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If Sikhism is ever to spread beyond the 20 million Punjabis who are Sikhs then Sikhism will have to change dramatically. For example, the discarding of the archaic beard and turban will be a major step in marketing the Sikh faith. Since the vast majority of people around the world (including Sikhs) do not wear beards and turbans Sikhism will be in a great spot to get rid of them permanently. Besides, why would anyone interested in becoming a Sikh want to wear them anyway??????? :rolleyes:

There is a group of Singhs in the uk who met with Baba Ji in 1999 when they were doing Tap at Guru Ka Lahore. There are also pictures from this time as well. To say Baba Ji went into hiding to live another life is quite absurd. Ask those who did Seva of Baba Ji when they stayed in California.

I've only recently heard about these stories, though I am aware of that picture that floated around on the internet. Is there any truth to these claims? On one hand, we have people claiming they knew Singhs who were with them during that period. On the other hand, we have these stories coming up.

Check this video to see how easy it is to change faces in an already existing photo. 'Adobe Photoshop CS6 Face Swap Tutorial' I also do benti to these singhs, and Bhai Inderjit Singh Ji, to please make an official statement on half of Akal Bunga Sahib to clear these misconceptions.

Gurfateh Ji The photos of supposedly clean shaven baba ji have many differences to how baba ji actually looked. Firstly look at Baba Ji's eyebrows. (zoom in carefully on the picture given above). In reality there is about an inch / half inch between the eyes and eyebrows. these are supposedly according to the article around the same time they say baba ji would grow his hair back to come into the sangat. What absolute rubbish. Secondly the line in-between their eyebrows is missing from the images. These images have delibartely been photoshopped/ or a person of similar features has been found. In reality these people should be legally dealt with - for slander. Gurfateh Ji Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Piyare

The photos when he was clean shaven doesn't even look like him

That's the most disturbing thing I've ever seen. I don't trust that facebook page though so I really hope it's a lie. I don't think such posts should be allowed unless there is concrete evidence that they're the same person and the story is true.

Sant Mani Singh are a role model for young Sikhs - You may now know why the above have been posted by a mischievous individual .

So even if mona pictures are of sant mani singh ? what does that proof? Whole aim of sikhi is through transformation of human being (who has forgotten his real self in avidya/ignorance) to realize their real self via gurbani, naam simran and seva. Its quite disgusting how they are holding his previous life against him as if these people dropped right out of sky - suchaie, as param hans.

Why are you even concerned with this issue? If those two wish to get married in a traditional Sikh wedding ceremony or decide to throw themselves in front of a moving train then it should not concern you so let them live in their life they way they want to live it. Personally I don't think this "Gora Christian" should have to become a bearded turbaned Sikh in order to marry her. so get a life and worry about about your problems

I personally believe we can marry anyone we want even if our parents oppose it

I just recieved a message on Yahoo chat from a 50 year old guy saying that today is his birthday and if I can send him money. I tell him that if he wants money why not get a job to which he responded saying that I am rude and he is going to tell all of his online buddies how rude I am. Has any of you guys on this forum ever been asked to send money to fraudsters online?

JATHEDAR Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji & Bhai Mani Singh Ji (Joint Jathedars) Baba ji was born in the village of Pahuvind district Amritsar, in the year 1682. Baba ji's fathers name was Bhagto ji and mothers name was Jioonee. From a young age Baba ji had practiced reciting Gurbani, singing Kirtan and doing sangat of fellow Gursikhs, morning and night. He regularly went horse riding and training, in Shastar Vidya (weapons training). He was a lovable and popular character, who conducted himself very well. The people in his locality treated him with great respect because of his religious nature. After the battle of Muktsar Sahib in 1704, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj reached Damdama Sahib-Sabo Ki Talwandi, here Guru ji compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh ji scribing all that Guru Ji uttered. Baba Deep Singh ji carried out the seva of providing the paper, pens and ink, for this great task of preparing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Baba ji did this seva with the utmost love and respect. When Guru ji went to Sri Hazoor Sahib, Baba ji went along with Maharaj. Baba ji was present in the Panj Pyare when Guru Sahib ji gave the Gurgadi (the Throne of the Sikh Guruship) to Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji at Sri Hazoor Sahib ji, Nanded. Along with Baba ji, Pyare Dharam Singh ji, Bhai Har Singh ji, Bhai Santokh Singh ji, and Bhai Gurbaksh Singh took part in this great seva, and completed the Ardas that passed the Gurgadi to our everlasting Master, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Just before leaving the world Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji ordered Baba Deep Singh ji to go back to Damdama Sahib and continue the Taksal (school) that taught Gursikhs the correct meanings and pronunciations of Gurbani. All the Gurdware at Damdama Sahib were also put under the management of Baba ji by Guru ji. Here Baba ji prepared Gurbani Pothis/Anthologies and sent them to numerous Sikh shrines and thus made a massive effect on promoting/spreading the message of the Guru. Baba ji also assisted Baba Banda Singh ji Bahadar in all of his battles between 1708 and 1715. In 1716 Baba ji prepared four more Saroops (editions) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. They were taken to the other four Takhats; Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Amritsar, Takhat Sri Harmandir ji Patna Sahib (Bihar), Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Anandpur Sahib and Takhat Abichal Nagar Sach Khand Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanded (Maharashtar). Baba Deep Singh ji was not only a great scholar in Gurmukhi (the language created by the Sikh Gurus), but also a great scholar of Arabic and Persian, he was the first writers of the Sikh Panth. Baba ji wrote a Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji in Arabic and sent it to the Middle East. This was a great service that was done by Baba ji for the Sikhs of these countries. The Gursikhs of the Panth had and have great respect for the great scholar, philosopher and saint soldier Baba Deep Singh ji. The title of Nawab given to Bhai Sahib Kapoor Singh ji by Zakariaa Khan, out of respect was placed at the feet of Panj Pyare before it was taken up, Baba ji was present in these Panj Pyare. After Deewan Darbara Singh ji left the world for Sach Khand, two Jathe (battalions) in the form of Budha Dal and Tarna Dal were formed. Tarna Dal was made up of five sections each having a jathedar. Shaheed Baba Deep Singh ji, was appointed one of these five jathedars by the Sikhs. There were 2000 horse mounted Gursikhs in Baba ji's jatha. When Masr Rangar was disrespecting Sri Harmandir Sahib it was a Gursikh, Jathedar Budha Singh ji, from Baba ji's jatha that sent Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh to avenge the sacrilege that was occurring (Masr Rangr had turned Sri Harimandir Sahib into a party hall, with prostitutes). Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh decapitated Masr Rangar and his head at the feet of Jathedar Budha Singh ji when they came back. Baba ji heard news of Jahan Khan continuing atrocities against the Sikhs and the sacred Sarover (nectar pool) of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Baba ji reached Taran Taaran Sahib and bathed in the holy Sarover along with a jatha of 500 Gursikhs, all wearing clothes in the sacred colour of saffron and ready for battle. After making Karah Parshad (an offering made to Guru ji, made using butter, sugar, flour, water and Gurbani) and making the following ardas: "Until Sri Harimandir Sahib is free from the tyrants, I will not become shaheed." Baba ji along with their jatha set off for Sri Amritsar Sahib. Both armies met each other in battle, with the battleground becoming full of blood. Yakoob Khan and Baba ji met each other on the battlefield, Baba ji hit Yakoob Khan's head so hard that he collapsed right there and was killed instantly. Upon seeing this Pathan Jahan Khan confronted Baba ji, both their heads were cut off as they struck each simultaneously. A Gursikh called out, "Baba ji, you promised to place your head at the feet of Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib ji at Sri Harimandir Sahib." When Baba ji heard this he picked up his head in his left hand, took up his sword in his right and continued fighting. The tyrants were so astounded by this event that some started to run away, as they left the battlefield they told their fellow soldiers that the General of the Sikhs is fighting without his head. While fighting Baba ji progressed to the parkarma (the outer circle) of Sri Harmandir Sahib, with the Sikhs shouting war cries. Baba ji placed his head at the feet of Guru Sahib ji and after completing an ardas left the world for Sach Khand.

Sant Baba Thakur Singh ji The Sikh nations respected religious personality,Baba Takhur Singh Jee was born in 1915,village Eechogill, Dist Lahore (Pakistan) to the respected Baba Bahadur Singh and Mata Prem Kaur Jee. Both his parents were Amritdhari, who recited many prayers daily and had unshakeable faith in the guru .After the partition they came to India, where in village Sadaruala , near Makhu , Dist Ferozepur, they started to live. From birth Baba jee was forever meditating, merciful, peaceful hearted, imbued with spiritual energy and had unshakeable faith in the Guru. From a young age they would not waste their time playing or talking .When a little older, they started helping his mother and father in running the household, doing which he would forever attune his concentration to the one intoxicating Naam Simran. From childhood ,Baba Jee used to share his earnings/food/belongings with others as he saw Gods light in all ,and was always inspired to help others being engrossed in the seva and simran. Baba Jee’s mind forever longed to be in the precence and seva of a true Gursikh/Brahmgiani. They learnt through others that Brahmgiani Sant Gurbachan Singh Jee Khalsa along with his Jatha were doing Sikhi Parcher- who are respected as great intellectuals and who have much blessings of Satguru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee. Baba Jee left home and went to Bhindra in Dist Moga where Khalsa Jee resided, their Baba Jee took Amrit from Panj Pyare. Khalsa Jee recognised Baba Jee’s spiritual state and thus put him in charge of Langar, this seva was performed with much love and commitment, after 2 & half years seva Khalsa Jee accepted Baba Jee into the Jatha and taught him the knowledge of god. Until Khalsa Jee went to sachkand, Baba Jee did seva of Garveye (close associate) for 22 years, Khalsa Jee being happy with this seva blessed Baba Jee with many gifts. They blessed him with a great spiritual state .They said ,’’A time will come , when you will perform the greatest seva of all . After Khalsa Jee went to sachkand, Baba Jee carried on seva of Langer and sangats, with Sant Giani Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa , and forever remained imbued in Naam Simran . Sant Giani Kartar Singh Jee had much respect for Baba Jee & would discuss decisions to be made with Baba Jee. This time was a critical period for Sikh’s as there were many efforts being made to silence the Sikh community, as a political and faith group. Sant Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa held 37 major processions which woke the sleeping Sikh masses to their identity. The government were trying to silence Sant Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa and were making plan’s to arrest him, Santh Jee said the follwing in response to this, ‘’If the government arrest me, then after me Baba Takhur Singh Jee will be responsible for Damdami Taksal. They can give the seva of leadership to whom they please.” After Sant Kartar Singh Jee Khalsa Bhindra Vale ascended to Sachkand, Baba Jee appointed Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Jee Khalsa the leader of Damdami Taksal, Sant Jee would always heed Baba Jee’s advice. In July 1982 Sant Jarnail Singh Jee Khalsa began the Dharam Yudh Morcha to free the Sikh’s from oppression of the government and made Amritsar their permanent residence, and Baba Jee was given the seva to look after Gurdawara Gurdashan Parkash Mehta. In June 1984 the government attacked Sri Harmander Sahib and Sri Akhal Takhat Sahib martyred countless Singh’s and Singhnia. After the attack Sant Jee went underground, in the absence of Sant Jee the Damdami Taksal seva was given to Baba Jee by the Sangat, which they are performing to their best currently, he has guided the Damdami Taksal through testing and difficult times, and his wisdom has shined throughout. Baba Jee has kept the Damdami Taksal Parcher countinuous, he attends many functions throughout the world. Thousands have been inspired through parcher organised by Baba Jee and have taken Amrit. He has fought cases for arrested Singh’s and has assisted those still in jail, in whatever manner possible, Shaheed’s families have been provided for and are still being supported. He restarted the great tradition of Sarbat Khalsa and they performed the reconstruction of Sri Akhal Takhat Sahib with much physical fervour, many other Gurdwaras have been built and are being built/renovated. Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj B-block was built in Sri Amritsar in memory of the Shaheeds of the encounter with Nakali Nirankaris of 1978. At Sri Anandpur Sahib on Kiratpur Sahib Road a Gurdwara was built to benefit visiting sangats. In memory of Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Jee Khalsa a Khalsa academy & a hospital have been built at Mehta. Baba Jee is respected throughout the panth as a very spiritual/gifted leader and he is a shining example of a Khalsa. When they utter Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh peace is brought to the minds of thousands. Baba Ji was a brahm giani of very few words, but did state several times that Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Ji was not shaheed and will return in due time to guide the Khalsa panth once more. Those fortunate to have met Baba Ji, will speak of the light of love shining from them and will know that they have had the darshan of one of the greatest Mahapurkhs of the Khalsa Panth.

History ABOUT DAMDAMI TAKSAL The tenth King Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji was at Sri Anandpur Sahib delivering His Sikhs to Sachkhand. A Gursikh who would complete his daily prayer of the Panj Granthi (a collection of prayers from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) with love and respect made a mistake. The Gursikh was made to realise that Gurbani is an ang (limb) of Guru Ji, and making a mistake while reciting Gurbani is like hurting Guru Ji. Following this Pyare Bhai Daya Singh, along with other respected Gursikhs requested the following to Guru Ji. "Oh keeper of the poor! Bless us with the understanding of Gurbani. Without an understanding we don't whether what we do is correct or incorrect." Satguru Ji would never return the request of a Gursikh. After all the battles where He sacrificed all His family. Upon leaving Muktsar Sahib and arriving at Sabo ki Talwandi. Guru Ji gave the following command to his Gursikhs. "Go to Dhir Mal (he was the elder brother of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji and grandson to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji) who is at Kartarpur Sahib. The fifth King Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji who has compiled the Aad Granth has left room for the inclusion of the ninth Kings Bani. I will do that and bless you with the understanding of Gurbani." Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji along with 24 other Singhs were turned away by Dhir Mal with the following message. "If your Guru is the same roop (form) as the first and fifth Kings, then why doesn't he fashion Gurbani from memory?" Guru Ji answered this taunt of Dhir Mal in the following way. The true King Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave a great honour to Guru ki Kanshi, Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib, Sabo ki Talwandi. Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh was the scribe as Guru Sahib Ji compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from his sacred tongue. There were such great blessings that Jap(u) Ji Sahib, Rehraas Sahib and Kirtan Sohila were written on the first morning. On that evening the Gursikh Sangat listened to the meanings of the completed Gurbani. The understanding of the Gurbani that was written at amrit vela (ambrosial hours of the morning) would be explained in the evening to the 48 Singhs and the rest of the Gursikh Sangat. Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji with firm faith would complete the seva of providing the paper, pens and ink. In this way within 9 months and 9 days, on the full moon of Katak, Samat 1762, till until 1763 Bikrami 23 Savan, the understanding of Gurbani was taught. With the inclusion of the ninth Kings Bani, from Ik Oa(n)kaar to At(h)arah Das Bees, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was completed. A great benevolence was done to the world. After seeing and listening to this limitless, powerful knowledge, the Gursikh Sangat as well the atheists were astonished. By listening to Guru Sahib Ji, the Gursikh Sangat were given the opportunity to rectify their lives. The 48 Singhs gained Brahm Gianta (the knowledge of God) and were liberated while living. The Singhs reached such spiritual states that they lost all care of the world. Seeing this Satguru Ji ordered Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji not to lose care, but to continue in selfless service teaching others what he had learnt. Guru Ji said that he would not forget a thing even if he were to get cut piece by piece. Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was also given this command and was told that he wouldn't forget a thing even if his head were separated from his body. Both Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji and Baba Deep Singh Ji stayed with Guru Sahib Ji (when They went to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib) teaching the understanding of Gurbani to other Gursikhs. Just before Guru Ji ascended to Sachkhand He sent Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh JI to Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, and Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji to Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib to continue teaching the understanding of Gurbani. Damdami Taksal has been operating under the leadership of Brahm Gianis until now, and will forever more. Names of the 48 Singhs: Bhai Mani Singh Ji Giani Kaan Singh Ji Giani Binod Singh Ji Giani Gurbaksh Sinshad Baba Deep Singh Ji (Damdami Taksal’s 2nd Jathedar) Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Ji Giani Dan Singh Ji Bhai Param Singh Ji Bhai Dharam Singh Ji Bhai Shameer Singh Ji Bhai Daya Singh Ji Bhai Bhevan Singh Ji Bhai Piara Singh Ji Bhai Bir Singh Ji Bhai Dheer Singh Ji Bhai Sundar Singh Ji Bhai Amar Singh Ji Bhai Tara Singh Ji Bhai Jagjeevan Singh Ji Bhai Gopal Singh Ji Bhai Dhian Singh Ji Bhai Binshvar Singh Ji Bhai Hargopal Singh Ji Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji Kaviraj Bhai Nand Singh Ji Bhai Mani Singh Ji Bhai Rai Singh Ji Bhai Makhan Singh Ji Bhai Madan Singh Ji Bhai Dharam Singh Ji Bhai Sujan Singh Ji Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji Bhai Akal Singh Ji Bhai Pritpal Singh Ji Bhai Dyal Singh Ji Bhai Bakhtavar Singh Ji Sodhi Bhai Deva Singh Ji Bhai Meva Singh Ji Bhai Dhian Singh Ji Bhai Achal Singh Ji Bhai Jai Singh Ji Bhai Bishan Singh Ji Bhai Bhag Singh Ji Bhai Vasava Singh Ji Bhai Ghanea Singh Ji Bhai Ram Singh Ji Bhai Trilok Singh Ji Bhai Maliagar Singh Ji

The Damdami Taksal is the travelling Sikh university, which was founded by our Father Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee to impart knowledge of Gurmat onto Sikhs. It has had an unbroken lineage of Jathedars who have led the Taksal throughout Sikh history. The first and foremost function of the Taksal is to educate Sikhs, to teach them the correct pronounciations of Gurbani, to do Katha and Kirtan. This is done by getting students to undergo rigorous studies, meditations and seva, thus a wholesome Sikh lifestyle is developed and maintained. The Taksal has always been a key strategic player in the activities of the Sikh Nation, with Baba Deep Singh & Baba Gurbaksh Singh (respectively 1st & 2nd Jathedars) both being martyred defending the sanctity of Sri Harimander Sahib, Amritsar, they were both beheaded yet still fought on until the Mughals had to run in fear. The sixth Jatheder, Giani Bhai Sant Singh was the Head Granthi of Sri Harimander Sahib and a close aid of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The famous Sikh Historian Bhai Santokh Singh (author of Suraj Parkash) was also a student of the Giani Bhai Sant Singh Jee. During the British Raj Sant Sundar Singh played a considerable role in the Gurdwara Reform Movement, by participating in the peaceful demonstrations. Sant Gurbachan Singh did the complete katha of Sri Guru Granth Sahib many times and today we find that a lot of his students are Granthis at Sri Harimander Sahib and many of them held positions of esteem and were Jathedars of the Takhats. Sant Kartar Singh started the movement against the anti-Sikh Nirankari Movement and the whole Sikh world knows of what Sant Jarnail Singh did in the early 80’s.

If his parents went through the proper channels when immigrating to the United States instead if coming illegally, then they would not have put their son through this turmoil!!!

Baba Takhur Singh ji never desired to be married. BUt due to family pressure they were married off. But after their marriage Babaji called his wife sister and told her about his lack of desire for married life. Then Babaji's brother was married off with that Bibi. Singhs who have stayed in the Jatha with Baba Takhur Singh tell that Babaji had totally non-existant feelings required for a married life. What I mean is, you need a certain amount of controlled "desire" to fulfill the duties with your wife. Babaji was in such an avastha that he was completely beyond that. I'm not saying that any mahapursh who had children wasn't at a high avastha, it's different situation for everyone. And we should learn to accept these types of differences amongst high avastha Gursikhs. It was definietly not that Babaji was scared of married life, but he just had no desire for it. And people should not start comparing Babaji ji's situation with normal single guys who don't want marriage. These guys don't want marriage because they may wish to enjoy bachelerhood or they may not want the resposiblities of marriage life. **and as a side note, remaining single is not the same as shunning the world. If the mahapursh spend their entire lives doing parchar, then that's heck of a lotta work, more work than any one of us can ever do. Definitely not tyaag of the world.

Sant Baba Takhur Singh Ji was never married and as such they had no kids. However they did have nephews.

incomplete? if someone believes that getting married will help their Sikhi then they should, also a life of a householder is encouraged by Guru ji. BUT if they otherwise feel that they do not want to marry because they believe it will hinder their spiritual progress i.e lust, attachment then thats all good. i've met some amazing GurSikhs who have not married, it doesn't make them any less Sikh than someone who is married. it is all Gods will and since when did we qualify as dictators of karam?

i was told that Baba Thakur Singh Ji never married. when asked he responded that he was married to Guru ji and didn't need nothing else.