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Summary of Question:	Significance Of Baba Vadbhag Singh Ji
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 12/19/2000 12:09 PM MST

WGJKK-SWGJKF,

I JUST WANTED TO ASK WHAT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BABA VADBHAG SINGH JI IS, I KNOW THAT THIS MAY SOUND STRANGE, BUT WE HAVE A LARGE PAINTING OF THE BABA IN OUR HOME, AND I FEEL 'DRAWN' TO IT, ALMOST AS IF HE IS LOOKING OVER ME- IT'S IN A COMFORTING AND ASSURING WAY. I REALISE THAT HE IS NOT VERY WELL KNOWN, BUT WHAT DOES HE REPRESENT ETC?
I AM ALSO A MILDLY DEPRESSED PERSON, AND THOUGH I AM ON MEDS. AT THE MOMENT, I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THE SIKH APPROACH IS TO MENTAL ILLNESS ETC, DO THEY EXIST BECAUSE GOD PRE-DISPOSED SOME TO BE THAT WAY?
THANKYOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

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REPLY
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Dear One:

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Siri Waheguru Ji ki Fateh!
I apologize: I do not know who Baba Vadbhag Singh was. You can search his name by starting with this Web site: http://www.sikhseek.com. Many Sikh Websites are registered here, and it would be a place to start. I also thought if I posted this reply we might get an answer from others. You might also ask your parents why his painting hangs on your wall!

If you feel drawn to it, then somehow you are connected with his spirit, perhaps from a past life. That's OK. But don't make a big thing of it or become overly attached to it.

Guru has given us the practice of the Naam to lift our spirits. Naam simran practiced for any length of time (the longer the better) can be a great help for depression. Serious depression also requires medical attention, period. Guru would not want you to avoid medical care in such a situation. Physical exercise of any kind is good to battle mild depression: walking, jogging, tennis, yoga (very good!), badminton, whatever you enjoy. When you exercise, do so for at least 20-30 minutes, if not longer. Exercise has been proven to lift one's spirits. Additionally, avoid sugar and caffeine, since these can chemically aggravate depression.

You may or may not be born with a chemical imbalance that causes depression; I do not believe that depression is written on one's forehead. It is more likely based in genes, hormones, and chemicals. Guru has given us technology to keep our spirits high: bani, simran, & seva. When these are practiced regularly, you should find your depression eased.

Guru rakha,
-DKK