http://www.keertan.org/keertan/Katha/Shaheedi%20Saka%20Chamkur%20ate%20Sirhind%20Sahib/07%20Sahidi%20Saka%20Chamkur%20teh%20Sirhind%20Sahib-12-08-04.mp3
Sunday 14 December 2008
Saturday 13 December 2008
The shabad which is misinterpatated by meat eater to support their actions.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1289-90. Rag Malar: Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
This Discussion of the Shabad shown below is adapted from "Jhatka Maas Thath Gurmat Nirnay - Religious Meat" by Bhai Randhir Singh (translated by Bhai Kuldeep Singh)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Explain the meaning of "Maas
The only Shabad (sacred hymn) in the whole of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that is specifically cited by meat eaters in support of eating meat is the Shabad of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji in the Vaar of Raag Malaar that was revealed at Kurekshetra during a solar eclipse day, a day considered holy by the Brahmins (Hindus priests). But carefully reading the the Gurbani hymns line by line it is clear that no line can be used to justify or support the eating of meat or present the eating of meat in a positive light.
The Guru is addressing a Vaishnav Pandit (scholar) who believes that he can achieve Nirvana (a state of liberation) only by avoiding meat as food and not trying to obtain the true wisdom through meditation. The Guru has stressed that only avoiding meat will not lead one to the achievement of Spiritual Bliss. Guru Sahib exposes the Pandit’s hypocrisy and double standards. Guru Ji put a fire under the pot and a crowd gathered condemning him, as it was the season of strict fasting. (Guru Ji told them he was cooking a dear and told them the following shabad)
Shalok, First Mehl:
First, the mortal is conceived in the flesh, and then he dwells in the flesh.
When he comes alive, his mouth takes flesh; his bones, skin and body are flesh.
He comes out of the womb of flesh, and takes a mouthful of flesh at the breast.
His mouth is flesh, his tongue is flesh; his breath is in the flesh.
He grows up and is married, and brings his wife of flesh into his home.
Flesh is produced from flesh; all relatives are made of flesh.
When the mortal meets the True Guru, and realizes the Hukam of the Lord's Command, then he comes to be reformed. Releasing himself, the mortal does not find release; O Nanak, through empty words, one is ruined. ||1||
DISCUSSION: No instruction exists to eat meat, so therefore, it cannot be established that this sacred hymn supports the eating of meat. Yes it is clear that one should not hate the word 'meat', and that one should not fall prey to meat. From these lines, only the hate of the word 'meat' has been criticised and has been established. It is clear that if people had the instinct to eat meat, then they would try to eat the breast of the mother that feeds them. The child only drinks milk from the breast, like it is holy. Here the nutrients for a child to survive are mentioned and doesn't establish that eating meat is acceptable. Guru Sahib explains that the child grows older and brings home a woman to start a life together, not to eat her. If any of these lines are used to justify eating meat then you are justifying to eat the tongue, face, stomach, everything, of a human as they are all meat. The go-ahead to eat meat cannot be gained from any of these lines.
First Mehl:
The fools argue about flesh and meat, but they know nothing about meditation and spiritual wisdom.
What is called meat, and what is called green vegetables? What leads to sin? (This makes everyone think and catergorise the three thing in your head. We know vegetation was made to eat, the flesh was made to transport the soul. Killing of animals for flesh is a sin and also the eating of carcasses is a sin they are both against gods will.)
It was the habit of the gods to kill the rhinoceros, and make a feast of the burnt offering. (Maharaj is telling them that the gods you believe in ate meat, maharaj exposes their hyprocrisy)
Those who renounce meat, and hold their noses when sitting near it, devour men at night. (The pandits were holding their noses as they thought meat was on the cauldron, they were acting so pure but they still used to rip the common folk off)
They practice hypocrisy, and make a show before other people, but they do not understand anything about meditation or spiritual wisdom.
O Nanak, what can be said to the blind people? They cannot answer, or even understand what is said.
They alone are blind, who act blindly. They have no eyes in their hearts.
They are produced from the blood of their mothers and fathers, but they do not eat fish or meat.
They are produced from the blood of their mothers and fathers, even if they do not eat fish or meat. (more accuarate translation then the one on the net)
(Guru Ji is saying just by being vegetarian and having no spiritual wisdom means nothing, they may not eat meat but they must remember that we are meat. So just by avoiding fish and meat alone does not get you salvation)
But when men and women meet in the night, they come together in the flesh.
In the flesh we are conceived, and in the flesh we are born; we are vessels of flesh.
You know nothing of spiritual wisdom and meditation, even though you call yourself clever, O religious scholar.
O master, you believe that flesh on the outside is bad, but the flesh of those in your own home is good.
All beings and creatures are flesh; the soul has taken up its home in the flesh.
They eat the uneatable; they reject and abandon what they could eat. They have a teacher who is blind.
In the flesh we are conceived, and in the flesh we are born; we are vessels of flesh.
You know nothing of spiritual wisdom and meditation, even though you call yourself clever, O religious scholar.
Meat is allowed in the Puraanas, meat is allowed in the Bible and the Koran. Throughout the four ages, meat has been used.
It is featured in sacred feasts and marriage festivities; meat is used in them.
Women, men, kings and emperors originate from meat.
If you see them going to hell, then do not accept charitable gifts from them.
The giver goes to hell, while the receiver goes to heaven - look at this injustice.
You do not understand your own self, but you preach to other people. O Pandit, you are very wise indeed.
O Pandit, you do not know where meat originated.
Corn, sugar cane and cotton are produced from water. The three worlds came from water.
Water says, "I am good in many ways." But water takes many forms.
Forsaking these delicacies, one becomes a true Sannyaasee, a detached hermit. Nanak reflects and speaks. ||2||
DISCUSSION: The meaning behind the first two lines of this hymn is that to have continuous arguments, with people who are mistaken about the religious stance on meat, is a foolish act. These people cannot even differentiate between meat and vegetables, and whether the eating of one of these is a sinful act. There isn't even a hint that meat is acceptable, so it amazes me how some people can find anything to support their evil acts. This verse states that by uttering the vocabulary of meat and by looking at meat, one isn't punished, one doesn't become a saint by constantly denouncing meat and that one doesn't become a sinner if one doesn't "hate" meat. It can also be concluded from these extracts that the killing of animals is an evil act and is a great sin. Since purchase and eating of vegetables through money which was earned by committing sins is also a sin like eating flesh. The distinction between "What is meat and what is green vegetables" can only be determined by those who have the Gurmat knowledge and the Gurmat spirituality to do so. To just argue over meat without these qualities is the act of a fool. But instruction to eat meat cannot be gained from these two extracts under any condition.
In the 3rd and 4th lines Guru Sahib shows that the sacrificial acts of Hindus are in accordance with the Vedas. The killing of cattle, and then offering it as a sacrifice is the act of Hindus. But their hypocrisy lies in the fact that they publicly make a show of their disgust of meat; they can't even bear the smell of it. This extract shows how false people can be. Permission to eat meat, still cannot be established rather the falseness of people's behaviour is shown.
These people hold their noses when they see meat but, they do not realise that they too are made of flesh and blood which came from their parent's blood. To hate the word 'meat' doesn't make a person more religious. Throughout both extracts the word 'meat' is used but, there isn't a single word in support of eating it.
Even after the 12th line, it cannot be established that eating meat is permissible. If our meat-eating brothers want to establish permission, then they should tell me what they think of the 12th extract; the one which mentions meat from home and from outside? If they say that the meat at home is the meat of humans, and the meat from outside is regular meat then they are not even worthy of being called meat-eaters. If they do not see eating human flesh as acceptable, then they shouldn't eat animal flesh either. But these words fall upon deaf ears. If they prepared and ate the meat of humans, then their argument would make sense. What is the difference between these meats; all beings on earth are merely statues of meat. Why have a hatred towards beings made of meat? If there is a hatred, then it should be for all meat, not selected meat. This verse criticises those who eat meat at home but, when they are outside, they say the can't stand it. That is why the Guru says, O' Pandits, while sitting secretly at home you eat meat but, to keep your face in front of people outside, you put on an act. The 13th extract ("All beings and creatures are flesh...") goes along with the others from before.
Line 14 stands alone and states that those people who have not adopted the True Guru's wisdom and who have no faith in God, continue to eat all kinds of things. The food that should be eaten is "avoided" and that which should not be eaten is continually consumed. Acceptable food (that which is obtained through an honest living) is never consumed but unacceptable food (that which is earned through deception) is forever consumed.
Whether meat eaters or meat avoiders, if their thinking is not of a righteous nature then arguing over this matter is merely foolish. Those God oriented individuals who consider this matter with importance implement the correct decision within their lives. They are highly respectable individuals who only do good and shun outward appearances. They do not get involved in fruitless arguments. Those who abandon meat for their spirituality are truly accepted. But the efforts of those who abandon meat to be distinguished as "meat avoiders" are nothing more than hypocrisy. On the other hand, those individuals who eat meat are not necessarily hypocrites but are just mistakenly in the habit of eating it. But those people, who look for support from the Gurbani to justify their greed for meat-eating, are merely frauds.
Dukh Bhanjani Sahib
This Gurbani is composed from different Shabads of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is really good fro healing ones physical and mental illnesses.
Thursday 11 December 2008
Mumbai killers were wearing a symbol of the RSS Terrorist Group
Look at his left hand you will see the band which is wirn by rss Terrorists.(above is a pic of a mumbai killer)Below are pictures of RSS:
Crazy Drug Wars
Bodies of 13 teens found dumped in western Mexico
MONTERREY, Mexico - The bodies of 13 teenagers were dumped by the side of a dirt road outside a town in Mexico’s marijuana-producing state of Sinaloa, the latest mass killing in the country’s raging drug war, authorities and media said.
Passers-by found the bodies near a stolen truck in the early hours of Thursday. The victims had been shot and killed, possibly lined up first, the Sinaloa state attorney general’s office said.
Local media in Sinaloa said all the dead were teenagers.
It was the latest group killing since drug traffickers killed 11 people in a bar in Ciudad Juarez, near Texas, in October. In August, drug hitmen dumped 11 beheaded bodies in southern Mexico and killed 13 people, including a baby, in a tourist town in the northern state of Chihuahua.
President Felipe Calderon vowed, on taking office two years ago, to combat drug violence and has dispatched 45,000 troops and federal police across the country to tackle cartels.
But despite major drug seizures and arrests of kingpins, killings continue unabated. An unprecedented 4,700 people have died in drug violence this year as gangs fight over smuggling routes into the United States and clash with Mexican security forces.
Sinaloa is home to Mexico’s most-wanted man, drug lord Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman, who is fighting the country’s other major cartels for control of the Mexican narcotics trade, worth around $40 billion a year
Police beat up Blind Protesters
Police beating mercilessly the blinds at Ludhiana on the ocassion of International Disables Day prohibiting them from protest for their demands .Surprisingly an SAD Minister Ch Swarna Ram was present in the function .
Offensive video
The person has called it love in sikhi and put degrading images and vocals up the piss take is that they also put up pictures of SGGSJ and harmander Sahib.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Raags on a all time low, even dough they were a hukam by Guru Ji
In Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Ji told us to sing shabads in particular types of raags, because it will add to the feeling (emotional Effect) that the bani wants the soul to feel. There is 31 Raags used in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. We hear raags very rarely in gurdwaras as it is a hard art for people to learn to perform raags. However just in the same way shaster vidiya is dying out within Sikhi so are raags. We need to revive both of them quick as possible as they are both a hukam from Guru ji.
Download Shabads Performed in these raags they are mind blowing: http://www.gurmatveechar.org/audio/keertan/keertan.php?q=f&f=/Pr
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Increasing Dodgy Trends in modern Day “Amritdharis”
Introduction
A lot of young people seem to be taking Amirt, but they do not seem to have the traits of an Amritdhari.
In this essay I will look at why this is happening?
After the Shaheedi of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Created the Khalsa Army. He describes in Dasam Granth that he was instructed by God to create this Army as Gods army. The Khalsa was to uphold righteousness and justice amongst humanity by any means. Guru Ji wanted so much determination from the soldiers of this army that even death would not put them off the path of truth. He therefore asked his Sikhs for 5 heads, five men came forward amongst thousands and answered the Gurus call. They became Singhs and are known as the 5 Beloved of the Guru. Once the 5 were baptized by Guru Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked them to bless him with Amrit. Daya Singh said to Guru Ji we have given our heads to receive this nectar, what do you offer?
Guru Ji said if the need be I will offer my whole family for the sacrifice for the sake the Khalsa!
The gist is that to join the Khalsa one must be ready to face struggle, oppression and hardships. The soldier of the khalsa must be willing to sacrifice there all for the betterment of humanity. (These days people aren’t willing to even put ten pound petrol in a car and go to a protest against injustice, but claim “we have gave our head to the Guru”)
When we take Amrit we make promises to Guru Ji and claim that we will live our life according to Gurmat (the teachings of Gurbani). But when the same Gurbani is being disrespected and then you just turn a blind eye! Have you really given your head?
If you desire to play this game of love with Me,
then step onto My Path with your head in hand.
When you place your feet on this Path,
give Me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion. Ang 1410 SGGSJ
Role of the Khalsa
A soldier of the Khalsa pays homage and alliance to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh of the Guru never bows their head before any mortal being. The Sikh meditates on Waheguru (the Immortal Supreme Soul). The Sikh has a daily routine of Nitnem and Simran. The Sikh sees Gods light in all and does not believe in rituals, superstitions and the worship of none other then Akal Purakh.
These days Sikhs Indulge in many rituals such as rakhri and lorhi (which are festivals that discriminate against the female sex)
Loads of Sikhs are superstitious for example tie black threads on their arm for protection. Don’t wash their hair on Thursdays because it is supposed to be bad luck.
A Sikh will parrot read Gurbani (they read bani paying no attention or not absorbing the message of the Guru). Ikonkaar means one light of all, but Sikhs are still racist. For Example they will Look pissed off when a black man comes to the Gurdwara to eat Guru Ka Langar. Loads of Sikhs live hypocritical lives which go against Gurbani because they are ignorant or have not took time out to learn the message of the Guru.(They just Keep Parrot reading all their lives)
People that are meant to be amritdhari encourage and start anti gurmat activities in Gurdwara sahibs. (they also openly Slander Guru Ji and a lot of the real Sikh way of life)
So called Sikhs abuse and Disrespect Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, By taking Maharaj to Pubs or opening up anti Gurmat Halls with Guru ji’s Money)
This happens because people take Amrit just for the outside look, i.e. to join a committee, or to look good in the community. Sometimes kids are pressured into it by the family or peer pressure. One must only take Amrit if they understand the Gurus message and are willing to live that lifestyle. The person must have a thirst in their heart for Amrit. In this way we will avoid having Amritdharis that live hypocritical lives (because the person will be taking Amrit for more genuine reasons).
The role of the Khalsa is to be a saint soldier, not one of them. They both go hand in hand.
The Khalsa is god’s voluntary army and has never tolerated injustices.
When all means fail in addressing a wrong it is just and pious to raise the sword. – Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The State of cowardice
Guru Gobind Singh Ji clearly stated that there is no room for cowards within the Khalsa fauj, during the first ever Amrit ceremony he said to his Sikhs “Do not even come before me without Kesh and Weapons”
However these days Sikhs have no love for shaster, if they see a Singh with a pistol Standing at a Gurdwara to protect the sangat they will get annoyed. But when they go heathrow and see the British police with their big guns they dont feel annoyed!
Guru Ji gave us the Amrit of the Khanda (double edged sword) and showed its strength when a bird (sparrow) took a zip of it and fought a hawk and eagle off.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji says that his Khalsa was created to protect the saints and root out tyranny from the world.
“I will make one Singh stand against 125,000 oppressors, only then will I be fit to be called Guru Gobind Singh”
We all use the name Singh (lion) but if a sleeping lion is kicked it will get up and bite, but as Singhs we get bullied and mugged everyday! Are we really lions?
Even the SP back in the days who used to mainly drink (pub Boys) held it strong (although there was some real Amritdharis in the SP). Yet we Drink the Immortal nectar of the double edged sword and get treated like sheep!
A lot of the Singhs are unwilling to do physical training and are fat and out of shape, but yet they joined an army! Even worldly armies have a basic fitness test to see whether they will accept the person as a soldier! We have brought shame and disgrace to our forefathers who held the honour of the Khalsa so high. We have made the Khalsa into a mere joke. Loads of Singhs are timid and feel that it is alright for Sikhs to be gay! (This is how low and impure the mentality of the so called Sikhs has gone). If a real Singhs speaks up and says the truth, ever one says he is a trouble maker and extremist to defame him. Because they know to face the truth and overcome our plight we will have to go through hardship “just call him an extremist and hope he gets locked up”
Sant Jarnail Singh ji brought back the real Spirit of the Khalsa, but this was short lived due to the oppression if the Indian Government.
Panthicness
Even in our history we have had misals that operated in different regions and ways! The aim of these misals was to safeguard Sikh principals and defend the Panth. Even dough they may have had different view they had so much unity for common Panthic causes. These days the jathas want to kill each other and all our youth do is slander and defame each other for the wrong reasons. The sense of self preservation and protection of Sikh identity and principals is at an all time low. A lot of ego and disunity is spread over the Panth therefore making it easier for the enemies of the Panth to cause chaos amongst us.
Sikh women in the khalsa have exactly the same role as the men; they have fought back in the days and supported Panthic causes. But most women these days are too busy doing their nails (even if they are Amritdhari) and looking for a date. The modesty and self respect of the traditional women is rarely present amongst this generation. The dress sense is so bad (immodest) and we all seen the flirting at kirtan programmes.
Real Singhs got cut up into little bits, but held it strong. These days Singhs get a paper cut and complain to god, Oh My God what have I done wrong?
Let us all pray to Guru Ji to Bless us all with a jeevan which is worthy of Gurus Amrit and a place in the Khalsa Fauj!
By Harpreet kaur 17
London
Thursday 27 November 2008
Passive smoking
Once, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj was riding his blue horse and going towards Anandgarh, when suddenly out of nowhere Guru Ji’s horse stopped running. The Guru tried to persuade the horse to carry on but the horse wouldn’t go any further. The Guru tried in many ways to make the horse move but the horse remained stationary. On finding out why the horse had suddenly stopped and didn’t move it was discovered that the field which was to be crossed by the horse was where tobacco was sown.
Turn away, O my mind, turn away. Turn away from the faithless cynic. False is the love of the false one; break the ties, O my mind, and your ties shall be broken. Break your ties with the faithless cynic. One who enters a house filled with soot is blackened. Run far away from such people! One who meets the Guru escapes from the bondage of the three dispositions. I beg this blessing of You, O Merciful Lord, ocean of mercy - please, don't bring me face to face with the faithless cynics. Make servant Nanak the slave of your slave; let his head roll in the dust under the feet of the Holy. Ang 535 SGGSJ
- In this day and age we will come across smoke on the streets, always try and avoid it much as possible but it is some what impossible to totally avid on the streets.
- Mothers act like they care for their child and may even dress them up with the most expensive garments. But if they smoke infront of their child and cause their children to inhale passive smoke do they really care?
- Women that are pregnant and smoke are destroying their child’s health even before it is born. (Not a good head start in life is it?)
- Sikhs have Khanda Images in or on their cars and have a fag at the same time. (what a besti this is)
Piss Take Image
I don't where people get their freaky views from, but alot of artist take the piss put of Sikhi. Looking at the above picture the Singh looks like a clown, the women and kid just looked warped. A real Singhni would have never shown her breasts. Modest dressing was tought to us by The First Guru. This nang way of thinking is total nonsense. A man high on weed must have drawn that picture.
Picture of a real Sikh Women
Punjabi Roots Issue
Bollywood Shit on shelves
Gurbani Tapes in a box on the floor
It is unfortunate to show you these sad pictures which show how music shops across the
Is this treating Gurbani in High regards?
If you see this in any store, please object to the beadbi:
- tell the person
- phone them
- write a letter
- help move them
This particular case is in a
Tel 0121 558 1767
possible solutions is to put an empty box under them so that they are not on floor level.Wednesday 26 November 2008
Glimpse at the life of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji
(1469 - 1539 & Guruship: 1469 - 1539)
| Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, was born in 1469 A.D. in the village of Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi (now called Nankana Sahib, named after the Guru), in the Sheikhupura district, 65 km. west of Lahore (in Pakistan). Guru Nanak Sahib's birthday according to the tradition is celebrated on Kartik Puranmashi i.e. full moon day of the month Kartik. His father, Mehta Kalyan Das, more popularly known as Mehta Kalu, was an official in the town's local revenue administration. His mother was Mata Tripta Ji, a simple, pious and extremely religious woman. He also had an elder sister called Bebe Nanki, who always cherished her younger brother. |  |
 | The life and activities of Guru Nanak were remarkable from early childhood. His father was keen that his son should adopt a respectable and lucrative profession. At the age of 12, his father wanted him to be a trader and thus gave him 20 rupees and asked him to use the given money to strike some good and profitable bargain. Instead of doing so, Guru Ji, bought food with the money he had, and distributed everything among the sadhus, who had not eaten anything for days. When his father asked him what happened to the money? He replied that he had done a "True business" by feeding the hungry holy men. His father was angry that his son had wasted the money, but his elder sister, Nanki, stood by her dear brother and strongly defended his actions. |
| Such noble actions of the young Nanak and his refusal to hoard worldly wealth indicated that he was no ordinary man, but one who was destined to be the Guru, the spiritual teacher of mankind. Today, at the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji had fed the poor, stands a Gurdwara names, Sacha Sauda. | |
| At the age of seven, He learnt Hindi and Sanskrit. He surprised his teachers with the sublimity of his extra-ordinary knowledge about divine things. At the age of 13, He learned Persian and Sanskrit and at the age of 16, He was the most learned man in the region. |  |
| Guru Nanak was married in 1487 to Sri Sulakhani Ji, daughter of Mul Chand. Guru Ji was blessed with two sons, Baba Sri Chand Ji born in 1491 and Baba Lakhami Das Ji born in 1496. | |
 | In November 1504, Guru Nanak's elder sister Nanaki ji took him to Sultanpurlodhi where her husband Jai Ram ji got him the Job of storekeeper in the Modikhana of the local Nawab, Daulat Khan Lodhi. It is there that he came into contact with Mardana, a low caste (Mirasi) Muslim minstrel who was ten years senior in age. | |
| At the age of 38, in August 1507, Guru Nanak Sahib heard God's call to dedicate himself to the service |  | |
| of humanity after bathing in "Vain Nadi" (a small river) near Sultanpur Lodhi. The very first sentence which he uttered then was, "There is no Hindu, no Musalman". He now undertook long travels to preach his unique and divine doctrine (Sikhism). After visiting different places in Punjab, he decided to proceed on four long tours covering different religious places in India and abroad. These tours are called Char Udasis of Guru Nanak Sahib. | ||
| During the four journeys, Guru Nanak Sahib visited different religious places preaching Sikhism. He went to Kurukshetra, Haridwar, Joshi Math, Ratha Sahib, Gorakh Matta (Nanak Matta), Audhya, Prayag, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna, Dhubri and Gauhati in Assam, Dacca, Puri, Cuttock, Rameshwaram, Ceylon, Bidar, Baroach, Somnath, Dwarka, Janagarh, Ujjain, Ajmer, Mathura, Pakpattan, Talwandi, Lahore, Sultanpur, Bilaspur, Rawalsar, Jawalaji, Spiti Valley, Tibet, Ladakh, Kargil, Amarnath, Srinagar and Baramula. | ||
| Guru Nanak Sahib also paid visit to Muslim holy places. In this regard he went to Mecca, Medina, Baghdad via Multan, Peshawar Sakhar, Son Miani, Hinglaj etc. Some accounts say that Guru Sahib reached Mecca by sea-route. Guru Sahib also visited Syria, Turkey and Tehran (the present capital of Iran). From Tehran Guru Sahib set out on the caravan route and covered Kabul, Kandhar and Jalalabad. The real aim of the tour was awakening the people to realize the truth about God and to introduce Sikhism. He established a network of preaching centres of Sikhism which were called "Manjis". He appointed able and committed followers as its head (preacher of Sikhism). The basic principles of Sikhism were willfully conceived by the people from all walks of life. The seeds of Sikhism were sown all over India and abroad in well-planned manner. | ||
 |  |  |
| Apart from conveying his message and rendering help to the weak, he preached, both by precept and practice, against caste distinctions ritualism, idol worship and the pseudo-religious beliefs that had no spiritual content. He chose to mix with all. He dined and lived with men of the lowest castes and classes. Considering the then prevailing cultural practices and traditions, this was something socially and religiously unheard of in those days of rigid Hindu caste system sanctioned by the scriptures and the religiously approved notions of untouchables and pollution. It is a matter of great significance that at the very beginning of his mission, the Guru's first companion was a low caste Muslim, called Mardana. The offerings he received during his tours were distributed among the poor. Any surplus collected was given to his hosts to maintain a common kitchen, where all could sit and eat together without any distinction of caste and status. This institution of common kitchen or langar became a major instrument of helping the poor, and a nucleus for religious gatherings of his society and of establishing the basic equality of all castes, classes and sexes. | |
 | Despite the hazards of travel in those times, Guru Ji performed four long tours all over the country to visit religious places and preach. He explained and exposed through his preaching the incongruities and fruitlessness of ritualistic and ascetic practices. Guru Ji was against all outward show of religion and all superstitions. |
| In the year 1520, Babar attacked India. His troops slaughtered thousands of innocent civilians of all walks of life. Women and children were made captives and all their property looted at Amiabad. Guru Nanak Sahib challenged this act of barbarity in strong words. He was arrested and released, shortly after making Babar realizing his blunder. All the prisoners were also released. | |
| He spent 25 years preaching from place to place. Many of his hymns were composed during this period. They represent answers to the major religious and social problems of the day and cogent responses to the situations and incidents that he came across. Some of the hymns convey dialogues with Yogis in the Punjab and elsewhere. He denounced their methods of living and their religious views. During these tours he studied other religious systems like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. At the same time, he preached the doctrines of his new religion and mission at the places and centres he visited. Since his mystic system almost completely reversed the trends, principles and practices of the then prevailing religions, he criticized and rejected virtually all the old beliefs, rituals and harmful practices existing in the country. This explains the necessity of his long and arduous tours and the variety and profusion of his hymns on all the religious, social, political and theological issues, practices and institutions of his period. | |
 | Guru Nanak Sahib settled down at Kartarpur city (now in Pakistan) which was founded by him in 1522 and spent the rest of his life there (1522-1539). There was daily Kirtan and the institution of Langar (free kitchen) was introduced. Knowing that the end was drawing near, Guru Nanak Sahib, after testing his two sons and some followers, installed Bhai Lehna ji (Guru Angad Sahib) as the Second Nanak in 1539, and after a few days passed into Sachkhand in September, 1539. |
This ended the worldly journey of this God-gifted Master (Guru). He rejected the path of renunciation Tyaga or Yoga, the authority of the Vedas and the Hindu caste system. Guru Nanak Sahib emphasized the leading of householder's life (Grista), unattached to gross materialism. The services of mankind Sewa, Kirtan, Satsang and faith in 'One' Omnipotent God are the basic concepts of Sikhism established by Guru Nanak Sahib. Thus he laid the foundations of Sikhism. He preached new idea of God as Supreme, Universal, All-powerful and truthful. God is Formless (Nirankar), the Sole, the Creator, the self-existent, the Incomprehensible and the Ever-lasting and the creator of all things (Karta Purakh). God is infinite, All knowing, True, All-giver, Nirvair, and Omnipotent. He is Satnam, the Eternal and Absolute Truth. | |
 |  |  |
| As a social reformer Guru Nanak Sahib upheld the cause of women, downtrodden and the poor. He attacked the citadel of caste system of Hindus and theocracy of Muslim rulers. He was a born poet. He wrote 947 hymns comprising Japji Sahib, Asa-Di-Var, Bara-Mah, Sidh-Gosht, Onkar (Dakhani) and these were included in Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Arjan Sahib. | |
| He was also a perfect musician. He, with the company of Bhai Mardana, composed such tunes in various Indian classical Ragas that charmed and thawed wild creatures like Babar, subdued saging kings, raved bigots and tyrants, made thugs and robbers' saint. He was a reformer as well as a revolutionary. God had endowed him with a contemplative mind and pious disposition. Guru Arjan Sahib called him "the image of God, nay, God Himself". |  |
| "EK ONKAR" - There is one and only God Almighty, the Creator. All men are equal before him whether they are Hindus or Muslims. Only good and noble actions count, not showing piety or visits to holy places, if these are not performed with sincere devotion. This was Guru Nanak's message to the world. | |
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Thursday 20 November 2008
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Niddar and UK Sanatanists Challenged at Sri Hazoor Sahib
Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanded (KP) - Sources have revealed that during the 300 years gurta gurgaddi divas celebrations at Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, the self-described Sanatanist ‘Nang’ Niddar Singh, his associate Parmjit Singh, and other UK Nangs were challenged by the local Sangat for publishing derogatory information in their newly released book.
It is reported that representatives of Hazoori Singhs, Buddha Dal, Damdami Taksaal, and other Nihang Singhs from various Dals, challenged Niddar Singh, who has been propagating pro-RSS ‘Sanatanism’ in the UK and abroad.
The Hazoor Sahib Singhs were furious with Niddar Singh and reportedly roughed him up for insulting Singh Sahib Kulwant Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, in a book recently published by him and Parmjit Singh called ‘In the Master's Presence: The Sikhs of Hazoor Sahib.’
In the presence of Singh Sahib Giani Kulwant Singh, Niddar Singh reportedly pleaded for forgiveness fearing his safety and publicly stated that he, Niddar Singh 'Nihang', and Parmjit Singh apologise for misleading the Sikh Sangat in their recently published book.
Members of the Sangat made a video of the apology that will be shortly released on the Internet. Readers will be notified as soon as Panthic Weekly receives further details of this incident.
Worrying Rise In Fake Sikhi Within the UK
In recent months sources have revealed an alarmingly growing trend of the re-emergence of the propagation of Sanaatanism by fake neo-Nihangs on the Internet and certain individuals spreading Sanaatanism through out UK, Europe and now Canada and America.
Recently, Kamalroop Singh, a follower of UK based “Nihang” Niddar Singh, who is apparently studying a PhD in the Dasam Granth at a UK university, has been accused of mischievously propagating Sanaatanism through the false pretences of promoting understanding on the Dasam Granth. One concerned individual said, “Such people have shamefully destroyed the proud history of Panthic seva by Nihangs… that is good Nihangs who followed mainstream Sikhism thinking of no meat, bhang, alcohol, idol worship, etc.”
Taken from a Sanaatan Sikhi website which shows Sikhs are Hindus
There are many good Nihang Dals (groups). Missel Shaheedan Harian Vela is the one that comes to mind first. They do not consume meat, bhang, or alcohol, and their Jathedar, Baba Nihal Singh, suffered through torture after 1984. He was tied up behind a jeep and dragged, causing him much injury. This is at a time when many other so-called Nihangs were towing the government's line. The problem is not with the true Nihangs, but with people posing as Nihang Singhs while promoting ‘Sanaatanism.’
Sanaatan
So what is Sanaatanism? The word ‘Sanaatan’ literally means ‘traditional’ or ‘original,’ however in India it is used to refer to the ancient traditional beliefs and practices of the Hindus. Sanaatanism basically is an ideology that states, it is the oldest theory, hence insinuating it is correct and everything else is wrong. It does not believe in one maryada but in many maryadas and many groups, i.e. Nihangs, Nirmallas, Udaasis and Seva Panthis.
The opposite of Sanaatanism is the Khalsa ideologue. The Khalsa ideologue believes in Oneness. The Khalsa believes in One Akal, One Guru (Shabad Guru), One Guru Khalsa Panth, and One Rehit Maryada. So this is where Sikhs and Sanaatanists differ. Sanaatanism, believes in four groups, where rehit is non-existent or not important, believes that Sikhi is not a separate religion, but a part of Hinduism, Amrit is not important (and many do not take it), encourages in idol worship, animal sacrifices (called ‘jhatka’), belief in Hindu deities as gods and goddesses etc. Where as the Khalsa of the Guru believe that Guru Gobind Singh Ji created only one Guru Khalsa Panth where everyone is equal and everyone follows the same maryada, as stated by Guru Ji himself. In addition, this Khalsa of the Guru does not accept intoxicants, animal slaughter, or idol worship, and believes Amrit is fundamental to becoming a Sikh of the Guru.
Guru Ji in concise language states the following:
Guru Ji in concise language states the following:
ਜੀਅ ਬਧਹੁ ਸੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਅਧਰਮੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਤ ਭਾਈ ॥ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਮੁਨਿਵਰ ਕਰਿ ਥਾਪਹੁ ਕਾ ਕਉ ਕਹਹੁ ਕਸਾਈ ॥2॥"You kill living beings, and call it a righteous action. Tell me, brother, what would you call an unrighteous action? If you religious people are doing "religious" killing for meat, then what is A-dharam (atheism)? If you are a religious person then whom will we call a butcher? 2"(SGGS - Ang 1103)
ਕਬੀਰ ਭਾਂਗ ਮਾਛੁਲੀ ਸੁਰਾ ਪਾਨਿ ਜੋ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਖਾਂਹਿ ॥ਤੀਰਥ ਬਰਤ ਨੇਮ ਕੀਏ ਤੇ ਸਭੈ ਰਸਾਤਲਿ ਜਾਂਹਿ ॥੨੩੩॥"O Kabeer! Those mortals who consume marijuana (drugs), fish (meat) and wine (liquor) - no matter what pilgrimages, fasts and rituals they follow, they will all go to hell. 233"(SGGS - Ang 1377)
ਮੈ ਨ ਗਨੇਸ਼ਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮ ਮਨਾਊਂ ॥ ਕਿਸ਼ਨ ਬਿਸ਼ਨ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਨਹ ਧਿਆਊਂ ॥ਕਾਨ ਸੁਨੇ ਪਹਿਚਾਨ ਨ ਤਿਨ ਸੋਂ ॥ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਗੀ ਮੋਰੀ ਪਗ ਇਨ ਸੋਂ ॥੪੩੪॥“I do not seek blessings or hail Ganesh before I start any task. (In old times, often Ganesh would be hailed before starting any task). Nor do I worship Krishan or Vishnu etc. I have heard of them but I do not recognise any of them. I am engrossed in the loving devotion of my Lord (Waheguru) alone.” (DG – P. 733, Krishan Avtar)
Arya Samaajist - Swami Dayanand
Historically this debate has been going on for some time. It came to the forefront at the time of the Arya Samaaj, a right-wing Hindu reform movement founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand. Swami Dayanand, the key propagator of Sanaatanism was very successful in bringing many aspects of it into mainstream Sikh thinking—ideas such as caste and idol worship—which at that time was even happening in the Harmandar Sahib complex. The reaction came in the form of the Singh Sabha Movement and Gurdwara Sudhaar Lehar in which Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, Sant Attar Singh Mastuana, and Baba Gurbachan Singh Bindranwale were prominent. These two movements reasserted Khalsa ideologue back into the Panth and reintroduced the sense of Panthic spirit and Oneness. Despite their differences in maryada, their thinking in terms of Panthic and Khalsa Ideologue were the same.
"Sanaatanist thinking is diluting traditional Sikh ideologue, and attempting to re-package itself by portraying itself as purataan (original), therefore creating doubt on fundamental issues. "
The pivotal time was Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s book, Hum Hindu Nahee’n, which basically finished all debate by Sanaatanists. Today, due to so many Sikh youth becoming martyred and through corrupt leadership, Sanaatanism is reasserting itself in the Panth. Through the RSS and also through illiterate Sikh thinking, Sanaatanism is going from strength to strength.
The Sikh intelligentsia, who traditionally countered this pro-Hindu propoganda, is now very old and weak. Prof Harbhajan Singh, Piara Singh Padam and Bhai Joginder Singh Talwara have all passed away in recent years. The prominent jathas, i.e. AKJ and Taksal, are consumed by internal divisions and are weakened. While other so-called RSS opponents have gotten themselves mixed up with the heretic Kala Afghana lobby, whose mis-parchar is actually benefitting the RSS, instead of countering it.
Sanaatanist thinking is diluting traditional Sikh ideologue, and attempting to re-package itself by portraying itself as purataan (original), therefore creating doubt on fundamental issues. Because Sikhs have been weakened by a lack of access to their own literature and a lack of solidarity to Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada, the Sanaatanists have been able to flourish.
"...they are using these great examples of Sikh Spirit to promote meat, bhang (cannabis), alcohol, idol worship, and non-acceptance of the Khalsa Panth but acceptance of Indian Nationhood."
Sanaatanist Nihangs are even more dangerous. They follow the same line of thought as Swami Dayanand. What they have done is overtake the proud history of the Nihang Dals that is widely respected in Sikh History, and use it to push their non-Sikhi Sanaatan thinking. Similar to the way the BNP (British National Party) in the UK have hijacked the flag of United Kingdom. Many youth, especially youth involved in Gatka, love hearing stories from British history. But they are using these great examples of Sikh Spirit to promote meat, bhang (cannabis), alcohol, idol worship, and non-acceptance of the Khalsa Panth but acceptance of Indian Nationhood.
It is beyond belief how these modern 'Nihangs' have forgotten their pasts and are so caught up in this. This is shown by their complete lack of seva for over 50 years. Now they seem hell bent on slating the Singh Sabha movement and subtly promoting their Hindufied version to the naïve and impressionable Sikh youth who lack direct Gurbani and history knowledge.
The reality is that before we can even dream of counteracting Sanaatan thought in India, we should be realistic enough to stop it in Western countries like the UK, where certain Sikh camps and universities have become a breeding ground for naïve and impressionable youngsters to become indoctrinated with Sanaatan beliefs and made to despise mainstream Sikhi.
On careful analysis of these peoples’ talks, one can clearly see that Sanaatan beliefs are being propagated under the cloak of teaching respect and understanding of traditional Sikhi. In recent years individuals linked to the snaatanists, namely Niddar Singh (UK), Paramjit Singh (UK), and Amandeep Singh Madra, have published books on Sikh history. But more worryingly these individuals have been linked to TV documentaries on Sikhi and now under the guise of a Sikh organization that claims to be keeping a watchful eye on Sikh heritage in Punjab they are attempting to gain credibility and trust within the wider Sikh community.
The Sikh youth need to ask themselves: by associating or just accepting Sanaatanists, what are they exactly accepting? Do not just blindly play into the whole Purataan (ancient) history routine. Do you honestly think Siri Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, bhang (cannabis), meat, and idol worship is fine? Is that the Khalsa he created?
Sources reveal that Sikh youth are being groomed into Sanaatanism through the Internet, university Sikh Societies, and Sikh Student Camp (Chigwell, UK). Youngsters are being brainwashed into thinking Sikhi is pluralistic and that there are many different versions, which include a strict version, a relaxed version, a saint version and a soldier version. But the reality is that Sikhi belongs to the Guru and no individual or group. Sikhi is a holistic dharm or way of life. The Guru decides what is Sikhi. Not us.
In five years time these misled youth will openly justify partying, clubbing, drinking, eating meat, extra-marital relationships and drug use by saying that they follow a particular line of Sikhi, like their role models. But will they ever be accepted by the Guru? We all need to think logically, do we really accept Sanaatanism? Thinking logically leaving aside the attachment to proud Nihang history and reflecting on basic facts of the ideologue, we must decide - do we really accept all this white wash of the Sikh faith and history?