by SS Hari Mander Jot Singh, Albuquerque NM (interviewed by SS Sarb Nam Kaur Khalsa)
Winter 2009
There is a line in the Re Man shabd written by Guru Gobind Singh that inspires me: “Jaap so ajaap japay.” It means to recite without reciting.
I believe that we should live our life as an example, rather than just preaching. Living in the consciousness that God is the Doer of everything, we will become self-illumined: Saibhang. This only happens by the grace of the Guru: Gurprasad. Guru is everything…it is that which brings you from the unknown to the known.
A relationship with a Guru is like a mirror. When you look and see yourself, that is the inspiration. When others see you, dressed regally in your bana, they are inspired. You may not recognize that what you do is healing yourself and others. But just let your presence do the work.
Do your sadhana…that is for you and your relationship with God. Smile, live in compassion and serve as a Minister of Sikh Dharma.
Our unity is the key. It is the test of our relationship with the Guru. Sing God’s praises. That’s the best form of service.
“Me, the bard out of work, the Lord has applied to His service. In the very beginning, He gave me the order to sing His praises night and day. The Master summoned the minstrel to His True Court. He clothed me with the robe of His true honor and eulogy. Since then the True Name had become my ambrosial food. They, who under the Guru’s instruction, eat this food to their satisfaction, obtain peace. By singing the Guru’s hymns, I, the minstrel spread the Lord’s glory. Nanak, by praising the True Name I have obtained the perfect Lord.” (Guru Nanak, Pauri, pg. 150)
About the Author
SS Hari Mander Jot Singh Khalsa is an ordained Sikh Dharma Minister. He is a member of the Cherdhi Kala Jetha, playing Sikh sacred hymns in temples and gurdwaras around the world.
