Baba Guru Nanak is not only loved by Sikhs but also by Muslims and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is testament to this.

“Baba ji spent the last 18 years of his life at this gurdwara,” Rafique, a caretaker at the gurdwara.

Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is situated around 120 kilometers from Lahore and a few kilometers away from Narowal. It was constructed by the Raja of Patiala Bhupinder Singh between 1921 and 1929.

Its white edifice is set against lush green farms and the ‘grave’ is the first thing people see upon entering its premises.

However, this structure is not an actual grave. “The people only found Baba ji’s chador and flowers, and not his body,” Rafique explained. “The grave you see in the veranda was built by the Muslims.”

It is said that the Sikh and Muslim followers of Baba Guru Nanak started fighting over what was left of him. The elders divided the chador and flowers, and two graves were built. The other grave is located inside the walls of the gurdwara.

“Around 100 people, mostly Muslims, come to pay their respects to Baba ji,” Rafique said.

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The historic bout comes after the ban on facial hair by England Boxing was overturned in 2018. The ban meant practicing Sikhs were unable to pursue winning national titles, or building up amateur experience helpful for professional boxing. following dialogue with Sikh organisations such as Lions MMA, Budha Dal and Sikh PA, as well as individuals such as Dr Harbir Singh and lawyer and Sikh educator Amandeep Singh.

The end of the ban came into effect on June 1st last year but due to the amateur boxing season’s schedule, the first Sikh Amritdhari competitors will box this February. An Amritdhari Sikh is one that has been initiated into the Khalsa, the collective army of initiated Sikhs, who commit to following a Sikh way of life, being ambassadors of compassion, justice, courage and tolerance. The Khalsa also agree to a code of conduct which includes not cutting hair, leading to boxing’s ban on beards conflicting with Sikh practice.

Charanpal Singh began training in boxing 18 months ago and was soon encouraged by his coaches at Warley ABC, a well established amateur boxing club, to compete in official competition. Although the beard ban was not going to affect the baby-faced teenager, Charanpal Singh would not compete knowing his ambitions in official amateur competition would be curtailed when his beard grew. That was until the beard ban was overturned eight months ago.

‘It wasn’t something I had to think about, I wasn’t going to change myself or the principles of Sikhi by removing Kes (unshorn hair). My Kes is a part of who I am, as an Amritdhari Sikh.

‘Some boxers mentioned that my beard hasn’t fully grown, so why not just fight. I explained to them it’s not about how much beard a person has, it’s about the removal of hair , which I would never support.

‘The end of the beard ban means I can add boxing to my Sikhi discipline. My Sikhi requires me to have a healthy lifestyle to be disciplined in both physical and mental wellbeing. It enables me to feel self-confident. I believe it is about self-care and compassion and promotes the importance for a Sikh being a protector of others (sant and solider). Both work together’ said Charanpal Singh.

Charanpal Singh is just the first, with other Amritdhari Sikhs also set for bouts in 2019, making this a groundbreaking year for both England Boxing and the Sikh community. However, Charanpal Singh is aware his ambitions still come with obstacles, as the beard ban is still in place at international level. Lions MMA, the Sikh ethos mixed-martial-arts organisation that run 11 boxing clubs across the UK, are working towards an official challenge on the international amateur boxing beard ban by the AIBA and also in countries where Sikhs are affected, such as India. Canada is the only other country to have overturned the beard ban in official amateur boxing after Ontario flyweight champion Pardeep Singh Nagra fought it in 1999, leading to a court battle and rule change in 2001.

Charanpal Singh said of his ambitions in boxing, ‘I want to have a good, long amateur career to reach the higher amateur ranks. This experience will take me to the next level and when the time is right with a good amateur pedigree, I would like to go into the professional game.

‘The Olympics would be a goal to strive for but until the international beard ban is lifted, this ambition will have to wait.’

Source- sikhpa.com

Our Benevolent King

His benevolence limitless.

His benevolence ceaseless.

His benevolence casteless.

His benevolence from his heart.

His benevolence touches every heart.

His benevolence moves every heart.

His benevolence prime.

His benevolence sublime.

His benevolence for time.

His benevolence for everyone.

His benevolence supreme one.

His benevolence extreme one.

His benevolence for the world.

His benevolence in the world.

His benevolence beyond the world.

His benevolence is the benefaction of Divine.

-Ramneet Kaur

Anmoldeep Singh, a student of Akal Academy, Reethkheri has cracked the CA foundation and secured all rank 9. As per the records in school, he secured a perfect CGPA 10 in class X and was a school topper in commerce stream in Class XII. Currently he is pursuing BCOM from Bikram College of Commerce. School principal honoured him for bringing laurels to the Sikh community and his institution!

Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib is situated in the Baba Bakala town in Distt Amritsar.

Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji mentioned “Baba Bakale” which the Sikhs at the time interpreted as meaning that the Guru’s successor was to be found at the town of Bakala, close to Amritsar.

On other side Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana, a banjara trader from Jhelum district was on his ship which was loaded with goods and was caught in storm, He prayed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, for rescue and promised that he would pay 500 dinars to GURU SAHIB for charity.

With the grace of Akal Purakh, he safely landed to the port and as per his promise he came to Baba Bakala for donating the amount.

But reaching here he found several imposers posing them self as GURUS. He decided to offer 2 dinars to each of them. None of them questioned him about the promised amount.

But when he placed two dinars in front of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, GURU SAHIB said bhai sahib u had promised to pay 500 dinars and now you are paying only 2.

Listening to this, Bhai Makhan Singh climbed up to the roof and start whooping “GURU LADO RE, GURU LADO RE”.

Makhan Shah Lubana was the first to meet Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji and enchanted the phrase “Baba Bakale”.

At a time when young guns were panting for breath after completing their run, this Singh stood as an exception because of his joyous and ebullient nature.

The man with 100 per cent blindness was a real exception and inspiration as he not only finished his race successfully, but also made a record by completing his 101st half-marathon.

He is popularly known as ‘Sporty Sikh.’ After running 21 km, Amarjeet Chawla (63) was as joyful and energetic as he was before the race. He said, “I am happy that I successfully completed my 101st half marathon today. Now, if I get good trainers and sponsors, my target is to complete 151 such half marathons.” A resident of Kandivali, Chawla, lost his vision totally at the age of 40. He was suffering from low vision since childhood.

He started running only after he stepped in the 49th year of his age. “I am unable to see anything and thus, initially was denied permission to participate in such events. But I ensured that my blindness does not come in my way,” Singh said.

To overcome his ‘difficulty’ what others labelled it as he took help of an escort to run. “The white cane, which is commonly used by blind people, proved to be my companion.

Even if I run with help of escorts, I use this white cane.” “Both me and my escort hold the white cane, which acts as a steering wheel for us,” he added.

He is now a well-known name among athletes across India as he has participated in more than 266 such marathons. “I have covered the nation from all four directions. I have participated in marathons, held right from Chandigarh to Chennai and Surat to Kolkata,” he informed.

On Sunday’s marathon, he was assisted by Rahul Brahme, who has participated with the former in more than 30 marathons.

At the age of eighteen, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, was sent by his father Bhai Mehta Kalu Ji to the city to do business. His father was disappointed that Guru Sahib’s mind was not into farming and other worldly work, therefore, he thought perhaps engaging him in trade would firstly, be a good profitable profession, and secondly his son would be happy all day talking to his clients about his business.

Thinking this way and choosing an auspicious day, he called Bhai Mardana Ji to accompany Guru Sahib. “What about Bhai Bala Ji? I heard from our Gurdwara Giani Ji that Bhai Bala Ji accompanied Guru Nanak Ji.” Historically there is no such character called “Bhai Bala Ji” who was the companion of Guru Nanak Sahib. Yes, I am sure there were many Bhai Balas. But there was no Bhai Bala Ji as described by “Sants,” “Babé,” or misguided parchaariks (preachers). There are historical sources from the times of Guru Nanak Ji, such as land records and local government writings, which includes the name of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, Bhai Mardana etc, however no Bhai Bala Ji. This article is not intended to be on the issue of Bhai Bala Ji, therefore I will not go deeper into the discussion.

Pita Kalu Ji gave twenty rupees to Bhai Mardana Ji and said, “Go with Nanak. Buy and bring some genuine goods by selling of which we may make profit. In this way if you make a profitable transaction, next time I will send you with more money to buy goods.”
Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana Ji started from Talwandi towards Choohar-khaana to purchase some merchandise. They had hardly gone ten or twelve miles from the village when they came across a village affected by disease, where the people were thirsty, hungry and sick due to lack of water and an outbreak of disease. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji said to Bhai Mardana Ji, “Father has asked us to carry out some profitable transaction. No bargain can be more truly profitable than to feed and clothe these naked and hungry children and adults. I cannot leave this true bargain. It is seldom that we get an opportunity to carry out some profitable transaction like this.” Guru Nanak took all the money from Bhai Mardana Ji and took it to the next nearest village dwelling, where he bought plentiful supply of food and brought water for the disease-ridden village. Guru Sahib invested the twenty rupees into what we today call “Langar.”

Someone reading this may be confused and thinking, “I was told by Giani Ji at the Gurdwara that Guru Nanak Sahib Ji fed hungry Sadhus (group of hermits) sitting in the jungle.” Why are we confused? If we read Gurbani, contemplate Gurbani, and understand our Guru, then how can we be possibly confused? The sad thing is that we have for too long relied on “Saadhs,” “Sants,” “Babé,” and ignorant parchaariks to tell us what Guru Ji says, what Guru Jis teaches, and how Guru Ji lived his life. We use little or no rationality or logic to verify whether what we are being told actually collates with the rest of history, with Gurbani or with facts! Yes, this is why we are confused.

The third saroop (body) of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji says:
ਇਸੁ ਭੇਖੈ ਥਾਵਹੁ ਗਿਰਹੋ ਭਲਾ ਜਿਥਹੁ ਕੋ ਵਰਸਾਇ ॥
“Instead of wearing these beggar’s robes, it is better to be a householder, and give to others.” (Vadhans, Ang 587, SGGS)

Guru Sahib tells us that instead of walking about like Sadhus, not working for a living and replying on handouts from begging from door to door, it is better to life as a householder who works for an honest living and then share with others. So why would Guru Nanak Sahib Ji support those people who don’t believe in working for a living, believe in relying on handouts, and not doing any sewa (selfless-service) of humanity?

Now let us look at the history of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and compare it to the distorted story of “Sacha-Sauda” where it is claimed Guru Sahib fed hungry “Sadhus”. One day Dasam Pita, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, was sitting with the Sangat and having a discussion. He stopped and asked, “I feel thirsty. Kindly can someone go and get me some water.” One Singh stood up and offered to go and get the glass of water. He was tall and handsome and looked as if he was the son of a wealthy home.

First of all the Singh washed his hands. Then he washed a glass. With great cleanliness and hygiene he brought forward a glass of water to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The all-knowing Guru Sahib asks him, “Have you ever given water to drink to anyone else?” He replies, “Maharaj, in our house we have a lot of servants and maids.” “That means you have never given your mother water to drink?” asked Guru Ji. “Maharaj!” He replies. “I haven’t even ever given my father something to drink. We have a lot of servants. Serving my parents water is on the side. I don’t even have to get water for myself, the servants do that for me.”

Satguru Guru Gobind Singh ji replies back, “If you have never ever given your mother water to drink, then I will remain thirsty, but I will not drink the water given to me by your hands.” Guru ji is thirsty but he gets the glass and places it to the side. “Oh innocent one, your mother and father are ‘rab da roop’, they are the image of Waheguroo. If you have never given water to your parents, then that is fine. I will then remain thirsty and not drink the water from your hands.”

The boy put his hands together and asked forgiveness from Guru Ji. “Satguru, I will now serve my parents from now. I made a mistake unknowingly and out of ignorance. Today I promise you, that from now on I will serve my mother and father.” Satguru Ji gave his blessings and said, “O Gursikh, if you do seva, then Guru Nanak Ji will fill your home with happiness.”

Does it make logical sense that Guru Gobind Singh Ji on one hand refuses to drink the water given by someone who has not done work with his hands, and on the other hand we claim Guru Nanak Sahib gave food and fed unemployed men who don’t believe in working with the hands or serving others. May God bless us all with wisdom.

Back to the factual story of “Sach Sauda.” As well as bringing food and water to the villagers, Bhai Mardana Ji and Guru Sahib brought clothes for with the money that was left. Taking leave from the villagers, they started back empty-handed.

When both reached near Talwandi, Guru Nanak said to Mardana Ji, ‘You go to the village alone, I shall sit at this well.” Bhai Mardana Ji went to the village and narrated the whole story to Pita Mehta Kalu Ji. He told him where Guru Nanak was sitting. Mehta Kalu was very angry that they had wasted money on feeding, clothing and taking care of needy people. Putting aside all work he took Bhai Mardana Ji along and started towards the well. Reaching the well, he caught hold of Guru Nanak and slapped Guru Sahib.

For Pita Mehta Kalu Ji, amassing of wealth was the only true bargain because in this world it is money which is the mark of nobility, it is the wealthy who is wise, only the rich are considered gentle, honest, pious and lovers of mankind. The means by which the money has been earned are of no consideration. Only those who make true transaction think about the ways and means.

At the place where the true bargain took place, Gurdwara Sacha Sauda Sahib is built. In current day Pakistan the Gurdwara Sacha Sauda is in the city of Farooqabad. On Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s gurpurb local Muslim residents were interviewed in Farooqabad. An elderly Muslim man narrated the story of Guru Nanak Sahib’s true bargain. The stories shared by the Muslim residents did not correlate with the distorted Sakhi (story) which we have been brought up with as a result of ignorance. An elderly Muslim man described the story as it is written in the article. Guru Sahib fed hungry and sick villagers, not unemployed, wandering Sadhus. He thanked Guru Sahib for saving his ancestors from sickness and coming to their aid. This is the foundation of Guru-Ka-Langar. Twenty rupees invested by Guru Nanak has led to Sikhs all over the world doing sewa of the needy, poor, sick and living the message of living in a household while sharing with others, as instructed by Guru Amar Das Ji.

Doing good to the people is the way of a Sikh. Sharing with the needy, makes the day of a Sikh. The true bargain of life is sharing one’s earning with the needy and helping in whatever way we can.

We do actions every day. Whether our actions are good or bad is within our control, but the results of our actions is not in our control.

Let me give you an example. You study hard for an exam. You start preparing six months before and work day and night with the intention to get good marks. The day of your exam you get some questions about a subject that requires you to think outside the box along with other questions about the content in the book in your syllabus. You finish the exam and expect to get good results. Finally the day you are going to get the results arrives. You see that you get a lower mark than you expected because the teacher valued the reflection questions more when she evaluated your exam.

Here is another example. You get a new job, and you like the work-environment at your new workplace. You work hard and get a lot of recognition from your clients and colleagues.You expect to be in this work for your whole life. However because the company cannot afford so many staff-members, they decide to fire half of the staff. You are therefore told by your boss that you have to quit the work and find another job.

In both of these situations your actions are good, but still the end result doesn’t seem the way you expected them to be.

When something bad happens to us, we usually start to think “why did this happen to me?” or “Did i deserve this?” This thinking causes pain and resentment. We start to blame the world around us – the situations, the people, the rules and regulations – as a reason for our pain.

Some months ago I heard a shabad that made me cry and touched my heart. I want to share two lines with you and try to describe what this shabad communicates to me.

“Kath ki putri kaha kare bapuri khilavanharo jaane. Jaisa bhek karave bazigar teso hi saaj aane” (SGGS, Ang 206) ~

“What can the poor wooden puppet do? The Master Puppeteer knows everything. As the Puppeteer dresses the puppet, so is the role the puppet plays.”

We are just playing our role in this game of life. We cannot see the bigger picture – only the Director of this game can see that. When we act in resentment and pain, we are actually going out of our role and trying to be the Director. We want everything to happen according to us. If it doesn’t happen, we act with pain and resentment.

This shabad conveys to me to have faith in hukam. To have faith that there is a bigger picture here which I can’t see. There is a reason that I didn’t get what I expected in this situation, but I cannot see that reason. When we start thinking like that, we are letting go of the pain and resentment before it touches us. We are accepting the hukam.

Whenever we face something bad in life, let us try to think that our thinking and vision is very narrow. Let us think that we can’t see the bigger picture – why this is happening to us. Resisting the hukam gives pain and resentment. Accepting the hukam gives bliss to our minds.

Harveen Kaur

You are my Sat guru- the true teacher.

You are my true companion- with me all the time.

You always show me the right path.

You are the source of my strength and inspiration.

A mere glance of You in my eyes

gives me strength, courage and confidence

to move forward and face the tough times.

You are my Sacha Patshah- the true king of my heart.

I cherish the immaculate gift of your Bani.

Your teachings are more than jewels and diamonds to me.

You showed us the path of love, tolerance, benevolence, honesty and humbleness.

You gave us the treasure of virtues and moral values.

You also taught us to stand for the right cause.

You gave us the right concept of worship to abandon all the rituals.

You inculcated the practice of Langar to help the needy people which is still flourishing.

You and Your Bani is eternal.

I am so blessed to be born in your Sikh family as one of your daughters.

I am so blessed that You are in my life and has transformed my life with your teachings.

I am so proud of You- my beloved Guruji.

– Ramneet Kaur