Harbhajan

Open Mind The mind is like a parachute - it works best when it is open. How quickly we make assumptions, jump to conclusions and close our mind. How easily we form and hold fast to our opinions and then close our mind. How fast do we make a judgement, slap on a label and then close our mind. A closed mind never knows the delight of playing with possibilities, being enlightened by others point of view or enjoying the diversity of human life. An open and understanding mind never assumes, doesn't jump to conclusions and won't hold fast to any opinion. Perhaps it is no wonder a closed mind is not a very relaxed mind. www.relax7.com

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree on Pannaa 266 sagal purakh mehi purakh pradhhaan || saadhhasa(n)g jaa kaa mittai abhimaan || aapas ko jo jaanai neechaa || sooo ganeeai sabh thae oochaa || jaa kaa man hoe sagal kee reenaa || har har naam thin ghatt ghatt cheenaa || man apunae thae buraa mittaanaa || paekhai sagal srisatt saajanaa || sookh dhookh jan sam dhrisattaethaa || naanak paap pu(n)n nehee laepaa ||6|| Among all persons, the supreme person is the one who gives up his egotistical pride in the Company of the Holy. One who sees himself as lowly, shall be accounted as the highest of all. One whose mind is the dust of all, recognizes the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, in each and every heart. One who eradicates cruelty from within his own mind, looks upon all the world as his friend. One who looks upon pleasure and pain as one and the same, O Nanak, is not affected by sin or virtue. ||6|| http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?Sour...95&Format=2 Warn: (0%)

LAW OF KARMA The relationship between time and action should be recognized. Every action, whether good or bad, has its consequence. There is no action in the world which is devoid of consequence. This is the law of nature. For instance, when a finger is cut by a knife, immediately the finger starts bleeding. The result of the cut is instantaneous. However, when you sow a seed, it becomes a sapling after some days. But to bear fruit, it takes some years. Thus, every action has a consequence, but the time interval between action and result varies. One who is aware of this truth is unlikely to commit any wrong deeds because he knows that good deeds produce good results and bad deeds lead to bad consequences. Recognition of the law of Karma will make people lead proper lives. People today take to wrong paths because they have not realized this truth. source: email from friend

The seeds you nourish Those seeds that receive water and nourishment are the seeds that will grow. What seeds in your life are you watering right now? Life is constantly sprouting new possibilities. During each day, many and various influences will fall upon the fertile ground of your consciousness. The quality of your life depends on which of those influences you allow to take hold and grow. It pays to select them wisely. If you nourish the seeds of anger, violence, envy and resentment, then thorny, tangled stalks will soon spring up all around you. If instead you nurture the seeds of love, hope, kindness, creativity and joy, a lush and lovely garden will begin to flower in your life. Choose in each moment to nourish those seeds that will in turn grow to nourish and support you. Hold on to and build those influences that will bring value, meaning, richness and fulfillment to your life. Follow those possibilities that are the most positive and meaningful. And make the garden of your life a beautiful, peaceful and productive place. -- Ralph Marston http://www.greatday.com/motivate/

http://www.sikhsangat.org/publish/article_769.shtml From SikhSangat.org Canada Meet Sardar Martin (Jarnail) Singh By Jagpal S Tiwana (Director Communications) Jan 24, 2006, 21:32 The Maritime Sikh Society created its own little piece of history when it unanimously elected a 33-year-old gora (white) Sikh, Martin (Jarnail ) Singh, as its president for the year 2006 at its annual meeting on December 11, 2005. The Maritime Sikh Society is an organization of Sikhs who settled in Nova Scotia, Canada, primarily during the early 1960s. This organization has many unique features. It has been electing its executive unanimously ever since it was founded in 1968. Both men and women have equal roles in running the Gurdwara with both genders having occupied all levels of the Executive. The Gurdwara has an extensive library that includes both current publications and classics, representing both Sikhs and Western authors. The Maritime Sikh Society website can be accessed at http://home.istar.ca/~cye/mss.html . The organization is free from factional fighting. Both turbaned and non-turbaned Sikhs sit and work together in harmony. There are about 90 Sikh families in the Maritimes, Martin is the only Gora (white) Sikh in this region. Electing a white Canadian Sikh as our President is another feather in our turban. Martin Singh, son of Eric and Shirley Hill, was raised on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. Martin Singh’s mother’s side of the family has been living on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia for the last 200 years. Martin was interested in both politics and religion while growing up. He is now quite active in the New Democratic Party. Martin’s education includes a BSc in Chemistry, a BEng in Chemical Engineering, and a BSc in Pharmacy. When Martin was about 15, he began searching for a faith that he was comfortable with. "Three years later I was in Calgary for a political convention" recalls Martin, "and it was at this same convention that I met a number of people from the Sikh community from Calgary and the rest of Canada. Through a Sikh friend, Dalwinder Aujla, I acquired a number of texts that spoke about the Sikh faith, I felt as though I had found what I been looking for. After completing a good amount of reading and performing a good amount of soul searching, the conversion to becoming a Sikh felt as though it was the natural next step." Martin came to the Gurdwara at 10 Parkill Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia for the first time in October 1991 and got baptized a few years later at Martindale Gurdwara in Calgary. Though he got a new name, Jarnail Singh after the Amrit (baptism) ceremony, it did not stick to him as there were no Sikh families in the area he lived in. For his relatives and friends he was still Martin. Martin’s search for a life partner took him to Amritsar in 1997 where he met Amandeep Kaur and her family. The marriage took place at the local Gurdwara located in A Block, Ranjeet Avenue in Amritsar. The couple is now blessed with twin sons, Sukhamrit and Haramrit born in 2001 and a two-year-old daughter Ariadeep. Martin is well accepted as a turbaned and bearded Sikh by both his family and friends. "The reaction from my family has been generally nonchalant in that my life is mine to live and so long as I don't interfere in their lives, they will not interfere in mine" remarks Martin. "I do not feel as though I have lost any friends as a result of my conversion. One important factor that may work to my benefit is that being a Sikh does not require me to proselytize. First of all, if actively trying to convert others was part of the Sikh faith, it would lie outside my own personal belief system and secondly, I think that preaching my faith to others would have the potential to generate conflict", observes Martin. In his opening speech in the Gurdwara after taking oath of office, Martin stressed the one of the basic principles of Sikhism, i.e. to help the poor and needy - vand Ke Chhakana. To put this in practice, Martin made a fervent appeal to the sangat to bring at least one item for the Food Bank every Sunday they visit the Gurdwara. Martin has qualities of leadership and Sikhs in Nova Scotia are looking forward to a very exciting year with Martin as head of their Gurdwara. Powered by SikhSangat.com

Power of patience Listen patiently, and you will better understand. Work patiently, and you will build lasting value. In patience there is power. In patience, there is the expression of real and abiding love. Patience melts away painful and destructive anxieties. Patience helps to avoid careless mistakes. Patience reveals a depth of strong character. Patience provides comfort and refuge for those who are weary of the world's frustrations. Patience is crucial to persistence. And with sufficient persistence, any goal can be reached. Each day, there are opportunities to make use of the power of patience. As you strengthen your patience, so do you greatly expand the positive possibilities for your life. -- Ralph Marston http://www.greatday.com/motivate/ -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is patience? Patience is the ability to: Sit back and wait for an expected outcome without experiencing anxiety, tension, or frustration. Let go of your need for immediate gratification. Display tolerance, compassion, understanding, and acceptance toward those who are slower than you in developing maturity, emotional freedom, and coping abilities. Accept your human frailty in the pursuit of personal, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Accept the set backs and reversals inevitable in your quest for personal growth. Believe in the concepts of permanence and commitment. Be calm and considerate as you handle the growth issues in your committed relationships in marriage, family, career, community, or church. Hang on to a relationship when trouble arises that may take some time to resolve. Feel peace, contentment, and satisfaction that you are on the path to recovery and personal growth. Temper your enthusiasm, energy, exuberance, and excitement after you have experienced a renewal of spirit, received revelations or insights. Accept the non-enthusiastic reception of others to share in your ``new found truths.'' Accept that there is no need to rush yourself or others in facing the challenges of emotional growth. See that overnight reformations are rarely long lasting; gradual change and growth have a greater durability. Feel relaxed, calm, and placid as you face your daily schedule and the challenges it presents. Believe that your day to day efforts, sacrifices, and changes are building a new edifice of a whole person with healthy self-esteem. Feel satisfied with the use of the Tools for Coping tools in a gradual reshaping, rebuilding, and remodeling of yourself into a confident, secure, trusting, loving person dealing in healthy communication, and self-actualization. What are some negative consequences of impatience? By being impatient you can: Run the risk of always being dissatisfied, upset, and angry at yourself for your slow pace of growth and change. Easily lose your control and fire off outbursts of anger, temper, and blame on those who are slow to change and grow. Become a member of the ``throw away'' generation, discarding relationships, people, jobs, and school whenever things are not working out as quickly as you want them to. Waste energy worrying about how slow things are changing instead of directing that energy toward the changes you desire. Withdraw prematurely from a helping situation because you are not seeing an immediate pay off for your efforts. Turn off the others in your life who want to support you, but whom you offend by accusing them (when change is slow) of ``not helping you enough.'' Sacrifice friendships and relationships prematurely because the other person is not changing as quickly or as thoroughly as you desire. Ignore all of the positive gains you and others have made on the road to recovery and growth, only concentrating on what has not yet been accomplished. Become pessimistic about life, seeing only the ``half empty cup'' rather than the ``half filled cup.'' Be in such a hurry that you neglect to count your blessings and see how far you have come. Burn yourself out in the pursuit of your goals. Lose the ability to reward or reinforce any level of success or attainment, discouraging yourself and others in the pursuit of recovery and growth. Lose the ability to take a large goal and break it down into manageable increments. Become overwhelmed by the large tasks ahead of you and lose the hope and motivation to keep on trying. http://www.coping.org/growth/patient.htm#What

A BAG OF NAILS Once upon a time there was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he should hammer a nail in the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. But gradually, the number of daily nails dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the first day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He proudly told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a person and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say 'I'm sorry', the wound is still there." source: http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/anger.html

Living and Giving Whatever you give away today, or think or say or do will multiply about tenfold and then return to you. It may not come immediately, nor from the obvious source but the law applies unfailingly, through some invisible force. Whatever you feel about another, be it love or hate or passion will surely bounce right back to you in some clear (or secret) fashion If you speak about some person, a word of praise or two, soon, tens of other people will speak kind words of you. Our thoughts are broadcasts of the soul, not secrets of the brain Kind ones bring us happiness; petty ones, untold pain Giving works as surely as reflections in a mirror. If hate you send, hate you'll get back, but loving brings love nearer. Remember, as you start this day and duty crowds your mind, that kindness comes so quickly back to those who first are kind. Let that thought and this one direct us through each day. The only things we ever keep are the things we give away source: http://www.storybin.com/builders/builders116.

15 Ways to Enhance Your Day Get up early. Look around outside before going to work Relax and enjoy your meals. Spend time with friends. Pace yourself. Find a quiet place to go to. Praise yourself and others. Develop positive relationships. See your mistakes as stepping stones. Keep track of your own moods so you can watch out for them. Say No without feeling guilty. Learn effective time management. Pay attention to health, diet and sleep. Exercise regularly. Keep from comparing yourself to others source: http://www.storybin.com/lists/list107.shtml

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1377138.cms Punjab village cries for unborn girls I P Singh [ Thursday, January 19, 2006 01:25:43 amTIMES NEWS NETWORK ] NAWANSHAHR (PUNJAB): Tired of losing out daughters even when they are in the womb and seeing entire villages full of just men, residents of Naura — a small village near Banga in Punjab — have decided they must do something before it is too late. Two days ago when news came that an unborn girl had been murdered in her mother Manjit Kaur's womb, hundreds of villagers wearing white assembled outside Manjit Kaur's house and took out a "funeral procession". Fighting female foeticide under the umbrella of Upkaar Coordination Committee, the villagers even held a shok sabha (condolence meeting). "The government is doing what it can but this is finally our problem. A society just can't sit aloof as children die in wombs," said Jaspal Singh Gidda, general secretary of the committee. Darshan Singh, a farmer who joined the protest, said, "A girl died even before her birth. When will the society mourn its missing girls? This is a good time to start." He had reasons to be appalled. Years ago someone in his family had done just that and he hadn't been able to come out of the shock. For the uninitiated, for long Punjab has seen the killing of its unborn girls with alarming persistence and cruelty. At present it has a sex ratio of 874 girls to 1,000 boys against the national average of 933. It continues to lose one-fourth of all girls who would be born. In certain areas, the problem is so acute that a Bill Gates Foundation-sponsored study reported a ratio of just 628 in Khamano block of Fatehgarh Sahib. Nawanshahr deputy commissioner Krishan Kumar said a two-member committee, consisting of a civil surgeon, child development officer, and a panchayat officer had probed the matter. "It confirmed the incident to be a case of female foeticide," Kumar said, adding that he had written to the Hoshiarpur SSP asking him to register a case. The family at the centre of episode denied the allegation. Manjit's mother-in-law Bhajan Kaur said her 'bahu' underwent abortion after she bled profusely. But sadness was writ large in the eyes of Manjit, who is already a mother of a three-year-old daughter

A Creed To Live By by Nancye Sims Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love. The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Don't dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; to be without hope is to be without purpose. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you're going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. source: http://www.storybin.com/lists/list103.shtml

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gujri on Pannaa 520 pauVI ] hovY suKu Gxw diX iDAwieAY ] vMY rogw Gwix hir gux gwieAY ] AMdir vrqY TwiF pRiB iciq AwieAY ] pUrn hovY Aws nwie mMin vswieAY ] koie n lgY ibGnu Awpu gvwieAY ] igAwn pdwrQu miq gur qy pwieAY ] iqin pwey sBy Qok ijsu Awip idvwieAY ] qUM sBnw kw Ksmu sB qyrI CwieAY ]8] pourree || hovai sukh ghanaa dhay dhhiaaeiai || va(n)n(j)ai rogaa ghaan har gun gaaeiai || a(n)dhar varathai t(h)aadt prabh chith aaeiai || pooran hovai aas naae ma(n)n vasaaeiai || koe n lagai bighan aap gavaaeiai || giaan padhaarathh math gur thae paaeiai || thin paaeae sabhae thhok jis aap dhivaaeiai || thoo(n) sabhanaa kaa khasam sabh thaeree shhaaeiai ||8|| Pauree: Meditating on the Lord, there comes a great peace. Multitudes of illnesses vanish, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. Utter peace pervades within, when God comes to mind. One's hopes are fulfilled, when one's mind is filled with the Name. No obstacles stand in the way, when one eliminates his self-conceit. The intellect attains the blessing of spiritual wisdom from the Guru. He receives everything, unto whom the Lord Himself gives. You are the Lord and Master of all; all are under Your Protection. ||8|| http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?Sour...66&Format=2

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060114/punjab1.htm#13 ‘Janamsaakhis’ on Internet Tribune News Service Patiala, January 13 Punjabi University, Patiala, has digitalised and downloaded “purataan janamsaakhis†on the Internet (www.advancedcentrepunjabi.org/janamsaakhi/). The “janamsaakhis†are available in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi (Urdu) scripts. With a click of the mouse any page of the text could be converted from Gurmukhi to Shahmukhi and vice versa. The project has been developed at the Advance Centre of Technical Development of Punjabi Language, Literature and Culture, under the leadership of its Director, Dr Gurpreet Singh Lehal. Other members of the team are Anwar Chirag, Rakesh Dabra, Shallu Kalra and Jaspal Singh.

Harimandir Sahib This unique temple of God has been built at the lowest level because it represents the humility of Guru Nanak. Humility Incarnate Guru Arjan selected the lowest level because this was to be the eternal seat of the Prophet of Humility, Sri Guru Nanak Sahib (manifest Sri Guru Granth Sahib). Sri Guru Arjan Sahib got Sri Harimandir Sahib built in the midst of the sarovar (tank) at the lowest level. Unlike other temples where the devotees have to climb up to offer their obeisance, here the devotees have to step down to offer their homage. This unique temple of God has been built at the lowest level because it represents the humility of Guru Nanak. Humility Incarnate Guru Arjan selected the lowest level because this was to be the eternal seat of the Prophet of Humility, Sri Guru Nanak Sahib (manifest Sri Guru Granth Sahib). The Sikhs were anxious to raise the plinth of Sri Harimandir Sahib higher than all the surrounding buildings and had strongly pleaded with the Guru for doing so but wonderful were divine outpourings of the Humility Personified Guru Arjan. Some extracts: Garibi Gada Hamari, Khana Sagal Rein Chhari Is Aage Ko Na Tikai Vekari Sri Guru Granth Sahib (628) “Humility is my mace; becoming the dust of everybody’s feet is my sword. No evil doer can dare withstand these weaponsâ€. For a sikh, the Guru is the soul of his own soul. Dasan Das Rein Dasan Ki, Jan Ki Tehal Kamawon, Sarab Sookh Badyai Nanak Jiwon Mukhon Blawo Sri Guru Granth Sahib (529) “I have become dust of the feet of the slaves of His slaves and I serve His servants. Thus, I have achieved true joy and honour, I live by uttering His Holy Name†In this Great Temple, the four doors in all the four directions were thrown open to all the religions, to rich and poor, to high and low, and to the out-castes. All were welcome in this House of God. The poor, the low, the meak, the oppressed and the humble felt the presence of God face to face. All religions have produced true lovers of God. A muslim mystic, a true lover of God, Hazrat Mian Mir, who had become a legend in his very life-time, was invited to lay the foundation stone of this Universal Temple of God, further signifying that this Temple of God belonged to all. On Dharma, religion, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib clarifies : Sarb Dharam Mehn Sreisht Dharam Har Ko Nam Jap Nirmal Karam Sri Guru Granth Sahib (266) The best of all Religions is the yearning for the Divine and purity of deeds. Source: http://www.srigurugranthsahib.org/featured/harimandir.htm

"Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look on the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone you meet a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger." - Christian D. Larsen

http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Seva Seva Seva: also spelt as ‘Sewa’. To perform selfless service, without any thought of reward or personal benefit. All Sikhs are encouraged by their Guru to perform Seva or Selfless Service. This is not only good for community relations but also is good for the soul. So you will find Sikhs engaged in free service in Gurdwaras washing dishes or cleaning the floors, etc. Sikhs are also encouraged to help the community by performing unpaid work in Hospitals, Old Peoples Homes, Community Centres, etc. 1. The Guru tells the follower that peace can be obtained through Seva: “You shall find peace, doing seva†(SGGS page 25) 2. The Sikh has to make a concerted effort to seek opportunities to perform Seva. One has to focus ones mind on this duty and ones human function so that the opportunity of this life are not wasted. When you perform Seva, the mind should recite Gurbani: “Center your awareness on seva and focus your consciousness on the Word of the Shabad.†(SGGS page 110) 3. Three things are necessary to obtain salvation and liberty and they are: To perform Seva, to follow Gurbani and to do Simran: “Do seva, follow the Guru’s Teachings, and vibrate the Lord’s Name, Har, Har.†(SGGS page 176) SEVA from Sanskrit rot sev meaning to serve, wait or attend upon, honour, or worship, is usually translated as ‘service’ or ‘serving’ which commonly relates to work paid for, but does not convey the sense in which the term is used in the Sikh tradition. The word seva has, in fact had two distinct connotations; one, it means to serve, to attend to, to render obedience to and the second, to worship, to adore, to reverence, to pay homage to. Traditionally in the Indian (Hindu) society, seva in the sense of worship (of gods) has been the preserve of the high-caste Brahmans, while that in the sense of service (to man) relegated to the lowest of the castes. In the Sikh sense, the two connotations seem to have merged together for the reasons: first, because of its egalitarian meaning. Sikhism does not recognize caste distinctions, and hence no distinctive caste roles in it; and second, God in Sikhism is not apart from His creatures. He pervades His Creation (GG, 1350). Therefore service rendered to humanity (i.e. God in man) is indeed considered a form of worship. In fact, in Sikhism, no worship is conceivable without seva (GG, 1013). The Sikh is forbidden from serving anyone apart from God (‘Serve you the Lord alone: none else must you serve’ ((GG, 490). However, this also means that whomsoever we serve, we really serve our Lord through him. Therefore it becomes incumbent upon the Sikh to render seva with the highest sense of duty since thereby he or she is worshipping the Lord. Seva in Sikhism is imperative for spiritual life. It is the highest penance (GG, 423). It is a means to acquiring the highest merit. The Sikh often prays to God for a chance to render seva. Says Guru Arjan, Nanak V, “I beg to serve those who serve you (GG, 43)†and “I, your servant, beg for seva of your people, which is available through good fortune alone (GG, 802).†According to Guru Amar Das, “He who is turned towards the Guru finds repose and joy in seva†(GG, 125). Three varieties of seva are sanctioned in the Sikh lore: that rendered through the corporal instrument (tan), that through the mental apparatus (man) and that through the material wherewithal (dhan). The first of them is considered to be the highest of all and is imperatively prescribed for every Sikh. “Cursed are the hands and feet that engage not in seva†(Bhai Gurdas, Varan, 27.1). In traditional Indian society work involving corporal labour was considered low and relegated to the humblest castes. By sanctifying it as an honourable religious practice, the Sikh Gurus established the dignity of labour, a concept then almost unknown to the Indian society. Not only did the Gurus sanctify it; they also institutionalized it, e.g. service in Guru ka Langar (the Guru’s community kitchen) and serving the sangat (holy assembly) in other ways such as by grinding corn for it, fanning it to soften the rigour of a hot day and drawing water for it. “I beg of you, O, Merciful One, make me the slave of your Slaves. . . Let me have the pleasure of fanning them, drawing water for them, grinding corn for them and of washing their feet,†prays Guru Arjan (GG, 518). Seva through the mental apparatus ("mann") lies in contributing ones talents—creative, communicative, managerial, etc.—to the corporate welfare of the community and mankind in general. It also lies in sharing the pain of others. Response to the pain of others is a sine qua non of the membership of the brotherhood of man. That is why the Sikh prayer (Ardas) said in unison ends with a supplication for the 'welfare of all Sarbaht dah Phahla. Seva of this kind is motivated not by the attitude of compassion alone, but primarily to discover practical avenues for serving God through man. Seva through material means (dhan) or philanthropy (dan) was particularly sought to be made non-personal. The offerings (kar bheta) made to the Gurus and the dasvandh (tithe) contributed by the Sikhs went straight into the common coffers of the community. Personal philanthropy can be debasing for the receiver and ego-entrenching for the giver, but self-effacing community service is ennobling. Seva must be so carried out as to dissolve the ego and lead to self-transcendence, which is the ability to acknowledge and respond to that which is other than oneself. Seva must serve to indicate the way in which such transcendence manifests in one’s responsiveness to the needs of others in an impersonal way. The Sikh is particularly enjoined upon to render seva to the poor. “The poor man’s mouth is the depository of the Guruâ€, says the Rahitnama of Chaupa Singh. The poor and the needy are, thus, treated as legitimate recipients of dan (charity) and not the Brahman who had traditionally reserved for himself this privilege. Even in serving the poor, one serves not the individual concerned, but God Himself through him. Even as one feeds the hungry, it has been the customary Sikh practice to pray: “The grain, O God, is your own gift. Only the seva is mine which please be gracious enough to accept.†In the Sikh way of life, seva is considered the prime duty of the householder (grihasthi). “That home in which holymen are not served, God is served not. Such mansions must be likened to graveyards where ghosts alone abideâ€, says Kabir (GG, 1374). The Sikhs are all ordained to be householders, and seva their duty. In Sikh thought, the polarity of renunciation is not with attachment, but with seva. True seva according to Sikh scriptures must be without desire (nishkam), guileless (nishkapat), in humility (nimarta), with purity of intention (hirda suddh), with sincerity (chit lae) and in utter selflessness (vichon ap gavae). Such seva for the Sikh is the doorway to dignity as well as to mukti (liberation). “If one earns merit here through seva, one will get a seat of honour in His Court hereafter†(GG, 26). According to Sikh tenets, “You become like the one you serve†(GG, 549). Therefore, for those who desire oneness with God, serving God and God alone is the prime way. But God in Sikhism is transcendent as well as immanent. The Transcendent One is ineffable and can only be conceived through contemplation. Service of God, therefore, only relates to the immanent aspect of God and comprises service of His creatures. Humanitarian service is thus the Sikh ideal of seva. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Teja Singh, Essays in Sikhism, Lahore, 1941 2. —, Sikhism: Its ideals and Institutions. Bombay, 1951 3. Cole, W. O. and Piara Singh Sambhi, The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Delhi, 1978 4. Avtar Singh, Ethics of the Sikhs. Patiala, 1970 5. Wazir Singh, Philosophy of Sikh Religion. Delhi, 1981

A REASON, A SEASON OR A LIFETIME ! People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on. When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Author Unknown source: http://www.naute.com/love/reason.phtml

This Shabad is by Guru Amar Daas Ji in Raag Saarang on Pannaa 1247 pourree || naam salaahan naam ma(n)n asathhir jag soee || hiradhai har har chithavai dhoojaa nehee koee || rom rom har oucharai khin khin har soee || guramukh janam sakaarathhaa niramal mal khoee || naanak jeevadhaa purakh dhhiaaeiaa amaraa padh hoee ||25|| Pauree: Those who praise the Naam, and believe in the Naam, are eternally stable in this world. Within their hearts, they dwell on the Lord, and nothing else at all. With each and every hair, they chant the Lord's Name, each and every instant, the Lord. The birth of the Gurmukh is fruitful and certified; pure and unstained, his filth is washed away. O Nanak, meditating on the Lord of eternal life, the status of immortality is obtained. ||25|| http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?Sour...91&Format=2 _________________

Giving Our acts of generosity, as we can readily see, often result in deep satisfaction: bringing joy to another brings us the joy of a more open, magnanimous, peaceful and loving heart. Whether we give a material gift or our time, our friendship or our prayers, respect or courtesy, emotional support or some other kindness, it strengthens our spirit. The more genuine and selfless the giving, the more profound is its effect. When a person in need asks us for help, the giving can be more difficult but more important than when we initiate the giving. Is the need genuine? Should we respond in the requested manner? Do we have the means to help? Can we afford to help? Such considerations wield a two-edged sword. The questions may be real, but their consideration can easily be infected by our self-centeredness. Being asked for help provides an opportunity to see and understand ourselves in an unexpected way. We work to notice how and why we respond as we do. Giving expresses the deep truth of connection and unity. Giving purifies our heart, weakening our egoism. But much more importantly, giving helps others and brings them at least momentary happiness. Selflessness does not consider our own benefit as the giver and has no expectation or motive of personal reward. Selfless giving is not about return on investment. For this week, notice your attitudes, thoughts, emotions, and intentions with regard to giving. Source: http://www.innerfrontier.org/InnerWork/Arc...1219_Giving.htm

Personally I highly recommend "Chandan" de dhoof. It is sold under the trade mark of "Mother India". Chandan is a very cool and light fragrance, it relaxes the mind and helps in meditation ! It is a product of India and is available in most "Indian/Punjabi" retail stores.

You have the power Rarely is anything ever as difficult as you first imagine it to be. More often than not, the greatest difficulty you must overcome is convincing yourself to get started. Imagine what would happen if you could simply stop fighting with yourself and could just go ahead with whatever needs to be done. The great and empowering fact is, you can. What if all the energy you put into avoiding effort was suddenly redirected into productive action? It can happen much more easily than you think. What if you stopped making excuses and started making real progress? The good news is, you don't have to just imagine it. You have the power to get yourself started. You have the power to overcome all those complaints and worries, anxieties, doubts and excuses that exist only within the confines of your mind. For you control your mind, and your mind directs your actions. Make use of that awesome power, and truly great things will quickly begin to happen. -- Ralph Marston source: http://www.greatday.com/motivate/

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree on Pannaa 255 salok || jhaalaaghae out(h) naam jap nis baasur aaraadhh || kaarhaa thujhai n biaapee naanak mittai oupaadhh ||1|| Shalok: Rise early in the morning, and chant the Naam; worship and adore the Lord, night and day. Anxiety shall not afflict you, O Nanak, and your misfortune shall vanish. ||1|| source: http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?Sour...08&Format=2

Universal Feelings Everything Is Relative Every day we hear stories of personal suffering and loss that far exceed our own. When we compare our situations to those of people living in war-torn countries or those who have lost their homes and livelihoods to natural disasters, it is tempting to minimize our own experiences of suffering. We may feel that we don't have a right to be upset about the breakup of a relationship, for example, because at least we have food to eat and a roof over our heads. While awareness of the pain of others in the world can be a valuable way to keep our own struggles in perspective, it is not a legitimate reason to disregard our own pain. Disparaging your feelings as being less important than other people's emotions leads to denial and repression. Over time, an unwillingness to experience your own feelings leads to numbness. It is as if our internal systems become clogged with our unexpressed emotions. This in no way helps other people who are suffering in the world. In fact, it may do just the opposite because when we devalue our own sorrow, we become impervious to the sorrow in others. Fully experiencing our own hurt is the gateway to compassion toward other human beings. Feelings of loss, abandonment, loneliness, and fear are universal, and, in that sense, all feelings are created equal. Regardless of what leads us to feel the way we do, our comprehension of what it means to be human is deepened by our own experiences. Our personal lives provide us with the material we need to become fully conscious. If we reject our emotions because we think our experiences are not dramatic or important enough, we are missing out on our own humanity. We honor and value the human condition when we fully inhabit our bodies so we can experience and feel life fully. Accepting our emotions and allowing ourselves to feel them connects us to all human beings. Then, when we hear the stories of other people's suffering, our hearts can resonate with understanding and compassion-for all of us. source: http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/1675.html

We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them." - Charles West ------------------------------------------- 00000 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Growing Pains Initiations For Growth Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of life's lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary. The challenges the universe sends us can seem unbearable at times: a job we don't want to spend another day at, a broken heart that feels as if it will never heal, or a long and painful illness. And then, there are the challenges that can be just as scary because we are being called to step up to the plate in ways that we may think we are not yet ready for: overcoming our fears in order to realize a lifelong dream, leaving behind a situation or people in our life that we may have outgrown, or moving across the world for our dream job or life partner. At such times, it can feel as if the world is testing us and that life is asking more of us than we think we can give. We may feel uncomfortable, frightened, and unsure of what to do. However, life isn't so much going against us as it is encouraging us to grow. During these periods, we can grow stronger by putting one foot in front of the other, as we work through our challenges. We may be asked to let go of old safety measures, shift old patterns of behavior, or step into the abyss of the unknown. When we do rise to the occasion, we end up better off for having made that journey. Not only do we end up learning and growing, but we inevitably become more compassionate to the challenges of others and wiser in the ways of the world. Our faith in the universe also grows because, ultimately, we can't help but realize how much we are supported and taken care of at all times. When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting for us to grow big enough to reach it. Source: http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/1674.html

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Maaroo on Pannaa 1006 maaroo mehalaa 5 ghar 6 dhupadhae ik oa(n)kaar sathigur prasaadh || shhodd sagal siaanapaa mil saadhh thiaag gumaan || avar sabh kishh mithhiaa rasanaa raam raam vakhaan ||1|| maerae man karan sun har naam || mittehi agh thaerae janam janam kae kavan bapuro jaam ||1|| rehaao || dhookh dheen n bho biaapai milai sukh bisraam || gur prasaadh naanak bakhaanai har bhajan thath giaan ||2||1||24|| Maaroo, Fifth Mehl, Sixth House, Du-Padas: One Universal Creator God. By The Grace Of The True Guru: Abandon all your clever tricks; meet with the Holy, and renounce your egotistical pride. Everything else is false; with your tongue, chant the Name of the Lord, Raam, Raam. ||1|| O my mind, with your ears, listen to the Name of the Lord. The sins of your many past lifetimes shall be washed away; then, what can the wretched Messenger of Death do to you? ||1||Pause|| Pain, poverty and fear shall not afflict you, and you shall find peace and pleasure. By Guru's Grace, Nanak speaks; meditation on the Lord is the essence of spiritual wisdom. ||2||1||24|| http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?Sour...04&Format=2