Issue 31 April 1998

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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

C O N T E N T S

Laavan Part 2

The Religion for Today and Tomorrow

Poets Corner

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Many Congratulations on the occasion of Vaisakhi, the 299th year since the revelation of the Khalsa by Dhan Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib. All over preparations are taking place for celebrations both for this year and for next year, the Tercentenary of the Khalsa. However the biggest feat we can achieve to commemorate this important event is within each of us. Are we worthy to be called the Khalsa (Pure Ones)? Let us all devote our time and energy to becoming true Sikhs of the Guru...

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The soft launch of the Fauj in the UK was held on 21 February 1996 and was presided over by the then Acting Jathedar of Akaal Takhat Sahib, Singh Sahib Prof. Manjit Singh Ji. Units are also in operation in the USA and in Malaysia.
The Vision of the Fauj is to see Sikhs, well versed in and practising Sikhi, occupying leading positions in all fields of human endeavour, constantly in the forefront of stretching the limits of all frontiers, with love in their hearts, service in their hands and Naam in their thoughts.
The Mission of the Fauj is to activate, develop and nurture the inherent characteristics of quality, excellence, professionalism and spirituality present in all Sikhs to enable them to be competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient in facing challenges in their personal as well as panthic lives.
To achieve the above mission, the Akaal Purkh Ki Fauj will operate through its five brigades (according to age) to carry out various projects and programmes that will provide opportunities to all Sikhs to develop their full spiritual, social, intellectual and physical potential.
The projects include, Gurmat Camps; 5 camps were held last summer and more will be held this year; Sikh Scout groups, three of of which have already started; Gurmat/Gurbani Study Groups. Further units will be starting soon, please get in touch with us for more information or to join or start a unit.

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Laavan part 2

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The second laav declares that through the blessings of the Creator, for which we sacrifice our whole being, a personal bond with the entity is formed. The mind, which was full of fear of the unknown, becomes fearless. We trust the entity completely, and we renounce our self-conceit. We adopt respect for the entity with which union is being sought —the Creator or the spouse—we sing its praises and it manifests around us in its virtuous qualities. All around us we observe its presence, and find it pervading every aspect of our life. Within and without, in all situations, this entity manifests. Within the company of like-minded and similarly driven congregation (or circle of friends), collectively highlight the qualities of the divine entity (or the spouse) and sing praise of our good fortune. The Guru has realized the second stage of union, where the divine song—usually unsaid—is being recited and sung.

My friends (the Lord’s Saints), have come into my Home; the True Lord has brought about my union with them. Through love have I met them and the Lord’s Mind is pleased with the elect of God (His Saints). I have found gladness... And I have attained to what my mind longed for, Eternal is my Union, my mind is pleased; Blessed, Blessed are my mansions. And the five strains of music ring within me unstruck, now that my loved Friends have come to my home.

(Rag Suhi M-1: Chhant; Guru Granth Sahib p.764)

This hymn is sung at the "Milni" before the marriage

Do remember that a translation cannot do justice to the words of the Guru. You should, wherever possible, spend time and effort to understand the original words of the Guru. 

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Sikhism: The Religion for Today and Tomorrow

I will tell you my personal reasons as to why I think Sikhism is the best faith in the world, out of all other worldly religions.

1. Sikhism does not think of other people who follow other religions as "inferior, non-believer, etc".. hence does not impose its values on them and think negatively of them...

2. Sikhism is a religion of equality. Yes not just between Male and Female, but as universal equality amongst all human beings, which other religions do not have.

3. Sikhism is a modern way of life, it doesn't subject people to valueless rituals. Caste system, bathing in holy rivers, facing a certain direction for a prayer, slaughtering animals in the name of God, circumcision, etc. (NOTE I'm talking of Sikhism, not cultural practices.. which at times are not up to date with the teachings of the religion..as can be seen in all religions)

4. Sikhism, is a religion of worship of One God. A God that has no 'chosen people', a God compassionate to all, God not binded to a "single religion", God to be found and realised by all, God that's not pleased with ritualistic behaviour, a God that is only pleased by "ANYONE" who with true devotion LOVES HIM, yes a God for all the UNIVERSE.. not of Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims,etc.

5. Sikhism says that God judges a person do to his action, not what religion he practices, or was born to. Hence the theory of Karma is also a part of Sikhism. The ultimate reward in Sikhism is to be freed from the PAINS of 'births and deaths' that Humans undergo. How much does one suffer in living?? Tremendously! just reflect a bit and you will realise the amount of pain. The older you are the more you will know of it.

Unlike other religions, which offer a heavenly paradise, where one is rewarded with Virgins (only for the males as one scripture has it) and rivers of wine (which ironically is not sanctioned for one to drink here on this earth). Sikhism rewards people with the concept of becoming "one with God". Where the soul is emmersed back into the Godly soul.. like a raindrop is emersed into the ocean.. and hence find ever lasting bliss. (Never to be reborn again)!

6. In Sikhism, Male and Female are able to carry out prayer rights. There is no priest class, unlike other religions, which only allow Men. Hence again women are treated inferior in the "religion" of these people, and patriarchal values are imposed on them, not egalitarian (which Sikhism condones).

7. Sikhs are explicitly told, to seek knowledge within the Scripture. This will be the "key" to enlightenment, so that one can understand the Guru's words written in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and help themselves transcend this worldly ocean and reach the higher spiritual goals given to Humankind by God.

8. Sikhism is a religion which builds character. It tells its followers to be "hard workers" to earn their daily bread. To share this with others, as well as to remember the Lord in their heart. Hence within Sikhism, there is a compassion towards all of humanity, a fact of social reform.

9. Sikhism is the only religion that allows all people, of any caste, colour, creed, religion to come to any of their holy places, without restriction, and be given equal respect in all matters. Yes, they are served in the Gurdwara, in the kitchen with the same dignity as if they were Sikhs.

10. Sikhism allows one to follow the path to enlightenment at their own speed of growth, and at their own understanding and awareness. Sikhism allows people to interpret the Guru Granth Sahib for themselves, which increases awareness and understanding, the person will gain a deeper understanding of the "divine" words of the Gurus, who were in direct communication with God and wrote what God told them.

11. Lastly, Sikhism is the only religion where the Scripture is written by the Prophet of the religion who was in divine communication with God, out of all the other worldly religions whose scriptures were written later by people. Sikhism is the only religion that has in its Scripture, Hymns of Divine saints who had attained that state of perfection and communion with God in life. Be they Muslim or Hindu (from all castes). Hence Sikhism is truly a religion that has broken down barriers between religions, to show the world that, ANYONE can reach God by emersing themselves in his love.

Jaswinder Singh (Canada)

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The Birth of the Khalsa

Turn of the century, the year 1699
the Vaisakhi festival was coming
Special arrangements were ordered
Anandpur was ready and humming

Sangats were invited from afar
to join this special occasion
a sea of humanity came flooding in
it was like a Sikh invasion

Huge crowds of Sikhs had gathered
anxious,something was in the air
Bhai Mani Ram started the prayers
the great Guru Gobind was there

In the glorious robes of a General
advanced the Guru and on the dias stood
unsheathing his sword, he raised it
there was a stir, no one understood

The master spoke, pathos in his voice
"I want a head, yes a gallant head
the sacrifice of a life is needed
for the great cause that lies ahead"

Silence fell on those assembled
the Sikh sangats were stunned
the weaker ones were scared and left
Guru's voice rose above everyone

Daya Ram from Lahore made a move
he stood tall in the gathering's eye
" take my head, my Lord", he said
" by thy sword , I shall gladly die"

The Guru lead Daya Ram to a tent
a thud was heard and as they eyed
The Guru's sword was steeped in blood
"I need another head", he cried

More Sikhs left the gathering
and only the brave ones stayed
the lot were in the midst of a shock
as Dharam Dass got up and obeyed

Once again, they entered the tent
a thud and the Guru emerged repeating
yet another brave son is needed
it was hotting up in the meeting

Mokkam, Himmat and Sahib Chand
offered themselves for the cause
each in turn was lead to the tent
but after Sahib Chand came a pause

This time, the Guru and the five
they all emerged ,neatly attired
the Sikh sangat jumped with joy
thrilled at what transpired

There they stood those gallant men
in saffron robes and turbans blue
the sangat looked admiringly
and relished the precious view

Guru Gobind now thanked the men
praising their courage and devotion
the men stood bowed in humility
the air was charged with emotion

"Panj Pyaras" or the beloved five
declared the Guru,loud and clear
shall belong to an order of "Khalsa"
who shall be true and free from fear

The Khalsa was in the making
a task assigned by God to the Guru
who prayed now for God's blessings
to imbue the Khalsa with virtues true

Guru Gobind devised the Amrit
an elixir to baptise the true
to impart valour, caring love
and bestow the grace of the Guru

Amrit was made in an iron urn
wherein pure water was poured
sugar was added to sweeten it
stirring it with a double edged sword

Hymns were recited all through
sugar added on Mata Jeet's behest
as the Guru himself wanted to blend
sweet female virtues with the rest

In a ceremony that followed
which the Guru himself devised
the beloved five went through
and were with Amrit baptised

Holding swords in their hands
and on their left knee poised
Like soldiers in a combat pose
the five were now baptised

Palmfuls of Amrit were passed
given to each one in turn
they sipped it whilst they uttered
these blessed words in unison

"Waheguru ji ka Khalsa", they said
and then, "Waheguru ji ki Fateh"
to wondrous God belongs the Khalsa
so does with Him the victory stay

They sipped palmfuls of Amrit
and Amrit was sprinkled on their face
their hair and body were anointed
with Amrit concluded the final grace

They drank from the common urn
which was passed around in turn
Khalsa brotherhood was fostered
and thus the new values were won

The Guru got himself baptised
the five assisted as they were told
and thereafter others were invited
to partake and join the Khalsa fold

Thousands of Sikhs on that day
were baptised into the Khalsa fold
the order of Khalsa was ready
an order of the kind and the bold

by Jaswinder Singh Chadha

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