"It's incumbent on those who know to teach
those who do not know." Hari Singh Bird
"Men are naturally inclined to take risks;
women are naturally inclined not to take risks;
ergo, men are naturally inclined to be warriors;
women are naturally inclined to be caregivers; all
due to the wisdom of the Creator." Hari Singh Bird
"In Prosperity, three things work: Security, Security and Security.
Because Security manifests Prosperity. Security manifests the entire
manifestation. Because Security is the Rule of Harmony." Siri Singh Sahib
Sant Sipahi - Saint Soldier Without Fear or Anger
"You have come here not to find the wealth, health, or the reasons. You have
come here to find yourself. Without the experience of the Self, you have come
and you will go, you will leave with regret. Nothing will go with you, except the
joy of the Self. Please remember, intuitive Self is a self in itself. That's why,
every religion has tried to copy some things, so that people can have harmony,
peace of mind, and some intuition, and every religion will talk to you about
the Self. But they will not tell you how to get it. That is why the science of
the Saint and the Soldier, the martial arts, and yoga came through. Humans
understand we have to learn the Self. And for that, we have to have the
inner strength. Without inner strength, no devotion is possible, no sacrifice
is possible, not even work is possible." Siri Singh Sahib of Sikh Dharma
"Today we have the head of a soldier and the heart of a saint. Actually what we need is the
head of a saint and the heart of a soldier." Siri Singh Sahib of Sikh Dharma 2/18/1990
WHY THERE AREN'T MORE SIKHS IN THE U.S. MILITARY
Security "Security is the absence of risk."
Security is those actions or systems, which prevent or minimize the occurrence of adverse events within specific environments. The most effective Security is preventative as well as proactive, and serves to minimize risk to life, property and environments.
Mission
During this time in our history radical transparency is needed.
We need to participate in and tolerate thoughtful
disagreements.
The mission of this Web site is to promote diversity and cultural competency, explore issues of color and gender, and inspire people
who have a history of being marginalized, using social media and other
means as platforms to inform various communities of the life experiences
and concerns of marginalized people with regard to the necessity for social
change, dialogue, inclusion, compassion, tolerance, and cultural literacy to
expand and improve human relations going forward in order to better facilitate
the current worldwide shift in global consciousness from tribalism, instability,
and extremism, to harmony, cooperation and enduring peace. In addition, we
welcome and support other organizations that promote the transformation of
consciousness taught by spiritual teachers like Guru Nanak Dev and others.
. Maintains strict rules of confidentiality and privacy.
Commentary
The Sant Siphahi Advisory Team has been meeting over the last few months discussing and reflecting upon our need to be alert to things that don’t look or feel right at our events, within our communities, and around our community centers. Our beloved teacher, Yogi Bhajan, stressed the importance for us to always be alert and prepared. Many within our community are reaching ‘elder’ age and at times find it is a challenge to keep up with everything. Even those who are not elders may be experiencing this because of the intensity of the time and space in which we live. It is prudent to do everything possible (getting enough exercise, rest, healing and yogic/meditation practice) to give us the awareness, sensitivity and intuition that will provide us with the abiliity to act.
There have been several recent attacks on Sikh men. Will you refuse to be a victim? Are you prepared to use a pen as a weapon, a pocket knife or even your Kirpan if necessary to protect yourself or others from wrongdoers? If you wear Kirpan, is it sharp?
Siri Singh Sahib ji told us we must be known for our service. A sacred and honored way for this to happen is for us to have the capacity to be protectors of the weak and innocent. At the very least we must be mentally prepared to act through intervention by calling law enforcement and/or getting assistance.
Other activities to consider for your community and Gurdwara secure:
. Acquire a Security/Safety audit and assessment of your facility and investigate the facility where you are having an upcoming event. Ask the local police department to do a Security evaluation, and ask the fire department to do a safety evaluation, which are mostly free of charge. Use these evaluations to make an outline of things to do. Work through the to-do list one thing at time. A Security/Safety audit should not require any major expenditures or hardware acquisitions.
. Call for an All-Sangat meeting on Security. Security is an ALL-IN program. Not everyone is going to necessarily have an active hands-on Security roll to play, but everyone needs to be on board with the concepts 'alert eyes and ears' and 'see something say something'.
. Maintain communications between Sangat members and the local community - including police department, fire department and emergency response organizations.
. Start a Neighborhood Watch Group with the Sangat and your neighbors. Local law enforcement can assist in the setup. This will add some structure to a Security program and provide a reason to meet and communicate about Security issues. We are all better served when we cover each other’s back.
. When these ideas are implemented, a more in depth and formal Security training of Sangat members can occur. -- SS Jot Singh Khalsa
"Circumstances cannot be allowed to preclude the implementation
of adequate safety and Security measures." Interior-Guard.com
"Form Follows Function Principle means that any hardware or
other equipment that is required to execute the mission must be based
upon the intended function and purpose, i.e., mindset, skills and procedures
need to be established and ready for implementation before acquiring supplies,
equipment, and support. Hardware is considered last. Or, first know where you're
going and how to get there before you acquire the means." Hari Singh
Bird Khalsa
1) Monitor all activities occurring in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib as well as any other activities in order to maintain a safe, hazard-free environment, and a peaceful, respectful Gurdwara decorum.
2) Assist Sangat members in the performance of their worship and other activities, especially to include the arrival and departure of families with young children, giving aid and comfort to the elderly and the infirm, and greeting visitors.
3) Take direct Protective and/or Defensive action in the event of emergency circumstances such as fire and emergency medical response, disruptive or disorderly activity, or any act of aggression occurring within or around the Gurdwara or amongst Sangat members, and ensure Security of building perimeter (doors and windows) while maintaining appropriate access for Sangat members and guests.
4) Gather and disseminate intelligence data, and subsequently alert Sangat members, and appropriate local authorities to the existence of issues or circumstances involving imminent or potential risk to the Security of the Guru, Sangat members, or Gurdwara property.
5) Interface with and assist Local Fire and Medical Emergency or Law Enforcement Response Team members in order to maintain appropriate and respectful decorum in any emergency conditions occurring in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib or upon the Gurdwara property, circumstances permitting.
*NOTE:General Orders For Gurdwara Sevadars are intended to be general as opposed to specific since they apply to the commonalities of all Gurdwaras.
Special Operating Protocols or SOPs should be formulated and implemented by respective Sangat leaders after consultation with local First Responders, i.e., Fire, Medical Emergency, Law Enforcement or other agencies. These Special Operating Protocols then will reflect conditions peculiar to local circumstances, which may vary according to any unique layout, structural, or geographical, economic, or technical requirements.
In addition, each community should contact their local First Responders, especially Fire Prevention and Law Enforcement Agencies, for a comprehensive risk assessment of Gurdwara property, and management policies and procedures to include a comprehensive Safety and Security Audit. Audits may possibly be provided free of charge, and should include procedures related to the following issues:
a) Fire Prevention and Emergency Evacuation
b) Medical Emergency Response, First-aid Training
c) Active Shooter Response, and Defender Training
d) Safe Room Implementation
e) 'Refuse To Be a Victim' Training
Oak Creek, Wisconsin
August 5, 2012
Map of hate groups in the U.S.
Contact the Sant Sipahi Advisory Team at 800-528-0413 Ext. 354, or click here.
Security does not happen by accident!
Security is those actions or systems, which prevent or minimize
the occurrence of adverse events within specific environments.
The most effective Security is preventative as well as proactive,
and serves to minimize any risk to life, property and environments.
Active Shooter Survival DVD is
a reality-based training production.
Training covers the following topics.
Planning for Survival Stopping the Shooter Escaping the Violence Hiding from the Shooter Preventing Violent Intrusions Collective Survival Strategies Disrupting the Shooter’s Intentions
Training includes a step-by-step how-to, such as:
Protecting you from extreme violence Responding to an active shooter Managing workplace violence Improving Gurdwara Security Becoming better prepared Saving innocent lives Surviving terrorism
Who is responsible for your Security?
YOU ARE!
Most people are reactive when it comes to their safety and well-being. Most people respond only after threats have materialized and the problem is acute. This approach brings little solace to the victims and is dangerous. The most effective Security is preventative as well as proactive. The radicalization of fringe elements in society is increasing. The targeting of minorities is nothing new and will continue. Community preparedness is a must; its absence is a liability. --
Alon Stivi, CEO, Direct Measures International
Your
value is not in how many experiences you have had.
It is in your stability -- in how much sacrifice you can do.
Your value is in how effectively and how consistently you can
live for others. Your value is in how you can take command of
yourself and others in any situation. Your value is in your capability
of firmly planting yourself in the neutrality of your higher consciousness
and standing as a pillar of strength, turning every negative to a
positive.
Your value is how quickly you are there when the call comes. -- Yogi Bhajan
Q: DOES YOUR SANGAT OR GURDWARA NEED MORE Security? CONTACT YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT TO GET A Security AUDIT.
Q: DOES YOUR SANGAT HAVE A GURDWARA Security COMPONENT?
IF NO, YOU CAN GET HELP ORGANIZING A Security MISSAL HERE.
IF YOUR SANGAT AND GURDWARA Security IS ADEQUATE,
SHARE YOUR STORY HERE OR CALL 800-528-0413 EXT. 354 EASTERN.
RESPONSES REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL
A POST 9-11 HISTORY OF DISCRIMINATION
It
remains true today, in the ancient tradition of ignorance,
that people of faith and otherwise good sense hasten
to ostracize and demonize any person or group
whose beliefs and customs are unlike their own.
Vandalism
at the Sikh Gurdwara in Fresno, California
Photo courtesy of Christian Parley, The Fresno Bee.
Immediately
after September 11, 2001, an epidemic of hate crimes against minorities
swept the United States and other countries. The wave of hate crimes and hate violence affected Muslims especially, and anyone perceived to be a Muslim, e.g.,
Sikhs, Arabs, South Asians, Latinos, and other brown-skinned people.
Incidents occurred in every part of the public sphere: houses, roadways, workplaces,
airports, school grounds, and street corners, as well as churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras in nearly every major
city in the United States. In targeted communities, places of worship have been burned,
homes vandalized, families threatened, jobs denied, children bullied,
women harassed, men and women beaten and murdered.
RECENT VIOLENT ACTS AGAINST RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
SIX SIKHS SLAIN
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sikhs murdered at their Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
Top left to right, Satwant Singh, Sita Singh, and Paramjit Kaur,
Bottom left to right, Ranjit Singh, Prakash Singh, and Suveg Singh.
Sikh community members in the wake of the Oak Creek murders.
Police Lt. Brian Murphy
Hero cop took numerous bullets during massacre and survived.
ANOTHER SIKH SLAIN
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Dalbir Singh of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, murdered in his store.
TEENAGE
MUSLIM GIRL WOUNDED
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
BEFORE
AFTER
Malala Yousuf Zai, a 14 year old girl, was seriously wounded by religious fanatics for speaking out for peace and human rights. More.
OUR YOUTH DESERVE LEADERSHIP TRAINING
New Mexico Military Institute can provide this.
A two-year leadership program is available.
Those who shall not learn to obey shall never be
in a position to command. -- Siri Singh Sahib
Create dependable
children, not dependent children. Give your children
the basic values to face their own tomorrows, not be blinded by yours. Make
them proper personalities, not helpless puppets. Position them for success; do
not paralyze them with the commotion of your emotions. -- Siri Singh Sahib
The basic aspect of you as woman is not in your sensuality and in your dramas.
You are not only the givers of life, you are the manufacturers of character. Whatever
character you will give to your children, that shall be their future. -- Siri Singh Sahib
Your reliability will give people the courage to trust you.
Their trust will give you the power to carry a situation. A leader
carries and serves people. Learn to lead as a ‘seva’ (to sacrifice your
time and resources for the benefit of others without wanting anything in
return); people will love you, and you will continue to expand. -- Siri Singh Sahib
Children are born with intrinsic leadership traits that prepare them for life.
These must translate positively into the lives they lead as citizens of the world.
These are: Service, Justice, Courage, Compassion, Decisiveness, Reliability,
Integrity, Initiative, Knowledge, Loyalty, Enthusiasm, Endurance. -- Hari Singh Khalsa
Sat
Nam, Khalsa ji! I am a passionate proponent of more balance
between our claims to accept and understand the concept of Saint-Soldier, and actually living our lives as authentic Sant-Sipahi. To this end I strongly urge Khalsa parents, especially
our women, the first teachers of our children, to consider the following points.
WOMEN ARE The First Teachers
Advisory To Parents From MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa
.) I urge you to consider enrolling our children at the New
Mexico Military Institute, located in Roswell, New Mexico. My
kids graduated high school with honors at NMMI in the early '80s,
the first children of Sikh
Dharma to attend a military school in America. The Siri
Singh Sahib expressed pleasure upon observing
cadet training when he visited NMMI in 1983. He advised us then that he
would have enrolled his own children at NMMI if he had known of its existence. Another group of children
who attended school in India later attended NMMI in the early '90s.
Sikh Chaplain, MSS Hari Singh, addresses Sikh cadets in front of the NMMI chapel, 1992.
New Mexico Military Institute offers an outstanding two year college option for your sons and daughters after they complete their
time at Miri Piri Academy. For those families for which MPA is not an option, NMMI has an excellent four year high school college prep programin addition to theirtwo year
college program. New Mexico Military Institute has been ranked No. 5 on a list of the nation’s top 50 community colleges by an independent organization, i.e., TheBestSchools.org, which has described the Roswell, New Mexico school as the “only state-supported, coeducational, military boarding school in the United States.” The school offers college prep, a four-year high school and a two-year junior college. See NMMI
Strategic Measures Statistics.
Each of the former Sikhi students/graduates
of NMMI provide a testament to the advantages of attending NMMI, which
include a rigorous and challenging lifestyle, camaraderie and fellowship,
and outstanding leadership
training especially, along with NMMI's excellent scholastic program.
This experience prepared them for additional university training, and exciting
careers all over the world. NMMI is the only American prep school I know
that has a history of accommodating the Sikhi lifestyle, i.e., Sadhana, Kesh, Turban, Sipahi Training, and Vegetarian Diet. And it is an excellent environment for Sikhi youth to learn leadership and soldiering skills for which the Siri Singh Sahib was a passionate
proponent.
The NMMI program offers MPA students and other Sikh youth
a unique and reasonably cost-effective opportunity to transition
from the Indian program into the American experience as a unit, and the obvious advantage of continued
bonding with their peers. See NMMI
Admissions, or click admissions@nmmi.edu, or call 800-421-5376.
.) I urge you to reflect on the Siri Singh Sahib's words, "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."
Again, our youth deserve leadership training going forward. I know of no readily available source of formal leadership
training available to our Sikh youth other than the New Mexico Military
Institute.
A Presentation Before The Khalsa Council
By Singh Sahib Jot Singh Khalsa
Saturday, April 26, 2014
SS Jot Singh Khalsa
It is my privilege and honor to share with you today around the topic of Security.
We have rich history of our gurus and their disciples being protectors of the weak and innocent. Our beloved Siri Singh Sahib Ji embodied this as well. He told us of tumultuous times that we would face and these may be upon us now.
So what are the things we can do to best secure and serve these times?
PERSONAL Security - Which may often be overlooked - serves to reduce personal risk.
Many in the world are not so fortunate to have personal practices to balance themselves and a Sadhana which can provide sensitivity and intuition, enabling us to perceive potential danger around us, beyond what the eyes normally can see and what the ears may hear.
These practices will also afford us tolerance and non-reactiveness to deal with anything that the Creator brings before us. They also can provide the resilience and reserves to assist others in handling what they may be struggling to manage.
For the first 20 years the Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan taught us, he urged us to learn to protect ourselves. In New Mexico there were Survival Camps and an annual Ladies Camp for decades, where martial and military training and drills were very much a part of the programs.
Martial training, combined with a steady morning Sadhana can provide a precious, confident and intuitive presence to stand firmly and wisely amidst and against if necessary, the pressures of any situation of time and space.
In my teaching these days, I share that martial arts training is a perfect complement to Kundalini Yoga.
If you and I don't bring forth Saint-Soldier consciousness - who will? likely not most from the yoga or punjabi communities - I don't believe. If we don't embody that steadiness under pressure for our students and communities - who will?
Our yogic practices and our service help us to become Saintly, in my experience and from my observation. Training is required to be an effective soldier.
In the 37th pauri of Ekongkar Kaur's English translation of Japji Sahib - to manifest the Sant Sipahi/Saint Solider/Spiritual Warrior is among the highest incarnations.
In my teaching these days - I share that martial arts training is a perfect complement to kundalini yoga. For those not ready for what is often intense martial training - sinking deeply into Archer pose - with Long Deep Breathing - and Jaap Sahib playing in background - Can serve well to enable the capacity to become ferocious. Especially for a woman, this can be important. I believe all of you know archer pose. If not I'm happy to show you.
Aquarian Sadhana - 22 minutes - During the 22 minutes of sitting in Vir Asan (also referred to as Hero or Warrior Pose), with the hands in prayer pose, chanting the “Waheguru Wahejio” mantra with eyes open, staring and fixed at the tip of the nose, you will receive insights to enable and clarify your path to manifesting excellence within the realms that you are most passionate about. This multifaceted meditation, which is more than three times longer than any other segment of the Aquarian Sadhana meditations, also engenders the saint-soldier mentality -- an invaluable blend of elevated awareness and a relaxed preparedness, to embrace and act within any situation with greater insight, sensitivity, and without fear.
My martial training and my Sadhana provide me the greater likelihood that I may not react or be fearful when confronted by anything or anyone.
One of my prayers has been as Siblings of Destiny and the Khalsa Council, that through embracing our discipline we get beyond our fears and rigidity. This to best serve each other and humanity wherever we find ourselves. To manifest heart and soul, as the Siri Sardarni Sahiba urged in her opening address.
We sing it regularly, in the song of the Khalsa - something I believe the Our beloved teacher wanted to be ingrained in our psyches -'when things are down and darkest, that's when we stand tallest'. I ask how will you do that? If not through your well cultivated and refined discipline and through the grace of the One?
We create kirpans and refer to them as the worlds finest. I also refer to them as real kirpans - they are sharp, and often find myself saying ' why bother to carry a Kirpan that can not serve you to be a protector of the weak and innocent'. Most of what comes from India is not meant for that, and some of them are beautiful. Best seek out a bit of training, if you decide to wear a real Kirpan.
I suggested to someone just this morning to carry pepper spray. Especially if you are a woman. (check local laws as to legality to carry this).
COMMUNITY Security Prior to any event your community is involved in sponsoring, it will be wise to look at insuring the environment will be secure. When Siri Singh Sahib Ji was with us, if you were on his personal Security detail his request, "Secure the environments!"
So whether you call upon a capable team of volunteers, possibly with law enforcement backup options or with law enforcement directly, the Security of your event is more likely assured.
At Solstice Sadhana we have armed sheriff's deputies with a highly visible presence. For over two years a volunteer, Security Advisory Team, S.A.T., team, including prior military service members, hold conference call meetings in which they collaborate with 3HO Solstice Sadhana staff members on how to best implement resources for maintaining a safe and secure Solstice Sadhana experience.
At the very least - take it upon yourself to be observant and when anything doesn't look or feel right - tell someone responsible and capable or call law enforcement. If you are unable to take this action, then direct somebody who can be attentive and observant who will be able to act in a crisis.
As Sikhs we of course look different and may be seen as targets for those who do not know who we are, perhaps thinking we are terrorists.
SECURITY ADVISORY TEAM This team advises 3HO Solstice Sadhana management on Security issues. This group is for those who have the inclination to develop their capacity to serve as a defender of the weak and protector of the innocent during Winter and Summer Solstice Sadhana, by cultivating their potential as a saint-soldier. You are welcome to join us on our conference calls. This will help us to develop a culture of awareness of Personal Security as well as Community Security.
SANT SIPAHI ADVISORY TEAM The group that will eventually send representatives out to our various communities to explore the ways and means to insure Security within ashram and Gurdwara communities. The Sant Sipahi Advisory Team works on the premise that all Security is local and must start at the personal level - with each person taking responsibility for their individual safety and those around them. Once this awareness is in place at the individual level, S.S.A.T. will work to provide resources, training and support. (See GurdwaraSecurity.com.)
All are welcome to join this most noble endeavor to ensure the safety and Security of our Dharma. Please let me know at these meetings if you have any interest and you will be added to our mailing list.
Thank you for your kind attention! --
MORE POINTS TO PONDER
If you cannot walk together, you
cannot work together. Yogi Bhajan
Those who shall not learn to obey shall never
be in a position to command. Yogi Bhajan
The synergistic equation is 1 plus 1 equals 11.
When
this synergistic equation is applied, the 'me' perspective
morphs into the universal 'we' perspective. The result is each action is
accomplished exponentially for the common good. 1Plus1Equals11.com
FACTOID
"All
Security is local.
Homeland Security begins with hometown Security."