GushK

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh We all know the issue of not being able to wear a Kirpan on a plane but does anyone know of any issues with wearing one on the Eurostar train? i.e do they have metal detectors? security checks? etc.. I'm going to Brussels on Sunday and just wanna make sure I don't run into any problems. Regards Gursharan Singh

Any1 know a reason why i'd be getting a "connection refused by target machine" when connecting to GurSeva.Mine.Nu:6667 ?

newegg don't ship to canada though, do they?

Hi guys. Quick question needing a quick answer. Can anybody from canada tell me some cheap online stores to buy computer components from? Specifically, athlon 64 cpu's and memory. Also if stuff was ordered from a US store and delivered to an addres in canada, how much tax/charges are incurred? is it worth doin it like this? Thanks Gush

People Many of these articles need to be taken with a pinch of salt. In a week or so there'll be another scientific study refuting these claims and saying it has barely any effect at all. There's always 2 sides, and numbers can easily be manipulated to say whatever you want. If I believed every scientific article published, I'd have to live as a hermit at the top of a mountain, drinking only water to be safe. Even then there'd probably be a study saying the reflection of the sun's rays off the snow would kill me!

I refer you to this thread elsewhere which covers the same topic with some enlightening responses that bear thinking about http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikhphilosop...ghlight=hemkunt Regards Gursharan Singh

Interesting you bring this up. I've been thinking about this for a bit... thought it could work out to be a bit of a useful "youth attraction" thing..i mean who isn't impressed by a jedi knight! Maybe posters or something? thinking out loud here.... "Have you ever thought how cool it'd be to be a Jedi?" well what if you could be the "real life" version? Learn to :- Calm your mind Defend the weak Live a pure, disciplined life Be trained in martial arts get to carry some cool shasters ......I've run out ideas? anyone want to fill in the blanks? maybe have a pic of someone doing gatka with a glowing Shaster? more similarities - lightsaber is only used in defence as last resort...never attack...same as kirpan

you're right in a sense. omega-6 oils are the more abundant ones, also available in most vegetable oils i.e corn oil, sunflower oil and obviously Flax Seed. omega-3's are the better ones and also the harder ones to get. Mostly because they were only available in fish oils. But it was Found that Flax Seed contains an even higher concentration of omega-3 than most fish oils and it being from seeds is perfect for us! because it contains both omega 3 and 6, it has the perfect balance of EFA's (essential fatty acids) the body requires.

definitly Flax Seed oil...you can get it from any health food shop. even supermarkets have it now. It is an even better source of Omega-3 essential oils than Cod Liver Oil.

I'm sure I and many others here have made the point clear about alcohol and other intoxicants being expressley forbidden in Sikhi. There does not seem to be any point going over this again since it is not really up for a discussion. If you consider youself a Sikh then know that intoxicants are forbidden and you are breaking a major rule laid down by your Guru. I also then have to wonder how your reactions would differ if the consumption of alcohol wasn't so widespread and accepted and it was classed as an illegal intoxicant? Does abstaining from anything intoxicating and addictive make you a better person...i'd have to say a resounding YES. And I have SGGS to back me up on this too! Although you have some valid arguments, you still seem to be confusing panjabi culture with a Gursikh jeevan. Though the two have become inexorably intertwined due to the Panjab being the birth land of Sikhi. The two do not necessarily go together and being one does not automatically make you the other. You can be Panjabi without being a Sikh and easily vice versa. The issue here is that the values of both conflict. Thus once a person starts placing their cultural "Panjabi" interests above that of living a Sikhi way of life you enter this black hole where people break the rules but then still declare themselves to be Sikhs. There have been various threads before discussing this issue, I encourage you to go take a look. Then..you're "tounge in cheek" statement of some of the people of Punjab not being Khalsa anymore is unfortunatly much closer to the truth than many care to admit. No, we cannot ban to consumption of alcohol in the Panjab, but can we do something about it's consumption? YES. The answer...education. Rather than fostering the current state of affairs, or just as bad, ignoring it, what must be done is to educate them into what it means to be and live as a Sikh, because many seem to have forgotten. Just because we have bad leadership and guidance, doesn't mean this is an acceptable state of affairs... Your definition of Rigidity, seems to just encompass your own want's and needs. You drink alcohol so say the rule for no intoxicants is too ridgid. Another may not drink but cut his hair and say the requirement to keep our Kesh is too ridgid. It's only when we let go of our wants, needs, pleasures and place our lives in the hands of the Guru that we can truly understand what it means to flexible and accepting of everyone and everything around us. It's not the easiest thing to achieve or even aspire to, but the best things never are...

There are a few issues here that seem to need addressing. 1) what in your eyes is a sikh? 2) representation of sikhs in the media and under what context mohak veerji I can see the angle you are tring to come from but the fact of the matter is that your Guru ji has given strict instructions on what it means to be a Sikh and live as a Sikh. A Gursikh jeevan is a way of life and a blessing. It is not something you are born into. Sure you can take the core values and moral ideas from SGGS and follow them as much or less as you please, it's your life. But in doing so, you cannot call yourself a Gursikh. You can be a moral, decent hardworking person too and still not be a Gursikh. You become a Gursikh when you take SGGS to be your father, mother...everything. You give your head to your Guru and place your life in his hands, follow his teachings. And yes, you are correct that many many people in that case have no right to call themselves Sikhs. But you are wrong to think that sikhi would cease to exist. For just as many drunk people you can show me, I can show you just as many people, many of them members of this board, who live such pure Gursikh lives, it would leave you in tears... You talk of intolerance, fundementalism and "modern outlook". But what does that really mean? I have heard comments such as "rubbish..how can people be affected by media?" The above phrase such as "modern outlook" is an exact expression of the power of the media... Just because I choose to dress differently, don't keep up with what popular culture and what the media shovel in everyone's faces day in day out, does that make me a fundemental and "backwards"? Why do I have to wax/shave/trim to be accepted? The only reason is that the media has CHOSEN to display smooth skin etc, as beautiful. would you still be saying the same if all men had beards in movies and commercials? What is more modern...? choosing a set of beliefs and following them with a pure heart no matter what the outside world pressures you into, or being a sheep and attemting to keep up with the latest so-called fashions? Being "broad minded" and adjusting is not equivalent to giving up your beliefs just to be accepted in this ever changing world. Actually being broad minded and acceting means seeing everyone in world equally as God's children, just as a Gursikh does, just as SGGS teaches us. The media can have a powerful impact. How many times do impressionable youths follow the actions of their hero/heroine actors? How many people say, "I want to look like that" or i want a haircut like that". When they see a Sikh portrayed as smoking/drinking, it's easy to say...he or she did that in the movie...why can't I? Remember, at that age, many youths haven't developed their "core belief set" entirely and can easily be swayed by the worldly forces around them. Additionally, as stated before, just because something is common, doesn't make it correct. Just because Bollywood is a money making machine, doesn't mean they should be able to reign free misrepresenting entire communities. There may be many people who call themselves Sikh and drink/smoke, doesn't mean this can be used as a excuse to highlight this lapse and essentially glamorise it. I agree, doncmentaries are definitly places in which to highlight these problems (as a negative) and along with that, maybe provide some solutions. The issue comes in when these problems are twisted to be shown in the positive sense..which they are certainly not. As a final point in regards to your "Khalsa" comment. Attemting to "Greaten" your position and standing at the expense of others around you is totally contrary to Gurmat and the teachings enshrined within our beloved SGGS. If you need specific examples I, along with many members of this board, would be happy to provide them. Regards Gursharan Singh

Yep. If you're after extra protein, the commercial bars are all crap anyway. Most contain too much fat and are waayy over-processed. Gulp down 2 scoops of any whey protein mixed with milk and have a cheese sandwich. Quick and easy balance of carbs, fat n protein after a training session..

We do nothing ourselves in this world it is all with waheguru's kirpa. The more praise you receive from others for what you do, the more you must thank waheguru for allowing you to. You must learn to be merely a vessel and transfer that grace, that honour to the feet of waheguru since you did not really do anything yourself. Everytime someone praises you, you praise waheguru twice as much.

I'll keep my reply short.... Why do I keep my hair? Because my Guru stresses the importance of hair and told me to. I trust his judgement more than I trust mine or anyone else's. why cut nails? My Guru stressed the importance of a clean healthy lifestyle....keeping long nails does not go along with this philosophy.

Importance of the Khanda I think after all the hostility that came about from the activity yesterday, some people need a iltle education on what the Khanda really is and means. Apologies in advance for any mistakes or omissions. The Khanda has a very special significance within the Sikh faith and it's spiritual significance solidifies the basis and beliefs of a Sikh.It is comprised of 3 parts, the central Khanda (from which the name is derived), the Chakkar and the twin Kirpans. The Khanda, a large double edged dagger, signifies the divine ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. It is also used during the preparation of Amrit thus carries a very special meaning. The Chakkar, a circular weapon, signifies the eternity of God by having no beginning and no end. It exemplifies completeness, oneness and reminder to a Sikh to stay within the rule of God. The Twin Kirpans highlight the twin philosophy of Miri (Temporal) and Piri (Spiritual) sovereignty. They represent a Sikh's commitment to these goals, giving equal importance to both and at the same time going hand in hand with the role of a Sikh as a Sant/Sipahai (Warrior/Saint). These three put together amalgamate all aspects of a Sikh's belief and is regarded as a highly spiritual symbol which is not to be flouted or taken lightly. It's significance is such that it is placed on the Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flag). It can normally be seen mounted on a long steel pole at the entrance to Gurdwaras, overlooking the building. Recently, people have begun to misunderstand the importance of the Khanda (and Nishan sahib) and place it on cars, as tattoos, on clothes etc. You can see youth driv ing along during Vaisakhi waving the Nishan Sahib as a common flag with no respect or understanding as to it's importance. How far and modern we have become when what was once taken into battle, held high and never allowed to drop, seems to have now fallen to the status of a fashion item. Gursharan Singh

I'm trying to understand from what angle having Harmandir Sahib recognised on the World Stage is in any way bad for us. Sikhi has never been about preaching to the world, only about finding your way to God. It is for this reason that the world is largely unaware of us and what we stand for. Do you think Sikhs would have undergone such racial tension after 9/11 if the world knew who we were. There are so many factions, groups and backbiting in our communities that we can never stand together as one voice. Harmandir Sahib is a part of us, our history and means the world to each and every Sikh. It's is a symbol without division, one which every Sikh can unequivocally stand behind. Harmandir Sahib won't change as a result, it is and always will be a place of worship. Have you ever gone to another place of worship, a known landmark, and disrespected it? Can you see people actually doing this? Whenever non-sikh people come to the Gurdwara, they always remove their shoes, cover their head etc. It will be up to the management at Harmandir Sahib, and us as a community to ensure the sanctity of Darbar Sahib, but that is something we will have to deal with at one time or another anyway. I say this because since Harmandir Sahib is so tightly entwined and integral to our history and so tightly associated with being a Sikh that if we are ever recognised on a large scale, Harmandir Sahib will ultimately receive the attention just as the Kaba does for the muslims. It's not a matter of "if", but "when". It's not about winning a contest or comparing Harmandir Sahib with other places, it's about knowledge. Other than there now being a Sikh prime minister (not an ideal role model), Sikhi has no representation at a World level. I seriously believe having Harmandir Sahib listed will shine the spotlight on our major organisations such as the SGPC and "shake them up". No longer will they be able to shirk responsibility and hide away in the shadows, saying one thing and doing something else. Gursharan Singh

ahhh, the joys of spyware! :wub: Right, run both spybot and adaware on ur system to clean out all the crap. Then, since this nasy piece has hijacked your "Active Desktop" do the following... Go into Display properties, Click on "Desktop" tab. Click on the "Customise Desktop" button and then click the "Web" tab. This'll be where your background has been overridden. Delete any web pages listed in the box. Voila...should fix it, i hope....

Although this had been discussed several times before, i'd like to point out basically the same as has been said in the previous couple of posts. With the birth of the Khalsa in 1699, all references to any ANY previous background were erased, and initiation into the Khalsa brotherhood began. By becoming Khalsa :- Your Spiritual Father is Guru Gobind Singh Ji Your Spiritual Mother is Mata Sahib Kaur Your native home is Anandpur Sahib All other history is erased and bears no meaning whatsoever. As stated before, all surnames were removed and replaced with "Singh" or "Kaur"...why? Whether "Jatt" is considered to be a caste or a different race, it makes no difference. To those who place any significance of being Jatt (as caste or race), tell me. If ALL sikhs had become part of the Khalsa Panth so many years ago and all Sikhs were only named Singh or Kaur (as they should be), how would you know if you were Jatt or any other race? you wouldn't because the line and history would have been erased the day you ancestor would have been blessed with Amrit. I myself have no idea what supposed caste my family were and I have no intention of trying to find out....why? because it doesn't matter. The question you also need to ask is, does knowing/emphasizing my caste (or race) bring be any closer to Waheguru? does it aid me on my journey to seek the eternal truth? Gursharan Singh

People seem to have shorter attention spans here...maybe you're too used to reading message board posts rather than books! To me, that was an ok size for a paper....if anything it was a little short and cuts off a bit abruptly at the end, but a very good read nonetheless.

On top of what we should do, i.e 5 bani's + Rehras + Sohila....there should be no limits or restrictions on what you can/can't do. Bani is the most precious gift we will ever receive... Read it, learn it, understand it as often as you can, whenever you can. It's not a ritual that only has set times/days and should never be... you shouldn't have to force yourself to do it, neither should you stop yourself if you feel the need to recite and meditate.....

why not? the basic requirement is just that...a basic requirement. the more you do...the better it gets! :TH:

AK-47 I understand your point of view and do agree with it to a certain extent. But it essentially comes down to, what do YOU define as respect. It's what comes from your heart and your soul that matters the most, that's why I stated that's it's different for different people depending on where they are on their journey. e.g. once a person moves past actually seeing the written text, say on a wall, and sees it in their minds eye, is it disrespectful for them to even think of bani while having their head uncovered or taking a bath? A person who wants to put bani on their wall, in their own personal space (i.e not for show), WILL in their heart understand how to respect it and Waheguru can see into everyones hearts. Someone may wrap their bani in the most beautiful rumallas and place it on the highest throne but still not have even an iota of respect for Shabad Guru in their heart. Your examples for how people can and do mistreat Bani actually show the amount respect they have inside. For them it wouldn't matter what shape or form our Guru came in, and when the times comes they will have to render account for their actions......

And what better respect could you give then being able to live it, see it, feel it and breathe it? Reading it as the last thing before falling asleep..... Seeing it as the first thing when you wake up..... Having it on your mind, even as you do mundane things like sitting in front of the pc! For me, that commands more respect then confining it to just an hour or so of your day....

Akal Purakh is everywhere.....all parts of out body face him all the time.... It's your respect and humility which count the most. Someone may feel they might need to keep their head covered. Some may feel uncomfortable removing their kakkars in the presence of Bani Some have Bani in their hearts at all times and don't need anything written For others, having it on the wall just helps them remember. Whatever helps you on your journey to enlightenment.... With regards to putting it on the wall, you could print it out on transparant sheets then stick it up...easy to remove when you want to then.

Most supermarkets nowadays (especially here in the uk) label cheeses as vegetarian or not to specify which type of rennet (animal or microbial) they use. some info that might help... rennet info.... http://biology.clc.uc.edu/fankhauser/Chees...net/Rennet.html http://www.vegsoc.org/info/cheese.html vegetarian cheese info.... http://cheese.joyousliving.com/ http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~veggie/nonveg/cheese.html