International Khalsa Council Meetings - October 2000
By Gurunater Kaur Khalsa
The October 2000 Khalsa Council meetings were held in Espanola, New Mexico. The focus was on Leadership, Support Programs for the Khalsa Family and Human Development & Personal Relationships. For the first time, officer’s reports were available online after the meetings with just two reports given orally.
In the Secretary General Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur’s opening address to the Khalsa Council, she said, “Last summer the Siri Singh Sahib gave a lecture at Master’s Touch on the Sensory System. Basically the lecture defined the mentality of the new century. We will see a shift from sensuality as the primary attraction to experience and wisdom as the primary attraction. Shifting has been my experience in preparing this agenda; these meetings have great depth, participation and involvement to build relationships.”
Through the grace of Guru Ram Das, the Siri Singh Sahib addressed the Council each day. On the first day, he spoke on “Understanding Japji as a Living Guide,” emphasizing, “In the coming time you’ll need to understand Japji, the jaap of the ji; ji is the soul and soul has to be taught. Soul has to have an understanding so it can fundamentally live in you without fear, without emotions, without misunderstanding.” On the second day he spoke on “Methodical Mannerism of Life Transactions,” saying “You have to hear a person. You think you hear people, but you don’t. Hear with your inner ear to translate it, and communicate it with the brain. You react; you don’t hear what somebody wants to say. It’s not essential to answer immediately.”
The Bhai Sahiba gave an informative and humorous account of her work at the United Nations Millennium Peace Summit for Religious and Spiritual Leaders and how Guru Ram Das kept orchestrating the events. The Siri Singh Sahib was the official representative for Sikh Dharma and addressed the esteemed crowd. Bibiji and SS Mukta Kaur also went to Capitol Hill where they attended the Prime Minister of India’s address to the Joint Session of Congress and Vice President Al Gore’s luncheon hosted by the U.S. State Department. They and a team worked nonstop to make arrangements for the Siri Singh Sahib to attend the State Dinner at the White House for the Indian Prime Minister, which was hosted by President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton.
SS Avtar Hari Singh presented the topic of Philanthropy to the Khalsa Council. He said by adopting a philanthropic cause, members could personally contribute through financial contributions, giving of their time, financial expertise or prayer. The Executive Committee reviewed the proposed packet and guidelines, and the Secretary General approved it as the interim model. In the April Khalsa Council meetings, members will have an opportunity to adopt a philanthropic cause and solicit philanthropic contributions.
One of the most impactful agenda items was “The Living Word - True Tales of the Dharma.” Almost every member chose to tell their personal story on videotape around the topics of how their character was tested, the touch of the master, the miracle of Guru Ram Das; or prosperity, giving and receiving. What amazing stories they were! Each person was changed from the experience and felt bonded in a new way to one another.
The Bhai Sahiba Section gave a presentation on “Japji Self-Mastery” which everyone enjoyed. Bibiji began with a little history about Guru Nanak and Mardana and proceeded to explain some of the sections of Japji such as “Suniai,” which is to listen from the inside of your soul, to your inner ear, to your brain, so you get the essence. SS Hari Dharam Kaur spoke about reading Japji with impact to really hear and absorb what we are saying. SS Guru Sangat Kaur had us doing a spirited Celestial Communication with the “Ades tisai ades” section, which tells us if we conquer our own mind we can conquer the world and always “Hail God!” and “Praise the Lord!” Dr. Harjot Kaur created a meditative experience of the Slok of Japji, “pavan guru paneee pita.” She recited it as kirtan in various ways and transported us to blissful heights. The last part of the presentation was the naad kirtan of the Mul Mantra. The overall effect was enlightening and uplifting, and many members asked for some similar kind of spiritual education at every meeting.
The April Khalsa Council meetings will be held in Los Angeles during the Baisakhi celebrations. The meetings are April 11th, 12th, 13th with a Baisakhi picnic the afternoon of the 13th. White Tantric Yoga is on April 14th and the Baisakhi Gurdwara is on April 15th.
If you would like to be an Observer in the April or October Khalsa Council meetings, please contact us via [email protected] or telephone 505-747-8928 or fax 505-753-5982. Sat Nam.