Ik OngKar Philosophy

Ik Ongkar (One God/universe), Sat Naam (True name), Karta Purkh (is the creator), Nir Bhau (is without fear), Nir Vair (is without hate), Akaal Moorat (is immortal, without form), Ajooni (s beyond birth and death), Saibhang (is self-illuminated), Gur Parsaad (is realised by the kindness of the true Guru.)

How to rise early during Amrit Vela

Source: Gurudwara Shri Guru Dashmesh Sahib, Leicester

4th Hukam by Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Amrit velae utthnaa|
Arise during Amritvela

Amritvela or early morning meditation is a vital part of a Sikhs daily worship schedule. According to the Sikh code of conduct, Amritvela is three hours prior to dawn. Amritvela is considered to be the most opportune time to achieve that instance of immortality when the soul relinquishes ego for union with the divine. To successfully observe Amritvela, it is essential to establish a routine so that early morning meditation becomes a habit.

The following ten tips can help you to attain, maintain, and sustain a richly rewarding meditation practice for life.

Go to bed four to eight hours before you plan to awaken so that you will be fresh when you meditate. Set an alarm for the time you wish to rise. Say an evening prayer such as Kirtan Sohila before retiring for the night to set your consciousness in meditative mode.

Wake up early when everything is quiet so you are less likely to be disturbed while meditating. Rise at the same time everyday so that you become accustomed to rising on schedule and are more likely to wake up naturally.

Begin meditation audibly as soon as you wake. Get out of bed stand up right away to avoid falling back asleep.

Perform isnaan, and take a quick shower or bath. Cold or cool water will help wake you up and keep you alert. Continue your meditation audibly while bathing, tending your hair, and dressing.

Wear comfortable loose clothing so that nothing restricts, binds or hampers circulation. Have a special shawl or light weight blanket to provide warmth while in meditation. Wear the same clothing and use the same wrap every day to help establish your routine, laundering as necessary.

Choose a place where you are unlikely to be disturbed. Consider setting aside a special space or place in your home for meditation.

Avoid artificial lighting. If necessary for your comfort, a candle or night light may be lit, preferably behind your line of sight.

Watch with your inner eye. Center your focus by closing your eyes and mentally visualizing a Sikh symbol such as a khanda, Ik Onkar or imagine writing one word such as Waheguru.

Listen with your inner ear. Center your focus by concentrating on a single word or phrase such as Waheguru, Ik Onkar, to repeat either audibly or silently.

At dawn read, recite, or otherwise review nitnem, or daily prayers. Take a hukam from the Guru Granth Sahib.

January 29, 20150 commentsRead More

Why are more and more people depressed?

Amritvela reflection: Why are more and more people depressed?

Depression is not an illness, its a condition of life. Guru Nanak writes ‘Dukh daru sukh rog paiaya, ja sukh tam na hoi – Sadness is the remedy happiness is the disease, in happiness I forget thee’. This is a positive take on the sadness life can bring, that we can use this time to introspect and do naam simran and sewa, and carry these positive activities on into good times as well!

In the UK depending on where you live anti-depressants are prescribed to between one in six to one in twenty people, so the actual rate is much higher. Many people self-medicate with certain drugs like alcohol which will not make you better, alcohol is a CNS depressant each time you have it your brain will literally go deeper into depression. Food will also not help fill the void, as too many carbohydrates will over stress the dopamine reward pathways.

The Guru tells us in Gurbani that life is dukh and sukh, sadness and happiness, we just can’t get away from it. All of us will lose loved ones, have illness, have good times, have family and friends we love, and good experiences of life, and this really goes without saying. Sometimes depression is when we can’t accept the sadness in life, so we get hung up on it. We so desperately want to be happy, that we make ourselves more miserable, that even the sight of a happy person makes us even more upset. We can get increasingly frustrated that are life is not the perfect KEN and BARBIE dream! Well real life is never going to be plastic is it? We also say why me? This is not true, Guru Nanak says: ‘Nanak dukhia sabh sansar’, the whole world is in suffering but through naam we can find bliss.

The first part of tackling depression, is to use reasoning, this part of the mind often works less in those who are depressed (PFC), so an active attempt at using reasoning must take place. That firstly it is ok to feel down, and accept it, that life has ups and downs, and this is just where I am on the journey. Secondly, be mindful of negative thoughts and emotions, and actively strive to balance with positive affirmations and feelings.

A proven way of tackling depression without the need for medication is simple meditations like witnessing the breath going in and out, breath of fire (kapalbati), mindfulness, singing or listening to Rag Durga, and the use of mantras. Also getting sunlight everyday for at least 10 minutes in the afternoon, and exercise, all help to loosen the grip depression has on us. So, if you feel down then lift yourself up. Then when you know your slipping you know how to elevate yourself.

Here is prayer meditation used in the tradition said to relieve us of sadness:

http://www.sikhroots.com/…/666-bhai-jarnail-singh-dukh-bhan…

Dasam Granth Sahib Gurbani is said to get one back into chardikalah very quickly!

Have a beautiful day!

AKAL!

By Kamalroop Singh (Author)

January 24, 20150 commentsRead More

Expand Your Intuition with Jai-Jagdeesh

Jai-Jagdeesh guides us through the Spirit Voyage 40 Day Global Sadhana: Expand Your Intuition. Here, Jai-Jagdeesh leads a 22 minute Indra Nittri Meditation using the mantra Ek Ong Kar Sat Gur Prasad, Sat Gur Prasad Ek Ong Kar from her album “The Expansive Spirit.” http://www.spiritvoyage.com/globalsad…

January 22, 20150 commentsRead More

Do You Get Sleepy in Gurdwara?

The lack of nutrition in your body can cause all sorts of issues from weakness, fatigue, bloating, heartburn, Ulcers, Lack of sleep, Skin Problems and so much more and in allot of cases all that needs to be done is a change in food types/diet (obviously seek medical advice on more pressing issues).

There is such a lack of education in our culture in relation to the types of foods we eat and the affects it has on our mind and body and our connection to the divine. Society is so quick food driven that for allot of people it has sneaked up on them and they are not even aware it is happening. The food you eat has a massive affect on your mind and body. This is not just the case in a Gurdwara/meditation but in our everyday lives. Without the right foods and nutrition how can you expect your body to function properly? With so much processed foods our diets are dismal and this does not allow for optimal meditative states.

In relation to this video below sometimes we don’t feel the full benefits of the Gurdwara experience: the kirtan, hukam etc. The purpose of going to Gurdwara is ultimately to meditate. Diet and Nutrition play an integral role in our spiritual experience. Amar Atma Singh talks about the habit of many people to eat the fried sugary snacks, and drink the chah available at Gurdwaras before going to listen to kirtan. Your body will be busy digesting and this will make you tired and unfocused. This may impair your ability to meditate deeply. Perhaps instead you could snack on fruits and drink water.

Outside of the Gurdwara if you have any of the issues mentioned at the beginning of this post, get in touch with with someone who can guide you on this, for example take IBS:

“Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a ‘catchall’ term that is used to describe a bunch of symptoms that can’t really be explained by the medical system.

But in nearly all the cases of so-called IBS that I have helped clients with over the years, I’ve never seen one that hasn’t responded favorably to changes in diet, removal of bacteria such as H pylori, parasites and yeast/fungal overgrowth, detoxification and the replenishment of good bacteria, vitamins, minerals and digestive enzymes.

In other words, IBS usually is the result of something being in your body that shouldn’t be, which makes the bowel ‘irritable’.” – Dave Homeps – IBS

Therefor make the effort to look after yourself especially with what you eat as this could be affecting your state and focus in life. You’ve heard the old concept of Mind Body and Soul so what are you doing to keep these 3 things in balance? as keeping them in balance can excel your connection to divinity and make for a much happier healthier and connected life.

January 17, 20150 commentsRead More

Spiritual and Religious Significance of the Turban

In this age of reason and rationality it becomes essential to know ‘why’ and ‘how’ turban helps in our spiritual evolution. Turbans go way back in history as part of a spiritual practice.

In case of infants these bones are still not fused together and at the top of the head – if you observe closely. You will find a ‘soft spot’ which pulsates in synchronization with the heart beats. In yogic terms this spot is referred to as ‘Crown Chakra’. Thousands of years ago our seers, sages and spiritual persons (Rishis, Munis and Yogis) discovered that the hair on the top of the head protects the ‘crown chakra’ from the sun and exposure to various undesirable environmental elements. In addition the hair acts as antennae, channelling the solar energy and its life force into body and brain.’ By the Kalgidhar Trust/ Society, Preserving Turban.

Thus, spiritual persons (Rishis, Munis and Yogis) would coil or knot their hair at the ‘crown chakra’ also called the ‘solar centre’ of the head. This centre is on the top and the front of the head in men (anterior fontanel). Women are said to have two solar centers: One at the anterior fontanel and the other the posterior fontanel which is at the back of the head. The coiling or knotting of the hair at these solar centers focuses the energy as well as retains the spiritual vibrations throughout the day. This hair knot (known as joora) is traditionally referred to as ‘Rishi Knot’. The ‘rishi knot’ assists in channelling of energy in meditation i.e. recitation and concentration on the Divine (God). If one cuts off the hair there can be no ‘rishi knot’.

Thus, the 10th Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh taught followers to keep their hair unshorn, tie them into a knot at the respective centers and keep them covered with turban so that their spiritual progress is further accentuated. The next step after tying a ‘rishi knot’ is to wrap-cover it with a turban. The pressure of the multiple wraps in the turban keeps the person calm and relaxed and activates the various pressure points on the forehead. The Turban covers the temples which is said to help protect the wearer from the psychic negativity of other people. The pressure of the turban also changes the pattern of blood flow to the brain. These are all reasons that women should also wear turbans. When you tie up your hair and wrap the turban around it, all the parts of your skull are pulled together and supported. You feel clarity and readiness for the day and for what may come to you from the Unknown.

Sikhs believe that God is the Unknown. He is mastery as well as mystery. Living with an awareness of your God within you and the God outside of you (God in all) is an attitude. Thus, covering your head is an action with the attitude that there is something greater than you know. Your willingness to stand under that greatness of God is expressed by taking the highest, most visible part of you and declaring it as a place that belongs to the Creator. Covering your head is also a declaration of humility, of your surrender to God. Hence, for a Sikh wrapping a turban everyday is a declaration that his head, his mind is dedicated to the Creator. The turban becomes a flag of his consciousness as well as his crown of spiritual royalty. Wearing a turban over uncut hair is an act of consciousness that can gives every Sikh the experience of God. This experience is must for all Khalsa (baptised), men and women both.

‘Wearing of turban symbolizes to the wearer that he is living in the ‘Divine Law’. In India, Turban has been essential and integral part of humans since times immemorial irrespective of religion. Our traditional head gear is full of surprises; especially the fact that it existed as early as 10,000 B.C.’
- By Kalgidhar Trust Publication from the document ‘Preserving Turban’.

by Parul Bhatti – Source: dsource.in

Source:‘Pag ate Pag da Sabhiachar’ Book by Jagdev Singh Aulakh. Translated from the original in Punjabi.

January 14, 20150 commentsRead More

aval Allah nur upaia kudarati ke sabh bande

AWWAL ALLAH NOOR UPAYA | Read Bhagat Kabir Bani along with Bhai Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale

This Shabad is composed by Bhagat Kabeer Ji in Raag Prabhaatee and it is on Page 1349 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Bhai Harjinder Singh Srinagar wale has graced this shabad with his melodious voice.

prabhaathee |
Prabhaatee:

aval aleh noor oupaaeiaa kudharath kae sabh bandhae |
First, Allah created the Light; then, by His Creative Power, He made all mortal beings.

eaek noor thae sabh jag oupajiaa koun bhalae ko mandhae |1|
From the One Light, the entire universe welled up. So who is good, and who is bad? ||1||

logaa bharam n bhoolahu bhaaee |
O people, O Siblings of Destiny, do not wander deluded by doubt.

khaalik khalak khalak mehi khaalik poor rehiou srab thaaee |1| rehaao |
The Creation is in the Creator, and the Creator is in the Creation, totally pervading and permeating all places. ||1||Pause||

maattee eaek anaek bhaath kar saajee saajanehaarai |
The clay is the same, but the Fashioner has fashioned it in various ways.

naa kash poch maattee kae bhaaddae naa kash poch kunbhaarai |2|
There is nothing wrong with the pot of clay – there is nothing wrong with the Potter. ||2||

sabh mehi sachaa eaeko soee this kaa keeaa sabh kash hoee |
The One True Lord abides in all; by His making, everything is made.

hukam pashaanai s eaeko jaanai bandhaa keheeai soee |3|
Whoever realizes the Hukam of His Command, knows the One Lord. He alone is said to be the Lord’s slave. ||3||

alahu alakh n jaaee lakhiaa gur gurr dheenaa meethaa |
The Lord Allah is Unseen; He cannot be seen. The Guru has blessed me with this sweet molasses.

kehi kabeer maeree sankaa naasee sarab niranjan ddeethaa |4|3|
Says Kabeer, my anxiety and fear have been taken away; I see the Immaculate Lord pervading everywhere. ||4||3||

http://www.WorldGurudwara.com www Wolrd Gurudwara com

Bhagat Kabir (Gurmukhi: ਭਗਤ ਕਬੀਰ) (1441-1518)* was a Devotee, Saint and Gurmukh born in Uttar Pardesh, India. He was a monotheist and follower, probably founder, of Gurmat. He was a Muslim. There are 227 Padas in 17 ragas and 237 slokas of Kabir in Guru Granth Sahib. He is revered by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. Like other Devotees, Kabir did not believe in Ritualism, the worshiping of Dieties, Brahmanism or the Caste System. Kabir played the role of a teacher and social reformer by the medium of his writings. Bhagat Kabir guided Gurmat to Ramanand, whom he adopted as worldly guru.

Sikhs also follow the teaching of Kabir, as in Gurmat, Kabir, Nanak, Ravidas, Bhatts all are same and all are treated as Guru and Sikhs bow before Guru Granth Sahib which include the teaching of many who had similar thoughts about God.

Kabir was born in Benaras and adopted by Neeru and his wife Neema who named him Kabir (the Most High). Kabir had a son who he named Kamal and a daughter named Kamali by Mata Loi. Though a Hindu by tradition, he was a Muslim by upbringing. A weaver by profession. There are many legends associated with the birth and death of Kabir (1440 -1518). Some people say that, he was born to a family of Muslim weavers. Others claim that he was the son of a Brahmin widow.

It is widely accepted that he was born in 1398 AD (71 years before Guru Nanak). Kabirpanthis (followers of Kabir) say that he lived upto the age of 120 years and give date of his death as 1518, but relying on the research of Hazari Prased Trivedi, a British Scholar Charlotte Vaudenville is inclined to lend credence to these dates and has prooven that 1448 is probably the correct date of Saint Kabir’s demise.

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The Truth About Long Hair, Spiritual Power, And Why Natives Wore Their Hair Long

Source: spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com

In Native cultures, men and woman are recognized by the length and glory of their hair. The cutting of hair by oppressors has long represented the submission and defeat of a People, through humiliation. The way a People comb (the Alignment of thought), braid (the Oneness of thought), tie (the Securing of thought) and color (the Conviction in thought), their Hair is of great significance. Each hair style represents a different frame of mind.

Hair is largely believed by them to be an extension of your thoughts. Hair styles are especially important for they portray and announce participation in various events. Your hair style indicates your state of merriment or mourning at a given time, whether you’re marriageable or married, your age, and tribal status. It is a representation of your feelings and your life situation.

Different styles signify the Tribe one belongs to and are worn to indicate times of peace or war. Hair is just not a fashion accessory for aesthetic advancement, it’s literally the pinnacle of their spiritual expression and is a source of their strength, intuition and power.

We usually think of hair as just being a matter of personal preference, but in reality its much more than that. Nature put every hair on your body for a reason. The hair of the legs regulates the glandular system and stabilizes a person’s electromagnetic field. The hair under the armpits protects the very sensitive area where the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems come together; this affects the brain and your energy level.

Eyebrows protect the eyes from sun and sweat. Facial hair on men covers the moon center on the chin and protects them from excessive moon energy. The hair on top of the head is very long, while the hair on the body is short. If it were only for warmth, the hair on the body would be long also. We only have long hair right over the brain. We are practically the only creatures designed this way. Some say hair is your antenna to receive a picture of the subtle world around you, to tell when people are lying, to feel things before they happen, etc..

The natural intelligence of the body is to maintain its hairs. If you allow the hair on the head to grow undisturbed; it will grow to a certain length required by your body and then it will stop. Perhaps you have noticed among Sikhs who do not cut their hair that hair length is different for each person. Each body has its own requirement. The hair also reflects the health of the individual.

It has been proven scientifically that people who have long hair tend to be less tired, more energetic and less likely to become depressed. People who have long hair also conserve energy and don’t feel the cold of winter the same as people with short hair. A person who has short hair wastes his body’s energy. A person who cuts his hair over his lifetime forces the body to grow 22 meters of replacement hair. A person who keeps his hair only produces 1.5 meters of hair over his lifetime.

Think of the story of Samson and Delilah in the Bible! He lost his strength when she cut his hair! Another example of the power of hair: To humiliate the conquered people of China, Genghis Khan made them cut their hair and wear bangs over the forehead! (Bangs cover the 3rd eye, inhibiting intuition and subtle knowledge.)

Hair is a conductor of the body’s electromagnetic energy. Ever see how the antenna wire in an AM radio is coiled in a circle? That’s because of something called induction. Induction causes any conductor of electromagnetic energy to induce a current in adjacent conductors. This means that when you coil a conductor, the signal becomes much stronger. Hairs on top of the head act as antennae. They conduct energy into the body.

Besides absorbing information, hair also has the ability to emit energy patterns and frequencies into the environment. This has been seen in hair experiments that involve Kirlian photography. For more information on Kirlian photography, read this enlightening article.

Also, wearing the hair on top of the head protects the top of the head from sun and exposure, as well as channeling solar energy and improving vitamin D absorbtion. The body grows hair for a reason.

I think the Natives had it right when they treated hair as a necessary component to their spiritual life. I have personally been growing my hair for years now, and I don’t think I will wear it short ever again. I just feel more natural and more attuned with myself when it’s long. If we truly were made in the image of something divine, why not embrace our natural state?

Yogi Bhajan was the wealthy Indian emigrant and guru who introduced Kundalini Yoga to the United States. On the topic of cutting one’s hair, he said:

“Our hair fashions might be just a trend, but if we investigate, we may find that we have been depriving ourselves of one of the most valuable sources of energy for human vitality… When the hair on your head is allowed to attain its full, mature length, then phosphorous, calcium, and vitamin D are all produced, and enter the lymphatic fluid, and eventually the spinal fluid through the two ducts on the top of the brain. This ionic change creates more efficient memory and leads to greater physical energy, improved stamina, and patience… Your hair is not there by mistake. It has a definite purpose, which saints will discover and other men will laugh at.”

January 12, 20150 commentsRead More

Mool Mantra – Snatam Kaur

January 6, 20150 commentsRead More

3 6 9 – Converging into a singularity

〄 3 6 9 – “If you only knew the magnificence of the 3, 6 and 9, then you would have a key to the universe.” – N.Tesla

Have you ever wondered why there are 360 degrees in a circle? This short video distills a lot of information about numbers, geometry and the relationship between them.

If you times any number by 9 and add up all the digits it equals 9 eg. 3 * 9 = 27, 2+7 = 9

Did you know that the Mool mantra is also made up of 9 words

1 – Ik Ongkar (One God/universe),
2 – Sat Naam (True name),
3 – Karta Purkh (is the creator),
4 – Nir Bhau (is without fear),
5 – Nir Vair (is without hate),
6 – Akaal Moorat (is immortal, without form),
7 – Ajooni (s beyond birth and death),
8 – Saibhang (is self-illuminated),
9 – Gur Parsaad (is realised by the kindness of the true Guru.)

December 28, 20140 commentsRead More

Ek Onkar – Harjinder Singh Shaant – Ek Onkar Satnaam – Simran

December 24, 20140 commentsRead More

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