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If you visit langar management at harmandir sahib. you will find many westerns with head covers cutting vegetables and peeling onions outside at entrance. That is perfectly in order. That is how we get new entrants among some of them. In 1960s Col Nasser was president of Egypt.He came to pay a visit to harmandir sahib along his staff while on visit to india. He took langar sitting on the ground(That time there was no langar hall). He was so impressed by the scene that he emptied his pockets and donated every penny for langar. Such institutions are open for all. We cann't debar anyone. The maiin purpose is to serve humanity in need.

Independance day gift to Sikhs. When will Sikhs wake up? Khalsa is Baaghi or Badshah. Our innocents are being hanged. Our religion is being attacked. Our Gurdwareh are not safe, turned into Mandirs or attacked repeatedly. Agencies send criminals to spread terror in Punjab by killing rural Sikhs. Anti-Sikh cults and persons have full supports of the state. The mass murderers of Sikhs have been given promotions, are ministers or decorated high ranking officers. The life sentence of (Hindu) Kishori Lal, who murdered over 15 Sikhs in 84, is being commuted but 95 year old (Sikh) Asa Singh is arrested for an alleged robbery (happened in 1987) more than 20 years later (and is kept in jail illegally since persons over 80 can't be jailed). Time to work towards achieving our Halemi Raj. Train hard, lift weights like Singhs in Puratan times, take up martial arts or boxing, keep in your mind that you live with pride and die with honor. Without weapons and Kesh - you are nothing but a sheep - who can be led anywhere by the ear An order has come from the master, without uncut hair and weapons do not come before me Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji

isnt today national slavery day for the sikhs?

Seva of Gurudwaras and control should always be under Amritdhari singhs. There is no second opinion about that.

Differences: (1.) Sikhs have not fled Punjab after repeated persecution. Kashmiri Pandits have seen a mass exodus in huge numbers not once but 7 times, the last one being in early 1990. Each time they fled in thousands, starting sometime in the early 1400s until the late 1900s. (2.) Sikhs have always fought back their oppressors and avenged any desecration to their holy shrines. Kashmiri Pandits have not been able to do so as they do not have a martial heritage. (3.) Sikhs never went to the head of another religion asking for help. Kashmiri Pandits came to Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Maharaj for help. (4.) Sikhs sacrificed their lives in large numbers but did not embrace Islam. A large number of Kashmiri Pandits did sacrifice their life, but not as many as the Sikhs. Some of the Pandits also committed suicide to avoid conversion, and others fled the valley. (5.) Sikhs defied all laws passed against them and fought back. Kashmiri Pandits were systematically subjugated under such laws and suffered. Similarities: (1.) Both Sikhs and Kashmiri Pandits are not a huge vote bank (actually the number of Kashmiri Pandits left is only a fraction of the entire Sikh community), and so politicians can get away by giving a damn about their plight. (2.) Both ended up becoming refugees in the country they called their own. (3.) Both were slaughtered by those they saw as their own brothers. (4.) Both were a minority where they were attacked. (5.) Both have been denied freedom of religion in their native region. What should a Sikh do? Follow the commands of Guru Sahib depending on what circumstances are faced. We have an Eternally Prevalent SatGuru Who is always present with us and never leaves our side, Whose commands and orders are clear, and Who has made us invincible. Others don't have (or don't see) this blessing, which is why they have suffered oppression for over a millennium.

SHAME ON HINDU INDIA. IN PUNJAB SIKHS ARE FIGHTING WITH EACH OTHER AND OUTSIDE PUNJAB SIKHS BEING ATTACKED BY MAJORITY POPULATION .

Agreed no qualms there. However, sikhi supports both celibacy and gristh jeevan but thats a different topic all together that can be discussed on different thread. Agreed again but not sure why there is any need to compare between our historical sikh/bhagats figures and homosexuals? It does not make sense atleast for me, as it cannot be compared as i perceive homosexuality as mental imbalance inside. Homosexuality is more of body chemical imblances and pyschological issue in mind/mental issue in the mind just like as there are physical + mind issues within human, its all under maya. In fact every action done within in realm of panj chor/maya is consider dosh of mind- conscious and sub conscious mind- antish karan. So we are all under same boat both hetros and homos. Regarding psychological imbalances i m not expert in that field. However listen to bhai jagraj singh basic of sikh video on homosexuality. It seems like he has done bit of research on this. That could be one entry level interpretation. However this deep tukh cannot be confined to one meaning, there is lot more deeper meaning behind this tukh, it talks about khed of vahiguroo creation with maya (which includes chemical imbalances/psychological mindset of homosexuals as nothing is outside of maya), also shiv shakat- only bhramgyani who is outside of realm of maya can understand this khed of vahiguroo ji, read the whole pauri contextualize with rest of the pauri its alluding towards khed of vahiguroo on much more deeper context of vahiguroo maya khed where both hetro and homo are affected..!! We don't believe in christian concept of vahiguroo that there is a shaitan and there is vahiguroo two seperate entities, everything indeed comes from vahiguroo's own maya and gunas trai gun (sato, rajo, tamo) and beautiful vahiguroo only (supreme consciousness) is indeed only one behind gunas and behind unique divine khed so so much sri guru gobind singh ji in sri akaal ustat, declared the below about most sensitive topic so there is no dualism left at all-: ਕਹੂੰ ਬੇਦ ਬਾਨੀ ਕਹੂੰ ਕੋਕ ਕੀ ਕਹਾਨੀ ਕਹੂੰ ਰਾਜਾ ਕਹੂੰ ਰਾਨੀ ਕਹੂੰ ਨਾਰ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਹੋ ॥ Somewhere Thou art the vedic hymns and somewhere the story of the elucidator of the mystery of love; somewhere Thou art Thyself the king, the queen and also various types of woman. Kok kahani is kama sutra stories/mystery of love Everything is a khel of vahiguroo, both hetro, homo, transexuals are in the realm of maya, dice is rolled as play by vahiguroo ji whoever gets the riddle and understand the khel by being nirlaip from maya (Gurmukh maya vich udasi - nirlaip) -sexual orientation labelling have nothing to do with it be it homo, hetro, transexual from spiritual stand point as gurmukh maya vich udasi state has everything to do with it... surely from sikh maryada stand point- anand karaj should be only between sikh man and sikh woman.

Those are indeed blood boiling statements. I can cook up 20 abusive and harsh responses to these, but what will that achieve? Its our leaders (religious and political) who have failed us. Attainment of Khalistan back in those days itself would have been the best revenge and biggest slap to such people. That didn't happen. The politicians who perpetrated the carnage should have been hanged/jailed. That didn't happen. Sikhs should have been given justice. That didn't happen. This will sound strange coming from me (as my original background is Punjabi Hindu from Delhi as well), but based on my own experiences, it is absolutely futile and useless to expect justice or wait for any justice from a country that is run by the sort of mentality and attitude veer Jas Singh has mentioned above. I have had heated arguments with my own cousins on these matters. Forget justice, I've stopped even expecting such guys to show any respect to Sikhs. Lets get one thing straight, we haven't been able to avenge 1984, which they seem to see as cowardice. At the same time they want us to react violently so they get a chance to show the world we are no better than Islamic fundamentalists. So what is the way out? I'd say what our international organizations are doing right now, we step on the accelerator and don't give such retards a chance to breathe. If you've been telling 10 non-Indians about 1984, well, start telling 50. If you've been organizing 5 1984 related camps/seminars each year, hike it up to 15 per year. Multiply the amount of pressure we're already putting on them. They crack jokes on us? Let them say that Sikhs these days can only eat and breathe 1984 and nothing else. Let them notice it. Let them feel the pinch. HURT THESE _______ WHERE IT HURTS THE MOST! But do it all without resorting to violence, unless and until it becomes the last resort. Brothers and sisters, the time is gone for you to remind them about Nadir Shah carrying away booty and women, or Afghans selling them as slaves, or British oppressing them or Pakistanis attacking them. Its not going to work, it will fall on deaf ears. You, yes you, every single one of you reading this now has the responsibility to contribute his/her part in making the whole damn world aware about what Sikhs suffered in 1984. Today is August 15th, their independence day. Promise yourself that you will not rest from today until the first week of November and will spread the story of 1984 like a wild forest fire. Make their life so much hell that each time an Indian introduces himself/herself to a gora/kaala/cheena/Mexican/Spanish or whoever, the first question they get is "Why did you guys kill so many Sikhs?" Make them feel ashamed to walk on the roads fearing this question. Make them feel embarrassed telling others how great of a country India is. They make Sikhs feel ashamed and embarrassed just because of our identity, right? Well we will bloody well make them feel ashamed and embarrassed at their mere 66 year old identity! Khoon ka badla ab khoon ubaal ke lenge (We will avenge our spilled blood by boiling your blood...i.e by making you suffer shame and embarrassment) "Are oh Sardar, 84 to sirf ik trailer tha, yaad hai naan kya haal kiya tha humnein, abhi to poori picture baaki hai" "Waqt aane do, tum sab ko woh picture dikhaayenge ki dubara screen dekhne ke liye aankhein kholne se bhi daroge" "Acha sabak sikhaya tha inko, ek ek ki daadi kaat di thi, gale mein tayar daal daal ke jalaya tha" "Jis din hum sabak sikhaane pe aa gaye, jis din hum kaatne pe aa gaye, jis din hum jalaane pe aa gaye, toh yaad rakhna, yeh desh desh nahi rahega, shamshaan ban jaayega"

The last Singh in the above video said it right. Time for Sikhs to be Tyar Bar Tyar. During the 84 riots, thousands of Sikhs were killed because they were caught unarmed and unaware. They did not expect an attack. This time Sikhs should become Shastardhari. If one can, they should get gun licences. DSGMC or some Sikh sanstha should train Sikhs how to react or what to do in a riot like situation.

Don't know how people can say they support India, even today I see Sikhs saying "India independence day, woo!". Shocking, the day when everything was taken away from us. I can't see how anyone can celebrate the day we were made slaves. This is how India repays us? After our community sacrificed the most for freedom, they repay us by shooting at us? By changing our history? By attacking us? Wow, they really know how to thank people.

Sant Jee always said to the Sikhs to be tyar bar tyar because you never know where and when a panga might take place.

The palestinians have labelled the time they lost palestine to the israelis as the "naqba day" which is arabic for day of disaster/catastrophe. We the Sikh nation have gone through a similiar "naqba" in 1947 when we were forced from west panjab, leaving over historical 180 gurdwaras to decay. This is the naqba of the Sikhs, and the whole world knows about the palestinians remembering the naqba, but we have even forgotten our naqba, even in my local gurdwara, they have never said anything about it , as far as i can remember. We should be looking at remembering 14th August(pakistan independence day) and 15th august (indian independence day) as our own naqba, and letting firstly our people know, and secondly the world know, about it. The closest panjabi word i could find for disaster at the moment is : musibat, shaamat, bad naseebi or afat. lets have your input brothers and sister. We have to educate the Sikhs about this event.

Sants and Mahapurkh used to bathe in rivers at amritwele in winter and summers, where the water is unbearably cold, so this makes sense. http://www.sikhnet.com/news/take-cold-shower-its-good-you

Last year TURIYA Charity assisted by the School of Elusive Fighting, organised Summer Martial Arts Seminars to raise funds for the amazing..... Bhai Nand Lal Project. The project is not a 'memorial' website. It is an erstwhile attempt to help ENLIVEN the highly sophisticated, artistic and spiritual SIKH CULTURE, which has sadly and slowly diminished over the last few centuries. As a natural next step, TURIYA is bringing to the world sangat the first ever dedicated on-line Farsi in the Sikh Tradition beginners course. The aim is to empower Sikhs to retrieve their heritage and for the sangat to develop the skill of doing the amazing Zafarnama and Bhai Nand Lals ghazals JUSTICE. There are only a few places remaining for serious and dedicated students. If interested follow the instructions on the poster! TURIYA Our aim is to galvanise a flourishing global Sikh culture by innovatively enlivening Sikh tenets and heritage, and serve the Sikh community by providing a multitude of intelligent resources for its spiritual, educational and social development. As a part of this vision, we launched a website on Bhai Nand Lal and the Court of Guru Gobind Singh back in February 2013. This online interactive course is an extension of the website, with the purpose of providing the global Sikh panth with an enlivened understanding of the Persian heritage of Sikhi.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh!! Guruji said that rehat maryada is important. But tell me is the rehat maryada followed in true manner. Sikh girls::About more than 90% sikh girls these day go far hair styling,waxing,bleaching or other forms of hair styling and modification.....sikh parents also support this,it doesnt matter much as they need to cope with the society as they say. As we always insist on boys for keeping sikhi saroop,,is this not apply to girls....many girls wants to marry clean shaven sikhs and they do .. Those with sikhi saroop & some amritdhari sikhs::I also don't understand the concept of "Thatha & fixor" it almost costs Sikhs 2 hrs a day on an average. Now isn't it tampering with the natural form. The Urban sikhs follow it who pretend to be "true sikh" wearing thatha fixor & then going to pub shub, mad behind cars , money & sex . "is this what is preached in Sikhism" Now what is prime important ???

This is all good when non-Sikhs have no agenda. But do you think there were any times in history when ONLY Amritdharis were allowed to make langar for sangat and Satguru's fauj? Some Gurdwara allow degh to be brought from homes. Sure this encourages people to participate in the process, but there has been cases where foreign material like nails were put in degh and then brought to the Gurdwara. It was some form of black magic. So people believe in a lot of things and telling who is Sikh from a non-Sikh is very hard. Those that do seva in Langar halls and speak to the main caretakers will know what evil intentions some of the sangat has and how to best deal with such bad intentions.

I have seen non sikh scholars presenting excellent research papers on sikhism in our gurudwaras. Sikhi does not debar anyone from presenting his positive views on sikhi. Keep in mind they are not performing kirtan or katha, they are presenting their research work. Now coming to someone objecting to GS Mann.GS Mann is a sikh but has not hair. He has done excellent job in researching history of Dasam Granth.His presentation has silenced many fifth grade self made scholars who were throwing mud on bani of Guru Gobind Singh ji. He is not doing kirtan or katha in gurudawras. He has love for sikhi and that is why he is in this field. Who knows when with akal purakh kirpa he becomes a singh. Lastly Guru Gobind singh ji has over hundred poets in his court and many of them were non sikhs. Let us learn to appreciate academic contribution positively for furthering of sikhi.

Waheguru Bhia Sahib Mahan Kosh by Bhai Khan Singh Ji Nabha Wale has already been translated into english. Click on the link below to have darshan. Mahan Kosh in english Its in 3 volumes titled the Encyclopedia of the Sikh Literature. There are other encyclopedias you can read on the site. Waheguru

Are we sikhs or kashmiri pandits? why? - asking different governments for help? - asking amnesty international for help? - asking Human rights for help? - asking Indian president for help? - asking local MPs, MEPs for help? -asking local population for help? -asking to carry out collective worship to protect us or him? or some for chardi kala? -asking for political asylum save ourselves? this to all those elders who have spent last 20-28 years away from Punjab. Kasmiri Pandits were doing exactly the same. they are still seeking justice to live in J&K. Are we not doing the same. what should a true sikh do in these circumstance?

Good job with sikh channel and local grass root journalism but still we could do better. Kudos to sikh24, panthic and other news site. Weak response by our jathedar sahib and no quick action by Delhi gurdwara mgmt as their heads are not in this country. Issue will die and Sikhs will get most of the blame as usual by Indian media.

True, Sikhs need to be more vigilant, and ready.

WaheguruJiKaKhalsa!!WaheguruJiKiFateh!! all is hukam, we cant even move without him hukam. stay happy waheguru da bhana mano . be in chardikala you can seek this oppurtunity to meditate on waheguru or moolmantar as you wish start that spiritual journey bhenji if you want guides we can post u links here other then this i dont know a way that i would suggest for u to take ur mind off

There is but we had too many complaints stating that it hurt the reader's eyes. Simultaneously black is prevalent all around on just about all blogs. Decided to go a bit different and also give a pictorial view of what the individual will actually be reading about.

Heterosexuality is immoral outside of the confines of marriage. That is why Guru Jee has told Sikhs to marry with a woman and live a Grahisti jeevan. Guru Jee has told Sikhs in Asa Ki vaar Bani of the importance of a woman in a man's life. Now let us look at our history. 10 Gurus(7 of Them wrote Bani) 4 Sikhs, 15 Bhagat Sahibaans, 17 Bhatts who contributed Bani, 5 Pyaras, 40 Muktas. That is around 91 Great Men in our ithihas who have made a huge impact on Sikhi. We know for a fact that not one practiced homosexuality, they are were Grahist. Because all of them(except Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Jee) was married to a woman and had many children. They showed us how to be a perfect father, son, husband and brother. They led by example by showing us that a marriage union is only between man and woman. They are the best of examples for Sikhs to follow. A Sikh who follows the examples of the Gurus, Bhagats and Saints will never condone or say homosexuality is "okay". ਪੁਰਖ ਮਹਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਮਹਿ ਪੁਰਖਾ ਬੂਝਹੁ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਗਿਆਨੀ ॥ ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨਾਲ ਡੂੰਘੀ ਸਾਂਝ ਰੱਖਣ ਵਾਲੇ! ਵੇਖ ਅਚਰਜ ਖੇਡ ਕਿ ਮਨੁੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਵੀਰਜ ਤੋਂ ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀਆਂ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਤੇ ਇਸਤ੍ਰੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਜੰਮਦੇ ਹਨ। I am glad you quoted this tukh because it is in support of Grasti Jeevan between man and woman because Guru jee is saying here that if these two genders are not together then procreation cannot happen. If a man marries a man then it is like what Guru Jee says "ਪਥਰ ਪਾਲਾ ਿਕਆ ਕਰੇ ਖੁਸਰੇ ਿਕਆ ਘਰ ਵਾਸ". ਸੋ ਸੁਣਲੋ ਵੀਰਜੀ,ਕੋਈ ਪੁਰਸ਼ ਕਿਸੇ ਖੁਸਰੇ ਜਾਂ ਗੇ ਨਾਲ ਕੀ ਘਰ ਵਸਾਉਗਾ, ਯਾਨੀ ਘਰ ਤਾਂ ਇਕ ਨਾਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਵਸਦਾ ਹੈ

1. Hijde are not hermaphrodites. Hijde are eunuchs. Besides these two categories, cross dressers have also traditionally been regarded as khusre. Guru Jee in Kalki Avtar has predicted that in future there will be such a breakdown of man's moral character that man will begin to have all sorts of morally corrupt sexual relations instead of having sexual union with his wife. Homosexuality being given acceptance is just the beginning, even incest which is probably the most corrupt thing man can do will become societies norm. It is one thing for dunyaavi(worldly) people to accept this moral degradation, but Guru Ka Khalsa trying to justify this will mean even Sikhs have become morally corrupted and influenced by this Kalyugi Dunyaa. Our mind which has accumulated many lifetimes of ਮੈਲ has forgotten it's true purpose. Many Gay supporters giving support to homosexuality say it is okay because sometimes animals also practice homosexuality so that some how makes it okay for humans to follow suit. But since when did humans look towards animals for moral guidance? our animalistic urges directs us to indulge in sexual enjoyment. But Vaheguru has made humans different from animals in the sense that we have the ability to control our urges, follow a rehit and worship Akal Purkh while animals dont. A Sikh tries to emulate the way of life of the Gurus and Bhagats. Did even one Guru, Bhagat Sahibaan practice homosexuality? NO! They were all married to women and had many children with them. That is the way our Gurus have shown us. They did not teach us to give in to our animalistic urges and forget the morality they lived by.

I just saw the report/discussion on SikhChannel - Some points though - (a). This teasing of Sikhs by dear Balmiki/Baniya/Pandit/Punjabi-Hindu brotherhood is quite common in India and has not happened for the first time. Comments such as "Saradr Joodi, Sardar tere Barahn baj gaye; Are oh Sardar, 84 to sirf ik trailer tha, yaad hai naan kya haal kiya tha humnein, abhi to poori picture baaki hai" are quite common in Delhi, Haryana, UP and even in Punjab. I have mentioned here earlier as well, and will repeat, I myself heard & saw my class-mates from Baniya/Sharma/Dua/Dhingra community in Punjab (yes Punjab) in 1994, laughing in their hostel room balcony commenting "Acha sabak sikhaya tha inko, ek ek ki daadi kaat di thi, gale mein tayar daal daal ke jalaya tha", and when I interrupted, it was a clash. (b). The Sikhs from Delhi/India instead of having a clash like this, should now sit down and have a long-term strategic view/discussion as to where to go from here? - Do they still feel they are safe over there? - Do they still feel 1984 can not happen again, as time and again quite heated discussions even with my own family members have resulted in counter-arguments such as "Hun oh gallan nahin hain, hun asin bade strong haan". - Do they still feel Indian independence has something to do for Sikhs? - Is their any acceptance to the fact, that they are Slaves of an Hindu nation, and something must be done to achieve independence? - Do they have any reason to celebrate an Indian cricket match victory? ©. Should DSGMC take measures to make Gatka/some form of martial art compulsory in all DSGMC run Sikh education institutions such as GHPS/GNPS/Polytechnics/Engg. Colleges and Gatka training should be provided in all Gurudwaras on all weekends?

People forgot who they really were, started changing their identities by doing sunnats and mundans, corrupted by five vices. So Akaal purkh ji came on earth as Guru Sahibaan to remind them who they really are and showing them the right way of living. So people who realized this, came back to their real identities, which is "Sikh". It is as simple as that.

Who cares about our forefathers 100 generations back? Do not mind me saying this, but this isa total senseless topic/question !! Our people have this phobia of some kind of being labelled this or that.. be proud of YOUR sikhi that started in 1469.. Either our brothers/sisters are too easy to get manipulated by fake scholars or they simply enjoy drama by posting low quality dhundi type questions. Sorry for my rant !!!

Taran ji There is a set of videos from New York seminar. Below is presentation of Dr Harbhajan singh ji.He said that those who doubt Dasam bani are dumbheaded and may have education upto 5th standard. Please watch and it gives a lot of knowledge about Dasam bani

Panthic unity Let us not beat about bush here.Let me ask you a question. You are a sikh. Are you a descendant of king ram chander. I guess you are not. Then why this crooked title of the thread" "Are Sikhs Descendant Of Hindu God Ramchander" Have you seen a Dasam Granth sahib.It is hundred times more critical about these figures than SGGS ji. Taran has posted those verses and you conveniently ignore those and hop to your propaganda agenda. Now let us suppose you are a Gill sub caste. Do you become descendant of KPS Gill or his dad. Think before you start such nonsense topics.

Spot on with this one. "Cut hair" so called learned and self proclaimed scholars cannot come on stage and speak in a Gurudwara.

Keeping kesh and becoming Amritdhari is the beginning of the journey, not the final destination. At home, anyone is free to read path and do nitnem etc, but when it comes to reading path in sangat at the gurdwara, then certain maryada has to be upheld, which normally means only Amritdharis are allowed to take part in Akhand Path seva. In smaller gurdwaras, where there are fewer Amritdharis readily available to do seva, I have seen non-Amritdharis participate in Akhand Path seva. I have seen plenty of non-Amritdharis/keshdharis do all kinds seva with pyar and sharda but have also seen many do seva without pyar and sharda, but then again the same applies to Amritdharis/keshdharis- you can’t tar both groups with the same brush. I guess the same thing applies to doing kirtan/katha on stage, surely it is best to practice what you preach, which is why almost always I have only ever seen Amritdhari kathavachaks/kirtanis on stage. The exception to this is sometimes you see children/teenagers with cut hair or trimmed beards do kirtan/play tabla on stage but I think this case is slightly different and perhaps it’s best to encourage and not deter these youngsters from taking part in seva, as who knows one day these children may grow up and keep kesh. The main thing is that in terms of keeping rehat, both inner rehat and outer rehat are important- you can’t have one without the other. Someone may take Amrit, wear the panj kakkars and have the outer appearance of an Amritdhari, but if that person makes no effort to maintain inner rehat and is corrupted by the panj chor and has no simran, seva, sangat or nitnem- then is this person really better than someone who may cut their hair, but makes a conscious effort to do nitnem, read and contemplate on Gurbani, do seva, attend gurdwara and sits in sangat? Maybe doing all these things will eventually lead that person to adopt kesh and lead a Gursikh jeevan. Everyone has their own unique relationship with Guru Ji, and as a result of previous karams and also efforts in this lifetime, some of us may struggle to keep kesh while others find it easy, some Amritdharis may spend many years still struggling to wake up at Amritvela and maintain nitnem, whilst someone with cut hair may find it easy to maintain Amrtivela nitnem. Becoming Amritdhari is without a doubt the minimum requirement of being a Gursikh, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach as everyone is at different levels in their bhagti. We should all strive to become Amritdhari and maintain both inner and outer rehat to the highest standards possible, but need to remember that Amrit di daat is given, not taken. When Guru Ji bestows kirpa on someone, anything is possible and your whole jeevan can change in an instant. To answer the question, ‘moneh’ do have the right to talk and ask questions about Sikhi- how else are they meant to learn anything? But when it comes to talking on stage or in sangat, then certain maryada has to be followed and I don’t think it’s discrimination to ensure that only Amritdhari kirtanis/kathavachaks/parcharaks sit on stage. The bottom line is that everyone has to start somewhere, whether that is by just reading Jap Ji Sahib every day, going to gurdwara every day, doing seva in langar, or becoming Amritdhari. Sometimes it’s so easy to sit back and judge others, but why not focus that energy on judging ourselves and trying to become better Sikhs ourselves?

A few years ago I was fortunate to experience the Khalsa Camp in UK. Bhai Tarsem Singh explained the "Karama" system from the Sikh perspective, this is the video (~1 hour):

Guru Sahib ne peerdeh thaapeh si. We aren't rishis who go into mountains and give up all our possessions, we live in the world based off solely our kirat kamaiyee. At the end of the day we know inside what we need and what we don't.

I hope this learned hair cut GS Mann is not allowed to speak in any Gurudwara.

I hope admin are as strict on nihang maryada bashers as they are on akj tunes bashers....

Chaudan Jaame Satgur Hovan, Satar Bhagat Dhaar, Chaurasi Jame Pehar Kar Kalyug Karo Udhaar.

Despite having existed for almost 300 years, in their present forms, there are still many aspects of Akali history which remain to be uncovered by the panth. Their extensive contributions to the panth in blood, as well as saintliness has spread the shade of Guru Nanak's tree far and wide. Many individuals amongst their ranks have passed into and retain lofty positions in the Sikh mainstream's psyche, unfortunately however the fact that they were Akalis has easily been hidden and/or forgotten to target the Guru' legions with lies and fallacies. Not only are these lies detrimental to the panth at large, but will also (and in an ironic twist) succeed in doing what the mughals, colonials and other anti- panthic forces failed to succeed in. That is separate the Sikh from his Guru bu injuring the Guru's 'rehat.' It is up to the panth now to repay its soldiers back for the sacrifices they have been continually making for it. 1.) Baba Fateh Singh Ji- The youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and one of the panth's youngest martyrs, Baba Ji was born in 1699 A.D. at Anandpur Sahib. It has been recorded in history that once the divine congregation asked the Guru to give them a sight of the divine creator. The Guru ordered Baba Ji to grant the congregation it's wish. Baba Ji stood up took an extensive amount of blue cloth, and entered a room adjoining his father's court. He emerged a few moments later dressed entirely in blue and adorning a farla. This, Guru Gobind Singh Ji then told the congregation, was the glimpse of the divine being. Baba Ji was martyred by Wazir Khan in 1705 A.D. 2.) Bhai Mani Singh- Unbeknownst to many one of the foremost and legendary martyrs of the panth, and one whose image endures even today, Bhai Mani Singh was an Akali Nihung. A great scholar and a veteran of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's battles, Bhai Saab was proficient not only in religiosity, music and battlefield tactics but also in the art of politics. His invaluable calligraphy was called upon by the Guru in the final compilation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and for this he was greatly blessed by his beloved master. Born in 1665, Bhai Saab journeyed to Anandpur Sahib in company of his family to meet the ninth master, Guru Teghbahadur. The Guru after seeing his strong devotion and mental endurance adopted him under his own wing and alongst with the young Guru Gobind Singh and Baba Deep Singh, had him trained in various disciplines in order to enable him for service of the panth in the future. When Guru Gobind Singh revealed his desire to battle against the tyranny of the state at the time, Bhai Mani Singh eagerly flocked to his standard and prepared himself for battle. To this end he was given the privilege of accompanying the Guru into the battles of Bhangani, Dehra Doon and Naudan. It was after the legendary valour he displayed at Naudan that the Guru bestowed him with the title of his 'diwan' or minister. In 1699 Bhai Saab alongst with his entire family received amrit from the Guru, and became an Akali amongst the Guru's battalions. Pleased with his service and dedication the Guru parted with his invaluable minster when he sent him to Harmandir Sahib to render the service of 'Granthi' or custodian alongst with five other Khalsa Singhs. Bhai Saab's first action on reaching Harmandir Sahib was to discard the Brahminical rituals which had crept in due to the absence of a strong presence of Sikhs, he than set about propagating the Sikh ethos which resulted in the widespread conversions of the regional farmers. In 1705 A.D. when the fort of Anandpur Sahib was evacuated, it was Bhai Mani Singh who received and took Mata Sundar Kaur and Mata Sahib kaur to Delhi for safekeeping. After the Guru's demise, and on orders of Mata Sundar Kaur, Bhai Saab not only compiled Dasam granth but also resolved the factional friction which had arisen between the 'Tat Khalsa' and the 'Bandai Khalsa.' At the time he was the jathedar, head, of the Amritsar branch of Damdami Taksal. A position he shared with his erstwhile contemporary, Baba Deep Singh. By 1737 A.D. the situation of the panth on the Indian sub-continent had fluctuated from better to worse, until an extensive holocaust was planned against them. This resulted in widespread executions and torture of Sikhs irregardless of age, gender and affiliation. It was only Bhai Saab's influence with the Muslims and Hindus of Amritsar which prevented his execution at the hands of the state. Despite this, he was still saddened by the plight of his contemporaries and Khalsa brethren. Knowing that Zakariya Khan, the tyrant of Lahore, would not stop his holocaust of the panth as long as there was breath in his body he decided to apply for permission for Sikhs to celebrate Diwali in Amritsar. When Zakariya demanded what he would receive in turn Bhai Saab replied he would pay him an extensive sum of cash. To this Zakariya agreed, but already his Machiavellian mind was making other plans. A few weeks before Delhi he had his soldier step up their surveillance rounds and extend their patrolling borders. This resulted in a mass exodus of Sikhs going underground and as a result not one individual coming to celebrate Diwali in Amritsar. Thus, a strong pillar of the panth, Bhai Mani Singh was check-mated by Zakariya who had him arrested and brought to trial almost immediately. Bhai Saab however was not deterred. Twelve of his sons had already accepted martyrdom before him, and he was not deterred in following them. When given the option to convert to Islam he refused, and with unnatural joy accepted his sentence condemning him to be hacked to death. The day of martyrdom finally dawned and Bhai Mani Singh prepared himself to follow in the footsteps of the countless martyrs gone before him. It is said that when the executioner was readying himself to execute his orders, Bhai Saab stalled him and indicated to him to hack him into the smallest pieces possible. All through his bloody demise he remained peaceful and finally with the name of the beloved creator on his lips, he breathed his last. His martyrdom resulted in a mass-sclae uprising of the panth which had been thought impossible, and ultimately became one of the many flames which catalysed in the birth of the Sikh empire. 3.) Baba Binod Singh Ji- A descendant of Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of the panth, and an able warrior Baba Binod Singh was the head of the Dal Panth (in succession to Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself) and the first head of the Budha Dal. A strategically able general and a lethal fighter, he was one of the 5 Singhs commanded by the tenth Guru to accompany Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in his mission of destruction. Ultimately after declaring Khalsa-rule and carving an empire for the latter, Banda Singh forgot about his vows to the Guru and renegaded by creating the 'Bandai Khalsa.' This was a neo version of the Khalsa ordained by the Guru, and discarded many of the Guru's commands. They took to wearing red and foregoing the traditional greeting of 'Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh' and tradition of 'Jhatka.' In order to prevent a mass infiltration of Bandais (as they were known) into the 'Tat' (true) Khalsa, Baba Binod Singh alongstwith his forces left Banda Singh in 1713, and went his own way. Ultimately after a series of confrontations with the 'Bandais' the panth was made whole once more, and Baba Binod Singh passed jathedari of the Dal Panth to Baba Darbara Singh. 4.) Nawab Kapur Singh- The father of the modern day Dal system, and third jathedar of Dal Panth after Baba Binod Singh Ji. Nawab Kapur Singh was a charismatic individual who transformed the Sikhs from refugees into warriors. His extensive campaigns against the mughal and Afghani forces soon made him a force to be reckoned with, and he was bestowed with the elite title of 'Nawab' of the Khalsa panth. Born in 1697, he played a pivotal role in Sikh politics and warfare. Ultimately he carved an extensive amount of territory for himself in Punjab, and became head of the famed Singhpuria confederacy. Along with Baba Deep Singh, Jassa singh Alhuwalia and other confederates he transformed the gateway of India into a solid blockade and undertook extensive campaigns against Delhi. It was under his guidance that the Dal Panth was split into seven entities. The Budha Dal, the Tarna Dal and it's five subsequent battalions. After bonding the panth together into an unbreakable coalition and passing 'Nawabship' otno Jassa Singh Alhuwalia, he breathed his last in 1753 A.D. 5.) Sultan Jassa Singh Alhuwalia- A forebear of Nawab Kapur Singh, and fourth jathedar of Budha Dal. Sultan Jassa Singh Alhuwalia was the matriarch of the legendary Alhuwalia misl and one of the most feared foes of mughals and Afghanis alike. Raised by Mata Sahib Kaur, the mother of the Khalsa, and trained by Nawab Kapur Singh he was famed as a legendary warrior and a master of Gurmat. He was instrumental in bringing about the birth of the Sikh empire, and was the last individual who held the Sikh confederacies together. Born in 1718 A.D. in a family of Sikhs, he was filled with a religious passion at a young age. This passion ultimately shaped him into one of the most fearsome warriors the panth has ever known. It is said that he nearly decapitated Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan overlord, during the bigger holocaust and it was only the timely intervention of the Shah's horse which saved him. Even then the horse was decapitated into two clean halves by Jassa Singh. He also dedicated himself to the rejuvenation of Amritsar, especially Darbar Sahib, which had suffered extensively due to the Afghans and mughals. He died in 1783 A.D. and was cremated by his beloved Darbar Sahib. 6.) Baba Sahib Singh Kaladhari- Ninth jathedar of Budha Dal, and the last Akali jathedar of Akal Takhat, Baba Sahib Singh Kaladhari's name struck fear into the hearts of the colonials during the raaj. In an extensive undertaking to destroy Sikhi via conversion, the colonial government banned and falsified many traditions of the panth in order to crush its indomitable spirit. Many of these fallacies continue even today, especially the debacle over the authenticity of Dasam Granth and 'Jhatka.' At the time it was only Baba Sahib Singh Kaladhari who rose to the fore to challenge the colonials and succeeded in dissolving many of their policies. It was he alone who made it possible for Singhs to carry Kirpans and wear farlas on their dastaars, under the colonial government who wanted to ban such practices. The forebears of the Akalis and the SGPC succeeded in sullying his image, however, as a result of which he was constantly attacked physically as well as otherwise. His sacrifices and actions were soon forgotten and ultimately only the Nihungs treasure his memory today. A shame on the Sikh nation for forgetting one of it's diamonds. 7.) Baba Sohan Singh Ji Bidhi Chandia- Born in 1904 A.D. Baba Sohan Singh was the tenth jathedar of the Baba Bidhi Chand Dal. His father was the ninth head, and as a result, he grew up in a Gurmat environment surrounded by Akali Nihungs. After succeeding his father he established his dal, as a battalion in 1929 and undertook and extensive preaching tour throughout Punjab. He preached the gospel of the panth to many individuals in the isolated regions of India, and a s a result Sikhi flourished in areas where it had never even been heard of before. His 'chakarvarti' (nomadic) battalion traveled from one region to another planting the seeds of Gurmat wherever it went. He also took an extensive hand in the declaring of Gyani Kartar Singh Ji as the rightful head of Damdami Taksal. Ultimately this illustrious abbot breathed his last in 1975 A.D. after passing jathedari onto his son, Baba Daya Singh Ji. 8.) Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma- One of the greatest martyrs of the Khalistan movement, and an illustrious head of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Bhai Saab joined the Baba Bidhi Chand Dal at a young age and became heavily engrossed in seva of the Dal's horses. Born at village Brahmpura (hence the Brahma) in 1951 A.D. he was influenced by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's call to arms for preservation of the panth in India. His Dal answered the call with great gusto and he alongst with thousands of others raised weapons in the face of the Indian state's brutal expulsion of democracy. It was during this time he became head of the KLF and became famed as the 'Sikh Robin Hood.' His daring exploits, in which he assassinated politicians and armed personnel plaguing the common man, soon became famed globally and his image inspired many foreign Sikhs to travel back to India and fight against the tyrannical Indian institution. Ultimately after a long and fabulous career as a revolutionary he attained martyrdom in 1988 A.D. http://tisarpanth.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/some-lesser-known-akali-singhs-who.html