Game of love 💙- FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!

FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!
Bhai Mehtaab Singh's Journey in to Sikhi! 

Vaheguroo Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguroo  Ji Ki Fateh

As a child I had a somewhat mixed upbringing in that my father was very westernised (having come to the UK at a very young age) but my mother was more traditional. My dad would spend a lot of time socialising with his friends leaving my mother at home with us. My mom would do some paath and would also tell us sakhia from time to time. However looking back she was also a little confused herself when it came to religion as she would partake in ritualistic things with her friends and also attend mandhirs from time to time.

As a teenager I was a typical Punjabi lad, designer haircut with designer beard with Indian gold jewellery and real ‘proud’ to be jatt/sikh! The type of ‘sikh’ who would celebrate Vaisakhi by getting drunk, blasting bhangra tunes from my car on soho road, but it was ok because I wore an orange armband with a Khanda on it!!!!

The first turning point in my life came when I was about 17 and I heard about Operatinon Bluestar and thus was introduced to Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Bhindranwale. To my family’s dismay in the next year every spare second I had, I would listen to Sant Ji’s speeches. Listening to these speeches would leave me feeling belittled and ashamed of who I was and had many sleepless nights because of how I had failed my ancestors by not living Sikhi.

I then made the decision I would keep my Kesh. BUT still there was something holding me back.  I was now the kind of Sikh who wore a bandana (instead of a Dastaar/Turban) still kept my designer beard and drank alcohol and ate meat!

Then came university. Again I drifted from Sikhi, considering myself to be a lads lads I did many things that now disgust me which I am too ashamed to repeat, but you name it I’ve done it. Whilst studying I was also a Bouncer (security at pubs and clubs) so this was also a huge hindrance to me advancing my sikhi in any way. Funnily enough though it was at this stage in my life where I gave up alcohol (nothing to do with Sikhi though), probably because of working in such places I came to realise how idiotically people behave when drunk!

Completing my studies came that dreaded day, it totally came out of the blue when my mother said someone’s told me about a girl you may be interested in!!!  I was mortified (I had an older brother and sister who were yet to be married!). So not wanting to  hurt my mothers feelings I said I would meet this girl (telling myself I would just tell my parents it didn’t work out). Little did I know this girl would be my now Singhni!

She was light years ahead of me in terms of Sikhi with her parents both being amritdharis! (she was not). At this stage in my life I didn’t know what nitnem was! But we did initially talk about sikhi and I think the reason she agreed to marry me then was because I said to her I could see myself taking amrit one day.

So we got married! For the wedding I grew my beard longer and fuller than normal. I joked to her after the wedding that I wouldn’t cut it again and she became happy telling me that was really good!! I thought to myself don’t worry she’ll tell me to cut it again later, but that day never came and so it was never cut again.

Then came our honeymoon where she would wake each morning and recite japji sahib and I would sit and listen, this was the first time in my life I took an interest in Gurbani!!

Then came the day when I knew Sikhi would be my everything. It was my first experience of a rehansbhai and seeing Gursikhs. I walked into the darbar sahib which was full with all the sangat singing and the atmosphere was amazing.  I could see Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s Khalsa dressed in bana with beautiful dumalleh with Khandeh and chakkars, amazing shastar and I knew this is where I belonged! I sat down quite close to the front and the shabad being sang was ‘man meh ram nama jaap’ (meditate on Gods name within your mind) and the darbar sahib was vibrating with naam, something I had never experienced! I sat that day for about 4/5 hours (having previously never stay for more than 20 mins in a gurdwara). I can remember thinking why have I never seen the gurdwara like this on a Sunday or at a wedding or at any other time infact!

From that day something changed within me and I couldn’t learn about Sikhi quick enough. From that day I never listened to another song again all I wanted was kirtan! I would do more research on the internet and came to learn about mahaan gursikhs like Shaheed Bhai Fauja Singh and Shaheed Bhai Anokh Singh, who's sacrifices were out of this world and had a massive impact on me.

However  now the only thing holding me back was the fact I ate meat. This was very difficult for me as I was very much into my training and a massive meat eater. My wife was desperate for me to give it up, as this was the first time in her life she was around meat, as she had been a vegetarian all her life. But with maharaj’s kirpa (and maybe a little nagging from my wife) a few months into marriage I gave it up.

So by now I was desperate for more sikhi and sangat and I would ensure I would attend all the kirtan darbars and rehansbhais as i possibly could.

I had now made up my mind I wanted to take Amrit... but... my wife wasn’t ready!! It was definitely something she wanted to do but she was still being held back. We then made the decision to attend sikhi camp, as I wanted her to be away from everyday life and family who were feeding us with negativity around sikhi. I remember packing a dastar for her, as I was desperate for us to start preparing for amrit. With Guru Sahib's kirpa she tied a dastar at camp and soon after returning home she began tying it daily.

Now the time came where we were both ready and we decided we would take amrit. It was at 2010 smagam in Bradford and we decided we would attend the whole smagam to get us in the right frame of mind. It was beautiful. But then came the day of the rehansbhai. When we woke up it had snowed very heavily and I was informed by elder gursikhs that the amrit sanchar would not be taking place as the sevadars would not make it because of the distance they had to travel in the snow. I was DEVASTATED! There I was this fully grown man blubbering like a baby, I couldn’t control myself. I begged and pleaded and said I would pick up each sevadar myself but it was of no use. This gursikh sat with me and my wife for a while and just said leave it in Maharaj’s hands, if he thinks you are ready and worthy then you will be blessed. We then immediately went to maharaj and did an ardas begging to be made worthy of receiving amrit that night.... and so it was, maharaj did beant kirpa on this moorakh and I was blessed with amrit.

Along the way I suffered alot of negative comments from my nearest and dearest, warning me not to grow my kesh, take amrit etc but eventually maharaj held my hand and took me into his embrace and gave me the understanding of ‘sir deejeh kaan na keejeh’ – (Give me your head and do not pay attention to public opinion). And that is how I try to live my life today, if my actions upset anyone then so be it, as long as they do not upset or go against the teachings of my guru.
Looking back I have countless regrets and wish I had found Sikhi earlier but I believe due to my past actions It wasn’t meant to happen any earlier. I am eternally grateful to maharaj who has blessed me with so much, everything I need and more. I have been blessed with two amazing daughters, who's birth together with beant kirpa from guru sahib have inspired my mother to also take amrit. I am grateful to the sangat and gursikhs around me who inspire me and encourage me to improve my jeevan (life) and be a better Sikh.

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A great transformation! When we see veer ji at programmes, he always adorns his dummalla (turban) with a beautiful khanda and karra chakar. May Guru Sahib Ji bless us all with the love of adopting Guru Sahib's amazing roop (image).

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Ham Jaisae apraadee avar koi rakhai, jaisae ham satgur rakh leeae shadae."
Can anyone else save a sinner like me? The True Guru has protected and saved me.

Vaheguroo!

Game of love ❤️- POSITIVE FEEDBACK

POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Below is one of a few messages we have received, after sending out the TRANSFORMATIONS posts. May Guru Sahib Ji bless us all with this powerful realisation and understanding!🙏 💛🙏

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I am very inspired by your story bhaji, I am 45 years old and now realizing how important sikhi is, I feel like I wasted a lot of my time in not knowing and not educating myself.  I wish to follow the gurus path and also I wasted my two sons time without having them grow up with the Sikhi knowledge, our guru ji's blessed us so much, but we murkas (face keepers) do not know how to ask.  My wish is that May my sons follow Sikhi, I am trying very hard, they are 21 and everyday I tell them something about Sikhi/ our guru's.
I was invited to a weekend of rainsbaie, was thinking should I go or no, but now I am going to make a conscious effort in going after reading your post.

Game of love 💙- FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATIONS!

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!

Game of love ❤️- TRANSFORMATIONS!

TRANSFORMATIONS!

Bhai Bhupinder Singh's journey!

I'm a British born sikh, born In a relatively punjabi family. My parents kept my kesh (hair) until I was 16. They never really educated me on Sikhi and the reason we keep our hair. I was a proud punjabi lad and would never let anyone outside Sikhi speak ill about my hair or faith. At the age of 16, due to hardly ever going to the gurdwara and lack of education, I made the decision to cut my kesh. My family were very upset, yet could really do nothing about it.

For the next 5 years, I thought I really enjoyed life, having loads of friends, going out, smoking, clubbing and all the rest of it. I would come home in the early hours of every Friday andSaturday night, sleep until late, freshen up and get ready for the next night out. I hardly spent any time with my family, if I did it would be sitting on the couch, not speaking to anyone and just staring at the tv, recovering from the last night out.

My parents got sick of this behaviour and wanted me to get married, so that I would settle down. It wasn't something I really wanted to do at the age of 20. Anyway, they found a girl who I agreed to speak with, we both were attracted to each other and agreed to get married a year later.

I was getting married in August 1998 and told all my friends, "In April I will be settling down and not be having anymore late nights out." I was true to my word and settled down in April, after having my last night out on my 21st birthday. I wanted to create a fresh start with my partner.

After April, I started going to the Gurdwara every Sunday with my mother and father, as felt, I needed to practice sitting cross legged with my marriage date approaching swiftly. I could barely cross my legs and struggled to sit for 10 minutes.

After our wedding in August, we both started going to the Gurdwara regularly on Sundays. We got on really well and the relationship was growing superbly.

One Sunday, the speaker on the stage was reiterating the story of Guru Teghbahadur Ji. He got to the part where Gobind Rai said, "How many Sikhs were there when my father was beheaded?" Bhai Jetha responded, "I couldn't see any; They all looked like Hindus and Muslims, I couldn't tell the difference." Gobind Rai replied, "In time, I will create such a Sikh who will stand out in thousands, he/she won't be able to hide, they will have a tall dastaar (turban)." (This was 3 Months in to my marriage).

I went home that day, looked in the mirror and thought to my self, my surname is Singh but I don't look like one, I look like a Hindu or Muslim. I was deeply hurt. I wanted to look like a Sikh, because I was now aware of my forefathers' sacrifices. From that day, I decided to keep my hair on my head, wrapped with a turban, but I decided I would trim my beard. My wife was very upset with my decision and didn't at all agree. She said, she never married a turbaned Sikh and doesn't want me to wear a turban or grow my hair.

This was a very challenging time in our lives, there would be many arguments between us. It got worse, as I never trimmed my beard after the promise I made either. She said, she would sleep with a pair of scissors under the pillow and cut my beard, whilst I was sleeping. At the time it was quite frightening, but now we both laugh about it to this day.

I began to live life like an Amritdhaaree Sikh, kept all of Guru Ji's rehit (discipline), Nitnem (daily prayers), amritvela (rise early to meditate). Guru sahib was doing a lot of bakhshish (blessings). When I look back, it's probably the best times I had spiritually. I kept doing Ardaas to Guru Sahib for Amrit (sikh baptism) and to change Sukhy's (wife's) thinking. I was getting very thirsty for Amrit, I didn't want to lose this life after being so close. I would go to Camps, Rehansbhais, Kirtans, do sangat with Gursikhs and would always try to take the Mrs with me. One family of Gursikhs and my chacha (uncle) would guide and support me daily. The Singh Sabha Bradford family also helped greatly in my journey.

THE CHANGE!

A year passed, we had the opportunity to go to Italy with a Jatha (group) of Gursikhs (think it was year 2000). I asked Singhni (wife) to wear a patka (head covering), I always wanted her to be adorned with Guru's fantastic roop of a dastaar. Patka was a start, she agreed. It was a four day smaagam (I think). From what I can remember, I've not felt anything like it to this day. For me it was the best smaagam (program) to date. The kirtan was electrifying, sangat was awesome, so much love from the Gursikhs, I never experienced anything like it. The love seemed so genuine, there was no difference between us and the sangat, we were welcomed with open arms. This is where I learnt, Gursikh prem is the most powerful love ever. I never experienced this with my sansaaree (worldly) friends.

On this trip, I was more worried about my Singhni and hoped the trip would change her life. Then all of a sudden, out of the blue, Bhai Rama Singh Ji came up to both of us. He hugged us both with so much love in his eyes and said, thusee lardyaa na karo (you guys shouldn't fight), smiled and walked away. We were shocked, thinking how did he know? Throughout this smaagam Bhai Sahib gave us so much love it was indescribable. He would always come to speak to us when we were alone, he would just stand there and keep smiling. His glass like eyes would shine in our faces, we both felt magnetically attracted to Bhai sahib, we never wanted to be separated from him, such was his aura and energy. We became very close with Bhai Sahib, until he breathed his last. He would always come to speak and sit with us in the langar hall at rehansbhais and whenever we met. He was a very special and extremely beautiful soul.

This was it, the smaagam was over, we came back home, we were separated from Guru's sangat. We were both depressed, it was as though our souls had been ripped out of our bodies. We both had never experienced anything like it. The power, energy and love of Gursikh sangat was the connecting energy to our soul. We had both realised, this is who we are, we can not be separated from Guru and their pyaaree (loving) sangat.

That same year we both went on to be blessed with Amrit, Guru Sahib had fulfilled our dreams. It was the happiest day of our life. Guru sahib ji had accepted us and blessed us with their rehit and naam (name of God).

A few months before the Amrit Sanchaar, we wanted to visit Darbaar Sahib (Amritsar) and a few inspirational Gursikhs. We were fortunate enough to visit Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji and beg him to do an Ardass (prayer) at Darbaar Sahib for us. We asked him to do the ardaas for: "The blessings of Amrit, pooran (pure) Gursikhi Jeevan and a naam/baanee filled jeevan (life) throughout." Bhai Sahib ji accepted and did it straight away. Gursikhs blessings (asseesaa) are very pure in Gurmat (Gurus teachings).

FOUNDATION!

Today it seems, Sikhi has become more of an outwardly show and more about the image. I remember the time when working in a warehouse for 9 years, I met a practicing bhuddist there, he had immense love and compassion. I learnt that a human should be extremely virtuous throughout their jivan, I held this teaching close to my heart, as this is what Gurbaanee teaches us too. I would continue repeating, "Become the dust of every beings feet through humility." (Hoho sabna ki rainkaa). If I ever saw anyone struggling with their work or in general, I would take the opportunity as Seva (service of good deeds) and try helping them. In general, I would try not to say no to any form of Seva, as I realised Seva was only blessed by Guru Ji. I would endeavour to acknowledge everyone with a smile and give all as much prem (love) as possible. This gave me a great inner feeling of contentment, as others would become very happy, through these 'not so hard to do' deeds. I would often repeat, "bahut janam bishray thay maadho, eh janam thumaare lekhay" (i have been separated from you for many life times God, I dedicate this life only to you). Repeating this would strengthen my will and belief in Wanting to meet Vaheguroo.

The bhuddist friend would meditate with so much dhiaan (focus) throughout the day. This also raised my hopes and practice, it was as if Guru sahib Ji sent him only for me, as he left after a few months. I understood as a Sikh I could learn from all, as long as it was in line with Gurbaanee (Gurus Teachings). I wanted to meditate with every breath,  as this was my Guru's hukum (command). I didn't want to waste even a breath, as this would be a breath wasted in evil thought. With Guru Sahibs kirpa I started meditating with full concentration for 9 hours of the working day, this lasted 9 years. I would attempt to speak little. This improved my Amritvela and daily abhiyaas (practice) immensely. Even when doing daily house chores, brushing my teeth, eating etc I wanted to be adjoined to the love of Vaheguroo's feet (God), as the ras (taste) of God's name became ecstatic and inseparable.

The warehouse job consisted of very little concentration, it was picking car parts, whilst walking down aisles, hence finding it easy to meditate. Walking Simran (meditation) became a part of my life, I would repeat 'Vahe' with left foot and 'Guroo' with my right foot forward and listen intensely with my inner ears (mind). The love of Gods Name is what I wanted most from life, hence keeping the job for so long. I wanted Guru Sahib to bless me with the drishtee (internal vision) of seeing the love of Vaheguroo's supreme soul in every being, and wherever I may look, it now became my only desire.

I remember when going to Rehansbhais, we would make a conscious decision of not leaving, until Guru Sahib ji had stopped speaking to us. We would have one parshada (chapatee), with one dhaal (curry) and some kheer (rice pudding), so we were not too full to sit down for a long period of time. We would go to the men's room before hand, in order that we didn't have to leave the darbaar. Then we would make a conscious decision of sitting through the full Rehansbhai Kirtan, with our eyes closed throughout and meditate constantly with ik mann ik chitt dhiaan (single minded concentration), until the event was samaapath (finished). This would last for around9/10 hours. With Guru sahibs apaar kirpa (blessings), the Nitnem baaneeaa and hours of meditation at Amritvela increased naturally and impressively through Anand (ecstasy).  I would also try to find time throughout the day for seated meditation. Naturally, when repeating one word constantly for long periods, it becomes a part of the mind, body and soul. These practices became the foundation of our jeevan (life). 

Once one has done ghaalnaa (worked hard) in the early stages of their Sikhi, it becomes easier to practice throughout their jivan. Guru sahib blesses the individual and implants the naam within them forever. 

Also, It's extremely important for every Gursikh to read Sehj paath daily (recitation of GGSJ from Guru's Saroop or senchyaa). Gurbaanee is paraskalla (philosophers stone) and transforms us from being like iron to the purity of gold.

To all those reading, I would like to say, the life of falsehood I lived, was no where near the peace, love and contentment I have received from Guru Sahibs Sangat and Sikhi in it's self. Guru Sahib is the best father/friend anyone can have, he always listens and never let's us down. It's just we lose our faith very easily in him, we stop believing.

Guru Nanak Dev ji has blessed us with two beautiful children, and blessed both of them with the daat (gift) of his kirtan (singing of Gods word), in order to bring raunak (constant happiness) in to our very poor home. We now feel the most wealthiest, after receiving this sweet gift. 

Sikhi is a path/way of life, which needs to be experienced, until we experience it, we will not realise its worth. It's an ecstasy that guides us through life in high spirits.

Don't waste this human life. Please take steps, so Guru Sahib can shower his love and grace on all of us!

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "I am a sinner, saved only by the Company of the True Guru and their sangat. He has bestowed the Teachings of God's Name, which saved me."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 💛- GURU GUIDED ME TO GOD🙏

GURU GUIDED ME TO GOD🙏

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!

Game of love 💜- THIRST FOR AMRIT

THIRST FOR AMRIT

A couple of years ago, Bhenji Teji Kaur posted a comment on an old blog post - "I Want to Take Amrit, But MY PARENTS!". The comment was so inspiring that I've decided to post as a separate post so that Sangat can easily read it. Here it goes...

Author: Teji Kaur 

GurFateh all! I was googling something else and I came across this ("I Want to Take Amrit, But MY PARENTS!" blog post) and it bought a smile to my face many years later. I wrote that post when I was about 14 years old. I have now been Amritdhari for five years, since 2009. I am in Law School [now] and wear a dastaar (turban), and I am happier every second of every day.

Guru Ji has not left me through lifes trials, my family has come around, and I fall more and more and more and more and more in love with my Guru every second. This love will never break or die and I thank God for Amrit every day.

I just wanted to let you know, that it took me five tries to be blessed with Amrit. I went around the world. It was Guru Sahib's test. I went to Sri Hazoor Sahib and they refused to give me Amrit, because I was a girl. The fourth attempt was spiritually something. I wrote a poem called 'Tomorrow,' where I spoke about my excitement about being blessed with Amrit. I cleaned my room and washed all my clothes and put new sheets on my bed. I did this out of my innocence at that age. I thought it was my marrige to Guru Sahib. I did not know what happens on a marriage night between a husband and wife at that time but I knew, that at my cousin's wedding they had the most beautiful sheets.

I changed my sheets and washed my clothes and put petals on my bed, because I thought it would be my wedding with Guru Sahib. I cleaned my room very nicely and spent all night till Amrit-vela. I then showered to go to Gurudwara Sahib. Upon reaching the Gurudwara I realized that the Amrit Sanchaar had taken place the day before and I had missed it!

I was broken and angry and I cried so long. I finally calmed down and told myself that all happens as per Guru Ji's Will and Guru Ji has a reason for everything. I then stood by my bed to do Ardaas. In between the bed and dresser, there was a space. The light was off the whole time. I stood to do Ardaas and I told myself that everything God does has good in it, that we can not see. I then did matha tek (bowed) at the end of Ardaas and ended up hitting my back on the edge of my bed. It did not hurt but I was already angry with God and I yelled, "God! If everything You do has a good reason, then why did you let me get hurt while I was doing Ardaas?"

I was so angry about the Amrit still. I got up, did not matha tek and in anger asked in my heart, "God, how is there good in me getting hurt, when I was doing matha tek?" I then turned on the light and what I saw shocked me and built up my faith. There was broken glass on the floor at the spot where I would have done matha tek. Had I not hurt my back, my eye would have gone into the glass and I would have gotten hurt very seriously. My head would have hit the broken glass with force. After seeing how Guru Ji was so amazing and blessed me, like Gurbani says: "Tum karo bhalla hum bhallo na jaane--- God does good but we do not see it as Good, God is always merciful." My faith strengthened and I was blessed with Amrit the next year...

Now it has been five amazing years :) I just wanted to let everyone know that the above story has a happy ending or shall I say a happy beginning :)

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "The True Essence is Ambrosial Nectar; through the Ambrosial Words of the Perfect Guru, this Amrit is obtained."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 💛- RUBY PALMER TO KIRPA KAUR KHALSA 🙏

RUBY PALMER TO KIRPA KAUR KHALSA 🙏

GURU SAHIB BLESSED ME WITH AMRIT SIX DAYS AGO🙏

An amazing conversation with a truly loving and blessed soul🙏

Vaheguroo Ji ka Khalsa Vaheguroo Ji ki fateh pyaree sadh Sangat Ji 🙏. I first felt a connection with Guru sahib when i was 5 years old looking through a picture book in my school library in country Australia, growing up I continued to witness the amazing power of guru sahib. Every step closer I took to guru sahib on my discovery I felt so much Piyaar (love) and such a strong presence guiding me on this beautiful lifelong path. Guru sahib bought me to England on university exchange and continued to shower me with blessings and guidance- the amount of Piyaar guru sahib gives his children is beyond anything in this world 🙏 On 20th December 2014 in Coventry, Guru Sahib blessed me into the Khalsa Family🙏. I got to the stage where my life had felt so worthless because I had not given it to Guru Sahib. And now I feel so happy and fulfilled laying my head at Guru Sahibs feet, everything has a new meaning now. There is no way to describe this feeling; All I can say is my soul is at peace now🙏 Vaheguroo 🙏

"I went on to ask bhenji some more questions!"

Vaheguroo🙏🙏 with the power of naam and guru sahibs Piyaar, there is no way we can ever feel alone or empty🙏. When I was really young I just felt fascinated by the people (Sikhs) in the book and mesmerised by harmandir sahib - when I looked at the pictures I felt like I had found my place in the world, like I had a connection that from past janams (life's) 🙏. Where I am from in Australia there is not a lot of gursikhs - Vaheguroo Ji's kirpa though I applied for exchange programs all over the world and Guru sahib bought me to England and surrounded me with so many inspirational gursikhs 🙏. You know what, leading up to me leaving Australia even two weeks before my plane was supposed to leave, I thought I wasn't going to be able to come to the UK- so many problems and hurdles to get here but Guru ji did not let me fail any - even in the last hurdle with my Visa I had no certainty that I would be even allowed into the country to stay, but I felt that confidence just to go and everything would work out - and it did 🙏. Vaheguroo Ji's kirpa everything happened perfectly - I know Guru Sahib wanted me to come here and be amongst gursikhs and sadh Sangat 🙏🙏. it's an amazing feeling 🙏 everything is done for a reason hunna... 

Yes I am still in England. I'm here until the 25th May.

 My name before was Ruby Palmer 😊  my family are beautiful people, I love them so much but it is hard for them to understand as they don't believe in religion..There has been a lot of hurdles and the image of a dastar (turban) is confronting for them because it's so different to anything they know. but I just explain to them with Piyaar (love) why I am doing things and with time they're getting more and more use to it- it's just about changing what they perceive as normal hunna- But the bottom line is they just want me to be happy, and following guru sahibs path is what makes me feel the most happiest and fulfilled ❤🙏😊 Vaheguroo. 

Vaheguroo Ji your Instagram page is amazing🙏 so inspirational- keep up the amazing seva 🙏🙏🙏

"I asked if we could share bhenji's experience!"

Of course you can share my story, it's all Vaheguroo Ji's kirpa (blessing), which should be shared with all who want it 🙏. Yes I did, the 20th was the best day of my life and the start of my life, Vaheguroo 🙏🙏. still get shivers thinking about it ☺. Nahi not at all, as you said we are Gurus family and I don't mind at all, what you are doing helps soo many people you should be soo proud🙏. I'm based in Birmingham atm then I'm goin back to Australia for my final exams for uni in November. Then I am going to come back to the uk and settle 🙏 I love it here 😊🙏 Vaheguroo 🙏🙏🙏

We usually have a moral at the end of each post but the conversation with Kirpa Kaur and the amount of pyaar (love) generated, whilst speaking to bhenji, showed how Guru Sahib has glanced his loving, grace on bhenji and how much she loves Guru sahib and their sangat.  

Benti sangat ji, please continue to support bhenji positively and lovingly through Naam, baani/kirtan smaagams in her relatively new journey of beautiful Sikhi🙏🙏. 

If bhenji from Australia can do it, don't think we can make any excuses not to earn the love and blessings of Guru Sahib ji. 🙏 Guru Sahib and the Khalsa family will always support you.🙏 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "Through the Naam, you shall obtain honor, and come home. Eagerly drink in the Ambrosial Amrit."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 💜- RESTRICTING OR LIBERATING

RESTRICTING OR LIBERATING

'Is being a practising Sikh female restricting or liberating?' When I first really became interested in Sikhi, I didn't realise that I'd find it so liberating on so many levels. Not just on spiritual levels, but also on worldly ones. We live in a society where it's so difficult for a woman to be genuinely comfortable in her own skin. So many businesses are based solely on exploiting a female's insecurities. We're told exactly what we're supposed to look like, what counts as beautiful, which of our characteristics are acceptable and which ones aren't. Feeling "feminine" isn't actually based on loving being a woman but is based on being slim, hairless and made up. Everything about you can and should be changed or "enhanced". If you choose not to "enhance" yourself, you're deemed to be not taking care of yourself, you're not making an effort, and you aren't presentable. The rules are different just because you're female...

Men aren't expected to "enhance" themselves anywhere near as much as we are. Even the "natural" look isn't actually natural. Honestly, how much of what we do is truly down to personal choice, rather than to societal pressure?

One thing that has always drawn me towards Sikhi is the element of being indifferent to societal pressures and just accepting yourself the way that you are. It's not the reluctant kind of self acceptance where you pretend that you're happy with yourself but it's the state of being genuinely comfortable with yourself. It's the absence of feeling the need to change yourself in order to fit in with the norm. It's about being effortlessly indifferent to everyone else's ideas about you. You're no longer attached to the typical standards of beauty, so you no longer feel inadequate in your own skin. A lifestyle which gently discourages focusing on superficial things like outward appearance, wealth, social status etc. Instead, encourages self acceptance, self love and personal growth has helped me so much. It's refreshing to be amongst women and girls whose main concern is their jeevan (lifestyle), rather than their image and appearance. We all have our moments... Self acceptance is easier said than done... For me personally, Sikhi has genuinely made it a lot easier. If you're standing on the outside, Sikhi might seem restrictive. You don't understand why this bunch of women don't "enhance" themselves. But when you're living that lifestyle, you see that what others perceive as "restrictions," essentially remove your obligation to bend to societal pressures. You're free to accept yourself. It's liberating. 

Written by Amrit 'Jamz' Kaur

There are no words that will give justice to the power, stature, importance and sacrifice of women in the Sikh faith. Our mothers, sisters and daughters look absolutely beautiful with our Gurus crown upon their heads. True beauty always shines forth, through one's body and spirit via the love of Naam and baani. 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, "So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all."

Vaheguroo!

Game of love ❤️- SIKHI, THE HOME I'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR!

SIKHI, THE HOME I'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR! 

A conversation we had with William, a 15 year old Caucasian boy, from the USA. He talks about, how he has found his true love in Sikhi, after studying other faiths. 

idf_inspiration2

Hello, I hope this message reaches you in good time. I am sending you this message, because I have a few questions and was hoping you might be able to answer. I was raised a catholic and left Christianity to explore other faiths and began practicing Islam, then left it and explored my heritage and found Judaism, but many aspects of all three are highly incompatible with myself. I started doing research and began to read the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji online in English and I fell in love with it. I have been looking into Sikhi for about 2 months now and I feel certain that it's the home I've been searching for and it holds the path to truly loving God. I have a few questions that just can't be answered by the Internet and I was wondering if you might be able to help me answer them, so I might learn more? Thank you and have a good day. 

sikhi_game0flove

Vaheguroo, that's so nice to hear ji.. Sikhi is beautiful.. I was born in a none practicing sikh family .. I studied other faiths and only Sikhi hit home to me too .. Spirituality is awesome.. Hanji feel free to ask your questions ji and we will try our best to answer 🙏 ...

idf_inspiration2 

Thank you for offering to help! One of my biggest questions was that of age. Right now I'm 15 and have told my family that I'd like to learn more about Sikhi and thankfully they have been accepting of it, but would they be as open to teaching me at the Gurdwara, or would I need to wait until I'm a certain age? And another question I had was about learning Punjabi, I love to learn other languages, so this would be no issue for me, but where might I go about learning it, so I can read the daily prayers and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in it's original beautiful language? 

sikhi_game0flove

Where are you from ji? What is ur name? Gender? Not that it matters.. Just so we know who we are speaking to :).. Na 15 is a good age, it's the age we start making mature decisions.. They would have no problem at all teaching you at your local gurdwara. If they don't pls let us know, because a Gurdwara is open to all, for all ages.. Gurdwara is for students. Punjabi is a very simple language.. What you see is what you read.. Not like English.. No hidden sounds or silent letters.. I learnt punjabi in a week.. You just have to learn the alphabet, a few sounds and put the sounds and letters together. That's punjabi learnt :).. You could learn at your local gurdwara.. But will take time, as they will have other students. I advise you to type the following in to YouTube, "Basics of Sikhi learning Gurmukhi"... You will get many great videos that should teach you within a week.. Then you just need to put the letters together to say the words.. If you actually want to learn to speak it, it might be best going to the gurdwara, making friends and getting them to speak to you in Punjabi, or you could join the Punjabi school there. Once you know Punjabi, listen to your prayers on the tape and read along using your phone or gutka (prayer book).. you will pick the prayers up in two weeks ji.. hope this helps ji :), all the best on your journey feel free to keep in touch dear one 🙏.. 

idf_inspiration2 

I'm from the United States, but likely moving to England next year. My name is William, I'm male. Thank you so much! I was very intimidated by Punjabi but you make it seem very easy, so I will start to learn some soon. I will hopefully begin going to the Gurdwara soon, as I need to get transportation in order first. I wanted to say your page and blog are amazing, reading about the white Sikh woman made me feel so much more welcome, and casted away all doubts I had about being accepted. I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful and loving community than that of the Sikhs, and to me it proves that the path to love and god is here in Sikhi. I will definitely keep in touch!☺

sikhi_game0flove

Vaheguroo, your message was beautiful to read William..we are from the UK.. we will look after you if you move to the UK, as with Guru Kirpa we have many contacts in the UK.. we all get on really well. Hanji there are thousands of white Sikhs in America, Europe and all over the world... Sikhi is for everyone... it's for the soul not just Punjabis :).. take care my dear brother 🙏 :) 

sikhi_game0flove

Can I share how you feel about Sikhi my dear brother..I'm sure it would inspire many? It's okay if you would not like to..

idf_inspiration2

Thank you for offering to help me when I come! And of course you may share it :) I would love to be able to maybe just help that one person, who had a doubt about Sikhi to look into it more; because after just moments of reading the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, I knew I was in love with Sikhi and had found the path that leads to the love of God! ☺

sikhi_game0flove

Vaheguroo, all the best on your journey dear brother 🙏 remember to message us when you get to the UK :).. 🙏 

Idf_inspiration2

Thankyou I will message you once I get there :). 

people from around the globe are finding the true value of Sikhi, such as white, black, Chinese, European, Brazilians and many more from many other countries, yet us punjabis would rather walk away from the spiritual diamond of Sikhi and embrace a more western life style worthy of a mere shell. 

Wake up! It's the only substance that will get us through this pressure/stress filled life, finding love within (god) and everlasting peace. 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Says, Wake up! Wake up! Those of you sleeping, see that the travelling merchant (soul) is leaving. The body shall fall, and the soul shall depart; if only you knew this. 

Vaheguroo!

Game of love 💙- FAITH!

FAITH!

Hi.... My name is Aman Sokhal (12 years of age)

I am a young kid like everyone else out there, and I was really fascinated by patkas (short head covering) because they looked so cool and I always thought that I will have a patka too, but didn't know when that will happen. So 5-6 years later, I decided to grow my hair for a patka. When I was 11, I visited to India and that influenced me a lot to grow my hair.

My hair is long now and I am wearing a patka. My first day of wearing a patka was yesterday (September 11th 2014). I was really nervous like crazy, I thought people would say is that "a tennis ball on your head" or "you look weird", but it wasn't like that.

I knew if I discipline myself to do what I know I should do I will be fine, so I did the mool mantra (short prayer) 5 times, and off I went to school confidently like a proud Khalsa Singh. I just did waheguru simran for the whole day in the back of my head, and I knew everything would be okay, because I had sense that Guru is right in my heart.

So kids please don't be scared or nervous because everything is going to be just fine. I didn't get bullied so you guys will not too. If you're having trouble going to school, do the moolmantar 5 times and think that the Guru is right in your heart and that will heal your fear!

I walked into the school wearing my patka nervous and proud the same time, but also knew as I am a very popular person with a amazing personality, (I mean the school says that believe me). So once we sat in the class I asked my teacher if I could go in all the grade 7 and 8 classes to explain why and how I look today that I am the same person but taking a different path following my religion Sikhism.

My teacher and best friend came along side of me and went to each class which made me more confident as I walked into the classrooms. My teacher and best friend was very supportive of me and they also explained to the class. All of the kids in the classroom clapped when I finished my presentation and everyone in the school said how they are very proud of me, it was amazing experience.  

I am telling you I was SO nervous, but I knew I had strength that the Guru is right with me. Think ahead for a moment and how you feel after accomplishing your mission in being yourself. Accept this responsibility for your life, know that it is you who will get you where you want to go. No one else.  Just go out there being strong in yourself, brave like a lion (sher).

I am very thankful to God as he has shown me this path to take. "So satgur pyaaraa mere naal hai"

Guru Amardas Ji Says, "That Beloved True Guru is always with me; wherever I may be, He will save me."

We should take steps now, as we are young and energetic. Is it right us really taking steps, when we can't see with our eyes or hear with our ears, we have become old, frail and can't serve others? What is the point then? What good are we to our Guru, when we can't even love or serve him? If we call ourselves Sikhs, let's start to at least look like one. The courage and passion of this Guru loving, young 12 year old boy puts us all to shame!

Vaheguroo!

Game of love ❤️- WHY I CHOSE SIKHI?

WHY I CHOSE SIKHI?

Japjeet Kaur Khalsa, from Leicester speaks of her journey into Sikhi in the Huffington Post Newspaper:

"I was brought up in Weelde, near Antwerp in Belgium, my Western name is Nele Bemong. I was quite religious as a child, with quite religious Catholic grandparents, my parents much less so. I was baptised, and went to Catholic school and university. I was always a spiritual child, I prayed a lot and talked to God before I went to bed.

After the age of eight or nine, I began questioning God, when some people very close to me died and I couldn’t understand why God would allow that. Other Catholic concepts, like for example, original sin also did not make sense to me and it was hard for me to agree with what institutionalised religion had turned the intrinsically very beautiful teachings of the Bible into.

By the time I went through high school, I had really stopped practicing anything. I am very much a Westerner who practices Sikhi, but I don't adopt Punjabi culture. It is very uncommon in Europe to be a white Sikh. There are more white Sikhs in America but they tend to live in communities of other white Sikhs, not so much in the Punjabi community.

I am one of very few white people in this country, who have converted and live amongst the Punjabi community. But I do get a lot of respect, and often Punjabi people will start looking anew at what Sikhi offers, if they see that I have adopted it and have given up my previous life in the process. They will often even say 'you're a proper Sikh' – a mirror is being held up and often that inspires them to re-evaluate Sikhi. It can be quite inspiring for young people, who sometimes think there is nothing in Sikhi for them as the spiritual side has often gotten mixed with deep-seated cultural practices. I help them see the immense value of the Guru’s teachings and how much contentment and happiness there is to be gained by adopting the spiritual teachings into one’s life."

We have great karma and are blessed to be born in sikh families, yet we choose to ignore the Gurus teachings. To be punjabi is not being a sikh, sikhi is way beyond this. Sikhi is a beautiful way of life, combined with the True Gurus physical discipline and liberating spiritual wisdom. This has to be lived and not just talked about.

We should all take steps towards the True Guru and accomplish the purpose of this life, which is to liberate this impure mind through the love of Vaheguroo's name, by becoming one with him.

Guru Ramdas Ji Says, "Come, and join together, O my companions; let's sing the Glorious Praises of Vaheguroo, and follow the comforting advice of the True Guru"

Vaheguroo!