SanmukhKaur

Passing on the Guru Gaddi On this day in year 1708 the Guru Granth Sahib Ji was declared the next Guru of the Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This was the first hukamnama given by Guru Granth Sahib Ji after becoming Guru. ???? ???? ? ? Maaroo, Fifth Mehl: ????? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ??? ??? ??? ? Good karma has dawned for me - my Lord and Master has become merciful. I sing the Kirtan of the Praises of the Lord, Har, Har. ????? ???? ??? ???????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? My struggle is ended; I have found peace and tranquility. All my wanderings have ceased. ||1|| ?? ???? ???? ???? ??? ? Now, I have obtained the state of eternal life. ???? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ??? ???? ? The Primal Lord, the Architect of Destiny, has come into my conscious mind; I seek the Sanctuary of the Saints. ||1||Pause|| ???? ?????? ???? ???? ?????? ????? ??? ????? ? Sexual desire, anger, greed and emotional attachment are eradicated; all my enemies are eliminated. ?? ????? ????? ?? ????? ???? ? ??? ????? ??? He is always ever-present, here and now, watching over me; He is never far away. ||2|| ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? ???? ? In peace and cool tranquility, my faith has been totally fulfilled; the Saints are my Helpers and Support. ???? ???? ??? ??? ????? ????? ???? ? ??? ??? He has purified the sinners in an instant; I cannot express His Glorious Praises. ||3|| ????? ?? ??? ?? ??? ????? ??? ???? ? I have become fearless; all fear has departed. The feet of the Lord of the Universe are my only Shelter. ????? ??? ???? ????? ?? ???? ????? ??? ??? ????? Nanak sings the Praises of his Lord and Master; night and day, he is lovingly focused on Him. ||4||6|| Das, can’t write anything when Guru Ji has given a Hukam himself. He just loves us and we love Him. Thus, our love affair begins.

Janam Ustav Baba Buddha Ji had the honor of serving Six Sikh Guru Sahibs and has always been held in much respect by Sikhs from the times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Even Guru Nanak Dev Ji held much love for Baba Buddha Ji which is evident in the fact Guru Ji ask Baba Ji to anoint the next Guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji. From that time on Baba Buddha Ji would be ask to anoint the next Sikh Guru up until he left to rejoin Waheguru Ji. In Baba Buddha Ji’s long life some of the most memorable occurrences are blessing Mata Ganga Ji, being the first Granthi and anointing Guru Hargobind Ji. So blessed was Baba Buddha Ji that Guru Arjan Dev Ji sent his wife, Mata Ganga Ji, to be blessed by him when she asked Guru Ji that she be blessed with a child. Baba Buddha Ji was not only blessed, he was humble also. That is why when Mata Ji went for blessings with food made by servants in a horse driven carriage, he turned her back. Next day after being advised by Guru Ji; Mata Ji went back with simple food she prepared herself and walked to see Baba Buddha Ji. This time Baba Buddha Ji left everything and hurried to greet Mata Ji even before she reached where he was working. Baba Ji ate the food with much love, then took a onion in his hands and squished it. He told her he would have such a son that would crush the heads of evil men, like he crushed the onion. Thus, Mata Ganga Ji was blessed with Guru Hargobind Ji. We should all remember how Mata Ji had to be humble to be blessed, next time we go to Guru Ji asking for something filled with pride of worldly things. Guru is humble and so are his Sikhs, like Baba Buddha Ji. Maybe it was the fact that Baba Buddha Ji was so blessed anything he would say would come true or maybe it was the fact that he had so much love for Guru Jis and Sikh, that made him loved and respected by all. I think it might have been both, that is why Guru Arjan Dev Ji appointed Baba Buddha Ji Granthi when Adi Granth was completed. Baba Buddha Ji was so humble that he asked Guru Ji to reconsider his decision and ask a more educated man. But Guru Ji was sure that no one could do a better job than Baba Buddha Ji. Maybe we should think about that next time a Gurudwara Sahib looks for a Granthi. Let’s find someone like Baba Buddha Ji, someone filled with immense love for Guru Ji, not just filled with dry knowledge. A man filled with love for Guru Ji can make no mistake when it comes to showing them love and respect. And it was no mistake when Baba Buddha Ji put the sword on the wrong side when passing on the Gurugaddi to Guru Hargobind Ji. If Baba Buddha Ji had not done that, the concept of Miri Piri would not have been created at that time. Baba Buddha Ji was just doing what Waheguru JI wanted him to by placing the sword on the wrong side. That goes to show when a Gursikh that is filled with immense love for Guru Ji does something that would otherwise be considered a mistake, still turns out alright because it was done with love. Just love Guru Ji and leave everything to him. Baba Buddha Ji had great long blessed life, let us go back and read his sakhis and try to be like him.

Love at First Sight From the moment we are born our love affair with Waheguru Ji begins and with each breathe it only grows stronger. Born into a Sikh family, the first thing my parents did was thank Waheguru Ji for sending me. As a little baby Guru Ji gave me three important gifts; a name, an identity and time. My father asked Guru Granth Sahib Ji to bless me with a name, Guru Ji obliged. From the moment Guru Ji named me, I became His. Every time I look at my name it would remind me, I am Guru Ji’s Sikh. It is Sikh tradition to go to Guru Granth Sahib Ji and ask for a hukam when a baby is born. With the first letter of the first word of the Hukam, the baby’s name must start. Some parents pick a name inspired by the Hukam, others pick one that the whole family likes. Either way the name is a Gursikh name that whenever it is uttered, it reminds of Waheguru Ji. The very first gift from Waheguru Ji is a name that is important part of a child’s identity. After Waheguru Ji blesses a child with a name, Waheguru Ji blesses the child with a small sip of Amrit. Growing up in a Gursikh home, children like me, learn of our glorious identities as Sikhs. We learn of the sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji made so we could say with pride, ‘My last name is Kaur/Singh and I am a Sikh.’ We love how Guru Nanak Dev Ji started this peaceful religion on behalf of Waheguru Ji and how Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught us to protect it. Growing up listening to stories about the Sikh Gurus and great Gursikhs. With the small sip of Amrit rushing throw our veins and pride of our heritage running through our minds, as little children we want to take full Amrit and become part of the Khalsa. The beautiful thing about Waheguru Ji is he doesn’t allow his children to be rushed into a commitment. Sikh children are given as much time as they need to learn about Sikhi, becoming Gursikh until they are fully aware and ready to take the decision of taking Amrit from the Panj Pyare and becoming part of Khalsa family. In this ample time Waheguru Ji showers us with love and sometimes hardships to make us stronger. He asks for nothing in return.

Jinda and Sukha are responsible for returning the dignity and self-respect of Sikhs by killing General Vadiya, the Indian Army General that had ordered the attack on Harmandir Sahib. These men are inspiration to all Sikhs, all around the world. On the 9th of October, 1992 they were hung for restoring Sikhs dignity. The account of these men’s last days as taken from neverforget1984.com is enough to awaken the pride of any Sikh. The reaction of the families of the saheeds, the government and the saheeds themselves at the time of execution is as follows. How can a son feel even a moment of his weakness when his mother sends him to the gallows singing marriage songs? So brave were their mothers, that they did not shed a tear seeing them off. The family had been allowed to visit the day before the saheeds were to be hung till death. For the families it was not time for sorrow or to pity their sons. It was time to celebrate their sons brave acts, with their heads held up high. So they did with Gidha and Marriage Songs as they prepared their sons to marry the bride named ‘death’. The action of these mothers questions every Sikh mother, ‘I married my son to death, why do you fear your son doing something for Khalsa Panth?’ They remind every Sikh women to be brave and be the strength of their sons, so 1984 is never repeated again. Jinda’s and Sukh’s mothers inspire all mothers to raise fearless sons. So fearless were Sukh and Jinda that they raised fear in the government of India. On October 9th, 1992 they were executed in the presence of 4 Deputy Police Commissioners, 10 assistant Police Commissioners, 14 inspectors, 145 sub-inspectors and 1275 officers. If the amount of police on duty that day was not enough to ensure the brave sons of Khalsa Panth were executed, the police allowed them to be hung for a whole 30 minutes before they approached the loins. These brave men showed that Sikhs can raise fear in any government that dares to oppress them. With their execution they sent a message to all Sikhs to be fearless and watch the fear it rises in the people that are in the wrong. Sukha and Jinda were so fearless that they wanted to bring sweets for their executioners for marrying them to the bride named ‘death’. Even when Sukha and Jinda knew they were going to be executed that day, they did not give up the teachings of Sikhism. They woke up at midnight that day and did path till 3 in the morning. After that they had a light breakfast and did their final ardass and Kirtan Sohila Path. On their way to the gallows Jinda thanked the jailors for keeping them comfortably for 5 years. Upon reaching the gallows, they expressed the desire to put the noose around their neck themselves, they weren’t allowed. They meet their death with open arms roaring the Fateh given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Their martyrdom well be inspiration to Sikhs for centuries to come. Let all Sikhs take a minute to go read the full story of Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha at http://www.neverforg...dev-singh-sukha . Do ardass to Waheguru Ji to give us the same strength that he blessed these 2 saheeds with. As Sikhs we keep the image that sets us apart from the world, then why are we simplifying things to fit in? Sikhs need to keep using the term Gurudwara and educating people on what a Gurudwara is. Gurudwara means ‘home of God’ and it should be nothing but a matter of pride for any Sikh.

Temple a simple word is chipping away at the Sikh identity, under the covers of innocent terminology. The word Temple is suppose to make it easier for the local residence to understand what a Gurudwara is but it just confuses them even more. Earlier this year an incident took place in my life which I didn’t think much about till today the importance of it clicked in my mind. I was leaving Gurudwara Sahib to go do some grocery shopping with my aunt, when a local resident approached us in the Gurudwara parking lot wanting help with Hindi terminology, telling us with pride that he is learning about Hinduism. I explained to him that we were not Hindus and this was a Gurudwara, that he should look into the yellow pages to find some look temples. But none the less my aunt can look over the words he wrote in Hindi because she knows a little bit Hindi. All the words written by him were religious terms and she helped him the best she could and we left without a second thought. Now that I look back at that incident I think about the use of the word Temple, the attempts by Hinduism to engulf Sikhism and major religions of the world. At the end of each side of the street on which the Gurudwara Sahib Ji (which I attend)is located, there is a sign that points out the ‘Sikh Temple’ is in that direction. There is a street sign in front of the Gurudwara Sahib that once again states ‘Sikh Temple’. In a area where the local residence don’t have knowledge of what Sikhism is, who Sikhs are, they see the word ‘temple’ and the Indian background and immediately think Hinduism. Just like the guy that approached us in the parking lot. Why are we changing the name of Gurudwara for the sake of convenience of others? What is next? Changing practices like wearing the 5 Kakkars because its too much trouble to explain to people of other faiths what the Kakkars represent? Sikhs have to live up to their responsibilities and be willing to explain Sikh traditions and Sikh terminology or risk being swallowed by Hinduism. Hindu’s from day one have been saying that Sikhs are part of Hinduism because Guru Nanak Dev Ji took birth in Hindu family. They have denied Sikhs the right to their own country during partition, made us a part of Hindustan. They came into our Gurudwara’s in 1984 and opened fire on us, trying to wipe out Sikhs. They copied Harmandir Sahib, trying to draw people away from Sikhism. They try to mix their Hindu traditions into our Sikh practices. If all else fails they begin debates about Sikhism is just a part of Hinduism. We don’t need another word that links us to Hinduism, and gives them another example how we are connected. Sikhism was, is and always will be an independent religion that Hindu’s can’t end from this world or even India, as they did with Buddhism. Three out of five major world religions trace their origin back to India; Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Once upon a time India use to be predominately a Buddhist country but today there are only faint traces of Buddhism left in India and they no longer use their original term for temple, Vihara. Hinduism is thriving in India, mainly due to the fact that India boosts a huge growing population that is predominately Hindus. Sikhism is constantly attacked in attempts to bring them into under the label of Hinduism. The other two major world religions, Islam and Christianity, continue to thrive and use their proper religious terms for their places of worship. Sikhs have to take control and keep their identity separate from Hindus, if they wish people would know and recognize them one of the five main religions of the World.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! My pen as my tool, I wish to explore different aspects of Sikhism and become a better Sikh in the long run. I am not a Gurmukh and everything I write is not always going to be perfect nor correct. I am a manmukh that has recently started treading the path of Sanmukh to do one day, many many years from now, become a Gurmukh and become one with Waheguru Ji. On my journey my main focus is going to be Today in Sikh History, Gurudwara Sahibs and random musings. Not having much knowledge of Sikh History, writing about 'Today in Sikh History' gives me an opportunity to research and write about aspects that I would otherwise miss. This section allows me to explore very slightly each piece of our history and learn new things. It opens new venues of growth as a Sikh for me. The hope is to have an entry for each day focusing on just one event from that day. So far I have noticed an interesting correlation exists between Sikh history and Sikh Gurudwara Sahibs.Sikh Gurudwara Sahibs in India often have a story to tell about Sikh history. Gurudwara Sahibs around the world have so much to offer, then why are they compared to a business by some? Yes, some people do take advantage of Gurudwara Sahibs and try to make a profit using Guru Ji but there is more to the Gurudwara Sahibs. For the stupidness of some, we can't blame all. I will be calling, researching and writing about different Gurudwara Sahibs around the country and eventually the world to learn what makes each Gurudwara Sahib special and to weed out the fake business ones. This list will not only highlight the beauty of Sikh Gurudwara Sahibs around the world but also help the sangat choose the best Gurudwara Sahibs to move close to so they can bring their families closer to Sikh. Alot of Gurudwara Sahibs offer great resources like Gatka classes, Punjabi classes, kirtan classes and etc, this list would highlight those things. As I learn about Sikhi and live the life of a Sikh there will be much that makes me wonder out loud. The column will be dedicated solely to any musings or thoughts I have about Sikhi. Where it be about calling a Gurudwara Sahib a temple or not using the given Sikh last names, I will try to write about it all as I experience it. Join me on my journey to become a good Sikh by commenting on the articles and/or writing to me at fromthese5tothose5@hotmail.com or Sanmukh@sikhsangat.org with any advice, tips or suggestions you may have. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

The Sikh community in Oregon is small but their love for Waheguru Ji is not. Dasmesh Darbar Gurudwara is a prime example of a small Gurudwara's can have some unexpected advantages and some unacceptable disadvantages. What Dasmesh Darbar Gurudwara Sahib lacks in Chardikala Sikhs it makes up with great programs that are only slightly overshadowed by Gurudwara politics. The Amritdhari Sikhs are few in number and blend right in with rest of the sangat who number about a couple hundred. Dasmesh Darbar Gurudwara Sahib is a place where the sangat is made of mostly middle class business owners coming from the Punjabi background. The similar background has created an atmosphere where the sangat feels like one big extended family. This can be a good thing and a bad thing, depending if you are from the same background. People coming into the Gurudwara Sahib with similar background easily find a place for themselves in the community. The people from different backgrounds have to make a little effort to fit in. But that should not scare anyone away from Gurudwara Dasmesh Darbar because the committee has offered many ways for sangat to fit in. To fit in all on has to do is get involved in one of the many projects/ programs Dasmesh Darbar offers to Sangat or create a new program. The committee is very open to new projects and the sangat is great about raising money and lend a helping hand. Every Sunday: Health clinic takes place where family doctors, specialist, dentist and just about any other medical professional you can think of volunteers. Sangat can have their medical issues looked at and get prescriptions for a mere $5 dollars, which includes translators when you are seen by non-punjabi doctor. The Sangat is constantly putting effort to update and bring new services to the clinic. · Gurmukhi classes are taught for 2 hours every Sunday with every 7th Sunday is spent with the kids talking to sangat and inspiring other kids and sangat to become better Sikhs. Little children recite Jap ji sahib, elder kids give speeches and do kirtan. · After Hukamnama, the Granthie Singhs hang around to help anyone from the sangat with any questions they might have. They also teach kirtan to anyone that requests them. They don't require a full class or a fixed schedule, they accommodate the Sangat. For example, currently one child desires to learn Kirtan, they teach her without forcing others to join or they won't hold class. Other than projects held every Sunday many small projects are always taking place. If sangat suggests the kids should wear kurta pajma for Darbar Hall seva, the women get together and begin to sew. Someone says they want to make a new Palki or a new room for Guru Ji, the men get together immediately and begin work. The willingness of Sangat to pitch in and help as soon as someone suggests something makes this the Gurudwara Sahib to be, if you have dreams to work with sangat on new projects. The only real draw back to starting new projects or getting too involved at Dasmesh Darbar Gurudwara Sahib is the politics. If a person just takes advantages of the projects at Gurudwara Sahib or occasionally volunteers ideas for new projects, they don't see the politics at play. But once you really start noticing what is going on around you, you notice the Gurudwara is broken into two groups. Each group seems to wants to be the source of the brilliant new project or program that the sangat desires. They go out of their way to get funds for the project and give it support if it is down under their banner. But they aren't so supportive if you don't ask them or work under their banner. At that point the pulling of legs begins to make the project fall short of expectations at times. The unity of the committee does not exists, which is one of the main reasons leg pulling happens. But at the same time it is good because the committee is not made of like-minded people and the decisions taken aren't biased in the favor of committee. Majority of the committee members have taken Amrit or are working towards it, so fighting is not a problem and all issues are solved by debate open to sangat. So, like any Gurudwara sahib today politics exist but the amount you get to see of it is how involved you are. Dasmesh Darbar Gurudwara Sahib of Salem, Oregon is loved by the local sangat despite its politics and lack of chardikala Sikhs because it has much to offer to inspire Sikhs. It is the Gurudwara Sahib to be close to if you live in Oregon and want to get inspired without being overwhelmed by Sikhs with really strong rehat. The sangat here is made of your average Punjabi that loves Guru Ji. Contact Info: Dasmesh Darbar 860 Oakhill Ave SE Salem, OR 97302-3435 (503) 391-7031

On this day Mughal Emperor that had begun the downfall of the Empire passed away. On this day Jahangir passed away after having lived a life that had awakened the warrior spirits of the Sikhs. A successful ruler keeps all his subjects happy and does not favor one over another: Jahangir was not a successful ruler, he favored the Islam Subjects. He favored them so much that he could not stand the Sikhs and the fact that some Muslims had become followers of the Sikh Gurus. He was not like Akbar (the empire before him) that he would pay his respects to the Gurus and let all live together in harmony. Jahangir allowed the British into India, allowed Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and imprisoned Guru Hargobind Ji all which would set up the empire for its downfall. Jahangir signed a treaty with the British East India Company promising to give them preferential treatment opening the doors of India to the British. Allowed preferential treatment the British began to form a tight hold in India which would prove to play an important role when the British take over India. It is no secret to any Indian that the British Raj is one of the darkest part of Indian History. Though it was the last time outsiders ruled over India; it was the first time India was broken, not expanded. Jahangir is the reason the British had the ability to later on divide Punjab into two. Not only did we lose our beautiful Punjab because of the foolishness of Jahangir, he caused the practice of martyrdom to begin in Sikhi. Guru Arjan Dev Ji is known as the Martyr of Martyrs, the first Sikh Guru to receive martyrdom. Jahangir was very unhappy with people turning to Sikhism to connect with God. He was particularly upset that Muslims were beginning to follow who he believed was a ‘fake’ Guru, he accepted gullible Hindus to become Sikhs but never Muslims. Already quite upset with people converting, Jahangir was more enraged when Pirthi Chand (brother of Guru Arjan Dev Ji) and Diwan Chandu Shah (whose daughter marriage proposal Guru Sahib Ji had rejected) began filling Jahangir’s ears against Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The final straw for Jahangir was Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s meeting with Jahangir’s rebellious son. A foolish man caught up in his own Ego, Jahangir gave the orders for Guru Sahib’s martyrdom. Guru Sahib Ji could have made a joke out of Jahangir’s orders but Guru Sahib Ji was not concerned with Jahangir or martyrdom, all Guru Ji could see was Waheguru Ji’s orders. “Such is the Will of my God, submit to the Divine Will, move not, stand calm against all woes." With those words Guru Ji left for Sachkand and Gurgaddi passed to Guru Hargobind Ji. I like to believe that Jahangir began to realize at least part of his foolishness in going against the Sikhs after Guru Hargobind Ji became the 6th Sikh Guru. While Guru Hargobind Ji started the practice of Miri (temporal power) and Piri (spiritual power), Jahangir once again allowed his ears to be filled against the Sikh Gurus, this time Guru Hargobind Ji. Luckily, Jahangir didn’t make any haste orders of arrest or martyrdom, instead invited Guru Ji to meet with him. Jahangir upon meeting Guru Hargobind Ji realized his mistake and made amends with Guru Ji. The relations between the Sikhs and the emperor were all fine until one day Jahangir again got caught up in Diwan Chandu’s words and imprisoned Guru Ji in Galiwor Fort because it was suppose to help him regain his health. The arrest proved that Jahangir was not worthy of the trust or friendship of Sikhs, this man could never change. Guru Hargobind Ji was released on Diwali but the Sikhs never forgot the arrest. By inviting the destruction of India into the country and hurting the sentiments of Sikhs, Jahangir wrote the downfall of Mughal Empire himself. At times it feels that Jahangir realizes he is making mistakes and tries to change by being friendly with Guru Hargobind Ji. But then the arrest of Guru Ji and the condition to release the Hindu Princes, makes a person doubt the change. Sadly for the Empire, the next Emperor also went against Sikhs and showed no remorse. No one is able to survive long after hurting Sikh sentiments. Let us always remember that and be strong sikhs that don’t put too much importance on political leaders.

Soon the message of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sikhi will be able to reach all that visit Harmandir Sahib, regardless of the fact they know Gurmukhi or not. Guru Ji has blessed the Sangat in Toronto to take up the project of installing outdoor LED Screens at Shri Darbar Sahib. The sangat in Toronto has laid the foundation of this project by getting SGPC approval, now it is time for Sangat all over the world to join and complete this project. Sikh Sangat must take time to learn about this beautiful project, who it is going to benefit and where their seva is required. This project entails installing outdoor LED Screens for spreading the message of Gurbani to all sangat that has come for blessing of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. These LED Screens will let Sangat in circumambulation (parkarmaa) read the translation of Gurbani and get the message of Guru Sahib Ji regardless of weather. It would be something similar to what can be seen in major cities of countries like USA, Canada and other countries around the world. It is a big project that is going to require putting up four LED screens and will bring costs of $50,000 per screen, that includes all the expense. The costs might seem high but if we all pitch in and help, it can easily be raised. The cost is nothing compared to the benefit it will bring to countless visitors that come to visit for Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Now people sitting in parkarmaa can read the Gurbani and understand. Now they can hear the gurbani with their ears and see it with their eyes. They can finally be able to understand what is Shabad Guru and experience its beauty. If even one person's gets attached to Guru Ji through this effort it was worth the cost. But the amount of people that visit Harmandir Sahib and they amount that are from non-sikhi related backgrounds, this will probably effect many lives. The best part is, the projectors will only add to the Harmandir Sahib because they blend right into the background. What can Sangat do to help bring this project into reality? Donate, your time and/ or money. At the end of the article you will find all information needed for donating money and you will get receipt for any donation made. For the people that are any good with computers and programming, it is a great seva to prepare new programs for Sikhs around the world to use and connect with Sikhi. And some of those programs might also be helpful with this projector thing. We can never do enough for Sikhism. You can send your donations: 1. Mail or Drop-off the cheque to one of the following addresses: Gursewa Charitable Society, 23 Pennyroyal Cres., Brampton, ON, L6S 6J7, Canada or Gursewa Charitable Society, 30 Hefferon Crt., Brampton, ON, L6Y 5J3, Canada 2. Pay on-line using Paypal/VISA/MC/AMEX/DEBIT, etc. http://www.gursewa.org/contribute.php

You are not a Sikh if you are so small minded that you can not listen to other peoples point of view. Yes, it is Guru Gobind Singh Ji's command that Sikhs that all Sikhs will bow to Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their Guru but Guru Sahib Ji never commanded that we shall go deaf to all others. One of the fundamentals of Sikhism is to respect all religions but follow our own. The perfect example of that is Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Gurbani included in Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not just of the Sikh Gurus. If our Guru Sahiban were open to listening to and respecting people of other faiths, why aren't we open to listening to each other? Sikhi is now broken into many jathas (or should I say groups) that all believe they have the right way of practicing Sikhi. Interestingly enough each seem to offer some evidence or another validating their existence and why their way of preaching is the right way. Typically the mukhis (head) of the jathas are very tolerant of each other or at least for the sangat to see, so they don't further divide Sikhi or drive people away from it. Usually it is fools like me, people that are new into Sikhi or people that end up believing so strongly in on jatha or another that forget we are all the same. No matter what Jatha you belong to if any or how you practice Sikhi as long as it is in line with what you learn from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, you are a Sikh. To be a Sikh you don't have to follow one Jatha or another, you just have to follow Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the instructions of the Panj Pyare. Guru Granth Sahib Ji nor the Panj Pyare belong to anyone Jatha, they belong to everybody. Just like Guru Nanak Dev Ji belonged to everybody; not just the Muslims or the Hindus. It is a popular Sakhi (story) that when Guru Nanak Dev Ji left for Sachkand, the Muslims and the Hindus fought over who got to cremated the body Guru Ji left behind. Guru Ji proved that he belonged to everyone when in the morning instead of the body, the followers found flowers which were then divided between the followers from two religions. The same jot (light) that was within Guru Nanak Dev Ji now resides in Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the message is still the same. Guru Granth Sahib Ji is for everyone that is willing to listen and follow the path Guru Ji shows us. If our Guru, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, sees no difference in us, then why the create the difference ourselves? All Sikhs should listen to each other and respect each others views. Listening and respecting does not mean that we become like them or have to follow the views. It gives us resources to try and understand what Guru Granth Sahib Ji is telling us, what the Panj Pyare are telling us, so we can become better Sikhs. I like to believe different Jathabandi (groups) exist within Sikhism so we can use the resources they offer to connect with Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Because end of the day no matter what jatha you are from, if you can't connect to Guru Granth Sahib Ji or Waheguru Ji, its all pointless. Let us look beyond what Jatha someone belongs to and see the Sikh in them. Be a student and learn from all, do whatever it takes to connect with Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Waheguru Ji. May Waheguru Ji bless us all to be one with Him.

It is no secret to the world that freedom is anything but free and comes at the cost of ones life. The people how have paid the price are the only ones that can truly appreciate freedom. In the Khalsa Panth there is not dearth of martyrs, whenever there was need to pay the price of freedom, Sikhs were first in line. The extent a Sikh can go to get freedom is best examplified by Saheed Dhanna Singh Babbar Akali. Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji had vowed never to be captured alive and continue fighting against the British to his last breath. Little did he knew that his vow was going to be tested by 2 men that called themselves Sikhs. Brothers Bela Singh and Juala Singh outwardly expressed Sympathies with the Babbers but on the inside they were one with the Police. So one day when Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji came to their house on a errand they hid him in a sugarcane and went and sold him out to the police. All day the brothers kept him busy in conversation, not letting him sleep. So when nightfall came, Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji was overcome by sleep. While Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji slept, the brothers took away all the weapons carried by this Babbar. Once the weapons had been removed the police surronded Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji and started handcuffing, only then Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji aroused from sleep. The cops taunted Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji about his vow, while Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji glared at them with such intensity they could not bare it. Mr. Horton, the police officer in charge, yelled for Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji to be blindfold. Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji remembering the bombs hidden under his armpits, knew he had to do something fast or those too would be taken away from him. He challenged Mr. Horton to blindfold him himself, and when Mr. Horton came close to do the deed, Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji hit the bomb with such force, it exploded. That day Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji not only kept his vow but also took out with 8-9 enemies. Bhai Dhanna Singh Ji brought glory to the name of all Sikhs and Babbars. But what are we doing today? So many sikhs are arrested for doing evil deeds that are unjustifiable by Sikh. Let all Sikhs become martyrs and bring glory to all Sikhs, and not do stupid things that bring disgrace.

It is said that after Biasakhi, October 26th is the second most important day for Sikhs. Even in general the 26th of October holds great importance to almost all people living in India because this day has many connections to many religions; like Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. This day does not belong solely to one group but that does not mean that each group does not have the right to celebrate the importance it has for them. Every group has that right, that is why Sikhs use this day to celebrate and remember Bandi Chhor Divas, the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji and the uprising against the Mughal Empire. On this day Guru Hargobind Ji orcestrated the release of 52 princes from the fort of Gwalior. Emperor Jahangir had arrested Guru Hargobind JI and 52 princes in attempts to stop Guru Ji from growing more powerful and becoming a threat against him. But when the emperor was asked to release Guru Ji, he agreed. But Guru Ji also wanted the 52 Hindu Princes to be released along side with Him. Emperor only agreed to release only those princes that could hold onto Guru Ji’s cloak as he left imprisonment. To overcome this challenge Guru Ji had a special cloak made that could be held onto by all 52 princes. On this day of 26th, October we celebrate Guru Ji’s coming home and the compassion Guru Ji showed others by not just thinking of himself and his sikhs but also those 52 Hindu Princes. In 1737 to celebrate this special occasion Bhai Mani Singh Ji asked for permission from Zakariya Khan, the then Mughal governor of Punjab. Zakariya Khan agreed but on the condition that a large tax of 5000 Rupees be paid. Bhai Mani Singh Ji agreed to pay the tax and it was too be paid with donations from sangat coming to celebrate this auspicious occasion. But alas, this gathering never happened because just in the nick of time Bhai Mani Singh Ji found out about the evil plan of Zakariya Khan to murder Sikhs that came. A secret message was sent to all Sikhs to not come for this event. With no Sikhs coming to the event the 5000 Rupees tax could not be paid and Bhai Mani Singh Ji received martyrdom. Many Sikhs received Martyrdom at the hands of Mughal Empire and its leaders, and something had to be done. Soon, the Sikhs began gathering twice a year to discuss how to keep the Khalsa Panth safe and fight against Mughal Empire. Those meetings used to be held on Biasakhi and Bandi Chhor Divas. These assemblies were known as the Sarbat Khalsa and a resolution passed by it became a gurmata (decree of the Guru). Sikhs have lots of history attached to this day, lets not forget it and call this day Diwali. Instead use this day to study our glorious past and learn from it.

On this day Mughal Emperor that had begun the downfall of the Empire passed away. On this day Jahangir passed away after having lived a life that had awakened the warrior spirits of the Sikhs. A successful ruler keeps all his subjects happy and does not favor one over another: Jahangir was not a successful ruler, he favored the Islam Subjects. He favored them so much that he could not stand the Sikhs and the fact that some Muslims had become followers of the Sikh Gurus. He was not like Akbar (the empire before him) that he would pay his respects to the Gurus and let all live together in harmony. Jahangir allowed the British into India, allowed Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and imprisoned Guru Hargobind Ji all which would set up the empire for its downfall. Jahangir signed a treaty with the British East India Company promising to give them preferential treatment opening the doors of India to the British. Allowed preferential treatment the British began to form a tight hold in India which would prove to play an important role when the British take over India. It is no secret to any Indian that the British Raj is one of the darkest part of Indian History. Though it was the last time outsiders ruled over India; it was the first time India was broken, not expanded. Jahangir is the reason the British had the ability to later on divide Punjab into two. Not only did we lose our beautiful Punjab because of the foolishness of Jahangir, he caused the practice of martyrdom to begin in Sikhi. Guru Arjan Dev Ji is known as the Martyr of Martyrs, the first Sikh Guru to receive martyrdom. Jahangir was very unhappy with people turning to Sikhism to connect with God. He was particularly upset that Muslims were beginning to follow who he believed was a 'fake' Guru, he accepted gullible Hindus to become Sikhs but never Muslims. Already quite upset with people converting, Jahangir was more enraged when Pirthi Chand (brother of Guru Arjan Dev Ji) and Diwan Chandu Shah (whose daughter marriage proposal Guru Sahib Ji had rejected) began filling Jahangir's ears against Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The final straw for Jahangir was Guru Arjan Dev Ji's meeting with Jahangir's rebellious son. A foolish man caught up in his own Ego, Jahangir gave the orders for Guru Sahib's martyrdom. Guru Sahib Ji could have made a joke out of Jahangir's orders but Guru Sahib Ji was not concerned with Jahangir or martyrdom, all Guru Ji could see was Waheguru Ji's orders. "Such is the Will of my God, submit to the Divine Will, move not, stand calm against all woes." With those words Guru Ji left for Sachkand and Gurgaddi passed to Guru Hargobind Ji. I like to believe that Jahangir began to realize at least part of his foolishness in going against the Sikhs after Guru Hargobind Ji became the 6th Sikh Guru. While Guru Hargobind Ji started the practice of Miri (temporal power) and Piri (spiritual power), Jahangir once again allowed his ears to be filled against the Sikh Gurus, this time Guru Hargobind Ji. Luckily, Jahangir didn't make any haste orders of arrest or martyrdom, instead invited Guru Ji to meet with him. Jahangir upon meeting Guru Hargobind Ji realized his mistake and made amends with Guru Ji. The relations between the Sikhs and the emperor were all fine until one day Jahangir again got caught up in Diwan Chandu's words and imprisoned Guru Ji in Galiwor Fort because it was suppose to help him regain his health. The arrest proved that Jahangir was not worthy of the trust or friendship of Sikhs, this man could never change. Guru Hargobind Ji was released on Diwali but the Sikhs never forgot the arrest. By inviting the destruction of India into the country and hurting the sentiments of Sikhs, Jahangir wrote the downfall of Mughal Empire himself. At times it feels that Jahangir realizes he is making mistakes and tries to change by being friendly with Guru Hargobind Ji. But then the arrest of Guru Ji and the condition to release the Hindu Princes, makes a person doubt the change. Sadly for the Empire, the next Emperor also went against Sikhs and showed no remorse. No one is able to survive long after hurting Sikh sentiments. Let us always remember that and be strong sikhs that don't put too much importance on political leaders.

What happened with Saheed Jaswant Singh Khalra was exactly what he was investigating and trying to stop from happening to other Sikhs. He fought for all the mothers and fathers that wondered where their sons disappeared, too. And then the world wondered where he disappeared, too. Jaswant Singh was picked outside his home by undercover cops while washing his car and was never heard from again. His name joined the list that he created himself. Jaswant Singh Khalra had grown weary of watching the Sikh youth around him disappear; his coworkers and friends all were gone missing without a trace. He started creating a list and investigating the disappearances. The tedious job of searching morgue records for cremation records of any unidentified persons and matching it to disappearances in the local area.It was shocking how bodies by the thousands were secretly cremated after being labelled "unidentified/unclaimed" by security agencies in Punjab. On January 16th 1995, Saheed Jaswant Singh Khalra released official documents showcasing his findings. The press release asserted that an investigation would reveal that same state of affairs all over the state, not just Amritsar were initial investigation took place. With the findings out in public, Jaswant Singh Khalra headed to court in hopes for some sortof justice. But little did he know that even with the public aware of everything, things will not go as he planned. The courts refused to investigate his claims, stating the claim was to vague. Two months later in April The Committee for Information and Initiative on Punjab petitioned again to demand a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations made by Jaswant Singh Khalra. Saheed Jaswant Singh Khalra would never get to see the case go to court and the investigations be carried out. On September 6th, 1995 he was abducted by Tarn Tarn Police outside his house, whilst washing his car. The very next day his wife, Parmjit Kaur Khalra, began the frantic search to find her husband. She left no stone unturned and along with Mr. G S Tohra (president of SGPC) send telegrams asking for help from anybody they thought would be helpful in finding Jaswant Singh Khalra. But by the time any action was taken by Supreme Court or anyone else, it was too late. After being tortured for over a month and half, Saheed Jaswant Singh Khalra received martyrdom in heart wrenching way. His last moments as narrated by Kuldip Singh (special police officer), "He was made to stand, thrashed and pushed onto the ground. His legs were stretched apart, more than 180 degrees. Seven policemen kicked him in the abdomen and chest. Save me. Please give me some water, he cried. As I was about to fetch some water, I heard two shots. I ran back into the room and found him bleeding profusely. He had stopped breathing." For months Saheed Jaswant Singh Khalra was part of the group of bodies cremated by Punjab Police after being labeled unidentified/unclaimed. His martyrdom forced Supreme Court to speed up the process to look into the charges he had made. It would conclude that the charges were true, CBI would indentify hundreds but many thousands will go unidentified. A few cops have been brought to justice but the mastermind KS Gill, roams free. Let all Sikhs remember Saheed Jaswant Singh Khalra and join his wife in demanding Justice for all Sikhs. For more details check http://ensaaf-org.jk...s/legal/khalra/

Gone are the times when Guru Ji's Sikh could be identified standing amidst tens of thousands, with each passing day Sikhs are losing their identity. It is a well-known fact that Sikhs are cutting their hair and losing their identity. There are many attempts made by various Sikh groups to keep Sikhs from losing the outer appearance of a Sikh. But when will Sikhs wake up and realize that Sikhs are losing their appearance on paper also. With changing dynamic of last names, Sikhs no longer stand out. Sikhs have changed their given last name completely, distorted the name Guru Ji blessed them with and in some cases created a whole new last name. It was simple enough that all Sikh men would be known as Singh and the women would be known as Kaur. Those would become their last names in place of caste revealing last names and promote brotherhood/sisterhood between all Sikhs. But alas, the unity of the Sikhs gets distorted as the last name of female Sikhs is distorted. In recent times we have more and more women beginning to use the last name Singh, to match their husbands and in some cases to satisfy their feminist thoughts. Whatever the logic behind this change might be, it is not correct because Guru Gobind Singh's hukam cannot be changed. Sikhs are all for sex equality but not at the price of Sikhs core beliefs. With Sikh men and women having same last name on paper it looks very wrong and distorted to anyone that is aware of Kaur and Singh as Sikh last names. It is also very difficult to explain to non-Sikhs way some Sikhs choose to not to keep the normal Sikh names. Women need to put in the extra effort to understanding what it means to be a princess and explain to others what it means, not take the easy way out of changing their name. It is not just women taking the easy way out, many Sikhs in general have taken the easy way out by adopting their family name as their last name. Instead of one big family of Singhs and Kaurs, we have many smaller groups of Gerwal, Gill, Dhaliwal and etc. It is bad enough that the family is being divided but in many cases the last names used are used to show difference based on caste. Many argue that it is easier to use a different last name then Singh or Kaur because of large number of people with this last name can cause much confusion and sometimes unwanted trouble. The Sikhs that once upon a time would rather receive martyrdom then go against the teachings of Sikh Guru Jis are now going against them for sake of convenience. All Sikhs that have taken to using different last names should consider moving these new last names to the place of the middle name and use Singh or Kaur for the last name, as it was meant to be. This way the Sikh family is not divided into multiple smaller groups based on last name and the middle name can be used to tell people apart, if needed. The united provided by Singh and Kaur is priceless. The unity can't be duplicated by using other Sikhi last names, like Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not give us the last name Khalsa and we should avoid using it. In ardass we say 'sikhan da man nivan, mat uchi, mat da rakha ap Waheguru.' How can we humbly ask Waheguru Ji to protect our high thinking, if we ourselves portray ourselves as Khalsa, the pure one? The moment we start saying we are pure one, we start saying we are better than someone else. True Sikhs don't do that, we don't knowingly add Khalsa and promote ourselves as pure. Let us take Khalsa out of our name and go back to being the Khalsa Guru Gobind Singh Ji wanted us to be. To be a true Sikh we have to take amrit and become Guru Gobind Singh's khalsa without any affiliation to anyone else. A true sikh is kaur or singh, nothing else. Waheguru Ji please bless Sikhs to use the beautiful name given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.