|
The following services are provided
to the general public by the Gurdwara Sahib, please
call 414-747-9000 for Gurudwara availability
and booking:
Akhand
Path
Akhand Path (akhand = uninterrupted, without break;
path = reading) is non-stop, continuous recital of the
Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end. Such a recital
must be completed within 48 hours. The entire Holy Volume,
1430 large pages, is read through in a continuous ceremony.
This reading must go on day and night, without a moment's
intermission. The relay of reciters who take turns at
saying Scripture must ensure that no break occurs. As
they change places at given intervals, one picks the
line from his predecessor's lips and continues. When
and how the custom of reciting the canon in its entirety
in one continuous service began is not known. Conjecture
traces it to the turbulent days of the eighteenth century
when persecution had scattered the Sikhs to far off
places. In those exilic, uncertain times, the practice
of accomplishing a reading of the Holy Book by a continuous
recital is believed to have originated.
Reference - The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism
Sahej Path
Sahej Path is also recitation of Guru Granth Sahib,
from beginning to end, but it doesn't have to be continuous.
A person or group of persons can read the holy text
according to their schedule and complete the reading
of Guru Granth Sahib.
Reference
- The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism
Sukhmani
Sahib Path
Sukhmani, titled Gauri Sukhmani in the Guru Granth Sahib
after the musical measure Gauri to which it belongs,
is a lengthy composition by Guru Arjan which many include
in their daily regimen of prayers. The site, once enclosed
by a dense wood, where it was composed around AD 1602-03,
is still marked on the bank of the Ramsar pool in the
city of Amritsar.
The word sukhmani is rendered into English as "consoler
of the mind." The entire poem has been translated
into English more than once under the commonly preferred
title, "Psalm of Peace" or "Song of Peace,"
signifying the soothing effect it has on the nynd of
the reader. Sukh literally means peace or comfort and
mani mind or heart.
The Sukhmani comprises twenty-four astpadis or cantos,
each comprising eight stanzas. They are composed in
the metre chaupai. A sloka or couplet precedes each
astpadi. The first seven stanzas of the astpadi explore
the theme stated in the preceding sloka and the eighth
sometimes sums up the astpadi but, more often, becomes
a paean of praise placing the theme in the context of
an overall vision of Eternal Reality. This structure
is maintained throughout and though, from canto to canto,
there may not be traceable progression of thought as
in a philosophical work, there is a continuing unity
of spiritual and ethical tone. One of the fundamental
texts of the Sikh faith, the Sukhmani presents a complete
scheme of the teachings of the Sikh faith. While each
astpadi has a fresh vision to impart, a particular aspect
of Truth to unfold, the whole text may be regarded as
the reiteration of basic themes such as Divine immanence,
Divine compassion, abundance of grace, God's succouring
hand, the merit of devotion, of holy company and humility.
With such reiteration, the composition as a whole has
a remarkable gripping quality reinforced by the striking
imagery which in stanza after stanza brings home to
the seeker the truths he must own.
Reference
- The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism
Wedding Ceremony
(Anand karaj)
Anand Karaj is the prescribed form of Sikh marriage,
the words literally translate as
'Blissful Union". The Sikh
marriage is a very special ceremony in which two individuals
are joined in a equal partnership. It is joyous and
festive event which is very family orientated and informal
in it's atmosphere. Sikh marriages are usually arranged
with families acting as little more than introduction
services. The ultimate choice is always left to the
girl and boy. In some cases the boy and girl choose
each other first and then seek their parents consent
and blessing.
The Reht Maryada which is The Official Sikh Code of
Conduct specifies that no thought should be given to
the perspective spouses caste, race or lineage. As long
as both the boy and girl profess the Sikh faith and
no other faith they may be joined in wedlock by the
Anand Karaj ceremony. The Reht Maryada strictly forbids
any sort of dowry arrangement as marriage is not to
be viewed as a business transaction. Sikhs are also
discouraged from consulting horoscopes or following
any other superstitions pertaining to determining a
wedding date or time. The Anand Karaj ceremony can be
performed in any Gurudwara or home where Sri Guru Granth
Sahib has been respectfully installed. The religious
ceremony cannot be performed in a hotel or banquet hall.
There are no restrictions as to what time the ceremony
should start or what time it should end although they
are usually performed in the morning with the religious
ceremony taking no more than a few hours.
Reference
- http://www.sikhs.org/wedding/
Kirtan
at home
Antim Ardas Ceremony
For bookings and more information please call at (414) 747-9000. |