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Archive for the Category "Sikhism"

Which Direction….? Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Aug 05
Which Direction…?
 
I read with great interest and with a little bit of confusion (?) an article titled :” Muslims were praying in the wrong direction” in a local newspaper dated 21st July 2010. Here is the text of the article :
 
Quote :
Indonesian Muslims have been praying in the wrong directions for months, facing Somalia when they should have been facing Saudi Arabia, the country’s highest religious authority said today.
A cleric from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) admitted the body made a mistake last March when calculating where Muslims should turn to when praying. He said new instructions had now been issued and that people only had to shift their position for the correct alignment.
According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was born in Mecca, and it is said to be the place where Allah’s message was first revealed to him. Each day Muslims from around the world turn to Mecca to pray and, at least once in their lives if they can afford it, travel there to perform the hajj, or pilgrimage.
Ma’ruf Amin from the MUI said a “thorough study with some cosmography and astronomy experts” revealed that Indonesian Muslims had been facing southern Somalia and Kenya instead of Mecca, which is more than 1,000 miles further north.
The error did not mean their prayers would be ignored, he added. “God understands that humans make mistakes. Allah always hears their prayers.”
The MUI website advises Muslims to make use of a website,Qibla Locator, to locate Mecca without a compass.
It is not the first time the MUI has played down the significance of misdirection. In January it took steps to reassure worshippers they need not be concerned by reports that thousands of Indonesian mosques displayed the incorrect kiblat, or direction toward Mecca.
Mutoha Arkanuddin, an Islamic scholar, claimed that more than more than half of the country’s mosques pointed the wrong way. The chair of the MUI said that God was not in Mecca, while a government minister described Arkanuddin’s work as invalid and dangerous.
Rohadi Abdul Fatah, director of sharia law and Islamic affairs at the ministry of religious affairs, said the state frequently checked the accuracy of kiblats across the country.
He told the Jakarta Globe that off-kilter kiblats were often an issue in quake-hit areas such as Yogyakarta, West Java and West Sumatra and that the government had the money for theodolites, a precision surveying instrument.
Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia, with about 200 million followers, although its constitution gives all people the right to worship according to their own belief or religion.
Unquote.
 
I would like to humbly clarify at the outset, that, my intention is not to raise any controversy or cause any misunderstanding among various followers of different  religions.
 
My upbringing in the Sikhism faith has always taught me that God is everywhere and that God is within you,as well.
 
At this juncture,I would like to connect this issue with a saakhi (true life incident) from Shri Guru Nanak Devji’s life.
 
It is about his visit to Mecca,during one of his several journeys through  out the world. 
 
At Mecca, Nanak was found sleeping with his feet towards the Kaaba, before which the Muslims prostrated themselves when performing their prayer. Kazi Rukan-ud-din, who observed this, angrily remarked: “Infidel! How dare you dishonour God’s place by turning your feet towards Him?” He also kicked Nanak. The Guru did not show any anger. In fact, he was never angry with anybody. He smiled and in a calm, sweet voice he said to him, “Brother, don’t be angry. I am very tired. I need rest. I respect the House of God as much as any one. Please turn my feet in a direction in which God or the House of God is not there.”
 
The Qazi took hold of the Guru’s feet. He dragged them in the opposite direction. Then he lifted his eyes. He saw the Kaaba standing in the direction of the Guru’s feet. He turned the Guru’s feet in another direction. The Kaaba was seen standing in that direction. Qazi dragged the Guru’s feet to this side and that. He dragged them round and round. The Kaaba was seen to be going round and round. It was always, in the direction of the Guru’s feet. His feet were always towards the Kaaba. The Qazi was struck with wonder. He then recognised the glory of Guru Nanak.
Kazi Rukan-ud-di and the other hajjis were all filled with wonder.He let go of the Guru’s feet. The Guru got up and said, ‘Don’t you see that God’s House is in every direction? I tell you:He dwells in every place, in every heart. He is in your hearts. He is also in mine.’
 
(Those who wish to read more on this, please go to the following link : 
 
I hope that the message from this saakhi is very clear !
 
Now, I shall wait for the readers’ views on this issue.
 
May Allah/God/Ram/Rahim/Khuda/Jesus….continue to shower His choicest blessings on all of us !

 

Category: Comments to print media, Heritage, Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 3 Comments
A Hymn from Shri Guru Granth Sahib Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Mar 09

A Hymn from Shri Guru Granth Sahib(SGGS) 

On occasion of Women’s Day, I most humbly post the translation of a very apt hymn from SGGS regarding the Status of Women in Sikhism. 

This hymn,originally in Gurmukhi script,was composed by Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji and it is on page 473 of SGGS. 

The most common and literal meaning of the hymn is expressed herebelow :  

One translation goes thus : 

” From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married.  Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.  When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound.  So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.  From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.”   

Another translation, in slightly different words,goes like this : 

“In a woman man is conceived,
From a woman he is born,
With a woman he is betrothed and married,
With a woman he contracts friendship.
Why denounce her, the one from whom even kings are born ?
From a woman a woman is born,
None may exist without a woman.” 
 
The most appealing and important original line in Gurmukhi from the hymn,according to my understanding, is :
 
“So kyon mandda aakhiey, jitt jammey raajan !” 
 
The meanings of the above words are as under :
 
So = her, kyon = why , mandda = bad , aakhiey = say, call , jitt = who, jammey = gave birth to, rajjan = kings 
 
Let us therefore, realise the correct status of a woman in our society and accord her all due recognition and respect she deserves.
Category: Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 2 Comments
Hymns of Sheikh Farid-Part II Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Jan 30
Hymns of Sheikh Farid-Part II
 
Further to my posting dated 26th Jan 2010, I now most humbly post a few more beautiful hymns of Sheikh Farid ji,which have been included in Shri Guru Granth Sahibji (SGGS), along with my efforts at translation. I have also hinted the central idea of each hymn alongside,in brackets :
 
Hymn 1  ( Judge your self before judging others )
 
Farida,jey toon akal lateef,kaaley likh naa lekh,
Apanadey girewaan meh,sirr neevan kar dekh !
 
Faridji says,if you are really a very intelligent person,
then,do not talk or write about evil deeds of others.
Just look inside yourself (introspect) first, to judge
as to how good or bad your own deeds are !
 
Hymn 2  ( Living within one’s means )
 
Farida roti meri kaath ki,lahwan meri bhukh,
Jinna khaadi chopdi,ghanney sehngey dukh !
 
Faridji says,a simple unbuttered chapati earned
from my own hardwork,is sufficient to satisfy my hunger.
Those who eat a chapati buttered lavishly (accompanied with other dishes) are bound to suffer a lot !
 
Hymn 3 ( Doing good deeds )
 
Farida jinni kammi naahen gunn,tey kamm dey vissar,
Matt sharminda thheevai,sayeen dey darbaar !
 
Faridji says,do not do any work which has no good intentions.
Or else,after death,you will feel ashamed in the Lord’s Court !
( where your accounts of good and bad deeds will be checked )
 
Hymn 4 ( Importance of prayer )
 
Uthth Farida, ujj saaj,subah nimaaz gujaar,
Jo sirr saayeen naah nivey, so sirr kapp uttaar !
 
Faridji tells his disciples to get up early in the morning,
wash their hands and faces and offer the morning prayers (namaaz) to Allah. The head that doesn’t bow before the Supreme Being,  
deseves to be cut off from the body !
 
Hymn 5  ( Every one has his quota of sufferings)
 
Farida main jaaniyan dukh mujh ko,dukh sabahey jagg,
Uchchey chadh ke dekhiya,gharr gharr eha agg !
 
Faridji says, I thought that only I am suffering in this world.
But when I climbed up on the roof of my house and saw what is happening all around, I realized  that there was a similar fire in every home ! ( every body is unhappy/suffering )
—————————————————————–
May Sheikh Faridji bless us all !!
Category: Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 7 Comments
Hymns of Sheikh Farid… Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Jan 25
Hymns of Sheikh Farid…
  
Sometime ago, I had posted a few hymns of Kabirji from our holy book Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji (SGGS).The response of the readers had been very encouraging. Hence, I now most humbly, endevour to post some hymns of Sheikh Farid from SGGS alongwith the translations. Before I go further,I feel some background information of this Saint would be useful : 
  
Baba Sheikh Farid — ( 1173 -1266) was a Muslim Saint from Punjab and 134 hymns composed by him, have been included in SGGS.His shlokas are included on pages 1377 to 1384 of SGGS.
 
Baba Farid’s great grand father was son of Farrukh Shah, the emperor of Kabul.Baba Farid’s great grand father was killed when Halaku, the grandson of Chengez Khan had invaded Kabul & had killed several princes and learned men, including several of Baba Farid’s ancestors.
 
Baba Farid’s grandfather Shaikh Shaib abandoned their country and took refuge in the Punjab in A.D. 1125.At the last stage of his life, Baba Farid had settled in a city then called Mokhalpur but now it is in Punjab (India) and is called Faridkot .He was a unique saint and scholor of spiritualism. His torch of Sufi thoughts was carried by his successors and  several others such as Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak .Sheikh Farid  can be truly called the founder of Punjabi literature, making Punjabi culture older than Hindi, Urdu and other languages of current times. It was much after Baba Farid that Kabir, Tulsidas, Mira Bai, etc started using common language of the people of India in their compositions. Baba Sheikh Farid can truly be considered a pioneer of the modern Punjabi culture and concept of Punjabi Language. Sant Farid is worshipped because of his spirituality,simplicity and piety.Not only has Farid influenced Hindus but he has been  one of the major inspirations behind Sikhism as well Muslims.

 
Hymn 1 :
 
    Farida galliye chikkad,door ghar, naal pyarey neho,
    Challan taan bhijjey kambli,rahan taan tuttey neho.
    Bhijo sijjou kambli,allah varsey meho,
    Jaaye milla tinna saajna, tuttey nahi neho.      (1379)
 
Translation:
 
    Farid says, the lanes are full of mud, and my destination is
    far away,but my love for my Supreme Lord remains
    unshaken. If I go to meet Him,my cloak will get wet.
    If I don’t go,then my bond of love with Him will be broken.
    Let my cloak get wet and drenched;Let Allah cause a heavy
    down pour of rain.I will definitely go to meet my Lord and
    keep up my promise and ensure that my bond of love
    remains unbroken. 
 
Hymn 2:  
 
    Kaga karang dhadoliya,sagla khaya maas,
    Eh doyey naina matt chchuo, pirr dekhan ki aas !    (1382)
 
Translation :  
 
The crows have pecked at my skeletal body
and have eaten all my flesh.
Dear crows,please do not touch my eyes,
for I still have hope to see (have darshan of) my dear Lord.
                                                                                     
Hymn 3 :
  
Farida khaak naa nindiyey, khaaku jedd naa koyey,
Jeevdiya pairaa talley,muyiya oopar hoyey !              (1378)
 
Translation:
  
Farid says,do not ever speak ill of (slander) dust.
For,when we are alive,it is under our feet,
And when we are dead,it is above us ! (cremation)
 
Hymn 4 : 
 
Farida, mandap maal naa laayey, marag sataani chitt dhar,
Farida itt siraaney, bhuy sawann,keeda ladiyo maas.(1380-81)
 
Translation : 
 
Farid says, do not focus on mansions and wealth;
But centre your consciousness on death,your most powerful
enemy.
When you die, a stone will be your pillow,the earth will be
your bed and the worms will eat into your flesh ! 
 
Hymn 5 :
 
Jey jaana marr jaayiey,ghumm naa aayiey,
Jhoothi duniyaan lagg,aap vanjhaiyey !          (488)
 
Translation :
 
Had I known that I was to die one day and never return,
I would not have ruined myself,by clinging to this world
of falsehood !
———————————————————————–
Dear Readers,I hope you will respond to these hymns as
usual.I pray that the Supreme Being above,takes care of
us all !
 
I shall post some more hymns of Sheikh Farid ji as soon as He
gives me the inspiration ! Have a nice day !
          
Category: Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 8 Comments
SANT KABIR- In Translation- Part – II Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Nov 26

SANT KABIR- In Translation- Part – II

(Presented by J.S.Broca)

Continuing with the earlier posting on the above topic posted on 20th November 2009,I most humbly submit a few more hymns of Kabir Ji from Shri Guru Granth Saheb, the holy scriptures of the Sikhs, alongwith their translation :

1. KABIR,DEEN GAWAYA DUNI SIYO,
DUNI NAA CHAALI SAATH,
PAAYE KUHAADA MAARIYA,
GAFAL APNEY HAATH !
Kabeer, the mortal loses his faith, for the sake of the world, but the world shall not go along with him in the end.
The idiot strikes his own foot with the axe by his own hand.

2. KABIR SANT MUYEY KYA ROYIEY,
JO APNEY GREH JAAYE,
ROVOH SAAKAT BAAPDEY,
JO HAATEY HAAT BIKAAYEY !
Kabeer, why cry at the death of a Saint? He is just going back to his home.
Cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is sold from store to store.

3. KABIR CHANDAN KA BIRWAA BHALLA,
BEDIYO DHAAK PLAAS
OYEY BHI CHANDAN HOYEY
BASSEY JO CHANDAN PAAS !

Kabeer, the sandalwood tree is good, even though it is surrounded by weeds.
Those who dwell near the sandalwood tree, become just like the sandalwood tree.

4. KABIR KAAL KARANTEY ABHEY KARR
ABB KARTA SAU TAAL,
PACHCHEY KACHCHU NAA HOYEGA,
JIO SIRR PARR AAVEY KAAL !
Kabeer, that which you have to do tomorrow – do it today instead; and that which you have to do now – do it immediately!
Later on, you will not be able to do anything, when death hangs over your head.

5. KABIR FAL LAAGEY FALLAN
PAAKAN LAAGEY AAMB
JAAYE PAHUNCHEY KHASAM KO
JO BEECH NAA KHAHI KAAMB !
Kabeer, the fruit trees are bearing fruit, and the mangoes are becoming ripe.
They will reach the owner, only if the crows do not eat them first.

6. KABIR SAAKAT SUNGG NAA KIJIYEY
DOOREY JAYIYEY BHAAG
BAASAN KAARO PARSIYEY,
TAU KUCHCH LAAGEY DAAG !

Kabeer, do not associate with the faithless cynics; run far away from them.
If you touch a vessel stained with soot, some of the soot will stick to you.

I hope these beautiful thoughts will make our lives fragrant.

Category: Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 3 Comments
SANT KABIR- In Translation- Part – I Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Nov 20

SANT KABIR- In Translation- Part – I

The holy scriptures of the Sikhs-Shri Guru Granth Sahib( SGGS),contains over 500 verses by Sant Kabir.

There are 243 shlokas of Shri Kabir Ji appearing on pages 1364 to 1377 of SGGS.

Kabirji had composed his hymns in 17 ragaas like,Gauri, Asa, Gujri, Sorath, Dhanasri, Tilang, Suhi, Bilawal, Gauri, Ramkali, Maru, Kedara, Bharav, Basant, Sarang , Kanra & Prabhati.

His total compositions in SGGS are 541.The Sikh community refers to Kabirji as a “Bhagat”, while others who hold the Granth Sahib in high reverence,call him a “Guru”.

The major part of Kabirji’s work as a bhagat, was collected by Fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji , and it forms a part of Sikh scriptures.

I am humbly reproducing herebelow a few of Sant Kabir’s hymns from SGGS,selected at random,and written in approximately correct English pronunciation from the original in Gurumukhi script followed by its translation,collected from various sources:

1. Kabir,soota kya karey,baitha raho aur jaag,
Jaa ke sang tey beechchda,ta hi key sang laag.
Kabir, what are you doing sleeping? Wake up, and sit up.
Attach yourself to the One, from whom you have been separated.

2. Awal Allah noor upaaya,kudrat ke sabb bandey,
Ek noor te sab jugg upjiya,kaun bhaley kaun mandey.
First , Allah created the Light ; then, by His Creative Power, He made all mortal beings.
From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad?

3.Kabir, jiss marney te jagg darrey,merey mann anand,
Marney hee tey paayiey, pooran parmanand.
Kabir, the world is afraid of death – that death fills my mind with bliss.
It is only by death that perfect, supreme bliss is obtained.

4.Kabir,manas janam dulambh hai,hoyey naa baaram baar,
Jiyo ban phall paakey bhoin girrey,bahur naa laagey daar.
Kabir, it is so difficult to obtain this human body; it does not just come over and over again.
It is like the ripe fruit on the tree; when it falls to the ground, it cannot be re-attached to the branch.

5.Kabir,marta marta jagg muaa,marr bhi naa jaaney koye,
Aisi marni jo marrey,bahur naa marna hoye.
Kabir, the world is dying – dying to death, but no one knows how to truly die.
Whoever dies, let him die such a death, that he does not have to die again.

6. Harr hai khaand ret mehn bhikhri,haathee chunni naa jaaye,
Keh Kabir,gur bhali bhujhai, cheenti hoi ke khaaye.
The Lord is like sugar, scattered in the sand; the elephant cannot pick it up.
Says Kabir, the Guru has given me this sublime understanding: consume it by turning into an ant.

Dwell on these gems,till I post the next part.

God Bless us all with His Divine Grace !!

Category: , Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 8 Comments
Sat Guru Nanak Pargatiaa.. Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Nov 02
Dear Readers,
 
Today is GURU NANAK DEV JI’s Birthday.
                                
On this ocassion,I am making a humble effort to post one lovely hymn from our Sikh Scriptures.It was composed by Bhai Gurdas Sahib.
 
Bhai Gurdas (1551-1637) is a much honoured Sikh scholar, missionary, and literary master who is also respected for his Sikh way of life. He was a leading figure in Sikhism who enjoyed the company of Guru Arjun. the fifth Sikh Guru.
 
This hymn is recited with full devotion in all Gurudwaras on this ocassion by the present congregation as well as by the professional  Raggis (singers).
 
The original is in Gurumukhi script.The same has been presented in English with equivalent pronunciation from the original.
 
In order that most of our readers can follow its message,I am also giving its translation below each line.
 
I hope you all will like it. May God have mercy on all of us and enlighten us all to follow the true path in our lives !
 
Satguru Nanak pragatiaa,mitee dhundh jagg chaanan hoaa .
 
(With the emergence of the true Guru Nanak, the mist cleared and the light scattered all around.)

Jiu kar sooraj nikaliaa,taaray chhipay andher paloaa .
 
(As if with the rise of the sun, the stars disappeared and the darkness dispelled.)

Singh bukay miragaavalee bhannee jaai na dheer dharoaa.
 
(With the roar of the lion in the forest the flocks of escaping deer now cannot have endurance.)

Jithey baba pair dharay, poojaa aasanu thaapan soaa.

(Wherever Baba Nanak put his feet, a religious place was erected and established.)

Sidhaasan sabhi jagat day,Nanak aad matay jay koaa.

(All the places named on the names of various siddhas,now have been renamed on the name of Nanak.)

Ghar ghar andar dharamasaal hovai keeratan sadaa visoaa.
 
(Everyhome has become a place of dharma where devotional singing continues.)

Baabay taaray chaar chak nau khand prithavee sachaa dhoaa.

(Baba Nanak liberated all four directions and all nine divisions of this earth.)

Guramukh kal vich paragat hoaa.       ॥27॥

(Gurmukh (Guru Nanak) has emerged in this kaliyug–the dark age.)

Category: Sikhism  | 5 Comments
A Hymn from Holy Granth Sahib Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Sep 06
A Hymn from Holy Granth Sahib
 
SHRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB ( the holy book of the Sikhs) was first installed in Golden Temple Amritsar on 1st September 1604. Recently, Sikhs all over the world celebrated its anniversary ( called Guru Purab ) on 01.09.2009.
 
On this occasion,I am submitting a lovely hymn from page 1218 of  Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji-our holy book..
 
The hymn is originally composed by our 5th Guru Shri Guru Arjun Devji in Sarang Raag,in Gurumukhi script but I have typed it in Roman English for the benefit of all.It is followed by my humble effort at its translation .May God’s grace be on all of us :
 
(Sarang Mehla 5)
 
Thakur tum sarnayee aaya
Uttar gaya merey mann ka sansa
Jab tey darshan paaya
 
An bolat meri birtha jaani,
Apna naam japaya.
 
Dukh naathey sukh sehaj samayey
Anand anand gunn gaya.
 
Bah pakad kadd leeney apney
Griha andh koop tey maaya.
 
Kaho Nanak Gur Bandhan Kaatey
Bichcharat aan milaaya !!
 
Translation:
 
O Lord ! I have taken refuge in You.
Since I have had Your ” darshan ” (seen You),
The doubts of my mind have vanished.
 
Without my saying so,You know what is in my mind
And You make me repeatedly chant your holy name.
 
Just by singing Your praises,my sorrows have ended
And I have experienced perfect peace and eternal bliss.
 
Holding my hand, You have pulled me out
Of the dark pit of worldly attachments (atttractions)
And ” maaya” ( material wealth)
 
Nanak says : ” The Guru has broken my fetters
( chain or cycle of birth and death)
And I am now united with the Lord
From whom I had been separated”.
 
This is one of my favourite hymns and it is commonly sung in our Gurudwaras.If you note, the thoughts expressed in the hymn have a universal appeal for entire mankind.
 
Your feedback and responses will be welcomed.
 
Category: , Sikhism  | 7 Comments
A Hymn From Shri Guru Granth Sahib. Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca Jul 08
A HYMN FROM SHRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB
 
                         
 
Yesterday was Guru Poornima.There was a Kirtan (singing of religious hymns) programme in our neighbourhood Gurudwara (sikh place of worship).Luckily, I could find time to attend the Kirtan at night. The Raagis ( a team of trained singers who sing hymns with musical instruments like a harmonium and a tabla ) sang a beautiful hymn. I had often heard it from my late parents when I was young.We used to sing it all together sometimes.However, our tune was much simpler and easy.The Raagis sang it in a new beautiful and enchanting classical tune,which I liked very much.The wordings of the hymn also brought back memories. So today I would like to share this hymn with readers, as it has a universal appeal and a very uplifting and motivating context.
 
Herebelow is the transliteration of the hymn in Roman-English for the benefit of those who do not know Gurmukhi ( the language in which the hymns are originally written ) :
 
Tati vau na lagaee Parbrahm sarnaee.
Chaugird hamaray Ram kar dukh lagey na bhaee.
Satguru poora bhetiya jin banat banaee,
Ram nam aukhad deeya eka liv laee.
Rakh leeyay tinn rakhanhaar sabh biyadh mitaee,
Kaho Nanak kirpa bhaee Prabh bhayay sahaee. 
 
This hymn is from page 819 of Shri Guru Granth Sahib ( SGGS ) and is in Raag Bilawal.
 
The simple meaning of the above lines,now follows :
 
Hot wind* blows not over him who is under the protection of the Supreme Lord.
 
On all the four sides is the Lord’s protecting circle** and so pain does not disturb me,O brother.
 
I have met the perfect Guru who has made me as He desired.
 
He has blessed me with the medicine of the Lord’s name as a remedy and I am in tune with Him now.
 
The Protector-Lord has saved me and cured me of all my maladies.
 
Nanak says :” The Lord has extended His grace to me and given me His support.”
 
Note :
 
1. * “Hot Wind” or ill wind stands for anxieties and
       misfortunes.It has no effect on God’s  devotees.
2. ** The mystic circle has the effect of warding off danger
        if one remains inside it. Lord Rama had drawn a mystic
        circle around his wife Sita while living in the forest.
 
This hymn is a hymn of supplication and is also often sung in Sikh schools in assembly prayers.
 
Baba Narinder Singh ji, a learned sikh scholar, has translated the hymn  slightly differently as under,but the essence of above translation is maintained :
  
Under shelter of the Lord, the danger dare not touch me.
Around me is Ramkar (Lord’s circle of protection ) and no misery can afflict me, O brother.
I have met the perfect Guru who has moulded me in His Will.
He has blessed me with the Nectar of the Lord’s Name as remedy and with the love of the beloved Lord.
The All Protecting-Lord has saved me and bestowed on me freedom from all maladies.
Nanak says : “The Lord has blessed me with His Grace and protection.” 
 
Hope readers will like the hymn and its meaning.May the Good Lord’s benevolence be on all of us. 
 
                                         
Those who would like to listen to this hymn being sung by Raagis may click on or go to the following link :

 
 
 
Category: Sikhism  | 9 Comments
Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji ’s verse in Persian Author: Jatinder Pal Singh Broca May 15
Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji ’s verse in Persian

Some of the Readers must be aware of the history of Sikhs and the significant role played by our tenth Guru–Shri Guru Gobind Singhji.

As is known, He was a Saint, a Warrior, a Scholar, and a great Spiritual Leader, who sacrificed his family for the sake of protecting Hinduism.

One beautiful verse written by Him in Persian is as under :

cun kar az hama hilate dar guzasht
halal ast burdan ba shamsher dast

The literal meaning of the above verse,as translated by eminent scholars of Sikh history is as under :

When all other means fail ,it is proper to take the sword in one’s hand .

Some others have translated it slightly differently as under :

When all other means have failed,It is but lawful to take to the sword.

This was and is our Guru’s Philosophy of Action.What He means is that all possible peaceful means must be adopted first to bring home to the aggressor the futility of his high handedness;but if he proves to be incorrigible, resorting to violent means for achieving the end, was permissible.

This verse signifies the true nature of action and a high water-mark in practical politics. Good means can be effective when used against enemies who have any sense of goodness in them. Sikhism’s astonishing appeal lies in the degree to which Sikhs draw strength from this verse.

More on this aspect in my next posting after I see the response of my dear readers to this piece.

Category: Sikhism, Social Commentry  | 6 Comments
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