The sacrifice of the ninth Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji

There is a slogan written on the main gate of the ‘House of Commons’ of England: ‘Though I do not agree with your views but I will sacrifice my life to get you a right to express your views with freedom.’

But we do not find any example in the history of mankind where such a sacrifice had been given except that of the ninth Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadur ji.

That unique event took place in November 1675, in Chandni Chowk, New Delhi. The Gurdwara ‘Shish Ganj Sahib’ stands in his pious memory at that place. The Guru ji and his three disciples laid down their lives to defend a faith that they didn’t even believe. It was the most significant incidence in the history of mankind that a Prophet sacrificed his life to save the followers of other religion.

He was firstly asked to convert to Islam. He was put to jail for three months and tortured. Then his three close Sikhs, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala ji were martyred in most heinous manner to frighten the Guru ji. Lastly, when every effort and technique including royal offers and allurements failed, he was beheaded in full public view. The executioner and the people were astonished at the composure with which the Guru ji met the deadly sword. He was completely in peace as the executioner prepared to strike him.

Bhai Jaita ji, a devout Sikh lifted the head of the Guru ji and carried to Anandpur Sahib to the tenth Guru. Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara cremated the body at his house at Rakabganj, New Delhi. There stands the Gurdwara ‘Rakab Ganj Sahib’ adjacent to the Parliament building in New Delhi.

It’s Causes:
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb issued a general order to demolish Hindu temples and put down their religious practices. He started forcible conversions too. He targeted specially the high class Brahmins and expected others to follow. Some terror-stricken Brahmins from Kashmir came to Guru ji to seek his guidance and protection. Guru ji stood against the cruel and unjustified rule of the Emperor.

He gave away his life to protect the spirit of the people that was dying under the oppressive and fanatic policies of the ruler. His sacrifice was against aggression and injustice. This was the first supreme sacrifice for the cause of freedom of religion, faith and beliefs which to date is unique, in human history.


It’s Impact:
This event infused a new spirit among the people. This inspired them to rise for the fundamental rights of liberty, justice and equality. It filled a great sense of fearlessness into the oppressed people of India. Finally, the movement so evolved blossomed into the fruit of ‘Khalsa’ that played an important role in redefining the fate of India.

It’s Relevance:
Guru ji’s life and sacrifice shows that he had a keen interest and concern in issues of social consciousness of his times. He was totally unlike the so-called saints of his times and today, who remain indifferent and unconcern of temporal affairs and sufferings of mankind.

The message of his life and sacrifice is more relevant today in the multi dimensional societies of modern world. Guru ji’s life and martyrdom advocates freedom of belief and practices. His great sacrifice stands for the social cohesion and individual freedom.

Why do Gurbani

In a simple sense, it is to train the mind. The scriptures are written in a such a way it is always being read to the mind.

Below is an example how the words from the 9th Guru is directed to the mind.

The words "The ik-oNkaar satgur parsaad", it to tell your mind about the One and Only True God.

The idea is to get the mind to realise about the truth of God. A big percentage of this is about getting in touch with the subconscious mind.

Our life and happiness

It is interesting how everyone things the other person's life is happier then mine.

The kitchen helper at the Langar in the Gurdwara thinks i have have a good life. I have a very nice job, i nice car and house and i look happy all the time. I have all the freedom i need.

And i am thinking his life is simple and must be worry free. I wish i had his life. Spend time cooking langar and doing sewa and listening to Kirtan and Gurbani the whole time.

We spend our entire looking for and chasing what seems like happiness.

The 9th Guru writes:

Sometimes.

Sometimes the thought crosses my mind
that you've been made just for me.

Before this, you were dwelling somewhere in the stars;
you were summoned to earth just for me...

Sometimes the thought crosses my mind
that this body and these eyes are kept in trust for me...
that the dark shadows of your hair are for my sake alone,
that these lips and these arms are charged to my care...

Sometimes the thought crosses my mind
just as the shehnaii sounds on the roads...
that it is my wedding night, and I am lifting your veil...

You're shrinking for shame, blushing in my arms...

Sometimes the thought crosses my mind
that you'll love me like this our whole lives through,
that you'll always lift a loving gaze to me like this.

I know you're a stranger now, but even so,
sometimes the thought crosses my mind

Funny airline incident.

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard.

The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline."

He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you aquestion?" "Why, no! , Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"

Top One Hundred Dive Sites.

Here is the link.

http://www.scubatravel.co.uk/topdiveslong.html

Sikh Values

Believe in only One God, the creator.

Sing praises of the Creator, not the creation.

God is the sustainer and provider for all his creation.

To realise God one has to read, understand, feel and follow the teachings of our Guru Ji, Shabad Guru - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, in our daily life.

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Guru ji explains God as the creator and sustainer in the following Shabad.

Solak, Second Guru:

Oh Nanak, don't be anxious;
the Lord will take care of you.

He created the creatures in the water,
and He gives them their nourishment.

There is no stores open there,
and no one farms there.

No business is ever transacted there,
and no one buys or sells.

Animal eat other animals;
that is what the Lord has given them as food.

He created them in the oceans,
and He provides for them as well.

O Nanak, don't be anxious;
the Lord will take care of you.