Monthly Archive for February, 2008

Wallpaper Celebration

This morning I realized that the rest of the world was going to be celebrating valentines day. This holiday (like most) is not really religious (for most people at least) but a day when the guys are expected to do something sweet and nice for the girls in their life (wife, mother, sister, etc). So while I was meditating this morning I thought of making something creative to celebrate this day as a Sikh. I got excited and couldn’t hold myself back as the computer drew me to it like a magnet to iron. The result was three different wallpapers which you can see and download below. I hope you like them :)

Affirmations in Red
The first is in the theme of valentines day (red and hearts) with some different affirmations repeated in the background.

Affirmations - Heart - Red

Continue reading ‘Wallpaper Celebration’

Siblings of Destiny

Here are a few pictures from yesterday in the morning before Narayan went off to school. Arjan wanted to send out some cards to family with a picture of the kids so I took a quick picture as best I could. It’s a challenge taking pictures of kids. Once they are in the right place….the best strategy is camera motor drive (click-click-click-click-click….) This way with all the movement you’ll hopefully get a smile at the right moment. These kids sure are growing up fast!

Siblings of Destiny  

Continue reading ‘Siblings of Destiny’

Guru Ram Das Ashram - Los Angeles

I was born and raised during my early years in Los Angeles, and spent the first many years of my life there. I don’t really think Los Angeles is all that special, however the Sangat/Community that I lived with and the Gurdwara IS something special. Guru Ram Das Ashram in Los Angeles is historical in many ways. It is pretty much the birth place for Sikhs of western background. This is where many thousands of people came, were inspired, and became Sikhs. Since the early 70’s this Gurdwara and sangat has been a focal point for many "seekers"….and is a place to treasure.

If you have ever been to Guru Ram Das Ashram, you’ll know that it is quite small and cozy (unlike your average Gurdwara which is stadium sized and you can get lost in). There is no langar hall, so after Gurdwara sheets are put down and people have langar on the sidewalk in the front. It’s a very humble and beautiful Gurdwara that I suggest you visit if you are ever in the Los Angeles are. There is some amazing art work, sculptures, and beautiful carvings. Check out some pictures that someone took of the Gurdwara.

Continue reading ‘Guru Ram Das Ashram - Los Angeles’

Sikh Dharma International Launches New Website

Sikh Dharma InternationalThe Sikh Dharma International website has just been launched (Read the official press release). I just checked it out and there is lots of information about the organization and great educational content about Sikhi. Definitely worth visiting….

You can also watch three newly posted inspirational videos lectures by SSS Harbhajan Singh Khalsa which recently aired on TV.

Curious? Interested? Head on over to www.SikhDharma.org and explore….

Japji Sahib: The Song of the Soul: Intensive Weekends: Update!

by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa
 
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.
 
We had a wonderful time at YogaYoga in Austin this last weekend. There was a great group of really dedicated students who came for the Japji Sahib course. Inspiring and heart-opening for all of us.
 
No pictures, though. Unfortunately…
 
A dear friend has asked me to post more details about some of the upcoming intensive weekends - so here it is - an update of the upcoming courses in February and March.
 
PLEASE NOTE: There is an additional workshop in New York City on Sunday afternoon that is an intro to Guru Amar Das’ Anand Sahib.
 

New Audio Track by Balvinder Singh (Australia)

I just got a beautiful new audio track from Balvinder Singh (Australia wale) which is titled "The Sweet Song". The actual words are from the shabad by Guru Arjan Dev Ji: "Jo Mangeh Thakur Apne Thae". The vocals are by Harinder Kaur. You can hear some other music by Balvinder Singh that I have posted in the past.

Balvinder Singh is currently in India right now learning Sarangi and planning to release a new album mid year (2008). So stay tuned to hear when it is released! In the mean time take a few long deep breaths in and out, and listen to the below shabad. Let your worries and stress melt away….

Download 

Ps. We just got lots of new snow last night so it is so magical outside with white all over and the bright New Mexico sun!

Affirmation for the Soul

Snatam Kaur

by Snatam Kaur 

The sun was beautiful, shining warmly on the Los Angeles neighborhood nestled between the two busy streets of Fairfax and Beverly. I was using some free time between recording sessions on my upcoming children’s album to take a walk.  One of my favorite things to do is look at houses and lawns.  It’s a fascination for me, really.  I love to see beautiful homes and gardens, and in LA there are so many that it is just pure entertainment. As I walked, I was enraptured by the beautiful white roses climbing up white picket fences, the perfectly manicured lawns, the fancy gates with pathway lighting, the exotic orange flowers that look like flamingo heads, and the beautiful windows and stone-laden driveways.  I wove in and out of the quiet streets for quite some time, feeling serene and meditative, and then I took a turn and suddenly found myself right in the middle of one of the busiest streets in LA.  What a shock.

Continue reading ‘Affirmation for the Soul’

Kenneth Cole - The Sikh

"We all Walk in Different Shoes"

A few days ago, Kenneth Cole unveiled one of his new ads on a wall of Rockefeller Center in New York City. The model is, surprisingly, a sardar.

The campaign features Sandeep (aka: Sonny) Caberwal as a Sikh and in the below video he explains about being a Sikh and standing out.

Read more about it at on SikhNet and on SikhChic or KennethCole.com