Newsletter May June 09

The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board Issue No. 38 This is the 11th article in the series ‘Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas (Who is a Khalsa?)’, started in Apr 2008.]

May/June 2009

Kaam (Lust)

One of the Five Vices

Inside this issue: 2 Highlights of Vesakhi Celebration

By Jaswant Singh

‘Kaam’ (kwm) literally means sexual urge. It is a basic instinct in humans and many animals, which is essential for reproduction. However, when excessive, it becomes a weakness of human beings. Excessiveness of ‘Lust and anger destroys the body as borax dissolves gold’. 1 ‘It steals the jewel of spiritual wisdom’. 2 ‘The mind in which it dwells becomes fickle and unrestrained’. 3 ‘It leads the mortals to misery and causes them to wander through reincarnation and transmigration’. 4

3 Holla Mahalla



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‘The yogis, pilgrims and ascetics, the net of lust is cast over all of them’. Therefore, the sages of India condemned Kaam the most and performed austere penances to eliminate it. However, the Sikh Gurus didn’t condemn or prohibit it but they warned against indulgence in its excessiveness: ‘O man, for a moment of sexual pleasure, you suffer evermore. For an instant, you savor pleasure, but later, regret it repeatedly’. 6



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‘Sikhism is a householder’s way’. 7 It doesn’t forbid one to have love and sex with one’s partner. It prohibits excessive indulgence in carnal pleasure, even with one’s spouse. Vigorous sensuality eventually becomes an addiction and an ailment. Besides that, it is a delusion of the mortal that he can satisfy himself by indulging in its excessiveness. The truth is that ‘one may enjoy the pleasures of millions of spouses, and rule the whole world, but one cannot gain peace of mind’. 8 Sikhism does not require the emotion to be suppressed totally. It advises us to use it sensibly, keeping it under control. For this reason, a house holder’s life is made mandatory in Sikhism. Sikhism advocates the idea of faithfulness to one’s spouse. Describing a Sikh’s character, Bhai Gurdas Ji remarks, ‘a Sikh confines oneself to one’s spouse only, and considers another's spouse as his daughter or sister’. 9 Thus, the Sikh scripture guides the mortal to overpower the excessiveness of lust and to achieve a higher strength of character to gain God-consciousness. Bhagat Naamdev Ji puts forth: ‘one who stays away from other’s wealth and other’s spouse, the Lord abides near him’. 10 Gurbani Reference 1. kwmu k®oDu kwieAw kau gwlY ] ijau kMcn sohwgw FwlY ] (932) 2. iesu qn mn mDy mdn cor ] ijin igAwn rqnu ihir lIn mor ] (1194) 3. pwpI hIAY mY kwmu bswie ] mnu cMclu Xw qy gihE n jwie ]1] rhwau ] (1186) 4. hy kwmM nrk ibsRwmM bhu jonI BRmwvxh ] (1358) 5. jogI jMgm Aru sMinAws ] sB hI pir fwrI ieh Pws ]1] (1186) 6. nmK kwm suAwd kwrix koit idns duKu pwvih ] GrI muhq rMg mwxih iPir bhuir bhuir pCuqwvih ]1] (403) 7. GrbwrI gur isK hoie isKw sUqR ml mUqR ivfwxY ] (Bhai Gurdas Ji) 8. jy lK iesqrIAw Bog krih nv KMf rwju kmwih ] ibnu siqgur suKu n pwveI iPir iPir jonI pwih ]3] (26) 9. eykw nwrI jqI hoie pr nwrI DI BYx vKwxY] (Vaar 6/8) 10. pr Dn pr dwrw prhrI ] qw kY inkit bsY nrhrI ]1] (1163)

In the coming article, we will discuss ‘Krodh’ (Anger), another vice.



Raag Ras



Inter Faith Dialogue

4 Simran at Esplanade

5 Education Classes Details 6 Women Empowerment Programme

SRST Estimated Cost

7 Barsi Sant Baba

Sohan Singh Ji



Kundalini Yoga



Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shaheedi Gurpurab

8 Programme

New Books Arrival



In Sikh Centre

Objectives: • To promote the awareness of Sikh Heritage. • To meet the needs of the Sikh Community. • To organise and promote the learning of Gurbani and kirtan. • To lead the Sangat to become and remain Amrit Dhari Sikhs. • To propagate Sikhism by providing quality religious services. • To create awareness and inculcate the practice of the Sikh way of life.

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Central Sikh Gurdwara Board

Highlights of Vesakhi Celebrations 12 to 14 April 2009 Children Programme Vesakhi, 2009 was celebrated fervently by the little “Khalsas” of Singapore on 10 April, 2009 at the Central Sikh Temple. The importance of Vesakhi was explained to the children through various interesting activities. Everyone excitedly got on their feet during the first activity in which each group dressed a junior in an impressive ‘Bana’. In the next activity ‘Wheel of Fortune’, the children couldn’t wait for their turn to guess words relating to Vesakhi, while spinning away the wheel with all their might. Finally, the children made their own chains with colourful strings and ribbons and adorned them with sparkling “Khandas”. This was followed by a “Simran” session. It was heartwarming to see so many boisterous children dressed in “Banas” complete with “dastaars”. It was indeed a splendid occasion to watch the next generation taking their small strides on the path shown by our gurus.

Sponsor A Sikh Needy Family The “Sponsor A Sikh Needy Family” Programme during the Vesakhi celebrations was a resounding success. The Care and Share committee with the immense help of staff and volunteers from Wadda Gurdwara managed to get sufficient sponsors to purchase a month’s dry ration for the 62 Sikh families seeking welfare. The total cost of the dry ration was approximately $7500. Anyone wishing to “Adopt” a Sikh family by purchasing dry ration for them can contact the Sikh Centre for more information.

Cancer Awareness At our invitation, the Singapore Cancer Society set-up a booth at Waada Gurdwara during the Vesakhi celebrations and managed to raise $845. The money will go towards helping cancer patients seeking financial assistance.

Amrit Sanchar Ceremony The highlight of the Vesakhi Celebration was the Amrit Sanchar Ceremony held on 14 April. A special Darbar Sahib was prepared on the 3rd floor of the Central Sikh Temple for this ceremony. The ceremony started at 7:00 am and ended by 10:00am. The entire Sangat in Darbar Sahib stood up to welcome Guru Ji, the Punj Peyras carrying the Amrit-da-bata and 16 new Amritdharis. Prior to the ceremony, there were 2 special talks held in Punjabi and English to clarify doubts and misconceptions about Amrit. These sessions proved to be successful with each talk lasting 3 hours including the distribution of free Kekars to all those taking Amrit and those who wanted replacements of old Kekars. So be ready for next year’s Vesakhi 2010.

Central Sikh Gurdwara Board

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Hola Mahalla The Hola Mahalla celebration was held at Silat Road Sikh Temple on 11th March 09 (Wednesday) The Akhand Paath Sahib started at 6pm on 9th March and bhog was held at 4pm on 11th March 09. The other highlights of the celebrations were the Nishan Sahib Slami and the demonstration of Gatka by Mr. Nirmal Singh and some members of the Sangat. The crowds enjoyed the Gatka performance and were thrilled by the skills displayed at the “sword fighting”.

Raag Ras 2009 This 3 day programme called ‘Raag Ras 2009’ consisted of 2 Darbar Kirtan programmes and 2 workshops. We were indeed very fortunate to have big names in the Kirtan world to help us launch the 1st ever Raag Ras in Singapore. Among them was the father of late Ishmeet Singh (Star Voice of India) who is actively travelling the world to promote Ishmeet Singh Foundation, Principal of Jawaddi Taksal, Principal Sukhwant Singh Ji who was accompanied by a Tabla Ustad Prof Amarjeet Singh Ji and their student Manbir Singh Ji. They put up a performance at the workshops conducted at the Sikh Centre from 20 Feb to 22 Feb. The entire programme was very well received by the sangat, particularly the youth who turned up in large numbers at both the workshops and darbar programmes. A 2nd Raag Ras is ready in the works after the success of the 1st Raag Ras.

Inter Faith Dialogue at Sikh Centre On 8th February 2009, Sikh Centre jointly conducted an Inter Faith Dialogue with The Explorations into Faith (EiF) interfaith group, an organization under the South East Community Development Council. The topic of the dialogue was “Music In Faith”. The session saw an approximate of 30 participants from various religious backgrounds, namely, Islam, Christianity, Baha’i, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Sikhism”. The Gurmat Sangeet Academy performed Kirtan and highlighted the various musical instruments such as the “Dilruba”, “Rabab” and the “Tabla” that were used to perform Kirtan in the Guru’s Darbar. During this interactive session, the respective faiths shared, clarified and asked about what each faith had to say about the use of music. They had a better appreciation of each other’s religion, music in their religion and experienced the Kirtan by Gurmat Sangeet Academy using traditional musical instruments.

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Central Sikh Gurdwara Board

“SIMRAN” By the Sea Side

Simran by Kirtan Jatha of Silat Road Sikh Temple & Mr. Satnam Singh our Music Teacher & his students from Gurmat Sangeet Academy of Sikh Centre

Harmonium

Tabla

2nd May 09 (Saturday) 6:30 am to 7:15 am & 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm @ Open Air Pavilion, Esplanade

Taus

Tanpura

All are invited to attend and experience Simran by the sea side

Mighty Khalsa - Feedback Meeting once a week or fortnightly helps children of the community to bond. This bonding is especially more important in countries outside India, where kids don’t get to see kids that umm… resemble them. They get to know more about their culture and religion not as a lecture or a preaching but in a language they understand. The teacher Manjit is able to communicate concepts of the religion in a simple and interesting way and this attracts the attention of the kids. Many children don’t get to touch the Chaur Sahib or be close to Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) as I felt too intimidated by their sacredness. But here kids get a chance to be real close to the SGGS and this helps to close the gap between them and Guruji. They also develop the confidence to do Ardaas and take the Vaak in front of the sangat. The activity time after the darbar time teaches them more about culture and religion in an entirely different and fun way. Children wait eagerly for it, though it is a kind of religious class.

Sikhi for Toddlers - Feedback My son, Arun (age 2) has been attending the Toddlers programme at the Sikh Centre since it first started in January this year. He’s only two, but the joy on his face when I tell him it’s time to get dressed for the programme is unsurpassed. He knows that going to the Sikh Centre means he’ll get to sing his favourite song, ‘Healthy Am I, Happy Am I’! Arun  enjoys listening  to the  stories as well as doing art and craft in class. While he’s excited about the treasure chest and playing the latest game, I’m excited by the knowledge of how much he is learning about our Gurus and the Punjabi language. I’d like to thank the organizers for a job exceedingly well done. I’d encourage the parents of any toddlers concerned about their child’s early exposure to the Punjabi language and Sikhi to join us each alternate week in this fun-filled programme.

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Let’s Speak……..Chinese Chinese Conversation Course For Beginners (Stage 1) Every Wednesday, 7.30pm to 8.45pm Venue: Level 6, Sikh Centre Fee: $70 Per Student Course Duration: 8 Weeks (8 Session)

Cultivate A Love For Reading TRAINED VOLUNTEERS WILL READ TO YOUR FOR FREE ! (Age: 5 to 7 years old)

Sign Up Now @ Level 3, Sikh Centre 10 & 24 May 2009 11:00 am to 12:00 pm • Develop an interest in Reading • Strengthen spoken Language • Read independently • Highlight the fun elements in Reading

WINDOWS

Enhance your Basic IT Skills Starting in May 2009 Every Sunday, 3.30pm to 4.30pm Venue: Level 3, Sikh Centre Commitment Fee - $ 10

Join now to learn the language for daily usage StarTing in May 2009

Special ‘O’ Level English Tuition by Qualified & Experienced Teacher Don’t delay, register now. Starting on 16 May 2009 Every Saturday, 2pm to 4pm Venue: Level 6, Sikh Centre Commitment Fee - $ 10 Course Duration: 8 Weeks (8 Session) IT Class at Sikh Centre for elders. A Complete Success with full capacity taken up. Ask Kultar Singh, why he joined the class at 70 plus, “Still never to late to learn IT” He’s right !!!

Kultar Singh

Hurry Limited to 10 Students Per Class

BHANGRA AEROBICS with SHERE PUNJAB BHANGRA Course Outline: Pencil Sketching Painting Glass Painting Henna/Mehndi Art Starting in May 2009 Level 6, Sikh Centre Every Saturday, 3pm to 4pm Fee : $40 Age: 5 to 15 years

Starting 24 May 2009 Bring along a sibling 4 session limited to first 10 only

Venue: Level 5, Sikh Centre • Every Sunday, 1pm to 2pm Fees: $80 • Course Duration: 8 Session over 2 months Private classes can also be arranged (min 10 pax)

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Central Sikh Gurdwara Board

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME Aim: The objective of the programme is to promote self-confidence and independence among women so that they are able to manage their family functions/different roles more effectively. Starts April 09, Conducted in English Venue: Level 4, Sikh Centre Day: Saturday, 10am to 11.30am Course Duration: 16 Weeks, Commitment Fee: $10 Conducted by professional Instructor from SINDA

Silat Road Sikh Temple Estimated Cost of Hosting Programs Waheguru Ji Ka Khasla, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Over the past year, there have been perceptions about the high cost of hosting an Akhand Path or a Single Program at Silat Road Sikh Temple. The Management Committee of Silat Road Sikh Temple would like to provide the Sangat with fair estimates of what it costs to host programmes at the Gurdwara so that the Sangat can make informed decisions when planning programmes. The actual cost of Guru Ka Langgar will vary depending upon the items cooked. We, however, encourage restraint in this regard and urge the Sangat to stay with the standard items of food suggested. The estimated cost of Guru Ka Langgar for each program is provided below for reference. Program

Provisions Utilities

AKHAND PATH

TOTAL

$3,200

$350

$3,550

$800

$100

$900

$500

$100

$600

1. Rice & Chapati 2. Dal or equiv 3. One Vegetable 4. One Dessert 5. Dahi / Raita

6. Pronthay ( morning)

7. One snack @ tea time - Tea all day LUNCH / DINNER PROGRAM 1. Rice & Chapati

2. Dal or equiv

3. One Vegetable

4. One Dessert

5. Dahi / Raita

6. Tea

AFTERNOON TEA PROGRAM 1. Two Snacks - 2. One Dessert - 3. Tea

NOTE: The other cost is Akhand Bheta of $306/- and discretionary Bhetas such as Gurdwara Bheta, Rumala, Kirtan Bheta etc With the above estimated cost of hosting programs at Silat Road Sikh Temple, we look forward to serving more members of the sangat in having programs at the Gurdwara. Please feel free to seek any clarification required from the Gurdwara Office or the Management Committee.

In Guru Ji’s Seva. Silat Road Sikh Temple - Management Committee

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BARSI SANT BABA SOHAN SINGH JI MALACCA 38th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME

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29 TO 31 MAY 09 AT CENTRAL SIKH TEMPLE

Akhand Path Arambh Friday 29 May at 8.30am

Akhand Path Bhog Sunday 31 May at 8.30am Thereafter Kirtan / Katha Darbar

One Day Intensive Kundalini Yoga & Mediation (as taught by Yogi Bhajan)

There are 84 meridian points on the upper palate of our mouth. When you Chant, the tongue stimulates those points, they in turn stimulate the hypothalamus which makes the pineal gland radiate. When the pineal gland radiates, it creates an impulse in the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland gives impulses, the entire glandular system secretes and a human being obtains bliss. This is the science behind Chanting. Come and join us in a 1 day intensive retreat. Participants would learn how to apply the power of breath and awareness to chanting along time tested Kundalini Yoga Kriyas for maximum benefit. The workshop would be conducted by Amandeep Singh M.Sc ( Aust ), MA ( UK ), B.Sc Hons ( UK ) He is a scholar with Kundalini Research Institute - USA. A certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Venue: Level 7, Sikh Centre • Day: 17 May 09, 10am to 5pm • Fee: $ 30

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Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Shaheedi Gurpurab at Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road nw ko bYrI nhI ibgwnw sgl sMig hm kau bin AweI ] I see no enemy, I see no stranger, I get along with everyone. Akhand Path - Fri 12 June to Sun 14 June Sukhmani Sahib Larhi - Sat 13 June 9am to 6pm Sukhmani Sahib CD - All 3 days Shabeel Distribution - Sat 13 June 10am to 5pm Kirtan by Bhai Guriqbal Singh Ji (Pending Confirmation)

CONDOLENCES Mr Rattan Singh Rattian passed away on 28 March 2009. He served as a Council member since 2008 and was the Assistant Treasurer of the Central Sikh Temple Management Committee. He also performed selfless sewa at Central Sikh Temple and Gurdwara Silat Road for many years in all major events held at these Gurdwaras. In appreciation of his service to the Board a Sehaj Paath was held at Central Sikh Temple on Saturday, 18 April from 10am to 11.30am. The Central Sikh Gurdwara Board and its members deeply regret the untimely death of Rattan Singh Rattian.

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Central Sikh Gurdwara Board Sikh Centre

Wadda Gurdwara

Silat Road Gurdwara

On Going Courses

Pooranmashi Saturday 9 May, 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm

Pooranmashi Saturday, 9 May 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Sukhmani Sahib Every Saturday, 10:30 am to 11:30 am Learn Gurmukhi for Adults Every Saturday, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Sangrand ( Jeth ) Friday 15 May, 7:00 am to 9:00 am   Weekly Simran Diwan Every Saturday, 8:45 am to 9:45 am

Paath Class for Kids Every Saturday, 2 pm to 2:45 pm

Full Asa Di Vaar Kirtan Very first Sunday of the month 6:15 am onwards

Learn to Read Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Every Saturday, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

Sukhmani Sahib Class Every Sunday, 10 am to 11 am

Gurmat Sangeet Classes Tuesday - Sunday Tae-Kwon-Do (On Going) Every Saturday, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Mighty Khalsa 3 & 17 May, 7 & 21 June 09 Sunday, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm Sikhi for Toddlers 9 & 23 May, 6 & 20 June 09 Saturday, 10 am to 11 am

P1, P2 & P3 English / Math Every Sunday, 1:30 pm to 3 pm, Fee $50, 8 Sessions

Simran Sadhana Every Thursday, 6:00 am to 7:30 am & 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Volunteers Needed We have projects & activities to match your skills and schedule.

Raag Darbar (Performance by Gurmat Sangeet Students) 31 May & 28 June 09, Sunday 7 pm to 8 pm

New Members Central Sikh Gurdwara Board welcomes the following new members All Sikhs are encouraged to donate 1. Karamjit Singh S/O Batan Singh generously and become members of 2. Kulwant Singh Bardh Central Sikh Gurdwara Board Book of the Month

PARASARAPRASNA The Baisakhi of Guru Gobind Singh

Creative Writing Every Sunday, 12 pm to 1:30 pm Fee: $ 50, 8 Session Phonics for Kids Every Sunday, 11 am to 12 pm, Fee: $ 35, 8 Sessions

Sangrand ( Jeth ) Friday, 15 May  6:00 am – 8:00 am

Neither the author, an intellectual giant, nor this book, a tour de force of living adoration of the Master & a sincere & balanced & frank appraisal of the historical evolution of Sikhism needs any commendation from any one. The book leads to a truer & deeper understanding of the Order of the Khalsa and the Sikh religion and their relevance to some of the problems that stir the mind of the modern intellectual. Movie of the Month

P6 Math Class Every Saturday, 2 pm to 4 pm, Fee $10, 8 Sessions IT Classes Every Sunday, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm Fee $ 10, 8 Sessions Punjabi Tuition K1 & K2 Every Sunday, 4 pm to 5 pm, Fee $30, 8 Sessions

Sikh Centre

No. 9 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 169543. Tel: 6327 2007 Fax: 6327 2009 www.sikhs.org.sg [email protected]

Sunday, 10 May 09 • Level 7, Sikh Centre, 2pm to 4pm

Counselling Hotline:

6270 1665 (available 24 hours)