From the Office of the Secretary of Religion of Sikh Dharma International
Moving through the Heart of Sikh Dharma |
Sikh
Dharma Minister's Newsletter
November 2011 Issue
 |
Table
of Contents |
A Quote from the Siri Singh Sahib
From Your Secretary of Religion
Gems from Victory & Virtue: Sikh Dharma Minister's Handbook
Light of a Thousand Suns - SS Gurujodha Singh Khalsa, Mexico City, Mexico
Dwelling in Our Hearts - SS Har Nal Kaur Khalsa, Espanola, NM
Mission without Commission - SS Gurubachan Singh Khalsa, Albuquerque, NM
Amrit Ceremony in Chile- Ram Das Singh Khalsa, Albuquerque, NM
A
Quote from the Siri Singh Sahib |
 |
"You are the soul consciousness of God. Try to understand and realize your basic values.
These values will become virtues. These virtues will bring you many opportunities.
These opportunities will bring you peace, and the success will begin.
You will expand." --Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji
From
the Secretary of Religion |
SS Dr. Sat-Kaur Khalsa, Secretary of Religion
|
Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa! Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh! Finally, we cross over into the Age of Aquarius. Hallelujah! Yes, yes, I know the Siri Singh Sahib said it will take the next 27 years to have the full effect of this phenomenon, but I'm celebrating just the same! There is so much heaviness all around, a little lightness of being is just such a needed break and I'm taking it.
So much has to be worked out, healed, bridged and uplifted. I am choosing to tap into the energy of this new age and let the joy inside me rise to the top. Riding on that wave, I feel a growing excitement for the future and an openness to change.
I recently watched a member of the next generation do Ardas in Gurdwara and my heart sang. The clarity, straightforward delivery and beautiful Gurumukhi recitation was inspiring. Of late, I have had the privilege of interviewing some next generation Minister candidates from Mexico, Chile, Australia, India, and the US. They hold an understanding of the Ministry and of themselves as Ministers that is clear, interconnected, leadership-oriented, responsibility-bearing and focused on delivery of service. These candidates have been living as Ministers and are now taking the step to declare that truth publicly. It is a joy to work with them and help them on their way.
It gives me great hope for our future and the experience of this Dharma pulsing through each of us, generation after generation. In the beautiful DVD entitled "The Change of the Age" Lecture and Meditation by Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga and provided by The Yogi Bhajan Library of Teachings-keeping the legacy alive! Yogi Bhajan says that in passing into the Age of Aquarius a new life starts, provided you are you. He says it is an age of consciousness. These new Ministers are indeed themselves and living conscious uplifting lives. It is a privilege to work with them and see them step forward at this time. Our future is bright. The time is right. Let us be Sikh Dharma Ministers, working in unity and purity to serve humanity. I truly welcome this Age of Aquarius. Wahe Guru!
Blessings to all and thank you for your service,
SS Dr. Sat-Kaur Khalsa, Secretary of Religion
www.sikhnet.com Guru Nanak said, "Aapane athai aapanaa aape kaaraj savaareeai." With your own hands, your own work must be done perfectly, satisfactorily, and gracefully. You must understand that ups and downs are the time and space. Remaining neutral like a little boat up on the sea and keeping on going, that's the cycle of happiness. That's very vital to man's prosperity.
|
|
Gems
from |
 |
http://yogagems.com/mantrasandprayers/sirigurugranthsahib.html
Rehit Maryada
Rehit Maryada means "To live in the constant remembrance of death." It is a code of conduct for living. "Reh," from the verb "rehenaa," means to continue, or to live. Adding "it," it means "lifestyle." "Mar" is derived from the verb "marna," to die, and "yad" means remembrance; thus, "maryada" means "the remembrance of death." A more common translation is simply a code of conduct for living. The Rehit Maryada is made up of techniques and tools to help maintain the consciousness of the Sikh which is to live like the lotus, with roots entrenched in the mud of the world, but with the flower of consciousness floating upon the surface, pure and spotless.
Devotional Practices
Sikh Dharma (Sikh = student of Truth, Dharma = Path of Righteousness) is a way of life combining freedom of expression and self-discipline:
"Naam Japanaa" - chant God's Name;
"Dharm dee kirat karnee" - earn an honest living;
"Vandh chakana " - share with others.
It is a way of life, a practical practicing reality, rather than a religion or philosophy. The guiding belief and faith of a Sikh is the unity of all things: that the Creator of the Creation is One. This is the opening declaration of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib: Ek Ong Kaar.
The Daily Banis
The Sikh recites various daily prayers from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth of Guru Gobind Singh. These Banis serve to impart understanding of life and death, karma, dharma and destiny. They inspire and uplift, and teach us how to live our lives. By repeating the words which the Gurus themselves spoke, the Sikh re-creates, through the vibrations of sound, their state of consciousness (if they are recited with full concentration and devotion, rather than as a ritual performance). The technology of this Naad, this sound current, serves to stimulate the secretions of the glands, affecting the brain (the hypothalamus and the pituitary) and so affects the brain chemistry, and thus consciousness.
Holidays (Gurpurbs)
Sikhs everywhere celebrate the birthday of all the Sikh Gurus and the martyrdom days of the two Sikh Gurus who sacrificed their lives for human rights and religious freedom: Guru Arjun Dev Ji and Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. Other important religious celebrations are Baisakhi, when the Khalsa was formed in 1699 and Guru Gadi Day, when Siri Guru Granth Sahib was proclaimed the Living Guru. Celebrations include kirtan darbaars (kirtan = devotional singing, darbaar = court). Sometimes, stories from events in the Guru’s lives are narrated, poems recited and the teachings reiterated. Although the Amrit Parchar, the Sikh baptism, can be performed at any time, it is especially emphasized as a part of the commemorative activities on Baisakhi Day.
Because these special days are based on the Indian calendar, they fall on different dates in the Western calendar. (The exception to this is Baisakhi which falls every year on April 13.)
Reprinted
from "Victory and Virtue: Ceremonies and Code of Conduct of Sikh
Dharma," published by the Office of the Bhai Sahiba of Sikh Dharma
of the Western Hemisphere. To purchase this manual online, visit Sikh
Dharma International. Please
feel free to submit your dharmic questions to:sikhdharmaministry@gmail.com .
Marriage Blessings
Blessings to SS Sangeet Kaur Khalsa (Sikh Dharma Minister Newsletter Team Member) on her marriage September 25, 2011 to Krishna Singh Khalsa at the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Ashram. May their light continue to shine as they journey
Vee-aa-hu ho-aa mae-re baa-bu-laa gurmukh-ae har paa-i-aa|| |
| News
and Information
"The Magic of Asking for Nothing and Receiving Everything: Guru Nanak, the Guru for the Aquarian Age, sang the 33rd Pauri of Japji Sahib, Aakhan Jor, as a Sampuran Kriya, a perfect seal. The Siri Singh Sahib says, “This Pauri means that if you ask for nothing, you will get everything—that is the law.” Gather with Sikh Dharma Ministers to experience this powerful tool that we can take back home to share and elevate.
|
| 2011
Minister Dues Minister Fees for 2011 now payable by Paypal. Contact SS Ek Ong Kar Kaur (Los Angeles) ekongkarkaur@earthlink.net for more information. |
|
newageportal.blogspot.com
|
|
| Light of a Thousand Suns |
 |
By SS Gurujodha Singh Khalsa, Mexico City, Mexico
It has been seven years since our beloved teacher, the Siri Singh Sahib, passed. It is not a coincidence that he passed exactly one full cycle of consciousness (seven years) before we would fully enter the Aquarian Age on 11.11.11, so that we could adjust and prepare to carry the baton ourselves, as a cohesive, integrated and Aquarian group of people. And by Guru’s grace, we have been doing just this. For example, we have prepared ourselves by stepping up beyond the psychic mantle of protection of our Teacher and we have started shifting the nature of our organization. We have also worked deeply on the Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training programs, and today they are very professional, truly international, and available to all.
It seems that our next task is to take Sikh Dharma out of the closet. All over the world people are increasingly drawn to learn Gurmukhi, to learn about Shabd Guru, to learn how to hold a Gurdwara service, and to seek ways of integrating Sikh Dharma into their own lives. This is no surprise: the wisdom and the richness of energy within the lifestyle and teachings of Sikh Dharma is the sarovar in the middle of the desert. When all else falls apart in the Aquarian Age, Sikh Dharma will be a path to experience and live in the remembrance of the one true Reality: Ek Ong Kar. I chose to become a Minister because I can hear the call of those souls who will expect me to deliver in this capacity sooner than later.
How do we get out there and share? Well, firstly, many of us have to learn! I am so surprised that courses and events related to Sikh Dharma are so few. So the first step is that all those wonderful souls that have been living Sikh Dharma as taught by the Siri Singh Sahib for decades now, get out there to share this path as the inclusive, universal and powerful Dharma that it is - and we might need to create a platform to coordinate and promote this to happen. Second step is that we create a Minister Training. We need a cohesive program that can prepare those who long to serve as Ministers in their communities in the humility, radiance and excellence that our teacher showed us.
Third step, we have to get together! The culture within KRI, and impact of Kundalini Yoga around the world, are changing and improving significantly since the trainers have been getting together on a regular basis. As Ministers we need that too: we need to create spaces where we can share our journeys and nurture the power of our Dharma, so that we can act as One, even when we are dispersed all over the world.
Our radiant body, when strong, is composed of a thousand suns that create one big solar field of energy that keeps all our facets together, aligned and full of light. As a group of Ministers we need to nurture our collective radiant body by being in touch with each other. Our body of Ministers should be like the 5th element, or the vyana prana vayu which subtly, but very consciously, holds in harmonious communication/relationship the energies of all the other vayus. The body of Ministers of Sikh Dharma in the Aquarian Age has to do the same: support in grace, harmony and subtlety, with our frequency and prayer, the essence of our Dharma in its entirety.
Our next challenge? To be in tune with the times, to be courageous and aware to go beyond right and wrong, to let go of ideology, dogma and personal pain and learn how to be (and inspire others to be) sweet, conscious and strong with all, at all times. This is what our father Guru Gobind Singh expects of us – no more, no less.
| Dwelling in Our Hearts |
 |
By SS Har Nal Kaur Khalsa, Espanola, NM
As Sikh Dharma Ministers, we can function as one subtle energetic body, like the yogic concept of Vyana Prana Vayu. This prana is a heart-centered energy that flows through the entire physical body, distributing vital energy throughout. Like this Vyana, the ministry's energetic vibration can pervade the entire body of Sikh Dharma, bringing cohesion, integration and connection.
Our subtle bodies are connected through our commitment as ministers, and our daily Dharmic practice, especially sadhana, and our living relationship with the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sat Sangat.
Infusing ourselves with the Guru's sound current helps us to be heart-centered, drop our insecurities and be less reactive to duality, fear, anger, depression, and remember that whatever happens is God's will.
Then we can dwell not at, nor with each other, but for each other, through loving service, to inspire with purity of thought, not for material gain. Instead of getting angry and impatient with others, we can see the other person as ourself. Listening deeply to hear others' needs brings intuitive understanding. Through our neutral minds, we will respond with nobility and grace, kindness and compassion. The Siri Singh Sahib said, “Forgiveness stops our own further aggravation and nervous breakdown.”
As we project positively toward others and ourselves, that allows change to happen. When we think we are not making a difference, we can remember that it is the little things, like a touch, a word or a smile, that open hearts.
When we acknowledge and allow who we and others are now, and what is happening now, we can experience life gratefully, see the opportunity in every challenge and move forward. Meditating inside ourselves, we can see the way through every block, and as we start the pressure will be off. We can drop what no longer serves us inside and out as we move into Aquarian consciousness. When needed, we can poke, provoke, confront and elevate. When we need to act with courage for righteousness, we can meditate on the life and bani of Guru Gobind Singh and the life and teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib.
The Aquarian Age is here! In the Guru's vibration, we can be with God inside ourselves, patiently meditating to know God's will for us. We know God is the Doer. We experience, as we read in Victory and Virtue (Sikh Dharma Manual) going “to the depths of our meditation beyond time and space to where all is One.”
Once while doing Sat Nam Rasayan treatments at the Espanola Hospital health fair, I asked the members of a Dharmic class I was missing to think of me during their meditation. After a treatment, the person sat up saying, “Wow!” I looked up and there was a line of 10 people, where there had been none. I knew that the class and been sending me meditative energy!
As we feel complete and satisfied through experiencing the tranformational, elevating effects of the sound current, Kundalini Yoga, and the Siri Singh Sahib's teachings, we can reach out to help others have an elevated sense of self. Siri Singh Sahib tolds us that “we no longer have to search for God, but we can be God.” When we constantly dwell in the pure vibration of Guru's Word, our sensory systems develop and sacredness flows through us, giving us the energy, creativity, strength and protection, as our teacher taught us, to “touch the hearts of others, feel their feelings, and fill their emptiness. Our flow will fulfill the gratefulness in the hearts of others.” (SSS Lecture 8/1/2000)
“There are a lot of sutras in the Siri Guru Granth that can create miracles out of God energy. Miracles! And if that has been the vibration in your existence, then your projection becomes the most powerful light of God Divinity and that light will prevail though you.” SSS p. 33 Victory & Virtue.
Then like the Vyana Prana Vayu, the ministry's energetic group vibration can pervade the body of Sikh Dharma, bringing cohesion, integration and connection.
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa! Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!
| Mission without Commission |
 |
by SS Gurubachan Singh Khalsa, Albuquerque, NM
There is one simple guiding principle as a Minister of Sikh Dharma: Mission without Commission. To honestly serve this mission we have to put aside our own personal agendas and serve the needs of the time and space before us. It is such a tremendous privilege to serve in the capacity of a Minister that there are no limitations in service. As the Guru is the hub and touchstone of the community so too is the Minister a guiding physical presence.
There are many changes today and no one is sure where they are leading. With the beginning of the Aquarian Age we are faced with an increased pace of life that is becoming unbearable; a huge amount of anger, frustration, and stress; an increase in feelings of isolation, insecurity, confusion and depression. On top of it all, we are on such information-overload that our nervous systems cannot even fathom one more megabyte without freaking out.
As Ministers we must have the consistency of personality to be trusted. We must also develop a neutral mind set and a strong vitality to deal with not only our personal challenges but also the challenges of others.
We must first and foremost be in tune with ourselves. We must have a self-connection because otherwise we will not be able to connect with others. It is incumbent on us to have a solid sadhana to achieve this self-understanding and identity. Sadhana also gives us the consistency to act, a strong nervous system not to react, and a neutral mind to bring to all aspects of our service.
The general public judges our Dharma by how our Ministers and sangat members act and behave. Everyone looks at the clergy of any religion and passes a judgment based on what they see. If we are able to be consistent in our strength, compassion, and service we will be judged by those virtues. However if we are scattered, reactive, emotional, commotional and angry we will not be in a position to serve ourselves, let alone serve anyone else.
These are times that require a conscious commitment to our practice, our sangat and our Dharma. This great challenge that we face on a daily basis is really a wonderful opportunity for us to excel in our human spirit to serve the humanity and help others usher in the Aquarian Age.
| Amrit Ceremony in Chile |
 |
by SS Ram Das Singh Khalsa, Albuquerque NM
It was a Sunday morning in Santiago de Chile. SS Gurubachan Singh and I awoke at about 2:30 am to ready ourselves to go to the Gurdwara where the Amrit Sanchar for six Chilean Guru Sikhs was about to begin. The morning was crisp, which was to our surprise since Santiago is almost always covered in smog, and as we arrived a beautiful fragrance was in the air. We entered the Gurdwara and SS Gurubachan Singh, who was the Granthi for the ceremony, began Prakash of the Guru Granth Sahib. Our Panj Piyare for the ceremony consisted of SS Nam Nidhan Kaur Khalsa, Rupinder Kaur Khalsa, Hari Das Kaur Khalsa, SS Jap Singh Singh Khalsa and myself, Ram Das Singh Khalsa.
After interviewing each candidate, the ceremony began. The first in line kneeled down in Virasana eyes focused on the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh's presence was very apparent throughout the ceremony and with each “WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHE GURU JI KI FATEH!” came a breeze of bliss into the room that reached all those surrounding. Again “WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHE GURU JI KI FATEH!” and again, and again, and again the bliss would come and partakers would receive it. Bliss became blessed and by his own power Guru produced the six Khalsas reborn and ready to serve.
 |
After the Amrit Sanchar, Nihal Singh Khalsa (a Santiago de Chile native) stood to take his vows as a minister of Sikh Dharma. Nihal, who also took Amrit this same morning, has been a sevadar to the community of Santiago for years and has inspired the Sangat. He has such a relentless pursuance of what he knows he needs to do, which really shows me personally that he will do what he commits himself to do without any question. As he bowed in acceptance of the minister vows the Sangat welcomed him as Singh Sahib Nihal Singh Khalsa, “WAHEGURU JI KA KHALSA WAHE GURU JI KI FATEH!”
My experience throughout our trip to Chile in 2011 and on the Lord of Miracles Tour in Honor of Guru Ram Das (traveling throughout Central and South America) was that there has been a shift in consciousness; it is there. But most people do not know what to do with their consciousness and that is where there is a duality. I think it is really time for us all to serve and share the teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib, we must go out, reach out and teach at every doorstep of this world. I see so many people serving and doing a beautiful job but I do think that it is time to organize and reach more to the public at large and share the science that was given to us.
|
 |
fateh.sikhnet.com
"In the Aquarian Age, you don't pray, you ask God to pray for you. Tell God, 'Lord pray for me that I should be as infinite as You are. Make me as bright, bountiful, beautiful as You, Oh Lord. Give me the power of love to serve. Let me know to serve myself. Let my touch heal. Let my sight create miracles. Where I exist and pass, let there be nothing but the enlightened dance of Your Grace.'"
Song of the Soul
In trusting what you hear In trusting what you hear Such is That True Spirit Japji Sahib of Guru Nanak (14th Pauri)
|
"Don't follow Guru Nanak, be him; as he sang and exalted God, you can do it in the same way. That is what he showed us and he promised again and again. I am humble of the humble, I am lowly of the low, I am meanest of the mean, O Lord, but look how you have exalted me that I can sing those praises for you, which are even strange to me." |
