Confused Sikh. About To Cut Hair

[akjforever]

Singh2k, one thing that I will recommend is that you start doing Paat everyday, start listening to kirtan, and attend local Sangat on a weekly basis. The reason for this is that without reading Gurbani everyday, listening to kirtan, and attending Sangat on a regular basis you are not watering the plant of Sikhi inside of you. Most parents tell their kids to keep their hair at a young age and once the child becomes older, doubts and negative influences take over their minds and lead them to cut their hair because they don't know why they keep their hair and they don't have the power of Gurbani and Sangat behind them. Sikhi doesn't stop at keeping one's hair and wearing a Turban. That is only the first step, most people can't take that first step or if they do, they step back. If you can't read Punjabi, that's no problem, get an English Gutka. Start doing Jap Ji Sahib everyday. If you can't do it initially burn a Nitnem cd and just listen to the Paat each morning before going to work/school. Also make sure to find local Sangat and attend on a weekly basis.

Without watering our Sikhi plant within us it will become weak and possibly die. We have to take care and maintain it. So if any negative thoughts do enter our mind, they will have no effect on us due to the protection of Guru Sahib because we read Gurbani everyday.

It's very easy to go down the wrong path, it takes no effort at all. It does take effort to remain steadfast on the right path. We have to make sure that we never let our guard down and fall victim to going the wrong path.

In order to be a successful Sikh you can not do without Gurbani and Sangat. And I don't mean small doses of these, you need LARGE and CONSTANT doses of these. :D

Some useful links:

English Nitnem Gutka and Nitnem MP3 tracks:

http://gursikhijeevan.com/media/audio/inde...i_Jarnail_Singh

Nitnem.pdf

[buddasingh]

I've thought about it for a while. Read all of the comments, asked friends (Mona's and Sikhs), and finally reached to an conclusion.

I've decided to stay the way I am. It might not be easy, but hey, no one ever said life would be easy.

I've been having mood swings, sometimes I'm proud to be a Sikh, and then there are times I wish I was like everyone else.

The main reason I decided to stick with the turban is because it's my identity, not only as a Sikh, but as my father's son, and as my brother's brother, as a part of the family. Without the turban, people wouldn't recognize me as a part of the family, but as a foreigner. If my father didn't keep his turban, my decision wouldn't have been this hard.

The idea of getting a hair cut came to mind a couple of months ago, I spoke with a couple of friends and realized it wasn't worth it and kept the turban. Now, just 2 weeks ago the idea came back to me, but this time I decided to discuss the issue with Sikhsangat.com and Sikhnet.com. I have to admit, I never thought there would be so much support out there, from the US,UK and India.

I might not be the most religious person out there, I might not know much about Sikhism, but hopefully later on my life I will succeed and find out what its all about.

And I apologize for whatever I have said in the forum. I am no one to judge what is right or wrong about religion.

As for being religious, I am going to try learning some Punjabi first.

Thanks Sikhnet.com and Sikhsangat.com for all the support, hopefully I don’t run into this issue again later on in my lifetime. :T:

Fateh,

Gunu Kapoor

Hey bro you can’t do this for your father or brother. You have to find out why you are wearing the dastar for your self. Learn about it, it is absolutely powerful. I suggest that you try to get involved with other young Sikhs, whether it be volunteer organizations or camps.

I keep learning and relatively speaking, know nothing about religion. There was a certain point when I met many young khalsa and they were amongst the most dynamic, spiritually inspiring people I have ever met.

They were very different in their personalities and backgrounds, but their common fearlessness, humility, pride, and confidence to reach for the stars made for magnetic personalities that left me in awe of the power of the sikhi path. The discipline of Sikhi including complete kes of course has got to be simply one of the most sensible and logical approaches to life.

[sikhness]

I've thought about it for a while. Read all of the comments, asked friends (Mona's and Sikhs), and finally reached to an conclusion.

I've decided to stay the way I am. It might not be easy, but hey, no one ever said life would be easy.

I've been having mood swings, sometimes I'm proud to be a Sikh, and then there are times I wish I was like everyone else.

The main reason I decided to stick with the turban is because it's my identity, not only as a Sikh, but as my father's son, and as my brother's brother, as a part of the family. Without the turban, people wouldn't recognize me as a part of the family, but as a foreigner. If my father didn't keep his turban, my decision wouldn't have been this hard.

The idea of getting a hair cut came to mind a couple of months ago, I spoke with a couple of friends and realized it wasn't worth it and kept the turban. Now, just 2 weeks ago the idea came back to me, but this time I decided to discuss the issue with Sikhsangat.com and Sikhnet.com. I have to admit, I never thought there would be so much support out there, from the US,UK and India.

I might not be the most religious person out there, I might not know much about Sikhism, but hopefully later on my life I will succeed and find out what its all about.

And I apologize for whatever I have said in the forum. I am no one to judge what is right or wrong about religion.

As for being religious, I am going to try learning some Punjabi first.

Thanks Sikhnet.com and Sikhsangat.com for all the support, hopefully I don’t run into this issue again later on in my lifetime. :T:

Fateh,

Gunu Kapoor

Gunu,

MAAAAAAAAAD respect.... that's pretty deep man... i'm proud of you... you won't regret it... PM me if you have any of these thoughts again....

pss... i knew you was a good kid... :TH:

[Bored]

u can learn alot from this site too if their arnt many sikh youths in ur area.

i learned plenty from here, i learn new stuff everyday

:D ))))

[Prabjyot Kaur]

Here is a great link for learning Gurmukhi on-line

http://www.advancedcentrepunjabi.org/intro1.asp

Guru Ang Sang!

Guru Raakha!!

[singh-khalsa]

respect maannnnn.

good decision brother.

keep sikhi saroop

guru rakha

waheguru ji ka khalsa

waheguru ji ki fateh

[wjkk wjkf]

I cant remember where i found this but, it really inspired me!

Proud to be Sikh!!!!

INSPIRE N BE INSPIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PROUD TO BE A SIKH!

Who is a Sikh u ask well...

I am a Sikh!

I am born and brought up in this country.

The turban and unshorn hair are part of the Sikh uniform.

No one believes me.

They think I am part of the Taliban.

They think I am an Arab.

They think I am supporting terrorism.

I keep telling everybody:

"No! I am a Sikh!

Sikhs are not members of the Taliban.

Sikhs are not Muslims.

Sikhs are not Arabs."

"Are you part of Islam" people ask?

"Are you an offshoot of Hinduism" others say.

"I have never heard of Sikhs" says another.

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.

Waheguru

Sikhs are a distinct people.

Sikhs are a distinct nation.

Sikhi is a distinct religion of peace, love and equality for whole humanity.

Sikhs worship the One Supreme Truth, the One Ocean of Mercy, the One Creator Lord.

Sikhs do not keep fasts, go to pilgrimages or pray to idols.

Sikhs follow three principles of constantly remembering the Lord, living and working honestly, and sharing with others.

Racists say "Get the rag off your head!"

Ignorant people say: "Why do wear that hat?"

Misguided Sikhs say, "Turban or no Turban what does it matter. Sikhs should move with the times and learn to integrate with society."

"I think you are mistaken", I say.

"My turban is not a hat.

My turban is not a mere piece of cloth.

My turban is a gift which I cannot discard."

The Khalsa is my distinct image. Within the Khalsa I reside.(Guru Gobind Singh Ji)

I explain,

"My turban is a crown blessed upon my head by my Father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji."

"My turban is a crown of grace, dignity and honour."

"My turban is a crown which protects my head, keeps my hair tidy and is the image of my Father."

"Its backward to keep your hair!" says one person.

"What is the point of cutting your nails and keeping your hair" says the cunning person.

"There is no significance in today?s world of unshorn hair," says the Sikh who has been led astray.

The Naam, the Power of the Lord?s Name, is the Inner-knower of my heart. The Naam is so useful to me. The Lord's Name permeates each and every hair of mine. The Perfect True Guru has given me this gift.

Defending my identity and religion I say:

"You are mistaken dear friend".

"My hair is not useless.

My hair is a gift, a tool, and a technology bestowed upon by body by the Creator Lord.

Each and every hair on my body has a practical and spiritual function.

Each and every hair on my body is like electric wires, which vibrate and pick up spiritual energy.

Each and every hair on my body vibrates the energy, the power and spiritual force of meditating on the Lord.

The hair on top of my head protects my skull and brain.

The hair above my eyes prevents sweat and water going into my eyes.

The hair on my body insulates my body, keeping me warm in the cold, and cool in the heat.

The hair under my armpits prevents friction and irritation when moving my arms.

My nails are dead material, which are cut to be hygienic, or they would snap off by themselves gradually.

My nails are cut to be clean and tidy, and my hair is combed twice daily to remove dead hair to be tidy.

My nails are not part of the Sikh uniform.

"I see! That is amazing" says one person.

"Fair enough, I am sorry" says the cunning person.

"We have beautiful religion, a great gift given to us and we are so lucky to be blessed with such a technology and honour"

says the Sikh who was led astray.

Dont hide your faith and identity. Share it with the world.

Dont be ashamed of who you truly are, walk with your head held high.

Remember brothers and sisters your image is the manifestation of Guru Gobind Singh Singh Ji & Mata Sahib Kaur.

Be inspired and inspire others

:D P.s. congrats to u veerji, I'm sure you have made the best decision of your life! :D

[Bored]

another poem

Saint soldier

There is no National Anthem in the world as powerful and meaningful as the Sikh National Anthem, it is not about saving the human Queen, it is about being a pure and true Saint Soldier.

Who is and was a Saint-Soldier in the Sikh faith?

Being a Saint-Soldier is the purest quality of human life form, we cannot be a pure human being if we are not Saint-Soldier. To become a perfect Soldier we have to first become Saints, we can not become perfect Soldiers, Warriors or Heroes without becoming a Saint first. The reason for this is when we become Saints we purify our mind through Naam, we conquer our ego, anger, fear, and attachment which leaves us with a pure and steady mind. Those people who think they can be true Warriors, Heroes, or Soldiers without Naam, or being a Saint first are lost, their Warriorship would be ruled by ego without them realising.

Great warriors in the past like William Wallace the Scotsman in the movie 'Brave Heart' were gifted by God with the qualities of bravery, courage, great swords men, great fighters, they were and will always be known for their qualities but sorry to say all this quality is wasted through their ego and they also suffered through anger, attachment, fear and lust as their souls were not blessed with Naam and the guidance of the Gurus teachings on how to purify this filthy mind.

mhw juD joD bhu kIn@y ivic haumY pcY pcwie jIau ]

many heroes waged great wars; in their egos they were ruined, and they ruined others as well.

Sikhs have always been known and respected for their outstanding bravery and courage around the World and also by other faiths. Many Sikhs gave their lives in the World Wars, even now the British Army and Police Force are trying their hardest in recruiting more Amritdhari Sikhs, the reason for this is in the past our forefathers who battled in the Wars were only recruited in the army if they were Amritdhari. The army knew these people are very disciplined people and would not hesitate in giving their life in battle. Even Adolph Hitler the German dictator who feared no one said “ if there is one group I respect it is the Sikhs”.

bhai kaahoo ko dhaeth nehi nehi bhai maanuth aan

One who does not frighten anyone, and who is not afraid of anyone else

kuhu naanuk sun rae munaa giaanee thaahi bukhaan

says Nanak, listen, mind: call him spiritually wise. 16

Where do we get this courage and bravery from?

Guru Nanak Dev Jee, the first Guru who called King Babur Jabur who feared no body and wherever he went spoke the truth. An example is when he spoke to the Brahmins, they were pouring water to the left so Guru Jee poured water to the right, they asked “what are you doing” Guru Jee replied “what are you doing”, they said “giving water to our ancestors”, Guru Jee replied “I am feeding my crops in Panjab”, they said “how can that be possible” Guru Jee said “how will the water reach your dead ones who are not even on earth”, they had no reply.

Guru Jee also went to Mecca where non-Muslims are strictly forbidden, he put his feet towards the Ka'aba and went to sleep, the Qazis saw this and told Guru Jee to move his feet, Guru Jee said move my feet to where the Ka'aba (Gods house) is not, so where ever they moved Guru Jees feet the Ka'aba also turned with it, (meaning: God is everywhere). The Muslims called Nanak their Pir (saint) from this day and put Guru Jees jorde (slippers) inside the Ka'aba (the black holy place where all Muslims gather). Guru Jee had many verbal encounters and travelled most of Asia preaching Sikhi in this unique fashion of no fear. Guru Jee had an amazing verbal encounter with the very spiritual Siddhs, these people had many spiritual powers, lived for many hundreds of years by holding their breath and just sat meditating in the mountains without food or water. These people called Guru Jee a child (Balak) until he spoke to them, experience this amazing verbal encounter in the Guru Granth Sahib Jee Ang (page) 938-946; it should give you an insight on how spiritual our Gurus really were. The Banee is called Siddh Gosht.

Guru Arjan Dev Jee was the 5th Guru and first Shaheed (martyr) in Sikhism. He was made to sit on a hot burning plate with burning hot Sand being poured on his head by Jahanghir, the Muslim ruler at the time, he uttered this beautiful prayer.

thaeraa keeaa meethaa laagai

Your actions seem so sweet to me.

har naam pudhaaruth naanuk maagai

Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. 24293

Guru Jee sat in total bliss remembering the great Lord Vahiguroo. Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee the 6th Guru gave us 2 swords to carry and fought many battles against the Muslims after witnessing this outrageous oppression, he decided we will fight oppression physically and not peacefully no more, the swords represent spiritual power and soldiership. Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee was the 9th Guru. The Kashmiri Pandits (Priests) approached Guru Jee and said the Muslims are trying to convert us, please help, they said only a pure soul can save us. Gobind Rai at the age of 9 who later became Guru Gobind Singh said to his father “there is know one as pure as you father please save these people and tell them God is creating a 3rd faith called Sikhi”. Guru Tegh Bahadur was then Shaheed (martyred) at Chandni Chownk in Delhi, his head was separated from his body by Aurangzebs men, the ruler at the time. 3 beloved Sikhs of the Guru went with him at the time, they were also martyred, there names were Bhai Matee Daas who was sawn in half with a saw, Bhai Dyalaa Jee who was boiled to death in a pot, and Bhai Satee Daas who was wrapped in cotton wool and burnt to death. These Sikhs were granted 1 wish before they passed away, they asked to be facing their Guru at the time of death, which shows how much faith they had.

Guru Gobind Singh Jee created the Khalsa Panth in 1699 and many Sikhs were shaheed in battle against the Muslims, the Sikhs were always out numbered in battle and always victorious, the Sikhs never attacked first, they always defended. Guru Jee said my family will give their lives for the Panth, please bless me with Amrit, this was said to the Panj Piaare (5 beloved ones). Baba Ajeet Singh, Baba Jujhaar Singh the elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh gave their lives on the battlefield, Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh were bricked alive by Wazir Khan the ruler at the time, they were the youngest shaheeds in the history of shaheeds, aged 7 and 5, they were shaheed with their heads high, they were offered money, gifts, rule and many more worldly pleasures and asked to convert to Islam their answer was:

murun munusaa sooriaa huk hai jo hoe murehi puruvaano

The death of brave heroes is blessed, if it is approved by God.

naanuk kis no baabaa roeeai baajee hai eihu sunsaaro

Nanak: for whom should we mourn, O Baba? This world is merely a play.

The only way death is approved by Vahiguroo is if we die uttering Naam or praising the Lord. No other death is approved by the Lord even if they are shaheed for their faith, e.g Suicide bombers. The only time we will remember the Lord in the last breath is if we have been remembering him Athai Pehar (24 hours) throughout our life.

anth kaal naaraaein simurai aisee chinthaa mehi jae murai

At the very last moment, one who thinks of the Lord, and dies in such thoughts,

budhath thilochun thae nur mukuthaa peethunbur vaa kae ridhai busai

says Trilochan, that man shall be liberated; the Lord shall abide in his heart. 52

How wise must these so called 'children' have been, if you know Kids at this age you will know what Daas is trying to say. Bhai Manee Singh was cut limb by limb because he did not accept Islam, he told the oppressor to start at the first joint like he had been commanded, the Wrist joint is not the first joint. Bhai Taroo Singhs scalp was removed, Baba Deep Singh was shaheed in battle with his head cut off at a very elderly age, Mataa Bhag Kaur was also shaheed in battle, she was the first female martyr, lets not forget all our forefathers and Mothers who were shaheed for the Panth.

There has been so many amazing Grsikhs in the 20th century who were also shaheed such as, Sant Jarnail Singh Jee Khalsa Bhindranwale, Bhai Fauja Singh, Bhai Amrik Singh, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar and many many more. Faith only continues when one remembers the blood of our Fathers, Mothers, Sisters and Brothers. Banda singh Bahadurs sons Heart was ripped out in front of him and put into his mouth, children were chopped in to small pieces and put on spears in whole before their Mothers eyes.

How many more shaheeds does Daas have to name, we are the sons of these people, lets ask ourselves 1 question are we ready to die for the Panth, Guru Jee says to die for the Panth you have to first learn how to live for the Panth.

murun n mundhaa lokaa aakheeai jae mar jaanai aisaa koe

Death would not be called bad, O people, if one knew how to truly die.

saevihu saahib sunmruth aapunaa punth suhaelaa aagai hoe

Serve your Almighty Lord and Master, and your path in the world hereafter will be easy.

punth suhaelai jaavuhu thaa ful paavuhu aagai milai vuddaaee

Take this easy path, and you shall obtain the fruits of your rewards, and receive honor in the world hereafter.

We should count ourselves truly blessed we were gifted the most perfect human being in the world as our Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Jee the 10th Guru, he had every quality a human being needs to become pure, he had all the qualities of God in a human form, he was a saint, soldier, brave, and also courageous, he was an expert in languages, poetry, music and scriptures, he had every virtue of a God loving being, his qualities have no end they can not be named.

Sikhism has a golden history for martyrs. Daas has named a few shaheeds who have been shaheed for the panth, there is 1 thing all these shaheeds have in common. THEY WERE RASEEYAI OF NAAM AND BAANEE, they loved Naam and Baanee and this is the only support they had. They would not be called great shaheeds without the support of Naam. We would not have been called Sikhs today if these great Gursikhs had not have shed their blood for the Panth.

dhunaasuree mehulaa 5

Dhanaasaree, Fifth Mehl:

jaa ko har rung laago eis jug mehi so keheeath hai sooraa

He alone is called a warrior, who is attached to the Lord's Love in this age.

aathum jinai sugul vas thaa kai jaa kaa sathigur pooraa

Through the Perfect True Guru, he conquers his own soul, and then everything comes under his control. 1

thaakur gaaeeai aathum rung

Sing the Praises of the Lord and Master, with the love of your soul.

surunee paavun naam dhiaavun sehaj sumaavun sung

Those who seek His Sanctuary, and meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, are blended with the Lord in celestial peace. 1Pause

jun kae churun vusehi maerai heearai sung puneethaa dhaehee

The feet of the Lord's humble servant abide in my heart; with them, my body is made pure.

jun kee dhoor dhaehu kirupaa nidh naanuk kai sukh eaehee

O treasure of mercy, please bless Nanak with the dust of the feet of Your humble servants; this alone brings peace. 2435

and this one :TH:

I gave Him my head, but then I took it back.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji tried, to keep you on the right track

You gave Him your head, but then you took it back

Turning your back on Guru Ji, how did it feel?

Or were you too busy convicing yourself, that "It's really no big deal"

Remember that day when you took Amrit and made a vow?

What happened to those promises, who is your Guru now?

You sold out your Sikhi, and that’s the plain truth

You ruined this precious life, saying "I want to enjoy my youth"

To make yourself feel better, you can say whatever you want to

But one dreadful day, your words will come to haunt you

And when that day comes, you will regret what you have done

You lost your honour, in a battle you should have won

This world is just maya, it will take your Sikhi away

Tell me, did you forget that you are gonna die one day?

When this dream called life reaches its end

Then who will be your saviour, your helper, your True Friend?

There is still hope, you need to sharpen your mind

Go towards Guru Ji, and the Truth you will find

To merge with God, you were sent to earth

Trying to impress the world, you wasted the human birth

Did you think of those mothers, who wore their babies around their necks?

Or did all you think about, was attracting the opposite sex?

The very same hair that Guru Ji put Amrit in

You grabbed the scissors, and committed the ultimate sin

Guru Ji's Sons gave their lives, so you can be a Sikh

Their Sikhi remained strong, with each and every brick

Now is the time, for you to wake up and take control

Guru Ji is the water, that will sooth your burning soul

Do you really want to come back to this hell on earth?

Wandering and suffering, birth after birth

You say you're not ready to take Amrit, thats always your reply

But think about this...are you ready to die?

You think you'll practice Sikhi, in the future when you are old

But tell me, do you know when your body will turn cold?

When it’s all said and done, you will be full of sorrow and regret

You'll want to go to Sach Khand, but the requirements were not met

Guru Ji's arms are wide open, and He is waiting for you

It’s time to take action, and do what you gotta do

Change your life RIGHT NOW!, don't wait another day

Tomorrow may never come, then what will be left to say?

That Guru Gobind Singh Ji tried to put me on the right track

I gave Him my head, but then I took it back.

waheguru!!! found this on the tapoban forum. poet is anon.