by SS Rupinder Kaur Khalsa, Ottawa Canada
2022 (First Quarter)

The question I hear the most from new Minister candidates who approach me is: “What is the difference between serving as a Sikh Dharma International Minister and just keeping on serving as I have been doing so far?”

I feel that community support is the key. I remember years ago visiting a community center back in Chile, in which we were offering Kundalini Yoga classes and spiritual support to a group of women who had suffered years of domestic violence.

I talked with them and heard their stories—but what stuck with me the most was not the narrative of what they went through but the fact that I was witnessing the strength of their soul in action. The soul always has a way to shake us, giving us the opportunity to choose to live from the victory of the spirit. That group of women ended up becoming Kundalini Yoga teachers and community leaders. How beautiful they are!

I see that seva, kindness, compassionate and active listening, and standing up for those who can’t do it themselves are needed more than ever—and there is no time to waste. The times are already upon us. Mother Earth is radically changing, as is human interaction. My question to all of us is: Are we ready to face the challenges of the times as a community?

Supporting each other collaboratively has been our survival advantage as humans for thousands of years. Yet it seems that now we are witnessing more and more duality and polarization. I will rephrase my question: Are we ready to relate to each other in a neutral, non-judgmental way so that we can face the challenges of the times as a community?

My deep feeling is that it is time to rely on infinite patience; “to see the world through the Guru’s eyes;” and to develop a greater attitude of gratitude in our daily lives. We especially have this incredible opportunity to serve not only our highest destiny but also our surroundings.

Let’s remember that if we take care of others, God will take care of us.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

About the Author

SS Rupinder Kaur Khalsa is a Sikh Dharma Minister since 2018 and a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher specializing in Yoga for Women and Yoga for Mental Health. She also works in Marketing, with experience in social interventions for women who are incarcerated or have suffered domestic violence. Rupinder Kaur is committed to sharing the ancient teachings of Sikh Dharma and Kundalini Yoga, with a focus on mind and meditation techniques to overcome depression, stress, and anxiety during challenging times.