sher_panjabi

It's tomorrow!

2 days left

3 days left!! :D

:D Bhai Sahib, what you have heard is true! (there may also be ice-cream and cakes!)

Vaheguru.

Benti, please all attend the camp.

Just to let the Sangat know, there will be a talk by Dr. Tarlochan Singh jee on the topic of Gurbani and Science covering creation, purpose of life, how the universe works etc for the elder youth and adults. Bhai Sahib has done similar talks before which were a success with Guru Sahib's kirpaa. When I was at the Gurdwara, a Bhaji was telling me that his relative who was an atheist went to the Gurdwara for the talk on Science and Gurbani. By the end of the talk he said that he believed in Waheguru and that he was no longer an atheist. Gurbani is an endless ocean! So please come.

Also there will be loads of hands on learning for everyone :D

1. You could either print out pictures or show pictures via computer projector of famous Sikhs in history. You could go with a theme of either sikh bibiaa or shaheeds. If shaheeds, you could start with Guru Arjan Dev jee, then Guru Tegh Bahadar jee, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Daya jee. Discuss where they got strength from etc.

2. Play Quiz with them. Divide into mixed groups. Have questions from Sikh history, what certain words mean, dates, and include general knowledge questions to give some confidence to those children who know less about Sikhi so that they still feel involved.

3. Design a poster. Give each child pen and paper and they have to design a colourful poster explaining who and what a Sikh is for their school or general public.

4. Print out names of Guru Sahibs, dates, and information such as their children's names, which Bani they composed, which city they founded etc etc. Cut out the individual information - so its like "Sukhmani Sahib" written on cut out. "Japji Sahib" on another. "Guru Nanak Dev Ji" on another. Then team the children into groups. Perhaps younger and elder children should be in different groups and with the elder children you can give a few more difficult facts. Then you give them 30 minutes to discuss and put all the cards/cut outs into an order. E.g. "Guru Nanak Dev Ji" + "Baba Sri Chand & Baba Lakhmi Daas" + "Mata Sulakhani Ji" + "Kartarpur Sahib" + "Japji Sahib" + "Bhai Mardana Ji" would all go under Guru Nanak Dev Ji. You could blue-tac or glue for them to put the cut outs on a bigger piece of paper.

5. Discussion / Questions & Answers. Ask the children what problems they face at school. And together decide what action and good tips they could implement.

6. Dastaar Tying class - always fun!

Main thing is to talk the children's language, make it fun, be aware they have short attention span, ask them questions whilst you talk and make sure everyone is involved.

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

To my knowledge there is no Gurdwara in Dusseldorf itself.

The nearest Gurdwara, with large and significant Sangat and a lot of young children coming into Gurmat is "Duisburg".

Address:

Gurdwara Singh Sabha Duisburg

Homberger Straße 417,

47443,

Moers

(+49) 2841-55172

Main Sangat attends on Sunday. Diwaan is tell 3 or 4pm. But Gurdwara and Guru Ka Langar is open all day, 7 days a week Giani Makhan Singh, the local Granthi Singh, does very nice Keertan and Kathaa at the Gurdwara Sahib. Everyone is very welcoming.

Gurmat and Keertan classes are every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Bhai Sahib jee please read article below:

http://sikhism101.com/node/203

Quote from article on Sikhism101.com, written by G S Lamba:

Ram katha jug jug atal. Guru Gobind Singh ji, while concluding his version of Ramavtar, said, "the story of Rama exists from time immemorial and will remain so."

.....

The divide of North and South over the status of Rama and Ravana is all too visible. Whereas in the North Rama is revered, the same status is not conferred on him in the South. Though Guru Gobind Singh ji in his 'Ramavtar' has critically analysed at length the epic of Rama and Ravana, but he has also given a very interesting note at the end about the spiritual status of Rama and Ravana

ਸਾਧ ਅਸਾਧ ਜਾਨੋ ਨਹੀ ਬਾਦ ਸੁਬਾਦ ਬਿਬਾਦਿ ॥

ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਕਲ ਪੂਰਣ ਕੀਯੋ ਭਗਵਤ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥੮੬੨॥

"It is difficult to decide who was a saint and who was not; it is a contentious issue. My job was to complete this epic with the grace of God – which I have done."

(ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਰਾਮਾਵਤਾਰ)

The Ramavtar ends with the cantos which forms a part of the daily prayer of the Sikhs and declare unequivocally that after I have come to the feet of the Lord I will not even look to any one else. Rama, Rahim, Puranas, Quran all give different versions of God, but I shall heed none.

ਸ੍ਵੈਯਾ ॥

ਪਾਂਇ ਗਹੇ ਜਬ ਤੇ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਤਬ ਤੇ ਕੋਊ ਆਂਖ ਤਰੇ ਨਹੀ ਆਨਯੋ ॥

ਰਾਮ ਰਹੀਮ ਪੁਰਾਨ ਕੁਰਾਨ ਅਨੇਕ ਕਹੈਂ ਮਤ ਏਕ ਨ ਮਾਨਯੋ ॥

ਸਿੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਾਸਤ੍ਰ ਬੇਦ ਸਭੈ ਬਹੁ ਭੇਦ ਕਹੈ ਹਮ ਏਕ ਨ ਜਾਨਯੋ ॥

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਸਿਪਾਨ ਕਿ੍ਰਪਾ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਕਿਰ ਮੈ ਨ ਕਹਯੋ ਸਭ ਤੋਹਿ ਬਖਾਨਯੋ ॥੮੬੩॥

(ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਰਾਮਾਵਤਾਰ)

Waheguru!

Just got my account validated again after a very long time :D !! I must have forgotten my password! Thank you to the Forum Admin for sorting it out :s

Can't wait for Saturday's Keertan Darbaar at Park Avenue. Hope everyone comes and joins in!

Dhan Guru Nanak!

An amazing camp. It's very strange - we only stayed there for the weekend but it felt like we had known the Sangat for months!

I think the Aunty jees and Bibian were very inspirational - especially the last day. A Gurdwara where there were only 2 or so Amritdharis at the most and the majority of Sangat being Mona - It was breath taking to see on the last day the majority of Bibian adorned with Dastaars and looking like Guru Gobind Singh jee's daughter in the roop of Mata Sahib Kaur ji.

Dhan Hai Guru!

Waheguru!

Amazing Saakhi.

what are reasons for not wearing a kalgi at weddings i need help persuading family

The Kalgi (plume) represents royalty, sovereignty and authority. When we enter a Gurdwara, we are entering the House of the Guru. For a Sikh, the Guru is the Highest of High, King of Kings and Ruler of Rulers. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee is known as "Kalgee-aa Waale" (The Wearer of the Kalgi). It would be absurd to call Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee "Kalgee-aa Waale" and "King of Kings" and then enter the Guru's Darbaar wearing a Kalgi.

Raam Raheem attempted to imitate the Tenth Guru by wearing a Kalgi and the Sikhs were in uproar.

I know some families which are Mone and don't follow Gurmat but they have listened to Gursikh family members views on wearing the Kalgi. As a result of this the family put on the Kalgi at home and took some photos but BEFORE entering the Gurdwara the sisters took off the Kalgi in the Gurdwara car park. The least one could do is not wear the Kalgi at the Gurdwara to show respect to our King, Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee Maharaaj.

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

The Dohraa comes from "Rehitnaamas".

A Rehitnaamaa is a Hukam, Order, of the Guru which has been SCRIBED DOWN by the beloved Sikhs close to the Gurus at the time. Just as a Judge announces a judgement but the the Recorder or Secretary records the judgement on paper, similarly Rehitnaame are the judgements and instructions of Guru Sahib which have been scribed and recorded by the GurSikh companions of Guru Sahib at the time.

The first part of the Dohraa is Guru Gobind Singh Jee's pavitar bachan recorded in Bhai Prahlaadh Singh jee's Rehitnaama and also written later on in the late 1800s in Giani Gian Singh's "Tvareekh Guru Khalsa" and "Panth Prakaash":

ਆਗਿਆ ਭਈ ਅਕਾਲ ਕੀ ਤਬੈ ਚਲਾਯੋ ਪੰਥ ।

ਸਭ ਸਿਖਨ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨੀਓ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ।

ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਜੀ ਮਾਨੀਓ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਗੁਰਾਂ ਕੀ ਦੇਹ ।

ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੋ ਮਿਲਬੋ ਚਿਹਹ ਖੋਜ ਸਬਦ ਮਿਹ ਲੇਹ ।

"As was ordained by the Timeless, thus was established the Panth.

To all Sikhs, let this be the order, recognize the Granth as your Guru

The reverend Guru Granth is the visible body of the gurus

Those that seek to meet with Vaaheguru, delve into the Shabad"

The second part of the Dohraa is Guru Gobind Singh Jee's pavitar bachan recorded in Bhai Nand Laal Singh jee's Tankhaahnaama.

ਰਾਜ ਕਰੇਗਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਆਕੀ ਰਹਿਹ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।

ਖ੍ਵਾਰ ਹੋਇ ਸਭ ਮਿਲੈਂਗੇ ਬਚਿਹ ਸ਼ਰਨ ਜੋ ਹੋਇ ।

"The Sikh people shall remain free and sovereign, always, non-challenging this position. For, all shall realize, after bitter frustration, that there is no redemption except in the way of the life that the Khalsa upholds!"

There are some minor differences in some words in the various sources which have recorded Guru Gobind Singh jee's bachan used in the Dohraa which we sing, due to the language and writing style of the scriber. However, the ESSENCE and MESSAGE is all the SAME.

Bhul chuk maaf.

Every Sunday 10am to 11am there is a programme on BBC ONE called "Heaven & Earth".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/heavenandearth/

It discusses different contemporary issues and news articles with different religious representatives. Also it has a special feature programme which interviews famous people and focuses on an aspect of a religion.

Sadly, the show seems to always have talkers from the Christian and Muslim community and the Sikh Community are IGNORED. Once in a full blue moon they feature something from Sikhi and have Indarjit Singh as a speaker.

The Sikhs are being UNDER REPRESENTED in the media, although we are the MOST VISIBLE MINORITY.

Benti to all Sangat --- Please write and email to "Heaven & Earth" to ask them to include Sikh representatives on the panel and have their views shared.

Email - heaven@bbc.co.uk

This is the email I have sent - Sangat can use and adapt (Note: It looks better if everyone writes something different, or else it looks like one person is doing copy past job).

Dear Heaven & Earth Show,

I enjoy watching your show every Sunday. It is well presented, informative and inspiring.

Unfortunately, there is an under representation of Sikhs in the show. The Sikhs are the largest visible minority in the UK. The panel of talkers always consists of Chrisitians or Muslims. It would be nice if Sikhs are also included. I know in the past on one or two occasions you have featured Sikhism, but the focus is always on one or two religions, when it would be nice to show the broader spectrum of religions in Britain. I know the BBC has an equal opportunities policy, it would be good shown if this could be practiced in reality.

Thank you and keep up the splendid work you are doing.

Your sincerely,

[name]

According to the Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada:

e. While undertaking a full reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, one should recite Anand Sahib (the first five and the last stanzas) and perform Ardaas. One should, thereafter, read Japuji Sahib.

A Sehaj Paath's Arambh (start) and Bhog (completion) should be done from a Sampooran Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee as a Hukamnama can only be taken from a Sampooran Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee (which cannot be done from the computer or a Pothi Sahib).

After doing Arambh of Sehaj Paath from Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, if due to personal circumstances if one continues the Sehaj Paath from Pothi Sahibs (small volumes) or from the computer/laptop, then according to elder Gursikhs there is no objection.

However, the Bhog (completion) of the Sehaj Paath should be done in presence of Prakaash Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee, followed by recitation of 6 Paurian of Anand Sahib, Ardaas and Hukamnama. Then Karhah Parshad is distributed.

What is ‘Naam’?

A great stress is given on NAAM SIMRAN (remembrance of Naam) in Sikhi. 'NAAM' refers to the ‘DIVINE-NAME’ revealed by GURU NANAK SAHIB JEE. Naam is also the ‘DIVINE PRESENCE’ everywhere, supporting all things at all times – in today’s language we could say the ENERGY STRUCTURE or POWER of the whole Universe. Essentially it is the presence of Waheguru, which is inside us, and supporting absolutely everything, which is MANIFESTED in the DIVINE-NAME (Gur Mantar) given by the GURU to the seeker.

Naam is something to JAP (chant), REFLECT and CONTEMPLATE through which Naam becomes WOVEN in the heart of the devotee, and Waheguru becomes IMPRINTED on the heart of the devotee. There is nothing in this world, which equals the value of the Divine-Name. The Lord and His Name are IDENTICAL. They are ONE.

'NAAM JAPNAA' (meditating on Naam) is the only way to attain UNITY with God. Guru Nanak Sahib Jee established God’s GOLDEN RULES for leading a PURE and PIOUS life. He preached the concepts by practically enforcing them in his life first.

A Sikh is required to lead a VIRTUOUS, pure and pious life. Always REMEMBERING and REPEATING the Divine-Name with full concentration, BREATH by BREATH, can attain this VIRTUE. Naam will AWAKEN the CONSCIOUSNESS, and create LOVE and AFFECTION for all those who are created by God. It is strongly believed that a pious person would be compassionate and contended. He will aspire to serve the needy. He will have NO enmity with anyone, as he knows that God lives in every human being. To serve His CREATION is to serve God and REMEMBER Him DAY and NIGHT. The individual can merge with God by LIVING in Him, by DYING in Him, SINGING his Divine Praises, and LOVING Him.

Bhul Chuk Maaf

Also check out:

http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2006/11/wh...sikhi-week.html

The Dome of Sikh Gurdwara is called a "GUMMAT".

A Gurdwara "Gummat" is an upside down LOTUS FLOWER. Look closely at Sri Darbaar Sahib's Dome. Unfortunately, some Gurdwara Dome's in the West look more cylinder like Mosque style dome's rather than Lotus flower's. The Lotus Flower represents purity, beauty and truthfulness whilst residing in the world of Maya and falsehood. Therefore, it's a key feature of a Sikh Gurdwara and represents the Guru's House being a place of enlightenment, purity and truth within society and Maya.

The Dome of a Sikh Gurdwara represents Sikh Sovereignty. This is illustrated in the architecture of Sri Akaal Takht Sahib and Sri Darbaar Sahib where Guru Sahib's built a dome as part of the structure. The Dome on a Gurdwara is a physical imprint on the skyline and shows the Sikhs are distinct, sovereign and free.

The Sikh Dome is NOT like the Muslim Mosque's Dome (QIBBAH). The Sikh dome is more flatter, whilst the Muslim Dome looks more cyclinder and is based on a DRUM. Some interpretations of the Mosque Dome is that it represents a world within the world, sign of glory and greatness of Islam, and a more pragmatic explanation as being a physical marker of Muslim presence in an area.

General structure feature of Domes:

- Helps to echoe sound inside the structure.

Mosque with Qibbah (Dome):

Sri Akaal Takht Sahib with Gummat:

Hindu Mandir:

This week's Panthic Weekly news:

A Sikh Student's Story of Harassment & Intimidation

http://www.panthic.org/news/124/ARTICLE/3161/2007-03-14.html

Vaheguru

I sent this to Channel 4, building upon what Dal Singh jee wrote in his complaint:

Subject: Racism & Ill-Feeling Against Sikhs in Documentary

On 12th March 2007 at 9pm, Channel 4 aired the programme "Partition". The programme was totally biased, misrepresentative of the Sikh perspective, which was very offensive, and many Sikhs feel invoked racism against Sikhs.

1. The Sikhs of Panjab were portrayed as communal troublemakers and shown as barbaric savages whereas the Muslims were simply defending themselves and the Hindus were peace-loving people caught up in the tension. This is firstly, totally false. Secondly, it invokes racial hatred against Sikhs as the other two communities (Hindus and Muslims) were portrayed as the victims.

2. The programme largely focused on Panjab, which historically has been the Sikh homeland and it is widely known the Sikh Kingdom which the last part of India to be annexed by the British was based in Panjab with it's capital Lahore and stretched from Kabul to Delhi. However, the programme only featured one Sikh speaker who was featured making comments "twice" only. Considering the history and politics, it was irresponsible of the documentary makers not including more Sikh speakers and the bias views shown incited hatred and ill feeling against Sikhs.

3. The documentary overlooked the disproportionate contribution and sacrifice of Sikhs for the independence movement as well as failing to explaining the position of Sikhs prior to the British invasion/annex of Panjab was mischievous to say the least. On the other hand it focused on the Muslim League and Congress Party contributions.

4. The documentary portrayed the British as a concerned innocent party throughout the programme, which was very patronizing, hypocritical and offensive. Prior to the British invasion of Panjab, the Sikhs had achieved communal harmony in the Panjab under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, 100 years of the British Raaj and the British policy of "Divide and Rule" led to communal in fighting as shown in the programme.

5. Master Tara Singh and Mr. Baldev Singh were only mentioned in minor detail. The documentary failed to even mention whom Baldev Singh was, his background and proposal. The proposal of a Sikh independent state was not mentioned and how the Congress made promises of the Sikhs of full autonomy and sovereignty in the independent India.

In conclusion the documentary makers did a praise-worthy job in compiling the programme together and efforts to make a balanced account of history, however the Sikh community are disappointed and hurt by the bias and misrepresentation shown in the programme, which undoubtedly invokes ill feeling and racial hatred against Sikhs in viewers who are unaware of the reality.

I would urge the documentary makers to make an apology to the Sikh Community for indirectly invoking racial hatred against Sikhs through the poor documentation of the programme, and in future documentary makers produce a more representative, unbiased and wholesome account of historical events.

I await a reply.

Kind regards

Benti - The more people that complain to Ofcom and Channel 4, the more seriously television producers will take in account the Sikh Opinion. It may seem "minor" or "small issue" to some, however, if this goes unnoticed it allows more misrepresentation and more bias in the future. Best to nip the issue in the bud.

Bhul Chuk Maaf.

To make a complaint:

Channel4.com - Make a Complaint Form

Complain to Ofcom

Details of the Programme:

Programme title: PARTITION: The Last Days of the Raj

Date(s) & time(s) of broadcast: 12/03/07, 9pm to 10.30pm

Channel / station: Channel 4

To make a complaint:

Channel4.com - Make a Complaint Form

Complain to Ofcom

Details of the Programme:

Programme title: PARTITION: The Last Days of the Raj

Date(s) & time(s) of broadcast: 12/03/07, 9pm to 10.30pm

Channel / station: Channel 4

Bhaaji I suggest you and your parents arrange a meeting with the headmaster. Keep calm, graceful and dignified.

Explain the situation and how you were threatened. Ask the headteacher if a teacher threatened a child to court if he didn't remove a mandatory article of faith, what would you do? Ask the headmaster questions so that he responds directly. Express how its unacceptable and how you are offended and fear that if this is not nipped in the bud the teacher could get away with worse.

It could be possible that the teacher is ignorant of Sikhi and didn't mean anything by the comment. However, something is offensive if the person on the receiving end finds the comment offensive. He should have known better. It might be the case that the headmaster has a word with the teacher and the teacher writes an apology letter to you and your family. This will make him think twice before making hasty comments in the future.

Hope that helps.

The above advice is first step in my personal experience. The second step if that fails is to seek advice from your local CRE (Commission for Racial Equality) and report to Local Education Authority. However, I am quite sure that everything will be resolved by the headmaster and things will not go further.

Let the Sangat know how it goes Bhaaji.

Guru Raakhaa.

On Fridays I work a late shift at work and finish at 8pm. I usually go on my lunch at 4.45pm or so. I get 45 minutes For my lunch and go outside and sit on a bench and eat fruit. After eating I go for a walk and recite Rehraas Sahib da Paath. For Ardaas I usually stand somewhere on the side in the carpark or somewhere and do standing Ardaas.

So you can try to do your Nitnem in your lunch breaks. If you need longer lunch (for morning Nitnem) then ask your boss to have extended break. Be honest that you have to do mandatory prayers and so need time to complete them. By law they must try to accomodate your religious requirements if they are practically possible.

It depend's on your work timings etc. If you can wait and want to do Paath at home, thats fine. If you are working and not possible to do Paath at home then get an extended break accomodated or if not possible ask for prayer time.

If you are doing Paath at work then its best to do it off-by heart or through mp3 player or something and reciting along-side. One shouldn't wear shoes if reading Paath from Pothi Sahib/Gutka Sahib.

This is a moving email which I was forwarded by a friend. Reading it I was saying to myself, "I hope this is not true!" It has a powerful message, which hopefully everyone should get by the end of reading the story.

Story from Seoul:

Author: Anonymous

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such an embarrassment.

My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell... anything for the money we needed, she was such an embarrassment.

There was this one day during elementary school. I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school..."Your mom only has one eye?!" and they taunted me.

I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time.

Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly. That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away.

Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so,I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty.

Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too.

Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom. This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!" ... It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on

me.

My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye. And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if he trying to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared.

Thank goodness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life.

Then a wave of relief came upon me...one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground.

But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me.

She wrote:

My son... I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while?

I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion.

But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye.

As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did.

The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.'

I miss the times when you were still young around me.

I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me.

My world shattered!!!

Then I cried for the person who lived for me. My MOTHER!

I am not asking you guys to forward this email to anyone. Just pause for a moment and pray for our parents so that God gives them all the happiness that they rightfully deserve.......!!!!!

That was the end of the email. Waheguru! Waheguru! I suppose it really does encourage us to appreciate all we have around us, while not getting too attached to people. Guru Ji teaches to live a life which we can rejoice, not a life which we regret. Something to think about for all of us (including mysefl!). Waheguru Sabhnaa Da Bhalaa Kare.

Bhai Sahib a Powerpoint summarising Guru Har Rai Sahib jee's life is on the link below:

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?act=...ost&id=5036

Q & A: Did Anyone Get To God Before Guru Nanak?

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=16892