 "Nindeya" - to slander, slur, backbite or smear Ninda ( ਨਿੰਦਾ ninḏā) or Nindeya are words in Punjabi which mean to slander, slur, backbite or smear and are words used to describe a defamatory or negative statement made about someone. The derogatory account is usually made when the person about whom the venom is being spat is not present or is not within ear-shot of the conversation.
This type of harmful speech (called "Nindeya") is usually carried out to cause harm to the other person, to ruin the other person's reputation or generally to denigrate the other person's status. The main reason and motivation for slandering is that it gives the maker of the slander "satisfaction" as it makes them feel important and they feel they are "better" and more "righteous" than the person being slandered. The Sikh Gurus condemn this action and write against this ugly habit.
"ਪਰ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕਰੇ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮਲੁ ਲਾਏ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਮਲੁ ਧੋਵੈ ਮਨ ਕੀ ਜੂਠਿ ਨ ਜਾਏ ॥" "Par ninḏā karė anṯar mal lāė. Bāhar mal ḏẖovai man kī jūṯẖ na jāė." "He slanders others, and pollutes himself with his own filth. Outwardly, he washes off the filth, but the impurity of his mind does not go away." (SGGS p 88) .....More
During the late 1800's and the early part of 1900's, Daulat Rai, an Arya Samajist living in India, was so disturbed by the publication of books by some Hindu activists whose writings maligned the Sikh Gurus that he was forced to pick up the pen himself to author the book: “Sahib-e-Kamal” - (Par Excellent Master Guru Gobind Singh). In his book he reminded Punjabi and Hindus of the humiliation and degradation to which their ancestors were subjected under Mughal rule before the Khalsa liberated them. Quoting various historical sources, he wrote:
- Not only did Mughal invaders kill Hindus by the thousands, looted their properties and carried away men and women as slaves in the thousands, but also under some Muslim rulers Hindus were not allowed even the comforts of life like -- good clothes, good food, ride horses, wear turbans or keep good homes or valuables or even beautiful children or wives. They were allowed to have minimum of possessions for their mere survival. Often they were given two alternatives: either conversion to Islam or pay Jizya (The jizya was a so called 'protection tax' (ed. often said to be 60%) inflicted upon non-believers). .....More
- .... that Bhagat Sain whose Bani is included in the Guru Granth Sahib was an Indian saint who was influenced by the Bhagti Movement; He was barber at the court of King Raja Ram of Rewa and one of 12 main disciples of Bhagat Ramanand. He promoted Ram Naam (The name of God) and the abolishment of the caste system.
The temple of Jagan Nath, was one of the four most revered temples of the Hindus. It is said that Jagan Nath's idol was sculptured by the architect of the gods and it was installed at the temple by Lord Brahma himself. It was the anniversary of installation of the idol when Guru Nanak reached the temple. The Guru visited the temple not to adore their Lord but to educate the people that the worship of God was superior to the worship of the deity.
It was the evening time and the priests brought a salver full of many lighted lamps, flowers, incense and pearls and then all stood to offer the salver to their enshrined idol-god. The ceremony was called 'Aarti', a song of dedication. The high-priest invited the Guru to join in the god's worship. The Guru declined to join their service which enraged the priests.
On being asked the reason the Guru explained that a wonderful serenade was being sung by nature before the invisible altar of God. ....More
Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." (sggs 282).
For the first time in history, Guruji designed an institution in which all people would sit on the floor together, as equals, to eat the same simple food. It is here that all people high or low, rich or poor, male or female, all sit in the same pangat (literally "row" or "line") to share and enjoy the food together.
The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of women and children in a task of service for mankind. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and the children help in serving food to the pangat. Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of sameness of all human beings; providing a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. .....More
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"Sikh Environment Day" to be celebrated on March 14
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Two kidnapped Sikhs rescued in Khyber
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Birmingham Sikh nursery is a little school of calm
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Sikh generosity - material and of spirit
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Do Seva and reserve a seat in Heaven!
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| My name is Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji MD, FRCP(C.) I am a specialist in paediatrics and neonatology. I was trained at the prestigious University of British Columbia, Vancouver. At the Children's Hospital I am the only turbaned Sikh Specialist. .....read more
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Bhai Taru Singh - A Review
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| It was a soul-touching, eye-wetting and emotional roller-coaster experience. The movie made a very sincere attempt in regenerating the Spirit of Warrior-Saint, through the life of legendry Bhai Taru Singh jee...... → read more
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