by Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa
Once upon a time there lived a king. Not just any old king, no. This was a real king born of centuries of decedent kings. This king was the continuation of a great dynasty. He thought that he was the king of kings. Why not? No one would dare challenge him. He carried many great armies along with him. He could do whatever he wanted without accountability, judgement, or suppression.
By Shanti Kaur
In the Sikh tradition, Gur Prasad is at the core of our existence. It is the word in the Mool Mantra before the command Jap, the root teaching with which Guru Nanak Dev Ji begins Japji Sahib and the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. The mantra teaches us that the Formless One is the Creator, without fear or enmity, timeless, unborn, and self-existent. Then comes Gur Prasad—by the Guru’s grace. It tells us that the Divine Reality described by the Mool Mantra cannot be grasped by intellect alone. It is known through grace, through the light and wisdom of the Guru.
By Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa
What follows is a parable inspired by the legends of old Hollywood. It is not presented as a historical event. It is a story about grace—how one man displayed it and another man discovered it.
Many years ago, a respected actor received the Academy Award for Best Director. He had spent decades in Hollywood, first becoming famous for playing men who were strong, silent, and seemingly indestructible. Now, rather late in his career, the Academy was honoring him for what he had accomplished behind the camera.
By Shanti Kaur
The mantra Guru Guru Wahe Guru, Guru Ram Das Guru came to Yogi Bhajan through an experience of prayer and spiritual challenge. Unlike many mantras drawn directly from Gurbani, this mantra came to us as a revealed mantra: a sacred sound current received by Yogi Bhajan in meditation. This mantra is an important part of our community, a channel for protection, healing, and connection to Guru Ram Das.
By Nam Hari Kaur
We are now shifting into a softer moment, allowing us to establish a renewed sense of balance.
The ease and flow of July’s number 7 is within reach, and catching it for all it’s worth is your way to a new beginning. Seven is the domain of the Water Element, so all activities that are near, upon, or soaking in water will allow you to rest and rejuvenate. Camping for a few days by a lake or mountain stream will bless your electro-magnetic field with a clarity that few other activities can accomplish. The keynote theme of July is, “Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate.”
By Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa
Half a century ago, a young lady emerged from the hills of Appalachia. She came with a guitar in one hand and a big voice in the other. Through talent, perseverance, and grace, she became one of the most beloved entertainers in the world. We all know her. Her name is Dolly Parton.
By Shanti Kaur
The year 1606 marked a major change in Sikh history. This was when the 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was executed by order of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. His martyrdom devastated the Sangat. Until then, Sikhs had been a peaceful community focused on devotion, equality, and service. Guru Arjan Dev's sacrifice showed that protecting truth and dignity would need both faith and strength. In this difficult time, the 11-year-old Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became the next Guru and introduced the important idea of Miri Piri, which transformed Sikh identity.
Beyond Rome and Unto Infinity
By Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa
The spiritual path is far more dangerous than most people realize. Not dangerous in some theatrical sense, not because darkness hides behind meditation or prayer, but because a real spiritual path eventually removes the luxury of blaming someone else.
By Shanti Kaur
June marks a significant and somber moment of collective memory for the global Sikh community, highlighting the 42nd anniversary of the Indian Army assault on the Siri Harimandir Sahib, the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh faith. For Sikhs worldwide, this period is dedicated to reflection and prayer. Understanding these events is important for appreciating their ongoing impact.
By Hari Jiwan Singh
There is an art to prayer.
Just as there are many religions, there are many roads that lead to the same sacred destination—a place I call ‘the land where prayers are answered.’ Some paths work better for certain students than others, but every sincere seeker must begin with the same prayer:
“Dear God, guide me toward the discipline that brings me closest to You—and remove from me whatever stands in the way.”
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