by SS Simran Kaur Khalsa, Longmont, Colorado 2026 (Second Quarter) Note: This is a condensed version of an article that originally appeared on Simran Kaur’s blog. It is being shared here as a resource for Sikh Dharma Ministers to enhance their understanding of Amrit Sanchar. The original article can be read or listened to by clicking on this link. Dear Sadh Sangat Ji, Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji ki Fateh! The term “Amrit” is most commonly associated with the Khalsa Amrit—the “khanda-de-Pahul”—the sacred ceremony through which one becomes an Amritdhari Sikh. But before exploring that, let us reflect on
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Archives for Ceremonies
The Blessings of Amrit
Sitting in Shuniya: Helpful when Managing Death & Loss
by SS JivanJoti Kaur Khalsa PhD, Florence, Oregon 2025 (Third Quarter) The theme of this Sikh Dharma Ministry Newsletter is “Holding a State of Shuniya while Interacting with the Community.” Utilizing the State of Shuniya can be helpful when navigating through Death and Loss. One of the things we Ministers are called up to do is be with someone who is either transitioning out of this life or who has experienced the death of a loved one, student, neighbor or friend. It is common to be at a loss of what to say or do. Words seem superficial and inadequate
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Death & Death Ceremonies
(From Victory and Virtue: Ceremonies & Code of Conduct of Sikh Dharma) To a Sikh, death is reunion with the Beloved Creator; it is a time of joy, because the soul has longed for this moment since it was separated from Him. As human beings, however, we feel sadness at the loss of someone we cared for and loved. The time of death is an opportunity to re-examine and re-affirm our faith and acceptance of the Will of God. A confirmed faith in the reality of reincarnation, and an understanding of the journey of the soul, give us the strength and
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Raising the Nishan Sahib
by SS Siri Bandhu Kaur Khalsa, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada Summer 2018 The day was overcast and overly cold, when the phone rang. “Auntiji, can you do me a favour?” Hmmm, now who was this fine young voice I didn’t recognize, and how could Auntiji possibly say “no” to this? “What can I do for you?” “Would you be able to do seva as a member of an all-women Panj Piaray to raise the Nishan Sahib at the Ottawa City Hall on Sunday, April 1st at 9:30 am?” “Of course,” I said. “That’s wonderful,” said the voice. “What do we wear?”
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Ardas (Sikh Prayer)
“When the prayer becomes the vibration of the mind and self, then we can create a miracle.” —The Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Yogiji The word “Ardas” literally means “prayer.” But the traditional Sikh Ardas has come to represent a specific form of prayer recited in every Gurdwara program. It is recited before the Guru is transported or brought into Prakaash, just before the hukam is taken, and again when the Guru is set into Sukhasaan. It can also be recited before undertaking any activity of significance, before leaving on a journey, to give thanks, or as
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Anand Karaj (Sikh Wedding Ceremony)
The Sikh marriage is a very special ceremony in which two individuals are joined in a equal partnership. It is joyous and festive event which is very family orientated and informal in it’s atmosphere. In the Sikh marriage ceremony, Guru Ram Das has given us a formula for a successful marriage in the form of four rounds 0r four concepts. In fact, he describes for us the sacred journey of the soul merging with the infinite. When applied to marriage it results in happiness and fulfillment. Sikh Gurus define marriage as: “They are not husband and wife who only have physical
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Amrit Sanchar (Sikh Baptism)
Through taking of Amrit, a Sikh qualifies him/herself as a recipient of Kamai of Akal Moorat or earnings from service and devotion to God. Through receiving Amrit, the consciousness is tempered and fear is substituted with Akal or deathlessness. In this way, a Sikh is prepared to experience Ajuni Saibhong, or a state of completion of the cycle of birth and death and an illumination of the light of the soul, while yet living in the world. Through daily practice of sadhana, or spiritual discipline, one establishes his or her spiritual bank account by continually cleansing the mind and keeping
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Sikh Vows
Administering Sikh Vows The Sikh Vows as given by the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji are administered by an ordained Sikh Dharma Minister in Good Standing in the presence of Siri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sadh Sangat. Anyone who is ready to make a commitment to live the remainder of his or her life as a Sikh of the Guru is welcome to take Sikh vows. These vows should be thoroughly explained and understood before the ceremony takes place. At this time, Sikh Vows are primarily given during the 3HO Summer and Winter Solstice and
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Becoming a Sikh Dharma International Minister
Please read the following instructions carefully to understand the requirements for becoming an ordained Sikh Dharma Interational Minister. The information provided during the Candidate’s application process will be kept as part of the Candidate’s permanent record with the Office of the Secretary of Religion. Upon completion of the application and successful completion of the Minister approval process, the Candidate will be granted permission to take Minister Vows. The Office of the Secretary of Religion highly recommends two courses offered online and free of charge by Sikh Dharma International as valuable educational opportunities for prospective Minister Candidates: Sikh Dharma 101: This
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Ceremonies & Practices
Sikh Dharma ceremonies and lifestyle practices are a rich source of inspiration for seekers of all spiritual paths. Through these practices one can achieve a powerful experience of their own divinity, dignity, and grace. Sikh Dharma as a path open to anyone; it is a path that delivers those called to their highest possible spiritual identity, in this lifetime: Spiritual Warriors. We welcome you to explore and learn about our heritage of Dharmic technology and lifestyle practices to elevate and Minister to your Spirit. We also hope this section will provide a rich resource for Ministers and other seekers to learn about
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