sher_panjabi

The lady implied that Sikhs should not be allowed to wear Kirpaans.

I have been listening to BBC Asian Network discussion on a news article about a Bangladeshi woman who shook her baby to death because she believe the baby had an evil spirit in him. Here's the news article - Leniency for 'ignorant' woman who hurt baby The discussion show was focusing on Muslim and Bangladhesi/Pakistani culture in relation to women and child protection. Then a lady rings in and first thing she says is "I AM A SIKH. SIKHS ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY A KIRPAN. HOWEVER SOMETIMES PEOPLE GET THEIR KIRPANS OUT IN ANGER AND USE IT AGAINST OTHER RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES..." The presenter said, "Erm... and so you think Law should not accomodate culture? Do you think this Bangladheshi woman should be put in prison?" Then she said, "NO. I KNOW KASHMIR, I KNOW PAKISTAN, I KNOW PAKISTANI CULTURE... blah blah blah" she gave a full speach about pakistani culture and how muslims should get rid of spirits through imam etc. Either she is a Pakistani Kashmiri woman who has converted to Sikhi or she was POSING AS A SIKH and RANDOMLY trying to UNDERMINE SIKH'S RIGHT TO WEAR KIRPAN (which had little or no connection to the topic). chalo. rab rakha.

Best to get a Gora to teach to you to drive. Family members can be impatient! I learnt from 3 instructors. First old Gora was ABUSIVE! and gave me HOMEWORK to learn about how Engine and hydraulics work! Waheguru. I got one question wrong and he said "If you parents paid for your education, it would be a waste of money." He was very angry person and would shout at me. Waheguru. Didn't stay with him (obviously!) and so got another Gora. The second instructor BOOKED A HOLIDAY on the day of MY TEST. Then he had the cheek of saying "you didn't tell me." Not my fault if he's got a bad memory and is dis-organised! Waheguru! Third instructor was nice. Eventually when I learnt how to drive my dad let me use the family car for increasing experience in driving. When I had enough confidence then I took the test in my family car with my dad :wub: So my advice is learn from a professional driving instructor. Once you learn how to drive and know the basics and stuff, then get a family member to give you lessons and just use the family car to increase confidence and experience.

Yeah my dad told me this. He said in India they used to use "DOG BONES" to whiten sugar in the factories. Apparently its common knowledge. However, in this country I thought they used BLEACH or COLOURING AGENTS and not animal bones? Chalo, Rab Jaane... My family and I have switched to BROWN SUGAR (known as "GuR" in Panjabi) a while ago. Brown Sugar: 1. Its healthier 2. Tastes better.

Gurmukho, There is an uncle ji who runs a stall in hounslow nishkam sewak jatha gurdwara and he also does sewa of selling Cds, Karas, Kirpaans etc at camps for example Khalsa Camp and Sikh Missionary Society Camp. I suggest you ring Sikh Missionary Society (0208 574 1902) or email Khalsa Camp organisers (http://www.khalsacamp.com/uk/contactus/) and ask them for the phone number of the Uncle jee who sets up the stall at the camps and sells Kirpaans and Karas (he has a good range of Sarbloh Kakkaars and loads of Gurbani Kirtan CDs). Good luck.

First all Bhai Sahib, congratulations on becoming part of the Khalsa Family. May Guru Sahib keep you in chardikala and keep you on path with all strength and spirit. In regards to Sarbloh Kirpaan, unfortunately Sikh Missionary Society doesn't haven't any Sarbloh Karas or Kirpaans. Apparently a Baba Jee said there is a shop next to Bina Music which sell Sarbloh Kirpaans (but I haven't seen any shops there unless he was talking about the Virdi Brothers shop, which has now closed down). If you got relatives living in Wolverhampton, Leicester or Birmingham then ask them to get you one. If not then best off ordering from the net from DTF website. They sell two sizes in Sarbloh Kirpaan: Kirpan 1 - 9 inch - £12.75 Kirpan 2 - 7 inch - £10.60

wjkk wjkf Happy Vaisakhi to all the sangat. Isn't Vaisakhi on the 13th of April? 160487[/snapback] Vaisakhi has a fixed date as "14th April" according to the Panth Parvaan Nanakshahi Calendar (which is a Sikh Calendar approved and passed by the Sikh Supreme Authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib). More info on Nanakshahi Calendar, Gurpurb dates and more: http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/dates/

I myself was BAFFLED reading the comment on my blog. Most likely that someone with little knowledge of Sikh history said that to the veerji who made the comment. Bhai Dya Singh Ji was committed to Rehit and hence did Sewa of Panj and hence was part of Panj when they did Hukam to Guru Sahib to leave Chamkaur Sahib Fort. Bhul chuk maaf. Ps. some deep replies on my blog regarding people wanting to take Amrit but issues with parents. (You can read the article and comments here). Please can all Sangat do Ardaas for these brothers and sisters. Thanks.

Origin Nagar Kirtans originate from ‘PARBHAAT PHERIS’ (Parbhaat literally means ‘early morning,’ and Pheri means ‘going around’). The Parbhaat Pheri would consist of a Gursikh carrying a vaaja (harmonium) tied to themselves, some people would carry chhainey (bells), and one person would carry a dholki. One of the earliest Parbhaat Pheris is from Guru Hargobind Ji's time when Guru Sahib was in Gwalior Fort. Baba Buddha Ji led a Parbhaat Pheri around the Gwalior as a form of protest and raising the spirits of the Sikhs. Early in the morning the group of Gursikhs would walk around the village or city SINGING SHABADS and people would join them as they walked past their homes. Leading the jatha (group) would be the people leading the shabad singing and a Gursikh carrying a Nishan Sahib. The processions gave opportunity for people to enjoy the bliss of singing the Lord’s Praises, an opportunity to distribute relevant and useful GURMAT LITERATURE to the public and also SHARE A POSITIVE IMAGE of the Guru's Khalsa. In recent history we have started doing processions which include Guru Maharaaj's Sawaari (without Prakaash) and also Panj Pyaare leading the procession. Benefit of Traditional Nagar Kirtan The traditional Nagar Kirtans or Parbhaat Pheris inspired people to SING GURBAANI and gave them opportunity to DISTRIBUTE EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL in regards to Gurmat. Seeing Chardikala Gursikhs in public singing Kirtan provided the public and youngsters with POSITIVE ROLE MODELS and GOOD IMPRESSIONS of what and who Sikhs are. The whole event would have a COMMUNITY SPIRIT, gathering the community together and INSPIRING OTHERS to sing and understand Gurbaani. Today’s Nagar Kirtans * EAT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN squeeze into your stomach. You can see the development of gluttony. * Wearing as many BIG KHANDEY possible and WAVING A NISHAAN SAHIB like people wave a football team flag in a football game. * PUSHING one another and SQUASHING OTHERS (young, old and children) attempting to do Matha Tekh. * If you are bored of the Kirtan, there's an OPTION OF DOING BHANGRA and jumping and down, with a few Jaikaaray being shouted out in between the dancing. RAB BHALLA KARE! (Don't know what else to comment!) * Some positive points: You see some children sitting on floats and SINGING SHABADS or parents with their children who have especially DRESSED UP IN BANA and sing along with the Kirtan. However, these people are sadly a MINORITY! How productive are today’s Nagar Kirtans in educating, promoting and highlighting Gurmat Generally the whole atmosphere of Nagar Kirtans nowadays is of a STREET CARNIVAL, with an unfortunate motto of "KHAA-O PEE-O AISH KARO" being practiced. Thought to take away We are celebrating 307 years of the Khalsa Panth. We should ask ourselves WHAT DO WE LEARN from Vaisakhi of 1699 and the establishment of the Khalsa Panth? How do we IMPROVE OURSELVES, and what steps do we take to change and adjust our lives to become CLOSER TO GURU JI and receiving the TRUE KUSHEE (happiness) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bhul chuk maaf karnee jee. Daas, Manvir Singh Khalsa

Daas was saddened to witness certain things in the Nagar Kirtan. Rab Rakha! Some suggestions of how we can IMPROVE things: 1. Awareness to Parents - On Sundays Committee Sewadaars need to address these issues and get across the grim reality to the parents and compare it to what is expected by Guru Ji. Hopefully parents will think twice and ask their children to dress appropriately. 2. Awareness to Youngsters - SIMPLE and SHORT flyers on key points of protocol and purpose of Nagar Kirtan. - Before Easter holidays getting the local secondary schools to discuss and do a workshop on Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan. That's daas' vichaar. Bhul chuk maaf.

"Lohgarh" Jee every Sikh should obey and respect the authority of Siri Akaal Takht Sahib. You probably made your comment without realising what you have written. Siri Akaal Takht Sahib is an INSTITUTION built by Sri Guru Hargobind Ji. Would you call a KIRPAAN corrupt? Would you call a GURDWARA corrupt? Nehee Guru Pyaari'o. People can be corrupt. However, people COME AND GO. If you have issues with Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti then state that - it has nothing to do with our Great Supreme Authority institution. Please be more careful in future when referring to Takht Sahibs, Gurdwaras, and the Guru Panth. Bhul chuk maaf.

Daas wrote an article on the Shabd being the Guru a while ago. Here is the link to the article: Article: Who says 'Sri Granth' is Guru?

Here's a link to a post from my blog which might be useful: http://manvirsingh.blogspot.com/2005/12/de-le-geraa.html

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Benti (humble request) to everyone that Khalsa Talks is happening at Kings on Saturday. Please please come along and give darshan and enjoy the inspiring talks. Khalsa Talks is a series of genuinely inspiring & informative talks on the essence of the Sikh faith. Lasting just 4 hours, you will have the chance to listen to 2 talks and have your questions answered. Topics: Talk 1: A World of Maya Talk 2: Unique Sikhi Q&A: Open Forum Samosay Pakoray and refreshments will be provided etc. Also please pass on the word to others. Details are below: Khalsa Talks Khalsa Talks in London - Sat 25 March 2006, 1pm - 5pm Kings College London - Lecture Theatre 1, New Hunt's House Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL View Map Campus Map Nearest Tube/Railway station: London Bridge (Northern/Jubaliee Line and National Rail) Khalsa Talks are taking place acoss the UK and Seats are limited due to there popularity and high demand we would ask you to please register and reserve your place today via the Khalsa Talks website www.khalsatalks.com Food and refreshments will be provided. COME ALONG and TAKE BENEFIT Hola Mohalla Rainsbai Kirtan in memory of Bhai Ram Singh Jee, late Jathedaar of Akhand Kirtani Jatha, will take place in the evening in Southall Sat 25 Mar 2006 7pm - 5am www.akj.org.uk Singh Sabha Gurdwara 2-8 Park Avenue SOUTHALL UB1 3AG Sangats from the talk will be travelling to Southall to Rainsbai. More info: www.khalsatalks.com email: sweetsikhi@googlemail.com Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Thanks bhaji. Definately agree that the Shabad has powerful and deep meaning. Daas was planning to explain both shabads in English and Panjabi before singing them. However, just looking for a Sakhi to illustrate the Shabad in practical roop which helps to digest Guru jee's message.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh Tomorrow morning Daas has been invited to my cousin's house to do Kirtan and Katha to thank Waheguru for blessing my cousin and his wfie with the gift of a child. (He has been named Arjun - after Hukamnama was taken when the child was born). Daas is planning to sing the following shabads: "Pootaa Maataa Kee Aasees" and "Gur Merai Sang Sadaa Hai Naale" I am stuck on what Sakhis to say to accompany the shabads or generally to share on the occasion . The family are not into Sikhi and so I want to share a simple but meaningful Sakhi which has a positive message. I would appreciate if the sangat could please suggest ideas of what small sakhis to share (my mind has gone BLANK ). Many thanks

I first comb my hair then wash my Kesh Kesh. After washing them I dry them with a towel. Then I get a small "turbi-towel" and wrap my Kesh around it (like one would would tie a joora on the top of the head). Then I tie my Keski over this (this prevents my Keski getting too wet and damp). Later on after Nitnem I dry my Kesh and tie dry keski. This seems to work for me.

Gurmukho, Recordings from the actual talk will be up on www.SweetSikhi.com Experts from G.S. Sidhu's Book "Sikh Religion & Islam":

Find out tomorrow: Angels & Devils 5.30pm - 7pm Friday 3rd March 2006 Imperial College - Room G34, Lecture Theatre 2 Sir Alexander Flemming Building Imperial College Road, London, SW7 View Map Tube: South Kensington See poster for details Tel: 07930 023 223

Forget discussing meat or whether we can have a Chicken bucket at KFC!!! Instead lets do VICHAAR and CONTEMPLATE on bigger and more important things like WHY WE HERE and WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE. Gurmukho please come along today and take laahaa of Sangat, Keertan and Katha :lol:

Its TODAY )

When taking Amrit the Panj Piaare clearly say that wearing necklace miniature kirpan is NOT considered a Kakkaar. Next people will be putting Kachhera and Kangha on necklace. Also Kirpans on STRING, is not a Kakkaar according to Panj Piaare at Sri AKaal Takhat Sahib. According to Panthic Sikh Rehat Maryada the Kirpan must be a GATRA KIRPAN. (i.e. a proper Kirpan (not miniature) in a strap). The STRINGED KIRPAN is not USABLE as the Kirpan is tied up on the string and wearing STRING instead of Gatra is contrary to Kakaar Rehat. In regards to washing Kesh and Kirpan: - Place your Kangha in yOur Keski and then tie the Keski around your waist. - Wear your Kirpan across your body as normal. Put your head forward under the shower and wash your kesh. - Then dry your kesh with towel. Place Kangha in Kesh and tie Keski. - Then shower your body.

gauVI cyqI mhlw 1 ] gourree chaethee mehulaa 1 Gauree Chaytee, First Mehl: kq kI mweI bwpu kq kyrw ikdU Qwvhu hm Awey ] kuth kee maaee baap kuth kaeraa kidhoo thaavuhu hum aaeae Who is our mother, and who is our father? Where did we come from? Agin ibMb jl BIqir inpjy kwhy kMim aupwey ]1] agan binb jul bheethar nipujae kaahae kunm oupaaeae We are formed from the fire of the womb within, and the bubble of water of the sperm. For what purpose are we created? ||1|| myry swihbw kauxu jwxY gux qyry ] maerae saahibaa koun jaanai gun thaerae O my Master, who can know Your Glorious Virtues? khy n jwnI Aaugx myry ]1] rhwau ] kehae n jaanee aougun maerae My own demerits cannot be counted. ||1||Pause|| kyqy ruK ibrK hm cIny kyqy psU aupwey ] kaethae rukh birukh hum cheenae kaethae pusoo oupaaeae I took the form of so many plants and trees, and so many animals. kyqy nwg kulI mih Awey kyqy pMK aufwey ]2] kaethae naag kulee mehi aaeae kaethae punkh ouddaaeae Many times I entered the families of snakes and flying birds. ||2|| ht ptx ibj mMdr BMnY kir corI Gir AwvY ] hutt puttun bij mundhur bhunnai kar choree ghar aavai I broke into the shops of the city and well-guarded palaces; stealing from them, I snuck home again. Aghu dyKY ipChu dyKY quJ qy khw CpwvY ]3] aguhu dhaekhai pishuhu dhaekhai thujh thae kehaa shupaavai I looked in front of me, and I looked behind me, but where could I hide from You? ||3|| qt qIrQ hm nv KMf dyKy ht ptx bwjwrw ] thutt theeruth hum nuv khundd dhaekhae hutt puttun baajaaraa I saw the banks of sacred rivers, the nine continents, the shops and bazaars of the cities. lY kY qkVI qolix lwgw Gt hI mih vxjwrw ]4] lai kai thukurree tholan laagaa ghutt hee mehi vunujaaraa Taking the scale, the merchant begins to weigh his actions within his own heart. ||4|| jyqw smuMdu swgru nIir BirAw qyqy Aaugx hmwry ] jaethaa sumundh saagur neer bhariaa thaethae aougun humaarae As the seas and the oceans are overflowing with water, so vast are my own sins. dieAw krhu ikCu imhr aupwvhu fubdy pQr qwry ]5] dhaeiaa kuruhu kish mihur oupaavuhu ddubudhae puthur thaarae Please, shower me with Your Mercy, and take pity upon me. I am a sinking stone - please carry me across! ||5|| jIAVw Agin brwbir qpY BIqir vgY kwqI ] jeearraa agan buraabar thupai bheethar vugai kaathee My soul is burning like fire, and the knife is cutting deep. pRxviq nwnku hukmu pCwxY suKu hovY idnu rwqI ]6]5]17] prunuvath naanuk hukum pushaanai sukh hovai dhin raathee Prays Nanak, recognizing the Lord's Command, I am at peace, day and night. ||6||5||17||

Well, forget that!! If you wanna know 'what is the purpose of life', 'why has Waheguru sent us here' and 'what do we get out of the world' then come along to London Sikhi Week: What Is My Purpose? Wednesday 1st March 2006 Sri Guru Singh Sabha Alice Way, Hanworth Road, Hounslow, London TW3 3UA View Map Bus: 111, 281 Tube: Hounslow Central Train: Hounslow (from Waterloo) email: lovesikhi@hotmail.com tel: 07940 431 925 Programme: 6.30pm - 7.30pm Keertan by Bhai Maninder Singh jee (Sri Nagar wale) 7.30 - 8.30pm Talk by Bhaji Kuljeet Singh (Leicester) Guru-Ka-Langar will be served PS. sorry if the title of the post was offensive for anyone - just wanted to grab people's attention! :lol:

Due to caste prejudice "Chamaars" and so-called "low castes" are more likely to be of different religions (i.e. in one family you may have a hindu uncle, sikh uncle and christian uncle etc). The hindu caste system made the "Chamaar" (the shoe-maker profession) and other Shoodar castes feel inferior. They were openly discriminated against and treated with little or digntiy (bit like how white americans treated black people before blacks got equal rights). As a consequence of the shackles of caste and being considered low, they are pre-dominantly poor, living in settlements on the outskirts of villages. In the past, due to poverty they generally didn't have wells and flowing water to bathe regularly and keep smart and clean. This further reinforced discrimination and treating them like "untouchables". When Islam came many so-called low castes embraced Islam to escape the caste labels and get freedom. When Sikhi came about many so-called low castes embraced Sikhi and took Amrit and rid themselves the feeling of being low and unworthy. They became Sikh Sardaars. When Christians came about many so-called low castes embraced Christianity with money incentives and a new life with new names, new identity etc. Sadly despite becoming Hindu, Sikh, Muslim or Christian, the so-called low castes still face prejudice and discrimination. My dad told me of how when he lived in the pindd (village) the Chamaars weren't allow to sit inside the gurdwara and were giving parshaad outside (and even then the parshaad was dropped into their hand making sure that the person didnt touch the chamaar). So they are different religions due to not being fully accepted by the people of other religions. My vichaar is that on ground-level for equality to kick in, once Chamaars are good jobs, with resources to have good living, make their homes, have flowing water and become economically prosperous, then they can become socially better... then it will be easier for them to be accepted. Its really sad that prejudice and discrimination still exist. Sorry if by posting this i have upset anyone or caused offense (that was not my intention).