Saturday, March 22, 2008

ThE R!$e 0f Kh@L$@


Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Khanda

The Khanda is the emblem of the Sikh faith, symbolizing the four pillars of Sikh belief. It consists of four symbolic weapons:
In the center, the double edged sword, or khanda, from which the symbol derives its name. The Khanda represents knowledge of divinity and the creative power of God.
Surrounding the khanda is a circular quoit, called a Chakkar, a medieval weapon which symbolizes the unity of God.
On either side, crossed daggers, or kirpans, called Piri and Miri (after the personal weapons of Guru Hargobind), symbolizing spiritual and temporal power in balance.

Mission of the Khalsa

The Khalsa was the creation of the last living Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh. The ten Gurus had given more than 200 years of training to the Sikhs and wanted to demonstrate the type of Godman who would be perfect in all respects. He would be a model of Sikh principles. Guru Gobind Singh gave the Khalsa "Amrit" - the baptism of the sword. He knelt before the Panj Piyaras and begged for Amrit. He said that the Khalsa was his physical form and the embodiment of all that is best in the Sikh religion. He game them the uniform of the five symbols and the five Banis. They were to be saint-soliders, devoted to the service of mankind. The baptism of the sword was meant to create fearlessness in the Sikhs. They were enjoined to carry the Kirpan, for purposes of the defence of others and for the uprooting of evil. This mission of the defence of the weak and the downtrodden gave an impetus to a spirit of service and sacrifice. the Khalsa Panth had to meet the need of the times - to protect the weak against the oppression of Moghul rulers. History shows how the Sikhs bore the brunt of Moghul tyranny and indignation. The two holocausts - Chotta Ghallughara of June 1746, when more than ten thousand Sikhs were butchered, and Vada Ghallughara of Feb. 1762, when more than thirty thousand Sikhs were killed - clearly demostrated that the Khalsa was always ready to meet the chanllenge of bigoted Muslim rulers. In the freedom struggle (1931-1947), the Khalsa Panth, gave a good account of itself. During the Chinese invasion of 1962 and Indo-Pak wars of september 1965 and December 1971, the Sikhs won many offical awards for their heroism. Some people suggest that the Khalsa was created only to meet the needs of the time. This is not correct. The Khalsa was intended to prepetuate the ideal of the godly warrior - the saint-soldier - which Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh had in mind. Here was a harmonious development of physical and spiritual personality within the Grihst Ashram(The state of a family man; the married life of a householder). Here the best characteristics of past and present were fused together to create a man for the future - A Khalsa - dedicated to the glory of God and the freedom and dignity of man. Undoubtedly, Khalsas will come to the forefront in meeting any future crisis in any part of the world.

do it God's way

So, you've decided to do it God's way...like a child before Him, you've asked Him into your heart…all sins before, now washed away...you're cleansed, His child brand new...Funny how what seemed most important, no longer an issue, for my friend, you decided to do it God's way...He died for you, understand, your burdens have been lifted, anxiety behind...He's always been there for you, yet waited patiently for you to cry out His name…What a joy for His dears and He, to hear from you, He saw your tears, and heard those pleas…His word be your guide, now much to learn...He'll take your hand and anoint each step you take... keep your eyes on the Father, now evil works harder, he wants you back you know...In your heart He resides, peace to forever abound...Be still, only of Him stand in awe...You will witness His works, for a mighty God is He...for in His presence we could not stand...Focus on His power and glory forever, not allowing time as it passes, erase what you've set in motion...He asks not much, to love as He loves...be just, be merciful, walk humbly with Him...His blessings He will bestow, He'll judge by your heart...not your riches or fame...Lift Holy hands to Him, with honor sing your praise...May His spirit breathe upon you...with these begin each day and end with the same, prostrate before Him, your thankfulness proclaim..., He'll speak to each one...To stand in agreement, where are two or more, profound works set in motion, consider them done...Forgiveness will bring you joy, Our Lord He is just, and Faith does move mountains, till your last breath believe...Oh Heaven's celebration, when you decided to do it God's way!

I CREATED YOU

When I created youI made a masterpiece.Leaving nothing outEverything is in place.Your eyes, nose and mouth,Your ears to hear My voice.I even gave you a willTo make the right choice.A heart to receive MeAs Savior and Lord.And hands to reach out in loveAnd bring others aboard.My plans for creating youAre clearly defined.By My hand alone you were designed.Go now, do as I bid you.Reach mankind for Me.Let them know that I am here for them,A Father Whose love never ends.