The Siri Singh Sahib established the Ministry for our Dharma as a leadership body to serve the sangat and the world. On March 3, 1971, before the Akal Takhat, the Eternal Throne established by Guru Hargobind to serve as the Chief Seat of Religious Authority for Sikhs throughout the world, Yogi Harbhajan Singh was presented with a sword of honor. He was charged with the responsibility to return to the West and establish the Ministry of Sikh Dharma.* According to our Sikh Dharma historian, SS Shanti Kaur Khalsa, the concept of a Sikh Ministry was first started by the Third Guru, Guru
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Archives for Secretary of Religion Column
Secretary of Religion Column (Summer 2012)
Secretary of Religion Column (Spring 2012)
It’s 2012, Geronimo! Time and space are definitely moving at lightning speed. Each year the Ministers’ e-newsletter team meets and focuses on a theme for the four newsletters of the following year. Since the Tantric numerology of 2012 is the number 5, we decided to use Guru Arjan as an inspiration and touchstone: teacher, leader, healer, and bringer of prosperity. The vibrational frequency of the Fifth Guru, through his poetry and life, inspires us to reach out and teach through our presence as Ministers. Each of the quarterly newsletters will focus on one of these aspects of our beloved Fifth Guru. We hope
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Secretary of Religion Column (Fall 2011)
These are turbulent, challenging, transitional times globally, within countries, nations, communities, and most certainly, our Dharma. There is much uncertainty, confusion and upheaval. Yet we have been trained to weather this, and so much more. As Ministers of Sikh Dharma entering the Aquarian Age, our frequency is carried through our core relationship to the Shabad Guru, our consciousness of service, and our collective unity. On Sunday June 19, 2011, we held our last Summer Solstice Minister’s Gathering before we cross the threshold into the new age. The theme for the gathering was “Strong as Steel, Steady as Stone: The Sikh
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Secretary of Religion Column (Summer 2011)
by SS Dr. Shanti Shanti Kaur Khalsa, Assistant Secretary of Religion “Strong as Steel, Steady as Stone: The Sikh Dharma Ministry Enters the Aquarian Age” The fall semester 1972, I started a course at Phoenix College entitled “Kundalini Yoga for Women in the Aquarian Age.” The course continued seven years with that name until a new chair of the Physical Education Department came on board and dropped the “in the Aquarian Age.” “Who knows what that means?” he asked rhetorically. Should I tell him? Naah, I thought. He’ll find out in another 32 years. The Siri Singh Sahib had spoken
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Secretary of Religion Column (Spring 2011)
I feel as if I’ve waited my whole life for 2011, and in many ways I have. So much of what the Siri Singh Sahib taught us was in preparation for these times. I am so grateful for that guidance. As the Minister e-newsletter team met to plan the four issues for 2011, the prescient words of these songs ran through our thoughts: “From the air came the beginning; this is the age of the True Guru. This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.” We were told life would be different by November 11, 2011 and it already
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Secretary of Religion Column (Winter 2010)
I do hope your life has been better than mine of late. I normally have a lot going on but this is even over the top for me. The Siri Singh Sahib warned us about these times. However, if what has been asked of me lately is a prelude to coming attractions for you, hold onto your turban, it’s going to be a wild ride! In my world, outside of my professional counseling practice, there are people (biological family, neighbors, associates, etc.) involved in huge life-changing events, which are also putting demands on me. I am used to helping people but
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Secretary of Religion Column (Fall 2010)
Our Summer Solstice Ministers’ gathering on Sunday, June 20, 2010 was a unique experience. Based on the theme that the Ministry is the heartbeat, pulse, and spirit of Sikh Dharma, we began by using sound and beat to open up the entire body through the sound current of Ong. This was followed by a moving, sensing exercise to soft music, and then a meditation to release fear of the future. SS Dev Suroop Kaur and Siri Chand Singh played a classical Raag rendition of the Dhan Dhan Ram Das Gur shabd from Dev Suroop Kaur’s new album Sahej-Peaceful Acceptance. If
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Secretary of Religion Column (Summer 2010)
The other day I was talking with a friend who is facing some immense challenges in his life. These are due to circumstances outside of his control and are partially a result of political upheaval in his local area. He said, “I thought it was going to get better as we got closer to the Age of Aquarius.” We reflected on the polarization that seems to be showing up in the world — in the political arena, in people’s personal lives, and certainly in the life of Sikh Dharma. I reminded my friend that there have been countless predictions that
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Secretary of Religion Column (Spring 2010)
At a Ministers’ gathering in 1993, we went through a strategic planning process for the Ministry. The mission statement that resulted was: “To selflessly serve and uplift humanity and to perpetuate Sikh Dharma in the spirit of Cherdi Kala.” This Office has used these words as a touchstone ever since. At a Summer Solstice Ministers’ gathering a few years ago, we developed an affirmation for Ministers to say daily: “Sikh Dharma Ministers, working in unity and purity to serve humanity.” I am a firm believer in positive affirmations and visualizations, such as those found in inspirational books on prosperity (e.g.
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Secretary of Religion Column (Winter 2009)
It was the first morning of the Khalsa Council 2009 Fall meetings. As part of our initial process, we met in our check-in groups. I sat next to Kirtan Singh from Los Angeles. Before we started, his cell phone rang. I heard him say, “Oh, I am so sorry to hear it.” I knew before he said the words that Guru Simran Kaur (14 years old) from Los Angeles had left her body. Tears started to make their way down my cheeks. The group wanted to know if I was okay. Kirtan Singh shared the news with them and then
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