lakhvir

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. KhalsaJi, Who is Baba Virsa Singh? Is he accepted as a Sikh? Please enlighten me. Check out this link: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...a_afp/indiaguru WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh.

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. Sikhi has waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooooooooooo maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaany role models, why are you making my life so difficult by asking me pick only one!!!! lol. But that is indeed a wonderful question. One, huh? I was going yo say 'Nanak' (that includes all our 10 Nanaks, and including Guru Granth Sahib Ji which is our final Nanak), but you ruled out the Guru because, like you said, it's obvious for every GurSikh to have his/her Guru as their role model. Of all the names running through my mind at this time, it's got to be one whose image flashes before my eyes more than ever - Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale. He was the image of the ideal Sant-Sipahi of the Guru who lived in our lifetime. He was amazing and a Bhindranwale in me feels like breaking free . . . Through him, I saw glimpses of my Guru like I would imagine . . . SantJi inspired so many Sikhs to come back to Sikhi and at the same time did not take insult to our faith and Gurus. He spoke out what he had to and sided only with the Guru Khalsa Panth. He's certainly my role model. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. Death of a Gurmukh is the end to the spiritual and physical separation of the soul from its Creator Waheguru. It is the wedding day for that soul whose body has helped it merge into the Divine through its righteous deeds. The soul is a bride and God is the Husband Lord. One day the soul-bride must go to the Huband's home. It is inevitable. It is destined. So why mourn over the death of a GurSikh? That is why Sikhs do not mourn over the death of the saints and of Gurmukhs. In essence, it is the happiest moment for the departed soul that can finally merge into the Divine and only death can do that, once and for all. Only that death is painful and mournful that fails to unite the soul with God. When we have gathered nothing but filth and sowed the bitter fruit of poison, it is the detiny of that soul to be dragged to punishment by the Messenger of Death. When that poor would will ever get another human body to enable it to realise and meditate upon the Lord, no one can even imagine how long it would take. It could take thousands and thousands of years. For a Gurmukh, even one breath without the Lord is like those thousands and thousands of years of separation. Such a Gurmukh is never afraid of death, and death fears that Gurmukh, for the Messenger of Death cannot even come close to that pure soul. Death is not an end - it is a beginning. The next world awaits those that attuned their minds to the teaching of the Word. This world and this life is only temporary, why mourn when it is finally over? It is only a moment of spiritual ecstasy for that soul bride that can finally break free from the shell that has only separated it from its Husband Lord. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh.

BOOK-REVIEW ----------------- Images That Click Roopinder Singh The Golden Temple: A Gift to Humanity by Vijay N. Shankaran and Ranvir Bhatnagar. Photographs by S. Paul and Dheeraj Paul. Ranvir Bhatnager Publications, Gurgaon. Pages 176. Rs 2,895. ----------------- This coffee-table book is lavishly produced, and has pictures by two of the best photographers in India—S. Paul, a former Chief Photographer of Indian Express, and his son, Dheeraj. One of the most clicked shrines in the country comes alive in its varied hues, as these lensmen bring the life at the Golden Temple to the fore. Tens of thousands of people visit the Golden Temple every day and the book manages to capture them all: pilgrims, visitors, granthis, sewadars, children, newly-weds, as they all come together to pray at the most important gurdwara. It is a colourful world that unfolds through these pictures. Though most photographs deserve a mention, S. Paul’s available light image of the recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is weak, especially since it comes from someone who is known for his technical wizardry. Paul is the elder brother of Raghu Rai, who had earlier collaborated with Patwant Singh to bring a book titled The Golden Temple. Both are different works, and stand well against each other. The text offers a brief history and touches upon various reasons why people go to the Golden Temple. The chapters dwell on Grant Every Sikh a Bath in the Sarovar, Spiritual Offerings for Modern Man, Gurparab of the Holy Guru Granth Sahib, Night of Living Divinity in Harimandir Sahib, The Wonderful Ath-Sath Teerth, Kirtan Rescues Man from Clutches of Time. Various vignettes of life at the shrine are also discussed, including The Ragis, The Beri Trees, The New Gold Leaf and Environs of the Temple. The overall feeling of the text is one of devotion, but not of order. There is a lot in it, but it could have been better put and more organised. There is a chapter on Etc TV channel, which broadcasts live from the Golden Temple every day. Translation is a tricky business, in which one has to go beyond the literal meaning. To take one example, translating akhand path as uninterrupted recitation is not a happy expression; continuous recitation would have been better. But then, who reads coffee-table books? The visual content is strong, though it is expensively served http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050206/spectrum/book1.htm

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. I gather from the Tapoban discussion about the upcoming visit to Kenya of Baba Maan Singh Ji. Are the allegations true? If not, what is going on? I wouldn't want to slander someone who may indeed be a 'sant' and at the same time, I wouldn't want to encourage the visit of any panthic personality whose character is questionable. Please enlighten me more about the real situation about Baba Maan Singh is, as I'm in the process of collating information to be distributed to the Gurudwaras here and giving the sangat here the true picture who they will be expecting in April. Please give me the facts so that we do no injustice to any person or the Sikh community at large. We live in an age of self-proclaimed 'sants' and 'babas' and we only need to be aware of who we are amidst. Please let us not turn this discussion into an argument, but a serious and progressive sharing of facts so that we can draw our own conclusions and do what is necessary, as we know that each one of us will have our own perspectives. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh.

Mein tah kehna, par meri koi sunndai nai. Chaddoh PC nu, lehlo Mac!! No crashes, guaranteed!! Pher bhi, aana jaana teh duniya da naam ah!! :umm:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...r2090869380.jpg

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. If you grab hold of the February edition of the National Geographic magazine, take a look at one of the lead articles which has a number of mentions about Sikhs. Nothing really of interest, but take a look anyway. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh.

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. One who follows the teachings and instructions of the Guru is a Sikh. Part of those teachings include Amrit. If we become selective of what instructions to follow and what not to, then we cease to be the Guru's Sikhs. We only dwell in manmat when we forsake Gurmat. As a Sikh who is discovering (or rediscovering) the path to the Guru, even our smallest steps are recognised and recorded by the Him. If one is dedicacted to the path of the Guru, one will not hestitate to do all that the Guru instructs. Once we are on that sure path of Sikhi, an understanding will come where the Amrit is recognised as a vital tie to the Guru - which proves our dedication and ulitmate love for the Guru. When we do prepare for war, we are indeed soldiers. But only those are the true brave who step up into the battlefield. Amrit is the entry to the battleground where the soldier utilises all the knowledge bestowed and earned through the Guru. Please do not be discouraged by anyone who says that you are not a Guru's Sikh if you are not Amritshak. Forgive those that say things to hurt you, and instead pray for humility in all, including ourselves. Only then can we hold the blessings of the Guru. As long as what you do (paath, simran, seva, sangat) is bringing you closer to the Guru, and is done in sincerity, humility and patience, nothing goes wasted. If we can do all that and know that it is true that nothing we do in love for the Guru goes wasted, then verily, one must not hestitate to accept and beg the Guru's Amrit. You are blessed. The Guru is ever with you. He resides in those souls who nuture love and sacrifice for t he Guru. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh.

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! Good 'ol Fauja Singh was in Kenya earlier this month, invited as a guest to a Gurmat Sikh Youth Camp held in Kericho. I have photos, taken of him at the magnificent Kericho Gurudwara, though I missed that rare opportunity to catch up with this 'RoadRunner'. Two of my friends made it to the camp, and were they enchanted! I'll email some of the pictures I have (which you will not find anywhere else, because much of what you will find are from the press, widely distributed ones). Really nice images - I'll email them to Admin (my Mac does not allow me to attach images from this forum <_< ). I hope they can attach them for us on this thread. Really inspiring stuff. And hey, I got an autographed, small diary, bearing his name written in Urdu! The man is amazing, from all the stories I've heard about him. I'll also have it known that when he appeared in our press, he became an instant hit with everyone, even Africans! A turbaned, fully keshdhari Sikh making headlines in our country is rare and it came as a refreshing breeze to have someone compete with the Kenyan legends for world headlines! For Kenya to welcome him and feel a part of the country where some of the best runners in the world are born and bred, it was an honour to have an extremely positively inspiring Sikh role model - for both the young and old alike. Way to go, Fauja! WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! KhalsaJi, Here it is: -------- http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,...1378273,00.html So the vilification of another ethnic minority begins. It is ironic that the sensibilities of the arts community have been upset; as they now have some understanding of how the feelings of the Sikh community were similarly outraged. Threats against the author and the violence (more limited than what many witness on a normal weekend night) are to be deplored and the vast majority of the Sikh community have condemned these actions. But it is also pertinent to point out that Sikhs had protested peacefully on a number of occasions throughout the week and that the Birmingham Sikh community were not asking for the play to be banned but for some changes. If the theatre was seriously interested in consulting then they should have listened and acted accordingly; however this has all the hallmarks of a situation that Sikhs are all too familiar with - to give the appearance of being in consultation when the real intention could not be further from the truth. Surinder Singh Gravesend, Ken ----- Good one, SinghJi. Thank you for letting your voice, and of the Sikh panth, heard loud and clear - amongst all the hoo haa of the so-called 'Westen Culture' and 'Rules of the Adopted Country'. Same old racism that they ruled their colonies with, same old stuff. Now they cannot accept challenge, right at home, and look how they sob. I feel so sorry for these guys (media and 'champions of free speech') - they don't have a spiritual culture to nuture and neither will they understand the sentiments of an oppressed and gagged world minority. What they forget is that ultimately, Truth will Triumph - and triumph it will because the champions of its defence live and die but they will never run out. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! L*

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! Anyone got the video 'In Search of the Tartan Turban'? This video follows Sikh Scottish Londoner and comedy writer Hardeep Singh as he tries to discover what's funny about living in today's multicultural society. If anyone could please post the QuickTime, Windows Media Player or RealAudio version of it, it would be highly appreciated. Here's alimk to the video's information: http://www.theherald.co.uk/business/29175.html WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! L*

Dear All, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, Sangat in Birmingham have started doing Chaupai Sahib Paath every Sunday evening after Sukhmani Sahib and daily in their own homes in memory of the Sahibzadas & mata Gujri Ji. It was suggested that 5 paath a day should be done. The most important thing is to sit with whole family and do the paath together and explain to the younger members the significance of the events. Everyone all over the world is invited to join in, so please pass this message on to other egroups etc.On the day of the 300th Anniversary everyone should do ardas in their memory. In Birmingham, we will also be doing an ardas - programme will follow nearer the time. Thank you, Gurcharan Singh (GNNSJ)

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! KhalsaJi, In today's world, just like in Nanak's time, few have understood the man. I believe that to understand Nanak is to become Nanak. Baba Nanak was confronted in the same ways today's world confronts us about GuruJi. What we have in response is exactly what Baba Nanak had - Shabad. Shabad was His Guru and he succeeded in silencing those that had not understood their own religion, let alone tolerate another's. In such cases as the original post mentions, there are still plently of such people who have neither studied what their religion is about and then set forth to question another's. This is the height of ignorance and arrogance. Guru Nanak's message was so universal that He awakened the slumbering spirits of every soul that came across His path. No matter what faith they professed, Baba Nanak knew them inside out and spoke only that what was True. The rest was left to the listener's conclusion. GuruJi never involved Himself in arguments. He said what was Truth and moved on. Even when a certain village taunted, abused and ridiculed GuruJi, He still had wise words for them. It is the approach of Guru Nanak that everyone wanted to lay claim on Him. The Muslims declared Him as their Pir and the Hindus tried to own Him as their Guru. Those who argue about Guru Nanak's spiritual belonging and religion have not even understood the man. If we cannot accept the very first utterance of GuruJi (Na Koi Hindu, Na Koi Mussalman), we will never understand His mission and who He was. This is what Muslims and Hindus do not understand and they probably never will. Guru Nanak& #39;s way was neither the Hindu one, not the Muslim one. His was of Truth. As simple as that. And those that followed the way of Nanak came to be know as Sikhs - a new religious people. It is futile to claim who Nanak belonged to. Is Nirankaar (God) any one person or community's property? Not in any sense. It is absurd that people even make such feeble claims when they have scarcely studied the works and beliefs of the man. Nanak belonged to humanity. And when the mission and spirit of Nanak progressed from one body to another (through 9 successor Gurus) and finally rested in the Guru Granth Sahib did Nanak's message find its truest identity. Those that stuck to His Path and message are today's True Sikhs. This is what the adversaries cannot accept. I feel sorry for them they still haven't understood the humble Nanak, 500 years down the ages . . . No one owns Nanak. Not even the Sikhs. Nanak belongs to all and it is the highest honour that Guru Nanak is the founder of the Sikh Panth. But in the end analysis, Nanak belongs to only those that have humbled themselves and paid heed to His teachings and Shabads. The rest can lay as much claim as they want, but they are only burning up their lives for nothing. Dhan Mere Nanaka! Dhan Mere Nanaka! Dhan Mere Nanaka! WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh! L*

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! Mehtab Singh Ji, That was really beautiful . . . straight from the heart!! Extremely touching . . . Meinu patta nai si ke Mehtab Singh Ji de dil vich kavvi baithaa eh!! WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! L*

As Sikhs, the Guru advices us to stay on the path of GurSikhi, which is the Sikh’s only way to the next world. When we live our days without devotion to Naam and Meditation (remembrance of Waheguru), we are only wasting our life away. When we realise that we are in this world to prepare for the next, only then can we live without fear of death. The Path is simple because the Guru has already chosen it for us. All we need to do is follow the Guru’s instructions – live in Truth and be Gurmukh. Death comes to all, and all must suffer separation. Go and ask the clever people, whether they shall meet in the world hereafter. Those who forget my Lord and Master shall suffer in terrible pain. || 1 || So praise the True Lord, by whose Grace peace ever prevails. || Pause || Praise Him as great; He is, and He shall ever be. You alone are the Great Giver; mankind cannot give anything. Whatever pleases Him, comes to pass; what good does it do to cry out in protest? || 2 || Many have proclaimed their sovereignty over millions of fortresses on the earth, but they have now departed. And those, whom even the sky could not contain, had ropes put through their noses. O mind, if you only knew the torment in your future, you would not relish the sweet pleasures of the present. || 3 || O Nanak, as many as are the sins one commits, so many are the chains around his neck. If he possesses virtues, then the chains are cut away; these virtues are his brothers, his true brothers. Going to the world hereafter, those who have no Guru are not accepted; they are beaten, and expelled. | 4; 4 || 1 || GuruArjanDevJi Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji 595 Those who fear death are those who have not developed the fear of God within. When one begins to fear God, all other fears vanish. That is when one can truly make their life worthwhile and fulfil its true purpose – to be united with God in the world that is to come. Where we live on now is only temporary, a transitory place for the soul that has no idea for how many ages it has been separated from its Maker – Waheguru. So what does it mean to live according to the Guru’s instructions? Offer your mind (mann) to the Guru – let Him lead your life, and do only that what He says. Do not follow your own will, because it will lead you unto destruction. When you offer your mind to the Guru, He will work with you to discipline it and make your soul worthy of reunion with God – and put an end to our comings and goings in this terrible world ocean. You can begin today – begin to do your paath and train your mind to get up at Amritvela and slowly work up to do your full Nitnem. Follow the Sikh Rehat Maryada and learn to read Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Seek the Sangat of the holy and enlightened Sikhs. Give up the vices and corruptions of the mind. Serve the Panth by propagating the message of the Gurus. And keep Waheguru in your mind by meditating on His Name every single day and night. The Guru, unto whom you give your mind, will safely deliver you into the next world, which is not too far. The journey towards it for each one of us could begin this very day, and the Guru lovingly awaits that Sikh who is ready to offer his/her all to Him. Those who live by the principles and teachings of GurSikhi will only realise that it is the surest way out of this world of pain and suffering. L*

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! It seems like he cleared the film for release (without much or any censorship). I believe that the rest of the Board must have found some scenes in the film that would portray the Indian Government and the fanatic Hindus from the actual Sikh perspective, and not from the false one painted by the authorities. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! L*

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! KhalsaJi, Bollywood never seems to tire of its efforts to taint the image of the Sikhs, or for the simple truth to surface. In a forthcoming film on the anti-Sikh riots, Anupam Kher has been reportedly fired for clearing the film at the Censor Board. ' . . . Criticising the Centre's decision, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt claimed he had received unconfirmed reports that Kher was replaced as he had cleared a film on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots . . .' (http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1055599,001100030009.htm) Whether Kher passed the film on grounds of truth or lies, or whether the Censor Board really is the one that cannot fathom the truths of the riots, remains to be seen when the film releases (if it ever does). WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. L*

The Guru in my jeevan. I shudder to imagine what I would be without my Guru . . . In our kaum, I love every aspect in which I see my Guru and what He left behind for us as support to getting closer to Akaal Purakh Waheguru. L*

GooglyKaur Ji, WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! Asthma is curable by Homeopathy and is much more effective than convetional medicine. I was an asthmatic since my early teens. I could hardly sleep some nights and had to make sure I had my inhaler next to my pillow. I could hardly go anywhere without it because I would get affected by either the cold temperatures or even the slightest exercise. This went on until I last visited India in 1999. I happened to lose my inhaler which I thought I would be able to get another from any Indian pharmacy. But I realised that there are hundreds of inhalers and the names of the inhalers known in each country vary. So I ended up visiting a Sikh doctor who happened to be just next to the pharmacy. Imagine that all he did was check my pulse and he prescribed two inhalers and some pills. When I came back to Nairobi, I used the medication for just a few weeks and I have been much better since. I have hardly used anything since . . . seems like my condition simply improved to the point that I do not get up breathless from my sleep. Even cold weather does not affect me any more. I owe all that to GuruJi's Kirpa and an improved lifestyle and a more positive outlook to life. But some asthmatic cases are far worse than what I had. Having discovered homeopathy, I would only recommend that the treatment be sought from it. It is holistic, simple and 'non-violent'. It has lasting effects, with a long-term medication. I'm sure that your mother would greatly benefit from Homeopathy, because I believe it will help her overcome this dis-ease. GuruJi Kirpa karangey. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! L*

WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh!! FYI. Kidney stones are hard, stone-like masses that can form in one or both kidneys. Kidney stones are fairly common, with about one percent of people in Western countries likely to get them. They are often painless when in the kidney but can cause severe pain as they travel from the kidneys to the bladder. They can also cause bleeding or block the flow of urine. Kidney stones are formed out of crystals found in the urine. In most cases, the crystals are too tiny to be noticed, and pass harmlessly out of the body. However, they can build up inside the kidney and form much larger stones. Kidney stones form when the salts and minerals that are normally found in the urine become out of balance. Different kinds of kidney stones are formed from salts in the urine. Calcium stones: These are the most common type of kidney stones. They are made of calcium and oxalate, which are chemicals found naturally in certain foods. A diet with a high content of calcium and oxalate can increase the concentration of these chemicals in the urine and make it more likely for stones to form. Other factors include: excess vitamin D, overactive parathyroid glands, medical conditions such as cancer, some kidney diseases, or a disease ca lled sarcoidosis. Uric acid stones: Excess amounts of uric acid can be caused by eating a lot of meat. Conditions such as gout and treatments such as chemotherapy can also increase the risk of getting uric acid stones. Struvite stones (infection stones): These are caused by too much ammonia in the urine. Ammonia is a chemical produced by the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. This kind of stone is most often found in women. Cystine stones: These are caused by a hereditary disorder called cystinuria, which affects about one per cent of men and women. Some people are more likely to get kidney stones than others. Men are more prone than women, and people who have previously had a kidney stone have a 60% chance of getting another stone within seven years. Other factors include: a family history of kidney stones, being aged between 20 and 40, taking certain medicines such as diuretics (water tablets), antacids and thyroid medications, having only one kidney, eating a diet high in protein but very low in fibre, becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough fluids or living or working in a hot place, having poor mobility (eg, being confined to bed), having an ileostomy, eg, for Crohn’s disease. Knowing the exact cause and type of stone enables people to make changes that can help prevent further stones. To help prevent any type of stone, fluid intake should be two to three litres per day - water is best. People who get calcium stones should cut down on foods that have high levels of calcium (dairy products and leafy green vegetables), and oxalate (chocolate, tea, rhubarb, cooked spinach and asparagus). It's important to discuss dietary changes with a doctor – not everyone finds them helpful. People who get uric acid stones should eat less meat, fish and poultry. Also to help prevent uric acid stones, medicine may be prescribed to control the level of uric acid in the urine. People who get struvite or "infection" stones need to keep the urine free of bacteria that can cause infection. This may mean taking long-term antibiotics. As for my case, the doctor did not quite point out the causes, but said it could have been as a result of diet or even not drinking enough water. Sometimes the stone just form for no reason at all, owing to weaknesses in the immune system. Each person's causes vary. Hope all that information helps. WaheguruJi Ka Khalsa. WaheguruJi Ki Fateh. L*

GuruFatehJi. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb did not even pause to think of the Quran upon which he was fanatically propagating the Islamic faith on his subjects. And when he took a false Oath on the Quran to coerce Guru Gobind Singh Ji to leave the Fort, the Emperor probably didn’t realise the gravity of his false oath, which even his very own Quran speaks about: ’Do not take an oath, with the intention of deceiving the other party. You have been guided onto the path of righteousness; and this would cause your foot to stumble. Moreover, you would commit the evil of blocking God’s path to others-and for that you would incur a grievous punishment.’ - Quran Despite knowing the untrustworthy and deceiving nature of Aurangzeb, the Guru left the Fort, all in due respect to the holy scriptures of the Islamic faith. The very Quran on which Aurangzeb took a false oath on sealed his fate, along with that of the Mughal Empire’s. Had they known and understood their Quran, the Mughal Empire would not have been a tyrannical one. Unfortunately, the men of religion, disillusioned by the greed for power and wealth, tainted the image of their faith – and paid for it. History stands as proof. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Here's first-hand experience on Homeopathy . . . and I was led to it through Ardas. One day, two years ago, I awoke from my sleep with a nagging pain in my right kidney area and the pain refused to subside. It just went on and on to the point that I had to be rushed to the hospital. The diagnosis turned out to be kidney stones. Having gone through numerous tests, painkillers and more medication, the pain came back again two days later, this time with even more lingering power. And that pain was unbearable - so relentless and merciless that each time it occurred, it lasted for hours, leaving me in tears. Much to my reluctance, I had to go back to the hospital, where the doctors resolved to retain me for further tests and alternative methods of treatment. Now that thought made me even more sick. I didn't have a choice anyway, so I went back home to grab my jacket and diary and prepare myself to spend a few days at the hospital. Even then, the doctors said that the stones may be removed by various methods, but there was no guarantee whether they would form again - which made me freak out even more. On the way back to the hospital, I decided to pass by the Gurudwara to ask for Waheguru's blessings to bring me back to chardikala. He knew what was going through me when I asked him in the Ardas to save me from the hospitals because I was so freaked out with the methods they were going to use (felt like some kind of experimental lab-rat) and find me another way which I would be more at home with. Once the Ardas was done, I prepared to reluctantly drive away to the hospital, and keeping hope in Waheguru that all would turn out well. I walked down from the Darbar, towards my car, when my attention was suddenly drawn towards the Gurudwara notice board. I saw a poster advertising homeopathic cures. All I remember seeing was the word 'Homeopathy', the entry of 'kidney stones' in the long list of ailments that have cures, the name of the doctor and his contact. I immediately called him up and told him my story. He reassured me that my condition is curable through homeopathy and that I didn't need to go to the hospital and that I should meet him up. Taking my x-rays and test results, I headed to the Homeopathy doctor. There, I spent like almost 2 hours, asking him all sorts of questions (why this and why that of homeopathy, which I had never heard of before), while still in pain at the time. He explained it calmly and continually reassured me. After having heard all, I said to myself within, that I had come across Homeopathy through Ardas and I'm going to place my full faith in it - after all, I had asked Waheguru for an alternative to the hospital. The day after I started the Homeopathy medication, I experienced the worst pains I have ever experienced in my life - and ringing true the known fact about kidney stone pains (of how intensive they are, like labour pains). That night, I was completely disillusioned because the pain began at 7pm and simply to refuse to go away. No matter what I did, the pain was just unrelenting - I could not find a single posture that would ease the pain to even a fraction - be it sitting, lying down or standing - nothing. Nothing was helping. The pain showed no signs of subsiding. This went on for hours - until 3am in the morning, when after all the tears of pain, I was emotionally and physically exhausted - and the pains subsided and eased off. The next morning, I went back to my Homeopathy doctor to whom I narrated the whole episode, still completely drained out of my energy (that's how bad the pains had been). He explained that the medication and begun its course of work, how it was seeking the root cause of my ailment and put an end it to it for good. He said that the pain I experienced was a sign of the medication working its way, beginning its process of breaking down whatever was causing the condition to build up over the past few years. What I feared then was when the next pains would strike, because by now I had begun to fear the pains. He comforted my spirits and said that even if the pains were to come back, they would not be as intense and that they would eventually subside and go away completely. I trusted his every advice and comforting words, because each time, I was reminded that all this was happening through the Ardas I had offered to Waheguru. Indeed, the pains returned, but much less. Each time they came back after a couple of days, they were subdued and bearable. And then, after a few weeks, the pains disappeared altogether. I continued my medication according to the symptoms I described to the doctor. I was made to understand how Homeopathy is a long-term cure - it could take months (or even years) for the treatment to take its complete effects. I was ready for all that. I was ready to give it time because something that came through Ardas, something within me always assured me, will work. I realised how faith actually works. If the treatment I had hardly heard of before could make such tremendous difference to my ailment, I would give it as much time as it required. It's been over two years now since I began my medication and I'm still on it, though not as regularly as before. Only when there are other signs and symptoms do I drop by and gather some new medication. Since then, I have never had the same pains again - maybe dull sensations and some sharp, needle-like sensations in the kidney areas, but nothing like that dreadful night. The medication worked - and also proved beyond doubt the power of an honest and heart-felt Ardas. Incidentally, I am taking my dose right now. I began another course of medication last week after I went ba ck to the doctor, telling him of brief, minor sharp pains in the lower abdomen area. There still is some little dull pains in the original area of the kidneys but it a complete departure from the past. I know that the medicine is working, taking its time to fix up my system. I'm prepared to go on with the medication for as long as it takes because each time, I notice far greater changes within me. Ever since I began the medication, I have never felt so energised and positive. What this medication does is interesting (something the allopathic cannot match) - as it works within the system, it strengthens the immune system by irradicating whatever weakness it has that causes our various ailments. It is these weaknesses in the immune system that over the years lead us to pick up an ailment. Once these weakness and cracks are eliminated, the body can fight off anything and keep the body system healthy. That is the beauty of Homeopathy. My medication is nothing like the Allopathic ones. They are tiny white pellets which are dissolved in a small measure of water. Once dissolved, they bear no smell or taste and it is as good as drinking water. Imagine how wonderful such medication is where there are no disgusting pills and capsules to look at and that leave a bad taste on the tongue when gulped down. Unlike Allopathic medications, Homeopathic ones have no side effects because the former are made from chemicals, while the latter from natural elements. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed by symptoms rather than conditions, as each case of a particular illness can manifest differently in different people. For more information on homeopathy, check out the link www.abchomeopathy.com/homeopathy.htm (to begin with, find a doctor and do not order any medication online). Try Homeopathy - you'll see how it rejuvenates you from top to bottom (and help you stay in Chardikala!). But for a person without patience and faith, this system will not work. Be prepared to take the course for as long as it tak es because it is so simple. What could be better than taking medication that is like drinking water? At least not conventional medications! Homeopathy works. And so does Ardas, Trust me, for a Sikh of the Guru, some prayers are just waiting to be answered, if only we could tread the path of faith and patience. Of course, even Allopathy works, but for holistic treatments, Homeopathy is just too good for the body as much and even more for the soul. GuruFatehJi. L* PS: And guess what? The poster I saw on the Gurudwara notice board 'disappeared' the next time I looked for it. I don't even remember seeing it before. I only saw it that very day I made the Ardas. It was there for a few days, but I have not seen it again. The inner voice told me me how it was put up just for the Sikh who made an honest Ardas at the Abode of the Guru. Dhan Dhan Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj!!

GuruFatehJi. The question is age-old - Does God really exist? Either side of the discussion can neither be sufficiently proved nor disproved. Follow one such debate on the following link, and do join their discussion and let us give our feedback from the Sikh perspective. www.pbs.org/wgbh/questionofgod/ This is an interesting opportunity to check how much of Gurbani we know and understand to defend our beliefs and principles, and provide our solid answers to those who still find them elusive. Yes, Sikhs believe in the existence of God, but can we support our stand through Gurbani? Believe it, the answers are there - In Guru Granth Sahib Ji - all we need is a discussion like this to help us dive deep into the Wisdom of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. I've kind of become immune to insulting remarks from our own Sikhs. I agree fully that when anyone confronts a Sikh of the Guru, the Guru manifests the answer Himself in defence of His Sikh. This has happened to me on every occasion where I have been given some of the most silliest remarks on my Sikh appearance. I recently met up by chance with a childhood friend of mine, who was a keshdhari when we were in primary school together, and seeing me with a flowing beard, he reamarked, 'Oye, tu Gyani bangya!!' I had no idea what to answer him but my Guru took over and put him to peace when I suddenly replied, 'Nai, mein Sikh bangya!' The answer had its profoundest impact because he could not utter another word. Nevertheless, we met in an emrace, afterall, I met my childhood friend after an odd 15 years! Once at work, my Creative Director, who's a gora saw my 'Khalsameter' (slaai) tucked into my tshirt and ignorantly reamarked, 'Hey mate, why are you wearing that 'weapon'? You Sikhs are just violent people, carrying weapons around!' I calmly replied, 'No, it is not a weapon. But the knife in your kitchen certainly could be one. The penknife in your pocket could a be a weapon, too. Your tougue probably is the deadliest weapon of all, for there is nothing else can injure more, than this simple Sikh article of mine.' It just shut him up. Many people still make fun of me by referring me to Osama Bin Laden. 'Hey, you look like Bin Laden!', they say. 'No, I don't', I reply to them, 'he looks like me. There's a difference.' Then they hardly ever argue from there, somehow the answer just squashes all their further remarks. As for my fellow Sikhs who continue to make fun of the Sikh appearance, I have just one answer for them: 'Whatever it is you're telling me, tell it to my Guru as well. You have his portrait in your home, too. Next time, stand before his portrait, and say the same things to my Guru as well, because there is no difference between my Guru and his Sikh.' They can challenge me, but they can never challenge my Guru. The Guru is great. He's has, and always will, protect the honour of his Sikhs - just like JagdeepKaur said. True, so true. GuruFatehJi. L*