Throughout 2016, our Ministry newsletter is focused on the Subtle Body. We invited Sikh Dharma Ministers to reflect on how we impact the world through our Subtle Bodies. Especially, how do we use the Subtle Body to support us in situations of challenge as we serve as teachers, leaders, and healers of the Aquarian Age? In the Winter 2016 issue, our theme is Shabad Guru and the Subtle Body. Please enjoy these articles and personal stories by Sikh Dharma Ministers about the Subtle Body in relation to our roles as Sikh Dharma Ministers. We welcome comments and feedback on this newsletter and our website. If
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Archives for Gurus
#62 Winter 2016 Newsletter
The Perfection of Creation
by SS Gurutej Singh Khalsa, Singapore Summer 2016 This creation is one of absolute perfection and within that perfection exists the miraculous human incarnation. Since time immemorial, human beings have been trying to understand the perfection, mystery, and purpose of the incarnation, and in fact, the creation itself. When I was young, I had to write a term paper about what I wanted to do when I grew up. I wanted to be a surgeon and as part of the research for the paper I had to interview someone in that line of work. A very kind surgeon agreed to
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Prana Yoga and Guru Harkrishan
by SS Krishna Singh Khalsa, Espanola NM Spring 2015 The Ardas admonishes us to meditate on Guru Harkrishan and it promises us that if we do so “all sickness and sufferings will depart.” From a Raj Yoga perspective, we can consider that Guru Harkrishan was the Eighth Guru, and intrinsically related to the eighth subtle body, which is the Pranic Body. Prana is Life Force, and ultimately all healing and well-being are derived from Prana. We are reminded of the extremely young age of five years at which Guru Harkrishan became Guru. There was considerable skepticism and doubt that a child
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Guru Harkrishan’s Sacrifice
by SS Gurujodha Singh Khalsa, Mexico City Spring 2015 It is interesting that the numerology of this year (2015) brings together the number 8 and the number 5. Beyond the fact that Guru Harkrishan as the Eight Sikh Guru embodies the virtues of the Pranic Body, he became Guru at the age of 5 and he died at the age of 8. This implies a connection between these two numbers. Number 5 is the physical body and represents the virtue of sacrifice, as it is through the body that we can turn our human experience into a temple, resounding with God’s
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Our Spiritual Trust
by Bhai Sahiba Dr. Bibi Inderjit Kaur Khalsa Winter 2014 “Immersed in family life, the Lord’s humble servant ever remains detached and reflects upon the essence of spiritual wisdom.”—Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji (Siri Guru Granth Sahib, page 599) Guru Har Rai Ji lived and served to create beautiful environments, sharing the peace of the spiritual realms, where his consciousness constantly dwelled. He built hospitals, gardens and places of peace to heal and uplift everyone. In this same way, as Sikh householders we are given a divine trust to guide our children, so they may attain their highest destiny. The Siri
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Secretary of Religion Column (Winter 2014)
Your voice counts. Yes, it really does. As your Secretary of Religion, I have said over and over again that I look to our Ministers to help create the future of our Ministry and our Dharma. I am not in favor of top-down administration—rather, a more distributive style of management with real empowerment. The question is, how do we create this? Yes, we have Minister gatherings at Winter and Summer Solstices and the European Yoga Festival. As yoga festivals grow globally, there will be a need for Minister gatherings at these events as well. The gatherings are purposely not intended
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#54 Winter 2014 Newsletter
The year 2014 embodies the vibration of the Seventh Master, Guru Har Rai. This year, our newsletter explores the topic of Guru Har Rai: Teacher of Compassion. The topic of the November issue is Nurturing our Children – Seeding the Future. Guru Har Rai lived and served as a “platform of elevation.” In our roles as parents, yogis, and Sikh Dharma Ministers, we have the unique opportunity to serve and uplift our youth, to create environments to enable these souls to live to their highest destiny. In this issue, Sikh Dharma Ministers share their journey of spiritual parenting. As Siri Singh Sahib
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The Perfumed Axe
by SS Siri Gian Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Fall 2014 “The axe cuts the sandal tree, yet the sandal perfumes the axe.”—Guru Har Rai Ji This is Guru Har Rai’s explanation of why he helped save the life of Shah Jihan’s son with the Guru’s special herbs when that emperor had been so cruel to his great grandfather, Guru Arjan and to his grandfather, Guru Hargobind. The Guru demonstrated that the negative actions of others shouldn’t dictate grudges, blocking or retaliation from a Sikh. So, just as a sandalwood tree perfumes the axe which cuts it, the Guru returns good
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Example of True Love
by SS Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa, Espanola NM Fall 2014 For the last several years I have been organizing the “Food 4 Kids” program here in Espanola. This program provides food to local children who do not get sufficient, or even any, food to eat on the weekend. The school system provides qualifying children with free breakfasts and lunches during school days. However on the weekends and during school breaks these kids, 6-12 years of age, are on their own. As Sikhs of the Guru we feed people with langar. However these kids do not have the means to come
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Beyond Earthly Distinction
by Bhai Sahiba Dr. Bibi Inderjit Kaur Khalsa Fall 2014 The God-conscious being is always unstained, like the sun, which gives its comfort and warmth to all. The God-conscious being looks upon all alike, like the wind, which blows equally upon the king and the poor beggar. Siri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji lived and breathed a sensitivity to all living things. Throughout his life he exemplified a compassion that ran so deep, his love and protection extended to all beings in God’s creation. Many times we are blinded by the exterior covering, so
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