MINA, meaning hypocritical, secretive, rnean natured, deceitful, is an epithet applied in the Sikh tradition to Prithi Chand (1558-1618), the eldest son of Guru Ram Das, and such of his descendants as had not joined the main body of the Sikhs. There is also a community confined mainly to

SAPTAHIK PATH, a path, i.e. reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, which is completed in a saptah (week). Any individual, man or woman, or a group of persons by the relay method may perform this path which is commenced seven days ahead of the coming occasion, ceremoney or

BRAHMGIANI (Skt. brahmajnanin), lit. the knower of Brahman or one possessing the knowledge of Brahman. The knowledge (giana, jnana) of the Universal Spirit (Brahman) consists not in the mere recognition of His existence, but in a continuous consciousness about HimHis realization in the heart or rather the realization of

MARTYRDOM or voluntarily laying down of one`s life for one`s faith or principles, considered a noble death in any society, is especially prized in Sikhism which has a long and continuous tradition of such adherence to religious belief and sacrifice for it. Etymologically, "martyr" is derived from the Greek

AMRIT, derived from Sanskrit amrta, defined variously as not dead, immortal, imperishable; beautiful, beloved; world of immortality, heaven; immortality, eternity; final emancipation; nectar, ambrosia; nectarlike food; antidote against poison; or anything sweet, commonly means a liquid or drink by consuming which one attains everlasting life or immortality. It is

AMARAPURI (AMARAVATI) In the Sikh Scripture, instead of Amaravati, the word Amarapuri has been used. "Ineffable is the discourse of Amarapuri (the immortal city). He also attains unto it, whom the Lord blesses." (Swayye Mahle Chauthe Ke, p. 1398) Amaravati is the city of Indra, the king of the

BIKRAMI SAMMAT: A Calendar named after a Hindu king Vikramaditya. In Punjabi Vikrami is pronounced as Bikrami. Its abbreviation is Bk. The Hindus calculate their dates as per the Hindu astrology. Some ignorant Sikhs too adhere to this calendar. For a Sikh all the calendars have the same significance.

BHISTA (BAHISHTA) He holds fasts, offers prayers and recites Kalimah, in this way Bhista (Bahishta) or heaven cannot be achieved..... Having comprehended himself, if one tries to know? others, then he can become a resident of Bhista..... (Asa Kabir, p. 480) You are impure and are not conscious about

DAROPADI (DRAUPADI) By remembering (the Lord), Draupadi, the daughter of king Draupad was redeemed. (Gond Namdev, p. 874) In the court of Duhsasana, Draupadi was saved (by the Lord), when her clothes were being tåken off. (Mali Gauri Namdev, p. 988) Panchali (the daughter of the king of Panchal

GAJA (KUNCHARA) When the Gaja (elephant) took refuge in the Merciful Lord, he was released from the clutches of the crocodile. (Sorath M. 9, p. 632) The king of elephants meditated on Thee, O Lord! and he was liberated. (Basant M. 5, p. 1192) Ajamala, Pingala, Lubhata and Kunchara

HARAMBAY (MAGHAR) If the hard-hearted sinner dies at Banarasa, he cannot save himself from hell. If the saint of the Lord dies at Harambay, he ferries across many people besides himself. (Asa Kabir, p. 484) Harambay seems to be another narne for Maghar, where, according to tradition, if anyone

JANMEJA (JANAMEJAYA) Janamejaya could not comprehend the Word of the Guru. Having strayed in illusion, how could he attain peace. He erred a little (and afterwards repented). (Gauri M. l, p. 225) The king Janamejaya was being advised by Vyasa (not to ride the horse, not to bring home