Dear Ministers,

Throughout my many years of counseling, I have always shared with clients that everything that happens is purposeful. Yes, even those events that one might call “atrocities.” I certainly have experienced these in my own life many times over. In the midst of the challenge, it is hard to make sense of it, let alone grasp its purpose. However, oftentimes in hindsight the purpose becomes crystal clear, and the growth that comes from having navigated the challenge will have helped one to expand in consciousness, awareness, and strength of character.  

The “never-ending election” is finally over. Some sangat members are jubilant while others are devastated. Is that not the normal emotional wave that is the aftermath of any election? Does it reflect the polarities that are present at this time in our Dharma? Yes, I believe it does. 

The real question is: how do you process and grow from the outcome of a contentious event?  Some individuals will react; some will find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, struggling to land on solid ground; some will ride the high and then take quite a tumble down the road. And some will reflect, quiet themselves, seek inner guidance, address the challenge, and grow profoundly from the experience.

Over and over I have seen our community respond in all these different ways. And I’ve witnessed that those who take the self-reflective path and overcome their resistance to change eventually come out the other side with wisdom, grace, and personal transformation. This self-reflective path takes great courage.

We are Sikhs of the Guru. We have a long history and tradition of addressing challenges, obstacles, oppression, prejudice, discrimination, defeat, and triumph. In our Dharma, we’ve done so by continuing to walk together, support each other, live for each other, rely on the guidance and wisdom of the Guru, pray, chant, meditate, and sing individually and together. The times we’re in require drawing upon all of those tools—and more—in order to weather the upheavals and grasp the purpose. Transitions from one age to another are never easy. We are blessed to have a path that builds strength, wisdom, and consciousness. One has to live it to reap the benefits. That’s why the mantra for the Aquarian Age is “keep-up.”

May God and Guru ever bless you in the spirit of Chardi Kala and may you have the strength and courage to walk this path with grace, kindness, compassion, and consciousness. Wahe Guru!

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.