Harbhajan

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree on Pannaa 202 gourree ma 5 || simar simar simar sukh paaeiaa || charan kamal gur ridhai basaaeiaa ||1|| gur gobi(n)dh paarabreham pooraa || thisehi araadhh maeraa man dhheeraa || rehaao || anadhin japo guroo gur naam || thaa thae sidhh bheae sagal kaa(n)m ||2|| dharasan dhaekh seethal man bheae || janam janam kae kilabikh geae ||3|| kahu naanak kehaa bhai bhaaee || apanae saevak kee aap paij rakhaaee ||4||112|| Gauree, Fifth Mehl: Meditating, meditating, meditating in remembrance, I have found peace. I have enshrined the Lotus Feet of the Guru within my heart. ||1|| The Guru, the Lord of the Universe, the Supreme Lord God, is perfect. Worshipping Him, my mind has found a lasting peace. ||Pause|| Night and day, I meditate on the Guru, and the Name of the Guru. Thus all my works are brought to perfection. ||2|| Beholding the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, my mind has become cool and tranquil, and the sinful mistakes of countless incarnations have been washed away. ||3|| Says Nanak, where is fear now, O Siblings of Destiny? The Guru Himself has preserved the honor of His servant. ||4||112||

Anatomy Of A Flower Being Part Of The Whole As with all living things, a flower's intention is procreation. All the various parts of a flower work together toward this purpose, and each plays an essential role in the process. The vivid, delicate petals attract pollinators (birds and bees) who aid in the transfer of pollen. The center is the source and inspiration for the visually stunning petals and the petals, in turn, attract what the flower needs to create seeds and multiply. When you have an opportunity to serve something larger than your individual self, you are like a petal on a flower, offering your particular brand of beauty and charisma in the service of a centralizing force. This centralizing force might be a person with a higher vision, a community with a common goal, or a spiritual path. Contemplate the ways in which you are a petal on a flower in your life. Who or what is at the center? What core values are you serving? Consider also any situations in which you are the center of the flower, offering the nourishing seeds of an idea or quality that others are willing to gather around and perpetuate. It takes confidence and vision to be the nucleus. It also takes humility to empower the "petals" around you helping to feed your vision and enabling it to grow beyond you. Like the parts of a flower, we are all here working together to create and be creative. Whether we are the center or the petal, it helps to be conscious of the seeds we are sowing in the world, as this is how we create the future. In essence, we are all petals radiating outward from the unified source of energy that is life. Our time on this earthly plane is finite and fragile, and yet we branch out from our invisible source vibrantly and powerfully, attracting energy and making fertile connections that contribute to the continuation of life itself. For more information visit dailyom.com

Next time I will be careful which website source I select to do my postings. As a matter of clarification I sincerely hope the following sources help to answer your question: The following is from : http://drthind.net/manmohan/0305.html mehlaa 4. 4th Guru. gur satgur kaa jo sikh akhaa-ay so bhalkay uth har naam Dhi-aavai. He, who calls himself a Sikh of the Great True Guru, should rise early and meditate on God's Name. udam karay bhalkay parbhaatee isnaan karay amrit sar naavai. He should make efforts early in the morning take bath and have ablution in the tank of Nectar. updays guroo har har jap jaapai sabh kilvikh paap dokh leh jaavai. By repeating Lords God's Name under Guru's instruction all his sins misdeeds and accusations are wiped off. fir charhai divas gurbaanee gaavai bahdi-aa uth-di-aa har naam Dhi-aavai. Afterwards at sun rise he sings Gurbani and whilst sitting or standing he meditates in God's Name. jo saas giraas Dhi-aa-ay mayraa har har so gursikh guroo man bhaavai. The Guru's disciple who with every breath and morsel contemplates over my Lord God he becomes pleasing to Guru's mind. The following "translation" is from www.sikhitothemax.com site: Fourth Mehl: One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate - upon that GurSikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that GurSikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. ||2|| Please check the folowing Punjabi site too! http://www.sikh.net/Gurbani/Darpan.htm The following is from: http://www.sikhs.org/english/frame.html FOURTH MEHL: One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, he is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, he is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, he is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, he is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food - that GurSikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind.

Practically speaking, in order to learn to love, we need a tool for transforming anger into compassion, resentment into sympathy. We need some kind of brake to apply when the mind shifts into high gear under the influence of anger and other negative emotions. The mind is so used to having its own way in almost everything that all it knows is how to race out of control. How many of you would ever step into your Pontiac or Toyota if you knew the brakes could suddenly fail. I could say, "You have plenty of gas, a big engine, gorgeous upholstery, radial tires, eight-channel stereo tape deck, ashtray. Why don't you go ahead?" You would reply, "But I can't stop the thing!" The vast majority of us, amazingly enough, manage to travel through life without knowing how to brake the engine of the mind. We can all install a simple but effective brake, the mantram. Whenever you feel agitated, annoyed, impolite, or downright angry, keep repeating the mantram. Gradually the mind will race less and less. When the brake is thoroughly road-tested, you will have the equipment to be patient and kind in every situation. You will be ready to face the tests that real love demands. source: www.easwaran.org

Your Hijackers ! At international airports today, every effort is made to eliminate dangerous traveling companions: you and I have to make the same careful inquiries where powerful emotions are concerned. The fellow behind dark glasses, with the folded newspaper under his arm – look out! Interpol has a fat file on him. Don’t take him with you! The most ruthless hijackers can’t hold us hostage more effectively than our own passions – anger, fear, and lust – when they take over our lives. You can gradually learn to “dis-identify†yourself from powerful negative emotions that can turn on you. Once you can pull back from anger or greed and say, “That’s not really me,†you’ve as good as snatched the hijacker’s weapon right out of his hands. Through the practice of meditation, you can begin to choose the thoughts and passions you wish to have as companions on your journey through life. source: www.easwaran.org

Source: http://www.gurbani.org/webart82.htm GURMANTRA While walking and sitting, sleeping and waking, contemplate Within your heart the Gurmantra. Run to God's Lotus Feet, and join the Saadh Sangat. Cross over the terrifying world-ocean, and reach the other side. O my mind, enshrine God's Name Within your Heart. Love God, and commit your mind and body to Him; forget everything else. Soul, mind, body and breath of life belong to God; eliminate your self-conceit (sggs 1006). The right conduct and the correct lifestyle to obey the Hukam, or God's Will; this is your Bhagti (devotion). One who practices this Mantra, O Nanak, swims across the terrifying world-ocean (sggs 377). <><><><> A handicap person with diseased or faulty legs needs help of crutches to go around until his legs are cured. Similarly, our mind is inflicted with a chronic disease of false ego sense. It needs help! The desire of worldly pleasures and the fear of pains have crippled it. Dwelling in desires and fear, it has become dense, deluded or ignorant. The Absolute Peace (Sahaj), which is the mind's True Nature, has been shattered by lust, wrath, greed, emotional attachment, false pride, enviousness, mental stubbornness, old age and related illnesses, psychological distress, efforts to acquire and abandon, hopes and longings, violent expressions, ever-growing foolishness, deception, cheating, hypocrisy, evil tendencies, crookedness, corruption, selfishness, perversities, fanaticism, and so on. It's needless to say that the mind so conditioned needs help to retrace the steps back to its Real Nature, the Utter Quiescence (the Self or Soul Consciousness). The ancient Spiritual Scientists looked into this diseased and ignorant condition of the human mind, and came up with very potent antidotes. And one of the antidotes is called Gurmantra or simply Mantra (the Word of Shabad or Divine Name)! Chahu dis phool rahee bikhiyaa bikh Gurmantra mookhi garurhaaree: The poison of corruption is flowering forth in the four directions; I have taken the Gurmantra as my antidote (sggs 1209). As revealed in the foregoing verse, the mind standing at the edge of material conditioning and ignorance of the Self is surrounded by the world-ocean full of poisonous lava of desires and fear; thus incapable of resting in its own Self-Bliss. How can this poison be restrained from all sides? In this context, this Gurbani Reflection will reflect on the following: What is The Mantra Waaheguru: The Gurmantra The Purpose Of The Mantra How To Chant The Mantra Benefits Of Chanting The Mantra Mantras Are Neither Secret Nor For Sale Transcending The Mantra What is The Mantra Mantra is a Sanskrit word, simply meaning "incantation". Just as the fragrance is boxed in the flower, and the light of the sun is hidden in the colors, similarly, the essence of the Divine Expression resulting from Super Consciousness is summed up in the Mantra. The Akhree or the letter form of Mantra is also called by other names such as "one Word or Shabad", "Bachan", "Updes", "Deekhiyaa", "Baani", "Naam", "Moolmantra", "Beejmantra", "sacred syllables", and so on. In its subtle form, it's called "Anhad Dhuni", "Anhad Naad', "Anhad Baanee", "Panch Shabad", "Gur Charan", "Gur Moorati", and so on, which is beyond the reach of our bodily senses and the three modes of material nature. The Akhree or the letter form of Mantra is the expression of this subtle Primal Sound. Thus the Mantra is not an ordinary word; it's embedded with the Transcendental vibratory sound that represents the Absolute Purity. Panche Shabad vaje mati gurmati vadabhaagee anhad vajjiyaa. Aanand mool Raam sabh dekhiyaa gur shaddee Gobind gajjiyaa: The Panch Shabad, the Five Primal Sounds, vibrate with the Gurmat, by great good fortune, the Unstruck Melody resonates and resounds. I see God, the Source of Bliss, everywhere; through the Gur-Shabad, God is revealed (sggs 1315). All Mantras are in the Name of the Formless Reality. By chanting them we try to invoke the Pure Being who resides Within. Thus, the Mantra is the Name of the Inner Being whom we are calling or want to Realize. Therefore, if chanted with concentration, intuitive understanding, determination, constancy, assiduousness and feeling, the Mantra will open a person to himself — it will bring the person face to face with the Self Within (Guru, Sat Guru, Light, God, Aaatmaan, etc.) Mantar tantar ayukhadh pubahchaar. Hari Hari Naam jeeya praan adhaar: Mantras, tantras, all-curing medicines and acts of atonement, are all in God's Name, the Support of the Soul and the breath of life (sggs 184). Gur shaddee Gobind gajjiyaa: Through the Gur-Shabad, God is revealed (sggs 1315). Saahib meraa sadaa hai dissai Shabad kamaayi: My Master is eternal; He is realized by the practice of the Shabad (sggs 509). Raam Naam Mant hirdai devai Nanak milan subhaaye: The Mantra of the Raam Naam, the Lord’s Name, is enshrined within the heart, O Nanak, and we merge with Him so easily (sggs 444). Kahu Kabeer akhar duyi bhaakhi hoyigaa khasam taa layegaa rakhi: Says Kabeer, chant the two letters of God's Name (Kabeer's mantra was Raam: "Raarraa" plus "Mammaa"). If He is your Lord, He will protect you (sggs 329). Nayunidhi amrit prabh kaa naam. dehee mahi is kaa bisraam: The Name is the Amrit (Iimortality) and real Wealth, the nine treasures. It dwells in the human body (sggs 282). The Japa is the prelude to Spiritual Enlightenment. No wonder Baabaa Nanak named his first Bani as "Japu", which also makes the beginning of the SGGS! The unbroken chanting or meditation on the Word of Mantra makes an integral part of this Spiritual practice of Japa (Naam Simran or Naam Japnaa). Since the Gurmat — Divine Knowledge of the Gurbani — is Bhagti or Devotion heavy, there is an unequivocal emphasis throughout the Gurbani on chanting and meditating on Divine Name. In reality, the Naam, the Gurmantra, the Shabad, God's Will or Hukam, Truthfulness, the Bhagti or Kirtan are essentially one and the same. Satigur Mantar deeyo Hari Naam. Ih aasar pooran bhaye kaam: The True Guru has given me the Mantra of God's Name. By this Support, my affairs have been resolved (sggs 196). Ihee achaar ihee biyuhaaraa. Aagiyaa maani bhagti hoyi tumaaree. Jo ih mantar kamaavai Nanak so bhavjal paar utaaree: The right conduct and the correct lifestyle to obey the Hukam; this is your Bgagti. One who practices this Mantra, O Nanak, swims across the terrifying world-ocean (sggs 377). The Word of Mantra for Naam-Simran are usually short, containing only a few syllables. Relatively longer Mantras are impractical for chanting and meditation, thus loose their effectiveness. The shorter Mantras of fewer syllables are more effective, because they are more likely to flow better with the natural rhythm of the breathing process or Praanas, easy to remember and more suitable for concentration and remembrance. Waaheguru: The Gurmantra As discussed in the second part of this article, the Guru's business is two fold: (1) to impart Self-knowledge (Aatma-Gian) to remove the seeker's veil of ignorance of the Self, and (2) to give the seeker Gurmantra (the Word of Shabad or Divine Name) whose unbroken chanting or meditation brings about mental-control called inner Purity. Both of these essentials of Spirituality have been provided to us by Baabaa Nanak — the Gurbani for Self-knowledge, and the "Waaheguru" (or Vaaheguru) as the Gurmantra. God has countless Names. Some of these Names scattered throughout the Gurbani include Sat Naam, Waahu Waahu, Waahe Jee-o, Guru Guru, Gur Gur, Har Har, Siva Siva, Gobind Gobind, Raam Raam, Nirankaar, Saahib, Gopaal, Allah, Parmaatamaa, Bhagwaan, Satnaam, Naaraain, and so on. Bani mantar mahaa purkhan kee manahi utaaran maan kayu: The Bani, the Word of the Supreme Being, is the Mantra to rid the man of his mental ego (sggs 1208). Man tan antari Hari Hari Mant. Nanak bhagtan kai ghar sadaa anand: The Mantra of God's Name, Har, Har, is deep Within my mind and body. O Nanak, eternal bliss fills the home of God's devotees (sggs 802). Raam Naam Mant hirdai daivai Nanak milan subhaaye: The Mantra of the Raam Naam is enshrined Within the heart, O Nanak, and we merge with Him so easily (sggs 444). Guri mantraa Shabad sach deetaa Ram....: The Guru has given the Mantra of the Shabad (Naam), the True Word of God. Meditating on this True Shabad, I sing the songs of joy, and my mind is rid of anxiety. I have found that God, who never leaves; forever and ever, He sits with me (sggs 576). Siva siva karat sagal kar jorahi sarab maiaa thaakur teree dohee: Everyone calls upon You with their palms pressed together, chanting Your Name, "Siva Siva". O Merciful Lord, everyone cries out for Your Help (sggs 207). The Gurbani (1430 pages of SGGS) is given to us so that we can attain true Spiritual Understanding. For the specific purpose of Naam Japa, however, it is said that Baabaa Nanak gave us a very short and sweet, a four-syllable word "Waaheguru" as Gurmantra, which is to be repeated or meditated upon day and night while eating, walking, working, standing, sitting, talking, etc. Saasi saasi simarahi Gobind. Mann antar kee utrai chind: With each and every breath, meditate in remembrance on God, and the anxiety within your mind will depart (sggs 295). Simrayu dini rain saas giraasaa: Day and night, remember God with every breath and morsel (sggs 177). Where does this one Word of Shabad come from? Although scattered throughout the SGGS in various names as discussed above, the full form of this Mantra, "Waaheguru", was revealed by the realized Bhattas in their Bani incorporated near the end of the SGGS. It was also mentioned in the writings of Bhai Gurdaas, the scriber of the SGGS. Sat saach nivaas sri nivaas aad purakh sadda tuhee waheguru waheguru waheguru wahi jee-o: You are forever True, the Home of Excellence, the Primal Supreme Being. Waaheguru, Waaheguru, Waaheguru, Waahe Jee-o (sggs 1402). Waheguru Gurmantar hai jap hayumai khoyee: Waaheguru is the Gurmantar; by meditating on it, one loses his false ego (Bhai Gurdaas, Vaar 13, Payuree 2). Keeyaa khel bad melu tamaasaa Waaheguru teree sabh rachnaa: You have formed and created this World-Play, this great game. O Waaheguru, this is all You, forever (sggs 1403). Knowing the meaning of the Mantra is very helpful when one is concentrating on it. Then he will know when he reaches the goal which the Mantra is supposed to produce Within him. The word Waaheguru simply means "the Wonderful Lord" — Waahe means wonderful and Guru means the Lord. As the meaning implies, the Mantra is essentially meant for praising God through chanting, Kirtan, Naam Simran, Bhagti or meditation. Poorai Satgur Shabad sunaayaa. Trai gun mete chauthe chit laayaa: The Perfect Satguru has revealed the Shabad; it eradicates the three qualitied Maya, and attunes the consciousness to the fourth state, Chauthaa Pad (sggs 231). Bhaj mann mere eko naam. Jeeya tere kai aavai kaam. Raini dinas gun gaayu ananta. Gur poore kaa nirmal mantaa: Meditate, O my mind, on the One Name. It alone will be of use to your soul. Night and day, sing the Glorious Praises of the Infinite God, through the Pure Mantra of the Perfect Guru (sggs 193). For a deeper understanding of the word Waaheguru, we can also look at its four syllables individually. These four syllables are "Waawaa", "Haahaa", "Gaggaa", and "Raaraa". As revealed on the page 435 of the SGGS, these four syllables represent the Names of the same One Absolute Being. For example, Waawaa represents Waasudev, Haahaa represents Hari, Gaggaa represents Gobind, and Raaraa represents Raam. Also, all these different names of the same One Timeless Reality have repeatedly been used throughout the Gurbani; which suggests that this Mantra is not only condensed into a short and sweet form, but also very potent! Wawai waaree aaee moorhe Waasudeyu tudh veesariaa. Ih welaa na lahasi moorhe phiri toon jamm kai was paiaa: Wawaa: Your turn has come, you fool, but you have forgotten God (Waasudev). This opportunity will not come again, you fool; you will fall under the power of death's messenger (sggs 435). Haahai Hari kathaa boojh toon moorhe taa sadaa sukh hoee. Manmukhi parhe tetaa dukh laagai bin satigur muktee na hoee: Hahaa: Understand the Sermon of God (Hari), you fool; only then you will attain eternal peace. The more the Manmukhs (material beings) read, the more pain they suffer. Without the True Guru, liberation is not obtained (sggs 435). Gaggai Gobind chiti kari moorhe gallee kinai na paayaa. Gur ke charan hirdai vasaae moorhe pishlai gunah sabh baksh laiaa: Gaggaa: Keep God (Gobind) in your mind, you fool; by mere words, no one has ever attained Him. Enshrine the Guru's feet within your heart, you fool, and all your past sins will be forgiven (sggs 435). Raarai Raam chit kari moorhe hirdai jin kai ravi rahiaa. Gir parsaadee jinee Raam pashaataa Nirgun Raam tinee boojh laiaa: Raaraa: Center your consciousness on God (Raam), you fool; abide with those whose hearts are filled with Him. By Guru's Grace, those who recognize Him, understand the Absolute Being (sggs 435). The Purpose Of Mantra One not knowing a treasure of precious diamonds and gold lies buried beneath his feet may walk over it repeatedly yet never find it. Similarly, all beings live every moment in the city of the Self-God yet never find Him. Why? Because, due to the illusion created by the false ego and ignorance, our deluded mind has taken Him as the body. The Purpose of the Mantra is to help remove the veil of this illusion from our mind. In other words, the Mantra consists in shifting the emphasis from the changeful mind (false ego) and its ephemeral world to the Immutable and Timeless Self Within. The reason all religions, paths and Mantras exist is because there exists the phantom called mind. It is so fickle, even if it is tamed it does not remain steady, but gets restless in a moment like the surface of the ocean. It jumps from one object to other like monkey jumps from one tree to other. This mind alone provides the senses with their intelligence; who, in turn, generate countless evil desires and notions. Hence, this ghost called mind must be destroyed. This is the teaching of all world scriptures and the Masters. Bin man mooye kaise hari paayi: God is unattainable without annihilation (or conquering) of the mind (sggs 665). Ayukhadh mantar mool mann ekai manni bisvaas prabh dhaariyaa: The Mool (Root) Mantra is the only cure for the mind; I have installed faith in God in my mind (sggs 675). Death of the mind is the birth of the Spiritual Wisdom. How this phantom called mind be killed or conquered? Depending on the temperament of the seeker, several means are available to him, the Word of Mantra among them. Meditation on Mantra helps purge the mind of mundane thoughts, which in turn, helps gain realization of the omnipresent Self (Aatmaan, Guru or Sat Guru, God, Light, Infinite Consciousness, etc.). The Mantra has a great Transcendental vibratory force. Its devotional repetition, aloud or mentally, fills the mind with Divine vibrations that helps neutralize vibrations of material consciousness. When contemplated with sincere feeling, intuitive understanding, determination, constancy, assiduousness, faith and intense concentration it helps elevate the consciousness Godward. Kahu Nanak gurmanatr chitaar. Sukh paavahi saachai darbaar: Says Nanak, remember the Gurmantra; you will find peace at the True Court (sggs 186). The mind is nothing but thoughts-stuff (Phurne). Destruction, purification or conquering of the mind simply means cessation of thoughts. The process for driving all mundane thoughts out of the mind is to make it focused on one thought, for example, one Word of the Mantra (Naam-Simran). Ultimately, once the mind is purified ("killed") of all thoughts, this one thought will also disappear, leading the devotee into the state of Sunn Samaadhi (Spiritual Silence). Therefore, the idea here is to clear the mind of worldly concepts, followed by immersion in the Naam-consciousness or Shabad-Surti, spontaneously. The more we contemplate on the Divine Naam in Sahaj Subhaaye (intuitive ease), the more it will sink in the Heart Within, rendering the mind finer and finer, free of material anxieties, agonies, desires and fear. Gurdev aadi jugaadi jugu jugu gurdev mantu Hari japi udhraa: The Divine Guru existed at the primal beginning, throughout the ages, in each and every age; He is the Mantra of God's Name; chanting it, one is saved (sggs 250). Gobind gaavahi sahaji subhaaye: Sing God's Name with intuitive ease (sggs 121). Ih maniiyaa khin na tikai bahu rangee dahadaha disi chali chali haadhe. Gur pooraa paayaa badbhaagee haro mantar deeyaa mann thaadhe: This mind does not hold still, even for an instant. Distracted by all sorts of distractions, it wanders around aimlessly in the ten directions. I have found the Perfect Guru, through great good fortune; He has given me the Mantra of God’s Name, and my mind has become quiet and tranquil (sggs 171). Thus, the purpose of Mantra (Naam-Simran) is to make the mind quiet and tranquil; free of its perversions and defects; which is its True Nature. However, due to the rise of the false ego, it has forgotten its True Nature and has become restless. The proper chanting of the Mantra, aloud or mentally, helps purge the mind of mundane thoughts. So long the mind is occupied with the worldly nonsense (inflated ego), mental purity needed to upgrade our animal nature to Spiritual Nature cannot be attained. We have only one mind; either we can use it for Naam-Simran or for the world-Simran! The loving and unbroken repetition of the Naam Simran results in thinning of the ego-sense and ignorance, while the Simran on the world manifests opposite effects. Andhkaar mahi Gurmantra ujaaraa: The Gurmantra illumines the darkness of ignorance (sggs 865). Saadh sangi jajiyo bhagvant. Keval naam deeyo guri mant. Taji abhimaan bhaye nirvair: In Saadh Sangat I meditate on God's Name. I am given the only Gurmantra, the God's Name. Shedding my ego, I have become free of hate (sggs 183). Dukh kales na bhayu biyaapai gurmantar hirdai hoyi: Suffering, agony and fear do not cling to one whose heart is filled with the GurMantra (sggs 51). Hence the mind crippled by the desires and fear gains strength from the practice of the Mantra. This is dispassion and concentration, which helps meditation. Slowly but surely the mind becomes one with the Mantra, then one gets to know that the Formless, Infinite Spirit is only fit to be worshipped, everything else is a passing show. Also, one gets to know that the losing of the one's individuality is nothing but merging in the Self Within. How To Chant The Mantra The Self is not Realized through instruction, much thinking, much speaking, observing external silence and fasting, intellectual powers, stubbornness, rituals, or much hearing. It can be reached only by the one whom the Self chooses; to him the "Joti Svaroop" is revealed. And this fortunate one is he who has purified his mind of desires and fear. He who has not renounced evil ways, who is not at peace with himself, who cannot concentrate with intuitive ease, and whose mind is not composed cannot reach the Self, even by right knowledge. Teraa keeyaa kiram jant. dehi ta jaapee aadi mant: I am just a worm, created by You, O God. If you bless me, then I chant Your Primal Mantra (sggs 1176). Giaan dhyaan Gurshabad hai meethaa: Spiritual Wisdom and meditation come to those unto whom the Gur-Shabad is sweet (sggs 162). Before chanting the Mantra, first we must learn the philosophy. To put it otherwise, one must know what he is trying to remember. Once we know the philosophy, then through the Mantra and more advanced state of meditation we Realize the Goal. Otherwise, without knowing the philosophy before the Naam Japa, we may not know what is it that we have Realized; thus creating more disturbance, frustration, conflict and disconcerting feelings. Where can we find the true philosophy? It can be found in the true scriptures. For instance, for a Sikh the true philosophy is contained in the Gurbani (sggs). Sabh naad bed gurbani: Sound current of the Naad, the Vedas, everything is Gurbani (sggs 879). Gurbani is jagg mahi chaanan karam vasai mann aaeae: Gurbani is the Light to illuminate this world; by God's Grace, it comes to abide within the mind (sggs 67). Shabde upjai amrit Bani gurmukh aakh sunavaniyaa: The Ambrosial Word of the Bani emanates from the Shabad. The Spiritual Being (Gurmukh) narrates it and preaches to the world (sggs 125). Boojhahu giyani Shabad beechaari: O wise one, understand by reflecting on the Shabad (sggs 840). Therefore, the Gurbani is not given to us for mere ritualistic and mechanical readings, nor for parrot-like memorization or showoff ceremonies. It is given to us for a very specific reason, that is, to understand the proper Spiritual Philosophy and then act upon it. If that does not happen, then, as declared in the Gurbani, there is no difference between a human being engaged in reading or listening to Gurbani and a beast engaged in filling his belly. Once the Gurbani is properly understood, we then come to possess all the essentials of right lifestyle such as right thought, right speech, right action, etc., which makes the proper behavior. Ihee achaar ihee biyuhaaraa. Aagiyaa maani bhagti hoyi tumaaree. Jo ih mantar kamaavai Nanak so bhavjal paar utaaree: The right conduct and the correct lifestyle to obey the God's Command; this is your Bgagti. One who practices this Mantra, O Nanak, swims across the terrifying world-ocean (sggs 377). Gurmati sun kashu gian na upjiyo pasu jiyu udhar bharo: Despite listening to the Gurmat (Wisdom of the Gurbani), no spiritual wisdom has welled up within me; like a beast, I fill my belly (sggs 685). There is a wrong way of chanting the Mantra, and there is a right way of performing it. The proper Japa of the Mantra makes one Spiritually fit for Realizing the Self. Japa simply means "remembrance". Like with all spiritual practices, the Japa is repetitive. Thus, Naam-Japa means positively repeating God's Name over and over for the purpose of gaining mind-control and personal Enlightenment. But how are we to perform the Mantra-Japa? First of all, the ideal way to perform the Naam-Japa is said to be with Sahaj — naturally, without stubborn mindedness. Second, when pronounced, the Mantra must be pronounced properly, slowly, thoughtfully, with love and feeling, concentration, spontaneously, mentally hearing its Transcendental vibratory sound. At the same time, we should work to bring out the positive feelings, such as inner joy, happiness or contentment. Thus, it should be a very meaningful experience. If the Naam-Japa is not performed in the natural way (Sahaj), or if it is performed quickly like mechanical repetition or parrot-like chanting — what can be called "machine-gun Simran!" — than it will be nothing more than an unmeaning ritual; bringing little benefit to the seeker. Also, wearing "Waaheguru" engraved jewelry around the neck, or hanging "Waaheguru" stickers on the walls or refrigerator at home, or displaying it on the automobile bumpers and windows will not do the trick. According to the Gurbani, all rituals are fetters. As such, there is no place for them in the SGGS. Therefore, the Mantra-Japa is not meant to be a meaningless ritual. The Mantra is either chanted aloud or mentally, repeating "Waahe" while inhaling and "Guru" while exhaling, effortlessly. In the beginning it is performed aloud. So doing, the Mantra is heard back by the mind and therefore the mind does not wander. Thus, it is relatively easier to concentrate. In the early stage of the practice, the student may want to take advantage of relatively more peaceful hours such as before sunrise and at sunset. Sahaje Sahaje, slowly slowly, after the Naam-Japa is perfected aloud, it becomes mental. That is, it may be done silently, making the sound internally without the support of the tongue or any other external limbs of the body. This is what the Gurbani calls "Ajappa Jaap". The ultimate accomplishment in the performance of Naam-Japa is going to walk, stand, sit, eat, work, sleep, etc., while internally the Japa continues without a break, spontaneously. This is meditation. And to meditate, one must be free from anger, jealousy, contentions, fear and desires. Jinaa saasi giraasi na visrai hari naamaa manni mant. Dhann si seyee Nanakaa pooran soyee sant: Those who do not forget the Lord, with each breath and morsel of food, whose minds are filled with the Mantra of the Lord’s Name — they alone are blessed; O Nanak, they are the perfect Saints (sggs 319). Ajappa jaap na veesrai aadi jugaadi samaai: Contemplate the unchanted chant, and the desires of the mind are dissolved (sggs 1291). Naam-Simran is performed only for one reason: to link with the Original Source Within. Therefore, with the help of concentration and feeling, the mind should be focused only on the Simran. If the mind is allowed to wander into irrelevant thoughts, the benefits of the Japa will be nullified. Thus, complete commitment of the body and mind, regularity and discipline are the conveyance. Self-imposed limitations of place and time to perform devotional service will also block Spiritual Unfoldment of an aspirant. The word Bhagti comes from the Sanskrit root word Bhaj, meaning "to serve". Therefore, the process of Bhagti must include three items or three B's: Bhagta or Bhakta (servitor), Bhagti (service), and Bhagavaan (the served). Accordingly, devotional service should be performed keeping in mind the omnipresence of the Bhagavaan (Infinite Consciousness). A sincere devotee, for that reason, will not limit his devotional service to a particular place or time. They see the All-pervading Being in everything, every where, and all the time. The limitation of time and place belongs only to the ignorant hypocrites (Manmukhs). Hari simran kee saglee belaa: Any time is a good time to meditate (Naam Simran) on God (sggs 1150). Vin naavai naahee ko thaayu: O God, without Your Name, there is no place at all (sggs 5). Bhagti kare jan dekh hadoor: Seeing God just present, his slave performs His devotional service (sggs 1174). For the practice of Naam-Simran, Spiritual Company within and without is very important and helpful. In association (Sangat) of Pious Beings, who's hearts are already penetrated with the Naam, it's relatively easy to concentrate. With concentration comes the inner transformation. Mil saadh sangat bhaj keval Naam: Join the Saadh Sangat; meditate on the Naam (sggs 12). Saadh kai sang nahee kish ghaal: In the Company of the Holy, there is no suffering (sggs 272). Jiyon jiyon ih vadhaayeeai tiyun tiyun Hari siyu rang: More time we spend there (in Satsang), the more we come to love God (sggs 71). Benefits Of Chanting The Mantra The Mantra of the Divine Name helps awaken the mind so that the inflated ego may subside. This, in turn, opens up the inner doors to the Higher Consciousness. When chanted properly, it improves the protective aura of the individual, leading one into the Self-knowledge and Self-realization. Thus, taking on the Mantra or Naam is for mind control, Spiritual Unfoldment, Self-realization, or personal Enlightenment. Aap pachhaanai ghari vasai hayumai trishnaa jaayi. Nanak nirmal oojlai je raate hari naayi: Through self-realization, people dwell within the home of their inner being; egotism and desire depart. O Nanak, those who are attuned to God's Name are immaculate and radiant (sggs 57). In the early stages, the Truth may taste bitter and unpleasant to our inflated ego as our inner mind reveals to us our shocking crookedness, perversions, and weaknesses. Overwhelmed by these shocks, many seekers may shrink from Naam-Japa very quickly, as the inner self plays back such impurities working Within, becoming a little afraid of what might happen if they are to continue. However, diligent attempt, consistent self-effort, and continuous mental alertness is the key to the conquest. In all earnestness if the Naam-Japa is given a chance, it will sink in and then taste sweet later! Baabaa Nanak Says: Tam lag mahal na paayeeyai jabalag saach na cheeti: As long as the Truth does not enter into the consciousness, God's Presence is not realized (sggs 58). The Mantra is like a medicine. Scriptures are like label on this medicine. The purpose of label is to describe the medicine's name, nature, composition, dosage, etc. However, if one keeps reading the label day in and day out without taking the medicine, he cannot expect to be cured! Can he? In order to be cured, one has to take the medicine and stop mere reading of the label; for the healing of the medicine works, whether or not we consciously comprehend it. Similarly, until the mind is engaged in the sincere Naam-Simran (medicine), the reading of scriptures (labels) will not have any effect on the healing process of the medicine. One may be able to gain all sorts of knowledge by reading the labels, however, the knowledge without Bhagti is empty as married life to an eunuch! Ayukhadh mantar mool mann ekai jekar drirh chit keejai re: O mind, there is only One medicine, Mantra and healing herb; center your consciousness firmly on One God (sggs 156). Gurmantar ayukhadh naam deenaa jan Nanak sankat joni naa paayi: One who is blessed with the medicine of the Gurmantra, the Name of God, O servant Nanak, does not suffer the agonies of reincarnation (sggs 1002). Paath pare na boojhayee bhekhee bharam bhulaayi: God cannot be understood by reading scriptures; the deceitful pretenders are deluded by doubt (sggs 66). Moorakh parahi Shabad nahee boojhahi Gurmukh virlai jaataa hai: The fools read (scriptures), but do not understand the Shabad. How rare are those who, as Gurmukh, understand it (sggs 1053). Naam-Simran is a journey to a place Within we have forgotten. It harmonizes the physical body with the mental body and Spiritual forces through the life force (Praanaas). In turn, it harmonizes various states of the mind, altering the consciousness and taking the devotee to the Realization of the Transcendental vibratory sound (Panch Shabad, Anhat Dhun, etc.) emanating from the great depth of the timelessness, formlessness and spacelessness. The chanting of the Divine Name aids in depolarization and transmutation of the individual consciousness, the false ego. As we intone the Transcendental vibratory sound of the Naam, we release the creative energy into the brain. In turn, the brain pours it out through the body, mind and intellect to create a new world for us. Thus, the unbroken repetition of the Naam bursts forth Spiritual Wisdom (Aatma-Gian) from Within. Beej mantar sarab ko giyan: The Beej Mantra, is spiritual wisdom for everyone (sggs 274). Mati pooree paedhaan te gur poore mann mant. jih jaaniyo prabh apunaa Nanak te bhagvant: Perfect is the intellect, and most distinguished is the reputation, of those whose minds are filled with the Mantra of the Perfect Guru. Those who come to know their God, O Nanak, are very fortunate (sggs 259). The verbal chanting of Divine Name leads to mental uttering, which in turn leads to uttering without the physical or mental utterance (Sunn Samaadhi or total absorption). Here the devotee becomes one with the Divine Name Within. This is the ultimate Realization, the state of living liberated (Jeevanmukta). Pareeyai guneeyai Naam sabh suneeyai anabhayu bhaayu na darsai: People read, hear and reflect upon all the Names of God; but without the intuitional realization, they can not see God, the embodiment of love (sggs 973). Holy Mantras Are Neither Secret Nor For Sale Many so called Deh Dhaaree (embodied) Gurus, Yogis or Swamis foster this nonsense idea that there should be a special Mantra for each person and that each Mantra should be secret. They sell these Mantras in secrecy in a format like packaged merchandise, and amass wealth from ignorant or unsuspecting people all over the world. This is a mundane business, which has nothing to do with Spirituality. The reason they do not give Mantras openly and freely is that they have no genuine interest in giving people a helping hand. Instead, all they are interested in is how to plunder money out of them. This is because people want to be cheated. In fact many devotees pay dearly to receive the Mantra, only to forget it a few days later! But in this age of Kal Yuga, the people are so deluded that if you charge fee and bluff and cheat them, they will follow you! We must know that, from ancient time, all traditional Mantras were neither sold nor acclaimed secret in India! Because God's Name is ever free! Kabeeraa lootnaa hai to looti lai Raam Naam hai loot. Phiri pachhai pachhatahuge praan jaahinge chhooti: Kabeer, if you must rob and plunder, then plunder the plunder of Divine Name. Otherwise, in the world hereafter, you will regret and repent, when the breath of life leaves the body (sggs 1366). Along the same holy tradition, "Waaheguru" Mantra is freely accessible to all. Anybody and everybody can take advantage of chanting it. Why it's free? Only the egoistic man is bound, because every moment he is born and every moment he dies. But God (Waaheguru) is ever free and available; so is His Name. There is no need to join any club or group; for there is no need to have it blown into your year or spit into your mouth. It's very simple, as simple as crushing the flower in your palm or winking of your eye. It's simply remembering the Wonderful Lord with infinite love and concentration. That's all. Khatree braahaman sood vais ko japi Hari Mantar japaainee: Anyone, from any class — Shatriya, Brahman, Soodra or Vaishya — can chant, and meditate on the Mantra of God's Name (sggs 800). The Gurbani (sggs) come from the All-pervading Consciousness. It makes it very clear that God's Word (i.e., Gurbani) is not a property of any person or a group; for it belongs to the entire mankind. In order to understand the Essence of the Divinity, everybody can take advantage of it. Those who do not take full advantage of the Divine Teaching, or those who have their consciousness devoid of the sincere Naam-Simran are compared with the animals and insects as follows: Gur mantar heenas jo praanee dhrigant janam bhrastanah: Kookarah sookarah garadhbhah kaakah sarpanah tuli khalah: That mortal who lacks the Gurumantra — cursed and contaminated is his life. That blockhead is just a dog, a pig, a jackass, a crow, a snake (sggs 1357). Jo na sunai jas parmaanandaa. Pasu pankhee tagad joni te mandaa. Kahu Nanak gurmantar drirhaayaa. Keval naam rid maahe samaayaa: Those who do not listen to God's Praises, are worse off than beasts, birds or creeping creatures. Says Nanak, the Gurmantra has been implanted within me; the Name alone is contained within my heart (sggs 188). Transcending The Mantra The object of Mantra-Japa is to Realize that the same Japa is already going on Within even without any effort! To put it otherwise, in the final analysis, the Shabad, Naam or Mantra is the person's True Nature, which is also the ultimate state of Spiritual Realization. With proper repetition, the Japa finally reveals itself as being Eternal; which is the man's Real Nature, the Self. This is also called the state of Self-realization. Man tan antari Hari Hari Mant. Nanak bhagtan kai ghar sadaa anand: The Mantra of God's Name, is deep Within my mind and body. O Nanak, eternal Bliss fills the inner Home of God's devotees (sggs 802). Kahu Nanak Gurmantra driraayaa. Keval Naam rid mahi samaayaa: O Nanak, the Gurmantra has been implanted within me; the Name alone is contained within my heart (sggs 188). Once the needed concentration or quietness of the mind is attained, the Mantra comes to its end. In other words, it burns itself out and blends into one's very existence; like when you stir the fire with a wooden stick, you burn the stick too! The concept or thought disappears, the Essence remains! It's just like the pair of crutches: a person with broken legs needs the aid of crutches until he is cured. The Gurbani reveals that the state of Pure Being is "Sunn Samaadhi", which is the state of notionlessness or Spiritual Silence. Therefor, clinging to any type of thought or notion will turn into an obstacle for attaining the ultimate state of Realization, which is beyond any conceptualization. Ye akhar khiri jaahigi uyi akhar inamahi naahi....: These Akhar or letters will perish; they cannot describe the Imperishable God. Wherever there is speech, there are letters. Where there is no speech, that is the state of no-mind (sggs 340). Sunn samaadhi guphaa tah aasan. Keval brahm pooran tah baasan. Bhagat sang prabh gost karat: One sits there, in the cave of Sunn Samaadhi; the unique, perfect God dwells there. God holds conversations with His devotees (sggs 894). Sunn samaadhi Naam ras maate: In the Sunn Samaadhi, they are intoxicated with the essence of the Naam (sggs 265). As revealed in the Gurbani, "Sunn Samaadhi" or the state of "no-mind" is the state of becoming one with the Naam Within — the state where there is no time ( or birth and death), no creator, no creation, no destruction, no worlds, no universe, no existence, no names, no forms, no "I" and "me", no "mine" and "your", no "this", no "that", no truth, no false, no likes and dislikes, no humans, no demons, no elements, no bodies or senses, no mind, no thought, no meditation, no chanting, no remembrance, no forgetfulness, no sorrow, no enjoyment, no gurus, no disciples, no duality, no non-duality, no beginning, no middle, no end: all is at all times, beyond the comprehension of the body-mind-intellect. Only the Infinite Awareness exists there. Ayukhadh mantar tantar sabhe chhaar. Karnaihaar ridhai mahi dhaar. Taji sabh bharam bhajiyo paarbrahm: All medicines and remedies, Mantras and tantras are nothing more than ashes. Enshrine God Within your heart. Renounce all your doubts, and meditate upon the Supreme Being. Says Nanak, this path of Dharma is eternal and unchanging (sggs 196). Therefor, in the final stage of the Naam-Simran, the Mantra must turn into one's actions, the Mantra must turn into one's love and compassion, the Mantra must turn into one's life, and it then bursts forth into Intuitive Wisdom. In other words, from that point on, one does not only know the Truth, but he also lives by It; because, as the Gurbani says, this in itself is a Mantra! The Naam then reflects in his words, deeds and speech, rendering him Jeevanmukta (living liberated). Hari maarag saadhoo dassiyaa japeeyai gurmant: The holy one has shown me the Way to God; I chant the Gurmantra (sggs 321). Kavan su akharr kavan gun kavan su maneeyaa mant....: What is that word, what is that virtue, and what is that magic Mantra? What are those clothes, which I can wear to captivate my Beloved? Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic Mantra. Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Beloved (sggs 1384). The chanting of Mantra or Naam is thus a mean of tuning in with the subtle Divine Forces Within. The scriptures warn the sincere seeker to be careful here to avoid the entrapment of any Sidhis (occult powers) that may come along the way as the byproduct of the Bhagti. Too often what happens is that the seeker falls pray to their temptations and loses union with God. Since the psychic powers are limited to the restless or egoistic mind, the spiritual teachers and scriptures teach sincere aspirants to avoid their temptations; for they are hindrance to Spiritual Wisdom. Therefore, all inferior powers should not interest the man of Self-knowledge so long he is perfectly content in himself. As Spiritual Wisdom is the greatest gain, the man of such Wisdom is free from the least desire for anything. Ridhi sidhi sabh moh hai Naam na basai mann aaye: Riches and the supernatural spiritual powers of the Siddhas are all emotional attachments; through them, God's Naam does not come to dwell in the mind (sggs 593). Here is a little story about Baalmeek, whose name is mentioned several times in the Gurbani. According to the legend, there lived a highwayman by the name of Ratnaakar, who made his living by robing and killing people. It so happened that one day a holy man fell into his hands. To cut the long story short, the holy man told Ratnaakar he could help him become a good man if he agreed to chant God's Name. "How?", inquired Ratnaakar. The holy man gave him the Word "Raam" as Mantra, and asked him to chant it with sincere feeling, determination, and intense concentration. As Ratnaakar's consciousness had become so filthy by putting people to death, at first his tongue was unable to utter the word "Raam". The bandit asked the holy man if he could utter "Maraa" (meaning "dead"!) instead of "Raam". The holy man said, "if you feel comfortable with uttering "Maraa", so be it". He then began chanting the Word "Maraa, Maraa, Maraa...", with utter love and faith. With concentrated practice, first the sound "Maraa Maraa..." spontaneously turned into "Raam Raam...", then, in due course, he became absorbed in its Transcendental vibratory sound. Later, that bandit came to be known as Rishi Baalmeek, who wrote the famous epic of Ramaayana! Re chit chet chet achet. Kaahe na Baalmeekahi dekh: Be conscious, be conscious, be conscious, O my unconscious mind. Why do you not look at Baalmeek? (sggs 1124). Tatah kutamb moh mithaa simrant Nanak Ram Ram namah: Emotional attachment to family is false, so Nanak meditates in remembrance on God's Name, Raam Raam (sggs 1356). —T. Singh Source: http://www.gurbani.org/webart82.htm -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Maaroo on Pannaa 1006 maaroo mehalaa 5 || chalath baisath sovath jaagath gur ma(n)thra ridhai chithaar || charan saran bhaj sa(n)g saadhhoo bhav saagar outharehi paar ||1|| maerae man naam hiradhai dhhaar || kar preeth man than laae har sio avar sagal visaar ||1|| rehaao || jeeo man than praan prabh kae thoo aapan aap nivaar || govidh bhaj sabh suaarathh poorae naanak kabahu n haar ||2||4||27|| Maaroo, Fifth Mehl: While walking and sitting, sleeping and waking, contemplate within your heart the GurMantra. Run to the Lord's lotus feet, and join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. Cross over the terrifying world-ocean, and reach the other side. ||1|| O my mind, enshrine the Naam, the Name of the Lord, within your heart. Love the Lord, and commit your mind and body to Him; forget everything else. ||1||Pause|| Soul, mind, body and breath of life belong to God; eliminate your self-conceit. Meditate, vibrate on the Lord of the Universe, and all your desires shall be fulfilled; O Nanak, you shall never be defeated. ||2||4||27||

Finding Your Faith All souls are born with an inner knowing of God's reality. Humanity's long immersion in the separated consciousness and the exploration of individuality has created a culture of forgetting. The awareness and experience of faith, and the assumption of faith, is not built into your current culture, however faith is not lost. It has not disappeared, for it lives within the human spirit, the human heart and soul. Faith is at the center of every life whether a soul is able to perceive it or not. How can you find your faith if you don't feel it? First it is important to feel the longing in your heart to strengthen your faith. This desire opens up the lines of God's Light so that it can flow more freely into your heart, and so that the Light can flow more freely in your daily life. Set aside a short time each day, 10 minutes a day or more, to meditate and pray. This sincere and heartfelt prayer, asking for your faith will further open up the doorway of God's love and Light. Make a commitment to give freely to another soul in some way each day. This may be as simple as a loving phone call to a friend in need, an hour volunteering in service where there is need or a sharing of your gifts freely in some way that your heart resonates with. The process of giving awakens the inborn nature of faith that your soul was created with. Connect with like minded, like hearted souls who are also seeking God and living a spiritual life. The Light within each of you will support the whole. Much transformation can occur through joining with your fellow souls. Faith is not a mental exercise or a belief system. Faith is not exclusive to one religious group. Faith is given to all souls to remind them of who they are in God. During these troubled times of crisis on Earth, faith opens the doorway for true transformation of spirit. Your faith is your anchor during these times and your doorway to God. Faith will bring you peace and set you free. May you be blessed with God's holy peace, faith and trust. Amen. Copyright ©2005 WorldBlessings.com

Beauty Tips . . . For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody. Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

I strongly suggest and urge that like most of the other Sikh Websites, the Sikhawareness.com should make arrangements and allow postings in the Punjabi script too. This will be of great assistance and help in relating to Gurbani in particular !

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A man told his grandson: "A terrible fight is going on inside me -- a fight between two wolves. One is evil, and represents hate, anger, arrogance, intolerance, and superiority . The other is good, and represents joy, peace, love, tolerance, understanding, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, and compassion. This same fight is going on inside you, inside every other person too." The grandson then asked: "Which wolf will win?" The old man replied simply: "The one you feed." - Anon.

Character and Integrity by Wendy Betterini http://www.wingsfortheheart.com It's been said that character is defined by what you do when you think no one is watching. What an illuminating concept that is. Most of us have a public face and a private face. There are parts of ourselves we don't want the world to see. Typically, we tend to hide the aspects that would not be viewed favorably by society. Greed, lust, jealousy, pettiness, fear and so on. We also tend to hide our weaknesses. No one needs to know that we can wolf down a gallon of ice cream in an hour, do they? ;-) I think most people are "good" at their core; decent, loving, compassionate and kind. However, even those we perceive to be good people are capable of unspeakable acts. How many times have you heard a convicted murderer's family member or friend say, "I just can't believe he would be capable of something like that. It's so unlike him." The killer projected one identity to the world, while secretly he was someone else entirely. Okay, most of us are not murderers. Yet, even those of us who would be considered "good people" often think nothing of stealing, cheating on our spouses, or worse. What does that say about our character? Is it wrong only if we get caught? How many times have you done something that you probably wouldn't have done if others had been there to see it? Would you feel embarrassed if these things were brought to public awareness? Did you act on your impulses only because you felt sure no one would ever find out? I've been thinking a lot about the concept of "sin" lately. What is sin exactly? In the Christian religion, sin refers to that which displeases (or dishonors) God. The Ten Commandments warn us against adultery, theft, murder and more. Supposedly if you follow that list, you will remain in God's good graces. In some earth religions, there is only one commandment: Harm None; which basically covers all angles in two words. Do nothing that would cause harm to yourself or another. Seems simple enough. Yet, in both of these examples there are gray areas, aren't there? Sometimes it's hard to tell what's right or wrong. If we find money on the street and pick it up, is that stealing? Does it make a difference if it was $5.00 or $500.00? If we lie to protect someone's feelings, is that wrong? If we take some paper clips home from the office, is that stealing? Does it "harm" the company, really? If we flirt with someone other than our spouse, or fantasize about them, is that cheating? Or is cheating only the physical act of sexual intercourse? In situations like these, how do we know the right course of action? How do we balance integrity with our impulses and desires? I think it can help to examine your motives and the possible consequences. What is your intent in this situation? What do you hope to gain from it? Could your actions harm another, or yourself? If your actions became public knowledge, would you be okay with that? Maybe some of you are rolling your eyes at me right now, thinking, "What's the big deal? So what if I take a few things from work, or cheat on my wife? What they don't know won't hurt them." That may be true, but doesn't it hurt you in the long run? Don't those actions detract from the kind of person you are? Don't they dim your inner light? If it's true that we are all connected, then isn't it also true that harming another means harming ourselves? By disrespecting others, we disrespect ourselves and God. Personally, I don't believe that God is angry and judgmental, sitting up in the clouds waiting to cast us into the pits of Hell for our transgressions. I do believe there will be a final "review" of our lives, and we will have to answer for the things we've done. But I think we will be our own judges. In the deepest part of ourselves, we know right from wrong. We're not perfect, and no one is expecting us to be. We all make mistakes and do things we are later ashamed of. We are human, after all. But there is a big difference between making a mistake, and purposely doing something we know is wrong. We may try to fool ourselves at times and justify our actions. Maybe your husband doesn't pay attention to you, so you try to convince yourself that it's okay to have an affair with a man who does. Or your employer gives you a crappy raise, so you decide to make up for it in other ways, like stealing supplies or fudging your time sheet. They asked for it, right? You certainly have the right to do these things, and probably no one will stop you. Our greatest gift in life is Free Will. Unfortunately, it is also often our greatest curse. There are always consequences to our actions, whether they come now or later. In the end, it's all a matter of personal accountability. Do we want to be a person of character, or not? It doesn't matter if we get caught or not. What matters is that we are defined by our actions. If I take something that doesn't belong to me, I am a thief. If I cheat on my spouse, I am an adultress. If I don't want to get caught, I probably shouldn't do these things in the first place. The truth has a way of making itself known. © Copyright 2005 Wendy Betterini http://www.wingsfortheheart.com Wendy Betterini is an inspirational writer who strives to motivate, uplift, and inspire you to make your dreams a reality. Visit her website, http://www.WingsForTheHeart.com for more positive thoughts to help you on your journey.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4214308.stm Forced marriage 'could be banned' Parents who coerce their children into forced marriages could face prosecution under proposals unveiled by ministers. Currently families who compel their children to marry can be charged only with offences like assault or kidnap. But now ministers are holding a three-month consultation to decide whether to create a specific criminal offence of forcing someone to marry. The joint Home and Foreign Office forced marriage unit has dealt with 1,000 cases over the past four years. 'Sensitive issue' The police have already told the government that forced marriage should be a new, separate offence. They believe bringing in a new law will make prosecutions easier and send a clear message that intimidating young people into marriages they do not want is unacceptable in the UK. It's like a clarion call that this is not legal, you are not going to get away with it Baroness Scotland Home Office Minister In a government consultation document, entitled "Forced Marriage - a wrong, not a right", ministers accept that the arguments against creating a specific criminal offence outweigh those for it. But Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland said a new offence would act as a preventative measure and "say to people this is wrong". "It's like a clarion call that this is not legal, you are not going to get away with it," she told reporters in central London. "I don't know if it's true that it will make it less likely that people come forward - that's why the consultation is so important." She said the government recognised that this was "a very sensitive issue with no clear or easy answers". Controversy It was "not a south east Asian issue", she argued, but affected communities including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Syria, Sri Lanka, USA, Holland, Somalia, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Turkey and Bosnia. "It is an abuse of human rights and a form of domestic violence which cannot be justified on religious or cultural grounds," she said. ARGUMENTS FOR CREATING A SPECIFIC CRIMINAL OFFENCE: Creating a deterrent Giving young people a negotiating tool Make it easier to take action against perpetrators But many young people involved in forced marriages have a "real dilemma", she added. "They love their parents - they want to continue the relationship - but they want to stop what's happening. They want to stop the abuse." A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said: "Forcing someone into a marriage against their will is a clear abuse of their human rights. The police service is committed to tackling forced marriage and where a criminal offence has taken place, we will take positive action to enforce and uphold the law. "The police service welcomes the forthcoming consultation on the creation of a specific offence for forcing someone into marriage. We will continue to provide support to victims of such practices and protect those at risk." The group Imkaan, which supports Asian women and children experiencing domestic violence, said: "We're really pleased to see the government engaging in a public consultation on this important issue and look forward to hearing what our members have to say." Creating a specific offence would cost around £420,000 in the first year of implementation and £220,000 in subsequent years. Overseas prosecutions Possible penalties could include fines, community punishment and imprisonment. The government would also want to be able to prosecute in the case of forced marriages that take place overseas, where the perpetrator and the victim are British citizens. ARGUMENTS AGAINST CREATING A SPECIFIC OFFENCE: Victims stop asking for help through fear of families being prosecuted Parents may take children abroad and marry them off Might be misinterpreted as an attack on black or ethnic minority groups Would be expensive and funds might be better spent on improving support for those at risk Prosecutions could be harrowing for victims BBC crime correspondent Neil Bennett says hundreds, possibly thousands of Britons, come under this kind of pressure from within their communities. It is not only linked to so-called honour killings, where families take revenge on individuals who resist their wishes, but a high suicide rate among young Asian women. Most cases involve females, with some victims as young as 13, although experts suggest up to 15% of cases may involve men marrying against their will. Those being consulted include the police, social services, support groups in the voluntary sector and individuals who have been forced into marriages themselves. Forced marriages differ entirely from legitimate arranged marriages, which take place with the consent of all parties involved. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk_p...ics/4214308.stm Published: 2005/09/05 15:06:16 GMT © BBC MMV

http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=21312bab42b5b5109f67cbedb8e9a43f South Asians Grapple with Katrina News Report, Viji Sundaram, India West, Sep 09, 2005 Twenty-four-hours before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, aerospace engineer Amolak Singh heeded the suggestion of New Orleans officials that residents voluntary evacuate, bundled his family into his car, and left the city he had called home for the last 25 years. All that the family took with them in their Toyota Sierra van were some important documents and a few items of clothing to tide them over for a couple of days. They had done similar evacuations in past years from a city known for its hurricanes. This would be no different. Or so most of the family members thought. Not Singh, though. As they drove in bumper-to-bumper traffic, taking almost six hours to complete the 90-mile trip to Baton Rouge, "something deep within me told me that maybe we may not be able to come back soon," Singh told India-West in a telephone interview earlier this week from the home of a relative who had taken the family in. As he, his wife, Rajinder, 13-year-old daughter Nankee, and son Zoravar, 22, watched the fury of the hurricane on television the next day, they were relieved, Singh said, that Katrina had dealt New Orleans only a glancing blow. But when footage of the submerged city caused by the broken levee aired the next day, Singh knew his worst fears had come true. The eastern part of New Orleans had been hardest hit, and that's where his $140,000, three-bedroom, two-bath single family home was. Hurricane Katrina, called America's worst natural disaster in decades, engulfed nearly 80 percent of New Orleans, and left in ruins large parts of Mississippi, including Biloxi and the Gulfport area. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless. Officials fear that as the search for those missing continues, thousands of bodies may be recovered from submerged homes and other buildings. At press time, there was no official estimate of South Asian casualties, if any, or how many might have lost their homes and businesses. Republican Congressman Bobby Jindal of Louisiana lost his New Orleans home to Katrina. His India-born parents, who live in Baton Rouge, were safe, Jindal's press secretary Chris Paolino told India-West. Jindal criticized the Bush administration for not investing more in coastal restorations. Singh, who is the chairman of the World Sikh Council of North America, did not sit at home feeling sorry for his loss. "For my family, it was only an inconvenience. I knew my insurance policy will take care of my loss," he said. "But what about the thousands who are in a much worse condition?" Over the last week, he and about a dozen other member sof the WSC, in collaboration with the United Sikhs, North America, have worked tirelessly at shelters set up for the refugees, handing out food, mattresses and other necessities bought with donations from the Sikh communities nationwide. The backyard of a Sikh family's home in Baton Rouge serves as a kitchen to prepare two meals each day to feed the 500 refugees who are being sheltered in a church, said New Jersey-resident Kuldip Singh, who is the director of United Sikhs. As of press time, the money so far spent by the two Sikh organizations to provide relief totaled $20,000, Kuldip Singh said. Meanwhile, from his friend's home in Houston where he, his wife and five-year-old son have taken shelter, New Orleans resident Lakshmi Narayana is wondering if his first-floor rental apartment in the western part of the city survived the flooding and the widespread looting in the city that had followed it. Before evacuating the apartment Aug. 28, he told India-West he put away "in a high area" scores of photographs of his only child, from the time he was a baby. "I hope those have not been damaged," said Narayana, who has been working for the local power company in New Orleans, SAIC, for the last four years. "Everything else we can replace, but not those." Narayana angrily denounced what he called the city government's "lack of preparedness." "They should have provided those thousands of people who had no transportation with buses and other vehicles," Narayana said, noting that "the local government's callous nature" was largely to blame for many of the lives lost. New Jersey-based Bangladeshi native Partha Banerjee, who is executive director of Immigration Policy Network, a statewide umbrella coalition for immigrant rights and justice, said he has been spending the last week trying to determine how the thousands of Bangladeshis and other South Asians in the hurricane-affected areas coped. He said there were scores of South Asian immigrants in New Orleans, as well as immigrants from Vietnam and Haiti, who were working in such "sub-minimal" paying jobs as cleaners in restaurants, or nannies in people's homes and taxi drivers. Most of them had no health care, he said. "We don't seem to care about the poorer people," Banerjee asserted. "What has happened to them, where are they? Why are the media and the government not talking about them?" Banerjee said South Asians in the U.S. should use the disaster to reach out to the African American community. "There has to be some kind of solidarity between the groups," he said. "South Asians have to understand they are a part of the larger struggle of the blacks. This is the time to tell the African American community that we're in this together." Rajen Anand, president of the National Federation of Indian American Associations, who set up an NFIA Hurricane Relief Fund two days after the hurricane struck, said he was disappointed with the response from the Indian American community. "It's not easy to get money from the Indian American community" when a calamity happens outside of India, Anand told India-West, sounding frustrated. "It does not touch their hearts and that's why they are not willing to open their wallets." He said that as of now, only one Indian American has sent him a check in response to the online appeal he put out seven days earlier. The day before Katrina hit New Orleans, Dr. Prakash Kedia had his entire family - dad and mom who were visiting from India; wife, brother, his wife and their two children - pile into two cars, taking with them just the bare necessities, and head to a friend's house in Baton Rouge. Because he was on call, Kedia headed to the Jefferson Medical Center in New Orleans, where he would spend the next four days treating patients in dire conditions. From Aug. 29, there was no electricity, which meant there was no air-conditioning or use of elevators in the eight-story hospital. There were times when temperatures touched the 90-degree mark, Kedia said. When the water supply ceased, hospital personnel handed out plastic bags to everyone to urinate in them and not use the toilets. When the hospital began taking in the families of the staffers who had remained in New Orleans, "it was wall-to-wall people," Kedia told India-West. Because there was no water, patients who needed dialysis were airlifted to other hospitals outside New Orleans, Kedia said. In his home in Jackson, Miss., Dr. Sampath Shivangi was sitting in his living room, watching news about Katrina Aug. 29, when suddenly he heard "a big noise, like someone throwing a bomb on my house." He stepped out and found that a tree from his neighbor's yard had fallen on his porch, completely damaging it. Although there was no flood damage in Jackson, there were power outages and an acute shortage of gas at the pumps, forcing many residents to remain housebound for a few days, Shivangi said. Most of the South Asian refugees India-West talked to said they would go back to the city when it is safe to do so. "When New Orleans is ready, we'll go back," said Bangladesh-born Mohammad Kashem, who lived in Matairie, a town 12 miles from New Orleans. Kashem, his wife Mariam, and seven-year-old son evacuated the day before the hurricane hit and moved in with a friend in Houston. "I love New Orleans, the Mardi Gras festival, the fun and the food." "My prayer and dream is to go back to work soon, and hopefully to the same home," said Amolak Singh. "I love New Orleans. That is the place that has given me my livelihood."

This Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raag Maajh on Pannaa 143 pavarree || eikanaa maran n chith aas ghanaeriaa || mar mar ja(n)mehi nith kisai n kaeriaa || aapanarrai man chith kehan cha(n)gaeriaa || jamaraajai nith nith manamukh haeriaa || manamukh loon haaraam kiaa n jaaniaa || badhhae karan salaam khasam n bhaaniaa || sach milai mukh naam saahib bhaavasee || karasan thakhath salaam likhiaa paavasee ||11|| Pauree: Some do not think of death; they entertain great hopes. They die, and are re-born, and die, over and over again. They are of no use at all! In their conscious minds, they call themselves good. The King of the Angels of Death hunts down those self-willed manmukhs, over and over again. The manmukhs are false to their own selves; they feel no gratitude for what they have been given. Those who merely perform rituals of worship are not pleasing to their Lord and Master. Those who attain the True Lord and chant His Name are pleasing to the Lord. They worship the Lord and bow at His Throne

Man has made tremendous progress in science and technology. But, in the field of spirituality, he is still unable to rid himself of narrow cynicism, limited outlook, and the demonic hold of selfishness, pride, envy and other evil traits. When we examine the basic cause for this state of affairs, we discover that it is the consequence of egoism that has struck deep roots in the heart of man. It has reduced man to the status of a puppet. It pollutes his thoughts, words and deeds. It directs him to gather and hoard material riches. It does not allow the Atma (Self) to shine forth. When the veil of egoism is set aside, the Atma is revealed, Wisdom dawns and Bliss results. source: email from friend !

A Gurmukh’s face is always turned towards the Guru. When face is always turned towards the Source of all Lights; all darkness is left far behind. When face is always turned towards the Source of all Purity; all impurities are left far behind. When face is always turned towards the Source of all Bliss; all grief, misery and sorrow are left far behind. When face is always turned towards the Source of Truth; all falsehood is left far behind. When face is always turned towards Guru Parmeshar, Maya is left far behind. When face is always turned towards ‘THOU’, ‘I’ is left far behind. - Baba Narinder Singh Ji

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - SIKH VALUES ! Belief in One God — Sikhs view life as an interconnected whole. All human beings are equal and alike in front of God. Equality of man and woman — Sikh men have last name of "Singh" and the women of "Kaur". Equality of all Mankind regardless of Race, Religion, Background Caste or Creed. All are Equal, All are Loved and Respected. Belief in the Guru Granth Sahib — the Sikh holy book or the "Living Guru". Sikhs venerate the revealed teachings contained in the holy book, which belongs to all mankind. Sikhs do not believe in idols and idol worships or rituals. Belief in the Guru — (Teacher). Sikhism is not a synthetic religion. It is a revealed faith that has been transmitted through human means. Belief in Freedom — Sikhism is an intensely democratic faith that places great emphasis on the individual and freedom of choice for everyone. Love for All — Sikhs pray daily for the well-being of all of humanity. "Nanak Naam Chardikala, Tere Bane Sarbat da Bhalla" (O God! Through Satguru Nanak, may your name be exalted and may All Humanity prosper according to your Will). Food and Shelter for All — Central to the Sikh faith is humble and voluntary Service for all in need - not only the poor. Justice for All — A Sikhs spiritual beliefs must constantly be tested and proven in the world of action. A Sikh cannot witness injustice and turn away. They are "Saint Soldiers" in every decade. "Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh". The Khalsa belongs to the God, all victory is the victory of God. Sikhism maintains that while " Truth is High, Higher still is Truthful living". source: http://www.sikh.net/Sikhvalu.htm

EDITORIAL Editorial Sikh youths deserve an apology for their soccer humiliation The Province Wednesday, September 07, 2005 For the past several years, Indo-Canadian youths taking part in the annual Langley Labour Day soccer tournament have worn their traditional headgear without incident. Why then, last weekend, did officials of the B.C. Soccer Association suddenly change their minds, refusing to allow the players on the field unless they removed their turbans? The result was an unpleasant confrontation between players and officials, leading to the cancellation of some half-a-dozen games. The association now says it was all a mistake; that the officials involved had wrongly interpreted the rules which, in fact, place no restrictions whatever on Sikh headgear. The assurances came too late to head off a strongly worded protest from the Sikh Youth of B.C., pointing out that the turban is "an integral part of the Sikh identity" and that any ban on it is "unacceptable in our multicultural Canadian society." Sikh Youth later happily applauded the association's back-pedalling, but by then the story had made headlines across Canada and the damage to the tournament's image had been done. Sikhs in Canada have fought long and hard -- all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada -- to establish their right to wear their religious symbols. It must be tiresome for them to have to fight their battles all over again. A little more sensitivity on the part of a few individuals would have spared them this fresh humiliation. The players deserve a full and unreserved apology. © The Vancouver Province 2005

Light the darkness Find some way to be thankful for your troubles. For it is a great way to start moving beyond them. Gratitude is always a powerful place to begin. Find something for which to be thankful, and you'll discover a valuable way to move positively ahead. Being resourceful does not mean that you have more resources than anyone else. Being resourceful means that you're able to see and to make full use of the resources available to you. That's especially important when obstacles, troubles, frustrations and tragedies threaten to overwhelm you. Look at those troubles not with dismay, but with gratitude for the value that you know is there. Yes, it may seem strange to be thankful for your difficulties. Yet it certainly beats the alternative, which is to let those difficulties get the best of you. Have the courage and the insight to practice gratitude, even when things are at their darkest. And it will shine a positive, empowering light on even the most difficult situation. -- Ralph Marston Source: greatday.com

The Incredible Power of Prayer by Wendy Betterini http://www.wingsfortheheart.com During moments of helplessness, there is always one thing that can be done to make us feel more purposeful: pray. Contrary to traditional prayer poses, we don't have to spend hours on our knees with hands steepled before us. Prayer can actually be a wonderful, calming, energizing, yet comfortable activity. Sit or lie in any position you wish. Arrange yourself as if you were preparing for a long chat with a close friend. Though prayer can mean different things to different people, most of us would agree that prayer is simply talking to God. But many don't realize that prayer is actually a lot more pro-active than simply talking! When we pray, we are actually setting certain forces into motion. Prayers are thoughts. Thoughts are energy. Energy has power. When we pray, we are purposely setting energy into motion. Prayer is much more than just "asking for something." Prayer is affirming, visualizing, and having faith that certain circumstances are sure to follow. Remember that God also gave us the ability to create. We create every single day. We use our bodies and minds to generate money (a form of energy) to support our families. Men and women come together to create new life. Artists take a blank canvas and create a breathtaking vision of beauty. For human beings, creating is the simplest form of _expression. The most difficult part is deciding what to create and then having the discipline to form our thoughts in that direction. How does this process of creation apply to victims of a disaster? Beyond the obvious physical necessities of food, water, clothing and shelter, what do these people need the most? They need comfort. They need peace. They need to know that everything is going to be okay again, even though their entire world has just been turned upside down. They are grieving for lost loved ones, homes, friends, jobs, neighbors and so much more. They weathered the storm, they are lucky to be alive, but now what? Now they begin the slow process of building another life for themselves, which is a frightening thing to do. We are creatures of habit. We like our comfortable, familiar routines. The unknown is scary. And the only thing I've found that can reduce fear is FAITH. But so many of these people are without faith right now. They've lost everything, including hope. We need to send our own faith to help them, huge chunks of faith, swaddled in love and borne on the wings of prayer. How exactly do we do this? Whether you are a spiritual practitioner or not, whether you are a religious person or not, remember that prayers are simply thoughts. Send positive thoughts. Visualize the victims, individually or as a collective group, and surround them with love, peace, comfort, strength and healing. Make it real, make it strong, make it a powerful vision. The more energy you put into it, the more energy that WILL go into it. Maybe you have doubts about how well this really works. Do it anyway. Put your doubt aside for a few moments, and pretend it will work. Or do an internet search on the Power of Prayer, and read about the many studies that have been done on this topic. I think you'll be surprised by some of the results. The strongest benefit of this type of purposeful prayer is that it reduces our feelings of powerlessness. It reminds us that we can co-create with God to make this world a better place, to help our fellow man, and ourselves. Though we may feel powerless much of the time, we are in control of a lot more than we might think. Will praying for people make all of their trials vanish instantly? Probably not. But what if we can give them something more than the basic necessities of life? What if we can somehow pass along the will to get through another day, the strength to face their grief, and the courage to start over? Isn't that worth the effort? I think so. About the Author: Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer who strives to motivate, uplift, and inspire you to make your dreams a reality. Visit her website, http://www.WingsForTheHeart.com for more positive thoughts to help you on your journey.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.canada.com/vancouver/thep...2-f12ba01bcf33 B.C. soccer referees to be re-educated on turbans Tournament officials 'misinterpreted' rules Ethan BaronThe Province September 6, 2005 Provincial soccer officials will notify all referees that Sikh players can wear turbans on the field, after a number of boys were prohibited from playing over the weekend. Referees who told Langley tournament players they couldn't wear turbans may have misinterpreted B.C. Soccer Association rules, said the group's president, Victor Montagliani. "Unfortunately, this is an issue that when you misinterpret it, it doesn't go well," Montagliani said. "We do not have a rule that bans religious headgear." Langley referees and tournament officials said Sunday that referees had been advised during refresher courses that a new international soccer federation rule forbids turbans on the playing field. Because the B.C. Soccer Association goes by the federation's rules, turbans were banned here, the referees were reportedly told. Montagliani said it's unclear who was giving referees that incorrect information. "We'll be meeting with the people that are involved over the next week or two and finding out exactly what happened," he said. Association officials will advise the 2,000 volunteer referees, along with those who train and certify referees, that turbans are allowed, he said. The soccer federation Laws of the Game do not prohibit turbans. Weekend media reports on the banning of turbaned players generated a strong response yesterday from the Sikh Youth of B.C. "This rule of banning turbans in soccer tournaments is absolutely unacceptable in our multicultural Canadian society and, furthermore, the turban is an integral part of the Sikh identity," the group said in a letter to the B.C. Soccer Association. "We are extremely disappointed with the tournament organizers and the B.C. Soccer Association, and we will encourage all the members of our community to voice their complaint against this organization." Once the association made it clear players can wear turbans, the Sikh community applauded. "The decision is very good if they're going to tell all the referees," said Sohan Singh Deo, spokesman for the Ross Street Temple in Vancouver. B.C. Soccer executive directorKeith Ryan noted that there are 101,000 registered youth players in B.C., coming from many cultures. "We have a great relationship with the Indo-Canadian community," Ryan said. "Our rules support the safety of players but they do not support the discrimination against players." ebaron@png.canwest.com - - - BY THE BOOK The Laws of the Game, according to the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), do not ban religious headgear: "A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself/herself or another player. "Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks, knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight, padded material are not considered to be dangerous and are therefore permitted." © The Vancouver Province 2005

Divine Virtues It is the divine qualities that make man a gentle or a noble man and enable a person to become great. Cheerfulness stands high among these. As a flower spreads its freshness and fragrance all round in the atmosphere, a smile on man's face cheer up the spirit of others who come in his sphere. Thus, a cheerful man does silent service to others. Tolerance and patience too are sterling qualities. They give to man's mind the strength of steel. Like the seat-cushions or the buffer springs, they work as shock-absorbers in life. One who has these can withstand great hardships and bumps. Sweetness of language and temper is another great virtue. One who discerns only the good qualities of others, is a man of great merit. As a bee collects sweetness from flowers, so does a man who has an eye for others' merits, gather good points, and he himself also becomes a store of sweetness like a honey-comb. Humility is another high quality. One who thinks himself to be a humble man, is considered by others to be a great man or a saint. A king, wearing a crown rules over his kingdom only, but a man having humility, though without a crown, is a king in his own right; his kingdom knows not the barriers of territory or time, for he rules over the hearts of men of all ages. Fearlessness saves man from worries and suspicion that cause pain, as much as a person being hanged on the gallows feels. Thus, he lives a carefree life as against a coward who, as the saying goes, dies many times before death. Contentment is of very great merit. A man who is contented is richer than the wealthiest man in the world, for he is not riding the wild horse of unfulfilled wishes. He considers God's knowledge as so many gems being showered on him by God, and looks upon his righteous actions and his yoga as the great treasure. Self-confidence is undeniably a very great task. It is this that enables man to consider a mountain as a molehill whereas one who lacks in this quality looks upon a molehill as a mountain. Straightforwardness enables man to fit better in society. People do not have to be afraid of his intrigues or his tricks. On the other hand, a crooked man is like that nail or a peg which has many bends. Again, service to others and the spirit of sacrifice are qualities that make a man truly great and happy. These and many other divine virtues come naturally to anyone who practices meditation as he/she establishes a link with God who is the perennial source of these. source: email from friend

This Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Raag Raamkalee on Pannaa 943 no sar subhar dhasavai poorae || theh anehath su(n)n vajaavehi thoorae || saachai raachae dhaekh hajoorae || ghatt ghatt saach rehiaa bharapoorae || gupathee baanee paragatt hoe || naanak parakh leae sach soe ||53|| sehaj bhaae mileeai sukh hovai || guramukh jaagai needh n sovai || su(n)n sabadh apara(n)par dhhaarai || kehathae mukath sabadh nisathaarai || gur kee dheekhiaa sae sach raathae || naanak aap gavaae milan nehee bhraathae ||54|| By practicing control over the nine gates, one attains perfect control over the Tenth Gate. There, the unstruck sound current of the absolute Lord vibrates and resounds. Behold the True Lord ever-present, and merge with Him. The True Lord is pervading and permeating each and every heart. The hidden Bani of the Word is revealed. O Nanak, the True Lord is revealed and known. ||53|| Meeting with the Lord through intuition and love, peace is found. The Gurmukh remains awake and aware; he does not fall sleep. He enshrines the unlimited, absolute Shabad deep within. Chanting the Shabad, he is liberated, and saves others as well. Those who practice the Guru's Teachings are attuned to the Truth. O Nanak, those who eradicate their self-conceit meet with the Lord; they do not remain separated by doubt. ||54||

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/arti...in_page_id=1770 Train suicide mother left a note 'blaming family pressures' By BEN TAYLOR and KHUSHWANT SACHDAVE, Daily Mail The woman who dragged her two children to their deaths in front of a 100mph train left a suicide note spelling out how deeply unhappy she was, it has been claimed. Navjeet Sidhu, 27, said family pressures had simply become to much for her. Friends said she wrote the haunting message only hours before hurling herself and her son and daughter in front of the Heathrow Express. British-born Mrs Sidhu, who had given up her career to care for her children, had been taking medication and was heavily depressed following problems in her arranged marriage to her 31-year-old husband, Manjit. She died along with her five-year-old daughter Simran and 23-month-old son Aman Raj on Wednesday when she leapt from the platform at Southall station in West London. Detectives are examining the theory that Mrs Sidhu became desperately disillusioned with the traditional Sikh background and differing cultural values of her Indian-born husband and his family. Her mother-in-law had come to stay shortly after the birth of their son although she is thought to have returned to the family home in India. Yesterday a family friend said: "I have heard she left a suicide note at her house saying she was having problems." The friend added that Mrs Sidhu had struggled to live up to the expectations of her new family. 'Pressure' The friend, who did not wish to be named, said: "She had a lot of pressure on her." The friend said that giving up work had been difficult because she was better qualified than her husband and the family had been struggling to make ends meet on his wage as a Post Office worker. The scene of the tragedy is close to Sunrise Radio, Britain's biggest Asian radio station, where she had worked as a receptionist. Yesterday Sunrise chairman Avtar Lit said: "She was very caring and good at her job. "She had the perfect mixture of Eastern and Western values, and was the perfect example of a British Asian. I was of course aware of this tragedy, but never in a month of Sundays would I have believed it could be her. She was so happy-go-lucky." Another former colleague said: "She seemed the most unlikely person to commit suicide but she had an unhappy marriage." Mrs Sidhu had told one friend: "I really need someone to talk to about my problems but no one will listen." Yesterday the friend said: "Now I wish I had done more. She said to me about a month ago that she needed help. She was really unhappy. "She started taking antidepressants not long after she got married. "They came from such different backgrounds, it was inevitable there would be problems." Another friend, Uzma Darr, said the couple who married seven years ago, briefly split last year during a trip to the U.S. but had got back together to give their marriage a second chance. Yesterday friends and relatives visited Mrs Sidhu's parents. One said Mrs Sidhu was sobbing uncontrollably. "She kept saying she had no idea Navjeet wanted to take her life and she can't believe she took the children with her." British Transport Police believe Mrs Sidhu had been hanging around the station entrance since 11am - two and a half hours before she died. Mr Sidhu had arrived at the station just as his wife jumped. He held his dying son in his arms after picking him up from the track.