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MySikhSense.com

Dialogue for those who dare.

Open dialogue, especially with those with whom we differ,
is an expression of caring, love, inclusion, and tolerance.

One Skin, Different Perspectives
"There needs to be a conversational relationship
between white eyes and colored eyes in America."


White Eyes                              Colored Eyes

My Sikh Sense


Balvinder Kaur Saund

Re: Hundreds turn out to support, and counter, pro-Khalistan rally.

I never thought of Sikh independence before 1984, but the years of genocides and injustices against Sikhs have concentrated my mind to dreaming of a Sikh Utopia and a Sikh homeland...

Where there is no tyranny, nor prisoners of conscience.
No tank attacks on Darbar Sahib and Gurdwaras.
No state nor police brutality.
No incarceration without trial.
No Sikh genocide, nor burning, nor killing fields of Sikhs.
No caste discrimination. Manas ki jatt Sabeh ek pehchanio.
No political corruption, nor dirty tricks to win elections.
No male misogyny, nor gender inequality.
No female infanticides, nor dumping of girl children.
No rapes of girls and women.
No dowry killings, nor gifts for the boy’s families.
No Sant Babas to lead the Sangat astray into superstitions.
No dishonesty, nor fraud, nor chemicals feeding poisons into our land.
No drugs, nor drinking, nor domestic violence, nor family breakdowns.
No exodus of our youth to other countries.

Where there is freedom to breathe, live, and enjoy life to...

Build our homes and live in Panjab.
Learn and speak our own mother tongue.
Disciplined and strong judiciary to ensure justice.
Practice our Sikh faith, and serve langar anywhere.
Speak Truth without being killed.
Schools, University IT education, and health services for all.
Creation of industry and jobs for skilled workers.
Sikh Regiment and Police who serve the community diligently and compassionately.
Return of our stolen Five Rivers.
Return of our Panjab borders and Chandigarh.
Allowed to be born as a girl and live without fear of being raped.
Love, respect and human rights for all.
Walk streets freely wearing religious Kakkars.
No blacklists of those who have fled India in fear.
Reconciliation and forgiveness, as the way forward.

Is it just my dream, or can it become reality? Time will tell. --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

Core Question
Is more effective outreach needed?

"Sunshine is the best remedy for dirty laundry." Inder Jeet Singh

"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, why are there so few Black Families? How many White Families
vs. Black Families are there after 50 years? Oh sure, there are a few
African-Americans
, but they are disproportionately represented.
Think about the optics from the perspective of most people of color.
Do people of color see this disparity as a positive or as a negative?
And how many Black Kundalini Yoga teachers-trainers are there?
Isn't it time for there to be some serious mixed-race adult dialogue?

Detractors: Kindly answer questions before vilifying the messenger.

The key indicator that organizations have come of age is when steps
are taken to permit open dialogue on the issue with people of color.
BTW: When asked if one Black Family after 50 years is an issue
of concern, some 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?"

"Diversity is the quality or state of having people who are of different
races or who have different cultures within a group or organization.

Question is are we mature enough to sit down and discuss issues of
diversity, including religion, gender and race? When there's no
dialogue only one side of any issue is resolved." Hari Singh Bird

*"In 2013, the population of African Americans, including those of more than one race,
was estimated at 45 million, making up 15.2% of the total U.S. population." Source.
U.S. organizations should reflect about 15 African Americans out of every 100.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

I also urge you to attend the upcoming meetings.

Sat Nam, Sadh Sangat Ji!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

There are those among the Sadh Sangat who have expressed resistance to attempts at making progress and change regarding not just our teaching but our more actively practicing and living the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, i.e., Sikh Dharma is an INCLUSIVE and PLURALISTIC pathway of service whereby ALL PEOPLE may prosper by God's grace. (See Questions.)

Jaano Jot Na Puucho, Jaati Aagai Jaat Na Hai... "Recognize the Divine light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes, hereafter." Guru Nanak Dev Ji

We need to be in the forefront of the struggle for human rights and justice for all in the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev. I urge each of you to contact the Secretary General of Sikh Dharma, Sardarni Sahiba Gurujot Kaur Khalsa, to voice your support for passage of the Sensitivity Summit Motion at the April meetings and its implementation going forward. I also urge you to attend the upcoming meetings as a testimony to your support for this important and timely Motion.

Please contact me if I can be of assistance.

Hari Kaur and I will be teaching a Workshop in Toronto at the time of the KC meeting so I request your feedback as to your thoughts re the Motion and your impressions of the meetings.

Thank you!

Guru rakha!

Humbly,

MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.



 

More MySikhSense.com

Pages And Points To Ponder

                                          

                                 

Why Don't Sikh Women Tie 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


SatHanuman Singh Khalsa

March 26, 2015

Sat Nam, Sardarni Sahiba Gurujot Kaur Khalsa ji.

I strongly support passage of the Sensitivity Summit Motion at the April 2015 meetings and its implementation going forward.

I've lived this sacred path since 1972, and like you, I have raised children and grandchildren with the sacred teachings of our beloved Spiritual Teacher, Siri Singh Sahib ji, and the Dharma of Guru Nanak Dev.

It's of utmost importance to reconcile our commitment to our Dharmic Path with our sensitivity to all Creation, all human beings, all faiths, all genders, all races and we need to remain inclusive and therefore in alignment with our Guru's Hukum - to see God in All!

As we, the first generation of adopted Sikhs, not born in Punjab or Indian sub-continent, we need to realize there is much Seva we can do to reach those who are marginalized and less fortunate.

I used the technology of Kundalini Yoga in the mid-70s to teach in County and Federal prisons. I saw first hand how it supported positive growth for incarcerated populations, most of whom are people of color. I became one of the fist to teach in the prison system as a volunteer, years before MSS Krishna Kaur pursued her outreach in the LA prison system.

We need to come together to listen to those among our siblings who have a need to be heard and understood so it's my hope you will keep this Motion on the Khalsa Council agenda for the Spring meetings.

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh! --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

April 7, 2015

Sat Nam, Sadh Sangat Ji!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

There are those among the Sadh Sangat who have expressed resistance to attempts at making progress and change regarding not just our teaching but our more actively practicing and living the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, i.e., Sikh Dharma is an INCLUSIVE and PLURALISTIC pathway of service whereby ALL PEOPLE may prosper by God's grace. We need to be in the forefront of the struggle for human rights and justice for all in the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The Killing of Walter Scott

 

I again urge each of you to contact the Secretary General of Sikh Dharma, Sardarni Sahiba Gurujot Kaur Khalsa, to voice your support for passage of the Sensitivity Summit Motion at the April 2015 meetings and its implementation going forward. I also urge you to attend the upcoming meetings as a testimony to your support for this important and timely Motion.

Please contact me if I can be of assistance.

Hari Kaur and I will be teaching a Workshop in Toronto at the time of the KC meeting so I request your feedback as to your thoughts re the Motion and your impressions of the meetings.

Thank you!

Guru rakha!

Humbly,

MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa --

Guru Gobind Singh directed Sikhs to tie turban.
See Why don't Sikh women tie turban?

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

Sat Nam. To all those who think there's no diversity issue in America, including my friends, neighbors, associates, and family. Check this out.

"A stark new video of a White police officer shooting an unarmed Black man (Walter Scott) five times in the back in South Carolina has reignited a sense of public outrage over U.S. police killings that has been smoldering since last summer – but there is little to suggest that this latest dispatch of the YouTube era will shake confidence in police, especially among affluent White Americans." -- Source.

Post-racial America!
So, what's the problem?

North Charleston SC police officer stands over body of Walter Scott.

The post-racial-America talk

"No, son. This isn’t the birds-n-the-bees talk. This is about you coming home alive.
While we know you’re just a child, to some people, you’re an adult. An adult who’s
dangerous and guilty of something even if you’ve done nothing wrong. So, if
a policeman stops you for any reason, do what he says. If you can’t make out
what he’s saying, don’t go close to ask. Don’t pull out your phone to call us.
Even if he yells at you or pulls out his gun and you get scared, don’t run.
Just put your hands in the air. No, this isn’t right but we don’t have
the luxury of being right. We want you to come home alive.”

Redneck on post-racial America

 

Never Ignore Any Form Of Racism. #Truthlike the page>> Young Paris

Posted by Young Paris on Wednesday, April 8, 2015
 

 

Racism is a business. Its marketing is so successful that even
Akala looks sideways at a young black man holding a lot of cash.

Posted by The Guardian on Wednesday, March 18, 2015

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

"As Ministers we are obliged to practice what we teach using
only occasional words. Our actions teach louder than words."

Sat Nam. Singh Sahib Aftab Singh Khalsa, below, reports that he recently wrote Sikh Dharma Ministry a note with the following request. Check out the replies he has received.

My Sikh Sense


Aftab Singh Khalsa

May 22, 2015

Do we have any statistics on the population size and growth of "American" Sikhs, or Sikhs in the U.S. generally?

This is the reply I received from Sikh Dharma Ministry:

We don't really have anything like you are requesting. I would suggest you contact someone at SikhNet or at Sikh Dharma. There may be some assistance there for what you are looking for.

I think it is preposterous that the Ministry cannot answer my question, and suggests that I seek an answer elsewhere. When the Ministry (Sikh Dharma International) tells me to seek an answer from Sikh Dharma to whom are they referring me?

What is the Ministry for, if they do not know whom or how many they are serving. How can they know if we are reaching our constituents if they cannot keep track. Are we losing/gaining members? And why are we losing/gaining members? Is Sikh Dharma Ministry not interested in this important demographic data for the purpose of better serving the community? See Sikh Ministers' Vows.

The purpose for this request was mainly threefold.

1) to test how organized we are as a religious body - to see how in touch we are with our local Gurdwaras and local Sikh leaders,

2) for general academic knowledge.

3) to determine the ratio of Ministers to lay Sikhs, and so see if we are adequately serving - at least quantitatively.

Based on the ridiculous non-response I received, I believe that we are not very organized. Despite the big pomp of Khalsa Council meetings, good-looking websites and blogs, the Ministry could not even tell me how many are publicly initiated as Amritdari Sikhs at our Solstice celebrations. We seem not to be in touch with each other, and there is no information gathering/sharing from places around the country.

Instead we have under performing Ministers, who could at least research the areas they are supposed to be serving and report to a common database. What I was hoping for was not just a grand total, but state by state, or city by city data - a gender and race breakdown would have also been nice.

These are a few comments I got back when I reported my experience to fellow Sikhs.

Sat Nam. The stats are what they are. I think the reason the Ministry is not interested in them is because what it does is largely irrelevant to the size and growth of the Sikh population in the U.S.

My assessment is that things are the way they are because:

a) The unfortunate bifurcation that exists today between the Ministry and our teaching arm; To my mind, one who practices the Sadhana given by Yogi Bhajan is a disciple/sadhu/Sikh of the Shabad Guru. Period.

b) The times are heavy, but it is still possible to live a life of mediocrity, defining oneself as a "cultural Sikh" and to survive with the help of regular infusions of caffeine or Prozac or alcohol as the case may be. This may one day change.

c)
Guru Gobind Singh ji once proclaimed: "I will create 960 million and Khalsa will rule."

He didn't say he needed us to get there.

And...

Sat Nam. I am more curious to know how many "Ministers" actually understand the teachings of the Gurus, the impact of those teachings, especially in regards to the historical times in which they lived; Sikh history, the evolution of Sikh Dharma in the West, and perhaps most importantly, the essence of Siri Guru Granth Sahib as our living Guru.

There is insufficient training for Ministers. I think those silly exams, which aren't even read or evaluated, serve no purpose and do little to further the depth, quality, or capacity of Ministers. The entire program needs a major overhaul.

And...

Sat Nam. In the forty years I have been a Minister I singly did two ceremonies and submitted mediocre answers every 2 years. I cannot imagine where the Ministry would start to do a qualitative analysis of it's Ministers, seeing that it cannot even do a quantitative one of the congregation. The fee keeps increasing but I do not see any value or benefits of membership. My suspicion is that there are too many Ministers.

And...

Sat Nam. I started to question these tests 10 years ago. I haven't filled them out now for several years, and since the "dues" increased I owe a few hundred dollars.

How many "Ministers" know Sikh history? How many do Seva?

I was in a 3HO Gurdwara Langar line once. A woman showed up in the foyer wanting to know more about Sikh Dharma. Someone brought her in but no one offered her a head covering. I mentioned it to one of the Sevadars serving food. He blurted out, "She doesn't need her head covered. It's just Langar." I walked out.

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh! --

Here's a few links for any interested parties wanting statistics on Sikh Dharma:

https://www.google.com/search?q=American+Sikh+census+the+US&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

http://americanturban.com/2012/08/23/just-how-many-sikhs-are-in-the-united-states-anyway/

http://www.pewresearch.org/2012/08/06/ask-the-expert-how-many-us-sikhs/

Be well.

MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

"As Ministers we are obliged to practice what we teach using
only occasional words. Our actions teach louder than words."

"Diversity is the quality or state of having people who are of different
races or who have different cultures within a group or organization.

Question is are we mature enough to sit down and discuss issues of
tribalism, including race, religion, and gender? When there's no
dialogue only one side of any issue is resolved." Hari Singh Bird

Sat Nam. Below are messages I received from various authors, which in my opinion, address current controversial subjects requiring sooner rather than later the attention of the Sikh Dharma Ministry office. 3HO/Sikh Dharma needs to be on the right side of humanity and history.

Sat Nam. Questions: Are there any gay or lesbian ministers? What is the position of "American Sikhs" toward marriage equality - should we take our cue from India's anti-women SGPC, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, or have our own?

The Irish just legalized marriage equality and more than 2/3 of the U.S. support it. Does anyone know what our position (3HO/Sikh Dharma) is, and why?

And...

Sat Nam. We are talking about humans here. Expressions of the Infinite. Love, Life, Prana, Kundalini, etc. don't have to comply with our limited concepts of correct or not.

It actually might not be any different, simply because the genders, gender identities, or gender expressions appear to be different.

Polarities have to do with energy flow between two or more poles... hence the term. One place to another, sky to ground lightning, cloud to cloud lightning. The energy is everywhere and it moves wherever there is a source, a connector, a receptor. We are all of these.

The reference to the female tantric cult... or the all female White Tantric facilitators... what do you imply by that. I've only observed White Tantric Yoga since post Yogi Bhajan, so I have wondered at the use of monitors, the same-sex partners, allowed as long as they take their polar places... The whole place being like a big generator, with interchangeable human parts... Interesting.

And...

Sat Nam. We in the U.S. do not follow the guidelines on many Sikh practices supported by the Akal Takht. We have women actively partaking in areas that only men do in India, We openly talk of astrology and numerology. We use an abbreviated Anand Sahib. We play guitars and sing Song of the Khalsa in every Gurdwara, etc. We are legally a separate entity, so I see no need to accept the Akal Takht"s dictates as law.

The Siri Guru Granth Sahib is not clear regarding gay and lesbian love. There are many references of the lover and the Lord, and "bride" is mentioned often, too. I don't have a specific reference, but Yogi Bhajan accepted a man holding a female role in a relationship (White Tantric Yoga?). So this aspect is open to any interpretation.

On the level of human love there is no difference, but when it comes down to polarity, a man/woman relationship is very different from a man/man or woman/woman relationship.

And...

Sat Nam. When the Siri Guru Granth Sahib speaks of the Beloved, the "Bride", and "Bridegroom", Guru Sahib, is referencing the "Soul", not the physical body. Any ritual or practice which comes from male governing bodies of the Sikh faith or any other, are only "men" interpreting. Personally I trust Siri Singh Sahibji's relationship with Guru and His Sikhs more than anyone. The Soul (the Bride) knows intuitively the common sense response. All the Guru teaches is the Soul longing, not the gender or sexual expression in human form.

These are questions of the Soul, of the heart, not of the mind or ego. When men who profess a particular authority and awareness also drink scotch, other nonsense, then the moral authority is lost. What 'values' will offend many? Treating women as equals, allowing a Granthi to be a woman? Almost every World Faith - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikh Dharma, Hinduism even Buddhism is "Male" dominated. This is the reason we see so much 'homophobic behavior'. How does a predominately Roman Catholic country like Ireland go against Vatican authority and allow for "GAY marriage"?

"The times, they are a-changin'." (See KaliYugaSigns.com.)

All is G-O-D! All is Good! Guru is within, not in Amritsar, or Rome, or Jerusalem, or Mecca, or Dharamasala.

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!

And...

Sat Nam. It would appear the Siri Singh Sahib never pronounced on this issue aside from the merely legal aspect. No doubt, if he had felt it would serve us and serve the times the Siri Singh Sahib would have made some public proclamation about the legitimacy of same sex-marriage. My sense is that part of his calculation was the need of keeping us together in the larger Sikh fold.

Times change. Sensibilities change. The vote that legitimized same-sex marriage in Ireland the other day might have had a different outcome had it been held five years ago. The attitude of average Sikhs and the religious hierarchy in India will change too, but in time. (See What Does Ireland's Same-Sex Marriage Vote Mean For US?)

The Siri Singh Sahib was many things: brave, diplomatic, and tactically wise. I suggest that without a better understanding of the mentality of the sevadars of the Takhats and the SGPC, individually and collectively, it might be rash and regrettable to take an official stand for gay marriage at this time but that it would be wise to keep the pulse in Amritsar with a view to future action on this issue.

My Sikh Sense


SatHanuman Singh Khalsa

Sat Nam. Of course SGPC will not sanction gay marriage just as the Roman Catholic Church in Rome won't either. Ironically, the first Christian denomination in the U.S. to allow gay marriage is my former "Church" before I adopted Sikh Dharma and gave my head to Siri Guru Granth Sahib. It's the United Church of Christ - the former "Pilgrim" church.

It's is now close to 400 years since these 108 pilgrims landed in Provincetown (Mass) on 11/11/1620. They called themselves Separatists or Congregationalists! That body was the 'Taliban' of American Protestant Christianity for 200 years. These are the religious zealots who burned women (calling them witches), branded women with the Scarlett Letter "A", hung one woman who had the courage to proclaim she was a Quaker! These male dominated fundamentalists evolved until the mid-1800's when they led the anti-slavery movement, and 100 years later, the civil rights movement.

Today, at 395-years old, the Congregational Church, predominately located in New England, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, where missionaries relocated, marries gay couples.

The human Soul will always triumph over the spiritual ego, fanaticism and religious insecurity and fear. Even the founder of the U.S. military's close order drill and military discipline was a gay general, Major General Baron Friedrich von Steuben, recommended by a wise but old eccentric sage named Benjamin Franklin, who was hired by the then Commander and Chief - General George Washington.

I applaud this conversation and discussion, and feel it should be taken by ACT to another level.

More...

Sat Nam. When New Mexico legalized same-sex marriages, I asked SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa, in her capacity as Secretary of Religion, if Sikh Ministers could perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. She replied in the affirmative, but added that the SGPC and the Jathadar of Akal Takht had clearly prohibited using a Gurdwara for any same-sex weddings. She said that at one time while he was still alive, she had asked the Siri Singh Sahibji about Sikh Ministers performing marriage ceremonies for non-Sikhs, and his reply (paraphrased) was that Sikh Ministers could perform marriage ceremonies for anybody.

Also, SS Siri Bandhu Kaur of Ottawa has been performing marriage ceremonies for couples of any background in Canada for a very long time. She also said that the Siri Singh Sahib ji had approved of her doing that. In Canada, I believe, a person cannot perform a marriage ceremony unless he/she will perform it for anybody. OttawaWeddingsYourWay.com is her Web site.

My Sikh Sense


Siri Bandhu Kaur Khalsa

Sat Nam. In the new millennium the Siri Singh Sahib called me to conference. The Ontario Law (see below) sanctioning Gay Marriage had been passed. He stated that Sikh Dharma wouldn't legally support us with legal issues arising from a minister having sanctioned a gay marriage. I understood this to be in reference to larger organizations such as government or religions or groups. This was presented as a legal issue. Nothing was stated about religion, social, or any other perspective on this issue.

Decision
When I returned home I spoke to Harimandir and told him what the Siri Singh Sahib said. Harimandir quietly replied, "These people are our friends." At this time we had already performed several same-sex marriages. One couple had already been together 28 years before being allowed to be married.

Weddings/Relationship
There has been no doubt in my heart and mind that the same-sexweddings we have officiated are soul marriages as are the traditional male-female marriages.

Relationship communication problems arise when daily life begins. There are drugs, alcohol, habits, sex, money, work, disease, accidents, outside influences, just plain circumstances that can break an intimate relationship.

Khalsa Council published a book for Sikh youth on life lessons at the "request" of the Siri Singh Sahib. I still give my article, "Secrets for Choosing the Right Partner," to all couples interviewing for with us for a marriage. When asked, "What if the couple is gay?" I replied, "The rules are the rules. They are relevevant when choosing a partner, friend, or pet."

We have married all kinds of mixes. One time we married a Muslim and a Christian in front of a Christmas tree and they included parts of both faiths. Two men had a small gathering in their home for their marriage. One man had Muscular Distrophy and his partner served him so beautifully it still makes me emotional to have seen this interaction. There have been Canadians and non-Canadians, mixed races, mixed faiths, mixed physical abilities and even a few couples in their 80s!

Marriage is a sacred business and very personal. We respect the sacredness of every relationship by addressing the couples' requests. Your partner can't speak in public? Here's your work-around. You have children, babies? We could include them in the ceremony according to the their age and ability. You want an outdoor wedding? There are some venues we have found to be scenic and private. We will come to you.

Outcomes
One couple had me marry them, years later I presided naming ceremonies for each of their children, and even signed papers in a name-change ceremony for the husband at a later date. I am humbled and honoured to have officiated life milestones of this loving family. This is growth and progress supported by a loving extended family and community inspired by this inclusive couple.

Sometimes spontanious reunions happen at social events. We see parents who were the age of their children when we married them. They take as much joy in reviewing their life milestones as we take delight in hearing their successes.

We see both success and loss... In both cases we offer support and compassion.

Our Blessing
Marrying people is one of the finest things we do in our lives. There are many wonderful stories from a hot air balloon wedding and a last minute venue change due to an oil tanker spill! This is a journey from our hearts to their hearts and relationship that could require quick adaptability.

I am Divinely Blessed to have this destiny to entwine my blessings of love to the love of a couple who are committing their hearts, body, minds, and souls to supporting each other's destiny while living on planet Earth.

*Ontario Law
The Siri Singh Sahib told me clearly Sikh Dharma wouldn't support us legally in any gay marriage we conducted. This was when Main article: See Same-sex marriage in Ontario.

In 2003, the couples in Halpern v. Canada appealed the decision, requesting that the decision take effect immediately instead of after a delay. On June 10, 2003, the Court of Appeal for Ontario confirmed that current Canadian law on marriage violated the equality provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in being restricted to heterosexual couples.

The court did not allow the Province any grace time to bring its laws in line with the ruling, making Ontario the first jurisdiction in North America to recognize same-sex marriage. The first same-sex couple married after the decision were Michael Leshner and Michael Stark. Consequently, the City of Toronto announced that the City Clerk would begin issuing marriage licences to same-sex couples. The next day, the Ontario attorney general announced that his government would comply with the ruling.

The court also ruled that two couples who had previously had a wedding ceremony in the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto using an ancient common-law procedure called the Reading of the Banns would be considered legally married.

On September 13, 2004, the Ontario Court of Appeal declared the Divorce Act also unconstitutional for excluding same-sex marriages. It ordered same-sex marriages read into that act, permitting the plaintiffs, a lesbian couple, to divorce. --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

Sat Nam. Thanks to all those who have contributed comments on this important issue!

Stay tuned!

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!

MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa --

My Sikh Sense


Hari Singh Bird Khalsa

"As Ministers we are obliged to practice what we teach using
only occasional words. Our actions teach louder than our words."

June 18, 2015

Sat Nam, Sadh Sangat Ji!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

I urge the respective boards of the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation and Sikh Dharma International to reach out to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church congregation of Charleston, South Carolina with our prayers, letters of condolence, and support.

The tragic murder of nine congregants on June 17, 2015 is a reminder that every Sikh and all Americans have much more to do in living and teaching Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message of "no caste, no class" going forward. Nirbhau! Nirvair!

Humbly,

MSS Hari Singh Bird Khalsa --

Sign a card for
The Charleston 9.

My Sikh Sense


SatHanuman Singh Khalsa

June 19, 2015

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!

Dear Singh Sahibs and Sardarni Sahibas,

I agree with Mukhia Singh Sahib Ji (above).

Its very important that the Sadh Sangat reach out to the congregation of this historic AME Church in Charleston, SC, where 9 members were murdered by what appears to be a racial motivation.

Sign a card for
The Charleston 9.

We, the Sikh community, should show solidarity with the African-American Church. These innocent devotees who were murdered while in a devotional activity in a sacred "House of Worship" share the same experience of violence as the Oak Creek, WI, Gurdwara, August 5 of 2012.

Hate crimes are increasing on those for the color of their skin or for their religious practice. We, the Khalsa, have a responsibility to support our fellow human beings who are oppressed. The Oak Creek Gurdwara in Wisconsin, and all Gurdwaras throughout the Nation should send prayers and condolences. Sensitivity to those who are "otherized" by inhuman acts of violence is exactly what Siri Guru Nanak Dev taught, and Siri Guru Gobind Singh manifested when he created the Khalsa.

Humbly,

SS SatHanuman Singh Khalsa --

Click here to add your thoughts. Read me first.

Three years ago, August 5, 2012, the same thing happened at the Oak Creek gurdwara.
Many Americians just can't admit that we are culturally illiterate and racism is a way of life.





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Why Don't Sikh Women Tie 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.

    

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