Reprinted from “Victory and Virtue: Ceremonies and Code of Conduct of Sikh Dharma,” published by the Office of the Bhai Sahiba of Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere.
THE FUNCTIONS OF A MINISTER OF SIKH DHARMA
A MINISTER of Sikh Dharma is a shining light, a radiant son or daughter of Guru Gobind Singh who lives to be healthy, happy and holy, and who inspires others to live so.
A MINISTER lives with an open heart, open ear and open eye in order to feel, hear and see the needs of people around him or her.
A MINISTER serves the needs of individuals and the collective Sadh Sangat with an attitude of gratitude, because these beautiful beings are God’s creatures and the disciples of the True Guru.
A MINISTER uplifts anyone wavering on the path of Dharma, helping to turn doubt into faith, loneliness into fulfillment and weakness into strength.
A MINISTER is the embodiment of Cherhi Kala, keeping up in high spirits through opposition, difficulties, pleasure and pain, and all tests of time and space.
A MINISTER is continuously and consistently striving toward perfection, consciously working on herself or himself.
Qualities that help a Sikh Dharma Minister fulfill their functions
Bhai Kanaiya serving the wounded on the battlefield
Accept Siri Guru Granth Sahib as the Word of God, as Living Guru
Humility
Honesty in relationships and business
Servicefulness as an attitude and in living practice
Ability to keep up
Compassion
Ability to confront unrighteous situations, and inspire others to righteousness
Patience
Courage
Justice and neutrality
Willingness to sacrifice
Sweetness of speech
Graceful behavior
Devotion
Obedience
Applied intelligence: comprehensive, comparative, intuitive mind
Faith in the mind, Truth upon the tongue, Love in the heart
Common sense
A sense of humor
Areas that facilitate consistent growth
in awareness and consciousness
- The practice of a regular group Sadhana, or regular individual Sadhana, if no group Sadhana is available.
- In addition to Yoga in morning Sadhana, the practice of Kundalini Yoga on one’s own.
- Regular participation in community and Ashram Seva, such as free kitchens, Yoga classes, karma yoga, community services and special courses.
- Regular participation in Sangat and Pangat Gurdwara services, solstices, town meetings, kirtan, reading in Akhand Paath, and group meals, if available.
- Consistent maintenance of the Bana as given by Guru Gobind Singh, maintaining neatness and cleanliness of appearance.
- Living according to the Rehit Maryada of Guru Gobind Singh and taking the Amrit of the double-edged sword as given by Guru Gobind Singh.
- Regular payment of Dasvandh.