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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Anyone who know if it's allowed to donate blood? what does Sikhism say about it?

Subject: Sikh Women Wear Turbans Dastaar for Women Dastaar (turban) is a very important part of Sikh religion. To Sikhs it is more than what is a crown to a king or queen. Sikh Gurus showed a great respect to turban. But some people think it is only for men and women are not required to wear it. This article will explain why Sikh women should wear Dastaar (turban). First I will quote from Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Ji says "Saabat Soorat Dastaar Sira" means "Let your total awareness be the turban on your head" (Page 1084). This clearly states that a Sikh is instructed to live a natural life and have unshorn hair and to protect and keep those hair clean he/she must wear a Dastaar on his/her head. This line does not make an exception to women. Sikh Gurus gave women the equal rights. Both men and women are given the same message which means the above line implies to both not only to men. If we are Sikhs of Guru Granth Sahib Ji then we must wear Dastaar doesn't matter if you are male or female. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Rehtname make very clear points about women wearing Dastaar. Guru Gobind Singh Ji said "Jab Lab Khalsa Rahe Niara, Tab Lag Tej Diyoon Mein Saara" which means "As long as Khalsa preserves its uniqueness and follows the path of true Guru I will bless them with all of my powers." This clearly shows that Khalsa must have its uniqueness which means to have that uniqueness one must have a Dastaar on his/her head. Furthermore, when Bhai Jait Mal Ji presented the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Ji said "I will give my Sikh a distinct and unique appearance which will allow him to be recognized while standing in millions". This uniqueness comes from following the path of Sikhi which is to have unshorn hair and wearing Dastaar on the head. One can easily recognize a Sikh by looking at his appearance and most of that does come from Dastaar. Guru Ji did not say that he would give uniqueness only to men. When Guru Ji said "Khalsa" he meant men and women both. Men and women both are Khalsa. Guru Ji gave the same Rehat Maryada, same uniqueness, same message, same symbols, same religious Bana (dress) and same rights then how are women excluded from wearing Dastaar. Guru Ji made no distinction and referred to men and women as Khalsa and instructed them to wear Dastaar. In above line the word "Niara" clearly means different from others and it does mean wearing Dastaar. It doesn't say only men have to be "Niara". Furthermore, Guru Gobind Singh Ji said "Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas" which means "Khalsa is my own self image." Again, Khalsa means men and women both. Guru Ji did not make two different Sikhs or Khalsa. He made one Sikh and there can only be one type or kind of Sikh. There is only one Khalsa. Women make different hair styles, color their hair, and tie them in the back which is prohibited. Those women are nowhere near Guru Gobind Singh Ji's image. Guru Ji always wore Dastaar. Not only Guru Gobind Singh Ji but all of the other nine Gurus practiced wearing Dastaar. So how are women who dye their hair "Roop" (image) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji? They are not. Guru Ji had one image not two. Guru Ji had unshorn hair and wore Dastaar. Women without Dastaar do not even come close to that image. When those women look in the mirror, do they see Guru Gobind Singh Ji? I don't think so. Dastaar is a sign of dignity. Men still have their dignity but where is women's dignity? They have lost it in fashion. Not many Sikh women wear Dastaar but their numbers are growing. Even white Sikhs men and women wear Dastaar. Women must wear turban as instructed by Guru Ji himself because that's what makes them unique and an image of Guru Ji. Right up to the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sikh women had been steadfast in following the edicts of the Satguru in respect to their spiritual inner life as well as dress, including Dastaar. That is what J. D. Cunningham himself saw and wrote in the middle of the Nineteenth Century when he wrote his book, History of the Sikhs. He writes: "The Sikh women are distinguished from Hindus of their sex by some variety of dress but chiefly by a higher top knot of hair." Even after the Punjab came under the British rule, Dastaar was conspicuously seen in case of Sikh women as well as men right up to the Gurudwara movement and the establishment of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee in 1926. Until then, no one - man as well as woman was allowed to be baptized (by taking Amrit) at Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib without Dastaar. At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the present one, as a result of the Sikh renaissance movement, a number of Khalsa schools for girls were established in Punjab. Small Dastaar was prescribed as an obligatory head dress for students as well as teachers in such schools at Jaspalon, Ferozepur and Sidhwan in Punjab. Many famous Rehatname also support wearing of Dastaar. Here are some quotes: "Each candidate for Baptism be made to wear kachhehra, tie hair in a topknot and cover the same with Dastaar; wear Sri Sahib (Kirpan) in Gaatra (shoulder belt). Then he/she should stand with folded hands." (Rahitnama Bhai Daya Singh Ji) "...Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa should keep his hair unshorn, have flowing beard and have simple Dastaar which saves him from impiety. Then the Sikhs asked what would happen to those Amritdhari who start cutting their hair or do not keep their hair covered. The Guru replied that they would be stupid and will lose their sensibility It is a blemish to remain bareheaded...Always keep two turbans. When the bigger turban is removed, the smaller be kept. The smaller turban should not be removed."(Bijai Mukat Dharam Shastra - Sakhi- 8 "(A Sikh) who eats food with turban removed from the head (i.e., bareheaded) is destined for 'Kumbhi' hell." (Rahit Rama Bhai Prahlad Singh Ji) "One who combs hair twice a day, ties turban fold by fold and cleans teeth everyday will not come to grief." (Tankhah Naama Bhai Nandlal Ji) "Whosoever roams about bareheaded, takes food bareheaded and distributes the 'prasad' bareheaded is considered punishable." (Uttar-prashan Bhai Nandlal Ji) "Women should tie their hair in topknot and should not keep them loose." (Rahitnama Bhai Daya Singh Ji) "Keshas be washed. Turban or Dastaar should not be placed on floor but should always be kept with due respect. Food should not be eaten bareheaded." (Bijai Mukt Dharam Shastra, Sakhi 70) It is thus, absolutely clear from the above quotations that remaining bareheaded at any time (except when washing, drying, and combing) and keeping hair loose and unknotted are basically against the Sikh Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all, men and women alike. For obvious reasons, therefore, the use of Dastaar is indispensable. There is no other way to keep the head covered all the time. Sikhs women who wear only dupattas, mostly remain bareheaded, at least in the privacy of their own homes, while taking food, etc., and thus are, perhaps unconsciously, infringing the Sikh Code of Conduct in this respect. A FEW HISTORICAL AND OTHER FACTS IN THIS RESPECT: 1. Well-known Sikh historian Bhai Sahib Bhai Santokh Singh has given a somewhat detailed description concerning Mai Bhaag Kaur (commonly known as Mai Bhago) of Forty Muktas fame in his well known historical work GUR PARTAP SOORAJ. He mentions that Mai Bhaag Kaur had reached the highest stage of enlightenment and had almost lost her body consciousness...so much so that when her clothes became worn to shreds, she did not care to replace them. Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji called her in His Holy presence and instructed her to always stick to the Gursikh dress as prescribed in the Code of Conduct. In particular, she was ordered to wear Kachhehra and Dastaar. In fact, according to some chroniclers, the Dastaar was tied on her head by the Satguru himself. If this Dastaar was not a part of Sikhi, where was the need to include this item in the instructions given to a lady who had reached almost the Brahmgyan stage? It apparently shows that the Satguru gave very high importance to Dastaar. 2. In the Museum of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's fort at Lahore and Victoria Museum at Calcutta, the pictures of Sikh women of old time can be seen even now, depicting them with Dastaar. 3. Bhai Sahib Veer Singh, in his well known poetical work, RANA SURAT SINGH, depicts Rani Raj Kaur as a Saint Soldier or Rajyogi of the highest order. Her very impressive picture given in the book depicts her with a well-tied Dastaar, on which is also affixed a khanda-chakkar, the emblem of Sikhism. In another of his book "Mata Satwant Kaur" Satwant Kaur is shown as wearing Khalsa dress including Dastaar. 4. The Sikh women belonging to the Jatha of Bhai Sahib (Sant) Teja Singh Ji of Mastuana, have been seen doing Kirtan in congregations wearing Dastaar. He was instrumental in establishing Akaal Academy - a Higher Secondary School at Baru in Himachal Pradesh wherein all students - boys as well as girls - are required to wear Dastaar as a prescribed school uniform. 6. Jathedar of Damdami Taksaal Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale's whole family, including his wife, two sons and their wives practiced wearing Dastaar. 7. It is a historical fact that there was a time when a price was put on the head of a male Sikh. Greedy and unprincipled people, both Hindus and Muslims, availed of this opportunity to make money. When they could no longer find male Sikhs in the villages and towns, they started beheading Khalsa women and presenting their heads as the heads of young unbearded teenager Sikh lads. Even in those dark times Sikh women did not stop wearing Dastaar. It was only because of fashion and their misunderstanding of Sikh faith that they stopped wearing Dastaar and started piercing nose and ears. 8. S. Shamsher Singh Ashok who has been an active member of the Singh Sabha movement and an erstwhile Research Scholar of the S.G.P.C., while discussing the prevalence of the use of 'Dastaar', states: "...and, consequently in the Amrit-Parchaar at the Akaal Takhat Sahib, this was a precondition even for ladies before they could be baptized there. Any woman who was not prepared to wear Dastaar was not baptized. This practice continued even after the end of the Gurudwara movement. Relaxation was made only when Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafar became the Jathedar of the Akaal Takhat." The wearing of Dastaar enables Sikh women to show their distinctiveness of being Sikh or Khalsa like men. The importance of this Khalsa distinctiveness has been clearly emphasized by the Tenth Guru for the Khalsa as a community, both men and women, and not for men only. At the time of the baptismal ceremony, the same Amrit (Khande-Ki-Pahul) is administered to all without any distinction, including that of sex. The title of Khalsa is bestowed on all of them. The same way of life and Code of Conduct is enjoined upon all of them. All of them are forbidden to roam about, take food, etc. bareheaded. How, then, have women become exempt from any of these injunctions? Dastaar is the only answer to this contradiction. In view of all the aforesaid, it is clear that Dastaar has been traditionally worn by Sikhs, or Khalsa men and women, right from the birth of the Khalsa Nation. This practice has been enunciated and strongly emphasized by the Satguru himself. Akhand Kirtani Jatha, white Sikhs and a few other individuals and organizations are preserving this dignified Khalsa tradition with Guru's grace. Having become aware of these facts, the Sikh intelligentsia has also started showing a remarkable response in this regard. If the Khalsa is to live in accordance with the Rules of true Gurmat , both Khalsa men and women have to accept it. Dastaar is the crown bestowed by the Satguru for the head of the Khalsa, whether man or woman, who stands bestowed with the special form of the Satguru himself. By refraining from the use of Dastaar, a Sikh becomes a follower of his own ego instead of the Will of the Satguru. Wearing of Dastaar by Sikh women is decried mainly because modern day Sikhs want their women to fall in line with other women with respect to the so called modern way of life, including the modern fashions of dress. Sikhs - both men and women - will continue to be guilty of showing disrespect to the sacred hair by keeping them uncovered. In fact, it is the Dastaar's nonacceptance (and not its acceptance) that is very unconsciously eviscerating the Rehtname of their "tremendous and literally unlimited potency that operates on the collective subconscious level" of the Sikhs in general. One fails to understand how the use of Dastaar "...destroys the purity of the Khalsa and sabotages the unity of the Khalsa", as alleged by some. In fact, the shoe is on the other foot. If Dastaar is accepted by all Khalsa men and women, it will help in maintaining the purity and ensuring the unity of the Khalsa, as even women of the Khalsa faith, like the Khalsa men, will be distinguishable. Writer: unknown

THE POWER OF AMRIT by Manvir Singh When Bhai Jeta Ji came from Delhi with Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji’s severed head to tenth Guru, the Guru asked, “Oh Bhai Jeta, tell how many people gathered at Chandi Chownk, to see my father be beheaded?†Bhai Jeta replied, “There were hundreds and thousands.†Guru Ji then asked, “How many Sikhs of Guru Nanak were standing in the crowds?†Bhai Jeta Ji with tears in his eyes replied, “Oh Guru Ji, I couldn’t recognise who was a Sikh or who was not a Sikh, there were thousands of people but I couldn’t see any Sikhs distinct from the crowd.†The tenth Guru replied, “Don’t worry, I will soon give the Sikhs, such a beautiful distinct image that my Sikhs will be recognised in crowds of thousands and throughout the world.†Amrit derives from two words, ‘Am’ and ‘Mrit’. ‘Am’ means water. ‘Mrit’ is making a dead person alive. ‘Amrit’, the water, which makes a dead person alive. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the Sikhs Amrit he made the dead people alive, he instilled a new lease of spirit, which transformed sparrows into hawks, and made the Sikhs fearless of death. In 1739 Nadir Shah came from Afghanistan and invade, plunder and loot India. As the army entered through Panjab, the Sikhs would attack the armies at night time. The Sikhs would raid their looted wealth and riches. The Sikhs would free the innocent Hindu sisters and mothers and return them to their respective homes. Nadir Shah asked Zakriya Khan, the Governor of Panjab about the Sikhs. “Who are these people who dare to attack my soldiers and plunder meâ€, he asked. Zakriya Khan replied, ‘These are the followers of man called, ‘Guru Nanak’, their homes are their saddles and they visit their holy shrine in the middle of the night and disappear before the first light of day.’ Nadir Shah asked, ‘What gives them their strength to dare to challenge me and my large armies?’ Zakriya Khan replied, ‘Their Guru has given them Amrit, ‘the water of immortality’, those who drink become fearless of death’. Nadir Shah with curiosity said, “How do you know this?†Zakhriya Khan replied, “Those people who used to walk pass me, with their head down and would say salaam, Those same people after taking Amrit, they still walk pass me, but now they don’t hold their head down, now they don’t say salaam, instead they walk pass, looking into my eyes. You are one King, but they are all Kings.†If an old man takes Amrit, he becomes fearless of death, like Baba Deep Singh at the age of 75 who died fighting with his head on hand. If a young child took Amrit, he becomes fearless of death, like Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, at the age of 8 he didn’t lower his turban to Wazir Khan and instead was bricked alive with his younger brother. If a woman takes Amrit, she became fearless of death, like Mata Bhag Kaur who led 40 Sikhs into victory in battlefield against armies of thousands. Would you stay Nir-gura (without a Guru) till you die? Or would you like to take the gift of Amrit and become the Sikh of the Guru? Have you felt the ‘Power’?

Sat sri akal to everyone! I got this from a friend and thought you might want to see this.. It's about the massacre in 1984. http://www.carnage84.com/ There are some horrible pictures. But it's reality. It's what happened to Sikhs in 1984. Seventeen years ago, for three full days, armed mobs had a free run of India’s Capital hunting down Sikhs, one of the more prosperous minority communities of the country, killing their men by burning them alive, looting and destroying their properties, molesting their women and assaulting their children, all with the patronage of the then ruling Congress party and its leaders. This story of how 4,000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi alone form November 1 to 3, 1984, and the covert but very determined efforts made by the state machinery to shield the culprits and deny justice to the victims. And also a story of the equally determined efforts made over the years against all odds by a group of citizens led by Senior Advocate H.S. Phoolka to fight for justice. The fight is still on... (www.carnage84.com)

For the sake of historical truth and communal harmony, please allow me to respond to Mr. Niranjan Shah’s column that was published in India Tribune of September 28, 2002. Let us not poison the minds of our young children with ignorance, communal hatred and historical myths. Let them grow to be honest, upright and truthful human beings, which the world needs the most, especially, a country like India. I am glad that he admitted at the outset that the word ‘Hindu’ is not found in Hindu Scriptures and this label was given to the Indian people by outsiders. However, for some reason he failed to inform the readers about the meaning of ‘Hindu’ and gave an absurd explanation that ‘Hindu’ is the Persian equivalent of the Vedic term ‘Sindhu’ used for a river. It is difficult to imagine that a knowledgeable person like Mr. Shah does not know the meaning of ‘Hindu’.Let me explain what the word ‘Hindu’ means. In Persian and Arabic ‘Hindu’ means black, slave and thief. Muslim conquerors used these words for the subjugated Indians. It is ironic and shameful that Mr. Shah now wants to assign that derogatory label ‘Hindu’ to Sikhs, Jains and Budhists. Did Mr. Shah ask any Sikh or Jain or Budhists about how do they feel when someone calls them Hindu? As a Sikh I would feel highly insulted if some body called me a Hindu. Mr. Shah won’t understand what I am saying because he is totally ignorant about Sikhism as is evident from his column. Mr. Shah, our Hindu ancestors accepted whatever was dished out to them by outside invaders because the clever and devious Brahmin kept them ignorant like dumb driven cattle. The Brahmin took away all their human dignity and self-respect by using the most cruel and tyrannical ‘caste system’ ever devised by man for the exploitation of man. (....) The final authority on Sikhs and Sikhism is Aad Guru Granth Sahib, Holy Scripture of the Sikhs. This Scripture is unique because unlike other world Scriptures, Sikh Gurus wrote it themselves. Aad Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh Gurus and those who have made in depth studies of Sikihism, confirm unequivocally that Sikhs are not Hindus. “We are neither Hindus nor Muslims. Our bodies and breaths belong to the Almighty God, Whom people call Allah or Ram.†Aad Guru Granth Sahib, P 1136. When Shaikh Braham asked Guru Nanank, “Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?†“I will be telling a lie if I say that I am a Hindu but I am also not a Muslim,†averred Guru Nanak. Sangat Singh. Sikhs in History, p 14. ( 1st ed.1995) The Sikh Gurus rejected all the essentials of Hinduism and the moral authority of Hindu Scriptures. Sangat Singh. The Sikhs in History, p 15. Hindus have created a myth that Sikh Gurus were Hindu reformers and that the Hindus supported their movement wholeheartedly. First, only the first four Gurus were born in Hindu families, the later six Gurus were the descendents of the fourth Guru, Ram Das. Guru Nanak rejected Hinduism the very day he refused to wear the sacred thread (Janeu), which was essential for a Hindu of Khatri caste. The other three Gurus, Angad Dev, Amar Das and Ram Das rejected Hinduism when they became followers of Guru Nanak. Second, how could Sikh Gurus be considered Hindu reformers if they rejected all the essentials of Hinduism and the moral authority of Hindu Scriptures? Third, contrary to the myth that Hindus supported the Sikh movement wholeheartedly, high caste section of the Hindu society (Brahmins, Rajputs and Khatris) opposed it vehemently from the very beginning. Let me highlight the attitude of the high caste Hindus towards the Sikh movement from the time of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak rejected the sacred thread, befriended a low caste Muslim Mirasi named Mardana and called him Bhai (brother) Mardana. Bhai Mardana accompanied Guru Nanak during his odysseys and remained his devoted friend and follower till his death. Guru Nanak stayed in the homes of Shudras partaking their food and traveled to Muslim countries to preach his message of universal love and equality under One and only God. He proclaimed his solidarity loudly with the downtrodden. “I will stand by lowest of the lowest caste rather than with the arrogant and rich of the high caste. Societies which take care of their downtrodden enjoy the blessing of merciful God.†Aad Guru Granth Sahib, p 15 . Guru Nanak also repudiated the caste system by introducing the concept of Sangat and Pangat among his follwers. Sangat means a congregation where all irrespective of their caste, creed and gender participate in divine Kirtan (recitals) and religious discourses. Pangat means sharing of community meal where all irrespective of their caste, creed and gender sit together in a row to partake food. Sangat Singh, The Sikhs in History, p 18. (......) Hinduism is altogether different from Sikhism theologically. Let me illustrate this point by citing two passages from Aad Guru Granth Sahib, one by Guru Nanak Dev and the other by Bhagat Nam Dev addressed to a Brahmin priest. “The gods and goddesses whom you worship and to whom you pray, what can they give? You wash them yourselves; left to themselves, they will sink in the water. There is no merit in the worship of statues.†Aad Guru Granth Sahib, p 637. Bhagat Nam Dev was tormented and not allowed entry into the temple due to his low caste. He expressed his anguish in a hymn addressed to a Brahmin priest. “Listen o Pandey, I meditate on the Almighty God and I have found Him. O ignorant one, what have you gained from your holy mantras and gods? I have heard that your gyatri was a cow in previous life. When she strayed into the crop of a farmer, named Loda, he broke her leg with a club and she became lame. I have heard about your god Shiv Ji, the rider of white bull. He went to the house of a generous person for a feast. He didn’t like the food, so he killed that man’s son with a curse. I have also heard about your god Ram Chandar Ji. He fought with Ravan, who took away his wife. Hindu is blind to God due to his worship of idols of gods and goddesses and practice of caste system whereas a Muslim who worships God is partially blind to God due to his bigotry. Wiser than both is he who sees God in all. Temples are sacred to the Hindus whereas mosques are sacred to the Muslims. However, Nam Dev focuses his mind on the One and only, who is not restricted either to the temple or the mosque.†Aad Guru Granth Sahib, p 875. Most of the Sikhs are ethnically and culturally related to Punjabi Hindus and Muslims, as the ancestors of Sikhs were either Hindus or Muslims. The overwhelming majority of ancestors of Indian Muslims were also Hindus as pointed out by Mr. Shah. However, after 1947 the high caste Punjabi Hindus disowned the Punjabi language and culture of their ancestors thus severing their cultural ties with Sikhs. Baldev Singh, 316 R Glad Way, Collegeville, PA 19426

Essays on Sikhism My Thirteen Reasons For Sikhism My focus is to highlight how Sikhs living in a western society have to deal with problematic issues, where certain western values don't blend with Sikh religious principles. I also believe that up the point that I was "lucky" to know of the Sikh religion, which helped guide my decisions, but unfortunately many of today's young grow up ignorant to what Sikhism is. Below I have listed 13 points why I think Sikhism is the best religion in the world, and what it has to offer to Sikhs and to the World, and why Sikhs should not abandon their faith, but strive harder to understand it, learn about it, and one day realize that it is worth keeping, holding on to, and prizing in our hearts and souls. 1. Sikhism does not look down upon people who follow other religions as "inferior, non-believer, etc". That is one reason why you don't see Sikh Missionaries actively pursuing conversions. 2. Sikhism is a religion of Equality. Equality between Men and Women and also stressing "universal equality" amongst all human beings. Which all other religions do not have. 3. Sikhism is a modern way of life, it doesn't subject people to valueless rituals. A few examples being the caste system, bathing in holy rivers, facing a certain direction for a prayer, slaughtering animals in the name of God, circumcision. (NOTE: I'm talking of Sikhism, not cultural practices.. which at times are not up to date with the teachings of the religion, as can be seen in all religions) 4. Sikhism, is a religion of worship of One God (Waheguru). A God that has no 'chosen people', a God compassionate to all, Who is not bonded to a "single religion", Who is to be found and realized by all, Who is not pleased with ritualistic behaviour, and that is only pleased by "ANYONE" who with true devotion LOVES HIM, yes a God for all the UNIVERSE.. not just of Jews, Sikh, Hindus, Muslims, etc. Waheguru himself spoke to Guru Nanak Dev Ji the founder of Sikhism on the "Day of Revelation", when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was called to God's court and given his directives to preach to this world. Waheguru spoke the following verse on this most blessed day to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the entire world. Known as the Mul Mantra. other places before other hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Ik Onkar (There is but One God) Sat Nam (Truth is His name) Kartaa Purakh (The Creator, The Supreme Being) Nirbhau (He is without fear) Nirvair (He is without enmity) Akal-murat (Timeless, without form) Ajuni (He is beyond births and deaths) Saibhang ( He is self-enlightened) Gurprasaad (He is realised by the grace of the True Guru) Jap (Meditate on the Name) And in God's court Guru Nanak spoke the following, which God accepted and condoned, and comes after "Jap". Aad sach (He was True in the beginning, (before anything (the universe, time) existed) Jugaad sach (He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True) Hai bhi sach (He is also True now) Nanak hosi bhi sach (Satguru) Nanak (says that) he will eternally be True.) 5. Sikhism believes in reincarnation. As the worldly science is improving and people are starting to realize this phenomenon is true (through hypnosis and near-death experiences) they will understand the "Greater Glory" in the Sikh scriptures to have realized this concept while others don't believe in it at all. (Note: Only Hinduism and Buddhism share these values of reincarnation, and many Christians are starting to believe it, and though Muslims rejects this notion, I believe many believe in it as well.) 6. Sikhism stresses that God judges all people as to their actions in this world. It does not matter which religion they practice, or were born to. Hence the theory of Karma is also a part of Sikh religion. The ultimate reward in Sikhism is to be freed from the PAINS of 'births and deaths' that Humans undergo. Reflect for a few minutes, and think of how much we as people suffer in life? A tremendous amount! The older you are the more you will know of it. Unlike other religions, which offer a heavenly paradise, where one is rewarded with Virgins (only for the males as one scripture has it) and rivers of wine (which ironically is not sanctioned for one to drink here on this earth). Sikhism rewards people with the concept of becoming "one with God". Where the soul is immersed back into the Godly soul, like a raindrop is immersed into the ocean and hence finding ever lasting bliss. (Never to be reborn again) This is for both MALE and FEMALE. No sexism exists in the scripture. I challenge all to look for themselves, and see that a religion born 500 years ago, has accepted the equality of sexes as well as people, which not even today's western society has, nor any other religion has. This is just one reason why I adore the Sikh religion. Men and Women are Equal in all respect. 7. In Sikhism, Men and Women are able to carry out prayer rights. There is no priest class, unlike other religions, where it is controlled by men. Hence again women are equal partners in Sikhism. Sikhism is a very egalitarian religion. 8. "Sikhism is an intellectual way of life"! Sikhs are told to explicitly seek knowledge within the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Knowledge is the "key" to enlightenment. One must understand the Guru's written words in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in order to help themselves transcend this worldly ocean and reach the higher spiritual goals given to Humankind by God. The challenge of being a Sikh is truly a hard one, the majority of the world today have not the courage in them, nor the will power, nor the willingness to spend time to pursue this "intellectual" and "spiritual" journey and achieve that ultimate state of ETERNAL BLISS. People are reluctant to face this challenge, since it is a difficult and long one, this is why people are unaware of the greatness of their Sikh religion. They continue to play in this world (metaphorically speaking) in pursuit of happiness, yet never achieve it. Happiness is only temporary. It is eternal bliss (Anand) that we want, which the Guru guides us on how to achieve, in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Happiness (Bliss) can not be bought with riches, etc. Happiness is a state of mind. Bliss is the state of being one with our mind, soul, and heart. One can only find it by being able to control (cleansing) the mind, which Sikhism stresses one to do, with God's Naam (Name. Then only will one achieve true lasting happiness (bliss) within ourselves. I challenge the readers to spend some time, to read up on the lives of Sikh Gurus, read the Sikh scripture, along with the other religions open mindedly, and Sikhism will pass as the most objective, logical, equal, humanitarian religion. A good place to start is Sandeep Singh's WWW home page. The Sikhism Home Page: www.sikhs.org 9. Sikhism is a religion which builds character. It tells its followers to be "hard workers" to earn their daily bread. To share this with others, as well as to remember the Lord in their heart. Hence within Sikhism, there is a compassion towards all of humanity, a fact of social reform. 10. Sikhism is the only religion that allows all people, of any caste, colour, creed, religion to come to "ANY"! of their holy places, without restriction, and be given equal respect in all matters. All are served in the Gurdwara (holy temple of the Guru), and in the kitchen with the same dignity. All are allowed to participate in Singing Hymns on stage even if they are not Sikhs. All are allowed to read the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (if they know how to read Gurmukhi Script) All are allowed to discuss Sikhism in these places of worship even if they are not Sikhs. "A very good example which comes to mind is Bhai Chaman Lal even though he is a Hindu. He sings Gurbani hymns all over India in Gurdwaras and tells wonderful stories of the Gurus. Sikhs respect and give him equal dignity, even though he is not a Sikh." I personally love his singing and his stories. He's more of a Sikh than I am. Hence one does not have to even change religion, to follow Sikh practices and sing the Glories of God using Sikh scripture and that truly is the greatness of Sikhism. 11. Sikhism allows one to follow the path to enlightenment, at their own speed. This enlightenment comes with their own understanding and awareness of the message in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and how much effort they have given to incorporate it in their lives. Sikhism allows people to interpret the Guru Granth Sahib for themselves (unlike other religions) and with increasing awareness and understanding, the person will gain greater (deeper) understanding of the "divine" words of the Gurus, who were in direct communication with The Creator and wrote what God told them in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. 12. Sikhism is the only religion where the Scripture is written by the Prophet of the religion who was in divine communication with God, out of all the other worldly religions whose scriptures were written later by people. 13. Sikhism is the only religion that has in its Scripture, Hymns of Divine saints who had attained that state of perfection and communion with God in life. Be them Muslim or Hindu (from every caste). Hence Sikhism is truly a religion that has broken down barriers between religions, to show the world that, "anyone" can reach God by immersing themselves in His love. That is why Hindu and Muslim saints divine hymns from God are also recorded in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sikh Gurus are not only honouring the achievement of these Saints throughout time, but are sending a message to the world. Sikhism is not the property of those who are born in Panjab or to Sikh families. It is a religion for all of humanity, men and women, be they of any caste, creed or colour and be they born to any religion in the world. Sikhism is for all of humanity, let us not forget the entire universe. By Jaswinder Singh

DUKH SUKH (by S. Jaswant Singh) Two shopkeepers had their shops next to one another. One shopkeeper, Gurmukh used to close his shop early and go to see Guru Nanak Dev ji. The other shopkeeper Manmukh asked Gurmukh that why you close your shop early he said he goes to see Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Manmukh also started closing his shop early but instead started going to a bad place. Both kept on going to their places. One day Manmukh asked Gurmukh to go home together and agreed upon a place to meet after visiting their places, so that they can go to their homes together. Manmukh came to meeting place early because the door was locked at a place where he used to go. He found golden ring there by digging through pile of ashes. He was happy. Gurmukh was on his way to a meeting place and thorn (kanda) hit his foot. So he was in pain and came to a meeting place limping. Manmukh told Gurmukh that he used to go to a bad place and found a golden ring but you used to go to a good place and are in pain. Gurmukh told Manmukh there may be something behind this and asked him to go to see Guru Nanak Dev Ji next day. Both asked Guru Ji why it happened like this. Guru ji asked " Do you know what you did in the past life?" Both said no. Guru you told Manmukh, you donated golden ring in the past life and in this life you were going to get many golden rings but every day you used to go to bad place, the golden ring turned into ashes. One golden ring is left because you could not go to bad place on the last day. Guru Ji told Gurmukh, you were supposed to be hanged but because you started coming to our place, hanging has changed to pain of a thorn. LESSON LEARNT: Dukh and Sukh in our present life are the result of deeds done in our previous lives. Gurbani says on 1030 "Sukh dukh purab janam kay kiye, so jane jin datay diye. Kis tu dosh deh tu parani suh apna kiya karaa hai". We can reduce the pains and sufferings of this life by devoting time toward WaheGuru (Naam Japna, Paath, Keertan, changae karam karnae etc.). This will neutralize the effects of bad deeds done in the previous lives. Let us all devote at least 2.5 hours daily for Nitnem and all the time say WaheGuru in your mind. Repeating WaheGuru WaheGuru ..... WaheGuru is the most powerful way especially at Amrit vela. Keep doing that everyday without any break, not only your this life will be better but you will reap the benefits after this life also. WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru WaheGuru __________________________________ haath paau(n) kar kaam sabh cheet niranjan naal. [As you go about your affairs using your hands and feet, let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord]

Sat sri akal. I don't know if this has been posted before, but this is a site with Sikh sakhis: http://www.sikhism.com/titlepages/sikhsakhis.htm

Sat sri akal ji, Just wanted to share this article with u: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3403775.stm :-)

SSA, I got this on e-mail.. plz read! Vaheguroo jee kaa Khalsa Vaheguroo jee kee Fateh.... Inspiring story, I know its a bit long but please read when you have time, Its well worth it... Naked Eyes Sikhi was never of any importance to me. I was still young, and always believed it was something that people did in their fifty’s to pass time. I wanted to “live life to the fullest,†and that wasn’t possible if I was living the lifestyle of a Sikh. I didn’t care to understand the concept of God, or why people had so much faith in Him. All I cared about was looking good, and having as much fun as I could before I got married (I knew my parents would marry me off to a Sikh). If I was to get into Sikhi it would be a lot later in my life. I had just turned 22, and because I had finished my degree and was able to support myself, I thought it was time that I went my own way. I had been under the control of my parents all of my life and although I respected that they were devoted to Sikhi, I knew that it wasn’t what I wanted in my life. I had been thinking about getting my hair trimmed for a while. I was getting sick of putting my hair up in a bun. My eyebrows took after my Pitha Jee, bushy as can be, and I couldn’t wait to get those plucked. I didn’t tell my parents since I felt I was old enough to make my own decisions. I knew it was a bit selfish of me to go behind their backs, but I didn’t think too much of it. I went into the shop and got my hair trimmed a couple of centimeters and had my eyebrows shaped. There was a look of accomplishment when I looked at myself in the mirror for the first time. The reflection showed a new person, it was the person I always wanted to be. “Freedom!†I remember thinking to myself. I drove up into the garage of the house I had lived in for the last ten years of my life, and hoped that it would recognize me. As I walked into the house, I could feel my heart beating rapidly. My parents were in the kitchen so I walked in hastily, said my hello’s and headed into my room. I didn’t stay long enough in the kitchen to see my parents’ reactions. Matha Jee had just looked up at me when I left and Pitha Jee was too absorbed reading the Punjabi newspaper. I could hear murmurs coming from the living room. And then for a couple of minutes they stopped. My heart was beating so fast. “Simran?†I could hear my mom calling for me. At first I didn’t want to answer. “Hunjee Matha Jee?†I whispered back hoping she wouldn’t hear me. “Can you come outside please?†“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.†I started feeling guilty for cutting my hair but kept my composure and walked down the hall towards the living room. My parents were sitting cross legged on the rug, holding gutkay in their hands. My mom looked up at me and handed me a gutka and then nodded her head downwards (her way of telling me to sit down). It was the first time since I can remember that my parents called me to do paat with them. At first I wanted to get up and tell them I had work to do but then I just felt relieved that they weren’t yelling at me, so I sat down beside my mom and read along with Reharaas. Reharaas was finally over, and by this time I was yawning and just wanted to go to bed. We all got up to do ardaas. Pitha Jee did it. Although I didn’t care for Sikhi, ardaas was the one aspect of Sikhi that meant something to me so I actually listened to the ardaas. Pitha Jee came to the end of the ardaas. He did ardaas for Reharaas and then in a calm loving tone he asked, “Guru Sahib Jee, please bless our daughter with a Gursikhi life.†Matha Jee was sobbing. I wanted to cry as well, not because I felt guilty but because I was hurt. Why would they do that to me? They could have done ardaas on their own time. I didn’t sleep that whole night. Pitha Jee’s words kept running through my head no matter how high I turned up the radio. Two months had gone by. I kept my distance from my parents and even when Matha Jee tried to talk to me I gave her one word answers. Although two months had passed, I could still hear Pitha Jee’s voice from that night. His ardaas was straight from his heart and I was afraid that it would come true. I had even done ardaas to undo the ardaas he did. That night my good friend was having a keertan at the Gurudwara. I never liked going to anyone’s programs, especially if they were at the Gurudwara, but that day I kept getting this push from inside to go. I arrived at the Gurudwara early and after failing to find someone I knew I proceeded towards the main darbar hall. I took a glance at Guru Granth Sahib Jee to make sure I was walking in the right direction. As I looked down at the ground I felt warmth take over my body. I felt calm. The vision of Guru Granth Sahib Jee covered with royal blue ramalay was grounded in my mind. I stood still for a moment and embraced the vision in my heart. Everything around me slowly disappeared. I took a step forward and then another, until I had reached the end. I looked up at the Guru. My mind was silenced in admiration of the beauty that was in front of me. I once again remembered Pitha Jee’s ardaas and started to shed tears. Kneeling down to matha taake I could hear Pitha Jee’s words so clearly, “Guru Sahib Jee please bless our daughter with a Gursikhi life.†The moment my forehead touched the Guru’s Charan I could hear whispers in my ear. I was trying to listen to what was being said but I couldn’t make out the words. I concentrated and tried again to listen to the sounds. “Vahe-Guroo. Vahe-Guroo. Vahe-Guroo…†At that time I didn’t know what to think of the moment. But, with the energy I had left I got up and sat in the Sangath. Time had vanished. My eyes were tightly fastened together and my mind was still. A soft white filled the room and I could hear more voices repeating “Vahe-Guroo.†I absorbed myself in the moment. Some time had gone by and I could see two figures appear in the distance. They were too far away for me to see if they were male or female but I could see that one was shorter than the other. I couldn’t see any details because the colours were meshed into one blur consisting of black, red and a pale brown. I tried to focus on the two figures hoping that I could piece together who they were. The two figures had vanished and then for a split second materialized again and this time I could see them clearly. That was the day that my Pitha Jee’s ardaas had been answered. I took Amrit a week later. Every night in my ardaas I ask that everyone be blessed with a Gursikhi life. There are still days that go by when I feel distant from Sikhi. But, when those days come, I think back to the day when Guru Sahib Jee, with my naked eyes, showed me the Piyaar in the face of Bhai Taru Singh Jee as his scalp was being cut away from his body.

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12 O’clock Joke For all of you who thought 12 o Clock is a joke for Sardar. I was standing at railway Station (New Delhi) when my attention went towards a Sikh youth standing near me wearing a Black turban having a long beard and wearing a kirpan over his shirt looking similar to a terrorist. After a while, one local train arrived, which was totally packed.The Sikh youth tried to alight the train but failed to do so. Just then a voice was heard from the back coach 'Sardarji Barah Baj gaye'(Sir it's 12 o'clock!) The Sikh youth looked over at that voice maker who was a young mischievous type of person and instead of showing any anger made a smile towards him. The smile made was so enigmatic that it seemed as if some type of truth lies behind it. Not able to resist my temptation, I walked towards him and asked why did he smile at that person who teased him. The Sikh youth replied, 'He was not teasing me but was asking for my Help'. I was surprised with these words and he told me that there was a big history behind that which one should know. I was eager to know the History and the Sikh youth narrated: During 17th Century, when Hindustan was ruled by Mughals, all the Hindu people were humiliated and were treated like animals. Mughals treated the Hindu women as there own property and were forcing all Hindus to accept Islam and even used to kill the people if they were refusing to accept. That time, our ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bhadarji came forward, in response to a request of some Kashmir Pandits to fight against all these cruel activities. Guruji told the Mughal emperor that if he could succeed in converting him to Islam, all the Hindus would accept the same. But, if he failed, he should stop all those activities . The Mughal emperor happily agreed to that but even after lots of torture to Guruji and his fellow members he failed to convert him to Islam and Guruji along with his other four fellow members, were tortured and sacrificed their lives in Chandni Chowk. Since the Mughals were unable to convert them to Islam they were assassinated. Thus Guruji sacrificed his life for the protection of Hindu religion. Can anybody lay down his life and that too for the protection of another religion? This is the reason he is still remembered as "Hind Ki Chaddar", shield of India. For the sake of whom he had sacrificed his life, none of the them came forward to lift his body, fearing that they would also be assassinated. Seeing this incident our 10th Guruji, Sri Guru Gobind Singhji (Son of Guru Teg Bahadarji) made a resolution that he would convert his followers to such human beings who would not be able to hide themselves and could be easily located in thousands. At the start, the Sikhs were very few in numbers as they were fighting against the Mughal emperors. At that time, Nadir Shah raided Delhi in the year 1739 and looted Hindustan and was carrying lot of Hindustan treasures and nearly 2200 Hindu women along with him. The news spread like a fire and was heard by Sardar Jassa Singh who was the Commander of the Sikh army at that time . He decided to attack Nadir Shah's Kafila on the same midnight. He did so and rescued all the Hindu women and they were safely sent to their homes. It didn't happen only once but thereafter whenever any Abdaalis or Iranis had attacked and looted Hindustan and were trying to carry the treasures and Hindu women along with them for selling them in Abdal markets, the Sikh army although fewer in numbers but were brave hearted and attacked them at midnight,12 O'clock and rescued women. After that time when there occurred a similar incidence, people started to contact the Sikh army for their help and Sikhs used to attack the raider's at Midnight, 12 O'clock. It continued and became a known fact that at midnight, nearly at 12 O'clock, it is very difficult to fight against Sikhs as the Sikhs get some Extra Power to save Religion, Nation and Humanity. Nobody can fight and win against them at midnight; this continues till now. Nowadays, these "smart people" and some Sikh enemies who are afraid of Sikhs, have spread these words that at 12 O'clock, the Sikhs go out of their senses. This historic fact was the reason which made me smile over that person as I thought that his Mother or Sister would be in trouble and wants my help and was reminding me by saying off 'Sardarji Barah Baj Gaye' As he was narrating the incident I was feeling ashamed of myself as I used to click and enjoy the jokes on Sikhs and too made fun of them. But now I have got the truth that these Sikhs are born for others and they are real patriotic to Humanity and Religion. What are we all doing to these great Saints and Soldiers ???? Instead of thanking them, we all are making fun. Earlier the Sikh youth appeared as a Terrorist but now I could see the reflection of real Patriotic person in him.

Is there a 3rd part of this story??

Sat sri akal ji, I read on a sikh site that tomorrow is the martyrdom day of elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji and on the 27th dec it's the martyrdom day of his younger sons. Could someone give me the story behind. Thanx in advance.

A very nice poem I got on e-mail.. I Am A Sikh By Robbie Singh Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 12:12 AM IDLW I am not an American Sikh. I am not an Indian Sikh. I am I am just a Sikh. No matter where I live No matter where I earn my living. As a Sikh I respect all As a Sikh every Nation is equal As a Sikh every human is Equal. I will help the needy I will feed the hungry I will fight for justice. All my principles All my ways of living come from one source And one source only My Guru. I am not bounded by physical boundaries. I am not bounded by culture, caste, or creed I am not bounded by a country. I am bounded by my promise to my Guru I am bounded by the sacrifice of my Guru I am bounded by my universal principle of life. I owe my allegiance I owe my loyalty I owe my priory I owe my life To my Guru. I am not an American Sikh I am not an Indian Sikh I am not a Canadian Sikh I am I am just a Sikh A Sikh of my Guru. I will fight for no country I will fight for no politics I will fight for no leader. I fight against no man I fight against no race I fight against no faith. I will fight for my Guru I will fight for justice I will fight against the oppressor. I pray for the betterment of whole world I pray to the only one Essence - the only one Truth I pray for all. I am a peacemaker and I am a warrior I am a Sikh a Sikh a Sikh Honesty is by clothing Sincerity is my being Wisdom is my essence I am not ‘I’ I am I am a Sikh to be of my Guru

I didn't do this.. I got it from some bhangra site..

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Sat sri akal, I've searched on this site and can't find the answer to my question.. Sikhi believes in reincarnation. Hinduism and buddhism believes in reincarnation too..my teacher told me that buddhists believes that you will be reborn, if you've been a good person you will reach nirvana and if you haven't been a good person you will be reborn again and you can try to become a better person in the next life. My teacher told me that Buddhists believe that you can reborn as an animal he also told me that buddhists believe that poor people haven't been good people in their earlier life that's why they are poor. Now my question is, what does Sikhism say about reincarnation? Is it like Buddhism. That you can be born as an animal again and what about the poor people. Is it because they haven't been good people in their earlier life? thanx- WJKK WJKF

Sat sri akal ji, I've joined this site in june but haven't introduced myself.. so here goes my name is Gurjeet, I'm 19.. Going to school right now i'm in 3rd year high-school.. I'm here to learn more about Sikhi,, and thought i would say u've done a great job guys by making this site:) fateh to all of you!

I got lots of e-mails on Sikhi.. I'll send u some if you want.

Sat sri akal ji, I got this on e-mail it's very nice! 1. What rights do I have as a Sikh woman? A Sikh woman has equal rights to a Sikh man. Unlike Christianity, no post in Sikhism is reserved solely for men. Sikh baptism (Amrit ceremony) is open to both sexes. The Khalsa nation is made up equally of men and women. A Sikh woman has the right to become a Granthi, Ragi, one of the Panj Pyare (5 beloved), etc. 2. Is God considered a Male or Female? The Guru Granth Sahib contains many Names for God, both masculine and feminine. These are all used to describe God. Ultimately, the Gurus do not consider God to be male or female. The Mul Mantra states that God is 'Ajuni' - Unborn. Thus stating that God belongs to neither sex. 3. What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about Women? The Guru Granth Sahib is unique in religious history. It is the only religious text that was compiled and authenticated by the founders of its faith. It consists of beautiful hymns which teach you about your spirituality and purpose in life. Guru Arjan states that the Guru Granth Sahib will give you 'Truth, Contentment and Contemplation'. Concerning women, Guru Nanak has said, 'It is through woman that order is maintained. Then why call her inferior from whom all great ones are born.' Guru Granth Sahib, Pg. 473. The Gurus went further. They used the Woman symbolically in the Bani to represent the disciple. 4. What restrictions are there on what I can wear? When Sikhs take Amrit they must all, regardless of sex, keep the same 5 k's. Guru Nanak has stated that one should only wear those clothes which do not distress the mind or the body. 'Friend, all other wear ruins bliss,That which to the limbs is torment, and with foul thinking fills the mind. Guru Granth Sahib, Pg. 16. The Gurus had also made a firm stand against the wearing of the veil, which is popular amongst Muslims and Hindus. Even Christian nuns are made to cover themselves more than Christian priests. Guru Amar Das refused to allow a Hindustani Queen from entering the sangat until she had removed her veil. In the Guru Granth Sahib, the veil is compared to suppression. 'False modesty that suppressed is ended. Now with veil cast off am I started on the way of devotion.' Guru Granth Sahib, Pg. 931. 5. Can I read the Guru Granth Sahib? Yes. The reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is open to all. Its available to read at many different internet sites. Guru Amar Das (3rd Guru was brought to the fold of Sikhi after hearing Bibi Amro reciting the Gurbani. 6. Can I be forced into an arranged Marriage? Sikhs are forbidden from forcibly marrying off their children without their prior consent. Both Sons and Daughters are required to reach a mature age, both physically and mentally, before they marry. Thus, parents must ensure their children are allowed to grow and be educated to the fullest. Arranged marriages are the norm for Sikhs. Sikhs are forbidden from marrying outside their faith and are not allowed to keep sexual relationships outside of marriage. The Gurus considered marriage an equal partnership. Guru Amar Das has stated, 'They are not said to be Husband and Wife who merely sit together, Rather they alone are called Husband and Wife, who have one soul in two bodies.' Guru Granth Sahib, Pg. 788.

Meaning of Sikh names, check these pages: http://www.sikhworld.co.uk/page34.html http://www.kabalarians.com/male/sikh-m.htm http://www.kabalarians.com/female/sikh-f.htm http://allaboutsikhs.com/names/index.htm

I received this on e-mail.. plz check the page http://4wav.com/card.php?id=6545