Jakarta – “The hands and feet that shun seva are condemnable; actions other than seva are fruitless”, this is one of the message from the verses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh’s holy book, trans). It is not only said, but also done when the group of Anand Ashram Foundation had an opportunity to visit Gurudwara (Sikh temple) in Pasar Baru, Jakarta.
The event was conducted on Sunday, February 26, 2012, it was very special indeed. The worship and service of the day was sponsored by Anand Ashram Foundation family in order to celebrate many blessings that have been given by God. It was also attended by 45 people from the group, including Mr. Anand Krishna, the founder of Anand Ashram Foundation (affiliated with UN).
The event was began at 10.00 in the morning, almost all procession was delivered in Hindi language. Although, our group members did not understand the language, but the solemnity of this event was awesome. Cum the warm service from the host was touching and warming our heart. Thank you profusely for all help from the Gurudwara committee who were pleased to serve all who attended (almost 200 people; 50 person are from the group of Anand Ashram-trans).
Here are some impressions from a few friends who attended:
Norma Harsono
“Today’s morning is so sunny, we arrived at the Sikh Temple, Pasar Baru. Greeted by a “committee” which is the members of the temple who become some volunteers to serve anyone who came there Therefore, they are not officials who got paid! Even most of them are entrepreneurs!
Starting from the entrance, we were welcomed by sandals and shoes’ carriers, very friendly, and accepted our slippers with a very polite and cheerful face. After being guided into the place to take the head cover (in the Sikh tradition, we are required to wear hats in the Gurudwara), we followed the prayer, continued by eating together. It is very impressive that the officials are so friendly and happy to accept anyone, including the new person like me. The committee, person who are doing Bhakti in the center there, who are carrying the sandals, providing any informations, allowing the seats, serving the congregation eating, washing the dishes, picking up the dishes, etc.! Friendly and very welcome! One venue in which should be tried to visit “.
Razak Muslihah
I am very impressed with the spirit of service shown by those friends at Gurudwara. Even the wealthy one, do not hesitate to lend a hand to carry sandals, distribute food, wash plates, and so forth. Even some little children had already been taught to serve others by distributing candies. In addition, they are also alert and multi-tasking, after finished with a task, immediately doing another. We need to follow the spirit!.
Mrs. Rani Gangtani deigns to explain about the procession of praying together and her impression in Gurudwara.
“Prayers are a direct means of communication with an omnipresent, formless God in order to realize self in all the human beings and find God within themselves by performing good deeds. To fulfill this people visit places like temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras etc. “Gurudwara” means “Guru ka dwaar” which further means the meeting place at the door of saints singing the ecstatic lyrical and poetical glories of Almighty which are preserved in their holy book called “Guru Granth Saahib”. The prayers are started with divinely quotes known as “Shabad Baani” by growing boys and girls followed by saints called “gyanijis” to sing the glories of God in the poetry form known as “Kirtan” conveying the meaning to the people attending the prayers. Finally the prayers are ended with “Ardaas and Aarti” in which they seek the forgiveness of the mistakes people go through and pray to show them the path of humanity bringing peace and prosperity to the whole mankind. Later “Prashad and Langar” are served, which the holy food prepared by the sikh ladies present in Gurudwara to serve people attending the prayers as its believed that holy food creates holy thoughts and holy thoughts make better humans to purify their souls for the service of mankind. People distributing food to the attendants sitting in a row is called “Sewa” which automatically gives us a feeling that service to human is service to omnipresent shape of God. Those attending the prayers feel themselves at total peace and complete joy, creating the feeling of an alike human being by shredding their ego away.”
(Transcript-or: Maya Muchtar; Translator: Putu Harumini Waras)
SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: The Creator Lord Himself stood between us, and not a hair upon my head was touched. The Guru made my cleansing bath successful; meditating on the Lord, Har, Har, my sins were erased. || 1 || O Saints, the purifying pool of Ram Das is sublime. Whoever bathes in it, his family and ancestry are saved, and his soul is saved as well. || 1 ||
The world sings cheers of victory, and the fruits of his mind’s desires are obtained. Whoever comes and bathes here, and meditates on his God, is safe and sound. || 2 ||
One who bathes in the healing pool of the Saints, that humble being obtains the supreme status. He does not die, or come and go in reincarnation; he meditates on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. || 3 ||
He alone knows this about God, whom God blesses with His kindness. Baba Nanak seeks the Sanctuary of God; all his worries and anxieties are dispelled. || 4 || 7 || 57 ||
SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: The Supreme Lord God has stood by me and fulfilled me, and nothing is left unfinished. Attached to the Guru’s feet, I am saved; I contemplate and cherish the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. || 1 || He is forever the Savior of His slaves. Bestowing His Mercy, He made me His own and preserved me; like a mother or father, He cherishes me. || 1 ||
By great good fortune, I found the True Guru, who obliterated the path of the Messenger of Death. My consciousness is focused on loving, devotional worship of the Lord. One who lives in this meditation is very fortunate indeed. || 2 ||
He sings the Ambrosial Word of the Guru’s Bani, and bathes in the dust of the feet of the Holy. He Himself bestows His Name. God, the Creator, saves us. || 3 ||
The Blessed Vision of the Lord’s Darshan is the support of the breath of life. This is the perfect, pure wisdom. The Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts, has granted His Mercy; slave Nanak seeks the Sanctuary of his Lord and Master. || 4 || 8 || 58 ||
SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: The Perfect Guru has attached me to His feet. I have obtained the Lord as my companion, my support, my best friend. Wherever I go, I am happy there. By His Kind Mercy, God united me with Himself. || 1 || So sing forever the Glorious Praises of the Lord with loving devotion. You shall obtain all the fruits of your mind’s desires, and the Lord shall become the companion and the support of your soul. || 1 ||
The Lord is the support of the breath of life. I am the dust of the feet of the Holy people. I am a sinner, but the Lord made me pure. By His Kind Mercy, the Lord blessed me with His Praises. || 2 ||
The Supreme Lord God cherishes and nurtures me. He is always with me, the Protector of my soul. Singing the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praises day and night, I shall not be consigned to reincarnation again. || 3 ||
One who is blessed by the Primal Lord, the Architect of Destiny, realizes the subtle essence of the Lord. The Messenger of Death does not come near him. In the Lord’s Sanctuary, Nanak has found peace. || 4 || 9 || 59 ||
Reporter : Aiu Haryadi – Photographer : Prabu Dennaga – Translator: Nugroho Angkasa
