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Even though vaisakhi is months away. I think this is a good time to discuss what we (Canadian Sikhs) can do differently this year in Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan Floats. Its no exaggeration to say that public opinion of sikhs (let alone our cause-exposing human right abuses in India) in general in Canada is very low. Whilst, we don't need European settlers here to validate our cause, still we need some what public support from Canadian mass. I have been reading history of first nation natives people here in Canada. Their history is very similiar to us when it comes to systematic racism, systematic funneling of drugs in reserve to kill their heritage, lineage, youth, education. Ideologically speaking, their belief system is also very similar to ours. Their love towards nature (vahiguroo creation) and spirts (shaheeds) keeping things balance. First nation warriors are also fearless just like our warriors. Just like how we revered - Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale as our revolutionary leader. They also have their own revolutionary leader- Louis Reil. He was militant and led resistance movement against Canadian Gov't. He is considered folk here in Canada by all. You can read more about him here: http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Louis_Riel I believe it would perfect idea to have huge posters of Louis Riel and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale side by side. Pictures speak thousands words, people can easily relate to pictures over thousand words of biography. While organizers agree, might as well throw picture of Che Guevara poster there. No need to throw speeches, spreading pamphlets in hope to bring awareness of sikh freedom fighters or to win public opinion. Pictures speak thousand words, putting huge posters of these revolutionary leaders side by side not only we could win some sort of public opinion but also it will show Sikhs pay respect to all the revolutionary leaders not just their own ones. I see things from eagle eye or western goggles, when i see shaheed floats as an outsider in the vaishakhi nagar kirtan. I just see - tribal issues, tribal groups, self interested group trying to shove tribal issues of their countries to throat of Canadians. We must be better than that, lets try diversifying the float little bit. We may not win public opinion of European settlers here, but surely can try to unify with first nation people(real Canadians) and their cause and cubans here. While this thread is more related to first nation Canadian natives..i believe all the native people of the globe (red indians in USA, aborginal in Australia) have same painful chapter in history of systematic racism and abuse in hands of European settlers and have fearless native warriors which have shown fearless resistance.

I found this text fascinating. It’s an extract from an old rehatnama which is commonly referred to as the Chaupa Singh rehatnama today. The form is which this document reaches us today is not without its own complexities (like many/most Sikh manuscripts of older provenance). The stark contradictions in various rehat instructions within strongly suggest interpolations so, in its current form, it appears to be the work of more than one hand. That being said there is still a very strong possibility that some of the surviving text does actually originate from the time of dasmesh pita himself and were written by a man in a position of great responsibility and trust within the latter Sikh Gurus innermost familial circles. The reputed author of the rehat (Chaupa Singh Chibber) was a carer and teacher of Guru Gobind Singh during his childhood. Whether the extract below accurately reflects events in Guru ji’s darbar is a matter requiring further research, however this doesn’t diminish its value – especially as the topic it covers (inter-caste marriages) is one that is very pertinent to the community today. The picture it broadly paints of Guru ji’s darbar is one where certain Sikhs appear to have distinct roles (preaching and scribal activity are highlighted) within. It appears to depict some interaction between the Sikh sangat and members of the personal retinue or of Guru ji. There are the muktay (liberated) Singhs who take on the role of teaching Sikh precepts to the wider sangat and then there are those referred to as ‘musdee’ Sikhs. The word ‘musdee’ in Punjabi Universities Punjabi-English Dictionary is translated as ‘clerk, scribe or writer.’ It’s well established that Guru ji was a patron of literature and poetry (as well as being a prolific writer himself), and we need to understand that writers or scribes would commonly be hired for activities such as copying and transcribing hukamnamas, preparing copies of prayers, as well as the poetry, composed at the Sikh court. Other functions may have included keeping ledgers and accounts of financial transactions. Such people are the ones most probably being referred to as the musdee Sikhs here? As ever, any comments towards improving the brief translation are welcome. The text is taken from Piara Singh Padam's book Rehitnamay and I have added speech and question marks to help make reading easier, generally adapting the form employed by Amritpal Singh 'Amrit' on his blog. Enjoy. Further reading in Panjabi can be found at: http://www.amritworld.com/pbi/commentary/rahat_chaupasingh/writer_of_rbcs.pdf

WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji Ki Fatheh ! Khalsa jeo, I'm looking out for accomodation in London probably towards central london, somewhere like Shepherd Bush, wimbledon or any other place from where I can commute to central London within 45 mins to 1hr, which has a Gurudwara sahib around. I'm 28, gursikh guy, working as an IT professional. I have been hanging on gumtree and other sites, but I trying to figure if I can find something wthin the community, something like a sikh family looking to rent box room,single furnished room or even sharing.Please do reply/inbox me in case you have something matching or you have any refrences. Fateh! Taran Singh

Yeah, that avatar was a giveaway lol

NamoSarab Ji it's appears you know this couple more than u let on in your earlier posts. May we also add that your ID was too created soon after this thread was started. admin knows our intent with this thread, and if u too have been affected please contact us at guptsevasach@gmail.com

Yep, attend as much as you want. Gurbani sung or read at the gurdwara applies to everyone - it requires no religion, caste, colour etc but it contains spiritual knowledge to wake you up from the falsehood of maya. Just go with love and try to understand what is being recited so you can try to apply what guru ji is telling us. Listening - understanding and applying is key to the higher planes of consciousness.

I take it you do not have kids...

<p class="fsl fwb fcb"> When Saturday, 28 January 2012 Time 19:30 until 22:30 [*] Description Blessed,blessed is the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, where the Lord's Essence is obtained. Meeting with His humble servant, O Nanak, the Light of the Naam shines forth. An amazing youth kirtan organised by the youth of Southall, with young people explaining shabads in English and doing all the seva. This is open to ALL so please tell ur friends n family. Youth Kirtan Darbar!! Sat 28th January 2012 7.30pm-L8. Park Ave. Southall, UB1 3AG 07838934219 monthlykirtan@sgsss.org Various Youth Kirtanees , kirtan with English Sakhiaa ..... ur name could be here, please contact to be added to list either to do kirtan or play tabla. Ppl needed to do Chaur Sahib Seva too Time: 7:30pm- Late Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara Park Ave London, United Kingdom View map · Get directions

Hi, No problem. 1. Yes I am new in this business,. infact the first blogspot post is in this month. But i have been selling Arms for a while, via the internet. the blogspot is a result of an increase in interest, and a time saving method for me. 2. i am not very good with computers either hence rather then replying with attachments and emails, individually to people, i thought it made sense to make a blogspot. as i do not always have my laptop to send pictures, now i can simply refer people to my blog and they can see for themself! blogspot is easily to use and update. 3. Thats why I have paypal, so the buyer is protected, And ALL my details are in Paypal. I have had a few purchases and some repeat, i just sold a khanjarl on ebay, the first item i listed. Hope that helps. If any buyer at any point does feel "safe" i can only advise them not to buy. Thanks Jas

http://www.gurunanakdarbar.org/images/pdf/sikhrehatmaryada.pdf

vaheguru jee ka khalsa vaheguru jee kee fateh Taken from Tapoban.org The foundation for Gursikhi jeevan is a strong amrit vela. If we have a good amrit vela and our minds get the proper start, the rest of the day will go well guaranteed.Baba Naranjan Singh jee, Shiromani Kathakar of Patiala used to say: "According to the Shastras, the person who gets up before 3am and takes a bath for meditation has given, in charity, a donation equivalent to one 'maund' of gold for such a noble act. A person who gets up between 3am to 4am and takes a bath for meditation has given in charity, a donation equivalent to one 'maund' of silver. A person who gets up between 4am to 5am and takes a bath for meditation has given in charity, a donation equavlent to one 'maund' of milk. The actual benefit given by the Lord for Naam Simran, meditation and reading Gurbani during Amritvela cannot be described in words." pg. 208 A Ranglay Sajjan of the Jatha, Col Piara Singh jee used to say "Satguru jee himself takes the roll call of every Gursikh in the Amrit Vela Parade (naam abhyaas). He observes those who are absent for some time, but after repeated irresponsibility and absences, those people's names are then cut from his register" So let us try to take the full benefit of Amrit Vela and get the blessings of Guru Sahib. _______________________________________________________________________________ Waking Up For Amrit Vela By G. Udham Singh in Gurmat Sidhaant Saagar Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org 1. That Sikh who remembers Vahiguru at Amrit Vela will achieve liberation. 2. Ishnan, nitnem and simran/abhyaas at amrit vela can transform the individual 3. Only that person can wake up for amrit vela who forsakes laziness and remembers death. 4. It is just as essential for every Gursikh to wake up in the last quarter of the night, amrit vela, as it is to do simran. 5. That person that remains asleep at amrit vela goes without the blessings and grace of Vahiguru 6. The best way of waking up for amrit vela is to eat little at night and to go to sleep on time. 7. It is at amrit vela that currents of Vahiguru's blessings are flowing but those who remain asleep at this time cannot enjoy them 8. Until the stars disappear, it is the fourth quarter of the night, amrit vela, which is considered the most conducive time to meditate and worship Vahiguru. 9. That person that longs to wake up at amrit vela will be woken up on time by some secret power. 10. After doing Sohila Sahib, and before going to sleep, doing ardaas for the ability to wake up at amrit vela is very beneficial. 11. That Gursikh who is thirsting for naam and baaNee will find that this thirst will be like the alarm which wakes him/her up. 12. Even cows, birds and roosters wake up at amrit vela. If a Sikh does not, it is his own bad karma. 13. It is a natural phenomenon that at amrit vela, even flowers blossom and spread their scent more than at any other time. 14. That person who wants to meditate on Vahiguru must make it a daily habit to wake up at amrit vela. 15. It is not enough to just wake up at amrit vela, ishnaan and simran are also essential. 16. Those individuals who spend their nights lost in vices and evil and then sleep through amrit vela are destroying their own lives. 17. The way in which our minds can be attached to simran and baaNee at amrit vela is not possible at any other time. 18. All great saints, rishis, munis, bhagats and Gursikhs all have woken up at amrit vela. 19. That person's life is fruitful and worthwhile who wakes up every day at amrit vela and remembers Vahiguru. ________________________________________________________________________________ I was talking to a good Singh the other day and he told me that in India, amrit vela is pretty weak amongst the youth, specifically the Jatha. I don't think there's much different in the West either. A missed amrit vela is usually seen as "oh well, try again tomorrow, no big deal". It's not such a light matter actually. Bhai Ram Singh (Jathedar) has written that missing amrit vela is a sign of somethign wrong in our spiritual life. It could be a lapse in our bibek or maybe a mistake in our rehit or something else, but it has a cause. A Khalsa makes a contract with Guru Sahib to get naam and eternal help in return for keeping rehit. One of the primary rehits is amrit vela. If we break our side of the deal over and over, is it any doubt that Guru Sahib too will not be giving us all his support and protection? That we make mistakes like other manmukhs such as falling into traps like boyfriends/girlfriends, etc? Missing Amrit Vela is not normal for a Sikh. It is a symptom of a spiritual disease that MUST be cured before it grows. It requires self analysis and the the medicine of bani. We often ask, "why aren't there more amritdharis"? Or kids who've become more interested in Sikhi ask why their parents aren't doing the same. Ask yourself if you're setting an example that can be followed? If you maintained a strict amrit vela and did it with dedication and love, not only would you be closer to Guru Sahib, it would be in itself a form of parchaar. Amrit Vela is the foundation of strong spirituality. ______________________________________________________________________________ I once heard a very good Singh say that it's all about love. Once the alarm clock goes off, the Singh should be eager to begin amrit vela and not think of it as a punishment. Once we start seeing amrit vela as something we not only have hukam to do, but also WANT to do, then things get easier. But I suppose that's in Guru Saahib's hands. A Ranglay Sajjan of the Jatha, Col Piara Singh jee used to say "Satguru jee himself takes the roll call of every Gursikh in the Amrit Vela Parade (naam abhyaas). He observes those who are absent for some time, but after repeated irresponsibility and absences, those people's names are then cut from his register" I think this is a very true statement. If someone has received naam dee daat and they don't get up at amrit vela, as they had promised Guru Saahib, then it is a violation of the Guru-Sikh relationship. Guru Saahib is greater than any boss, but how many times do we miss amrit vela vs. how many times we miss going to work? If there's a penalty for missing work, why wouldn't there be a penalty for missing amrit vela? ____________________________________________________________________________ For centuries, Gursikhs have gotten up in the latter part of the night and called on their beloved. This has been a tradition amongst the Sikhs since the time of Guru Nanak. Why would we try to re-interpret amrit vela at this stage and what right do we have to do so? If someone wants to progress in Gurmat, then they should copy what the Guru and beloved Gursikhs do. Baba Gurbachan Singh Bhindranvale, Bhai Sahib Randheer Singh jee, Baba Nand Singh jee, Baba Attar Singh jee Mastuana, and countless other amazing Singhs all stressed the importance of keeping Amrit Vela ie. getting up in the last part of the night. Even more importantly, baaNee over and over tells the Sikh to get up in the last part of the night (I'll include just the parts of the shabads, but please look at the whole shabads) "Pichho raatee sadaRaa naam khasam kaa layh" "fareedhaa pichhal raath n jaagiouhi jeevadharro mueiouhi || jae thai rab visaariaa th rab n visariouhi ||107||" ma 4 || gur sathigur kaa jo sikh akhaaeae s bhalakae out(h) har naam dhhiaavai || oudham karae bhalakae parabhaathee eisanaan karae a(n)mrith sar naavai || oupadhaes guroo har har jap jaapai sabh kilavikh paap dhokh lehi jaavai || fir charrai dhivas gurabaanee gaavai behadhiaa out(h)adhiaa har naam dhhiaavai || jo saas giraas dhhiaaeae maeraa har har so gurasikh guroo man bhaavai || jis no dhaeiaal hovai maeraa suaamee this gurasikh guroo oupadhaes sunaavai || jan naanak dhhoorr ma(n)gai this gurasikh kee jo aap japai avareh naam japaavai ||2||" And countless other shabads make clear that a Sikh must get up in the last part of the night.