Best Sikh Research Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Witness to Truth & Martyrdom: Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra 1:07:39

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7d ago1:07:39

1:07:39

Thirty years ago, famed human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted, tortured, and murdered by the Punjab Police, killed for his work exposing the Police’s crimes of extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations. Three decades after his death, what can we learn from his example? Join Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur as they reflect on th…

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Explore Salok Sheikh Farid Ji (Saloks 1-15) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 8:23

20d ago8:23

8:23

Explore Salok Sheikh Farid Ji: https://bit.ly/ssfj-p⁠⁠ The first fifteen saloks by Sheikh Farid Ji convey that the span of every being’s life is predetermined and finite. The being has come into this world to engage in devotion of IkOankar (the Divine) and to live a life of humility and non-attachment. Yet, burdened by the attachment to transient t…

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The Rivers Speak: Echoes of Devotion & Eternal Flow 12:08

25d ago12:08

12:08

Read the article: https://social.sikhri.org/the-rivers-speak-pod In this evocative audio essay, Inni Kaur takes us on a contemplative journey along the sacred rivers that have borne witness to the lives and legacies of the Sikh Gurus. Through lyrical prose and deep spiritual insight, she explores how these flowing waters carry stories of devotion, …

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Explore Bani Bhagat Sadhna | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 13:09

1M ago13:09

13:09

Explore Bhagat Sadhna: ⁠https://bit.ly/bani-bhagat-sadhna-p Bhagat Sadhna is one of the fifteen Bhagat contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib and one of the saint-poets of the Medieval period in South Asia. He was a butcher by profession whose life and behavior changed when he became a devotee after realizing IkOankar (the Divine). Featuring: Sukhma…

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To Simply Be Near: Reflections at Sri Harimandar Sahib 6:49

2M ago6:49

6:49

In this poetic reflection, writer and narrator Inni Kaur invites us into three quiet evenings she spent in 2025 at Harimandar Sahib—sitting in the parikrama, watching the sunset, listening to Rehras Sahib, and simply being. What unfolded was not just an experience of presence, but of transformation. This is not a historical account—it is a remember…

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Explore Bani Sheikh Farid Ji | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 5:17

2M ago5:17

5:17

Explore Explore Bani Sheikh Farid Ji: https://bit.ly/bani-sheikh-farid-ji-p Sheikh Farid Ji is one of the fifteen Bhagat contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib contains four Sabads and one hundred and twelve saloks by him. Featuring: Muktnoor Kaur #GuruGranthSahib #Sikhi #Sikhism #Wisdom #Waheguru #TGGSPNewRelease25 #GuruGrant…

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Explore Rag Asa | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 6:23

3M ago6:23

6:23

Explore Rag Asa: https://bit.ly/rag-asa⁠ Rag Asa is a musical mode that evokes hope, yearning, and the desire to move from darkness toward light. In this composition, our attention is turned inwards, and we are offered not just a moment for reflection but the possibility of transcendence. Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-k…

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Explore Bani Bhagat Beni Ji | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 5:20

3M ago5:20

5:20

Explore Bani Bhagat Beni Ji: https://bit.ly/bani-bhagat-beni-ji The Guru Granth Sahib Project has released annotations on all three Sabads (compositions) by Bhagat Beni Ji, one each set in Rags Srirag, Ramkali, and Prabhati. Each composition reflects unique emotions—serious reflection, compassion, and deep devotion. Featuring: Muktnoor Kaur #GuruGr…

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The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Manmit Singh 54:00

3M ago54:00

54:00

2-time Sidaker Manmit Singh joins Jasleen Kaur to reflect on connection, community, and their deepening relationship with Asa ki Var, a guiding light through threads of hope and hopelessness. Sidak is a really beautiful experience, not to say that you won’t be challenged. But that’s the beauty of Sidak; it becomes a place that is insistent on the S…

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1984 Lives in Me: 41 Years of Fire & Grace 7:02

3M ago7:02

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“1984 Lives in Me: 41 Years of Fire & Grace” is a poetic reflection on the enduring impact of the 1984 Ghallughara on Sikh spirit and memory. Blending mysticism, remembrance, and quiet resistance, the piece honors those who preserved sovereignty through silence, devotion, and truth. It does not dwell in sorrow—it rises in presence. It is not a comm…

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Explore Rag Ramkali & Rag Maru | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 4:14

4M ago4:14

4:14

Explore Rag Ramkali: https://bit.ly/rag-ramkali Explore Rag Maru: https://bit.ly/rag-maru Rag Ramkali evokes compassion, and Rag Maru is associated with enthusiasm and zeal. Rag Ramkali advises the mind to take the support of IkOankar through reflection on Nam (Divine-Identification) to gain freedom from flawed thinking. Rag Maru emphasizes the com…

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The Question That Went Viral: A Conversation on the Sikhs, 1984 & Rahul Gandhi 51:00

4M ago51:00

51:00

In April, Indian National Congress (INC) party member Rahul Gandhi stopped at Brown University for a speaking engagement. During the Q&A, Sidak Alumni Gurpartap Singh asked him what the INC is doing to reconcile with the Sikhs, and their interaction went viral. Join Gurpartap Singh, Harinder Singh, and Jasleen Kaur as they discuss Gurpartap’s refle…

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The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Poznma Kaur 52:13

4M ago52:13

52:13

SikhRI researcher, Jasleen Kaur discusses the value of Sidak with alumni, Poznma Kaur. Sidak seeks to provide young Sikh adults with a gift of Gurmat-centered leadership learning experience to secure—and transform—the Sikh future. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (⁠⁠⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasle…

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Explore Var Sat (Mahala 3) 2/2 | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 8:09

4M ago8:09

8:09

Explore Var Sat (Mahala 3) 2/2: https://bit.ly/var-sat-m3-2 In this composition, Guru Amardas Sahib highlights that IkOankar (the Divine) is the Creator of all existence. It portrays how individuals who cling to temporary possessions and relationships remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death. In contrast, those who remember and internalize th…

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When Gratitude Becomes Remembrance: Where Nam Awakens 16:34

4M ago16:34

16:34

In this contemplative reflection, Inni Kaur shares a deeply personal response to a Hukam from Guru Arjan Sahib. Interweaving the presence of Bhai Vir Singh Ji and the voice of a giani, she explores how shukrana (gratitude), simran (remembrance), and quiet presence awaken something within. This is a gentle invitation to return—to breath, to grace, t…

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Whispers of Vaisakh: A Season of Longing 13:45

4M ago13:45

13:45

Listen as Inni Kaur takes you on a contemplative journey through the month of Vaisakh—a time of renewal, abundance, and quiet yearning. Amid blooming fields and vibrant celebrations, the seeker feels the ache of separation and the slipping away of remembrance. Guided by the voices of Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Arjan Sahib, this reflection explores a…

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Explore So Purakhu | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 6:50

4M ago6:50

6:50

Explore So Purakhu: https://bit.ly/so-purakhu-podcast So Purakhu is a collection of four Sabads, the source of Infinite-Wisdom, out of which Guru Ramdas Sahib has revealed two Sabads, and one each by Guru Nanak Sahib and Guru Arjan Sahib. “So Purakhu” means “That Being,” “That Supreme Being,” refers to IkOankar who is formless, all-pervasive, beyon…

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The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Phera Singh 53:01

5M ago53:01

53:01

In this podcast, SikhRI Research Associate Jasleen Kaur explores the impact of the Sidak leadership program with alum, Phera Singh. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (⁠⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur⁠⁠)

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Explore Var Sat (Mahala 3) 1/2 | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 9:34

5M ago9:34

9:34

Explore Var Sat (Mahala 3) 1/2: https://bit.ly/var-sat-m3-1 ‘Var Sat’ (seven days) is commonly known as ‘Satvar’ or ‘Satvara.’ Satvara is a classical and popular poetic form based on the seven days of the week. In this poetic form, each stanza begins with a particular day of the week and describes an idea, sentiment, or superstitious belief associa…

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The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Radhika Kaur 50:33

5M ago50:33

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In this podcast, SikhRI Research Associate Jasleen Kaur explores the impact of the Sidak leadership program with alum, Radhika Kaur. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur⁠)

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The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Gurpartap Singh 55:16

6M ago55:16

55:16

SikhRI Research Associate, Jasleen Kaur discusses the value of Sidak with alumni, Gurpartap Singh. Sidak offers young Sikh adults a Gurmat-centered leadership learning experience, empowering them to strengthen and shape the Sikh future. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (https://sikhri.org/people/ja…

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On Performing Piety 21:58

6M ago21:58

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In this podcast, Jasleen Kaur reflects on Guru Nanak Sahib’s sabad, exploring the question of what is genuine within us, and what elements of ego we must navigate. Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur) Read the article: https://sikhri.org/articles/on-performing-piety #SikhCommunity #Sikhs #GuruNanakSahib #GuruNanak #GuruN…

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Explore Barah Maha (Mahala 5) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 11:04

6M ago11:04

11:04

Explore Barah Maha (Mahala 5): https://bit.ly/barah-maha-m5-podcast On 14 March, in celebration of the Nanakshahi Sikh New Year, The Guru Granth Sahib Project released the annotation of Barah Maha, a powerful composition revealed by Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag Majh. This musical mode beautifully captures the emotions of separation, longing, and the dee…

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Explore Bani Bhagat Ramanand | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 9:35

7M ago9:35

9:35

Explore Bhagat Ramanand: https://bit.ly/bhagat-ramanand In this Sabad, Bhagat Ramanand Ji highlights the significance of remembering the all-pervading IkOankar (the Divine) rather than worshipping the idol of any deity. He asserts that since IkOankar is omnipresent, there is no need to visit specific pilgrimage sites to show devotion to IkOankar. F…

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Explore Thiti (Mahala 1) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 9:42

7M ago9:42

9:42

Explore Thiti (Mahala 1): https://bit.ly/thiti-m1 Thiti refers to a lunar calendar day, counted from the first to the fifteenth day based on the moon's phases. As a poetic form, Thiti is structured around the fifteen lunar days of the Indic calendar months. The Guru Granth Sahib includes three such compositions by Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Arjan Sahib…

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Explore Janam & Nam Sanskar | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 6:21

7M ago6:21

6:21

Explore the Sabads at:http://bit.ly/birth-naming-ceremonies In Sikh tradition, the Birth & Naming Ceremony compositions nurture a sense of connection, love, and gratitude with IkOankar (the Divine). These ceremonies create a deep sense of belonging within both the family and the larger Sikh community, reflecting the lasting power of love and compas…

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Explore Bani Bhagat Surdas Ji | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 7:44

8M ago7:44

7:44

Bhagat Surdas Ji, one of the fifteen Bhagat contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib, has a composition recorded on page 1253. This line encourages the mind to abandon the company of those who have turned away from IkOankar (the Divine).Explore Bani Bhagat Surdas Ji: https://bit.ly/bani-bhagat-surdas-ji Featuring: Muktnoor Kaur#SikhCommunity #Sikhs #G…

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Explore Var Sat (Kabir Ji) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 9:24

9M ago9:24

9:24

‘Var Sat,’ commonly called 'Satvar' or 'Satvara,' is a poetic form based on the seven days of the week. It is a unique literary style that connects each day of the week with a specific idea, emotion, teaching, or reflection. In the Guru Granth Sahib, compositions revealed in the Var Sat poetic form include those by Bhagat Kabir Ji and Guru Amardas …

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Explore Mahala 5 Gatha | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 5:17

10M ago5:17

5:17

Gatha refers to a song or verse, rooted in the word gai, to speak, sing, or recite. It can also refer to a profound discourse with the self beyond simple praise or devotion. Within its short saloks, this Bani explores how to overcome the five thieves-vices through praise and companionship.  Explore Mahala 5 Gatha: https://bit.ly/mahala-5-gatha Feat…

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Sikhi & History: Bhai Vir Singh's Perspectives 57:14

10M ago57:14

57:14

Harinder Singh explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi. • How did Bhai Vir Singh perceive and narrate Sikh history? • What lens did he use to contextualize Sikh history within Indic and Western frameworks? • How does his understanding inspire contemporary interpretations of Sikh history? Dive …

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Explore Patti (Mahala 3) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 6:54

10M ago6:54

6:54

The essence of this composition is revealed in the stanza of rahau (Pause). In it, worldly accounting (entanglements) is described as useless. In the rest of the stanzas, the being is inspired to engage in true devotion to IkOankar instead of getting caught up in meaningless wordplay. Only by singing the praises of IkOankar can one be freed from wo…

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Explore Thiti (Mahala 5) [Part 1] | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 6:09

10M ago6:09

6:09

This composition, aligned with the fifteen lunar days, follows Sukhmani Sahib in the Guru Granth Sahib. Though brief, it shares Sukhmani Sahib's simplicity and depth of message, making it a customary recitation after Sukhmani Sahib.The term ‘thiti’ is a variant of ‘tithi,’ a Sanskrit word that appears in the Guru Granth Sahib as ‘thiti,’ ‘thīti,’ o…

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1984: Witness, Document, Justice 2:24:52

11M ago2:24:52

2:24:52

Since 1984, in the aftermath of “Operation Blue Star” and the Sikh Genocide, many narratives have surfaced—graphic, heartbreaking, and deeply emotional. Yet, one crucial perspective often remains overlooked: the voices of the first responders. These brave individuals saved lives, offered aid in relief camps, and documented the earliest accounts of …

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Heartbeats of ‘84 54:46

11M ago54:46

54:46

Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh. In this intimate and moving conversation, Pritpal offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how the events of that year shaped the lives of countless Sikhs. Moving beyond historical accounts, this episode brings listeners int…

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Explore Patti (Mahala 1) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 7:42

11M ago7:42

7:42

Patti is a poetic form rooted in the Gurmukhi alphabet. Traditionally, students in Punjabi culture used a wooden tablet, called a patti, to practice writing letters. The Guru Granth Sahib contains several compositions structured around the alphabet, including the Patti revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib. This particular Patti consists of thirty-five two-…

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1984 & Its Afterlives 1:31:16

12M ago1:31:16

1:31:16

To mark the 40th year of the violence of 1984, we reflect on the events that unfolded in India and make connections with the ongoing and durable violence against Sikhs, Muslims, and other minority groups in India and the diaspora. Featuring:Uma Chakravarti (https://sikhri.org/people/uma-chakravarti)Shruti Devgan (https://sikhri.org/people/shruti-de…

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Explore Maru Kaphi | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 5:53

12M ago5:53

5:53

In Maru Kaphi, Guru Nanak Sahib reflects on the grief caused by separation from IkOankar, showing that even with worldly comforts, one remains unhappy without this connection. It emphasizes that the transient nature of worldly relationships and explains that eternal union with IkOankar can be achieved through the Guru’s wisdom. Explore Maru Kaphi: …

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Explore Bani Bhagat Sain Ji | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 9:40

12M ago9:40

9:40

In this Sabad, Bhagat Sain Ji sings the ‘Arti’ of the transcendent Supreme Being, IkOankar (the Divine). He emphasizes that the true 'Arti' of IkOankar is not a ritualistic act of adorning a platter with incense, lamps, and ghee. Instead, it lies in adoring and singing the praises of IkOankar. Through this, a seeker experiences bliss and fulfillmen…

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None Compares to You! 12:32

12M ago12:32

12:32

In this episode, we embark on a deeply personal and spiritual journey to Sri Harimandar Sahib, the Golden Temple, through the evocative words of Inni Kaur. With her vivid storytelling, Inni shares the emotional and transformative experience of her pilgrimage, where reflection, connection, and self-discovery come to life. Immerse yourself in this mo…

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Explore Pahare | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 3:06

1y ago3:06

3:06

‘Pahare’ is considered to be a form of folk poetry in Panjabi. This poetic genre is based on the consciousness of time. Examples of this poetic genre are found only in the Guru Granth Sahib. Dividing day and night into four quarters each and expressing one’s feelings through them is the classical basis of this poetic genre. To liberate the commoner…

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Explore Chaubole | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 8:41

1y ago8:41

8:41

Guru Arjan Sahib’s Chaubole focuses on love, teaching that true devotion to IkOankar (the Divine) brings constant joy. A lover fully immersed in this love is ready to sacrifice everything for the Beloved. Their mind remains absorbed in the Divine, while those attached to worldly possessions and relationships remain unhappy, despite material comfort…

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Explore Lava | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 4:16

1y ago4:16

4:16

These four stanzas are four stages of a seeker’s union with IkOankar (the Divine). They depict the seeker’s spiritual journey. These four stanzas are also sung when the Sikh bride and groom circumambulate four times around the Guru Granth Sahib to solemnize their wedding. Featuring: Jaswant Singh (https://sikhri.org/people/jaswant-singh) Explore La…

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Explore Anand Sanskar 2/2 | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 10:25

1y ago10:25

10:25

The ceremony of ‘Anand Karaj’ (blissful task) is very important in ‘Anand Sanskar’ (blissful ceremony). ‘Anand Sanskar’ is considered complete only with the ceremony of ‘Anand Karaj.’ Before the Anand Karaj, there are many other ceremonies in which Gurbani is recited and sung. These ceremonies and the Sabads recited in them have been discussed in d…

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Explore Karhale | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 8:12

1y ago8:12

8:12

The term 'karhale' is derived from the Rajasthani and Sindhi word 'karhal,' which means camel. Historically, traders loaded their goods on camels to sell in distant lands, enduring long, arduous journeys. To relieve fatigue and express their emotions, they sang songs called 'karhale' about the harsh desert climate and their separation from loved on…

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A Conversation on Anand Sahib: The Bliss 49:42

1y ago49:42

49:42

Inni Kaur joins Sikh Heritage Month to discuss the deeper meaning of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib. While 'anand' translates to happiness and joy, its true meaning is more profound. The composition highlights that the eternal Wisdom (Guru) is the source of bliss, which can only be experienced through this Wisdom. It brings steadiness and discip…

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Explore Anand Sanskar 1/2 | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 10:35

1y ago10:35

10:35

The Guru Granth Sahib contains many Sabads related to the wedding ceremony, in which themes of happiness, blessings, and teachings are conveyed through vocabulary related to the wedding. Some Sabads are read before the wedding ceremony and some during. Although no fixed protocol exists, these three Sabads are typically read or recited before the we…

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Explore Sabads On the Theme of Amrit (Initiation) Ceremony | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 8:03

1y ago8:03

8:03

Amrit Ceremony is a fundamental and an essential rite for a seeker to join the Khalsa Panth. Through this the seeker is given ‘amrit’ and the core principles and values of Sikhi are explained to them. It is a unique and meaningful life-changing experience for the seeker. Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur) #GuruGranthS…

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The Attack on Political Sikhi 55:28

1y ago55:28

55:28

Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India. They look at the June attack on the Harimandar Sahib Complex, followed by the devastating November pogroms, and then further examine the significance of these events in the broader context of Sikh-India relations…

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Why Was Bhindranwale There? 55:34

1y ago55:34

55:34

Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984. Utilizing Sikh historical and political context, he explains the actions of the Sant and refutes the major criticisms of Bhindranwale's actions and choices. Featuring: Santbir Singh (https://sikhri.org/people/s…

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Explore Vanjara | The Guru Granth Sahib Project 7:23

1y ago7:23

7:23

In Vanjara, the seeker has been affectionately addressed as a merchant friend (vaṇjāriā mitrā). They have been made aware that they have come to this world to trade in the Nam. They are, therefore, instructed to engage in this true trade so that their face may be radiant in the court of IkOankar, and their cycle of birth and death may be ended. Fea…