by SS Balwant Singh Khalsa, Espanola NM
Spring 2011
Wow! What an awesome journey it has been, it is now, and it shall be, especially since I first put on a turban in 1975. Huge changes as to how I am, think and act continue to evolve. At this point in my life, I feel deeply that I am cooked through and through. That I am done looking for that special formula or that someone, something or that secret teaching that I am missing that is holding me back from being the great leader, hero, warrior and giver that I “should” be.
I am tired of believing that if I just master one more meditation, or understand one more important concept I will be rid of all the nagging fear, insecurity and sadness for not achieving the power, charisma and confidence that our great teacher exemplified. What a huge relief to simply be as my Creator made me. To live in contentment and peace is a much more fun way to go.
Instead of goal setting, I prefer to focus on being aware of the direction my mind is headed. For the direction that is chosen goes toward infinity. It can take us towards an infinity of pain and suffering or an infinity of peace, harmony and ecstasy. How about surrendering to our own consciousness and accepting where we are with love and compassion and moving towards the direction that serves our soul and the souls of all?
Attitude of Gratitude
The science of appreciation is the simplest and most practical technology that we have. Pay attention to how grateful we are in this moment, accept where we are and head in the direction of more gratitude; let God’s grace prevail. If it takes a minute to be with infinite gratitude, a lifetime or more, it is what it is, accept, nurture and move forward.
One very good thing about getting older is that I just do not have the energy to waste on tangents anymore. The desire to impress; to worry about how I am perceived by others; to be more together, stronger and more “spiritual” then the next guy leads down the path of destruction. How about stopping the mind and leave the judging to another day (and may, for yourself, that day never come).
Have the courage to forgive yourself, for that is the only way to move forward. Look in the eyes of your coworkers, your family and your friends and see the hand of God at work. See the other person as you; a living breathing manifestation of the Divine Creator. Listen deeply to what is said, with the eyes and heart of a saint who has one agenda of pure love.
A Brave One
The Siri Singh Sahib gave me my name, Balwant Singh, on the steps of the Toronto ashram in 1975. Sir, what does that mean? It means the brave one, my son. For the past 35 years, I have been asking myself what is bravery. We all have our concepts of bravery and we strive to act accordingly.
I want Guru Gobind Singh to be one with my consciousness. I have found through experience that reciting the Jai Te Gang shabd 54 times a day gives the power to act with confidence, dignity and love. I have found through experience that bowing to the Jaap Sahib refreshes the mind and keeps it alert and energizes the body so we can keep up as a representative of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib.
I have found through experience that looking deeply into the Siri Singh Sahib’s Tratakum picture with eleven slow breaths (10 seconds in, hold 10 seconds and exhale 10 seconds) keeps him in my consciousness throughout the day. I have found through experience that the Benti Chaupai gives a shield of protection that is a divine comfort when I feel I can’t make it alone.
Lastly, chanting God’s Name and hanging with the Sadh Sangat is perhaps the most powerful tool to take us gracefully into the Aquarian age. I know this because the Siri Guru Granth Sahib has told me thousands of times throughout my adult life. I have found through experience that having faith in our Guru is the ultimate source to live in the ecstasy of God consciousness.
About the Author
SS Balwant Singh is an ordained Sikh Dharma Minister. He serves at the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das gurdwara in Espanola NM and works in special education.