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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)
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ਰਾਗੁ ਮਾਝ | Raag Maajh
Gurbani (94-109)
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Ashtpadiyan (110-129)
Ashtpadi (129-130)
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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)
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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)
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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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<blockquote data-quote="arshi" data-source="post: 123103" data-attributes="member: 9479"><p><FONT face=Verdana><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><span style="font-size: 10px">Tejwant Singh ji<?"urn:<img src="http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/ /></FONT></SPAN></P><P style=" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><o<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />> </o<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Gurfateh</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><o<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />> </o<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Good questions. However, in answering them I have to very careful that I do not misquote anything or say something which may not be totally accurate. Therefore, I will limit my remarks to what I can say with confidence. On this instance I will keep my comments brief due to time pressure but will post more detail when time permits. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></span><strong><span style="color: #993366"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-size: 10px">1. Are people of this Jatha vegetarians and always been like that?</span></span></span></strong></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: black"><span style="font-size: 10px">Growing up in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> in the 1950s and 1960s (I spent the first years of my life, the 1940s</span>,</span></span><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> in <st1<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />lace w:st="on">Punjab) I always assumed that amritdhari Sikhs are <u>not</u> supposed to eat non-veg food. Anyone who aspired to take Pahul gave up meat immediately upon being initiated. This was the common belief amongst the community I grew up in, i.e. such matters were taken for granted. However, contemporary thinking has brought the controversy into the open. <strong>My aim, here, is not to engage in this controversy but to answer your question, in that the Jatha follows the same concept when an individual is initiated into the Khalsa order</strong> <strong>– at least that is my understanding.</strong> However, the Gurdwara is open to all and sundry and embraces all notwithstanding their life styles. Sikhs from all walks of life visit the Gurdwara for the blessing of SGGS almost always in Parkash in the Main Darbar Sahib (often referred to as the main hall). No one is discriminated against deliberately.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Nothing can be further from the truth regarding the alleged mistreatment of sehajdhari Sikhs. Bhai Mohinder Singh ji (commonly known as bhai sahib) donated £2,500 towards the Sikh causes close to the heart of actor Mangal Dhillon (a sehajdhari Sikh) – see his site:</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><a href="http://www.sikhfilms.com/sf/httpdocs/promoters.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800080">http://www.sikhfilms.com/sf/httpdocs/promoters.htm</span></a></span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><strong><span style="color: #993366"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">2. Did they always wear white or had different colours before? And if they did then any idea why changed into all white?</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The sewadars at the Gurdwara are no different from you or me and come from the normal working community in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />lace w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>. Amongst them you will see professionals, business men and women, office workers, skilled workers and others who conduct their lives like anyone else wearing ordinary clothes in various colours. The white dress you mention is akin to the dress code used in the mainstream Gurdwaras including Darbar Sahib Amritsar. This is worn generally by Pathis, Ragis and sewadars serving in the Darbar Sahib. The sewadars serving in the kitchen and other areas wear ordinary clothes (various colours). My wife’s younger sister, a widow, visits the SGNNS Gurdwara regularly and serves in the preparation of langar. She hasnothing but praise for the organisation,particularly in the way the community helps the downtrodden, destitute and the needy. She is often joined by her other younger sister, a PA to a secondary school head. She is suffering from a serious illness</span></span><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> and finds a lot of solace and comfort from the rendering of Gurbani and support from the Saadh Sangat. This is the essence of Real Sikhi, in my opinion. This reminds me of a poem:</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><em><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Nanak Guru daa ghar hai dukhiaan laiee aashiaanaa;</span></span></em></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><em><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">mehraan muhabbtaan daa bhariaa hoyeaa khazzana.</span></span></em></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Guru Nanak’s abode (Gurdwara) is a sanctuary for the suffering and the destitute. It overflows with the treasure of love, affection and Guru’s Blessings. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">During Amrit Pahul initiations the Five Pyaras wear the traditional Blue and kesri garb – I have actually seen photographs of Baba Ji in these colours and it must be noted that he often, in private life, wore ordinary suits (coat and trousers – I personally saw him. several times, dressed like that - Bhai Mohinder Singh ji likewise). Bhai Mohinder singh ji, a qualified engineer, and his wife run a small business for their livelihood and donate generously to worthwhile causes. His commitment to the Sikh community is exemplary and commendable in the way he participates personally, using his own funds, in the joys and sorrows of sangat. I have actually witnessed this.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">All the sewadars are Nishkaam Sevaks (service without fee). There are no paid officials, Granthis, Gyanis, or Ragis. To the contrary most contribute towards funds for its many charitable causes.</span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><strong><span style="color: #993366"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">3. What is the women's role in the Jatha?</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I know there is often too much to read on the internet and SPN is no exception in the wonderful articles it publishes. Because of the length of some of the articles it is easy to miss out some detail. If you revisit the article you will see there were ladies in the group that visited <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" />lace w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>. I do not recall seeing the Jatha at the funeral of Pope John Paul II.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><strong><span style="color: #993366"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">3. What is their main goal and how do they realise that?</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Their goal is no different from other mainstream Sikh organisations and they firmly believe in the supremacy of SGGS over any other scripture- SGGS is the Living Eternal Guru for them just as it is for you and me. They not only believe but practice the three pillars of Sikhi – kirat karni, Naam japna and wand shakna (honest labour, meditation and sharing of rewards and knowledge). I often hear from my sister-in-law that Bhai Sahib (as he is affectionately known) has a passion for putting Sikhi on the world stage as a way of life for the entire world – a univerasal faith – and </span></span><strong><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">spread the everlasting philosophical message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji</span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">It is possible that I may not agree with everything they do but this is true of any organization, however, good, and that does not automatically render an organisation into a cult or a sect. I would certainly not call them a sect. The reverence they give to Guru Granth Sahib is the highest I have ever seen and they adhere only to shabad Gurbani in their congregations – <em>Katchi </em>Bani is strictly discouraged.</span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I hope the above helps but I do intend to post more when time permits. All the comments are made in good faith and are not intended to induce any argument or prolonged debate as I do not represent the organisation – mine is an entirely impartial and objective take on the Soho Road Sikh Gurdwara (GNNSJ as it is known) and its Sangat. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Sincere apologies in advance for any inaccuracies in the above statements </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Humbly</span></span></span></span></p><p> <span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="color: #001f4b"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"><span style="color: #001f4b"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #993366"></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="arshi, post: 123103, member: 9479"] <FONT face=Verdana><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 11pt">[SIZE=2]Tejwant Singh ji<?"urn:[IMG]http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/ /></FONT></SPAN></P><P style=[/IMG][FONT=Verdana]<o:p>[SIZE=2] [/SIZE]</o:p>[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Gurfateh[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]<o:p> </o:p>[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Good questions. However, in answering them I have to very careful that I do not misquote anything or say something which may not be totally accurate. Therefore, I will limit my remarks to what I can say with confidence. On this instance I will keep my comments brief due to time pressure but will post more detail when time permits. [/SIZE][/FONT] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana] [/FONT][/COLOR][B][COLOR=#993366][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]1. Are people of this Jatha vegetarians and always been like that?[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [B][COLOR=#993366][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [/SIZE][B][COLOR=#993366][/COLOR][/B] [B][COLOR=#993366][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#993366][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black][SIZE=2]Growing up in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> in the 1950s and 1960s (I spent the first years of my life, the 1940s[/SIZE],[/COLOR][/FONT][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana] in <st1:place w:st="on">Punjab) I always assumed that amritdhari Sikhs are [U]not[/U] supposed to eat non-veg food. Anyone who aspired to take Pahul gave up meat immediately upon being initiated. This was the common belief amongst the community I grew up in, i.e. such matters were taken for granted. However, contemporary thinking has brought the controversy into the open. [B]My aim, here, is not to engage in this controversy but to answer your question, in that the Jatha follows the same concept when an individual is initiated into the Khalsa order[/B] [B]– at least that is my understanding.[/B] However, the Gurdwara is open to all and sundry and embraces all notwithstanding their life styles. Sikhs from all walks of life visit the Gurdwara for the blessing of SGGS almost always in Parkash in the Main Darbar Sahib (often referred to as the main hall). No one is discriminated against deliberately.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Nothing can be further from the truth regarding the alleged mistreatment of sehajdhari Sikhs. Bhai Mohinder Singh ji (commonly known as bhai sahib) donated £2,500 towards the Sikh causes close to the heart of actor Mangal Dhillon (a sehajdhari Sikh) – see his site:[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][URL="http://www.sikhfilms.com/sf/httpdocs/promoters.htm"][COLOR=#800080]http://www.sikhfilms.com/sf/httpdocs/promoters.htm[/COLOR][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=#993366][FONT=Verdana]2. Did they always wear white or had different colours before? And if they did then any idea why changed into all white?[/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]The sewadars at the Gurdwara are no different from you or me and come from the normal working community in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>. Amongst them you will see professionals, business men and women, office workers, skilled workers and others who conduct their lives like anyone else wearing ordinary clothes in various colours. The white dress you mention is akin to the dress code used in the mainstream Gurdwaras including Darbar Sahib Amritsar. This is worn generally by Pathis, Ragis and sewadars serving in the Darbar Sahib. The sewadars serving in the kitchen and other areas wear ordinary clothes (various colours). My wife’s younger sister, a widow, visits the SGNNS Gurdwara regularly and serves in the preparation of langar. She hasnothing but praise for the organisation,particularly in the way the community helps the downtrodden, destitute and the needy. She is often joined by her other younger sister, a PA to a secondary school head. She is suffering from a serious illness[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana] and finds a lot of solace and comfort from the rendering of Gurbani and support from the Saadh Sangat. This is the essence of Real Sikhi, in my opinion. This reminds me of a poem:[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [I][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Nanak Guru daa ghar hai dukhiaan laiee aashiaanaa;[/FONT][/COLOR][/I] [I][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]mehraan muhabbtaan daa bhariaa hoyeaa khazzana.[/FONT][/COLOR][/I] [I][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/I] [B][I][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Guru Nanak’s abode (Gurdwara) is a sanctuary for the suffering and the destitute. It overflows with the treasure of love, affection and Guru’s Blessings. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]During Amrit Pahul initiations the Five Pyaras wear the traditional Blue and kesri garb – I have actually seen photographs of Baba Ji in these colours and it must be noted that he often, in private life, wore ordinary suits (coat and trousers – I personally saw him. several times, dressed like that - Bhai Mohinder Singh ji likewise). Bhai Mohinder singh ji, a qualified engineer, and his wife run a small business for their livelihood and donate generously to worthwhile causes. His commitment to the Sikh community is exemplary and commendable in the way he participates personally, using his own funds, in the joys and sorrows of sangat. I have actually witnessed this.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]All the sewadars are Nishkaam Sevaks (service without fee). There are no paid officials, Granthis, Gyanis, or Ragis. To the contrary most contribute towards funds for its many charitable causes.[/FONT][/COLOR] [FONT=Verdana][COLOR=#001f4b][/COLOR][/FONT] [B][COLOR=#993366][FONT=Verdana]3. What is the women's role in the Jatha?[/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]I know there is often too much to read on the internet and SPN is no exception in the wonderful articles it publishes. Because of the length of some of the articles it is easy to miss out some detail. If you revisit the article you will see there were ladies in the group that visited <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>. I do not recall seeing the Jatha at the funeral of Pope John Paul II.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [B][COLOR=#993366][FONT=Verdana]3. What is their main goal and how do they realise that?[/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Their goal is no different from other mainstream Sikh organisations and they firmly believe in the supremacy of SGGS over any other scripture- SGGS is the Living Eternal Guru for them just as it is for you and me. They not only believe but practice the three pillars of Sikhi – kirat karni, Naam japna and wand shakna (honest labour, meditation and sharing of rewards and knowledge). I often hear from my sister-in-law that Bhai Sahib (as he is affectionately known) has a passion for putting Sikhi on the world stage as a way of life for the entire world – a univerasal faith – and [/FONT][/COLOR][B][FONT=Verdana]spread the everlasting philosophical message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji[/FONT][/B] [B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR][/B][COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]It is possible that I may not agree with everything they do but this is true of any organization, however, good, and that does not automatically render an organisation into a cult or a sect. I would certainly not call them a sect. The reverence they give to Guru Granth Sahib is the highest I have ever seen and they adhere only to shabad Gurbani in their congregations – [I]Katchi [/I]Bani is strictly discouraged.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]I hope the above helps but I do intend to post more when time permits. All the comments are made in good faith and are not intended to induce any argument or prolonged debate as I do not represent the organisation – mine is an entirely impartial and objective take on the Soho Road Sikh Gurdwara (GNNSJ as it is known) and its Sangat. [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Sincere apologies in advance for any inaccuracies in the above statements [/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Humbly[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#001f4b][FONT=Verdana]Rajinder Singh ‘Arshi’[/FONT][/COLOR] [/COLOR] [/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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