sher_panjabi

Q: The Quran was revealed through Muhammad, the chosen Messenger. The Angel Gabriel came to him, like the other Prophets to give the good news of their Prophet hood. Wasn’t Guru Nanak a normal holy man who was revered by Hindus and Muslims alike, however not a Prophet or Messenger of God like Muhammad?

A: As for Gabriel informing the prophets, we have already said that the Gurus were far above the angels. BaaNee tells us that angels are finite creatures and seek the dust of Gursikhs. It is said that Hazrat Muhammad Sahib became the Messenger of God at the age of 40. However, Guru Nanak Sahib jee was born the embodiment of the Truth, the Image of God.

Guru Nanak Sahib jee was informed of his duty by the Almighty Lord Himself, not by any angel:

pauVI ] hau FwFI vykwru kwrY lwieAw ] rwiq idhY kY vwr Durhu PurmwieAw ] FwFI scY mhil Ksim bulwieAw ] scI isPiq swlwh kpVw pwieAw ] scw AMimRq nwmu Bojnu AwieAw ] gurmqI KwDw rij iqin suKu pwieAw ] FwFI kry pswau sbdu vjwieAw ] nwnk scu swlwih pUrw pwieAw ]27] suDu ]

“Pauree: I was free of work, when Vaheguru took me into His service and gave the (true) work of being minstrel. Right from the start, Vaheguru gave me His Hukam (Order) to sing His Praises day and night. Vaheguru, my Lord and Master summoned me, His minstrel, to the True Mansion of His Presence. (Vaheguru,) the Image of True Praise and Glory, gave me the Siropaao, robe of honour. The spiritual-life giving Name, Amrit Naam, the True Name, which gives eternal spiritual life, has become my food (for my soul‘s support). Those who follow the Guru's Teachings, who eat this food (of ‘Amrit Naam’) with satisfaction, obtain peace. His minstrel, (Guru Nanak Sahib jee), spreads His Glory, singing and vibrating the Word of His Shabad (meaning, enjoying the ecstasy of Naam). O Nanak! Praising the True Lord, one obtains the Perfect Lord. ||27||Shudh||”

(Ang 150)

Q: Sikhs believe the religion of ‘Gurmat and Naam’ preached by Guru Nanak is Supreme. But what was before Guru Nanak? Did anyone get to God or Sachkhand before Guru Nanak?

A: Sikhs believe that the Almighty Himself sent his Guru form, the True Guru, Guru Nanak Sahib jee to save the world. As mentioned early, in essence Guru Nanak Sahib jee was no human, but the Divine Infinite Wisdom, and therefore existed throughout time to save the Seeker of Truth from spiritual darkness of ignorance:

qU siqguru chu jugI Awip Awpy prmysru ]

suir nr swiDk isD isK syvMq Durh Duru ]

Awid jugwid Anwid klw DwrI iqRhu loAh ]

Agm ingm auDrx jrw jMimih AwroAh ]

gur Amrdwis iQru QipAau prgwmI qwrx qrx ]

AG AMqk bdY n sl´ kiv gur rwmdws qyrI srx ]2]60]

“You are the True Guru, throughout the four ages; You Yourself are the Transcendent Lord. The angelic beings, seekers, Sidhs and Sikhs have served You, since the very beginning of time. You are primal, from the very beginning, and throughout the ages; Your Power supports the three worlds.”

(Ang 1406)

True Guru, the Infinite Divine Wisdom, is one with God and there remains no difference between the two. It is like a drop of water in the ocean. There is only ‘One God’, and True Guru remains immersed in Him and shows the Path to the Seeker of Truth and helps on the spiritual journey.

Q. Some Muslim scholars (like Giani Abadullah) claim that Guru Nanak was a Muslim, using various textbooks to examine the way of life and practices of Guru Nanak. Is this believable?

A: Writing such books the authors simply try to disturb the hornet’s nest. The Sikhs do not pick holes in other’s coats. A Sikh respects every person’s belief and does not intentionally wish to cause hurt to someone’s sentiments. To call such authors true “Muslims,” as in the eyes of Guru Nanak Sahib jee, would be regrettable.

mÚ 1 ]

pMij invwjw vKq pMij pMjw pMjy nwau ]

pihlw scu hlwl duie qIjw KYr Kudwie ]

cauQI nIAiq rwis mnu pMjvI isPiq snwie ]

krxI klmw AwiK kY qw muslmwxu sdwie ]

nwnk jyqy kUiVAwr kUVY kUVI pwie ]3]

“First Mehl: (For Muslims) there are five prayers and five times of day for prayer (for them); the five have five (different) names. (But the true prayers are these –) The first prayer is to speak the truth, the second prayer is honestly earned living, and the third is asking for the good of all in the Name of God. The fourth prayer is to keep one’s intentions clean, keeping the mind clean, and the fifth prayer is to praise the greatness of the Lord. (Alongside these five prayers) repeat the physical prayer (Kalima) of keeping a high moral character, you may call yourself a Muslim (meaning, only then one can call themselves a true Muslim). O Nanak! (Those who are parted from these prayers and kalima) however many they are they are merchants of falsehood, and falsehood’s honour is only false. ||3||”

(Ang 141)

If Guru Nanak Sahib jee had been a Muslim he would have done the following:

1. He would have written the whole Muslim Kalima or at least Bismillah ur Rehman ur Rahim at the head of every composition.

2. He would not have produced another set of hymns when the Quran was available already.

3. He would himself have initiated Bhai Lehna jee (the second Sikh Guru) to Islam and instructed him to visit Mecca for Hajj every year. Neither any Guru nor their followers visited Mecca after Guru Nanak Sahib jee.

4. He would have copiously praised the Quran and mentioned the name of the Hazrat Mohammed Sahib reverently. There is nohing to that end in Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee.

5. He would not have criticised the Muslim practices. His invectives specially against Roza (fasting) and Qazis (Muslim priests) are too much for a Muslim to swallow.

wjkk wjkf..sangat ji i downloaded the file instaled it but i cant open it cant some one plz enlighten me why is all this happening?

wjkk wjkf..sangat ji i downloaded the file instaled it but i cant open it cant some one plz enlighten me why is all this happening?

I'm having the same problem. When I click on STTM2 icon it says "Application failed to initialize"

...

Sher_Panjabi....wish I was going to bham uni to do that MPhil.

I tried contacting them abuot whether they have a distance learning option, but to no avail.

Could you find out for me?

Or failing that, is there any way you could share the information you get from them. I REALLY want to do some kind our Sikhi related degree or masters, but there are none in the NorthWest!!!

Bhaji, I suggest you contact the Course Tutor Dr. Jagbir Kaur:

Email: j.jhuttijohal@bham.ac.uk

Tel: (0)121 415 8338.

yeh i read that article....i wonder if the writer still attends kings college....hmmm

Daas graduated from King's College in July. In October Daas will be starting MPhil degree in Sikh Studies at University of Birmingham.

King's College has a strong Sikh Soc. Please participate and get involved.

During term time Simran is EVERY TUESDAY from 5.15pm to 6.15pm, in room G4 in New Hunt's House (Guy's Campus) - nearest tube station is London Bridge.

There loads of other events happening in and around London - keep up to date on www.boss-uk.org

One should keep their head covered to PROTECT the Kesh. The Kesh vibrate NAAM and have been blessed with Amrit and therefore should be taken care of. In order to PROTECT and RESPECT our Kesh and DASAM DUAAR (Tenth Spiritual Gate where the soul enters and leaves the body, the most spiritual part of our body) Guru Sahib has given us the Hukam of tying a Dastaar (turban).

Furthermore, the hair tied in a top-knot on the top of the head covered with a Dastaar is the IDENTITY of a SIKH. From a distance one knows you the PRINCE or PRINCESS of Guru Gobind Singh jee. Without a dastaar how would one know you are the daughter or son of Guru Gobind Singh jee?

It is difficult for many people when one chooses the Guru's Path and has to deal with the world. However, keep your head up high, don't be bothered by what "others will think" - Respect YOURSELF and respect your SIKHI and others will RESPECT YOU and gave you DIGNITY. Walk in the GRACE and GLORY of our Father.

jau qau pRym Kylx kw cwau ]

jo tho praem khaelun kaa chaao

If you desire to play this game of love with Me,

isru Dir qlI glI myrI Awau ]

sir dhar thulee gulee maeree aao

then step onto My Path with your head in hand.

iequ mwrig pYru DrIjY ]

eith maarag pair dhureejai

When you place your feet on this Path,

isru dIjY kwix n kIjY ]20]

sir dheejai kaan n keejai

give Me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion. ||20||

(Guru Nanak Sahib jee, Ang 1412)

Related Article on Daughters of the Khalsa blog -

http://dedicatedkaurs.blogspot.com/2006/01...-for-women.html

I am sure if you eplain to your employers that you have becoming an initiated Sikh and have wear articles of faith as per requirements of your faith and explain the significance of the dastaar and 5 ks that they will be okay with it. Then you sit down and explain to your work collegues that you have become initiated and explain your choice to keep Rehit (discipline) and give them opportunity to ask questions. If you feel comfortable, then open up and explain that you felt scared or uncomfortable coming to work with you religious uniform and articles of faith and hence have decided to share you feelings with them. I believe they will all give you support and no one will bully you if you become open. If any problems then the Law is with you and seek advice from Sikh Coalition or SALDEF organisations.

Guru Sahib Ang Sang Sahaaee Hovan.

raj001 jee,

When washing the body the Keski and Kangha on kept on the head, and the Gatraa Kirpaan is wrapped on top of the Keski.

When washing the hair one tie's the keski around the waist (as a kamar-kasaa) and in there the Kangha is placed. The hair is then washed.

Potheeaa(n) means "Books" or "small Volumes"

Waheguru!

How frustrating. Did you receieve any advise or support?

Hope your mum was okay at the end.

Vaheguroo Jee Ka Khaalsa,

Vaheguroo Jee Kee Fateh.

Here are some photos which a Bhaji has emailed me. (Photos of Guru Sahib are beautiful!!!). Photos will be shortly up on Boss website.

Looks like a good idea and would save a lot of hassle. In the UK we are lucky that Amritdharis can wear the Siri Sahib on top of their clothes.

Baru Sahib sounds chardikala. The students must be blessed souls to have a such a good education integrated with Gurmat.

Benti to Sangat, not much time left. Please email: internet.customer.care@marriott.com or go on

https://marriott.com/suggest/suggest.mi

Simple and easy thing which we can all do - COPY & PASTE the below letter template and PRESS SEND.

Dear Mariott Hotel,

I am emailing you in regards to a wedding which has been booked for 5.30pm on 17th June 2006 at Coral Springs Mariott Hotel, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs, Florida 33076, USA.

The marriage party is planning to have a Sikh religious wedding ceremony in the Mariott Hotel, which will involve bringing 'Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji', the Sikhs' Sacred Scripture, which the Sikhs regard with utmost reverence and sanctity. The Sikh's Supreme Authority has banned the Sacred Scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, from being taken to places where there is alcohol, tobacco or meat served. It clearly has been said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not allowed to be taking to banqueting halls, hotels, pubs or bars. Therefore, this a clear violation of the Sikhs religious sentiments.

There have been previous cases recently where families planning weddings have disregarded the sanctity and sacredness of the Sikh's Scripture and have violated the edict of the Sikh supreme authority. In the UK These incidents have led to large peaceful protests outside venues with Sikhs from across the country coming to support these measures, and also police involvement and support.

The British police have been supportive of the Sikh community. Recently the police issued a statement that a Sikh wedding planned at the Royal Lancaster Hotel London was re-arranged, so that the wedding will take place in a nearby Sikh Gurdwara (place of worship) rather than in the hotel complex. The decision of stopping the Sikh wedding at the Hotel came about as the Hotel was overflown with Sikhs from across the UK phoning, and emailing trying to educate the Hotel about the Sikh sentiments and issue.

We hope you will also realise the seriousness of the issue and prevent any unnecessary large peaceful protests.

Here are some links to news articles regarding previous cases which have cause unnecessary hassle to the Sikh community:

* http://www.panthic.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1887/2005-10-16.html

* http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0...1515545,00.html

* http://www.panthic.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1784/2005-09-18.html

* http://www.panthic.org/news/131/ARTICLE/1450/2005-06-19.html

I hope you take this matter severely, and prevent any unnecessary peaceful protests by the Sikh community from Florida and other states by not allowing the disrespect and violation of the Sikh's sacred scripute, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, from happening on your hotel premises.

I would like a reply as soon as possible, as Sikhs across the country are planning to hold peaceful protests outside the hotel if the Sacred Scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is brought to the Hotel complex.

Regards,

[YOUR NAME]

Lakh Lakh Vadhaayee Hove jee.

Guru Sahib Mehar Bhariyaa hath rakhan.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Daas has an iPod and wishes to get a Voice Recorder so that I can record Keertan. I bought iTalk Griffin Voice Recorder from Internet but I am going to get my money back and return it as it had a fuzzy sound in the background when I recorded something.

Can anyone recommend what I should buy?

Thanks

VaahiGuroo

MPhil in Sikh Studies at University of Birmingham:

http://www.theology.bham.ac.uk/postgrad/Sikh/

ਗੁਰ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਕੀ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਹੈ ਇਕ ਜੀਹ ਕਛੁ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਈ ॥

gur amardaas kee akath kathaa hai ik jeeh kachh kahee na jaa-ee.

The Unspoken Speech of Guru Amar Daas Ji cannot be expressed with only one tongue.

(Ang 1406)

Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Amar Daas Sahib Ji's life, that word be "EQUALITY."

DHAN GURU AMAR DAAS SAHIB JI.

happy b'day jee.

guru sahib gursikhi jeevan, naam dian seesaa atey charan kamalaa dee preet pyaar bakshan :lol:

Bhenji Chaupayee Sahib is referring to the INTERNAL ENEMIES - i.e. Kaam (lust/desire), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), and Hankaar (Ego).

Similar to Benti Chaupayee Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Sahib jee says:

kwmu k®oDu loBu mohu invwry invry sgl bYrweI ]

kaam krodh lobh mohu nivaare nivre sagal bairaaee

Sexual desire, anger, greed and emotional attachment are eradicated; all my enemies are eliminated.

sd hjUir hwjru hY nwjru kqih n BieE dUrweI ]2]

sad hajoor haajar hai naajar katehi n bheiou dooraaee

He is always ever-present, here and now, watching over me; He is never far away. ||2||

(Ang 1000)

There is One Guru - Ten Bodies

There is One Message - Revealed and manifested over 252 years.

Would like to share a short article which daas has written regarding "GURUDOMS" using Baani of Satguru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

'SABH SIKHAN KO HUKHAM HAI,

GURU MANIYO GRANTH…

Every Sikh has an order, accept the [Guru] 'Granth' as your only Guru.'

The Guru Granth Sahib Jee is the living light of the Ten Gurus.

The Guru Granth Sahib Jee is the living spirit of the Ten Gurus.

The Guru Granth Sahib Jee is the living voice of the Ten Gurus.

Some people say the Guru Granth Sahib Jee is a mere 'Holy Book'.

Some people say the Guru Granth Sahib Jee is mere ink and paper.

Some people say that you can't get enlightened through the words of Guru Granth Sahib Jee.

'Gurbani es ja mehe chaanan, karam vasai man aaye

Gurbani is the Light to illuminate this world; by His Grace, it comes to abide." [Ang 67]

Many fake God men use the verses of Gurbani to enlighten people, and yet call themselves the 'Guru'.

Many fake God men use the verse of Gurbani to explain the truth to people yet take the credit of being the 'Guru.

Many fake God men, look like Sikhs, and twist the words of Gurbani, to proclaim themselves as the 'Guru'.

Somebody's son moves from India to Canada.

He writes a letter to his family back home saying that he is in good health, got a job and not to worry.

The family a week later receive the letter and read it.

The family are in joy and celebrate the success of their son.

The family are in delighted and are happy that their son is well and healthy.

If someone was to say to the family, that why are you so happy, "you are only reading mere words"…

If someone was to say to the family, that why are so proud, "it is only a mere piece of paper"…

If someone was to say to the family, that your son cannot talk to you through "ink and paper"…

That person would have to be greatest fool, to think that the son has not communicated to the family because he cannot talk them through written words.

The message, which the letter gives, is of their son's.

The sweet words in the letter are of their son's.

The letter is, the son talking to his parents in the form of ink and paper.

Through Gurbani, Waheguru sent us a message.

Through Gurbani, Waheguru spoke to us.

Through Gurbani, Waheguru enlightened us.

'Baani Guru, Guru hai Baani. Vich Baani Amrit saarey…

The Word, the Bani is Guru, and Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani, the Ambrosial Nectar [God's Name] is contained.' [Ang 982]

A person who reads Gurbani to people cannot credit himself to be called 'Guru'.

A person who explains Gurbani to people cannot credit himself to be called 'Guru'.

A person who discusses Gurbani with people cannot credit himself to be called 'Guru'

Waheguru is the Formless and all pervading.

Through Guru Nanak Jee and the ten Gurus, Waheguru was revealed in the form of the spoken.

Through Gurbani and the Guru Granth Sahib Jee, Waheguru is revealed in the form of the written.

The Guru Granth Sahib Jee is an eternal message.

The Guru Granth Sahib Jee is an eternal Emperor.

The Guru Granth Sahib Jee is the eternal voice of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh Jee, forever.

'Vaaho, vaaho Baani Nirankaar hai, tis jevad avar naa koye…

Wonderful, wonderful is the Word, the Baani is the embodiment of the Formless Lord, There is no other as great as this.' (Ang 515)

Next time you go to the Gurdwara, and bow infront of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, will you be able to recognise the 'dasaa guru'aa di boldee aatma', the Ten Gurus living speaking soul?

Daas, Manvir Singh Khalsa

very impressive new updates in translations.

:lol:

May Guru jee keep all the Sewadaars in Chardikala (the task of putting together Sikhi To The Max and updating translations is a very big task and must take a lot of energy, time and effort!! May Waheguru Bless all the hard-working sewadaars)

Do Ardaas first. Then go and sit your parents down and with humility and love explain that you wish to wear Keski. You have to explain the advantages and disadvantages of you wearing a Keski (present a balanced argument).

Negatives:

* People will stare at you.

* You may possibly get some verbal abuse on the first day of school (til people get used to it)

* People "THINK" you will find it difficult getting married.

Positives:

* You wish to please Guru Gobind Singh Ji

* You wish to respect your Kesh and maintain them well.

* You wish to wear the crown given by Guru Ji.

Show them that the positives OUTWEIGH the negatives. And also show them your courage, faith and determination.

Parents are NOT your enemies. They just think and say what they THINK is BEST FOR YOU. Just remind that you are taking a step closer to Guru Ji and Guru Ji will resolve all you affairs. Ask them the question instead: "Do you wish your daughter to follow Guru Ji's Hukam and receive the blessings and SUKH of Gursikhi Jeevan?"

Good luck :lol:

Keep faith. Be confident. And show grace and dignity - I am sure you parents will eventually understanding or get used to the idea.

Wedding Invitation

The SUMMER season is here and this means WEDDING SEASON is here. I came home for the weekend and found some wedding cards lying around. I have noticed that every single wedding card has Gurbaani printed on them. Popular lines from Gurbaani used in cards is:

ਲਖ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥

lakh khushee-aa paatshaahee-aa, je satgur nadar kare-i.

Hundreds of thousands of princely pleasures are enjoyed, if the True Guru bestows His Glance of Grace.

(Ang 44)

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤਿਨਾ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ਜਿਨਾ ਧੁਰੇ ਪਇਆ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ ॥੧॥

naanak satgur tinaa milaa-i-aa jinaa Dhure pa-i-aa sanjog. ||1||

O Nanak, he alone meets the True Guru, who has such union pre-ordained. ||1||

(Ang 957)

I remember last summer we received a wedding card, which advertised the Anand Kaaraj and the reception PARTY on the same piece of card. It was IRONIC that a few lines up it had Gurbaani and few lines down it said, “COCKTAILS will be served” and “BEER BAR will be open”. Sat Naam, Waheguru.

Have we LOST THE PLOT?

Can you imagine a Muslim advertising a Muslim wedding and just underneath writing “PORK SCRATCHING will be served with refreshments”? I DON’T THINK SO. Nor can you imagine a Hindu wedding card saying “BEEF KEBABS will be served with chutney in lunch.” However, “Sikhs” advertise BOOZING and Anand Kaaraj on the same card. (Just the fact that people distribute SHARAAB (alcohol) after having Anand Kaaraj, which is taking an OATH to Waheguru with Guru Jee as the witness makes a mockery of the "VOWS"). Very depressing thought! Rab Bhalla Kare.

Gurbaani is the revealed Word of God.

ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥

baaNee guroo, guroo hai baaNee, vich baaNee amrit saare.

The Word, the Baani is Guru, and Guru is the Baani. Within the Baani, the Spiritual-life giving Nectar is contained.

(Ang 982)

However, how much respect do we show Gurbaani? To make a card “LOOK NICE” we risk the beadbi (violation of sanctity) of Gurbaani. Most, if not all, wedding cards in UK and the West are thrown in the bins once the wedding has happened (unless you are Gursikh and show respect to Gurbaani or for some reason you have a hobby to collect and archive wedding cards!). I am shocked that no one realizes this and year on year every card has Gurbaani printed on them. How can we expect SUKH (peace and happiness) when we treat Gurbaani in such an intolerable (and sorry to say) cheap way. Rab Rakha!

Newspapers, for example DES PARDES and others, have Gurbaani printed in articles relating to Sikhi or on a top of an event poster printed. However, the same newspapers advertise JAADOO TOONAA (black-magic) and other wacky and silly stuff. Newspapers are generally thrown in the bin and sometimes while the newspaper is on the table people put their chaa da cup (cup of tea) on top of the newspaper) or some Auntian (aunties) use newspaper pages for covering the bottom of cupboards to keep the cupboards clean. Where is the SATKAAR (respect) for the WORD OF GOD printed on those pages?

We conveniently do Matha Tekh and say “Guru Jee, Guru Jee…” at the Gurdwara, but at home we print Gurbaani on cards, throw newspapers with Gurbaani in it in the bins etc. Is this not HYPROCISY?

So, what can we do about it?

… I think firstly if someone in your family is getting married then MAKE THEM AWARE of the abuse of Gurbaani and kindly ask them to print a card WITHOUT any Gurbaani. End of the day a simple card with adequate information is enough. Secondly, create awareness of the issue in your COMMUNITY. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of printing and simply make people STOP and THINK about the issue. Hopefully when someone sees Gurbaani on a wedding card, newspaper and calendar, they will think and realise not to put it on the floor, throw it in the bin or use it as a table mat.

http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2006/05/we...invitation.html

Bhenji I would like to share with you two quotes regarding obstacles:

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.”

- Frank A. Clark quotes

“The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong”

- Thomas Carlyle

Daas has written an article on daas' blog regarding the issue. Check out the article, it may be of use to you:

I Want to Take Amrit, But MY PARENTS!

In my first year at Uni, I was in my Anthropology of Religion lecture. The class was split into two and we had to discuss something.

Afterwards the lecturer (who was a very soft spoken nice Arab lady) asked questions to different people. She asked one Muslim girl in my group, "So Tazeen, what did your group discuss.... " The poor girl hadn't paid attention in class and so was clueless. Bechaaree was going red and saying, "errm.... yeah... erm.." I thought I would help her and said "Our group discussed... x, y, z"

The lecturer listened. After I had given my answer she said, "IS YOUR NAME TAZEEN?" Omg! Afterwards everyone laughed and said, "Alright TAZEEN". lol.

At Sixth Form I remember going to the library. I saw some friends and so I thought I would sit with them. I didn't realise the wooden chair was CRACKED (literally the chair frame had cracks in it). I sat down and I have a habit of leaning back on my chair. So I was leaning back on my chair and next thing I hear is "ERRR, CRACK". The chair SNAPPED IN TWO. Fell backwards and my head banged on the table behind. With Guru's Kirpaa my Dastaar saved my head and I felt no pain.

The WHOLE LIBRARY laughed and the libarian said, "O dear Manvir. Broken a chair by sitting on it."

Guru Pyaario,

There is NO limit on the Kirpaan for Amritdharis. As long as you can justify that you wearing it for religious reasons.

One policeman said to me, "I wouldn't stop any Sikh if I saw a Kirpaan. Doesn't matter if he is holding a 3ft Kirpan as long as his intention is not to frighten people and is carrying it with religious intentions. I would only be worried and take action if he got the sword out of the sheath and put it to my throat" (this police officer was very friendly and had knowledge on Sikhi).

The only limits on size are on the following:

- Airport Staff (3 inches - but I think its been reduced to 2 and half inches).

- High Court in London (4 inches)

- Normal Court (6 inches)

In court if you are nice enough they allow you to wear a bigger Kirpan (e.g. 11 inches) but then they will most likely kindly escort you to your destination (i.e. wherever you want to go).

As Sikhs we should AVOID from putting limitations on our Kakkaars. Sadly the limitations on the Siri Sahib in High Court was SUGGESTED by a Sikh! Waheguru.

And another Benti - If anyone ever asks you to take off your Kirpaan (like Madame Tasaud's did with Fauja Singh Ji (the runner)) then don't take it off! Fauja Singh turned away and said he's not interested if they are not going to let him in. If one person compromises Kirpaan Rehit then security will say "If X Singh can take it off nilly willy the why can't you." This advice was also given at a meeting with the Met Police and Sikh community held at Scotland Yard.

For further info on the legality of the Kirpaan in UK please contact United Sikhs:

unitedsikhs-uk@unitedsikhs.org