2nd Annual Youth Conference on Sikhism - The Golden Temple of the Heart
A thick crowd of young people sat in meditation, bathed in the golden light of the Harimandir Sahib, the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Many had tears running down their face as their minds and souls were engulfed in essential bliss that comes from a sight of this holy place. The experience was moving and uplifting, solidifying individual identities with the Sikh essence.
This did not happen on the cool marble of Amritsar, but in an auditorium at the University of Calgary on May 27th. More than four hundred people joined together for the 2nd Annual Youth Conference on Sikhism put on by the Dashmesh Mission of Calgary. The conference title, “Healing Your Spirit and Soul: Your connection with the Harimandir Sahib” guided all the participants to search within themselves and find their own, personal devotion to the divine. The conference began with a presentation of the life of Guru Ram Das ji, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs and the founder of the city of Amritsar and the Tank of Nectar. Through stories, slides, and music, the story of the Fourth Guru came alive for the viewers. This was followed by an audio-visual walk around the Parkarma at the Golden Temple that was so real, and so alive, that it left many people in tears. As said at the conference, “the Harimandir Sahib achieves the kind of romantic glory which flouts convention, answers to the mood of astonishment, and compels humility before God!”
Dr. Harjot Kaur Singh and the Dashmesh Mission of Calgary organized the conference. The Dashmesh Mission is a youth group formed originally to celebrate the Tercentenary of the Khalsa. Through the selfless work of Gurjit Singh and Kulvir Singh, a dynamic association formed. Its goal is to learn about the true message of Sikhism, and to spread the message to others. What better way than to gather so many beautiful souls together in praise of Guru Ram Das!
After the guided meditation at the Golden Temple, Dr. Harjot Kaur gave a fantastic lecture on “The Physiological Impact of Gurbani Naad (Sound Current) on the Body, Mind, and Soul.” She presented scientific evidence and documentation of the beneficial impact of Gurbani on the human being. Even the most cynical mind could not refute the conclusion of her presentation showing that Gurbani is a healing source in God’s creation.
Dr. Balkar Singh followed this presentation with a talk on “The Harimandir within the Heart of the Sikh.” How true that is! Harimandir Sahib is the golden altar at which the Sikh Nation bows, and that same Harimandir exists within the heart and soul of each individual Sikh as well.
Dr. Balkar Singh is a renowned scholar in the field of Sikh Studies with 30 years of research and teaching experience at the Punjabi University, Patiala. This fall he has established a branch of the Punjabi University in Espanola, New Mexico under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia.
Other presenters were Baltej Singh Dhillon, the first turbaned Sikh in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Onkar Singh, a gifted teacher and raagi; Guru Raj Kaur Khalsa, a role-model for all Sikh women; Professor Maninder Singh, a dedicated missionary and scholar; Jasbir Singh Kainth, a successful member of the Calgary Police Department; and myself, Shanti Kaur Khalsa. Discussions were held in smaller groups of 20 so that people could speak their heart, ask meaningful questions, and really gain a deeper understanding of the issues. Seminar topics included, “Connecting your mind with the Harimandir Sahib;” “Connecting your spirit with the Harimandir Sahib;” “Sikh identity in the workplace;” “The role of women as Khalsa;” and many others.
At the end of the day, the group reconvened as a whole to meditate. The group was so energized that the room buzzed with light as people came together. A powerful experience was realized individually, but shared by all. The peace and power of the Golden Temple, sitting in glory 10,000 miles away, was felt as a tangible manifestation in the heart of each Sikh.