sher_panjabi

Amrit Sanchaar at Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib is carried out in accordance to Sikh Rehat Maryada. 1. You sit downstairs (main diwaan hall) at Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib tell you are called up by Panj Pyaare to take Amrit. Those who wish to take Amrit walk upstairs. We had to wait on the 1st flour where Maharaaj da Parkaash was for about 5 - 10 minutes. While waiting people were few at time allowed to go upstairs (the top flour where Amrit Sanchaar was to take place). Panj Pyaare were askin people about Kakkaars and whether they were wearing correct Kachhera and wearing Kirpan etc while people walked up stairs. 2. Entering the upstairs Diwaan (right on top floor of Akaal Takhat Sahib) a Sewadaar stood there and told people that only those who wish to take Amrit are allowed inside. Anyone else must wait outside. Everyone was told to wear Kirpan visibly and that Kachhera must be visible (i.e. men had to remove pajama and trousers). 3. We sat in the Diwaan, did Matha Tekh to Guru ji and sat down. Men on one side, women on ther side. Sewadaars brough buckets of water to fill the Baataa. 4. Announcment was made by Panj Pyaare that those who wish to take Amrit - last chance... doors will be closed, if anyone does not wish to take Amrit then please leave Diwaan. 5. Panj Pyaare asked Sangat who is re-taking Amrit, done a Kurehat, or done any other fall in Rehat. Those people were asked to stand up. A large number of people were there for Pesh or asking to re-take Amrit. Pesh happened for those people. One by one people explained why they had come to re-take Amrit or what Kurehat or lapse in Rehat they had done. Each person was given individual Tankhaah (punishment), e.g. sweeping local Gurdwara floor for 40 days, or cleaning of the Sangat's shoes in the local village etc. THose who had committed a Kurehat were asked to sit back and re-take Amrit, the rest were given Tankhaah, forgiven and told to Matha to Guru Sahib and then they could go. 6. I know that in 1960s or 70s Bhai Fauja Singh Ji Shaheed took Amrit at Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib and they did Pesh for everyone to ask why they wished to take Amrit and asked questions. Unfortunately perhaps due to the large Sangat not all individuals were made to stand infront of Panj Pyaare to ask why they wished to take Amrit etc... (only people who wished to re-take Amrit went through this). The whole Sangat (especially women) were told to remove all Jewellary, earrings, nose-studs and any jewellery other than Sarbloh Kara, Kirpan etc. 7. I had to stand under a fan, because i was feeling dizzy and it was HOT (july time). I felt bit faint so i stood next an old Baba Ji. The Panj Pyaare did Ardaas and read Hukamnama and then started the Amrit Sanchaar. All Panj Pyaare sat in Bir Aasan (warrior pose, one knee on the floor and one knee up and one hand on baata and one on khanda). 8. Japji sahib, jaap sahib, swaiye, benti chaupayee sahib, and (full) anand sahib were recited.... because i felt so faint, me and the Baba Ji sat on the floor tell we felt ready to stand up again (rest of the Sangat were stadning, those who for health reasons had to sit down on the floor were allowed to). There was so much Sangat and if you were not near the front then it was heard to hear the paat fully... however everyone was quite, and you could hear Panj pyaare reciting Baani. 9. Ardaas was done and Hukamnama. 10. The Amrit (from the one Baata) was poured into two smaller Baate to give Amrit to the men and women (due to the large sangat). Two Baate were made ready to give Amrit to men (so 2 of the panj pyaare were there) and 2 baate were ready to give Amrit to ladies (so 2 panj pyaare there) and the fifth of the Panj Pyaare was at the back taking down the names of those who took Amrit and their addresses (those who had trimmed beards or didnt look full Sikhi Saroop (due to a sudden life change etc) were asked to write their name once their hair had fully grown). 11. Amrit was given 5 times to drink, 5 times sprinkled in the eyes and 5 times sprinkled in the Kesh. Each time we were asked to say "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" 12. Men stood in a big semi-circle (standing near the wall, going all the way round). The Amrit were poured from four baate back into 2 baate. One baate went around all the ladies... amrit was given to sip. Same proceedure with men. The baata came back again to the start to make sure everyone had drank from the Baata where everyone had drank from. (by the way the AMRIT WAS TASTEY!!!!!!!!!!! and my head and faint-ness was gona in straight away when i took drank Amrit!) 13. Everyone then was asked to write their names. Everyone then sat down. Panj Pyaare stood with their Kirpaans naked and one of the Panj Pyaare (the Jathedaar) on a microphone told the Rehat to the Sangat. 14. Gurmantar - "VAAHE-GUROO" was given to the Sangat... we all repeated "VAAHE-GUROO" five times after the Panj Pyaare. 15. Mool Mantar "EK OUNKAAR" to "GUR-PRASAAD" was then given to the Sangat to repeat after Panj Pyaare. we were told that these are spiritual food and given to us to remember Waaheguroo and to use in daily life. 16. Rehat was told (in detail) - How you have been reborn, new father, new mother, new family. - What are the duties of the Khalsa, - What things a Khalsa should give up (i.e. Brahmanism rituals, superstitutions, caste etc). - Panj Kakkaar - 4 Kurehats - Three principles of life (naam japna, vand shakna, and kirat kamaayee) - Told to give Daswand to Guru di Golak - Gurpurbs ... celebrate gurpurbs by making parshaad or giving money to Gurdwara for Parshaad. All Gurpurbs which you know of or remember should be celebrated by making parshaad or going to Gurdwara etc - Birth .. Your children should go through Naam Ceremony (Baata, Kirpan and reciting 5 Paurees of Japji Sahib, Ardaas) and taking Naam from Hukamnama - Marriage ... should be simple wedding, amritdhari marries amritdhari, no manmat rituals or practices, no alcohol should be served or distributed at wedding etc etc - Death .... Accept Guru's Will, you can place ashes in any flowing water near home, going especially to Kiratpur Sahib just to place ashes or going to Ganges = manmat, and explainging basic funeral proceedure. - New life, new duty, and what is expected from the Khalsa Finally - Ardaas, Hukamnama Those who had taken Amrit for first time were given HUGE portions of Karhah Parshaad, and the rest were given parshaad as they left. I then had a conversation with two of the Panj Pyaare because they found out I was from England. THey said if i need any advice or help etc not to hestitate to contact them etc. my mum and cousin were waiting outside. We then went to the Langar Ghar to have Guru Ka Langar and paid respects to Guru Maharaaj.

When I took Amrit at Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar in July 2003, the Panj Pyaare tell you the four Kurehats and clarify what that means. One of the Panj Pyaare who told the Sangat taking Amrit the Rehat said: "THe Four Kurehats are: 1. Kesha Di Beadbee (dishonouring of the hair) ... includes trimming, shaving, colouring, dying the hair or dishnouring it any other form. 2. Par istree jaa par purash naal sang (physical relationship with a man or woman other than one's wife or husband). 3. Tamaacoo jaa hor koyee nashaa nehee chhaknaa (not to take/smoke/eat tobacco or use any intoxicants) ... this includes "Sukhaa", which is "Bhang" (cannabis) (this was told by Panj pyaare). 4. Kuttaa Nehee Chhaknaa (not to eat Kuttaa) ... "Kuttaa O Maas Hai Jo Musulman Tareeqe naal vaddiyaa gayiaa hai" (not to eat Kuttaa, <admin-profanity filter activated> means that meat which is slaughtered in accordance to Muslim rites/ ritualistic way)." The above Rehat also is the same found in Sikh Rehat Maryada. Hope that helps your question about Akaal Takhat Sahib. Kurehat = that thing which in any circumstance or situation a Sikh is not allowed to commit, and if one does commit, he or she will be excommunicated from the Khalsa and will have to be re-admited by going before the Panj Pyaare (in Guru Granth Sahib Ji's hazoori) and re-taking Amrit.

They are called "Whirling Dervishes" (from Turkey) Check out: http://natheal.com/thewhirlingdervishes.html The believe that dancing and twirling helps to become absorbed in God and giving up the 'self' etc

shaheed i am studying at King's College London Bhagat Kabir Ji was born in a Brahman family, and he was adopted and raised by Mulsim parents. Bhagat Fareed Ji and Bhagat Bhikan Ji have Sufi "background" - however all the Bhagats shared the same message of Guru Nanak Ji, hence the fith Nanak added the Bhagat's Baani (revelation) into the Aad Granth Sahib. <_<

Some sections from my (BA Religious Studies) essay which i thought wud be nice to share with the Sangat - the essay was on comparing and contrasting the practices of two modern Sufi brotherhoods DHIKR = Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr = Simran) Below is a paragraphy from my essay describing dhikr and how Sufis practice it.

some really good vichaar here. thanks guys! sissy penji - u have written some thought provoking and nice posts. half of these issues we are either ignorant about or never think of. Thanks. <_<

I remember when I took Amrit at Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib.... while walking up to the Amrit Sanchaar some people were reciting Benti Chaupayee Sahib da Paat. Singing shabads and doing simran while travelling to the amrit sanchaar (i.e. in car or walking) is recommended... helps to build up the psyche and chardikala spirit. Its like you are going to see your Father and you are going to offer your head as gift to Him... keeping that in mind and singing shabads = bairaag feelin:)

In regards to SAGUN (offering money to bridge & groom).... to my knowledge that used to be used to help pay for the wedding and also give financial help to the boy and girl in setting up their new life together. I think with today's "Panjabi" style weddings and manmat orientated Anand Kaaraj's i wud think the financial help would be appreciated! (paying for party hall, DJ, giani ji, keertani, gurdwara, expensive lengaa etc <_< ) But for a Gursikh wedding i wud expect that it is cost friendly and that you don't need money to help you for wedding. But nice for couple to start up new home/life/relationship with some money on the side. :TH: BUT GIVING SAGUN IN FRONT OF GURU JEE = to me IT LOOKS DISRESPECTFUL AND OUT OF PLACE (perhaps it shud be done at home, or in the park or summit)

Gupt Daasan Daas - the explanation of Gursikh marriage = top knotch!!!! thanks, it was a pleasure reading it. :doh: Sissy penji - regards to colour... its not about being superstituous or to say that this colour is "sinful" or "bad"... rather i would see it as part of being unity and uniformity. :e: :nihungsmile: :T: Blue, Orange/Yellow, Black & White = Traditional colours of the Khalsa .... wearing which promotes equality, uniformity, unity and identity of the wearers. However, no-one is going chuck you out of the panth for wearing a red t-shirt or wearing a pink pagh.!! ( :wub: hope not. lol <_< ) In public or when you want your clothes to represent the Panth then it makes sense to wear "traditional" colours attributed to the Panth. Red = attributed to Red Cross Green/Blue = attributed to British Army etc it would make sense that when they are representing their organisation at an event or function that they wear colours which unify and identify with the organisation. :wub: Hope that helps to clear it up.

anyone got any more vichaar?

Agree with Jagjit Paaji Feeding some Gursikhs which we admire is good - invite them to your home and "SHARE" (its simply sharing - don't make it ritualistic or like that you specially serving them) food with them. However - serving food to 5 Sikhs is from Brahmanism when they feed 5 Brahmans and give them clothes, thinking that by doing so they are doing a Virtuous Deed and that there dead ancestors will recieve the food and clothes given to the Brahmans to eat and wear. What do we do? Instead of Brahmnans we "OVER FEED" 5 Singhs and then wash their hands for them (So preventing them from do even the slightest of exercise:)) then we give them a new dastaar and money etc. Gareeb da Mooh - Guru Di Golakh.... the Poor man's mouth is the Guru's Golakh (Deposit box). Suggestions: * If you want to invite Gursikhs to share a meal - then just invite them but don't make a big hoo haa about it like giving them money and dastaars which would make them feel like they are being treated like Brahmans - rather i am sure they will appreciate your pyaar and respect in lovingly sharing food with them and doing Gurmat vichaar. * Distribute meal or food with homeless or poor people? * Perhaps do a Kirtan programme at your house - Just don't feed the Gursikhs, also ask them to feed you and your family with Gurbaani, gurmat vichaar and Ras of Kirtan etc. <_< Bhul chuk maaf

In a Gurdwara you would not watch tele (which shows things like kissing, sex and swearing - obviously there are some tele programs which don't have anything dodgey like documentaries, childrens tele and news etc... so nothing wrong in this!)..... you would not listen to bhangra in the gurdwara etc. So if you have Guru ji - the same applies. Would you wanna watch something dodgey/manmat on tele, or listen to lewd music when Guru Nanak Ji was upstairs staying upstairs? - I personally wouldn't be able to play tele or music coz of i wudn't have the nerve plus out of love that my GREAT GURU, the shabd, the Word of God is in my house!

1) This play will not be centred or feature a Mosque 2) The Qur'an or Qur'anic verses will not be misappropriated used 3) "Islam" or the Mosque is not being attacked or branded negatively - rather it is based on "Muslims" and "culture of Islamic societies". So there is no problem. Freedom of speach over steps the mark when a religion is ridiculed, mocked and its sacred texts and institutions are misappropriately used or portrayed.

Plz bring ur mates along tomorrow!!! plus if anyone has anything to record the Kirtan - plz bring it along! Thanks <_<

I think perhaps the SGPC should make 'Kumi' the Afro-Carribean area Head Parchaaric or Jathedaar. :wub: I am sure he would get on well with locals - and spread love and sikh. <_<

<_< Maaf karnaa guru pyaaree'o But has anyone actually read each "Waheguroo"? Isn't Naam Japna when you sing Waheguru' Gun with mind, body and soul? :wub: sorry for distrupting thread.

vwihgurU jI kw Kwlsw! vwihgurU jI kI &iqh!! This is a serious topic, I apologise if it is sensitive issue to have on the forum. A Sikh sister emailed me in regards to a problem. The problem she was facing was that she has all of her life not dishonoured her kesh (she has not shaved/wax/cut hair). However family members, and ladies from the local Gurdwara sangat have questioned her on why she doesn't shave or wax. The pressure and insistance by other people to cut and shave her hair has made this Sikh sister question why she is going through the heart-ache of keeping Kesh (which she does out of the love of Guru Ji and following Guru' Hukam) if she is going to face abuse and pressure from other people. <_< I hope the Penji does not mind if I share my response to her email - in hoping that it may open awarenessa and perhaps help someone in a similar situation. Guru Raka

<_< What on the menu tomorrow nite????? TAKE YOUR PICK: A) CHICKEN B) DAAL C) AMRIT NAAM (Gurbaani) :wub: :wub: :TH: If you wish to pick C) then come along to King's Kirtan and enjoy the Naam Ras of Gurbaani Kirtan. :doh:

Penji/ veer ji its all part of Waheguru's Hukam - understanding that is the Key to your situation. Your relative has only left his or her "human body" - the soul is eternal, the soul is part of Waheguru, the soul can never die. <_< Where the soul goes - depends on the actions of individual... only Waheguru knows! So no point thinking about it. May Guru Ji guide and bless you. All the best penji / veer ji

<_< I would love to hear "Kumi" Veer ji do Katha Vichaar on the Gurdwara stage in his dialect/boli (i don't know what you call it :wub: - is it called 'yardie' language?) :T: By the way veer ji it is god topic/thread - we should always ask and self-evaluate our actions and how well or not so well we are following Guru's Rehat.... when we are in a rush I admit that I rush my Nitnem. However Baani which I know what it means or which I can easily read the translation while reciting the Gurmukhi - helps to focus and feel the Baani. Guru Raaka

I think Gursikh Naujawans and youngsters should all nominate themselves and nominate other Gursikh Youngsters to be in the Gurdwara Committee... let's see what the reaction of the elders will be <_<

Have you seen the new govt. adverts which are trying to get people to vote in the elections. The advert basically goes like this: People say: "I am not politcal" "I am not into Politics" etc. However - wherever you go in the world, you stand up for your rights, you demand for changes, you wish things to improve and you wish society to run fairly, equally and truthfully. The advert tries to highlight that everyday life is "politics" Hence Guru Maharaaj gave us concept of "MIRI & PIRI" - Temporal/Wordly/Political & Spiritual/Bhagti combined. Sikhs are POLITICAL. Sikhs are WORLDLY. Sikhs are WARRIORS. Sikhs are FIGHTERS. HOWEVER.... a Sikh is FIRST a "Sant" (Saint) - who reads, lives, and practices Gurbaani. Then re-look at what a Sikh is: a Sikh is a SANT who: - Politically takes a stand to better the world and make "positive" changes - Worldy, who remember and carry out their responsibility to society and live amongst the world while remaing detached. - Warriors who don't fear death or the consequences for upkeeping righteoness, truth and jusitce - Fighters who will not stop or be defeated in their mission to serve, heal and protect the world.

:TH: Penji very good topic. Thanks for asking it. (nothin to be sorry about). I am sure some Gursikhs on the forum will be able to help with some answers or Gurmat Vichaar regarding the topic. to my little knowledge of Gurbaani and Gurmat - Waheguru does not punish us. (from Japji Sahib)What is Hukam? Hukam (to my knowledge) = ACTION & REACTION LAW (the Law of Karma) - the laws of physics, laws of nature are also part of the Laws of Waheguru (part of the Hukam). Japji Sahib tells us: In a way we all affected by disease and illness - to what degree and how we cope/understand/challenge the disease and illness may vary to our spiritual and mental level. <_< hope someone has a better understanding - or can put some light on the issue.

lol. i was thinking the same. <_< Waheguru

:T: <_< I thought it would grab people's attention - coz it seems we can't get over the meat issue topic even if it discussed 100 times! Please pass message about Kirtan programme to friends, family and people at uni etc.