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MySikhSense.com

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My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

An alleged case of corporate meddling.

Sat Nam. Among the challenges and distractions we experience throughout our lives I have observed a strong tendency for mankind to act out of arrogance and tribalism; to ostracize, vilify, and penalize those who express different attitudes or opinions, who represent a different religion, race or tradition. This thought brings to my mind a recent example of alleged corporate meddling.

During a recent outreach for board of director candidates it is alleged that a qualified candidate received advice from a corporate executive that they are unfit for election due to the fact they have been identified in what is considered a disparaging e-mail thread authored by a person the corporation designates as persona non grata.

This alleged action against the candidate is unacceptable. It's reminiscent of a previous incident. And it is especially disturbing since the incident allegedly occurred in the midst of a supposedly 'free election' process whereby members collectively determine for whom they wish to vote from a field of pre-qualified candidates, the process supposedly free of corporate interference, and supposedly absent any qualified candidate being arbitrarily or summarily disqualified. And it raises the question as to whether there are other alleged incidents of meddling in this and previous elections. Read me first.

I encourage anyone who shares this opinion to speak up here or to use any other platform whereby alleged actions of this nature are exposed and no longer enabled by our silence.

"Human is a blend of Saint and Soldier (Sant Sipahi); this is a complete person.
If you are not a soldier your sainthood will be kicked around. If you are only a
soldier, not a saint, you will start kicking others around." Yogi Bhajan 8/6/1975

Our goal is to see the One Creator of Creation, through the maya, through life's distractions, according to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. We need to keep our attention fixed on the prize, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's core mantra, the mantra of this Age, Ek Ong Kar.

Sharing Guru's transformational technology is our Mission, the successful execution of which will transform the consciousness of Earth's inhabitants. The Mission is huge. Therefore, let us cease to marginalize or refer to each other disparagingly. Let us support and work with each other in service to the Mission. --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

DualityOptics.com

3HOLegacyLinks.com

Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?

SikhWomenWearTurbans.com

Life According To Native America

Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban?

Yogi Bhajan's Mission Is On The March

Service is the answer. What is the question?"



 

More MySikhSense.com

Pages And Points To Ponder

                                          

                                 

See Sikh Women Wear Turban. Desmond Tutu's Plea To Israel.
See The Homeless Banned And Jailed In 'Christian' America.
See Let's Have 'The Race Conversation' For Real, This Time.
See More Diversity Dialogues. See Institutionalized Racism.

See Required Reading. See Recommended Reading.
See Why Are White Tantra Yoga Classes So 'White'?

See Islamic Extremism vs Christian Extremism.

See A Native American's Thanksgiving Rebuke.
See What White People Need To Know.

See Americans Need To Pay Attention.
See What's Wrong With This Picture?
See A Case Of Unjust Enrichment.
See A Classic Case of Tribalism.
See What Tribalism Looks Like.

See Guidelines For Facilitators.
See For The People Of Color.
See What Is White Privilege?
See KRI Needs To Go To Jail.
See Jon Stewart On Racism.
See The Ubuntu Philosophy.
See TheMahanTantric.com.
See Example of Tribalism.

See ACT For Diversity.
See Comments Con.
See Comments Pro.

See Obama 43 To 1.
See My Main Point.
See Turbanators.
See Sikhs Shine.
See Sikh Tribes.
See Definitions.
See Questions.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

Why don't we hear from Sikh ministers about social issues?

"Sunshine is the best remedy for dirty laundry." I.J. Singh

Sat Nam. The SDI Secretary of Religion recently posted an in-depth survey soliciting feedback from Sikh ministers. This is my response.

.) Sikh ministers need to have a much higher public profile especially throughout social media. More statements and more visibility, e.g., with regard to issues concerning gender-inequality and misogyny especially within the Sikh community, Asian and Western; issues regarding sexism, racism, and tribalism especially within the Sikh community; issues regarding homophobia especially within the Sikh community. Sikh ministers claim to represent the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev yet these issues are mostly unchallenged.

.) It's time to establish ongoing discourse especially between Sikh ministers and people of color. It's time to solicit feedback and quietly listen to people of color as to their perception of Sikhs. It's time to improve the optics. See #3. It's time for Sikh ministers to act as social action warriors.*

.) Looking at the one and only Black Family native to SDI/3HO/KRI after 50 years from my perspective as a person of color I have to ask...

a) Why are there so few Black families?
b) How many White Families vs. Black Families are there after 50 years? Yes, there are a few African-Americans, but they are disproportionately represented. Think about the optics from the perspective of most people of color.
c) Do people of color see this disparity as a positive or as a negative?
d) And how many Black Kundalini Yoga teachers-trainers are there?
e) Isn't it time for there to be some serious community out-reach to people of color, including mixed-race, adult dialogue?
f) Why do Sikhs wear turbans?
g) Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

h) See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.

The key indicator the organization has come of age is when steps are taken to permit open dialogue on the issues with people of color. BTW: When asked if accounting for only one Black Family after 50 years is an issue of concern, several Sikh Dharma ministers agreed. But when asked why the issue is never discussed, they were unable to answer. (Discourse is not meant to stir up feelings of guilt. Discourse is meant to drive people to action against injustice. Question is are we mature enough to sit down and discuss issues of tribalism, including race, religion, and gender?)

NOTE: Detractors, kindly answer all questions before vilifying the messenger.

.) I am hopeful my remarks will be received with a receptive and constructive attitude, and a willingness to engage in discourse for which I am available.

.) Thanks for this opportunity to express my opinion!

MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa --

*Warrior: Anyone who fights the good fight, whether in war, politics, or on the job.

See The 'Turbanators'.

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Our Sikh Sense

                            
             SS Preet Kaur   SS SatHanuman Singh     MSS Hari Singh         

Cause and Effect


Charlottesville 2017: A blessing in disguise?

Sat Nam. As a result of the ascendance of Donald J. Trump to the presidency of the United States, and the August, 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia incident, America's karma is apparent. Our take is that Americans have been serendipitously blessed to finally: a) Come to grips with our fears and insecurities about race; b) Admit that our forbears were egregiously on the wrong side of history.

Examples: Annihilation of America's Native Peoples, and stealing their lands; Human bondage trafficking, and the abuse of black Africans for the purpose of building a white supremecy slave-based economy.

Americans should collectively and finally seize this moment as a blessing and an opportunity for redemption by taking these actions as a matter of public policy:

1.) Unequivocally and openly express forgiveness for our ancestors in their treatment especially of America's indigenous people, and the subsequent enslavement of people of color, and their ancestors.
2.) Demand that state and local entities end the veneration of traitorous Confederate leaders. 3.) Demand the removal from public lands any Confederate monuments honoring the Civil War including monuments and statues erected during the 'Jim Crow' era (1890-1960).*
4.) Demand that the names of U.S. military bases named after Confederate generals, i.e., Generals Lee, Stuart, Jackson, etc., be changed to more appropriate references.

Chardi kala! --

*Note: 'Jim Crow' is a pejorative expression meaning 'Negro'. Jim Crow laws, sometimes as part of state constitutions such as Florida's, mandated the segregation of public schools, public places, and public transportation; and the segregation of rest rooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains for whites and blacks.

My Sikh Sense


Preet Kaur Khalsa

Sat Nam. Como resultado de la ascendencia de Donald J. Trump a la presidencia de los Estados Unidos, y el incidente de Charlottesville, Virginia de agosto de 2017, el karma de los Estados Unidos es evidente. Nuestra opinión es que los estadounidenses han sido afortunadamente bendecidos con suerte para finalmente:
A) Conquistar nuestros temores e inseguridades sobre la raza;
B) Admitir que nuestros antepasados estuvieron ofensivamente en el lado equivocado de la historia.

Ejemplos: Aniquilación de los Pueblos Nativos de América, y el robo de sus tierras; El tráfico de servidumbre humana y el abuso de los negros africanos con el propósito de construir una economía blanca suprema basada en la esclavitud.

Los americanos deben colectivamente y finalmente, aprovechar este momento como una bendición y una oportunidad para la redención tomando estas acciones como una situación de política pública:
1.) Expresar inequívocamente y abiertamente el perdón por nuestros antepasados en su tratamiento, especialmente de los pueblos indígenas de América, y la posterior esclavitud de la gente de color y sus ancestros.

2.) Exigir que las entidades estatales y locales terminen la veneración de los líderes confederados traidores.

3.) Exigir el retiro de las tierras públicas de cualquier monumento confederado que honre la guerra civil incluyendo monumentos y estatuas erigidas durante la era de Jim Crow (1890-1960).

4.) Exigir que los nombres de las bases militares estadounidenses nombradas después de que los generales confederados, es decir, los generales Lee, Stuart, Jackson, etc., sean cambiados a referencias más apropiadas.

Chardi kala! --

*Nota: 'Jim Crow' es una expresión peyorativa que significa 'Negro'. Las leyes de Jim Crow, a veces como parte de constituciones estatales como la de Florida, ordenaban la segregación de escuelas públicas, lugares públicos y transporte público; y la segregación de baños, restaurantes y fuentes de beber agua para blancos y negros.

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My Sikh Sense
By Partapdev Kaur

I call for unity between communities.

I work as head of translations for the Sikh educational organization, 'Basics of Sikhi'. I have spoken out in condemnation of the Barcelona terror attack, whilst also dispelling the commonly mistaken association between the Sikh identity and terrorism. Watch the video above for my full statement.

Barcelona’s Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh place of education and worship), Gurdarshan Sahib Ji, is adjacent to where the terror attacks took place. The sangat (congregation) of Gurdarshan Sahib Ji also condemns the terror attack, and offers their support to the locals. For anyone who is having a hard time, the Guru’s house is open at all times, offering food, water and shelter.

Note: Partapdev Kaur was born in Spain in a Christian background family. She found out about Sikhi through Kundalini Yoga and soon after she moved to the Sikh philosophy based ashram Quinta do Rajo in Portugal. After two and a half years there she moved to England looking for more Sangat. Soon after she started working for Basics of Sikhi managing all foreign translations of our leaflets in addition to travelling abroad to do street parchar. She studied English and Translation in Spain with a year of scholarship studies at St. Andrews University, Edinburgh. -- Source.

Learn more about Sikh Dharma here in Spanish.

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My Sikh Sense


Pindie Kaur Dhaliwal

A Revolutionary Feminist

So I am the least likely person to be writing this. My Panjabi is terrible. I rarely go to the Gurdwara. And worst of all, my rotis are anything but round. I simply am not the idealistic definition of a Sikh. But before we go any further, I want to tell you about a conversation I had a year ago. I was chatting with a good friend of mine and this conversation quickly escalated into an argument. An argument about Sikhi. Although he and I both grew up in Sikh homes. Both children of hard working immigrant parents. Both surrounded by the love of our grandparents, chachas and aunties. We had wholly different experiences with Sikhi.

You see; I am a female.

I know the story of Sikhi is that men and women are equals. And when that ideology is set against the contrasting culture of India’s rampant misogyny, Sikhi is revolutionary. That is simply extraordinary. After all, Guru Nanak Sahib said, “from her, kings are born.” Yet today, we as females are made not only to feel inferior, but filled with doubt about what Sikhi actually stands for. I was frustrated, lost and angry. And vented these emotions to him.

He tried to persuade me about the power of Sikhi. So I shared with him an experience I had. I had not been home to my pind, Madhopur, since I was four years old. Though it was so long ago, I remembered how the wheat fields danced for me and how the sun spread its warm embrace through the sky. A quarter of a century later, my mum, dad, Bea ji and I returned home. I connected with my ancestral home, visited with distant family, knocked back gol guppay and like any good Sikh, made my way to Harmandir Sahib.

We were there for three nights. And during the wee hours of one morning, we went to watch Sri Guru Granth Sahib being ceremoniously moved from Akal Takht. I noticed my Dad was participating in the procession, but my mum and Bea ji stood idly next to me. So I whispered to my Bea ji, “why aren’t you with Dad?” Her hushed response emptied my heart. “Because, Pindie, we are not allowed. We are women.”

After sharing this story, I asked him, if our faith is founded on equality why do we as females face such inequality? He was left speechless. (See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans? See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.)

A few days passed and he somehow managed to persuade me to come to a SikhRI event. I stubbornly attended. And from a place of confliction and confusion, I began to connect.

I connected to the poetic prose of Inni Kaur and the magnetic force of Harinder Singh. I connected to the space they created to ask my stupid, innocent questions. I connected to the Guru’s way of thinking. And so began my journey with Sikhi.

I know there are others like me. Who are just as lost. Just as puzzled. And just as disheartened.

Yet, we continue to ignore the fact that our youth are being neglected and not taught about what it means to be a Sikh. Our grandmothers and mothers are being treated as if they are second class in the most sacred of spaces. Our leaders are falling silent in speaking up for injustices that face humanity, from the farmers of Panjab to the wars that divide us. And we are becoming less concerned about keeping Sikhi alive and thriving.

We as a community are at a crossroads. And it’s time we meet the challenges that face us and build for the future. After all, if you truly believe in something, and you truly believe in it’s work, you have to be willing in making that work happen.

If we rise up together, we can reclaim the promise and ensure the future of Sikhi.

Much gratitude. Much love. -- Source.

Question: Pindie 'Kaur' Dhaliwal is a Sikh woman, but how would anybody know she is a Sikh? See Turbanators.com. See What Sikh Women Need To Know. See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans? See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.



Women's Pages And Points To Ponder

See The 'Turbanators'. See SikhTribes.com. See Turban Is Bana. See DualityOptics.com. See The Essence of Kaur. See The Turban Is A Bigot Detector. See BroadPoints.com. See But Where Are The Women? See The Role And Status of Sikh Women. See U.S. Sikhs Want Women To Sing At Golden Temple. See Bibi Kiranjot Kaur On Women's Rights. See A Muslim Woman Teaches Kirtan. See Women Are Not Allowed To Play Kirtan. See Sikhism And Homosexuality. See Why Do You Not See Any Sikh Women? See Sikh Identity Is For Men Only. See When Will Sikh Men Stand Up. See Sikh Women's Issues. See Women And The Sikh Religion. See My Response To The Sikh Minister Survey. See How To Make Yoga Classes LGBT Friendly. See Punjabi Sikh Optics Do Matter. See What's With Sikhs And Gender Equality? See Circumstance. See The Woman Pope. See Women Are Much More Than This. See The Question of Authority Within Sikhism. See Should Mixed Faith Marriage In Sikh Temples Be Banned? See Balvinder Kaur Saund. See Maharani Jind Kaur: Saint Soldier. See Sudha Kaur Chopra On Gurdwara Security. See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See Life According To Hari Nam Kaur. See I Fight Like A Girl. See Dastaar For Sikh Women. See The Turban Is A Crown. See The Essence of Kaur. See Life According To Joan Baez. See Menstruation From A Woman's Perspective. See Granny Stops Burglar. See Life According To Andrea Mitchell. See 'Sikh' And Ye Shall Find. See The Story Behind My Turban. See We Are We, We Are One. See SikhsShine.com. See Women Wimps Or Warriors. See Women Warriors. See Jai Jagdeesh Kaur's Ad Guray Nameh. See Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar. See Amazon Women. See How The Marines Transform Me Into We. See Memories of Khalsa Women's Rifle Drill Team.

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

"Given the positive and growing public awareness of Sikhs,
Sikh women manifestly express their parity with men when
they tie turban, thereby advocating gender equality. Without
the turban the perception persists that Kaurs are not true Sikhs.
Singhs are perceived to be the genuine, even dominant gender.
Women wearing a turban makes gender equality more apparent.

Sikh women make a powerful statement about gender equality
when they tie turban. It is a graceful and effective way of putting Sikhs
and other communities on notice. It says, "We are who we are in support
of everyone's human rights irrespective of gender." -- DualityOptics.com

AFFIRMATIVE OPTICS
Muslim women keeping hijab affirms their identity as Muslims.

MORE AFFIRMATIVE OPTICS
Sikh women keeping turban affirms their identity as Sikhs.

  

See The Essence of Kaur. See Turban Is Bana. See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com. See Woman Claims Her Right To Tie Turban.

The Story of Turban Technology

"Properly tying the turban enables one to command the sixth center, the Agia Chakra. Covering the head stabilizes the cerebral matter and the twenty-six parts of your magnificent brain, which are interlocked with the neurological system and the electromagnetic field. Covering one's head creates a focus of the functional circuit of the hemispheres, and tunes up the neurological system. The whole head should be covered, not just the Crown Chakra. Any head covering that covers the whole head is acceptable; white natural fabric, such as cotton, is ideal." -- See The Turban Is A Crown. See Turbanators.com. See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.

Read on.

"I claim my right to wear turban."

The Singhnia (Sikh women) of Guru Gobind Singh

Duality Optics

Duality: An instance of contrast or opposition between two concepts or two aspects of something; a dualism.
Optics: Aspects of an action, that relate to public perceptions.

"The Sikhs were directed by Guru Gobind Singh to wear a turban.
When a Sikh fails to wear a turban they negate their identity as a Sikh.
Sikh women without turban project subordination to their male counterparts.
The turban is an article of faith that has been made mandatory by the founders
of Sikhism, having immense spiritual as well as temporal significance, increasing
the commitment to Sikhism, making a Sikh a more disciplined and virtuous person.
The turban symbolizes courage and self-respect, dedication, piety and sovereignty. It is
intertwined with their identity. Anyone who expects a Sikh to take off their turban doesn't
understand the Sikh's true psyche, or their attachment to their turban." -- DualityOptics.com

How many of these Sikh men and women can you identify as being a Sikh?


How many of these Sikh women can you identify as being a Sikh?

How many of these Sikh women can you identify as being a Sikh?

How many of these Sikh women can you identify as being a Sikh?

   

      

Duality Optics Continue


Kaur (Sikh woman) without turban.


Kaur without turban.


Kaur without turban.


Kaur without turban.


Kaurs without turban.


Kaurs without turban.


Kaurs without turban.


Kaurs without turban.


Kaurs without turban. Singhs (Sikh men) with turban.


Kaurs without turban. Singhs with turban.


Kaurs without turban. Singhs with turban.

Duality Optics Continue


Gurmehar Kaur

Sat Nam. Gurmehar Kaur is a Sikh woman. An October issue of Time magazine named her one of the Next Generation Leaders. And while congratulations are deserved for this 20-year-old who came into prominence after raising her voice against campus violence at Delhi University, the article raises at least a couple of questions. Given the current and positive ascendency and prominence of public awareness regarding Sikhs, how does anybody know Gurmehar Kaur is a Sikh? Could this duality indicate a gender equality issue?

See The 'Turbanators'. See Affirmative Optics. See Turban Is Bana. See Women Claims Her Right To Wear A Turban. See Turbanators.com. Also see The Turban As A Bigot Detector.

QUESTION: WHY DON'T SIKH WOMEN TIE TURBAN?
Guru Gobind Singh directed Singhs and
Kaurs,
to tie turban. Why do only Singhs tie turban?
See Woman Claims Her Right To Tie Turban.

See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.


Kaur without turban. Singh with turban.

Kaurs without turban. Singh with turban.


Kaurs without turban. Singh with turban.


Singhs with turban. Kaurs without turban.


Kaurs without turban. Singhs with turban. Read on.

Recognize any Sikh women in these photos?


"Given the positive and growing public awareness about Sikhs,
Sikh women manifestly express their parity with Sikh men when
they wear turban, thereby advocating gender equality. Without
the turban the perception persists that Kaurs are not true Sikhs.
Singhs are perceived to be the genuine, even dominant gender.
Women wearing a turban makes gender equality more apparent.

Sikh women make a powerful statement about gender equality
when they tie turban. It is a graceful and effective way of putting Sikhs
and other communities on notice. It says, "We are who we are in support
of everybody's human rights irrespective of their gender." -- Read on.

What message is conveyed when Sikh women do not tie turban? Do the optics make Kaurs appear inferior and Singhs look superior? See Turban Is Bana. See My Take. and My Take II.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

My Take
Re: Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

See The 'Turbanators'.
See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?
See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.

*These questions apparently strike a sensitive nerve. The Sikh community's silence is deafening! So far only a couple respondents have replied to these questions, with only a couple of replies dealing directly with the question of why Sikh women don't tie turban. And several Sikh ministers, some of them women, requested removal of their address from my mailing list upon receipt of my query, including the following.

Remove. This is my second and final request for removal. Do not assume that because you have one of my private e-mail addresses that I have or would ever have given you or your corrupted associates permission to send via same any information unsolicited by myself.

Yes, a Sikh minister posted the aforesaid, perhaps in reaction to my statements in response to this recent SDI survey. Who knows?

And then there is this response from another Sikh minister.

Bas. Fateh ho giaa! Please take me off your list or stop your bigoted posts about our Punjabi family.

Again, any answers relative to these questions are being avoided, making discourse** impossible. Are these questions too much for the community to deal with? I wonder how Guru Gobind Singh or the Siri Singh Sahib would relate to these questions. What would they have to say?

**Discourse is not meant to stir up feelings of guilt. Discourse is meant to drive people to action. Question is are we mature enough to sit down and discuss issues to do with gender equality, caste and class, diversity, etc., especially as they relate to Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message? --

See My Take I, and My Take II.

Back to beginning.

The Role of Women in Sikhism



Women's Pages And Points To Ponder

See The 'Turbanators'. See SikhTribes.com. See Turban Is Bana. See Duality Optics. See The Essence of Kaur. See The Turban Is A Bigot Detector. See Broad Points. See But Where Are The Women? See The Role And Status of Sikh Women. See U.S. Sikhs Want Women To Sing At Golden Temple. See Bibi Kiranjot Kaur On Women's Rights. See A Muslim Woman Teaches Kirtan. See Women Are Not Allowed To Play Kirtan. See Sikhism And Homosexuality. See Why Do You Not See Any Sikh Women? See Sikh Identity Is For Men Only. See When Will Sikh Men Stand Up. See Sikh Women's Issues. See Women And The Sikh Religion. See My Response To The Sikh Minister Survey. See How To Make Yoga Classes LGBT Friendly. See Punjabi Sikh Optics Do Matter. See What's With Sikhs And Gender Equality? See Circumstance. See The Woman Pope. See Women Are Much More Than This. See The Question of Authority Within Sikhism. See Should Mixed Faith Marriage In Sikh Temples Be Banned? See Balvinder Kaur Saund. See Maharani Jind Kaur: Saint Soldier. See Sudha Kaur Chopra On Gurdwara Security. See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See Life According To Hari Nam Kaur. See I Fight Like A Girl. See Dastaar For Sikh Women. See The Turban Is A Crown. See The Essence of Kaur. See Life According To Joan Baez. See Menstruation From A Woman's Perspective. See Granny Stops Burglar. See Life According To Andrea Mitchell. See 'Sikh' And Ye Shall Find. See The Story Behind My Turban. See We Are We, We Are One. See Sikhs Shine. See Women Wimps Or Warriors. See Women Warriors. See Jai Jagdeesh Kaur's Ad Guray Nameh. See Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar. See Amazon Women. See How The Marines Transform Me Into We. See Memories of Khalsa Women's Rifle Drill Team.

Read on.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

My Take II
Re: Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

See The 'Turbanators'.
See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?
See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.

My take in response to an unpublished statement I received as to whether Guru Gobind Singh directed men AND women to tie turban:

Sat Nam! Regardless of whether Guru Gobind Singh actually 'directed' ALL Sikhs to tie turban, which in my opinion he did, i.e., I'm certain he did not exclude women, the optics of Sikh women NOT witnessing Sikhi in the same manner as men do represents a capitulation, a social cop out. Tying turban is a Sikh woman's duty as a teacher of our youth. It's an opportunity for Sikh women to claim social equality, not to cower. Until Kaurs are seen wearing turban they risk being seen as unequal. Turban is bana, a powerful symbol and badge of courage. It's a projection of the Sikh consciousness, which is all inclusive and thereby gender equal. --

BTW: Gurus Nanak Dev Ji thru Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are all feminists.

Must sees are: Sikh Women Wear Tubans. Turban Is Bana.  Woman Claims Her Right To Tie TurbanThe Essence of Kaur, The 'Turbanators', and The Turban As A Bigot Detector.

"The job of a teacher is to poke, provoke,
 confront and elevate." Yogi Bhajan

See My Take.

Be well.

HSBK --

Read on.

My Sikh Sense
By Anonymous Singh

Re: Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

Punjabi Kaurs don't tie turban (see previous article) because they are afraid of all kinds of discrimination (marginalization) from the outside community as well as from inside the Sikh community. Tying turban, they think, will never end the discrimination. At least, within the Punjabi community they are okay, as long as they behave. Discrimination is hard to deal with unless you have true grace and grit, and the determination and fearless spirit of a warrior. Sikhs really need to adhere to core principals, not just culture.

Tying turban juxtaposes grace and grit.

 
    

BTW: I come from a small town Gurdwara that has a very loyal following of Punjabi Sikhs. And for good reason. Unlike larger Punjabi Gurdwaras the women recite Ardas; read from the Guru during Gurdwara; read the Hukum; serve Prasaad; serve Langar; and they even play and lead Kirtan. Our Punjabi families support their women. We truly live the plurality message of Guru Nanak. We not only host Gurdwara, but we conduct Yoga classes, Banghara classes, and spiritual concerts as well.

Our Sangat members love to attend these events, unlike Sangats at larger Punjabi Gurdwaras where women can only cook and watch the kids, and stay in the background for everything else. Our Kaurs are all strong Khalsa Warrior Women who speak their mind. They can do anything our Singhs do. That's the way it should be. -- Also see Harpreet Singh's Commentary.

Maybe next time Anonymous Singh will share his identity.

See Turbanators.com. See The Turban As A Bigot Detector. See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com. See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans? See The Turban Is A Crown. See Woman Claims Her Right To Wear A Turban.

Read on.

My Sikh Sense
By Amrit Kaur

Re: Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

In my experience, the turban is not the proof of whether you are a Sikh or not. I know too many who wear turban's and yet live cultural lives that are not in alignment with what the turban represents as given to us by Guru Gobind Singh.

You will know a Sikh woman by her heart and her actions - she does not need to prove herself by a turban alone. To respond to a woman's outcry against the men in her life who wear turban's while they allow her to be emotionally abused with questioning her identity as a Sikh woman is not unlike like telling a woman to wear modest clothing to protect her from physical abuse.

The conversation about turbans and identity is a valid one but in this context, diminishes the message and is completely unrelated. I follow the Sikh path, I am a woman and I don't wear a turban. My name is Amrit Kaur.

See Turbanators.com. See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans? See The Turban As A Bigot Detector. See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com. See The Turban Is A Crown. See Turban Is Bana. See The 'Turbanators'. See Woman Claims Her Right To Wear A Turban.

Read on.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

My Take III
Re: Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.

See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?
See The 'Turbanators'.

Sat Nam. Thank you, Amrit Kaur, for reaching out.

However, your response does not answer the question: "Did Guru Gobind Singh direct men only to tie turban?"

My take is Guru Gobind Singh directed Sikhs, women and men, to tie turban. Why did he direct Sikhs to tie turban? Answer: As a matter of unique identity; as a fearless declaration of dharmic commitment; as a challenge to fearlessly engage being marginalized, with grace and grit; and to foster gender equality. For example, these Sikh women cannot be identified as Sikhs.

My question to you, Amrit Kaur: What is your real reason for not tying turban? --

See My Take II.

See Turban Is Bana.

See The 'Turbanators'.

See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?

See Affirmative Optics. See Duality Optics.

See Woman Claims Her Right To Wear A Turban.

See The Turban As A Bigot Detector. See Unique ID of Muslim Women.

Read on.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

Sat Nam. What follows is a long overdue missive for which, I commend Anonymous Kaur.

Question: When will we see more Sikh women step up and speak out about their gender inequality grievances?

By God's grace the day will come when many more Kaurs, especially female ministers, will openly address gender issues. Perhaps many more Kaurs will use their personal byline rather than 'anonymous' posts. And perhaps many more Kaurs will step up and stand out in full bana, openly expressing their Sikh identity by tying turban just like their male counterparts. BTW: How do YOU know a Sikh woman is a Sikh woman? (See previous article.)

Anonymous Kaur's commentary as seen on KaurLife.org begins with this statement.

Anonymous Kaur is sick of the expectations that an “ideal wife” should look and act a certain way to be deemed a worthy woman. She is sick of men claiming to support women’s rights and then when push comes to shove, hide away. She is sick of sexism creeping into relationships.

See Turban Is Bana.

See The 'Turbanators'.

See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?

See Affirmative Optics. See Duality Optics.

See Woman Claims Her Right To Wear A Turban.

See The Turban As A Bigot Detector. See Unique ID of Muslim Women.

Read on.

My Sikh Sense
By Anonymous Kaur

When Will Sikh Men Actually Stand Up?

We all know about the poisonous, misogynistic Punjabi culture that is difficult for Sikh women to deal with. It seems like everything, from the way we act, to what we wear, how we look, the type of work we do, is all examined with extra scrutiny as opposed to the way Sikh men behave. But I think the worst part of the double standards is when it is only young Sikh women who stand up for themselves, with their male counterparts nowhere to be seen.

While I recognize this is not the case for all Sikh men, it has happened too often in my life where I am pressed to ask the questions: Where are my Sikh brothers when I am battling sexist issues? Who will stand up with me? When will they actually put their words of equality and social justice into action?

Do not get me wrong. There are plethora of Sikh men who are helping to pave the way for Sikh women, in a gurmat inspired way. And there are plenty of Sikh fathers encouraging their daughters to follow their dreams and not be held down by societal pressure (my dad being one!). But where my frustration lies is within identity and what an “acceptable girl” should be in order to “bring home to the folks”.

It has been challenging as a bold, independent woman to find a partner. I have had my fair share of being called too “activisty” or told “she is never going to settle and be a good wife” or judged for being “too tall.” I took these criticisms as indicators of our incompatibility, because at the end of the day respect and connection are important and I never want to be with someone who thinks these things right off the bat.

Random aunties always will say such things without considering the emotional impact they are have on a young woman – I get that (while I wish it wasn’t the case). However, such comments are especially hurtful and  painful when they come from the parents of a person I have a deep and meaningful connection with. It’s even worse when they criticize my body and my age (things I cannot control)!

In this specific situation I’m referring to, I was attacked by the father of a person I was seriously involved with. His father said I did not “look good” standing next to his son (we’re the same height and I am physically bigger than him ), and that because I am a year older than him, psychologically we were not going to work. (He didn’t realize he just called his son short and stupid but no, the faults are with me.) His words stung. From what the son told me, his dad was very religious, was a sevadaar at gurdwara, and a “true” follower of Guru Ji’s teachings. However, I felt a disconnect between his words and actions.

Personally, I have a long way to go before being Guru’s Sikh. I have my faults and I know I am nowhere near perfect. But I also know as Sikhs, our true judge is only our Guru. So, when someone else condemns me and my appearance without knowing anything else about me, it was the biggest slap in my face. As much as I wanted to (and need to) pick myself up and keep my chardi kala, those words were crippling because it meant everything I did in my life from going to college, going to grad school, becoming self-sufficient, being active in the community were all diminished to my appearance from a “Sikh” father.

But probably the worst thing about it all was that the son just went along with his father’s comments. As much as he told me that he “…will always stand up to Punjabi culture nonsense,” and that he respects “…women and they are an important part of Sikh society,” and that he supports and practices “the equality in everyone including women as a Sikh and human rights issue,” he did not live up to it. He didn’t stand up to his father’s comments. He did not defend me. His words are meaningless.

It reminded me of a shabad revealed to Guru Angad Sahib on Ang 474 of Guru Granth Sahib.

In summary, talk is cheap.

Obviously there was no way I could continue a relationship with this guy since he so easily gave into the sexist culture the second it became challenging. It is fine to  respect your parents, but he lied to me about his commitment to women’s empowerment, and he lied to me about partnership. You can also respect your parents while disagreeing with them (i.e. Guru Nanak Sahib). You can respect them while politely challenging their antiquated thinking. Ultimately, I felt like he should have been careful about the words he used when talking about women.

Childish, immature, superficial, and shallow don’t come close to describing how I feel about this situation.

What I learned after this incident was even worse. I learned that many Sikh women have gone through similar things. So many sisters ended relationships because of what their partner’s parents’ backwards thinking about what an “ideal wife” should look like. No matter how many words these Sikh boys fed these women of respect, acceptance, and support, they did NOT act.

I believe this is for two reasons: (1) because they actually agree with their parents about the toxic, unattainable, constructed image of an “ideal  wife” or (2) they are weak and scared to stand up for the Sikh women in their lives. Which one is worse? Who knows?

It is great to see and experience Sikh men who actually do stand up for the partners regardless of what parents are saying about identity, image, and other really petty issues. But the weak boys are far more prevalent.

In Guru’s eyes, the most beautiful woman is not fair, thin, acquiescing, and short but one who does seva, who fights for the rights of others, and is (or wants to be) in love with Wahe Guru. “She is the most beautiful among women; upon her forehead she wears the Jewel of the Divine’s Love.,” Guru Nanak Sahib, Ang 54. But, the father and son in my story failed to internalize this message. (I’m not saying I wear such a metaphorical jewel, but I’m working at becoming a better human, and I do not define my self-worth on my looks).

I challenge Sikh camps and Sikh conferences to have strong dialogues of how respecting women and their identity must go beyond lip service. We have already addressed how Sikh women are faced with extra scrutiny in our Punjabi culture, but how does that move to the next step? How does the conversation stop being something just Sikh women have to do and move towards action by both Singhs and Kaurs? When will Sikh men start putting their money where their mouth is when they praise women but then struggle to stand up forthem? -- Source.

NOTE: Next time maybe 'Anonymous Kaur' will share her identity.

See Turbanators.com.

See The 'Turbanators'.

See Sikh And Ye Shall Find.

See The Turban Is A Crown.

See Women Wimps or Warriors.

See Women Are More Than This.

See Sikhism And Homosexuality.

See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?

See When Will Sikh Men Stand Up?

See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com.

See How To Be More LGBT Friendly.

See I Claim My Right To Wear A Turban.

See Balvinder Kaur On Gender Equality.

See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban?

See Bibi Kiranjot Kaur On Women's Rights.

See A Distinguishing Abundance of Male Titles.

See We Need To Talk About Domestic Violence.

All-Male Forum... For Change?


Members of the International Punjabi Forum in New Delhi. Where are the women?


Where are the women?

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MySense
By Molu Govinda Ballah

Why are Sikh women not allowed to do kirtan in Sri Harmandir Sahib? Why were Sikh women not part of the Panj Pyare?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji recognized women as independent social entities; laid the foundation for their educational, social, and spiritual development; insisted women are not to be condemned on the grounds of their gender; insisted women are equal to men; Guru Sahib Ji advocated for the religious rights of women; insisted women be encouraged to study Sri Guru Granth Sahib; and insisted women are to participate on equal terms with men in all temporal and secular observances.

One such ceremony is the Sikh baptism or Amrit, which is was established for both men and women; both men and women are encouraged to participate in prayer in Holy Gurdwara; women are encouraged to become participants with the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and musicians who lead the congregation singing shabads (hymns).

From these teachings have evolved the freedom of worship for both genders.

My Sikh Sense


SatHanuman Singh Khalsa 

In this video I recall the tragic days of Operation Blue Star, the assault on the Guru in Amritsar, India, June, 1984, a week, which will live in infamy... the event that involved the desecration of the Golden Temple, and the destruction of the Akal Takht.

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My Sikh Sense


SatHanuman Singh Khalsa 

Sat Nam. Current Sikhi circumstances and issues occur mainly because the committee in charge of running Sri Harmandir Sahib, the SGPC, was set up after a long period of British rule.

When the British retreated from Punjab and handed back ownership of the Gurdwaras, Sikhs had to devise rules and rehits in an attempt to restore Sikhi in Punjab.

However, 100,000s, probably millions, of the Khalsa had been killed by the British during the 1800s. The British had a shoot-on-sight policy of all armed Sikhs, and there were not many Amritdhari Sikhs left alive by 1920.

The culture in India had also become influenced by Western society and other religions and so new rules crept in that were not Gurmat, but may have seemed to be at the time.

Remember, in 1920, when SGPC was set up, there was no Internet, no Wikipedia or YouTube. A lot of what Sikhs in 1920 learned about Sikhi came through British sources that had virtually killed off Sikhi in Punjab in the 1800s.

In my opinion, we should make a change to the fundamental organizational structure of Sikhi, but we have not yet figured out how.

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

See 3HOLegacyLinks.com. See Historical Documents. See A Comprehensive Sikh History Quiz. See Sikh Minister's Vows. See Find The Meaning of Sikh Names. See Core Issues For Sikhs. See Why Are White Tantra Yoga Classes So 'White'? See My Response To A Sikh Minister Survey. See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans?See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See Sikh Women Wear Turbans. See Turbanators.com. See Life According To Native America.

My Sikh Sense


Dr. Jashpal Kaur Bhatt

We need to talk about domestic violence.

A recent conversation with a friend has prompted me to consider the importance of creating gender awareness on issues that impact on Sikh women in Malaysia, particularly domestic violence.

Many people consider domestic violence to be a sensitive issue. Domestic violence affects people, primarily women, across the board whatever their religion, race and social status. It is a sensitive matter because its impact is catastrophic to the persons affected by it and the community they live in.

Yet, it is precisely because of its insidious nature that we need to talk about it. Hiding it under the “carpet” so to speak will not get rid of the problem. If we don’t talk about difficult matters, then who will? Talking about it to women creates gender awareness about this issue, particularly its impact on women, the children and the family members.

This gender awareness will in turn create gender empowerment. How? Information or knowledge about domestic violence will help women to understand why it happens, how to get help and how to deal with the perpetrator(s). There is nothing especially sensitive about domestic violence when we see it for what it is – power and control. Not talking about domestic violence simply reinforces victimization, making the victim feel helpless and hopeless.

It is amazing that, in this day and age, we are still struggling to talk about women’s issues. Women’s issues are at the core of society and so women and men need to be made aware of the issues that impact on them and what they can, as ordinary people, do about them. The concern that talking about domestic violence will upset some women or men, or that women will take action against their husbands or family members and so break up the family, is unwarranted.

Is it better for the children to see what is happening, to feel helpless and in turn, create an inter-generational cycle of domestic violence? Is it better to allow the women victims to continue to suffer the trauma of domestic violence? The writer has attached the following chart of the wheel of violence that explains domestic violence, as an example of one way to create awareness about it. Click on image for enlarged print.

I think it’s time for us to take a serious look at the need to address women’s issues by providing the space and opportunity for discussion. Domestic violence is only one such issue. There are many others. (How about tribalism, gender inequality, and racism?)

In this respect, EKTA, the Sikh women’s group’s initiative to publish a book on the rights of Sikh women in respect of various matters that affect them, including domestic violence, is surely a step in the right direction. Gender awareness creates gender empowerment!

Note: Dr Jashpal Kaur a/p Kulwant Singh (Bhatt) is a Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Law at University Technology MARA, Shah Alam. Source.

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My Sikh Sense


Simran Kaur Khalsa

Sat Nam. For many years I was blessed to represent the Sikh community in Southern California.

I was blessed in many ways:
I've made incredible friends, who by the way treated me and respected me better than my own community;
I've learned about other faiths... and keep learning.
But most importantly, I got to learn about the Sikh way of life by reading Sikh history books, and by constantly searching the Siri Guru Granth Sahib for specific topics.

My search never ends, and I have saved so many passages on my computer with different titles.

Today, I was looking up some passages that I had noted on a pad from listening to the Denver Ragi.

And somehow I came across a passage about slander. I never thought of looking up the word slander to find out more about what the Guru says about this, so I decided to do just that.

I've created a 'slander' doc with different passages. I thought that I'd share this with you. (See Siri Guru Granth Sahib On Slander.)

Guru Arjan extensively talks about slander. I've only added some of his, and a curious passage from Kabir. Do let me know what you think about his passage.

It's a reminder for us to always stay in grace when others slander us, as well as a reminder for us not to fall into the dark pit of slander.

Have a blessed day!

Stay in Chardi Kala!

Simran Kaur Khalsa --

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My Sikh Sense


Arjanpal Kaur Khalsa

Sat Nam. By the grace of God and Guru and the principles of the grand-daddy of all 12 Step Programs, this coming Saturday, December 19, 2015, I will celebrate the 29th anniversary of my sobriety.

Between 1972 and 1986, I was functioning in life – reporting to a job every day, lived in beautiful Toronto, Ontario for a few years, had cute little apartments in various Hollywood locales where my sister and I threw lots of fun parties, tickets to every rock and reggae concert I could ever have dreamed of (and got to meet a great number of those artists), some semblance of a spiritual life, family, friends, food on the table, was skinny as a rail and wore all the fabulous fashions of the day (big hair and LOTS of eye makeup, YAHOO), my bills were paid, etc. But I was dying inside.

The morning of December 19, 1986 I had a profound spiritual experience and reached out for help. The rest is history. If anyone would have told me back then what my life would be like today, I seriously think I WOULD have died - of laughter. I’d be 63? I’d still have a day gig in a law firm?? A BIG law firm? Who is this guy Yogi Bhajan and what is Kundalini Yoga? You mean right there on Robertson Boulevard, just up the street from where I went to high school?

I’d be wearing a turban?? EVERY DAY, EVEN TO WORK?! That I would love serving something called langar in a place called a Gurdwara? Reading from the Guru? How do you read from a Guru?? You mean like the Maharishi?? What’s a Ragi?? I’d be engaged to the love of my life and carrying on a California/Oregon courtship? GET OUTTA HERE! What does “Wahe Guru” mean? Oh, like those yummy little Wha Guru Chews I buy at Mrs. Gooch’s? (Anybody remember her? She’s not coming back, but I heard that the Bodhi Tree bookstore IS coming back!)

Anyway, I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey so far and to those who still help me on a daily basis. I am posting this today because on Saturday, I will be with Krishna and my Teacher Training Level 1 classmates. Although it is not traditional to share this kind of news early, I’m 99.999% certain I’m not going to take a drink or smoke anything between today and Saturday, and I’m 100% certain I will not be on the computer that day.

Tomorrow is devoted to the law firm holiday party and making kitcharie for Saturday. Kitcharie for 30?? Really?? HA!

Love and light to all, today and always.

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh. --

“It is incumbent on those who know to teach those who do not know." Hari Singh Bird

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My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

Sat Nam. Here's a missive I found recently that's worth reading.

GOD’S PLAY
By Sardar Rabinder Singh Bhamra

Dear Members, Gur Fateh!

This universe is God’s stage for His play. He created planets, stars, suns, galaxies, black holes, physical creation in His infinite universe, the things He likes. One is baffled to see these creations through space travel and Hubble telescopes. Nobody knows whether there is life on these heavenly bodies, and if yes, what kind of life. Nobody has been able to guess what is in God’s mind and what He wants to do. It seems no place is permanent in His Universe. Things keep changing with time, some slowly and some fast. His game is beyond our understanding. After all who are we to understand somebody Who is infinite.

But one thing is sure, He Loves His Creation, who is His baby, loves it and does not hurt anybody. We are curious about His creation, study it and want to travel in it, and plan to settle on other planets. But are those planets fit for human life? Can we breathe there? We do not know.

But all it tells us is we are more interested in His creation than He. We are His creation through our father and mother and we grow up thinking of just learning how to earn money, and grow rich and popular. But richness and popularity does not bring joy in life, and we do not know what to do.

But He takes mercy on us, sends divine messengers to us who explain to us His Play. We do not believe them and sometimes kill them as if they are telling us lies. But some persons because of God’s Grace are convinced and carry on the message to the people. It takes time to know the Truth.

One such person He sent to us was Guru Nanak who told the Truth about God and His play on Earth. People benefitted by his visit, which changed their thinking. But it took 300 years before Punjab got freedom.

The whole game of God was written in Guru Granth Sahib. The followers of Guru Nanak are called Sikhs (learners) and the game was explained to them in Gurbani, the writing of the Gurus and His saints in Siri Guru Granth Sahib.

. He Himself created and beholds His own Play. He winds up His drama, and then He is the One, by Himself... “Apnaa khel Aap kar dekhay. Khel sankochay tau Nanak Ekay.’’ p-272

. All living beings are Your play-things... “Jee jant sabh Tera khel.” p-11

. The world is a dream. In a moment the play is staged again... “Jag supna baajee khin meh khel khilaa-ay.” p-18

. The day and night are two nurses in whose lap all the world is at play (day time nurse is Kaal and night nurse is the soul)... “Divas raat doay daa-i daaya khelay sagal jagat.” p-11

. Three qualities (of Maya) holds the body in bondage; whosoever comes to the world Is subject to this play... “Trai gun badhee dehuri jo aaia so jug khel.” p-21

. O servant Nanak it is such a difficult game; only a few Gumukhs (God oriented persons) can understand it... “Jan Nanak eh khel kathan hai kinhoo Gurmukh jaanaa.” p-219

. The One has played the game of coming and going (of beings)... “Avan jaavan ik khel banaya.” p-218

. Some are deluded by doubts, some are involved in devotional worship; Your play is infinite and endless... “Ik bharam bhulae ik bhagtee laayay Tera keel akhaaraa.”p-633

. He stages the game of breath everywhere; withholding His Power He lets everybody crumble... “Pavney khel keea sabh thaee kalaa khinch dhaainda." p-1023

. Wealth is the play of the Creator, sometimes it comes and sometimes it goes... “Eh dhan Kartay kaa khel hai kad aavay kad jaavay." p-1282

Our life on Earth is a play of God, arranged by God. We play for Him as He wants. Life is like a dream and can end up whenever he feels like it. We are all His playmates. It is His play in His dream. We are like puppets in His dream playing the role He wants us to play. He is the player, observer and director of the play. Life looks real to us as we are all under His Maya, which creates doubts and duality in our minds, and takes us away from reality.

Our life is controlled by the breaths He gives us for living. Whenever He wants to end life, He takes away the breathing. The only way to be in peace and bliss is to love our Creator, and be one with Him, remembering Him in devotional worship and getting His Grace. In this case one becomes a Gurmukh by having His Naam with him.

Rabinder Singh Bhamra --

“It is incumbent on those who know to teach those who do not know." Hari Singh Bird

See Glossary of Sikh Terms. See Historical Documents. See A Comprehensive Sikh History Quiz. See Sikh Minister's Vows. See Find The Meaning of Sikh Names. See Core Issues For Sikhs. See Why Are White Tantra Yoga Classes So 'White'? See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans? See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See Sikh Women Wear Turbans. See Turbanators.com. See Life According To Native America.

My Sikh Sense


SatHanuman Singh Khalsa 

Sat Nam. I watched this well done presentation by Guwinder Singh and his awesome son, Jiwan Jot Singh Kapur. While I am proud of their effort to outreach and share the Sikh way of life with non-Sikhs there are some critical points given by both father and son in this video that are out of order, e.g., that Yogi Bhajan, is the leader of a sect of Sikhism in California, who many years ago had his Sikh women wear white turbans!

While I can see the humor shared with the audience, important questions were asked by audience members about several important issues. Kindly permit me to present the following corrections in the interest of accuracy and clarity.

Reality - Siri Guru Granth Sahib is NOT a holy book.

Reality - Many practicing Sikhs are vegetarian. Many cultural Sikhs from India however love to eat meat, visa viz "fillet mignon".

Reality - While Amrithari Sikhs don't use tobacco and don't eat meat, fish or eggs, drink alcohol or use hallucinogenic drugs, many cultural Punjabi Sikhs enjoy Scotch and/or beer.

Reality - Women do share in religious roles in Gurdwara. (See contrary answers given by Jiwan Jot Singh and Guwinder Singh.)

Reality - Women are recognized as equals to men by Guru Nanak Dev and all Siri Guru's of Sikh Path.

Reality - Sikh women are not permitted (as least not yet) to carry Siri Guru Granth Sahib at Prakash from Siri Akal Takhat to Darbar Sahib each morning in Amritsar at the Golden Temple.

Reality - How many Gurdwaras in the world are there where women are President or Secretary of the Gurdwara?

Reality - How many Panj Piaris marching in Nagar Kirtans around the world (including NYC) with Amritdari (Baptized Khalsa) ever be carrying Siri Sahibs (Guru's Sword).

Reality - How many women do you see serving Langar in Langar halls in Gurdwaras in the U.S., Canada, Britain, India, UNLESS you come to Gurdwaras in Sterling, Virginia, Millis, Massachusetts, Eugene, Oregon, Los Angeles, or Espanola, New Mexico?

Reality - Sikhs, consisting of whites, browns, blacks, Asians, etc., all do SEVA. These women and men from Punjab, Indian and American lineage are integrated into these Gurdwaras.

Reality - 99.9% of the people wearing Daastars (turbans) in the U.S., Great Britain, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, and Africa are SIKHS? Can women wear turbans? Of course! Going back to the time of the 10th Master, Siri Guru Gobind Singh, when he initiated the first Sikhs into the Khalsa, women serving the Guru often wore Damala (turbans).

Reality - Mai Bhago Kaur led 40 Sikh deserters into battle. These 40 men are to this day remembered in Ardas all over the world by 30 million Sikhs! Mai Bhago Kaur Ji survived the battle and Siri Guru Gobind Singh built a Gurdwara to honor her heroic life of seva and devotion.

Reality - Yogi Bhajan, was declared Path Rattan, as well as Siri Singh Sahib, Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Ph.D.

Reality - Yogiji arrived in North American from New Delhi in 1968. He began Teaching Kundalini Yoga in 1969 in Los Angeles.

Reality - Yogiji succeeded in having Sikh Dharma legally recognized by U.S. laws.

Reality - Yogiji was responsible for influencing young women in U.S., Canada, G.B., Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, i.e., Sweden, Denmark, Germany, G.B., France, Italy, the African nations, China, Russia, Australia and INDIA to don Daastars years before Bhindrinwali and others preached Guru's Katta!

Reality - Young women of the Sikh faith in British Columbia and around the world have taken to donning Daastar after being initiated into the Khalsa Panth!

Reality - The reason some Sikh women do NOT wear turbans is cultural, not religious! Chuni are a traditional Punjabi head covering for Indian Sikh women, and other Sikh women.

Reality - There are currently 40 Sikh men wearing Daastars who are serving in the U.S. Army and 12 Sikh women, according to Colonel Kamal Singh Kalsi, who are spread throughout the U.S. Armed Forces. One day in the near future, one or another of those who are inspired to serve will don a Daastar and this will become a game changer.

Reality - The Sikh Path (Dharma) or Sikhi is a most beautiful path of Truth. I have lived and practiced the path since 1971 when I first bowed my head to Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. (I am a former Christian raised in the United Church of Christ - also known as the Congregational Church.)

I met the Siri SIngh Sahib, then known as Yogiji, in 1971 in Cocoa, Florida, U.S. I was 21, and I thought the word Sikh was pronounced Shikh, which is Sheikh, and pronounced Shake.

I was NOT looking for a "Guru" or a religion. Everything was fine until I met Yogiji. His words awakened me and I continued to grow. I adopted the Sikh path (one does not convert to Sikhi) in 1972. Two years later I was initiated by Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tora ji and other leaders from SGPC in New Mexico, U.S.

I am a grandfather of 4 Sikh youths residing in Oregon. I am married, worked 2006-2012 as the first Sikh security officer for TSA (DHS) in the U.S. I was appointed to the National Security Council at Transportation Security Administration Headquarters in Arlington, VA from 2008-2010.

Currently I am active in Oregon Sikh Seva Foundation and engaged with State and Federal leadership to benefit Sikh youth, women, Sikh Americans and Muslim Americans. I am the Pacific Northwest Director of the Sikh American Legal Defense Fund, SALDEF, the oldest Sikh Civil Rights organization, which is based in Washington, DC. I also currently serve as a member of Akal Committee13 (ACT) see AkalCommittee13.com to see our Mission statement.? -- Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

See Definitions.

See Sikh Definitions.

See Turbanators.com.

See Glossary of Sikh Terms.

See Greetings, Names and Titles.

See 3HO History by Sat Bachan Kaur.

“It is incumbent on those who know to teach those who do not know." Hari Singh Bird

See Historical Documents. See A Comprehensive Sikh History Quiz. See Sikh Minister's Vows. See Find The Meaning of Sikh Names. See Core Issues For Sikhs. See Why Are White Tantra Yoga Classes So 'White'? See My Response To A Sikh Minister Survey. See Why Do Sikhs Wear Turbans? See Why Don't Sikh Women Tie Turban? See SikhWomenWearTurbans.com. See Life According To Native America.





More MySikhSense.com

Pages And Points To Ponder

                                          

                                 

See Sikh Women Wear Turbans. Desmond Tutu's Plea To Israel.
See The Homeless Banned And Jailed In 'Christian' America.
See Let's Have 'The Race Conversation' For Real, This Time.
See More Diversity Dialogues. See Institutionalized Racism.

See Required Reading. See Recommended Reading.
See Why Are White Tantra Yoga Classes So 'White'?

See Islamic Extremism vs Christian Extremism.

See A Native American's Thanksgiving Rebuke.
See What White People Need To Know.

See Americans Need To Pay Attention.
See What's Wrong With This Picture?
See A Case Of Unjust Enrichment.
See A Classic Case of Tribalism.
See What Tribalism Looks Like.
See Guidelines For Facilitators.
See For The People Of Color.
See What Is White Privilege?
See KRI Needs To Go To Jail.
See Jon Stewart On Racism.
See The Ubuntu Philosophy.
See TheMahanTantric.com.
See Example of Tribalism.

See ACT For Diversity.
See Comments Con.
See Comments Pro.

See Obama 43 To 1.
See My Main Point.
See Turbanators.
See Sikhs Shine.
See Sikh Tribes.
See Definitions.
See Questions.

    

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3HO Legacy Links

Moments, Memories and Missives

Early History Jot Singh Khalsa
Legacy Docs Singh Kaur Khalsa
Legacy Photos Shanti Kaur Khalsa
Legacy Photos II Kirpal Singh Khalsa
Legacy Photos III Amarjit Singh Khalsa
Legacy Photos IV Gurujot Singh Khalsa
Soul Singh Khalsa Siri Atma Kaur Khalsa
Yogi Bhajan Profile
Sat Jivan Singh Khalsa
Library of Teachings Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
Ravitej Singh Khalsa Gurudass Singh Khalsa
Letters And Lessons Sat Bachan Kaur Khalsa
First Solstice Sadhana Guru Fatha Singh Khalsa
Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa Christmas In New Mexico
Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Profile Solstice Sadhana Security
Ganga Bhajan Kaur Khalsa SatHanuman Singh Khalsa
Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa
Bhai Sahib Dayal Singh Khalsa
Solstice Sadhana Celebration Solstice Sadhana Gurdwara Security

See more at 3HOLegacyLinks.com.

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3HO

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Forum

Profiles

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About Hair

Solstice Diet

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First Solstice

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My Real Name

Early 3HO Photos

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Obama43To1.com

The SikhNet Story

Our Family Photos

Before 3HO Photos

Diversity Dialogues

Letters and Lessons

Yogi Bhajan's Teacher

All for One Won for All

Summer Solstice 1973

To Serve Is To Succeed

For The People of Color

Christmas In New Mexico

Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa

The Essence ... You Are IT

Yogi Bhajan's First Student

Ma Bhagavati...in Memoriam

The Grace of God Meditation

Jot Singh's Early 3HO History

Advisory To 3HO/Sikh Dharma

This Is What Racism Looks Like

Awtar Singh's Early 3HO History

Kirpal Singh's Early 3HO History

The Songs of Livtar Singh Khalsa

The Solstice Sadhana Experience

A Gallery of 3HO Legacy Teachers

An African American Critiques 3HO

Rise Up Rise Up Sweet Family Dear

Hari Jiwan Singh's Early 3HO History

The Yogi Bhajan Library of Teachings

Guru Fatha Singh's Early 3HO History

Sat Santokh Singh's Early 3HO History

The Ubuntu Age - All for One, Won for All

Guru Singh's History of Summer Solstice

What Happens When We Fight Over Race

The Sikh Who Changed Modern-Day India

The 1974 Transition of Bhai Sahib Dyal Singh

Remembering Sat Nam The Grace Within You

More Video Stories of The Master Yogi Bhajan

Ending The Age of Me - Beginning The Age of We

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