June 19, 1929 – November 8, 2023 by SS Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa 2023 (Fourth Quarter) The day before Shakti Parwha Kaur left her body, a book arrived for me in the mail. From a Far and Lovely Country is the latest in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series, written by Alexander McCall Smith. When the first book in the series was published in 1998, Shakti Parwha Kaur and I became book buddies. We both enjoyed the humorous wisdom stories of the lead character, the strong and gentle Mma Precious Ramotswe. Shakti Parwha Kaur and I met on
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Archives for 2023 - Fourth Quarter
In Memoriam – MSS Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa
Looking Back, Looking Forward
by Guruamrit Kaur Khalsa, Bowling Green, Virginia 2023 (Fourth Quarter) Memories When I think about growing up in 3HO, I am overwhelmed with memories. I remember my Mom waking me up during the Amrit Vela when I was a young girl. Walking across the street together to go to Sadhana, while it was still dark outside, and there were birds singing and dew on the grass. I remember making prashad in the Ambrosial hours in the kitchen with my godmother. Chanting the Mul Mantra while we stirred together at the stove. I remember sleeping on my sheepskin in the small
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Seeing the God in All
Interview with SS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 2023 (Fourth Quarter) In 2014, SS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa had a traumatic bicycle accident and almost died. After a long time away from Dharmic activities, he attended this September’s Khalsa Council meetings. As he shared his story during our small group check-in, I was compelled to invite him to be interviewed for this month’s newsletter. What follows is partially edited for clarity. But some is simply uniquely Harbhajan Singh at his frank, dry, funny, positive, courageous, spontaneous best! ~ SS Sangeet Kaur Khalsa, Articles Editor Sangeet: For our readers, could you
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My View from Here
by SS Guru Sangat Kaur Khalsa, Great Falls, Virginia 2023 (Fourth Quarter) The Olive Branch report and the reports of abuse at the schools in India hit us like a bomb at a birthday party. Feelings have run the gamut from those of betrayal, to those of disbelief in the report, and loyalty to Siri Singh Sahib Ji as spiritual teacher in spite of the allegations, or revelations, according to some folks. Some love the teachings but not Siri Singh Sahib Ji. Some are totally done with 3HO or Sikh Dharma. Some want to change everything in the organization. Still
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Growing, Learning and Healing
by SS Dr. Haridass Kaur Khalsa, Los Angeles, California 2023 (Fourth Quarter) In this time and space, what do you value most in your Dharmic life? It has been a long three years with the pandemic and the upheaval in our community. I miss gathering with my Dharmic brothers and sisters, and I miss the joy of service. But what I value in this time and space is the opportunity to grow, learn, and heal, each on our own terms. Letting out all the emotions and taking time to acknowledge the hurts meant that we have had to talk about
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Contemplating Collective Efficacy
by SS Gurumeet Kaur Khalsa, Espanola, New Mexico 2023 (Fourth Quarter) Mere Pyare Sadh Sangat Ji, Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh! Our Sikh Ministry is sharing a powerful concept in this newsletter for our world sangat to contemplate—collective efficacy. We have all experienced fragmentation and discord in our sangat and among our dear friends and family. In this challenging environment, the concept of collective efficacy takes on profound significance. Living a dharmic lifestyle is often defined as a righteous and ethical path. But it is not merely a set of rules. Dharma is a technology
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Minister News & Notes (2023 Fourth Quarter)
SS Shiva Singh Khalsa will facilitate a Minister Gathering at the 2023 Winter Solstice Festival in Lake Wales, Florida! This will be the first in-person Minister gathering since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. It will be taking place on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. in the Gurdwara/Palafito space. This gathering will be a space for Ministers to check in and share, followed by a group practice reciting the Slok of Japji Sahib. We hope all Ministers attending Winter Solstice will be able to participate in this beautiful opportunity to reconnect! Click here to learn
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Secretary of Religion Column (2023 Fourth Quarter)
Dear Ministers, As we move into the holiday season, my thoughts turn to two words—gratitude and grace. It seems that no matter what spiritual tradition one might follow, there is usually some kind of special celebration or acknowledgement that accompanies the season. For us, it’s winter solstice. Why do so many honor this time of year? Perhaps, in part, it provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate what we do have, who we care about, and what’s important to us. There is so much darkness in the world now. The drums of war are beating so loudly. It is
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#90 – 2023 Newsletter (Fourth Quarter)
The concept of Collective Efficacy posits that together we can make meaningful change in our community, whether or not we agree on everything. Working together, anything is possible. Our 2023 Ministry Newsletter series features this concept front and center. This issue focuses on how Ministers can support fellow sangat members, both individually and collectively, during this time—in healing, rebuilding, and assessing what values remain meaningful at this juncture. “I am a sacrifice to my pure friends, the immaculate Saints. This body is attached to them, and we have shared our minds. We have shared our minds – how could I
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