WJKKWJKF!
I was actually looking up the address of the Sacramento PMKC Gurudwara and the search also turned up a link to this discussion (I have been to their Sac Gurudwara once before, but I wasn't driving so I didn't remember exactly where it was). I had no idea that there was a controversy over "their" interpretation of Gurbani or way of meditation, so I'll throw in my two cents.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sukhmani-sahib/38181-prabh-milne-ka-chao-bhai-sewa.html
My perception of the group/movement comes mainly from two people and four-five "encounters"; first and foremost from the Singh who visits our local Roseville Gurudwara. I've attended his simran sessions three times, and so far so good. There hasn't been any talk of becoming a "brahm-gyani," or any weird head-spinning-church-type-possessed-by-holy-spirit thing. The main concept has been that Guru Granth Sahib tells us that we can not meet God without Simran/meditation. I respect the dude's dedication, as he drives 30 miles to our Gurudwara after work, once every week, and has refused any money that the sangat has offered him for gas. My dad, who has participated in more of his simran sessions, likes to read bani more than before now, and supposedly understands it a little better and feels more connected. Logically, we can chalk off the "connection" to a better understanding, which would be because of more reading/listening consuming Gurbani, but at the end of the day, there is a change towards the positive (not that he wasn't a devoted Sikh before).
The last time I went to their Sac Gurudwara (my first time), it was because of a weekend camp they had, and I met another Singh sahib who was leading the kids' camp. He was a lawyer by education and ran some sort of a media/political campaign company (I must admit part of my interest in talking to him was because I'm a web developer myself), but I was impressed by the brief discussion on Sikh philosophy and meditation I had with him. He too seemed like a dedicated person, as he had flown-in from Chicago to lead the kids camp.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=38181
Recently my faith has not been as strong as it used to be when I was a student, and I feel some guilt for that. Having that in the background, when I came across the idea that they introduced (maybe "re-introduced" I should say)--seeing that Akaal Purakh is 'ang-sang' and becoming one with Him is not impossible--excites me a bit. I've only seen Gurbani and simran/mediation so far at their Gurudwara, and I need both of those things.
I also liked how their langar was simple. The camp focused on Simran, Katha and Kirtan. I didn't think about it earlier, but after reading one of the posts here, it does come to mind that they did spend more time on Simran and Katha, than on Kirtan...then again, it was a "Simran" camp. They did do Nitnem before starting the Simran.
During their Katha, they do seem to bring up the consequences of not doing simran quite often, at least more so than at other gurudwaras. It's been a very very long time since I read it (high school), but it reminds me of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," by Jonathen Edwards. What I never knew, was that the hell-like river of fire and being taken across it (loosely interpreted) is mentioned in Gurbani as well! I have not read all of Guru Granth Sahib, but I am familiar with bhai Gurdas ji telling that Guru Nanak Dev ji came to save a burning world, and references to the crossing an ocean/body of fire of Maya, etc. Their interpretation makes it sound somewhat like we go through the Christian concept of hell (burning fire) after death, before we are re-incarnated, if we waste our life without dwelling upon Him. I'm no Sikh scholar, but I did not find anything Gurmat, as I understand it.
I would be a little freaked out by the trance/possessed behavior some people have mentioned in their postings. On becoming a "brahm-gyani"...naming a place of spiritual learning "Brahm-Gyan University" or whatever it is, is just inspirational and no big deal IMHO; promising brahm-gyan in four years, or any given time, however, is non-sense. Again, I have not heard any such claims. If I do, I'd be like "uh, where do I sign up...how many units will it be and do I have to take summer school?" because that's gotta be better than any other 4yr degree and a mediocre job
All I'm trying to say is check it out for yourself. I'm doing it. Just be wary if anyone asks you to drink any KoolAid
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