Happy Bandhi Shorr Divas!

Croydon Sikh Youth help to explain why we as Sikhs celebrate at the time of Divali – Keeping the flame of freedom alight

Sikhs throughout the globe will celebrate Divali on 28th October. Divas/lamps will be alight, a jovial festival atmosphere will prevail. Sweets and samosas will be enjoyed, fireworks will set alight the moonlit sky. But why do we really celebrate? Apart from the annual calendar significance? What does Divali mean for us as Sikhs?

The sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee was falsely imprisoned for bogus reasons by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. After some months it was declared that Guru Jee could walk free. Like Guru Jee there were other prisoners of conscience in Gwalior Fort (the prison), specifically 52 Hindu Kings who made a heartfelt plea to Guru Jee begging him to negotiate their release also. The ocean of mercy Guru Jee listened attentively to their plea and showered his grace upon them and told them not to worry and that he would negotiate their release.

Guru Jee told the Emperor he would only leave the prison on the condition that the 52 Hindu Kings are freed also. The Emperor being a man entangled in his own ego and pride of intelligence, replied that Guru Jee could walk free with as many Kings who could hold onto his clothing on the day of his release. Guru the fountain of knowledge easily got around the condition by getting a robe tailored with 52 tassels on it. On the day of His release Guru Jee walked out of Gwalior Fort with all 52 Hindu Kings holding onto one tassel each, this auspicious occasion is referred to as “Bandi Shorr Divas – the day of emancipation.” Guru Jee did not only free the 52 Hindu Kings from prison, He also showered His grace upon them and freed them from the transmigration of the soul, freeing them from the cycle of births and deaths. Each and everyone of us also begs for this freedom:

Forsaking all other doors I have come to your door. Preserve my honour by offering the support of your arm, liberate me, I am your humble servant. (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)

I have come to the sanctuary of the formless and emancipating Lord, who destroys all sufferings. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee, Limb 624 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee)

May Guru Jee bless us with spiritual and physical liberation also.

Bandhi Shorr Divas was months prior to Divali. Upon release from Gwalior Fort Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee made a tour of Delhi and other regions, then arrangements to go to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar were made. When he reached Amritsar Sahib it was Divali and the Sikhs celebrated the release of Guru Jee with fireworks and festivities.

Relevance today
The world over there are countless prisoners of consciousness, held under false fabricated charges and/or those held for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. Please light a candle for these prisoners, non-Sikhs and Sikhs and don’t forget Guru Jee’s example of freeing Hindu Kings. He was benevolent, humane and had a profound love for one and all, may we develop such divine virtues. May we all endeavour to assist and support such prisoners and at the very least we can all make a heartfelt prayer that Guru Jee blesses all prisoners with Chardi Kala/High Spirits.

One cannot begin to imagine losing freedom of movement and action, we can only try to empathise with such prisoners. Regardless of the regime and it’s tyranny, no man-made authority can imprison the Sikh Spirit and Sikhs still happily go to the gallows for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. The Sikh Spirit cannot be imprisoned. Prominent Sikhs currently imprisoned include Dr. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Deya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Dhadhi and the list goes on and on. Just imagine being the parent of a child who entered militancy or quite simply ‘disappeared’ in the 80’s and 90’s in Punjab. Many of these parents light a candle at Divali, praying and wishing that the light of hope may still bless them with a vision of a fit and well son or daughter. Or they pray in despair that may God nurture their offspring wherever they may be.

So when you light a candle and eat a sweet at Divali, please spare a thought, that you are free and are not bound by the restraints of prison life. Lest we forget, lets light a lamp to ensure the rays of freedom shine through all of humanity.

We thank Harjinder Singh (The Game Of Love) and www.akaalpublishers.com for helping to share the above.

Remember that we meet up every Sunday at Croydon Gurdwara from 12pm ‘til 3 and take part in a range of Sikh related activities. E-mail us at CroydonSikhYouth@hotmail.com if you have any questions or suggestions.

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Jee Ki Fateh!

Get Ready For The 1st!

Dhan Guru Raam Daas Ji

9th October markes the Parkaash Diwaas (birth date) of Guru Raam Daas jee, the fourth Guru. Saariaa Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhaaee Hove.

A SHORT GLIMPSE AT THE LIFE OF GURU RAAM DAAS JEE

Background
Guru Raam Daas jee was born at Choona Manddee Bazaar in Lahore in 1534. His parents, Mata Anoop Devi jee and Bhai Hari Daas jee, named him 'Jetha', meaning 'first born'. At a young age Bhai Jetha jee joined Sangat who were travelling to Goindval Sahib to meet Guru Amar Daas jee. Since meeting Guru Amar Daas jee, the third Jyot of Guru Nanak, Bhai Jetha fell in love with the True Guru and became a devout Sikh who would do tireless seva.


Marriage to Bibi Bhani
Bhai Jetha jee would roast chick-peas (sholay) and sell them to the public for his livelihood. He was honest, hard-working, and remembered Waheguru whilst working. He was not from a wealthy family and only made ends meet with the little he earned. Guru Amar Daas jee was so impressed with character of Bhai Jetha jee that he asked him to marry his daughter, Bibi Bhani jee. This showed that Guru jee did not take in account social or economic background of Bhai Jetha jee, but instead considered his values. Something that modern society can learn from, as nowadays we focus more on how rich a family is, what caste background, and how many degrees some has rather than the character, values, and Gursikhi jeevan of an individual.


Obedience and Correct Attitude for Seva
Guru Amar Daas jee tested the faith, devotion, humility and obediance of his two son-inlaws, Bhai Rama jee (married to Bibi Daani jee) and Bhai Jetha jee (married to Bibi Bhaani jee). Both were ordered by Guru jee to make a platform for him to sit on and that whoever does the better work will receive the greater honour. Both began doing the task. Bhai Rama jee finished and bowed before Guru jee but Guru jee said, "It's crooked. Tear it down and build another." Although Bhai Rama jee spent time and effort on it, he decided to rebuild it for the second time but it still failed the test so he built the third one. He mumbled, "The Guru has grown old, he must be senile." On the other hand, when Guru jee tested Bhai Jetha jee and repeatedly failed his work, Bhai Jetha jee fell at Guru jee's feet and begged, "I am a fool and lack understanding, while you possess all knowledge. Kindly bless me with the wisdom so that I may be able to erect the platform to your liking." Bhai Jetha jee showed how a Sikh must always obey the Guru no matter what their own mind thinks, and also to do seva with correct attitude - to continue doing seva even if criticised, even if there is nothing to gain, or no one to praise you.


Response to Baba Sri Chand
The elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Jee went to Amritsar to visit Guru Raam Daas Jee. Baba Sri Chand disobeyed Guru Nanak Dev jee and went separate from Sikhi. Baba Sri Chand made a new sect called the "Udaasis". Guru Amar Daas jee took steps to keep the Udaasi sect separate from the Sikh Panth. There was a basic difference between the two sections. The Sikhs believed in family-life, while the Udaasis believed in celibacy. The Udaasis wanted to join Sikhi on their own terms to which Guru jee did not agree. When Baba Sri Chand met Guru Raam Daas jee, he tried to belittle him and laugh at him. He said, “O Raam Daas! Why is your beard so long?” Guru jee replied, “I have a long beard to wipe the feet of holy men like you.” Guru Sahib’s humility hit Baba Sri Chand who feel at the feet of Guru Sahib and said: “Now I know why I didn’t become chosen to be Guru and instead you are sitting on my father’s throne.” Guru Raam Daas jee showed that each situation requires ‘awareness’ to react appropriately, and how humility can be the most powerful weapon.


Founded Amritsar (Chakk Ramdas)
Guru Raam Daas jee followed the steps of the first three Guru Sahibs in constructing cities. This was part of the vision of the Guru Sahibs to broaden the horizons of the Sikh People and show them that Sikhs should not confine themselves to thinking small but to thinking big. The Guru Sahibs were forward thinker. Guru Raam Daas jee founded the city of Amritsar, which was then known as 'Chakk Raamdaas' and later 'Raamdaas Pur'. The site was initially founded by Guru Amar Daas jee but it was Guru Raam Daas jee who made it into a city and began work on the excavation of the Amrit Sarovar (pool). Guru Raam Daas jee founded the place which became known as the centre and heartbeat of the Sikh faith.

Summary
Bhai Nand Lal Singh Ji writes in his poetry that if one word could describe and summarise Guru Raam Daas Sahib jee's life, that word be "SEVA" (SELFLESS SERVICE).

What Is Seva?

Seva is a fundamental and important characteristic of the Sikh nation. Seva is when you help others and expect nothing in return. The Guru Sahibs all partook in seva and famous Sikhs have also based their life upon serving the creation of god. There is countless type’s of seva; there is no seva too big and no seva too small for a true Sikh. A Sikh of the Guru will serve humanity with humility and will even die fighting for the better of humanity. Thousands and thousands of Sikhs have died on the battlefields fighting against evil-doers and tyrants. In the past, even death has not altered Sikhs from doing seva, one example of this is Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji who was told by the government that he must stop serving Sikh warrior clangs, langar (food). Bhai Taru Singh Ji said you can cut me to pieces but I cannot stop serving the needy and my warrior brothers who are fighting for a just cause against your government. He was martyred due to his unwillingness to stop his seva.

Centre your awareness on seva- and focus your consciousness on the word of the shabad. (Ang 110, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

Blessed are that mortal beings, who share the Teachings with others and engages in altruistic services of doing good to others. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 311)

Worthless is the body that does not do good deeds to others. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 69)

Every one does different seva’s but as long as you are serving others and benefiting their life for the better and expect nothing back that is seva. Join a charity or simply just go clean the dishes or toilets in the Gurdwara.

How many times have you cleaned the Gurdwara toilets?
How many times have you cleaned the shoes in the Gurdwara?
Toilet and shoe seva get rid of alot of ego!

Blessed to be Sikh

In Kaljug (the dark age), God has put the fire of Sin in our bodies, the objective of this game is to extinguish this fire and be content. The fire contains dark energies as such as greed, lust, ego, anger and attachment. These Dark energies keep us trapped in Sin and falsehood. They cause the destruction of our soul and body. Gurbani tells us that by reading Gurbani, doing Sangat, doing our Nitnem, asking Guru Ji for help, meditating on Waheguru at Amrit-vela, and by doing Kirtan we can extinguish this fire (of dark passions). Only with the Guru’s grace can we get liberated from this fire. Once we are liberated the false desires and world pleasure no longer bother us. One feels a soothing and poise peace, which brings contentment. But this test that God created is not easy, as temptations and evilness is all around us in society.

As a Sikh we may see and hear of our friends and family having boyfriends, girlfriends and sex before marriage. But we must remain distinct as Guru Ji said:

Without having Anand Karaj those who have sexual relationships. Listen O' Sikh the Guru states, he is not my Sikh.

Rehatnama Mukhthnama

Our friends may go KFC and eat chicken, wear a baseball hat and take all types of drugs. But a Sikh must stay vegetarian, drug free and wear a turban.

Meat, opium, drugs and tobacco. Ganja, wearing hats, another's woman and alcohol. He who never even gazes at these evils. Recognize them as my disciplined Singh.

Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh

While your friends are coming back from clubbing at 3am, you must awake and worship the lord in order to destroy all the negative energies within us. In this way we will not be corrupted by falsehood and reach the true destination (Merging back with Waheguru).

They are the Khalsa who destroy the five evils. They are the Khalsa who burn away delusion.

Thankhaanama Bhai Nand Laal Jee

With the sword of spiritual wisdom, kill the five demons. Remain awake and aware to the Guru's Teachings.

Ang 1413 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

As your friends earn money by credit card frauds, selling intoxicants or whatever corrupted deeds they do. You must have a respectful (honest) job and give to charity.

Those who do not give one tenth of their earning to the Guru and earn a living of deceit and corruption. Listen carefully Nand Lal as Guru Gobind Singh speaks, they will suffer thousands of hells at death.

Rehatnama Bhai Nand Laal Jee

Sikhs should not be selfish and greedy and must share with others. People spend thousands on luxuries while next man hasn’t even got a sack of rice (Keep that in mind, the next time you go shopping). A flash car will get you a speeding ticket, a 100 bags of rice sent to the deprived will get you closer to Waheguru.

Do not just eat on your own; always try to share with others.

Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh
Adultery, gambling, dishonesty, stealing and intoxicants; these are five sins of the world which the Singh abandons.

Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh

Those who praise the Lord in the early hours of the morning and meditate on Him single-mindedly are the perfect kings; at the right time, they die fighting.

Ang 145 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The 5 K's (Panj Kakkar)

The following five K's are the mark of Sikhi. These five can never be parted from the body. Kara, Kirpan, Kachera, Kanga, recognize these as four of them. The fifth is Kesh, without which the other four are useless. There are also four H's which must be avoided. Understand this without any doubt, no lies have been told. Hukka, taking tobacco (including any other type of intoxicants). Hajamat, removing of hair. Halalo, eating meat. Haram, adultery (sexual relationships outside of marriage). These are the four H's. Dyeing of beards (including any other body hair), and the wearing of mehndi (including other types of make up) are strictly forbidden.
Dasam Granth - Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

KESH: Uncut hair is regarded as a symbol of saintliness as one accepts and lives in harmony with the lords will. Removing of the hair is seen as acting against the lords will. Shaving and cutting of the hair is a major taboo, as one will live in disharmony with the lords will. Sikhs believe hair have particular functions and were given to us by the lord for a purpose.

KANGA: a special wooden comb. This is necessary to maintain the hair in a neat and tidy form. A Sikh must comb their hair twice a day and cover them with a dastar (turban). The dastar protects the hair and is an essential part of the Sikh uniform.

KARA: an iron bracelet, which is worn on the predominant arm of the Sikh. It reminds the Sikh of the vows taken by them, it is a constant reminder that they aren’t to take part in any activity that will bring shame and disgrace on them (for example stealing).

KACHERA: A special type of shorts to be worn at all times. It reminds the Sikh of the need of self-restraint over corrupt desires. Apart from its moral aspect it is ideal as practical martial underwear.

KIRPAN: the sword is worn solely for protection of righteousness, humanity and justice. It is a sign of readiness to confront injustices, it symbolizes dignity and self-reliance. One is capable to defend themselves, and the innocent-weak person from oppressors. It is the minimal protection that a khalsa soldier must carry at all times.

The usage of drugs for intoxication: the Guru’s encouraged healthy activity and a healthy lifestyle which keeps the body in good condition. Drugs make one lose their sense and weakens the body and creates mental diseases.

The eating of meat: this includes all flesh, like fish, eggs and any animal fats. Guru Har Rai Ji opened up hospitals for injured animals. Murdering of gods creatures, cruelty towards animals and other humans is forbidden in Sikhism. All creatures have a natural instinct to remain alive; killing of animals for food is a barbaric crime and against Gods will.

Adultery: A Sikh is not allowed to have sexual relations out of marriage. A Sikh must have morals and commit in a marriage ceremony in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji before having a sexual relation with anyone. Marriage is a moralful and respectful way of showing dignity.

Unshorn hair: A Sikh believes that the lord is a perfect creator and created hair for a purpose, so for a Sikh cutting their hair is not an option. (look at the past Blog 'Hair and Sikhi' on the right hand side for more info on this subject)

From Croydon Sikh Youth To You

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

We would like to welcome everyone to the new virtual-home for the Croydon Sikh Youth. We are here to give you information on issues relating to Sikhi and what goes on in our local Gurdwara.

A few questions to ask yourself:

• What has Sikhi got to do with me?
• Do I have a say in the Gurdwara?
• Why don't I Get involved in Seva, Kirtan etc.

Doesn't the following make you think?

We go to the Gurdwara Mata Theek infront of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, have Langar, chit chat with our mates and then go home... But do we even learn anything? And furthermore, do we even go AT ALL? (NOT including weddings and when we're forced to by our parents!)

Croydon Sikh Youth are here to make our voice heard! So it's time to unite... and together we can take part in more activities and youth events i.e. gatka lessons, group discussions, sikh history classes etc which will be available for the all the youth at Croydon Gurdwara.

We also hope to organise trips, have sporting events and whatever else we can think of... But to make it happen and be a success we need YOUR help and support!

We appreciate it will take time, and will be as patient as we need to be... Honesty, Trust and Love are essential to make this work and above all.. COMMUNICATION

If you would like to see changes and want to participate in any of the above classes then contact us on the email below and add us to your MSN (if you've got one). You can also search for CroydonSikhYouth on Facebook and ADD US!

croydonsikhyouth@hotmail.com

We will try our best to get back to as soon as possible.

Meanwhile Though:

We've got some interesting things for you to do... (We wouldn't tell you if it wasn't worth it)

Go To:
1. http://www.sikhroots.com/
2. http://www.rajkaregakhalsa.net
3. http://www.g5sikhmedia.co.uk

For 1 and 2 go to the audio section, and in the search field type in Sukha Singh.

Please download and listen to as much of his Kirtan and Kathas as possible, ESPECIALLY "Sedgeley Street" Parts 1& 2 (available on G5 Sikh Media Audio Downloads). The Edingburgh Kathas are really good too.

Unlike anyone you've ever heard, this great Sikh speaks English and Punjabi and helps for us to understand what being Sikh really means and just what we've faced in our relatively short yet Rich history.

PUT THEM ON YOUR PHONES AND i-PODS AND TALK TO EACH OTHER ABOUT THE THINGS YOU LEARN...

Also, on the Links on the right you'll see one for "Sikh Unit". Please click on it and download the Sikh Unit albums. They're unlike anything you've ever heard! Through rapping about Sikh history and issues facing us today over Hip-Hop beats, their music helps to make us feel good to be Sikh and help us in understanding issues which we might not understand.

We hope to see you on Sundays from 12pm at the Gurdwara... But please feel free to get in touch ANYTIME and about ANTYHING!