“The Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Yogiji is coming!” Do you remember what it was like when the Siri Singh Sahib would visit our communities? There was much preparation, cleaning, repairing of things that might have been neglected for a while, all in a mad dash to receive our teacher.
The whole vibration of the living space seemed to be lifted, brightened, cleansed, and transformed. When he would arrive, his eagle eye would inspect all that had been done. If something had been missed, he would see it, comment on it and tell someone to fix it or take care of it. I think these visits made us much more aware and conscious.
If he lived in your community, there were the unannounced “inspections,” particularly in Los Angeles and Espanola. These visits were more challenging, for he always saw things we had missed. “What are you going to do when I’m not here?” his voice would boom. “You have to take care of these properties both physically and financially. It is a huge responsibility. I have been carrying it but one day it will be yours to manage.” Then he would proceed to tell individuals to cover what needed to be addressed.
We no longer have him in physical form pushing us in this manner. He handed it over to us and all the generations to follow: our Gurdwaras, Ashrams, and Dharmic properties, all of it. Yes, there are entities set up to oversee this legacy (LYF, The Siri Singh Sahib Corporation, local councils, etc.) but it still comes down to our collective consciousness and support. It takes each of us as individuals and more importantly, us as a community.
It Takes a Village
Yes, it does take a village. Each of our Gurdwaras is sacred and must be cared for with consciousness. Together they form a global golden chain and a network that provides the foundation for our communities. It is a treat for me to visit the Gurdwaras in our various communities.
For years the Siri Singh Sahib told us that Espanola was/is the “Mother” ashram. What does that mean? A mother nurtures, teaches, guides, inspires and sets the foundation for the growth and expansion of the present and future generations.
Over the years of sitting in Sunday Gurdwara in Espanola, along with feeling its sacred vibration, I would always notice the cracks in the plaster, things that needed repair, things that required more attention. I could imagine the Siri Singh Sahib seeing it and making sure something was done about it.
And now, the “village” is doing just that! In a weekend, through seva, the community emptied the Gurdwara, moved the Akhand Path to the langar hall and took the paintings down for reframing and professional cleaning. In just one week, hired professionals prepped, plastered, and painted.
Partly through seva, electrical work was started, and decisions over new windows were made. Again the community came together to put the Gurdwara back in place. It was amazing to sit last Sunday and feel the incredible change in the space! There is more to be done but much has been accomplished in a very short time. Perhaps the cleansing, clearing, caring, conscious transformation that has occurred at the mother ashram will have a ripple effect around the globe!
You are invited by the sangat to help support this project by visiting the Espanola Ashram website. May our Gurdwaras continue to be the heartbeat of our Dharma.
In service,
SS Dr. Sat-Kaur Khalsa, Secretary of Religion
About 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. She counsels individuals, couples, and families to support their personal and spiritual growth. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, facilitates White Tantric Yoga®, and is a published author.