10/08/2024
Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha has hosted its first meditation and Sikh faith event at Maidenhead Gurdwara.
Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha has hosted its first meditation and Sikh faith event at Maidenhead Gurdwara.
More than 300 devotees have visited the place of worship on Rutland Road every day this week to participate in the International Camp of Meditation and Sikh faith.
This International ‘Simran’ Camp which means meditation in Punjabi is a five-day event featuring teaching sessions on Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha president Dr Ravinder Singh said: “Everyone in the congregation has said it’s been good and we should organise it as regularly as possible.
“It’s a big event and people have booked hotels and have come from abroad, so we think it’s been a good response. People are appreciative and would like us to hold this again.
Not only are visitors from neighbouring towns, but many have travelled from as far as New Zealand, the USA, Europe and India.
The event began on Monday and ends today, with each day starting at 4.30am and ending at 7.30pm.
Dr Singh said: “There was a need for this because we are a growing population. People born and brought up there might know less about the Sikh way of life so this brings them back to how you can be friendly with the community, and help, support and offer community service which Sikhs are known for.
“That’s why we thought it’s good for younger kids to teach them how Sikh gurus taught this life. We thought it was good to have this kind of event. This is a holiday period, and we can use these five days in a good and constructive way to help the community and to help people.”
Every day begins with a half-hour meditation followed by morning prayers and another round of meditation.
Breakfast is served at 8am and two hours of meditation and prayers asking for blessings from the Guru follow.
Sessions on Sikh principles and teachings are delivered by teachers from India before lunch is served at 1pm.
After a rest period, meditation and teachings resume at 3pm before dinner is served at 7pm.
Dr Singh said the ‘response has been very good’.
“In Sikhism, there is a baptism ceremony ‘Amrit Sanskar’ so we had people who wanted to get baptised – around 50 or 60 people are taking that baptism,” he added.
“People have come from India to teach – people want to learn more and do more meditation.
“Sikhs are known for selfless service and we should propagate that.”
