Dear Ministers,
A new year, a new focus, a new time and space. Unfortunately, at the same time the turmoil present on our planet continues and, in some places, escalates. The same is true in our Dharma. I posed a question in this column (4th quarter newsletter 2023) about the collective Ministry focusing energy on healing our Dharma. I’ve been thinking a lot about that. Our Ministry was designed to include an entire cross section of our sangat, with a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. This makes for a stronger body to serve in a variety of ways—yet at the same time it makes it more challenging to find common ground.
Then an idea came to me…
As a collective body of Sikhs of the Guru, what if we called on the technology of Shabd Guru to assist us in our quest towards unity? The healing vibration of the sound current transcends the earthly challenges of individual differences, perspectives, agendas and geographic locations! As a global Ministry, what if we could all commit to the practice of one chosen shabd for 40 days prior to Baisakhi 2024—either by reading, listening to or singing the shabd?
I got excited thinking about this…
We contacted a very knowledgeable, accomplished and internationally-known Raagi to assist in selecting the shabd. We got an answer! We are presently compiling the information our Ministers will need in order to participate in this endeavor, no matter where they are in the world.
I went back to the booklet entitled: Shabd Guru Basis: Use and Impact of the Quantum Technology of the Shabd Guru (August 1995). I was reminded of a few key concepts. In this new age, “we must learn an inner technology to base the identity of our Self in the Infinite. The Shabd Guru is the quantum technology that establishes that awareness. It is a compass point that directs us to the Infinite in each finite action.” (p.13) The deeper meaning of Shabd Guru comes from ‘shabd’ –that which cuts the ego; and ‘Guru’ –that which transforms darkness into light. “Where do the patterns of the Shabd Guru come from? They exist from the beginning of creation. They are the tides and rhythms of the movement of the creative pulse of Infinite consciousness. They vibrate in all things continually.” (p.14)
From One Sound countless waves are born, and these waves are inseparable from the One Sea. (Akal Ustat) (p.14)
I am asking you as a Sikh Dharma International Minister to participate in this 40-day recitation of Ang 657, Raag Sorath—Bhagat Ravi Daas Ji—Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, beginning on March 5th and ending on April 13, Baisakhi 2024. We will be sending out this Shabd to you in Gurumukhi, transliteration, and English translation, as well as musical versions, all in a timely manner for your participation. I am only asking for you to read, listen to, or chant this once a day for the 40 days! Please let us unite our energies through the sacred sound current of the Shabd Guru.
Thank you in advance.
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.