Banda Singh

Khalsa Jee, Its probably best to visit or call the Sikh Missionary Society U.K. direct - 10, Featherstone Road. Southall, Middx, U.K. UB2 5AA Tel: +44 020 8574 1902 I was told the guest speakers have not been finalised yet, but should be by Monday.

:khalsa2:

Khalsa Jee, A great analysis is available here - srec.gurmat.info/srecpublications/aboutcompilationofsrigurugranthsahib/chapter10/

Yes, he is.

Bhai Nirmaljit Singh Jee will be hosting a programme about walking the Path of the Guru on Sunday the 3rd of July 2011 at 4.00 to 6.00pm. Bhai Nirmaljit Singh Jee is a well known lecturer in the Sikh religion and he has been serving the Sikh Community throughout India and abroad. He is well versed in Sikh Religious teachings and uses modern media technology in his presentations. Lecture will be in Punjabi ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਮੀਤ ਚਲਹੁ ਗੁਰ ਚਾਲੀ gurasikh meeth chalahu gur chaalee || O Sikhs of the Guru, O friends, walk on the Guru's Path. Sikh Missionary Society U.K. (Regd.) 10, Featherstone Road. Southall, Middx, U.K. UB2 5AA Tel: +44 020 8574 1902 Fax: +44 020 8574 1912 www.sikhmissionarysociety.org

You will be pleased to know that the Sikh Missionary Society has made arrangments to hold the 34th Sikh Students Gurmat Camp from Sunday 30th July to 7th August 2011 at Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Roding Lane in Chigwell, Essex. Special Features of the camp are: Community Living: The Gurmat Way Gurmat Essay & Painting Competition One Day Outing Introduction to Archery & Yoga Workshops/Seminars & Discussions on Sikh Religion and Culture Introduction to Kirtan Tie up Dastar (Saujana) Indoor and Outdoor Games Camp Fire and Martial Arts Display Encouragement & Prizes to the children who learn Gurbani Path by heart Fees: £80 for the first child from a family and £75 for other children in the same family. Special concessions may be available in some cases (please give us a call on 020 8574 1902). Closing date for admission is the 24th of July 2011, there are approximately 100 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. Note: Minimum Age for Campers is 10 years and the Maximum age is 15. For more information - www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smsyouthcamp/

Sadh Sangat Jee, The full video is now online on iPlayer - www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010fqkd

Some Great Seva... Thanks.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Sadh Sangat Jee, Please share the following from the BBC - Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sadh Sangat Jee, Pretty much as Balait_da_Sher said, the two brothers were Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan. The three Sikhs with Guru Gobind Singh Ji were Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Mann Singh and Bhai Daya Singh. Bhai Daya Singh waved the chauri over the Guru and the rest carried Guru Ji. Uch ka Pir can be translated as Great Guru, Uch(in Bahawalpur) was also a major Sufi Muslim centre at the time.

Sadh Sangat Jee, Exactly, there are many things for it and many against it(Bala Janamsakhi). Bhai Bala may well have existed, but the Janamsakhi has many things that are clearly wrong. Even Kavi Santokh Singh said he felt it(Bala Janamsakhi) was corrupted by the Hindalis. The late Prof. Sahib Singh talks about Janamsakhis here - ADI BIRH BARAI - Puratan Janamsakhi

Sadh Sangat Jee, Scholars have said the Bhai Bala Janamsakhi is a fabrication and was actually created after Guru Gobind Singh Ji's time. Bhai Gurdas has left out mentioning him. Refer to Karam Singh's conclusions in "Kartik or Baisakh" - Historical places are called by their new(later) names. Shabads that were revealed later(of Sri Guru Amardas Ji and Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji) are used(when the Janamsakhi is said to be have written before) It talks about the Masand system(which was introduced later by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji) The Khalsa Fateh is used

Sadh Sangat Jee, I am speaking as per my understanding, so please do forgive me for any mistakes. There was the material body(the vessel/MAYA) and the JOT/Guru. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji acted according to the True(Sat) Guru's will, the True Guru is God(Waheguru). "The One Supreme Lord is Unique. He is Immortal, Unborn, without caste, and without involvement. He is Unfathomable, Beyond the Reach of Senses, Without Forms or Lines. Searching for Him, I found Him present within us." (Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Rag Bilawal, Thitti, p838, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) God is present in all and everywhere. So the answer to this question would be God was present in his body from the start. "O man, why do you go to forest in search of God? God, though detached (Nirlaip), yet dwells everywhere and abides within you. (1) Pause. Just as fragrance abides in a flower, and reflection is in a mirror, so does God dwell in you. O brother, search Him within you. (1) Believe it, that He is within you and outside every where. There is everywhere but One God. This is the understanding imparted by the Guru to me. Nanak, the slave, says: without knowing one's self, the moss of doubt is not removed. (2)" (Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, Rag Dhanasari, p684, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) No, refer to above. There always was/is only ONE JOT. "He is, He will be. The creation will end but not He, Who has created the phenomena." (Sri Guru Nanak Ji, Jup Ji, Pauri 27, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji had the same JOT, there was no transfer, since the same JOT is everywhere. "When I cast my look around, I see none other. One pervades all places, and One abides in all hearts." (Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Rag Asa, Patti, p433, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a messenger sent by God, his material body is no longer here, but the light(JOT) still is. This light, also called SABD/SABAD, is the Sat Guru(Waheguru). This light has been here from the beginning and is still here, it is manifest in Gurbani(Bani Guru, Guru Hai Bani) and the Khalsa Panth. "The Guru is the Mother, the Father, the God of gods, the Master. The Guru is the Mate, the Destroyer of Ignorance, the Kinsman, the Brother. The Guru is Beneficent , Who Blesses us with His Name; by His Mantra in the mind held. The Guru is the Embodiment of Peace, Truth, Wisdom, the Philosopher's Stone, Whose touch turns into Gold, and more. The Guru is the Place of Pilgrimage, the Pool of Nectar, bathing in which brings Infinite Wisdom. The Guru is the Creator, the Destroyer of all sins, purifying all sinners. The Guru is from the beginning of Time, through ages upon ages, dwelling on Whose Mantra one is saved. O God Gurdev bless us with Your association that we ignorant sinners are saved. The Guru is the Transcendent Lord, the God of gods, Nanak salutes the Guru-God." (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Bawan Akhari, Gauri Rag, p250, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) Once again, Guru Nanak Dev Ji(the person) is not God. "The Lord Himself creates all, and Himself enjoys His bounties. (1) Pause. It is the Lord, Who hears and it is He Who sees. He is Unmanifest, as well as Manifest. He is the Creator, as well as the Destroyer. He pervades all, yet remains unaffected and detached. (He is NOT affected by the Maya or the Matter of Five Elements, He creates).(1) It is He Who utters and it is He Who understands in creatures. (Creatures are His part and parcel). Therefore, it is He Who appears to come, and it is He Who goes. Absolute is my Lord and also all that is manifest. It is through His Light (Sat Guru) in Nanak, he sees Him in all, all over. (2)" (Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Rag Gond, p862, Sri Guru Granth Sahib)

Sadh Sangat Ji, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not God, nor was he an avatar of God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji had merged his self(mind and body) in the supreme light(JOT/God), there was no duality, all his actions and utterances were directed by God. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Rag Suhi(p1136) teaches – "Let that mouth be burnt Who utters that God takes birth and comes into limitations." So questions 1,2,3 and 5 are wrong assumptions on your behalf. I would say Guru Nanak Dev Jee was born Guru; his childhood reflects this. Yes, God does not take form. That shabad you are refering to is where Bhatt Keerat was praising the Jot in Guru Amardas Ji - "The Lord Himself wielded His Power and entered the Universe. The Formless Lord took Form, and with His Light He illuminated the realms of the Universe. He is All-pervading everywhere; the Lamp of His Sabad, the Word uttered by Him, has been lit, Which has illuminated the Universe." (Bhatt Keerat, p1395, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) It is about the JOT that illuminated the Guru. The Bhagats reached that stage, but you will find a lot of their teachings that were before the realisation are not included in Sikh Teachings, hence not considered Gurbani. Sikhs do not worship any human Guru, the term Guru in the Sikh Scriptures refer to God himself. "The Guru and God are One - God pervades everywhere and abides in every one. They, for whom it was so writ, dwell on the Lord's Name. Nanak seeks the refuge of the Guru, Who ever lives; neither He is born nor dies" (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Rag, p53, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) "O Lord, You alone are Merciful Master, Spiritual Guide, Prophet and Religious Instructor. You are the Master of All Hearts and You make call to the seekers. You are much above the Quran and other Semitic texts." (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Rag Ramkali, p897, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee clearly stated - "Who so ever calls me Supreme God, he will be confined to the pit of hell. Consider me as the slave of Supreme God, do not have ANY DOUBT in my statement."

Great Answer. Gurdwara's serve a place where Sadh Sangat can meet(Holy Associations). "I sing His Praises during the day and night. I sing them with each and every breath. In holy association, Faith in Him is established, that the Lord is with us in life and death. (3) I sing His Praises in my sufferings and also when I am at peace." (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Aasa, p401, Sri Guru Granth Sahib) "O man, by the Guru's Grace, take it that your body is the Temple of God. Through the Guru's Word, make a search within you and enter this Temple cherishing His Name. (1) O my mind, if you are imbued with the Guru's Word, then you will be dyed in God's color. True is the devotion to God. True is the Temple of God and true is the glory one attains. (1) Pause. The body is the Lord's Temple, wherein is revealed the Jewel of Divine Comprehension. The egocentrics do not know at all and they deny His presence in the body. (2) The Temple of God, is the body, which God created and He keeps it embellished in His Will. It is the Eternal Writ of God, which no one can erase. (3) When one realizes the Word, he is blessed with Bliss, and through it he loves the True Name of God. The Lord's Temple is embellished only with Word, and becomes an invaluable Fortress of Gold (Highest Purity). (4) This world too is a Temple of God, but without the Guru, one is enveloped in utter darkness. The blind and unwise egocentrics worship the other [material things] with devotion. (5) Where one has to render an account of his deeds, there no consideration is given to either the body or the caste. Those, who are imbued with Truth, are saved, and those who bear love to another, remain miserable ones. (6) Within the Temple of God is the Treasure of His Name, but unwise wretch does not realize it. It is, when the Guru's Grace is upon him that he sees and establishes the Lord's Name in his heart. (7) The Guru's Word is known from the Guru's Grace, if one is imbued with the love of the Word. Even a sinner becomes sanctified, and merges himself in the Lord's Name. (8) The Temple of God is also His Shop, which He keeps embellished with the Word. The merchandise in that Shop is His Name only, which God Men (Gurmukhs) buy and embellish themselves with it. (9) In the Temple of God, the mind is like iron, which is lured by Duality. When it meets with the Guru (God's Light in Man), the Philosopher's Stone, it is transformed into Gold, and its worth cannot be told. (10) In the Temple of God, abides God, Who is present in all equally. Nanak says: if one deals with God, through the Guru, he purchases the True Merchandise." (11) (Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Rag Parbhati Bibhas, p1346, Sri Guru Granth Sahib)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Saadh Sangat Jee, Who has the right to run our Gurdwara's? Most Gurdwara Constitutions state that only Amritdhari Sikhs should. How about all that wish to run for office should have to take an examination on Sikhism? Only those that understand Gurbani and the basic Sikh teachings should be allowed? Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Saadh Sangat Jee, Gurbani quotes should not be taken out of context, it is very important to read the Bhagat Bani in context and not quote passages here and there to try and prove your point. Throughout Gurbani it is explictly stated that we worship none other than Waheguru. Taking the following quote posted by SarabjeetSingh Jee - [ please note that Anthropomorphic notions have been used throughout Gurbani to comprehend God. ] If you read further Bhagat Nam Dev Jee states - So I ask SarabjeetSingh what does he understand when he reads the full passage in context? The last passage explains Bhagat Nam Dev Jee's position. Please also take into account the following quote from Bhagat Nam Dev Jee - Here is the full second quote from SarabjeetSingh - Once again could SarabjeetSingh enlighten us to what he understands when he reads the full passage in context? In the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, the names of Hindu gods and goddesses have been attributed to God in His praise. Whatever excellence is in any one, it is actually, the Excellence of the Creator Lord abiding in all. Be it clearly understood in all creatures, good, evil, super good, He alone abides, and is the Doer, none else. All attributes of any one are actually the attributes of Infinite Unfathomable Lord Himself, none else. Without God we are nothing. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Dear Sadh Sangat Jee, We have recently published "The Sikhs and Their Way of Life" by Gurinder Singh Sacha on our website - The Sikhs and Their Way of Life Sikhism is a religion of divinity within a human framework, protest against injustice, and confirmation of human brotherhood. Implicit within its precept is a conscious and continuous process of struggle against oppression, and affirmation of traditional values deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Panjab - the land of five rivers. Sikhism was not only a revolt against the Brahminical caste structure, but also the beginning of a political uprising against Islamic domination and persecution. Guru Nanak laid the foundation of a long ideological war of liberation fought consistently over the lives of the Gurus on: “the doctrine that the lowest is equal to the highest, in race, as in creed, in political rights, as in religious hopes.” It was a Grand Design, and it was left to Guru Gobind Singh to grasp the full spiritual, political, social and cultural implications and to activate the ideology, and give it form, substance, structure and force to complete the process. The sacramental ceremony for the baptism of the ‘panj piayara’ (five beloved ones), which is a symbolic rite, was introduced by Guru Gobind Singh on the auspicious Vaisakhi in 1699, and acted as the catalyst that dramatically invigorated Sikhism. Out of this historical event emerged a bold ‘community’, a distinct ‘congregation,’ called the ‘Khalsa’, which became the armed representation of Sikhism. This created a lasting tradition of militancy and protest against social injustice, oppression and inequality. The Khalsa acquired the symbolic collective and individual identity with the five K’s as a marker of the ‘panth’ - reflecting and representing the ideology of Sikhism. This book goes a long way to explain the core of a world religion, and in my view the only way to interpret the contents of this book is that Sikhism stands for divinity, brotherhood, service and protest. Any other interpretation would invalidate the core of a world faith. Tuku Mukherjee (Formerly of) Southlands College Roehampton Institute, London. Please also check out the publications section of our website which contains the largest Sikh ebook library available on the Internet - Sikh eBook Library Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

What really constitutes sevā? Why do I need to do it? How can I do my part? These and other aspects of this core principle of Sikhī will be discussed in an interactive lecture/workshop format. Substantiation from bānī, tvārīkh and rahit will expose the participants to all aspects of Sevā so as to apply it to our current and local realities. Inderpreet Singh is a Technology professional currently working for a multinational technology firm in Chelmsford, MA. His passion is Sikhi and Panthak-related community projects and he is heavily involved with Sikh youth camps, retreats and conferences, where he conducts seminars, lectures and interactive workshops on Gurmat-related topics. Sikh Missionary Society U.K. 10, Featherstone Road. Southall, UB2 5AA United Kingdom www.sikhmissionarysociety.org

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Khalsa Jee, Gurmukh Singh, of SEWA UK and the Sikh Missionary Society U.K. Advisory Panel, has now started a blog - SEWA UK You will find many published articles and essays on Sikh related matters on the blog. Please read and comment as appropriate. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Khalsa Jee, Thanks for your help, we managed to get the site back up and running a few days after the hack. Information on hosts will be welcome, currently we run php with mysql db, we might redevelop the site to use jsp and/or java servlets with mysql. Do you have any recommendations for hosts?

You will be pleased to know that the Sikh Missionary Society has made arrangments to hold the 33rd Sikh Students Gurmat Camp from Sunday 25th July to 1st August 2009 at Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Roding Lane in Chigwell, Essex. Special Features of the camp are: Community Living: The Gurmat Way Gurmat Essay & Painting Competition One Day Outing Introduction to Archery & Yoga Workshops/Seminars & Discussions on Sikh Religion and Culture Introduction to Kirtan Indoor and Outdoor Games Camp Fire and Martial Arts Display Fees: £75 for the first child from a family and £65 for other children in the same family. Special concessions may be available in some cases (please give us a call on 020 8574 1902). Closing date for admission is the 18th of July 2010, there are approximately 100 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. Note: Minimum Age for Campers is 10 years and the Maximum age is 15. For more information please visit - Sikh Missionary Society U.K. Gurmat Camp

Khalsa Jee, I believe the whole server was compromised because the Server Admin panel(CPanel) has also been defaced on the host company website. The hosting was provided by Taranjit Singh Gujral(247webhosting.biz), but I have not been able to get in contact with him for some time. I guess I better move to a new host, do you have any recommendations.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Dear Sadh Sangat Jee, Our website has been hacked, not sure what I can do other than to re-upload the files or should we move to a new host. I have a feeling the actual host/server provider has been hacked and hence all websites on that server hacked as well. Hosting was provided by sewa of Taranjit Singh(used to be on DotVisions), Vicky Singh also used hosting from him in the early days of Sikh Sangat, but I have not had contact with Taranjit Singh for quite some time. Has anyone here also had their website hacked? What steps can you take to stop this happening in the future?

You will be pleased to know that the Sikh Missionary Society has made arrangments to hold the 32nd Sikh Students Gurmat Camp from Sunday 26th July to 2nd August 2009 at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Church Road, St. George, in Bristol. 32nd Annual Gurmat Camp 26th July to 2nd August 2009 Special Features of the camp are: Community Living: The Gurmat Way Gurmat Essay & Painting Competition One Day Outing Introduction to Archery & Yoga Workshops/Seminars & Discussions on Sikh Religion and Culture Introduction to Kirtan Indoor and Outdoor Games Camp Fire and Martial Arts Display Note: Minimum Age for Campers is 9 years and the Maximum age is 15. Camp Fees - £60.00 for the first child and £50 for other children from the same family. Transport Arrangement - Seats for the coach journey from the Society in Southall to the camp and back will be available on payment of £15.00 per child in advance General Secretary: Teja Singh Mangat (07882 102904) Youth Wing Camp Organiser: Harmeet Kaur (07904 809432) Camp Organiser: Chanchal Singh Dhaliwal (07752 508338) For more information please visit the Sikh Missionary Society U.K. website - http://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org What follows is a press release from the Essex Police dated August 4, 2008 for the 2008 Gurmat Camp...