Upinder Kaur's Blog

Aananda sukh sehaj moorat by Bhai Gurmeet Singh shant

2011-04-17T10:30:00.000+05:30

bisar gayee sab taat paraaee by Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shaant

2011-04-16T10:58:00.001+05:30

Super Moon

2011-03-21T09:32:00.001+05:30

Super Moon a photo by Upinder Kaur on Flickr.

Diwali

2010-12-08T13:36:00.001+05:30

Diwali
Originally uploaded by Upinder Kaur

ਬਾਹਰ ੳਚੇਚਾ ਦੀਪ ਜਲਾਂਦੀ
ਅਜ ਦਿਨ ਦੁਨਿਯਾ ਬਾਹਰੀ
ਜਿਸ ਘਟ ਦਿਲ ਦਾ ਦੀਵਾ ਬਲਯਾ
ੳਥੇ ਰੋਜ ਦੀਵਾਲੀ

Rains in Delhi

2010-08-28T09:02:00.000+05:30

It had been raining almost continuously for a week now. Every body is not very happy about it As Guru Nanak says in this shabad rain may bring happiness to some but may be a cause of worry to others.

ਮ: 1 ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਵਣਿ ਜੇ ਵਸੈ ਚਹੁ ਓਮਾਹਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਨਾਗਾਂ ਮਿਰਗਾਂ ਮਛੀਆਂ ਰਸੀਆਂ ਘਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਹੋਇ ॥1॥

O Nanak, when it rains in the month of Saawan, four are delighted:

the snake, the deer, the fish and the wealthy people who seek pleasure. ||1||

ਮ: 1 ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਵਣਿ ਜੇ ਵਸੈ ਚਹੁ ਵੇਛੋੜਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਗਾਈ ਪੁਤਾ ਨਿਰਧਨਾ ਪੰਥੀ ਚਾਕਰੁ ਹੋਇ ॥2॥

First Mehl:

O Nanak, when it rains in the month of Saawan, four suffer the pains of separation:

the cow's calves, the poor, the travellers and the servants. ||2||

These plants seem very happy in the rain

New Langar Hall at Kesh Garh Sahib

2010-07-16T13:21:00.004+05:30

This the picture of the new Langar Hall

The Langar being served

You have to travel down a good number of stairs or else take the ramp to reach the hall

As I was leaving I noticed this. This was just outside the Jorha ghar. I wondered why we tend to disobey the rules...

Shabad Kirtan: 18th Annual Adutti Gurmat Sangeet Darbar

2010-02-23T09:33:00.001+05:30

Shabad Kirtan: 18th Annual Adutti Gurmat Sangeet Darbar

Prof. Kartar Singh ji honored witrh SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI AWARDS 2008

2009-07-31T10:25:00.009+05:30

It is a proud moment for sikh panth and Gurmat Sangeet sangeet lovers. Prof Kartar Singh Ji 81, Director Gurmat Sangeet Academy has received Akademi Award for his contribution to the traditional form of Gurmat Sangeet i.e. with tanti saaz in raags. See details...

He performed at Meghdoot theater on 19th July. here are a few video recordings:-

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai-2009

2009-05-09T10:18:00.001+05:30

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai-2009

2009-04-17T08:31:00.001+05:30

2009-03-18T17:42:00.002+05:30

Autobiography of a great man - Prof. Sahib Singh ji

2008-12-24T10:08:00.018+05:30

This is one autobiography which I have read several times. Today we look for gurbani meaning very promptly from GuruGranth Darpan. It may be a hard copy or a cd or just on the web but it seldom occurs to us the hard work of the person who is behind it. Today I would like to share a few excerpts from this book

The book

He stars his story from the family tree and goes in detail about his name:

Its very interesting to read about the disease and its treatment in those days, just a century ago:

How the thoughts of becoming a sikh hovered around his mind:

One canot believe that appearing in the school exam was so difficult:

Reading about his marriage is really amusing:
Amrit Sanskar:
Here is a story from his life which always brought tears to my eyes:

In short book tells you a lot about the life people lived 100 years ago. We can know a lot about Akali lehar , Gurdwara movement and freedom struggle.The Language used is very interesting.His hardwork and struggle to publish Darpan is most amazing. Every time we read Darpan we must pay tribute to this great soul

Raj Academy's Delhi visit

2008-11-20T10:20:00.005+05:30

Raj Academy from UK was in Delhi recently. It was their third tour to the capital of India. Every time they come we try our best, not to miss any kirtan performance by the group. This time their tour was very short but most valuable. They held a workshop for two days (Saturday and Sunday). It was a splendid attempt to impart knowledge of Gurmat Sangeet to those who seek out. Professor Surinder Singh and his students gave valuable tips of gurmat sangeet and allowed every one present a fair chance to try their hands on all the musical instruments. Through this post I express my heartfelt gratitude to professor sahib and his team. We look out for next such great occasion. I would like to thank each one of them.

you can watch the videos here

Flash Of Lightening

2008-10-26T12:35:00.003+05:30

Thakat Shri Kes Garh Sahib

2008-07-23T22:07:00.000+05:30

Jagat Jot Jape Nisbasur

2008-07-06T17:50:00.004+05:30

Here is another video from Gurbani Gaveh Bhai. You can down load all the videos from keertan.org

last year's audio recordings are also available for download. Click Here

The holy places of worship in the world are polluted, and so the world is drowning.

2008-06-27T21:37:00.014+05:30

Guru Nanak during his visit to JaganNath Puri in Orissa came across a fake Sadhu pretending to see three worlds with his eyes shut and nostrils closed between the thumb and fingers as he sat in lotus pose (padmaassan). He promised his devotees to show the Three worlds (swarag, mirat and patal lok) if they sat there in meditation with him. He had kept a lota (bowl) in front of him meant for donations. Guru Sahib and Mardana also sat there along with other people. As everybody sat with their eyes closed, Mardana, under the direction of Guru Sahib, picked up the lota and kept it behind the sadhu. When he opened his eyes and saw the money gone, he started screaming in a fit of rage. Guru Sahib smiled and asked him, “If you were claiming to visualize all the three worlds, then how come you didn't see your lota?" Then Mardana picked up the bowl and showed it to him. He admitted that he could not see anything with closed eyes and simply fooled innocent people. The following Shabad of Guru Nanak in Raag Dhanasiri explains the whole incident.

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ 1 ਘਰੁ 3 ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ਕਾਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਤ ਕਾ ਢਬੁ ॥ ਥਾਨਸਟ ਜਗ ਭਰਿਸਟ ਹੋਏ ਡੂਬਤਾ ਇਵ ਜਗੁ ॥1॥ ਕਲ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਾਰੁ ॥ ਅਖੀ ਤ ਮੀਟਹਿ ਨਾਕ ਪਕੜਹਿ ਠਗਣ ਕਉ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਆਂਟ ਸੇਤੀ ਨਾਕੁ ਪਕੜਹਿ ਸੂਝਤੇ ਤਿਨਿ ਲੋਅ ॥ ਮਗਰ ਪਾਛੈ ਕਛੁ ਨ ਸੂਝੈ ਏਹੁ ਪਦਮੁ ਅਲੋਅ ॥2॥ ਖਤ੍ਰੀਆ ਤ ਧਰਮੁ ਛੋਡਿਆ ਮਲੇਛ ਭਾਖਿਆ ਗਹੀ ॥ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਭ ਇਕ ਵਰਨ ਹੋਈ ਧਰਮ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਰਹੀ ॥3॥ ਅਸਟ ਸਾਜ ਸਾਜਿ ਪੁਰਾਣ ਸੋਧਹਿ ਕਰਹਿ ਬੇਦ ਅਭਿਆਸੁ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਨਾਮ ਹਰਿ ਕੇ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਹੈ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਦਾਸੁ ॥4॥1॥6॥8॥

No, no, this is not the time, when people know the way to Yoga and Truth.

The holy places of worship in the world are polluted, and so the world is drowning. ||1||

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Lord's Name is the most sublime.

Some people try to deceive the world by closing their eyes and holding their nostrils closed. ||1||Pause||

They close off their nostrils with their fingers, and claim to see the three worlds.

But they cannot even see what is behind them. What a strange lotus pose this is! ||2||

The K'shatriyas have abandoned their religion, and have adopted a foreign language.

The whole world has been reduced to the same social status; the state of
righteousness and Dharma has been lost. ||3|| They analyze eight chapters of (Panini's) grammar and the Puraanas. They study the Vedas, but without the Lord's Name, no one is liberated; so says Nanak, the Lord's slave. ||4||1||6||8||

The shabad which follows this in Guru Granth Sahib on Ang 663 is Aarti, which we all know was also sung by Guru Nanak at Puri.

Mobiles and Group SMS

2008-06-17T12:47:00.012+05:30

About 10 years ago it was impossible for me to even think of using a mobile phone. Today each and every member of my family owns a mobile. As I walk on street I notice very often that almost every one around holds a cell phone . With such a boom in cell phone industry SMS has become an important way to communicate. Its wonderful to receive my daily hukamnama from Darbar Sahib on my cell. This sms group 'SIKHI' sends you daily hukamnama along with one word from Gurbani with its meaning and example. Without much effort you get to learn one word every day.
Here is an example:

EHNIS - day and night

RAAVE - enjoys

EHNIS RAAVE BHAGAT JOG

Day and night he (gurmukh) enjoys the devotional worship.
Synonyms of EHNIS : NISDIN.

One even gets a Recap at the end of the week to recapitulate whatever we could learn.

Recap
BISAARI: forget

PEHER: 3hours

CHITAARI: think

SAAS SAAS: each breath

PEKHAI: see

BISMAAD: wonders

KAT: why,where

PRASAAD: Kirpa

KAARAJ: work

To learn more and subscribe to this group please see the following links:

Sikhi:
http://www.smsgupshup.com/groups/Sikhi
http://joinsikhi.blogspot.com/

Another group is about daughters of Guru Gobind Singh --'KAURZ'
to know more about this group CLICK HERE

There are more group sms services
One provides with information of various kirtan programmes in Delhi ( GaavoSachiBani)and even kirtan download of these samagams is available on the site. Click Here .

Another group of youngters are arranging gurmat camps for kids and are also active in group sms.
Sikhi Sidak
I got an opportunity to attend one such camp and was really impressed by sewa of these youngters. May Waheguru Bless them and keep them in Chardi Kala.

Gurbani Santhaya

2008-06-14T10:54:00.003+05:30

The celebrations of the 300 years of Guru Granth Sahib Gur Gaddi Divas are in full swing. In my local gurudwara I found these celebrations to be most unique.There is a Larivar Gurbani Santhaya everyday.Though there are not many people but still its heartening to see some very young participants. I think instead of spending huge amount of funds on Lavish Nagar kirtans and fire works we should motivate more youngsters to participate in gurbani Santhaya and understand Guru's hukum.Unless and until we understand the Gurbani , all other celebrations are a waste .Guru Sahib makes it very clear

ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮਃ 3 ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨੋ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਵੇਖਦਾ ਜੇਤਾ ਜਗਤੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਡਿਠੈ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਵਈ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਕਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
ਹਉਮੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਚੁਕਈ ਨਾਮਿ ਨ ਲਗੈ ਪਿਆਰੁ ॥
ਇਕਿ ਆਪੇ ਬਖਸਿ ਮਿਲਾਇਅਨੁ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਤਜਿ ਵਿਕਾਰ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਇਕਿ ਦਰਸਨੁ ਦੇਖਿ ਮਰਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਹੇਤਿ ਪਿਆਰਿ ॥1॥

salok ma 3 |
sathigur no sabh ko vaekhadhaa jaethaa jagath sansaar |
ddithai mukath n hovee jichar sabadh n karae veechaar |
houmai mail n chukee naam n lagai piaar |
eik aapae bakhas milaaeian dhubidhaa thaj vikaar |
naanak eik dharasan dhaekh mar milae sathigur haeth piaar |1|

Shalok, Third Mehl:
All the living beings of the world behold the True Guru.
One is not liberated by merely seeing Him, unless one contemplates the Word of His Shabad.
The filth of ego is not removed, and he does not enshrine love for the Naam.
The Lord forgives some, and unites them with Himself; they forsake their duality and sinful ways.
O Nanak, some behold the Blessed Vision of the True Guru's Darshan, with love and affection; conquering their ego, they meet with the Lord. ||1||

Sangat participating in the larivar Gurbani Santhaya

Jagriti Yatra in Delhi

2008-06-11T18:38:00.004+05:30

I had been really busy and couldn't update my blog for some time. Here are the glimpses of visit of Jagriti Yatra to Delhi.
Historical Shastars of Guru Gobind Singh ji and the Sikhs

300 year old Handwritten swaroop of Guru Sahib

Mere Lallan ke Sobha

2008-05-24T10:14:00.001+05:30

Another video from Gurbani Gaveh Bhai 2008

More Kirtan from Gurbani gaveh bhai

2008-05-02T18:13:00.005+05:30

Bibi Gursharan kaur is from Delhi and she sang beautifully. Here is one of the shabads she sang. Since Youtube doesn't accept a video lenght of more than 10 minutes I had to trim the video clip .

Ashupreet Kaur

2008-04-23T13:38:00.002+05:30

Singing at Gurbani Gaveh Bhai.

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

2008-04-21T10:56:00.003+05:30

This weekend I had an opportunity to Attend annual kirtan programme at the Talkatora Gardens. Captured lots of videos which I'll share over time

Full moon peeped through trees as we listened to Gurbani kirtan

welcome lamps lit at the entrance gate

Here is a small video clip of the shabad sung by BhaiGurmeet SinghShant

ਨਟ ਪੜਤਾਲ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ਕੋਊ ਹੈ ਮੇਰੋ ਸਾਜਨੁ ਮੀਤੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੁਨਾਵੈ ਨੀਤ ॥ ਬਿਨਸੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਬਿਪਰੀਤਿ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਅਰਪਉ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਚੀਤੁ
॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਆਪਨ ਕੀਤ ॥ ਸੰਗਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਤ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਦੀਤ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਿ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਜੀਤ ॥ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਤਿਤ ਹੋਹਿ ਪੁਨੀਤ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਕੀਤ॥੨॥੧॥੧੦॥੧੯॥

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

2008-04-15T09:09:00.002+05:30

The detailed programme of Gurbani Gaveh Bhai at Talkatora Gardens from 18th to 20th April 2008.

Bhai Harjeet Singh Gurdeep Singh ji

2008-03-31T09:04:00.001+05:30

Alokik Basan Kirtan Samagam

2008-03-17T13:38:00.003+05:30

On 15th March 2008, A Basant Kirtan Darbar was organized at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib New Delhi. I had gone with much enthusiasm but was somewhat disappointed. Here is the scanned image of the poster :-

It was really painful and disturbing to find certain things. The poster at the venue said

"ਗੁਰਮਤ ਕੀਰਤਨ ਨੂੰ ਪੁਨਰ ਜੀਵ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਇਕ ਉਪਰਾਲਾ"

“An effort to revive Gurmat Kirtan”

But the renowned Pandits of Hindustani classical music invited were singing anything but Gurmat Kirtan. Most raags were off-title. The shabad of Raag Malhaar was sung in Raag Basant.
Gurbani was called as rachna (composition) of someone else -which was of course corrected when pointed out. Some raags that were sung are not even part of Guru Granth Sahib. What hurt the most was that some of them just rushed to the stage without doing matha tek to the Guru whose Gurta Gaddi Diwas was supposedly being commemorated. Here is a small video clip of Rajan and Sajan Mishra singing. I could not make out what they were singing. No doubt they are very good singers but singing Gurbani is pure love and devotion and not the showing off one’s talent. Nirdharit Raags and clarity of word should have been on top priority. I have nothing against them I fully appreciate their singing talent but I feel they shouldn’t have been invited for Gurmat Kirtan as its different from their field. The other kirtanias were really wonderful.

Sunrise

2008-03-05T15:28:00.003+05:30

Some days ago I had an opportunity to view the sun rising as I listened to Jaap Sahib. This gave me the idea of this video. Bani is recited by students of Akal Academy Baru Sahib.

Train to Patna

2008-02-29T10:49:00.003+05:30

Train to Patna
Originally uploaded by Upinder Kaur

Saw this picture in the News paper ( The Hindu)and thought of sharing with you all.
I have actually seen this kind of scene at Patna railway station many years ago.I thought that over years things might have improved but this news paper photo says it all. I was just wondering if they are all ticket holders.Payments for this kind of journey will surely generate huge profits .

In Phalgun, her mind is enraptured, pleased by the Love of her Beloved.

2008-02-12T10:12:00.002+05:30

ਫਲਗੁਨਿ ਮਨਿ ਰਹਸੀ ਪ੍ਰੇਮੁ ਸੁਭਾਇਆ ॥ ਅਨਦਿਨੁ ਰਹਸੁ ਭਇਆ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ॥ ਮਨ ਮੋਹੁ ਚੁਕਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਇਆ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਘਰਿ ਆਓ ॥ ਬਹੁਤੇ ਵੇਸ ਕਰੀ ਪਿਰ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਮਹਲੀ ਲਹਾ ਨ ਥਾਓ ॥ ਹਾਰ ਡੋਰ ਰਸ ਪਾਟ ਪਟੰਬਰ ਪਿਰਿ ਲੋੜੀ ਸੀਗਾਰੀ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਈ ਗੁਰਿ ਅਪਣੈ ਘਰਿ ਵਰੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਰੀ ॥੧੬॥

In Phalgun, her mind is enraptured, pleased by the Love of her Beloved. Night and day, she is enraptured, and her selfishness is gone. Emotional attachment is eradicated from her mind, when it pleases Him; in His Mercy, He comes to myhome. I dress in various clothes, but without my Beloved, I shall not find a place in the Mansion of His Presence. I have adorned myself with garlands of flowers, pearl necklaces, scented oils and silk robes. O Nanak, the Guru has united me with Him. The soul-bride has found her Husband Lord, within the home of her own heart. || 16 ||

You can listen to/download BarahMaha Katha by Giani Sant Singh Maskeen

The One Name is my lamp; I have put the oil of suffering into it.

2008-01-28T12:18:00.000+05:30

ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥

ਦੀਵਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਏਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੇਲੁ ॥ ਉਨਿ ਚਾਨਣਿ ਓਹੁ ਸੋਖਿਆ ਚੂਕਾ ਜਮ ਸਿਉ ਮੇਲੁ ॥੧॥ ਲੋਕਾ ਮਤ ਕੋ ਫਕੜਿ ਪਾਇ ॥ ਲਖ ਮੜਿਆ ਕਰਿ ਏਕਠੇ ਏਕ ਰਤੀ ਲੇ ਭਾਹਿ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਤਲਿ ਮੇਰੀ ਕੇਸਉ ਕਿਰਿਆ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ ॥ ਐਥੈ ਓਥੈ ਆਗੈ ਪਾਛੈ ਏਹੁ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਧਾਰੁ ॥੨॥ ਗੰਗ ਬਨਾਰਸਿ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ਨਾਵੈ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਉ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਵਣੁ ਤਾਂ ਥੀਐ ਜਾਂ ਅਹਿਨਿਸਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਭਾਉ ॥੩॥ ਇਕ ਲੋਕੀ ਹੋਰੁ ਛਮਿਛਰੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁ ਵਟਿ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਕਾ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਨਿਖੂਟਸਿ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੪॥੨॥੩੨॥

AASAA, FIRST MEHL: The One Name is my lamp; I have put the oil of suffering into it. Its flame has dried up this oil, and I have escaped my meeting with the Messenger of Death. || 1 || O people, do not make fun of me. Thousands of wooden logs, piled up together, need only a tiny flame to burn. || 1 || Pause || The Lord is my festive dish, of rice balls on leafy plates; the True Name of the Creator Lord is my funeral ceremony. Here and hereafter, in the past and in the future, this is my support. || 2 || The Lords Praise is my River Ganges and my city of Benares; my soul takes its sacred cleansing bath there. That becomes my true cleansing bath, if night and day, I enshrine love for You. || 3 || The rice balls are offered to the gods and the dead ancestors, but it is the Brahmins who eat them! O Nanak, the rice balls of the Lord are a gift which is never exhausted. || 4 || 2 || 32 ||

Maan Nimane Tu Dhani Tera Bharvasa

2008-01-22T20:26:00.000+05:30

2008-01-12T10:54:00.000+05:30

ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਘਰੁ ੧੭ ਆਸਾਵਰੀ
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਕਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮਨਿ ਪਿਆਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਗੁਰਿ ਕਹਿਆ ਸੁ ਚਿਤਿ ਧਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਅਨ ਸਿਉ ਤੋਰਿ ਫੇਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਐਸੇ ਲਾਲਨੁ ਪਾਇਓ ਰੀ ਸਖੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਪੰਕਜ ਮੋਹ ਸਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਪਗੁ ਨਹੀ ਚਲੈ ਹਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਗਹਡਿਓ ਮੂੜ ਨਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਅਨਿਨ ਉਪਾਵ ਕਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਤਉ ਨਿਕਸੈ ਸਰਨਿ ਪੈ ਰੀ ਸਖੀ ॥੧॥
ਥਿਰ ਥਿਰ ਚਿਤ ਥਿਰ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਬਨੁ ਗ੍ਰਿਹੁ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਏਕ ਪਿਰ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਬਾਹਰਿ ਅਨੇਕ ਧਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਰਾਜਨ ਜੋਗੁ ਕਰਿ ਹਾਂ ॥
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਲੋਗ ਅਲੋਗੀ ਰੀ ਸਖੀ ॥੨॥੧॥੧੫੭॥
RAAG AASAA, FIFTH MEHL, SEVENTEENTH HOUSE, AASAAVAREE:
ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:
Meditate on the Lord, the Lord of the Universe. Cherish the Beloved Lord, Har, Har, in your mind. The Guru says to install it in your consciousness. Turn away from others, and turn to Him. Thus you shall obtain your Beloved, O my companion. || 1 || Pause || In the pool of the world is the mud of attachment. Stuck in it, the his feet cannot walk towards the Lord. The fool is stuck; he cannot do anything else. Only by entering the Lords Sanctuary, O my companion, will you be released. || 1 || Thus your consciousness shall be stable and steady and firm. Wilderness and household are the same. Deep within dwells the One Husband Lord; outwardly, there are many distractions. Practice Raja Yoga, the Yoga of meditation and success. Says Nanak, this is the way to dwell with the people, and yet remain apart from them. || 2 || 1 || 157 ||

Kirtan by Raj Academy in New Delhi

2008-01-08T09:31:00.001+05:30

Prof.Surinder Singh with his students

Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib -New Delhi

Here is a small video clip

You can download the audio file of recording of that evening's kirtan HERE

More videos and audio files will be uploaded later.

Battle of Chamkaur

2007-12-21T11:06:00.001+05:30

This week is to be remembered as Week of Battle of Chamkaur and Shaheedi of shahibzadas.Let us take some time out to refresh our History (source -SikhiWiki )

On 20 December 1705, Guru Sahib and the 40 Singhs camped in an open space in Ropar. Bhai Budhi Chand who owned a Haveli (open house) in the town of Chamkaur visited Guru Sahib and offered the services of his home and family at the feet of the Guru. Guru Sahib had once visited the mud-house of Bhai Budhi Chand when returning from Kurekshetr. Guru Sahib and the 40 Singhs moved into house of Bhai Budhi Chand situated on a hill, which now became the mud-fort of Guru Sahib.

At the commencement of Amritvela (early hours of the day before sunrise) Guru Sahib woke up Bhai Sangat Singh.

"Wake up Sangat Singh, its time for Asa di Var. Let's do Kirtan," Guru said.

What an amazing warrior Guru was! An army of 100,000 are pursuing Guru Sahib and planning to attack the place where they are staying, and Guru Sahib is still blissfully continuing his routine Rehat of Nitnem and Aas di Var Kirtan with all Singhs joining in.

Nawab Wazir Khan, announced outside the fort of Chamkaur, "Gobind Singh! If you and your Sikhs come out now, you will be spared!" Guru Sahib replied to this with rain of arrows. There was silence now in the cold morning. Clouds filled the sky followed by thunder and lightening. Guru and the Singhs became ready for the battle.Read on...

Guru Sahib Has described this battle himself in Zafarnama. Here is a part of it.

ਦਾਸਤਾਨ ॥ ਹਿਕਾਯਤ ਪਹਿਲੀ ॥
दासतान ॥ हिकायत पहिली ॥
STORY, HIKAYAT I (PARABLE I)

ਮਰਾ ਏਤਬਾਰੇ ਬਰੀਂ ਕਸਮ ਨੇਸਤ ॥ ਕਿ ਏਜ਼ਦ ਗਵਾਹ ਅਸਤੋ ਯਜ਼ਦਾਂ ਯਕੇਸਤ ॥੧੩॥
मरा एतबारे बरीं कसम नेसत ॥ कि एज़द गवाह असतो यज़दां यकेसत ॥१३॥
I have faith in your oaths; the Lord Himself is the Witness.13.

ਨ ਕਤਰਹ ਮਰਾ ਏਤਬਾਰੇ ਬਰੋਸਤ ॥ ਕਿ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੀਉ ਦੀਵਾਂ ਹਮਹ ਕਿਜ਼ਬਗੋਸਤ ॥੧੪॥
न कतरह मरा एतबारे बरोसत ॥ कि बख़शीउ दीवां हमह किज़बगोसत ॥१४॥
I have not an iota of faith in such a person, whose officers have relinquished the path of Turth.14.

ਕਸੇ ਕਉੋਲਿ ਕੁਰਆਂ ਕੁਨਦ ਏਤਬਾਰ ॥ ਹਮਾਂ ਰੋਜ਼ਿ ਆਖ਼ਿਰ ਸ਼ਵਦ ਮਰਦ ਖ਼੍ਵਾਰ ॥੧੫॥
कसे कउोलि कुरआं कुनद एतबार ॥ हमां रोज़ि आख़िर शवद मरद ख़्वार ॥१५॥
Whosoever puts faith on the oath of Quran, he is subjected to punishment on the final reckoning.15.

ਹੁਮਾ ਰਾ ਕਸੇ ਸਾਯਹ ਆਯਦ ਬਜ਼ੇਰ ॥ ਬਰੋ ਦਸਤ ਦਾਰਦ ਨ ਜ਼ਾਗੇ ਦਲੇਰ ॥੧੬॥
हुमा रा कसे सायह आयद बज़ेर ॥ बरो दसत दारद न ज़ागे दलेर ॥१६॥
He, who comes under the shade of the legendary Huma, a very brave crow cannot harm him.16.

ਕਸੇ ਪੁਸ਼ਤ ਉਫ਼ਤਦ ਪਸੇ ਸ਼ੇਰਿ ਨਰ ॥ ਨ ਗੀਰਦ ਬੁਜ਼ੋ ਮੇਸ਼ੋ ਆਹੂ ਗੁਜ਼ਰ ॥੧੭॥
कसे पुशत उफ़तद पसे शेरि नर ॥ न गीरद बुज़ो मेशो आहू गुज़र ॥१७॥
He, who takes refuge of the fierce tiger; the goat, sheep and deer do not go near him.17.

ਕਸਮ ਮੁਸਹਫੇ ਖੁਫ਼ੀਯਹ ਗਰ ਈਂ ਖ਼ਰਮ ॥ ਨ ਫ਼ਉਜੇ ਅਜ਼ੀਂ ਜ਼ੇਰਿ ਸੁਮ ਅਫ਼ਗਨਮ ॥੧੮॥
कसम मुसहफे खुफ़ीयह गर ईं ख़रम ॥ न फ़उजे अज़ीं ज़ेरि सुम अफ़गनम ॥१८॥
Even if I had taken an oath on Quarn in concealment, I would not have budged and inch from my place.18.

ਗੁਰਸਨਹ ਚਿਹ ਕਾਰੇ ਚਿਹਲ ਨਰ ॥ ਕਿ ਦਹ ਲਕ ਬਰਾਯਦ ਬਰੋ ਬੇਖ਼ਬਰ ॥੧੯॥
गुरसनह चिह कारे चिहल नर ॥ कि दह लक बरायद बरो बेख़बर ॥१९॥
How could forty famished persons fight in the battlefield, on whom ten lakh soldiers made a sudden attack.19.

ਕਿ ਪੈਮਾਂ ਸ਼ਿਕਨ ਬੇਦਰੰਗ ਆਮਦੰਦ ॥ ਮਿਯਾਂ ਤੇਗ਼ੋ ਤੀਰੋ ਤੁਫ਼ੰਗ ਆਮਦੰਦ ॥੨੦॥
कि पैमां शिकन बेदरंग आमदंद ॥ मियां तेग़ो तीरो तुफ़ंग आमदंद ॥२०॥
Your army breaking the oath and in great haste plunged in the battlefield with arrows and guns.20.

ਬ ਲਾਚਾਰਗੀ ਦਰਮਿਯਾਂ ਆਮਦਮ ॥ ਬ ਤਦਬੀਰਿ ਤੀਰੋ ਤੁਫ਼ੰਗ ਆਮਦਮ ॥੨੧॥
ब लाचारगी दरमियां आमदम ॥ ब तदबीरि तीरो तुफ़ंग आमदम ॥२१॥
For this reason, I had to intervene and had to come fully armed.21.

ਚੁ ਕਾਰ ਅਜ਼ ਹਮਹ ਹੀਲਤੇ ਦਰ ਗੁਜ਼ਸ਼ਤ ॥ ਹਲਾਲ ਅਸਤ ਬੁਰਦਨ ਬ ਸ਼ਮਸ਼ੀਰ ਦਸਤ ॥੨੨॥
चु कार अज़ हमह हीलते दर गुज़शत ॥ हलाल असत बुरदन ब शमशीर दसत ॥२२॥
When all other methods fail, it is proper to hold the sword in hand.22.

ਚਿਹ ਕਸਮੇ ਕੁਰਆਂ ਮਨ ਕੁਨਮ ਏਤਬਾਰ ॥ ਵਗਰਨਹ ਤੁ ਗੋਈ ਮਨ ਈਂ ਰਹ ਚਿਹਕਾਰ ॥੨੩॥
चिह कसमे कुरआं मन कुनम एतबार ॥ वगरनह तु गोई मन ईं रह चिहकार ॥२३॥
I have no faith in your oaths on the Quarn, otherwise I had nothing to do with this battle.23.
ਨ ਦਾਨਮ ਕਿ ਈਂ ਮਰਦਿ ਰੋਬਾਹ ਪੇਚ ॥ ਗਰ ਹਰਗਿਜ਼ੀਂ ਰਹ ਨਯਾਰਦ ਬਹੇਚ ॥੨੪॥
न दानम कि ईं मरदि रोबाह पेच ॥ गर हरगिज़ीं रह नयारद बहेच ॥२४॥
I do not know that your officers are deceitful, otherwise I would not have followed this path.24.

ਹਰ ਆਂ ਕਸ ਕਿ ਕਉਲੇ ਕੁਰਆਂ ਆਯਦਸ਼ ॥ ਨਜ਼ੋ ਬਸਤਨੋ ਕੁਸ਼ਤਨੀ ਬਾਯਦਸ਼ ॥੨੫॥
हर आं कस कि कउले कुरआं आयदश ॥ नज़ो बसतनो कुशतनी बायदश ॥२५॥
It is not appropriated to imprison and kill those, who put faith on the oaths of Quarn.25.

ਬਰੰਗੇ ਮਗਸ ਸਯਾਹਪੋਸ਼ ਆਮਦੰਦ ॥ ਬ ਯਕਬਾਰਗੀ ਦਰ ਖ਼ਰੋਸ਼ ਆਮਦੰਦ ॥੨੬॥।
बरंगे मगस सयाहपोश आमदंद ॥ ब यकबारगी दर ख़रोश आमदंद ॥२६॥।
The soldiers of your army, clad in black uniforms, rushed like flies on my men.26.

ਹਰ ਆਂ ਕਸ ਜ਼ਿ ਦੀਵਾਰ ਆਮਦ ਬਿਰੂੰ ॥ ਬਖ਼ੁਰਦਨ ਯਕੇ ਤੀਰ ਸ਼ੁਦ ਗ਼ਰਕਿ ਖ਼ੂੰ ॥੨੭॥
हर आं कस ज़ि दीवार आमद बिरूं ॥ बख़ुरदन यके तीर शुद ग़रकि ख़ूं ॥२७॥
Whosoever from them came near the wall of the fort, with one arrow he was drenched in his own blood.27.

ਕਿ ਬੇਰੂੰ ਨਯਾਮਦ ਕਸੇ ਜ਼ਾਂ ਦਿਵਾਰ ॥ ਨ ਖ਼ੁਰਦੰਦ ਤੀਰੋ ਨ ਗਸ਼ਤੰਦ ਖ਼੍ਵਾਰ ॥੨੮॥
कि बेरूं नयामद कसे ज़ां दिवार ॥ न ख़ुरदंद तीरो न गशतंद ख़्वार ॥२८॥
None dared to come there near the wall; none faced then the arrows and destruction.28.

ਚੁ ਦੀਸਮ ਕਿ ਨਾਹਰ ਬਿਯਾਮਦ ਬ ਜੰਗ ॥ ਚਸ਼ੀਦਮ ਯਕੇ ਤੀਰਿ ਮਨ ਬੇਦਰੰਗ ॥੨੯॥
चु दीसम कि नाहर बियामद ब जंग ॥ चशीदम यके तीरि मन बेदरंग ॥२९॥
When I saw Nahar Khan in the battlefield, he was greeted with one of my arrows.29.

ਹਮ ਆਖ਼ਿਰ ਗੁਰੇਜ਼ਦ ਬਜਾਏ ਮਸਾਫ਼ ॥ ਬਸੇ ਖ਼ਾਨਹ ਖ਼ਰਦੰਦ ਬੇਰੂੰ ਗੁਜ਼ਾਫ਼ ॥੩੦॥
हम आख़िर गुरेज़द बजाए मसाफ़ ॥ बसे ख़ानह ख़रदंद बेरूं गुज़ाफ़ ॥३०॥
All those boasters who came near the wall, they were dispatched in no time.30.

ਕਿ ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨ ਦੀਗਰ ਬਯਾਮਦ ਬਜੰਗ ॥ ਚੁ ਸੈਲਿ ਰਵਾਂ ਹਮਚੁ ਤੀਰੋ ਤੁਫ਼ੰਗ ॥੩੧॥
कि अफ़गान दीगर बयामद बजंग ॥ चु सैलि रवां हमचु तीरो तुफ़ंग ॥३१॥
Another Afghan, with a bow and arrow came in the battlefield like a flood.31.

ਬਸੇ ਹਮਲਹ ਕਰਦੰਦ ਬ ਮਰਦਾਨਗੀ ॥ ਹਮ ਅਜ਼ ਹੋਸ਼ਗੀ ਹਮ ਜ਼ਿ ਦੀਵਾਨਗੀ ॥੩੨॥
बसे हमलह करदंद ब मरदानगी ॥ हम अज़ होशगी हम ज़ि दीवानगी ॥३२॥
He shot arrows heroically, sometimes in senses and sometimes in madness.32.

ਬਸੇ ਹਮਲਹ ਕਰਦੋ ਬਸੇ ਜ਼ਖ਼ਮ ਖ਼ਰਦ ॥ ਦੋ ਕਸ ਰਾ ਬਜਾਂ ਕਸ਼ਤ ਹਮ ਜਾਂ ਸਪੁਰਦ ॥੩੩॥
बसे हमलह करदो बसे ज़ख़म ख़रद ॥ दो कस रा बजां कशत हम जां सपुरद ॥३३॥
He made several attacks and was drenched with last.33.

ਕਿ ਆਂ ਖ਼੍ਵਾਜਹ ਮਰਦੂਦ ਸਾਯਹ ਦੀਵਾਰ ॥ ਨਯਾਮਦ ਬ ਮੈਦਾਂ ਬ ਮਰਦਾਨਹ ਵਾਰ ॥੩੪॥
कि आं ख़्वाजह मरदूद सायह दीवार ॥ नयामद ब मैदां ब मरदानह वार ॥३४॥
Khwaja Mardud hid himself behind the wall; he did not enter the field like a brave warrior.34.

ਦਰੇਗ਼ਾ ਅਗਰ ਰੂਇ ਓ ਦੀਦਮੇ ॥ ਬ ਯਕ ਤੀਰ ਲਾਚਾਰ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੀਦਮੇ ॥੩੫॥
दरेग़ा अगर रूइ ओ दीदमे ॥ ब यक तीर लाचार बख़शीदमे ॥३५॥
If I had seen his face once, one of my arrows would have dispatched him to the abode of death.35.

ਹਮ ਆਖ਼ਿਰ ਬਸੇ ਜ਼ਖ਼ਮਿ ਤੀਰੋ ਤੁਫ਼ੰਗ ॥ ਦੋ ਸੂਏ ਬਸੇ ਕੁਸ਼ਤਹ ਸ਼ੁਦ ਬੇਦਰੰਗ ॥੩੬॥
हम आख़िर बसे ज़ख़मि तीरो तुफ़ंग ॥ दो सूए बसे कुशतह शुद बेदरंग ॥३६॥
Many warriors wounded with arrows and bullets died in the battle on both the sides.36.

ਬਸੇ ਬਾਰ ਬਾਰੀਦ ਤੀਰੋ ਤੁਫ਼ੰਗ ॥ ਜ਼ਿਮੀ ਗਸ਼ਤ ਹਮ ਚੂੰ ਗੁਲੇ ਲਾਲਹ ਰੰਗ ॥੩੭॥
बसे बार बारीद तीरो तुफ़ंग ॥ ज़िमी गशत हम चूं गुले लालह रंग ॥३७॥
The darts were showered so violently, that the field became red like poppy flowers.37.

ਸਰੋਪਾਇ ਅੰਬੋਹ ਚੰਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਦਹ ॥ ਕਿ ਮੈਦਾਂ ਪੁਰ ਅਜ਼ ਗੂਓ ਚੌਗਾਂ ਸ਼ੁਦਹ ॥੩੮॥
सरोपाइ अमबोह चंदा शुदह ॥ कि मैदां पुर अज़ गूओ चौगां शुदह ॥३८॥
The heads and limbs of the dead were scattered in the field like the balls and sticks in the game of Polo.38.

ਤਰੰਕਾਰਿ ਤੀਰੋ ਤਫੰਗਿ ਕਮਾਂ ॥ ਬਰਾਮਦ ਯਕੇ ਹਾਓ ਹੂ ਅਜ਼ ਜਹਾਂ ॥੩੯॥
तरंकारि तीरो तफंगि कमां ॥ बरामद यके हाओ हू अज़ जहां ॥३९॥
When the arrows hissed and bows tinkled, there was a great hue and cry in the world.39.

ਦਿਗਰ ਸ਼ੋਰਸ਼ਿ ਕੈਬਰਿ ਕੀਨਹ ਕੋਸ਼ ॥ ਜ਼ਿ ਮਰਦਾਨਿ ਮਰਦਾਂ ਬਿਰੂੰ ਰਫ਼ਤ ਹੋਸ਼ ॥੪੦॥
दिगर शोरशि कैबरि कीनह कोश ॥ ज़ि मरदानि मरदां बिरूं रफ़त होश ॥४०॥
There the spears and lances provided a dreadful sound and the warriors lost heir senses.40.

ਹਮ ਆਖ਼ਿਰ ਚਿਹ ਮਰਦੀ ਕੁਨਦ ਕਾਰਜ਼ਾਰ ॥ ਕਿ ਬਰ ਚਿਹਲ ਤਨ ਆਯਦਸ਼ ਬੇ ਸ਼ੁਮਾਰ ॥੪੧॥
हम आख़िर चिह मरदी कुनद कारज़ार ॥ कि बर चिहल तन आयदश बे शुमार ॥४१॥
How could bravery ultimately withstand in the field, when only forty were surrounded by innumerable warriors?41.

ਚਰਾਗ਼ਿ ਜਹਾਂ ਚੂੰ ਸ਼ੁਦਹ ਬੁਰਕਹ ਪੋਸ਼ ॥ ਸ਼ਹਿ ਸ਼ਬ ਬਰਾਮਦ ਹਮਹ ਜਲਵਹ ਜੋਸ਼ ॥੪੨॥
चराग़ि जहां चूं शुदह बुरकह पोश ॥ शहि शब बरामद हमह जलवह जोश ॥४२॥
When the lamp of the world veiled itself, the moon shone in brightness during the night.42.

ਹਰ ਆਂਕਸ ਬਕਉਲੇ ਕੁਹਾਂ ਆਯਦਸ਼ ॥ ਕਿ ਯਜ਼ਦਾਂ ਬਰੋ ਰਹਿਨੁਮਾ ਆਯਦਸ਼ ॥੪੩॥
हर आंकस बकउले कुहां आयदश ॥ कि यज़दां बरो रहिनुमा आयदश ॥४३॥
He, who puts faith on the oaths of the Quran, the True Lord gives him the guidance.43.

ਨ ਪੇਚੀਦਹ ਮੂਏ ਨ ਰੰਜੀਦਹ ਤਨ ॥ ਕਿ ਬੇਰੂੰ ਖ਼ੁਦ ਆਵੁਰਦ ਦੁਸ਼ਮਨ ਸ਼ਿਕਨ ॥੪੪॥
न पेचीदह मूए न रंजीदह तन ॥ कि बेरूं ख़ुद आवुरद दुशमन शिकन ॥४४॥
There was neither any harm nor injury; my Lord, the vanquisher of the enemies, brought me to safety.44.

ਨ ਦਾਨਮ ਕਿ ਈਂ ਮਰਦਿ ਪੈਮਾਂ ਸ਼ਿਕਨ ॥ ਕਿ ਦਉਲਤ ਪਰਸਤ ਅਸਤੋ ਈਂਮਾ iਫ਼ਕਨ ॥੪੫॥
न दानम कि ईं मरदि पैमां शिकन ॥ कि दउलत परसत असतो ईंमा iफ़कन ॥४५॥
I did not know that these oath-breakers were deceitful and flowers of mammon.45.

ਨ ਈਮਾਂ ਪਰਸਤੀ ਨ ਅਉਜ਼ਾਇ ਦੀਂ ॥ ਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸ਼ਨਾਸੀ ਨ ਮੁਹੱਮਦ ਯਕੀਂ ॥੪੬॥
न ईमां परसती न अउज़ाइ दीं ॥ न साहिब शनासी न मुह्मद यकीं ॥४६॥
They were neither men of faith, nor true followers of Islam, they did not know the Lord not had faith in the prophet.46.

ਹਰਆਂਕਸ ਕਿ ਈਮਾਂ ਪਰਸਤੀ ਕੁਨਦ ॥ ਨ ਪੈਮਾਂ ਖ਼ੁਦਸ਼ ਪੇਸ਼ੋ ਪਸਤੀ ਕੁਨਦ ॥੪੭॥
हरआंकस कि ईमां परसती कुनद ॥ न पैमां ख़ुदश पेशो पसती कुनद ॥४७॥
He, who follows his faith with sincerity, he never budges an inch from his oaths.47.

ਕਿ ਈਂ ਮਰਦ ਰਾ ਜ਼ੱਰਹ ਏਤਬਾਰ ਨੇਸਤ ॥ ਕਿ ਕਸਮੇ ਕੁਰਾਨਸਤੁ ਯਜ਼ਦਾਂ ਯਕੇਸਤ ॥੪੮॥
कि ईं मरद रा ज़्रह एतबार नेसत ॥ कि कसमे कुरानसतु यज़दां यकेसत ॥४८॥
I have no faith at all in such a person for whom the oath of the Quran has no significance.48.

ਚੁ ਕਸਮੇ ਕੁਰਾਂ ਸਦ ਕੁਨਦ ਇਖ਼ਤਿਯਾਰ ॥ ਮਰਾ ਕਤਰਹ ਨਾਯਦ ਅਜ਼ੋ ਏਤਬਾਰ ॥੪੯॥
चु कसमे कुरां सद कुनद इख़तियार ॥ मरा कतरह नायद अज़ो एतबार ॥४९॥
Even if you swear a hundred times in the name of the Quran, I shall not trust you any more.49.

ਅਗਰਚਿਹ ਤੁਰਾ ਏਤਬਾਰ ਆਮਦੇ ॥ ਕਮਰ ਬਸਤਹ ਏ ਪੇਸ਼ਵਾ ਆਮਦੇ ॥੫੦॥
अगरचिह तुरा एतबार आमदे ॥ कमर बसतह ए पेशवा आमदे ॥५०॥
If you have even a little of faith in God, come in the battlefield fully armed.50.

ਕਿ ਫ਼ਰਜ਼ ਅਸਤ ਬਰ ਸਰ ਤੁਰਾ ਈਂ ਸੁਖ਼ਨ ॥ ਕਿ ਕਉਲੇ ਖ਼ੁਦਾ ਅਸਤ ਕਸਮ ਅਸਤ ਮਨ ॥੫੧॥
कि फ़रज़ असत बर सर तुरा ईं सुख़न ॥ कि कउले ख़ुदा असत कसम असत मन ॥५१॥
It is your duty act on these words, because for me, these words are like the Orders of God.51.

Seminar on Musical Tradition Of Gurbani

2007-11-17T13:23:00.000+05:30

Prof. Kartar Singh ji with his students. Prof. Piara Singh ji playing the dilruba. The names of the students are Jaspinder Singh (with Tanpura), Sandeep Singh (Tabla), Sukhjeet Singh, Harpreet Singh, Mohan Singh and Bhupinder Singh.

Yesterday Lord was extra kind to me. I had the privilege to attend a wonderful seminar on Gurbani Sangeet. Staying in Delhi it’s really unfortunate that I was not even aware of this event. Thanks to Mohan Singh (student of Prof. Kartar Singh at Gurbani Sangeet Academy, Anandpur Sahib) who called me up from Anandpur Sahib to inform that they were going to perform at this event. After reaching the venue I found that Dr. Gurnam Singh and Principal Shamsher Singh from Patiala were also going to recite kirtan. Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant from Jallandhar joined later. So I had the opportunity to listen to the Kirtan of these great kirtaneas all together. Bibi Inderjeet Kaur was also present among the Sangat and I had the opportunity to meet this blessed soul too.

The first performance was by Prof. Kartar Singh ji and his students. They sang the first shabad in Raag Prabhati vibhas parhtal.

The next shabad was Baba Farid Ji’s Bani in Raag Soohi Lalit which I heard him sing for the first time. I am posting a small video of this shabad’s recital. I couldn’t capture too many videos as the memory card of my camera became full. The entire event was amazing; whatever I say I find words insufficient to express. If I am able to get the DVD of the recordings I shall share it in future.

sUhI lilq ] (794-16)

soohee lalit.

Soohee, Lalit:

ਬੇੜਾ ਬੰਧਿ ਨ ਸਕਿਓ ਬੰਧਨ ਕੀ ਵੇਲਾ ॥

bayrhaa banDh na saki-o banDhan kee vaylaa.

You were not able to make yourself a raft when you should have.

ਭਰਿ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਜਬ ਊਛਲੈ ਤਬ ਤਰਣੁ ਦੁਹੇਲਾ ॥੧॥

bhar sarvar jab oochhlai tab taran duhaylaa. ||1||

When the ocean is churning and over-flowing, then it is very difficult to cross over it. ||1||

ਹਥੁ ਨ ਲਾਇ ਕਸੁੰਭੜੈ ਜਲਿ ਜਾਸੀ ਢੋਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

hath na laa-ay kasumbh-rhai jal jaasee dholaa. ||1|| rahaa-o.

Do not touch the safflower with your hands; its color will fade away, my dear. ||1||Pause||

ਇਕ ਆਪੀਨੑੈ ਪਤਲੀ ਸਹ ਕੇਰੇ ਬੋਲਾ ॥

ik aapeenHai patlee sah kayray bolaa.

First, the bride herself is weak, and then, her Husband Lord's Order is hard to bear.

ਦੁਧਾ ਥਣੀ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਫਿਰਿ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਮੇਲਾ ॥੨॥

duDhaa thanee na aavee fir ho-ay na maylaa. ||2||

Milk does not return to the breast; it will not be collected again. ||2||

ਕਹੈ ਫਰੀਦੁ ਸਹੇਲੀਹੋ ਸਹੁ ਅਲਾਏਸੀ ॥

kahai fareed sahayleeho saho alaa-aysee.

Says Fareed, O my companions, when our Husband Lord calls,

ਹੰਸੁ ਚਲਸੀ ਡੁੰਮਣਾ ਅਹਿ ਤਨੁ ਢੇਰੀ ਥੀਸੀ ॥੩॥੨॥

hans chalsee dummnaa ah tan dhayree theesee. ||3||2||

the soul departs, sad at heart, and this body returns to dust. ||3||2||

The sculptor carves the stone and fashions it into an idol, placing his feet upon its chest.

2007-11-08T10:56:00.000+05:30

ਪਾਖਾਨ ਗਢਿ ਕੈ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਕੀਨੑੀ ਦੇ ਕੈ ਛਾਤੀ ਪਾਉ ॥
ਜੇ ਏਹ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਸਾਚੀ ਹੈ ਤਉ ਗੜ੍ਹਣਹਾਰੇ ਖਾਉ ॥੩॥
ਭਾਤੁ ਪਹਿਤਿ ਅਰੁ ਲਾਪਸੀ ਕਰਕਰਾ ਕਾਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਭੋਗਨਹਾਰੇ ਭੋਗਿਆ ਇਸੁ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਮੁਖ ਛਾਰੁ ॥੪॥
The sculptor carves the stone and fashions it into an idol, placing his feet upon its chest.
If this stone god was true, it would devour the sculptor for this! ||3||
Rice and beans, candies, cakes and cookies
- the priest enjoys these, while he puts ashes into the mouth of the idol. ||4||

mother's hope and prayer

2007-10-12T10:50:00.000+05:30

I have been away for some time. Busy for various reasons.Tomorrow is my child's Birthday. I am just surprised the way time has flown away and my little birds have grown up and are flying out of the Nest. As they leave home and go,my mind clouds with worries and anxieties. Anteryami Prabhu knows it all and Guru gives an expression to my inner thoughts. So here is my Ardas for you my children. Even as you become busy in today's hectic work schedules stay close to the GURU. My presence may not be required by you any more but Guru should be your guiding force at each every moment. So my children this is your mother's hope and prayer,

ਗੂਜਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
ਜਿਸੁ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਸਭਿ ਕਿਲਵਿਖ ਨਾਸਹਿ ਪਿਤਰੀ ਹੋਇ ਉਧਾਰੋ ॥
ਸੋ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਤੁਮੑ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਜਾਪਹੁ ਜਾ ਕਾ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰੋ ॥੧॥
ਪੂਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਕੀ ਆਸੀਸ ॥ ਨਿਮਖ ਨ ਬਿਸਰਉ ਤੁਮੑ ਕਉ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਦਾ ਭਜਹੁ ਜਗਦੀਸ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਮੑ ਕਉ ਹੋਇ ਦਇਆਲਾ ਸੰਤਸੰਗਿ ਤੇਰੀ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ॥
ਕਾਪੜੁ ਪਤਿ ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਰਾਖੀ ਭੋਜਨੁ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਨੀਤਿ ॥੨॥
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਪੀਵਹੁ ਸਦਾ ਚਿਰੁ ਜੀਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਅਨਦ ਅਨੰਤਾ ॥
ਰੰਗ ਤਮਾਸਾ ਪੂਰਨ ਆਸਾ ਕਬਹਿ ਨ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ॥੩॥
ਭਵਰੁ ਤੁਮੑਾਰਾ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਹੋਵਉ ਹਰਿ ਚਰਣਾ ਹੋਹੁ ਕਉਲਾ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸੁ ਉਨ ਸੰਗਿ ਲਪਟਾਇਓ ਜਿਉ ਬੂੰਦਹਿ ਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕੁ ਮਉਲਾ ॥੪॥੩॥੪॥
GUJRI, FIFTH MEHL: Remembering Him, all sins are erased, and ones generations are saved. So meditate continually on the Lord, Har, Har; He has no end or limitation. || 1 || O son, this is your mothers hope and prayer, that you may never forget the Lord, Har, Har, even for an instant. May you ever vibrate upon the Lord of the Universe. || 1 || Pause || May the True Guru be kind to you, and may you love the Society of the Saints. May the preservation of your honor by the Transcendent Lord be your clothes, and may the singing of His Praises be your food. || 2 || So drink in forever the Ambrosial Nectar; may you live long, and may the meditative remembrance of the Lord give you infinite delight. May joy and pleasure be yours; may your hopes be fulfilled,and may you never be troubled by worries. || 3 || Let this mind of yours be the bumble bee, and let the Lords feet be the lotus flower. Says servant Nanak, attach your mind to them, and blossom forth like the song-bird, upon finding the rain-drop. || 4 || 3 || 4 ||

COURAGE AND COMPASSION- A Fine Blend

2007-08-18T10:52:00.000+05:30

COURAGE AND COMPASSION- A Fine Blend

Fear is one of the most powerful negative emotions which brings much desolation in our lives. There are numerous fears which haunt human mind. Fear of failure, fear of losing a loved one, fear of loss of wealth or health and fear of death are a few to mention.

When faced with pain or any other unpleasant feeling we are willing to share it openly. Having physical pain is never awkward to us and we seek help. Mental pain is very difficult to share and fear is a deep down pain which is seldom surfaced. This happens because we see it as a weakness and not as a problem. Anybody afraid of something is looked down upon by others as a coward or incompetent. We are not willing to face this and we invent our own safety-kits to avoid this feeling of fear. It may be an alcoholic or a workaholic- the purpose is to forget one’s fears and run away from reality. We become so obsessed with our fears that we forget the real purpose of our lives. Guarding our fear becomes the most important task of our lives.

It is just avoidance of fear, whether it is accumulation of wealth or a struggle to gain more power or motivation to look more and more youthful. The flourishing cosmetic industry and the vast number of looks-enhancing outlets speak about the immense fear of death the present day society lives in. Going grey reminds us of the approaching end every day.

dyKu PrIdw ju QIAw dwVI hoeI BUr ] (1378-7, slok, syK PrId jI)

See, Fareed, what has happened: your beard has become grey.

Aghu nyVw AwieAw ipCw rihAw dUir ]9]

That which is coming is near, and the past is left far behind. ||9||

Guru Nanak, the greatest healer of all times, could read the fear in the minds of people of his time. He has written about the invasion of India by Babar in 1526, with much pain, mentioning the main weakness of the people, which allowed the invaders to proceed.

So scared were they to face death that they never really fought back. There was much talk about performing miracles by priests to turn the entire mogul army blind. They all preferred to depend on such illogical approaches, rather than fight back. This kind of behaviour reflects their fear of facing death.

Qwn mukwm jly ibj mMdr muiC muiC kuier rulwieAw ] (418-1, Awsw, mÚ 1)

He burned the rest-houses and the ancient temples; he cut the princes limb from limb, and cast them into the dust.

koeI muglu n hoAw AMDw iknY n prcw lwieAw ]4]

None of the Mugals went blind, and no one performed any miracle. ||4||

This was the fear Guru Nanak wanted to eliminate from the minds of people. He knew very well that if they became fearless no one could conquer them. It took almost 200 years for Guru Sahib to give a sword in these weak hands. The final test came on Baisakhi of 1699 when heads were asked for.

jau qau pRym Kylx kw cwau ] (1412-2, slok vwrW qy vDIk, mÚ 1)

If you desire to play this game of love with Me,

isru Dir qlI glI myrI Awau ]

then step onto My Path with your head in hand.

iequ mwrig pYru DrIjY ]

When you place your feet on this Path,

isru dIjY kwix n kIjY ]20]

give Me your head, and do not pay any attention to public opinion. ||20||

Guru Nanak had laid the foundation with his pen but the practical test had to be taken with the sword. Tenth Guru Nanak completed the mission and turned the weak and timid people into such fearless giants that even the enemy was stunned.

This is the story told by Gulam Zilani in his book Jangnama Multan.

When Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s army fought the battle of Multan, one of their cannons was damaged. The wheel broke and the cannon was rendered useless. The Sikh army knew that it was almost impossible to win the battle without that cannon. It was decided jointly that a soldier would give his shoulder as a support every time the cannon was fired. Zilani who was there as a spy watched this scene with an awe. He has written that there was a long queue of soldiers desperate to stand as support for the cannon. Each time the cannon was fired a Sikh soldier was blown off to pieces. This was applauded by Bole-so-nihal - Sat Sri Akal and more soldiers joined the queue. So impressed was Zilani by this enthusiasm of the Sikh army that he himself felt like going and standing in that long queue of martyrs. He considered this as the sole reason for the victory of the Sikh Army over Multan.

Fearlessness can make us brave but we have to be careful as it can turn us ruthless. Guru Nanak never wanted his Sikhs to become so bold that they were hardhearted. Think of all the tyrants and dictators who were not afraid to kill innocent people. This kind of pseudo-heroism has no place in Guru Nanak’s Darbar.

Guru Sahib constantly warns us of this kind of fearlessness.

inrBau hoieE BieAw inhMgw ] (392-2, Awsw, mÚ 5)

Being fearless, he becomes unrestrained.

cIiq n AwieE krqw sMgw ]

He does not think of the Creator, who is ever with him.

lskr joVy kIAw sMbwhw ]

He raises armies, and collects arms.

inkisAw PUk q hoie gieE suAwhw ]2]

But when the breath leaves him, he turns to ashes. ||2||

Tyranny and injustice can never please God.

lK lskr lK vwjy nyjy lKI GoVI pwiqswh ] (1287-17, mlwr, mÚ 1)

Thousands of armies, thousands of marching bands and spearmen; the emperor of thousands of horsemen.

ijQY swieru lμGxw Agin pwxI Asgwh ]

The unfathomable ocean of fire and water must be crossed.

kMDI idis n AwveI DwhI pvY khwh ]

The other shore cannot be seen; only the roar of pitiful cries can be heard.

nwnk EQY jwxIAih swh kyeI pwiqswh ]4]

O Nanak, there, it shall be known, whether anyone is a king or an emperor. ||4||

Love and kindness are the basic values of life and world can never be a peaceful place without these virtues. It is the complete balance between courage and compassion which is required to achieve our ultimate goal of life.

BY kwhU kau dyq nih nih BY mwnq Awn ] (1427-7, slok, mÚ 9)

One who does not frighten anyone, and who is not afraid of anyone else

khu nwnk suin ry mnw igAwnI qwih bKwin ]16]

says Nanak, listen, mind: call him spiritually wise. ||16||

This is the ideal state of mind which Guru Nanak wants us to achieve.

It is not an easy task and Guru Sahib knows it all too well and guides us constantly.

inrBau jpY sgl Bau imtY ] (293-8, gauVI suKmnI, mÚ 5)

Meditating on the Fearless Lord, all fear departs.

pRB ikrpw qy pRwxI CutY ]

By God's Grace, mortals are released.

Meditating on his name and doing good deeds takes one to the road Guru wants us to tread upon.

ibnu krmw ikCU n lBeI jy iPrih sB Drxw ] (1102-7, mwrU, mÚ 5)

Without good karma, you shall obtain nothing, even if you wander across the whole world.

gur imil Bau goivMd kw BY fru dUir krxw ]

Meeting with the Guru, you shall know the Fear of God, and other fears shall be taken away.

It is the fear of God which sows the seed of good karma and eventually nurtures into the tree of love for the creator and his creation.

We have to get attached to the eternal king, only He can remove all the fears from our minds. When we are protected by the Almighty, there is no cause of any fear.

Ehu AibnwsI rwieAw ] (206-5, gauVI, mÚ 5)

He is the Eternal King.

inrBau sMig qumwrY bsqy iehu frnu khw qy AwieAw ]1] rhwau ]

The Fearless Lord abides with you. So where does this fear come from? ||1||Pause||

Firm faith in God and meditating on His name keeps our mind calm. The knowledge of truth breaks false bonds of fear. When we learn the truth about birth and death, the fear of death just leaves and we live peacefully. Then we don’t need any safety-kit to hide our fears and we live with complete freedom.

BRmu Bau kwit kIey inhkyvl jb qy haumY mwrI ] (207-2, gauVI, mÚ 5)

My doubt and fear have been taken away, and I have been made pure, since my ego was conquered.

jnm mrx ko cUko shsw swDsMgiq drswrI ]3]

My fear of birth and death has been abolished, beholding Your Blessed Vision in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. ||3||

The most powerful fear in the world is the fear of death and once we conquer that, overcoming other fears is just a trifle job. Guru Arjan Dev Ji guides his Sikhs in this way:

pihlw mrxu kbUil jIvx kI Cif Aws ] (1102-10, mwrU, mÚ 5)

First, accept death, and give up any hope of life.

hohu sBnw kI ryxukw qau Awau hmwrY pwis ]1]

Become the dust of the feet of all, and then, you may come to me. ||1||

At last it would not be inappropriate to add that we are plundered by corruption and vice, only because we are afraid to lose what we have. This fear leads to greed and avarice, which in turn is the root cause of corruption. If only we learn from our Guru, life will be much more peaceful for us and others around us. The fear of losing power in the minds of rulers has caused much misery to people. They go to great lengths to conceal their fear( of losing power) and try to acquire more and more power in most inhumane ways to suppress those they perceive as a threat. This puts them in a vicious circle of never-ending fear. They are frightened by their sins and go further to veil this apprehension which leads to more sins.

jo kIcY so hir jwxdw myry mn hir cyqu ] (84-11, isrIrwgu, mÚ 3)

Whatever anyone does, the Lord knows. O my mind, think of the Lord.

so frY ij pwp kmwvdw DrmI ivgsyqu ]

The one who commits sins lives in fear, while the one who lives righteously rejoices.

qUM scw Awip inAwau scu qw frIAY kyqu ]

O Lord, You Yourself are True, and True is Your Justice. Why should anyone be afraid?

ijnw nwnk scu pCwixAw sy sic rlyqu ]5]

O Nanak, those who recognize the True Lord are blended with the True One. ||5||

Guru made Khalsa a complete blend of courage and compassion. Attaining this balance can bring peace to the burning world. He gave us Kirpan ( thus Courage) to fight injustice, Sewa (thus Compassion) to make us humble and Simran to blend the two together. We have to be careful to maintain this delicate balance. It is a tough task but a continuous effort will bear fruit and we will be able bring peace and harmony in the entire world and with in ourselves.

This article was published The Sikh Review - july 2007 issue

The lakes and fields are overflowing with water;

2007-08-16T09:02:00.000+05:30

Bwdau Brim BulI Bir jobin pCuqwxI ]

jl Ql nIir Bry brs ruqy rMgu mwxI ]

brsY inis kwlI ikau suKu bwlI dwdr mor lvMqy ]

ipRau ipRau cvY bbIhw boly BuieAMgm iPrih fsMqy ]

mCr fMg swier Br suBr ibnu hir ikau suKu pweIAY ]

nwnk pUiC clau gur Apuny jh pRBu qh hI jweIAY ]10]

In Bhaadon, the young woman is confused by doubt; later, she regrets and repents. The lakes and fields are overflowing with water; the rainy season has come . the time to celebrate! In the dark of night it rains; how can the young bride find peace?

The frogs and peacocks send out their noisy calls. .Pri-o! Pri-o! Beloved! Beloved!. cries the sparrow-hawk, while the snakes slither around, biting. The mosquitoes bite and sting, and the ponds are filled to overflowing; without the Lord, how can she find peace?

O Nanak, I will go and ask my Guru; wherever God is, there I will go. || 10 ||

The rainy season has come, and the clouds have burst into showers.

2007-07-25T10:47:00.000+05:30

swvix srs mnw Gx vrsih ruiq Awey ]

mY min qin shu BwvY ipr prdyis isDwey ]

ipru Gir nhI AwvY mrIAY hwvY dwmin cmik frwey ]

syj iekylI KrI duhylI mrxu BieAw duKu mwey ]

hir ibnu nId BUK khu kYsI kwpVu qin n suKwvey ]

nwnk sw sohwgix kMqI ipr kY AMik smwvey ]9]

In Saawan, be happy, O my mind. The rainy season has come, and the clouds have burst into showers. My mind and body are pleased by my Lord, but my Beloved has gone away. My Beloved has not come home, and I am dying of the sorrow of separation. The lightning flashes, and I am scared. My bed is lonely, and I am suffering in agony. I am dying in pain, O my mother! Tell me without the Lord, how can I sleep, or feel hungry? My clothes give no comfort to my body. O Nanak, she alone is a happy soul-bride, who merges in the Being of her Beloved Husband Lord. || 9 ||

Visit to Takhat Shri Kesh Garh Sahib

2007-06-27T18:32:00.000+05:30

I had an opportunity to visit the birth place of Khalsa during my holidays. here I share some of the pictures

We reached there early morning and this was the first picture I captured

The door of the room where Shasters of Guru Gobind Singh are displayed

Sewadar on duty

On the roof of Takhat Sahib

Inside paintings on the Gumbaz

Stairs taking you up to the top of Kila Anand Garh

view from top of kila Anand Garh- notice a blue Nishan Sahib of nihang singhs

Kila Anand Garh Sahib- walls have been plastered to preseve the structure. If you enlarge the picture you'll notice that a small patch has been left for darshan of what kila must have appeared in Guru's time

Close view of the bricks- kila is made up of. Notice the damage and you'll realize that it was really necessary to plaster the structure. The size of these bricks is small

More pictures can be seen seen on Balbir Singh ji's blog

Back home after a vacation

2007-06-20T11:33:00.000+05:30

I was away last week on a holiday. This time we decided to spent most of it in our village in a peaceful way. It was wonderful to be away from mad traffic of Delhi. Here are some pictures...

River Satluj Flowing through The village

The Tube Well

The Paddy

Transplanting the Paddy

Sunset At Satluj

Divine touch

2007-06-08T11:03:00.000+05:30

Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh ji has written many books and wonderful poems. I shall try to share some his poems here. For those of you who may find it difficult to understand here is a short description in English

I would like to change the translation...
Gurjeet Singh has translated it so beautifully and I would every body

It is my plucked mind that is separated from my focus from Lord.
And due to the lost concentration of my mind from my Lord i have lost all my fragrance..meri kamayee.
i was trampled under Maya's feet... my punishment...kaliyuga and gone away... strayed away.
But am thankful to the Lord to gift me that negligible time in which i remembered U O my Lord !

Thank you Gurjeet Singh!
God bless you

Raag Asa Kirtan Darbar

2007-06-01T12:13:00.001+05:30

I had got an opportunity to attend a kirtan darbar in raag asa on 18^th November 2006 at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi. A small booklet was distributed there. Here are some pictures from the booklet. I also got to read a wonderful article on Raag Asa by Dr. Jagir Singh (editor of the monthly ‘Amrit Kirtan’) You can read the scanned article by downloading at this LINK

A part of recordings of this kirtan darbar you can down load HERE

A similar kirtan Darbar was held in March 2004 on Raag Asa, Bhai Avtar Singh ji , Bibi Jaswant Kaur and many others participated. You can down load those live recordings HERE

File photo of Bhai Avtar Singh ji on 4th November 2005 At Bhai Vir Singh Sadan, New Delhi

An artist's imagination- though, those who play the rabab know better but I think the jeel is held in right hand and left hand glides over the strings. But here it is the opposite.

Compassion and Wisdom

2007-05-24T13:09:00.000+05:30

A friend’s son rang me up the other day. He was very upset as he had been cheated by someone pretending to be in trouble. I too have been cheated several times like this. More than monetary loss what troubled the boy was his own foolishness to believe the swindler. But I felt he had not been foolish as he had given away an amount that would have helped the person if he was really needy but it did not prick his own pocket much.

The incident really left me thinking over it for some time. We face such situations frequently where we are not sure whether we should donate money or not. Once in my life I had decided not to donate to anyone unless and until I was very sure of the right cause. Though I was not ever cheated, the guilt of walking away without helping someone would be heavier on my heart than the joy of “hey, you can’t fool me!”. I suppose this is the very sentiment which is exploited by the crooks.

But as a Sikh we have to be compassionate. Guru Nanak says compassion (daya) gives birth to Dharma.

DOlu Drmu dieAw kw pUqu ] (3-13, jpu, mÚ 1)

The mythical bull is Dharma, the son of compassion;

sMqoKu Qwip riKAw ijin sUiq ] (3-13, jpu, mÚ 1)

this is what patiently holds the earth in its place.

As in Asa di Var Guru Nanak tells us:-

scu qw pru jwxIAY jw isK scI lyie ] (468-11, Awsw, mÚ 1)

One knows the Truth only when he receives true instruction.

dieAw jwxY jIA kI ikCu puMnu dwnu kryie ] (468-11, Awsw, mÚ 1)

Showing mercy to other beings, he makes donations to charities.

But its no wisdom to give away to thugs (unfortunately you find them even in gurudwaras these days). That very money (however small amount) could have been utilized for some one who is really needy. A large amount of donations is also the cause of corruption

AklI swihbu syvIAY AklI pweIAY mwnu ] (1245-5, swrMg, mÚ 1)

Wisdom leads us to serve our Lord and Master; through wisdom, honour is obtained.

AklI piV@ kY buJIAY AklI kIcY dwnu ] (1245-5, swrMg, mÚ 1)

Wisdom does not come by reading textbooks; wisdom inspires us to give in charity.

Normally we are able to decide whether the cause is genuine or not. But some times we are puzzled and decision may be really difficult!

What I do in such a situation is to give something that won't hurt my pocket and would be of some help to the person concerned. After that I forget about it completely...

Anyone with better idea?

ਮਾਹੁ ਜੇਠੁ ਭਲਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਕਿਉ ਬਿਸਰੈ ॥

2007-05-18T10:14:00.001+05:30

ਮਾਹੁ ਜੇਠੁ ਭਲਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਕਿਉ ਬਿਸਰੈ ॥
The month of Jayt'h is so sublime. How could I forget my Beloved?
ਥਲ ਤਾਪਹਿ ਸਰ ਭਾਰ ਸਾ ਧਨ ਬਿਨਉ ਕਰੈ ॥
The earth burns like a furnace, and the soul-bride offers her prayer.
ਧਨ ਬਿਨਉ ਕਰੇਦੀ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰੇਦੀ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵਾ ॥
The bride offers her prayer, and sings His Glorious Praises; singing His Praises, she becomes pleasing to God.

ਸਾਚੈ ਮਹਲਿ ਰਹੈ ਬੈਰਾਗੀ ਆਵਣ ਦੇਹਿ ਤ ਆਵਾ ॥
The Unattached Lord dwells in His true mansion. If He allows me, then I will come to Him.

ਨਿਮਾਣੀ ਨਿਤਾਣੀ ਹਰਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਵੈ ਸੁਖ ਮਹਲੀ ॥
The bride is dishonored and powerless; how will she find peace without her Lord?

ਨਾਨਕ ਜੇਠਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੈਸੀ ਕਰਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਗੁਣ ਗਹਿਲੀ ॥੭॥
O Nanak, in Jayt'h, she who knows her Lord becomes just like Him; grasping virtue, she meets with the Merciful Lord. ||7||

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

2007-05-07T16:12:00.000+05:30

Here is a video clip of kirtan by Dr. A S paintel and his students

Just as the light of the sun's rays spread out,

2007-05-05T09:29:00.000+05:30

This is the shabad Charhdi Kala Jatha sang at Talkatora Gardens. As the recording is not very clear I thought it will help to make it clear if you know what they are singing

ਰਾਗੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੪ ਘਰੁ ੧ ਇਕ ਤੁਕੇ
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ਜਿਉ ਪਸਰੀ ਸੂਰਜ ਕਿਰਣਿ ਜੋਤਿ ॥

Just as the light of the sun's rays spread out,

ਤਿਉ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਰਮਈਆ ਓਤਿ ਪੋਤਿ ॥੧॥

the Lord permeates each and every heart, through and through. ||1||

ਏਕੋ ਹਰਿ ਰਵਿਆ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਥਾਇ ॥

The One Lord is permeating and pervading all places.

ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਮਿਲੀਐ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, we merge with Him, O my mother. ||1||Pause||

ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਹਰਿ ਸੋਇ ॥

The One Lord is deep within each and every heart.

ਗੁਰਿ ਮਿਲਿਐ ਇਕੁ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥

Meeting with the Guru, the One Lord becomes manifest, radiating forth. ||2||

ਏਕੋ ਏਕੁ ਰਹਿਆ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ॥

The One and Only Lord is present and prevailing everywhere.

ਸਾਕਤ ਨਰ ਲੋਭੀ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਦੂਰਿ ॥੩॥

The greedy, faithless cynic thinks that God is far away. ||3||

ਏਕੋ ਏਕੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਹਰਿ ਲੋਇ ॥

The One and Only Lord permeates and pervades the world.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਏਕ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੪॥੧॥

O Nanak, whatever the One Lord does comes to pass. ||4||1||

More kirtan from Talkatora Gardens

2007-05-03T10:05:00.000+05:30

Badar-Ur-Zaman and Qamar-Ur-Zaman had come all the way from Lahore to perform at Talkatora Gardens.Here is a video clip of their kirtan

Kirtan Darbar at Talkatora Gardens New Delhi

2007-04-30T18:20:00.000+05:30

On the first day Kirtan was just amazing,with excellent performance by Bhai Balbir Singh ji.You Can watch the video by clicking on the link below.

http://sikhimedia.net/share/view_video.php?viewkey=28e489b44e954ec0b9bc

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

2007-04-28T13:33:00.000+05:30

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai is here again this year at Talkatora Gardens. The event started yesterday and will continue till Sunday. Chardi Kala Jatha will perform there at 7pm today ( Saturday).We shall cover it in detail later.

Delhi’s traffic is a nightmare

2007-04-20T09:36:00.000+05:30

Awaken from the slumber

Delhi’s traffic is a nightmare. Those who drive on these roads know how bad it is. Here is an incident that occurred two months ago:
My daughter is not very familiar with Delhi roads and one day while driving in south Delhi she lost her way. She approached a traffic policeman (who according to her appeared Shareef) for directions. As he was explaining to her the route, he noticed a speeding blue line bus. He ran and stopped it and asked the driver to produce the papers. The conductor got down and quickly handed over a hundred rupee note instead of papers. The bus was let off and he continued to explain the route further. Fortunately, he guided her correctly and she reached home safely, so he was definitely shareef to some extent.

But since 9th April 2007 Delhi Traffic Police has woken up from their deep slumber and are seriously prosecuting violators. How long this enthusiasm lasts is a big question mark. As for now, Delhi's traffic has become a little better and it is really pleasing to see vehicles halting before stop line as the traffic light turns orange. Earlier even as the light turned red, vehicles kept speeding till the vehicles from other directions made it impossible to move further. All the loud music systems and tinted glasses have vanished from the cars. At present it seems too good to be true. May God bless all i.e. vehicle owners, pedestrians and the Delhi traffic police.

Here is a report from Delhi Traffic Police as to what they achieved in Three days:-

In pursuance of the directions of Hon’ble Delhi High Court of Delhi dated 26.3.2007; Delhi Traffic Police has started a special enforcement drive against the traffic violators w.e.f. 9.4.2007. Traffic Police officers and men were deployed at important intersections/roads in Delhi. During this drive in last three days, 22,196 violators have been prosecuted and a sum of Rs.99,54,100/- was realized as fine from them. Out of which, driving licenses of 4,435 violators were punched and 1,111 vehicles have been impounded.

Baisakhi is so pleasant; the branches blossom with new leaves.

2007-04-16T12:05:00.000+05:30

ਵੈਸਾਖੁ ਭਲਾ ਸਾਖਾ ਵੇਸ ਕਰੇ ॥

वैसाखु भला साखा वेस करे ॥

Baisakhi is so pleasant; the branches blossom with new leaves.
ਧਨ ਦੇਖੈ ਹਰਿ ਦੁਆਰਿ ਆਵਹੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਰੇ ॥

धन देखै हरि दुआरि आवहु दइआ करे ॥

The soul-bride yearns to see the Lord at her door. Come, O Lord, and take pity on me!
ਘਰਿ ਆਉ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਦੁਤਰ ਤਾਰੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਢੁ ਨ ਮੋਲੋ ॥

घरि आउ पिआरे दुतर तारे तुधु बिनु अढु न मोलो ॥

Please come home, O my Beloved; carry me across the treacherous world-ocean. Without You, I am not worth even a shell.
ਕੀਮਤਿ ਕਉਣ ਕਰੇ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵਾਂ ਦੇਖਿ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ਢੋਲੋ ॥

कीमति कउण करे तुधु भावां देखि दिखावै ढोलो ॥

Who can estimate my worth, if I am pleasing to You? I see You, and inspire others to see You, O my Love.
ਦੂਰਿ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮਾਨਾ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਮਹਲੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥

दूरि न जाना अंतरि माना हरि का महलु पछाना ॥

I know that You are not far away; I believe that You are deep within me, and I realize Your Presence.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵੈਸਾਖੀਂ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਾ ॥੬॥

नानक वैसाखीं प्रभु पावै सुरति सबदि मनु माना ॥६॥

O Nanak, finding God in Baisakhi, the consciousness is filled with the Word of the Shabad, and the mind comes to believe. 6

Free Medical Camp at Baru Sahib on the occasion of Baisakhi, 2007

2007-04-08T20:22:00.000+05:30

I had the bliss to attend Free Medical Camp at Baru Sahib organized by Kalgidhar Society on the occasion of Baisakhi, 2007. Akal Hospital is run by the society for the poor and the underprivileged. During the camp of two days, about 2000 patients were treated free. Doctors participated from all parts of the world. A team of doctors from Jalandhar did the main sewa. They had brought their equipment and performed major surgeries there. All the investigations (haematology, biochemistry, pathology, plain radiography and ultrasonography) were free for the patients. Major surgeries were performed free of cost too. Of course, the medicines were also free. I was really touched by this effort of the society to reach the natives for whom affording the treatment otherwise was difficult. Baba Iqbal Singh Ji with students perfoming kirtan prior to the inauguration of the Medical Camp. Note the simplicity inside the Darbar. No money is wasted on pomp and show.

Baba Ji did Ardas for the well being of all the patients treated at the Camp and he personally blessed each and every participant (Doctors and paramedical staff) with Siropa.

The Camp being formally inaugurated at Akal Hospital, Baru Sahib.

Patients coming to the Hospital for treatment.

Doctors from the Jalandhar team.

Waiting for their turn.

Dr. Davinder Singh, Director, Akal Academy and Hospital, looking after the arrangements.

Fareed, the seasons change, the woods shake and the leaves drop from the trees.

2007-04-02T08:51:00.000+05:30

ਫਰੀਦਾ ਰੁਤਿ ਫਿਰੀ ਵਣੁ ਕੰਬਿਆ ਪਤ ਝੜੇ ਝੜਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
फरीदा रुति फिरी वणु क्मबिआ पत झड़े झड़ि पाहि ॥
fareedaa rut firee van kambi-aa pat jharhay jharh paahi.
Fareed, the seasons change, the woods shake and the leaves drop from the trees.

ਚਾਰੇ ਕੁੰਡਾ ਢੂੰਢੀਆਂ ਰਹਣੁ ਕਿਥਾਊ ਨਾਹਿ ॥੧੦੨॥
चारे कुंडा ढूंढीआं रहणु किथाऊ नाहि ॥१०२॥
chaaray kundaa dhooNdhee-aaN rahan kithaa-oo naahi. 102
I have searched in the four directions, but I have not found any resting place anywhere.

Taar Shenai

2007-03-28T09:35:00.000+05:30

Here is a recording of Taar Shenai.

Healthy vegetarian Recipe

2007-03-23T11:01:00.000+05:30

logostoni's blog inspired me to post some good quick vegitarian recipes. Here is the first in series. I have tried to make it more clourful with pictures.

Pomegranate Raita

I don't think I need to write the details But still...

take fresh pomegranate seeds(one fruit is enough) and add them to fresh yoghurt( about 500ml). Add black salt, coarsely ground cumin seeds and a little black pepper powder(as per your taste). With summers fast approaching it is a good healthy replacement for icecream. Make some and store in the fridge on weekends to avoid junk food.

Hope you try it...

ਚੇਤੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ ਭਲਾ ਭਵਰ ਸੁਹਾਵੜੇ ॥

2007-03-13T18:47:00.000+05:30

Nanak Shahi New year begins today.
Wish you all a very happy new year.

The month of Chayt starts today so I’ll post the description of this month from Barah Maha Tukhari. This is the time of the year when there are flowers everywhere and bumble bees hum with joy. But for a woman whose beloved is away this beauty of nature is most painful. Guru Nanak sahib compares this pain with the pain of soul bride separated from The Lord. In the end the Bumble bee is also compared to our wandering mind (ਭਵਰੁ ਭਵੰਤਾ ਫੂਲੀ ਡਾਲੀ ਕਿਉ ਜੀਵਾ ਮਰੁ ਮਾਏ ॥) Actual meaning as Prof. Sahib Singh explains is- wandering mind finds no peace without Lord as a bumble bee is restless till it settles on the Lotus. The wonderful surroundings are compared to the worldly pleasures we are lost in and thus get separated from the Lord.
Portrayal of nature and human mind are done in an astounding approach.

ਚੇਤੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ ਭਲਾ ਭਵਰ ਸੁਹਾਵੜੇ ॥
चेतु बसंतु भला भवर सुहावड़े ॥
chayt basant bhalaa bhavar suhaavrhay.
In the month of Chayt, the lovely spring has come, and the bumble bees hum with joy.

ਬਨ ਫੂਲੇ ਮੰਝ ਬਾਰਿ ਮੈ ਪਿਰੁ ਘਰਿ ਬਾਹੁੜੈ ॥
बन फूले मंझ बारि मै पिरु घरि बाहुड़ै ॥
ban foolay manjh baar mai pir ghar baahurhai.
The forest is blossoming in front of my door; if only my Beloved would return to my home!

ਪਿਰੁ ਘਰਿ ਨਹੀ ਆਵੈ ਧਨ ਕਿਉ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਬਿਰਹਿ ਬਿਰੋਧ ਤਨੁ ਛੀਜੈ ॥
पिरु घरि नही आवै धन किउ सुखु पावै बिरहि बिरोध तनु छीजै ॥
pir ghar nahee aavai Dhan ki-o sukh paavai bireh biroDh tan chheejai.
If her Husband Lord does not return home, how can the soul-bride find peace? Her body is wasting away with the sorrow of separation.

ਕੋਕਿਲ ਅੰਬਿ ਸੁਹਾਵੀ ਬੋਲੈ ਕਿਉ ਦੁਖੁ ਅੰਕਿ ਸਹੀਜੈ ॥
कोकिल अ्मबि सुहावी बोलै किउ दुखु अंकि सहीजै ॥
kokil amb suhaavee bolai ki-o dukh ank saheejai.
The beautiful song-bird sings, perched on the mango tree; but how can I endure the pain in the depths of my being?

ਭਵਰੁ ਭਵੰਤਾ ਫੂਲੀ ਡਾਲੀ ਕਿਉ ਜੀਵਾ ਮਰੁ ਮਾਏ ॥

भवरु भवंता फूली डाली किउ जीवा मरु माए ॥

bhavar bhavantaa foolee daalee ki-o jeevaa mar maa-ay.

The bumble bee is buzzing around the flowering branches; but how can I survive? I am dying, O my mother!

ਨਾਨਕ ਚੇਤਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵੈ ਜੇ ਹਰਿ ਵਰੁ ਘਰਿ ਧਨ ਪਾਏ ॥੫॥

नानक चेति सहजि सुखु पावै जे हरि वरु घरि धन पाए ॥५॥

naanak chayt sahj sukh paavai jay har var ghar Dhan paa-ay. 5

O Nanak, in Chayt, peace is easily obtained, if the soul-bride obtains the Lord as her Husband, within the home of her own heart. 5

'Barah Maha’ of ‘Rag Tukhari’

2007-03-08T09:46:00.000+05:30

'Barah Maha’ is an established genre of poetry linked to the seasons. The seasons of the year are an integral part of nature. The ever-changing colourful facets of nature spur a spontaneous outpour of poetic thoughts. The sight of sheer diversity and vastness of creation of the Lord fills the soul with ecstasy and intensifies the desire to reunite with the creator. There are two different compositions of ‘Barah Maha’ in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The ‘Barah Maha’ of ‘Rag Manjh’ written by Guru Arjan Dev ji, is familiar to all. I would like to talk about ‘Barah Maha’ in ‘Rag Tukhari’. This ‘Barah Maha’ is one of the last compositions of Guru Nanak, which he wrote at Kartarpur Sahib. This bani of Guru Nanak dev ji is charged with the sentiment of “The soul-bride enjoying all the pleasures, and merging in the Being of her Beloved.” Its different from Japuji which is full of wisdom. Yet, here is a strong emotion of love for the Lord. It appears more as an outpour of yearning for the beloved. As Prof. Sahib Singh ji writes that this bani reflects the emotions of a woman leaving her father's home and going to her husband. There is a nostalgia of days spent at father's home, nevertheless her heart is filled with joy and enthusiasm in anticipation of the unification with her beloved. In the future posts I will like to discuss this Bani. I didn't get much opportunity to hear this bani in kirtan as well. I wonder why kirtanyaas don't sing it much. If any one of you have any kirtan recordings please share it. Here is one of the pauries.

ਬਰਸੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਧਾਰ ਬੂੰਦ ਸੁਹਾਵਣੀ ॥
बरसै अम्रित धार बूंद सुहावणी ॥
barsai amrit Dhaar boond suhaavanee.
The Ambrosial Nectar rains down on us! Its drops are so delightful!
ਸਾਜਨ ਮਿਲੇ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਬਣੀ ॥
साजन मिले सहजि सुभाइ हरि सिउ प्रीति बणी ॥
saajan milay sahj subhaa-ay har si-o pareet banee.
Meeting the Guru, the Best Friend, with intuitive ease, the mortal falls in love with the Lord.
ਹਰਿ ਮੰਦਰਿ ਆਵੈ ਜਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵੈ ਧਨ ਊਭੀ ਗੁਣ ਸਾਰੀ ॥
हरि मंदरि आवै जा प्रभ भावै धन ऊभी गुण सारी ॥
har mandar aavai jaa parabh bhaavai Dhan oobhee gun saaree.
The Lord comes into the temple of the body, when it pleases God's Will; the soul-bride rises up, and sings His Glorious Praises.
ਘਰਿ ਘਰਿ ਕੰਤੁ ਰਵੈ ਸੋਹਾਗਣਿ ਹਉ ਕਿਉ ਕੰਤਿ ਵਿਸਾਰੀ ॥
घरि घरि कंतु रवै सोहागणि हउ किउ कंति विसारी ॥
ghar ghar kant ravai sohagan ha-o ki-o kant visaaree.
In each and every home, the Husband Lord ravishes and enjoys the happy soul-brides; so why has He forgotten me?
ਉਨਵਿ ਘਨ ਛਾਏ ਬਰਸੁ ਸੁਭਾਏ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੇਮੁ ਸੁਖਾਵੈ ॥
उनवि घन छाए बरसु सुभाए मनि तनि प्रेमु सुखावै ॥
unav ghan chhaa-ay baras subhaa-ay man tan paraym sukhaavai.
The sky is overcast with heavy, low-hanging clouds; the rain is delightful, and my Beloved's Love is pleasing to my mind and body.
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਰਸੈ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਘਰਿ ਆਵੈ ॥੪॥
नानक वरसै अम्रित बाणी करि किरपा घरि आवै ॥४॥
naanak varsai amrit banee kar kirpaa ghar aavai. 4
O Nanak, the Ambrosial Nectar of Gurbani rains down; the Lord, in His Grace, has come into the home of my heart. 4

ਕਬੀਰ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਬਡਾਈ ਬੂਡਿਆ ਇਉ ਮਤ ਡੂਬਹੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

2007-02-27T09:15:00.000+05:30

ਕਬੀਰ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਬਡਾਈ ਬੂਡਿਆ ਇਉ ਮਤ ਡੂਬਹੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

कबीर बांसु बडाई बूडिआ इउ मत डूबहु कोइ ॥

kabeer baaNs badaa-ee boodi-aa i-o mat doobahu ko-ay.

Kabeer, the bamboo is drowned in its egotistical pride. No one should drown like this.

ਚੰਦਨ ਕੈ ਨਿਕਟੇ ਬਸੈ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਸੁਗੰਧੁ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥੧੨॥

चंदन कै निकटे बसै बांसु सुगंधु न होइ ॥१२॥

chandan kai niktay basai baaNs suganDh na ho-ay. 12

Bamboo also dwells near the sandalwood tree, but it does not take up its fragrance. 12

Please carry me across the world-ocean, O Lord of the Universe.

2007-02-24T09:29:00.000+05:30

ਲੋਭ ਲਹਰਿ ਅਤਿ ਨੀਝਰ ਬਾਜੈ ॥
लोभ लहरि अति नीझर बाजै ॥
lobh lahar at neejhar baajai.
The tidal waves of greed constantly assault me.
ਕਾਇਆ ਡੂਬੈ ਕੇਸਵਾ ॥੧॥
काइआ डूबै केसवा ॥१॥
kaa-i-aa doobai kaysvaa. 1
My body is drowning, O Lord. 1
ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ਸਮੁੰਦੇ ਤਾਰਿ ਗੋੁਬਿੰਦ ॥
संसारु समुंदे तारि गोबिंदे ॥
sansaar samunday taar gobinday.
Please carry me across the world-ocean, O Lord of the Universe.
ਤਾਰਿ ਲੈ ਬਾਪ ਬੀਠੁਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
तारि लै बाप बीठुला ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
taar lai baap beethulaa. 1 rahaa-o.
Carry me across, O Beloved Father. 1Pause
ਅਨਿਲ ਬੇੜਾ ਹਉ ਖੇਵਿ ਨ ਸਾਕਉ ॥
अनिल बेड़ा हउ खेवि न साकउ ॥
anil bayrhaa ha-o khayv na saaka-o.
I cannot steer my ship in this storm.
ਤੇਰਾ ਪਾਰੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਬੀਠੁਲਾ ॥੨॥
तेरा पारु न पाइआ बीठुला ॥२॥
tayraa paar na paa-i-aa beethulaa. 2
I cannot find the other shore, O Beloved Lord. 2
ਹੋਹੁ ਦਇਆਲੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਲਿ ਤੂ ਮੋ ਕਉ ॥
होहु दइआलु सतिगुरु मेलि तू मो कउ ॥
hohu da-i-aal satgur mayl too mo ka-o.
Please be merciful, and unite me with the True Guru;
ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰੇ ਕੇਸਵਾ ॥੩॥
पारि उतारे केसवा ॥३॥
paar utaaray kaysvaa. 3
carry me across, O Lord. 3
ਨਾਮਾ ਕਹੈ ਹਉ ਤਰਿ ਭੀ ਨ ਜਾਨਉ ॥
नामा कहै हउ तरि भी न जानउ ॥
naamaa kahai ha-o tar bhee na jaan-o.
Says Naam Dayv, I do not know how to swim.

On 21st february2007 Prof Kartar Singh ji along with Bhai Narinder Singh ji sang this shabad at Darbar Sahib
Download the kirtan recording from Darbar Sahib

Survival of the Fittest

2007-02-12T14:59:00.000+05:30

“In 1995, newspapers in the United States reported the death of the fattest man in the world. He had come to weigh 465 kilogrammes, or around 1,000 pounds (in excess of 70 stone). On a visit to hospital he had to be transported by fork lift truck, and after his death the wall of his bedroom had to be demolished in order to remove the body. Obviously he was an extreme example of the obesity problem, yet it would have required a weight gain of only 37 grammes per day to take him from a normal 70 kilogrammes (155 pounds) at the age of sixteen up to the grotesque proportions of his death at just 45 years of age. This is the equivalent of eating an extra 250 calories per day- less than one small bar of chocolate.”

Source: Survival of the Fittest by Mike Stroud

ਸਿੰਮਲ ਰੁਖੁ ਸਰਾਇਰਾ ਅਤਿ ਦੀਰਘ ਅਤਿ ਮੁਚੁ ॥

2007-02-08T15:42:00.001+05:30

ਸਲੋਕੁ ਮ: ੧ ॥
ਸਿੰਮਲ ਰੁਖੁ ਸਰਾਇਰਾ ਅਤਿ ਦੀਰਘ ਅਤਿ ਮੁਚੁ ॥
सिमल रुखु सराइरा अति दीरघ अति मुचु ॥
simmal rukh saraa-iraa at deeragh at much.
The simmal tree is straight as an arrow; it is very tall, and very thick.

ਓਇ ਜਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਆਸ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਹਿ ਨਿਰਾਸੇ ਕਿਤੁ ॥
ओइ जि आवहि आस करि जाहि निरासे कितु ॥
o-ay je aavahi aas kar jaahi niraasay kit.
But those birds which visit it hopefully, depart disappointed.

ਫਲ ਫਿਕੇ ਫੁਲ ਬਕਬਕੇ ਕੰਮਿ ਨ ਆਵਹਿ ਪਤ ॥

फल फिके फुल बकबके कमि न आवहि पत ॥
fal fikay ful bakbakay kamm na aavahi pat.
Its fruits are tasteless, its flowers are nauseating, and its leaves are useless.

ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥
मिठतु नीवी नानका गुण चंगिआईआ ततु ॥
mithat neevee naankaa gun chang-aa-ee-aa tat.
Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness.

ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਨਿਵੈ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਪਰ ਕਉ ਨਿਵੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
सभु को निवै आप कउ पर कउ निवै न कोइ ॥
sabh ko nivai aap ka-o par ka-o nivai na ko-ay.
Everyone bows down to himself; no one bows down to another.

ਧਰਿ ਤਾਰਾਜੂ ਤੋਲੀਐ ਨਿਵੈ ਸੁ ਗਉਰਾ ਹੋਇ ॥
धरि ताराजू तोलीऐ निवै सु गउरा होइ ॥
Dhar taaraajoo tolee-ai nivai so ga-uraa ho-ay.
When something is placed on the balancing scale and weighed, the side which descends is heavier.

ਅਪਰਾਧੀ ਦੂਣਾ ਨਿਵੈ ਜੋ ਹੰਤਾ ਮਿਰਗਾਹਿ ॥
अपराधी दूणा निवै जो हंता मिरगाहि ॥
apraaDhee doonaa nivai jo hantaa miragaahi.
The sinner, like the deer hunter, bows down twice as much.

ਸੀਸਿ ਨਿਵਾਇਐ ਕਿਆ ਥੀਐ ਜਾ ਰਿਦੈ ਕੁਸੁਧੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥੧॥
सीसि निवाइऐ किआ थीऐ जा रिदै कुसुधे जाहि ॥१॥
sees nivaa-i-ai ki-aa thee-ai jaa ridai kusuDhay jaahi. 1

But what can be achieved by bowing the head, when the heart is impure? 1

2007-02-03T12:53:00.000+05:30

ਮਾਰੂ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥

ਬਿਰਖੈ ਹੇਠਿ ਸਭਿ ਜੰਤ ਇਕਠੇ ॥
बिरखै हेठि सभि जंत इकठे ॥
birkhai hayth sabh jant ikthay.
Beneath the tree, all beings have gathered.

ਇਕਿ ਤਤੇ ਇਕਿ ਬੋਲਨਿ ਮਿਠੇ ॥
इकि तते इकि बोलनि मिठे ॥
ik tatay ik bolan mithay.
Some are hot-headed, and some speak very sweetly.

ਅਸਤੁ ਉਦੋਤੁ ਭਇਆ ਉਠਿ ਚਲੇ ਜਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਅਉਧ ਵਿਹਾਣੀਆ ॥੧॥
असतु उदोतु भइआ उठि चले जिउ जिउ अउध विहाणीआ ॥१॥
asat udot bha-i-aa uth chalay ji-o ji-o a-oDh vihaanee-aa. 1
Sunset has come, and they rise up and depart; their days have run their course and expired. 1

please read this shabad by Guru Arjan Dev Ji

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਜੈਸੀ ਜਲ ਕਮਲੇਹਿ ॥

2007-01-25T09:21:00.000+05:30

I have borrowed this picture from Akaal Singh I had been looking for lotus flowers for many days but couldn't find any where. Thank you Akaal Singh

ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਜੈਸੀ ਜਲ ਕਮਲੇਹਿ ॥

रे मन ऐसी हरि सिउ प्रीति करि जैसी जल कमलेहि ॥

ray man aisee har si-o pareet kar jaisee jal kamlayhi.

O mind, love the Lord, as the lotus loves the water.
ਲਹਰੀ ਨਾਲਿ ਪਛਾੜੀਐ ਭੀ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਅਸਨੇਹਿ ॥

लहरी नालि पछाड़ीऐ भी विगसै असनेहि ॥

lahree naal pachhaarhee-ai bhee vigsai asnayhi.

Tossed about by the waves, it still blossoms with love.
ਜਲ ਮਹਿ ਜੀਅ ਉਪਾਇ ਕੈ ਬਿਨੁ ਜਲ ਮਰਣੁ ਤਿਨੇਹਿ ॥੧॥

जल महि जीअ उपाइ कै बिनु जल मरणु तिनेहि ॥१॥

jal meh jee-a upaa-ay kai bin jal maran tinayhi. 1

In the water, the creatures are created; outside of the water they die. 1

ਮਨ ਰੇ ਕਿਉ ਛੂਟਹਿ ਬਿਨੁ ਪਿਆਰ ॥

मन रे किउ छूटहि बिनु पिआर ॥

man ray ki-o chhooteh bin pi-aar.

O mind, how can you be saved without love?
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰਵਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਬਖਸੇ ਭਗਤਿ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

गुरमुखि अंतरि रवि रहिआ बखसे भगति भंडार ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥

gurmukh antar rav rahi-aa bakhsay bhagat bhandaar. 1 rahaa-o.

God permeates the inner beings of the Gurmukhs. They are blessed with the treasure of devotion. 1Pause

ਬਸੰਤ ਰੁਤਿ ਆਈ ॥ ਪਰਫੂਲਤਾਰਹੇ ॥੧॥

2007-01-18T09:30:00.000+05:30

ਬਸੰਤੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ (੧੧੮੫-੩)ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

ਦੇਖੁ ਫੂਲ ਫੂਲ ਫੂਲੇ ॥
daykh fool fool foolay.
Behold the flowers flowering, and the blossoms blossoming forth!
ਅਹੰ ਤਿਆਗਿ ਤਿਆਗੇ ॥

ahaN ti-aag ti-aagay.
Renounce and abandon your egotism.
ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲ ਪਾਗੇ ॥

charan kamal paagay.
Grasp hold of His Lotus Feet.
ਤੁਮ ਮਿਲਹੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਭਾਗੇ ॥

tum milhu parabh sabhaagay.
Meet with God, O blessed one.
ਹਰਿਚੇਤਿ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

har chayt man mayray. rahaa-o.
O my mind, remain conscious of the Lord. Pause
ਸਘਨ ਬਾਸੁ ਕੂਲੇ ॥

saghan baas koolay.
The tender young plants smell so good,
ਇਕਿ ਰਹੇ ਸੂਕਿ ਕਠੂਲੇ ॥

ik rahay sook kathoolay.
while others remain like dry wood.
ਬਸੰਤ ਰੁਤਿ ਆਈ ॥

basant rut aa-ee.
The season of spring has come;
ਪਰਫੂਲਤਾਰਹੇ ॥੧॥

parfooltaa rahay. 1
it blossoms forth luxuriantly. 1
ਅਬ ਕਲੂ ਆਇਓ ਰੇ ॥

ab kaloo aa-i-o ray.
Now, the Dark Age of Kali Yuga has come.
ਇਕੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਬੋਵਹੁ ਬੋਵਹੁ ॥

ik naam bovhu bovhu.
Plant the Naam, the Name of the One Lord.
ਅਨ ਰੂਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
an root naahee naahee.
It is not the season to plant other seeds.
ਮਤੁ ਭਰਮਿਭੂਲਹੁ ਭੂਲਹੁ ॥

mat bharam bhoolahu bhoolahu.
Do not wander lost in doubt and delusion.
ਗੁਰ ਮਿਲੇ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਏ ॥ਜਿਸੁ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਹੈ ਲੇਖਾ ॥

gur milay har paa-ay. jis mastak hai laykhaa.
One who has such destiny written on his forehead, shall meet with the Guru and find
the Lord.
ਮਨ ਰੁਤਿ ਨਾਮ ਰੇ ॥

man rut naam ray.
O mortal, this is the season of the Naam.
ਗੁਨ ਕਹੇ ਨਾਨਕਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਹਰੇ ॥੨॥੧੮॥

gun kahay naanak har haray har haray. 218
Nanak utters the Glorious Praises of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, Har. 218

Bibi Jaswant Kaur ji sang on 13th January at Mata Sundri Gurdwara. She sang two shabads in Raag Basant and one in Raag Malhar.Though the Basant is when the mind blossoms like a flower on meeting 'The Lord' and malahar is to be sung when his love is showered on this dry parched mind. Outward seasons have little to do with those blessed with his love. They can enjoy Basant or Malhar whenever they communicate with him. But for sinners like me these flowers and raag Basant together can do wonders! similarly Rain with raag Malhar can mesmerize me...

Listen to Bibi Jaswant Kaur Ji

ਨਿਕਸੁ ਰੇ ਪੰਖੀ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਂਖ ॥

2007-01-12T16:21:00.000+05:30

Today morning there was no fog and the sky was blue in Delhi .The birds flew around happily.... It was a welcome change after so many foggy mornings.I took this photo from my terrace.

ਨਿਕਸੁ ਰੇ ਪੰਖੀ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਂਖ ॥ (੨੦੪-੯, ਗਉੜੀ, ਮ:੫)
nikas ray pankhee simar har paaNkh.
Come out, O soul-bird, and let the meditative remembrance of the Lord be your wings.
ਮਿਲਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਸਰਣਿ ਗਹੁ ਪੂਰਨ ਰਾਮ ਰਤਨੁ ਹੀਅਰੇ ਸੰਗਿ ਰਾਖੁ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

mil saaDhoo saran gahu pooran raam ratan hee-aray sang raakh. rahaa-o.
Meet the Holy Saint, take to His Sanctuary, and keep the perfect jewel of the Lord enshrined in your heart. 1Pause

Later in the day I was so happy to see flowers and the bees hovering over them

ਬੁਰਾ ਨਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਭਲਾ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਹਾਰ ਨਹੀ ਸਭ ਜੇਤੈ ॥੧॥

2007-01-08T11:11:00.000+05:30

ਕਾਨੜਾ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥
कानड़ा महला ५ ॥
kaanrhaa mehlaa 5.
Kaanraa, Fifth Mehl:

ਕਹਨ ਕਹਾਵਨ ਕਉ ਕਈ ਕੇਤੈ ॥
कहन कहावन कउ कई केतै ॥
kahan kahaavan ka-o ka-ee kaytai.
Many speak and talk about God.

ਐਸੋ ਜਨੁ ਬਿਰਲੋ ਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜੋ ਤਤ ਜੋਗ ਕਉ ਬੇਤੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ऐसो जनु बिरलो है सेवकु जो तत जोग कउ बेतै ॥१॥ रहाउ ॥
aiso jan birlo hai sayvak jo tat jog ka-o baytai. 1 rahaa-o.
But one who understands the essence of Yoga - such a humble servant is very rare1Pause

ਦੁਖੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਏਕੈ ਏਕੀ ਨੇਤੈ ॥
दुखु नाही सभु सुखु ही है रे एकै एकी नेतै ॥
dukh naahee sabh sukh hee hai ray aikai aykee naytai.
He has no pain - he is totally at peace. With his eyes, he sees only the One Lord.

ਬੁਰਾ ਨਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਭਲਾ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਹਾਰ ਨਹੀ ਸਭ ਜੇਤੈ ॥੧॥
बुरा नही सभु भला ही है रे हार नही सभ जेतै ॥१॥
buraa nahee sabh bhalaa hee hai ray haar nahee sabh jaytai. 1
No one seems evil to him - all are good. There is no defeat - he is totally victorious. 1

ਸੋਗੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਦਾ ਹਰਖੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਛੋਡਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਲੇਤੈ ॥
सोगु नाही सदा हरखी है रे छोडि नाही किछु लेतै ॥
sog naahee sadaa harkhee hai ray chhod naahee kichh laytai.
He is never in sorrow - he is always happy; but he gives this up, and does not take anything.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਹੈ ਕਤ ਆਵੈ ਕਤ ਰਮਤੈ ॥੨॥੩॥੨੨॥
कहु नानक जनु हरि हरि हरि है कत आवै कत रमतै ॥२॥३॥२२॥
kaho naanak jan har har har hai kat aavai kat ramtai. 2322
Says Nanak, the humble servant of the Lord is himself the Lord, Har, Har; he does not come and go in reincarnation. 2322

Gurpurab

2007-01-06T17:51:00.000+05:30

Guru Gobind Singh ji de Prakash Utsav di Aap sabh nu Lakh Lakh Vadhai hove ji

listen to
kirtan by raj Academy at Gurdwara Nanak Piyao on 16th Dec 2006

The Last Post Of 2006

2006-12-30T14:29:00.001+05:30

The Last Post Of 2006

When I look back I feel 2006 was a really blessed year . I attended many kirtan darbars and was fortunate to come in contact with all of you. But two incidents left me perplexed ! I share both with you all.
First was on the night of 5th and 6th Jan 2006 ,when I was returning home after Gurpurb celebrations at Gurdwara Rakab ganj Sahib. It was almost 1.30 AM and temperature had dipped to less than 2 degrees Celsius. I had never been out on roads at that time and that night I was shocked to see hundreds of poor people sleeping on footpath. It was so cold… it made me shiver. That night I could not sleep as my warm bed seemed to have grown thorns. But we forget and soon I forgot all about it and life was normal again.

Next was on 28th December when I had gone to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib to attend Raj Academy kirtan. It was around 10am and as I was moving towards jora ghar I saw a man fishing out something from the dustbin . At first I ignored , taking him to be a regular rag-picker. But I noticed that he was eating something. I stopped and what I saw left me totally poignant. That man was taking out left-over food from paper-plates ( thrown in the dustbin after prabhat pheri prashad distribution) and was eating it. Right in the Gurdwara premises where free langar and karhah prashad is available almost round the clock, why should any one eat leftover food?
I could not stop myself and walked up to him and said, “Bhaiya, yeh kyon khaa rahe ho? Langar hall mein jaa ke langar khaa lo agar tumhein bhookh lagi hai.”
( Why are you eating this? Go to the langar hall if you are hungry).
The man dropped the plate and stood up like a child caught stealing some thing. I looked hard at his face trying to make a diagnosis. My mind racing fast from psychosis to drug addiction. Or may be he was a simple hungry street urchin . He stood looking down like a culprit waiting for punishment. I took out some money and told him to go and eat something. He quickly took the money and vanished. I realized my mistake because a drug addict may not buy food with the money. But I didn’t have time to get food for him.
Now, I’ll keep thinking about this incident for some days, and then… forget it…

ਇਕਿ ਤੁਝ ਹੀ ਕੀਏ ਰਾਜੇ ਇਕਨਾ ਭਿਖ ਭਵਾਈਆ ॥ (566-12, ਵਡਹੰਸੁ, ਮ: 1)

Some, You have made kings, while others go about begging.

The kirtan was amazing you can down load from this site

Alaahanees or the Songs Of Mourning

2006-12-27T17:09:00.000+05:30

Alaahanees or the Songs Of Mourning:
Gurbani has songs for all occasions.
The purpose was to replace the usual mourning with praises of lord.
Guru Nanak has written Alaahnees in Vadhans Raag.
Prof Sahib Singh ji writes this about this Bani:

ਅਲਾਹਣੀਆ: ਕਿਸੇ ਦੇ ਮਰਨ ਤੇ ਗਾਏ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਗੀਤ। ਜਦੋਂ ਕੋਈ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਮਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਨਾਨੀਆਂ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਰੋਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਮਿਰਾਸਣ ਉਸ ਮਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ ਵਿਚ ਕਵਿਤਾ ਜਿਹੀ ਵਾਂਗ ਕੋਈ ਤੁਕ ਸੁਰ ਵਿਚ ਪੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਉਹੀ ਤੁਕ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਨਾਨੀਆਂ ਰਲ ਕੇ ਸੁਰ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਪੜ੍ਹਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਤੇ ਨਾਲ ਨਾਲ ਥੋੜਾ ਪਿੱਟਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ। ਉਹ ਪਿੱਟਣਾ ਭੀ ਤਾਲ-ਸਿਰ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਮਿਰਾਸਣ ਦੇ ਉਸ ਗੀਤ ਨੂੰ 'ਅਲਾਹਣੀਆਂ' ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਇਸ ਰੋਣ ਪਿੱਟਣ ਵਲੋਂ ਵਰਜ ਕੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਤੁਰਨ ਤੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਦੇਂਦੇ ਹਨ।
On 2nd December 2006 when everyone had collected to remember Bhai Avtar Singh ji at Rakab Ganj Gurdwara, Baldeep Singh ji sang Alaahnees. I have a video clip to share with you all

ਰਾਗੁ ਵਡਹੰਸੁ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਘਰੁ ੫ ਅਲਾਹਣੀਆ ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

ਧੰਨੁ ਸਿਰੰਦਾ ਸਚਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗੁ ਧੰਧੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥ ਮੁਹਲਤਿ ਪੁਨੀ ਪਾਈ ਭਰੀ ਜਾਨੀਅੜਾ ਘਤਿਚਲਾਇਆ ॥
ਜਾਨੀ ਘਤਿ ਚਲਾਇਆ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਆਇਆ ਰੁੰਨੇ ਵੀਰ ਸਬਾਏ ॥ ਕਾਂਇਆ ਹੰਸ ਥੀਆ ਵੇਛੋੜਾਜਾਂ ਦਿਨ ਪੁੰਨੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ॥
ਜੇਹਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਤੇਹਾ ਪਾਇਆ ਜੇਹਾ ਪੁਰਬਿ ਕਮਾਇਆ ॥ ਧੰਨੁ ਸਿਰੰਦਾ ਸਚਾ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਜਗੁ ਧੰਧੈ ਲਾਇਆ ॥੧॥

Sikh Musical Heritage

2006-12-19T09:53:00.000+05:30

Prof. Surinder Singh (Raj Academy- UK)with his students at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi.

leaflets distributed by delhi Sikh gurdwara Prabandhak Committee for promotion of Traditional Gurbani Kirtan

Kirtan was amazing and it was blissful to have been present in the sangat.

I recorded some of the kirtan and would like to share with you all.

Listen to the kirtan done at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

I would like to share more in future...

Visit to Shri Keshgarh Sahib

2006-12-15T18:46:00.000+05:30

Last weekend I visited Shri KeshgarhSahib.It became really cold when it started raining. I share a few photos here.

The front view
Main building of GuruDarbar

As it was raining the wet marble floor had the reflection of main building.I couldn't keep my hand very stable as I was almost shivering...

River Satluj near Kiratpur Sahib

In loving memory of Bhai Avtar Singh ji

2006-12-06T14:55:00.000+05:30

from the left- bhai Kultar Singh ji, Bhai Gurcharan Singh ji and Bhai swaran Singh ji
Bhai Baldeep Singh ji leaving the stage after kirtan with his taus

As the sun went down lights were put on and Guru Maharaj's palki glowed

Bhai Baldeep Singh Singing Ram kali Sadd

Saturday 2nd December 2006 a kirtan darbar was held at gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in loving memory of Bhai Avtar Singh ji.
Every one had some thing to share. But what I found most touching were words of Bhai Gurcharan Singh ji. This is what he said," Avtar Singh was 10 yrs younger to me.Till date I remember his first cry when he came in this world.That day when I returned home after playing I had to wait outside as my mother was inside and after a while a heard a loud cry... ( here he also immitated the cry)... That was my new born younger brother. It was most painful to bid him good bye but I am happy he went laughing and saw that last smile on his face. so now in my memory I'll have his first cry and last smile."

Many remebered his kirtan at Gurdwara Sis ganj Sahib. He did kirtan at this Shahidi asthan for 52 years and left the world on this shahidi dewas.

Nothing can fill the gap he has left but such souls should never be mourned for...

ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਜਨਮ ਸਵਾਰ ਦਰਗਹ ਚਲਿਆ॥ਸਚੀ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਇ ਸਚਾ ਪਿੜ ਮਲਿਆ॥

guramukh janam savaar dharageh chaliaasachee dharageh jaae sachaa pirr maliaa

Spending this life fruitfully gurmukh goes to the other world.There in the true court (of lord) he gets his true place.

ChardiKala Jatha At Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib

2006-11-30T14:58:00.001+05:30


Kirtan at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib New Delhi on 24th November 2006 by Chardi Kala Jatha.

Chardi Kala Jatha In New Delhi

2006-11-24T12:40:00.000+05:30

Today Chardi Kala Jatha did kirtan at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, New Delhi

Here are some photographs and download thier kirtan.As today is Guru Tegbahadur Sahib Ji's Shahidi Diwas main bani kirtan was from Guru Sahib's Bani and tenth Guru's -Tilak Janju RakhaPrabhTanka...

First Shabad is Ram Simar Ram Simar Ehhe tere Kaj Hai

Second Shabad is Tilak Janju Raakha Prabh Tanka

Third was Jagat mein jhoothi dekhi preet

Here is the link for download

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੰਜੀਠੜਾ ਰਤਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਚੋਲਾਸਦ ਰੰਗ ਢੋਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

2006-11-18T08:52:00.000+05:30

Gurbani takes us across this world ocean.Entire bani in Guru granth sahib has very deep sentiments and philosphy.Guru Nanak Dev ji's this shabad (which is given below)is full of optimism,confidence, hopefulness,and cheerfulness.Where as a shabad in Soohi raag by Baba Farid ji has the same meaning but it has more vairag i.e. it somewhat depresses you.Guru Nanak seems to have written this shabad as an answer to this shabad by Baba Farid Ji. This shabad use to make me so depressed that I felt i could never meet my beloved.
Please read both the shabads carefully to know what i am trying to say.
Guru Nanak has made this life of mine worth living.This Shabad fills my heart with warmth, fervor, zeal, ardor, passion and devotion.

ਸੂਹੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥

ਜਪ ਤਪ ਕਾ ਬੰਧੁ ਬੇੜੁਲਾ ਜਿਤੁਲੰਘਹਿ ਵਹੇਲਾ ॥

jap tap kaa banDh bayrhulaa jit langheh vahaylaa.
Build the raft of meditation and self-discipline, to carry you across the river.

ਨਾ ਸਰਵਰੁ ਨਾ ਊਛਲੈ ਐਸਾ ਪੰਥੁ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ॥੧॥

naa sarvar naa oochhlai aisaa panth suhaylaa. 1
There will be no ocean, and no rising tides to stop you; this is how comfortable your path shall be. 1

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੰਜੀਠੜਾ ਰਤਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਚੋਲਾਸਦ ਰੰਗ ਢੋਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

tayraa ayko naam manjeeth-rhaa rataa mayraa cholaa sad rang dholaa. 1 rahaa-o.
Your Name alone is the color, in which the robe of my body is dyed. This color is permanent, O my Beloved. 1Pause

ਸਾਜਨ ਚਲੇ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ਕਿਉ ਮੇਲਾ ਹੋਈ ॥

saajan chalay pi-aari-aa ki-o maylaa ho-ee.
My beloved friends have departed; how will they meet the Lord?

ਜੇ ਗੁਣ ਹੋਵਹਿ ਗੰਠੜੀਐ ਮੇਲੇਗਾਸੋਈ ॥੨॥

jay gun hoveh ganth-rhee-ai maylaygaa so-ee. 2
If they have virtue in their pack, the Lord will unite them with Himself.
ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹੋਇ ਨ ਵੀਛੁੜੈ ਜੇ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹੋਈ ॥

mili-aa ho-ay na veechhurhai jay mili-aa ho-ee.
Once united with Him, they will not be separated again, if they are truly united.

ਆਵਾ ਗਉਣੁ ਨਿਵਾਰਿਆ ਹੈ ਸਾਚਾ ਸੋਈ ॥੩॥

aavaa ga-on nivaari-aa hai saachaa so-ee. 3

The True Lord brings their comings and goings to an end.

ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਨਿਵਾਰਿਆ ਸੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਚੋਲਾ ॥

ha-umai maar nivaari-aa seetaa hai cholaa.
One who subdues and eradicates egotism, sews the robe of devotion.

ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸਹ ਕੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬੋਲਾ ॥੪॥

gur bachnee fal paa-i-aa sah kay amrit bolaa. 4

Following the Word of the Guru's Teachings, she receives the fruits of her reward, the Ambrosial Words of the Lord. 4

ਨਾਨਕੁਕਹੈ ਸਹੇਲੀਹੋ ਸਹੁ ਖਰਾ ਪਿਆਰਾ ॥

naanak kahai sahayleeho saho kharaa pi-aaraa.
Says Nanak, O soul-brides, our Husband Lord is so dear!

ਹਮ ਸਹ ਕੇਰੀਆ ਦਾਸੀਆ ਸਾਚਾ ਖਸਮੁ ਹਮਾਰਾ ॥੫॥੨॥੪॥

ham sah kayree-aa daasee-aa saachaa khasam hamaaraa. 524
We are the servants, the hand-maidens of the Lord; He is our True Lord and Master.

ਨਦੀ ਤਰੰਦੜੀ ਮੈਡਾ ਖੋਜੁ ਨ ਖੁੰਭੈ ਮੰਝਿ ਮੁਹਬਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ॥

2006-11-13T18:26:00.000+05:30

ਸਲੋਕ ਮ: ੫ ॥ (੫੨੦-੭)

ਨਦੀ ਤਰੰਦੜੀ ਮੈਡਾ ਖੋਜੁ ਨ ਖੁੰਭੈ ਮੰਝਿ ਮੁਹਬਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ॥

nadee tarand-rhee maidaa khoj na khumbhai manjh muhabat tayree.

Crossing the stream, my foot does not get stuck - I am filled with love for You.

ਤਉ ਸਹ ਚਰਣੀ ਮੈਡਾ ਹੀਅੜਾ ਸੀਤਮੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੁਲਹਾ ਬੇੜੀ ॥੧॥

ta-o sah charnee maidaa hee-arhaa seetam har naanak tulhaa bayrhee. 1

O Lord, my heart is attached to Your Feet; the Lord is Nanak's raft and boat. 1

Upinder Kaur's Blog

Aananda sukh sehaj moorat by Bhai Gurmeet Singh shant

bisar gayee sab taat paraaee by Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shaant

Super Moon

Diwali

Rains in Delhi

New Langar Hall at Kesh Garh Sahib

Shabad Kirtan: 18th Annual Adutti Gurmat Sangeet Darbar

Prof. Kartar Singh ji honored witrh SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI AWARDS 2008

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai-2009

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai-2009

Autobiography of a great man - Prof. Sahib Singh ji

Raj Academy's Delhi visit

Flash Of Lightening

Thakat Shri Kes Garh Sahib

Jagat Jot Jape Nisbasur

The holy places of worship in the world are polluted, and so the world is drowning.

Mobiles and Group SMS

Gurbani Santhaya

Jagriti Yatra in Delhi

Mere Lallan ke Sobha

More Kirtan from Gurbani gaveh bhai

Ashupreet Kaur

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

Bhai Harjeet Singh Gurdeep Singh ji

Alokik Basan Kirtan Samagam

Sunrise

Train to Patna

In Phalgun, her mind is enraptured, pleased by the Love of her Beloved.

The One Name is my lamp; I have put the oil of suffering into it.

Maan Nimane Tu Dhani Tera Bharvasa

Kirtan by Raj Academy in New Delhi

Battle of Chamkaur

Seminar on Musical Tradition Of Gurbani

The sculptor carves the stone and fashions it into an idol, placing his feet upon its chest.

mother's hope and prayer

COURAGE AND COMPASSION- A Fine Blend

The lakes and fields are overflowing with water;

The rainy season has come, and the clouds have burst into showers.

Visit to Takhat Shri Kesh Garh Sahib

Back home after a vacation

Divine touch

Raag Asa Kirtan Darbar

Compassion and Wisdom

ਮਾਹੁ ਜੇਠੁ ਭਲਾ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮੁ ਕਿਉ ਬਿਸਰੈ ॥

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

Just as the light of the sun's rays spread out,

More videos from Talkatora

More kirtan from Talkatora Gardens

Kirtan Darbar at Talkatora Gardens New Delhi

Gurbani Gaveh Bhai

Delhi’s traffic is a nightmare

Baisakhi is so pleasant; the branches blossom with new leaves.

Free Medical Camp at Baru Sahib on the occasion of Baisakhi, 2007

Fareed, the seasons change, the woods shake and the leaves drop from the trees.

Taar Shenai

Healthy vegetarian Recipe

ਚੇਤੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ ਭਲਾ ਭਵਰ ਸੁਹਾਵੜੇ ॥

'Barah Maha’ of ‘Rag Tukhari’

ਕਬੀਰ ਬਾਂਸੁ ਬਡਾਈ ਬੂਡਿਆ ਇਉ ਮਤ ਡੂਬਹੁ ਕੋਇ ॥

Please carry me across the world-ocean, O Lord of the Universe.

Survival of the Fittest

ਸਿੰਮਲ ਰੁਖੁ ਸਰਾਇਰਾ ਅਤਿ ਦੀਰਘ ਅਤਿ ਮੁਚੁ ॥

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਜੈਸੀ ਜਲ ਕਮਲੇਹਿ ॥

ਬਸੰਤ ਰੁਤਿ ਆਈ ॥ ਪਰਫੂਲਤਾਰਹੇ ॥੧॥

ਨਿਕਸੁ ਰੇ ਪੰਖੀ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਪਾਂਖ ॥

ਬੁਰਾ ਨਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਭਲਾ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਹਾਰ ਨਹੀ ਸਭ ਜੇਤੈ ॥੧॥

Gurpurab

The Last Post Of 2006

Alaahanees or the Songs Of Mourning

Sikh Musical Heritage

Visit to Shri Keshgarh Sahib

In loving memory of Bhai Avtar Singh ji

ChardiKala Jatha At Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib

Chardi Kala Jatha In New Delhi

ਤੇਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਮੰਜੀਠੜਾ ਰਤਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਚੋਲਾਸਦ ਰੰਗ ਢੋਲਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

ਨਦੀ ਤਰੰਦੜੀ ਮੈਡਾ ਖੋਜੁ ਨ ਖੁੰਭੈ ਮੰਝਿ ਮੁਹਬਤਿ ਤੇਰੀ ॥