FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!
Bhenji Baljinder Kaur's Journey in to Sikhi!
My parents weren't really into Sikhi when I was young; they had cut hair and my dad drank etc. But because they were from India they had a routine of listening to Asa Di Vaar every morning on a record player and when they did JapJi Sahib and Rehras Sahib, me, my brother and sister used to be in the same room playing around. We used to walk to Derby Gurdwara every Sunday just for the kheer (rice pudding) and then we would walk home after doing matha tek quickly. After a trip to India (I was in my teenage years), I recieved a Gutka which had the romanized (Punjabi-English) writing. I used to read just a few verses everyday and slowly little bits started making sense out of no effort of my own.
After I got married, my husband would stay asleep, whilst I went to the Gurdwara with my in-laws. Then when I was expecting my first child, I faced many difficulties and almost lost him at 4 months so I cut down on Japji sahib due to stress. I was told by Gursikhs in Bradford to carry on doing JapJi Sahib and read the one line "ishaa poorak sarab sukhadhaathaa har" (The Lord is the Fulfiller of desires, the Giver of total peace). They said don't stop and during the day do Mool Mantar whenever I can; because if a Mother recites Gurbani whilst having a child, it will have a spiritual and positive effect on the baby and will change their life.
After having my baby boy; my life and my families life transformed through only the grace of Guru Ji.
My in-laws took Amrit, and my husband started going to the Gurdwara a bit more and doing Sangat/Amritvela with amazing gursikhs in Bradford. We would take our children to Keertan and Sikhi class on a Wednesday, where they enjoyed the chips and beans too. My husband started keeping rehit (discipline) and said, "lets take Amrit next month." I used to ignore him, as I didn't want to take this step. I especially didn't want to tie a dastar, as I was into my appearance and societies opinions. Also I thought that living the life of an Amritdhari would be hard and get in the way of what I considered my "normal life". But then speaking to Gursikhs (females especially), they upheld my spirits and made me imagine what life would be like if my husband was an alcoholic and abusive and how blessed am I to have Sikhi in my life. I was still in doubt about it, until my son got upset and said "Mum what is your problem, go take Amrit." So hearing this on the night of the Amrit Sanchaar, I rubbed my make-up off, took out my ear piercings and tied a dastar for the first time. When I got to the amrit sanchar an elder Gursikh hugged me and asked me what was wrong (he knew I was nervous) and he said, Guru Sahib will hold my hand. All I have to do is take the first step.
The Change!
So in December 2007 me and my Husband were blessed into Guru Sahibs beautiful family. And from that day on I've never looked back. The spiritual experience of Amrit is amazing. It's beyond this world. The power is underestimated. I didn't find living as an Amritdhari hard at all, because it was extremely rewarding. My whole life became more peaceful and I felt satisfied. I had never experienced such bliss. I deeply regretted not taking Amrit earlier. Before, I felt lost and clueless but after following Gurus path, I realised the purpose of life and what I should be doing and where true happiness is found. All anxieties and worries were pushed away, because I knew my Guru had my hand. My minds desires were fulfilled. Even in terms of the world, I always wanted a successful business but was scared to start up. Gursikhs would tell me not to be scared as Guru Sahib is very near at hand. All we have to do is Ardaas. My children followed our path and I'm ever thankful to Guru Sahib for taking me out of the dark, useless, pointless lifestyle I lived and bringing me into Sikhi.
Message!
If there's any message I would like my journey to show, firstly I would say that, Sangat of Gursikhs is very important. I realised how important doing Sangat of Gursikhs is and the enjoyment you get of just being around them is much more than any other Sangat. They are so supportive and will guide you and go out of their way for you, especially in difficult times. Don't be scared to approach Gursikhs, they are there to help. They can have an impact without even speaking. So any Keertan programs locally, just go and sit beside the saints and if possible invite Gursikhs to your home and serve them. A lot of blessings are received by sitting in the company of Saints.
Also I would say, take a small step, any step. Something that will bring you and your children closer to Sikhi. Be it mool mantar or just 2 minutes of Waheguru Simran in the morning, or having Keertan on in the background, on the way to work in the car.
Without a doubt, any little steps we make in our early stages, will have an effect and we will be rewarded in the future. Guru sahib says we can change our Karam; We can change our destiny and future. Just listening to Bani will have an impact on our future, even if we don't understand it. Our whole future will be changed and it will bring us and our children closer to the true path of Sikhi.
I just want to finish off by saying, if a women changes, many generations are transformed. This is the power of a woman and the blessings of Guru Sahib, Amrit and Sangat are immense.
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Bhenji has been blessed with great Seva, Guru Sahib has blessed them with the opportunity of running local camps, being a part of the Kaurs Corner team, serving others in need and many more selfless services of Guru Sahib's Panth. May Guru Sahib ji bless them always ji!
Guru Arjun Dev Ji Says, "Sing forever the Praises of the Lord, O Nanak, and you shall be saved, under the Shelter of the Feet of the True Guru."
Vaheguroo!
