Bhai Khaniya Jee

BHAI KHANIYA Jee (1648-1718), was a Sikh of Guru Teg Bahadur ji and was the founder of the Sevapanthi or Addanshahi sect of the Sikhs. Bhai Sahib was born in a Dhamman Khatri family of Sodhara near Wazirabad in Sialkot district (now in Pakistan). His father was a wealthy trader, but he himself being of a religious bent of mind left home when still very young and roamed about with saddhus and ascetics in search of spiritual peace.His quest ended as he met Guru Teg Bahadur ji (1621-75) and accepted initiation at his hands. Kanhaiya established a dharamshaal at Kavha village in the present Attock district of Pakistan which he turned into a preaching centre. His special mission was selfless service of humanity with no distinction of nationality, caste or creed. In 1704/5, he was on a visit to Anandpur Sahib when the city was invaded by a combination of hill troops and the imperial Mughal army.During the frequent sallies and skirmishes between the Sikhs and the enemy, Bhai Kanhaiya was often seen carrying a mashak (a sort of pouch made of goat's skin that was used to carry water from one place to another), to serve water to anyone who was thirsty. He took upon the task of quenching the thirst of the wounded soldiers in the battle of Anandpur Sahib in 1704. He did this sewa with love and affection without any discrimination between the Guru's Sikh soldiers and the Mughal army's soldiers. His act of compassion stirred up stern criticism amongst his fellow Sikhs, who went ahead and complained to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, pointing out that Bhai Kanhaiya Ji was serving water to the wounded soldier's from the enemy camp. They were especially annoyed because the Mughal had surrounded the city and stopped all their food supplies, and here was Bhai Kanhaiya sharing with them what little water they had. They had tried to stop him many a time, but he would not pay any heed. This great deed of Bhai Kanhaiya to roam around serving water to the wounded and the dying without distinction of friend and foe eventually led to a summon by Guru Ji. This benevolent action of this special Sikh had upset some sikhs who went directly and complained to Guru Gobind Singh ji that Bhai Kanhaiya had been resuscitating the fallen enemy soldiers. Guru Gobind Singh summoned Bhai Kanhaiya and explained that he had received a complaint about his actions on the battlefield. Guruji said, "These brave Sikhs are saying that you go and feed water to the enemy and they recover to fight them again – Is this true?" Bhai Kanhaiya Ji replied "Yes, my Guru, what they say is true. But Sache Patshah, I saw no Mughal or Sikh on the battlefield. I only saw You. Guru Sahib Ji, you have taught us to treat all God's people as the same?" Guru Gobind Singh jee was very pleased with the reply and saw that Bhai Kanhaiya Ji had understood the deep message of Gurbani correctly. Guru ji smiled and blessed Bhai Kanhaiya. Guru Ji said, "Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, You are right. You have understood the true message of Gurbani". He then continued and told the Sikhs that Bhai Kanhaiya had understood the deeper message of the Gurus' teachings correctly and that they all have to strive to learn lessons from the priceless words of Gurbani. Guru also gave Bhai Kanhaiya Ji medical ointment and said "From now on, you should also put this ointment on the wounds of all who need it"' then turning to the sangat Guru Ji said, Saadh sangat ji, Bhai Kanhaiya is a God-fearing saintly soul. His impartial and non-biased behavior towards others has led him to achieve Sehaj-avastha. Let him carry on with his mission. Many more will follow in his footsteps in the years to come and keep the tradition of Nishkaam sewa alive."
Ae Netreho mereyo
Har tumm meh Joyth dhari
Har bin avarr na dekho koi

so sathigur piaaraa maerai naal hai jithhai kithhai maino le ae shhaddaaee

An inspiring story, a real incident by Gagan Deep Kaur bhenjee

My Guru is always with me, near at hand. Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. 1

After the assassination of Indra Gandhi on October 31, 1984, Sikhs were butchered across India.
This is a story about a Sikh couple living in an isolated village outside of Punjab. The couple was young and were amritdhari. The Singhni wore a dastaar and they had a young child.The Sikh couple had an isolated farmhouse in a Hindu dominated area. When news of the assassination reached the area, and it was found out that Sikhs were being killed, some local thugs also decided it was the perfect chance to loot the farmhouse.
The Singh found out about these plans from some well wishers and told his wife that they had very little time and an attack was coming. The Singh said that they should leave their farm and escape to save their lives. The Singhnee however reminded him that they had done Parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib on the top floor of the house and how could they run away from Guru Sahib? The Singh again repeated that there was an attack coming and said that their young child would be killed. Singhnee jee insisted again that it would be wrong to run away from Guru Sahib and let the mob disrespect Guru Sahib's saroop.
The Singh in frustration then said, "Once they kill us, they will disrespect the saroop anyways so what is the point in staying? We can't save the saroop if we're dead. The best we can do is save ourselves now. There is no benefit in staying! You are being stubborn and stupid."
The Singhnee replied that while she had breath in her body, she would not abandon Guru Sahib, even to save her life and while she was alive, no one could dare do any disrespect. With the mob now on its way, the Singh in frustration told his Singhnee that she could do what she wanted but he was leaving with their son. He then took the infant and escaped.
Singhnee jee went to Guru Sahib's room, and did ardaas. She asked Guru Sahib for protection and for the courage to, if need be, become Shahid in this seva. She then took a kirpan and waited.
When Singhnee jee saw the mob arrive, yelling and carrying weapons, ready to attack the house. She came down and stood at the door holding her unsheathed Sri Sahib. All of a sudden, the thugs in the mob began to turn around and run away, looking back in terror and then continuing to run. Singhnee jee was confused but amazed at Guru Sahib's kirpa as the mob retreated and did not return...
Some days later, the Singh came back to the village to check on the fate of his wife and their property. He fully expected that his wife would be assaulted and killed and their home looted. As he was nervously walking to his home, a Hindu acquaintence stopped him and asked, "Singh, where did you gather all those Nihangs from so quickly that day???!" The Singh was confused and asked, "What do you mean?"The Hindu replied, "That day, when the mob went to attack your house, your wife came and stood in the door and she was surrounded by so many massive Nihangs who were so tall and carrying all kinds of weapons. Where did you gather all of them from so quickly?"
The Singh realised that Shaheed Singhs had themselves come and protected Guru Sahib's saroop and his Singhnee's courage had been rewarded . He went home and begged for forgivness from his Singhnee and told her about how all the villagers were talking about the army of Nihangs that had protected their house.

1984

so sathigur piaaraa maerai naal hai jithhai kithhai maino le ae shhaddaaee

That Beloved True Guru is always with me; wherever I may be, He will save me

NY Annual Samagam 8/9 -8/11... Gear up with your Cholas and Dumallas

Sri Harkrishan dheyaie Jis dithe Sabh dukh Jaye

Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji was the 8th Guru Nanak. Guru sahib was merely 5 yrs and few months old when Guru Harrai Sahib jee declared him as the 8th Guru. Guru Harrai Sahib jee told Guru Harkrishan Sahib jee not to see the Aurangzeb, the emperor of Delhi. Ram Rai, older brother of Guru Harkrishan Sahib jee was inflamed with jealousy when he heard that Guru Harrai sahib jee made Guru Harkrishan sahib jee as the 8th guru. He went over to Aurangzeb against his father’s decision. Aurangzeb who was looking for an opportunity to make Sikhs accept Islam, readily accepted to help Ram Rai thinking if Ram Rai becomes the Guru, it would be very easy to convert all the Sikhs to Islam once Ram Rai accepts it. Aurangzeb asked Raja Jai Singh (interesting to see that this Raja’s name has a Singh as his last name and this is before Guru Gobind Singh jee officially made us Singhs) to send an invitation to Guru sahib as he knew Guru ji would refuse him. Raja send out an invitation to Guru sahib to come over to Delhi and give darshan to his sangat. But the Antarjami knew what was behind this. He refused Raja’s invitation saying he will not go against Guru Harrai sahib’s word and will not visit Aurangzeb. Raja again sent out invitation saying that he would not ask Guru Sahib to meet Aurangzeb. After few requests from Raja, Guru Sahib finally accepted his invitation and went over to Delhi.

Several people doubted Guru Sahib and even tried testing Him. When Pandit Lal Chand asked Guru Sahib to recite the saloks and their meaning from Geeta, Guru Sahib made Bhai Chajju, who was illiterate and could not speak a word, recite Geeta along with its meaning. Several Pundits tried sending a kodhi to Guru Sahib asking him to heal him. Guru Sahib told the kodhi to do Ardaas to Guru Nanak Dev ji and he would be healed. Even the Raja tried testing Guru Sahib by making his Maharani wear maid’s clothes and asking Guru Sahib to identify her with similar dressed women.

When the small pox epidemic broke out in Delhi, Guru Sahib started attending the sufferers irrespective of their cast or creed. He did Ardaas to Akal Purakh Waheguru ji and took all the sufferings on himself. When his condition became serious, he called his mother and told her that his end was drawing near. When asked to name his successor, he merely exclaimed 'Baba Bakala'. These words were only meant for the future Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib jee, who was residing at village Bakala near river Beas in Punjab province. In the last moment Guru Harkrishan Sahib wished that nobody should mourn him after his death and instructed to sing the hymns of Gurbani

Dhan Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib jee

Sri Harkrishan Dheyaie Jis Dithe Sabh Dukh Jaaye

Sachkhand vasse Nirankar

Praani Har Japp Janam Gayo...

I read the following in one of the blogs and really liked it. Hope you like it too

Excerpt of an email received… Many may have read this before…

Once upon a time there was a King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to thefinest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confident and was always kind,considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharpknife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Nowthat I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" Hisheart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2ndwife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish inmaking it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.Cultivate, strengthen and cherish your soul with Naam, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

Praani Har Jap
Janam gayo

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Guru Pyare (Coca Cola wale)

Dhan Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh jee

Bhai Taru Singh jee was one of the greatest shaheeds of Sikh history. Bhai sahib jee's father passed away when he was young and his mother raised him and taught him about Sikhi. Bhai Taru Singh jee developed full faith in Sikhi and was proud to be a Sikh. Bhai sahib jee used to feed and help the poor and the needy irrespective of caste, creed or religion. As a result of this he was respected as a noble person, not only by Hindus and Muslims of his own village but of other village in the vicinity. Bhai Taru Singh used to visit near-by jungle and help "Jungi Khalsa" with food and other items of necessity. One of the government informers, named Harbhagat Niranjania lodged a report against Bhai Taru Singh with the then Governor of Lahore, Zakaria Khan saying he was lodging and feeding the Khalsa who were considered as the rebels. Bhai sahib jee was arrested and brought over to Zakaria Khan's court in Lahore. Zakaria Khan came to Bhai Taru Singh jee and started telling him how he has "sinned" by giving "langar - pani" to Jungi Khalsa. He said that Bhai sahib should be hit with "jutti" for this crime. Listening to Zakaria Khan, Bhai Sahib jee said if a ruler like him does torture on his people, he should be the one who should be hit by a "jutti". Zakaria Khan gave Bhai sahib jee 2 options to choose from between Islam or Torture till death. Bhai Taru Singh jee asked him “ Will I never die if I accept Islam? Don’t Muslims die? I am going to die one day, irrespective of my religion, then why should I desert my faith of which I am extremely proud of? Why should I commit an act to fall out of favor of my beloved Guru? If God had willed me to be a Muslim, I would have been born to Muslim parents. I love my faith more than my life and I will defend it at all cost.” Listening this, Zakaria Khan got angry and he ordered his executioner (some say that it was the cobbler "mauchi") to take Bhai sahib jee's scalp along with his kess away. Bhai sahib jee's scalp was removed and it was brought over to Zakaria Khan. In the mean time, Zakaria Khan started developing "Urine stoppage" problem. He couldn’t pass any Urine. He came under so much pain that he called in all him doctors "hakeems" and no one could do anything. Finally someone asked him to ask for forgiveness from Khalsa Panth. He asked Sardar Subeg Singh to go to Khalsa Panth asking for forgiveness. Khalsa Panth directed him to go to Bhai Taru Singh jee and ask him to hit the "Jutti" on his head. Zakaria Khan went over to Bhai sahib jee and asked for forgiveness and also asked Bhai sahib jee to hit the jutti on his head. As soon as Bhai Subeg Singh jee took Bhai Sahib's jutti and started hitting him, he started passing on the urine. Bhai sahib jee would stop hitting him, he would request him to hit more. Finally after pain from the stomach and suffering from the "jutti", Zakaria Khan died. When Bhai Taru Singh jee heard that Zakaria Khan died, Bhai Sahib jee did Ardaas to Sache Patshah and left this world.
Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Pyare

Gatka - Mix

Gatka - Blade Style

Dhan Saheed Bhai Mani Singh jee

Bhai Mani Singh jee

Bhai Mani Singh jee was one of the greatest shaheeds in the Sikh History. He was the head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir sahib. He was a very learned Sikh. Bhai sahib jee were 11 brothers and all of them obtained shaeedi walking on the path of Sikhi

Mata Sundri jee requested Bhai Mani Singh jee to unite all the Sikhs under one Khalsa Panth. Bhai Mani Singh jee planned to use Bandi Chor Diwas, as an opportunity to unite the Khalsa together at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Sahib jee send out invitation to all the Sikhs to gather at Amritsar on that day. He took permission from Zhakariya Khan (Governor of Punjab) who asked him to pay 5000 coins as tax. Bhai Sahib jee agreed to pay. Zhakariya Khan was a greedy man who hated Sikhs. He had other plans in his mind. He wanted to kill all the Sikhs when they were going to gather in Amritsar. Bhai Sahib jee found out about his plan. He send out letters to the Sikhs asking them not to come over. When the Bandi Chor diwas came and Zhakariya saw that no one came to Amritsar, he got mad. He went over to Bhai Sahib jee and asked for 5000 coins. Bhai Sahib jee refused to pay him saying that there was no gathering so why should he pay. On hearing the refusal from Bhai Mani Singh jee, Zhakariya Khan ordered his solders to arrest Bhai sahib jee. When Bhai Mani Singh jee was brought over to Lahore’s court, Bhai Mani Singh jee greeted everyone with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh”. Zhakariya Khan got annoyed and told him why he is saying that. He should be saying Allah ho Akbar. Zhakariya Khan asked Bhai Mani Singh jee to accept Islam and become a Muslim or face consequences. Bhai Mani Singh jee told him that he is not a “Geedadh – wolf”, he is a “Sher – Lion”. Zhakariya Khan tried to lure him with money and women. Bhai Mani Singh jee told him that he is a Singh of Guru Gobind Singh jee and he will always be his Sikh. Zhakariya Khan got angry and got a Quazi to pass a fatwa against Bhai Mani Singh jee. He ordered the Jallad (executioner) to cut Bhai Mani Singh jee’s body into pieces. Bhai Sahib jee did the Ardaas to Waheguru jee and sat down reciting Japji Sahib. The Jallaad looked at Bhai Mani Singh jee’s face and he started cutting him up. He started cutting his hand. Seeing this, Bhai Mani Singh jee pulled his hand away and asked him what he was doing. Bhai Sahib jee told Jallaad that his master ordered him to cut his body into small pieces (bandh – bandh katna) and he should start with his fingers. Bhai Sahib jee told the Jallaad to obey his master’s order while Bhai Mani Singh jee was obeying his master’s (Akal Purakh Waheguru ji) order. Thus Bhai Mani Singh jee’s body was cut into pieces. His fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulder, toes and knees were all chopped on the wooden block. His body was cut into pieces but no one could take his Sikhi away.

Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Pyare

Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib

During the partition of India and Pakistan, in a remote village near the border in the Western Punjab (Pakistan side), there were few Sikh families who used to go to the local Gurudwara where the head Granthee jee always preached the Guru's word. One night when the riots started, everyone gathered in the Gurudwara. They started asking the Granthee jee if Guru is going to come and rescue them from this. Granthee jee went in front of the Guru Granth Sahib jee and did the Ardaas. "Hey Sache Patshah, I have always lived by your word. I have always belived and taught everyone Gur Mere Sang Sadda hai Naale. Hey mere Sahib, the time is here where everyone is looking at me and asking me if you will save us. Hey mere Waheguru jee, please show everyone that you are always our Ang Sang. Please save us." The Granthee jee did the Ardaas and went to the people. Everyone started questioning him, where is your Guru? Where is the one who will save us. The mob started getting near the Gurudwara. Everyone could hear the angry mob and started getting anxious. Then they heard a truck's voice. Someone looked outside and saw a Gursikh Army officer honking the truck and calling everyone to get in the truck. Everyone ran and sat down in the truck. The Granthee jee looked at the Gursikh and asked him where did he come from? The Gursikh told him that he was here to take everyone to the other side of the border (Indian side). The Singh had a shiny face and he looked very calm. He was constantly reciting the naam and baani. After reaching the Indian side of the Punjab, the Singh took everyone to the Gurudwara sahib where every one got off safely. Granthee jee thanked the Gursikh and asked him again who he was and where did he come from. The Gursikh told him that his duty was done and it's time for him to go now. After saying Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh, the Gursikh left. Granthee jee started weeping becaause he knew that GurSikh was none other than Sahib Guru Gobind Singh jee himself who heard his Ardaas and came to help him.

Ardaas - Thank you Waheguru Jee

Lord, thank you for this sink full of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty laundry; we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly; it has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today. It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door. My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says, You have richly blessed my family. I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully

Power of GurBani

A young child went to a Gursikh and stated that no matter how hard he tried to keep Gurbani in his heart, he just could not understand or keep it. He stated that his mind was not a bucket, but a strainer, which let everything pass through and did not contain the meaning of gurbani. The Gursikh said "Let us try an experiment. Here is a strainer, and here is some water. Now pour a bucket of water through the strainer." The child did this and said "See, the water was not contained, it just passed through, my mind is just like this". The Gursikh said. "Do it once more", so he did, and still the water passed through the strainer. The Gursikh said. "Do it ten times at least". The child did, and at the end of this experiment, he said " See, water still passes through, no matter how many times , and how many buckets we pass through it" . The Gursikh said "Look carefully at the strainer and see if there is any thing different." The child did, and his eyes were filled with tears, and he said. "Yes, i see the difference now. The grimy dirty strainer is now shiny and bright, like never before." The Gursikh said "My son, this is what Gurbani does for you. It cleans your mind, and even if you do not realize it, it slowly cleanses your mind, and protects you from the five vices. The more you recite Gurbani, your mind will not only become shinier, but become like the bucket itself, which will not only become clean , but hold the meaning of Gurbani in your heart". The child smiled, and felt he had received the best example of the power of Gurbani, ever.

Ek Ong Kaar Sat Naam

Ek Ong Kaar
SatNaam
Karta Purakh
Nirbhao
Nirvair
Akal Murat
Ajuni Saibhang
Gur Parsad
Jap
Aadh Sach
Jugadh Sach
Hai bhee sach
Nanak Hosee bhi Sach

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji ki Fateh

With the blessing and encouragements of a lot of Guru Pyares, the blog begins.
Hoping to put in good pictures, saakhis and insprirational stories for the sangat.

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