In Gurbani, Raag conveys a feeling, while Shabad conveys a message. A Raag has the power to touch the heart with emotions such as joy, sorrow, detachment, or devotion. On studying the structure of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it becomes clear that Shabads relating to
Read MoreSikhi does not outright forbid watching television, movies, or listening to music, but it teaches us to apply Gurmat Bibek – judgment guided by Gurmat wisdom. A Sikh should avoid any content (TV, movies, shows, music, games, etc.) that promotes lust (kaam), anger (krodh), greed (lobh),
Read MoreThis question is often asked: why did the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Guru Sahib Ji not utter Bani? Some people, due to lack of understanding, simply say that these Guru Sahiban did not receive Bani at all. But this is completely incorrect, because such a thing
Read MoreHistorically, there was a time when all Sikhs recited the same Rehras Sahib. Over time, some Gursikhs added extra Shabads as part of their personal practice (abhyaas). If these individuals were prominent, their followers sometimes institutionalized these additions into a de facto tradition (maryada). Over time,
Read Moreਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਕਹੈ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜਨੁ ਮਾਨੈ ਪਰਤਖਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਿਸਤਾਰੇ ॥੫॥“The Word, the Bani, is Guru, and the Guru is the Bani. Within the Bani, all the Ambrosial Nectar is contained. If His humble servant believes in
Read MoreRainasbai (ਰੈਣਿ ਸਬਾਈ; rainas baa-ee) means throughout the night. Rainasbai Kirtan (ਰੈਣਿ ਸਬਾਈ ਕੀਰਤਨ) refers to the singing of Gurbani throughout the night (dusk to dawn). Bhai Gurdaas Ji mentions that the Great Bhagats held Rainsbais. ਸੁਣਿ ਪਰਤਾਪੁ ਕਬੀਰ ਦਾ ਦੂਜਾ ਸਿਖੁ ਹੋਆ ਸੈਣੁ ਨਾਈ ||
Read MoreIn the history of human rights activism in India, few stories are as tragic and revealing as that of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. A brave man who dared to expose the brutal reality of state-sponsored violence against Sikhs in Punjab, Khalra paid the ultimate price for
Read MoreThe way of Kaljug is very strange and is totally opposite to what Dharam preaches. In Kaljug, saints are slandered and scoundrels are worshipped; fools are considered to be wise and wise are derided as fools; poison is consumed as if it is Amrit and Amrit
Read MoreAfter the Vasaakhi of 1978, All India Akali Conference was held at Siri Amritsar Sahib. In that meeting one of the shrewd BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party) leader started blaming the Sikhs for the 1978 Shaheedi Saka involving Bhai Fauja Singh jee Shaheed. He complained, “why did
Read MoreChapter 54 of “Se Kinehiya” (Autobiography of Baba Harnam Singh Jee Rampur Khera wale, written by Bhai Sewa Singh Jee): ONE GETS THE FRUITS OF THE COMPANY WE KEEP Around 1970 a lady by the name of Joginder Kaur came to Baba Ji. The lady appealed
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