Harbhajan

http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetai...5&cat=India Akal Takht Jathedar for fighting social evils Moga | December 31, 2005 8:40:13 PM IST Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti today called upon Sikhs to launch a drive against social evils like drug abuse, liquor consumption, dowry and female foeticide. Addressing a gathering here, he urged the Sikh leadership to set an example by fighting all social evils. The Jathedar asked the leadership to take a pledge in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib that they, would never imbibe liquor, or any kind of drugs and also oppose giving of and taking dowry. He also asked the Sikh leaders to pledge to fight female foeticide. ''This would be the real service to the community,'' Mr Vedanti added.

The New Year Commandments 1. Thou shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities. 2. Thou shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass. 3. Thou shall not cross bridges before you come to them, for no one yet has succeeded in accomplishing this. 4. Thou shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway. 5. Thou shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows. 6. Thou shall not borrow other people's problems. They can better care for them than you can. 7. Thou shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now! 8. Thou shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It is hard to learn something new when you are talking, and some people do know more than you do. 9. Thou shall not become "bogged down" by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action. 10. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one. source: www.interluderetreat.com

4 Powerful Ways To Fire Up Motivation by Sandra Baptist, TheSoko.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's very difficult to be persistent when everything seems to fail. Often times, people decide to call it quits because they just can't see any good results from all the hard work they've done. And this is normal human nature – but it certainly isn´t okay. Hold your Horses! To start off, I must emphasize that one should never think of giving up. There´s one very clear thing that separates winners and losers: Winners never quit and losers never win because they quit too soon. So take all that negative lingo out of your mental dictionary and focus on these solutions with conviction and patience. For those of you who are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, everything I just said probably sounds like gibberish – and you´re the ones that need this information the most. If you´re looking for some sources of motivation to prompt you in reaching the peak of accomplishment, here you go. 1. Envision the End Think ahead for a moment – how would you feel after accomplishing your mission? You would probably feel ecstatic. You might even be shedding tears of joy. Let this feeling sink in and encourage you to persist. When I was studying for the Board Exams, I used this technique to motivate me. I would envision the sweetness of folks calling me a CPA. I would command respect. People would look up to me as a higher level of authority. And I would have better chances of finding a good job. I absorbed all these great perceptions in order to achieve my ultimate goal. 2. The Reward System It´s no wonder that every contest has a prize for the winner. What would happen if there were no prizes? Nobody would care about reaching the finish line. The same principles apply to your vision. Reward yourself after accomplishing a goal. Set a particular incentive for every small objective. Once you've achieved a particular goal, how about rewarding yourself with a meal at your favorite restaurant? Then when you reach the big one, you'll go on a vacation. All of a sudden those goals are carrying a lot more weight. Set something gratifying to indulge in after completing a certain undertaking. 3. The Force of Humanity If you want to succeed, surround yourself with the right kind of people who will support and encourage you all the way. Be with people who have the same beliefs and aspirations as yours. Positive aura is generated by this fusion of collective energy from people of "like minds." On the contrary, being with people who oppose your ways of thinking may trigger a negative, yet very powerful kind of motivation. Has anyone ever said to you that "you'll never get anywhere" or "you're wasting your time with what you're doing?" I bet it made you furious and determined to prove how wrong they were? This is what I'm talking about. When aggravated, you will do anything to make those who are against you swallow their words. But of course, your main focus should be on the accomplishment of your goal and not for the purpose of revenge. Never let your emotions toward others alter your main objective. 4. Take Care Of Your Health Exercise regularly. Fill your brain with enough oxygen to allow you to do your daily tasks with more vigor and energy. Also, take regular breaks if time allows. Having the will power to continue despite all hardships is extremely important, but you should still know your limits. If you don't take enough time to rest, you will not be able to think clearly or do your tasks properly. In the process, you will just become more frustrated. Get sufficient sleep and recharge yourself after a hard day's work. Never, ever ignore your health. I learned my lesson when I sacrificed my health for the sake of success. I worked very long hours everyday and got minimal sleep. As a result, I became ill. At the end of the day, success won't matter if you don't have good health to enjoy it. __________________________ winners don´t quit There´s no right or wrong when it comes to methods of motivation, but being motivated is essential. Always keep your eye on the finish line and never let the word 'quit´ enter your list of options. Source: http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/BodyandM...tivation_v2.htm

ALL SIKHAWARENESS.COM MEMBERS: "May your sun shine even brighter, your step seem even lighter, your smile stretch even wider, your dreams reach even higher. May you have a year that's never been finer ! " With Divine Love & Blessings of Waheguru Ji, may you enjoy peace, love, light (enlightenment), health, happiness & prosperity in 2006 ! Harbhajan S. Sangha Canada

The term Moksha (Mukti, Liberation) means getting free from all attachments to everything that is "earthly", including one's body and one's "I" (ego). Mukti is NOT the last minute , one thought process ! Only if one is a "Nit Nemi", just prior to death he /she perceives it as dusk or dawn, and automatically goes into meditation/ naam simran, whereby Satguru Ji personally guides that departing soul ! The "Non Nit Nemi" people are tied to their eartly attachments & desires ( lust, anger, greed, attachment & ego ), and thus suffers the consequences ! That is what Bhagat Trilochan Ji in Raag Gujri on Pannaa 526 of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is conveying ! Please review the following link for further info: http://www.gurbani.org/webart144.htm

What happens to the individual after death? Human life is just a stage in the upward march of the soul. The individual has got birth as a human being, after going through lower forms of life. Human life is the final stage in the soul's progress to divinity. It is for us to make the most of this opportunity and thereby end our cycle of transmigration. Death means the destruction of the physical self. The ashes and bonedust mix with the elements. But the soul which leaves the body, awaits a new dwelling. Just as a person casts off worn-out garments and puts on other that are new, so the subtle soul casts off the worn-out body and dwells in a new form. If there were no continuance of the soul after death, how could it become perfect to merit union with the Almighty? Sikhism believes in the immortality of the soul. The devotee has no fear of the pangs of death. In fact he welcomes death, because it gives him a chance for the merger into Divinity. The evil person, however, dreads death. For him, it will lead to the unending cycle of birth and death. After death, man comes to the next birth according to what he deserves. If he has been wicked and evil, he takes birth in the lower species. If he has done good deeds, he takes birth in a good family. The cycle of birth and death keeps the soul away from Divinity. It can merge with God, only if the individual, by spiritual effort, has amassed the capital of the Name(the Holy spirit as understood by Christians) and thus lives with the Holy Spirit. Guru Arjan in the Sukhmani dwells on the sad plight of the soul which is not endowed with the Name. The soul in its lonely march through darkness can only find sustenance in the word of God. Otherwise it feels the weariness and pain of isolation. The soul, Jiva, is a part of God. It is deathless like Him. Before creation, it lived with God. After Creation it takes bodily forms according to His Will. The soul is, however, nourished by virtue and meditation on "The name". The transmigration of the soul can come to an end by meditation and divine grace. source: "Introduction to Sikhism", Author: Dr. Gobind Sing Mansukhani ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ THOUGHTS BEFORE DEATH: This Shabad is by Bhagat Trilochan Ji in Raag Gujri on Pannaa 526 of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji goojaree || a(n)th kaal jo lashhamee simarai aisee chi(n)thaa mehi jae marai || sarap jon val val aoutharai ||1|| aree baaee gobidh naam math beesarai || rehaao || a(n)th kaal jo eisathree simarai aisee chi(n)thaa mehi jae marai || baesavaa jon val val aoutharai ||2|| a(n)th kaal jo larrikae simarai aisee chi(n)thaa mehi jae marai || sookar jon val val aoutharai ||3|| a(n)th kaal jo ma(n)dhar simarai aisee chi(n)thaa mehi jae marai || praeth jon val val aoutharai ||4|| a(n)th kaal naaraaein simarai aisee chi(n)thaa mehi jae marai || badhath thilochan thae nar mukathaa peetha(n)bar vaa kae ridhai basai ||5||2|| Goojaree: At the very last moment, one who thinks of wealth, and dies in such thoughts, shall be reincarnated over and over again, in the form of serpents. ||1|| O sister, do not forget the Name of the Lord of the Universe. ||Pause|| At the very last moment, he who thinks of women, and dies in such thoughts, shall be reincarnated over and over again as a prostitute. ||2|| At the very last moment, one who thinks of his children, and dies in such thoughts, shall be reincarnated over and over again as a pig. ||3|| At the very last moment, one who thinks of mansions, and dies in such thoughts, shall be reincarnated over and over again as a goblin. ||4|| At the very last moment, one who thinks of the Lord, and dies in such thoughts, says Trilochan, that man shall be liberated; the Lord shall abide in his heart. ||5||2|| Source: Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051228/main7.htm They organise their own bhog lest children back out Jupinderjit Singh and Mahesh Sharma Tribune News Service Baurhai Kalan (Mandi Ahmedgarh), December 27 Ever attended a bhog ceremony of two living persons? Today the residents of Baurhai Kalan and adjoining villages near this town were witness to one such rare occasion. The septuagenarian farmer, Mr Ajmer Singh and his wife, Mrs Basant Kaur, are quite healthy. They are quite prosperous, as they own 40 acres of land and several heads of livestock. Yet, they surprised everyone by playing a good host in their own “bhog†ceremony for which they sent printed invitation cards. What prompted the aged couple to take this bizarre step is the fear that after their death their six children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, who are all fighting for their property, would not perform their last rites. They also fear that the children would pass the responsibility to one another and eventually no “bhog†ceremony would take place. Small wonder that the couple has even stacked piles of firewood to be used for their own cremation. Besides, they have also made all other funeral arrangements so that nobody would be put to any inconvenience on this account. They distributed sweets, as is the custom in the case of persons who leave behind grand and great grandchildren. Traditionally, such deaths are not “mourned†but “celebratedâ€. But today while partaking of the sweets, many a participant could taste the bitter feelings of the couple. And they also sensed the satire inherent in the whole ceremony. Most of their children and their families attended the “bhog†but tension was quite palpable among them. “There is so much of domestic disharmony, quarrels and dissension among our six children — three sons and three daughters — and their children that we feared that our bodies would putrefy while they fight for propertyâ€, said the couple while talking to the Tribune. They unburdened themselves when they said, “Though we have accepted our destiny, time has taught us that in modern society, a father can bring up six children but the children would fight among themselves over the expenses to be incurred on the last rites of their parentsâ€. Mr Ajmer Singh, who had inherited eight acres of land from his father, was now the proud owner of 40 acres. He has already distributed the property among the children but this has not prevented quarrels among them. Nonetheless, the two are happy that all their sons and daughters are now well settled. Mr Ajmer Singh considers it a pity that his wife has to do all household chores, when she should have been getting care and love from her children. The residents of Baurhai Kalan and surrounding villages said that it was the first time that anyone had invited people to his own “bhog†ceremony. Though none of the children agreed to comment on the subject, the couple confirmed that nobody had objected to the “celebrationâ€, either. Everybody except one son attended the function and welcomed the guests. The couple showed a stock of fuel wood, which is to be used for their cremation. The couple now has one last wish – they want to die together. But then, they know they cannot change destiny

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051228/main4.htm Clergy to call meeting on turban issue Varinder Walia Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 27 Even as Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar, Akal Takht, has declined to seek any clarification from Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, on his reported ‘failure’ to meet Sikh delegates during his visit to France, the Sikh clergy has decided in principle to hold a global Sikh meeting on French turban row at Akal Takht soon. The assurance to call the proposed international meeting of Sikh scholars on legal duels with the French Government over the ban on turban in the country was given to a delegation of French Sikhs by Jathedar Vedanti here today. Mr Kulwant Singh Dhesi, a UK-based Sikh and representatives of other countries, was part of the delegation while it was headed by Mr Chain Singh. Aimed at Islamic head coverings, France’s 2004 secularity law, which also bans Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crucifixes at state schools, has forced Sikh students to remove turbans or be expelled. Though Mr Chain Singh urged Jathedar Vedanti to write to Dr Manmohan Singh directly for taking up the case with his French counterpart, the later said he might direct the SGPC chief to take up the case. There are around 5,000 to 7,000 Sikhs in France. “The delegation urged Akal Takht to request the Indian Government to use diplomatic efforts to exempt Sikhs from the French secularity law,†a Takht official added. Earlier , in a continued battle to restore the right to wearing the turban in french schools, two French Sikhs, Mr Shingara Singh Mann of the organisation Franco Sikhs and Mr Kudrat Singh of the United Sikhs, had moved a litigation to make their fundamental rights to wear 5Ks be recognised by the French Government. The French move has triggered protests from Sikhs across the world.

http://www.bigshakti.com/meditation-benefits.html Meditation Benefits Meditation is one of the most important skills we can develop, as it is the foundation for cultivating awareness. Whenever awareness is present in a part of our life, that part can improve. Awareness is the key to health, higher knowledge, greater intelligence, intuition, and to uncovering our hidden abilities. The awareness derived through meditation allows us to manage life, its joys, sorrows and difficulties, with intelligence and creativity. Through the regular practice of meditation we develop our powers of perception and begin to see things as they really are. Meditation requires a range of processes and activities, including mental exercises, relaxation, introversion, concentration, self-reflection, contemplation and the capacity to generate higher states of mind and being. All of these activities and processes have one main aim, to cultivate greater awareness. From meditation we derive: 1. Health Benefits 2. Physical Benefits 3. Mental, Emotional and Psychic Benefits 4. Spiritual Benefits 5. Courage and Skill in Facing Life 6. Improved Relationships (with ourselves, others and with all of our activities) Health Benefits of Meditation Today, the healing benefits of meditation are widely recognized. Meditation practice is prescribed in many medical texts as an effective process for reducing physical, emotional and mental problems, and for positively influencing a diverse array of diseases. Chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, cancer, digestive problems, disorders of the nervous system, anxiety, and many other conditions can be helped significantly through meditation. Better health is often a pleasant side effect of meditation because it calms and strengthens the nervous and other core controlling systems of the body-mind. These systems are connected to every aspect of our being: physical, mental and emotional. They form a vast network that plays a pivotal role in our ability to remain healthy and to heal ourselves. Physical Benefits of Meditation Meditation has been shown to turn on the relaxation response, which is effected by the parasympathetic nervous system. This affects every organ and system in the body. For example, meditation slows the heart rate and breathing, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion, benefits the immune systems ability to respond to stress, and so on. Meditation also acts to sensitize us to our body’s needs. By calming the nervous system, our mind becomes calm. When the mind becomes calm intuition, normally suppressed by stress, has the opportunity to grow. Intuitive knowledge becomes our greatest ally, as we automatically begin to feel what our body needs. It is only when we become aware of our needs that we can provide for these needs. For example, if we can feel how deeply tired we really are we can do what is required to heal that tiredness through slowing down, sleeping more and practicing simple relaxation, such as Yoga Nidra, more often. Learning to feel the needs of the body is one of the most important steps in overcoming or preventing disease. Over time, regular meditation allows us to see the effects that our lifestyle and habits are having on our body. We can make gradual, appropriate and intelligent changes. Mental and Emotional Benefits of Meditation Meditation allows us to clarify and empower our perception. We learn to see things as they are. Meditation helps us to become aware of and face our lower mind, our thoughts, memories, desires and emotions with greater objectivity and self-control. Meditation helps us to develop mental calm, focus and stability, and improves our ability to make decisions. Once we have the ability to manage the lower mind, then we can engage in more powerful meditation techniques that direct our awareness to an awakening of the higher mind. These techniques unleash the vast creative intelligence at the core of our being. They add a new dimension to our lives so that each and every action and experience in life is lifted to a higher level. We experience the dawning of greater emotional intelligence, the capacity for greater empathy and compassion, and a real sense of being connected to life that is deeply fulfilling. Our intellect and intuition are also empowered by connection to the higher mind so that they function with greater understanding and discriminative ability. We become more connected to our own innate happiness and feel strong and able to live full, creative, interesting, useful lives. Spiritual Benefits of Meditation Meditation has been used by many cultures over thousands of years as a method to merge the singular, individual self into the highest Self. The spiritual benefits of meditation accrue as a result of Self-knowledge, which results from ongoing study, reflection and meditation on the Self. This is not the little self of the personality but the higher Self, the highest consciousness, the source, and the essence. This Self, our true nature, is extremely powerful. The great spiritual texts tell us that the Self shines with the light of a million suns. We do not experience ourselves in this way because our awareness is disconnected from our own essence. Instead we identify with the ever-demanding and ultimately mortal body-mind; we are caught up in its biological imperatives and dictates. The spiritual aim of meditation is to take our awareness back to identify with who we really are, the immortal and unchanging Self. The experience of identification with who we are informs us that we are at one with all other beings and that their happiness is our happiness. Courage and Skill in Facing Life through Meditation The consistent practice of meditation creates a powerful, resilient inner core that is undisturbed by negative experiences. Specific meditation techniques that involve grounding our energy and aligning us to our higher Self accelerate the refinement and power of our inner core. Grounding meditation techniques create a structure for us to safely and effectively connect with the higher Self and to express this relationship in our lives meaningfully and in a grounded way. The side effects of developing a stable inner core include the capacity to transform weakness into strength, rigidity into flexibility, and ignorance into wisdom. Then we can withstand life’s difficulties and setbacks with knowledge, courage, intelligence and skill. Improving Relationships through Meditation As we begin to understand ourselves through meditation and self-study, we develop a feeling of what is needed to truly self-nourish for sustained growth of body-mind and spirit. Self-nourishment implies that we care for and strengthen ourselves in every way available to us and in every aspect of our lives, internal and external. When we know how to self-nourish and support ourselves, we can nourish and support others. When we know how to love and respect ourselves we can love and respect others. The ultimate promise of meditation is authentic Self-knowledge and Self-love. When we know and love ourselves, we become people of the world, we stand on our own feet, accept what we can’t change and work enthusiastically towards improving what we can. We develop a very natural confidence and heart felt compassion. We spontaneously relate to others as they are, without fear and the need for agendas. This is the beginning of healthy relationships as we can allow ourselves to feel the joys and pains of others without becoming emotionally entangled. As a result, we bring freedom, respect, creativity and joy into all of our relationships. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051227/punjab1.htm#2 2.78 lakh looted from Golden Temple complex Amritsar, December 26 Unidentified men looted Rs 2.78 lakh from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) cash collection centre inside Guru Nanak Nivas on the Golden Temple complex this evening, the SGPC said. SGPC secretary Raghbir Singh said the thieves broke into the collection centre by twisting the steel frames of the door of the collection centre. The ingress was noted by an employee later. The SGPC detained two of its employees, Inderjit Singh and Jasbir Singh, on suspicion. The two were later handed over to the city police for questioning. Mr Raghbir Singh said the SGPC was looking into the matter and would hold a detailed inquiry. The Kotwali police has registered a case and begun investigation. However, no one has yet been named in the FIR registered by the police. — UNI

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Bhairao on Pannaa 1138 bhairo mehalaa 5 || saach padhaarathh guramukh lehahu || prabh kaa bhaanaa sath kar sehahu ||1|| jeevath jeevath jeevath rehahu || raam rasaaein nith out(h) peevahu || har har har har rasanaa kehahu ||1|| rehaao || kalijug mehi eik naam oudhhaar || naanak bolai breham beechaar ||2||11|| Bhairao, Fifth Mehl: As Gurmukh, obtain the true wealth. Accept the Will of God as True. ||1|| Live, live, live forever. Rise early each day, and drink in the Nectar of the Lord. With your tongue, chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, Har. ||1||Pause|| In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the One Name alone shall save you. Nanak speaks the wisdom of God. ||2||11|| Source: http://www.sikhitothemax.com

Give of yourself The best gift you can give is to give of yourself. Your time, your attention, your love and caring are far more valuable than anything that could be wrapped up in a brightly colored box. When you give of yourself you discover how very effective you can be. When you give of yourself someone else receives great benefit, and so do you. Give a little kindness, or patience, or understanding or love. Give encouragement, and attention, and assistance, and time. You always have what it takes to give of yourself. For in every situation, there is something valuable and positive that you can offer. Sure, you could spend your moments feeling sorry for yourself or wishing you were somewhere else. Or, you could choose to give of yourself and create a beautiful experience out of wherever you may find yourself. When you make the world a better place for others, you have the good fortune of living in that world too. Give of yourself, for it is the most sincere, meaningful and valuable gift you can give. -- Ralph Marston http://www.greatday.com/motivate/

http://www.sikhreview.org/july2000/naam.htm Spiritual Experience of Naam Simran Tarlochan Singh Mann* *3 New York Avenue, Stonybrook. N.Y. 11790. U.S.A. This is based on "Bandgi-nama" by Raghbir Singh Bir. Recitation of Gurbani and meditation or Simran are complementary to each other. While Gurbani brings us closer to an understanding of God’s purpose, Simran truly unites us with the divine. Recitation from Guru Granth and repetition of a particular verse roots its sense in our mind in order that the mind is moulded accordingly. Naam - Simran increases concentration and raises levels of consciousness to higher level and unites us with the wonderful Lord, Waheguru. Philosophy of Simran: As soon as the name of any object is mentioned, its form, nature, attributes, and our re-action to it, rush into our mind, and we visualize the image of the object as picturised and projected. Similarly when we repeat God’s Name our mental picture of God gets picturised before our mind’s eyes. Gur-Bani by projecting the attributes of God helps us to form some sort of mental picture of God. In Simran when we repeat God’s Name this picture grows clearer to us. Even if we may have no mental concept of God, by mere repetition of His NAME God’s attributes are not only visualized but are also slowly assimilated. Naam-Simran is the secret of simple mindsbecoming Saints. Peculiar quality of our mind is that if some thing impresses us profoundly and if we repeatedly aspire, by continuous Simran, to be shaped in the pattern of that thing (may be saint, God), we are gradually moulded accordingly: Jaisa sevai taisa hovei. (SGGS) Methodology of Simran: Significance and worth of Naam-Simran can be appreciated only by personally practicing Simran persistently, regularly, with patience and perseverance till it becomes a habit, and goes an unceasingly. Recommendations for beginners: Choice of a secluded and fixed place and regular hours help in inculcating Simran habit. A special room, or a niche in a room, reserved for Simran is very conducive. Time - prescribed is 2.00 A.M. to 4.00 A.M. in Summer and 3.00 to 5.00 A.M. in winter. We can sleep for two hours after Simran before our daily work. Body Pasture - We should squat cross-legged on the floor as erect as possible. The avoid fatigue a cushion may be used. Tuning the mind - It is necessary to guard it from wandering and falling into negative thinking and making the entire Naam-Simran exercise of the day a futile venture Modus-operandi for tuning the mind recommended by the author may be followed or each individual should evolve and adopt his own personalized technique. Three Stages of Simran: The author describes how and why he selected "Wahe-Guru" for Simran in preference to so many other names of God mentioned in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The first stage of Simran is audible Simran. Lips more and sound is heard. We speak aloud and fix our attention on the sound produced. It is necessary to improve our concentration. If necessary beads of rosary may be used, to start with, but in no case pictures of Gurus be used to improve concentration, as it creates problems in higher spiritual stages as illustrated by our own experiences. The second stage is of mental Simran. When lips cease to move, vocal chords alone help in creating sound rhythm of Wahe-Guru Shabad. For convenience the seeker may synchronize the Simran with the rhythm of breathing, regulating the vibrations of respiration. Uttering Wah on inhaling, and uttering "Guru" on exhaling. This mental Simran focuses our attention and increase our concentration which advances spiritual development. The third stage - The Gentle sound of mental Simran picks up a higher pitch and becomes louder and louder to the exclusion of all external sounds. Mental Simran ceases and this sound seems to come down from navel and is heard from within our entire being. This concentrated Simran raises the level of consciousness and the spiritual development advances to the higher stage. The mind feels perfect peace and gets inebriated with the joy of bliss that defy description. This advanced stage of spiritual development is called stage of ‘SAHAJ’. From this last stage of Simran first stage of "GYAN’ starts and the seeker starts having a number of mystic experiences. But the seeker has to guard against the delusions of this stage viz (1) Ceasing of Simran gives the impression that it is waste of time as there is no worship of God without Simran (2) The seeker is gripped by the sleep of ease called ‘TANDRA’ and seeker is deluded to believe that he has reached the final stage of spiritual progress. This writer follows in details the methodology suggested by Late Sant Attar Singh Mastuana and Baba Nand Singh Kleran helped him to come out of first delusion regarding waste of time. Edward Carpenter’s book ‘A Visit to a Gyani’ redeemed him from the delusion of ‘TANDRA’. The other mystic experiences this writer had are - * Discovery of centers of consciousness within the body including cortex of the brain called ‘DASAM DWAR’. * Seeing glimpses of sweet cool luminosity. * Hearing melodious sounds: punch nad or Anhad nad. * Experiencing sweet smells. * Low gentle rhythmic sound in the brain inducing bliss and lightness of mind. * Getting into peaceful trance/Samadhi. * The realization that the universe is the creation of an all-pervading force beyond our comprehension.

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05120803.html Sikh Minister Supports Right of UK School Girl to Wear Crucifix to School By John-Henry Westen DERBY, UK, December 8, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The news that a 16-year-old UK school girl was suspended for wearing a crucifix at a school where Sikh religious articles are permitted has sparked the ire of the Sikh community as well as the Christian community. Sikh Minister Sardarni Sahiba Gurumeet Kaur Khalsa told LifeSiteNews.com "It is the height of wrongful discrimination to disallow Christian students to wear a crucifix, while yet allowing Sikh students to wear a kara (a religious steel bracelet)." Deputy head teacher Howard Jones of Sinfin Community School in Derby attempted, in a three hour discussion, to convince student Sam Morris to remove her crucifix. After the 16-year-old remained resolute in refusing to remove her crucifix Jones suspended her. Jones said, "It was only at the end of that that I reluctantly had to exclude her for a day." Jones said the wearing of the crucifix violates the schools ban on jewellery. However, UK Tory MP and noted Christian MP Ann Widdecombe told UK papers that the decision was "crazy" and said Jones was "utterly ignorant" if he believes the crucifix to be just jewellery. Jones explained that the Sikh religious articles are permitted because Sikh faith requires them. "We are very comfortable with our policy and believe we are being even-handed and fair. Christianity does not require followers to wear a specific symbol." However, the Minister of Divinity of Sikh Dharma who contacted LifeSiteNews.com explained that the action of the school against Morris was the "height of wrongful discrimination" since "I hold her commitment to wear her crucifix sacred in the same way that I choose to uphold my commitment to wear my kara each day." Minister Khala continued, "Ultimately, these kinds of outward reminders are symbols of our constant striving to remember God in all that we do. I ardently pray that this school may learn to appreciate and give encouragement to students who have learned the value of commitment in their lives." Gregory Carlin, an activist associated with the group Rights of the Scottish Child, has successfully fought UK school bans on Muslim head scarves and also a recent school ban on girls wearing skirts In an interview, Carlin told LifeSiteNews.com that the school's actions violated UK law which specifically prohibits schools from discriminating against religious dress by enforcing uniform codes. "There is no lawful basis for exclusion or suspension in the UK for wearing clothes or symbols related to mainstream religions," Carlin said. Carlin will be contacting the Department of Education in London to express "grave concerns that Christians are being prohibited from expressing their faith while other groups are not."

Attaining Inner Peace and Mental Mastery By Remez Sasson Do you desire to attain inner peace and mental mastery? What would you prefer, inner peace and mental mastery, or a mind filled with rushing, restless and uncontrolled thoughts? Who is the master and who is the servant, you or your mind? Do you choose your thoughts, or does the mind choose your thoughts for you? Does your mind constantly occupy your attention with worries, anxieties and problems? Can you calm down your mind and impose peace on it? The mind is a great and useful instrument, but it is greater and more useful, when you possess the ability to accept or reject thoughts at will, and not accept and dwell on every thought that passes through your mind. It is usual for the mind to be always busy, always thinking, but are all its thoughts useful and necessary? How many of them are just useless or negative thoughts, worries and fears? Most people are enslaved by their thoughts. It does not occur to them that they can become free from their grasp. The chatter of the mind continues incessantly from the moment they wake up in the morning to the moment they fall asleep at night. The habit of constantly of thinking is very deeply ingrained in the human race. Nevertheless, this habit can be undone. The mind is a great and useful instrument, but it should not be allowed to rule our lives. We should be able to silence it when we want to. Thoughts constantly come and go. You may choose to ignore them and enjoy inner peace, or you may choose to give them your attention and be constantly occupied with them. It is not so simple and easy to be able to choose which thoughts to accept and which ones to reject, but there are ways to do this. By reducing the amount of thoughts in your mind, you attain mastery over your mind, and are able to focus it on whatever you want. You will be able to use it in better and more useful ways. A calm mind is a powerful mind. A peaceful mind brings inner happiness that also affect other people. It is a great asset and advantage to be able to silence the mind when its services are not required. A person who is able to silence the inner chatter of the mind is free from worries, anxieties and fears. Making the mind peaceful and free from the compulsion of incessant thinking is possible, provided the proper training is undertaken. With the proper method and exercises, everyone can attain at least some measure of inner peace and mental mastery. True control the mind is not just the ability to concentrate on one thought and disregard other thoughts. It is the ability to cleanse the mind completely and make it silent. This silence brings peace, contentment, happiness and bliss. How can you attain inner peace and mental mastery? By learning to concentrate the mind according to your will, through meditation, and by developing self discipline and inner strength. http://www.successconsciousness.com/innerp...ntalmastery.htm

This Shabad is by Bhagat Kabeer Ji in Salok Kabeer Jee on Pannaa 1366 kabeer loottanaa hai th loott lai raam naam hai loott || fir paashhai pashhuthaahugae praan jaahi(n)gae shhoott ||41|| Kabeer, if you must rob and plunder, then plunder the plunder of the Lord's Name. Otherwise, in the world hereafter, you will regret and repent, when the breath of life leaves the body. ||41|| http://www.sikhitothemax.com/Page.asp?Sour...09&Format=2

http://www.sikhreview.org/january2001/scripture1.htm Coming Alive With the Gurbani Joginder Singh The profusion of spiritual writings and discourses by learned people tends to bewilder and intimidate an average individual. If we are to achieve peace of mind and establish a rapport with God, it is essential to visualise the path we want to follow. The simpler the path, the better, if we are to touch even the fringe of His glory in the short span of our lives. We must charter our own path within the ambit of the holy scriptures, looking to our own nature, our weaknesses and the divine flame in our hearts. This path should help us journey within. There are five milestones on the path of spiritual awareness leading to peace, and this is expressed beautifully in the Gurbani. The foremost step is to develop faith in the existence and benevolence of God. Off and on, mysterious coincidences and sudden happenings occur which bring about the fulfillment of our desires and give a new direction to our lives. Blessed are those who recognize these small miracles as the voice of God. Awareness of such esoteric incidents fortifies one’s faith in Him. When faith is anchored, you completely surrender yourself to His will. The silver salmon swims against the current of the stream, restless, flapping and leaping to grasp the illusory sunlight reflected in the sparkling waters. Alas, the salmon does not succeed and is hooked by the angler. The driftwood, on the other hand, moves on with the current of the river in good faith and succeeds in reaching the great ocean to become one with the whole "O Lord, what pleases Thee, is the right action" declared Guru Nanak. Having developed faith in Him, the next step is to rein in the turbulence within. The surging ocean of passion and emotions must be stilled and inner quietness achieved. God can be felt and experienced only in the deepest of silence. Having achieved inner quietness, one should meditate on one’s own self objectively, searching for faults within. For this, deep introspection needs to be undertaken. This can be best achieved when meditating in the morning ambrosial hours, sitting alone. The drawbacks in you will get projected before you. The misleading mind shall, however, intervene time and again to ask you to desist from this exercise of looking into your ugly negative. Be determined and recognize your evil side. The awareness of your dark side itself will give you relief as if you are liberated from the shackles of the mind, to know and understand yourself better. After recognizing the undesirable and dark side, one could try to eradicate them from one’s system. When your faults become apparent and you try to oust them from your system, virtues like truth, love, compassion and detachment will automatically start blooming within. As virtues start blossoming in you, you become eligible for true meditation on God and His wondrous creation. Amrit Vaila, or ambrosial hours, is when there is a stunning quietness and tranquillity, as if the whole world is asleep and life is virtually at a standstill. Human beings, animals, birds, plants in the garden, the traffic on the road, everything seem frozen in meditation. There is an awe-inspiring darkness all around. The mind and body are doing nothing while incessantly chanting the gurmantar, ‘Waheguru’ which means, "O Lord, you are wonderful. Time rolls on, there is complete silence. The koel announces the arrival of dawn and soon the birds start chirping in the trees. A distant glow of light in the skies appears to be waking up all things, and the world comes alive. The movement of traffic is discernible. Early risers are seen going about on the road. The Qazi’s azaan and the sound of the temple bells beckon the believers. The plants in the garden with exquisite flowers in various hues are swaying in ecstasy. The tall trees look majestic. The joyful birds are flying about. A pretty butterfly is settled on a plant. The clear blue sky punctuated with a few white clouds looks heavenly. The atmosphere is rejuvenating. One feels exuberant and it is as though one has come alive, gently awakened to the omnipresence of God. Such meditation then brings in its wake peace and bliss. Like the lotus which grows towards the heavens despite and mud and slush around it, one’s atman, or soul, then rises above the materialistic surroundings. The rosary can be of immense help when crossing these milestones on the path of life. Just as the Persian wheel throws out the stagnating water from the well, the rotating rosary eliminates negative cerebrations, giving place to noble thoughts, leading to self-realization and attunement with God. [Courtesy: The Times of India]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/article...883,curpg-1.cms Religious head should be selected: Sikh scholors Tuesday, December 20, 2005 NEW DELHI: A parliament-style election system for Sikh administrations has undermined religion, some scholars say and favour separating religion from party politics. A day after a major political conflict unfolded at the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), with its leaders Harvinder Singh Sarna and Paramjit Singh Sarna apparently heading on a collision course with Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, some of the community's top scholars said such a separation has become necessary. They say parliament-style election tends to impede development of more attractive interpretations of 'Miri' and 'Piri', the principles that stress upon the dual importance of spiritual and social responsibilities in life. 'The British at the time hailed the SGPC Act of 1925 as their victory, saying it would keep Sikh leaders in eternal conflict with each other. The Delhi Gurdwara Act of 1971 is no different,' said renowned scholar Jaswant Singh Neki. ...Religious elections fought on party lines and in a parliamentary-style vote are bound to 'degrade' religion, he said. 'Religious administrations and institutions controlled by politicians cannot be what such bodies ought to be,' Neki remarked. On Monday, two-thirds of Delhi's elected Sikh religious leaders chose Harvinder Singh Sarna as successor to anti-Badal DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna despite a no-poll order by Akal Takht Jathedar Vedanti, the highest decision-maker at the seat of Sikh temporal authority. Vedanti, an appointee of the Badal-controlled SGPC, has indicated the Sarna brothers could be summoned at the Takht for disobeying its order. ...'This election system, originally designed by the British, is failure in religious sphere as it does not protect, but restrict, religious responsibilities,' said columnist Maheep Singh. Parties that participate in Sikh religious elections mostly carry the 'Akali' component in their names, but allegations of tacit Congress or BJP involvement are common in both SGPC and DSGMC elections. 'Sikhs are the only community in the world which elects its religious leaders. The election system is often projected as a reflection of the concept of Miri and Piri. But Miri and Piri, in fact, draw a line between religion and politics or worldly affairs,' Maheep Singh said. He cited the creation of a separate Akal Takht by Guru Hargobind opposite the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) as an example of "such a demarcation". ...National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chief Tarlochan Singh, an expert on Sikh philosophy and history, also echoed the same views. 'This very election system is so designed that it subordinates religious welfare to politics. The million-dollar question at the moment is how to undo this political entanglement with religion,' Singh said. Newspapers in the past have carried pictures of violent clashes between Akali activists during SGPC and DSGMC polls that have become symbolic of religious power struggle. 'The sooner it (the election system in the SGPC and the DSGMC) is dumped the better it will be,' Singh said.

25 Lessons for Life by Marion Wright Edelman There is no free lunch. Don't feel entitled to anything you don't sweat and struggle for. Set goals and work quietly and systematically toward them. Assign yourself. Never work for just money or for power. They won't save your soul or build a decent family or help you sleep at night. Don't be afraid of taking risks or of being criticized. Take parenting and family life seriously and insist that those you work for and who represent you do. Remember that your wife/husband is not your mother/father or servant, but your partner and friend. Forming families is serious business. Be honest. Remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important that the fellowship of race and class and gender in a democratic society. Sell the shadow for the substance. Never give up! Be confident that you can make a difference. Don't ever stop learning and improving your mind. Don't be afraid of hard work or teaching your children to work. Slow down and live. Choose your friends carefully. Be a can-do, will-try person. Try to live in the present. Use your political and economic power for the community. Listen for "the sound of the genuine" within yourself and others. You are in charge of your own attitude. Remember your roots, your history, and the forebears' shoulder on which you stand. Be reliable. Be faithful. Finish what you start. Always remember that you are never alone. http://www.technomom.com/reading/25lessons.shtml

The Rules For Being Human When you were born, you didn't come with an owner's manual; these guidelines make life work better. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's the only thing you are sure to keep for the rest of your life. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called "Life on Planet Earth". Every person or incident is the Universal Teacher. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of experimentation. "Failures" are as much a part of the process as "success." A lesson is repeated until learned. It is presented to you in various forms until you learn it -- then you can go on to the next lesson. If you don't learn easy lessons, they get harder. External problems are a precise reflection of your internal state. When you clear inner obstructions, your outside world changes. Pain is how the universe gets your attention. You will know you've learned a lesson when your actions change. Wisdom is practice. A little of something is better than a lot of nothing. "There" is no better than "here". When your "there" becomes a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that again looks better than "here." Others are only mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another unless it reflects something you love or hate in yourself. Your life is up to you. Life provides the canvas; you do the painting. Take charge of your life --or someone else will. You always get what you want. Your subconscious rightfully determines what energies, experiences, and people you attract -- therefore, the only foolproof way to know what you want is to see what you have. There are no victims, only students. There is no right or wrong, but there are consequences. Moralizing doesn't help. Judgments only hold the patterns in place. Just do your best. Your answers lie inside you. Children need guidance from others; as we mature, we trust our hearts, where the Laws of Spirit are written. You know more than you have heard or read or been told. All you need to do is to look, listen, and trust. You will forget all this. You can remember any time you wish. source: http://www.storybin.com/lists/list136.shtml

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Bhairao on Pannaa 1138 bhairo mehalaa 5 || saach padhaarathh guramukh lehahu || prabh kaa bhaanaa sath kar sehahu ||1|| jeevath jeevath jeevath rehahu || raam rasaaein nith out(h) peevahu || har har har har rasanaa kehahu ||1|| rehaao || kalijug mehi eik naam oudhhaar || naanak bolai breham beechaar ||2||11|| Bhairao, Fifth Mehl: As Gurmukh, obtain the true wealth. Accept the Will of God as True. ||1|| Live, live, live forever. Rise early each day, and drink in the Nectar of the Lord. With your tongue, chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, Har, Har. ||1||Pause|| In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the One Name alone shall save you. Nanak speaks the wisdom of God. ||2||11|| http://www.sikhitothemax.com

Inner and Outer Storms There are times on the spiritual path when it is difficult to see ahead of you to even know how to take the next step. If you have ever had the experience of attempting to walk through a snowstorm or a sandstorm, this is the physical expression of these moments of peak intensity when everything is in upheaval, sweeping away the old so that something new can come to take its place. At times like these often there is not an inner, felt sense of direction but rather a sense of being swept forward through forces not in one's control. It is common for the human, embodied self to feel fear at these times. For those on the spiritual path there is training involved in navigating through life's inner and outer storms. The opportunity to anchor firmly to God's reality, to God's love, and to God's promise is the great gift of these times. It is not always possible to remember God in moments of crisis or great intensity, but there is a way through the difficulty that has to do with your intention to anchor yourself to God, even if you don’t' know quite how. In fact, it is common during these times to have no idea how you will get through a situation. The importance is in your intention to stay connected to God no matter what is going on around you or within you. Many souls have come to Earth at this time to learn this, and to help others to learn this. All that is happening spiritually on the Earth is preparing the way for a greater influx of God's Light that will one day dramatically shift the consciousness of humanity, returning all souls to the remembrance of their Oneness with all of creation. The foundation for this awakening is being prepared now, and you are an integral part of this process. Your consciousnesses, your intention, your choices, have an important impact on the timing and unfoldment of God's plan. All that you say and do carries energy, a vibration that goes out into the world and affects others in the sacred web of God's life. This ancient spiritual truth is expressed even in modern day stories such as the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" which dramatizes the impact of one man's life on so many others. This is a great gift that you have been given, to bring God's Light and love to the world at this time. We cherish your presence and your work here with us, and give great thanks for all that you are doing. With all blessings, Amen. Copyright ©2005 - 2006 WorldBlessings.com

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What is spirituality ? Spirituality is the: Inward sense of a power or spirit greater than you who has the whole world, your environment, and you in His hands. This greater power and spirit is God. God is what you believe Him to be. God is the power greater than you upon whom you can rely. Admission to self that God does have control of your life and that it is possible to turn to God with your problems. It is God's spirit that can provide for you the strength and courage to face your problems. Amount of influence and control you can exert on your life's direction in perspective. It is the recognition that you do not have to burn yourself out struggling to solve all your problems on your own. It is the openness to ``let go'' of your sense of over-responsibility and ``let God'' have some influence over the problems. Recognition that you have a ``relationship'' with God that needs to be continuously nurtured through giving God a share of your life in prayer, worship, and good deed. Recognition that humans consist not only of physical matter but also have a spiritual dimension that needs daily care in order to survive. Healing attitude you can bring to problems in your life. If God can accept you the way you are, with all your frailties and weaknesses, then you can accept yourself and others in the same way. Since God is able to forgive and forget all transgressions, failings, and misdeeds, you can learn to forgive and forget those of yourself and others. Power to overcome a sense of guilt, over-responsibility, over-control, rescuing, and enabling concerning others' problems. By tuning into God's message to mankind, you know that the troubled persons in your life have ready assistance anytime they call for help. Our helper in the deepest of deep problems is God. Handing our troubled persons over to God's power, mercy, and direction once we have taken all reasonable steps to help them is an act of spirituality. Frame of reference that keeps all problems, anxieties, fears, and needs in perspective. It recognizes that we are human beings; as such we are imperfect, prone to error, and not always strong enough to change. It recognizes that there is only one power strong enough to handle all problems, anxieties, fears, and needs; that is God. It also recognizes that God's will may be different from our will. Mechanism through which people gain the strength, understanding, confidence, and reassurance to let go of grief, fear, over-responsibility, and guilt. Spirituality is the well that must be tapped whenever you need to handle the loss events in your life. Texture of our lives that enables us to risk being vulnerable to pain and hurt so that we can heal, change, and grow. In living a God-centered life we are able to recognize the need to open ourselves to new ideas, new concepts, new ways of acting, and new people so that we may discern God's plan and direction in our lives. How does one develop and strengthen spirituality? To strengthen spirituality you need to: First be willing to accept God's spirit, influence, and power in your life. Be willing to admit God into your life and establish a viable relationship with Him by offering prayer and worship to Him. Begin to converse with God on a daily basis, letting God know how you are and what you are thinking through meditation and visualizations. Share your problems, worries, concerns, and troubles with God. Release your control over your own life and let God's will be made clear to you by signs of direction and discernment that only occur once you to let go of the reigns and let God lead you. Develop a healthy sense of humility and realism that God's power, knowledge, and wisdom is omnipotent. Let go of your need to always have a logical, clinical, scientific reason and research answer for the problems or troubles in your life. Reach out to the weaker, poorer, and less stable people in your life and offer them reasonable support, interest, and caring. Join forces with others who have a healthy spirituality in their own lives. They are able to encourage, reinforce, and support your efforts to grow in spirituality. Free yourself to accept the direction, leadership, and authority of God in your life. By letting God take the lead in your life you put your self-esteem and self-concept in a healthy, realistic perspective that lets you see where you end and God begins. source: http://www.coping.org/growth/spirit.htm#What

Q62. What are the stages of spiritual development, according to Sikhism? Source: "Introduction to Sikhism" - author: Gobind Singh Mansukhani Spiritual attainment is directly allied to personal development. Much depends on the amount of effort - Sadhana - the devotee puts in. Meditation on "The Name", joining the company of the saints, performing good or noble deeds all help one to progress on a spiritual plane. Guru Nanak has mentioned five stages of spiritual growth in the Japji. The first stage is in the region of duty - Dharam Khand - here, man does act and reaps the consequences. Those who carry out their duties sincerely and honestly, enter the second region - the region of knowledge - Gian Khand. Here a devotee may obtain a knowledge of God and the Universe. He learns of his own human limitations, the omnipotence of God and the vastness of His creation. He may then realize that there is some further purpose behind God's creation. He then enters the third stage - the region of effort - Saram Khand - here his mind and understanding are purified. He endeavours to act according to the instructions of the Guru. Such efforts may lead him to the next region - the region of grace - Karam Khand; here the selfless devotee may find divine grace and develop spiritual power. Finally, only with God's grace he may enter the next stage - the region of truth - Sach Khand - where he may unite with God. Such is the progress of man from the worldly to the spiritual plane. Undoubtedly, being moral is a great help to spiritual progress. In Sikhism, the grace of the Guru or of God is necessary to help a pilgrim on to the spiritual path. It may be possible for an ordinary person to walk steadily on his own, but if he is primed by another personality, possessing dynamic power, he can further gather momentum, to go forward. The care and the tutelage of the Guru protects him from many untoward calamities and encourages him through the many crises in life. Guru Nanak laid down a way of spiritual discipline in the penultimate verse of the Japji. The devotee should excercise control over their mind and body, strive sincerely to walk on the spiritual path, use their reason when confronted with problems, fear no one and ceaselessly repeat the Divine 'Name'. Such persons will radiate joy and peace to all people who come near them.