 Dear Khalsa Ji  |
Dear Khalsa Ji,
As we all hear about, and some of us engulf ourselves in, the political situation in Punjab, we seem to have forgotten what Baisakhi is all about. We have forgotten that there is something out there that is greater, much greater than Baisakhi, something more profound, something that gives an essence to it, and that is Amrit.
Baisakhi might be older; arguably, Baisakhi might be an old harvest season, but what gave life to this event is Khande-de-Pahul. Some of us may have forgotten that the upcoming event is the tri-centenary celebration of the Amrit ceremony, and not of Baisakhi. In other words, this year is the 300th anniversary of the Guru's Baisakhi, and this is the Baisakhi which is higher and greater than the worldly Baisakhi because of the gift of Amrit.
Amrit is greater than Baisakhi. What is so unique is that though Baisakhi might be bound by the clock of time, Amrit is not. Baisakhi doesn't make Amrit, but Amrit can make a Baisakhi into something to celebrate about. Amrit is not bound by the occurrence of an event. It is not bound by any anniversary. It is the true nectar of life. Ask those who have taken this nectar. For them, even if they are taking Amrit in December, the joy of being and becoming of the Guru is so great that it is Baisakhi in December for them. They can harvest their souls through this Amrit ceremony.
So don't take part in Baisakhi, take part in Amrit! Don't celebrate Baisakhi; celebrate the Amrit, and celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Amrit ceremony.
Sincerely,
Gursev Singh, Canada