Guru Amardas was born in the Bhalla family to father Tejbhan and mother Sulakhani in village Basarke, near Amritsar on May 5, 1479. He was married to Mansa Devi (also known as Ram Kaur), daughter of Devi Chand Behal. The couple had four children – two sons, Mohri and Mohan; and two daughters, Dani and Bhani.

Every year Baba Amardas used to go for pilgrimage to Haridwar, which is a holy place for the Hindus, located on the banks of the river Ganges in North India. Once, while returning from the pilgrimage, Baba Amardas rested at an inn, which was owned by a Brahmin, who was also a renowned palmist and astrologer. At night, Baba Amardas was sleeping in such a posture that his head and feet were visible. The Brahmin could tell the future of a person by reading lines on the feet and hands. He chanced to see the feet of Baba Amardas, which were embedded with Padam Rekha – luckiest line on the feet – which denotes that such persons are supreme. Padam Rekha is embedded either on the feet of the Prophets, divine persons or the very renowned kings.

Next morning, before departure, when Baba Amardas offered money for the night stay in the inn, the owner being a knowledgeable palmist pronounced that the Baba would become either a highly divine person or a renowned king. Then, he would get all the bounties from him. Hearing this, tears rolled down the eyes of Baba Amardas. He wondered that for realising the divine within, he had been visiting Haridwar regularly for twenty years but still could not perceive the divine Truth. The Brahmin palmist was so sure of his palmistry knowledge that he emphatically predicted that he was bound to become a divine person and then he would come to him for seeking the divine bounties.

Wretched is he, who has no Guru (the divine guide): Baba Amardas was a Vaishnavite and used to go on a pilgrimage to Haridwar every year, but even after many visits to the holy place, he had not yet found the bliss of self-realisation. Once, an ascetic (Brahmachari, who observes celibacy) was attracted by the divine virtues of Baba Amardas. He accompanied him to his village Basarke. As the food was being served, the Brahmachari casually enquired from Amardas who was his Guru? Baba Amardas humbly submitted that he was still in search of one. The Brahmachari became upset and angry. He would not partake of the food from a person, who had no Guru for getting instructions to tread the divine Path and left the house in a huff after cursing the Baba. This incident shook the conscience of

Baba Amardas, who vigorously started searching for the Guru from that very day.

Meeting the Guru: One early morning, Baba Amardas heard Bibi Amro recite the divine Hymns. Bibi Amro, Guru Angad Dev‟s daughter was recently married to Baba Amardas‟s nephew. These Hymns touched his conscious and he developed an immense urge to become a disciple of the Guru, who had composed these verses. He asked Bibi Amro, “Whose Hymns are you reciting?” She humbly replied, “My Divine father, who is now second Guru Nanak Dev, has imbibed all these hymns from His Mentor.” He expressed a wish to meet the Guru. Bibi Amro took Baba Amardas to Guru Angad Dev. A glimpse of the Guru made Baba Amardas his devout disciple. Setting aside the worldly conventions of the society, he presented himself in the service of Guru Angad Dev‟s door-step; in other words, at the door-step of the father-in-law of his brother‟s son and rendered utmost divine service to the Divine Master. Baba Amardas was at that time about sixty-two years old while Guru Angad Dev was only about thirty-six. Just after midnight every day, he would walk about ten kilometres to the river Beas for his bath and then fetch a pitcher of water for His Mentor‟s bath in the ambrosial hour. Throughout the day, he worked tirelessly in various services of Langar.

Guruship: On 25 March, 1552, Baba Amardas was bestowed the Guruship at Khadur Sahib by his Divine Master Guru Angad Dev, who followed all the rituals, as Guru Nanak Dev did for Him. (Guru Angad Dev‟s life story has already been given in the previous chapter.)

~ Extract from Sikh Faith Book
~ Written by Iqbal Singh Ji(Baba)

Bilawal means delight.
This is spring time raag to be recited in the morning hours.

Guru Nanak Dev ji .

..Ang795:

Please bless me with such understanding that I may sing Your glorious praises.
May I dwell in truth according to Your will.
This is the first shabad of this raag and also part of Shabad Hazaare.

Delightful spring….a time of renewal …..nature comes alive once again. A clear sunrise, the birds sing, the flowers bloom, the stream flows again, a woman plays a string instrument. Together a perfect symphony.
Renewed ….with the understanding to be in Your will, to dwell in truth and to sing Your praises.

~ Dr. Navjeet Kaur

Ideally this raag is recited in the late morning. This is a joyous raag.

Guru Ram Das ji composed the “Laavan” Sikh wedding in this raag.

Guru Ram Das ji tells us…..
Ang 774: …. deep within as well as outside there is one Lord; meeting and coming together the two humble servants of The Lord are joyous.

Union, Sanjog at many levels is the message…..sanjog of receiving my life……the sanjog with my parents, the sanjog of my spouse, children ….and finally the Sanjoj–union with shabad Guru ….the understanding of UNION of Sanjog at multiple levels.

The painting itself is fairly simple ….two blooms coming together.

~ Dr. Navjeet Kaur

“Recognise all of the human race as one”- Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Time & again Sikhs have stood up for humans belonging to all races in times of need. Here is another instance where they have proved their firm commitment to serve humanity & support for Nepal quake victims.

The death toll has crossed the count of 5000 people after the Nepal Earthquake. As rescuers are reaching the remote areas of Nepal, it is expected that the death toll may rise further.

After the earthquake, while Nepal is still worries about the aftershocks of the earthquake, the Weather Department of Nepal is forecasting heavy rain in next 10 days.

Various Sikh organizations from Punjab and abroad have continued the humanitarian aid project. More Sikh volunteers are expected to arrive in Nepal in the coming days to expand the aid project.

Continuous langar (free food) is being served to people of all faiths at the Sikh Gurdwara of Kathmandu. Tents have been setup to serve as a shelter to people who have lost their homes.

Dhan Sikhi! Dhan Khalsa!

~ Source: www.sikh24.com

The Indian army left for Hemkunt Sahib to prepare the road for the journey to Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji. The harsh winter damages the trail to the Gurdwara Sahib every year which requires maintenance by the Indian army.

The Indian Army often monitors Sri Hemkunt Sahib on the way towards the Chinese border during the winter time. The journey to Shri Hemkunt Sahib will begin on June 1, 2015 and will be telecasted on Chardi-Kala Time tv.

~ Source: DSU News Bureau

Guru Arjan Dev, the son of Guru Ramdas and Bibi Bhani, was born in Goindwal on 15 April, 1563.

Childhood: Even from early childhood, he could perform the most wondrous acts. One day, as a toddler, he crawled towards his maternal grandfather‟s bed and once he was there, he tried to climb up. “Who is it?” asked Guru Amardas. “It‟s your grandson (Dohta),” replied His daughter, Bibi Bhani. To this, the Guru responded spontaneously, „Dohta Bani ka Bohitha‟ (the grandson is a treasure-house of Hymns) and added, “O my grandchild! Be in no hurry, your time would come soon to ascend this Divine seat.”

Marriage: Guru Arjan Dev married Mata Ganga at village Mau in Tehsil Phillaur of Jalandhar district. Their only child was a son, named Hargobind.

Guruship: He attained Guruship on 1 September, 1581.

Prithi Chand’s Hostility: Prithi Chand, the eldest brother of Guru Arjan Dev, always nurtured ill will for him, because he feared that the Guruship might be conferred upon him. When Guru Arjan Dev indeed became the fifth Guru, Prithi Chand‟s rage knew no bounds. He hatched a conspiracy with the Mughal General, Sulhi Khan; and invited him to attack Guru Arjan Dev. When Sulhi Khan started from Lahore to launch his attack on the Guru, some of the Sikhs in the congregation requested Guru Arjan Dev to send a letter to the General clarifying their stand that they had not done any damage to the rule of the Mughal Empire, so why should they attack the Guru? After hearing the suggestion, the Guru remained calm and serene, because He was immersed in the Divine within.

When the devotees perceived that this suggestion was not acceptable to the Guru, they submitted an alternative suggestion of sending a couple of noble Sikhs to General Sulhi Khan to clarify that the followers of Guru Arjan Dev had not taken any action against the rules and regulations of the Government. After hearing that suggestion, the Guru again remained quiet and immersed in the Divine within.

Then the holy congregation submitted the third proposal that they should do something to prevent General Sulahi Khan‟s attack. After hearing the third suggestion, the Guru told the congregation, “We should have utmost faith in the Divine and should concentrate our minds to recite the Divine Name.” The Guru‟s tune merged with the Divine within and prayed that whatever is the Divine Will, would be acceptable to them. The virtues of the Divine Lord were to protect His devotee. At this, Guru Arjan Dev humbly responded in the voice of the Divine in the following hymn:

ਪ੍ਰਥਮੇ ਮਤਾ ਜਿ ਪਤ੍ਰੀ ਚਲਾਵਉ ॥ ਦੁਤੀਏ ਮਤਾ ਦੁਇ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਪਹੁਚਾਵਉ ॥
ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਏ ਮਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰਉ ਉਪਾਇਆ ॥ ਮੈ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੁਹੀ ਧਿਆਇਆ ॥

Pratham-ai mataa je patree chalaavou. Duttee-ai mataa du-e maanukh pahuchaavou.
Trittee-ai mataa kichhu karou upaa-e-aa. M-ei sabh(u) kichh(u) chhod(i) Prabh tuhee dhiaa-e-aa. (371)

As per the Divine Order, General Sulhi Khan, riding the horseback, came with a huge force to attack Guru Arjan Dev at Amritsar. On the way, Prithi Chand requested Sulhi Khan to visit his brick kiln, because, he wanted to show the General his great influence on the masses and his own established sound business. As soon as Sulhi Khan reached the boundary of the burning brick kiln, his horse was so frightened that the Divine Force pushed the General into the burning kiln. Thus, General Sulhi Khan, along with the horse, was roasted in the burning bricks. After perceiving this horrible scene, the army of the dead General fled for fear of the Divine.

When word of Sulhi Khan‟s death reached Guru Arjan Dev, he prayed to the Divine Lord, expressing His Divine spiritual feelings through the following hymn.

ਸੁਲਹੀ ਤੇ ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ਰਾਖੁ ॥
ਸੁਲਹੀ ਕਾ ਹਾਥੁ ਕਹੀ ਨ ਪਹੁਚੈ ਸੁਲਹੀ ਹੋਇ ਮੂਆ ਨਾਪਾਕੁ ॥

Sul-hee t-ai Naaraa-e-nh raakh(u).
Sul-hee kaa haath(u) kahee na pahuch-ei Sul-hee ho-e mooaa naapaak(u). (825)
(The Almighty Lord saved us from Sulhi Khan. He could do nothing and the Divine Power pushed him to the burning kiln, where he was roasted completely.)

~ Extract form Sikh Faith Book
~ Written by Iqbal Singh Ji(Baba)

Sikhi is all about Universal Brotherhood and OneNess in all!

While Sikh organizations from Punjab, India and other countries are extending humanitarian aid to victims of natural disaster in Nepal, about 850 victims have reportedly taken shelter in the Sikh Gurdwara at Kathmandu. There isn’t a big Sikh population in Kathmandu, and humanitarian efforts have been established for all people, irrespective of their background and religion.

A large tent has been installed in Gurdwara premises to give shelter to needy people. Many houses were demolished during earthquake.

While talking about the Sikh activists who were killed during the earthquake, efforts are being made to the send dead bodies of Jammu based Sikh father-son back to their native city.

A Sikh Trust is running an ashram (sanctuary) to look after orphan children in Kathmandu. All 60 children of the ashram are safe and this organization is trying its best in providing aid to the victims.

The Sikh apex organization from Amritsar, the SGPC, has already sent over 100,000 food packets to earthquake hit areas of the country. DSGMC has also been regularly sending 25,000 food packets every day since the past week.

Dhan Sikhi! Dhan Khalsa!

~ Source: Sikh24.com

Sikhs from around the world gathered together in the United States to celebrate Vaisakhi. After the Gurdwara portion of the celebration, a grand Nagar Kirtan was held through the downtown streets.

The importance of Panja Pyare, along with the Sangat enhance the court of Siri Guru Granth Sahib ji and the presence of the Guru in this world. It was a certain spiritual weight that descended on us who came to represent the Guru’s face. When five gather in his name, Guru Gobind Singh really does show up.

Throughout the procession, there were moments that went beyond the average. It was as if there was a window to a realm of blessing and during this time we would touch that window more often than normal. This realm of blessing is the court of the Guru. Though we may go to the physical Gurdwara, the spiritual court is when the atmosphere brings the Guru alive for us and we are able to join in the Guru’s world of spiritual majesty. We feel the presence of the Guru on the inside.

During the Nagar Kirtan, there were certainly times that seemed normal, even though we are physically in the presence of the Guru but the inner feeling of presence would open up more especially when someone showed respect or devotion.

When the youth show spirit in gatka, it is most pleasing. When small ones who are full of innocence are dressed as Khalsa, it is indeed most pleasing. We are here, the hands and feet of the Great Guru, all creating His splendid court spreading the Guru’s light in the streets, and it is most pleasing. It’s easier to feel the Guru’s presence in the company of the Sangat and especially it is more possible to feel the Guru with the presence of the Panj.

The lives of the Gurus are full of such stark moments of devotion and offering to the Divine feet. The Guru is certainly alive and well in this modern day, not just in the history books. It is available for us to tap into. It was amazing and awe inspiring to witness history come alive.

This is what it means to bow. This is what it means to be a Sikh. This is what it means to be in the court of the Guru.

We are the Guru’s beloveds and we are engaging in this unfathomable play. We are decorating the court of the Living and Eternal Guru. Guru ji is certainly alive. God bless us to know this in our hearts. Bless us to feel it through and through. Bless us to give ourselves up and pray like this unknown woman. Bless us to have the courage to believe in the Guru’s Sikhs and the Guru’s panth. There are no leaders who will appear out of thin air. We are the ones. Everything is in the Guru’s care, in God’s will and we are the ones to act it out.

Shine on oh great Khalsa, do your best.
Wherever you are, there is the Guru.
Have a majestic, blessed, awe-inspiring, memorable and blissful Vaisakhi!

– Harijot Singh Khalsa
~ Source: Sikhnet.com
Picture courtesy – Jagdip Singh Thandi

My newest painting depicting Dashmesh Pita – Guru Gobind Singh ji – is a reminder that through the Guru’s teachings we can illuminate the darkness in the mind. In this painting, Dashmesh Pita reflects Akal Purakh’s light, the way the moon reflects the sun, and when we bathe in Guru Sahib’s warmth, we become warm ourselves.
The Guru teaches us to

ਜਾਲਿ ਮੋਹੁ ਘਸਿ ਮਸੁ ਕਰਿ ਮਤਿ ਕਾਗਦੁ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਭਾਉ ਕਲਮ ਕਰਿ ਚਿਤੁ ਲੇਖਾਰੀ ਗੁਰ ਪੁਛਿ ਲਿਖੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥
ਲਿਖੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਾਲਾਹ ਲਿਖੁ ਲਿਖੁ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਰਾਵਾਰੁ ॥੧॥
Burn attachment to persons and materials and let this be your ink, let your intelligent mind be the paper.
Let love be the pen, let one-pointed consciousness be the scribe, and then ask the Guru for his wisdom and write down what he says.
On your mind-paper, write His name and His praises again and again, keep writing this.
– Guru Nanak Dev (Guru Granth Sahib, 16)

He also tells us the result –
ਅੰਤਰਿ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਇ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੇ ਆਇ ॥ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਦੀਓ ਰੰਗੁ ਲਾਇ ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
Inside me the light of the supreme king Ram has appeared, ever since the Perfect Guru has inspired me to love Him.
– Guru Arjun Dev (Guru Granth Sahib, 1141)

Ram is that force that animates everything, He is the supreme consciousness, Akal Purakh. Remember it is through consciousness that we know consciousness and it is through consciousness that we know the moon and the stars, the physical, conceptual and spiritual forms. A Guru is someone who brings that consciousness to a higher level. Guru Sahib charges up our cold dim light into an intense bright light; he empowers us. He teaches us how to become receptive to the supreme consciousness so that we learn to see it inside. When we become receptive to Ram, we see Him inside us, and when we see Ram inside, we can’t help but feel immense bliss and we call out His name and His praises again and again.

These teachings are embedded into the painting in symbolic representations. Perhaps that’s why this painting is huge – it is seven feet tall – or perhaps Guru Sahib’s larger than life personality requires a larger than life portrait!

~ Bhagat Singh
~ Source: Sikhnet.com