by SS Siri Gian Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Fall 2014 “The axe cuts the sandal tree, yet the sandal perfumes the axe.”—Guru Har Rai Ji This is Guru Har Rai’s explanation of why he helped save the life of Shah Jihan’s son with the Guru’s special herbs when that emperor had been so cruel to his great grandfather, Guru Arjan and to his grandfather, Guru Hargobind. The Guru demonstrated that the negative actions of others shouldn’t dictate grudges, blocking or retaliation from a Sikh. So, just as a sandalwood tree perfumes the axe which cuts it, the Guru returns good
Read More
Archives for 2014 - Fall
The Perfumed Axe
Example of True Love
by SS Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Fall 2014 For the last several years I have been organizing the “Food 4 Kids” program here in Espanola. This program provides food to local children who do not get sufficient, or even any, food to eat on the weekend. The school system provides qualifying children with free breakfasts and lunches during school days. However on the weekends and during school breaks these kids, 6-12 years of age, are on their own. As Sikhs of the Guru we feed people with langar. However these kids do not have the means to come
Read More
Embraced by God’s Love
by SS SatSangeet Kaur Khalsa, Espanola, NM Fall 2014 In late July 2013, I heard the news that Rajinder Kaur from Taos had been diagnosed and had surgery for ovarian cancer. This came as a surprise, as I had seen her in June and she looked fine. Her husband, SS Harbhajan Singh, updated us on her condition. The situation was discussed in our Hearts and Hands group and we agreed that we would organize Sangat members to help her during this difficult time, as well as give Harbhajan Singh some much needed respite. Our Hearts and Hands group is made
Read More
A Sacred Trust
by SS Sarb Sarang Kaur Khalsa, Espanola, NM Fall 2014 When Nav Jiwan Kaur moved into our apartment, my inner voice said “You’re supposed to help her die.” “How?” I asked. “I don’t even know her.” As we became close friends, she shared her thoughts and feelings about her difficult journey. When I thanked her for baring her soul to me, she said, “That’s because I trust you with my soul.” This sacred trust had to be honored and is what set me on this path of becoming a Minister of Sikh Dharma, in preparation to apply for and be
Read More
Beyond Earthly Distinction
by Bhai Sahiba Dr. Bibi Inderjit Kaur Khalsa Fall 2014 The God-conscious being is always unstained, like the sun, which gives its comfort and warmth to all. The God-conscious being looks upon all alike, like the wind, which blows equally upon the king and the poor beggar. Siri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji lived and breathed a sensitivity to all living things. Throughout his life he exemplified a compassion that ran so deep, his love and protection extended to all beings in God’s creation. Many times we are blinded by the exterior covering, so
Read More
Secretary of Religion Column (Fall 2014)
What a special Minister’s Gathering we had at Summer Solstice 2014! These gatherings were created to help build a sense of community among the Ministers, to offer tools for our Ministers and to support each other with our unique contributions. As Secretary of Religion, I am dedicated to supporting Ministers to help shape the future of our Ministry. It is my belief that Sikh Dharma Ministers, through their leadership, will manifest the future of our Sikh Dharma Ministry and thereby, Guru will manifest the future of the Dharma. Towards that vision and purpose, this gathering was the fifth in a series
Read More
#53 Fall 2014 Newsletter
The year 2014 embodies the vibration of the Seventh Master, Guru Har Rai. The seventh body, the Auric body, carries the qualities of compassion, kindness, elevation of the self and others, as exemplified by Guru Har Rai. For the Fall 2014 issue, we asked our Ministers to write on the theme of Delivery–Nurturing Others Through Compassion. We asked each author to write from personal experience, whether it be nurturing in a professional capacity, or in their ministerial seva. What is the process of nurturing through compassion, as embodied by Guru Har Rai Ji? Please enjoy these wonderful essays from our global ministry. “Your
Read More
