BCSikhYouth

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! _/\_ Sangat from Calgary and Victoria have already confirmed they will be attending Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh !

THE SIKH YOUTH OF BRITISH COLUMBIA www.bcsikhyouth.com | info@bcsikhyouth.com Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! _/\_ NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2006 Sikh Youth of BC Announce Memorial Events for 2006 Three "Akhand Jaap" Meditations to Take Place Throughout the Year SURREY, BC - In anticipation of the special anniversaries of significant dates in Sikh history approaching in the year 2006, the Sikh youth of British Columbia announced today the dates for special memorial events to be conducted throughout the year. In light of the success of the "Akhand Jaap" events, which were introduced in BC in November, 2004, the Sikh youth have decided to conduct this year's memorials in the Akhand Jaap format as well. An Akhand Jaap event is typically 8 to 24 hours long, consisting of continuous meditation using instruments and chanting of the Sikh mantra "Waheguru" (translation: the enlightener God is wonderous) in a congregation. Akhand Jaap literally means "undisturbed continuous meditation." Many Sikh youth from across the province work together to prepare for the Akhand Jaap, and the open kitchen, called langar, serves food to the congregation throughout the day. The special program, which also took place in February, June and November of 2005, has served as a means to unite the various groups, gurdwaras, and organizations representing the Sikh community in BC, as well as introduce non-Sikhs to the traditions of the Sikh faith. Akhand Jaaps are open to all and generally have an atmosphere of community cooperation, devotion, and peace. The AkhandJaap of November, 2005, which was in dedication to the victims of the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, was extremely successful with attendance of devotees from all across the Lower Mainland, as well as Seattle (WA), Victoria, Nanaimo, and Calgary (AB). This year the Sikh youth of BC hope to build on previous successes and bring together people from across BC and neighbouring communities for an enlightening experience of inspiration, motivation and meditation. The 2006 Akhand Jaaps are scheduled as follows: * Sunday, February 19, 2006 In commemoration and honour of the 85th Anniversary of "Saka Nankana," the Massacre of Sikhs at Nankana Sahib, Punjab, which took place on February 20, 1921. ---- * Saturday, June 17th, 2006 In commemoration and honour of the 400th Martyrdom Anniversary ("Shaheedi Divas") of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, the 5th Sikh Enlightener, and the 400th Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne of the Guru ("Gurgadhi Divas") of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the 6th Sikh Enlightener. Both events took place in June of 1606. ---- * Saturday, October 7th, 2006 In commemoration and honour of the 500th Birth Anniversary of Baba Buddha Ji, the first head-granthi at Sri Harimandir Sahib and an amazing personality of Sikh history, who was born on October 6, 1506. The location of the first Akhand Jaap on February 19 will be the Guru Nanak Academy, located at 12484 82nd Avenue, Surrey, BC, near 124 Street. The Sikh youth of BC extend an open invitation to all people from all communities in neighbouring states and provinces to join us for these special events. - 30 - For more information about the event schedule, media contacts, Sikhism introduction, volunteering for the programs, donations, and transportation: - Visit www.akhandjaap.com and contact info@akhandjaap.com - or visit www.bcsikhyouth.com and contact info@bcsikhyouth.com _/\_ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

If the earth did not rotate, how could every country in the world experience different times of the day?

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! This is a great post by "Gupt Wannabe Naam Abhiyaasee" from the "Blog for the Seekers of Truth," at abhiyaas.blogspot.com. It is especially significant for the Sikh youth to read and learn from: ______________________ Bf / Gf Relationships Creating such relationships is very immoral and immodest thing to do. Perhaps, we see no shame in these things, it is the age of Kal we are standing one leg anyway. These types of relationships can cause great injury to our personal life and most of all our spiritual life, which we should all be aspiring to improve everyday. One may think that they are committed enough in this relationship, but one is only committed when they are committed to Naam, then everything will shine out and you will be able to discern right from wrong. Read the Jeevanees of Gursikhs from the olden days, none had a love marriage. Our Guru Saahibaan all had ‘arranged marriage’ (if that’s how you want to put it). A householders life (Gristhee Jeevan) is a very big thing and was encouraged by our Gurus. It will improve our Sangat and Amritvelaa. However, leave this all to your parents. Our parents know us much better than we know ourselves! Of course we will shudder to agree with this statement though. Once a very inquisitive lady asked me, ‘are you having an arranged marriage?’, I said ‘Yes, I will leave it to my parents to decide’. She replied, ‘It is a good thing, I’m on my second husband, things still aren’t going well and I picked them both myself.’ This is not to say that ALL love marriages are wrong, the only true love marriage is to Vahiguroo God. This is the avasthaa of Sunn Samaadh. Of course, we are Kal Jugee Jeev (mortals of this age) and we are bound to get lustful thoughts at sometime (some people may not, due to karam) but we must suppress these feelings out of our system. How? Simple. Naam. Infact, do not fight with the mind, you will end up loosing, recognise what is there (in this case lust) and replace it with Vahiguroo. These relationships drain out our spirituality because firstly, it is simply not in the Sikh Rehat Maryaadaa to do such things and secondly we have not done Anand Kaaraj in front of Guru Granth Sahib Jee. So this relationship has not been made ‘parvaan’ or acceptable in the court of the almighty lord Vahiguroo. There are a lot more things to do in life other than make such worldly entanglements, think about your Parents and repay them for what they have done for you, think about Naam 24 hours 7 days a week and you will fall into love with the greatest thing around, ever and ever. Aad Sach Jugaad Sach Hai Bhee Sach Nanak Hosee Bhee Sach Also posted at: http://www.bcsikhyouth.com/2005/12/sikh-dating.html

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! _/\_ Khalsa ji, We will be announcing the dates for the three Akhand Jaaps this year in the coming few days. But since you asked the first Akhand Jaap will be on Sunday, February 19, at Guru Nanak Academy in Surrey, in commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Saka Nankana Sahib, which took place on February 20th, 1921. > There is simran every monday evening at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar > BCSikhYouth simran and keertan in memory of Bibi Rena Kaur Ji, Bhai Parminder Singh Ji, and Bhai Charnjit Singh ji - every Friday at 7:30pm at Gurdwara Sahib Amrit Parkash > Every morning there is simran from 3:30am to 5am at Khalsa School, Surrey > There are Simran programs during the week at Gurdwara Singh Sabha as well but you will have to contact them for more information > Sarab Rog Ka Aukhad Naam Mission holds special Sukhmani Sahib, Shabad Jaap, and Simran programs at different locations throughout the week - detailed information is at http://www.BCSikhYouth.com _/\_ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

SadhSangat Ji, For your reference there is a new article on our blog about Daily Hukamnama (<-- click there) which includes history, philosophy, and spiritual information on the daily hukamnama as well as links to resources. Please let us know your thoughts by sending your comments to sikhyouth@shaw.ca -Sevadaars Sikh youth of BC

Yes, if you can attend, please attend!

This is sure to be an amazing smagam and we encourage all of the Sikh youth to attend !

From Sikhiunleashed.com Posted by: akj of bc The Akhand Keertani Jatha of BC would like to extend an invitation to the international sangat for the annual December 2005 Shaheedi Akhand Keertan Samagam. The samagam is being held from the 17th of December to the 26th of December in the memory of the martyrdom of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s Four Sahibzadey. All programs will take place at Khalsa School Surrey (6933 – 124 Street) as outlined below: Saturday, Dec. 17th (6 a.m.) to Monday, Dec. 19th (6 a.m.) Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Keertan after Bhog: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19th to Saturday, Dec 24th Morning Programs: Simran and Nitnem: 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Asa Kee Vaar Kirtan: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Evening Programs: Rehraas and Keertan: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25th Simran and Nitnem: 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Asa Kee Vaar: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Anand Kaaraj: 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon Amrit Sanchar: 4:00 p.m. (starts) Sunday, Dec. 25th (6 p.m.) to Monday, Dec. 26th (6 a.m.) *********RANSBAEE KEERTAN********* Saturday, Dec. 31st New Year’s Program: 6 p.m. to 12 midnight

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! All of the guru-pyari sadh-sangat is humbly requested to join us at Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar on Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 6:00pm for the First Barsi Keertan Darbar in honour and memory of Brahmgyani Sant Baba Thakur Singh Ji Khalsa. Please bring all of your family, friends and sangat. This will be a Sikh youth-led keertan darbar with participation from all of the Sikh youth of BC. Please view the poster below and pass this message to all of your sangat. ~Vaheguru~ ~Vaheguru~ ~Vaheguru~ ~Vaheguru~ ~Vaheguru~ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

What is a Nagar Keertan? The word keertan has several meanings, the most simple of which is praise of God, with musical instruments. The divine hymns written in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru (enlightener), describe the real condition of human and spiritual life, and provide divine guidance to all human beings, about various stages and aspects of life, various natural and scientific realities of the universe, and various depths of the mind and spirit. In addition to these hymns, the Sikh community has accepted as divinely inspired, three other collections of divine scripture, namely: * the writings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Enlightener, which are collectively called Dasam Granth and are known as Gurbani (Word of the Enlightener) * The writings of Bhai Gurdas, a world renowned scholar, Sikh preacher, and spiritual personality, whose Vaars (ballads) were given the title of Gurbani Di Kunji (the key with which to unlock the treasure of knowledge in Guru Granth Sahib) * The writings of Bhai Nand Lal Singh Goya, a devout Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and a literary master of the spiritual realm, who wrote divine spiritual poetry in several languages. The singing of these four compositions mentioned above, with musical instruments, is called keertan. Often keertan is done in large congregations, with several people singing together, but it may also be performed alone or in a small group. The word nagar refers to a street or a road. Combining nagar with keertan means "singing God's praises in the streets." The singing of Gurbani in this way is a lively tradition in Sikhism. This beautiful spectacle takes place across Punjab and other countries across the world, wherever there is a community of devout Sikhs. Nagar keertans may be dedicated to any cause. A short nagar keertan in the early morning hours in a small Sikh neighbourhood is called a Parbhaat Feri (early morning walkaround), which is similar to a nagar keertan, but takes place more often in Punjab, and on a smaller scale of attendance. What about the Nagar Keertans in BC? Some of the largest nagar keertans in the world take place in British Columbia. There is one nagar keertan each year in Surrey, and two each year in Abbotsford. In the Sikh Calendar there are 12 months, each with individual names from the Punjabi language. The first day of the Vaisaakh month is called Vaisakhi. On this day, in 1469 CE (0 Nanakshahi), Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived in this world (prakash divas or divine illumination) at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in East Punjab (currently occupied by Pakistan). Also on this day, 230 years later, in 1699 CE (230 Nanakshahi), Guru Gobind Singh Ji called upon his Sikhs to become Khalsa (property of the sovereign King) and to give their head for the Guru. The Khalsa was a new world order of divinely inspired citizens, Akaal Purakh Kee Fauj, or the Army of the Immortal God, who would preach and practice truth, righteousness, universal love, and human rights. This event took place at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, in East Punjab. To the Guru's call, five brave Sikhs responded, and became the Punj Pyare, or five beloved. These five are: Bhai Daya Singh Ji, Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, Bhai Himmat Singh Ji, Bhai Muhkam Singh Ji, and Bhai Sahib Singh Ji. The five Sikhs were from different castes, economic backgrounds, trades, and geographic locations across the nation. Therefore, there was no preferential treatment, nor was this initiation limited to any social group. All were welcome to be initiated into the new order of the Khalsa, through the Khalsa initiation ceremony called khande ki pahul, which means "nectar of the double edged sword." The majority of the Sikh community, due to the prevalence of some traditions, conduct gurpurb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's prakash divas in November, instead of the actual date on Vaisakhi. The main cause for celebration on Vaisakhi, and at the Abbotsford and Surrey Nagar Keertans, is for the 1699 Revelation of the Khalsa. Sikhs from across the west coast of North America, as far south as California, and as far north as Edmonton, often come to attend the Vaisakhi nagar keertans. The first nagar keertan takes place in Surrey, BC and is hosted by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar in April. The second, as mentioned above, takes place in Abbotsford, BC and is hosted by Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar. The second nagar keertan in Abbotsford takes place on the first weekend of September. It is in celebration of the prakash divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The first edition of the Guru Granth Sahib, often called Aad Granth Sahib, was scribed under the direction of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, by Bhai Gurdas Ji, and was installed on the Guru's throne at Sachkhand Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, in West Punjab (currently occupied by India). The first granthi (servant to the scripture) was Baba Buddha Ji, who has been one of the most amazing and inspirational spiritual personalities of human history. Each year, the Sikhs from across BC travel to Abbotsford to attend the celebrations and to honour the divine spiritual enlightener, Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Granth Sahib Ji does not embody a human form, and is present as a scripture, but still the divine word speaks individually to each spirit in a profound manner, and the divine light of the teachings in Guru Granth Sahib extends across the world. Many of the shabads that are chanted in the nagar keertan include praise of the Divine Word such as Bani Guru Guru Hai Bani (The divine word enlightens. The enlightener is the divine word) and Gur Ka Shabad Rakhvaray (The divine words of enlightenment are my protection). What to Expect: The Route: The Abbotsford Nagar keertan takes a route from Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar, down and around several streets, and back up a hill to the Gurdwara Sahib. The Surrey Nagar keertan takes a route from Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, down and around several streets, stopping occassionally for speeches or special announcements, and returning to the Gurdwara Sahib after a few hours. You can view some more details about the Surrey nagar keertan at http://www.vaisakhi2005.com/. The Speed: People of all physical abilities can take part in the nagar keertan. The nagar keertan procession extends over several blocks and has involvement from thousands of people. For the most part, it is accessible to people with strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, rollerblades, and on-foot pedestrians. However, vehicles are not allowed to participate in the procession unless they are designated as a float. In Abbotsford, the route includes a hill which may be too steep for some wheelchairs. The Floats & Stalls The entire procession includes moving floats, trucks, singers of divine hymns, and martial arts performances. Along the way, you will also enjoy the presence of several standing stalls, serving various free foods and drinks, and offering literature and other items to provide education and inspiration. Many not-for-profit organizations also use this opportunity to raise awareness and funds for their cause. The Main Float The main float of the Nagar Keertan is near the front, upon which Guru Granth Sahib Ji is seated on a throne, with a beautiful canopy and several attendants who sing spiritual hymns. The divine scripture enlightener is the inspiration of all the Sikhs who attend the nagar keertan, and everyone makes sure to come and pay their respects at some point during the procession. What to Avoid: There are some pitfalls of modern nagar keertans, which are inevitable given the openness and welcoming nature of the Sikh community. Many individuals try to take advantage of this opportunity to further their own agenda. This may include pop singers and dancers who have no spiritual inclination but wish to popularize their newest album, or shady politicians, who wish to capitalize on the public sympathy for their political aims. The nagar keertan event is well received by many media outlets, but there are also Vancouver scam artists, who should be avoided. The best method of attending a nagar keertan is with humility, and an open heart to the positive vibrations from the devotees singing spiritual hymns. This is the true essence of the nagar keertan. Source: BC Sikh youth

October SFU SSA Blood Drive (as part of Sikh Nation) - Oct 27 Gurmat Center SHAHEEDI SMAGAM -Oct 31 Seattle Sangat: Seclusion to Inclusion SIKHI RETREAT- Oct 28-30 November "One Moment" Silence - 6:00pm - November 1 Youth-Led KEERTAN DARBAR - November 11 SIKH NATION Blood Drive in memory of 1984 Shaheeds - Throughout November AKHANDJAAP in memory of November 1984 Shaheeds - November 20 Check it all out at BCSikhYouth.com - Sikhism, Sikh Youth & Sikh Community the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! We are very happy to hear that in addition to BCSikhYouth.com, and OttawaSikhYouth.com, there is a new website launched today called OntarioSikhYouth.com! Congratulations to the sevadaars of this website. May Guru ji bless you with more seva and chardi kala! We encourage Sikh youth communities across the world to start websites like this so that their local Sikhs can have a place to get updated information on events and what's happening, and to be inspired with articles, community links, and multimedia. To start your community's Sikh Youth website, consult the various groups in your community and collaborate with them to buy a domain for (YourCommunity)SikhYouth.com such as NYSikhYouth or CASikhyouth. And once you start your project, let us know and we will promote it through our website as well. _/\_ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! Sevadars the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! _/\_ Congratulations to the sevadars who will be taking on this project! We are very encouraged by your decision and stand by you all the way! If you need to use anything from our site, please feel free. Also please let us know when your site is ready and we will link to it, and announce it in our newsletter. All the best with this project. If there is anything we can do to help please contact us at sikhyouth@shaw.ca _/\_ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

To the individuals that live in BC and need help with any disputes or difficulties concerning their Sikhi and their work or school, PLEASE contact us at sikhyouth@shaw.ca and we will be happy to help. All of the Sikh youth organizations in BC contribute to "BCSikhYouth.com" and in the long-term they will have a professional office servicing the needs of the BC Sikh youth full time. Please contact us by e-mail and we will do anythign possible to assist you. _/\_ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |

newest events, updates, announcements interesting articles, stories, photos and a growing network of sikh youth a blog, community directory, newsletter and list of events check out http://www.bcsikhyouth.com and subscribe to the newsletter. the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |

newest events, updates, announcements interesting articles, stories, photos and a growing network of sikh youth a blog, community directory, newsletter and list of events check out http://www.bcsikhyouth.com and subscribe to the newsletter. the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |

bhai sahib ji please forgive if these were just spelling mistakes but the proper words are "akaal chalaanaa" and "gustaakhi maaph"

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! We are requesting the Sikh youth of BC to share their thoughts and opinions on issues affecting the youth and share their photos from BC Sikh youth events by sending them to sikhyouth@shaw.ca If you have photos from a recent event or if you are writing a new article about sikh youth, please send it to us so that we can improve the website and make it more useful for the youth check out our blog and newsletter each day for updates and announcements Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! NO WAY! We can't let this happen to you Brother. What you are saying is unfortunately true for a lot of gurdwaras, but you have to be part of the solution and help us improve things. With guru's kirpa this is what we started our website for - to help the youth. Obviously we need to do much more, on the website, and in the community, in the gurdwaras. Please send your ideas and we will start working on it right away. Please contact us at sikhyouth@shaw.ca and we will arrange somebody to meet with you and help you tie your dastaar. Also if you have questions please e-mail us and visit our website at www.bcsikhyouth.com Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh ! the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! As far as we know a Singh from California won the title this year. :wub: If anybody has pics please post :wub: Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh!

bump!

bump!

Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! _/\_ With guru ji's kirpa there will be a Gurmat Camp at Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar, in Abbotsford, BC, from August 23 to August 26, run by the Guru Nanak Academy (Gurmat Studies Foundation), and the Shan-E-Khalsa Gurmat Academy. This camp will include classes on kirtan, gatka, sikh history, punjabi, and gurbani. There will also be skits, arts & crafts, movies, games, and prizes. For more information please contact: In Surrey: Bhai Pardeep Singh Ji at 604-589-0845 In Abbotsford: Bhai Sarabjit Singh Ji at 604-504-7042 Only the first 400 registered children will be accepted for the camp. Registration deadline is August 21. The poster for this camp is attached. _/\_ Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh !

Dear Friends, Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh! _/\_ With hands folded we would like to introduce ourselves and extend our warm greetings to our fellow Gursikhs in the BC community. We are the sevadars of the Sikh Youth of BC and through Guru ji's kirpa we have been blessed with the seva of running BCSikhYouth.com. This website, established almost two years ago, features a community calendar, monthly newsletter, web log, community directory, events listings, and more resources for the Sikh youth of BC. This website was established with inspiration from all of the Sikh organizations in BC and the sevadars of the website are members, directors, or volunteers for several of the BC Sikh youth groups. We invite you to use our website as a resource for events and announcements of your organization. We encourage you to e-mail us at sikhyouth@shaw.ca whenever you would like for an announcement or upcoming event to be known by the Sikh youth in BC. We will gladly post it on our web log (blog) or to our monthly newsletter. Please feel free subscribe to our mailing list by sending a blank e-mail to bcsikhyouth-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. We request that you encourage your members and other associates to subscribe to this mailing list, and to use the resources on this website, so that we can work together to improve the worldly and spiritual lives of the Sikh youth of BC. Naanak Naam Chardee Kalaa Thaerae BhaaNae Sarbat Da Bhallaa Vaheguru ji ka khalsa, Vaheguru ji ki fatheh ! _/\_ the Sikh Youth of BC BCSikhYouth.com Sikhism | Sikh community | Sikh youth |