Our Summer Solstice Ministers’ gathering on Sunday, June 20, 2010 was a unique experience. Based on the theme that the Ministry is the heartbeat, pulse, and spirit of Sikh Dharma, we began by using sound and beat to open up the entire body through the sound current of Ong.
This was followed by a moving, sensing exercise to soft music, and then a meditation to release fear of the future. SS Dev Suroop Kaur and Siri Chand Singh played a classical Raag rendition of the Dhan Dhan Ram Das Gur shabd from Dev Suroop Kaur’s new album Sahej-Peaceful Acceptance. If you haven’t heard this CD yet, you are in for a treat. It is beautiful!
Assistant Secretary of Religion, SS Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur then led us in a meditation “to set your future” while our musicians played the Narayan shabd. The whole experience took us to a deep, relaxed and elevated state. In the midst of the extreme heat, dust, and wind of Ram Das Puri, we were in a sweet little oasis of bliss.
We hope you can join us for the next gathering. May God ever bless you and keep you in His light and love.
European Yoga Festival
I just returned from the 3HO European Yoga Festival, where I had the blessing of facilitating White Tantric Yoga. It was a whirlwind trip, and I just wanted to get this little report into the August edition of our newsletter while it was still fresh in my mind.
This was my first time attending the festival. What an incredibly powerful experience it was! There were over 2,300 participants, representing all of the continents except Antarctica, and at least six (that I know of) officially translated languages.
I had to speak in such a way so as to allow the non-English speaking participants a chance to know what was being said via their translators. Languages are definitely a challenge for me and I have a great appreciation for those who can speak more than one. The participants were very strong yogis and I couldn’t help but think how incredibly happy the Siri Singh Sahib must be to see how the teachings have spread around the world.
On Friday, the day after I arrived, I facilitated a Minister’s Gathering/Workshop featuring the Cherdi Kalaa Jatha. Through music and meditation, we traveled back to the time of Guru Amar Das to witness the birth of the Sikh Dharma Ministry. We awakened those roots within us. During the follow-up discussion, one participant said: “This woke me up. I realized my chola (Sikh dress) is in my tent. Why don’t I have it on?” He wore one the rest of the time.
I facilitated the second day of Tantric and was beautifully cared for by a loving and efficient hospitality staff. On Monday afternoon, I was able to squeeze in a half-day trip to the Chateau Du Clos Luce, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. Wow, what a mind! I saw many of his inventions, designs, art, sayings, and much more. If you get a chance, it is well worth the visit.
Tuesday, after the Amrit Ceremony and before the weddings, I administered Sikh Vows to a dozen or more participants. I could sense their devotion and commitment and was inspired. That afternoon I returned to Paris. The next day I took a half-day trip to Giverny, to visit the home of Claude Monet, the Father of Impressionism. The gardens are magnificent, tranquil and uplifting. Again, definitely worth seeing!
The trip was a refreshing break for me, being immersed in our global community and experiencing the hand of our teacher touching the hearts and souls of so many wonderful students and teachers. With all the diversity of language and cultures, the simple greeting Sat Nam gave us a common, unifying connection. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have shared in this experience.
Humbly,
SS Dr. Sat-Kaur Khalsa
Secretary of Religion
Sikh Dharma International
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 psychotherapy private practice in Santa Monica, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico, counseling individuals, couples, and families to support their personal and spiritual growth. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, a facilitator of White Tantric Yoga®, and a published author.
