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    <title>Tapoban.org</title>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:45:13 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Jee And The Challenge To Sarbloh Rehat</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6450,6493#msg-6493</link>
      <author>isinghd</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I may be mistaken but I thought the second line read:

ouh sahib mai ous kaa chaeraa |]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6450,6493#msg-6493</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:45:13 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6492#msg-6492</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Duty, Love and Faith: The Sikhs &amp; Guru Hargobind Sahib[/b]
Translated from Pr. Satbir Singh's &quot;Gur Bhaaree&quot;

 

[center] [IMG]http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/5394/akal1.jpg[/IMG]
True Emperor Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee's Throne - Akal Takht Sahib [/center]


[b]“True Emperor”[/b]

Guru Hargobind Sahib was in Delhi meeting with the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. A poor peasant who cut grass to feed horses heard about this and worked all day to earn a single coin. The peasant had heard about the Guru and his greatness and now when he heard that the Guru was in the city he became excited that he too might meet him and become a Sikh. During the day, the peasant also gathered the best grass he could find and cleaned it blade by blade so he could offer it to Guru Sahib’s horses. 

At the end of the day, the poor grass-cutter approached the place where Guru Sahib and the Emperor were meeting. There were two tents and he accidentally entered the one in which Jahangir was sitting. The guard initially stopped the peasant but thinking that perhaps he had some request to make of the Emperor, he let him in. 

Upon entering, the grass-cutter placed the single coin he had earned in front of the Emperor and bowed. He asked that his offering of grass also be accepted. He begged, “ True Emperor (Sachay Patshah) please help me both here and in the hereafter.” Jahangir was taken aback and replied that he could give the grass-cutter an award of land ( a Jagir). The poor man’s eyes opened wide and he realized he was in the wrong place. Jahangir then said, “I am the Emperor of Hindustan. Your “Sachay Patshah” is in the other tent.” The poor man picked up his coin and his bundle of grass and ran to the other tent in which Guru Sahib was sitting. 

Upon seeing the Guru, he grabbed his feet and began to weep and beg for forgiveness. He said, “Sachay Patshah I went to the wrong door.” He repeated his earlier request and begged to become a Sikh and the Guru blessed him with naam. 

It was after this incident that Jahangir realized how much love Sikhs had for their Guru.


[b]Bhai Javanda &amp; the Gate[/b]

One day Guru Hargobind Sahib was going hunting and as he was leaving the city gates of Kartarpur, he asked Bhai Javanda to stand by the gate and wait for his return. Satguru jee returned from hunting but entered the city from another gate and went back to his place of residence. Three days and three nights passed but Bhai Javanda did not move from the place Guru Sahib told him to wait. When Guru Sahib found out about this, he himself went to Bhai Javanda, still waiting by the gate and embraced him and showered his blessings. 


[b]“Tell the Sikhs”[/b]

Bhai Choohar was a Jathedar in Guru Hargobind Sahib’s army and had 100 horsemen in his command. Guru Hargobind Sahib summoned Bhai Choohar and said, “Tell the Sikhs to drag some big stones and make walls for the langar. 

Bhai Choohar didn’t want to impose on any other Sikh and so he began to drag the large stones himself. He worked so hard that his hands and feet began to bleed but even then he would not stop or slow down. When the Guru went to see the work being done, he saw Bhai Choohar working alone, his hands, feet and clothes covered in blood. Guru Sahib said, “Bhai Choohar, I told you to get the Sikhs to do this seva…” 

Bhai Choohar put his hands together and replied, “Maharaj, you ordered the Sikhs to do it and so I thought what greater honour could I achieve than to do this seva myself and count myself as your Sikh…”


[b]Mata Sulakhani[/b]

Guru Hargobind Sahib was traveling in the villages of Majha and came to village Chabba. In that village lived a woman named Sulakhani. Sulakhani had been married for many years but was yet without any child. She asked many learned people how she might have a child and they all replied, “there has been no child written in your destiny.”

Mata Sulakhani heard about the greatness of Guru Hargobind and was convinced he would help her. Guru Hargobind was passing near her village and Mata Sulakhani went to wait for him on the path holding a pen and ink. When Guru Sahib approached, she called out in a rhyme which translated is, “Oh one with a beautiful beard and white dastaar, I make a request before Guru Hargobind! My name is Sulakhani and my village is Chabba, I am without any offspring and want to bear children.” 

Guru Hargobind Sahib smiled and said, “Maiee, it is not written in your destiny.” With great faith, Mata Sulakhani replied, “You are the one who is the writer here and you were the writer before, so if you have not written already, then write it now!” 

Guru Sahib took the pen and while still on his horse began to write a ੧ (1) . Guru Sahib’s horse kicked his hoof and the ੧  became a ੭ (7). 

Mata Sulakhani did indeed go one to become the mother of 7 sons and they became Sikhs and fought in Guru Sahib’s battles.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6492#msg-6492</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:59:09 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6491#msg-6491</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib &amp; The Limitless Langar [/b]
Taken from “Nau Visheshtaiyaan Sri Sukhmani Sahib jee” by Bhai GurIkbaal Singh 



[center] [IMG]http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/1152/langar.png[/IMG] [/center]

[b]Bibi Santi [/b]

During the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib, there was a Sikh woman, Bibi Santi, who was married into a family in the village of Butala. Bibi Santi’s parents were Sikhs but due to circumstances, found herself married into a family that believed in Sakhi Sarvar (a Muslim Pir). Bibi Santi read Gurbani daily and had a deep love for the Guru. Her mother-in-law however, could not tolerate this faith in Sikhi. Eventually, Bibi Santi was asked to leave the family’s house and was made to live in a hut outside. 

Bibi Santi was happy that now she would be able to read Gurbani without anyone objecting. Slowly she was able to influence her husband through stories of the Guru and he too became a Sikh. 

After some time, a son was born to Bibi Santi who was named Palla. The happiness in the small family was short lived however as Bibi Santi’s husband died quite suddenly. 


[b]Faith in Satguru Jee[/b] 

Bibi Santi did not lose her faith and kept walking on the path of Gurmat. She taught her son stories of the Guru and also Gurbani. Bhai Palla too developed a love for the Guru and had a deep desire to one day have Guru Sahib’s darshan. He would ask his mother when Guru Sahib would come to them and Bibi Santi would reply, “Satguru jee is antarjami (all-knowing). Wherever his Sikhs remember him, he will certainly come to meet them.” 

Young Bhai Palla now had a non-stop longing to cast his eyes on his Satguru. Bhai Palla was convinced that Guru Sahib would come to him and so he wanted to be ready for the moment. Though he and his mother were very poor, he decided the best offering he could give to Guru Sahib was GuR (sugar-jaggery). Wherever he went, Bhai Palla carried the guR with him, tied in a cloth, not knowing when Guru Sahib would hear his ardaas and give his darshan. 


[b]Darshan [/b]

Bhai Palla’s ardaas day and night bore fruit one day. Guru Sahib arrived in village Butala with some Sikhs. All the villagers were followers of Sakhi Sarvar and so no one paid Guru Sahib any respect. Guru Hargobind Sahib and his Sikhs however went directly to where Bhai Palla was sitting and stopped their horse in front of him. Bhai Palla recognized that his Satguru had finally come and was overjoyed. He remembered the guR he had tied in the cloth and began to fumble with the knot so he could offer it to Guru jee. Bhai Palla tried, but could not open the long-tied knot. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib cast his loving eye on his Sikh and said, “Palla! Here, let me open your knots…” 

What a blessing Guru Sahib gave to Bhai Palla. What more could Bhai Palla ask? 

Guru Sahib opened the knot and Bhai Palla humbly placed the guR before Guru Sahib and bowed. Satguru jee then said, “Palla! My Sikhs and I are hungry. Take us to your home and give us langar.” 

Bhai Palla could not contain his happiness and quickly lead Guru jee and the Sikhs to his small home. Mata Santi upon seeing Sri Guru jee’s darshan, lost all awareness. Bhai Palla shook his mother and said, “Guru Sahib wants to have langar. Prepare langar for him.” 


[b]Villagers and the Langar[/b] 

The villagers of Butala were bitter and went on to their rooftops to see what was happening. They saw that Guru Sahib and his Sikhs were waiting for langar and began to laugh that Bibi Santi and Bhai Palla who sometimes could not even manage one meal a day for themselves were now being asked to cook for so many. The villagers decided amongst themselves that no one would help the two Sikhs nor give them any loan to help buy rations for the langar. They would see the humiliating scene when Bibi Santi and Bhai Palla would tell Guru Sahib that they could not make the langar and have the opportunity to laugh at them. 

Satguru Hargobind Sahib knew all and saw the crowds on their rooftops looking at them. Guru Sahib said to Bhai Palla, “Palla! Go invite all the villagers to have langar here as well today.” Bhai Palla obeyed the hukam and went to all the villagers and asked them to come to their home for langar. The villagers laughed and said that today the humiliation would be double what they expected. The mother and son could hardly feed themselves let alone all the Sikhs and now all the villagers. 


[b]The Miracle [/b]

Guru Hargobind Sahib called Bhai Palla and gave him two kerchiefs and told him to put one on the flour and one on the daal. Mata Santi should not look underneath them after that. 

Bibi Santi had prepared all the flour in the house for parshadas but it was still very little. There was also a little daal she had prepared. The two kerchiefs were placed on each and Bibi Santi began to prepare the parshadas while Bhai Palla did the seva of distributing them. To their amazement, all the Sikhs and all the villagers had their fill of langar and still the parshadas and daal under Guru Sahib's kerchiefs were not finishing. 

The villagers were awe-struck and fell at Guru Hargobind Sahib’s feet. They had wanted to see the humiliation of the two poor Sikhs but Guru Sahib had shown that he would never let his Sikhs be humiliated in such a way. The faith of the villagers in Sikhi was born that day and Bibi Santi and Bhai Palla’s faith was rewarded.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6491#msg-6491</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:12:53 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6490#msg-6490</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Vangaar: The First Sermon of Guru Hargobind Sahib[/b]
Taken from Gur Bhari by Pr. Satbir Singh
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org




[center] [IMG]http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8793/300pxhandwritingguruhar.jpg[/IMG] 
Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee’s Handwriting [/center]



Guru Arjan Dev had been brutally tortured and embraced martyrdom, becoming an example for the Panth. The Sikhs were grief-struck and felt a sense of despair. The small Panth of Guru Nanak had been targeted by the mighty power of the Mughals. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib, became the next Guru as per the orders of his father. In front of all the gathered Sikhs, Baba Buddha jee put the two swords of meeri and peeri on Guru Hargobind Sahib. Guru Sahib was dressed like an emperor and there was a kalgi (aigrette) on his dastaar.

The Dhadis, Bhai Abdullah and Bhai Nath Mal, at the hukam of Guru Hargobind Sahib sang a vaar filled with bir ras.


Then, Guru Hargobind Sahib rose and gave his first sermon to the Sikhs:


Today the offerings that are beloved to me are good weapons and good youth. If you want my happiness, then exercise your bodies, wrestle, play gatka, go into the jungles to hunt and learn to ride horses. Weakness is now a crime to the Nation that cannot be forgiven for anyone. You will take up the sword and I now wear the sword so that the swords of tyranny and oppression will stop forever.

You have all come from far and wide today. The cool tranquillity has been stolen from not just your heart and my heart, but from the entire world. Our swords will not rest until we bring this oppression to an end. 

Make day and night one. Go into the villages and light the inferno of revolution. Tell the people that we need their youth. Only that is a good youth that sacrifices itself for the cause of the Nation. We need sacred hearts and pure minds. Enshrine [color=navy]ਪਹਿਲਾਮਰਣੁਕਬੂਲਿਜੀਵਣਕੀਛਡਿਆਸ ॥ [/color] in your hearts. We fear death because we have not experienced true life. We feel worry because we have not enjoyed a taste of life. We feel fear because our destination and goal seems so far off. But if you challenge death, death will flee from you. If you learn to walk with your heads held high then worry will depart. If you are determined to walk, the destination will not be so far away. Have faith in Vahiguru and all fears will vanish. If fear has left you then even death will seem like bliss.


Guru jee continued,

Do not think that you are too few. You are all like springs. Oceans flow out of these very springs. There are hundreds of thousands of springs like you in our Nation. When you come together and flow forward, you will create a flood. 

A small and insignificant piece of wood, when made into a match, can light the entire jungle on fire. But you are humans! And furthermore, those humans whose heart has just now been scorched on hot iron plates [reference to shahidi of Guru Arjan Dev jee]. 


Addressing the poets in the Sangat, Guru Sahib said,

See, God has given you the gift of poetry. When nations are built, you are the foundations. Stop all these other untimely songs and work to bring the Nation out of this deep dark pit. Tell those stories which will make the people willing to lose their skin like they would be willing to change their clothes. Fill the people of our Nation with the spirit and fervour to be like moths so they will sacrifice themselves in the flames of our cause. 

Our blood has become cold. Tell us stories of Shahidi and become the furnaces that will boil our blood. Give us the passion to make the trampled Punjab and our crushed Nation rise to its feet once again.


Speaking to the Dhadis, Guru Sahib said,

Now is the time that your instruments should call out a challenge. Your notes should stir the Nation. The beat of your dhads should awaken the people and the bells on your bows should make hearts fill with the zeal of sacrifice.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6490#msg-6490</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:22:33 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: amrit sanchar</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6487,6489#msg-6489</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The preferred method for communications regarding the arranging of any Amrit Sinchar would be via the phone.
This communication usually indicates the genuine and seriousness of any interested party. We could not make arrangements on the basis of emails alone.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6487,6489#msg-6489</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:07:37 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Baba Surjit Singh Ji presented himself before magistrates</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6488,6488#msg-6488</link>
      <author>Jatha Nihang Singha</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Following the peace talks between the factions of Budha Dal, Panth Patshah Jathedar Baba Surjit Singh Ji 96 crori presented himself before magistrates’ yesterday evening in order to clear his name from the criminal cases which he has been falsely associated with. 

Sikh Jathebandia and Sangata have rallied to provide the upmost support to the chosen leader of Budha Dal and to ensure that Baba Surjit Singh receives no ill treatment while in police custody. It is hoped that timely resolvement of the cases will ensure allowing for the Budha Dal to flourish under the guidance of its General. Jathedar Baba Surjit Singh Ji has spent the last majority of his life serving the Panth and it is now the Panth’s time to serve him.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6488,6488#msg-6488</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:01:49 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] amrit sanchar</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6487,6487#msg-6487</link>
      <author>khalsawannabe</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Is there an email contact for those living outside canada? A benti to admin and tapoban sevadaars that you organise an amrit sanchar around june - july time, if it's possible, convinient for you, and there are enough abhikalis willing to shakk amrit or pesh that time.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6487,6487#msg-6487</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:48:50 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Panthic Ekta First - Jathedar baba Joginder Singh Ji</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6486,6486#msg-6486</link>
      <author>Jatha Nihang Singha</author>
      <description><![CDATA[http://www.dailypehredar.com/fulldetail.aspx?id=3277]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6486,6486#msg-6486</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:29:20 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6484#msg-6484</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Panj Karam Advice From Guru Arjan Dev Jee[/b]
Taken from Aad Sikh Te Aad Sakhian by P. Stabir Singh
Translated by admin tapoban.org



Once Bhai Laloo, Bhai Baloo and Bhai Hardas Jee asked Guru Arjan Dev Jee how one can liberate this life. In response Guru Arjan Dev Jee said that there are Five actions which if done then you could claim that your life is successful. 
The Five are : 


[b]1) ਹਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੱਸ ਕੇ ਮਿਲਣਾ[/b] –-- Happily greet everyone you see (Only the ones that are happy internally can truly show this happiness externally. One who sees the Joth in everyone and accepts Akaal Purkh’s play, that person alone can represent this feeling any other state will show falseness.) 


[b]2) ਮਿੱਠਾ ਬੋਲਣਾ [/b] –-- Speak Sweetly (Do not speak rudely, with anger and hate. Someone that speaks sweetly will naturally not do ninda. There is nothing sweeter than Naam/Gurbanee itself, the saying of Naam/Gurbanee will bring sweetness to the speaker and the listener) 


[b]3) ਵੰਡ ਖਾਵਣਾ [/b]–-- Share what ever is yours with others. 


[b]4) ਨਿਵ ਚਲਣਾ[/b] –-- Live Humbly 


[b]5) ਸੰਗਤ ਨਿੱਤ ਕਰਨੀ [/b] –-- Do Sangat daily ( Do sangat daily of Guru Jee through Naam simran - reading/listening Gurbanee and also do sangat of GurSikhs )]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6484#msg-6484</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:12:20 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Bhai Rajinder Singh Ji</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6482,6482#msg-6482</link>
      <author>chatrik</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Can any gursikhs share experiences with Bhai Sahib or write something about Bhai Rajinder Singh(Chalda Vaheer, uk)?]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6482,6482#msg-6482</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:57:32 -0700</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6481#msg-6481</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]The Most Difficult Test: Bhai Manjh[/b]
Researched and Written by Admin www.tapoban.org



[center] [IMG]http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/5083/bhai20manjh16.jpg[/IMG]
Gurdwara Bhai Manjh [/center]


[b]Introduction[/b]


In the time of Guru Arjan Dev jee, there was a powerful and rich Jat by the name of Teeratha. Teeratha was a follower of the Muslim sect of Sakhee Sarvar. He was the local leader of this sect and had hundreds of followers who all respected him. Teeratha would regularly lead the members of this sect on a pilgrimage to the main Sakhee Sarvar shrine now in Pakistan.


[b]Meeting the Guru[/b]

Once when passing through Amritsar, Teeratha decided to visit Guru Arjan. He had heard that there was a great Guru who had a large following and this Guru was spiritually enlightened. He was curious to know who this Guru was and what he would say. He decided to stop off and see the Darbar of Guru Arjan Dev jee. When he saw the Darbar, he saw that people of many different backgrounds, and castes were all sitting together and living in harmony. He also heard the keertan in the darbaar and the keertan left a permanent mark on him. He heard of the great gift of naam and the thirst to have this gift rose within him. He was the leader of hundreds of Sakhee Sarvar followers but he could no longer follow that path. He realised that Sikhee was the path he must follow. 

He came to Guru Arjan Dev jee and introduced himself. Guru jee saw how rich and powerful Teeratha was and when Teeratha begged for Naam and to be initiated into the Sikh faith, Guru jee replied, &quot;Being a Sikh is no easy thing. The path is finer than a hair and sharper than the khanda. The primary principle of Sikhee is humility.&quot; Teeratha again repeated his request. Guru Arjan Dev jee then said, &quot;Why do you want to be a Sikh? You are a rich and powerful man with hundreds of followers. You can continue on the easy path of Sakhee Sarvar, because the Sikh path is very hard. If you become a Sikh, you will lose your followers and all their respect and you will lose your wealth as well. You may even have to pay for this decision with your life. What use is there in becoming a Sikh for you?&quot; But Teeratha was insistent he begged that nothing mattered. If he lost everything it would not matter, he needed Naam. With tears in his eyes he begged for Naam. Guru Arjan Dev jee accepted his request and initiated him into Sikhee and gave him Naam.

Teeratha decided to not return home and took leave of his followers. He decided to stay with the Guru Jee for some time. The Sikhs knew that Teeratha was from the Manjh clan and began to call him Bhai Manjh. Bhai Manjh did seva in the darbaar and one day Guru Arjan Dev jee called him and asked him to return to his village and preach Sikhee to his old followers.


[b]Return to the Village and Disaster[/b]

Bhai Manjh returned to his village and began the work of preaching Sikhee to the followers of Sakhee Sarvar. In his home, there was a shrine to Sakhee Sarvar which was revered by all the local followers. Bhai Manjh reached home and immediately had it demolished. Many of his old followers who had considered him a Guru heard Bhai Manjh's message that Guru Arjan was the true Satguru and the source of all happiness. They too decided to become Sikhs and began to recite baaNee. Bhai Manjh and the new devotees of the Guru decided to build a Dharamshaala (Sikh place of gathering) in the village where they could daily meet and do sangat.

While the construction of the Dharamshala was still going on, some Sakhee Sarvar leaders came to the village and saw that so many followers had become Sikhs. They spoke to Bhai Manjh and asked him to renounce Sikhee or face a terrible price. They said that he was powerful and a high official in the Sakhee Sarvar sect and he would lose all this if he did not come to his senses. Bhai Manjh sent them away and was insistent that he would remain a Sikh. The Sakhee Sarvar leaders left the village but heaped countless curses on Bhai Manjh and vowed that he would regret his decision. 

Within a few days of this event, one night, all of Bhai Manjh's cattle died. It was unexplainable how all cattle could die in one night. In the following nights, cattle began to die in neighbouring houses as well. The villagers began to believe that perhaps the curse of Sakhee Sarvar was responsible and by becoming Sikhs and destroying the shrine, they had made a serious mistake. More and more cattle began to die each night and the villagers decided to break off from Bhai Manjh. They declared that they had nothing to do with Bhai Manjh and his new religion. They removed him from his position as village head. Bhai Manjh now began to lose his wealth as well and soon poverty entered his home.


[b]Poverty[/b]

Before, poor and needy people used to come to Bhai Manjh to request for help and money. People would still come now but he himself was living in abject poverty. Bhai Manjh had absolutely no extra wealth to give to anybody. Bhai Manjh was in a desperate situation and he decided to visit the new village head. Bhai Manjh offered his home to be rented out for some money so he could feed his family. The village head agreed to the proposal but added the condition that Bhai Manjh's wife would become his housemaid. His wife would be paid for her labour as well. 

Bhai Manjh returned home absolutely shattered. He was once the most powerful man in the village and today he was being forced to make his wife a maid. When Bhai Manjh's wife asked him what the village head had said. Bhai Manjh haltingly explained the offer he was given. Bhai Manjh's wife listned and then said that in such hard times she too was willing to make sacrifices and if they had to lower their dignity by doing a job such as that of maid, then so be it. They had to marry off their young daughter and needed money to raise their family. Bhai Manjh's wife agreed to go work for the village head. 

Bhai Manjh fell asleep that night in deep sadness. The next morning his wife would leave to begin her new job. He thought of Guru Arjan and wondered why the Guru would put his Sikh through such pain. How could the Guru allow him to see such days? Then understanding dawned: this must be the Guru's test. The Guru had said that he would have to sacrifice his all for Naam. Bhai Manjh was determined not to fail this test. He felt shame that he had ever questioned the will of the Guru. 


[b]Serving the Guru[/b]

The next morning Bhai Manjh's wife gathered her clothes and left for the village head's home. Bhai Manjh decided to also leave the village. He left for Amritsar with his daughter and decided to spend his time doing seva. Bhai Manjh began to take the seva of bringing wood for the langar, cleaning the dishes, serving the visiting sangat and any other seva he could find. Guru Jee too heard of Bhai Manjh's sevaa. He called Bhai Manjh to come see him.

Bhai Manjh and his daughter appeared before Guru Jee and bowed. They stood before SatGuru Arjan Dev Jee and waited for him to speak. Guru Arjan Dev Jee asked, &quot;Bhai Manjh, where do you eat?&quot; Bhai Manjh replied, &quot;Satguru, I eat from your langar…&quot;

Guru Arjan jee then said, &quot;well then, what you do is nothing but wage-labour isn't it?&quot; 

The sangat was stunned. They knew Bhai Manjh had sacrificed his entire wealth and prestige to become a Sikh and now did more seva than anyone else in the Darbaar. How could Guru jee have humiliated him like this in front of everyone? After all, the Langar was open to everyone, why would Guru jee say such a thing?

Bhai Manjh was once a powerful and proud aristocrat with hundreds of followers. He now hung his head and then said, &quot;Satguru, you are wise. Please give me the wisdom to understand and accept your Hukam.&quot; Guru jee did not reply. Bhai Manjh then bowed and took his leave with his daughter.

Bhai Manjh now decided to no longer eat in the langar. He decided to collect two bundles of wood from now on and he would give one to the langar and sell the other to earn his living and use it to purchase his food. Bhai Manjh's daughter asked her father why the Guru was so merciless to him. Bhai Manjh immediately replied, &quot;No no! The Guru is merciful. He is testing our faith. We can not fail.&quot;


[b]The Final Test[/b]

Bhai Manjh would rise early and begin to collect wood for seva and also to sell. After giving the first bundle and selling the second, the two would return to the Darbaar and do seva all day. He would put all his extra money into the Golak. Guru jee once came to Bhai Manjh and asked why he still stayed despite being so poor and having lost everything. Guru jee said he should go home. Bhai Manjh replied, &quot;Mahaaraaj, please never speak of having to leave your feet. Sachay Patshah, worldly wealth is a dream and so it comes and goes. Nothing is lost. I have lost my worldly wealth and found your true treasure of Naam. No thief will take this treasure from me and no King will seize it. &quot; Guru jee gave his blessings to Bhai Manjh and moved on.

One day early in the morning when Bhai Manjh was going to the langar to give wood, such a dust storm arose that he could see nothing. Bhai Manjh stumbled and fell into a well. He kept the bundle of wood that he had on his head so that it might not get wet. He was not afraid and kept reciting Gurbanee. Day broke and Bhai Manjh still had not returned and everyone understood he must be in trouble. The Sikhs began to search for him, they split up into different groups and searched in every direction. Eventually one search party came near a well and heard someone singing and reciting Gurbanee. When they looked into the well they saw Bhai Manjh standing in the well, keeping dry the wood on his head. One Sikh ran to Guru Arjan Dev Jee to tell him what had happened and Guru jee immediately dashed bare foot to the well. They threw a rope into the well and asked Bhai Manjh to pull himself out. Bhai Manjh jee called from the depth of the well, &quot;Please, first pull the wood out for the langar! If they become wet, they will be of no use and not burn. If I am wet, nothing will happen.&quot; Bhai jee tied the wood bundle to the rope and had it pulled out. Only then did Bhai Manjh pull himself out.


[center] [IMG]http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/10/manjh18.jpg[/IMG] [/center]


When Bhai Manjh climbed out of the well, Guru Arjan was standing before him. Bhai Manjh fell at Guru jee's feet. Guru Arjan asked, &quot;Bhai Manjh! What have you gained by following me? You have lost your wealth, your status, and even your wife. You have lost everything!&quot; 

Bhai Manjh held Guru jee's feet even tighter and with tears in his eyes replied, &quot;No Satguru! I have not lost anything. I have only gained. Please don't push me away, this is my only request of you…&quot;

Guru Arjan Dev jee then said, &quot;Bhai Manjh, your sevaa has borne fruit. Ask for anything you want.&quot;

Bhai Manjh replied, &quot;Guru jee, bless me that I may never want anything. May I always be content&quot;

Guru jee replied, &quot;It will happen as you request. But still, request something Bhai Manjh…&quot;

Bhai Manjh then said, &quot;If you are happy with me, then have this mercy. It is Kaljug. Please do not scold and test so harshly. May your Sikhs not have to bear such hardships.&quot;

Guru Maharaj again said, &quot;This too will happen, but still request something Bhai Manjh.&quot; Bhai Manjh finally replied, &quot;May my consciousness remain at your feet and may I never forget the meditation of your Naam. If you wish to bless me, then bless me with gift of limitless faith.&quot;

Guru Arjan heard these words and then said, “ਮੰਞ ਪਿਆਰਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰ ਮੰਞ ਪਿਆਰਾ I ਮੰਞ ਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਬੋਹਥਾ ਜਗੁ ਲੰਘਣਹਾਰਾ I &quot;Manjh is the beloved of the Guru and the Guru is beloved of Manjh. Manjh is the ferry of the Guru who will ferry across the world ocean.&quot;

Guru Arjan sent Bhai Manjh home and told him all had been returned. Bhai Manjh did not understand how this would be possible, but had complete faith in the Guru. 


[b]Everything Restored[/b]

Bhai Manjh's wife had been working in the house of the village head and she made such an impression on him that he decided to make her his sister. He requested that she take the responsibility of raising his only son. He also gave back Bhai Manjh's home where she could raise the boy. Bhai Manjh returned home and was informed of all that had happened and was stunned.

Bhai Manjh never left the support of the Guru. Even at the darkest time he had faith it was all a test and if he stayed firm in his faith, nothing would happen to him. Bhai Manjh was appointed the entire Doaba area to preach Sikhee and he opened a Dharamshaalaa in his home. The langar that Bhai Sahib jee opened was famous all around. Many people became Sikhs because of his parchaar. When Guru Arjan Dev jee came to visit the Doaba area in 1596, he made a point of specially visiting Bhai Manjh and praised him for his parchaar. 

Bhai Manjh jee is the embodiment of faith and perseverance. Nothing in life could turn him away from the Guru and in the end, the Guru kept and protected his Sikh.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6481#msg-6481</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:55:13 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6480#msg-6480</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Guru Arjun Dev Jee and Bhai Bahorhe [/b]
Taken from Bhai Painde Vali Bir written in the 17th Century
Translated by admin tapoban.org



[center] [IMG]http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/7128/guruarjundevjee1gif.png[/IMG] [/center]


Below is a Sakhi of Guru Arjun Dev Jee written in the Bhai Painde Vali Bir. The Bhai Painde Vali Bir is one of the most Prachin Birs we have available and consequently the Sakhis written in a section of the Granth Sahib are one of the oldest recorded Sakhis. Below is the first Sakhi written in the Bir.



[b]Sakhi II[/b] M: 5 in relation to Bahorhe the Goldsmith [b] II [/b] The Goldsmith Bahorhe came to the feet of Sri Guru Arjan at Ramdaspur [b] II [/b]

Goldsmith Bahorhe pleaded before Sri Guru Arjan [b] II [/b]  O King, where does this being go [b] II [/b]

Sri Guru Arjan Jee said whoever is a Sikh of the Guru he will go into Sehaj [b] II [/b] Manmukh will be into ruin create [b] II [/b]

Then Bahorhe pleaded, O King one Sikh utters and does ill-actions [b] II [/b] One Manmukh utters but does vast Simran [b] II [/b] They also do Bandgi(worship) [b] II [/b]

They also fear vastly [b] II [/b] O king why is it this way [b] II [/b] Then Sri Guru said all are Guru’s Sikhs, of which have been created [b] II [/b]

Some have obeyed the command [b] II [/b] Some have not obeyed the command [b] II [/b] Those that have obeyed are Gurmukhs [b] II [/b]

Those that have not obeyed are Manmukhs [b] II [/b] Then Bahorhe pleaded, O King which is your command, Sri Guru Jee said this is the command, Don’t love another women [b] II [/b]

Treat them like mothers [b] II [/b] Even unattractive are to be stayed away from [b] II [/b] Don’t talk filth [b] II [/b] Do not Slander others [b] II [/b]

Do not listen to it either  [b] II [/b] Don’t carry out a deed which will hurt others [b] II [/b]  Don’t hurt anyone from your self [b] II [/b]

Realise the One in everyone [b] II [/b] Do not worship anyone else but the Transcendent one [b] II [/b] Focus your mind on the Sri Guru’s Words [b] II [/b]

With Sat Guru’s Word [b] II [/b] Nothing else is to be repeated [b] II [/b] Arising, Sitting, Sleeping focus the mind on the face of Sat Guru inside you [b] II [/b]

All Wealth, Beauty, Home, Clothes, Food are to be seen in the name of the Lord [b] II [/b] If this is understood then you will become a Gurmukh [b] II [/b]

Then Bahorhe pleaded. O King what will happen to Manmukhs [b] II [/b] Sri Guru Arjan said Manmukh are in the net of death [b] II [/b] 

They are in pain [b] II [/b] They are in joy and sorrow  [b] II [/b] They are in Birth and Death [b] II [/b] What ever one does so he receives [b] II [/b]

Bahorhe pleaded at the Sri Guru, O King the words you say of Gurmukhs I can not do [b] II [/b] What you will I do [b] II [/b] What will happen to us [b] II [/b]

Then the Sri Sat Guru said from your self  you should not Idly act, have the desire in you, Guru Babey has dignity [b] II [/b] Sight is seeing [b] II [/b]

If they have touched the feet of Guru all will be fulfilled, they will be accepted [b] II [/b] Punishment is given and He himself will give praise [b] II [/b] He will release them from the enemy [b] II [/b]

They will be distinguished in the Lord’s court [b] II [/b] Bahorhe pleaded, O King we are Goldsmiths, we do our work what will happen to us [b] II [/b]

Sri Guru Arjan said everyone should do their work, Guru is happy in this but work in fear [b] II [/b] Don’t do something which will bring dirt inside [b] II [/b]Righteous work is to be done [b] II [/b]

The giver is Guru Baba [b] II [/b] Then Bahorhe pleaded to Sri Guru, O King Sasthra (Hindu religious text), Ganga (Bathing), Gahathri, Ekadasi(fasting), Tarpanh (throwing water) are great great signs of connecting, why is this [b] II [/b]

The Sri Sat Guru said, whoever has his mind connected to the Lord, are all fulfilled [b] II [/b] But in this world he keeps thee [b] II [/b] Bhagats(Saints) excesses and deficiencies are none [b] II [/b]

These words are to be worked with ones self by falling at the feet [b] II [/b]Only Guru knows the way of the Guru [b] II [/b]]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6480#msg-6480</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:51:43 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Sree Guru Har Rai Sahib Jee’s Teachings From The Oldest Written Source</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6398,6479#msg-6479</link>
      <author>chatrik</author>
      <description><![CDATA[more please (((((=-D]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6398,6479#msg-6479</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:28:07 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Pakistan Taliban beheads 3 Sikhs in Peshawar</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6460,6478#msg-6478</link>
      <author>scimitar</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Taken from another website -  but i just had to share it

Kamaljeet Singh ShaheedSar March 2 at 8:43pm Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh jeeeoo!

Khalsa ji, few days back, Our Sikh brothers were killed in Peshawar, Pakistan for not converting to Islam! After a long time, Sikh blood has been shed in that land, so its an important incident for us! whenever a sikh dies for Guru, his blood gives life to Panth! and this is not a new phenomenon, it all started on 30th May 1606 with Shaheedi of Guru Arjan dev ji! These singh's sacrifice will stand out as a unique example in contemporary history of a sikh's love for his Guru,when Sikh youth,boys and girls are going far from Sikhi, doing beadbi of their Kesh(hairs) and going far from Sikh traditions and proud history!
As we slowly come to know abt lives of these singhs, i'll try to share them with you! Today a programme was held in memory of these Shaheeds. Giani Harinder Singh ji Alwar wale were talking abt shaheedi of Bhai Jaspal Singh ji!Giani ji, being a companion of Gyani Sant Singh ji maskeen has good relation with Pakistani and Afghani SIkhs! Bhai Jaspal Singh ji belonged to a rich,well to do family! His family was even ready to pay the ransom amount,but taliban wanted him as a Muslim. He simply refused. 

His brother told over phone that his scalp was half cut! Just like Bhai Taru Singh was martyred by removing his scalp( khopri), same way talibani fanatics first tried to remove Kesh from his head, not by scissors but by pulling them,and in the process causing immense pain to Bhai Sahib ji!! Due to this inhuman torture(carried out in name of Allah)his scalp was half cut and when they were unable to remove his hairs, his head was cut! But he didnt let them cut his hair!
Bhai Jaspal SIngh ji used to do sewa of Jorha-ghar(shoe place of Sangat) everyday and had charan-dhoor of sangat. this purified his mastak, his head so much that Guru accepted him as a Shaheed Son! 

His Shaheedi should be a wake up call to all those brothers and sisters, who in the wave of fashion and cultural demoralistaion have gone far from SIkhi, and have taken up western lifestyle,forgetting supreme ideals laid down in Gurubaani and rehat of Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj!

Some people say, why we Sikhs always have to die? Why we are being killed from last 500 years??
Answer is no one is killing us and no one will kill us! we have the choice to live! Who stops us from living?? No one! Our Gurus, Sahibzadeys, Shaheed Singhs were all given a chance to live, but that life was of Dis-honour, that Life was of slavery,that life was to be lived with a dead conscience, as bemukhs of Guru Akaal!!! And Our Gurus and Shaheeds refused to live! NO one kills us,We Sikhs accepted Death ourselves, because Guru Nanak taught us to live with free,living-conscience, with Honour, with Our Guru's Love, as Gurmukhs! And Sikhs will continue to live for Guru and SIkhi, else they'll choose a honourable death! Death of a Shaheed! 

ਮਃ 1 ਸਲੋਕੁ ॥
ਸੋ ਜੀਵਿਆ ਜਿਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੋਇ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜੀਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥
ਜੇ ਜੀਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਲਥੀ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਸਭੁ ਹਰਾਮੁ ਜੇਤਾ ਕਿਛੁ ਖਾਇ ॥
ਰਾਜਿ ਰੰਗੁ ਮਾਲਿ ਰੰਗੁ ॥ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਤਾ ਨਚੈ ਨੰਗੁ ॥
ਨਾਨਕ ਠਗਿਆ ਮੁਠਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਵਿਣੁ ਨਾਵੈ ਪਤਿ ਗਇਆ ਗਵਾਇ ॥1॥
Parnaam Shaheeda nu!

Dont forget to watch this kavita by Veer Harnavbir Singh!

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=F5gLj77_huM]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6460,6478#msg-6478</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:10:56 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] *Akhand Paath Sahib and Amrit Sinchaar Postponed*</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6475,6475#msg-6475</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The Amrit Sinchaar and Sri Akhand Paath Sahib scheduled for this weekend has been postponed.  It will be rescheduled and the sangat will be informed at that time.  Tentatively it will be around Vaisakhi time, depending on the abhilakhis.

Those who wish to receive amrit or get pesh should please inform the Gurdwara Sahib so that they can be kept informed of the planning and dates possible.

For more information please call the Gurdwara Sahib at 905-799-8383]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:13:27 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6474#msg-6474</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Guru Ramdas Jee’s Daily Routine at Amritsar[/b]
Taken from Poori Hoi Karamat by Pr. Satbir Singh
Translated by admin www.tapoban.org



[center] [IMG]http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5164/gururamdasjee.png[/IMG] [/center]



[b]Amritvela[/b]

Guru Ramdas Jee used to get up at Amritvela with one pehar of the night remaining. He would have an Ishnaan with cool water and then sit in samadhi. He would then still within Amritvela make his way from Guru Ka Mehl to where is now Harmandar Sahib. The Deevan used to start, sangata would already be there in anticipation. Keertan would happen, after the samapati of keertan the call would go out for langar. Guru Jee would go with the sangat to the langar. Everyone whether low/high caste or rich/poor would get the same food.

Guru Sahib would too sit with the sangat and eat. Afterwards Guru Jee would rest and then after getting up he would go and see the construction work that was happening. He would do seva like before (meaning before he became Guru Jee). 


[b]Advice[/b]

Guru Jee would take an Ishnaan again and go and sit with the sangat. The sangat used to gather in the afternoon, Katha used to occur at this time. Guru Jee himself used to do Katha. Whatever question’s sangat had were answered through Gurbanee.

Out of the Updesh that were given were 


--------Live in fear for rehat, if so you will not need to fear for anything else  

 [center][color=navy] ਸੋਡਰੈਜਿਪਾਪਕਮਾਵਦਾਧਰਮੀਵਿਗਸੇਤੁ॥[/color][/center]


-------The example of sandalwood was given for the working of simran, it needs to be rubbed continuously for you to able to smell the fragrance, this is the same method needed for simran to attain the fragrance from your jeevan  
[center][color=navy] ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਜਾਇਲਹਹੁਘਰੁਅਪਨਾਘਸਿਚੰਦਨੁਹਰਿਜਸੁਘਸੀਐ॥ ੨ ॥[/color][/center]


-------When your soul begins to receive fruit then your prem for Akaal Purkhs increases 

[center][color=navy] ਜੀਵਨੋਮੈਜੀਵਨੁਪਾਇਆਗੁਰਮੁਖਿਭਾਏਰਾਮ॥[/color][/center]


-------Following pangtee was repeated in completeness 

[center][color=navy] ਜੋਹਮਰੀਬਿਧਿਹੋਤੀਮੇਰੇਸਤਿਗੁਰਾਸਾਬਿਧਿਤੁਮਹਰਿਜਾਣਹੁਆਪੇ ॥
ਹਮਰੁਲਤੇਫਿਰਤੇਕੋਈਬਾਤਨਪੂਛਤਾਗੁਰਸਤਿਗੁਰਸੰਗਿਕੀਰੇਹਮਥਾਪੇ ॥[/color][/center] 

Guru Jee repeated ਕੋਈ ਬਾਤ ਨ ਪੂਛਤਾ many times this would pierce the hearts of the arrived sangat 


-------Warning was given to Manji-daars when they asked for advice, Guru Said it is true that  [color=navy] ਕੋਈਕਰਿਗਲਸੁਣਾਵੈਹਰਿਨਾਮਕੀਸੋਲਗੈਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਮਨਿਮਿਠਾ॥ [/color] but remember that if you act against SatGuru Jee’s wishes and start your own practice then these Sikhs will not come near you. Don’t forget that anyone involved in corruption will receive pain. However if you follow Guru Jee’s maryada with love then Sikhs without question will help you 

[center][color=navy] ਵਿਣੁਸਤਿਗੁਰਕੇਹੁਕਮੈਜਿਗੁਰਸਿਖਾਂਪਾਸਹੁਕੰਮੁਕਰਾਇਆਲੋੜੇਤਿਸੁਗੁਰਸਿਖੁਫਿਰਿਨੇੜਿਨਆਵੈ ॥
ਗੁਰਸਤਿਗੁਰਅਗੈਕੋਜੀਉਲਾਇਘਾਲੈਤਿਸੁਅਗੈਗੁਰਸਿਖੁਕਾਰਕਮਾਵੈ ॥
ਜਿਠਗੀਆਵੈਠਗੀਉਠਿਜਾਇਤਿਸੁਨੇੜੈਗੁਰਸਿਖੁਮੂਲਿਨਆਵੈ ॥
ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁਬੀਚਾਰੁਨਾਨਕੁਆਖਿਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥
ਜਿਵਿਣੁਸਤਿਗੁਰਕੇਮਨੁਮੰਨੇਕੰਮੁਕਰਾਏਸੋਜੰਤੁਮਹਾਦੁਖੁਪਾਵੈ ॥ ੨ ॥[/color][/center]


--------Don’t create groups because these will create obstacles for the Panth 

[center][color=navy] ਏਹਸਭਿਧੜੇਮਾਇਆਮੋਹਪਸਾਰੀ॥[/color][/center]


--------Emphasis was given to the importance of Gurbanee and life without Naam was a waste. Never hesitate to do Naam because you never know if your next breath will 
come or not. 

[center][color=navy] ਹਰਿਜਪਦਿਆਖਿਨੁਢਿਲਨਕੀਜਈਮੇਰੀਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏਮਤੁਕਿਜਾਪੈਸਾਹੁਆਵੈਕਿਨਆਵੈਰਾਮ ॥
ਸਾਵੇਲਾਸੋਮੂਰਤੁਸਾਘੜੀਸੋਮੁਹਤੁਸਫਲੁਹੈਮੇਰੀਜਿੰਦੁੜੀਏਜਿਤੁਹਰਿਮੇਰਾਚਿਤਿਆਵੈਰਾਮ ॥[/color][/center]


--------Never worry about things, have faith in Akaal Purkh and no one else. When he becomes ours then let him worry about us. This is the big reward of Naam 

[center][color=navy] ਨਾਕਰਿਚਿੰਤਚਿੰਤਾਹੈਕਰਤੇ॥[/color][/center]


--------Keep your Jeevan both at home and outside, those that keep love for Akaal Purkh while in gristhi are praise worthy.

[center][color=navy] ਜਿਤੁਗ੍ਰਿਹਿਗੁਨਗਾਵਤੇਹਰਿਕੇਗੁਨਗਾਵਤੇਰਾਮਗੁਨਗਾਵਤੇਤਿਤੁਗ੍ਰਿਹਿਵਾਜੇਪੰਚਸਬਦਵਡਭਾਗਮਥੋਰਾ ॥
ਤਿਨ੍ਜਨਕੇਸਭਿਪਾਪਗਏਸਭਿਦੋਖਗਏਸਭਿਰੋਗਗਏਕਾਮੁਕ੍ਰੋਧੁਲੋਭੁਮੋਹੁਅਭਿਮਾਨੁਗਏਤਿਨ੍ਜਨਕੇਹਰਿਮਾਰਿਕਢੇ ਪੰਚਚੋਰਾ ॥੧॥[/color][/center]


---------Sat Sangat at Amritvela is very important and drilled this through saying

 [center] [color=navy] ਹਰਿਧਨੁਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਵੇਲੈਵਤੈਕਾਬੀਜਿਆਭਗਤਖਾਇਖਰਚਿਰਹੇਨਿਖੁਟੈਨਾਹੀ[/color][/center]


---------Filth is lifted in Sat Sangat through  [center][color=navy] ਹਿਵੁਠੈਗਲੀਆਨਾਲਿਆਟੋਭਿਆਕਾਜਲੁਜਾਇਪਵੈਵਿਚਿਸੁਰਸਰੀਸੁਰਸਰੀਮਿਲਤਪਵਿਤ੍ਰੁਪਾਵਨੁਹੋਇਜਾਵੈ [/color][/center]


---------Keeping faith was repeated many times  [center][color=navy] ਨੁਕੋਈਮਾਰਿਜੀਵਾਲਿਨਸਕੈਮਨਹੋਇਨਿਚਿੰਦਨਿਸਲੁਹੋਇਰਹੀਐ[/color][/center]



[b]Evening[/b]

After katha Guru jee would go for a walk. At sunset Sodar De Chounki was followed by keertan. The Bhag of the fortunate ones would wake when listening to the Keertan Raag.
Guru Ramdas Jee’s eyes were immersed in love all the time, they were filled with nectar. A vessel was always with him collecting this nectar from the loved filled eyes. Once it was full Guru Sahib used to drink it. No one was allowed to disturb him while listening to keertan. 

After keertan everyone would have langar. When everyone  would depart to their resting quarters, Guru jee would make sure that everyone that had come got a place to rest. After everyone’s needs were met only then would Guru Jee would go back to Guru Ka Mehl.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6474#msg-6474</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:01:05 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6473#msg-6473</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]How Baba Amar Das Was Converted [/b]
Taken from Pr. Satbir Singh's &quot;Aad Sikh tay Aad Sakheeaa(n)&quot; 
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org 



Bibi Amaro was Guru Angad Dev jee's daughter. It is said that when she was born, it was as if Bhagti (devotion) had itself taken human form and been born in the house of the Guru. 

Her voice was very sweet and soft and she had memorised much baaNee. She was married into a family of village Basarkay. Her husband was Guru Amar Das jee's youngest brother, Bhai MaaNak Chand's son, Jasoo. 
Bibi jee would rise at amrit vela every day and with great enthusiasm and dedication begin reciting baaNee. Mehma Parkaash (an old Granth) writes that when she would sing baaNee, it was as if nectar would begin to rain down. 

One day, a Sadhu visited Baba Amar Das but did not eat anything from him as he did not have a Guru. Baba Amar Das also did not eat that night and lay awake, lost in sadness. 

Bibi Amaro rose at amrit vela like normal, bathed and began reciting baaNee. Baba Amar Das was awake and when he heard Bibi jee's beautiful voice, he began to listen with deep focus. He heard the following shabad: 

[color=navy]&quot;ਕਰਣੀਕਾਗਦੁਮਨੁਮਸਵਾਣੀਬੁਰਾਭਲਾਦੁਇਲੇਖਪਏ ॥ 

ਜਿਉਜਿਉਕਿਰਤੁਚਲਾਏਤਿਉਚਲੀਐਤਉਗੁਣਨਾਹੀਅੰਤੁਹਰੇ ॥੧॥&quot;[/color] 

Meaning: Actions are the paper, and the mind is the ink; good and bad are both recorded upon it. As their past actions drive them, so are they driven. There is no end to Your virtues, Lord. (ang 990) 


Hearing this Shabad, Baba jee's mind became pure. The Shabad matched that which Baba jee was feeling in his heart. And it was of course more piercing because it was the Guru's daughter reciting these holy lines of GurbaaNee, and that too at amrit vela with her beautiful voice. 

Baba jee from a distance spoke up, &quot;Daughter, I was dead. This amrit-baaNee has entered my ears and I am alive again. My state is exactly like the one described in that shabad. Please take me to the one who's baaNee this is. Please recite that shabad again…&quot; 

Bibi Amaro felt shy because Baba Amar Das was equal to her father-in-law. By this time, Bibi jee's mother-in-law Bhago had also awoken and said to Bibi jee, &quot;Daughter, there is no embarassment in reciting this. It is a good deed to do this. One's father and father-in-law are equal. There is no shyness when reciting a shabad.&quot; 

Bibi Bhago gave her daughter in-law permission to take Baba Amar Das to Khadoor Sahib to meet Guru Angad, but Bibi Amaro said, &quot;How can I go without being called by Guru jee? I have just arrived here in your home now.&quot; 

Baba Amar Das replied, &quot;Child, please take me. Guru jee will do kirpaa.&quot; 

Bibi jee then said &quot;As you wish. Next morning I will take you there.&quot; 

When the next day dawned, Bibi Amaro got ready and set out for Khadoor Sahib with Baba Amar Das. Upon arriving, Bibi jee left Baba jee outside and herself went before Guru jee and bowed. Guru Angad Dev jee looked at his daughter and said, &quot;Child, stop thinking that you have come here without my having called you. You have done well to come. But why have you left the one you brought with you outside? Go and bring him as well.&quot; 

Bibi jee then went and brought back Baba Amar Das. Guru Angad Dev jee rose and was about to embrace Baba Amar Das as the equal of his daughter's father-in-law but Baba jee fell at Guru jee's feet and said, &quot;Merciful one, I have come here to take the support and sanctuary of your feet&quot;. 

It was the fruit of Bibi Amaro's rising at Amrit Vela and reciting baaNee that Baba Amar Das came to Khadoor and began his sevaa there and eventually became Guru Amar Das, the strength of the helpless and the support of those with no other hope.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6473#msg-6473</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:20:49 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Pakistan Taliban beheads 3 Sikhs in Peshawar</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6460,6469#msg-6469</link>
      <author>scimitar</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Deepest Respects to all 3  Shaheed Singh who braved the WRath of the devil of the world the taliban but never once gave up their faith complete with Turbans and uncut hair on their head in their shaheedi saroop! 

the Taliban killed a huge number of Shia/ Hazra/uzbek and moderate muslims on both sides of the man made Durrand Line! 

This Horrible Taliban movement was once given logistics/material/ and moral support from High Ranking Pak Military during th 1990s. Dodgy Peace Treaties/Pakistan tolerating extremism allowed TTP to grow.. First Nek Mohammed/ then Abdullah Mehsud then  Baitullah who wiped out every tribal Head Chief and replaced them  with 40 Taliban Heads from Waziristan to Swat!  The TTP turned their guns on Pakistan and have an aim to establish Sharia Hudood Through Their Cultural codes!

Baitullahs Cousin is Hakimullah Mehsud who gave the orders to target Sikhs and their homes a while back! Hakimullah is the latest head of the Mehsud Faction which is based in S Waziristan landlocked unable to access into Afghanistan to fight Western Forces because its Rival Mullah Nazirs Territory covers the border which is allied to Pakistan Army and barely pays lip service to Taliban Propaganda. Hence Y frustrated  Mehsuds guns r turning inside Pakistan  increasingly towards Minorities. The Clash between Pak army  n TTP (mehsud) eventually tamed his Hatred and he began giving anti indian statements when  Raw is rumoured to have funded the TTP weopons by using Indian Pathaans!  By then 2000 Pakistanis had been killed by his TTP and the Pakistanis  didnt want to listen to his agenda!

Out of dozens of Moderate and hardcore Taliban inside Pak  the main culprit behind the anti Sikh drive are the Mehsud Faction who wield about 15 000 with 2000 suicide bombers! Sikhs are not alone, The TTP target moderate muslims/Pashtun tribals allied to Pak/ Shias any muslim minority! dozens of sufi shrines were attacked last year where a huge num of conservative sunni muslims privately revere! 

Many Tribals have tried to protect the minority sikhs  but when bigger guns and groups walk in with wider networks their outnumbered! 

As it stands Sikhs are sitting ducks in te most volatile region!! the  entire landscape has changed Pashtun Traditions are replaced with hardcore Hudood! The Taliban have a collective Vision of establishing Sharia! If Sikhs had a numerical strentgh its a diff story. The Taliban is a devil spawned into a beautiful land! The time may eventually come for the Sikhs to confront the Taliban in another time! But as it stands its too dangerous for Pakistani Sikhs given the current context! 

On the other hand it shiould be a wake up call for Sikhisms Martyr to the Taliban! maybe the Worlds Powers who are unable to defeat this foe should look at the history of the Sikhs and help to nurture Sikhism into their own Military wings by making it part of a global force to change the angle of the conflict before this demon spreads into Pakistan and ends up on the borders which will overspill into Punjab! Its also time the Sikh leaders wake up to whats sitting next door a clash of civilisations is waiting to unravel unless everybody unites!

The TTP  should not be over estimated!its a gameplan funded by big external players!  but their devious tactics are worrieing and their ability to take advantage of the economic situation in Pakistan means people change sides overnight!]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
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      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:03:32 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Shaheedan Misl - The Sarblohee Jatha</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,5691,6467#msg-6467</link>
      <author>Inder singh</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Sikhism had ten Gurus and our religion evolved during that period.It was Guru Gobind singh ji who created khalsa panth in 1699.Sarblohi rehat was given by Guru Gobind singh ji.

There are people who propagate their own theories against it.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:35:58 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib:  Sri Guru Arjan Dev or Sai Mian Mir?</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6465,6465#msg-6465</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib:  Sri Guru Arjan Dev or Sai Mian Mir?[/b]
Taken from “Sri Harimandar Sahib Sunehri Itihaas” published by Dharam Parchaar Committee SGPC
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org


[b]Foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib[/b]

Sri Guru Arjan Dev jee and Baba Buddha jee consulted with the leading Sikhs of the time and set a day for setting the foundation stone of Sri Harimandar Sahib.  A great congregation took place of 1 Maagh, 1654 Bk. The Sarovar had been drained in preparation and the divaan took place in the sarovar itself.  Sri Guru jee explained the meaning of Harimandar and the importance.  After distributing karah parshaad and invoking the first four Satgurus, Baba Buddha jee asked Guru Arjan Dev jee to place the first brick.  

Sri Guru Arjan Dev jee with his hands then placed the first brick:  

ਇਮਿ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰੀ ਿਬ੍ਰਧ ਜਬੈ। ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਰਜਨ ਕਰ ਪੰਕਜ ਤਬੈ॥੧੩॥ ਗਹੀ ਈਟ ਤਿਹ ਕਰੀ ਿਟਕਾਵਨ। ਮੰਦਰ ਅਿਵਚਲ ਨੀਵ ਰਖਾਵਨ। (Gurpartap Suraj Ras 2, Ansu 53).

It is clear that Gurpartap Suraj Granth says that Sri Guru Arjan laid the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib with his own hands.

[b]Why the Confusion?[/b]

The first Sikh historian to write otherwise was Giani Gian Singh.  In the third Lahore edition of Sri Gur Panth Parkash, he writes that Mian Mir placed the brick.  What is odd is that Giani jee in the first edition of Panth Parkash (published in Delhi, 1936Bk.) and in the second edition (published in Amritsar, 1946Bk) does not say who placed the first brick.  Only in the third Lahore edition does he say that Mian Mir placed the first brick but does not say where he has learned this from nor does he give any reference.

From the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib to the writing of Panth Parkash, 300 years had passed.  None of the writers of Gurbilas Patshahi 6, Gurbilas Patshahi 10,  Mehma Parkash (1776), Bansavalinama, Gurkirat Parkash (1812), Suraj Granth nor Pracheen Panth Parkash by Rattan Singh Bhangu had indicated that Mian Mir was involved in laying the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib.  

Further, none of the Muslim writers who have written biographies of Mian Mir have written that he laid the foundation.  This is odd because they would have been very proud to note such a fact.  It seems clear that the story of Mian Mir laying the foundation is imaginary.

[b]Butay Shah:  Beginning the Myth[/b]

Principal Satbir Singh has written that the first person to write about Mian Mir having laid the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib was Butay Shah (real name Ghulam Muhaiyuddin) in his book “Tavarikh-i-Punjab.” Butay Shah was a Muslim Maulvi.   He writes, “Shah Mian Mir  came to Amritsar at the invitation of Sri Guru Arjan Dev jee and with his holy hands, placed four bricks in the four directions and one in the middle.”

A hand-written copy of this work says that it was written in 1848AD.  The British were in control of Punjab at that time.  No Sikh or non-Sikh writer had written about Mian Mir before this time.  How did Butay Shah find his information?  He has not given any source.  The method he outlines of how the foundation was laid is also unusual and has not been seen or read anywhere before.  

Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangoo writes about Butay Shah in Pracheen Panth Parkash.  Rattan Singh had found out that the British had hired Shah to write the Khalsa’s history in Persian.  He protested that a Maulvi would not do justice to Sikh history because there had always been tension/conflict between Hindus and Sikhs and the Moslems and they spoke against each other.  

Giani Gian Singh also writes about the above incident.  He writes how Rattan Singh and Cpt. Murray discussed the issue and Rattan Singh told him that Sikh history written by a Maulvi would be of harm to the Sikhs and he did not write the truth.  He told Murray that each person could write about his own religion for which he was knowledgeable but he could not write about another’s religion properly especially in the case where there was conflict between the respective religions.  He said clearly to Murray after seeing the history written by Butay Shah, “he will write history in a way that will harm the Singhs.”  And also “how will he write the truth?  He will write what is the opposite.” (Sri Guru Panth Parkash Poorbaardh Bisram dooa)“
 
After this, Rattan Singh wrote Panth Parkash and gave it to Cpt. Murray.  Murray kept both Panth Parkash and Tavarikh-i-Punjab with him.  Rattan Singh did not however write in Panth Parkash who placed the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib.  

Clearly from what Rattan Singh told Cpt. Murray, he saw that Maulvi Butay Shah was writing Sikh history in a twisted and inaccurate way.  

[b]Which Account is Authentic?[/b]

Accepting Butay Shah’s statement that Mian Mir placed the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib, Sohan Lal Suri in his book Umda-Tu-Tavarikh (1885 AD) repeated the same thing.  In the same way,  the Amritsar Municipal Corporation in their record for 1849 to 1885 seem to have relied on Butay Shah and recorded Mian Mir as having placed the foundation.

Before all these, Kavi Santokh Singh wrote in Gurpartap Sooraj Granth (1900BK) that Guru Arjan had placed the foundation.  Bhai Santokh Singh had received his training at Sri Amritsar Sahib from Bhai Sant Singh.  Bhai Sant Singh used to do Katha every day at Sri Darbar Sahib.  Before him, his brother Giani Gurdas Singh and their father, Bhai Surat Singh used to do this seva at Sri Harimandar Sahib.  

Bhai Surat Singh’s ustad was Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who had received his training in Gurmat and Sikh history from Bhai Mani Singh jee himself.  Bhai Mani Singh jee had been in the Guru’s service since the time of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib.  Bhai Sahib’s grand father, Bhai Baloo jee was a Sikh of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and was shahid in the Battle of Amritsar in 1691Bk.  

Bhai Mani Singh jee must have known from his grandfather and father about the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib and certainly must have been told by the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth Guru of the same.  

Bhai Mani Singh passed on his knowledge to Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who then passed the knowledge to Bhai Surat Singh who educated his two sons, Bhai Gurdas Singh and Bhai Sant Singh.  It was from Bhai Sant Singh that Kavi Santokh Singh learned of the foundation of Sri Harimandar Sahib.  It is clear that Kavi Santokh Singh’s knowledge is more reliable than that of Butay Shah.


 Butay Shah and Sohan Lal Suri do not have even a distant relationship with Sri Harimandir Sahib nor did their ancestors have any link.  It is clear that these writers have not relied on anything besides their own imaginations.  In fact, Butay Shah and Sohan Lal Suri’s accounts do not match between themselves.  Butay Shah writes that four bricks were placed in the four directions and one in the middle.  He then writes that Mian Mir was invited to Amritsar by Guru Arjan Dev jee.  Sohan Lal writes however that Guru jee himself went to Lahore and invited Mian Mir to place the foundation of Harimandar Sahib in Amritsar.  There is no further mention of whether Mian Mir came to Amritsar and whether he placed one or five foundation bricks.  In a court of law, where the statements of the witnesses don’t match, they are not given any credence.  Therefore the writings of Butay Shah and Sohan Lal cannot be accepted, especially since they have both been written after Gurpartap Suraj Granth.    

[b]Dr. Madanjit Kaur on the Issue[/b]

Sikh historian Dr. Madanjit Kaur writes in  “The Golden Temple: Past and Present, “According to the earliest Sikh tradition, the foundation stone of the Harmander was laid by Guru Arjan himself. A mason, so goes the story, accidentally displaced the brick (the foundation stone). On seeing this, the Guru prophesized that the foundation would be laid again in the near future. This version of Bhai Santokh Singh is carried by almost all subsequent Sikh sources right up to the twentieth century ….” 

The author further writes: “The story of Mian Mir having laid foundation of Harmander appears amongst the Persian sources for the first time in Bute Shah’s, ‘Tawarikh-I-Punjab’… The real objective of the author (Bute Shah) was to eradicate any chance of animosity between Sikhs and Muslims after fall of Sikh Kingdom…” 

“The first recorded reference to this version in European sources is to be met immediately in, “The Punjab notes and queries”. It records: ‘The foundation stone was laid by Mian Mir...’ The contributor of the entry, E. Nicholl, (Secretary, Municipal Committee, Amritsar) does not cite any authority, he merely states the facts”. 

Renowned Sikh historian, S. Piara Singh Padam also accepts that Sri Guru Arjan Dev jee laid the foundation.  He writes “Mian Mir was barely 36-37 years old at the time.  Only after considerable meditation did he finally (later in life) become so respected.”

Therefore it is clear that the foundation Sri Harimandar Sahib was laid by Sri Guru Arjan Dev jee.  The myth of the foundation being laid by Sai Mian Mir is a fabrication of the mid 19th Century.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:23:48 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6464#msg-6464</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Guru Amar Das Jee’s First Sermon[/b]
Taken from Pr. Satbir Singh’s “Parbat Mayraan”
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org



[center] [IMG]http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/8329/guruamardasjee.png[/IMG] [/center]




When Sree Guru Amar Das jee became Guru, historians have recorded his first words to the Sangat:

“If someone treats you badly, bear it. If you bear it three times, the fourth time Vahiguru will be on your side. The aggressor will be given such a punishment that he will not be able to save himself regardless of all his efforts. Vahiguru’s grindstone (of justice) may turn very slowly, but the grain is ground very finely (the justice is perfect).”

Then Guru jee read the 21st PauRee of Sree Asa Kee Vaar &quot;ਜਿਤੁਸੇਵਿਐਸੁਖੁਪਾਈਐਸੋਸਾਹਿਬੁਸਦਾਸਮ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਲੀਐ ॥ ....”

He then continued,

“Be kind to everyone. Having pride over anything is not noble. 

Consider the company (immoral relations) with another woman to be like the company of a snake or a murderous elephant. Never even by mistake go into bad Sangat (company). 

Humility is the greatest weapon. Never speak badly. 

Those who praise themselves are always lost. The path of dharma is the abandoning of slander (ninda). 

Don’t spend or eat more than you need to. Also work just as much as you need to. Don’t do anything above and beyond the need for it. 

Leave behind fakeness and hypocrisy. A life of false show is always a painful one.

If someone is a Sikh of the Guru, listen and obey him. 

Loving another woman, even if she is a devotee of God (bhagtaNee) is a relationship which will result in loss not gain. 

Go to and meet the Shabad of the Guru. Do not go somewhere where the Guru is forgotten.

Eat when you are hungry. Don’t fill what is already filled. But don’t abandon food either. Sleep when you feel very sleepy. Don’t sleep without feeling tired. Don’t pain your body.

Listen to the stories of the Guru. Singh Shabads and listen too. Don’t’ speak falsehood. 

If someone is forgetting about the Guru, try and remind them. Speak to them from the heart. If they don’t listen, then it’s up to them.

Take the Guru’s words to heart. Give (the Guru) at least a tenth of your earnings. Keep the company of good people and serve those you encounter. 

Before putting anything in your mouth, say Vahiguru. Vahiguru will bless it.

Those who have day and night japed Vahiguru, and left their ego, they are the truly high and good ones. 

Controlling one’s desires is Dharam. One who does this is jeevan mukat (liberated while alive).

One who is beloved of God cannot ever remain bound by any restraints. He is free. He is above all tradition, custom, fortune, luck, and delusion.&quot;


[b]Sree Guru jee’s Daily Routine[/b]

Guru jee would rise with one quarter of the night remaining. He would not wake anyone else. He would bathe using water brought by his seva Bhai Buloo jee (who was always with him). Guru jee, historians right, would daily wash his kesh and also put yogurt (was used to clean hair).

After bathing, Guru jee would put on immaculate white clothes. He would then go sit in solitary meditation, deep in samadhee. 

When amrit vela would arrive and the rest of the Sangat too had risen, he would go and join the Sangat. Bhai Saadoo, Baadoo and Bhai Sata and Bhai Balvand would recite keertan. Guru jee too would sometimes lead the keertan. When the sun rose, keertan ended and degh was distributed. 

The Sangat would then come and speak with Guru jee and tell their personal problems. Some would ask for naam, others for some worldly gift and others would ask how to progress on the spiritual path. When Guru jee would speak, it was as if a wave had risen from a great and profound ocean and with the wave, jewels from the depths were tossed out. All would lovingly praise the Guru. Hearing his words all hearts would blossom forth and naam would begin to go by itself.

Guru jee would then join the Sangat to do seva. Guru jee would do his own work and then go to the Langar to supervise. Under Guru jee’s watch, the Langar was prepared and would then take Sangat with him and sit in the Pangat to eat. There was no caste in the Langar, all were equal. Guru jee would himself eat a bland dish made of cooked grain, which was like a gruel. He would eat very little. 

Guru jee would then return to his hut and rest for a short while. He would then emerge and meet the visiting Sangat. It was Guru jee’s rule that all who wished to meet him must first eat in the Langar and break all caste barriers. No one could meet Guru jee without first obeying this rule. With this, caste was not abandoned just theoretically but also practically. 

Later in the day, Katha would happen and Gursikhs would explain baaNee and Guru Sahib would also speak when he felt it necessary. Keertan would follow and then Sodar. All would then eat, but Guru jee did not. He would either sit outside and speak with the Sangat or walk by the banks of the Beas. 

Guru Sahib had also ordered that the Langar should not have anything stored. Whatever was left over would be given to the animals and if there was still some left, it was given to the fish of the Beas. Not even the clay pots were allowed to have any water left in them. Guru Sahib did this so no one would feel greed for the Langar or try to profit from it. Guru Sahib said that just as the bird does not store for tomorrow, he too had no need to store. Like a bird, there should be faith that Vahiguru will provide. 

Because of this practice, from the morning, the Sangat would arrive with supplies for the Langar. Every day the Langar would fill afresh.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6464#msg-6464</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:42:46 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6463#msg-6463</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[[b]Advice on Bhagti From Guru Angad Dev Jee [/b]
Taken from Kudrati Noor by Pr. Satbir Singh 
Translated by Admin www.tapoban.org 



[center] [IMG]http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5007/guruangaddevjeey.png[/IMG] [/center]



Guru Angad Dev jee spoke very little. He would come to Sangat and give advice or explain bani and succinctly express Gurmat in short saloks. 




[b]On Wealth [/b]

Guru Sahib used to say that one who has recognised that the world is only temporary will not spend all his effort on gathering wealth. 

[color=navy] ਜਿਨੀਚਲਣੁਜਾਣਿਆਸੇਕਿਉਕਰਹਿਵਿਥਾਰ ॥ 

ਚਲਣਸਾਰਨਜਾਣਨੀਕਾਜਸਵਾਰਣਹਾਰ ॥1॥ [/color]

Guru Sahib told his Sikhs that a truly successful person was not one with the most wealth. If they can see that a human comes with nothing and leaves with nothing, why would they spend all their time on collecting money? Such money-hungry people are driven by worldly praise and seek wealth to get it. Guru Sahib told his Sikhs to forget all worldly praise and greatness. 

[color=navy] ਨਾਨਕਦੁਨੀਆਕੀਆਂਵਡਿਆਈਆਂਅਗੀਸੇਤੀਜਾਲਿ ॥ 

ਏਨੀਜਲੀਈਂਨਾਮੁਵਿਸਾਰਿਆਇਕਨਚਲੀਆਨਾਲਿ ॥2॥ [/color]

Guru Sahib used to tell the Sangat not to be influenced by the rich as well. To please them, it is not necessary to humble or lower yourself. Doing this increases fear and powerlessness. Vahiguru showers his blessings on all. The rich and powerful are also just ordinary humans. When the call of death comes, their wealth will not help them stay here or extend their life. 

[color=navy] ਜਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਚੀਰੀਚਲਣਾਹਥਿਤਿਨ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਕਿਛੁਨਾਹਿ ॥

ਸਾਹਿਬਕਾਫੁਰਮਾਣੁਹੋਇਉਠੀਕਰਲੈਪਾਹਿ ॥ [/color]

Work is important but when doing this, it is important to not let ego enter the mind. It is important to do simran and sing shabads when working. With simran, the individual becomes so calm and stable that no worldly problem can shake him. 

There is no greater education than being immersed in Naam. Leaving this and looking towards any other support or sustenance brings only pain. Those who mock the path of Bhagti are showing their own ignorance and idiocy. 


[b]Helping Others a Great Virtue [/b]

Guru Angad Dev jee used to say that helping others is a great virtue. There are three ways this can be done: 

1) Whatever wealth or possessions you have should be shared with others. Do not waste what you have on pointless things like showing off to others. Share what you have with the poor and those engaged in Bhagti. 

2) It is also a virtue to use your body to help others. Serving others prevents ego. Helping others with humility and sweetness. 

3) To use the tongue to give knowledge and encouragement about the Guru and Naam is the third important way of helping others. 


[b]Guru Angad Dev Jee's Advice on Bhagti [/b]

Guru Angad Dev jee explained that at first when one begins bhagti, it may be very difficult because it feels as if the relationship is very one-sided. We may not feel the love of Vahiguru. During this stage, there are nine things one should do: 

1) Listen to Bani with faith 

2) Do kirtan one's self 

3) Not to waste time without naam. Do simran with every breath. Do not spend time on fruitless activity. 

4) Put one's consciousness at the feet of the Guru. Serve the Sangat with dedication 

5) Have a giving attitude and forsake the desire to take and seize. Give what you have and feel good about it. Desire Good for others. 

6) Go to the Dharamshala (Gurdwara) to listen and also to do humble seva. 

7) Consider yourself to be a slave of Vahiguru. Consider everything you have as his and his gift to you. 

8) Know Vahiguru to be your friend. Believe that your friend will never want to harm you. Whatever He does will be for your benefit. 

9) Submit your everything to Vahiguru. Even make yourself a sacrifice and have no attachment to anything. 

When these become a part of your life, you will feel Divine Love. Everything will seem like it is bloom. You will fee waves of love. You will be in the world but rise above it like the lotus. 

The Bhagat's face will glow red by drinking the nectar and will feel Vahiguru's blessings constantly fall to him. 

Vahiguru himself will complete the Bhagat's tasks so that he is not distracted from the true goal.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6463#msg-6463</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:49:10 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] ਬਾਬਾਣੀਆਕਹਾਣੀਆਪੁਤਸਪੁਤਕਰੇਨਿ ॥ Sakhi’s and Teachings from our Guru Sahibs</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6462#msg-6462</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Under this new thread we will be putting up Sakhi’s and Teachings related to our Guru Sahibs and their Sikhs which have been written/translated by admin. Some of these posts will be new and some will be from our archives. This thread will eventually become our last sticky thread. So I will urge our readers not to make any comments on this thread, if you have a query or you want to add something then please start a new post.


Below is the first of our posts.






[b]The Discourse Between Shah Sharaf And Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee[/b]
Taken from Twarikh Guru Khalsa by Giani Gian Singh Jee
Translated by admin tapoban.org



[center] [IMG]http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6876/gurunanaksakhi.png[/IMG] [/center]



Guru Nanak Dev Jee on his travels to the west met a Fakir by the name of Shah Sharaf. The Fakir had been harbouring many questions and was looking for someone to put his mind to rest. Seeing Guru Nanak Dev Jee he took the opportunity to conclude his search. Only a true Fakir could satisfy him and answer his questions.

The following is the discourse that originally took place in Farsi between Shah Sharaf and Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee. The questions and answers were short but the meanings are very deep. There is a lot to be learnt from this conversation.


 ([b]Note[/b] Q: are questions from Shah Sharaf and A: are answers from Sree Guru Nanak Dev Jee)




[center]Q : What is the beginning for a Fakir (recluse) ?
A : The beginning for a Fakir is to destroy ones self

Q: Where does Fakiree end?
A: The end is God 

Q: What is the Key?
A: The Key is abyass/repetition (without this the door will not open)

Q: What are the chains? (to keep you away from falling)
A: Bandagi/worship are the chains that will save you

Q: Which is the tomb? (where one shall place himself to rest safely)
A: Modesty is the place to reside (this is the only place which gives peace)

Q: Which is the Chest? (where all the treasures reside) 
A: Sat Sangat is the chest (where all the treasures and jewels lie)

Q: What is the Light (that shows us the way)
A: Gian/knowledge (from Guru Jee is the light)

Q: What brings expansion/increment?
A: Understanding/learning (is the only commodity worth expanding/increasing) 

Q: What is happiness?
A: Didar/Sight (of the supreme Lord is the only thing that can bring true happiness)

Q: Which is the Food?
A: Contentment is the Food (nothing else can fill someone)

Q: Which is the Robe/Garment (to be worn)?
A: Truthfulness (only this can cover you gracefully)

Q: What is the necklace of a Fakir?
A: To live whilst being dead (to remember death is the necklace)

Q: Which is the smoke for the Fakirs?
A: Firm wisdom and a Firm placement is the Smoke

Q: What brings benefit?
A: Oneness

Q: What is used to cover the head?
A: To live in the will (of the Lord)

Q: Which is the home?
A: Being untroubled is the home

Q: What are the words? (to be spoken)
A: Truth

Q: Which is the boat? (to ferry us across)
A: Good deeds are your boat

Q: Which is the loincloth/underwear to be worn? (to protect against sexual desires) 
A: Chastity is the underwear (for a true Fakir)

Q: What is Liberation?
A: Faith (To give your head but not your Faith)

Q: What is Life?  
A: It is ‘Just’ 

Q: What is existence/being?
A: To be able to relate to all in existence

Q: Which are the arms?
A: To befriend (other true seekers)

Q: Which is the position?
A: To be like the joint in Iron

Q: What is a Journey? 
A: A hold of air  [/center]]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6462,6462#msg-6462</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:47:31 -0700</pubDate>
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      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Pakistan Taliban beheads 3 Sikhs in Peshawar</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6460,6460#msg-6460</link>
      <author>Harisingh</author>
      <description><![CDATA[New Delhi: The Pakistan Taliban beheaded three Sikhs and dumped their heads at a gurdwara in Peshawar, reports on Sunday said.


The Sikhs were picked up from a place called Badi in Peshawar on Sunday afternoon and then murdered. One of the dead men has been identified as Jaspal Singh.

http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-news/29303-pakistan-taliban-beheads-3-sikhs-peshawar.html]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6460,6460#msg-6460</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:59:27 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Akhand Paath Sahib This Weekend to Give Thanks for Debate Success</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6437,6459#msg-6459</link>
      <author>admin</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Madh Ardaas is the &quot;middle&quot; ardaas of Sri Akhand Paath Sahib which is performed at the begninning of Jaitsri Ki Vaar.  It is approximately half-way through the Akhand Paath Sahib and the degh for the second day has been prepared and the Ardaas asks Guru Sahib to accept the degh and bless the paathis to complete the Akhand Paath.

I don't believe any pictures were taken of the smagam above.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6437,6459#msg-6459</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:57:09 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Akhand Paath Sahib This Weekend to Give Thanks for Debate Success</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6437,6458#msg-6458</link>
      <author>IApple</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Any chance of photos admin jee?]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6437,6458#msg-6458</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:57:02 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Akhand Paath Sahib This Weekend to Give Thanks for Debate Success</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6437,6457#msg-6457</link>
      <author>Outwardly</author>
      <description><![CDATA[What is Madh Ardaas?

Thanks!]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6437,6457#msg-6457</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:23:46 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Gurbani Santhyia</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6442,6456#msg-6456</link>
      <author>Dhan Waheguru</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks, East london.]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6442,6456#msg-6456</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:08:20 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] Re: Gurbani Santhyia</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6442,6455#msg-6455</link>
      <author>IApple</author>
      <description><![CDATA[if you could be more specific in the area your from in the UK, i might be able to direct you to someone to learn gurbanee paath. As for Talwara Jees book, i not too sure but you can try sikh missionary in southall, they have a variety of books or coventry cross roads gurdwara.

You can definitely get them from India, from singh brothers which is located right near siree darbar sahib]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6442,6455#msg-6455</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:13:18 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>[Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib] &quot;Sri Dasam Granth And British Connection&quot; - Fact Or Fiction</title>
      <link>http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6454,6454#msg-6454</link>
      <author>Sridasamgranth.com</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The sacred Banee of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib has guided the Khalsa for the last 300 years and is part and parcel of the Sikh psyche. Sri Dasam Granth of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib is the second most respected scripture of the Sikhs after Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In addition of being the source of the Banees of Sikh Baptism (Amrit Sanchar), Daily Prayer (Nitnem) and Ardas, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib is also the only source from where the terminologies, phrases and concepts of the Khalsa are derived. Some prominent examples are, 'Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh', 'Deg Teg Fateh', 'Bipran Ki Reet', 'Panth', 'Khalsa', 'Khanda', 'Kirpan', 'Sarab-loh', 'Dharam-Yudh' etc.

Recently there have been some theories that are being peddled that the Banee of the Tenth Guru is actually the creation of the British. This conspiracy theory was first propagated by one Dr Jasbir Singh Mann, a self acclaimed scholar of Sri Dasam Granth. Concocting this fake theory he claimed that Sri Dasam Granth was made by Mahants of Patna, Nirmalas and the British. This mixture of fiction and fantasy has been the most absurd theory on Sikh history.

CONTINUE READING...

http://www.sridasamgranth.com/#/sri-dasam-granth-and-britsih-c/4538989768

www.sridasamagranth.com]]></description>
      <category>Gurdwara Tapoban Sahib</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tapoban.org/forum/read.php?1,6454,6454#msg-6454</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:08:23 -0700</pubDate>
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