SunnySingh

Brother Lost soul, sikhee is not to look or seek help from any other spiritual entities such as avatrars, gods, devis or devtays .... a real sikh looks only at Guru Jee as his/her sole sustainer at all times and under all conditions For as the Bani clearly says: sabna jeea ka Iko Daata so meh visaar na jaae. And in sabna jeea enter all jeev atmas, including those of these higher beings, who have all that they have by the power of Waheguru Akal Purukh. These celestial beings have a part to play as caretakers of those planes where they they have been assigned to fulfil their seva under the Hukum of Waheguru Akal Purukh alone, nobody does anything which is not allowed by Him, even the leaf of a tree does not move without His Hukum. So bro, if He Waheguru is the bestower of everything to all the jeevas, why to extend our hand to others and not to Him, is it not an act of shame or our fatty moorakhta? Our main problem is that we read and listen the Bani without paying attention to what it is telling us, we listen it from one ear and inmediately flush it out from the other ear, thus we remain lost and confused and we go begging from door to door in hope to get some relief, but the fact is, we get away farther and farther from our ultimate goal in life : Waheguru. He is not that partial as some may ignorantly think, that He can give problems to some and solutions to others, if that was so, then that lord would not be worthy of our love and devotion. Thankfully and gladlyfor our well being, it is not the way our limited mind makes us think so.... Let us see a bit of what Guru Jee has to say regarding some points of this your present thread. ਜੈਸਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੇ ਜੋ ਖਟੇ ਸੋੁ ਖਾਇ ॥ Jaisaa Beejai So Lunae Jo Khattae Suo Khaae || As one plants, so does he harvest; whatever he earns, he eats. ਤੈਸੋ ਜੈਸਾ ਕਾਢੀਐ ਜੈਸੀ ਕਾਰ ਕਮਾਇ ॥ Thaiso Jaisaa Kaadteeai Jaisee Kaar Kamaae || According to the actions the mortal commits, so is he proclaimed. So you see, the so called problems or whatever you refer to, are nothing but our own planted seeds, which sprout under the law of His Hukum in each life form where our soul takes birth. And this nobody can change, be it any avatar of trinty or any other celestial being, if anybody dares to cross His Hukum, will have to pay for it from his/her own pocket, nothing is free nor does it happen without any cause, even if our petty intelect does not understand. Our birth and all our destines are designed before we are born, there is no such thing as editing in our prsent lives per our own wishes, Nature is not that petty nor maniplulateable by anybody or anything. As sikhs, we are only supposed to stay in His Hukum, in His bhaana, that is wisdom, for whatever has to happen, will happen for sure, and if it has not to happen, then one may try as hard as one may want, still nothing will happen, on the contrary, we may incurr in some heavy karmas due to our deep and hard ignorance. The Bani says: Jho tis bhaavay Nanaka saee ghal changee. That alone is good what He wishes, or happens under the laws of His Hukum. Now we may ask, how can I wash or remove this my ignorance? To this Guru Jee answers: ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟੈ ਤਾ ਸਹਸਾ ਤੂਟੈ ਧਾਵਤੁ ਵਰਜਿ ਰਹਾਈਐ ॥ Sathigur Bhaettai Thaa Sehasaa Thoottai Dhhaavath Varaj Rehaaeeai || Meeting with the True Guru, doubt is dispelled, and the wandering mind is restrained. ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥ Guroo Dhuaarai Hoe Sojhee Paaeisee || Through the Guru alone one obtains understanding(not otherwise). ਏਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਧੋਇ ਹਛਾ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥ Eaeth Dhuaarai Dhhoe Hashhaa Hoeisee || By this washing of the Guru(through Gurbani teachings), it becomes pure. That is why as said above, we have to pay careful attention to each "word" of Guru Jee, just as a child to the feed given by the mother. The Guru is also our mother, through their Bani, He gives us that ambrosial, nectar feed, which purifies us, and we thus become receptive to His grace, in this way it makes us stronger to face whatever may come without any tremblings or being shaky, to in the end go back to our Nijh Ghar with our faces shinned and polished by His love and grace. ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ਆਪਿ ਵਰਤਾਇਸੀ ॥ Anmrith Har Kaa Naao Aap Varathaaeisee || He Himself bestows the Ambrosial Name of the Lord. ਨਿਝਰੁ ਝਰੈ ਸਹਜ ਧੁਨਿ ਲਾਗੈ ਘਰ ਹੀ ਪਰਚਾ ਪਾਈਐ ॥ Nijhar Jharai Sehaj Dhhun Laagai Ghar Hee Parachaa Paaeeai || Nectar rains down, celestial music resounds, and deep within, wisdom is obtained. The Guru does not allow us to wander from door to door, rather makes us consciouss of the sole eternal and everlasting TRUTH of His Nam which is nowhere outside but within each and everyone of us . ਮਨਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਆਰਾਧਿਆ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ॥ Man Raam Naam Aaraadhhiaa Gur Sabadh Guroo Gur Kae || My mind worships and adores the Lord's Name,through the Word of the Guru's Shabad. ਗੁਰਿ ਤੁਠੈ ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਚਾੜਿਆ ਫਿਰਿ ਬਹੁੜਿ ਨ ਹੋਵੀ ਭੰਙੁ ॥੧॥ Gur Thuthai Har Rang Chaarriaa Fir Bahurr N Hovee Bhann(g) ||1|| When the Guru is totally satisfied and pleased, He colors us with the Lord's Love; this color shall never fade away. See the importance of attaching our surtees to that Aad Juagad Absolute Consciousness known as Nam or Shabad in the following verse of Guru Jee ਨਾਨਕ ਕੰਮਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਜਿਤੁ ਤਨਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥੪॥੫॥੭॥ Naanak Kanm N Aavee Jith Than Naahee Sachaa Naao ||4||5||7|| O Nanak, that body is of no use at all, if it does not enshrine the Name of the True Lord. || He says, we shall have wasted our precious life as huamn beings, if we do everything else, but we have not dwelt or meditated on Nam and made it "pargat" within us, for then we shall be lost in the utter darkness of maya and kaal throughout the endless wheel of 84. To your query of solving one´s problems, Guru Jee beautifully answers in the following verse: ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਭਜਿਓ ਪੁਰਖੋਤਮੁ ਸਭਿ ਬਿਨਸੇ ਦਾਲਦ ਦਲਘਾ ॥ Har Har Naam Bhajiou Purakhotham Sabh Binasae Dhaaladh Dhalaghaa || I chant and meditate on the Name of the Lord God, the Supreme Being, Har, Har; my poverty and problems have all been eradicated. You see, our biggest problem is being caught in the cycle of births and deaths, all problems arise while we are trapped in this cycle, so, Guru Jee awakens us from our deep ignoarnce by singing the mahima of Nam, and instructing us how to attach our surtees to this Nam and get freed for once and ever and merge finally in our origin, Satnam.

Why is “gaslighting”, manipulating a person's memory, so disturbing? Gaslighting is an insidious manipulation tactic many narcissists with great frequency utilize on their significant others (SOs). The narcissist gaslights in order to make his or her victims……………………… ••doubt their own judgement ••doubt their own perception ••doubt their own memory The narcissist gaslights a victim; he then wants people to doubt the victim. The narcissist gaslights the target, and thereafter he………………….. ••denies committing the abuse ••shames the victim ••discredits the victim ••lies about having committed the abuse ••acts enraged when called out for his or her unwarranted gaslighting attack Signs A Significant Other (SO) Is Being Gaslighted ••the SO wonders if he or she is good enough ••the SO wonders if he or she is losing his or her mind ••the SO hesitates to discuss even benign topics ••the SO feels, misunderstood, hopeless, and helpless ••the SO perpetually feels as if the other shoe is about to drop ••the SO feels helpless, joyless, and dysphoric ••the SO is afraid to speak up and express how he or she feels. ••the SO no longer trusts his or her judgement ••the SO is confused and disoriented ••something is clearly off with the manner in which the narcissist is behaving; however, the SO can not put a finger on what it is about the narcissist that so off putting ••the SO feels on edge all the time. ••the SO starts entertaining the idea that he or she is too sensitive ••the SO feels as if he or she should apologize for one thing or another ••the SO feels as though he or she can not do anything right. By Todd Skyler

Komie Jee, please beware in mind, though as you say that you listen the insect sound even without doing much meditation, then you must admit that it has to do with some kamaee of your previous birth/s. It is thus indeed a blessing on from Waheguru. Just pray to Him to shower you with enough kirpa so you practice meditation conscioussly and move to higher heights, but never ever be heartbroken if you see no apparent progress, for even to have faith and love for Waheguru is alraedy a great achievement, just do meditation with the hope of reaching Sach Khand, without any expectations but in a relaxed manner and be grateful at all times. then you will attract more kirpa by staying in His bhaana. This is the secret in spirituality. Perform your meditation conscioussly and concentration, the dhun, the anhad shabad, the akhoot jot, the amrit bani ..... are all already there within, we just have to turn our face from the outward worldly doors by closing them, and go within, with the focused jaap of Waheguru, just as a child repeats 1,2,3,4 or A,B,C,D. May God bless you.

Bro, I think the whole of Gurbani by itself denotes sentiments of bravery and courage, the main characteristics of Bir ras, as in each Ang, it inspires the jeev atma, soul, to fight against so many mighty enemies(the 5 vikars, the mind, maya and kaal), to defeat all of them with the weapon of Nam, and reach Home victorious. There then in Sach Khand, Sachay Patshaah Waheguru's happiness has no boundaries, for seeing His child surtee returning victorious in spite of such maha enemies to encounter and face them. All other battles and enemies, are nothing in comparison in time and space with these fierce and otherwise unbeatable enemies of the soul.

Hi Bro, Health or any other issues, all are due to karmas, so if health issues can be modified, surely all other can be also. For example one is poor, then one can also become wealthy; or if one wants to live a longer span of time, then one can also achieve it by extending the expiry date, for example if those were the cases.... And I would loved it to be so, if it was that much easy. But the fact is, each time we are born, we come with a certain amount of our total sum up of our huge, countless karmas. So the karmas we come in that particular life, have to be cleared/paid off, yes or yes, no other way. For we are not alone, we have karmic debts to clear with others, such as doctors, nurses, chemists, family members, infractors, in some cases police, judges etc..... so you see, modifying some particular karmas of a particular person would not be possible for a long chain of others karmas would had to be modified also. Nature is not that flexible or bribable as we think with partialty. Nature is perfectly executed to the smallest and invisble each detail in the mayavee creation. On the other hand, Gurbani says; Aapay beejeh aapay khaae. Which means, you yourself have sown it, now you have to eat it (whether you like it or not, whether you accept it or not). Other thing is, if anyone says, that simran of Nam alone, as per Bani can burn those seeds stored in our subtle warehouse of total karmas, I will surely agree, for that is true. Or if anyone says that, by medatitating upon Him, and by His kirpa, we can reach to such a higher level of consciousness, where we are above the effects of the karmas, that too I would accept it, for it is true and in it the law of karmas is not altered by any human bribery or ill influences..... rather the law of karmas flow, and so the does the jeeva along with it, with the only difference that, by His kirpa, the jeev atma has elevated his/her soul consciousness throug severe bhakti to such a level that, which is above where the karmas are felt. But that too, is not in the reach of any ordinary lazy and ignorant human beings, but, only to thse wadbhagee jeevas who strictly and faithfull follow the hukum as per Bani, not at the interpretations of any individual or majorities beilefs. Only Guru Jee is fit and perfect, to be followed and loved, for only by following Guru Jee, one can reach our true Home. Bro, to an extent I have answered above, plus this much can be added to complete this your second post above. What are 1200 instances of paaps in comparison to the total summary of our countless karmas in countless lifetimes? All these interpretations, are like a few drops in comaprison to a sea. So you see, if we think, with our trials we can clear our karmas, then we are mistaken, for how many glasses of water are needed to be taken out in order to vaccate the sea? Rather, would it not be adivisable, wiser and practical, to trust Waheguru, and do the jaap of His sacred Nam alone, and He as omnipotent He alone is, by attaching our surtee to His Nam, will surely pull us out in an instant. So brother let us not count our egoistic petty efforts, but rather trust His mighty arm in pulling us out from all our bonds of all types.

Bro, respect your opinion, but don´t you think it would be better to call things by its real names? For astrolgy means, astro=stars +logy = science, so it means the science of the planets/ stars/devtays. And regarding your second suggestion, all the descriptions you have mentioned are fine as they are related to sikhee, but still I would call it Gurmat, for in fact it is Gurmat, or if you want one may call it the perfect science of the Gurus, for Gurmat deals only with all that is needed/required by the soul/bride/jeev atma, to faithfully abide by the Hukum of Husband/Father Waheguru Akal Purukh, and merge in Him.

ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਜੈਸੇ ਸਰਪ ਆਰਜਾਰੀ ॥ Bin Simaran Jaisae Sarap Aarajaaree || Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, one's life is like that of a snake. ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਧ੍ਰਿਗੁ ਕਰਮ ਕਰਾਸ ॥ Bin Simaran Dhhrig Karam Karaas Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, all of one's actions and works are cursed. ਬਿਨੁ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਗਰਧਭ ਕੀ ਨਿਆਈ ॥ Bin Simaran Garadhhabh Kee Niaaee || Without meditating in remembrance on the Lord, one is like a donkey. ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਬਚਨਿ ਕੀਨੋ ਰਾਜੁ ਜੋਗੁ ॥ Gur Kai Bachan Keeno Raaj Jog Through the Guru's Word, I practice Raja Yoga, the Yoga of meditation ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟਿਆ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ॥੮॥੮॥ Naanak Gur Bhaettiaa Paarabreham ||8||8|| O Nanak, meeting with the Guru, I have found the Supreme Lord God

ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਸਿਉ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਏ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਬਦਿ ਵਜਾਵਣਿਆ Anmrith Baanee Sio Chith Laaeae Anmrith Sabadh Vajaavaniaa ||5|| Those who meditate by focusing their consciousness on the Ambrosial Bani of the Word(NAM), hear the melodies of the Ambrosial Word of the Shabad.

True, repeating/meditating Waheguru can save you from the jamdoots, but not disease, because one has to collect the harvest of the planted seeds by us. That is nature, that is the hukum which nobody can alterate or modify, like if you plant chillies, you will get chillies, not mangoes. For that, one should have planted mangoes, so nature teaches us, makes us learn by hard or easy ways, that is all depending on us, on our attitude, on us wanting to escalate the ladder of consciousness upwards, or go downwards as fools or loosers... It is also true as you say, nobody should judge anyone, for everyone at the end of the day is responsible for his/her own acts, it would be an ignorant behaviour.

As Premi Jee says, Astrology is a science, but, how do we know who is a genuine astrologer? Like on all paths, there a lots of charlatans here also wanting to make money out of fools... Bro, even if we know what is going to happen, frankly speaking, how do we think it may help us, for what has to happen will happen for sure, and what is not destined, no matter how much one may try, nothing will happen. All these planet gods, act as a mirror reflecting our own karmas, that is why some say this or that planet has a heavy influence on this or that persons, but the fact is those reflections are our own very karmas. What an irony, on one side we say Waheguru is all powerfull, and if it is so, for His hukum is attal, then what the hell can Shani Dev or any other gods do? When these spiritual entties can not free themselves from the chaurasee, what can they do to change our destiny? It is something to think about. It is blessing, that through Gurmat we know that highest spiritual Waheguru the whole and sole everlasting Truth, and thus we accept His hukum without any fear, that is why the Bani says: JHO TUS BHAVVAY NANAKA SAEE GHAL CHANGEE. All these devtays and gods are obstacles in our way towards that Supreme Truth of Waheguru so that we may remain as prisoners in this mayavee creation occupied with the karam kaand. Those who know of copper only, is all that what they seek for, but, those who know about the value of gold, do not pay any attention to copper. In a similar way, thanks to sikhee, we know what that Truth is, and it is that we seek at all times, without looking here and there because it is complete and perfect.

Sree Guru Gobind Singh and Far-Sighted Bhikhan Shah In 1666 AD Guru Tegh Bahadur was on a tour of India. He was preaching to the oppressed and frightened population to break the bonds of tyranny. All the young and old of the country knew him. Prince Gobind Rai was born on the 22nd December 1666. The news of his birth spread throughout the country. Pir Bhikhan Shah who viewed both Hindus and Muslims alike, also came to know the birth of the Guru's son. The Pir was a renowned Muslim saint. He was a resident of the village Gharam in district Ambala. A desire to see the Guru's son arose in the holy man's heart. Taking some of his followers with him, he proceeded towards Patna. Undergoing hardships on the way, the Pir reached Patna in two months. He requested Kirpal Chand the uncle of the Guru's son for the glimpse of the child. Guru Tegh Bahadur was still on his tour of Assam. Uncle Kirpal Chand said to the Pir, “Nobody can have the glimpse of the child as long as the child's father does not see his son first.” On hearing this, the Pir went on hunger strike and squated before the door. After a few days, Kirpal Chand took pity on the condition of the Pir and granted him permission to see the Prince. The Pir was very pleased to behold Prince Gobind Rai. To see whether Prince Gobind Rai, on growing up, will love more Hindus or Muslims, he placed before him two small earthen pots, one filled with water and the other with milk. In his mind, he assigned the pot containing milk to Hindus and that with water to Muslims. The Prince who loved all and was loved by everybody, placed his hands on both the pots. The Pir understood that he would give equal love and respect to both the religions. The Pir called for a third pot and presented it to the Prince. The child Guru placed his tender right hand on it. The Pir concluded from it that having equal respect for the two, he will create a third faith. The wish of the Pir was fulfilled. He returned to his hermitage at Gharam with his followers. Prince Gobind Rai stopped for a night at Gharam with him on his way to Anandpur from Patna, several years later.

Hello AnxiousMind, will try my best ability to answer your queries. *Waheguru has blessed us with the best thing which can happen to a soul in this creation: the human birth. For it is only in this form that one can understand and know Him to finally merge in Him forever, not otherwise. So be humbly grateful for it. *There is no such instant planting seeds and having harvest. Whatever you do, be good or bad, are seeds of future. Not that you buy vegetables from the market and bring them, that by reaching home you will have lunch or dinner, you have to wash, and cook them with time to be cooked and eat it, isn´t it? So, your praying also, is asking for His forgiveness nothing more. Do you even know the heavy load of your own collected karma when stepping into the creation? What is our petty prayer compared to our infinte debt of karmas? Absolutely nothing. Our liberation can only be by HIS kirpa, but for that we have to turn our face towards Him, and beg for His mercy. A mother also unless her child cries does go to feed him/her. The thing is we have forgotten our origin, we think we belong to this creation, and though we have GURU JEE, we just bow to HIM, but never ever understand what He wants us to do through Gurbani in order to do the real bhakti and obtain the real mukti by merging in Him, and not just transitory periods in Baikunth or Swarg or any other lower spiritual godly planes. * God is responsible for everything in the sense, that has created everything, but also has given us "budhee" or sense of discrimination to use it, in order to know what is good or bad and arise above the these both opposites and hold on to the only Truth, in order to get purified and get out from here, not otherwise. Of course, with our bad karmas, we will invite suffering on us; and the thing is when u do something good and believe it is His kirpa, that is only to remain humble, because otherwise one may get one´s ego fattened and that ahankar, will lead you to further suffering. Nishkam seva/actions is advised, then there are no chains or bindings upon us. *You are right, meditating upon Him, is the only way to free onself for once and ever from this mayavee creation. But do it in such a way, that you do it because our beloved Waheguru through Guru Sahiban and Bhagat Jan tell us so in the Bani, in order to invoke His grace and get ferried across. But if you think if with our/your efforts, one will achieve something, then sorry to say, we are limiting ourselves, because with our limited efforts we shall get limited results, which practically means, we can never ever erase or pay off the heavy load of our countless karmas throughout countless lives. We must bear in mind we are nothing, we have fallen in a deep and a dark well, and unless we hold on to His strong arm, we will never ever get out, so please let us stop complaining and wailing, these are tricks of the mind to keep us imprisoned here, but rather call on Him by chanting His sacred NAME, get us purified and thus board on the vessel of NAM to reach our Nijh Ghar in Sach Khand. Bhul chuk maaf jee.

At Hardwar During his eastward journey NANAK wanted to visit a Hindu holy place, called HARDWAR. This little town is situated on the banks of the river GANGA (Ganges). The Ganga is regarded as the most holy river by the Hindus. One morning, as he came to the river, he saw something strange and unusual. The people were not only bathing but also throwing and offering water to the rising sun in the east. It did not take him long to realise what was happening. But he too had a message. He quietly walked into the river near the bank and stood in the water with his back to the sun. Then he began to throw water in the opposite direction - to the west. This was unusual and strange to the other people who were throwing water to the east. Everybody bathing nearby looked at NANAK in amazement and surprise. Some thought he was insane and took no notice; while others thought him ignorant and came near to tell him what was right. Soon there was a crowd, many watching and listening from the bank. One wise looking man spoke to NANAK and asked him what he was doing. NANAK’s technique had worked. He had got them into talking without asking the people to stop and listen to him. Immediately but politely he asked, “May I know what you are doing? ” The man looked surprised at NANAK’s question and said, “Don’t you even know that? We are sending this water to our ancestors, now living in the other world, where the sun comes from.” At this, Guru NANAK smiled broadly, shook his head gently and again started to throw water in the opposite direction. Now everybody was getting impatient, because NANAK did not answer their questions, and did not stop doing something, which they thought was wrong. The crowd on the bank was really big now. The man spoke again. He seemed angry and annoyed at NANAK’s behaviour. “But you have not explained to us why you are throwing water in the wrong direction.“ By now NANAK was sure that everybody in the crowd was watching and listening. He said, “I live in Panjab which is west of this place. I have a farm there, where I had grown some crops before leaving. I have heard that there has been no rain since then. There is a drought. I am trying to save these crops from dying for lack of water. That is why I am throwing water to the west.“ Most of the people in the crowd laughed at NANAK’s reply without realising the hidden meaning and the message. The same person spoke to NANAK with even more scorn and anger. “Do you know your crops in Panjab are hundreds of miles away from here? How could this handful of water reach that far? Can’t you see that it actually falls a few feet away from where you are standing? Are you mad or just plain foolish? “ NANAK kept smiling; and when the other man had stopped his lecture, Nanak began to speak very clearly but calmly. “I can see that this water is falling back into the GANGA a few feet away, but don’t you see that the same thing is happening to the water which you throw towards the sun. If my water can’t reach a few hundred miles away in Panjab, then how can you pretend that the water, which you throw to provide for your ancestors land, in the other world, would reach there? Everybody in the crowd was stunned to hear this argument. But soon there were whispers. Suddenly they realised that this man was not an ordinary man. They were repentant. They asked him to tell them something more. NANAK in turn told them not to waste time in rituals, which served no purpose, which did not do any good for others, and which they did not even understand. Only the benefit of good deeds and sincere prayer reached the souls of the departed. His explanation was complete and so was his message.

Bhai Ghanaya’s ‘RED-CROSS’ Anandpur, the stronghold of Guru Gobind Singh was under siege by the Mughal Armies from Lahore and Sirhind for months, the defending Sikh soldiers were engaged in bloody battles with the enemy. Naturally, on both sides there were soldiers who were killed or wounded. Although, all the followers of the Guru were ready to die for him in the battlefield, there was one named Ghanaya who was rather inclined to do service only. He was very fond of the Guru, and had a very tender and compassionate heart. He did not want to fight or kill any body, whatever the reason. But he was neither a coward nor an idler. Whenever there was a battle, he was also there, not fighting but looking after the wounded. Because of the heat and exhaustion the wounded soldiers’ first need was water. So Bhai Ghanaya always carried large leather Mashak full of water on his back with which he would serve wounded soldiers, without distinction between friend and foe. This continued on for some time, until the Sikh soldiers realised that one of their own Sikh was serving water to the enemy soldiers and thus helping them. They were so angry with him that they came to the Guru and complained about the strange behaviour of Bhai Ghanaya. The Guru at once summoned him, while they were there. More Sikhs gathered round to hear how Bhai Ghanaya explain himself before the Guru. Face to face, the Guru inquired, “Bhai Ghanaya, I have been told that you are going in the battle field and helping the enemy by serving water. Is this true? ” “No my lord, not the enemy” was the humble reply. The Sikh soldiers who had complained felt very agitated at his reply and at once shouted, “No Guru Ji, he is lying. We ourselves have seen him doing so. He is not telling you the truth, he is not a good Sikh.” By now the Guru had realised what was happening. So to be fair to the agitated Sikhs, he put the question again to Bhai Ghanaya, with a slight smile, “Well Bhai Ghanaya, I know that you will not lie, but these Sikhs also will not lie. Be brave and tell us the whole truth.” This time Bhai Ghanaya spoke with confidence, “ They are correct in saying that I am serving water to the enemy soldiers, as freely as to our Sikh soldiers. But really, I am serving the wounded, whether Sikh or Mughal. To me, they all need help in their suffering. You have told us that when you clothe the naked person, you clothe me; when you feed the hungry, you feed me. And so when I give water to the needy or thirsty, I only keep you in mind. To me that person is a wounded human being, not a Sikh and nor a Muslim.” He carried on. While the Guru’s face lit up with a broad smile, the complaining Sikhs felt confused and speechless. “Well done Bhai Ghanaya, what you have been doing is good and proper. You have been acting in the true Sikh spirit. The fallen and the wounded are no longer our enemy. They are simply human being in need of help and care.” The Guru was now addressing every body present. Guru Gobind Singh then, gave some ointment and bandages to Bhai Ghanaya and asked him if he could give the injured a bit of first aid as well. This incident marks the beginning of the Sikh traditions thinking of treating the wounded in the battlefield and is in line with today’s world wide Red Cross Organisation, which came into being much later than the time of Guru Gobind Singh and Bhai Ghanaya.

Which Food One day during his travels within Panjab, Nanak reached a large village, which is now called Eminabad. His friend Mardana was with him. They were both tired and hungry and wanted to rest and have some food. Although he had never met him, Nanak knew that there was a certain person in the village named Lalo, who was an extremely humble and honest man. He was a so-called low-caste carpenter and earned his living honestly by working hard all day. Nanak went straight to his little one-room house and asked for food. Lalo too had heard about Nanak, who did not believe in caste or class, and he had once wished to visit this holy man. But he had never thought or imagined that this holy man would one day come to his house himself and even ask for food. In the same village lived another man, named Malik Bhago. He was a high caste Hindu (Brahmin) and was the headman of the village. He was rich and had acquired his wealth by wicked means. Every year, on a certain day he used to hold a feast of exotic foods for all the people of the village, so that he could prove that he was a man of charity. In turn he expected that all the people who ate his food would pray for his health and happiness in this world, as well as, a place for him in Heaven. Incidentally, the day after Guru Nanak’s arrival was the day of Malik Bhago’s annual feast. Rich exotic foods were prepared, and messengers were sent to bring every known holy man to the feast. When Malik Bhago heard the news that Nanak was also in the town, he felt very excited because who could be more important to honour his feast and pray for him. He at once sent his messengers to ask Guru Nanak to come to his annual feast. But Nanak declined the invitation. Malik Bhago was surprised at this as well as annoyed. His excitement changed into anger, and he told his messengers to go back to Nanak and bring him to his house, by force if necessary. This time when the messengers came to fetch Nanak to Bhago’s house, he did not refuse to accompany them. However, he took with him a piece of coarse ‘ROTI’ (pancake-like bread), which Lalo had prepared for him. In the meantime, a big crowd had already gathered outside Bhago’s house to see what would happen to Guru Nanak when he reached there. Soon they saw Nanak. His face was radiant with a strange and penetrating smile. Nanak was happy to see such a large crowd, as it was a good opportunity for him to teach his message. As soon as Nanak entered the house, Malik Bhago spoke in an agitated manner and said, “why is it that you have accepted coarse food from a low-caste carpenter, but do not wish to eat my richly-made dishes, which everybody else has enjoyed so much?” Nanak did not answer, but asked for a THAALI (a large steel plate) with food in it. This was brought immediately. Now Nanak sat down calmly. He gently picked a piece of richly greased ‘POOREE’ (a small fried pancake) from the thaali in one hand, and in the other he held the piece of ‘roti’ brought from Lalo’s house. He squeezed them both. To the amazement of everyone, drops of milk trickled out of Lalo’s roti, and to the horror of Bhago drops of blood oozed out of his pooree. Everybody present was stunned into silence, but Malik Bhago shouted, “what trickery is this!” To this Nanak replied all the more politely, “No, Malik Bhago, no trickery, no magic, but the plain truth. Lalo’s roti is the result of his honest labour. His roti is as pure as he is himself in his living, and so white milk symbolises his truthful life. You, Malik Bhago, have not acquired your wealth by honest means. Your rich food is the result of the blood and sweat of many who work for you, and so this blood symbolises your cruelty and tyranny.” It seemed that every word from the Guru shook Malik Bhago to accept the truth. He could not deny what the Guru had said. His pride was instantly humbled and he felt a sudden change of mind. Without saying a single word, he knelt at the Guru’s feet and begged for forgiveness. Guru Nanak lifted him up gently, embraced him and said, “Remember Malik Bhago, your annual feast will bring you no credit until you really mean to help the poor and the weak. Charity given out of ill-earned wealth brings no blessings.”

The True Bargain Right from his early school days Nanak proved to be a very talented child. His teachers were very impressed with his extra ordinary intellectual ability. He always asked his teachers questions about every thing. For example, when he was nine, the family priest came round to put a sacred thread on his body according to the Hindu tradition. Nanak questioned the Pandit about the benefits of wearing such a thread, and whether his thread would make him a better person. Some years later, when Nanak left school, his father wanted him to start a small business so that he could learn to earn his own livelihood and be able to look after his family in future. For the purpose of training, he gave him some money and asked him to go and invest in a way, which in turn could bring him some profit. His father had hoped that his son would buy some consumer goods of every day use from the near by town and sell them at their village and make some profit. A family friend accompanied him to assist. The town was some distance away. During this journey they came across a group of Sadhus (ascetics) resting under some trees. Nanak was naturally attracted to them and struck up a conversation with them. He soon found out that they were rather hungry and were also poorly clad. They had not eaten enough for some days and were feeling weak. Nanak, immediately, thought what to do with the money his father had given to him. He decided not to waste any more time talking, but to go to the town and buy all the necessary provisions needed for the Sadhus. Apart from his love of God, Nanak was very interested in the welfare of the poor and the needy. Later, after having distributed all the food and clothes, they had brought, among the Sadhus, Nanak felt very satisfied about the way he had spent his money. He thought he had made a very good bargain by putting the money to some good use. But, when Nanak reached home empty handed, his father became very angry and beat him for wasting his money. Luckily, Nanak’s elder sister (Nanaki) was around, and saved him from his father’s wrath, saying, “my brother is a messenger of God. He only does what God asks him to do.” The place where Nanak fed the hungry Sadhus was reverently remembered by Sikhs. They built a magnificent Gurdwara called SACHA SAUDA (true bargain). Later in life, when Guru Nanak was actively preaching his message to the people belonging to different trades & professions, he addressed a shopkeeper with the following message explaining the secrets of moral life: Our transient life is our shop And the Holy Name is the Merchandise, With which we are entrusted. Alertness of mind and purity of action, Are the warehouses in which store the Holy Name; Let your dealing be with the saints; They are sound and reliable customers; Take a fair profit and be happy. (SGGS)

What is Guru Kripa? A wonderful answer! Money, luxury houses, expensive cars and wealth alone are not the blessings of Guru. In this life, many crisis and calamities that disappear without our knowledge, that is Guru-Kripa. Sometimes, we somehow escape falling, and balance despite the crowded space, on the journey. The balance that saved us from falling, is the grace of Guru. Whenever it is difficult to get a meal at a time, still we get to eat full of food, That is Guru-Kripa. When you are buried under the burden of many difficulties, still you feel the strength to face them, That strength is the grace of Guru. When you're just about to give up and think it's over. Then, at that very moment, you begin to see a ray of hope and you get ready for the struggle again, That hope is Guru-Kripa. When all your relatives leave you alone in times of trouble, a teacher-brother (a friend or a sibling who believes in a teacher) comes and says to you- "You go ahead, we are with you". The courageous words of that Guru-Bandhu are the blessings of Guru. When you are at the peak of success, full of money and happiness, even at that moment you feel grounded and humble, That is Guru-Kripa. Having money, wealth and success alone is not Guru-Krupa, but when you don't have these things, you still feel happy, satisfied and blessed. That is Guru-Kripa

Happy Gurpurab to everybody. May Satguru Nanak's kirpa be upon all to be better human beings, to discern the Truth from falsehood and we may cross for once and ever this mahabhavsagar and reach our Nijh Ghar.

ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮ ਕਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ਮਿਲਾਵੈ ਸੋਇ ॥ Sathigur Dhaathaa Har Naam Kaa The True Guru is the Giver of the Name of the Lord. Prabh Aap Milaavai Soe || God Himself causes us to meet Him. Sree Guru Ram Das.

Gujjubhai….. One day some Friends dropped in on a Gujju couple, without warning for a Cup of Tea. The wife pulled the Husband aside & said, “There's no Sugar in the House, how can I serve Tea?" The husband winked at her & said, "Make Tea without Sugar for all, leave the rest to me." As soon as the Tea was served the Husband says to the Guests, “Let's Play a Game of chance. One cup of Tea has no Sugar, who ever gets it, will take us all for Dinner Tonight." The result? - All Guests Claimed, They had never Tasted such Sweet Tea! That's the tactics of Great Gujjus.

Can doing nam simran really wash off sins away?? Brother Thelost soul, as per the question of this your thread, the best and most complete answer can be given by Guru Jee alone, let´s see what does Panchvee Patshahee say in the following verses: kilvikh sabh dokh binaasan har naam japee-ai gur mantan kai. All sins and sufferings are erased, chanting the Lord's Name, under Guru's Instructions. moh sog vikaar bikh-rhay japat naam uDhaarano. Emotional attachment, sorrow, corruption and pain - chanting the Naam, the Name of the Lord, one is saved from these. At other place Guru Jee says: raam naam bin mukath n hoee kith bidh paar langhaaee hae |14| Without the Lord's Name, liberation is not obtained; how can anyone cross over? So to summarize, you can well see how Guru Jee says that, all sins can erased by the jaap of Nam, then He goes a step still further and in the third verse, He is telling us that, no matter what other practices you may do, or how many times you may spend in doing them, but keep in mind that, without repeating His holy Nam, liberation can never ever be achieved. Such is the supreme importance of Nam japna as per Gurmat. * Then regarding your other question of that if Nam japna will protect you from bad people.... Well, frankly speaking, the Lord has openly and abundantdly given the sense of discrimination, so let us make use of it. We all know what is good or bad, so why blame others? Be bold, be strong, in order to avoid bad company. If you become weak, people will take advantage of you and drag you downhill. Suppose you see a tiger or a lion from a relative distance, what will you do? Will you not try to go far away and secure yourself, or will you allow these beasts to come near enough to devour you? It is a matter of common sense, to protect oneself. Same applies to bad or good sangat. Seek good sangat, and shun away from the bad one. Waheguru is merciful on you, by allowing you to realize your mistakes, so learn from them, to avoid falling down again. Then bro, His mercy will always fall upon you. Be brave, lovingly hold on to the only existing Truth, His holy Name, and He himself will pull you out from the terrible and sickening mayavee bhavsagar. Do not pay much attention to what others do or say, but diligently follow only what Guru Jee says, because in the end it is by putting into practice/action the pure teachings of Guru Jee only, which will ferry you across, from here or wherever to Sach Khand. Guru Jee is the only perfect teacher of the Truth only, rest of us all are just manmukh moorakhs. Such is beant the wadeeayee of Guru Jee and Gurmat. Next time you post, would like to hear from you that you are walking on the straight road of purity and morality. May God bless you.

Nice reflections/questions Bro. People as a general rule think that Name or Nam referred by Guru Jee or Bhagat Jan, is a words or words. But the fact is, Guru Sahiban when refered to IT, referred to that eternal Highest Truth/Consciouss Creative Power/Energy, which has created all that exists, nothing exists which is not created by that Nam. If Nam was a word, how can a word create something or the whole creation? But that Nam /Shabad/Anhad Bani, is the supraconsciouss creative Eneregy or Power beyond the spheres of the mind as referred by Guru Sahiban and the Bhagat Jan fdor example in the Bani. In the Bible that Energy is knows as the "WORD". That is why Christ says: In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God, nothing exists which is not created by the Word. So you see, in different faiths/languages, that POWER has different denominations, but that Power has nothing to do with those words, it is reality beyond any expressions created by us. That POWER existed when there was no creation, then there were no languages, so does that mean, IT did not existed? Certainly not. Then also that POWER is changeless and is eternal, for that reason, Guru Sahiban added the prefix SAT to that Nam, for it is as it is as always, it is not afected by time space or any other elements/aspects, so it became Satnam, which means, that Power, that Nam, that Shabad is the eternal changeless TRUTH. So Nam is that original creative POWER, and with the prefix SAT, which means that that POWER is the ultimate changeless and eternal TRUTH. Further on, Guru Sahiban describes that Nam by saying it is Karta Purukh, which means that POWER is the sole doer or creator of everything, none other apart from IT. No incarnations, no devis, no devtays, no trinities, nothing ..... all of these entities are placed in the creation for specific tasks assigned to them by Akal Purukh, to run the creation, that´s it. Now, when Guru Sahiban says, Eko Nam hukum hae .... He means to say, that, it our duty to realiz or manifest that Supraconsciouss Power within us, and not to get impressed, or devote any other entity lesser than that NAM, for its is by attaching ourselves to that Conscoiuss Power within us, that, we can reach and merge in that our origin which is NAM. But then we may ask, how to can we reach or manifest that Nam within us? Usually, different people repeat different mantras to quiten the mind and to go within ourselves by entering the subtler or spiritual relams. All mantras, are like having purchased air tickets for different destinations, and by repeating them, one can reach different destinations. For example let us take Heathrow airport. Not all passengers there are going to travel to the same destination, all go to different directions. If one repeats Sree Krishna, Sree Ram or Sree Vishnu for example, one may at most go to Baikunth, the abode of Vishnu Jee. But as per Gurmat, one wants to go beyond al the mayavee subtler planes, one has to meditate on that POWER which is beyond mind, maya and Kal and that is Satnam as seen right from the beginning in the first Ang of Guru Jee : Ik Oankar Satnam. This term of Satnam is known to us, by the apaar kirpa of Guru Sahiban, the dewellers, the permanent residents of that realm of Highest Truth known as Sach Khand. So in order to reach that realm of Satnam, what have we got to do? Well, as said before, to meditate on IT. That is why the Bani says: JAP MAN SATNAM SADAAH SATNAM. Now, repeating Satnam will make us concentrate, and only take us within to a certain level, where our real spiritual journey starts, when by His kirpa, we can see and listen, the Jot and Shabad Dhun of that Nam. NAM JISKAY MAN VASEEYA, VAJEH SHABAD GANERE Then the jeev atma, has to board and place itself in that vessel of Nam or Shabad Guru within, like a child in the loving arms of the mother, and that Shabad Guru with is jot will cleanse us from all our impurities, break our karmic bonds, release us from births and deaths and finally take us into the lap of our true father SATNAM., not only that, but our surtee will merge and blend into SATNAM,and undistinguishly become one with our origin SATNAM. The purpose of Guru Sahiban or Bhagat Jan, was only to disclose or reveal the reality of that TRUTH of SATNAM to us manmukh moorakhs, so that we the strayed souls could save our souls for once and ever. This is the AKATH KATHAA (unuterrable and indecribable wadeeayee) of Guru Jee.

Thank you so much bhaa jee, for the wonderful post above, so inspirational, so true. This is the real description of love and devotion to the highest and ultimate Truth of the Almighty Lord of His true eternal form of Nam. Thank you once again.

ਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਸਤਾਰਾ ॥ Jug Mehi Raam Naam Nisathaaraa || In this age, emancipation(mukti) comes only from the Lord's Name. Raag Suhi Sree Guru Amar Das