by SS Siri Akal Singh Khalsa, Espanola NM Winter 2020 “What’s so funny?” my wife Hari asked, looking up from her book. “I just got an e-mail inviting me to contribute to the next Sikh Dharma Ministry Newsletter,” I replied. “And that’s funny because…?” “…Because the editors are obviously thinking of someone else.” “What do you mean? They invited you, didn’t they?” “Yes, but we’ve been quarantined since March. I hardly go out, except to shop, and when I do, I’m all masked up and social-distancing from everybody. And even before the Coronavirus isolated us, ever since you were diagnosed
Read More
Archives for newsletter
A Ministry of The One
#78 Winter 2020 Newsletter
Throughout this year we have been exploring the qualities of Guru Ram Das and the Neutral/Meditative Mind and how these qualities are fundamental to our ability to serve one and all as Ministers and leaders in the Aquarian Age. The theme for the Winter issue is Standing Under Those We Serve: Vision or Division? At the memorial service of John Lewis, the legendary Civil Rights leader who passed away this summer, a minister said: “It is a matter of vision or division.” This speaks to where we are in our world right now. How can we deliver this vision of standing under all whom
Read More
Ministry News and Notes (Fall 2020)
In this time of quarantine, the Secretary of Religion wanted to ensure that individuals seeking to become ordained Sikh Dharma Ministers would have the ability to take their Ministerial vows in a timely fashion. With the advent of online meeting spaces, the Office of the Secretary of Religion (with approval from the Sikh Dharma International Board) made an historic decision this summer to offer “virtual” Minister vows. Traditionally, Sikh Dharma Ministers have been administered their ordination vows at our Winter and Summer Solstices, as well as at the European and Chilean Yoga Festivals, and—in some rare cases—within their local sangats.
Read More
#77 Fall 2020 Newsletter
Throughout this year we have been exploring the qualities of Guru Ram Das and the Neutral/Meditative Mind and how these qualities are fundamental to our ability to serve one and all as Ministers and leaders in the Aquarian Age. The theme for this Fall issue is Self-Reflection: Fostering it in Ourselves. These are challenging times. Standing under those we serve—especially during times of great stress and transformation—is predicated on being able to stand by one’s self. It is important for each of us, as Ministers, to do our own internal work in order to then bring kindness, compassion, authenticity, and
Read More
#76 Summer 2020 Newsletter
In 2020, we are exploring the theme of “Standing Under Those We Serve” through the lens of Guru Ram Das and the Neutral/Meditative Mind. The theme for the Summer 2020 issue is Meeting the Challenge of Moving Into Aquarian Leadership. We invited Sikh Dharma Ministers to address ways in which they support those they serve to be all they can be—by inspiring others to awaken their latent gifts as potential leaders and helping them deal with barriers they may face on the journey. Copyright©2020
Read More
#75 Spring 2020 Newsletter
In 2020, we are exploring the theme of “Standing Under Those We Serve.” For the Spring issue, we are also exploring the qualities of Guru Ram Das and the Neutral/Meditative Mind in relationship to manifesting our destiny as leaders in the Aquarian Age. What qualities do you associate with Guru Ram Das that allow you to express your unique leadership style and help you to foster leadership in others? We asked Ministers: “What does it mean to serve from a place of neutrality and love and to ‘stand under’ those you serve?” We invited them to share a seminal experience
Read More
#74 Winter 2019 Newsletter
Our 2019 theme explores the aspects of the Third Body/Positive Mind (as embodied by Guru Amar Das) in service to elevating the Soul. In this Winter issue, we explore the idea of Making a Difference Through Service and Leadership. Specifically, we asked our authors to share how Ministers can prepare to be Aquarian Leaders and make a positive impact in the world. “Your reliability will give people the courage to trust you. Their trust will give you the power to carry a situation. A leader carries and serves people. Learn to lead as a ‘seva’ (to sacrifice your time and
Read More
#73 Fall 2019 Newsletter
Our Fall Newsletter explores the topic of Sustaining Hope During Challenging Times. We asked our Sikh Dharma Ministers to reflect on how they align with their Soul during difficulties and challenges and to share ways they draw on the gifts of our Dharmic lifestyle and the technologies of Kundalini Yoga and Shabd Guru in order to remain elevated, connected, and hopeful. Our 2019 newsletters explore the aspects of positive mind in service to the Soul as embodied by Guru Amar Das. We hope you enjoy these reflections on the Third Guru as well as the ways to sustain hope using
Read More
Minister News and Notes (Summer 2019)
SS DukhNiwaran Kaur of Chicago, IL, received a “Spirit of Baisakhi” award at the 2019 Los Angeles Baisakhi Gurdwara on April 14, 2019 on behalf of the Sikh Community of Southern California for her “dedicated service to the Sikh Dharma in fostering important dialogues about issues of diversity and inclusion in our Sikh communities.” She was also recognized for her work with young adults struggling with emotional crises. The award noted her “courageous example of serving in the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, reflective of his message of One God in All and his unwavering commitment to championing
Read More
#71 Spring 2019 Newsletter
As Sikh Dharma Ministers, we are vital partners in addressing the challenges that present themselves in our own lives, in our families, in our Dharma, in our communities, and in our world. We are asking Sikh Dharma Ministers to share how they draw on the gifts of our lifestyle to maintain a “keep up” spirit to be elevated, hopeful, and impactful, using the Positive Mind and the example of Guru Amar Das. For our Spring 2019 newsletter theme, we asked Sikh Dharma Ministers to reflect on the example of our Third Guru, Guru Amar Das, as the embodiment of the positive mind
Read More
