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!

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee & Kaljug

A narration of the meeting between Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee & Kaljug (a truly inspirational must-read)

GuruNanakAndKaljug - Upload a Document to Scribd

Sikh It! (Magazine)

A Sikh Student magazine with some really inspirational articles... Download it, check it out and please share it!

Sikh It! - Upload a Document to Scribd

The Game of Love

The Game of Love tells the story of the Sikhs and their freedom struggles throughout history. Guru Nanak the first Guru of the Sikhs started the revolution of Sikhs standing up against tyranny and oppression in the 15th century, this movement of freedom struggles has carried on to the present day.

In the post 9/11 world, the words of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh resonate,

"When all peaceful means have been exhausted it is just to draw the sword"

The Game of Love portrays the tears, torture and the sacrifices of the Sikhs throughout history, the readers will decide if they are termed freedom fighters, insurgents, militants or the popular word used by oppressive governments to term the brave and courageous.

To purchase the book go to the link below:

http://www.akaalpublishers.com/

Reviews From Amazon.com

Historical interest and political intrigue, 23 Sep 2008 Mr. David J. Wigley (UK) For those who know little about it, like me, this book provides a very interesting account of the historical development of the Sikh nation aand an understanding that Sikhism is more than just a religion - it is a way of being.For those opposed to injustice, it develops a sense of outrage at the way Sikhs have been treated by the Indian Government and a great admiration for the way in which they have stayed true to their beliefs and fought to uphold justice, freedom and the principles of fairness and equality. On a less positive note, I am not persuaded that "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" and I could not condone violence or refer to the perpetrators of acts of violence as "martyrs". It seems an unfortunate fact of life that peaceful ways may not produce fairness in some of today's "democracies", but perhaps this is today's destiny - tomorrow's may be to achieve our ends when enlightment dawns. Fantastic, 6 Jul 2008 Palvinder Kaur (UK) Pick up the Game of Love and begin your journey into the truth of what sikhs have endured (and still are) living in the biggest "democracy" in the world they call India.Once you start this book, it will be almost impossible to put down as you are drawn into the struggles and atrocities we have had to face simply to live as practising Sikhs. The book gives you a chronology of events and puts into perspective why the Sikhs are fighting for freedom in "mother" India. This book is an eye opener for all who believe the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) was caused by a group of hardline militants "hiding" in the complex. Fantastic book, well done to the editor for compiling all the information and putting it in one book in such a compelling and thought-provoking way. Absolutely brilliant. An excellent insight into the experiences and beliefs of Sikhs, 28 Jun 2008 A. Steatham "Angela Steatham" (Walsall, UK) As a non-practising Christian, I am not interested in religion, other than to better understand how belief systems shape the thinking and actions of those who belong to particular faiths; however, even I found myself feeling incredibly drawn to the the way of being and thinking described in this book.As a great opponent of injustice, I was incensed by the way Sikhs have been treated over the centuries and, at the same time, I was full of admiration for the way in which they have stayed true to their beliefs and fought to uphold justice and freedom, not only for their own people, but for all communities.It is so easy to believe what you see on the TV and read in newspapers and form an opinion on who is the 'aggressor' in a given situation; I had very 'western' views of what happened at the Golden Temple - this book clearly explains the truth behind that atrocity and has changed my understanding of what I believed to be 'the truth' as portrayed by the media. This book is informative and thought-provoking. It gives a good insight into the history of the Sikhs and sets out the basis of their beliefs and why their struggle for justice is so important, not just for them, but for all of us who believe in fairness and equality.

Operation Blue Star: Not Forgotten

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6