Sikhwithin Podcast – Ep51

Dec 19, 2009

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Welcome to the latest episode. In this episode we return to our regular format.

Welcome to Episode 51 of Sikhwithin

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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

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