Tuesday 22 December 2009

Trip to Derby and Leamington Spa‏

Yep we got a trip for all the Sangat with under 16's to the Sikh museum in Derby and to the brand new Gurdwara in Leamington Spa!!

The trip will take place on Sunday 27th December, will leave the Gurdwara at 0900 and will get back about 5.30pm

If you want to come, want your younger brothers / sisters / cousins / nieces / nephews or your children to attend please get in touch ASAP and book your place!

Those who wish to go, please email back saying you want to go

If you have any questions please email RSYA Team at rsya@hotmail.co.uk

TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee (Native American) told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said:

"My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all...
...one wolf is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego...

...The other one is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
"Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."


japahu th eaeko naamaa || Chant the Name of the One Lord.

avar niraafal kaamaa ||1|| All other actions are fruitless. ||1||


Thanks to Bhai Bhupinder Singh

Wednesday 9 December 2009

Mother and mute child

A mother has her first child and as she nurtures her child for the first year she looks forward to the time her child will speak. A year passes and the child does not make a sound. She worries a little that the child is not even making a single sound. At two years the mothers fears are proven correct as the child is diagnosed as not being able to speak.

The child can hear fine as he follows the sounds that they make around him, but he cannot speak. She waits another few years. And hopes that one day her child will call her, speak to her, cry out her name. She longs for some response. But nothing.

Then one day while she is working outside she hears "Maaa!" shedrops everything runs to her child and asks the child, did you say something, say it again, was it just my imagination, please say something, say it again.....

And So is our Guru waiting for his children to call out to him, talk tohim, ask for him, remember him. Sometimes we may remember for an instant in times of pain and he will always run to us, he is always there, but then we lose our voices again.

gur naanak dhaekh vigasee maerae piaarae jio maath suthae

Beholding the Guru, Nanak is filled with wondrous joy, like a child, gazing upon his mother.

Guru Raam Daas Ji Raag Aasaa 452

.

prabh maath pithaa ka(n)t(h) laaeidhaa lahurrae baalak paal

God is my mother and father; He hugs me close in His embrace, and cherishes me, like His tiny baby.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji Raag Raamkalee Ang 957

Monday 7 December 2009

Sikhs Attacked in Ludhiana, Panjab


On Saturday 5th December, the Panjab Police shot and killed Sikhs protesting in Ludhiana against a rally organized by supporters of Ashutosh Noormehlia of the Divya Jyoti Jagran Sansthan.



Who is Ashutosh Noormehlia?
Ashutosh Noormehlia is a man from Bihar who was brought to Panjab by agencies to create a cult (Diviya Jyoti Jagran Sansthan) to attack the Sikh religion. The cult-leader Ashutosh openly claims that Sikhs should not follow Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee and instead accept him as the Guru because he says that the 'Jyot' (light) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee is within him and he claims that he is the reincarnation of Guru Gobind Singh jee as well. In his dera he keeps saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee that they treat and keep like a book which they keep on the shelf. He quotes and misinterprets Gurbani on a daily basis at his programmes. Ashutosh preaches against and insults keeping Kesh, wearing the 5 Ks, reading Gurbani, following the Shabad Guru, and going to the Gurdwara etc. The cultists claim that they are the 'true Khalsa' and oppose Amritdharis.


Video of Ashutosh Cultist preaching against Sikhi

They hold regular diwans at the heart of Sikh cities like Taran Taaran, Amritsar and Gurdaspur. Many times, events of 1978 have been repeated where the police was used for protection and attacking and killing the peaceful Sikh protestors. On one occasion, a programme was held on 19th April 2002 at which a preacher of Ashutosh, Shardha Nand, grossly insulted Sikhi and Guru Granth Sahib jee (see video above). When Sikhs showed up to protest they were attacked and fired upon. Shardha Nana escaped in government vehicles and Sikhs were arrested for causing violence. Similar events have taken place in other cities but with the help of the government Noormehls always managed to escape and Sikhs became the target of violence and police brutality.

Read more about Ashutosh here.


The events leading up to Saturday
After the events of 2002, the then government led by Capt. Amrinder Singh (Congress) banned Ashutosh from doing any form of preaching outside of his dera as it was a risk to law and order and it would hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. However, the Badal government (the Akalis) lifted the ban and allowed Ashutosh to do programmes throughout Panjab. It should be noted that whenever anti-Sikh cults have risen in Panjab to attack the Sikhs it has always been during the Akali-BJP governments (e.g. 1978 massacre, 1984 Operation Bluestar, Bhaniaare wala, and Jhoota Saudaa).

Ashutosh had planned a Shobha Yatra (mockery and copy of Sikh's Nagar Kirtan) in Ludhiana on 5th December, in which he was to sit in a Palki and roam around Ludhiana. But Panthic Jathebandis had protested against it, and due to pressure from all sides, the Badal's government refused permission for the parade. Despite the cancellation of the Shobha Yatra, Ashutosh was adamant to hold a programme to show his power, as he knows that 40% residents of Ludhiana today are from UP and Bihar. He wanted to directly challenge the Sikh panth.

One day before on 4th December, 12,000 Bihari workers rioted across Ludhiana and burnt down Sikh buses, trucks, cars and motorcycles in protest against another issue which was related to them being treated poorly by the police when they reported that they were being their money was being looted by robbers on paydays. Although the issues are different, it is hard to ignore that both events have links. When 12,000 Biharis targetted Sikh buses (Sachkhand and Akal Takht Express buses) and Sikh property no one was fired at! However, oney day later when 500 to 600 Singhs peacefully protest they are fired with bullets by the Police.

On Friday 4th December the Sikhs were reassured by the government officials that Ashutosh's programmes were cancelled however fearing that it could be a bluff they decided to carry out a peaceful protest to the intended programme venue on 5th December. The Sikh Sangat led by Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, leaders from Damdami Taksaal and Sant Samaaj gathered at Gurudwara Kalgidhar in Ludhiana where the Singhs did Ardaas in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee for blessings and then they began to walk.


The Singhs had only walked a hundred kilometers or so when the peaceful Sikh protestors were stopped by the Police and were blocked from going forward. The Police then tried to put Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma (Damdami Taksaal) into a Police van when the Sangat intervened and prevented it from happening. At this point tensions rose due to the heavy handed tactics of the Police.


LUDHIANA MASSACRE - DECEMBER 5th 2009


The police set up a barricaded check post at Samrala Chowk, about 1 kilometer from the dera rally, and without warning fired upon the protesting Sikhs as they approached the check point. The police used tear gas and live ammunition on the protesting Sikhs. Varying reports are saying that 4 to 6 Gursikhs have been killed and 11 others were seriously injured by the indiscriminate police firing. The injured include Bhai Kanwalpreet Singh, Bhai Anup Singh, Bhai Manjinder Singh, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh, Bhai Parminder Singh, Bhai Gurpreet Singh, Bhai Gurjant Singh, Bhai Jaswinder Singh, Bhai Amarjeet Singh, Bibi Surinder Kaur and Bhai Mangal Singh.


58-year old Bhai Darshan Singh jee becomes the first Shaheed of this Saakaa (massacre). Bhai Sahib was a simple Gursikh who drove a Rikshaa for his livelihood. He was driving his Rikshaa when he saw the Gursikhs protesting. Finding out about the protest Bhai Sahib left his Rikshaa and joined the protest at the front. The Police aimed to shoot Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale but when Bhai Sahib saw this he jumped in front to have bullets pierce through his chest. He has left 2 sons and 1 daughter.


Elderly Singh becomes Shaheed after Police open fire on Gursikhs.


Gursikh left bleeding and his turban removed.



Sikh youngster lying on the ground seriously injured.


Bhai Sahib jee shot in the stomach by the Police.



Panjab Police brutality



Blood on their Hands!
Panthic organizations state that Harish Bedi, the local BJP MLA leader, and his son Honey Bedi are directly responsible for organizing the cult rally with the blessings of the ruling Akali government. Both had been actively preparing for the event for several days. Witnesses attest that Honey Bedi was present at the protest site, and shot a firearm in the direction of the protesters. The organizations have requested that along with cult leader Aushutosh, Parkash Badal, Harish Bedi and his son should to be held responsible for the bloodshed in Ludhiana.



Protest ongoing
The Gursikh leaders decided that they would get the Sangat to hold back from fighting the Police as they felt it was a trip to get maximum number of Sikhs get killed. Instead the decision was made by the Mahapurkhs for the Sangat to sit down and peacefully protest and stay clear from the trap. All the Singhs and Mahapurkhs continued the protested throughout the night and on to the next day. In the cold night of December with no extra clothes or blankets, Gursikhs sat in the roads to peacefully protest. As there was a complete shutdown in Ludhiana, I assume that Langar was not allowed to be brought to the places where Gursikhs were protesting throughout the day and night. Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale jee has taken the lead and are visiting hospitals to tend to the injured Singhs and preparing for the funerals of the Shaheeds tommorow in Ludhiana.

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Reading Gurdwara Workshop and Kirtan Darbar

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,

On Saturday November 21st Reading Gurdwara will be a day of Sikhi workshops!

Sri Guru Singh Sabha
30a Cumberland Road,
Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3LB

The workshops will be conducted by Bhai Manvir Singh and Co. who will speak in English (so you cant complain 'I dont understand!!).

This is a fantastic opportunity to really learn, appreciate and enjoy the wealth of Sikhi. The workshops will be held throughout the day so that everyone and anyone can benefit. They start at 10am and will be going on continuously until 5pm, so come when you can, ideally for the whole day lol.

'Use this chance to take a permanent hold of Guru Ji’s hand; it may be your last'

It would be amazing to see you there at the workshops on the date specified. Even coming down just a couple of hours is good enough!!!

The camp will cover the core principles of Sikhism; it will allow you to ask ANY questions you have on Sikhism that you may have, and all in English!!!!!!! It is better than asking Gianis/ Granthis where we become more confused after hearing their answer than when we went to ask them the question!! Lol

If you have any questions please email.

TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!

For the Youth: YOU ARE THE FUTURE – DISCOVER YOUR SIKHI

Also Sevadars are required so please get in contact if you can help out!


Oh and to top it off we have a Kirtan darbar at the end of it from 6pm to late! Kirtanis are coming from all over the UK to do kirtan seva in the remembrance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Jis Shaheedi (Martyrdom). PLEASE ATTEND.

Singing the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, is the highest of all actions.

So chant the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; this alone shall go along with you in the end. ||3||

Tuesday 27 October 2009

Seva Day & Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurb

Seva Day - Saturday 31st October from 10am to 7pm - There will be plenty to do and we advise you bring clothes you dont mind getting dirty!


Guru Nanak Dev Jis Gurpurb - Akhand Paaht starts 31st October and Bhog on Monday 2nd November, evening Kirtan programme from 6pm - 10pm!


Movie Day
- RSYA will be showing another movie at Reading Gurdwara on Sunday 7th November at 6pm downstairs.

Thursday 1 October 2009

STRENGTH

A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox.

The lad dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge). When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the wall.

Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox.

The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed and shoved. But his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers.

Finally he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father.

Gently but firmly he said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?

Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!"

"No, son," corrected the father kindly. "You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me."

With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox.

When in times of need, use the biggest strength you have...An ardas to your Father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, to help you overcome your problem...

Guru Raam Daas Ji in Raag Dayv Gandhaaree on Ang 527

dyvgMDwrI ]
dhaevaga(n)dhhaaree ||
Dayv-Gandhaaree:

Ab hm clI Twkur pih hwir ]
ab ham chalee t(h)aakur pehi haar ||
Now, I have come, exhausted, to my Lord and Master.

jb hm srix pRBU kI AweI rwKu pRBU BwvY mwir ]1] rhwau ]
jab ham saran prabhoo kee aaee raakh prabhoo bhaavai maar ||1|| rehaao ||
Now that I have come seeking Your Sanctuary, God, please, either save me, or kill me. ||1||Pause||

lokn kI cqurweI aupmw qy bYsMqir jwir ]
lokan kee chathuraaee oupamaa thae baisa(n)thar jaar ||
I have burnt in the fire the clever devices and praises of the world.

koeI Blw khau BwvY burw khau hm qnu dIE hY Fwir ]1]
koee bhalaa keho bhaavai buraa keho ham than dheeou hai dtaar ||1||
Some speak good of me, and some speak ill of me, but I have surrendered my body to You. ||1||

jo Awvq srix Twkur pRBu qumrI iqsu rwKhu ikrpw Dwir ]
jo aavath saran t(h)aakur prabh thumaree this raakhahu kirapaa dhhaar ||
Whoever comes to Your Sanctuary, O God, Lord and Master, You save by Your Merciful Grace.

jn nwnk srix qumwrI hir jIau rwKhu lwj murwir ]2]4]
jan naanak saran thumaaree har jeeo raakhahu laaj muraar ||2||4||
Servant Nanak has entered Your Sanctuary, Dear Lord; O Lord, please, protect his honor! ||2||4||


Article written by the administrators of Sikhvibes.com - check out that website!

Sunday 20 September 2009

Interesting thoughts

Prayer is not only worship; it is also an invisible emanation of man's worshipping spirit - the most powerful form of energy that one can generate. If you make a habit of sincere prayer, your life will be very noticeably and profoundly enriched.

Prayer is a force as real as terrestrial gravity. As a doctor, I have seen men, after all therapy had failed, lifted out of disease and melancholyby the serene effort of prayer. Such occasions have been termed miracle. But a constent, quieter miracle takes place hourly in the hearts of men and women who have discovered that prayer supplies them with a steady flow of sustaining power in their daily lives.

Too many people regard prayer as a formalised routine of words, a refuge for weaklings or a childish petition for material things. Properly understood, prayer is a mature activity indispensable to the fullest development of personality. Only in prayer do we achieve that complete, harmonious assembly of body, mind and spirit which gives the frail human reed its unshakeable strength.

How does prayer fortify us with so much dynamic power? To answer this question (admittedly outside the jurisdiction of science) I must point out that all prayers demonstrate the same truth; human beings seek to augment their finite energy by addressing themselves to the infinite source of all energy. When we pray, we link ourselves with the inexhaustiblemotive power that spins the universe. We ask that a part of this power be apportioned to our needs. Even in asking, our human deficiencies are filled, and we arise strengthened and repaired.

In order really to mould personality, prayer must become a habit. One can pray everywhere; in the street, the office, the school, in the solitudeof one's own room, in a church. There is no prescribed posture, time or place. But it is meaningless to pray in the morning and to live like a barbarian the remainder of the day. True prayer is a way of life; the truest life is literally a way of prayer.

Today, lack of emphasis on the religious sense has brought the world to the edge of destruction. Our deepest source of power and perfection has been left miserably undeveloped. Prayer, the basic exercise of the spirit, must be actively practised by man and nations. For if the power of prayer is again released and used in the lives of common men and women, there is yet hope that our prayers for a better world will be answered.

(Prayer is Power by Alexis Carrel in Reader's Digest March 1963).

---------------------------------------------------------

Times of general calamity and confusion have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest one is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm. (Colton)

Nations, like individuals, derive support and strength from the feeling that they belong to an illustrious race, that they are heirs of the greatness, and ought to be the perpetuators of their glory. It is of momentous importance that a nation should have a great past to look back upon. It steadies the life of the present, elevates and upholds it and heightens and lifts it up, by the memory of the great deeds, the noble sufferings and the valorous achievements of the men of old. (Samuel Smiles)

Ideas have never conquered the world as ideas, but only by the force they represent. They do not grip men by their intellectual contents, but by the radiant vitality which is given off at certain period in history...The loftiest and most sublime idea remains ineffective until the day when it becomes contagious, not by its own merits but by the merits of the groups of men in whom it becomes incarnate, by the transfusion of their blood, then the whithered plant, the rose of Jerico comes suddenly to flower, grows to its full height, and fills all the air with its aroma. (Roman Rolland)

Typed by sevadaar of RSYA

Saturday 19 September 2009

Movie days at the Gurdwara!!!

We bet you can't believe it!!

A Gurdwara - a place where parents bring you even though you may not want to be there is showing films?!?

YEP! We sure are, each month on a Saturday during Sikhi class, we will show a Sikhi based film. (Saves the Sikhi class teacher from boring everyone to sleep! lol).

Please see poster attached to find out next movie day!!

P.S. Feel free to bring popcorn and juice!

Kirtan in loving memory of Bhai Gurnam Singh Ji - Pics

The Kirtan programme in loving memory of Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurnam Singh on the 12th September was a great success as many kirtanis and sangat attended from all over UK.

Below are some pictures taken on the day, enjoy!

Bhai Harsevak Singh

Bhai Gurvijay Singh

Bibi Ji

Bhai Ragbir Singh doing Chaur Sahib Seva

Bhai Nanak Singh

Tuesday 1 September 2009

Kirtan event in loving memory of Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurnam Singh Ji

There is a kirtan programme on the 12th September in loving memory of Bhai Sahib Bhai Gurnam Singh, the first president of Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Reading.

Bhai Sahib were also one of the founding members of Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK when in it was set up in 1976. Bhai Sahib did seva as its General Secretary from then until 1995. They arranged many of the old international smagams in the UK, single handly, nowadays there are smagams everywhere but back in the day in the 70's, 80's, it was harder to get keertanis to smagams, as the majority of keertanis were in India and getting visas was not as easy as it was now.

The Rehansbai's we enjoy today are due to the hard work done by these Gursikhs in the past. Please please attend.

It is the RSYA team's humble request that you attend and get the laha of Kirtan, Simran and Saad Sangat.

Please see poster.

Friday 28 August 2009

Next RSYA meeting - 6th Sept 2009

The meeting will be on the 6th SEPTEMBER 2009 at Ramgharia Sikh Centre at 1.30 PM. (234 London Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1AH)

Those who have ideas that they would like to see be implemented through this youth group or even just want to be part of this growing group of Sikh youngsters in Reading; then please attend.

Tell others please. Thank you.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
(The Brotherhood belongs to God | All Victories are God's)

Sunday 16 August 2009

Bhai Gurnam Singh Antim Sanskar

WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh


Bhai Gurnam Singh Reading left for heavenly abode on the 13th August 2009. Bhai Sahib was very old and had been in hospital for a couple of weeks.

Bhai Sahib had dedicated his life to Gurbani and spent years as a very active sevadaar in the sadh sangat. Bhai Sahib would sit through many Rainsbhais enjoying the laha of Gurbani while doing his niskam seva.

Bhai Sahib was one of the founding members of Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK when in it was set up in 1976. Bhai Sahib did seva as its General Secretary from then until 1995. Bhai Sahib was highly educated and held a good position in his working life, but always remained humble.

Bhai Sahib helped many Sikhs in the early days who had issues of keeping rehit in work places, such as dastaar, kirpan, etc. He was a very capable community spokesperson.

He would often reminiscence about how blessed he was to have spent so much time in sangat of Guru Sahib and his Gursikhs.


During the past few days sehaj paaht and kirtan has been taking place at Bhai Gurnam Singh Ji's residence.

Kirtan takes place from 1815 to 1945 every day.

Address:
10 Lambourne Gardens, Earley, Reading, RG6 7EG


ANTIM SANSKAR IS ON FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST 2009


Bhai Gurnam Singh brought home - final respect

Time: 0845 - 1000
Address: 10 Lambourne Gardens, Earley, Reading, RG6 7EG
Telephone: 01189 267900 / 07932386991 / 07961169805

Followed by

Antim Sanskar
Time: 1045 - 1130
Address: Reading Crematorium & Henley Road Cemetery, All Hallows Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5LP
Telephone: 01189 472433

Followed by

Gurdwara - Sehaj Paaht Bhog and Kirtan

Time: 1230 - onwards
Address: Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 30A Cumberland Road, Reading, RG1 3LB
Telephone: 01189 623836
















Left to right

Bhai Tejinderpal Singh Ji (Dulla)
Bhai Gurnam Singh Ji
Bhai Joginder Singh Ji Talwara


The Rehansbai's we enjoy today are due to the hard work done by these Gursikhs in the past. Please please attend.


WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh

Thursday 13 August 2009

Family Day Out at Palmer Park

Thats right there is going to be a family day out on the 29th August 2009 at palmer park!!!

Starts at 1pm and will end about 5pm

There will be plenty to do including football, rounders, gup shup and eating!! LOL

Please come along with whole family

Check out the poster

Next RSYA meeting - 16th Aug 2009

The meeting will be on the 16th AUGUST 2009 at Ramgharia Sikh Centre at 1.30 PM. (234 London Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1AH)

Those who have ideas that they would like to see be implemented through this youth group or even just want to be part of this growing group of Sikh youngsters in Reading; then please attend.

Tell others please. Thank you.


Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
(The Brotherhood belongs to God | All Victories are God's)

Inspirational books‏

Following the amazing talk at Reading Singh Sabha Gurdwara on the aspect of talking to God, there were a few inspirational books mentioned, they are written below with the link for more info and to go and buy it. These books will be in the library soon.


THESE BOOKS ARE IN ENGLISH!!


1 - In Search of the TRUE Guru (Bhai Rama Singh Ji Autobiography)
http://www.sikhnation.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=31

2 - Autobiography of Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji
http://www.sikhnation.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=48
http://www.bhaisahib.com/ (more info)

3 - The Little book of spiritual Wisdom (by Jatinder Singh)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0953857204?tag=openlibr-20


Happy reading!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
(The Brotherhood belongs to God | All Victories are God's)

Monday 20 July 2009

Conversations with God

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
(The Brotherhood belongs to God | All Victories are God's)


The next event at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Reading is on SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST 2009

It is a talk that will be about 'Conversations with God' by Bhai Jagjit Singh

It starts at 10.30am and finish at 1pm

Do we speak to God? is there a way of speaking to God? how do we speak to God? Does God listen? what is the point of speaking to God?

ALL these questions WILL be answered - dont get that on a general Sunday programme!!

any other question you may have can be answered on a one to one basis after the general talk that will be given to the sangat

Please pass this email out far and wide!!! Dont be shy!!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
(The Brotherhood belongs to God | All Victories are God's)

Reading Sikh Youth Association (RSYA)
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara,
30A Cumberland Road,
Reading,
Berkshire,
RG1 3LB,
U.K.

http://www.rsya.org/

Contact: rsya@hotmail.co.uk


Friday 17 July 2009

Gursikhs have two wings

"A bird has two wings and cannot fly without these. In the same way, for the Gursikhs sewa and simran are like two wings. Without sewa and simran, an individual will not rise above the problems of daily life and be content and positive. By doing sewa, the hands, feet and body become purified. By doing Simran, the tongue and the mind are purified."

written by Bhai Rama Singh Ji in 'In Search of the True Guru'.

Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and The Naamdhari's‏

One time, 108 Bhram Giani Mahpursh Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa and the entire Jatha where staying at Sachkhand Sri Hajoor Sahib. At the same time a large Naamdhari Jatha had reserved rooms at Gurdhwara Sahib not knowing that Mahpursh and Jatha where also staying there.

The Naamdhari's where given stage time, and did katha and many members of the jatha where taken back by the preechar done. During Ardaas, premi's who where doing Joryaan di Sevaa, ran away as they did not want to hear the blamsemphous ardaas of the Naamdhari's, who did not beleive in Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the jag-di-jot of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji.

The premi's quickly ran over and sat with Mahpursh. No one dared to say a word to mahpursh Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji, out of fear, as any talk outside of gurbani was not tolerated, and Mahpursh where always in a state of doing, or listening to Gurbani and no one would dare interupt it. The Singhs all sat with mahpursh wondering what should be done, and how the Naamdhari's should be dealt with.

Later in the evening diwan Sant Mahpursh Bhram Giani Sant Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa, sat on stage and did Katha. Just by listening to the Katha the Naamdhari's realized who Mahpursh where (A true Sikh of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji). The Katha hit deep down and the unfatmoable arth of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji stung at the hearts of the Naamdhari's. Without wasting any time they all got there stuff together and ran away from Sri Hajoor Sahib Ji.

Morale: Many times we see parkhandhi babbay running prechaar against Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Quickly we are triggered to being angry and becoming hot headed. In this day and age espeically countless numbers of people are doing beadbi of Maharaaj and not conforming to parataan Rehat. By becoming angry and hot headed we are all causing fire, and likewise getting burned. Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is above all, they are untouchable and above all, it is no doubt our duty as the sons and daughters of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji to have shardaa and respect towards Maharaaj, however acting out and acting rash is of no use to anyone.

The real way to act, should be to simply get on stage and do prechaar and Gurbani itself will teach and sting at the hearts of those doing wrong doings. Full faith in Gurbani should always be held. As Gurbani itself is above all, who are we to protect it? We can only simply ask for Gurbani to protect us. Many times we feel we need to protect Gurbani from evil mahaants, but just as children who get angry at someone teasing our parents, we fail to realize that this calling of names etc, is only bringing the other person down and weighing down on there own karm.

Sakhi typed as remembered, from the katha narration of Baba Charn Singh (Bhagat Ji).

Friday 12 June 2009

Shaheedi Akhand Paath

In Memory of all the Shaheeds in 1984 Sri Akhand Paath will be held to commemorate this occasion when Sri Harmandir Sahib was attacked, the Akal Takht destroyed and Thousands were killed.

Please attend and bring your family and friends.

19th June - 21st June

Start (Arambh): 10.00am (19th June)
Finish (Bhog): 10.00am (21st June)
Keertan Deewan and Speakers: 10-1pm

Guest Speakers on 21st June (10.30am - 1pm):

Bhai Balbir Singh (Southall) - who spent over 3 years in an Indian Jail wrongly accussed by the corrupt Delhi Police, just as he landed at the airport in 1999. Bhai Sahib was acquitted by the Judge in 2002, as he called the case put against Bhai Sahib a "balloon of falsehood".

and

Bhai Deepinder Singh(aka Dr.D from Khalsa camp)


@ Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Reading
30A Cumberland Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 3LB
UK

Tel: 01189 623 638

rsya@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.reading-gurdwara.org.uk/
http://www.rsya.org



Keertan Classes


@ Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Reading
30A Cumberland Road
Reading
RG1 3LB

Keertan Classes Every Monday and Thursday 6.30pm until 7.30pm

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Next RSYA meeting - 14th June 2009

WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH

LONG TIME SINCE MEETING!!

RSYA have been busy designing banners and other work for the 1984 Rally and for the Shaheedi Akhand Paaht (19th - 21st June 2009).

BUT WORRY NOT.......THE GUP SHUPP.......erm.........THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND!

The meeting will be on the 14th JUNE 2009 at Reading Gurdwara at 1.30 PM. Those who have ideas that they would like to see be implemented through this youth group or even just want to be part of this growing group of Sikh youngsters in Reading; then please attend.

Meeting will take place in small hall (Opposite the main Darbar - access via the small stairs)

Tell others please. Thank you.


WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHEGURU JI KI FATEH

Saturday 9 May 2009

Make the time for Guru Ji!

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Sikh duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of waheguru to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before Waheguru,
I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands He held a book; It was the book of life.
Waheguru looked into his book and said
Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down... But never found the time'

IF SOMEONE HAD A GUN HELD IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE AND ASKED YOU IF YOU BELIEVED IN WAHEGURU, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

SAY NO AND FEEL ASHAMED THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?
OR
SAY YES, I DO, AND DIE STANDING UP FOR WAHEGURU?

Friday 24 April 2009

Why Humans Don't Believe, Love or Have Faith In God‏

People feel this way due to doubts, and these doubts have increased from having so many life times in which we have sinned. By sinning a real filth, not an abstract filth but real, clouds the mind with such thickness that the person cannot feel or hear the soul but only the mind. People have both good and bad thoughts, the good thoughts which lead us closer to God come from the soul whereas the bad from the mind. In Gurbani it says that people only began to doubt and to think of God to be faraway in Dvapar Yug, the yug before this one, Kaliyug (dark age). So, imagine what people would be like now in this age - they won't believe God exists at all.

Why would God show that he exists so easily to one who doubts or who has ego, if he did that, than everyone in this world would believe in God, worship him and would not SIN. He saves his existence for his SAINTS; this is the glory of the saints. God teaches, guides and inspires his devotee, perfecting him/her, turning them into a SAINT in order to grant their GIFT, God's Darshan. This is the love they have for God and the love God shows back to them, enabling them to merge with him and return to their true home.

What separates us from him is our own EGO. In this EGO we say I did this, I bought this, but in reality God does everything. In fact, everything you have in your life has been given to you by GOD; in gurbani God is called the GREAT GIVER. To counter this EGO we put FAITH in between this EGO and God. Now, faith is everlasting, nothing like belief as belief can be shattered easily. By putting faith in Guru Ji and God, we have put a thorn in our EGO, because we will now look beyond the blindness of the ego into the unseen. The soul already knows God exists it is our mind that does not. With this Faith we become humble living, not in our own will (ego), but God’s will doing what he tells us not what our mind tells us, ie giving our head to Guru Ji by taking amrit and JAPING NAAM. This is the beginning stage of perfection - NAAM CONVERTS THE FAITH INTO A REALITY. There is no difference between God’s name and God himself; the naam acts like a mediator, we have to remember this. It erases countless sins and filth of the mind so much that we will begin to hear and feel our soul’s needs, which is to unite with GOD. This state is called Bairaag, it has been reached by many Gursikhs in the past. Notable ones to mention are Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji and Baba Harnaam Singh Ji. Below are their pictures and short stories of major turnings in their life before they both had the vision of God. Enjoy.

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Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh:
Bhai Sahib Ji’s father always told him that prayer to God does not cure physical illnesses but only mental illnesses, and that he should take a medicine to cure the physical ones. Bhai Sahib disliked medicines as he never accepted or put faith in them, but only in God. Soon his father became ill of Malaria, and if not cured by medicine, he would have died. Bhai Sahib Ji served him at the hospital himself accompanying him. After a week the treatment had no effect on him; there was not the slightest change in his condition and his fever proceeded to worsen. More servants were sent to help bhai sahibs father but whoever did suffered a severe attack of malaria and had to leave the place. Even a relative of Bhai Sahibs could not help from also becoming ill from being near Bhai Sahib’s father. His father’s condition was taking a serious turn now. Bhai Sahib himself eventually caught the fever too, he was fine at first but then he started to shiver and his body’s temperature rose every high, so he had to confine himself to a bed. His father was dying now, and it was unlikely for him to survive in the next 24hrs.

Now, bhai sahib was told to take medicine by a doctor, otherwise he won’t be able to serve his father in his last moments. Bhai sahib replied: “your medicine had not been able to cure my father after a treatment of many weeks. Your medicine had not cured anyone of those servants and relatives who became a victim of the fever and had to go home. How could this medicine cure me? Don’t worry about me I have my own medicine. Do not annoy me anymore as I am not going to take any of your medicines anymore”. The doctor became very angry on hearing this and put two medicines on a table beside his bed, ordering him to take it or if he does not after an hour when he comes back he and his dying father will be thrown out of hospital. Bhai sahib who was unaffected by the threat gathered strength and went to his father. His father looked completely dead; he was lying unconscious, his pulse was very slow and about to fail, his hands and feet were very cold, a rattling sound could be heard in his throat and he could neither hear nor see for the last two days. For three days he was unable to pass urine, although his catheter was passed and some injections were given. His urine had poisoned and infected his whole body. There was no hope of his survival. Giving up, Bhai sahib ji then heard a voice inside of him that the divine name is the panacea of all illnesses. This gave him hope and his faith was awakened, but only because he already served Guru Ji and believed this in his heart.

Being disappointed from every side, he concentrated on the inner voice which was his only hope. He wrapped himself in a blanket and in a state of mental concentration did ardaas and then recited Japji (to him this was the only name he knew as he had not taken amrit at the time). The spiritual mystery of the name had not been revealed to him. He recited Japji five times and sixth time his mind was concentrated on the verses of spiritual communion manai (verse no. 12 to 15). He continued to repeat these verses and could not go beyond it. His body then began to sweat and his fever had come down to normal and he was feeling light and healthy. He went to see his father, thinking that he might be dead. When he was near him he was surprised and at the same time delighted to see that his father was now passing urine and his pulse was better. He was also breathing clearly. His body was also sweating, even though he did not have the cotton sheet over his body. Happy seeing him recovering he called his father, who opened his eyes and spoke as if coming out of Samadhi. He said “Son somebody is reciting the communion verses manai ki pauri of Japji. I feel deeply elevated in spiritual bliss”. Bhai Sahib was astonished to hear him say that and thanked God for saving his father.

As he was sitting near his father, the doctor came back finding Bhai Sahib in normal condition. The doctor thought he had taken the medicine but Bhai Sahib told him that he hadn’t and left them where they were, the doctor felt his pulse and was astonished. Bhai Sahib then asked him to see his father’s condition. When he looked at his father and found him quite well, he was dumbfounded. He stood there like a statue and asked his father: “what is the miracle that has suddenly cured you”. The father said “It is the miracle of the communion verses of Japji” and then closed his eyes and remained silent. The doctor again questioned his father who said back “Do not disturb my mind which is deeply absorbed in the music of the communion verses. The music of the communion verses manai ki pauri is still ringing in my ear”. Bhai Sahib ji told the doctor that it was the miracle of the divine name which is the panacea of all illnesses. Within another two or three day Bhai Sahib’s father was brought home. Bhai Sahib’s faith in the high principle of Sikhi became deeper and more sublime. No one thereof prevented him from taking religious life seriously.
Baba Harnam Singh Ji:
Taking Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Shelter

All directions were totally fruitless which led to a feeling of despondency. Two or three days passed in this way. Finally he decided to go to the village Gurdwara. In great sorrow and anguish he did an Ardaas (supplication).

As our fourth Guru, Guru Ram Dass Ji says :

ਅਬ ਹਮ ਚਲੀ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਪਹਿ ਹਾਰਿ ॥
Now, I have come, exhausted, to my Lord and Master.

ਜਬ ਹਮ ਸਰਣਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਕੀ ਆਈ ਰਾਖੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਭਾਵੈ ਮਾਰਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Now that I have come seeking Your Sanctuary, God, please, either save me, or kill me. ||1||Pause||

ਲੋਕਨ ਕੀ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਉਪਮਾ ਤੇ ਬੈਸੰਤਰਿ ਜਾਰਿ ॥
I have burnt in the fire the clever devices and praises of the world.

ਕੋਈ ਭਲਾ ਕਹਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਬੁਰਾ ਕਹਉ ਹਮ ਤਨੁ ਦੀਓ ਹੈ ਢਾਰਿ ॥੧॥
Some speak good of me, and some speak ill of me, but I have surrendered my body to You. ||1||

ਜੋ ਆਵਤ ਸਰਣਿ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਤੁਮਰੀ ਤਿਸੁ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰਿ ॥
Whoever comes to Your Sanctuary, O God, Lord and Master, You save by Your Merciful Grace.

ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਰਣਿ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਲਾਜ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ ॥੨॥੪॥
Servant Nanak has entered Your Sanctuary, Dear Lord; O Lord, please, protect his honor! ||2||4||

Satguru Ji! I have given up faith in all other things and I have come to your shelter. Please bless me and assist me, I will never leave your Door for any other. Baba Ji said that he didn't know how long he stood there with love and affection doing his Ardaas. Suddenly he heard a voice: "Harnam Singh! Take the Guru's Amrit and become one of the Guru's followers, only then will you attain this spiritual state. Don't get upset."

The yearning to meet the Guru was now fulfilled. A few days later, he took Khandey Dhaa Amrit at Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) and set foot on Guru Ji's path. Now the desire to meet God remained firm in his mind. He arose early (at Amrit Velaa) took a bath and did his Nitnem and then he would do his worldly duties. Although he was only around 10 years old, this was necessary because his father had passed away. Through work he would repeat Mool Mantar. When he lost concentration he would repeat the Gur Mantar. He would try to use every breath to remember God. Every moment was a desire to meet God.

As Gurbani says:

ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਧੁ ਨੋ ਸਦਾ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹੈ ਸਾਸਾ ॥
Dear Beloved Lord, I praise You continually, as long as there is the breath within my body.

ਇਕੁ ਪਲੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਵਿਸਰਹਿ ਤੂ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਜਾਣਉ ਬਰਸ ਪਚਾਸਾ ॥
If I were to forget You, for a moment, even for an instant, O Lord Master, it would be like fifty years for me.

The pain of being separated was becoming unbearable. Oh Great One! If I could meet you, then all these pains would disappear immediately and be replaced with pleasures. Bless me. He kept all hope in meeting God.

Tuesday 17 March 2009

How the mind of a Sikh should be

From Guru Granth Sahib Ji on ang 1372 - Salok Kabeer Jee

kabeer rorraa hoe rahu baatt kaa thaj man kaa abhimaan
Kabeer, let yourself be a pebble on the path; abandon your egotistical pride.


aisaa koee dhaas hoe thaahi milai bhagavaan 146
Such a humble slave shall meet the Lord God. 146


kabeer rorraa hooaa th kiaa bhaeiaa pa(n)thhee ko dhukh dhaee
Kabeer, what good would it be, to be a pebble? It would only hurt the traveller on the path.


aisaa thaeraa dhaas hai jio dhharanee mehi khaeh 147
Your slave, O Lord, is like the dust of the earth. 147


kabeer khaeh hooee tho kiaa bhaeiaa jo oudd laagai a(n)g
Kabeer, what then, if one could become dust? It is blown up by the wind, and sticks to the body.


har jan aisaa chaaheeai jio paanee saraba(n)g 148
The humble servant of the Lord should be like water, which cleans everything. 148


kabeer paanee hooaa th kiaa bhaeiaa seeraa thaathaa hoe
Kabeer, what then, if one could become water? It becomes cold, then hot.


har jan aisaa chaaheeai jaisaa har hee hoe 149
The humble servant of the Lord should be just like the Lord. 149

Tuesday 17 February 2009

NEXT RSYA MEETING

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The RSYA meetings take place on the first Sunday of the month after Divaan (1PM). Those who have ideas that they would like to see be implemented through this youth group or even just want to be part of this growing group of Sikh youngsters in Reading; then please attend.

The next meeting will be on the 1st MARCH 2009 at Reading Gurdwara at 1 PM.

Tell others.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Saturday 24 January 2009

Sikhi Talks on the 14th and 15th Feb at Reading Gurdwara

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The newly formed Sikh Society at Reading University in collaboration with the RSYA, have organised with Sikh Awareness Society (SAS) to do talks at Reading Gurdwara. SAS presents 'SURVIVAL' on the 14th and 15th February.

On the 14th February the talks will take place at Reading Gurdwara. It will start at 9.30AM and finish at 6PM, with Chaa and Samosai for lunch....free lunch?....yep!!!

This event has been designed to help us gain a deeper understanding of Sikhi through emotional intelligent, ethical living, spiratual intelligence, development of an authentic personality, calm minds and expressing behaviour by creating altuistic sacred space in actions and being.

0930 - 1030 Introduction to Sikhism: Dhristi (Sikhi Worldview). Unveiling the sacred and spiratual practices.

1045 - 1200 Nature of suffering and craving. Redirecting motivation and desire.

1300 - 1400 Path of inner transformation. Gurmat as psycho-spiratual healing. Moving from belief to experience.

1430 - 1530 Topology of Simran (Mindfulness intent, thought and deed).

1600 - 1700 Ethical living: Gurmat ethics.

1700 - 1800 Ethical living: Authentic leaders


On the 15th February the talk will take place in Reading Gurdwara from 11AM to 1PM

These talks will be open to all ages, it has NO age restrictions

Please attend and support the newly formed Reading University Sikh Society and the Sikh community in Reading

Let everyone know!!


Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara
30A Cumberland Road
Reading
RG1 3LB

Contact for Gurdwara: Gurmail Singh - 07985494449


Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

RSYA Meetings!!

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The RSYA meetings take place on the first Sunday of the month during Divaan (11AM).
Those who have ideas that they would like to see be implemented through this youth group or even just want to be part of this growing group of Sikh youngsters in Reading; then please attend.

The next meeting will be on the 1st FEBRUARY 2009 at Reading Gurdwara at 11.00AM

Tell others

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Wednesday 21 January 2009

Bedford Youth Kirtan Darbar

BEFORD YOUTH KIRTAN DARBAR

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh |

With Guru's Kirpa, a youth akhand kirtan darbar has been arranged in Bedford for the first time in order to encourage more youngsters to build a link with gurbani and kirtan. There will be Kirtanis from up and down the country.

It will be held on:

Saturday 24th January 2009
6pm till late

at:

Guru Nanak Gurdwara
84 Ford End Road
Queens Park
Bedford
MK40 4JX


For further information call: 07939 513092



Transport
For transport from Coventry contact Bhai Tarunjit Singh : 07877888874.
For transport from Birmingham (West Brom) contact Bhai Maha Singh : 07541 790944

A humble request to sangat in London and other areas, due to limited transport could I please request people bring their own vehicles and bring as much sangat as possible.

Please feel free to pass this message to friends and family.

Money raised from the program will go to 'Unique Home' orphanage for abandoned girls in Model Town, Jalandhar, Punjab.

Please help support our sisters.


Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa | Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh |