"The
use of music for spiritual attainment and healing of the soul, which
was prevalent in ancient times, is not found to the same extent today.
Music has been made a pastime, the means of forgetting
God instead of realizing God." --Hazrat
Inayat Khan
Sat
Nam, everybody! My name is Livtar Singh Khalsa.
And this is my family.
L to R: Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, SS Livtar Kaur Khalsa, MSS Livtar Singh Khalsa
L to R: MSS Livtar Singh Khalsa, SS Livtar Kaur Khalsa, Sat Bir Singh Khalsa,
Shiv Antar Kaur Khalsa, Siriswami Kaur Khalsa, Satpurusha Kaur Khalsa
MySense
Livtar Singh Khalsa
What I most try to accomplish is to bring you with me to see what I have seen, and to experience what I have. My new song, "Into the Radiance", is about my realization experience.
I was driving my car one day, when suddenly I saw the entire ONEness in all. My immortal words upon seeing this were, "Holy shit, it really is all ONE". It was several years until I could gather my wits enough to make this song about the experience.
The first line of the song is, "Into the silence I fell". A major part of what happened to me was that the negative self-talk completely disappeared. There is an instant, total, profound peace. It's like a loud, constant noise that you get so used to, that when it stops, it is almost thunderous. This is described in many yogic texts and Siri Guru Granth Sahib.
It happened to me, it can happen to you. If this music can contribute in any small way, that's all I can ask.
Blessings and Peace.
Livtar Singh
MySense
Livtar Singh Khalsa
I was thinking back to the very early days when I first went to LA to study with Yogiji in January of 1970. I had started doing Kundalini Yoga in August '69, and had met Yogiji in Orlando (at the Bird’s Nest) in October of that year. But I hadn't been around a group yet... an actual collection of people who were totally into the early version of the yogic lifestyle.
When I arrived at the main ashram in L.A., my mind automatically assumed that all the regular students there had been at it for a long time and were very wise and amazing. I looked up to everyone. (The funny part is, some of them might have just started class the week before I arrived). They seemed so accomplished, and on one level they were for having come to the feet of the teacher, for however long.
Of course some turned out to be some version of nutty, many left for other things, some turned out to be great and are still at it. All are doing as they were designed to do.
The point is, when I first came how much I looked up to those who were already there and how much i looked to model my behavior after them.
If you are walking around looking like a yogi/yogini/Sikh, don't disappoint those who intersect with you. Their path crossed yours for a reason.
Yogiji used to say "Don't speak and ruin it", I think only half jokingly. If they are with you even for a moment, give them something that will elevate -- a smile, a bit of wisdom, a bit of help with some problem, whatever you have to offer.
I try to remember that 18 year old boy and the wide eyed wonder when I first saw all those "great" people. I try to remember to BE the person I thought they were. -- See Source. See Acknowledgements.
MySense
Livtar Singh Khalsa
Back in 1972-ish, the original Khalsa String Band was in New York to record our first album, (and the only one put on vinyl).
One night some of us decided to go out for a tour of the town. We passed some VERY large buildings being built, and being young and full of prana and vinegar, we decided to try to go inside and check it out.
There was a very large guard at the door. He told us in no uncertain terrms that it was under construction and we were not allowed in.
Thing is, we had a secret weapon... Krishna Kaur. Krishna was not only possessed of unearthly beauty, but also the Taurus' innate power of pure, bullheaded one pointedness. She batted her eyes at him, told him how much we would love to go up in the buildings and he melted like ice cream in a microwave.
He gave us a tour and took us up to the 84th floor, where there were no walls or windows yet. We were able to stand right at the edge (there was a fence) and look out over miles of New York and New Jersey. I also leaned out and looked straight down the side to the ground. It was a spectacular view and moment.
Of course, it was one of the twin towers. They were part of me like many others, and now they are a memory. There were lives lived and lost in them, but like everything of this earth, water or stone, breath or bone, all things pass... all things pass. -- See Source. See Acknowledgements.
MySense
Livtar Singh Khalsa
I have been a new student. Sitting there wondering how it would ever be possible to get to where Yogiji is.
I have been the teacher, sitting where Yogiji sits, with the new students in front of me wondering the same thing.
I remember wanting Yogiji to just give us that "thing" that would take away the doubt, fear, pain, etc. of living in a physical form. And I see my students wanting this same "thing".
The "thing" is, he had already given us the "thing" -- Kundalini Yoga, Sadhana, Naam, Bani, Bhana, Simran, Seva.
The one thing he couldn't/shouldn't skip over is the time and effort it takes to practice these things. By practicing these things, the fog gradually clears, the windows are cleaned, and we can see what is always there.
Like cleaning the floors of the Golden Temple, Sadhana and Seva take mental and spiritual elbow grease. Then comes a time when you see and feel the Beloved around and within you. But still, there is the distance. As long as we are in this physical form, there is that separation (and separation anxiety).
This song is about bowing. The act of bowing is to physically bring your head low, to show humility and acceptance of the teachings. Mentally it represents bowing the ego down so that the Infinite Fountain of Wisdom inside you can come through.
There is an utter longing to come to the place of rest. To get there, one must pass through the thousand petaled lotus, which spins out thoughts like a lawnmower blade. Unless you can penetrate through that, the thoughts will always grab your mind and take you down dead-end paths, away from your Self.
The Beloved is right there, within you. It is you, you are it. All it takes is that one pure moment to break through.
If you feel this album would benefit you and maybe even one person that you have never met, then you can support the effort to get this and other songs recorded on this CD project. Mention it in your social media and share if the music has helped you in your life.
MySense
Livtar Singh Khalsa
Eclipse Checklist: Totality or bust.
08/22/2017 -- This was the first time I was in a position to see a total eclipse. I only had to drive an hour to be dead center -- 2 1/2 minutes of totality.
I've seen partial eclipses before. They are "Hmmm, pretty cool." Especially the crescent shaped shadows of the leaves.
But when the eclipse hits total and you can't see anything through the special glasses, then you take them off and look... it is one of the most amazing sights IN THE UNIVERSE.
The circle of light rays, beams, solar flares, amazingness shooting out all sides... the colors, lines, hues across the moon, the fact you are looking right at the freaking Sun with no glasses... It all electrically blends together into a completely new sensation. The aura of fire that you see blazing outward is something like 50 million degrees!
It is all kinds of awe inspiring, visually stunning, hair standing up on the neck, fun.
So next time, if you are anywhere near the line of totality, GO. It is well worth it. 99% total eclipse, WILL NOT DO IT! It is a completely different experience.
(Disclaimer: yogically you are recommended to meditate and drink water or be in water during these. I suspect it's not because the moon is in front of the Sun, but because their gravitational force is joined and pulling all in one direction... but sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do.)
Where My Love
By Livtar Singh Khalsa
Where my love,
have you hidden from me?
If I bow my head
will you let me see?
In the silent night,
I dreamed I heard
the sound of your breath,
your sweet words
Chorus
This journey of mine,
is a long winding way
I wish to lay my head at your feet,
in the cool cool shade
In the time between the beats of the heart
you are there - and you are there,
in the space, between the stars
I close my eyes so I may see
Through a thousand petals,
you are known in me
This journey of mine,
is a long winding way
I wish to lay my head at your feet,
in the cool cool shade
In the soul's ocean,
may I drown my fear
as I merge away,
you will wash my tears
I bow, I bow,
may wisdom flow through
may this pain leave me now,
may I love only you
This journey of mine,
is a long winding way
I wish to lay my head at your feet,
in the cool cool shade
Ong Namo
Guru Dev Namo
Guru Dev Namo
Guru Deva
May I see only you
May I serve only you
May I love only you --
These are my songs.
Webmaster's note: Livtar Singh Khalsa is one of the most
inspirational songwriters and singers of the Khalsa musical tradition.
His words combine personal insight with a devotion to principals of higher
wisdom. His lyrics are full of profound insights and a devotion to expressions of the
highest aspiration. His voice and melodies create a mood of sweetness and beauty.
His artful and inspiration songs will be sung by many generations of spiritual seekers, his music shall be cherished by many, and he will be remembered for many years to come.
Many speak of courage, speaking cannot give it
it’s in the face of death we must live it.
When things are down and darkest,
that’s when we stand tallest
Until the last star falls, we won’t give an inch at all
Stand as the Khalsa Strong as Steel Steady as Stone
Give our lives to God and Guru
mind and soul breath and bone
Guru Arjun gave his life, to stand for what was right
He was burned and tortured, five long days and nights
He could have stopped it anytime just by giving in
His strength a solid wall, he never gave an inch at all
Sons of the Khalsa, remember those who died
Stood their ground until their last breath,
so we who live now might live free lives
A princess is not royal, by her birth or blood inside
but if her family’s home, is Anandpursahib
She’ll walk with such a grace and strength,
the world will bow in awe
Until the mountains fall, she’ll never give an inch at all
Daughters of the Khalsa,
in your strength our future lies.
Give our children fearless minds,
to see the world, through the Guru’s eyes
Baisakhi day we were thousands,
but only five had the courage for dyin'.
then one brave man one flashing sword,
turned us all to lions.
And now we live his legacy, to die before we fall.
And like the five who answered his call,
we can’t turn back at all
Stand as the Khalsa Strong as Steel Steady as Stone
Give our lives to God and Guru
mind and soul breath and bone
The tenth Guru gave even his sons,
to give the Khalsa life.
His words stand like mountains,
against the winds of time,
"Khalsa will rule the world
all will be safe in it’s fold".
But if the Khalsa falls, there won’t
be a world at all.
Stand as the Khalsa Strong as Steel Steady as Stone
Give our lives to God and Guru
mind and soul breath and bone
Sons of the Khalsa, remember those who died
Stood their ground until their last breath,
so we who live now might live free lives
Daughters of the Khalsa,
in your strength our future lies.
Give our children fearless minds,
to see the world, through the Guru’s eyes
Stand as the Khalsa Strong as Steel Steady as Stone
Give our lives to God and Guru
mind and soul breath and bone
Mind and soul are his alone --
Livtar Singh is a minister, musician, writer, painter, and teacher of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. He discovered Kundalini Yoga at the age of sixteen upon meeting Yogi Bhajan. His love for music as a creative outlet expanded into using mantra. He has been practicing Kundalini Yoga since 1970 and teaching Kundalini Yoga for several decades.
In
the heart of a lion,
There is no fear of dyin'.
In the heat of battle,
The Spirit of Life burns like a flame.
In the depths of the darkness,
In the worse betrayal and pain,
The fearless Khalsa heart will
beat
To the rhythm of the Name.
We've
never started a war before,
But we have finished many.
We see the One in everyone.
Whom should we fear? Not any!
We play the game of life with style;
The question of death we love to enjoy.
We have seen so many times,
In so many lives what our life is for ...
In so many lives what our life is for!
In
the heart of a lion,
There is no fear of dyin'.
In the heat of battle,
The Spirit of Life burns like a flame.
In the depths of the darkness,
In the worse betrayal and pain,
The fearless Khalsa heart will
beat
To the rhythm of the Name.
Enemies
come and enemies go,
But the Khalsa stands like a mountain range.
We will return to Infinity.
What in the world will the drama change?
Go onto the battlefield;
Head in hand as a humble one.
The life doesn't matter, the courage does.
Soon the job will be done ...
Soon the job will be done!
In
the heart of a lion,
There is no fear of dyin'.
In the heat of battle,
The Spirit of Life burns like a flame.
In the depths of the darkness,
In the worse betrayal and pain,
The fearless Khalsa heart will
beat
To the rhythm of the Name.
On
every side the world will pull;
They want you to join them in their fog.
It took you millions of lives to arrive;
What do you care for the barking of dogs?
The one who stands alone in the fray
Is a priceless gem to the One he serves.
Be the Light for the world to see.
Invincible ones live by their words ...
Invincible ones live by their words!
In
the heart of a lion,
There is no fear of dyin'.
In the heat of battle,
The Spirit of Life burns like a flame.
In the depths of the darkness,
In the worse betrayal and pain,
The fearless Khalsa heart will
beat
To the rhythm of the Name. Wahe
Guru Wahe Guru Wahe Guru Wahe Guru ...
Long
ago and far away
A man sat like a stone
On a burning seat of red-hot iron ...
To him it was a throne.
For he was Guru Arjan,
King of this world and the next.
When his time in this earthly world was through,
He just smiled and left.
As it was in the beginning
And shall be for all time,
Those who live and die a fearless life,
In the court of God they shine ...
That
is the Khalsa way ...
I don't mind dying and I won't go crying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If things look bad we just keep on trying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If anyone falls,
Ten more will come in his place.
That is our way!
The
mogul king sent forth his word,
"No Sikh shall be left alive,
We'll wipe this Khalsa from the face of the Earth".
On each head he put a price.
So one brave Sikh stood on the road,
Knowing he couldn't live long.
In the name of the Guru he collected a toll ...
It shook that king to his throne.
They tried to put the light of the Khalsa out,
But now it is they who are gone,
And through every test of time and space,
Khalsa lives on ...
One
by one they shot us down
As we read the Siri Guru
...
Till they had to stop, they had never seen
So many who would die for the Truth.
And those who lay on the railroad tracks,
Their bodies stopped the train.
Those whose children were killed before their eyes,
They saw God thru their pain.
Then all those who stood their ground
Against impossible odds ...
In their courageous lives and fearlessness
We see the power of God.
That
is the Khalsa way ...
I don't mind dying and I won't go crying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If things look bad we just keep on trying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If anyone falls,
Ten more will come in his place.
That is our way!
Twenty
million started out ...
Only a few survived.
But we stood together in the heart of this land
Against all their power and lies.
They wished that we had never been,
They clubbed us in the street.
But our hearts were strong, the war was wrong,
Our victory was peace.
They waited for us all to disappear,
They waited for our spirit to die.
But they'll still be waiting when the sun burns out ...
For the heroes and warriors,
The saints and the martyrs,
Will never die ...
That
is the Khalsa way ...
I don't mind dying and I won't go crying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If things look bad we just keep on trying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If anyone falls,
Ten more will come in his place.
That is our way!
Siri
Singh Sahib left his home ...
Answered the Guru's call.
In the land of maya he planted a seed
Of a nation that would never fall.
One by one we came to him
And we read the Siri Guru.
We planted our roots in the soul of this land ... Ram
Das Puri grew.
Now the future belongs to the daughters
And sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
We'll stand like steel through the tests of the time,
Then, Khalsa will reign ...
That
is the Khalsa way ...
I don't mind dying and I won't go crying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If things look bad we just keep on trying.
That is the Khalsa way ...
If anyone falls,
Ten more will come in his place.
That is our way! --
Below
is a special assortment of just a few of the hundreds of links to
be found in our library at the University
of Diversity having to do with the many people, places, and events,
which are happening all around us. Life is truly the University of
Diversity. --
Livtar Singh and his wife Livtar Kaur
May the long time Sun shine upon you, all love surround you.
And the pure light within you, guide your way on. Click here.
Sadhana Mantras For The Aquarian Age
By MSS Livtar Singh Khalsa
*Sat Siree - Supreme Truth
Siree Akaal - Supreme Undying
Siree Akaal - Supreme Undying
Mahaa Akaal - Great Deathless Being
Mahaa Akaal - Great Deathless Being Sat Naam - Named (Identified) Truth
Akaal Moorat - Deathless Image Wah-hay-Guroo - Indescribable Wisdom
Rise up, rise up, sweet family dear
A time of the Lord and rememberin'
Love is here
Love, love is all you'll say
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Hey, hey
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Rise up, rise up, sweet family dear
The time of the Lord and rememberin'
Love is here
Love, love is all you'll say
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Lord will bless you so many ways
If you will rise up right now
Sing His praise
Rise up, rise up, sweet family dear
Time of the Lord and rememberin'
Love is here
Love, love is all you'll say
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Hey, hey
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Rise up, rise up, sweet family dear
A time of the Lord and rememberin'
Love is here
Love, love is all you'll say
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Hey, hey
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Hey, hey
If you'll awake and rise up right away
Lord will bless you so many ways
If you will rise up right now
Sing His praise
Rise up, rise up, sweet family dear
Time of the Lord and rememberin'
Love is here
Love, love is all you'll say
If you'll awake and rise up right away
If you'll awake and rise up right away
If you'll awake and rise up right away
If you'll awake and rise up right away --
What I most try to accomplish is to bring you with me to see what I have seen, and to experience what I have. My new song, "
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