麻豆约拍

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Manika Kaur, a Sikh devotional singer songwriter

Good morning.

A great deal of Sikh history is soaked in sacrifice.

Guru Arjun Ji was the 5th Sikh Guru and the first martyr. In the mid-1500鈥檚 Sikhism was rapidly growing because it promoted equality between men and women, there were no superstitious religious practices and no caste system.

Guruji became a target as other religious leaders saw their power base rapidly declining.

As worshippers flocked to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Guru Arjun began to compile all the writings of the past Gurus into one Holy Scripture, now known as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guruji also included the compositions of both Hindus and Muslim saints which were true expressions of God鈥檚 love.

In 1606, Emperor Jahangir would order the arrest and torture of Guru Arjun who was made to sit on a burning iron plate while hot sand was poured over him.

Pir Mian Mir, a respected Muslim Sufi saint and Guruji鈥檚 friend wanted to intervene and help but Guruji stopped him and replied;

鈥淎ll is happening in accordance with the will of Waheguru. Men who stand for truth have to suffer often. Their sufferings give strength to the cause of truth.The true test of faith is in the hour of misery. Without examples to guide them, ordinary people's minds would tremble in the midst of suffering."

After five days of barbaric torture, GuruJi was taken for a bath in the river. Thousands watched as he entered the river never to be seen again. His sacrifice changed the course of Sikhism forever.

Compassionate Lord

In the hour of misery, Guru Arjun Ji loved you more. May our faith remain steadfast even in the midst of suffering.

Waheguru

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