Sat Nam Dear Family,

“I don’t need to go to Gurdwara, sir. I carry Guru with me everywhere.” Now, who could argue with this statement? Who doesn’t want to carry their Guru with them? I’ll tell you who has another opinion, Yogi Bhajan, the Siri Singh Sahib, that’s who. He has an interesting and creative response. I always enjoyed it when he had these kinds of student interactions.

We were seated in a semi-circle underneath the shelter in the backyard of the ranch. It was a bright, sunny, afternoon. I remember the weather because the image of our beloved teacher sitting in a bathrobe and wearing sunglasses was just too beautiful to forget. He was a handsome man to begin with, but when you added his consciousness, his charm, his humor, his, his, his into the equation, he became irresistible. And, he was. I couldn’t resist him.

Our teacher began to address this student’s statement, “Yes, you carry Guru around with you always. That’s wonderful. But, why is it about your convenience? Why does Guru have to follow you? Do you call this devotion? Do you think that Guru is there for you use, or your service? Where are you coming from dear?”

“What,” she cried out automatically. “I don’t understand sir. ”

“Of course you don’t, otherwise, you’d know why your statement is perfect but needs an amendment. After all, all great documents need additions occasionally, it’s the definition of ‘occasionally’ which throws everything out of whack occasionally. See, occasionally is occasionally a funny word.”

A blank expression like being under hypnosis pervaded her face. I could see him take pity on her and come down to her level to explain again, for the umpteenth time, that her salvation lay in the Guru’s hands to which she readily agreed, “Yes, sir, I know that.”

The Siri Singh Sahib continued, “When you truly love Guru ji, that love is demonstrated through the service to Guru ji’s convenience, no longer your own. You’re at His convenience. A demonstration of the sacrifice, of the surrender, of the service, of the devotion, of the love you exhibit in doing everything you can to satisfy Guru ji’s convenience is the test. When this is mastered, and only when this is mastered, can Guru ji bestow the blessing of his continued presence. It’s your love, demonstrated through your commitment to doing His will, which activates this blessing. In other words, darling, just relax and go to Gurdwara.”

“I get it sir.  You want me to just go to Gurdwara, period… No more thinking about it. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, darling, don’t skip Gurdwara. It will do more good for you than you can see.”

“O.K. sir, I get it. Thank you for reminding me again. I don’t know why I keep doing the same thing over and over. I must be stupid.”

“No, not at all. You’re one of the smart, lucky ones. First, just between you and me, you’re lucky to have me as your teacher. I have no axe to grind. I only want the best for you and sometimes that may be uncomfortable. Second, you’re lucky to have the grit to go through uncomfortable times. Most have a limit. Your limit is very high. And, third, you found the House of the Guru. I don’t know how that happened, but, you know what, in the scope of things, being here is rare. Taking advantage of this opportunity is even rarer. And, keeping up throughout life is rarer still! You’re one of the smartest people on earth. You’ve kept up all these years. The stupid designation is for those who don’t even know the difference. You do.”

“Thank you for seeing me, and thank you again for keeping me focused. What am I going to do when you’re gone?”

“You’ll be grown up and wiser still! And the best part is your relationship with the Guru will carry you through everything as you live your Destiny.” he said.

In the Humility of Service and Gratitude,
MSS Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa
Chief of Protocol
Sangat Representative