by SS Dr. Kartar Singh Khalsa, Santa Fe NM
Summer 2014
In these difficult and challenging times it is important to remind ourselves of the tools we have been blessed to receive from the Siri Singh Sahib, our spiritual leader and teacher. One of the Aquarian sutras he gave us to survive and thrive in the midst of our challenges was: “Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times.”
It’s the human condition: when we’re busy and stressed, we can forget to have compassion both for ourselves and for others who are struggling with life’s challenges. “Recognize the other person as yourself” is another sutra that has served me in daily life, reminding me to act with compassion for myself and others.
Recently I experienced significant changes in my life that were understandably difficult and challenging. I got divorced, moved my business, sold my house, and moved to a new city, all within a brief amount of time. I put a lot of pressure on myself to process these changes quickly. But change requires time.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
My attempts to impose my own desires to move on quickly were futile. I found that I had to be easier on myself, and to have more self-compassion. This insight was unexpected but it helped me to integrate these lessons on a deeper level.
I recognized that my personal growth and expansion as a healer and a teacher required me to slow down and learn how to be gentle with myself. I discovered that through self-compassion I could be more empathetic with others, especially when I recognized them as myself.
I also found that re-committing and relying on my spiritual practices gave me strength and clarity. I got more consistent in reading my Banis and chose a harder yoga set and meditation. The discipline I cultivated helped give me a foundation of peace and focus while dealing with the emotional changes I was experiencing.
Finally, I looked to one of the Gurus to find other experiences and lessons in compassion. Guru Har Rai said “Wake up before the sunrise, take your cold shower, meditate on the NAAM and think about giving. Speak sweetly, act with humility. Feel happy to use your own hands in giving good to others.” These simple words remind me to slow down and focus on my true purpose in life: to serve with gratitude and humility. This is the sacred foundation of my spiritual life.
About the Author
SS Dr. Kartar Singh is a Sikh Dharma Minister, Kundalini Yoga teacher and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. He was part of a group of healers who saw the Siri Singh Sahib every morning for eight years. Dr. Kartar has practiced Acupuncture and Herbology in New Mexico since 2001, specializing in pain management, internal cleansing, and addiction recovery. His mission in living and sharing these ancient yogic and healing principles is to enable all people to lead a conscious, healthy life, in harmony and peace on this planet. Dr. Kartar has lived a yogic lifestyle since 1986 and is the father of two sons.