Being a Minister of Sikh Dharma is, for me, a vow to be a lighthouse. It is an affirmation of my role as a constant sevadar who, whether through my presence or my actions, works to uplift the people, environments, and situations I come across.
SS Siri Chand Singh Khalsa, Espanola NM
The title of Minister is a frequent reminder that reinforces this sacred duty and simultaneously challenges me to keep up, to keep serving, and to rise to meet the challenges of the times with my highest consciousness.
This commitment requires a special awareness that will have an impact on my personal sadhana, my daily interactions, and my projects and intentions for the future.
On a personal level, being a Minister adds weight to my sadhana. I believe that one of the job ‘requirements’ of a Minister is to be balanced and pure and to have a strong inner light and a deep soul connection to share with the world.
For me, it is essential to work constantly on my ego, neuroses, and other weaknesses, and to strive to always keep growing. This means that, while my sadhana is still very personal, it is no longer only for my own benefit.
With an intention similar to the Buddhist ‘Dedication of Merit’ prayer, I work on my own subconscious and connect to my higher self in order to better serve all living beings.
Furthermore, there is the added element of needing to research further in order to better understand the teachings every day. This includes investigating meditations and kriyas by practicing them and observing, as well as studying the Siri Singh Sahib´s teachings through his lectures and other resources.
In my daily interactions, identifying as a Minister serves to modify my focus towards having an uplifting effect on everyone I interact with, and being extra attentive towards anyone who may need counseling, healing, or prayers, and may not necessarily express it. It is an identity that challenges me to go past my comfort zone and reach out to others through interfaith activities and teaching.
“Being a Minister of Sikh Dharma…
is my way of giving others the opportunity
to experience great transformation and elevation,
such as that which I received through…
the grace of my Guru and my spiritual teacher.”
It is the identity of a sevadar—one who makes every step a devotional dedication to go beyond any form of laziness or insecurity in order to act when action is needed, beyond any thought of personal gain. As a Minister, I am asked to step back in prayer and allow, when that is the most conscious course of action. As I strive to strengthen this awareness, every action and interaction taken during the day begins to have more meaning and be an act of seva.
With regards to my projects and intentions for the future, being a Minister of Sikh Dharma has made my priorities clearer. While serving and uplifting humanity has always been a goal that is close to my heart, as a Minister it now becomes a duty, not just an aspiration. In this way, it presents a challenge to rise to the occasion and to keep looking for ways to serve more, or ways to serve more effectively.
Being a Minister of Sikh Dharma is an identity in which I bow to serve others in the name of the Guru and place this duty over my personal desires. It is my way of giving others the opportunity to experience great transformation and elevation, such as that which I received through the teachings and the grace of my Guru and my spiritual teacher. It is a sacred duty that, when done with consciousness and devotion, blesses me deeply as well.
About the Author
SS Siri Chand Singh Khalsa took his Sikh Dharma Minister vows on June 22, 2019. He began practicing and teaching Kundalini Yoga in 2005 in Mexico. His service includes teaching Kundalini Yoga, practicing Sat Nam Rasayan to improve clients’ well-being, playing meditative Kirtan with his wife, SS Hari Bhajan Kaur, and ministering to those in need. He has a deep interest in many healing arts and dharmic tools, as well as in creating bridges among different cultures and spiritual paths. He lives in Espanola, New Mexico, with his wife and son.