Sikhi and our lives are not two separate things. We're trying to ingrain Sikhi in our life. The way to do that is to start the morning in accordance with Sikhi and make it a part of your life. We are Sikh first, then we are doctors or students. The whole idea of "IK '' when we say "IK Onkar '' (One Universal Creator God) is that we want to become IK with the whole world and not just with Vaheguru Ji (Wonderous Enlightener) because the whole world is Vaheguru Ji. When we become one with this world, we become one with Vaheguru Ji anyway.
Read More
We look for Sukh (peace), but we don’t get Sukh. In our minds, we have an idea of what we think we need in order to be happy. However, what happens when these things are attained and we still aren’t happy? Could it be that our desires are wrong? Guru Sahib Ji tells us that if you ask for the right thing, then you can have everlasting happiness.
If internally you are ready to not live inside this worldly illusion anymore, then you’ll be fed up with Maya (Ilusion). If you are not fed up with Maya yet, then you’ll continue to suffer. But at some point, you’ll get fed up. Do Ardaas (humble request) to Maharaj Ji (Great King, referring to Guru Ji): show me the end of this Maya. Let me find Naam (connection to the Divine). If you ask for the right thing, Maharaj Ji can give you true happiness! Take the sanctuary of God, if you want happiness forever. Naam is the ultimate Truth and the worldly illusion of Maya is false.
Read More
A lot of people think that multitasking is a cool thing to do. There are some studies going on that show people who do many things at one time, get a false sense of pride thinking that they are doing so amazing because they are able to do multiple things at the same time. Studies suggest that multitasking could cause a breakdown or a burnout. It was very common that people would have the music on in the background whilst they're driving the car and enjoying the moment but nowadays we even try to watch a video or read an article while driving a car. This is taking us further and further away from experiencing Life, the Source of Life, and the manifestation of Nirankaar (formless), that formless One Divine.
Read More
Guru Nanak Dev Ji shows such a Gareebi (humility) in Jap Ji Sahib (First Sikh prayer recited daily). You read it every day though you may not have noticed this. There are three Asankh (many types of people) Pauria (stanzas) in Japji Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev Ji doesn’t include their name in the Asankh Jap stanza, referring to all types of spiritual people in this world. But, amazingly, their name appears in the Asankh Moorakh stanza, referring to all different kinds of sinners in the world. In this stanza, the true king (Guru Nanak Dev Ji) says that I am a fool. In such subtle ways, Guru Ji shows immense Gareebi.
To learn more on this topic, watch the video by Bhai Harman Singh
Watch Video
Our job is to teach our kids about Sikhi, Gurbani (Guru’s words) and Itihaas (History). When they get old, let them develop their own Sikhi. They might go away and come back. As long as they know what Sikhi is, that'll be enough. Practice your own Sikhi and show them that you can accept the Hukam (divine Law). We all have our own Lekha (spiritual account) and we come with our own Karams (actions).
Read More
Our true purpose in life is to meet and connect with the one who made us, our Creator, Vaheguru. Before doing this, one must realize some simple truths about the soul. The soul is free from all distinctions, has gone through reincarnations and is a part of God. Understanding this, we see that the soul was once connected with God, but now it is separated. To connect back with God, one should go into the holy company of those who are trying to connect with Vaheguru and meditate upon the Naam. Naam can simply mean to connect with the divine, through chanting this Naam we fulfill our life’s purpose. Until we experience this connection happening, this is all just theory. Guru Sahib Ji came here to connect us to the divine and show us this path of truth.
Read More
Nitnem is an extremely important aspect of every Sikh's day. It’s like a bath in the morning to make you feel strong and prepared for the day. Then, after being influenced by this world all day, we do Rehraas Sahib in the evening to reconnect. Doing Sohila Sahib before bed washes all the filth accumulated throughout the day and reminds us of our purpose in life. Nitnem is prescribed to us in the Rehit (daily code of conduct), meaning it is Guru Sahib Ji's Hukam (order) that we do our Nitnem every day. Doing Nitnem daily is like having a conversation with Guru Sahib Ji every single day. Another important aspect of Sikhi is to earn Naam, through doing Nitnem daily, we do this and receive that indescribable flavour. At the end of the day, through doing our Nitnem we please Guru Sahib and receive their Grace. To learn more about this topic, check out our article on Why Pray Daily/Do Nitnem?
Read Full Blog Here
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Mata Gujri Ji in Patna, Bihar on December 22nd, 1666 AD. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had traveled to East India with the family to do Parchaar (spread Sikhi’s message) and settled Their family in Patna while They continued travels. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was not present at the birth so Mata Gujri Ji named their only son Gobind Rai.
Read More About Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Our true purpose in life is to meet and connect with the one who made us, our Creator, Vaheguru. Before doing this, one must realize some simple truths about the soul. The soul is free from all distinctions, has gone through reincarnations and is a part of God. Understanding this, we see that the soul was once connected with God, but now it is separated. To connect back with God, one should go into the holy company of those who are trying to connect with Vaheguru and meditate upon the Naam. Naam can simply mean to connect with the divine, through chanting this Naam we fulfill our life’s purpose. Until we experience this connection happening, this is all just theory. Guru Sahib Ji came here to connect us to the divine and show us this path of truth.
Read More
Sikhs have 11 Gurus. They are as follows:
Read More about the Ten Sikh Gurus
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru. Guru Ji had Guruship from birth since they were sent by Vaheguru to help humanity. They were born in Rai Bhoe Di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib) in 1469 AD in the house of Baba Mehta Kalu Ji and Mata Tripta Ji. Guru Ji had a five years older sister named Bebe Nanaki Ji.
Read More About Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Gobind Singh Ji once heard a Sikh mispronounce a line from Gurbani. Upon hearing this Guru Sahib taught the Sikh that one should recite Gurbani with the correct pronunciations. If one makes a mistake when reciting Gurbani then they should re-read it correctly. Often when we make mistakes while reciting we change the meaning of Gurbani without knowing. One must have the true desire to read Gurbani in order to understand the essence of Gurbani. Often we think that reading the transliterations or translations is enough to understand Gurbani. This is a very big misunderstanding, translations and transliterations do not do justice to the great depth of Gurbani. While they may be good stepping stones, one should move on from these and learn Gurmukhi.
Read Full Blog Here
A Dastar (turban) serves as a constant reminder that God is forever present. It is an insignia of Guru Ji’s teaching that a Sikh must hold a high level of moral responsibility. A Dastar also gives Sikhs their unique identity and it is a royal crown given to Sikhs by the Gurus. A Dastar symbolizes equality and does not discriminate against anyone.
Do the Different Colors and Styles Mean Anything?
Essentially, no. Some styles, such as the Dumalla (du=two, malla=materials) were more commonly worn by Sikh warriors. Other styles may be more predominant in certain Sikh communities, such as the triangle style for Sikhs from Kenya.
Do All Sikhs Wear a Dastar?
All Sikhs have been ordained to keep their hair; therefore, most practicing Sikhs will wear a Dastar. Sikhi has no age or gender barriers, so women and children can also wear a Dastar. Some women and younger Sikhs may also wear a variety of head coverings such as a Chunni, Rumaal or Patka.
It is very disrespectful to touch or ask a Sikh to remove their Dastar. A Sikh will only remove the Dastar in extreme circumstances or when showering/sleeping, while still keeping their head covered. It is not headwear but an article of faith. A Sikh will treat Dastar with great respect even when removing it.
Read Full Blog Here
Guru Gobind Singh Ji teaches us that there are five types of Sikhi, one based on dealings, one by copying others, one based on greed, one based on faith, and one based on emotions of love. Sikhi based on dealings or Dhandey Di Sikhi is when one becomes a Sikh to deal with other Sikhs or even the Guru. They might become a Sikh to marry a Sikh boy or girl or make deals with Guru Sahib asking for something in return for doing Seva. Sikhi based on copying others or Dekha Dekhi Vali Sikhi is when someone becomes a Sikh because they want to feel like they belong. This is when the focus is more about the external than the internal and does not last very long. Sikhi based on greed or Hirsee Di Sikhi is when someone who has embraced Sikhi with the motive of greed. This person might think that if they become a Sikh then they will receive a lot of monetary wealth and only pursue Sikhi for this reason. Sikhi based on faith or Sidak Di Sikhi is when one embraces Sikhi with full faith and dedication to Guru Sahib. This Sikh never turns his/her back to Guru Sahib no matter what happens. Sikhi based on emotions of love or Bhav/Prem Di Sikhi is when one embraces Sikhi out of love for Guru Sahib. Someone practising this will love Vaheguru so much that they obtain Vaheguru. The accepted forms of Sikhi are Sidak Di Sikhi and Bhav Di Sikhi. To learn more about these types of Sikhi check out our article on the Five Types of Sikhi.
Read Full Blog Here
Sometimes we wonder why it is so important to go into Satsangat (true/holy congregation)? What is the Greatness of Satsangat? A lot of the time when we read Gurbani our mind struggles to focus. Guru Sahib teaches us that at this time we should go into the Satsangat where our mind will settle. There are three main benefits of going into the Satsangat: when we go to the Sangat our challenges are solved, our sins are washed away, and our sleeping mind awakes to the truth of Vaheguru. Through the Satsangat our life can change.
To learn more about this topic, read our article on the Greatness of Satsangat - Advice by Guru Har Rai Ji.
Read Full Blog Here
Many of us want to enjoy life by indulging in worldly pleasures but Guru Ji says there is a higher pleasure than worldly pleasure. Guru Ji isn’t trying to give us a boring life. Guru Ji is trying to give us deep spiritual bliss which is higher than any worldly pleasure. If you think you will not remember anything, certainly you will remember everything at the time of your death. You will remember not only this life but all your past lives. You will know what happened to you and why it happened. You will regret it at that time.
Read Full Blog Here
If your question is not listed, Ask here:
**We will do our best to answer your question as soon as possible!**