I felt that it was important to acknowledge the gursikh who actually documented all this, so that the future generations could have something to help there gursikhi jeevan. Therefore, I am actually going to post some of the intro and information about the author.
Page 1-3: Introduction (more like the essence of the intro)
The book is divided into parts; Part 1 contains Dr. Bhai Vir Singhs responses to letters of Sikhs from various parts of India. Part 1 is a verbatim record of his exact writings whereas Part 2 are Bhai Sahibs vichaars from various discussions between Bhai Sahib and the writer for the most part (Bhai Gurditt Singh Malhan). The writer states that Part 2 vichaars are only his recollection of the conversations with Bhai Sahib and he goes on to say that he has done his best to give them the authenticity of Bhai Sahibs 'rachna' (composition) but he says that he cannot match the beauty with which Bhai Sahib delivered his speech.
The author goes on to describe Bhai Sahibs jeevan and I am not going to bother translating and typing that up as you can get the it here: http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bhai_Vir_Singh
Page 4-5: About the Author (by Maha Singh Giani, publisher of Khalsa Samachaar)
Bhai Maha Singh starts off by informing us that the author was not able to live to see a published version of his work. Guru Sahib da bhana had taken its course and Bhai Gurditt Singh Malhan had to finish his 'sansarak' (worldly) journey on November 24-25, 1965. Bhai Maha Singh appreciates the effort of Bhai Gurditt Singh and says that he was a great gursikh who had the chance to do the sangat of Bhai Vir Singh Jee. After Bhai Vir Singh returned to 'begumpura' (a town where the residents have no regrets and sorrow), Bhai Gurditt Singh decided that just like Bhai Sahib was a positive influence and an inspiration for him, he could do this for all.
Bhai Gurditt Singh was born in Banga, a village close to Hoshiarpur, Punjab on January 21st, 1901. He lost his parents when he was very young and was brought up by his Nana-Nanee (Maternal Grandmother and Grandfather). Bhai Sahib went to school and got a job in the Railway Transport. Later on, he retired from there as a Senior Personal Officer. He was a God-loving and fearing from his younger years. He always used to want to hang around with saadhs, sants, gurmukh, and naam premis. This practice of his brought him in contact with Bhai Vir Singh Jee. With Bhai Vir Singh Jees sangat, Bhai Gurditt Singhs mind came to peace with itself. After retirement, Bhai Gurditt Singh dedicated his life to naam simran and prabhu prem. Whenever he would need spiritual counsel or if he was in a dilemma, he would consult Bhai Vir Singh. And as he mentions in the introduction, Bhai Vir Singh composed his answers so beautifully and intellectually that hit the spot everytime.
Thats all for the intro and about the author. Tomorrow I will attempt to move on to Part 1 of the book, thats of course if I am granted that much time by the master of all.
(Oh and if somebodys actually reading this.. I need a little help with posting gurmukhi on here.. so lemme knw if u knw)
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
khoj
I've recently started reading again, I used to read a lot as a kid but stopped when I was about 13 years old and got more and more into the teenage buzz. Now being in my 20s, I've realized that reading gave a lot of knowledge and intellect in the past. Although in sikh spiritual path, knowledge and intellect don't hold as much weight as bandgee (meditation) and pyaar (love), it is still beneficial.
I have heard about Bhai Veer Singh Jee since I was very little. My grandfather used to read his books. He used to say that he has yet to see a writer more elegant and beautifying than him. I thought may be I should get a taste of it myself. I went out and bought some books, namely, Gurmukh Sikhya (some letters sent out by Bhai Veer Singh in response to questions put forward by sangat), Baba Naudh Singh, Sundree, Bijay Singh, Sant Bimla Singh, Sat Aukhian Raatan, Guru Nanak Chamatkar, and Guru Kalgidhar Chamatkar.
It is said that its a bad practice to get a lot of books at once when you go book shopping but oh well.
I started with Gurmukh Sikhya, a thin paperback, just to take it slow. Its about 300 page, I am more than half way into it. As I was reading, a lot of the answers of Bhai Veer Singh were answering exisiting questions in my mind that I wasn't able to find any answers for. So I thought about what my high school Chemistry teacher used to say, "Never be shy to put up your hand, because chances are that a lot of people in the class have that same question but are too chicken-shit to ask". So I thought I am blessed with a good intellect of Gurmukhi, so I should go ahead and translate this book as I could not find an English version of it. And since most of the Sikhs in the west are too lazy to learn Gurmukhi, this would be great seva if it helps someone along there sikh path.
Having said that, I am not perfect, I have never done anything even close to this. I have never attempted to translate anything before. Also, I use a lot of slang, so be warned. Oh and I tend to sometimes miss words in my sentences, most of the time you can figure out what I am trying to say but please feel free to ask.
For more information on Bhai Vir Singh:
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