSimraneverymorningatAmritVela(seeGlossary)atSriGuruSinghSabha (Southall).Thisprogrammehasbeengoingonfrom1995.

TheSangatatAmritVela.

TheSangatassembledforSimranatAmritvelaatSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall.

OntheoccasionofthefirstRaaenSubaaeebychildrenatSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall.From righttoleft;BhaiHardipSingh(Slough),BibiGurleenKaurandBibiKamaljitKaurdoingkirtan.

 S.KesarSinghJiMandsgrandchildreninGursikhisaroopareanoutstandingexampleforthenext generation.TaughtbyGianiDarshanSinghJiSohal,theyhavegainedproficiencyinclassical Gurbanikirtan.KakaGursharanSinghcandokirtanin18Gurbaniraagsandalsowonthesecond prizeintablainthe11to16agegroupatthefamousHarbalabhMelaatJalandharinyear2000.

BackrowLefttoright;S.KesarSinghMand,S.GurmukhSinghandS.BhagatSingh. FrontrowLefttoright;RanjitKaurMand,ManvirSinghMand,JasmitKaurMand,BhaiRama SinghJiandGursharanSinghMand.

BhaiBalkarSinghJiwithBhaiRamaSinghJiandchildrenduringtheSikhiworkshophasgivenfull supporttothisactivity

GurmatclassoftheSikhiworkshopchildrenatSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall.Childrenaretaught abouttheSikhreligioninthisclass.

 SavdeepSinghmetBhaiRamaSinghataSikhicamp.AfterhavingdiscussionwithBhaiRamaSingh hislifechangedfrommanmukhtoGurmukh.SavdeepSinghispicturedwithBhaiRamaSinghand SavdeepsfatherBalkarSingh.

InHounslow,London,BhaiRamaSinghJiwithGursikhsfromIndia.Fromrighttoleft;BhaiRama Singh,BhaiBhupinderSingh,BibiBhupinderKaur,BhaiPuranSingh,BhaiHarvinderSinghandBibi KulwantKaur.

TheindicationofKhalsaRaj:WhenBhaiRamaSinghJi,inadreamlikevisionhaddarshan(holy sight)ofSriHarmandarSahibandthemysteriousKhalsa(guide)showedhimscenesofthe achievementsofKhalsaRaj.

WhenBhaiRamaSinghJi,inhisvision,hadtheblissfulexperienceofdoingSimraninthe undergroundtunnellikestructurepreparedforthispurposebytheKhalsa.

WhenBhaiRamaSinghJiarrivedintheU.K.therewereonlyaboutfourSinghsoftheAkhand KirtaniJatha.Fromabout196970manymembersofthesangatdrewclosertotheHolyFeet (Presence)oftheGuru(bytakingAmrit).AphotooftheSinghsandSinghanisatthetime.

DivinePower (KaamdhenShaktiAccordingtoHindumythology,Kaamdhenisaheavenlycowwhichappeared whentheoceanwaschurnedbytheforcesofgoodandevil(devtasandtherakhshas).Itcangrant anygiftonedesiresandthatisreferredtoasthepowerofkaamdhenorKaamdhenshakti) "TheLordistheFulfillerofdesires,theGiveroftotalpeace;theKaamdhen,thewishfulfilling (mythologicaldivine)cow,isinHispower."(SGGSp.669) Whencrueltyandoppressionincreasesinthisworld,thentheLordsendssomeavtaar(divine person)todestroyevil.YouallknowthatRamChandarJibuiltabridgetocrosstheseatofreeSita (hiswife).Anordinarypersonwouldwonderhowthiscanbedone.Nomeansforbuildingsuch bridgeswereavailablethosedays.ThisbridgewasbuiltbythedivinepowerofGod.Itwasnot easytochallengeanddefeatRawan'shugearmy.Therewereonlythesetwobrothers,Ram ChandarandLashmanandthearmyofmonkeys.Manyweaponswereneededforthewar.Allthis waspossiblethroughthepowerofnature.RamChandarwasvictoriousduetothebackingofthat DivinePower.Inthesameway,intheAgeofDuapar(seeYuginGlossary),KrishanBhagwan helpedhischildhoodfriendSudama.Sudamawasverypoor.Hiswifesuggested,"Askforhelp fromyourfriend.Heisyourchildhoodfriendandwillcertainlyhelp."KrishanBhagwanasked VishvakarmatoconvertSudama'shutintoabeautifulpalace.Thiswasdonethroughthe KaamdhenShakti.InthesamewayDropadi'shonourwassavedinthefullcourt(oftheevilKaurav brothers). IntheAgeofKalyug(seeYugintheGlossary),GuruNanakDevJiwasborn.Tohumblethe arrogantValiKandhari,GuruJidrainedawayallthewaterofhiswell,downthehill.Inanger,Vali KandharirolleddownahugestoneonGuruJi,andGuruJistoppeditwiththepalmofhishandas ifitweremadeofwax.Inthesameway,atNanakJhira,therewasnoarrangementforwater.No onefromanotherareawouldmarryhisdaughtertoanyoneinthatarea.Inanswertotheprayer oftheSangatthere,awaterspringappearedwiththetouchofGuruJi'sholyfeet.SriGuruNanak DevJimadetheMeccaswingaroundwithhisdivinepower.Inthesameway,usingthedivine KaamdhenShaktiSriGuruGobindSinghJishowedBahadurShahcountlessdiamondsintheRiver Godavri.Also,whenGuruJiwasabouttoleavethevillageofShatiana,theservantsgrabbedthe reinsofGuruJi'shorseandaskedforthebackpaymentoftheirwages,"Youkeeptakingusfurther andfurtherundersomeexcuse".(GuruJiwastravellingsouthtomeettheEmperor.) Guru'sdevotedSikh,DaanSinghsaidtothem,"Bepatient,GuruJiwillpayyouinfullwhenthe Sangatmakesfurtherdonations."Buttheyremainedstubbornandsaid,"Weshallnotgofurther withoutreceivingourwages."HearingthisGuruJicausedakautak(seeGlossary)andaGursikh appearedwithassesladenwithGoldcoins.GuruJisettledallaccountswhichhadbeen outstandingformanymonths(GuruJihadleftthefortofAnandpur,waspursuedbytheforcesof theevilEmperorandhadgonethroughaperiodofgreathardshipintheprecedingmanymonths. OnlyfewdevotedGursikhsstoodbyGuruJi'ssideduringthisperiod).GuruJithensaidtohis GursikhDaanSingh,"ComeDaanSinghletmesettleyouraccountalso."DaanSinghrepliedwith foldedhands,"Ihaveeverythingathome;recognisemeasyourservantandgivemethegiftof Sikhi."GuruJiwaspleasedandsaid,"BhaiDaanSinghyouhavepreservedtheseedofSikhi.With thisseed,Sikhiwillprosper." AllthesekautaksaremadepossiblebytheKaamdhenShakti(DivinePower).ThosewhodoNaam simranacquiresuchpowersalso.

TheChosenFive (TheexaltedpositionofTheFiveinSikhi) GuruGobindSinghJi'stributetoHisKhalsa(GuruJiofferedlangartotheKhalsa(Singhs)beforea Punditwhowaspresent,andthelatterwasupset.WhereuponGuruJipraisedtheKhalsawiththis Shabad.WealsoneedtorememberGuruJi'sinjunctionthat:KhalsaMeroroophaikhaas;Khalsay mayhaonkronniwaas:Khalsaisinmyownimage;IresideintheKhalsa): "WarswerewonbythefavouroftheKhalsa(theSinghs);Bytheirgenerosity,charitywasgiven. Sinsarevanquishedbytheirkindness.Bytheirgenerosity,ourstorehousesarereplenished. Throughtheirfavourwereceiveknowledge.Bytheirsupportallourenemiesareconquered. Bythem(theirpresence)Iamexalted.Otherwise,therearemillionsofpoor(humble)peoplelike me(i.e.GuruJiHimself).(KhalsaMehmainDasamGranthDasamGranthiscollationofBani attributedtoGuruGobindSinghJi.ThisGranth,whilegreatlyreveredbytheSikhs,doesnotcarry theauthorityofSriGuruGranthSahibJi) GuruGobindSinghJigavethehighestpositiontothePanjPiaray.GuruJihimselfhumblyaskedfor AmritfromthePanjPiarayandvowedtosacrificehiswholefamily(andhimself)fortheKhalsa Panth.Heacceptedthe"order"ofthePanjPiarayandleftthefortificationofChamkaur.Whenthe timetogotoSachKhand(seeGlossary)came,thenGuruJi'sinjunctiontotheSangatwas,"From todaytheKhalsashallnotrecogniseanypersonasGuru.FromtodaytheGurushallbeSriGuru GranthSahibJi,theEternalGuruthroughoutalltheAges(Yugs).ThePanjPiarayshallrunthe affairsofthePanth,bydoingArdaas(standingprayer)beforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi,readingthe Hukamnama(Order)andfollowingthatHukamnamaafterdueconsiderationandinterpretation." This,theGuruJirepeatedmanytimestotheSinghs.However,fewheedthatinjunctionofGuruJi. Thus,aweakenedPanth(Khalsaorganisation)cannotmakeprogressordefenditself.Theattack onSriHarmandarSahibJitookplaceduetotheweaknessofthePanth. WhentheBritishgaveindependencetoIndia,theywerepreparedtodivideIndiaintothreeparts. TheywerepreparedtomakeKhalistan,India(Hindustan)andPakistan.WhydidthePanthnot seekGuruJi'sguidancethroughaHukamnama(seeGlossary)then?Thatwasaseriousmistake. Theyrefusedownrule.SucharesponsibletaskshouldhavebeenhandedovertothePanjPiaray, whywereonlytwoindividuals,BaldevSinghandMasterTaraSinghsentfornegotiations?Even thetwowhoweresentwerenottruefollowersofSikhirehat.Although,inappearance,Master TaraSinghwasaSikh,hedidnothavetrueaffectionforSikhi.Ifhehadlovedhisfaiththenhe wouldhavesurelydonesomethingforthePanth.AsforBaldevSingh,hewasnotevenan Amritdhari. WasthePanthnotawarethatsuchahugeandresponsibletaskhadbeenplacedinthehandsof thesetwo?Thereweresomanyhighlyqualifieddoctors,engineers,lawyersandgeneralsinthe Sikhnation.Despiteallthateducation,theydidnotthinkaboutthelongerterminterestoftheir ownnation.IftheleadhadbeeninthehandsofPanjPiaraytheywouldhavecertainlythought aboutwhatwasbestforthePanth.WhentalkstookplaceinLondonthenBaldevSinghwent alone.TheBritishcalledBaldevSinghandsaid,"WewouldliketodivideIndiaintothreeparts.We proposetoofferyouKhalistan."Hetoldthismessage,giventohiminconfidence,toNehru.Nehru wasverycunning;hesentBaldevSinghbacksaying,"Wewillnegotiateonyourbehalf."Tokeep TaraSinghquiet,Nehruputanecklaceofgoldaroundhisneck.TaraSinghwassatisfiedwiththat.

Foragoldnecklace,hesoldthewholeSikhnation.TaraSinghsaid,"NehruJi,wearewithyou." NehruJisaid,"YoudonotneedKhalistan;allIndiaisyours." AftertheindependenceofIndia,TaraSinghwenttoNehruandaskedforaPunjabiSuba(state). Nehrudidnotkeephispromiseandsaidthatitwastoolateforthat.Inanycase,whydidTara SinghwantaPunjabiSuba?Hearingthis,TaraSinghwasconfounded,realisingthattheSikhshad beenbetrayed.ThattheSikhswerebeingofferedownruleandnowNehruwasnotpreparedto considerevenaPunjabiSuba(withinIndia).TaraSinghsaid,"IfyoudonotmakeaPunajbiSuba thenIshallgoonahungerstrike."HereturnedtoPunjabandstoppedeating.Oneweekpassed. NehruJipromotedTaraSingh'ssoninlawtoahighrankinthearmyandheldaparty,andwent overtoTaraSingh'sdaughterandsaid,"Youaskmetodothingsforyou,whydon'tyoupersuade yourdaddytoeatfood;doyouwanthimtodie?Youshouldofferhimfoodsecretly."Thatiswhat TaraSingh'sdaughterdid.Sometimesshewouldfeedhimprashaad(sweetdish)andatother timesaskhimtodrinkjuice,Fourorfiveweekspassedandthenewspaperreporterscamethinking thatafterallthistimeTaraSinghmustbeclosetodeath.Theyweighedhimandweresurprisedto notethatinfacthisweighthadincreasedinsteadofdecreasing!Seeingthisthereporterssaid, "Thisisallasham." ItismostsurprisingthatTaraSinghdidnotthinkofanythingconstructiveordoanythingforthe Sikhnation,yetheremainedthePresidentoftheAkaliDal.Ifanyonehadbehavedinthesame wayinanothercountry,noonewouldhavecaredaboutsuchaperson.Oneday,Isawanews cuttingonthenoticeboardattheSinghSabhaGurdwarainSouthall.Inapictureonthiscutting TaraSinghwassittingonanolddesibed(manji)surroundedbydogs.IfhehadaskedforKhalistan, policeguardswouldhavesurroundedhim. ThenSantFatehSinghbecameexcitedthatTaraSinghcouldnotgetaPunjabiSuba,buthewould showhimhowtogetitfromNehru.HeannouncedthatifthePunjabiSubawasnotmadebysuch andsuchadate,hewouldburnhimselftodeath.Healsostartedthinkingofsomeexcusefor savinghislife.Afewdaysbeforethedeadline,NehrusenttheSpeakeroftheParliament,Hukam Singh,withtwootherSinghs,tosaytoSantJithatthedemandforthePunjabiSubahadbeen accepted.Hewastold,"Donotgothroughwithyourthreattoburnyourself."FatehSinghwas,of course,lookingforsuchanexcuse.Cunningly,Nehrugavehimanexcusenottokeephispromise butdidnotgivehimanythingelse.ThiswasjustanotherjokewiththePanth.IfthePanthkeeps gettingleadersofthistype,thenselfrulewillnotbeachieved. PanjPiaraygiveAmrit.TheyadmitdevoteestotheOrderoftheKhalsa.PanjPiarayleadtheNagar Kirtan(localKirtan)procession.IfsomeoneisinpainorsufferingofanytypethenthePanjPiaray doArdaas(prayerorsupplication)anditisonlythroughtheguidanceofthePanjPiaraythatwe canensuretherisingspirit(chardhiKala)ofthePanth.

GuruofAllReligions "WaheguruWaheguruWaheguruYouareWonderful. (Duetotheheadingofthischapter,thenamesoftheGurusandBhagatsofthefollowingShabads fromSriGuruGranthSahib,the"GuruofAllReligions",aregiven."Inallthereare36authorsof GuruGranthSahib,representingageoreligiousandsocialcrosssectionoftheIndiansocietyfrom the12thtothe17thcenturiesCE.) Youarelotuseyed,withsweetspeech,exaltedandembellishedwithmillionsofcompanions. MotherYashodainvitedYouasKrishnatoeatthesweetrice.GazinguponYoursupremely beautifulform,andhearingthemusicalsoundsofYoursilverbellstinkling,shewasintoxicated withdelight.Death'spenandcommandareinYourhands.Tellme,whocaneraseYour Command?ShivaandBrahmayearntoenshrineYourspiritualwisdomintheirhearts.Youare foreverTrue,theHomeofExcellence,thePrimalSupremeBeing.WaheguruWaheguruWaheguru YouareWonderful."(GuruRamDasJi:SGGSp.1402) "Farid,muskisreleasedatnight.Thosewhoaresleepingdonotreceivetheirshare.Thosewhose eyesareheavywithsleep,howcantheyreceiveit?"(BhagatFaridJi:SGGSp.1382) "PleasedonotforgetHim;pleasedonotforgetme,pleasedonotforgetme,OLord.||1||Pause ||Thetemplepriestshavedoubtsaboutthis,andeveryoneisfuriouswithme.Callingmelow casteanduntouchable,theybeatmeanddrovemeout;whatshouldIdonow,OBelovedFather Lord?||1||IfYouliberatemeafterIamdead,noonewillknowthatIamliberated.These Pandits,thesereligiousscholars,callmelowborn;whentheysaythis,theytarnishYourHonouras well.||2||YouarecalledKindandCompassionate;thepowerofYourArmisabsolutely unrivalled.TheLordturnedthetemplearoundtofaceNaamDev;HeturnedHisbackonthe Brahmins."(BhagatNamDevJi:SGGSp.1292) "ThecompanyIkeepiswretchedandlow,andIamanxiousdayandnight;myactionsare crooked,andIamoflowlybirth.||1||OLord,Masteroftheearth,Lifeofthesoul,pleasedonot forgetme!IamYourhumbleservant.||1||Pause||Takeawaymypains,andblessYourhumble servantwithYourSublimeLove.IshallnotleaveYourFeet,eventhoughmybodymayperish.||2 ||SaysRavidas,IseektheprotectionofYourSanctuary;please,meetYourhumbleservant,donot delay."(BhagatNamDevJi:SGGSp.345) "Brandedwithathousandmarksofdisgrace,Indracriedinshame.ParasRaamreturnedhome crying.Ajaiwept,whenhewasmadetoeatthemanurehehadgiven,pretendingitwascharity. SuchisthepunishmentreceivedintheCourtoftheLord.Ramaweepedwhenhewassentinto exile,andseparatedfromSitaandLakhshman.ThetenheadedRaawan,whostoleawaySitawith thebeatofhistambourine,weptwhenhelostSriLanka.ThePaandavasoncelivedinthePresence oftheLord;theyweremadeslaves,andwept.Janmayjaawept,thathehadlosthisway.One mistake,andhebecameasinner.TheShaykhs,Pirsandspiritualteachersweep;attheverylast instant,theysufferinagony.Thekingsweep,theirearsarepierced;theygobeggingfromhouse tohouse.Themiserweeps;hehastoleavebehindthewealthhehasgathered.ThePandit,the religiousscholar,weepswhenhislearningisgone.Theyoungwomanweepsbecauseshehasno husband.ONanak,thewholeworldissuffering.Healoneisvictorious,whobelievesintheLord's Name.Nootheractionisofanyaccount."(GuruNanakDevJi:SGGSp.953)

O'peopleofIndia,pauseandthink;youdidnotsetSriGuruGranthSahibJialoneonfire;youalso setonfireRamKrishanandtheBhagats.SriGuruArjanDevJisaysinhisBani: "Ihaveseenallplaces,butnonecancomparetoYou.ThePrimalLord,theArchitectofDestiny, hasestablishedYou;thusYouareadornedandembellished.Ramdaspurisprosperousandthickly populated,andincomparablybeautiful.OLord!BathingintheSacredPoolofRaamDaas,the residuesofsinsarewashedaway,ONanak."(SGGSp.1362) SriHarmandarSahibislocatedonthatholiestoftheholyland,wheregreatsaintsmeditatedfor manyYugs(VedicAges,seeGlossary).SuchaplaceofworshipofGodwillnotbefoundinanypart oftheworld.Peoplecomefromallovertheworldtoseethisplace.Anyonewhoistrulyreligious lovesallreligions.WhydidIndraGandhiorderanattackonthisplace?Itwouldnothavebeentoo difficultforthegovernmenttohavearrestedSantJarnailSinghBhindranwaalay.However,shewas bentondestroyingtheSikhreligion.Manypeoplecelebrated.TheDepartmentofExcise distributedalargequantityofliqueurtothemilitarytocelebratetheevent. ThemilitarywasgivenafreehandtoinflictasmuchlossontheSikhsaspossible.Itisworth rememberingthatSantJarnailSinghwasinAmritsar,butwhyweretheotherGurdwarasinPunjab attacked?ItwasclearthatthiswasaconspiracytodestroytheSikhreligion. "ThewillofGodhathordainedtheOrderoftheKhalsaThisisthefinalcommandmenttoallSikhs AcceptGranthastheGuru DeemthereveredGuruGranthasthevisiblebodyofallGurus WhosoeverdesiretofeelHispresence Searchandmergeintherevelationitself TheKhalsashallruleandnoneshallsuccessfullydefythem. Allshallsurrenderafterbitterfrustration. FortheworldshalleventuallyberedeemedthroughtheprotectionthattheOrderoftheKhalsa aloneaffords."(ArdaasandRehatnamas) However,whocandestroythePanthwhichhasbeenestablishedbyAkaalPurakh(God)Himself? NoonecandestroytheSikhnation(''Translationnote:"Nation"isaveryroughtranslationofthe wordkauminPunjabi.Thewordkaumdescribes"nation"inthewesternsense,butless,inthata kaumhasthepotentialtobealegalconstitutionalnationinthemodemsensebutisnotquitea nation;yetmuchmore,inthatakaumisanethnic,lingualandculturalentityoftensharingthe samereligiousideologyasinthecaseoftheSikhsofPunjab."KhalsaPanth"includesthe"Panjabi SikhKaum"aswellastheglobalSikhcommunityineludingthenonPunjabise.g.whiteAmerican Khalsa.WhenGuruGobindSinghJiwrotetotheEmperorAurungzeb,thattheBraraKaumobeyed hiscommand(Zaffarnama),hewasreferringtotheBrarKaumwhichoccupiedacertainareain Punjab.Here,hewasalsoassertinghispositionofmiri(temporalpowerandauthority).Therefore whendiscussingthemiri/piritwinidealsofSikhi,weneedtobewareofmisleadingwesternterms likenation,democracyetc.Sikhideologyshouldbestudiedinitsowncontextasanadvanced modeltowardswhichhumanitycontinuestoaspireandnotforcedintosomecurrentand changingwesternisedmoulds.Itistimeweunderstoodourowngreatheritage.)

CrueltyWithTruthItself InKalyug(seeGlossary),theMuslimsruledIndiafor700years.EmperorJahangirtorturedto deaththesymbolofpeaceandtranquillity,SriGuruArjanDevJi.GuruJihadcommittedno offence.GuruJiwastorturedbecauseChanduspokeillofGuruJi.AurungzebmartyredSriGuru TeghBahadurJiatChandniChaukinDelhi.Theseemperorsclashedwiththerighteouscauseof religionandtheirrulewasdestroyed.TheBritishruledinIndiafortwohundredyears.Theirrule wasreasonablyjustandpeopleweregenerallyfreefromfear.However,theytoothenclashed withreligion.TheysidedwiththeMahantsandattackedNankanaSahib(MahantsMisguided descendantsofpriestswhohadtakenoverGurdwarasduringtheSikhfreedomstruggleinthe eighteenthcentury).MahantNarainDasusedtodrinkliquoranddobaddeedsintheNanakana SahibGurdwara. WhenaSindhifamilycamefordarshan(holysight)oftheGurdwara,theMahantandhisthugs misbehavedtowardstheladies.TheMahantdidsinfulthingsintheGurdwara.WhentheSinghs foundouttheyprotested.BhaiKartarSinghJhabarandBhaiLashmanSinghDharowaltookaJatha of150SinghstobringtheMahanttotherightpath.WhentheMahantfoundout,withthesupport oftheBritishgeneral,heattackedtheJathaandkilledallSinghs.TheBritishclashedwithreligion andtheytoolosttheirruleinIndia. Noonegivesindependencetothosewhotrytogetitbyfasts;forthefreedomofthecountry,the Singhssacrificedcountlesslives.AllreligionsjoinedtogethertofreethecountrysothattheHindu, Muslim,SikhandChristiancouldbeindependentandcouldlivehappily.Inthenewregime(i.e. independentIndia)allreligionsshouldhavebeenabletocoexisthappily.Insteadofhappiness, otherreligionshavebeenattacked.Allreligionsjoinedtogethertoraiseabeautifulpalace,but IndraGandhiandZailSinghsetfiretothepalacebeforedeparting.Fireisfireafterall.Firewill destroyeverything.TokeepappearancesIndraGandhibelievedinreligion,butinsideshewasa Communist;itisonlyforthatreasonthatsheorderedanattackonAmritsar.Toorderanattackon thisholyplaceisnotanordinarything.Thewholecountrywillhavetosufferasaresult.India wouldsufferagreatloss(ofpropertyandlives)ifastormcomes,adiseasespreadsorsome countryinvadesIndia.Aregimethatinflictscrueltydestroysitself. "AfortresslikethatofLanka,withtheoceanasamoataroundit,thereisnolongeranynewsof thathouseofRaavan.||1||WhatshallIaskfor?Nothingispermanent.Iseewithmyeyesthat theworldispassingaway.||1||Pause||Thousandsofsonsandthousandsofgrandsons,butin thathouseofRaavan,thelampsandwickshavegoneout.||2||Themoonandthesuncooked hisfood.Thefirewashedhisclothes.||3||UnderGuru'sInstructions,onewhosemindisfilled withtheLord'sName,becomespermanent,anddoesnotgoanywhere.||4||SaysKabir,listen, people:withouttheLord'sName,nooneisliberated.||5||"(SGGSp.481) Raavanwassopowerful;thecapitalofhiscountry(nowSriLanka)wasmadeofgold. Hehadahundredthousandsonsandonehundredandtwentyfivethousandgrandsons.Hisson Meghnathwasverypowerful.Raavanmadeonemistake.HetookawaythewifeofRamChandar. AbattletookplacebetweenSriRamChandarandRaavan.OnonesidewasRamChandar, Lashman,HanumanandthearmyofmonkeysandontheotherwasRaavan'swholearmyandall hisfamily.NoonefromtheRaavan'sfamilysurvivedthiswar.SriRamChandarJiwasvictoriousfor truthisalwaysthewinner.Inthesameway(forseekingjustice),SriKrishanBhagwanwentto Daryodhansaying,"Pandavsareyourbrothers;ifnothalfthekingdom,givethemfivevillages."

Daryodhanreplied,"Forgetfivevillages,Ishallnotgivethemevenlandequaltotheeyeofa needle."Daryodhanwasveryarrogant.Hisjudgementhadbecomesocloudedthathedidnot evencareforthehonourofhisownfamily.InthefullcourtheaskedforDropadi(thewifeofthe Pandavs)tobestrippednaked.KrishanBhagwanprotectedherhonour.Daryodhanthoughtthat allwerewithhim,hewasallpowerful;thePandavswereinsignificantandhadnopower.He thoughthewasboundtowin.KrishanBhagwanstoodwiththetruth. Truthalwayswins.Pandavswerevictorious.Anyonewhosinshastosuffertheconsequences.In theirconceit,RawanandDaryodanfollowedanevilpathandtheirkingdomsweredestroyed. Theseexamplesareveryold.Taketoday'sexample;howgreatwasthepowerofRussia.The countrywasworld'stoppowerandfullofarrogance,thatnoonecouldmatchit.Bignuclear bombsweremade.Drunkwiththispower,thecountryforgotGod.Suchwasthemiracleofnature thatthecountrywasdividedintopieces.TheseCommunistsclashedwithGodthatthereisno suchPower.Theydonotbelieveinanyreligion.Indraalsofollowedtheirthinkingandorderedthe attackonDarbarSahib.Russiabrokeupintopiecesafterthisattack.InthesamewayIndiatoowill breakup.Anyregimethatinflictedcrueltyontheordinarypeoplewasdestroyedinduecourse.

TheArdaasOfGursikhs Once,quitesuddenly,myhealthdeteriorated.Ihadaseverefeverthatwouldjustnotreturnto normal.Thefamilydoctorcheckedme.Seeingmyconditionbecomingworse,BhaiJagtarSinghJi, BhaiAvtarSinghJiandBhaiGursharanSinghJiconsultedtogetheranddecidedtogetmechecked upbyaprivatedoctor.BhaiGursharanSinghtookmetoanotherdoctor.Thedoctor,afterhis diagnosistoldGursharanSinghthatmyconditionwasreallybadandthatIwouldnotlastformore thanafewdays.Hegaveaweekatthemost.However,GursharanSinghdidnottellmethis. Seeingthemedicalreport,thedoctorwassurprisedthatdespitesuchabadcondition,nosingle causecouldbedetermined.Therecouldbeaproblemwiththekidney;itcouldbebloodpressure; oritcouldbeaheartproblem.HeadvisedthatIshouldbetakentothehospitalforfurther examinations.Afulldiagnosiswascarriedoutatthehospital.Theysuspectedsomeheartproblem andcheckedforthatanumberoftimes,butwithoutsuccess.Suddenly,oneday,Istartedreciting simranwitheverybreath(seeswasswassimranintheGlossary).Duetothepositiveinfluenceof simran,despitemyverypoorcondition,Iwasnotfeelinganypain.Withtheswasswassimran,my swasstartedtoreverseinwardstothebrainandIfeltaslightitchontheforehead(justabovethe nose). "Youbrawlingignorantpersonofunculturedintellectreverseyourbreathandturnitinward.Let yourmindbeintoxicatedwiththestreamofAmbrosialNectarwhichtricklesfromthefurnaceof theTenthGate."(SGGSp.23) Asmyswasreversedinwards,Ithoughtthetimefordeparture(fromthislife)hadarrived.Atthis timeBhaiJagtarSinghandBibiRaminderKaurweresittingnearme.Itoldthemtogohome.Jagtar Singhwassurprisedtohearthis,thinkingthattheyhadjustarrivedandnowtheywerebeing askedtoleave.Hesuspectedthattherewasareason.ThatperhapsmysimranwasgoingonandI wantedtobealone.ThatperhapsmymindwasatonewithWaheguru.Theyreturnedhome. Ipray,thatwhentheendseemsnear,oneshouldmeditatesinglemindedlyonWaheguru. Themindflitsaboutsoquicklythatifgetscaughtinaffectionandmaterialattachment,thenthe soulwillgettrappedincyclesofbirthanddeath.Forexample,affectionforachildorwoman(or man)shouldnotawaken.Thosewhokeeptheirmindonworldlyattachmentarerebornagainand again.Inthatcase,thegurmukhs(SikhsdevotedtotheGuru)wouldreturntoahumanlifebut thosewhodonotdosimranandkeepengrossedinwealthandmaterialthings,returntothelifeof asnake.Thosewhokeeptheirmindsonchildrenarerebornpigs.AsinGurbani,BhagatTrilochan Jisays: "Attheverylastmoment,onewhothinksofwealth,anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbebornover andoveragain,intheformofserpents.||1||Osister,donotforgettheNameoftheLordofthe Universe.||Pause||Attheverylastmoment,hewhothinksofwomen,anddiesinsuch thoughts,shallbebornoverandoveragainasaprostitute.||2||Attheverylastmoment,one whothinksofhischildren,anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbebornoverandoveragainasapig.|| 3||Attheverylastmoment,onewhothinksofmansions,anddiesinsuchthoughts,shallbeborn overandoveragainasagoblin.||4||Attheverylastmoment,onewhothinksoftheLord,and diesinsuchthoughts,saysTrilochan,thatmanshallbeliberated;theLordshallabideinhisheart. ||5||"(SGGSp.526)

Ihaveseenmanystrangehappeningsofthistype.Iftowardstheendoflife,themindwanders towardssomeonethenthesoulgetscaughtintherebirthcycle.IwasinIndiawhenaGursikh passedawaysuddenly.Atthelastmomenthelookedaroundathisfamilyandsaid."Mydaughter isnothere."HisdaughterwasinEngland.Ashethoughtofhisdaughteratthelastmoment,sohe wasrebornagirlinhisdaughter'sfamily.InthesamewayaGursikhwhorecitedBanianddid Kirtan,thoughtofhisdaughterinhisdyingmoments,hetoowasrebornasthedaughterofhis daughter. "Thewomanistransformedintoaman,andthemenintowomen.SaysKabir,GodistheBeloved oftheHolySaints.IamasacrificetoHisimage."(SGGSp.1252) WhentheGursikhsfoundoutthatmyconditionwasbadthenallgottogethertodoArdaasformy recovery.WherevertheGursikhswere,inEngland,Canada,America,NewZealand,Australia, Malaysia,SingaporeandIndia,theydidArdaas.BhaiJiwanSingharrangedforaRaaenSubaaee andArdaas.GianiAmolakSinghJicalledtheGursikhstoMartindaleGurdwara,heldaKirtan programmeandsaidanArdaas.AtCliftonRoadGurdwaratooBhaiPrithipalSingharrangedfor PaatthsofSukhmaniSahibandBabaJaswantSinghdidanArdaas.AsaresultoftheArdaasbyall theseGursikhs,Igotanewlife.ThereisgreatpowerintheArdaasofGursikhs.GianiAmolakSingh JirecitedtheArdaasfromthedepthsofhisheart: (ThetranslationofthestandardphrasesofthisArdaasarebasedontheapprovedtranslationby theShromaniGurdwaraPrabandhakCommitteetoensureuniformityofinterpretation.) IkOnkar,SriWaheguruJiKiFateh (StartswithPositivenumerical1)1.OFormlessFormToWaheguru,theabidingvictory MaytheDivineSpirithelp.Ballad(Vaar)SriBhagautiJiKioftheTenthKing(GuruGobindSingh). Tobeginwith,invoketheDivineSpiritofWaheguruandrememberGuruNanak. (Thisspirit)whichtheninspiredGuruAngad,AmarDasandRamDas CalluponArjan,HargobindandreveredHarRai InvokeSriHarkishanwhosevisionhealsallpains CalluponTeghBahadursothatthekingdomofheavenmaycometoearth(Naonidharethe "nine"treasuresoflife.Thisisanidiomaticexpressionforthegoodqualitiesandskillsrequiredfor asuccessfullifeandtheexpressionderivesfromVedicliterature) MayWaheguruandtheGurusassistuseverywhere. TenthKingreveredGuruGobindSinghJi,MayHehelpuseverywhere. "TheWord,theBaniisGuru,andGuruistheBani.WithintheBani,theAmbrosialNectaris contained:IfHishumbleservantbelieves,andactsaccordingtotheWordsoftheGuru'sBani, thentheGuru,inreality,emancipateshim."(SGGSp.982)

ThespiritofalltheTenKingsenshrinedinthevisiblebodyandtheWordoftheGuruGranth, concentrateonthatandKhalsaJisay:"Waheguru." TheFiveBelovedOnes;fourPrinces;FortyRedeemedOnes;thosewhohaveremainedsteadfastin suffering;thosewhokeptconstantremembranceofWaheguru;thosewhorenouncedthe sensuouspleasures;thosewhohaveconstantlylivedintheDivinepresence;sharedearnings; expressedmagnanimity;haveperseveredintheirfightinthecauseofjustice;turnedablindeyeto thefaultandfailingsofothersanddidnotfalter Concentrateyourmindsonthestrugglesandachievementsofthose,O,reveredmembersofthe OrderoftheKhalsa,andsay:"Waheguru". TheSinghsandSinghaniswhocourtedmartyrdominthecauseofreligionandunderwent unspeakablesufferingsofbeingdismemberedalive;scalpedalive;brokenonthewheels;sawed aliveandboiledalive;andthosewhomadesacrificesintheserviceofthecentresoftheSikh religion,theGurdwaras,butneverwaveredintheirfaithandremainedsteadfastinthecauseof Sikhitothelasthairoftheirbodyandtotheirlastbreath ThinkoftheFiveSeatsofAuthority,theThronesofthereligionandalltheGurdwarasandsay Waheguru!Waheguru! First,theprayerofthewholeKhalsais, MaythepresenceofWahegurubeprogressivelyfeltintheheartsofallKhalsa Andmaythewholecreationbecomehappyandprosperousthereby MaythesuppliesoftheKhalsaeverremainreplenished MaytheswordoftheKhalsabeevervictorious MaytheroyaltitleoftheKhalsabeuniversallyrecognisedandhonoured MayvictoryattenduponalljustendeavoursofthePanth,theKhalsacommonwealth MayWaheguru'smight(SriSahib)beourconstantally MaytheOrderoftheKhalsaachieveeverexpandingprogressandsupremacy SayWaheguru!Waheguru! GranttoSikhs:thegiftoffaith;thegiftofuncuthair;thegiftofdiscipline;giftofknowledge;the giftofmutualtrust;thegiftofselfconfidenceandthesupremegiftofallgifts,thegiftof communionwithWaheguru. MaySikhsfreelycentrearoundanddipintheholylakeofAmritsarSikhconcerts,thebanners, dwellinghouses,everremaininviolateMaythecauseoftruthandjusticeprevaileverywhereand atalltimes; KhalsaJi,utter"Waheguru" MaythepassionsinthemindsoftheSikhsremaincalmandthereasonflowclearandmaythe reasonalwaysbeguidedbytheLightofWaheguru. O,AlmightyProtectorandHelperofthePanth,restoretoustherightandprivilegeofunhindered managementandfreeserviceofaccesstoNankanaSahibandothercentresoftheSikhreligion, theGurdwaras,outofwhichwehavebeenforciblyevicted. O'Truefatherofall,Lord,Waheguruhereisaprayer

GrantusthecompanyofthosewhomayhelpkeepthyNameinourhearts. Forgiveusourremissnesses ExtendThyhelpinghandtoallandeveryone. (SpecificpartoftheArdaasformyhealth) "O'Redeemerofsinners'O'TreasureHouseofCharity,Kinofthepoor;TrueGuru,LordandTrue King: "Whenyoursoulisfeelingsad,offeryourprayerstotheGuru." (SGGSp.519) O'TrueGuru,whobestowshonouronthelow,duetoyourgreatblessingandkindness,True Guru,Lord,theeveningDiwan(seeGlossary)hasbeenattendedbyyourgrace.O'King,thisholy DiwanhasbeenheldforaprayerforYourdevotedservantBhaiSahibBhaiRamaSinghJi,who, duetophysicalailmenthasbeenadmittedtothehospital;O'TrueLord,eliminatethepainand sufferingofyourchildandservant.O'theOneWhoelevatesthepoor,givethegiftofswasswas simran(seeGlossary).KeephisconcentrationonYourholyfeet.O'King: "ThePerfectDivineGuruhasremovedmysorrow.HeblessesHisservantwithHisservice." (SGGSp.191) WithYourGracegrantyourservantgoodhealth.O'TrueKing,inYourpresence,theSangat, immersedinhislovingaffectionandhopefulofhisphysicalgoodhealth,haveprayedthrough KirtanandArdaas.AccepttheArdaasoftheSangatO'TrueKingandplaceyourkindhandonYour servant'shead.O'LordTrueKing,granthimtheboonofconcentrationandmeditationthrough swasswassimran.O'LordTrueKing,letYourbelovedonealwayskeephismindonYourholyfeet. O'TrueKingatthistime,thisistheArdaasoftheeveningDiwan,Ardaasofthecompletionof Kirtan,forgiveanymistakeswhendoingKirtan,acceptthesinging(ofYourpraises)andthe hearing(ofthesame),takeintoaccounttheattendanceandtheofferings,blesseveryonewiththe giftsofNaamandSikhi,grantspiritualandphysicalhealth,blessthechildrenwithSikhiandNaam, grantfamilieswiththeGurmattwayoflife,O'KingatthistimetheDegofKarahPrasaddprepared fromYourgiftedtreasure,isplacedinyourpresence,letitbeacceptedatyourdoor. "Ihavepreparedallsortsoffoodsinvariousways,andallsortsofsweetdeserts.Ihavemademy kitchenpureandsacred.Now,OmySovereignLordKing,pleasesamplemyfood." (SGGSp.1266) GrantSangatthePrasaadacceptedbyYou.O'King,moneyhasbeendonatedforyourClothes (Rumalas).Pleaseaccept.O'theOneWhoelevatesthepoor,TrueKing,protectourhonour(cover ourweaknesses),fillourcoffers;O'King,alwaysgrantusYourfavours.Lettherebehappinessand contentment.BlessuswithyourholyHukamnama(seeGlossary).LetwhosoevercomestoYour doorreturncontentedandhealthy.Letanyonewhostandsagainst(therighteous)causeofKhalsa Panthbedestroyed;anyonewhoseeksprotectionbesaved." (ReturntomainArdaas) MaytheName,thereligionpreachedbyNanak,prevailandprosper,foreverandforever

MayThyWillbedonewhereinliesthegoodofallTheKhalsaisofWaheguruAndtoWaheguruthe victory ThewillofGodhathordainedtheOrderoftheKhalsaThisisthefinalcommandmenttoallSikhs AcceptGranthastheGuru DeemthereveredGuruGranthasthevisiblebodyofallGurus WhosoeverdesiretofeelHispresence Searchandmergeintherevelationitself TheKhalsashallruleandnoneshallsuccessfullydefythem. Allshallsurrenderafterbitterfrustration. FortheworldshalleventuallyberedeemedthroughtheprotectionthattheOrderoftheKhalsa aloneaffords. Whosoeverutterwillbeblessed "TheEternalGodistheOneandOnlyReality". TheHukamnamaaftertheArdaaswas: "Somepeoplehaveothers,butIamforlornanddishonoured;IhaveonlyYou,Lord.Imightaswell justdiecrying,ifYouwillnotcomeintomymind.||1||Mahala2:Whenthereispeaceand pleasure,thatisthetimetorememberyourHusbandLord.Intimesofsufferingandpain, rememberHimthenaswell.SaysNanak,Owisebride,thisisthewaytomeetyourHusbandLord. ||2||Pauree:Iamaworm,howcanIpraiseYou,OLord;Yourgloriousgreatnessissogreat!You areinaccessible,mercifulandunapproachable;YouYourselfuniteuswithYourself.Ihavenoother friendexceptYou;intheend,YoualonewillbemyCompanionandSupport.Yousavethosewho enterYourSanctuary.ONanak,Heiscarefree;Hehasnogreedatall." (SGGSp.791)

NewLife Thetimefordeparturecame.Theswas(thebreathoflife)startedgoingupwards.Suddenlymy etherealbodyescapedthroughthedasamdwar(tenthgateinthebrainseeGlossary)likea fireworksrocketflyingtowardsthesky.Isawmyetherealbody,lookingjustlikemyrealbody, goinghigherandhigher;fasterthananyaircraftmadetodate.Theetherealbodyhaseyesand ears.Thetongueisrecitingswasswassimran.Ontheway,Isawsuchviewsasarenottobeseen onthisearth.ThefurtherIwentthemorebeautifulthescenes. "Onthatpathwherethemilescannotbecounted,there,theNameoftheLordshallbeyour sustenance."(SGGSp.264) IdonotknowwhereIreached.Afteralongtime,Isawabeautifulpalace.Iwassurprisedtonote thattherewerenopillarsholdingupthepalace.Ifwemakeahouseonthisearthwebaseiton soundfoundationsothatitwouldnotfall.Therewasapleasantaromadriftingfromthepalace. Suchanaromaisnottobefoundonthisearth.Itwasmanytimesmorepleasantthanthesmellof thesandalwoodtree.Iwasthinking,"Whatisthispalacemadeof?"IwentabitfurtherandIsawa ShaheedSingh(spiritofamartyrSingh).Hesaid,"KhalsaJi,youhavetravelledalongdistance; drinksomejuice."Isawaglass.Itooktheglassandstarteddrinking.Ihadnevertastedsuch deliciousjuicebefore.AsIdrankthejuicetheglassdisappeared.Iaskedforanother.Thesecond glasstoodisappearedasIfinisheddrinkingfromit.Afterdrinkingjuice,IaskedtheShaheedSingh, "Howcomethispalaceisstandingwithoutpillars?"TheShaheedSinghreplied,"ThisisSachKhand (thePlainofTruth)andthepalaceisstandingonthesupportofWaheguru'sNaam. TheNaamistheSupportofallcreatures.TheNaamistheSupportoftheearthandsolarsystems." (SGGSp.284) Forthisreasonithasnosupports.Astheearth,themoonandthesunarestablewithoutsupports. TheytooarestableduetoNaam.TheShaheedSinghsaid,"KhalsaJi,youhavereachedheredue tothesupportofswasswassimran.Howevertoreachthefinaldestinationhumilityisrequired." "Onewhoseheartismercifullyblessedwithabidinghumility,ONanak,isliberatedhere,and obtainspeacehereafter."(SGGSp.278) "GuruNanakDevJibroughttwogiftsfromSachKhand,Naamandhumility.Forexample,ifyou wishtogotoanothercountrythenyouneedmoney,passportandvisa.Ifyouhavenomoneythen howwouldyoubuytheticket?Ifthereisnovisathentheydonotallowyoutoentertheother countryandyouaresentback." TheShaheedSinghsaid,"TheArdaasoftheGursikhshasbeenacceptedatSachKhand(theCourt ofWaheguru),youstillhavesomelifetolive.Gobackandearnhumility.Youdohavetruewealth ofsimran(money)andsewa(passport),butyoudonothavethevisaofhumility.Cleantheshoes oftheSangatandearnhumility."SayingthesewordstheShaheedSinghdisappearedandI returnedtomyearthlybody. "God,theGreatGiver,hasbecomemerciful;Hehaslistenedtomyprayer.HehassavedHis servant,andputashesintothemouthoftheslanderer.||1||Noonecanthreatenyounow,O myhumblefriend,foryouaretheslaveoftheGuru.TheSupremeLordGodreachedoutwithHis

Handandsavedyou.||1||Pause||TheOneLordistheGiverofallbeings;thereisnootherat all.Nanakprays,Youaremyonlystrength,God.||2||"(SGGSp.818) "TheSupremeLordGod,throughtheDivineGuru,hasHimselfprotectedandpreservedHis children.Celestialpeace,tranquillityandblisshavecometopass;myservicehasbeenperfect.|| 1||Pause||GodHimselfhasheardtheprayersofHishumbledevotees.Hedispelledmydisease, andrejuvenatedme;Hisgloriousradianceissogreat!||1||Hehasforgivenmeformysins,and intercededwithHispower.Ihavebeenblessedwiththefruitsofmymind'sdesires;Nanakisa sacrificetoHim.||2||"(SGGSp.819) ItissurprisingthatonreturningtomybodyIdidnotsleepforaweek.Ididnotfeelanytiredness andIdidnotfeelhungry.Ifapersondoesnotsleepevenforadaythenhegetsheadache.The bodybecomeslethargic,butIwaswell.Thedoctorconfirmedthis.Iwasconcernedaboutnot beingabletosleep.Itookasleepingtabletfromthedoctorbutithadnoeffect.Isenseda harmoniousmusicalrhythminmywholebeingwhichseemedtosatisfyallmyneeds.ThenI remembered,thatIwasnotfeelingtiredbecauseofthejuicewhichtheShaheedSinghoffered me.IdidnotfeelhungrynordidIfeeltheneedforsleep.ThosewhodoNaamsimran,their hungerandthirstarequenched.

PrayeroftheParents (A) BhaiPrabhjotSinghinAmericaisadoctor.WestayedathishousewhenwewenttoAmerica.His fathertoldme,"Togetherwithhisstudies,healsobecameinterestedinKirtan.Hewasverygood inhisstudiesandalwaysdidwellinhisstudies.WealwaysprayedtoGuruJitosavehimfrombad company.IwouldsayArdaastoSriGuruGobindSinghJi,"OTrueKing,Iamonlytheworldly father,youaretheTrueFather.SavehimfromtheillwindofKalyug.Donotdistancethischild fromtheSikhimaryada(wayoflife).Heshouldnotbeaffectedbybadcompany;lethimbesaved fromsuchcompany."HealwaysusedtodoNitNemfromchildhood.NowGuruJibestowedonhim thegiftofAmrit.HestarteddoingKirtan.HiswifealsoperformsmelodiousKirtan.Theybothgoto othercountriestodosewa.TheyoungersonisalsodevotedtoGuruGhar(Guru'sHouseor Gurdwara).HehasqualifiedasanengineerwithGuruJi'sblessing. (B) TheSikhnationhasproducedcountlessdiamonds.Thenationhasproducedhighlyqualified doctors,engineers,lawyersandgenerals.AmongsttheseisDr.JaspalSinghKooner,aheart specialist.WhenIwasveryillhetreatedme.IwasverypleasedwhenIsawhimwithhisSikh identity.Therewereeightstudentswithhim.Heaskedthemtocheckmebyturnsandtolethim knowtheirdiagnosis.IwasverypleasedtoseehowthisGursikhwasrepresentingtheSikhreligion toothersthroughhisownGursikhidentityandtherespectthatheearned.Iwasdelightedthat therearesuchdiamondsintheSikhnation. OnedayIwenttodepositthedonationsfromthemorningsimranandDrKooner'sfatherwas sittingthere.IaskedhimifhissonwasDrKooner.Heconfirmed.Isaid,"Yoursonhasspreadthe goodnameoftheSikhcommunity." Hisfathertoldme,"WhenwelivedinEastAfrica,hewasverygoodinhisstudies.Theheadmaster madehimtheclassmonitor.OnarrivinginEnglandheworkedharddayandnightandbecamea heartspecialist.Hemanagedtogetemployedinareputablehospital.Weadvisedhimthathe wouldnotgetmuchincomefromserviceandthatheshouldopenhisownprivatepractice.On hearingthishesaid,"Iamkeentoservepeople;ifIopenaprivatesurgerythenonlytherich wouldcomethereandthatwillnotsatisfymydesiretoserve." Hisfathersaid,"Heregardsallasequalnomatterwhichreligiononebelongs." Isaid,"Thisisagreatcommunityservice.Yoursonishighlyskilledandthereistalkofhisskillin everyhome.Ihaveheardmanysaythatifsomeonegetsill,thatpersonshouldgetcheckedbyDr. Kooner." "ThosewhowalkonthePathofTruthshallbepraisedthroughouttheworld." (SGGSp.136) (C) "Oson,thisisyourmother'shopeandprayer,thatyoumayneverforgettheLord,Har,Har,even foraninstant.MayyouevervibrateupontheLordoftheUniverse."(SGGSp.496) BhaiHarminderSinghdoesthesewaofthetabla(drumswhichkeepbeatwithGurbaniKirtan) everySundaymorning.FortwoorthreeweekshedidnotattendGurdwaraandIwasaskedby

manyintheSangatwhyhehadnotcome;thatwithhistablaplaying,thesimranbecamemore enjoyable.Iexplainedthathewasonholidays. OnedayHarminderSinghcametoseemeandImentionedtohimthattheSangatenjoyedhis tabla.Iaskedhim,"Whotaughtyoutablaandhowdidyougetinterested?"Hetoldme,"Bhai BahadurSingh,BhaiDavinderSinghandBhaiJaspalSinghwereatcollegewithme.Onedaythey performedveryharmoniousKirtanatSouthall.Hearingthem,Itoobecameinterestedinlearning tabla.WhenIstartedlearningtabla,myparentswereworriedthatmystudieswouldbeaffected." Iaskedhim,"Didyouhaveanydifficultywithyourstudieswhenyouwerelearningtabla?"Hesaid, "Children'smindsareverysharpandiftheyhaveaninterestinsomething,theylearnquickly.I realisedthatstudywasimportant;televisioncanbeseenlater.Whenmyresultsarrived,Ididwell andmyparentsweredelighted;Icontinuedtodowelleveryyear." HarminderSinghtoldme,"WhenIwaslittle,Ifellill.MymotherwouldtraveldailyfromSouthallto CharringCrossHospitaltocombmyhair.Itoldmymother,"Youcomesofartocombmyhair,why don'tyougetitcut?"Mymotherexplainedthegreatimportanceofhairandsaid,"BhaiTaruSingh preferredhisscalptobecutoutbutnothishair.HairisanessentialpartofSikhfaith.TheSikhs havemadegreatsacrificesforhair.ThisisGuruJi'spraisethataSikhcanberecognisedfrom thousands."Afterthatincident,Ineverthoughtofcuttingmyhair.Myfather,SardarSarjitSingh BilgaandmotherGurbachanKaurhavegreatfaithinGuruGhar.TherewereotherGursikhboys withmeatthecollegeandIwasevenmoreencouragedtoretaintheSikhidentity."

PART4KHALSARAJ (RuleoftheKhalsa) TheIdealKhalsaSociety

PreparationsforKhalsaRaj EmperorAurungzebwasforciblyconvertingthePanditstoMuslims,andtheKashmiriPandits cametothecourtofSriGuruTeghBahadurJiatAnandpurSahib,andcomplained,thattheir religionwasindangerofextinction.Theypleadedforprotection.BythistimeGuruJi'sson SahibzadaGobindRaicame(BeforeHisAmritinitiationbythePanjPiarayontheVaisakhidayin 1699,GuruGobindSinghJi'snamewasGobindRai).HesawthePanditslookingdistressedand asked,"Father,whyarethesepeoplelookingsosad?" GuruJireplied,"Theirreligionisindanger.Sacrificeofasaintlypersoniscalledfor." GobindRaisaid,"Father,thereisnootherpersonholierthanyouwhocanprotecttheirreligion." Onhearingthisfromhisworthynineyearoldson,GuruJiwasgreatlypleasedandsaidtothe Pandits,"GoandtellAurungzeb,"IftheinhabitantofAnandpur,GuruTeghBahaduracceptsIslam, thenwewilldothesame."HonourofIndia,SriGuruTeghBahadurJi,gavehislifetosavethe religionoftheHindus(Hinduismwasindangeratthattime.Ofcourse,GuruJiwouldhavedone thesameifsomeotherreligionhadbeenthreatened,forGurbanipraisesallpaths(religions) leadingtoGod.ThegreatsacrificeofGuruJiwasforthefreedomofabasichumanright,thatis therighttobeabletopractiseone'sownreligionwithoutfear). WhenGuruTeghBahadurwasmartyred,itwasalsoannounced,"Anyonewhotoucheshisbody willreceivethesametreatment."AtthattimenoSikhcameforwardwhowoulddothecremation ofGuruJi'sholybody;allwerefrightenedofAurungzeb. Suddenly,adarkduststormcame.Takingadvantageofthisdarkness,BhaiJaitaJipickedupGuru Ji'sholyheadandtravelledtoAnandpuratnight.TheholybodyofGuruJiwastakenbyatrader Sikhinhiscarttohishouse,wherehesetfiretothehouseandthuscrematedthebody.Gurdwara RakabGanjislocatedhere. WhenBhaiJaitaJireachedAnandpurSahibwithGuruJi'sholyhead,herecitedwhathad happened. GuruGobindSinghJi(AtthattimeGuruJi'snamewasGobindRaiandHebecameGuruGobind SinghafterreceivingAmritfromthePanjPiarayontheVaisakhidayin1699)vowedtocreatea suchaSikh,whowouldbeidentifiedamongstthousands,andGuruJiinauguratedtheKhalsa Panth(ontheVaisakhiDayin1699.ItneedstoberememberedthattheSikhidentitywasalready wellestablishedbythetimesofGuruGobindSinghJi,albeit,lessclearlydefinedintermsofSikh rehatthanaftertheAmritsanchaarofVaisakhi1699.Therearereferencestounshornhairand dastar(turban)inSriGuruGranthSahibandfromthetimesofSriGuruHarGobindJiSikhskept arms.Thesaint/soldierimageoftheSikhshadalreadyemerged.ReferencestoSikhrehataretobe foundinSriGuruGranthSahibandtheVaarsofBhaiGurdas). TheKhalsaRajwasestablishedbytheKhalsawiththeblessingsoftheinnocentpowerlesspeople fortheprotectionofthesepeople. WhenthewhitepeoplecametoIndiatheywereabletoestablishtheirruleinotherIndianstates withcomparativeeasebutwerenotsosuccessfulinthePunjab.Theycouldnotchallengethe Sikhs,andtheyweresurprisedtonotethattheSikhswerenotfrightenedtofightajustwarorto

dieforarighteouscause.TheywerewonderinghowtheSikhsmanagedtogetsuchpower.They carriedoutresearchanddiscoveredthattheSikhpowerlayinAmrit.Nowtheystartedthinkingof howtointerferewiththeAmrittradition.Theycolludedwithsomeleadingbutunfaithfulpeople inthePanthandstartedtointroducemisinformationintheAmritSancharandRehatMaryada (seeGlossary).AtAkalTakhat,ononeoccasiontheywoulddoAmritSancharwithkeski(small dastarorSikhturban)andonanotherdaytheywoulddotheceremonieswithoutthekeski.Inthis waytheRehatMaryada(codeandGursikhi,theSikhwayoflife)becamelaxandtheKhalsa stoppedgettingthefullbenefit(power)ofAmrit. Firstly,therewaslaxityinthepracticeofthefullRehatMaryada,andsecondlytheSikhsgaveup earlymorningsimran.InthiswayweaknessescreptintotheKhalsatradition.TheSikhwasno longerastaunchfolloweroftheGuru'sWordandtheKhalsaRajwaslost. "AslongastheKhalsaremainsdistinct,SolongIwillgivehimallMyGlory." (SarabLohGranth) SantJarnailSinghJipredicted,"WhenSriHarmandarSahibisattacked,thefoundationofKhalistan willbelaidthatday."Tomakethefoundationstrong,itisimportanttodoNaamsimran.Strength willreturnwiththerecitationofNaamandyoushallbecomefearless.Whenthefoundationis rocksolid,noforcecanshakeit." AncientGursikhsdidNaamsimranandspokethetruth.TheyhadthestrengthofNaamandskilled traininginweapons.Khalsashouldhavethefullpowerofthiscombinationofsaintsoldier qualities.ThiswillbegeneratedthroughNaamsimran.IfotherGurdwaraswouldfollowthegood exampleofNaamsimranatSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall,thenKhalsaRajwillcomethatmuch sooner.Itisaquestionofmakingastart;oncestartedGuruJiwillhelp. "WalkevenonesteptowardstheGuru;AndtheTrueGuruwillwalkmillionsofstepstowelcome you. Repeat,evenonce,themantragivenbytheTrueGuru;AndtheGuruwillblessyou. ByhisLoveyouwillrepeatitagainandagain. Withdevotionandreverence,donateevenonecointotheGuru;andtheGuruwillblessyouwith alltreasures. TheTrueGuruistheTreasureofMercy.HisGloryisInfiniteandBoundless. Ibow,Ibow,Ibow,Ibow,Alwaysandforever,Againandagain."(BhaiGurdaasKabit111) Youneedtotaketheinitiative.GuruJiwillcertainlybestowsovereigntyontheKhalsa.

SandalwoodTree Ifindgreatpleasureindoingsewa.Onedaywhendoingthesewaofmakingprasaaday(Gurdwara rotis)onthetavi(hotmetalplateonthelargeovenformakingrotisorchapatis),Isuggestedto theladies,thatweshouldrecite"Waheguru".BibisKirpalKaur,BasantKaur,GurdevKaur,Jaswant Kaur,SatwinderKaur,SatwantKaur,SarjitKaur,MohinderKaur,JaswinderKaurandKulwantKaur weredoingsewa.Theyareverykeentodosimran.Istartedreciting"Waheguru"andthey followed.Inthisway,thegoodpracticeofdoingsimranstartedwhiledoingsewa. AkhandPaatthsarestartedeveryweekonFriday.SometimestwoorthreeAkhandPaatthsare startedtogether.OnFriday,SaturdayandSunday,thefamilieswhohaveorganisedAkhand Paatths,andtheirrelativescomeanddosewaintheLangar.Theladiesdosewaoftheprasaadas onthetaviandalsodosimranatthesametime.Everyweekdifferentfamiliescomeanddosewa. Manyladieswhohaveneverdoneanysimranarepleasantlysurprisedthattheytoohavebeen giventheopportunitytodosimranforacoupleofhoursorso.Somesaytoeachotherthatthey hadneverdonesimranbefore. Inthiswaywiththedifferentfamiliesdoingsewaandsimran,thistraditionhasspreadtothe GurdwarasinandaroundSouthall.NooneknewthatthesewaofNaamsimranwasgoingon. WithSatguru'sgrace,tothisdaysimrangoesonwhileLangarisbeingprepared. "SuchistheNaam,theNameoftheLord,theinvaluablejewel,themostsublimewealth,whichI havefoundthroughgooddeeds.Byvariousefforts,Ihaveenshrineditwithinmyheart;thisjewel cannotbehiddenbyhidingit.||1||TheGloriousPraisesoftheLordcannotbespokenby speaking.Theyarelikethesweetcandiesgiventoamute.||1||Pause||Thetonguespeaks,the earslisten,andthemindcontemplatestheLord;theyfindpeaceandcomfort.SaysBheekhan,my eyesarecontent;whereverIlook,thereIseetheLord.||2H"(SGGSp.659) ThemiracleofNaamissuchthatwhereversimrangoesonevenquietly,itspreadsandbecomes known.Weplantedthissandalwoodtree(ofNaam)atSouthallGurdwaramorethan26yearsago. ItspreadsomuchthatitsbranchesspreadtothepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJiinthe Gurdwara.Thissewausedtogoonveryquietlybehindthescenes.Noone'seffortiseverwasted. GuruJiHimselfhasgrantedthissewaofearlymorningsimran.NowtheSangatsitsinthe presenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJiandrecitesimranatAmritvela(seeGlossary). "AtAmritvela,theambrosialhoursbeforedawn,chanttheTrueName,andcontemplateHis GloriousGreatness."(SGGSp.2) TheearlymorningsimranusedtobedonefirstatCliftonRoadGurdwara.However,theGurdwara committeepreferredtostartwiththeKirtanofAsaJidiVaaratthattime.ThiswasGuruJi's kautak.Westartedlookingforaplacewherewecouldsitandsowtheseedofsimran,thefoodfor thesoul." Oneday,IwenttoSinghSabhaGurdwara(atthetimelocatedatHavelockRoad)at4.00inthe morning.GianiGurtejSinghwasrecitingthePaatthofNitNem.Afterthecompletionofthe Paatth,Iasked,"GianiJi,canwedosimranhere?"Hereplied,"Certainly,asyouplease."He thoughtthathewouldbedoingPaatthandfollowingthat,wewoulddosimran.Hesawnoharm inthat.IconfirmedthesamewiththeHeadGranthi,ShamsherSingh,whohadnoobjectionbut

suggestedthatIconfirmwiththeGurdwaracommittee.ItwasSundaythatday.Iwenttothe officeandthereweresitting:BhaiHarpalSinghBrar,BhaiSarjitSinghJohal,BhaiSohanSingh Samra,BhaiBalkarSinghDhilonandDrP.B.Johal.IsaidGurFatehtoall. Isaid,"YouaresittingasaSangat,Iwouldliketosubmitarequest."Theyencouragedmeto speak.Isaid,"Canwedosimranfrom4.00to5.00inthemorning?TheGurdwarahallisfreeat thattime."TheGeneralSecretaryHarpalSinghlookedatmeandsaid,"4.00inthemorning?The monthofNovember,thecoldweather,whowouldcomeat4.00am?Areyoujoking?Thatisthe timewhenpeoplearesleepingsoundly."Itoldthem,"WeusedtodosimranatCliftonRoad Gurdwarafrom4.00to5.00am;nowtheysaywecannotdoitatthattime." "Ifsomeonesavoursafragrance,thenhecantrulyappreciateitsflower.||9||"(SGGSp.725) "Onewhocanappreciateperfume,onlyhecandiscernthesmellofaflower. "Likethefragrancewhichremainsintheflower,andlikethereflectioninthemirror,theLord dwellsdeepwithin;searchforHimwithinyourownheart,Obrother."(SGGSp.684) "Somefifteenortwentyofusarelookingforasuitableplaceforsimran,theambrosialfoodfor thesoul."Hethoughtforawhileandsaid,"WeshalldiscusswiththeCommitteeandletyou know."Aweekpassedinthisway.Thosewhowerekeentodosimrankeptaskingmeifan arrangementhadbeenagreed. Oneday,theGurdwaraStageSecretary,AmarSinghThindhmetmeandsaid,"Santo(saintlyone), theCommitteehasagreedtoyourrequest.YoucangotoParkAvenueGurdwaraanddosimran there.Weshallgiveyouthekeys."WhenIheardthis,Iwenttotheofficeagainandspoketo HarpalSingh;ItoldhimthatthosewhowouldliketodosimranlivednearerHavelockRoad Gurdwara.ItwaseasierforthemtocometoHavelockRoad.Hesaid,"Weareabouttostartwork onthenewbuildinghere.SotheGurdwarawillbemovedtoParkAvenue;soeventuallyyouwill havetogothereanyway."HeaskedmetoalsoconfirmwithHimatSinghSohi,thePresident.I returnedfromtheofficeandprayedforGuruJi'shelpinthisgoodcause. "TheremembranceofGodisthehighestandmostexaltedofall.IntheremembranceofGod, manyaresaved."(SGGSp.263) ImetPresidentHimatSinghSohi,whoagreedandaskedustostartthefollowingday. "WhentheTrueGuruismerciful,thenyourdesireswillbefulfilled.WhentheTrueGuruis merciful,youwillnevergrieve.WhentheTrueGuruismerciful,youwillknownopain.Whenthe TrueGuruismerciful,youwillenjoytheLord'sLove.WhentheTrueGuruismerciful,thenwhy shouldyoufeardeath?WhentheTrueGuruismerciful,thebodyisalwaysatpeace.Whenthe TrueGuruismerciful,theninetreasuresareobtained.WhentheTrueGuruismerciful,youshall beabsorbedintheTrueLord."(SGGSp.149)

SimranofAmritVela (MeditativerecitationofNaamintheearlymorning) "Thesparrowhawkchirpsintheambrosialhoursofthemorningbeforethedawn;itsprayersare heardintheCourtoftheLord.Theorderisissuedtotheclouds,tolettherainsofmercyshower down.IamasacrificetothosewhoenshrinetheTrueLordwithintheirhearts.ONanak,through theName,allarerejuvenated,contemplatingtheWordoftheGuru'sShabad."(SGGSp.1285) WithGuruJi'sGrace,simranwasstartedatSriGuruSinghSabhaGurdwara,Southallon13 November1995,from4.00to5.00inthemorning.NaamsimraninSaadhSangat(Saintly Congregation)andintheholypresenceoftheGuru,bearsfruitveryquickly.BhagatKabirJisaysin hisBani: "SaysKabir,listen,OSaints:intheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly,youshallbesaved." (SGGSp.1106) "HowistheSocietyoftheSaintstobeknown?There,theNameoftheOneLordischanted." (SGGSp.72) "WithouttheTrueGuru,thereisnoSangat(HolyCongregation).WithouttheShabadnoonecan crossovertotheotherside."(SGGSp.1068)(ShabadistheWordandinthiscontextitis experienceofGod'sNamei.e.NaamorGod'sBeing(God'sOmnipresence)). "Ifyoulongforeternalpeace,OSiblingsofDestiny,thenjointheSaadhSangat,theCompanyof theHoly;thisistheGuru'sadvice.There,theNaam,theNameoftheLord,ismeditatedon.Inthe SaadhSangat,youshallbeemancipated."(SGGSp.1182) "ThePricelessNaamisintheSocietyoftheSaints;bygreatgoodfortune,itisobtained. Donotbedeludedbydoubt;servetheTrueGuru,andkeepyourmindsteadyinoneplace." (SGGSp.909) Inordertoincreasetheattendance,Iwentfromhousetohousetoannouncethatsimranisheld inthemorning,andrequestedthatallshouldattend.WhoeverIapproachedsaid,"Itisvery difficulttogetupthatearlyinthemorning.Igaveencouragement,"Dotrywhenyouarenot working(e.g.holidaysandweekends).BeforeyougotosleeprecitethePaatthofKirtanSohilaand sayArdaastoGuruJitogiveyouthestrengthtogetupearlyinthemorning.ThenSatguruJiwill Himselfblessyou.ThatisforGuruJi;itisforyoutosaytheArdaas."Whenwestartedsimran,the sewawasdonebyBhaiGursharanSingh,BhaiJagtarSingh,BibiNavleenKaurandBibiRanjitKaur. BibiRanjitKaurdidthesewaofthedholki(smalldrum)aswell.However,therewasnoonewho couldplaythetabla(twosmalldrumsplayedinanuprightposition).Ithoughtofgettingsomeone whocouldplaythetablaandaskedJaspalSingh.Hewasworriedthathecouldnotgetupthat early.Isaidtohim,"Seeifyoucancomewhenyouareonholiday." WithWaheguru'sblessinghestarteddoingthesewaofthetabladaily.Whenhehadbeendoing thesewaforsixorsevenweeks,withGuruJi'sgracehehadanunusualexperience.Itwasthe MartyrdomGurpuraboftheyoungerSahibzadas(GuruGobindSinghJi'stwoyoungerPrinces). BhaiGursharanSinghwasdoingsewaontheharmonium.Afterthecompletionofthesimran programme,hesaidtoJaspalSingh,"Youweregreattoday,youplayedsuchbeautifultabla;it

seemedasifthetablawasplayingitself."ManypeoplefromtheSangatcameandtoldmethat theyfeltgreatcontentmentthatmorning.Hasakautak(seeGlossary)takenplace?"Isaid,"The Guru'skautaks,onlytheGuruknows."FollowingthistheSangatbecameevenmorekeen.Jaspal Singhwasmotivatedevenmorethanbefore. Sangatstartedcominginlargernumbers.Whosoevercameoncebecamearegular.Thereisone specialqualityinthisSangat,thateachparticipantfirstcleansSangat'sshoes(footwearofany type)andthenjoininsimran.ThisisallpraiseofGuruNanak.Todestroythefalseselfcentred prideofHischildren,HeHimselfismakingthemdothissewa.GuruJisaysinSukhmaniSahib: "Onewhoseheartismercifullyblessedwithabidinghumility,ONanak,isliberatedhere,and obtainspeacehereafter."(SGGSp.278) Secondly,noonetalkstoeachotherunnecessarily.TheyonlygreeteachotherwithGurFateh. ThosewhoearnNaam,keepittothemselvesandgoaway.Gossipabouteachotherorsaying anythingbadaboutothersmakesthesimranuseless. "Youbrawling,ignorantpersonoflowintellect,reverseyourbreathandturnitinward.Letyour mindbeintoxicatedwiththestreamofAmbrosialNectarwhichtricklesdownfromthefurnaceof thetenthgate."(SGGSp.1123) InaccordancewiththisShabad,whenoneisinthisstateofmind,thensimraniscompletely harmonisedwiththebreathingandlifepulsationofanindividual.Itbecomesnaturaland automatic.Speechstopsandthefeelingisasifbreathingisrisinginwardsandupwards.Theseare thelifecarryingswas,whichwhentheyreachthetopofthenosebetweenthetwoeyebrows (positionofthethrikutiTrikutiisthefleshontheforeheadbetweentheeyes.Literally "trikuti"mean"threewrinklesorfolds"),anindividual'sthoughtsstop.Themindisthen completelyatpeace.Thefeelingisasifsomethingonthethrikutiiscreepingupwardsandit causesanitch.Onekeepsstrokingthatspot.Theswaskeepmovingabovethispoint.Inmy childhood,IhadseenYogistakingtheirswasupwards.Theirswaswereemptyandtherewasno simranofWaheguru.Bydoingthis,theageisprolongedbutthereisnomeansofreachingSach Khand,thefinaldestinationofthesoul.Bydoingswasswassimran,withWaheguru'sblessing,the dasamduar(tenthgate)opensandonehasdarshan(holysight)ofWaheguru. Whentheendcomes,thehabitofswasswasNaamsimrantakesonestraighttoSachKhand. Salvationisachievedinthislife.Toreachthisstage,aGursikhhastodevote13to14hoursaday toNaamsimran.Withthisamountofpractise,oneisabletoseefantasticsightsofnature. However,toattainthislevelonemustnotcovettwothings: "Firstlyanother'swealthandsecondlyawomanotherthanownwife." Ifonekeepsawayfromthesetwo,thenWaheguruwillcomeclosertoyou.Tofindahomefor Naaminthemind,oneneedsboth,Naamandhumility.GuruNanakDevJibroughtNaamand humilityfromSachKhand.SomeGursikhsreachthisstagebutthengetcaughtinpraise,self centredprideandarroganceetc.Fewgobeyondthislevelofspiritualattainment. Thedatepalmisverytall.Itsfruitareverysweet.Togetthemonehastomakeadetermined efforttoreachthem.Onlyonewhoknowshowtoclimbthepalmcanreachthefruit.Manyfall

fromhalfwayup.Somefalljustbeforereachingthefruitbecausetheybecometooselfassured. Tosaveoneselffromfalsepride,SatguruJisays: "Onewhoseheartismercifullyblessedwithabidinghumility,0Nanak,isliberatedhere,and obtainspeacehereafter."(SGGSp.278) Whenonereachesthisstagethen,tosaveoneselffromselfcentredarroganceoneshouldclean theSangat'sshoes.Onebecomeshumblebydoingthis. "Iamnotgood;nooneisbad.PraysNanak,Healonesavesus."(SGGSp.728) Consideryourselfmorelowlythananyoneelse.ThenpraytoSatguru: "Onewhoisnotaffectedbypleasureorpain,wholooksuponfriendandenemyalike,saysNanak, listen,mind:knowthatsuchapersonisliberated."(SGGSp.1427) King!Mybadqualitiesaremany.Helpevenmyenemy.IfanyonewouldlikeNaamtoresideinthe mind,thenitisimportanttoearnhumility.Whateverahumanbeingdoes,itisforhisown comfortandhappiness.Hebuysorbuildsagoodhousetolivein.Hewantsatopqualitycar. Peopledosomuchforownphysicalhappiness.Butfewmakeanyeffortforthesalvationofthe soul. IpraythataSikhwhereversettledshouldrecitesimraninthemorning.Ifpossible,heshouldjoin theSangatinthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJiforrecitingNaam,forthisismostbeneficial. Asaresultofsimran,GuruJiwillgrantKhalsaRajthatmuchsooner. "Eventhoughtheoceansandthesaltyseasareveryvast,theGursikhwillcrossoverittogettohis Guru.||14||Justasthemortaldieswithoutwater,sodoestheSikhdiewithouttheGuru.||15 ||Justastheearthlooksbeautifulwhentherainfalls,sodoestheSikhblossomforthmeetingthe Guru.||16||IlongtobetheservantofYourservants;IcalluponYoureverentlyinprayer.||17 ||NanakoffersthisprayertotheLord,thathemaymeettheGuru,andfindpeace.||18||" (SGGSp.757) InEnglanditisverycoldinwinter.Thereissnowandfrost.Insuchweatheronedoesnotfeellike goingout.Itisverydifficulttogetupearlyinthemorning.Everyonefeelslikekeepingwarminthe quiltforaslongaspossible. ThosewhoareblessedwiththefavourofmyLordandMasterarenotaskedtorendertheir account.SaysNanak,IamasacrificetothosewholistentoGodwiththeirears." (SGGSp.577) ThoseGursikhswhohavebeenblessed,forthemgettingupearlyhasbeenmadeeasier.Forthey arekeentotakeabathandgoandexperiencedarshan(holysight)ofGuruJi.Nomatterhowcold orevenifitissnowing,GursikhsstillattendGurdwara.IneverthoughtthatIwouldeverenjoy darshanoftheGuruandtheSangatearlyinthemorning.WithGuruJi'sblessing,thathascometo pass.TheSangatissoeagernowthatifanyoneisunabletoattendforsomereasonthenthat personfeelsagreatloss. "Weareborn,andwegrow,andhavinggrown,wepassaway.Beforeourveryeyes,thisworldis passingaway.||1||Howcanyounotdieofshame,claiming,"Thisworldismine"?Atthevery

lastmoment,nothingisyours.||1||Pause||Tryingvariousmethods,youcherishyourbody, butatthetimeofdeath,itisburnedinthefire.||2||Youapplysandalwoodoiltoyourlimbs, butthatbodyisburnedwiththefirewood.||3||SaysKabir,listen,Ovirtuouspeople:your beautyshallvanish,asthewholeworldwatches.||4||"(SGGSp.325) Oneday,BibiJaswinderKaur(Rano)said,"BhaiSahibJi!IfeltasifIsufferedalossyesterday."I askedher,"Whathappened,inwhatbusinesshaveyousufferedaloss?"Shereplied,"NoBhai SahibJi,Ikeptonsleeping;IwasinsuchdeepsleepthatIdidnothearthealarm.IregretthatIdid notattendthemorningsimran."Itoldher,"Trulyyouhaveincurredaloss.IfonehundredSikhs aredoingsimran,thenthepersonallosstoyouisonehundredhours.WhenallGursikhsaredoing simran,thenthesimranof"Waheguru"Gurmantar(Guru'smysticalformula)isheardbyone another.Thebenefitofthistothesoulismanytimesmore." "SaysNanak,listentotheAmbrosialNaamandbecomeholy;youwerecreatedonlytohearthe Truth."(SGGSp.922) SalvationisachievedbyrecitingNaamwithSaadhSangatbysittinginthepresenceofSriGuru GranthSahib.IfanindividualwishestomeditateharmoniouslyontheholyfeetofGuruJi(i.e. symbolicofmeditationonGuru'sShabadinhumility)thenonemustgiveupuntruthandjealousy. OnehastobeintotalhumilitybeforeSatguruJi.Onemustnotwishevilofanyoneandmustnot saybadthingsaboutanother.Donotcovetanother'swealthorwoman;thinkofanotherwoman (otherthanyourwife)asmotherorsister.Chastityisessential.Onewhoobservestheserules, pleasesGuruJiandisblessedbyGuruJi. About25yearsago,whenBhaiPritamSingh,BibiGianKaurandtheirfamilytookAmrit,Iwas amongstthePanjPiaray.AfterthisIbecameattachedwiththisfamily.Ifeltasifwehadcome togetherinthislifeduetoaconnectioninapreviouslife.ApersonwhotakesAmritbecomesa memberoftheGuru'sfamily.BibiGianKaurwasverykeenthatGursikhsshouldcomeanddo simranandkirtanathome.WiththeeffortofBhaiAjitSinghBhogalofDelhi,simranandkirtan routinecarriedonforalongtime.BhaiSahibJistayedwiththisfamilyforthreeorfouryears. Seeinghiswayoflife,BhaiSukhdevSinghJi'slifechangedaswell.Hetoostarteddoingsimranand NitNem.HestartedlivingthelifeofGursikhs. Ihavebeenintouchwiththisfamilyformanyyears,butIhaveneverheardthemcondemn anyoneorgossipaboutanyone.Ifsuchpeopledosimraninthemorningthenthemind automaticallyconcentratesonGuruJi'sCharan(holyfeet).BhaiSahibJitoldme,"Onemorning whiledoingsimranIunderwentanunusualexperience: "IhaveseizedtheUnseenandUnfathomableLord,throughtheWordoftheGuru's Shabad.IamasacrificetotheTrueGuru." (SGGSp.1114) "Awaveofcompletetranquillityandpeacewentthroughmybody.Thewanderingmindbecame peaceful.Thebodybecamenumb.Suddenly"WaheguruWaheguru"rhythmstarteddeepinme.I couldhearthesoundofsmallbells.Sometimestherewasalsoanothersound.Iexperiencedthis foraboutthreeorfourseconds.IwasgratefultoWaheguruforthisspiritualexperience." AnyordinarypersoncanundergosuchunusualexperienceswhenconcentratingfullyonNaam.

"Havingbeenassociatedinpreviouslives"(SGGSp.700) HiswifeBibiAmarjitKauralsolivesaGursikhlife.Shealsojoinsinthemorningsimran.Shenever raiseshervoice,alwayscheerful,andhasacharitablenature.Ifasantcomesfordonationsfor someGurdwara,sheneversendshimbackemptyhanded.Ifonehassuchalifepartner,andthe couplejointogetherinsimranthentheyachievesalvation. Apersonwhobecomeshumble,achievessalvationinthislifeandhappinessinthenext.Inthe samewaymanyotherSinghsenjoyGuruJi'sblessing.MoreSangatattendsNaamsimran.Many otherladieshavestarteddoingKirtan.BibiGurdipKaurdoessewaonharmoniumandtablaand hersonalsodoessuchsewa.BibiBhupinderKaurdoeskirtansewa.Shetravelsaboutninemilesto joininthesimran. OnedayBhaiJaspalSinghtookmetohishouse.Inoticedthathiswife,BibiJagdeepKaurlookeda bitunhappy.Ithoughtthatmaybe,becauseJaspalSinghgoesandplaysTabla(atNaamsimran) sheisnothappy.ShesaidGurFatehtomeandwenttomaketea.WhenshereturnedIaskedher, "JaspalSinghgoestoplaytabla,areyouhappywiththat?"Shereplied,"Yes,Iamveryhappy becausehegoesforagoodpurpose.IfheweregoingtosomeotherplaceIcouldnothave stoppedhimeither." IexplainedtoherthatonetenthofthesewawhichJaspalSinghwasdoingwenttohercredit.She askedme,howcouldthatbeasshesleptwhilehewasaway.Iexplained,"Thegovernment deductsapartofone'ssalaryforpensionpurposes;sothehighestgovernmentofall,thatofAkal Purakh,willgiveyouboththerewardhereafter." IwastoldbySuchaSinghBains,"IhaveattendedGurdwaraSahib,SriGuruSinghSabha,Havelock Road,morningandeveningforthirtyyears.Ibenefitfromthekathaandkirtan.Thenaboutjust overayearagoIheardthatsimranwasdonefrom4.00to5.00inthemorning.HearingthisIwas interestedtoseewhatsimranwas.Sometimepassedandon1stAugust,1996,aclosefriend persuadedmetoattendtheGurdwaraat4.15inthemorning.IcannotdescribeseeingtheAmrit ofsimran(ambrosialspiritualwaterofNaam)showeringontheSangat.Itis1stAugust,1997, today,anditisGuruJi'sblessingthatinthe365daysIhavenotbeenlatenorhaveImissedany day.OntheveryfirstdayIhadsuchanexperiencethataccordingtoBhagatKabirJi'sShabad. "Kabir,theTrueGuru,theSpiritualWarrior,hasshotmewithHisArrow.Assoonasitstruckme,I felltotheground,withaholeinmyheart."(SGGSp.1374) "OnlymySatguruknowstheexperienceIwentthrough.IdotheNitNemoftheFiveBanis includingSukhmaniSahib.Ihearkathaandkirtandaily.NowifIamunabletoattendthekatha kirtanforsomereason,Ifinditdifficulttomisssimran.ThepraiseofNitNem,kathaandkirtanis greatandcanbedescribedindegrees;butthegreatnessofsimranisindescribable. Oneday,ImetBhaiBikramSinghaftertheGurdwarasimranandwehadaconversation.Hesaid, "Idonothavethewordswithwhichtopraisesimran.OnedayBalkarSinghcametoseeusat homeandinformedusthatsimranwasheldattheGurdwaradailyandthatweshouldattendas well.ThefollowingdayIwenttotheGurdwaraandheardthemelodyof"Waheguru".Icannot describehowsweetitwas.IsawthatalargeSangatincludingsmallchildrenweredoingsimran. WhenIsawlittlechildrendoingsimran,thenIthoughtwhyhaveImissedit?WhyhaveInot attended?Therewasalittlechildsittingonthestageanddoingsimranaloud.Icamehomeand

toldmywifeMahinderKaurthatattheGurdwara,"RamNaam"wasbeingfreelydistributed.Why hadwebeenleftsleeping?AsKabirJisays: "Kabir,ifyoumustrobandplunder,thenplundertheplunderoftheLord'sName.Otherwise,in theworldhereafter,youwillregretandrepent,whenthebreathoflifeleavesthebody." (SGGSp.1366) "TheretheTrueNamewasbeingfreelydistributed.Withthis,oneachieveshappinesshereand nowandalsorespectintheworldhereafter."Mywifesaid,"Ishallgoalso." Iaskedhim,"Howdidyoubecomeinterestedinsimran?BhaiSahibtoldme,"Myfatherpassed awaywhenIwassixyearsold.IwasbroughtupbymyBabaJi(grandfather).MyBabaJiwas devotedtoGurbaniandknewmuchBanibyheart.HewouldgivemegoodadvicethatIshoulddo goodthingsandkeepawayfrombaddeedsandbadcompany.Duetohiscompany,theseedof Waheguru'sNamewassowninmymind.TheNaamwhichBabaJihelpedmetorecitegrewwith metofruition.HegavemeencouragementtoreciteandlearnbyheartmuchGurbani;and,he wouldsaythatBaniwouldsavemefromthebeatingoftheYams(Death'sblackangels). WhenBabaJi'sendcame,hegoteveryonetogetherandsaid,"Iamabouttogotosleep;letno onewakemeup."Whenmanyhourspassedandhedidnotgetup,thenthefamilybecame worried.Whenwelooked,hissoulhadalreadydeparted." Itoldhim,"ThosewhoreciteNaam,theyknowbeforehandwhentheywouldbeleavingthis world,andtheirlastswas(lifebreath)leavesthebodywithease."

FewUnderstandtheGreatnessofNaam "TheNaamistheSupportofallcreatures.TheNaamistheSupportoftheearthandsolarsystems. TheNaamistheSupportoftheSimritees,theVedasandthePuraanas.TheNaamistheSupport bywhichwehearofspiritualwisdomandmeditation.TheNaamistheSupportoftheAkaashic ethersandthenetherregions.TheNaamistheSupportofallbodies.TheNaamistheSupportof allworldsandrealms.AssociatingwiththeNaam,listeningtoitwiththeears,oneissaved.Those whomtheLordmercifullyattachestoHisNaamONanak,inthefourthstate,thosehumble servantsattainsalvation.||5||"(SGGSp.284) "Ahundredtimesaday,IamasacrificetomyGuru;Hemadeangelsoutofmen,withoutdelay." (SGGSp.462) TheGurbanicompositionofAsadiVaarmakesitclearthatahumanbeingcanbecomeasaintby recitingNaam(MeditationonWaheguru'sNamei.e.GodBeing,theattributesofwhichare describedintheMoolMantar,theBasicPrecept,atthebeginningofSriGuruGranth SahibJi). ONanak,hemergeswiththeLordoftheUniverse,likewaterwithwater."(SGGSp.633) "Theraysoflightmergewiththesun,andwatermergeswithwater.One'slightblendswiththe Light,andonebecomestotallyperfect."(SGGSp.846) Inthesameway,GuruJisaysthatonemeetsWahegurubyrecitingNaam. Ohumanbeing!IfyoursalvationliesinNaamsimran,thenwhydoyoudelay?Thereisnothing butpaininthecyclesofbirthanddeath.Youhavereceivedahumanbody;useittoreciteNaam andmakeyourhumanlifeasuccess;youwillnotreceivethishumanbodyagainandagain.Bhagat Kabir,BhagatNamdev,BhagatRavidasandmanyotherbhagats(saintlypeople)becameimmortal byrecitingNaam.TheirBanihasbeenincludedinSriGuruGranthSahib.Theywillberemembered forever.Atfirst,theytoowereordinaryhumanbeingsbuttheybecameimmortalbymeditating onWaheguru.Anyhumanbeingcansucceedbytakingtheinitiativeandmakingacontinuous effort. "Mankindisafflictedwiththediseaseofegotism.Thediseaseofsexualdesireoverwhelmsthe elephant."(SGGSp.1140) "EgotismisopposedtotheNameoftheLord;thetwodonotdwellinthesameplace." (SGGSp.560) ThereisnounityinthePanth.Allarecaughtupinhaomai(ego,selfcentredpride).Theyhave formedseparategroups.SeparateGurdwarashavebeenmadebydifferentcastes.SriGuruGranth SahibJieliminatedthecastesystem.IfGuruJihadacceptedthecasteprejudice,Hewouldnot haveincludedtheBanioftheBhagatsofdifferentcastesandreligionsinSriGuruGranthSahibJi. GuruJi'sBanisays: "First,AllahcreatedtheLight;then,byHisCreativePower,Hiscreativepower(kudrat)madeall mortalbeings.FromtheOneLight,theentireuniversewascreated.Sowhoisgood,andwhois bad?"(SGGSp.1349)

NowthePanthwillhavetothinkhowtoerasethishaomai.Untilhaomaiisdestroyedtherecanbe nomutuallove.HaomaiwillonlybedestroyedbyrecitingNaam.Theearth,theskiesandthe moonarestablethroughNaam.Ifweobserveclosely,weseethattheSikhsarenotkeentorecite Naam.ThereareonlyafewwhogetupandreciteNaam.Theneedwastogetupearlyinthe morningandmergewithNaam,buttheywereunabletogetoutoftheKalyug'swarmblanketin themorning. AtsomeGurdwarasnowadays,simranisdoneinthepresenceofSatguruJi.However,fewmake theeffort.ThereisnoefforttogetclosertotheGuru'sCharan(seeGlossary).Thereisnodesireto reciteNaam.TheyarecontentwithjustdoingNitNemandinthiswaytheyarespendingtheir lives.Whensomeone'sbirthdaycomesthenthereisrejoicingthatthepersonissomanyyearsold. However,peopledonotthinkthattheirlifespanisbeingreducedyearafteryear.Somanyswas (seeGlossary)oflifehavebeenwastedandnosimranhasbeendone. OneshouldrealiseafterdoingthePaatthofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Itisrepeatedagainandagain inSriGuruGranthSahib,"O'humanbeing,reciteNaam,reciteNaam".Oneshouldmakethe efforttoreciteNaam.ItisonlythroughNaamsimranthatKhalsaRaajwillbeachieved. (A) "InvoketheblessedSriHarKrishanwhosevisionhealsallpains. CalluponTeghBahadursothattheKingdomofHeaven(NineTreasuresoflife)maycometo earth."(Ardaas) ThemorningsimranhadbeengoingonforoneyearandtheSangatarrangedtohaveanAkhand Paatth(continuousPaatthofSriGuruGranthSahibJi).BhaiHarbansSinghJiKohlirecitedthe PaatthoftheFiveBanisbeforetheSangateverymorning.AftertheHukamnama,heannounced thattheAkhandPatthwouldbestartedon23December1996andthecompletionBhogwouldbe on25December1996.OutsidetheGurdwarahall,BhaiDavinderSinghaskedBhaiHarbansSingh, "WhowillberesponsibleforthesewaofthisAkhandPaatthHesaid,"BhaiRamaSinghJiis responsible.Ifyouneedmoreinformationthenspeaktohim." ThefollowingdayBhaiDavinderSinghputinarequesttome,"BhaiSahibJi,Iwouldliketodothe sewa(costandarrangement)oftheAkhandPaatthbeingarrangedbythemorningSangat.I explainedtohimthatallthesewawasbeingdonebythewholeSangat;hecouldputinhisshare. Hesaid,"BhaiSahibJi,bystartingtheearlymorningKirtanyouhavedoneagreatservicefor others.WhenwedosimranforanhourinthepresenceofGuruJi,itseemsasifonehourhasbeen spentinSachKhand(inthecompanyofWaheguruJi).TherearetwoSachKhandstheoneabove us(inheaven)andtheotherofthemorningsimran.Ithinkthatnoonehasseentheoneabove; whynotspendthetimehereusefully.Wewerenotawarebefore,thatNaamsimranwasbeing heldintheGurdwara.WearrangedforanAkhandPaatthonthePrakaashUtsav(Birthday)ofSri HarKrishanJi.DuringthattimeweattendedGurdwaraSahibforthreedaysandhadthegood fortunetohearthemorningsimran.Ienjoyedsuchblissonlistening,thatIcannotdescribeit. Fromthatdayweattenddaily." BhaiDavinderSinghhasbeendoingthesewaofAkhandPatthonSriGuruHarKrishanJi's PrakaashUtsavformanyyears.Iexplained,"GuruJihasgivenyoueverything.NowinHiskindness heisbestowingonyouthegiftofNaam,whichcannotbevalued.

"TheMaster'sNameisPriceless;nooneknowsitsvalue.Thosewhohavegooddestinyrecorded upontheirforeheads,ONanak,enjoytheLoveoftheLord."(SGGSp.81) "TheGreatGiverkeepsHisGiftsinHisHand;HegivesthemtothosewithwhomHeispleased." (SGGSp.604) "YoursewahasbeenacceptedandnowSriGuruHarKrishanJihasgivenyouthegiftofNaam" InoticedthathisSinghani(wife)BibiJaswinderKaurisalsokeenondoingsewa.Shedoessewaof theSaadhSangatwithgreatdevotion.TheirchildrenJaspreetSinghandIndarpreetSinghloveto dosewaofwashingmetaldishesintheLangarandtheyoungestsoniskeentodoChaur(see Glossary)overSriGuruGranthSahibJi. (B) BhaiJogaSinghJicametoEnglandfromtheWaheguruSimranSociety,Australia,formakinga collection.Ialsousedtogoaroundwithhim.Onedaywhilemakingthecollectionwewenttothe houseofBhaiSarabjitSingh.Asweweretalking,Iasked,"Doyouknowthatearlyinthemorning, simranisheldatSriGuruSinghSabhaGurdwara?"Theydidnotknow.Isaid,"Youtooshould attend.ThisisinpraiseofGuruNanakandtherewardofdoingsimraninSaadhSangatisvery high."BhaiSarabjitSingh'sSinghani(wife)BibiSharanjeetKaursaid,"Ihavegreatfaithin Waheguru.WhenwecametoEngland,wewentthroughgreathardshipatfirstandwesoughtthe protectionofGurbani.WestartedthePaatthsofSukhmaniSahibandwouldgoanddosewainthe Gurdwara.OnedayIwasveryunhappyandIprayedtoGuruJi.CharitableGuruJishoweda Kautak,Hehadabaata(ironbowlusedforAmritSanchaar)inHishandandsaid,"Drinkthisand allyourpainandsufferingwillbedestroyed."Allwaswellafterthat.Ourbusinessprogressedand wewereblessedwithason." Iasked,"HowdidyoubecomeinterestedinGursikhi?SharanjeetKaursaid,"Mymothertoldme torecitepaatthtoherandpromisedtogivememoney.KnowingthatIwouldgetmoney,Istarted recitingpaatth.Byrecitingpaatthdaily,IwasabletolearnJapJibyheart.Mymotherwouldgive megoodreligiousadvice.Shewouldsay,"IfyoureciteGurbani,GuruJiwillalwaysprotectyou." ListeningtomymotherIbecamekeentocommitBanitomemory.AsIreadBani,Ialsostarted understandingandenjoyingit.WithGuruJi'sgrace,ImemorisedtheFiveBanisofNitnemand SukhmaniSahib.WhenIwasmature,Iwasmarriedbutmyhusband'sfamilywasnotfully committedtoSikhi. "WhenIarrivedinthisfamily,thenIwouldreciteBaniasIworkedaroundthehouse.WithBani recitationtheatmosphereofthehousechanged.Allfamilystartedlivingmorehappily.Other membersofthefamilystartedreadingBani.IamgratefultomymotherwholinkedmetoBani andencouragedmetoreadBani." Isaid,"GuruJihasshoweredhisblessingonyou.Youshouldnowattendthemorningsimran.We learnfromthisthatifparentsgettheirchildreninterestedinGurbani,thentheyachievesuccessin lifeandWaheguruiseverpresentwiththem.Hesupportsthemattimesofdifficulty. "WhenIopened(thetreasurehouse)andgazeduponthetreasuresofmyfatherandgrandfather, thenmymindbecameveryhappy.||1||Thestorehouseisinexhaustibleandimmeasurable, overflowingwithpricelessjewelsandrubies.||2||"(SGGSp.186) (C)

BhaiBalkarSinghsaid,"IusedtogotoworkaftermathatekanattheGurdwaraeveryday,Iused tothinkthattoattendGurdwarainthemorningandeveningwassufficient.OnedayIheardkatha attheGurdwarathattoreciteGurbaniandtodosimranwasessential.TheGianiJidoingthe kathaquotedthefollowingGurbanilines: "Thenightsarewastedsleeping,andthedaysarewastedeating.Humanlifeissuchaprecious jewel,butitisbeinglostinexchangeforamereshell.||1||YoudonotknowtheNameofthe Lord.Youfool,youshallregretandrepentintheend."(SGGSp.156) "GianiJiexplainedtotheSangat,"O'humanbeing,doWahegurusimranandmakeyourlifea success.CountlesssinnershavebeensavedthroughNaamrecitation." "WalkevenonesteptowardstheGuru;AndtheTrueGuruwillwalkmillionsofstepstowelcome you. Repeat,evenonce,themantra(mysticalformula)givenbytheTrueGuru;AndtheGuruwillbless you:ByhisLoveyouwillrepeatitagainandagain."(BhaiGurdaasKabit111) BhaiBalkarSinghsaidthatmanyGursikhslikehimdomathatekanattheGurdwarabeforegoing towork.Allbelievethatmathatekanissufficient(forgettingattendancenotedwiththeGuru).I tookeptdoingthesameformanyyears.ItoothoughtthatIhaddonemathatekanandthatis sufficient.IwasnottookeenonsimrannordidImakeanyefforttogetupinthemorning.My sonsSavrajSinghandSavdeepSinghattendedthemorningsimrandaily.Iwouldthink,theydon't sleepthemselvesandalsokeepothersawake. "ThentherewasthefirstRaaenSubaaeeofchildren.ThatwasaholidayandItoowenttothe Gurdwaratolistentothechildren.ThestartoftheRaaenSubaaeewonmyaffection,thatsuch littlechildrenhavecometopleaseWaheguruJi.Iwassurprisedthatthechildrendidkirtanso charmingly.IwaswonoverbythekirtanofAjitkamalSinghandSukhdeepSingh,andGursharan Singh,ManbirSingh,GurinderSinghandAmritKaur. "Whenitwastimefortheearlymorningsimran,therewerelinesofSangatformathatekan.The impressiongivenwasasiftherewasaGurpurab.Onesidewaslonglinesofmenandontheother sideofladies.BhaiGursharanSinghandBhaiJagtarSinghstartedwithaShabadbeforeNaam simran. "Now,theDarkAgeofKalyughascome.PlanttheNaam,theNameoftheOneLord.Itisnotthe seasontoplantotherseeds.Donotwanderlostindoubtanddelusion.Onewhohassuchdestiny writtenonhisforehead,shallmeetWiththeGuruandfindtheLord.Omortal,thisistheseasonof theNaam.NanakutterstheGloriousPraisesoftheLord."(SGGSp.1185) "ThisShabadstruckmelikeanarrow.Iwasinastateofbairag(seeGlossary).Icouldnotcontrol myself.ThenIstartedthinkingthatIhavewastedmylife.SriGuruArjanDevJisaysinSukhmani: "WithouttheremembranceoftheLord,dayandnightpassinvain,likethecropwhichwithers withoutrain.WithoutmeditationontheLordoftheUniverse,allworksareinvain,likethewealth ofamiser,whichliesuseless."(SGGSp.269) "Fromthatdayasamatterofprinciple,Idecidedtoattendsimraneverymorning.Dailysimran hasproduceakautakbyGuruJiinthatIhavestartedgettingupat1.00inthemorningandIdo

notgotosleepagain.IwasencouragedbyDivinePowerthatIshoulddothesewaofbringingthe holy"carriage"ofSriGuruGranthSahibJifromGuruJi'sholyrestingplace(SachKhand)atthe Gurdwara.(Thisisdoneveryearlyinthemorning.)IregardedmyselfasmostfortunatethatGuru Jiblessedmewiththissewa."

TheGuruIsAlwaysWithMe "IfYouarethemountain,Lord,thenIamthepeacock.IfYouarethemoon,thenIamthe partridgeinlovewithit.||1||OLord,ifYouwillnotbreakwithme,thenIwillnotbreakwith You.For,ifIweretobreakwithYou,withwhomwouldIthenjoin?||1||Pause||IfYouarethe lamp,thenIamthewick.IfYouarethesacredplaceofpilgrimage,thenIamthepilgrim.||2||I amjoinedintruelovewithYou,Lord.IamjoinedwithYou,andIhavebrokenwithallothers.||3 ||WhereverIgo,thereIserveYou.ThereisnootherLordMasterthanYou,ODivineLord.||4|| MeditatingonYou,thenooseofdeathiscutaway.Toattaindevotionalworship,Ravidaassingsto You,Lord.||5||"(SGGSp.658) FromthedayIhaddarshan(holysight)ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi(inBombay),Ibecameattached toGuruJiwholeheartedly.IcouldnotrestwithoutdailydarshanofGuruJi. "IcannotsurvivewithoutseeingmyBeloved.Myeyesarewellingupwithtears.||3||MyFriend, theTrueGuru,hasbeenmyBestFriendsinceIwasveryyoung.Icannotsurvivewithoutseeing Him,Omymother."(SGGSp.94) WhenIcametoEngland,IfirstlookedforaGurdwara.Todate,whereverIhavestayed,Ihave preparedaroomforGuruJi.FirstwepreparedaroomatChachaDarshanSingh'shouse.We broughtSriGuruGranthSahibJifromtheGurdwaraanddidPrakaashatChachaJi'splace.Bhai AmrikSinghwasstayingwithus.HetaughtmehowtodosewaofGuruJi(thatis,howtodo PrakaashandSukhaasanseeGlossary).Dailywewouldjointogetherinthemorningandevening todopaatthandsimran.InthesamewayGuruJi'sroomswerepreparedwhereverIstayed:inthe housesofBhaiMagharSingh,BhaiAmrikSingh,BhaiMallSinghandBhaiMohinderSinghBains. ThereisPrakaashofGuruJiinBhaiGursharanSingh'shousewhereIamstayingnow.Wherever,I stayed,IkeptclosetoGuruJi(physicallyandspiritually).Inthisway,Ihavehumblycarriedon doing(unannounced)sewaofGuruJi.IwasblessedbyGuruJithatmyinnermostdesireoffinding aperfectGuruhasbeenfulfilled,for,"WithouttheperfectGurusalvationisnotachieved."

TheGiftofGursikhi Oneday,BibiDayalKaursaid,"AladyfromourvillagewhowasrelatedtoBrahamGiani(see Glossary)SantBabaJwalaSinghJiHarkhowal,usedtogoforBabaJi'sdarshan.BibiDayalKaursaid tothislady,"IalsowouldliketogoforBabaJi'sdarshan.Whenyougo,takemealongwithyou." ThefollowingweektheopportunitycameupfordarshanofBabaJiofHarkhowal.BibiDayalKaur andherhusband,BhaiSahibBeantSinghwentforBabaJi'sdarshanwiththeladyfromtheir village.BhaiSahibwasverywise.Hesaidtohiswife,BibiDayalKaur,"Wearenotgoingtoaskfor anythingotherthanNoam"(Thecouplewerewithoutachildatthetime.)Whentheyreached there,BabaJiwasinholycommunicationwiththeSangat.Thesethreebowedwithrespectand satdown.ThatladyexplainedtoBabaJi,"Theyhavecomeforyourdarshan.Blessthemandgive themthegiftofsimran."BabaJisaid,"OnlySriGuruGranthSahibJicanbestowthisgift.Yougo anddomathatekanbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi."Aftertheyperformedmathatekan,the PaatthiSinghreadtheHukamnamafromSriGuruGranthSahibJi: "TheLordistheFulfillerofdesires,theGiveroftotalpeace;theKaamdhen(seefirstfootnoteat thechapteronKaamdhenShakti),thewishfulfillingcow,isinHispower.Someditateonsucha Lord,Omysoul.Then,youshallobtaintotalpeace,Omymind.||1||Chant,Omymind,the TrueName,SatNaam,theTrueName.Inthisworld,andintheworldbeyond,yourfaceshallbe radiant,bymeditatingcontinuallyontheimmaculateLordGod.||Pause||Whereveranyone rememberstheLordinmeditation,disasterrunsawayfromthatplace.Bygreatgoodfortune,we meditateontheLord.TheGuruhasblessedservantNanakwiththisunderstanding,thatby meditatingontheLord,wecrossovertheterrifyingworldocean.||2II"(SSGSp.669) WithWaheguru'sblessing,induecourse,BibiDayalKaurhadthreechildren,twosonsanda daughter.Whentheboyswerefiveandsixyearsold,BibiDayalKaurtookthemtoHarkhowalfor BabaJi'sdarshan.BibiJi'swishwasthattheyshouldbowatBabaJi'sfeet.AtthattimeBabaJiwas sittingwithhislegscrossed(inchaunkraposition).BibiJithoughtthatherwishwouldnotbe fulfilled.WhenthechildrencameinfrontofBabaJi,heputhisfeetforwardandblessedthem, thatthechildrenwhengrownupwouldencourageotherstoreciteNaam.BibiJiwasdelighted thatherwishhadbeenfulfilled.BabaJiwasatrueBrahamGiani. WhenthesimranstartedatSriGuruSinghSabha,thenBibiJirememberedBabaJi'sblessing.The wordsofBabaJicametobetrue.ApersonispredestinedtodoNaamsimran.DuetoBabaJi's blessing,allmembersofBibiDayalKaur'sfamilyreciteNaam. "ChanttheNaamyourself,andinspireotherstochantit.Bylovingdevotionalworship,youshall crossovertheworldocean."(SGGSp.290) TheydoNaamsimranandencourageotherstodothesame.Somefamiliestakepartinmorning simranfrom4.00to5.00,afterdoingGuruJi'sPrakaash,makinganofferingofPrashaadandthen doingthePaatthofSukhmaniSahib.

AttendanceatSachKhand (SachKhand:PlainofTruthorGodsCourt) (SachKhandisinterpretedvariouslyanddependinguponthecontext,asthespherewherethe AbsoluteTruth,theUltimateRealityresides.ThereforeitistheGod'scountry,God'sCourt, heavenlydestinationforsaintlysoulswhichhavebeenunitedwiththeLord.SachKhandinSikhiis theproximityofthehumansoultotheLord(i.e.whenthesoulbeginstoresideattheCharan KanwalHolyFeetoftheLordthroughimmersioninHisName.)Suchproximityisachievedin thislife.TheLordistheIkOangkarasdecribedintheMoolMantarandnoneother.) Dreamsareoftwotypes,goodandbad.Ifapersonhasbadthoughtsthenthedreamsarebad.If thoughtsaregoodthenthedreamsarenicetoo.Apersonwhothinksharmfulthoughtsabout otherssuffersfromfrighteningdreams.Forexamplefeelingjealousofone'sneighbour'sgood fortuneandthinkingbadabouthim.Somearesojealousthattheygotothosewhopractiseblack magicandcastspells(jaadootoona).Morethanthat;someevenstartfeelingjealousofone'sown brothers.Whyishisfamilyhappy?Whyarehischildrenbettereducatedthanours?Whyarethey soobedient?Itisnoticedsometimesthatladiesshowmorejealousyandkeeprunningtothose whocastspellsandpractiseblackmagic.Theycannotbehappydoingallthisbuttheycanonly suffer.Oneshouldalwayswishotherswell.AssomeGursikhsreciteandlearnBanibyheart,the Banibecomespartoftheirsubconsciousmind,andtheykeeprecitingthesameevenwhen sleeping. InthemorningtheAmritdhariSinghs(thosewhohavetakenAmrit)dotheGuru'sservicei.e. simran.WhenGursikhsdothisforanumberofyearsGurbaniisrecordedintheirmind.For example,achildgoestoschoolforeducation.Heattendsdaily.Ifhegoesforonedayandis absentforthenextcoupleofdays,hecannotprogress.Howwouldhepass?Ifheputsineffort intohisstudiesonlythenwouldhesucceed.Ifachilddoesnotgotoschool,theteacheris concernedabouthisabsence.Whenachilddoesnotattendthenheismarkedasabsent.Butlook atthegenerosityoftheGuru;ifforsomereasonaGursikhisunabletoattendinthemorning,then theGurudoesnotlookathisweaknesses.Infamilylifetherearemanyobligationssuchasthe needtoattendamarriageorsomeotherprogramme.Ifonedoesnotgotosleepearlythenitis difficulttogetupearlyinthemorning;butforthepractisingGursikh,GuruJimakeshimrecite NaaminhissleepandthushisattendanceisnotedAsBhagatKabirJisays: "Kabir,ifsomeoneutterstheNameoftheLordevenindreams,Iwouldmakemyskinintoshoes forhisfeet."(SGGSp.1367) WhenItookAmrit,Iexperiencedmanysuchkautaks(unusualexperiences).ManySinghsand Singhanisalsotellmeofsimilarexperiencesthatsimranstartsinadreamsuddenly.Somehear kirtanaswell.SomeGursikhs,whilestillsleeping,startdoingsimraninadreamattheappropriate timeearlyinthemorning.TheswasswassimrantaughtbythePanjPiarayduringAmritSancharis ofgreatbenefit.Whenswasswassimranresidesintheswas(ineachbreath),thenasaresultof thissimran,intheirdreamform,theycantraveltomanycountriesandreturntotheirbodies.This isthefirststageoftheGursikhs.GuruArjanDevJisaysinSukhmaniSahib: "Witheachandeverybreath,meditateinremembranceontheLordoftheUniverse,andthe anxietywithinyourmindshalldepart."(SGGSp.295)

DependenceonAnother (Beingsubjecttoanother'swill) WhenmyhealthbecamepoorandIhadtobeadmittedtothehospital.AssoonasIarrivedthey putmeonadripofglucose.BhaiGursharanSinghwassittingwithme.Isaidtohim,"Iamvery thirsty,givemesomewatertodrink."Hesaid,"Youwillnotgetanywaterforsixhoursbecause thedoctorhasstoppedyoureatingordrinking."HearingthisIthoughtIwastheninthehandsof othersandcouldnotdoanything. If,forsomereasonapersonissenttojail,thenthatpersonisinthehandsofothers.Forthe durationofthejailsentenceapersoncannotdoashepleases.Ifthesentenceisforfiveorsix monthsthentheperson'sparentsmakeallsortsofeffortsandtheyconsultlawyers,tofreehim. However,ahumanbeingdoesnotthink,thatifsentencedtothecycleofthe8.4millionlifeforms, thenhowwouldthesufferingsoulbefreed.Whowouldcometotherescue?(8.4millionlifeforms isafigurefromtheHinduliteraturetodenotethatlifegoesthroughcountlessspeciesinnature.It isfigureofspeechsofarasGurbaniisconcerned.Suchpopularidioms,wellknowntothepeople, arefrequentlyusedinGurbanitomaketheunderstandingeasier.Aswithnumerouspopular storiesinGurbani,whatisimportant,istheinnerGurmattmeaningandthemoralofeachstory.) "Youryouthhaspassedawaylikethis,andoldagehasovertakenyourbody.SaysNanak, meditate,vibrateupontheLord;yourlifeisfleetingaway!||3||Youhavebecomeold,andyou donotunderstandthatdeathisovertakingyou.SaysNanak,youareinsane!Whydoyounot rememberandmeditateonGod?"||4||(SGGSp.1426) Thereisnoescape(freedom)withoutWaheguru'sName.Untilsuchtimeasonehashealth,one candosewaandsimranandmakethislifeasuccess.

SalvationofFamilies Oncechildrenaskedatacamp,"BhaiSahibJi,tellushowwere21generationsrelatedtoPralaad, redeemed.OnlyPralaadhadrecitedNaam,nottheothermembersofthefamily;howcanthisbe possible?" "TheDearLordcompletesthetasksoftheSaints.HesavedtwentyonegenerationsofPrahlaad's descendents(SGGSp.1133) Iexplainedtothechildren: WhenthetimeforRajaJanaktogotoSachKhandcame,thentheangelsseatedhiminaheavenly carriageandstartedoff.Whentheyreachedhell,thereloudcriesofpainandsufferingcouldbe heard.Hearingthese,heaskedwhatthatplacewas.Theangelsreplied,"Thisishell.Thosewhodo notmeditateonGod,theyarepunishedhere.WiththearrivalofRajaJanak,thosesufferinginhell feltpeaceful;theirsufferinglessened,forRajaJanakhaddonemuchmeditation.WhenRajaJanak startedtogofurther,thosesufferingpleadedandaskedhimnottoleaveashispresencerelieved themoftheirsuffering.Eachtimehepreparedtoleavetheycriedoutbegginghimnottogo.At lasttheRajasaidtoDharamRajthejudgeatthegatetotheotherworld,"Ishallgoonlyifyou sendallthesesoulswithme,otherwiseIshallstayherealso."DharamRajsaid,"Iamtheservant ofWaheguru.Onwhataccount(ofgoodorcharitabledeeds)shouldIreleasethem?"RajaJanak thoughtforawhileandsaid,"GivethemthefruitofmyNaamsimranofoneghari(equalto24 minutes)."DharamRajacceptedandweighedtheNaamsimranofoneghariagainstthesinsofall thesoulsinhell.TheNaamsimranofoneghariweighedheavier.DharamRajreleasedallthesouls fromhell.AfterthisaseparatedirectroutetoSachKhandofthosewhodoNaamsimranwas established. ThesoulsinhellhadnotdoneanyNaamsimran,butduetoRajaJanak'sarrival,theirsufferingwas eliminated.Inexchangeforthefruitofoneghari(24minutes)simrantheyweregivenaplacein heaven.Inthesameway,ifinanyfamily,thereissomeonelikeRajaJanakwhodoesNaam simran,thenallmembersofthatfamilyaresaved.Andso,becauseofthesimranofPralaad,his21 generationswereredeemed.BhaiGurdasJisaysinoneofhisVaars(ballad): "RajaJanakwasagreatkingaswellasasaint,whoremainedunaffectedbyworldlytemptations. Heproceededtoheaveninthecompanyofsingingangelsandholymen. Hearingcriescomingfromhell,hewentthereandsawpeopleingreattorment. HesaidtoDharamrajthepresidingangelofHell:"Releasetheseunfortunatepeople." Dharamrajreplied,"IamonlytheservantofGod,mymaster." ThenJanakputtheweightoftheHolyNaamononesideofapairofspiritualscales;ontheother sideheplacedtheburdenofthesinsofthehellstricken. Behold!Thetotalweightofthesinswasnotevenaquarteroftheimmeasurableweightofthe HolyName.

Thesinnersfetterswerebroken,andtheywerereleased. Salvationandthemeansofliberationarewithinthepowersofsaintlypersons." (BhaiGurdaasVaar10Pauri5) Itoldthechildren,"IwassixyearsoldwhenIstartedsimran.Thesouloflittlechildrenispurefor theyhavenotsinned.Theyarefreefromworldlyattachmentandthefiveevilinfluences(oflust, anger,greed,attachmentandarrogance).ForthatreasonNaamresidesmoreeasilydeepinthe mind.Yoursoulispure.IfNaamfindsaplaceinyourmindthenyouwillbehappyandcontented allyourlife.AsPralaad's21generationsreceivedsalvationsoyoucanseeksalvationofyour21 generations. "AftertakingAmritIstartedworking.For26yearsIdidLangarsewaatthetavi(hotironplatefor cookingprasaadayi.e.Langarrotis)whilerecitingNaam.NooneknewthatIwasrecitingNaam andencouragingothersaroundmetodothesame.Ihadnootherdesire.Iwouldeatfoodat home.SomuchwealthofNaamwasstoredupthatImyselfdidnotknowhowmuch.GuruJiwas pleasedandblessedustheNaamsimraninHisownpresencefrom4.00to5.00inthemorning. "ReciteyourselvesandinspireotherstoreciteNaam,thatistheGuru'steaching. JointheHolyCongregationinmeditatingontheNaam,andobtainfreedomfromcomingand going(i.e.fromthecycleofbirthanddeath)." "FirstyouhavetodosewaandsimranandgettogetherthewealthofNaam.GuruJiwillbekind andgiveyouthestrengthtodosewa,forsewaisagiftoftheGuru.Whosoevermeditatesonthe NameofWaheguru,thatperson'searnings(ofNaamandsewa)arenotwasted. WaheguruJialwaysgivesthereward.Then,asGuruJisays,thisstagearrives: "Youeatandspendthiswealth,itisnotexhausted;hereandhereafter,itremainswithyou. Loadingthetreasure,theGuruhasgivenittoNanakandhismindisimbuedwithGod'sLove." (SGGSp.496) "EatfromthewealthofNaamanddistributeittoothers;therewillbenoshortage.Thiswealth stayswithapersoninthisworldandthenext. "FillyourstoreswiththewealthoftheLord.NanakbowsinhumilityandreverencetothePerfect Guru."(SGGSp.295) "Youshouldalsoattendthesimraninthemorning.Youwillbesurprisedthatone7yearoldchild attendssimranforthefullonehourdaily.SimranisdoneinmanyGurdwaras,youtooshould maketheeffort.WithSatguruJi'sgracethesangatisoverahundred. "MeditatecontinuallyontheNameoftheLordwithinyourheart.Thusyoushallsaveallyour companionsandassociates.||1||MyGuruisalwayswithme,nearathand.Meditating, meditatinginremembranceonHim,IcherishHimforever.||1||Pause||Youractionsseemso sweettome.NanakbegsforthetreasureoftheNaam,theNameoftheLord.||2||" (SGGSp.394)

Whateverapersondoes,itisforownbenefit.Ithoughtthesame,thatbyrecitingNaamIshould seeksalvation.NoindividualcanachievesalvationwithoutrecitingNaam.Forsalvationsewaand simranareessential.IacceptedthisasGuruJi'sHukam(Order)andstartedsimran wholeheartedly. "YourAmbrosialNameisdeepandprofound.Thatpersonisliberated,inwhoseheartYoudwell. TheGurucutsawayallhisbonds;OServantNanak,heisabsorbedinthepoiseofintuitivepeace. ||4||"(SGGSp.101) "Remembering,rememberingGod,hisLordandMasterinmeditation,theMessengerofDeath doesnotapproachhim.LiberationandheavenarefoundintheSaadhSangat,theCompanyofthe Holy;hishumbleservantfindsthehomeoftheLord."(SGGSp.682) Ithoughtonlyaboutmyself,butNaamhassuchattraction,thatmanyhavestartedonthispathto salvation.RajaJanak,bydonatinghissimranofoneghari(equalsto24minutes),redeemedallthe soulssufferinginhell;sowhyshouldn'tthoseGursikhsachievesalvation,whodosimranearlyin themorning.

TheSecondPanjab (Southall) ThesocialenvironmentofSouthallisverysimilartoPanjab.ThemainshoppingcentreofSouthall (TheBroadway)resemblesJalandharcity.MostoftheshopsarerunbythePanjabis.Here,our peoplehavenoshortageofPanjabifood.Greenvegetablesandallsortsoffruitareavailableall throughtheyear.Panjabisweetsofallvarietiesareavailable.Youcannotgetsomany Panjabi/IndianvarietieseveninIndia.Someshopsremainopenfromeightinthemorningtoeight intheevening.Ourpeoplearesokeentoexpandbusinessesthattheyworkveryhard.Somelike toeatoutside.Therearebeautifulrestaurantsherewhichremainopenuntilelevenatnight. Samosasaresopopular,thateventhewhitepeoplehavestartedeatingthem;theyalsoenjoy eatingotherIndianfood.Southallissofamousnowthatpeoplecometodoshoppingfromother areasandalsoeatfoodhere.TherearebigcrowdsonSundays.Peoplecometopaytheirrespects attheGurdwaras,Mandars(Hindutemples)andMosquesandalsodoshoppingfortheweekat thesametime.Onecanalsobuyclothofalltypes.Therearemanyshopsofgoldornaments. AnyonecomingherefromIndiaorPakistanfeelsasifheisinPanjab. Thereareradioandtelevisionbroadcastsinourlanguages.Thereareprogrammesforchildren.If thereisaspecialdayforanyreligionthenradioandtelevisionarepleasedtoarrangespecial informationprogrammes.Forexample,duringVaisakhi,adirectprogrammeisreceivedfrom Amritsarforthreeorfourdays.TherearemanyGurdwaras,MandarsandMosquesinSouthall. ThemostfamousGurdwaraisSriGuruSinghSabha,Southall.ThisGurdwarawasstartedonthe 300thPrakashUtsav(Birthday,butalsoseeGlossary)GurpurabofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.The GurpurabwascelebratedonabigscaleattheRoyalAlbertHall,London.Therewasamilkdiary buildingwherethisGurdwaraislocated.GurbachanSinghGillhelpedtoarrangefortheloanto buythisplace.AnofficewasconstructedbyBachitarSinghwhenhebecamePresident.When GianiAmolakSinghbecamePresident,heboughttheplaceforthecarpark.MalkeetSinghGrewal, asPresidentconstructedtheplacefortheLangarandtheYoungSikhsmadetheSachKhand rooms(placewhereSriGuruGranthSahibJiiskeptatnightinastateofSukhaasan,"resting position"). ThisisthemostfamousGurdwaraoutsidePunjab.Despiteitsfameandhugeincome,nopartyhas takenthetroubletobuildanewGurdwara.Everyoneboughtorbuilttheirownhousesbutnoone botheredtobuildGuruGhar(Guru'sHouse). PresidentHimatSinghSohiandtheCommittee,withthesupportoftheSangat,repaidalltheloan of800,000poundsowedbytheGurdwaratothebank.TheyreceivedfullsupportfromtheSangat. Aconsiderableamounthasalsobeensavedforanewbuilding.WithGuruJi'sblessinganew Gurdwarawillbebuiltinthenearfuture.AllthisishappeningwiththefullsupportoftheSangat. Here,thereisregularflowofBaniandNaam. ThePrakashofGuruMaharaj(GuruKing)isdoneat2.45inthemorning.Followingthe Hukamnama,theNitNemofFiveBanisisrecited.ThenNaamsimrantakesplacefrom4.00to5.00 a.m.ThereissuchenthusiasmaboutsimranthatalargenumberofSangatgettogetheratthat time.From5.00to6.30a.m.KirtanofAsaDiVaarisdone.TheSangatlistenkeenly.Afterthisthe katha(interpretationandexplanation)ofthemainVaak(HukamnamaorOrder)oftheday,read fromSriGuruGranthSahibJi,followingthePrakashinthemorning,isdone.Andsothe programmecontinues.From10.00to11.00inthemorning,thesimranisdoneforthesecond

time.Ontwodaysaweektherearespecialprogrammesforladies.Aftersimran,theladiesdo PaatthsofSukhmani,ChaupaaeeSahibfollowedbyShabadKirtan. Inthesamewaytheeveningprogrammestarts.ThePaatthofRehrasstartsat5.00o'clock.The SangatbenefitsbylisteningtoKirtanuntil6.30p.m.;afterwhich,serialKathaofSriGuruGranth SahibJicontinues.TheArdaasforthecompletion(samapti)ofprogrammesisdoneat8.00inthe evening.Thefollowingday'sprogrammebeginsagainat2.45.ThisisthedailyprogrammeatSri GuruSinghSabha,Southall. HerethesewaoftheLangargoesonfor24hoursandispreparedwithgreatcleanlinesswhile Wahegurusimrangoeson. "Instructyoursoul,weartheuniformofselfdisciplineandrememberGod'sNamesilentlyand continuouslyinyourownheart. Thus,yourbodywillalwaysshinelikegoldandthedemonofdeathwillnotfrightenyou." (ShabadHazaray,Patshahi10) Thosewhodosewaremainuntouchedbypainandsuffering.Ihavenoticedthattheladieswhodo sewaintheLangarsufferfromnoillness.Theseladiesleavetheirfamiliesanddosewaofthe Sangat,treatingSangatliketheirownfamily. Ashasbeenmentionedbefore,intheHindureligion,inveryhotweatherofJetth(lunarmonth fallingbetweenmidMayandmidJune),topleaseGod,theSadhuslightfivefiresandinflictgreat sufferingonthemselves.TheireffortiswastedbecausetheydonotreciteWaheguru'sName.But GuruJiallowedtheopportunityofthisdifficultsewaonthehottavi(ironplateforcooking prasaadayorrotis)intheLangar.Thissewabearsmuchfruit.Whencookingprasaadayonthehot tavi,thehandsarepurifiedandthetongueispurifiedbyreciting"Waheguru".Someladies,asa matterofprinciple,attendtodosewaandsimranwhiletheprasaadayarebeingmade.Ihave seentheseladiesparticipatinginsewaandsimranformanyyears.

SikhYouthCamps SikhihasbeenpreachedmoreeffectivelyinothercountriesthaninPanjab(thehomeofSikhi). Gurmattcampswerestarted,atfirstinMalaysia,tospreadthewordaboutSikhi.TheSikhsin MalaysiaarekeentopreachSikhi.ThewealthySikhsdistributedGutkas(seeGlossary)of SukhmaniSahibandNitNem,freeofcharge.TheyoungSikhstakealeadingpartinpreaching Sikhi.TheydistributedGutkasofAsadiVaartranslatedinEnglish. ThesecondcampwasstartedbytheSikhMissionarySociety(UK),abouttwentyyearsago,andit isrunningwell.TwoorthreehundredchildrenfromalloverEuropetakepartinthiscamp.The childrenaretaughtabouttheSikhreligionandhowtoreadGurbanicorrectly.Theyalsoenjoy gamesandsports.Onedayisreservedforanoutingtosomeinterestingplace.Tablaand harmoniumarealsotaughtbytheSociety.NowcampsareheldallovertheUKandinother countrieslikeCanadaandAmerica. InEnglandaKhalsacampisheldinJulyduringthesummerholidays.ChildrenfromalloverEurope takepartandnumberfrom250to300.ManySinghandSinghanisewadarstakepart.Thereare separatecampingarrangementsfortheladies.MuchistaughtabouttheSikhwayoflife.Senior scholarsareinvitedtotalkaboutdifferentaspectsofthereligionandSikhreligioushistory.InJuly 1996,theJathedarofAkalTakhatSahib,Prof.ManjitSinghJi,alsotookpart.Hewaspleasedtosee somanychildren.HethankedDrDupinderSinghsaying,"Youaredoingagreatcommunitysewa byholdingthiscamp.Itwouldbemostbeneficial,ifwelleducatedyoungSikhslikeyoupreach Sikhi." Oneissopleasedtoseesuchprogrammes,especiallywhenlittlechildrendoGuruJi'ssewa.Inthis camp,manySinghsandSinghaniswearthekeski(smallturban).Othersareimpressedbythe ladieswearingkeskis',forGuruJisays: Khalsaismyspecialform;IntheKhalsaIreside.(SarabLohGranth). Manyyounggirlsdevelopaninterestinwearingakeski.Girlsareshownhowtowearadastar (turban)anddastarsaregivenfreebythecamp.BibiManjitKaurandBhaiOnkarSinghdraw picturesofthechildreninfullSikhidressandputthemondisplayatthecamp.Theytakethis initiativetoteachsomethingaboutSikhi,whenthereisaRaaenSubaaee,oracampisheldorif thereisanyspecialprogramme. ThechildrenjoinintheNitNemandsimraninthemorning.ThechildrenthemselvesdoNitNem, ArdaasandthenreadtheHukamnama.TheyreadtheinterpretationoftheHukamnamainEnglish anddiscussit.TwochildrenhelpasewadartomakePrasaad(alsocalledDegseeGlossary)and tobringittotheDarbarhall(wherethereisthePrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJi).Alljoin togethertodotheKirtanofAsadiVaar. Afterthemiddaylangar(lunch)childrenundertakephysicaleducation.Somechildrentakepartin Gatka(GatkaisthetraditionalKhalsaartofselfdefence.Astickisusedinplaceofrealweapons andtheartdependsonagilityandhighlydisciplinedandrhythmicmovementoffeet,armsand hands.Sometimesasmallshieldisheldinthelefthandandathreefeetstickwithahandle (representingasword)intheother.Longersticksareusedforothermovementsandformsof defence.Itisanartwhichisbeingrevivednow).Somechildrenplaygameslikefootballand

hockey.Childrenarealsotaughtkirtan.Theysingtheshabadstheyhavelearntduringthedayto theSangataftertheRehras.Thechildwhoisabletolearntheharmoniumortabladuringthe weekandsingsaShabadisgivenaharmoniumortablafree.Childrenaredelighted. TomakeprogrammesforaGurmattcamptheMukhSewadars(leadingworkers)havetowork veryhardregardingplanning,resourcesandarrangements.Attheexpenseoftheirownwork,they workdayandnighttomakethecampasuccess.Thechildrenarekeptsobusythattheyforget theirhomesandfamilies.Theyforgetwhatdayitis.Theyonlyrealisethatitisthelastdaywhen prizesaredistributedtothechildren. Attheconclusionofthelastcamp,beforethechildrendispersed,DrDupinderSinghsaid,"You mustalllearnPanjabi.WecamefromPanjab,butyouwerebornhere.Youmustbeableto understandPanjabi(PanjabilanguageandGurmukhiscriptinwhichPanjabiiswritten).OurSri GuruGranthSahibJiisinPanjabi(i.e.Gurmukhiscript),ifyoudonotlearnPunjabithenhow wouldyoudoPaatth?ThegirlswerepersuadedtoattendtheGurdwara,towearownSikhdress andtoconversewithchildreninPanjabi.Thedoctorthankedallthesewadarsandthechildren.As thegirlswereabouttositintheirseparatecoaches,theyembracedeachotherandtheireyes werewet. IaskedBibiGurdeepKaur,"Whyaretheycrying?"GurdeepKaurtoldme,"Thesearetearsof happiness.Theyaresayingthattheyhavelearntmuchinthiscamp,andthattheycannotforget theaffectionofBibiNavleenKaur.Theyfeelasiftheyhavespentaweekinheaven.Allwere gettingtogetherinthemorningtodosimran,tolistentokirtan,andallthiswillnotbeavailableat home." Onanotheroccasion,on17August1997,westartedfromSouthallforManchestertotakepartin aSikhicamp.WecompletedthejourneyinthreeandahalfhoursandreachedManchester.We sawmanybeautifulscenesontheway.Thiscampwasatanarmycentreandtherewerehillsall aroundit.Theroadwoundaroundtheslopeslikeasnake. WhenwereachedthecampBhaiSantokhSinghreceiveduswarmlyandshowedmetomyroom. Thiswasaroomofsomearmyofficial.Itwassevenintheevening.BhaiSahibtoldusaboutthe eveningprogramme,thatthechildrenfirstdidonehoursimranandatthattimetheywere enjoyingtheeveningkirtan.ThePaatthofRehraswastofollow. WewentstraighttotheDarbarandlistenedtothekirtan.AfterRehras,theArdaasforthe completionoftheeveningprogrammewasat8.30p.m.AfterthePaatthofKirtanSohila,SriGuru GranthSahibJiwastakentothespecialroomforSukhaasan.AlltheSangat(childrenand sewadars)followedtheGuruJi'sswari(personcarryingGuruGranthSahibJirespectfullyonhis head).IwasverypleasedtoseethegreatrespectshownbythechildrentoGuruJi.Allfollowed behindtheswaridoingsimranwithdevotion. WhentheswarireachedtheSukhaasanroom,theSangatstoodoutsidetheroomandrecitedthis Shabad: "WherevermyTrueGurugoesandsits,thatplaceisbeautiful,0LordKing.TheGuru'sSikhsseek outthatplace;theytakethedustandapplyittotheirfaces.TheworksoftheGuru'sSikhs,who meditateontheLord'sName,areapproved.ThosewhoworshiptheTrueGuru,ONanakthe Lordcausesthemtobeworshippedinturn."(SGGSp.450)

AfterthecompletionoftheprogrammetheSecretaryannouncedthattheswariofGuruJiwould bebroughttotheDarbarhallinthemorningatfouro'clock.Allshouldgetupingoodtimeto attend.Thatthefirsthalfhourwouldbedevotedtosimran. Inthemorningatfouro'clock,thechildrenassembledasSangatbeforetheSukhaasanroom, reciting"Waheguru"andprayedasKabirJisaysinthisShabad: "IamadogatYourCourt,Lord.Iopenmysnoutandbarkbeforeit."(SGGSp.969) Itwasamomentofbliss;itwasearlyinthemorningandverypeaceful.Listeningtotherecitation of"Waheguru",eventhebirdsintheskystartedchirpingasiftheytooweresingingthepraisesof Waheguru.AfterdoingsimranforhalfanhourandArdaas,GuruJi'sswariwastakentotheDarbar hall. WhenIsawthissight,theimageofSriHarmandarSahibcamebeforeme.AsatAmritVelathe swariofSriGuruGranthSahibJiistakenfromSriAkalTakhattoDarbarSahib. AfterPrakaashofGuruJi,thesimranstartedagainuntil6.00a.m.From6.00to7.00kirtanwas sungfollowedbyNitNem.Afterthatallhadbreakfast.IfachildwaslateanddidnotjoinintheNit Nem,heorshewasgivenaGutkatodoNitNembeforetakingbreakfast.Afterthatthechildren dispersedtotakearest.From11.00a.m.to1.00p.m.thechildrenweretaughtaboutGursikhi theSikhwayoflife.Afterlunchfollowedsports.Childrenwerekeptverybusy.Andsotheevening programmestarted.Thatwasthedailyprogramme. Whenthechildrenwouldgofortheirrest,IwoulddosewaintheLangar.Ladiesweredoingsewa intheLangarwithmuchdedication.Ithankedthemfortheirgreatservice,foritisnoteasyto makefoodfor250people.TheladieswhoworkedintheLangarforthewholeweek,wereBibi RashpalKaur,SurinderKaur,AmarjitKaur,SukhwinderKaur,JagdeepKaurandKulwantKaur. Iwasverypleasedtonotethatthesechildrenshowedhonestyanduprightconduct.Theydidnot takeanyoneelse'sthings.Therewereoneortwoincidentswhichclearlyshowedthis.Theladies doingsewadidnotevencarefortheirthings.OnedayBibiKamaljitKaurwasdoingwashingupin thekitchenandleftherwatch.Shefoundittherethefollowingmorning.BibiJagdeepKaurforgot hercameraintheLangar.Shegotitfromtheoffice;someonehadtakenitthere. "Totakewhatrightfullybelongstoanother,islikeaMuslimeatingpork,oraHindueatingbeef." (SGGSp.141) InAfrica,friendshipdevelopedbetweenaSikhandawhiteman.Bothwouldgoforawalkevery evening.Onedayastheywerewalking,theSikhfoundawallet.Therewasquitealotofmoneyin it.Hismindwaveredandhesaidtohiswhitefriend,"Godhassentusagift."Hisfriendreplied,"It doesnotbelongtous.Wehavenotearnedthismoney."TheSikhsaid,"Wefoundit;letusshareit halfhalf."Hiswhitefriendwasnothappyandsaid,"Letusannounceitontheradiosothatitcan bereturnedtotheowner."TheSikhstillinsistedonkeepingit.Hisfriendsaid,"WhenIwentto India,IhadtheopportunitytogotoAmritsar.Akatha(seeGlossary)wasinprogressthere.Iasked theSikhsittingnexttometoexplainwhatwasbeingsaid.HesaidtheGianiJiissaying,thatifone eatswhatbelongstoanotherthen,foraMuslimitislikeeating(theforbidden)pork,andforthe Hindulikeeating(thesacred)cow."HearingthistheSikhwasembarrassed,thinking,"IreadBani

daily,yetithashadnoeffectonme.IhavenotfollowedGuruNanakDevJi'steachings."Hisfriend said,"Ifthepersonwhohaslostthismoneygetsit,thatpersonwillbesopleased." When,induecourse,thepersonwhohadlostthewallet,cametogetitfollowingaradio announcement,hesaid,"Ihadwithdrawnthismoneyfromthebankforthemarriageofmy daughter."Hewasdelightedandblessedthem,Formeyouaresaints.Youhavereturnedmy wallet.MayyoubeashappyasIamtoday,allyourlife." BhaiJiwanSinghJi,SantMaanSinghJiandSantReshamSinghJialsotookpartintheSikhicamp andgavetalks.BhaiJiwanSinghJiandSantMaanSinghJisangGurbanikirtanandSantResham SinghJididGurbanikatha.OnthefinaldaythechildrenofSouthallperformedaGatka(Sikh martialart)demonstrationwhichwaslikedbyall. IhavetakenpartinmanycampsinCanada,America,MalaysiaandEngland.However,thisyear's campbytheBritishOrganisationofSikhStudents(BOSS)wasquitespecial.Itwasamost exhilaratingexperiencetolistentothechildrendoingWahegurusimranatfourinthemorning whilestanding.IfsimranisdonewiththesamededicationthroughouttheSikhworld,GuruJiwill beverypleasedwithhischildren: "WhateverIaskforfrommyLordandMaster,hegivesthattome.WhatevertheLord'sslave Nanakutterswithhismouth,provestobetrue,hereandhereafter."(SGGSp.681) BhaiJagjitSinghspoketothechildreninthecamp,"WewereborninSikhfamilies,yetweareso lazy.ThewhitepeoplewhoadoptSikhi,arebetterthanusastheykeepthefullSikhirehat.We werebornintotheSikhreligion,whyarewelesskeen?TodaySikhyouthwearturbansandalso earrings.Withsuchbehaviour,howwouldGuruGobindSinghJigiveusourownrule(KhalsaRaj)? "WhenItookAmrit,thePanjPiaraypreachedthattheladiesshouldnotgettheirnosesorears pierced(forwearinggoldornaments),Butthesedays,eventhesonsofSinghshavestarteddoing that.ThisiswhatIreadinthe"Sura"(Punjabi)journalrecently: "AreyoutheSikhsofthatKalgianWaale(SriGuruGobindSinghJi),whosacrificedhiswholefamily sothatyoumaylive?Areyouthedescendantsofthosemartyrs,who,forSikhiyweresawedalive, scalpedalive,dismemberedalive,werebrokenonthewheels,boiledaliveandwhoseheadswere carriedonspears;thosemartyrswhounderwentunspeakablesufferingbutdidnotsurrendertheir faith;theykepttheirKhalsaidentityandkeptSikhispotless?"Areyouthedescendantsofthose warriormothers,whoacceptedintotheirlapstheirlittlechildrencuttopiecesandworenecklaces madefromthosepieces,whogroundlargequantitiesofgrainonhandmills,whofoughtinwars sidebysidewiththeirSikhbrothers,andwhoremainedtruetotheirhusbandsandSikhitilltheir dyingbreath?AreyouthebrothersofSahibFatehSinghandSahibJorawarSingh(youngersonsof SriGuruGobindSinghJi)whoremainedfearlessuntiltheend,whodidnotwaverfromSikhi,who refusedtogiveuptheirSikhidentitybutacceptedtobebrickedalive? "Ifyouarethedescendantsofthosegreatwarriorsfromwhomkingdomsoncetrembled;whose swordwastheshieldoftheweakandthepoorandasharpdaggerforthetyrants;ifyouarethe SinghsofSriGuruNanakDevJi,SriGuruGobindSinghJi,thenwhydoyoudishonourthenameof yourGuru?Whydoyoudesecrateyourhair?Whydoyoudamageyourwholesomeimageand identity?WhyareyoubreakingtheSikhicode(ofbehaviourforabalanced,healthyand responsiblelife)?Whyareyoushunningtheambrosialfood ofNaam Baniinpreferenceto

poisonousdrugs?WhyareyoushunningGurucentredbehaviourinpreferencetoegocentric behaviour?Luredbygreedandselfishness,whyareyoudishonouringyourturban(theSikh "Crown",symbolicofhonour,dignityandsovereignty)?WhyareyougettinglostinnonSikh faiths?Whyhaveyoulostyouruniqueness?Whydoyounotrecogniseyourheritage?Whyhave thelioncubs,bymixingwithsheep,forgottentheirroarandresortedto"baabaa"instead?" Thechildrenwereverymuchimpressedbythesewords.TheyjoinedtogethertopraytoGuru GobindSinghJi,"OTrueKing,Youloverehat.Blessusthatwetooshouldhaveaffectionforrehat GrantusthegiftsofSikhiandrehat"Theyacceptedintheirmindstokeepthefullrehat. "God,theGreatGiver,hasbecomemerciful;Hehaslistenedtomyprayer.HehassavedHis servant,andputashesintothemouthoftheslanderer."(SGGSp.818)

NagarKirtan(LocalSikhreligiousprocessionseeGlossary) AllGurpurabsarecelebratedattheSriGuruSinghSabhaGurdwara,Southall,ontheactualday.An AkhandPaatthiscommencedforBhog(completionseeGlossary)onthedayoftheGurpurab.If theGurpurabdoesnotfallonaSundaythen,itiscelebratedonSundayalso.Everyweek,atleast oneortwoAkhandPaatthsaredone.OneveryBankHoliday,eitheraRaaenSubaaee(allnight kirtan)orakirtanprogrammeuntilmidnightisheld.AmritSancharisheldonVaisakhiandthe PrakaashUtsavs(BirthdayGurpurabs)ofSriGuruNanakDevJiandSriGuruGobindSinghJi.A specialDhadiDarbarisheldonanyShaheedi(martyrdom)Gurpurab.Atthisdhadiprogramme, martialballadtypeofpoetryissungtotheaccompanimentofsarangi(stringinstrumentplayed withabow)anddhads(handheldsmalldrums).Sometimesthesedhadiprogrammescontinue untilmidnight.PeoplecelebratetheNewYearbygoingtotheGurdwara.ThePaatthofMool Mantarisrecitedon31stDecember,duringthelastfewminutebeforetheclockstrikes12.00 midnight.Itisanexhilaratingtime.AlldoArdaas,"0'TrueKing,letthecomingyearbespentin peaceandhappiness."ThousandsofSangatjoinintheArdaasoftheNewYear.Thiswonderful sightisworthseeing.Itismostenjoyable. TwiceayearaNagarKirtanstartsfromtheSinghSabhaGurdwara.ThisyeartooahugeNagar KirtanstartedfromtheGurdwara.LedbythePanjPiaray,theSwari(HolyCarriage)ofSriGuru GranthSahibJistartedafterArdaasat11.30a.m.AfireworksdisplaywasheldbeforetheNagar Kirtanstarted.TheNagarKirtanproceededalongVictoriaRoad,NorwoodRoadandKingStreet towardstheBroadway.TheSangatsweretakingpartwithgreatenthusiasm.Thechildren,holding kesri(orangecoloured)flags,werehailingJaikaras(Sikhcry):BoleSoNihal:Whosoeverutterswill beblessedSatSriAkal:TheEternalGodisOneandOnlyReality KirtanwasbeingsungwiththeGuruJi'sSwari.TheSangatswerejoininginthekirtanwithgreat devotion.Therewerespecialvehiclesfortheelderly.TheSangatsittingonthevehicleswerealso doingkirtan."Waheguru"wasbeingrecitedonalltrucks,andononetrucktheladieswere singing: "HailGuruGobindSinghJi,HimselftheGuruandthedisciple TheplumewearingGuruGobindSinghJi ThehawkcarryingGuruGobindSinghJi HailGuruGobindSinghJi,HimselftheGuruandthedisciple." TheywererepeatingtheselinesagainandagainandalsodoingShabadkirtan.Onanothertruck youngmenandwomenweredoing"Waheguru"simran.Theywerealsosingingapoem: "WhenGuruGobindSinghJicame,thesteelrings(chakarwornovertheSikhturban)glistened ThefatheroftheGuruwasTeghBahadhurandMataGujri,themother WhenGuruGobindSinghJicame,thesteelringsglistened,thesteelringsglistened. TheGuruwasbornatPatna,hesettledatAnandpurWhenGuruGobindSinghJicame,thesteel ringsglistened,thesteelringsglistened. UndertheGuruthebluesteed,inhishandthehawkWhenGuruGobindSinghJicame,thesteel ringsglistened,thesteelringsglistened. TheGuruworeabeautifulpairofshoesdecoratedwithsilverthreadWhenGuruGobindSinghJi came,thesteelringsglistened,thesteelringsglistened."

AlltheSangatsittingonalltypesofvehiclesweredoingkirtanorreciting"Waheguru".Itwasa mostimpressivesight.Allweresokeenandsoveryhappyandcontented.Thosewhowereunable toattendthisNagarKirtanforsomereasone.g.forattendingamarriageorsomeother engagement,regrettedmissingitverymuchwhentoldhowimpressiveandenjoyableitwas. TheSangatarealwaysverykeenondoingsewa.Wherever,theSwariofGuruJipassed,there wereelaboratearrangementsforeatingfood.Thissewacontinuedfromthebeginningtillthe completionoftheprogramme.Therewasallvarietyoffood:pakauras,samosas,sholay/bhaturay, ladoo,crispsandjuiceetc.wasdistributed.TheHolyPrashaadwasalsobeingdistributed.Thefruit shopkeepershadputoutfordistributiontotheSangatboxesofalltypesoffruit:oranges,apples, bananasetc.Teaandlangarwasalsoserved.ThenonSikhchildrenalsojoinedtheNagarKirtan fortheytoowereenjoyingthefood.TheyweredelightedandaskedwhenthenextNagarKirtan wasgoingtobeheld.Thereweremanysewadarswithbagsforcollectingtherubbishandkeeping thestreetsclean.PeopleshowedgreatrespectallalongtheroutetakenbyGuruJi'sSwari. FlowerswerepresentedbythePresidentoftheRamgarhiaGurdwaraandthePresidentofthe HinduMandar.TheSangatwasinthousandsandtheprocessionwasaboutamilelong.Ofcourse, theprocessionwouldhavebeenmuchlongerifpeoplehadproceededinamoreorganisedway, sayfivebyfive.Thecrowdswerenotorganisedbutwereverywellbehaved,keenandhappy.In thiscountrytimeisregardedasvaluable.TheSangathadoccupiedpavementonbothsidesofthe road.SeeingtheNagarkirtanthenonSikhsweresaying,"Itisagreatprocession;however,these peoplehavebeenlivinginthiscountryforsomanyyears;theyshouldlearnhowtowalkinan orderlymannerSangatshouldleaveonehalfoftheroadfreeforanyemergencytraffice.g.forfire andambulanceservicesandotheremergencies.Howwouldthoseemergencyservicevehicles passthroughinthissituation?"Thatistrue.TheSangatdonotpayattentiontothisaspect.They shouldfollowbehindGuruJi'sSwariandnotwalkinfrontoronthesides.TheSangatwhichmeets theSwarionthewayshoulddomathatekanandfollowbehindwheretheycanfindagap,orthey shouldgorightattheback. WhentheNagarKirtanreachedtheBroadway,InoticedtheGurdwaraPresidentwalkingtothe back.Iaskedhim,"TheSangatisgoingforwardsandyouarewalkingtotheback;whatisthe matter?"Hereplied,"Iamabitconcernedthattheyoungstersarenotcausinganytrouble.Also,I wouldliketoseehowmanySangatarethereattheback."Inthesamemanner,theNagarKirtan wounditswayalongCarlisleAvenue,NorthRoadandSouthRoadtoSinghSabha,HavelockRoad reachingthereat3.45p.m.ThecompletionArdaaswasdonebytheHeadGranthi,GianiShamsher Singh.Therewerelotsoffireworks.BhaiAmarSinghThindhthankedthePoliceandtheSangat. DuringtheNagarKirtan,ayoungSikhcameand,grabbingthespeakerfrommyhand,started shoutingtheslogan"TheKhalsashallrule"(RajkaregaKhalsa).Hehadcuthisbeardandhis turbanwaslikeatopi(hat). AftertheNagarKirtan,Iaskedhim,"YouareshoutingslogansofKhalistan,areyouaKhalsa?"He replied,"No,Iampreparingtobeone,butitisverydifficult;Iamstillthinking."Iexplainedtohim, "HeedGuruJi'sWordsthatonlytheonewhokeepstherehatisaSikh.Firstkeeprehat,thentake AmritandbelongtotheGuru.ThenraisethesloganofKhalsaRaj.Toachieveownruleyouhaveto makesacrifices. "Recognisehimasatruewarrior,whofightsfortheweakandthedowntrodden.Hemaybecut topieces,butheneverleavesthefieldofbattle."(SGGSp.1105)

"IfyouwantKhalsaRajthenyouhavetobecomeasaintsoldier.Ifyoucannotwieldaswordthen GuruJioffersanotherway" "Healoneiscalledawarrior,whoisattachedtotheLord'sLoveinthisage.ThroughthePerfect TrueGuru,heconquershisownsoul,andtheneverythingcomesunderhiscontrol." (SGGSp.679) "InthisAgeofKalyug,thegreatestwarriorisonewhowouldreciteNaam.Heacquiresallpowers. WhenSriGuruArjanDevJiwasbeingtorturedonthehottavi(ironplate),HajratMiaMirsaidto GuruJi,"GivemethepermissiontodestroyDelhiandLahore."(GuruJiaskedhimtobepatient, forwhathewasgoingthroughwasinWaheguru'sHukam(Will). "BabaDeepSinghJiplacedhisheadonthepalmofhishandandchallengedtheenemy.Allthisis thepowerofNaam.WhosoeverrecitesNaamwillbecomeasaintsoldiercapableofrulingthe wholecreation." "TheNaamistheSupportofallcreatures.TheNaamistheSupportoftheearthandsolar systems."(SGGSp.284)

TheTestofTrueSikhs The527thPrakaashUtsavoftheWondrousSriGuruNanakDevJiwascelebratedwithgreat splendour.AhugeNagarKirtanstartedfromSriGuruSinghSabhaGurdwara,Southall,on24 November,1996. "TheTrueGuru,GuruNanakDevJi,appeared(inthisworld),themist(ofignorance)wasliftedand therewaslightintheworld.As,whenthesunrises,thestarsbecomeinvisible,andthedarkness disappears. (BhaiGurdas:Vaar1Pauri27) SlightdrizzlingstartedduringtheArdaasforstartingtheNagarKirtan(seeGlossary).Nature thought,"WhynottesttheSikhstoseehowmuchaffectiontheyhaveforGuruNanakDevJi?" NagarKirtanhasbeenheldmanytimesbeforee.g.theonecelebratingthe500thPrakaashUtsav ofGuruNanakDevJi,andothersbeforethat.However,theweatherdidnotbecomethisbad before.RainstartedwiththeNagarKirtan. "Eveninviolentstormsandtorrentialrain,IgoouttocatchaglimpseofmyGuru.||13||Even thoughtheoceansandthesaltyseasareveryvast,theGursikhwillcrossoverittogettohisGuru. ||14||(SGGSp.757) Astherainstarted,theSangatchanting,"DhanGuruNanak"(PraisebetoGuruNanak)also startedwalkingbehindthePanjPiarayandtheSwari(Carriage)ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. ProtectedbyGuruJi'sspirituality,thePanjPiaraywerewalkingbarefootedinfreezingweather.As Isaw,despitesuchcoldweather,theirfeetdidnotgonumb.TheNagarKirtanconcludedafter threeandahalfhours.TeawasservedallalongtherouteoftheNagarKirtan.Withtea,snacks suchaspakauras,samosas,ladoo,sholay/bhatoorayetc.werebeingserved.Coke,juice,crisps andsweetswerealsobeingserved. "WhenthetreasureoftheLordoftheUniverseisopened,thosewhoarepredestined,receiveit. TheGuruhasgivenmetheonejewel,andmymindandbodyhavebecomepeacefulandtranquil. ||3||"(SGGSp.612) ItseemedasifSriGuruNanakDevJihadopenedHisownstores.TheSangatdidnotcareforthe rain.Theprocessionkeptonmovingforward.Everyone'sclotheswerewet.Despitewetclothes theSangatkeptonsinging"Dhan"(Praisebeto)GuruNanak;DhanGuruNanak".Evenlittle childrenwerewalking.WouldBabaNanaknothearthecallofthelittlechildren?SriGuruNanak DevJiissogenerous,HewillcertainlygrantthegiftofSikhitothesechildren(Dhanexpresses wondermentandhighpraise.TheusualexpressionisDhanDhanSriGuru(followedbythename oftheGuruJi). "WalkevenonesteptowardstheGuru;AndtheTrueGuruwillwalkmillionsofstepstowelcome you." Repeat,evenonce,theMantragivenbytheTrueGuru;AndtheGuruwillblessyou:ByHisLove youwillrepeatitagainandagain.Withdevotionandreverence,donateevenonecointothe Guru;AndtheGuruwillblessyouwithalltreasures(Gurmatt,furtherclarifiedbyBhaiGurdas (Vaar13.1)stressesthattheonlyMantar(Panjabipronunciationofmantra)isthatofWaheguru's

Nameandnoother.InotherwordsGurmatt(Guru'steaching)doesnotsubscribetotheVedic mystical/magicalformulae(themantras)nordoesGurmattacceptthespellsofsuchmantras whichspreadsuperstition.NomantarisgreaterthanWaheguru'sNaam). TheTrueGuruistheTreasureofMercy.HisGloryisInfiniteandBoundless.Ibow,Ibow,Ibow,I bowAlwaysandforever,Againandagain. (BhaiGurdaasKabit111) Everypersonwaschanting"Waheguru,Waheguru".Theprocessionwassolongthatonecouldnot seehowmanypeoplewereinfrontorbehind.Thereweretwolittlechildreninthetruckwithus. Theirteethwererattlingwithcold.Despiteallthecold,theydidnotwaverandtookafullpartin theNagarKirtan.ThechildrenoftheSikhworkshopdidcharmingkirtan.BibiNavleenKaursang thisShabad: "IabandonedandlostmyBelovedFriend,ONanak;Iwasfooledbythetransitorycolourofthe safflower,whichfadesaway.IdidnotknowYourvalue,OmyFriend;withoutYou,Iamnotworth evenhalfashell."(SGGSp.963) MilapSingh'ssonPushpinderSinghdidthedifficultsewaofplayingthetabla.Itwasrainingandso cold.Hisfingerswerenumbbuthecarriedonregardless.Waterleakedintotheharmonium. Navleen'sfingerswerenumbaswell.Stilltheydidnotwaverandperformedthekirtansewa. Whenitreallystartedpouring,thenmanywerelookingbehindtoseehowmanySangatwerestill behind.ButtheSangatkeptonwalkingaskeenasever.NoonelefttheNagarKirtanduetothe rain.PresidentHimatSinghSohiwasverypleasedthattheSangatwerecooperatingwithgreat devotion.

InPraiseoftheTrueName(Naam) "FillyourstoreswiththewealthoftheLord.NanakbowsinhumilityandreverencetothePerfect Guru."(SGGSp.295) Peoplehavemuchworldlywealth.Oneseesmanywealthypeople.Inordertobecomefamous,a seth(richHindu)inDelhihasconstructedaMandarinhisownname.ItiscalledtheBirlaMandar. Byworkingdayandnightpeopleleavebehindwealthfortheirfamilies,buttheydonotmakeany efforttogainaplaceofrespectintheworldhereafter.Forthat,theyneedthetruewealth. IntheSikhfaiththerehavebeen,andtherearemanysaintlypeoplewhohaveandcontinueto earnthetruewealth.Theworldlywealthbecomestheirservant.Theyhavenoshortageofwealth inthisworldandtheyalsoearnaplaceofrespectinthenextworld.ThisisthepraiseoftheTrue Name(Naam).ThewealthofNaamwasearnedbymanygreatsaints.Someexamplesare:Sant BabaNidhanSinghJiofHazoorSahib,SantIsharSinghJiRarewaalay,SantBabaNandSinghJi kaleranwaalay,SantAttarSinghJiMastuanaywaalay,BabaKaramSinghJiHotiMardan,Baba PuranSinghJiKerichowaalay,SantSewaSinghJi,BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi,SantBaba JawalaSinghJiHarkhowal,SantBabaHarnamSinghJiRampurKheraWaalay,andmanyother greatsaints,whohavestoredsuchquantitiesofthistruewealththatitcannotbeexhausted (waalaymeans"of'inPanjabie.g.wecouldhaveaSantinfutureofSouthallwaalay).This truewealthenablespeopletoachievesalvation. SantBabaPuranSinghJiKerichowaalayhasleftaninexhaustibleamountofthewealthofNaam. HestartedaseriesofSampatAkhandPaatthsinEastAfricaandEngland.SampatPaatthmeans thatabaseShabade.g.MoolMantaroranyothershabad,isfixedforthewholeofoneAkhand Patth.ThisbaseShabadisthenrecitedagainandagainatthestartofeveryshabadinSriGuru GranthSahibJi.Threepaatthis(thosewhodopaatth)dotheSampatAkhandPatthtogetherand fifteenpaatthisarerequiredforpaatthishifts.ManySinghsandSinghanistakepartinthe voluntarysewaofSampatAkhandPaatths.ThePaatthiscompletedinelevendays.Thespiritual rewardsaregreatestwithSampatAkhandPaatths.Inthesameway,BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSingh JistartedtheRaaenSubaaeeKirtanprogrammes. Nowadays,GursikhslivinginIndiaandabroadbenefitspirituallyfromallnightkirtans.Askirtanis mostbeneficialforachievingsalvationintheAgeofKalyug,soGuruJiblessedtheGursikhs. Similarly,withGuruJi'sblessingandthesupportofSaadhSangat,theearlymorningsimranwas started.Manyindividualsaremakingtheirlivessuccessfulbydoingearlymorningsimran.The earlymorningsimranstartedfirstatSriGuruSinghSabhaGurdwara,Southall.Gradually,the practicespreadtomanyotherGurdwarasinEngland;forexampleRamgarhiaSabha,Southall; GurdwarasinEastHam,London,Coventry,BebeNanakiGurdwaraBirminghamandGurdwarasin CanadaandSingapore.Thisisagreatinitiative.ThatSikhismostfortunate,whositsinthe presenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJitodosimran.

PureSoul (A) OnedayBibiKulwantKaurtoldmethatasimranprogrammehadbeenstartedforlittlechildrenin thelibraryoftheSinghSabhaGurdwara.Thatfourorfiveyearsoldchildrenweredoingsimranon harmoniumandtabla.SheaskedmetoinformothersasmanySangatknewme. HearingthisIwenttosee.Atthattime,IalsohadSimratSingh,agetwoandahalfyears,withme. Thischildsatrightinfrontneartheharmoniumandstarteddoing"Waheguru"simran.Seeingthe childrendoingsimraninthisway,Irememberedmyownchildhood.Iftheparentswish,theycan createareligiousinterestintheirchildrenfromchildhood.Forexample,themotherofFaridused sweets(misri)togethiminterestedinGodworship.Achild'smindissimpleandpure.Achildwill getinterestedinwhateverguidanceisgiven;justassmallbrancheswillturnwhicheverwayyou bendthem.However,astheygetolder,theybecomemoredifficulttobend.Inthesamewayone forgetsGodwhenonegetscaughtinworldlymattersandattractions. "OmyDearLordofSouls,onewhomeetswiththeSatSangat,theTrueCongregation,issaved." (SGGSp.495) Earlyinthemorning,Kalyug(seeGlossary)spreadsitswarmandinvitingblanketovereveryone; thoseblessedbySriGuruNanakDevJi,dogetupearlyinthemorningand,withtheSaadhSangat, reciteNaaminthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Itcanbeseennow,thatwhiletheparents aresleeping,thechildrenarerecitingNaaminthepresenceofGuruJi.Somechildrenwalktothe GurdwarainverycoldweatherandattendNaamsimraninthemorningbuttheparentsremain ignorant.SomeyoungGursikhsgottogethertoworkoutsomeprogrammeforyoungsters.With theinitiativetakenbyBhaiSwarajSingh,theyoungpeoplestartedaprogrammeofSikhi workshop.ThechildrenhaveoneambitionandthatistobecomelinkedwiththeGuru(i.e.to understandandadoptGuru'steachings);togetclosertoWahegurubyrecitingHisName(Naam). Withthisaiminmind,BhaiHarjitSingh,BhaiRhupinderSinghandlittlechildrenholdthis workshopeverySunday.TheirdesireisthatNaamshouldresidedeepinthemindsoflittle childrenandtheysayArdaas,"O'SataguruJi!Bemercifultowardsyourchildren.Weareignorant andforgetful.ShowusyourwayandgrantusthegiftofNaamsimran."FollowingtheArdaas,the childrenclosetheireyesandmeditateonWaheguruMantar(mysticalformula)withalertminds. Childrenage4to12attend.BhaiHarjitSinghJiwearsfullSikhibaana(dress)sothatthechildren aredulyimpressedbytheSikhdressandlifestyle. ThechildrenjointogethertorecitetheMoolMantar.BibiJaswinderKaurandBibiAmardeepKaur leadwiththewordsandthechildrenreciteafterthem.Littlechildrenkeepthebeatwithsmall metallicmusicalinstruments.WithGuruJi'sblessingthisrecitationgoesoninthiswayforabout onehourwitharoomfullofchildren.ThenBhaiHarjitSinghrecitesthestoriesofBabaDeep Singh,BabaBandaSinghBahadurandmanyotherfamousSikhwarriors.Thechildrenarevery brightandsomeofthemalsorecitehistoricalstories.AsixyearoldboySimranSinghwears orangeSikhidressandablueclotharoundhiswaste(kamarkassa).Hetoorecitesasakhi (religiousstory:seeGlossary)onceinawhile. OnedayherecitedthesakhiofSajanTthag.Hespokeinapassionateclearvoice,"SaidGuru NanakDevJi:Sajan!Youarenotasajan(friend)butatthag(swindlerandathug)!"Allchildren listenedwithradiantfaces.Onefeelscoolandpeacefulonseeingsuchscenes.BhaiRanjodhSingh

andothercolleaguestogetherhavepaintedabeautifulblueKhanda(doubleedgedswordwhichis inthecentreoftheSikhinsignia)onthewallwithgreatdedication.Allfacethatwaywithfolded handsfortheconcludingArdaas.GratitudeisofferedtoGuruJi.Towardstheconclusionofthe Ardaas,allchildrenraisetheKhalsasloganof: DegTeghFateh MayKhalsaLangarandcharitycontinue;and,victorybetotheswordoftheKhalsa. PanthKiJeet MaythePanthbeevervictorious RajKaregaKhalsa TheKhalsashallrule. Atsuchtimes,theunityofthechildrenandtheirinnermostdesirefortheriseoftheKhalsa religionandPanth(asareligiopoliticalglobalorganisation)isclearlytobeseen.BhaiRanjodh SinghandHarminderSinghputuponthenoticeboard,theEnglishtranslationofthemorning's mainHukamnama(MukhVaak)fromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Inthiswaytheyhelpthechildren whocannotreadGurmukhi(Panjabiscript)tounderstandthemeaningoftheHukamnama.Thisis apraiseworthysewa. (B) IattendtheSinghSabhaGurdwarafrom10.00to11.00inthemorningforsimran.BhaiSukhdev SinghandBibiAmarjitKaurareofffromworkonSaturday.Irequestedthemtoattendsimranand bringSimratSinghwiththem. WhenBhaiSukhdevSinghcomestotheGurdwarahealwayssays"GurFateh"totheNishanSahib (KhalsaflaginfrontoftheGurdwara).Iwasverypleasedwhenhesaid"GurFateh"totheNishan Sahib.Iwentandsatinside.Simratalsowentinside,didmathatekanlikegrownups,gotthe Prasaadandcameandsatnexttome.Whenwecameout,BhaiSukhdevSinghJitoldme,"When weareathometogether,herealiseswhenwearegoingtotheGurdwara,andhestartssaying"I wanttogotoBabaJi'shouse."Thenheholdsoutbothhishandswithpalmsupwardsasiffor receivingPrasaadattheGurdwaraandsays,"IwantPrasaadattheGurdwara."Hethenbrings andplacesourshoesinfrontofusandsays,"Letusgo"."Iwasverypleasedtohearthis. Inthisway,everyoneispleasedtoseelittlechildrenperformingmathatekanwithsuchdevotion attheGurdwara.WhoknowshowpleasedGuruJiis.GuruJiissocharitablethathedestroysall sinsofearlierlifecyclesofthechild.IpraytotheSangattobringtheirchildrentotheGurdwara andmaketheirbirth,asuccess.Iftheparentsdonotbringtheirchildrenalongwiththemtothe Gurdwara,thenhowwouldthechildrenknowanythingaboutSikhi.IaskedBhaiSukhdevSinghJi, "DoyouknowwhyweperformmathatekantoNishanSahib?"Hereplied,"ItistheNishan (symbol)ofourreligion,sowegiveitthatformofrespect."Itoldhim,"ForthisNishan,thousands ofSinghshavesacrificedtheirlives.TheShaheeds(holyspiritsofthemartyrSinghs)guardthe NishanSahib.Therefore,itisourdutytosayGurFateh(Sikhsalutation)beforetheNishanSahib. (Editor'spersonalnote:NishanSahib,shouldonemathatekorsayGurFateh?Whileitisthe editor'sdesiretoretainthemaintextinitsoriginalformat,itneedstobeunderstoodfromthe GurmattaspectthattheSikhsalutationof"WaheguruJiKaKhalsa;WaheguruJiKiFateh"before theNishanSahibwouldbefullyacceptable,mathatekanisstrictlyreservedfortheGurShabadin

SriGuruGranthSahibJionly.Therefore,mathatekanbeforetheNishanSahibshouldbe interpretedinthiscontext.) "YoulookafterSimrat,sostarthimwithregularsimranof"Waheguru".Itoostartedsimranata veryearlyage."BhaiSukhdevSinghJiasked,"BhaiSahibJi,heissosmall,howcanhedosimran?I amnotconfidentthathewoulddosimran,forhedoesnotunderstandanything."BibiAmarjit Kaursaid,"Whynot?BhagatKabirJisays: "JustasDhrooandPrahlaadmeditatedontheLord,soshouldyoumeditateontheLord,Omy soul.||1||OLord,Mercifultothemeek,IhaveplacedmyfaithinYou;alongwithallmyfamily,I havecomeaboardYourboat.||1||Pause||WhenitispleasingtoHim,thenHeinspiresusto obeytheHukamofHisCommand.Hecausesthisboattocrossover.||2||ByGuru'sGrace,such understandingisinfusedintome;mycomingsandgoingsinReincarnationhaveended.||3|| SaysKabir,meditateupontheSustaineroftheearth.Inthisworld,intheworldbeyondand everywhere,healoneistheGiver.||4||(SGGSp.337) BhagatsDhruandPraladalsostartedrecitingNaamataveryearlyage." BhaiSahibsaid,"Isaid,"Ishallbelieve,ifIhearwithmyownears."AftertwoorthreeweeksI wenttoBhaiSukhdevSinghJi'splaceandBibiAmarjitKaurtoldme,"OnedayIwascombing Simrat'shairandhesaid,"Oh!oh!TaaeeJi....pain!"Iaskedhim,"Doyourhairhurt?"Henodded toconfirm.WehaveapictureofBhaiTaruSinghonthewall.ItoldSimrat,"Look!Hisheaddidnot hurteventhoughhisscalpwastakenoff.Hedidnotfeelpainbecausehedid"Waheguru"simran. Yousay"Waheguru,Waheguru"andyourheadwillnothurteither.Simratstarteduttering "Waheguru,Waheguru,Waheguru...."inhissweetchildishvoice.Itouchedhishairverygently andaskedhim,"Doesithurtnow?"Hesaid,"NoTaaeeJi."Itoldhim,"Becauseyouaresaying "Waheguru,Waheguru"soyourhairdonothurt.Youshouldsay"Waheguru,Waheguru". "OGod,TreasureofMercy,pleaseblessme,thatImaysingtheGloriousPraisesoftheLord.I alwaysplacemyhopesinYou;OGod,whenwillyoutakemeinYourEmbrace?||1||Pause||I amafoolishandignorantchild;Father,pleaseteachme!Yourchildmakesmistakesagainand again,butstill,Youarepleasedwithhim,OFatheroftheUniverse.||1||WhateverYougiveme, OmyLordandMaster,thatiswhatIreceive.ThereisnootherplacewhereIcango.||2||Those devoteeswhoarepleasingtotheLord,theLordispleasingtothem.Theirlightmergesintothe Light;thelightsaremergedandblendedtogether.||3||TheLordHimselfhasshownmercy;He lovinglyattunesmetoHimself.ServantNanakseekstheSanctuaryoftheDooroftheLord,who protectshishonor.II4II" (SGGSp.1321) "ThroughSatguruJi'sblessing,Waheguru'sNaamnowresidesinhismindandhekeepsonreciting "Waheguru,Waheguru "OnedaywewereallwatchingthevideoofSriHemKuntSahib.Afterseeingit,whenwewere goingtoswitchoff,hesaid,"Iwanttoseemore,donotswitchoff."Wesaid,"OK.Wewillrewind itandputonagain."Hestartedcryingandsaid,"Putonquickly."Weputitonwhereithad stopped.Whentheyrecite"Waheguru,Waheguru,SatNaamSatNaam..."inthevideo,healso startsreciting.HelikesthatShabadverymuch.

"HealsolikestheShabad"WahowahoGobindSinghJi,AapayGurChela"("WonderousGobind SinghJi,HimselftheGuruandtheDisciple"),andstartsrecitingitwheneverhelikes.Whenhe feelshesays"Waheguru,Satnam".Onedayhestartedchantinginhissweetvoice: WahowahoGobindSinghJiAapayGurChelaBajanWaalayGobindSinghJi. ("WondrousGobindSinghJi,HimselftheGuruandtheDiscipleTheLordoftheHawk,Gobind SinghJi.") "Iwasleftwonderingfromwhereheheard"BajanWaalayGobindSinghJi".ItisonlywhenIheard theoriginalShabadcarefullythatIunderstoodthathehadhearditinthat." BhaiSukhdevSinghsaid,"NowIamconvincedthatalittlechildcandosimran.Hekeepswatching thisfilm(ofHemkuntSahib)allday.Hehaslearnthowtorewindthefilmandputitonagain.No onecaninterfereandputonanotherfilm.Nooneelsecanwatchanyotherprogrammesonthe television.Hecarriessuchauthoritythatnoonecansayanythingtohim.Hedoesnotallowthe otherchildren,BalwinderSinghandJaswinderSinghtowatchanyprogramme.Hewantsto continueseeing"Waheguru,Waheguru.."film.Hesays,"BhaJi,Iwanttowatch"Waheguru, Waheguru"andsendsthemupstairsfeelingupset.Noonesaysanythingtohimbecausehekeeps reciting"Waheguru"ashewatchesthevideo.Ifhegoestosomeone'shouseandareligiousfilmis on,hewantstocontinuewatchingit.Thatiswhathappenedoneday.Hismummysaysthatthey wenttosomeone'shouseandtheyhadakirtanvideoon.Westartedwatching.Aftersometime theywantedtoseeanotherprogramme,buthesaidhewantedtocontinueseeingonlythekirtan video.Hewouldnotallowthemtoswitchitoff.Theytooweresurprisedthatthislittlechildwas listeningtokirtansointently. OnedaySimratcametotheGurdwarawithBhaiSukhdevSingh.BhaiSahibstartedcleaningthe shoes.SeeinghisTaayaJi(father'selderbrother)cleaningshoeshewantedapieceofclothto cleanshoes.Heimitateswhatevertheolderpeoplearedoing.Hewantedapieceofcloth immediatelyandstartedcrying.BhaiSahibsaidyouwillgetaclothonlyifyoucleantheshoes.He said,"Yes,Iwill."Whengivenapieceofclothhestartedcleaningshoes.Ifheisnottakentothe Gurdwara,hetakeseveryone'sshoesout,cleansthemandputsthemback. (C) OnedayIwenttomeetHarkiratSinghandHarjotKaurinBirmingham.Harkirat'sgrandmother DarshanKaurJisaidtohim,"ShowBabaJihowyoudosimran."Iwasverypleasedtoseetwoand ahalfyearsoldHarkiratdoingswasswassimran(seeGlossary).BibiDarshanKaurtoldme,"Every SundaywetakehimtoBebeNanakiGurdwara.Heattractseveryone'saffectionanddoesnot regardanyoneasastranger.Oneday,whenwewenttotheGurdwara,aftermathatekanhewent andsatinthelapofBhaiHarbhajanSinghSagoo.AtthattimeBhaiSahibwasdoingswasswas simran.SeeingHarkiratsittinginhislap,BhaiSahibwasverypleasedandstartedwhisperingswas swassimraninhisear.Harkiratalsostarteddoingsimraninthesameway." Ithoughtitsurprising,thatatwoandhalfyearsoldchildwasdoingswasswassimran.Onlythe PanjPiaraygivesguidanceforsuchsimran.ThischildhasnottakenAmrit,butduetohispastgood deeds,Naamnowresidesinhismind.Thischildhasoneotherquality,thatifsomeone'sheadis barewhilePaatthorsimranisgoingon,hegoesandcoversthatperson'shead.Onedayhecame toourhouseanditwasourwishthatweshouldhearsimranfromhim.IaskedHarkiratSingh, "HowdoesBhaiSahibHarbhajanSinghSagoodosimran?"hearingthishestarteddoingswasswas simran.Whilehewasrecitingsimran,henoticedthatBibiDayalKaur'sheadclothhadslippedback

onherhead.Hefirstwentandcoveredherheadthencontinuedwiththesimran.Hisinterestin simranisduetohisgrandmother.WheneverhisgrandmotherrecitedthePaatthofSukhmani,she wouldcoverhisheadandaskedhimtositnearher.Ifallmothersasktheirchildrentocovertheir headsthentheywilldothiswhentheyareolder.Youngerchildrencopytheolderchildren.As Harkiratdoessimran,soalsodoesEksimar.WhenBibiDarshanKaurteachesPaatth,thenthe youngeronealsorecitesit.HarkiratreadsthisShabad: (UchadarBabayNanakda) "High(muchesteemed)isthedoorofBabaNanak. Iheardthefameandcame. HighisthedoorofBabaNanak." (D) Once,intheformofaSangatcomprisingmyself,BhaiSatnamSingh,BhaiJaspalSingh,Bhai HarbhajanSingh,BibiMandeepKaur,andBibiManjitKaur,wewenttoseetheGurdwarasofEast Africa.WhilecomingfromNairobitoMombasa,westayedatMakinduGurdwara.ThisGurdwara isontheroadandthereisalargeSangatonSundays.Whilewewerethereabout25children camewiththeirfamiliesforthedarshan(holysight)oftheGurdwara. ItismyinteresttoalwaystakesomethingforchildrenwithmewhereverIgo.Ihadwithmesmall Khandas,smallbookletsandotherreligioussouvenirs.IspoketoBhaiSatnamSinghandsuggested aGursikhiworkshopforthechildren.Weaskedthechildren'sparents.Theywerepleasedtohear thisastheirchildrenwouldlearnaboutSikhi.Allthechildrenwerecalledtogether.BhaiSatnam Singhaskedthechildren,"WhydoyouregardGuruNanakDeviJiasthegreatestSatguru(True Guru)Nanak?"Thechildrenfellsilent. SatnamSinghexplained,"GuruNanakDevJiregardedallreligionsasequal.Hedidnotregardone religionaslowerthantheother.ForthisreasonGuruNanakisrememberedwithaffectionasthe highestTrueGuru."Hethenasked,"WhatwerethenamesoftheyoungertwoSahibzaaday (Princes).Manychildrenrespondedcorrectly:"SahibzadaFatehSinghandSahibzadaJorawar Singh". BhaiSahibsaidtothechildren,"Thenineandsevenyearsold,twoyoungerchildrenofGuru GobindSinghJipreferredtodiethantogiveuptheirreligion.TheylovedSikhi"Isaidtothe children,"RaiseyourhandifyouknowPanjabi."Abouthalfthechildrenraisedtheirhands.Isaid tothem,"YoushouldalllearnPanjabi."Andtotheirparents,"Youshouldteachyourchildren PanjabiandalsothePaatthofMoolMantar.YourchildrenshouldbeabletodoGuruGranthSahib Ji'sdarshan(i.e.beabletoread)."Totheolderchildren,"YoushouldlearnthePaatthofJapJi Sahib.'IdistributedgiftsofSikhisouvenirstoallchildren. (E) AwellattendedGurmattcampisheldinEnglandduringthesummerholidayswithabout250to 300childrenattendingfromEnglandandEurope.Gurmattistaughthereand,also,childrentake partinsports.ItismostsurprisingthatfiveyearoldHarwinderSinghplayedverylivelygatka(Sikh artofselfdefence)withayoungSikh.TheSangatwasverypleased.Itoowasmostpleasantly surprisedtoseesuchademonstrationofgatkaskillfromsoyoungaperson.Iaskedhisfather UptejSingh(Teji),"HowdidhegetinterestedinGatka.Hesaid,"Whenhismotherwasexpecting him,shewouldlistentothePaatthofSriGuruGobindSinghJi'sBaniofAkalUstat.Shewouldpray toGuruJiforachildwhowouldpreachSikhi.Whenhewastwoandahalfyearsold,hewould

himselfputonandwatchvideofilmsofgatkaplaying,andsaidhewantedtolearntheart.Hewas sokeenthathewouldgetholdofastickandwouldstartswingingitaround.Seeinghisinterest,I decidedtoteachhim.WhenIusedtogoforteachinggatka,Iwouldtakehimwithmeandhe learntveryquickly.Seeinghimplaywithsuchskill,theGurdwaraCommitteewantedhimtoplay attheNagarKirtan,sothatotherchildrenwouldseehimanddevelopaninterest." DidarSinghNihangwasthefirstpersonwhostartedteachinggatkaattheSinghSabhaGurdwara. PrithipalSingh,KulwantSingh,HarbansSinghandsomeotherSikhsusedtogofortraining.Then GianiPritamSinghstartedteaching.AttheNagarKirtan,demonstrationofgatkaskillsisvery popular.ThesedaysUptejSingh(Teji)teachesgatka.HeissokeenthathehimselfwenttoIndiato learntheskills.Manypeople,includingladiesandchildren,takepartinhisclass.Hehasgenerated muchinterestamongstthechildrenandyoungSikhs. ThetraditionofgatkawasstartedfromthedaysofGuruJi's.TheancientSinghswould demonstratetheirskillsbeforetheGuruandreceiveHisappreciation.Prizesweregivenout.Gatka isplayedatthefestivalofHolaMahala(atAnandpurSahibinPunjab).Thesportofgatkahas becomesopopular,thatTejinowgoestoothercountriestoteach.Hissmallsonistwoandahalf yearsoldandheisalsoverykeenandkeepsswingingaroundastick.

MyMemorableRaaenSubaaee (RaaenSubaaee=allnightcontinuousGurbanikirtan) ThefirsteverRaaenSubaaeeKirtanofchildrenwasheldon25December,1996,atSriGuruSingh SabhaGurdwara,Southall,inremembranceofthemartyrdomoftheyoungerSahibzaaday(Shotey Sahibzadey)i.e.thetwoyoungerPrincesofSriGuruGobindSinghJi. Oneday,IwenttotheofficetohandinthedonationsfromtheearlymorningNaamSimran.At thattimetheGeneralSecretaryHarpalSinghBrarandtheHeadGranthi,GianiShamsherSingh weresittingthere.Isaid,"Youareteachingthechildrenkirtan,Panjabiclassesarealsoheld.The committeeisdoingagoodjob.However,youshouldgivethechildrenfreetimetodokirtan.The secretarysaid,thattimewasbeinggiventothechildren,andthattheydidkirtaneverySunday."I suggestedthatnotsufficienttimewasbeinggiven.Thatallthechildrenlearningkirtanshould havetheopportunitytosingkirtaninSangatsothattheirconfidenceincreases.Thattheparents wouldbeveryhappytoseetheirchildrensingingfromtheGurdwarastage. Isuggested,"Whyshouldn'tweholdaRaaenSubaaeeprogramme?"TheSecretarysaid,"Makea listofthenamesofthechildrenandwewillconsideritfurther."BibiKulwantKaurmadealistof thechildrenintheSikhiworkshopandhandeditover.GianiJiwasverypleasedthattherewereso manychildrenwhocoulddokirtan.Hesaid,"Yougiveusafixeddateandweshallannounceiton theradio." Weagreedthedateof25thDecember.Aftertheprogrammewasfixed,manyofthosewhogotto knowaboutit,askedme,"Canthechildrendokirtanallnight?"Allweresuggestingthatatleasta fewolderGurbanisingersshouldbeincluded.Isaid,"HaveyourfaithinGuruJi.ForSatguruJi Himselfwouldgivetheenergyandtheenthusiasmtothechildren." BeforetheRaaenSubaaee,groupsofchildrencarryingharmoniumsandtablas,startedarriving. Oneroomwasfilledwiththesemusicalinstruments.Itlookedasifsomeonehadopenedashopof theseinstruments.Soonthestagewassurroundedbychildren.Itwasasightworthseeing.The childrenweresokeentositasclosetothestageaspossible,sothattheirturnwouldcomefirst. Manychildrenhadarriveddressedinfullraagi(professionalGurbanisingers)dress.TheArdaas forthestartoftheRaaenSubaaeewasdonebyanelevenyearoldJaspreetSinghwithgreat devotion.Alljoinedinwithfullconcentration.FollowingtheArdaas,14yearoldPavandeepSingh readtheHukamnamafromSriGuruGranthSahibJi.TheSangatwereverypleasedandmuch impressedbytheproceedings.TheDarbarhallwasfullbythistime.BeforestartingtheRaaen Subaaee,fiveyearsoldSimranSinghrecitedthestoryofSajanTthagingreatspirit.Thekirtanwas startedbyveryyoungchildren.KulwantKaurwasthestagesecretary.Thechildrenweresokeen thattheycametoaskherfromtimetotimewhentheirturnwas. Onejatha(group)wouldgetupandtheotherwouldbereadytotakeitsplace.Thenamesof manychildrenwerenotinthelist,buttheywerekeentotaketheirturntodokirtan.Somewere soabsorbedinkirtanthattheywouldforgetthattheirtimewasup.KulwantKaurwasconcerned thatthereweresomanychildrenandtheyshouldallgetsometime.Shekepthandinginsmall notestothosedoingkirtan,thattimewasup,butsomeweresodevotedtotheirkirtanthatthey wouldnotevenlookattheclock.AlltheSangatwereenjoyingthekirtan.

Someverysmallchildren,whocouldnotdokirtan,nevertheless,satwiththeolderchildrenwho weresingingonthestage,togettheirattendancenotedbytheSangat.Inthesamecategorywere threeyearsoldSimratSinghandsixyearsoldTalwinderSinghwhoensuredduenoteoftheir attendancebymakinganappearanceonthestage.Thereweretwokhadtaals(woodpieceswith loosemetalringsforproducingametallicbeat)lyingonthestage.Talwinderpickedthemupand startedplaying(Thesedays,fewcanplaysomeoftheseancientinstrumentslikelargedholkis, mardangs,shainas,khadtaals,chimtaas.bellsandghungrus,whichwereplayedinunisonwith greatimpact,atmassiveDiwansinPunjabheldbylargesantgroupssingingGurbaniinthe countryside.Instead,ourraagishavesettledforthewesternharmonium,andtablawhichisa recentinvention.Stringinstrumentscommonintheoldendays,havealmostdisappearedfrom Gurdwarastages).Ithought,"Thesetwoaresittingtogetherandmaycauseadisturbance.One mayleadtheotherintotrouble,butbothturnedouttobewiseanddidnotcreateanyproblem. Bothstartedplayingonekhadtaaleach.Doingsuchenergeticexercise,Simratfelthungry.Hewas solostinhisownthoughtsthatinsteadofhismummy,hewentandsatinanotherlady'slapand askedformilk.Thatladywassurprisedbutverypleasedandstrokedhimwithaffection.Whenhe realisedhismistake,heuttered,"OhmyGod,notmymummy."HewenttohisTaaeeJi(father's elderbrother'swife)whowassittingnearandaskedformilk.Afterdrinkingmilkhewasbackon thestage. ThemelodiousGurbanikirtanbyyoungchildrenwentonallnightandtheSangatenjoyeditvery much.Manyhadcomejustformathatekan,buthearingthekirtansatdowntolisten.Manyasked fromwherethechildrenwerelearningkirtan.Manyotherchildrenwereimpressedandresolved tolearnkirtansothattheycouldtakepartinthenextRaaenSubaaee,dressedinthesamewayas thesechildren. ManyintheSangatsatonallnightfortheydidnotfeellikeleaving.ManySinghswouldasktheir Singhanis(wives)tocomeawaybutthelatterwouldsay,"LetushearthenextJathaandthenwe willgo."Andsointhiswayitwasearlymorning.Whenat4.00inthemorning,recitationof "Waheguru"startedthenallforgotaboutgoinghome.Onehourofsimranpassedsoquickly.The Ardaaswasdoneaftersimran.AftertheconcludingArdaas,theSangatpraisedtheprogramme. Theyhadenjoyedtheprogrammeverymuch.ThePresident,HimatSinghSohi,distributedprizes tothechildren. ManysaidfromtheSangatthatsuchspecialprogrammesshouldbeorganisedforthechildrenin future.ThereshouldbeatleastoneRaaenSubaaeeinamonth.Thechildrenwouldbemuch encouragedtoimprovetheirkirtan.Sangatwerefullofpraisefortheorganisers.Thechildrenwho wereunabletogettime,askedwhenthenextprogrammewouldbeandrequestedthatthey shouldbegiventimefirst. Thesechildrenweresincereandsimple;therewasnojealousyinthemoranygreed.Theywere doingkirtanjusttopleasetheGuru.Theverysmallchildren,although,theydidnotunderstand Bani,butwhenthechantof"waheguru"wasbeingrecited,theyjoinedinloudly. Ifachildgoesandsitsinownparents'laptheyaresopleasedandgivethechildsomuchaffection; theyaresoproudofthechild.InthesamewaytheselittlechildrensatinthelapofSriGuru GranthSahibJiandsangHispraises;howpleasedGuruJimusthavebeen. IshallneverforgetthisRaaenSubaaeeandtheotherwhichwasorganisedbyGianiAmolakSingh (inthemidsixties).Theseweregreatspiritualexperiences.

 ThisRaaenSubaaeebychildrenhadsuchanimpactoncertainindividualsthattheirliveschanged. OnesuchpersonisCommitteeMemberBalkarSinghDhillon.BhaiBalkarSinghmetmeandsaid, "Seeingthechildrendoingkirtanallnighthadagreateffectonme.Ithought,Ihavewastedmy life.Ishouldalsomakegooduseofmytime.WhentheearlymorningsimranstartedthenIwasin astateofbliss."Heasked,"LetmeknowifIcandoanysewa.Ifyouwanttohaveother programmes,letmeknow;Ishallmyselfmakeallarrangements." Ihaveseenthatthisfamilyattendssimrandaily.BhaiSahibgivesmuchsupportfortheSikhi workshopforchildren.Thelivesofmanychildrenarechanging.Littlechildrenaredoingkatha, kirtanandsimran.

GurmattDiscussion (SomeofmyrepliestoquestionsaskedbyGursikhsfromtimetotime.) (A) OnedayBhaiSukhdevSinghandIwerediscussingGurmatttopicsandheaskedme,"BhaiSahibJi, howcanonequicklyreachthespiritualstage,sothatWahegururesidesinone'smindand salvationisachieved?" Iexplained,"Ittakestheeffortofmanylifetimestoreachthisstage.Aftertakingmanybirths therecomesatimewhen,throughthegraceofWaheguru,thisstageisachieved.Thereisaneed foralotofsimran." BhaiSukhdevSingh,"BhaiSahibJi,whatshouldonedointhislife?" Isaid,"TomeetWaheguru,onehastogiveupthreethings:"RiseatAmritvela(earlyinthe morning)andcontemplateonthepraiseofWaheguru."(JapJiSahib:SGGSp.2) "Thesethreethingsonemustgiveupare:earlymorningsleep;another'swealthandanother's body(i.e.extramaritalrelations)." "Ifonefollowstheseprinciples,attendsGuruJiregularlyanddoessimranearlyinthemorning, thenGuruJihelpssuchaperson.IfoneisunabletogetupthenGuruJisendsShaheedSinghsto wakeaSikhup.WhentheShaheedSinghscometowakeupaSikh,fromthatdayhismindgets totallyimmersedinsimran.WhenaGursikhreachesthisstage,thenWaheguruisveryclosetohim andsaveshimfromthethreethingsmentionedabove.Thesearethefirstthreestepstoreach Waheguru.Theonewhopassesthesethreestepsreachesthefourth.ThenWaheguruJishows manykautaks(unusualexperiences)tosuchanindividual.Inthisstagethephysicalbodyremains hereandtheetherealbodyescapesthroughthedasamduar(tenthgateseeGlossary)tosee numerousphenomenaofnatureandthenreturnsintothephysicalbodyagain.Whenthesoul returnstothebody,thenthechantofWahegurustartsinthebodyinsuchawaythatitisdifficult tostopit.Ifapersonreachesthisstagethenitisimportanttobewareofhaumai(egocentricityor arrogance). "WhenIstartedsimran,Wahegurumademeexperiencemanyunusualphenomena.Many Gursikhsreachthisstage,butcannotremainunaffectedandhumble.Theytellothersandthe wordspreads.WaheguruJiisnothappywhenthishappens.Ittakesagreatdealofefforttoreach thisstageagain. "Indulgenceinuselessdramaticexhibitionofmagic,(Fromsuchpractices)Godlypeople(refrain becausethey)areashamed(tocompetewithGod)." (BachittarNatakPatshahi10) IfWaheguruhasblessedsomeonethenoneshouldnottellothers.Thesamehappenedwithmeat thebeginning;Iwouldseekautaksandtellothersaboutthem.Thiswasagreatlosstome.Thenit wouldtakememanymonthsofsimrantoreachthatstageagain.Ifyoutellpeoplethenyou cannotmakefurtherprogress.

OnceGianiAmolakSinghJiadvisedme,thatjustassomeonewhohaswealth,willnottalkabout hisbankbalance;noteventohisownfamily,soNaamisrealwealth,themoresilentyouremain aboutit,thebetter.AfterthatIdidnottalktoothersaboutmyspiritualexperiences. (B) BhaiSukhdevSingh:"BhaiSahibJi,whatarethethingswhichinterferewiththepathofbhagti (meditationonGod'sName)?"Ireplied: Firstly,GursikhsmusthavecompletefaithintheGuru.Whendoingsimran,aGursikhshould regardtheGuruaseverpresentwithhim. "MyGuruisalwayswithme,nearathand.Meditating,meditatinginremembranceonHim,I cherishHimforever."(SGGSP.394) AGursikh'smentalmakeupshouldbesodisciplinedthatheorsheshouldremaineventempered (unaffected)bypainorhappiness.Simranshouldbedonewithsuchconvictionasifitisbeing recitedtoGuruJi,WhoissittingrightinfrontoftheGursikh.SomeGursikhstakeAmritbutfailthe firsttestsetbyGuruJi.IftheyexperienceanysorrowtheystartcomplainingtoGuruJi.Theydo nothavetotalfaithinGuruJi.AnygoodorbadlifeexperienceshouldberegardedastheWill (Hukam)oftheGuru.TheWillofGuruJishouldbeacceptedintotalfaithandgratefully(SriGuru GobindSinghJi'slifeislikealighthouseregardingacceptanceofWaheguru'sWill(Bhana).He, gratefully,regardedthe"loss"ofhisfoursonsasthesafereturnofwhathadbeenentrustedto himbyWaheguruJi.HisArdaasatthetime,wasanArdaasofthankfulness!ThatisGuruJi's guidancebyexample,forusregardingacceptanceofsorroworpainasWaheguru'sHukam).Pray toGuruJi: "SatguruJi,pleasespareusanytrials(tests);wearenotstrongandmaywaver.Giveusthe strengthtoacceptBhana(YourWill)" Simranerasesallbaddeedsofpastlivesandthislife.Whentheyhavebeentotallyeradicated,one startsenjoyingastateofblissinsimran(duetoaclearconsciencethroughrepentance,humility andsewa).AsGuruJisays: "Butwhentheintellectisstainedandpollutedbysin,itcanonlybecleansedbytheLoveofthe Name."(SGGSp.4) Itisonlythroughsimranthatdirtofsinsiswashedawayfromthemind. "Themindofthefaithlesscynicislikeacrazyelephant.Itwandersaroundtheforest,distractedby attachmenttoMaya(seeGlossary)."(SGGSp.415) GuruJisays,thatcaughtintheviciouscycleofmaaya(worldlyattachmentandcravingformore seeGlossary),themindischargingaroundlikeamadelephant.Itisimportanttocontrolthismind. ItisalsoimportanttotakeKhandayBaataydaAmrit(AmbrosialWater(Amrit)ofthedouble edgedsword(khanda)andtheironbowl(bata)andaccepttheGuru'sHukam(WillandOrder). OneshouldfollowtheordersofthePanjPiaraygivenduringtheAmritSanchaarceremony,toget upearlyinthemorningandtorecitetheFiveBanis(seeGlossary).TheAmritvelastartsat1.00am intheearlymorning(Oneandaquarterpeharbeforedawn.Apeharisthreehours,(see Glossary)).Atfirst,sleepwilltroublethedevotee;thecureforthatistosprinkletheeyeswithcold

water,ordosimranaloud.Ittakessomeyearstoovercometheproblemofsleep.Ittookme15to 20years. Secondly,themindwillwanderwhiledoingSimran(Furna(withhard"r",aredreamlikethought flashesinthemind.Theymaybeinthenatureofsankallap(good)orvikallap(bad).Thefurna needtobeovercomethroughNaamsimran).Whensomethoughtsbegintotroublethemindthen startaloudchantof"Waheguru,Waheguru"tobringthemindbacktosimran.WhenNaam residesintheswas(eachlifebreath),thenthoughtconcentrationisachieved.Thetonguealso stopsandnothingisheardbytheears.ThesoulisenjoyingtheblissofNaam(TheGod'sBeingor HolyPresence).Thebodybecomeslight.Muchsimranisneededtoreachthisstage. Ittookme15to20yearstoreachthisstage.Thatismyexperience.SomeGursikhsexpectthis stageimmediatelyontakingAmrit.Manyunusualexperiencesarefeltwhendoingsimran,butit takesalongtimetostartenjoyingthetrueblissofNaam(feelingatonewiththeDivineBeing). Thirdly,thefiveevilinfluences,lust(uncontrolledsexualdesire),anger,greed,attachmentand selfcentredconceit(ego)troublethemind.Lusttroublesmost.Itposesagreatchallengeanditis verydifficulttofreeoneselffromthisbasichumaninstinct.Itoohavesufferedfromitformany years.Attimesmymindbecameveryunsteadyandtroubledme.Iwouldkeepthinking,"Ido simran,Igetupearlyinthemorning,butwhydothesethoughtsanddreamstroublemeso. Sometimes,Ibecamedepressedandwouldbegintodoubtthispathofbhagti(meditationonand devotionforWaheguru'sNaam)ingreatdistress,IwouldpraytoWaheguruJitofreemefromthe baddreams.WhenIbecameverydistressedthena,achintShaheedSingh(appearanceofamartyr Singhoutsidemythoughts)wouldconsoleandencouragemeandaskmetoriseforNaamsimran. ThenIwouldtakeheartagainandfeltthepresenceofSatguruwithme.Ihavenoticedthatthese daysalmosteveryoneiscaughtupinmaaya's(seeGlossary)netintheformoffemaleattraction. Whatevertruewealth(ofNaam)theysave,islootedbytheFivebandits(theFiveevilsmentioned above).ThespiritualcreditofNaamsimranthetruewealthislost. (C) OnceaGursikhaskedmethemeaningofsubtle(orunseen)haumai(ego,alsoseeGlossary). Iexplainedthatpeopledonotrecognisetheunseenhaomai.AfterdoingresearchofBaniI understoodthatsewa,simran,humilityandcharity(doinggooddeedsforothers)arethefour pillarsofSikhi.Ifthefoursupportsofabedgetinfectedbywoodworm,theybecomeweakfrom theinside.Theeffectofunseenhaumaiislikethat.Thesymptomsare:tobejealousofsomeone; tocondemnothersandtogossipaboutothers;tofeelhappylisteningtoownpraise;and,tothink badaboutothers.Inthiswaytheunseenhaumaiaffectsapersonfromtheinside.Thevictimdoes notrealisethisuntilthatpersonmissesthemainobjectiveoflife.Thishaumaiismostdangerous. "WhoeverIseeisdiseased.OnlymyTrueGuru,theTrueYogi,isfreeofdisease."(SGGSp.1140) OnlytheSatguruiswithouthaumai. "Naamisthemedicineforalltypesofdisease."(Sukhmani:GGSp.274) Thereisonlyonewaytosaveyourselffromthisdiseaseofunseenhaumaiandthatisthrough continuousNaamsimran;dothisaslongasyoucanandsayandpraytoWaheguruJi.

"Irunaroundinalldirections,searchingfortheloveofGod.Thefiveevilenemies'aretormenting me;howcanIdestroythem?(Guru'sresponse:)Shootthemwiththesharparrowsofmeditation ontheNameofGod.OLord!Thewaytoslaughtertheseterriblesadisticenemiesisobtainedfrom thePerfectGuru."(SGGSp.1363) InthisShabad,SriGuruArjanDevJiisprayingtoWaheguruJi,"MydesireistoreciteYourName, buttheFive(lustandangeretc.)aresopowerfulthattheypreventmefromdoingthis." WaheguruJireplied, "Tocontrolthese(evils)andtofreeyourselffromthese,shootthesharparrowsofNaam." Apersonshouldnotgiveupindisappointment.SatguruJicomestotherescueattimestoensure thatapersondoesnotwaver.Attimesonehearskirtanandsometimesfeelsasifoneisinthe presenceofGuruJi.ThemindexperiencesthesepositiveaspectsofGursikhiandbecomessteady again.Sometimes,onebecomesproudaboutdoingsimran.Thus,thissubtleformofhaumai pollutesthemind,foryoucannothavetwoswordsinthesamesheath.Sowherethereishaumai, Naamcannotresidethere.Togetridofhaumai,oneshouldgototheGurdwaraanddosewa (serviceinhumility)ofcleaningSangat'sfootwear. (D) Iamaskedsometimes: "BhaiSahibJi,whatisthedifferencebetweendoingsimranathomeanddoingsimraninSangatat theGurdwara?" Iexplain:OnehastomakeaspecialefforttogototheGurdwara.Ifapersonwalkstothe Gurdwara,hisfeetarepurified.Thosewhogoinacar,alsospendtheirtimeusefully.Ifone decidestogototheGurdwara,butisunabletoattend,intheAgeofKalyug,eventhatintentionis rewardedbecausetheintentionwasgood.WhenapersongoestotheGurdwarathenthedustof thefeetofSangattouchesone'sforehead.ThespiritualfruitofcleaningSangat'sshoesearlyinthe morningisgreat.EyesarepurifiedbyGuruJi'sdarshan(holysight)earlyinthemorning.The tongueispurifiedbysimran.TheresonanceofNaamsimranbytheSaadhSangatincreasesthe effectofsimranmanytimes.IfonehundredGursikhsaredoingsimrantheimpactonthesoul, and,therefore,thebenefit,willbemultipliedonehundredtimes.SriGuruNanakDevJihasgiven theSangatthehigheststatus.IfonedoesNaamsimraninthepresenceofGuruJiinthemorning thenthesinsofmanypreviouslifecyclesarewashedaway. "Thebumblebeeisgreedyfortheflower'sfragrance;findingit,ittrapshimselfintheflower.Just so,thehumbleSaintslovetheLord;beholdingtheBlessedVisionofHisDarshan,theyaresatisfied andsatiated."(SGGSp.708) Aninsectlovesthefragranceofflowersbutmeetsitsdeathinthebosomoftheflower.However, lookatthepraiseoftheGuru,thataGursikhsittinginHislap(presence)becomesimmortal(i.e.is freedfromthecyclesofbirthanddeath).Manypeopleprefertositathometodosimranwith ownfamily.Inthatwaytheycanredeemtheirownfamilyonlybutcannothelpothers.SriGuru NanakDevJicouldhavedonethesame,butHismainaimwastoconnecteveryhumanbeingto theGuru'sCharan(holyfeetoftheGuru,symbolicofconcentrationonGuru'sShabadintotal humility).ThepeopleredeemedbyGuruJiincludedsuchsinnersasSajanTthag,KaudaRakhash, ValiKandhariandmanysuchevildoers.GuruJiwenttothesepeopletoredeemthem.Ifwe,the

SikhsofGuruNanaksitalooflikeyogis,thenwhatisthedifferencebetweenusandthemonastic yogis. (E) "BhaiSahibJi,isitimportanttolivethelifeofahouseholder?" "Yes,ifanindividualisseekingsalvationthenthefamilylifeisimportant.Ifoneattemptstodo meditationwithoutbeingmarried,thenthemindwillremainunstable.ThisistheAgeofKalyug andtheunstablemindcontinuouslyrunstowardsworldlyattractionsandwastefullifestyle.It takesmanyyearsofsimrantostabilisethewanderingmind.Eventhenlustisagreatevilforceand willcontinuetotroublethemind.Mostofthegreatavatars(saintsandprophets)whocameto thisworld,weremarried.OftheTenGurusnineweremarried(SriHarKrishanJi'sLightmerged withWaheguruJiwhenHewasonly8yearsold).SriRamChandarJi,BhagwanKrishan,ShivJi, MahatmaBudh,BrahmaandMuhammedSahib,theyallhadfamilies.So,itisimportanttoget married.AkalPurakh(Waheguru)establishedallcreationintwoparts,forexample,man/woman; night/day;birth/death;youth/oldage;sunlight/darkness;earth/skyandsorrow/happinessetc. AkalPurakhhasestablishedthismeaningfulsystem.Thedayisforworkingandthenightisfor resting.Marriedlifeisforprocreation,sothatlifemaycontinue.Thosesaadhusandsatitswhosay thatoneshouldnotgetmarriedarebreakingtheDivineLaw.However,thereareothergreat saintswhodidnotgetmarriedbecausetheyweresentforpreachingreligion;theyhavebeensent byGuruJiHimself.Examplesofsuchholypeopleare:SantBabaAtarSinghJiMastuanaywaalay, SantBabaKaramSinghJiHotiMardan,SantBabaJwalaSinghJiHarkhowal,SantBabaGurmukh SinghJiPatialaywaalay,SantBabaIsherSinghJiRarewaalay,SantBabaBhanSinghJagraon,Sant BabaNandSinghJiKaleranwaalayandmanyothers;noonecanequaltheirsaintliness.They wouldreciteBaniallnightanddosimran. Itismyownexperiencehowtroublesomelust(sexualurge)canbewhenoneengagesin Wahegurumeditation.Itoospentlifeasafamilymanforfiveorsixyears.Iusedmedicinetooto controlthisdistractingforce.FromthedayIwasblessedbyGuruJi'sdarshan,myminddidnot waver.ThiswasagiftofNaam.Mylifechanged.Forcontrollingthisdistractinginfluence,itis necessarytodosimranfor10to12hoursaday.Thenastageisreachedwherelustcannottrouble adevotee.SomeGursikhsaskme,"Beingfamilypeople,howcanwedosomanyhoursofsimran?" ThewaythiscanbedoneisthatiftwomembersofafamilysittogethertodoPaatthsofNitNem andSukhmaniandsimran,thenitbecomesaSangatandtherewarddoubles.Inthesameway whiledoingdailychoresoneshouldkeeprecitingalltheBanioneknowsbyheart.Proceedingin thisway,withGuruJi'sblessing,oneachievesspiritualsuccesswhilelivinganormalfamilylife." (F) "BhaiSahibJi,tellussomethingaboutcultandyogicpowers."(Mentalorsupernaturalpowers developedthroughausterities.) (Editorialnote:ThecentralthemeofGurbaniistocontroltheaimlesswanderingofthemind whichharmsboth,worldlyandspiritualobjectivesofthislife.Whethersomeexperiences describedbyBhaiSahibJicanbeexplainedlogicallyor(psychologically)istomissthepoint. Regrettably,themodern(cleverandarrogant)mindwillinsistonscientific/logicalexplanations; butthenGurbanisaysthateverythingiswithinHisWillandeverythingcan(ultimately)be explainedonceHisWill(HukamorOrderofSchemeofThings)isunderstood.TheGursikhistressin thislifeisoncontinualandcontinuousmindfocusonNaam.TheOmnipresent,OmniscientandAll PervadingPresenceofTheUltimateReality,"Waheguru",theOneandOnlyMysticalFormula

(Mantar)foraGursikh.Nopoweris"supernatural"andnopowerisgreaterthantheAllPowerful PositiveOne(Ik)Creator(Oangkaar)). AnyGursikhwhodoessimranearlyinthemorning(AmritVela),earnsthecreditofGuru'sShabad, heorshecertainlyacquiresspiritualpowers(whichcannotbeexplainedbyworldlyscience).The firstindicationsofthesearethroughdreamswhenoneseesunusualsightsandgetsomeadvance knowledgeofafutureevent.Forexample,onegetstoknowbeforehandofsomesadorhappy eventinthefamily.Ifonewantstogoandseesomeone,oneknowsbeforehandifthatpersonis likelytobeathome.Thishashappenedwithmeonoccasions.Atthenextstagemanykautaks (unusualhappenings)takeplaceandoneisnotleftinanydoubt.IfaGursikh,whodoesregularNit Nemdoesnotgetupintime,theShaheedSinghsencouragetheGursikhtoriseanddoNitNem. ThenGuruJimakesoneexperienceotherkautaks.WhenaGursikhisawakeandalert,he suddenlystartsdoingthePaatthofMoolMantar,Gurmantar("Waheguru")orSukhmani.One experiencesastrangepleasantsensationatsuchatime.Sometimesoneiswitness,inadream,to thePrakaashofGuruJi;theSangatisthereandonecanhearkirtan.Ordinarypeopleacquire spiritualpowers.However,Gursikhs,aftertakingAmritshouldcontrolsuchpowers.Oneshould notgainworldlybenefitfromsuchspiritualpowers.OneshouldpraytoGuruJiinordertoaspire tothenextstagebycontrolling,andnotmisusingorannouncingsuchspiritualachievements. Boastingtoothersaboutsuchpowersdetractsfromthespiritualattainmentandagreatdeal moreeffortisrequiredtoreachthesamestage. AGursikhshouldremembertheGuru'sOrder.Youcanimpresspeoplewithspiritualpowers,but sufferagreatlossinthewealthofNaam,andyouwouldbeturningawayfromtheGuru.Itisthe Guru'sOrderthatGursikhsmustnotusecultpowers.Theyshouldrisehighabovetheseandattain salvationduringthislifetime. OnceIdecidedtogotoIndia.IwasstayingatBhaiAmrikSingh'shouseatthattime.BhaiSahib said,"AsyouaregoingtoIndia,dogoandseeBhaiBhanSinghJi.HeisatrueBrahamgiani(one whoknowsallbybeingatonewithTheOneseeGlossary).IwenttoBhaiAmnkSingh'svillage andtoldhisbrother,"IwouldliketododarshanofBabaBhanSinghJi." WebothstartedoffforBabaJi'sdarshan.Asweweretravellinginthebus,BhaiAmrikSingh's brothertoldme,"OnedayBabaJisaidtotheSangatthathistimetogotoSachKhandwasnear." Brahamgianisknowaboutsuchthingsbeforehand.BabaJiwantedtoknowtheviewsofthe Sangat.TheSangatasked,"BabaJi,ifyougotoSachKhand,whowouldyouappointinyourplace? Ifsomeoneisappointed,thesewaandsimranwillcontinue."Hearingthis,BabaJifellsilent.There weretwosewadarsdoingsewaatBabaJi'sdera(establishment)formanyyears.BabaJidecided tomakeoneofthemthemainsewadar.Hedecidedtotestboth.Theonewhohadstarteddoing sewafirst,hadacquiredcertainpowersfromBabaJi.Hebecametooarrogant,gotupsetwith BabaJiandwentandsettledinanothervillage.Hestartedusinghispowersthereandthevillagers wereimpressed.Theystartedlookingafterhim.However,afterafewdays,whateverhetriedto dowithhispowers,theoppositewouldhappen.Helostface.Noonebotheredabouthimand stoppedservinghimfoodeven.HereturnedtoBabaJi,whosmiledandsaid,"Youhavecomeback empty",meaning,hehadlostallthathehadearnedspiritually.Thesecondsewadarwashumble andneverdisplayedhisspiritualpowers.BabaJidecidedtoappointhiminhisownplace. IwasverypleasedtododarshanofBabaJiandwediscussedGurmatt.Onewhogoesbeyond yogicdisplaysofpowerwillgetclosertoWaheguruJi.Thisisthefirstsignthatoneisontheright pathtomeetingWaheguruJi.

MyBeautifulDream KhalsaRaj AfterfiveorsixmonthsofdoingsimranwiththeSangatattheGurdwara,inadreamoneday,I reachedSriHarmandarSahib.SriHarmandarSahibwasdecoratedwithwhite,red,blue,greenand orangediamonds.Iwantedtocontinueseeingit.Icannotdescribethesplendourofthescene beforeme.Thebuildingwasstuddedwithsuchshiningstones,thattheirlightwasmanytimes morethanordinaryelectricbulbs.Yetitwasnotglaringbutsoothing.Theywerenothotlike bulbs.AtthattimetherewasaslightdrizzleandIthoughtthatmyclotheswerewet;butwhenI touchedthemtheyweredry.IbowedbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi,didmathatekanandsat down.TheraagiSinghsweredoingkirtanofthisShabad: "TheSupremeLordGod,throughtheDivineGuru,hasHimselfprotectedandpreservedHis children.Celestialpeace,tranquillityandblisshavecometopass;myservicehasbeenperfect.|| 1||Pause||GodHimselfhasheardtheprayersofHishumbledevotees.Hedispelledmydisease, andrejuvenatedme;Hisgloriousradianceissogreat!||1||Hehasforgivenmeformysins,and intercededwithHispower.Ihavebeenblessedwiththefruitsofmymind'sdesires;Nanakisa sacrificetoHim.||2||"(SGGSp.819) Ibecamesoimmersedinkirtanthatmyonlydesirewastokeeplistening.Oncompletionofthe Shabad,IrealisedthatIhadcometoseeKhalsaRaj.IgotupandwenttoseeSriAkalTakhatSahib. AkalTakhatissuchanImmortalThroneofSpiritualandWorldlySovereignty,thatthereTruth reignsandtruthisthefinaloutcome. "There,onlytheTruthisjudgedtrue;thesinnersarepickedoutandseparated."(SGGSp.463) "TrueinthePrimalbeginning,Truethroughouttheages.Truehereandnow.ONanak,foreverand everTrue."(SGGSp.1) ThePanjPiarayweredoingsimranatSriAkalTakhatSahib.IannouncedGurFateh"WaheguruJiKa Khalsa,WaheguruJiKiFateh."Whentheyreplied,itseemedtomethattheresonanceofthe GurFatehwascomingfromthewholeofDesPanjab.AfterdarshanofthePanjPiaray,Iwasina stateofbliss.IfeltasifIwasdoingdarshanofmyGuru,SriGuruGobindSinghJithroughthePanj Piaray. "Khalsaisinmyimage. InKhalsadoIreside." (SarahLohGranth) Icanneverforgetthissceneallmylife.Theysaid,"HaveyoucometoseeKhalsaRaj?"Iconfirmed askingthemtohelpme.ThenIhadaconversationwiththem.TheysentaKhalsaSinghwithme. Firstofallhetookmeintoanundergroundtunnellikecavity.AsIsteppedin,amelodiouschantof "Waheguru"startedandIwassoemotionallystruckthatmyeyesfloodedwithtears.Icouldnot containmyself.Theseweretearsofblissandhappiness.Ididnothavethecouragetostepfurther. FromwhereIwasstanding,IbowedtoSriGuruGranthSahibJiandsatdown. ThethroneofGuruJiwasdecoratedmanytimesmoreresplendentlythanthemostmajestic ThronesoftheancientMaharajas.ThegoldPalaki(structureonwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiis

placed)wasstuddedwithmanyvarietiesofdiamondsandrubies;theglitterofwhichhada charmingeffectonthemind.TheoverheadChananitoowascoveredwithstarshapesandpearls ("'Decorativesquarepieceofclothhungoverhead,aboveSriGuruGranthSahibJiasasymbolof royalty).Iwasleftcompletelyamazed.TheGursikhssittinginthismassiveundergroundplace weredoingsimranofWahegurutotheaccompanimentofalargevarietyofnaturalmusical sounds.TherewasdivineblissinthesesoundsandIbecamecompletelyabsorbedinthem. "TheSoundcurrentoftheNaad(octave)vibratesthere,andcountlessmusiciansplayonallsorts ofinstrumentsthere.Somanyraags(musical"moods"oftheIndianmusicalsystem),somany musicianssingingthere."(SGGSp.6) IwasnotconsciousofmyselfandmyconcentrationwastotallyinSriGuruGranthSahibJi. DarshanofSriGuruGranthSahibJimademefeelthatWaheguruJi,AkalPurakh(theTimeless Being),waspresentrightinfrontofme.FromthePrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJi,raysof soothinglightwereradiatingontheGursikhs. "LightradiatesfromtheplacewheresitstheHolyCongregation(SaadhSangat)" (BhaiGurdasJi) Intheradiance,IsawtheimageofSriGuruGobindSinghJi.GuruJispoke,"Myblessingwillbeon anyGursikhwhodoesWahegurusimran."Hearingthis,Isawbeforemyeyesawarsceneinwhich MataSahibKaurJiasked,"IcanseeallSinghsbutnottheSahibzaday(PrincesofGuruJi)."GuruJi wavedtowardstheKhalsaandsaid,"WhylamentthedeathoftheFour,thousandsarealive.Due tothesacrificeoftheFourSahibzaday,thousandsofGursikhswhodosimranhavebeenborn." GuruJiprayedtoAkalPurakh,"IpromisedthatthousandsofSingh'swilldosimran,buttoday, withYourBlessing,hundredsofthousandsaredoingsimran." TheKhalsaJiwhowaswithmesaid,"SinghJi!Bealert!"Afterthecompletionofsimran,most Singhsgotupandleft,butabout15to20remaineddeepinsimran.IaskedKhalsaJi,"Allothers havegone,whyarethesestillinmeditation?" KhalsaJireplied,"TheyhavegonetoseethefantasticsightsofSachKhand.Theyhavelefttheir physicalbodiesandtheiretherealbodieshaveflownthroughdasamduar(tenthgate)toSach Khand.Some,fortwodays,someforfourandothersforalongertime.Theygofordarshanof AkalPurakh(theTimelessBeingi.e.God)andreturn.ToseeSachKhanditisnecessarytodo continuoussimran." KhalsaJitoldmethatat2.30inthemorning,fiveSinghsdothePrakaashofGuruJiinthe undergroundchamber.ThePrakaashislocatedatthesameplaceatthebeginningofthetunnelat SriAmritsarSahib.Theearlymorning(Amritvela)MukhVaakMainOrderisheardbyallSangat onspeakers.AlltheSangatheedandactaccordingtothisVaak.Threeo'clockswasswassimran starts.From4.00to5.00a.m.Wahegurusimranisdonewithmusicalinstruments.Afterthe completionofsimran,theSangatgoestotheGurdwaratodoNitNemfollowedbylangarand returntotheirhomes. Afterthis,KhalsaJitookmetotheGurdwara.IwasamazedtoseesuchabeautifulGurdwara.It wasbuiltofstonemorebeautifulthanmarble.Iwentinsideandperformedmathatekan.The Palaki(onwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiisplaced)wasdecoratedwithmanycolouredglass.The overheadChananiclothwasdecoratedwithstarshapes,rubiesandpearls.TwoAnandKaraj

ceremoniesweretakingplaceintheGurdwara.TheonlydifferencewasthatonePanjabiSingh wasbeingmarriedtoawhiteSinghani,whileawhiteSinghwasbeingmarriedtoaPanjabi Singhani.TherewasalotofSangatherefromthetwovillagesofthebridesandthegroomsto blessthemarriages.Theyallseemedtohavegreatregardforeachother.ThePanjPiarayfrom bothvillageswerealsopresent.GurbaniKirtanwasgoingonanditwassosweetthatonedidnot feellikeleaving.TheceremonywassimpleandincompleteaccordwithGurmatt.Therewasno questionofanydowrybeinggiven. IaskedKhalsaJi,"Whatisthemeaningofthesemixedmarriages?"KhalsaJisaid,"Inorderto eradicateanycolourdistinctions,suchmarriagesaretakingplace.SriGuruGobindSinghJiisall knowing.GuruJiiscreatingsuchaKhalsawhoremainstaunchintheirbelief.ThepeopleofPanjab donothavetotalfaithintheGuru.WhiteSinghswillremainfaithfulandwillnotturntheirbacks ontheGuru.TheywillbefittoruntheKhalsaRajbecauseinthemthereisnodiscrimination betweenhighandlow.TheywillpractisetheWordsofGuruJi. "Itisnoticed,thataftertakingAmrit,theWhiteSinghskeeptheirrehat.Inthiswayinoneortwo generationsthecomplexionoftheKhalsawouldbethesame.Differencesandthecastesystem wouldbeeradicated." AftertheAnandKarajtheSangatwenttolangarshakan(eatingfoodintheLangar).Thelangar hadbeenmadeinironutensilsandwasverytasty. Iasked,"Howisthelangar(foodintheLangar)preparedforsomanySangat?" KhalsaJitoldme,"FooditemsfortheLangararepreparedinthefoodfactoryandsenttothe Gurdwara.Inthiswaypeelingpotatoes,cuttingvegetables,groundingflour(atta),preparing yogurtetc.,allthisisdonequitequickly.Recipesforeverythingarereadyregardingingredients likesalt,pepperandmasalaetc.andallfoodispreparedbymachines,andwashingetc.isalldone bymachines.Therearespecialmachinesformakingprasaaday(rotis)aswell.Andsolangaris preparedquicklyforhundredsofthousandsofSangat." Iwasabletoseesomeofthefoodpreparationsandwasamazedattheefficiencyandthe automationused. Aftereatinglangar,peoplefromthetwovillageswereseenstrollinginaparkandtheatmosphere andsocialnicetieswerelikeahappyfare.Allseemedhealthyandhappyandveryfriendlytowards eachother. KhalsaJitoldme,"ThetunnelextendsfromSriAmritsartoDelhiandtherearesettlements (villagesortownships)onbothsides. Aboutahundredthousandpeopleliveineachsettlement.Theaffairsofeachsettlementarerun byPanjPiaray.EachsettlementhasaGurdwaraandafoodfactory.Thelangarofalliscookedin theGurdwara.AlleatattheGurdwaraandadeductionismadefromeachperson'spay.Everyone mustworkforatleastfourhours.Ladiesalsoworkforfourhours.Thereareparksonbothsidesof thetunnel.Therearebeautifulspecialparksforchildren.Therearemanygroundsforplaying sports."

Inoticedgreengrasslawns,asifgreencarpetshadbeenlaidout.Therewasnicesmellingperfume comingfromtheflowersanditsmeltlikenonotheronthisearth.Thereweremanyvarietiesof flowers. ThenKhalsaJitookmetoseeahospital.Itwasbeautifullydesignedandveryclean.Itwasmany storeyshigh.Therewerelargebedsintheroomsbuttheywereempty.Thereweremachinesfor doingallsortsofcheckingofillnesses.Iwassurprisedandremarked,"Buttherearenopatients here." KhalsaJisaid,"ThemedicineforallillnessesisNaam(SukhmaniSahib)" "AlltheKhalsahere,getupinthemorninganddoNaamsimran.Forthisreasontheydonotfallill. Duetothepowerofsimrantheyarenotworriedaboutanything.TheaveragelifeofaKhalsais 150yearsandafterthattheyachievesalvation." Iwasthentakentoashoppingcentre,thereweremanylargeshopsbutnooneappearedtobe runningthem.Iaskedaboutthis.KhalsaJitookmetothegate.Hesaid,"Allthingsintheshopsare uniformlypriced.Youmakethepaymentinadvanceforallthethingsyouwishtobuyandthe paymentisputintoamachine.Thegateopens.Theweightofthepersonenteringisautomatically measured.Thereareothermachinesinsideandyoucanbuyfurtheritemsetc.Thecontrolis throughweightmeasurementofincomingpeople,andoutgoingpeoplewiththeirgoods.The machinescandetectdishonesty,thefinesforwhichareheavy(tentimesthevalueofthegoods stolen)." CowCentre "Yousavethebeasts,demonsandfools,andevenstonesarecarriedacross.SlaveNanakseeks YourSanctuary;heisforeverandeverasacrificetoYou."(SGGSp.802) KhalsaJitookmetoananimalformandtoldmethatarrangementshadbeenmadeforthe salvationofanimals.Hesaid,"Thesimraninthemorningcanbeheardbythemthroughspeakers. Thereisnoshortageofmilkandbutter.Thecowsarebroughtinfromothercountries.Aspecial placehasbeenmadeforthecows,andthereareemployeeswholookafterthem.Thereisa specialtunnelthroughwhichthecowscancomeandgo.Thereareautomaticfountainsforthe cows.Asthecowsstepin,thesefountainsswitchon;alittlefurther,acurrentofwarmairdries them.Muchattentionisgiventocleanliness.Thereisaspecialtrainforthecowstobetakenout tothecountrysideforgrazing.Theyarebroughtbackbytrainintheevening.Theywashasinthe morningandaregiventheirfodder.Theyremainhappyandgivealotofmilk." IreflectedthatinIndiatodaythousandsarestarving,butinKhalsaRaj,eventheanimalswillbe welllookedafterandwillnotgohungry. O'humanbeing!IfanimalscangethumanlifebylisteningtoNaam,whydoyounotreciteNaam andachievesalvation. Havingshownallthis,KhalsaJitookmeinaspecialvehicletoshowmethemotorway.Itwasvery wide.Bothsideswerelinedbycolourfulroses.Forexample,foronemilewhiteflowers,thenfor thenextmileredflowersandsoon.Theymadetheairfragrant.Therewerestonesinthemiddle ofthemotorwaypaintedinthesamecolourastheflowers.Therewasnoneedforanylightingas

thestonesradiatedlight.Afterevery25to30milestherewerebeautifulstoppingplacesforeating foodwhichwasfree.KhalsaJisaidthattherewerefreetravelpassesfortheelderlypeople. KhalsaJisaid,"TherewillbeoneruleinKhalsaRaj.Whenachildisbornitwillgetchildallowance (Editor'snote:InBhaiRamaSinghJi'saccountthereisachangeinthetense,inthatKhalsaJi sometimesspeaksinthepresenttenseandsometimesinthefuture.Thisdreamlikeexperienceis happening,yetitisalsoapredictionofwhatisgoingtohappeninthefuture.Thereaderneedsto understandthiswhenreadingthisinterestingexperience).Butthisallowancewillnotberetained bytheparentsbutbytheKhalsa.Whenchildrengrowup,thentheexpensesofmarriage,house andcarwillbegivenbytheKhalsa.AnyshortfallwillbemadeupbytheKhalsa.Beforethey commencework,theywillbegivensixmonthsholidaysfortravellingabroad.Theirholidaytravel expenseswillbepaidbytheKhalsa(administration).Onreturntheywilltakeupthejobsallocated tothembytheKhalsa.FreeflyinglessonswillbegiventoGursikhchildren." Iasked,"Howwouldtheshortageofelectricityandwaterberesolved?". KhalsaJi,"WhentheKhalsaRajspreadstothewholeofIndia,thenKhalsawillmakearrangements forwaterandelectricity.Forexample,floodscomeinBangladeshandwatercannotbecontrolled, andthereisgreatlossoflifeandproperty.Toovercomethis,Khalsawillconstructadamand supplywatertothewholeofIndia.Inthisway,thisareawillbesavedfromfloodsandthe shortageofwaterandelectricitywillbeovercome." Iasked,"Howwould960millionpeoplebeinitiatedintotheOrderoftheKhalsa?" KhalsaJi,"WhenGuruNanakDevJi'sspiritualLightmergedwiththeUniversalLight,theHindus claimedhewastheirGuruandwantedtocrematehisbody;andtheMuslimsclaimedhimtobe theirPir(religiousleader)andwantedtoburyhisbody.WhenthesheetcoveringGuruJi'sbody waslifted,onlyaheapofflowerswerefoundunderneath.TheHindusandtheMuslimsdividedthe sheetintwoandtookonehalfeach. "IdyemyselfinthecolouroftheLord,andsewwhathastobesewn.WithouttheLord'sName,I cannotlive,evenforamoment."(SGGSp.485) "SciencehasproventhattheGurbaniutteredbySriGuruNanakDevJifivehundredyearsago,has spreadintheglobalatmosphere.WhereverthereareGurdwaras,Baniisbeingread.Throughthe resonanceofthat,theworldiscontinuallybeingsaved;otherwisebynow,thenatureofKalyug (whichisfire)wouldhaveburntanddestroyedeveryone.AsGuruNanakDevJisaysinAsadiVaar: "IntheAgeofSatYug,contentmentwasthechariotandrighteousnessthecharioteer.IntheAge ofTretaYug,celibacywasthechariotandpowerthecharioteer.IntheAgeofDuaparYug, penancewasthechariotandtruththecharioteer.IntheAgeofKalyug,fireisthechariotand falsehoodthecharioteer."(SGGSp.470)(Seealso'Tug"intheGlossary.) "MeaningthatthenatureoftheAgeofKalyug,beingthevehicleoffire,ishotandtheNameof Waheguruiscoolandsoothingforthesoul.Forthisreason,contentmentisachievedthrough Naamsimran. "ThechantofNaamwhichresoundsthroughthe"tunnel"(AmritsartoDelhi)willhaveitsspiritual effect.ThroughthepowerofNaamBani(utteranceofNaam)allthosewhohearwillstartNaam simran.AllwilljointheKhalsaPanthwhentheyrealisethattheSikhfaithisthefaithoftruth.In

thiswaythetwohalvesofGuruNanak's"coveringsheet'"willbesewntogetheragain(Thesheet referredtoabovewhichwascoveringGuruNanakDevJi'sbodyandwhichwasthentornintotwo halvesbytheHindusandtheMuslims.(Editor'snote:Thecomingtogetherofthetwopartsisa beautifulrevelationandhumanaspiration!)). "TheBaba(GuruNanakDevJi)isveneratedineveryhome,thedifferencebetweentheHinduand theMuslimhasbeenlost(forgotten)"(BhaiGurdas:Vaar1.34) "ThemapofIndiawillchangeinKhalsaraj.ThisisthelandoftheAkalPurakh.ThosewholoveGod willtakebirth.Theunbelievers,throughtheirownsinswillbedestroyed.Thenewgenerationwill understandtruth. "Inlargecitiesofforeigncountries,likeNewYork,London,Khalsacentreswillbebuilt.Allthosein needwillbehelpedthere.Theywillbelookedafterandsuppliedwithfoodandclothes,freeof charge. "Khalsawouldeducategirlsnottocommitthesinofundergoingabortions.Thesearethegirlswho arenotinapositiontobringupchildrenforeconomicorotherreasons.Instead,Khalsawilllook afterunwantedchildrenuntiltheyaremature.Inthisway,mothersandchildrenwouldbe attractedtoSikhi.TheywoulddevelopdeeplinkswiththeSikhnation.Someofthemwouldadopt SikhiandmarryintoSikhfamiliesinPanjab. "AndsoSikhiwillspreadtoaKhalsapopulationof960million." Iasked,"Whennegotiatingorholdingtalkswithothercountries,whowouldlead?" KhalsaJi,"PanjPiarayfromAkalTakhatwilltaketheleadinanytalks." Iasked,"WouldthesamePanjPiaraycontinuetoholdthatposition?" KhalsaJi,"SriGuruGobindSinghJiwasallknowing.GuruJiwillsoguidepeople'sbehaviour,that noonewouldhaveanyselfcentredambitiontoholdhighpositions.Whoeverwishestobe includedwillbeconsidered.First,thePanjPiarayatvillagelevelwouldbeselected.Thenamesof thosewishingtodothesewawillbeputonpiecesofpaperandfivenameswillbeselectedby drawinglots.ThevillagePanjPiaraywouldselectthePanjPiarayofAkalTakhatinthesameway. AllvillageswillberunbytheselectedPanjPiarays.Selectionprocesswouldberepeatedafterfive years. "AfterPunjab,KhalsawillalsostartpreachingSikhiinotherpartsofIndia.Khalsawillhelpthe poor.Houseswillbebuiltforthosewithoutshelter.NobeggarswillbeseeninIndiaintheKhalsa Raj.Theywillbegivenpriority.Theirneedswillbesatisfied.Hospitalswillbebuiltforfree treatment.InKhalsaRajnopressurewillbeputonanyonetoadoptSikhi.Noreligionwillbe regardedasinferior.WithGuru'sblessing,somewillthemselvesstartreadingandreciting Gurbani.TheKhalsamethodofpreachingwillbethepropermethod.Khalsawillpreachinsucha waythatmanywouldbeattractedtoSikhi.Therewillbelargecampswithaudiovisualdisplays abouttheSikhmartyrdomtradition.Thepreachingwillexplainthepowerofsimranwhichgave theancientSinghsthewilltoundergotortureandtobearthepaininordertoupholdtruthand justice.Atthesecamps,representativesofotherreligionswillalsobeinvitedtogivetheirviews.

Theywillgiveinformationabouttheirownreligionsandexchangeviews.However,while discussingandexchangingviewstheywouldthemselvesrealisethatSikhiisthepathoftruth. "First,AllahcreatedtheLight;then,byHisCreativePower,Hemadeallmortalbeings.Fromthe OneLight,theentireuniversewelledup.Sowhoisgood,andwhoisbad?"(SGGSp.1349) ThesepeopleofotherfaithswillacceptSikhiandtheSikhfaithwillspread." KhalsaJisaid,"Asonehastoapplyforavisatovisitanothercountry,sopeoplewouldhaveto applyforavisatovisitPunjab.OnlyareligiouspersonwouldbeallowedtoenterPunjab(Sach Khandonearth).OnlythosewhoreadBaniwouldbeallowedtoenter.Noonewhodrinksalcohol orsmokeswillbeallowedtoenterPanjab.TheywouldbeabletogotootherpartsofIndiabutnot toPanjab.AnyonewishingtoenterPanjabwouldbeaskedbytheKhalsaembassy,"Canyouspeak PanjabiandreadBani.OnlyonewhohasfaithintheGuruwouldbeabletogotoPanjab.Panjab willbecomeapartofSachKhandonearth."

ThePunisherofEvildoers:GuruGobindSinghJi Iasked,"KhalsaJi,Iwouldaskonemorequestion.Indiawassuchagreatpower,howdidKhalsa achievevictory?" KhalsaJi,TyrannicalarroganceisnotacceptabletoHarJi(God) "Actinginegotism,peaceisnotobtained.Theintellectofthemindisfalse;onlytheLordisTrue. Allwholovedualityareruined.Peopleactastheyarepreordained.||1||Ihaveseentheworld tobesuchagambler;allbegforpeace,buttheyforgettheNaam,theNameoftheLord.||1|| (SGGSp.222) "EveryoneknowsthattherewasawarbetweenRamJiandRawan.Rawanwasarrogantthatthere wasnowarriorgreaterthanhim.Thathehadsomanysons. "Rampassedaway,asdidRaawan,eventhoughhehadaverylargefamily.SaysNanak,nothing lastsforever;theworldislikeadream."(SGGSp.1429)(NoteforGurmattresearchstudent: ComparewithGurbaniconfirmation,especiallyinSukhmaniSahib,thattheLordisTrueandsois Hiscreation.Therefore,"likeadream"accordingtoGurmattshouldbeequatedtowhatis describedasnotstable(mithia)inSukhmaniSahib(e.g.Astpadi5.4&5).Itisfalsetotreatlifeor creationaspermanent,forbothwillpasslikeadream(iftherealopportunityofferedbyhuman lifeisnotusedtoachieveharmonywiththeLord)). "AfortresslikethatofSriLanka,withtheoceanasamoatarounditthereisnonewsaboutthat houseofRaavan.||1||WhatshallIaskfor?Nothingispermanent.Iseewithmyeyesthatthe worldispassingaway.||1||Pause||Thousandsofsonsandthousandsofgrandsonsbutin thathouseofRaavan,thelampsandwickshavegoneout.||2||"(SGGSp.481) "HewasproudthathiscityofLankawasmadeofgold.Hewasalsoproudthathehadbeen blessedwithimmortality.HethoughtthatRamChandarJididnothaveanyarmy,andthatit wouldbeeasytokillhim.Therewereonlythreeofthem:RamChandar,LashmanandHanuman. TocrushRawan'spride,RamChandaruseddivinepower. "Secondly,Daryodhanwasveryproudthathehadonhissidethegreatwarriorsandwar equipment,andthatthePandav'shadnothing.Thathewasboundtowin.Daryodhandidnot understandthatBhagwanKrishandidnotlikehisarrogance.Tohumblehim,Krishansupported thePandavs.DaryodhanwaskilledwithhisarmyandthePandavswerevictorious. "Thirdly,Indiatoowasproudthattheyhadmuchpowerwithalargearmyandwarequipment. Theytoo,intheirarrogance,didnothesitatefromattackingHarmandarSahib.AsRamJiand Krishanuseddivinepowers,inthesamewayGuruJigranteddivinepowertothePanjPiarayto uprootevil. "AsGuruGobindSinghJigranteddivinepowertoBandaSinghBahadurandinstructedhimto avengethedeathoftheyoungerSahibzadayand,thatnoonewouldwithstandhim.SriGuru GobindSinghJi'swordsare: "IshallgiveasingleKhalsathestrengthandcouragetofightsawalakh(i.e.onehundredand twentyfivethousand:symbolicofunlimitedcourage).OnlythenshallIbecalledGobindSingh."

"BandaSinghBahadurdidavengethemartyrdomoftheyoungerSahibzaday. GuruJigaveoneBandaSinghBahadursomuchpowerthatnoonecouldstophim.TheMuslims ruledthewholeofIndiaatthetime.GuruJigavethePanjPiarayHisowndivinepower. GuruJisaid: "Nooneoffersanyonesovereignty(onaplate!) Anyonewhogetsit,grabsitthroughownprowess." "AsRamJiandKrishanBhagwancrushedtheprideofRawanandDaryodhan,soAkalPurakh destroyedtheprideofthesepeopleandestablishedKhalsaRaj."

"Maymyfamilylivehappily" (ChaopaiGuruGobindSinghJi) KhalsaJisaid"ThepromiseofGuruJihasnowbeenfulfilled.Allsitandeattogetherinthe morningandevening.AftertakingAmritwearenowthecitizensofAnandpur.OurparentsareSri GuruGobindSinghJiandMataSahibKaur.WeareallthefamilyofGuruJi.Allourworriesare over.Now,simranwilldestroyalloursinsandaftermanagingownKhalsaRajinthislife,weshall achievesalvation.Now,intheKhalsaRaj,thePanjPiaraymanagealltheaffairsofthePanth. "Thechosenonesareacceptable,thechosenonesaresupreme.Thechosenonesarehonouredin the(Lord's)Court.Thechosenoneslookresplendentinthecourtsofkings.Thechosenones meditateontheGurualone."(SGGSp.3) "TheauthorityoftheKhalsashallprevailinallIndia.TherewillbeparksadjoiningallGurdwaras forlittlechildrentoplayin."AllthisIwastoldbyKhalsaJi. HavingseenthefantasticsightsofKhalsaRaj,mysoulprayed,"O'TrueGuru!WondrousSriGuru GobindSinghJi,Iofferyoumygratitudethatyourwordshavecometopass.Ihaveseenthesights ofKhalsaRaj." "IshallmakekingsofthesepoorSikhsThusshalltheyremembermyGuruship." (SriGuruPanthPrakash) WondrousSriGuruGobindSinghJi,blessandsupportyourKhalsa,thatthesesightsofKhalsaRaj (secondSachKhand)areseenbythewholeworld. IregarditasimportanttomentionthatwhenIwentfordarshanofKhalsaRaj,ofthePanjPiaray sittingatAkalTakhat,threeoftheSinghswerewhite.Inthetunneltoo,andintheGurdwara, therewerewhiteSinghsandSinghanis.ByadoptingtherehatofSatguruJi,theyqualifiedforthe highestsewaofthePanth.Whyarewesolax?Whenarewegoingtounderstand?Thereisstill timeSikhs,steadyyourselves!LookafteryourSikhi.

DifficultJourney Today,therearemanydiverseorganisationsandinstitutionsintheSikhreligion.However,thereis nounityofdirection.AllarepreachingtheirownversionsofSikhi. NooneispreparedtoaccepttheGuru'sWords.Everyorganisationisclaimingtobestrongand says,"WeshallgetyouKhalistan".KhalistanwillbeachievedbutonthestrengthofNaamand underthedirectionthePanjPiaray.Khalistanwillnotbeachievedifseparatepartieskeep emerging.IfalluniteandaccepttheleadofthePanjPiaray,onlythenwouldKhalistanbe achieved.Thereisasayingthatasinglestickisbrokeneasilybutnotiffiveareheldtogether. ThereisamovementfortheformationofKhalistantoday.Howcanthisbe,fornooneisfollowing SatguruJi'sWords,"RehatandnottheSikhisdeartome".Thereisnoconcernforunityinthe Panth;separate(andcompeting)organisationshavebeenformed.Allorganisationsaresaying (individually),"WeshallgetKhalistan". AtthistimethepositioninthePanthisserious.Nooneispreparedtolistentoanother.The demandforKhalistanisataskcomparabletothecrossingofadenseforestfullofdangers.Ifwe startcrossingitinsmallgroups,thenwewillbecomethevictimsofbanditsorthepreyofwild animals.Wewillneverreachourdestinationandperishontheway.However,ifallunite,thenwe shallsurelyreachourgoal. SantJarnailSinghJistartedaunitedmovementandsaid,"TakeAmritandbelongtotheGuru; walktogetherandyouwillbesuccessful.Ifnot,thenyouwillnotgetKhalistan." InTehran(capitalofIran),theMuslimsunited,endedtheregimeoftheShahandestablishedtheir ownrule.IsraelwasestablishedthroughtheunityoftheIsraelipeople.TheMuslimsarebetter thanus,whouniteandlivetogether.Inthesameway,NelsonMandelaunitedhispeopletofree SouthAfrica. Weshouldallunite.OnlywhenweareunitedwillKhalistanbeestablished. (A) Ononeoccasion15to20peoplewantedtocrossariver.Allsatinoneboat.Fourstartedrowing. Fromamongstthosewhoweresitting,onesaid,Rowtotheright";anothersaid,"No,rowtothe leftandwewillreachtheothersidemorequickly".Thethirdsaid,"Rowstraight."Inconfusion, theydriftedabitfurtherandtherewasathickfog;andtheylostallsenseofdirection.They startedarguingwitheachother.Anelderlywisepersonsaid,"Icanguideyouintheright direction",butnoonewouldlistentohim,andtheykeptonquarrellingwitheachother. Thustheyforgotthewayanddriftedaboutaimlessly.Theywerenotunitedandforthatreason wereunabletocrosstheriver.Inthesameway,untilsuchtimeastheSikhsareunited,howcan theyreachtheirdestination?HowcantheyestablishKhalistan? (B) Asyouallknow,PraladmeditatedonGod'sName.HehadtotalfaithinGod.Hisfatherputhim throughmanyformsoftorture:droppedhimfromamountain,threwhiminwater,attemptedto gethimcrushedunderelephant'sfeet,butPraladneverwavered,forhehadfaithinWaheguruJi. HewassavedfromalldangersbyWaheguruJi.Inthesameway,Sikhsshouldhavefaithintheir

Guru.Praladwasalone;hisfatherhadgreatpower,stillhecouldnotkillPraladbecause,by recitingNaam,Praladhadbecomefearless.IfwereciteNaam,wetoowillbecomefearless. Considerthis,Praladwasaloneandthroughsimranheobtainedhiskingdom.Ifweallunitein simran,wewillbecomeamajorforceandachievesovereignty. "Withwhateffortcanthekingdombeobtained(askedDhru)andhowcanenemiesturnfriends? TheLordshouldbeworshippedandthusthesinnersalsobecomesacredones(saidthemother)." (BhaiGurdaas:Vaar10.1) Oneday,whileplaying,thechildDhruwentandsatinhisfather'slap.Hisstepmother,queen Suruchiwasjealousandcaughthimbythearmandmovedhimaway.Crying,Dhruwenttohis mother,queenSunitee,andtoldherabouttheharshnessofhisstepmother.Hismotherremained silent.Dhruasked,"Mother,areyouaqueenoramaidservant?"Hismotherreplied,"Son,Iama queenbybirth,butinmyprideIforgotWaheguru'sName;forthatreasonmyconditionisnow likeamaidservant."Hearingthis,Dhruwasgreatlydisturbed.Heasked,"Mother,istherea solutiontothisproblem?"Themotherreplied,"Son,ifwedoWaheguruJi'ssimran,thenHe grantsallwishes.TheanswertoallsufferingisWaheguru'sName,youtooshouldmeditateonHis Name.Hewashesawaythesinsofthesinners.Grantsrespecttothehumble.Ifyoumeditatewith trueheart,thenWaheguruwillgrantallyourwishes."Dhruacceptedallthathismothersaidand walkedtothejungletodosimraninaremoteplace.Whenhisfatherfoundout,hesaid,"Takehalf mykingdombutdonotgotothejungle."Dhruthought,"Ihavejuststartedonmypathtosimran, andalreadyIamgettinghalfthekingdom;whoknows,whatfurtherrewardswouldIgetifI actuallydoNaamsimran."Thinkingthis,hedidnotreturn.Hewenttothejungleanddidsimran withtotaldevotion,regardlessofphysicalsuffering,andachievedsalvation,theultimategoalof humanlife.Dhruhadfaithinthewordsofhismother;hemeditatedandobtainedhisown kingdom.WhydotheSikhsnothavetotalfaithintheirGuru? SatguruJilovesrehat.IntheAgeofKalyug,SriGuruGranthSahibJiistheGuru.However,few followtheteachingsofGuruJi.Inancienttimes,peoplewouldgototheforeststomeditate.In ritualisticmeditation,theywouldputtheirbodiesthroughalltypesofselfinflictedsuffering.They woulddoallsortsofmeditationandperformausteritiestofulfiltheirwishes.SriGuruNanakDev Jisays: "JointheSaadhSangat,theCompanyoftheHoly;meditateontheJeweloftheNaam." (SGGSp.12) Thismeans,thatnow,thereisnoneedtogotothejunglesforspiritualenlightenment.Allwishes arefulfilledthroughNaamsimraninSaadhSangat.IfyoureciteWaheguru'sNamethen establishmentofKhalsaRajiscertain. "Healoneiscalledawarrior,whoisattachedtotheLord'sLoveinthisYug(AgeofKalyug)." (SGGSp.679) "NooneoffersanyonesovereigntyAnyonewhogetsit,grabsitthroughownprowess." WaheguruJiKaKhalsaWaheguruJiKiFateh TheKhalsaisoftheWaheguruAndtoWahegurutheabidingvictory Without(Waheguru's)Name,lifeiswasted

TheSymbolofKhalsaRajpictureofRehatwaanSingh

ModelGursikhoftheTenthKing(GuruGobindSinghJi).HewillreceivethegiftofKhalsaRajfrom theTrueKing.

WithoutNaamlifeiswasted TheyhavenotaccumulatedthetreasureofName.HowcantheirPanthprosper? (You)donotmeditateontheNameinthemorningYouarewastingyourlife. OnlyrecitationoftheNamewillgiveyoupeaceForgetnotyour(true)homeByrecitingtheName yougainrespectThecycleofbirthanddeathwillbeterminated. OnlytheOneNamewillgowithyou Allwealthwillbeleftbehind Throughgoodfortunedidyougetthehumanbody Donotwasteit. Ifyougiveuparrogance Youwillgetrespecthereafter. Youwillbefreedfrombirth(cycle) Andalwaysremaininastateoftranquillity. (BhaiRamaSinghJi)

BhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJiwhowasblessedbytheGuruandalwaysenjoyedtheblissof Noam.Despitespending16yearsindarkprisoncellsduringtheIndianfreedomstruggle,he wieldedtheKhanda(doubleedgedsword)ofNaamwhilesufferingcountlesshardshipshenever deviatedfromthetrueSikhiRehat(prescribedSikhphysicalandspiritualdiscipline).

 GursikhcontemporariesofBhaiSahibBhaiRandhirSinghJi Seated(lefttoright):MasthJi,SubedarHarbachanSinghJi,BauMalSinghJi,BhaiSahibRandhir SinghJi,Dr.PargatSinghJi,GianiHarbansSinghJiBombay,BhagatRamSinghJi. Sitting:1,2,3.BabaNarainSinghJiKilaRaipur,4.BhaiNaharSinghJi,Mundia,5.BhaiPardaman Singhs/oMataKunjiJi,6. Standing:1,2,3,4.BhaiGurbakshSinghSuthrisharJiJamalpur,5.Col.PiaraSinghJi,6.BhaiJasbir SinghgrandsonofRaiBahadurButaSinghRawalpindi,7.BhaiSurinderSinghRawalpindi8.Master JogindersinghBarundi,9.

GLOSSARY GlossaryofthemostcommonlyusedGurmattwords(EntriesinthisglossaryrelatingtoNitnem, Pan)Kakkar,rehatandRehatnamashavebeenabbreviatedatBhaiRamaSinghJi'srequest). PreparedBy:GurmukhSingh(Ret'dPrincipal,UKCivilService) AkhandPaatth NonstopreadingofSriGuruGranthSahibJicompletedinaboutfortyeighthours;thatis,onthe thirddayfromthedayofthestartoftheAkhandPaatth. Amrit Theambrosialwater(waterofimmortality)preparedduringtheKhalsainitiationceremonyof AmritSanchaar.ThisisalsocalledKhandayBaataydiPahul.To"takeAmrit"istobeinitiatedinto theOrderoftheKhalsa,theBrother/SisterhoodoftheKhalsa(withspiritualparenthoodofSri GuruGobindSinghJiandMataSahibKaurJi). AmritParchaar PreachingSikhiwithstressonSikhrehat(theneedtokeepboth,theinnerandouterdisciplines whichaGursikhisrequiredtokeep).TheSikhrehathasbeenclarifiedinthecodeofRehat Maryada.AmritParchaarleadstoAmritSanchaar(seeAmrit). AmritSanchaar (seeAmrit) Amritvela EarlymorningwhenGursikhsshouldriseandstartNaamsimran.ThetimeofthestartofAmrit velaisgivenasoneandaquarterpeharbeforemorning(sunrise).Therearethreehoursinapehar andeightpeharsmakeaday/nightperiodi.e.24hours. Anandkaraj "Ceremonyofbliss."TheSikhweddingceremony.Congregationalprayer(supplication)during whichtheSangat(theHolyCongregation)standupwithfoldedhands. Ardaas ArdaasissaidbyoneGursikhwhiletheotherslistenwithintentandusuallywithclosedeyesfor concentration. Avtaar InHinduideologyanavtaarisanincarnationofthegodVishnu.InSikhi,becauseGodisnotborn, anavtaarwouldbeinterpretedasapersonwiththeDivineLight.InthatsenseonlytheTenGuru personalities(ofGuruNanak)mayberegardedasAvtaars.OtherwiseGuruGobindSinghJisays. "OnlythatBeingismyGuru,whoisbutOneAvtaarfromthebeginningtotheendoftimei.e.the UnbornWaheguru."(AadanttekaiAvtara,soeeGuruSamjheohamara:BentiChaupaee) Bani Literal:wordspokenbyadivineperson.ShortforGurbanii.e.Guru'sWord.Gurshabadmeansthe same.

Bairag "Bairag"or"Vairag"meansdeepsorrow;andinthespiritualsenseitisalsothelongingonefeels attheseparationofthelonelysoulfromtheUltimateTruth,theWaheguru,theLordofCreation. Bhagti BhagtiisthepathofalovingrelationshipwiththeLord.AbhagatismoreaGodlovingthanaGod fearingperson.Conversely,inabhagat,Godfearisconvertedthroughbhagti(devotionaland meditativecontemplationoftheGodBeing)intoGodlove.SobhagtiisGodcentredmeditation, themainobjectiveofwhichisunionwiththeGodBeing.BhagtiisacentralthemeofGurbani. However,Sikhi,beingawholelifesystemismuchmorethanabhagtimovement.Itmaybe associatedwithbutisnotpartofthebhagtimovementofIndia. Bhana Waheguru'sWill.SeeHukam. Bhog (Bhogpaona)CompletionofaDiwaan(seebelow)orotherGurdwaraproceedingsinthepresence ofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.AfixedroutineisfollowedforBhogorBhogpaona.Itwillincludethe PaatthofAnandSahib,Ardaas,HukamnamafromSriGuruGranthSahibJi,andthedistributionof thesweet,holykarahPrasaad.Thewordbhogsometimesalsoisusedforprasaad,thesweet sacramentdistributedattheendoftheBhogceremony,followingArdaasandHukamnamaor Vaak Brahamgiani OnewhohasattainedcompleteharmonywithTheOne.Ultimately,theBrahamGianiis WaheguruHimselfandnoother(The8thAstpadiofSukhmaniSahibdescribesaBrahamGiani). Chanani CanopyovertheSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Charan Guru'sHolyFeet.ReferencetoconcentrationintotalhumilityontheGuru'sWordi.e.GurShabad. ToacceptGuru'sCharaninyourmind(hirda)istoaccepttheGurShabadorGurMantarinyour mind.Guru'sdarshan(spiritualandvisualexperience)alsohasasimilarmeaning. ChardiKalla Expressionoftheuplifting,victoriousandpositivespiritofSikhi.ForexamplePanthdichardikalla meanstheeverpositiveandvictoriousdispositionoftheOrderoftheKhalsaPanth.Neverto acceptdefeatunderanycircumstances(assymbolisedbyGuruGobindSinghJi)isanotherwayof expressingthechardikallaspiritoftheKhalsa Chaur Aspecialappliancewithawoodenhandlewithlonghair,forwavingfromsidetosideoverSri GuruGranthSahibJi.InPanjabonecanseebeautifulChaursmadeofpeacockfeathers.AChauris asymbolofroyaltywhenitiswavedovertheheadofakingorsomeotherroyalpersonage.The GuruPersonalitiesandSriGuruGranthSahibJipersonifyTheTrueKingi.e.theLightofGuruNanak inthisworld.(TheotherpurposeaChaurserves,especiallyinIndia,istokeeptheinsectsawaybut itismainlythesymbolicaspectwhichisimportant.Itshouldnotbecalledaflywhisk!)

Chawrasilaakhjooni: TraditionalIndianbelief,originatingfromVedicliterature,in8.4millionlifeforms.Thehumanlife isthemostsuperiorandisanopportunityforthesoultoreachhigherspiritualplanesortoreturn tothecycleofthechawrasilaakhjooni.ThismessageisalsoaconstantthemeofGurbani. Darbar (Guru'sDarbar)Thewordmeansaroyalcourt.TheDarbarhallintheGurdwaraorelsewheree.g. ataGurmattcamp,istheSangathallwherethereisPrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJi. Historically,theSikhGurus,especiallyGuruJisfromSriGuruHargobindJitoSriGuruGobind SinghJiheldcourts(darbars)inthesamewayasthemaharajasandkingsofthetime.Atthese darbarsGuruSahibheardpetitions,settleddisputesandalsoreceivedvisitorsanddignitaries. Indeedthesewereinthenatureofroyalcourtswithjudiciary,legislativeandpoliticalfunctions, despitetheunderlyingreligiouslanguageandidiom.LikeAkalTakhat,theywerecentresofmiri piri(secbelow). Darshan SpiritualexperienceofseeingandbeinginthepresenceofGuruJi. Dasamduar The"tenthgate",locatedatthetopofthebrain.Themysticalopeningtothespiritualexperiences andtheworldunseenbyothersenses.Thehumansoulleavesthebodythroughdasamduar. Daswandh Sikhrehatguidancefordonatingofonetenthofone'snetincomeforreligious/charitablecauses. Deg Literallyisalargecookingpotandissymbolicof(Guru's)LangarintheSikhtradition(DegTegjag maydooonchaalay=ThecommunityLangarandthe(protective)sword(oftheKhalsa)shall remainintheworld.)Thedeg(institutionofnondiscriminatorycommunitykitchen,theLangar) andthetegorkirpan(sword)arebothsymbolsofcharityinSikhi.SeealsoPrasaad.DhadiDarbar UsuallyheldonanyShaheedi(martyrdom)Gurpurabatwhichmartialballadtypeofpoetryissung totheaccompanimentofsarangi(stringinstrumentplayedwithabow)anddhads(handheld smalldrums). DharamRaaj InVediclore,thejudgewhositsatthegateofthenextworld.Helooksattheaccountofgoodor baddeedsofasoulandsentencesthesoulaccordingly,toheavenorhellorsomenextlifeform.His biddingisdonebythehorriblespiritcreaturescalledyams(seebelow). Diwaan SikhreligiousfunctioninthepresenceofSriGuruGranthSahib Jiatwhichthereiskirtan(Gurbanisinging),andperhaps,katha(preachingofGurbani),Naam simranandGurmattlectures.DiwaanisconcludedwithrecitationofAnandSahib(firstfiveand thefinalstanzas),Ardaas,HukamnamaanddistributionofholyKrahPrasaad.SeealsoBhog. Duapar ThethirddivisionoftimeintheVedictradition.(Seealsoyugbelow.)

FiveBanis TheFiveBanisinthemorningare:JapjiSahib;JaapSahib;TenSwayyas;Chaupai;andAnandSahib (full).(RehrasorRahirasandKirtanSohilaarerecitedintheevening). GranthSahib (SriGuruGranthSahibJi)SikhholyscriptureswhichhavethestatusofJagatJotGuru:theliving Guru,theEnlightener. Granthi OnewhoreadsanddoessewaofSriGuruGranthSahibJi.Equivalenttoapriestinotherreligions, although,therearenoformallyordainedpriestsinSikhism. Gurbani(Bani) TheGuru'sword.GurShabadmeansthesame.ThehymnsinSriGuruGranthSahib GurbaniKirtan(seeKirtan) GurMantar LiterallyitmeansthemysticalformulaoftheGuru.InSikhi,theGurmantaris"Waheguru"and noneother.Recitationof"Waheguru"NaamwithtotalbeliefinWaheguru'sBeing(HolyPresence everywhere)andthateverythingseenandunseeniswithinHisWill(Hukam),ismorepowerful thanallothermystical,magicalmantars,cultpowersandsuperstitions,inwhichSikhsdonot believe.ShabadslikeTatiwaaonalagaeeParbrahmsarnaaee....ifreadwithfullunderstanding, dispelallfearsandsuperstitions.WaheguruGurMantarhaijapphaomaikhoee(BhaiGurdas Vaar13.2):WaheguruistheGurMantar(theMysticalFormulaoftheGuru)therecitationof whichremovesegocentricthoughtsandbehaviour. Gurmatt Literallythewordmeans"Guru'steaching".Therefore,GurmattistheGuru'sway;itistheGuru's teachingregardingallaspectsofthelifeofaGursikh.Ifanaction,behaviour,customorprocedure isinaccordancewiththeteachingsofGurbani,thenthatisGurmatt.Ifnotthenitismanmatti.e. inaccordancewithown,selfcentredandconceitedapproachtolife.Sikhrehatisthehubof GurmattaroundwhichaGursikh'slifeshouldrevolveinharmonyandselfdiscipline.Humilityand sewaaretheessentialcomponentsofGurmatt. Gurmukh Literally,"OnewhofacestheGuru".Thatis,onewhofollowstheGuru'sWord(Gurbani)in thoughtandactionwithoutreservation.Oppositeofmanmukh(seebelow). Gurmukhi ScriptinwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiiswritten.Also,thescriptinwhichthePanjabilanguageis mostcommonlywritten.Therefore,PanjabiisthelanguageofPanjab,whileGurmukhiisascript. IthadthirtyfiveletterstostartwithandtheGurmukhialphabetiscalledPaintyforthatreason. However,fivemoremodifiedlettershavebeenaddedforthespellingofother(mostlynon Panjabiwords). GurShabad (alsoseeShabad)Guru'sWord.AhymninSriGuruGranthSahibJi.

Guru (inSikhism)IstheEnlightener.TheGuruinSikhiismorethanaguru(teacher)whoimparts knowledge.TheGurualsohastheabilitytochangeaperson'snatureandhabitsandputhimor heronthepathtosalvationi.e.theunionofthesoulwiththeLord,theWaheguru.Gurbani (Guru'sWord)istheGuru,andultimately,TheGuruisWaheguru,theUltimateReality.Forthe Sikhs,theTenGurupersonalitiesofGuruNanakDevJi,symbolisedGurbaniGuru(GurMuralGur Shabadhai:TheGuru'simageistheGuru'sWordBhaiGurdas).Therewasnodistinctionbetween theGuruandtheGuru'sBam(Word).SriGuruGranthSahibJiisthecompilationoftheSachiBani (TrueBani)asapprovedbytheGuru.PassagesinSriGuruGranthSahibJimakeitclearthatany baninotapprovedbytheTrueGuruHimself(andthereforenotincludedinSriGuruGranthSahib Ji)isnotGurbaniorSachiBani(SatgurubinahorkachihaibaniSGGSp.920).AlsobyGuruGobind SinghJi'sinjunction,SriGuruGranthSahibJiistheLivingGuru. GuruGhar Literally,Guru'sHouse.GuruGharistheGuru'sSchoolorteachingsi.e.theGuru'ssphereof influence,theSikhfaithandwayoflife,aswellastheGurdwara. GuruGranthSahib SikhHolyScriptures.SeeGuruabove. Gutka SmallbookletcontainingthedailyBanisincludingNitNemBanisandspecialShabads.Anysmall bookletofBani.ItissaidthatBhaiManiSinghJi,thegreatGursikhmartyrpreparedthefirst GutkasforeaseofGurbanireading.Theymustbetreatedwithgreatrespectandmustnotbe handledwithoutwashingyourhandsandcoveringyourhead. Haomai Sell'centredprideinownclevernessandimportance.OppositeoftheGodcentredqualityof humilitywhichaccruesfromsewa(selflessservice).Haomaiisamajorhumandefect;sucha disease(rogpronouncedasrowg)ofarroganceorconceitcanonlybecuredthroughprayer (Ardaas)andGuruJi'sblessing.HaomaiislostifoneunderstandsHukam(seebelow) Hukam Means"order".ItalsomeansWaheguru'sWill(HukamRajaaee).TheHukamRajaaee)Stressof GurbaniisonunderstandingtheHukam.SuchunderstandingandacceptanceofHisWillgetsridof one'shaomai(egocentricbehaviour)replacingitwithhumility. Hukamnama TheGuru'sOrderalsocalledtheVaak.RandomreadingofaShabadfromSriGuruGranthSahibJi inaprescribedmanner.ThemeaningofaHukamnamashouldbeclearlyunderstoodbecauseitis theGuidanceoftheGuruinanysituation.Hukamnamashouldbeheardincompletesilenceina meditativepose. IkOnkaar(orOangkaar) "ThePositiveOneandOnlyOneCreatorasdescribedintheMoolMantar"(seeabove).Guru NanakDevJi'srevelationoftheGodBeing;theUltimateTruth.

Ishnaan Totakeabath.InSikhicleanlinessofthebodyisnotenough;cleanlinessofthemindisequally importantandthisisachievedby"takingabath"inGurshabad(Guru'sWordorGurbani)andin Naamsimraan(seebelow). Jaikara Thewar(orrallying)cryoftheKhalsa.ItmayberaisedbytheCongregationinapproval,in jubilationforthechardhikalla(positivespirit)oftheKhalsaPanthorinsuchsimilarevent.A JaikarafollowstheArdaas(Supplication).Onepersonleadswiththewords:Bolaysonihaal, whoeverutterswillbeblessed;andtheCongregationraisetheirvoicescollectivelyinaresounding response,SatSriAkal,TrueistheTimelessBeing.However,SatSriAkalisalsousedasaformof greetingwhenonepersonorgroupmeetsanother.Theotherformofsalutationis"WaheguruJi KaKhalsa,WaheguruJikiFateh".Eachpersonorpartymeetingtheother,saysthesamewords. Jatha AgroupofSikhs,formedforareligiouspurpose.NottobeconfusedwithSangatorSaadhSangat whichistheHolyCongregationinthepresenceofGuruJi(i.e.eitheroneoftheTenGuru personalitiesor,thesedays,SriGuruGranthSahibJi).DuringtheSikhfreedomstruggleofthe EighteenthCentury,jathasledbyjathedarsweretheSikhfightingunits.Theseunitedtoformthe famousSikhmislsunderthegreatSikhsardars(e.g.SardarCharatSingh,grandfatherofMaharaja RanjitSingh)toestablishcontroloverlargeterritoriesnorthofRiverJumna(i.e.northofDelhi). Jeevanmukti Salvation;theendpurposeofallliferepresentedinSikhibyachievingcompleteharmonyofthe soulwiththeUltimateReality,WaheguruJi. Kachhera SeePanjKakkar. Kalyug ThefourthandfinaldivisionoftimeinVedicliterature.Seealsoyug,forGurbanitranslationofthe yugs. Kangha SeePanjKakkar. Kara SeePanjKakkar. Karahprasaad SweetsacramentdistributedattheendoftheBhogceremony,followingArdaasandHukamnama. SeealsoBhogabove. Kautak UnusualeventorexperiencecausedbyGuruJi.Mysteriousorunexplainedspontaneous happening.SuchkautaksbyGuruJi(s)mustnotbeinterpretedasperformanceof"magic"or "miracles".Theydidnotperformmiraclesforthesakeofitortoglorifythemselves;infactGuru Jiswereagainsttheshowofmagicormiracles.However,asaintlypersonfullyinharmonywith theUltimatePowerandReality(WaheguruJi)sometimesbecomesthemediumforWaheguru's

HukamorWillinaspontaneousway.TheWillisthatofWahegurubutthecreditsometimesgoes toWaheguru'struedevoteeasindeedeachGuruJi(i.e.GurupersonalityofGuruNanakDevJi) was. Katha (thpronouncedasintheme)SermononSikhicoveringinterpretationofGurbani,Sikhtradition andhistory.Onewhodoeskathaiscalledakathakar. Kesh UnshornhairwhichallSikhsarerequiredtokeep.SeePanjKakkar. Keski AsmallturbanwhichiswornbymenandalsomanyAmritdhariwomenallthetime.Menwearthis onitsownwhenathomeorunderthenormaldastar(Sikhturban)whenmoreformallydressed. SeePanjKakkar. Khalsa Khalsa;KhalsaPanth.ThewordKhalsamaybeusedforanindividualorthecollectivebodyofthe OrderoftheKhalsa.ItwasalmostcertainlyusedbyGuruSahibane.g.byGuruHarGobindJiina proprietarysenseasGuru'sownKhalsa.ThewordwasinuseinthelandlawofIndiaatthetimeto indicate"thatlandwhichbelongeddirectlytothemonarch"i.e.landwhichwasnotgivenbythe monarchtosomelocalchieftoruleover.ThusGuru'sKhalsahasdirectlinkwiththeGuruwithno otherhumanintermediary.ThereforetheKhalsasalutation:WaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJiKi Fateh:theKhalsaisoftheWonderfulEnlightener;WhoisalwaysVictorious."Thewordalsodoes mean"pure"inArabicandwouldalsoapplytotheGuru'sKhalsa.However,onewhoallows humanmediationbetweentheGuruandhimselforherself,cannotclaimtobetheGuru'sKhalsa inSikhi.KhalsahasbeendefinedbyGuruGobindSinghJiasfollows"JagatJotjapaynis basar....MeditatingdayandnightontheLightWhichisAwake.HavingfaithonlyintheOneand noneother.AbsorbedinHisSplendour,andHisLove;Neverbelievinginfastsandtombs,temples oridols.Notforpenancesnorbathingatholyplaces,norfortheYogis'selfmaceration;not recognisinganyotherbuttheOne.Whenone'sinnerselfisthoroughlyilluminatedwiththe CelestialLight;OnlythencanonetrulybeconsideredasKhalsa."(SarbLohGranth). Khanda Doubleedgedsword.InpaintingsofBabaDeepSinghJi,hecanbeseenwieldingakhandainhis righthandwhilecarryinghisheadonthepalmofhislefthand.ItisalsotheKhandainthecentre oftheKhalsainsigniacalledbythesamename"Khanda".Ashorterandbroaderversionofthe KhandaisusedforstirringtheAmritwaterduringtheAmritSancharceremony.Khanda representstheUnityofWaheguruintheSikhtraditionwiththetwoedgesrepresentingthe worldlyandthespiritualsovereigntyofWaheguru. KhandaybaataydiPahul (seeAmrit) Kirpa Blessingorgrace.Usuallyusedas"WithWaheguruJi'skirpa"or"GuruJi'skirpa". Kirpan Sikhsword.SeePanjKakkar.

Kirtan SikhreligioussingingofGurbani(hymns),usuallywithmusicalinstrumentslikeharmonium(waja) andtabla. Kurehat Notkeepingrehat(seebelow).BreakingthecodeofSikhrehat. Langar Langar,establishedasoneofthemaininstitutionsofSikhibyGuruNanakDevJi,isthenon discriminatorycommunitykitchen,usuallyattachedtoGurdwaras.ItmayberunbytheSangator individuals:somewealthySikhfamilieshavebeenknowntorunLangarsfromhome,intheName oftheGuru.IndeedeverySikhisrequiredtosharehisfoodwithanyonewhoisinneedoffood, withoutdistinction.Langarbecameoneofthemaininstitutionsforfightingtheevil, discriminatorycastesystem.GuruAmarDasJiinstructedthatanyonecomingfortheGuru's darshan(holysight)mustfirstpartakeintheGuru'sLangar.OnoneoccasionEmperorAkbardid thatwithgreathumility.(ItisduetothisunderlyingSikhiprincipleofnondiscrimination,humility andsewa,thattheissueofchairsintheLangarhasbecomesosensitiveintheSikhcommunity.) Maaya(seemayabelow) Manmukh Anegocentricpersonwho,througharroganceratherthanthroughresearchinhumility,follows theclevernessofownvacillatingmind.Amanmukhmentality,devoidofanyderivedexperienceor wisdom,leadsapersonastrayandawayfromhigherhumanvaluesorthespiritualgoalinthislife. Maryada Traditionorthemannerinwhichceremoniesandritesshouldbeperformed(see,forexample RehatMaryada).SikhimaryadashouldnotincludeuselessritualssoroundlyrejectedbyGuru NanakDevJi.However,regrettably,manySikhsthesedays,aremisledbyselfproclaimedsants (saints)tofollowantiSikhiritualsinthenameofmaryada.GurmattasdeterminedbyPanjPiaray, mustguideGurMaryada. MathaTekna(ortekan) InSikhi,payingrespecttoGuruJiduringtheperiodoftheTenGurusandthesedaystoSriGuru GranthSahibJionly.MathatekanintheGurdwaraisperformedasfollows:ApproachGuruJiwith foldedhands,godownontheknees,balancingyourselfonthepalmsofyourhands,bowforward andtouchyourforeheadontheground.Youthenstandup,foldyourhands,bowtotheGuruJi andmoveaway.Today,thisformofrespectisstrictlyreservedforSriGuruGranthSahibonly.(Just foldingyourhandsandbowingyourheadslightlyinrespectforanotherGursikhoranelderlyor saintlypersonisasignofrespectandnotmathatekan.) Maya God'scausaticpower(shakti)ofcreation.IntheIndianreligioustraditions,itisregardedasan illusion,adeceptionandthereforefalse.Dependingupontheuseoftheword,itismammon(false god),itistheevilinfluenceofwealthandthemaniscaughtinthewebofmaya.Liketheword karma(destiny),mayaisaverypopularwordintheIndianreligioustradition.InSikhi,onlyhuman ignoranceandweaknessesallowmayatoleadthemindastrayfromitstruegoalinthislife.While acceptingtheneedtobeawareofthepassingeffectofmayawhichmakesoneforgettheTrue Creatorbehindit,Sikhidoesnotsubscribetotheviewthatcreationisfalse,northatthecycleof

karmamaynotbebrokenthroughhumaneffortandGod'sGrace(udhamandNadar).God's creationisnotpermanentbuttheopportunityandtheexperienceitaffordsforthehumansoulto achievesalvationisrealandtrue."TheCreatorisTrueandsoisHisCreation"(Thisthemeis repeatedinSukhmaniSahibandAsaDiVaar). Miripiri Mirireferstomundane(worldly)participationandachievement,andpiritothespiritualgoalof life.ThisisauniquefeatureofSikhiwhichpreachesfullparticipationinworldlyaffairs(asa householderandafullmemberofsociety),andyet,combiningthatwithspiritualdetachmentfor successfulpursuitofthespiritualgoalofhumanlifewhichisharmoniousmergingwiththe UltimateReality,Waheguru,duringthislife. Naam WahegurusName.Waheguru'sBeing(TimelessSpirit),theattributesofwhicharedescribedin theMoolMantar,theBasicPreceptatthebeginningofSriGuruGranthSahibJi). Naamsimran TodoNaamsimranistoreciteGod'sName(fortheSikhsthemostfrequentlyusedNamesare Waheguru(WondrousEnlightener)andSatNaam(TrueNameoftheGodBeing)sothatthevery PresenceoftheUltimateReality(theIkOangkar,Waheguru.AkalPurakh.Nirankarandcalledby manyotherNames)isexperienceddeepinthemindorhirda.Morethanthat,thewholemindand bodyshouldexperiencetheGod'sBeinginandaroundus.ThatisNaamsimranwitheverybreath foritbecomesaninseparablepartofone'sownbeing.NaamsimranisGodexperience. NagarKirtan AlocalreligiousprocessionledbythePanjPiaray,inwhichGurbaniKirtanisdonewhilethe SangatmovesalongslowlysingingGurbani.Devoteescomeoutfromtheirhouses,shopsetc.to paytheirrespectstotheNagarKirtan.ThereisgreatreligiousfervourandPanthicsolidarityatthe NagarKirtan. NishanSahib KhalsareligiousflagpoleinfrontofeveryGurdwarafortheKhalsaflag.TheNishanSahib(thepole itself),isusuallycoveredwithanorangeclothalsoandistippedbyasteelkhanda.Thisshining Khandaandtheorangeflagcanbeseenfromsomedistance(infactfrommilesawayintheflat countrysideofPunjab). NitNem PrescribeddailyrecitationofspecifiedBanis(Gurbanicompositions). Paatth ReverentialreadingofSriGuruGranthSahibJioranyotherreligiousworklikeGuruGobindSingh Ji'sDasamGranth.(SeealsoAkhandPaatth) Palki AspeciallyconstructedsmallbedlikepalanquinonwhichSriGuruGranthSahibJiisplacedeither inSukhaasanstate(seebelow)orPrakaashstate(seebelow). PanjBanis SeeNitNem.

PanjKakkar ThefivearticlesoffaithwhichAmritdhariKhalsa(SinghsandSinghanis)mustkeepaspartofthe Khalsarehat(discipline). PanjPiaray TheFiveBelovedOnes.ThefirstfiveSikhswho,ontheVaisakhidayin1699,respondedtoGuru GobindSinghJi'scallandofferedtheirheads.TheywerethefirstfiveSikhstobeinitiatedintothe OrderoftheKhalsa;and,atGuruJi'srequest,collectivelyinitiatedGuruJiHimselfasaKhalsa.The institutionofPanjPiaraystartedwiththatfirstAmritSanchar(seeabove)onVaisakhi1699,and fiveAmritdhariSinghs/SinghanisactasPanjPiarayforAmritSancharandrepresentthehighest authorityforreligiousandotherpurposesregardingdecisionsaffectingtheKhalsaPanth.ThePanj PiarayarealwaysAmritdhariandvolunteerforthissewa.Theyareneverelectedbut,ifneedbe, theyareselectedbytheSangatorbydrawinglotsafterArdaasbeforeSriGuruGranthSahibJi Panth SeeKhalsa. Parshadashakauna Aformofsewa,wherebyAmritdhari(thosewhohaveundergoneAmritinitiation)Singhsare invitedforamealathome. Partakhdarshan DivineholysightofaGurupersonality(i.e.oneofthetenGuruSahiban)orasaintlybeing,in realityi.e.notinadreamorimagination. Prachar Preaching.(SeealsoAmritPruchar) Prakaash/PrakaashUtsav EmergenceofaDivineLight.PrakaashinsteadofbirthisusedtodescribethebirthofGuru Personalitye.g.PrakaashofGuruNanakDevJi.Utsavmeansfunction.Thisisbecausethe"Guru's Light"isoutsidethecycleofbirthanddeath.Thismustbeclearlyunderstoodwhenweequate PraakashUtsavtothe"Birthdaycelebration"ofanyoneoftheTenGuruPersonalitiesfromGuru NanakDevJitoGuruGobindSinghJi,andtheinstitutionofAdiGranthJi(laterSriGuruGranth SahibJi)atSriHarmandarSahibbyGuruArjanDevJiin1604CE.VaisakhiisthePrakaashUtsavof Khalsa(seeVaisakhi)."Birthday"orJanamDinmaybeconvenientbutcanbemisleading, especiallyinconnectionwith"Vaisakhi"thedaytheKhalsaofGuruNanakreachedmaturityand finallyemerged(WahpragtioKhalsa!)asareligiopoliticalNation,thelivingimageoftheGuru personality.ItwasthedayonwhichthefirstphaseofGuruNanak'smissionwascompleted. Prakaashkarma ReferstoSriGuruGranthSahibJiwhentheHolyScripturesisopenfordarshanandmathatekan. Thetermisalsousedgenerally,whenGuruJiisavailablefordarshaninsomeGursikh'shouseina specialroompreparedforthepurposee.g.,"HehadPrakaashofSriGuruGranthSahibJiinhis house." Prasaad(orparsaad)(alsocalledDegorBhog). Sweetsacramentmadeofequalpartsofflour,sugar,ghee(refinedbutter)andwater(boiling waterwithsugarispouredontoflourwhichhasbeenfriedinghee),whichisdistributedatthe

endallSikhreligiousceremoniesanddailykirtanandprayersinaGurdwara.Prasaadmustbe receivedwithgreatrespectwithbothhands"cupped"togetherandbitsofitmustnotbedropped ontheground.DependinguponthecontextandspellinginGurmukhi,thewordcanalsomean "throughthegraceof'orasanexpressionofapprovalorsatisfaction. Purab(Purb) Anymajorreligiousanniversary.ThusaGurpurabisanyanniversaryrelatingtoanyoftheTen GuruJisandSriGuruGranthSahibJi RaaenSubaaee AllnightnonstopGurbanikirtan. Raagi/raagijatha ProfessionalGurbanisingers.Raagijathaisagroup(usuallythreethesedays)whodotraditional Gurbanikirtan(seeabove).AccomplishedRaagijathashavebeenhighlyrespectedintheSikh community.TherealsohavebeenmanyMuslimraagisofGuruGharseeabove)e.g.BhaiChaand, andthesedaysBhaiLaiatNanakanaSahib. Rehat PhysicalandmentaldisciplinewhichaGursikhisrequiredtokeep.ToooftenSikhrehatis associatedwiththephysicalappearanceandrituals(keepingthePanjKakkar)anddoingNitnem only.EverySikhshouldkeepacopyoftheRehatMaryadaandstrivetopracticeboth,theinner andphysicaldisciplines. RehatMaryadaSeerehat. Rehatnama(s) InterpretationbyancientSikhscholarsofGuruJi'sguidanceregardingrehat.Rehatnam'asarenot authenticregardingSikhrehatduetopersonalbiasbytheauthorsbuthavegreathistorical significancee.g.thattherewasindeedaSikhrehatpreachedbyGuruJiandthatHeencouraged theKhalsatodocontinualresearchofGurbanitointerpretrehat(e.g.tocopewithnew situations).BasedontheuniversaltruthsofGurbani(theconstantbase),Sikhrehathasthe capacityforcontinualapplicationtonewandchangingsocialenvironmentastheunderlying principlesareinterpretedintermsofthechangingcircumstances. Sachkhand ThePlainofTruthortheUltimateRealitywhereresidestheFormlessWaheguruoutsidetimeand space(SachKhandvasayNirankar). Saka AsensationalepisodeinSikhhistoryliketheSakaofNankanaSahibortheSakaofJallianwala Baag.ThesakasandmanyGuruorSikhsakhis(seebelow)arethelandmarksofthemosteventful Sikhhistorytodate. Saakhi Ahistorical,mythologicalorevenfictitiousstory,usuallywithareligiousmoral.Therearemany saakhis(trueepisodes)relatingtothelivesoftheSikhGurusandgreatSikhs.However,thereare alsohundredsofteachingstonesfromtheancientscripturesandsomeofthesearementionedin SriGuruGranthSahibJibecauseoftheirteachingcontent.SomesaakhisofSriGuruNanakDevJi

e.g.GuruJivisittoMecca,havebecomeverypopularandarereciteddailybySikhpreachersand Sikhparentstotheirchildren.MostofthesearehistoricalasarcthesaakhisofgreatSikhmartyrs likeBhaiManiSinghJiandgreatsewadarslikeBhaiGhanaya. SangatorSaadhSangat Holycongregation.Agatheringforreligiouspurpose.Thewordhasbeenusedinthesingularcase aswellasintheplural. Sant Literally,"saint",although,thewordhasadifferentmeaninginGurbanithanthetraditionalVedic conceptofsants.Theselattercategoriesareroundlycondemnedashypocriteswhomislead people(OayHarkesantnaakhiay,BanaraskeTthag)SGGSp.476:ThesearenotthesaintsofGod butthecheatsofBanaras).Truly,thosewhogoaroundwearingthegarbsofsants,proclaiming themselves(intheirhaomaiegocentricity)tobesants,areinfactnobetterthanswindlers; Gurbanihasnotsparedthem.Thequalitiesofsants(santjans)maybefoundin,forexample, SukhmaniSahib,intheAstpadisrelatingtoSaadh(Astpadi7)andBrahamgiani(Astpadi8).These areGodqualities,foronlytheperfectLordcanbecalledaperfectSaadh,Brahamgiani,orSant. Thesaintlypeoplearethosewhoreflectthosequalities;thepunishmentforslanderingsuch peopleisgreatindeed(Astpadi13).However,thereisaconstantreminderinGurbanithattoplace faithinanyhumanbeingisuseless.InfactsuchareminderisplacedinAstpadi14,rightnextto theAstpadi(13)whichwarnsagainsttalkingevilabouttheSant.Thesantjansarearounduse.g.in theSaadhSangat',theydonotgoaroundinfancyclothesorcarryingorwearingmaalas(rosaries stringsofbeadsforcountingprayers). Satguru TheTrueEnlightener(sat=true;guru=giveroflighti.e.knowledge). SatNaam TheTrueName. SatSriAkal "TheTimelessLordisTrue".OftenusedasaSikhformofgreeting.However,thiswordingisused moreappropriatelyasthemainpartoftheSikhJaikara(holycryseeabove)asacollective responsetotheleadingwordsbyoneperson,"Bolaysonihal",Anyonewhoutterswillbe blessed.""WaheguruJiKaKhalsa,WaheguruJikiFateh"(seebelow)isamoreappropriateformof SikhgreetingalthoughusedmostlybytheAmritdhariKhalsaSinghs. Satyug TheAgeofTruth.ThefirstofthefourdivisionsoftimeinVedicparlance.SeeYug. SehajPatth Complete,butnotcontinuousreadingofSriGuruGranthSahiboveraperiodoftime.Seealso AkhandPaatth. Sewa Selflessserviceintotalhumilityandwithoutexpectationofanyreward.Sewaisacentralthemeof SikhianditmaytakemanyformsfromcleaningthefootwearoftheSangatataGurdwarato communityserviceinanyform.SewamustbedoneonanondiscriminatorybasisasdidBhai GhanayaduringthesiegeofAnandpurwhenheofferedwatertofriendandfoealike.IntheSikh

traditionsewamayrequireextremesacrifice,insuchcasesthepersonfeelsblessedbytheLord andoffershisorherprayerofgratitude.Thegreaterthesewa,themoreblessedandhumblea Sikhfeelsforbeinggiventheopportunitytodoit.SuchwastheArdaas(supplication)ofgratitude byGuruGobindSinghJiafterthereturnofHisparents(SriGuruTeghBahadhurJiandMataGujri Ji)andHisfoursons(SahibzaadaysPrinces)toSachkhand,theLord'sHolyPresence. Sewadar Onewhodoessewainanycapacity,officialorunofficial.ItisalsotheproperGurmattwordfor anypersonmanagingaSikhinstitutionlikeaGurdwara.Forexample,insteadofsayingPresident orHeadManager,theGurmattdesignationwouldbeMukhSewadar.Onehopesthispractice wouldspreadtobringsomehumilityamongstthosewhocraveforhighpositionsinSikh institutions. Shaheed&ShaheedSingh ThebeliefthatSikhmartyrscontinuetoguardtheSikhidealsandinstitutionsthroughtheir spiritualpresence.TheyhelpGursikhstoattaintheirspiritualgoals. Shabad (AlsoseeGurShabad)AnyhymninSriGuruGranthSahibJi.UsedinadeepspiritualsenseasThe WordwhichputsthesoulintouchwithUniversalSpirit.ThatWordormysticalformulainGurmatt isWAHEGURU"WaheguruGurMantarhai". Sikhi(Sikhism) TheSikhwayoflife.ThewordSikhiispreferredtothemorewesternisedwordSikhismwhichhasa differentconnotation. Simran MeditativerecitationofGod'sNameBeing.AnyNameofGodisacceptableinSikhiprovidedthe meditationisonGod'sBeingasdescribedintheMoolMantar,theBasicPrecept.Itmustnotbeon anyotherdeityorbeing.Also,seeswasandswasswassimranbelow.Waheguru,SatNaamandIk OangkaararethemostcommonlyusedSikhNamesfortheSupremeBeing. Singh(s)andSinghani(s) Sikhmenandwomenrespectively. Sukhaasan WhenSriGuruGranthSahibJiisplacedinarestingpositionforthenight.SeealsoPrakashthis Glossary. Swasandswasswassimran Swasissingularorpluraldependingupontheuseofthewordinasentence.Literally,swasmeans abreathorthebreathingprocess.However,thewordmeansmuchmore,forswasalsocarriesthe breathoflife.Soswasisthepulsationoflifeitself.Swasswassimranistheutteranceof Waheguru'sNamewitheachswas.Thesimranbecomesautomaticthroughregularpractice.It becomespartoftheswas.Whenoneisinthisstate,thensimraniscompletelyharmonisedwith thebreathingandlifepulsationofanindividual.Atthemoreadvancedstage,speechstopsand thefeelingisasifbreathingisrisingupwards.Thesearethelifecarryingswas,whichwhenthey reachthetopofthenosebetweenthetwoeyebrows(positionofthethrikuti),anindividual's thoughtsstop.Themindisthencompletelyatpeace.Thefeelingisasifsomethingonthethrikuti

iscreepingupwardsanditcausesanitch.Onekeepsstrokingthatspot.Theswaskeepabovethis point.TheultimatestageisthatthemysticalTenthGate(DasamDuar)whichissupposedtobe locatedatthetopofthebrainopensandthesoulthenbecomeslinkedwithWaheguru. Treta Seeyug.TheseconddivisionoftimeintheVediclore. Vaisakhi PrakashUtsav(Purab)ofKhalsa.ThiswasthedaytheOrderoftheKhalsawasproclaimedtothe world.ItmayberegardedastheinaugurationorinstitutionoftheKhalsa.However,"birthday" wouldbeincorrect,becausethefoundationoftheideologyofGodcentredKhalsawaslaidbySri GuruNanakDevJiintheMoolMantar.OnVaisakhiday,1699,Khalsahadreachedmaturityand GuruJiHimselftookAmritfromthePanjPiaray."Khalsa"hadbeenaddressedassuchfromthe daysofGuruHarGobindJi. Vaak (seeHukamnama) Vaar Balladsungtopopularbeatandrhythm.InadditiontothefamousVaarsofBhaiGurdas,therearc manyVaarsinSriGuruGranthsahibJiwithspecificinstructionthatthesearetobesungtocertain popularbeatse.g.TundeAsrajekidhunee;MalikMureedtathaChandraSohiankidhunee;Rai KamalMaujdikivaarkidhunee;JodheVirePurbanikidhunee;RaiMehmeHasnekidhunee;Lalla Behlimakidhunee;and,RaaneyKailashtathaMaaldeykidhunee.Unfortunately,eitherthrough neglectorthroughtoonarrowaninterpretationofhowGurbanishouldbesung,mostofthese vaardhuneeshavebeenlosttoourtraditionalraagis. Waheguru From"Wah!HayGuru"meaning"OWondrousEnlightener";themostcommonlyusedSikhName fortheGodBeing. WaheguruJikaKhalsa,WaheguruJikiFateh "TheKhalsabelongstotheWondrousEnlightener,Whoisalwaysvictorious."Sikhformof greeting.Thewordingissaidloudlyandinapositivemanner(i.e.inChardhiKalla).SeealsoSatSri Akalabovewhichisalsousedasanalternativeformofgreeting. Yam (pronouncedasjammwithsoft"j")Darkmessengersofdeathwhoclutchthesoulintheirclawlike handsandtakeitawaytothenextworld;also,beingswhocarryoutthepunishmentinhell Yathra (thispronouncedasinthin)Literallythewordmeanspilgrimagebutnotinthereligioussensefor Sikhidoesnotaccepttheneedforholypilgrimagescommoninotherreligions.Therefore,the alternativemeaningofSikhyathrawouldbe"Ajourneyundertakenfortheexaltedpurposeof understandingandstudyingSikhiandSikhtradition."

Yug OneofthetraditionalfouragesintowhichVedicliteraturedividestimeintheorderSatyug (1728000years),Treta(1296000years),Duapar(864000years)andKalyug(432000years,) (Source:AsadiVaarsteekbyProfSahibSingh,SinghBros.,Amritsar). InSatyugthedrivingforceisdharam(desiretodoone'sdutyandadherencetoacodeofconduct i.e.rehatseeabove)andthevehicle(i.e.humanexperience)iscontentment(santokh);inTreta thedrivingforceischivalry(Jor:strengthsignifyingthequalityofthesaintwarriors)andthe vehicleiscontroloversensualdesires(jatth);inDuaparthedrivingforceishighconduct(satth) andthevehicleismeditation(tapp);andinKalyug,thedrivingforceisfalsehoodanddeception (koor)andthevehicleisthefire(agan)ofdesire(formoreandmore).Thus,Gurbani,byusingthe idiomofthefouryugsandtheircharacteristicsshowstherelationshipbetweengoodorbad drivingforcesandtheirimpactonthehumanbeing(bodyandmindexperience),whichotherwise hasbeenmentionedasthehighestlifeform,nay,comparedwithGod'shouse:HarMandar(Har Mandarehsarirhaigianratanpragathoay:ThisbodyistheLord'smansionwhereinisrevealed thejewelofDivinecomprehensionSGGSp.1346).TheGurmattteachingisthatthesocalledfour yugsresidesimultaneouslyinthehumanbodyandmind.However,thereisacceptancethatthe characteristicsofKalyugarepredominantinthemodernmaterialisticageandWaheguru'skirtan (meditativesingingofHisQualities)hasbeenofferedbytheGuruasthemedicinefortheailing humanbodyandmindsufferingfromthefireofdesire.

 ThechairmanoftheKhalsaSchoolbeingruninSurrey,CanadaB.C.S.RipdamanSingh(frontrow, secondfromleft)andhiscompanionGursikhs.Sikhchildrenarebeinggivenworldlyknowledgeas wellasbeingsteepedinGurmateducation.

PaintingbytheAmericanbornBibiSimranKaurKhalsainwhichshehasattemptedtoportraythe SpiritualLightemanatingfromSriHarmandarSahibbeingreceivedthroughNaamSimran.

PanjPiarasatthetimeoffoundationstoneofGurdwaraShaheedSinghSinghniainLahore, Pakistan.Fromlefttoright;BhaiRaghbirSingh,BhaiOnkarSingh,BhaiRamaSingh(Jathedar AkhandKirtaniJathaU.K.)BhaiDavinderSingh,allfromU.KandBhaiPritamSinghBajwafrom Norway.

PanjNishancheeSinghatGurdwaraShaheedSinghSinghniainLahore,Pakistan.Fromlefttoright; BhaiRajinderSingh,BhaiTarsemSingh,BhaiHarbakshSingh,BhaiHardialSinghandBhai balwinderSinghallfromtheU.K.

AFewWordsfromBhaiSukhdevSinghJiandBibiAmarjitKaur WehavebeenmostfortunatethatBhaiSahibJihonoureduswiththesemiofproducingthefirst draftofthisbook.AsBhaiSahibJispoke,sowewrote.Mistakesmayhavebeenmadebyusin writingbutnotbyBhaiSahibJiinhisnarration.WeseektheSangat'sforgivenessforanyerrors. TherearemanyspiritualexperiencesofBhaiSahibJiwhichcannoteasilybereducedtowriting. However,wehavedoneourbestwithwhateverintellectSatguruJihasbestoweduponus. WealltrytohideourshortcomingsbutnotBhaiSahibJiwhoalwaysspeaksthetruth.Inthisbook, BhaiSahibJihasrepeatedlycounselledtherecitationofNaam.Hesaysthatourdutyistoplease ourSpiritualFather,SriGuruGobindSinghJi,andnotthepeople.MaharajJi(theGreatKing)loves Rehat(theprescribedSikhdiscipline).Foraperson'sspiritualwellbeing,habitualrecitationof Naam(God'sName)isessential.BhaiSahibJihassaidinthispublicationatlength,thatonlyby recitingNaamcantheobjectiveofsalvationbeachieved.KhalsaRajcanonlybeachievedby recitingNaam. ServantsoftheSangatSukhdevSinghandAmarjitKaur(Southall).