Dear Ministers, As this year moves quickly to a close, it is a time of reflection. How have you navigated your way through these times? What has helped you to stay connected to you higher self, your center, your inner guidance? As I reflect on these questions for myself, I realize there have been a variety of ways, practices, tools, and disciplines I have used to move towards Shuniya on a daily basis. One of those supports has been this little practice: I have continued to recite the Shabad by Guru Arjan Dev Ji that we shared for the 40-day
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Archives for Secretary of Religion Column
Secretary of Religion Column (2025 Fourth Quarter)
Secretary of Religion Column (2025 Third Quarter)
Dear Ministers, Our overarching theme for our 2025 Ministry Newsletter is the concept of Shuniya or the “zero point:” stillness. It seemed wholly appropriate to address this theme at our Summer Solstice Minister’s Gathering, 2025, which is exactly what we did! With the intent of inclusion, I am sharing the details of this gathering with the whole Ministry. Perhaps it would be helpful to you to have a chance to reflect on the question that was asked and to do the meditation we engaged in. Unfortunately, I don’t have a recording of the live music that was played, which proved
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Secretary of Religion Column (2025 Second Quarter)
Dear Ministers, Are you feeling bombarded by life of late? Perhaps some of the contributing factors are: unexpected physical, emotional, mental, and/or spiritual challenges; the upheavals in the world like wars, politics or governments; natural disasters; weather; unexpected financial expenditures; stressful circumstances; work overload; family crisis or loss, to name a few. How does one navigate these challenges? We have a rich body of teachings that come with this lifestyle. What is the difference between someone who is derailed by the challenges of life, and one who is able to navigate whatever comes their way? At least on this path,
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Secretary of Religion Column (2025 First Quarter)
Dear Ministers, It’s a new year, and a new theme for our Minister e-newsletter: Shuniya or the “zero point.” Ministers had a little preview of this with our year-end “gift” to Ministers—the 2024 Winter Solstice Gift, on “Neutrality in Times of Chaos.” In case you missed seeing our gift, here is a link. Unfortunately, there is so much upheaval on our planet at this time: multiple wars, political maneuvering, natural disasters, environmental changes, massive destruction, power struggles, to name a few. Our newsletter team attempts to think about what might be supportive to Ministers given this particular time and space,
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Secretary of Religion Column (2024 Fourth Quarter)
Dear Ministers, Seva is the cornerstone of our Ministry. Yes, it is selfless service, an offering from the heart, free from ego or expectation. It is between you and your soul. It’s not something we normally give praise for. Yet, there are times when such acknowledgement is appropriate. This is one of those times. I want to acknowledge and deeply thank the members of the Ministry Newsletter team for their dedication, work, and seva. The Ministry Newsletter is a critical and valuable communication tool that is used to virtually connect our Global Ministry. This publication allows Minsters to hear what
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Secretary of Religion Column (2024 Third Quarter)
Dear Ministers, There are three ways that our global Sikh Dharma International Ministry seeks to create a sense of community for our Ministers. One is through the quarterly e-newsletters for Ministers by Ministers. Another is through the Minister Gatherings offered once again at winter and summer solstices and the European Yoga Festival—and perhaps at other festivals as our Ministry grows. A third is through Regional Minister Coordinators in-person or virtual meetings with Ministers in their geographic areas. In this issue, I am pleased to share some moments from the recent Minister’s Gathering at summer solstice, New Mexico, 2024. It was
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Secretary of Religion Column (2024 Second Quarter)
Dear Ministers, During the 40 days prior to Baisakhi 2024, what were your experiences as you chanted, listened to, or recited the beautiful shabd by Bhagat Ravi Das Ji? I found it deeply comforting, in the midst of major changes and a difficult Mercury in retrograde. There can be a wide variety of interpretations for any given shabd or hukam. Personal history, life events, knowledge, circumstances, experience, etc. etc. may contribute to how an individual receives the messages from the Universe. I certainly know that my experience is unique to me. Nevertheless, I felt guided to share it with you.
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Secretary of Religion Column (2024 First Quarter)
Dear Ministers, A new year, a new focus, a new time and space. Unfortunately, at the same time the turmoil present on our planet continues and, in some places, escalates. The same is true in our Dharma. I posed a question in this column (4th quarter newsletter 2023) about the collective Ministry focusing energy on healing our Dharma. I’ve been thinking a lot about that. Our Ministry was designed to include an entire cross section of our sangat, with a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. This makes for a stronger body to serve in a variety of ways—yet at the
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Secretary of Religion Column (2023 Fourth Quarter)
Dear Ministers, As we move into the holiday season, my thoughts turn to two words—gratitude and grace. It seems that no matter what spiritual tradition one might follow, there is usually some kind of special celebration or acknowledgement that accompanies the season. For us, it’s winter solstice. Why do so many honor this time of year? Perhaps, in part, it provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate what we do have, who we care about, and what’s important to us. There is so much darkness in the world now. The drums of war are beating so loudly. It is
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Secretary of Religion Column (2023 Third Quarter)
Dear Ministers, Throughout my many years of counseling, I have always shared with clients that everything that happens is purposeful. Yes, even those events that one might call “atrocities.” I certainly have experienced these in my own life many times over. In the midst of the challenge, it is hard to make sense of it, let alone grasp its purpose. However, oftentimes in hindsight the purpose becomes crystal clear, and the growth that comes from having navigated the challenge will have helped one to expand in consciousness, awareness, and strength of character. The “never-ending election” is finally over. Some sangat
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