TheLion

Listen brother,

You are who you are, you love Sikhism and don't want to change that, there are women out there who will love you for that. We all are different, just because women might not look at you the way they do to other guys doesn't make you any less of a man and if a woman thinks any less of you because you're a Sikh, let me tell you that woman is not worth your time. Don't let it effect your job or your faith you will find the right woman as long as you be patient. Focus on Waheguru above all else and the rest will fall into place.

You say you're "mentally weak", well in life the hard and rough times make you mentally tough, we're not all born as mentally tough, it's the life Waheguru puts in front of us that makes us tough, makes us worthy to hold the name Singh because a Lion isn't called the king of the jungle for nothing.

So at the end of the day have faith in Waheguru, love Waheguru and stay strong my brother.

Peace

This doesn't seem to be working out, marriages need love, it's what makes them work. In this day and age it's less frowned upon to leave a marriage and right now it seems even if you want to do right he isn't letting you. You need to do whats good for you, have faith in Waheguru, even if your husband doesn't let you develop your Sikhi find time and just close your eyes and concentrate on Waheguru's name. I believe everyone needs happiness in their lives, there is too much pain and sorrow in this world. There are organisations set up to help women in your situation but at the end of the day the decision is up to you, stay at a loved ones house until you figure out what to do.

Peace

we will be victorious, I have faith in Waheguru and the Guru's that our time will come to put an end to our persecution.

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH

Not all Punjabi/Sikhs were tall and well built, regardless if it is today or back then, thats only your perception or what has been fed to you or what you are led to believe......thats just the reality of it. Bhai Bachitar Singh was only like 5 feet tall and in the khalsa fauj.....lots of different types of builds based on backround and lifestlyes etc. The more educated ones were typically shorter and less built while the farmer people were the built ones...its all genetics. They even say Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib were around 5 feet 3 inches. So then they wouldn't fit into your box of what you percieve as the reality of punjabi/sikhs.

The same goes for Punjab in general, certain gene pools were tall and certain were not. No different from today.

I very much doubt Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was that height based on the weaponry he used, he would need to be taller. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib is believed to be over 7 feet tall based on the sheer size of his chola he used.

The thing is Sikhs have this reputation for being tall and physically imposing but I cannot see this in a lot of contemporary Sikhs.

Looking at the average UK Sikh male,I would say the average height is 5' 8'' and it makes me disappointed because you are kind of led to believe otherwise.

However, I feel relieved (Nasha taking aside) when I go back to Punjab and I see some solid 6'2"" Sikh lads.

Just wondering what it could be. Could it be that the majority of UK Sikhs are from doaba and perhaps they are smaller than those from Malwa and Majha. But then there are a lot of Doaba in Canada and they are bigger than the UK Doaba.

One thing I have noticed is that countries where there is a smaller population with lower population density you have people who are larger and stronger in size such as Afrikaaners of South Africa, Scandinavians or the Pacific Islanders such as the Samoans and Tongans whereas those from higher dense population areas such as India, China, Japan are generally shorter.

Obviously diet plays a large part and I think that Punjab diet is largely a wheat (roti) and dairy based makes a big impact whereas the majority of India is rice based.

I think in areas where there is a hotter climate people seem to be larger in their physical appearance, maybe the vitamins from sunlight help growth and in the UK where there is little Sun and more a damp climate, the same nutrients aren't as easily obtained so we will seem shorter. I'm 5'11" so I'm not short or tall but I'm quite wide in shoulder width. It's a shame because in the Guru's time we were probably the most physically intimidating people around.

Yeah, we're either soft and rotund, or underfed and quite willowy. I'm certain the obsession with alcohol isn't helping, as are the heavy foods made with butter and oil with very little in the way of natural or raw produce. Saying that, the old timers from back home use to consume vast amounts of makhni and other fatty foods, but I suppose their active lifestyles (to put it mildly, lol) meant none or very little of it was converted to fat. Even in these modern times the population back home has begun to suffer from ailments and conditions that were virtually unheard of 40 or so years ago in our grandparents or our parents' times.

exactly, in older times Sikhs used to work day and night and they were very physically strong so whatever they ate was either converted as energy or into muscle nowadays with technology there is little need for physical labour compared to before so when Indians eat food that is way more readily available, drink alchohol etc and do little exercise then we will seem less physically strong

Requires patience brother. Keep it up !

thank you brother!

Waheguru Ji ka khalsa waheguru Ji ki fateh. Which prayers are you reciting? Also waheguru gives to everybody. Nobody really has it easy it just seems that way. By becoming Amritdhaari problems don't go away we ask maharaaj for the blessings to deal with them. Hope this helps.

I'm up at around 3 or 4 a.m and listen to prayers from the Harmandir Sahib when they bring Guru Granth Sahib JI out, I try to do the Jaap Ji sahib etc and meditate upon Waheguru's name. I know it's not a lot at all but I'm slowly trying to get better and be able to do more prayer while I'm concentrated

Without stating the obvious, life is never easy, no matter whom you are. Just look at the lives of the Fifth Guru Sahib and Ninth and Tenth to know that many things happen but we have to accept the Baaana [will] of the almighty.

Getting baptised is essential, or why else would Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Nirnakaar Ji take Amrit? who can be more pure than him on this earth? nobody yet he still deemed it necessary for himself to partake in the Amrit consumption.

Fateh

yeah that's true man, sometimes it's tough accepting the will of Waheguru because you feel cheated but you just gotta keep the faith

Why do you think we aren't as physically big as we use to be?

When I've gone to see family friends or even gone to weddings, there is barely anyone who looks big in physical appearance, because I have to say hello to a lot of people at the weddings I can see a trend of everyone getting a beer belly. Our Indian culture has been diluted and is no where near the full wholesome one it once was.

ਖੰਨਿਅਹੁ ਤਿਖੀ ਵਾਲਹੁ ਨਿਕੀ ਏਤੁ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਜਾਣਾ ॥

Khanniahu Thikhee Vaalahu Nikee Eaeth Maarag Jaanaa ||

The path they take is sharper than a two-edged sword, and finer than a hair.

Nobody knows if other person is really happy or not. Materialistic gain or anything other than religion will ever bring peace to your mind. Religion is the only to make a treaty with your mind to lead a simple and bliss life. To get there, it will not be an easy task at all and you will face obstacles.

that's true, anything worth obtaining isn't easy I suppose

these videos cover all aspects of Sikhi and they will help answer your questions

Who is a Sikh Part 1 - To be in Gurmat means to:

2 Who is a Sikh Part 2 - How Simran improves your:

3 Who is a Sikh Part 3 - The importance of keepin:

4 Who is a Sikh Part 4 - How Maya can trick us:

5 Who is a Sikh Part 5 - Code of conduct for the :

6 Who is a Sikh Part 6 - Dont get trapped in the :

7 Who is a Sikh Part 7 - Naam:

8 Who is a Sikh Part 8 - Knowledge begins at the :

9 Who is a Sikh Part 9 - Doing simran in gurmat m:

10 Who is a Sikh Part 10 - Do simran to churn Tr:

11 Who is a Sikh Part 11 - In Naam, everything is:

wow, I could make an evening watching those Sikh videos! thanks man!

Here's the links.... Explore these threads!!!

Overall Section!

http://www.sikhawareness.com/forum/44-meditation-simran-bhakti-jap/

http://www.sikhawareness.com/forum/2-gurbani-gurmat-spiritual-poetry-and-discussions/

Simran, Bhagti Threads

AWESOME threads

http://www.sikhawareness.com/topic/12279-meditation-my-experiance-am-i-allowed-to-share/

http://www.sikhawareness.com/topic/7210-how-to-remain-still-in-one-asan-for-3-hrs/

http://www.sikhawareness.com/topic/8493-~-atamgian-katha-between-bhai-dya-singh-ji-sangat-~/

Some Simran Techniques

http://www.sikhawareness.com/topic/13944-some-simran-meditation-techniques-to-remember-our-bapu-ji/

Sava Lakh Mool Mantar

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/53749-mool-mantar/

http://www.sikhawareness.com/topic/7148-sava-lakh-jaap-of-mool-mantar-sahib/

What do ya think?

I've taken a quick look at a couple, going to look at them properly later, thanks a lot for your help man, in depth explanations hopefully I'll be able to get my mind set now. Peace brother

Stop focusing on the past. Its gone and you can't get it back. Start from now and use the tools you learned through Gurbani to get back on track. Its not a test. These thoughts occur because of your focus is on what has already taken place. Some focus on the future. Both are useless. Do you not trust Guru Sahib to keep you safe every second of the day?

True, and I do trust it but maybe not to an extent as other devout Sikhs, it's a process man I'm trying

Hi,

I've been a Sikh since I was born and I've never been a baptised Sikh (wear turban etc), I guess that means I'm not actually a Sikh per say. I pray and try to become closer to God but I've never been able to make the decision to be a baptised Sikh for various reasons. Will I ever have a hope of becoming closer to God like this? I've got a lot of pain going on right now and I'm hoping God will help me out. My Karma may be bad because I've been hitting rock bottom for a few years now and I can't seem to get out of this bad section of my life but I see people who are very cruel and barely do any good in this world and they have a comfortable life. I'm really confused as to how to stop the pain and sorrow in my life but I'm not sure Waheguru will accept my asking unless I become a proper Sikh.

Thelion ji, they are Gurbani, words of Guruji, from Japji Sahib ji, Pauri 28:

"aa-ee panthee sagal jamaatee man jeetai jag jeet.

Come as a traveller; All are fellow students; conquer your mind, and conquer the world."

Ooh! I'm still amazed at the linguistic beauty of the Guru Granth Sahib, quotes like this can make me sit back and think about them for ages haha, thank you again!

I've played Rugby for years and been one of the bigger guys amongst my whole team, my job was to break the opposition's defensive line, basically I was the battering ram. I don't think we're physically inferior to any other race. In the times of the Guru's, Sikhs were huge, very physically strong soldiers.

Look at this page:

http://exiledonline.com/war-nerd-classic-in-praise-of-sikhs-the-coolest-warrior-tribe-around/

Here is a quote from down the page: (censoring the profanity)

"I’ve read Brit officers’ accounts of that battle, and they say something you get in all accounts of the Sikh: how big and strong the **stards are. The Brits said they felt like children beside the Sikh horsemen, and there’s really funny picture of a white officer surrounded by Sikh soldiers, looking like a pasty little midget with his bodyguards."

There are physically strong Sikhs out there but not as many as before.

Waheguru has allowed these distractions into the world so people will in time realise his true grace and power. Using drugs will only pollute and distort their minds eventually, they will be left wondering about their lives amongst a cloud of addiction and depression. In this time they will look for a higher power to help them. If we all were born with God's name in our minds and lived with no mistakes, what would be the point of life? It is through these hard and tough times we truly realise the love of Waheguru and what is real and fake in this world, the only things that are real are Waheguru and his prayers. I am totally against drugs and understand their harm but at the end of the day, we cannot stop it entirely. Only prayer to Waheguru will help these people.

God help the world please.

Peace

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?/topic/73000-how-to-concentrate-when-doing-naam-jap/

A Mala helps with concentration too.

Don't force it, it will happen with Gurujis grace naturally, but above all do with love for Waheguru.

"Man jeetai jag jeet - conquer your own mind and conquer the world. "

thank you! that quote really is inspiring

It takes time my friend.

Try sass sass Simran....

Waheguru with every breath.

Inhale mentally say Wahe

Exhale Mentally say Guru

it TAKES TIME....

Its really hard man...

But you gotta bring your mind back...

Another technique that you should practice is do mool mantar 21 times BUT only count 1 mool mantar when you fully concentrated...

Soon enough your mind will realize that to compete 21 mool mantars it has to shut up and focus.

Also do Ardas everyday for your mind to settle....

Another thing is that you have to awake at amritvela and do simran.....

Simran at Amritvela is a must!

STAY CONFIDENT....

Don't be dragged down if you can't concentrate, to beat the mind one of the hardest things to do in this world.

The sites down right now but soon I will post some topics for you to explore that will help.

thanks a lot! it is very tough, the mind can be seen as a muscle and we need to train it, work it out continually and only then can it be strong enough to hold God's grace, it's making sense now

Technique that worked for me was to read paath first and then do Vaheguru simran by contemplating on the paath you read. When doing Vaheguru simran the mind grabs hold of shabads and it rides the wave of the shabad. The mind feels content and continues to focus as it is being satisfied.

When I first started doing more prayer I felt content but when I did more my mind just became filled with distractions, I think it's a test so we can really control ourselves. What you said is true, thanks!

When I try to meditate and pray, my mind most of the time wanders off and thinks about other things, even when I really try to concentrate I find myself thinking about God and other things at the same time.

How do you fully concentrate when praying?

How does karma effect the pain we will go through in our lifetimes? If one experiences a lot of physical pain and emotional pain in their lives does that mean that they have a lot of bad karma?

thank you for your post! very detailed! I think I understand now, I didn't realise Karma was so deep, I thought of it as a broad spectrum of good/bad deeds.

I didn't watch the video but I understand the general idea of what went on.

In the UK there are people whom value Sikhs and recognise us apart from other religions. We fought in the world wars for Britain and have earned 14 victoria crosses up to 1945, a per capita record ( if I remember correctly). The EDL recognises Sikhs and values us and even UKIP did, they gave a standing applause when a Sikh member of their party came to speak. I know this isn't much compared to what we may get treated and seen as in public but stand up for yourself. Don't cause any uneccesary trouble but if someone is going to come and try to intimidate or physically harm me based on my religion, I know what I would do, I got two fists waiting for them. I'm not a baptised Sikh but often wear my Kara and people can guess it anyway.

Peace people

Well the world is a very evil and corrupt place mostly and I think we need a new age to begin. I'm not a perfect Sikh, I've been recently becoming closer to God, I haven't been baptised or wear a turban but its a gradual process I suppose. God is the only being we need to be worried about, he is the one we need to become closer to and show how much we love him. Earth is a temporary place don't become attached, the true beauty is located beyond this world.

peace

Try not to masturbate, it clouds the mind