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)
Thursday, 13 August 2009
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
(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'.
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).
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
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
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?
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
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
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