As Sikhs, there is a responsibility to care for the planet, and to respect nature as a Mother and Father (Guru Granth Sahib, 8). Therefore, as part of your reconnection this year, you could review your commitment to sustainability; recycling, using the car less, reducing your use of plastic (just 10% of plastic is recycled at present), and composting food waste. Even small changes in your family life can add up to big differences to the planet.
Scientists have discovered by studies and many of us by experience that exercise, yoga and meditation increases the feel good factor (caused by hormones like endorphins) and sharpens the mind.
It was a sentimental journey connecting to my roots and my faith. In Lahore, my visit was hosted by two friends, Jean Marie Lafont, a French historian of French Generals in the Khalsa Raj army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Engineer Dr. Asgar Ali who was my contemporary in the International Hall of Paris University in 1971.
When I first tried to learn swimming, I came to realize that the more I splashed my arms and feet, the more turmoil I stirred in water, the more I sank. These early experiences in water taught me an important life lesson. The trick is that even if you are scared of the depth of water, you have to trust and let go of the struggle. You'll find that you don't sink. You actually float.
I have been blown away by the series so far and cannot wait to see how it progresses further. I look forward to seeing how Amardeep deals with Baba Ji's travels in Arabia and beyond as there are travel restrictions to non-Muslims in these parts especially Mecca and Medina! (Amardeep informs that he sent his Muslim team members to video those parts.)
The history of the peace loving Sikhs is peppered with atrocities inflicted by Mughal rulers, and the priests of the day. Sikh Gurus were often imprisoned, brutally and publicly tortured and then martyred. In spite of all this the noble Sikhs imbibing Guru Nanak's teachings grew in numbers and in their spirituality.
The very purpose of introducing this shabad above by Kabir Ji is to share an eyewitness account of an enlightened person. As we have not personally experienced it, relating to it is difficult.
There is a dire lack of Sikh literature in different languages, be it Hindi, Urdu, English etc. Sikh families living in other states of India or Western countries are facing a challenging situation to motivate their children. The need for Gumat based educational tools is at an all-time high.