Welcome to Episode 58 of Sikhwithin

You can get and the programme from itunes, or by simply click on the play button below:

Or download here.

• Part 1: Understanding Sikhism – We look at he life of Guru Arjan Ji
• Part 2: The Shabad and Translation is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Aasaa on Pannaa 459. It is entitled: Bhi(n)nee Rainarreeai
• Part 3: The final part of this show includes a recording of  a recent visit by Anoop Singh performing amazing Kirtan.

Part 2’s Shabad Translation is as follow:

shha(n)th ||
Chhant:

bhi(n)nee rainarreeai chaamakan thaarae ||
The night is wet with dew, and the stars twinkle in the heavens.

jaagehi sa(n)th janaa maerae raam piaarae ||
The Saints remain wakeful; they are the Beloveds of my Lord.

raam piaarae sadhaa jaagehi naam simarehi anadhino ||
The Beloveds of the Lord remain ever wakeful, remembering the Naam, the Name of the Lord, day and night.

charan kamal dhhiaan hiradhai prabh bisar naahee eik khino ||
In their hearts, they meditate on the lotus feet of God; they do not forget Him, even for an instant.

thaj maan mohu bikaar man kaa kalamalaa dhukh jaarae ||
They renounce their pride, emotional attachment and mental corruption, and burn away the pain of wickedness.

binava(n)th naanak sadhaa jaagehi har dhaas sa(n)th piaarae ||1||
Prays Nanak, the Saints, the beloved servants of the Lord, remain ever wakeful. ||1||

maeree saejarreeai aadda(n)bar baniaa ||
My bed is adorned in splendor.

man anadh bhaeiaa prabh aavath suniaa ||
My mind is filled with bliss, since I heard that God is coming.

prabh milae suaamee sukheh gaamee chaav ma(n)gal ras bharae ||
Meeting God, the Lord and Master, I have entered the realm of peace; I am filled with joy and delight.

a(n)g sa(n)g laagae dhookh bhaagae praan man than sabh harae ||
He is joined to me, in my very fiber; my sorrows have departed, and my body, mind and soul are all rejuvenated.

man eishh paaee prabh dhhiaaee sa(n)jog saahaa subh ganiaa ||
I have obtained the fruits of my mind’s desires, meditating on God; the day of my wedding is auspicious.

binava(n)th naanak milae sreedhhar sagal aana(n)dh ras baniaa ||2||
Prays Nanak, when I meet the Lord of excellence, I came to experience all pleasure and bliss. ||2||

mil sakheeaa pushhehi kahu ka(n)th neesaanee ||
I meet with my companions and say, “”Show me the insignia of my Husband Lord.”"

ras praem bharee kashh bol n jaanee ||
I am filled with the sublime essence of His Love, and I do not know how to say anything.

gun goorr gupath apaar karathae nigam a(n)th n paavehae ||
The Glorious Virtues of the Creator are profound, mysterious and infinite; even the Vedas cannot find His limits.

bhagath bhaae dhhiaae suaamee sadhaa har gun gaavehae ||
With loving devotion, I meditate on the Lord Master, and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord forever.

sagal gun sugiaan pooran aapanae prabh bhaanee ||
Filled with all virtues and spiritual wisdom, I have become pleasing to my God.

binava(n)th naanak ra(n)g raathee praem sehaj samaanee ||3||
Prays Nanak, imbued with the color of the Lord’s Love, I am imperceptibly absorbed into Him. ||3||

sukh sohilarrae har gaavan laagae || saajan sarasiarrae dhukh dhusaman bhaagae ||
When I began to sing the songs of rejoicing to the Lord, my friends became glad, and my troubles and enemies departed.

sukh sehaj sarasae har naam rehasae prabh aap kirapaa dhhaareeaa ||
My peace and happiness increased; I rejoiced in the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and God Himself blessed me with His mercy.

har charan laagae sadhaa jaagae milae prabh banavaareeaa ||
I have grasped the Lord’s feet, and remaining ever wakeful, I have met the Lord, the Creator.

subh dhivas aaeae sehaj paaeae sagal nidhh prabh paagae ||
The appointed day came, and I attained peace and poise; all treasures are in the feet of God.

binava(n)th naanak saran suaamee sadhaa har jan thaagae ||4||1||10||
Prays Nanak, the Lord’s humble servants always seek the Sanctuary of the Lord and Master. ||4||1||10||

Thanks for tuning in.

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Dr Savi

Welcome to Episode 57 of Sikhwithin

You can get and the programme from itunes, or by simply click on the play button below:

Or download here.

This episode features Chardi Kala Jatha recorded, ‘live’ in London.

We hope you enjoy this broadcast.
Regards

Dr Savi
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Welcome to Episode 56 of Sikhwithin

You can get and the programme from itunes, or by simply click on the play button below:

Or download here.

• Part 1: Understanding Sikhism – We look at Sikh Virtues and what are the five main vices?
• Part 2: This week’s Shabad Translation is sung by Ishmeet and is listed as Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Ek Noor and also as
  Awwal Allah
• Part 3: In the final part of the programme we have a inspirational song performed by Clare Teal. Just before this song we have an interview with the Director and Producer of the Film, ‘Ocean of Pearls’, i.e: Dr Sarab S Neelam

Part 1 Understanding Sikhism

Q. What are the five virtues, according to Sikhism?

The Virtue, of having the ability to do good, is a great aid to the achievement of peace and happiness. Self control itself is a great virtue, because the mind usually turns to brooding on evil. Control over the organs of action (Karm Indries) is really necessary. The mischief of the tongue and the eye must be assessed or controlled. Bhai Gurdas insisted on the cultivation of sweet speech, toleration and charity. Truth occupies the first place in the virtues recommended by the Sikh Gurus. According to Guru Nanak, “Truth is the remedy for all ills, it washes away all sins.” Truth includes righteousness, honesty, justice, impartiality and fair play. A ‘Truthful living’ is actually a life lived according to the pattern set by the Sikh Gurus. Contentment is another virtue. A contented mind is free from ambition, envy, greed and jealousy. Without contentment, it is impossible to acquire peace of mind. Patience is another quality which a Sikh ought to cultivate. Patience gives courage to put up bravely with all the slings and arrows of outraged a fortune. Forbearance, particularly when one is in a position to punish one’s opponent, is a great asset. Perfect faith in the Guru is the fourth virtue which the Sikh has to cultivate and develop. Faith implies considering the Guru’s teaching as infallible and following it in daily life. The Guru often tests the devotee. A True Sikh will never lose faith or follow any one except his Guru. Those whose faith is diluted or deficient cannot serve the Guru truly or gain the goal of their heart’s desire. Another virtue is compassion (Daya). This implies considering anothers difficulty or sorrow as one’s own and helping to relieve it as far as possible. Compassion also includes the overlooking of imperfections and mistakes of others, for to err is human. The Gurus admired those Sikhs who observed others’ faults, but did not expose them to their disadvantage. The Sikh regards the practice of virtue as a means to an end. His goal is the integration of the human personality with spiritual realization.

Q. What are the five main vices?

Each religion has its own set of vices which its followers are enjoined to avoid. In Christianity, there are seven deadly sins. Sikhism, regards as sin any willful disobedience of God’s law or principle of natural morality. Sin is a defiance of the Moral Law. In order to avoid vice, we must be able to recognize vice itself than develop the will to overcome it. In Sikhism, there are five cardinal vices: Kam(Lust), Krodh(Anger), Lobh(Greed), Moh(Worldly attachment), Ahankar(Pride). These are the great enemies of man and cause much suffering. While they reside in the human body, how can the Name of God find a place in it. Lust is sinful and produces nothing but shame and misery. Sikhism allows the householder normal, marital sex but any other indulgence is forbidden. Both promiscuity and sex perversion are absolutely forbidden. Anger is an excitement of the mind which leads to quarrels and violence. Anger is overcome by patience and forgiveness. God dwells in every human heart, so one should not hurt the God in another man. Greed is the desire for wealth or the love of gain. Money rightly used and earned by honest labour, is permitted. What is objected to, is an excessive love of money – especially money obtained by fraud or other unfair means. Avarice can be overcome by contentment. All too often excessive wealth creates an ongoing desire for luxury and the admission to vice. Attachment is the excessive love of a wife, children or material goods. Regard your near and dear ones as objects of trust and service. They cannot remain yours for long. Any earthly love can only ever be transient. Pride is the worst of the five vices. It implies conceit, vanity, jealousy or arrogance. It is the Ego, thinking aloud. The remedy for pride is humility. Humility, forgiveness and compassion go together. The true Sikh regards himself as being the dust of the feet of other people. With the Guru’s grace, these five vices may be turned into the humble servants of a devotee. Instead of their controlling the individual, they may do him service at his bidding.

This episode’s Shabad Translation:

Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru Ek Noor by Ishmeet Singh. Also listed as Awwal Allah
The translation was taken from Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Awwal Allah Noor Upaya
(God Created Light Of Which All The Beings Were Born)

Avval Allah Noor Upaya Qudrat Keh Sub Banday
(God Created Light Of Which All The Beings Were Born)

Aik Noor Keh Sub Jag Upajiya Kaun Bhale Ko Mandhe
(From The Light, The Universe. So Who Is Good And Who Is Bad

Logaa Bharam Na Bhoolahu Maahi
Khaliq Khalq Khalaq Meh Khaaliq Poor Rahio Sarab Tha’eee
(The Creation Is In The Creator, And The Creator Is In The Creation…)

Maatii Aik Anaik Bhaanth Ker Saaji Sajan Haray
(The Clay Is The Same, But The Designer Has Designed It In Various Ways)

Na Kash Poch Maatii Kay Bhanday Na Kash Poch Kunbharay
(There Is Nothing Wrong With The Pot Of Clay. There Is Nothing Wrong With The Potter)

Sub Meh Sacha Aiko Soee Dis Ka Keya Sub Kuch Hoyi
(The One True Lord Abides In All. By His Making Everything Is Made.)

Hukm Pachanay Saee Ko Janay Banda Kahiyeah Soee
(Whoever Realizes The His Command, Knows The One Lord. He Alone Is Said To Be The Lord’s Slave)

Allah Alkh Na Jaee Lakhiya Gur Gur Dheena Meetha
(The Lord Allah Is Unseen. He Cannot Be Seen. The Guru Has Blessed Me With This Sweet Brown Sugar)

Kahay Kabir Mair Sanka Naase Sarab Niranjan Deetha
(Says Kabir , My Anxiety And Fear Have Been Taken Away. I See The Immaculate Lord Pervading Everywhere)

Thanks for tuning in. Please feel free to email me for requests or if you’d like to help produce further programmes or submit some of your content.

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Dr Savi

Welcome to Episode 55 of Sikhwithin

You can get and the programme from itunes, or by simply click on the play button below:

Or download here.

In this issue of the show we have a special – Every 10 episodes I put together what I call a ’snippet’ show.
This helps new and existing listeners catch-up on the previous shows – a reminder / memory jogger of what is still available and hopefully for you to enjoy.

Your feedback on each show would be appreciated along with any requests.

Regards

Dr Savi

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Welcome to Episode 54 of Sikhwithin

You can get and the programme from itunes, or by simply click on the play button below:

Or download here.

• Part 1: Understanding Sikhism – Some important & core values in Sikhi
• Part 2: This week’s Shabad Translation is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Dhanaasree on Pannaa 681
• Part 3: In the final part of the programme we have a inspirational song performed by GuruGanesha Singh with Snatam Kaur

Part 1 Understanding Sikhism

Equality, non-discrimination, true justice, and worship of only One God, are basic values that are well-known and gave the world a simple and universal faith. Today, some 540 years after the birth of the founder of Sikhi, Guru Nanak, it has more than twenty two million followers, and is the fifth largest faith in the world. Sikhi is respected world over and is known as a religion of peace and unity of mankind. The Sikhs have only fought wars to defend themselves or others but are probably the only section of society that have never fought wars as aggressors.

For the Gurus promoted all human beings as one and the same, and they are all above discrimination. The Gurus showed real love for all of humanity. Muslims were equally dear to them as Hindus, or any others. It is well known that Bhai Mardana a Muslim, spent his whole adult life with Guru Nanak, accompanying Guru with his Rabab as a musician and the Guru’s closest companion everywhere that the Guru went.

The foundation of Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar – the premier Sikh shrine, was laid by a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir. Guru Arjun Dev incorporated in Guru Granth Sahib – the Sikh Holy Book, hymns of God-oriented saints – both Hindus as well as Muslims. Hymns of any saint that found a place in this Holy Book, are honoured like those of the Gurus, and every Sikh bows equally in reverence to all of them.

The Sikh faith is the faith of preaching; of dialogue; and not of conversions. It is a truly interfaith approach to universal brotherhood of humanity undertaken when the word ‘interfaith’ did not exist.

Some of Sikhism’s core values are:

One God:- of all the Universe – The fundamental belief of Sikhism is that God exists, not merely as an idea or concept, but as a Real Entity, indescribable yet knowable and perceiveable to anyone who is prepare to dedicate the time and energy to become perceptive to His persona. The Gurus never spoke about proofs of the existence of God: For them He is too real and obvious to need any logical proof.

Gender equality:- From about 1499, woman has always been regarded as equal with man and has all the rights and privileges enjoyed by a man. She is considered to have the same soul as man and has equal right to grow spiritually. The Sikh woman is allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), to perform Kirtan, to work as Granthi (priest) or a preacher and to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.

Race equality:- The Sikh Gurus have emphasised the concept of the equality of mankind in the sacred verses found in the Sikh holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Nanak says in Japji Sahib: “Accept all humans as your equals, and let them be your only sect” (Japji 28), and Guru Gobind Singh tell the world: “manas ki jat sabhe eke paihcanbo – recognise all of mankind as a single caste of humanity”. Therefore, Sikhs believe that all human beings are equal. “We are all sons and daughters of Waheguru, the Almighty Lord” is the message promoted by the Sikh Gurus.

Remember God:- This part of the three pillars of Sikhism; the rememberance of God by repeating and focussing the mind on His name and His blessings. The names given to God primarily refer to the attributes of the Almighty and His various qualities. The guideline in the Sikh scriptures demands that the Sikh engages in Naam Simran as part of his or her everyday routine.

Honest work:- To work and earn by the “sweat of the brow”, to live a family way of life, and practice truthfulness and honesty in all dealings is a fundamental part of Sikhi. The term mean to carry out good deeds and earn a honest, pure and upright livelihood by exercising ones God given skills, abilities, talents and hard labour for the benefit and improvement of the individual, their family and society at large.

Share with others:- to share ones wealth with others in the community, to give to charity, to distribute in Langar (free Kitchen) and to generally help others in the community who need help. A Sikh is expected to contribute at least 10% of their wealth/income called Dasvandh to the needy people of the world or to a worthy cause.

Do Sewa:- is a word used to refer to “selfless service”, performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. All Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru, Guru Granth Sahib to perform selfless voluntary service for the community. This is not only good for community relations but also is good for the moral uplifting of the person. Sikhs should engage in in free service in Gurdwaras washing dishes, cleaning the floors, serving food; in community centres; in hospitals, etc

Respect for rights of others:- In this regard, the ninth Nanak, Guru Tegh Bahadur provides a very valuable lesson for the Sikhs and for the other concerned peoples of the world relating to the security and protection of all human beings within our society. It is very common for communities to protect their own members. The evidence for this, is well documented in the history of mankind. In protecting or seeking to spread their own religious beliefs or their own traditions or culture, they sometime decimate or destroy the beliefs and ways of others; when one becomes self-centred on ones “own people” or ones “own religion”, or ones “own community”; this can become the beginning of serious problems and many major conflicts have started in this way. The Guru showed the world how one should care for their neighbour and protect their rights; He stood by the Kashmiri Hindus to protect their way of life.

Right to defend:- Guru Gobind Singh has very clearly set the mission for the Sikhs to tread the unique path of Akal Purakh ki Fauj – the ‘Army of Lord’ to protect and serve all the peoples of the World – only then can it be rightly called “Akal Purakh ki Fauj”. When the Khalsa starts serving the needs of a few, or starts being concerned only with itself, it will fail in its duties as set out by the tenth Guru.

Fear none but God:- It is known that fear is an emotional response to threats and danger. Although fear is different from anxiety, which typically occurs without any external threat, the two bring much pain and misery to the person who is suffering from these two emotions. Fear is related to the specific behaviours of escape and avoidance, while anxiety is the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable. The Guru Granth Sahib offers guidance on how one should become fearless in their life. The trials and tribulation of modern life means that both these ailments are on the increase in the world; many suffer from anxiety and fear due to losing one’s identity and/or security; from constant and sustained financial, health and emotional pressures; from humiliation, oppression, victimization, feelings of inferiority, persecution of one’s group, and other kinds of discrimination, etc. These external agents are relentless and become such a strain that many suffer constantly in pain.

Sewa and support for the weak:- Sikhism is founded on the principles of Sarbat da bhalla – working towards the “common good of all”. For Sikhs, this means reaching out to serve and uplift all of humanity as an expression or devotion to the Creator. Many other Sikh institutes, such as Guru-ka-Langar, Kirtan, Paath, etc., depend on the performance of Seva by many in the congregation. So the principles of Seva underpin many Sikh values – such is the importance given to Seva in Sikhism.

Seva or Karseva also shortened to ‘Sewa’ is a word used to refer to “selfless service” or “free-voluntary service”, performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. Doing ‘Seva’ is a central Sikh tenet; all Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) to perform Seva or Selfless Service within the community. Not only is this good for community relations but it is also good and moral uplifting of the person performing the voluntary service.

Live to the highest spiritual level:- O Lord, give me this boon. May I never ever shirk from doing good deeds. Never may I fear when I go to fight the enemy. With surety, victory will be mine

Don’t use force:- Kabeer, to use force is tyranny, even if you call it legal. When your account is called for in the Court of the Lord, what will your condition be then? ?187? (SGGS p1374)

I found a really nice track from Balvinder Singh (Australia wale) whilst looking through the wonderful Mrsikhnet.com website. Its entitled “The Sweet Song”. The actual words are from the shabad by Guru Arjan Dev Ji: “Jo Mangeh Thakur Apne Thae”. The vocals are by Harinder Kaur.

Part 2 Shabad Translation:

The shabad is performed by Balvinder Singh with the vocals by Harinder Kaur. The actual words are from the shabad by Guru Arjan Dev Ji: “Jo Mangeh Thakur Apne Thae“. I found this wonderful track whilst on the wonderful, ‘MrSikhnet.com‘

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Dhanaasree on Pannaa 681

dhhanaasaree mehalaa 5 ||
chathur dhisaa keeno bal apanaa sir oopar kar dhhaariou ||
kirapaa kattaakhy avalokan keeno dhaas kaa dhookh bidhaariou ||1||
har jan raakhae gur govi(n)dh ||
ka(n)t(h) laae avagun sabh maettae dhaeiaal purakh bakhasa(n)dh || rehaao ||
jo maagehi t(h)aakur apunae thae soee soee dhaevai ||
naanak dhaas mukh thae jo bolai eehaa oohaa sach hovai ||2||14||45||

Dhanaasaree, Fifth Mehla:
He has extended His power in all four directions, and placed His hand upon my head.
Gazing upon me with his Eye of Mercy, He has dispelled the pains of His slave. ||1||
The Guru, the Lord of the Universe, has saved the Lord’s humble servant.
Hugging me close in His embrace, the merciful, forgiving Lord has erased all my sins. ||Pause||
Whatever I ask for from my Lord and Master, he gives that to me.
Whatever the Lord’s slave Nanak utters with his mouth, proves to be true, here and hereafter. ||2||14||45||

Part 3: Inspirational Words and Songs

Peace Has Begun by GuruGanesha Singh with Snatam Kaur from the CD Joy Is Now

All the Best

Dr Savi

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