The Wonderful Art of Bhagat Singh Bedi

November 6th, 2009

 

Bhagat Singh paints with both skill and passion.  His subjects? Sikh history, heros and warriors and the very essence of the Sant-Siphai spirit! A self-taught artist and a science student, Bhagat Singh Bedi, was born in Ludhiana, and moved to Canada when he was very young. After he moved to Canada, he immediately got involved in Gurudwara activities, and Gurmat camps. In the Gurudwara, Bhagat would read the many blood filled pages of Sikh history (packed in thin paperbacks), and became interested in Sikh history and philosophy. He was later asked to paint some of those pages by the principal of the academy at the Gurudwara. Without prior training, the young boy got to work. He brought home many of the paperbacks he read, and started to mimic the historical works published in them; works of Sikh artists like Sobha Singh, Kirpal Singh and Mehar Singh. While at home he studied Sikh artists, in hischool, he studied art history and artists like Lauren Harris from the Group of Seven.

Later in high school, after stumbling upon the Sarbloh Warriors website (in one of his endless Google searches), he joined the team and started doing concept art for the game. His job at Sarbloh Warriors required him to learn digital painting, and so he did! Feeling that Sikhs are underrepresented in the media, Bhagat took the responsibility of putting Sikhs out there, and worked on his Sikh Mutants storyline and characters. Realizing his potential as a concept artist, he joined another project, 'Elvana,' as he continued to work on Sarbloh Warriors and his own personal projects.

Having an interest in sciences, Bhagat enrolled in a Biology program. As his painting interests became his passion, and as his skills as as artist developed, things at Sarbloh Warriors became quiet. However, the research he had done for the game, left an even stronger feeling in him than before. He decided it was time to paint the same history that the game was based on; the same history that he once painted when he was little.Bhagat is now striving to be a great artist and an intelligent science student.

Bhagat Singh has two online galleries. One at his own Web site and another larger gallery here and you can read his Blog here.

 

 

Comments

November 14, 2009 - 5:51am — Jaspworld

...............

These stories are beyond words harijot ji.

Thank you for sharing these with us.

November 10, 2009 - 7:40pm — ranvir

G R E A T - A R T I S T I C - T A L E N T

I have known Bhagat Singh Bedi as a artist for a while now, and his art speaks for itself. For me its pure genius. I believe the vast, silent majority of people reading this article would applaud him for his work. Bhagat Singh Bedi's skill as a artist is so so so much better than my own. I look forward to seeing his future works, and I am sure he will go far with his artistic talent.

I have read a few of the critiques which have been left in this comments section. My critique of some of the critiques would be that it should be remembered that this is art. Some parts may not be in accordance with your individual views, though this is his Art and its beyond someone elses intellectualization, because its his individual pure expression. And look visually how great his expression is.

I know some individuals take a totally different view from myself; though as Gurbani is set in a poetic format, for me it is a individual experience of those words. No translation, discourse, gets too its essence. We can all be pseudo-intellectual and find countering arguements for many topics, though essentially those arguements are made from assumptions of what you, or I believe that Gurbani to mean. I personally believe its very low to condemn someone on personal intrepretations of Gurbani. Diversity does exist in Sikhi and so it should and so it shall.

Bhagat Singh Bedi is a great artist, and I believe the reason for that is because he is essentially true to himself. Lets as a community support this great talent. We should nurture the gifts we get.

Thanks for reading.

November 10, 2009 - 10:08pm — Neutral Singh

Thank You for being a True Sikh

Gurfateh Ranvir Ji It is really heart warming to read such a beautiful message from the eyes of a true artist. No one could have said better than what you have said already. Only a true artist can recognize and appreciate the another one. Anything i say further will only belittle Bhagat Singh's contributions. Sikh Philosophy Network is truly privileged to have him as one its most energetic and young generation of Sikhs because only a brave and truthful person can expound his inner thought processes publicly without prejudice or malice and its one of the main traits of being a true seeker... Only a spiritually and intellectually blind person would take his views out of context and point a finger on such a person. What a shame? Warm regards Aman Singh SPN Admin
November 9, 2009 - 1:22pm — gurujot

Just regarding the art

First off, i'm glad to see people getting interested in Sikh art. it's a good thing. it's something to be encouraged. i don't necessarily agree with some of his depictions and how they represent the mind-set of the characters of Sikh history. for example it is recorded that the Sahibzaadey fought without any anger, and in his depiction Baba Ajit Singh looks like a berserker. If you have experienced spiritual peace or if you believe in the peaceful events in Sikh history [like Guru Arjan smiling while being burned alive] then you wouldn't have no doubt that the Guru's, the Sahibzadey, and other Sikhs could fight without any anger. They fight with compassion instead. There is nothing wrong with depicting battle intensity, but his paintings of Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Deep Singh and Akali Phoola Singh seem to lack a spiritual presence and they seem to be like angry villian characters. I like Bhagat's painting of Mai Bhago because of the detail and composition, it feels very intense and real. But i didn't like how that painting made her out to be like a sexy japanamation heroine with a big-boob barbie figure. I would say; keep up Bhagat Singh, you are very talented, you are able to bring battles to life, and you are a good artist. Please try to bring out the sant and the sipahi at the same time. it's not accurate to depict strictly the sipahi. Check out the art work of Kanwar Dhillon, he brings Mai Bhago to life and makes her fearless and graceful as well. The Singh's look noble and not crazy.
November 10, 2009 - 1:10pm — Vaheguruseekr

Just regarding the art

Gurujot, Guru Fateh Thanks for your personal input. Now let us dig it deeper into what you said. First and foremost, if our Gurus wanted to depict themselves through paintings, they had the resources to hire the best artists of that time and would have given us the glimpse of their true body language in different scenarios. The same thing would have been true for Guru Arjan Dev being tortured to death, Shaibzadas in the war or being buried live in the wall. The fact is nothing like that happened. And we know that this must have been the deliberate move from our visionary Gurus. The reason behind this is explained in the 1429 pages of SGGS, our ONLY GURU. Sikhi is idea based, not personality based as most of the other religions of the world which include the 3 Semitic ones and also Hinduism. So, they did not care how they looked or what their body language was at certain trying times in their lives because they were there to advance only one thing, that is to show us how to breed goodness within and share with others irrespective of anyone's hue, creed or faith. One more important thing to notice is that, our Gurus could have easily hired the best writers, historians to follow their actions and write about them. They could have also written autobiographies by themselves if they so chose to because we know that they were great writers and poets. But, the fact remains that they did not do none of that and this shows their vision and the spreading of the IDEA based way of life where all are equal. Kudos to them for their great visions to show us that Sikhi is not about Me-ism but about ONE-ism. Gurbani teaches us that. So, all the artists, including Sobha Singh depicted the portraits, scenarios and other things to describe Sikh History based on their own imagination many, many years later. You write: "i don't necessarily agree with some of his depictions and how they represent the mind-set of the characters of Sikh history. for example it is recorded that the Sahibzaadey fought without any anger, and in his depiction Baba Ajit Singh looks like a berserker." Where is it recorded in the Sikh History what you claim about the Sahibzadas? Secondly, what you may look as anger, someone else could look the same as focused and intense. It is very subjective. You further say: "If you have experienced spiritual peace or if you believe in the peaceful events in Sikh history [like Guru Arjan smiling while being burned alive] then you wouldn't have no doubt that the Guru's, the Sahibzadey, and other Sikhs could fight without any anger." Gurujot, I am sorry to say that once again your are imposing your personal views rather than sharing them while accepting others' views. Your statement "If you have experienced spiritual peace " shows that you claim that you have experienced spiritual peace which is good but as it is some thing very intangible and subjective, I hope you do not mean that Bhagat Singh, the artist in discussion or anyone else has not experienced what you have as far as Spiritual peace is concerned. How do you know Guru Arjan Dev ji did not feel pain and his body language did not show it? Do you have the "Kodak moment" that you can share with all of us? All humans when dealt in such a cruel and fiendish manner suffer and feel pain. It is a human nature and it is OK to show it too. Suppressing one's feelings is not part of Sikhi, that's what you are trying to project or so it seems. Your second remark is just repetitive. Intense focus does not come with a smile. Yes, we all know that Sikhi does not teach hatred unlike other religions. Our Sikhs, including the Shaibzadas fought for injustice, nothing more. You say: "They fight with compassion instead. There is nothing wrong with depicting battle intensity, but his paintings of Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Deep Singh and Akali Phoola Singh seem to lack a spiritual presence and they seem to be like angry villian characters." Once again, the criticism is uncalled for by saying that the paintings" seem to lack a spiritual presence". Have you just given it a thought that it could be you who is not able to see the spiritual presence in the paintings rather that the artist or others who admire his paintings? I have personally felt the spiritual presence to be very frank. You would notice that from my initial comment here regarding the paintings. Secondly, as mentioned before, Spirituality is not something tangible as you project it to be. You say: "I like Bhagat's painting of Mai Bhago because of the detail and composition, it feels very intense and real." I am glad you do. So do I. Then you throw a curve ball: " But i didn't like how that painting made her out to be like a sexy japanamation heroine with a big-boob barbie figure." The above statement shows more about your own mental imagination and your focus on what part of a woman's anatomy you pay attention to first than about the painting of Mai Bhago itself which you did say you liked it. I do not have to say anything more about it. I am sure Bhagat Singh will improve with time but one thing I will request him is that, let your artistic juices flow and share that with us, otherwise you may become one more person who knows how to draw and draws on what is asked of him, like a portrait painter. Tejwant Singh
November 13, 2009 - 2:31pm — gurujot

Just regarding the art

Tejwant Singh, i see your points. you are basically saying we don't know what the Guru's looked like in these circumstances because they intentionally didn't have themselves realistically depicted by artists of their time as to not personalize things. i don't agree with your theory. we do know that Guru Arjan wasn't in pain. That is the whole story with Mian Mir, and Guru Arjan takes him to the same realm of peace and showed him that he didn't have pain. I honestly can't remember where i read that the Sahibzadey fought without anger, but i did read it. and more important than that, i believe it. they were divine incarnations, sons of the Guru. it makes sense. i'm glad you rebuked me because i think i went too far. i don't want to discourage Bhagat Singh from painting, but i just think he has some wrong ideas. he once told me "OF COARSE THEY WERE ANGRY". What about Bhai Ghanhaiya Singh? he served the enemy, and Guru ji and the Singh's honored him for it because they had a love for all humanity including their enemy. i see what you were saying about they weren't fighting with compassion, they were just fighting because of circumstance. and that makes sense in a strictly intellectual way. i personally believe that Khalsa had more going on than that. i think Khalsa is the extension of Guru Gobind Singh, so i politely disagree with you. "Khalsa meri jan ki jaan, Khalsa meri pran ki pran" Guru Gobind Singh spoke sweetly even to his enemies. Upon looking at his face your anxieties would disappear. He could see IkOngkar in everyone including his enemy. and for him to kill is simply a karmic duty he fulfilled without emotion. He had compassion on his enemies, he put gold on his arrows. you can't separate circumstance from intention. There is no circumstantial truth for the Guru, and for the Guru and the Khalsa nothing is unintentional.

As far as my comments about his Mai Bhago painting, i think i took it too far. and i do like that painting. but to me it perpetuates a certain image of women. its like 8% of women have a large breast, small waist body frame naturally, and yet they are all expected to have that simply to be acceptable. it's something that is perpetuated by media. its a big problem in society that effects almost every woman's self-esteem. and that painting is pretty close to a Marvel comic book heroine. of course we don't know if Mai Bhago might have actually had that kind of figure, so for me to point it out is my own problem. and by the wya it wasn't what i first noticed about the painting. i first noticed the composition and the way it feels like you are facing off with a very fierce woman. i love the pose and the way she is directly starring at the viewer.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fhp6AYaoHuo/SVXBffXAk1I/AAAAAAAAAIs/GcHXAyExb3...

i apologize if i've offended Bhagat Singh or yourself. i was partly reacting to some of the things he has said about Baisakhi on other websites. so when it comes to Sikhi and depicting Sikhi its hard to separate the actual art and the ideas behind it. he has a different idea about Sikhi than i do. so do you. it's also hard to not take that into account, as well as his other paintings because that makes a broader perspective of the artist. so my initial title is impossible "just regarding the art". i was mainly trying to stray away from the comments of "singh11" whose point is basically that Bhagat Singh is a blasphemer and we should therefore boycott his work regardless of its value. so i think thats taking it too far. my point was if you are going to disagree with Bhagat Singh then just disagree with his art. otherwise that kind of discussion can be taken elsewhere.

November 10, 2009 - 1:35pm — singh11

Now the above is a personal

Now the above is a personal attack by none other than Tejwant Singh, from SPN.

This kind of baseless talk arises when humans reach a certain stage in spirituality(if you would like to call it that) and are unable to progress any further. They believe themselves to be at the highest state and then say Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji would also be in pain because I would be too when sitting on the hot plate. They test their spirituality by touching a hot stove. Guru Arjan Dev ji is one with God. Gurbani teaches us this and being one with God means their is no fear or pain or hatred in Guru Arjan Dev ji. Second Guru Arjan Dev ji was not the body. if he was then Guru Arjan Dev ji died. Again Gurbani says Guru Arjan Dev ji is one with Waheguru and the body is just dust. Just to show an example of what meditation is capable of reaching, then search up Buddhist monks. They had put freezing cold sheets on their body, none of them flinched and they started meditating. Over time those same sheets that were freezing cold, became so hot that no other human could touch the sheets. But the monks had it on their body. The power of meditation is only know to those who have experienced it. The monk example has nothing to do with Sikhi, but it shows the illogical comments made by Tejwant Singh.

Gursikhs like Bhai Mani Singh were cut from limp from limp and none flinched or screamed. Baba Deep Singh rode his horse to Amritsar with his head in his palm. There is so many sakhi of the strength of the Khalsa, but yet the Guru of the Khalsa can't sit on a hot plate!!!!! The Lord himself can't sit on a hot plate. No miracles or anything just the Hukam of God was seen through Gursikhs and our great Gurus.

Guru Sahib were/are always in Chardikala. They saw/see pleasure and pain as one, so why woudl they have an angiry look on their face. Now for the Gursikhs that followed their teaching saw the same. Pleasure and pain was one. They don't fight with fear, hate or anger in their heart. They fight as Gursikhs. Perfect example is of Bhai Kanhaiya who gave water to both enemy and friend. God is in all and the Gurus and Gursikhs saw the Lord in all. And saying the artist is depicting intensity is just a twist of words. It's clear the artist is depicting anger when he should be depicting the five virtues in the Gursikhs he draws.

And we have the history of the Guru's. Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji has history of the Gurus, Sri Dasam Granth has Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jis history, and then we have Bhai Gurdas ji's vaars.

The whole post by Tejwant is just attacking Gurjot Singh and not being able to understand where he is coming from. Tejwant shows alot of anger in his post. It shows he is hung up on just proving his point without having any compassion or Truth in his heart. It's an egotistical response, trying everything to distort Gurjots post.

This comment was really offensive of Tejwant Singh, " But i didn't like how that painting made her out to be like a sexy japanamation heroine with a big-boob barbie figure." [quote]The above statement shows more about your own mental imagination and your first focus on what part of a woman's anatomy you pay attention to than about the painting of Mai Bhago itself which you did say you liked it.[/quote]

Gurjot Singh was completely right to make such observations as it is obvious what the artist was trying to show there with Mai Bhago. The one accusing Gurjot Singh is showing more imagination of what he focuses on when refering to women.

There are alot of athiest remarks made by him and even attempt is being made to distort Sikhi.

November 10, 2009 - 4:34am — Jaspworld

Absolutely right

The fact that Bhagat Singh Bedi has talent doesn't give him the right to represent Baba Ajit Singh Ji looking angry and so on. This might be the reason why the game Sarbloh Warriors failed. It did not accurately represent the Sikh history and at the same time it was a Muslim killing game. If the Sahibzaadeys were depicted as being compassionate and just in the game instead of angry superheroes killing Muslims, perhaps the game would have been a success. But I would like to stick to my original thinking that making a game is good way to teach masses (especially Non-Sikh people) about Sikhism. One just has to figure out how this can be done without offending our Muslim brothers and at the same time depicting Sikh history accurately.
November 9, 2009 - 4:09pm — singh11

Not personal at all

Some chose to make it look like its personal because it creates excuses to slander Guru Sahib and his Bani and get away with it. The very Singhs he draws are the Singhs that have abandunce love for Guru Sahib and his Bani(Dasam Granth). How can he have respect for the Singhs that follow Dasam Granth, when he himself slanders it. He slanders Dasam Granth and Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, then also he has slandered the SaintsSoldiers he draws. Further he(Bhagat Singh Bedi) slanders the life style of these Saint and then every other Gursikh that lived/lives as a Sikh. Can a Sikh bow before an idol and then turn around and say I am a devotee of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji!!!!!!!

By supporting such artist Sikhs are not being truthful to themselves and then giving the wrong impression such slander is given the right of way and it's not wrong.

It's like saying I am Sikh of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and then going to help a dera Guru collect more sangat to attach to this false Guru. Don't you see you are putting others on the wrong path. Your promoting falsehood, but still want to be the Sikh of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji that says don't be a hypocrite. Truth is your speach and Truthful living is your way in the world.

Now is the artist being honest to himself. By his writing you can tell he has pure hate toward these very Saints he draws. I love these Saints and would I slander these Gursikhs lifestyle by calling Sri Dasam Granth, a piece of trash. Would you draw someone in a good light if you hated the very Bani they loved. No you wouldn't. You would despise them.

Astonishing part of it all is no apology coming from the artist himself. Huamns make mistakes. In anger we make stupid remarks, but more than one account the same slander was uttered by Bhagat Singh separately. But still apology will do here.

This is not personal, if it was I or the sangat wouldn't be looking for just and apology, which is sincere. And a gurantee for us no more slander from Bhagat Singh on Sikhi in the future.

No one is condemning Bhagat Singh Bedi for life.

AstpdI ]

asattapadhee ||

Ashtapadee:

sMq kY dUKin Awrjw GtY ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan aarajaa ghattai ||

Slandering the Saints, one's life is cut short.

sMq kY dUKin jm qy nhI CutY ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan jam thae nehee shhuttai ||

Slandering the Saints, one shall not escape the Messenger of Death.

sMq kY dUKin suKu sBu jwie ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan sukh sabh jaae ||

Slandering the Saints, all happiness vanishes.

sMq kY dUKin nrk mih pwie ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan narak mehi paae ||

Slandering the Saints, one falls into hell.

sMq kY dUKin miq hoie mlIn ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan math hoe maleen ||

Slandering the Saints, the intellect is polluted.

sMq kY dUKin soBw qy hIn ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan sobhaa thae heen ||

Slandering the Saints, one's reputation is lost.

sMq ky hqy kau rKY n koie ]

sa(n)th kae hathae ko rakhai n koe ||

One who is cursed by a Saint cannot be saved.

sMq kY dUKin Qwn BRstu hoie ]

sa(n)th kai dhookhan thhaan bhrasatt hoe ||

Slandering the Saints, one's place is defiled.

sMq ik®pwl ik®pw jy krY ]

sa(n)th kirapaal kirapaa jae karai ||

But if the Compassionate Saint shows His Kindness,

nwnk sMqsMig inMdku BI qrY ]1]

naanak sa(n)thasa(n)g ni(n)dhak bhee tharai ||1||

O Nanak, in the Company of the Saints, the slanderer may still be saved. ||1|| ang 279

November 7, 2009 - 3:28pm — Jaspworld

...............

The above picture of Sahibzada Ajit Singh is amazing. Sarbloh Warriors seems to resemble Prince Of Persia in its gaming style- It would've been a great game had it been finished. I searched the Internet and it appears that the game was canceled because it was labeled anti-Muslim by BBC and perhaps other sources. It was labeled "Sikhs killing Muslims". But we weren't fighting Muslims. We were fighting oppression. I believe this would've been a great way to educate people (especially Non-Sikh people) about Sikhism. Guru Granth Sahib Ji has taught us that everyone comes from the same One God. But I can see how people can easily interpret such a game in wrong way. Maybe in the future someone will come up with a idea for a Sikh-based game that correctly depicts our history and has found a way around being labeled as "anti-Muslim" or something else. Satnam, Jaspreet Singh
November 7, 2009 - 12:16pm — Vaheguruseekr

The Wonderful Art of Bhagat Singh Bedi

Let us learn to admire the Sikh History through the vision and creativity of this wonderful artist- Bhagat Singh Bedi- who has not only put his heart and soul in these beautiful paintings but also has shown us the hearts and souls of the people depicted in them. One can feel their facial expressions and body language come alive as if they are going to walk out of these wonderful paintings as real people any time. Let us just do that and show our Sikhi traits. Mud slinging should be left to those who do not understand the teachings of SGGS, our ONLY GURU. But, let us also give them a chance to understand and practice what Gurbani says, so their bitterness can turn into Amrit. Tejwant Singh
November 13, 2009 - 11:43am — harijot

visions

I just wanted to add to this conversation another perspective. While it's true there are hardly any paintings done of the Guru's or the Sikhs before the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. What I would like to add is some very interesting things I've heard from people who've had memories of being in the battle field during the time of the Guru's. I hope this adds to the conversation! Here are some interesting paraphrases from a few people I've heard from: (This was from and 18 year old Sikh girl who had a vision while the weapons of Guru Gobind Singh were being displayed at Keshgarh Sahib)"During the battles everyone had all kinds of injuries. Things you wouldn't think of. Someones ear would be part cut off or some of their toes were missing. We saw the men on the other side of the battle field. We didn't feel there was any difference between them and us. They were just simple family men fighting and doing their duty. When we fought those men, we saw that they could have just as easily been on our side fighting. There wasn't this animosity. I was fighting and I looked up and saw [a girl who is now my friend, but was a warrior guy in this other life time] look at me. She had just speared someone below her. Then someone else came and sliced her back as she was bent over spearing the other. Seeing this shocked me and the vision ended. I think now of how sensitive and peaceful we were and it seems odd that we actually fought on the battle field. It is only by the Guru's grace that that kind of people could ever fight." (This was from a man who was born Christian but converted to Sikhism in his young adult years)"There was this assassin on the other side who was killing a lot of Khalsa. He was very sneaky and skilled. I was sent to take care of him and I went to fight him. He was really good... but I was better. As I killed him I felt sorry for his soul that he had no sensitivity to see what he was doing. How could he not see the glory of the Khalsa? So I prayed for him to know what the Guru is. However many life times later, in this life, we are very good friends. He's an extremely knowledgeable Sikh with great devotion. He really has a unique and personal connection with the Guru's. His simplicity and devotion has been an inspiration to many, he's one of the only true Sikhs I know." (This is from a young man who was born Sikh)"Guru Gobind Singh would travel around and people would give him gifts. He came to my house and he did something he normally didn't do, he asked me if I had an offering for him. Spontaneously something from my heart caused me to say things I never would have said. I said, 'These things don't mean anything to You. You liberate souls. I could give you all my money, I could give you my house, I could give you my business and my wife and kids, none of this amounts to anything. Even if I give you my life, it speaks nothing of who you are'. When the Guru heard this, he said, 'Ok, come with me.' From then on I was in his personal court. It was an atmosphere that you can't imagine. He hardly ever spoke, he said it all with his eyes. You always understood the feeling. When he did speak, he could say a single word in the most polite way and it would shatter your reality, there was always this great love that surrounded everything though. His words could carry deadly weight. If your mind wondered off or you thought of something that would lead you the wrong way, He might say, 'Be careful of that', but it felt like you were about to fall off a cliff. When he said to do something there was no question. There was no thinking, it was immediate. It didn't seem like we were listening to His ideas, compared to my idea, it was THE idea. There was no separation. We didn't feel we were serving him because we all felt the same. To other people it looked like there was a master and a bunch of servants but we all felt the same and we thought of him as our big brother. He always got a kick out of wearing weapons. He would wear more weapons on his person than you thought was possible. I think it's because He was like a sword himself. He was straight and true, He was sharp and penetrating. He was solid and unbeatable. Being in this presence was pure bliss. Most people, even in the community didn't understand the unity, they thought themselves as separate. Sometimes he would burst out in hysterical laughter, we might not know why but it still made sense and we would all laugh. Guru ji would always encourage us to joke around and make other people laugh, that was how we could keep the feeling of love alive when we weren't with Him. We would have never thought of making in fun of people. That would never have seemed like fun to us. It was heavier in other places and sometimes it hurt a lot not to be in the presence. When we fought we had no animosity. It wasn't what you might think a battle being like. When the Khalsa killed someone who wasn't Khalsa, it was actually a blessing. Those in the other army, those souls, they actually knew on some higher level what a blessing to the earth the Guru is. Those who were killed by the Khalsa gave their lives to the Khalsa, their souls were blessed. They were more blessed than those who were friendly to the Guru but only gave small offerings. They gave their lives. These souls came in hordes to be blessed by the Guru's Khalsa. One time I had the thought of Guru Nanak and I prayed, 'What about Guru Nanak?' Just then the vary image of Guru Nanak came to my sight and said, 'Recognize me in my tenth form!' then he vanished and turned in to Guru Gobind Singh. One time Guru Gobind Singh saw me and he made his look intense. It felt like my world was being destroyed. This warm light was building inside my body. He was healing me. My body became full of this light. It felt like a long time but it might have only lasted for a second. Then he shifted his gaze and everything resumed as normal. I have no doubt that he had the powers of all the Guru's combined. He had the healing power of Guru Ram Das. He had the wisdom of Guru Nanak. He was as gentle as Guru Har Rai. One time I thought to myself, 'What about my wife and kids?', He looked at me and said, 'You can go back and please your wife.' I immediately turned and started to walk back to my house. Of all the things I experienced one word stands above to explain it: Love." I have been inspired by these stories and I hope others are too! Many blessings to everyone!
November 13, 2009 - 1:26pm — harijot

Laughing Guru

Oh! I just had an idea. Maybe Bhagat Singh can do a painting with Guru Gobind Singh and his Khalsa engaged in hysterical laughter! I think that would be great! That's the painting I want to see. If he doesn't, I'm sure someone else will, and I'll be glad. May the Guru (One who guides us from darkness to light) brighten all of our days!

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