Sikhs to hold international martial arts competition in San Jose

Sikhs are not unfamiliar with battle, neither physical nor political, here in Silicon Valley.

And on Saturday, the community is holding its first international Sikh martial arts competition at the San Jose Gurdwara Sahib, or Sikh temple, in the Evergreen hills.

The battle is over who will be the best "gatka" expert, the one who best masters a sword, a stick and a shield in an ancient rite of Sikh combat.

"This is the first international gatka contest held in California," said Sukhdev Bainiwal, a member of the San Jose Sikh temple who is in charge of the battle. The first such contest was held nine years ago in Toronto.

He said about 200 competitors from California, New York, Houston, Maryland, New Jersey, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and India will participate. There are four age categories, from the under-7 group to those who are in their 60s.

The winners share a total of $9,000 in cash prizes.

Gatka may be best compared to the eskrima, the martial arts of the Philippines. Bainiwal said this form of martial arts is deeply infused in the Sikh religion; the sixth guru first used this technique on the battlefield.

"It's more spiritual and more meditative," Bainiwal said.

with thanks : mercurynews : link above for detailed news story.

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Oldest marathon runner: Fauja Singh sets world record

with thanks : YouTube & the WorldRecordsAcademy

Sukhmani Sahib: Psalm of peace

Here is a line from the Sukhmani Sahib: "Sukhmani Sukh amrit prab nam,/ Bhagat jana kai man bisram. Rahau." Sukhmani is peace of mind, the nectar of the Name of God. The minds of the devotees abide in a joyful peace. Pause.

The word 'rahau' which means 'pause' manifests the true meaning of the bani or sacred sayings, the Sukhmani Sahib. Also known as the 'consoler of the mind' and the 'Jewel of Peace', its recitation leaves a soothing effect on the mind of the reader. A basic text of the Sikh faith, Sukhmani Sahib - Gauri Sukhmani in the Guru Granth Sahib - presents the teachings of the Sikh faith in a simple yet soul-stirring manner.

The sacred bani comprising 24 ashtpadis or cantos opens with an invocation to the Supreme who is remembered as adi-gure, jugadi-gure, sat-gure and sri-gurdeve - the primal guru, guru of all ages, the true guru and the great Divine Guru. It urges that in order to gain peace one should make a constant effort to remember the Name - Shabad or Word of the Almighty. Guru Arjan Dev says that the only way to realise God is through Namsimran or chanting God's Name. 

As weak beings, we are full of attachments and desires. In a world of maya or illusion, we forget the Creator while being engrossed in his creation. Only with His Grace and complete surrender to His Will one can overcome evils like anger, greed, attachment and desires. Namsimran helps in self-purification. 


with thanks : TIMES OF INDIA : link above for detailed version.

Sikhs in "Associazione SEVA" in Milan ,Italy !

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
University of Milan
ITALY

Sikh Face in Milan,Italy !

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
University of Milan
Italy

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Thanks : Mr  S L Watwani

CCTV released of meat and alcohol protest at Sikh centre

CCTV images have been released by police investigating a protest which resulted in people being injured at a community centre in Dudley.

Police started an investigation after a pre-planned demonstration turned to violence in Swancote Road on 28 May.

About 200 people were protesting at the serving of meat and alcohol at the Sikh Cultural Centre.

A police officer and two members of the public suffered head injuries during the disorder.

with thanks : BBC NEWS : link above for detailed news.