AUSSIE CHILDREN AND CHRISTIANITY

19th.Mar. I was asked by my daughter to go to my grandson's class to ''show 'n' tell'' about Sikhi and also demonstrate tying a jura (topknot) and dastaar (turban). It was a highly successful exercise with my grandson getting into the act by proudly opening his topknot to show that his is now bigger and his hair longer than Nana Ji's! He has been complaining about some teasing and we felt we should put that right. I subtley warned the class that a Sikh's dastaar or patka or hair should not be touched and that a Sikh child should not be teased about his/her long hair. The message was delivered quite effectively - more importantly, my grandson felt very proud of his hair and patka. (His father, unfortunately, is now fighting a case in court to have the right to cut his son's hair against the wishes of his (my grandson's) mother. The decision is expected on Vesakhi Day - see last two months' journals.)

BUT, I received quite a shock about the ignorance of the rest of the 'all-white' Australian kids. NOT ONE OF THEM KNEW WHAT FAITH THEY BELONGED TO AND BARELY ANYONE IN A CLASS OF ABOUT 20 KNEW ABOUT JESUS CHRIST. Oh Yes! Everyone knew about celebrating Christmas, receiving lots of toys from Santa Clause and chocolate eggs during Easter, BUT, they knew nothing about Jesus or their faith! WE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE COMPLACENCY OF SIKH PARENTS OF THE YOUNGER CHILDREN FROM NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE TEACHING OF SIKHI. THE SITUATION IS WORSE, I THINK, IN CHRISTIANITY!

Good friday 21st.Mar. - oldest daughter Jamel goes thru the 'lavan' ceremony to marry a second time after a first failed marriage. May Waheguru give us strength and conviction in our beliefs in trying times - to do the right thing by our children.

28/29/30th. March: Special 3-DAY Sukhmani Readings & celebrations of 300th. Gurgadhi Day of SGGS; Passing on of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Khalsa Day 2008. (Simran House, Sydney.)

The month closed with a road trip to Sydney for this 3 day event with Asa Di Vars every morning and divan every evening with big Jorh Mela on the Sunday morning. Group included new arrivals from Malaysia S. Kulvinder Singh and his son Sunveer (tabla); Jamel, oldest daughter with husband, Manjeeth. Sangat members took turns to read and join in Sukhmani Readings throughout the daytime - all three days. We also had the opportunity of meeting Sant Baba Makhan Singh Ji, the 'mukhi' (head) of the Bhai Mani Singh 'taksal' (branch). I have heard of some of the great 'sewa' he is doing especially setting up hospitals and learning centres for poor.

His major contribution appears to be the mass marriages of the poor in Punjab villages - most importantly immaterial of lriogious background. His earlier effort was just over 500 Anand karaj's. This year he has achieved over 1000 such weddings of all denominations - enlisting granthis, pandits and kajis and even pastors to conduct mass weddings. BUT, his latest venture confounds me - collecting as much 'gold' from devotees to put on domes of some gurdwara in India to celebrate 300 anniversary of gurgadhi of SGGS. Nevertheless, the devotees are contributing as if their 'salvation' depends on it!

AN INTERESTING QUOTE! Baba Makhan Singh was asked, what was the main difference between the Bhai Mani Singh 'taksal' and the Damdami taksal. he had a one word answer - HAUMAI (EGO) ! So, someone quipped,the main difference between all the various sects who all claim to be 'Sikh', like the AKJ, the various 'Sant' deras, the various taksal' followers, etc. etc. really is 'HAUMAI'! And Baba Ji just smiled!!! I think I quite like this Baba even though he is collecting gold for a gurdwara now

SUKHMANI SAHIB recording is proving quite a challenge as my daughters are not fluent with it but what a way to learn it! It is starting to sound smooth-flowing, just the way it should sound. Pity it is on two cd's as some of you I have spoken to wished it was on a single cd. This lovely bani cannot be rushed especially if it is being sung. Some very rich melodies in the appropriate morning 'raags' have blossomed. Sukhmani itself is 'inspired' through Raag Gaudi and close associated 'amritvela' raags like Bhairon, Ramkali, leading to Raag Todi moving into Assa. Well, I am having a wonderful time recording it. I hope listeners will like it too when it is completed. We expect to have it as a special release for the 300th. Gurgadhi Day of SGGS.

Upcoming

1. My daughter's court 'case' concerning custody of her children against her ex-husband and his right to cut their hair has its final hearing on Vesakhi Day. Please extend your prayers for her. She has meanwhile remarried on Good Friday 21st.March.

2. The group 'Dya Singh World Music group is performing at the Penang World Music Festival from 1-4 May. Check out www.penangworldmusicfestival.com .

3. I am proposing a charity walk from Penang to Ipoh (in north Malaysia) (about 200km.) along the 'old roads' from 5th.May, for the Malaysian Sikh orphanage called 'Gurpuri' (check out www.gurpuri.org) So, if 'YOU' want to join me, well, get in touch! It is a good cause and Malaysia is a beautiful country. I promise some lovely stops at food & drink stalls along the way; lovely tropical fruits; water-falls, hot springs and beautiful scenic hills to climb. This is not a foot race. I am just doing it to enjoy the beauty of Malaysia and hopefully it might inspire some to make donations to 'Gurpuri' and others to do at least some walking for their own health. For those familiar, imagine walking thru Prai, Butterworth, Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Kamunting and stop at Maxwell Hill. Then thru Taiping to Kuala Kangsar and onto Ipoh. Imagine the shady flora, the occasional fauna, cascading waterfalls of cool water, the blue sky and the lush green equatorial forest. Yes, it will be hot and humid, but imagi ne becoming one with such beauty around you. Not bad for your heart and health too! Then surprise yourself by getting in touch with your 'inner self' through 'naam simran'. Something to brag to your grandchildren about! I have already done Ipoh to KL last year and know what I am talking about. (Check out our website - www.dyasingh.com ) Let me say that it is an amazing 'high' putting the old' body thru some pain and discovering ones inner self. I think this is the perfect meditation..