6.4.2020

PART 1:

What is a friend? Who is a friend?

What is the nature of friendship? How do we choose our friends?

Why is it that friendship seems to be essential to the human experience?

Children befriend everyone – not cognizant of learnt patterns of fear they see no divide and love unconditionally until they get touched with the intellect/mind. Our society, culture, media, advertising make us believe that we are abnormal if we don’t have enough connections or friends from where we derive the sense of wholeness, a sense of belonging, a sense of security. As children start to develop their ego consciousness, they too begin to firm up their sense of self, their identity and their profile. This is done through friendships, and relationships with a significant other. With a perceived sense of belief that we are somehow incomplete, we tend to believe that it is through our connection with others that we will find the sense of completion we believe is lacking. But we will never truly find that which we seek, if we only look outside ourselves.

We must, rather, turn our focus within and make our first priority “befriending” our own inner Self.

Gurbani instructs us in the following manner:

Be a friend even to your enemy. (bureh da bhala kar)….Why?

If we engage in animosity we only fuel the fire and it gets worse on both sides. Vibrations of hatred travel through the universe and anyone who tries to harm anyone else ends up harming themselves first. One cannot hate others without first poisoning themselves. We have to remember that God resides even in our so called ‘enemy’ just as much as in our friend. When we can recognize God both in those who love us and in those who hate us, only then can we realize His Omnipresence. Only by recognizing that the same divine spark animates us all can we can hope to eliminate conflict, both within ourselves and with others. When we are tuned to love, no matter how many hateful vibrations are sent, we will not receive them. Remember the example Bauji gives us of tuning in to the right broadcasting station.

When we direct our focus toward discovering and befriending our own Self/Soul, we come to truly understand and embody our independence and individuality. When we understand the Self is the Force that animates us, that sees, hears, smells, touches, and tastes, that thinks our thoughts, and breathes our breath, we can allow ourselves to become dependent on the Divinity within us.

We are all very fortunate to have the constant guidance of our Beloved Masters - all we have to do is tune into the wisdom and let it guide us home. We are blessed to have their friendship.

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

PART 2:

According to Dr. Martin Luther King in 1963

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend”

The events of the past weeks have left us with heavy hearts, reeling from the injustice and heartbreak left by oppression. All our Sikh Masters have modelled for us compassionate behaviour as they themselves stood in solidarity with all who were being persecuted and exploited. They have also shown us the path of “Love and Forgiveness”. Balancing the two is tricky but the only path that can lead to resolution of conflict both within and without - allowing Light/Naam to guide us when we feel overwhelmed with emotions of rage, despair, powerlessness, and grief.

Only by staying grounded and connected within can we offer any support in this struggle, otherwise we are just adding to the raging inferno with our own burning feelings and emotions.

We can help by first grounding ourselves in the belief that we are all intrinsically Spirit/Awareness/Consciousness/Naam and that we are all connected.

As you cultivate love and peace, you add to the ether loving vibrations which help to negate vibrations of pain, anger and suffering - even if it is a little at a time, believe me you are helping.

To be effective advocates of change we have to stay strong and proactive about our own emotional health and spiritual wellbeing. Only then can we become instruments of seva, instrumental in bringing peace in the world.

Your only task is to know your own SELF.

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please continue to practice social distancing!
Please Stay Safe.
Wear a mask!
Please Wash your Hands.
Stay in the Moment.
Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.
Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!
With Warmest Nanak Love
RA

Always looking forward to getting contributions from you all!!

Please do share your thoughts.

Written from Ludhiana on June 20th, 1979

5.27.2020

PART 1:

The following points are from a letter that was written by Bauji as a response to a young soul who had questions and concerns about his/her progress in Simran (meditation). Most of you are probably aware that Bauji was particularly interested in making sure that he answered all children’s letters. Even at his tender age of 80+, he laboriously addressed each and every point the seeker may have asked about. His own handwriting, beautiful and flowery is however a little hard from the younger generation to read so here it has been typed out for easy reading for all. He wrote back according to each person’s level of understanding, pushing, gently encouraging with loving words. Keeping in mind that even though this letter was written for one particular soul, and each one has its own path, we can still find much benefit from the guidance and use it to emulate it in our own lives.

Since the letter is a bit long, I will share with you the first four of the nine points in this newsletter and the rest on Saturday’s newsletter.

Read the words with loving reverence and see how you can put them into practice.

I realize that it might be difficult to read with the ink fading away, and I could have re-typed out everything, but I wanted you to feel the authenticity of this treasure and see the words by underlined Bauji. Read them several times and slowly they will bring to trickle into the subconscious and become part of your realization, thus intrinsically urging you to take the suggested and required action with loving devotion.

The remaining 5 points in the next letter, so absorb these first!

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!

DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

PART 2:

The following points are the remaining ones from the letter that I shared with you in Wednesday’s newsletter. Some parts are really faded, so i have written them below each section. Read the words with loving reverence and see how you can put them into practice.

I sincerely hope that you will take the time to read the whole letter in its entirety. Words spoken by a Mahapurakh bring solace and comfort to the soul!

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!

DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please continue to practice social distancing! Please Stay Safe. Wear a mask! Please Wash your Hands. Stay in the Moment. Eat well. Exercise. Laugh. Shukar! Shukar! Shukar! With Warmest Nanak Love RA

Always looking forward to getting contributions from you all!!

Please do share your thoughts.

5.23.2020

The ways of those who practice the Presence are unique - they have utter faith in their Master, and they walk on the path less traveled. They choose to be with their beloved, finding them walking by their side always, guiding lovingly and lighting up the way.

In the poem below, Prof. Puran Singh tells us about the thoughts of those who are traveling this way - He is shining a light for those who wish to emulate the Royal Road -the devotional and love-filled path of the faithful.

Each line is a piercing gem; take time to read it carefully, let it soak into you!

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!

DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please Continue To Practice Social Distancing.

Please Stay Safe.

Please Wash your Hands.

Stay in the Moment.

Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.

Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!

With Warmest Nanak Love

RA

5.20.2020

“A famous Sufi mystic, Rabiya, was searching for something on the street outsider her small hut. The sun was setting and darkness was descending, as few people gathered around her. “What have you lost? What are you searching for? Perhaps we can help,” they said to Rabiya.

Rabiya said, “I have lost my needle.”

One amongst the people said, “Well, the sun is setting now and it will be very difficult to find the needle. Where has it fallen? That’ll help us narrow down the area on this big road. If we know the exact place, it will be easier to find it.”

Rabiya told them, “It is better not to ask me that question — because, actually, it has not fallen on the road at all. It has fallen inside my house.”

Everyone started giggling as if she was joking. Then a skeptic says out loud, “We always knew that you were a little insane! If the needle has fallen inside the house, then why are you searching for it on the road?”

“For a very simple reason: inside the house there is no light and on the outside a little light is still there,” Rabiya replied.

The people laughed and started dispersing. Rabiya called them back and said, “Listen! That’s exactly what you are doing: I was just following your example. You go on seeking bliss in the outside world without asking the most fundamental question: where exactly have I lost it?”

After a pause, she continues, “You have lost it inside, and yet you are looking for it on the outside for the very same reason — your senses are outward bound, your ears hear sounds on the outside, your hands touch things on the outside. That’s the reason why you are searching outside. For a very long time, I was also just searching on the outside. But the day I searched inwards, I was surprised. That is where I lost it and that is the only place it can be found.”

I heard the above story a while back and was able to find it online. It brought home the concept of what the following Gurbani lines teach us so beautifully.

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!

DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please Continue to Practice Social Distancing.

Please Stay Safe.

Please Wash your Hands.

Stay in the Moment.

Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.

Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!

With Warmest Nanak Love

RA

PART 1: Smile From The Soul

5.13.2020

Change is inevitable, whether we like it or not. The Coronavirus pandemic has emphasized this principle and made us realize its certainty. The unimaginable has become the norm – we are going to be retiring behind masks for who knows how long.

Behind those masks will we still smile since the other person cannot see us smiling?

Perhaps now we have to learn to smile from the soul which gets reflected in the eyes and can be felt by the other soul. Smile with the soul and your eyes. This needs practice.

On my daily walks, behind my mask or scarf covering my face, I practice smiling at people passing by. At first, it didn’t work!! Haha..! Then I tried nodding my head and kinda tried raising my eyebrows quickly to let them know I was greeting them. Hilarious!! At least I couldn’t stop smiling. Oh well! it was working for me at least. And then slowly, it seemed that something began working – more and more people started nodding and I could see acknowledgement in their eyes. Aha..it is still a work in progress, and the count is still at 3 per walk. Hope to increase it slowly but surely.

The heartwarming story below is a testament to the power of a smile. Please do take the time to read it.

To counteract the feeling of hopelessness and gloom and low morale, behind the curtains which we put up to shield ourselves, our dignity, our social titles and our status we have to remember our real authentic selves. Merely worrying about money or career advancement will not bring about prosperity or success. Positive steps must be taken to overcome one’s perceived problems – a genuine smile is a master tool for this. So, from time to time throughout the day, relax the mind from the material concerns – take a break for a period of happiness within.

Consider this: why do we instinctively smile whenever we see a baby?

Could it be because we are meeting someone who has no defensive barricades? Just pure soul. We instinctively smile back with our barricades all gone too.

It is at this magic moment that our two souls have connected. Smiles are the language of the soul; a shortcut to happiness and to recognize that we are the same consciousness

Bauji urges us to cultivate positive thoughts and reminds us consistently of their effect on our destiny. To bring out that kind of smile- smile from liver- smile from your heart - whichever organ you like - from within yourself, be happy, meditate on your omnipresence and throughout the day keep your mind filled with thoughts of His Benevolence.

Help others with your smile.

Go on, make someone’s day!

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!

DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please Continue to Practice Social Distancing.

Please Stay Safe.

Please Wash your Hands.

Stay in the Moment.

Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.

Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!

With Warmest Nanak Love

RA

PART 2: Sense of Humor

5.16.2020

Humour has been identified as one of our most powerful ‘life coping’ tools. It is one of the world’s most potent health supplements, not toxic, low-calorie and absolutely free.

What exactly do we mean by humour? It isan attitude focused on generating positive feelings in yourself and for others. It is an active state and a choice that we make.

Laughter and its advantages- Studies have shown that a good hearty laugh reduces physical and emotional tension. At first the muscles tense when you are laughing and then relax completely for almost an hour. The heartier the laugh, the more relaxing it is and the longer the positive effect. Laughter helps the body to produces endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. A good laugh can help to stimulate your internal organs, increase your circulation, raise the level of oxygen in the blood and boost the immune system. During these times of change it is very important to be in touch with our overall wellness. While smiling and laughing are tools to enhance the feeling of wellness, it is worthwhile to examine what is meant by Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual Wellness is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others, while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world. Sangat, Simran, Seva (compassion, the capacity for love and forgiveness, altruism, joy).The ultimate tools for spiritual wellness. Gurbani and Kirtan are practices set by our Masters which support and scaffold our connection to a higher power or belief system with affirmations.

Mindfully focusing on wellness in our lives builds resilience and enables us to thrive amidst life’s challenges. The National Wellness Institute promotes Six Dimensions of wellness: emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual.

Here are some things we can all sense do to achieve an overall sense of well-being:-

We are all so blessed to have a great support system in place (Baleharee Gur Apne…) which is acting as a compass for our spiritual wellness regardless of outer circumstances.

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please Continue to Practice Social Distancing.

Please Stay Safe.

Please Wash your Hands.

Stay in the Moment.

Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.

Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!

With Warmest Nanak Love

RA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nihaal.ca/?hl=en Do come and join!

Always looking forward to getting contributions from you all!! Please do share your thoughts.

5.6.2020

PART 1:

The purpose of life is to become a reflection of the Divine Light such that one becomes an instrument through which the Universe operates.

This appears to happen to a selected few and perhaps one can even be led to believe that they are the favoured ones. However, all beings are here for a purpose and each one is fulfilling that purpose according to the Divine Will.

We might consider that at this moment in time, the current front-liners (Doctors, nurses, other health care and hospital workers, food suppliers etc.) are the chosen ones; ones that have been selected to come to the fore-front for humanity. There is however a difference- some of these workers are serving willingly with all their heart and soul and others are there because they have to be. Both are fulfilling their destiny.

Seva - Self-less seva - is that act where the volunteers or sevadaars can put the welfare and need of the others before their own. Bhai Khaneya ji comes to mind - even in the midst of battle he served selflessly. He saw everyone as one.

For me this is the true Khalsa Spirit which is being embodied by all these soldiers of the spirit, endangering and sacrificing their own needs before others. Automatically one feels utter and absolute gratitude for the presence of these divine helpers.

If you click here or on the above picture , you will learn of some of these angelic helpers but let me tell you a short story of how the Divine Will has been graciously operating at our Bunga Sahib in Montreal.

Just 2-3 years ago, our dwindling Montreal Sangat, which was started back in 1985, was sent an injection of love through an influx of International Students arriving from India. It was a two-way street of love. They were enamoured immediately with the welcoming atmosphere of Warm Nanak Love in the Sangat and in turn they brought with them a new flood of devotion and sincerity. Each Sangat day became like a celebration, as if a Samagam was happening. The sharda (loving devotion) behind the kirtan, langar seva, cleaning everything was at a peak. In fact the very week before the Co-Vid shutdown, a list for seva was put up for our upcoming Samagam and it got filled in about 10 min.

Little did we know what had been happening, what the Divine plan was!

You see if these students had not been at our Bunga, the building would have been closed at this moment, because most of the ‘older’ Sangat was asked to stay indoors. However, these young and energetic team of sevadars, now also an intrinsic part of Khalsa Aid International were able to use the premises for this operation Co-Vid seva. According to one of the organizers (NS), this place, Brahm Bunga Sahib, full of Nanak Love vibrations has been particularly conducive in many many aspects, too many to mention here.

Can there be any words of gratitude to those who are abiding in the spirit of loving seva? I know that i cannot find those words just can say - Dhan Guru Nanak!.

We can all aspire to be like such loving soldiers; Bauji guides us in his lekhs on Seva, which we will be reading this week.

PART 2:

We are guided by Guru Sahib to face all situations in our lives, regardless of their nature, by responding to them with the attitude of seva, a fundamental principle at the core of Sikhism.

But what kind of seva is this?

Is it donating money to charity, washing dishes, making langar, cleaning, kirtan etc?

It may have evolved largely to this, but seva comes in many other forms and in difficult times, selfless service may be extremely difficult; an utter surrender of one’s own lifestyle or an extreme sacrifice. It may not even be physical.

Is it really possible to give to others of yourself without expecting anything in return and is it even possible for an ordinary person to serve others without expecting reward or recognition, or does one have to be a ‘saint’ to engage in such service?

is it possible - yes, absolutely! Do you have to become a ‘saint’- certainly not!

Everyone is capable of doing seva! In fact we have all been hardwired for it – our true nature is nothing but total love, as we are the very essence of the universe- our true self that recognizes omnipresence at the core of our being, one that Guru Nanak Dev Ji proclaimed as– EK!!

The only problem is that we have forgotten that and have become hypnotized into thinking that we are separate from each other, and we keep on living in the illusory dream reality.

So indeed, we all have the capacity for selfless service; it is not some special skill, it is innate in all of us. In fact, it is one of the most endearing of all human virtues. This selfless service binds the hearts of the served and the one serving. It is certainly not the domain of rare individuals. It is not confined to a single part of our lives like when we visit the Gurduawara but in our every action and thought, wherever we are.

We simply heed the call of that natural impulse within and follow it where it leads us. We are guided by our Masters (Gur Amardas ji, the epitome of selfless seva set a supreme example). You can do anything with an attitude of selflessness and transform it into seva as long as your work is coming from the heart.

The doorway to spirituality starts with selfless service towards any Divine creation (humans, nature, animals etc.). It leads us to a path of self-realization. When seva is ingrained with unconditional love, humility, sympathy, generosity and mercy, it becomes an act of charity which purifies the heart, washing it of the ego laden burdens.

Seva is more than an altruistic action; it is the gift of giving, without needing to receive.

It is loving kindness at its purest.

It is finding joy in just the offering.

Seva allows us to discover the reward in the act of contributing to others.

Have you ever noticed that there is a beautiful energy that surrounds those that provide selfless actions – it seems like they are shining from the joy of making the world a better place.

In his Gurbani Vichaars on Seva, Bauji leads us on this path of discovery, one of making our entire life a blueprint of selfless seva. He first outlines all the different forms of seva and then reminds us how to get back in tune with our true nature and how to pursue a life of seva by seeing everyone as One and draw from a deep well of love to pour one’s body, breath, and blood into others.

The highest form of seva is to become the LIGHT - thus serving all with your vibrations.

DHAN GURU NANAK! DHAN GURU NANAK!

DHAN DHAN DHAN SADH JAN!

Please Continue to Practice Social Distancing.

Please Stay Safe.

Please Wash your Hands.

Stay in the Moment.

Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.

Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!

With Warmest Nanak Love,

RA

4.29.20

PART 1:

When asked the question – Are you happy with your life? Is your life the way you want it to be right now?

Usually the answers begin with –

• sometimes I’m happy but the happiness never lasts…
• nope my life is not perfect right now, my life is a little bit stressful, I have lots of worries and often I feel sad...When we feel a bit sad we try and chase after some more happiness, and because we’re always chasing after happiness, we are always worried about where the next happiness is coming from and that creates anxiety.

On the other hand, you might answer to the above question:

Yes, I am very happy. I’m living a very perfect life, I have lots of money, I have really nice things, I have a big comfortable house, flat-screen TV, I have servants serving me, I have fast cars, I have nice clothes, I have a great life, I have good health and a great family.

If that is what is making you happy, then the questions then arise:

• What will you do when all those things start falling away?
• What will you do when your health is no longer there?
• What will you do when your family are no longer around?
• What will you do if you start losing money?
• What if you lose the big house, the big cars?

Then will you still be happy?

We are never just tranquil, steady, still. We are always chasing after things. Constantly asking for just one more thing, saying, if i get this, then I will be happy. Happiness always seems to be just around the corner, not now, not until, but when I get this or that and always tomorrow. Things. Things. Things.

The mind exists in a state of ‘not enough’ and so is always greedy for more. When we are identified with the mind (the ego) we get bored and restless very easily. Our mind seems to be hungry for more stimulus, more food for thought. When we feel bored we usually satisfy our craving with things like reading magazines, calling someone, watching TV, going on social media, shopping or excessive eating. The mind is the master and we are its slaves. It says jump and we jump.

Now let’s see how enlightened souls are able to be so happy ALL the time, regardless of what they have or not have. It is because they have recognized the mind for the slave master it is by observing it, and in that recognition, it has disappeared. In the home of their self an inner space has opened up, where stillness has entered and the SELF is steady, followed with abundance of joy.

What if we could find that kind of happiness in our life?

A happiness that is everlasting, one that is not dependent on what’s happening in the material world, but full of contentment, stillness.

Gurbani shows us the way– why are you looking for happiness without, outside of yourself with materialistic things, look within and recognize the wealth of unlimited- abundant euphoria. In order for us to begin this journey to discover the joy within (some of you have already started) Bauji guides us about the many ways we enslave ourselves to the MIND, which then takes us on a path which leads to unhappiness, stress and anxiety. In the upcoming webinar we will examine these bondages and then try to pave a path to the INNER SELF in the light of Gurbani.

PART 2:

The need to strive for, to cultivate inner peace, freedom and joy has become particularly important and urgent in the current times of turmoil which disturbs almost everyone in the world. We are all looking for that deep calm which can only be brought about by a higher consciousness.

In order to get freedom from the bondage of self-confirming, crippling thoughts of suffering and fear engulfing almost everyone we have to believe in Divine Omnipresence.

Contemplate for a few moments on what the word Omnipresence implies.

The first word in our scriptures (Guru Granth Sahib Ji) is Ek Onkar – meaning there is only One.

What does this mean to you, the world and the current situation?

We can begin our journey in the direction of happiness ,inner peace, freedom, and joy by developing certain habits:

• Reading spiritual literature (Gurbani Vichaar),
• Hearing spiritual wisdom (Gurbani)
• Associating with those who are on the spiritual path (Sadh Sangat),
• Practicing mindful meditation (Simran).

The first most important practice is Simran for achieving spiritual discernment and awareness, especially when we contemplate the nature of the Universe; Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient.

The second practice is to move into silence so that you can hear the guiding voice within.

Both these practices bring about an awareness of inner stillness which ultimately begins to break the shackles of our worldly mesmeric bonds and opens up our consciousness to a brand new Divine Realm.

During the webinar will be getting further guidance about the obstacles standing in the way of our finding this inner stillness, by reading Gurbani Vichaar - Bandan Chutan - Freedom from Worldy Entanglements- written by Khoji . Being an enlightened soul, and having reached the higher realms he enlightens us about the various type of bondages we are entangled in. It is only by becoming cognizant of these chains that keep us bound to the hypnotic, fearful world that we can start breaking them, so that we can allow our true nature to emerge- one that is our true SELF, happy, never changing joyful self.

Here is your homework for tomorrow - Could you really work hard on this:)

Please Stay In.

Please Stay Safe.

Please Wash your Hands.

Please Keep your Distance.

Stay in the Moment.

Eat well. Exercise. Laugh.

Shukar! Shukar! Shukar!

With Warmest Nanak Love

RA

4.22.20

Does it ever feel like you are on a roller coaster called life that seems to have a will of its own, spinning and turning, taking you along for the ride whether you like it or not?

Have you at times wished you could just stop that spinner just long enough to reset the button to another slower pace?

It seems like it is impossible and you are just not able to get off it. It keeps on spinning, and so do you. Just whizzing round and round and time seems to be flying by. Life seems to be passing by as you are watching it, and this realisation is frankly sometimes quite upsetting.

It however is usually momentary. It doesn’t last too long.

But for that split second, when your intuition is trying to speak to you, maybe you realize what the higher purpose of life is or even if there is one.

In the constant whirlwind of doing - acquiring education, wealth, fame, success, familial obligations, this faint flicker of your intuitive realization just remains at a distance. However, when you are in the company of enlightened souls, or Sadh Sangat, this flame begins to get stronger and by and by compels you to look deep within and realize that the present YOU, the one that is masquerading around, is actually not your true self. Somehow this flicker urges you on, never giving up, coaxing you on, until you get on the spiritual roller coaster that begins the unfolding of your consciousness as you spin on it.

The question then arises, how do we change the roller coasters?

Is there anything we can do?

Yes of course we can. While Life has to go on, what has to change is our approach to it. Gurbani guides us to pray without ceasing - pal pal, nimakh nimakh, aath pehar.

A tall order you would say. How is that even possible?

It is possible by bringing Presence into everything you do; knowing that it is not you, but God that is doing the work.

Contemplate on this - Could you do anything without God being with you?

It is our own folly (bhul) that we consider the divine to be separate from us……Tun bharpoor janea menh doorey……..naal hovanda leh na sakanda…..

So the minimum requirement for the reset is this:

Become aware of His Presence (mindful) at the beginning of each activity (cooking, cleaning, bathing, dancing, singing, studying…).

Practice this. This is your meditation. To see HIM with you.

Don’t get so drawn into the task that you lose yourself. Constantly, pal pal, nimakh nimakh, become conscious of the ‘DOER”! Remember that you are just an instrument, hired help so to speak.

Learn to Be Still. Observe and Recognize.

Smile, and KNOW that HE is already with you.

When we are restless or unhappy in any given time, it usually means that the future has become more important than the present moment - we are getting lost in doing and forgotten to just BE.

Bauji mentions in his writings the word – SADHA HUN - The Present moment.

The indication is that the present moment is all we have. He urges us to stay here. Be here!

Here is where the Presence IS, the one you are seeking is here NOW. Don’t make this moment as a means to an end, because it is precious, it’s all you ever have.

The life situation is secondary, like the one we are in right now – social distancing, uncertainty, loneliness. What is primary is your practice of presence, of attention, of awareness.

That is IT! Nothing else to do.

4.8.2020

PART 1: The Khalsa

In the first Sawaiya of Dasam Granth, a collection of works believed to be written by Guru Gobind Singh, the pure Khalsa is defined as follows:

He, who fixes his thought on the Supreme Reality day and night

and does not turn his mind to anything else except the One;

who is full of love and faith and does not put his trust in fasts

and does not worship tombs hermit-cells or crematoriums;

whose place of pilgrimage charity, compassion, austerity

and self-control consist of devotion to the One,

and whose mind is resplendent with the Ever-Shining Light!

Professor Puran SIngh, defines the attributes of the Khalsa in the Spirit of the Sikh, in his unique loving way. It brings shudders in one’s heart and produces a deep longing to meet such a Khalsa or to even become one!

The Khalsa has the inner sovereignty of the Kingdom of Heaven.

His heart like the heart of a conqueror and his mind has the supremacy of the Sat Sri Akal, in which it lives immersed.

The eyes of the Khalsa, like the Eagles of Liberty gaze into infinite spaces and sweep in their high flights, the great plains of life.

The Khalsa has no time for the miserable details of the humdrum mundane world.

All that the world holds precious has dropped from his hands, as he lies dead to it in God life…

The Khalsa has no selfish ends for the aggrandisement of his small self in this warfare of life, because his “I” has already grown by the Grace of the Guru to be large “I” of Humanity itself.

He is God.

No one need be afraid of the Khalsa of Guru Gobind Singh, that it would ever think of seeking the bones of material objects.

The eyes of the Khalsa are fixed heavenward.

“I opened my eyes and saw that this Universe is the body divine of God; it is Beauty of Hari, Hari!” – Guru Granth (Ramkali, Anand, XXXVI).

Rare, rare is the Sikh and still rarer, rarer is Khalsa, the Sikh Commonwealth, because both are inspirations, both are vehicles of Divine grace and both are flashes divine… the divine Perfected Humanity-that have met the Guru….

Wah Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Khalsa is of the Master,

Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh All glory to the Great Guru

DHAN GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB DHAN GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB DHAN GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB DHAN GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB

May we all, with HIs Grace, aspire to be Guru Sahib’s Pure Khalsa-

Nirbhau (Fearless)

Nirvair (Without any enemies)

PART 2: Reflections

In 1699 Guru Gobind Singh, chose Vaisakhi (The harvest festival) as the occasion to transform the Sikhs into a family of soldier saints, known as the Khalsa Panth, in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib. I had the good fortune of visiting Anandpur Sahib a couple of years ago. Known as “the holy City of Bliss,”, It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery. Anandpur Sahib was founded in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh himself baptized the very first Panj Pyaras.

I was transported in time when I saw not the gorgeous temple that stands there but by this magnificent tree that has withstood all events (battles, peaceful times) for over 300 years and also witnessed this event - the formation of the Khalsa. I could not but feel the magical presence of the auspicious holy gathering that happened here.

This tree had seen my Guru, been in His presence.

I was transfixed. In its great wisdom, it stood rooted in this single place on the earth’s surface, faithfully witnessing the unfolding of time, observing the surroundings. Stillness of Time began to creep up on me.

Perhaps I was there, perhaps you were there?

Who knows, but one thing is for certain, the loving embrace of our dearest Patshah ji is felt by whosoever immerses himself or herself in His Being and falls at His Lotus Feet.

This Vasiakhi, while we commemorate the momentous birth of the Khalsa Panth, let us pay loving homage to the sacrifices our Beloved Guru Sahib made for us, and try to walk the path of love He carved for us.