Kamaljit_Kaur

VaheGuru Jee Kaa Khalsa

VaheGuru Jee Kee Fatheh!

Received this in an e-mail, would be a thought if Admins could make this a sticky in order to inform Sangath/Gurdwara Committees to ensure that the Gurdwara Sahib's have installed basic health and safety measures.

Please add any more suggestions to this thread also.

Dhanvaad Jee.

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Few bits of advise for local Gurdwareh – Please forward and share with your sangat, friends, family and most importantly, Gurdwareh:

1 – Check and ensure all CCTV cameras are operational – if not, invest and/or replace;

2 – Ensure there are a number of high capacity fire extinguishers on the Gurdwara premises -check there date is valid (they don’t have a long shelf life) and that Sevadaars/Giannis have been trained/advised how to use them;

3 – Invest in protecting all exposed windows (most arson is started via petrol bombs being thrown through windows. Invest in metal shutters or heavy duty clear plastic (or similar) to protect windows. Chipboard covering is not clever – it’s flammable.

4 – Ensure Giannis and local youth are in contact and there are plans in place to protect the Gurdwara, but more importantly Maharaajs Saroop, especially if evacuation is necessary i.e. in the case of arson.

5 – Police should still always be alerted in the 1^st instance in the case of any attack/provocation. This ensure a good relationship is maintained and shows that self defence was a 2^nd option, which helps in case action leads to any court proceedings.

6 – Help can be asked for on a national level from other Sevadaar Singhs across the country via the “Sikh Riot Awareness UK” facebook page. Any incidents, threats etc should also be reported here, so Sangath is aware of what is going on.

7 – Lastly, please let this be a wake up call – that all people (Sikhs in particular) should be Tyaar Bar Tyaar – able to defend themselves, their family, their Guru Ghar and even other people. Please make it a priority to invest in and commit to learning a ‘real’ martial arts/fighting/combat system which includes comprehensive and ‘realistic’ weapons training, so you can defend yourself on the street if the need ever arises. There is no chivalry and are no rules, referees or boxing gloves on the street.

Be Vigilant ... Stay Safe

Sri Akaal Jee Sahae!

VaheGuru ,,,

Just spoke to Sangath in Ilford East London ... Gurdwara Sahib's have been attacked with bricks there, the Singhs are getting together to stay at the Guru Ghars overnight in case they get put on fire ... VaheGuru

Birmingham, my area is full of police cars and helicopters flying around like crazy ... It's chaos here, I know shops have been smashed and trashed in the City Centre but feel it's moving to the prominent areas of Handsworth, Lozells, Aston ...

Not sure who to contact but the Fauj need to get together in Birmingham in case this escalates into something more tragic ...

HUMBLE BENTHEE: DO BEANT CHAUPAEE SAHIB JAAP AND ARDHAAS SO THAT NO BEADBEE HAPPENS TO GURU SAHIB JEE AND THAT NO INNOCENT PEOPLE GET KILLED ...

VaheGuru Jee Kaa Khalsa

VaheGuru Jee Kee Fatheh!

Dhanvaad Jivan Jee ... your message was very much appreciated and thank you for replying to my questions

In addition, kindly check out the following link for 'Paathaa Dee Sankhep Maryada' written by Baba Teja Singh Ji Nihang Singh Mehro Vale, student of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhindranwale.

http://www.nihangsingh.org/website/mm-pathmaryada.html

Sri Akaal Jee Sahae!

It's all online ... Check out the following link: http://www.gursevak.com/vishraam.htm

You can download the Pothee from there as PDF file or view on Scribed and it comes complete with the MP3 Audio files ...

Bhagat Jaswant Singh Jee and the GurSevak Sevadaars are truly Blessed with Apaar Kirpa to have carried out this Mahaan Seva ... Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Piaareh!

Read the Synopsis, sounds very interesting and something people outside the Sikh Faith can read and become aware of the tortures and injustice that Sikhs faced then and now ... i'll be ordering this!

Dhanvaad Jee, especially to all the Taksaal GurMukhs that didn't bother to reply ... Maharaaj Kirpa Karan ...

Our Guru is here right now, not a figure of the past. Anyone who joins with the shabad guru and has taken khande di pahul from Panj Pyare is a direct disciple of the Satguru. That is all the lineage needed.

Ironically, the above can't really be said for udasi who don't even take amrit and grow jatta (dreadlocks), how they can be considered more authentic Sikhs than anyone Amritdhari Gursikh from any jatha be it 'modern' or whatever is beyond me. Udasis use idols and pray to shiva.

Not all Nirmale even take amrit, or if they do they don't wear all kakkars such as a Kirpan, and they are more joined on to Vedas than Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj!

Sevapanthi I don't know much about except they did not even used to take khande di pahul until modern times, this can not be gurmat. I do know that they do now take khande di pahul which is great.

Nihangs do jhatka of goats and drink copious amounts of bhang- I think that says it all, there is no way either of these are from Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. Not to attack nihangs but there are MANY different thoughts in Nihang maryada that are unbelievably against Sikh teaching. Eg. in amrit sanchars so called lower castes are given amrit SEPERATELY from so called higher castes.There is no way this can be traced back to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Actual elements of puraatan gursikhi rehat actually from Guru Sahib which are greatly lacking in the above are larivar saroop of bani, sarbloh bibek rehat, these were both indisputable elements of puratan gursikhi. If someone claims to trace back to dashmesh pita and does not have either of these than that claim is either extremely questionable or simply that their might be a link through people but the practices have certainly changed from what Guru Sahib gave.

So when these groups claim that through a line of people they are traced back to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, what is more important to see,is do the practices carried out by these groups trace by to Guru Ji? Do they act according to Gurbani or do they do something else?

Forget lineage of people, see if the actions are Gurmat or not, regardless of group. What is called a 'modern' group may be practicing more gurmat than anyone else if they have joined themselves to Gurbani, naam and the rehat they were blessed with by panj pyare..

Remember in the 19th century it took a new group, the singh sabha movement, not these 'old' ones, to save sikhi from being enguled into hinduism.

Veer Jee, I can assure you that not all Nihangs do jhatka or bhang, this can be confirmed by almost all of the Jathedaars of the Nihang Dals/Misls i.e. Baba Nihaal Singh Jee, Baba Tarlok Singh Jee, etc ... And where have you seen or heard that Amrith Sanchaars are given separately in accordance to caste???!!!

If you're a Son or Daughter of Sri Dasmesh Pitha Jee then say the following when anyone asks of your caste:

ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਤ ਅਰ ਪਤ ॥

Khalsa Meree Jaath Ar Paath

Khalsa is my caste & creed

- Sri SarabLoh Granth Sahib Jee

VaheGuru Jee Kaa Khalsa

VaheGuru Jee Kee Fatheh!

Can the Sangath please point out the proper Maryada for doing Sri JapJee Sahib Raul Seva that is alongside Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Jee.

In particular:

I'm aware that one must or ought to have had Santhia Daath, and recite in accordance with Bisraams etc.

When one starts the Jaap, do you recite a Shabad first like 'Dandaut Bandhan Anik Baar Sarab Kala Samrath' or just do Arambh (begin) the Jaap?

Do you read quietly, or just in the mind, or whisper the Jaap?

Do you recite at a relatively slow pace (20/25 minutes per Jaap) or at a normal pace (15 minutes per Jaap)?

Physical maryada, I'm aware you that you must wear a Hazooria, is it okay to cover your mouth with it whilst reciting?

Also, one must have full Ishnaan (Sareer and Kes) before sitting. And do Ardhaas before and after the Raul Seva in order to seek forgiveness for mistakes and the Kirpa to read Baani Shudh.

What else can be done to keep Sathkaar ... like turning the Angs and can Chaur Sahib Seva be done whilst reciting?

Apologies for all the questions ... Hoping Sangath can give a detailed reply as even the basic Maryada shouldn't be overlooked.

VaheGuru!

VaheGuru Jee Kaa Khalsa

VaheGuru Jee Kee Fatheh!

That's a great idea when you can't make the necessary arrangements to carry out Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Jee and want to take the Rass from listening to Baani.

I've done this too ... What I did was I ensured the room and area where the Paath was played was cleaned and made sure to move unnecessary things like TV/Stereo out the room or just shift to a different side of the room, unplug it and cover with a cloth so no-one accidently switches it on.

Alongside Paath, you could have your Laptop on with the translations or follow the Gurbaani whilst Paath being played ... There's Maryaada for this too like ensuring the PC/Laptop is 'clean' ... i.e. no unnecessary clutter of dodgy files/pictures/music etc and no other windows should be up alongside the Baani ...

Let everyone know that Paath will be played in that particular room and when entering keep a level of personal hygiene and no shoes allowed ... Also when in the room ensure that no-one speaks/talks ... Try to be strict about keeping the atmosphere peaceful and quiet where one is to just listen attentively to the Pavittar Baani.

In the room, I put cloth on the floor and sit in lotus position (cross-legged as you do in the Gurdwara), avoid lying down.

Also, I light incense sticks (dhoof) and you could light a Joyth but that's optional, just to make the atmosphere tranquil ...

If there's anymore ways of keeping to Maryaada please do post up ...

Totally agree with Paneer Monster ... It was an awesome programme ... So much Seva, Sangath and Prem amongst everyone ... Met some amazing GurSikhs there ...

Though I do feel that next year there ought to be more emphasis on Katha (in Panjaabi and English) from Panthic Parchaaraks ... Sant Hari Singh Jee (Randhave Wale) were really great but not enough time were allocated to them.

Also, the broadcasting from the channels were quality ... Overall an amazing weekend!

VaheGuru!

That's great Brother ... I was beginning to think we'll be left with just Pluto Singhs on this forum LoL

VaheGuru Jee Kaa Khalsa

VaheGuru Jee Kee Fatheh!

I was just wondering whether there are any Chaplaincy / Care Workers here ... I would like to hear your experiences and any advice you are willing to share with regards to embarking on such careers.

If possible, post up details or PM me some positive organisations that help with these opportunities.

Kind Regards

Kamaljit Kaur

^^^

Its nice to hear that Singhs want Bibia to do Parchaar and are thinking more broadly in terms of just raising a family. Just considering this from a different angle, I personally feel that a Singhanee that's Tyaar Bar Tyaar in her Rehanee, Behanee, Kehanee and Sehanee and is raising her family (the future Panth) in such a way that's filled with Prem for Sikhee is more than enough Parchaar for every Kaur and non-Kaur out there ... Just from looking at her character and the way she carries out Seva is in its own way an immensely positive way of doing Parchaar ... A sense of respect and admiration follows from looking at a Singhanee in this way and has a dramatic impact to draw others in and inspire them into adopting similar traits and GurSikh Jeevan ... Though the next stage would be to do Sangath with such Singhaneea so in a way Bibia ought to become more united and realise we're all Soul Sisters here, just look out for one another rather than backstab and do nindhia etc (which is quite common from what I've seen) ... Maharaaj Kirpa Karan that we stay united and support each other in order to inspire the future Panth and engage in doing positive Parchaar ...

Another point thats interesting is that Singhs do know how to look after themselves i.e. cooking, cleaning, raising family. If you go to a Nihang Dal in Panjaab, the Singhs would all make Langar Parshaada together and clean the place as well as looking after the Bhujangia ... It's amazing to see such sights and really acts as inspiration for all those lazy Panjaabi lads in the West that make the lady to make them something as simple as a cup of tea haha!

I agree with your sentiments and thank you for informing us of potential drawbacks to the event ... I personally wasn't even aware of the things you listed in your original post about Niddar Singh ... Though there's disagreements about a whole load of issues between some Jathebandia/Sampardey on a whole ... But I wouldn't comment as I tend to shy away from politics ...

However, I do like to keep an open mind and learn whenever and wherever possible ... As well as focusing on the positives in every corner of the Panth and other faiths ...

Also, if such events do portray anti-Gumat elements then the only way to find out is to actually attend events and see what the organisers have to say, only then can something be done about it to discourage further events from taking place.

VaheGuru Jee!

Missed the event unfortunately but judging from the content of the Programme and Video it looks well Chardhee Kala ...Will there be any events like this in future? Would you consider holding future events across the Midlands like Leicester and Birmingham as there's alot of Tarna Dal Faujaan here ...

Thanks for the links ... Already seen them years ago ...

It's good to be informed about such things and be wary but it's a shame how an informative positive event gets dragged into negative politics.

I say we go and check it our for ourselves rather than basing it around preconceived notions about what the event might entail ...

To be honest I don't really think that the Goreh would care much if we don't accept their stuff ... They'll probably be happy as we're not 'wasting' their free resources like the dumb tea/coffee rounds!

At my work place they'll ask like 50 times a day for tea/coffee and drink like 100 times a day then they complain about the milk/sugar running low and who wasted it all ... LoL!

Also, if you constantly refuse the food/drink then they eventually get bored and stop asking as they know we're just not into all of that ... Don't worry about what they think, most people already know we're following a 'special diet' due to our outstanding Saroop! Hehe!

And I wouldn't bother trying to explain our reasons of Bibek to them ... Some things are best left to those that actually follow the concept themselves ... If any case I always get the fuss and remarks from apneh just like Bundha Veer Jee mentioned!

I love the videos above! Very inspiring!

Having had discussions with many Sangath and Bhaee Sahibs about why there aren't any Bibia Parcharaaks, I wish to point out the following points:

- Many Jathas feel that Bibia shouldn't do Katha or Akhand Paath Raul Seva

- Less importance and encouragement given in areas of Santhia and Ithiaas to Bibia

- More emphasis made on Keerthan

- Many feel that Bibia should focus heavily on raising Bhujhangia and the needs of the family

- Bibia are at fault due to lack of unity amongst Bibia and not enough support/backing is given to pursue such aims

- Lack of Bibia role models for upcoming generation/youth to look up to

I personally would love to see Bibia doing Parchaar but I also believe all of the above to be true and feel that there's always a valid and practical reason as to why those points were made.

Just like to ask ... Were Bibia doing Katha in Puraathan sameh? ... I assume that Bibia were raising families at that time and Singhs were held responsible for Katha/Veechaar?

No surprises there ... It's been happening for a long time now ...

I know weddings that took place there where a Panjabi lady and White man got married and afew weeks ago a Panjabi lady and Hindu man got married there too ...

Though I'm not sure whether the non-Panjabi grooms changed their names and accepted Sikh Dharam ...

Veer Jee/Bhen Jee,

What organisation is apparently formed by Niddar Singh and his Crew?

I am aware that a Martial Arts event in September is due to take place where Niddar Singh is one of many talkers at the event but I doubt that GT1588 is managed by Niddar Singh ...

Any solid evidence of your claims?

REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST

Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM (GMT)

London, United Kingdom

GT1588

GT1588 brings you a stunning new exhibition, book and web resource on the Golden Temple of Amritsar. The first steps of a major initiative to bring to light the awe-inspiring history, traditions and teachings of the Sikhs.

It is run by the UK Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA) and its publishing wing, Kashi House.

Both are not-for-profit voluntary organisations with a combined track record of producing world class books, events and other resources on Sikh and Punjabi culture and heritage.

Event Details

Theme of the Day: History & Design

The day will include the following 3 talks (plus free lunch):

The Brunei Gallery, SOAS

Thornhaugh Street

Russell Square

WC1H 0XG London

United Kingdom

The Sacred City

The fascinating story of Amritsar, from its origins as a remote spring once visited by the Buddha to becoming the epicentre of the Sikh faith and one of the wealthiest cities along the Silk Route.

Amandeep Singh Madra is a founding member of UKPHA, an author of several books on Sikh history and a global logistics executive.

Because Seeing is Believing

Marvel at the rarest and most arresting images of the Golden Temple and the amazing stories behind their discovery.

Parmjit Singh is a founding member of Kashi House and an independent researcher and author specialising in the artistic heritage of the Sikhs.

Decoding the Design Mantra

Uncovering the 'golden' design principles embedded within Guru Nanak's universal philosophy.

Juga Singh is a creative designer specialising in print media.

For tickets and further information please visit: http://gt1588-rotp-e...eventbrite.com/

Dear Parkash 2011 Sevadaars ...

Can't wait for this ... Though would it be possible to get Bhaee Mehal Singh Jee's Kavishree Jatha at the programme too as they're in the UK??

VaheGuru Jee Kaa Khalsa

VaheGuru Jee Kee Fatheh!

Please use this thread to post any Multimedia files of Bhaee Mehal Singh Jee's Kavishree Jatha.

The link below is of a recording from yesterdays Divaan at Bebe Nanaki Sahib Gurdwara, Birmingham, UK. Sincere apologies about the quality as it was recorded on my phone and it's been uploaded as an AMR file, if anyone knows how to convert it to mp3 then feel free to do so.

http://www.mediafire.com/?kgps5t2degfvrwe

Dhanvaad Jee!

My left ear is exactly the same ... Looks quite scary as alot of the raw skin is revealed and it's quite painful when having Dasthaar tied over it ...I put a bandaid on it but tends to just slip off or get stuck on my Dasthaar that eventually pulls my ear thus making it worse ... I will definitely try the Zam-Buk that's available online: http://www.rose-apothecary.co.uk/acatalog/Zam-Buk_Embrocation.html ... Thanks for the suggestion Veer Jee ... Much appreciated!

My ear gets sore now and then and gets very raw and red because of the last larl that I like to keep nice and tight to keep the whole pag tight.

I normally put some ointment (there is a medicated cream called Zambuk) on it and put an elataplast/bandaid on my ear, that helps a lot and after a while the raw part of the ear heals up.