Jump to content

BabbarKhalsa

Members
  • Posts

    184
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by BabbarKhalsa

  1. I have a really strange situation that I want some feedback on. Ever since I've been a young girl (I'm a teenager now) I've been extremely spiritual, and over the past few years, I've been experimenting with different religions. After rejecting Christianity and Judaism, I found information on the Sikh faith, and instantly fell in love. I've been to one gurdwara service, and loved it. I'm certain that this is the right path for me, but at the same time, it's difficult to get information only off of the internet and from books. I have several extremely stupid questions that I'm hoping someone might be able to answer. As a white girl in a small town, I really don't have many people to talk to about this, and I really am interested in becoming more involved with the Sikh faith.

    1. How long are you supposed to meditate for (approximately)?

    2. Does anyone know any resources for learning Punjabi (so I can understand the service better)?

    3. What are the rules on modesty for women, if any?

    4. What is the difference for a women between wearing a chunni/dupatta vs a turban?

    5. Are there any versions of sri guru granth sahib available in English?

    Thanks so much for taking the time to read this! I know these are probably really straightforward questions, but these are the major questions not yet answered by anyone Shukria!

    1. How long are you supposed to meditate for (approximately)?

    Nitnem is the basic must for all Sikhs (Soldiers of the Khalsa Army). Literally, nit = daily/routinely; nem or nee-yum = protocol/responsibility/duty. It consists of early morning (wee hours) bathing + 5 prayers (Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav-parsaad Savaiye, Benti Chaupai and Anand Sahib — about 1 to 2 hours of sitting); sub 30 mins in the evening (Rehiraas Sahib); and finally one short prayer at the end of the day's battle/before going asleep (Kirtan Sohila). Amrit-vela (wee hours of the morning) attendance is pretty important. If you miss it, prayers still cannot be skipped. Except, they might be less effective for your mind. Amrit-vela (1 to 4am) and the evening 6 to 7pm are like the ideal seasons to sow the seeds of remembrance of Guru Sahib.

    If your existing Nitnem (routine practice of meditation through Gurbani recitation) is successfully quenching your soul's thirst and if it makes you feel like you've won the battle before it begun for that day, you should look towards levelling up your game. Sangat (your company, the people you surround yourself with) plays an important role in this. Focus on the positives of others (while also being vigilant — pretty important. Ardaas, Chaupai Sahib and other protection seeking Banis help). Every day will be a new victory. There will be a fresh new bar every day.

    2. Does anyone know any resources for learning Punjabi (so I can understand the service better)?

    "Basics of Sikhi" channel on YouTube has pretty good resources for this. Some interaction with Sangat at Gurudwaras might also be of help. Some Gurudwaras also run courses/tuition for children that you might be able to participate in.

    3. What are the rules on modesty for women, if any?

    Manners and modesty expectations are the same from either of the genders. Dressing modestly for Sikhs, I assume, means to avoid flaunting their youth in a lustful manner. On the other hand, with Nitnem, Simran and Guru Sahib's merciful blessings, you'll have a spiritually radiating presence which will attract others to seek your Sangat. Stay focussed.

    4. What is the difference for a women between wearing a chunni/dupatta vs a turban?

    Personal preference. Majority of Punjab's Amritdhari women don't wear turban either. Ingrained from centuries' of practice, perhaps. However, some like to express their willingness to change their outlook to Guru's liking against the odds of "what will people think?". The same goes for Sikh men, for whom it is relatively easier since it's an established practice among them. Beware of stereotypical responses to this one. There isn't a strict requirement unless you're talking about going into full scale seva in Guru Sahib's presence (multiple levels of meanings intended), which might be with a Chola and a Turban. Do as your Panj Piyares (ones who bestow you with Amrit) let you.

    5. Are there any versions of sri guru granth sahib available in English?

    I believe this has been answered before. However, you should introduce yourself to Gurmukhi script, Punjabi language and literature, as well as other go through Katha (discourses) of Gurbani. Online English translations only go so far. Gurbani in its original form is way personal and soul quenching. To be very honest with you, for someone who hasn't been introduced to Gurbani at an early age (even if you're from Punjab) it is hard to get a grasp on what Gurbani says the first day or even getting started with reading the harder Banis. I suppose you're just one step behind (viz. knowing how to interpret the script — correct English "transliterations" might help). Repeated recitation (as part of the Nitnem) encourages you to rethink the meaning afresh every day. Getting acquaint with just one word a day is soul cleansing. If you have an iPhone, "Daily Hukamnama" app by SikhNet might also be of help.

    All the best.

  2. Some info from a friend:

    ".. details of the policeman SHO Kulbhushan from Police Station Mohali Phase 1. Kulbhushan SHO can be reached at (+91) 959216016. Police Control Room, Mohali phone number is (+91) 172-2210357"

    :waheguru:

    pray please.

    And yes, it is Mohali, 28th March. The shouts are likely from those lined up for cricket match tickets, etc.

  3. India is our nation as our grandfathers shed their blood for its freedom. Our ancestors fought to protect human rights on this land. Don't alienate yourself from this country. It is our birthright and our history can prove that we have full right to claim the whole North India including punjab state from pakistan. Its just the matter of time.

    However we need to change our ideology and should have non-judgmental personality. It is also applauding that how our youngsters voice for khalistan without any knowledge of our own history (our history goes beyond 1980's or 47's). If tomorrow someone come and try to brainwash these youth, i bet that they will fell for them because of the lack of knowledge. Our so called leaders who don't have knowledge about our history and yet blast on microphone about khalistan because they know "Khalistan" is the word that attracts sangat and brings fame and $.. Yes they are doing okay job but later on you see result such as Mohkam Singh joining Badal or other leaders joining police cat "Bittu".

    Hatred is another thing that is holding us back and always earn us negative light no matter how good our intentions are. Nobody and not even sikh dharam likes hatred mindset. Most of the khalistani posts on our forum are full of hatred; it is natural of having hate against someone but keep it in control and convert that energy into something that will make other side feel uneasy and more guilty. For example; SikhsForJustice ppl are putting their energy into productive work and they are giving nightmares to Indian Government.

    There are easy way and hard way.. easy way is short term plan and hard way requires us to gain knowledge and lots of patience.

    Someone. Finally.

    Thank God.

    *Respect*

  4. Typical punjabi film that has it's own touch of the story. (Though very possible someone could relate the story to an imaginary real character. But it doesn't convey what 1984 really means for Sikhs. It doesn't sooth my burning heart.) Khalistani Sardars are shown as unnecessarily violent species with Muslim and Pakistan militant connections for a bit. (Some version have cut this seen)

    The only reason some adore it, is because it attempts to shows the murders and violence that occurred during the genocide a bit explicitly. But since it's the only one, besides the movie 'Amu', people think this is the only thing that happened.

    Otherwise I wouldn't touch anything involving Babbu Mann (starring in Hawayein) and the likes. His typical attempt to gain popularity by touching religious issues in front of wannabe-westerners Punjabi youth, who barely know Sikhism and realize singers as gods.

    Verdict: Not everyone sympathetic to 1984 genocide knows 1984. But watch it so you can have a verdict yourself.

    Watch 'Amu' movie instead. It was NOT released in India. You can find all parts of Amu on YouTube.

  5. vaaheguroo jee kaa khalsa, vaaheguroo jee ki fateh

    Nothing much to say :imstupid: , except this is the site: http://www.SikhGears.com/

    It's a little hutti not really supermarket :lol: , hopefully helpful to all. :@ This project we had undertaken since long, finally out, and ready, prepared to put efforts after almost 5-6 months.

    Also there is a limited offer. Get your hand on this Raj Karega Khalsa, Khanda Screen Printed sweat shirt. Each sweat shirt is unique and can be any colour. We have printed a range of colours and sizes to give to you for less then the cost price! And if that's not enough we are also giving you FREE postage and packaging. This is a very limited offer :thumbsup:

    Hopefully with Guru Ji's blessings, will be adding more stuff soon and as well announcing this offer which is for 24 Hours or until stock lasts.

    vaaheguroo jee ka khalsa, vaaheguoo jjee ki fateh!

  6. Can i put that ik onkar on my msn screen name?

    i put it on and its a square... blush.gif

    Yes you can! You see it as a square block but others see it as Ik Oankar. It's MSN's problem sometimes its not formatting unicode strings properly. Viewer's computer should not be old enough that they are not able to read Punjabi Gurmukhi unicode text.

    Between, my Windows Messenger Live (MSN 8) works perfectly everywhere for Punjabi/Gurmukhi typing, though it's previous versions didn't.

  7. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

    bibio, bheno ate bharao, got a sikh shop up and got functionality running well good. now time to collect articles/items in store repository. Need all your help suggesting what's the best I should add for sangat. Preferably your needs from India, that won't be easily available over there.

    thanks to all bibio, bheno ate bharao :D

    Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!

  8. we wont get Khalistan until everyone dies hungry. Where'd all the Kharkoos come from?--Majha, the poorest region in Punjab. They were of poor low caste families. Most rich ppl wont give a hoot about Khalistan.

    Another mistake we made was the hugest weapon given to us by maharaj:the kalam. We have 1430 ang--a Guru-- created solely from the pen. Dont ditch your bandookan, but dont forget your kalam either. In modern time, it'll do way better than an AK for worldwide notice.

    Stop Hindu hating too.

    :D :@d_oh.gif

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use