Bibi Harsimrat Kaur Khalsa, a white American lady gets a taste of the Amrit of Guru Granth Sahib 9 years ago. She is founder and President of Guru Granth Parchar Mission of USA, Inc. to promote the teachings of Guru Nanak and to help humanity. Harsimrat is frequently featured on Sikh Chanel TV in Europe and served 2 years hosting her own radio program on Radio Apna Punjab singing kirtan and teaching the English meanings of the banis in Guru Granth Sahib. Bibi Harsimrat translated Jap Ji Sahib into the Hebrew Language. She received a Masters Degree in Biblical Literature from Baltimore Hebrew University, and recently completed her nine month education and certification in Massage Therapy from Everest College in Hayward California, graduating with high honors. She has received national awards for athletic achievements. Much of her life was devoted to traveling the world and singing and lecturing on spiritualism and inner healing. She lived in Jerusalem, then traveled to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Egypt, Lebanon, the Philippines, Italy, and UK.
One day while she was working for the Fairfax County government in Virginia, one fellow employee invited her to a gurdwara. There her curiosity started a major change in her life. She began to study the Guru Granth Sahib, as very few Sikhs understand Gurbani deeply. The head granthi, Giani Kuldeep Singh encouraged her to learn Gurbani. Later on, she met up with Giani Sant Singh Maskeen Ji who devoted his time while visiting USA to teach her shudh (grammatically correct pronunciation) of reading Gurmukhi, especially the Farsi, Sanskrit and Seheskritee Shloks. As she traveled with Giani Sant Maskeen, she composed music and sang kirtan with her guitar her unique melodies of Guru Shabad. After spending months traveling, she studied Gurmukhi grammar intensively and learned how to read Akhanda Paath Sahib in Punjabi script remarkably in just 4 months. She volunteered to read Akhanda Paath for 2 years in gurdwara sahib in Virginia. Giani Jaktar Singh Jachak, former head granthi of Harmandar Sahib also taught her.
Bibi Harsimrat resumed her traveling coming to the Fremont Gurdwara in California, where you can see her reading Akhanda Paath. There she accidentally met her husband, Giani Avtar Singh Missionary, born in Amritsar and rare scholar and famous preacher, first graduate of the great Sahibzaha Jujhar Singh Gurmat Missionary College in Ropar Punjab. She was introduced to him by the Principal, Jasbir Singh.
Bibi Harsimrat Kaur has established her non-profit spiritual establishment, Guru Granth Parchar Mission of USA, Inc. to bring door to door parchar (teaching) of Guru Granth Sahib for all occasions, including funerals and even weddings. She is accepting contributions without asking, to cover the costs of purchasing property to open a spiritual center and spreading Guru Granth Sahib's teachings and to promote natural healing through the massage therapy, the most ancient and diversified mode of compassionate healthcare.
She is available for prayer, and spiritual healing religious services at
(510) 432-5827
email .
singhstudent@yahoo.com
Guru Granth Parchar Mission of USA, Inc.
PO Box 65
Hayward, California 94543
Courtesy
Punjab Spectrum.........
To read Punjabi Version of this Article, plz visit the link below
http://savesikhism.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
What is DHARAM - an Exemplary Story
"Dharam is indeed to pluck thorns from others way or to sacrifice oneself to make someone's life better."
Dharam is not something to say or listen, it's of no use if you do not practically implement it in your life.
In context of this, an exemplary story goes this way.
Centuries ago, there was a Gurukul where a number of students used to be taught by an old and experienced teacher. The teacher used to teach them many subjects like Sanskrit, Ganit, and amongst others one subject would be 'Dharam'. After years of teaching, it was time to send them home. So, he finally took a written test of all subjects except the subject 'Dharam'.
After passing, all students were going back to their homes, and wondering all the way, why the teacher did not take a test for the subject 'Dharam'. One of them even said "Guruji always told us that "Dharam is the base of a human life and without it a man can not succeed in any form of life." But still, he didn't even care to mention it while we left"
As they were moving, they noticed a lot of cactus thorns lying on the road. The students carefully crossed the hurdle, and proceeded for their homes. One of them stopped by, and started collecting the thorns into his bag. On being prompted by his colleagues, he said "We were fortunate to see these thorns and saved ourselves, but what if somebody doesn't see them and gets hurt. My conscious does not allow me to avoid this potential danger to some passerby. I am not going unless I remove all these thorns, no matter how much time it takes!" On this, the teacher emerged from behind the tree, where he was hiding.
The students were surprised to find that the teacher was following them all the way. The teacher said "Yes, I was listening to your conversation, as to why I did not take your test for the subject 'Dharam'.
Actually, Dharam is not something to say or listen, it's of no use if you do not practically implement it in your life. I had intentionally spread these thorns in your way, and the one boy proved that he has actually understood the lessons of Dharam. "Dharam is indeed to pluck thorns from others way or to sacrifice oneself to make someone's life better." If you do not respect/love other living beings, or try to create hurdles in someone's path, you are far from understanding what 'Dharam' is !"
We are so fortunate that Guru Sahib has always taught us to respect other beings/other faiths. Not just by Hukam, Guru Sahib has lead by example. See the Shaheedi of Guru Arjun Dev ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji and the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and various Sikhs from time to time. These are stories of selfless service to the society. That is what Sikhism stands for !
Hope an attempt to make Sikhs learn about What DHARAM stands for as per our GURUs is fulifilled by this short story !!
Bhulan Chukan Di Khima,
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa !!
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh !!
Spl Thanks to
Shabad Vichar Group.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
WHY RAKSHA BANDHAN HAS NO PLACE IN SIKHI
According to the Hindus, this day is marked, ‘As per the traditions, the sister on this day
prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi
to the brother(s) and wishes for their well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love
with a promise to be by the sisters’ side through the thick and thin and gives her a token gift.’
Nowhere in Sikh history has any Guru Sahib known to have accepted this Hindu custom. In a
painting, Guru Nanak Sahib is being depicted to have a rakhi being tied on his wrist by his
sister Bebe Nanaki Ji. This is nothing more than a work of fiction. The Guru, who rejected
the spiritual thread that the Hindu Brahmins consider makes them connected to God, in
the midst of all the learned Pandits, Brahmins and his own father, would that same
Guru Sahib accept the far more earthy thread called a ‘rakhi’? It’s plain logic, he
wouldn’t. When asked by his father to go forth and make a profitable bargain in business,
young (Guru) Nanak (Sahib) came back having spent all his given money on feeding starving
fakirs. If Guru Nanak Sahib could challenge the Brahmins and reject outright the Janeu, would
he want to contradict himself by accepting another thread ??...
‘So what’s the harm in commemorating the day ?’ - is the usual counter-argument of those
Sikhs that accept the practice. There’s no harm in doing any of these things, but Guru Sahib
just did not approve them for his Sikhs. He’s taken us out of all the clutter of all those things
that have no meaning in Sikhi and have instructed us to focus more on God than on worldly
funfairs that eventually take the mortal away from God. The heritage of the Sikhs is so unique,
that the men and women have been given an equal status. Why would a Khalsa Kaur ever
need anyone’s protection when they have the power within them to defend themselves? That
is why if the Singh was given a Kirpan, so was a Kaur granted the same. It is a proof of the
might of the Guru Sahib’s daughters – that they are as mighty, or even mightier, than men.
‘Truth is High’ Guru Nanak Sahib said and, further added, ‘but higher still is truthful living’
So how can a mere thread prove the love between a brother and sister. Will that thread not
wear out too, just like the janeu?
Sikhs were blessed with the roop of the Guru Sahib so that they may emulate their example of
life and living which would connect us to Waheguru. Ceremonies like rakhsha bandhan are
good for those for whom it was made, for the Hindu faith has it’s own reasons. Sikhi is a
completely distinct faith. And how? Guru Nanak Sahib did not accept the janeu; he rejected
the offering of water to his ancestors; he did not recite the Hindu Vedas; nor prayed to the 330
million gods, but contemplated only on the SHABAD what was revealed to Him from the Court
of the Lord. Likewise, the other Guru Sahibs further developed what Guru Nanak Sahib
preached, they never contradicted Guru Nanak Sahib’s message and way of life.
prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi
to the brother(s) and wishes for their well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love
with a promise to be by the sisters’ side through the thick and thin and gives her a token gift.’
Nowhere in Sikh history has any Guru Sahib known to have accepted this Hindu custom. In a
painting, Guru Nanak Sahib is being depicted to have a rakhi being tied on his wrist by his
sister Bebe Nanaki Ji. This is nothing more than a work of fiction. The Guru, who rejected
the spiritual thread that the Hindu Brahmins consider makes them connected to God, in
the midst of all the learned Pandits, Brahmins and his own father, would that same
Guru Sahib accept the far more earthy thread called a ‘rakhi’? It’s plain logic, he
wouldn’t. When asked by his father to go forth and make a profitable bargain in business,
young (Guru) Nanak (Sahib) came back having spent all his given money on feeding starving
fakirs. If Guru Nanak Sahib could challenge the Brahmins and reject outright the Janeu, would
he want to contradict himself by accepting another thread ??...
‘So what’s the harm in commemorating the day ?’ - is the usual counter-argument of those
Sikhs that accept the practice. There’s no harm in doing any of these things, but Guru Sahib
just did not approve them for his Sikhs. He’s taken us out of all the clutter of all those things
that have no meaning in Sikhi and have instructed us to focus more on God than on worldly
funfairs that eventually take the mortal away from God. The heritage of the Sikhs is so unique,
that the men and women have been given an equal status. Why would a Khalsa Kaur ever
need anyone’s protection when they have the power within them to defend themselves? That
is why if the Singh was given a Kirpan, so was a Kaur granted the same. It is a proof of the
might of the Guru Sahib’s daughters – that they are as mighty, or even mightier, than men.
‘Truth is High’ Guru Nanak Sahib said and, further added, ‘but higher still is truthful living’
So how can a mere thread prove the love between a brother and sister. Will that thread not
wear out too, just like the janeu?
Sikhs were blessed with the roop of the Guru Sahib so that they may emulate their example of
life and living which would connect us to Waheguru. Ceremonies like rakhsha bandhan are
good for those for whom it was made, for the Hindu faith has it’s own reasons. Sikhi is a
completely distinct faith. And how? Guru Nanak Sahib did not accept the janeu; he rejected
the offering of water to his ancestors; he did not recite the Hindu Vedas; nor prayed to the 330
million gods, but contemplated only on the SHABAD what was revealed to Him from the Court
of the Lord. Likewise, the other Guru Sahibs further developed what Guru Nanak Sahib
preached, they never contradicted Guru Nanak Sahib’s message and way of life.
In conclusion, the ceremony does not has place in Sikhi because it is not higher than the Sikh
way of life. The simple thread that is meant as a prayer to protect a sister and to seek the
blessings of the brother’s long life and wellbeing is not any higher than believing that it is
Akaal Purakh that protects and blesses His beings. A thread is just an illusion, a Sikh of the
Guru has no need for it to be reminded of his duty to the world, and otherwise Guru Sahibs
would have allowed us to adopt it. And what of those who have no brothers? Who will protect
them? What of those who have no sisters, who will pray for their long life and wellbeing? It’s
all out of logic for Sikhs.
way of life. The simple thread that is meant as a prayer to protect a sister and to seek the
blessings of the brother’s long life and wellbeing is not any higher than believing that it is
Akaal Purakh that protects and blesses His beings. A thread is just an illusion, a Sikh of the
Guru has no need for it to be reminded of his duty to the world, and otherwise Guru Sahibs
would have allowed us to adopt it. And what of those who have no brothers? Who will protect
them? What of those who have no sisters, who will pray for their long life and wellbeing? It’s
all out of logic for Sikhs.
Courtesy
GurmatStudy Team
www.GurmatStudy.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
( Ang 1136, Sri Guru Granth Sahib )
ਵਰਤ ਨ ਰਹਉ ਨ ਮਹ ਰਮਦਾਨਾ ॥
I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan.
ਮੈਂ ਵਰਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਖਦਾ ਨ ਹੀ ਕੋਈ ਰਮਦਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਮੰਨਦਾ ਹਾਂ ll
ਤਿਸੁ ਸੇਵੀ ਜੋ ਰਖੈ ਨਿਦਾਨਾ ॥੧॥
I serve only the One, who will protect me in the end. ||1||
ਮੈਂ ਸਿਰਫ ਇਕ ਨੂੰ ਹੀ ਮੰਨਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਅੰਤ ਚ ਰਖਿਆ ਕਰਨੀ ਹੈ ll1ll
ਏਕੁ ਗੁਸਾਈ ਅਲਹੁ ਮੇਰਾ ॥
The One Lord, the Lord of the World, is my God Allah.
ਤੇ ਓਹ ਹੈ ਮੇਰਾ ਖੁਦਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਿਤਾ ਪਰਮੇਸ਼ਵਰ ਜੋ ਇਸ ਸਾਰੀ ਸ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਟੀ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਹੈ ll
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਦੁਹਾਂ ਨੇਬੇਰਾ ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ ll
He administers justice to both Hindus and Muslims. ||1||Pause||
ਓਹ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਕਿਸੇ ਚ ਕੋਈ ਫ਼ਰਕ ਨਹੀ ਕਰਦਾ , ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਸਬ ਉਸ ਲਈ ਇਕ ਹਨ ll1ll ਰਹਾਉ ll
ਹਜ ਕਾਬੈ ਜਾਉ ਨ ਤੀਰਥ ਪੂਜਾ ॥
I do not make pilgrimages to Mecca, nor do I worship at Hindu sacred shrines.
ਮੈਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਤੀਰਥ ਤੇ ਨਹੀ ਜਾਂਦਾ ll
ਏਕੋ ਸੇਵੀ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ॥੨॥
I serve the One Lord, and not any other. ||2||
ਮੈਂ ਇਕ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਦੀ ਹੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਹੀ ਮੰਨਦਾ ਹਾਂ ll2ll
ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਉ ਨ ਨਿਵਾਜ ਗੁਜਾਰਉ ॥
I do not perform Hindu worship services, nor do I offer the Muslim prayers.
ਮੈਂ ਕੋਈ ਨਮਾਜ਼ ਨਹੀਂ ਪੜ੍ਹਦਾ ਨ ਹੀ ਕੋਈ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ll
ਏਕ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਲੇ ਰਿਦੈ ਨਮਸਕਾਰਉ ॥੩॥
I have taken the One Formless Lord into my heart; I humbly worship Him there. ||3||
ਮੈਂ ਇਕੋ ਇਕ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਪਿਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਮੰਨਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਹੀ ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਵਸਾ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ ll3ll
ਨਾ ਹਮ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਨ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ॥
I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim.
ਨ ਮੈਂ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਹਾਂ ਨਾ ਮੈਂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਹਾਂ ll
ਅਲਹ ਰਾਮ ਕੇ ਪਿੰਡੁ ਪਰਾਨ ॥੪॥
My body and breath of life belong to Allah - to Raam - the God of both. ||4||
ਮੈਂ ਮੇਰਾ ਇਹ ਨਾਸ਼ਵਾਨ ਸਰੀਰ ਉਸ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਨੂੰ ਸੌੰਪ ਦਿਤਾ ਹੈ ll4ll
ਕਹੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਇਹੁ ਕੀਆ ਵਖਾਨਾ ॥
Says Kabeer, this is what I say:
ਕਬੀਰ ਜੀ ਕਿਹੰਦੇ ਹਨ
ਗੁਰ ਪੀਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਖੁਦਿ ਖਸਮੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥੫॥੩॥
meeting with the Guru, my Spiritual Teacher, I realize God, my Lord and Master. ||5||3||
ਮੈ ਉਸ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਹੋਂਦ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਣ ਲਿਆ ਹੈ ll5ll3ll
( Ang 1136, Sri Guru Granth Sahib )
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