PRAYER BOOK, Exams of Religion

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PRAYER BOOK

(New Revised Edition of 2009)

Compiled by Ur. H.s. Singha

Revised by SahibKaur

For

Guru Harkrishan Public Schools

(Under Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee)

Part - VII

Part - VIII

Part IX

Part - II

Pali - III

Part - IV

Part - V

Purt - VI

Contents

Preface to First Revised Edition 4

Preface to Second Revised Edition................. 5

Introduction................................................... 7

Part - I Sikh Gurus, Five Beloveds, Four Sahibzadas, Five Banis for Daily Nitnem,

Five Takhc:.ts and Five Kakaars 9

Prayers 19

Prayer Shabads 37

Ardaas 93

Choruses .. .. ... .. ... 107

National Anthem &

National Sung 125

School Shabad 129

Additional Shabads 133

Course of Studies in Divinity 153

Preface to Second Revised Edition

The Prayer Book is a 'Ready Reckoner' for every student in a school; which always reminds us all about the supreme powers and the existence of 'WAHEGURU' in and around us every moment. Though life is full of hurdles but a smooth sea never makes a skilful mariner. The foundation of Sikh religion has laid upon the concept of secularism right from the beginning. The First Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji set an example by keeping along with him the two of his beloved ones- Bhai Mardana-A Muslim and Bhai Bala-A Hindu. The 9 th^ Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is rightly said to be 'The Hind Ki Chaddar' as he laid down his life to protect the Hindus and Guru Gobind Singh Ji the tenth Sikh Guru sacrificed his entire family to protect the entire community from the onslaught of the Mughals as well as the Hill Rajas.

When we pray, we talk to God, our mind, body and soul together in unity sinks in His praise, in His existence we derive happiness and sense of satisfaction out of it. Happiness comes from within your heart and not from your surroundings. Our each day is full of challenges and a challenge is an invitation to try something new and to expand your horizons, prayer and meditation teaches us to spread fragrance of our goodness in society and a message of universal brotherhood with hatred to none. Chanakya said "The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of

the wind but the goodness of a person spreads in all directions". Sikhism is a religion of the heart, that its founder was a poet-singer and its scripture comes in the form of hymns that is one of the world's most interfaith friendly religions, based on Guru Nanak's concept, 'Awal Allah Noor Upaya, Kudrat Ke Sab Bandey. Ek Noor. Teh Sab Jag Upjya, Kaun Bhalley Kau Mandey.' Thus prayer is a dialogue between man and God and the real prayer is pure adoration and dedication, deep inward and a means of eliminating the mind of its ills and finally through it one learns to control his mind.

Bibi Sahib Kaur deserves Kudos for bringing in a revised and corrected Prayer Book for our Sikh schools.

All Guru Harkrishan Public Schools' run under the aegis of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, will be proud to introduce the Prayer Book in their respective schools being run by able and worthy Principals.

January, 2009

5.5. Minhas Principal Guru Harkrishan Public School Vasant Vihar New Delhi-l

Sikh Gurus

1. Guru Nanak Dev (1469 to 1539 A.D.). Sikhism is the youngest of the world religions, being only a little over 500 years old. But it has some unique features. Its founder, Guru Nanak was born in village Talwandi, distt. Lahore (now in Pakistan) in year 1469 A.D. At the beginning of his mission, he proclaimed, 'There is no Hindu. no Musalman." He also said, 'God judges man according to his deeds, not the coat he wears.' Sikhism is monotheistic religion. Guru Nanak also gave the woman a status equal to the man in all the secular and spiritual domains. Guru Nanak denounced ritualism and SUlJerstitions of all kinds. He disapproved renunciation of the world and sanctified the life of the household. He started in his life-time a community kitchen (Guru Ka Langar). He inculcated a firm belief in God, and that man rr1~Jc:;t constuntly remember God c:nd love God. He abo enjoined upon his followers to share theii" hard-earned money with the less fortunates. Guru Nal~ak sang his 'Bani' into Indian classical musical notes and would ask his companion Bhai Mardana, a low-caste Muslim to accompany him with his Rebeck (Rabab). This was the beginning of 'Kirtan'. Thus 'Kirtan' has become highest and be~t form of worship, from Guru Nanak's time itself.

Though born in Punjab, he travelled through the whole sub-continent on foot for over 20 years. He also visited west Asian Muslim countries including Arabia, Mecca, Medina and Baghdad to preach his Gospel. Such was the reverence he evoked from the Hindus and the Muslims that when he breathed his last, they both claimed his body. When Guru Nanak was past 70, he knew his time had come to take journey longer than any he had taken in his life. He wanted to ensure the continuity of the mission he had undertaken, the work of helping men to lead and to improve their life in 'Dharma'. For this purpose, he picked up among his disciples, Bhai Lehna, who was devoted to him in person and attuned to him in thoughts and action. Guru Nanak had already named him Angad, Le., 'of my body.' On June 1539, Guru Nanak formally placed the duty of continuing his mission on Guru Angad Dev's shoulders. Guru Nanak handed over his 'Bani' and Bhagat's 'Bani' to Guru Angad on the day of Guruship. Lord's call came to Guru Nanak on 22 September, 1539 A.D.

Tt is said, that in his memory Hindus built a

samadhi and Muslims a tomb, but one year River Ravi in flood carried away hoth. This was the message of God to the people that Guru Nanak was a divine spirit or soul. How can a divine spirit or soul be contained in a samadhi or a tomb?

foundation stone of Harimandir Sahib. He built two towns, Tarn Taran and Kartarpur. He compiled Adi Granth in 1604. The first parkash of Adi Granth was done on September 1st, 1604 inside Harimandir Sahib. He built many holy pools. He was tortured to death by the order of Mughal emperor Jahangir. He advised that under extreme circumstances, the use of military force to save one's religion, is justified.

6. Guru Hargobind (1595 to 1644 A.D.). Guruship

in May 1606. He established two distinct seats of authority of the Guru. These symbolizing: (i) 'Miri' in socio~political matters of the Sikh Sangat, (ii) 'Piri' in spiritual matters of the Sikh Sangat. He established sacred army, invited donations in the form of arms. He fought four battles with the despotic Mughal ruler, Shahjahan.

7. Guru Har Rai (1630 to 1661 A.D.). Guruship

in March 1644. He kept a small cavalary of 2200 horsemen, but never used it. He disowned his elder son, Ram Rai for changing one word of Guru Nanak's 'Bani'. He stressed respect to the 'word' of Guru.

8. Guru Harkrishan (1656 to 1664 A.D.). Guruship

in Oct. 1661. He uttered the word, 'Baba Bakale', i.e., Guru Tegh Bahadur, just before he left for heavenly abode. Thus directed the Sikh Sangat to the rightful successor to Guruship, i.e. Guru Tegh Bahadur.

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621 to 1675 A.D.). Guruship in April 1664. He saved Hindu religion from fanatic Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He was tortured to death for upholding the rights of Hindus to have freedom to believe and practice their own religion. His martyrdom marks a most important change in history of the Sikhs. 10. Guru Gobind Singh (1666 to 1708 A.D.). Guruship in Nov. 1675. He infused new dynamism in demoralized Sikhs. He changed the Baptism of 'Charanpahul' to Baptism of "Khande-di-Pahul." Thereby established Khalsa brotherhood. Guru Gobind Singh himself says that Khalsa was created at the pleasure of Akal Purakh and as ordained by Him. There was no such things as Hindu Nation or any Hindu force in Punjab who would combine to fight for a common cause. Rather the Hill rajas would make a common cause with the Mughal Government against the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh therefore resolved to re-organize the Sikh society on the basis of common beliefs and equality with the people having common social and political aspirations. This he did by creating Khalsa Brotherhood. He re-edited Adi Granth and included in it Bani of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He discontinued the Guruship in any human form after him. The spirit (Jyot) remained conserved in Gurbani. He ordained that hereafter Khalsa Panth will decide collectively on matters of socio-political nature in the presence of Adi Granth

Five Beloveds (First Five Beloveds of Guru Gobind Singh

who offered their heads to the call for the

head of a Sikh on Vaisakhi

(1st Visakh), 1699

1. Bhai Daya Singh Ji A Khatri from Lahore
2. Bhai Dharam Singh Ji A Jat from Delhi
3. Bhai Himmat Singh Ji A Water carrier from Puri
4. Bhai Mohakam Singh Ji

A Washerman of Dwarka

5. Bhai Sahib Singh Ji

A Barber from Bidar

Four Sahibzadas

(Sons of Guru Gobind Singh)

1. Sahib Ajit Singh

He was 18 years old when he was martyred while fighting in the battle of Chamkaur against the oppressive forces of Mughal ruler.

2. Sahib Jujhar Singh

He was 14 years old when he was martyred while fighting in the battle of Chamkaur against the oppressive forces of Mug hal ruler.

3. Sahib Zorawar Singh

He was 8 years old when on his refusal to be converted to Islam, was bricked alive in Sirhind, Punjab by the order of Nawab Wazir Khan.

4. Sahib Fateh Singh

He was 6 years old when on his refusal to be converted to Islam, was bricked alive in Sirhind, Punjab by the order of Nawab Wazir Khan.

"Prayers go up, Blessings come down."

PART - II

PRAYERS

Prayer 1

There is one God His name is Truth He is the Creator He is without fear He is without hate Immortal is His form He is not born or die to be born again By the Guru's grace, He is obtained

Recite He was true before time began and He was the Truth when time began True He is even now and True He shall be hereafter.

Prayer 2 Ask your Lord if you want your work done. Through the true Guru's word, He accomplishes your tasks. In the society of the holy, drink you then the nectar, the treasure of Good. o You the dispeller of fear, 0 Merciful Lord, save my honour. Nanak, by singing Your praises, one knows the unknowable You.

• ** (^) ******* (^) ********

M. 1, G.G.S., Pg. 91

*Means Guru, **First Guru Guru Nanak, "'Guru Granth Sahib, ····Page no. Guru Granth Sahib

Prayer 5

I salute the one Primeval Lord, He who was through the Ages, He who is the True One. Yes, He who is the God of gods, meditate you on Him and attain peace, and your woes and affliction will depart.

M. 5, GGS., Pg. 262

Prayer 6

The wise of the Lord (Brahmgyani) is forever unattached, like the lotus that abides detached in water. The wise of the Lord is free of evil, like the Sun that warms everyone alike.

The wise of the Lord leaks upon all alike,

like the wind that waves alike for the beggar and the king. M. 5, GG.S., Pg. 272

Prayer 7

Blessed are the Lord's feet, and those that touch it. Blessed is His worship; blessed the worshippers. Blessed is the sight; blessed the seer. Blessed is His Name; blessed those that meditate.

M. 5, GGS., Pg. 285

Prayer 8

The true Guru sustains the devotee;

Yes, the Guru is for ever in mercy for his servant.

The scum of his evil mind the Guru washes off,

And he sings the Lord's Name through the Guru's Word. M. 5, G.GS., Pg. 286