SunSingh

This is the book in which he states Jathedar Kulwant Singh ji lacks anakh. He was made to apologise for that remark and to take back some things that he had said.

http://www.sikhroots.com/zina/Lectures/Sant%20Mani%20Singh/Sikhi%20Camp%201996

Suicide would result in you losing your human janam. The next janams would be the chaurassi lakh joon and you may very well literally end up crawling in the mud as a worm or living a fearful life as a rat. Whether or not we live as a king depends on our karma. If it's not in our karam, no amount of planning or effort in the world will give it to us. To improve our karma, we need seva, simran, and satsangat, as well as the avoidance of bad deeds. Your situation today is not necessarily your situation tomorrow. I have been through incredibly difficult times that I thought would never improve, but today life is looking up. The point is, when are in the bottom of the valley, we cannot see what is on the other side in our life's path. My advice is to get some counselling if you need to, as well as focus on more naam bani and seva. Go see your Guru everyday and ask him to guide you.

No need to start another thread. This is the one shabad I can recall. Don't remember if there are others. ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਰੂ ਬਾਣੀ ਜੈਦੇਉ ਜੀਉ ਕੀ Raag Maaroo, The Word Of Jai Dayv Jee: ੴ ॥ One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru: ਚੰਦ ॥ The breath is drawn in through the left nostril; it is held in the central channel of the Sukhmanaa, and exhaled through the right nostril, repeating the Lord's Name sixteen times. ਅਬਲ ॥੧॥ I am powerless; my power has been broken. My unstable mind has been stabilized, and my unadorned soul has been adorned. I drink in the Ambrosial Nectar. ||1|| ਮਨ ॥ Within my mind, I chant the Name of the Primal Lord God, the Source of virtue. ਤੇਰੀ ॥ My vision, that You are I are separate, has melted away. ||1||Pause|| ਅਰਧਿ ॥ I worship the One who is worthy of being worshipped. I trust the One who is worthy of being trusted. Like water merging in water, I merge in the Lord. <a class="dict" href="http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.dictionary?Param=%E0%A8%AC%E0%A8%A6%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%BF">ਬਦਤਿ ਜੈਦੇਉ ਜੈਦੇਵ ਕਉ ਰੰਮਿਆ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੁ ਲਿਵ ਲੀਣੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੨॥੧॥ Says Jai Dayv, I meditate and contemplate the Luminous, Triumphant Lord. I am lovingly absorbed in the Nirvaanaa of God. ||2||1|| -ang 1106

wrt Amrit - after much research I have concluded that it is the same regardless of the jathebandi, just so long as the basic rahit is followed. All 5 banis should be read. The main thing is that the sevadaars in the punj should have a strong jeevan. wrt to Naam Dhir - After research and discussions with mahapurkhs from various jathebandis I have found that no samprada considers Naam Dhrir (which is actually a method of imparting a simran technique) to be a requirement. I have heard from Baba Thakur Singh ji Bhindrenwaley and Baba Jagjit Singh ji Harkhowal that Naam Dhrir is not required. Baba Nihal Singh ji of Harien Valan also states that it is not required. There is no credible puratan source of information nor is there any Gurbani that states that it is required. basically, Naam dhrir is a different method of ''installing'' Gurmantr from the rest of the panth. The Amrit is the same, but this method differs and the jatha that follows this practice believe it to be the best, most effective method, while the rest of the panth do not believe that. This method of simran taught in Naam Dhrirdh is not the only method of simran, nor is it necessarily the best method. Guru Granth Sahib ji has other methods of simran listed in it. These methods clearly require someone to be somewhat advanced before they are even capable of using this vidhi, which proves that Naam Dhrir is not the sole ''best'' method of simran. Nor is there any guarantee of the fastest advancement with Naam Dhrir. In the end, there simply is no evidence to back up the claims that some make regarding this practice, nor are many of these claims true. That being said, if you do take it, it probably is a kirpa and no doubt won't hurt you. A note on Gurmantr - Gurmantar is different from the method used to jap naam. Gurmantar (often referred to as Naam) is something which can only be granted by the Punj Pyare and none other. Every Punj Pyare of every jatha grant Gurmantar. The punj are also supposed to teach how to do simran. Some call the imparting of a particular simran method naam dhridh while others call the giving of Gurmantar Naam Drirdh. A lot of people claiming to believe in Naam Drirdh are very confused as to what exactly it is. Every jatha teaches this sass girass method of simran (which is sometimes called naam dhridh), however, they very often do not use the label of naam dridh for it. . Sometimes the punj do not teach how to do simran (although they should) but this is not jatabandi based. This however, does not mean that you need to get amritchuk again, and you do not need to see the punj to learn a method of doing simran. It is not written down anywhere that this is required, nor is there any seena-baseena rahit recognised by any samprada or mahapursh that it must be taught only by punj. (Gurmantr of course is always given by punj). There is no one best method of simran. After doing much vichaar on this issue I've learned that mahapursh may teach one student to do one method of simran, and they teach another student another method of simran. Similar to how a doctor gives a medication for the ailment of one patient, and for another patient who is suffering differently they give a different medication. Once again I emphasize that Gurmantar is different from methods of doing simran, and Gurmantar is only given by the punj pyare, whereas methods of doing simran can be taught by others. In Guru Granth Sahib ji different methods for doing simran have been described. Mahapurks over the ages have also taught various simran methods to the sangat. For example, this is the saas-girass method of simran: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Sfhfm1cXo. First step is to do simran with rasna (tongue). Bhai Raghbir Singh Bir, in Bandginama, talks about this practice, he says, "When you say Vah you breathe in and when you say Guroo you breathe out" Another example is Sant Juala Singh ji teaching a different method from any of the above of doing simran to Baba Jagjit Singh ji's father. There is an mp3 of Sant Mani Singh ji (UK) who said that he discussed with numerous mahapurkhs and found numerous different methods. When we do naam simran (with any technique) before we receive Khande Batte da Amrit, we benefit. However, the benefit we gain from doing naam simran after receiving Gurmantar is immense, far more than non-Amritdharis get.

the lines on your palm change over the course of your life. your karma is changed by simran and seva for the better.

mainly, the education comes through various taksals and deras throughout india. missionary types tend to get it at various missionary colleges. the education of many sikh prachaaraks used to be extensive. now, you only find that kind of extensive education at certain taksaals and deras. i believe Kam would be best equipped to answer this question in detail.

i recommend that you clarify and highlight the ties between bannarjee and these other groups. bannarjee is the same extremist who always speaks out against sikh rights in the comments sections of various newspapers.

if you are interested in deep spirituality, the best books to get are sant waryam singh ji's discourses on the beyond series. they are available in english, but your dad should get punjabi for himself as well. He has soem other books as well. Kam1825 posted on a link on this forum through which you can order Atam Marg magazine, which has both english and punjabi contents. I would also recommend a nitnem steek, I have heard Sant Giani Avtar Singhs is very good.

it sounds like you've begun walking the path during a time in your life when there is a lot going on. it's probably a lot easier for you to add one thing at a time, and then when you get used to that, add one more thing. my suggestion is that while you are a student, focus on student life. don't feel guilty for being unable to do all your baniyan and make sure you get the amount of sleep that you need. so right now as your spiritual practice you do kirtan sohila, and llisten to kirtan while doing coursework. That's good enough. In fact, if I were you, if I were going to move forward, I would add in some jaap of mool mantar first before I begin adding in the banis. I feel that would be a lot easier and more flexible as you are busy with exams / coursework. There is time to add in the rest of the banian when your schedule lets up a bit. If you can cover your head with anything while on the train, that's better than nothing. . If you can't cover your head, don't feel guilty, even doing what you are doing is very good. The main point in meditation is to relax and focus your mind....and remember If you take one step towards the Guru, the Guru takes a million steps towards you.

sometimes people need to volunteer for awhile to build up there resume. how much education do you have? that also is a factor. There are numerous Gursikh doctors, lawyers, and engineers, so your turban and kesh are not that much of an issue in getting a job. If you want to learn how to tie a dastaar that looks like a more professional style, check out youtube.

maybe it's better to ask someone with experience with these sorts of questions : http://www.askamanager.org

I like to cut and paste interesting shabads into a separate file to do paath of. What word processor for windows 7 do you guys think is best for this? I've noticed that some, like word xp, garble up the lagaa matraa; while some other free ones have almost no features whatsoever. Isn't there any program that offers a happy medium?

Guru Maharaj and many purataan Sikhs have given partakh darshan to people. When they have the power to give partakh darshan then why would they resort to entering a woman's body and speaking through her? Channeling has no place in Sikhi and there is no way to verify what kind of spirit has entered her body. Sometimes a powerful spirit can enter someone and give 95% proper info and help; but the other 5% of information they give may actually lead to great nuksaan on those whose trust they've gained.

the words of a judge, particularly a non-sikh judge, often carry more weight in some people's minds. this is why i always refer people to The Gallant Defender written by AR Darshi. He was there and knew firsthand about many of these events. Full book is online at bhindrenwale.net.

i've had x-rays and the x-ray techs just said, nope you've got to remove your kakaars. they didn't care about the explanation. Of course, my hand wasn't being x-rayed so i just wore my kara in and made sure my kirpaan was out of the way. you can also wear a small kirpan underneath your dastaar. sometimes techs like being pushy so you need to know when to ignore them.

onthis path we go through times when the easy motivation is gone. it's temporary (but may last for quite a while). Take it as a test and do what you can to inspire yourself such as reading sant jeevan sakhis, going to sat sangat regularly no matter how you feel, listening to katha and kirtan, and continually praying for inspiration and to stay parpak in rahit. Guru ji is testing you. you walked the walk when it was easy, will you do it now that it's harder? Ask maharaj for the necessary qualities to pass all his tests.

Kam wrote an english teeka based on Sant Gurbachan Singh ji's katha if I'm not mistaken.

garlic---> kaam

basically, if you hear the requests and grattitude that you make to guru ji in you own mind, then god can hear it. for ardass you need a focused mind, and sharda that Guru ji will grant your request. think of the request as already granted when you ask for it. Name the guru in your mind, as that is who you are doing benti to. additionally, sometimes guru doesn't give us what we want, in those times we should think that either there is some sort of lesson etc we need to learn and learn it; or we should be grateful that guru ji saved us from something that might have causeed us harm. sometimes we just need to do more kamai to get something. nishkaam kamai is always best.

http://gurukhoj.com/SBNS3_MOA.html free book - read it Topics addressed include: Ardaas and Naam Ardaas and Gurmat Ardaas and Sadh Sangat Pointers for a Successful Ardaas Qualities Required for an Ardaas Language & Sentiments in Ardaas Congregational Prayer The Impossible Becomes Possible Ardaas and Devotion Suitable Time for Ardaas Best Place for Ardaas How to Beg in Ardaas Ardaas and Naam Nivaas About the Book: Ardaas is the master key for success. It can help us solve problems and overcome difficulties of all nature; worldly or spiritual. What is this key? How can we harness the power of this key? What pearls and gems can we find inside the treasure-chest opened with this key? What is this treasure-chest? This book tries to answer the above questions and provides a guide on how to correctly do the basic thing (Ardaas) we have always been doing whenever we want something from God. Knowingly or unknowingly, we are all looking for ..the miracle of Ardaas. Quotations from the Book: We do Ardaas in times of sorrow as a cry to Guru Ji to rid our suffering. Ardaas done in happier times is a show of our gratitude to the Lord. God resides in the pure, deep recesses within our soul. In order to get whatever we desire, the secret of a successful Ardaas is to go into the depths of our soul as per the guidance of Guru Ji. The letters on a seal are carved upsidedown but appear right-side up when stamped. Likewise, when we bow before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the bad actions written on our forehead will be erased and replaced by good actions. Although all times are auspicious for Ardaas, the experiences of highly spiritual souls recommend that out of the 24 hrs of a day, there is one time slot, known as AMRITWELA, which is especially auspicious. A cry done during these ambrosial hours is heard faster in God's Court.

for most people, it's not possible to get rid of it at a young age. but it can be kept under control, with proper diet adn vigourous exercise naambani ardass and satsangat. there's another thread on the same issue, a recent one, i recommend you read that.

if keeping your eyes closed leads to to many thoughts... then open them or vice versa. if the mind is too active, lower your gaze. if too sleepy, raise your gaze. also, many find it helpful to keep eyes roughly half open and lightly softly focus on the tip of the nose while doing simran. this helps greatly wiht focus you can also use a mala. another tip is DO SIMRAN OUT LOUD and listen to the sound. don't do vichaar, just listen to the sound. do this for a while and thoughts will be overcome. do lots of ardas all the time again and again. do dandout bandhan and keep asking. every . single. day. waking up early / sleeping slightly less than your needs help preven excess thoughts.

read The power of story, by Jim Loehr. Any book of his is absolute gold. He's a sports psychologist and does career and corporate coaching. Read the study hacks blog. It's all about how to find your life path as well as proper study skills and strategies. Best career choosing advice I've ever seen. Both his study skills and career choosing advice are sometimes unorthodox, but always brilliant and insightful. Look up bach flower remedies for various issues like lack of motivation, depression etc. They work exceptionally well for psychological conditions. Although preserved in alcohol, if you search around you can find them preserved in cider vinegar. reading some posts, it seems like people lack life balance. an overemphasis on one area to the detriment of others for too long can result in depression and burnout. living someone else's life, such as the life your parents want you to live, can also result in burnout. I've learned through difficult mistakes, living the life your parents want is not the route to happiness, and you don't have any obligation to them to be a doctor or whatever else they want. it's your life, the pain of disappointments is yours, so you may as well live it to achieve your own full potential rather than to make someone else superficially happy with cars or big houses. When something is not in your karma, no matter how hard you work, you will not get it. The only solution is to change goals or to improve your karam. Karma can be improved through NISHKAAM simran and seva, proper sangat helps a lot (gurdwara), and watching your thoughts to prevent paap as paap destroys our good karams. If you need to see a career counsellor, do it. If you need other professional help, then go get that help. One thing I've learned about life is that its full of change. I sometimes feel the lows are there to build up character qualities, and to carve the cup of character; though it's painful a well carved cup means that we can hold more God inside of us. I find meditating on this shabad gives a lot of peace: ਭੈਰਉ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ bhairo mehalaa 5 || Bhairao, Fifth Mehl: <br class="clearer">ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥ oothath sukheeaa baithath sukheeaa || Standing up, I am at peace; sitting down, I am at peace. <br class="clearer">ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥੧॥ bho nehee laagai jaan aisae bujheeaa ||1|| I feel no fear, because this is what I understand. ||1|| <br class="clearer">ਰਾਖਾ ਏਕੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ raakhaa eaek hamaaraa suaamee || The One Lord, my Lord and Master, is my Protector. <br class="clearer">ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਕਾ ਅੰਤਰਜਾਮੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ sagal ghattaa kaa antharajaamee ||1|| rehaao || He is the Inner-knower, the Searcher of Hearts. ||1||Pause|| <br class="clearer">ਸੋਇ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ਜਾਗਿ ਅਚਿੰਤਾ ॥ soe achinthaa jaag achinthaa || I sleep without worry, and I awake without worry. <br class="clearer">ਜਹਾ ਕਹਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਤੂੰ ਵਰਤੰਤਾ ॥੨॥ jehaa kehaan prabh thoon varathanthaa ||2|| You, O God, are pervading everywhere. ||2|| <br class="clearer">ਘਰਿ ਸੁਖਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥ ghar sukh vasiaa baahar sukh paaeiaa || I dwell in peace in my home, and I am at peace outside. <br class="clearer">ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਿ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ॥੩॥੨॥ kahu naanak gur manthra dhrirraaeiaa ||3||2|| Says Nanak, the Guru has implanted His Mantra within me. ||3||2||

these religions are older so have had more time to spread and have more people. main thing, i think, is that in teh previous generation or two there was a lot of english prachaar from buddh dharm. in sikhi, the english language prachaar is only starting in this generation with Tirath Singh Nirmala and Kamalpreet Singh pardesi and some others. We had english books before, but almost every single one of them was very shallow and not really spiritual but focused on outer rules etc which doesn't attract non-sikhs; or they were historical/political. another factor, they were in a good position to take advantage of the explosion of interest in non-xtian dharm during the hippie eras. In sikhi, i think only Yogi Bhajan ji was properly positioned to take advantage of these times. So... bottomline, it's mostly due to circumstance, but probably our community's focus on making their kids into moneymakers like doctors and pushing them away from non-making pastimes like prachaar has also contributed.