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Guru Granth Sahib
Composition, Arrangement & Layout
ਜਪੁ | Jup
ਸੋ ਦਰੁ | So Dar
ਸੋਹਿਲਾ | Sohilaa
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਿਰੀਰਾਗੁ | Raag Siree-Raag
Gurbani (14-53)
Ashtpadiyan (53-71)
Gurbani (71-74)
Pahre (74-78)
Chhant (78-81)
Vanjara (81-82)
Vaar Siri Raag (83-91)
Bhagat Bani (91-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
Ashtpadi (109)
Ashtpadiyan (110-129)
Ashtpadi (129-130)
Ashtpadiyan (130-133)
Bara Maha (133-136)
Din Raen (136-137)
Vaar Maajh Ki (137-150)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗਉੜੀ | Raag Gauree
Gurbani (151-185)
Quartets/Couplets (185-220)
Ashtpadiyan (220-234)
Karhalei (234-235)
Ashtpadiyan (235-242)
Chhant (242-249)
Baavan Akhari (250-262)
Sukhmani (262-296)
Thittee (296-300)
Gauree kii Vaar (300-323)
Gurbani (323-330)
Ashtpadiyan (330-340)
Baavan Akhari (340-343)
Thintteen (343-344)
Vaar Kabir (344-345)
Bhagat Bani (345-346)
ਰਾਗੁ ਆਸਾ | Raag Aasaa
Gurbani (347-348)
Chaupaday (348-364)
Panchpadde (364-365)
Kaafee (365-409)
Aasaavaree (409-411)
Ashtpadiyan (411-432)
Patee (432-435)
Chhant (435-462)
Vaar Aasaa (462-475)
Bhagat Bani (475-488)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੂਜਰੀ | Raag Goojaree
Gurbani (489-503)
Ashtpadiyan (503-508)
Vaar Gujari (508-517)
Vaar Gujari (517-526)
ਰਾਗੁ ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ | Raag Dayv-Gandhaaree
Gurbani (527-536)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਹਾਗੜਾ | Raag Bihaagraa
Gurbani (537-556)
Chhant (538-548)
Vaar Bihaagraa (548-556)
ਰਾਗੁ ਵਡਹੰਸ | Raag Wadhans
Gurbani (557-564)
Ashtpadiyan (564-565)
Chhant (565-575)
Ghoriaan (575-578)
Alaahaniiaa (578-582)
Vaar Wadhans (582-594)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੋਰਠਿ | Raag Sorath
Gurbani (595-634)
Asatpadhiya (634-642)
Vaar Sorath (642-659)
ਰਾਗੁ ਧਨਾਸਰੀ | Raag Dhanasaree
Gurbani (660-685)
Astpadhiya (685-687)
Chhant (687-691)
Bhagat Bani (691-695)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਤਸਰੀ | Raag Jaitsree
Gurbani (696-703)
Chhant (703-705)
Vaar Jaitsaree (705-710)
Bhagat Bani (710)
ਰਾਗੁ ਟੋਡੀ | Raag Todee
ਰਾਗੁ ਬੈਰਾੜੀ | Raag Bairaaree
ਰਾਗੁ ਤਿਲੰਗ | Raag Tilang
Gurbani (721-727)
Bhagat Bani (727)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸੂਹੀ | Raag Suhi
Gurbani (728-750)
Ashtpadiyan (750-761)
Kaafee (761-762)
Suchajee (762)
Gunvantee (763)
Chhant (763-785)
Vaar Soohee (785-792)
Bhagat Bani (792-794)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ | Raag Bilaaval
Gurbani (795-831)
Ashtpadiyan (831-838)
Thitteen (838-840)
Vaar Sat (841-843)
Chhant (843-848)
Vaar Bilaaval (849-855)
Bhagat Bani (855-858)
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੋਂਡ | Raag Gond
Gurbani (859-869)
Ashtpadiyan (869)
Bhagat Bani (870-875)
ਰਾਗੁ ਰਾਮਕਲੀ | Raag Ramkalee
Ashtpadiyan (902-916)
Gurbani (876-902)
Anand (917-922)
Sadd (923-924)
Chhant (924-929)
Dakhnee (929-938)
Sidh Gosat (938-946)
Vaar Ramkalee (947-968)
ਰਾਗੁ ਨਟ ਨਾਰਾਇਨ | Raag Nat Narayan
Gurbani (975-980)
Ashtpadiyan (980-983)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਲੀ ਗਉੜਾ | Raag Maalee Gauraa
Gurbani (984-988)
Bhagat Bani (988)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਰੂ | Raag Maaroo
Gurbani (889-1008)
Ashtpadiyan (1008-1014)
Kaafee (1014-1016)
Ashtpadiyan (1016-1019)
Anjulian (1019-1020)
Solhe (1020-1033)
Dakhni (1033-1043)
ਰਾਗੁ ਤੁਖਾਰੀ | Raag Tukhaari
Bara Maha (1107-1110)
Chhant (1110-1117)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕੇਦਾਰਾ | Raag Kedara
Gurbani (1118-1123)
Bhagat Bani (1123-1124)
ਰਾਗੁ ਭੈਰਉ | Raag Bhairo
Gurbani (1125-1152)
Partaal (1153)
Ashtpadiyan (1153-1167)
ਰਾਗੁ ਬਸੰਤੁ | Raag Basant
Gurbani (1168-1187)
Ashtpadiyan (1187-1193)
Vaar Basant (1193-1196)
ਰਾਗੁ ਸਾਰਗ | Raag Saarag
Gurbani (1197-1200)
Partaal (1200-1231)
Ashtpadiyan (1232-1236)
Chhant (1236-1237)
Vaar Saarang (1237-1253)
ਰਾਗੁ ਮਲਾਰ | Raag Malaar
Gurbani (1254-1293)
Partaal (1265-1273)
Ashtpadiyan (1273-1278)
Chhant (1278)
Vaar Malaar (1278-91)
Bhagat Bani (1292-93)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਾਨੜਾ | Raag Kaanraa
Gurbani (1294-96)
Partaal (1296-1318)
Ashtpadiyan (1308-1312)
Chhant (1312)
Vaar Kaanraa
Bhagat Bani (1318)
ਰਾਗੁ ਕਲਿਆਨ | Raag Kalyaan
Gurbani (1319-23)
Ashtpadiyan (1323-26)
ਰਾਗੁ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ | Raag Prabhaatee
Gurbani (1327-1341)
Ashtpadiyan (1342-51)
ਰਾਗੁ ਜੈਜਾਵੰਤੀ | Raag Jaijaiwanti
Gurbani (1352-53)
Salok | Gatha | Phunahe | Chaubole | Swayiye
Sehskritee Mahala 1
Sehskritee Mahala 5
Gaathaa Mahala 5
Phunhay Mahala 5
Chaubolae Mahala 5
Shaloks Bhagat Kabir
Shaloks Sheikh Farid
Swaiyyae Mahala 5
Swaiyyae in Praise of Gurus
Shaloks in Addition To Vaars
Shalok Ninth Mehl
Mundavanee Mehl 5
ਰਾਗ ਮਾਲਾ, Raag Maalaa
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300 Saal Guru De Naal
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<blockquote data-quote="Bhai Harbans Lal" data-source="post: 88456" data-attributes="member: 22030"><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">International Interfaith Conference, Guru Granth Sahib Ji – the Sikh Guru’s message to humanity Respecting World Scriptures and living up to their message Tercentenary ‘Gurta Gaddi’ Celebrations 1708 – 2008 - </span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'"> photo by DS Chahal</span></p><p style="text-align: right"><p style="text-align: right"> </p> </p><p><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">International Interfaith Conference on Guru Granth Sahib Adopts Hazur Sahib Declaration</span></em></strong></p><p></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em>Nanded</em>. To celebrate Tercentenary of <em>Gurtagaddi</em>, (ordination of Guru Granth Sahib as the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs) an international conference was held at Guru Gobind Singh Institute of Engineering & Technology from September 25th – 28th. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Speakers and scholars from all continents and countries such as USA, Canada, England, India, Pakistan, East Africa, Australia, Dubai, and Europe representing world religions including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Baha’i and the Sikh Dharam participated. They included academicians, university administrators as Vic Chancellors, and artists. ‘They encouraged governments and civil societies to respect scriptures of all traditions’, said the conference convenor, Sukhbir Singh of England. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">According to Dr. P.S. Pasricha, Chairman of Administrative Committee, Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded / Coordinator, Gurtagaddi celebrations, 2008, ‘the purpose was to further promote interfaith dialogues, for developing greater insight of religious beliefs, as well as opening the door to the understanding of one’s neighbours’ religion’. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">‘It is not an attempt for fusion of religions, but a quest to nurture an appreciation of similarities and to value the differences. Such initiatives will reduce global conflicts and promote peace’ said Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Chairman, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">‘This conference aimed to reach academics, spiritual leaders and civil society as a whole to build bridges in faith communities. To achieve these objectives will be the best tribute to the composers of the Guru Granth’s hymns’, said American scholar, Dr. Harbans Lal who is President of the Academy of Guru Granth Studies.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">This international conference was a prelude to a series of celebrations and conferences to be held throughout the world. Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded will host the major celebrations at the end of October 2008 when Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India and Sonia Gandhi, the President of Indian National Congress are expected to pay a visit to the city. Sikhs hope to reach the world audience about the messages of their Sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, through this and similar other conferences. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Singh Sahib Kulwant Singh, Jathedar of Takhat Sri Abchalnagar Hazur Sahib, welcomed the participants. Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat, told the audience that ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s message was not for Sikhs alone, but a lighthouse for all humanity.’ Jathedar Iqbal Singh of Patna Takhat and former Jathedar Akal Takhat Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, also spoke and led prayer meetings.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Each day the conference began with sacred chanting and prayers from different world religions. They were followed by academic presentations ending with sacred music from many world traditions. There were 45 academic papers presented in 12 academic sessions and 40 messages of goodwill received. Over 150 students enriched the audience and volunteered to serve the international delegates. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><em>According to Dr. Harbans Lal who sought input from a number of participating scholars the various presentations and discussions at the conference seemed to express a consensus that: 1. </em><em>the initiatives taken by Guru Gobind Singh were clearly to establish world peace through promoting the spirit of understanding, compassion, peace, gratitude, and reverence for nature. 2. the wisdom of the Guru Granth Sahib would be of great value to the modern world and its civil societies to unite under the universal inspiration of One Spirit One World.</em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">His Holiness the Dalai Lama while commenting on the conference said that ‘religion should be used as basis for friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood. Active dialogue can lead to mutual enrichment of ethics and spiritual practice. We should encourage an increase in contacts among the followers of different religions and visits to each other’s places of pilgrimage and prayer.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Dharma Master Hsin Tao, Founder of Museum of World Religions shared his message of good will; ‘may the sharing of scriptures of different faiths during this conference lead to an ever deeper understanding and collaboration among the religious leaders, scholars and people of faith who will participate in this important event. May the fruits of wisdom and love be generously shared with others, so that this world will become a better home for all of us.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Hazrat Moulana Jameel Ahmed Ilyasi, President and Secretary General of All India Organisation of Imams and Mosques declared; ‘I bring from India the good wishes and blessings of half a million Imams of India who are the local religious and spiritual guides of 200 million Muslims of India.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Dr William F Vendley, Secretary General of World Conference of Religions for Peace stated; ‘I particularly congratulate the organizers of the tercentenary for convening an interfaith conference to mark this significant event in the Sikh religion. In our modern pluralistic societies, it is increasingly incumbent on religious leadership to build harmonious relations with other faith communities with whom we share this earth.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Dr Gunnar Stalsett, Bishop Emeritus and Moderator on behalf of the European Council of Religious Leaders, sent his best wishes and prayers; ‘the Guru Granth Sahib has inspired the faithful to serve humanity by promoting peace and reconciliation across boundaries of religions and cultures.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said ‘it gives me great pleasure to offer Sikhs my warmest congratulations on the 300th Anniversary of the declaration by Guru Gobind Singh that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the Guru or future guidance for all Sikhs.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Dr. William Ozanne from the Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales Committee for other faiths said that; ‘the Sikh community are very blessed in having the guidance of the Guru Granth Sahib in which the response to the call of God on the part of the great Guru of Sikhism is brought to fruition. May it continue to lead this great people into paths of virtue and service to God and the world. The Roman Catholic community offers congratulations for this wonderful celebration.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Rabbi David Rosen, Chair of International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious consultations in his profound video message for the conference said ‘I take this opportunity to wish the Sikh community that your celebrations will be a source of inspiration, to deepen the knowledge and commitment within your own communities, within your younger generations to the Sikh Sacred Scripture the Guru Granth. Both of our communities are small communities, minorities, but we both have traditions and teachings within our sacred scriptures that can be a source of blessing, that <em>must</em> be a source of blessing for all humanity. May this conference inspire to deepen your own commitment to your own heritage, and to be a source of enrichment and blessing for all humankind.’</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Dr Alon Goshen-Gottstein, on behalf of the Elijah Board of World Religious Leaders, in a joint message of affection and blessings from the Elijah Interfaith Institute wrote; ‘we are confident that your gathering will further the understanding and contributions of the Sikh community to a better world.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The Hon. W Musalia Mudavadi EGH, MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for local government of Kenya in his statement of peace and affection said that ‘we the people of Kenya join the Sikhs the world over in the celebrations of the exaltation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib as a spiritual guide not only to the Sikhs, but to the entire humanity.’</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The Mayor of the City of Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded, Balwant Singh Gadiwale, invited all speakers and delegates for a reception and introduction to the City. There were evenings of sacred music and folk cultural presentations. The delegates were given a pilgrimage tour of Sikh Holy Shrines, as well as shrines of other religions. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The conference also served as a pre-Parliament event for the next Council for the Parliament of the World Religions’ international conference to be held in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2009. Dr William Lesher, President of CPWR was the keynote speaker at the Nader conference.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">The four day conference concluded with unanimous adoption of the Hazure Sahib Declaration of the <strong><em>Guiding Principles for Civil Society </em></strong>based upon the Guru Granth philosophy as deliberated by over 50 scholars and religious leaders during four dasys. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #548dd4"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'"><strong>Sri Hazur Sahib 2008 Declaration</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #548dd4"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria'"><strong> of </strong></span></span></p><p><strong> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="color: #548dd4">Guiding Principles for Civil Society</span></span></strong></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">1.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To recognize presence of Divine Light in every living being.</em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">2.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To recognize that the earth is created according to God’s cosmic blueprint and it is therefore intrinsically good. Nature is our mother, our home, our security, our peace, our past and our future. It is our obligation to treat natural things and habitats as our sacred shrines, to be revered and preserved in all their intricate and fragile beauty. </em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">3.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>God is the Creator and its creative manifestation extends to all humans. Therefore, all humans are intrinsically creative in partnership with God.</em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">4.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>It is human destiny to emulate divine attributes; such as Identity with Truth, Fearlessness, Without Animosity, Eternal Personality, beyond the genetic and mimetic imprisonments, and Free Spirit that lives in Gratitude and humility. </em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">5.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To experience Divinity in work and service, in art and science, in philosophy and religion, and in the environment and creation. </em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">6.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To follow the principles of righteous living by believing in: Human Equality, Human Dignity, Justice, and Human Behaviors that cleanse the Body and the Mind.</em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">7.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To build institutions of altruism and sharing in all social infrastructures. </em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">8.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To be advocate for those who are most vulnerable in our society.</em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">9.</span></em></strong> </span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em>To harness spiritual and moral responsibility to guide politics and political institutions, and to provide guidelines for leadership of religious organizations.</em></strong></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="color: #4f81bd"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px">10.</span></em></strong> </span><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #4f81bd">To build a world order without the culture of “mera (mine) tera” (yours) psychology. </span></span></em></strong></span></p><p> </p><p><u><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Presented by: </span></span></u></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal, President Academy of Guru Granth Studies</span></span></p><p><u><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Seconded and elaborated by:</span></span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Head of </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK</span></span></p><p><u><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Supporting presentations by:</span></span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Dr. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">William Lesher, Chairman of the Council of Parliament of World Religions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Secretary General All India Organisation of Imams of Mosques</span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Sardarni Balvinder Kaur Dhillon of UK on behalf of the women delegations</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Dr. William (Bill) Ozanne, </span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'">Secretary, Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Archdiocese of Birmingham</span></span><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"> representing Roman Catholics </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Professor Madan Mohan Verma, Hindu scholar representing Interfaith Foundation</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Singh Sahib Iqbal Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Patna Sahib </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Khalsa on behalf Sikh Dharma International and Guru Ram Das Mission</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Singh Sahib Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Akal Takhat (through Bhai Satpal Singh)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Lama Rizzini Dorjee, Head of Buddhist delegation</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'"><span style="font-size: 12px">Professor Balwant Singh Dhillon, Guru Nanak Dev University</span></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="font-size: 12px">(Adopted unanimously by the Concluding Session of the Conference on 28 September, 2008)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 12px">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left"><p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><em>For Further Information Contact, </em></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left"><em><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"> Sukhbir Singh – <a href="mailto:sukhbiruk@gmail.com"><span style="color: #0000ff">sukhbiruk@gmail.com</span></a></span></em></p> <p style="text-align: left"><em><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Harbans Lal, </span></em><a href="mailto:japji08@yahoo.com"><em><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="color: #0000ff">japji08@yahoo.com</span></span></em></a></p> </p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Bhai Harbans Lal, post: 88456, member: 22030"] [B][FONT=Palatino Linotype][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Times New Roman]International Interfaith Conference, Guru Granth Sahib Ji – the Sikh Guru’s message to humanity Respecting World Scriptures and living up to their message Tercentenary ‘Gurta Gaddi’ Celebrations 1708 – 2008 - [/FONT][FONT=Palatino Linotype] photo by DS Chahal[/FONT] [RIGHT][RIGHT][B][FONT=Palatino Linotype] [/FONT][/B][/RIGHT][/RIGHT] [B][I][FONT=Arial]International Interfaith Conference on Guru Granth Sahib Adopts Hazur Sahib Declaration[/FONT][/I][/B] [FONT=Palatino Linotype] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][I]Nanded[/I]. To celebrate Tercentenary of [I]Gurtagaddi[/I], (ordination of Guru Granth Sahib as the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs) an international conference was held at Guru Gobind Singh Institute of Engineering & Technology from September 25th – 28th. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Speakers and scholars from all continents and countries such as USA, Canada, England, India, Pakistan, East Africa, Australia, Dubai, and Europe representing world religions including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Baha’i and the Sikh Dharam participated. They included academicians, university administrators as Vic Chancellors, and artists. ‘They encouraged governments and civil societies to respect scriptures of all traditions’, said the conference convenor, Sukhbir Singh of England. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]According to Dr. P.S. Pasricha, Chairman of Administrative Committee, Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded / Coordinator, Gurtagaddi celebrations, 2008, ‘the purpose was to further promote interfaith dialogues, for developing greater insight of religious beliefs, as well as opening the door to the understanding of one’s neighbours’ religion’. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]‘It is not an attempt for fusion of religions, but a quest to nurture an appreciation of similarities and to value the differences. Such initiatives will reduce global conflicts and promote peace’ said Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Chairman, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]‘This conference aimed to reach academics, spiritual leaders and civil society as a whole to build bridges in faith communities. To achieve these objectives will be the best tribute to the composers of the Guru Granth’s hymns’, said American scholar, Dr. Harbans Lal who is President of the Academy of Guru Granth Studies.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]This international conference was a prelude to a series of celebrations and conferences to be held throughout the world. Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded will host the major celebrations at the end of October 2008 when Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India and Sonia Gandhi, the President of Indian National Congress are expected to pay a visit to the city. Sikhs hope to reach the world audience about the messages of their Sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, through this and similar other conferences. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Singh Sahib Kulwant Singh, Jathedar of Takhat Sri Abchalnagar Hazur Sahib, welcomed the participants. Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat, told the audience that ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s message was not for Sikhs alone, but a lighthouse for all humanity.’ Jathedar Iqbal Singh of Patna Takhat and former Jathedar Akal Takhat Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, also spoke and led prayer meetings.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Each day the conference began with sacred chanting and prayers from different world religions. They were followed by academic presentations ending with sacred music from many world traditions. There were 45 academic papers presented in 12 academic sessions and 40 messages of goodwill received. Over 150 students enriched the audience and volunteered to serve the international delegates. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][I]According to Dr. Harbans Lal who sought input from a number of participating scholars the various presentations and discussions at the conference seemed to express a consensus that: 1. [/I][I]the initiatives taken by Guru Gobind Singh were clearly to establish world peace through promoting the spirit of understanding, compassion, peace, gratitude, and reverence for nature. 2. the wisdom of the Guru Granth Sahib would be of great value to the modern world and its civil societies to unite under the universal inspiration of One Spirit One World.[/I][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]His Holiness the Dalai Lama while commenting on the conference said that ‘religion should be used as basis for friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood. Active dialogue can lead to mutual enrichment of ethics and spiritual practice. We should encourage an increase in contacts among the followers of different religions and visits to each other’s places of pilgrimage and prayer.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Dharma Master Hsin Tao, Founder of Museum of World Religions shared his message of good will; ‘may the sharing of scriptures of different faiths during this conference lead to an ever deeper understanding and collaboration among the religious leaders, scholars and people of faith who will participate in this important event. May the fruits of wisdom and love be generously shared with others, so that this world will become a better home for all of us.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Hazrat Moulana Jameel Ahmed Ilyasi, President and Secretary General of All India Organisation of Imams and Mosques declared; ‘I bring from India the good wishes and blessings of half a million Imams of India who are the local religious and spiritual guides of 200 million Muslims of India.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Dr William F Vendley, Secretary General of World Conference of Religions for Peace stated; ‘I particularly congratulate the organizers of the tercentenary for convening an interfaith conference to mark this significant event in the Sikh religion. In our modern pluralistic societies, it is increasingly incumbent on religious leadership to build harmonious relations with other faith communities with whom we share this earth.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Dr Gunnar Stalsett, Bishop Emeritus and Moderator on behalf of the European Council of Religious Leaders, sent his best wishes and prayers; ‘the Guru Granth Sahib has inspired the faithful to serve humanity by promoting peace and reconciliation across boundaries of religions and cultures.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said ‘it gives me great pleasure to offer Sikhs my warmest congratulations on the 300th Anniversary of the declaration by Guru Gobind Singh that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the Guru or future guidance for all Sikhs.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Dr. William Ozanne from the Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales Committee for other faiths said that; ‘the Sikh community are very blessed in having the guidance of the Guru Granth Sahib in which the response to the call of God on the part of the great Guru of Sikhism is brought to fruition. May it continue to lead this great people into paths of virtue and service to God and the world. The Roman Catholic community offers congratulations for this wonderful celebration.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Rabbi David Rosen, Chair of International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious consultations in his profound video message for the conference said ‘I take this opportunity to wish the Sikh community that your celebrations will be a source of inspiration, to deepen the knowledge and commitment within your own communities, within your younger generations to the Sikh Sacred Scripture the Guru Granth. Both of our communities are small communities, minorities, but we both have traditions and teachings within our sacred scriptures that can be a source of blessing, that [I]must[/I] be a source of blessing for all humanity. May this conference inspire to deepen your own commitment to your own heritage, and to be a source of enrichment and blessing for all humankind.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]Dr Alon Goshen-Gottstein, on behalf of the Elijah Board of World Religious Leaders, in a joint message of affection and blessings from the Elijah Interfaith Institute wrote; ‘we are confident that your gathering will further the understanding and contributions of the Sikh community to a better world.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]The Hon. W Musalia Mudavadi EGH, MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for local government of Kenya in his statement of peace and affection said that ‘we the people of Kenya join the Sikhs the world over in the celebrations of the exaltation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib as a spiritual guide not only to the Sikhs, but to the entire humanity.’[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]The Mayor of the City of Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded, Balwant Singh Gadiwale, invited all speakers and delegates for a reception and introduction to the City. There were evenings of sacred music and folk cultural presentations. The delegates were given a pilgrimage tour of Sikh Holy Shrines, as well as shrines of other religions. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]The conference also served as a pre-Parliament event for the next Council for the Parliament of the World Religions’ international conference to be held in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2009. Dr William Lesher, President of CPWR was the keynote speaker at the Nader conference.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman]The four day conference concluded with unanimous adoption of the Hazure Sahib Declaration of the [B][I]Guiding Principles for Civil Society [/I][/B]based upon the Guru Granth philosophy as deliberated by over 50 scholars and religious leaders during four dasys. [/FONT] [B][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/B] [COLOR=#548dd4][FONT=Cambria][B]Sri Hazur Sahib 2008 Declaration[/B][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#548dd4][FONT=Cambria][B] of [/B][/FONT][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=#548dd4][FONT=Cambria] [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Arial][COLOR=#548dd4]Guiding Principles for Civil Society[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]1.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To recognize presence of Divine Light in every living being.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]2.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To recognize that the earth is created according to God’s cosmic blueprint and it is therefore intrinsically good. Nature is our mother, our home, our security, our peace, our past and our future. It is our obligation to treat natural things and habitats as our sacred shrines, to be revered and preserved in all their intricate and fragile beauty. [/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]3.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]God is the Creator and its creative manifestation extends to all humans. Therefore, all humans are intrinsically creative in partnership with God.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]4.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]It is human destiny to emulate divine attributes; such as Identity with Truth, Fearlessness, Without Animosity, Eternal Personality, beyond the genetic and mimetic imprisonments, and Free Spirit that lives in Gratitude and humility. [/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]5.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To experience Divinity in work and service, in art and science, in philosophy and religion, and in the environment and creation. [/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]6.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To follow the principles of righteous living by believing in: Human Equality, Human Dignity, Justice, and Human Behaviors that cleanse the Body and the Mind.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]7.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To build institutions of altruism and sharing in all social infrastructures. [/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]8.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To be advocate for those who are most vulnerable in our society.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]9.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I]To harness spiritual and moral responsibility to guide politics and political institutions, and to provide guidelines for leadership of religious organizations.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#4f81bd][B][I][SIZE=3]10.[/SIZE][/I][/B] [/COLOR][B][I][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4f81bd]To build a world order without the culture of “mera (mine) tera” (yours) psychology. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B][/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [U][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Presented by: [/SIZE][/FONT][/U] [FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal, President Academy of Guru Granth Studies[/SIZE][/FONT] [U][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Seconded and elaborated by:[/SIZE][/FONT][/U] [SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Head of [/FONT][FONT=Calibri]Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, UK[/FONT][/SIZE] [U][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Supporting presentations by:[/SIZE][/FONT][/U] [SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Dr. [/FONT][FONT=Calibri]William Lesher, Chairman of the Council of Parliament of World Religions[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri]Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Calibri]Secretary General All India Organisation of Imams of Mosques[COLOR=black][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Sardarni Balvinder Kaur Dhillon of UK on behalf of the women delegations[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri]Dr. William (Bill) Ozanne, [/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri]Secretary, Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Archdiocese of Birmingham[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri] representing Roman Catholics [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Professor Madan Mohan Verma, Hindu scholar representing Interfaith Foundation[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Singh Sahib Iqbal Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Patna Sahib [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Khalsa on behalf Sikh Dharma International and Guru Ram Das Mission[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Singh Sahib Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Akal Takhat (through Bhai Satpal Singh) Lama Rizzini Dorjee, Head of Buddhist delegation[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Professor Balwant Singh Dhillon, Guru Nanak Dev University[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=black][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3](Adopted unanimously by the Concluding Session of the Conference on 28 September, 2008)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/SIZE][/FONT] [LEFT][LEFT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=5][I]For Further Information Contact, [/I][/SIZE][/FONT][/LEFT] [LEFT][I][FONT=Arial][SIZE=5] [/SIZE]Sukhbir Singh – [EMAIL="sukhbiruk@gmail.com"][COLOR=#0000ff]sukhbiruk@gmail.com[/COLOR][/EMAIL][/FONT][/I][/LEFT] [LEFT][I][FONT=Arial]Harbans Lal, [/FONT][/I][EMAIL="japji08@yahoo.com"][I][FONT=Arial][COLOR=#0000ff]japji08@yahoo.com[/COLOR][/FONT][/I][/EMAIL][/LEFT][/LEFT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype] [/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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