The International Khalsa Council met in Espanola, New Mexico on April 20-23, 2016 for its Baisakhi meetings.
Established by the Siri Singh Sahib over 40 years ago, the Khalsa Council serves as a leadership body for our Dharma. It is comprised of approximately 100 Ministers and leaders from the global Sikh Dharma community, who meet twice a year to discuss issues that are important to the future of our Dharma, to hear reports and interface with our non-profit and for-profit entities, and to provide vision, guidance and support for our worldwide communities and constituents. The recent April meetings were very dynamic, informative and uplifting. The following are some highlights:
Opening Addresses
SS Gurujot Kaur, Secretary General of Sikh Dharma International welcomed and thanked the members for their continued commitment, dedication and love of this Dharma and for their service in carrying on the vision and legacy of the Siri Singh Sahib. She shared that, “In our collective consciousness as the Khalsa Council, we hold the spirit of our Dharma and the integrity and the essence of our Dharmic path and teachings.” It is our privilege to ensure that these sacred teachings will be passed on to future generations. She gave an overview of the agenda, including the the various presentations and discussion topics that would be covered over the 3 days.
Siri Sikdar Sahiba Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur called upon the Khalsa Council to work collectively and in unity, and to forge who we are together, in a vibration and frequency of compassion, guided by the Guru. “The impossible becomes possible if we unite.” We must keep the focus on how to offer the sacredness of these teachings to everyone. and how we can serve, uplift and carry others. She told the story of how Guru Nanak challenged the cultural norm of his times by serving langar, a community meal, to all, regardless of their caste. He did it in a graceful, peaceful and sacred way, and this can be an example of how to create a space for transformation and change.
SS Sat Nirmal Kaur, the Chairperson of the Khalsa Council, shared a powerful meditation that the Siri Singh Sahib taught her just before he passed. He said, “The safety net is the Guru. We we don’t have the confidence that the safety net is there, we begin to act with fears, phobias and neurosis. This kriya will take care of everything.” (Click here for Kriya)
She also shared a beautiful quote of the Siri Singh Sahib about the Khalsa Council from April 1998: “Tomorrow hordes of people will call upon you without even considering who you are. They don’t care if you are ugly or you are beautiful. They don’t care who you are, right or wrong. All they want to ask you is “Please help me”. The depression will be so much, the intolerance of the nervous system will be so much… This honorable Council must know, you are not here by the will of a man, circumstances, environments, or longitude or latitude. You are here because you have your own covenant with God, and God has His own promise with you individually. You shall serve the Khalsa Council as God wills it. Khalsa Council is a oneness of allness. Khalsa Council is not a meeting. Khalsa Council is not a status… Khalsa Council is oneness. It is the nerve center. It is the chambers of the heart, which gets the blood, pumps the blood, purifies the blood, and does the work. It is my request to this body of Khalsa – please do not undervalue yourself. With our grace, tranquility and diplomacy – we will work it all out.”
SSSC Report
SS Gurujodha Singh, SSSC President shared about the progress of the leadership of our non-profit and for profit Boards. The SSSC is working to expand the contributing voices of the Sangat by developing a commission model to build a synergy of the group process to address our solutions. We have established a Public Affairs Commission to build on the work of the CEOs of the non-profits in focusing on our global identity and our unified message. We have established a Mission Commission to focus on how our non-profit organizations interface and to refine the grant funding process. We have also formed a Sombrillo Property Commission to examine the optimal use of the Sombrillo property now and for the future. He shared that we want the governance of our Dharma to take leadership from the individual constituencies and to work with elevated group consciousness.
SS Satwant Singh, SSSC Executive Director further elaborated about the composition of the various Commissions and the SSSC’s dedication to supporting our communities and organizations. He noted recent actions of the SSSC to approve a loan to complete the construction of the Gurdwara in Phoenix, to approve the solar installations in Los Angeles, Millis and Espanola, partnering with EWTC to bring an inspirational speaker to Peace Prayer Day, funding for our non-profits and the Bhai Sahiba’s Office and working on the process for the Khalsa Council advisements. He also shared about ongoing projects, including the review and revision of non-profit bylaws, property restructuring, employee benefits, addressing teacher conduct and the development of Anandpur Sahib as a teaching center.
MSS Krishna Kaur reminded the members that the SSSC is only four years old and that Khalsa Council gave rebirth to the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation, having the vision to see that this would be the overarching structure and support for our Dharma. All together we are the Khalsa Spiritual Nation. Each of us has a vital role to play, and we have to deliver our mission together. She requested patience and understanding as the process evolves, and to hold on to our faith that we have with each other.
KIIT Board Report
Sat Mandir Singh, KIIT Board Chair, presented an overview of our for-profit KIIT companies over the past year. There have been some changes to the KIIT board members as well as enhanced communication and collaboration between the various company boards. He spoke about the new solar energy business (KIIT Renewable Energy), which supports our values for sustainability and promotes diversity and prosperity for our Dharmic non-profits, as well as supporting our local Sangats.
Sukhwinder Singh reported about the KIIT Renewable Energy project. At the last Khalsa Council meeting he presented the concept, and he now reported that the Los Angeles ashram has already completed the first solar installation, construction is underway in Espanola and will be completed in May 2016, the Millis Ashram is in progress, and there are plans for an installation at a Food Bank in Albany, NY. They are also working with schools in New Mexico as well as other projects around the US that bring many exciting opportunities for success.
EWTC Board Report
MSS Kirtan Singh, Board Chair, introduced the 5 representatives from EWTC and shared that the company continues to grow and carry out the mission and vision of the Siri Singh Sahib. There are currently offices in Oregon, Germany, and Italy.
Sat Dharm Singh shared about the European market for Yogi Tea, including the logistics of working in that market including language, culture and country-specific regulations. There are sales representatives in six countries who are reaching out to people, serving as ambassadors for Yogi Tea and bringing much benefit to the company,
Conrad Meyers, CEO was pleased to share about many areas of progress for EWTC. He announced the final design of a new manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon and presented a chart showing the positive growth since 2011, when the company came back to our Dharmic community ownership. Over the past two years, he has spent the majority of his time in Hamburg, Germany.
Bob Ziehl reported on the growth of Yogi Tea from small health food stores, to health food chains, grocery stores and large corporate chains, making the product more available to consumers. We are the #1 brand in the Natural US channel, and the European business is increasing its market share. Last year, the company grew more than any of the other conventional or natural brands in the grocery chain market. Yogi Tea now features the non-GMO and organic symbols and the company is increasing the percentage of organic and non-GMO products.
Sat Bir Singh shared a slide presentation of grower communities (communities around the world where the ingredients for Yogi Tea are grown) as well as their Doing Good Initiatives serving people around the world. He shared the purpose statement: “To serve and inspire with the products we make and by doing good in the world.” He noted that there is a photo of Yogi Bhajan in all the company facilities.
Parampal Singh spoke of how the sustainability of the Grower Communities is vital to the company’s success and about the community support programs sponsored by EWTC. EWTC provides support to a safe-house project in Nepal, a scholarship program in Sri Lanka, an orphanage in Hyderabad, India, and has a partnership with a Grower Community in Honduras to build a much needed bridge.
Akal Security
Supreet Singh Manchanda, CEO reported that Akal Security is looking to the future and working to strengthen the company’s identity. ‘We are a Khalsa community company, serving safety and security.’ He wants to bring back the Khalsa legacy to Akal and stressed the importance of the community’s support. Akal is adjusting to a shifting market, and working to be efficient, effective and to streamline business and organizational practices. They are identifying new markets and capabilities.
Office of Public Affairs
MSS Guruka Singh and SS Satwant Singh gave an update on the progress of establishing an Office of Public Affairs (OPA) to serve our entire Sikh Dharma/3HO family of organizations and constituents. The non-profit CEOs submitted a proposal to the SSSC to establish and fund the OPA, and currently a Public Affairs Commission has been formed, consisting of the CEOs of all the non-profit and for-profit organizations, to further define the scope of responsibilities, business plan and budget for the Office. It is expected that this office will begin to operate within the next month.
Ethics & Values as Leaders & Sikh Ministers
SS Guruka Kaur informed the Khalsa Council about the evolving role of the Ethics and Professional Standards Office. This Office serves all the non-profit entities and works closely with the Chancellor and Chancellor Emeritus, serving the Sikh Dharma/3HO community globally.
MSS Nirvair Singh spoke about the KRI Code of Excellence, created by the Siri Singh Sahib in 1995, as well as the Definition of a Yogi and the Kundalini Yoga Teacher’s Oath. These standards are taught as part of all KRI Teacher Training Level 1 courses.
The Khalsa Council discussed the need for holding the highest standards of integrity and values within our teaching community and Ministry, and strategized about the measures we can take on an individual and organizational level to educate and ensure that our teachers and Ministers uphold our core values and ethics.
LGBTQ Issues in Relation to Kundalini Yoga & Sikh Dharma
The Khalsa Council provided a forum for discussion on the issues of the LGBTQ community as they relate to the teachings of Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma. As a body of Ministers and a leadership body for our Dharma, we opened up this discussion and gained a deeper understanding of all the aspects that are involved including: social, cultural and international dimensions; legal, moral and ethical considerations; and spiritual and religious aspects.
Worldwide Sikh News
SS Dr Harjot Kaur presented a report on the recent Baisakhi Celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was present, and she had the opportunity to meet and speak with him. She shared her experience as the first Sikh woman to do the Ardas and play kirtan at this significant occasion. The program was shared widely via Punjabi and Canadian media.
SS Jot Singh also attended and presented a beautiful sword to Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. It was an auspicious event to have a Sikh Gurdwara program in the Parliament building in Ottawa, and to have the Prime Minister in attendance. It was an honor to present him with a sword, and to appreciate his service to the Canadian people and as a world leader.
Elder Care Task Force
SS SatSundri Kaur gave an update on the Khalsa Council Elder Care Task Force. As a result of the Motion for Advisement from the Khalsa Council regarding creating a feasibility study for a senior care facility in Espanola, the SSSC established a Sombrillo Property Commission. There are new county laws requiring a master plan for the entire property, and this commission will work on developing a larger strategy and Master Plan for the property use. This new Commission met in April 2016 and SatSundri Kaur was elected Chairperson. She welcomes the input from the Sadh Sangat.
World Parliament of Religions
Siri Sikdar Sahiba Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur gave a report on the October World Parliament of Religions and the participation of members of our Sangat, representatives of Sikh Dharma International,and our non-profits. Sikhs served langar throughout the event, which was one of the highlights of the meetings. The Sikh presence and the sacredness of our service and our teachings was inspiring for many.
SS Pritpal Kaur presented a video of Valarie Kaur’s talk at the World Parliament of Religions, entitled Revolutionary Love. Valarie Kaur will be our keynote speaker at Peace Prayer Day at Summer Solstice this year. To watch this powerful and inspiring speech,
Click here- Revolutionary Love
'Our Own Words' Project
SS Kulwant Kaur shared about a project she is leading, “Our Own Words”, to collect stories of life on this spiritual path, including experiences with the Siri Singh Sahib. With the guiding inspiration: “If you can’t see God in All, you can’t see God at all”, she explained that every story is God having a human experience in someone’s life. The Siri Singh Sahib taught us how important it is to preserve our stories and our history. Kulwant Kaur has formed a non-profit corporation to help the project move forward. She invites all members of the Sangat to contact her to record their stories at [email protected].
Security Preparedness
MSS Daya Singh addressed the Khalsa Council on the topic of “Sangat and Gurdwara Security” on behalf of the Khalsa Council Security Task Force. The Task Force is committed to building a comprehensive program to address the need for security awareness and a universal approach to security programs for all our Sangat communities and events. Daya Singh showed a slide presentation outlining some potential threats and simple steps that individuals and communities can take to be more prepared and ensure the security of their Gurdwaras and teachings centers.
Raj Khalsa Yatra
Sikh Dharma International invited the Khalsa Council and all members of the Sikh Dharma/3HO family to join together for a Yatra to India on Dec. 29, 2016 – Jan. 8, 2017, celebrating the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and awakening the New Year at the Golden Temple.
SS Dr. Harjot Kaur shared about the blessing of visiting the Golden Temple and experiencing the Guru’s vibration.
Sada Sat Simran Singh spoke about the importance of MPA and the younger generation being part of the Yatra. He encouraged all to attend. “We represent the vision of Guru Gobind Singh. We have a responsibility to serve and be visible. Think in terms of carrying the Siri Singh Sahib’s flag and serving the Guru and don’t pass up this opportunity.’
Siri Sikdar Sahiba Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur encouraged everyone to promote this in our communities. It is a time for renewal and deepening your connection with your radiant body! For more information click on: SDIYatra.com
Sikh Dharma International
OngKar Kaur presented the new SDI website (www.sikhdharma.org) and gave a tour of some of it’s many features including teachings about the Sikh spiritual practices, the Siri Singh Sahib’s lectures, the Event Calendar, Dasvandh and Prosperity technology and much more!
SS Pritpal Singh presented SDI’s upcoming events including the SDI Academy tent at Summer Solstice with a full line up of exciting and inspirational classes on Sikh Dharma; Camp Miri Piri, a workshop for the Spiritual Warrior experience from June 11- 14, and the three day Japji for the Aquarian Age Course to be held in Espanola on Sept 20 – Oct. 2, 2016. For more information, visit the website sikhdharma.org
3HO
SS Pritpal Kaur, CEO reported on initiatives including a new IKYTA website to provide more resources for teachers, and new programs at Summer Solstice. 3HO’s focus is on revitalizing Khalsa Youth Camp, a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the International Women’s Camp, and developing a new way of sharing the Women’s Teachings.
SS Satya Singh, 3HO Europe reported that the 3HO Europe Board has been working on developing a master plan and dealing with some challenges in using the property at Chateau Anand.
Kundalini Research Institute
MSS Nirvair Singh, CEO reported on programs at the Kundalini Research Institute, including ongoing development of The Yogi Bhajan Library of Teachings; with hundreds of new kriyas and kriya write-ups being added to the database each month. He also spoke about the new online, searchable photo archive, in development as photographers from around the globe donate their collections to KRI and Yogi Bhajan’s legacy. It will be released soon.
Sikhnet
SS Gurumustuk Singh presented a sideshow on his recent trip to India and his speaking engagements and meetings including the Guru Nanak Dev University’s ‘Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib,’ in Amritsar, and a meet and greet to share and discuss ‘Sikhi in the 21st Century and Beyond,’ in Ludhiana.
Sikh Dharma Education International
SS Jugat Guru Singh, Director of Miri Piri Academy shared that the school is thriving and he spoke about various programs taking place. One area of concern is the increased air pollution throughout India and the school’s plans to address this. He spoke about the Hari Simran Singh Scholarship Fund for students to attend Miri Piri Academy.
SS Simran Kaur, Board Chair thanked all those who have supported the school.
Legacy of Yogi Bhajan Foundation
Siri Karta Singh, Board Chair gave an overview on the mission of LYF in preserving and developing our Dharmic facilities.
Guru Sadhana Kaur, LYF CEO gave an update on seva projects to preserve and maintain the LYF properties, including an upgrade to the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Langar Kitchen and other facilities used for Dharmic and 3HO events. Focus is on long-term planning and developme
Election of Khalsa Council Chairperson
Elections were held for the next Chairperson of the Khalsa Council and for the chairpersons of the Sections for the upcoming 2-year term. SS Dr. Harjot Kaur was elected Chairperson of the Khalsa Council. SS Sat Nirmal Kaur, the out-going Chair, was honored for her service and her contribution
The following are the Section Chairs:
- Sarkar e Khalsa SS Gurumustuk Singh
- Bhai Sahiba Section SS Satkirin Kaur
- Central Section MSS Nirvair Singh
- House Section SS Siri Karm Singh
- Financial Section SS Sat Nirmal Kaur
- New Millennium SS Fatehpal Kaur
- Council of Nominees Chair will be elected at the Fall Meetings
