lakhvir

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Those questions are of ignorant nature and do not merit answers. Tha original author's identity is not clear and unless this guy is a Sikh who sincerely wants to find answers to faith, we would be merely entertaining a fool who has all the time in the world to play mischief. If this author can come out from beneath the veil that he/she hides under, only then can any consideration be made to try and answer his questions. From the tone of his mail, he/she is simply out there to insult the Sikh Gurus, Sikhi and Guru Granth Sahib. This person's sole intention seems to discredit Sikhi. There are enough people on this forum and the original one that the author posted on where theer are sincere seekers, and it is them who deserve our attention. The author is an ignorant one and I do not trust his/her intentions. That is what my apprach would be to this person. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, The first topic for the Essay Marathon is: A conversation with Guru Gobind Singh Imagine that you had a dream or it really happened. What would you ask or tell GuruJi? In return, what do you imagine GuruJi would have asked you or answered to your questions? Your essay is not restricted to the number of words, but let's target to a minimum of 1000 words, it could be longer than that if you wish. Try and imagine the situation you will be writing about and study a little of the background of the Guru and his times (and his writings) to seek the answers that you feel how he would have answered. The answers do not have to be accurate, but they will guage the knowledge you have about the Guru and Sikh History. Do not hesitate to seek help from those who are more enlightened about the subject, like your Gurudwara Gyani or your parents and siblings, or even learned friends. The topic is not as serious as it sounds, make it lively if you feel the need to. If you want to make it a serious conversation, even that approach is fine. It all depends on how you perceive the subject. Beginning today, you have until latest Sunday 30 May, 2004 to submit your essay. Please post your essay in this thread only. All the writers who were interested in particpating in this marathon have been listed below, but it is still open to even those who are not listed. If the essay attracts your interest, do join in. Please do not post any comments on any essay until it is closed. This thread is only for the essays. We will open another one for comments from readers after all the essays have been submitted. Please include your full name and occupation (or what you are studying) and a brief background about yourself. All the essays will then be summarised into one and re-posted and even distributed to other Sikh sites. So let your imagination free and let's hear what you said to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and what he told you in return. TIP: Do an Ardas and ask GuruJi to inspire you, you'll be amazed with what you come up with! Good Luck! GuruFatehJi. L* . . . . . . . . . . . WRITERS: S1ngh, Gupat Singhni, (Balait_da_Sher), smartsingh24, Satpreet, noonespecial*, raj_karega_khalsa, WalkingTowardTheLight, anon, japmans, Singhstah and Lakhvir.

GuruFatehJi. Sikh economist will be India's first non-Hindu PM http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/h...e/world/2580576 GuruFatehJi L*

GuruFatehJi, I'm sorry for trying to help. I was wrong to even try. GuruJi bless us all. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, I don't trust that question. Samosasingh was 'playing' and by accident, '2 hairs came out of his beard' and then, 'his dad went to strike him' . . . Now old are you, samosasinghji? Please enlighten us on why your dad would strike you (just because you lost 2 hairs??). I want to try and help you, so please let me know the answers to those two questions. :T: GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. From the previous poll, I missed out a crucial option and have included it in this one, together with the option that attracted the majority of the votes. Please do vote again, my apologies for the mix-up the first time round. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, A country that has over the past half century tried to turn the tide in favour of Hindu nationalism now seemingly faces a crisis of its own league. They are going to be hounded by the same fear they so mercilessly threw on its outnumbered minorities. Without much comment on whether the country will benefit or suffer at the hands of Sonia Gandhi as Prime Miniter, I will personally choose to watch the show and witness the unfolding of dramaitics. The most uncomfortable people in India right now are the Hindu Nationalists - champions of the Hindutva cause, in particular regard to the types of the RSS. They will disregard Sonia as a true Indian (just because she was not born in India) and challenge her ability to rule the country. They will only see the uncomfortable fact of having a non-Hindu rule over them. This is the time they will face the same music they played on others. Only time will tell if these nationalists will become the hunted for a change. It's not likely to happen, but that is exactly what their inner fear is. This is one phase in their country's history of politics where the nationalists will freak for their egoitic agendas. As far as the Sikhs are concerned, I feel no fear. If our past has not feared the mightiest of powers that tried their bloodiest best to annihilate the Sikhs, then the coming days are of no less reason to put our heads up high and prepare and be on our guard. As for now, I rather feel that it is the Hindu nationalists who are going to need some consolation. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Need to know these details for a specific purpose related to SikhSangat.com. Please do cast your vote. Thank you. GuruFatehJi. L* ---- Mod Comment : Veer ji you forgot the most used Resolution 1024 * 768

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Please take a look at the link below before reading on: http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.ppa?act=...f=12&t=4486&hl= Guru Nanak Dev Ji set out on a mission which culminated in the formation of a new Panth - the Khalsa Panth. His mission was clear - to reach out and let the people of religion know what they were doing and differentiate between worship and ritual, between leadership and tyranny. Guru Nanak's style of preaching was not that of imposing one's beliefs on others - and that is the beauty of Sikhism. In essence, Sikhs are all missionaries - for the self. Sikh Gurus did not go out to convert but to reach out and speak of what was the Truth. Let us not be mistaken about conversions. In other faiths, they have their missions and reasons for converting and preaching in the ways that they know best, for their own agendas. We have been given the right to challenge them when they come knocking on our doors (for example the Jehovahs Witnesses). We are Sikhs today because we stood up against those who were imposing their religion on the others. We will not become what we fought against. In my understanding, a Sikh is one who (as defined in the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh Rehat Maryada) fulfils his duty to the Guru, strengthens oneself in his/her faith and helps other Sikhs in the same way. A Sikh missionary is one who strengthens the Sikhi in Sikhs, and also stands up as a symbol of the ideal Sikh of the Guru for the world to look at and question him. Such a Sikh is looked up in curiosity and even contempt by the world. That is where he is expected to inform the world of who he is and what Sikhism is. If the listener, who is non-Sikh, feels corrected and inspired, he is welcome to approach the Sikh faith. Sikhism was never created for numbers, because if it was, Guru Gobind Singh Ji would have turned the whole country into Khalsa - he had the capacity, but he did not want to be what the others had become - obsessed with numbers and power. His mission was to correct, not to condemn. Why should we tread another path otherwise? If Sikhism was created for conversions, the first Sikhs would have been Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana. Let us look further back into the lives of our Gurus and then reflect whether what we say or do is in accordance to their beliefs and principles. If it is not so, then we are certainly not Sikhs. So, to lay the matter to rest, be your own missionary. Let us not be yet another faith competing for souls. Be a good Sikh to the extent that there is little difference the Guru and us. That is the power the Guru blessed us with - to be just like Him. Be a good Sikh, follow its beliefs, principles and instructions to the best you can. Help other Sikhs to be just as strong as yourself. Now that is a Sikh missionary, just like the Guru was. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Dreams are sometimes the creation of our own thoughts. What we feed the mind, so dream. If we nuture a certain fear or joy, that is exactly what we will dream of. I used to suffer from nightmares and only until recently did they go away. I still do have nightmares but they shake me up for a while but not to the extent that they used to in the past. I realised my dreams were my own creations. Sometimes, when I would be a lot into my Sikhi, Kirtan and Simran, I would have similar inspirational dreams. They could be interpreted in any way that we can relate to but we can never be sure of what they exactly meant. I've dreamt about my Guru, Punj Pyare and the Akali Sikhs (Warriors of the Past) and they have meanings in whichever way they help me become closer to my Guru. That's all that the dreams mean to me, otherwise dreams are just fanciful pictures of the wandering mind. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, The greatest change can be made by how much we avoid such lavish and dramatic aspects of Sikh weddings. Within our own families, we have enough who want all this unnecessary aspects. But we have to put our foot down when our wedding comes up . . . I know it may be easier for the groom to state his stand than the for a bride (sadness) but it can be done. I'm going to to do that when my wedding comes up. I'm going to keep it simple and make sure it is an Anand Karaj and nothing more. If it offends our immediate families, I humbly apologise to them already because someday, someone has to shut the nonsence. I have very strong views about the way our community, and even our familes do things. But I do not compromise with my Gurus' teachings. I can go against the world, but I can never go against my Gurus. Besides our personal contribution to making a change (start planning now, the day's not too far off!), create awareness amongst the youth in Gurudwaras and distribute publications that speak of the evils within our culture that must be tamed. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Updated List of Writers: 1. S1ngh 2. Gupat Singhni 3. (Balait_da_Sher) 4. smartsingh24 5. Satpreet 6. noonespecial* 7. raj_karega_khalsa 8. WalkingTowardTheLight 9. anon 10.japmans 11. Singhstah (Thank you!!) 12. Lakhvir GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, Please use this thread to inform the sangat on this forum about the progress of those injured in the recent tragic accident. Anyone who is close to them, or knows them well, please do update us about their health. May the Grace of Waheguru bless them, always. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi. The next time you feel down, just look up. The next time you need direction, just look up. The next time you need inspiration, just look up. If you looked up, you will have seen the radiant faces our three great GurSikhs who smile on us, encouraging us to move on in the direction they were in. So the next time you need inspiration, just look up and remember Bhai Charanjit Singh Ji, Bhai Parminder Singh Ji and Bibi Rena Kaur Ji. Remember, just look up. Be blessed. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. KhalsaJi, The internet is an amazing tool, just like a knife. It can be both dangerous and useful at the same time. While there are some who use it as a tool, otherse use it as a weapon. In a related thread on this forum, there is a discussion about an Islamic site which is discussing the conversion of Sikh girls to Islam. I visited the link and it made me sick. Doesn't such forums make us reflect on what we are doing here and what the others are up to? When I visit Sikh dicussion forums, I feel proud of my Gurus. They did not make us what some of the Islamic sites and groups are up to. Sites that are discussing the fanatic side of their beliefs are indeed alarming but there is nothing significant we can do about these kind of people. They are out there waiting for people like us to create some noise. As far as I am concerned, they will not get what they expect from me - my attention. The internet is an invisible medium, we cannot guage what people look like out there and neither can we see behind what they type. Why waste your time arguing with such fools? They are nothing less than teenage or youthful fanatics who have simply lost track of what their religion preaches. I will not advocate for Islam, but I certainly believe these people are out of their league. Otherwise, how does one justify the slaying of an innocent man whose only crime was that he became the sacrificial lamb of the fanatic? They have grabbed your attention for all the wrong reasons - they have made such acts of gruesome entertainment that feeds the curiosity of people whose minds will be filled by the same garbage that is in these fanatics. I like to visit our Si kh forums to help myself grow, learn from other other great GurSikhs how a Sikh of our beloved Gurus is to be like. Likewise, I find it fulfilling to inspire in the little ways that I know. All this helps me become a better Sikh. Some Islamic sites are also doing what we are doing - learning about their faith, discussing issues that are affecting them as well. But there are also those that out there to pollute the internet and cause harm and disharmony - now that is NOT religion. Let them say so otherwise a million billion times over and over but what they are praticing is NOT religion. Let us also know that well. Let us be firm in our faith, let us keep our forums clean and focused. Someday, you will find out how many Muslims visit your forum to see what you are up to. That is what the Mughal Emperors also did - they used to send out spies on the Guru. But they found nothing of good hear for the Emperor. Some os those spies even fell at the feet of the Guru and became his Sikhs because they found no reason to speak against them, when they came to fulfil the orders of their Emperor. Likewise, we are being watched and keep your yard clean. Discuss your ideals and principles in the way the Guru instructed. There will be those visitors who will be taken by surprise to find that we are just like our Guru, and there is nothing wrong with us, but with the backyard of who they spy for. The day may be far, but keep your eyes on Gurmat, Sikhi and the Guru. This is what sets us apart from the fanatic and loose ends of the internet where only the lost souls are wandering around aimlessly; and you can be assured, they will find no rest because they are up to no good at all. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. What is in the heart of the mortal, so the mortal hears from the Guru. The Guru knows our deepest inner thoughts and we hear only that what we contemplate. Use such incidences to further your advance to the Guru because I believe these are signs, messages of the spirit that what we seek is what is exactly what we will find. Be blessed. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Japmans Ji, so so sorry about that!! How did I miss that name? Ouch, so sorry about that . . . Thank you for correcting me, smartsingh24 ji . . . the day is Friday, 28 May 2004. So here is the updated list: 1. S1ngh 2. Gupat Singhni 3. (Balait_da_Sher) 4. smartsingh24 5. Satpreet 6. noonespecial* 7. raj_karega_khalsa 8. WalkingTowardTheLight 9. anon 10.japmans (Thank you!!) 11. Lakhvir GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. daasn daas ji, no worries. If a subject interests you, pick it up and join in! I hope this experiment does not imply that we are working at really professional writings. We're only expressing ourselves and will be learning from the way others write and what they know. It's a great learning experience. The essays do not have to be too elaborate if you cannot afford the time or feel the necessity to go in too much detail. Remember, simplicity is the policy and at the same time, simplicity is not simple! But do give it a shot. You'll enjoy it. All our Gurus were great writers and we can discover those talents within us too, if we give it a try. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Great! We have 10 interested writers! In a couple of hours, we have our quota, but we still have time and anyone else who wishes to join is most humbly invited on board. We'll really enjoy learning from each other . . . So far, this is the complete list of the interested writers (confirmed) 1. S1ngh (Thank you!) 2. Gupat Singhni (Thank you!) 3. (Balait_da_Sher) - With that smiling lion as your avatar, you look confident!! You're on, I say! 4. smartsingh24 (Thank you!) 5. Satpreet (Thank you!) 6. noonespecial* (depending on the topic? Try the first one, so you're on! Thank you!) 7. raj_karega_khalsa (Thank you!) 8. WalkingTowardTheLight (Thank you! 9. anon (Thank you!) 10. Lakhvir AmanKaurJi, it's all good. We'll wait for you to join in whenever your're ready. You started the ball rolling, so we owe it to you, Thank you!! The first topic will be posted on Friday, 21 May 2004. You will have a weekend to research and plot and a few days to put it together. So, the closing date for submissions will be on Friday, 29 May 2004. Hope that's good time for all to work with, if not, do let me know, so we can adjust. All submissions will be posted in one thread and then a separate post made from collective points from all the essays. Sounds okay? And hey, any one else who feels for a little adventure, challenge and interest, please do join in. We need you! :wub: GuruFa tehJi. L*

Exceptional Qualities of Guru Gobind Singh Guru Gobind Singh's life is symbolic. It is an emblem of sacrifice. It represents the price the spirit has to offer to redeem freedom. Each of the Sikh Gurus occupies a unique place in the development of Sikhism; but none is more versatile or colourful than Guru Gobind Singh. He seems to be the fulfillment of all the preceding gurus. He has the pioneering spirit and spiritual discernment of Guru Nanak; the organising spirit of Guru Amar Das and Ram Das; the literary ability of Guru Arjan; the military skill of Guru Hargobind; and the belief in sacrifice for the welfare of others of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Not only did the spirit of all the Gurus pass on into him as a flame lights one lamp after another, but the light shone even brighter and more fully in him. Guru Gobind Singh was a true anchorite and a true patriot. The Guru not only gave his life for the welfare of others but also gave up everything he had for the love of his countrymen plight. He sacrificed his ease and comfort, his blood and body for his nation. He did not hesitate to give his all for his country and people. He did also this for a faith that was not even his. His selfless mission freed india from the clutches of sure death of religious freedom. It is extremely rare, if not altogether impossible, to find all the good qualities in one man. but the Guru was an embodiment of all round perfection. He was a poet, a religious leader, a religious and social reformer, an excellent planner and counselor and a superb general. He was a poet whose verse was forceful and vibrant with emotions of every kind and highly eloquent. As a reformer in the social and rel igious spheres he had no peer. In the battlefield, he was a dauntless general unperturbed by the turn of events. He was a sagacious and farsighted counselor, a true patriot, an unflagging champion of his peoples and an unrivaled martyr of his country. The Guru uplifted and filled with fervour and fighting spirit such people who had been turned into mere clods of clay during many centuries of oppression, and who had never even dreamed of holding weapons. Inspired by the Guru, the former cowards and inept people performed such deeds of exceptional valour that shook the mighty millions of the tyrannical mughal empire. He was very steadfast, sticking to the last to the mission of his life, which he had conceived during the life time of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Every moment of his life, he kept his mission before him. No grief, no hardship, no adversity could or did take his mind away from his holy mission. The loss of his dear father, his 4 sons, his mother and thousands of sikhs failed to falter the emotions of this man of steel will. Nothing could lower his courage. no defeat could dishearten, no distress depress, no predicament despondent With bands of ill-equipped men from the lower rungs of society - essentially non-combatants - having little or no training in warfare, he faced the well armed and professional armies of the Mughal Raj. He was a master soldier himself, equally skilled in the handling of the sword, the bow, the spear and other hefty weapons. Always in the forefront, he led his little army of fearless sikhs in the thick of battlefields, and securing victory over the enemy forces. quite literally, the pen of Nanak was transformed into the might sword of Guru Gobind Singh. In the little free time that he had, he used it to train his men. His own nature was the greatest inspiration to his men. He faced all kinds of hardships, braving thorny paths barefooted in the darkness of night, sleeping on clods of earth, breasting the raging torrents going without food and rest . . . he did all that with perfect equanimity. Despite such tribulations, all that he uttered was gratitude to WAHEGURU. Besides these hardships, his courage was shown in the love for his sons, two of whom he saw attain martyrdom. Then he steadied his courage even further upon hearing the martyrdom of his two younger sons who were only 7 and 9. Guru Gobind Singh was a patient man, never in haste to do anything. He would ponder over all aspects of an issue before going in for any action.The laying of the firm foundation of the Khalsa is a wonderful example of his superb circumspection Guru Gobind Singh's Khalsa was infused with such mettle that he thought of nothing of battling with death, or sacrificing his life for his faith and the good of others. Apart from the warriors that the Guru made out of mere cowards, he also made them men of integrity, humanity, gentle and full of love for all, GOD-loving and pursuers of truth. His abolition of Gurudom was a very sagacious, timely and far-sighted step. It has verily saved the Khalsa from losing its purity and character. There was some kind of magic in his words that carried away his Sikhs. Without hesitation, they would do anything for him, even put their very lives on the line to support his mission. His warm heart, poetic poise and pleasant and inviting nature were all for the love of all without discrimination against caste, creed or colour. These very qualities won him Mulsim admirers despite being a relentless enemy of the cruel and despotic Mughal rulers of their faith. Some of those Muslim admirers risked their lives in supporting the Guru whenever he needed their assistance. He had a lighter side besides his soldierly qualities. His jovial nature was also a part of this man. He possessed a keen sense of good humour. He loved reading and extensively studied histories of Indian heroes and Scriptures of the two feuding contemporary religions of his time. Proficient in Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit, he was a man of knowledgeable langu ages of his time. It would certainly be an oversight to forget the devotional side of the Guru. Daily, he recited Gurbani and sang Shabads in praise of the ALMIGHTY AKAL PURAKH. He personally recited Japji, Jaap Saab, Swayyas, Chaupai and Rehras on a daily basis. Overall, it is simply not easy to highlight all of the Guru's exceptional qualities. He was the perfect man, complete and ideal. In his character and achievements, there was no gulf between words and deeds.Iin spite of defeats, setbacks and desertions, the Guru's life shines as a vital flame glowing brighter with the background growing darker. His life displays the resolute will whose iron determination emits sparks of fervour as it strikes the impediments. His literature furnishes the belief that all his outdoor activity was like a spontaneous flow of action arising from the innate freedom of the soul. L*

GuruFatehJi. Balle Shera!!! That's 3. Who'll be No. 4? Satpreetji . . . will you will number 4? The number is reserved for you!! :wub: S1ngh ji, balle balle!! GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Someone on another forum spoke about how "the tragic loss of the GurSikhs in Canada has made me think again about the Will of God . . . Why is it the good guys always seem to be dealt a harsh hand in life and yet the bad apples in this world are on a cushy number . . .It's so hard to understand the workings of God's Will . . ." Sometimes we think way too hard to try and understand God. He is a very simple Being. We complicate Him. For one who lives in His Bhaana (will), will hardly ever wonder how He works. We will eventually discover how and why He works in a certain way the day we are merged into Him, whether in this life or the next world. The passing of God-loving people is always a little more difficult to understand. But if we can imagine their next phase, it definately is better than the one we are in right now. Gurmukhs cultivate the Naam in this world and sow the fruit by merging into Him. When we can imagine that such Gurmukhs would be in the lap of God, we can only imagine bliss and contentment for them. If we feel certain people left us prematurely and that they were of such immense value to us, we should use such events to work in our favour. While in their lifetime, they may have touched many and inspired more. But in death, their lives reached out to many many more, even to those who had never heard of them or seen them. We get interested in who they were and and what good works they performed while they were amongst us. Their absence should mean that we should endeavour rto be just like them. At least try and be. You will feel how their lives were of meaning to you. They may be gone, but they left behind foorprints to follow. So understand simply how God's Will works. Many things are beyond our understanding. Let us first try and practice that which we must do, the understanding that we seek will follow us. GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Satpreetji, Guruji di Singhnia dardia nai!! Don't worry, we'll encourage you. Even we are not professional writers. You've got to begin at least somewhere, hana? We all have something or the other to learn from everyone, that's one way how we can become humble and appreciative. You never know, Satpreet, your beginning could pave way for even better things in fut ure. And as far as writing about Sikhi is concerned, this is one chance to do some research and write about it. Don't hesitate to seek help from a friend, your folks, or even a gyani. Believe me, you'll enjoy the process and you'll become even better at Sikhi. We're all here to help you. So, can I count you in? Please say 'yes!'. It will encourage and give competition to the rest, you know! :wub: GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Ok then, Lakhvir and AmanKaur are on board! That's 2. Who's next? Once we have 10 names, we're on! Come on, everyone, Aman's started the ball rolling! AmanKaur, thanks, yaar! B) GuruFatehJi. L*

GuruFatehJi. Just an idea. Wanted to know how many of us on this forum would be interested, and dedicated. If each one of us can particpate, you would be amazed at just how much we know and can add on to it. Every fortnight, a topic will be posted on which anyone can write an essay on it. No limit on length. At the end of the fortnight, all essays are then compiled into a kind of a collected post and then posted again on the group, and other sites, as one post. The subjects chosen will be general . Don't be shy, tell me you're game! If there can be at least 10 interested people in this Essay Marathon, I can then post the first subject in a week from now. Trust me, the subjects will be indeed very interesting! GuruFatehJi. L*