singh70

BHAIRAO, FIFTH MEHL, FIRST HOUSE: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: Setting aside all other days, it is said that the Lord was born on the eighth lunar day. || 1 || Deluded and confused by doubt, the mortal practices falsehood. The Lord is beyond birth and death. || 1 || Pause || You prepare sweet treats and feed them to your stone god. God is not born, and He does not die, you foolish, faithless cynic! || 2 || You sing lullabyes to your stone god - this is the source of all your mistakes. Let that mouth be burnt, which says that our Lord and Master is subject to birth. || 3 || He is not born, and He does not die; He does not come and go in reincarnation. The God of Nanak is pervading and permeating everywhere. || 4 || 1 || BHAIRAO, FIFTH MEHL: Standing up, I am at peace; sitting down, I am at peace. I feel no fear, because this is what I understand. || 1 || The One Lord, my Lord and Master, is my Protector. He is the Innerknower, the Searcher of Hearts. || 1 || Pause || I sleep without worry, and I awake without worry. You, O God, are pervading everywhere. || 2 || I dwell in peace in my home, and I am at peace outside. Says Nanak, the Guru has implanted His Mantra within me. || 3 || 2 || BHAIRAO, FIFTH MEHL: I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan. I serve only the One, who will protect me in the end. || 1 || The One Lord, the Lord of the World, is my God Allah. He administers justice to both Hindus and Muslims. || 1 || Pause || I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu sacred shrines. I serve the One Lord, and not any other. || 2 || I do not perform Hindu worship services, nor do I offer the Muslim prayers. I have taken the One Formless Lord into my heart; I humbly worship Him there. || 3 || I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. My body and breath of life belong to Allah. to Raam . the God of both. || 4 || Says Kabeer, this is what I say: meeting with the Guru, my Spiritual Teacher, I realize God, my Lord and Master. ( Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, pg 1136).

Great loss to the Sikh community. We are all in shock and my sons who attended gatka classes with the Singhs are upset. They will be greatly missed at the Sedgley Street Gurdwara. We should all make an effort to attend the funerals and give support to the families at this difficult time. Vaheguru Vaheguru

http://in.news.yahoo.com/060918/211/67ok3.html

The George Cross is a symbol of Christianity. I will stick with my Khanda.

" You place your stone god before yourself, but your mind wanders in the ten directions. You apply a ceremonial tilak mark to its forehead, and fall at its feet. You try to appease the people and act blindly. You perform the six religious rituals, and sit wearing your loin-cloth. In the home of the wealthy, you read the prayer book. You chant on your mala and beg for money. No one has ever been saved in this way, friend. He alone is a Pandit, who lives the Word of the Guru's Shabad. Maya, of the three qualities, leaves him. The four Vedas are completely contained within the Lord's Name. Nanak seeks His Sanctuary". (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, page 888).

Address (Resi): 9, Thyagaraj Marg, New Delhi Phone No. : 23015056 (Residence) 23018596, 23012219, 23013386 (Office) Mobile No. : 9811044164 Email address : writeme@jagdishtytler.com http://www.jagdishtytler.com/contactme.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/battle-of-saragarhi

This article will show how Sikhism is completely different from Islam and actually a separate religion. 1) In Sikhism everyone is equal. All people of different color, religion, caste, creed, race and sex are equal in the eyes of God. No one is high or low. All are children of God created by God and God loves them all. Sikhism teaches that everyone should live a peaceful life and love each other as human beings. Sikhism teaches love, humility, equality, humbleness and how to live a peaceful life. "The temple or the mosque are the same, the Hindu worship or the Musalman prayer are the same; all men are the same; it is through error they appear different. Deities, demons, Yakshas, heavenly singers, Musalmans and Hindus adopt the customary dress of their different countries. All men have the same eyes, the same ears, the same body, the same build, a compound of earth, air, fire, and water. Allah and Abhekh are the same, the Purans and the Quran are the same; they are all alike; it is the one God who created all. The Hindu God and the Muhammadan God are the same; let no man even by mistake suppose there is a difference." (Guru Gobind Singh, Akal Ustat, pg. 275) First, Allah created the Light; then, by His Creative Power, He made all mortal beings. From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad? ||1|| (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1349) This clearly shows that from one light of God everyone came into existence. So if everyone comes from the same creator who will you call good and bad? On the other hand, Islam does not teach equality. Islam teaches hatred, inequality and killing of those who do not believe in Islam and the Prophet Mohammad. Islam teaches that only Muslims, who believe in Mohammad being the last prophet, are superior beings to others. Muslims are taught to live with love with each other but not with others. The following is a passage from the Quran. "Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends. They are friends with one another. Whoever of you seeks their friendship shall become one of their number. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers." (5:51, Quran) "Mohammed is Allah's apostle. Those who follow him are ruthless to the unbelievers but merciful to one another." (48:29, Quran) "When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and pay the alms-tax, let them go their way. Allah is forgiving and merciful." (9:5, Quran) 2) Again, Sikhism teaches equality of all human beings including women. Women are given very high status in Sikhism by the Sikh Gurus. Women are given not only equality but they are also given rights to do everything that men can. For example, women can participate and lead the congregation. Women can go to Sikh temple and worship there. Women can play a role of priest, lecturer, singer and whatever there may be. The third Guru, Guru Amardaas Ji, appointed many missionary priests that were sent all over India to preach Sikhism and fifty two of them were women. Read the following points and see it yourself how Sikhism is proved to be lot better than Islam when it comes to women’s rights. Sikhism says this: "We are born of woman, we are conceived in the womb of woman, we are engaged and married to woman. We make friendship with woman and the lineage continued because of woman. When one woman dies, we take another one, we are bound with the world through woman. Why should we talk ill of her, who gives birth to kings? The woman is born from woman; there is none without her. Only the One True Lord is without woman" (Guru Nanak Dev, // Asa, Ang 473) "Woman is one half the complete personality of man, and is entitled to share secular and spiritual knowledge equally." (Bhai Gurdas Ji, // 5, Pauri 16:59) Quran says this: "Man have authority over women because Allah has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because Allah has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them." (4:34, Quran) Even beating of women is permitted in Islam, and men are given a higher status. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, beat them; but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means: For Allah is Most High, great (above you all). (Quran, 4:34) Sikh women can go to Sikh Temple (Gurdwara), say their prayers and worship accordingly. Women can also take the role of a priest and any other role. Women can lead the congregation and are encouraged more to participate in congregations. But Islam teaches totally the opposite. Women not only have fewer rights than men, but they are also prohibited to go to a Muslim church, called mosque, and worship. Women cannot say their prayers at mosque which explains why women are not allowed to go to Mecca (holiest place of Muslims). Women can go to some graves of holy saints to pray there. When they are at home they have to stand behind men to say their prayers. The Gurus gave Sikh men and women the same dress. Five symbols Kes (hair covered with turban), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kirpan (sword), Kangha (wooden comb) and Kacherra (an under short) are give to both men and women. Both are required to say the same prayers, live same way of life and wear the same dress. Everything is exactly the same. Sikh women are also not required or forced to wear a veil. "Stay, stay, O daughter-in-law - do not cover your face with a veil. In the end, this shall not bring you even half a shell." (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 484) But in Islam it is different. In Saudi Arabia, women cannot even drive cars. Women have to cover themselves up from head to toe. Women cannot go out without asking their husbands and when they do, they have to be accompanied by someone else (a male). In other words, women cannot walk freely outside their house. Women are considered to be property of men. If Islam teaches equality then why don’t men have to cover themselves up from head to toe as well? One incident that is worth mentioning follows: A few years ago, an eleven years old girl was raped by an old man. However, even though that innocent girl was raped, the man did not receive any punishment, because according to Islamic law, it was the girl who provoked it by not covering herself up. Thus it was claimed that if she had properly covered herself, this incident would not have happened. This is but one real world example of the equality Islam teaches. Islam teaches that women are not only inferior by birth but impure due to their monthly cycles. The Quran says women are impure during menstruation and men are forbidden to go near them until they purify themselves. Read some Ayeh (quotes or lines) yourself and see how ridiculous it sounds. They ask thee concerning women's courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: So keep away from women in their courses, and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, ye may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allah. Surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves. (Quran, 2:222) This entire Ayeh does not make sense and states that women are dirty for a natural occurrence. Menstruation is part of the female anatomy and completely natural. This is an important function for women to bear children. How can such an event be dirty? If women are impure because of their monthly cycles then how can they purify themselves because it is part of their body? If women are impure then so are all men because it is women who gave birth to all humankind. Muslims like other religions believe that God created men and women. Therefore, why should God tell his prophet Mohammed that men should avoid women during their menstruation period? Why would anyone consider his own creation bad and dirty? God told Mohammed that his own creation, women are filthy and must be avoided seven to ten days a month during a good portion of their life. Frankly, I don’t understand what does a woman's menstruation have to do with the last sentence. Surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves. Does this mean that God loves women who clean themselves or men that go into women after they are cleaned? It is not clear. Those who swear that they will not go in to their wives should wait four months; so if they go back, then Allah is surely Forgiving, Merciful. (Quran, 2: 226) Does this mean that if a man got angry at his wife, he should not sleep with her for four months and if he does sleep with her in those months then Allah will forgive him? For what? Why is it the business of Allah if a husband or wife sleep with each other or not? On the other hand, Sikhism says women are as pure as men. The Gurus teachings say that one cannot be pure by washing his body but purity of mind is the real pureness. I think only one quote would do the job but you can find many if you want to do more research. They are not called pure, who sit down after merely washing their bodies. Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the Lord abides. ||2|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 472) 3) Marriage Beliefs and Policies. The Gurus regarded marriage a very spiritual state of life. Marriage is given very high respect by the Gurus. They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. They alone are called husband and wife, who have one light in two bodies. ||3|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 788) Furthermore, a man and woman can have only one partner at a time. The only way for someone to remarry is if his/her marriage partner has died or he/she is divorced. In Sikhism, the marriage ceremony is very simple and the same every time. It does not matter whether it is ones first or fifth marriage. But in Islam it is not only different but very unfair to women. A man can have up to four wives at the same time. Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. (Quran, 4:3) Muslims say this is true only during wartime but I do not see anything that mentions or implies this from the quote. Also, why cannot women fight? In Sikhism women have always fought alongside with men. This has been true since the times of the Gurus. Not only that, women have led the Sikh armies into the battle field and received martyrdom with glory. The message of Islam clearly shows that women are considered weak and incapable of fighting. But the Sikh Gurus gave women equal rights and made men and women both saints and warriors at the same time. If men are given sword to fight for themselves then women are given a sword too so they will not have to look upon men to protect them. Sikh Gurus taught Sikhs to be prepared to fight oppression and injustice at all times. Thus, Sikhism is totally different than Islam. If we investigate further, we find that not only polygamy is permitted in Islam but also marriage with your adopted son’s wife is also permitted. Prophet Mohammad himself asked his adopted son to leave his wife so prophet could marry her himself. When his followers questioned him by saying that he was his son and his son’s wife his daughter so he could not marry her. But Mohammad said, it was not his real son but adopted. In Islam marrying your biological son’s wife is prohibited, but marrying your adopted son’s wife is acceptable. Prophet Mohammad married anywhere from 38-45 women, the youngest being 6 years old, who became pregnant at the age of nine. Her name was Ayesah. Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favour: "Retain thou (in wedlock) thy wife, and fear Allah." But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them. And Allah.s command must be fulfilled. (Quran, 33:37) In Sikhism, divorce in marriage is done with the consent of both couples and it is very straight forward. But in Islam there are hard rules for women. All a man has to say is Talaak (divorce) three times and they are divorced. If he wants to remarry her then his wife has to marry someone else and spend a night with her other husband. Then if her newly husband gives her divorce by saying the word divorce three times she can remarry her old husband. Now you can see, what a woman has to go through in a marriage life. Such a ridiculous way of marriage in Islam does not fit the modern way of life. 4) In Sikhism God is all pervading and is in all directions. God is omniscient, omnipotent and loves all. Sikhs do not face any particular direction to say their prayers. But in Islam Muslims face west to say their prayers because according to Islam God lives in the west due to the fact that their holiest place Mecca is in west. Sikhism rejects all of this foolishness. If the Lord Allah lives only in the mosque, then to whom does the rest of the world belong? According to the Hindus, the Lord`s Name abides in the idol, but there is no truth in either of these claims. ||1|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang1349) The God of the Hindus lives in the southern lands, and the God of the Muslims lives in the west. So search in your heart - look deep into your heart of hearts; this is the home and the place where God lives. ||2|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1349) 5) Sikhism does not believe in fasting or pilgrimages. "The mind is not softened by fasting or austerities. Nothing else is equal to worship of the Lord's Name." (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 905) "The pilgrimage to shrines, fasting, cleanliness and self-mortification are not of any avail, nor are the rituals, religious ceremonies and hollow adoration's. Deliverance, O! Nanak! is in the devotional service of God. Through duality the mortal is engrossed in worldliness. (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 75) I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu sacred shrines. I serve the One Lord, and not any other. ||2|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1136) I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan. I serve only the One, who will protect me in the end. ||1|| The One Lord, the Lord of the World, is my God Allah. He adminsters justice to both Hindus and Muslims. ||1||Pause|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1136) Contrary to Sikhism, Islam teaches Muslims to fast during the special month of Ramadan. It is this month that Muslims have the opportunity to get closer to God. But my question is: why this special month? If this is the only month to get closer to God then what is point for Muslims doing five prayers a day for the rest of the eleven months? “Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.” (Quran, 2:185) “The Brahmins observe twenty-four fasts during the year, and the Muslims fast during the month of Ramadaan. The Muslims set aside eleven months, and claim that the treasure is only in the one month”. ||3|| (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1349) 6) Sikhism rejects the idea of dowry which is a common practice in Islam. “Any dowry which the perverse offer for show, is only false egotism and a worthless display. O my father, please give me the Name of the Lord God as my wedding gift and dowry”. (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 79) “You have lost your self-discipline, you fool, and you have accepted an offering under false pretenses. The daughter of the alms-giver is just like your own; by accepting this payment for performing the wedding ceremony, you have cursed your own life.” (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 435) 7) Sikhism is not merely a religion but a way of life. This way of life is filled with love of God. The Gurus taught Sikhs to follow and worship God out of love. Sri Guru Granth Sahib places greater emphasis on love of God as the main motivation for man. "Within my heart, I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, and celebrate the Word of the Lord's Shabad. The Lord Himself is pervading and permeating the world; so fall in love with Him!" (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 790) "Remembering Him in meditation, one abides in peace; one becomes happy, and suffering is ended. Celebrate, make merry, and sing God's Glories. Forever and ever, surrender to the True Guru." (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 386) But the Quran puts more emphasis on fear of God. Quran teaches you to follow God not out of love but out of fear because otherwise He will get angry, and you will burn in the fire of hell. "Truly, none will take heed but the wise: those who keep faith with Allah and do not break their pledge; who join together what He has bidden to be united; who fear their Lord and dread the terrors of Judgement-day; who for the sake of Allah endure with fortitude..." (13:18, Quran) "Allah's reward is great. Therefore fear Him with all your hearts and be attentive, obedient, and charitable. That will be best for you." (64:13, Quran) 8) Sikh Gurdwaras (Temples) are open to everyone regardless of color, race, caste, creed, gender and religion. Free food is served to everyone on a daily basis. There is no discrimination. Everyone is treated the same way with love and equality. Non-Sikhs are allowed to visit and enter the most sacred shrine of the religion, Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple). But this is not true in Islam. Non-muslims cannot even go to a mosque let alone going to Mecca. "Believers, know that the idolaters are unclean. Let them not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year is ended" (9:28, Quran) "Blessed is the place, and blessed are those who dwell there, where God's Name is meditated upon. The sermons and songs of God's praises are sung there and there is nothing but peace, poise and tranquility." (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 816) "If the Lord Allah lives only in the mosque, then to whom does the rest of the world belong? “The God of the Hindus lives in the southern lands, and the God of the Muslims lives in the west. So search in your heart - look deep into your heart of hearts; this is the home and the place where God lives." (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1349) 9) In Sikhism eating meat is prohibited. Sikhism rejects the killing of any animal by evoking a prayer or by slow death. But it is permitted in Islam. "Yet holding the knife, the world they butcher. Wearing blue the rulers approval they seek; With money derived from mlechhas the Puranas they worship. Goats slaughtered over the unapproved Muslims texts they eat." (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 472) “Make virtue your bread, good conduct the ghee, and modesty the meat to eat. As Gurmukh, these are obtained, O Nanak; partaking of them, one`s sins depart.” (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 553) "Kabeer, the dinner of beans and rice is excellent, if it is flavored with salt. Who would cut his throat, to have meat with his bread? 10) Sikhism rejects the idea of circumcision. Sikhs believe in living a natural way of life the way God created us. Muslims believe that one can only be a Muslim through circumcision. This means a woman cannot become a Muslim. This is why women are considered property of men. "Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; I don't believe in it, O Siblings of Destiny. If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. If circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman?" (Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 477) Above points show that without any doubts Sikhism is a separate religion and differs from Islam not only by beliefs but by practice, philosophy and way of life.

Yes, we can use this against Ek Niwas if they try and be obstructive. Nice to see Sikhs in India being pro-active. Looks like there is a bit of a revivalist movement occuring in Sikhi, and not a moment too soon.

If Dayanand called Guru Nanak Ji a 'fool' and Ramdev is a member of Dayanand's organisation. If the above is true - It is unacceptable for Sikhs to be associated with Ramdev. Was our religion started by a 'fool' Our we the products of a 'fool' That means our religion, Sikhi is a 'fool' and we are all 'fools' This is in fact what the Arya Samaj believe. Maybe Ramdev does not hold Dayanands view of Guru Nanak Ji. And it will be interesting to put the question to him. It is shameful for Sikhs to be inviting an Arya Samjaist. I am not anti the Sevak Jatha of Soho Road. In fact i was very pleased in the way Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji of Soho Road got involved in the campaign against Ek Niwas. He acted as spokesman in the meetings with Ek Niwas, the Police and Race Relations.

I am inclined to be more favourable to the Palestinians in this situation. I mean, how would you like it if your land was carved up and given to someone else. This was exactly what happened in 1947 when Israel was created. The Palestinians only want their land back and that means no Israel. The Israeli - Palestinian question will lead to a regional war IMHO. This will become more serious if/when the Iranians acquire nuclear capability. The Muslims will gang up on the Israelites to kick them out of Palestine.

Come on Singhs. Lets get together and show the power of Sikhi. A revolution is occuring - the cause being to prevent the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji being taken to halls. Future generations will look back at this time and read how Singhs got together to prevent the beadbi of our Guru. Just as we look back and admire the Singhs of the past. ---- The Singhs at the time of the Mughals who stood up against evil. ---- The Singhs who used to go out and rescue Sikh and Hindu women from the Muslims- ---- The Singhs who had their heads cut off for refusing to convert to Islam. ---- The Singhs of the Gurdwara reform movement of the 1920's. ---- The Singhs of 1978 Amritsar who confronted the Nirankaris and became shaheed. ---- The 1984 Singhs. ---- And many many other brave Singhs who stood up. Coach leaves Smethwick Gurudwara 9:30am tomorrow. Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

At the final meeting, Ek Niwas said that they would send the saroops of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the Akal Takht. This was said in the presence of the police. If EK Niwas have now backtracked on this, it will not look good for themselves, as the police will not trust them. If Singhs were to use 'other methods' of taking the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the wider community and more importantly the police and the race commission (who were also present at the meeting), will be more sympathetic to our cause. Personally i think the Sri Guru Granth Sahib JI will be taken out by Ek Niwas themselves, i think only ego is involved now on their part.

My niece's school arranged a trip to a mosque. However she did not want to go, so we just wrote a letter to her school and she did not go. Nobody can force you.

First of all i am not creating this thread to discuss the issue. Only to request someone to put the video up here on SikhSangat, as the link to yourtube has been withdrawn. Looks like the Bibi cried copyright.

International Human Rights Organisation Of the Indian Subcontinent New District Courts, Ludhiana- 141 001 (India) Tel & fax: 91 161 500 9210 Email: contact@ihro.in; www.ihro.in Friday, June 16, 2006 Capt Amarinder Singh CM, Punjab Chandigarh In re: Distortion of Sikh History in Indian Books' Dear Capt Singh: Regarding 'Distortion of Sikh History in Indian Books', on Sunday 11th of June 2006, the Panthic Weekly (News Bureau) quoted Milan Kundera as saying, "The first step in liquidating a people is to erase its memory. Destroy its books, its culture, its history, Then have somebody write new books, manufacture a new culture, invent a new history. Before long the nation will begin to forget what it is and what it was. The world around it will forget even faster……The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting." Sikh organizations worldwide, the weekly has rightly felt, stand united and resolute in protest against the blatant and systematic distortion of Sikh history in elementary and high school history textbooks by the RSS and other Hindu extremist groups. Sikhs along with other minority communities including Christians, Muslims and Jains have become victims of a massive government organized campaign to spread false and distorted information about these minority communities in an attempt to homogenize them into the construct of one religion, one language, one land of Hindus: Hindu, Hindi, Hindustan. And despite the protests and peaceful pleas from the Sikh community and various other minority groups, the government continues to allow and in fact supports the publishing of this false information about these religious groups. Just recently, the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) published a history on 'Medieval India' to be used in the high school curriculum. In this, Professor Satish Chandra of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi wrote that Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji was a 'looter and a rapist' and that Guru Sahib became a martyr not in the name of the freedom to practice religion but because Chandra claims Guru Sahib 'was a criminal.' When the Sikh minority expressed their grievances with this gross historical fallacy, Chandra defended his work by saying that he used a 'credible Persian source' albeit that this source was written over a century after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Shaheedi. When questioned about the erroneous points that he presented in the text he said that he wanted to provide a 'constructive interpretation of tradition.' Unfortunately, Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi expressed support for Chandra's work despite protests from the Sikh minority. The book is full of numerous other historical fallacies about the Sikh Guru Sahibans with false information saying that Guru Nanak Sahib 'renounced the world', that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a 'worshipper of Hindu Goddess Chandi' and that Sikhi is 'a part of the Hindu movement,' the Panthic weekly adds. Another history textbook titled 'History of Punjab Part II' which is full of historical fallacies and objectionable material about the Sikh Guru Sahibans is now in wide distribution and being implemented in Punjab school curricula. The book makes multiple flagrant distortions of Sikh history calling Baba Budha Ji 'a thief,' and portraying Guru Hargobind Sahib as a person of immoral character. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is termed as an 'oppressor' while Guru Gobind Singh Ji is presented as a weak hearted person and a worshipper of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Numerous other perversions of history are presented in this book which is being used in the syllabi throughout Punjab and in several other states, the weekly further adds. We, therefore, in IHRO call upon the concerned authorities, including you as CM of Punjab, to ensure that such historical distortions are not permitted in the future and to undo the mistakes and approve books with proper scholastic research in future. We also call upon you as Home Minister to prosecute the guilty authors and publishers for all these wrong doings. Hoping that you will take up the matter immediately, Truly yours, D S Gill Advocate Chair IHRO Cc to: President of India, PM & Opposition leader Also to: Jathedar Akal Takht SGPC SAD (A) SAD for taking up the matter with Sikh Nation

To WJK, The shabad you are refering to highlights the Guru's attitude to idol worship. The Guru is AGAINST idol worship. All the Guru's constantly preached against the worthlessness and stupidity of idol worship. In this shabad, Guru Arjan Ji is saying that true devotional worship, being totally and utterly committed to God ( "falling at the Lords feet), is the true Saalagraam, this is my idol worship. Guru Ji is telling the people, "you physically worship idols, but my worship of the formless God, my singing of his praises, my being totally devoted and utterly committed to God --THIS IS MY IDOL WORSHIP OF SAALAGRAAM Guru Ji continues " such is my worship, flower offerings and divine offerings aswell" What the Guru Ji is saying is that he does not need to offer flowers, worship and idol or anything else as these are just useless rituals. Guru Ji is saying my offerings of flowers etc, is being totally committed and devoted to God. "His Aartee, his lamp-lit worship service, is the Kirtan of His Praises, which brings lasting bliss" Guru Ji is saying that the true Aartee is singing Gods praises, not some ritual with a tray. If you read the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, you will realise that all through, the Guru's stress the futility of idol worship and rituals. The Guru's use the language of the rituals to make their point. The term is pro avaad. Using Brahmanical language to show that the rituals are not worth anything. For example, the real cleansing bath is singing Gods praises, as this will only wash away your sins, not something with soap and water. The true pilgrimage is contemplating and loving God, not physically going on tours to places of pilgrimage.

To WJK, The shabad you are refering to highlights the Guru's attitude to idol worship. The Guru is AGAINST idol worship. All the Guru's constantly preached against the worthlessness and stupidity of idol worship. In this shabad, Guru Arjan Ji is saying that true devotional worship, being totally and utterly committed to God ( "falling at the Lords feet), is the true Saalagraam, this is my idol worship. Guru Ji is telling the people, "you physically worship idols, but my worship of the formless God, my singing of his praises, my being totally devoted and utterly committed to God --THIS IS MY IDOL WORSHIP OF SAALAGRAAM Guru Ji continues " such is my worship, flower offerings and divine offerings aswell" What the Guru Ji is saying is that he does not need to offer flowers, worship and idol or anything else as these are just useless rituals. Guru Ji is saying my offerings of flowers etc, is being totally committed and devoted to God. "His Aartee, his lamp-lit worship service, is the Kirtan of His Praises, which brings lasting bliss" Guru Ji is saying that the true Aartee is singing Gods praises, not some ritual with a tray. If you read the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, you will realise that all through, the Guru's stress the futility of idol worship and rituals. The Guru's use the language of the rituals to make their point. The term is pro avaad. Using Brahmanical language to show that the rituals are not worth anything. For example, the real cleansing bath is singing Gods praises, as this will only wash away your sins, not something with soap and water. The true pilgrimage is contemplating and loving God, not physically going on tours to places of pilgrimage.

It is the fault of our Gurdwara. These desi Giani's should not be made permanent. They should be sent back home after the 2 year period. Of course not all desi giani's are corrupt but this can't go on. What we need is a religious school to train British born giani's and patti's. Once qualified they can then preach and translate at the same time thereby capturing the minds of the British born, English speaing congregation.

An article on the martydom of Banda Singh and other Sikhs. On 7 December 1715, the exhausted and starving Sikhs were tricked when Banda was approached to reconcile with the Government and meet the commander to discuss the terms for making him the Governor of Jammu. He was arrested instead and put in an iron cage. Other Sikhs were captured, chained and brought to Delhi in a procession. Along with 700 Sikh prisoners from the Punjab, there were 2,000 Sikhs heads hung on spears at the head of the procession to terrorize the population. They were put in the Delhi fort and pressured to give up their faith and become Muslims. On their firm refusal all of them were ordered to be executed. Every day, one hundred Sikhs were brought out of the fort and murdered in public. This horrible butchering of the Sikhs was witnessed and documented by many. The brave Sikhs showed no sign of dejection or humiliation, instead they sang their sacred hymns; none feared death or gave up his faith. The British Embassy at Delhi recorded, “It is not a little remarkable with what patience they undergo their fate and to the last it has not been found that one apostatized from this new formed religion.” According to a Muslim historian, a nobleman received permission to see Banda Singh Bahadur before he was executed. He asked Banda Singh, “It is surprising that one who shows so much acuteness in his features and so much nobility in his conduct, should have been guilty of such horrors.” With the greatest composure, Banda replied, “I will tell you, whenever men become so corrupt and wicked as to relinquish the path of equity and to abandon themselves to all kinds of excesses, then the Providence never fails to raise up a scourge like me to chastise a race so depraved; but when the measure of punishment is full then he raises up men like you to bring him to punishment.” These Sikhs died for their beliefs, in contrast to many of the so called Sikhs today. Instead of abiding by the Guru's teachings, these so called sikhs are changing the teachings to suit themselves. As a result spin off cults are being formed. Shame! ((

I was at the march, like i have been for the past few years. The burning of the Indian flag happens every year. Sikhs were burnt under the eyes of the Indian gov't I suppose the burning symbolises the Sikhs (those present) total denounciation of India. It is a way of saying we hate you and do not want to be your subjects anymore. It is very surprising and sad that some fellow Sikhs tend to criticise this and pay it undue attention. At the end of the day it is only a piece of cheap cloth. Not a human life. To someone above who stated " try burning the flag in Delhi", my answer would be " try holding the march in Delhi" However this will go on and on. There will always be Sikhs who are against any kind of hostile actions, as there was during the time of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale. There are some Sikh who even denounce Guru Gobind Singh Ji for using violence. I remember someone telling me he was invited to preach at a Gurdwara. Once he got to the Gurdwara, those in charge asked him not to preach about Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They said "what kind of Guru uses violence". Banda Singh Bahadur and his armies virtually sacked the City of Sirhind to the ground in revenge for the murder of the Sahibzadey. Do you think innocent blood was not spilt.... be realistic? A flag made of cloth was burnt....................... http://dedicatedkaurs.blogspot.com/

i thought wahegueu was the only "guru", anyways... i don;t like spin-off sects either... can you mention ones? the only one i can think of is 3HO and damdami taksal (i'm probbaly wrong)... When i state "spin off sects", i am refering to those who want to be called Sikhs but refuse to follow the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who stated that the Guru Granth Sahib Ji was to be the final and only Guru (in the sense of teacher) for Sikhs. The last i knew 3HO and Damdami Taksal accept the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the Guru. So imho they are not spin of sects, as you seem to think. Maybe things have changed, have they? Of course Vaheguru is the only Guru at the end of the day. The title of Guru is used for those who came here to teach. Maybe someone should have criticised Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh for using the title. Maybe some did.

The Radhaswami are trying to say that Guru Gobind Ji got it wrong. He should have appointed a living guru rather than the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also got it wrong by introducing the Amrit. The 9th Guru was also wrong, by appointing such a Guru as Gobind Singh Ji. It is all the 9th Guru's fault. If he had not appointed Guru Gobind Singh Ji as Guru, all these mistakes would not have happened. Hang on, we should blame the 8th Guru, it was he who appointed the 9th Guru who made the big mistake of appointing the 10th Guru. See where this is leading. Ultimately it is the fault of Guru Nanak Ji for starting Sikhi. I have had enough of spin of sects and fake baba's who claim to be Sikh. They do not want to go by the teachings of the Guru's yet they want to be associated with the good name of Sikhi. Those who do not believe that the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the only Guru are not Sikhs, full stop.

www.ethnicimages.com Type Sikhs in search box.