ASH SINGHS THOUGHTS ON GOING GETS TOUGH OF PUBLIC ADDRESS

ASH SINGH writes in his blog ( http://www.ashsingh.blogspot.com/
) how butterflies were felt in the stomach before doing a group class. It is true that when such a group is encountered , one has to be confident as there could be missiles of questions being hurled at you. You should be able to answer them in a convincing manner so as to convince the audience.

I could remember the very first lecture that I did. By my standards it was a disaster. Later I had to deal with a lot on routine basis as a part of my work. Luckily, I was trained a little time later in the course leading to my master’s degree, presentation skills. Soon after my masters I was in a field where I needed to convince people to change their behaviours and inculcate new , positive health behaviours. My target audiences were also different. Thus, everyday, it was a new group, new level of demand, new level of stress and exhaustion. I had to raise the bar myself.

My next stage was university. I did have to teach undergrads. It was a novel experience for me. By now , I was feeling confident to a certain extent and it helped me a lot for many endeavours which were still to come.

Now I am in the national level and demand is so great. I have to be ready to deliver a lecture , be involved in a discussion, conduct a session at the shortest notice. Sometimes, I have to represent the country in an international fora. Totally different to each other platforms. Still, I have lot to do to master the perfection of art of talking. In this task, My sikh philosophy is of immense use for me

As ASH SINGH says, when you get ready for the toughest, real life is lot easier . I can’t agree no more ASH. As Shakespeare said word is a stage for us to be actors.

SIKH SPIRIT EMBEDDED IN MY DOCTORAL THESIS

I spent three harsh years preparing my doctorate. Hardships that I encountered during this period was enormous. At times, It came to my mind why I should toil so much hard for a degree rather than trying to earn some quick bugs. I was deprived of finacial allocations due for the project by an envious scholar. Finally, circumstances forced me to complete the mission with money out of my pocket.This actually delayed my submission of the thesis by a good year or so.

I my self collected most of data and to do so I had to leave by 2 a.m to distant places and to return by midnight. I had my lunch ( if you could term it as lunch) under the shade of trees in very remote areas. The negative feelings that sprang within myself were intolerable. But one thing kept me going. That was my rock hard sikh spirit.

In this whole process two great things inspired me. The rememberance of the saint solider, Guru Gobind Singh ji kept me going. Whenever I was down and out, I rose with more energy than it was never before when I kept my eyes closedand remebered Guru ji's strength. I never looked back. Strength I derived from his remeberance was awesome.

The other radiant source was living Guru " Guru Granth Sahib Ji". Reading SGGSJ highlighted the way I should stand out. It showed relevant Banis to my study. Finally, I quoted one of them in the very first page of my thesis. In preface, I noted the energy I absorbed from reading SGGSJ .

Today, I was told by a guy who happened to read about SGGSJ in my acknowledgement in the thesis that he wanted to know what SGGSJ was. Thus, every time, somebody reads my thesis in the library, they find the name of SGGSJ. I was happy that I was able to explain these guys about our living guru. It is revealed daily to many who know nothing about our faith. Is n't this a divine opportunity for a mere mortal like me.

I reap the fruits from seeds of desperation that I sow under the influence of Wahi Guru.

Wahi Guru Ji Ka khalsa

Wahi Guru ji ki fateh

SPECIALTY THAT OPENED ME TO SIKH REALITY

This is my work place. The country's prmier centre of disease control. I have been there for less than a year. But, the job satisfaction my being there broguht me was awesome. As a young medical graduate, I dreamt of coming here, but that was never easy. Several stumbling blocks were in place. A young resident had to decide where he was going to feel comfortable. He was at crossroad. There were many paths leading to different destinations. I had to select a relevant one. Of course not to regret later. I made my decision. it was just like having many faiths before you. But sikhism was your choice. Same way, I made the decision. It was public health. Narowed it down to EPIDEMIOLOGY.

People keep asking me why I opted for Public Health. There were many lucrative fields in medicine. Had I continued in Anaesthesia which I was in after my internship, I would have earned a lot. But, joy epidemiology gives me is immeasurable. Mental satisfaction is something money cannot buy.True, one needs money. But, as a true sikh, I need to do Kar Sewa. I have no spare time. In my current post, I can do a lot to improve the well being of tens of thousands.That is my kar sewa. My planning, policies we develop, interventions we design bring joyous smile to many fellow beings. Countless love and sewa to fellow being is what Guru's taught us. Guru's contribution in the cholera epidemic finally claiming his life is a true expression of sikhism in public health. So death in the process of investigation of a deadly disease is a divine invitation for me to follow guru's way. We prech on changing life styles. increased physical activity. Isn't that what sikhi's do by gatka. We promote gender equity. Isn't that what the Gurus preached in Hindustan a years ago.We talk about mental well being. Is n't that what they introduced by meditation, nam japna.So being a Public Health practitioner means practicing practical sikhism for me.Guru's sought reasons for continuation of life and showed the path for salvation. Is n't that what epidemiology is ( Epidemiolgy- distribution and determinants of diseases, events and health related phenomenon in the population). What is the aim of epidemiology? It is to remove factors causing the disease. Quite similar to Guru's path showing elimnation of factors causing our attachment to materai world.

For even a single moment never do I regret that I choose community health as it approximates me to sikh dharma. It binds me with the Wahi Guru. When , I visit a remote village, in smiles of poor peasants and labourers I see wahiguru's compassion.

Sikhism and health travels together. A true sikh is healthy and his well being is ensured

WAHI GURU JI KA KHALSA
WAHI GURU JI KI FATEH

GLOOMY DAY, HIGH HOPES, MENTAL WELL BEING IN SIKHISM

Weather is terrible today in Dunedin. It rains cat and dogs. On top of the rain, It is so cold. I must somehow attend the University. I felt like staying at home. However, with reluctance, I mad my way to the university. Finally, I sit at the table and open my mails. Can a gloomy and hopeless day be turned out in to a day of cheers ?.

In my mail box, I found Manjit Singh ji's e mail. He was the person who exposed Guru ji's visit to Sri Lanka in depth. In my quest for reseraching Sikhism in Lanka, I find his abstract of the presentation which he presented in a simposium in Lanka. It explicitly shows that Guru ji's visit to Lanka was not a myth but a fact.Today he sends me the original article. I am so elated because I will be able to read it in the afternoon as I have nothing special to do in this gloomy day. Thanks a lot Manjit ji. I may need your guidance to sort out some more issues related to these historical queries.At least now I know there is a scholar whom I can look forward to. Now, I want to put everything to together and start. My blog should be a place where anyone can find all references to sikhism in ceylon although it doesnot exist today. I think this is a task entrusted upon me by the IK ONG KAR. I am happy and happy as any one can be.

In that elated mood let me reflect on something else.This is the concept of health and sikhism which I love to elaborate on in details in the future.

Health has been defined by the World Health Organisation as "the physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and not merely the absence of diseases". The path demonstrated by the Sikh dharma incorporates all these aspects. Thus, concept of health is not new to sikhis. It has always been a part of our lifestyle. As a public health professional, when I happen to read Sikh history, Rehyat marda or any document related to sikhi, I discover the inclusion of the essence of being healthy in Sikhism.

Mental health has always been associated with and is essential to be in equilibrium with the physical component. Has there been any other strategy than Naam Japna (meditation on the name) to achieve mental equlibrium. Many sikh health scientists have demonstrated Nam Simran as the prefect antidote for tension .Yoga is essential for harmonious function of many physical organs and the mind. Person who mediates to be merged with the TRUTH possesses a pristinely clear mind and it invariably soothes his inner self leading him to a state of tranquillity. It ensures harmonious function of his body and soul. With day to day mind control, his adrenalin levels will be controlled leaving target organs intact. This is only a small introduction. With the time being, I intend to explicitly describe how mind training will help a gurumukh to be healthy and happy. I have adopted practically meditation, Nam simran in my life. It has yielded enormous benefits to me . So let me stop for today , just reminding you the value of mind training as a true gursikh.

TURBAN WARRIORS IN TEST CRICKET WORLD

Here is a list of sikhi cricketers who were awarded test caps. This is just the begining of the listing of the cricketers. Therefore, there could be many errors, omisions and inclusion of non sikhi " singhs" in the list. Your comments and information are highly appreciated.

Lal Singh - ( India) -16.09.1909. The very first sikhi to play test cricket . Played in the inaugural test match of India.

Yadawindra Singh ( maharaja of Patiala) ( India). 17.o1.1913

A.G.S.Kirpal Singh ( India). 8.6.1933

A.G.S.Milka Singh ( India) . 31.12.1941. Brother of AGS Kirpal Singh .

Bishen Singh Bedi ( India). 25. 09.1946. The most illustrated sikh test cricketer. Had the distinction of leading the Indian test team. He was the first sikh who had the honour of leading a national test side. Comprised the deadly spin trio in 1970s with chandrasekhar, Prasanna and sent shivers down spines of many test cricketers all over the world.

His sikhi spirit is reflected in one incident. In Karachchi, a muslim boy was struggling for his life without having Group O bllod to be transfused. An unanonimous caller promised to donate blood to this Pakistani boy. A sikh apparent by his characters gifetd by Great warrior , saint Guru Gobind Singh ji appeared and dontaed blood. The donor was non other than this great man, Bishen Ji"

Yograj Singh. 25.03.1958.Better known as "Yuvraj Singh's father"than the solitary test he played as a right hand batter and a right arm medium pacer. His entire life was dedicated to moulding of Yuvraj as a cricketer in an agggresive way.In his words, moulding Yuvraj and him being awarded the test cap was the glorious moment of taking sweet revenge to what he describes as injustice meted out to him .

Manindar Singh _ 13.06.1965. A sikh who was predicted to be in the foot steps of Great Bishen.But contrary to expectations, Mani was not able to realise his true potential. His carrear was limted to 35 testmatches where he picked up 88 wickets. Mani's voice is heard in cricket as a commentator.He is one of my favourites

Balwinder Singh Sandhu- A medium pace bowler who played 8 test matches in the era of Kapil Dev .

Navjot Singh Sidhu- Navjot may be the best batter among those the sikhis ever produced. I may be wrong. But, according to the statistics , he deserves to hold this mantle. Siddhu was such an aggresive batsman, once great Sri lankan cricketer, Aravinda had written in his newspaper column, seeing a sikh turban, nearly made world's greatest off spinner, Muralidharan collapse.This was following the way , Navjot chased the spin king dancing down the track in a series against Sri lanka.
He is by far the best commentator I ever have listened to. He is controversial to many. His use of language is innovative, fresh, likable and sarcastic. "As cool as a cucumber", "As sweet as candy", "Ritender Singh Sodi is poisonous as a rattle snake" are some of his trade mark use of language.

Gursaran Singh (India)-8.3.1963.Played one test as a right hand batsman

Harvinder Singh(India)- 23.12.1977. Right arm fast medium bowler.

Harbhajan Singh(India)-3.06.1980. One of the lethal weapons India has in spin department.Bhaji is perhaps the greatest spinner in the sikhi world after Bishen Ji. He has all ingerdients to be one of the great spinners in the world. He is a fighter of true sikhi spirit and never gives up in batting also though he is not a great batsman.

Yuvraj Singh( India) -02.12.1981 He has the potential to be the greatest sikhi batsman. A fighter to the end can end up as the Indian captain in the future. He was moulded aggressively by his father " Yograj Singh" as a revenge to the ill treatment reported to have been received by yograj personally.
.

Sarandeep Singh- (India) ,-21,10,1979 He is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm offbreak bowler. In his debut match he took six wickets in Nagpur

Monty Pannessar(England)- He is the first of sikhi warriors to fight for a country other than India in cricket. Born to Punjabi parents, people will talk about this spinner in many more years ot come. Ironically, he made his debut against the land of his parents. He was fortunate to play a game in Punjab in the presence of his grand parents. He has manged to bag the prize wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.Monty is already an inspiration to Asians and afro carribeans in UK.

POETIC VALUE OF GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI

Always our thoughts are on the content of Guru Granth Sahib Ji (GGSJ) as the guiding light of our living guru to mould our lives.Sacread texts are read daily with due resepect and veneration. An aestetic mind which treasures the verses of GGSJ may find ecstay in even reading the verses without much reflections on the content.This shows the genius of sikh gurus. It reflects their diversity and depth in thoughts with due consideration to the beauty of human existence i.e aestheticism.
The following verses captured my hearts on the very first attempt that I read them . I love the way it is presented. See the comparisons.They are so unique , unparalleled, relevant and appropriate. At the same time splendid. If english text is so facinating, can you imagine the splendour of the Punjabi version.This is the reason why sri GGSJ is a facinating source of inspiration to sikhs and non sikhs equally. Is there any other book that describes God's way in such a graceful, rhythmic, poetic language. Next time when you recite the verses of SGGSJ, be elated by the beauty of their presentation.

Chitr and Gupt, the angels of the conscious and the subconscious who record actions,
and the Righteous Judge of Dharma who judges this record sing.
Shiva, Brahma and the Goddess of Beauty, ever adorned, sing
Indra, seated upon His Throne, sings with the deities at Your Door
The Siddhas in Samaadhi sing; the Saadhus sing in contemplation.
The celibates, the Pandits, the religious scholars who recite the Vedas, with the supreme sages of all the ages, sing.
fanatics, the peacefully accepting and the fearless warriors sing
The Mohinis, the enchanting heavenly beauties who entice hearts in this world, in paradise, and in the celestial jewels created by you

Thanks to your kind support, I have been able to find the answer to the question " Guru Nanak Ji's visit to Ceylon: Facts or Myth" . As time premits, I will highlight all accademic work related to the whole voyage of the founder of our religion in my blog.

Additionally , When I browse through all sikh blogs, I find none connecting spirituality of sikhism with health.

So please await. I am at ease in concentrationg on this aspect of religion with the health in which I am a professional

WAHI GURU JI KA KHALSA

WAHI GURU JI KI FATEH

MY REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S HUKUM

In Gurbani, reference has been made to the impermanence of our bonds. It refers to our past bonds, present bonds and to the imminent loss of our existing bonds. I remember the countless friend I already had. I have already forgotten a great number of them. Presently, also due to many reasons, my friends and relatives are leaving me. Soon I will forget many of them. Likewise, I will come and grace this earth. Then, there will be a time that I will have to leave the crust of this world. Ones who do not live according to the Guru’s way will soon be forgotten as I forgot many of my friends. Thus, deviation from the guru’s path will keep me detached from the salvation enabling me to come and go on countless times. This will rotate like a cycle causing coming and going . This is the cycle of rebirth. Cycle of torture of birth and death. It will bring me regrets as the cessation of rebirth will only provide me the opportunity to taste nectar. But, those who meditated on NAAM will taste nectar as they will be attached only to the true guru but nothing else. They will relinquish their material attachments and separate themselves from rebirth. So what is the path that is left for me to cross the ocean of this poisonous world. It is the shedding of egoism and offering seva to the fellow beings . A mind without egoism will be purified. Namm Japna mind will be as clear as pristine water. It will help me to merge with the true guru. Unlike the previous, impermanent countless bonds that I had , this special bond with the true guru will be a special bond. As it has been revealed in Guru Granth, this merger with the true guru will bring me a friend who will never be separated.

Page 813
Pain comes, when one forgets Him. Peace comes when one remembers God. This is the way the Saints are in bliss - they continually sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. 1PauseThe high, He makes low, and the low, he elevates in an instant.The value of the glory of our Lord and Master cannot be estimated. 2
While he gazes upon beautiful dramas and plays, the day of his departure dawns.
The dream becomes the dream, and his actions do not go along with him. 3
God is All-powerful, the Cause of causes; I seek Your Sanctuary.
Day and night, Nanak meditates on the Lord; forever and ever he is a sacrifice. 42050
Bilaaval, Fifth Mehl:I carry water on my head, and with my hands I wash their feet.
Tens of thousands of times, I am a sacrifice to them; gazing upon the Blessed Vision of their Darshan, I live. 1
The hopes which I cherish in my mind - my God fulfills them all.
With my broom, I sweep the homes of the Holy Saints, and wave the fan over them. 1PauseThe Saints chant the Ambrosial Praises of the Lord; I listen, and my mind drinks it in.That sublime essence calms and soothes me, and quenches the fire of sin and corruption. 2
When the galaxy of Saints worship the Lord in devotion, I join them, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord.
I bow in reverence to the humble devotees, and apply the dust of their feet to my face. 3
Sitting down and standing up, I chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord; this is what I do.
This is Nanak's prayer to God, that he may merge in the Lord's Sanctuary. 42151
Bilaaval, Fifth Mehl:He alone crosses over this world-ocean, who sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord.
He dwells with the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; by great good fortune, he finds the Lord. 1
Your slave lives by hearing, hearing the Word of Your Bani, chanted by Your humble servant.
The Guru is revealed in all the worlds; He saves the honor of His servant. 1Pause
.God has pulled me out of the ocean of fire, and quenched my burning thirst.
The Guru has sprinkled the Ambrosial Water of the Naam, the Name of the Lord; He has become my Helper. 2
The pains of birth and death are removed, and I have obtained a resting place of peace.
The noose of doubt and emotional attachment has been snapped; I have become pleasing to my God. 3
Let no one think that there is any other at all; everything is in the Hands of God.
Nanak has found total peace, in the Society of the Saints. 42252
Bilaaval, Fifth Mehl:
My bonds have been snapped; God Himself has become compassionate.
The Supreme Lord God is Merciful to the meek; by His Glance of Grace, I am in ecstasy. 1
The Perfect Guru has shown mercy to me, and eradicated my pains and illnesses.
My mind and body have been cooled and soothed, meditating on God, most worthy of meditation. 1Pause
The Name of the Lord is the medicine to cure all disease; with it, no disease afflicts me.
In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, the mind and body are tinged with the Lord's Love, and I do not suffer pain any longer. 2
I chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, Har, lovingly centering my inner being on Him.
Sinful mistakes are erased and I am sanctified, in the Sanctuary of the Holy Saints. 3
Misfortune is kept far away from those who hear and chant the Praises of the Lord's Name.
Nanak chants the Mahaa Mantra, the Great Mantra, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. 42353
Bilaaval, Fifth Mehl:
From the Fear of God, devotion wells up, and deep within, there is peace.
Chanting the Name of the Lord of the Universe, doubt and delusions are dispelled. 1
One who meets with the Perfect Guru, is blessed with peace.
So renounce the intellectual cleverness of your mind, and listen to the Teachings. 1Pause
Meditate, meditate, meditate in remembrance on the Primal Lord, the Great Giver.
May I never forget that Primal, Infinite Lord from my mind. 2
I have enshrined love for the Lotus Feet of the Wondrous Divine Guru.
One who is blessed by Your Mercy, God, is committed to Your service. 3
I drink in the Ambrosial Nectar, the treasure of wealth, and my mind and body are in bliss.42454Nanak never forgets God, the Lord of supreme bliss. 42454
Bilaaval, Fifth Mehl:
Desire is stilled, and egotism is gone; fear and doubt have run away.
I have found stability, and I am in ecstasy; the Guru has blessed me with Dharmic faith. 1
Worshipping the Perfect Guru in adoration, my anguish is eradicated.
.My body and mind are totally cooled and soothed; I have found peace, O my brother. 1Pause
I have awakened from sleep, chanting the Name of the Lord; gazing upon Him, I am filled with wonder.
Drinking in the Ambrosial Nectar, I am satisfied. How wondrous is its taste! 2
I myself am liberated, and my companions swim across; my family and ancestors are also saved.
Service to the Divine Guru is fruitful; it has made me pure in the Court of the Lord. 3
I am lowly, without a master, ignorant, worthless and without virtue.

ONCE AGAIN ARTICLES OF FAITH DESECRATED

DEAR GURFATEH JI

No sooner had the case of Satnam Singh been solved, desecration of sikh faith articles has been reported from England. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Goalie SONNY SINGH's kara has been removed using wire cutters by the refree before starting the match. This happened against the background of explanation of the importance of five articles of faith to a religious sikh by Sonny, his team mates and management. The arrogant behaviour of the refree should be looked at with revulsion.

It is really sad that this happened in a pluralistic society where religious freedom is reported to be existing at the top according to many. This incident once again shows the enormous difficulties sikh youths have to undergo in Western Democracies. We know what happened in France. Britain has been adopted as place of residence by many sikhs for a period of considerable length . But still there are people who have the scanty respect for the freedom of other fellow beings.

Sonny has covered his kara with gum tapes and his argument was any way it would have been covered with the gloves. But refree had been so adamnat that it had been removed.If this trend continues, who gives the gurantee that next time Monty Panessar will be asked to shave his beard by an umpire if the ball is tossed up to him for his leg breaks.

Like in the Satnam's case, international sikh organisations should come forward and pressurise the FIFA and the England soccer union to take tough and stern action against the refree who violated fundamental human rights of sonny. Such an act should be a future lession for those who hate religious symbols.

Articles of khalsa of the Guru Gobind Singh Ji's family should not be desecrtaed

It is heartning to see the reflection of true sikhi spirit in the words of the first Sikh officer commisioned into the Pakistan army. Wearing a turban spotting a beard, Hercharan Singh has displayed the bravery of his stock saying while being proud to be the first sikh Pakistani in the army, hopefully he will be the first sikh saheed for his motherland.

WAHI GURU JI KA KHALSA
WAHI GURU JI KI FATEH

(PICTURE FROM MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)

SIKH TO SIKH AS OPPONENTS

ACCORDING TO CRICINFO MONTY PANESSAR AND HARBHAJAN SINGH HAVE CREATED HISTORY. WHEN ENGLISH SIKH MONTY BOWLED TO HRABHAJAN IN THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED TEST SERIES, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME IN TEST CRICKET GURSIKH WAS BOWLING TO GURSIKH. OTHERTHAN MONTY NO OTHER SIKH HAS EVER PLAYED TEST CRICKET FOR A COUNTRY EXCEPT INDIA. IF THERE ARE ANY, COMMENTS ARE WELCOME.

WE ARE REALLY PROUD OF MONTY. HARBHAJAN IS AN ESTABLISHED BLOKE IN THE TEAM.OUR HOPE IS THAT MONTY WILL ESTABLISH HIMSELF IN THE ENGLISH TEAM BRINGING JOY TO MILLIONS OF SIKHS ALL OVER THE WORLD. A WORD SHOULD BE MENTIONED ABOUT MONTY'S APPRECIATION THAT HE WAS INSPIRED BY SIKHISM'S WISDOM IN MIND TRAINING AND THAT HELPED HIM TO REACH THE STARDOM.
THERE WILL BE MANY MORE TURBANATORS IN THE ENGLISH TEAM IN THE TIME TO COME.

KEEP IT UP MONTY. KEEP GOING HARBHAJAN AND YUVRAJ

GUANESE BORN WEST INDIES CAPTAIN OF EAST INDIAN DESCENT SHIVNARAIN CHANDERPAUL HAS STEPPED DOWN AS CAPTAIN OF THE CARRIBEAN TEAM.iT IS BELIEVD AS AN ATTEMPT TO JUMP BEFORE BEING FORCED TO JUMP.HIS FELLOW GUYANESE , ENORMOUSLY TALENTED RAMNARESH SARWAN IS SPECULATED TO BE THE NEXT CARRIBEAN LEADER. CHRIS GAYLE AND DINESH RAMDIN ARE ALSO MENTIONED AS CONTENDERS. ONE THING IS CERTAIN, JAHAJIS WHO CROSSED THE KALAPANI IN HARSH CONDITIONS HAVING LEFT BEHIND A LEGACY OF POVERTY AND IGNORANCE IN UP, BIHAR, BENGAL , 165 YEARS AGO MUST BE VERY PROUD OF THEIR GRANDSONS.

RELIGIOUS HARMONY

SAT SRI AKAL

What is the significance of religion? It suddenly started to flalsh in my mind soon after going through my daily routine of reading sikh news in the sikh net. As a gesture of appreciation, Indian shia moslems will construct a gurudwara in Bagdad. In a divded world, with more and more religious polarisation, this may have a huge significance. Coming back to my question, religion was for moulding the man and making him a compassionate, useful existence to his fellow beings.Contrary to this , however, with the emergence of dominant ego of " the largest proportion" , meaning of religion was entirely lost. Lives were lost enmasse in the name of salvation of others. Missionaries started to spread like a cancer. Today, it is sad to hear that it infests the Punjabi sikh villages, the craddle of great sikh civilization. Sikhism was egoless and always it promoted the principle of discarding ego.A person who at least to a certain extent has manged to be egoless, knows the taste of it. Sikhism never wanted forceful conversion. Those who found solace in gurubani rushed in search of the tranquility of it. Tasted the nectar( AMRIT) of it. Buddhism also preached the detachment of ego. It never thought of forceful conversion. Tolerated the other faiths.But the same tolerance brought the downfall of buddhism in India.

In such a world, repaying debt to the sikhs by shia moslems should be seen as a good move towards religious amity. I always believed that sikhs created a bridge between Hindus and Moslims. Guru Arjan dev ji once told " I am not a hindu nor I am a moslem." It is the proclamation of soverinity and independence. But still lot of things connected us. It reminded our blood line. We saw truth in Bhagavad Gita. But we rejected polyatheism, caste system. Bhakti movement of sufi's inspired founders of our religion. This tells us that there could be things that are common while the reality being our difference,independence. Diversity is always beautiful. But unity in diversity is difficult. Sikhs in Patiala, going by the TRUE SPIRIT embedded in sikhism, have returned the tomb of eighth imam to shia followers. It has yielded rich dividends. Shiites will be in Baghdad to construct a GD in honouring Guru Nanak Dev ji. If this amity prevails everywhere is n't that a testimony to the presence of the influence of omnipresent SATGURU .

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Page 6, Jap

Chitr and Gupt, the angels of the conscious and the subconscious who record actions, and the Righteous Judge of Dharma who judges this record sing.

Shiva, Brahma and the Goddess of Beauty, ever adorned, sing

Indra, seated upon His Throne, sings with the deities at Your Door

The Siddhas in Samaadhi sing; the Saadhus sing in contemplation.

The celibates, the The Pandits, the religious scholars who recite the Vedas, with the supreme sages of all the ages, sing.

fanatics, the peacefully accepting and the fearless warriors sing

The Mohinis, the enchanting heavenly beauties who entice hearts in this world, in paradise, and inThe celestial jewels created by You,

and the sixty-eight holy places of pilgrimage sing the underworld of the subconscious sing

The brave and mighty warriors sing; the spiritual heroes and the four sources of creation sing

The planets, solar systems and galaxies, created and arranged by Your Hand, sing.

They alone sing, who are pleasing to Your Will. Your devotees are imbued with the Nectar of Your Essence

So many others sing, they do not come to mind. O Nanak, how can I consider them all

That True Lord is True, Forever True, and True is His Name

Picture ( courtesy -Hindustan Times)

VAISAKHI 1699, SRI LANKAN CONNECTION

Guru Fateh ji,

Celebration of the 307 th anniversary of the inititaion of khalsa panth will get underway soon. Sikh sanghat all over the world will celebrate this important event in less than a week from today.

Every time I read the event in a book that I posess, it describes that on this fateful day, sikh congregations as far as from Kabul , Dhakha and Lanka from the south gathered at Anandpur sahib.

This has led me to believe that three centuries ago, there had been a sikh sanghat in Sri Lanka.Today, Sri lanka is predominantly Buddhist with Hindu and Muslims forming the two large minority religious groups. It is interesting to reserach the sikh history and legacy of Sikh Dharma in Sri Lanka.

I am already in search of materials pertaining to Guru Nanak Ji's visit to this land blessed with footsteps of Lord Buddha.It inspires a lot to know that the great warior, saint Guru Gobind Singh ji had sanghat from this tiny island. Can any learned sikh scholar, historian let me know any thing about this particular matter? Can any body let me know any written material on the subject? I am indebted to all who help me in this mission.

May you all have a great vaishaki celebration

Wahi Guru Ji ka Khalsa

Wahi Guru ji ki fateh

SATNAM SINGH'S HAIR WILL BE UNCUT

Dear Gursikh

I just received an e mail confirming that SATNAM SING's hait will be uncut and as a sikh he will be able to crown it with a dastar.In the same e mail, it has been mentined that he thanked all sikh and non sikh individuals orgnisations which came forward to protect his religious and fundamental human rights.

This shows a few things.

One should not be afraid to practice his religion

If Sikh( amritdhari, non amrithdari) community comes together, it will be a huge force in the globe. french turban case, Satnam case , all these demonstrate the unity of the sikhs

Satnam has been already punished legally for his alleged unlawful activity. But, justice has prevailed over injustice in his right of practicing the religion

Finally, I would prefer to bow to the grace of his father who said " if they want my son's kesha. let them cut off my son's head" . Old gursikh has demonstrated the real grace and spirit of the khalsa initiated by great guru Gobind Singjh Ji.

JO BOLAY SO NIHAL SAT SRI AKAL

Karachchi sikhs want support of global sikhs

Dear Gursikh

According to a report in the SIKH SANGAT NEWS, an ancient sikh gurudwara will be demolished in Karachchi, Pakistan very soon. Rattan Tala gurudwara which is the only place of worship for Karachchi, SINDHI SIKHS. Built in 1932, GD was taken over by the ministry of education during General Zia's regime. However, it remained open for worshipers. According to the article in SS, police has intervened in the pretext that worshipping had disturbed students.Now, it has been ordered to be demolished as it is dilapidated condition.

This is an eye opening for our community as we have several responsibilities as believers of our religiion before us
1. We must support our Sindhi brothers. Sikhism is a faith followed by multi ethnic communites. Sindhis have long been Guru's followers. Karachchi sikh's have a right to have their GD undemolished
2. Pakistani's should be proud of the heritage of their forefathers.Be they muslims, it is the same sindhis who belonged to a different faith constructed and used this GD. Cultural heritage sites should be supported by the government
3. International sikh organisations ought to raise their voices and help our brothers through available channels .
4.Already, a letter has been sent to Sri Manmohan ji, sikhs in the indian government must use their good relationship with Pakistani counterparts to save GD.

If you would like to read the full story, please log on to SS News site www.sikhsanghat.org/publish /article_951. shtml

May guru's grace upon you
Wahi Guru ji ka khalsa, wahi guru ji ki fateh

Guru Nanak Ji's visit to Sri Lanka

SAT SRI AKAL

Dear Gur sikh and brothers and sisters
I am a converted sikh and I am extremly happy that I found solace in Guru's Bani which is eternal, appropriate and universal.
I would like to make an appeal to all scholars, researchers of all religious backgrounds to help me in completing an endevour which I intend to embark upon.
Founder of our faith, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji , travelled extensively. It is recorded that he visited Sri Lanka. According to the records, one indian pandit named " Janakacharya" visited king's court and king was immensely impressed with his wisdom. This Janakacharya is believed to be our Adi Nanak.
If any scholar, any individual has any evidence, record or any comment to make on this subject, they are welcome to address me through thiis page. Any document, comment, suggestion is accepted to my e mail " lankansikh@yahoo.co.in"

I am currently following an advance course related to my profession abroad. As soon as I return , I intend to embark on this project. Your help in this regard is most essential.

Wahi Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahi Guru ji ki fateh
Ranjan


MS Ahluwalia has done a comprehensive research on GURU NANAK JI IN CEYLON. Please read the full article
http://www.sikhspectrum.com/082004/ceylon_guru_nanak.htm