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| ==What is the AKJ?==
| | The '''Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ)''' ({{lang-pa|ਅਖੰਡ ਕੀਰਤਨੀ ਜਥਾ}}) is a collection (Jatha) of Sikhs who believe that parts of the Khalsa Panth are losing the Hukhams (Messages) and Rehat (Code of Conduct) that Guru Sahib originally gave us. For this reason, it is important that those who want to live as according to the Guru's command can do so in a Sangat (Collective Manner). AKJ puts emphasis on Gurmat Karams including Amrtivela, Naam Abhiyaas, Nitnem, and Sarabloh Bibek. |
| [[Image:Bhai Randhir Singh and others.jpg|thumb|400px|''Click to enlarge''<br>Seated (left to right): Masth Ji, Subedar Harbachan Singh Ji, Bau Mal Singh Ji, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji, Dr. Pargat Singh Ji, Giani Harbans Singh Ji Bombay, Bhagat Ram Singh Ji.<br>
| | <ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Jodh|title=Twarihk Akhand Kirtani Jatha|date=2008|publisher=Sikh Foundation|location=Lajpat Nagar, New Dehli, India}}</ref> |
| | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Akhand_Kirtani_Jatha |title=Akhand Kirtani Jatha |publisher=SikhWiki.com}}</ref> |
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| Sitting: 1, 2, 3. Baba Narain Singh Ji Kila Raipur, 4. Bhai Nahar Singh Ji, Mundia, 5. Bhai Pardaman Singh s/o Mata Kunji Ji, 6.<br>
| | ==History== |
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| Standing: 1, 2, 3, 4. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Suthrishar Ji Jamalpur, 5. Col. Piara Singh Ji, 6. Bhai Jasbir Singh grandson of Rai Bahadur Buta Singh Rawalpindi, 7.Bhai Surinder Singh Rawalpindi 8. Master Joginder singh Barundi, 9.]]
| | The AKJ was started by Bhai Sahib [[Bhai Randhir Singh|Randhir Singh]] in Punjab around the 1930s. At that time it was also known as Nirbaan Kirtani Jatha. Since then, Gursikhs have been getting together to sing Gurbani (Doing Keertan). The AKJ has spread a vast amount of countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, Germany, France, Malaysia, Singapore and other nations. |
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| | ===Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh=== |
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| The Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) is simply a collection of Sikhs who believe in living life according to how Guru Sahib has instructed. It is widely felt that parts of the Panth are losing the real message of the Gurus and slowly deteriorating into Brahminical rituals. For this reason, it is important that those who want to live as according to the Guru's command can do so in a collective manner (i.e. in the Sangat of other Gursikhs).
| | Bhai Sahib [[Bhai Randhir Singh|Randhir Singh]] was born in 1878 to Sikh parents in Punjab. He bravely fought for righteousness and against the British Empire in India. He is known for keeping his Sikhi alive while he was being tortured in British jails. Bhai Randir Singh was bestowed with honor of Panth Ratan by Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, and all the other 3 takhts at the time.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh Anant|first1=Jaiteg|title=Ghadar Di Ghoonj Te Bhai Randhir Singh|date=March 2004|publisher=Unistar Books Pvt. Ltd.|location=S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali-Chandigarh, India|isbn=978-93-5068-747-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kang|first1=Dr. Gulzar Singh|title=Bhai Randhir Singh: Jiwan Te Rachna|date=2003|publisher=Punjabi University Patiala|location=Patiala, Punjab, India|isbn=81-7380-875-9}}</ref> |
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| ==What do you do?== | | ==Activity in Sikh Panth== |
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| The main activity of the [[Jatha]] is to do [[Kirtan]] (i.e. the singing of [[Gurbani]]), although the Jatha also does [[Akhand Paath]]s, [[Gatka]], Sikhi Camps, youth outings, seminars and regular Sikhi classes for children. AKJ Kirtan programmes take the form of [[Rainsbai Kirtan]]s (which go on all night) and also Kirtan Darbars (which usually last around 6 hours). The Kirtan is usually sung with basic musical tunes - the main emphasis of the Kirtans being on the Gurbani rather than the music. | | The main activity of the [[Jatha]] is to do [[Kirtan]] (i.e. the singing of [[Gurbani]]), although the Jatha also does [[Akhand Paath]]s, [[Gatka]], Sikhi Camps (e.g. Khalsa Camp BC), and regular Sikhi classes for children. AKJ Kirtan programmes take the form of Assa Di Var Keertans (Doing Assa Di Var Keertan after Amrit Vela and Nitnem), Evening Keertan Programs (Doing Keertan in the evening usually for 6 hours), Raensabaayee Keertans (Keertan which lasts from late evening to early morning), and Keertan Smaagams (Assa Di Var & Eveing Keertan Programs every day for usually a week, ending off with a Raensabaayee Keertan). The Kirtan is sung using simple tunes - the main emphasis of the Kirtans being on the Gurbani rather than the music, but singing with Raags is fine. |
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| ==What is the history of the AKJ?== | | ==View on figure-head or Sant== |
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| The AKJ was started by the well-known Gursikh, Bhai Sahib [[Bhai Randhir Singh|Randhir Singh]] in Punjab in the early 1900s. Ever since then, Gursikhs have been meeting together to sing Gurbani. The AKJ has spread across many countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore and other nations. In 1978, [[Shaheed Fauja Singh|Bhai Fauja Singh]] led a procession to oppose the Indian government's attempts to destroy Sikhism and along with another 12 Gursikhs was brutally shot down. Ever since then, Gursikhs from the AKJ have been active in working against the Indian governments oppression of the Sikhs as well as further propagating the message of the Gurus amongst the Sikhs. | | The AKJ views the Shabad-Guru as the only Sant or figure-head in Gursikhi, through which humankind can all re-unite with God. There have been many highly respected and spiritual Gursikhs within the AKJ, but they have not been placed on any pedestal or given any title like "Sant". The AKJ believes in the equality of mankind and that every Sikh has a direct relationship with the Guru. AKJ do not believe that it is necessary for a third party to intervene in this relationship. In Bhai Randhir Singh's autobiography, he had gone to one smaagaam, and there was a poster saying that he was a sant. He left that smaagaam, and said he won't go any smaagam that lists him as a Sant. |
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| ==Who was Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh?== | | ==Keski as one of the 5Ks and not Kesh (Hair)== |
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| Bhai Sahib [[Bhai Randhir Singh|Randhir Singh]] was one of the few shining lights of the twentieth century. He was born in 1878 to Sikh parents in Punjab. He was a true Saint-Soldier; not only did he spend every breath in the remembrance of God, but also bravely fought for righteousness and against tyranny. More can be read about Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh in his autobiography.
| | AKJ believes that [[Kesh (Sikhism)|Kesh]] (hair) is not part of the five Ks, but, they are essential since Kesh are the hallmark of Guru Sahib. Since Kesh have a higer regard than than the five Ks themselves. (e.g. Cutting Kesh is a Kureht, while taking off a dastaar, or any other Kakaar is not a Kureht. AKJ believes that [[Keski]] (a small turban) was the original fifth K.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Uday|title=Keski, Not Kes, The Kakar|date=2000|publisher=Professor Uday Singh|location=Bolton, Ontario, Canada|isbn=0-9696957-8-0}}</ref> |
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| ==Do you have a figure-head or Sant?== | | ==Meat eating== |
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| Absolutely not. The AKJ views the Shabad-Guru as the only Sant or figure-head in Gursikhi, through which we can all re-unite with God. There have been many highly respected and spiritual Gursikhs within the AKJ, but they have not been placed on any pedestal or given any title like "Sant". The AKJ believes in the equality of mankind and that every Sikh has a direct relationship with the Guru. We do not believe that it is necessary for a third party to intervene in this relationship.
| | AKJ strongly oppose meat-eating, it is regarded as a Kureht in the AKJ. |
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| ==Are you part of the Khalsa Panth?== | | ==View point on SRM commonly referred to Sikh Rehat Maryada== |
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| Most definitely, yes. We are fully aligned with the [[Akal Takhat]] Sahib and the [[Khalsa Panth]]. We view the Jatha as being completely under the umbrella of the Akal Takhat Sahib and the Khalsa Panth.
| | AKJ in general keeps strict life style (Rehat Maryada), if one has to say that exceeds what mentioned in SRM. AKJ believes that in couple of Rehats like Keski and Kurehat of Kutha (eating meat) a looseness was made in SRM at the time of its draft. Scholarly and highly dedicated contemporary Gursikhs were not approached or consulted to make a concrete decision on certain points including aforementioned. |
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| ==Why do you count Keski as one of the 5Ks and not Kesh (Hair)?== | | ==Naam Drirtaa== |
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| We believe that [[Kesh]] (hair) are not part of the five Ks, although they are obviously essential since [[Kesh]] are the hallmark of Guru Sahib. Hence [[Kesh]] are placed in even higher regard than the five Ks themselves. We believe that [[Keski]] (a small turban) was the original fifth K, but due to various reasons, this has changed over time to become [[Kes]]. A full discussion on the [[Keski]] issue can be viewed in the Literature section.
| | Naam Drirtaa is the method used to instil [[Naam]] into those who wish to receive the divine gift of [[Amrit]] during the [[Amrit Sanchaar]]. This method is not the invention of the AKJ, but has been ongoing since the first [[Amrit Sanchaar]]. The method can only be explained in detail by the Panj Pyarai during an Amrit Sanchaar, as only the Guru has the right to impart the Naam. However, generally speaking, Naam Drirta sends the Naam into ones body and enables the Sikh to begin [[Simran]] with each and every breath. |
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| ==Do you allow meat eating?== | | ==Raagmala== |
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| We strongly oppose the viewpoint that meat eating, in any form, is allowed in Gurmat. For a detailed explanation see [[Vegetarianism]].
| | [http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ragmala Raagmala] is a small composition which appears on the final page of most Saroops of [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji]]. AKJ believes that Raagmala is not [[Gurbani]], but was added to Guru Granth Sahib at a later date. The Raagmala was not part of the original Bir compiled by Sahib Siri [[Guru Arjan Dev Ji]], neither was it part of the Damdami Bir. Scholars say It was composed by a poet named [[Alam]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ashok|first1=Shemsher Singh|title=Article Ragmal Da Lekhak Kavi Alam Ja Tansen|date=1986|page=39}}</ref> a contemporary of Emperor Akbar - in the year 991 Hijri or Bikrami 1641 - about 20 years before the compilation of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Giani Gurdit|title=Mundavani}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Giani Arjan|title=Raagmala Nirnay}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=Giani Sher|title=Raagmala Darpan}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Padam|first1=Professor Pyara Singh|title=Article Raagmala Nirnay}}</ref> |
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| ==What is Naam Drirtaa?== | | ==Sarabloh and/or Langar Bibek== |
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| [[Naam Drirtaa]] is the method used to instil [[Naam]] into those who wish to receive the divine gift of [[Amrit]] during the [[Amrit Sanchaar]]. This method is not the invention of the AKJ, but has been ongoing since the first [[Amrit Sanchaar]]. Other [[Panthic]] organisations also continue to use [[Naam Drirtaa]]. The method can only be explained in detail by the [[Panj Pyarai]] during an Amrit Sanchaar, as only the Guru has the right to impart the Naam. However, generally speaking, Naam Drirta sends the Naam into ones body and enables the Sikh to begin [[Simran]] with each and every breath.
| | Sarabloh and/or Langar Bibek is the practice of eating food which has been prepared only by Gursikhs. Also, the food has to be prepared and served in Sarabloh (iron) utensils, as far as possible. Those Gursikhs who have undertaken Sarabloh Bibek will obviously not take food that has been prepared in any way other than as according to the SarabLoh Bibek Rehat. However, such Gursikhs do not expect any special treatment and often go without food rather than putting a strain on others. Guru ka Langar was originally prepared using Sarbloh utensils and only prepared by Amritdhari Gursikhs. The word Bibek means Giaan (knowledge) to distinguish between right and wrong. |
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| ==Why does nobody else do Naam Drirtaa in the Panth?== | | ==Kirtan== |
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| Infact, there are some other smaller organisations which have also preserved [[Naam Drirta]].
| | Kirtan has been highly regarded by Guru Sahib. For example, Guru Sahib says "Kaljug Meh Kirtan Pardhana, Gurmukh japeeai Laaey Dhiaana", which means that in this age, Kirtan is the highest deed and the Gurmukh partakes in it with full concentration. There are numerous other Shabads in Gurbani which teach us the importance of Simran and Kirtan in Sangat. Kirtan during AKJ programs is traditionally done with very simple tunes, as opposed to being done with the complex classical Raags. The Sangat finds that Kirtan done in such a style is very spiritually uplifting. The emphasis in AKJ programmes is most definitely placed with the Gurbani that is being sung, rather than the tune of the music. This does not necessarily means AKJ oppose Kirtan in Nirdarat Raags. |
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| ==What is Raagmala and what do you think if it?== | | ==Vaisakhi 1978== |
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| [[Raagmala]] is a small composition which appears on the final page of most [[Saroop]]s of [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji]]. We believe that Raagmala is not [[Gurbani]], but was added to Guru Granth Sahib at a later date. The Raagmala was not part of the original Bir compiled by Sahib Siri [[Guru Arjan Dev Ji]], neither was it part of the [[Damdami Bir]]. We beleive It was composed by a poet named [[Alam]], a contemporary of Emperor Akbar - in the year 991 Hijri or Bikrami 1641 - about 20 years before the compilation of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. For a full discussion on the topic, please go to the Literature section. | | On Vaisakhi day, 1978, the Indian Government sponsored [[Sant Nirankaris]], they held a convention which was designed to hurt the Sikh Nation. They mocked the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] Ji and the Gurus, the [[http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Char_Sahibzade Char Sahibzaade]] and the [[Panj Pyare]]. Their selfstyled Guru sat in Palki like SGGS. These insults were a step too far and the Sikh Nation arose to protest against such unprovoked attacks. [[Bhai Fauja Singh]] led a procession to oppose the Indian government's attempts to destroy Sikhism and along with another 12 Gursikhs, they were brutally shot down. Ever since then, Gursikhs have been active in working against the Indian governments oppression of the Sikhs as well as further propagating the message of the Gurus amongst the Sikhs. |
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| ==What is Sarab Loh Bibaik?== | | ==References== |
| | {{Reflist}} |
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| [[Sarab Loh Bibaik]] is the practice of eating food which has been prepared only by Gursikhs and to prepare and serve this food in Sarab Loh (iron) utensils, as far as possible. The reasons for this practice is highlighted in the Literature section.
| | ==External links== |
| | | *http://www.akj.org/ |
| ==Do you have a separate Langar from the rest of the Sangat?== | | *http://www.gurmatbibek.com/ |
| | | *http://www.tapoban.org/ |
| No. Those Gursikhs who have undertaken Sarab Loh Bibaik will obviously not take food that has been prepared in any way other than as according to the Sarab Loh Bibaik Rehat. However, such Gursikhs do not expect any special treatment and often go without food rather than putting a strain on others. Guru ka Langar was originally prepared using Sarb Loh utensils and only prepared by Amritdhari Gursikhs. The word Bibaik means Giaan (knowledge) to distinguish between right and wrong.
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| ==Why do you do Kirtan so much?==
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| Kirtan has been highly regarded by Guru Sahib. For example, Guru Sahib says "Kaljug Meh Kirtan Pardhana, Gurmukh japeeai Laaey Dhiaana", which means that in this age, Kirtan is the highest deed and the Gurmukh partakes in it with full concentration. There are numerous other Shabads in Gurbani which teach us the importance of Simran and Kirtan in Sangat.
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| ==What happened during Vaisakhi 1978?==
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| On Vaisakhi day, 1978, the Indian Government sponsored [[Narakdharis]] ( known as "[[Sant Nirankaris]]") held a convention which was designed to hurt the Sikh Nation. They mocked the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] ji and the Gurus, the [[Char Sahibzaade]] and the [[Panj Pyara]]. Their selfstyled Guru sat in Palki like SGGS. These insults were a step too far and the Sikh Nation arose to protest against such unprovoked attacks. Led by [[Bhai Fauja Singh]], 13 Sikhs gave their lives as they were mercilessly shot down. Ever since then, the Khalsa Panth has been working to get rid of the Indian government's grip around our sovereign Nation. To read an in-depth analysis of this historic day, please visit the [[Literature section]].
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| ==How big is the AKJ membership?==
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| The AKJ does not have a membership system. We believe that all Sikhs belong to the Khalsa Panth and that any allegiance to a particular organisation is wholly secondary. However, the AKJ is a huge organisation spanning many countries and it is fair to say that it is a very significant and important part of the Khalsa Panth.
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| ==Why do AKJ women wear a dastar?==
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| Firstly, to be precise, there is no such thing as "AKJ women", since all are part and parcel of the Khalsa Panth. Those who live by the AKJ standards wear a [[Dastar]] or [[Keski]] because we believe that the fifth Kakar is Keski, not Kes, as mentioned above.
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| ==Do you believe that the AKJ Amrit is the only Amrit?==
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| Absolutely not. [[Amrit]] is one and the same, whether given during AKJ programmes or elsewhere. However, we do believe that those Gursikhs that form the [[Panj Pyarai]] must be of the highest order in terms of Gursikhi Rehat and Gursikhi Jeevan.
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| ==Why do you do Kirtan in the way that you do?==
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| Kirtan during AKJ programs is traditionally done with very simple tunes, as opposed to being done with the complex Raags. The Sangat finds that Kirtan done in such a style is very spiritually uplifting. The emphasis in AKJ programmes is most definately placed with the Gurbani that is being sung, rather than the sound of the music.
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| ==What is your view on the word "Sant" in Gurbani?==
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| Along with many scholars and other organisations, the AKJ believes that the word "Sant" is reserved mostly for Guru Sahib. When used in the plural, the word "Sant" refers to the Sangat as a whole. For this reason, we dislike the use of the word "Sant" in association with any individual, no matter how great a Gursikh he/she may be.
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| ==What makes AKJ Sikhs different from other Gursikhs?==
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| Nothing.
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| AKJ gursikhs have very much 'Nimartaa'. When they meet to other gursikhs then they will always bend and say 'Fateh'.
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| ==See also==
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| * [[Bhai Randhir Singh]]
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| * [[Akj.org]]
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| ==Kirtan Links==
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| * [http://akj.org/skins/one/ AKJ.ORG] | |
| * [http://akj.org/skins/one/keertan.php?id=209 UK Smaagam April 2009] | |
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