by MSS Kirtan Singh Khalsa, Espanola, New Mexico 2024 (Third Quarter) Sat Nam. In God I dwell, and in His Name I write these words. In 1985 the Siri Singh Sahib Ji appointed me to serve as the Secretary of the Gurdwara at Guru Ram Das Ashram, Los Angeles. I had just become a Minister earlier that year and was also appointed by him as one of several Bhai Sahibs in Training under Bhai Sahiba Bibi Inderjit Kaur. The responsibilities of the Secretary of the Gurdwara were broad and deep. They included: administering and overseeing the daily functions of the
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Archives for Gurdwara
Building Relationships at the Annual Los Angeles Baisakhi Kirtan Darbar
SANGAT and PANGAT. . . Simple Joys
by SS Siri Chand Singh Khalsa, Santa Cruz, New Mexico 2024 (Second Quarter) When I was asked to share my experiences with the evening chanting and langar program that we hold at the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das ashram in Espanola, it got me thinking about what I could include that isn’t already obvious. As ministers, we all know how deep an impact meditating together and gathering as a sangat can have on us, on our community, and—as studies suggest—even on the world. In addition, we have all experienced the benefits of seva, or the benefits a seva program can
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Supporting Sangat during Times of Challenge
Interview with SS Guru Sangat Singh Khalsa, Great Falls, Virginia This interview was conducted over the telephone by Guruamrit Kaur, Newsletter Editor, on August 25, 2023 2023 (Third Quarter) What are ways that we can support ourselves during times of challenge? For me, personally, Sadhana in the Amrit Vela is the whole deal. Including banis as well. These technologies of Banis, Simran and Sadhana. The technology is
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Gurdwara Safety and Security
Gurdwara Safety and Personal Security The global environment is reactive in this time and space and requires our awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness to ensure our safety and well-being. Here are some resources to support you and your community to be aware of gurdwara safety and security. 1. An online pamphlet created by the Dharmic Office of Public Affairs of Sikh Dharma International, with suggestions, guidelines, and resources to learn about safety and dealing with hate crimes. 2. Additional Resources for Ministers (Gurdwara Safety, Personal Security and Legal Rights) 3. Preventing Attacks on Gurdwaras (pamphlet by The Sikh Coalition) 4. Walking Tall: Spiritual Warrior Training Course (self-defense
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The Guru Granthi
(Winter 2010) Reprinted from “Victory and Virtue: Ceremonies and Code of Conduct of Sikh Dharma,” published by the Office of the Bhai Sahiba of Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere. The Granthi is a dedicated, trained Minister who is fully attached to the activities of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. The word Granthi in essence is “gra-nath” or knot…tied to the Guru. The Granthi has a relationship of understanding of, as well as service to the “Living Word of God.” He or she must be fluent in reading Gurmukhi, and educated in all aspects of the Guru’s care. He or
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