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Change of Pace?
Well, as some of you regulars have probably noticed things have been somewhat quiet on my blog lately. I think I got a little burnt out blogging. It was taking so much time (Especially the videos) and I was on the computer all the time (at work and then after work at home). Then when the thanksgiving 4 day weekend came I decided to take a much needed break. Must have been Guruka's apple cake and Arjan's Humming Bird cake. It took me to another world. Also there is only so much that I can show on this blog of our community here in Espanola without being redundant. How many times have you seen me post the same type of picture of Narayan in Gurdwara holding a sword?? If you look at my blog archives from earlier this year and start to go forward you will see how it has evolved into different topics and content. The latest content being the videos which only some people can watch (since you need broadband, AKA fast internet to watch). I love doing the videos but they take a lot of time to put together (record, edit, post, etc). I think Arjan probably thinks I am a blog addict. She teases me sometimes saying, "are you going to put that on the blog" (for every little thing). Actually...I went to BA (blogaholics anonymous) and they helped me. I will of course continue to post cool and interesting stuff, but still need some down time to re-charge and get more inspiration. Hopefully next week I can shoot some more video with Guruka for educational and inspirational stuff. I am curious to know what people like the most about this blog? Pictures? Videos? Articles? Community? I do get lots of really great inspiring emails from people about the blog....but sometimes wonder if it has real impact on people's day to day lives. One might read something and thing "yeah...that's really cool"...or "yeah...I should do that"... but then it may just be a passing feeling. I guess it helps motivate and rationalize the time spent doing this if I know it is more than just entertainment. Well, enough rambling for the night. I just upgraded the hard drive in my Nomad Jukebox III (MP3 player) and am sorting through my MP3 files. I have too many of them...and want to just get what I really listen to. It can be overwhelming otherwise. Ps. Who reads this text anyways? I know I mostly just look at the pictures on other blogs.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
SikhNet Server Upgrades
It seems like ages since I last sat in my office late trying to work out the problems which always seem to come up when you do a major upgrade to a server. We have outgrown our current webserver for SikhNet.com and just got a great new server which should give us room for more growth and increase the speed of the website. I'm still in the office trying to work out these problems relating to the upgrade. Basically I had to migrate all the data and programs to the new server which is a little bit of juggling, all while trying to minimize how long the server is down to users. Why am I on here right now? Well...I'm waiting for a database to update and it is taking ages. I hope people are not getting frustrated while trying to reach SikhNet/SikhMatrimonials.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Interview - Hari Dharam Kaur
This is an interview with our Granthi Hari Dharam Kaur about becoming a Sikh and being a parent. (Ps. She is the mother of Hari Bhajan Kaur, who I have posted some MP3 files of, and who did two of the Turban Tying Videos) . Download the video
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Yogi Tea Cafe - Office Dessert Party
Well...this evening we had some fun. All of our local Dharmic business/offices got together for sweets, stories and fun. There was a little music...lots of eating, and funny stories about Yogi Bhajan and people's experiences with working in the businesses. It started out with everyone hovering over all the baked goods. Everyone baked some type of dessert. Part of the fun was for the desserts to be judged for our little contest. There were 3 prizes for the top rated sweets. I didn't go for the idea of having 3 judges, so spearheaded more democratic voting, allowing everyone to issue one vote for their favorite dessert. This made it more fun for everyone trying to choose their favorite. There were lots of good desserts! I have to say though... Guruka Singh made the best dessert (He won first prize too!). I don't know what is was called. But it was like an apple cake, which he then poured caramel all over, and plopped whipped cream on top. It was soooooo good that he only needed the votes of the first people who arrived. His dessert finished pretty quick. I'm guessing that everyone who ate it voted. Though I have to confess even though I liked his the best...and Arjan's second best... I wanted Arjan to win...so I didn't vote for Guruka. I guess it all worked out...because he won anyways (a $50 gift certificate to a nice cooking supply store). Note from Guruka Singh: Here's the recipe for the apple cake I made. My lovely wife, Guruka Kaur, suggested the caramel sauce which made it perfectly scrumptious. She makes everything in my life scrumptious!
Arjan came in third with her delicious "Humming Bird Cake." My mouth is watering just thinking about it. We won gift certificates to the movies. Overall it was a fun get together for us all to enjoy each others company and have fun (And there was lots of hot yummy Yogi Tea to wash the sweets down).  Guruka Singh the 1st prize winner in our dessert contest! You can see his empty dish in the bottom left corner with the bottle of caramel. Yummm!
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
 Sat Jivan Kaur serving her "Live" Raspbery Cheesecake (Live = not baked/cooked). Her cake got voted second place.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
 Yummy!
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
The Lesson of Children
 Another beautiful poem from the Furmaan Khalsa. Children are our future, and in this poem the love and compassion of the Siri Singh Sahib towards us and our children is clearly expressed. Children are a gift from God, not ours to do with as we wish, but given to us in sacred trust to raise in cozy and secure environments to be healthy, happy, and holy. In the sixth line of the poem, the Siri Singh Sahib names his own children: Ranbir Singh, Kulbir Singh, and Kamaljit Kaur. In Gurmukhi all names have meanings, and so the line indicates both his own children and also the attributes of their names as they apply to all children. The first part of the poem seems to describe who children are, the second part seems to describe what they are, and the final part seems to describe how they should be raised. The last couplet is the Siri Singh Sahib's blessing and prayer for us all to be blessed with the gifts that children bring into our lives. Notice how artfully the Siri Singh Sahib has woven the Mul Mantra into the fabric of the poem!
The Lesson of Children(Baal Updesh)
Children are a Gift from God,
The Lotus Eyes of the Yoga of marriage.
They are the True Family and Friends of the whole world. They are the carriers of the way of egg and sperm. Children are the Destiny written on our foreheads. Children are Brave, Beautiful, and Dignified. Children are the merciful gift of the Undying God. Through their Truthful nature they are natural teachers of the Dharma.
Children are the creation of the One God. Children are the majesty of Sat Nam.
We see God in our children ...
And so gain peace and happiness in our lives.
Children are God's hands and feet ...
When they live fearlessly, they have no desire for revenge. Children who keep their hair uncut and wear the Guru's Bana, Appear to everyone as the very Image of the Infinite. Children are friends in action on the Path of Dharma. By Guru's grace, they are Immortal and Self-Illumined.
Always teach your children Truth,
And make them soldiers in God's Army!
Teach them to always live in the Company of the Holy Where they will practice Raj Yoga. And be filled with the deep color of Nam. Teach your children the Guru's Bani, The Treasure of Truth and the Heart's inner longing. Instruct your children in the Guru's Teachings And your world shall be filled with Peace and Joy.
Bowing deeply, the Yogi prays that all families may be so blessed ... With Peace, Light, and joy!
-------------------------------------------------------
From Furmaan Khalsa (Poems to Live By)
by Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji
(Here's the poem in the original Gurmukhi)
Posted by Guruka Singh | |
Not Feeling Well
As some of you regulars might have noticed....things have slowed down a bit on the blog. I was out of town in Phoenix, Arizona this last weekend and now am a little sick, so I'm trying to rest. Working for long hours that I do eventually catches up with me from time to time. When I'm better I'll be back on :) Till then... some of you could read some of the older stuff from the Archives (Links are on the left hand side navigator). There is lots of interesting things...which will be interesting even for a second or third time.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Interview - Guru Kirin Kaur
Guru Kirin Kaur (originally from Mexico) shares her experiences learning about the Sikh religion, being a Sikh and a parent. She also shares a few stories from her recent travels in South America. Download video
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
SikhNet 2005 - Starring Narayan Singh
Take an inside look at the SikhNet staff and offices in Espanola, New Mexico! This is a light and fun video relating to SikhNet. The kids had a lot of fun with the video. I hope you enjoy :) If you have broadband internet (fast) you can click on the play button below to start watching. Other video option are provided below too. Windows Media Player Format (Size 15MB) Download high quality video to your computer.Streaming RealPlayer Format If you have dialup/modem or slow interenet connection this option is ideal for you.
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Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Interview with Siri Chand Singh
In this interview Siri Chand Singh shares some of his experiences growing up as a Sikh and being from an African American background. Download the video
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
What is Naam?
In this video Guruka Singh shares his explanation of the word "Naam", which is mentioned a lot in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. He also discusses being Happy, Experiencing God within everything around you, Living a life to do seva, and being present in every moment to serve. This is the final video from the interview that I did with Guruka Singh a few weeks ago. Of course, there will be more some time in the future, so stay tuned :) Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Khalsa
 Yes, I will soon post some more poems from the Furmaan Khalsa, but today I simply want to share one of my own poems with everyone. This simple poem is based on a vision I had in 1981 where I clearly saw the return of the Khalsa to the earth, 960,000,000 (96 crore) strong as Guru Gobind Singh Ji predicted.
Here's the story as it was told to me... As Guru Gobind Singh and his Sikhs were moving South, nearing the village of Saheva, they came to a grove of Jand trees. Here they decided to make their camp. When all was set up, the Guru ordered his soldiers to find a Pipal tree (fig tree). The men protested that the climate was too dry, and that the Pipal tree would only grow with sufficient water, yet the Guru repeatedly insisted that they go and look. When the men had searched without success, one Sikh climbed to the heights of a tall Jand tree. Looking over the entire area and seeing no Pipal tree, he climbed down and told the Guru that there was no Pipal tree in sight, but that a tiny Pipal sapling was growing in the roots of the great Jand tree. When he saw the sapling, the Master said: "This sapling will grow into a mighty tree. When it overshadows the parent Jand tree and overwhelms it, that is the time for the Order of the Khalsa to grow in large numbers. They shall achieve recognition in the direction and the countries of the West. Then the flag of True Religion shall be implanted there. They shall become sovereign in the Sikh homelands and then become the decision makers at the seat of government at Delhi." In 1959 it was reported that this Pipal tree had reached the same height as the Jand tree.
KhalsaEssence of Joy in total freedomBorn from clear vibration of ShabdNourished by the Guru's BaniFlashing fearless strength of steelAncient prophecy fulfilledOut of many comes the One!Melted in the forge of the Creative IntelligenceWelded together through millions of lifetimesJoined forever beyond time and spacePerfect form of the Divine PurposeInfinite flowing source of radianceWarm deep heart of endless serviceEcstasy of the Living DharmaPerfection of humanityAlive with Shakti energyFoundation of God---------------------------------Winter Solstice 1981from the introduction to the Furmaan Khalsa
Posted by Guruka Singh | |
Remembering Gods Gift to you
Ik Ong Kaar Satgur Prasad, Sat Gurprasad Ek Ong Kaar. It's a reminder of who you are...and that you are one with the infinite. Everything is a gift; even the painful things in your life. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
SikhNet and the Weblog (Blog)
 Some of you who are regular SikhNet visitors might have noticed that we are having our annual fundraiser to raise money to support the operation of SikhNet.com. We hope you can participate! SikhNet impacts Over 100,000 people around the world every month! We receive dozens of emails every day from those whose lives have been touched by SikhNet, especially young people who feel inspired and supported. We LOVE serving you in this way! It is our life work. Most people probably imagine that we are a pretty big operation and have tons of funding. Actually SikhNet is just seven dedicated people. We work in a small office (about 55 square metres) attached to our Gurdwara here in Espanola (a very small town - population about 10,000 people) in northern New Mexico (USA). We have a few older computers here in our office, and we rent servers from a large hosting provider. Our SikhNet staff here in our office is just a small devoted band of sevadars, but we consider all of you who are reading this and who visit SikhNet and who participate in our CyberSangat to be part of our SikhNet family as well. And it is your participation, suggestions, contributions and generous donations that make SikhNet what it is. Lately, I have been enjoying putting together all these educational interview videos on the blog, however the side effect of that is the increased costs for the web hosting. When you have 600-1000 people visiting this blog website every day...and watching/downloading large videos the costs really start to add up. Current costs are now at about $400/month (Just for this blog. I'm not joking either!). In order to continue this type of service on a long term basis it is important that we get the your support to help with the costs. One day someone may make a large grant/donation to SikhNet and I can stop posting these fundraiser messages, but until then...all your donations (small and large) make a HUGE difference and is what keeps us going. So, if you feel that this blog and SikhNet has benefited you and your life please make a donation to SikhNet (however much you can afford. Even if it is $1 or $2 per month! It all adds up. We do have an automatic monthly donation option for credit card donations) You can select an amount to donate to SikhNet: - - - - - - - or Donate Specific Computer Hardware The SikhNet "West Wing" as we jokingly call it. This is one of our "cozy" offices with 4 desks packed in the room. Here is Joginder Singh showing me and Guru Jot Singh his big muscles.  The SikhNet "East Wing". I don't think they are actually "east/west" but I like to joke about it (some of you might know of the TV show "The West Wing"). This is the office that myself and Guruka Singh share.  SikhNet Radio Broadcast Center. This is the office space that we have some of our different computers for broadcasting SikhNet Radio. We also use the computers and audio equipment for archiving old Gurbani tapes/reels to digital formats and video processing.  Is this what you expected?? NOT! Hahaha...
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Sadhana - Aradhana - Prabhupati
Today the topic is about setting a daily routine and rhythm in your life and the effects of doing so. Changing the way that you look at your daily Sadhana (Daily Discipline), Creating prosperity in your life. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Snatam Kaur and Company Visit Your Gurdwara?
 Snatam Kaur, GuruGanesha Singh, and Krishan Prakash Singh are touring throughout the United States, Cananda, Europe and Asia in the year of 2006. They will be sharing Gurubani Kirtan with audiences of many walks of life. They would very much like to have the opportunity to play in Gurdwaras wherever they go, and to connect with the local sangats of each area that they go to. Snatam Kaur is known for her gift to bring inspiration and love into her kirtan, and is especially able to connect with youth. If you would like more information about Snatam Kaur, please visit www.snatamkaur.com. If you are interested in hosting them to come to your Gurdwara or have any special classes with youth, please contact GuruGanesha Singh at: guruganesha@spiritvoyage.com, by December 1st. Their schedule is filling up fast, so please do not hesitate to contact GuruGanesha Singh if you are interested.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Getting up Early in the Morning
Having a hard time getting up early in the morning to do banis or meditate? In this video Guruka Singh talks about reasons for getting up early in the morning, and gives many practical suggestions / inspirations to help you do so. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Banis and Time of Day
In this video Guruka talks about the significance of the banis being done at different times of the day and the effect. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Are my New Age Roots Showing? Nov. 11th and the Age Of Aquarius
by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur KhalsaWahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh. Today is November 11th, 2005. It is a date that I have looked forward to and dreaded all at the same time. One mustn’t believe in astrology, I understand. But still – here we are- about to go into the last seven year cycle in the transition between the ages. When Yogi Bhajan first came to the United States in the late 1960’s, there was a lot of singing and talking about the Aquarian Age. There’s even a musical – Hair – with an entire song dedicated to the theme. While pop culture has forgotten about the fact that we are going through a cusp period between two ages (the Piscean and the Aquarian) – in our little corner of the world, it is a subject that Yogi Bhajan taught about at length. And the key theme he repeated over and over again was: Look – the transition time is going to be difficult, people are going to go crazy. You have to be in a position to help them, to serve them, to teach them, to heal them. If you can’t reach out and help elevate someone from their pain and misery, who is going to do it? Stars and planets, zodiac ages and the center of the galaxy. It is for every individual to decide for themselves whether the Hukam which guides creation can be understood through the stars. There is the One Creator behind it all, guiding it according to Divine Will. And as Guru Nanak says in Japji Sahib – no one can talk about what that Hukam is – although everything is contained within it. For myself, because today starts the last seven year cycle in the transition between the ages, I do want to share with all of you a little bit of what he shared with us. Because deep in my heart, I believe it is important. Click Here To Read Post
Posted by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa | |
Meditation, Your Mind & Gurbani
How do you meditate and get an experience? How do you concentrate? In the following video, Guruka Singh talks about meditating on Gurbani, focusing and "training" your mind to concentrate. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
All Knowledge Comes by Guru's Grace
 In this poem the Siri Singh Sahib explores the source of all true knowledge, the inner channel of wisdom: the Guru. All knowledge and understanding comes through the channels of the Infinite, not directly from universities or teachers. There is only one teacher and there is only one student: God. This tongue-in-cheek poem makes fun of those who belittle knowledge imparted directly to the devotee by Guru's grace. Lehna was Guru Angad's name before he became the second Guru. Jetha was Guru Ram Das' name before he became the fourth Guru. The King of Miri and Piri is, of course, Guru Hargobind. Guru Harkrishan, the eighth Guru, at the age of five showed a skeptical Hindu priest that even a simpleton could recite the Bhagavad Gita by the Guru's grace. ALL KNOWLEDGE COMES BY GURU'S GRACE(Gurprasaadee Sagal mat Avai)They say you don't know how to speak Punjabi ... Well, who taught the duck how to swim? How low can mean and slanderous people stoop! How can anyone limit the Divine Soul? At which University did Guru Nanak study, When by Divine Grace he was filled with God's Presence? Which Vedas did Lehna study, when he learned the secrets of Infinity and became Guru Angad? Who was it that awarded a degree to Guru Amar Das, When he selflessly served his Great Guru? What School of Yoga did Jetha practice, When he attained the Throne of Raj-Yoga? Who taught the Gita to Guru Arjan? He who gave the Siri Guru Granth to the world? Who taught the King of the Earthly and Heavenly Realms His knowledge of both worlds? Who gave Guru Har Rai his knowledge? He by whose grace, our past accounts are wiped away. Who taught Hari Krishan how to meditate? He who gave the Knowledge of the Gita to a fool. Who taught Teg how to Sacrifice? He who freed the whole human race. Who taught Gobind to sing God's Praises? He who is the King of all kings. How can a fool know their Glory? Or know the meaning of the Siri Guru Granth? The Siri Guru Granth is the final examination of the Infinite God, It is far beyond all praise or criticism. How can you ever explain that to a worldly man? Chant "Har", and Hari shall live within you. All Knowledge and Understanding come To the one who meditates on the Siri Guru. What do you need to Write? What do you need to Read? What is a True Education? What is the real way to Study? What is Victory and what is Defeat? Only by God's Grace can we meditate on His Name. How can anyone find the limits of the Infinite? All Knowledge comes by Guru's Grace! ------------------------------------ From Furmaan Khalsa (Poems to Live By) by Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji Here's the poem in the original Gurmukhi
Posted by Guruka Singh | |
Folding Your Hands In Prayer
In this video Guruka Singh talks about how we do many things without understanding the reason. Most of them actually have a science and purpose to them. He explains why we fold our hands together when we pray. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Furmaan Khalsa
 In 1982,Yogi Bhajan asked me to gather together all the poems he had written in Gurmukhi and translate them into English. The result was a book titled "Furmaan Khalsa" (the command of the Khalsa.) Within these pages lies one of the most extraordinary works of the twentieth century; a manual of conscious living written in the form of 108 luminous and inspiring Gurmukhi poems. Based on the science of human consciousness called Raj Yoga, and written as a guide for all the future generations, these poems answer the questions of how to live successfully with an open heart and an open mind in the midst of the turmoil of the modern world. . . how to experience your cosmic identity as a man or woman... how to raise children who are strong, secure and fearless. What does it mean to love and be loved? What are the physical, mental, and spiritual effects of what we eat and drink, and how can we unlock the unused potential energies within so that we can really become effective to create positive changes within ourselves and in the world? The book is available from Ancient Healing Ways. Over several posts, I'd like to share some of the poems with you. Here, to start, is Nitnem Namaa.
------------------------------------------------DAILY BANIS (Nitnem Namaa)
The Yogi speaks effortlessly. ..
From the Love and Light of his Heart,
And from the depth of his meditative Wisdom.
Oh, Sikhs of the Guru! Oh, Khalsa! Listen to my Prayer!
The Nitnem is the Command given by the True Guru.
If you recite your Banis consciously,
You will gain Divine Knowledge.
It is by Guru's Grace that I tell you this,
And it is by God's Grace that you will be merged with Him.
When your Soul feels sad,
recite JAPJI in the depth of your Inner Self.
When your body feels useless, recite SHABAD HAZAARE.
When your Dignity is threatened, meditate on JAAP SAHIB.
When nothing seems to satisfy you,
sing TEV PRASAAD SWAYIA each day.
When you feel hopeless, unsuccessful, and worthless,
That is the time to sing REHIRAS.
When your lower self confronts you,
and you seem to have no money,
When your affairs all seem to fail,
and your mind can find no Peace,
That is the time to sing ANAND SAHIB.
When your life seems boring, and you feel uninspired,
That's when you should sing KIRTAN SOHILA.
When the Light of your Soul is dim,
and the dark ethers surround you,
Then recite the BHAUGATI ARDAS.
If you sing SUKHMANI from your heart,
You shall be wealthy and exhalted,
beyond your wildest dreams.
All the Bliss your mind desires, is yours,
when you meditate on Gobind, the destroyer of cruelty.
The Kingdom of the one who chants the Gurmantra,
Wahe Guru, Shall endure for ever and ever.
If you chant Sat Nam, all your affairs are arranged,
And all your desires are fulfilled.
When you sing Sopurkh, the Vision of the
Infinite Creator shall come to you.
The entire Universe fills the meditation,
Of the one who sings the watch of the So Dar.
When you sing the praises of Guru Ram Das,
God manifests in your Innermost Soul.
The Siri Sargam is such a powerful Naad,
That hearing it, even the homeless shall find a good home.
Hearing and singing the Guru Gayatri,
Rishi Dusht Daman will be the Protector of your home.
The Paintees Akharee gives the understanding of Yoga.
Benti Chaupee liberates the Soul.
Whoever listens to, or recites the Bara Maha to others,
His home becomes an ocean of Peace and Bliss.
By eating lightly of healthy food,
One experiences the Bliss of Brahm,
and complete Liberation.
The Guru's Lungar is the very best food!
The entire Universe meditates at the Harimandir.
Whosoever recites his Nitnem daily,
Is blessed by Akal with Peace and Bliss!
-----------------------------------------
by Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji
(From Furmaan Khalsa: Poems to Live By)Here's the poem in the original Gurmukhi
Posted by Guruka Singh | |
Interview with Guruka Singh
Guruka Singh is SikhNet's Executive director and original founder of SikhNet back in 1983 as a BBS System. Late last year he changed his whole job focus...and decided to work again with SikhNet (as a full time job). For me personally it is so cool to work with him and share our passions for SikhNet together. It's amazing how God works these things out! Guruka is a great mentor for me and I learn a lot from him on all different levels. He has so much to share, and does so enthusiastically with everyone around him. Guruka Singh sets such a great example for me and others to learn from. I think he has a lot to offer in a very unique way, and hope he has the opportunity in the future to travel to other Sikh communities to share/teach the youth (and the old folk if they are willing). Yesterday afternoon I had a lot of fun sitting with Guruka Singh and talking to him about a variety of topics (which I recorded). I will edit and post the different videos over the next few weeks. Lots of very good stuff! One thing that will be very apparent in the videos is his enthusiasm, smiles and joy. This is who he is...and what I feel living as a Sikh can bring to each of us. The video that I am posting tonight is about himself personally becoming a Sikh and being a parent. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
American Political System and Corporations
I don't normally get to involved in politics, but I am always irritated when I see how our current Government in America is spending our tax money and making really short-sighted choices. More and more money going towards wars, the army, nuclear programs etc, while they continue to cut funding on basic education needs for our schools and other programs. This past weekend I watched a DVD documentary called The Corporation which really made me think about the world at it's current state, and how all the big corporations are taking over and influencing the world towards a devastating future. Here is a short Synopsis of the movie: "THE CORPORATION explores the nature and spectacular rise of the dominant institution of our time. Footage from pop culture, advertising, TV news, and corporate propaganda, illuminates the corporation's grip on our lives. Taking its legal status as a "person" to its logical conclusion, the film puts the corporation on the psychiatrist's couch to ask "What kind of person is it?" Provoking, witty, sweepingly informative, The Corporation includes forty interviews with corporate insiders and critics - including Milton Friedman, Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and Michael Moore - plus true confessions, case studies and strategies for change. " - Read More
I think it is important for us to be aware of certain things like this and help make a change in the current state, or else our children's future might look very bleak. The whole political system is driven by money and power. Many of the choices that are made by Government are greatly influenced by these big corporations. I recommend that everyone watch this movie. I'll leave you with this quote from a poster I saw:"It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need, and the Air Force will have to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber."Also check out this funny cartoon made by the "Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Founder" about the US budget and Oreo Cookies. It really put's things in perspective.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Stories of Guru Nanak - Part 3
Tonight I am posting the third and final story that I recorded way back in 2001, of Guru Meher Kaur telling stories about Guru Nanak Dev ji's life. Please download, watch, and share with your children :) Stay tuned tomorrow night for a great Interview with Guruka Singh (Executive Director of SikhNet.com, and original founder of SikhNet as a BBS system back in the early 80s) Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Chandi di Vaar
By Ek Ong Kaar Kaur KhalsaWahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh! Last week, a dear friend of mine and I had lunch together at one of the local New Mexico Mexican restaurants. We love to spend time together, hang out, talk about this and that. The week before, late one night, I was meditating on what’s happening in Pakistan - tens of thousands dead from the earthquake, millions without shelter and winter looming. The UN is pushing for financial support and the Associated Press is predicting a "second wave of death" in the disaster - from "people who could freeze to death, starve to death, or just be sick because of infected water." There is such devastation, such disaster that, in many ways, we have no power to stop. In Sukhmani, Guru Arjun writes "Aath pahaar" - 24 hours a day, just keep the prayer going. In these moments, when the plight of humanity looks so bleak - there is tremendous solace in prayer. The Shabad has a power - a power that we cannot understand, command or control - but a power, nonetheless, to bring what is out of balance back into harmony. That night, the prayer that wanted to be prayed was Chandi di Vaar written by Guru Gobind Singh about the goddess Durga and her war against the demons who had taken over Heaven. When destruction is so prevalent, so undeniable, so unavoidable - what can we pray for? Continue Reading Post
Posted by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa | |
6th of the Month Gurdwara for the Akal Takhat
Here is a talk that Shanti Kaur gave to the Sangat in 2001 (?) during Gurdwara on the anniversary (June 6th) of the attacks on the Golden Temple/Akal Takhat. Every 6th of the month we have a special Gurdwara to remember and honor the Akal Takhat "Martyrdom" and the events of 1984. Today is the 6th of the month. Read more on SikhNetDownload this video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
New Look for Blog
As you can see there is a different design/look for the blog. I still have some tweaks and changes to make....but let me know what you think. (Ps. I'm going to be changing the header image and probably making the font sizes larger) I like this one because it is much more "soft" and relaxing.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Stories of Guru Nanak - Part 2
Tonight I am posting the next video of stories about Guru Nanak, told by Guru Meher Kaur to the children. When I was little....I used to fall asleep to the stories told by Guruliv Singh. You can hear them in the Gurbani Archive listed under his name. These are some stories made way back in the late 1970's. Narayan Singh now has the same routine of listening to the stories at bedtime. He always says after getting ready for bed, "I want to hear the Guru Stories!". Some of the stories are: Story Of Babaa Deep Singh, The Guru And The Pandit, Makkan Shah And Guru Teg Bahaadar Sahib. There are about 11 stories that he must have heard hundreds of times now...and even copies some of the lines. It made me think that it would be great to create some more stories for children. It is a great way to teach the kids about our history. I'm surprised that no one else has done this (at least that I know of). Audio stories would be much easier to make too than a cartoon. There really are not many educational materials for kids other than a few books. So...this is the reason why I pulled out these Guru Nanak stories to share with other kids and for Narayan to enjoy too. Maybe one of these days I can work on a story telling project with some others who are interested. We'll see how it goes. All these late nights working on this stuff takes a toll after a while. Time for some rest this weekend (this is sounding familiar). Hope you enjoy the stories! If you have kids...download it to your computer and watch it with them :) Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Stories of Guru Nanak - Part 1 (For the kids)
On different Gurpurbs and special days in Sikh history Guru Simran Kaur organizes fun educational things for the kids to do, so that they can learn about Sikh history and about the Gurus. In Nov. 2001, a few months after Narayan was born I recorded a series of stories that we had over a few nights. Guru Meher Kaur (Mataji) who is our Gurdwara/Ashram Secretary loves to tell Sikh stories to the children here in our community and has been doing so for many many years. Here is the first part of the Stories of Guru Nanak; in honor of the upcoming Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Keep in mind that these stories are meant for the children...so if you have kids you can get them to watch it online or download the video to watch. Download the video(Right click on above link and select "save target as")Ps. Tonight there was such a coincidance. I created this video last night (which was from 4 years ago) and this evening Guru Meher Kaur had another Children's story session where she told this same story...and there was even one of the kids who asked about the aura around Guru Nanak, just like in this video. It was like a repeat....but to other kids.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
 Some of you might have seen some of the pictures and videos that I posted this past June of the Summer Solstice camp that we have in the mountains above Espanola, New Mexico. Every year we hold two different camps. One in the summer time, and one in the winter. The Winter Solstice Camp is coming up soon (Dec 19th) and will be in Lake Wales, Florida (USA). This was the camp that I met my wife Arjan Kaur, so it holds special significance for me. I wanted to take this time to invite you all to participate in this camp. It is smaller than the summer camp and very cozy. You'll have an opportunity to meet quite a few new and interesting people from all over the world and different religious backgrounds. The camps tend to draw a large percentage of "western" Sikhs, yoga practioners and spiritual seekers. I personlly would love to see more of my Punjabi brothers and sisters at the camp. If you enjoy this blog than I'm sure you will enjoy the camp. Especially if you are interested in visiting Espanola or curious about our Sikh communities. I have gone to these camps since I was just a little baby, and still go even today. This year I won't be able to go to the Winter Solstice Camp but my parents (Sat Kirin Kaur & Siri Vishnu Singh) and brother Dharam will be there along with many of the local Espanola sangat.  After going to the camps in England many people there expressed an interest to participate in our camps here in the US. So...there you go. Hopefully some of you can take up the opportunity and go to the camp. It is mostly geared towards adults but whole families come and there are activities for all ages. Overall it will probably be a very different experience for you, but hopefully an inspirational, fun, and education one. Click here to find out more or to register(Southwest Airlines normally has pretty good fares for travel to Orlando, Florida where most people fly to)
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Single Eligible Man: Prabhu Singh Khalsa
 Just in case the single Gursikh ladies didn't already know, Prabhu Singh (who was in the video interview below) is a very eligible single Sikh man. He is 25 years old, has a masters in computer science, is very intelligent, spiritual, and has quite a bit of energy. He is very athletic, adventurous, and knows how to have fun. He loves to do seva and is part of the " Sikh Española Volunteer Association" (SEVA) here in Espanola, New Mexico (USA). The type of person he would be interested in meeting:Someone who enjoys anything and everything Sikh. Likes to do their banis, likes to wake up in the Amrit Vela, likes to do Naam Simran, Loves to go to Gurdwara and be in the sangat. Someone who is open minded, enjoys physical activities, the outdoors, and overall just enjoys life. So...there you are. A brief picture about Prabhu Singh. He didn't ask me to post this information, so I hope he is ok with me putting this online. You can email him at: prabhublog@gmail.com I don't know how often he checks this email, but if you think you have chemistry with him...try sending an email. Rest is up to Guru ji :) Ok..lunch break is over... time to get back to work.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
Interview with Prabhu Singh
This was another one of the interviews that I did last week with my good friend and fellow blogger Prabhu Singh. He shares some of his experiences as a Sikh growing up in Espanola, and his motivations and inspirations. Download VideoPrabhu Singh updates his weblog on a regular basis at: http://prabhukhalsa.blogspot.com/
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
The Ups and Downs...
I'm waiting for the latest video interview to finish rendering, so I was sitting here in front of the computer (how unusual!) listening to my mothers new CD, thinking about today and life in general. In my life I have seen certain patterns and cycles in relation to my spiritual practice. I notice that I tend go through an up and down cycle. It's not that I start doing "un-sikh" things, but not having a strong meditative practice all the time in a consistent way. For a few months I commit to doing XYZ every day...not matter what. At the end of that time period I keep going...but there is always something that comes up...and it fades off. I totally notice the difference in my state of being, happiness, calmness, energy, etc when I am in the "groove" with my daily practice. When I am not, I get more stressed out, react to situations/people easier, and am not as in tune with myself/intuition. So, one might ask...if I get all these benefits and really notice the difference, why can't I just keep at it? The thing is that it takes discipline and an extra effort to have a daily practice. Whether it is doing banis, meditating or exercising. It's easier to just go with the flow with the happenings in your life than to have a commitment to yourself and do that practice EVERY day, come what may. As humans we are motivated more by pain than by pleasure. Most people don't take care of their bodies till they have big problems; Only then taking the time to deal with it. So...what I am saying again is that it takes more discipline to be in control of your mind. Guru Nanak said " man jeetai jag jeet".... conquer your mind, and conquer the world. That is our challenge. A daily spiritual practice can help us meet this challenge. So, my purpose was not to show you that I don't always maintain a daily practice, but to show you that it is natural to have these challenges when trying to discipline yourself with anything. It is a learning process. Some have to go through it over and over all their life and still not get it. Every man who has achieved greatness in his life has gone through the most difficult time, full of doubt and pain. That is what makes them great. So now is the time. Today is the day to commit to something. Me...and maybe you? Don't say...I'll do it tomorrow. I know very well how that goes (tomorrow never comes). I've been stalling for a while and spending too much time on this very computer. So...I'm committing to start up again tomorrow. If you like...join me! Prabhu Singh is a good example to learn from. I'll have to get some tips from him because he is rock solid with his daily practice. Aside from the obvious things to do you, could also do some of these.
Posted by Gurumustuk Singh | |
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