Exploring the Poetry of the Tenth Master by Solstice Gathering Facilitator SS Satwant Singh Khalsa, Herndon VA Though small in number, the Ministers’ Gathering at Winter Solstice 2016 was mighty in Spirit. This year’s theme was “Creativity through the Radiant Body.” For most of us, Guru Gobind Singh represents the Soldier-Saint and we aspire to fully develop those dual qualities. Perhaps lesser appreciated is Guru Gobind Singh’s love of poetry and his role as a patron of the arts. We began with a Meditation to Develop the Radiant Body utilizing the Ajai Alai mantra from Jaap Sahib. Poets in the
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Archives for 2017 - Spring
2016 Winter Solstice Ministers’ Gathering
The Habit of Bana
by SS Arjan Singh Dhillon, Mexico City, Mexico Spring 2017 Bana and Bani are twin words, derived from the root word “BAN.” The expression “BAN” is generally interpreted as “habit, character or behavior of a person or a domestic animal.” Some are characterized as having a good BAN, others a bad BAN. As a linguistic rule, BAN is without any gender; bana is masculine and signifies the physical appearance of a person and bani is feminine and signifies what one utters. So bana and bani together represent our personality and consciousness – the basic force of our projection. The Siri Singh
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Grit and Courage
by SS Sada Sat Simran Singh Khalsa, Santa Fe NM Spring 2017 It is now 2017. Things have evolved and continue to evolve minute by minute. We are so modern that we have to update every morning to keep up with the times. One news outlet isn’t enough. We need an array of companies to deliver our news to us in a thread on a device that we are convinced is as necessary as water. We are plugged in and switched on constantly. Amidst all of this we have ways to describe every experience in abbreviated terms. Everything must be
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Decorated With Bana
by SS Kulwant Singh Khalsa, Walsall UK Spring 2017 This year marks the 350th anniversary of the birth of our beloved Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was born in 1666 as Gobind Rai, and spent most of his childhood in the town of Patna (Bihar-India). As a child, Guru Ji shared his love and touched the hearts of many. In everything he did, whether playful or serious, he was always teaching, always blessing. There are many accounts of his service and inspiration to others. For instance, a Rani (queen) in Patna had no children of her own, and wished
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Looking Like Royalty
by SS Japa Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Spring 2017 [Bana] was the foundation stone laid for the beginning of the most beautiful consciousness, the Khalsa. Dress has a very unique power in it. It gives you confirmation in relation to the world around you. It gives you spirit and power to relate in your grace and your values to the values around you.”—The Siri Singh Sahib (February 19, 1979) When my husband and I were newly married and living in Chicago, we used to head over to the Sri Chinmoy Restaurant on Sunday mornings after a cozy community sadhana. We
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Best Khalsa War Dress
by SS Sangeet Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Spring 2017 There have been two events, among many, that confirmed without question that it has been my destiny for lifetimes to live as Khalsa. One came the very first day I wore bana in public. I had always been rather shy, wanting to be a “fly on the wall,” especially in public situations. The last thing my conscious mind wanted was to dress in a way that would call attention to me. At my first 3HO Summer Solstice in 1977, I practiced wearing a turban in a “safe” environment where hundreds of
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The Master’s Robes
by SS Sarb Sarang Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Spring 2017 The first sewing assignment the Siri Singh Sahib gave me was to make an outfit for his doctor’s daughter, using a piece of Guatemalan fabric. When he saw it, he asked, “Why aren’t you wealthy, woman?” I did not have an answer at the time. After testing me with a few more small projects, he asked me to make his robes. Thrilled by the honor to serve him in this way, I enthusiastically said “yes.” To my surprise he asked how much I charged. I had thought it such a
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Radiance and Bana
by SS DukhNiwaran Kaur Khalsa, Chicago, IL Spring 2017 Celebrating the 350th Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh’s birth, I reflect on the radiance he embodies. As the Father of the Khalsa, the warrior, Guru and poet, Guru Gobind Singh bowed to the everlasting light embodied in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. This act forever changed the path of the Sikhs, enabling each of us to hold the Divine Light through our own Radiant Body. Guru Gobind Singh modeled it for us, led us directly to God, and showed us how to live through this radiance. He gave us bana as
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Secretary of Religion Column (Spring 2017)
The year 2017 embodies the energies of Guru Gobind Singh and the Radiant Body. The overarching theme of our four e-newsletters reflects these energies. When the Radiant Body is strong it gives spiritual royalty, creativity, nobility, courage, and excellence. With what is currently happening in the world, it is critical to strengthen one’s Radiant Body. There is so much negativity, anger, hate, division, and polarization present, we need that buffer to shine light on the darkness. For years, the Siri Singh Sahib told us to be the lighthouses. Clearly, that brightness is needed at this moment in time. In the
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#63 Spring 2017 Newsletter
Throughout 2017, we will explore the example of the Tenth Master and the Radiant Body through the Four Pillars of Bana, Bani, Seva, and Simran. For the Spring 2017 issue, we asked Sikh Dharma Ministers to reflect on the concept of Bana as exemplified by Guru Gobind Singh. How does Bana support our projection and radiance as Ministers of Sikh Dharma? Please enjoy these uplifting articles written by our Sikh Dharma Ministers. “What is this Sikh Dharma? Bana, Bani, Seva, Simran. Four things. Bana—identify yourself. Bani—speak the words elevating, doesn’t matter what, whether you are talking to enemy or a friend. Seva—do service, it gives you friendship and territory forever. Simran—purify yourself;
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