The International Khalsa Council met at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das in Espanola, New Mexico on April 24 – 27, 2019 for their Baisakhi meetings. Comprised of approximately 100 Ministers and leaders from the global Sikh Dharma community, the International Khalsa Council serves as a leadership body for our Dharma. Meeting twice a year for the past 40 years, the IKC discusses issues of relevance and importance to our Dharmic mission of serving humanity, and is an advisory body to the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation and the legacy non-profit organizations founded by the Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan.
Welcome Address from the Secretary General, SS Gurujot Kaur
The Secretary General, SS Gurujot Kaur welcomed the members of the Khalsa Council, who came from around the world, representing and serving our world-wide communities in spreading the light of the Gurus and the mission of the Siri Singh Sahib. The Khalsa Council is in its second session of its 2 year theme: “Global Presence and Inclusion in our Khalsa Leadership”. Under the leadership of the Chairperson, SS Gurusangat Kaur from Brazil, the Khalsa Council has been reaching out to our global community members, to build and strengthen our communications and connections and to foster inclusion and participation in our Dharmic leadership. At this meeting, four members from our South American Sangat were invited to attend and to lead a presentation about their seva projects in South America.
Gurujot Kaur gave an overview of the 3-day agenda, which included:
- Opening addresses from Siri Sikdar Sahiba and Khalsa Council Chairperson
- Panel Discussion with South American Representatives about their Seva Projects, followed by small group discussion
- Report from the Seva Corp Task Force
- Zoom Room Dialogue with European and Latin American representatives on “Sharing the teachings of SIkh Dharma around the World.”
- Reports from the Legacy Businesses and Non-profit Organizations
- Light of Guru Nanak Yatra
- Minister Skill Enrichment – The Art of Staying Compassionate
- Process for next SSSC Election
Siri Sikdar Sahiba Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur's Address
Siri Sikdar Sahiba, Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur gave an inspirational Opening Address on the theme of “Love”, sharing the divine teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
She ended with a beautiful quote from the Siri Singh Sahib:
“This is the tradition of the Nanak. All will be forgiven here. All will be loved here. All shall be received here. Never again in the history of our life or beyond us, ever a person be called upon to be punished. We have oneness of the heart like four chambers of the heart. No personal shall be rejected, no person shall be ridiculed, no person shall be punished, no personal shall be ill-treated. Doesn’t matter how ill-treating that person is. We shall bear it. This is the tradition of Guru Nanak. Let us welcome Nanak in our hearts and let us bow our head to it and keep it that way. Keep it bowed. So, wherever we go, wherever we live, people should recognize we are Sikhs of the Nanak. We are so beautiful, we are so peaceful, they are so kind, they are so service-full, they are so gentle, and they are so powerful to defend the weak. They are so powerful they nurture and nurse the weak. They are so forgiving, and they are so kind. And that is Nanak. Don’t find God. Let God find you.”
Please click below to hear the opening address by Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur.
Panel Discussion with South American Representatives
Four representatives from South America, two from Brazil and two from Chile, made a presentation about the seva projects in their countries. Sat Kartar Kaur, Principal of Miri Piri Brasil and her husband, Siri Sahib Singh, Miri Piri Brasil Project Manager and KRI lead trainer, shared about the many projects being done in their community, including four Miri Piri schools, Kundalini Yoga in Day Care, hospitals, detention centers and parks, and gong baths in Senior Centers. They also serve during disasters, including the recent mine collapse near Belo Horizonte.
Miri Piri Brazil has four schools for children from infants to eleven years old. The schools are based on the teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib and it is their goal to open a Miri Piri in every city where there is a KRI level 1 Teacher Training program and to include the MIri Piri curriculum in the public school system. All of the teachers are KRI certified Level 1 teachers and through the schools, courses are taught on how to teach KY for Children, as well as parenting classes and ongoing training for trainers and educators. They also run a business of creating and selling school books and toys and have a scholarship program for underprivileged children.
Please view the slideshow about Seva and Miri Piri Brasil here: Belo Horizonte, Brazil Presentation
Guru Devta Kaur and Guru Sansar Singh, Teacher Trainers and owners of Basant Kundalini Yoga Center, from Santiago Chile, shared about the natural tendency towards Seva in Latin American culture and the many non-profit organizations based in the Chilean Sangat.
These foundations include work with children, at-risk teens and women, sexual abuse, addiction, homelessness, immigrants and students in remote areas and are funded through courses and activities offered to high income areas as well as through donations and national government funds. They also recognized other non-profits based in Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador.
Guru Sansar Singh and Guru Devta Kaur shared that currently they are looking at ways to connect and exchange ideas and best practices among Sangats and create a formal system of coordination.
Office of Seva Corps
As an outcome of the discussion groups from the September 2018 Khalsa Council meetings, a motion for advisement was passed for the establishment of an Office of Seva Corps.
As part of the motion, a Seva Corp Task Force was formed, and Khalsa Council Members volunteered to serve. SS Sada Sat Simran Singh is serving as the Chairperson of the task force, and he presented a report of their progress to the Khalsa Council, which was followed by discussion and input from the general membership.
Please view the Seva Corps Presentation here: Seva Corps Presentation
Zoom Room Dialogue - Sharing the Teachings of Sikh Dharma around the World
Zoom Dialogue with European and Latin American representatives -Sharing the Teachings of Sikh Dharma around the World
The International Khalsa Council Chairperson, SS Guru Sangat Kaur shared that in early February, a group met with European Leaders to hear about the issues relevant to the European Sangat. What emerged was the need for connection, support and inspiration, as well as the need for sharing the Sikh Dharma teachings globally. Their input became the basis for the following discussion questions for the Zoom dialogue groups.
- Based on how the practice of the Teachings of Sikh Dharma has personally impacted you, what is the most effective, inspirational and supportive way to bring the experience of the Sikh Dharma teachings (Shabd Guru) to our global communities?
- What do you see as the role of the Sikh Dharma Ministry now and for the future? How can our Ministry bring support, inspiration and connection to our worldwide communities?
- What are the most important teachings of Sikh Dharma that we want to share with the world?
The members formed into 6 discussion groups, after which the facilitators of each group reported back to the entire council. Some highlights from the discussion were:
Question 1
- Living for each other, not at each other
- Work, pray, give
- Sangat and community are so important. We are in this together
- Universal consciousness
- Serving each other
Question 2
- The Global community is everyone, and that is the Sangat we serve.
- Oneness and unity – that is the path of Sikh Dharma
- You see the other person as you
- Appreciation of Seva. Nothing brings a person closer to the experience of Oneness than doing Seva.
- We have been given the Dharmic teachings and it is our duty to share them.
Question 3
- Following the Siri Singh Sahib’s example of traveling and teaching. Sharing the essence of his teachings.
- Seva projects
- Serving on boards of our Dharmic organizations
- Connecting with students and communities. Networking.
- Interfaith work
KIIT Report
SS Sahaj Singh presented the KIIT Report.
The current members of the KIIT Board are: Sat Mandir Singh, Hari Amrit Kaur, Guru John Kaur, Sahaj Singh, GuruSangat Singh and Viriam Singh.
The KIIT report included presentations on our for-profit businesses; Akal Security, East West Tea Company, Yoga West (Los Angeles), and KIIT Renewable Energy.
For the full slideshow presented please click here April 2019 KIIT PP Presentation
East West Tea Company –
Giancarlo Marcaccini, CEO of EWTC and Sat Bachan Kaur, Chairperson of the Board, shared about the exciting growth that is happening both in the US and in Europe. In this past year, the company moved into a new building in Eugene, OR, and they are expanding the Yogi Factory outside Bologna, Italy. They are producing 1.2 billion tea bags this year and are producing a ready-made tea line and some new tea flavors. They are one of the finalists for Eugene’s Bold Steps Award, and they have an award-winning Yogi Ad campaign, which you can view below.
Click here for video on new TeaPak building in Italy
Click here for new award-winning Yogi ad campaign
Akal Security
Krishan Shiva Singh reported on the progress being made at Akal Security, including contracts at airports, including BWI, Kansas City and Orlando, as well as federal courts. Akal is also diversifying and is partnering in a number of ventures, including Xiartech, a business solutions company and Lion Leasing and Financing, a transportation and trucking company.
KIIT Renewable Energy
The Solar Leasing Project is in its fourth year of operation with installations at Guru Ram Das Ashram, Hacienda de Guru Ram Das, Yogi Bhajan’s Ranch as well as in Massachusetts and Albuquerque. KRE is also working on production of an exciting new solar product.
Click here to see the new product that is in formation; KRE Video
SSSC Report
Prior to the meetings the Siri Singh Sahib Corp posted a Video Report for members to view.
View Report here SSSC Video Report
SS Viriam Singh and SS Satwant Singh gave an overview about the work and service of the SSSC. The SSSC is in the process of developing governance structures for our Dharma which will withstand the test of time. Connecting with the Guru, connecting with each other and maintaining a universal consciousness are essential. Let your Seva be your Leadership, and let your Leadership be your Seva.
Office of Ethics and Professional Standards – SS Guruka Kaur, Executive Director
The Office of Ethics and Professional Standards is now an office of the SSSC. SS Guruka Kaur shared that the goal of EPS is to create a safe environment for students and community/Sangat members, to nurture a culture of transparency and to deal with complaints and concerns.
Purpose of Ethics, Integrity & Compliance
- A safe environment for our students and community/Sangat members.
- A culture of transparency.
- Complaints and concerns are dealt with .
- Teachers/Trainers/Trainees/Ministers have an opportunity to grow – not be shamed.
- Protect our organizations’ reputations and financial liability
How We Meet Compliance Standards
- We have Code of Ethics & Professional Standards of Kundalini Yoga Teacher (SDI Minister Code in progress) disseminated through KRI Level One Teacher Training.
- We have Training on the Code through Level One and through Teacher Conferences & Trainer Forums.
- Complaint Reporting through website, email & phone. We have Policies and Procedures to both handle complaints and to create programs for teachers.
- EPS is currently developing an online Continuing Education program.
Fundamental Concepts
- We are a structured professional organization abiding by industry standards in Ethics Integrity and Compliance
- Enforcement: EPS takes action when someone breaches the Code.
- Training: Continuing education so teachers/ministers/trainers do not break the Code.
- Compliance based: Avoid the wrong thing – be in alignment with the law.
- Integrity based: Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
- We want to be Reliable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trustworthy, Conscious, Transparent.
- We need to balance Integrity and Compliance.
- We need to have strong Continuing Education for Teachers, Trainers and Ministers.
If you have any questions about the Complaint Procedure you can contact Guruka Kaur at [email protected]
Office of Public Affairs
SS Shanti Kaur and SS Sada Sat Simran Singh, shared about the work of the Office of Public Affairs. They have been posting articles and information on the OPA Blog at www.dharmic-opa.org. They encouraged individuals to take information from the blog and share it.
Please watch the OPA Video Report here: OPA Report
Light of Guru Nanak Yatra
SS Sada Sat Simran Singh shared about the Light of Guru Nanak Yatra which will take place November 5 -17th, 2019. It is a joint venture of SDI and 3HO, and it celebrates Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th birthday. This is a huge event sponsored by the SGPC with a celebration taking place in Sultanpur Lodi, at the site of the river Bein where Guru Nanak experienced Jal Samadhi and recited Japji Sahib. The Yatra will begin with a 3-day “Japji for the Aquarian Age” course at Dasmesh Sadan in Anandpur Sahib, and will then travel to Sultanpur Lodhi for the celebration, and finish in Amritsar.
For Yatra information and to register Click Here
Minister Skill Enrichment– The Art of Developing the Skill of Compassion
Siri Sikdar Sahiba Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur led a training on the art of developing the skill of compassion. Drawing from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Siri Singh Sahib, she facilitated an interactive training session with meditations, small group discussion, reflection and group sharing.
“Understand through compassion, otherwise you will misunderstand the times.” Fortitude is a quality necessary for compassion to be cultured within the self. It is with fortitude that we can patiently manage all our challenges as we culture a wisdom through an open heart, one that is tender to all that is taking place. It is fortitude that lends us a capacity to embrace unconditional love: to feel so much love that it can, in fact, fortify us to act with compassion and wisdom.
Office of the Chancellor
SS Gurujot Kaur shared that as part the ongoing development our Dharmic governance structures, in January 2019, at a meeting of the SSSC and SDI, it was confirmed that the Office of the Chancellor would remain in Sikh Dharma International, with duties and responsibilities specifically related to the mission of SDI as described in its bylaws. The Chancellor, as an Officer of SDI, advises the Siri Sikdar Sahiba, the SDI Board, the International Khalsa Council and the SDI affiliate corporations, as well as sits at the head table of the International Khalsa Council meetings and verifies the authenticity and accuracy of resolutions and motions of the Khalsa Council.
It was also determined that a new office of legal counsel would be established, called the Office of Dharmic Counsel, to advise the Siri Singh Sahib Corp and its constituent organizations. SS Amrit Kaur, who has served as Chancellor since January 2008, has now shifted into the position of Chief Dharmic Counsel, which is under the authority of the SSSC.
Sikh Dharma International has appointed SS Kartar Singh Khalsa from Virginia as the Chancellor of Sikh Dharma International. He has already assumed his duties, and he will be seated at the IKC head table at our next meeting.
SS Amrit Kaur was honored for her service to the International Khalsa Council and the Sangat and for serving the Office of the Chancellor with dignity, nobility and commitment. She was presented a beautiful pearl mala as an expression of our appreciation. She will henceforth be serving our Dharma as Chief Dharmic Counsel, and will retain the title of Chancellor Emerita for her years of service.
Defining the Electorate - Process for the next SSSC Election
Amrit Vela Kaur and SS Satwant Singh led a presentation about the process for the next SSSC election.
With the passage of the “Defining the Electorate” motion, Sangat members who are not Sikh Dharma Ministers or Khalsa Council members will now be able to submit applications to be part of the electorate.
Please Click here for details about the new election procedure.
LGBTQ+ Task Force
SS Viriam Singh and SS Dukh Niwaran Kaur reported on the work that has been done by the LGBTQ+ Task force, which continues to meet monthly with a very dedicated group of members. They distributed a briefing to the International Khalsa Council summarizing current changes and news about LGBTQ+ topics, including World Topics, USA topics and Dharmic information. It was reported that SS Dukh Niwarin Kaur was awarded the Spirit of Baisakhi Award at the annual LA Baisakhi Celebration, for her work on Diversity and Inclusion.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of 3HO - 50 years of Serving Humanity
SS Pritpal Kaur, CEO of 3HO, gave a presentation on plans for the 50th anniversary celebration of 3HO. She announced a new 3HO site for the 50th celebration www.3HO50.org with videos, letters, photos and announcements about events. She shared plans to bring twenty Luminaries to Solstice who are leaders and Sevadars in their community and who would not otherwise be able to come. She requested assistance with fundraising to bring them to Solstice and be honored at Peace Prayer Day and that the Sunday night at Solstice will be Luminary Night.
Pritpal Kaur shared that the East West Tea Company has created a special tea box with the 50th anniversary logo and all the non-profit organization’s logos on the box.These are being sent out to organizations globally with bags of Yogi Tea.
Food 4 Kids Seva
After the first day of meetings the members of the International Khalsa Council gathered to pack bags for Food 4 Kids NM.
SS Guru Simran Kaur runs Food 4 Kids as a way to give back to the Espanola Community and support the children who, without these bags of food, have no food over the weekends.
Learn more about Food 4 Kids here
The Khalsa Council Statement
As Sikhs, we believe in the equality and dignity of all human beings. Sikhs stand for truth, social justice and freedom for all.
The International Khalsa Council, a body of Sikh Ministers and leaders, stands united with all people of love and consciousness to:
- Honor and protect the right of each human being to live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life.
- Respect the equality and dignity of all living beings.
- Welcome and embrace the diversity of all humankind.
- Honor the dignity, divinity and grace of women.
- Protect and care for the environment
Together we are working towards a more loving, just and peaceful world.
