Bhagat Puran Singh Ji on Seva...

"When doing Seva never get fed up, and never get tired."

(Bhagat Puran Singh Ji)

FINAL ASSAULT (Documentary): Save Punjab's Waters...

Final Assault is a controversial and fact-driven documentary about the water crisis in Punjab. Policies have been put in place for the past several decades that inhibit Punjab’s ability to use its’ natural resources for state revenue. Final Assault looks at the bias of the Indian government towards the Punjab state and its’ citizens through accounts from former military officers, historians, and professors. Since India gained independence from Britain in 1947, Punjab has been unsuccessful in getting their deserved freedom. Government planned military operations such as the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, named by the military as 'Operation Blue Star', and the Sikh Genocides in 1984 are a few examples of this oppression. Director Sukhdeep Singh aims to educate the public on the ongoing crisis, which if left neglected will result in the final assault for Punjab.

 

Smethwick Gurdwara: Lareevaar Saroop Parkaash...

 

Last week, I was invited to Guru Teg Bahadar Sahib Ji Gurdwara Leicester to do a talk on the importance and history of Lareevaar. Lareevaar is Gurbani written in continuous form, with no breaks in between the words. The opposite is Pad-Chhed, which is a modern invention of Sikhs in the early 20th century to break up the words and make it easier to read Gurbani. The Pad-Chhed Saroop is the most common form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji printed nowadays and most Gurdwaras have Pad-Chhed Saroop parkaash.

 

All forms of written Gurbani are worthy of worship and respect. However the original written form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was in the distinctive written form of Lareevaar, which was the same method of writing that Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bhai Gurdaas Ji, Bhai Mani Singh Ji, Baba Deep Singh Ji and countless Gursikhs up until modern history scribed as per the traditions set by the Gurus. 

 

Sadly, nowadays, to have Darshan (a holy glimpse) of a handwritten Lareevaar Saroop you have to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib or any of the other Takht Sahibs. Most historical Gurdwaras controlled under the SGPC have Lareevaar Saroops. However, over time many Gurdwaras and even religious schools and centres have opted to change from the traditions set by the Gurus and have Pad-Chhed printed Saroops for Parkaash and Akhand Paaths.

 

On a positive note, the biggest Gurdwara in Europe, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, last week on 13th November, announced that in the main Darbaar Sahib a handwritten Lareevaar Saroop will be Parkaash from now on. This is a great step by the progressive and active Gurdwara Committee in restoring the original traditions of the Gurus and preserving Khalsa heritage. Derby Singh Sabha Gurdwara has been doing Lareevaar Saroop's Parkaash during the weekdays for some years, and for some time Bradford Singh Sabha Gurdwara and Bradford Guru Nanak Gurdwara had Lareevaar Saroop Parkaash in the main Darbaar Sahib.

 

 

Going forward the Gurdwara Sahib sevadaars will be beginning with doing Parkaash and seva of this saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the weekdays, whilst building up capability of the Sangat to read Gurbani and then begin Akhand Paaths from the Lareevaar Saroop also. Classes will be provided to the Sangat so that they can also learn how to read Gurbani in this form, and so that we can all play a part in keeping the Maryada and traditions of the Guru alive, without change.

 

 

 

 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

My Guru Nanak...

This post is in celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurb which falls today.

5 messages from the life of
Guru Nanak...

1. Be committed to social responsibilities and duties

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married to Mata Sulakhani Ji in 1487. They had two sons - Baba Sri Chand Ji (b. 1491), and Baba Lakhmi Daas Ji (b. 1494). Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that whilst living a family life and fulfilling social responsibilities and duties, one can achieve spiritual salvation, and also help others to achieve salvation. It is sometimes stated that Guru Nanak Dev Ji abandoned his family on his long journeys around the world. This is not true. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a devoted father and husband and cared and provided for his family. Guru Sahib Ji was married when he was about fifteen years old as was the custom of the times. By the time of the first udaasi (journey) Guru Ji was around 30 years old and his two sons were around 10 years old. So the early years were spent looking after and providing for the family, when the call came from Akaal Purakh (God) to share Sikhi with the world, he placed his family in the care of his parents and extended family. He returned back from the world travels to live with his wife, children and parents in the newly made city founded by the Guru called 'Kartarpur Sahib'. Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed that as GurSikhs we should not shy away from being involved in society and remember that we have a duty to serving the Panth (community), as well as pursuing an individual spiritual life.

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਿਬਹੈ ਸ ਪਰਵਾਰਿ ||

“In the midst of their family, the Guru-centred one lives a spiritual life.”
(Raamkalee M:1, 941)

2. Share the message of Sikhi with the world

Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent 24 years of his adult-life travelling to share Sikhi with the world. Guru Nanak Dev Ji went on four journeys outside of Punjab, and the last journey was within Punjab. In the first journey (udaasi) Guru Ji travelled from Punjab to the east of the Indian subcontinent (including Bangladesh and Burma). On the second journey, from Punjab to the south of the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka). On the third journey, from Punjab to the north of the Indian subcontinent, going through Tibet, China and Russia. On the fourth journey, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled from Punjab to the West. On this journey Guru Ji visited Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Arabia, Africa, and Europe. New studies are suggesting that Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled to the new world also.  Today many youth think it is acceptable to sit home and keep the blessings and gifts of Guru Ji to themselves and reluctant to share the glorious praises of Guru's Path with others. Sometimes it is hard to get Amritdhari youth to attend Gurdwara youth camps to share positive sangat with upcoming youth wishing to learn. Knowing Guru Sahib travelled the world to share Gurmat, encourages us that we need to do our bit of sharing Gurmat and going out of our comfort zone.

ਬੋਲਿ ਸੁਧਰਮੀੜਿਆ ਮੋਨਿ ਕਤ ਧਾਰੀ ਰਾਮ ||
"O person of faith, speak up! Why do you remain silent?"
(Bihaagraa M:5, 547)

3. Be a human rights activist

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was arrested and put into jail for challenging the social injustices and human rights abuses of the ruler of the time, Emperor Babur. When Guru Ji was offered release from prison, after Babur realised he was the Light of God, Guru Ji refused unless all the other prisoners were released. Later, Guru Ji saw a camp where women had been detained by the Mughal soldiers. He asked his companion, Bhai Mardana Ji to play his instrument and Guru Ji roared divine-verses challenging and exposing the government and it's officials. This shocked the soldiers' hearts, and all the women were released. Guru Ji campaigned for equality for women, the poor, and downtrodden. In 2013, the Vatican confirmed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the Vatican in 1518 and met Pope Leo X. Guru Ji told the Pope that no human has the right to enslave another, as the Catholic Church had justified and supported the slave trade of black of Africans.  As Sikhs we should be on the forefront to defending the human rights of Sikhs and other communities. In order to do this, it is important to highlight and raise awareness of human rights violations and abuses taking place. In order to help others, we must first help ourselves and fix our own home. Punjab and India is known for its human rights violations and atrocities. It is a Sikh's duty to speak out.

ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||
“Recognize the Lord's Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter.”
(Aasa M:1, 349) 

 

 

4. Have a revolutionary spirit

Guru Nanak Dev Ji single handedly challenged the intolerance and institutional discrimination of India's society and traditions. Those who could not sit side by side, play together, or dine side by side, because of caste and class prejudice, were made to sit sit by side and share a common meal, and bathe in a common pool of water (sarovar). Professor Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam of the Department for World Religions and Culture at University of Dhaka (Bangladesh) writes about Guru Nanak Dev Ji being a revolutionary. He states that the concept of Langar (Guru Nanak's Community Kitchen) is a place where  "the distinction between poor and rich is forgotten, because all share the same food at the same place. This was, indeed, a revolution against the non-egalitarian society. A successful revolution without a single drop of blood!” Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a rebel, but a rebel with a cause. The spirit of believing in change and having hope should be part of a Sikh's psyche. A Gursikh is the foot soldier of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who not only believes in the mission of the Guru, but willing to make it a reality and represent the Guru, regardless of the challenges one will face.

5. Be a friend of all

Guru Nanak Dev Ji touched the hearts of the most vulnerable, held the arm of the most of the weak, and stood by those who had no one else. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, went to the cannibal and brought the light of Naam and Gurbani in his dark mind, and made him a saint. He touched the heart of the serial murderer named Sajjan, and made him into the friend. He didn't shun others, but his arm out and told them that he was there to hold on to them if they allowed to give their arm to him. One meaning of the word 'Nanak' is said to be from he words "Na" (doesn't) and "Akk" (fed up). My Guru Nanak is the one who never gets fed up. Our parents may get fed up of us, our siblings may get fed up of us, our friends may get fed up of us, but the one who never shuts his door to us and always has his arms open waiting to embrace us is our one-and-only friend - Guru Nanak! If Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave people chance, a Sikh gives others a chance. A Sikh should always be open to embrace those with the most darkest of lives to offer them the rays of light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's love and wisdom. We should approachable and open to embrace those with addictions, problems and those who feel they have no one, and provide support and positivity.

ਮੇਰੋ ਗੁਰੁ ਰਖਵਾਰੋ ਮੀਤ || ਦੂਣ ਚਊਣੀ ਦੇ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਸੋਭਾ ਨੀਤਾ ਨੀਤ ||੧|| ਰਹਾਉ ||
"My Guru is my Saving Grace, my only best friend. Over and over again, He blesses me with double, even four-fold, greatness. ||1||Pause||"
(Soratth M:5, 618)

Remembrance: 1984 State Sponsored Sikh Genocide...

To mark 32 years of the Sikh genocide of November 1984, Amnesty International India has put together a creative short video using shadows to show the story of how the Indian government orchestrated the mass murder, rape, and loot of Sikhs after the assassination of the then PM, Indira Gandhi: 

Below is video news footage of the state sponsored anti-Sikh pogroms from 1984. Journalists were prevented from reporting the genocide by the Police and Hindu mobs. However, despite being manhandled and threatened not to report, below is the limited footage which shows a glimpse of how India massacred its own citizens with the smoke screen of it being frenzied unplanned violence sparked by the death of PM Indira Gandhi, when in reality it was well-planned in advance, organised and systematic.

Congratulations: Bhai Paman Singh and Bhenji Sandeep Kaur

On Sunday 23rd October it was the Anand Karaj of Bhai Paman Singh (Scotland) and Bhenji Sandeep Kaur (Canada). The Anand Karaj took place at Dashmesh Gurdwara in Toronto. May Satugur Ji bless them both with Gursikhi Jeevan and Seva of the Panth.

 

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਮ੍ਹ੍ਹ ਕਉ ਹੋਇ ਦਇਆਲਾ ਸੰਤਸੰਗਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
ਕਾਪੜੁ ਪਤਿ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਰਾਖੀ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਨੀਤਿ ॥੨॥
"May the True Guru be kind to you, and may you love the Society of the Saints. May the preservation of your honor by Almighty Lord be your clothes, and may the singing of His Praises be your food. ||2||" 
(Gujri M:5, 496)

Indiana Smaagam Trip...

In the second week October, Bhai Baljit Singh invited me the annual Indiana Akhand Kirtani Jatha Smaagam took place at Gurdwara Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib in Greenwood. The flight going there was 13 hours but as it was a transfer flight, and due to delays it was considerably longer.

At Birmingham Airport, when going through the security screening, the security officer stopped to compliment the Khanda on my Dastaar. Then when I was on boarding the plane, so many people walked pass and smiled at me. In particular, an elderly white man stopped whilst finding his seat and said, "You look so nice. What does that this badge mean?" I thought this is an ideal opportunity that I can use the Khanda emblem to explain the key concepts of Sikhi in a few minutes. I explained referring to the double-edged sword (Khanda) in the middle, "this represents that as a Sikh I am dedicated to service of the one God." Then reffering to the circle (Chakar), "this represents that the Eternal God, pervades in humanity and in the world." Then referring to the two swords (Siri Sahibs) on the edges, "one sword represents a Sikh's commitment to spiritually perfecting themselves with meditation, and the second sword represents a Sikh's commitment to serve and protect humanity." Within one or two minutes of hearing this, the man said, "that is enough for me to know. That's wonderful, and just looks beautiful."

I thought how amazing it is just to put on a Khanda. I know sometimes people say "I am not worthy of wearing a Khanda" or "I don't want to stand out." But we have to ask ourselves that are we worthy to have taken Amrit, worthy enough to wear a Kirpan gifted by Guru Ji, and the list goes on. The answer is that we are never worthy, but have these things are blessings that continually remind us to step forward and step up to the mark.

Anyway, arriving at New York airport to catch my connection flight, I was again given so much respect by the security staff. When you think of America you probably think of Mr Trump, racism and red necks. However, the people were so friendly. I had so many Americans go past and nod at me to acknowledge me and give respect. People looked and smiled and even one guy did a salute looking at me. This is the power of wearing Bana (Khalsa uniform). Wearing a Dastaar with a Khanda, a hazooriaa (white scarf) around the neck, and chola, truly is a dignifying and graceful appearance graced to us by Guru Sahib, which resonates holiness.

I was surprised to see the building of the Gurdwara Sahib in Greenwood. In the middle of nowhere Sikhs have settled, with a sizeable population and built a beautiful Gurdwara Sahib. The Sangat were very welcoming and full of pyaar. On Saturday, a bus came all the way from Toronto to bring Sanga to the Smaagam. There were young children and elderly people, one whom was walking with a walking stick, who had travelled 9 hours on the bus from Canada to attend the Smaagam and support the local Sangat of Indiana. That is what you call dedication and inspiration! We sometimes become too lazy to travel 1 hour or 30 minutes to attend Sangat, and these Gursikhs travelled 9 hours! Toronto has lots of programmes and Keertans, so why travel 9 hours? It comes down to the commitment to spread the fragrance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Sikhi far and wide, and share the gems of Gurbani and Gurmat with those that don't have opportunity. Otherwise we could all sit at home and keep ourselves to ourselves.

Sangat had also come from Ohio, Chicago, Montreal and Califronia. Sometimes we take Sangat for granted, and don't realise that in some places of the world Smaagams are the one of the rare chances they get to experience Sangat of Gurmukhs. Like with any other Smaagam, it was great to meet so many Chardikala Gurmukhs, enjoy the blissful Keertan, and experience the pyaar of the worldwide Khalsa family.

Some photos from the Smaagam:

Saturday morning Aasa Ki Vaar keertan which began at Amrit-Vela and finished at 1pm

Afternoon activities at some Smaagams in sleeping, or for others football or Gatka; but in Indiana it is shooting!

Bhagatjot Singh from New Jersey with two sets of ear protection (which was still not enough to block the loud noise) trying to avoid harming himself with friendly fire.

Rainsbaaee Keertan on Saturday evening

Gursikhs from Chicago and Ohio

 Gursikh sisters at Smaagam

Group photo with Gurmukhs from Toronto and USA Sangat

This Veer Ji is Sunny. He is from a Hindu background and decided to keep his Kesh and wishes to take Amrit. He tries and attends all the North America Keertan Smaagams. 

This young Bhenji is 15 years old and observing Sarbloh Rehat. At such a young age, she has lots of Banis memorized and wakes up Amritvela, whilst undertaking her studies at school. Bhenji did Langar seva.

With Gursikh family

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

A Story of Love for Guru Ji... (Part 2)

Continued...

The Story of a White-American falling in love with Sikhi...
(Part 2 of 2)

Now at the age of 38, I had been involved in a happy and monogamous relationship with a very open and also spiritual woman. She had come from a different country and had a difficult upbringing herself. Raised a Catholic like my parents, she too knew that God was so near, yet ideologically too far to reach. We spent a great deal of time traveling throughout the country, admiring God glorious landscapes. We become a strong and mutually inspiring couple.

Though a series of events, we had been illegally evicted from our apartment in New York City. During this time, a friend of ours had opened her door to us. This friend allowed us to occupy her apartment for nearly 3 weeks while we fixed our situation. This friend also had a very spiritual nature about her. Her apartment was adorned with many religious articles of many different faiths.

One item that caught my particular attention was a picture depciting a Sikh Guru hanging upon her wall. Knowing nothing about Sikhi at the time, I simply gazed at the picture, and began to see myself. My beard had gotten quite long, and although it had been a trendy thing in recent times to grow a beard, I was not growing it to find popularity. In fact many people seemed to dislike my untrimmed beard and would occasionally make nasty comments. This spiritual leader that I saw upon my friends wall gave me a certain hope and a clue that I was following the right path. We also happened to discover a CD recording of Gurmantar and Simran. I was mostly intrguiged by the image of an Amritdhari child on the cover. We began listening to this Naam Simran CD everyday. Although I didn't understand the word to the accompanying Mool Mantar, the thought of learning to recite the words gave me a great sense of excitement and bliss. Not surprisingly, the words were accompanied by the familiar sound of the tabla!

What began slowly, turned to a rushing toward the study of Sikhi. The friend gave us the CD when we reurned back to our apartment after solving the rent issue.

We have both been immersed in simran ever since. The kesh (hair) have continued to flow. The Kara (iron bangle) on my right arm is a tireless employee working day and night to clam my anger and encourage me to think before acting with emotion. I prefer to wear a patka (bandana style head covering) over my kesh, but I know that eventually I will accept the cloth of dastaar (turban) with great enthusiasm.

With all these exciting discoveries and revelations, how could anything possibly bring me down?!

The battle continues in a different form. Many people in my home country do not understand Sikhi. Many people are beaten and abused because of ignorance and hatred. 

I have seen many stories of Sikh brothers having their beards cut off, and being beaten or killed because ignorant people have associated them with terrorists. As I walk in the land in which I was born, with an untrimmed beard, head covering, and gutka (Sikh prayer book) in hand, I am being subjected to similar abusive behaviors. Most people just don't know how to deal with me in their minds. Here is me with light skin and light eyes looking like my Guru. Some people may make nasty comments, and some people may smile. Some people may spit, and some people may look away. It is all Vaheguru, and this may be the only thing I knows for sure.

Vaheguru Vaheguru Vaheguru.
Ghar Sukh Vaseyaa, Baahar Sukh Paaeyaa.

Although my transition towards Sikhi has been a true blessing in my life, I have had to make some changes in my career path as well. Most food establishments in my industry frown upon long beards. I have since left food service to seek alternative employment. I  have done some part time truck driving, and currently working part time in a canine boarding kennel. I am steadily looking for a Sikh owned or operated company within New York City that may offer employment.

My situation is unique in that I am sometimes perceived as being stuck between two cultures. Both Americans and Punjabi citizens are either struck with awe when their eyes connect; sometimes a smile, and sometimes an offensive comment. Some may say that I have abandoned my culture for another. When presented with that idea, I must confirm what is "my culture". I am 7 generations into the United States. I have no connection to my supposed homelands. My culture is only that of "American" culture, which from my perspective consists mostly of the freedom to indulge in the many evil vices available such as drinking, smoking, gambling, even prostitution. I find these so-called freedoms to go against everything that I am trying to achieve in this life. The only thing I can support in my country seems to be the freedom to religious expression; something that meant nothing to me as a youth, but has become important to me in recent times. I have only been immersed in the study of Sikhi for six months, but it has already taken my consciousness further than I had ever thought was possible. I would like to state that I am not trying to "be Punjabi". I am not stealing another culture. Sikhi is for every human. I discovered deep love for the teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at even the most cursory glance, and the love continues to blossom while deepening my studies.

The next step in my quest is to find my sangat. I plan to visit the Gurdwara in New York City soon, although I maintain some apprehension because a lot of what I've read about the strife amongst the Punjabi Sikh community. I am studying Gurmukhi script from children's workbooks that I obtained online. I rise for Amritvela, and read Japji Sahib and Jaap Sahib each day from my transliterated gutka. I am seeking my sangat, and friends in Sikh community. I am looking to do seva (selfless service), any seva, but langar work in particular. I would like to find Gurmukhi classes that are free or affordable. My lady friend would also like to join in seva and study.

We praise Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji every day in the privacy of our home, but would very much like to join with community for kirtan, simran, etc.

This story has been complied by with the Guru's grace and utmost humility.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

NOTE:

If any Gursikh reading this is local to New York, and is happy to assist Veer Ji and his friend in linking up to the Gurdwara Sahib and local Sangat, then please write to them at ddmills72@gmail.com.

A Story of Love for Guru Ji... (Part 1)

Thank you to Veer Dee Dee Mills for emailing me his story to share with the Sangat. Hopefully, it will give inspiration to other newcomers to Sikhi, and remind us all of Guru Ji's love.

The Story of a White-American falling in love with Sikhi...
(Part 1 of 2)

My story begins with me being born near the banks of the Mississippi River in the United States of America. My father had left before I was born and the first three years of my life were spent in a modest accommodation with my mother. During my third year, my mother married the man whom I came to call my father. They have been married ever since. Both parents were brought up in Catholic households, and as a result, neither had any affiliation to religion whatsoever. My family consists of a mixture of Germanic, Irish, and Ukrainian genealogy. From a young age, my mother told and encouraged me to seek and study religion on my own when I was old enough.

My family practiced the typical and confusing traditions of their own background, i.e. Christmas and Easter. Although the baby Christ was never spoken of, they would spend the solstice weeks decorating a fir tree, and eventually exchange gifts on the supposed birthday of Christ of whom they had no knowledge of. As a boy I was utterly confused by this, and my confusion grew more intense with age. The following year we observed Easter, which was nothing more than a candy hunt with a giant rabbit presiding over the games. This was supposed to have something to do with the Christ figure as well, but even the adults knew the connection was obsurd. It was best to just leave it alone and indulge in the sugary treats.

As I grew into adolescence, my relationship to God remained untapped. I was certain that God was phoney (made-up), and religion was for fools. Having no source of spiritual support, as a young man I fell into drug and alcohol abuse. I was content with getting high. It was the closest thing I knew to experiencing another world. But alas, as many others before me had discovered, this high, like so many things in this world, was also temporary and even became painfull. As a young man I battled with what is called depression and anxiety. I always had the support of my mother, but her capacity to guide me was never her strongest point. She herself was slowly falling into the realm of self gratification through cigarettes and gambling. Although I loved her very much, I knew she could not solve my issues.

I immersed myself in music, particularly playing guitar and keyboard. I also grew very fond of eastern Indian music. I loved the long raags of sitar and tabla (drums). I would go to the public library and sift through the international CDs looking for appealing sounds. The fact that I didn't understand the language being sung was of no consequence. The singers voice simply became another instrument being played. In fact, I began to prefer foreign language song because my brain didn't have to contemplate the words. It allowed me to sink further into the music itself, without being interupted by thought cognition. My love for indian music grew, and I bought a tabla set of my own at an Indian bazaar. My tabla playing was rudimentary, having no lessons, but I was so very fond of my tabla. Sometimes I would just sit and stare at them and enjoy their beauty.

One day, at the age of 22, after spending my youth as a devout atheist, I found myself sitting under a tree in a city park. Peering through the branches and leaves of this tree, while taking in the bits of sky blue, I suddenly came to understand that there was more to my composition than mere flesh and blood. It was as if the idea of God came rushing to me from above and I sat up in stark realization. Thus, my search for God had begun.

I spent then next 10 years dabbling in spiritual studies with a passive demeanor. I found the study of Theosophy to be most intriguing. I was still gripped by the influences of alcohol, sex, and other extreme indulgences. God had become an interest, but not yet a hobby. I spent my twenties working in restaurant kitchens learning how to cook and eventually became a chef. I loved my line of work and it took me to many great places, including the largest metropolitan city in my country.

It was in New York City that I continued my pursuit of food knowledge and cooking technique. Now in my thirties I had begun to leave the dangerous vices of alcohol and tobacco behind me. Along the way I met a devoutly Jewish woman, and we kindled a romantic relationship. Although she was very beautiful, I was mostly drawn to her spirituality... she had introduced me to what is known as Shabbat. As we continued our relationship, I joined her congregation of orthodox Jewish observers. I took on an all kosher diet and began learning about and meditating upon the many names of God in the Jewish Kabbalah faith. After two years of observance, I decided to join the congregation on a pilgrimage Israel to visit and pray at many holy site and at the graves of Jewish sages, and I even took ritual bath at the Mikveh of the holy site of Ari.

Entrance to the Mikveh of Ari

My journey did not end there. I left the congregation in Israel and visited a friend in Kiev, Ukraine. The object was to drive to a graveyard in far western Ukraine to pray at the grave site of the Baal Shem Tov. After spending time in Ukraine, I travelled back to New York. Within a couple months, my relationship with the woman had dwindled, and my connection to the congregation had nearly vanished. I felt that even after all I had done with this group, something was not right. I had felt the surge of Light that comes from Kabbalistic meditation and wanted to chase that feeling. The Jewish community had too many rules and regulations as to how and when to commune with the Divine. I knew something was not right.

I had decided in Israel that I would stop trimming my hair and beard. As I left my old congregation behind, I looked forward to the possibilities of finding the truth. I felt it was so close. As my hair became longer, I decided I needed a special comb. I wasn't sure exactly what kind of comb, but I would know it when I saw it... My relationship with knives had always been a strong one having spent my life as a chef. Little did I know that I was soon to discover a deeper truth about myself, and that my connection to my blades and my comb were the catalysts to open the door to Sikhi.

To be continued...

Khalsa Camp UK 2016...

Khalsa Camp UK 2016 took place from 26th to 31st August in Wales. The camp was attended by over 200 campers with Sangat attending from USA, Canada, Europe, and India. Special guests from abroad that shared their knowledge and inspiration with campers at the camp included Bhai Surjit Singh Ji (India), Bhai Suneet Singh Ji (Toronto), Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji (Toronto), and Bhai Vikram Singh Ji (USA).

The theme of this year's Khalsa Camp UK was 'Gursikhi Jeevan'. The lectures and workshops explored questions of life such as "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" "How can I get through problems and challenges?" and "How can I be happy?".

The first lecture, presented by Bhai Vikram Singh Ji (USA) covered “Why am I here...”, reflecting on the purpose of human life and how we got this amazing opportunity to meet and experience VaheGuru. It set set the tone of why Gursikhi Jeevan is important. The second lecture, by Bibi Mandeep Kaur Ji, was about understanding the obstacles on the path of Gursikhi Jeevan and where to get strength from, with examples from Bhenji's personal experiences, Gurbani and Sikh history. The third lecture, by Bhai Suneet Singh Ji (Toronto), was a reflection on the past and thinking about if we had another shot at life then what would we do differently. The fourth lecture, Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji (Toronto), was about the two most important ceremonies in one’s Gursikhi Jeevan – Amrit Sanskaar and Anand Sanskaar. These two rites of passage are the most intimate ceremonies of one's life which inspires, encourages and supports us in our Gursikhi Jeevan. Finally, the fifth lecture was about the preparation for the final destination – death. Accepting death and merging with Naam are the ultimate aims of Gursikhi Jeevan.

Every day of the camp, the whole camp were given two lines of Gurbani from a Shabad that was collectively sung and repeated throughout the day. The aim was that by lovingly singing, reflecting, and repeating these lines, campers would be able to enshrine these lines of Gurbani in their hearts and give everyone motivation and inspiration for the camp and beyond.

Some photos of the camp:

Group ice-breakers

Introduction talk from Bhai Surjit Singh Ji

Amrit-Vela Diwaan

Morning Simran

Giani Kulwinder Singh Ji (Canada)

 Coastal view from camp site

Lecture Bhai Suneet Singh (Toronto)


Lecture Bibi Mandeep Kaur (Army Chaplain)


I wonder why they are playing thumb-wars?

Workshop


Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji (Leamington) workshop


Group photo during coastal walk

Sangat enjoying the beach

Bhai Vikram Singh (USA) entertaining the Sangat with some magic

Sangat watching magic-show

 Evening Diwaan

Bhai Harpreet Singh Ji (Toronto) doing Kirtan


Bhenji from Toronto doing Kirtan

Bhai Surjit Singh Ji (India) doing Kirtan

Guru Ji's Seva

Bonfire and Saakhi evening

Camp fire night

 With Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji, Bhai Surjit Singh and Bhaji Jagjit Singh

 Satguru Ji leaving camp site at the end of the camp

Video of Kirtan from Khalsa Camp UK 2016: