Spiritual Vibes

Spiritual Vibes

Youth Kirtan Program at
London Metropolitan University, Tower Building,
166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB.

Room T220

Friday 2nd December 5.30pm - 8.00pm

Everyone welcome to do Kirtan

Come and experience the bliss of meditation...

NS: Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line)

Map

Contact: sikhsociety@gmail.com

www.LondonMetSikhSoc.blogspot.com
www.boss-uk.org

Portraits of Courage

Portraits of Courage
7pm Monday 5th December 2005

Imperial War Museum
Lambeth Road,
London,
SE1 6HZ
View Map

“Ambush at Koragh”

One of the earliest regiments raised by the British the 14th Sikhs first saw service during the Mutiny of 1857. They would go on to fight on all fronts from Mesopotamia to Gallipoli and Egypt . This year's lecture by Brian Russell will be an illustrated account of a North West Frontier action, which would see a record number of gallantry awards

“ Two consecutive masses of swordsmen were repulsed, reminding them of the folly of attacking the Sikhs shoulder to shoulder”

DOORS OPEN 6.30 PM
LECTURE 7.00 PM
Tickets: Adults ?7.50: Concessions ?6.00

020 7416 5439
boxoffice@iwm.org.uk
The Portraits of Courage series is an initiative of the Maharajah Duleep Singh Centenary Trust in association with the Imperial War Museum.

The Evolution of Kirtan

A series of educational lectures shedding light on the rich musical trends of the Sikh Gurus.

Kings College

London Bridge

Tuesday 6th December 7 - 10 pm

www.rajacademy.com

London Met Sikhi Week - The Eternal Truth

London Met Sikhi Week

The Eternal Truth

Thursday 17th november

6.00pm-8.00pm

Jewry Street

Jewry Street Lecture Theatre

Aldgate Station

sikhsociety@gmail.com

www.LondonMetSikhSoc.blogspot.com

Kaur: 07956337640 Singh: 07863335166

Info on rest of Sikhi Week

London Sikhi Week 2005...

London Sikhi Week 2005...
Who's Your Guru...?
16th - 23rd November 2005

Various London Uni's


Around The World in 80 Steps
Brunel University
Lecture Theatre A
2-5pm Weds 16th Nov
Nearest tube: Uxbridge

To kick of the start of the week, Bhai Sukhraj Singh, will be leading a discussion on the purpose and life of Guru Nanak Dev Jee, the founder of the Sikh faith and the inspiration behind this year's Sikhi Week. Make sure your there to experience an enlightening encounter of a unique kind!


The Eternal Truth
London Metropolitan University
Jewry Street Lecture Theatre
5.30pm (6pm prompt start) - 8pm Thursday 17th Nov
Nearest tube: Aldgate

Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to this world with a universal message. The talk and discussion will be on the meaning of the first passage in Guru Granth Sahib Ji, called the ‘Mool Mantr', and how can one improve one's life and the world by understanding and putting into practice this simple universal message.


Sikh & You Shall Find
City University
Pynton Lecture Room
5.30pm (6pm prompt start) - 8pm Friday 18th Nov
Nearest tube: Angel

In today's world we are all trying to find happiness, peace and content. However, what advice and guidance does your Guru offer you? How can one build a relationship with the Divine? How can we form successful relationships with our families, friends and marriage partners, and be happy? Bhenji Navleen Kaur will be leading a talk and discussion on how we can build relationships using Guru Nanak Dev Ji's eternal wisdom.


Student Kirtan & Langar
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara
Pynton Lecture Room
7pm onwards Saturday 19th Nov
Nearest train: Southall (Paddington)

An evening of kirtan done entirely by students for the sangat. Everyone welcome to help do seva. If you would like to do some Kirtan or would like more info, please call: 07940 431925


Caste a Spell on You
London School of Economics (LSE)
D602 Clement House
5.30pm (6pm prompt start) - 8pm Monday 21st Nov
Nearest tube: Temple

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a social revolutionist, who destroyed social divisions 500 years ago. Living in today's world with religious fanaticism, social divisions and discrimination, join us for an interesting debate and discussion on where we, as Sikhs stand in today's ever-changing society, and how we can seek inspiration from the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Professor Gurnam Singh from the University of Coventry will head this hot topic of debate so make sure you're there to help us define our identity and role as the future of tomorrow.


Mind, Body & Spirit
Queen Mary, University of London
Drapers Lecture Theatre, Mile End Campus
5.30pm (6pm prompt start) - 8pm Tuesday 22nd Nov
Nearest tube: Mile End

For a Sikh, the ultimate goal is bringing the mind and body into harmony, a state of eternal bliss reached through the union of the individual soul with the Creator. Bhai Gurdeep Singh, a Kung Fu Master in West London, will share his experiences and will lead an introductory session to how we can use mind, body and spirit in empowering ourselves and developing our inner selves.


Nirvana
King's College London
Roben Suite, Guy's Hospital Tower
5.30pm (6pm prompt start) - 8pm Wednesday 23rd Nov
Nearest tube: London Bridge

To finish off the week's commemoration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday we will be getting together in the evening to sing the praises of the Creator, and join in the universal language of devotional music given to us by Guru Nanak Dev Ji for the individual to communicate with the Divine. With the sun setting and the beautiful view of London's lighted sky line, there is guaranteed to be a reflective and peaceful atmosphere in the midst of all the hustle of Central London.


Supported by:
London & Home Counties Sikh Societies
BOSS
Panjab Radio
Panthic Weekly
Sweet Sikhi
Waheguroo! Network

sikhsoc@gmail.com
Kaur: 07956337640
Singh: 07863335166

C U THERE!!!!!!!!

Who Are They?

Who Are They?

You may look at picture with awe.. surprise.. fear.. thinking who are these people.. Where are they from, are they terrorists.. Arabs..? Perhaps you have seen similar people living in your neighborhood, working at your office or even crossing the street. Remember?

Many people come across similar faces in their everyday lives. Without any knowledge of the faith, some just ignore these people, and continue with their day. Others though, have mistaken them with the people associated with the September 11 attacks. These biased and uneducated perceptions pave hatred, prejudice, and racism. Many Sikhs have been severely injured, taunted with slurs, and some have even been killed in the process.

The people in this picture are Sikhs! They are in no way related to the cruel September 11 attacks as many mistake them to be. Instead the Sikhs are a peace loving community who reside in most parts of this world in large number.

Sikhism - The word Sikh (pronounced seek) means ‘disciple’ or ‘learner.’ The Sikh religion was founded in Northern India in the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhism is monotheistic and stresses the equality of all men and women. Sikhs believe in three basic principles; meditating on the name of God (praying), earning a living by honest means as well as sharing the fruits of one’s labor with others. Sikhism rejects caste and class systems and emphasizes service to humanity. The Sikhs link themselves to the Guru, who is always in direct consciousness of God, experiencing no separation. Through words and example, the Guru demonstrates to followers how to experience God within themselves.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikh faith, was a humble bearer of the Light. He opposed superstition, injustice, hypocrisy and inspired seekers by singing divine songs which touched the hearts of the most callous listeners. These songs were recorded, and formed the beginnings of the Sikhs' sacred writings, later to become the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib, which now embodies divine inspirations from the 10 living Gurus, is considered the 11th and final Guru of the Sikh faith. Most Sikhs elect to wear a turban and keep unshorn hair as mandated by the 10th Guru. Sikhism recognizes the universal truths that underlie all human endeavors, religions and belief systems. The universal nature of the Sikh way of life reaches out to people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds, encouraging us to see beyond our differences and to work together for world peace and harmony.

London Metropolitan University Sikh Society

"Recognise All Mankind As One.” Tenth Sikh Master Guru Gobind Singh Ji
SikhSociety@gmail.com
http://LondonMetSikhSoc.blogspot.com

Cha & Samosa '05 Photos

Some Photos of Cha And Samosa 2005.

Ice Breaking Activities

By this point your thinking "Sikh Society doesnt let you sit down."

Dont Worry As you can see samosa where on hand!

The God Father Preparing to give Samosa out.

Local Gurdwaras

Gurdwaras that you can visit loacally.

Gurudwara Nanak Darbar North London
Address:
136 High Road, New Southgate, London N11 1PG , United Kingdom.
Phone: 020 8368 2484, 020 8368 7104
Station: Arnos Grove (Piccadilly Line)
Map


Gurudwara Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha) London
Address:
62 Queensdale Road, Shepherd's Bush London W11 4SG, United Kingdom.
Phone: 020 7402 4696
Station: Shepherd's Bush (Central Line)
Map

Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara
2 Park Avenue,
Southall,
London
UB1 3AG
Station: Southall (Rail)
Map

Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara
Havelock Road,
Southall,
London
UB2 4NP
020 8574 8901
Station: Southall (Rail)
Map
http://www.sgsss.org/

Bandi-Chhor Diwas (Diwali)

The Sikh celebration of the return of the sixth Nanak from detention in the Gwalior Fort coincides with Hindu festival of Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in similarity of celebration amongst Sikhs and Hindus.

When Murtaja Khan, Nawab of Lahore, noticed that Guru Ji had constructed Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, 'The Throne of the Almighty', at Amritsar, and was also strengthening his army, he informed about it to the Mughal Emperor Jahangeer. He also emphasized that he was making preparations to take revenge for his father's torture and martyrdom. When Jahangeer came to know about this he at once sent Wazir Khan and Guncha Beg to Amritsar in order to arrest Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

But Wazir Khan who was a well-wisher of the Sikh Guru’s requested the Guru to accompany them to Delhi as Emperor Jahangeer wanted to meet him. Guru Sahib accepted the invitation and reached Delhi.

On their first meeting when Jahangeer saw the Guru, he was completely won over by his youthful charm and holiness. The Emperor decided to become friends with the Guru. So he gave a royal welcome to the Guru. But Chandu Shah could not bear it. His daughter was still unmarried and thus the rotten sore was still bleeding (that Guru Arjan Dev Ji refused the offer to marry his daughter to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji). At Agra, the Emperor fell seriously ill. The physicians tried their best but they failed to care him. Then Chandu Shah conspired with the astrologers, who were asked to tell the Emperor that his sickness was due to wrong track of stars and it could, be cared only if some holy man goes to Gwallior Fort to offer prayers to the deity. He also pointed out that Guru Hargobind Ji was such a holy man and he should be asked go to Gwallior Fort. At the Emperor’s request the Guru readily agreed and left for the Gawalior Fort.

In the fort Guru Ji met many princes who were detained there due to political reasons. They were leading a very deplorable life. With the help of Hari Dass, the governor of fort, the Guru improved their condition. Hari Daas was a Sikh of Guru Nanak and he become ardent devotee of Guru Hargobind. Once when Chandu wrote to Hari Daas to poison Guru Sahib, he at once placed that letter before Guru Ji.

When several months passed and Guru Ji was not released then Baba Buddha Ji and other devotees met the Guru. They informed him about the despicable condition of the Sikhs, who were waiting for him with great eagerness. The Guru assured them that they should not worry, he would join them soon. Sikhs would gather and carry out Parbaat-Pheris, walking and singing Gurbaani, around the Gawalior Fort awaiting for Guru Ji's arrival out.

In the meantime Sai Mian Meer met Jahangeer and asked him to release the Guru. Jahangeer, who had fully recovered, ordered Wazir Khan to release Guru Sahib, who reached Gwallior Fort and informed Hari Daas about the message of the Emperor. Hari Daas was very pleased to hear it. He informed Guru Ji about the message of Emperor. But the Guru declined to leave the fort unless the princes confined in the fort were also released.

When Wazir Khan informed the Emperor about the desire of the Guru, the Emperor was forced to agree, though he didn't want to free the prisoners. So, out of clevery the Emperor put down the condition that "whoever can hold on to the Guru's cloak can be released." The fifty–two princes who had been detained due to political reasons or for committing default, were pining in fort for years. Having compassion for others, Guru Sahib was determined to get the prisoners freed. He had a cloak made with 52 corners, for each King to hold on to. The Guru left the fort with all fifty-two princes. As the Guru liberated the fifty-two princes so he is known as Bandi-Chhor (Liberator).




A Gurdwara known as Bandi-Chhor is built at the place where Guru stayed during his detention. Jahangeer advised Wazir Khan to bring Guru Hargobind in his court at Delhi with great honour. Jahangeer had realised that he wrong for torturing and killing Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who had not committed no crime or offense. He wanted to exonerate himself by indicting this crime on Chandu Shah and other officers. So in order to show his innocence he wanted to meet Guru Hargobind Ji. The Sikhs celebrate this day as Bandi Chhorr Divas i.e., "the day of release of detainees" . So in the evening, illuminations are done with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles and fireworks. The celebrations are held both in the Gurdwaras and in homes.


What do we learn from Bandi-Chhor Diwas?

52 Hindu Kings were freed with Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib could have left the Fort when he was offered the chance. However, Guru Ji thought of others before himself. Others freedom and rights were more important than his own. Guru Ji is always thinking not of his emancipation but everyone's emancipation. This is the attitude and virtue which Guru Ji filled within his Sikhs, by putting into reality this positive message.

Cynthia Keppley Mahmood in her book "Fighting for Faith & Nation" interviewed some Jhajhaaroo Singhs (Sikh freedom-fighters) who were fighting for the independence and freedom of Sikhs in India. She asked the Singh, "if you obtain your goal and the Sikhs achieve independence and freedom, then what would you do?" This is where the colour which Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji filled within the Sikhs come to light. He replied, "After Khalistan, we will go and free Bosnia and then once we have freed Bosnia we will go to the next place where tyranny is oppressing the people." Cynthia Mahmood was overwhelmed by the sincerety and great ATTITUDE of the Singh. This is the blessings of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

Bhai Nand Lal [Singh] Ji describes Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji with one word in his poetry. The one word he used to summarise the Jeevan (life) of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji is "JUSTICE."

Dhan Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji!!

http://www.sikhiunleashed.com