Loneliness

We are alone and that is true we come alone into this world and leave alone from this world. Yet we have with us the one and eternal truth, Vahee Gurooo. Why do we then feel this state of loneliness when we know we are not alone.

We get attached to our family, friends, Partner and spouse. We think forever we will stay in there warmth and comfort. Love is what we disguise the attachment with saying "I Love you." When we loose the person we feel cut up. We feel hurt. True love is that where we will move heaven and earth to be with the being. True love with the one all mighty can be obtained yet we can not see him, we can not feel him of find him.

It probably doesn't make sense but anyway just something I have been thinking about.

Longing For Naam

I long for naam.
I long to Jaap naam with each breath my body takes.
I long to not speak or think foully but to think of One.
One day just one day if he is willing maybe I will get there.
When you are always on my mind and a see and speak with your naam.
When all I hear is the wind echoing Vvaaaheee Guurrrooooh

When I experienced once the high of naam, Jaaping for a moment left me transcended for ages.
All my stress, my worries disappeared, no chinta, Just the echo of Ik OannKaarr ringing through my ear.
Oh that moment why could I not keep it.
My struggle for naam
My longing for naam
Will all but continue.

Bhai Rama Singh 9 - Last message on Bhai sahib ji

From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Fri Aug 9, 2002 9:18 am
Subject: Last message on Bhai sahib ji

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Pyare jio, todays message is the last on Bhai sahib Rama Singh ji. Tomorrow is his funeral.

It is very easy to say not to have attachment (Moh) with anyone, but not so easily done. However it is important to remember that tommorrow, all that we will see is Bhai Sahib jis body. This is just the vessel in which Bhai sahib was. It is not him. The soul was free along time ago long before even when he left this earth. The vessel will just be dust, and we should not attach ourselves to the vessel. If we want to remember Bhai Sahib then we should remember his words, his kindness, his smile, and the sparkle in his eyes everytime he looked at us. This was Bhai Sahib, his soul, which is free.

For a while now, Bhai sahib had left, even while alive. He did not live at the house, or live amongst us, he just visited to give his darshan, fulfill his worldly tasks, and finish the seva and tests that Guru maharaj had given him. I have seen in my short time in sikhi, many Gursikhs, that live in their own worlds. They remain quite and secluded, involving in the worldly game, and doing the seva that they can, but experiencing their own unique Rass from the real world that revealed itself to them. For they are the ones who realises what Kalyug actually is, as everytime they return to this world, its workings, it is kalyug. Hence these Gursikhs, plead that they always remember Waheguru in their hearts, for a even a second in kalyug is too much, as guru sahib himself states in bani, that even a second without your presence is too much for me to bear.

We should all be happy for Bhai sahib for he has gone to the place that he deserved, something far better than anything on this earth. And wish that we ourselves can just become half the Gursikh he was, then that would be an achievement.

I am not sure if anything that I have written has been helpful, but I thougth I would do my best for someone, who was one of the best living examples of sikhi that I have ever seen.

waheguru ji ke khalsa,waheguru ji ke fateh


http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=10270&view=findpost&p=93530

Bhai Rama Singh 8 - Shabad on Bhai sahibs personality.

From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Thu Aug 8, 2002 10:29 am
Subject: Shabad on Bhai sahibs personality.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Pyare jio, continuing on this week long celebration of Bhai sahib jis life on akj egroup. I thought this one I would send to all egroups, as I think everyone will relate to this. Rather than writing stories, today I thought we would share a shabad of Sahib Siri Guru Tegh Bahadhur, which discusses the Sadhu, a Gurmukh. I have below include much discussion on this shabad. Compiling what many poeple have written, the whole shabad reminded me of bhai sahib ji. I did want to go into Mooh ( attachment ) of bhai sahib. Praise should only be of Guru and Waheguru, hence I thought this shabad is more appropriate. It is a long e-mail, but like I said, I thought it most appropriate.

Bani Of Sahib Siri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji.

Sadho man ka man tyago


O seekers of truth, cost down your vanity,

Lust, wrath and wicked companions;

Flee, flee them day and night. Refrain.

That man has understood the essence of existence,

Who in happiness and suffering,

Remains poised with equanimity;

Who in glory and shame,

Feels just the same,

Who is detached from joy,

As well from sorrow and pain;

Who cares not for praise;

Not even for blame.

But seeks the state of Nirvana.

Says Nanak, it is an arduous game,

Which few Divine sages comprehend.


Translated by Bhai Tarlochan Singh ji Delhi


It was once said, “ They, whose minds are not disturbed, when the sources of the disturbance of present, are truly brave.” For all seekers of Truth, two fundamental things are necessary. They must completely discard lust, wrath, and the company of wicked men. They must renounce those passions, which blind, man's vision of truth, and blunt his feelings for doing good in this world. They must strive to attain the highest state of an enlightened man, the Gurmukh: the saint-soldier- whose face is always turned towards Divine light. Sahib Siri Guru Arjan Dev ji calls the person a Brahm-gyani, a mystic philosopher, to whom God has revealed Himself.

He proclaims by his character and achievements the man can rise above the limitations which nature puts on him. He is sovereign of the soul. Strong and self-poised in self-control. He takes pain and pleasure, heat and cold, glory and injury alike. With his mind free from all dark forces, he senses sublimated, he lives in the joy of inner illumination and knowledge of truth. Tranquil in spirit, free from all fear, the gravest grief does not disturb his inner peace. He is stainless, serene, well balanced, un-perplexed, with his mind ever fixed on the love of God.

The Chinese philosopher, Confucius, amazing describes, the Gurmukh as a superior man, and contrasts him with the inferior man, what we refer to in Gurbani as a Manmukh. “ The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell. The superior man loves his soul; the inferior man loves his property. The superior man is liberal towards other's opinions, but does not completely agree with them; the inferior man complete agrees with other's opinions, but is not liberal towards them. The superior man blames himself; the inferior man blames others. The superior man his broad-minded towards all and not partisan; the inferior man is partisan and not broad-minded towards all. The superior men is always candid and at ease; the inferior man is always worried about something. The superior man develops upwords; the inferior man develops downwards. The superior man is dignified but not proud; the inferior man is proud but not dignified.”

Sahib Siri Guru Tegh Bahadhur ji calls such a man a Gurmukh, one whose face, mentality and spirituality, is always turned towards Divine Light of God. Such a man is known by his character and the main motivation of his life is that he aspires after the supreme mystic state of Nirvana (khojai pad Nirbana) or Sehaj. It is the wisdom of this aspiration and the Enlightenment, progressively achieved, which complete changes the character of such seekers of Truth. It is the arduous journey on the path of Nirvana, which Sahib Siri Guru Nanak Dev Ji states, it's sharper than a double-edged sword and narrower than a hairs breadth, which gives the seeker of Truth joy, serenity, and the consciousness of inward strength and ultimately liberation. Nirvana in Sikhi, is inner grasp of immortality, and a personal communion with Truth and Beauty. Nirvana,or Sahej is a state at inner illumination to attained here while alive, not any paradise or heaven after death. It is within the reach of every human being in every race, nationality, and colour. It is only through this path does man progressively comprehend the eternity of Truth, in the sentiency of complex and changing earthly life.

In this state of Sehaj, God reveals His Power, His Grace and Wisdom to man. Sehaj is a gift of God to men with pure hearts, noble intentions and rare insight. Through illumination and actions it inspires, God asserts the ultimate victory of the Truth over falsehood, freedom over despotism, and fearlessness over terror and tyranny. This is “Waheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh”. Such a Khalsa, is recognised in society by his compassion, goodness, virtues and in history by his service of humanity. Such a man is distinguished by his Unique character. He seeks neither applause nor gratitude. He passes through the turmoil of the world, undisturbed by the destructive egoism of men of position and power, continues to serve humanity. The problems of life neither depress or anger him. He breaks through egotism and fully trusts in God. So serene is his nature that he never takes offence. He forgets every illness and injury, and never complains of wrongs done to him.

The seeker of Sahej, the Gurmukh, mystic philospher, saint soldier, he steadfast in his inner composure, and his disinterested mind sinks into the serenity are illumined consciousness. He gladly accepts whatever happens as the tragic and comic acts of a purposeful human drama. Such Gurmukhs, up are the path-makers who blazed a trail that other men follow. They see the Light shining on mountain heights in the early morning (Amritvela), while their fellows sleep in the valleys below. Such a person was Bhai sahib Rama Singh, aptly described by Sahib Siri Tegh Bahadhur Ji. Just a simple Gurmukh, and it is in simplicity, that everything exists in.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=10270&view=findpost&p=93529

Bhai Rama Singh 7 - Amrit - Bhai Sahib Rama Singh ji and sahej

From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Wed Aug 7, 2002 9:23 am
Subject: Bhai Sahib Rama Singh ji and sahej

Waheguru ji ke khalsa,waheguru ji ke fateh

Pyare jio, continuing in this process of celebrating Bhai sahib Ji`s Jeevan.

I remember a while ago, we met at a rainsbhai keertan in Hitchin. I was sitting in the langar hall with my 18 months old little nephew, who was quite restless. Bhai sahib came up and hugged us. He always loved little children, and always gave them good "Assissan". We sat there having langar, talking about parchaar in the North of England. He was really happy so many more youth were realising the value of gurbani in the North. I said to him, they are progressing towards sikhi, but still do not have Panthic Spirit, which would make them more dedicated sevadaars for the Panth. He said to me, panthic spirit only comes when a person has Panthic dard. Maharaj would bless them.

In that week, there had been a petty argument happening in the punjabi national papers, between two individuals over dasam granth. In all the silliness, one had gone on a complete tangent and written about Bhai sahib, saying he was a "Low caste indian government agent." Many people had been incensed by this including me. Bhai Sahib was a Khalsa, and one of the most Panthic people that I had met. He had left everything for sikhi, and dedicated himself for the Panth. In the eight years since I kept my kesh, I have heard many poeple talk of panth, and only a handful actually do something for the Panth. Bhai Sahib did something.

I said to Bhai sahib, I think a response should be written by the youth. He put his hand on my shoulder and said,"leave it, it is irrelevant. Do you let anyone distract you from the seva for the Panth". He said, "At the times of Guru Nanak, so many people put Guru ji down, swore at him, and were jealous of him. But it is Guru Nanak who is remembered everywhere today. All them gallan are forgotten. "

Bhai sahib was right, sometimes we are so easily distracted from our seva. People are always going to say things. But they are irrelevant. Seva is a blessing, and one should focus on that. I remember sitting their thinking, how some poeple must have such "mare karam", that they could of had darshan of Sahib Siri Guru Nanak dev ji, they lived when he walked with his darshan on this earth. Yet they slandered him, and were jealous of him. In the same way, whoever wrote that, probably never met bhai sahib, but chose to slander him. We should not be incensed, but realise our mare karam and flaws and do saanjh, and appreciate what is around us, and hopefully we also will never do the same.

Bhai sahib was above praise and slander, both were irrelvant to him. He had attained Sehaj, which is one the most difficult stages to attain. Can anyone ever remember Bhai sahib raising his voice, or doing anything negative. He always had a smile, filled with contentment. It is his pyar, grace, affection, humility, virtues which are ever-present on the stage on Sehaj. He loved everyone, and did no difference with anyone. Such is the value of a Jeevan, and these were the virtues of Sahib Siri Guru Nanak Dev ji, and Bhai sahib was his sewak.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=10270&view=findpost&p=93528

Bhai Rama Singh 6 - Bhai sahib Rama Singh ji, Bhai sahib Jeevan Singh ji and humour

From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Tue Aug 6, 2002 10:20 am
Subject: Bhai sahib Rama Singh ji, Bhai sahib Jeevan Singh ji and humourWaheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

I remember a few years ago, when it was Gravesend rainsbhai. A friend and myself were just about to enter the Gurdwara, when we met Bhai sahib Rama Singh just outside the gurdwara. He greeted us with a Gurfateh. As we all walked into the foyer. Coming out of the restroom was Bhai sahib Jeevan Singh. My friend nudged me saying, look this is probably the two greatest souls we are likely to see in our lifetime.

Bhai Rama Singh ji and Bhai Jeevan Singh ji walked straight towards each other, and exchanged fateh. Then Bhai Jeevan singh ji said, "Bhai Sahib you have some dirt on the bottom of your Chola, let me clean it for you", bending down at Bhai Rama Singh ji`s feet. At once Bhai Rama Singh ji also bent straight down grapping Bhai jeevan singh ji`s feet. Next we saw the most hilarious sight of the these two Gursikhs have a mini-wrestling match touching each others feet. Both laughed and hugged each other, before moving further in to the foyer. There was so much pyar between the two of them.

Bhai Rama Singh ji was an introvert, quiet and serene. But he had an excellent sense of humour. Bhai Sahib was always radiant, smiling with shining eyes, but when he laughed his face shone.

I remember once on the way back from a camp, we stopped at a petrol station. While the others went inside, Bhai sahib said to me lets go and sit on that bench and do Mool mantar da jap. When the others got back, they asked Bhai sahib about the camp, and what he thought. He started telling them a story about a mixup between 2 bibian and their cameras. I cannot remember the exact story, but he thought it was hilarious. We didn`t get the joke, but seeing Bhai Sahib burst into laughter, made everyone else burst into laughter aswell.

Once I dropped Bhai sahib off at home after a programme. I usually did not go in because I wanted to respect the privacy of the family he lived with. I did not think it good if loads of us were always hanging around. So many families in Southall wanted Bhai sahib to live with them. They used to say to us sometimes to tell Bhai sahib to come and live with them. We always replyed it is Bhai sahib decision where he wishs to live, it is not for us to say. The family that Bhai sahib lived with is a really nice family. This day Bhai sahib specifically kept saying to me to come in. I think he wanted to speak about something. I said fateh to the family, and Bhai sahib showed me his garden. He loved nature. We spoke for quite a while that day. later when we came back sitting in his room, I said to him, " Bhai sahib, the family you live with is really nice. He said to me, that they have known each other from previous lives. The singh and Bhai sahib used to fight in Guru sahib ji`s fauj together. At this Bhai sahib burst out in laughter, and said to me that in them days he was the tall and big one, and the other singh was short. (The Gursikh bhai sahib used to live with is very tall and muscular).

Bhai sahib rarely talked about such things. He always emphaised nirmarta and the need to build a jeevan. I think this why his book was such a revelation to alot of people, that he said so much. But I know there was so much he still kept gupt. Bhai Sahib only wrote what he wrote to help people towards the true path. He wanted to clear so many superstitions, and predjudices. He wanted people to realise how special sikhi is and what everyone can achieve with Udham. It was not written with ego or for fame, bhai sahib has always had fame, even before the book. Everyone knew he had something special. Bhai sahib wanted poeple to strive forward to create a khalsa raj, realise their potential, and the blessings of Guru maharaj.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru jike fateh

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=10270&view=findpost&p=93527

Bhai Rama Singh 5 - Bhai sahib ji and Kamai

From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Mon Aug 5, 2002 9:33 am
Subject: Bhai sahib ji and Kamai

Waheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Pyare jio, sometimes Bhai sahib would speak to us youth about how we should do more kamai. He would say that kamai is very underestimated, and not everyone realises how important it is.

Once he said to me, that youth think that by doing the occasional amritvela, or rainsbhai, that they are of good jeevans. But he said, it is much more than that. He said after a little kamai, they wonder why nothing happens to them, why they have not reached sackhand. It takes great Udham to achieve Gurmat. He said, just to get Naam flowing inside you, you need to have a strong amritvela routine for a least a month, but people do it for a few days, and expect miracles. He would say much Udham is required by the youth in abyass.

He also emphasised the need for doing your abyass on a gupt level. When I was living in the South, there was a regular rountine of the monthly jatha rainsbhai, and then the monthly local kids rainsbhai. On the other weekends, Bhai sahib and about 4-5 youth would get together at a house in Southall for abyass. upstairs in the house, there was a small room, with Parkash of Guru maharaj. About 5-6 of these Gursikhs naujawan, who I will not name, and bhai sahib would start simran at 9-10pm, and continue till 3am, and then do nitnem. Afterwards they would go to simran at Singh sabha. These programmes were in them days regular, and I was sometimes invited to these programmes. i used to feel very priveleged to be in the company of these Gursikhs. These programmes were excellent. Once I mentioned to the youth, that these programmes were happening, and the more people who come the better. But most were put off by the length of the programmes. After this, Bhai Sahib said to me, that abyass which is done should remain gupt. Gupt abyass has much "phaal." He said it is gupt abyass that is going to build your jeevan.

He also greatly emphasised the value of "jorian de seva". He would have a handkerchief in his pocket, and would carefully clean the shoes, and then wipe the handkercheif on his forehead. He would tell us to always do simran, when doing this sewa, otherwise it will give you ego, that you are doing joorian de seva. Bhai sahib said to me once, whenever you do any seva, whether talking, keertan, or anything, always do joorian de seva first. then when you walk into the darbaar in front of maharaj, you mind will be on the floor, in his charan, no ego will enter. Then you will see how Maharaj blesses the seva.

To really understand Bhai sahib, you need someone who has also done kamai. i am not that person, only a person who understands naam, can discuss its virtues. I am just sharing somethings Bhai sahib said to me. Hopefully those who understand naam, will find something in this.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Bhai Rama Singh 4 - Forever Young, Bhai Rama Singh Jee

Subject: Forever Young, Bhai Rama Singh Jee

Waheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

I too was blessed to have had Bhai Rama Singh ji's sangat while I was in Southall. He loved the kids and the youth, he always came to our programmes and made everyone he met feel very special, like they were the only person in the world that mattered to him. He had the true light of Waheguru shining brightly in him and was a true Khalsa. I never thought of him as old , he was forever young , always smiling. He started the Waheguru kirtan programmes at 4am in Southall and 5.30 in hounslow. He got up in the early hours and did his amritvela, then made his way to Southall and Hounslow every morning. Just to see him in the sangat was SO inspiring. He was always at the kids camps - a beacon of light to all that were in darkness. I will miss him very much and can feel the tears welling up as I write this.

I remember meeting Harjot, like his grandson, who told me that Bhai Sahib was in hospital a few years ago and went into a coma. The doctors said there was no hope now and the family should prepare for the worst. Harjot and his father sat by his bedside day and night just praying. Miracle of miracles he came out of the coma and the Doctors couldn't believe it. Bhai Rama Singh ji told them his soul went to a
beautiful place and he thought it was time for him to leave the world. Then two Shaheed Singhs came and greeted hims with love and affection. They told him that he had done so much naam simran that few could match him, but it was not his time to go yet. They said that he had one thing left to do and that was to earn gareebi - spiritual poverty, to become as humble as the earth, then his life journey would be complete. Then they gave him divine amrit to drink and he drank it till he could drink no more. It completely rejuvinated him spiritually, mentally and physically. Harjot lived with Bhai Sahib and said he Bhai Rama Singh ji was so high on naam after that he didn't sleep for days.

I remember Bhai Rama Singh ji would always recommend to everyone he met to do 'joria dee seva' to clean the sangats shoes, to be humble. I think if anyone want s to show love for Bhai Rama Singh then that would have been his request - do joria dee seva , find humility and naam simran , make your life successful, have the true light of the Khalsa shining bright in you.

Waheguruji ka khalsa Waheguruji kee fateh!

Harjit Singh

Bhai Rama Singh 3 - My First Experience of Bhai Sahib, The Gursikh.

From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Fri Aug 2, 2002 9:09 am
Subject: my first experience of bhai sahib, the Gursikh.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Payre jio, I remember many years ago, at a Khalsa camp in Bangor, wales. This was my first time that I had really met bhai sahib ji.I had just kept my kesh, and had a litttle dastaar on.

In the morning, the asa-di-var keertan was excellent. I remember thinking how i wish i could do keertan. I felt so unlucky at all my life being a mona, and never learning these things. As i was walking back to my room, in front of me on a grassy area, I saw bhai sahib with a waaja, with a young lad playing tabla. i knew bhai sahib was special, but never had the courage to go up to him and say anything. anyway, he called me over, to my surprise. I went over, and he told me to sit next to him, saying that he was going to teach me a shabad. He began teaching me a very simple shabad, but even this I could not pick up. Once he had taught me the shabad, he said start doing keertan. I was now feeling very uncomfortable, but he said do not worry, just close your eyes, and sing the shabad.

it was first time touching the waaja, so i was very nervous. But bhai sahib starting singing with me, we closed our eyes and started singing. My vioce was shaking, showing my nerviousness. Bhai sahib came closer, and put his hand on my back. This felt so reassuring, and eyes closed, we were doing keertan. For the first time, I felt so relaxed, and a cold breeze enters the mind.

After a while, when the shabad was finished, bhai sahib lifted his hand from my back, i opened my eyes. To my surprise, there was now about twenty-plus people sitting in front of us listening to the keertan. It suddenly dawned on me what I was doing. Feeling really embarrassed, me a nobody doing keertan, infront of these poeple. I quickly passed the waaja on to someone who I knew did keertan.

bhai sahib just smiled at me, then carried on singing with the keertan. that was the first time I witnessed what Bhai sahib was. It was like he knew what I was yearning for, and just gave it to me. Always the friendly smile. No commotion, just simplicity.

So many things happened at that khalsa camp with Bhai sahib, it was my first introduction to the world of these Gursikhs. Bhai sahib ji is azaad, but his worldly funeral is on Saturday week. I will attempt to relate one story everyday, and hope many others will do the same. maybe through these stories, it may inspire another to immerse themselves in Joorian de seva and bhagti, creating a new generation of Bhai sahib`s. You never know who guru maharaj will place his Grace on.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa, waheguruji ke fateh



From: "jagjit singh"
Date: Fri Aug 2, 2002 9:17 am
Subject: hukamnama

Waheguru jie khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

pyare jio, this was sent to me yesterday, it is the hukamnama, on the morning Bhai sahib left for better places.

Gur Kino Mukth Duwara Sabb Srist Kare Jekara Nanak Prabh Mere Sathe Janam Maran Be Lathe

The Guru has opened the door of liberation, and the entire world applauds Him with cheers of victory. O Nanak, God is always with me; my fears of birth and death are gone. 4252

Waheguru jie khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=10270&view=findpost&p=93523

Bhai Rama Singh 2 - Bhai Sahib Rama Singh Ji has left for Heavenly Abode

Bhai Sahib Rama Singh Ji has left for Heavenly Abode


Waheguru ji ke khalsa, waheguru ji ke fateh

Pyare Sadh Sangat Jio, it is with great regret and sadness, that I have to inform the sangat, that Bhai Sahib Bhai Rama Singh ji from Southall left for Guru Maharajs abode this morning at about 1am, Amritvela.

Bhai sahib ji was known worldwide, and the calibre of his jeevan was of the highest standard. There are so many inspirational stories that I can tell of my personal experiences with Bhai sahib, that I would not know where to start. I `m sure every youth, and every person in UK who spent even a little time with Bhai sahib can say the same. He was a true beacon of Sikhi, and a genuine and sincere example message of our Sahib Siri Guru Nanak Dev ji.

Sahib Siri Guru Tegh Bahadhur states,
"Know such a man, say Nanak,
To be a living image of God,
Who remains undisturbed in sorrow and happiness,
And is free from attachment, pride and avarice.

Bhai Sahib was free from all of this, and he was to so many of us a living image of God, in the form the True Khalsa. Immersed in Naam, always serene, full of love and affection. Most people think of bhai sahib ji to be quiet, but as i got to know Bhai sahib better, I realised how much Panthic vigour he had inside of him. Dedicated to the seva blessed to him, he had also been gifted with sewa in the Panj Pyare for decades. He was not only a father-figure, and your dearest companion. His advice and pyar would sink deep into your heart, such was the amazing personality that Guru Maharaj gave Bhai sahib.

Bhai Sahib jis book was called "Roop Gobind ka, Raj Khalsa ka, Shika Sona ka". For those of us, who were given the most immense blessings by Guru Maharaj, by allowings to spend time with such an immaculate soul. For us, it is the memories of Bhai sahib, his actions, his words, his advice, is like gold, and will always be tresured as such.

Bhai sahib funeral arrangements are currently being finalised. Exact details will be released once these are finalised.

Waheguru ji kekhalsa,waheguru ji ke fateh

http://forums.waheguroo.com/index.php?showtopic=10270&view=findpost&p=93519

Bhai Rama Singh 1 - Amrit - very special

Amrit - very special
Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!
Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

Pyare jio, Amrit is properly the most important decision a person makes in his life. It is important you understand it. Amrit is not something cheap which is distributed to everyone. But something so Pavitaar (special), that you accept - "Phela Maran Kabul hai, Jeevan ke Chad Aass". (Accept death, leave your lifes wishes behind.)

Before I took Amrit, I read Bhai sahib Randhir Singh ji book. “Amrit ke hai” or “Meaning of Sikh Baptism”. This is a fantastic book, because it questions you. It asks you the fundamental question why are you taking Amrit? If your answer is I want to spend the rest of my life Jaapping Naam, in Seva of the Sangat. Then you are ready. But if sincerely this is not the case, then are you really giving your head? I have read this book many times afterwards aswell. Each time it inspires me more in different ways.

On the day, do full ishnaan. Clear your mind and focus on what you are here to do. I was lucky Bhai Rama Singh ji came and sat next to me. He told me to do Mool Mantar da Path. This is fantastic advise. Mool Mantar is harder to do than Gurmantar. You have to focus more. Spend all your time doing this. Do not let yourself be distracted by those around you. If you have any questions, ask the Peradaar (Guard). Otherwise just concentrate on inside. Guru ji states, “the more you prepare and sow your field beforehand, the more it benefit it will have.” Do not worry about anything around you, just read Gurbani and reflect inside.

Bhai Rama Singh ji also said to me, “when the Panj Payres prepare the Amrit focus on the Khanda, watch the Bata, and listen to the Bani.” I fo und this very helpful. It is kind of hypnotic, keep you eyes on it, it helps you focus more.

When the Panj Pyares give you Naam learn it correctly. This is the biggest blessing of your life. The five give you Amrit and place their hands on your head and give you Naam. If afterwards when you are getting Naam dhirr, you still cannot do it, then just go back to the Panj, and get it again. Do not leave unless the Naam is in your breaths, and you Naam Jaap comfortably.

Naam is the seed. This is what it is all about. As humans we prepare the soil. We keep it clean and pure. The seed is placed by the Panj Pyares. We do seva in complete humilty to push it deeper and deeper, until we are nothing. We water it with keertan and sangat. The day we realise we are nothing, and everything is Akaal, the day when we completely submit, is the day that the seed will sprout. Then regular watering with keertan, seva, and sangat will make it blossom into something so beautiful. Only then can this beauty be something so special that it is worthy of sacrifice.

The day after Amrit you still have so many blessings. If you do not continue to capitalise, then you will lose more blessings each day. For many that is their spiritual peak. But do not make this mistake. Attend Amrit vela with like minded Gursikhs everyday. If you cannot find, do Ardas, Guru Maharaj will Pargat them. Make this the beginning of your spiritual journey, not your peak.

A person who is 5 kakkaari is the wealthiest person on this earth. His kaakaars, his body armour of Nitnem, the sprinkling of Amrit in his eyes, kesh, and mouth, plus the ultimate wealth which is Naam. What can be more valuable on this earth!

This Amrit will make his eyes view the world as the world views itself. Like water, it never differentiates when it is being drunk. It does not look at black, white skin, educated, non-educated, male, female, tall, thin, or worst of all castes. Not even differentiating between human and animal. It just quenches the thirst of whoever drinks it. Similarly the wind never looks at who face it blows at, it just blows. The sun never looks on whos face it shines on, it just shines. This is the nature that Waheguru created, and as Waheguru children this is how we should become. When Amrit is sprinkled in our eyes, this is how they should see.

When Amrit is sprinkled in our mouths, our mouths too become pavitaar. The mouth that has tasted Amrit. Could that mouth ever again taste ninda? Could that mouth ever again say a harsh word? Could that mouth ever again swear? From now only as sweat as the Amrit it has tasted, this is how sweat each word should be that leaves that mouth. My Guru states “Aap Naam Jaapo Avra Naam Jaappavo”. (Recite the Naam yourself, and inspire others to recite it too). The day each word that leaves our mouth is as sweat as Amrit, every person we meet in this world will wish to take Amrit.

When Amrit is sprinkled in our Kesh, this is so special. May Guru ji bless us to witness a day, when not only our mouths recite Naam, but also our hearts and we breath it too. Such will be the overwhelming nature of Naam, that even our Kesh will Jaap this Naam. An aura of Naam, pure blessings of Waheguru will radiate from us. Every Virtue of Akaal will be reflected in his Gursikh. So much pyaar, humilty, Sehaj, courage, and Khalsa Spirit.

A true Amritdhari is not one who drinks Amrit just on one day. But one who washes in the same way -Top of head to toe, as he did on that day. Jaaps the same Gurmantar for many hours at Amritvela, reads the same 5 banis every morning, and realises it body is the Sarbloh Bata, and with this process of Nitnem creates Amrit inside everyday. A true Amritdhari drinks Amrit in his mouth everyday.

That person who drinks it every morning at Amrit vela is then ready for his day. Then during the day he will continue to Jaap Naam, and face the worlds challenges as a True Sant Siphai. He will never fear death, because he is already Amar (immortal). His voice will speak of righte ousnous and freedom, because he has attained both.

This is the kind of Gursikhs we need today, and the kind I hope I someday become. Never set your sights at goals so achievable, that you achieve them and become lazy. Set your sights, that you push yourself and over-achieve. Think! I am sikh, one day before I die I want to reach Sachkhand. Set it as a goal. Put it on your bedroom mirror. Read it everyday when you do your dastaar. Remember it, work at it and one day with Guru ji s blessing you will achieve it.

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!
Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

http://www.sikhsangat.com/index.php?showtopic=8412&hl=

Bhai Rama Singh News Article

http://www.panthic.org/news/130/ARTICLE/1821/2005-09-25.html
Memories in the life of Bhai Rama Singh Ji
Sunday 25th September, 2005
Daljit Singh – Panthic Weekly Guest Columnist

(KP) -

Bhai Sahib, Bhai Rama Ji was born in the year 1930 in a village of Chhariavli which is one and half miles from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. His father, Vaid Chandar Pal and his mother Bibi Lashmi Devi came from a very staunch Hindu family. The family had 4 siblings and Bhai Sahib had one brother and two sisters. There was very little contact with the family and as he dipped further into Sikhi, he gave up all the attachment with the family; apparently the family shunned him from embracing the Sikh faith.

Bhai Rama Singh Ji went to the Eighth class in Aligarh, a town south east of Delhi. The turning point in his life came when he heard a sermon from Baba Rattan Das when he was eight years of age, which made a great impact in his life. He said that according to the Hindu religion, there were chauraasi lakh joon (84 million species). If a person did not remember Waheguru, then that person went through the suffering of all those forms of existence. Once caught in the cycle of births and deaths, it took a soul millions of years to get out of it. The life span of some life forms, for example of a snake may well be 500 years or certain species of fishes live up to 5000 to 6000 years or more. There is only suffering and pain in that cycle of births and deaths and no comfort at all. Bhai Sahib asked himself “Why shouldn’t I meditate on God’s name in this life and achieve salvation?” Bhai Sahib also experienced while meditating, an inner voice saying “Without the Perfect (True) Guru there is no salvation in life.”

He left the parents, brother and sisters and proceeded to Delhi and then Bombay; he was tired and fell asleep during the travel. In his dream, someone said to him, “Your attachments are due to your past deeds and one day you have to part. The Lord’s name is written in your destiny. The place where you are going will be good for you.” He started reciting Raam Raam and doing simran in the Grace of God. It began to dawn upon him that any fear will be dispelled in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy Congregation. The divine perspective in life shaped his life and he decided to come to the UK. He came to England on the 18th January 1964 by ship at Tilbury. On arrival he got his first Nitnem gutka (daily prayer book) and started saying his Mool Mantar. He was blessed with ridhian sidhian (supernatural Powers) and his mission started in the UK. He came to Southall and started his first Rain-sabaaee Kirtan, continuous all night singing of the Gurbaani kirtan and ambrosial simran of Waheguru at the Southall Gurdwara; this spread further to other Gurdwaras.

Bhai Sahib had tremendous energy and the charisma to motivate the youngsters to embrace Sikhi and be part of the Amrit paarchhar and he went with Saadh Sangat on yatra trips to Nankana Sahib, Anandpur Sahib and Hem Kunt Sahib. He also actively encouraged Amrit Chhaknaa and immersed in Amrit paarchaar sewa during his visits to the Far East (Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia), Makindu and Kericho, East Africa, Vancouver, Canada and USA. The sangat was mesmerized by his physical presence, his selfless sewa, simplicity, humility and his unique ability to keep the spirits of others in the Power of Naam.

Bhai Sahib Ji epitomized humility and regarded himself as a Servant of Satguru Ji. He was a strong advocate of the principles and practices that we must live to serve and please only Satguru Ji and not others. I know of many people inspired by Bhai Sahib have put these principles in practice and this has become an integral part of their daily living. All those who met and came in contact with Bhai Sahib Rama Singh Ji would be touched by the unstinted love he had for everyone. Acting as a beacon of light, Bhai Sahib would guide and direct the Sangat to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their Guru and encouraged daily simran. Bhai Sahib also gave great importance of cleaning the shoes of the Sangat as a very High Sewa.

For over 30 years, Bhai Sahib was at the forefront of Sikhi parchaar in Europe and performed unceasing selfless sewa. He went on numerous Amrit parchaar tours worldwide to spread the message of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and participated as one of the Panj Pyaare in Amrit Sanskaar ceremonies.

He was gifted, approachable and accessible, commanding intense love and respect from the Sangat or the congregation. He was actively involved in Kirtan Darbar participating wholeheartedly with the Sangat, the youth were especially dear to him. Bhai Sahib also was keen on gardening and he preferred to be with nature, nurturing and tending to plants. He constantly encouraged the Sikh youths to do amrit vela simran and stressed nimrata, humility, and urged them the need to build a jeevan (fruitful life). He also emphasized to do as many mool mantar as one can. Infact, he started targets for example 10,000 mool mantar by giving little counter to people which they click to increment the counter. What an incentive and it is a brilliant concept for Bhai Sahib to think on one-pointed mindedness on Naam?

Guru Tegh Bahadur stated: suKu duKu ijh prsY nhI loBu mohu AiBmwnu ] khu nwnk sunu ry mnw so mUriq Bgvwn ]13] "One who is not touched by pleasure or pain, greed, emotional attachment and egotistical pride - says Nanak, listen, mind: he is the very image of God. 13" (Ang 1427, SGGS). Bhai Sahib was free from all this and he was to so many of us a living image of God, in the Form of True Khalsa, immersed in Naam. Always serene, full of love and affection.

Bhai Sahib also advocated the power of Naam. He said without naam life is totally wasted and futile. He expresses in a poetic verse and gets the message across to the Sadh Sangat in his book:

“They have not accumulated the treasure of Naam
How can their Panth prosper?
(You) do not meditate on the Naam in the morning
You are wasting your life.

Only recitation of the Naam will give you peace
Forget not your (true) home
By reciting the Naam you gain respect
The cycle of birth and death will be terminated.

Only the One Naam will go with you
All wealth will be left behind
Through good fortune did you get the human body
Do not waste it.

If you give up arrogance
You will get respect hereafter
You will be freed from birth (Chauraasi lakh joon or cycle)
And always remain in a state of tranquillity.”

(Bhai Rama Singh Ji)

Bhai Sahib also taught the sangat the way to recite Gurmantar. There are two methods for reciting Waheguru: the first is to recite the word Waheguru and the second to repeat Waheguru with every swaas (life breath). The method for repeating Waheguru with every swaas is taught by the Panj Pyaare. In this way, by doing swaas swaas simran in the early morning, a time comes when the swaas begin to ascend to the forehead (Trikuttee, a spot between the eye-brows) and one experience as follows: rI klvwir gvwir mUF miq aulto pvnu iPrwvau ] mnu mqvwr myr sr BwTI AMimRq Dwr cuAwvau ]1] “You brawling, ignorant person of low mentality, reverse your breadth and turn it inwards. Let your mind be intoxicated with the stream of Amrit, Ambrosial Nectar, which trickles down from the furnace of the tenth gate (Dasam duaar)” (Ang 1123, SGGS).

Bhai Sahib left behind memories amongst the sangat and on his Barsi the whole world gets emotional and memories get rekindled. It is now just over 3 years Bhai Sahib passed away on the 1st. August 2002 at the age of 72 at amritvela. The Sikh community continues to love and remember him; in sharing his thoughts and experiences, Bhai Sahib completed an autobiography entitled: ‘In Search of the True Guru’ – ‘Roop Gobind Ka, Raj Khalsa Ka, Sikh Sonay Ka’. The book covers his childhood, search for the True Guru, Selfless Service with Humility and Khalsa Raj. It is worth reading as it reveals the main reason for our existence and to achieve complete jeewan muktee as Bhai Sahib advocated is to Naam Japna and selfless sewa to the community without looking for recognition.

If anyone wishes to have a copy of Bhai Sahib’s autobiography, please e-mail either jastinder_s@hotmail.com or jass@consultant.com for UK and Europe and for the Far East is gurkirpa@singnet.com.sg , specifying whether you prefer the book in English or Gurmukhi.

Sree Maan Akali Kaur Singh jee

Sree Maan Akali Kaur Singh jee
By Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org

Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh and Akali Kaur Singh


Oh! My Divinely Coloured Friend Akali Kaur Singh!

SajaN mayray rangulay jai sutay jeeraaN. Hunbhee Vujyaa(n) DumNee rovaa(n) jheeNee BaaN 2 Sreeraag M:1, p. 23

My first imbued sight of this beloved friend came in 1907 at the Rehraas divan outside the Khalsa College Amritsar Gurdvara, when I worked as Superintendent there. After the ardaas for Rehraas Sahib, a distinct looking young man in Akali garb rose and began giving a lecture. From the very start, whatever words came from this person’s mouth were like flowers. Every word was completely rooted in Gurmat and was a marvel. All the listeners upon hearing these words were completely fixated. My consciousness was also completely attached to the lecture.

Before this time, I had never enjoyed anyone’s lectures and got up and left, or myself stopped the lecturer. I could not bring myself to do either here.

When I looked at his face, I was left astounded. The entire Sangat, everyone, were looking at him and becoming intoxicated. His light complexion, spiritually intoxicating eyes, stunning blue dress and the beautiful black whiskers of a new beard around his face made him look like a heavenly being. This individual kept speaking for about 15 minutes.

And then, suddenly the lecture stopped and just as suddenly the individual disappeared, leaving all the listeners thirsting for more. All voices were full of praise and gave wonderful remarks. His new fans were told that this was some newly discovered beloved of the Guru, who left everyone in an awe-struck state and then, just as he had suddenly arrived, he secretly disappeared. But some of the College nerds began to say that this was some CID agent. They began to search for him with the aim of beating him and roughing him up. I tried to explain to them that they shouldn’t do this and that thinking in such away about a beloved of the Guru is a supreme sin. Anyways, that flown bird could not be found, nor could his admirers ever see him again.

In our hearts, we wondered when we should ever see him again and have the opportunity to have a discussion. And this was also a mystery: who was this person? And then one kind Sikh told us that this was Akali Kaur Singh. He could tell us nothing more. After so deeply affecting our hearts, he had left. But the desire to meet him again also took residence within us.

It so happened that the next day I had the opportunity to go to Patiala. In Patiala, I went to the compound of the late, beloved Bhai Joginder Singh jee. He had just come in from outside and he remarked that he had just had the opportunity to see a new Akali Nihang. “I’ve just come from seeing him now. He’s staying at a Gurmukh’s home.”

Bhai Joginder Singh took me then to that home. This was the second time I saw that Gurmukh. We communicated just through seeing each other. No one spoke any words. With the thought that we would return the next day, we then left. The next day, we found out he had left for Hazoor Sahib. Perhaps this was his second journey to Hazoor Sahib as he had the appearance of a wealthy individual. Even though his baNa was blue, it was of very good fabric. I got the impression at that time, that this was some unaffected yogi, who had been born in the lifestyle of a householder, but had had not been touched by it at all.

My third sight came after many years in the Parkarma of Sree Amritsar Darbaar Sahib. But this time his face seemed down, and his colour and demeanor were not like before. His face had a certain sadness upon it. After asking those who knew him what was the matter, I found out that one of his enemies had made a baseless accusation against him and because of this, he was depressed. I said the following to him and then took my leave: “So Darai j(i) paap kmaa(n)vdaa, dharmee vigsayt” Sree Raag Kee Vaar, p. 84.

My Fourth Meeting

In May of 1930 I had been released from Nagpur jail and was coming towards Lahore jail. I got off at Ataarsee Station to buy some fruit and as I was walking on the platform, I felt a very tight hug, filled with love around me. When I saw the Gurmukh who was hugging me, I saw a white bearded Akali who had grabbed me so tightly, that he would not let me go. I said to him “say something!” When he spoke, I immediately recognized him as Akali Kaur Singh, whom I had thirsted for years to see again. Then what? Then we became inseparable. We spoke and discussed so much. We traveled to Delhi together. The entire conversation can be found in Jail Chitheeaa(n).

Going to Chakaar Kashmir

I was released and returned home. After some years, I received an invitation from Chakaar that said “Come, have a tour of Kashmir.” The invitation also had a request in the form of GurbaaNee: “Aai basuho ghar daysh meh, eih bhalay sanjog21028 Bilaavaal M: 5, p. 807

Then, we left for a trip to Kashmir to meet beloved Akali Kaur Singh jee. The feeling with which Akali jee called us and the love with which he kept us (the Jatha) at his Chakaar Ashram for a month is indescribable. Sitting in the Chakaar Ashram’s gallery, Satguru jee gave me the seva of writing the book “Anhad Shabad Dasam Duaar”. And Akali jee also gave us his composition, "Index of Gurbani", at this time as well.

Chakaar’s Spirtually Inspiring Sights

At the peak where Chakaar Ashram is located, the spiritual bliss I felt day and night is indescribable. All around us were wonderful sights, the sights of mountains all around, sweet and cool winds, which took our consciousness in abhyaas to amazing heights. This was a great time to write the book “Anhad Shabad Dasam Duaar”, because we were always engaged in naam abhyaas. The sound of the waterfalls was so helpful in helping us attune our consciousness. Enjoying these divinely inspiring benefits of the Ashram, we could not help but automatically keep blessing and thanking Akali jee. Sree Akali Kaur Singh jee took us for a pilgrimage to Kalyaan Sar which was about seven or eight miles from Chakaar. This place was like a house, but it was very peaceful. I didn’t feel like leaving. Seeing my attitude, Akali jee arranged for tents and other arrangements for a comfortable stay. He was so insistent to do this for us, but how could we endure such troubles on his part? Akali jee had already done so much for us. Who could take more? Finally after pleading with him, we convinced him to let us leave the place. We said we’d spend one night here in whatever condition, and the then return in the morning to Chakaar. The spring at Kalyaan Sar is very big and bursts from the ground. The stream of water, regardless of the season remains very thick. At one side there is a very small Gurdvara with mud walls. Sree Guru Granth Sahib jee remain parkaash there. The entire earth is very damp and seeps water. No one can sleep there in the day, even in the seated position. At night it is of course even worse. When the sun set, we began to find a house to spend the night. We fixed up the place enough to spend the night. At a short distance, we found a place, even though it was most rubble. Nearby, a mountain dweller felt some sympathy for us and brought us three or four beds. We had enough bedding to manage and we doubled up on the beds. Those who remained began to but their beddings on the ground. We were all hungry and so we managed to gather some food and prepare a very simple meal. From that meal, we enjoyed such bliss, that we didn’t enjoy even from a feast of delicacies. “Rookho bhojan bhoom sain sakhee pria sang sookh bihaa(n)t” p. 1306. This was what we experienced.

At amrit vela, we all rose and bathed in the spring of Kalyaan Sar. The water was so cold that we could barely spend half a minute under it. And the stream of water was so thick that it was hard to bear. There was also a small pond in which the water would gather, but the depth of this pond was unknown, so no one took the initiative to enter.

Sree Akali jee told us that at one point Guru Sahib came here. There is a very long story involved with this, which hasn’t been written down. The elders have passed it down generation to generation so this oral history is even more reliable than the written one.

After completing our baths, we began to recite baaNee and proceeded back to Chakaar. The path was very dangerous but the sights of nature all around us were amazing. At so many places I felt like sitting down and meditating. Only by the third quarter of the day did the party arrive back in Chakaar. Sree Akali Kaur Singh jee had arranged mules for our use so the travel was not difficult. And wanting to stop to enjoy nature, we were not restricted. At so many places, we got off the mules to enjoy the bliss of meditation. We would lie down on the soft grass and the desire to say “wonderful!” “Vao!” kept rising. “Nanak baithaa bhakhay vao. Lanmay sayvaih(n) dar khaRaa” p. 1094.

The urge to use the khanda of naam came while standing, sitting and lying down. Sitting at such an extremely beautiful spot, I could not bring myself to rise again. I was totally lost and left everything behind. One beloved one, Dr. Basant Singh (who has now left for the abode of the Guru) stood with me. Those of our companions who proceeded to Chakaar prepared food in Sarbloh. After eating themselves, they sent food for us as well, right where they had left us. One kind friend, Bhai NaraiN Singh himself came to us and woke us. When we told Akali jee about this lovingly sent food, he became very happy. When he heard about our raN sabaaee [note. It seems Bhai Sahib stayed in this place all night doing naam abhyaas, but doesn't write this explicitly], he was completely astounded. Every one of our hairs was blessing and thanking Sree Akali jee, through whom we had the opportunity to enjoy such bliss. We couldn’t openly thank him, because Akali jee would have become annoyed at this. Hearing his own praise was very painful to him.

Pilgrimage to Other Gurdvaras in Kashmir

Sree Akali jee understood our desire to do pilgrimage and then said to us, “let me take you on a pilgrimage of other Gurdvaras in Kashmir”. Wherever Guru jee set foot, Akali jee certainly took us. To describe this pilgrimage, I would need a whole book, but I’ll briefly describe Sree Akali jee’s kindness. After visiting Chakayree, OoRee, and all other places of the Guru, Akali jee took us to Baraa(n)moola. This Gurdvara of the Sixth Emperor is located at the banks of the Jehlum river. After seeing the resting place (Manjee Asthaan) and getting its holy dust, we also saw the houses beside the Darbaar. Our other friends were given a different place to stay, while I was given a wooden hut, by the river, designed for meditation. This hut was constructed for Sree Sant Attar Singh jee. I had the desire to spend some days at this spot. I saw some very famous Sikh Sardaars. We went to Manjee Sahib every day and enjoyed bliss there. Through the Shabads we sang for the Guru, we enjoyed unspeakable bliss.

From here, Akali Kaur Singh took us to Sree Nagar, Kashmir. He showed us the beautiful building of the Sixth Guru’s Gurdvara. All the visiting Sangat used to stay at this spot, but I didn’t feel like spending time in such a busy place. Sree Akali jee understood my desire. He found a place for us to stay somewhere else. By his kindness, we had the opportunity to have the wonderful sight of a Sikh family. This meeting was pre-ordained divine destiny, which was written to occur. Here begins another experience which came through the kindness of Akali jee, but it’s best to stop it here otherwise this article will become too detailed.

This wonderful meeting needed to be recorded, but the folds of time have enveloped it so completely, that I have no hope that those Sanjog will arise again. Nor will separated Akali Kaur Singh jee return to us and nor will those Sanjog come again. For years we kept coming to Srinagar and making trips.

Finally that time came when we had an argument on a certain Gurmat related issue [Trans. Note: see “Conversation with Akali Kaur Singh”]. We had quite an argument. Throughout all this however, I never lost the love or respect for Sree Akali jee from within me. This, despite the fact that I stopped seeing him at every trip to Kashmir. My inner love for him never broke.

I had a brief meeting with Akali jee after he had been uprooted from his nest-like Ashram by the individuals there. I heard that the Chakaar Ashram had been destroyed by certain vile people [Trans. Note, in 1947 Partition], and all the resident students and teachers had been murdered. I did not hear anything about Akali Kaur Singh jee however. Suddenly one day Akali Kaur Singh jee was in Punjab and came before me. I saw him and I began to weep. I heard what had happened from his own mouth and my heart was terribly hurt. But I was thankful that Akali jee was not caught in that devastation.

Today, Akali Jee’s leaving this world is a very painful event, but I am satisfied knowing he stayed true to the Guru. Everyone has to leave, but the departure of Gurmukhs like Sree Akali Kaur Singh jee is very special.

Whichever books Satguru jee has had me write, I have used Sree Akali jee’s Index for the references to GurbaaNee. This Index is a memorial to his kindness, which at every moment refreshes my memory of him. Some photographers in Kashmir took our photo together which remains with me even now. After returning from my stay in jail and under the orders of the Guru Panth I was in the Panj Pyaaray to set the foundation stones for historical buildings, I would see Akali jee, as he would also be included.

Sree Akali Kaur Singh jee’s Gurmat attitude was always focused on kindess and doing good for others. Because of his long stay at Sree Hazoor Sahib, he was very heavily affected by Nihang traditions. But after returning to Punjab and meeting the Singh Sabha, he turned away from the Nihang way of doing things. But a couple Nihang practices were permanently lodged in him. He had his own way of thinking to a large extent. Akali jee always read “Ik Oankaar” as “Aykee Oankaar.” I discussed this with him at length but he continued in this practice. Leaving these disagreements behind, I had so much love and respect for his Gurmat qualities, which will remain forever. He was four years younger than me, but left before me. He didn’t let my turn come. According to the vaak “Vaaree aapoo aapNee koi n bandhai dheer” p. 936, my turn to go to the hereafter is also nearby.

Sabhna sahrai vanjyaNaa, sabh mulaavNhaar. Nanak dhan suhaagNee jin shah naal piaar” p. 50-51.

Sree Akali Kaur Singh has left me with two eternal mementos, which will keep his memory fresh. One is the Index of Sree Guru Granth Sahib jee and the other is the Index of Bhai Gurdaas Jee’s Vaaraa(n) and Kabit Savaiyaa(n).

Saka Panja Sahib - Story of Sacrifice for Sewa

Saka Panja Sahib - Story of Sacrifice for Sewa

On the 8th August, 1922, during the British Raaj in India, the police arrested five Singhs for cutting Acacia wood for Guru-Ka-Langar (free community kitchen) from uncultivated land attached to Gurdwara Guru Ka Bagh, Sri Anandpur Sahib. Under the British Raaj law, everyone was sentenced to a fine of fifty rupees and imprisoned for six months on the charge of stealing wood from the land of the Hindu Mahants, who had taken management and control of the Sikh Gurdwara from the time the Sikhs had fled to the jungles during the barbaric rule of the Mughals. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee started an agitation against the decision of the Government. It was Gurdwara land and Sikhs had the right to cut down wood from it for Langar. The additional police superintendent started beating the Sikh protestors with clubs. On the 13th September 1922, the beatings and abuse were stopped, with the help of Reverend C.F. Andrews and after a number of Singhs were arrested and sent to prisons.

One day a squad of army pensioners led by Subedaar Amar Singh Dhaliwal from Kapurthala district courted arrest. Magistrate Aslam Khan sentenced those Singhs to imprisonment of two and a half years and fined them each one hundred rupees each. Those Singhs were boarded on a train from Amritsar to Attak on the night of the 29th October, 1922. The train stopped at Rawalpindi on 30th October and moved on after change of train staff, and fueling up the train with water.

That day, the Sikh Sangat of Gurdwara Panja Sahib prepared to do sewa of the Jatha of Singhs who were held as prisoners on the train. They prepared food and planned to serve food and drink to the prisoners. On the morning of 31st October, the Sikh Sangat took the Langar to the railway station and stood waiting for the train to arrive. The station master at Panja Sahib announced to the Sikh Sangat waiting to serve Langar to Singhs on the train, "The train shall not stop at this station.
You have made these arrangements for nothing." Bhai Karam Singh Ji replied, "Baba Nanak had stopped a mountain with one hand. Can his Sikhs not stop a train?"

At ten o'clock, seeing the train approaching, Bhai Karam Singh Ji lied down on the railway line.
Bhai Partap Singh Ji joined him on alongside Bhai Ganga Singh, Bhai Charan Singh, Bhai Nihal Singh, Bhai Tara Singh, Bhai Fakir Singh, Bhai Kalyan Singh and many other Singhs and Singhnian squatted on the track. Seeing the Gursikhs laying down on the track, the train driver blew the whistle time and again but the Gursikhs did not falter, they did not budge as if they had not heard the whistle at all. "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru…" (Wondrous Lord…) could be heard repeated and and vibrated the air. The train engine grounded the bones of Bhai Karam Singh Ji and Bhai Partap Singh Ji to pieces and the other Gursikhs suffered injuries. The train had stopped!

Bhai Partap Singh Ji told the Sangat trying to tend his injuries, "Serve Langar to the hungry Singhs on the train first. You can take care of us afterwards." The train halted for one and a half hours. The Sangat of Panja Sahib served the Singhs on the train whole-heartedly and then turned to the injured. Bhai Karam Singh Ji, thirty year old son of Bhai Bhagwan Daas Mahant of Sri Kesgarh Sahib died after a few hours. On the next day Bhai Partap Singh Ji, twenty-four years of age, son of Bhai Saroop Singh, a goldsmith of Akaal Garh, Gujranwala, attained shaheedi (martyrdom). Before attaining shaheedi he recited the Salokh (on ang 1365 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Ji):
Kabeer sant mooe kiyaa roeeyai, jo apne grehi jaae.
O Kabeer! There is no need to cry or feel sad at the death of a Saint (Gurmukh); because he is just going back to his home where no-one can remove him (meaning, the Gurmukh is now forever absorbed in the Presence of Waheguru).

Rovhu saakat baapure ju haattai haatt bikaaae.16.
(If you wish to cry or feel sorry then) cry for the wretched, faithless cynic, who is separated from Waheguru, (in exchange for his bad actions) he is sold from store to store (meaning, he suffers in reincarnation). 16 And he instructed his 18 years old wife that never cry over his death otherwise his sacrifice would be wasted. It is said Mata Ji, wife of Shaheed Partap Singh Ji, never cried her whole live and bravely recited Gaddi the Chhand, poetry, written in honour of these great Train Shaheeds and was also engrossed in 'Naam Simran'.




When the train-driver was asked the reason for stopping the train, he replied, "When the train hit the Singhs lying on the track, vacuum lever dropped out of my hand and the train stopped. I did not apply the brakes."

May we all learn and be inspired by the courage and dedication of the Sikhs of Panja Sahib in this incident (Saka). Look at the love these Sikhs had not just for their Guru, but for the Sikhs of their Guru. Seeing a poor man’s mouth as the Guru’s Golak (deposit box) they want to the extreme and willingness to give up their lives but not falter in their duty to feed the hungry and help their fellow Sikh brothers. We can all learn something from this.

Let us look at our own lives, let us look at the state of our Gurdwara and local Sikh community.
What is it that those Sikhs at Panja Sahib had, but we don’t have today? We all love the Guru, but how far we and willing are to follow and respect the Guru? Those Sikhs had the power, support and strength of Amrit, keeping Gurmat Rehat (Sikh discipline), Naam Abhiyaas, not just reading Gurbani but contemplating and enshrining Gurbani within their hearts, and full faith & allegiance to the Guru Granth Sahib and the Guru Khalsa Panth.

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