I am interested in Sikh Dharma, but don't consider myself a Sikh, do I have to identify as Sikh to be in the course?
No you do not.  The course is designed to take each participant through a journey of their own beliefs in relationship to the lifestyle and values included in Sikh Dharma. Your experience is your own and seekers of truth, of any identity are welcome. Those who are interested in learning about the Dharma, as well as those who have been on the path for many years are welcome to explore their truth together. This diversity enriches the class experience.

Do I have to take this course to become a SD minister?
As of now, "Journey into the Heart of Sikh Dharma" is not required, but highly recommended, for those who are preparing to become ministers.  And although it is highly recommended, completion of the course is not a guarantee of becoming a minister.  There is a thorough and specific procedure which needs to be followed toward that end.

How much time does the homework take for each class?
Each assignment includes some reading (either selected poems, articles, stories, or a chapter from Victory and Virtue) and writing a personal reflection.  The reflection should be an average of 1 or 2 pages - can be more or less.  It does not need to be a formal essay, but an honest exploration of your thoughts and questions regarding the reading and the topic presented.

What if I have to miss a class?
We understand that over the duration of the course you may have to miss a class.  It is expected that you let the facilitator know ahead of time and complete the assignment for the class that you miss as well as connect with other participants to gather the sentiments of the class that you missed.  If the conference has been recorded, then you are asked to listen to the recording.

What is the buddy system?
In preparation for each class, every participant is matched with another participant and asked to share their assignments ahead of the course conference call.  This allows each participant to share with everyone else in the class on a one on one basis, building relationships that feed the strength of a virtual sangat that develops during the course.

Do I have to have a land line?
Land lines give a more consistent and quality connection to the conference call, and are preferred, yet if a cell phone is your only option, it can work if you are in a quiet space with a strong signal.