It’s been a while since I traveled anywhere for SikhNet. We have been busy with lots of new things so it has been hard to travel anywhere. Generally when I travel I like to ensure that I have a chance to network with other youth leaders and people in the Sikh community. SikhNet being primarily in the virtual world it really helps to have face to face relationships with people and knowing people in person.
This Friday through Sunday (Apr 18-20) I’ll be visiting Toronto, Canada to network and participate in The Centennial Foundation Vaisakhi Gala as a honoree for SikhNet work. I’m hoping that I get a chance to meet and talk to lots of Sikhs, especially any "youth leaders" who are active in the community.
Whenever I go to Canada I always seem to get pulled aside by customs and questioned/searched. I hope this time around I have all my answers "right". They must think it strange to see a white dude with a turban and feel that they must question me to see what I am. What I have learnt is to know the name and address of the person you are meeting or seeing. If you don’t have this info that’s a red flag. Don’t say you are going to a "camp" which to them might be a "terrorist camp". So if any of you come to the Summer Solstice Camp….. just say you are going to a "Yoga/Meditation Retreat". Such is a life in North America as a Sikh…to stand out. :)
The kids are growing up so fast! It’s been a while since I posted some pictures, so here are a few. A little while ago Narayan went through a phase where he didn’t want me taking picture of him anymore and was always avoiding the camera. Now that has changed. Recently Arjan told me that she was talking with him and he was feeling upset that I never took pictures of him anymore. Such is the life with siblings and the ups and downs of wanting to get the attention of your parents :)
Continue reading ‘Latest Pics of the The Kids’
Here is another excerpt (story) from the upcoming book on Sikh Dharma by Shakti Parwha Kaur and Sikh Dharma International. I love how the book is presented with personal stories and showing Sikhi from an experiential perspective, rather than in a scholarly or intellectual way; coming from the heart rather than the head.
By MSS Sadasat Singh Khalsa
My first encounter with the Guru (in this lifetime) was in February, 1973.
I was living at Ahimsa Ashram in Washington, D.C. doing Teacher Training. In those days Teacher Training in Washington meant teaching the morning Kundalini Yoga class and then going to the restaurant, The Golden Temple Conscious Cookery, to wash dishes and scrub pots and pans until midnight, then go home, get up for sadhana and repeat the process day after day. Continue reading ‘Destined to Stay’
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!
Continue reading ‘Siblings of Destiny’
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’
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.
At the playground…
Guess who’s charan…?
Last night I started a bonfire and we told stories by the fire and sang songs..
5-11 year olds at camp. All the parents take turns on different days to help with the kids. Here is a picture of some of the kids I was watching on my day.
by Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Khalsa www.ekongkaar.blogspot.com
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.
Sat Nam and Divine Blessings.
In the first half of 2008, four different centers will be hosting a Japji Sahib weekend in their areas. The weekends will focus on meditation, chanting, a little bit of yoga and much conversation and discussion about the steps that Guru Naanak gives us in Japji Sahib to heal ourselves and find the Love that lives within us.
If it’s possible for you to be there, I would love to see you. Come join me with the sangat, and give yourself the time and space to go deeply into the universal teachings that started the Sikh tradition.
Austin, Texas
February 1-3, 2008
Yoga Yoga North
512.380.9800 or info@yogayoga.com
Continue reading ‘Japji Sahib: The Song of the Soul. Intensive Weekends: 2008′
Get MrSikhNet by Email
