Bhai Lalo was a carpenter who lived in the city of Aminabad. He was also a devout sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Jee. When Babar the mughal emperor attacked Aminabad Guru Sahib and Bhai Mardana were visiting Bahi Lalo. Babar’s armies pushed through and took over village after village, killing many, torching houses and looting. They also plundered Aminabad and the neighboring villages. Initially Guru Sahib escaped but were later captured along with Mardana.
Babar took them prisoner and made them work like slaves in extreme conditions. Guru Sahib was told to carry loads on his head and Bhai Mardana had to look after the horses of the army. Despite the great hardship both Guru Sahib and Mardana and Guru Sahib remained in chardi kala doing kirtan and immersed in naam all the time. One of the guards observed the container guru sahib carried he floating on top of their head without any effort and the horses weren’t giving any trouble to Mardana either.
This was reported to Babar. Babar came to his senses and realized it was wrong for him to attack a city which had great people living in it like Guru Sahib and Bhai Mardana. Babar wanted to see Guru Sahib himself.
As Babar went to the prison where Guru Sahib was kept, he saw many women grinding corn in stone mills with their hands in great misery and a look of sadness in their eyes. He also saw Guru Sahib in a trance absorbed in naam and the mill turning by itself without any effort from the Guru. Babar could not believe what he saw. He bowed down to guru sahib and sat there…
Guru Sahib then sang a shabad in talang raag:
ਤਿਲੰਗਮਹਲਾ1॥
ਜੈਸੀਮੈਆਵੈਖਸਮਕੀਬਾਣੀਤੈਸੜਾਕਰੀਗਿਆਨੁਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥
ਪਾਪਕੀਜੰਞਲੈਕਾਬਲਹੁਧਾਇਆਜੋਰੀਮੰਗੈਦਾਨੁਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥
ਸਰਮੁਧਰਮੁਦੁਇਛਪਿਖਲੋਏਕੂੜੁਫਿਰੈਪਰਧਾਨੁਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥
ਕਾਜੀਆਬਾਮਣਾਕੀਗਲਥਕੀਅਗਦੁਪੜੈਸੈਤਾਨੁਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥
ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨੀਆਪੜਹਿਕਤੇਬਾਕਸਟਮਹਿਕਰਹਿਖੁਦਾਇਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥
ਜਾਤਿਸਨਾਤੀਹੋਰਿਹਿਦਵਾਣੀਆਏਹਿਭੀਲੇਖੈਲਾਇਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥
ਖੂਨਕੇਸੋਹਿਲੇਗਾਵੀਅਹਿਨਾਨਕਰਤੁਕਾਕੁੰਗੂਪਾਇਵੇਲਾਲੋ॥1॥
ਸਾਹਿਬਕੇਗੁਣਨਾਨਕੁਗਾਵੈਮਾਸਪੁਰੀਵਿਚਿਆਖੁਮਸੋਲਾ॥
ਜਿਨਿਉਪਾਈਰੰਗਿਰਵਾਈਬੈਠਾਵੇਖੈਵਖਿਇਕੇਲਾ॥
ਸਚਾਸੋਸਾਹਿਬੁਸਚੁਤਪਾਵਸੁਸਚੜਾਨਿਆਉਕਰੇਗੁਮਸੋਲਾ॥
ਕਾਇਆਕਪੜੁਟੁਕੁਟੁਕੁਹੋਸੀਹਿਦੁਸਤਾਨੁਸਮਾਲਸੀਬੋਲਾ॥
ਆਵਨਿਅਠਤਰੈਜਾਨਿਸਤਾਨਵੈਹੋਰੁਭੀਉਠਸੀਮਰਦਕਾਚੇਲਾ॥
ਸਚਕੀਬਾਣੀਨਾਨਕੁਆਖੈਸਚੁਸੁਣਾਇਸੀਸਚਕੀਬੇਲਾ॥2॥3॥5॥
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close translation:
As the Word of the Forgiving Lord comes to me, so do I express it, O Lalo. Bringing the marriage party of sin, Babar has invaded from Kaabul, demanding our land as his wedding gift, O Lalo. Modesty and righteousness both have vanished, and falsehood struts around like a leader, O Lalo. The Qazis and the Brahmins have lost their roles, and Satan now conducts the marriage rites, O Lalo. The Muslim women read the Koran, and in their misery, they call upon God, O Lalo. The Hindu women of high social status, and others of lowly status as well, are put into the same category, O Lalo. The wedding songs of murder are sung, O Nanak, and blood is sprinkled instead of saffron, O Lalo. 1 Nanak sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord and Master in the city of corpses, and voices this account. The One who created, and attached the mortals to pleasures, sits alone, and watches this. The Lord and Master is True, and True is His justice. He issues His Commands according to His judgement. The body-fabric will be torn apart into shreds, and then India will remember these words. Coming in seventy-eight (1521 A.D.), they will depart in ninety-seven (1540 A.D.), and then another disciple of man will rise up.Nanak speaks the Word of Truth; he proclaims the Truth at this, the right time. 235
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Babar was moved by this and offered Guru Sahib gold and other riches as a present. Guru Sahib refused to take anything from him because Babar imprisoned innocent people without any reason. Babar realized his mistake and released all the captives and reimbursed them with money so they could get on to rebuilding their lives.
Babar asked Guru Sahib to bless him. Guru Sahib told him his empire will remain strong and prosperous if the rule would be just and fair for all, everyone would be treated equally, and if they gave up wine and gambling. Guru Sahib also told him to treat everyone in the captured territories humanely and always remember God.
Babar's decedents were in power for as long as they followed these rules. When they started to oppress people they lost power.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Nice Vaja!
A few months ago we drove up to Prince George for the raensbayee. The newly built Gurdwara was completed just a few months ago. This is the smartest design for any Punjabi building. It’s quite similar to Kalgidhar Darbar Abbotsford.
Anyway when we got tired we went upstairs into the second hall to stretch. There we saw the most eye-catching vaja ever.
It was PINK!! Yes! Pink. And worse it had a sticker that said ‘specially made’ the person who bought this didn’t buy it because they didn’t have a choice, they got it ‘specially made’ because they liked pink so much!
Anyway when we got tired we went upstairs into the second hall to stretch. There we saw the most eye-catching vaja ever.
It was PINK!! Yes! Pink. And worse it had a sticker that said ‘specially made’ the person who bought this didn’t buy it because they didn’t have a choice, they got it ‘specially made’ because they liked pink so much!
Monday, November 28, 2005
GurGuddi: Guru Arjan Dev Jee-2
The last Sakhi about Guru Arjan Dev Jee getting the guruship is a little different than what most people normally read about. The sakhi is meant for grade 4 kids. But that doesn’t mean the sakhi should be changed for the sake of simplicity. This is one of the biggest hurdles facing us today, there is no accepted way for any one thing that everyone agrees on.
Version ੨:
So when Arjan Dev Jee gets sent to Lahore for Bhai Sihari Mal’s son’s wedding he was ordered not to return to Amritsar till he was told. After the wedding he stayed there and kept doing parchaar everyday drawing a lot of sangat. As time went on Arjan Dev jee longed to meet guru sahib. He couldn’t stand being seprated from Guru Sahib.
Finally he couldn’t take it any longer, picked up a quill and wrote a letter in verse and sent it off to Amritsar. The letter was as follows:
Pirthi Chand knew Arjan Dev Jee would be sending more letters to Guru Sahib, he was very vigilant for messengers delivering mail. This time too he intercepted the letter from Arjan Dev. The letter was more impressive and Pirthi Chand decided not to show it to anyone.
After some time the following letter was sent but the messenger was told to give the letter directly to Guru Sahib and no one else. This letter also had the number ੩ on it. The messenger left Lahore and gave the letter to Guru Sahib. Guru Ram Das Jee was overwhelmed as he read the letter. When he saw the #੩ on it and thought there would have been two other letters before it. This third letter read:
Pirthi Chand was called in and asked if he had the fist two letters from Lahore. He claimed he didn’t know anything about them. Guru sahib asked him again and when he refused to acknowledge his mistake guru sahib told a Singh to go to Pirthi Chand’s room and get his coat. Pirthi Chand got nervous and when Guru Sahib took out the two letters kept by him Pirthi Chand Hung his head in shame. In front of all the sangat the three letters were read out and a messenger was sent to Lahore to call Shri Arjan Dev Jee back to Amritsar.
Both Guru Sahib and Arjan Dev Jee were overjoyed to see other. Guru Sahib asked Arjan Dev to finish the whole shabad. So the forth part was composed:
ਭਾਗੁਹੋਆਗੁਰਿਸੰਤੁਮਿਲਾਇਆ॥
Version ੨:
So when Arjan Dev Jee gets sent to Lahore for Bhai Sihari Mal’s son’s wedding he was ordered not to return to Amritsar till he was told. After the wedding he stayed there and kept doing parchaar everyday drawing a lot of sangat. As time went on Arjan Dev jee longed to meet guru sahib. He couldn’t stand being seprated from Guru Sahib.
Finally he couldn’t take it any longer, picked up a quill and wrote a letter in verse and sent it off to Amritsar. The letter was as follows:
ਮੇਰਾਮਨੁਲੋਚੈਗੁਰਦਰਸਨਤਾਈ॥
ਬਿਲਪਕਰੇਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕਕੀਨਿਆਈ॥
ਤ੍ਰਿਖਾਨਉਤਰੈਸਾਂਤਿਨਆਵੈਬਿਨੁਦਰਸਨਸੰਤਪਿਆਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥
ਬਿਲਪਕਰੇਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕਕੀਨਿਆਈ॥
ਤ੍ਰਿਖਾਨਉਤਰੈਸਾਂਤਿਨਆਵੈਬਿਨੁਦਰਸਨਸੰਤਪਿਆਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਜੀਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਗੁਰਦਰਸਨਸੰਤਪਿਆਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
But when the messenger Singh reached Amritsar Pirthi Chand intercepted it and told the singh he would give it to Guru Sahib. When Pirthi Chand read the letter he was amazed at how beautifully it was written. He began to burn with jealousy and thought if the Guru saw this he would appoint Arjan Dev as the next guru for sure. He decided to hold on to this.
Meanwhile Arjan Dev Jee kept on doing parchaar at Lahore. After some time there was no response from Guru Sahib Arjan Dev Jee again wrote a letter:
But when the messenger Singh reached Amritsar Pirthi Chand intercepted it and told the singh he would give it to Guru Sahib. When Pirthi Chand read the letter he was amazed at how beautifully it was written. He began to burn with jealousy and thought if the Guru saw this he would appoint Arjan Dev as the next guru for sure. He decided to hold on to this.
Meanwhile Arjan Dev Jee kept on doing parchaar at Lahore. After some time there was no response from Guru Sahib Arjan Dev Jee again wrote a letter:
ਤੇਰਾਮੁਖੁਸੁਹਾਵਾਜੀਉਸਹਜਧੁਨਿਬਾਣੀ॥
ਚਿਰੁਹੋਆਦੇਖੇਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਣੀ॥
ਧੰਨੁਸੁਦੇਸੁਜਹਾਤੂੰਵਸਿਆਮੇਰੇਸਜਣਮੀਤਮੁਰਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੨॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਹਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਗੁਰਸਜਣਮੀਤਮੁਰਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
Pirthi Chand knew Arjan Dev Jee would be sending more letters to Guru Sahib, he was very vigilant for messengers delivering mail. This time too he intercepted the letter from Arjan Dev. The letter was more impressive and Pirthi Chand decided not to show it to anyone.
After some time the following letter was sent but the messenger was told to give the letter directly to Guru Sahib and no one else. This letter also had the number ੩ on it. The messenger left Lahore and gave the letter to Guru Sahib. Guru Ram Das Jee was overwhelmed as he read the letter. When he saw the #੩ on it and thought there would have been two other letters before it. This third letter read:
ਇਕਘੜੀਨਮਿਲਤੇਤਾਕਲਿਜੁਗੁਹੋਤਾ॥
ਹੁਣਿਕਦਿਮਿਲੀਐਪ੍ਰਿਅਤੁਧੁਭਗਵੰਤਾ॥
ਮੋਹਿਰੈਣਿਨਵਿਹਾਵੈਨੀਦਨਆਵੈਬਿਨੁਦੇਖੇਗੁਰਦਰਬਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੩॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਜੀਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਤਿਸੁਸਚੇਗੁਰਦਰਬਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
Pirthi Chand was called in and asked if he had the fist two letters from Lahore. He claimed he didn’t know anything about them. Guru sahib asked him again and when he refused to acknowledge his mistake guru sahib told a Singh to go to Pirthi Chand’s room and get his coat. Pirthi Chand got nervous and when Guru Sahib took out the two letters kept by him Pirthi Chand Hung his head in shame. In front of all the sangat the three letters were read out and a messenger was sent to Lahore to call Shri Arjan Dev Jee back to Amritsar.
Both Guru Sahib and Arjan Dev Jee were overjoyed to see other. Guru Sahib asked Arjan Dev to finish the whole shabad. So the forth part was composed:
ਭਾਗੁਹੋਆਗੁਰਿਸੰਤੁਮਿਲਾਇਆ॥
ਪ੍ਰਭੁਅਬਿਨਾਸੀਘਰਮਹਿਪਾਇਆ॥
ਸੇਵਕਰੀਪਲੁਚਸਾਨਵਿਛੁੜਾਜਨਨਾਨਕਦਾਸਤੁਮਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੪॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਜੀਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਜਨਨਾਨਕਦਾਸਤੁਮਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥ਰਹਾਉ॥੧॥੮॥
After this incident it was clear to all that Pirthi Chand was a total cheat while Arjan Dev was the best candidate for Guruship. From the series of letter the following appears as a complete Shabad in Manjh Raag and is included in Shabad Hazarai in most Gutkay(notice the ੪ rahoos):
After this incident it was clear to all that Pirthi Chand was a total cheat while Arjan Dev was the best candidate for Guruship. From the series of letter the following appears as a complete Shabad in Manjh Raag and is included in Shabad Hazarai in most Gutkay(notice the ੪ rahoos):
ਮਾਝਮਹਲਾ੫ਚਉਪਦੇਘਰੁ੧॥
ਮੇਰਾਮਨੁਲੋਚੈਗੁਰਦਰਸਨਤਾਈ॥
ਬਿਲਪਕਰੇਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕਕੀਨਿਆਈ॥
ਤ੍ਰਿਖਾਨਉਤਰੈਸਾਂਤਿਨਆਵੈਬਿਨੁਦਰਸਨਸੰਤਪਿਆਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਜੀਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਗੁਰਦਰਸਨਸੰਤਪਿਆਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
ਤੇਰਾਮੁਖੁਸੁਹਾਵਾਜੀਉਸਹਜਧੁਨਿਬਾਣੀ॥
ਚਿਰੁਹੋਆਦੇਖੇਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਣੀ॥
ਧੰਨੁਸੁਦੇਸੁਜਹਾਤੂੰਵਸਿਆਮੇਰੇਸਜਣਮੀਤਮੁਰਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੨॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਹਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਗੁਰਸਜਣਮੀਤਮੁਰਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
ਇਕਘੜੀਨਮਿਲਤੇਤਾਕਲਿਜੁਗੁਹੋਤਾ॥
ਹੁਣਿਕਦਿਮਿਲੀਐਪ੍ਰਿਅਤੁਧੁਭਗਵੰਤਾ॥
ਮੋਹਿਰੈਣਿਨਵਿਹਾਵੈਨੀਦਨਆਵੈਬਿਨੁਦੇਖੇਗੁਰਦਰਬਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੩॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਜੀਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਤਿਸੁਸਚੇਗੁਰਦਰਬਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
ਭਾਗੁਹੋਆਗੁਰਿਸੰਤੁਮਿਲਾਇਆ॥
ਪ੍ਰਭੁਅਬਿਨਾਸੀਘਰਮਹਿਪਾਇਆ॥
ਸੇਵਕਰੀਪਲੁਚਸਾਨਵਿਛੁੜਾਜਨਨਾਨਕਦਾਸਤੁਮਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥੪॥
ਹਉਘੋਲੀਜੀਉਘੋਲਿਘੁਮਾਈਜਨਨਾਨਕਦਾਸਤੁਮਾਰੇਜੀਉ॥ਰਹਾਉ॥੧॥੮॥
Sunday, November 27, 2005
GurGuddi: Guru Arjan Dev Jee
Shri Guru Ram Das Jee knew exactly what each of his three sons was like. He also knew Shri Arjan Dev was the only person qualified and capable to take on the challenges of guruship. He had displayed all the qualities of a good gursikh time and time again.
Guru Ram Das Jee was born in Lahore(now in Pakistan) where his family was settled. Guru Sahib’s cousin Bhai Sahari Mal also lived in Lahore. Bhai Sahari Mal came to Amritsar to invite Guru Sahib for his son’s wedding. Guru Shaib told him it wouldn’t be possible for him to go because thousands and thousands of Sikhs came to see the Guru at Amritsar. Sahari Mal understood situation and asked Guru Sahib to send one of his sons instead. Guru Sahib agreed.
Guru Sahib called in the eldest sonm Pirthi Chand and told him to accompany his ‘tayia jee’ to Lahore for his son’s wedding. Prithi Chand worried that Guru Sahib might appoint someone else as the next guru in his absence. He also wanted to maintain control of everything happening at Amritsar. He didn’t want anyone else taking over these duties. He told guru sahib everything in Amritsar depends on him and no one else would be able to run things if he left for Lahore.
Guru Sahib told him not to worry about managing things and everything will be taken care of by the sangat. He whined about how difficult things get at weddings kept making excuses. Guru Sahib gave up on him and called the second son, Mahadev.
Mahadev liked to keep to himself and be bothered by anyone. He didn’t know anything about worldly things and told Guru Sahib he had no knowledge about weddings and wasn’t interested in going. He too didn’t listen to Guru Sahib.
Guru Sahib then called in Arjan Dev and asked him to go with his tayia jee and take part in all the wedding. After the ceremonies he was instructed to stay there are preach sikhi and teach people gurbani. To this Arjan Dev bowed down and said ‘saat bacchan’ and left with his tayia Sahari Mal.
As the wedding concluded and all the guests left Arjan Dev would have diwans at Dharamsala in the morning and evening. Kirtan and katha would be done, he would recite gurbani and explain the meaning. Day by day the sangat kept growing.
After a long time Guru Sahib Jee sent Baba Bhudha Jee to bring Arjan Dev Jee back to Amritsar. The main Sikhs were consulted and it was decided Arjan Dev Jee would be the next guru. A huge gathering of Sikhs from far and wide took place and five coins with a coconut shell was placed in front of Arjan Dev Jee and Guru Sahib walked around three times and bowed down. Baba Bhudha Jee placed a tilak on Arjan Dev Jees forehead.
With Arjan Dev Jee becoming the Guru the middle brother Mahadev showed no emotion and was busy mediation. But the eldest brother Prithi Chand was furious at what had happened. He claimed it was his right to guruship and felt he was conspired against. He made a scene and vowed to get revenge. He threatened to use his money power and connections with the government to get his way.
Guru Ram Das Jee tried to calm him down. Then Guru Sahib uttered the following shabad:
ਸਾਰਗਮਹਲਾ੪ਘਰੁ੩ਦੁਪਦਾੴਸਤਿਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ॥
ਕਾਹੇਪੂਤਝਗਰਤਹਉਸੰਗਿਬਾਪ॥
ਜਿਨਕੇਜਣੇਬਡੀਰੇਤੁਮਹਉਤਿਨਸਿਉਝਗਰਤਪਾਪ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
ਜਿਸੁਧਨਕਾਤੁਮਗਰਬੁਕਰਤਹਉਸੋਧਨੁਕਿਸਹਿਨਆਪ॥
ਖਿਨਮਹਿਛੋਡਿਜਾਇਬਿਖਿਆਰਸੁਤਉਲਾਗੈਪਛੁਤਾਪ॥੧॥
ਜੋਤੁਮਰੇਪ੍ਰਭਹੋਤੇਸੁਆਮੀਹਰਿਤਿਨਕੇਜਾਪਹੁਜਾਪ॥
ਉਪਦੇਸੁਕਰਤਨਾਨਕਜਨਤੁਮਕਉਜਉਸੁਨਹੁਤਉਜਾਇਸੰਤਾਪ॥੨॥੧॥੭॥
Pirthi Chand kept talking nonsense and finally Guru Sahib told him never to show him his face. Burning in anger he left.
Guru Ram Das Jee was born in Lahore(now in Pakistan) where his family was settled. Guru Sahib’s cousin Bhai Sahari Mal also lived in Lahore. Bhai Sahari Mal came to Amritsar to invite Guru Sahib for his son’s wedding. Guru Shaib told him it wouldn’t be possible for him to go because thousands and thousands of Sikhs came to see the Guru at Amritsar. Sahari Mal understood situation and asked Guru Sahib to send one of his sons instead. Guru Sahib agreed.
Guru Sahib called in the eldest sonm Pirthi Chand and told him to accompany his ‘tayia jee’ to Lahore for his son’s wedding. Prithi Chand worried that Guru Sahib might appoint someone else as the next guru in his absence. He also wanted to maintain control of everything happening at Amritsar. He didn’t want anyone else taking over these duties. He told guru sahib everything in Amritsar depends on him and no one else would be able to run things if he left for Lahore.
Guru Sahib told him not to worry about managing things and everything will be taken care of by the sangat. He whined about how difficult things get at weddings kept making excuses. Guru Sahib gave up on him and called the second son, Mahadev.
Mahadev liked to keep to himself and be bothered by anyone. He didn’t know anything about worldly things and told Guru Sahib he had no knowledge about weddings and wasn’t interested in going. He too didn’t listen to Guru Sahib.
Guru Sahib then called in Arjan Dev and asked him to go with his tayia jee and take part in all the wedding. After the ceremonies he was instructed to stay there are preach sikhi and teach people gurbani. To this Arjan Dev bowed down and said ‘saat bacchan’ and left with his tayia Sahari Mal.
As the wedding concluded and all the guests left Arjan Dev would have diwans at Dharamsala in the morning and evening. Kirtan and katha would be done, he would recite gurbani and explain the meaning. Day by day the sangat kept growing.
After a long time Guru Sahib Jee sent Baba Bhudha Jee to bring Arjan Dev Jee back to Amritsar. The main Sikhs were consulted and it was decided Arjan Dev Jee would be the next guru. A huge gathering of Sikhs from far and wide took place and five coins with a coconut shell was placed in front of Arjan Dev Jee and Guru Sahib walked around three times and bowed down. Baba Bhudha Jee placed a tilak on Arjan Dev Jees forehead.
With Arjan Dev Jee becoming the Guru the middle brother Mahadev showed no emotion and was busy mediation. But the eldest brother Prithi Chand was furious at what had happened. He claimed it was his right to guruship and felt he was conspired against. He made a scene and vowed to get revenge. He threatened to use his money power and connections with the government to get his way.
Guru Ram Das Jee tried to calm him down. Then Guru Sahib uttered the following shabad:
ਸਾਰਗਮਹਲਾ੪ਘਰੁ੩ਦੁਪਦਾੴਸਤਿਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ॥
ਕਾਹੇਪੂਤਝਗਰਤਹਉਸੰਗਿਬਾਪ॥
ਜਿਨਕੇਜਣੇਬਡੀਰੇਤੁਮਹਉਤਿਨਸਿਉਝਗਰਤਪਾਪ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ॥
ਜਿਸੁਧਨਕਾਤੁਮਗਰਬੁਕਰਤਹਉਸੋਧਨੁਕਿਸਹਿਨਆਪ॥
ਖਿਨਮਹਿਛੋਡਿਜਾਇਬਿਖਿਆਰਸੁਤਉਲਾਗੈਪਛੁਤਾਪ॥੧॥
ਜੋਤੁਮਰੇਪ੍ਰਭਹੋਤੇਸੁਆਮੀਹਰਿਤਿਨਕੇਜਾਪਹੁਜਾਪ॥
ਉਪਦੇਸੁਕਰਤਨਾਨਕਜਨਤੁਮਕਉਜਉਸੁਨਹੁਤਉਜਾਇਸੰਤਾਪ॥੨॥੧॥੭॥
Pirthi Chand kept talking nonsense and finally Guru Sahib told him never to show him his face. Burning in anger he left.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
The Khalsa will...
Bhai Nand Lall wrote two Rehitnamas, both published in the
complete works of Bhai Nand Lall (preserved in Bhai Kahan
Singh’s library) entitled Bhai Nand Lall Granthavali.
The first was written in 1695 A.D. as the Colophon indicates; it
starts with the lines gur-sikh rehit sunho mere mit: Listen my
friend to the Rehit of a gursikh. It is Guru Gobind Singh
addressing Bhai Nand Lall and answering some questions about
Rehit.
The dialogue is between Sri Gurdev vach and Nand
Lall vach Utterance of the Guru and that of Nand Lall. The
second Rehitnama is about the Khalsa Holy Order Rehit
entitled Tankhahnama. The Khalsa who does not obey the
injunction of the gursikh Rehitnama can be given corrective
punishment for laxity in his prayers, meditations, and moral
errors. Disciplinary punishment generally includes prayers and
service of sangat and repentence.
This Rehitnama ends with
Guru Gobind Singh’s vision of the future Khalsa Panth:
-------------------------------------------
Listen, Nand Lall, we declare the Truth,
We shall in time establish our sovereignty;
We shall blend four castes into one,
We shall inspire people to utter the Name of God;
We shall ride the Steeds of Freedom.
We shall fly the falcon of royal sovereignty,
Seeing which oppressor shall fade away.
We shall make one Sikh strong enough,
To fight a hundred thousand men, who oppose the Panth
We shall exalt the Khalsa spiritually,
When they fight relentlessly for righteousness.
The spears of glorious victory will arise aloft;
The royal elephants shall carry fluttering flags,
Then thousands of cannons will be fired for freedom,
The Khalsa shall be victorious from East to West.
The Khalsa shall be free and sovereign and will rule,
No one will dare to resist its mighty power.
After suffering from internal conflicts all shall unite,
He alone shall be saved who takes refuge in His Presence.
------------------------------------------
From p. 282: E.Trumpp and H. McLeod as Scholars of Sikh History
By: Bhai Tarlochan Singh Jee
complete works of Bhai Nand Lall (preserved in Bhai Kahan
Singh’s library) entitled Bhai Nand Lall Granthavali.
The first was written in 1695 A.D. as the Colophon indicates; it
starts with the lines gur-sikh rehit sunho mere mit: Listen my
friend to the Rehit of a gursikh. It is Guru Gobind Singh
addressing Bhai Nand Lall and answering some questions about
Rehit.
The dialogue is between Sri Gurdev vach and Nand
Lall vach Utterance of the Guru and that of Nand Lall. The
second Rehitnama is about the Khalsa Holy Order Rehit
entitled Tankhahnama. The Khalsa who does not obey the
injunction of the gursikh Rehitnama can be given corrective
punishment for laxity in his prayers, meditations, and moral
errors. Disciplinary punishment generally includes prayers and
service of sangat and repentence.
This Rehitnama ends with
Guru Gobind Singh’s vision of the future Khalsa Panth:
-------------------------------------------
Listen, Nand Lall, we declare the Truth,
We shall in time establish our sovereignty;
We shall blend four castes into one,
We shall inspire people to utter the Name of God;
We shall ride the Steeds of Freedom.
We shall fly the falcon of royal sovereignty,
Seeing which oppressor shall fade away.
We shall make one Sikh strong enough,
To fight a hundred thousand men, who oppose the Panth
We shall exalt the Khalsa spiritually,
When they fight relentlessly for righteousness.
The spears of glorious victory will arise aloft;
The royal elephants shall carry fluttering flags,
Then thousands of cannons will be fired for freedom,
The Khalsa shall be victorious from East to West.
The Khalsa shall be free and sovereign and will rule,
No one will dare to resist its mighty power.
After suffering from internal conflicts all shall unite,
He alone shall be saved who takes refuge in His Presence.
------------------------------------------
From p. 282: E.Trumpp and H. McLeod as Scholars of Sikh History
By: Bhai Tarlochan Singh Jee
Friday, November 25, 2005
Guru Ram Das Jee's Sons
The forth Guru, Guru Ramdaas Jee had three Sahibzaddai (sons). The eldest was Pirthi Chand, the middle one was Mahadev, and the youngest was Shri Arjan Dev Jee.
Pirthi Chand was very cunning, he considered himself to be very smart and wise in running things. When Guru Raam Daas Jee took over the guruship Pirthyia began to play a leading role in administration of langar and finances. He took care of providing lodging, buying supplies for langar and other needs. Because of this he gained significant notoriety and influence. Soon he started taking out money from the funds for sangat’s use and kept it for himself. With this money he established ties with the powerful people and politicians.
Pirthi Chand’s goal was to take over the guruship from Guru Ram Daas Jee. Pirthi Chand actually did a lot of sewa. He understood the benefits of doing sewa. He know Guru Angad Dev Jee got the gurguddi by serving Guru Nanak Dev Jee; Guru Amardaas Jee and Raam Daas Jee too got the guruship through doing sewa. He thought through tireless service he too could become to next guru.
He thought through money and having ties to strong men would help him getting more powerful and eventually become the guru. Being the eldest son of the guru he considered it was his natural right to guruship.
Little did he know, all these attempts would be futile. Yes, the gurus before Guru Raam Daas Jee like Pirthyia did do a lot of sewa, but they did not do sewa to get rewarded with guruship in turn. They saw it as a chance to serve akalpurkh from deep down, wanting nothing in return. Pirthyia did not understand what it took to be a guru, and how great of a responsibility it was. Pirthi Chand did not have the qualities required to fill the guru’s shoes. He didn’t even have what even a sikh should have.
Guru Sahib’s second son was Mahadev. He liked to keep to himself and was of a saintly nature. He wasn’t too eager to do worldly things. He kept engrossed in meditation. But because he didn’t care about anyone he too did not meet up to the requirements of a future guru.
The youngest of Guru Ram Das Jee was Shri Arjan Dev Jee. He had all the qualities of a good gursikh. He used to be immersed in naam all day long. He had complete understanding of gurbani and recite bani of the first four gurus. At the same time he would be seen doing sewa with his hands most of the time. He was very humble- without ego and did not have any kind of greed or temptation. He respected everyone and was very polite to all. Above all he respected his father Guru Ram Das Jee as a Guru and always listened to what he said. The thought of being the next guru never crossed his mind.
But Arjan Dev was destined to become the next guru no matter what happened. Once when Guru Amar Das Jee was the guru little Arjan Dev who was still a toddler climbed over to where Guru sahib was sitting and the Guru said: “Son, your time hasn’t come yet to become the guru.” Bibi Bhani was sitting there and she understood one day the guruship would be bestowed to Arjan Dev. When Arjan Dev was a little older Guru Amar Das Jee said that this Dohta will become a Bohitha of bani(Dohta:grandson Bohitha: plane, meaning he will be the master of Gurbani)
Because of this Guru Ram Das Jee knew Arjan Dev was the chosen one, and he would succeed him as the next guru. The sangat knew too Arjan Dev was the only person out of all the Sikhs and from the three sons of the Guru most qualified for guruship. Everyone also know about Pirthia wanting guruship and making preparations to become the next guru.
---------------------------------------------------
Translated from: Dharam Pothi #4 Saakhi #1 By: Kartar Singh MA, Published in 1984 by the SGPC
---------------------------------------------------
Questions
1) How many sons did Guru Ram Das Jee have? Name them.
2) Describe each son.
3) Which son thought of himself as the next guru? Why? Was he fit to become the next guru? Why?
4)Which son did the guru feel deserved the guruship? Why?
Pirthi Chand was very cunning, he considered himself to be very smart and wise in running things. When Guru Raam Daas Jee took over the guruship Pirthyia began to play a leading role in administration of langar and finances. He took care of providing lodging, buying supplies for langar and other needs. Because of this he gained significant notoriety and influence. Soon he started taking out money from the funds for sangat’s use and kept it for himself. With this money he established ties with the powerful people and politicians.
Pirthi Chand’s goal was to take over the guruship from Guru Ram Daas Jee. Pirthi Chand actually did a lot of sewa. He understood the benefits of doing sewa. He know Guru Angad Dev Jee got the gurguddi by serving Guru Nanak Dev Jee; Guru Amardaas Jee and Raam Daas Jee too got the guruship through doing sewa. He thought through tireless service he too could become to next guru.
He thought through money and having ties to strong men would help him getting more powerful and eventually become the guru. Being the eldest son of the guru he considered it was his natural right to guruship.
Little did he know, all these attempts would be futile. Yes, the gurus before Guru Raam Daas Jee like Pirthyia did do a lot of sewa, but they did not do sewa to get rewarded with guruship in turn. They saw it as a chance to serve akalpurkh from deep down, wanting nothing in return. Pirthyia did not understand what it took to be a guru, and how great of a responsibility it was. Pirthi Chand did not have the qualities required to fill the guru’s shoes. He didn’t even have what even a sikh should have.
Guru Sahib’s second son was Mahadev. He liked to keep to himself and was of a saintly nature. He wasn’t too eager to do worldly things. He kept engrossed in meditation. But because he didn’t care about anyone he too did not meet up to the requirements of a future guru.
The youngest of Guru Ram Das Jee was Shri Arjan Dev Jee. He had all the qualities of a good gursikh. He used to be immersed in naam all day long. He had complete understanding of gurbani and recite bani of the first four gurus. At the same time he would be seen doing sewa with his hands most of the time. He was very humble- without ego and did not have any kind of greed or temptation. He respected everyone and was very polite to all. Above all he respected his father Guru Ram Das Jee as a Guru and always listened to what he said. The thought of being the next guru never crossed his mind.
But Arjan Dev was destined to become the next guru no matter what happened. Once when Guru Amar Das Jee was the guru little Arjan Dev who was still a toddler climbed over to where Guru sahib was sitting and the Guru said: “Son, your time hasn’t come yet to become the guru.” Bibi Bhani was sitting there and she understood one day the guruship would be bestowed to Arjan Dev. When Arjan Dev was a little older Guru Amar Das Jee said that this Dohta will become a Bohitha of bani(Dohta:grandson Bohitha: plane, meaning he will be the master of Gurbani)
Because of this Guru Ram Das Jee knew Arjan Dev was the chosen one, and he would succeed him as the next guru. The sangat knew too Arjan Dev was the only person out of all the Sikhs and from the three sons of the Guru most qualified for guruship. Everyone also know about Pirthia wanting guruship and making preparations to become the next guru.
---------------------------------------------------
Translated from: Dharam Pothi #4 Saakhi #1 By: Kartar Singh MA, Published in 1984 by the SGPC
---------------------------------------------------
Questions
1) How many sons did Guru Ram Das Jee have? Name them.
2) Describe each son.
3) Which son thought of himself as the next guru? Why? Was he fit to become the next guru? Why?
4)Which son did the guru feel deserved the guruship? Why?
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Surrey Ducks
About 9 years ago BC hydro decided to develop the area underneath Surrey power lines. Before they did that all that area used to have really tall grasses and thick bush. Nobody dared to venture in, except maybe drug dealers and weed smokers. Although it took a few years to compete thousands of people regularly make use of this every day.
Even with all the human intrusion, believe it or not there is still plenty of wildlife to see in these areas. I’ve seen rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, gulls, fish, snakes, ducks and other things just walking through the place. It’s surprising to even think you’d see stuff like this with people living so close on both sides.
I took these pictures today:
Looks like some people don't know where to dispose of a used tire...
Even with all the human intrusion, believe it or not there is still plenty of wildlife to see in these areas. I’ve seen rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, gulls, fish, snakes, ducks and other things just walking through the place. It’s surprising to even think you’d see stuff like this with people living so close on both sides.
I took these pictures today:
Looks like some people don't know where to dispose of a used tire...
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The Singh
This was the last art project for Art 11. This was the first one I made. After this was complete I had a lot of time and decided to make a whole Jatha of Singhs. The last week of school the other 4-5 statues were vandalized before they could be properly backed.
This one stands about one foot high, made from clay with a glass glazed dastaar. He has had a very rough life; been dropped many times and parts of the dastaar have been broken off over the years.
Notice this is a gurmukhi dastar tied on him in the last picture, not the thug kind.
He's still unnamed if you like to suggest a name let me know...
This one stands about one foot high, made from clay with a glass glazed dastaar. He has had a very rough life; been dropped many times and parts of the dastaar have been broken off over the years.
Notice this is a gurmukhi dastar tied on him in the last picture, not the thug kind.
He's still unnamed if you like to suggest a name let me know...
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Art 4: Jatehdar Sukhdev Singh Jee
This was the second unit project for Art 11. We had to carve out a lyno stamp with screwdriver like chisel tools. Once it was done paint could be applied to it with a roller and multiple prints on paper could be made by placing them on the master lyno print.
I decided to make Jatehdar Bhai Sukhdev Singh’s famous portrait. It took a few classes to complete. Its about 6”X15” in size.
I decided to make Jatehdar Bhai Sukhdev Singh’s famous portrait. It took a few classes to complete. Its about 6”X15” in size.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Guru Nanak Dev Jee: On janyooh
According to the Hindu scriptures there are four casts. Brahman, Khatri, Vash, and Shuder. The first three are considered respectable and the people from the forth, Shuder are considered very low. The three higher casts consider the Shuders untouchables. Shuders are prohibited to practice any religion- they can’t go to a Hindu temple, read any scripture or do any sort of worship.
Hindus of the higher cast Hindu child turns about 12 years old through a ritual they put a cotton thread called a janyooh around his neck. The family pundit chooses a day for this ritual and all the family and friends get together to carry it out.
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Jee was born into the Khatri caste; because of this it was mandatory for him to wear the janyooh. Guru Sahib’s father name was Mehta Kalu, when Guru Sahib turned 12 it was decided that he should be initiated through a janyooh. The family pundit was consulted and a date was set for the ceremony. On the chosen day the pundit came and all the rituals were done, mantars from the Shashters(hindu scriptures) were read.
The pundit took Guru Sahib’s arm and held it up high to put the janyooh. “This is the holy janyooh, this is the symbol of a higher caste hindu. Without this any man is equal to a Shudher, without this you are considered an untouchable.” Proclaimed the pundit. He kept going as Guru Sahib patiently looked on“If you wear this you will be considered holy and pure. Upon wearing this you will get great respect and reverence. This janyooh will help you here and after you have passed away”
As he picked up the janyooh Guru Sahib motioned him to stop. Guru Sahib Said to them “I’m impressed by this little cotton thread. Does it really stand up to what you said about this. Two things I don’t understand: you said this thread represents one belonging to a higher caste. I don’t agree with this, a higher being is someone who does good deeds and is of high character. A truthful person is someone who stands up for the truth. A lowlife or an untouchable is someone who does bad deeds. If a Brahman or a Khatri does bad deeds then they are lowlife untouchables. But if a Shudher does good deeds he’s holy and higher than even a Brahman. Status is determined by your actions, actions are what determines what cast you fit in. And this thread you’re holding, it will get dirty, it’ll wear out, it’ll break and I’ll have to get a new one. Who’s going to give this dirty thread respect then? The only way to get respect and reverence is through a life lived truthfully.”
Everyone was speechless, Guru Sahib went on, “You just said that this piece of thread helps a man in the next life; how is this possible? This thread gets burned up along with the body and stays here in this world. It doesn’t accompany the soul. If you really want to give me a thread give me on which won’t get dirty, won’t break, won’t burn, one which always stays with me and reminds me to do good deeds and prevents from doing bad ones and helps me out in the next life too.”
At this the pundit said to Guru Jee, “All our elders, rishis and everyone wore a janyooh. This is all I have to offer, but you don’t want to wear this, I don’t have anything else.”
Guru Sahib spoke out:
ਸਲੋਕੁਮ:੧॥
ਦਇਆਕਪਾਹਸੰਤੋਖੁਸੂਤੁਜਤੁਗੰਢੀਸਤੁਵਟੁ॥
ਏਹੁਜਨੇਊਜੀਅਕਾਹਈਤਪਾਡੇਘਤੁ॥
ਨਾਏਹੁਤੁਟੈਨਾਮਲੁਲਗੈਨਾਏਹੁਜਲੈਨਜਾਇ॥
ਧੰਨੁਸੁਮਾਣਸਨਾਨਕਾਜੋਗਲਿਚਲੇਪਾਇ॥
ਚਉਕੜਿਮੁਲਿਅਣਾਇਆਬਹਿਚਉਕੈਪਾਇਆ॥
ਸਿਖਾਕੰਨਿਚੜਾਈਆਗੁਰੁਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁਥਿਆ॥
ਓਹੁਮੁਆਓਹੁਝੜਿਪਇਆਵੇਤਗਾਗਇਆ॥੧॥
The pundit asked guru sahib to explain what the shabad meant so the people gathered could also understand.
Guru Sahib said when you want to make a janyooh you take cotton then you weave it into a string then a thread. Then you twin and intertwine and a janyooh is made. But instead of using the cotton to make the janyooh why don’t you have mercy on people and get into the habit of ridding the people of suffering and poverty. Instead of weaving the thread why not control your greed and settle for what you have. Instead of twining the thread why don’t you control your mind and stop hurting people. Why not always be truthful and actually live a truthful life by doing good deeds. Learning to be compassionate, content, truthful, caring and honest is the true way to wear a janyooh. This is what makes one higher or lower in life. Not only this kind of janyooh helps the body, it also helps the mind and soul. By following this, the janyooh doesn’t wear away, get dirty, break or burn. It sticks with you and actually helps you in this life and the next. “So pundit, if you have a janyooh like this, I wouldn’t mind wearing one.”
The pundit folded his hands and bowed down to Guru Sahib, “I don’t have anything like this. Only you will put this kind of janyooh in peoples necks and make them cross the world ocean.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
This is exactly what Guru Sahib did. This was the biggest challenge the Hindu establishment had ever faced. Some say it was from this day that they set their sights to rid the world of this ‘nirmal panth’ In a way this was a revolution, for once someone had actually thought about the ritual instead of blindly following like sheep. Even today not many people do this.
This was Sakhi #1 from Dharam pothi #6 published by the SGPC(Sept. 1984) written by Professor Kartar Singh MA.
At the end there were some questions to ponder over:
1) Who wears a janyooh? Why and When?
2) Why did Guru Nanak Dev Jee refuse to wear one?
3) Why did Guru Sahib call it a false janyooh?
4) What was the true janyooh according to Guru Sahib?
Hindus of the higher cast Hindu child turns about 12 years old through a ritual they put a cotton thread called a janyooh around his neck. The family pundit chooses a day for this ritual and all the family and friends get together to carry it out.
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Jee was born into the Khatri caste; because of this it was mandatory for him to wear the janyooh. Guru Sahib’s father name was Mehta Kalu, when Guru Sahib turned 12 it was decided that he should be initiated through a janyooh. The family pundit was consulted and a date was set for the ceremony. On the chosen day the pundit came and all the rituals were done, mantars from the Shashters(hindu scriptures) were read.
The pundit took Guru Sahib’s arm and held it up high to put the janyooh. “This is the holy janyooh, this is the symbol of a higher caste hindu. Without this any man is equal to a Shudher, without this you are considered an untouchable.” Proclaimed the pundit. He kept going as Guru Sahib patiently looked on“If you wear this you will be considered holy and pure. Upon wearing this you will get great respect and reverence. This janyooh will help you here and after you have passed away”
As he picked up the janyooh Guru Sahib motioned him to stop. Guru Sahib Said to them “I’m impressed by this little cotton thread. Does it really stand up to what you said about this. Two things I don’t understand: you said this thread represents one belonging to a higher caste. I don’t agree with this, a higher being is someone who does good deeds and is of high character. A truthful person is someone who stands up for the truth. A lowlife or an untouchable is someone who does bad deeds. If a Brahman or a Khatri does bad deeds then they are lowlife untouchables. But if a Shudher does good deeds he’s holy and higher than even a Brahman. Status is determined by your actions, actions are what determines what cast you fit in. And this thread you’re holding, it will get dirty, it’ll wear out, it’ll break and I’ll have to get a new one. Who’s going to give this dirty thread respect then? The only way to get respect and reverence is through a life lived truthfully.”
Everyone was speechless, Guru Sahib went on, “You just said that this piece of thread helps a man in the next life; how is this possible? This thread gets burned up along with the body and stays here in this world. It doesn’t accompany the soul. If you really want to give me a thread give me on which won’t get dirty, won’t break, won’t burn, one which always stays with me and reminds me to do good deeds and prevents from doing bad ones and helps me out in the next life too.”
At this the pundit said to Guru Jee, “All our elders, rishis and everyone wore a janyooh. This is all I have to offer, but you don’t want to wear this, I don’t have anything else.”
Guru Sahib spoke out:
ਸਲੋਕੁਮ:੧॥
ਦਇਆਕਪਾਹਸੰਤੋਖੁਸੂਤੁਜਤੁਗੰਢੀਸਤੁਵਟੁ॥
ਏਹੁਜਨੇਊਜੀਅਕਾਹਈਤਪਾਡੇਘਤੁ॥
ਨਾਏਹੁਤੁਟੈਨਾਮਲੁਲਗੈਨਾਏਹੁਜਲੈਨਜਾਇ॥
ਧੰਨੁਸੁਮਾਣਸਨਾਨਕਾਜੋਗਲਿਚਲੇਪਾਇ॥
ਚਉਕੜਿਮੁਲਿਅਣਾਇਆਬਹਿਚਉਕੈਪਾਇਆ॥
ਸਿਖਾਕੰਨਿਚੜਾਈਆਗੁਰੁਬ੍ਰਾਹਮਣੁਥਿਆ॥
ਓਹੁਮੁਆਓਹੁਝੜਿਪਇਆਵੇਤਗਾਗਇਆ॥੧॥
The pundit asked guru sahib to explain what the shabad meant so the people gathered could also understand.
Guru Sahib said when you want to make a janyooh you take cotton then you weave it into a string then a thread. Then you twin and intertwine and a janyooh is made. But instead of using the cotton to make the janyooh why don’t you have mercy on people and get into the habit of ridding the people of suffering and poverty. Instead of weaving the thread why not control your greed and settle for what you have. Instead of twining the thread why don’t you control your mind and stop hurting people. Why not always be truthful and actually live a truthful life by doing good deeds. Learning to be compassionate, content, truthful, caring and honest is the true way to wear a janyooh. This is what makes one higher or lower in life. Not only this kind of janyooh helps the body, it also helps the mind and soul. By following this, the janyooh doesn’t wear away, get dirty, break or burn. It sticks with you and actually helps you in this life and the next. “So pundit, if you have a janyooh like this, I wouldn’t mind wearing one.”
The pundit folded his hands and bowed down to Guru Sahib, “I don’t have anything like this. Only you will put this kind of janyooh in peoples necks and make them cross the world ocean.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
This is exactly what Guru Sahib did. This was the biggest challenge the Hindu establishment had ever faced. Some say it was from this day that they set their sights to rid the world of this ‘nirmal panth’ In a way this was a revolution, for once someone had actually thought about the ritual instead of blindly following like sheep. Even today not many people do this.
This was Sakhi #1 from Dharam pothi #6 published by the SGPC(Sept. 1984) written by Professor Kartar Singh MA.
At the end there were some questions to ponder over:
1) Who wears a janyooh? Why and When?
2) Why did Guru Nanak Dev Jee refuse to wear one?
3) Why did Guru Sahib call it a false janyooh?
4) What was the true janyooh according to Guru Sahib?
Sunday, November 20, 2005
ਅਸੂਲ #੩
**Learn to step into someone else’s shoes and feel what they go through**
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Yudhishter was a guy who lived a long time ago in India, he was a part of the pandav faction who fought the famous battle of mahabharat at Kurkshater against Daryodhan and his karaovs.
Yudhishter was a really good virtuous person with a clean heart. He never hurt anyone, lived an honest life. When someone needed help he was always there for them.
Daryodhan on the other hand was really evil. He always complained about things, never wanted to get anything done and cheated all the time. They say his real name was Suryodhan, but because of his bad deeds everyone called him Daryodhan.
One day Krishan decided to teach both of them a lesson. He called both of them early in the morning and told Youdhishter to find one evil person in the city before dusk. Daryodhan was asked to find one good person in the whole town before night set in.
Youdhishter went around looking for someone who he thought was evil. He asked around, interviewed people but still could not find anyone who he thought was evil. Through his eyes he saw everyone as good, because he wasn’t evil himself. When he looked at someone he couldn’t find anything evil about them. Exhausted, and tired of walking around all day the sun set and he ended up at Krishans door. Krishan asked him to sit down.
Daryodhan like Youdhishter searched all over the city for someone who seemed had goodness in them. Everyone he looked at seemed to reflect what he was. He saw everyone as cheats and liars. Even when people told him of good people he still doubted them and refused to believe they were any good.
Daryodhan too came back empty handed.
Krishan asked both of them why they took a full day and still didn’t find even one person as they were asked to. After hearing what they had to say. Krishan told them both to be more critical of people and judge people for what they are and not how you normally see them.
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This can be apple to everything in life. The gurus taught us this. Guru Nanak Dev Jee told Baabar he was a jabber(tyrant) because he didn’t seem to see and feel life from the peoples perspective. Once he saw the suffering and what his people were going through he became a just ruler.
People like Kauda Rakash who used to eat people alive turned into a proper man and actually started to preach religion once he knew what he was doing was wrong.
The thug, Sajjan used to give shelter then loot and kill people at night. He became a true friend of the people once he learnt what people went though because of him.
When people forget how others feel, things go wrong.
If everyone kept this in mind:
Everyone would go to sleep with a full stomach.
Governments would actually be more responsible.
There would be no war.
All forms of cruelty would end.
No one would suffer.
People wouldn’t be rude.
There wouldn’t be a need for the army or police
And yes! People would actually be better drivers.
--------------------------------------------
Yudhishter was a guy who lived a long time ago in India, he was a part of the pandav faction who fought the famous battle of mahabharat at Kurkshater against Daryodhan and his karaovs.
Yudhishter was a really good virtuous person with a clean heart. He never hurt anyone, lived an honest life. When someone needed help he was always there for them.
Daryodhan on the other hand was really evil. He always complained about things, never wanted to get anything done and cheated all the time. They say his real name was Suryodhan, but because of his bad deeds everyone called him Daryodhan.
One day Krishan decided to teach both of them a lesson. He called both of them early in the morning and told Youdhishter to find one evil person in the city before dusk. Daryodhan was asked to find one good person in the whole town before night set in.
Youdhishter went around looking for someone who he thought was evil. He asked around, interviewed people but still could not find anyone who he thought was evil. Through his eyes he saw everyone as good, because he wasn’t evil himself. When he looked at someone he couldn’t find anything evil about them. Exhausted, and tired of walking around all day the sun set and he ended up at Krishans door. Krishan asked him to sit down.
Daryodhan like Youdhishter searched all over the city for someone who seemed had goodness in them. Everyone he looked at seemed to reflect what he was. He saw everyone as cheats and liars. Even when people told him of good people he still doubted them and refused to believe they were any good.
Daryodhan too came back empty handed.
Krishan asked both of them why they took a full day and still didn’t find even one person as they were asked to. After hearing what they had to say. Krishan told them both to be more critical of people and judge people for what they are and not how you normally see them.
------------------------------------------------------
This can be apple to everything in life. The gurus taught us this. Guru Nanak Dev Jee told Baabar he was a jabber(tyrant) because he didn’t seem to see and feel life from the peoples perspective. Once he saw the suffering and what his people were going through he became a just ruler.
People like Kauda Rakash who used to eat people alive turned into a proper man and actually started to preach religion once he knew what he was doing was wrong.
The thug, Sajjan used to give shelter then loot and kill people at night. He became a true friend of the people once he learnt what people went though because of him.
When people forget how others feel, things go wrong.
If everyone kept this in mind:
Everyone would go to sleep with a full stomach.
Governments would actually be more responsible.
There would be no war.
All forms of cruelty would end.
No one would suffer.
People wouldn’t be rude.
There wouldn’t be a need for the army or police
And yes! People would actually be better drivers.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Surrey Municipal Election
Today was when all of BC went to the polls to elect their city mayor, council and school turstees.
There was a lot of hype leading up to this election in Surrey. Punjabis here have always complained about how they have never had a ‘voice’ and are under-represented at the city level while having great ‘success’ in provincial and federal politics. As far back as I can remember people used to speak from gurdwara stages about having one of our own at city hall. Candidates would campaign from there every election, and they would lose...
It’s obviously would be nice to have ‘our’ own people in government, but does it really do any good when Punjabis do get elected? The only good thing that’s ever happened is recognition of Punjabi in BC during the NDP/Moe Sihota reign.
This time there were many Punjabis running for council, school trustee and even for mayor. There were more visible minorities than caucasians. Most of them didn’t stand a chance. Tim Gill was the only lucky one who got elected. I’ve never seen the Punjabi media this excited before, it’s being described as a historical event. We’ll just have to wait and see what he does.
The polls opened at 8:00am, I went to vote quite early, at about 8:45pm. This is the first time I’ve seen electronic voting machines being used, it was actually quite impressive. When I was walking back I got a text message from someone saying something like vote for Doug otherwise don’t bother to vote at all.
Our man Doug McCallam lost, no one was more deserving than him to win but not everyone sees all the good he did for Surrey. Negative propaganda is a very powerful weapon even today.
The election results can be viewed here. For more detailed results by each polling station click here. Notice how many votes were wasted.
There was a lot of hype leading up to this election in Surrey. Punjabis here have always complained about how they have never had a ‘voice’ and are under-represented at the city level while having great ‘success’ in provincial and federal politics. As far back as I can remember people used to speak from gurdwara stages about having one of our own at city hall. Candidates would campaign from there every election, and they would lose...
It’s obviously would be nice to have ‘our’ own people in government, but does it really do any good when Punjabis do get elected? The only good thing that’s ever happened is recognition of Punjabi in BC during the NDP/Moe Sihota reign.
This time there were many Punjabis running for council, school trustee and even for mayor. There were more visible minorities than caucasians. Most of them didn’t stand a chance. Tim Gill was the only lucky one who got elected. I’ve never seen the Punjabi media this excited before, it’s being described as a historical event. We’ll just have to wait and see what he does.
The polls opened at 8:00am, I went to vote quite early, at about 8:45pm. This is the first time I’ve seen electronic voting machines being used, it was actually quite impressive. When I was walking back I got a text message from someone saying something like vote for Doug otherwise don’t bother to vote at all.
Our man Doug McCallam lost, no one was more deserving than him to win but not everyone sees all the good he did for Surrey. Negative propaganda is a very powerful weapon even today.
The election results can be viewed here. For more detailed results by each polling station click here. Notice how many votes were wasted.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Khargosh!
Today we went on a walk and saw something moving in the bushes. It was a khargosh(rabbit),as we walked closer it went on the grass and just sat there. I had a camera with me and took these pictures. Even with all the development in Surrey it’s good to know there’s still some wildlife surviving...
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Art 3: Self Portrait
Surrey School district #36 used to have zones setup for each high school, I’m not sure if they still have them now. You had to attend the school in which zone you lived so each high school could have an equal student population. Punjabi people had (and still have) perceptions about which schools are good and which ones are not. The word spreads very fast and Punjabi parents want their kids to go to schools which they believe are ‘good’ for them, or appear to have a good name this changes from time to time depending on which kids from which schools turn out to be corrupt. They tried not to send their kids to the schools that had a bad reputation.
Because of this not all Punjabis followed the zoning rule; the Tamanawis student population rapidly increased from 1996 onwards. The other reason for this was the real bad image of the rival school, Princess Margaret a few blocks away had; no one wanted to send their kids to PM back then. The school district decided to make a new high school by dividing the Tamanawis zone into two.
While Sullivan heights was being built the our school was filled to capacity and so morning and afternoon shifts were introduced. I decided to take the morning Art 11 class at 7:30 so I’d have on block off after lunch. A lot people who I knew were in this class as well so it turned out to be a lot of fun. Mr. Therian was our teacher and besides art we talked about many other subjects including the Sikh struggle and human rights violations in Punjab.
Halfway though the year we had to make a self portrait and it was worth 20% of the final grade. I drew one the second day and one every class after that. The one below is the first one I made in about 20 minutes. The portrait below is the one I submitted and got 97% on. I have a few of the other ones I made in class but most of them are lost. Some students took more than 4 weeks to complete just one. This ones done entirely with an HB pencil on a poster like thick sheet of paper, it’s about 14X21 inches. It was shot was a PowerShot A85 at 4 megapixels and then compressed.
Because of this not all Punjabis followed the zoning rule; the Tamanawis student population rapidly increased from 1996 onwards. The other reason for this was the real bad image of the rival school, Princess Margaret a few blocks away had; no one wanted to send their kids to PM back then. The school district decided to make a new high school by dividing the Tamanawis zone into two.
While Sullivan heights was being built the our school was filled to capacity and so morning and afternoon shifts were introduced. I decided to take the morning Art 11 class at 7:30 so I’d have on block off after lunch. A lot people who I knew were in this class as well so it turned out to be a lot of fun. Mr. Therian was our teacher and besides art we talked about many other subjects including the Sikh struggle and human rights violations in Punjab.
Halfway though the year we had to make a self portrait and it was worth 20% of the final grade. I drew one the second day and one every class after that. The one below is the first one I made in about 20 minutes. The portrait below is the one I submitted and got 97% on. I have a few of the other ones I made in class but most of them are lost. Some students took more than 4 weeks to complete just one. This ones done entirely with an HB pencil on a poster like thick sheet of paper, it’s about 14X21 inches. It was shot was a PowerShot A85 at 4 megapixels and then compressed.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Guru Nanak Dev Jee's Parkash @ City hall
Today I had a chance to go to the Parkash calibrations of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Jee at Surrey city hall. I got there at about 5:15pm and a few people were already there. I think this was the first time city council has ever done something like this, never heard about anything like this before. I thought it would be in the council chambers area where they normally have hearings; but they had a podium set up near the information area.
Local politicians were all over the place shaking hands and doing as much vote pitching as possible for the upcoming civic election. Tom Gill was the first person I saw, a few minutes later independent councillor Judy Villeneuve come by. When she was about to introduce herself I told her what her name was. She asked me how I knew her name; I told her I had seen her on televised city council hearings. She seemed surprised at that and told me it was her 7th term as councillor.
The program was to begin at 5:30 but like all things Punjabi it started over 20 minutes late. The Granthi Singh from Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Surrey did ardass at the beginning and the Mayor Doug McCallum said a few words about the special day.
The thing that made my day was when the lady introduced the mayor to say a few words this guy behind me said “HANNNJEE” in a loud voice and started to applaud with excitement.
Bhavraj Singh spoke about the life of Guru Nanak Dev Jee and the lessons he taught us. He outlined the importance of what Guru Sahib and how those teachings should be incorporated into our lives. This was the very first time I heard Bhavraj Singh speak in public, I was impressed.
Then Bibi Gurminder kaur talked about the philosophical aspects of Guru Sahibs life and how basic Sikhi is universal and makes humankind perfect. She reminded the people gathered there that it was possible to end all suffering, war, poverty and abuse and establish world peace if the ‘3 rules’ of earning an honest living, giving daswandh to others and remembering whaeguru at all times were followed.
Halfway through her speech I noticed Balwant Gill had come and was standing in the front row. It was amazing the guy was actually paying attention to what was being said.
The most important thing said tonight was the separation of religion from culture. I am not sure if everyone there fully understood what Gurminder Kaur was getting at, but no one was paying more attention to what she spoke about than councillor Villeneuve. She was nodding her head and smiling at the end of every sentence. Everything Gurminder Kaur said was hitting home 100% . Just that made the whole thing successful.
After that Balwant Gill presented a sort of 3D picture in a frame(supposedly of Guru Nanak Dev Jee) to the mayor. Some koamnshut veers shouted a jakara from the back steps. They were the only people who didn’t have their heads covered.
I urge everyone to take a look at the upcoming surrey papers to see from which angle they covered this event. There were at least 10 people taking pictures. This was very annoying. Even during ardass they kept going. The flash would light up my closed eyelids 10 times a minute. And every 30 seconds someone’s phone would go off. That was really irritating. Life does go on without phones people just don’t realize that.
The Dashmesh Darbaar Granthi Narinder Singh did the final ardass. This was the first attempt at some real unity between the two factions. Politics had actually brought the two groups together. One ardass would have been enough; I think it was a good move. In the beginning all kids of people were bringing in stuff to eat- both the koamnshut and less koamnshut.
After ardass I knew it would become a social gathering; it was time for me to leave.
You can listen to Bhavraj Singh’s speech here.
Gurminder Kaurs Speech can be found here.
Local politicians were all over the place shaking hands and doing as much vote pitching as possible for the upcoming civic election. Tom Gill was the first person I saw, a few minutes later independent councillor Judy Villeneuve come by. When she was about to introduce herself I told her what her name was. She asked me how I knew her name; I told her I had seen her on televised city council hearings. She seemed surprised at that and told me it was her 7th term as councillor.
The program was to begin at 5:30 but like all things Punjabi it started over 20 minutes late. The Granthi Singh from Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Surrey did ardass at the beginning and the Mayor Doug McCallum said a few words about the special day.
The thing that made my day was when the lady introduced the mayor to say a few words this guy behind me said “HANNNJEE” in a loud voice and started to applaud with excitement.
Bhavraj Singh spoke about the life of Guru Nanak Dev Jee and the lessons he taught us. He outlined the importance of what Guru Sahib and how those teachings should be incorporated into our lives. This was the very first time I heard Bhavraj Singh speak in public, I was impressed.
Then Bibi Gurminder kaur talked about the philosophical aspects of Guru Sahibs life and how basic Sikhi is universal and makes humankind perfect. She reminded the people gathered there that it was possible to end all suffering, war, poverty and abuse and establish world peace if the ‘3 rules’ of earning an honest living, giving daswandh to others and remembering whaeguru at all times were followed.
Halfway through her speech I noticed Balwant Gill had come and was standing in the front row. It was amazing the guy was actually paying attention to what was being said.
The most important thing said tonight was the separation of religion from culture. I am not sure if everyone there fully understood what Gurminder Kaur was getting at, but no one was paying more attention to what she spoke about than councillor Villeneuve. She was nodding her head and smiling at the end of every sentence. Everything Gurminder Kaur said was hitting home 100% . Just that made the whole thing successful.
After that Balwant Gill presented a sort of 3D picture in a frame(supposedly of Guru Nanak Dev Jee) to the mayor. Some koamnshut veers shouted a jakara from the back steps. They were the only people who didn’t have their heads covered.
I urge everyone to take a look at the upcoming surrey papers to see from which angle they covered this event. There were at least 10 people taking pictures. This was very annoying. Even during ardass they kept going. The flash would light up my closed eyelids 10 times a minute. And every 30 seconds someone’s phone would go off. That was really irritating. Life does go on without phones people just don’t realize that.
The Dashmesh Darbaar Granthi Narinder Singh did the final ardass. This was the first attempt at some real unity between the two factions. Politics had actually brought the two groups together. One ardass would have been enough; I think it was a good move. In the beginning all kids of people were bringing in stuff to eat- both the koamnshut and less koamnshut.
After ardass I knew it would become a social gathering; it was time for me to leave.
You can listen to Bhavraj Singh’s speech here.
Gurminder Kaurs Speech can be found here.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
November 15
It’s been hundreds of years since the people of Punjab and across the world have been celebrating days of importance tied to the gurus and others. The 10 gurus have parkash, gur-gaddi, joti joyt days- that’s 30 days a year when we should reflect on how they lived their lives.
It’s very easy to remember someone and celebrate what they accomplished in life. This is what everyone does and we’re all good at doing it well, we make it know that it’s a special day with an ever more special significance tied to it. It’s one thing to remember, but it’s something else to actually apply the teachings of the person being remembered to our lives. There’s not much good if nothings learned from days like this.
Today I went to the Gurdwara for about two hours. It was packed; there wasn’t much room in the parking lot. When we got inside there was a huge lineup in the langar hall. It was good to see all those people who had at least made an effort to go to the Gurdwara.
We sat down and listened to Kirtan and then Katha started. I decided to record it. The katavachak’s name was Gurdev Singh. He attempted to tell the life of Shr Guru Nanak Dev Jee in about half an hour.
Most of the things he talked about were quite familiar but there were a few things I had never heard before.
Listen to it here
It’s very easy to remember someone and celebrate what they accomplished in life. This is what everyone does and we’re all good at doing it well, we make it know that it’s a special day with an ever more special significance tied to it. It’s one thing to remember, but it’s something else to actually apply the teachings of the person being remembered to our lives. There’s not much good if nothings learned from days like this.
Today I went to the Gurdwara for about two hours. It was packed; there wasn’t much room in the parking lot. When we got inside there was a huge lineup in the langar hall. It was good to see all those people who had at least made an effort to go to the Gurdwara.
We sat down and listened to Kirtan and then Katha started. I decided to record it. The katavachak’s name was Gurdev Singh. He attempted to tell the life of Shr Guru Nanak Dev Jee in about half an hour.
Most of the things he talked about were quite familiar but there were a few things I had never heard before.
Listen to it here
Monday, November 14, 2005
Art-2
Based on a sketch of an Olympic speedskating champion from a 1970's National Geographic Travler magazine.
A kid taking on an NHLer
Based on an old Tim Duncan picture from a 90’s Sports Illustrated. (pictured with the ball in midair with 1 second remaining on the clock)
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Art-1
Art is one of the best things you can do for relaxation. Most people don't ever draw anything, and so don't think they're any good. Punjabis are usually not encouraged to pursue art. That’s why there aren’t many professional Punajbi artists around. So, the next time you have some time grab a pencil and paper and you'll amaze yourself, who knows you just might go BIG!
Art classes in school were a lot of fun; I still remember most of the stuff that was taught. I don’t think any of the really good artists in school actually went on to study art at Emily Carr or other institutes.
I've done a lot of art over the years. Most of it has been lost. I still draw stuff when there’s free time. I'll post stuff I have over the next few days. And later when there’s more available.
Below is some of the artwork I did last month. It’s on regular plain 8.5 X 14 paper drawn with a standard HB pencil. The funny looking color is because my scanner bed was too small for this paper and had to shot this with a digital camera.
This cartoon-like drawing is from memory. Two guys playing ping-pong.
Another sketch based on Hamilton's book.
Art classes in school were a lot of fun; I still remember most of the stuff that was taught. I don’t think any of the really good artists in school actually went on to study art at Emily Carr or other institutes.
I've done a lot of art over the years. Most of it has been lost. I still draw stuff when there’s free time. I'll post stuff I have over the next few days. And later when there’s more available.
Below is some of the artwork I did last month. It’s on regular plain 8.5 X 14 paper drawn with a standard HB pencil. The funny looking color is because my scanner bed was too small for this paper and had to shot this with a digital camera.
This is copied from a sketch in a book by John Hamilton.
This cartoon-like drawing is from memory. Two guys playing ping-pong.
Another sketch based on Hamilton's book.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Pret Udhaar
Friday, November 11, 2005
Remembering
Remembrance Day (Veteran’s Day in the US) is a day to remember soldiers who lost their lives fighting in wars. War is supposed to be something so terrible that our knees should start to shake when hearing the word. But it’s not. The Great War(WWI) caused so much death, destruction and suffering, was dubbed as the war to end all wars. What people heard about the conditions in the trenches and no-man’s land horrified them so much they thought no one will have the courage to pick up a gun again.
They were wrong. The world did not learn anything and after a few short years it started all over again. There have been many more conflicts since then with an even greater death toll that continues to mount to this day. It’s clear: war is here to stay, it has been with us since the stone age, it has become a part of us and will continue to plague the world till the end of time.
Until recently Hollywood has always portrayed war as glorious and romantic. But for a long time literature has shed light on the other side, the misery and suffering soldiers go though in combat. A big chunk of literature taught in Canada starting from high school is primarily anti-war. I don’t know if this is what they teach in other countries, it just might be a reflection of what Canada is as a nation.
Until the world leaders realize the value of human life and try to curb this madness known as war, remembering the dead will remain meaningless. Millions of people worldwide go hungry everyday and charities beg for donations, while billions of dollars are being spent on military technology and hardware.
We had Remembrance Day ceremonies at Khalsa School which got bigger and better every year. Sikh veterans who fought for the British used to come in and talk about their experiences in front of the whole school. This was the one day we all sang O Canada and In Flanders Field. (I’m sure a lot of the kids thought about Ned Flanders more than the poem)
The November 1992 Remembrance Day was the most memorable. Onkar Singh marched into the Gurdwara(where the library is now) in his Irish Fusiliers cadet uniform just when they were about to read In Flanders Field. Dr Khalsa then gave a lecture about war and how it’s important to remember the people who sacrifices their lives for a just cause.
Since it's a day to remember, it might be a good idea to also remember the men, women and children who stood up to face oppression, were targeted and brutally killed in the name of national interest in India since the late 70's. The only way to remember them is to try to lead a life the way they did. Otherwise remembering them just for the sake of remembrance too, is futile.
They were wrong. The world did not learn anything and after a few short years it started all over again. There have been many more conflicts since then with an even greater death toll that continues to mount to this day. It’s clear: war is here to stay, it has been with us since the stone age, it has become a part of us and will continue to plague the world till the end of time.
Until recently Hollywood has always portrayed war as glorious and romantic. But for a long time literature has shed light on the other side, the misery and suffering soldiers go though in combat. A big chunk of literature taught in Canada starting from high school is primarily anti-war. I don’t know if this is what they teach in other countries, it just might be a reflection of what Canada is as a nation.
Until the world leaders realize the value of human life and try to curb this madness known as war, remembering the dead will remain meaningless. Millions of people worldwide go hungry everyday and charities beg for donations, while billions of dollars are being spent on military technology and hardware.
We had Remembrance Day ceremonies at Khalsa School which got bigger and better every year. Sikh veterans who fought for the British used to come in and talk about their experiences in front of the whole school. This was the one day we all sang O Canada and In Flanders Field. (I’m sure a lot of the kids thought about Ned Flanders more than the poem)
The November 1992 Remembrance Day was the most memorable. Onkar Singh marched into the Gurdwara(where the library is now) in his Irish Fusiliers cadet uniform just when they were about to read In Flanders Field. Dr Khalsa then gave a lecture about war and how it’s important to remember the people who sacrifices their lives for a just cause.
Since it's a day to remember, it might be a good idea to also remember the men, women and children who stood up to face oppression, were targeted and brutally killed in the name of national interest in India since the late 70's. The only way to remember them is to try to lead a life the way they did. Otherwise remembering them just for the sake of remembrance too, is futile.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Nomad Jukebox 3
Before the ipod there was this:
It even lets you chose the recording bit-rate from as low as 32kbps to 320kbps. It even lets you record in .WAV with minimal loss in quality (only a handful of devices support wav recording)
There is a smart sync feature incorporated in the Nomad that minidisc uses to automatically make tracks depending on the input level.
You have a lot of choice when it comes to playback. You can easily make playlists and has a selected music area where it adds what you play on the fly and lets you play it back in different repeat and shuffle combinations.
It also supports many of the same EAX effects on computer soundcards. You can choose from many different environments. There’s a time control option that lets you control how fast you want to play a track. This is good to have when you have voice recordings. The really good thing about this is the 4-band smart EQ that lets you adjust the high and low frequencies on any track. This is really useful when playing old tracks with a lot of ‘hiss’, pops or ‘hum’
It comes with the greatest choice of power input. It uses a 110/220Volt automatic AC adaptor that can be used anywhere in the world. It also has 2 removable Li-Ion batteries that last for up to 22 hours. Most of todays mp3 players don’t have removable batteries. And you don’t have to shut the unit down to charge the batteries.
The Nomad can be used as a data-backup drive as well. So you can have both music and data on it at the same time. To transfer files you can either use either a firewire(iLink/ IEEE 1394) or a USB cable. It uses the slower USB 1.1, the 2.0 wasn’t out when the Jukebox was introduced. The firewire transfer is very fast 1 gig transfers in a few seconds.
It even lets you record lectures with an optional wired remote/mic. The recording quality is surprisingly good even at low bitrates.
This unit can do everything that a PC can do when it comes to playing back music. It uses way less power and tapes very little space. It’s way better than any tape deck because CDs get scratched and tapes wear out over time. It has a 1/8 headphone mini-jack and 2 other line outs. So it’s possible to have a 7.1 channel speaker system configuration. It has an infrared wireless remote sensor so it can be controlled just like a TV.
The only undesirable thing is the bulky design. But it doesn’t mean it’s not portable, it just shows a little when in your pocket. You can stuff it in a backpack or just hold it in your hand. People hold CD players in their hands all the time. AND it looks COOL, way cooler than the ipod!
The Nomad 3 has been discontinued for a while now but is still available from some online vendors for well under $130US.
These days (almost)everyone owns a portable mp3 player of one kind or another. But the best one ever to hit the shelves was the Creative Nomad Jukebox 3, it was this that started it all. It was released in early 2002, well ahead of its time and made mp3 players the thing to have. This was one of the first hard disk-based to really compete with minidisc players and knock them out of the market(minidisc sales havent recovered since then)
I would still buy this over any of the ipod players out there today. Ipods are all hype and nothing else. The ipods basically become a fashion statement and that is all it is. The ipods become so popular because of the cool factor. The menu system is not the greatest and for most things you have to dig deep down the menus. There’s only so much you can do with one and the compatible accessories you buy extra are ridiculously expensive. And surprisingly people keep buying them!!! (perhaps they don’t know you can by the same stuff of a generic brand from places like radio shack.)
Creative Labs was a pioneering sound card manufacturer right from the early 90’s they still make the best consumer sound cards for computers.
I received my Nomad 3 in may 2003 and a second one in may 2004. It comes in a 20 and 40gig versions. So at 64kbps you can play or record new material continuously for 52 days straight on a 40gig model!
The Nomad is still way better than any of the other hard disk based players because of the many features majority of the newer players dont have.
The best thing about the Jukebox is its recording capability. Even today this is one of the few portable mp3 recorders that can record from both analogue and optical(TOSLink) inputs. You can really notice the clarity in recordings from an optical source compared to an analogue one. The recording quality is unsurpassed compared to minidisc or anything else comparable. It shows the record level of the input source, which can be adjusted from the player itself.
The jog-dial used to scroll and control everything is very easy to use and makes navigating it very fast. There are 11 buttons on the top face and let you do anything with pressing just one button.
The updated firmware lets you change skins and customize the menu options. Almost everything can be configured to what you like. It has a bright backlit display, which you can change to green or blue or no backlight at all. The display is fairly big and lets you view a lot of information. Once playing it could be set on a screensaver mode where it displays the time (becomes a clock, no need for a watch!!!!)
It even lets you chose the recording bit-rate from as low as 32kbps to 320kbps. It even lets you record in .WAV with minimal loss in quality (only a handful of devices support wav recording)
There is a smart sync feature incorporated in the Nomad that minidisc uses to automatically make tracks depending on the input level.
You have a lot of choice when it comes to playback. You can easily make playlists and has a selected music area where it adds what you play on the fly and lets you play it back in different repeat and shuffle combinations.
It also supports many of the same EAX effects on computer soundcards. You can choose from many different environments. There’s a time control option that lets you control how fast you want to play a track. This is good to have when you have voice recordings. The really good thing about this is the 4-band smart EQ that lets you adjust the high and low frequencies on any track. This is really useful when playing old tracks with a lot of ‘hiss’, pops or ‘hum’
It comes with the greatest choice of power input. It uses a 110/220Volt automatic AC adaptor that can be used anywhere in the world. It also has 2 removable Li-Ion batteries that last for up to 22 hours. Most of todays mp3 players don’t have removable batteries. And you don’t have to shut the unit down to charge the batteries.
The Nomad can be used as a data-backup drive as well. So you can have both music and data on it at the same time. To transfer files you can either use either a firewire(iLink/ IEEE 1394) or a USB cable. It uses the slower USB 1.1, the 2.0 wasn’t out when the Jukebox was introduced. The firewire transfer is very fast 1 gig transfers in a few seconds.
It even lets you record lectures with an optional wired remote/mic. The recording quality is surprisingly good even at low bitrates.
This unit can do everything that a PC can do when it comes to playing back music. It uses way less power and tapes very little space. It’s way better than any tape deck because CDs get scratched and tapes wear out over time. It has a 1/8 headphone mini-jack and 2 other line outs. So it’s possible to have a 7.1 channel speaker system configuration. It has an infrared wireless remote sensor so it can be controlled just like a TV.
The only undesirable thing is the bulky design. But it doesn’t mean it’s not portable, it just shows a little when in your pocket. You can stuff it in a backpack or just hold it in your hand. People hold CD players in their hands all the time. AND it looks COOL, way cooler than the ipod!
The Nomad 3 has been discontinued for a while now but is still available from some online vendors for well under $130US.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Sand Sculptures
This September I was fortunate enough to go to the Prince George Raensbayee with Hardeep Singh and Japnaam Singh. The drive there and back was as good as the Kirtan at the Raensbayee itself. One of the all time best Asa Dee Vaars was done there by Bhai Prabhjot Singh and Gurminder kaur. It will soon be online at ikirtan.com along with rest of the kirtan from the raensbayee.
We stopped at Harrison Hotsprings on the way back and took pictures of the sand sculptures. I had never been to Harrison before, it’s a place everyone should visit. The sand sculptures are on display from early September till mid October. You can visit their website here.
We stopped at Harrison Hotsprings on the way back and took pictures of the sand sculptures. I had never been to Harrison before, it’s a place everyone should visit. The sand sculptures are on display from early September till mid October. You can visit their website here.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Saen Bhagat
When Saen heard the greatness of Bhagat Kabir he got motivated to became the second follower of Ramanand. He used to meditate with sadhus at night and would go serve in the king’s palace during the daytime. He was the kings massager.
But one evening saints came over to his house and kept doing kirtan all night and throughout the next day. They lost track of time and Saen didn’t realize he had to go to work the next day.
Seeing Saen still engrossed in meditation, Akhalpurkh intervened and took form as Saen and headed off to the palace. Akalpurkh(as Saen) gave the king the massage of his life and made him feel better than he had ever felt before. All his pains went away and every ailment was healed.
When the sadhus left Saen’s house he realized he had missed work. He worried that the king would punish him. Fearing that his imminent end may be near he walked towards the king’s palace in deep thought about what to tell the king.
As Saen neared the palace walls, the king saw him and rushed out to greet him. He had never seen the king so happy. The king went on and on about how Saen had cured him of everything and he had never felt that great his entire life.
In front of everyone the king took off his robe and put it on Saen. No one was more shocked to see this than Saen. Saen put two and two together and decided to serve the one who had saved his honor.
Bhai Gurdass has written a pauree in his 10th Var on Bhagat Saen
Listen to it by clicking here.
ਸੁਣਪਰਤਾਪਕਬੀਰਦਾਦੂਜਾਸਿਖਹੋਆਸੈਣਨਾਈ॥
ਪ੍ਰੇਮਭਗਤਿਰਾਤੀਂਕਰੈਭਲਕੇਰਾਜਦੁਆਰੈਜਾਈ॥
ਆਏਸੰਤਪਰਾਹੁਣੇਕੀਰਤਨਹੋਆਰੈਣਸਬਾਈ॥
ਛਡਨਸਕੈਸੰਤਜਨਰਾਜਦੁਆਰਨਸੇਵਕਮਾਈ॥
ਸੈਣਰੂਪਹਰਿਹੋਇਕੈਆਇਆਰਾਣੇਨੋਂਰੀਝਾਈ॥
ਸਾਧਜਨਾਂਨੋਂਵਿਦਾਕਰਰਾਜਦੁਆਰਗਇਆਸ਼ਰਮਾਈ॥
ਰਾਣੇਦੂਰਹੁੰਸਦਕੈਗਲਹੁੰਕਵਾਇਖੋਲ੍ਹਪੈਨ੍ਹਾਈ॥
ਵਸਕੀਤਾਹਉਂਤੁਧਅਜਬੋਲੈਰਾਜਾਸੁਣੈਲੁਕਾਈ॥
ਪਰਗਟਕਰੈਭਗਤਵਡਿਆਈ॥੧੬॥
But one evening saints came over to his house and kept doing kirtan all night and throughout the next day. They lost track of time and Saen didn’t realize he had to go to work the next day.
Seeing Saen still engrossed in meditation, Akhalpurkh intervened and took form as Saen and headed off to the palace. Akalpurkh(as Saen) gave the king the massage of his life and made him feel better than he had ever felt before. All his pains went away and every ailment was healed.
When the sadhus left Saen’s house he realized he had missed work. He worried that the king would punish him. Fearing that his imminent end may be near he walked towards the king’s palace in deep thought about what to tell the king.
As Saen neared the palace walls, the king saw him and rushed out to greet him. He had never seen the king so happy. The king went on and on about how Saen had cured him of everything and he had never felt that great his entire life.
In front of everyone the king took off his robe and put it on Saen. No one was more shocked to see this than Saen. Saen put two and two together and decided to serve the one who had saved his honor.
Bhai Gurdass has written a pauree in his 10th Var on Bhagat Saen
Listen to it by clicking here.
ਸੁਣਪਰਤਾਪਕਬੀਰਦਾਦੂਜਾਸਿਖਹੋਆਸੈਣਨਾਈ॥
ਪ੍ਰੇਮਭਗਤਿਰਾਤੀਂਕਰੈਭਲਕੇਰਾਜਦੁਆਰੈਜਾਈ॥
ਆਏਸੰਤਪਰਾਹੁਣੇਕੀਰਤਨਹੋਆਰੈਣਸਬਾਈ॥
ਛਡਨਸਕੈਸੰਤਜਨਰਾਜਦੁਆਰਨਸੇਵਕਮਾਈ॥
ਸੈਣਰੂਪਹਰਿਹੋਇਕੈਆਇਆਰਾਣੇਨੋਂਰੀਝਾਈ॥
ਸਾਧਜਨਾਂਨੋਂਵਿਦਾਕਰਰਾਜਦੁਆਰਗਇਆਸ਼ਰਮਾਈ॥
ਰਾਣੇਦੂਰਹੁੰਸਦਕੈਗਲਹੁੰਕਵਾਇਖੋਲ੍ਹਪੈਨ੍ਹਾਈ॥
ਵਸਕੀਤਾਹਉਂਤੁਧਅਜਬੋਲੈਰਾਜਾਸੁਣੈਲੁਕਾਈ॥
ਪਰਗਟਕਰੈਭਗਤਵਡਿਆਈ॥੧੬॥
Monday, November 07, 2005
Why Vancouver's Better
I took these pictures the same day as we went bike riding. Proves why its worth living in Vancouver.
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