Dithay Sabay Thav Shabad
Here is a video clip of Pritpal Singh playing the shabad "Dithay Sabay Thav Nahi Tudh Jahiya" during Gurdwara in Espanola, New Mexico. You can also hear me singing the high parts of the shabad chorus line...as I move the camera around the room :)
That is Harimandir jot Singh from Chardikala Jatha playing Tablas. I think this was before they formed their jatha (CK). Now he wears a Dhamalla turban.
Download the Video (26 MB)
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Friday Remixes
Ok... I know some people might not like this type of music, and feel that it is bad to mix Gurbani with other music, but here I go anways.... What the heck....It's Friday. There were just made for fun and not meant to go clubbing with (drinking/partying). Enjoy with respect :)
Both tracks are "House/club" remixed by friends of mine.
The first track is a remix by Manpreet singh of a shabad sung by Jagjit Singh
This second track is a remix by our own Espanola "Dj Dubba" (Just a nick name) for Gurudarbar singh. He is one of my classmates and lives here in Espanola. He has turn tables and mixes music for fun, and also for some of our local events. The original music is "
Wahe Guru Groove" by Simran Kaur.
So.. enjoy them......or not. Have a good weekend!
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Birthday Party - Girls Punjabi Dance
Every year we have a big birthday celebration for Siri Singh Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa (Yogi Bhajan). Many guests, friends, family, etc come to this party to celebrate with each other. Every year there are different types of entertainment, however one of the constants is having a show of Punjabi Dance.
Here is a video clip of some of the local Espanola Sikh women doing a few different dances in Aug 2002.
Ravi Kaur of the Bhangra Troupe "Izzat De Punjab" does some great choreography. She is the one that organizes and gets everyone together to have fun and practice these dances.
Download Video (8.5MB)
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Beautiful Japji Sahib Translation
Nishaan Magazine did a nice review of the beautiful Japji translation that my friend Ek Ong Kaar Kaur did. I thought you all might enjoy reading the review and some of the translation.
View/Read the Article (PDF file)Picture of Ek Ong Kaar Kaur
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Pre-Peace Prayer Day Jam Session June 2002
Every year the Summer Solstice camp here in Espanola, New Mexico starts out with the "
Peace Prayer Day" event, where people of all religions come to celebrate and pray for peace.
Over the years we have had quite a variety of musicians perform. In 2002 the famous singer/musician "
Seal" performed for us at Peace Prayer Day. It was an awesome concert. The day before he came to the Summer Solstice camp to setup and test things out. Here is a small video clip of Seal with
Guru Singh (Vocals/Guitar),
Guru Ganesha (electric guitar) and others jamming out to a small crowd of onlookers like myself. You don't hear many main stream singers chanting "Wahe Guru", let alone doing so with other Sikhs. So...this was pretty cool.
You can also
purchase the audio CD (
Game of Chants) that was done with Guru Singh and Seal. It has a similar studio version of this track.
Wahe Guru Jam SessionDownload Video (28 MB)
Download Audio MP3 (6MB)
Various Songs by SealDownload Video (39 MB)
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Espanola Sangat 2000 Video
I went through some of my older MiniDV tapes that have been sitting on my desk unused for years. There is some cool footage from some of them, so I put together a little video from a couple of the tapes. All the events are from June of 2000 in Espanola, New Mexico.
Every year at the Summer Solstice camp the
Miri Piri Academy students put on a show for everyone. It always ends with a gatka demonstration. So in the video you'll see some of their performance....and then some footage of an evening Gurdwara in Espanola.
I hope you enjoy it! I had fun putting it together. I "threw" it together quickly using Pinnacle Studio (video editing program). Any other video editor enthusiasts out there?
More videos to come in the next couple of days. :)
Download Video (35 MB)
(Right click and select "Save Target As")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Eating Worms...?!
When I was in 1st grade/class in a public school in America I had different experiences being a Sikh and different. Kids used to say I was a girl and tease me because of my turban. That wasn't too bad, but what was worse for me was how they made fun of my sandwiches (No, really!)
I was raised to eat very healthy food. We used to eat a lot of alfalfa sprouts (from the seeds) in our salads and in sandwiches to give extra nutrition. This was not the norm for most people in America who are used to having fast food and other processed foods. When I would eat the sandwiches at school the kids would see the sprouts and tease me that I was eating worms. This really bothered me. I told my mother about it and she had an idea.
Every friday we had "Show and Tell", which was a time that you could show or tell the class about something interesting. That friday I had my
show and tell idea. I was equipped with a jar, some seeds, a cloth and a rubber band. I then stood up in front of the class and told them that I was going to show them how to make sprouts from seeds. After showing them how it was done we kept the jar in the window so it would get sun. We watched it every day over the next couple days, and soon the sprouts filled the whole jar. All the kids thought it was pretty cool after I did that demonstration. I never did have a problem with eating "worms" after that week.
The point of the story is that even as adults we judge and criticize people. Much of this comes from a lack of understanding and not accepting people with differences. So, with a little effort we can avoid this by educating ourselves and others around us. Allowing for other ways of doing things (even if is different than your way). We are all Sikhers on this path of life, and are on many different roads. Your road is not better or worse than someone else's.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
SSS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa & His Impact on Me
Here is a video which which was shown at the memorial service for
Siri Singh Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa (Oct 2004). It captures some themes that he taught throughout his 35+ years in America and worldwide.
Download Video (44 MB)
(Right click and select "Save Target As")A friend asked me to write something about how my life was changed as a result of him. Sitting down now and thinking about it I am overwhelmed. I don't even know where to start. There are just too many things. I grew up in Los Angeles where he used to live, so have been lucky to learn a lot from him growing up. He was like a great teacher and a wise grandfather wrapped in one. Most of us Sikhs referred to him as "Siri Singh Sahib", and the general public/yoga students called him "Yogi Bhajan".
It was common for people to request "spiritual" names (Sikh Names) from him for their new born child, or if they were becoming a Sikh. For whatever reason...he chose the name "Guru Mustuk Singh" for me right after I was born. I think it was very appropriate for me, and I take my name as a guiding light to keep me on track. That's why I always encourage people to use their real Sikh names and not resort to nick names. Your name can be a reminder of being a better person and a good Sikh.
My understanding of the words "Guru Mustuk" is, Literally = "The Guru's Forehead". "Forehead" symbolizes Destiny. As in, your destiny is written on your forehead. Guru = "Gu" means darkness, and "ru" means light. So for me Guru Mustuk means that I should serve others, teach and help bring people from darkness to light. I think this is why I am doing the work that I am doing. It is the one thing which gives my life purpose and is very satisfying.
Siri Singh Sahib ji impacted thousands and thousands of people and is still doing so, every single day, through the people that he taught. If you are not familiar with him you can
read a little more about him and the history of him coming from India to America. Since it is hard to sum up 30 years of experiences I'll just share a few things from my personal interactions with him.
Siri Singh Sahib truly was a visionary and always thought far into the future. Every thing he did was not necessarily for the now, but for generations down the line. Looking back I can see this. He really did do things slowly and steadily.
I remember lots of night classes that he taught, and coloring books, lying on the floor listening to him talk about every aspect of life. My mother used to always encourage me to go over to him after a class. Probably to see if he would give me some direction or tell me something that I should be doing in my life. He did quite often give me valuable advice and direction over the years.
I remember being a teenager and returning to America after years of boarding school in India. I didn't have many friends, I wanted to fit in, was questioning my beliefs as a Sikh, wanted to do things which I was always told that I shouldn't do. I started going out to dance clubs, drinking, smoking and shaving my beard; Pretty much going a totally different direction than I was raised. I remember feeling empty and struggling to find direction in my life. Feeling all the social pressure. Wanting to take the easy route and not follow the Sikh lifestyle.
Siri Singh Sahib...always seemed to know what was going on with me. During that period I would try to avoid him, because I knew he would see through my facade and confront me. When I eventually saw him he would very directly confront me. He is not one to sugar coat. This was his method:
"Poke, provoke, confront, elevate. First I must wake you up. That harshness you face from me, which is sometimes to the point of rudeness, is to wake you up from your spell of arrogance in which you have lost the game to begin with. After that, I get you into a dialogue. Third is to give you a reasonable experience so that you can move out of it and gain your life as it is, and be on your way. The process is not to make you my "clients." That's not the process here. The process here is that you have the right to happiness and you have the right to success. Therefore, you must work to achieve it."He used to say I had a lot of duality and was like an Eagle in the Day and a Wolf at night. He was correct and this was my struggle to find my identity and not try to be two things. I went through a few of these meetings. The second one was at the Winter Solstice Camp in Florida and I remember him getting really intense with me again. Saying that I was on "strike two" and that I didn't want 3 strikes...because I would be out. It's hard to explain how these meetings influenced me, but because of him I am here today doing what I am doing and on track with my life. He planted seeds in me that have grown over the years.
Here is a letter from him a month before I started SikhNet.com.
I first started SikhNet (which was not called that at the time) in 1995 when I was living in New York. You can see the
old home page here. That year Siri Singh Sahib came to New York and over to our house during his visit. He saw the website and knew the potential that it had. He directed me to move to Espanola, New Mexico to work at the Sikh Computer Consulting Company,
Sun & Son. It was the end of december and he said to start work Jan 1st. Working at Sun & Son allowed me to learn a whole lot, and give me the tools and support which was later used to build SikhNet.com (which still stands today 10 years later).
One of the founders of Sun & Son (Guruka Singh) last year switched his job to work with SikhNet (as Executive Director). He is the actual founder of SikhNet which was started as a
BBS system in the early 80's. It's amazing to be working again with him and on our beloved SikhNet. It's so cool to see how Guruji works his magic and takes care of things.
Every minute I ever saw Siri Singh Sahib in his life he was helping people, advising, serving and teaching. His whole life was given to service. Even up to the days before he passed away he was still teaching. Over the years we have faced much criticism from the Sikh community at large. In spite of that he pushed on and stood firm with his direction. As a result the world is a changed place. The landscape of Sikhi is forever changed. I would not be a Sikh and doing SikhNet if it were not for him. All in all.... Guruji works in mysterious ways. He works through us all if we open ourselves and give our head to the Guru.
Some of you may not agree with Siri Singh Sahib's methods, or understand what he taught, which is totally fine. But I would appreciate it if you feel like commenting on this message, that you do not post any negative or critical remarks. My posting these thoughts is not to start a debate, but to share a little slice of how he brought me to the Feet of Guru Nanak and changed my life forever.
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Siri Atma Kaur with face paint
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Sarabjot Kaur all painted up...
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Narayan the surfer boy (at least he looks like it here)
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Narayan and his friends said they had a "show" for us to watch....so here it is :)
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Sarabjot Kaur, Siri Atma Kaur and Narayan doing their super hero show for us all.
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Here I am on the ladder about to bestow super powers on them below. *Poof!* Superheroes!
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Construction of Mini Golf Course (Sikhi Hole)
Harpal Singh and his wife Jaapa Kaur are part of the Rotary club and are active in our community. In order to create more family activities for kids and families in Espanola the Rotary club is paying for the development of a Mini Golf (Putt Putt) course.
Different groups of people are designing and constructing the holes for the golf course. These pictures are of us working on the hole to represent the Sikh community in Espanola. We are framing the area for the cement to be poured.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
The kids playing nearby in a little stream
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Almost done with the putt putt mini golf course framing.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Gurbani MP3 Pick
Singh Kaur has such a beautiful voice. I grew up listening to her music. I used to go to sleep to it every night. Here is a live recording from the Gurdwara in Los Angles, shorty before she passed away (cancer). It is one of the tracks from that day which I call "The last songs". They really do live on though.
Music by: Singh KaurShabad: Ad Gureh Nameh (10.5MB)
(Right click on the above link and select "save target as" to download the MP3 file)Make a donation to SikhNet to help cover costs of hosting the MP3 files
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
The Balance Beam
Well... I have to say, it's been hard lately to keep up with the pace I set on the blog in the past months. I haven't had much time/energy to write or do as many different creative things. So much has been going on at work and home, so I just have the late nights to do blogging.
This weekend I think I want to curl up on the couch and watch movies, eat my yummy pop-corn, ice-cream and other goodies. Basically just relax. Today felt like it was friday (Wishfull thinking). After langar I was so wiped out I just made myself take a nap on the grass outside my office. I was fortunate enough to be right next to Dharampal Singh who set up his massage table. He saw me lying there and told me to hop on the table. So...I was lucky enough to get a little relaxing massage too. This got me through the rest of the day. What am I doing on the computer right now?? I should be asleep. I might have to check with my blog supervisor (God) to see if I can get some days off. I don't know if I could do it. Hahaha. It's pretty addicting. I have to go to another country or get totally away from the computer. It's too easy when it just sits there...taunting me....calling... "Gurumustuk.... come to me...you are under my command!" every time I walk by my home/office room.
One thing I realize is that we all have pressures in our life and we have to find a balance. Otherwise we push and push ourselves and we get sick or we miss out on something in life (family, hapiness, fun,etc). For me, life is a constant game on the balance beam. It really does take discipline to lead a balanced and spiritual life. It's not easy doing banis every day, meditating or just about anything that takes an effort. Afterall...if it were so easy...we would all be great saints, wise or rich.
What we sometimes fail to realize is that we all have the capacity to be great and do amazing things. We all possess an inner strength that can enable us to do anything. It is our small minded thinking which limits us. So, think about your life and what you feel you cannot do...or can't have. Open your mind up to the possibilities. Imagine that you CAN do/have those things. Take a minute and feel the success. One tool which can make a huge difference is writing down positive affirmations on a piece of paper and putting them in prominant places where you will see them often. These will be specific to you but some ideas are: "I am happy", "I enjoy doing my banis every day", "I have a job that makes me excited", "I look beautiful", etc. These positive affirmations set a projection in yourself.
The power of your "projection" is amazing. If you said to yourself every day "I am sick" over and over you would probably get sick. What we don't realize is that our thoughts have such a power over us. Especially the unconscious ones. This just digs your hole deeper and deeper when they are negative thoughts. So...try the test of creating some positive affirmations and read them every day. See if it makes a difference for you. I know it has with me. Also read this
previous blog post which relates a lot to this.
Awake your Giant Within!
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Ram Rattan Kaur... AKA: Super Cutie... (Siri Dyal Kaur and Amrit Singh' daughter). This is one of Narayan's little friends.
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Some of my friends ask me to take a picture of them...but little do they realize these days...that if I take a picture it might end up on the internet here on my blog. Hehehe...
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Meditation in Celebration of the International Day of Peace
In celebration of the International Day of Peace some of us gathered to meditate and pray for peace.
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Doing a meditation
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After the meditation singing a song with with hand motions...
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After the meditation together langar was served. Hari Jiwan Singh is serving langar along with others.
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Arjan Serving langar....
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Another picture of Arjan (My wife)
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Special Lunch for Dr. Balkar Singh and Karmjit Kaur
Yesterday we had a fun birthday/going away lunch for Dr. Balkar Singh and his wife Karmjit Kaur. Dr. Balkar has been living with us for many years and has been having classes for quite a long time teaching Punjabi and Sikh studies (In our little Espanola "Punjabi University" (affiliated with Punjab University Patiala). It's even a paid SikhNet benefit to take these classes during the week. I always have to squeeze the time in to take the classes.
I need some more people to practice my Punjabi with on a regular basis. It's hard to do this with others that speak English well. I get embarrassed sometimes. It's fun when the other person doesn't speak much English because you can just say whatever and it works. I speak a mixture of Punjabi and Hindi (probably more Hindi).
Anyways... back to the topic... In the winter Dr. Balkar and his wife go back to their home town (Patiala) Punjab. Shanti Kaur organized this lunch for us all to share our gratitude to him and his wife for their service to our community and the clases that they taught.
In this picture is Dr. Balkar Singh and Shanti Kaur, who is rolling rotis. She cooked a delicious Punjabi meal for us all. Yum Yum. Most people here don't cook this type of food (or know how) so it's always a treat for us to have it.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Singing Happy Birthday to Karmjit Kaur (Dr. Balkar Singh's Wife)
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Sat Nirmal Kaur (CEO of Akal Security)
Here is a picture of Sat Nirmal Kaur (CEO of Akal Security) in her uniform which she wears every day to work. It's great seeing Sikhs in all different types of jobs. Below are some closeups of the typical Akal Security Badges.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Akal Security Arm Badges
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Front ID Badge
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Akal Security Arm Badges
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Gurbani MP3 Pick
This is a great Simran Track (Waheguru). It has a nice tabla rythym with some piano and other subtle instruments, and is very meditative. I worked all day yesterday and today to this playing on my computer. I just put it on repeat so it played over and over. It helps me stay relaxed at work. I hope it does the same for you :)
Download, plug in your head phones, and enjoy!
Music by: Unknown SinghShabad: Wahe Guru (24.5MB)
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Well... I think I'm done enough for now with the Turban Tying Tutorials to "officially" put it online. There are still some other turban styles that I want to put up, and some additional info about the turban fabric and lengths. I'll post that up later on.
So go take a look and let me know what you think. I tried to get most of the existing videos that others made and put them together with the videos I made. Ultimately I could see many more turban styles coming up and more detailed information.
Hey... I've been wanting to try some new turban styles...so I'll have to check out some of the videos! I'll let you know how it goes.
There is also some good Q&A info about why we wear a turban and similar questions with answers relating to the Turban.
I would like to thank all my friends who let me record them tying their turbans. My brother Dharam Singh (above pictured Dhamala), Himat Singh (Dhamala with Chakar), Guru Darbar Singh (Double Patti), and Hari Bhajan Kaur (Women's turban pictured above) .
You can watch/download the videos out at:
http://www.sikhnet.com/s/TyingTurbans
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Check out
SeekTV where they are currently featuring two videos relating to the International Day of Peace. There is a video of
Avtar Hari Singh talking about the
Peace Prayer Day that we have here in Espanola every year.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Gurbani MP3 Pick
Well, I have to say I am really enjoying the Acapella Jatha Kirtan. Another featured clip. I just started hearing their voices after I got back from the UK. It's great hearing their simple yet beautiful musical creativity. I hope they continue to create more beautiful music, which is uplifting to listen to.
Music by: Acapella Jatha -
Gurpal Kaur, Rupjit Kaur, Gurbinder Kaur and Rajwinder Kaur
Shabad: Jo Mangai Takhur (4MB)
(Right click on the above link and select "save target as" to download the MP3 file)Make a donation to SikhNet to help cover costs of hosting the MP3 files
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Youth Educational Videos - Ready for a Project?
Well, today was one of those days where I had fun and felt like I got a lot done. I made progress with all kinds of little things, and I am almost done with the Turban Tying Tutorials web page. At least done enough to post it publicly. There will be more turbans to add and improvements to make, for sure.
Many years ago I was planning to do some online educational projects focused towards the Sikh youth. One of them was creating little mini educational videos on all kinds of topics (to post online). I felt that it would serve kids more to have audio and visual means for education (as opposed to long pages of boring text). I wanted to do new videos each week/month and build a library of topics.
With this in mind SikhNet bought a nice digital video camera. This vision/project though has been delayed due to the time and resources needed to carry this out. So...for me, even though the turban videos were a pretty easy project it was fun to "Just Do It", and squeeze it in to make it happen.
It would be great to see other youth take on a project like this. It would be really fun and educational too! Many people have digital video cameras and computers already. All you need is some inexpensive video editing software (Like
Pinnacle Studio). The main thing is the interest and time/willingness to learn. You don't have to be an expert in Sikhi or computers. There is too much information online already, it's overwhelming. I think it is about keeping things simple and just focusing on specific small areas of Sikhi. It could be a 14 year old making cool videos!!
So...I post the challenge out there to anyone who feels called to embark on this adventure with me. Have some fun! Be Creative! If you create a video and it is interesting, we can feature it on SikhNet.com (and my blog of course). I can help guide you too, as best I can.
Let the videos begin!
Spinning Wheel Festival here we come!
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
The 3HO Events Office and SikhNet Office
Jaap Kaur and Her Son Vasu Sukhmani.Today I went down to the 3HO events office to take some pictures of the staff for their website and I ended up having a lot of fun. I always thought it funny seeing the polarity in our offices. The SikhNet office is all techy guys, and the 3HO events office is pretty much all girls (most not so techy). It's a whole different energy. The SikhNet offices are typical guy offices... (let's just say we don't decorate as nice as the Girls). We have to mix it up somehow. SikhNet needs more feminine energy to take care of the Sikh women's needs and give a different approach.
So...after I took pictures I ended up having a few different impromtu chats with people talking about our local community and making the 3HO events more visible and known to the Sikh community as a whole. Most of the 3HO events are not Sikh specific camps and have all kinds of different people, so part of it is orienting the camps to Sikhs in a way that is appealing. The Winter Solstice Camp in Florida is coming up at the end of Decemeber. We'll be posting info on that soon. Right Jaap Kaur? The pressure is on. hahaha..
Jaap Kaur has a young boy who everyone in the office seems to have adopted. It was soo cool seeing all the girls pass around little Vasu.
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Nirinjan taking her turn. Everyone want's to hold him.
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Kyla with Vasu Sukhmani
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Gurbani MP3 Pick
Here is a beautiful audio file by the Acappella Jatha of "Wahe Guru" being Sung in Acappella style with light Piano in the background. Another soothing MP3 to ease your way into another week of work! Enjoy :)
Music by: Acappella Jatha (Gurpal Kaur, Rupjit Kaur, Gurbinder Kaur and Rajwinder Kaur)
Shabad: Wahe Guru (4.5MB)
(Right click on the above link and select "save target as" to download the MP3 file)Make a donation to SikhNet to help cover costs of hosting the MP3 files
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Quote of the Day
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God."
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Boys and their Toys
Ok... I'm not talking about Narayan's toys... but the big boys toys.
I have to say recently my blog posts have been quite random and different. Less spiritual in nature and more random happenings. It takes a lot of time and energy to write and post inspirational stuff. I guess this is just part of my cycle with the blog.
Speaking of more random things, yesterday I was up well into the early morning researching a replacement computer for myself at home. I am currently using a computer that I put together with spare parts 4.5 years ago (Pentium III 1Ghz)....and now that I am using it a lot and for many things I can justify the expense for buying a new one.
I was originally looking at pre-built computers but wanted to keep it under $1,000 and couldn't quite get the mix of specs/price that I wanted. So, Guruka Singh made some suggestions for hardware and off I went to price out all the hardware parts to put it together myself. It's exciting! I spent the most time trying to find reviews on a good quality 19" LCD monitor (the jury is still out).
I can't wait to order the stuff! It's going to be a nice and fast computer. Arjan is the CFO ("Chief Financial Officer") in the family and she said that I have to sell the
beautiful oil paintings that we got painted and framed before I can buy it. Grrrrr.....! Once you get excited...it's hart to wait. Patience...Patience pays.
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Car Shopping.... and Truck replaced by Bajaj scooter?
As I'm sure many of you are aware gas/petrol prices have been extremely high this year. Those who have been to America will have noticed that this is the country with the GIANT gas guzzling cars and trucks. Everyone wants to be the king of the road and have the biggest car/truck. Every year they seem to get bigger and bigger! Very different from Europe where people have a little more sense and have smaller more economical cars.
I currently drive a 1994 Mazda Navajo SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle which is basically a two door Ford Explorer) and it is falling apart by the day so we are planning and saving for a replacement car. It's been a juggling act to find the right blend of features and price range. Even though we are planning to buy a used car it can be overwhelming trying to find the right car. Arjan is going to drive the car and her main criteria is being a "well built car" with decent mileage and the main feature...three rows of seats so that there is room for more kids and passengers. Most of the cars that have this feature are huge SUV's (gas guzzlers) and Mini Vans (Arjan thinks they are dorky)...so that leaves "wagons". So...right now we are looking into a used
Volvo V70 . I don't know why I'm telling all this. Oh well.
Amar Prakash Singh sent me a few photos and his story of how he switched from his big truck to the "Indian Super Mini". Here is his story:
"For about 6 months I have been giving the idea of inexpensive and economical transportation serious consideration. For the past 16 years, I have been running an office cleaning service out of the back of my Ford Ranger. The truck is getting a little old and should be replaced, however, I refuse to pay $15,000 dollars for a vehicle that gets only 20 or 25 mpg.
A couple of months ago,
you posted a couple of photos of some Bajaj scooters that had been imported from India. I went to the
BajajUSA site and much to my surprise, they were also importing the three wheelers. Took one look at the Delivery Van model and said "That's the vehicle for me!!" The best part is that my wife took one look and said "I'm sold!! "
Took delivery last week and already have it in service."
Some matches are made in heaven....but others are made right here on MrSikhNet.com. Hahahahaha. The Ash and Gurumustuk Bachola service will not only find you a husband/wife but we'll find you a car! (Well...let's see if I can find myself a car first!)
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Mother Earth Celebration at the Nearby Pojoaque Pueblo
New Mexico has a large Native American population, so there are quite a few pueblos (where they live). At the Pojoaque pueblo they were having an event to celebrate "Mother Earth". Here are a few pictures from our visit.
There were some different displays. One of them was on Solar power. There were these interesting solar cooking devices that they were displaying. They also had a solar powered water pump and a totally solar remote control car.
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Narayan's new favorite toy snake (a rubber coral snake)
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Mr. T-Rex and his papa..
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Arjan and Narayan watching the Native Americans from the local Pueblo do their special method of cooking fish (which someone from a pueblo in Washington caught and brought down to NM). They dig a huge pit and had the fish lined up around the fire. Narayan kept asking Arjan "Why do they eat fish?". We tried to explain as best we could (we are vegetarians).
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Heading home. The landscape was covered by these beautiful glowing yello flowers. It was really beautifull.
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Akandh Path Bhog
In the morning we went to the Akandh Path Bhog at the Gurdwara (finishing of the Akandh Paath). Every Saturday morning the Akandh Path finishes. It's always nice to be there and hear the slokhs being read and then "Aarti" sung afterwards. It's a cozy small gathering in the Gurdwara. The Akandh Path is held in a small alcove near the rear of the Gurdwara. This is where our Gurdwara and kirtan normally happens in the mornings.
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Akandh Path Slokhs being read
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Sat Nirmal Kaur playing Aarti
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Friday Chilling and MP3 Pick
Well... another week has flown by and it is Friday once again. Today I have been chugging away at converting all the Turban Tying videos to the various formats, organizing pictures, text, web page, etc. It's a lot of work...all the details. If it were just one turban than this would have been done. But so far there are about 10 different turban variations. Getting close.
This evening I feel like relaxing and having some time off of the computer with my family. Lately I have been on the computer too much. Having this blog doesn't help this scene either. Hahaha.
So, I'll leave you with this "MP3 Pick" which I recently came across. It is a nice relaxing track of the Sri Deshmesh Girls Jatha doing Simran (Waheguru), with flute, guitar, and violin. I like traditional Gurbani Kirtan which is more common, but I also really like the simran/gurbani which has a modern feel to it. I'm always on the lookout for new stuff. Most of this style comes from the youth. Enjoy :)
Music by: Sri Deshmesh Girls Jatha
Shabad: Wahe Guru (Mala Simran) (24MB)
(Right click on the above link and select "save target as" to download the MP3 file)Make a donation to SikhNet to help cover costs of hosting the MP3 files
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One of my many side projects is the
SikhPhotos.com art gallery. You can browse through a collection of Sikh art and photographs that I have taken over the years. One of the new services which I am now offering is to be able to order and purchase an original, hand painted, one of a kind piece of artwork based on a photograph!
So....you can go through the
SikhPhotos.com art gallery and pick out any of the pictures and have it created into a stunning piece of artwork in your choice of medium (color pencil sketch, watercolor, oil painting). You can even send me your own picture (family, married couple, friends, whatever) and our team of skilled artists will create a beautiful painting from it. If you like having Sikh art or just want to get a really unique gift for someone,
check it out.
Ok...I'm done with the ad. But really...check it out :)
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Carefree Kids Playing in the Mud Puddles
It sure is refreshing to see kids play and be fool of joy. They are so innocent and carefree. This afternoon after the "mommas" where hanging out as the kids were playing in the trench of mud from the irrigation ditch. It was pretty fun to watch them.
These days my blog posts have been mostly happenings and less thoughts and writings. I've been super busy at work with all kinds of stuff. Also squeezing in the Turban tying videos which are almost complete (first round). Still more to to.
Anyways... hopefully these pictures make you smile and brighten up your day a little. Remember yourself as a child. :)
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Carefree and running around in the grassy field
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Narayan the Mudface Singh
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Momma 1.... Momma 2
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Just being a kid...and playing in the mud.
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"I'm a Monster.... Graaaawwww"
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Narayan In the "Sea" of mud.
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The Mammas...watching the mud kids. Deva Kaur, Jiwan Shakti Kaur, and Arjan Kaur.
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Mud fight!
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Narayan chasing after Siri Atma trying to wash her off
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Beautiful New Mexico
Well, here I am driving and trying to capture this beautiful scene out my window. Isn't it nice? In the background are the Santa Fe mountains (?). Great wilderness, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing/snowboarding in the winter time (It does snow here).
I took Narayan to go to soccer/football practice, but he didn't want to play so we ended up just hanging out on the field and eating dinner.
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Espanola, New Mexico is the high desert and I think is about 5000-6000 feet above sea level. There are lots of small hills that span the horizon.
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More of the New Mexico Landscape
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Beautiful Espanola Sunsets - Time for Rest
One thing which I love about New Mexico is the wide open skies and the spectacular colors that you get at all times of the day. As I was blogging earlier I looked out the window and saw this sky. I think it is appropriate for the day. I sure am tired. So much been going on these days. I think it is a message to take the night off from blogging and being on the computer. Sort-of. Hahaha....
It's good to see that Ek Ong Kaar Kaur wrote a post on the blog. She is covering me. She is such a good writer and always has inspiring personal experiences to share. We should encourage her to post more :)
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Another picture of the espanola sunset
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Meditations on Forgiveness
by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur KhalsaWahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh
Fair warning: for those who are used to reading about Sikh-related stories, this is more of a rambling, inter-faith, Piscean-Aquarian kind of piece. But my prayer is that the Guru always guides what I write – no matter what it's about. So I hope you enjoy it.
Today, I was at Ralph's Locksmith getting duplicates for the keys of my (finally-oh-my-god-I’ve-purchased at age 37) home. Like many family-owned businesses in Espanola – in a small case tucked into the side of the store were some Catholic paintings and statues. I grew up Catholic. It's home base for my spiritual searching. When I was 7 years old, I used to get up early and go listen to mass at the chapel next to the school yard before going to school in the morning. Some people thought I was crazy. Other people thought I would grow up to be a saint. None of them were right- I think my soul just had a longing – even at that young age – for a connection to something deeper. Something more real than the life I saw around me.
God and Jesus were cool. It was the nuns that I had problems with. Especially the ones who told me that Jesus was the only way to God. I never believed them. Finally, in the sixth grade, one nun got so mad at me for not believing that she told me I was going to hell. There's nothing that'll put you off following a religion faster than being told that you're going to hell. So in the sixth grade, I started studying other paths. When all of my feminine peers were beginning to notice boys, I was noticing the Dao de Jing and the Kabbalah.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
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A few people have inquired about the music which I used in the background of the Turban Tying video. This is a really cool album that you will enjoy if you are into fusion music (like me). Below is a little bit about the album and download links.'Tribute To Mardana' is a spiritual world-fusion album dedicated to Bhai Mardana (1459-1534), the Muslim rebab player who accompanied Sikhism founder Guru Nanak on his travels.
The project was conceived by Jagmohan "Jaggu" Singh and produced by
RS. It features such guests as TV personality Asha Gill, singer Hardev Kaur, bagpiper Pervinder Singh and didgeridoo player Justin Lim. All the tracks were recorded on a portable hard-disk multitrack recorder.
Please feel free to download the music as many times as you want. We hope you derive as much pleasure listening to the songs as we did creating them. When you're done, please check out the other highly talented artists at this free site, including
Call The Paramedics,
Bode's Noise Box,
Jason,
Che Ahmad,
Kluk Kluk Adventure,
WOD,
synthdude,
Traditional Music of Kelantan and
RS.
Download the MP3 Files from the Album "Tribute to Mardana"
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Turban Tying Videos - That's a Wrap!
For years I have been getting people asking for videos on how to tie a turban. So, I finally got around to working on the project. There are so many different ways to tie a turban. Even one turban which is the same style can be tied with many different variations. I plan to put up a web page and start posting the videos that I am making (along with other people's videos). So, in the end there will be quite a collection of styles. I mostly wanted to share our local flavor of the turban. Especially the women's turbans which are not as common. So, stay tuned!
Here is one of the videos on tying a Dhamala. Himat Singh is the teacher for today.
Let me know what you think. It takes a lot of time to do this all and I am trying to keep things simple. I guess given my little free time I'm trying to at least get something up.
Sept 20th UPDATE:I have finished the first pass of the turban tying tutorial page. You can now view all the videos on SikhNet at:http://www.sikhnet.com/s/TyingTurbans
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The Dhamala Turban
The Nihang Warrior, Dhamala Turban
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Here I am with Guru Darbar getting ready to record the next turban tying tutorial on a beautiful saturday morning.
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Dharam in action tying his Dhamala while I am video taping it.
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Narayan hanging out with Kalu (our dog) eating breakfast after a sleep over with his uncle Dharam.
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Now that everyone else has Dhamala's on... "I want a Dhamala!" So here is uncle Dharam tying the turban on Narayan.
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The finished turban on Narayan. Cho-kute...
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The playfull Narayan comes out!
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This is Narayan's second "family", on the other side of Espanola. Narayan normally has a "sleep over" at their house on the weekend. They are so great. Narayan loves them.
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Chilling out with Uncle Dharam after doing the turban tying videos
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The Double Patti Turban
Super Punjabi Style Turban (Double Patti)
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The Casual Turban
The casual early "sadhana" turban. Some girls wear turbans like this when they get up early in the morning to go for the Group sadhana at the Gurdwara. It's more of a "relaxed" turban.
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The Formal Turban
The Formal-Normal day to day turban that most Sikh women wear here.
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The Kids Program at Gurdwara
At every Gurdwara we have the "Kids program" where they get up in front of the whole sangat and do some songs with hand motions.
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Here is a video of one from this last Gurdwara on Sunday.
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Hukamnama at Gurdwara
Hari Bhajan Kaur Reading the Hukamnama at Gurdwara. It was so beautiful to hear in Gurdwara.
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Here is a video of Hari Bhajan Kaur reading the Hukamnama at the end of Gurdwara.
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Jaap kaur and her son Vasu. These kids are all so cute! I love them!
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The famous.... Mr. Prabhu Singh Khalsa. In
his blog I don't think you see him much so I thought I would post a picture of him. He is one of our local very eligible single sardars.
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Another one...
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After Gurdwara Fun
Whenever there is running water....then there is fun to be had. The potent mixture is when dirt comes into the picture. Mud puddles!! It was hard trying to keep the kids from getting totally muddy. If I had left for a few minutes they would have been soaking in mud. Run....jump...splash!
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Playing in the bath together. I remember those days!
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Saturday Night Celebrating Lakhsmi Kaur's Birthday (left). She always ties super wicked turbans with all kinds of different fabric.
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Google in Punjabi at:
http://www.google.com/intl/pa/ (You'll have to have Punjabi setup on your computer in windows to be able to type in Punjabi. For details
click here.)
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Help with Bandwidth Costs for Audio and Videos?
More and more people are visiting this blog and watching videos which is totally cool!! I love posting little videos that give a different viewpoint than pictures. However with that comes the additional bandwidth costs. I just starting using an awesome new blog service
Audioblog.com which I highly recommend to anyone who is into blogging and might want to post audio or video in their blog. They offer a free 7 day trial and pretty inexpensive fees as long as you have minimal bandwidth. You get 5GB of bandwidth per month free, of which I have already used in the first day from people watching videos. It's $1 per GB of bandwidth after that.
So if you can, please do make donation to help pay for the bandwidth costs. Give a couple of dollars...or whatever you can. It all helps.
Click on the button below to make a donation. Thanks for your support! :) -
Gurumustukps. This is a donation to me personally (not SikhNet), because I run the blog personally and pay for the expenses out of my pocket.
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GRD Health Center - OPEN HOUSE
This Saturday the
GRD Health Center held an "Open House Fair", with yummy food, entertainment, and best of all, free treatments from all the great doctors/healers. (In case you didn't notice, this is where my wife Arjan practices as a Doctor of Chiropractic). At the clinic there is a broad range of alternative health care options.
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Diet and Nutrition
- Counseling
All kinds of people from our local community came to the event. It was a good way to encourage people to explore different ways to improve their health and deal with problems that they may be having. Too often we put our health off and wait till things are acute before we deal with it. GRD Health Center does some great work in the community and helps a lot of people.
Here are some pictures from the day's events.
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The GRD Health Clinic staff/health practioners.
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Stress? Pain? You name it...we take care of it here.
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Prabhujot Singh, Sarabjot Kaur and Narayan holding the rope which is blocking off the cars from coming into the parking log where the festivities are being held in front of the GRD Health Clinic.
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Siri Atma...as always with her bright smiles.
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Arjan working on someone who came to the clinic open house.
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Narayan hard at work rubbing his chalk on the ground into a big file. Notice his soccor/football shin guards (AKA: Armour). He didn't want to take them off...and thought they were cool.
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Narayan kept wanting to show me his chalk colored hand. He kept rubbing the chalk on the ground and then smearing his hand all over it.
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Some of the kids doing art projects. Painting...drawing...etc.
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The kids totally involved with sidewalk chalk drawing all kinds of things.
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Cheese...
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Narayan showing a picture that he drew of me and him.
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Arjan being Arjan and making sure that everyone is being taken care of.
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Sarabjot Kaur and Narayan Singh listening to Harpal's Super kids songs.
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Harpal Singh playing the guitar and singing funny kids songs like "don't stick your finger in your nose..."
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Kids doing a dance for us all at the "Open House"
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These kids did an African dance for entertainment, and to encourage other kids to come to the class at the local community college. They started teaching all kinds of dances as a way to get the children active and explore other cultures.
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Sat Shabad with her Suraj Kaur snuggled close.
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Sita giving a massage to Sahib Singh. Dharampal singh in the background also working on someone.
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Narayan getting a chiropractic treatment from Dr. Arjan (Aka: Mamma)
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The sweet "pudhs" as she is affectionately known by her sister. This was a nick name which came from the well known word "padh"...as in "flatulate". I'm sure you can guess where this came from.
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"Arjan...look over here...I want to take your picture!"
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Having fun!
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Narayan not quite getting why the tape won't go into the CD player tray. He kept pressing the button for the tape to go in (when it was placed on the CD tray)...and it just wouldn't go in. I wonder why? I did help him when I saw this...but just thought it was funny :)
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The Indeep Kaur's Interview with Ashvinder
Indeep Kaur doing a surprise interview with Ashvinder about finding someone special. This was while we were driving in the car through southall, UK. Notice the "microphone" which is a prop...and actually Ash's cell phone. Ash promised to put put a video online of himself... but this is a SAMPLE marriage interview of Ash. Emphasis on the word SAMPLE. Ash is not actively looking, he is just keeping a promise.
Note: Ashvinder is not looking, so no marriage requests. Ok? This is just for fun.
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Ash interviews "Massive Singh"
We are lucky enough to meet so many Sikhs through the internet and motivational talks, so we figured it would be great to help some of our friends meet up. So we now have informally setup
The Ash and Gurumustuk Bachola Service (Bachola = Matchmaker) The following video is from a Goony Singh from the UK. Hope you enjoy.
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Life in Southall - West London, England
An interview about life in the infamous Southall, England.
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The Children's Program
"The Children's Program of stories, music, games and food will start a new year this Thursday, Sept 8th, at 5:30pm. We will gather at Guru Gobind Singh Pavilion for stories of Guru Tegh Bahadur followed by a "nine treasures" treasure hunt - please have the children bring a bag to put their treasures in."
This was a fun event for the kids. Guru Simran Kaur organizes these for the kids every month. They really enjoyed hearing stories about sikh history with Guru Meher Kaur and then venturing around the Gurdwara property in search of "9 treasures". Each step of the way they learned something cool. One of the stops was outside Akal Security where Daya Singh (Head "chef" of Akal Security) talked to the kids about how Akal security was founded.
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Story telling with Guru Meher Kaur (senior)
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Guru Meher Kaur telling a story about Makhan Shah and Guru Teg Bahadhur.
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The children listening intently to Guru Meher Kaur tell stories.
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Sat Shabad Kaur and her daughter Suraj Kaur
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Guru Simran Kaur talking to the kids about the 7th "treasure" and then giving hints on how to find the next treasure.
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On the second floor of the Langar hall are Sikh Dharma International offices. On the "balcony" there are 10 of these figures that have an etched glass of each of the Gurus that lights up at night.
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One of the glass etchings of a Sikh Guru. I couldn't quite get an angle without the relection and showing the tree through the glass.
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Arjan...enjoying Jaapa Kaur's son for a few minutes
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Whatch out Jathedar Sahibs! The new generation of Sikhs is getting ready for the next golf tournament! One of the "treasures" that they got were golf clubs...so all the kids were on the field whacking the plastic golf balls. It was a funny sight.
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Narayan showing his Golfing techniques! He actually hits the ball really well. My father took him out on the range and he hit really well.
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Sahib Singh eager to get in the picture.
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Wahe Guru Chew! - Yumm Yumm Joy!
I don't know if you have ever heard of Wha Guru Chews. These are some Caramelly/nutty "power bars" that I grew up on. This is a classic candy/snack from the early 70's that was created by some Sikhs in our community. It has stood the test of time and is still around today.
The wrapper used to be different and had an illustration of the Golden Temple shining bright on the front. In the recent years they added a few more flavors which are extra yummy. My favorite is Almond Ginger. You can get them at most Health Food stores in the USA and I think in Canada/UK.
If you gave a donation during last years annual SikhNet fundraiser you would have been a lucky one to receive this sweet tasty bar.
History of the "Wha Guru Chew"
What were we thinking? Clearly, we weren’t. Long, long ago (January 18, 1973 to be exact), in a small bakery in a small town called Eugene, Oregon, the Wha Guru Chew revolution was begun by sleepy, overnight bakers. Back then, Golden Temple granola was made in pizza ovens and it took twelve hours to bake a 1,000 pounds – later delivered in a 1963 Chevy station wagon. So Nirvair Singh was usually up all night baking granola. His yearning, poetic soul cried to break free from the artistic restraints of pizza oven granola baking. (And possibly the ‘63 Chevy).
On that fateful night, Nirvair and his wife were finishing up their long, hot day of baking so they could attend a birthday party. As they were cleaning up they came to the pot of honey goo that made golden granola so sweet and felt it would be a shame to waste what was left of the secret ingredient. In a flash of insane inspiration the couple gathered up whole nuts, seeds, and other extra naturally delicious granola ingredients, and folded them into the caramelly golden goo. When the concoction cooled, they rolled it into mini football shapes and brought it to the birthday party. One bite and everyone exclaimed, “Wha Guru!” It was that good.
From that day on, generations of nuts would enjoy a natural snack bar that began a candy revolution. A new, no refined sugar experience would sweep the country. Of course, the bakers had no idea what they were doing. This proud tradition continues today.
wha-guru: (hwah’-goor-oo) adj.
A verbal exclamation of pure, unrefined joy.
chew: (choo) noun Caramelly goo and nuts you grind with your teeth until lost in a haze of pleasure.
If you want to learn more about this little wonder you can go to the website: http://www.whaguruchew.com
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Gurbani MP3 Pick
During the Sikh Student Camp in England two of the youth sevadhars at the camp (Ramta and Sukha Singh) led the sangat with some wonderful Gurbani Kirtan. This particular Shabad and tune became like the "theme song" for the camp. It was blissful sitting there before Guruji singing all together and feeling Chardikala! I don't have the actual recording from the camp....but here is the same shabad and tune that was sung.
All of you SS campers...... listen and you'll be brought back to the week at camp.
Music by: Bhai Sharanjit Singh Thawar
Shabad: Saajanra Mera Saajanra (7MB)
(Right click on the above link and select "save target as" to download the MP3 file)Make a donation to SikhNet to help cover costs of hosting the MP3 files
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My Luck with Airport Security and Customs
On my trip to and from England every step of the way the security pulled me aside to check my bags or grill me with a million questions. When I landed in England I finally passed my 5 minute interview with the first person....and they cleared me to go...only to have someone pull me aside right after that to start all over again. Pfhew! I think I have to make up some stories. When I say I'm teaching at a camp...they must think terrorist camp. When say I work for SikhNet which is a non-profit organization...they must think....terrorist funding. It's like all my answers just feed them and they want more. I always seem to get grilled. Even when I went to Canada...same thing.
When I landed in the USA on my way back from England, I was waiting for my bag to come out and was watching the customs security man standing there. I was thinking how boring it might be for him...and that he must just pick people out to cure his boredome...or in hope of "catching the one"!
Then when I got my bag I walked towards the "nothing to declare" section of customs, and lo-and-behold that very security guy pulls me aside and tell me to go wait over on the side. He then tells me that he needs to search my luggage, and starts asking me questions. He brought another guy over...who starts to open my carry-on luggage and meticulously go through every single item and question it. "What's on this DVD/CD (Pictures/Music)? What is this movie about (Miri Piri Academy video)? What is this (Nitnem)? What are these pills (Vitamins/Acidopholus)? It went on and on.....! He pulled out some of my business cards and asked about it. I told him that I run a website which connects and teaches about Sikhs. Next thing I know the other guy is taking some cards...and typing it up on his computer. I see the SikhNet home page load....and AHHH... I see the featured SikhiWiki article with the image of Baba Deep Singh. In my mind...I was like..."what is he going to think!"...a turbaned guy with a sword... "Torrorist!". So I talked to them and explained who the Sikhs are....and what we stand for. I told them about the turban and how 99% of people that you would see in America who wear turbans are Sikhs. Etc. Etc. In then end it turned into an educational interview for them. After giving them that info...and he finished checking my carry-on luggage he seemed satisfied to let me go. I was just glad that we didn't have to go through my other bag. I was already the last one out of customs after the 30 minute "Educational Seminar".
So... I guess that is the price, and gift that we have as Sikhs of the Guru, to never fit in...and stand out like kings and queens. It may be inconvenient but...who wants to be normal? I for one want to be original and a leader of the pack, who does not meld to the norm to fit in. Small sacrifices compared to the Sikhs of the Gurus times.
Anyways...it's all a fun learning and sharing adventure!
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Jathedhars Take a Turn on the Golf Course
While I was in England there were all kinds of things going on in my home town of Espanola. There was a big
birthday party to celebrate and commemorate the life of Siri Singh Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi ji (Aka:
Yogi Bhajan ) and many guests came from far away to participate, including a few different Jathedhars from India.
The friday before the birthday party we held the annual AMAR INFINTY FOUNDATION's Yogiji Memorial Golf Classic golf tournament. The unique thing this year (so I heard) was the Jathedars dropping in and playing some golf. I happened to talk to my mother (Sat Kirin Kaur) while I was in England and thought this was so cool, and had to see some pictures. It's one of those cultural clashes that you don't expect. So, thanks to Ardas Kaur (who took the pictures) you can see for yourself.
It was strange and fun reading
Prabhu Singh's blog while I was in England. I was able to keep in the know of what was going on in my home town. It was strange though reading it from an observers role as opposed to the normal role of participating.
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The Super 7 Golf Team! Unheard of!! Various Jathedhars from India and Bhai Avtar Singh raagi jatha.
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Jathedar of Patna Sahib taking a turn at putting the golf ball into the hole at the "Yogi ji Classic" Golf tournament.
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Bhai Avtar Singh Ragi taking a turn at putting the Golf ball into the hole! Par!
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Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Joginder Singh Vedanti aiming for the hole.
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Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Joginder Singh Vedanti on the golf range ready to putt the golf ball.
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Jathedar of Anandpur Sahib taking a swing at putting the golf ball in the hole.
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Bhai Avtar Singh Ragi with Jathedar of Anandpur Sahib
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Blog Revolution!
Well.... it seems like the blog seeds were planted and now blogs are sprouting all over the place! It's Blog Party!! It's cool having the local blog "circle" of different people in the same city/community and sharing their experiences and life. Even though it is the same area it is so different. It's cool when they intersect too.
Two more locals and friends are now blogging:
Auntie Guru Meher Kaur who I lived with for quite a few years in my late teen years before I got married. She took good care of me :) She is the mother of
Guru Darbar Singh who is a good friend of mine and old school mate.
http://gurumeher.blogspot.comThen there is my Funkadelic Sister.... I mean Super Bibi....
Guru Darshan Kaur who loves photography among many other things. You can check her new blog out at:
http://gurudarshan.blogspot.com/The Sikh Blogger Page on
SikhiWiki is growing daily. When I first started blogging in March I couldn't find many Sikh bloggers so started this page to keep track of them. Now see what has happened! I remember hearing "blog this" and "blog that"...but I really didn't get what hype was about blogs until I joined the ranks. The power of personal connection with the masses!
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Sikh in Houston: Katrina Volunteer Relief Efforts
Message Posted Ek Ong Kaar KaurWahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.
Friends in Texas have been sending e-mails to each other - sharing what's happening with the relief efforts in Houston and how the Sikhs are getting involved. Here's some excerpts from some of the emails that have been sent.... Blessings... -
Ek Ong Kaar KaurWednesday, September 7, 2005
As you know, thousands of evacuees from the hurricane have come on their own or have been brought to Houston for shelter. The whole city of Houston has come together so far with an enormous response of volunteers and supplies. The Astrodome and George R. Brown Convention Center have been turned into well organized shelters and are covering many, many needs including providing medical care, meals, clothing and supplies, telephone banks, etc.
The Houston 3HO Sikh Sangat is very small but at least five of us have spent time volunteering at the Astrodome working in whatever capacity was our expertise or where we were needed. We have been well received and they are grateful for the help. There are two categories of volunteers: medical and non-medical. In the medical area a volunteer is utilized according to how they are licensed. In the non-medical area a call for a job to be filled is made and volunteers who can fill those jobs are sent there.
The Sikh Center in Houston is also sending volunteers to the Astrodome. In my humble assessment, it is not really an issue here in Houston that the city has a lack of hands to do the work. Houston is a very large city and has the man-power. What is important though, is that there be a strong Sikh presence. The Siri Singh Sahib said we must be known for our service so anyone who wishes to come and serve is welcome.
There is another need for service. United Sikhs has organized a lungar kitchen in Baton Rouge and they are in desperate need of volunteers. That city, from what I understand, has nearly doubled their population with hurricane evacuees. You should call Kuldip Singh with United Sikhs who is coordinating volunteers at 404-550-8356. Also, this is the email address of Mejindarpal Kaur who is the point person for that lungar seva in Baton Rouge mejindarpal@yahoo.com. They will be most grateful for any extra hands. You can see what they are doing on their website
http://www.unitedsikhs.org.
Keep us informed of any plans that may be made within the Espanola sangat.
Love and blessings, Guru Gian Kaur
....
Click Here to Read More
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Am I The Bachola? (Matchmaker)
Well, after my adventures in England I'm back to my normal day to day happenings. Time to get back in gear with work! Not the type of work that I normally do. I've got some serious work to do...but this time it is not just at SikhNet.
Many of my friends are in their early to late 20's, and are single. I know what it is like to be searching for someone special to spend your life with (ie: get married). I remember thinking that it was hopeless, because most of the potential single people I knew were people I grew up with and went to school with. (They knew all the embarrassing times when you were young). My circle of friends is pretty small here and we have a small community so there are not very many choices.
As I started to travel this year to other places like Canada and UK I realized that there were some really cool modern, spiritual, open minded, single Sikhs out there from "punjabi" background. It just opened up the possibilities. Most of my friends are "white" and from a western background, so naturally would want to meet someone with similar background (cultural/spiritual). There is definitely a stereotype of your typical Indian Sikh and their roles in marriage. People and relationships are very different in India and places like US/UK. However....someone who is born and raised in a western country would be very similar, and more compatible.
So... the past few months the idea has been brewing in my mind..... Why not try to help introduce some of my friends to other Sikhs outside of our community?
None of them know what I am planning (though...neither do I...hahaha) but somehow I feel the need to help out. I just want to help introduce some people that I know and meet.
Now the trick is to see if any of them are interested in exploring this. When I was in England me and Ashvinder did some fun video interviews with some of our new friends. I think I'll try to get some more of my friends here and post them on a page.
Well, let's see what happens. Stay Tuned!
PS. Do you have ideas of questions that you might ask someone if I were to do a video interview? Stuff like
this.
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Pool Party!
Alright
Ashvinder....after all that talk of you having pool parties at your apartment in Singapore, and right when I get home there it is! A Pool Party! We got invited over to one of our friends house for a pool party. It was amazing. The gardens...the fountains...the pool. Wow! I felt like I was in Lifestyles of the Rich and famous. Hard to imagine this in little old Espanola.
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Going for a swim in the beautiful pool!
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The kids getting ready to go for a swim in the pool.
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The super heroes of the party!
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Underwater Swim
When I was younger we used to always see who could swim the furthest under water with one breath. It's been ages since I did that...so I thought I would give it a try and make sure I could still do it. It looks cool watching someone swim underwater from above, especially in this pool!
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Is this a cool pool party or what?? Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!
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Disco Divani
Narayan and the other kids showing off their dance moves. The music was faint...so you can't hear it in the video.
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Narayan after a good swim in the pool
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Harimandir Singh getting attacked by Narayan
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Singh Kaur Music - New CD
If any of you like music by Singh Kaur....check out this new album. I heard a few of the sound clips and it sounds great. I just ordered a copy. Her music is classic. I grew up listening to it and going to sleep with it playing. Actually...some of her music is playing right now in my house :)
http://www.sequoiarecords.com/119.php
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Massive Zuchinnis in our garden
This is what happens when you leave your Zuchinni Squash plants for a couple weeks. They get MASSIVE! When I was here last I had to check every morning and pick the zuchinni otherwise they get really big in just an extra day or so. Arjan was so busy that she didn't have a chance to pick any of them...so there were some HUGE zuchinnis. Here is Narayan holding one of them. (The don't taste very good big like this. You have to pick them when they are small).
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The bugs were getting the Zuchinni Squash plants in our garden so I pulled them all out...and planted some lettuce in it's place.
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Are you Naked....whoops...I mean Knackered?
If you are ever walking down the street in England and you hear someone say they are Naked..you might wonder what they are talking about. I remember when I was at the Sikh Camp...and was behind one person who said to a friend how "Knackered" they were....I was thinking...."Whoa!" what are they talking about. I asked them...and they said...not "Naked" but "Knackered".....which I guess means "very tired" or "exhausted". If you are not listening carefully you can mistake the two words. Anyways....since then I noticed everyone using that word and thought it was pretty amusing. There are all kinds of interesting English words and slang that I learnt while I was there in England.
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Home Sweet Home
Well... I made it home. While I had a blast in England...there is nothing like being home and with my family. Arjan and Narayan picked me up from the airport last night....and I savored the long long hug from Narayan. I missed his sweet little face and bright smile. It just melts me.
Here are a few pictures from the last day or so that I was in England.
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Kew Gardens - Last day in UK
On my last day in England a few of us went to Kew Gardens which is a Botanical Garden. There were all kinds of cool plants. My favorite were these HUGE lilly pads that seemed to be meant for Giant Frogs to sit on. Maybe Narayan too??
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Lotus flowers in the water
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Lotus Flower in the water...
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Navigating the gardens
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Floating plants in the water
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Picnic in the park...of kew Gardens
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On the mobile phone.
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With gas prices as high as they are these days.... you might have to trade in your massive truck for one of these super mini's. Most people in the UK seemed to have pretty small cars, unlike in the US where people are buying bigger and bigger cars.
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Manpreet Kaur (Sugar)...and me at the Samagam in Northholt...UK...
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The Nishkam Seva Jatha had a gallery at a 4 day Samagam...and they had a beautiful replical of the Golden Temple complex....with water and all.
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The afternoon in Birmingham
I visited the Nishkam Seva Jatha Gurdwara in Birmingham, UK to meet with the Bhai Sahib. I was shown around the Gurdwara and on the roof there was some really beautiful craft work. The ceiling of the Gurdwara was really beautiful. It was inlaid with little glass mirror pieces making all kinds of shapes and designs.
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The ceiling of the Gurdwara
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Guruji on the roof of the Gurdwara
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The view from the roof of the Gurdwara towards Soho Road...
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In Birmingham I visited my friend Jujhar Singh and his wife.
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Heading Home...
Well... it had to happen eventually. Time to go home. I had such a great time, met so many interesting and cool people. Lots of stories to tell. This visit to the UK was really great and will be remembered. Everyone was so nice and took really good care of me. I really appreciate how so many people were so friendly and took the time out to make sure I had company and had a fun time.
Last night randeep, indeep and kiwi, rallied up the troops...and got everyone to come over to my house (mandip's house) for a going away kirtan session. We played kirtan and did simran for hours. I thought 'I was going to get to bed early.....but as usual...didn't get there till after 2am. Well...once I get home I'll be able to get back into my normal routine.
Alright.... I have a long flight home...so will catch up with more later. I can't wait to see Arjan and Narayan's smiling face. I miss them!
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The Arcade and Bowling
Daytona....race track with all of the singhs
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Me and Indeep taking on the whole army....at the bowling place
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The chipmunks
Here is what happens when you get a bunch of people together late at night and there happens to be helium balloons around. Here is Mr. bob singh saying a few words after breating healium from the baloon.
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Ashvinder Bowling Superstar
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Some of the cool singhs I hung out with in UK
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Mandip's back yard..with loads of flowers.It was so nice in the morning going out on lawn and doing yoga in the morning.
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Indeep kaur
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Mandip Singh our dedicated sevadhar who drove me everywhere...and took care of everything...
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The Gang! (some of it at least)
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Cruising through southall. Guru Di Kirpa
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Indeep and me at the new southall gurdwara
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At the new southall Gurdwara...
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Me and Sukhmani kaur in riding in the tube to london with the rest of the gang
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At the tube station heading into london
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Jaikaras around the Bonfire
One night at Sikh Student Camp we had a gathering around a bonfire. We heard some stories, did some simran, and then at the end we filled the air with Jaikaras. Many felt Guru Gobind Singh there with us all. Here is a video which you can hear some of the jaikaras chanted over and over. It's one of those things that you had to have been there.
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2005 SSC Paranthathon
Stomach ache? They ended up running out of paranthas so couldn't complete the competition that day.
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It's been quite the busy week meeting with different people and doing other fun things with new friends from the camps. Ashvinder just left this morning to return to Singapore and Mandip is off at the airport getting ready to go to India tomorrow. So... I have a little time to catch up on the blog and write a journal entry.
I have really had such a great experience being here in England, particularly at the Sikh Student Camp. This was DEFINITELY the high point of my visit. If I left after that week I would have been satisfied. I guess I kind of figured that the camp might just be "business as usual". But to my surprise I had an amazing experience. This camp is truly unique.
Much of my experience with other Sikhs has left the overall impression of Sikhs in general being very critical, judgmental, and close minded. So...even though I knew that this camp was focused on Sikhs who might not really know that much about Sikhi, and had a very openminded approach, I didn't expect to have the experiences that I did.
There was such a mix of unique people that shared so much. The approach of the camp was really great. I watched as everyone around me transformed as they had different experiences at the camp. Everything that was taught was done so in such an openminded way. Everyone was able to participate and do things that they might never have done. It allowed people to really experience sikhi in a way that many have never experienced. During the week it was like I was in a different world. It was like I was in a bubble at the camp and totally involved in the activies.
My heart really opened up at the camp. There was so much love and joy from everyone. It was contagious. There were some campers that outwardly did not look like Sikhs but were so spiritual and had some amazing things to say. It really surprised me. It really goes to show that given the right environment people can really open up and blossom.
The last few days of the camp I was so full of love and joy. Every time we got together and sang shabad kirtan in the Gurdwara tears would flow. I don't know why. I wasn't sad. This is the same experience that I normally have when I go to the Summer Solstice camp in Espanola. Guruji was definitely present with us at camp. You could feel it in the air.
I know I haven't really said many specifics about the camp, but there is soo much. I don't even know where to start. Every aspect of it was great. The sangat of people there really did make the experience. The sevadhars of the camp really have to be commended. They worked really hard to organize this week long camp. I wish there could be camps like this all over and much more frequently.
The Sikh youth of today are so confused and don't really have a chance to experience sikhi. There is so much judgment and closemindedness that it pushes our youth away. It is sad to see this. However, when I go to camps like this and meet beautiful singhs and singhnis like I did.... I feel that there is hope. Slowly I know things will change.
I highly recommend that you participate in the camp next summer. I will definitely try to come again next year. This will be a visit to remember. I look forward to traveling more and meeting sangat in other places around the world. It has been a blessing for me to be a part of this all. We all have so much to learn and share with eachother.
Chardikala!
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Nishaan Sahib Seva at the camp.
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Singhnis at the camp
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Singhnis from the camp in Chardikala!
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"Tuning in" before we start the workshop.
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Talking to the camp about my life and experiences being a Sikh
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Me and Ashvinder doing a workshop with the camp
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"Scottish" singh (right) and his friend....who were some of the younger sevadhars at the camp.
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Doing a meditation on the steps outside the school/camp
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It rained all day and night for most of the camp. this was the calm after the storms when we finally got some clear skies as the sun set.
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Ramta and Sukha Singh playing some amazing kirtan. Everyone was feeling Chardikala!
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Evening Darbar at the camp..
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Evening Bonfire at the camp
The bon fire blazing high.
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Bright "scottish" singh by the fire
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Nihang Singh
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Standing around the bonfire
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Fire flies into the sky#
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Fire blazing behind the singhs
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Indeep Kaur
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Mandip Singh... gurumustuj...and Sukha Singh
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The bond of joy flowing through everyone
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Doing simran under the starlight
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Meditating while we all do simran around the fire
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The blazing fire
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Fire flies into the sky
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Akal!
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Shouting Jaikaras of ....Akal! Sat Siri Aakal!
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"Bob" Singh
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Simran around the fire
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Sukha singh doing Ardas
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This was the staff room where many of the sevadhars and myself slept. It was not luxurious...but that was part of the experience. It was great being together with everyone and roughing it up.
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Here I am in a Damala turban. Some of my nihang singh friends tied it on me.
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The sevadhars worked all the time. Here is one singh who didn't get any sleep and sat down...and "crashed" out for a few minutes. We hardly slept at all the whole week. The sevadhars slept even less. We would just squeeze in little naps whenever possible to keep going.
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power nap....
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Sukha Singh.....what can I say. He is another amazing guy. He is only 18 years old but is much older as a person. He did a lot of katha explaining the meaning of the hukams and shabads. It was very inspiring to many. Him and the other nihang singhs were really great.
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Mandip singh and me. Mandip is such a great sevadhar. He really took care of me and ashvinder during the two weeks. It was so nice to be with him and his family. He and his friends are the reason I was able to come to the UK. I am gratefull to him and his friends who pitched in for my ticket to the uk. It really meant a lot to have young gursikhs give their support to me.
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Sukhdev Singh from Malaysia came all the way here to teach at the camp. He had so much to offer and was really a great part of the camp. Amazing sikh.
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