These are turbulent, challenging, transitional times globally, within countries, nations, communities, and most certainly, our Dharma. There is much uncertainty, confusion and upheaval. Yet we have been trained to weather this, and so much more.
As Ministers of Sikh Dharma entering the Aquarian Age, our frequency is carried through our core relationship to the Shabad Guru, our consciousness of service, and our collective unity.
On Sunday June 19, 2011, we held our last Summer Solstice Minister’s Gathering before we cross the threshold into the new age. The theme for the gathering was “Strong as Steel, Steady as Stone: The Sikh Dharma Ministry Enters the Aquarian Age.”
As your Secretary of Religion, I want to share with you some highlights from this gathering. Just as a reminder, we call these “gatherings” rather then meetings because the emphasis is on spending time together as Ministers to elevate and educate ourselves, rather than focus primarily on business.
After I gave a short introduction and framing for the gathering, SS Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur led us in an 11-minute solidarity meditation. This meditation required us to be in a circle. Afterwards we stayed in the circle to answer the following questions:
1) What does strong as steel, steady as stone mean to you?
2) What helps you to sustain that strength and steadiness, and what distracts you from it?
3) As a Minister in your service, how do you inspire people to foster a relationship with the Guru and seva?
Everyone had an opportunity to answer each question. The responses to questions 1) and 2) were: keeping up through adversity; having a strong nervous system; having a steady Sadhana; living your principles; standing up for your beliefs (even when it is hard to do); being there for others in need; seeing the truth of things as they are and adjusting effectively to change; not letting yourself or others down; holding the space of Shunia no matter what is going on; remembering that compassion is the core; holding the radiant body of Guru Gobind Singh; bowing to Guru’s will; and keeping a steady endurance with grace.
In response to the second part of question 2), people shared what distracts them: external and internal commotion; emotions; judging others; forgetting to breathe consciously; monkey mind; fear; lack of discipline; not meditating; and forgetting who is the Doer. Someone shared a profound quote: “Don’t believe everything you think!”
A sampling of responses to question 3) regarding inspiring those we serve included: modeling and inviting; serving langar; teaching and allowing one’s presence to work; reaching out to all; telling stories; inspiring people’s hearts so that they are drawn to their desired seva; serving whoever comes; loving to serve; serving with love; sharing what serving and connection to Guru has meant personally; taking hukums and inviting others to do so; helping students to excel; and teaching people about the rewards of seva and a relationship with the Guru.
Everyone was given a handout called: Sadhana Tool Kit. SS Sangeet Kaur from Espanola explained that these materials were originally developed for a sangat workshop. The Sadhana Tool Kit will shortly be available for general distribution through the KRI website.
SS Chioneso Kulwant Kaur led us in a meditation entitled: Kundalini Yoga Kriya with Laya Yoga Kundalini Mantra. The meditation firmly grounded us as “strong as steel, steady as stone” beings! I then summarized and closed our gathering. In the midst of the wind and dust, it was a blessed time. It is my prayer that you get to join us at our next gathering.
Humbly submitted,
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. Dr. Sat Kaur 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.