In Sikh history, moments of transition hold profound significance, signaling shifts in leadership that shape the course of the faith. Such a pivotal juncture occurred with the passing of Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, and the ascension of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the ninth Guru. This transition underscores the enduring resilience and unwavering commitment of the Sikh community to their spiritual journey. Guru Har Krishan, revered for his purity and wisdom, touched the lives of many with his compassion and healing presence. His departure left the Sikh world mourning the loss of a beloved ..read more

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by SS Nam Nidhan Kaur Khalsa, Santiago, Chile, as shared in the first quarter 2024 ministry newsletter. For a few decades now, the internet has opened the doors to homes and hearts around the world. It has shown us the beauty, as well as the ignorance, dreams and aberrations, that are common to human beings. It has connected us and helped create a global network where we are all closer, more similar and vibrating together in the face of all the events that are taking place in time and space. As terrible as wars are, we now have them happening and showing up on our cell phones instantly. All ..read more

by SS Sukhdev Kaur Khalsa, Raasiku, Estonia (as shared in the Ministry 2024 First Quarter newsletter) I’m sitting by the window at our MPA campus. The winter fog has draped the whole of Punjab, bringing a deep calm into the surroundings. Nevertheless, as we celebrate Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday, the air is charged with the vibrant energy of students doing Pantra—the rhythmic recitation of Jaap Sahib—and the captivating tales of the Guru’s extraordinary life. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Miri Piri that, despite only a few months since the school’s reopening, the flame of enthus ..read more

Sada Anand Singh passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 22nd, as he was on his way to teach in Taiwan and then lead a Yatra to the Golden Temple in India. Living and teaching in Japan for more than 30 years, Sada Anand Singh was an ordained Minister of Sikh Dharma and the Director of 3HO Japan and the Ikoma Mountain Yoga and Retreat Center. He will be remembered for his indelible optimism, infectious laugh, big heart, and his ability to make the impossible possible. We bathed in his heartfelt, sublime music. His Sadhana kirtan always sent us into bliss. Just a few days ago, he shared a b ..read more

By Dr. Harbans Lal Can there be religious fervour without Love? Can one love God and His creation without Love? How is Vaisakhi as a song of love a major contribution of Guru Gobind Singh to the Sikhs and humanity at large? The learned author authoritatively answers all these queries for the seekers of truth and godly love. Look at Vaisakhi as a drama of LOVE; Love that the Guru used to mesmerize his audience when he asked for a head and the love that the Guru inculcated among those who came forward to offer their heads. To them he prescribed a Rehat, a specific life style. Was this the re ..read more

This story is excerpted from the book Heroes, Saints and Yogis: Tales of Self Discovery and the Path of Sikh Dharma, compiled by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa and Guruka Singh Khalsa.  It is about Guru Ram Das and his sons, Prithi Chand, Mahadev and Arjan Mal. When Arjan Mal was in his teens, one of Guru Ram Das’ cousins came from Lahore to Amritsar especially to invite the Guru to attend his son’s wedding. The Guru said, “I am not able to attend but perhaps I can send one of my sons instead.” When Prithi Chand was asked to attend the wedding, he said, “I have to take care of the ..read more

Image by LUM3N from Pixabay. This post was published on SikhNet. It was contributed by Team AWAT.  …We are living in a time of turmoil for Mother Earth. The planet we call home is facing the extinction of species, deforestation, climate change, rising sea levels and many other problems. These problems are a result of the way modern society exploits the earth and her resources – the way we relate to the earth as separate, non-living and unlimited. Here is a missive with some interesting verses related to earth in Gurbani, which highlight some of the vital blessings of the Mother Earth a ..read more

Guru Har Krishan is the eighth Sikh Guru. He became Guru at the age of five and breathed his last at the age of eight in New Delhi, India, where the Gurdwara of Bangala Sahib has been established. He was born at Kiratpur, India. His father was Guru Har Rai and his mother was Mata Krishan Kaur. When the Guruship passed to a young child of five, there were some in the community who could not believe that a little boy could lead them. One such person, Lal Chand, challenged Guru Har Krishan to debate the meaning of scripture. In response, Guru Har Krishan requested that Lal Chand go and find som ..read more

Guru Teg Bahadur nació en Amritsar, India, el 18 de Abril de 1621. El nombre Teg Bahadur significa poderoso de la espada y fue dado por su padre, Guru Hargobind, después de mostrar inimaginable valor en la batalla de Kartarpur contra los mongoles. Como niño, Guru Teg Bahadur fue entrenado en las artes marciales de la arquería, equitación y esgrima. Aprendió los clásicos del Gurmukhi, Hindi y Sánscrito. Se dice que extensos períodos de tiempo en reclusión y meditación le dieron un profundo temperamento místico. Alrededor de 1640, Guru Teg Bahadur, su esposa Mata Gujri y su madre Nanaki, la esp ..read more