Final Evolution?

Truth about Singh Sabha Canada and many other Missionaries

2008-07-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

There is a movement underway to undermine the very roots of our beloved Sikhi. These people have no love for truth and are willing to say any lie they need to in order to promote their false, twisted version of Sikhi.

Not too long ago, I happened to come across one of their videos. In this video they do nindya of many of our panths greatest sevadars. In Guru Granth Sahib ji beant beant (numerous) Shabads tell us to respect and to learn from sants. Some people even go so far as to say that sants don't exist and Guru Granth Sahib ji is the only sant. However, our Guru Granth Sahib ji, in no uncertain terms, calls Bhagat Prahlaad ji a sant, as well as Bhagat Kabir ji, proving that the word sant is now, and was in the past, meant to be used for individuals who join us to the Guru's feet (in most cases). If people truly did see Guru Granth Sahib ji as a sant (or their Guru), then they would respect the Guru's word.

Many of these organisations use the word Singh Sabha in their name, attempting to capitalise off the good reputation of Singh Sabha Movement from over 100 years ago. They also often use the word missionary in their names (but not always). This particular video which I've linked to just to show you how these people think is from a group called the Singh Sabha Canada, a branch of Singh Sabha International.

The hate filled, fact twisting video is available from the link - just click the title of the post.

http://khojee.wordpress.com/

2007-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

NEW BLOG AT http://khojee.wordpress.com/

much of our community is in this situation...

2007-06-16T14:14:00.001-07:00

Socrates (469–399 B.C.)
QUOTATION: The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers.

This blog is moving

2007-06-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

When I used to write on this blog I really enjoyed doing so. However, cryptic error messages and time consuming frustrations contributed to my frustration with the whole blogging thing and I decided to take a short hiatus. that short hiatus turned into a very very long break from blogging.

I've decided to re-do this entire blog, and continue along the same lines as before on the superior Wordpress platform.
The new blog's address is http://khojee.wordpress.com/ No doubt there will be frequent changes in the first little bit so please bear with me.

Atam Gian katha by Sant Isher Singh ji

2006-08-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is a translation by the site admin from www.Sikhawareness.com. I also highly recommend that you go there and read his Japji and Atam Gian katha translations.
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The following is a discourse done by Baba Ishar Singh Ji in 1961. Baba Waryam Singh Jee had had it translated into english and published in the book discourses of the beyond 2. This is a very rare piece of knowledge that is kept to themselves those that know it. it took me ages to type it out but i want this to be available to all of you on the net.

Please read it carefully. lots of books with discourses are available on atammarg.org

Please read this with an open mind whether you belive in sants, mahapursh or not. Please do not make this thread into anything where it becomes nindiya of one or another jatha.

May you gain as much from this discourse as i have.

Discourse
Sant Maharaj (Sri 108 Sant Ishar Singh Ji Maharaj, Rare Wale) used to give audiences in Chandigarh in May 1961. Today being a holiday, a large numbers of seekers and also lovers of other religions had collected there. One of the enthusiasts asked me to request Sant Maharaj to give a detailed description of inner circles (chakkars), which the congregation wanted to hear. Accordingly to the great saint was requested to accede to their request. On that day, a lot of seekers were present, also many great souls (mahatmas), including many Hindu Mahatmas also were in attendance. Many Saints talk of Kundalini: also there is mention of the piercing of inner chakkars. There are different theories about them. Sant Ji was requested to throw light in connection with these ?circles?.

ANSWER: -
On hearing this petition of people, Sant Ji Maharaj said that according to the philosophy of the Gurus, breaking of these chakkars is not necessary at all. Guru Nanak?s religion is very convenient and simple. It can be called the path of ?Surat Sabad Marg? (The way of contemplation on Sabad, the holy word, sound) or the path of naam (Gods name). Even a person of the lowest intellect, if he has full faith, can walk on this path, by taking prayers and the recitation of the holy name and texts can cross this ocean of the world; whereas it is beyond the capacity of the common people in this iron age (Kalyug), to negotiate this tough path (of bursting the chakkars). The reason is that in the Iron Age, people?s conduct, behaviour and diet have become low class. The body has not the strength, which is needed for bursting those chakkars, nor is there such a favourable atmosphere, where one can sit and practice such penances constantly. If a thousand seekers try practicing these austerities, the heat produced by pranayam (breathing exercises) will drive 999 out of them mad. That condition would be beyond cure, even by the doctors. In olden ages the body used to be strong and stout. Celibacy was practiced fully; and the body had the latent strength to endure these very tough penances. In today?s age, there is the forceful churning of the thoughts, and the bonfire of desires renders a man slave to desire for wealth and property. In such an atmosphere man?s inner consciousness is unable to think of anything other then Maya (false pleasures of the world). For this reason, Guru Nanak, the emperor of the universe, keeping in view the foul atmosphere of the world, popularised such methods, as are simple and comfortable, in short, he put the seeker on the path of detachment while working in the world with devotion as a chief way, and knowledge of the fundamentals. To help that programme, he popularised such practices as doing one?s duty, sharing what you have with others and repeating the name of God and bathing in sacred spots. On this path all can walk, educated or uneducated, the rich or poor.

Your question is about hathyog (practices of body torture), so make a detailed study of these. In bygone times, these used to be the practices in places of solitude and caves far from the madding crowds. The chief items of that school are Dhoti, Neti, Basti, Tratak, Neoli, and Kapalbhati, which are explained below.

Dhoti: - Take a long bandage of fine cloth, 4 fingers broad and 22.5 foot. Dip in luke warm water and practice inserting it inside your mouth, at the rate of 1.5 foot per day. The whole cloth will be pushed inside your body in 15 days. Then holding the outer end of the cloth firmly in your teeth, try to take out the whole cloth bit by bit.

This would clean up the regions of one?s liver and the intestines.

Neti: - Take a strong cotton thread very fine and soft, as long as the stretched human hand. Push it inside through the nose, by holding the breath and pushing it through the power of breath. Take it out of the mouth as if you are churning the curds. In this way, the impurities of the nose and the throat can be cleaned.

Basti: - Sit in a water tub, dipping yourself up to the navel. Take a bamboo tube 6 fingers long and one finger thick. Insert it through the anus and by the force of breath push it inside and also pull in water. This is doing enema in water.

Tratak: - Focus your eyes without winking on any object concentrating your attention on it till that time, when the eyes through sheer fatigue begin to water. This exercise could destroy all diseases of the eyes. It can break the evil tendencies towards too much sleep and laziness. Just as a very precious article is kept with great care, similarly know that the centre for the exercise is the nostrils or the middle place of the two eyebrows.

Neoli: - Sit, keeping down both the shoulders, straighten your back, and keep your backbone erect at 90 degrees. With the power of breath, move the stomach (belly) right and left, up and down, as if you are churning the curd.

Kapalbhati: - one has to do Pranayam (breathing exercises) in three stages drawing in breath, holding in, and releasing the breath (rechak) again and again; like the blacksmith?s bellows that keep a fire burning bright.

Pranayam: - Controlling the movement of breathing is called Pranayam. According to specialists, there are in the human body 72 crore 72 lakh, 10 thousand and 201 nerves and ducts. Ten out of them are helpful in the breathing exercises. There are many methods of Pranayam, which are very difficult. But the two types are more prevalent, moon ? limbed and sun ? limbed. There are three chief nadis (nerve or ducts) in our bodies They are Ida to the left of the nose; Pingala to the right and the one between the two is called Sukhmana.

First by the way of Ida, repeat Gurmantar 16 times, while slowly drawing in the breath (its called poork) then holding breath while repeating Gurmantar 64 times (it is called kambak) and then slowly releasing the breath, while repeating Gurmantar for 32 times (this is called rechak).

Sukhman Nadi runs from Mooladhar (lowest spot near the naval) up to the tenth gate (crown of the head). Inside this Sukhmana, there is in a fine form Kundalini Nadi, which has the sheen and power brings perfect peace of mind. It can destroy all sins and ignorance?s. Another nerve called Bhujang Nadi has shut the opening of the Sukhmana Nadi. When the seeker practices Pranayam by its force, Bhujang Nadi gets a little away from the mouth of the Sukhmana Nadi. With the power of the Pranayam, these chakkars (circles) are broken one by one and by living force the life breath, prana enters the tenth gate. Making a reference to this, Guru Maharaj has ordained thus ?

One may recite by heart the wisdom of the six schools of philosophy. He may perform worship; bear the frontal mark and bath in shrines. He may practice inner washing of feat and adopt eighty-four postures of the yogis. But in these he shall find no peace.
Page 98 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Making the still of the circuitous chord, whosoever practices the inly washing, inhalation, exhalation and suspension of breath. Without the true Guru, he obtains not right understanding and straying in doubt, he is drowned to death. The blind one is soiled, yea, so soiled and defiled, that whosoever he washes himself, his minds filth departs not ever. Without the name, vain are all deeds, like those of the conjurer, who deceives men through illusion.
Page 1343 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Thou keepest fasts, sayest vesper prayers, purifiest thyself and doest good deeds. Thou goest on pilgrimages in all directions and eatest not anything. Touching no one, thou cookest thy food. Thou makest a great display of thy inly-washings. Thou burnest incense and lamps in the temples. All these equal not God?s name.
Page 1229 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The gate of the Sukhmana is opened with a very great difficulty by means of a Pranayam. For Pranayam, there is the exercise of Kapalbhati. By massaging the tongue, they make it so thin and long that it can come out and touch the forehead. Then making it turn upside down, it is made to enter the ear and with its tip, it closes the hole, which is above the palate. This step dissipates the great heat created by the Pranayam (which otherwise makes the man either mad or dead). According to ascetics, to the left of the frown spot, the moon rains Amrit (nectar). The nectar is tasted by the tongue. This liquid (Amrit) is also called Amar Varani (immortal drink).

Now I will briefly explain to you about the six chakkars in the body. Those who want to take notes may take them down.

1. Mooldhar Chakkar ? (Pelvic Plexus) This is the chakkars in the region of the anus. This contains an inverted yellow lotus with four petals. The four petals are its 3 corners in the shape of the letters (va, sa, kha, sha). This is the centre for the desire for knowledge. Above where Kundalini Nadi is situated, is the thrones of sex, where are born the ideas of woman, swan, and mind. At this place, the yogis meditate on God Ganesh.

2. Swadishthan Chakkar ? (Hypogastric Plexus) It lies at the root of the male organ and it contains an upward positioned lotus with 6 petals. Its 6 petals are symbolised by the letters (ba, bha, ma, ya, ra, la). At this position, the ascetics meditate on God Brahma (Creator).

3. Mani Poorak Chakkar ? (Epigastric Plexus or Solar Plexus) It is located in the region of the navel. It has an inverted lotus of blue colour having 10 petals. Its 10 petals are in the shape of letters (da, dha, na, ta, tha, da, dha, na, pa, pha). In this position the ascetics think of God Vishnu.

4. Anahat Chakkar ? (Cardiac Plexus) It is a golden coloured lotus with 12 petals located in the heart. Its 12 petals and the 12 letters (ka, kha, ga, gha, na (as in long) cha, chha, ja, jha, na, ta, tha). Here the yogis mediate upon Rudra (Shiva) along with his mountain abode (Kailash Parbat).

5. Vishudda Chakkar ? (Carotid Plexus) Here is smoke coloured upward looking lotus with 16 petals, which is situated in the throat. Its 16 petals stand for 16th letters namely (a, aa, I, ee, u, uoo, ri, ree, lri, lree, a, aie, o, ou, ang, aan (n as in long). It is called jalandhar throne. Here one meditates on the self.

6. Aagiya Chakkar ? (Medular Plexus) It is located at the root of the two eyes and the nose. Here is situated an inverted lotus with 2 petals, white like the moon. Its two letters are (khya and gya). It is called the Udiyang throne. Here the yogis meditate upon God himself, the giver of salvation. Phal (fruit or result). Whatever fruit (gain) is achieved by the meditation of the various above-mentioned chakkars, can be obtained by the meditation of this single Chakkar. Hence the great souls lay emphasis on concentrating one?s mind on this Chakkar, named Agya Chakkar. When living force and mind are stabilized at this place, it has the potentiality of being able to practise Samparigyat Samadhi (Transcendental Meditation).

At this point meet the three nadis; named Ida, Pingala and Sukhmana, the start from Mooldhar Chakkar come by different routes. Hence the confluence of the three nadis is called the Triveni. (At Triveni at Prayag or Allahabad, meet the three rivers, Ganga, Yamna and the underground Saraswati). Ida is the Ganga, Pingala is Yamna and Sukhmana is the river Saraswati of the Triveni This place (Triveni) has been designated the king of all pilgrimages; it is also called Atam Teerth (place of the pilgrimage or the self or the bath at the sacred tank of Amritsar). By bathing the mind at the confluence, all sins are destroyed. Guru Maharaj has ordained thus-

Then alone is one known as true, when he abides in the pilgrimage station of his heart. He takes instruction from the Guru and sits and abodes according to his will.
Ang 468 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This Agya Chakkar is also called the universal heart or the heart of all. It is the same spot, which is mentioned in connection with heart of the holy name. One with the gross intellect is called the (fleshy) heart. This is the first step of the opening of the divine eye.

It is called the organ of clairvoyance, or the instrument of the divine sight. It is the spot of Third Til (mole). It is also called the point of saveeda.

Above the Aagiya Chakkar is the place of mid forehead. This spot has been variously called the Guru Chakkar, Manas (mental) Chakkar, Forehead Chakkar but all these are included in the seven Chakkars.

Above it is the thousand-petal lotus, called the tenth gate. From the region of the mid forehead, the physical body finishes. Above it begins the universal self. The crown of the head and the blank Chakkar are its symbolic gross form (cerebral plexus). Above the palate in the forehead is the divine hole. This is the centre of all the powers. With its sheen of multi coloured lights is the lotus with myriads of petals. On these petals are the alphabets from (a) to (kha) with all the sounds and letters. At this place, the yogis through the power of yoga become omniscient, having knowledge of all lores and learning?s, and having got that gyan (true knowledge) they are able to know all the languages, dialects, also all the past, present, and future events. At that place is the residence of God almighty, with all his powers. At this stage, the mind being stable, one?s all tendencies are effectively controlled and one develops the capability of Asampragyat Samadhi (highest form of contemplation of God). Many scholars are of the opinion that this is the living place of the divine. Who is thumb dimential. This also is the seat of the sky, on the scale of a thumb. Here one obtains the realisation of the self, and it is the place of the supreme divine. When the living force and mind become stable, at this very place, one gets the ability for Nirvikalp Samadhi (the supreme meditation); and all tendencies are totally controlled. At this place, the light of the soul falls on the intellect. The intellect of consciousness is casual body and because of its relationship with Supreme Self, it is known as Jiva Ataman. The casual body is incorporated in subtle body and the subtle body is part of the physical body. Thus the soul is spread all over the body, and by bursting its working self, one can point to all the spots. In short, in a very fine spiritual condition, the place of the soul is said to be the region of the heart because the heart is the chief limb of the body. The entire activities of the body are directed from the heart region. From here all nerves (or ducts) are branching to all parts of the body When the physical heart stops beating, all activities come to an end. Therefore in the godly state, the seat of the soul can be said to be the heart. In the dream state, the place of the soul is said to be the throat. In the walking state, whatever object one sees, whatever object one hears and whatever enjoyments one tastes have the epi centre in the Nadi named Hita, which is as fine as the thousandth part of the hair. Hence the knowledge of the experienced things is in the throat, in the dream state. During the waking state, the soul with the help of the sense organs is spread all outside. As Guru Maharaj has pointed out in Gurbani ?

The bride who goes amiss by seeing the body of nine apertures, obtains not the peerless thing of God?s name.
Ang 339 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

It is the soul, which sees through the eyes. During the meditation, the place of the soul is said to be Agya Chakkar. This is also the place of divine vision. Here it obtains the divine eye. During the Asampragyat Samadhi (meditation) the soul stays in the divine hole; because from this centre, the control of all tendencies is possible.

Kundalini Shakti ? All the powers that exist tin the universe have been collected by Waheguru in this part of the body. But the main triangle of Sukhmana Nadi, rising from the backbone, is spread upwards. In the normal state it remains closed (sleeping). Hence its power remains secret and unknown. Therefore its power combined with the power of life?s airs and joined with the Ida and Pingala, by the way of the left and right and bursting the various Chakkars is spread upward. It keeps on flowing all over the body. In this three cornered region, this Nadi, extremely fine like the electric power lies coiled around. We can give the example of such a she serpent, which is sleeping, coiled three and half times and pressing its tail in its mouth. This is called the power of the Kundalini. This remains sleeping, unless awakened by special exercise. None of the functions can be visible to the eye of flesh. For this reason, the physiologists have not been able to discover anything about it. But in olden times, learned men of countries like Greece and Rome, such as Plato and Pythagoras, who were seers of self, have made references to all these in their writings. They state that under the navel, there is such a wondrous power, which by lighting up one?s intellect, makes manifest such divine powers within man.

If by any exercise, this Kundalini Nadi unwinds it coils and gets inside the Sukhmana Nadi, then it is said to have come awake. Just as in the house, if you press the electricity buttons all the bulbs, fans, fridges, etc start functioning, similarly if you press the switch of the Kundalini Nadi the electric current carried by the Sukhmana wire travels all over the body and lights all the Chakkars and all the Nadis (nerves or ducts). Wherever the Kundalini power reaches in the body all the lotuses become straight and the mind is stabilized. As Guru Maharaj has ordained ?

Turning away from the world, the heart lotus filled with Nectar and this mind, then goes not anywhere. Merging in the primal lord, man forgets not the mental meditation. By the Guru?s grace, all the organs are blessed with five virtues and man abides in his own home. Nanak is the slave of him, who by searching the Lord?s name obtains this home of his.
Ang 1291 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

When the current reaches the Agya Chakkar, it also touches sampragyat and the tenth gate (crown of the head). Then all human tendencies come under complete control and one develops real capability for Asampragyat Samadhi (transcendental meditation). In this condition the seeker attains the knowledge of the whole world very quickly. When Kundalini power enters the mouth of Sukhmana Nadi one begins to have supernatural experiences. Making show of them is forbidden. There is reference to that ?

Indulge thou not in ego and abide within thyself. The knower himself knows everything
Ang 580 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

With so much talk, the time of the meeting was almost over. Sant Maharaj said that above that is the blank place in the universe, and there the universes end. The seeker who has crossed all the illusions, reaches the region of Truth (heaven) by the power of repeating God?s name and experiences ecstasy by observing the phenomenon of the infinite. Above that is experienced the miracle of ?being full of bliss, in the shower of the grace of God? as says Satguru Nanak. The almighty God attracts to himself man?s soul, which was separated from him and merges the individual self in the universal self. As is ordained ?

As water comes and gets blended with water, so does his lights blend with the supreme light. His coming and going end and he attains rest. Nanak is ever devoted unto the lord.
Ang 278 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

For this reason Guru Maharaj has clarified ?

What are they like, who forget not the name? They are like the lord. Know that there is absolutely no difference between the two.
Ang 397 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

That between the saints and the infinite lord, there is no difference.
Ang 486 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The same is ordained in the Sukhmani Sahib ?

The great god, Shiva, searches for the man, who knows god. Nanak the Braham gyani, is himself the exalted lord.
Ang 273 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

A saint who reaches this state is called Brahmgyani (one who knows God), and gets the title of the Khalsa. But the foolish persons, badly lost in the darkness of ignorance, do not accept the fundamental philosophy of the Guru, get the title of Manmukh (the ignorant) mind orientated. Like the crows, they crow together and spoil the path of truth. Sceptical to the fundamentals taught in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and having turned their face away from the Guru, they fall a prey to spiritual quacks and do not achieve any good state. They cannot be rid of the cycle of births and deaths. Spiritual ideas are the only true ideas. By accepting them, in the light of Gurbani (Holy writ), is the only path to one?s real welfare.

Dear loving devotees, you may be connected with different faiths and communities and though you may have heard the sermons of many great persons, but so long as you do not pull yourself out of the slush of Dvait (duality or that there is second reality other then God) and do not take to the path of self realisation through the divine word, that long you can?t enter the higher strata of universal soul. Till then you will keep wallowing in your present condition ?

Because of profane affection, the man suffers agony. Death?s courier is spying all. Nanak, the Guru wards are saved by contemplating over the true name In words we are good, but in deeds bad. Within mind we are impure and black, but white from without. We emulate with those who stand and serve at lord?s door. They are imbued with the love of their bridegroom and enjoy the pleasure of his alliance. They remain powerless even when possessing power and are ever humble. Nanak, our lives become profitable if we associate with them (such brides).
Page 85 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Thus the whole congregation showed obeisance to the great saint and dispersed to their respective activities, with a keen desire to hear the discourse of the great saint in the evening also.

way of life

2006-07-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

If we live in a hot country, than we will adopt the method of living of the people in the hot country. If we live in a cold country, then we will adopt the method of living of the people in the cold country. No matter what country we live in, we will follow the Rehni (way of living), of that country. Now, if we want to live with the Guru, than we must adopt the Rehni given to us by the Guru. We must follow the Rehit, the way of living given to us by the Guru.

-From a smagam by Bhai Jasbir Singh ji Khannewale.

Deriving Maximum Benefit from Satsang

2006-05-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

"If pride enters a devotees heart when
he comes to attend a religious congregation,
then he stands to gain nothing. Whoever
wishes to derive the maximum benefit from
a holy congregation, and to reap the fruit
of crores of ‘yagyas’ (sacrificial rituals),
should do the following four things. Look,
you labour, but if you work in a wrong
manner and sow seed in dry land, it does
not sprout into plant. It is either burnt by
heat or eaten by termite. Only seed that is
sown in wet land, in the right manner, at a
proper depth and in the right season
sprouts and bears fruit. Similarly, when you
attend a holy congregation of the true, you
should keep four things in mind.

First, start from home with faith and devotion. In this
manner, all the distance travelled and time
spent to reach the place of congregation is
accounted for in heaven where abide Guru
Nanak Sahib and the Tenth Master Sri Guru
Gobind Singh. There, like a computer, our
presence is accounted for in heaven. Instead
of taking us to be present in the mundane
world, we are considered present in the
court of God Almighty. Whether one comes
on foot or on a vehicle, one’s mind and
heart should be focused on the holy
congregation. Even more than this, the
moment a man starts thinking that he is to
attend the holy congregation and so must
finish his worldly tasks, the entire period of
time from that moment is accounted for in
heaven. If he starts finishing his tasks from
the previous day, the time spent in doing
so is also reckoned in heaven provided he
has faith and devotion.

Secondly, when you come here, you
must pay obeisance with love and
reverence. What is your gain? When you
bow your head to the Guru, you will be rid
of your evil deeds and good deeds will
naturally take their place.

Thirdly, you should come here in utter
humility after shedding all sense of pride.
If you come with pride in your heart, you
have nothing to gain here. Don’t come here
with a sense of importance of your power
and position. At the Guru’s threshold
everyone is a cipher, a non-entity. We are
mere beggars seeking favours, “Lord God!
Give us this; give us that.” And our prayers
are granted by the bountiful and gracious
God.

Finally, you should listen
to the discourse with total concentration of
mind; first listen here attentively, and then
remember it at home ; it is only then you
reap full advantage of attending a holy
congregation. This is the fourth thing that
you should keep in mind."

-Sant Waryam Singh Ji.

Offering advice

2006-05-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

A Naam abhiyaasee once told me that when you offer spiritual advice to a person (about something that you haven't experienced) and they don't believe you, you then lose some energy. To prevent this, just mention that you gained the information elsewhere (eg. read it somewhere, heard it from someone). No need if its something that you yourself have experienced.

Exams

2006-04-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

On the spiritual path we have many exams....this is also true in our worldly life.... soooo no more posts for awhile.

Spiritual pointers.

2006-03-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

• Call Maya ‘mata ji’ or penji/bhaji to avoid it.
• When you do ardass for something, put in $1 or $10 or any other full amount. But a broken amount, like 25 cents will result in your ardass being incomplete.
• Doing Paath slowly gives greater laha.
• If you want guns (good qualities), then when you see other people see their guns and not their avguns (bad qualities). If we look at their avguns than that is what we will gain.
• All accounts must be settled before we will be allowed into Sach Khand.
• Don’t give people shabds to achieve a particular aim in a direct manner. Say indirectly “maybe this shabd will help”… We are not at such a high avastha that our bachan (what we say) will automatically become complete. Doing it this way helps avoid a loss of faith from the person you are trying to help.
• Try not to have any wrong thoughts while doing Paath. Remember the Singh ji who the Guru was going to grant Guruship, but who instead only got a horse b/c that was what he was thinking about at the time. The Guru will make our desire complete, but not more.
• Before doing ardass for someone, take a Hukumnama for permission. Or do ardass with your question, and look up a random shabd on the net (for those of you who don’t have full access).
• Nindya/Chugli (slander/backbiting) decrease the laha of Paath.
• Eating the sangat’s leftovers is a pun (virtous deed). If we hoard the best food for ourself that will increase our lalch (greed).
• If you do ardass “Satnaam, Siree Waheguru Ji, Dhan Guru Ramdass Ji”, than He will eat the first bite.
• Seva (selfless service) with our hands is worth more than seva of donations b/c all maya belongs to the Guru anyways.
• Money that you donate that is used for bad purposes will actually be bad for you, not good.
• Thoughts in the darbar may be planted as new karms that must be completed in the next janam (lifetime). This is the kind of karm that cannot be erased by simran, but must come to fruition (pralabd karm).
• If you meet a Sant and choose to test him or her, do not test him or her more than once otherwise bad things could happen. If the Sant passes your test, it’s important to ask for forgiveness.
• We can estimate our avastha from dreams that we have of Gursikhs and the Guru.
• Rajo and Tamo Gunn prevent shanti.
o By reducing spices and chutneys in our foods we can reduce rajo and tamo gunns.
• In sangat, if we sit next to Sikh with a high avastha, we can gain some of the kirpa that s/he is getting.
• Bad sangat earns a person bad karma.
• While doing simran we should endeavor to see ourselves as soul. This will increase the laha (benefit) that we gain.

I learned these from Giani Takhur Singh ji's katha. Again, my Punjabi skills were quite poor at the time so please forgive me if I have made a mistake.

I would like to share some gems I gained from Gyani Takhur Singh ji's Japji Sahib Viakhya.

2006-02-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

I would like to share some gems I gained from Gyani Takhur Singh ji's Japji Sahib Viakhya. Unfortunately, at that time in my life my Punjabi skills were very limited so I could not extract as much information as I wished; ie, I missed a ton. Nevertheless, I'll share what I have and hopefully it will help. Note that I only wrote down points that are actionable. The actual katha itself is over 50 hours long in its totality.

• Jatt → Tiag → viaraag
• There is a big phall (reward) for reciting all of the Guru’s names in meditation. “Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji”…. All the way to “Dhan Dhan Mata Sahib Kaur Ji”.
• Bani of the fourth and ninth Guru are filled with vairaag.
• When reciting Bani, try your best to pronounce it correctly. Pronounciation mistakes are huge, like missing zeros in a cheque.
• Recognize that we have no power to speak or be silent, sit or stand, laugh or cry etc. Waheguru is the True Doer.
• Just sitting in sangat is beneficial because it helps to fix our bad karms
• Before doing any big karm (deed), make karah prasaad.
• Bhagti is difficult, it is like going against the flow of the current.
• Try to see God’s will as easy and for our benefit.
• Keep Fear of God in mind, it will make it easier to stay away from bad karms.
• To stay in Agya (The Guru’s hukum) is a huge seva.
• We learn sweet speech, rehni (to stay in rehit), behni (how to sit ), and dhiraj (forbearance) from the sadh sangat.
• Imagine that Waheguru is in your hirda while you are doing simran
• When you hear Bani and simran, think of it as the Guru singing to you. See it as Dhur ki Bani.
• Remember that that the jeev atma (your soul) and Waheguru are one and the same. The jeev’s saroop is the prakash that you see inside of you. Keep you dhian in this saroop as much as you can.

update

2006-02-19T23:39:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, when I changed my background I forgot to save the various modifications I had made to them. Additionally, I'm very busy and will probably continue to publish irregularly in the near future. It is simply too difficult for me to write regular posts all the time. Finally, I will continue posting, even though it's irregular. Feel free to check back now and again, or subscribe to the RSS feed using bloglines or some other reader.

Update

2005-12-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have updated some broken links and I've added my contact info in case anybody wants to email me. Also, please keep in mind that you can view most blogs and websites more efficiently using an RSS feed reader. It's a real time saver and more convenient than surfing to the actual web page. A good free reader is bloglines.com.

Japji Sahib katha

2005-11-16T22:04:00.001-08:00

I apologize for not updating more often.

I wanted to provide a link to an English translation of Giani Takhur Singh ji's excellent katha on Japji Sahib. Giani ji is currently one of the foremost pracharaks in the entire Panth. I highly recommend listening to his katha - he explains everything with great detail and accuracy. His katha is also comprehensive, covering much of Sikhi - everything from the meanings of the Banis, the Guru's jeevan sakhis, rehit, spiritual principles and more. There will also be recordings of simran released at some future date. The anand in his simran is amazing. Although Giani ji does katha in Punjabi, it is an easier to understand style of Punjabi than many kathakars use. It may even help increase your own understanding of Punjabi!

This English translation is being done by a member of discussion forum. I cannot vouch for its accuracy. However, it seems pretty good at first glance and is the only English translation that I know of. I encourage you to check it out. It's one of the top posts under global announcements.

Guru Amar Das Jee’s First Sermon

2005-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Taken from Pr. Satbir Singh’s “Parbat MayraaN”
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org

When Sree Guru Amar Das jee became Guru, historians have recorded his first words to the Sangat:

“If someone treats you badly, bear it. If you bear it three times, the fourth time Vahiguru will be on your side. The aggressor will be given such a punishment that he will not be able to save himself regardless of all his efforts. Vahiguru’s grindstone (of justice) may turn very slowly, but the grain is ground very finely (the justice is perfect).”

Then Guru jee read the 21st PauRee of Sree Asa Kee Vaar “Jit saeviai sukh paeeai so sahib sadaa samaaleeaai…”

He then continued,

“Be kind to everyone. Having pride over anything is not noble.

Consider the company (immoral relations) with another woman to be like the company of a snake or a murderous elephant. Never even by mistake go into bad Sangat (company).

Humility is the greatest weapon. Never speak badly.

Those who praise themselves are always lost. The path of dharma is the abandoning of slander (ninda).

Don’t spend or eat more than you need to. Also work just as much as you need to. Don’t do anything above and beyond the need for it.

Leave behind fakeness and hypocrisy. A life of false show is always a painful one.

If someone is a Sikh of the Guru, listen and obey him.

Loving another woman, even if she is a devotee of God (bhagtaNee) is a relationship which will result in loss not gain.

Go to and meet the Shabad of the Guru. Do not go somewhere where the Guru is forgotten.

Eat when you are hungry. Don’t fill what is already filled. But don’t abandon food either. Sleep when you feel very sleepy. Don’t sleep without feeling tired. Don’t pain your body.

Listen to the stories of the Guru. Singh Shabads and listen too. Don’t’ speak falsehood.

If someone is forgetting about the Guru, try and remind them. Speak to them from the heart. If they don’t listen, then it’s up to them.

Take the Guru’s words to heart. Give (the Guru) at least a tenth of your earnings. Keep the company of good people and serve those you encounter.

Before putting anything in your mouth, say Vahiguru. Vahiguru will bless it.

Those who have day and night japed Vahiguru, and left their ego, they are the truly high and good ones.

Controlling one’s desires is Dharam. One who does this is jeevan mukat (liberated while alive).

One who is beloved of God cannot ever remain bound by any restraints. He is free. He is above all tradition, custom, fortune, luck, and delusion.

Who to impress?

2005-03-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

"we all say that the world should say that i'm good,
the world should say - yes he is a good person

but is there anybody out of us who thinks and hopes their guru will say i'm good
the guru should say - yes he is a devoted sikh of mine?"

- Bhai Parminder Singh

Message Boards

2005-03-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

I love reading inspirational stories from the lives of Singhs and Singhnees. Here's some amazing posts from the Tapoban forum.

What made you interested in Gurmat?

Stories of First time wearing a dastaar .

Please contribute any similar inspiring threads from any forum. Just post them in the comments section.

Sakhi - Guru Nanak and the Robbers

2005-02-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

Guru Nanak whilst on his many travels with his companion Mardana was walking through the depths of a dark jungle.

Mardana was tired and asked his Guru,'Lord we have been marching through these wilds for many days. Do you not think that it is time to return to the civilised surroundings of a town or village where we may sleep in a bed with soft pillows?' Guru Nanak smiled at Mardana and said,'Even jungles can be more civilised than town and villages if the name of God is recited and remembered with all your heart.'

After showing Mardana the inner realities of the jungle and the inner gifts that lie there it was now the turn of the towns and villages and to reveal what lay there. Their journey took them to a small town. Mardana felt relief at having at last left the jungle and at having come back to some civilisation. However he soon realised that they had come to a wild town where the locals were cruel and without humanity. Their only creed was to be selfish. People were being robbed, beaten up and left for dead.

The Guru having completed his morning worship, something which he never let slip, carried on his way in the jungle once more.

However they were soon spotted and surrounded by the men from the town. The men carried axes, swords and other sharps looking weapons. They shouted, 'Stop or we will kill you slowly and with great torture!'

The Guru and Mardana stopped as they were told to do. The Guru replied to them, 'If you must kill us then I give you my permission to do so. However I have just one small request before you kill us.' The men replied,'We kill first and then rob our victims. We do not discuss what we do with those we kill!'

The Guru said,'Surely You do not wish to be caught? Is it not better for you to dispose of our bodies with fire? We do not mind dying but at least you should make sure that we are properly cremated so that our bodies are not left to sprawl and rot.'

The men could not believe their ears. Usually their victims would plead for their lives and yet these men gave them some good advice. Some of the men thought about the Guru's request and agreed with it. They said,'They are right why should be leave behind their bodies forcing the police to come after us. It is better that the bodies be burnt and all the evidence mixed into the Earth or blown away.' Another man interrupted,'This is a jungle where are we going to get a flame?' No sooner had he said this than the Guru pointed with his long finger in the direction of a fire that was burning in the distance. Some of the men stayed to guard their captives while some ran towards the fire. The men who departed soon came to the fire.

It was a funeral pyre. The corpse was still burning. Sat nearby was a woman who prayed and grieved for the dead man. The men also saw something else to which the woman was totally oblivious. They saw some very strange creatures. Creatures who were clearly not of this Earth. They had fangs and huge eyes. They were figures which caused feelings of horror and revulsion
in the men. These creatures appeared to be arguing with another group. This other group also had some peculiar creatures but they were different. They were very beautiful. The men could not determine whether they were real or not.

The vision was so surreal.

They called out to them,'Do you really exist? Are we actually seeing you here before our very eyes?' The first group responded, 'Yes we are here. We are the Jandhute. We have come to claim the soul of this man. All his life he has committed many terrible sins. He has not once acted with humanity. He has been sentenced to return to this world, and make good the huge debts he has accrued. He must suffer in his next life as recompense.' The men visibly winced at the prospect of these creatures hauling the naked bodyform of the dead man. A form which was translucent.

The other group with whom the Jandutt were quarreling then spoke, 'We too have been sent by the Almighty creator. We are the Ramgan. We have come to take this man's soul to Sachkand the realm of absolute truth. We have come to return him back to the source of all things.' The men were puzzled by this. They asked,'If this man has never redeemed himself. If all he has done is commit
unspeakable sins then why are you trying to take him away out of this furnace which we call the world?' They replied, 'It is true he has done those things and yes he was destined to suffer. However The Lord Guru whom your friends have kept captive gave the signal to wipe his slate of crimes and sins clean. One point of his finger changed the judgement placed on him. According to
God's law the Guru can take under his wing souls which are still stained and under God's grace will be made whole and spotless once more. Such are the blessings which God has given to the Guru. This man even after his death was able to serve the Guru and so with the Guru's blessing is able to be redeemed. In life one must follow or serve a Guru to gain this mercy.'

Upon hearing this the men suddenly realised that Guru Nanak whom they wereplanning to kill was none other than the saviour of lost souls. They couldonly imagine what judgement lay in store for them if they should kill him. They rushed back as the vision which had unfolded before them melted away. They ran back and told the other men what had transpired. They told them to let the Guru go and fell to the ground begging for the Guru's mercy and forgiveness. The Guru said,'I will forgive you but there is one condition. You must change your ways and become good honest human beings.'

Mardana turned to the Guru and fell at his feet. He said, 'My Lord I do not understand. I was sure that our time had come to die. Yet the whole situation has turned around in an instant. Please Lord explain why this is so?'

The Guru embraced his companion and smiled at his innocence and said, 'God plays a wonderful game with all who come to this earth. He sent these men to kill us. He sent us here to be met by them. Instead of caving into this and thinking that all is lost we accepted it as God's will. We humbled ourselves to God's will. We did not resent it or argue with it. Instead we asked humbly for God to intervene. Our submission wins the game. This call upon God with such humility according to the rules of the Game brings in our favour God's grace rescuing us from the very depths of calamity. God therefore took away the danger and also saved these men from a poor fate which had hung over them. It is all his doing; everything. If only more would grasp the nature of this game and play according to its generous rules.'
-from Naamnet.

Updates

2005-02-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

For those of you new to blogging, http://www.bloglines.com/ offers a service that allows you to view RSS feeds.
This site publishes an RSS feed. If you want to get updates the feed URL is http://finalevolution.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

Kaam

2005-02-06T22:19:00.000-08:00

In this Kaljug, kaam attacks most of us mercilessly. For Western youth who live in a society that glorifies sex it's even more difficult to deal with. Trying to deal with kaam by giving in to it will only result in it coming back. Sometimes more often and with greater intensity.

How could a manmukh extinguish fire by puttion oil on it?
(Vaar 15, pauri 9).

The sensuous man suffers from mental and physical diseases,And undergoes great pain.
(panna 1189).

Kaam can lead to the downfall of our jeevan, our self-esteem, our status, and our health (not to mention creating a lot more karma). Eastern medicinal and yogic traditions teach that a special kind of energy is associated with our reproductive fluid. In qi-gong this energy is called jin. If we give in to kaam too much, this energy is reduced and the body wastes resources to replenish what is lost. The body can become weakened and prone to illness.

However, if we live a Gurmat-oriented lifestyle which involves doing a lot of simran and controlling our kaam, then our intellect will become heightened. Amritvela simran and control of the senses (especially the eyes) is essential. It helps to avoid things that trigger kaami thoughts. This includes avoiding television and popular music, even the commercials trigger kaam! Avoiding bad sangat and staying within the sadh sangat also helps. I have heard that if one wants to be a faqir he looks only a few yards ahead of him while walking. Although this may not be very advisable in many situations. Remember, the Guru is always with you and always watching you.
In the end, our own efforts are not enough. We must do ardass to the Guru and rely on His mercy be saved from kaam.

For more on how to fight kaam, see MKhalsa's articl e and shabd kaam maran deh.

Aasaa, Fifth Mehl:
For a moment of sexual pleasure, you shall suffer in pain for millions of days.
For an instant, you may savor pleasure, but afterwards, you shall regret it, again and again. ||1||
O blind man, meditate on the Lord, the Lord, your King.Your day is drawing near. ||1||Pause||
You are deceived, beholding with your eyes, the bitter melon and swallow-wort. But, like the companionship of a poisonous snake, so is the desire for another's spouse. ||2|| For the sake of your enemy, you commit sins, while you neglect the reality of your faith.Your friendship is with those who abandon you, and you are angry with your friends. ||3|| The entire world is entangled in this way; he alone is saved, who has the Perfect Guru. Says Nanak, I have crossed over the terrifying world-ocean; my body has become sanctified. ||4||5||127||
(panna 403).

Aasaa, Fifth Mehl:
O Lord, You behold whatever we do in secrecy; the fool may stubbornly deny it. By his own actions, he is tied down, and in the end, he regrets and repents. || 1 || My God knows, ahead of time, all things. Deceived by doubt, you may hide your actions, but in the end, you shall have to confess the secrets of your mind. || 1 || Pause || Whatever they are attached to, they remain joined to that. What can any mere mortal do? Please, forgive me, O Supreme Lord Master. Nanak is forever a sacrifice to You. || 2 || 6 || 128 ||
(panna 403).

imQn moh Agin sok swgr ] kir ikrpw auDru hir nwgr
Attachment to sex is an ocean of fire and pain. By Your Grace, O Sublime Lord, please save me from it.|| 1 ||
(panna 760)

UPDATE: Another important point. When speaking with the opposite sex if you feel kaami thoughts you should address them as ''penji/paaji''. This will remind you that they are your sister/brother.

Spiritual movement.

2005-02-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that the human being is conditioned/created in such a way that a person cannot remain at the same place for long (spiritually speaking). We have to make efforts to move forward or we will eventually start falling backwards.

Impermanence

2005-02-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

The only thing that is permanent is God. All other things will eventually become dust and less than a memory. It is important to reflect on this whenever I feel the desire for praise or fame of any sort. Even famous important worldly people are quickly forgotten. After my bones are dust nobody left will remember me. Even if some do, when they are dust who will be left to remember? Earth too, and the universe, both will not last. With Vaheguroo's Kirpa I hope to attach myself to the only permanent thing.

The body is not permanent, neither are our possessions. Everything can be lost in an instant, just like how the tsunami victims lost everything. We never know when it might happen. It could be a beautiful day without a cloud in the sky and then everything could be washed away.

Saarang, Ninth Mehl:
O mortal, why have you wasted your life?
Intoxicated with Maya and its riches, involved in corrupt pleasures, you have not sought the Sanctuary of the Lord. ||1||Pause||
This whole world is just a dream; why does seeing it fill you with greed?
Everything that has been created will be destroyed; nothing will remain. ||1||
You see this false body as true; in this way, you have placed yourself in bondage.
O servant Nanak, he is a liberated being, whose consciousness lovingly vibrates, and meditates on the Lord. ||2||3||
-Guru Tegh Bahaadur Ji on Pannaa 1231.

This world is a wall of sand, it will not endure.

Goldmines

2005-02-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

An interesting post by YSL on SikhSangat.

I was listening to katha a few weeks ago:

Dhan Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was on their travels, when they came across a humble servant of the lord who had nothing but a little mud hut to live in. Guru Sahib and Bhai Mardhana Ji decided to grace the humble Gursikh with their presance, agreeing to reside at the hut for the night. This Gursikh was most pleased, he had little to eat in the house, but prepared what he did have for Guru Ji - Bhai Mardhana Ji felt a little sad, knowing this humble servant had very little - and eating out of it.

Guru Sahib knew this and told Bhai Mardhana not to worry, we must live in the will of Vaheguru. The Gursikhs humblessness and love was his everything.

Once they had finished their langar, Guru Sahib looked deep in thought, before asking Bhai Mardhana ji to break the little mud plates they had ben eating on. Bhai Mardhana Ji looked confused, but led a sat-bachni lifestyle and agreed to what Guru Sahib was saying. The Gursikh agreed saying "I'm am your humble slave, whatever you wish, you should do". So Bhai Mardhana Ji proceeded to break the few belongings the Gursikh had.

The following day, Guru Sahib arose and advised the Gursikh that they would need to continue with their travels. The Gursikhs could not bear the thought of his Guru leaving his home and asked Guru Ji if he could walk some distance with them, and at least spend a little more time in their presance. Guru Ji agreed, and the humble Guriskh followed them on their journey for a very short while.

Before they left their home, Guru ji, again after some deep thought asked Bhai Mardhana Ji to destroy the little mud hut of the Gursikh, at this point, Bhai Mardhana ji questioned Guru Ji and asked why he should destory what little this humble slave had. The Gursikh turned to Bhai Mardhana Ji with pleading eyes and said "Please, do as my Guru say's - whatever hukam they give you, just adhere to it. Nothing here is mine, it is all Guru Ji's please" - his pleading came to use and Bhai Mardhana grudgingly proceeded to destory the mud hut.

Guru Ji, Bhai Mardhana Ji and the Gursikh the continue a little of their journey. As night began to fall. The Gursikh advised Guru Ji that he should now be getting back to what little was left of his hut. Guru Ji gave him hukam to do so and blessed the Gursikh for his seva over the course of the night.

As the Gursikh returned to the place where his home used to be, he saw what he considered the blessing of Maharaj Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As he circled what used to be his home, he noticed a little two foot wall remained - thinking that Bhai Mardhana ji did not complete the task thoroughly he began breaking down the last of the wall....

As he broke down bit after bit, he noticed the ground beneath becoming weaker and seperating, beneath those two foot walls lay a gold mine... This humble servent, amazing Gursikh had been living on a goldmine without knowing about it. Guru Ji's blessings came in such a disguise, that far from destory everything this humble being had, they in fact gave him more than he ever imagined having...

This is the beauty of our Guru Ji's blessings - we are all living on Gold mines without actually knowing it. If we, and me especially, lived the life whereby we adhered to every one of our Guru Ji's hukams, then we too would be rewarded with a gold mine each...

How humbleness, seva, and piyaar can lead us to the most amazing riches in the world - our Guru Ji's blessings...

How to benefit extra from Nit-Naym -"Gurdev Mata, Gurdev Pita"

2005-01-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Recite the slok "Gurdev Mata, Gurdev Pita" before and after nit-naym, sehaj paath, or an Akhand paath for extra benefit. Baba Harnam Singh ji (Rampur Khera) was told this by the Guru when he did ardass to discover the meaning of the instructions in the slok.

sloku ]
salok ||
Shalok:
gurdyv mwqw gurdyv ipqw gurdyv suAwmI prmysurw ]
The Divine Guru is our mother, the Divine Guru is our father; the Divine Guru is our Lord and Master, the Transcendent Lord.
gurdyv sKw AigAwn BMjnu gurdyv bMiDp shodrw ]
The Divine Guru is my companion, the Destroyer of ignorance; the Divine Guru is my relative and brother.
gurdyv dwqw hir nwmu aupdysY gurdyv mMqu inroDrw ]
The Divine Guru is the Giver, the Teacher of the Lord's Name. The Divine Guru is the Mantra which never fails.
gurdyv sWiq siq buiD mUriq gurdyv pwrs prs prw ]
The Divine Guru is the image of peace, truth and wisdom. The Divine Guru is the Philosopher's Stone - touching it, one is transformed.
gurdyv qIrQu AMimRq srovru gur igAwn mjnu AprMprw ]
The Divine Guru is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage, and the pool of divine nectar; bathing in the Guru's wisdom, one experiences the Infinite.
gurdyv krqw siB pwp hrqw gurdyv piqq pivq krw ]
The Divine Guru is the Creator, and the Destroyer of all sins; the Divine Guru is the Purifier of sinners.
gurdyv Awid jugwid jugu jugu gurdyv mMqu hir jip auDrw ]
The Divine Guru existed in the very beginning, throughout the ages, in each and every age. The Divine Guru is the Mantra of the Lord's Name; chanting it, one is saved.
gurdyv sMgiq pRB myil kir ikrpw hm mUV pwpI ijqu lig qrw ]
O God, please be merciful to me, that I may be with the Divine Guru; I am a foolish sinner, but holding onto Him, I will be carried across.
gurdyv siqguru pwrbRhmu prmysru gurdyv nwnk hir nmskrw ]1]
The Divine Guru is the True Guru, the Supreme Lord God, the Transcendent Lord; Nanak bows in humble reverence to the Lord, the Divine Guru. ||1||
eyhu sloku Awid AMiq pVxw ]
Read this Shalok at the beginning, and at the end. ||

-(Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

Symptoms of Spiritual Sickness...

2005-01-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

Author: jeevan

Here are some symptoms that your spiritual jeevan is in trouble:

-slipping amrit vela and even attempts to wake up are not successful. Waking up consistently after amrit vela is the eventual conclusion of this trend.

-increased time on internet and in front of tv

-less paath and missing banis; no desire to do paath

-dropping "small" rehits like doing keshi ishnan, doing kangha twice a day, etc.

-less concentration and ability to do paath and simran

-less desire to go to gurdwara and stay in sangat

-increased vikaar especially anger and kaam

-rationalising faults and mistakes in rehit as "acceptable" and "undertandable" or "I'll fix it later..."

*Root Causes:*

-serious mistake in personal rehit

-ego and pride

-looking down and belitlling other Gursikhs

*Cure:*

-ardaas to Guru Sahib for forgiveness

-speaking to other Gursikhs about problems

-Peshi before punj pyarai for serious mistakes in rehit

-Going to sangat even if there is no desire. Forcing yourself to go no matter what.

*note* : It's best to recognise the sickness early and combat it. Otherwise, things keep getting worse till you're in real trouble and recovery is a big uphill battle.

Yam and Niyam

2005-01-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

THE SPRITUAL DISCIPLINE
Bhakti Yoga

There are certain Do's and Dont's for the spiritual journey, called yam and Niyam. These are ten each in numbers as per details :

Yam : - (X)

1. Non-Violence :- Do not cause harm to anybody, through mind, body, intellect or speech. Pray from the core of your heart, "The glory of Name Divine is highest. Let all human beings be happy by the grace of God."

2. Truthfulness :- Live truthful life and indulge not in hypocrisy.

3. Theft :- Theft of body and mind is avoided. Theft of mind means when you do some bad act behind the curtain, i.e. in aloofness so as there is no witness to your act, like act of adulteration etc. To conceal other man's articles is theft of body.

4. Brahmcharya :- Celibacy is an essential requirement for the spiritual journey. It is like fuel of the body, which must be preserved. Married persons should be faithful to each other observing moderation.

5. Patience :-Do not feel agitated over trifles. Patience brings power- Saints must have patience in abundance.

6. Forgiveness :- When you have the strength to harm somebody, but you forgive him and don't harm him, you are on the right path.

7. Mercy :- Mercy is a must for meditation. Those who kill animals for palate, cannot imbibe mercy. You kill today and you will be killed tomorrow. That is the Divine law.

8. Tender Heart :- Be of tender heart, and do not be stone-hearted or a hypocrite. Don't indulge in rebukes and slander. Always speak softly, politely and truthfully.

9. Self-discipline :- Eat less and feel contented. Follow the dictum of the Guru :-

"Eat moderately, sleep less, show mercy and forgiveness and love your prime possession, the real self. (Guru Gobind Singh)

There are three kinds of food that we eat viz. pertaining to

i) tamoguna (ii) rajasguna (iii) satoguna

'tamas' food, includes intake of meat, fish, wine eggs etc. This food brings laziness to the man. He is likely to turn away from God and his God-consciousness is diminished. In 'rajas' is included pertaining of spicy and rich food for the sake of palate only. Heavy and rich food leads to numerous diseases.' Eat a bit less than your requirement. 'Satoguna' food includes partaking of vegetables, milk, curd, butter and cereals etc. 10. It means purity of mind, purity of body, purity of speech, purity of clothes, and purity of thought. These are ten 'yam' principles

THE TEN NIYAM (RULES)

1. Penances and devotion :- Yoke yourself to the service of humanity. Service is of three kinds ie. pertaining to rajas guna, tamas guna and sats guna. The service of Guru is at the top of all the Penances.

2. Charity :- Charity is also of three types - rajas, tamas and sats charity. In tamas, one gives away something in charity under duress and in anger and at inappropriate time which may result in sin. In rajas, one distributes alms to earn glorification. While in sats guna, one gives away in all humility with a faith in the fact that everything is gift of God. This kind of generosity is rewarded.

3. Contentment :- There cannot be full satisfaction without contentment. Unless there is contentment, the mind writhing in desire wanders in wilderness.

4. Theistic intellect means a staunch believer in Guru's teachings.

5. Worship :- Worship of the Guru. It should not be external and ceremonial only, but with all the mind and soul accepting Guru as embodiment of God.

6. Faith in the shabad of Guru. If you have faith in Gurbani, you will be rewarded. If you sit quietly with closed eyes, but you don't have in Gurbani, it is of no avail. Have full faith in Gurbani.

7. Abide by teachings of Gurbani. Mould your life accordingly. Don't go against the tenets of Gurbani.

8. Peaceful Mind :- Let anger not disturb your mind at all, even when provoked by somebody. Keep cool and have perseverance.

9. Nitnem :- Keep regularity in you daily prayers, meditation and recitation of Gurbani.

10. Brahm-hom means feeding the hungry Hom implies burning of 'I' and I-am-ness, effacing ego of every type. Inviting Saints and Gursikhs for partaking food is known as Brahm-hom.

These are two disciplines - Yam and Niyam and third is 'Asan'.

Asan :- Find out quite place, where there is no noise, and where one can sit comfortably without any disturbance. Make a seat (asan) for meditation and use this 'asan' daily for prayers and meditation.

Purpose

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I aim to post what I have learned from walking on the path of Sikhe so that others may benefit. I will also post interesting weblinks and information obtained from credible books and katha. I encourage relevant comments and sharing of experiences.

Using this current template (bamboo), this website is best viewed with internet explorer and not with firefox. Hopefully this problem will be fixed soon.

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Amrit Veyla Sach Nao