by SS JivanJoti Kaur Khalsa PhD, Florence, Oregon
2025 (Third Quarter)
The theme of this Sikh Dharma Ministry Newsletter is “Holding a State of Shuniya while Interacting with the Community.” Utilizing the State of Shuniya can be helpful when navigating through Death and Loss.
One of the things we Ministers are called up to do is be with someone who is either transitioning out of this life or who has experienced the death of a loved one, student, neighbor or friend. It is common to be at a loss of what to say or do. Words seem superficial and inadequate in relation to the person’s heart-wrenching loss. Taking food and volunteering to do shopping or watching kids is appreciated, but there is something unique to our Dharmic practice that can be offered—Sitting in Shuniya.
Shuniya is a state of mind (or consciousness) in which the mind is still. It has reached the “zero point,” where the mind is neutral, free of judgments or ego. In this pure consciousness, God, the Infinite, is present. Relaxation can happen, as well as healing on a deep level.
It is important that you have practiced reaching a state of Shuniya in your spiritual practice. Most meditation and breathing exercises can take you there. One-minute-breath is effective, as well as other segmented breathing techniques, and Sodarshan Chakra Kriya. “Meditation for Shuniya” is included at the end of this article. Practice reaching Shuniya every day, so you can recognize how it feels. Become so familiar with it that just by sitting and consciously breathing, you can reach it.
Being with Someone who is Transitioning out of this Life
Invite them to be in a comfortable position—lying down, or perhaps in a recliner. Cover them with a sheet or blanket to promote coziness and relaxation. Evaluate the state of your mind and body. Make sure you are comfortable. Begin taking long deep breaths, and, if preferred, combine them with mentally repeating a mantra, like “Guru Guru Wahe Guru Guru Ram Das Guru,” or another that is meaningful for you. Touch the person on a neutral place, like the arm or leg. Be in a state of Shuniya while being in relation to the person. Be present, without having an opinion or trying to change or fix anything. Just be neutral . . . in Shuniya. Keep your breath long and deep. If you start to space out, come back to your breath and mantra.
This practice can help the person relax, sleep, and alleviate discomfort. When they are “sleeping” they may be going in and out of this world and the spirit world. It is common for someone in this transition state to visit where they are going. This practice can also help the person prepare to leave this world, by giving the soul a safe container in which to do the work it needs to depart. In their mind, they may resist, bargain, resent, until they are ready to finally surrender into the arms of the One. Your job is merely to hold the space for them to do what is necessary. Being in a state of Shuniya while being in relation to them will provide that sacred space.
Being with Someone who has Experienced a Loss
You do the same as explained above. You go into a state of Shuniya while in relation to the person. But the purpose and experience will be different. Someone who is in the state of shock due to loss may feel out of their body, torn into many pieces. This practice may help them feel grounded again, and begin to help them to realign their energies. It will help them feel safe and contained without judgments or “shoulds” to go through their grieving process.
Sitting in Shuniya even though the Person is Not with You
Many times, we may not be able to be physically with the person who is transitioning or has had a loss. We can still use ‘Sitting in Shuniya’ with them. During your meditation, go into a State of Shuniya while being in relation to the person. Continue breathing deeply, reciting a mantra (optional) and maintaining your state in Shuniya as you simultaneously hold the relation with the person. Maintain this state of neutrality and stillness. Allow the healing to occur, free of judgment and diagnosis.
Talking with Them while in a State of Shuniya
Trying to communicate with someone who is transitioning or has experienced a loss can be difficult. Try being in a state of Shuniya while talking to them—talking less, listening more, and just being present, free of opinions, philosophical rhetoric or advice (unless asked).
Click Here to Access the “Meditation for Shuniya” in PDF
Note: SS JivanJoti Kaur Khalsa PhD teaches courses on death and dying that may be helpful for Sikh Dharma Ministers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SS JivanJoti Kaur Khalsa holds a PhD in Psychology/Counseling, and has studied Kundalini Yoga and Meditation since 1970. She is a KRI certified Level 1, 2 and 3 Trainer. She is also a Level III certified Sat Nam Rasayan Instructor and Healer and has been a Sikh Minister since 1974. She has authored three books: The Art of Making Sex Sacred, Editions 1 and 2; Dying Into Life: The Yoga of Death, Loss and Transformation, Editions 1 and 2; and A Million Rays of Light: The Yoga of Aging and Chronic Illness. Her latest and probably last contribution to her mission is a Dying into Life training – a yogic/eastern based death-doula type program on how to die consciously and help another as well. If Death and Loss are of interest to you, you may be interested in taking a training course with the Dying Into Life Journey Team. The “My Journey Home” course is coming in January 2026!
For more information:
Website: https://www.thedyingintolifejourney.com/
Email: [email protected]
