lalalalala

phew..its yet another week that's going to fly past, and its action packed!yesterday was molecular spectroscopy test, which Dhan Baba Nanak was pretty okay, then next up there are three presentations, one test and one assignment. oh and one report. then there's labwork and finals are just round the corner.hahah! yesterday after class i decided not to worry and watched a movie. then i listened to Sukhmani Sahib. and then watched mahabharat. yesterday the episode i was watching was interesting, the pandavs started living in the forest and get this, they had jooray!haha..yeaps..so then i decided to go to bed early. today, i am feeling allright and its time to get the work done!take care and God bless =) the picture is of us at the sampling/expedition =D

sikhi 101 crash course

I changed the video to Veer Gurmukh singing Mere lalan ki sobaa in raag kalyan. (will post full shabad later) He's totally awesome in the raag department and I just saw that video so, enjoy people!

since I have quite a bit to write about I decided to break it up into a few posts. the first post was about something I have been wanting to vent about. Now, there are people always asking me about Sikhi and being an Amritdhari, so for now, I'll just post wikipedia's version for general knowledge. please excuse or point out mistakes, its from wiki.sheesh i should have gotten it from sikhiwiki at least ;)

Khālsā (Punjabi: ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ, IPA: [xaːlsaː], literally "Pure") refers to the collective body of all baptized Sikhs. The Khalsa was originally established as a military order of "saint-soldiers" on March 30, 1699, by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. It was the name given by the Guru to all his disciples baptized in the Amrit Sanchar ceremony.
The symbolic meaning of Khalsa literally translates as "pure" from the Arabic word Khalis meaning "pure." Guru Gobind Singh describes in his book, the Sarbloh Granth the qualities of Khalsa:[1]
The Khalsa is the reflection of my form, The Khalsa is my body and soul, The Khalsa is my very life.... ....Our enemies are vanquished by the steadfastness of Khalsa, Unlike countless others, we are adorned by the Khalsa.
Khalsa Sikhs can be identified with the given Five Ks and given names Singh and Kaur. This happens after being baptised to Sikhism. The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 initiated that every Sikh must follow the Five Ks; they are not merely symbols but commitment of faith which collectively form the external visible symbols to identify and clearly and outwardly advertise and display one's commitment.
A Sikh who has been initiated in Khalsa is known as a Khalsa Sikh or Amritdhari, as opposed to Sahajdhari the non-baptized Sikhs who believe in all the tenets of Sikhism and the teaching of the Sikh Gurus. Sahajdhari Sikhs do not don all the Five Ks.
Thus, the Khalsa (Arabic خالصة) ("pure/devoted") word khāliṣa[h] is the recognition of every Sikh that follows the disciple and text from the Granth Sahib.

In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs was executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In 1699, his son and the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh decided to establish a military order to stage resistance against the Mughals. He sent hukmanamas (letters of authority) to his followers throughout the region, requesting them to congregate at Anandpur on 13 April 1699, the day of Baisakhi (the annual harvest festival).[5]
Guru Gobind Singh addressed the congregation from the entryway of a tent pitched on a hill (now called Kesgarh Sahib). He drew his sword and asked for a volunteer who was willing to sacrifice his head. No one answered his first call, nor the second call, but on the third invitation, a person called Daya Ram (later known as Bhai Daya Singh) came forward and offered his head to the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh took the volunteer inside the tent, and emerged shortly, with blood dripping from his sword. He then demanded another head. One more volunteer came forward, and entered the tent with him. Guru again emerged with blood on his sword. This happened three more times. Then the five volunteers came out of the tent unharmed. These five, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their Guru, were called Panj Piare ("the five beloved ones").[5] These five volunteers were the first Khalsa Sikhs: Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh), Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh), Himmat Rai (Bhai Himmat Singh), Mohkam Chand (Bhai Mohkam Singh), and Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh).
Guru Gobind Singh then took an iron bowl, and poured some water in it. Sahib Devan (later Mata Sahib Kaur) added some sugar crystals to the water in the bowl, and Guru stirred this mixture with a double-edged sword whilst reciting the Five Banis.
These actions allude to the nature expected of the inductees to the Khalsa: that they must have the will and the strength to fight oppression (symbolized by the sword), but must always remember that their actions are born from protection and not hatred (symbolized by the sweetness of the sugar).
Each of the Panj Piares were given five handfuls of the Amrit to drink, and had amrit sprinkled in their eyes five times. Each time, they repeated the phrase, "Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh" ("The Khalsa belongs to God, the victory belongs to God"). Then they received five sprinkles in their hair and sipped from the bowl of amrit.
Guru Gobind Singh gave them all the middle name "Singh" (meaning "lion"). Similarly, every subsequent male who takes the ceremony are also given the surname "Singh", and every female is given the name "Kaur" (meaning "princess,").
The Panj Piare were thus the first baptised Sikhs, and became the first members of the Khalsa brotherhood, who symbolically regard Guru Gobind Singh as their "father", and Mata Sahib Kaur as their "mother".[5] Khalsa claims Anandpur, where they were created by Guru Gobind Singh, as their home, and celebrate Vaisakhi as their birthday.[5]

The Five Ks, or panj kakaar/kakke, are five articles of faith that baptised Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who so ordered at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699. The Five Ks are not just symbols but Articles of Faith which collectively form the external identity and the Khalsa devotee's commitment to the Sikh Rehni (Way of Life).

Kesh - uncut hair. Sikhs believe that hair, like everything else, is a gift from God, therefore it remains uncut.
Kanga - a wooden comb. Used for combing the hair and keeping it tidy and in place under the turban.
Kara - an iron bracelet. Serves as a reminder for Sikhs to follow the morals of their faith.
Kachera - a specific style of cotton underwear. Reminds Sikhs of the Guru's message regarding the control of the Five Evils.
Kirpan - a strapped curved sword. Symbolises the safety of all and the carrier's personal duty and responsibility as a Sikh to protect the innocent in the message of peace.
[edit] Kesh
Main article: Kesh
ਜੋ ਪਗ ਨੂੰ ਬਾਸੀ ਰਖੇ ਸੋ ਤਨਖਾਹੀਆ। ਇਸ ਲਈ ਹਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਲਈ ਲਾਜ਼ਮੀ ਹੈ ਕ ਉਹ ਰੋਜ਼ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਵੇ।One who does not tie a fresh turban is liable for penalty. For this reason it is mandatory for every Sikh of the Guru to tie a turban every day.
– (Rehitnama Bhai Chaupa Singh ji)
The Kesh or unshorn long hair is an indispensable part of the human body. It was created by Waheguru as the mainstay of the 'Jivan Jaach', the Rehni that was prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib by which a Sikh is clearly and quickly identified. A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair to indicate the perfection of God's creation. The uncut long hair, and the beard in the case of men, form the main kakaar for Sikhs.
A Dastaar is a turban worn to protect the Kesh and guard the Dasam Duaar (the Tenth Gate), a spiritual opening at the top of the head. The turban is a spiritual crown, which is a constant reminder to the Sikh that he or she is sitting on the throne of consciousness and is committed to living according to Sikh principles. Guru Gobind Singh jee told his Sikhs: "Khaalsa mero roop hai kaas. Khaalsa mai ho karo nivaas... The Khalsa is my image. Within the Khalsa I reside." Wearing a turban declares sovereignty, dedication, self-respect, courage and piety.
[edit] Kangha
Main article: Kangha

Kangha - one of the five articles of faith for the Sikhs
ਕੰਘਾ ਦੋਨਉਂ ਵਕਤ ਕਰ, ਪਾਗ ਚੁਨਹਿ ਕਰ ਬਾਂਧਈ ॥Comb the hair twice a day, covering it with turban that is to be tied from fresh.
– Tankhanama Bhai Nand Lal Singh
A Kangha is a small wooden comb that Sikhs use twice a day. It should be worn in the hair, and only the hair, at all times. Combs help to clean hair and remove tangles from it, as well as being a symbol of cleanliness. Combing their hair reminds Sikhs that their lives should be tidy and organized, too. The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh to wear a small comb called a Kangha at all times.
The comb keeps the hair tidy, a symbol of not just accepting what God has given, but also an injunction to maintain it with grace. The Guru said hair should be allowed to grow naturally. For men, this includes not shaving. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh, some holy men let their hair become tangled and dirty. The Guru said that this was not right. Hair should be allowed to grow but it should be kept clean and combed at least twice a day.
[edit] Kara
Main article: Kara

kara, kangha, and kirpan
Kara - one of the five articles of faith for the Sikhs
The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 to wear a steel bangle called a Kara at all times. The Kara is a constant reminder to always remember that whatever a person does with their hands has to be in keeping with the advice given by the Guru.The Kara is a steal circle to symbolize life as never ending.
[edit] Kachera
Main article: Kachchhera

The Kachera - one of the five articles of faith for the Sikhs
ਸੀਲ ਜਤ ਕੀ ਕਛ ਪਹਿਰਿ ਪਕਿੜਓ ਹਿਥਆਰਾ ॥The sign of true chastity is the Kachera, you must wear this and hold weapons in hand.
– Bhai Gurdas, Var. 41, pauri 15
Originally, the Kachera was made part of the five Ks as a symbol of a Sikh soldier's willingness to be ready at a moment's notice for battle or for defense. The confirmed Sikh (one who has taken the Amrit) wears a kachera every day. Some go to the extent of wearing a kachera while bathing, to be ready to at a moment's notice, changing into the new one leg at a time, so as to have no moment where they are unprepared. Further, this garment allowed the Sikh soldier to operate in combat freely and without any hindrance or restriction, because it was easy to fabricate, maintain, wash and carry compared to other traditional under-garments of that era, like the dhoti. The Kachera symbolises self-respect, and always reminds the wearer of mental control over lust, one of the Five Evils in Sikh philosophy.
Kachera follow a generally practical and roomy design. It features an embedded string that circles the waist which can be tightened/loosened as desired, and then knotted securely. The Kachera can be classed between underwear and an outer garment, as in appearance it does not reveal private anatomy, and looks and wears like shorts. As with all of the Five Ks, there is equality between men and women, and so women are also expected to wear it too. Considering the hot climate in India, the Kachera is often worn by men as an outer garment, keeping the wearer cool and being practical in manual work such as farming, however it is generally not considered respectful for women to wear the Kachera as an outer garment (on its own) as it is considered too revealing.
[edit] Kirpan
Main article: Kirpan

Typical Kirpan worn by modern Sikhs
ਸ਼ਸਤਰ ਹੀਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਨਹਿ ਹੋਈ, ਰਿਹਤਵੰਤ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਸੋਈ ॥Those who never depart his/her arms, they are the Khalsa with excellent rehats.
– Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh
The Kirpan is a short dagger which symbolizes a Sikh's duty to come to the defence of those in peril. All baptised Sikhs should wear a short form of Kirpan (approx. 6" to 9" long) on their body at all times as a defensive side-arm, just as a police officer is expected to wear a public-defensive weapon when on duty. Its use is only allowed in the act of self-defense and the protection of others. It stands for bravery and protecting the weak and innocent.
Originally, the kirpan was kept sharp and was actually used to defend others, such as those who were being forcibly converted by Mughal rulers, women who were raped in the streets, or a person who was being robbed or beaten. The true Sikh cannot turn a blind eye to such evils, thinking that they are "someone else's concern." So today, it is the duty of the true Sikh to help those who suffer unjustly, by whatever means available, whether that means alerting the police, summoning help, or literally defending those who cannot defend themselves, even if that means putting yourself in harm's way.

lab.work.

allrite.i've just put a different video on my video tab. its a lovely track from Asa di Vaar, and the shabad is written by Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji about women.

anyway, the reason I'm actually typing away here is that I couldnt carry out the planned labwork today =( its one of those parameters I was dreading to do, and after getting up early and heading to lab, I started with the little things to do; soaking the sampling bottles, getting the reagent ready and weighing crucibles etc. Then it is sad to determine that in order to get accurate readings the scales at the other (closed) lab should be used and my new samples are frozen so I head back. on the big scale it is actually nothing to write about but at the moment the whole day of a weekend seems to have been wasted due to not doing labwork. but in reality, it may be Gurujee's way of making me come back and study for the quiz tomorrow and test on Monday. Also there are other pieces of work waiting patiently for me to attend to them.so I guess I should put a smile =) on my face, suck it up and move ahead (to the meeting at 4.30).

In only 5 days from now, we will be going for the next sampling. The gap between the previous and next sampling is pretty tight, nevertheless, the next one is estimated to be pretty interesting.

when my sv said, the sampling is an expedition, and will last 3 days, we were ecstatic. Then when he said 4 days, k yen got worried as we have a full day sunday. now it has been confirmed that we only need to go for two days each, and return after the sampling. we are pretty looking forward to it, Guru Rakha to ensure all goes well and smoothly. this week I will have to work hard to finish off whatever is possible, be it project or other subjects. allrite, enough of my ramblings for now, take care and love as always =)

the busiest ppl ever =)

it always seems in my posts that im going on and on about being busy, doing this and that and generally sounding swamped. but i think its pretty true though!haha..this past week has been another eventful one, with the entrepreneurship expo held for us to showcase (um..our skills??) and perform sales. although tiring - 8 am to 10pm, it was a fun filled time for us, and writing about that will require another post =)

so anyway as you might have noticed, our work always (always) comes in bulk (bulky groups, chappard padh ke) hahaha and today was another one of those. after the expo ended on sunday, we had the following today : 1. quiz- 2 chapters- a lot of memorizing and words involved 2. presentation - water softening hahaha where it was quite allright for me as I didnt have to prepare slides 3. handing in prof yati's assignment on IPM - pest management.

so, Dhan Baba Nanak, what happens today is, in the morning xinnie and I are all geared up and go to the lab to try out our little experiment when the news comes ~ we present the next week! weehoo, although the efforts of getting seawater late in the evening was all futile after all then? hmm not really, we managed to prove it anyhow. (more on that later)

then after class its edit and finish off IPM time and after lunch, another piece of good news comes abuzzing on my phone ~ quiz postponed to sunday. oh the joy. but no rest for the evil, a meeting at 9pm and then tomorrow its heavy dating time with the lab =D Rehraas time now, more later. love!