GURU GUIDED ME TO GOD๐
Written around two years ago!! My name is Joe, I'm a 19 years old city worker born to a Marahti Christian Father and an English Mother.
For me it all started back in May 2014 when I got into a long distance relationship with a British born Sikh girl, her mother had provided well for them and they lived comfortably, however there was no father in the family and they weren't particularly religious (mone and didn't even wear a Kara). During my stay up there, they decided to take me to a Gurdwara as I didn't know anything about Sikhism and I didn't even know that Gurdwaras exist! The first time I walked into one, it was amazing and I was completely taken back by the beauty. Firstly I was slightly uncomfortable as it was really busy, everyone was speaking Punjabi and the Singhs looked strong and warrior-like with their Dumalla and Kirpan/Talwar, but I soon adjusted and tried to absorb as much as I could. Unfortunately for me, the mother hadn't explained about Guru Granth Sahib ji and that he was even there, as I believed I was bowing down to the Head Granthi sitting under this beautiful canopy with a long white beard and turban - (they could have helped me right?!). I was feeling out of place trying to follow and watch everybody standing up and then bowing down, for what I would know now was Ardaas but nonetheless I adhered. However I had a great time, I enjoyed the parshad - it was the best taste ever and I couldn't believe everyone was getting fed this! I also heard Kirtan, Katha for the first time and it was really pleasant to my ears, even though I couldn't understand a word I would just sit there and relax knowing they would be speaking only good things. We then went downstairs and I had Langar for the first time and I was very surprised at how much food was being supplied for all! We left shortly after and visiting the Gurdwara for me was really quite a magical experience. When I put a Kara on that day and noticed a change inside me, it did make me wonder about my faith but I didn't really expect anything.
Overall I was amazed to see how well and efficiently a temple was being run with so many helping out, devoting themselves to God and acting as a strong community, after all the Gurdwara would never be running if it wasn't for the people that came - I was truly envious. I was always religious before, having visited India and being blessed by an old Monk who had taught my father at a Catholic boarding school in Bombay back in the 1950s - I had already found a religion and would pray often and try to conduct myself accordingly. Although I never went to Church and did not discipline myself in any way.
Each time I visited the girl and her family I tried to get to the Gurdwara but the relationship with the girl deteriorated, as she was unfaithful to me and she also had an awful relationship with her Mother with constant arguments and fights and half the stuff we planned never happened. I was of course upset, and I had actually lost around a stone in 2 weeks. As you can imagine my parents weren't happy with the relationship and the negative impact it was having on my personality, health and work life. Was it really worth it all just because she was pretty?
I started going to the closest Gurdwara for me which is in Barking, I remember walking in and trying to remember everything like I had done previously. I heard amazing Kirtan and then every time I was away from the Gurdwara I longed to be there and so I kept going every week more and more. I ordered two turbans and a Kanga online, however gave up after failing miserably to tie one! Me and the girl eventually split up and suddenly I found myself wanting to be at the Gurdwara even more! Soon enough I would visit every evening after work and enjoy Kirtan, Katha and Paath. Before I knew it I had become good friends with all the gyanis and sewadars there. I started tying a Patka with a kanga and decided I would not eat meat, eggs or cut my hair, I never really drank or had drugs before so that was easy. It took a while for me and everyone to adjust but I was making good progress, and within 3 weeks with WaheGuru Jis kirpa and the help of some of the gyanis I was tying my own Dastaar every day.
Now it's 3/4 months later, I have strengthened my connection with WaheGuru and I am in more bliss than I've ever been in my life - I find I have started to bring peace into my mind and there are less worries. I'm currently preparing for Amrit, wearing the 5 Kakkars, learning Punjabi and doing my Nitnem everyday. I have made some great great friends and even some that I consider my own brothers and sisters. I cannot even explain in words how my life has changed for the better and so grateful that WaheGuru has given me this opportunity and allowed me to do some fantastic Sewa, each day is getting better. It just goes to show the power that WaheGuru has and that truly we can find him in the midst of Maya! (Materialistic world). WaheGuru Ji Ka Khalsa WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh!
With Guru Sahibs kirpa, more and more blessed souls are treading upon this amazingly spiritual path. Let's be one of them!
Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "I have met my Beloved Friend, the Guru, who has shown me the Path to Vaheguroo (God)." Vaheguroo!
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