Just for Fun
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Cast your vote for the Golden Temple to become the top "Wonders of India."
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SSS Lectures
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Awakening of the Khalsa
In the last month we have posted 5 new Gurdwara lectures by the Siri Singh Sahib. Click here to watch.
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Sikh Celebrations
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Sikh Dharma eBulletin May 2009
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In this issue:
Greetings from the Executive Director
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Greetings from Ravi Kaur, Executive Director
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Ek Ong Kar: "There is one God". These are the first words of Japji and the beginning of the mul mantra - it's the really the foundation of how we live our lives. The Siri Singh Sahib said the mul mantra held the meaning of life. He also taught "If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all" and "Recognize the other person is you" which all come from this basic thread. I love how this enewsletter really reflects that. We have a new beautiful cover for Ek Ong Kaar Kaur's translation of Japji, we are offering a 2 day Japji Course this summer, and you can see the wonderful work of people around the world that reflects this unity of Oneness. Sharing experiences, teaching Dharmic technology and a book celebrating the universality of Peace. Japji is a powerful reminder that we are all truly one. Many paths - One God.
I have a long and powerful history with Japji. I remember learning it when I was 6 years old. The teacher was reciting it word by word and we would repeat it. Then she would tell us what the word meant and create some sort of word association so we would remember the meanings. I didn't pay much attention at the time, but when I went to school in India and we had to recite Japji every morning before school, I was immensely grateful I already knew it. I could show off a bit that this American knew something - even though my pronunciation was laughable.
About 5 years ago when I was taking a yatra to India, we went to Goindwal where you recite Japji on each of the 84 steps that lead into a well. Between each recitation, you walk (or run) down the steps and take a dip into the cold sacred pool below. This is akin to a spiritual climb up Mt. Everest. It takes approximately 20 hours (and of course I pushed myself to do it in 16) and everyone talked afterwards about the hallucinations they had. One vision I had was that I was to do 108 recitations of Japji for my husband every year on his birthday. Even though afterwards I really tried to forget this vision, the experience was so powerful that I didn't want to discount it with my negative mind. So, on September 10th it will be my 6th year spending 15 hours reciting Japji 108 times. Every year I have an incredible experience of being one with God, one with the universe, one with myself, and one with everybody around me. I get to be reminded that the beautiful words of Guru Nanak are so much more than just words - they are the meaning of life!
I hope you all have the opportunity to read Japji Sahib: The Song of the Soul. Ek Ong Kaar Kaur translates Japji in a very deep and real way that resonates the frequency of the Aquarian Age. I also encourage you to take 2 days with us here in Espanola to dive into the technology of Japji, where we will experience and understand the depth of transformation this incredible bani offers.
Many Blessings to you as you start to gear up for the beauty of Summer!
Ravi Kaur Khalsa
Executive Director |
| A Call to Prayer |
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Prayer for the Sikh Sangat in Pakistan
The recent situation in the Swat valley and adjacent areas have become dangerous for Sikhs. The Taliban has expelled over 100 Sikh families from the Orakzai Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) after they failed to pay 'Jazia'or tax that minorities pay in Islam to a Muslim state in exchange for state protection and security of life and property. (more)
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Events and Courses
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Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib: The Song of the Soul Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib holds the key for understanding your Spirit. Join us for an intensive 2 and a half days of meditation, discussion and music where we will deeply experience the message and method of Japji Sahib. Yogi Bhajan said, "Japji Sahib is initiation and instigating your soul to make your environments healthy, happy, and holy. When you understand it, you will be prosperous, pure, and perfect."
Gurbani Kirtan Intensive with Snatam KaurAwaken your inner voice through ancient singing techniques at the Gur bani Kirtan Intensive during the week of July 7th in Espanola, New Mexico. Develop
your own personal relationship to the meanings of the sacred Shabads
(songs) and learn the healing language of Gurbani Kirtan, and Gurmukhi.
Rejoice in the rhythm, and gain confidence to sing with grace and
power.
For information on all Sikh Dharma events for 2009 please visit the events section of our website.
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| Community News |
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Kundalini Yoga Classes Taught at Punjabi University of Patiala
Punjabi University of Patiala, India recently hosted Hari Bhajan Kaur Khalsa of Espanola, New Mexico, to teach Kundalini Yoga to their staff and students. The idea was initiated by Dr. Balkar Singh, Former Head of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Studies at Punjabi University for many years, Former Director of the Guru Ram Das Institute of Language and Culture in Espanola, NM and close friend of the Siri Singh Sahib. Dr. Balkar's intention was to inspire young Punjabis to maintain their Sikh identity through a strong example of a western Sikh youth, and to impact their mind, body and souls with Kundalini Yoga. (more)
Sach Ki Bani
In honor of the 300th anniversary of
the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, the Institute for Conflict and Peace
Studies compiled a bi-lingual book entitled, "Sach Ki Bani: Universal Message for Peace."
The collection of English and Punjabi articles delves deeply into the
Bani of the Gurus, the very private and mystical experience of the
Shabad Guru, and Siri Guru Granth Sahib's role in society.
(more)
American Sikh Shares Her Experience with Students
The Department of Ethnic Studies at CSUS invited Siri Pritam Kaur Khalsa to speak s a representative of the American Sikh, a derivation of the traditional Punjabi Sikh culture that normally serves as the focus of class discussion. (more)
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| In the Name of the Cosmos |
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 Astrological Sign - Taurus
When the meek becomes mighty
And righteousness comes down into the center of the Self,
And softness passionately takes over the kindness....
The universe comes through with a standing ovation,
Blessing the grace of the power of the Lord.
That is the mighty bull, the Taurus!
by Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khasa Yogi Ji
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 Deeply Listening,Recognize
The ocean of virtues
Within you.
Deeply Listening
Become
In tune with Spirit,
Perfectly balanced
In your own humanity
And nobility.
11th Pauri of Japji Sahib
by Guru Nanak
translated by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa
from the book, Japji Sahib: The Song of the Soul | |
Thank you for your continued support of Sikh Dharma International and we always enjoy hearing from you. Please share with us your SD stories, courses, local events and photos.
In Service,
SS Ravi Kaur Khalsa
Executive Director
Sikh Dharma International
01-A Ram Das Guru Place
Espanola, New Mexico 87532
USASikh Dharma International
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