ABOUT US       CONTACT US       DISCLAIMER       HOME PAGE       FOODS AND VIEWS       SEARCH       UNIVERSITY OF DIVERSITY
   


Master of Kundalini Yoga
Siri Singh Sahib of Sikh Dharma

 
August 26, 1929 – October 6, 2004
"The law of spirituality is: obey, serve, love and accept."

In Memoriam
"Teree meher daa bolnaa, tudh aagai ardaas.
Guroo Guroo Whahe Guroo, Guroo Raam Daas.
Aad Guray Nameh, Jugaad Guray Nameh,
Sat Guray Nameh, Siree Guroo Dayvay Nameh."

Who is Yogi Bhajan?

Motto: If you cannot see God in all, you cannot see God at all.
Credo: It’s not the life that matters, it’s the courage that you bring to it.
Challenge: Don’t love me, love my teachings. Be ten times greater than me.

Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, known as Yogi Bhajan to hundreds of thousands of adherents worldwide, left his physical body at 9 PM, MST, on October 6th, 2004. His passing took place at his home in Espanola, New Mexico surrounded by family and friends.

The cause of death was complications due to heart failure. He was 75 years old.

An outstanding pioneer in many fields with a deep and compassionate insight into the human condition, he established permanent institutions, created spectacular events, and produced a prolific body of teachings.

The first to publicly teach Kundalini Yoga, when he arrived in the West in 1968, he announced he had come to the West "to create teachers, not to gain students."

A deeply devoted Sikh, his inspiration and example motivated thousands to embrace the Sikh way of life. Through his personal efforts, Sikh Dharma was legally incorporated and officially recognized as a religion in the USA in 1971. In 1971, in acknowledgement of his extraordinary impact of spreading the universal message of Sikhism, the president of the SGPC (governing body of Sikh Temples in India), Sant Charan Singh called him the *Siri Singh Sahib, Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for the Western Hemisphere, and he was given the responsibility to create a Sikh Ministry in the West by the Akal Takhat, the Sikh seat of religious authority in Amritsar, India. He was honored with the title Bhai Sahib by the Akal Takhat in 1974.


The Akal Takhat Jethadhar with the Siri Singh Sahib

Born Harbhajan Singh Puri, August 26, 1929, in the part of India that became Pakistan in 1948, he was the son of a medical doctor. He spent his youth in privileged environments in private schools and his summers in the exclusive Dalhousie mountain region of Uttar Pradesh. As a young boy he attended a Catholic convent school.

When he became a United States Citizen in 1976, Yogi Bhajan changed his name legally to Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji.

When he was just eight years old he began his yogic training with an enlightened teacher, Sant Hazara Singh, who proclaimed him to be a Master of Kundalini Yoga when he was sixteen and a half.


Yogi Bhajan as a young officer in the Indian Army.

During the turmoil of partition in 1947, at the age of 18, he led his village of 7000 people, near what is Lahore Pakistan today, 325 miles on foot to safety in New Delhi, India, where he arrived with only the clothes on his back. Displaced Indians were given houses in India and soon he was able to continue his education at Punjab University where he excelled in debate and was a star athlete, playing both hockey and soccer and earning the name "China wall" from his opponents.

After graduating with a degree in Economics, he began Indian government service with India's Internal Revenue Department, and supervised the creation of the IRS building in New Delhi. Shortly thereafter he moved to the Customs Service and become head of Customs at Palam International Airport (now known as New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport).


Harbhajan Singh, aka Yogiji, and Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, aka Bibiji

He married Inderjit Kaur in 1952. They had two sons, Ranbir Singh and Kulbir Singh, and a daughter, Kamaljit Kaur. Meet Yogi Bhajan's Parents. See Family Photos.

Throughout his academic career and government service he continued to teach yoga to people from all walks of life.

In September of 1968, he left India for Canada to teach yoga at Toronto University, carrying a letter of recommendation from Sir James George, Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi, who had been his student. After two months in Canada, he flew to Los Angeles for a weekend visit. Arriving in Los Angeles virtually unknown, Yogi Bhajan met a number of young hippies, the spiritual seekers of that era, and immediately recognized that the experience of higher consciousness they were attempting to find through drugs, could be achieved by practicing the Science of Kundalini Yoga, while simultaneously rebuilding their nervous systems.


Yogi Bhajan
brought Kundalini Yoga to the West.

Breaking the centuries old tradition of secrecy surrounding the empowering science of Kundalini Yoga, he began teaching it publicly. With the yogic sciences of yoga, meditation, yogic philosophy, and loving acceptance, he gave the soon to be called "Baby Boomers" an effective alternative to the prevalent drug culture. He called it the "3HO" (Healthy, Happy, Holy) way of life.

From humble beginnings, teaching first at the East West Cultural Center and then in a student's furniture store in West Hollywood, "The Yogi" was like a magnet. Students flocked to his classes. Soon he was teaching at colleges and universities, including Claremont and UCLA, and accepting invitations to teach in other cities.

In July of 1969 the non-profit 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) was incorporated in California. 3HO's service to humanity is through Kundalini Yoga, meditation and the Science of Humanology which improves physical well being, as well as deepening spiritual awareness.



"Life is the only gift of God within you ... be grateful."

Under his guidance as Director of Spiritual Education, 3HO mushroomed worldwide, to 300 centers in 35 countries. In 1994 3HO became a member of the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental-Organization) in Consultative Status (Roster) with the Economic and Social Council, representing women's issues, promoting human rights and providing education in alternative systems of medicine.

Traveling extensively in the seventies and eighties, Yogi Bhajan crusaded tirelessly to educate, uplift, and enlighten everyone he met. His basic message was "It is your birthright to be healthy, happy, and holy."

Inspired and motivated by his words and adhering to the practices he taught, students created music, art, and poetry reflecting the universal wisdom he shared. Over 200 books have been written based on his teachings, as well as a wealth of CD's, videos, paintings, and sculpture. He himself wrote over 30 books including The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Furmaan Khalsa, Masters Touch, and Mind and Its 81 Facets.


Yogi Bhajan displays White Tantric necklace, 1983.

Yogi Bhajan became the Mahan Tantric (only living Master of White Tantric Yoga) in 1971. He conducted White Tantric Yoga workshops in cities around the world. In 1987 he transferred these workshops to videotape, calling them "Renew to be New" Courses, which continue to be held worldwide. See MahanTantric.com.

In 1973, Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO SuperHealth, a remarkably successful drugless, drug rehabilitation program, blending the proven ancient yogic wisdom of the East with the modern technology of the West. SuperHealth was accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization and received its highest commendation. In 1973 it distinguished itself as being in the top 10% of all treatment programs throughout the U.S.

In 1982 Yogi Bhajan oversaw the placement of the first Sikh cadets to attend NMMI, the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico.


Yogi Bhajan visits a Sikh cadet's room at NMMI.


Yogi Bhajan with first Sikh cadets and Superintendant Childress at NMMI.


Yogi Bhajan and his secretary greet parents of Sikh cadets at NMMI.

Under his guidance these cadets excelled in all academic and athletic programs in which they participated at the Institute. They achieved scholastic excellence and graduated with honors. He is shown above with NMMI Superintendent, Major General Childress, attending the NMMI Homecoming ceremonies in 1983.

In 1989 Yogi Bhajan met with then President Mikhail Gorbachev and established addiction treatment programs in Russia based on the 3HO SuperHealth model. Currently a pilot project of SuperHealth is being formed by the Punjab State Government in India.

True to his earliest commitment, "I've not come to gather students, but to train teachers," the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and KRI (Kundalini Research Institute) now holds teacher-training courses throughout the world.

Embodying a rare combination of spiritual and down-to-earth practical wisdom, Yogi Bhajan was equally at home in the pulpit, the podium, the board room, the living room, or sitting on the grass in a park, teaching and educating people in all walks of life. His expertise and influence extended into the realms of communication, the healing arts, business, religion and government.

Loyal friend and mentor of Senators, Congressmen, and Governors regardless of political affiliation, he promoted spiritual awareness in all arenas. An ardent advocate of world peace and religious unity, the Siri Singh Sahib met with world leaders of all faiths to encourage dialogue, including Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and two Archbishops of Canterbury. In 1995 he received the Courage of Conscience Award from the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts.

   

In 1971 at the Celebration of Life Music Festival in New Orleans he shared the podium with Swami Satchitananda and Swami Vishnudevananda. He participated in many interfaith forums and conferences, including the World Parliament of Religions. In the early 70's he helped organize the first 'Meeting of the Ways' in San Francisco and was co-founder of the Unity of Man Conference. He became Co-President of the World Fellowship of Religions in 1974. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Council of Executives in Religion and was a member of the Interreligious Council of Southern California, the Rotary Club, and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

In June of 1985 he established the first International Peace Prayer Day Celebration in New Mexico. This annual day of musical celebration and interfaith prayer draws several thousand participants, including prominent national and international leaders in the realms of religion, politics, and humanity. Those honored at this event and given grants for leading the way in spreading the word of peace have included: Grandmothers for Peace and the Gesundheit Institute.

A graduate in Economics from Punjab University (1952) and a savvy entrepreneur he encouraged his students to start their own businesses. One of the first, Yogi Tea, brought his famous recipe into the mainstream, and it is now one of the leading tea companies in the health food market in the USA and Europe.

He became a trusted management consultant for 14 corporations worldwide, representing industries as diverse as health food manufacturing (KIIT-Golden Temple Foods), computer systems (Sun and Son), and security services (Akal Security ). He conducted business seminars and authored several books to guide the aspiring entrepreneur as well as the seasoned executive.


Akal Security reps with President Bush

He was a champion of women's rights, and believed that it is women who are the backbone of society, and since 1972 when he inaugurated the first of annual women's camps, he taught technology to turn 'chicks into eagles.'

Yogi Bhajan fathered the science of Humanology and in 1980 he earned his Ph.D. with his dissertation titled "Communication: Liberation or Condemnation."

Standing six feet three, his powerful and dynamic presence dominated any gathering. Fearless, outspoken yet humble, he could be both charming and daunting as the occasion required. His openhearted acceptance of everyone along with an uncompromising insistence upon excellence made him a formidable teacher.

His motto: "If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all."

His credo: "It's not the life that matters, it's the courage that you bring to it." His challenge to students, "Don't love me, love my teachings. Become ten times greater than me."

Although Yogi Bhajan has left his physical form, he asked that his students and those who knew him celebrate his Homecoming. The light of his spiritual essence continues to bless all those whom he loved, and that is the entire human race.

He is survived by his wife, children, five grandchildren and all those in his 3HO and Sikh Dharma families. --

Comments from two long-time students of Yogi Bhajan

"If you do Yogi Bhajan’s numerology you see that he has a path number of eight. That is the number of self-sacrifice through service to others. At the last birthday party for him that he attended I remember him telling us: “I have lived an unbalanced life. Don’t do that. Balance your life. Every day make time for meditation, work, relaxation, exercise and service.”

His destiny was to sacrifice himself. He took on tremendous amounts of karma from his students and it took its toll in a way we will never understand. He often said, “If you make a portrait of me after I am gone, make it with peanut shells. If you could see me clearly, you would see that I am covered with scars just like that.” He took so much negative energy and processed it for us. Many doctors and caregivers tried to get him to prioritize his own health, all to no avail. He is who he is. We have to be who we are." -- Guruka Singh Khalsa

"One time for me, he suggested a special diet that was quite rigorous and I expected to be beyond my ability to endure. He  had me call his office every day with a report and continued to encourage me. It felt like I was being carried around in his pocket--that he was with me, giving me his strength. The regimen was a challenge but I was able to keep up. He knew how important it was and supported me in becoming the person he saw I could be.

Having had that experience allowed me to see how he carried others, sometimes for shorter times and sometimes for longer. He lifted me up, supported me, carried me through many challenges until I was able to stand on my own, meditate, lean on God and Guru, be myself, serve others. I believe he did this for many, many others. He did it because he could but not without consequences." -- GuruSurya Kaur Khalsa

The Siri Singh Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji's Epitaph


Ketia dukh bhukh sad mar II
We suffer privation and pain
Eh bhi dat teri datar II
These too are God’s gift
Ek Ong Kar
One Creator of Creation

"Oh Guru Ram Das, my only prayer is that all my words be thine.
And that all blessings come to me as I act as a servant of The Infinite.
Oh I bow to The Primal Wisdom, I bow to The Wisdom of The Ages,
I bow to The Wisdom That Is, I bow to The Eternal Wisdom." -- Yogi Bhajan

Early 3HO History

Yogi Bhajan and His Family

Meet Yogi Bhajan's Parents

SatKriyaByYogiBhajan.com

The New York Times About Sikhs

A Letter of Celebration    Meditation    Photo Gallery    Videos    Pix From Past

      

3HO Legacy Links

Memories, Moments, 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.

Memories to share? Register here.

Pages And Points To Ponder

MySikhSense.com

                                          

                                 


More Web sites by
KhalsaWebMasters.com

SAAAP.org Dieterata.com
AllIsOne.guru HariSingh.com
TheISites.com SikhTribes.com
SopaSeca.com SikhSongs.com
UbuntuAge.com WaheGuru.guru
UntoInfinity.com NarayanOil.com
LeftOfMaya.com SikhsShine.com
LivtarSingh.com
3HOHistory.com
EyesOnPies.com Turbanators.com
SikhAnthem.com IsolatedSeer.com
BroadPoints.com 13EkOngKar.com
Obama43To1.com SoothingSpa.com
HariKaurBird.com ChardeeKala.com
OpticalViews.com 2020ForEyes.com
KhalsaVision.com SPIRITofGRD.com
GuruRamDas.com LakeKillarney.com
DualityOptics.com HariSinghBird.com
MySikhSense.com
RamDasSingh.com
BigotDetector.com
BeYourAllness.com
3DDispensing.com
LandOfAwwws.com
Interior-Guard.com SatKartarSingh.com
OpticalCourse.com DrRamonIbarra.com
MiriPiriWarrior.com FitItAndForgetIt.com
1IsTheAnswer.com OpticianryToday.com
SatNamMeans.com WordPhysiology.com
KaliYugaSigns.com JustAddedWater.com
SiriSinghSahib.com EyewearMoodys.com
1And1Equals11.com PreetKaurKhalsa.com
CloseOrderDrill.com WhiteTantraYoga.com
RamDhanSingh.com 3HOLegacyLinks.com
2020ForWomen.com TheMahanTantric.com
HangupsByHari.com SiriMantraForLife.com
DownWithCarbs.com
WhoAreTheSikhs.com
ACTForDiversity.com OpticianryReview.com
AdiShaktiMantra.com 2020ForOpticians.com
ScienceOfMudra.com OpticalGuidelines.com
OneIsTheAnswer.com GuruGobindSingh.com
ScienceOfMantra.com OpticalWorkshops.com
GuruGaitriMantra.com KirpalSinghKhalsa.com
OohRahMemorial.com SimranKaurKhalsa.com
WeProcessLoans.com
SatpalSinghKhalsa.com
AkalCommittee13.com SadhanaGuidelines.com
GurdwaraSecurity.com YouAreTheEssence.com
AmarSinghKhalsa.com KundaliniYogapedia.com
DiversityDialogues.org StFrancisOfficePark.com
SensitivitySummit.com ToTheSweetestMom.com
AwtarSinghKhalsa.com YogiBhajansTeacher.com
SurvivalCampUSA.com OpticalShiftHappens.com
KhalsaWebMasters.com AllForOneWonForAll.com
MasculineMoments.com DrinkingDrivingDead.com
AhaMomentOfTruth.com MyInterviewWithGod.com
HairInLaysTheTruth.com SaTaNaMaMeditation.com
PartnersNotParents.com FaceBlindnessIsReal.com
ToTheSweetestWife.com ToServeIsToSucceed.com
EachMomentIsAGift.com ServingVersusSelling.com
SikhAndYeShallFind.com SukhmaniKaurKhalsa.com
OpticiansForChange.com LakesideManorOnline.com
HappinessIsTheRule.com EyeWearProfessionals.com
AtTheFeetOfTheYogi.com SecurityAdvisoryTeam.com
SiriGuruGranthSahib.guru ReligionDemographics.com
RaMaDaSaMeditation.com TimeForCraftsmanship.com
UniversityOfDiversity.com FirstSikhOfSikhDharma.com
YogiTeaByYogiBhajan.com
AkalCommitteeThirteen.com
DispensingGuidelines.com HealthEqualsHappiness.com
CourageousDialogues.com GoodGuysWearTurbans.com
SatKriyaByYogiBhajan.com AquarianAgeBeganHere.com
IfYouKnowWhoYouAre.com ButterflyEffectExplained.com
EyeExaminationOnline.com FirstTeachersAreWomen.com
GlassesOnlineWarning.com SugarIsAFourLetterWord.com
IDoNotEatDeadAnimals.com SikhWomenWearTurbans.com
MoreThanYouCanKnow.com WomenWimpsOrWarriors.com
OpticiansForThePeople.com CosmicCyclesAndCircles.com
OnsiteFamilyHealthcare.com TheAfterDeathExperience.com
SantSipahiAdvisoryTeam.com IAmABornAgainAmerican.com
KirtanKriyaByYogiBhajan.com TestYourKnowledgeOnline.com
SatHanumanSinghKhalsa.com LifeAccordingToYogiBhajan.com
TextingAndDrivingIsCrazy.com NowYouKnowThatYouKnow.com
ItsAllAboutMeNotAboutYou.com KundaliniYogaByYogiBhajan.com
WordsOfWisdomAndHumor.com
IfYourDadDoesntHaveABeard.com
CrucifixionByAnEyewitness.com EndOfPrideAndPrejudiceIsNigh.com
GodAndMeMeAndGodAreOne.com EkOngKarSatNamSiriWaheGuru.com
ReachOutAndTouchSomebody.com TheTechnologyOfConsciousness.com
ConsciousCommunicationGuidelines.com OneIsTheAnswerWhatIsTheQuestion.com

   ®
Khalsa
WebMasters.com
©All rights reserved.

 

 

ABOUT US       CONTACT US       DISCLAIMER       HOME PAGE       FOODS AND VIEWS       SEARCH       UNIVERSITY OF DIVERSITY