An amazing Kitan and Must Watch

this kirtan is really amazing really strikes a chord whether u believe in the philosophies of sikhism or not its a must watch. Also has an english translation . Ans=d also tells the story of Guru Gobind Singhji in the intro before the kirtan. Do watch it and leave your valuable comment

The Gayatri Manttra

One of the most popular and the most widely chanted of all Vedic Mantras seems to be the Gayatri Mantra. Of course by now, it is commonly known that chanting of mantras or even Om has deep effects on the body .(this article is going to be a bit long so read it with a lot of patience as explaining a mantra and its effects are not so easy.)

OM BHUR BHUVAH SVAH
TAT
SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI
DHIYO YONAH
PRACHODAYAT.
the meaning or interpretation by the arya samaj:

Aum = The sacred syllable Om, identified with Brahman, the immanent reality and with the Hindu trinity (Lord Bhrama, Vishnu and Shivji)
bhoor = The base of the universe. The Sanskrit root 'bhu' means base, ground etc.. Thus, bhoor is the base of the universe, or the Netherworlds as used in some interpretations (see Ram Mohan Roy below). Together, bhoor-bhuvah-svaha constitute the early Vedic cosmos.
bhuva = Earth
svaha = Heaven
tat = That
savitur = Savitr's. Savitr is a name for the Sun, but specifically for the rising or setting Sun.
varenyam = Supreme/Excellent
bhargo = Radiance/ Splendour. The root word is 'bha' meaning shine. Other words derived from this root include bhaskar (sun) and prabhat (dawn).
devasya = Of the Deity (Savitr's). Here, 'deva' means deity and 'sya' is a possessive suffix.
dheemahi = we contemplate
dhiyo = Intellects (Plural of Dhihi = Mind or the intellect)
yo = Who
naha = Our
prachodayat = Awakens, rouses, inspires. 'Pra' is a prefix, the root 'chod' means drive, inspire etc. and 'yaad' is a causative suffix.

"O God, Thou art the giver of life, the remover of pain and sorrow, the bestower of happiness; O Creator of the Universe, may we receive Thy supreme sin-destroying light; may Thou guide our intellect in the right direction." Thats the interpretation by the Arya Samaj.

Now, the effects of the Gayatri Mantra ,:-The balanced qualities of the Mantra:The Gayatri is a perfectly balanced mantra, almost akin to the chinese yin and yang. The body or text of the Gayatri Mantra is feminine, and her message or invocation is masculine. Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas and this means the mother of all knowledge. She appeals to the masculine Savitur, which is said to be the radiance of perception and intelligence. This radiance, which is everywhere and in every experience, is likened to the radiance of our solar sun. In other words, all of the knowledge of the intricate ways of existence is contained within the syllables of the mantra and so too is the means and vehicle with which to go beyond knowledge as well.
Gayatri Mantra's vibrational influence on the physical body.
Silently thinking or speaking or chanting the Gayatri Mantra influences the physical body,i.e Our energy centers, levels and rhythms are activated by the measure of breaths that are drawn in through the nostrils and released during recitation of the Gayatri Mantra, (even during silent repetition clears the emotional body, leads one to the inner heart. The Gayatri stimulates and facilitates insightfulness and awakening to the Truth within all.
(even during silent repetition). This balances electromagnetic rhythm and energy currents in the body with prana. Prana is an undetectable life force energy. During recitation, all elements of the mantra are in use; even the breath is a precision instrument. It all works together, like an orchestra and the Conductor. The breath, voice, meditation and intention efficiently and effortlessly function (like the sun shines).
The Vedas are ancient (from beginning-less time) scriptures that reveal the secrets of life and the way to live it in accord with the entire universe. Not only the well-known chakra system but all energy and rejuvenating centers are activated by the sound of the Gayatri.
The mantra works in a multitude of ways, which align the energies, magnetic currents, biochemistry and brainwave patterns on a very subtle level. Immediately or in time, one will notice the wonderful effect.
By chanting the Gayatri Mantra, the mantra itself reveals the teachings within it. The Gayatri is flawless and whole. The Gayatri Mantra regenerates unobstructed perception in the same way that crops are renewed. For example, wind carries seeds onto the terrain. In time, wild flowers and wheat inherit the fields. Again and again an unobstructed flow, season after season. The earth propagates her released seeds and in turn the seeds flourish and produce another generation. The mantra works like that. Gayatri's meaning is the good season that prospers the Earth. Fruit comes forth again and again. Gayatri is like the power in the sun. How can we really speak about such a thing, is it comprehensible at all? Any definition that you hear can be compared to one grain of sand upon infinite shores. A definition can never indicate the immense significance and intensity of this mantra.
I feel a kind of magic chanting the Gayatri mantra which is in the all powerful Sanskrit Language(infact most of the vedic mantras are)
Remember that this explanation is not even a fraction of the profound possibilities lying in the secret recesses of this mantra. The Gayatri Mantra aligns precisely balanced energies, unobstructed and distinct, to generate currents, which act like lasers. Intoning a true pitch, word and meter (Sanskrit) translates sound waves, one retrogressing into another. You can visualize a still pond and as a pebble touches the surface on its way to the bottom, rings are formed. If you watch these rings for a while you would see them moving out and in at the same time. This is an illustration and not truly the pattern of Gayatri's yantra but it gives you an idea. The mantra's potency becomes more and more rarefied until it reaches a frequency that carries the inherent message within the mantra to its proper place. These sound vibrations are encoded in electromagnetic waves. They rarefy to finer and finer frequencies until no frequent vibration or information is detectable. Though no frequency is detected, information is still present (like in the case of homeopathy) on the subtlest level. The more refined the mantra frequency moves into the field of sound, the greater its power. This is true for enlightenment as well. A very subtle perception can powerfully awaken you to the "Truth". The Gayatri's message speaks of being deeply focused on that which illumines the whole of consciousness, and ultimately realizing enlightenment. Its reference is plural and impersonal. The mantra when chanted properly is indeed magical. It's a beauty. It is a joy.

Not only this, but recently, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankarji has also explained how the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra affects the vertebrae and the chanting ofecah syllable of the Mantra has an effect on each of the vertebrae.

Message of The Granth Sahib

ok so this is my second post for the day .. Like all Scriptures be it the Gita, Torah, Bible or the teachings of any Great Saint, all have an underlying message not only for the followers of that particular religion but also to the whole of Humanity. The Granth Sahib is one such scripture which has messages for whole of humanity, believers and non believers alike. Here is what i find some of the deepest teachings an Messages of the Granth Sahib.
1.All peoples of the world are equal
The Guru Granth Sahib promotes the message of equality of all beings and at the same time state that Sikh believers "obtain the supreme status" (SSGS, Page 446). Discrimination of all types is strictly forbidden based on the Sikh tenet Fatherhood of God which states that no one should be reckoned low or high, stating that instead believers should –“reckon the entire mankind as One” (Akal Ustat, 15.85).
Sri Guru Granth Sahib promotes the concept of equality by highlighting the fact that we are made of the same flesh, blood and bone and we have the same light of God with us – Soul. Our building bricks are the same: The God-conscious being is always unstained, like the sun, which gives its comfort and warmth to all.
The God-conscious being looks upon all alike, like the wind, which blows equally upon the king and the poor beggar.
2.One God for all
Sikhism is strictly monotheistic in its belief. This means that God is believed to be the one and sole Reality in the cosmos, meaning that no other being have extra-human power. Sikh Gurus state that God alone is worthy of worship, and the highest end of existence, that is mukti or liberation can come through Devotion to God alone.
Besides its monotheism, Sikhism also emphasizes another philosophical idea, which is known as monism. Monism is the belief the world is only a "vision" or illusion (Maya) and that God is the sole "Continuing Reality" so that selfishness, egoism and hate are meaningless.
God is merciful and infinite. The One and Only is all-pervading.
He Himself is all-in-all. Who else can we speak of? God Himself grants His gifts, and He Himself receives them.Coming and going are all by the Hukam of Your Will; Your place is steady and unchanging.
3.Speak and live truthfully
Sikhs believe in the importance of truthful living, which can only be created by purity of mind and not through religious purification rites. They believe that impurity of mind leads to many other vices such as anger, lust, attachment, ego, and greed.
"So how can you become truthful? And how can the veil of illusion be torn away?O Nanak, it is written that you shall obey the Hukam of His Command, and walk in the Way of His Will."
4. Control the five vices
Devotees of Guru Sahib believe they must control the animal instincts of Pride/Ego, Anger/Temper, Greed/Urges, Attachment/Dependency and Lust/Addiction.
"All virtues are obtained, all fruits and rewards, and the desires of the mind; my hopes have been totally fulfilled. The Medicine, the Mantra, the Magic Charm, will cure all illnesses and totally take away all pain.Lust, anger, egotism, jealousy and desire are eliminated by chanting the Name of the Lord."
-Guru Granth Sahib Page 1388
5. Live in God's hukam
A Sikh believes they should live and accept the command of God easily and without too much emotional distress. They attempt to live in contentment and in Chardikala (positive attitude).
"Shalok: He wanders around in the four quarters and in the ten directions, according to the dictates of his karma.Pleasure and pain, liberation and reincarnation, O Nanak, come according to one's pre-ordained destiny. "
-Guru Granth Sahib
6. Virtues:The Sikh religion emphasizes several other virtues: Truth (Sat), contentment (santokh), Love (Pyar), Compassion/Mercy (daya), Service (seva), Charity (dana), forgiveness (ksama), humility (nimrata), patience (dheerjh), non-attachment (vairagya) and renunciation (taiga).
These believers attempt to avoid anger (krodh), egoism (ahankara), avarice (lobh), lust (kama), infatuation (moha), sinful acts (papa), pride (man), doubt (duvidha), ownership (mamata), hatred (vair), and hostility (virodh). In the Sikh religion, freedom from these vices , or Sahaj, is attained through tension-free, ethical living, grounded in spirituality avoiding self-mortification and other religious rites of cleansing.
First, is the Lord's Praise; second, contentment; third, humility, and fourth, giving to charities. Fifth is to hold one's desires in restraint. These are the five most sublime daily prayers.
SGGS Page 1384
Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra.
7. Womens' Status:Sikhism also preaches that equal respect should be given to women.
"In the earth and in the sky, I do not see any second. Among all the women and the men, His Light is shining. "
-Guru Granth Sahib Page 223 Shabad 706
I will do a few more posts on the Great Philosophy of Sikhism and scriptures like the bhagvad gita and Yog Vasistha .

The Guru Granth Sahib

The Granth Sahib is regarded as the most sacred scripture of the Sikh Religion but also regarded as a holy scripture by Punjabi Hindu's as weel as Nanak Panthis. Many people find solace in the techings of the Granth and the Gurus of Sikhism.
The Guru Granth Sahib ( ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ, gurū granth sāhib), or Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is the holy scripture and the final Guru of the Sikhs.
Guru Gobind Singhji , the tenth of the Gurus, affirmed the sacred text Adi Granth
as his successor, terminating the line of human Gurus, and elevating the text to Guru Granth Sahib. From that point on, the text remained not only the holy scripture of the Sikhs, but is also regarded by them as the living embodiment of the Ten Gurus. The role of Guru Granth Sahib, as a source or guide of prayer, is pivotal in worship in Sikhism, from which all the Kirtans and Gurubanis draw from including the Ardas. The Granth Sahib also contains the Sukhmani Sahib as part of it.
The Adi Granth was first compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Devji, from hymns of the first five Sikh Gurus and other great saints of the Hindu and Muslim traditions, seeing that originally Sikhism was an amalgamation of the techings of Hinduism and Sikhism. The original scribe of the Adi Granth was Bhai Gurdasji and later Bhai Mani Singhji. After the demise of the tenth Sikh Guru many handwritten copies were prepared for distribution by Baba Deep Singhji. The 'Guru Granth Sahib' is a voluminous text of 1430 pages, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh Gurus, from 1469 to 1708. It is compiled in the form of hymns written in praise of God, which describe what God is like and the right way to live. Written in the Gurmukhi(punjabi script) script, it is written predominantly in archaic Punjabi but includes occasional use of other languages including Braj, Punjabi, Khariboli (Hindi), Sanskrit, regional dialects, and Persian. Written in the Gurmukhi script, the compositions in Sri Guru Granth Sahib are a melange of ar Punjabi and various other dialects. The various dialects used are often coalesced under the generic title of Sant Bhasha( the language of the Guru's preachings) The languages used include Lehndi dialect of Punjabi, regional Prakrits, Apabhramsa, Sanskrit, Hindi languages (Brajbhasha, Old Hindi, Awadhi etc.), Sindhi, and Persian.This is how the Granth Sahib came to be. I could post more but it would turn out to be a long Post and therefore will post on the techings, history ,of the holy scripture in following posts.

The Sacred Sukhmani

The Sukhmani sahib is considered a sacred scripture by bothe the Hindu's and Sikh's of Punjab. The Sukhmani coprises an integral part of the core of the most sacred scripture of Sikhism : The Guru Granth Sahib. Sukhmani Sahib is the name given to the set of hymns divided into 24 sections which appear in the Guru Granth Sahib. Each section, which is called an Astapadi(ashta means 8), consists of 8 hymns per Astapadi. The word Sukhmani literally means Peace in your mind. This set of Hymns orform of Guru Bani is very popular among the the Sikh's as well a sthe Hindu's, who frequently recite it in their places of worship called Gurdwaras and even in certain t and at home. The full recital takes about 90 minutes and is normally undertaken by everyone in the congregation.
According to Sikh doctorine, this Bani is believed to bring peace to one's mind and compoundly peace to the world. This set of 192 hymns were compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.This scripture has some beautiful Sayings and some very interesting knowledge points. The Sukhmani Sahibis a must read along with Yog Vasisth and Celebrating Silence. It is a great gift to humanity from the Guru's of Sikhism. My next post will reflect more on the origins of Sikhism and the unique religion and Culture of the Punjab in the next few posts.