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

WGJKK WGJKF

Welcome to Episode 53 of Sikhwithin

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

Or download here.

This show is a special issue.

At the end of December 2009 I recorded 5 ‘Pause for Thought’ segments for the BBC. These were transmitted in the first week of January 2010.
They are a series of inspirational words, with links to Sikhism too.

Thanks for tuning in.
Regards

Dr Savi

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Welcome to Episode 52 of Sikhwithin

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

Or download here.

In part 1: Understanding Sikhism we share knowledge about the Char Sahibzade

The word “Sahibzada” means “son” in Punjabi and is a term commonly used to refer to the 4 sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The word is a traditional word not used in the everyday language of today. The plural of the word is “Sahibzade” with a stretched “A” sound at the end.

The younger pair, called the “Chotta Sahibzade” were martyred together by the Mughals in Sirhind at the tender age of 6 and 9 years old. The older sahibzade, called the “Vaada Sahibzade” died fighting the enemy of many thousands at the young age of 18 and 14 years old in battle at Chamkaur Sahib.

In part 2: We feature an amazing track from Snatam Kaur’s latest CD Liberation’s Door (with GuruGanesha Singh)
The track is entitled: Cherdi Kalaa. Chardi Kalais an important expression used in Sikhism for a mind frame that a Sikh has to accept and practise. It loosely means a “positive, buoyant and optimistic” attitude to life and the future. Always be – in “high spirits”, “ever progressive”, “always cheerful”, etc are some other terms used to describe this phrase. It reflects an eternally evergreen & blissful mental state of a Sikh.

Sikhism dictates that Sikhs believes in the Will of God (Bhana) and that God is without enemies (Nirvaar) and is always merciful. Hence acceptance of his Will is in the interest of and for the benefit of His Creation, even if at times one suffers severe hardship. This attitude of “Chardi Kala” is to allow one to sail through the ups and downs of life with as little harm as possible to the individual. To join and help others in their hour of need is part of this “Chardi Kala” spirit.

In the final part of the programme we feature a track from Sat Kartar’s CD entitled, ‘Listen’.
In addition, we talk about how you can contribute to the Haiti Earthquake appeal either online or from your local collection points, ending the show with a track from Hope for Haiti Now – A vast majority of proceeds for the sale of the latter also go to Haiti.

Thanks for tuning in.
Regards

Dr Savi

WGJKK WGJKF

Welcome to Episode 51 of Sikhwithin

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

Or download here.

In part 1: Understanding Sikhism we look at Amrit Velaa.
The term literally means the “ambrosial period”. It is regarded by many dedicated Sikhs as the time anywhere from about 2.15 am. to 6 am. Some say it is the duration of time from about three and three-quarters of an hour before sunrise. However, there is no convincing fixation of the time or exact definition of this time-period. The term is frequently used in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib but an exact definition is not rendered.

Guru Nanak urged his disciples to get up at this auspicious time and recite God’s name – in the “divine nectar period”, arise and chant and meditate on the Great Lord:

In the Japji Sahib, the first prayer of the morning, Guru Nanak Dev expressly tells us to rise at amrit velaa.

True is the Master, True is His Name-His language is infinite love.
People beg and pray, “”Give to us, give to us”", and the Great Giver gives His Gifts.
So what offering can we place before Him, by which we might see the Darbar or His Court?
What words can we speak to evoke His Love?
In the Amrit Vaylaa, the ambrosial hours before dawn, chant the True Name, sing his praises and contemplate His Glorious Greatness.
By the karma of past actions, the robe of divine love is obtained. By His Grace, the Gate of Liberation is found.
O Nanak, know this well: the True One Himself is All. ||4|| Japji Sahib

It is the fourth in the series of hukams – express orders – of Guru Gobind Singh that we awake at amrit velaa.

1. Dharam di Kirat karni – Earn by honest means.
2. Daswand dena – Give one tenth of your salary.
3. Gurbani kantth karni – Memorize Gurbani.
4. Amrit Vaelae utthna – Wake up Amrit Vela (before dawn).
5. Sikh sewak di sewa ruchi naal karni – Serve a Sikh Servant with devotion. . .

In part 2: We are grateful to Bahadur Singh for the translation of the Shabad:
Meray Man Jap Gur Gopal Prabh Soyee. The Shabad is sung by Davinder Partap Singh and Mohinder Partap Singh.

In the final part of this episode (Inspirational Words/Songs).
I was honoured to meet Ravinder Singh, the founder of Khalsa Aid.
His words as per the title of this segment are inspirational.

Thanks for tuning in.
Regards

Dr Savi

WGJKK WGJKF

Welcome to Episode 50 of Sikhwithin

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

Or download here.

Welcome to the latest episode. This week’s episode is another special.

Many Thanks for your time.

Enjoy.

Dr Savi

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