After 2 years away to synchronize my life, moving to a new country and learning the new ways of living, I am back. I am enjoying America very much. Had make few friends around , and didn´t have any ways to be connected internet until i had stabilished myself here.
On God, Energy and Principle
The God of Gurbani is kind, caring, loving, merciful, compassionate, forgiving, nurturing and benevolent.
Can Energy or the Universal Principle be kind, caring, loving, merciful, compassionate, forgiving, nurturing and benevolent?
Creation is not a random process. Creation demands intelligence and deliberation. For beautiful cars to come out of a manufacturing plant, we need a designer. The raw materials are not going to self-assemble themselves into a car on their own.
Radio adverts going out each day for the next 10 days on Akash Radio and Raaj Radio
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Main things being covered on the radio adverts:
1) The Sikh Federation (UK), the first and only Sikh political party in the UK is holding its Annual International Sikh Convention on Sunday 16 September 2007 at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton
Sikh speakers are expected from at least a dozen countries
Leading UK politicians will also be speaking
Thousands are expected at the Convention with coaches and minibuses having been arranged for the Sangat from Bedford, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, East Ham, Gravesend, Huddersfield, Leeds, Leicester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Slough, Southall, Southampton and Walsall
The Sangat are encouraged to attend in large numbers
2) To coincide with the Annual International Sikh Convention the Sikh Federation (UK) has also organised the first World Sikh Summit on Monday 17 September 2007 at City Hall, which is being supported by Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, and will be held in the Main Chamber at City Hall between 10am-2pm. Registration will begin at 9.30am.
The purpose of the Summit is to raise awareness on the range of challenges faced by Sikhs, share best practice on how the challenges are or could be addressed, and agree a common strategy and an action plan for the future of the Sikh Nation.
Sikhs from across the world have been invited to take part and have been confirmed from USA, Canada, Panjab, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Holland, Norway and Greece. An appeal has been made for Sikhs from other countries such as Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East to make every effort to take part.
3) Both events will be preceded by a Pre-Summit meeting on Saturday 15 September in the Main Hall at the Compton Park conference facility between 2-6pm. This will allow over 200 delegates to provide an input to the International Sikh Convention on Sunday 16 September and the first World Sikh Summit on Monday 17 September.
Anyone requiring further information can ring Bhai Amrik Singh on 07860 633488 or Bhai Dabinderjit Singh on 07919 166163.
The SGPC has decided to engage the services of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to preserve more than 400 rare manuscripts, including that of holy Guru Granth Sahib, lying in the Sikh Reference Library at the Golden Temple complex here.
Chief of the committee Jathedar Avtar Singh and deputy commissioner Kahan Singh Pannu held detailed discussions with experts in this connection.
After holding a meeting with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal at Chandigarh, the SGPC president said the issue of preserving the rare manuscripts, including hand-written Birs, would be taken up at a meeting of the executive committee likely to be held after September 20.
Talking to The Tribune, Pannu said the district administration would work in tandem with the SGPC to preserve the monuments of Sikh heritage, including Ramgarhia Bungas and Gurdwara Baba Atal. He said the services of D.P. Gupta, who is a consultant with the ASI, and Manvinder Gill, an expert, were being solicited.
Earlier, many manuscripts of the library, repository of over 1,500 rare manuscripts, including copies of the Adi Granth, Damdami Bir (dated Bikrami 1739) and various portraits and manuscripts, were destroyed in the Operation Bluestar. The SGPC collected the manuscripts from various sources.
The library also has a number of handwritten manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib and Hukmnamas, some bearing signatures of revered Sikh Gurus, and a few rare documents pertaining to India’s struggle for Independence.
The library was established in 1946. According to Sukhdev Singh Jhand and Santokh Singh Shaharyar, eminent Sikh scholars, the credit for establishing the library goes to the SGPC, but a significant role in its establishment was played by the Sikh Historical Society, established in 1930 at Lahore under the leadership of Bawa Budh Singh.
Though the society could not remain active after the death of its founder, it laid the foundation for the establishment of a central library, which could house the literature related to Sikh Gurus, Sikh religion and the related fields. To look into the issue, a meeting of Sikh scholars, historians and others was held on February 10, 1945, at Khalsa College, Amritsar, under the presidentship of Princess Bamba, daughter of the late Maharaja Duleep Singh, the youngest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Sikh Historical Society was formed at the meeting. Bylaws of the society were passed and a working committee was constituted. The society comprised Teja Singh, Bawa Prem Singh, Bawa Harikrishan Singh, Gurmukh Nihal Singh and Ganda Singh. It became instrumental in establishing the Central Sikh library the name of which was later changed to Sikh Reference Library.
It Is In The Love Of The Naam That We Are Absorbed.
In The Love Of The Naam, We Are Absorbed. Guru Arjan Page 380
Whatever pleases You is acceptable to me; it is reality alone that brings peace and ease to my mind. You are the Doer, the Cause of causes, All-powerful and Infinite; there is none other than You.
Your humble servants sing Your Glorious Praises with enthusiasm and love. That alone is good advice, wisdom and cleverness for Your humble servant, which You do or cause to be done.
(Pause and consider)
Your Name is Ambrosial Nectar, O Beloved; in this Saadh Sangat I have obtained its sublime essence. Humble beings are completely satisfied and fulfilled, simply singing the Praises of the Infinite One; treasure of peace.
One who has Your Support, O my only Master, is not afflicted by anxiety. One who is blessed by Your Kind Mercy, is the best, and the most fortunate king.
Doubt, attachment, and deceit have all disappeared, since I obtained Your Darshan. Dealing only in the Naam, O Nanak, we become truthful, and in the Love of the Naam, we are absorbed.
Identification and mapping of Guru Gobind Singh Marg afresh
Parkash Singh Chief Minister Punjab has announced to form a committee of experts to re-identify and Map the Guru Gobind Singh Marg afresh from Anandpur Sahib to Huzur sahib . It may be rememebered that Late Giani Zail Singh then CM Pb had already constructed Guru Gobind singh Marg in 1973 from Anandpur sahib to Damdamaa sahib . The Marg is quite popular and known among people and the tourist and visitors travel on this Marg since then . Now this 640 Kms road is nicely metaled and following description glorify it :
Guru Gobind Singh Marg a highway named after the great Guru is an all-weather metalled road. It connects all the 91 sacred shrines with which Guru's name is eternally associated. This marg blessed by the sacred touch of Guru Gobind Singh and his saint soldiers during their memorable and eventful journey' of 47 days from Anandpur Sahib to Talwandi Sabo has got significant place in the history of Punjab. On this highway measuring about 640 km, 20 Dashmesh pillars, with the inscription of the holy and sacred verses of the great Guru have been installed :
The above Guru Gobind singh Marg is accepted among the people and the sikh intellectuals for the last 23 years . All important historical places concerned with the life and history of the 10th Master are suitably identified and marked . The History of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's life is actually attached with this part of the Marg and there after the history needs to be searched and mapped .
It is not understood how the idea has cropped up to re-mark the Marg from Anadpur Sahib to Damdamaa sahib afresh . Some ultra Sikh Scholars have some under lying planning to create some absurd things under the pretext of renaissance and “shudhi” in Khalsa Panth . The news item has been published in Daily Ajit Jalandhar at http://www.ajitjala ndhar.com/ 20070906/ .
The necessity is to demarcate and Map for the Marg ahead of Damdamma sahib to Huzur sahib, the history of which is not very popular among the Sikh Sangat . There may not be any hidden agenda of some interested people to insert any new absurd things in the history concerning the life of 10th Master in to his travel upto Damdamaa sahib which is quite accepted and undoubted . The important events in this history carry , Amrit Sanskar ,Sarsa nadi episode, parvar vichoda , Chamkaur sahib Machhivara , Uuch da peer , Alamgir sahib, Dina , Jaito , Lakhee jangal . Mukatsar and Talwandi sabo where Guru Sahib competed/recompiled Granth Sahib from His soul to later declare it as SGGS at Naded .
The committee constituted by CM Pb. is doubtful and do not carry all scholarly persons . The traditional recognized Nihangs' Jathebandis have not been given any place in it who usually travel on this Marg on foot and horses.
All the traditional Sikh Scholars/societies are requested to keep a vigilant eye on this project of mapping and demarcation of Marg so that no new interference is made into sikh history as the Dharam Parchar committee on SGPC had been silent spectator on some absurd Books on the Sikh History . Anyway we also thank S. Badal to plan a Marg upto Hazur sahib .
Sikh member of the Irish Garda Reserve is banned from wearing turban
Monday, August 13, 2007
A SIKH member of the Garda Reserve is banned from wearing his ceremonial headdress, the turban.
Integration Minister Conor Lenihan last night backed up the Garda Siochana ruling, saying immigrants to this country must accept our culture.
Minister Lenihan said he has discussed the Sikh case with the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy.
The gardai are currently forming their views about ethnic forms of headgear for members of the force and the reserve.
As turbans are worn by Sikh police officers elsewhere, most notably the London Metropolitan Police, a compromise may be reached.
Sikhs wear turbans to cover the long uncut hair worn as a sign of their commitment to their religious faith. The turban is a headdress consisting of a long scarf-like single piece of cloth wound round the head or an inner hat.
While acknowledging the issue of the turban is important for the Sikh community, the Minister supported the garda stance. "If we are to take integration seriously, people who come here must understand our way of doing things. When the President and Ministers travel to the middle-east, they accept cultural requirements of the country and the culture they are operating in. It is a vice versa situation with regard to Ireland."
The Sikh man is an IT professional, who decided to join the Garda Reserve.
Minister Lenihan said the general trend was towards wearing the designated uniform.
FIONNAN SHEAHAN
http://www.independ ent.ie/national- news/sikh- member-of- the-reserve- is-banned- from-wearing- turban-1057548. html
From Wikipedia: The Garda Síochána Reserve is the volunteer reserve section of the Garda Siochana - the police force of the Republic of Ireland. It was created in 2006 and the first 36 Reserves graduated on 15 December 2006 at the Garda College, in Templemore.[ 1]
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a Garda Reserve, consisting of 4,000 persons, to assist the force in performing its functions. Its purpose is to supplement the work of members of the Garda Síochána. The first 900 recruits to the Reserve were expected to be in place by September 2006. However, as of early December 2006 reservists have not been deployed on duty - though it is expected that the recent graduates will be quickly deployed[citation needed].
The Reserve will carry out duties defined by the Garda Commissioner and sanctioned by the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform.
The Garda Reserve is intended to be a source of local strength and knowledge. Reserve members will be given full powers and duties, however these powers have been restricted and will be rolled out at the discretion of the commissioner. Reserve members will receive training in Law, self defence, Human Rights and Garda procedures and discipline. Reserve members are required to work under the supervision of regular members of the Force. A Garda Reserve will be required to work a minimum of 208 hours per year, with minimum tour durations of 4 hours. Duties of a Reservist include: Station Duty (other than care & custody of detained persons), staffing communications rooms, foot patrol, static security duty, event policing, preserving crime scenes, court attendance (as witnesses), assisting at road traffic checkpoints, collisions, fires, etc.
Reservists will not be deployed in plain clothes, carry firearms or drive Garda vehicles. Duties and powers assigned to Garda Reserves will be commensurate to their training and will primarily involve legislation relating to road traffic, public order, drugs, theft & burglary. Garda Reserves will be permitted limited access to the PULSE (Police Using Leading Systems Effectively) system.
The Garda Reserves powers will be restricted and amended at the discretion of the commissioner in accordance with Section 15 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. As of the 28th of May 2007 the powers will encompass limited Road Traffic Act powers and Section 4 of the Criminal Law Act 1997[2].
As of December 2006 more than 7,000 people had applied to join the Garda Reserve.[1]
Reminder for the enrollment of UNITED SIKHS' Gurmat Camp Aug 19th -25th
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
UNITED SIKHS' Gurmat Camp 2007 starts in two weeks. Thanks to everyone who filled in their application. To those who are still contemplating we would request you take this opportunity as a reminder to submit your application as soon as possible. Like last year, we promise another great year of Gurmat camp with lectures, workshops, group discussions, Kirtan, Gatka and outdoor activities.The camp will be held from August 19-25th at: 10481 Camp Emberhat Road,Three Rivers , Michigan 49093 , USA
Trailer for the UK Sikh Protest Rally on 15 August (2-4pm) - Sikh Youth of Southall
...A good video trailer for the upcoming UK Sikh Protest Rally to take place on 15th August 2007 [London, UK]...forwarded to the Sangat by the Sikh Youth of Southall [UK]...
On India's 60th Independence Day Sikhs Will Protest Agianst India's Continued Human Rights Abuses Agianst SikhsORGANISED BY FEDERATION OF SIKH ORGANISATIONS- SIKH FEDERATION UK - DAL KHALSA UKPLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO FRIENDS FAMILY AND OTHER GROUPSATTEND THE RALLY OUTSIDE THE INDIAN EMBASSY ON 15TH AUGUST 2007 FROM 2PM - 4PM
...Please forward to your contacts, websites and blogs...
Gurbani is a language of sach khand, gurbani has come from sach khand, gurbani came to those guru sahibans, sants and bhagats who were in sach khand, so how can a person currently living his life in dharam khand or below dharam khand can understand gurbani – that is the real question and that is how it should be asked and that is how it can be understood. It is like a fourth grader trying to solve a rocket science problem which is not possible or will be a miracle if that happens. So in order to understand the gurbani you will have to dedicate yourself to naam simran – prabh key simran gyan dhyan tatt budh – there are three distinct advantages according to this shalok of sukhmani sahib, however there are numerous benefits of naam simran, but for your to know how will you be able to start understanding gurbani is to dedicate yourself to naam simran – then you will reep these three unbelievably infinite rewards – you will get the gyan – which means the divine wisdom, gurbani is divine wisdom, so naam simran will start flowing inside your hirda the real divine meaning of gurbani and eventually you will reach the braham gyan stage – you will achieve this highest amrit, the amrit of braham gyan and when that happens then the divine wisdom starts to flow from your inside, and not by reading scriptures, then whatever is written in gurbani happens with you in all physical and practicle senses, then whatever is written in scriptures become your own wisdom as you physically experience the divine knowledge writen in the scriptures. The second advantages is (however, it is no different than the first one just explained) that you go in to the stage of dhyan – which is spiritually a very high stage – going in to dhyan means give up everything upto god, giving your tunn munn and dhan to the gur and guru – which brings in the gurparsaad of naam ki kamai, puran bandgi and seva – parupkaar and maha parupkaar and when you go through this gur parsaad then you become a puran braham gyani and when that happens then there is no end to your divine wisdom, then you become a walking encyclopedia of the devine wisdom, the next big advantage of naam simran is achieving the tutt budh – which is the highest level of divine wisdom, a puran braham gyani is a puran tatt gyani – puran tatt is akal purakh himself. When this happens then there is no power whatsoever can separate you from akal purakh and then you become a source of divine wisdom.
As you progress in your naam simran the meaning of gurbani will keep on becoming more and more clear and deeper to you, as your bandgi goes higher and higher you will start to feel the infinite depth of the amrit – mansarovar, as your bangi reaches the puran awastha then you will be able to take a deeper dive in to the mansarovar – a stage will come when you will feel and experience in all physical senses that whatever is written in gurbani is happening to you, as your bandgi goes even higher then you will physically and practically experience that every shabad takes you deep in to the mansarovar.
So the bottom line is focus on naam simran:
sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sat naam sada sada sat naam
And you will start to understand the real divine meaning of gurbani as you will be blessed with the gur parsaad of gyan dhyan and tatt budh.
DNA is Nature. It has been proven that we can all trace back ourselves where it all started from, in Africa. Following is the site where one can submit one's DNA and find out their ancestral routes in the genealogical highway.
As we all started from ONE and will merge in ONE, we should find out what and how we become what we are and how we comport ourselves through this journey of ours from ONE to ONE.
Guru Amardaas ji says in Raamkalee Mahalah 3 Anand: -
maathaah kae oudhar mein prathipaal karae so kio manahu visaareeai How can we forget the Nature/Nurturer who has been looking after us since our conception in the mother's womb?
manahu kio visaareeai eaevadd dhaathaa j agan mehi aahaar pahuchaaveae How can we take THE SOURCE out of our mind that gave us sustenance in the percolating womb.
aapanee liv aapae laaeae guramukh sadhaa samaaleeai HE creates this bond within a Gurmukh- the true follower.
ous no kihu pohi n sakee jis no aapanee liv laaveae No harm can be done to those who are inspired by Him and are on the Gurmat path.
kehai naanak eaevadd dhaathaa so kio manahu visaareeai 28 Says Nanak, how can even one think of discarding such a great giver from one's mind? 28
The beauty of the verse is that it shows us IK ONG KAAR is The Nature and The Nurturer.
Now the question arises, after we have been nurtured in the womb by IK ONG KAAR, how do we take responsibility to keep on nurturing ourselves as people. Here DNA plays no part. We know lots of Muslims and Sikhs have the same last names - Dhillions, Chadhas,Maliks, Gills etc. etc., which shows that their DNA may have been the same but due to nurturing, they are on different spiritual paths.
DNA-Nature is the blue print of our creation, but Nurture carves the pathways of our lives depending on the environment we are brought up in.
Nature gave us Mount Rushmore which was not created with the faces of the Presidents but was carved(nurtured) by us humans.Sikhi teaches us the same. As students we come to the class with blank slates and fill them up with Gurmat in order to move forward.
Nature gave us 10 Nanaks and their nurturing gave us Gurbani in the form of SGGS.
Nature gave us Guru Arjan, Guru Tegh Bahadur and their nurturing allowed them to give their lives for the principles that were nurtured in them.
Sabh Gobind hein, Gobind bin nahin koye. We are all children of IK ONG KAAR, no one is of a lesser God.
Here the Nature has played its part, now lets play ours by nurturing ourselves with Amrit Bani.
Chandigarh: There is a "divine" initiative, coated with religious messages, coming from Fazilka, a small town in the border belt of Punjab , in aid of global fight against environmental warming. The Graduate Welfare Association of Fazilka (GWAF) has made flexi banners with Guru Nanak's shabad (holy words) from Gurbani (Sikhs' book of hymns by the Gurus). These banners would be placed in or around temples and gurdwaras in the town. The shabads state: "Pawan guru pani pita mat dharat mahat, diwas raat dui dai daiyan khele sagal jagat" and "rati ruti thiti var, pawan pani agani patal tus wich dharti thapi dharm saal." In gist, it ask the followers to keep the earth and environment intact for healthy living and to preserve the health of earth as that of any other member of the family. ''There are many small steps suggested in Gurbani which can have a magnified impact on the lives of people,'' believed Navdeep Asija, head of GWAF, and brain behind the campaign.
The religious angle was given, as the sub-division has a low literacy rate and people are religious-minded, he said. ''It was meant to reach out to the masses,'' Asija added. An alumnus of IIT Delhi, Asija is doing his bit in his hometown in Fazilka. It could be a small initiative here, but could set an example for the rest of the world to follow. ''It is not a big trouble for Fazilka, but our effort will have a global impact,'' Asija said. His group would be observing an environment fortnight and would host a seminar conducted by IIT Rurkee's retired professor Bhupinder Singh soon. Asija told TOI that the group has also registered 56 Fazilka residents who have promised to revert back to bicycle to travel shorter distances and would use fuelrun vehicles only when required urgently. The banners also ask people to use bicycles instead of fuel-run vehicles, solar energy instead of combustible fuels, and refrain from overexploitation of natural resources. In Punjab, where most of the damage to the environment came from the use of chemical fertilisers, vehicular pollution and illegal constructions, these messages seem well placed, as small towns like Fazilka are rapidly picking up the pace of globalisation and of course pollution.
Sikhs hail campaign
Asija's ideas have been well taken by Sikh scholars across the state. ''Most of the words/ideas in Gurbani are still relevant and have a lasting impact in the present context,'' said a Sikh scholar. Most of the Sikh leaders these days are busy building and breaking relations with Dera, but SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar praised the slogans and said, "Sikh scriptures are well thought out and foresee possible threats to human lives."
Reminder for 16 june :martym day of sri guru arjan dev ji
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. He was the first Sikh Martyr. a martyr is a person who is punished with death for refusing to give up his faith. A person who suffers or sacrifices his life, for great cause is also called a martyr. Guru Arjan Dev is called a martyr because, he went through untold bodily sufferings for the noble cause of freedom of faith and worship; because he condemned the rulers and the rich for their tyranny over the people; because he aroused in people's hearts a sense of dignity and self-respect, and because he refused to give up his faith and embrace Islam. Because of all that, he was ordered to be put to death by torture.
Guru Arjan took up his duties as the fifth Guru in April 1563 A.D. At that time Akbar was the Emperor of India. he was a pious, kind-hearted and liberal-minded man. He was not a fanatic Muslim. He treated all his subjects in the same manner. He wanted all his subjects, Muslims as well as non-Muslims, to be equal citizens of his empire. His aim was to make his empire a secular State. All religions were to be treated alike. Islam was only one of the religions in the empire. The law of Islam was not to be the law of the land. Akbar had a very favorable and high opinion of the Sikhs and their Gurus. He took special pains to meet and befriend them. Akbar was succeeded by his son, Jahangir, in October 1605 A.D. He was altogether different from his father. He was not pious, kind-hearted, or liberal-minded. He changed the religious policy of the empire. He made Islam the law of the land.
The Qazis became the law-givers. They were all fanatic and bigoted. They believed that their own religion was the only true religion. In their view all other religions were false. All such religions, to them, forms of falsehood or kufar. Their followers were called "kafirs" or infidels, worshippers of falsehood. The Qazis believed that kafirs had no right to live in a Muslim state. In their opinion, the law of Islam required that all non-Muslims subjects must be converted to Islam or killed. Those who accepted Islam were given special favors and concessions. Those who did not give up their faith were subjected to all sorts of hardships. Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom was a result of this religious policy of Jahangir.
Guru Arjan Dev took up his duties in 1581. He was a great organizer and an able administrator. He set about organizing and uniting the Sikhs, increasing their numbers and improving their position. His manifold activities infused public spirit into the Sikh community. From the time of Guru Nanak, Hindus as well as Muslims, had been accepting the Sikh faith of their own accord and free will. They had been drawn into the Sikh fold charmed by the life and teachings of the Gurus. The Muslim rulers and Qazis did not like the conversion of Muslims to Sikhism. Under Guru Arjan Dev's influence also both Hindus and Muslims in large number became Sikhs. The rapid development of the Sikhs at this time, and the ever-growing influence of Guru Arjan Dev, annoyed Jahangir and the Qazis. Their annoyance was only natural. They aimed at converting all non-Muslims to Islam. But they found that under Guru Arjan Dev's influence, Muslims were giving up their own faith and embracing Sikhism. This they could never tolerate. It had to be checked. An end had to be put to Guru Arjan Dev's life and activities.
Emperor Jahangir came to the throne in October 1605. Guru Arjan Dev had been carring on his work since September 1581, that is, for over twenty-four years. He had achieved brilliant success. The Qazis and other fanatic Muslims were furious. They would sometimes, meet the Emperor and complain to him against the Guru. They said in Goindwal, which is on the bank of the river Beas in the Punjab, there is a religious teacher named (Guru) Arjan. He is looked upon as a holy saint. he has a great following. He preaches a religion which is opposed Islam. It is called Sikhism. He has become very popular. Not only Hindus, but even Muslims, are being charmed and captured by his ways, life and teachings. From all sides crowd of people Hindus and Muslims flock to him. They express devotion to him and faith in him. They give up their own religion and embrace the religion preached by him. Muslims in large numbers have become his followers or Sikhs. More and more are doing so every day. All this is happening in the empire of a Muslim Emperor. It is very sad and saddening. It is your duty to stop this. We appeal to you to do your duty towards Islam.
Jahangir, as a matter of fact, was of the same view. As he says in his Memories called Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, he had been having the same thoughts for many years. For many years, writes he, the thoughts had been coming into my mind that I should either put an end to his (Guru Arjan's) life and activities, or bring him into the fold of Islam. He assured the qazis and other that he would do this at the first suitable opportunity. Emperor Jahangir had thus clearly and finally made up his mind to convert or kill Guru Arjan Dev. He was on the look-out for a suitable chance and excuse to carry out that resolve. That chance came to him about six months after his having occupied the throne. he got the long-sought chance in the rebellion of his eldest son, Khusrau. He didn't want to miss it. He jumped at it. Prince Khusrau had been Akbar's favorite. Akbar had wished that Khusrau should be the Emperor after him. But Jahangir managed to seize the throne. Prince Khusrau rose in rebellion against his father but he was defeated. He fled towards Lahore pursued by Jahangir himself. During his march from Agra to Lahore, Jahangir made enquiries to find out who had helped or sympathized with his rebel son. He punished all those who were reported to have shown any interest in Khusrau. For example, Sheikh Nazam of Thanesar was reported to have prayed for Khusrau's success welfare. He was exiled and sent to Mecca.
Emperor Jahangir passed through the tract of the Majha. He even stopped at Goindwal, where the Guru was supposed to be residing at the time. He passed by Tarn Taran, where Guru Arjan Dev Ji was then actually staying. But no complaint reached his ears at these places about the Guru having helped Khusrau in any way. If the Guru had even met the rebel Prince, the fact would have been known to the Emperor's officials, qazis and others. They would not have failed to bring the matter to his notice. Moreover, the Guru had a number of enemies. they would have hurried eagerly to meet the Emperor to report against the Guru Arjan. but the Emperor received no report against Guru Arjan Dev anywhere, from official or non-official sources. All this clearly shows that Guru Arjan Dev Ji had not met or helped Khusrau. The Emperor reached Lahore without having received any report or complaint against Guru Arjan Dev. Khusrau was captured at the banks of the Chenab. He was brought to Lahore. His helpers and companions were all put to death. His eye lids were sewn up and he was imprisoned for life. About a month passed in this way. Even during this period, no report or complaint was received against Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
After having punished Khusrau and his friends, Jahangir got ready to leave Lahore. It was at that time that report was made to him against the Guru. It was reported that Guru had befriended the rebel Prince. Here is what the Emperor wrote about it in his Memoirs: ' At that time Khusrau crossed the river and passed that way (that is, by Goindwal). That foolish fellow resolved to secure the Guru's services. He encamped at that place where the Guru resided. He met him and talked of past affairs with him. With his finger he (Guru Arjan) made on the Prince's forehead a saffron mark called tilak. This mark is considered by the Hindus to be a sign of good luck. I fully knew of his kufar or false beliefs and false propaganda. When this matter was reported to me, I ordered that he should be brought into my presence, that his houses and children should be made over to Murtza Khan, that his property should be confiscated, and he should be put to death with torture.'
In accordance with these orders of the Emperor, his men went to Amritsar in order to arrest the Guru and take him to Lahore. On seeing Jahangir's men and learning from the object, the Sikhs became afraid and sad. they approached the Guru and said, 'O True King, when Sulhi Khan came to attack you, you prayed to God. Your prayer was accepted. Sulhi Khan fell from horse and was reduced to ashes in a kiln. Do the same now, O True King. Pray to God. He will accept your prayer. He will punish your enemies. He will save you.' The Guru replied, 'No, my dear Sikhs. Times are different now. My duty is different now. My prayer must also be different. Baba Nanak has said, "Those who are eager to follow my path of love, should be ever prepared to die most readily and joyously. They should first place their hands on their palms, and then enter the lane leading to my abode. Only those should enter this path who can part with their heads without the least hesitation or fear." 'I entered Baba Nanak's path knowing full well what was expected of me. Shall I be found wanting? I must not hesitate to die. Moreover, I have done no wrong to anybody. Jahangir has no case against me. I have never 'converted' any Muslim or Hindu. I have never asked or persuaded anyone to enter the Sikh fold. People came, they see and hear, and they accept the Faith. Why should the Emperor object? Why should he be angry? People should be free to choose their faith and form of worship. Different religions are really different paths leading to the Abode of God. But the Emperor is out to deny freedom of faith and worship to his subjects. That is not proper. I would like to change this. I shall let myself be tortured and killed. The story of my torture and of the manner in which I bear it will have a wholesome effect on the Emperor. He will change for the better, I hope.'
'Moreover, I have been telling people to accept even His bitterest Will with joy. I must practice what I teach and preach. I am glad that God is granting me an opportunity to do that. I must hail and accept it. The tale of my tortures will arouse the people. They will feel and urge to effect a change. It will fill them with a firm resolve to end the rule under which such things are made to happen. They will rise to assert their rights. My son, Guru Har Gobind, will arm them and train them to fight and die for their faith. I shall not die in vain. As for the torture it will affect my body not me. I shall not feel it. I shall be in his lap all the time. My dears, God has arranged all things well and wisely, and for the best benefit of His people. Why should I pray to Him to change His scheme of things? All will be for the good of my people. It will advance my people on the path laid down for them by Baba Nanak. My death will drive the first nail in the cruel Mughals' coffin. More, many more, will follow. So let me go. Get ready to become God's warriors, champions of truth and liberty, friends of men and foes of all tyrants. Be ready to fight for your faith and principles under the command of Guru Har Gobind. He has been specially trained to be a soldier. He will lead you to the victory. Cheer up, therefore, and let me go.'
The Sikhs bowed and said no more. the Guru then offered prayers at Har Mandir, the temple of God. He prayed for strength to bear everything without a groan or complaint. He then offered himself for arrest. Jahangir's men arrested him and took him to Lahore. Five Sikhs went with him. He forbade all others to accompany him. So, Jahangir gave orders that Guru Arjan Dev should be arrested and brought into his presence. But, he did not wait for the Guru's production before him. Having instructed his officers at Lahore how to treat the Guru, he left for Delhi. An official named Chandu took upon himself the work of killing the Guru by torture. This Chandu was a Khatri of Lahore, holding an office in Jahangir's court at Delhi. He had wanted to marry his daughter to Guru Arjan Dev's son, Sri Guru Har Gobind Sahib, but he had used insulting words against the Guru. The Sikhs of Delhi had heard these words. They had requested the Guru not to accept Chandu's offer. The Guru had conceded to their request. On this account Chandu had become a bitter enemy of the Guru. It was for this reason that he undertook to put the Guru to death by torture.
Chandu took the Guru to his house. There he began to torture him. During the first day and night, the Guru was kept without food and drink. He was not allowed to sleep. We have to remember that all this was taking place in mid-summer at Lahore, which is a very hot place. The Guru remained absorbed in meditation. He kept repeating God's Name all the time. On the second day, he was seated in a large vessel of water heated from below. The water was made to boil. The Guru sat in the boiling water, calmly meditating on God. Then, red-hot sand was poured over Guru's head and body. On the third day, he was seated on a red-hot iron plate which was being heated more and more with fire under it. And, again the hot sand was poured on his head and uncovered body. These tortures went on for four days. Several jogis and religious men, who had met and admired the Guru, went to him to express their sympathy and horror. Hazrat Mian Mir, the renowned Muslim saint of Lahore, also went for that purpose. He was struck with horror on seeing what was being done to the Guru. He cried aloud and shed bitter tears of anguish. Then he said to the Guru, ' You are gifted with immense spiritual powers. You are a true devotee of Almighty God. True devotees of God are as mighty as He. You possess the power to destroy those who are putting you to these tortures. Why don't you use those powers? Why do you helplessly bear these dreadful tortures? Surly, if you were to wish it, He would surely come, destroy the wicked people, and end your sufferings. If you do not want to use your powers, if you do not want to call upon God to come and save you, then permit me to do so. I am sure he will come, May I?"
Guru Arjan Dev replied, ' My dear friend, what you say is right. But I would not resort to miracle-working in order to save myself from suffering or death. Men of God never use their God-given powers for such purposes. I want to let things happen as He wills them to happen. I don't wish to interfere in the working of His will. I have been telling my Sikhs, "Remember Him in weal and woe, in pleasure and in pain. Accept as sweet and pleasant even His most bitter and painful Will. Regard all pleasure and pain, all joys and sorrows, as His sweet gifts." I am lucky, indeed, that God has granted me an opportunity to prove the truth of my words. In my heart of hearts I have prayed for such an opportunity. It has been given to me. I hail it and avail myself of it with utmost joy and thanks. I should not now like even God to take away this opportunity from me. By bearing all these tortures, I want to let the people see that what i teach can be put into practice too. That will strengthen them to bear, in the same manner, all that He may cause to happen. Hard times are coming. My people will be called upon to pass through extreme and severe sufferings for their faith. I wish to show how such sufferings have to be accepted and borne. I want to set an example to teachers and devotees the True Name and Truth. I want to teach them that they should not complain against God and His will. The true test of faith is the hour of misery. Without examples to guide them, ordinary persons' minds give way and are shaken in the midst of sufferings. My example will inspire and strengthen them.
'Secondly, a truly religious man should have the strength to suffer every form of torture for the sake of his faith. He should openly profess it, declare it, and stick to it, come what may. God has given me that strength. I must use it, so that weaker ones may take heart and follow my example. In the third place, the body is subject to pleasure and pain. The spirit is above these things. Hence, with His grace, I can rise above the torture imposed on my body. My spirit is absorbed in meditating on God. The body has to perish one day. I would not set aside this law of nature. Let His will be done. Let the body perish in the way He wills it to perish. His will is sweet. I am content and at peace. Don't worry my friend. All is well. Pray for me that I may be able to bear with calmness and joy all that He may be pleased to make me endure.' Mian Mir bowed to the Guru and took his leave. The Guru's body was full of blisters. It was rendered soft like boiled flesh. It became extremely weak. At last he was made to walk to the river Ravi. His five Sikhs were permitted to be with him on the way, to help and support him. To add to his tortures, Guru's blistered body was thrown into the cold water of the river Ravi. Guru's body was too weak to stand against the force of the fast-flowing stream. It was washed away to its final rest. The Guru's soul flew to the bosom of the All-loving Father of all.
Emperor Jahangir's orders were thus carried out. Guru Arjan Dev was 'killed by torture'. All the same, Guru Arjan Dev was not dead. He lives in the hearts of millions of his devoted followers and admirers. He lives in the hundred of sacred songs which he composed and embodied in the Sacred Guru Granth. He will live as long as the lofty principles and ideals preached and practiced by him are valued by mankind. He was one with God on earth; he is one with God in heaven now. He will live as long as God lives in the hearts of men. His death made him immortal. He will remain a source of ever-fresh inspiration to all who feel and urge for a life of the spirit; to all who yearn for such a world-order as was pictured and preached by Guru Arjan Dev, namely that of, 'enmity with none and friendship for all'. Guru Arjan Dev was martyred in May 1606, that is, seven months after Jahangir came to the throne. His words about the Guru quoted above were written by him on June 13,1606, that is, a fortnight after the Guru's martyrdom. At the spot where the Guru's body was thrown into the river was later erected a Gurdwara. It is called Dehra Sahib. Before 'Partition' a big fair called Jor Mela, was annually held there to celebrate the Guru's martyrdom.
With the Grace of Waheguru, there is an Akhand Keertan Darbaar for the Chardi kala of Nirmal Singh Dhesy and the Khalsa Panth. The keertan darbaar will be at the Gurdwara sahib at Smetwick from 7pm till midnight.
With the Grace of Waheguru, there will be Rainsbai Keertan, organised by Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK , to commemorate the Shahhedi -purb of Siri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
It will also be dedicated to Shaheed Bhai Kanwaljit Singh & his family.
It will be held on Saturday 30th June from 7 PM to 5 AM at:
Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Ford End Road, Bedford
For further details, contact Bhai Onkar Singh on mobile 07956528735
Coach transport will be leaving Southall at 6.30pm and Slough at 7pm. To book your place please contact Bhai Satnam Singh on 07956 519256
Coach transport will also be available from North, leaving Singh Sabha Bradford at 6 pm. To book your place, please contact Bhai Bhupinder Singh on 07790921881
The AKJ worldwide website www.akj.org has been updated. It has many new features. Please take time to visit and provide feedback on the messageboard. If Gursikhs wish to contribute to the website, you can contact the sevadaars via the website.
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