The Nihang Phenomenon

[namastang]

Wahe Guru ji Ka Khalsa

Wahe Guru ji Ki Fateh

RELIGIOUS CONVERSIONS WHY?

THE WORLDS FIRST STUDY INTO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A SIKH CONVERSION EXPERIENCE.

Recent events have demonstrated that religious conviction amongst new converts can be so strong that they are willing to participate in such heinous actions such as those seen during 9/11, 7/7, and a string of others. Results from the worlds first research study in

understanding religious conversion amongst the British Asian Community will be presented at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Birmingham.

The research titled The British Nihang Phenomenon was carried out by Davinder Singh Panesar who has been researching religious conversions as part of his "Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology" postgraduate studies. During his research he focused on the conversion experience of individuals towards the mystical warrior tradition of the Nihangs in Britain & Europe.

The findings of this have been welcomed by Mohan Singh President of Guru Nanak Gurudwara who said Bearing in mind the role of converts in the recent terrorist events in the UK and USA, we believe this is a very important piece of research for us all

" The science of psychology has made great strides in understanding what goes wrong in individuals, families, groups, and institutions, but this research advances towards what goes right with people, developing into emotionally, mentally and physically healthy individuals and contributing towards a holistic, balanced and productive society. The authentic Nihang Sikhs have something of great value to main stream society" Davinder Singh Panesar.

The research will be launched at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham on 22nd November 2009-

11.30- Welcome Note Mohan Singh President Guru Nanak Gurudwara

11.35- Davinder Singh Panesar Research Launch.

12.30- Break for Coffee.

13.00- Question and Answer.

14.00- Closing address Mohan Singh

[Gurbar Akaal]

Converts?

People who follow any way of life follow it because either:

1) It makes the most sense to them, providing them answers to questions which co-incide with history and traditions.

2) The person has no other exposure to anything different (ie, families who follow a certain rehit)

3) Following the crowd

I think the idea that Davinder Singh Panesar is trying to put accross that people have converted to being a Nihang is utilising the incorrect language. If someone follows a particular aspect of Nihang maryada, ie extra Dasam Guru Darbar portions within their nitnem, practise of Shastarvidiya, Shastarpooja, Ghor Swaar, Bana maryada etc, that is not enought to constitue a "conversion" which requires an initiation which disregards all previous associations and alliances with your previous lifestyle.

Or maybe I got the wrong end of the salotar?

[namastang]

Definately the wrong end of the salotar, singh!

There has NEVER been any research on the "conversion" experience focused on any aspect of Sikhi. Most conversion studies have been on Judeo-Christian, Islamic or cult processes.

This is a unique piece of research and sheds very postive light on the postive psychological transformation and its impact on the health and well-being on those who choose to follow this mystical spiritual pathway.

Perhaps for the first time , we have someone smart and courgeous enough to use the Western acedemic system to demonstrate the profound value to individuals, families, groups, society and the environment of following an authentic Nihang pathway.

His research has also identified "models" & "stages" of human evolution and development according to Gurmat that makes the work of Abraham Maslow seem incomplete.

May Guru Nanak help bring light into the darkness through Wisdom. Akaaaaaal!"

Converts?

People who follow any way of life follow it because either:

1) It makes the most sense to them, providing them answers to questions which co-incide with history and traditions.

2) The person has no other exposure to anything different (ie, families who follow a certain rehit)

3) Following the crowd

I think the idea that Davinder Singh Panesar is trying to put accross that people have converted to being a Nihang is utilising the incorrect language. If someone follows a particular aspect of Nihang maryada, ie extra Dasam Guru Darbar portions within their nitnem, practise of Shastarvidiya, Shastarpooja, Ghor Swaar, Bana maryada etc, that is not enought to constitue a "conversion" which requires an initiation which disregards all previous associations and alliances with your previous lifestyle.

Or maybe I got the wrong end of the salotar?

[raj_karega_khalsa]

will ths b recorded or broadcasted?

[Guest fordcapri]

Wahe Guru ji Ka Khalsa

Wahe Guru ji Ki Fateh

RELIGIOUS CONVERSIONS WHY?

THE WORLDS FIRST STUDY INTO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A SIKH CONVERSION EXPERIENCE.

Recent events have demonstrated that religious conviction amongst new converts can be so strong that they are willing to participate in such heinous actions such as those seen during 9/11, 7/7, and a string of others. Results from the world’s first research study in

understanding religious conversion amongst the British Asian Community will be presented at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Birmingham.

The research titled “The British Nihang Phenomenon” was carried out by Davinder Singh Panesar who has been researching religious conversions as part of his "Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology" postgraduate studies. During his research he focused on the conversion experience of individuals towards the mystical warrior tradition of the Nihangs in Britain & Europe.

The findings of this have been welcomed by Mohan Singh President of Guru Nanak Gurudwara who said “Bearing in mind the role of converts in the recent terrorist events in the UK and USA, we believe this is a very important piece of research for us all” –

" The science of psychology has made great strides in understanding what goes wrong in individuals, families, groups, and institutions, but this research advances towards what goes right with people, developing into emotionally, mentally and physically healthy individuals and contributing towards a holistic, balanced and productive society. The authentic Nihang Sikhs have something of great value to main stream society" Davinder Singh Panesar.

The research will be launched at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham on 22nd November 2009-

11.30- Welcome Note – Mohan Singh – President Guru Nanak Gurudwara

11.35- Davinder Singh Panesar – Research Launch.

12.30- Break for Coffee.

13.00- Question and Answer.

14.00- Closing address Mohan Singh

Top Seva once agian.

Will this be takeing place at any other Gurdwara more on the other side of the City i,e Handsworth Smethwick ???

Is in English/Punjabi or both.