lakhvir

Why you are the cause of decay -------------------------------------- By Jagdeep Kaur Ever wondered why youth do not come to the Gurudwaras? Where have we gone wrong? Why have we failed to encourage them to attend the Sunday Diwans, or particpate in religious ocassions? The reasons are simple, but hang on to your seats, you may not want to face the truth. To begin with, the youth have little understanding of what a Gurudwara really is. Their understanding is, that it is a place where we go and bow down to our Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, sit down quietly and try and concentrate on what the Granthi is reciting, or to understand what the Ragis are singing. Their mind is never in the Darbar because they claim that they do not understand an iota of what is going on in there. Ask them and all you’ll hear is babbling, you will not imagine what these youth do not know. They rarely look forward to stepping foot again into the Darbar. The only aspect of the Gurudwara they may actually enjoy is the Langar and catching up with their friends. Their perspective of the Gurudwara is a grim one. Why go to a place, they say, where we don’t understand anything, people come there to gossip and show off and are constantly fighting over power? They have not made up that persepctive. They have witnessed it. No one has explained to them what the meaning of a Gurudwara is and what its place is in our spiritual development. We have failed them and with time to come, they will fail us in return. Any wonder why the youth are rolling in apostasy? Our youth are now amongst those in the world who are known to do drugs, smoke, hang out in dark places and even indulge in the pleasures of the sen ses. To them that is the real world. We know who these youth are and yet we have done close to nothing to try and bring them back to Sikhi. Our failure is our own selves. When we are not in Sikhi ourselves, why do we even bother trying to comprehend why the youth are straying? Everything begins with the self. The way you portray yourself is the way you will see the world. If you are in Sikhi, so will the youth be. Just try it. You will need less reason to coerce them back. All they need are role models which they cannot find anymore. The few they do find are seen as old-fashioned, traditional or orthodox because the ‘modern’ Sikhs way out number them. If you and I will adopt Sikh values and commit ourselves to the Guru and promise Him that we will do all that a Sikh is required to do, believe me, the world will follow our examples. You set the wrong examples, you will see for yourself the results of your actions in your own children. We have forgotten our important role in our community and many do not even care. We already know so much but do nothing to refine our beings because we are ourselves weak in spirit. If we want our youth back in the Gurudwaras, let’s see you there first. ------------------------ This article was published in 'Akaal' Magazine and targeted towards the Sikhs of Kenya. Your comments and input is welcomed.

GuruFatehJi. Also another point is what the owners of the site claim: '. . . Faqir Sayyed Noor Uddin was amongst the favorites of Maharaja Rangit Singh as he cured an acute eye disease which was spoiling his good eye . . .' They may even have photos of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and of his contemporaries. If they do, it would be of immense value to Sikh history. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Here's a part of the connection as mentioned on the e-Museum site: ' . . . Being the ruler at the time Maharaja Ranjit Singh more often received gifts from official visitors which he passed on to the Faqir Brothers along with most of other treasures from his predecessors . . . ' I'm sure such details need our research, too, as it also is part of the Sikh heritage. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, For your information: '. . . The Faqirs were official physicians to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the most powerful ruler of Punjab, and he rewarded them with priceless artefacts and jewels, all of which are now displayed in Lahore's Faqir Khana museum . . .' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3839579.stm Check out the museum on faqirkhana.com It's even got a Sikh Collection, although the link is not yet complete. Is a sure thing to look out for. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Who knows, time has come when people are going to look at a turbaned Sikh with respect, because they will be out there to show them what they can really do in leadership. May be time has come when people are saying, 'Let's give it a try to someone who is different from the rest.' The presence of 3 GurSikhs in Canadian politics surely is testimony to the fact that the Sikhs may have been down until now but certainly not out. GurSikhi, because it is the reflection of Truth, will eventually triumph, and see through the low blows life has given it. Guru Mehar Karaay. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. My goodness, Daasn Daas! Your message just sent my spirits soaring! That's an amazing thought to make an Ardas to GuruJi! Who knows, my Guru holds all our past records, whether I was there . . . my soul so longs for that connection . . . GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Jaisi mann di bhaavna . . . Just like Baba Nanak did - Sacha Sauda. That would be one of the best examples to emulate. It is the very basis of Sikh thought and philosophy which is still practiced in the form of Langar. Dasvandh is an honour to the Guru and it brings blessings. Whatever you feel from your heart, one can use their Dasvandh in that respect. Giving to Gurudwaras is good, but it seems like our Gurudwara committees have become like masands of the day. All that charaava, and they don't even use it in parchaar and Sikh causes. They use it to beautify their Boardrooms and parking lots (!). An ideal use of your dasvandh would be a long-term investment into the education of a needy child. Of course there are so many other ways to put your dasvandh, the beneficiaries are all around us. Also, let us not restrict to just our Panth. It could be done to fulfil a genuine need out side our own community. Guru Kirpa Karay. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Wish I was there . . . what an atmosphere it must have been . . . http://www.info-sikh.com/Pgzpic56.html GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Watch the trailor: http://www.indiafm.com/feature/04/jun/2806...aar/index.shtml GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. I think two weeks turned out to be a little to too tight for many. So we'll double it. Let's keep the deadline to a month from now - end of July 2004. Hope you will share your experiences at the Toronto Smagam with us! Guru Kirpa Karay. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. I'm a member of many Sikh Discussion forums, but I must say that I have throroughly benefited from SikhSangat, simply because we are all at that learning level. Other groups tend to get too academic about the smallest things which confuse many youth. The idea of a discussion forum is to inspire and encourage, not to bombard with all the world's chatter. I like being on SikhSangat. I like humour and good nature of our members. They are young and they do not involve themselves in slander, which many forums are infected with. I have learnt a lot from my young brothers and sisters on this forum and through them have I found many more doors that lead me ever so closer to my Guru . . . And good work, to the the moderators and Waheguroo Network. I'm inspired by your seva. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Here's the next topic for essays: HOW HAS BEING A SIKH CHANGED YOU? Be it inspirational or otherwise, we all see our religion from different perspectives. While many of us become stronger in Sikhi as they realise the beauty of our religion and its teachings, there are also others who have felt unobliged to it. Here's a chance to tell us your story. Tell us everything, share with us your inner-most thoughts and feelings, as though you were confiding with the Guru. We all love Sikhi, but not everyone travels the journey at the same pace. So let's here it from you: 'Being a Sikh, how has your life changed?' Good luck with the essay and looking forward to learning from you. May Guru Maharaj bless you with the strength and wisdom to share your life with us. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Here's the poster for the film: http://www.indiafm.com/firstlook/sarhadpaar.shtml GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, One tires of even discussing these Bollywood films that portray the Sikh image. They are never true to the real Sikh, and will paint the community in anything but a positive image. It remains to be seen whether this film will be any different from the past ones. This link is just for you to be aware of what's going on with the film scene as far as the Sikhs are concerned. http://www.indiafm.com/stills/04/sarhadpaa...aar/index.shtml GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Also remember that even our very thoughts amount to our karma. Deed is not just of action, but of thought, too. Whatever we think of another, be it good or bad, is accountable. It is the double-edged sword that we walk - and our good is ensured when we will learn how to balance both sides - of thought and action, because both are deeds. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Why soil your karmas by thinking about another's? That is not our concern at all. It is what we do here on earth that matters, the rest is left to the results of our deeds. Our Sikh Ardas asks of 'Sarbat Da Bhalla' - even for those who have wronged us. It is one matter not to forget and another to forgive. We must, however, never forget lest the past repeats itself. We must also learn to forgive, lest the past haunts us in return. What happens to the soulS of Godly or unGodly people is best left to their karmas. We can only imagine where they are, but we can never be sure until, maybe, when it is our time to leave this world. We must pray for everyone, good or bad. If we call ourselves good in comparison to otheres, we should humble ourselves and thank Waheguru for sparing us what the lost and confused people of this world engage themselves in. It will greatly honour our Gurus to love one and all. Love breaks barriers. But when the world is against us, it is our duty to perfect ourselves spiritually after which we can be prepared to face our challenges. Let go of those gone, leave them to their fates - and may their fate be good. Let us look within and prepare to face those who are still alive and are having anything but good intentions towards our faith and beliefs. We will be accountable for our deeds as much as all those who are in this world and also those who have moved on. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Please post link. Thank you. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, These prophesies are against Gurmat teachings, so their sources are of suspicious nature. They have either been crafted by over-zealous Sikhs (after Guru Gobind Singh's passing away in 1708, Guruji would have denounced them in his lifetime) or Brahmnical elements. Never get distracted by such writings because they are sugar-coated. Who knows what lies within. They are just to make Sikhs feel happy and detrack from following the teachings of Dhan Dhan Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. If such issues are not supported by Gurbani or reflect the nature of our Gurus, keep you guard, lest you lose your way from the real Sikhi. CONSIDER THIS: 1. The so-called prophesies were not even mentioned, let alone supported, by the successor Gurus. 2. Would the so-called prophesies not be of alarm to Aurangzeb? They were never once metioned in our Sikh history, especially during the times of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 3. The so-called prophesies would have been mentioned in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 'Zafarnama' because it was addressed to Aurangzeb himself and the Emperor was refered to in the 'prophesy'. 4. Baba Nanak was the founder Guru of Sikhism and I believe he would not speak of anything other than highest - the practice of truth. He only preached the practice of a righteous life, of meditation on God and sharing our honest earnings with the needy. His entire life was testimony of it. What followed him was the evolution of the message of Sikhi, one Guru after the other, until it (Sikhi) reached it's final form - the Khalsa. 5. The so-called prophesies belies t he very message of Guru Nanak and Guruji never imposed his beliefs and message on anyone. What was true, he wrote down, as inspired by Waheguru. Those are the Shabads that we read in Gurbani today. 6. Finally, why do the prophesies seemingly stop at the Aurangzeb stage or Mughal Raj's fall? What of the rest of the attacks on Sikhi that followed the Khalsa Raj (Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Partition of Punjab, Blood Vaisakhi of 1978, Attack on Harmandir Sahib in 1984 etc) ? Guruji's vision certainly would not be that limited. These Saakhis are pure nonsense. Don't waste your energy on even thinking about them, they will mislead you. Don't bet your Sikhi on it, please. Follow and search the wisdom of Gurbani only, that is the Hukam of Guru Gobind Singh Ji - 'Sabh Sikhan ko Hukam Hai, Guru manyo Granth'. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Hello japmans, If it were not for your interest shown by asking about it, I would probably have just let the 'Essay Marathon' laid to rest. I think that the exercise turned out to be a little too time-consuming or uninteresting for many, so I thought of letting it go. May be I should give it another try. So the next topic will be up this Friday, 18 June 2004. And maybe we will keep the topic open for a month. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Here's a mailing list I began recently, which borrows wisdom and inspiration from different faiths of the world. It not only inspires and encourages your spirit, but also helps us understand and appreciate the knowledge imparted to us by various enlightened souls whose quotes guide our spirit to higher consciousness. Although this mailing list is not directly related to Sikhism, I thought it would be of benefit in one way or another, which will also eventually help us on our path in Sikhi, as knowledge and inspiration is universal which is relavent to whatever faith we are in. Also, the people on my daily mailing list come from all faiths, so it gives us all an opportunity to learn about each other's faith. In the long run, it will help us to appreciate and understand people of various faiths with whom we share our temporary earthly abode. If you would like to be a part of the mailing list, do drop me an email. A point of note is that the beginning message are my thoughts which I share with my friends. Your comments and input on the daily subjects would be of great help, as I also have yet so much to learn. Below is a sample of the InnerJouney messages which I will be posting daily on this forum. GuruFatehJi. L* ------------------------ InnerJourney - Death/Life Hello, fellow traveller! If there is one thing common in us all mortals, then it surely is the fear of death. No one wants to speak about it and there is mournful silence when it passes by as a reminder that it is so much a part and parcel of our very existence here on earth. A person who has no purpose in their life will fe ar death because they have no clue on why they have been born in this world. We are all here to fulfil the Divine Purpose and it is our challenge and duty to realise what role we are here to play in our life. When we realise that purpose, we reform our beings and live a life of righteousness and of prayer and the fear of death disappears. It is only then that we really live life to the fullest because our lives are guided by purpose and it is not dragged into sin and corruption of the spirit. Death is merely a beginning, not an end. It is all a matter of belief and faith. If we think of where the greatest of humble and holy souls are today, we can only imagine that they are in a much better realm of existence where we are also headed to as well. We are so attached to the comforts of this world that we fear losing all that we have when death comes to claim us. For one who lives with the understanding that everything that we see, hear and feel is all illusionary and temporary, we will then learn to focus on the Divine who then directs how we live our life so that when His Call comes, we will not fear, but rather look forward to merge into the Real Life Himself, God. It takes faith, courage and wisdom to understand the nature of death. If we can only understand that everything here on earth, which also includes you and me, are all mortals and that we will leave behind our body of dust, we will support our soul’s quest to become pure and worthy of God. And when the end comes, the dust is left behind and the soul can finally make that journey for which it has been in wait for so many ages – to a place of absolute Bliss, Peace and Love – God’s Abode, where there is no suffering, no pain and no attachments – verily, our Real Home. Have a great day. God bless you. - Lakhvir Singh WISDOM QUOTE - Death There's but little breath left on the boundary of this life and next. Not knowing if I'll be here next morning, why try to trick death with life-schemes f or a permanent future? -Buddhist Wisdom INSPIRATION QUOTE - Life Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come. - Louisa May Alcott (in Little Women) InnerJourney’s main purpose is to try and uplift the spirits and encourage the self into becoming a better individual. InnerJourney defines the journey we all travel, seeking answers and inspiring those who need that little extra push to a more positive outlook on life. If you found this email of benefit, invite a friend to join the mailing list. Thank you for taking time to read this email, it is my sincerest hope and prayer that it encouraged you today, and for the rest of your peaceful and fruitful long life. Blessings. . . . . . . I N N E R J O U R N E Y . . . . . .

GuruFatehJi. It seems like this thread is not attracting any further essays, so we'll just close it now. Thank you to all those who sent in their writings. The Admin can now take this post off as a 'Sticky'. Thank you, Admin for your kind support. Also, would readers of this forum please advice if we should keep up with the 'Essay Marathon' because if it means it is too complicated for time and space, maybe I should just ease out of it. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, It's been over 2 weeks since this topic was posted and we seem to be getting no further essays. Shall we close this thread and move on to the next, or shall we give it some more time for those who wish to add in their essays? I would say, give it a try, just imagine it, be inspired and write even a paragraph or so, it will be nice to learn from your creative thoughts, too! Thank you to all those who gave in their time and space to particpate in this topic. I'll be putting the submitted essays together and post a summary in a week's time. Use this forum to bring out the writer in you, never underestimate the power of the written word, it could change the world, and you! Just look at Gurbani, how many lives Guruji has transformed and directed towards the Divine. The power of writing can only be realised through interest and hardwork. Read as much as you can and you'll be just as good as the seasoned writers. Next topic to be posted by Monday, 7 June 2004. GuruFatehJi. L*

Heh? Kee kya tusi, KhalsaJi? L*

GuruFatehJi, Just what is Sunny paji up to now? Here's bollywood mocking the Sikh image again . . . http://www.indiafm.com/stills/04/joboleson...hal/index.shtml Such a great, inspiring title for a film, at least the actor could have acknowledged a full-kesh (no trimmed beard) Sikh image. O well, another Bollywood bashing on the Sikhs . . . GuruFatehJi. L*

In the company of father and son: A conversation with Guru Gobind Singh ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He's almost like a myth, a legend. Such a great man, who followed the legacies of 9 past Nanaks and a Nanak himself, it is so difficult for this small mind to grasp the greatness of Guru Gobind Singh. He's a personality, who has 9 others and yet another one of his very own - in the visage of the tenth and last human Guru of the Sikhs. How does one even define such a man, let alone imagine him in flesh and blood, right before our very eyes? Spiritually, we all endeavour to connect to him, and through him, travel back all the way to Nanak. I have always believed, and still strongly do, that if we have not understood Guru Nanak, how can we understand Guru Gobind Singh? As Sikhs, we are all like him, and the Guru has always wanted that. Many have not understood that the teachings of Guru Nanak and of Guru Gobind Singh bear little difference. The pen of Nanak was the sword of Gobind. I have no doubt about that. My only physical contact with the Guru on a daily basis is the big handsome portrait of Guruji in my room, right above my bed. I always look up at his portrait when I get up in the morning, whenever leaving home and on entering my room. The only natural expressions that resound from the heart through the lips is 'Dhan Guru Nanak! Dhan Dhan Sahib Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj! Dhan Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru!' When I look at the beautifully crafted and soulfully portrayed visage of the Guru, my soul assures me that my Guru must have been li ke that. His works and life calculate to the image before my eyes. Looking deeper within the colours on his person, they come alive, as soon as I see my own reflection on the glass that is held in its frame. When I see myself in the mirror, the Guru's portrait is reflected in it. Every single time I stand before the mirror, I see my Guru. The very form I have as a Sikh is a testimony of his Khalsa and his form. As I tie my turban, I feel as through my Guru is dressing me. When I brush my flowing beard, I feel as though it is my Guru's energy rushing through the kesh. Each day, he reminds me, through my very own appearance, of my heritage, history and my great Gurus and their loving GurSikhs. We take Sikhi for granted and are so liberal minded, filled with so much manmat, that we lose sight of the Guru. We fail him miserably, and yet he fought with all his might and spirit in defence of the Sikhi we are living today. He never failed us, and it brings me to tears to witness the very people who he fought for treat him like as though he did nothing significant. So much apathy! Even those who are GurSikh, and yet are not perfect in their lifestyles and Sikhi are guilty of tearing apart the Guru's sacrifices. 'Help me, O Guruji, not to be like those who claim to be your Sikhs but are only there in name, and not in deed. Protect me from their maladies. Bless me with your spirit and energy to the point that I feel there is no difference between yourself and your Sikh.' I pray through my soul to him . . . He knows me inside-out and he knows when I'm making up emotions and when I'm deep down sincere. He listens to the sincere ones, and I can tell you, he works them out in your benefit, and to the benefit of the Panth. To have the darshan of Guruji is, for many of us, an unimaginable blessing. 'Are we worthy?' we ask ourselves. But the Guru says, 'Try and make yourself worthy, I'm all ready waiting to show myself to you.' So never underestimate your p otential to connect to the Guru, he's right before us, but we do not see him, because we hardly ever rise above our material senses. I believe that to see him, try through the eyes of the soul which has, who knows, seen him in a past life. Hear him, through the soul, which may have been in his sangat in his times. And feel him, through your very soul, which must have been a Sikh standing by his side in the battlefield. Today, if I imagine a material witness of the Guru, in flesh and blood, my soul says it is possible. There will be those who will doubt, but who didn't doubt even the Guru during his times? I listen to the voice within, it could never be wrong, especially if it is guided by the teachings of our Gurus. With the Grace of the Guru, I have realised that the Guru is not far, but for those who feel he is far, then he certainly is, based on our deeds. And what else do I need for spiritual comfort when I have my Gurus in the form of my Living Guru - Dhan Dhan Sahib Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj? I have the form of the Sikh, and of a Khalsa in a few months time, and the spirit of the Guru in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. My Guru is right before me, every living second of my life. But there does come a moment when the soul, which has been separated from him for so many ages, to seek just a glance of the source of it's existence, and to have a heart-to-heart talk, like between a father and son. I close my eyes, and my soul travels in search of his darshan . . . and there he is . . . seated in the depths of my soul . . . and we meet . . . 'Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, Lakhvir Singh! It's so nice to see you today, it's so rare of you to pass by these days!' Guru Gobind Singh Ji greets me as I descend into the soul's centre. Embarrassed, I hang my head, in bowed reverence and greet Fateh to Guruji. 'Come, come, sit by me. I was meditating on Akaal Purakh, won't you join me?' he asked, like a loving father. 'See,' he cont inued, 'deep within you, I meditate with you. Isn't that a deep connection with Waheguru? And it is true with every GurSikh. When they meditate, recite Gurbani or sing Kirtan, they do it from the deepest end of their souls because that is where I am, to help them connect to the Divine, our Husband Lord.' Sitting by his right hand side, I shut my eyes and tried to experience the presence of my Guru, within whom resides the spirit enjoined in one, of Guru Nanak and his successor Gurus. There was so much peace that all I could feel was I was not even there, I felt merged in the Divine. When I opened my eyes to take a peek at what my Guru was doing, I saw him looking at me with a loving glance. I felt a little shy and asked, 'Guruji, why do you look at me so?' 'Chir bhayo darshan dekhe . . .', he replied with a radiant smile. 'Yes, GurSikha, how I've longed to see you, too! When I see you, I see myself and when I see myself, I see my Husband Lord. How I savour such a moment, to see you deep within your self and merging into the Light! Please do continue contemplating, let me enjoy the moment of seeing you . . .' As I shut my eyes again, I wondered what Guruji felt of the state of the world, especially of his Sikhs. 'I am not worried about the world right now, I'm with you,' replied Guruji. I was dumbstruck. I hadn't even said anything, and the Guru had heard my very thought. Opening my eyes again, I looked at Guruji. 'You are my Khalsa,' he said, 'you will do my Will in this life. There is nothing wrong with the world when there is nothing wrong with you, my dear soul.' 'When you submit your soul to my Will, you have verily placed your head on your palm and walked my Path. I know then, that my soldier, my Sipahi, is getting ready for me to bring a change to the world that is still on fire,' Guruji spoke from his depths. 'You have nothing to worry because you have found the Path I left behind for my Sikhs to follow. Sadly, many have questioned the Path and have trusted their own intellect, rather than the Path I lovingly created for their safe passage to their Husband Lord. They have questioned me, forgotten the sacrifices and chosen to be higher than the Guru. I have no issue with them. They are lost in their self. Poor mortals, they hardly realise what injustice they do unto their soul, it will be lost for so many ages, looking for another opportunity to get a human body that will help them to reach Waheguru. Why have they still not realised that their body is like a boat to help them cross over the terrifying world ocean? Instead, they are digging holes in it, surely, they are going to drown aren't they?' 'But you will show them the way back. I have in you the Khalsa I had in mind. You are on that Path. I may be gone physically, but through the roop I have also granted you, they will remember me. So don't ever hide your identity, for you know that your Guru would never hide from the world. They will dislike you and call you names, but don't loose heart. Even my Baba Nanak faced the same challenges. Just be like your Nanak, smile and move on with Waheguru in your soul, for He will ferry you across, if they others don't want to. Once you are on the sure path of Sikhi, don't falter, please, for my sake!' 'You know what you mean to me? Khalsa meri jaan ki jaan! You are my very life! You are my strength and my solace and through Sikhi, you will save your soul. You will be over with this life that is just temporary, just a life-night. When day breaks, you will be with me, holding your hand and leading you to your soul's quest of reunion with your Husband Lord. So keep holding the helm of the robe of Gurbani, for that is where the answers are to all your questions which you initially came over to ask me.' Then there was silence. I looked upon my Guru's visage, so radiant and full of love. And he looked back at me with eyes, full to the brim with love. How could anyone ever do anything to hurt such a loving father by losing ourselves in manmat and vice? Aisaey Gur Ko bal bal jaayiye! 'Come, let's take a little walk,' Guruji suddenly said, 'I could do with a little physical exercise!' We walked through an endless landscape of brilliant light. Guruji didn't say anything, he left me gazing around. I could see, all around me, my very life's countless episodes. There were those episodes that brought a smile to me when I saw the times I spent in prayer and sangat and good deeds. Guruji put his arm around my shoulder and said, 'I'm proud of you, my son, those were the times I was always walking with you. But look! Look on the other side, there are the episodes of your life that bring tears to my eyes, you forgot me. I lost you in those times. Look, just look at those deeds that brought shame upon your Husband Lord, upon me! Is that what a GurSikh is supposed to be doing?' I stopped in my tracks and looked. There I saw, all the moments I lost in sleep, missing my Amritvela and engrossed in worldly affairs. Remembering now, how I had wronged my Guru, tears welled up in my eyes. But before they could roll over my cheeks, my Guru soothed them out with his loving hands. 'Let's move on, Singhji, those episodes have been written off for you, let's move on. Forget them.' 'What?' I asked myself in deep surprise, silently within, 'All those misdeeds? Written off? Just like that? How can that be? After having wronged my Husband Lord and my Gurus, how can the Guru just write them off without a second thought? He didn't even let me repent or feel the guilt . . .' 'To what good will that do, Lakhvir Singh?' Guruji asked. I knew by now that my thoughts were audible to my Guru, and I was no longer surprised at his knowing my inner thoughts. 'Once you realise what you did was wrong, forget those episodes of your lost moments of life and move on. Don't look back. Aaagay samajh chalo Nandlala, paachay jo beeti so beeti. Concentrate on what you have your life for. Don't waste your time on regret and self pity! Hurry, there's no time, Lakhvir!' Having walked for a while and enjoying many moments of silence and savouring the moments of walking together, Guruji desired some rest. 'Come Lakhvir Singh, let's sit awhile . . .' he said. I took a deep breath and made myself comfortable as we chose a spot to sit. 'You know, Lakhvir Singh, I enjoyed your company. We will no longer be separated when you have worked your life in preparing for your marriage to your Husband Lord. You will find me there when your call comes. I will also reveal to you Guru Nanak, who awaits your company. My son, all the souls are loved by Waheguru, don't you ever doubt that. But some souls become selfish and fickle-minded. They think that life is unfair to them. They think Waheguru does not even exist. Out of love, He sends them back to the world to start over again. If He really disliked any soul, He would have ended its existence the moment it strayed. But He wants every soul to return to its True Home. You see, man has been created as the most intelligent of all life forms, so he sometimes thinks that he doesn't need anyone to tell him what to think or do. Waheguru Himself granted him that freedom to think like that, but he needs to correct his thinking. More often than not, he just does not think. Poor mortal!' 'I want you to live your life on example - an inspiring one, not a tragic one. Those who look at you, will have the capacity to pick some energy from you and become GurSikh, just like you, so don't ever stop that energy from flowing. Nanak Naam Chardikala! And when my GurSikhs gather in prayer and meditation and seva, it is Satyug for you, right here on earth, a taste of it for your senses, for the moments awaiting you beyond this life.' 'All right my son, you have to leav e now and I have to attend to a task. Just remember, whenever you wish to be with me, just look deep inside your soul. Need I convince you on that!' Guruji said, with a twinkle in his eye. Not wishing to let go of Him, and I just felt that thought, he again looked at me, and then took me in his warm embrace. His spirit told me that he is never away from me, as long as I remained dedicated to his Khalsa. I felt all questions and worries evaporate in his embrace. 'Now I'm ready for anything!' I told myself while still in the arms of Guruji. I felt my spirit speak to me, 'Yes, Lakhvir Singh, my Khalsa is always ready for anything!' Guruji did not speak anything, but it felt as thought my spirit communicated with his, and there was no doubt that we had both become one spirit. I opened my eyes and I felt like I had just been born - with new life and vigour, at the same time feeling as though I had lived my life and been satisfied, and was ready to begin another day all over again! Glancing up at Guruji's portrait, I looked at his visage and his person as the colours of the impressionist came to life again. All that I had thought of my Guru was true, that the Khalsa, truly, is his very form. Khalsa mero roop hai Khaas. And that he lived in me, indeed - Khalsa meh hau karu niwas. As I pen these last lines of an inner journey's great moments with the personality that has blown me away with his ways, I close my eyes once again and imagine him what he would be saying now. 'I have a question for you to ask the world, Lakhvir Singh, would you be of service to ask it for me?' requested Guru Gobind Singh Ji. 'Please ask those Sikhs who still doubt the ways of the Khalsa, what is it that we have not done for them? Please tell them, to protect their Sikhi today, we gave our all. We were there for them centuries ago, and now when we need them to protect our honour, why do they hesitate? It took the Khalsa to protect their Sikhi, now will their Sikhi not protect the Khalsa before the enemy strikes them from the back in the dead of night? Just ask them, and leave the rest to destiny.' By Lakhvir Singh Graphic and Web Designer, Nairobi, Kenya.