Bundha

Some thoughts, you may not agree but that is okay. Guru Ji put a lot of stress on doing KIRAT, that is, an honest days work, part of the Sikh foundation Naam Japo, kirat karo and Wand Shako. When we do kirat with our own hands (and minds) then the money we earn, for a want of a better word, is Good money. We have earned it with our own hands, this is very important. This money brings BARKAT into our life, that is, it brings prosperity. When we earn money by deceit, by lying, by cheating or by the detriment of others then this is Bad money. It becomes poison; it pollutes our being, our family, our prosperity. Not only this, but money obtained through gambling is also tainted. When a person places a bet his mind set is most likely that he will gamble his money and if he wins then he will use the money for more gambling or for drink or for other disreputable acts. Now, if you gamble, maybe on the scratch cards or on the lottery then all that money you win comes to you with baggage. The baggage of needs and longings of people who keep bad sangat and when that money is used then all those longings and needs (a kind of sukhna if you like) then poison everything you do, it may not be apparent immediately but the poison will take effect and it will pollute your life and in the long run it will manifest itself in all sort of unexpected ways. You will not make the connection and you will think why is this happening to me?, if you have some gian you will realise what is happening but it is not easy. Obtaining money from these means sometimes looks tempting as it brings big returns but in the long run it can be our ruin. In the long run when things start to go awry we cannot understand it. We go to Gurdwara, we do our paath, why is this happening to me? we say, but we forget that the money we have used was obtained by ill gains and it is now poisoning our lives and paying dividend by things not going right for us. Even more controversially, be very careful where you give money. You give money to someone who is standing on the street asking for money and you take pity on him, he then goes and uses that money to buy cigarettes, then your good kirat/kumai has gone to a bad place. This will affect you. You give to charity in all good faith but your money does not go to the needy but instead is used to pay for hospitality for the managers, again your kirat/kumai has been used in the wrong way, this will again affect your Barkat/prosperity. It is not just a matter of giving your money to charity and you have done your bit, you need to make sure that your money goes to the mouths of the needy. If one needy person eats and his heart send out a blessing to you then that will pay dividends in Gurus court, if one needy Gursikhs pain or hunger is eased by your charity then that will be registered with Guru Ji. The path of a Gursikh is very difficult and you need to keep rehit/maryadha and suchum, but you also need to be aware and be very careful in all manners of your life, but in the long run it is all worth it just for one smile from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

How do I download PDF's ? I need Dasam Granth Sahib, Mahan Koshe, Prof Sahib Singhs Tikkha. Where do I get them from and how do I download them ? Thanks.

Thanks Bhenji, I don't know how I did it but I think I did it !!! Think Guru Ji helped me :-)

I am sorry if this is all a little old hat to you guys but I am waaay behind on these things. I need to set up an iPhone for someone, I do not have an iPhone myself. 1. Do I need to set up gmail account for this? Does this need to be an existing account or can I create a new one? 2. I need to down load Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Mahan Koshe etc Do I need to go to Store app? Then just enter search argument? Then download from here? Anything else I need to know ? ta,

4th Battle of Anandpur (March, 1704) The Moghal army under Sayed Khan and Ramzan Khan numbered approximately 20,000. Guru Sahib Ji’s Singhs numbered only 1,000. Many soldiers had returned to their villages for sowing and harvesting the crops. The Moghals adopted the age old tactics of storming the fort by sheer weight of body of troops, but this time in order to avoid being surprised advanced with caution. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s plan was as follows : Guru Ji’s Khalsa carried out attrition on enemy rank and file by bold attacks far away from the main defences of Anandpur, both by day and night. This was done as the enemy advanced to Anandpur, slowing them down. Knowing that the enemies intention was to loot and plunder the city, left all bulky and heavy property while animals and lighter valuables were carried away to safety, with the aim to let the enemy weigh down their animals laden with the heavier goods. This was intended to ensure that the enemy on the return journey would not be able to employ his war animals of horses, elephants and camels. The enemy would thus be reduced to foot infantry completely devoid of battle mobility. Strong mobile patrols making use of unused jungle and mountainous tracks were to shadow the army and finding the most opportune moment to pounce with total surprise. At Bhalon, 14kms from Anandpur such an opportunity did arise when the Mughal army were merry making late into the night. Khalsa patrols pounced upon them from all sides shouting battle cries and discharging arrows causing confusion, havoc and panic in the enemy ranks. Tactical lessons. Tactical lessons learnt were, that attrition on the enemy carrier out systematically by the defender, employing all means at the longest possible range far away from the main defences not only impedes advance operations of the attack force but also demoralises the enemy long before they have even had a chance to engage in battle. Well trained troops grouped as strong patrols, especially in mountains can perform a variety of tasks. They have element of surprise and can cause havoc as quickly as they retreat into the jungles. Night attacks with high standard of field craft demand vigour, control and resourcefulness on the part of both leader (Jathedhar) and led (jatha). Balanced combat columns while moving dispersed and concentrating on the enemy from different directions preferably against his weaker or soft spots, like a moving octopus, will invariably unhinge and unnerve the enemy. In rapidly changing tactical situations, where time is at a premium, there should be viable means to ensure percolation of orders down the chain of command. This avoids confusion and tasks are executed as per the plans of the commander. In a withdrawal operation, various ways and means to achieve a clean break in order to avoid enemies advance turning into a pursuit must be employed. 5kms away from Anandur Sahib a strong mobile jatha under the command of Baba Ajit singh Ji attacked on the northern exposed flank of the army. The attack was so fierce and bold that the advancing army partially came to a halt in order to engage in this suddenly developed threat. There was then time for the main Khalsa force to carry out a tactical withdrawal in organised groups as strong protective patrols, knowing fully well preselected places and routes of withdrawal. Leadership. Any commander’s job is half done if by employing tactics he succeeds in marring the battle field mobility of his enemy. This can be achieved by separating the mobile element (cavalry) from the foot infantry of the opposing force or restricting or destroying the inherent mobility if the manoeuvring elements. A successful leader will have insight into his enemy and how to exploit their mistakes. One acquires this by experience, maturity and knowledge gathered through intelligent study. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was well versed with his enemies habits , temperament and reactions to various situations. Demoralisation of the troops when carrying out withdrawal operations results in carelessness and uncautiousness this must be avoided and guarded against all round alertness at all times invariably saves many lives and prestige of any force.

A light hearted look at our culture. We had a death in the family recently and we went to go do Avsose and it occurred to me how we all follow certain unwritten rules, I have noticed this over many years of going to avsoses. The ladies normally come in in packs and each will take turn to embrace the main woman of the house whose father or husband has died. Each lady must embrace and then cry, cry loudly if possible. The more she cries with added wailing the more it is regarded as she is showing sympathy. My mom used to say sometimes, "Pritam Kaur really cried loudly on the widows shoulder", admiring her ability to turn on the tears at will. They then sit down and quietly ask what happened and this is explained in hushed tones. The mood in the womens gathering is sombre and muted and the subjects that they talk about are invariably medical related. They will then look curiously at each other, and I would say with a little envy, at the noises coming from the room where the men are gathered. You will enter the mens room and shake hands with various people and then go hug the guy whose father or grandfather has died. You will say a few words of condolences and ask what happened. The guy will say what happened in a few sentences and then the room will fall silent for a few moments. Them someone will pipe up with what happened at the Gurdwara, or in Indian politics or such like and suddenly everyone will perk up and then a good old debate will start. Topics will range from how corrupt the committee of the Gurdwara is, to indian politics, and world politics. Then someone will crack a joke and everyone in the room will laugh out loud, with whoops of laughter, at which point the women in the other room will look on bemused at it all. Many times we have come out of an avsose and my wife has asked me what was going on in there? to which I would have to explain that someone cracked a joke and we all fell about laughing and shes like "I know, we could all hear it in the other room!" Then at some point the Avsose family will bring round a tray of hot tea. Protocol dictates that you do not take a cup of tea when offered, under no circumstances take the cup instead make an excuse "no ji, no thank you ji" which is intended to convey that you are feeling the hurt of the family and you are taking a voluntary fast in sympathy. But they will insist "we cannot stop eating we all have to live on" to which some who have been sitting for hours will succumb to the temptation and sheepishly take a cup and start taking sips, the rest will look on in disdain. On the funeral day a lot will go straight to the Gurdwara but if you want to show sympathy with the family you turn up at the house, ladies wearing white and a lot of gents now wear black. The dead person may not have set foot in a Gurdwara for years but it is now imperative that his body is taken inside the gurdwara hall and placed as close to Guru Sahib Ji as possible, this is followed by speeches about how his soul has gone to Satch Khand. It is a big snub to the family if you do not go to the crematorium, even if you didnt know the person that well. So coaches are laid on that find it difficult to pass through the crematorium gates and everyone piles in to the little chapel. It seems to be a tradition that everyone must stare at the smoke coming out of the tall chimney when the body is finely consumed by fire. Then its back to the Gurdwara with furious hand washing by everyone. It seems to be a measure of the deceased on how many people turns up to his funeral. People say admiringlyhow many people turned up, wow there were two coaches lined up! What they do not realise is that the poor soul has to leave all this behind, ALONE. He goes to be judged with only his Naam accompanying him and if he has none then he is in big trouble.

Bhagwan Krishan Ji was a very sacred highly spiritual being. Just as Guru Nanak Dev Ji rules over Kall Yugh so Krishan Ji was in Dwapar yugh. So be careful what you say, if you are intellectually challenged don't say anything, it is better to stay quiet then to show your utter ignorance.

InderjitS Ji, I can entirely understand what you are saying and this is the majority view. There are a lot of atma's that when leaving the body they do not find a way to wherever they should go. This is due to them squandering their lives away when on this earth. They never did any Naam and did not do good deeds and now they are stuck in limbo, they cannot come back and there is no way they can see forwards, and there are anake atma's like this, they wonder the streets and those who can see then can see them. Now, if you are ne-gura that is with no Guru then you are not under the "shuttur shayaa" of your Guru, you have no protection. You do your paath but because you have no rehat ,no discipline and no Guru's Mohar then these spirits can come and plunder your khajana, this is how they survive, they are scavengers. Anyways this is not as important as becoming Gurus own, become a son/daughter of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. BTW, article was written by yours truly.

Bhaji, You must not get depressed. You come across as being young, so don't worry, this is all part of life. When you grow up Kaam becomes very strong, this is the way it is. As you progress Krodh becomes stronger and Moh and Hunkaar. So it is part of life but that does not mean we succumb to it all the time. Remain in chardi kalla and do ardass. There is a shabad by Guru Arjan Dev Ji that warns off Kaam, so that is really useful. But the main thing is that you must not cut yourself up inside about this. Do not feel guilty, enjoy life and be happy, that is what your Guru wants you to do. Be happy do paath and kirtan and stay on Guru Ji's path and enjoy life. Do not fall into depression, kick it in the butt!

Here is brief story of Baba Ji's life - http://www.info-sikh.com/BBJPage1.html

Hi, I would contact some of the larger Gurdwaras, what about Havlock Road Southall? There should be no problem with you taking a party to the Gurdwara I would just let them know you are bringing a party. Havelock Road has a steady stream of non-Sikhs going to the Gurdwara so they are well used to it. Take them when ever is convenient, but early evening would be good as there should be lots of sangat and probably lots for the visitors ot see and eat! They can listen to the kirtan. There is no problem with visitors at Gurdwaras, in fact most people are very welcoming. You can explain : Sewa Jorra taken off. Darbar Sahib Guru Granth Sahib Ji Kirtan. Sangat Langar Langar sewa and historical creation by Guru Nanak Dev Ji Library Nishan Sahib Hope all goes well for you. Keep the dialogue lively and interesting and engage with the visitors and show your enthusiasm of your faith. You are doing good sewa.

thank you for your support.

Bhaji, Maths is all around us, science is all around us, to the most intricate of DNA structures to the swirling planets and galaxies, but at the heart of it all is Naam and Simran and at the heart of that is only ek-on-kar, the one Guru we all bow down to. There is so much going on in our lives, so so much, but we must not forget the soul purpose of our existence, to remember our Guru with every breath we take.

Bhaji, Your sentiment is very good, but practically how are you going to set up TV Stations? Who is going to set up these TV Stations? I don't know but from what I hear it takes about £50,000 a MONTH to run one of these stations , so how are you going to get your hands on this kind of money? Yes, the existing channels are of limited value. They are aimed squarely for the Punjabi population, run by old men for old people, and the older population love it because the put the TV on and can understand what the presenter is saying. The presentation is stale, the set designs are stale the whole thing is very drab, I cannot watch it. But who has the resources to set a channel up? What you need are practical ways that young people can engage with the wider population. The young feel involved and get the experience and the projects are achievable. Gurdwara events is a good idea. Advertise them in the press and posters, welcome the wider community with open days. Have langar (people love free food), events talks, events for children etc.

It is up to the young Sikhs to take the mantle. The older generation is beyond redemption. Organise yourselves in groups and make an action plan and go out and follow it through. Go to the Gurdwara make langar - sabzi, dhal, chawal, roti, a sweet, then take it our to the streets where the poor and needy are and distribute freely. Don't make a big deal of it, no pomp and circumstance, just humbly go out and feed the poor. Engage with the children - eg. Make a set of playing cards. Picture of each Guru, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, panj piyaray, four sahibsaday, shaheeds, sants. historical gurdwaray, key events in our history and on the back the information. Distribute to the children. We need to be proactive we need to put forward intellectual people, who can actually string a sentence together without umming and arring, and put them forward to programs on Radio 4 and whenever there is a faith discussion. For so long we are the ones left out. If there is a Sikh, he is so introverted with no articulation skills whatsoever. Come on young guys this is your time, don't wait for other people to do it, YOU do it.

No need to be rude bhaji, we are all on different levels, we should encourage.

Total respect to Sant BabaJi Ranjit Singh Ji.

Gupt, All I can say is that you do simran with your lips and tongue, as you progress this goes inwards and you repeat AkaalPurkhs name with just your lips moving with no noise. Further on it all goes internal and you start simran with your surti. It goes inwards and upwards. You go into a state of total stillness. You can remain like this for ages and you feel this total stillness and calmness. Then you wait for Guru Ji to appear. This is up to them when they do, you have no control on this. You wait in naam for your Guru. Total blissness anf calmness, this is the route. I am sceptical of all this rolling around and screaming. Whether they are gaining any benefit or not I cannot say, I will not speak ill of them but personally I would avoid them.

You love your mum and dad and you would move a mountain for them. They clothed you and fed you and love you, so you love them back, unconditionally. So why do you not love God the same way? He loves you unconditionally , clothes you feeds you, watches over you, He is in every breath you take. He takes care of you and your mum and dad and the other billions of people who deny Him. It is we who move away from Him , He is still waiting with open arms. You take one step towards Him, He will take so many steps towards you. S why do you feel it a chore to love Him? say, you help some one, you go out of your way to help them, spend time and effort, then they turn the other way and do not appreciate what you have done, how would you feel ? Now, God does everything for you, even when you dis Him He still provides for you, how does Guru Ji feel when we say they are megalomaniac and all they want is for us to worship them? We suffer when we move away from Him, so why no move closer to Him ?

The only certainty in life is death.

Sangat Ji, if you aim high you will achieve greatness. If you aim for a grade C, then a grade C is most likely what you will achieve. If you regard Guru Nanak Dev Ji as a good human being who was a good teacher, then you will not get very far. If you cannot even recognise your Guru then how can you achieve mukhti? Regard Guru Ji as One with God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji = Akaal Purkh. There will be many who will argue against this, do not listen to them. Keep Guru Ji in your heart of hearts at all time. Yearn for Guru Ji like you yearn for your parents, or your spouse, or your children. If you are ever away from your family and you get that longing in your heart, make that longing for your Guru. People read many books but the knowledge is false, only through naam abhiase and meditation on Gurbani will you gain true knowledge, and it will come to you with total ease. Then you will know.