sikhpride

Sehaj Path is no doubt becoming popular with the efforts of various organisations registered or un- registered. However, in addition to Sehaj Paath, some others congregational set ups have grown since independence of our country. One of these congregation systems have been developed by Yogi Harbhajan Singh, who played the most important role in attracting a large numbers of foreigners towards Sikhism. He did this marvellous task by combining yoga with meditation. When he went to USA, a large number of Hippies, who were wasting their lives in drugs, became attracted towards yoga for improving their health. The meditation applied to yoga not only improved their physical health, but, also influenced them spiritually. As Yogi Ji was telling them about Sikh Gurus and teachings in the course of the yogic and meditation sessions, a good number of them started adopting Sikhism not only in principles, but also in form. Their very site in Sikhi sarup with turbans (keski for the ladies) on their heads in different European and North American countries speaks volumes for their contribution in propagation of Sikhism. They are Nitnemis, vegetarians and followers of the teachings as contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Some groups of Sikhs raise objections regarding their performing yoga, but they don’t realize that yoga does not come as a hinderace in their way of following Sikhi. Infact, Gurbani explains as who can be a true yogi and these people look more closer to Gurmat concept of yoga (except the exercises done by them) then many of other Sikhs.
Another set of congregational get-to-gather that has grown at a very fast pace, is in the form of Sukhmani Societies. During the last few decades, a large number of Sikh societies have come up in various parts of India and abroad. Their number is maximum in Punjab and Delhi. These societies are groups of Sikhs or other devotees who get-to-gather to do recitation of Sukhmani Sahib. They are formed on locality, multi- locality basis and even on larger scale uniting the like-minded people. Sukhmani Sahib is the magnum opus composition of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji and is one of the most read Banis from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is included in the Guru’s scripture at page 262 and comes to a close at page 293 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. These societies have helped a very large number of people to connect themselves with the Guru by reciting the said holy composition. Many of these societies are not registered, but, some big ones are not only registered, but also managed by elected/selected committees. For example, one of these societies established in Amritsar celebrated in 2015, its 50th Anniversary by taking out a massive Nagar Kirtan. This celebration was attended by Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji. Prominent Ragi Jathas like Bhai Balwinder Singh Rangila, Bhai Satwinder Singh, Bhai Gajinderpal Singh, Bhai Sarabjeet Singh rendered Gurbani Kirtan during these programmes. Bhai Guriqbal Singh, a prominent ragi of Amritsar is associated with Sri Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Society, Gurdwara Bibi Kaulan Ji at Amrtisar. This society is a part of Mata Kaulan Ji Trust in Amritsar which is engaged in various social, educational and religious activities.

Sri Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Society, Ranjeet Avenue Amritsar