AK Sentaali

ਮੈ ਮੂਰਖ ਕੀ ਕੇਤਕ ਬਾਤ ਹੈ ਕੋਟਿ ਪਰਾਧੀ ਤਰਿਆ ਰੇ ॥ I am just a fool, but millions of sinners just like me have been saved.

[47wale-blog]

Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed – A saint. A soldier.

On 26th January 1682, Baba Deep Singh Ji was born to parents Bhai Bhagtu Ji and Mata Jeonee Ji in Pahuwind, Amritsar. Bhai Bhagtu Ji and Mata Jeonee Ji raised Baba Deep Singh Ji with much affection and devotion. At the young age of 12, Baba Ji went to Anandpur Sahib with his parents and met Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The family stayed and did seva at Anandpur Sahib for a few days. While Baba Ji’s parents returned to their village, Baba Ji himself stayed back at Anandpur Sahib upon the request of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. During his stay at Anandpur Sahib, Baba Ji was educated about Sikh philosophy and Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. He also learnt hunting, horseback riding and arms training from Dasmesh Pita Ji. When Baba Ji was 18 years old, he was blessed with Amrit on Vaisakhi.

Significant events:

Baba Deep Singh Ji, along with Bhai Mani Singh Ji wrote the final transcript of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj which was recited by Guru Gobind Sahib Ji. Baba Ji hand wrote another 5 copies of Dhan Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.

During the preparation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Baba Ji questioned Bhai Mani Singh Ji about a tuk (line) from Gurbani – “Mittar pyaare nu haal fakeeran da kehna”. Baba Deep Singh Ji thought that the tuk had been written incorrectly, as the Guru could never be a fakeer (beggar). He suggested that the tuk should have been written as “Mittar pyaare nu haal mureedan da kehna”. Baba Ji was warned by Bhai Mani Singh Ji that Baba Ji would have to give a part of himself in order to make an alteration to Gurbani. Baba Deep Singh Ji accepted this and professed that he was willing to give his head for the sake of the Panth. Thereafter, Baba Ji was given the title of a “Shaheed” (martyr) while still alive.

In 1706, Baba Deep Singh Ji was made in charge of Damdama Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. While serving at Damdama Sahib, Baba Ji preached Sikh values and teachings, continued doing seva, and wrote Gutka Sahibs.

In 1707, Banda Singh Bahadur was joined by Baba Deep Singh Ji in the battle at Sirhind. Baba Ji beheaded Wazir Khan (who ordered the execution of the Chhote Sahibzaade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji), and was later appointed as head of the Shaheedi misl.

In 1755, when Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked India for the fifth time and looted gold and captured young women; Baba Deep Singh Ji ambushed Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces, and freed the stolen goods and prisoners.

In 1757, Ahmad Shah Abdali planned to destroy the of the Sikh’s spiritual strength, and ordered his son Jahan Khan to destroy Sri Harmandir Sahib. Although many Sikhs gave their lives trying to defend Sri Harmandir Sahib, Jahan Khan demolished the Gurdwara Sahib and its surroundings, and Sri Harmandir Sahib was closed to all Sikhs.

During this time, Baba Deep Singh Ji was at Damdama Sahib and upon learning the news of the attack on Harmandir Sahib, he instantaneously declared his intention of expelling the Afghans and rebuilding Harmandir Sahib. Baba Ji vowed to not come back alive without fulfilling this mission. At the age of 75, with the strength of a young warrior, Baba Ji, with a large group of Sikhs, progressed towards Sri Harmandir Sahib. Upon finding out about Baba Ji’s intentions, Jahan Khan mobilised an army of 20 000 men straightaway. Both armies battled in the village Goharwal, five miles from Amritsar. Baba Deep Singh Ji fought with his 18-ser (32 lbs) khanda. During the battle, a Mughal commander, Jamal Khan, attacked Baba Ji. The clash between the two resulted in both of their heads being separated from their bodies. Seeing this, a young Sikh warrior called out to Baba Ji and reminded him of his vow to reach Sri Harmandir Sahib. Upon hearing this, Baba Deep Singh Ji immediately stood up, holding his khanda upright in his right hand and placed his head on his left palm, and then continued fighting and advancing towards Harmandir Sahib. The Mughal army fled away in terror upon sighting Baba Deep Singh Ji. Upon reaching Harmandir Sahib, Baba Ji bowed his head at the parikarma (rectangular walkway) of Harmandir Sahib and lay there as a Shaheed.

The Shaheedi of Baba Deep Singh Ji encouraged Sikhs to continue to fight against Mughal oppression for many years. For us today, Baba Ji’s life is a prime example of how to live and die with dignity.    

Source: http://www.sikhismguide.org/babadeepsingh.aspx

[47wale-blog]

5th June 1984 - Two little Singhnia and their parents attained Shaheedi while fighting for their kaum.

The Shaheedi of Bhai Mohar Singh Ji, his wife Bibi Pritam Kaur and their two little daughters - Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur, aged 8 and 6 years old respectively. 

During the 1984 Sikh Genocide, Bhai Mohar Singh Ji and his family had done Ardaas to Maharaj to bless them with Shaheedi. Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale met Bhai Mohar Singh and told him that he has two young daughters and a wife, and as a result, he should leave to save their lives. But Bhai Sahib told Sant Ji that he and his family, including his two young daughters had already done Ardaas to give their heads to Guru Sahib; and that they would not turn their backs on Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj and Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib.

All four family members strapped themselves with several grenades and prepared to go back to the feet of Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj. Shouting Jaikaarey, they ran towards the lead tanks and as they jumped on them, they blew into pieces. It was because of these four beautiful Saint Soldiers of Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, that the tanks behind could not get through and do even more damage. 

The love Shaheed Singhs and Singhnia had for their Guru and their kaum was phenomenal. Parnaam Shaheeda nu jihna ne jaan dharam toh vaari!

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare!

ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ, ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਿਆਰੇ 🙏🏽💙🙏🏽

[47wale-blog]

Shaheedi Profiles ft. Women: Bibi Harsharan Kaur - The last Shaheed of the Battle of Chamkaur

After the 72 hour long Battle of Chamkaur against a Mughal army of 10 lakh (1 million), which resulted in the Shaheedi of 36 of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj’s Singhs, as well as the Shaheedi of the elder Sahibzade - Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, a strong barrier was placed around the Fort of Chamkaur. As the soldiers went from village to village, making their announcements, the people of the villages were in terror and ran back to their homes to take shelter. 

However, this wasn’t the story of every household. In a village called Khroond, a 16 year old fearless daughter of Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, named Bibi Harsharan Kaur, asked her mother if she could perform the final rites for the Shaheeds of the Battle of Chamkaur. Her elderly mother replied back saying “it is total darkness outside and the soldiers are everywhere around the fort. How will you even go near?” Upon hearing this, Kalgidhar Dasmesh Pita Ji’s lioness responded by saying “I will avoid the soldiers and perform the cremation, and if need be, I’ll fight and die.” 

Instead of stopping Bibi Harsharan Kaur, her mother encouraged her and hugged her tight. She went on to explaining the Maryada that Bibi Ji needed to follow for the cremation. Bibi Harsharan Kaur did Ardaas to Akaal Purakh Vaheguroo Ji and left for the Fort of Chamkaur.

The battlefield which previously saw iron striking against iron, hooves trotting and soldiers yelling “Kill! Capture!”, had now fallen silent and was engulfed by darkness. The young Bibi Harsharan Kaur moved along smartly, avoided the guards and finally reached the Fort.

Upon arriving at the Fort, Bibi Ji saw dead bodies lying everywhere and identifying the bodies of Sikhs seemed very difficult. However, she kept her faith in Maharaj and searched for wrists with karas around them, torsos with kacheras and heads with long kesh. She wiped the face of every Shaheed as she found their bodies. With her great determination, Bibi Ji found the bodies of Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, along with approximately 30 other Shaheeds. Being cautious of the of the approaching day light, Bibi Harsharan Kaur collected wood and worked rapidly to prepare a pyre, and then lit the fire. 

The rising flames shocked the guards and caught their attention. They ran towards the pyre and saw Bibi Harsharan Kaur sitting next to the pyre. Sitting there, Bibi Ji recited Kirtan Sohila Sahib. The guards stood there, shocked and confused about how a sole woman managed to enter the fort on such a dark night. The guards then had the following conversation with Bibi Harsharan Kaur:

Guard: “Who are you?”

Bibi Ji: “I am the daughter of Guru Gobind Singh.”

Guard: “What are you doing here?”

Bibi Ji: “I am cremating my martyred brothers.”

Guard: “Don’t you know about the order that coming here is a crime?”

Bibi Ji: “I know it.”

Guard: “Then why have you disobeyed that order?”

Bibi Ji: “The orders of a false king do not stand before the orders of the Sachepatshah (True King)”

Guard: “Meaning?”

Bibi Ji: “Meaning that I have respect for the Singhs in my heart and with the Guru’s grace I have done my duty. I don’t care about your King’s orders.”

Upon hearing such fierce answers, the Mughals were infuriated and attempted to capture and attack her. However, being the true daughter of Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, Bibi Harsharan Kaur grabbed her kirpan and fought back with determination. After killing and injuring many soldiers, she fell to the ground due to the injuries she obtained. The soldiers then burned Bibi Harsharan Kaur alive, by throwing her into the pyre. Bibi Ji became Shaheed while serving her Shaheed brothers. 

The following day, story of Bibi Harsharan Kaur’s seva reached Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Talvandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) and her elderly mother. Upon learning about her daughter’s unparalleled bravery and Shaheedi, Mata Ji thanked Akaal Purakh and said “my daughter has proven herself worthy.”

Till date, the incomparable seva and and Shaheedi of Bibi Harsharan Kaur continues being an inspiration to many young Singhs and Singhnia. May Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj also bless us with the faith, determination and love Bibi Harsharan Kaur had for HER Panth - OUR Panth - the SIKH Panth. 

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare! 

[47wale-blog]

Shaheedi Profiles ft. Women - Bibi Pritam Kaur, Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur

After converting to Sikhi from Hinduism, Bhai Mohar Singh, along with his wife Bibi Pritam Kaur and daughters Bibi Satnam Kaur (aged 8) and Bibi Waheguru Kaur (aged 6), were regarded as one of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale’s closest aides.  

During the June 1984 Sikh Genocide, Bibi Pritam Kaur, Bhai Mohar Singh, Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur did Ardaas and asked Maharaj to bless them with Shaheedi. Although Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale advised Bhai Mohar Singh to leave Sri Harmandir Sahib in order to save the lives of his wife and two young daughters, the entire family remained to defend Sri Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Sahib told Sant Ji that he and his family, including his two young daughters had already done Ardaas to give their heads to Guru Sahib; and that they would not turn their backs on Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj and Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib. 

Upon the army attacks on Darbar Sahib, the family held their positions until the tanks came into the Parakarma. Bibi Pritam Kaur, Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur helped with the defence by refilling gun magazines, and bringing water and food for the the defenders.   

All four family members then strapped themselves with several grenades and prepared to go back to the feet of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj. Shouting Jaikaarey, they ran towards the lead tanks and as they jumped on them, they blew into pieces. It was because of these four beautiful Saint Soldiers of Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, that the tanks behind could not get through and do even more damage.

[47wale-blog]

My Guru is always with me, near at hand. - A true story.

In a village near Ludhiana there was a Gursikh who was about to go and join his brothers in arms who were fighting thousands of miles away in a foreign continent for the free world. This Gursikh who lived with his mother and younger sister was told to go and see the great saint of the times Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji, who had spent years immersing himself in the beautiful feet of Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. 

 When this Gursikh saw Baba Nand Singh Ji he began to cry. Baba Ji smiled and asked the Gursikh why he was crying. The Gursikh told Baba Ji that his mother was very worried about him and kept asking him what would become of her and his younger sister if he didn’t return from the great war? All this had left him facing a dilemma as he wanted to go and join his Sikh brothers who were laying their lives on the line, fighting the axis powers but he did not want to desert his dear mother and sister. 

 Baba Nand Singh Ji reassured the Gursikh and told him that no force in this world could harm him as long as he kept his head placed firmly at the feet of Dhan Dhan Satguru Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj. Baba Ji further told the Gursikh that whenever he faced any difficulties or was in trouble and had fallen down, he should remember the Shabad,

ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥

Gur Maerai Sang Sadhaa Hai Naalae ॥

My Guru is always with me, near at hand.

as if he did this, Guru Sahib himself would come and pick his beloved Sikh off the floor. Hearing these words of Baba Ji filled the Gursikh with great hope and in this regard he left home, certain he would return once the enemies of the world had been defeated and victory achieved. 

A few weeks after this meeting the Gursikh left Punjab to join his brothers in arms. After being involved in some military action the Gursikh found himself, along with some other soldiers, travelling in a navy ship in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of France. Half way through the journey the Luftwaffe – the German air force began to rain down bombs in an effort to sink the ship. After hearing a few blasts the Gursikh saw a very bright light which was followed by a thunderous sound which knocked him unconscious. When the Gursikh regained consciousness, he was floating on a piece of wood. As he looked around all he could see was water, and many dead and badly wounded soldiers. When the Gursikh began to lament over the situation which had befallen him and his fellow soldiers he remembered the Shabad - ਗੁਰੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਲੇ ॥ Gur Maerai Sang Sadhaa Hai Naalae ॥. 

As soon as he uttered this Shabad, he saw Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji standing in front of him - floating on a plank of wood. Baba Ji looked at the Gursikh and said, “Gurmukh, don’t worry about any of this. Guru Sahib will take care of you. Just keep repeating His name.” In this way the Gursikh began to utter, “Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj” over and over again. 

Needless to say, a few hours later the Gursikh was spotted and picked up by a helicopter. 

Sangat Ji, this is one of the countless stories that proves that if you have Faith in Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, anything is possible - even being rescued from the middle of the ocean. 

[47wale-blog]

30th August 1987 - the day Bhai Anokh Singh Babbar obtained shaheedi. 

Not once has there been a time when I have read or heard the sakhi of Bhai Anokh Singh Babbar’s shaheedi without tearing up. Bhai Sahib’s love for Sikhi and his Panth, and his faith in Maharaj was so strong that no police officer and no sort of physical torture was enough to break his charrdi kala - his ever rising spirits. Like Bhai Sukha Singh says, even death will bow down to you when you put 100% of your faith in Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.

Bhai Anokh Singh Babbar is one of the biggest inspirations in my life. His shaheedi is what keeps me going when days get tough. His shaheedi is what makes me get up every morning and make sure I don’t ever miss my Nitnem. 

Bhai Anokh Singh Babbar did Rehraas Sahib while he was left on the jail’s floor after beng tortured so severely that he was unable to move. Bhai Sahib ji had metal rods hammered into his legs, his eyes taken out and metal rods passed through his chest. Are our excuses to not do Nietnem everyday really valid?

For anyone who doesn’t know about how Bhai Sahib was made shaheed, please read the following:

For many days Bhai Sahib was kept hanging upside down in the police station. Foot-long metal rods were heated up and hammered into his legs, from the heels upward. A pin was put through his private parts and an electricity connection was attached to it so that he could be shocked. Hot metal rods were also passed through his chest. But the Guru's Singh took the tortures calmly. All the torturers heard was "Waheguru". No cries of pain, no screams. After the torture, Bhai Sahib was left on the ground, unable to move. The time for Rehraas arrived. Bhai Sahib opened his eyelids but the sockets that held his eyes were hollow. His beautiful beard was soaked with blood. Those eyes which were once lost in deep meditation had been taken out by the dushts. Bhai Sahib called out, "Santry! bhai sahib jee, what time is it?" He felt around himself with his hands to find the guard. "It's 7:15 Babiyo. What? What has happened to your eyes??" The Santry (guard) looked at Bhai Sahib's face and felt frightened. After hearing about time Bhai Sahib said, “Oh it must be time for Sodar then and started Sodar tera kehaa..." Bhai Anokh Singh began to recite Rehraas Sahib lying on the ground. Even though his body was shattered, Bhai Sahib recited the paath in a sweet voice. The Sentry too felt the vairaag. After Sodar, Bhai Sahib, still lying on the ground began Ardaas. It was a daily part of his routine. "Ten Gurus, Panj Piyaray, Chaar Sahibzaaday, the Guru's Jhanday and Boongay..." Bhai Sahib then began his personal Ardaas: "Hay Akaal Purakh 5 Sachay Patshah Guru Nanak dev Gareeb Nivaaj Satguru, the day which rose in your bhaaNaa has passed in happiness, meditating on your naam. Sachay Patshah, night has arrived, may it too pass while remembering your Naam and in your BhaaNaa....Satguru, May I be a Shaheed...Sachay Patshah, save me from becoming a traitor...Satguru, may the Sikhi and Kesh you have given me last with me till my final breaths...Such Patshah, have mercy on all....Bolay So Nihaal...Sat Sree Akaal!!" The Jaikara Bhai Sahib sounded echoed throughout the police station. The Sentry ran to the station-head and surrendered his rifle and tabled his resignation. "I can't do this job that forces people to kill saints...I can't..." He kept repeating himself. The SSP cursed, "They are all magicians...another of our officers has left the service because of this paath!!" And then another atrocity was committed. Bhai Sahib's tongue was cut off using a metal cutting saw. Streams of blood flowed from Bhai Sahib's mouth but the faithful Singh raised his hands in Ardaas and thanked Waheguru. In the end, the police became tired of all this and shot Bhai Sahib in the station. When the shot was fired, a motor cycle was started so that the gun could not be heard. Over night, Bhai Sahib's body was thrown into the river Beas.

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare! 

[47wale-blog]

Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj - the first Shaheed in Sikh history.

In Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s memory, the following is a short overview of Guru Sahib’s shaheedi.

Seeing how Guru Arjan Dev Ji had won over devotees from different faiths including Islam and Hinduism, the Muslim and Hindu leaders were alarmed at the growth of the Sikh Panth. Realising that their own power base was disappearing rapidly under the influence of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the powerful Hindus joined the Muslim scholars in their attempt to influence Jahangir - a Muslim emperor, to arrest Guru Sahib. Jahangir, under the influence of his own jealousies, quickly obliged the enemies of the Guru and placed many baseless accusations on the Guru and his Sikhi. Jahangir ordered Murtaza Khan to arrest Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Guru Sahib was imprisoned at Lahore Fort, where he was severely tortured for several days.

On the first day of torture, Guru Ji was not given anything to eat or drink, and was not allowed to sleep. Guru Arjan Dev Ji bore all this calmly and remained immersed in Simran, repeating “Vaheguroo, Vaheguroo, Vaheguroo…” and sang shabads from Gurbani.

The next day, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was made to sit in boiling water in a cauldron. This scalded Guru Ji’s body, but he sat calmly and felt no pain as he remained absorbed in the sweet remembrance of Vaheguroo and repeated “All is happening, O Vaheguroo, according to Thy Will. Thy Will is ever sweet to me.” 

On the third day, Chandu Shah ordered his men, “make some sand red hot in iron pans. Seat the Guru on boiling water and then pour the red hot sand over his head and body.” Despite everything, Guru Sahib remained calm and again felt no pain or anger. He continued doing Simran and repeated “ ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਾਂਗੈ ॥੨॥੪੨॥੯੩॥ Your actions seem so sweet to me. Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ||2||42||93||”  

On the fourth day of torture, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was made to sit on an iron plate which was heated from below. Burning red-hot sand was poured on his body but Guru Ji kept calm, with his mind fixed on Vaheguroo. 

On the fifth day, Guru Sahib was allowed to take a cooling bath in the Ravi River where thousands of people watched Guru Arjan Dev Ji enter the river - light blended with light, and the physical body of Guru Arjan Dev Ji was never to be seen again. 

Before his execution, Guru Arjan Dev Ji instructed his son, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to take up arms; changing the character of Sikhs to courageous Saint Soldiers. 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji sowed the seed of martyrdom which flourished after him and became the heritage of Sikhs.              

[47wale-blog]

5th June 1984 - Two little Singhnia and their parents attained Shaheedi while fighting for their kaum.

The Shaheedi of Bhai Mohar Singh Ji, his wife Bibi Pritam Kaur and their two little daughters - Bibi Satnam Kaur and Bibi Waheguru Kaur, aged 8 and 6 years old respectively. 

During the 1984 Sikh Genocide, Bhai Mohar Singh Ji and his family had done Ardaas to Maharaj to bless them with Shaheedi. Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale met Bhai Mohar Singh and told him that he has two young daughters and a wife, and as a result, he should leave to save their lives. But Bhai Sahib told Sant Ji that he and his family, including his two young daughters had already done Ardaas to give their heads to Guru Sahib; and that they would not turn their backs on Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj and Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib.

All four family members strapped themselves with several grenades and prepared to go back to the feet of Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj. Shouting Jaikaarey, they ran towards the lead tanks and as they jumped on them, they blew into pieces. It was because of these four beautiful Saint Soldiers of Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj, that the tanks behind could not get through and do even more damage. 

The love Shaheed Singhs and Singhnia had for their Guru and their kaum was phenomenal. Parnaam Shaheeda nu jihna ne jaan dharam toh vaari!

Dhan Guru, Dhan Guru Pyaare!

ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ, ਧੰਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਿਆਰੇ 🙏🏽💙🙏🏽

[ehmerapunjab]

Operation Blue Star-June 1984

[hkdeactivated-deactivated201602]

Bhagat Kabeer said “God, please, for one moment just come into my eyes so I can see you.” God replied “ If I came into your eyes, what would you do?” Kabeer replied “I would never open them again.”

(via harman-kaurr)

Bhagat Kabeer Ji 😭💖🙏🏽💘

[pavandeep]

With such love, You created me, You placed yourself within me, You took care of me. And yet, I gave myself up to the five. I became so blinded with the illusion of this world that I forgot about You. For so many lifetimes, at no time did I remember You even for an instant. But when the harshness of the world got too much and I finally returned to Your sanctuary, You were still there. With Your arms open, ready to embrace Your child once again. You never turned Your back on me, and I know now that You never will. ~ pk

[47wale-blog]

The protector of the ‘Tilak’ and ‘Janeoo’.

The protector of the innocent. 

The protector of righteousness.

- Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Maharaj.

Heartiest congratulations to the Sikh sangat on the Gurpurab of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Maharaj.

[kalamkirpan]

in a manner of misguided concern

lacking the need

or even jigyaasa to learn

you claim to know what’s best for me

trying to hold my spirit slave

not realizing i am now ever free.

not seeing the hollow pit of your words

that may come from a place of love

but sound like a dead language

i’m just not able to discern.

you tell me to lower my fist in the air

stifle the voice i raise

honor your immigrant’s sacrifice

keep my head down, kirpan tucked

do enough to succeed

in the American Dream’s chase

and just do paath in the morning

be a “regular amritdhari girl”.

But, I have to ask

what is your definition of this regular amritdhari girl?

is she the one immersed in bani?

that every word she utters is mithaas

Or is she the one who’s words speak of revolutions to come

and the ones that have passed.

Or tell me, 

is she the one with unwavering love for the Guru?

Does she fight alongside her brothers, 

never minding that the battle might be her last.

Is she a leader, never faltering to speak the truth.

Or is she the one whose hands express Love, wielding the paint brush like a shastar

as a Kaur should.

I cannot guess what you meant when you gave me the advice

but I must thank you,

as that phrase rattled in my mind for days,

i couldn’t put it aside i couldn’t let it go.

So I looked at the Kaurs in my life 

realizing that for the daughters of Guru Gobind Singh

“regular” is all of the above

and much more. 

[gratefulglow]

@readyaimfiree

[47wale-blog]

Vaisakhi - Birth of the Khalsa

The Panj Pyaare gave their heads for Sikhi, for Amrit. The Emperor or Emperors, the King of Kings, Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, bowed down in front of the Panj Pyaare & sacrificed his whole family for Amrit. What are we ready to give for Sikhi, for Amrit? What are we ready to sacrifice for Amrit?

There is no doubt that every single one of us has a very different life journey. Some of us are closer to Guru Sahib than others, but despite that, we should all be aiming for the same thing - to become one with Akal Purak. Like Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj said: “ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥ This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.”

So, this Vaisakhi, along with going to the Gurdwara & attending the Nagar Kirtan, let’s all take one step towards Guru Sahib. Let’s all take one step forward in our Sikhi, so that we took can one day become like the Chaar Sahibzade; so that when we bow down in front of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh Ji sees his laadle Sahibzade in us. Whether it be by nothing cutting your hair anymore, not eating meat anymore, not drinking alcohol anymore, not smoking anymore, doing your Nitnem everyday, waking up for Amritvela everyday, doing Simran everyday or starting a Sehaj Paath - take one step towards Maharaj, even if it’s a little one, and I promise you, Maharaj will take one million steps towards you. Like Bhai Gurdas Ji Said: “ਚਰਨ ਸਰਨ ਗੁਰ ਏਕ ਪੈਡਾ ਜਾਇ ਚਲ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੋਟਿ ਪੈਡਾ ਆਗੇ ਹੋਇ ਲੇਤ ਹੈ ॥ A disciple who takes one step towards Guru Ji to take his refuge and goes with devotion and humility, Guru Ji advances to receive his devotee by taking a million steps.”

Wishing all the Sikhs around the world a very Happy Vaisakhi! 🙏🏽💙💛

Bhuk chuk maaf karni ji.

Vaheguroo Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguroo Ji Ki Fateh! 🙏🏽

[harkirank]

Anandpur in Sydney, Khalsa Camp Australia 2016. 

[footloosedoc]

[infamousarts-blog]

ਸੰਤ ਜਨਾ ਮਿਲਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਓ ॥

Meeting with the humble Saints, sing the Praises of the Lord.

[47wale-blog]

ਤਿਨਾ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਾ ਕੰਉ ਹਉ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਜੋ ਬਹਦਿਆ ਉਠਦਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵਹਿ ॥੧੧॥ I am a sacrifice to those Gursikhs who, sitting and standing, meditate on the Lord's Name. ||11||