ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ !!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

Great post outling the presence of the situations in Gurdwaras- however furhter thought process about solutions is needed to take on this inevitable challenge staring us in the eye.

Bhai Balraj Singh jeeo,
ਜੋ ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੀਨ ਕੁ ਵੀ ਸ਼ੱਕ ਨਹੀਂ
ਆਮ ਦੇਖਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਇਆ ਹੈ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖ ਮੀਤ-ਭਰਾ ਇਕ ਦੂਜੇ ਦੇ ਵੈਰੀ ਤੇ ਦੁਸ਼ਮਣ ਬਣ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ
ਗੁਰਦੁਵਾਰੇ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਤੇ ਲੜਾਈਆਂ ਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਆਉਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਤੇ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਵਾਲੀ ਸੋਚਣੀ ਨੂੰ ਧਾਰਨ ਕਰਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਕੁਬੁਧ ਦਾ ਤਿਆਗ ਕਰਨਾ, ਉਥੇ ਐਨ ਉਲਟ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਆ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ
ਸਿੱਖੀ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਤੇ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਵਾਲੇ ਬਾਣੇ 'ਚ ਕੁਝ ਹੋਰ ਹੀ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ

A corresponding Gurbani Furman comes to mind:
ਭੁਲਣ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਅਭੁਲੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਕਰਤਾਰੁ ||

Thus, we should not only just look at the outward appearance of a person, rather what they're daily jeevan is and how much they obey and respect Gur-Parmaans.

Can Sangat pls make some suggestions, what we feel can make Gurdwaras a better place of Sangat Darshan and a real Guru DWAR to make a better feel of Guru Sahibs's Presecnce ?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

Great question - to get the Gurdwara to be a better place - in short it has to be place where you feel LOVED - so an individual will LOVE IT.-period.

How do you express prem where we have a gora type democarcy (rule and divide) democarcy system in our gurdwaras - no wonder there is chaduar puna-- rule - divide.

There at least should 5- 10 peredars at the Gurdwara at all times to listen to any pranee and to all his problems and try and resolve them and guide the pranee in the correct direction.( This will create the missing social structure and out of touch with joe average we have today)

I recall going to Gurdwara in singapore or thailand - where it was the normal for any family matter to be resolved by the panj running the gurdwara.
A SUGGESTION Box in a Gurdwara should be present where anyone express their views and panj to take these view seriously and acknowledge and help as much as possible.

I once met a hindu (patel) from Gujraat who said their mandar runs an ambulance service which goes and help anyone in need of emegency 24*7!!!!
Gurdwara should take note here and possible take on such a service back to the community.

Gurdwara a place Where childeren can be left to enjoy the day at any time!!
GURDWARA can only be great if it provides service back to the community which in return will make it GREAT and a leading example.



Baabaa Nanak did not build any Gurdawara buildings. The Gurdawar he talks about in the gurbani is that Gurdawara where the Guroo dwells within (the Heart). It is that Gurdawara, which cannot be seen with physical eyes (ਅੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀ ਦਿਸਦਾ). It is that Gurdawara, which is Eternal (which does not get old - ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਪੁਰਾਣਾਂ ਨਹੀ ਹੂੰਦਾ)...


Here are some quotes on the word Gurdwara from SGGS :


ਰੋਸੁ ਨ ਕੀਜੈ ਉਤਰੁ ਦੀਜੈ ਕਿਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੋ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਚਲਤਉ ਸਚ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ: Rosu n keejai outaru deejai kiou paaeeai gur duaaro. Ihu manu chalataou sach ghari baisai Nanak naamu adhaaro: Don't be angry (with us) - tell us: How can (one) obtain "Gur Duaaro" ("ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੋ")? O Nanak! (One arrive at or abtain the "Gur Duaaro" -"ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੋ"- when) Through the Support of the Naam (Aatam-Giaan, Divine Knowledge, Spiritual Wisdom...), this fickle (restless, mercurial, deluded...) mind sits in its True Home within (the Heart, Nij Ghar, etc.). (sggs 938).

ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੈ ਲਾਇ ਭਾਵਨੀ ਇਕਨਾ ਦਸਵਾ ਦੁਆਰੁ ਦਿਖਾਇਆ ॥: Gurduaarai laai bhaavanee ikanaa dasavaa duaar dikhaaiaa: The Tenth Door (Tenth Gate, Dasam Duaar, etc.) is revealed to the one who Reflects on the Gurduaaraa. (sggs 922).

ਭਾਂਡਾ ਹਛਾ ਸੋਇ ਜੋ ਤਿਸੁ ਭਾਵਸੀ ॥ ਭਾਂਡਾ ਅਤਿ ਮਲੀਣੁ ਧੋਤਾ ਹਛਾ ਨ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹੋਇ ਸੋਝੀ ਪਾਇਸੀ ॥ ਏਤੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਧੋਇ ਹਛਾ ਹੋਇਸੀ ॥: Bhaandaa hashhaa soi jo tis bhaavasee. Bhaandaa ati maleen dhotaa hashaa ....: That Bhaandaa (ਭਾਂਡਾ: ਅੰਤਹਕਰਣ, mind-intellect, heart, etc.) alone is Good (Pure, ਪਵਿੱਤ੍ਰ, ਨਿਰਮਲ, ਸਾਫ...) which is pleasing to Him. Very filthy Bhaandaa (that has become filthy with Bikaars: lust, anger, greed, etc.) does not become Good, simply by being washed (e.g., bathing at the so called sacred ponds, etc.). Through the Guroo's Door (Guroo's Teaching or Upadesh, Shabad-Giaan, Aatam-Giaan, etc.), one obtains Understanding. By being washed through this Door, (the Bhaandaa) becomes Pure (sggs 730).
ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਸੋਈ ਬੂਝੈ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਆਪਿ ਬੁਝਾਏ ॥੪॥: Guroo Duaarai soee boojhai jisano aap bujhaae ||4||: At the the Guroo's Door (ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ), he alone comes to understand (the right Way of life - ਜੀਵਨ ਦਾ ਸਹੀ ਰਸਤਾ), whom God Himself gives understanding (ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਆਪ ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਦਾ ਹੈ) ||4|| (sggs 1234).

ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹਮਰਾ ਵੀਆਹੁ ਜਿ ਹੋਆ ਜਾਂ ਸਹੁ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਤਾਂ ਜਾਨਿਆ ॥ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਕਾ ਮਹਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਰਵਿਆ ਹੈ ਆਪੁ ਗਇਆ ਮਨੁ ਮਾਨਿਆ ॥੨॥: Gruoo Duaarai hamraa viaah ji hoyaa jaa sahu miliaa taa jaaniaa....: When I was married (spiritual wedding or Aatmic-Vivaah) in the "Guroo Duaarai" within (by coming to the Guroo's Sactuary), I met my True Beloved Lord. Then I came to know that His Shabad pervades the three worlds. My ego departed, and my mind became attuned to God ||2|| (sggs 351).

ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਵ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਬਿਖੜਾ ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਕੋ ਪਾਵਏ ॥: This path of loving devotional worship (ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਵ) is very difficult; a rare one finds it through the "Gur Duaarai" (who seek the Gur's Sactuary) (sggs 440).

ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਣੀਐ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਭੇਟਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਭਣੀਐ ॥: Gur Duaarai Hari Kirtan suneeai Satgur bhet Hari jas mukh bhaneeai : Listen Hari Kirtan at the Gur's Door (ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਰਹਿ ਕੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਸੁਨਣਾਂ). Meeting with the Satgur, one chants God's Praises ||4|| (sggs 1075).
ਸਚੁ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਧੰਨੁ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੁ ॥: Such saalaahee dhann gurduaar: Blessed is the Gur's Door, from where the Truth is praised (ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ) (sggs 153).

ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਕਥਾ ਸੁਣਾਇਹਿ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਿ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰੈ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹੇ ॥: Jis no kathaa sunaaihi aapnee is Gurduaarai sukh paavahe: (O Lord) those whom You cause to listen to Your sermon, he at the the Gur's Door finds Peace (ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ) (sggs 919).
ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਲੇ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਰਹੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕੁ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਕੋ ਲਹੈ ॥ ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਦੇਇ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਏ ॥ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਆਖਿ ਸੁਣਾਏ ॥੭॥: Giaan dhyaanu le samsar rahai. Gurmukhu eku virlaa ko lahai. Jis no de kirpaa te sukhu paae. Guroo Duaarai aakh sunaae ||7||: With Divine wisdom and meditation, one abides in the state of Equanimity (evenness, sameness, etc. ). How rare is the one who, by becoming the Gurmukh, attains the One God (Realize God - ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨਾਲ ਜਾਣ-ਪਛਾਣ). With His Grace, to whom God blesses this, He Sspeaks to him through the Guroo's Door, and (that person) alone finds Peace (ਆਤਮਕ ਆਨੰਦ) ||7|| (sggs 930).

ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਦੇਵਸੀ ਤਿਖਾ ਨਿਵਾਰੈ ਸੋਇ ॥੩੦॥: Guroo Duaarai devsee tikhaa nivaarai so ||30||: Through the Guroo's Door, (to whom the Lord) gives (Naam-Amrit:Aatmic Giaan...), he quenches his thirst (of Maya) ||30|| (sggs 933).
"Dear Devotee, God's Naam or Shabad is the Creator as well as Support of everything. To forsake the Naam (Dvine Name) is death. You have invited death by forsaking Him. Without the Naam, you cannot link with the Essence of the Divinity Within; and your life will waste away in vain. Where does the Naam dwell? This Naam dwells deep Within the nucleus of all beings. There is no place without It. Meditation on the Naam is the true Dharma. Thus, of all the religions the best religion is to meditate on God's Name; which is the most pious deed. So come, and focus your consciousness on Naam."
ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਨਾਉ ਪਾਈਐ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪਲੈ ਨ ਪਾਇ ॥: Gur Duaarai naaou paaeeiai bin satgur pallai n paai Through the Gur's Door, the Name is obtained. Without the Satigur (without seeking His Sactuary), it is not received (sggs 1015).
ਦੇਵਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਕੈ ਹਥਿ ਦਾਤਿ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਪਾਇ ॥ : The Gift (of the Name-Amrit: ਨਾਮ-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ) is in the Hands of the Great Giver (God). At the Guroo's Door, it is received (sggs 33).

ਜਬ ਲਗੁ ਸਬਦਿ ਨ ਭੇਦੀਐ ਕਿਉ ਸੋਹੈ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਿ ॥: Jaab lag Sabad n bhedeeai kiou sohai Gurduaar: Until (one's mind) has been pierced through with the Shabad, how can (one) look beautiful at the Gur's Door? (sggs 19).


bhul chuk maaf

There are lots of things that must be there including:

Managers do not fight over the management, if they do then they loose the respect of Sangat.
Make sure Daswandh is used in a right way, otherwise you loose Sangat's faith in you and also Jamdoots waiting for you.
Parchaar of Gurmat is must and for this purpose some program/seminars ets shoul be held from time to time.
Any kind of descrimination should not happen at all, if do so we cannot even call it a Guruduara.
All should have the access to the Guruduara (as per gurmaryada) , no one should be banned or asked not to enter it.

For me, Gurdwara Sahib is the centre from where Gurmat is done and preached. First of all it should be the centre for base of Sikhi - Naam Abhyaas, Gurbani Paath and Gurbani Kirtan. Secondly, it should be the centre from where Gurmat Parchaar is done e.g. teaching Gurbani Kirtan, Paath, Gurmat philosophy etc.

If we look outside today, how many Gurdwara Sahibaan are there that follow Tatt Gurmat Maryada? The kind of Manmatt that takes place in Gurdwaras now-a-days is outrageous. Kathakaars don't dare and openly preach that cutting Kesh is a shame or that tying beard is wrong. Once a Kathakaar, at a famous Gurdwara Sahib in Toronto, said something against tying beard. Many management people themselves were guilty of this offense and you can imagine what ensued afterwards. This Kathakaar was severely reprimanded.

Saturday and Sunday mornings, when Anand Karajs take place in Gurdwaras, one can notice that Sangat going to Gurdwara Sahib at that time seems more like going to a fashion show rather than Gurdwara Sahib. Isn't it the duty of all Gursikhs to stop such practices. More to come later on.

Kulbir Singh

Daas totally agrees to the parchar aspect from Gurdwaras and other possible grounds but at the same time we must be careful that if we represent this great religion we are very careful of what we do as a SIKH/As a gurdwara committee member/president/Ragi/PAATHI/Kathavachik/Panj Piaras and other duties that we perform. If we speak about getting up at 2am for amritvela as a kathavachik and ourselves leave the bed at 6am that wouldn't help as the truth would be known soon. If we be a RAGI and sing loud the Shabads "AYE MIL GURSIKH AYE MIL" in Panchim Sur and turn our face when we see the Gursikh face in front this is not helpful either to spread Sikhi. If we Do Ardas "Guru Sahib ji SIKH panth ch EKTA Baksho" and ourselves help promote groupism in the Gurdwara Premises, Will that Help ?? If the message we spread out is to live by the Rehits and are seen eating delicious JALEBIs on a roadside RERI,the entire effort will spread wrong message.

I think we need try to follow what our great gurus,gursikhs did. Does Bhai Randhir Singh,Baba Deep Singh ji, Bhai Mani Singh Ji, Bhai Manj Ji,Sant Jarnail Singh and other Gursikhs do any lectures today ? NO, they tried to live up to the words of the Guru,preferred to be sikh before being a father,brother,son.Their lives have set up enough examples that by itself give us enough message and we become eager to follow their footsteps.


What a beautiful line "ਭਗਤਿ ਭਾਵ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਬਿਖੜਾ ਗੁਰ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਕੋ ਪਾਵਏ ॥". Now is there room for any groupism,Quarrels etc at this great place of Guru Sahib ? The place is only meant to do sangat,guru sahib's darshan and meet guru Sikh Piaras with high spirits and great love and respect. Guru Sahib Kirpa Karn we understand this fact and start using these great places for the sole purpose its meant for.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

Impossible to have any solution while we complain on what's going on -- impossible. In order to make a change one has to be the change

BIggest irony is that Gursikhs who have the metal - are talking and debtaing raagmala/amritvela/sarbloh/bibek dasm granth - while joe average sikh or commitee boaks haven't a clue about what a Gurdwara is --

Very well said Bhai Kulbir Singh jeeo!

Just today, while sitting in a Keertan Mandal, I was more than surprised on how some attendees of the Smagam were dressed. Of course, most of them were monays. There was no sign of shame on any of their faces. But if you are to bring up to some on how to come to Guru Darbar, these people instead snap at you.

I recall a similar incident that happened some months ago. A Singh from the UK had come over for a visit. We took this Singh to the weekly Asa Kee Vaar Keertans that take place in Toronto. Now this Singh is very strict when it comes to utilizing the high standards of Gurmat. He noticed, while sitting in Keertan, that one mona had come to Darbar with socks on. This Singh greatly expressed the desire to inform him on how wrong it is and why you should come to Guru Darbar with bare feet. He pressured me several times to inform this man to kindly suggest him to take his socks off. Upon his several requests, I gave in and approached the mona, knowing there would be no effect. I tried to explain to him on how it is not appropriate to wear socks in Guru Darbar, and why he should take them off. Despite my constant explaining, he didn't understand and responded that he could not fulfill such requests. His facial expression also showed signs of irritation and ignorance, because after all, he is a mona, and what do you expect from such an individual?


The above scenario is a small issue compared to what other bigger manmats happen at the local gurudwaras. The Punjabi Community really has no concern for Sikhi, nor do they have any knowledge. They do not understand what it means to respect Guru Sahib and Gurmat, because they are not Sikh. But, due to lack of knowledge, they claim to belong to the Sikh faith.

I also used to come to Guru Sahib's darbaar with socks on, no matter how many people told me you shouldn't. When a person has little understanding of gurmat, they don't want to change their actions to obey what others are trying to tell them. For people who come to Guru Sahib's darbaar, ignorant of who they are coming before, they will not come in beggar's clothes the way Gurmukhs should. Thus they will not recieve the massive rewards of the beggars who stand humbly before a kind and loving king. But Guru Sahib is so mehrvaan, that even the individuals who stumble ignorantly into his doors, and do even the simple act of taking matha, are still given phal for this.

In relation to Bhai Balraj Singh's question, gurmat parchaar in the form of classes have made amazing changes to hundreds of youth over several years at a single gurdwara. There is so much potential for revolutionary change, if we had more gurmat classes for youth in more gurdwarey.

That is a revolutionary thought by Veer Ji to suggest to close Gurdwaras, Here are some more.

Why not remove the money box, placed in front of Guru? Who needs it? It is the box, which is cause of all troubles. Why not try small Gurdwaras?

What is so much wrong with socks, if no body is washing feet? It is OK to remove socks, if one has to wash feet. If you are not going to wash your feet, why this compulsion? Sometimes, socks are more clean than feet. Anyway, I agree that it is better to remove those.

If we know that, Gurdwara is more of a social place than Guru's place, then the local community is certainly going to affect the decisions of management; because they "pay " to Gurdwara.

Once a girl told me that she will not accompany others going inside Gurdwara for MATHA TEK, because she is not with Salwaar Kameez. I suggested her to go for MATHA TEK than sitting outside in car, because Guru will not bother your dress. Was I wrong?

Bhul Chuk Maaf Hove Ji.

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ,ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਹਿ,ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਜੀਓ,ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸਿਖੀ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਪਸਾਰ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਸਥਾਪਤ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਸਨ! ਇਹ ਠੀਕ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕਿਸੇ ਸੰਸਥਾ ਨੂੰ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਧੰਨ ਦੀ ਜਰੂਰਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ,ਪਰ ਇਹ ਧਿਆਨ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਜਰੂਰਤ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਕਿਸ ਜਰੀਏ ਤੋਂ ਆ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ!ਅੱਜੋਕੇ ਵੱਡੇ-ਵੱਡੇ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਿਸੇ ਆਮ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਤ ਕਮਾਈ ਤੇ ਤਾਂ ਚੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਹੇ! ਬਹੁਤੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਲਿਕ ਭਾਗੋ ਵਰਗੇ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਖੀਸੇ ਚੋਂ ਆਓਂਦੀ ਹੈ! ਤੇ ਸੁਭਾਵਿਕ ਹੈ ਇਹੋ ਜਿਹੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਪ੍ਰਚਾਰ ਦਾ ਅਸਰ ਵੀ ਸਾਡੇ ਉਤੇ ਉਹੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਹੀ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ!ਦੂਸਰੀ ਗੱਲ ਅਸੀਂ ਅੱਜ ਕੱਲ ਬਹੁਤੇ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜਾਣ ਲੱਗੇ ਪਹਿਰਾਵਾ ਤਾਂ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹਾਂ ਵਾਲਾ ਪਾ ਕੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਕਦੇ ਵੀਚਾਰਿਆ ਹੀ ਨਹੀ ਕਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਣਾ ਹੈ "ਹਮਭੀਖਕਭੇਖਾਰੀਤੇਰੇਤੂਨਿਜਪਤਿਹੈਦਾਤਾ!!" ਵਾਲੀ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਵਿਚ ਜਾਈਏ ਤਾਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਿਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਸਾਡੇ ਉਤੇ"ਜੇਤੂਤੁਠਾਕਿ੍ਪਾਨਿਧਾਨਨਾਦੂਜਾਵੇਖਾਲਿ!!"ਵਾਲੀ ਕਲਾ ਵਰਤਾਉਣਗੇ!
ਭਾਗਹੀਨਭ੍ਰਮਚੋਟਾਖਾਵਹਿ!!

Balraj Singh Wrote:
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> May Daas Request the Sangat to put suggestions
> what we think should the Gurudwara Sahibs ideally
> do in a day to day and long Term plans for the
> good of the SIKHISM.


In Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's times, gurdwara sahibs would be alive with activity. There would be ongoing keertan, paath, recitations of kavitas, practicing of shaster vidya and other sports, and endless seva. I think the ideal gurdwara sahibs are still the ones in India, where these traditions are most preserved. While many gurdwaras outside of India also are alive with these gurmat activities, they lack a foundation which is based on gurmat ideals and gurmukhi prem. Gurmat and prem both need to be present in the sangat which runs our Gurdwara Sahibs in order for anything else to be of effect.

I think the youth can help foster growth in these areas. There are many young leaders who are very capable of doing gurmat veechaar. Gurdwara Sahibs should become a venue for these youth to continue their parchaar, especially in this day and age.

WJKKWJKF

Before the 'reforms' took place amongst the Sikhs, there were numerous bungas on the parikarma of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Each bunga specialised in the teaching of numerous subjects, such as logic, mathematics, gurbaani calligraphy, shashter vidya, fine art, gurbaani santhya, gurbaani katha, gurmat sangeet. These bungas were all demolished to widen the parikarma and thus, struck a deep blow within Sikh scholarhip and learning. As a consequence, the Sikhs have not recovered from this self-destruction.

You talk about an ideal gurughar.......the history of the bungas show us the way.

Khima Jee

WJKKWJKF

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

beautifully said Khalsa1968 jeeoo -- there no aaasss of hope left with Sikhs in India - we in the west must build instituions which represent the same as those Bungas once did in Gurdwaras in the west - -Just imagine if done the impact you would have on kids teenagers and the elders too!!!

khalsa1968 before the Sikh revivalist movement(Singh Sabha laher), there was not much in terms of Sikh scholarship and learning. Before the Sikh revivalist movement happened Sikhi was on the decline against onslaught Christian missionaries, Arya Samajis, Ahmadi. However your point that the Singh Sabha laher some how put a big blow to Sikh scholarship and learning does not make historical sense considering the fact that all through out the Singh Sabha laher the Darbar Sahib complex was under the management of the Sanatanist pujaris. It was only during the Akali movement during the 1920s that the Akalis took over and stopped Sanatanist practices like blatant caste discrimination and idol worshiping(moortis were on the paritkarma!).