Many people ask me why I practice Kundalini Yoga, and how this relates to Sikhi. Personally I don't look at Kundalini Yoga as a "Sikh Thing", however It is "yoga for the householder" and I see it as very complementary to the Sikh lifestyle. There is nothing in Kundalini Yoga that is against Sikhi. The yoga keeps you healthy, calms your mind and helps you be more clear and open to then meditate on Gurbani.

Every morning before I do my banis I take about 15 minutes and do some yoga. This helps my body wake up and get going for the day. While most people are grabbing their coffee/chai and getting a dosed up with caffeine to wake up their body, I'm getting my "juice" the natural healthy way. It keeps me flexible and healthy. In the past year at first I was not very regular with my daily yoga and sadhana. I work long hours on the computer and many times am fighting off some type of sickness (small things like mucous, low energy, tension, stress, etc).

I have done yoga all my life, however I have not been very consistent in recent years because things have been very busy. I was spending so much time on the computer during the day...and then the many hours at night posting things here to this blog. My average day on the computer at the office and home is currently about 14-15 hours. I thought I was busy when I was single. Then I got married. Then I REALLY thought I was busy. Then I had a child. I thought that was the max. Then somehow I got into this blog and now it is just over the top. I was starting to feel the pressure on my body and family. The blog and outreach through it is very important to me, so I didn't want to cut that out. So, I made a commitment to myself that as long as I do a strong daily sadhana EVERY day no matter what, then I will allow myself to continue. I didn't want to sacrifice my personal spiritual practice since this is the whole point of my postings on the blog.

So with that commitment for the past 4 months I have been rock solid with my daily sadhana (yoga, meditation and banis). It has been very fulfilling for me because in the past It was hard to maintain, and this time around I am really having amazing experiences doing it. The yoga I do every morning REALLY has made a huge difference in dealing with the physical and mental stress. This is the first year I haven't been even close to sick during the winter (even with myself working more than ever!). I used to have colds and lots of mucous in the morning. Now I feel full of energy and overall really good. I attribute this to my regular yoga practice. We all have different things that help keep our body in shape, but Kundalini Yoga works very well for me and is many thousands of years old. It is not just like doing stretches and getting exercise. It is much more scientific, working on specific glands, parts of your body and your life energy. There have been quite a few scientific studies showing amazing health benefits from doing yoga. Yet some Sikhs still criticize yoga, and at the same time eat terribly unhealthy food, don't take care of their bodies, and overly use pharmaceutical drugs which in many cases just treat the symptoms and not the actual cause of the problem. Our body is a temple which we must take care of. Sikhs refrain from Alcohol, drugs, smoking, etc because it is unhealthy and clouds the mind. We as Sikhs must be clean and clear to connect with our soul/higher self/God.

I always get frustrated when people so blatantly criticize yoga without knowing anything about it and probably having never practiced it. Maybe they relate yoga to Hinduism, which isn't accurate sinch yoga is not part of any religion. Many people ramble off quotes from Gurbani and interpret it meaning "Yoga = Bad", when in fact if you look at the writings about yoga in Gurbani many references are aimed towards those sadhus and people that do this as a mean to the end (trying to find God) and seclude themselves from society, or do it in an effort to get "powers" (siddhis). This is not the case for Kundalini Yoga.

Ok... back to me again; After I do my yoga I then do a few different meditations (Simran and Mantras from Siri Guru Granth Sahib). At this point I feel pretty good physically and am mentally very "tuned in" and focused. I then start doing banis and it is a much deeper experience for me, than just waking up and going right to banis. I can't really explain it but it is like night and day.

I am not trying to say that every Sikh should do yoga, but merely trying to share with you all why many of us practice it and have this as part of our daily routine. It is just merely one tool that can be used by someone if they wish. If it is helps you, then great! If not...maybe something else will. In this world there is no ONE WAY. That is the beauty. We all journey on this path of life in different ways with the same end goal. If someone doesn't practice something the way you do it, that doesn't make it wrong. It is just merely different. We should respect that and be open. We as Sikhs have to be universal and accepting not critical and judgmental. Every person has the choice to choose their own path.

If you are interested in learning more about Kundalini Yoga, here are a few recommendations for books and videos which you can purchase.

You can also go to a Kundalini Yoga class to try it out. Search the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Directory.


Books

Kundalini Yoga by Shakta Kaur Khalsa Excellent for beginners. Over 250 full-color photos, including yoga for couples, families, & lots of healthy food recipes. This is a very visual yoga book (and a few of my classmates are "models" in the book, including the cover). Also available at Amazon.com

Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa This is an excellent book by Shakti Parwha Kaur who has taught beginner classes all for the past 30 years. It has loads of information and is presented in a very simples and easy to understand way. Also available at Amazon.com

Videos

I haven't personally used many videos because I have been doing yoga since I was really young and use the books for reference to different yoga sets. However, the videos are a great way to learn in a more interactive way than just by reading a book and following the instructions. Nirvair Singh Khalsa (from Alaska) had produced quite a few good Kundalini Yoga videos covering a range of benefits. There is a whole beginner set, and then there are particular videos for weight loss, back pain, stress, etc. You can order videos directly from his website or just check out what the options are. There are different video standards for USA and Europe/Asia so you might check with him if PAL versions are available.

(As explained by Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji)

"Naad means "the essence of all sounds". All languages contain sounds which relate to one or more of the five elements of air, fire, water, earth or ether. Gurbani is a perfect combination and permutation of sounds relating to all the five elements in complete balance. When Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Guru Nanak, compiled the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, in 1604, he put in only those Banis which were in Naad. These compositions are called Gurbani.

There are eighty-four meridian points on the upper palate of a human’s mouth. One can feel that upper palate with the tongue and experience its different surfaces. There are two rows of meridian points on the upper palate and on the gum behind the upper teeth. The tongue stimulates those meridian points, and they in turn stimulate the hypothalamus which makes the pineal gland radiate. When the pineal gland radiates, it creates an impulsation in the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland gives impulsation, the entire glandular system secretes and a human being obtains bliss. This is the science.

Gurbani is the combination of the tongue with the meridian points. When you read and recite Gurbani, it stimulates your hypothalamus. It is totally different than any scriptures because Gurbani is made in a scientific way. There are two banis: "kachee bani" is that which does not fit on the Naad. It is not a balanced sound current. "Pakee bani" is that which fits on the Naad and is balanced. One who knows the Naad knows the Aad, the Primal Creativity. One who knows the Aad is Parmayshwaar, the Supreme God.

The whole language of Gurbani has the power to make a person divine, just in its recitation, if done correctly. One need not be concerned with the meaning for a change in consciousness. Bani has to be understood by the heart, not by the head. There is no power in the head, it is in the heart. The head is for God and the heart is for you. That is why Guru Gobind Singh asked for the head, and not for the heart. Whosoever lives with the head to God and heart for self, that prayer is complete.

The entire Siri Guru Granth Sahib is the calling of the Beloved. It is in Naad. Torah, Bible and Vedas are not in Naad because none of them felt that much pain of separation between God and the beloved. " - Excerpt from the book: Victory and Virtue (online - print)

Other Interesting Articles on Bani and The Siri Guru Granth Sahib

• Miracle of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib
• Powers and Effect of Daily Banis
• Nitnem Namaa
• Banis & The Time of Day (Video)

Guru Har Rai was once asked whether there was any benefit gained by reading the Guru's Bani without understanding it. "Yes," he replied, "as grease sticks to the pot even when it is emptied, so does the Guru’s Word stick to the heart. Whether you understand it or not, the Word bears the Seed of Salvation. Perfume persists in the broken pieces even after the vase that contained it has been shattered."

The past 3-4 months I have been spending more time and energy on my daily sadhana (spiritual discipline). It has been an up and down cycle for many years as I struggle to stay consistent. The normal day to day work and happenings tend to try to squeeze their way into my time and force my spiritual practice out. Some days I might feel lazy, tired...or just want to do something else...and before you know it I'm out of time or am really tired. When it comes down to it, it really has to do with what is most important and priority in your life. You make the important things happen and have a choice. Like most of you I am on this path as a Sikh and have to work at it. Having discipline in one's own life takes commitment and is not always easy.

When I was 5 years old in Amritsar I took Amrit. Looking back at all the things I have gone through since then I realize that it was too early for me, since I did not really understand the commitments. In my teen years I went through some major challenges trying to fit in with western society and "finding myself" as a Sikh. These experiences are what I always try to share with other youth that may be going through similar things.

So, even though I have lived as a Sikh and followed the Rehat most of my life, I never really consistently did ALL my banis and wore a Kirpan/Kanga as an Amritdhari. I guess I never really remembered taking Amrit so it was as if I hadn't made that commitment. However, I have always had some sort of spiritual practice in my life since it is the thing which keeps me "tuned in" and happy in life.

This past year, writing on my blog and sharing things with you all, has made me go much deeper into myself and feel the call of my soul (As well as being a parent and trying to set an example for my son). Even though many of you might learn from the things that I post on the blog, SO AM I! Many people think of me and SikhNet and assume I am an expert in Sikhi and must be "perfect". I don't claim to be an expert or perfect person and am on this journey of life as you all are. We all have things to share and learn from each other and should support each other along the path, rather than judging or criticizing what you think they should or should not do. God has given each of us gifts to share and it is up to us to see those things and share them. I try to be real and not have some false outside persona. You can look like something on the outside and put on a show...but if it doesn't match the inside than it's no use and won't carry you. People will eventually see beyond this "mask".

Here is one quote which sums up my experience about learning and teaching:

"If you want to learn something, read about it.
If you want to understand something, write about it.
If you want to master something, teach it," - Yogi Bhajan

So..If I have learnt anything from this past year it is that you don't have to be an expert and may not even realize the gifts that you have to share with others. We shouldn't limit ourselves or be afraid to share something because you are not "X,Y,Z".

In the past I used to just do Japji Sahib and Kirtan Sohila, and even then I was not always regular. I remember seeing friends of mine who were really dedicated and did their banis every day and lots of seva. I don't think I fully related and had this experience like they did. Or at least I never enjoyed it enough to make it a priority to do EVERY DAY.

The past 6 months or so I have been really feeling the need for a regular practice and have worked at it. I am building slowly and steadily which is good for me and is working!

Recently I have felt some major changes and have really gotten into doing banis and doing more seva and meditation. I started with my normal Japji and Kirtan Sohila...and as soon as I added Jaap Sahib it was like a lighting bolt hit me. I have always been intimidated with Jaap Sahib because I didn't know the bani well and the few times that I did it I found it hard to read with all the difficult words. Now, after doing the bani I am just powered up and energized. It's an amazing experience every morning! Then I just want to keep doing more banis. I am really starting to feel the power of bani. If you haven't already seen the videos, there are some great ones with Guruka Singh talking about banis in the Video Archive.

When I wake up in the morning I start with a yoga set which helps get my body going and gives me the daily "tune up" I need. This has kept me healthy in spite of working 14-15 hours every day. I normally get sick in the winter and even though my family got really sick (and many people around me too)...I have felt really good. I then sit for about 20 minutes and do a few meditations and then start doing banis.
Another thing; I used to always wonder what the 5 banis were since I kept reading different version of the "5 banis", and then I realized that it is not really just 5 banis...but more like 8! (Correct me if I still haven't gotten it right - Japji Sahib, Tav Prasad Swayia, Jaap Sahib, Shabad Hazare, Benti Chaupee, Rehiras, Anand Sahib, Kirtan Sohila). So...I have a ways to go :)

This post is getting really long so I won't go on...but I really just wanted to start to share my experiences and what I am going through now. I hope that you will take a chance and push yourself to do more to experience the Gurus bani. I just want to encourage those of you to not feel pressured to make a huge leap that you cannot sustain and take on too much. The method which has worked for me is building slowly and steadily. So...start with one bani...and when you are ready...build on this to do more. Or if you REALLY can't do one bani...then start with a certain number of pauris from a bani and continue reading till you finish and then start over.

I think the experience of the bani is more important and crucial, rather than just speed reading as fast as you can through. You may notice your mind wandering off onto this or that thing and not even be aware of yourself reading the bani. It is good to try to get into the meaning of the bani too (which I am starting to learn more of now). You might try a few times a week doing a bani really slowly, reading the Gurmukhi line first and then the translation after. Bottom line is you want to have an experience of the bani. So, find what works for you and gives you that connection to the Gurus who wrote these most divine words. These words teach us about life and beyond and can be a guiding light you.

More tommorow on banis....

There are so many Gurbani MP3 files out there and it can be quite overwhelming. So, I take it upon myself to share some "Gurbani mp3 picks" which I think stand out. Everyone has different tastes so I am just sharing the things that I like.

The last time I posted some Kirtan by Dalip Kaur was last june from the Summer solstice camp here in Espanola. If you haven't heard those already...check them out.

Some people had asked me to post some more of her Kirtan so here is another one that I just came across while going through my MP3 files. It is a slow and meditative shabad and makes me feel relaxed.

Music by: Dalip Kaur
Shabad: Sae Sanjog Karo Maerae Pyaarae (8.3MB)

While we are on the topic of kids and educating kids I wanted to let those of you who are in the New York Area know about a friend of mine from New York (Raminder Kaur) who is offering her services.

She is an early Childhood Educator, a Tutor, a Kirtanee and holds a degree in Psychology. She's passionate about children and loves teaching them. She was also blessed to have parents that taught her and her brothers Kirtan at a young age and has been teaching Kirtan for the past 10 years.

If you want to find out more about what she does and her services check out this flyer.

Sharanjit Singh from Prince Rupert, BC, Canada just sent SikhNet this picture that he took in Anandpur Sahib of a Nihang Singh with a really tall turban.

The turban that Major Singh tied was really wide...and this one is so tall! You have to to wonder how long and how many people it took to tie these turbans. I don't think it is possible to do this by yourself.

As a parent and Sikh I find it very important for us to have rich and engaging stories from Sikh history to remind us of our heritage. It can be easy to forget the sacrifices that the those before us made and just think about your day to day things. It is important to understand the history so that we can relate to why we live a certain way and practice certain things as Sikhs of the Guru.

As a child I always yearned for more engaging Sikh stories and ways to learn about Sikhi. Even today there are not many options for educating children (other than teaching directly). Just about every other religion has all kinds of multimedia educational materials. From series of videos, to interactive books and DVDs. I think we as a community ought to spend less money on building larger and fancier Gurdwaras and put some of that money into creating more interesting educational materials. Sure...books are great...but in this world of video games, MTV, and Television not many kids read books. The few that do...might not find the books interesting or engaging. I always get frustrated reading some of the kids sikh story books that are so technical and use very difficult words. It just makes me realize how far we have to go in this area. We have to take a fresh view at kids of today.

I used to read the old Indian "Amar Chitra Katha" comic books of Sikh history. I had a huge stack of them and it was great (I still have some which Narayan looks at...since he can't read yet). Reading these comics now that I am much older I find the dialog of the comics very dry and boring, but as a kid it they were cool comics about my heroes (The Sikh Gurus).

I don't know of that many people creating educational products for kids. In the past 2 years we have seen a little more in this area with two DVDs - Sunny the Proud Sikh (In English) & Sahibzadey (in Punjabi). This is a good start, but I think there is much more that we all can do if we put our heads together. The Sikh community is so diverse and full of very intelligent and professional people. We as a sangat have the means ($) to do these things, but maybe not the interest or priority. If you ask me...I would say that doing things to educated/inspire each other and the youth is top priority. Anyways, it's up to us to think about this and pursue these ideas if we feel that it is important to educate our children about Sikhi and live the life that the Gurus taught us. You don't need thousands of dollars to do something. With creativity, some skill, and seva from others, all kinds of things could be done.

I sometimes wonder if the issue or portraying the Sikh Gurus in a visual way (pictures, video) is the major blocking point for doing some of these projects. We know there is no real way to factually represent the Gurus properly in a realistic sense...but I don't think that should be a stopping point. We have to be able to stop looking at these things in such a critical way....and realize there is a tasteful way to do multimedia from Sikh history.

I think it would be awesome to have movies/videos about Sikh history and have real actors. It may not be totally realistic and controversial, but it will still educate, and is much better than what kids watch on TV these days. We have to open our minds to explore the possibilities.

This is all food for thought. I love doing this stuff and am always interesting in working with others that have an idea and want to make it happen.

I started this post with just wanting to write two lines about the video "Miracle of Baisakhi" and look what came out. *sigh* hahaha.... I guess that is what a journal is for.

For the past 4 years Some of our local Sangat have put together video stories in an effort to educate and inspire the sangat during Baisakhi time. These videos are normally shown at the grand Baisakhi celebration in Los Angeles, California every year. Here is one of those videos. More to come tomorrow.

The Miracle of Baisakhi

The below video was put together by Shanti Kaur Khalsa and narrated by Guru Tej Singh and Sat Nirmal Kaur from Espanola, New Mexico.


Download: Video (16.1MB) /Audio (10.3MB)

It is pretty cool seeing people from many different cultural backgrounds adopt the Sikh lifestyle. The interesting part of it is that each culture has it's own flavor, music, style etc., which brings a unique new face to Sikhi. Also, many Sikhs who were originally from India/Punjab have settled around the world and the younger generation have adopted the culture of the country they live in. It is all fusing together.

One of the most common differences that we see (aside from language) is music. Some of you might have been to our Gurdwara or heard music played by Sikhs who are not from a Punjabi background. The music, tunes, instruments and sound is so different. Many people in our Gurdwara do Kirtan with a Guitar. Some play the violin or flute, keyboard or just about any instrument. We all bring out the love of Gurbani and Sikhi in different ways. For some one style might not be appealing or meditative...but for others it is, depending on your background.

There are so many different CD's out these days by Sikhs from all over the world. Sikhs from South America (Chile, Argentina, Brazil), Mexico, Spain, Europe, Australia, etc. Each bringing a certain element of their own culture into the music.

Ok...now for a few music samples. Most of them are copyrighted music so I have not provided a download link.

Some of you might have already heard of "Khalsa Palay" which is a CD in a Reggae/Dub style. It's definitely unique. Feel the vibrations, mon!

"Khalsa Palay was born in Uganda of south Asian parentage and raised in Britain; he is a committed Sikh and on this, his debut release, he praises the ten Gurus of his religion, whilst upholding righteousness and sending out greetings to all humankind - as he says, "keep the vibes positive". - Read more or get the CD

Musician: Khalsa Palay
Title: We are the Khalsa
Download MP3

This track is definitely a new rendition of the song that the kids sing "We are the Khalsa, the mighty mighty Khalsa...."

Ok now that you have heard the Reggae vibes...how about some blues? Check out this track by Awtar Singh who is the father of Lakhmi Chand and Siri Chand Singh. He made a whole CD of inspirational music that he sings in the "blues". Come one now.....shout "Wahe Guru"! Sing along... :)

By: Awtar Singh
Title: "Every Time I think of God I Just Want to Shout Waheguru"

Ok...now for some Spanish music style. This track is by Matamandir Singh and his music definitely has a feel of Spain with the different instruments and tunes he plays.

By: Matamandir Singh
Title: Mulmantra

Here is a track by Snatam Kaur that has a native Indian (American Indian) flavor to it. Is very meditative and soothing to listen to.

By: Snatam Kaur
Title: Waheguru

You can purchase this CD here

I think that is enough for one night. I think you sort of get the picture right? As Guru Gobind Singh declared that Khalsa will be 960,000,000. I guess with that comes all the different cultures and music of the people of the world. It's important for us to be open and accepting to Sikhs from different cultures even though some things might feel/sound different than you are used to. Everyone's journey on the path of Sikhi is different....and you can't always compare your experiences with those of someone else's. It's a wonderful journey isn't it!?

Ok... I think most people know what a blog is by now, right? Many Sikhs (including myself) didn't really understand what a blog was and all the "hype" about them. Now blogging is part of my every day routine and I realize how much of an impact a blog can have on people.

It's been almost a year since I started blogging and there are now more Sikh Bloggers than ever! This is totally cool! Quite a few people start a blog and don't get past a few posts before it picks up dust and "dies". The people that stick with it and put their time and creative energy into it end up with interesting blogs that educate and entertain us all. I have my list of favorite blogs that I read on a daily basis. We have our growing "Sikh Blog Circle".

Now that blogs are under your belt...are you ready for the next step? You may have heard of "Podcasting"...(or not). It is another cool way to create a radio style program or just about any audio/video content for people who can download automatically to their computer or MP3 player. All the audio and video that I post on this blog is posted to the MrSikhNet Podcast. You can subscribe to it on Itunes or many other services. Click Here for More information.

At this time there very few Sikh related podcasts on the internet. I know there are others that do Sikh related radio shows...but they don't currently make the shows available online (as far as I know) which would expand their audience. Just about every major radio station these days that has a website also has a podcast version of it. I listen to all my favorite radio shows in my own time...rather than when it is "live". Much more convenient for my busy life.

Other than the MrSikhNet Podcast I know of only one other sikh podcast online. The Sikh Within podcast was just launched and is hosted by Dr Savinder Singh, Rohin Singh and Kavleen Kaur. You can check it out at: http://sikhwithin.blogspot.com/

So....are you up for the creative challenge? Ready to start your own Sikhi podcast? Let's see who steps up to the plate! :)

In the mid 70's Guruliv Singh created quite a few different audio stories relating to different things from Sikh history. These are the stories that I grew up on and used to fall asleep listening to. Narayan now listens to them too when he goes to sleep. At night he always says "Papa...I want to hear the Guru Stories!". I think he has heard them enough times to know quite a bit of the story-line by heart. It's a great way for kids to learn.

I recently found a few more stories that Guruliv Singh had produced that I did not have. Tonight I will share one of them with you. This story is titled the "Martyrs of Amritsar", and was made to tell the story of those that sacrificed their lives in Amritsar on Baisakhi Day, 1978. It tells the story of Bhai Fauja Singh's leadership along with the other Sikhs. Curious about the story? Well...you'll just have to listen to it to find out more.

Martyrs of Amritsar
Story told by Gurliv Singh

Download Audio Size 7.7MB

You can also read more about Bhai Fauja Singh and what happened there that Baisakhi. There are articles, Stories and Letters remembering the life of Bhai Fauja Singh and others. All material on the website came from the 1978 Spring issue of the "Beads of Truth" Magazine.

PS. For those that enjoyed this story you can buy the three audio CDs which have most of the stories by Gurliv Singh. Well worth the $12.98 for each CD! You can order them here (Vol 1, 2 and 3)

I am excited to be able to visit the Sikh Sangat in Singapore and Malaysia at the end of next month. It is always such a great learning experience to meet and get involved in Sikh communities in different parts of the world. I am hoping to do a lot of networking and establish local relationships with various organizations so that we can all be more effective in promoting Sikhi.

I will be in Malaysia March 31st to participate in the big Kirtan festival (In Cheras) and staying for a few days afterwards to get involved with the community. I then travel back down to Singapore to do a workshop and participate in the Baisakhi celebration and other happenings (leaving April 15th). I am still working out the travel/schedule details so don't know all the specifics yet.

The past few nights I have been working on a new DVD which is a compilation of some of the videos which I have posted on this blog and SikhNet. I'm not sure yet how I will distribute it...but for the mean time I hope to get a certain number produced (100-200) in Singapore/Malaysia to give in exchange for a donation to SikhNet. It's a whole different thing having a high quality DVD that you can play on your TV!

If someone is interested in sponsoring the DVD to pay for duplication costs let me know. If we have a sponsor than I can get a lot more copies produced and potentially give them away, which will enable more people to have them. I am pretty much done with creating the NTSC version (for US/Canada) and now need to do the PAL format for Asia (since there are two different TV/Video standards). I've been busy with this...so haven't had much time left to blog lately. I think we will also be doing some cool T-Shirts...but let's see what happens.

Anyways... I'm excited. I had such a great experience on my last trip to England, and Asia is next. It really helps to get to know the Sikh communities in a personal way, which guides what we do at SikhNet and gives more support to us.

Waheguru! Just looking at this picture makes my neck hurt. It's a good thing my wife Arjan is a Chiropractor and can look after my neck. Hehe... The turban is massive! Someone sent me this picture and I am always amazed when I see these types of pictures. Does anyone know why some Nihangs wear turbans this large? It doesn't seem practical so there must be some spiritual reason. It does get a lot of attention though. No hiding in the crowd dressed like this :)

Picture by Capt. Ravinder Pal Singh in Amritsar

Ps. Gurinder Singh (UK) just forwarded me a video link which is from a news story of this same Sikh ("Major Singh Nihang"). It even looks like from the same day of the picture. Apparently he was trying to set the world record for the largest turban (It is over 400 meters of cloth!). His mission is to inspire Sikh youth and revive turbans in a community where many are cutting their hair or just wearing hats. Watch the video below:

One of my favorite Ragis is Bhai Chattar Singh. For me his music and singing has a certain meditative quality to it. I love the Asa Di Var that he plays too (I'll post another time). Most of the music I have of him is from live recordings. Here is one track from one of the few "commercial" recordings I have heard. It's a great track.

As you can tell I am a music/kirtan lover so like to share my favorites with you all :)

Musician: Bhai Chattar Singh
Shabad: Doe Kar Jor Kari Benanti (Size 7.8MB)

Tonight I would like to share a beautiful recording from Gurdwara a few days back of a group of the Sikh youth chanting the mantra "Gobinday, Mukhanday, Udharay, Aparay, Hariung, Kariung, Nirnamay, Akamay." The chanting was lead by Hari Bhajan kaur (Guitar) along with, Hari Rai Kaur, Hari Simran Kaur, Hari Kaur (Harp), Guru Nam Singh and Guru Darbar Singh (Tabla). It is so inspiring when other Sikh youth get together and sing from the heart. When someone does this I think it really penetrates the Sangat and everyone feels inspired.

This audio track is about 14 minutes long and is a great meditation. Some of you may have tried the other meditations that I have posted in the past. If not...or if so.... give this one a try.

The audio track changes and progresses all the way through it, building energy. I love the chorus sounding voices of all of them singing together. Then the Intertwining of voices together singing different parts.

This mantra is from Jaap Sahib (pauri 94-95) by Guru Gobind Singh. It contains the eight facets of God that we all have to deal with. Gobinday, one who sustains us, Mukhunday, one who liberates us, Udharay, one who uplifts us, Aparay, who is infinite, Hariung, who does everything, Kariung, for which grace everything is done, Nirnaamay, nameless, desireless, Akaame, is by itself.

Har is the creative energy of God. The four repetitions of Har give power to all aspects and provide the power to break down barriers of the past.

To Meditate to the Mantra...
Sit in Easy Pose with a straight spine, or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. With the eyes closed chant the mantra with the tip of the tongue hitting the ridge of the palate. The tongue must be stiff. Pull in the navel slightly with each "Har". The closed eyes must be fixed on the tip of the nose to maintain concentration. The closed eyes, fixed on the tip of the nose, focuses our attention, centers us and stimulates the pituitary gland. Chant 11-15 minutes when you wake up and 11-15 minutes when you go to bed. You can also listen to the mantra on auto reverse when you sleep.

Gobinday Mukhanday Meditation


Download Audio MP3
(Size: 19.6MB / Length: 15 Minutes)

Ok, I'm think I'm in trouble already for not going to sleep yet, but I think "WaheGuru" wills it to be. Hahaha. Wait!...maybe that is me who is willing it and I just think it is God/Waheguru. I guess I'm part of God too, right? Oh well, so much for justifying myself. Hahaha... As long as you all enjoy, it's all worth it.

The problem with having lots of cool stuff to share is that I want to just keep sharing it all, but the reality is that it is too much to share all at once so I have to be patient and just post things over time so people have the time to enjoy and take it in.

I was browsing through the SikhNet mp3 archive and I just happened upon this track. The "problem" with having so much music is you may not even know or have heard of all of it. This was one of those tracks that I had under "Classical Indian" but was in fact all Gurbani shabads by Chand Afzaal Qawwal which I'm sure you guessed by the name is Qawalli music. I love the Qawalli style of music which is very spirited and up-beat. If you are new to the blog you can hear another good Qawalli style shabd that I posted back in Aug.

Musician: Chand Afzaal Qawwal
Shabad: Aise Gur Ko Bal Bal Jayiye (Size: 17MB)

Ps. This one is for you Prabhu! I know you really liked the last one.

Here is another Gurdwara lecture from Jan. 6th 1988, by Siri Singh Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi ji. Below are a few quotes that I typed up from the talk.

"You don't have any enemy. Your enemy is your own mind, When your mind controls you and draws you out of you; And takes you where it wants to take you. You are absolutely going to default, not for unhappiness, but for tragedy. Mind cannot be controlled by you alone. Mind needs meditation. Mind needs positive affirmation and Gurus word is that positive affirmation...."

"If you want to see Guru Gobind Singh or don't see Guru Gobind Singh. Some people say 'we don't want to see the picture of Guru Gobind Singh because some painter painted it'. Forget it, don't go after the painting, don't go after the picture. Dress yourself and stand before the mirror and see Guru Gobind Singh in the mirror.

Guru Gobind Singh will be always alive or dead, represented, not represented, graceful, not graceful, because of the act and pace and space of a Sikh. These are the Guru Gobind Singh's own words; That my life is that of the Sikh; My prana is that of the Sikh. My Sikh is my grace. These are the words of the same Guru which you want to appear. How more explicit, open and honest a Guru can be? The problem is that we want to dress ourselves to please others. The day we dress ourself to please ourself, and the day we dress ourself to please the Guru, we made it....."

"In you is your own soul. I am not saying follow Sikh Dharma. I'm not saying follow Islam. I'm not saying follow Christianity. I say follow the whole universe, follow anything, or don't follow anybody. But if you do not get to see your own soul within your own concept and conception, whatever you have followed or not followed, you have wasted your lifetime. There is no redemption. Guru Guides you, by the experience...."

"Sikh Dharam is a practical religion. It is not a religion to only be followed on Sunday. This religion starts at 3AM and never ends. It's an endless religion...."

Gurdwara Lecture - Jan 6 1988
Anand and Sikh Dharam


Download Audio (Size 5.5MB)

The other day we had our "Secretariat meetings" (described in the previous blog post) which was hosted by some of the Sikh youth here. Before the meeting Nirmal Singh (one of the youth here) was assigned the task of giving an introduction about each of the Gurus. As he started doing his research, he kept coming across the metaphor of "The Gurus being a boat to ferry us across this world ocean". It occurred to him that each Guru has unique qualities and as a result was probably a different kind of "boat". This is a story of the different qualities of each Guru and which type of "boat" he relates to them.

It is a fun, yet educational story. When I was listening I was anxious to hear which boat he related to each Guru.

The Guru Is the Boat
by Nirmal Singh Khalsa

Download Audio (5MB) / Read Story

Nirmal Singh is 24 and currently lives in Espanola, New Mexico (USA). His parents are from Mexico and Houston. He grew up in the US (Houston,TX.)

The past year and a half, our local non-profit organizations (Sikh Dharma, SikhNet, 3HO, IKYTA, KRI, etc, etc) have been meeting on a regular basis as a whole, to unify our goals and leadership. In the past everyone seemed to work in their own little "box", and as a result we did not know what everyone else was doing and things were not done efficiently. Many people (including myself) were quite busy and only had ownership in the particular area that they worked in.

We have made a lot of progress this last year and I am inspired to see how everyone's consciousness is shifting to more of a "Group" consciousness. As a metaphor, It's like a business is a person...and can be just thinking about it's self. This has shifted from that, to the business thinking about how to best serve and reach the overall goal TOGETHER with other business. The result being a much larger impact from our Unified goals. Every day we are moving from a place of "That isn't my role, or something in my organization/department", TO, feeling more and more ownership and responsibility with what everyone is doing as a whole. This is important because the more unified we are, the more we can accomplish and help each other.

I think it is important as Sikhs and humans to find ways to work together to create positive change on this earth (not just with Sikhs). There is so much hate and anger in this world. People are longing for help, feeling empty, and trying to find meaning and joy in their lives. For me it can be very disheartening to watch the news or read about the current happenings on this planet. It makes my stomach turn when I hear about all the shady politics going on in this world. Then throw in the issues of the environment and corporate dominance. Corporations are doing terrible things to people and this earth; with only the motivation of profit. I have to stay focused and keep a positive outlook in spite of all this and know that as a unified body we have a HUGE amount of power to create change. We can't give up hope.

Within the Sikh community many of us talk about how we don't like what this or that Sikh Organization or person is doing. For any situation there are hundreds of critics and people making judgements. We complain and fight all day long for the smallest things. It's as if spreading this negativity will make you feel better or make the situation better. What we are not seeing very often, are people who see things and then take a stand to make a positive change. It's easy to sit at your desk and write some message on the internet, or complain to someone about something. It takes a lot more commitment, courage and leadership to take responsibility, look for a solution, and try to make a change. You may feel like you are "small" and can't do anything. That is your mental limitation, because God gave us a brain and such creativity to find a solution to any problem. Where there is a will...there is a way. What makes an ordinary person different from a leader? Think about it.

Me and my wife have an understanding that if you are going to complain about something, it had better be just to "vent", and something that you are involved with and are helping to change. So, the next time you have some critical thought or remark, think twice.

So, yes there are many things done within the Sikh community which are totally backward, and in my opinion "un-sikh-like". My prayer is that the Sikhs of tomorrow (the youth of today) work together to make things better. To look beyond differences and find commonality, which is the fundamental thing which Guru Nanak taught. I already see many Sikh youth doing this which is great. We all have leadership qualities (whether or not you think so). It is just a matter of tapping into it and having the courage and strength to take action. I encourage you all to think about people who inspire you and the qualities that they have. Use those examples and try to find the leader inside you. Get other friends together and use your group power to do something positive.

Now back to my original topic of our local meetings. Yesterday some of our local Sikh youth headed up the meeting agenda and the whole half day meeting. It was an awesome meeting and an empowering experience. We discussed a lot about leadership and dealing with the issues of helping our "elders" pass on responsibility to the younger generation. We meditated together to set the tone for the meeting and then broke out into smaller groups. We spent a good amount of time brainstorming different issues and coming up with solutions. At the very end we were instructed to think of people and things that inspire you. From those thoughts we were told to write some words down on a card as an affirmation that will inspire you to be more of a leader. We did a sort of musical chairs and then ended up on someone else's chair with their "affirmation card". Then we all sat on the floor in a circular form around a bowl like a flower. We closed our eyes, and then one at a time someone would be tapped on the shoulder as a cue to read the affirmation card and then put it in the bowl...which was like a pool for our leadership projection. It was so cool to meditate and hear one by one these thoughts. The voices of everyone speaking would bounce back and forth from different parts of the room as each person spoke. It was a great feeling of group consciousness and very empowering to do this together as a group. This experience made me think how it would be cool to hear this again as a personal affirmation and to motive me. So I got all the cards after the meeting, and got as many people as I could, to re-create reading the cards. Then I added in some beautiful music by Balvinder Singh from Australia and it was done.

You can take a listen if you like, an hopefully it will help give a spark to you, to help find the leader in you.

Leadership Affirmations

Music by: Balvinder Singh (Australia)
Remixed by: Gurumustuk Singh, with affirmations of Sikh Youth from Espanola, New Mexico after the above mentioned leadership meeting.



Download Affirmations with Music (11MB)

The music in the above clip is by a new Sikh musician from Australia, Balvinder Singh. Please support him and his first CD by ordering a copy from his website.

Ps. Big thanks yous to: Nirmal S., Dharam S., Sat Jiwan K., Suraj, Gurudarshan K, Hari Mandir K, Lakhmi Chand, Himmat Singh, Hari Bhajan K, Kyla who were instrumental in organizing the meeting.

Have you ever traveled to a city and wondered if there was a Gurdwara in the area? The SikhNet team has been working on a cool new project, with the help of Ad.WRIGHT. This is an exciting new service which will enable you to visually find Gurdwaras all around the world. You can search for locations and add your own Gurdwara to the map too.

Currently there are only a small subset of Gurdwaras listed, so we hope that you will check it out and add your Gurdwara to the map. All you need to do is register on SikhiWiki and then you can zoom in/or search to find your Gurdwara location. Then just double click on the spot, and a form will display to enter the info.

You can switch between "Map" mode, which just shows streets, cities, and road names, to "Satellite" mode which shows you actual satellite images of the world. You can also do the "Hybrid" version which will show both at the same time.

We have a lot of good ideas for expanding this. We plan to setup this system in a way that anyone can create a map on SikhiWiki for a variety of purposes. You could have a map of all the Sikh camps, Kirtan Samagams, all your friends, Aunties who will feed you food, Historical locations, etc. It's really up to your imagination.

So help us expand this project by entering your Gurdwara and letting us know what you think about the project. We really want to make it a useful service and need your help.

Visit the Gurdwara Map Now

Once you are registered on SikhiWiki you can just zoom in and click on your Gurdwara and enter the information right there in the map window.

You can use the search feature to help quickly find a city or address.

When you click on any of the Nishaan Flags you will see information about the Gurdwara. Many Gurdwaras are close together so you need to zoom in to view all of them.

Tonight I wanted to share a story which was written by Shanti Kaur (of Espanola) about one particular day at the end of the Vishav Sikh Samelan in Amritsar. It relates to the song "Song of the Khalsa" written by M.S.S Livtar Singh Khalsa. This is an inspirational song which we sing during every Gurdwara before Anand Sahib. For us it holds much meaning and gives a lot of inspiration.

To animate the story more than just reading it, I recorded myself reading the story and then added some beautiful music by Balvinder Singh (Australia) who has just created an awesome new CD (I'll be feature it on the blog soon).

A Story by Shanti Kaur

Song of the Khalsa

Download Audio

Song Of The Khalsa
By M.S.S Livtar Singh Khalsa

"Many speak of courage. Speaking cannot give it. It's in the face of death that we must live it.
When things are down and darkest, that's when we stand tallest. Until the last star falls, we won't give an inch at all!

Stand as the Khalsa, strong as steel, steady as stone. Give our lives to God and Guru, mind and soul, breath and bone.

Guru Arjun gave His Life, to stand for what was right. He was burned and tortured, five long days and nights. He could have stopped it any time, just by giving in. His Strength a solid wall, He never gave an inch at all!

Sons of the Khalsa, remember those who died. Stood their ground until their last breath, so we who live now, might live free lives.

A princess is not royal, by her birth or blood inside. But if her family's home is Anandpur Sahib, She'll walk with such a grace and strength, the world will bow in awe. Until the mountains fall, she'll never give an inch at all!

Daughters of the Khalsa, in your strength our future lies. Give our children fearless minds, to see the world through the Guru's Eyes.

Baisakhi we were thousands, but only five had the courage for dying. Then one brave man, one flashing sword, turned us all to lions. And now we live His Legacy, to die before we fall. And like the five who answered the call, we can't turn back at all.

Stand as the Khalsa, strong as steel, steady as stone.
Give our lives to God and Guru, mind and soul, breath and bone.

The Tenth Guru gave even His Sons, to give the Khalsa life.
His Words stand like mountains, against the winds of time,
That Khalsa will rule the world, all will be safe in its fold.
But if the Khalsa falls, there won't be a world at all!

Stand as the Khalsa, strong as steel, steady as stone.
Give our lives to God and Guru, mind and soul, breath and bone.

Many speak of courage. Speaking cannot give it.
It's in the face of death that we must live it.
When things are down and darkest, that's when we stand tallest.
Until the last star falls, we won't give an inch at all!

Stand as the Khalsa, strong as steel, steady as stone.
Gives our lives to God and Guru, mind and soul, breath and bone.

Sons of the Khalsa, remember those who died.
Stood their ground until their last breath, so we who live now, might live free lives.

Daughters of the Khalsa, in your strength our future lies.
Give our children fearless minds, to see the world through the Guru's Eyes.

Stand as the Khalsa, strong as steel, steady as stone.
Give our lives to God and Guru, mind and soul, breath and bone.

Mind and soul are His alone. "

Hear the full "Song of the Khalsa" played by Livtar Singh at a Gurdwara in Los Angeles during Baisakhi a long while back.

Song of the Khalsa (Original) - Livtar Singh Khalsa



Here is a unique "Blues" version of the Song of the Khalsa by Avtar Singh, who is the father of Lakhmi Chand and Siri Chand Singh

Song of the Khalsa (Blues) - Avtar Singh


Download Audio

Me and my "sweetie"....

Tonight we had a beautiful celebration with family and friends to welcome the soul of our new child. It is custom for our communties to do Kirtan, and meditate on the 120th day of the pregnancy. It's a great way to get together and meditate with the sangat and pray for the child. Arjan got lots of nice gifts from people too...which is always a treat. It's also nice to have this event which is very supportive to the mothers. It's not an easy task to go through pregnancy and have a baby.

It was a very cozy and fun occasion...with a few unexpected turns. One of our friends who was going to do the Kirtan called at the last minute saying she was sick and couldn't come, so we scrambled to find someone 5 minutes before we were supposed to start . Also someone had helped us by making a huge pot of soup for dinner, but because it was done the night before and sat out (un-refrigerated) it ended up fermenting a bit (going bad)...and I think when it was being warmed up got burnt. This was all 5 minutes before starting so it was one thing after the other. No food... no kirtan? Next thing we know Home Run Pizza was called and stacks of Pizza were on their way for 50+ people. People darted out to the store on the other side of town and bought up some stuff to make salad and bread. By the time the Kirtan was done there was a feast at hand. It was really nice how many of my friends just took care of all this at a moments notice. It is inspiring when people just serve and do things for others.

We got off to a rocky start but everything worked out in the end.

Download File

Guru Darbar Singh on Tablas and Kirin Kaur playing a few shabads.

Arjan and me meditating... (someone snuck my camera for a picture)

Kirin Kaur playing kirtan and the kids playing the shakers next to Arjan.

Siri Dyal Kaur and her daughter Ram Rattan Kaur. She is a good friend of ours and also pregnant (a month or so ahead of Arjan). Our kids will probably be buddies.

A few of our friends...

This is a story that has a similar theme to my previous blog post. It's a great story for kids (and all of us). I have this book and read it to Narayan at bed time from time to time. We like to get different types of books to read Narayan at night before going to sleep. It's great to spend the time and read stories with your children (especially if they are interesting and teach them something). I think it is really important. Spongebob Squarepants, Spiderman, Disney stories, etc. just don't cut it for me. There are many good books available that have a non religious spiritual message about God being in everything and everywhere. I always look out for those. The teachings of the Sikh Gurus are universal and many people have stories with themes that are common with these teachings.

Anyway...you can read the text from the story titled:

The Little Soul & The Sun
by Neale Donald Walsch

Someone posted the text online, but If you like the story I recommend that you get the book which has beautiful art.