“From a solid and conscious foundation, expansion takes place.” This line is from one of the affirmations I do daily as part of my morning practice. It refers to the Ministry of Sikh Dharma.
2021 marks the 50th year of our Ministry. We do have a solid base and history to grow from. Yet for many of us, this is also a painful time. There is tremendous polarization within our Ministry as well as our community—and, for that matter, the world.
In seeking a more in-depth understanding of this, I turned to some of Patanjali’s concepts as described in The Aquarian Teacher, KRI Level One Textbook, (2003), p.45. “The mind and body are one emanation of the primal nature: Prakirti. A fundamental property of this nature is constant evolution and transformation.”
Okay, so change is inevitable. That is true. At the same time, what is constant?
“Action in line with the Infinite Self is called dharma. You act in the right way at the right time. Dharmic action takes you beyond pleasure and pain to ecstasy, beyond like and need—to duty, commitment and identity.” (The Aquarian Teacher, KRI Level One Textbook, (2003), p. 46).
Yes, but at this time, people within both polarities believe they have the right action. So, what is needed? I look for what will unite us rather than push us further apart. Where is the Isht, the altar? An altar is where there is no alternative. It is where we bow our heads and surrender our egos.
What unites us? I believe it is the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Our shared values of devotion to the Shabd Guru and our service to our sangats around the globe are the fundamental touchstones uniting us in our identity as Sikh Dharma Ministers.
Yes, there is a need to envision and shape the next phase of our collective journey together. However, it is essential that we do so from a place of consciousness, integrity, humility, and balance. What supports us to foster these qualities?
“Through the practice of yoga discipline—sadhana—we calm the mind, sharpen its function, and gain discernment to recognize the real, to hear the inner Word, to follow the impulse of the heart—the path of dharma.” (The Aquarian Teacher, KRI Level One Textbook, (2003), p. 46.)
It is my prayer that God and Guru will always guide us to the highest manifestation of our service as Sikh Dharma International Ministers. Many blessings to each and every one of you.
Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa. Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh!
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 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.