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Local Businesses | |
Soul Sisters Shuttle 
Are you coming to New Mexico for an event? We are the new
Soul Sisters Shuttle, offering shuttle services between Albuquerque Airport and Espaņola events for 3HO, Sikh Dharma, KRI and more and we are here to serve you.
We have a great shuttle van, we play chants, and we'll get you where you need to go! Even if you are not participating in one of these events, we provide a great shuttle ride from Albuquerque to Espanola and Santa Fe.
Sat Jiwan Kaur and Darshan Kaur have been a part of the Espanola Ashram community for 7 years and 15 years respectively. They have worked for different Dharmic entities and they have participated in many events here. Their goal is to make your experience of getting to our community and local events a welcoming and easy experience!
To make your reservation please call: (505)753-2301
and visit our website at:
http://www.soulsistersshuttle.com/
soulsistersshuttle@yahoo.com |
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Khalsa Health Care |
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Khalsa Health Care office |
Gurumitar K. Khalsa
is now providing acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs at her new office:
835 Spruce Street, Suite D, Espanola
505-660-9679
drgurumitar@gmail.com |
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Galeria Santa Cruz y el Espresso
(Coffee Shop)
Located in the Santa Cruz Plaza across from the Santa Cruz Church
Open 6 am to 9 pm
I visited the coffee shop one afternoon after Gurdwara and enjoyed some Yogi tea and baked goods. Besides the usual coffee and tea fare, they also offer breakfast and lunch dishes. On another day we enjoyed a beautiful garden salad with freshly roasted red peppers and olives and a grilled panini sandwich with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. It was also nice that our host and cook was Miri Piri Singh (Sarb Sarang's son)
If you find a new restaurant you would like to recommend, please send your review to the Editor to be printed in this newsletter. |
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Your HGRD Fund! |
Your consistent monthly donations sustain the foundation of the Mother Ashram. Giving what you can is greatly honored.
 | | Watch Celestial Communication videos by clicking on photo |
What would inspire you to give? If you are considering becoming a monthly contributor, but have reservations, we would love to hear your feedback.
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Honoring Long Time Contributors | |
HGRD Corporation
We would like to honor those individuals of the community who over the years have consistently been able to honor SSS's hukam that every adult is responsible to pay ashram dues of $100 per person. Thank you for your sacrifice, gift and giving.
"Whosoever will serve this house, he shall be served forever."
Yogi Bhajan |
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Espanola Ashram Website
Make it your home page! |
This bulletin has been compiled by Guru Meher Kaur, Jr. for your reading pleasure. To submit articles or feedback please email: |
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A Publication of: |
Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Ashram
1A Ram Das Guru Place
Espanola, NM 87532
505-753-6341
Ashram Secretary |
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You in Community April 2011 |
Events Calendar - April 2011
April 2 - Spring Clothes Swap
April 9 - Jai TeGang Intensive/Workshop
April 9 - Bowl for Kids Sakes (Pojoaque)- Khalsa Kats will be bowling!
April 10 - Baisakhi Day Celebration in Espanola
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Baisakhi Day Celebration in Espanola
 Saturday, April 9th
6:00 am - Akhand Paath Bhog
9:30-11:30 am - Ignite Your Khalsa Spirit - Jai Tegang Intensive Fundraiser for SD Worldwide Dasvandh & HGRD - Langar Hall or lawn area
All day in the Gurdwara - Gurdwara Decoration Seva
Sunday, April 10th
6:30 am - Ishnaan Seva
9:00 am - Breakfast - Satwant Singh & Manjit Kaur's house
10:00 am - Nagar Kirtan Parade
11:00 am - Gurdwara
Langar to follow Gurdwara
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 Ignite your Khalsa Spirit!
Jai TeGang Intensive/Workshop
Saturday, April 9 - 9:30 am-11:30 am
Guru Gobind Singh, Father of the Khalsa, praises the spirit of the sword in the mantra Jai Tegang. Now is the time for us to embrace and embody the sword which represents "our glow, our grace, our grit," according to the Siri Singh Sahib.
In honor of the Baisakhi season and Sikh Dharma Worldwide's 120-day meditation on Jai Tegang, Matamandir Singh and Satmitar Kaur, will lead a workshop to ignite our Khalsa spirit. We will:
- Meditate on our swords in a 62-minute Jai Tegang recitation with the Nagara Drum
- Embody the Adi Shakti through the practice of Gatka/Shakti Yoga
- Strengthen the Pranic body and Magnetize the Radiant body through Kundalini Yoga
- Enjoy a Chakta presentation (Sikh battlefield fighting) by Matamandir Singh
Bring a mat, sheepskin, and a sword or kirpan. Join us for this transformational workshop to ignite our true Khalsa spirit, magnify our radiance and shine like the sun! By donation. Proceeds will benefit Sikh Dharma Worldwide Dasvandh and Hacienda de Guru Ram Das. For more information and to register, contact Satmitar Kaur at satmitar@sikhdharmaworldwide.org or 505.614.5867
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This Month's UnSung Hero
Kirpal Singh
 I think Kirpal Singh is most well-known for his eagerness in serving without hesitation. I have found from my personal experience that any time I asked him to help with a task he would say "Yes" unless he was sick or going out of town. It is because of his easy going nature that he is involved in so many seva areas.
He has led chanting with live music in sadhana for many years. He is a regular playing kirtan in Sunday Gurdwara as well as finding kirtanees for Sunday and sixth of the month Gurdwaras. He is an active member of the HGRD Finance Committee and was very involved in helping establish the new ashram bank account, and writing bylaws for the ashram financial management. He also finds time to be active in other Sikh functions. He serves on the Executive Committee and Governance Subcommittee for the Siblings of Destiny. He is also involved with activities at Summer Solstice serving as a manager of a new area call "The Legacy" and teaching classes on the practice of the Tratakam Meditation.
So we say to you, Kirpal Singh, you are a truely an example of selfless service. Thank you for all you do to serve our community! |
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 Ashram Gift Shop
This month's feature product is Tratakum photo. In the yogic scripture its says, "Even a glance from the eyes of a holy man can cure mental and physcial imbalances." Gazing with the eyes is recognized as a powerful technique for focusing pranic energy. The general technique of gazing is called Tratakam. Applying Tratakam to a particular image of a teacher is Guru Yoga. It gives the mind the ability to project to infinity through the creative power of the imagination.
To properly practice, set the photo about 3-6 feet away. Set one or two candles in front of the picture so it is clear. The rest of the room should be dark. Sit very straight in easy pose and cover your head and body with a meditation shawl or blanket. Tune in chanting "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo." Open the eyes wide to look into the eyes of the picture. Draw up the lower eyelid slightly. Look at the light in the eyes of the photo and travel mentally to the source of that light. This meditation can be done anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours.
Try this practice for 40 days in the early morning before sunrise and see what affects it has on you. If you like you can mentally chant the panj shabad "Sa Ta Na Ma" while doing the Tratakam.
Price: $14.95
Note: This meditation picture is best prepared with a colored mat that frames the picture. The color orange is recommended for regular use. |
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An Email From Anne - a story of survival in Japan
(A friend of Manjit Kaur)
March, 2011
Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.
During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets.
Utterly amazingly where I am there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in the old days when everyone helped one another."
Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.
read more... |
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Walking Path Project
Walking path project surrounding our two lower fields is sponsored by the Grounds Beautification COV funded by donations and fund raisers - no monies from Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Corp. will be used at this time. This is an ongoing effort, put together in stages and maintained by seva. We see it as a much needed recreational addition to our Mother Ashram - a place for safe walking, jogging, bike riding and more. Visualize the future; people, strollers, trikes and bikes, all in designated areas, beautiful shade trees, benches, inspirational sculptures and much more! If we think it, we can create it! The Sustainable Garden COV, who has the fields ready for planting, told us this path would bring people, energy and awareness to the area, helping nourish the vegetables and involve more folks in that seva, as well. They are very supportive.
The Adi Shakti Girl's Club voted to call this "Nanak's Walking Path" because Guru Nanak walked everywhere inspiring people. The COV thought that was a wonderful idea...so now we will refer to it as Nanak's Walking Path! A successful fund raising Auction has already brought in over $3,000 so we are off to a good start! Thank you all for your contributions.
If you would like to donate time, money, ideas please contact Nirbhe Kaur at (505)753-7523 or send your check made out to HGRD Corp. to Box 19 Shady Lane, Espanola, NM, 87532, with a notation: "Nanak's Walking Path". Thank you.
Blessings to all, Mata GuruMeher Kaur |
 Bowl for Kids Sake
By Guru Meher Kaur, Jr. We are working on our 2011 fund raising efforts for the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northern New Mexico. BBBS makes a long-lasting impact on children in our community. BBBS mentoring works. It works to help broaden children's perspectives and help them learn how to make good choices. It starts a child on the path to fulfilling their potential--and succeeding in school and life. It costs $1,500 to recruit, screen, train and support a new Big Brother/Big Sister. The money we raise will go for these costs. Please give generously to our Khalsa team members who will be coming around with their pledge forms. If you have any questions are would like to make a pledge, call or email Guru Meher Kaur, khalsa44@hotmail.com or 505-747-1476. Thank you! |
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Ustad Dr. Murli Manohar Ji and Ustad Narinder Singh Ji will be visiting us this summer from June 12th to July 4th. We are raising money to assist them in traveling out here to spend time with the sangat and teach classes. All donations are tax deductible. Any amount will be helpful. Please contact Sat Gurumukh Singh at (505) 459-1590 or Harimandir Kaur at (505) 901-9261. Thank you!
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Khalsa Girls In Action
 Sat Nam, everyone, thanks to your wonderful support for the Adi Shakti Girl's Club Bake Sale we collected $400! So we met our goal to sponsor a water buffalo through Heifer International, PLUS we had enough to sponsor a goat and a honeybee hive! Thank You so very, very much for taking part with donations of goodies and generously buying all that we had. It was a fun and inspiring project for us.
Now our new project is helping with the Ashram Walking Path. We were asked to name this path and we had some very good ideas. But Siri Atma Kaur suggested "Nanak's Walking Path" and we all agreed that was the best! After all, Guru Nanak walked all over the land helping people and sharing stories about God. We voted unanimously for "Nanak's Walking Path" (Nanak's Path, for short) and everyone else thought that was the best name. So it is "Nanak's Walking Path" and we were very happy to help with the first fund raiser. That auction was lot's of fun and raised more than $3,000! God bless you all for supporting the efforts to make Hacienda de Guru Ram Das even more special and cozy - and a safer place to walk and ride our bikes.
Fondly, Harkrishan Kaur, Siri Atma Kaur, Sarab Jot Kaur. Sat Kartar Kaur, Uttam Kaur and Suraj Kaur |
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 Computer Corner
April 2011
The Fox Rocks!
If you haven't upgraded to Firefox version 4 yet, now's the time. Firefox 4 is finally out of beta and released to the world, and I love it. It's superfast... about 6x faster than Firefox 3.6 and it uses less memory and less CPU. With Microsoft back in business and Google chucking out new builds of Chrome every ten seconds, the two-year-old Firefox 3.x was beginning to look rather long in the tooth, and there's no doubt that Firefox 4 puts Mozilla right back in the game with the spanking new Internet Explorer 9 and Google's Chrome browser (which Google seems to update weekly.)
Firefox 4 looks very different. The new interface is very pretty, very polished and a vast improvement over previous versions. Tabs are at the very top of the screen now, and you can pin tabs to the Tab Bar as "app tabs", little icons that you can use to tuck always-open sites such as your Gmail Inbox out of the way. In a nice touch, any pinned App Tabs glow whenever there's new content. read more...
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| Yogi Bhajan, Dehradun not Brigadoon
By Hari Jiwan Singh
It was January, 1994 and we were on our way to India. Our primary reason for going was so that the Siri Singh Sahib could visit a school in Dehradun where many of our children were in attendance. This was before our school in Amritsar was completed. Dehradun is in the Doon Valley surrounded by the Himalayas not far from the Ganges River about 200 miles north of Delhi. It's a beautiful area.
I was accompanied by my two daughters as they were scheduled to attend the next year. I wanted to give them a "heads up" on what to expect. It's an eight hour taxi ride from Delhi to the school. We hired four or so taxis to take us on our journey. My kids and I were in one taxi as we caravanned off. It wasn't long before we were on our own as caravanning in India for this distance is almost impossible. We all met up with the Siri Singh Sahib at an American style rest stop a called Deer Park (with real deer) a few hours later. It was great; clean, comfortable, French-fries cooked correctly, tikis (Indian potato cutlets, yum, it was a potato feast). This was an American oasis in the middle of nowhere, what a treat.
India is full of colors, smells, and people of all kind. If you venture outside of the large cites to the "old style life," you can see that almost anything goes - there's no dress code, traffic code, or lifestyle code. You can see yogis in loincloths, woman working the fields in beautifully colored dresses, trucks so over loaded with mustard greens your sure they'll tip over, dentists with a chair on the side of the road, you name it, if it's to be found, it's probably there.
At this time, the girls were in school in L.A. at Berkeley Hall, a Christian Science school located on Mulholland Drive at the high point of the city. Berkeley Hall is a very good, if not conservative, school which had just recently been opened to non Christian Science students. The girls loved it. It was the quintessential L.A. private school.
Upon our return, my youngest daughter, Sarab Shakti Kaur who was eight years old, was asked to give a report to her class on her experience in India. She did. Everything was going along fine when she blurted out that as we were traveling through a village on the way to Dehradun, she saw a naked Sadhu (spiritual man), casually walking down the main street. At this point her teacher interrupted in astonishment, "My, my," she exclaimed, "did you tell your father." "Oh", Sarab Shakti confirmed, "he's the one who pointed him out to me." |
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Sangat Birthday's for April
Now featured on the ashram website at: http://espanolaashram.com/
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Missal Duties for April 2011
listed by Missal number
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Date |
Set Up |
Langar |
Clean Up |
Akand Path | | 3/28-4/3 | 2 |
3 |
4 |
1 | 4/4-4/10
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4 |
1 |
2 | 4/11-4/17
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4 |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4/18-4/24
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 | 4/25-5/1
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2 |
3 |
4 |
1
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If God has guided you here and has given you the virtue to do service here, and has given you that chance, then don't waste it. It's a place to gain and to be what is yours to be. Therefore, I say to you that take the very earth of this place and put it on your forehead. It will rewrite your destiny."
~Yogi Bhajan
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