gmustuk

Nothing is as simple as it seems. People like to make judgements about Sikhs who have come into this lifestyle from a western background with VERY little understanding of them...their background, history....or even any actual 1-1 interation. So I always like to encourage people to talk face to face with others and keep an open mind. There is much we all have to learn and share and we can't do that when we start out with a holier than thou attitude or thinking the other is wrong. The fact is that Through guru's blessing Many people from non-punjabi background have become inspired to life the lifestyle of a Sikh. Majority of them have been introduced to this path by initially practicing Kundalini Yoga and meditation and then later became exposed to the Sikh lifestyle and found it to be very congtruent. I was one of those kids whose parents grew up in their teens in the who were the first of their kind...and I was raised a Sikh while also practicing Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. I find it to be VERY in line with living as a Sikh and encourage anyone to try and experience it for themself. Part of my every morning "Sadhana" in amritvela is doign some yoga...streaching my body...tuning it up so then when I do my nitnem and folllow with meditation that I can sit and be clear. First question: Does Sikhnet promote yoga as a way to reach Sri Vaheguru Ji Maharaj or the worship of statue? I'm not sure why you are even asking this question. Look on SikhNet and see what we promote and post. It's all there. I have shared Kundalini Yoga on SikhNet before, but that is not our goal to turn people into Kundalini Yogis. It is merely a tool that can be used to become more healthy and aware. I don't know anyone that worships statues at SikhNet or within our communties. Most of the stuff on the website you are referring to is SO twisted and untrue. The author takes a picture or something and spins it into some tale as if it represents everyone or is fact. He used a bunch of photos of mine that I had taken of SSS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa along with slanderous stuff so told him to remove my pictures since he never asked for permission to use them. Hi twist on that was turning those images into "SikhNet censored" as if we were trying to hide something. He still posts those as if we censored him. Everything he finds get's twisted into some bogus tale to fit his mission to get attention to himself and discredit western born Sikhs. Yes...the Gurdwara in Espanola there is a statue on the outside of one side of the Gurdwara (not the entrance) where a small statue sits (as you saw in that picture). Just because there is a statue does not equate idol worship. We don't have the same association as you do. So when many Sikhs see a picture of the Guru or a statue it is considered a negative thing that might be worshipped. That's not the case here for us. If you would like to read about the painting in that picture you can read this older blog post: http://www.mrsikhnet.com/2005/08/03/mural-fresco-by-the-late-ed-obrien/ This will give some context and understanding of the history it plays in the Espanola sangat. This painting is in the back of the Gurdwara. The area in that picture that you see people bowing is the small Gurdwara area (Alcove) where the weekly Akhand Path happens (See this picture to see what it looks like: http://www.mrsikhnet.com/2008/10/21/akhand-path-gurus-blessing/ ) I hope this answers some of your questions. Come visit the sangat here and see things for real and what the reality is. People come all the time and are always inspired to visit be with the Sangat and talk with people. I would encourage you to do the same and hopefully you will get a better understanding and see that we are very much in-line with the same things you believe and practice and get a better understanding of the background. You can tune in each week and watch the Gurdwara that happens ( http://www.espanolaashram.com ) or read more about happenings in the local community.

People are free to contact me or anyone at SikhNet if they have concerns. I am unable to "seek out" and answer everyone's questions. If someone is genuinly interested in SikhNet and has a concern or question they should contact us directly. We don't have time to engage and debate every little point or criticism....especially those that are not really interested in an answer and just want to criticize or find fault. Anyone who is a user of SikhNet and has seen what we have been doing for the past 16+ years will know our motives are of service and should not believe the rant of anyone online. It's easy to criticize others....and get swayed by anything someone posts online......it's much harder to see the whole picture and give people the benefit of the doubt. It's easy to "spin" things any which way to serve someone own agenda to discredit something. This path (Sikh) is one of unity and understanding...and the actions that I see of other Sikhs tearing each other down is really sad. More effort should be spent trying to help each other and lift each other up. We are doing what we can to try to help others. I wish more people would spend less time trying to find fault in others and more time serving others instead. This life energy is precious and should not be wasted arguing or putting people down. Myself and the others at SikhNet have devoted their lives to serve and help others, and I think you and other should give us the benefit of the doubt when you reading stuff like what is posted on that website. The author of that website has his own movitves and agenda and it definitely is not to uplift others. Everything that he posts is soley to discredit and drag others into the dirt with him. Enough said. I would encourage you to read our about page at: http://www.sikhnet.com/about-sikhnet and also read through the annual reports at the bottom which give an overview of things we have accomplished in different years as well as our budget/expenses.

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ॥ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਹਿ॥ Here is a response from Guruka Singh (of SikhNet.com) regarding the article posted on that website (since he was unable to get access to post in this forum). Despite the so-called "evidence" of old org chart drawings posted on the Web, there is no basis in fact for trying to tar SikhNet with the same brush being used to tar the defendants in the Golden Temple Foods lawsuit. In fact, SikhNet has its own separate board of directors and officers who steward SikhNet and guide its work. Those directors are true and pure servants of the Guru and the Sangat, and they are very much working directors who work in harmony with SikhNet and do not “rule from above.” Though in years past, SikhNet sometimes received an annual grant from the Amar Infinity Foundation, along some other small grants from other Sikh organizations, SikhNet does not receive any funding whatsoever from yoga programs or any other businesses including Akal Security, Yogi Tea and Golden Temple Foods. SikhNet operates entirely independently and exists only to serve the global cybersangat. SikhNet is not bankrupt. SikhNet continues to be blessed by Guru Ji's kirpa and continues to serve Him. The Sikh Dharma is a beautiful thing. It is self-pruning. Those who do not hold the Guru and the Sadhsangat as the sole center of the orbit of their life will naturally fall away by their own actions. Sire Kabir Raag Gauri Ang 339: “One who slanders me is my friend; the slanderer is in my thoughts. The slanderer is the one who washes away the filth of others. The slanderer wishes me long life. I have love and affection for the slanderer. Slander is my salvation. Slander is the best thing for servant Kabeer.” - Guruka Singh

singh135...see the game forum which has hints and tips for the game: http://www.sikhnet.com/discussion/viewforum.php?f=15

Mr DS Bal <ds.bal@sikhchannel.tv>

After hundreds of creative hours, the talented team at SikhNet has launched an interactive video game designed to appeal to, and inspire Punjabi and Sikh youth around the world. “Karma Game - The Ogre’s Curse” is a decision-making adventure game that teaches spiritual values and Punjabi culture. It is illustrated and narrated with the same high quality expected from commercial video games. The Karma Game does not boast of blood, guts, and gore like many top selling video games, but does promise a fascinating and positive storyline in a completely captivating environment. This is the first video game of its type, and is destined to be an enduring hit. SikhNet expects 300,000 players in the first month. The game is set in an old-style Punjabi village, with entertaining graphics that allow the player to roam and explore the environment. In the game, the player learns to communicate with others, to meditate, to be of service to the community, to defend the weak and poor, and to face the challenges of life with courage and conviction. Not only is the message positive and important, it is delivered in the modern and irresistibly attractive SikhNet style that speaks directly to the youth. Karma Game was the inspiration and invention of Guruka Singh Khalsa and Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa, the leaders of SikhNet. Before returning to SikhNet as its C.E.O., Guruka Singh was a Senior Producer for a major entertainment software company. “Creating a values-driven Sikh game has been a personal goal of mine for a long time”, says Guruka. “Young people spend an average of 7 hours each day engrossed in entertainment media, and I feel it is important to give them some positive alternatives. Karma Game embodies enduring and universal spiritual values and makes them understandable and accessible to youth everywhere. I am very excited about the game, and grateful to everyone who contributed to this massive effort.” SikhNet created Karma Game exclusively through the efforts of volunteers and charitable donations. It is available for all ages free of charge. Donations to offset the expenses of creating the game are gratefully accepted through the SikhNet site. Visit the Karma Game website Play the Karma Game Meet the team who made the game Donate to the Karma Game In addition to playing the game, your child can earn badges through real-world accomplishments at home and in the community. Special online badges can be earned by doing seva, learning to meditate, learning martial arts, trying their own turban as well as by original writing, artwork and videos. Your child can also share his or her accomplishments with friends and family! Earn Badges!

You can now download Gurbani that is formatted specifically for easy reading on the Amazon Kindle and other similar eBook readers. http://www.sikhnet.com/pages/gurbani-e-book-readers

You can also download other versions of Banis that have been posted on SikhNet. See: http://www.sikhnet.com/pages/gurbani-e-book-readers

There has been a fair amount of heated discussion related to this video by many SikhNet visitors and I just wanted to share an email response by Guruka Singh to clarify the message of the video... Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh! Dear brother, greetings to you from sunny Española, New Mexico where I have gratefully read your email regarding the video we made about eating Jhoot food. Thank you for writing to us. This video has a very specific purpose. It is not about Sarbloh Bibek, though that was mentioned. It is about the spirit in which things are done. Eating food is very different from wearing bana or meditation or reading banis. It is an activity that brings people together as equals. The one pot serves everyone, and from that pot comes oneness. Neither is this video about “right” and “wrong,” which is a trap of the mind. Nothing is right or wrong except that thinking makes it so. One of the common threads that runs through all of the SikhNet Inspirations videos is bringing attention to the widespread disease of people judging each other. This has done more to destroy the unity of the Panth than any other single thing. The comment on Sarbloh Bibek was not anti-sarbloh. Nor was it about any particular rehit or self-discipline. It was about keeping oneself separate from the oneness of the Sadhsangat and creating division within it. Why not cook food for everyone in a large iron pot? Why just for you separate from others? The video is about inclusion and unity, not about the merits of eating food cooked in iron. The key word is “separate” not “iron.” This post from gurmatbibek.com illustrates what I’m saying: “Sarbloh Bibek is the biggest defense against assimilation with the worldly people. While our Dastaar, Baana, and our appearance too help us against assimilating with non-devotees but Sarbloh Bibek contributes even more towards non-assimilation. Unnecessary mingling with non-devotees is detrimental to the spiritual health of the true seeker of Vaheguru. Sarbloh Bibek along with Baana ensures that the seeker associates with devotees.” I’m reminded of a story a Jewish girl told me that when she was in Hebrew school training for her ‘basmitzvah’ (ceremony of becoming an adult) the rabbi asked her, “why do Jews keep Kosher?” (separate pots, plates, etc. for dairy and non-dairy, no pork, etc.) she answered with a health answer ( the possibility of trichinosis and other diseases) and the Rabbi told her, “no, it’s so that when gentiles come to our houses, they feel uncomfortable.” Let everyone eat according to their choice as they understand the reality to be. Let those who follow Sarbloh Bibek be blessed and let those who eat at Kentucky Fried Chicken be blessed. It is a personal choice to be respected as such. It is the human who counts. That’s why the video ends by saying “…the food is God, the person serving is God, the person receiving the food is God.” All love in Divine, Guruka Singh

I thank the Toronto Sangat for their efforts in this idea. While I think the motives are great, I think some more thoughts and input form the sangat should be there before doing anything. This is not a small change to the Harimandir Sahib. After looking at the concept images at: http://www.akj.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7151&sid=4fd858ef53f7681f6d6be7d718ca2780 it seems that these large screens could be actually distracting. The same goal would still be achieved to help visitors understand the Gurbani that is being Sung by having smaller more discrete screens in less prominent locations so that those that wish to read it can do so. With screens as large as shown in the picture it might feel more like electronic temple with lit up text constantly changing. I know sometimes when I am at a Gurdwara rather then closing eyes and meditating on the Gurbani and going inside the giant projection of Gurbani can also be very distracting. During ardas the same thing...instead of praying we are watching the words flash by. I think there is a balance that we can meet to achieve the goals of giving understanding of Gurbani yet maintaining the atmosphere of the Gurdwara. What languages would be shown on the screen? I would think that you would have to show at least Punjabi Translation, English Translation and Original Gurmukhi. That would have to be constantly changing since I'm guessing only one line could show at a time with this much text. I'm curious what other people think.

The past few days I have been watching old videos of SSS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji in dialog and question and answer sessions with Sikh Youth in various places. Here is one that I really enjoyed and highly recommend that you watch or listen to! I’ve already watched it at least five times in the course of editing and reviewing the videos and it really hit home for me so wanted to share with you all. In the video yogiji starts by talking about just "being" a Sikh verses experiencing and living as a Sikh (He related this in the terms he called "Concept" and "Conception"). He then talks about how Sikhs have been betrayed by the so called "Sikh Leadership" and how youth should not rely on them and BECOME the leaders themselves. He shares inspiring experiences from his youth before the partition of India when he was part of creating the All India Sikh Student Federation. He explains how the youth worked together and formed a powerful force with Sikhi as a base and through trust, honesty, equality. He shares the ingredients of what made this work and how youth of today can do this as well. After watching it makes you want get all your friends together and take action. Hopefully this video will inspire some of you to do something and benefit from this. It’s easy to watch the video and say "very good video"….. So, after you watch it, think about what you can do to take it from "Concept" to "Conception"! You can watch the video or download (audio/video) here: http://mrsikhnet.com/index.php/2008/02/28/...-are-you-ready/ also worth checking out is another shorter video on Sikhi and our Youth at: http://www.mrsikhnet.com/index.php/2008/02...-and-our-youth/

You can watch last years videos here.. We don't really "DO" anything in particular with the videos other than allow people to watch them through SikhNet or elsewhere online (google video/youtube, etc). The main purpose is to encourage youth to use media as a means for expressing themselves and inspiring others. You can read more about the purpose of the sikhnet youth online film festival on the website. So, are you going to make a video?? You should! You'll have fun...and you'll learn a lot. Plus, there is the potential for thousands of people to watch your masterpiece!

Thanks... I just realized the same thing. The URL has been corrected. Watch the videos at: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8CA97200DF827FA3 Mod Note: Let this topic remain under General Category for more outlook. :wub:

Many of you might have heard about the SikhNet Youth Online Film Festival. Well, this year the event is happening again and I invite you all to participate (anyone of any age is welcome!). Here is a fun video that myself and my friend Sartaj Singh made during a quick visit. We recorded 6 different videos all in one day using ordinary video cameras and even mini digital cameras. Anyone can make a video. It just requires some time, a camera, computer and a unique idea. You can watch the videos online at: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8CA97200DF827FA3. Please help out and spread the word by telling all your friends and family. Here are a few other ways that you can help out. You can find out more about the film festival at: http://www.sikhnet.com/filmfestival ......Gurumustuk Singh

I just happened to find this topic and was reading through all the messages. It's amazing how much energy we can spend on things like this going back and forth and arguing. God has given us precious energy in this life and we should use it wisely. It's easy to judge...but hard to try to really understand. Most judgements come from lack of understanding. I don't want to get into this debate on any specific topics but all I can say is please give people the benefit of the doubt and don't try to generalize and lump SikhNet, "white Sikhs"...3HO Sikhs, whatever you want to box us into some thing.... My only suggestion is to meet the very Sikhs your are criticizing. We are only human and not perfect. It is easy to sit on a computer and say what you like. Anways...I wasn't even going to reply... but I just thought you should think about things. The moderators on SikhNet are just volenteers. SikhNet does not control them...and FYI...they are a mix of Punjabi/Western Sikhs. Just because you don't like what one of the moderators says...doesn't make it "SikhNet". Ok...enough... If you want to see what we are like? Watch some of the videos on my blog: http://www.mrsikhnet.com/videos/Sikh_Video...hive.php?file=3 See for yourself. Look at the pictures and stories. The door is wide open and no one is trying to hide anything. There is not ONE way. Just because it is different doesn't make it bad. Open your heart. To judge is to sepparate. We need to love...accept...and unite. This takes tolerance and understanding...not judgements and criticisms which only push away...and spread negativity. Ok... done for reals... Ps...I don't come on here very often so won't be able to read responses to this topic.