VSingh

Mugabe vists Jerusalem

2009-01-21T23:30:00.000+01:00

Robert Mugabe goes on a state visit to Israel. While he is on a tour of Jerusalem he suffers a heart attack and passes away.

The undertaker tells the accompanying people, ''You can have him shipped home for US$500,000, or you can bury him here, in the Holy Land , for just US$100.''

The Zimbabweans go into a corner and discuss for a minute. They come back to the undertaker and tell him they want Mugabe shipped home.

The undertaker is puzzled and asks, ''Why would you spend $500,000 to ship him home, when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $100? With the money you save you could buy enough diesel for a year, buy enough medicines to wipe out cholera, buy enough generators to never have blackouts again.''

The Zimbabweans replied, ''Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead. We just can''t take that chance........

Song in Malkauns Raag

2008-11-29T03:57:00.002+01:00

Carrying on with the Bollywood olden-goldies series, I'm now posting a song, sung by Mohammad Rafi in the film 'Baiju Bawra.' The song is in the raag Malkauns - an ancient, and very popular Indian raag.

Found clip on youtube where a young kid sings the song on an Indian singing competition. It's unbelievable how kids this young can sing so well, and have a great control over their voice and pitch. Unfortunatly I think the judge, Sonu Nigam was a bit harsh..

Anyway, an embarrassing attempt to sing shabad in the same raag by, yours truely. hahaha really embarrassing how I went off pitch (and offbeat too once! haha)... Oh well I've had my deal of bad 'performances' (most recently in Norway)

YES WE CAN!

2008-11-09T20:20:00.004+01:00

Had to make a post about it! I'm reallly really happy he won!
I was actually really surprised that McCain even had a chance of winning, considering 90-ish % of Europeans prefer him over his Republican rival.

I think he seems to the most sensible man considering the fact that he declares that he's open for a dialogue with countries like Iran and Korea. I think dialogue is extremely important, and when McCain made a big fuss about Obama being ready to SPEAK DIPLOMATICALLY with Iran, I realized that Mccain was a man who shot first and asked later. I think America deserves a president who has some senses and is able to keep his cool instead of erupting as soon as someone around the globe does something that seems 'threatening'.

Also I full heartedly support the fact that he wants to close down places like Guantanamo which have basically locked up a bunch of people without giving them any chance of having a trail or any justice. I don't know who they are, what they've done, but they deserve to get a fair trail. I think democrats generally care a lot more about human rights, climate issues, social insurance policies where everyone gets subsidized (if not free) health care, whereas, I feel, Republicans only care about their money, and that they can keep them, and don't really want to contribute anything to the society...

Another reason I believed he'd do a better job than McCain is the fact that he doesn't advocate decreasing taxes and stuff for people with incomes higher than $250 000 a year. A lot of money; and those who earn more than that and cry over having to pay a bit more tax...well I don't really much to say about them (that won’t be offensive.) I think people who work hard should be rewarded, but at the same time I do think they have a responisibility of making sure that their neighbors have a roof over their head; and that if their kid is run over by a car (God forbid), they don’t need to think about where to get money for the operation, before they take the kid to the hospital. Tax reductions should go to those with lower incomes, because those are the ones who NEED them.

There goes my second blog post with a political twist.

Renderation of Raag Darbari Kanara

2008-11-04T20:40:00.001+01:00

Found a really nice song sung originally sung by the great Manna Dey... Actually I've been listening quite a bit to olden goldies from Bollywood movies (despite that I think most of the modern movies are full of crap)... So I've decided to post them here! I think I'll make into an olden-goldies series of bollywood songs. As you'll realise, most of them are in some kind of raag (probably the reason I appreciate it..)
Anyway, here comes the first one:

Link to Jhanak Jhanak Tori Bajhe Payiliya
The link above is to the song, when sung in an indian idol show by a young indian lad... The Song is in Raag Darbari Kanara...

Below, I've posted the original song.

Concerned over the situation in Burma

2008-08-15T17:31:00.002+02:00

Haven't posted for a while....

I'm still very concerned about the situation in Burma. Very sad (and frightening) that all media coverage has stopped there (almost completly). No-one is reporting what's going on in the country?

Now the internationall news is about Georgia, and prior to that it was the torture of the tibetians. Everyone forgot the monks in Burma, and the earthquake victems, who have to take LOANS (yes they have to repay them!) to get back to normal life.

That "normalcy" has been restored to the country seems very doubtful. Anyone got any news about the state of the protesters in Burma? Or the state of the people in general, in Burma?

Where are my, Sweet like Jalebi, readers?

2008-05-21T21:45:00.003+02:00

Oi! I'm feeling soo lonely here!!!

Ok there are periods where I don't post very frequently, but that doesn't mean you stop commenting!!

Now stop acting like a rotten Jalebi and show me you're present!

Ok, I should really be off! Exams tomorrow! Pray for me!!!

Signature: Brirtains got talent

2008-05-18T14:59:00.002+02:00

Although most people have probably already seen it, its one of those things you just cannot NOT blog about, so here goes :D

Good job by the two performers! Goo Madhu!!! :D

Quote

2008-05-15T09:09:00.001+02:00

"Radiate on soldier! the brave warrior never leaves the battlefield!"

- D

Germany part I

2008-05-08T20:05:00.001+02:00

So following the visit of the bhaji from Germany, they were hosting a European Sikh conference in Germany (Cologne), so I thought I'd go.

Of course the older geezers had decided they were going and were the ones representing Sweden, so there was apperantly no place for me (boohoo!) After a lot of ifs and buts, my friends from Denmark who were also going sorted my accommodation and my trip from the airport to the conference. Their flight was to land at Dusseldorf Airport (an hour from Cologne) one hour after mine.

Excited as I was I booked my ticket through ryanair to Dusseldorf, not realising there was a "Weeze" added to the destination name on their website. What do I care? As long as it's Dusseldorf airport! After landing, I ask one of the workers where the Air Berlin flights land (the flight my friends were coming with) and to my great distress he informs me that only ryanair flights landed at that airport, and the other one was 80km away! My Gosh!

My heart beat frequency sped up quite a bit. Ok so I find out there's busses from this airport to Dusseldorf (I thought it must be like the London busses where the buss goes from Standstedh airport to Heathrow.) An hour or so later when the buss stops, I realize I wasn't at an airport - I was at the central railway station!!!!!!!!!!! Bloody Germans! At least they could have been more clear and informed that it doesn't go to the airport!!!

I find a travel mate (a black lady who also flew from Sweden) who was also going to meet someone at the airport. So we share a taxi to the REAL Dusseldorf airport where I was meeting the Danes (who's flight was delayed one hour.) After paying 50% of the fare, (yes yes I'm a cheap Indian bastard! ) and saying greeting the black lady farewell, I go into the airport and ask about the airberlin flights, and am directed to the gate where it's landing.

After walking around for a few minutes (realising they weren't coming before half an hour or so), I take a seat, pick out a magazine from my bag and start chewing on a toast my mum had packed for me. Out of nowhere this young lad suddenly bends down and looks at my face (and scares the sh*t out of me...) and goes: "Denmark?" I jumped up in chock and quickly packed the messy toast into my bag. It was a turban wearing young lad, I realized. Our lift from the airport had arrived. To be continued...

How I (almost) lost my license

2008-04-19T15:07:00.002+02:00

Ok, I almost lose my driving license the other day.

I went to the Gurdwara (sikh temple) to meet this gyani jee (religious person) who has come from Germany to teach us Kirtan. Although the classes were to start the following day, we were there early to plan the week.

But I insisted that he teach me something NOW (eager as I was.) Sooooo what happened was he listened to me (he thought I was crap and need to practise more…boohoo!) But then I sang a shabad /hymn) I had practised on a few times. My mind kind of “got stuck” into the shabad, the tune, the words etc.

While driving home I was still stuck in the shabad and kept singing (yes out loud while driving!! ) I just looked forward and kept on driving. After a while I realized there’s a “copcar” behind me. I got a bit distressed and focused on the driving and tried to keep to the speedlimit.

After a while he turns on his front sirens, so I drive the car into the bus stop hoping that he’d pass by. But no, he stopped behind me and came forward.

“Is this your car?”

-Yes,

“Are you in a hurry?”

-Yes I’m pregnant (No I’m joking – I was well frightened so I squealed a barely "hearable" ‘no’ - I was in no position to joke around then.)

“We’ve been following you for a while. Why were you driving 100km/h where there was a speedlimit of 50km/h?”

- (I’m SHOCKED – was I ?? I wasn't thinking about my speed while driving, I was still stuck in the shabad haha) “I was?"

“We want you to blow into this machine” (I blow into the "alcometer." No I wasn’t drunk, they could conclude. (I actually do acknowledge wasn’t driving normally. A bit like druk people drive..)

(He looks at my license)

- “Getting a license isn’t easy, nor cheap”

- No. I’m really sorry, my mind was somewhere else. I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again. Actually I’m going to be honest with you, I came from a music class, and I was just stuck with the song, and I’m REALLY REALLY sorry, it won’t happen again

(He looks at the photo of the handsome man on the license he was holding)

Again, I squeal - “It won’t happen again, I’m really sorry”

- Don’t let it happen again!

I was scared as HELL. If they would fine me, the find would be HEAVY – and they could’ve taken the license as well. But that’s not the worse bit. The worse bit would be the chitter (beating) I’d get from mum! She would LITERALLY KILL me. Literally. Did I tell mum? Yes I did – I told her there was a alcotest, and they checked my license. Nothing about the speed. I don’t want jutiya (beaten) for nothing.

But I’m alive, and happy and still have my license!

Woohoo!

*drives of at 150 km/h at a 30km/h road…*

Lesson to be learnt: If you wanna drive bloody quickly - do LOOK AROUND if there's any cops around! and look properly.

Coming up: my germany trip!

Hilarious!

2008-03-09T22:25:00.002+01:00

This guys is hilarious! I must admit he does dance quite well- but what up with the high waist pants!!

Good dancing though.
I'm in the process of writing something that happened just a few weeks ago- but I've got an exam tomorrow, so I should be spending too much time here... haha

Enjoy his dancing skills!

Tribute to a hero

2008-02-20T21:22:00.000+01:00

Oh Lord, If I worship you...

2008-02-06T22:19:00.000+01:00

While skimming through a muslim site I found something interesting attributed to a prominent muslim leader-

O Lord,
If I worship You
From fear of Hell, burn me in Hell.

O Lord,
If I worship You
From hope of Paradise, bar me from its gates.

But if I worship You for Yourself alone
Then grace me forever the splendour of Your Face.

Unconditional Love

2008-01-21T17:28:00.000+01:00

Just had to post it again; and remind all of my readers how important their "mums are."
For God's sake - just go and give her a hug!

Fruits that smell (and taste) like garbage

2008-01-13T22:31:00.000+01:00

Oh my!

I do not mind eating fruits. But some fruits (*cough* *cough* - The official Malaysian fruit, the Durian.) literally smell and taste like garbage....Not any garbage ....garbage that's been lying around for weeks.

Worth trying though, because it's said that, it's a thing that some people actually like. Some LOVE it, some HATE it, it's said.

It is UNBELIEVABLE how smelly they are! The odour actually spreads like some kind of bacteria! Leave a piece (or the seed with a small piece of the fruit) open, the odour will be detected in the entire house!

I have, absolutely, no intention of being offensive to any Malaysian reading this blog; as a matter of fact I've enjoyed your hairy leaches (rambotans?? - sounds like some ig mighty animal!), and mango-thingies (those were the best; the ones that you break with your hands!).

No Durians signs...

But Durians are horrible. I cannot believe how people can eat that kind of stuff.
I was, however, intending on giving it another chance, since it's said that it's a thing that you eventually "learn liking", however my sister loved it - so she ate it all up.

It is said that the smell of the durian can also be detected out of the eater's burps and farts.

I can confirm that the latter is true.

Happy new year!

2008-01-06T21:14:00.000+01:00

Just thought I'd wish all my readers a (belated)...
Happy New Year!

Sikh Warriors

2007-12-23T23:18:00.001+01:00

It was a documented fact that Sikh warriors were the most feared and fearless warriors on the battle field, the Mughals, the Persians & even the British documented this in their dairies, reports to their superiors and etc.

They did not get this reputation by just eating Alu Pratha, () they trained their butts off! Not just physically but spiritually as well each soldier was trained to kill anything that moved in a 30 yard radius, they were so good that it is said that each man was equivalent to fifty of any other army’s of that time. Each Sikh warrior was called Fauj which literally means a battalion.

Didn't get his reputation, merely by eating Alu Paratha

They achieved this reputation by training in armed, unarmed combat & meditating countless numbers of hours. The martial art they trained in was Shastar Vidya, literally meaning Science of weapons but i interpret it as the science of making your body a weapon.

I leave you with this quotation written in the Jang Namah (battle chronicles) by Quzi Nur Mohammed in 1765, He was a staunch enemy of the Sikhs but he goes into a rosary of praise when he goes into defining qualities of Sikh Warriors.

” … If you cherish the desire of learning the art of war, face them on the battle field. When they hold their mighty sword, they gallop from Hind to Sind. Nobody however strong and wealthy dare oppose them. If their sword struck a coat of mail, the coat itself becomes the enemy’s shroud. Each and every one of them look like massive boulders of rock. In a grandeur, each one of them excels fifty men…”

An absolutly amazing article I found on Hargobind Singh Khalsa's Blog.

Everyone (christian or not) should celibrate Christmas because....

2007-12-04T23:59:00.000+01:00

"Otherwise they'll remove the christmas holidays!"

- A friend of mine

Jacksson Singh!!!

2007-11-28T21:42:00.000+01:00

You HAVE to check this out to believe it!!!
I believe this is Madhu, who also makes the announcements at Sikh Student Camp.
Absolutly lovely person.

Burma has a few things it can learn from India

2007-11-17T19:05:00.001+01:00

Lately a lot of news has been focusing on the state of the people living in Burma. I am very sad to hear all of the stories that are coming out; how the regime is treating its own people; treating the monks and other peaceful protesters where curfew was announced; and the leaders of these peaceful protests are suddenly 'disappearing'.

One thing that Burma can learn form the numerous atrocities that have occurred in India are; how to distract international attention.

Not that it's helped a lot (especially since China and other Asean countries have the capability to end it all with one phone call) - what India did during the genocide of SIkhs in 84 was, they banned the state from foreign journalists - they were totally banned into the state, and those who were inside were forced out in busses.

Recently there's been covering about a Japanese journalist being murdered, and a photo is showed of him lying on the street with a Camera.

I think Burma turned into the "news item" the newspapers needed for a few weeks; now it's over. Peace is yet to be restored in the country of turmoil, and hundreds are still suffering. Unfortunatly after the huge amount of covering, the media attention has gone to other places, such as Pakistan (emergency rule), and Bangladesh (floods); and no-one really cares about Burma anymore.

The Burmesen government is free to continue treating its people like sh*t; since no-one cares anymore.

Sad. But true.
My prayers go to the people of Burma.

BANG - and I realised - I was screwed

2007-10-09T23:22:00.000+02:00

Today I had (another!) car accident.

This (time it) happened late in the afternoon (it was late – cold and dark, in an alley somewhere in the middle of nowhere…..[the first few details are true] ). I had left my pile of books (and enormous amount of studies) to go to my cousin’s place and help him with the last bits and bobs in his shifting/moving.

As soon as we arrived (mum was with me), I leave of my mum, and drive off to the train station to bring my cousins wife who had just called and said she had arrived at the station, and wanted to be picked up. It was when I was about to pick her up from the train station when it happened. I called her to find out where she was (while reversing the car), and BANG – the entire car shook. The turban almost BLEW off (Yes I was looking totally like a roadaccident after that). The owner of the car was just a few hundred meters away and came running.

Indeed I do have some Indian genes, but No, I did NOT escape . I still had to pick her up remember?

Soooo, turns out this Fat (with a capital F) geezer is Finish and doesn’t speak a word of Swedish. He writes down my car’s number plate number and takes my phone number. He calls his female friend, who (luckily) speaks a bit Swedish. She wants me to give her my DOB and other personal details. I hesitate since it’s not my car (mum’s, and its insured on her name). They suspect I don’t even have a license (those SONS OF B*****!!! – of course I’ve got a driving license!).

Soo they ask me if I want to take it on the insurance or if I want to end the thing there and then. I go how much you want? He goes 5000kr!!!! That’s almost 1000 USD, for a small scratch!!! I’m like – no way!!! I’m not gonna give you penny more than 30 USD (proving that Indians are essentially cheap bastards haha). So they don’t accept my cheap offer. OK what’s next? I get reinforcement – my mum and cousin appear out of nowhere (my cousins wife who as sitting in the car (it was dark and cold, and I was wearing SHORTS and a jacket)) had called them and told them about what happened.

I had followed the fat Finish man to the nearby bar where he wanted to borrow a pen and paper to write my details (it was also now that this random druggie - or was he just drunk? anyway; this random geezer comes out and shakes (grabs) my hand; because I'm a Sikh! I was very flattered (not really! He was smoking with his other hand!!). Anyway the reason why she called to get them to come was because I had followed the Finish geezer to the bar, and she thought I might get beaten up by him there (WHAT?!? Do I LOOK that weak?).

So we decide – that those b***** can take it on the insurance; but since we would still have to pay an excess fee to the insurance, and my mum’s insurance fee would get more expensive (see I’m not actually allowed to drive the car due to certain age restrictions put by the insurance company; so officially I wasn't involved anymore) – so we decide to find a solution. We offer the owner to fix the car the next day (we’d go to the cheapest mechanic in the area – we are Indians after all). But he was too smart for us. He was Finish.

No, he wants it on the insurance or some money NOW. In the end we agree to give him 1500kr (approx 300 USD) – and get him to sign that we’ve solved the problem; and that we’ve paid him that sum of money – just to make sure the geezer doesn’t report it anyway.

There was today’s study-time lost in the cold alley arguing with a Fat Finish guy. And now another hour on blogging about the event that just occured.

Oh yes! by the way - I'm fine - I'm not injured in any way - I'm totally Ok (For those people who were getting concerned about my physical wellbeing. )

White men CAN dance!!!

2007-09-30T21:40:00.000+02:00

Ok, I was at this Sukshinder Shinda concert a few months ago; and was amazed to see that there were more non-indians than Indians there enjoying and dancing to the music!

Although I must say, their (attempts to make som) Bhangra-moves; did require some improvements - they did quite a good job heating the dance hall (with their random movements!) haha.

It was that day (night) that I was convinced. White people will never manage to dance Bhangra properly. [No I am not being serious- for those who have a hard time comprehending irony, I am NOT a racist peace of shit!]

I just had to post this video that I saw on Dilpreets blog; which proved me wrong!
This Bhangra group - Izzhat Punjab di (The Pride of Punjab) - make some amazing moves!.

Link

....bunch of red indians yelling

2007-09-23T20:14:00.001+02:00

Today I was at the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship, Sikh temple) and a few interesting things happened.

Well the most interesting thing was that; Snatam Kaur came and sung a bit!

Snatam Kaur is a very talented young artist/vocalist (nominated to the grammy awards) who sings devotional songs in a very light, inspiring and soothing way. She sung really nice today, and me being me, I recorded it!

I must say that the sound quality was awful; too loud – I was too optimistic when setting the volume on my mp3 player, so the recording comes with a few distortions if you listen very closely and carefully with a high volume; so try to keep it low. Also, the first 3 minutes is basically full of disturbances since they were still sorting out the microphones and stuff (no I haven't bothered editing and cutting the track since that takes ages)

Today’s recording.

Recording from last year. (this recording is much better)

Another thing that happened was that, since I brought my mp3 player I started messing around with it, and recorded something that a friend of mine thinks sounds like "a bunch of angry red Indians yelling."

Link (Caution; only listen if you are healthy, don’t have any heart disorders or are pregnant)

This is post as light humour only; and I have no intention on offending anyone.

Hope you enjoy the tracks.

Wish with care

2007-09-14T00:18:00.001+02:00

Although there's a lot of stuff I need to blog about, among other things the two camps I've been to lately and a lot of other stuff, I decided to post about something that's very recent. A bike ride with my cousin where we discussed the issue of 'wishing stuff', and how we easily get carried away wishing stuff and, once we get what we wish we really regret it.

Sometimes what we wish comes as a really big challenge and struggle.

A bit background info; I’ve studying Medical Technological engineering (basically maintaining and developing machines in hospitals). My education started last semester (Jan 2007). The first semester we studied medical courses (in order to make a pulse meter; you need to know what a pulse is! In order to make a pacemaker you need to know how/why/when the heart depolarises etc). I found that a lot of fun. I found it really interesting; thought – I might as well study biomed. So I apply for biomed and a few other extra courses I had applied for ….which are realllllly hard to get in…. The fact that I applied late doesn’t help

I was anxious all summer waiting for the response; did I get into everything I wanted to get in to? (this was one of the small things that didn’t allow me to enjoy Sikh student camp to its fullest).

Ok so a lot of prayers and anxiety later I find out that I got into the program I wanted to!!! Wooohooo!

But what about my other seat, in the engineering? Should I just dump that? How can I dump something I haven’t even done!!?

So although I had gotten what I wished, and prayed for; I was now in a big dilemma – what do study and do for the rest of my life!!!

I since not all of them started at the same time, I decided I’ll start all of them (don’t worry; education in Sweden is totally free [which might be the reason why I’m so spoiled] – so I wasn’t spending all my summer savings paying 4 different university fees.)

Studying 3 different fulltime courses, and one part time course just doesn’t work. Believe me; I’ve tried it. (I’m struggling with 2 fulltime ones – it’s working!!!). On a more serious note; I managed to make up my mind; I decided to carry on studying Medical Technology; and worse comes to worse I'll have to change later on if I find it really boring - but I can't just leave something I haven't even tried! I don't regret it - and am really happy that I've got my priorities straight now. And who says it needs to be so dramatic - something I want to do for THE REST OF MY LIFE. Come on! Nothing says I can't change field later on; after I get my basic degree - I think it's a very tabu thing within Indian culture - to change your mind later on. But one thing is for sure; life was living hell when I still hadn't made up my mind !

Point being; wish with care – cause its very likely that you might get what you want; but in the end you might regret asking it to begin with.

Kind of reminds with the quote;

ਵਿਣੁ ਤੁਧੁ ਹੋਰੁ ਜਿ ਮੰਗਣਾ ਸਿਰਿ ਦੁਖਾ ਕੈ ਦੁਖ ॥

ਦੇਹਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੀਆ ਉਤਰੈ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਭੁਖ ॥

To ask for any other than You, Lord, is the most miserable of miseries.
Please bless me with Your Name, and make me content; may the hunger of my mind be satisfied.

Page: 958

I’VE GOT WHAT ALL GIRLS WANT

2007-08-30T14:39:00.000+02:00

Ok, just thought I’d have a catchy title. But the topic of the post is slightly related.

I’ve been working quite a lot this summer, and I’m going to narrate an event that happened during the lunch break a few weeks ago. There were three of us (me and two female blond colleagues [not that their hair color has anything to do with it]) around the table, and having our lunch. One of my female colleagues mentioned considering from home; but being very confused about it.

The trend here is to move out from home as quickly as possible. This colleague currently lives with her parents, and is considering whether to move to a separate apartment or whether to move in with her boyfriend. (this post is NOT gossip haha)

She was listing the positives and negatives she saw in moving to a separate apartment, and to her boyfriend. To cut a long story short, she wanted her boyfriend to live a lone for a few months before she moved in. She wanted to do this because; she wanted him to ‘learn’ most of the household duties that are typically done by females. Basically she didn’t want to move in with him, because she was fearing she’d become his ‘mother’ (i.e. the person who washes the dishes, does laundry, cooks the food); she wanted him to learn it all, and then when she moved in, they’d share responsibilities, and she wouldn’t have to do everything else.

The other female colleague concurred, that before a female moves in with a man, the man should have lived by himself for a while, so that he’s learnt doing all the chores. She mentioned how her boyfriend would come home (when she was away), and order a pizza instead of cooking food for the daughter, and the house would look like a mess. She complained how she would have to clean up the place, and that she kind of ‘had’ to clean up before settling down (some kind of internal thing she has that doesn’t allow her to rest before the house is clean.) Her explanation was that her boyfriend had been spoiled by his mother who did everything for him.

Then suddenly, all eyes were on me. Now it was my turn to comment on how lazy men who live with their mothers were. Although I could picture myself in some of the cases (such as not being able to cook proper food – by proper I mean Indian :P… I can cook pasta, and make some kind of sauce and do simple stuff… but nothing fancy); there were other things that I couldn’t relate to at all. For example, I do help with chores such as dishes and laundry, but I’ve definitely become more cautious about being lazy now, and I did note that, although I was tired I did wash the dishes that evening =D.

The fact that my parents are divorced has helped me in this way, that I’ve always had to take more responsibility than; if they weren’t; so whereas I personally can’t relate to this completely (but I can in some way), I do think that a lot of people can.

I think this especially is the case with Indian men; who more often than not, live with their parents for quite a long time. Parents spoil their kids by not making them learn chores, and not making them learn cook food and stuff. This is mostly apparent in the cases of immigrant (i.e. my father); who had to learn everything from scratch when they were mommy-less outside India.

Basically point being; I do understand where the female colleagues were coming from, and think that men should start thinking about these things.

Updates updates

2007-08-29T22:16:00.000+02:00

I’ve been a very bad “blogger” lately. Haven’t managed to update my blog for ages.

There’s simply too much stuff going on in my life.

We’ve bought a new house so we’re getting some modifications done; which means there’s a builder working, which means we need to supply stuff and to check everything is going okay. At the same time I’m having work related issues. I’m reading several courses and programs parallel. And loads of other stuff going on.

Too bad summers over!

Okay enough complaining and ranting.

But on a serious note, I do think all of this stuff happening, and everything “co-incidizing” with everything else (all of these coincidences) are very well planned by God. Although I do not claim to understand Gods will or his command; but it seems like he’s reserved everything for august-September. The reason MIGHT just be for me to not think about certain personal things that have happened me lately; and for me not to get stuck in certain things. He might want me to get on… Get over stuff…

Ok that’s me being very vague.

I’ll make a more elaborative post within a few days =)

Sikh Student Camp

2007-08-18T22:50:00.000+02:00

Recently we (a group of young Sikh Students, age 17-23) went to England for a camp; Sikh Student Camp. The camp is meant to serve as a place where young Sikhs can meet, interact, learn about their faith, and at the same time have loads of fun and laughs; and make new friends and circles!

Most of the people where really nice; and were there eith the intention to really learn more about their faith, tradition, heritage and were really down to earth people. There were all types of people; students, graduates, working people, and sevadars (volunteers who were there just to help stuff going)

The mornings begun with morning prayers (Japji Sahib) [if you woke up late like me; if you woke up earlier - which was voluntary; there was Kirtan (hymn singing) of Asa ki vaar, and Simran (meditation) for you!] followed by yoga and breakfast. After breakfast we had some sort speech or talk about a certain aspect of our religion/heritage/culture, which was followed by us going into groups for discussions. After that we had different workshop and classes. This is where the fun bit came in. We got to choose what we wanted to learn for five days! You could choose; Yoga, Self defence, Punjabi , Kirtan, Traditional Kirtan (hymn singing) with string instruments, Tabla (drums), and Introduction to Sikhi. That was loads of fun. Subsequently, there was the daily activities! That was quite fun, but sometimes a bit too tiring. The activities were so special that I'd have to make one blog post for every activity; so I'm not even going to attempt to. After that there was evening prayers and Kirtan, food followed by the real evening 'divan' (evening hymn singing time!)

That time was probably the best time during the day. The kirtan was unbelievably good and the singing would pierce your heart. OK I don't have any words for the Kirtan, so I'm simply going to put this LINK up for you to listen to it yourself. Any words put to describe the singing will be doing unjustice to it.

All in all, I think it was a good camp; there were some negative times where I'd pay double my ticket to come back home early, but once the last day came, and I was in the buss about to leave there was this sudden feeling of separation from the rest...and it was all sad, although I was kind of tired of everything (because I did go through quite a lot during the camp...some personal issues).

The thing I loved the most was the concept of; "Unity through diversity" - there were all sorts of people with all sorts of beliefs, but everyone was respected.

I'd definetly recommend anyone interested in the field to go to it as it is a must go :)

Sikh Youth Camp

2007-07-26T20:16:00.001+02:00

Here's the trailer to the Youth Camp, we've been organizing and have worked really hard with!

Hope you enjoy it; and attend the camp if you can!

p.s I didn't make the video

Politics

2007-07-19T21:57:00.001+02:00

I usually don’t tend to post political stuff.

But today this post is going to be very offensive to any of you capitalists who are reading this.

So we had elections last year in Sweden (typically known as a socialist; welfare society). The “moderate-capitalist” party won (first time in twelve years woohoo!). They’ve managed to screw up entire Sweden in one year! And they’ve got three years left!

See in Sweden we’ve got a very different system to the rest of the world; we pay a HUGE amount of taxes (approximately a third of the income; all goods we purchase come with a VAT (tax) of 25% etc etc), but in return we get loads of facilities; such as (pretty much) FREE health care; FREE SCHOOLING/education (primary school up till university; all free!), kids up to a-levels get FREE LUNCH at schools; free dental care for those under 18; no matter how big the surgeries etc are; subvention on stuff like union fees; etc etc the list goes on.

The state owns a lot of the companies which also contribute to keeping this welfare state stable.

Those who earn the least money; the weakest/poor/sick people are those who benefit from this most. Middle class are pretty much unaffected, and the high-class suffer from this, since they have to pay a lot more taxes.

What the current government is doing is; they’re decreasing the taxes slightly, making the income becoming slightly higher (mostly benefiting rich businessmen); and stripping people off of these facilities. What group of people suffers from this the most? The sick and the poor. For middle class its still okay since they get more money, and would thus afford paying school fees etc. For the poor/sick this is catastrophic. Totally bananas.

What’s ironic is that the types of taxes that have been removed or decreased are those that benefit 10% of the population the most (the rich); and working-union fees have been stopped being subvention; which means higher costs for working people/labourers.¨ I think the news reported that 90% of the tax decrease goes to the rich businessmen, since before we used to have a fortune/capital tax, where you pay 1.5 % tax on the money above 1.5 million kr in your account. That means that a HUGE amount of revenue to the state has been lost...which means they'll put in less money into stuff like, schooling, healthcare etc!

P.s they've already increased the costs of traveling on public transports!!! Who does this effect the most? not rich people who constantly drive back and fourth!!!... (crap! I got carried away writing this postand have to drive to work now instead of taking the buss..since I'm late to work now...)

Vote left-wing in the next election!!!

(I’m actually surprised I managed to write such along post on this issue…)

The Jakara Movement

2007-07-07T22:22:00.000+02:00

I watched a few videos on Youtube about the Jakara movement. I think they raise a lot of vital issues that need to be tackled within the Sikh community. Among other things, it raises; domestic violence, female foeticide and dodgy disagreements in the community.

I definitely hope that those who could’ve attended it, have attended it, because it seems like a really good event.

Also I do admire their video-making skills ; because it’s definitely not an easy job to make a video like that.

Enjoy:

Results!

2007-07-02T00:11:00.001+02:00

I’ve been quite busy lately; although I thought I’d have more spare time during the summer due to no time going to studies any more, and although I’d be working more; that’d be okay, since there wouldn’t be any reading or revision to be done after work; but I was wrong.

Most of my time goes to actually working since some days, I begin 10 a.m and end 8 pm! The entire day is ruined!!!

Enough rambling about that!

I got results for my latest exams! I passed wooo!!!

Although this year hasn’t been the most efficient (or as Indians say; I’ve wasted one year), I think I’ve learnt a lot about myself; and about my own passions! I LOVE music, Indian classical instruments and anything related to the topic!

I’ve learnt that I don’t like technology as much as I like biology, and physiology, so I’m going to start studying biomed after the summer (this first semester I was reading physiology as a part of the, engineering in medical technology; which included some physiology courses; but is mostly about machines and stuff like that).

Anyway, my conclusion is this; although life is short and we should learn to use it as efficiently as possible; there's no hurry (realistically)... There is still time to get into the boring adult-life; and I don't need to try to hurry up the process; because I've realised that I LOVE studying [as much as I'd be surprised saying this], and am not looking forward to the working life; unless I get a dream job, straight after university!

Enough for now!

My next post will, most likely, be able some things I saw on youtube =)

Recognize the Lord's Light within all

2007-06-20T23:50:00.000+02:00

An interesting quote I stumbled upon while reading Gurbani (hymns);

ਜਾਣਹੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ
jaanahu joth n pooshhahu jaathee aagai jaath n hae ||1|| rehaao ||
Recognize the Lord's Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter. ||1||Pause||

(p 349)

Wouldn't the world be such a great place if we considered and acknowledged that the Light of God resides in everyone. If we managed to realise just that; wouldn’t we treat other people totally differently?

Although it’s quite easy to post this quote and hope everyone would treat each other much better from now on; but complex as we are; it doesn’t work that way. I myself think it can be really hard to consider that God exists within some people who really piss me off… or just generally are... stupid…

I must say I’ve got a problem swallowing the quote myself; or, to rephrase myself, follow it fully, and don’t think that I’ll ever manage to do it fully; but think that as long as I manage to keep it in mind, I might be able to control myself next time I’m getting pissed of at somebody for some reason… acknowledging that maybe it’ll just be better to stay calm?

Disclaimer;
I'm not the kind of person who easily gets pissed of (or am I ?; comment, and let me know what you think....); but there are times, when people really manage to tick me off..but usually I'm okay

The Begger Boy

2007-06-09T23:59:00.000+02:00

by Sat Mandir Singh Khalsa (Virginia), Grade 12 Miri Piri Academy, Amritsar, India, December 10, 2006

"A few weeks ago, during a so-far uneventful G.T. (Golden Temple) trip, I was walking along, minding my own business, when I suddenly felt a tug on the side of my chola. I looked down and saw a scrappy-looking beggar boy about seven or eight years old staring up at me, hand outstretched. He looked pitiful. He had long, greasy hair that was draped sloppily over his face and almost concealed his big, round eyes, which portrayed an emotion of deep sorrow. A tattered hemp shirt that was much too small for him was pulled as far as it would go over a cavity of a stomach, which indented his skeletal frame. Covering his twig-like legs was a pair of old, hand-me-down trousers that were torn and faded from generations of use. His feet were shoeless and calloused from many years of walking barefoot through the rough streets of Amritsar. From head to toe, he was covered in a thick coat of dirt and grime that darkened and splotched his skin.

He was repulsive, and he’d touched me! I felt contaminated. I quickly turned and hurried back up the street. Pausing at a nearby shop, I bought an ice cream, thinking it might help purge my mind of the dirty little boy. It didn’t. I kept thinking about those big, sad eyes staring up at me. Why did he make me feel so guilty? I wasn’t responsible for putting him on the street, for forcing him to beg. I hadn’t hurt him… but I hadn’t helped him either. He was in need, but instead of feeling sympathy for him, I felt disgust, as if he didn’t have feelings, as if he weren’t human. I was angry with myself. How could I have brushed him off so easily, without a second thought, as if he were some insect crawling up my leg?

I finished the ice cream bar, bought a second for later, and continued on up the street. About a hundred feet away, I came to a second shop. The storefront was packed with MPA students, all matching in their blue cholas with miniature adi shaktis patched onto the sides. Each one had a five or a ten or a twenty rupee note in his or her hand and was jabbing it at the men behind the counter, hoping to catch their attention so that THEY would be first to be served. I realized how awfully rude this was and made a mental note to myself to be a little more respectful in the future.

I turned away from the shop and continued on my journey up the street. I heard someone call out my name. Still walking, I looked back over my shoulder to see what he wanted. I never found out. Just after I had turned around, my legs hit into something and I had to stumble forward to prevent myself from falling. Startled, I looked down and standing there before me was the little beggar boy, in exactly the same position with his arm outstretched, palm cupped, staring.

My first thoughts were similar to the ones I had had during our previous encounter, but I soon silenced my mind and took control. Remembering the ice cream bar in my pocket, I took it out and handed it to him. His eyes instantly illuminated, and he smiled so widely that I could see tops of his gums. In the blink of an eye he had the ice cream out of its wrapper and into his mouth.

A few seconds later, I was surrounded by an entire posse of children, all looking at me hopefully. I turned back to the shop, ordered ten more ice creams, and began handing them out. The rest of the children’s reactions were similar to that of the first. One by one they took their treat gratefully, being extremely careful not to drop it. Then they slowly licked away, savoring every moment. When they finished they skipped away, rejuvenated and content. As I watched them go, I realized how such a small sacrifice on my part could make such a large impact on others less fortunate."

Copied from MrSikhnets blog.

Prayers

2007-06-06T15:12:00.000+02:00

23 years ago, heaven turned into a battlefield….

Deep condolences, and prayers to all those who have been affected by the events.

Operation Bluestar.

Picture courtesy: mrsikhnet.com

Weirdo!

2007-06-02T22:51:00.000+02:00

Pretty funny, but true. It's actually quite common that I stand there and think that some geezer iss wooo weird; but totally forget that some other geezer might see me as totallllly weird as well. Something I definitely can relate to.

Made me smile; so thought I'd post it

Mummmmmmmyyy

2007-05-27T20:11:00.000+02:00

In Sweden; it's mothersday today!

All I'm going to say is; just acknowledge everything you're mother has done for you so far. Even if you're pissed at her for some reason; think about how many things she’s done for you; how many sacrifices she made for you.

Here's a small vid I made a few months ago. I thought I had posted it on my blog before, but apparently I hadn't, so here you go!

Everytime I watch it, it kind of gives me the goosebumps (especially the end)

Gurmeet Ram

2007-05-25T23:27:00.000+02:00

Although I had intentionally avoided writing about the controversy in Punjab, I finally decided to make a post about it. For those of you who haven't heard about what's been going on:

Basically there's been a conflict in Punjab due to the fact that the leader of a dera/sect called Sacha Sauda "appeared in advertisement dressed up as Guru Gobind Singh, the revered 17th century Sikh guru. "

Akal Thakhat has issued edict against the leader, and is currently, (practically) forcing him to apologize. They organized a Punjab Bandh-day, which basically means that all shops, offices, schools and everything are closed, in protest to what happened.

An ultimatum has been issued saying that if he doesn't apologize for this "blasphemous act" by ay 27, they demand the closure of his deras in Punjab.

More background info about the issue

Basically, I think that what he's done isn't very nice, and one can almost guess that his intentions weren't to be very nice either. Although I can understand that a lot of Sikhs are upset about it, I think that this might be taking it too long.

I agree with the fact that peaceful protests have been made to get people's attention that Sikhs are very upset about the issue, and that what he's done was very offensive. To quote from tribuneindia.com from May 24; "Makkar was reported to have told mediapersons that he did not believe in what the law and Constitution says. He had stated that deras of Sacha Sauda would have to be vacated.” Something gives me the feeling that, the approach that will be used to impose this ultimatum isn't going to be very peaceful, especially considering the fact they are openly saying they don't give two hoots about the law. The fact that some "hard-liners" have announced that they will reward the person who manages to 'bring the dera leader's head' will be weighed in gold, does not help.

I think the approach Sikhs used to use before was really good. In 1920's against the British for having taken over the Gurdwaras and imposing their rules and regulations, Sikhs peacefully protested, and were at times SHOT for doing so [Hence: Gurdwara di seva ley kurbaniya kitiya; Those who sacrificed their lives in order to be able to serve and take care of the religious shrines- in the daily ardaas. (read more about that here).] Another event that comes to mind is the massacre of 1978 in Amritsar, where the Sikhs peacefully, (without weapons) protested against the Nirankari baba for the "blasphemous" words he used to address Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They were shot the whole bunch for protesting (read more here). Today Sikhs are getter more into using violence. It become the easy-way-out to show that we are upset. Whereas before Sikhs would take a lot of sh*t before using violence; Sikhs now quickly jump to the resort of using violence. Sikhs are loosing this tolerance, and ‘taking-the-sh*t-first-resort’, which kind of worries me,

I think the article by I.J Singh and Ravinder Singh raise a lot of very important issues regarding this event. I strongly recommend that you read it, especially if you have been following the recent events in Punjab. Click here to read it.

I want summerrrrr!

2007-05-24T22:06:00.001+02:00

I'm sooo looking foward to summer!
Right now, I've got exams, part-time job, exercise, vocals, internet time wasting etc etc!

I've hardly got any time anymore.

That's why I'm looking forward to the sumeer! No studies, and then I can do everything else, sleep good 8 hours, and have some fun!

Best of all (something I'm really looking forward to) is; Sikh Student Camp!

Can't miss that out!

Powerfull

2007-05-19T13:13:00.000+02:00

bilaaval mehalaa 5 ||
moo laalan sio preeth banee || rehaao ||
thoree n thoottai shhoree n shhoottai aisee maadhho khi(n)ch thanee ||1||
dhinas rain man maahi basath hai thoo kar kirapaa prabh apanee ||2||
bal bal jaao siaam su(n)dhar ko akathh kathhaa jaa kee baath sunee ||3||
jan naanak dhaasan dhaas keheeath hai mohi karahu kirapaa t(h)aakur apunee ||4||28||114||

Bilaaval, Fifth Mehla:
I have fallen in love with my Beloved Lord. ||Pause||
Cutting it, it does not break, and releasing it, it does not let go. Such is the string the Lord has tied me with. ||1||
Day and night, He dwells within my mind; please bless me with Your Mercy, O my God. ||2||
I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to my beauteous Lord; I have heard his Unspoken Speech and Story. ||3||
Servant Nanak is said to be the slave of His slaves; O my Lord and Master, please bless me with Your Mercy. ||4||28||114||

Read Shabad
Listen to Shabad

Wierdness

2007-05-09T19:12:00.000+02:00

The other day, I was surprised that the buss I usually take, didn't follow its normal route; it took an entirely different direction.

I yelp out of shock, and find out that the other way has been blocked by police. I wonder what's wrong, but don't get too fussed about it.

The buss leaves me quite a bit from home, so I have to walk home; but the tiredness overweighed curiosity.

Later on I found out that they found a body, a few hundred meters from home, in a forest, nearby the bus stop I pass daily. This was the place I usually passed when going on my walks.

Off course, there's an entirely different feeling passing that place now. I still pass the place a few times a week, but now you make sure you look at the forest extra carefully, just in case.

The other day I noticed how I was holding my kirpan quite tightly when passing the place, during a night-time walk. I had goose bumps.

Sounds very spooky, and it is quite a spooky place. But like everything else, life will go on (what a bad ending to a post you're probably thinking..), the fear will disappear, and soon, everything will back to normal.

The police still hasn’t revealed (or actually identified) the identity of the murdered.

The Tabla Guy

2007-05-08T21:56:00.000+02:00

Big up to this geezer. He's my new role model haha.
No; but seriously; he did a really good job, combining several genres; including western music, to indian classical teen taal and what not!
Great stuff!
Check out his website; he's got some interesting stuff there as well;
The Table Guy

License!

2007-05-04T19:56:00.000+02:00

The other day (exactly one week ago) I did my driving test; and I passed it!

Was a great feeling; now being able to drive without anyone sitting beside all the time! Not that I'm going to be able to drive much, but had guests that day, so the first trip I made without a teacher was to the Gurdwara, to drop the guests (",)

After the test, mum (who was waiting in the car), went to work, and I was meant to go home (with public transport!). Since the test place is near a shopping center, I decide to check out clothes. I usually don't spend much time shopping clothes. That day I speant a few hours, and quite a lot of money on buying shorts and shirts (Summer seasons here)!

I think I deserved it. I did however realise one thing; Shopping on your own can be very fun. As long as you've got time to check out stuff, and don't have anyone (an annoying relative, or parent) nagging on you to hurry up, to just BUY THE CLOTHES OR NOT TO BUY THEM. So that was actually a lot of fun! Mum wasn't too happy to see my bank balance after the shopping, but that's another story alltogether!

I'm satisfied. One thing that I do remember from a previous post about contentment is about license being one of the things I still don't have. Now thats removed from the list. Now it's just; a Digri (Degree, in hardcore Punjabi), a job (academic, to come after the digri), a car, and a voti.
Thats it! Amazing!

I went to the post office to pick up the license, which came by mail today; I look pretty good in it (okayish haha )

p.s Mum still doesn't know I, kind of, bumped the car into the garange door while taking the car out of the garage . Nothing serious, hardly visible (if your eyes aren't too good. )

Deynda deh lehnde thuk pay...

Dost

2007-04-25T16:34:00.000+02:00

Dost dost nahi, Khuda hota hai.

Mehsus tab hota hai, Jab voh juda hota hai.

Bina dost ke jina, Ik saza hota hai.

Aur dost aap jaisa ho, To jine ka maza hi aur hota hai.

Copied from Himmat Singh's blog

Vaisakhi ai!

2007-04-18T22:01:00.000+02:00

Just wanted to wish all my reader a (very) belated happy Vaisakhi!

Hopefully most of you had a great weekend and met up with other youngsters and did something cool!
We had this AKJ Jatha come from UK who did Kirtan here. I was pleasantly surprised to find some of them started by singing a Shabad in Raag; so that was cool (something that I witnessed, almost the first time).

Apart from that, My Vaisakhi has mainly been about spreading information to the youth, making and distributing flyers about the Swedish Camp, in the beginning of August.

Dates: 29 July - 3 August!
Place: Stockholm, Sweden
Everyone invited!

Hopefully I'll write some more about the camp; and if you've got any questions, you can simply post a comment and (hopefully) I'll answer it.

www.sikh.se/camp

Humility

2007-04-09T22:32:00.000+02:00

There's this Hindu couple that comes to the local Gurdwara. They do soo much seva. It's unbelievable how much seva they do. You caa always find the wife doing the cleaning-the-shoes-seva. And what's so cool is that, they never show off, talk about it or anything. It's as if they do the seva; and forget about it, never to be remembered again. Now I don't know what's going on in their brains; they might be stuck in the 5 vices, and what not; but what really amazes me ias that they do the seva they do, with a LOT of humility.

It feels as if they've got a lot more humility in the Gurdwara than most of the Sikhs put together (including me haha). It feels as if they're the carrier of the torch of Guru Nanak, more than the Sikh sangat is; which is stuck in ritualism, Akhand Paath, and what not. I'm not talking about rehit or anything; because although they might not be following the rehit, I personally think that the devotion they're serving with passes all lengths; of the devotion most rehitvan Sikhs do in this part of the world.

I don't have much to say, other than; although I'm not saying Rehit isn't important, I still think there are more important things (despite the many quotes the exist to emphasise rehit), in the spiritual life, such as; devotion, gyan etc. That being said; I'm not saying there aren't rehitvaan people who don't have above qualities; but I think more emphasis is put in the exterior, than the interior; rather than a balance of both.

Haven’t posted for long due to getting a part-time job, and due to preparations for a Sikh youth camp in Sweden is on the roll! So much to do; and so much things going on.
Hope to post a bit more frequently =D

My inspirations #3 - Do not deprive me of the privledge of serving the Sangat....

2007-03-29T22:28:00.000+02:00

Nawab Kapur Singh led the Khalsa during a period of turmoil. Nawab Kapur Singh ji was initiated into the Khalsa by Panj, which included Bhai Mani Singh Ji, along with his father and brother, Vaisakhi 1721.

During this period the mughals realised that they wouldn't be able to defeat the Sikhs, so they decided to make a treaty where the Sikhs would be allowed to live freely without having price on their head! The Sikhs where given a large estate. Sardar Kapur Singh was chosen to lead the Sikhs, and to control the land. He was given the title by Five Sikhs, at whom's feet he first placed the robe of honour he had received, before putting it on. Although reluctant, he had to accept the decision made by the community, but made one request. That "he should not be deprived of his old privilege of serving in the community kitchen (Langar)." (Some say that he used to clean the dung of the horses in the barns...and that he requested that, he should not be deprived of that seva).

He got the honour of leading a whole nation, yet all he requests is that he should be allowed to continue doing seva, which most of us are reluctant on doing!

During this period the population of Sikhs had grown, so the army was dvided into two groups; Buddha Dal (army of the old) and Taruna Dal (army of the young; jawan). Nawab ji led the Panth during a period of turmoil in Sikh history, and he was involved in creating the Khalsa Army; Dal Khalsa, and creating misls (groups of Sikhs with different functions, some would protect the Gurdwara etc), under the leadership of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia who was another great Sikh warrior of the time.

It was during this period that Hindu girls was abducted by Persian invaders (Nadir Shah), and the Dal Khalsa would pursue to their rescue. The smaller holocaust occurred during this period. 1748 he requested to be relieved of his duties due to his old age, and proposed Jassa Singh Alhuwalia to be the commander of the Dal Khalsa.

What's cool is; is the fact that he wasn't just a soldier, he reflected a Sikh; a saint-soldier; a person who wouldd, at time of peace, sit and actually do seva, and serve people, and not just lead.

ਦੇਦਾ ਦੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥

2007-03-22T20:01:00.000+01:00

ਦੇਦਾ ਦੇ ਲੈਦੇ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥
ਜੁਗਾ ਜੁਗੰਤਰਿ ਖਾਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥
ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥3॥
(SGGS: 2)

Just when I had started thinking life can't get any better; I get a call.

I have no way to express myself, so I really don't see why I'm posting this. All I can say is; acknowledge what you have been given; whether from your brother, sister, mother or whoever. Just acknowledge. Just once go and say 'thank you', and show your appreciation for something; and look how happy they become.

When you're done doing this; Go and do an ardaas, and thank God for everything he's given you.

Just a few days ago, one of my eye went black for a few seconds. I was panicking. It felt as if the right eye was paralyzed (and it didn’t help that I couldn't see anything with it). That's when it struck me. I'm not appreciating what God has given me at all. Not to the extent that I've been writing on this blog. That’s when I realised that I've been given much much more than I appreciate; and now realise that I cannot and will not be able to appreciate everything he's giving me. (My eye’s okay now )

Just once; appreciate; and thank. Acknowledge.
What's funny is; I keep getting materialistic things that keep making me more and more content (sounds very weird I know). When you look at Gurbani; you see that the Bhagats had been blessed by much more than materialistic things, and look at the extent they are content too (post getting weird and weirder ). How much they're thanking God; how much they are
appreciating....

Considering my Sikhi isn't much developed, and I'm (honestly) not making much effort to develop it; I cannot believe I'm getting so much...

ਜਾ ਤੂ ਮੇਰੈ ਵਲਿ ਹੈ ਤਾ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਹਛੰਦਾ ॥
ਤੁਧੁ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਮੈਨੋ ਸਉਪਿਆ ਜਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਬੰਦਾ ॥
ਲਖਮੀ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਖਾਇ ਖਰਚਿ ਰਹੰਦਾ ॥
ਲਖ ਚਉਰਾਸੀਹ ਮੇਦਨੀ ਸਭ ਸੇਵ ਕਰੰਦਾ ॥
ਏਹ ਵੈਰੀ ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਭਿ ਕੀਤਿਆ ਨਹ ਮੰਗਹਿ ਮੰਦਾ ॥
ਲੇਖਾ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਪੁਛਈ ਜਾ ਹਰਿ ਬਖਸੰਦਾ ॥
ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਿਲਿ ਗੁਰ ਗੋਵਿੰਦਾ ॥
ਸਭੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰਿਐ ਜਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੰਦਾ ॥7॥

Shabad; ang 1096

I've been typing and erasing; so I see no point in continuing. Just acknowledge; and love.

During Rehraas

2007-03-18T09:36:00.000+01:00

During Rehraas a few days ago, I was (again! ) thinking. What's the message? Whats the point of the prayers at all? I then decided to use my Punjabi skills to try to figure out the message within the bani.

Some of the stanzas were comprehensible, and some were a bit more complex. Here's what I realised;

Some of the shabads focus on:

- How we should be inspired by the thirst others have had; not being able to live without Naam/Shabad/Akal. Examples are often given (several examples are given in bani; That a Sikhs love should be like; a fish not being able to live without water; a person not being able to live without oxygen; rain birds thirst for water)

- Other focus on humility; where the highest of the highest call themselves lowest of the lowest (kire/ants/insects)

- Other remind us that this life is temporary, and can be disconnected any minute. This actually reminds me of a teacher that just passed away a few days ago. One day he was walking talking, having a good time, making everyone smile in his lectures; the next day he was no more. Felt very odd; but that shook me. The shook me completely; I've been reminded daily by the Guru that this life is temporary, and that although we're not meant to neglect worldly things, we cannot forget that ultimately, we're not going to stay here...yet has this made any difference to my lifestyle? Hardly.

- Other Shabads constantly remind us that the POINT of life IS to become one with Akaal (eternal). We waste our life doing all sorts of other things. That being said, it doesn't mean that other things shouldn't be done, or that Sikhs should become sadhus in mountains and try to become one with the eternal; it doesn't work that way; it's meant to be a balance. That's something I’ve notice I need to work on. A lot of people are probably thinking; this guy’s is being really humble; but I'm not. The point of making this post is not to seem or act humble; because my Sikhi is seriously not very developed [people who have personally met me can wiconfirm this ]; the point is to remind myself (and hopefully some other soul might give me some insights/feedback, and get some might get some insights out of this post).

- Then there’s Shabads praying for the 'kirpa' of Vaheguru, and that he always bestows his hand upon our head, and keep us his sanctuary; other giving insights how much we've been blessed with; how much God has and can give, depending on efforts we make, and the decisions God makes.

The above messages are just the few things I've understood from the Bani; there is yet a lot to be decoded, by those who actually have made efforts to understand it.

Then there’s the morning prayer. My habit is a bit weird; getting up, taking a shower (being the late awakener I am), it's constantly about breaking new records on how quickly I can complete the paath. Never any focus.

Rehraas on the other hand has become a time to reflect, reason, to think, to feel, to remember, to be reminded, but that only comes at times when I really have time, and am not stressed to do thousands of other things.

Feedback and critique of above thoughts appreciated.

Disclaimer

2007-03-15T19:03:00.000+01:00

Before proceeding with writing about anything, I've decided to follow the footsteps of Satvinder Penji; Making a disclaimer. Just to clarify the point of the blog; this is a personal (yet very public) blog; where I share my views, thoughts, understanding, ideas (and some other junk). This is a place where I communicate with friends, and have gotten in touch with many new people. It's a place for me to also store stuff that I think is interesting, and can look back to on a later opportunity (and feel ashamed over what I wrote earlier on haha). This is definitely not a site where I act like some 'holier-than-thou' type, who thinks/acts like he knows everything. I share my views and understanding, and welcome critique and feedback. Take everything on this blog with a pinch of salt.

I hope to post something more interesting very soon.

Bliss

2007-03-05T23:43:00.000+01:00

Since I'm not a good photographer, I refrained from taking a photo of mine; but it looks pretty much like the one above; Is it pretty; lovely or GORGEOUS ?

Today I felt man enough to take the taus out; and tune it for the first time since I left India. Yes that was a while ago, but I've always been fearing that I won't be able to tune it right, didn't have time during exams, and the list goes on. Today I finally felt man enough to take it out and attempt to tune it. It was a total disaster. A few strings less, and twenty minutes of brain activity led to; nothing. I can't tune it I've concluded. Disaster. And I can't play it until it's tuned; so I'm going to have to wait until my sister comes back from Malaysia with a tuner for me, cause the tuner I bought (along with some new clothes and other stuff) got stolen on the way from Singapore to Malaysia , just the day before I was going to go back to India.

Angad Singh Dilruba's been great moral support.
Oh and Dilo from Singapore, who is also known as Wonder Bebeh (Gidhya Di Rani, Kamli Kaur etc etc), been a huge cheering-me-up-person. Oh and this Bebeh bakes a lot better than average bebeh you'd see walking on the street.

But on the other hand; Always see the glass half full! More separatation = more thirst = stronger desire = deeper appreciation of what I'm missing, and was once, taking for granted. The glass is still half full, and am still radiating positive energy like ever .

War on Dandruff

2007-03-02T11:16:00.000+01:00

To all my fellow readers who have been following me regularly on my dandruff;

A sum of £2 ($4) has been invested in deploying troops to the terrorist-affected areas.
After a tight combat, and four days of skirmish and tight firing, we are happy to declare that most of the terrorists have been eliminated.

God bless V’s hair!

Troops: head and shoulders & gari da tel [coconut oil - very desi, I know]
Terrorist-affected areas: dandruff affected area (hair)

Tight combat: a daily hair shower for four days (imagine: it’s an entire project just to shower your hair once, and then to get it to dry…. ..imagine FOUR DAYS IN A ROW!!! A MISSION!)

Dandruff is finally getting off, after showering my hair (and drying it) four days in a row. It's been an entire mission, but it was really annoying; and now its almost gone .

Oh and I've got my final Biochem exam on Monday; then I'm freeeeeeee; and hopefully have time to work on my driving !

I'm still working on some of the posts I've earlier written I'm going to write about; but probably won't post much until Monday.

Aaj Hum Kush Hai!

2007-02-26T21:25:00.000+01:00

Today I'm really happy.
Why? No specific reason.
While we were doing paath this evening.. I was thinking....(yes I was thinking.... not doing much paath...) that I've got everything.

I'm so happy! I've gotten EVERYTHING I want to have. I realised I'm (I'm going to use the word now....); content. I've been given everything I've always wanted to have. Materialistically: part-time job, not bad grades etc. Physically: When I didn't know how to tie a dastar, I always wanted to carry a 'wicked' one, and thought everyone who could tie one were so lucky: got it! I always wanted a good looking dari: got one! (lol ) Always wanted a healthy fit body: got one! (Finally after loosing a lot of flabs in India!) Always wanted to learn to do Kirtan in Raag: although not much, I can do a little! I've got great friends; and a wonderful family! A mindblowing mum, and a great sister !

I'm not saying I've got EVERYTHING. I wouldn't mind having: a license (which is coming soon), a guddi, a digri (Punjabi accent), a nice voti etc etc etc. Will the list ever end?

I think I've gotten everything I want to have, and I'm so happy that I've got everything I need, and stuff I don't need and so much more (recently I even got dandruff; something I've never had before!!! lol).

Ok, I'm not being sarcastic or ironic at all; I'm feeling so good, knowing that I'm being supplied stuff without even needing to think about it. Some people might think that, a life where you're getting stuff automatically; such a life is useless, since there is no motivation to reach goals, make efforts etc etc. I disagree, because there's always things you can work on to obtain; but its always important to acknowledge everything you've already got. We take so much for granted; (most importantly) our family! Our parents! Our parnter. Always there for us!

I'm going to end this post now; you might think that after leaving this post you'll think you'll acknowledge a lot more, things you've taken for granted, but fact is; you won't.

You won't acknowledge things before it comes from inside: a feeling of contentment.

You should leave this post feeling cynical that you won't acknowledge anything before you really feel content; from inside, without needing a reminder, from some blogger from SWEDEN.

No I'm just kidding; Don't leave my blog feeling cynical!
Feel happy; and try to realise how much you've been given; how much has been given to you, how much has been done for you; how much was planned before your arrival for you.

Smile !

Spead the positive energy and the love!

Oh, and just to make sure you smile, at least once, while reading this post, I'm going to leave you with a small cartoon :

Swedish Organisation of Sikh Students

2007-02-24T22:11:00.000+01:00

After a few weeks of not going to Gurdwara (due to a part-time job on weekends) I went to Gurdwara today. So much politics. Even in the singing. I decided to make a post about it on the blog. I am a firm believer (as those who know me personally will know) that positive energy should be spread rather than too much negative; I decided not to write about that.

Instead I'm going to write about something else that happened today. Today our youth organisation had the first meeting of the year. The organisation initially started December 2004, when two Penjis and one Paaji, Navleen Kaur, Sharonjeet Kaur and Manvir Singh came to Sweden to hold the first ever youth camp in Sweden! Prior to that, we only had kids camps where we were forced to learn 'Ora aera' (Punjabi alphabets), the names of the Gurus in chronological order, and a lot of other historical figures [which I'm not saying are not important things to learn], by older people who did not manage to get the kids interested into Sikhi. The first camp was a great
success! The youngsters were united and, everyone wanted to get together and do stuff together. This is when Swedish Organisation of Sikh Students was founded.

The following year 2005, went quite well. A few charity related activities (collecting money for Red Cross in relation to the Tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake), a few physical activities, a camp etc. The year was overall quite a success. The camp this time was held by Navleen Kaur Penji and Veer Ravinderpal Singh. Camp was amazing- everyone was boosted - chardikala etc etc. Unfotunatly the Gurdwara people totally ruined it the last day by yelling at the kids for having a camp, and because their political ego wasn't fulfilled.

The year to come, 2006 was a total disaster. No activities, no-one interested in putting down their time into doing stuff. Everything went wrong. No-one bothered to do anything; everyone was busy with their life etc etc.

Then came 2007. We had an annual meeting in the beginning of the year, in order to analyse what was positive in 2006, what went wrong, and what we planned for 2007. Then it struck us: 2006 was a failure. There was nothing positive to write about it. We decided that we would hold more activities in 2007. One activity a month (in 2005 we had so many, that people got tired, and less and less people turned up every time); last Saturday in the month. That was today. We did Gatka today; one of the guys knew his gatka; so he taught the other guys. We had some warm up time in the beginning where we played some ball games (killer ball, spook ball etc)..Followed by the gatka.

The day went quite well. Although I've got an exam on Monday, and had to work till late, I decided to go, since I had made a commitment in the meeting that I would become a part of the committee, since I noticed that a lot of things needed to be changed. Overall it went quite well; most people had fun. We decided that a Camp would be held this year too; so hopefully that should work out. Like Jasbir veerji, Singapore, writes in his blog; "If its to be - its up to me." This veer, almost single-handedly organized a Sikh kids camp in Singapore; which was great! I've made a post about the Bahadur Bachey camp earlier on, which you can take a look at=)

I think in order for things to work out, you need to prioritize stuff. So even your studies and work need to be put behind at times, if you've chosen the role of beign part of the committee. That's something I've noticed some people don't do; even though they themselves choose to become a part of it. I think you need to have visions, goals; and the commitment.

Anyway; hope things work out well this year, and I'll keep the blog updated on what happens with the society.
Oh and photos of some of the things we've previously done can be seen here.

P.s I'm currently working on a post on 'My inspirations'.
It's going to be about a leader who inspires me =)

Now I need to study for Monday's exam!

Valentines!

2007-02-14T19:10:00.000+01:00

Happy Valentines Day to all couples!

Hope everyone had an amazing day full of surprises and wishes.

Love between to parners is an absolutly wonderful thing.

Today I, however, gave a bouquet to my wonderful mum. This is what she did with it:

I don't like analysing too much, but one of encartas dicitionary's definitions of romance, is:

"Love affair: a love affair, especially a brief and intense one."

A Shabad I found which, I think, renders romance towards the relation between the human being and God: Shabad from Raag Majh.

What touches me is the contant use of words like: thirst, cries, sacrifise.

Holy underwear!

2007-02-13T17:21:00.000+01:00

Kacheras!

Come in all shapes and sizes. To the left you can see a Singaporean Singh showing his kachera in a stand-up comedy, in the Malaysian Samelan. This Singh's Kachera-collection is unbelievable! Zebra stripped, rainbow colours - you name it: got them all!

Another handy piece of advice is: getting pockets installed on your kachera, just in case there’s something you need to store there! Could be anything, like toilet paper if you’re in a country like India, where you’d hardly find toilet paper at someone’s place.

More advice on the Kakkars to follow.

I still remember I'm goign to write a post on Maya, was just on a little light mood today.

Also check this out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fWjzb37tkCQ

Who is great by the greatness of Maya?

2007-02-06T18:31:00.000+01:00

ਗਉੜੀ ਮਹਲਾ 5 ॥
ਵਡੇ ਵਡੇ ਜੋ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਲੋਗ ॥
ਤਿਨ ਕਉ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਰੋਗ ॥1॥
ਕਉਨ ਵਡਾ ਮਾਇਆ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥
ਸੋ ਵਡਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਾਮ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥1॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਭੂਮੀਆ ਭੂਮਿ ਊਪਰਿ ਨਿਤ ਲੁਝੈ ॥
ਛੋਡਿ ਚਲੈ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਨਹੀ ਬੁਝੈ ॥2॥
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹੁ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਾ ॥
ਬਿਨੁ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਨ ਨਾਹੀ ਛੁਟਕਾਰਾ ॥3॥44॥113॥

Gauree, Fifth Mehla:
Those who seem to be great and powerful,
are afflicted by the disease of anxiety. ||1||
Who is great by the greatness of Maya?
They alone are great, who are lovingly attached to the Lord. ||1||Pause||
The landlord fights over his land each day.
He shall have to leave it in the end, and yet his desire is still not satisfied. ||2||
Says Nanak, this is the essence of Truth:
without the Lord's meditation, there is no salvation. ||3||44||113||

Shabad: 188.

Hope to write a few thoughts about Maya: What it is. What it does etc. Need a bit more time and more brain activity which is mostly spent on chemistry.......

The hardships you suffer are from your own actions. |

2007-02-03T21:26:00.000+01:00

ਕਰਮੀ ਆਪੋ ਆਪਣੀ ਕੇ ਨੇੜੈ ਕੇ ਦੂਰਿ ॥
ਜਿਨੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਇਆ ਗਏ ਮਸਕਤਿ ਘਾਲਿ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਉਜਲੇ ਕੇਤੀ ਛੁਟੀ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥

According to their own actions, some are drawn closer, and some are driven farther away.
Those who have meditated on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and departed after having worked by the sweat of their brows.
-O Nanak, their faces are radiant in the Court of the Lord, and many are saved along with them! ||1||

Shabad: 8

ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪੁਰਬ ਜਨਮ ਕੇ ਕੀਏ ॥
ਸੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਜਿਨਿ ਦਾਤੈ ਦੀਏ ॥
ਕਿਸ ਕਉ ਦੋਸੁ ਦੇਹਿ ਤੂ ਪ੍ਰਾਣੀ ਸਹੁ ਅਪਣਾ ਕੀਆ ਕਰਾਰਾ ਹੇ ॥੧੪॥

Pleasure and pain are the consequences of the actions of past lives.
The Giver, who blesses us with these - He alone knows.
So who can you blame, O mortal being? The hardships you suffer are from your own actions. ||14||

Shabad: 1030-1031

I'm not really suffering from any hardship or anything - Everything is going as it should be. I'm happy with life. It's just that today I was in the Gurdwara and there was an Akhand Paath, and the Sikhitothemax thing was running. Gurbani is just full of jewels. All of it's so true. We've got 'good phases' in our life, and 'bad phases'. Often these are due to our own actions, and our own mentality. We are the ones who put ourselves into the sticky ****.

We can't blame God when we ourselves are responsible for it. We are responsible for our actions and their rewards, yet we blame God. Poor God. God has to endure the torture of listening to us whining and complaining about being stuck in some hard circumstance the we ourselves put ourselves into!

God has a lot of patience. Thank God for that, otherwise we'd be quite screwed =D

naanak moorakh eaek thoo

2007-01-21T08:23:00.000+01:00

ਨਾਨਕ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਏਕੁ ਤੂ ਅਵਰੁ ਭਲਾ ਸੈਸਾਰੁ ॥
ਜਿਤੁ ਤਨਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨ ਊਪਜੈ ਸੇ ਤਨ ਹੋਹਿ ਖੁਆਰ ॥੪॥੨॥

naanak moorakh eaek thoo avar bhalaa saisaar ||
jith than naam n oopajai sae than hohi khuaar ||4||2||

O Nanak, you alone are foolish; all the rest of the world is good.
That body in which the Naam does not well up - that body becomes miserable. ||4||2||

Shabad: 1327-28

A Devout Sikh

2007-01-19T13:32:00.000+01:00

By Ron Chaplin

The time: It was the mid-1970's, in the wee small hours of a Saturday night/Sunday morning..

The place: Yonge Street in downtown Toronto, as I was walking home, alone, after an evening with friends at a house party. The street was all but deserted, with only a few cars and pedestrians visible.

Suddenly, a shout which I had learned to dread pierced the calm of the night. "FAGGOT!" I glanced over my shoulder to see a half- dozen young men advancing upon me rapidly.

My adrenalin started pumping immediately. I quickly assessed my options. I had to reach a safe place, and quickly. There were no late-night shops in sight. Although I was barely six short blocks from home, I realized I could not likely outrun the pack of young men.

Hoping against hope, I turned, facing the group, and saw a taxicab approaching. I stood and raised my arm to flag the cab, praying the driver would stop.

To my alarm, as the cab approached, it seemed to accelerate. I thought I was a goner. Then, the cab moved to the curb, and I saw the driver reach across to open the passenger door, motioning to me to jump in.

As soon as I did so, the cab driver hit the accelerator hard, just as the young men were lunging at the still open passenger door.

My heart pounding wildly in my chest, the cab driver and I exchanged no words. But as I glanced in his direction, I was surprised to see that he wore the turban and neatly coiffed, uncut beard of a devout Sikh.

As we pulled up before the door of my apartment building, I noticed for the first time that the cab's meter was not running. I reached into my billfold, and pulled out all my cash, about $30, to hand it to the driver.

"No," he said in his gentle Punjabi accent. "I cannot accept your money. You were in danger. It was my duty to assist you."

"Then, please," I responded, "accept this money as a gift to your favourite charity or your temple." With these words, he demurred, and accepted the cash offered.

I sat up late that night, alone in my apartment, in wonder at what I had just experienced. I was humbled by the heroism of the turbaned cab driver. At that time in Toronto, Sikhs, as the most visible members of the most recent group of immigrants, were often the targets of random acts of violence. Had those young men managed to reach the taxicab before we sped away, that cab driver would also have been in mortal danger.

And I could not help but reach for my Bible to read again Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, as recounted in St. Luke's version of the Gospel. This Sikh cab driver was, in a very real and tangible way, my own good "Samaritan". He was a member of an oft- despised minority, of different ethnicity and a different faith. And yet he acted with Christ-like compassion.

I do not know the cab driver's name, but he taught me, in the most visceral way imaginable, to cast aside prejudice and fear, to make no assumptions about people based on skin colour, ethnicity, apparel, nor their particular religious faith.

It was a life-changing experience.

Ron Chaplin
Parish of St. John the Evangelist
Ottawa, Canada

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/angels/angel02.html

Don't think the article needs any further comments.

Article copied from Manvir Singh veer ji's blog.

Back to reality

2007-01-16T22:07:00.000+01:00

I'm back home!
Although it feels really nice to be back home, I really miss Singapore and Malaysia!
Everyone was so nice, loving, caring etc etc.

As ealier mentioned I first landed in Singapore, where I attended a few days of Bahadur Bachey Camp in Singapore. That was great. The sevadars were all amazing and dedicated to make it a wonderful time for the kids.

After a few days in Singapore, I left for Malaysia where I met some more beautiful and amazing people. I also met my sister there who is studying as an exchange student in Malaysia for four months (lucky her!).

We also met Arina Penji and her friend from Australia here. Me and my sister went around one day in Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur (KL). Although exhausted, we made a decision to do something constructive that evening. We helped the sevadars manually add stamps to thousands off envelops.

The next day we went around in KL with Arina and her Australian friend. Had a lot of fun =) We ate lunch at some interesting restaurant that Arina had visited earlier on.

After that we flew Bangkok, where we saw a friend Buddhist temples, met a relative and just went around for 2 days. Imagine how tired we were after several night of a few hours of sleep.

After Bangkok, Samelan begins!

7 days full of activity and lectures, sangat, diwans and meeting more wonderful people. There was soo much to do, so much to attend and so little time to sleep (yes I was a bit late to Japji Sahib a few times..cough)!

After Samelan me, my sister, Kiwi and Harkiran (friends from UK who were also at the samelan) went straight to Singapore with the Singapore bus!
Had a lot of fun with the Singapore people again!

We stayed at Jasbir Singh's house, who made sure our Singapore trip was enjoyable, and full of activity. The five of us (Jasbir, Kiwi, Harkiran, My sis and me) went to the part, did nitnem and had a little picknick there. While doing Nitnem it started raining, so by the time we were done we all had wet and cold bums. All five wet bums decide to go to Ash's place. We stay at his place and contemplate on what to do. We decide to go to a restaurant and eat Singaporean noodles with some of the Singaporean youngsters joining us.

While everyone else went home to rest and change, I went to meet Angad Singh Dilruba and Harpreet Singh, (a paji from Delhi who was at the samelan for a few days and subsequently came to Singapore with the Singapore people) who took me to a store to buy a tuner for my taus.

We attended one day of Naamras Samagam (a huge 4 days samagam organised in Singapore, with loads of Ragis coming from all over), but could't attend the rest since, me and my sis had to leave for KL the following day. After Naamras a lot of Singapore people met and went to Ash's place. Ash held a little party around the swimming pool, where youngesters from all parts of the world met and had a chat, ate some chips and got all funny. By now it's probably 1-2 am. Subsequently it is decided that we (the foreigners) should see the city (it was Christmas day so there were things to be seen). I was exhausted and fell asleep all the time. I was dead.

All in all, I've just got to say that these people are the best people around! They are the most welcoming, caring, friendliest people on the planet! They care so much about you.

Last day of my trip: bus from Singapore to KL (Jasbir had to call around sooo much to get these tickets for us on such a short notice! If it wasn't for him I would've missed my flight back home, which was to depart from KL).

Ok it's getting really late here now, but I'm going to share some some stuff from my trip in the blog. Malaysians are very emotional people, I noticed. Once they get carried away...they get carried away. They're so beautiful and it really makes me think about, how welcoming am I when someone comes to Sweden?

I shall post up more about the trip soon, and I shall add pictures too!

Singapore Kids Camp

2006-12-09T04:31:00.000+01:00

Landed in Singapore yesturday.
Singapore is a really nice country. Kind of reminds me of Sweden.

Incidentially they're holding a Kids camp here at one of the Gurdwaras in Singapore.
The Sangat and the youth here are AMAZING. Kids are so cute, and everyone so funny!

I was meant to spend one or two nights in Singapore and then move on to Malaysia where I'd meet my sister the 10th December. I've decided I'm going to stay here for another night (was unsure how many nights to spend here since I thought I'd have a boring time).

Kids here are so adorable. Everyone is so open-minded and so 'themself'. I've noticed that in Europe everyone seems to belong to some kind of group and follow some kind of trend (could be religious or whatever). Here everyone can be like they want to without being told of by people. I think its got to do with the fact that Sikhs have lived here for such a long time that Punjabi culture is fading in some way, and instead people can replace that with what they really are. So if you want to wear a 'suit' to Gurdwara, go for it, if you want to wear shorts - go for it. Theres no-one there standing and scolding you for anything and everything. In Europe theres generally more Punjabi culture influencing the way everything is thought to be 'right'.

I've for example seen several cases where bibis who go straight to Gurdwara from school or something, with their normal daily clothes (pants/jeans/shorts whatever) are told off by the people 'in charge', and where they've stopped going just because they are told they have to visit the Gurdwara wearing suits.

I know a lot of people will use words like 'modesty' and stuff like that. But what is modesty? What is modest for someone issn't modest for someone else.

Just allow people to be what they are, relaxed and everything. Everyone (with a few exceptions) here is so relaxed.

Just met Angad Singh yesturday. Nice fellow. He only comes during the evening though, so there wasn't much time yesturday.

Anyway it's a really inspiring camp (although for kids....I'm having fun)..and everyone here seems to be enjoying their time a lot. Atleast I am.

Will try to take some pics and add them when I come back to Sweden.

MALAYSIA HERE I COME!

2006-10-31T08:25:00.000+01:00

Yes Yes! I shall be gong to the Malaysian Samelan in December!
This is going to be a once in a life time thing!

Let me know if anyone else reading is coming...

Will write more sooooon. =D

Almost dead

2006-09-22T16:08:00.000+02:00

So far I've been really close to dying twice in a month.

First time I was close to dying... I was on the bike on the way home after exercising a little bit... I was very dark...

Most driving in India are druggies....which can be seen from their driving.
It had just been raining…. and the brakes usually don't do a good job in India when it's been raining. It was really dark and the road was like most roads in India (broken....rough and full of holes in the ground)..

Suddenly an "auto" (three wheeler leaving BLACK pollution (most European pollution is kind of grayish whitish...you'll notice it even if you don’t observe carefully…lol) ) appears out of nowhere coming right towards me. It seemed like the Howarts Express in the Harry Potter Movie (yes I've found a decent library after a looong search….where I've started passing some of my time)...

I couldn’t brake…the bike wouldn’t stop when I pressed the brakes....it's coming right towards me….with quite a high speed. Of course I was in a such a shock I couldn't change the direction.

Suddenly I'm right beside it with the bike standing still, and the auto standing still a few meter behind me (it passed by on the side).... Either my instincts changed the direction or the auto-driver had. Or something or someone else did. I can't remember changing direction. If I crashed into the auto.... there would be no way I would survive, since it was really dark and there weren't any streetlights to show a body lying on the ground until someone would notice the body the following day...by which time a few other vehicles would have driving over me.....

Second time was just today as I was wheeling on the bike again in the morning...and the pedal of the bike just broke...I feel down on a street with a lot of traffic.. luckily.. it was morning time and there wasn't much traffic...but if there was...well, yes I'd be dead again. The first thing I thought after falling was: "damn Indians!"...since no-one was bothering to help me up...

On another note I was delighted to see that the person who did offer to help after a while happened to be a sardar. Previous experiences have showed that sardars seem very reluctant to help someone in need of help…which is really sad...since that's why we were made distinct…… so that we can't run away from a situation where someone is in need.

For example when I had an accident in the escalator on Heathrow airport with my heavy baggage falling over me….and my dastar flying of….and my hair going loose...the person in front of me (a sardar and his wife)....just walked away....whereas some Gorey came and helped me up.....

So the fact that a young sardar came and offered to help me made me very happy..

Maybe I've revealed too much about me about my accidences in this post (clumsy)... My mum would never allow me to touch the bike if she found out....

On another note...if someone reading this…knows me personally....as in has met me outside the net....I request you NOT to forward this blog add to my sister or anyone else who knows me personally… cause....well just cause I don't want some stuff on this blog to be read by my family members....

Been writing very quickly so probably have a lot of spelling mistakes...but I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say.

Wasted time

2006-09-08T17:47:00.000+02:00

Haven’t posted for quite a long time. So much you could write...so little time....

Anyway will start of this message with a few negative notes:

I'm so jealous I couldn't attend any Summer Sikhi camps in London - Could sort some inspiration.

Was thinking of "going for it"...but I was having doubts...and having doubts about something you should be able to give you life for.. isn't very good (or giving your head for). So I didn't go for it, even though it was planned for 3rd Sept. Its just that I'm not sure I've got that 'trisna'….that thirst...that I can't live without it..... Had a big head ache because of that...for several days.....was lacking inspiration so much...

Positive notes: I've got a really good teacher relatively close to where I live. With Maharaj Kirpa...my lessons are going really well...having both vocal lessons and lessons on the Dilruba...

And and and..I've got a Taus sorted...Not sure If I posted about that ...but I bought it about a month ago...Really beautiful.... But one string too short....

Surprised how I manage to brake so many strings....

Although I'm learning what I came here for.....home is still home...and I miss my home sooo much.

Oh and if you haven’t noticed: “going for it” means…going and begging for the gift of Amrit.

Everything is going relatively well… I’m busy most of the time.. hardly have time over to ‘chill’

Its still very warm and dusty here…but I guess I’ll end this post with “chali janda eeh”

And I hope everything is going well for everyone else.

I left Patiala...

2006-08-12T22:02:00.000+02:00

I left Patiala.

Theres so much to post about..and so little time...

Patiala was getting too much for me... Same food (paronthe & cha) every morning...so it was getting too much. I've had a hard time adjusting in India already...

So I'm back where I started in regards to the taus....
I've been learning the harmonium for a while now and learnt a few shabads... Coincidentially he knew how to play the dilruba (played very similarily to the taus)...so it seems likely I'm going to learn from him...but on the other side the Patiala guy lives in this city..and usually comes here every weekend, so I'm considering going to Patiala for two days a week, and spend two days (weekend) in this city, which means four days a week...which is ok...So I'm a bit confused now....

A bit more important issue that has been on my mind for a while.... is that while our family was in India..someone broke in to our appartment. ..

Although they took some stuff...and threw my and mums cloths out for the wardrobes... that hasn't bothered me too much....but the fact that they went in to Maharaj's room..

It doesn't bothere me that they too the money infront of Maharaj's saroop...and some money that mum hid under the chadar in case a such situation would occur. What bothers me.is that they had thrown around Guntey...and according to the description of my uncle..who came backa few weeks earlier...done "beadbi of Maharaj"..

That really crushed me. Made me soo sad. Most likely they searched through Maharaj's angs for money.....But I don't know the whole situation....Luckely my uncle and another uncle..came in the middle of the night as soon as they found out....did seva of some sort (probably changed or cleaned the rumallas and restorted Maharaj on the Palki Sahib...

Whatever the case be... It really crushed us. Especially since we had just gone to Shimla to relax for a few days...just before mum was going to go back from India...

Anyway...lets hope Maharaj blesses me with the gift of staying in his sharan and blesses me with the gift of singing his praises...

Lets see what happens.

Beauty

2006-07-30T12:58:00.000+02:00

The Taus.

Approximately 16:20. 24 July 2006. For the first time I played the Taus.

The very next day it had one string less....

So I joined the regular classes the 24th July. The accommodation wasn't the nicest.. Was staying with the taus/dilruba lecturer...with spiders and spider web on the ceiling.

What surprised me was the extent the lecturers/teachers use their students. The teacher I was staying with had just shifted so the new place was a bit messy.... The lecturer asked his students to clean his apartment (clean all the dust and everything)... and to bring his lunch everyday…

Students who were doing their master degrees in Gurmat Sangeet....:s...

Of course all of this is for the students is under the name of: "respecting the ustad"...

Its now that I realize why very few people decide to for phd's here.. since the tutors use their students to such an extent....

Anyway... I'm not very used to the University system in Punjab, where they (students and some lecturers) eat the same breakfast (paronthe + cha) everyday.....students bringing lunch for each others and some teachers who demand food....and dinner at some really cheap dhaba.

Really hard to adjust…

ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਈ

2006-07-20T15:44:00.000+02:00

Wanted to post about something really cool that happened a few weeks ago...
While I was doing Paath in the morning some doubt-thoughts appeared in my mind..about the existance of God. Not that God doesn't exist..but some other issues that hunted me for several weeks regarding God's existance.

Ironically the answer to the doubts lay in the Paath I was doing...but since I couldn't understand it, there wasn't much I could do at the time.... (which means I should start reading interpretations and translations of the nitnem banis...)

Went to the Gurdwara after Nitnem and this is the Hukamnama that Guru Ji blessed me with...:

ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ਘਰੁ ੨ ਚਉਪਦੇ
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
ਇਹੁ ਧਨੁ ਅਖੁਟੁ ਨ ਨਿਖੁਟੈ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਪੂਰੈ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਦਿਖਾਇ ॥
ਅਪੁਨੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਸਦ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਈ ॥੧॥
ਸੇ ਧਨਵੰਤ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਿ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਇ ॥
ਗੁਰਿ ਪੂਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਧਨੁ ਪਰਗਾਸਿਆ ਹਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
ਅਵਗੁਣ ਕਾਟਿ ਗੁਣ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਸੁਭਾਇ ॥
ਪੂਰੇ ਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਚੀ ਬਾਣੀ ॥
ਸੁਖ ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ॥੨॥
ਏਕੁ ਅਚਰਜੁ ਜਨ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥
ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਈ ॥
ਨਾਮੁ ਅਮੋਲਕੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦਿ ਵਸੈ ਮਨਿ ਆਇ ॥੩॥
ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਵਸੈ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਇ ॥
ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਘਟਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਸਹਜੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਜਾਣਿ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥੪॥੧॥
663-664
Click here for translation

Really crushed the doubt. Although the Shabads doesn't explain what I was having doubts about it was like a tap on my head from Guru Ji.. with him saying:
"My Son, trust me.. trust....by following the Shabad Guru your doubts WILL be removed"...

Simplying reading my mind...knowing the doubts existed...he gave me the path to remove these doubts... he spoke to me through the Hukamnama...Now comes the hard part: following these instructions..

I know this means very little for others... just as little as ..someone telling me about them personally seeing someone elevating while doing pagti...meant to me...

Anyway..this shabad has kept the candle lit for a few weeks..and filled my required quota of inspiration for quite a while....

Trust the Guru. Experience and talk to your Guru. He is not a book, or someone to be feared. Go forward and talk to him....

ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਮੰਨਿ ਵਸਾਈ...

Sorted

2006-07-11T17:56:00.000+02:00

Everything has finally been sorted.

Went to Punjabi University in Patiala after being recommended by Prof Kartar Singh Ji. Met with a really nice person who is to teach me and the principle of the Gurmat Sangeet Department at the University, Dr Gurnam Singh.

Although he seemed quite strict and everything and it seemed like a formal interview he would use phrases that would relax you, like: "phikar na kar puttar, apa solve kar dange"

My case was a bit obscure since I'm not going to study at the University for a few years, but only a short time course...

I'm a bit nervous though..since I'm going to have to stay at the hostel (halls) at the Uni, and wonder what it's going to be like... being surrounded by a bunch of freshiesss..haha...

So everything is sorted and my lessons are going to start next Monday.... The only probelm is sorting an instrument... I really want to learn the Taus...and although the technique of using the Dilruba is the same....it's not the same......But the Taus is really expensive...

It costs about as much as the flight ticket to Punjab!
Pretty dissappointing how learning to sing raag kirtan has become a class question. I mean, we're doing quite fine and can afford one..but what about those who really want to learn..but don't have the money to sort an instrument and everything. I really don't think these instruments were meant to be so expensive....

Anyway, they've got ONE Taus in Patiala which I'll be aloud to use until I get my own (still looking for a good one...where it will take little time to construct it..)

Hope everyone is having a nice time....and enjoying their summer.
P.s Those looking for inspiration: www.sikhstudent.net =)

More non-productiveness

2006-07-02T16:20:00.000+02:00

The first two weeks have been quite unproductive. Although I've met some really nice people, including Bhai Balbir Singh Raagi...and some other people.. I still haven’t started doing what I came here for. I'm going to meet a teacher tonight and see how it goes. The biggest difficulty isn't in getting a teacher, but a saaj sorted. I've been to one shop that Bhai Balbir SIngh JI recommended... He told me to call him when I'm in the shop so that he could speak to the owner himself to give specifications of how the saaj should be. Bad luck. After speaking to the instrument maker Bhai Sahib called me and told me that he was giving a really high price and told me not to buy from him. He said he would look on his next journey to Delhi if he could get a nice saaj (taus) sorted for me.... Bhai Sahib is a really sweet person... He's helping me to get stuff going...which reminds me that I should call him soon to find out what he's found out...

Went to Gurmat Sangeet Academy (run by SGPC under Prof Kartar Singh Ji)...in Anandpur Sahib...but found out that Prof Sahib had left the academy for his home ten minutes before my arrival. Got his number...spoke to him and he recommended me someone from Patiala..Punjabi University, will meet him tonight. At the academy I found out there's going to be a seminar in Khalsa Collage Amritsar on the occasion of 400 years anniversary of the founding of the Akal Thakhat...thought I'd go there.

On the buss I met a really pervert person who started touching me... (embarrassing)... One thing that I think is important to point out is that the person was a sardar. I am not implying all sardars (which includes me) are perverts... But that you sould stay wary wherever you are. I've meet quite a few sardars who have been responsible for quite a lot of damage.. directly or indirectly. This is not only in India..but also elsewhere. So just because someone seems to be 'chardikala, khula darha, vada chola, 24/7 paath karan vala'..it doesn't mean the inside is as clean. I'm not saying I'm perfect from inside.. cause I'm still being looted by the 5 theives...but all I'm saying is..that one should stay wary…because there’s been cases where so-called gyanis have turned out to be sexual predators... stay wary..

When I finally reached the Collage (I think it's a University now..) there were some scholars who spoke about the concept of miri piri, history of Akal Thakhat..followed by propaganda by Badal (one of the...if not the...corrupt-est politician in Punjab)... So that was a big time waste. Apart from that nothing major going on..except looking for girls for my two cousins.... It's so warm here...everyone’s dying.

On another note..I found a really good cooler which I think would be really popular if sold in Europe..so I've got a business idea..hahaha.

I really want to go to some camp in England this summer.....there's absolutly no inspiration in this country..except the speaches by Sukha Singh, Kirtan by a few 'gupt' individuals (can be found on ektaone.com)...which I've got on my mp3 player...

Hopefully the coming few days will be more productive and efficient...
Enough rambling and complaining for now..

Let's see what’s coming....
Hope you have a nice time wherever you are...

The month of Aasaarh seems burning hot

2006-06-18T13:39:00.000+02:00

I failed to notice the heat. I thought "people are exaggerating about the heat in this country". Until I left the air-conditioned car. It was terrible. Sooo warm.

aasaarr thapa(n)dhaa this lagai har naahu n ji(n)naa paas
jagajeevan purakh thiaag kai maanas sa(n)dhee aas

aasaarr suha(n)dhaa this lagai jis man har charan nivaas 5

The month of Aasaarh seems burning hot, to those who are not close to their Husband Lord.
They have forsaken God the Primal Being, the Life of the World, and they have come to rely upon mere mortals.

The month of Aasaarh is pleasant, when the Feet of the Lord abide in the mind. 5

The desi month of AsaR (or HaR, as most people now call it) is here. Click here for a great katha of this Shabad.
It is really warm here in Punjab. The reason is probably that the "Feet of the Lord do not abide in the mind."

I'd first I'd like to thank for the sweet comment that have been left (",)
A little bit about my journey:

Being an owner of some Indian genes I was bound not be on time on the airport. My flight was at 11:55. I called the travel agent at 9:20, asking when I should be at the airport since the email I received didn't have this information. They recommended that we arrive two hours before the take-off (9:55). The absolute latest, one and a half hour before (10:25). We live about an hour to hour and a half from the airport. Although everything was packed, mum started doing Ardaas that Guru ji keep me in his Sharan and that I have a safe journey. Guess where my mind was...

After a speedy journey we arrived at the airport at 10:30 (too late). The lines were really long at the check in desk. Guru Ji had taken care of everything...

Journey was really good..met a few apney also going to Punjab..really nice people.....
Although I had booked my ticket for the Indo-Canadian bus service for Delhi to Punjab I ended up in a Tata Sumo (typical Indian van) with 4 stinking men who were sweating themselves off. Not funny at all. After a long journey, I'm finally in Punjab. Then Guru Arjan Dev JI's shaheedi divas came, one day after I arrived. Really wanted to go to the Nagar Kirtan the day after. Woke up really late due to tiredness and laziness, so ended up doing nothing at home.... I’m a bit sad I didn’t get a double visa for Pakistan..I could have gone for the nagar kirtan to Lahore (Place of Guru Ji’s Shaheedi)

So: Journey hasn't been the best. Haven’t been able to do much useful yet. Still waiting mum to come (coming in a few days)....and then we're going to met the person who is to teach me....she didn't want me to go by my own... ..So haven’t been able to do anything constructive the last few days.

Also: Punjabi people are very very superstitious... One of my on relatives (from far) claims to be a palm-reader. It is unbelievable how vague they are! The person read four people's hands in front of me..and everything she said to them seemed to refer to me to (she spoke about their personality and past..and barely mentioned future).... Very vague.. Unbelievable enough they all believed her. She’s really afraid of being home alone… because she fears some stranger will come in…yet she claims to be able to see people’s future…. Anyway.

But not everything is going wrong.... I hope to meet some interesting people soon...so everything isn't going out of planning. Mum will be coming here soon (cause she wanted to get me ‘established’ and all, so she will be leaving after a while) and then I will be doing constructive stuff…

Hope everything is great at home… in Europe (“,)

ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ - Some thoughts

2006-06-14T07:53:00.000+02:00

I do realise that many of my posts are pretty long and boring. I will try to cut them down. This post will also be quite long..but in future..I shall try to make the posts shorter.

While attending a Sikhi Week lecture about Why Are We Here? A few thoughts arose. The main Shabad that was brought up was:

ਭਈ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹੁਰੀਆ ॥
ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਮਿਲਣ ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤੇਰੀ ਬਰੀਆ ॥
ਅਵਰਿ ਕਾਜ ਤੇਰੈ ਕਿਤੈ ਨ ਕਾਮ ॥
ਮਿਲੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਭਜੁ ਕੇਵਲ ਨਾਮ ॥1॥
ASSG 12

This human body has been given to you.
This is your chance to meet the Lord of the Universe.
Nothing else will work.
Join the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; vibrate and meditate on the Jewel of the Naam. ||1||

Gurbani says that we've been blessed with this chance to make a difference. To change ourself. To change the world. Yet do we do this? The speaker stopped talking and arranged two small discussion groups about what our goal is in life. Out of 10-15 people sitting around in our group, only 1-2 said that their goal in life was to meet Vaheguru (I was not one of those..).

Although we might all say that ideally, we should make more effort on the spiritual path... it is something we should really ask ourself: How much of an effort are we making?
Are we taking that little step that will make Guru Ji come so much closer?

Bhai Gurdas Ji writes:
ਚਰਨ ਸਰਨਿ ਗੁਰ ਏਕ ਪੈਡਾ ਜਾਇ ਚਲ
ਸਤਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੋਟਿ ਪੈਡਾ ਆਗੇ ਹੋਇ ਲੇਤ ਹੈ ॥

charan saran gur eaek paiddaa jaae chala
sath gur kott paiddaa aagae hoe laeth hai ||

By taking one single step towards the Guru
The True Guru will take many (I believe kot means Thousands? or millions?) of steps towards you to recieve you.

Yet do we take that step? Do we acknowledge that: Vaheguru, you are with me? I'm not sure I should be posting about this..since I personally do not. Although I might say that, in theory, the goal of my life is to meet parmatma, my practicle life doesn't show this. I do not remember Vaheguru. I do not treat my everyone with respect... It's so interesting how we read this shabad everyday...(sometimes) understand it...but fail to realise it.

There's nothing wrong with getting degrees and good job, as a matter of fact..it's a really good thing to do so... but should that not be something secondary? Doesn't Gurbani say you should live a practicle life..yet at the same time be pious? Isn't a Sikh to be beutiful like a lotus in a dirty pond?

Again, I don't know whether I should've posted this..since I do not do this myself..it's just some observations I made from the talk I listened to...

What is the point of your life?

Bhull Chukk Maaf

P.s I might not post for a while now. Hasdey roh, Vasdey roh (",)
The morning Hukam Guru Ji blessed me with.