May06 is a non-travelling month for our group, and a very welcome one. Last month was Vesakhi and the youth camp in Auckland which was very exciting. Next month is a four concerts 'home', Melbourne tour and a few performances in northern NSW and Queensland. This gives me the opportunity of writing on some interesting aspects, well one really, which is not necessarily of a 'diaric' nature.

First a very Happy and momentous
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shahidhi Day & Akal Takhat Shahidhi Day
coming up in the first few days of June.
May the memory of both great historical days make us better Sikhs and Sewadhars of Waheguru!

21st.C. SIKH SELF SPIRITUAL SERVICE?

The most important aspect I have become very aware of, and need attention this month, is a category of Sikh couples, mainly professionals, (and singles) in the 20 to 40 range who have (or have no) children and who find that their Sikh spiritual and emotional needs are not being catered for by the 'Sikh fraternity', especially the gurdwaras. It first came up in a 'youth session' in Seattle, USA last year, again in Auckland amongst some friends, again in Malaysia with a group of young professionals, in Melbourne amongst some friends and lastly an email from Singapore. Many of these 'youngsters' do gravitate towards our kirtan and music due to its bilingualism and also because through our group I do not push 'religion' down their throats - a bad word at best of times! A large number of these young 'parents' and professionals are cleanshaven but with an affinity to their background and Sikhism and yearning for the spirituality within the institution of Sikhism - for themselves and for their offsprings who are drifting off towards alternative ideologies or just drifting off...

I have met and have had numerous emails from such couples who contact me looking for our cd's. One such 'group' which at best gets together once in a while for a BBQ or a movie so that at least they and their children can socialise with each other, have been in touch with me. They have now felt the need for some 'spiritual and self-improvement exercises' for themselves and their children. They have asked me to tailor a 'simple' periodical session 'with least fuss' where they can do a short Sikh spiritual service. They do not want to have to worry about 'getting' the Guru Granth Sahib which entails approaching someone who has a Guru Granth Sahib at home, or which entails approaching a gurdwara for one which will also mean getting a granthi/sewadhar. That would also entail other rituals like 'parkash'/samapti, karah prashad, adequate transport deserving of our 'Guru' etc. etc. etc.

I have made my suggestion for such a 'program' or 'service' as you like, and perhaps it might benefit others who are so inclined. It must be remembered that I am not advocating a diversion from mainstream Sikhism. Far from it. Going to the gurdwara and doing sewa in the gurdwara is an essential part of a Sikh's life. Nevertheless, if there are youngsters in the category as above then it is best that a special D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) service is tailored for them which is of greater significance to them than just going to gurdwara, or not going to gurdwara at all. General gurdwara services do not normally have a 'Naam Simran' session anyway, except for the token ten 'Mool Mantr's' or a variety of Waheguru simran sung by raagis.

These days, firstly, a great deal of information is available from internet on Sikhism and any individual can pick and choose that information which serves you. One can easily tailor a series of short 'lectures' for discussion at such a 'service'. This includes translations of gurbani. A group can, for example, read the complete JapJi Sahib with translations over a number of such sessions as a learning process.

So, firstly, the important ingredients:

1.The session must be meaningful and understood by all - which means, in the English language for the vast majority within this group... with touches of Punjabi - at least when gurbani is read. It must also be reasonable - in terms of time.Say, one hour long within a one and half hour period. Strict time adherence can be absurd when it comes to matters of the soul!
2. The session must be uplifting and fulfilling - so that everyone wants to do it on a regular basis.
3. Minimum fuss - so that everyone is willing to host it and enjoy it with everyone else attending without having to worry about cooking food; getting the 'Babay Dhi Deh' with associated protocol and accompanying Granthi, degh, etc..

I know of a group of non-Sikhs who, through the influence of one Bhai Sahib Kirpal Singh of Malaysia now hold regular Thursday sessions of what they refer to as 'Akhand Jaap' of one hour of 'Waheguru' simran, followed by one hour of continuous 'Mool Mantr'. No fuss, no frills, no elaborate 'langgars', no Guru Granth Sahib, no fundamentalists! In our case, for a simple session of Sukhmani Sahib, the host has to start worrying about a 'menu' for the langgar, cha, Guru Granth Sahib, kirtan jatha, etc. etc. AND I know of Sikh families ending up saying - "FORGET IT!" So, why not something simple?

Now that we have the parameters set, let us see what we have for a 'new age Sikh service'!

****************************

Use the largest room in the house - preferably the living room.

Encourage all attendees to sit cross-legged on the floor except for the infirm, old or incapacited who can sit on the sofas which are set at the back. It is important to sit cross-legged, or, as poshly described, in the 'lotus' position. This helps posture, helps circulation and enhances meditative practices. As the attendees come in, there should already be a cd of naam simran or easy kirtan playing so that attendees are not encouraged to share pleasantries or idle chatter, which can be (and should be) done 'after' the service.

Attendees are requested to leave their footwear outside and as they remove their footwear to also shed all mental anxieties, problems, etc. with their footwear - outside. To come into the main prayer room ready for one hour of 'devotion' to Waheguru and ones soul.

By the way, punctuality must be encouraged because you do not want interruptions or disruptions of any kind. Sikhs are notorious for turning up just before langgar! Late-comers have to contend sitting at the back or outside without disrupting the proceedings.

Everyone faces one direction which is taken up by the 'facilitator' or presenter or MC who can be seen by all. Ideally, group members should take turns to be MC's!

Program:

1. Opening Ardaas. All stand as Ardaas is done invoking the spirits of the ten Gurus, Guru Granth Sahib and request permission from Waheguru to hold this holy session. A shortened version of the Ardaas can be done and everyone encouraged to learn at least the shortened version by heart. It can also be bilingual - I have heard the 'ardaas' done by the members of the western dharma - it is sincere, short, sweet, beautiful and bilingual. (For those interested I can email it!)
2. One shabad to be presented by whoever has prepared it. Only one shabad. It must be translated in English and even discussed. It is preferable if the shabad is photocopied and everyone should be encouraged to sing it.
3. Naam Simran for half an hour. There are different ways to do Naam Simran but here is a start. Put a background cd of ethereal music, sound of the waves on a shoreline, birds chirping, a gentle breeze rustling in the leaves etc. You know what I mean. (I might be inspired to do such a cd myself!) It must help everyone present to be able to sit still.
BREATH IN 'SAT' ... AND BREATH OUT 'NAAM'. Not audibly, but focus on ones breathing which is ones life force. AS one breaths out say 'WAAAAA-H-GURUUUUUUUU'. In the beginning it will sound restrained, but as time goes on within a session, it will become relaxed. Everyone need not do it in unison. Just the fact that everyone is doing it together, has its own power. Finish with ten 'Mool Mantrs' followed by ten 'WAHEGURU's in unison, followed by fateh. Attention should be focused, with heavy concentration, on the breathing and an overall, overwhelming sense of wellbeing and 'thanksgiving'.
4. A short discourse/discussion on one topic of Sikhism. For example:

a. Ardaas, its significance to Sikhs and its benefits.
b. Naam Simran and its benefits.
c. Cherdhi Kala - what does it mean.
d. Sewa - what is it. What is its benefit.
e. Short histories of the ten Gurus - especially their contributions towards Sikh thought and way of life.
f. Miri-Piri.
g. Diet
h. Langgar - why langgar.
i. Universal truths.
j. Comparisons with other faiths.
k. etc. etc. etc.

These can be prepared by 'anyone' with the aid of internet and discussed by everyone.

5. Concluding Ardaas.

Basic tea/coffee and biscuits and interaction including deciding where and when the next session will take place. Who hosts, who prepares one shabad and who prepares the discourse. Youngsters must be encouraged to participate actively and be part of it. Very little youngsters might find it boring and might also be disruptive. Perhaps only youngsters above the age of 5 should be encouraged. Perhaps baby-sitting should be organised for children below 5.

Remember, this is not a substitute for attending gurdwara service and sewa. I understand the going to regular gurdwara service has become more of a 'social' event but that does not mean that one cannot go to gurdwara outside normal service hours. In fact that is strongly encouraged - to pay ones respects before a Guru Granth Sahib, preferably on a daily basis. Never miss the opportunity to 'meet the Guru' as often as possible.

Doing 'path' of gurbani is encouraged. Many devotees hold regular 'Sukhmani Sahib' reading sessions for example. It is an interesting fact that, on the whole, the main thrust of gurbani is exhorting devotees to do Naam Simran. Strangely, it will appear that we keep on doing 'path' of gurbani but choose not to 'do' what gurbani exhorts us to do - Naam Simran! Gurbani is the Guru which leads us to Naam Simran and closer to The Creator.

There are those who question the wisdom of 'doing path' when one does not understand it. One needs to 'do path' to understand its power as 550 years or half a millenium of our 'Sikh' ancestory courses itself through our veins and our very being, as one does 'path' - something which cannot be described but experienced! Doing Nitnam shepherds ones being towards Naam Simran. Naam Simran is dialogue with Waheguru.

The session I recommend is three 20 minute sessions of 'shabad', 'naam simran' and discourse. If you so choose, you can add another 20 minutes of 'path familiarity' where path is read and discussed. I can elaborate on this issue further if needed by anyone.

You need further clarification etc? get in touch with me. Tailor such a service to 'your' needs.

This month has seen numerous articles about us in the Australian and Indian press. There is news of the finalisation of our karaoke kirtan cd - 'Dyasinghalong'. More details and news next month.

Below, a link just developed by my Alma Mater. Yes, I was young once!!!

http://www.viweb.freehosting.net/Dyasingh.htm
Cherdhi Kala

Dya Singh
30 May 06.