Vikram ji
I did some googling and found an article about him. But here is a reputable newspaper writing an article about him. Did any one do any checking?
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Merging one's soul with God Baba Daljit Singh teaches virtues to live by at Guru Nanak Sikh Mission.(Neighbor)
<dl class="byline"><dt class="first">Article from:</dt><dd>
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) </dd><dt>Article date:</dt><dd>
January 8, 2006</dd><dt>Author:</dt><dd>
<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">document.writeln('Pierri, Vincent');document.getElementById('ctl00_ph_ctl00_ArticleMain_AuthorLinks_ctl01_lnkAuthor').title='Pierri, Vincent'</script>Pierri, Vincent Pierri, Vincent Pierri, Vincent Pierri, Vincent </dd></dl> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Byline: Vincent Pierri Daily Herald Staff Writer
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CORRECTION/date 01-19-2006: The incorrect title was given for Baba Daljit Singh in a story in the Jan. 8 Neighbor section. The correct title is Founder of the Guru Nanak Sikh Mission of America.
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The diversity of religious tradition is growing. Men and women with spiritual zeal are making a difference in the lives of their congregations and the community. Who are these shepherds? What are their beliefs, values? In a recurring series featuring Lake County's spiritual leaders, here's an inside look at the lives of some people of God.
The Guru Nanak Sikh Mission of America is about a half mile west of downtown Island Lake, but once inside, it's easy to forget you're even in Lake County.
The ornately decorated gudwara, or house of worship, pulses with a sense of the sacred. It is holy ground for local Sikhs.
Enshrined under highly polished gold colored arches and a domed top, the Sikh holy book, known as the "Guru Granth Sahib," takes center stage. The text has ultimate spiritual authority for the faithful, teaching them to love God and imitate his virtues.
Founding guru Baba Daljit Singh, the 44-year-old bearded spiritual leader of the 500-member congregation, is hoping those virtues will have a positive impact on the neighboring community.
The gudwara in Island Lake serves the national headquarters for all Sikhs living in the United States. It opened its doors in 1997.
The temple is seen by thousands of drivers along Route 176, but it's likely many don't know what Sikhs believe. Singh says his people are often confused with Muslims or Hindus.
The word Sikh means "disciple" or "learner," Singh explained.
They believe in one god and follow the teachings of 10 gurus. The religion was founded in the Punjab area of India by Guru Nakak in the 15th century. The last guru, Gobind Singh, died in 1708.
In 1990, there were about 13,000 followers in the United States. That number has grown to more than 80,000 and almost 25 million worldwide.
Sikhs reject all forms of idol worship and keep to strict rules regarding dress and diet.
Commonly known as the five "K's," members must wear the emblems of their religion.
The "Kesh," or uncut hair, symbolizes an acceptance of God's will. A wooden comb called a "Kangha" is carried as a sign of cleanliness. A steel bracelet or "Kara" stands for allegiance to God. The "Kachhara" is a special undergarment representing purity and a small dagger called a "Kirpan" is a sign of resistance to evil. Eating meat, using tobacco and drinking alcohol are all forbidden.
Sikhs believe salvation is the merging of one's soul with God in a "supreme state," according to Singh. That goal is achieved by living according to Sikh rules and traditions and by doing good to family and society. It also requires sharing food with others, meditation, charity and selfless service.
Singh says his religion is a relevant and practical faith and speaks to today's problems. "Ours is a faith of hope and optimism," he said. "It shows people how to live a worthy and useful life."
- The Guru Nanak Sikh Mission of America is at 217 W. State Road (Route 176) in Island Lake. Call (847) 526-5633 for more information.