Dear Ministers,

Our overarching theme for our 2025 Ministry Newsletter is the concept of Shuniya or the “zero point:” stillness. It seemed wholly appropriate to address this theme at our Summer Solstice Minister’s Gathering, 2025, which is exactly what we did! 

With the intent of inclusion, I am sharing the details of this gathering with the whole Ministry. Perhaps it would be helpful to you to have a chance to reflect on the question that was asked and to do the meditation we engaged in. Unfortunately, I don’t have a recording of the live music that was played, which proved to be very uplifting. Here is a link to a version by Shiuli Subaya that you can listen to instead. 

I started the gathering, after tuning in and welcoming all who were present, with a brief definition of Shuniya. We then formed a circle to hear from each Minister on their response to the question: “How do you bring the concept of Shuniya into your service as a Minister?”  (Please take a few minutes to reflect on this question for yourself.) There was quite a range of responses to this question that were both helpful and inspiring. 

Following our discussion, SS Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa led us in a meditation (which can be accessed by clicking on the link included here – “Har Har Wahe Guru Meditation”). This meditation helped us to attune ourselves to the vibration of Shuniya. We practiced it for 11 minutes. On the sacred land of Ram Das Puri, in the heat of the day, post Gurdwara that morning, dropping into this experience was much appreciated. It allowed us to go deep within ourselves. Again, I encourage you to experience this meditation for yourself. 

We were then blessed with a musical rendition of this mantra by MSS Kirtan Singh Khalsa. Allowing the sound to wash over us was refreshing and uplifting. It was an impactful hour and a half gathering. 

There is something so powerful when we get the chance to be together, in person rather than virtually. It touches one’s heart and soul. Given that our Ministry is international, it makes it difficult for us to meet in one place. I strongly suggest that you take advantage of any opportunities you may have to connect with the other Ministers in your geographic area. 

May you continue to be blessed in your service and seva as a Sikh Dharma International Minister. Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh! 

Blessings to all of you. 

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.