Dear Ministers,
Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh! We have been launched into the year 2023, ready or not. Indeed, we face many challenges in our Dharmic community. At the same time, the energy is changing.
The other day I was reading an on-line astrological report by Philip Sedgwick (February, 3rd, Sky Scraping!) and was quite moved by something he shared: “Saturn dives into Pisces on March 7th. …Reset your humanity. Be concerned about the plight of others. Be concerned about the planet. Commit to every cause where you can expend a thorough increment of time making things better. When asked or consulted, share the best of your wisdom. …Assess the wisdom you have culled from life. …Ghost no one. …Be a communicative, conscious, contributing member of humankind.”
Of late, it has been my experience that vicious, hurtful, damaging language and actions have been unleashed in our Dharma—and, of course, in the world. Where is our humanity? Where is the Sutra, “Recognize that the other person is you”? Where is our kindness to each other? Certainly, the trauma experienced in our community over the last three years has contributed substantially to the present environment. Perhaps, having a better understanding of the progressive arc of the resolution of trauma will be helpful for us as Ministers as well as for those we serve.
To that end, the four issues of this year’s newsletter will include information, tools, and personal experiences of Ministers, in addressing this progressive process. In this February issue, we begin with the critical first step in the resolution of trauma—oneself. It is essential to stabilize ourselves before attempting to help others. We asked our writers: What tools have helped you to remain calm and centered during these challenging times? What can you share with other Ministers in support of them finding a personal space of balance and peace on a daily basis?
Yes, there are many competing agendas and points of view struggling for dominance in our Dharma. Can we bring more of our humanity to our language and actions as we move forward? Can we cultivate kindness? I still believe that by our working together, anything is possible.
May God and Guru continue to bless you in your service.
Humbly,
SS Dr. Sat-Kaur Khalsa
Secretary of Religion
THE SECRETARY OF RELIGION
SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa has served as Secretary of Religion since 1991 and was ordained as a Sikh Dharma Minister in 1975. As Secretary of Religion, Dr. Sat Kaur oversees and is ultimately responsible for the delivery of the functions of this Office. Dr. Sat Kaur is a long-time member of the International Khalsa Council and the Khalsa Council Executive Committee. She maintains a full-time Telehealth Psychotherapy and counseling private practice, specializing in relationships. She predominately works with adults (individuals and couples) to support their personal and spiritual growth. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, a facilitator of White Tantric Yoga®, and a published author.
