SatSundri

The Rains

2011-08-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

Resident peacock perched on

Siri Singh Sahib's Ranch Gate post.

Espanola, New Mexico

Finally the rains have come to northern New Mexico this week. It has been a long time since I've posted....more than a year. The fact it has been raining this weekend is a big relief. It represents the end of a draught, and conditions are right for nourishment.

In the process of self-renewal....."Aap Sahaee Hoa, Sachai Da Sacha Doa. Ethai Othai Rakhavala, Prabh Satigur Deen Dayalalaa....He Himself has become my help and support. True is the support of the True Lord. Here and hereafter, He is our saviour. God the True Guru is Merciful to the Meek." (Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Ang 628, Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji).....I have been singing this shabad for an hour a day in the Amrit Vela ~ early morning hours since October 2010. A few times, I immersed in the beautiful Gurbani for 2 1/2 hours daily for a few days or a week. As for the Spring and Summer soon to pass, I have added another 1/2 hour at the Gurdwara around noon now (earlier it was in the evening), so others can join.

It is a powerful shabad Guru Arjan Dev Ji gives us. He reminds us, and counsels us, that on all levels, God is the One who is our support, our nourishment, our Source of ALL supply. This has been a way for me to affirm this for myself, my community, my family, and my work. (I work with Sikh Dharma Worldwide who has been in the process of a legal suit over the last couple years. You may know more if you like at www.sikhdharmaworldwide.org) It is a tremendous exercise in letting go of fears, feeling protected, and feeling in control of my world at a time when major Change visits every corner of our globe in mega doses.

Patience is one of the greatest virtues. All religions tell us this. Love is Patient. Within the color of Love, in my life, there are infinite opportunities on the spectrum to practice and develop this. And how to levitate one's view of life so one can be patient through time and space of the unfolding of life. Using the eyes as sensors, the heart as a barometer, the edge of where the skin stops and the magnetic field extends, as our bubble of grace and not-grace in environment, we come to our understanding of our world. Moving, with consciousness, consciously, requires us to be supremely awake and alert. Computing in a split second or seconds how to proceed as we master ourselves within our environments.

Every day, I make the prayer for Victory, Prosperity, and Unity - for our Khalsa family, for the Global Panth, and for the little self in the big Self - Parabhram, Parmesar, Wahe Guru. To make this prayer requires me to extend myself in patience because, very little happens on my timeline....it happens when God so wills. Not my will - Thy Will, O Lord. A process of surrender. Surrender the little self to the Big Self, and whatever one calls and however one knows that...."Jin Peraim Keeo Tinahee Prabh Paaio.....Those who know love, know God."

It is always a journey where the destination ever recedes. Until the beautiful last breath inhales then exhales out the final time, and prana leaves to remerge in the Totality, the Invisible vision, and the earthly body is dropped.....we go on in the relationship with Love in patience, grace, and kindness because that has been gifted to us.

The inner life becomes, at some point...the outer life...Ek Ong Kaar Satigur Prasad. Wahe Guru.

Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh

2010-05-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Last month Madhu and I walked over to Jallianwala Bagh - public gardens and now memorial. It is just a couple blocks away from Harimandir Sahib, where a virtual slaughter of 400 men, women, and children took place. Hundreds had gathered to celebrate Vaisakhi, in effect breaking the curfew and laws of assembly making it illegal for more than 3 to gather, enforced under British General Dyer. This event is considered the significant event to galvanize Indian sentiment against a so-called "benevolent rule" showing what a future under continued British rule would be. The "Rowlatt Acts, authorized the government to imprison, without trial, any person suspected of terrorism living under the British Raj" were in effect; the British fearing that social and political unrest following WWI would hit the Indian subcontinent with Indian troops who fought for Britain & allies, returning from the war. The brutal massacre took place under British General Dyer's order in April 1919, during the Indian freedom struggle to get out from under British Rule (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jallianwala_Bagh_massacre). It is a beautiful, somber place, inaugurated as a Memorial in 1961.

Vaisakhi Wheat Harvesting and Sangat Gatherings

2010-04-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year is marked in many faith traditions and cultures as a time of renewal.... For Sikhs, it is remembering the birth of the Khalsa. Crowds of Sangat pour into Anandpur Sahib especially to Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Punj Piare - the Five Beloved Ones, at Sri Kesgarh Sahib, changed the course of our history irrevocably, in 1699. For this I am so grateful in this life to be part of the Khalsa Family....Wahe Guru! This is also the season of the wheat harvest in Punjab....Here are a few photos ....around our Village - Village Bani; and the Sangat gathered for special events at Takhat Kesgarh Sahib - decorated for the occasion! Have a look!

Hola Mohalla

2010-03-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

Punjab weather is about 1 month ahead in toastie-ness. By the end of February - all the sweaters were shed. Thankfully, even with the warmer temperatures near the end of March, we are still having cool nights. When the season really changes, the cool nights will turn to hot amost like the days. The flowers are gorgeous and in full bloom. You should smell these roses!!

So fortunate to be in this beautiful village of Anandpur Sahib, Village Bani. Guru's Presence is alive in His Devotees and the many historical Gurdwaras here. Takhat Keshgard Sahib is Divine. Now that the guests have slowed down. It is lovely to walk into Anandpur Sahib at sunrise to sit in meditation after my sadhana and be with the Sangat. Every day, with the local Sangat, there are pilgrims who come from all over to bow their head in this Gurdwara daily which is the Home of the Khalsa, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptised the Panj Piare.

Although today the stray dogs were a bit on my case. There are so many here. None are fixed and it is puppy season for sure....all are looking for food. Sometimes they are too aggressive in a pack-mentality, like this morning. One has to just be aware... here are a bunch on my route in relaxed mode. They like this hay mound....

We have had a busy six weeks since my arrival in mid-February, of Courses and Yatras coming through bringing lovely people from all over the world - Canada, Mexico, Europe, US, Russia, more. Especially great to have the Miri Piri Academy 10th class (plus some) here with us for Hola Mohalla, or martial games and kirtan parades, Nagar Kirtan, at the first of March. Here are some students with Baba Nihal Singh Ji who, with many Nihang Sikhs, come for this special celebration and is always so kind and welcoming. He had a distinct relationship with Siri Singh Sahib Ji and resultingly many of our children living and going to school in India, and their parents, have 'grown up' with him. He is highly respected and the Jathedar (leader) of Akali Taruna Dal, Shaheedi Missal, whose mission is always to uphold the sanctity of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru of the Sikhs. Here are some pictures from our day and the Nagar Kirtan. Wahe Guru!

It was a great day and nice to be headed home at the end for some great langar! Sat nam....

Across the Friendly Skies - On the Road Again

2010-02-13T01:30:00.000-08:00

A great thing about traveling across the continents on the 15-hour flight is the recent movies you get to catch up on! Since I've seen the inside of theatre barely more than a couple times in the last 6 months (not counting streaming netflix!), I get to do my movie marathon on a flight in economy class. I notice I am sharing my movie going experience with the passengers on either side of me - each of us have a small monitor on the seat back in front of us - and any one in the cabin who enjoys viewing over the shoulder, and anyone who walks down the aisle. I am also noticing other viewer's choices and I am catching a glimpse of those, too!

As an aside, on a non-stop overnight flight, you can give up any self-consciousness about your person - especially sleeping habits while traveling - snoring, sleeping with your mouth open, passing gas, indigestion, drooling, watching and waiting for the lone lavatory in your section to become vacant, tolerance level for crying babies, irritated fellow passengers or flight attendants.

That said, on a good flight, when fellow passengers and attendants are kind, accepting, patient, humourous, commiserating, long suffering - lol - then it seems that this is how I myself, am feeling. I hear about the death of a parent; a continent hopping job (I like this!); a flight attendant whose child went to Khalsa school in Tucson, Arizona, and how she felt when a parent challenged their sugar ban.

This is a little slice of my life story as the brain makes shifts to make way for a completely new set of experiences, perceptions, cultural patterns and wave lengths....wahe guru.

I'm lookng forward to the next almost 5 months in my second country of India - the adventures, insights, opportunites for service and whatever Guru will be bringing my way.

Thank You, O Beloved, for Your kind care and attention. For with You, every breath becomes meaningful with the whisper of Your Name behind it; my affairs are arranged, and my humanity coaxed out. Thank You, thank You. Wahe Guru...

Inner Faith & Interfaith

2010-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

Inner Faith is a gift! It is, for me, consistency of the heart and spirit....in the 'inner-life', the journey of my spirit. Commonly, so many people conceive and believe their their Life experience on the planet is one to skate through Life: on the surface...going through whatever comes on a day to day basis; dismissive of 'divine intervention' or the indivual consciousness as a part of a universal consciousness. To others our Journey here is very profound and deep. What we can see with our physical eyes is only maybe 1/10th of what exists.

In the incredible busy-ness (business) of the times sometimes it is all we can do to get through all that is demanded of us ~ so we skim the surface to at least give a little attention to all the demands. When we take a deep breath and slowly exhale and allow all that we are and all what is to sink in.....wahe guru! Joy to the world.....amidst all the challenges. Going "in" allows for a deeper going "out" because you've charged your awareness! Deep awareness, deep concentration. Deep deep is my Beloved! Long inhale; long deep exhale.....

In the life of a Sikh, and many Paths, we make the distinction in life of inner and outer worlds. The Inner world is beyond the seeing of the 2 eyes, it is seen with the 3rd eye, eye of intuition, and knowing, gyan.

In the life of a Sikh, this inner knowing is connected with the True Guru's Grace, Satigur Prasad: the gifts of the Great Holy Teacher. It is the life of a student (Sikh means student.) with the Universal Teacher. Those students whose focus is the Inner life with their Guru are said to have the Guru's lotus feet in their hearts and minds. This indicates humility, awareness, readiness, a state of deep listening, and devotion, among other divine virtues. These students, of any faith, can also be known by a deep devotion to the Divine Word, or Naam, and usually have a practice of remembrance of God's Name, Naam Simran, singing God's praises, Kirtan, or other practices that help them keep the Guru's awareness and instruction close at heart and hand. It is as if the World is colored in the colors of devotion when seen with the 'inner' eye. Wahe Guru! Beyond wisdom!

It was a busy week in New Mexico last week with much Public Outreach for our Community. Siri Singh Sahib Ji and his Legacy is acknowledged, everywhere we go as a Sangat. There is soooo much sense of the Spirit and service in New Mexico. The population here shares Native American - Indian ancestry, Spanish, and much more.....the faith community comes together with frequency and usually it is uplifting for everyone! Wahe Guru!

For those connected to Siri Singh Sahib Ji - Yogi Bhajan and following his teachings....one has/is learning to be connected to his or her own Higher Consciousness - seeing God in all. ("If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all." ~ YB) It is wonderful and amazing to see the effect of his Legacy on others.....

Here are some snaps from our New Mexico Sikh Community participation in the Annual NM Legislative Opening week; Santa Fe Interfaith at the Bascilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and a moment in time during hosting our Annual Legislative Opening with Governor Richardson.

Sat Nam.

Hands across the Seas - Faiths

2009-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it seems like there are oceans between gaining understanding of another, reaching out or finding unity between religions. Othertimes it is clear as the air usually is here in the High Country Desert of New Mexico. In the Sikh faith tradition, we look for the Divine One in all. As Yogi Bhajan put it - "If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all." One of my favorite activities here is to help host those who aren't part of my tradition and who come to visit at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das to learn more about our Ashram Community. We are on the 'radar' of the Santa Fe Council on International Relations - an organization made up of volunteers - many retired from US State Department career postings around the globe. And, they get ALOT of international guests via the US State Department! They assign a host and tour them to meet our multi - disciplinary, very diverse northern New Mexico Communities. Usually their goal is to provide experiences and dialoguing opportunities, for their guests to gain understanding of how faith communities interact; how minority communities are represented in separation of church and state; freedom of religion - how it works; democracy-at-work type of goals. Today, we hosted a very joyful Tibetan lama from the Lucang Monastary in Qinghai Province (China), a lovely Folksinger who works with Tibetan medicine dispensing in Lhasa, and a Chinese Christian pastor, along with their SF Council host and translator. We had fun sharing stories with them, teaching about Sikhi, also that Guru Nanak visited Tibet to teach and there are still historical Gurdwaras that mark his visit. Yogiji as a White Tantric master, inherited that responsibility from a lama. I enjoyed learning a little about their work and traditions, walking together through Yogiji's Ranch at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das, and sharing a meal. Wahe Guru!

Meditating in the Amrit Vela on Guru Ram Das Ji's Birthday

2009-10-19T16:35:00.001-07:00

Every year, the Sangat gathers here at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das at 4 am on Guru Ram Das Ji's birthday (October 9th) to chant Dhan Dhan Ram Das Gur shabad for 2.5 hours. Yes, 2 1/2 hours! Wahe Guru! It is sooooo blissful. The decorations seva committee really outdoes themselves. It is a packed Gurdwara, the kirtanees change every 1/2 hour, it is cozy with every corner filled. It is a highlight of the year for the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Sangat to celebrate this Gurpurb for our 'patron saint'. All over the world, other Sangats have sync'd their clocks for the chanting of this beautiful shabd so it is happening simultaneously globally! sharing the sublime spirit and experience of the Grace of Guru Ram Das. Then of course, we have a great langar! Dhan Dhan Ram Das Gur Jin Siriaa Tinai Savaariaa. Pooree hoee karaamaat, Aap sirajanahaarai dhaariaa....Honored and praised is Guru Ram Das. The Lord who created You, He alone has embellished You. Perfect is your miracle...the Creator Himself has installed You on the Throne.

Season of Gurpurbs

2009-10-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

From Guru Ram Das Ji's birthday in October through early January - there are so many special remembrance days (Gurpurbs) for the Sikh Community. Wahe Guru! Here at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das, in Espanola, New Mexico, USA, we celebrate Guru Ram Das Ji's birthday (October 9th) starting 11 days before it with a gathering for kirtan, stories, and langar each evening at a Sangat member's home. Love this! This weekend we celebrated Guru Gaddee Day, marking Guru Gobind Singh Ji's passing the eternal Guruship to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji 301 years ago. Last year in Hazur Sahib, Maharashtra, India for the Tin So Saal Guru de Naal celebration! (300th anniversary) there were many parades- it is fun to recall. This weekend in our community, the celebration included a Nagar Kirtan (parade with the Guru), gatka demonstrations by the youth, kirtan, and beautiful langar (shared meal), plus the children had made a special ramaalaa for the Guru and then presented it! So sweet. Here are a few pictures to enjoy!

Harimandir Sahib Seva

2009-08-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Dithay sabhay thaav, nahee tudh jayhiaa.
Badhaho purakh bidhaatai,, taa(n) too(n) sohiaa.
Vasadee saghan apaar, anoop Raam Daas Pur.
Harihaa(n) Naanak kasamal jaaeh, naahiai Raam Daas sar.
I have seen all places, and none compare with You. Established by the Lord Himself, so He has glorified You. Multitudes of devotees dwell in the unparalleled supreme beauty of Ram Das Puri. Says Nanak: One's sins are washed away by bathing in the Nectar Tank of Guru Ram Das.
Wahe Guru!

Langar Seva

2009-07-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

In Anandpur Sahib, these big degh - large cooking pots - and the wood pile are used for big melas.... otherwise the kitchen is gas driven. There is also a chapati making machine AND mechanized mixer for the flour and water! For the big melas this allows always an abundance of chapatis on hand. It does change the nature of the seva a bit as now it takes just a few sevadar(ni)s to manage the machine instead of dozens rolling and cooking. Wahe Guru!

I love langar and I love langar seva. Regretfully, my foreign pet - belly doesn't always allow me to partake here. So....instead I do langar seva. I get the same 'filled up' feeling! During the hot season, one of the nicest things has been to spend an hour with my hands in the nice cold wash water. I wasn't thinking about that when I started, but was feeling so nice and cool when finished, thank you! Guru has many ways to cool and this is great! Sunday after dish washing, I joined the ladies in the back with piaz (onion) peeling . With Guru's Grace....I look forward to much more seva in the langar kitchen. For now, here are a few scenes from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib's Langar Hall. Wahe Guru.

Sounds

2009-06-12T23:23:00.000-07:00

At dusk, after Rehiraas…sounds through my window from outside…Gurbani kirtan in husky Sangat voices, multiple tractors doing their work after the heat of the sun, another Rehiraas from another Gurdwara, Ardas at another, the clack of a loud motor pumping water for fields, honking car horns on our newly paved country road, scooter horns, motorcycle motors and the cicadas’ (if that’s what they are in India) drone, evening birds, farmers banging with their tools. And completing from inside – the rhythmic ever going fan, trying to circulate some of the hot air, the Sahej Paath on my ipod.

I chuckle with a thought that came to me soon after I arrived in Punjab….a microphone in the hands of a Punjabi can be a dangerous thing! Love of talk…constant, louder than the guy next door, one voice on the loudspeaker, one on the stage, one at the Gurdwara across the street, multi – faith on the same airwaves - sounds arrive simultaneously….all hours, weddings, celebrations, Gurdwara kirtan or banis, Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, tractor speakers blasting bhangra or hindi film tunes. All sounds! Wahe Guru!

It gives me the sense of time & space moving forward. Always awake. By tomorrow – so much will have become accomplished and time to start another day in the Amrit Vela. Repetive and cyclical tasks, part of every day life - chop wood, carry water. Someone is always awake.

In my Spiritual Family in the US – people are coming together from all parts of the world in New Mexico to take part in summer activities that will last more than 6 weeks from activity to activity, course to course. Courses & programs for youth, for women, for families, for new Sikhs, for yoga students, for old Sikhs, for interfaith, for visitors. (http://www.sikhnet.com/, http://www.sikhdharma.org/, http://www.3ho.org/, http://www.kriteachings.org/)

In the early years, Siri Singh Sahib Ji would start gathering us in the Summer with Solstice Celebrations, then on we’d go to ladies or children’s camp for 6-8 weeks. I would be a long summer. And if you got to work or do seva and arrive early for set up and stay late for break down and pack up….you could stretch a really good long summer into a longer summer! All the time you would be working, serving, living in Sangat with the individual consciousness busting out into group consciousness.

The Guru has blessed me with participation in some very wonderful projects for our beautiful Dharma. I remember a particularly wonderful decade and a half, I juggled my work activities, family & children, and life around summers or camps. For quite a few years, I worked on pre-Camp for Khalsa Children’s Camp –starting in late April - just after returning from India where I’d been with the Student Winter Holiday programs from November to March. I would get in a month of readjustment and off again - New Mexico. Then, I finish my summer work and have a few weeks to start prepping the India programs. And then a couple months and off to India. Those were great days and I am so grateful – they are my base years of growing up in my Spiritual Family. Wahe Guru.

The upcoming camp – Camp Miri Piri, in Espanola, is for anyone over 18 years old – organized for ageless ‘youth’ by youth. Should be wonderful opportunity for a 100 people from all over the world to vibrate together and have an experience of excellence and Chardi Kalaa. That will stay with them as inspiration just as my years have. Fill up the spiritual tanks and in turn….go back and fill many others.

Life going on....wonderful sounds.....we all inter-relate all the time....Wahe Guru...focus on the destination Wahe Guru - enjoy the journey. Returning home.....Anahad Shabd - the Unstruck Melody...always awake.....

Harimandir Sahib Women

2009-06-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

Wahe Guru! In Amritsar at Harimandir Sahib recently, the hot summer weather at the end of May meant the crowds were less. In the early morning hours, Guru provided me a seat across from the ragis to see Guru Ji in His glorious entrance into His Darbar.

After the hukam was read, I was very pleased to notice a women sevadar right outside the railing, against the wall, in front of Guru Sahib near the Ragis where devotees bow. What drew my attention to her is one of the chief Granthis – as he left his duty 'traffic is stopped for him. He stopped to deliver encouragement.

My thoughts turned to the time of change on the planet and what a heartbeat of our earth the Golden Temple is. I felt my heart open knowing the Universe will bring forward so much to serve humanity in new ways.

Later, as I left my meditation and waited at the back exit door to bow - directly behind Guru Sahib – I paused there because of a full crowd of devotees. Next to the railing there was yet another woman sevadar, helping ‘direct traffic’ and keep people moving! We just looked eye to eye....what to say...only the silent meditation of Wahe Guru amidst the Guru's melodious Gurbani...

I went for the water from the Sarovar after coming out the back entry of Guru’s Darbar. This day went to the left side. I looked up to see a woman sevadar(ni)! It began to dawn on me there had been intentional organization for women to be assigned for these sevas! (Did I just miss it before?)

Moving through my meditation, winding down the stairs from Harimandir’s crown of the third floor - I came to sit on the second floor with the Sangat. As I looked up I noticed, stationed near the golak (donation box) managing the donations where the large Guru Granth Sahib is read, you guessed it! A woman sevadar! I watched a senior sevadar sit down for a few moments with words of support for this young woman. Wahe Guru! (Hmmmm, they were assigned and it is intended to be a success.)

It brought me to reflection of the changes in the air….on the planet….for humanity, and I had just observed 4 women sevadars at Darbar Sahib. It may be a small step, and it is no less significant. Guru's Plan. Moving ever so smoothly forward through time and space which we get to share. Sat Nam Kartar.

Women serving in some particular seva or leadership capacity at many Sikh Gurdwaras is a right to be gained. Contrary to our Dharmic teachings through the Guru's example – it seems to me that this is a challenge that has come up through the Indian culture which is male centered in so much of the leadership. With Sikhs migrating to foreign soils from India significantly in the 1970s and 1980s - many countries have been ahead in the women’s rights areas and this has allowed for a young generation to grow up where societal perimeters provide a more equal playing field, not to diminish the challenges in western society.

Women are key in our Dharma, and our Gurus vested much of their energy in womens rights. Many modern males have to break through cultural patterning to learn or relearn this.

Siri Singh Sahib Ji spent countless hours over 35 years teaching ‘chicks to be eagles’ in his extensive travels over much of the planet. Much of his Yogic teachings spoke directly to women, our personal potential, and that of the female power of the Universe - the Infinite's play with the finite. He educated on the profound capacity of women.....knowing and showing how modern culture reflects a more shallow view & perspective.

Many discussions, I am sure were undertaken to open this area of seva to women at the Golden Temple. I applaud all who moved it forward in effort, prayer, and every realm even though such a tiny step. I am grateful to Guru to give me opened eyes to see this. My prayer is it will be like the trickle of water in advance of the emerging rushing spring from the ground... (then again, maybe this has been happening all along?)

Experiencing the women Sevadarni at Harimandir Sahib was a blessing for me and encourages me in my own work. It will really be great when women are accepted everywhere as Granthis, and able to perform any seva by choice. I know this...and continue to hold this prayer.

I had to reach out and affectionately squeeze her arm as I exited Darbar Sahib in the Amrit Vela. My molecules were jumping in “Wahe Guru” delight at this sight.

New Thatch Roof at Dasmesh Sadan

2009-05-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Pics: Roof perspective; Thatching in process; Finished roof; Nice cooooool nearby canal: in process with lots of thatch to go; early evening rain clouds gathering. Wahe Guru.

Every few days we get cloud cover or a little rain to cool things off. I am doing my sadhana outside on the balcony in the early morning and usually take a little chill off with my shawl so there is a time for cooling down. Plus a cold shower is great to manage body temp.

The Dasmesh Sadan malis are replacing the straw roof on our hut in the lower area of the property. It is nice to sit there in the evening and look out over the neighboring fields and enjoy the evening breeze. The preparation of the straw/grasses material - cutting and packing - and putting it in place is about a week-long process. First trimming out some of the old material, then packing it in the new grass/straw and then binding into individual bunches.

Split mature bamboo from the property is used for the anchor rods across the thatch. Those still all have to be trimmed on the ends after all is done to look nice and neat. Properly done, this roof could last about 10 - 15 years!

The father of one of our malis (mali = gardener) specializes in this type of repair or replacement, so we brought him in for staff to work with him. I picked up a watermelon on the way home from Gurdwara this morning in town, and put it in the fridge to celebrate its completion this afternoon.

The property has a strong slope up from road level in the front to high in the back a pretty good sized hill - so views are wonderful from all sides. But since neighboring farmers have scooped out the dirt right up to our property line (all used to be a hilly area), we've now got retaining wall maintenance and erosion vigilence during the rains/monsoons.

And the view is still great in all directions. Anandpur Sahib is in the foothills which makes a little valley here and beautiful crosswinds, plus we are out in the village (Village Bani)....very peaceful, blissful - 'anand.' Reminds me a little of Colorado Springs where we lived when mykids were little when it was still relatively small. Lots of green parakeets here too. Someone told me they will only live where the air is pure. Ahhhhh Wahe Guru....

All in bloom at Dashmesh Sadan

2009-04-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

The hot weather has arrived in Anandpur Sahib! Gotta get out early in the morning to catch the cool. Everything is in bloom and the veggies in the garden are yummy. Today - onions, , garlic, beets and greens...tomatoes need a few days on the window sill. Add in potatoes and some fresh lassi (fresh churned buttermilk), and butter, kala numukh (black salt) - you've got a great lunch!
Sunday, on the way to Guru Ka Lahore Gurdwara (site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Jito Ji were married), about 10 kilometers away, in the jungle area and by the side of the road, there are fabulous trees with just now blooming gorgeous orange flowers. Then... once reaching Guru Ka Lahore, the heart blooms. Blooming inside (andar) and outside (bihar) - that's pretty much what its like here!....Enjoy! Wahe Guru!

Sarovar Floating Community

2009-04-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

Wahe Guru. How many lakhs of species long for God in this incarnation? In the Harimandir Sahib Sarovar (tank), these fish friends soak up those nectareous Gurbani Kirtan vibrations around the clock... and undoubtedly devotee prasad.. short clip under a minute let download then click the play button....

Gurpurb Season

2009-04-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Guru Ka Mahal Complex. Gold: Gurdwara Bhoora Sahib upstairs. White: Gurdwara Damdama Sahib.

In lights: The beautiful Takhat Kesgarh Sahib at night. Sangat & Pangat.. The Guru's Court decorated on the parkarma. And.....a yummy cup of chai!

It has been a busy April! The rains came heavily here in the Anandpur Sahib area. Farmers had to carefully work their timing around the rains so as not to affect the outcome of their wheat crop harvest. Everyone farm seemingly at just a little different pace of harvesting. All is pretty much complete now and there are beautiful piles of yellow threshed wheat in many fields. It was a good 'drink' of rain in the midst of what I hear is usually a dry season. And.....it is really hot here once again.

Takhat Keshgarh Sahib was so beautiful for Baisakhi! The Sangat came from all over. It seemed like a 3- day holiday. Many celebrating on 13th -Monday as has been customary. Many celebrating on 14th as the new calendar reflects. And many celebrating on Sunday previous because its a day off.

I love this time of year of renewal. There are so many mini-renewals that happen for me in all the facets of my being.

For Baisakhi Kesgarh Langar with the big crowds, we had to wait a while for the sevadars to clear the Langar Hall for the next group to come through. All over the countryside, and in town, you could find a langar, including along the road for those traveling as much as a week prior. A good cup of tea was easy to find!

Yesterday there was a celebration for Guru Teg Bahadur's birthday (also Guru Angad Dev ji's birthday!) in Anandpur Sahib at Guru Ka Mahal. After the Bhog ceremony (completion of an Akhand Paath) finished at Gurdwara Bhoora Sahib (in Guru Ka Mahal), between Gurdwara Manji Sahib and Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, the ground was covered for the Sangat to sit, and ragis began kirtan for the day. Guru ka Mahal marks the area where Guru Sahib lived and raised his family including Guru Gobind Singh and the Sahibzadas. It is very sublime there. And feels very cozy.

In the basement level of Bhoora Sahib is where he meditated and wrote. Across the courtyard is where the Hindu Pandits who were threaten with conversion to Islam came to ask for help.

A small Gurdwara about 20 yards away is called Damdama Sahib and marks the area where Guru Ji received the Sangat. The function was like the 'Akal Takhat' where he dealt with the earthly counseling, teaching, etc.

The big house off the courtyard is in ruins. You can still see the little bricks used in building hundreds of years ago. Not sure this house is that old. It's nice to picture in my mind's eye what it must have been like. In this courtyard remembering Mata Gujri and Guru Teg Bahadur and Gobind Rai. Then, another generation with Guru Gobind Singh & Mata Jito Ji and the Sahibzadas -sooooo beautiful. Wahe Guru...

Rainy Day and Akhand Paath

2009-03-29T04:21:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday and rainy day today - a little bit this way all week. We were over at Keshgarh Sahib this morning for the beginning of the weekly International Khalsa Council Akhand Paath (continuous 2 day reading of Siri Guru Granth Sahib), and the raindrop sprinkle increased to a downpour!

Here you can see the readers of the many Akhand Paaths (unbroken reading) that are conducted each week, standing for Ardas (prayer). Same picture, the reader at 'ours' writes down the beginning hukam (order of the Guru) in his log - the Ardas was completed a little earlier. 15 are simultaneously read here in this hall, starting on Sunday morning and continuing for about 48 hours (1430 pages). This is different than a Sahej Paath (effortless reading) that may be stopped and started at different times.

We weren't the only ones out and about getting damp. It is the end of Spring Break week - so lots of families were in & around the Takhat.

All of nature seemed to be singing, especially hearing the birds today.

Wahe Guru.

More MPA 2009 Spring Progarm

2009-03-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome gate at Miri Piri. Pictured here, some of MPA students & staff. Gurbani kirtan program. Harimandir Sahib in Amrit Vela.

Excellent Spring Program at Miri Piri Academy...in Chherta, near Amritsar. I loved being at MPA for the program after so many had been with us at Dashmesh Sadan for Hola Mahalla week preceding it. The kids overall looked great, happy, engaged and we shared some good hugs, met some friends, and lingered at the art exhibit which was spectacular. The school Program was terrific. A wonderful buffet dinner (feast) following and didn't get home until almost 10. Up early in the Amrit Vela to Harimandir Sahib and pretty hard to be early enough to beat the Sunday crowds. It was nice to be snuggled up with the sangat in Akal Takhat for Guru's Prakash. Amrit Bani...... Wahe Guru...

Ruby's Farm next door..

2009-03-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Pictures:
From bottom to top...See the Towers of Dashmesh Sadan from the back - across the fields. Solar at work. 'Happy' calf in green grass heaven. Ruby and pup. Pre-harvest....just over and across the fields...

Dashmesh Sadan is in Village Bani in Anandpur Sahib, in Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Teg Bahadur's historical home area. It is so beautiful here in the Punjab farmland and foothills of the Himalayas. To see a little view of the surrounding area, you can look out from the Main House (Dashmesh Sadan is on a high hill in the area), or walk over to my friend Ruby's farm almost next door to us....as we did the other day. Out the front gate, make a right, make another right, down the road, over the hill, behind the hill, and across the fields... We had a nice walk with her Auntie and Uncle Ji, to visit the animal friends and breathe in the GREEN everywhere. We are in the season of Baisakhi and very close to the wheat harvest as the 'golden' has appeared in the wheat. Wahe Guru...

A favorite pair of chuppals (flip-flops) decided to 'give it up' on the walk which was interesting. Loved seeing the solar panels to pump the irrigation water from the well. Pup was too sweet with the cows and baby calf. In my neighborhood......ang sang wahe guru....

On the Road again....City of Princes & MPA

2009-03-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Pictures: Dr. Balkar Singh in front of Punjabi University's Interfaith Centre; one of Patiala's palaces - now the National Sports Center; Miri Piri Academy graduating house sevadars with their successors; MPA Top House trophy with sevadars and Sr. Girls in-charge - Mahan Atma Kaur (Russia/Houston); MPA front gate.

Patiala, known as a city of 'princes & palaces.' One of our princes there is Dr. Balkar Singh, a very respected scholar of Sikh Dharma, Siri Guru Granth Sahib, and Punjabi. The Punjabi University campus there is so beautiful. I stayed in the Guest House, joining Hari Bhajan Kaur who is there for a couple weeks as the University Guest to teach Kundalini Yoga workshops to staff and students. Dr. Balkar kindly took me around the city a little bit one afternoon to see some of the beautiful architecture and gardens.

Guru Teg Bahadur visited Patiala (after Ala Singh the founder) in 1672, and stayed under a banyan tree by a pond. Illness subsided in the area and that place became known as Dukh Navarin - meaning eradicator of suffering. Now the Gurdwara built on that spot is known by the same name and devotees have faith in the healing qualities of the sarovar (tank).

There are also several architecturally incredible palaces built by rulers of the area, as well as multiple Colleges and Universities, National Sports and Language centers. Very beautiful city. The Patialvis, for centuries, have lived together harmoniously - Sikh, Hindu, Muslims and are known for their humanity and tolerance.

The Punjabi University has Punjabi language immersion courses and many from Yogiji's staff were there in the mid 1990's studying. Dr. Balkar Singh created and taught at a Punjabi University extension through a partnering effort, in the US, in Espanola, in our Ashram community. We hope to regenerate the relationship and once again be able to offer the Punjabi immersion studies. Ik Ong Kaar Satgur Prasaad.....

I stopped also at the Miri Piri Academy Parents' Day event, in Amritsar, the same weekend. What a treat! Really excellent.....

On the Road......

2009-03-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

Part of the work in India involves Public Relations for our Sikh Dharma Community. And for the various endeavors such as Dashmesh Sadan where I am living in Anandpur Sahib (watch for our new website in the next few months- http://www.heartofkhalsa.com/), Miri Piri Academy, Sikh Dharma International, 3HO International - and more.....basically the Legacy of the body of work and organizations of Yogiji.

Recently I went to Rishikesh with my Dashmesh Sadan colleagues about 6 hours away, for a few days, to visit with yoga students and teachers from all over the world at a Yoga Festival. It is sponsored and coordinated by the Parmarth Niketon Ashram and Puja Swami Ji. There were many Kundalini Yoga teachers and students attending the Festival. It was lovely to attend of the festival activites, share meals, etc. There is a lot to do.

Meditating next to the River Ganges is very dynamic. There were also several cultural presentations from the region/state, dancing and singing their local stories and customs.

The Ashram is very large, something like a 1000 rooms and many people and families live in the Ashram. It is built around meditation and yoga practice and selfless service. They are also very involved with the community and take care of more than 300 disadvantaged or orphaned children with food, lodging, and education, and training in yoga, meditation, and other parts of their Hindu and yogic traditions. Wahe Guru!

Siri Singh Sahib Ji was a Master Yogi, a teacher of teachers, and so much more. One of his facets was to always set the example to create community and fellowship. Our community hosted so many spiritual teachers - some were very inspiring -some not, some were great examples of brothers or sisters on the Path, many were leaders of communities like Swami Ji who set a great example of remembering God and serving humanity in humility and tranquility. Ang sang Wahe Guru.....

Hola Mahalla

2009-03-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

At Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh ji began the tradition of games and martial contests around Holi time (early March) for the Sikhs. So during this week a million or so pilgrims are pouring into Anandpur Sahib for the festivities! Today several of us went for Seva in the Amrit Vela to Takht Keshgarh Sahib where the first Khalsa was baptised in 1699. Wahe Guru!

Then we went to clean at Bhoora Sahib - where Guru Teg Bahadur Ji also lived and held court. It was in this court yard that the Kashmiri Pandits approached Guruji asking who can save their faith so they would not be forced to convert to Islam. Here Gobind Rai posed the provacative question of "who else but you, Father?" And history was written with his sacrifice. "I gave my life but not my faith."

We took a beautiful new chandoa (canopy) and specially made cover for the very divine underground area, where Guru Teg Bahadur Ji meditated, below the Gurdwara. We spent quite a bit of time doing seva of cleaning that area. After meditation and banis, walked to the market for the flowers. You can see in the picture fresh flowers from the Gurdwara bhag - garden and the flowers in the vases. Sat Atma Kaur from Netherlands, Siri Anand Kaur from Thailand and Canada, Gurudharm Kaur, Kali Dass Singh, and I were in the bliss of that blessing.

Afterward Siri Anand Kaur, Gurudharm Kaur and I visited some of the other local Gurdwaras to see the festivities and enjoy the gathering Sangat in the Anandpur area, on foot and scooter. Wahe Guru!

A month of Change!

2009-03-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

(Pictures from top: Keshgarh Sahib, Dashmesh Sadan, road to APS, Akal Takhat in Amritsar from garden walkway)
February was a month of major decisions and manifestation. So here I am, by Guru's Grace, relocated to Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India, leaving my Espanola home in storage to join the service at Siri Singh Sahib Ji's home in Anandpur Sahib.

About mid-month, packing and then traveling while ill, arriving in Delhi, gratefully staying with a friend, flying to Amritsar, in meditation at Darbar Sahib for my birthday on the 16th, and finally (not really 'finally'!) arriving in Anandpur Sahib on February 17th!

Very busy since arrival hosting courses and guests at beautiful Dashmesh Sadan. The gardens are abundant and flowers in bloom. Wahe Guru!

Harimandir Sahib Garden Walkway

2009-02-15T21:38:00.001-08:00

Grandchildren and more!

2009-01-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

In early January, what fun to visit some of my West Coast (US) family. Here is Emma Sole riding her bike at 1 1/2 years old. Her brother Galen likes his swimming classes and really liked seeing underwater with his new goggles!

Kirpal and Brittany have bought their first home-stead in southern Oregon. They are busy cleaning up the 5 acres of 17 that isn't forested. Spare time goes to remodeling the fixer-upper, planting and tending the organic fruit trees and veggie gardens or taking care of the menagerie of goats (4 expecting), horse, dogs, chickens, and ducks! Kirpal is in the Solar industry - great place to be for job security these days. Wahe Guru!

Then on to northern California to visit my beautiful sis Cindy, her hub and our great extended family. Newest additions are great-grand nephews (can you say that?) Brysen & Donovan (my birthday mate). In this picture, only Brysen's Mom Paige missing who had the flu when we went out to brunch at Mimi's.

Cindy & Harold have a spectacular view of the Sierras from their kitchen and porch. And a beautiful new kitchen..... Watched all the pre-Inauguration activities for President Obama on TV. A very restful visit!

Wahe Guru, it was great to work out how to do my sadhana in the Amrit Vela without impacting the non-early risers. Worked out great in Oregon as I could take the kids (early risers naturally) for a little bit giving Papa and Mama a little blissful time of rest.

What a great, albeit short visit. Loved getting to check in and visit.

A Busy Couple of Weeks!

2009-01-30T16:45:00.000-08:00

Baru Sahib's Akal Academy Jatha with SatSundri Kaur and Avtar Hari Singh.

Akal Academy Jatha plays Asa di Var in the Amrit Vela at the Ranch Gurdwara.

A table of NM Sikh Community representatives and the Governor's Prayer Breakfast.

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish delivers an inspiring address to the breakfast crowd (above). (Below) Governor Richardson is at the head table at our annual Legislative Luncheon at Narinder Singh's India Palace Restaurant.

Wahe Guru! This week we were honored to have Baba Iqbal Singh Ji and Baru Sahib's (India) Akal Academy Jatha and 'road team' with us for a couple days for divine kirtan and wonderful discourse. They play all stringed instruments with tabla accompanying. Their party of a dozen, in their little bus, are en route across the US and this is the second year they've stopped to visit with our Sangat. It is such a blessing and so uplifting to be in their company and to host them.

Last week New Mexico Sikh Community hosted our annual Luncheon in Santa Fe marking the opening ceremonies of the NM Legislature. It is a tradition started in 1995 by Yogi Bhajan to honor these public servants who meet in either 30 or 60 day sessions each year. There are a number of activities and representatives from the Sikh Community here also attended the Governor's Annual Prayer Breakfast. Sat Nam Kaur from our community is the Legislative House "Reader" of Bills on the House floor this year, a position that has been held by a Sikh from our community for almost 20 years.

It is a great way for our public officials to get to know about Sikhs and the support of friendship has been appreciated by all for 40 years here. One of the first people Yogiji met here was (then) Governor Bruce and Alice King. Alice King championed and founded NM Children's Programs. Recently, her soul completed her journey with us and left to join the Creator. Son Gary King is currently state Attorney General and played the opening music (sax) at Siri Singh Sahib Ji's 2008 B-day Party celebration in August. Love that!

Every Governor since Governor King in the 70's (a 3-term Governor) has been a friend of our extended Khalsa and 3HO families. Our current Governor Richardson encouraged & supported the naming of a state highway that runs through the Ashram properties as "Yogi Bhajan Memorial Highway"(Highway 6)! Wahe Guru!

Visitors

2009-01-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

Above Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Langar Hall in the summer. Below visitors in the Gurdwara.

Frequently, throughout the year, the Ashram has visitors, and we love it! This nice group pictured with host, Sat Nam Singh, are students in various seminaries, mostly eastern US, who visited us on January 8th.

These folks were part of a Ghost Ranch Retreat, an Abiquiu/Santa Fe primarily Christian non-denominational educational Retreat Center for spiritual transformation that hosts seminary groups for a couple of weeks at a time. (http://www.ghostranch.org/)

During their retreat, a group visits northern New Mexico spiritual communities and get to know about other faith traditions. They are presented experiences to deepen or transform their personal faith. For example, this group let me know a different member of the group leads their morning devotions and prayers each morning.

I've found that many times visitors are deeply immersed in the process of discovery of allowing Spirit to lead their lives. In just a short time visiting at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das, it is common to notice individuals having a heart opening experience of the One in All whose Presence is always with us. They have been deeply grateful for just their short visit and feel very relaxed here. Dhan Dhan Guru Ram Das Ji! Our culture is very unique and I think we often ourselves take this gift for granted. It is a reminder to be ever grateful for the lifestyle and experience of awareness of the Beloved. Wahe Guru....

We like to have these groups join us for our Thursday lunch Langars so they can immerse in the company of the Sangat. I send a note through our community daily enews to let people know guests are coming so they can connect as they like over Langar. And then our hosts will spend some time in the Gurdwara (pictured here in the foyer) or around the Ashram, to share information about Sikhi, Dharmic life, the Siri Singh Sahib's (Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Haribhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji - http://www.sikhdharma.org/) legacy, and whatever they are interested in.

This particular group saw Mukta Kaur selling her new Super Health book, and wanted to hear more. Many purchased copies (http://super-health.net/). Great book for those just learning to meditate or wanting to change a habit.

We have a couple dozen or more Sangat members who especially enjoy, and are good at conveying information about our community here in Espanola, and are frequent hosts. Wahe Guru!

Gurdwara

2009-01-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

What a great way to start a new year.....being with Sangat, the dear company of saints. Remembering the Naam. Gurdwara. Kirtan. Langar. Wahe Guru.

Last evening was 6th of the month Gurdwara where I live in Espanola, New Mexico in the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Ashram community. Every month we remember the 6th of June in 1984 when the Akal Takhat sacrificed in order to awaken the Panth.

We had the distinguished company of Jathedar Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji, Akal Takhat Jathedar, and Giani Ranjit Singh Ji from Bangla Sahib. Especially significant because 2009 marks the 25th year since the Akal Takhat Martydom in 1984. He shared a simple yet eloquent reminder to stay together in Unity and to only bow before the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and to remember that Shabd Guru is our only Guru.

The kirtan was honoring Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 342nd Prakash Utsav as well and the shabds reflected that. The spirit was high and Nigara was drummed with intensity reflecting the joy of the Sadh Sangat. Wahe Guru Wahe Guru Wahe Guru

So blessed we are.......