At a Ministers’ gathering in 1993, we went through a strategic planning process for the Ministry. The mission statement that resulted was: “To selflessly serve and uplift humanity and to perpetuate Sikh Dharma in the spirit of Cherdi Kala.”
This Office has used these words as a touchstone ever since. At a Summer Solstice Ministers’ gathering a few years ago, we developed an affirmation for Ministers to say daily: “Sikh Dharma Ministers, working in unity and purity to serve humanity.”
I am a firm believer in positive affirmations and visualizations, such as those found in inspirational books on prosperity (e.g. “Thoughts become things” from “The Secret”). With all the upheaval and uncertainty with the administration of our Dharma, it seems like a critical time for the Ministry to be steady and prayerful.
In her book entitled, “The Game of Life and How to Play It,” Florence Scovel Shinn writes: “Every great work, every big accomplishment, has been brought into manifestation through holding to the vision, and often just before the big achievement, comes apparent failure and discouragement” (p. 19).
My daily Aquarian Sadhana practice includes affirmations. One of them is: “Sikh Dharma Ministers, working in unity and purity to serve humanity, take responsibility as leaders in their communities. The Ministry and the Dharma move forward in Aquarian consciousness by Guru’s magnificent design. From a solid and conscious foundation, expansion takes place.”
Stories from Ministers
The overall theme for our 2010 e-newsletters is The Journey to Sahej: stories from the hearts of our Ministers. Our Ministry is built by the countless simple acts of service, using our God-given gifts.
This issue focuses on recognizing, accepting and delivering our natural gifts; our Summer and Fall issues will be about receiving the nectar, letting our presence work based on the concept of Simran; and the Winter newsletter will focus on stories of personal experiences of Sahej.
In an e-mail to the Khalsa Council written on December 5, 2009, Saraswati Kaur Khalsa wrote: “What has become of the legacy that the Siri Singh Sahib left behind? His legacy is greater than ever. It is glowing, growing, expanding, purifying. We are his legacy. We, each of us, with the Guru in our hearts and Gurbani on our lips; we are his legacy.”
The service you do as a Sikh Dharma Minister perpetuates his legacy. I am thankful for your dedication and work. I would also be grateful to have you join me in reciting the daily affirmation we created years ago: “Sikh Dharma Ministers, working in unity and purity to serve humanity.”
May God and Guru ever bless you and keep you in His light and love.
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.