by SS Sarb Nam Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM
Summer 2014
“The Age of Aquarius is about taking the pot of water (Aquarius) and nurturing the whole universe; becoming human in equal concept of service and then becoming angelic, kind and compassionate.”—The Siri Singh Sahib (September 22, 2002)
As a woman and mother, nurturing seems like a natural path for me. I have always worked with children and I enjoy serving those who seem less fortunate. The path of Sikh Dharma drew me in with the values of caring for others through tithing, langar, seva and nurturing our environments. The Siri Singh Sahib taught me as a woman to create the cozy home. I have also learned through my own personal life challenges that having compassion for others is easier when we learn compassion for ourselves.
My Tantric Numerology places a “7” as my Karma number. This is the number of Guru Har Rai and the Seventh Body (the auric body). All whom we touch must be uplifted by our presence. We are the Platform of Elevation or the “forklift.” I recognize there are others struggling. I use the tools of self-nurturing through sadhana, bani, bana and seva to develop compassion in myself, which gives me the ability to serve others.
During these past few years of economic challenges, I often felt that I was struggling to make ends meet financially. Through the teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib, I have the anchor to trust in Guru to provide for my needs. I feel prosperous and blessed. So, I always gave something to the homeless. Sometimes it was the last dollar in my wallet. I paid my Dasvandh even when it might have seemed counter-intuitive. Compassion can be manifested in ways large and small.
The Siri Singh Sahib told us that as Ministers in the Aquarian Age we must “nurture our own soul” and nurture others through Chardi Kala. We must keep up our own spirits, so that every day, in every way, we can uplift those around us. Our presence is so powerful to others. Just wearing bana, chanting God’s Name, reaching out a helping hand or a simple smile can go a long way.
We each have the ability to be nurturers and to let Guru’s compassionate nature shine. I pray that I will always be able to reflect on the sacrifice and courage of those who helped guide this path to inspire me to “keep up” each day and to find out how God wants me to nurture his Creation. I know that compassion and love are the keys to health, happiness, wisdom and joy.
Happy Mother’s Day to Mata Nihal Kaur – Mother of Guru Har Rai
Mata Nihal Kaur, whose name before her wedding was Ananti Ji, was the wife of Baba Gurditta. Mata ji was the Daughter-in-law of the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind. Mata Ji was also the mother of the Seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai. Mata ji was responsible for the upbringing of the Seventh Guru and infused the spiritual values of the House of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. She taught the young Guru-to-be the value of compassion, love, kindness, bravery, humility, etc. as was the case with all the mothers of the Gurus.
“Please understand, your greatest art of life to win the world is to move gracefully with utmost patience, tolerance, kindness, compassion, because remember, mother is not which delivers a baby, mother is which delivers the universe, it is not a tall order, God has given woman all the faculties that she can deliver the universe and a prosperous one….” The Siri Singh Sahib (July 15, 1988 KWTC)
About the Author
SS Sarb Nam Kaur Khalsa serves as the Executive Assistant to the Office of the Secretary of Religion. Her duties include administering annual Minister credentialing, providing a variety of Minister support services, and supporting the Minister Candidate application process. She is the Sikh Dharma Ministry website developer and Ministry newsletter editor. She took her Minister vows in 2004 and has been on the Sikh path since meeting the Siri Singh Sahib in 1981. She lives with her husband, Aradhana Singh Khalsa, and son, Fateh Singh Khalsa, in Espanola, NM. She is a member of the International Khalsa Council and serves as the Recording Secretary.
