Happy New Year 2016

Wishing you and your family a great, prosperous, blissful, healthy, bright, delightful, energetic and extremely happy new year 2016. 😊🎆🎁🎉🎊

About the Average Sikh

They say that the average American does not know the difference between a Sikh and a Muslim. They tell me the average American associates a turban and a beard with ISIS, Taliban or Bin Laden. That's okay because the average Sikh does not have "fear" in their vocabulary.

We are not the victims of mistaken identity; we are in fact doing exactly what our identity was supposed to do. It was supposed to absorb hate and ignorance so others would not have to. See, you mistake us for something we are not, however, you do not know exactly who we are. Our heritage teaches us tolerance, to love the enemy and to protect even those we do not agree with. These seemingly progressive values -- of equality, freedom of religion, justice for all that you thought were American -- are actually something Sikhs have been living, and dying, for centuries over. Our history is full of examples of how Sikhs protected others before themselves, put humanity first and their own life last. We are taught from a very young age that our identity comes with responsibility; it will come with its own set of challenges, and we are in fact ready for anything and more your hate can dish out.

We have learned through our forefathers that hate does not last, and love and truth eventually overcome. You may feel big by attacking us, but with each blow you only strengthen our resolve. You have bullied our children in schools, attacked our places of worship all in your skewed misinformed and small view of the world. Yes, we look different but we are not foreign to this type of treatment. Everywhere a Sikh goes they know they stand out, they know their identity comes before all else that is presented about them, and even in the face of extreme intolerance they are willing to not reciprocate the hate but shower love instead.

You think if you intimidate us we will go running "back to our country" as you heckle commonly, however, we will not go back, but only dig our heals stronger to prove that not only are we not afraid but we have the resolve to overcome your anger. Our religion provides us the guidance in knowing there is no other, there is no difference, there is no better, there is only divine light which shines in all.

A Sikh's strength lies in their identity -- it goes hand in hand with their existence. You might use images of the media to shape your worldview through the bias lens, but we use spiritual power to shape our resolve. A Sikh will stay steadfast in a storm because we know the real battle does not rage externally rather internally is where the conquest really counts.

My hope is of a better America, where tolerance is not just a word that is thrown around, but actually practiced by every individual. Where diversity is not seen as a weakness but our core strength and what makes this nation great. Till then you will never see us hiding, the 'Average Sikh' will be out there with our turbans and beards easy to spot and ready for any challenge that may be presented.

Source: huffingtonpost

Miracle at Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji in 1877

For those of us who've been to Darbaar Sahib Amritsar, we may have noticed a sign outside on the Darshani Deori that reads,

"It is for the knowledge of all that in Harimandir Sahib on April 30, 1877 at 4.30 in the morning, a strange thing happened. There were about four hundred devotees enjoying spiritual peace of celestial music in Harimandir Sahib when suddenly a flash of lighting was seen which in the form of a big resplendence entered through the door on the mountain-side and exploded exactly like a ball in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and illuminating everything went out, becoming a streak of light through the southern door--though at the time of its exploding there was a dreadful and forceful sound, no harm of any kind occurred to any devotee sitting inside and no harm to the building or anything else in the precinct. All the people described this supernatural scene as the wonderful doing of Sri Guru Ram Das himself."

This miracle transformed the Panth and brought it back from the brink of oblivion.

After the fall of the Sikh Kingdom in 1849, the Sikhs were in very serious trouble. The Gurdwaras were in control of Mahants who had installed Hindu Idols and barred "low castes" from entering. British observers wrote that Amrit Sinchaars almost never took place. Sikh women lost their distinct appearance and no longer followed rehit or took amrit. The British even began to photograph Sikhs as they believed this "fading sect" ought to be recorded in history and one day shown in museums as a part of India's history.

The British also started a heavy mission of conversion amongst the Sikhs. Many notable Sikhs left the faith at this time. Raja Ranjit Singh's general, Jowand Sikh Mokhal's family embraced Islam, Beharwala Sardar Isher Singh became Muslim under the influence of a prostitute, Harnam Singh of the Kapurthala Royal family became Christian, Dayal Singh Majithia became a Brahmo Samajist and gave over the Daily Tribune, Dayal Singh College and a Library to the sect.

Big Sikh landlords Mangal Singh Virk and Charat Singh of Barhar became Muslims for Muslim women as well. In 1873, 4 Sikh boys Aya Singh, Attar Singh, Sadhu Singh and Santokh Singh announced they were converting ot Christianity and prepared to cut their hair. Later they were convinced not to do this.

Harmandir Sahib was under the control of the British Government and they had appointed a Sikh manager, Mangal Singh to look after the site for them. The British had nefarious designs for the Sikhs. They intended to make Sree Darbaar Sahib the main Diocese for the Christian Church and convert the complex into a giant church. Crucifixes were even put near the entrance of Sree Darbaar Sahib near the foot-wash area.

Sardar Mangal Singh heard these rumours and despite being pro-British, felt very upset. He met with Punjab's Lt. Governor to ask about this issue and he did not give any reassurance but asked him to speak with the Viceroy.

The Viceroy was at this time in Gobind Garh fort in Amritsar. Sardar Mangal Singh went to meet him and was told that the British were lawfully entitled to own, manage and dispose of all property owned earlier by the Sikh regime. They could do as they wish in the future.

The Sikhs came out very dejected and sat in a Gurdwara trying to understand what to do. They decided to hold and Akhand Path Sahib in Darbaar Sahib and do Ardaas that the most precious place of the Sikhs would be saved.

The next day, the sangat gathered at Harmandir Sahib and Asa Di Vaar began. An intelligence officer sent by the Viceroy was also present to watch over the gathering. At 4.30AM, the ball of light entered and stopped in front of Guru Granth Sahib ji and then did as was described above. The Sangat began to repeat "Dhan Guru Ram Das!".

News of this event went all over Punjab. The hundreds of witnesses all gave their names as proof of this great miracle. The intelligence officer too was stunned and advised the British Government that any attempt to take over Darbaar Sahib would be wrong.

This incident was Guru Ram Das himself blessing the Sikhs. It showed the Sikhs that Guru was not far, but always watching over his Panth. At a time where amritdhari Singhs were almost extinct and Hindu ritual had taken hold in the Gurdwaras and Sikhs were converting away en masse, Guru Ram Das enacted this miracle and revived and awakened the Sikhs. The Gurdvara Reform Movement gathered steam, Singh Sabha Movement threw out the Hindu influences and again the Panth began to emerge and grow. The entire Panth rose up to save Sikhi. The Sikhs were saved from the brink of extinction.

In today's age, when again Sikhi is threatened by governments, and Sikh youth are confused and misguided, it is time for a Sikh Revival. It is up to us to save our Panth. And if we take the initiative, we should rest assured Guru Ji is watching us and will certainly give us victory.

May Guru Ji Bless us with Sikhi Sidak,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
Source: sikhnet 

Message for the Day

This is one of the sweet and best message I read today:-

1. No matter how beautiful and handsome you are, just remember Baboon and Gorillas also attract tourists: Stop Boasting.
2. No matter how big and strong you are, you will not carry yourself to your Grave: Be Humble!
3. No matter how tall you are, you can never see tomorrow: Be Patient!
4. No matter how Light Skinned you are, you will always need light in Darkness: Take Caution!
5. No matter how Rich and many Cars you have, you will always walk to Bed: Be Contented!

Take Life Easy. Life is "Exp. + Exp. + Exp."
Yesterday was Experience.
Today is Experiment.
Tomorrow is Expectation.

So, use your Experience in your Experiment to achieve your Expectations.

What Lesson We Learned After Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

The Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and the aftermath makes us realise how high duty to humanity and accountability sits in Sikh history. Guru Sahib and his 3 companions showed us accountability through sacrifice. This was followed by the bravery of Bhai Jetha and Bhai Lakhi Shah.

The lack of accountability of the Sikhs at Chandni Chowk led to the Dasmesh Pita formalising the Khalsa identity where there would no longer be any way for Sikhs to hide from their duty and forever remain accountable. A countless lineage of valiant Sikhs followed and till this day we see Sikhs forever ready to be accountable.

With such great legacies in our Panth, we must ask ourselves today how accountable are we as individuals and how many of us have that same sense of duty. Were we meant to be individuals who stand on the side lines waiting for others to take the lead? Were we meant to hide behind leaders, committees, parcharaks and others so that we can remain safe? Or were we meant to be the Bhai Jethas and Bhai Lakhi Shahs who risked their lives in order to recognise and safeguard their sense of duty.

Guru Sahib gave us the uniqueness to stand out in action and reaction. A gift we cannot afford to lose.

Source: dailysikhupdates

Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Haridwar

Realization of Offering Water to Ancestors at Haridwar.

Haridwar is one of the Hindu pilgrimages situated on the bank of river Ganges. As the sun comes out in the morning, people start throwing water with their hands towards the sun from the river. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Haridwar, he asked the people as to what they were doing. A priest replied, “We are offering water to our dead ancestors in the region of Sun to quench their thirst.”

Upon this, the Guru started throwing water towards the west. The Hindu pilgrims were astonished and asked Guru Nanak about what he was doing. The Guru replied, “I am watering my fields in Punjab.” The priest asked, “How can your water reach such a distance?” The Guru retorted, “How far your ancestors are from here?” One of them replied, “In the other world.”

Guru Nanak Dev Ji stated, “If this water cannot reach my fields which are about four hundred miles away from here, how can your water reach your ancestors who are not even on this earth?” The crowd stood in dumb realization. Some of the listeners came to understand the point made by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They realized that the water that they were throwing simply returned to the river and it is a fake belief that it could reach their ancestors.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached against superstitions, false rituals, worship of demi-gods and goddesses. He stressed that only One God, the Formless, is to be glorified. In this way, he showed the path of truth and enlightenment.

There is a Gurdwara called Nanakwara in Haridwar on the bank of the river Ganges where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed on his visit to Haridwar.

 Source: dailysikhupdates

Prime Minister of Canada's Statement on the Gurpurab

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today to mark the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith:

“Sophie and I offer our warmest of wishes to everyone in Canada – and around the world – celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The values of the faith he taught – love, compassion, serving humanity and the community – are evident every day in Sikh families and communities across Canada."

“I have been fortunate enough to visit many communities from coast to coast to coast, and I have seen first-hand just how much Sikh Canadians continue to contribute to Canada’s rich culture and heritage. Their story, and the story of Guru Nanak, serve as an important reminder that we are stronger not in spite of our differences, but because of them."

“Once again I wish all those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji a peaceful and joyous day.”

Source: dailysikhupdates