<<

Prosperity Paths I S S U E 3 8 THE INTERNATIONAL SIKH DHARMA NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2 0 0 0

Inside Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 2000: Living the Attitude of Gratitude

What we have today is a Masterpiece. We are in peace and it is something we have to correlate to ’s Grace, that he has prepared us as a nation. His hand of kindness and full of blessing is on us. Whether or not we understand the Re-Write Your Destiny courage we have to walk in Guru’s grace, and Guru’s place. We are in nature, Page 4 in tranquility, in creativity, in our inner molecule of self. We have the guts to walk with beauty and bounty, regardless of the environment, the thoughts or the feelings. The STORY ~ A Poem by Gurutej Singh Give yourself one second when you listen and when you speak. In one second you can see the light. And if you stop just one second, you will have a total effectiveness then because then the third eye, the ajna, will act. Technically it is a very simple thing. What it takes is one second. “The Story” Up + lift. That one second is the beaming of your command center. It’s Page 8 automatic. Just stop. When someone says anything, let them say it, don’t intercept and don’t try to interpret. Let a person speak and listen. And then stop for a second and answer. You’ll be shocked how much you know, how impressive you are, how effective you are and how deep you are.

But on this day I’d like you to give your thanks to Dev - “devum, nanak devum, sadar satiam, satiam sohar, satiam sahay.” This is not something ordinary, it’s something to be said and taught to transform yourself and give your thanks to the Guru, who always Punjabi University remains consistent, constant and contained. And this is one day we should give our thanks to , the father of this nation, Page 12 because he freed us from a concept of superiority and brought us to equality. (con’t page 2) My thanks to you. In my deep sense of consciousness I pray to God that you will all be ten times better than me and take care of the things you have to take care of. Let us walk hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, singing and enjoying, on to the infinity of God’s Will, and creating peace and harmony on this planet for reason we know the best.

May you enjoy your ecstasy of consciousness and be the real true sons and daughters of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Deva, so you can grow with your purity piety and consciousness from those sacrifices which were made to create the Khalsa! Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji ki Fateh. Excerpts, Thanksgiving, 2000, NM

JEWELS ~ JEWELS ~ JEWELS ~ JEWELS ~ JEWELS ~ JEWELS

“Adversity, calamity “What is the and misfortune - secret to being these are three sisters. grateful? The greatest They only come to visit those thing is to be great, it’s who react to them. Opportunity, a simple thing- right now fortune and good luck, these are you are breathing, you are three sisters, too. They come to alive, and you are full of life. ”Those visit those who are calm, If you start with that, you who quiet, and peaceful. It is have 3 things. You will be choose in the inner tranquility.” prosperous. You will be life the rich. And you will have compliments many, many opportu- in place of nities and friends.” complaining, are always prosperous and “Don’t go and get happy.” “You have to it; Be, and allow it to live with kind- come to you.” ness, compas- sion, and service. These are the three “Character has to be principles, sources of all built from the foundation knowledge, happi- up. Character brings you ness, prosperity, prosperity.” and richness.”

Pg 2 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 Dasvandh Year-End Video Presentation MILE AFTER MILE Video Slide Show

In the mail now - Don’t miss it!

Mile After Mile

Where did it start so long ago - You taught me how to see God in all “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” You showed me how to stand tall Where was I then, where am I now? You give me courage to answer the call The places I’ve been to, Mile after mile… I’ll carry on. the spaces I’ve been through The lessons I’ve learned The foundation is God, because I met you you have led me here Surrendering ego, surrendering all You taught me how to see God in all When I was down, you picked me up; You showed me how to stand tall when in doubt you taught me trust You give me courage to answer the call When I needed to fly Mile after mile… I’ll carry on. you gave me wings to soar… This whole time, How far have I come, you’ve loved me all the while and how much further to go You have stood beside me… To think it all started with mile after mile that simple “Ong Namo” You give me food for thought, You taught me how to see God in all words take on a new face You showed me how to stand tall “Consciousness,” “caliber,” You give me courage to answer the call “integrity,” and “grace.” Mile after mile… I’ll carry on.

Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 3 Re-Writing Your Destiny Prosperity Technology

by Dr. Guruchander Singh Khalsa

Har Har Har Har Gobinday Sit in easy pose, Har Har Har Har Mukhanday with your eyes Har Har Har Har Udaaray at the tip of your Har Har Har Har Apaaray nose. And repeat Har Har Har Har Haariang the mantra. Har Har Har Har Kaariang Har Har Har Har Nirnaamay These are the 40 Har Har Har Har Akaamay steps of vibrat- ing frequency to We wanted to share this technology this holiday season, to change the pat- create hope for all of our futures. Yogi Bhajan’s gift to us has terns of how the been his bountiful teachings about transitioning into the New planets can serve Age. Our gift to ourselves is to eradicate all obstacles and you on your become totally fulfilled human beings in the tradition of the dharmic path. Golden Chain. The science of Kundalini Yoga helps us to con- Mudras help to change the patterns given at birth, from past- vert all obstacles we are born with (called “squares” in astrol- life incarnations. when a planet is in some opposition to your ogy) into triangles (called “trines” in astrology). flow of life (this is the astrological “square” formation), prac- ticing the mudra which rules the planet can cut the lesson. What happens is that it applies the consciousness of Infinity <- Jupiter to change the way you act upon anything with this planetary influence.

Let’s take an example: Let’s say your health planets are astro- Saturn -> logically squared. You meditate consciously using the Sun finger Mudra so that the square becomes two triangles. this changes the original birth pattern to have the sun energy give you two trines instead of the square which translates to triple <- Sun blessings instead of the hardships. You may experience this as a lifelong feeling of health problems and a sudden realization of how to heal yourself which can suddenly become a solution to others with similar health problems. Mercury -> In other words - we are born with a specific astrological pat- tern and there are naturally occurring “squares” which will be obstacles in our lives. Now, we can wait out the course As we near the New Year, it is an appropriate time to share of the planets, but through the technology of Kundalini Yoga more about the Mantra: Har Har Har Har Gobinday (in full we also have the option to take the initiative to change those above). Yogi Bhajan explained in April, 2000, that this mantra “squares”. Those lessons written in our destinies can become can be ideal for enhancing prosperity in our lives, but it can strengths instead of contractions. We can use techniques such also effect many other aspects of our lives as well. Doing as mudras to create triangles which are triple blessings to the this meditation using the Mercury finger mudra (the tips of psyche in that the energy of the “squares” is re-booted and the pinky and thumb pressed together), it gives you friend- becomes a blessing instead of a blockage. ship, prosperity and it creates full wallets. When done with the Jupiter mudra (the tips of the forefinger and thumb pressed The essence is that we can command the energy of the planet together), all hurdles in our lives will disappear. With the to behave differently within our beings now. Saturn mudra (the tips of the middle finger and thumb pressed A Prosperous New Year to all! together), it will create purity and piety, while if done with the Sun finger mudra (the tips of the ring finger and thumb pressed together), it will give us health. Please visit Dr. Guruchander Singh’s website at: from www.realworldenlightenment.com

Pg 4 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD Dasvandh PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 Giving Thanks By Darshan K Khalsa

In the delightful, excited babble of my one-year-old son, there are few words we adults can actually understand, but the one that stands out most prominently is his cute little “Thank you.” And it warms my heart to hear this young, growing human, who cannot otherwise communicate, clearly giving thanks. Every time he says, “Thank you,” it not only gives me joy, it reminds me again, how important giving thanks on a regular basis is. And I am blessed to be reminded so many times each day!

So many others must also feel that warmth in their hearts when they give and receive thanks. We are microorganisms of the macro organism, when we give thanks in our own ways, in our own lives, we are automatically affecting the larger world around us. Giving our thanks is like the seed, that once planted and nurtured, bursts from its shell, blossoming and growing into beautiful life.

Our donations to Dasvandh are another way of giving thanks. They seed the mission of the Dharma, by creating and supporting the foundation to carry it on. In this season of Thanksgiving, Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and so many other celebrations, let us do just that.

Celebrate the joy of giving back. Send your year-end tax-deductible contribution to Dasvandh today. If you’ve been intending to give all year and haven’t, consider giving an annual gift at this very special and holy time. Your gift to Dasvandh will return to you a thousand-fold all year long!

With love and blessings to all of you, and our prayers for safe holidays and a blessed passage into the New Year. Sat Nam.

Darshan Kaur, Dasvandh Director

“Serving, where there’s no alternative reward, is the only way to elevate your consciousness. Don’t feel stupid about it. Even doing community service to clean the streets, help build a hosue for someone poor, or doing something for which there is no status and no reward - it is called zero, shunia: activity for zero, no reward, not even a thank you. Its reward is hundred-thousand-fold, million-thousand- fold from the heavens. It is called seeding the fortune.” - Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan

From our readers:

(We love your feedback! Thank you for “I read Prosperity Paths with joy and peace.” writing!) RL, Pennsylvania

“Thank you so much - I appreciate the work Note: In issue 36 in the article about Events you do and I benefit from the practices you in Chile, it was wrongly noted that Amrit recommend. I share them with others and Kaur helped organize the Yoga Festival, they feel strengthened.” LB, Ohio when in fact it was Nam Nidhan Kaur.

Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 5 The Spirit of Community Development In The Year 2000 By Siri K Khalsa experience can easily understand our by Guruka Singh, his vision and path, spiritual discipline and the rich foresight have kept the concept alive In the eighteen months since the culture that has evolved in the 3HO to its fruition in September of this inception of the New Community and Sikh Communities in the West year. Guruchander Singh is teaching Development Office we have and around the world. We will an excellent Prosperity Course on the accomplished great things. We have provide detailed information regarding bridge line. Please contact Siri Simran four inspiring, down to earth, the practices, ceremonies, customs, Kaur for details. “Foundation Projects” in various stages values, programs and events etc. This of completion. The “Foundation guide will explain step by step the The Bridge line and the Virtual Projects” have become the corner practical application of the Teachings University are a collaboration between stones upon which Community for the Aquarian Age. The Community the Office of Community Development will grow in the future. guide will provide Community Development, and the Ministry. The Developers and community members Ministry is currently running a 6 The work of Community Development with blue prints for creating every month, 12 session, Minister Training is inextricably linked to the Khalsa aspect of our lifestyle and more, so Pilot Program. Council. Over the years members have that anyone who decides to move to dedicated their collective wisdom and Timbucktoo can create a community The Community Development Office vision to developing core concepts for when they get there. provides training seminars for key projects that would be necessary to Community Developers twice yearly, build a solid infrastructure throughout 3. The Library: “Tales of the Dharma, and workshops at Summer and Winter our worldwide communities. By The Living Word” will eventually Solstice. Look for more information infrastructure we mean projects, become a legacy of stories comprised regarding our Communication Seminar programs and resources that will make of the real-life experiences and on April 9th-10th. 2001, two days vital information easily available to revelations of and yoga students prior to the Khalsa Council meetings, our communities. confirming the growth of our cultural and for the details on our Community expansion for future generations Development Seminar on June The Foundation Projects through the eyes of those who have 14th-15th, 2001, two days prior to of the shaped our history during the first thee Summer Solstice: Contact Siri Simran Community Development Office decades. We invite you to participate after the 1st of December for in this project by adding your personal details. 1. The “Database of Frequently Asked story to “Tales of the Dharma.” Questions” will serve as a ready The Office of Community Develop- reference for the 3HO/Sikh Dharma 4. The “Teleconferencing Bridge Line” ment will succeed in accomplishing teachings and will provide easy access is a telephone line that allows all of these projects with your help. to the teachings for yoga students, conferencing with up to thirty people If you would like to participate and teachers, community members and lay on line at the same time. This is an help to develop these resources for people alike. The Frequently Asked excellent way to bring knowledge and the World-Wide community, or would Question’s were created by Khalsa training directly into people’s homes, like more information on the pre- Council members, based upon thereby eliminating travel costs for viously mentioned courses, please questions from yoga students spanning students and facilitators. With the contact Siri Simran Kaur at: as much as thirty years of teaching welcome addition of a bridge line [email protected] or phone experience. This database when and through establishing Community 505-753-5881, fax to 505-753-5982. finished will be a comprehensive look Development courses, this office will at our life-style through the inquiring soon have the capacity to provide minds of yoga students. training upon request for individual communities in many countries around 2. “An Online Community and Student the world. Reference Guide” will serve anyone who has an interest in living in or This bridge line marks the beginning building a Sikh or 3HO community. of our own Virtual University. The The student guide will carefully concept of a virtual university was explain our daily life in simple terms introduced to the Khalsa Council so that someone with little or no approximately twenty five years ago,

Pg 6 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD Dasvandh PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 SDEI Alumni Association Sahaj Singh and Sat Shabad Kaur In the future, Sahaj Singh sees himself very by Guru Jaswant Kaur involved with Dharmic programs and work- Sahaj Singh feels he would not be the person ing very closely with children and youth. He he is without having gone to school in India. Balance in our communities is maintained on would like to open up all of our programs He particularly enjoyed seeing people’s reac- many different levels - and one of our alumni to invite youths from all walks of life. As he tion to the student group. Once while in couples exhibits strong proportions of both says, “I want to see our kids sharing with Hazoor Sahib (one of the 5 Takhts), Sahaj and nurturing and success building capabilities. other kids and open to all kids, no matter their a companion met a lady who began crying as With his quirky wit and her quiet strength, background. I want to see our kids traveling soon as she saw them. She said they looked Sahaj Singh and Sat Shabad Kaur manifest a all over the world and spreading the word of like Guru Gobind Singh’s sahibzadas (beloved balance of support and success. the Dharma.” He wants to teach the youth sons). It made him feel like their presence how to share our experiences and community in India as a group really made a difference. Sat Shabad brings the strength of financial with other communities and vice versa, and He felt going to school in India gave him a training for growth and success to the duo. In to uplift them. At some point in the future the maturity, a decision making capability, togeth- addition to working full time, she is a member erness, and growth without his parents. He of the Khalsa Council youth section, the KIIT recalls that in his high school back in the US Youth Executives, and SDEIAA. She says it is the first time his classmates were away from fulfilling to be involved in these organizations their parents on class trip it was very difficult “because it gives me opportunity to be a part for them to be apart. of things that I wouldn’t normally be a part of. Like how at Khalsa Council I can take a part Sat Shabad felt her experiences in India were in creating the future and learning how deci- important because she gained an entire new sions are made.” huge family. It was nice for her to grow up Sahaj is works for SDEI and is involved with with people she knows will be around her SDEIAA, Miri Piri Academy, Sikh Dharma, for the rest of my life, sharing the same life- Office of Youth Affairs, Khalsa Teen Wilder- style and experiences. She was excited to be ness Tour, and is a member of Khalsa Council exposed to the Siri Singh Sahib’s teachings as well. He enjoys his work because he feels while she was growing up, and gained a con- he is doing good things for everybody, and fidence and independence. She also learned supporting and teaching the youth how to do about the extremes of life - that in America the same. Although it is sometimes difficult, it she was totally spoiled and don’t recognize it, is always a learning experience, he says. and that in India she had to do with what she got, which was sometimes not very much. Sat Shabad graduated from the College of Santa Fe in May 1999 with a BA in Organiza- The most important achievement of Sahaj’s tional Management, Summa Cum Laude. She life: Eating 10 paranthas (Indian bread) at was on the President’s list throughout col- Bharawan da Dhaba (a local restaurant), with lege. While she attended school full time, she 3 katories (small bowls) of sarson ka saag got experience working at various businesses (a delicious subji). No, but really, he feels such as the Dharmic Accounting office and couple may end up in India working with the his biggest achievement to date is gaining the Amar Infinity. She went to the High School youth in some capacity. trust of the youth while working as a staff for Performing and Visual Arts and graduated member at the schools in India, and marrying in May 1995, after attending school in India Sat Shabad Kaur sees herself working with Sat Shabad Kaur Khalsa. at GNFC and GRD through 8th grade. In high the Sikh businesses and having exposure to school she joined the honor society and the the success and opportunies they will bring. The most important achievement of Sat swim team. She enjoys the growth and personal expan- Shabad’s life: Her decisions in going to sion she feels working within them, and she school, getting married, and making a deci- Sahaj Singh graduated from high school in wants to invest in the future of the businesses. sion to be committed to being a Sikh. 1993 and returned to India in 1994. While So far she has worked in 4 different areas at in high school he was on the student council Security, and is learning many aspects of The SDEI Alumni Association is pleased to - and represented the students for changes the business, as well as receiving a promotion. feature our up-and-coming alumni and alumni such as implementing a new lunch program Currently she is the Assistant Payroll Super- families in future issues of Prosperity Paths. at school to organizing the class trip. He visor and has been at Akal Security since she SDEI is a non-profit organization that directs attended school in India for 8 years, at GNFC graduated from college. Sikh Dharma’s programs for young people. and GRDA and also attended college for one The Alumni Association is dedicated to sup- year at Guru Nanak Dev University in 1994. Sahaj and Sat Shabad were married July 4, porting our young people through scholar- In 1995, he started working for SDEI and 1999, in Espanola, New Mexico. They plan ships and other programs. If you would like began his work with the youth at SSSS, Miri to have at least one child, maybe more. They any information about the Alumni Associ- Piri Academy, and as coordinating office staff would like to send their children to school in ation feel free to contact us at: 1A Ram member in the US. Sahaj also taught history India - when they are ready - because they Das Guru Place, Espanola, NM 87532, via to the students (he got his history buff tenden- believe the connections and interactions and e-mail at [email protected], or via phone cies from his papa). cultural experience they will gain there will at 505-753-8604. last forever. Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 7 The STORY ~ A Poem by Gurutej Singh Khalsa

THE STORY

The Immortal God sat in His Grace One to Organize, to sustain and make it to grow, Relaxed in the Infinite, His dwelling place. One to Destroy or Deliver, we’ll see, He sang to Himself His songs of cheer, What a wonderful creation this is, by Me!” Though He realized there was no one to hear -VI- How sweetly He sang, or to hear His laugh ring, Though He knew He was alone, He continued to sing. The deities set up shop and began running around, No song was repeated, no words were the same, And the demons set to work, tearing it down. But each song He sang was a song of His Name. They fought and they feuded, such a passion play! -I- But their quest for power was getting in the way. “Time to complete it, time to make Myself whole. From those sacred sounds that fell from His mouth Time to push further, yet maintain Self control. He formed the Creation, the North and the South. Time for a way to return to My primal sound, Those infinite vibrations formed the East and the West, So only on Earth will that chance be found.” He formed the Sun, Moon and Stars, by far His best. -VII- He created the Heavens where the angels would dwell, Then just for a laugh He created the demons and Hell. So taking the mud, He heated it with fire, The deities He created to serve Him His tea, Then threw it through the air, higher and higher. Then He formed up the mountains and brewed up the sea. It spun and it grew, creating a great sound, -II- Then landed on Earth and the creatures were found! In His deepest expression of Love, He gave each of them The planets He formed and spun them around stars, His sweet sacred kiss, then the breath they drew in. He created the Earth, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, They flew through the sky, they crawled over the land, He spilled the galaxies across the carpet of the night, They swam in the sea, then some started to stand. Then, when He was ready, He created the Light. -VIII- Still, He kept the darkness, for each thing has its place. And in His finest masterstroke, He created Time and Space, He smiled when He saw them, He laughed with great joy, And continued to sing with the joy of His heart, “I feel so happy, like an innocent young boy!” For what He created was the ultimate work of art. He stopped in his tracks, “Now that’s the next thing, -III- I’ll create Mankind and my Name we’ll all sing!” From within His own heart he squeezed His Divine blood, The deities He loved, as they wandered around, “I would walk on this Earth Myself, if I could, Then they stumbled into Hell, where the demons they found. But those who are Human will walk in My place He laughed when that happened (He was getting bored), And by calling My Name, they’ll all see My Face!” And when they started to fight He laughed ‘til he roared. -IX- Still, there was more that He could form and create, So drawing in His breath He began to meditate. “Yes!” He thought, “Then they’ll know they are Me. Deities and demons caused Him to laugh with mirth, I mean, I am only One, but I’ll be fun to see!” But still, He was not complete, so He looked to planet Earth. Then He turned to the deities, “Look here, My dears, -IV- These humans you must guide to Me, through their fears. Bring them together with care, then bring them to Me, An idea struck Him, He knew what to do, And don’t fight with the demons, they’ll get in the way, you As He regarded the Earth green, white and blue. see. He studied His creation, the sky and the sea, This is all I ask of you, for I do love you too, Then thought to Himself, “I can’t make another Me!? So do this with Love, you must see it through.” “Yet, I’m Omnipotent, unlimited and vast, -X- For all this Universe I created so fast, There must be much more to Me than I know, So to the human creatures the deities reached, I’ll create another form, then to the Earth I’ll go.” And they began to guide them, they began to teach -V- The use of the breath and the power of the Word; Those sacred sounds which bring bliss when heard. The deities and demons and all of their chelas And Mankind grew in consciousness and grace, Made a yatra to Earth in the first kumba mela. It was there in the heavens and on Earth, in each face. He divided Himself into three, but remained One, And deep in each human the Infinite power was given, “I must be Great because look what I’ve done! For there, behind the navel, the Kundalini was hidden. One to Generate, and get this creation to go, -XI-

Pg 8 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD Dasvandh PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 ~ The STORY ~ (con’t.)

Then in each human, the Serpent rose to join her Lord, To touch that place of reverence that makes the Spirit whole. And all of Mankind bowed in reverence to the Word. “Have no fear, my children, you’ll always have a guide, For the sacred Kundalini, the coil of the lover, I’ll walk on Earth among you, I’m always by your side.” Unwinds and rises, spreading her hood over -XVII- The arc of the Man who to her remains true, Giving wisdom and knowledge - some called them Guru. In the desert, the Jews walked, in circles for forty years; But this is the right and privilege of each soul, To release them from their bondage and free them from To raise the Kundalini; to be complete and whole. their fears. -XII- He gave the Ten Commandments, to test them to the hilt. But, because they could not keep them, the Jews created Throughout the Universe all the beings sang His praise, guilt. For the joy of the Ages and their spirits to raise. Some became ascetics and lived in caves by trickling The angels hovered low, as Mankind began to rise, streams, And prayed to Akal Purkh to give them the prize They guarded the ancient secrets and were known as the Of the human incarnation and the gift of the soul; Essenes; That they could join with Him and together be whole. Who understood the Universe and technology of the mind, For it is only on the Earth that exists the Law of , But they kept those secrets hidden, bringing pain upon Man- And the only way to avoid it is upon the path of Dharma. kind. -XVIII- -XIII- The Hindus understood the order of life for Man, Of all His Creation there was none more dear Those intricate principals by which the Universe ran; Than the tiny little man whose prayer He would hear. That Divine technology and how it should be applied, The prayer of the innocent, the prayer of the heart, But they kept that knowledge secret, rather than to guide The prayer of longing caused His blessings to start. The people through their lives, to free them from their pain. Then the deities and demons began to see They kept the masses downtrodden, so only a few would How innocent and gullible Mankind could be. gain. So out of their jealousy they began to deceive, They kept the worship of the deities to pacify the masses, And eventually Mankind they began to mislead. Then divided the society into limited castes and classes. -XIV- -XIX-

Rather than show the way to the Infinite Creator, God took many incarnations to make His message clear; The deities gave powers, God could come later. He walked upon the Earth with those He held so dear. So in the quest for power, Mankind lost his way, Through all of His channels he had many forms and faces, While the deities rose before him, to lead him astray. He appeared to many people in many lands and places. They told the innocent man that they were the Whole. He always showed the way and He was known by many And in the worship of the deities, Mankind lost his Soul Names And forgot that he is Infinite and to whom he belonged, And in each earthly situation, His message remained But the great Akal Purkh kept singing His song. unchanged, -XV- “The Truth lies there within you, though you look for it out- side, “Time for a change, then, it’s Time to recreate, Meditate upon my Word and forget your foolish pride.” After all, I am God and my Creation is great! -XX- I’ll transform myself and touch this world of form, I’ll take a physical body and as a human I’ll be born, Gautam was a Hindu, a privileged and pampered youth, I’ll set a clear path, in fact, I’ll make two Who saw how Mankind suffered, and sought to know the So whatever the personality, Man can find his way through.” Truth He pulled Himself up, He focused in His heart, Of why it is we suffer and what is the way to be free. Then loosed that Infinite Energy, and let the next Age start. So he left his pampered life and sat down under a tree; -XVI- To meditate for an answer, to try to ease the pain, And after many long years, Enlightenment was what he From the Infinite Creator, two Divine channels grew, gained. “One I’ll call Jewish and the other one Hindu.” He became known as the Buddha and walked the Middle To each He gave His secrets, to each He gave a Way Way, For Mankind to track his life, so God could watch His play. Until by his own disciple, he was poisoned and betrayed. To each He put His tests, to challenge every Soul; -XXI-

Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 9 ~ The STORY ~ (con’t.)

Then He looked into himself, “So let the process start!” Through the land of Israel, walked a Nazarene, And He meditated profoundly, probing deep into His Heart. Who openly taught the people the secrets of the Essenes. “All those who I’ve sent to carry the message in My Name, He taught the common people, opening up their eyes Left cults of personality and the Truth is lost, to their shame.” To the desecration of the Temples and corruption of the -XXVI- rabbis. He screamed loudly to the masses, “Heal Yourselves, don’t “All I ever wanted was for them to worship the Sound; look back!” That is their True Identity and the Way that I am found. Then he was betrayed and stretched like a hide upon a rack, They cannot worship a man, or an idol or a stone, And from within his breaking heart he cried into the blue, They must direct themselves by that experience which is “Forgive them all, my Father, for they don’t know what they known. do!” -XXII- The time for Faith is passing, the Time for Truth has come, Time to give the direct course, to find the fastest way home. That simple act of compassion from that broken man, I will roll myself into the Shabd Guru Started a chain reaction that spread throughout all lands. So all who bow can find their way through.” But what is before the people is not what Jesus taught, -XXVII- For another form of control is what the clergy sought. And by the sixth century the essence of Christianity was lost, The Father of the Bedis was given the call to begin Then upon a sea of guilt her congregations were tossed. To ignite the Light of Wisdom within the hearts of Men. So as the course of History stumbled forward with a lurch, He took the incarnation and laughed out loud at his birth, The falling Roman Empire became the Holy Catholic Church. For he brought the Shabd Guru to life on planet Earth. -XXIII- He stepped into the river and dived deep into his soul And emerged as Guru Nanak with the Universe in his con- Out there in the desert, that had been circled by the Jews, trol. A man called Hazrat Mohammed began to spread the news “There is no Hindu or Mussalman for the Immortal God is Among the tribes of the desert, who had been left behind; One.” That the One God stands with us and He is Merciful and Then he began to weave all the channels into a single one. Kind, -XXVIII- Allah is how He is called, its plain for the faithful to see, Spread the news across the world and kill all who disagree. Guru Nanak found one disciple, through every test he stood So like flames before the wind, Islam spread across the true, world. So the one known as Bhai Lena, became Angad, the Guru. Then, into wars of religion, Mankind was stupidly hurled. spread the message that Guru Nanak had -XXIV- given, And formed the script so the Shabds could be The Hindus attacked the Buddhists and killed them where written. they stood, He missed Guru Nanak so painfully that he locked himself The Muslims killed the Hindus and bathed the idols with their away blood. In a tiny little room, where he could meditate day to day. The Christians fought the Muslims, sending their own children Yet, without the True Guru, a Sikh has no hope or life, into war, Then his Sikhs found the Guru and their love removed his Then turned on their congregations, spreading the Inquisition strife. -XXIX- far. The monks hid in the monasteries, the Yogis hid in their There was an old man who for twelve years served the True caves, Guru, While the priests, pundits and mullahs sent thousands to their Then set out in the darkness on a night when a cold wind graves, blew. And huge cults of personality were built around those men, On his back he carried Guru’s water, through that dark and The ones called Avatars, whom God had entered in. cold, -XXV- Then Guru Angad blessed him saying, “The Guruship now you hold!” “Well,” he thought to Himself, “it’s Time to make a change, Oh, Honor of the Honorless, we call on , Time for some adjustments, Time to rearrange, Oh, Hope of the Hopeless, we call on Guru Amar Das, Time to start the transition into another Age, Oh, Shelter of the Shelterless, we call on Guru Amar Das, Time for the course of History to turn another page.” Strength to the Weak and Lost, is Guru Amar Das. -XXX-

Pg 10 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD Dasvandh PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 ~ The STORY ~ (con’t.)

Jetha was an orphan, the streets of Goindwal he walked Rishi Dusht Daman, as he was known before, alone, Was given the by God to go to Earth, once more; Then Guru Amar Das blessed him and gave him shelter in To finish the job and rearrange the flow, his home. “But only if You work through me will I go.” He served the Guru’s with divine humility and grace, He created the Khalsa to reign supreme Then Guru tested his heart and gave him the Guru’s place. And through them he became Guru Gobind Singh. , Sodhi Sultan, gave to the world the Sarover, He took the Adi Granth, and made it the Siri Guru, Where those with a prayer, though beaten at heart, To guide his beloved Khalsa ever straight and true. find the hope to start over. -XXXVI- Guru of Miracles is Guru Ram Das and his temple is open to all, Once again, by the Grace of the Sword, Then he passed the flame, after seven years, and Arjan Mankind shall bow only to the Word. answered the call. Then the Immortal God looked to the West, -XXXI- “Time to bring out of Myself the best, Time to unite all the paths I’ve laid, took the Word and gave it a definite form Time to redeem all the souls I’ve made, For by his hand, in perfect Raag, the Adi Granth was born. Like oil upon water, Guru’s word will spread, Then, to turn the Destiny to meet the coming Age, So in every land my Precious Ones will be lead.” He sat upon the hot plate, a serene and humble sage. -XXXVII- He sacrificed himself, to show us the way that’s right, Then passed on to his son, the Shabd Guru’s Light. The Time is right now, the New Age has arrived, So as Guru Arjan Dev quietly met his end, Where the way of the Guru is the way to survive. Young Bhandi Chor became . For God, in His perfection, took a simple stone -XXXII- And polished it through the Ages, it is the only One. Then the sacred Kundalini, He carefully placed inside The master of the world, the master of the soul, And set it on the Earth, with all His Joy and Pride. This is the way of a Sikh; to be complete and whole. And that gem of a Yogi has brought the Word of the Guru He established the Holy , wearing two ringing To all those fallen angels who are, simply, me and you. swords; -XXXVIII- To be the temporal world’s master and her spiritual lord. Bidi Chand brought Dilbagh and Gulbagh to Guru’s door, Espanola And when the Sultan heard it, his army went to war. 6 November, 1995 But the army of Guru Hargobind stood and faced the fight And sent the Moguls running into that cold, dark night. -XXXIII- Special Holy was gentle and kind, With a compassionate heart and a humble mind. Thanks to He kept a standing army, though the animals he loved, For the Law of Compassion is how the spirit is proved. Gurutej Singh Then , a beautiful child of five, Kept the Radiant Light of Guru Nanak alive. Khalsa for There, at Bangla Sahib, he took on himself the plague, So that the painful suffering of thousands could be saved. submitting his -XXXIV- beautiful poetry For twenty-seven years Guru Hargobind’s son Sat in a tiny room and meditated alone. for our In his secret solitude he received the Light of the Guru, (Although it was a few weeks before anyone knew). Keepsake Issue , in his simple grace and peace Quietly sacrificed himself to bring religious relief. 2000 He bowed, then gave his head and merged into the One. Then, passed the Light of Nanak to Gobind Rai, his son. of Prosperity -XXXV- Paths

Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 11 Punjabi University for Sikh Studies and Punjabi, Espanola, NM

From a student -- Sarb Nam Kaur Khalsa, it’s just that little bit of study on that level a whole culture, language, and traditions. Espanola, NM is giving me a whole different experi- There’s no separation between the Guru ence than I’ve ever had before. I feel very creating a religion and the Guru creating When I first heard about the classes, I inside of what we are doing, and feel like a culture, a whole-life religion, a life- thought it was a very unique opportu- I am really sitting at the feet of the Guru. style. nity. I don’t think we’ve had anything quite like this before. It was actually my One fun experience that happened in this Dr. Balkar Singh cares about what he husband who encouraged me to go. He class was the other night when we were teaches. It sounds like he’s feeling a lot just said, “Why don’t you take all three studying the fifth pauri of Japji, and there of loss -- that many people in India have classes?” And I said, “Okay.” was a line in which Guru Nanak was lost their center. I come away from the basically explaining that the Guru con- class feeling like I really understand what It was also coinciding with sending my tains all of the deities -- Bramha, Vishnu, our mission is from the perspective that son to school in India, and I felt kind of Shiva. It was just one simple line which we are all missionaries to the world. He’s excited that I would be learning some of I’ve read hundreds of times, but never really brought that home. the same things that he would be learn- really thought about it, though I knew ing. I’ve been his teacher for so many that’s what it meant; I didn’t really under- One day we were talking about souls and years. But I have a feeling he’s destiny and I wanted to know going to come back and teach from the Sikh perspective if there me some things. Right now, it’s was a teaching or tradition about the closest that I am going to a mother praying for her child. be able to get to really steeping My son’s in India, and I was myself in the whole culture. It’s thinking -- I prayed for the child not like going back to school to come into the world, this is his to get a degree; it’s something I destiny, and now he’s in India. really want to know because it’s How can I still continue to con- part of who I am as a Sikh. nect that way? Dr. Balkar helped me understand it very clearly. A I signed up for the only Punjabi mother is an Institution in Sikh Conversation Class - Intermedi- Dharma. It’s not about an indi- ate Level - though I really didn’t vidual mother or anything she have any conversational skills. I stand from an historical context what does as a woman, but that we figured at least I can read Gurmukhi and Guru Nanak had done. The lady sitting came here to create this spiritual nation I know some words. I decided to jump in, next to me, whose eyes got really big, and a woman has to create an institution and if it was way over my head, I could looked up and said, “Oh my God, this is of motherhood, we’ve come here to create get out. It has been very interesting and where Guru Nanak tells everybody that an understanding of what a mother can challenging, but Dr. Balkar Singh is very you don’t have to worship all these dei- be for the whole planet. The conscious- patient and gives alot of personal atten- ties anymore. That Guru contains all; this ness is that it’s not outside of who we tion. Plus some students in the class have is where he really laid it out.” It was are as human beings, as Americans, as a lot of experience, and so you learn from almost like we’d been taken back to Guru women, as men. To me being a Sikh is other people, too. It’s not just lecturing at Nanak’s time. And you suddenly could how we define ourselves in relation to the us, it’s interactive and a real team effort. feel what it must have felt like to hear rest of the world. This class has contin- that Japji for the first time, and to realize ued to help me learn what that means. In another class, we’re learning to trans- the profound political impact that he had late . We’re getting into it on on the world, not just the impact that he I have been very grateful for these classes, a very deep level -- understanding the had as a Spiritual Man, as a Holy Man. look forward to continuing them, and poetry of Guru Nanak, his words, and his encourage everybody to come and take meanings, plus the historical context of There’s also a Sikh History and Tra- this opportunity. it. This has added a whole new dimen- ditions class which is very interesting sion for me. I’ve enjoyed participating because we’re learning so many different For information about the schedule for for years in . But for the first ways of looking at Sikh History. We’re 2001, please contact Dr. Sat Kirpal time, I actually could hear Guru Nanak’s getting a very traditional, historical per- Kaur at [email protected], fax voice in my head, and I heard what he spective and much more. The to 505-753-5982, or tel 505-747-8928. was really saying. I’m not claiming to me were the holy men who created Gur- suddenly be an expert on Guru Nanak, mukhi and gave Sikhs a way of experi- encing God. In fact, they actually created

Pg 12 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD Dasvandh PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 IKYTA News “Raise children with so much love by Nam Kaur Khalsa, Executive Director and sophistication, with such care and security, give them such The Strength of a Teacher intuitiveness, and such love, that Excerpts from the First Annual Kundalini Yoga Teach- they can be proud of their identity ers Conference lecture: and their intelligence, so they will “You teach Kundalini Yoga, is that true? That is the never play games. Living Principle of Almighty God. God is impotent. Give them another chance.” God cannot produce another God. He is a lonely, one -Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan unit, self-contained self in Itself. Out of His boredom, like yours, and out of His weakness, like ours, He threw the Shakti, the thunderbolt of Kundalini, and uncoiled Himself. That was the process. And that pro- cess of the uncoiling of God and creating the universe is Kundalini Yoga. Can I know you all? No. Will I know you all? No. There is only one link between us. I started, and you will follow; you will start, and others will follow. This Golden Link will continue.” Yogi Bhajan, June 16 & 17, 1994

THE EIGHT ANNUAL TEACHERS CONFERENCE: The Fundamentals of Posture and Alignment for Perfecting Kundalini Yoga Postures June 14 & 15, 2001, Espanola, New Mexico*

Developed by Guru Prem Singh and Pritpal Kaur, this course is specifically designed for IKYTA teachers to study firsthand how to improve their teaching tech- niques of Kundalini Yoga postures. You will learn the fundamentals of posture and alignment that all yoga students need to know to improve their yoga practice. And do lots of yoga! The highlight of the conference is Yogi Bhajan’s lecture, “The Aurora Borealis of a Kundalini Yoga Teacher,” which is scheduled for the evening of June 15, 2001.

*This course is also offered on April 7 & 8, 2001, at YogaWest in Los Angeles, California. Please call 310.552.4647 for details.

3HO IKYTA Route 2 Box 4 Shady Lane Enterprises Espanola, N.M. 87532 USA For audio and video tapes of Siri Singh Sahib (aka Yogi Ph: 505.753.0423 Fax: 505.753.5982 Bhajan) and Class lectures, books and music. ikyta@.org www.kundaliniyoga.com Toll Free: (800) 829-3970, or (505) 753-0563.

Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 13 From the Press

President Clinton Speaks in Santa Fe, Acknowledges Importance of Sikh Community

For the first time in his 8 year term, President Clinton visited the capital of one of the most diverse states in the Union: Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Stumping for the Democratic Party, President Clinton used his time in Santa Fe to highlight the differences between Republican and Democratic policy, especially on such key issues as the economy, the environment and health-care.

At the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, which hosted a political event for President Clinton, the President took some time to speak with the Siri Singh Sahib, head of the Western Sikh community, and his wife, Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur, about US-Indian relations. Four other members of the Sikh Community attended the event. International Sikh Leader Presents Indian Prime Minister with Symbol of Goodwill

In preparation for President Bill Clinton’s meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Washington issued a warm invitation to His Holiness, the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, to participate in the Prime Minister’s visit. With this invitation, the Siri Singh Sahib, also known as Yogi Bhajan, and his party represented Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere at a range of official State events.

During the whirl-wind weekend, members of Yogi Bhajan’s party attended the Prime Minister’s address to the Joint Session of Congress. Yogi Bhajan’s wife, Bibiji Inderjit Kaur, and other Sikhs sat in the VIP section of the Speaker’s Gallery. On Friday, the Sikh Dharma delegation helped President Clinton welcome the Prime Minister during the Arrival Ceremony on the White House lawn. Later that afternoon, they joined the Prime Minister and Vice President Al Gore for lunch at the United States State Department.

On Saturday, the Indian Embassy hosted a reception on behalf of the Prime Minister at the Omni Shoreham Hotel where the India delegation was staying. Approximately 1000 people attended the event. During the reception, the Prime Minister approached the Siri Singh Sahib and the two exchanged a few words on the subject of religious tolerance and the importance of international peace. As a symbol of goodwill between India and Sikh Dharma of the Western Hemisphere, the Siri Singh Sahib presented the Prime Minister with a gold and pearl prayer mala.

On Sunday night, 700 people participated in the State Dinner at the White House. Yogi Bhajan and his wife, Bibiji, were in attendance. Both President Clinton and Prime Minister Vajpayee spoke about the new strategic partnership between the United States and India. Yogi Bhajan enjoyed the speeches and said that the United States is on the right path in its relationship with India. He said that President Clinton was very kind in his words and that the White House excellently honored the Prime Minister.

Pg 14 Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 SD Dasvandh PO Box 249, Santa Cruz, NM 87567

Your Advantages of Giving on or before December 31st, 2000

Careful planning today can re- vices you care about. prior to December 31 rewards sult in a nice gift for you when Your gift may be made in a you at tax filing time. tax time rolls around! number of ways depending on your particular situa- For example, if you make a The federal gov- tion. $2,000 gift before December ernment recog- 31 and are in the 28% mar- nizes the contribu- And careful planning is ginal tax bracket, your gift tion non-profits the key to maximizing could save your $560 in taxes. organizations your benefits. make to humanity through providing tax deductions. Gifts of CashGifts Cash Cash is still the most You benefit from this deduc- popular way to make tion when you make a gift to charitable gifts. And your support the programs and ser- gift of cash to Amar Infinity

Gifts of StocksGifts Stocks

Gifts of appreciated securities Gifts of Real EstateGifts Estate tax. If given outright to and stock can be one of the Amar instead, you avoid the If you have owned your most advantageous ways of tax and , at the same time, Securing the Future home, a vacation home, acre- giving because you can re- realize a charitable deduction age, or a farm for many ceive two-fold tax saving. for the full fair market value years, a charitable gift of that Amar Infinity of the real estate. real estate can Foundation is If your gift is of stock be especially building for the You may also wish to con- present and you have owned for tax- insuring the future more than one year, advantageous. sider a gift of your personal residence or farm, reserving for the programs you may deduct the full fair market value the right to continue to live in and services of The property 3HO, KRI, Sikh of the stock as a chari- the house or farm the prop- may have ap- Dharma, Sikh table contribution, while erty for the rest of your life. preciated in value over the Dharma Education avoiding all capital gains years and its sale would re- International, and taxes. Guru Ram Das sult in a sizable capital gains Center for Medicine and Humanology. Gifts of Life InsuranceGifts Insurance Remember, when gifting to Amar, you A Life Insurance policy is the ums are still to be made and Please contact us can state your perfect vehicle for a 2000 you continue to pay them, wishes and direct If we can be of help as you make year-end charitable gift! those premiums will become your gift to be used your gifting plans. tax deductible each year. It’s for the program closest to your To receive a charitable de- easy to contribute a life in- heart. duction, name Amar as both surance policy to Amar. Amar Infinity Foundation the owner and beneficiary of 2317 N. Richland Street that policy. If the policy has Phoenix, Arizona 85006 a cash value, you can take a charitable deduction approxi- Tel: (602) 252-0931 mately equal to the cash Fax: (602) 254-2232 value at the time of the gift. Email: [email protected] In addition, if annual premi-

Tel: (505) 747-0388 email: [email protected] Prosperity Paths Keepsake Issue 38 December 2000 Pg 15 Sikh Dharma NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage Prosperity Paths PAID Espanola, NM Permit No. 934 PO Box 249 Santa Cruz, NM 87567

Prosperity Paths Newsletter News PDF? ? But how?? Online?

Did you know that Prosperity Paths is also available on-line? If you are interested, you can get it immediately. How does it work? We’re using something called Portable Document Format , known in short as a PDF File. No matter what kind of computer you have, PC or Mac, it will look just like what we print and send out.

How do you do it? 1. Go to www.Sikhnet.com/prosperity. On the list of articles, you will see a title with PDF in it - this is the PDF file containing the current issue of Prosperity Paths. (The Dasvandh website will be up early next year and then you will find it there as well as on Sikhnet.) 2. Decide if you want to download it onto your computer or if you want to view it in your web browser. 3. In order to download it, you will need to have FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader software. If you already have it, just click on the icon and you’ll be able to download or view it on screen. If you don’t have it, go to www.adobe.com and click on icon that says FREE acrobat reader. Once you have it installed on your computer, you will be able to get all future issues of Prosperity Paths via your computer.

We can make it even easier for you - just email us at [email protected] and specify NOTIFICATION in the subject line, and we will send you the link every time an issue goes out.

What does it mean? You are given the advantage of convenience and speed so you can access Prosperity Paths immediately at any time on your computer. And even better - you will be helping to save Dasvandh dollars by reducing printing, postage and handling costs.

Think about it!