TAKE TIME OUT FOR SANGAT!
We attended a wedding at Singh Sabha Bradford. The couple were both monay (shorn hair). The wedding went really well and the seva (service) was accomplished by an English speaking Gursikh, to explain the meaning of the Laavaa (spiritual wedding ceremony) to our non Punjabi speaking guests.
We had a young British born lady come to us at the end of the event, stating how she thought the Gurdwara Sahib was doing an amazing seva by trying to bring the youth in to Sikhi with English speaking events, like the one she had just experienced. The bibi looked quite westernised but when she spoke, she had so much love and thirst for the Sikh way of life. She had a good range of knowledge about Sikhi too. Her faith was very strong and seemed immovable. She was closely related to the boys side but she was very interested in talking about Gurmat to us, as this felt very dear to her at the time. We spoke for around fifteen minutes. She went on to say, how she wants to take steps physically towards Sikhi but struggles to take that initial step. She was certain the time would come very soon for her and Guru Sahib would bless her with their beautiful, loving Sikhi. She mentioned how some of her family were following the Radha Swami way of life but how Sikhi was the complete package and perfect way of life for her. We mentioned how we also used to be monay and also lived a western life style in the past. This shocked her and reassured her steps on the path towards Sikhi were very close by.
It was so nice to see how strong this girls faith was and how she took time out in the hustle and bustle of the wedding to speak for so long about Sikhi. We mentioned how important it was to do the sangat (congregate) of spiritual, like minded Sikhs. She mentioned that she was from Derby so we immediately suggested Singh Sabha Gurdwara, princess Street was a good place for the youth. She was so happy to say it was the Gurdwara she regularly attended.
We often judge others by their appearance but never really realise how much faith they actually really have. It's imperative, as Gursikhs, we do more Seva for the youth at Gurdwara Sahibs and try to give all as much love and time as we can. We never know who will adopt Sikhi and go on to change the lives of many others.
For those who are interested in Sikhi, don't be shy. If you have any questions, feel free to approach any practising young Sikhs, they will always go out of their way to support, help and guide you. This is what they live for!
Guru Arjan Dev Ji Says, "Mere Madho Ji, SatSangat milay so thariya."
O my Dear Lord of souls, one who joins the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation, is saved.
Vaheguroo!
