all candidate statements · 5. ss guruka singh khalsa - española, nm, usa 6. ss gurmeet kaur...

Candidate Statements

2020 Siri Singh Sahib Corporation of Trustees

Table of content

1. MJ Amrit Singh Khalsa - Española, NM, USA

2. SS Ek Ong Kaar Khalsa Michaud - Plano, TX, USA

3. SS Gurujodha Singh Khalsa - Bakersfield, CA, USA

4. SS Gurujot Kaur Khalsa - Herndon, VA, USA

5. SS Guruka Singh Khalsa - Española, NM, USA

6. SS Gurmeet Kaur Khalsa - Los Angeles, CA, USA

7. SS GuruPrem Singh Khalsa - Los Angeles, CA, USA

8. SS Hari Nam Singh Khalsa - Mazatlan, Mexico

9. SS Sat Bachan Kaur Khalsa - Española, NM, USA

10. SS Sham Kaur Khalsa - La Paz, Bolivia

11. SS Sirivishnu Singh Khalsa - Espanola, NM, USA

12. SS Viriam Singh Khalsa - Eugene, OR, USA

MJ Amrit Singh Khalsa Española, NM, USA

Candidate Statement Personal Information

Name: Singh Sahib Mukia Jethedar Amrit Singh Khalsa

City & State/Country: Española, NM

Name of Spouse: Nirbhe Kaur

Occupation: Property Manager

Length of Participation in 3HO/Sikh Dharma:

45 years

Length of time as an Ordained Minister of Sikh Dharma:

7 years

Are you a KRI certified teacher or trainer? If so, what is your certification level and when did you acquire your certification?

No

Ashram Communities lived in: Montague & Dorchester MA, Espanola NM

3HO/Sikh Dharma Community Positions:

SSS Corp Board , HGRD Board, Guru Amar Das Corp Board

Questionnaire 1. Why do you feel called to serve on the SSSC Board?

I am a warrior and the Guru’s slave. This is the battle that faces us and if, by Guru’s Grace, my skills and talents can be of use, I only exist to serve the Sahd Sangat.

2. What relevant areas of experience and expertise qualify you for this position and will

make you an asset to the board?

Having served 6 years on the SSSC Board gives a wealth of experience that is incalculable. I am currently serving as Finance Committee chair and as a Director on the Akal Global Board. For eight years in Akal Management, as a team member of Akal’s Finance Department, I participated in hundreds of Akal Manager meetings, brainstorming sessions and planning meetings as we engaged in creating and modifying systems to adapt to the constantly changing needs of Akal’s business clients. As a team member of Akal’s Finance Department, I had access to all the information and familiarity with all the systems used to run the $600 million dollar company. I had studied Economics and Accounting in College and have some post graduate study in Accounting. Having served as Mukia Jethedar of the Espanola Sangat for 35 years also gives a wealth of experience that is incalculable

3. Please summarize your prior and current service to the Dharma. If you have served in leadership positions please note them.

Mukia Jethedar of Espanola Sangat and President of Guru Amar Das Corporation which oversees and manages Siri Singhasnan e Khalsa Gurdwara, Espanola. Board Member HGRD Corp which guides the Espanola Community. Eight years in the Finance Dept Akal Security, current Akal Global Board Member. Licesned General Contractor and Property Manager for Legacy of Yogiji Foundation. Six years as an SSSC Board member and chair of the SSSC Finance Committee. Member of The International Khalsa Council. Served the Siri Singh Sahib as “my Jethedar” for 2 decades, on call 24/7. Member of the Siri Singh Sahib’s personal security team. Successfully ran Dharmic businesses in Massachusetts and New Mexico.

4. Please describe your experience of the Siri Singh Sahib as a teacher and your experience of his teachings.

a) Please describe how your personal sadhana and spiritual discipline support

you to keep up.

I cannot imagine a day without the gift of chanting the Guru’s Shabd or Kundalini Yoga or without cold showers or any of the technologies the Siri Singh Sahib gave us that keep me healthy and smiling. How could I serve anyone? How could I uplift anyone without these gifts? I can’t imagine that life. I am absorbed in this process of life like a drop of water in the ocean.

5. Please describe what the Siri Singh Sahib’s saying means to you: “If you cannot see God in all, you cannot see God at all.” In practical terms:

a) How would you apply this saying in your day to day service on the board?

b) How would apply this perspective to help our community and organizations move forward together?

Guru Ram Das can change a destiny in the blink of an eye. I live to serve this process and there is no pre- qualification. The Golden Temple is open to all. The Guru’s Gate in Espanola is open to all. I have taught Yoga in Maximum Security Prison and worked with violent delinquents and junkies. The Soul shines through no matter how bad things seem. We have been blessed with an intricate and amazing scenario to play out, but trust is earned not bestowed. The actions of this board, by the Grace of Guru Ram Das, will determine if trust is earned. When there is no distrust and suspicion, healing will follow. We are ALL moving forward together. This is the mission of Guru Gobind Singh and it will manifest.

6. What do you understand the Role of the SSSC to be? How do you see the SSSC carrying out that role on a:

a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

The SSSC is tasked with overseeing the non-profit and for profit entities. Data collection and analysis is crucial. Constant communication and idea exchange with all these entities without imposing or demanding is crucial. This Dharma is the mission of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Ram Das is steering the vessel. We need to incorporate some recurring group process, beyond the cerebral, that brings us back, or through, or toward the Siri Singh Sahib/Guru Ram Das/Guru

Gobind Singh’s Mission and brings us to the feet of our Guru, clears the mind and clears the path.

7. As an SSSC Trustee you are accountable to the Sangat. Describe:

a) How you would like to build and enhance the relationship between the Sangat and the SSSC?

b) How you will personally deal with the pressure of accountability while maintaining your spirit of service?

c) How do you traditionally respond in a crisis or high tension situation?

Personally, my wish and hope is to represent the will of the Sadh Sangat in this process and my prayer is that Guru will guide me totally and completely in that mission. More communication and feedback from the Sangat will be possible when the veil of secrecy imposed by ongoing litigation is lifted. I look forward to that eventuality. I don’t anticipate anything more or less difficult than what I do now and what I have done for many years, crisis and tension included. Guru has always covered me and always will.

8. The SSSC practices inclusion, transparency, and accountability.

a) What experience do you have incorporating these practices into your personal and professional life, and

b) How would you incorporate them into our Organizations?

I am one of the principle architects of the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Corporation, which while anchored in the Guru’s Seva is totally inclusive, transparent and accountable to the Sangat. These principles are no longer choices to be made; they are mandates to be adhered to. Constant vigilance is required to ensure these principals are included in our organization especially at the SSSC level.

9. How do you see the 3HO/Sikh Dharma family of Nonprofit and For-profit organizations serving humanity in these times?

a) What do you see as the three (3) greatest challenges facing the Dharma (Sikh Dharma-3HO and the family of For-profit and Nonprofit entities)? What would you do as a Trustee to overcome these challenges?

b) What skills, tools, and techniques can you bring to the SSSC Board of Trustees to help us move toward the vision you described above?

Managing global expansion while maintaining standards. Acquiring and managing the vast sums of monies needed for this expansion. Remembering that all things come from God through the Grace of the Guru and maintaining a high level of Gratitude. As a member of the Constituent Board Services Committee, which vets and recommends candidates for the non-profit boards and the for profit KIIT board, I try to ensure that all recommended candidates for board positions have deep understanding of our mission and the importance of our timeless , boundless legacy , for now, and untainted for the future. As Chair of SSSC finance committee, I try to bring a high level of business acumen to all financial issues. As an Akal Global Board member I am participating in the ground floor discussions for the creation of new business and revenue streams as Akal Security transitions.

10. Board service regularly requires 10 to 20 hours per month (or more) in evening and weekend board and committee meetings. These meetings are generally held at 8:00 pm Eastern time (20:00 hours). In addition, there are three Face-to-Face meetings per year (two in New Mexico following the International Khalsa Council Meetings (end of April and end of September) and a third in January or February in Los Angeles or one of our Ashram communities). The Face-to-Face meetings are two days in April and September and three days in January/February. Note: One day of each Face-to-Face meeting period is always on Monday.

a. Can you fulfill these requirements?

b. If so how will you balance these requirements with your other personal and professional responsibilities?

c. What do you anticipate being the most difficult part of serving as a Trustee on the SSSC Board?

I have fulfilled these duties for 6 and ahalf years and will continue to do so if chosen to serve on the SSSC Board for an additional term.

11. Are you related by blood or marriage to an officer, director, employee, or paid contractor of any of the constituent organizations (nonprofit or for-profit) including all subsidiaries?

a. If yes, to whom are you related, how are you related to them, and what is their position?

Sukhwinder Singh, CEO Akal, East West Tea Company board member, KIIT Renewable Energy CEO, and KIT India board member - Brother in-law Gurujohn Kaur, KIIT Board, Sister in-law Nirbhe Kaur, wife, part time Nivas manager for LYF and Sikh Dharma New Mexico board member

SS Ek Ong Kaar Khalsa Michaud Plano, TX, USA

Candidate Statement

Personal Information

Name: Ek Ong Kaar Khalsa Michaud

City & State/Country: Plano, TX and Espanola, NM USA

Name of Spouse: Patrick Michaud

Occupation: Teacher, Writer, Translator, Business Consultant


28 years


17 years


Yes. Level 2 Certification. Certified Level 1 in 1996. Certified Level 2 in 2015

Ashram Communities lived in: Houston, Texas. Espanola, NM. USA.


Listed in question 3 below


I feel called to serve because members of the community have literally “called” me on the phone and approached me in other ways, asking me to run.

2. What relevant areas of experience and expertise qualify you for this position and will make you an asset to the board?

If the Ministry elects me to serve on the SSS C Board, I would bring the following: • My experiences and memories serving the Siri Singh Sahib, the mission, and

the various for-profit and not-for-profit entities over the course of 20+ years. • Insight and skills I have developed as a translator of Gurbani and a scholar of

Sikh history. • An intuitive feel for how to manifest projects through group consciousness and

diagonal processes.


1996: Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher (Level1) 1998: Marketing Assistant for Yogi Tea, Golden Temple and Sunshine Oils 2000: Marketing for 3HO Foundation 2002: Marketing and Communications for SikhNet.com, in the post 9-11 environment. This includes SikhNet's process of working in tandem with other Sikh organizations to protect and defend the Sikh identity. 2003: Gurbani Translator: collaborated with the Siri Singh Sahib on a translation of Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib, which was then published in 2004. 2003: Program Developer: Japji Sahib course offered through Sikh Dharma International 2004: PR and communications after the Siri Singh Sahib left his physical body. 2005-2012: Creative Director for Sikh Dharma International including:

• Project Manager for Siri Singh Sahib Gurdwara Broadcast Lecture Series

• Dasvandh Assistant • Brand and Website Developer • Marketing and Communications for the 300th Anniversary of Guru

Gobind Singh's Joti Jot • Senior Editor Success and the Spirit

2006-2008: Chair for the Secretariat section of the International Khalsa Council 2008: Published translation of Guru Amar Das Dev ji's Anand Sahib 2008-current: KRI Teacher Trainer specializing in Sikh Dharma-related topics 2010: Entered the Aquarian Academy. 2012: Associate Trainer in the Aquarian Academy 2013-2019: Program Director and Learning Center Director for SikhNet.com. Projects included:

• SikhNet's website and brand redesign • KAUR animation • SikhNet Learning Center • Gurbani White Board series

2014-2017: Secretary of the Board for SikhNet.com 2015: Level 2 Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher 2015: Published translation of Guru Arjan Dev ji's Sukhmani Sahib

2018-Present: Assistant Editor for the rewrite of KRI’s Level 2 Teacher Training Modules. 2019: Dewdrops of Light - A collection of inspirational essays 2019: Professional Trainer in the Aquarian Academy


a) Please describe how your personal sadhana and spiritual discipline support you to keep up.

It was my blessing to begin studying Kundalini Yoga in 1991 at the Guru Ram Das ashram in Houston, Texas; to study directly with the Siri Singh Sahib from 1996 until his passing in 2004; and to continue working deeply with the Teachings through my work as a translator, minister, teacher and teacher trainer ever since. To describe my experience of the Siri Singh Sahib and the Teachings would probably take a novel. What I can say succinctly is that I deeply value the time I spent with him, and I continue to learn and grow from the Teachings. (a) What I appreciate about the Teachings is their vastness. No matter what I may be going through in my personal life, there is always a Kriya, meditation or Shabad that helps me keep up.




This phrase, “If you cannot see God in all, you cannot see God at all” is, to me, the cliff notes version of Sukhmani Sahib. It speaks to the non-dualistic perspective that accepts and surrenders to the Will of the Divine. What does non-duality mean? Giving people their sovereignty. And maintaining one’s own sovereignty. It doesn’t mean that everything looks good or feels good all the time. On the contrary, the Divine Gaze embraces the totality of life - the darkest, the lightest, the highest, the lowest. Non-duality acknowledges the messiness and doesn’t try to change it. Rather, it flows with the messiness and trusts that the creative process is Divinely guided. The Divine Intelligence knows what It is doing even when we cannot see where the road leads.

(a) and (b) In terms of how I would apply this - it would be to stay engaged and present with whatever unfolds within our boards, communities and organizations. Being present with what is, including with my own intuitive sensibilities and my own voice as part of the process. Holding my sovereignty while giving others their sovereignty. Not trying to control anything yet participating authentically. This is, of course, an ideal view. I will strive to maintain that perspective the best I can.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

To oversee the judicious management of the Yogi Bhajan Legacy financial assets. This includes both intellectual and physical property as well as for-profit and not-for-profit business. Practical level Practically speaking, I think the Board would benefit from a paid group of administrators. And that the role of the Board is to provide advice and guidance to those administrators. From what I have heard, it seems like the current administrative staff for the SSS Corp Board is overtaxed. It is possible that the Board is picking up duties that are better handled by a day-to-day staff.

Spiritual level The members of the SSS Corp board have a responsibility to act ethically. I think ethics is a very universal concept, and that every religious tradition has its way of expressing ethics. Ideals such as: honoring one’s word; treating people respectfully; making decisions that are in the best interests of the whole, rather than the few or an individual. I also see the SSS Corp Board setting policy across the for-profit and not-for-profit entities, based on the values enshrined in the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan. The International Khalsa Council has an important role to play in articulating those values, and advising the SSS Corp Board on policy issues. In terms of Spiritual Authority: when the Siri Singh Sahib ji left his physical body, he stated that there would be no Siri Singh Sahib to succeed him. Instead, he divided his spiritual authority into three separate offices: two offices for Sikh Dharma and one office for 3HO and KRI. These offices are:

For Sikh Dharma: The Chief Religious Authority on the teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji on the practice of Sikh Dharma given as a joint responsibility to:

• Office of the Bhai Sahib/a • Office of the Siri Sikdar Sahib/a

Each of these offices has their unique roles and realms of responsibility as recorded in the 2003 Sikh Dharma International Bylaws. For 3HO and KRI: Director of the Spiritual Trust To oversee the integrity of the Golden Chain and to coordinate the work of KRI and 3HO. It has been fifteen years since the Siri Singh Sahib left his physical body. Yet, to date, these offices are not fully functioning according to his vision. One of the offices, the Director of the Spiritual Trust, has never been set up. I would like to see all three of these offices functioning according to the original vision that the Siri Singh Sahib articulated for them. And I would like to see each of these offices having a permanent seat on the SSS Corp Board in order to advise in spiritual matters when needed.





How you would like to build and enhance the relationship between the Sangat and the SSSC? Our first job is to understand who the sangat is. In the last decade, we have seen tremendous growth in our Kundalini Yoga community. We need to update our understanding of sangat with data. Who identifies themselves as belonging to the Yogi Bhajan/Siri Singh Sahib Legacy Community? Is that even the proper name for the sangat? Are they Sikhs? Yoga students? Teachers? Ministers? Sat Nam Rasayan practitioners? Are they the drinkers of Yogi Tea? Where do these people live? What languages do they speak? Why do they identify themselves as part of "the sangat"? What do they need from this community connection? I would like us to do a census of some kind through all possible channels to get clear, global, data helping us understand the true make-up of the sangat.

The census will help us know: (1) Who these people are (2) Why they see themselves as part of this community (3) What they need as members of this community and (4) What they have to give. Once we have this information in hand, then the issue of building and enhancing relationships will be easier to answer. It will also be easier to be accountable to the sangat when we know who they are and what they need from us. In the last couple of years, we have watched Kundalini Yoga Teachers using Facebook to organize themselves and express their grievances around Akal Security’s contracts with ICE. This offers one example of the communication disconnect between our central structure and our grass roots. We can create better systems for intra-community dialogue. First, we need data to know what these people need and how to reach them. How you will personally deal with the pressure of accountability while maintaining your spirit of service? Accountability is the core of service. The only way to serve is to be accountable in words and deeds towards a higher vision. Practically speaking, accountability means being true to my values. Being honest about the positions that I take. And communicating transparently with the community. How do you traditionally respond in a crisis or high tension situation? Show up. Speak honestly. Hold my values. Dialogue where possible. Give it to the Guru.




I would call into question whether the SSSC practices inclusion, transparency and accountability. In my humble experience, this is not accurate. One example: I nominated someone to run for SSS Corp Board who accepted the nomination. Yet through some vetting process relating to how that person was living their Minister Vows, the person was blocked from running even though that person is a current Minister. Neither this vetting process around the Minister Vows was communicated to the community. Nor do we know how many people were blocked from running for the Board because of it.

The process around running for SSSC Board and voting for Board members is very exclusive and somewhat opaque. We need to make these processes more accessible and inclusive. At a minimum, Professional and Lead trainers in the Aquarian Academy need a seat at the table.

What experience do you have incorporating these practices into your personal and professional life, and Ways I practice this in my own life: Inclusion: The main way I practice inclusion is by listening to and dialoguing with people from various facets from our community. Transparency: I practice vulnerable, authentic writing. Often writing essays that come from a very personal and transparent place. My intention is to share my process in empowering and uplifting ways. Accountability: I have various mentors I work with in my life who help me stay accountable to my values, direction and discipline.

How would you incorporate them into our Organizations? First is to know to whom we are accountable. The census that I mentioned previously would help us discover that. Second is to look at our own biases within our organizational leadership structures. And examine if some of our practices exclude certain groups from “coming up” into leadership roles. Third is to look at the different facets of our community: Kundalini Yogis, Sikhs, Sikh Dharma Ministers, Sat Nam Rasayan practitioners. Is there a need to forge a sense of belonging to a greater whole? Fourth - how are we going to handle our organizational processes as the Teachings continue spreading into multiple languages? Much of our communications are in English. What are we going to do about that? I have been live blogging this process of running for SSS Corp Board. In the spirit of transparency, I will continue blogging about my experiences of being on the board if elected.



b) What skills, tools, and techniques can you bring to the SSSC Board of Trustees

to help us move toward the vision you described above?

We need to affirm and support our organizations to do the work of their core missions: • 3HO spreads the technology of Kundalini Yoga. • Sikh Dharma spreads the technology of Sikh Dharma. • KRI holds the Teachings and trains Teachers. • The for-profit businesses serve the dual purpose of providing employment

opportunities for community members while tithing their Dasvandh back to the non-profit entities.


1. Identifying who our sangat it. 2. Building an effective bridge between the Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma

communities, in the spirit of the Aquarian Age. To nurture Sikh Dharma Ministry leadership among some of our newer community members who feel drawn to the Guru.

3. To establish the flow of prosperity among community members through sangat-owned businesses.

Issue 1 can begin to be addressed through a community census. Issue 2 can begin to be addressed by having the Offices of the Bhai Sahib/a, Siri Sikdar Sahib/a and Director of Spiritual Trust functioning according to their unique roles and responsibilities. Issue 3 can begin to be addressed by reconnecting to the Siri Singh Sahib’s business teachings. To read them, dialogue about them. And to examine how our organizational culture is currently aligned or misaligned with those teachings. b) What skills, tools, and techniques can you bring to the SSSC Board of Trustees to help us move toward the vision you described above? See answers number 2 and 3.





a. Can you fulfill these requirements? I can reasonably commit to 3-5 hours per week for board work for the next five years. I can also commit to the face to face meetings. More than 3-5 hours a week on a regular basis is not realistic for me. If there is an emergency, of course that would make sense. But not as a regular occurrence. b. If so how will you balance these requirements with your other personal and professional responsibilities? My health and my husband come first. If service on the SSS Corp Board compromises either my health or my relationship with my husband, I will step down. c. What do you anticipate being the most difficult part of serving as a Trustee on the SSSC Board? I think this board needs financial experts. People with Management, Accounting and Economic degrees. I am researching getting an MBA myself to have the skills to understand the economic complexities of our financial eco-system. Understanding what we have and how to grow it will probably be the most difficult part of serving.



No.

SS Gurujodha Singh Khalsa Bakersfield, CA, USA

Candidate Statement


Name: Gurujodha S. Khalsa

City & State/Country: Bakersfield, CA, USA

Name of Spouse: Siri Ved K. Khalsa

Occupation: Attorney


46 years


20 plus


No

Ashram Communities lived in: Harrisburg, Broadway, WLA


Jethadar, Granthi


I believe in the mission to bring peace and prosperity to the planet through spiritual technology and given my skills, attributes and experience I believe this is excellent venue for me to serve.


I am teacher, a martial artist, a sangat member, an attorney that advises the Kern County Board of Supervisors, a SSSC Board member and someone who had the opportunity to serve and learn from the SSS directly. I believe that each of these skills and the attendant experiences individually and collectively, provide me with a good tool set to serve as a SSSC Board member


I served as the administrative director of the Broadway Ashram under MSS Krishna Kaur. I am a member of the Khalsa Council. I served as an Assistant Chancellor to the SSS for nine (9) years. I served as the Granthi for the Los Angeles Community for seven (7) years. I served as part of the SSS’s personal security team travelling with him to India (3x), South Africa and to many destinations in the United States. I have served as the President of the SSSC during my tenure on this Board.



I was blessed to have direct exposure to SSS as part of his personal security team. I was also a resident of LA and served as General Counsel for Golden Temple Foods for 5 years. SSS was always teaching and I believe he is still instructing. In his later years when he used to walk he would sometimes place his hand on my shoulder and guide me where he wanted to walk using me as a quasi-physical support. There are times I can still feel that hand and hear his voice. Sadhana and spiritual discipline are necessary for survival on the planet at this time. My spiritual discipline which includes my martial arts practice is the basis for my life and the source of any small bit of wisdom I may have.



b) How would apply this perspective to help our community and organizations

move forward together?

God permeates the entire Universe. Everything and EveryBody. To the extent you can experience this reality you will be God conscious. To the extent you cannot and you are captured by the illusion of duality you will not “know” God. a. I apply this saying in my everyday life including service on the Board by realizing

that every experience and every statement is God generated and has been presented to me for my growth and spiritual advancement.

b. Take out worry and anger and know that all things come from God and all things go to God. Every problem has at least 1 solution and that collectively working together there is more “Godstuff” at work and we are capable of great things together.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

a. The role of the SSSC is set forth in its Mission and Vision statements: 1. Mission Statement of the SSSC

With the guidance of God and the grace of the Guru it is the mission of the SSSC to protect, preserve and cultivate the prosperity of the constituent community and its assets; listen to, serve and elevate the constituent community; support the nonprofit and for profit entities and the family of constituent communities; and live to and hold the values of the teachings of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib and the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi Ji: selfless service, compassion, kindness, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and Guru inspired consciousness.

2. Vision Statement of the SSSC To Serve, Align, and Grow our Family of Organizations to Uplift All. The key phrase for me is “With the guidance of God and the grace of the Guru…” From both a spiritual and practical level this means to me that the role of the SSSC and its members is to take those steps as given by our teacher to align with the will of God and Guru and have the fortitude to follow-through and execute on that guidance.



b) How you will personally deal with the pressure of accountability while

maintaining your spirit of service?


a. To build and enhance the relationship between the Sangat and the SSSC I would recommend SSSC members be assigned to specific regions of the world and visit identified communities in those regions during their term in office.

2.Public meetings at Summer and Winter Solstice. Along with public meetings at other regional festivals (Chile, Brazil, Europe, Germany, Russia etc.)

b. I don’t believe accountability and service are incompatible. c. I breathe

b.




a. I am an attorney for the County government and I am certified in health care compliance. I have participated in and taught classes regarding inclusion, transparency, and corporate accountability.

b. I would continue to work with Office of EPS and the Office of Dharmic Counsel to insure that our legal and ethical standards remain high and that our practices at every level of the organization remain consistent with best practices.




3HO and Sikh Dharma are only 2 parts of the spiritual infrastructure which support the principal mission of this Dharma which is to create Spiritual Communities. The communities must be self-sustaining therefore there is a need for conscious business; future leaders must be trained therefore there is a need for educational institutions,

therefore the need for MPAs around the world. The teachings must be shared with integrity and accuracy therefore the needs for 3HO, KRI. The Guru must flow through all aspects of the mission therefore Gurdwaras, the ministry and all aspects of Sikh Dharma must be maintained. Just like the Golden Temple these four points of entry: business, schools, yoga centers, and Gurdwara form the four pillars of the spiritual communities that we are charged with creating. The challenge and the solution are the same: to work as one to meet the circumstantial and resource challenges we will face in actualizing specific results on the road to this long term vision. The skill, tools and techniques necessary to serve are fairly standard and straightforward: practice the teachings, read from the Guru, sing God’s praises and serve the Sangat. I intend to continue to do all of the above.





a. Yes b. In the same manner as I have done for the past 8 years c. Flying/Travelling in Coach



N/A

SS Gurujot Kaur Khalsa Herndon, VA, USA

Candidate Statement


Name: GurujotKaurKhalsa

City & State/Country: Herndon,VA

Name of Spouse: SatwantSinghKhalsa

Occupation: SecretaryGeneral/CEO,SikhDharmaInternational&InternationalKhalsaCouncil


50 years (since 1970)


46 years (since 1974)


Yes. Level I, Grandfathered-in in 2003

Ashram Communities lived in: • Buffalo,NY(1970–1971);• WashingtonDC/Herndon,VA–(1971–

Present)


• 3HO/SDAshram/RegionalSecretary–1972–1979

• OrdainedasaMinister-1974• MemberoftheKhalsaCouncil–1978to

present• AshramCo-director–1980untilCouncil

systembeganin2002• DirectorofKhalsaWomen’sTraining

Camp–1987–1994(7yrs.)• MemberofSDofVirginiaAdministrative

Council–2002-Present• MemberofBoardofDirectorsofSikh

DharmaofVirginia–2003-2009• MemberofBoardofDirectorsof3HOof

Virginia–1975–2010• ChiefFacilitatorofKhalsaCouncil–2000

-2009• SecretaryGeneral/CEOofSikhDharma

International–2009–Present• MemberofSiriSinghSahibCorp.Boardof

Directors:2012-Present


IhaveservedontheSiriSinghSahibCorpBoardforthepast8years,andithasbeenagreatblessingtoserveourDharmicfamilyandthelegacyofourbelovedteacher.Ihaveasincereloveforourcommunity,andaheartfeltcommitmenttocarryingonthelegacyoftheSiriSinghSahib’steachings.IfeeladeepsenseofdutytocontinuetoassistincreatingastablefoundationofleadershipandstructurethatwillserveourDharmaforgenerationstocome.

TheSiriSinghSahibCorp,asaleadershipbodyforourDharma,isstillinitsformativestage.Whilemuchprogresshasbeenmadeoverthepast8years,wearestillverymuchintheprocessofdevelopingthesystemsandprocessesforhow,asacollectiveDharma,weallworktogether;howtheSSSCcanbestsupportthenon-profitsandforprofits,howwecansupportourSangatmembersandcommunitiesaroundtheworld,andhowwecanservehumanitynowandinthefuture.

Ifeelcalledtocontinuedoingthisdivinework.BytheGraceofGodandGuru,andifitisthewilloftheSangat,IwouldbehonoredtocontinueservingasamemberofthisBoard.


Duringthepast8yearsservingontheSSSCboard,IbelieveIhavebeenavaluablememberandassettotheboard.Thefollowingaresomeofthequalities,skillsandexperiencethatIofferinservicetoourDharma:

• Trustworthiness-Tome,thegreatestqualitythatIlookforinpotentialmembersoftheSSSCboardistrustworthiness.IhopethatmyservicetoourDharmaandtotheSangatoverthepastyearshasprovenmytrustworthiness,integrityandconstancyinservingthemissionoftheSiriSinghSahib.

• LoveofourDharmaandtheSangat–IhaveadeeploveforourDharmaandourDharmicfamily.IamverydedicatedtoservingourDharma,andtobuildingcommunityandunity.

• CompassionandCaring–Ibelievethattreatingpeoplewithcompassion,kindnessandrespectisessentialtobeingaleaderandagiver.

• Organizationalskills–Ihaveextensiveorganizationalandadministrativeexperience,including:strategicplanning,prioritizingduties,delegatingresponsibilities,follow-upoftasks,anddeliveringoutcomes

• Problem-solving–Iamexperiencedintacklingdifficultproblemsandfindingsolutions.

• Teambuildingandcommunitybuilding–IhaveextensiveexperienceinworkingwiththeSangat,creatingavenuesofparticipationandinclusion,buildingspirit,buildingtrust,andorganizingteamstoworkonvariousissuesofconcern.

• Communicationskills–Irecognizetheimportanceofon-goingcommunication,keepingtheSangatinformedoftheactivitiesoftheBoardandreceivinginputfromtheSangat.

• Facilitationskills–Ihaveexperiencewithneutrallydealingwithsensitiveissuesandfindingtheplaceofagreementwithindivergentperspectives.


• 3HO/SDAshram/RegionalSecretary–1972–1979• OrdainedasaMinister-1974• MemberoftheKhalsaCouncil–1978topresent• AshramCo-director–1980untilCouncilsystembeganin2002• DirectorofKhalsaWomen’sTrainingCamp–1987–1994(7yrs.)• MemberofSDofVirginiaAdministrativeCouncil–2002-Present• MemberofBoardofDirectorsofSikhDharmaofVirginia–2003-2009• MemberofBoardofDirectorsof3HOofVirginia–1975–2010• ChiefFacilitatorofKhalsaCouncil–2000–2009

• LevelIKundaliniYogaTeacher–Grandfathered-inin2003• SecretaryGeneral/CEOofSikhDharmaInternationalandthe

InternationalKhalsaCouncil–2009–Presento Duringtheyearsof2009–2012,astheSecretaryGeneralofSDI,I

wasanactiveleaderinthelegalefforttoregaincontroloftheDharma.DuringthoseyearsweestablishedSikhDharmaWorldwideandtheSiblingsofDestinytocarryontheworkoftheSiriSinghSahibandtokeepourSangatunitedandinformed.

o Followingourlegalvictory,from2012untilthepresent,IhavebeenanactiveleaderinrebuildingSikhDharmaInternationalandtheInternationalKhalsaCouncil,rebuildingtrustandhealingthespiritofourDharmiccommunity,andpromotingthecollaborationandunityofallofourlegacyorganizations.

• MemberofSiriSinghSahibCorp.BoardofDirectors:2012–2020o IwaselectedtotheSSSCBoardin2012andre-electedin2015.



MyrelationshipwiththeSiriSinghSahibisoneofinexpressiblegratitude.Asmyspiritualteacher,hehasguidedeveryaspectofmylife.HebroughtmetothefeetoftheGuruandshowedmeapathtofulfillmentandgrace.Heawakenedmyconsciousness,heopenedmyheartandhetouchedmysoul.Throughhisteachings,hecontinuestobringlight,hopeandinspirationtotheworld.Itismyblessingtoservehimthroughlivinghisteachingsandcarryingonhismission.

a) MyspiritualdisciplineandmyrelationshipwiththeGuruandtheGuru’sbaniaremytouchstone,andbringmeinnerguidance,direction,andthespirittokeepup!Bana,Bani,SimranandSevahavebeenmyspiritualfoundationforthepast50years.IlovethatthroughmyBana,Icanrepresenttotheworldtheimageofagracefulandnoblewoman.TheBanioftheGuruopensmyheartandfillsmewithbliss.IlovesingingandlisteningtothedivinemusicoftheGuru’sword.IamgratefulforthepracticeofSimran(meditation)andthetechnologytoexperiencetheinfinityofmysoul.AndIamsogratefultolivealifeofSevaandtobeabletoserveahigherpurpose.Iamblessedthateveryday,throughmyworkforSikhDharma,IcandedicatemyworktotheGuru,andserveandshareoursacreddharmicteachingswiththeworld.

5. Please describe what the Siri Singh Sahib’s saying means to you: “If you cannot see

God in all, you cannot see God at all.” In practical terms:



ThisbeautifulsayingoftheSiriSinghSahibisauniversalandsimpletruththatGodlivesineachofus,andtotrulyexperienceGod,onemustseeandrecognizetheGodineachperson;theInfinityineachperson,theDivinityineachperson.WeareallOneandweareallGod.

a) TheSSSCboardisalargeboardof17people.Therearemanyopinionsandperspectivesonanyissueortopic.Tofunctioneffectively,wemustremembertorecognizetheGodineachother,listenwithaneutralmind,appreciatethediversityofperspectives,andrespectthewisdomthatflowsthrougheachperson.Whenwecantrulydothat,wearefunctioningatthelevelthatisrequiredoftheSiriSinghSahibCorp,andwecanreachacollectiveandelevateddecisionandtakeaction.

b) Asaspiritualfamily,let’schoosetoseetheGodineachother.Let’slifteachotherupandbuildourfoundationontrust,respectandlove.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

MyunderstandingoftheroleoftheSiriSinghSahibCorpistoserveandsafeguardthelegacyoftheSiriSinghSahib’smission.Itistoprotectandpreservetheteachings,thevaluesandtheassetsofourDharma.Itistosupportthenon-profitandfor-profitentitiesthatcarryonthemissionoftheSiriSinghSahib.Itistolistento,serve,supportandelevatetheSangatandthecommunitiesaroundtheworld.Anditisthesacreddutyofeachmembertoembodytheseteachingsandvaluestothebestoftheirability,exemplifyingtrustworthiness,integrity,compassionandservice.

a) Onapracticallevel,IfeelthattheSSSCneedstokeepabroadvisionofourDharmatoinsurethatournon-profitentitiesareservingthemissionoftheSiriSinghSahib,thatourcommunitiesaroundtheglobearethriving,thatourbusinessesaregrowingandexpanding,andthatasaunitedDharmicfamily,weareservingandupliftingpeople.

b) Onaspirituallevel,IenvisiontheSSSCboardtobeabodyofinspirationalleadership,exemplifyingthevaluesandvirtuesofourDharma,andpromotingunityandsupportthroughoutourdharmicentitiesandourglobalSangat.





a) AsSSSCmembers,weareaccountabletotheSangattobetrustworthyandtoactinthepurityofourconsciousnessforthegrowthandbettermentoftheDharma.

TobuildandenhancetherelationshipbetweentheSangatandtheSSSC,it’sessentialthattheSSSCfosterscommunicationandinteractionwiththemembersoftheSangat.Wemustlisten,andstrivetounderstandtheneedsandchallengesofourglobalcommunity,andofferleadership,supportandservice.BeingpresentatourDharmicevents,suchasSolstices,YogaFestivalsandKhalsaCouncilmeetingsisveryimportant.Asaboard,weshoulddiscussadditionalwayswecaninteractandstrengthenourrelationshipwiththeglobalSangat.

b) WeareblessedtoservethelegacyoftheSiriSinghSahibandtheGuru’smission.Aslongaswedoitwiththepurityofourheart,withintegrityandgrace,wearefulfillingourdutytotheSangatandtoGodandGuru.Keepupandyouwillbekeptup!

c) Inacrisisorhigh-tensionsituation,itismynaturetobealeader,andtoassesshowIcanbeofgreatestserviceinthesituation.InacrisisIbecomeverycentered,focusedandalert.IcallonGuruRamDasforsupport,andIgointoactionmode.Dependingonthesituation,Iamcomfortabletakingaleadershiprole,andIcanmobilizeandorganizeteamsofpeopletodealwiththesituation,orIamcomfortableplayingasupportingrole,ifthereissufficientleadershiptodealwiththesituationalreadyinplace.




a) SincetheformationoftheSSSCboard,wehaveallbeeneducatedaboutthegoodgovernancepracticesofinclusion,transparencyandaccountability.ThroughmyexperienceasamemberoftheSiriSinghSahibCorp,andalsoworkingforalegacynon-profit,IhaveseenthegrowingneedtoincorporateallofthesepracticestobuildandmaintaintrustandconnectionwithourSangat.

b) Ibelieveallofourorganizationsaremakinggreatstridesinincorporatingthesepracticesintotheirwayofoperating.Wehavetrulybecomeaglobalorganizationwithtremendousgrowthfromallaroundtheworld.It’sessentialthatourorganizationsareopenandinclusive,andwelcomingofdiversityandvaryingperspectives.InmyworkwiththeInternationalKhalsaCouncil,weencouragedialogueaboutcurrentissues,problemsandconcernswithinourDharma,inasafeenvironmentforhonestandopencommunication.




TheSiriSinghSahibwasamanofgreatvisionandhededicatedhislifetoservingandupliftinghumanity.ThebodyofteachingsofKundaliniYogahebroughttotheworld,andthesacredSikhteachingsheintroducedtotheWesternmindhavetheabilitytoliftthespiritandelevatetheconsciousness.HetaughteveryonetoseeGodinAllandtorelatetothedivinityoftheirsoul.Thenon-profitorganizationshecreatedarecontinuingtoupliftandinspirepeoplethroughouryogicanddharmictechnology,andtheybringhopeandinspirationtopeoplearoundtheglobe.Ourbusinessesfundtheworkofournon-profitsandprovidefinancialsupportforspreadingthemissionoftheSiriSinghSahib,andjobopportunitiesforouryouth.

a) Thethreegreatestchallenges/focusesIseeare:

1. LeadershipTransitionandSuccessionPlanning-InspiringthenextgenerationstostepintotheleadershipoftheDharma.Connectingwiththenextgenerationsandprovidingthemopportunitiesforgrowthandleadership.

2. Developingalong-termvisionandstrategicplanforourDharmathatsupportsandinsuresthecontinuanceofourDharmicmissionandvalues.Promotingunityandcollaborationamongourentitiestosuccessfullycontinueservingourcollectivemission;providingfinancialstabilityforthefuture;Inspiringouryouthandtakingcareofouragingpopulation.

3. BeingknownforourService–TheSiriSinghSahibgaveusthehukamtobeknownforourservice.Developingastrategicplanforcoordinatingourservicearoundtheworld.

b) IhaveadeeploveforourDharmaandourDharmicfamily.Iamvery

dedicatedtoservingourDharma,tobuildingcommunity,andtobuildingspiritandtrust.Ibelievethatactingwithintegrityandgrace,andtreatingpeoplewithcompassion,kindnessandrespectisessentialtoourserviceontheSSSCBoardandwillbuildtrustandunity.TheSiriSinghSahib’slastwordstouswereto“Liveforeachother”.

Weneedtoreachoutournextgenerations,astheyareourfuture.Iamverycommittedtofindingwaystoengageournextgenerationsinourleadership.





a) Yes,Icanfulfilltheserequirements,andhavebeenconsistentlydoingsoforthepast8years.Servingonthisboardisablessingandadutytoour

Sangatandtoourbelovedteacher.Itismyprioritytoalwaysattendtheboardmeetingsandtofullyparticipateinallways.

b) IhavebeenservingastheSecretaryGeneral/CEOofSikhDharmaInternationalsince2009,soIamveryimmersedinservingthelegacyoftheSiriSinghSahib.IbelievethishasbeenacomplimentaryrelationshiptomyserviceontheSSSCboard.Iamwhole-heartedlydedicatedtothemissionandserviceofournon-profitandforprofitorganizations.

c) FrommyyearsofservingasanSSSCboardmember,IthinkthemostdifficultpartformeisseeinghowmuchisneededtotrulyprovideleadershipandsupporttoallofthelegacyorganizationsandourglobalSangat,andnotyetfeelingthatwehavethestructureandprocessesinplaceinordertoservethoseneeds.Idobelievewearemakingprogress,butthereisstillmuchworktobedonetoservethefutureofourDharma.



I am married to Satwant Singh Khalsa, who is serving as the Executive Director of the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation.

SS Guruka Singh Khalsa Española, NM, USA


Name: Guruka Singh Khalsa

City & State/Country: Espanola, NM 87532 USA

Name of Spouse: Guruka Kaur Khalsa

Occupation: C.I.O. SikhNet, Inc.


50 years


47 years


Yes. Level III Professional Trainer

Ashram Communities lived in: NYC, Columbus OH, Oakhurst CA, Espanola, NM


Mukhia Singh Sahib Teacher


Since I no longer am a voting member of the SikhNet BOD I want to serve in whatever capacity my Guru assigns me.

2. What relevant areas of experience and expertise qualify you for this position and will

make you an asset to the board?

Ashram Director, Columbus Ohio 1974-1989. Have worked in our Dharmic businesses since 1992. Founded Sun & Son. Founded SikhNet. Served as SikhNet’s CEO for 15 years and created its very successful fundraising model. Technical innovator.


My whole life is in service to the Dharma.


See the poem: “The Master’s Touch” in the introduction to Furmaan Khalsa.


My daily Rehit is my support. I keep up by Guru’s grace.



No one’s real identity is about the role(s) they are playing at this moment. Beyond the games, beyond the pleasantries and social agreements, each of us is an embodiment of the One living God. Let us live in that excellence.


Group leadership. No one is higher or lower.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

I see the role of the SSSC as a stewardship role for our Dharmic assets. It’s also a place where new ways of governing and decision making can be nurtured and developed.



More transparency. Understand the issues faced by the NP entrities and support them.


I don’t feel accountability as a pressure.


With calmness, presence and awareness.


• What experience do you have incorporating these practices into your personal and professional life, and

• How would you incorporate them into our Organizations?

We already incorporated them at SikhNet and I created the monthly CEO meetings to promote communication, cooperation and coordination between the NP entities.


By setting an example of how successful service organizations operate in today’s environments.


• Doubt: I don’t entertain it. • Mistrust: I have given up my expectations. I trust all to do what they shall

do. • Lack of excellence: Training, mentoring, testing and elevating people to

deliver what they came here to deliver.


Conscious communication. Deep listening. Understanding the root issues.



Yes

b. If so, how will you balance these requirements with your other personal and professional responsibilities?

One must do what must be done. The rest will balance itself.


Enduring long meetings and inefficient processes. (hope that’s just a rumour.)


No

a. If yes, to whom are you related, how are you related to them, and what is

their position?

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SS Gurmeet Kaur Khalsa Española, NM, USA

Candidate Statement


Name: S.S. Gurumeet Kaur Khalsa

City & State/Country: Española, New Mexico USA

Name of Spouse: N/A

Occupation: Consultant, Teacher, Assistant to the Bhai Sahiba


51 years


42 years


Level One (Grandfathered) Certified June 6, 2000

Level Two Certified December 4, 2009

Professional Level Teacher Trainer Certified August 31, 2009

Ashram Communities lived in:

• San Rafael, California 1969 – 1970 • Los Angeles, California 1970 – 1972, 1992 – 1994 • Pomona, California 1971 (few months) • Houston, Texas 1972 – 1974 • Espanola, New Mexico 1974 – 1988, 1997 – present • Albuquerque, New Mexico 1988 –1992, 1994 –1997

3HO/Sikh Dharma • Ashram Secretary, San Rafael, CA

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Community Positions: • Correspondence Secretary to the Siri Singh Sahib, Los Angeles, CA

• Ashram Secretary, Houston TX • Personal Assistant to the Siri Singh Sahib. Espanola, NM • Secretary of Intelligence to the Siri Singh Sahib, Espanola, NM • Member of the Siri Singh Sahib’s Bodyguard team, Espanola,

NM and Los Angeles, CA • Assistant to the Bhai Sahiba, Espanola and Albuquerque, NM

and Los Angeles, CA

Questionnaire

1. Why do you feel called to serve on the SSSC Board?

At this stage in my life, I have more quality time and a strong commitment to be involved at this level of responsibility. The time required is important and I welcome this opportunity to serve the legacy of the Siri Singh Sahib. I will support transitioning youth and global diversity into future leadership positions, while striving to build consensus to merge the legacy and lineage of the Siri Singh Sahib, and by Guru’s grace, to support resolution of the situation with the Siri Singh Sahib’s family, so long overdue.


I was fortunate to have learned directly from the Siri Singh Sahib in positions to which he appointed me and have gratefully benefited from his guidance. From 1969 when he visited us in San Rafael, California where I helped start one of our first ashrams, to serving as the Siri Singh Sahib’s Correspondence Secretary and as a member of his household in Los Angeles and Espanola. I was his Personal Assistant and Secretary of Intelligence in Espanola and served as one of his bodyguards. I worked in Akal Security as a member of the business development team that helped to grow Akal, and for many years, the Siri Singh Sahib personally guided our work in his role as Chief Management Authority (CMA). In 1972, the Siri Singh Sahib asked that I promise to always stand by his wife and help take care of his children. He reminded me of this whenever he observed that I was faltering in this duty. I began serving as Bibiji’s assistant in 1972 and have continued to the present. This was primarily a seva position until 2014, when it became a contract employee position under Sikh Dharma International. In 2004, prior to his passing, the Siri Singh Sahib directed me to work with Bibiji on a project that she was starting to provide stress relief technology to First Responders. In 2006, Bibiji founded Create Inner Peace to serve the needs of First Responders and asked me to serve as program Director. Working in conjunction with the Office of the Governor under then-Governor Bill Richardson and under a contract with the State of New Mexico Office of Emergency Management, Bibiji installed the program at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) as an accredited course, during which time we both served as a members of the Baccalaureate Degree Committee in the Nursing

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Department at the College. Create Inner Peace is based on the teachings of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. https://www.createinnerpeace.com/ Since 2006, as the Program Director, I have continued to offer the course at NNMC and will advocate for developing more programs through our educational institutions, which are excellent vehicles for spreading the technology of Kundalini Yoga.

3. Please summarize your prior and current service to the Dharma. If you have served in leadership positions, please note them.

• Minister of Divinity of Sikh Dharma International for 42 years. • Kundalini Yoga Teacher for 45 years. • Professional Level Teacher Trainer for 12 years. • Assistant to the Bhai Sahiba for 48 years. • Director of Create Inner Peace for 14 years. • Member of Bodyguard team to the Siri Singh Sahib, Espanola, NM, Los Angeles, CA. • Personal Assistant and Secretary of Intelligence to the Siri Singh Sahib, Espanola, NM. • Correspondence Secretary to the Siri Singh Sahib, Los Angeles, CA. • Ashram Secretary, San Rafael, CA and Houston, TX.


As my teacher, he grilled me, drilled me, healed me, and never gave up on me. My experience of his teachings was challenging and enlightening, grueling, daunting, and ultimately always uplifting. In sharing his teachings, I have been the most blessed to have experienced and observed firsthand how healing these teachings are to everyone.


Sadhana is my lifeline, daily anchor, my savior, my hope, my pain and agony and my joy. I believe in group sadhana and only do personal sadhana out of necessity when I am traveling; yet it is still with our group mind and the angels, so it is not really ever personal, from my perspective.


In other words, I seek out, embrace, and listen to those who have different perspectives to my own. I strive to view the other person as myself so that I can expand my understanding, compassion and common ground in every conflict encountered. I seek opportunities to learn to expand my knowledge and listen deeply within myself, while slowing my breath and feeling my heartbeat to embrace that which is unknown to me. I strongly believe that nothing is outside me and that everything is within, knowing that healing the world begins with healing myself.

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I would deeply listen, embrace, surround, and contain. While applying the 5 sutras I would set forth the goal of finding common ground and strive to build consensus.

b) How would you apply this perspective to help our community and organizations move forward together?

I would propose that the SSSC initiate online discussion board forums based on “many-to-many” rather than “one-to-many” communications, as we have now.

6. What do you understand the Role of the SSSC to be?

The role of the SSSC—to the best of our ability—is to act in the consciousness of the Siri Singh Sahib, in our individual and combined group consciousness. While the Siri Singh Sahib lived during the end of the Piscean Age, primarily as a patriarchal and authoritarian leader, he strived to prepare us to lead in a council system in the Aquarian Age. In 1984 he asked all ashrams to transition from having a patriarchal leader to a council system of leadership, and before his passing, he created a council system of leadership to enable us to guide our future. While it has been a bumpy journey toward getting to where we are now and not perfect, the Aquarian Age of information demands that we continue to evolve our system of council leadership—especially communications management—to effectively serve our future generations and create environments that generate growth and prosperity. In my experience as his Correspondence Secretary, the Siri Singh Sahib emphasized the importance of responding to every letter, every call, every note, every gift, and every card. In the early days before the Internet, before computers, before email, the Siri Singh Sahib sent personalized responses on his personal letterhead to everyone who called him or wrote to him, and he imparted dignity, inclusivity and respect in his communications to everyone. He constantly asked his students and everyone to write to him, and in the very beginning he even gave out his phone number at Guru Ram Das Ashram in Los Angeles. He would often personally answer the phone to speak with his students. He listened to everyone, and he responded to everyone. Communications management was hugely important to him. In our role as the SSSC, I believe we need to be strongly focused on enhancing and improving thoughtful communications management among our global Sangat.

a) How do you see the SSSC carrying out that role on a Practical level?

On a practical level, the SSSC can continue the Siri Singh Sahib’s legacy of listening to everyone by expanding communications reach and management, inclusive of modern forms of electronic communications. To be relevant and impactful in contemporary society, the SSSC can lead the way toward bridging and strengthening our relationships among our global Sangat by developing opportunities to share

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information and perspectives on discussion board forums in a many-to-many format. Establishing this level of transparency can impart values of good will and hospitality that can only lead to vibrant and inclusive growth and prosperity. This can be effectively done while including checks and balances that assure honoring the integrity of confidentiality of the SSSC on matters where it is essential. The SSSC role would be to spearhead and oversee the effort to be carried on by the Khalsa Council and non-profits as discussion board facilitators. Out of necessity, during our Siblings of Destiny era, we utilized a simplified many-to-many communications format. Currently, some members of KRI are using a many-to-many communications model called Sutra to develop an updated version of The Aquarian Teacher level one manual. This type of process will develop organically in our communities, even without the SSSC’s leadership. To best serve this inevitable process as the most effective leaders, the SSSC can get in front of the process now and initiate developing and providing platforms for many-to-many discussion board forums.

b) How do you see the SSSC carrying out that role on a Spiritual level

On a spiritual level, the SSSC is challenged to take an active role in interfaith work, as well as to continue to develop relationships with India and our worldwide Indian Sikh community. Spirituality pervades across religious and cultural boundaries and finding common ground in service with other spiritual organizations—Sikh and non-Sikh—brings greater service and visibility and education about Sikhs to the most people.

7. As an SSSC Trustee you are accountable to the Sangat. a) Describe how you would like to build and enhance the relationship

between the Sangat and the SSSC?

I would endeavor to demonstrate to our Sangat that the SSSC wants to know their concerns and ideas, their challenges, their plans and solutions, their visions, their hopes and dreams for the future. To more effectively reach underserved areas, I believe that the use of online discussion forums could play an effective role toward building upon inclusivity of those who would otherwise not have an opportunity to contribute. This initiative could begin with sending out surveys to solicit and compile issues and concerns that are most important to the Sangat. Participants would be required to provide relevant identification and agree to communication policies and practices that form a respectful online setting. As an instrument for healthy growth, the SSSC could follow-up by creating many-to-many discussion board forums by topic. It would be important to collaborate with the Khalsa Council and non-profits so that the Ministers in the various sections of the Khalsa Council the non-profits can facilitate forum topics corresponding to their areas. This will also enhance the Khalsa Council’s ability to be relevant, in touch with their Sangat members needs, and enable using Khalsa Council meetings to collaborate in developing solutions to those needs. Our relationship to the Sangat can be further enhanced through motivating Sangat members to contribute financially to programs, which will happen naturally as they experience participating and being a part of developing them in discussion forums.

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b) Describe how you will personally deal with the pressure of accountability while maintaining your spirit of service?

When there is pressure to deliver, my experience is that the third sutra works wonders: Start and the pressure will be off.

c) Describe how you traditionally respond in a crisis or high-tension situation?

By God’s grace, meditation has become a habit and I am able to be calm and focused in a crisis. I breathe, strive to understand with compassion, vibrate the cosmos.


a) What experience do you have incorporating these practices into your personal and professional life?


a) Create Inner Peace actively solicits feedback from our students and other teachers in our program. I believe in utilizing our group mind to grow and evolve, while enhancing the experience of participating and contributing by our students and teachers.

b) Through expanding our communications management as the SSSC, I believe we can more effectively utilize our group mind, while enhancing inclusion, transparency, and accountability.



1) Build the legacy to become known for our service worldwide. 2) Evolve the legacy—in the consciousness of the Siri Singh Sahib—to bring youth

and diversity and lineage into the primary leadership of the legacy and merge the legacy and the lineage as one.

3) Create transparency through opportunities for our global Sangat to participate in forums to illuminate issues and contribute to developing solutions.


I will bring the qualities I strived to develop and practice while the Siri Singh Sahib was living, and since his passing, continue to practice in service to our Sangat, the Office of the Bhai Sahiba and Create Inner Peace. I will bring commitment, clarity, neutrality,

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strength and patience to work for the best interests of our greater community.



Yes.

b. If so, how will you balance these requirements with your other personal and professional responsibilities?

As a consultant, yoga teacher, and Assistant to the Bhai Sahiba, I am fortunate to have flexibility in scheduling my work. I will accommodate the meetings of the SSSC Board, as needed.


Striving to achieve consensus in decisionmaking.



No.

SS GuruPrem Singh Khalsa Los Angeles, CA, USA

Candidate Statement


Name: Guru Prem Singh Khalsa

City & State/Country: Los Angeles, California

Name of Spouse: Simran Kaur Khalsa

Occupation: Therapist, Teacher, musician, author


44 years


12 years


I am a KRI certified Professional teacher. I acquired my certification in 1979

Ashram Communities lived in: I’ve lived in the Guru Ram Das Ashram community for 43 years. During that time I spent 12 years living in Guru Arjan Dev and Siri Gurbani Sadan Ashrams. I Presently live in a Dharmic communal multifamily environment in the same neighborhood.


I have continued to serve on the Los Angeles Sangat’s executive council for about 10 years. I’m also on the Yoga Wests board for approximately 10 years.

Questionnaire


I was asked by a community member why I wasn’t serving on the SSSC board. My response was“I have enough to do serving my local community”. I was then asked If I would accept being nominated. I agreed and said I would go into it whole heartedly. I believe I’ve been called and now I’m answering that call. I am willing and able to bring integrity to the responsibility of serving in this position if elected. I have dedicated the past 43 years to serving humanity in many ways: my local community, as well as community outreach programs such as the Share-a-meal organization. I am a founding member of this food service S

2. What relevant areas of experience and expertise qualify you for this position and will make you an asset to the board? 2. My greatest asset is dependability. I’m also a good judge of character. I recognize good value and how to allocate resources. I’ve been self employed for over 40 years and know how to employ my energies to both prosper and serve. Although I’ve never pursued a career in the world of finance I majored in economics and social science at the University of Southern California. I enjoy to this day the study of the flow of money, both macro and micro in the realm of economics. Additionally I have served and taught in over one hundred teacher training programs.

3. Please summarize your prior and current service to the Dharma. If you have served in leadership positions please note them. 3. My Service to the Dharma includes: Serving on the Yoga west board, Serving on the Executive council for the Los angeles Sangat and Serving as a regular volunteer in the Share-a-Meal food service program. Serving Yoga West’s and many other teacher training programs. Serving my students and clients in the most sacred and confidential manner. Serving Guru Ram Das Ashram on a daily manner by my attendance and Seva. Being a regular financial contributor to the LA Sangat as well as Miri Piri Academy an other Dharmic organizations.

4. Please describe your experience of the Siri Singh Sahib as a teacher and your

experience of his teachings.


My personal relationship with the Siri Singh Sahib goes back to 1976. I was 22 at the time and had just graduated from USC. I was already moving away from my University studies in economics, towards the healing sciences. At the time I had begun the study of Pantomime and Kundalini yoga. It was in the fall of 1976 I took a class at UCLA called ‘yoga for the health professional.’ This class was taught by Yogi Bhajan and some of his students. The first words I heard Yogi Ji speak was “you’re as old as your spine”. But what really struck me as profound was the way he used his facial muscles. I had been practicing facial muscle control as part of my mime training. I was impressed to see how he could use his eyebrows independently of each other. So my first real connection to the SSS was trying to imitate his facial expressions. To do that I would sit in the front of the class at his feet. Imitating his face proved to be very challenging. Little did I know at the time that the face mirrors the mind. But I knew that he was a man I needed to study. The first time I spoke with the SSS was after class at 1977 L.A. mens course. Baba Singh brought me up to introduce me. I recall sitting in rock pose for a very long time too scared to move. When he finally acknowledged me he stared for what seemed like a very long time. His first words to me were “I see you as a saint”. That was something my 22 year old brain had no capacity to comprehend about myself as I had not lived a very saintly life in my college years. He then was curious about my years in gymnastic competition. I told him I was about to retire from the sport but he wanted me to stay involved which I couldn’t understand at the time. But the deep connection was made there and has continued to deepen further. I have had a very challenging but ultimately successful time fulfilling all of the difficult tasks he put before me. If interested one can read about them in the book “Everyday Devotion.” Whether treating the many individuals he sent to me for my therapeutic guidance or the collaborations on the songs we created together. Those were the easy tasks, the more difficult you could either read about or ask me personally. But I did fulfill all except for one last assignment. That is to write a book about relaxation. That will happen soon enough. But I know he was very satisfied with my fulfillments a few months before his passing. It was in that final meeting where I presented him the book “Divine Alignment” that he said “That is very good, now I can rest” I have been living the 3ho life with great enthusiasm for these 44 years and I look forward to experiencing more. I teach weekly at Yoga West LA and I’m on the staff of teacher training. I teach in the teacher training in other centers as well. In addition I take a least 2 Kundalini Yoga classes every week. I do this for my own growth and enjoyment but I also want my students to see me as regular student. Regarding the rest of my lifestyle I attend Gudwara everyday. I play Gurbani Kirtan twice a week and I serve in the children program weekly at GuruRam Das Ashram. I have continued to collaborate with the SSS on his poetry. By this I mean I’m writing new music to put his poems to.

I am continuing to live up to the title he gave me. And that is “Posture Master”. I really do make a continuous effort to live by the standard he set for me. I daily dig into his teachings to support my growing consciousness. As I mentioned earlier I still need to write what he said should be a small book on relaxation. Here’s what I know about that so far. “Relaxation is the highest Wisdom. Relaxation is surrendering the unnecessary tension so you feel the hand of God guide you” SSS. So it will be a small book but big assignment. I daily get up and take my cold shower, read Jap ji, meditate and go to Gudwara. I also do Shabad kyria every night before sleep. I still have aspirations to read more of my Banis and that is my hope for my future.




Seeing God in all requires both philosophical and experiential understandings. As Jaap Sahib so aptly describes, God is everything and nothing. It’s the mystery of the the Anahat, the unstuck sound. This is the first cause manifestation of the heart center in all Human Beings and well as All of creation. Truth speaks from nothing as everything. To appreciate Kartapurkh is to recognize God as the doer in all things, doing everything all at once and forever. All of creation is God’s constant doings throughout time and space. Seeing God in all is seeing and knowing that God is not separate from the creation but is the creation. Learning to see God in all can only be realized by the Guru’s guidance. Without the Guru’s guidance we only experience the creation as infinite separations leading us to believe we are disconnected and alone. In fact we all share the same one soul divided by the vibrations of our experiences. There is no such thing as a Sikh soul or an American soul just one Maha Atma divided into the many forms throughout creation. Therefore I see God in the suffering as well as the beauty. I see God as the homeless, in the rich and fearful. God teaches me throughout his creation, sometimes as a sage and sometimes as sometimes as a psychotic. And since I am one with the creation I am the sage and the psychotic, but with the Guru’s guidance I can serve all as I serve myself. b.Using this understanding to move our community forward requires having skills at using this oneness of being with all to build and deepen connections. I really believe that that I’m here to add to the beauty. Being able to communicate with skills that connect physically, mentally and spiritually can inspire our community to act creatively and courageously. We also need to be guided how to make wise sacrifices to ensure our future growth. “It is the responsibility of the conscious person to make himself understood, it’s not the responsibility of the other person to understand”-SSS.

I believe I can bring a desire, direction and discipline to this position and add to the beauty I envision for our community.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level I see the role of a SSSC board member as someone entrusted with oversight, creative guidance and inspiration of the whole organization that the Siri Singh Sahib was in charge of. We have to hold all of the vision statements of the various businesses and nonprofit organizations in our hearts and minds, while working to manifest a wholehearted vision for our future destinies and the Dharmic entities. We need both a birds eye and worms eye perspective to help manifest this collective future. I will continue working to become comparative, comprehensive and intuitive.




c) How do you traditionally respond in a crisis or high-tension situation?

7a. Just to be available, known and open to being a voice of this Board. The SSSC has done a lot to keep a relationship with the Sangat and I would just make sure to be known for serving this position and being available. It is a matter of my commitment that I try to represent myself as someone who is available to serve and trust. I would like see the Kundalini Yoga teacher training Kundalini programs give better explanations of who we and what we are. Meaning our businesses and the other organizations. 7b. Having been through more then a few Dharmic challenges I would do what I have always done, offer it to the Guru. By that I mean, meditate on God’s name and bow to the Guru. Then listen deeply and act courageously. Pressure can’t be eliminated but it can be equalized. The equalization requires humility, which would allow me to receive praise and blame alike. So here is how I put it to practice: Facts, faith and fortitude, in that order. One needs humility when one get’s the facts wrong. So I bow and change. Then I bring my faith into play and support that with fortitude. Fortitude is energetic courage. To practice courage is to connect the depth of your heart with your vitality.

7c. I have responded to crisis with calmness. I don’t claim to have mastered calmness but when the situation requires I try to respond with a strong navel, a warm heart and a cool head. Breathe deeply, listen deeply and act courageously.




8a. Inclusion and transparency begins with who is welcome in your home. I have welcomed many people of all different spiritual beliefs, political affiliations and sexual orientations. If you come in peace you are welcome. I also seek out people with very different beliefs then my own often to share a meal and attempt to listen and understand a differing point of view. I do consider myself openhearted and therefore by nature I am welcoming. In my professional life as a healer therapist, I serve the needs in front of me. After 44 years of practice I have maintained a love all serve all approach. This doesn’t mean I ignore ungraceful behavior, I don’t. Kindness isn’t always nice but it is still kind. Love sometimes has to be tough. 8b. I believe what you are informs what you do. To start with I try to keep an ever watchful eye using my negative mind looking for problems before they become a crisis. Then use my positive mind to find solutions. Really it come down to act courageously before being forced to react anxiously.




9a. The three greatest challenges facing our Dharma and its organization are these.

1. Holding the form of the Guru and sharing this technology with joy, acceptance and openness that allow our children to be committed to living the Guru’s teachings. And how to inspire more people to grow into the form and lifestyle of the Guru’s wisdom. I know this from my community at GRDA. We struggle to garner and maintain active participants. It can be a long journey from Kundalini yoga, to reading in our weekly Akand path, to being committed to

serving. I consider that the most important challenge facing us. Our future leadership depends on this.

2. We need to generate more wealth in order to create opportunities for people to live more connectedly if not communally. In the Los Angeles Sangat we are challenged by the cost of living. Young people would love to live by the Ashram but rents are too expensive. I have personally created a communal environment but this is only available for a few people beyond my family. This is a problem only money can fix. Everyone of our non-profits needs more funding.

3. We need good messaging about who we are and our relationship to our founder the SSS. b) We have been challenged in the past and we will again in the future. We

have been unable to properly represent who we are and what we have to offer. Slanders and scandals have challenged us in the past will again in the future. We will need better and consistent messaging.

9b.

1. Keeping our children interested and involved requires supporting their “tribe” that reflects the Guru’s virtues and values. We have to stop forcing them into the template of our structure. My generation is often perceived as fanatic and too restrictive. They want a “tribe” of their peers and contemporaries. Specifically we can offer more housing and jobs in places they want to live, where affordable housing doesn’t exist. Post high school is the critical time, even if they attended Miri Piri Academy. The opportunity for education and jobs is the key. Los Angeles would be Ideal place for post high school. We have a Sangat, a pop culture and great weather and environments. We are also blessed with world class colleges. This includes community colleges, which for most, is a better transition from high school. Financial resources would make that possible and there is a reasonable way to do that. There are properties in LA both private and Dharmic that could create dorm like living that would be very desirable. It can be done in a very reasonable fashion. This can happen in other places as well. In addition we can expand the role of women even more than they already occupy. After a few years of discussion the GRDA community has finally allowed women to serve as overnight sevadars. As the SSS would often say, “If women get their act together men will follow”. There still remains a large divide between Sikh Dharma and 3HO. It’s been my personal mission for many years to erase the divide but in a way that is inclusive and open. I believe it’s through our business that we can teach beyond the paycheck. Our values and virtues need to be very obvious through our businesses. One of the SSS business teachings is this. “The purpose of business is to make a profit and to leave behind a pleasant fragrance”. The memory of any interaction needs to carry a sweet fragrance of our character. Good business practices will go a long way to insuring a profit. This profit is the resource needed to grow our individual and collective futures. These resources under wise stewardship can bring about faster transition into this new age. We have many future Sangats to support as well

as expanding our other outreaches. Providing jobs is required to enable our future generations the opportunity to gracefully live the science and devotion our Dharma offers.

2. Jobs and career support. That is what all of our communities need. In the late 70’s I first began to live in the form of Guru Gobind Singh. It was no longer possible for me dressed the way I do and find gainful employment. So I was able to work for one of the community business for a few years until I became self employed. In addition I lived in one of our local ashrams for very low rent. I continued to live in the Ashram for the next 12 years. We can recreate that but even better by first deciding that this would be a good use of resources and having some Ashram like living situations. The new version will become more relaxed and less restrictive but still within the parameters of conscious living. Creating jobs where none presently exists will require skills resources inspiration and perspiration. It might not be possible to create this for 18 year olds in the short term but there are many yoga students who would love to live in the modern communal setting right now. All over the US communal spaces are being created in the big cities where rents a just too high for many. These have proven very popular and profitable for the owners of these properties. Often these communal spaces are designated non-drug and alcohol living environments. To be able live in desirable places and have it affordable is a great possibility. The yoga students in our community have jobs but often can’t comfortably afford to live here.

3. Become famous. Become renowned in your chosen profession, endeavor,

hobby and service. It sounds maybe too self centered but that is really the way to garner attention and attraction. Think of the power of Oprah, one sentence and you can launch careers. What if you’re a congressmen? or an actor, imagine someone famous touting his love for yogi tea. People already love what we offer, let’s leverage that love. Look what Snatam has already done. One or many of us could be ten times bigger.

9b. I have taught, coached, ministered and healed people my whole life. My first independent job was when I was 16. I worked at a YMCA teaching gymnastics to young kids. I was good then I would be much better in the future. When I was 23 and living in Guru Arjan Dev ashram in LA I was coaching a high school level gymnastic team, introducing the team to Kundalini Yoga as part of their training. In addition to 3 hour afternoon regular practice I offered Kundalini Yoga 3 mornings a week from 7 to 8 am. We were the highest ranked team in the USA that year. Sure they were talented but the yoga was the fairy dust. The reason they were willing to do this much and to a coach who wore a turban was kind of simple. I was still a better Gymnast than most of my students. They wanted to in some way be like me. And so they listened and worked and obeyed, loved and served and indeed excelled. I have continued to this day teaching workshops for P.E. and gymnastic coaches. I still get asked “how do

you do that” So beyond the formal Kundalini classes and work shops I have continued to teach people from where they are. Bringing the outer community into our homes is another easy way to involve newer even potential students. Pangat and sangat in our homes. Making our lifestyle fun and enjoyable rather than rigid and fanatic. That is how we are sometimes perceived. Regarding business and business growth I have some experience. I have been successfully self employed for over 40 years. I have learned how live both simple and comfortable. I’ve been able to give and receive as well as lose money and recover. Before I became the multidisciplinary therapist that I am today I was once on a career path in business. My college major was economics and social science. In addition throughout college I operated a very successful business. I bought and sold luggage at swap meets on weekends. Even though I was on an athletic scholarship the money I made was nice for me and helpful to my family. To this day I like to study the flow of money as well as the flows of the circulatory systems. I’m well aware that all expansions requires knowing where to contract. The laws of the body and the laws of money are really the same. All expansion comes from a contraction. Knowing where to contract makes for predictable expansions. I have a good sense of what and where to sacrifice in order to grow and prosper. With regard to protecting our image from slander and misinformation we need good strategies and realistic understandings of how the world sees us. I’ve been witness to a few of our Dharmic scandals. I’ve witness up close how the SSS managed the situations. I was always impressed by his coolness under fire. He would calmly adapt strategies an implement them. I’ve learned about that too but I don’t pretend to be as centered as he was. I did learn about trying to heal people where they were rather than cast them aside. Good strategies, good messaging and good projection will see us through times of adversarial stress.





10a. Yes I have the time.

b. My children are adults, my Wife and I are happily together after 30 years and my professional and community responsibilities afford me the opportunity to serve on the board. c. The most challenging part of serving on this board will be the possibility of enduring too much unnecessary talking. I tend to get board if the discussions get too redundant and unnecessarily emotional.



My wife serves as the board chair of Miri Piri Academy.I am presently on the board of Yoga West LA. Yoga West LA is part of KIIT.

SS Hari Nam Singh Khalsa Mazatlan, Mexico

Candidate Statement


Name: S.S. Hari Nam Singh Khalsa

City & State/Country: Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico/Portland, Oregon, USA

Name of Spouse: Kulwant Kaur Khalsa

Occupation: Retired, Ambassador for the Dharma


43 years


25 years


I am a KRI certified teacher, acquiring my original certification in 1997. I am Level II certified and currently in the Level III training. I am also currently a Level I Lead Teacher Trainer.

Ashram Communities lived in: Eugene, Oregon; Portland, Oregon


Khalsa Council 1995-present; SSSC Board 2012-15


I believe the SSSC Board has an essential role in supporting the current work of the

mission and giving conscious direction to the future direction of the mission. I believe that I have the necessary personal and professional qualities to be of service to the work of the Board.


As the other candidates, I have dedicated significant time and energy in my life to the furtherance of the teachings and mission of our common teacher and Dharma. In addition, I believe I can bring a unique blend of personal and professional experience that can be of great assistance to the workings of the Board. I have had a long career in both law and finance. Over the years, I have spent much time in India and also worked on many issues with the Punjabi community. Most importantly, I was a member of the original SSSC Board, giving me insight and experience in regard to the workings of the Board.


I was in a leadership position in the Sangat in Portland, Oregon for many decades. Not only did we build a strong 3HO community there over the years, but we also were instrumental in building bridges and gurdwaras with the Punjabi community. I have served on many inter-faith groups over the years and have had the opportunity to speak at many public forums and on radio/television, I believe representing our faith community in a conscious and uplifting way. I have also been a participating member of the Khalsa Council for 25 years. In the last few years, I have traveled extensively around the globe, sharing the mission of our teacher and our Gurus in many different ways with many different populations.



Wow, describing my experience of the Siri Singh Sahib as a teacher and my experience of his teachings in my life is well beyond words. I guess what I feel compelled to share in this moment is that I ultimately trusted in his wisdom and his in vision, and that in the end, he always came through and that this trust was always rewarded and validated. Thank God, even after all these years, my Sadhana remains strong and continues to give me a daily foundation to support the rest of my day. My daily

discipline, which is really guided by the Rehit Maryada, continues to be the definition of my life and the compass for all that I do and seek to do.




I see that expression as a validation of my own perspective that ultimately we are all brothers and sisters, children of the same God. As applying to my past and perhaps future work on the Board, that perspective would guide me to respect and honor the perspective of all Board members, knowing that everyone’s point of view is a unique expression of the larger, non-personal Truth. And I could apply that point of view in how I would interact with a diverse set of communities and entities within the organization, seeing that we are all on the same team and working for the same goals, so to speak.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

Simply put, on a practical level, providing the necessary support and resources for the entities representing the organization to do their part in furthering the mission. And actually doing so in a way that all the moving parts are working together for the common goal and good. On a spiritual level, infusing the entire organization with purity of intention and clarity in direction, so that all the organization does and stands for is congruent with the mission already set forth by our spiritual teacher and our Guru.





I would like to see the Sangat be more aware of what the SSSC Board is and have more personal interaction with the Board members. Personally, I don’t see there being any “pressure” of accountability. I feel the Sangat has the right to accountability and would be happy to do my part to provide that. I actually enjoy being in “the big spot” and feel that I can maintain my cool in the eye of the storm.




As a person, I count among my friends and associates people representing the full spectrum of humanity. I have been on the front lines politically and otherwise, fighting for the rights of those who are underrepresented in society. I believe these are the values taught by our spiritual teacher and our Gurus and would expect that all those serving this organization in any capacity are aware of the importance of “inclusion, transparency and accountability” and back it up with their actions.




I would say the three greatest challenges facing “The Dharma” are: 1) making ourselves known to the world in an accurate, helpful and uplifting way, 2) being perceived within and without the organization as a service-first, rather than profit-first organization, 3) maintaining the visibility and relevance of Sikhism to those who find themselves drawn to “The Teachings.”

10. Board service regularly requires 10 to 20 hours per month (or more) in evening and weekend board and committee meetings. These meetings are generally held at 8:00 pm Eastern time (20:00 hours). In addition, there are three Face-to-Face meetings per year (two in New Mexico following the International Khalsa Council Meetings (end of April and end of September) and a third in January or February in Los Angeles or one of our Ashram communities). The Face-to-Face meetings are two days in April and September and three days in January/February. Note: One day of each Face-to-Face meeting period

is always on Monday.




I can fulfill these requirements without difficulty and did so when I last sat on the Board. I do not see this as a question of “balance,” but rather as a question of total integration, which I believe my life already is at peace with. From my past experience on the Board, I believe the most challenging part of serving on the Board is constantly working in harmony with those who are equally committed, but have a very different point of view about what is best for the mission.



No.

SS Sat Bachan Kaur Khalsa Española, NM, USA

Candidate Statement


Name: Sat Bachan Kaur Khalsa

City & State/Country: Espanola, New Mexico, USA

Name of Spouse: Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa

Occupation: General Manager: Nine Treasures LLC Spiritual Life Coach


45 years


Since Fall 1979


Yes. Level 1 Attained 1999

Ashram Communities lived in: Toronto Ashram. Los Angeles Sangat. Espanola Sangat


Receptionist Secretariat Los Angeles 1978-1980. Worked with Dasvandh 1980 GM of the Yogi Tea Company 1991-2 GM of Yoga West Lost Angeles 1992-4 Gurdwara COV, Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Ishnaan Seva, Hacienda de Guru Ram Das


Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa! Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh! ‘I am the divine - so. my tributes and so m y actions’ - nucleus meaning by Yogi Bhajan I feel called to serve again on the Siri Singh Sahib Corp Board in order to serve a higher calling directed by my teacher. I feel it is my duty to use the knowledge and wisdom I have been blessed to gain over these many years as a student of the Siri Singh Sahib Ji and daughter of Guru Ram Das t perpetrate this duty by serving this mission in this way. I feel I have been graced to have the understanding, wisdom, commitment and experience to aid and further the Siri Singh Sahib Corp’s duty to serve the Sadh Sangat and the Siri Singh Sahib Ji’s Vision and Mission.


May the recognition that I experience of the sacredness of the Legacy of Teachings the Siri Singh Sahib Ji gave us, only serve for me to be an asset on this Board. Bur Guru’s grace, I have had the the gift of being allowed to serve our teacher and this Dharma on a daily basis. Being so blessed to learn from our teacher for years on a personal level, in class, traveling with him and in life I believe that I have gained great insight into how our teacher operated and what he expected. My prayer is that Guru will use me as a humble Sikh of the Guru to be of help to fulfill his Mission through service to this Board.


I have served, as many of us have, in many functions, beginning as a follower and then as a leader. Our teacher told us that in order to lead, one must first follow. It began in 1976 in the Toronto Ashram where I was the Ashram Secretary. Then in 1978, the Siri Singh Sahib Ji placed me in the Secretariat as the Receptionist. While serving in this capacity I headed up Registration for both Summer and Winter Solstices. In 1991 the Siri Singh Sahib Ji, as the CMA (Chief Management Authority) appointed me the General Manager of the Yogi Tea Company during the pivotal time of bringing all the businesses under one umbrella. After Yogi Tea C. was then moved up to Oregon the Siri Singh Sahib Ji placed me as the General Manager of Yoga West, Los Angeles. I have served on the Hacienda de Guru Ram Das Gurdwara Committee for many years and the daily blessing to be able to serve at our Gurdwara. One of my created joys for the last 18 years has been coordinating Ishnaan Seva every Sunday morning with a devoted and committed team of Sevadars. Coaching and supporting my Siblings of Destiny is another aspect on my life as a Khalsa Minister.



The Siri Singh Sahib Ji is my. teacher, my father, and my gift. I am his student, his daughter and his servant. He loved me; he loves me and I experience it daily! I know this because he has never let me down and I s drive to never let him down. Wahe Guru! The Aquarian Mantra is “Keep Up and you will be Kept Up!” I experience this with every breath and every step of this graced life on this blessed Path. Wit the support of the Sadh Sangat we all get to live our destinies and be covered by God and Guru! “Slave Nanak yearns for the dust of the feet of those who have woven the Lord’s Name into their hearts.” (Siri Guru Granth Sahib p 317-8) This is the line I repeat every morning when I bow to touch the “santo Dhur” - the Dust of the Saints’ Feet - at the threshold of our beautiful Gurdwara at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das . It so expresses my gratitude and joy for this lifestyle and the Company of the Holy. I thank God and Guru for allowing me the exalted gift of Sadhana and Gurdwara on a daily basis. By Guru’s Grace and Siri Singh Sahib Ji’s example, I am supported to live with nobility,

grace, courage and commitment. My daily Sadhana and spiritual disciplines have awaked in me the love of Bana, Banis, Seva and Simran making them all an indispensable and intimate part of my life. I love this line I saw at Solstice “Eat, Sleep, Sadhana, Repeat!” It is my greatest longing to live this spiritual path with h honesty, devotion, and humility so that Guru Ram Das can work through me and help me grow far beyond my nature. My prayer and faith is that Guru will continue to bless me with ongoing experience of guidance, protection and blessings so that I can keep serving all in His Name.


a) How would you apply this saying in your day to day service on the board? b) How would apply this perspective to help our community and organizations move forward together?

This saying, which the Siri Singh Sahib Ji had on the back of his “business card” means that we are all part of God Who is Everywhere and Everything. “Wherever I look, the Lord is there; He is the string, upon which all hearts are strung.” Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Siri Guru Granth Sahib Page 682 It also reminds us as the Siri Singh Sahib Ji said: “The other is you.” By truly living this in thought, word and deed, one’s presence creates compassion, understanding, healing and hope. In order to be truly effective in life, one has to be able to communicate to others and understand their point of view. By applying this wisdom of the Siri Singh Sahib Ji, one can have the vision, and b breadth and humility to work with different pints of view with high caliber communication to bring resolution and creativity to challenges and endeavors. To be truly effective in life, one has to be able to communicate to others and understand their point of view. By applying this wisdom of the Siri Singh Sahib Ji, one can have the vision, and b breadth and humility to work with different pints of view with high caliber communication to bring resolution and creativity to challenges and endeavors.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

a) The Siri Singh Sahib Corp as a whole represents the consciousness of the Siri Singh Sahib Ji. through His Grace, the Siri Singh Sahib Corp will serve as a visionary body which sets the direction and vision and consciousness for our Dharma through the entities it governs.

b) Through example, motivation, inspiration, direction and humble service, the Siri Singh Sahib Corp sets the tone and the goals. The job of the Boards is to deliver these goals. It is my prayer that every member of the Siri Singh Sahib Corp will constantly strive for e excellence, to be better than themselves and in constant harmony with the Guru’s Mission. I living this, we will all continue to grow and prosper in infinite ways that will amaze us all!





a) I would like to see more transparency. and communication between the Board and the Sadh Sangat. b) Once again I look to our teacher’s example He leaned on God and Guru Ram Das. Our teacher’s vision is fully defined through the Siri Guru Granth Sahib . Our mission and mine is to follow that direction. c. I always begin with looking inward. Prayer and the recitation of the Banis have always helped me find a balance so that I can respond with calmness, hope and faith. “Your faith is fully rewarded” . Sukhmani Sahib







I am familiar with all of these practices of good governance after watching the Siri Singh Sahib Ji perform them on a daily basis. By nature, I am a person who highly values open communication, inclusion and teamwork. I shall be fully accountable for all m y actions in this position on the Sadh Sangat’s behalf. For me t his accountability extends to the Guru’s needs, in the recognition that His Will prevails for the best interests of our Dharma.

As the Siri Singh Sahib Ji said, “We must be known for our Service’ Our For-Profit entities must demonstrate and accomplish Profit and Goodwill. Our businesses must represent us leading the Aquarian Age by serving humanity as well as generating profitability so they can also support our Non-Profits. The Mission for the Non-Profits must be m motivated by Goodwill alone; serving our Sadh Sangat, our extended family and all of humanity through the experience and direction of consciousness. Our three greatest challenges are unity, keeping up through all odds and evens, and growing deeper inner commitment to universal service and love. These challenges are not unique to just our organization but any spiritual organization. Each challenge must be met with commitment, discipline and delivery on a daily basis. God’s Infinite Mercy and Vastness is available to us all through our faith, our Sadhana and our love. My steady, soulful, deep prayer and projection is for the realization of our shared Destinies so that we can be of a hopeful and healing service to the world and fulfill the vision and of Guru Gobind Singh and the Siri Singh Sahib Ji.





I don’t see any real difficulties in meeting these requirements. I have kept up for the past five years on this Board, with a consistent record. I have been blessed to have my faith carry me through difficult circumstances. Forty-five years on this path have confirmed this over and over again that God and Guru are uncharge and He takes care of his devotees always. I have already faced difficult changes oaths Board and have relied on Guru Ram Das to guide me. My life is a sacrifice to the Guru’s Mission. I give my all to performing whatever is necessary, and more by His Grace, but I leave the conclusion of any crisis up to the Guru.



My daughter ,Hari-Amrit Kaur Khalsa is a Board Member on the KIIT Board.

SS Sham Kaur Khalsa La Paz, Bolivia


Name: Sham Kaur Khalsa

City & State/Country: La Paz Bolivia

Name of Spouse: Gian Bir Singh

Occupation: Climate Change specialist


Since 2004 16 years


6/29/2013 7 years


I am a certified KY teacher since 2004 Aquarian Academy, as intern

Ashram Communities lived in: none


Regional Ministry Coordinator RMC Latin America Global Teachers Council- GTC member


I was nominated by a member and I feel that a more global participation in the SSSC Board can add value to gear the organization into the next phase of expansion and reach


I have graduated as Industrial Engineer hold an MBA from Gabriela Mistral University in Chile and also have a certificate in Sustainable Development and Global Environment from Brown University. I have experience in management both in the public and private sector, at the moment I am the General Manager of Environmental Services SASA (Consultant Firm) http://www.sasa-bolivia.com/equipo.html and I am currently part of the Board of a Bolivian Foundation Natura www.naturabolivia.org/es/inicio/ I believe my technical experience in addition to my Latin-American community perspective can add value to the Board.

3. Please summarize your prior and current service to the Dharma. If you have served in leadership positions, please note them.

No



My personal Sadhana and spiritual understanding and view of the world and myself, is at the core of my development and growth as a human being, it is the tool I use to connect with myself and work in my challenges as learning experiences, Siri Singh Sahib is my teacher and his teachings has bring me to the feet of the Siri Guru Grant Sahib, to my spiritual path and for this I will always be grateful.




a) In every aspect of your life you can see GOD acting, and therefore try as much as possible to transform challenges in opportunities, mistakes in learning experiences and disagreement in opportunities to improve listening and communication, failure in opportunities for innovation, inaction in stronger action

b) Our community has a natural resilience if we live this understanding to see God in all, our organizations have to be as flexible and resilient and prone to change and evolution as we have learnt to be ourselves so we can move into the next level of service and growth.


a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

a) The Board role is to assess the overall direction and strategy to fulfill the vision and the objectives of the organization and evaluate the progress and make corrections as needed.

b) Our mission as a community, as Khalsa’s is to lead humanity to Liberation, the board is required to guide the organization to manifest this vision in every action and part of the organization and ensure we are aligned at all times with a higher purpose and make the changes and corrections when we are not.





a) The relationship is already there but can be strengthen by more transparency, which in practical terms means: clear guidelines for decision making, open vote and complete annual report with and appendix on financial information, job description and monthly reporting based on annual objectives and clear plan of activities and budget.

b) I try as much as possible to put my 100% in each task I do

c) In a very impersonal and practical way which allows a complete assessment of the situation to come up with short term solutions as a step to a long term resolution of the problem at hand




a) As manager I prefer a linear type of management instead of hierarchy which creates and environment where team work and cooperation is easier and creates innovation and allows every capacity of the team to surface and grow innovation and efficiency can be achieved easier, in this system inclusion, transparency and accountability is the base of the system.

b) There is the need for each organization to develop its own culture and character but with check and balances, and adequate system of monitoring and reporting activities, expenditures and results is a key but I has to reflect the particular character of the organization, one size doesn’t fit all




a) How to maintain sustained growth and evolve into a global, decentralized organization

b) Facilitate access to KY technology to sectors not currently represented or served (KY Social)

c) Evolving and transitioning to green businesses to maintain the source of resources for generations to come, the model must be decentralized regionally

d) I can bring a different view from the international community that can add value to the discussion

e) I can provide my technical expertise, a different vision and innovation





a) Yes b) More effective use of meetings time, better work assignment, team work and

planning c) The financial costs of traveling to the US.



No

SS Sirivishnu Singh Khalsa Espanola, NM, USA


Name: Sirivishnu Singh Khalsa

City & State/Country: Espanola, New Mexico, USA

Name of Spouse: Satkirin Khalsa

Occupation: Executive


42 years


26 years


yes, teacher of Kundalini Yoga Level 1, 1999

Ashram Communities lived in: Dorchester MA, Brooklyn, NY, Espanola, NM


SD of NY Director, SSSC Board Trustee


The Sangat wants the SSSC to demonstrate and implement more transparency, more accountability, and more engagement with the ministers and community leaders. I want to serve that concern. The SSSC needs to modify its structure in order to achieve more efficiency, and modify its election process in order to better fulfill its mission. I would like to help with these improvements.


Five years of service on the SSSC Board. 25 years of service on Khalsa Council. 11 years of service on Amar Infinity Board. 30 plus years, extensive experience managing businesses and group activities. Broad understanding of management practices. Strong big-picture perspective. High level financial and legal expertise and experience.


SD of New York Director: 20 years; Head Piara for Amrit Sanchar: 30 plus events; Head of Grounds development at Summer Solstice, 10 plus years; lead role in managing lawsuit against former UI members: 2.5 years; Amar Infinity Board member 11 years; KIIT Board Chairman *seva position: 3.5 years; HGRD Board member 2 years; building and managing Khalsa Family Farms (Legacy Garden) at HGRD community, Espanola; significant fund-raiser and donor to numerous projects and facilities including SDI vs. UI members lawsuit; MPA Dining Hall construction; Espanola community gymnasium facility; HGRD/LYF greenhouse construction project; Seva Sadhana facilities improvement.

4. Please describe your experience of the Siri Singh Sahib as a teacher and your experience of his teachings. a) Please describe how your personal sadhana and spiritual discipline support you to keep up.

God and Guru keep me in an elevated state, and take care of my routine. Siri Singh Sahib Ji provided the wisdom, guidance, technology and understanding of life that guide me every day in myriad ways.


a. How would you apply this saying in your day to day service on the board? b. How would apply this perspective to help our community and organizations move

forward together?

God in all aspects lives in every being. Everyone manifests their individuality which is the creativity of God being expressed. We seek to be aware of the divinity in everyone.


a. Practical level b. Spiritual level

The SSSC Board of Trustees has the responsibility to provide inspiration and direction to the Sangat and communities it serves; to ensure that the culture and values of the organizations it oversees are consistent with the Teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib and Sikh Dharma, and to enhance and expand the global Sikh community.


a. How you would like to build and enhance the relationship between the Sangat and the SSSC?

b. How you will personally deal with the pressure of accountability while maintaining your spirit of service?

c. How do you traditionally respond in a crisis or high tension situation?

Develop greater transparency and accountability to the work of the SSSC Board. It has always been my training to serve selflessly and to use the pressure of time and space to deliver. I am always ready to serve and elevate.


a. What experience do you have incorporating these practices into your personal and professional life, and

b. How would you incorporate them into our Organizations?

The SSSC needs to improve their practices. I will assist in that process. 9. How do you see the 3HO/Sikh Dharma family of Nonprofit and For-profit organizations serving humanity in these times?

a. What do you see as the three (3) greatest challenges facing the Dharma (Sikh Dharma-3HO and the family of For-profit and Nonprofit entities)? What would you do as a Trustee to overcome these challenges?

b. What skills, tools, and techniques can you bring to the SSSC Board of Trustees to help us move toward the vision you described above?

Dilution of the teachings; weak core competency in leadership; mental confusion are three great challenges to our success. I will help bring clarity, train and identify competency, and work closely with others to ensure the teachings are not watered down, both in discussion and in practice. I bring business management skills, leadership skills, and many different tools and techniques that come with these skill sets.

10. There are three Face-to-Face meetings per year (two in New Mexico following the International Khalsa Council Meetings (end of April and end of September) and a third in January or February in Los Angeles or one of our Ashram communities). The Face-to-Face meetings are two days in April and September and three days in January/February. Note: One day of each Face-to-Face meeting period is always on Monday.

a. Can you fulfill these requirements? b. If so how will you balance these requirements with your other personal and professional

responsibilities? c. What do you anticipate being the most difficult part of serving as a Trustee on the SSSC

Board?

a. My attendance record in my 5 year term was one of the best b. with great determination c. managing unrealistic perspectives and agendas; negotiating with non-cooperating

members; encouraging members to address issues without fear and insecurity



Gurumustuk Singh, Sikhnet CEO, is my son.

Submitted by: SS Sirivishnu Singh Khalsa

SS Viriam Singh Khalsa Eugene, OR, USA Candidate Statement


Name: Viriam Singh Khalsa

City & State/Country: Eugene, Oregon USA

Name of Spouse: Viriam Kaur

Occupation: Retired


48 years


45 years


KRI certified Lead/mentor

Ashram Communities lived in: Eugene


Eugene community council

Questionnaire


It is a blessing to help fulfill the vision of the Siri Singh Sahib and to serve the mission of the Guru. I am called to serve this vision and mission.


I have several areas of expertise and experience that are assets to the board and larger Dharma: 1) Most importantly - I love and strongly believe in the mission of Sikh Dharma and have been in positions of leadership since the early 1980’s. 2) I have served the current SSSC board since its inception 8+ years ago as Secretary with an established record of dedication and service. 3) I work well with groups of people. I managed a work force of 60 employees and chaired many meetings and trainings in this capacity. 4) I am used to collaborative work efforts with diverse sets of people, goals and needs. I have worked with many non-profit boards and community entities that serve disadvantaged youth in Lane County. I speak fluent Spanish. 5) I have experience working with budgets, administrative rules, hiring, policy development and procedures and various inspectors and monitoring agencies for the past 35+ years. 6) I am a person of integrity and by the Guru’s grace I have been kept up. I am motivated and enthusiastic about the tasks and mission of the Dharma.


First and foremost, I have served on the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation Board (SSSC) since its inception in 2012. Prior to that I was involved in the trial and settlement portion of the UI lawsuit as well as the legal case against the former law firm of Schwabe et al. I have served the Dharma as an active minister since 1975. I have taught Kundalini Yoga since 1973 and have taught classes for the past 25 years at the University of Oregon. I am currently a lead trainer/mentor with KRI and have done this for the past 25 years. I have served the Eugene Sangat as Executive Secretary of the Eugene Community Council from 1985-2009. I was a member of the Khalsa Council from 1984-1987and from 2008 onward. I am active in the Eugene Interfaith community and speak regularly to educational and civic groups on Sikh Dharma

4. Please describe your experience of the Siri Singh Sahib as a teacher and your

experience of his teachings.


By the Grace of God I am the Siri Singh Sahib’s student and he is my spiritual father and Teacher. The Siri Singh Sahib gave me the opportunity to meditate and chant to Guru Ram Dass and I have been blessed to obey. Sadhana and my relation to the Guru is the basis of my character, standards and integrity. The Guru has blessed me with a strong discipline and Sadhana. For the past 25 years I have meditated on Guru Ram Dass for at least an hour every day. This practice has gradually impressed the idea of service upon my mind and being. I relate strongly to my father Guru Gobind Singh for strength, character and leadership in all situations. I believe in the Khalsa.




God is in and of everything and to successfully evolve in consciousness the individual must have the direct experience of this truth. In practical terms, for me, it is to invoke God and Guru in all thoughts, actions and relationships. Time can then build the trust that is why patience is a virtue. The strength of the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation is the joining in spirit and consciousness of the individual into the yoked mission of the Guru and our spiritual teacher. This is Khalsa consciousness. My ongoing prayer for the SSSC board is that we can inspire each other, effectively work towards common goals in an organized way, and collectively serve the mission in an ethical, responsive, conscious, kind and truthful manner, by the Guru’s Grace. I expect and experience the board to be practical and spiritual, organized yet open to change, disciplined to the responsibility entrusted upon its members but personally joyful and fulfilling. Ang Sang Whahe Guru.

6. What do you understand the Role of the SSSC to be? How do you see the SSSC

carrying out that role on a:

a) Practical level

b) Spiritual level

The role of the SSSC is an evolving one, moving from where we are to the vision presented of the Khalsa by both the Siri Singh Sahib and Guru Nanak Dev through Gobind Singh Ji. A lot can be said about this but briefly, practically and spiritually the SSSC board members need to embody, in their individual way, the values and personal grit of commitment and experience with the Dharma. SSSC members need to embody the vision and values of the mission. The role of the SSSC is many things but primarily includes being responsive to the needs and opportunities that face the Dharma. The primary role of the SSSC is leadership/service to both the constituent institutions but also the individual Sangat members.





As an SSSC trustee I am accountable to the Sangat by fulfilling the covenant of trust placed in me by the Sangat, while calling on the connection to my Spiritual teacher, the Siri Singh Sahib, and my Guru. I can enhance and build connection to the Sangat, through the SSSC, by selfless service and keeping up. Spirit of service is the means of accountability, to Guru, Teacher and Sangat. I respond to crisis best by experiencing that the Infinite is with and within me, that my Teacher has taught me well, and that everything I do must speak to the blessings of the Guru.




Having worked in County government, as a public servant paid by tax dollars, I am well accustomed to transparency and accountability. Basically, anything I said or did could potentially end up on the front page of the local newspaper, thankfully this was never in a negative light. Inclusion, transparency and accountability rest on expressed trust. Expressed trust is maintained by truthful communication, respectful on-going contact(s), and service through hard work and competency. These are some of the elements that can be built into our organizations. It will be a blessing when we can emerge from our present litigious environment.




a) The greatest challenge is inclusion and preparing ourselves for growth. We were created out of the commitment to mission of our teacher, the Siri Singh Sahib. With his physical passing and our continued growth, it is essential we continue to teach and reach out with our connective core, our common sharing, shared values and our mission. I believe organization, communication and inspired leadership can meet this challenge.

b) The second challenge is preparing our youth to take over, with the requisite skills, all aspects of this organization. As a family, we need an organized way to provide support for our youth via mentorship programs, jobs, and opportunities. I have contributed and will continue to do so to provide solutions and support for our youth in this capacity.

c) The third challenge is financial. We need to create Dharmic businesses that can both provide living wages and support for the Sikh lifestyle for our youth as well as serve the greater community. In turn these businesses need to be profitable to allow some support of our non-profit entities and teaching concerns. Investment and solid leadership are called for in this arena. It would be my priority to propel this process.

10. Board service regularly requires 10 to 20 hours per month (or more) in evening and weekend board and committee meetings. These meetings are generally held at 8:00 pm Eastern time (20:00 hours). In addition, there are three Face-to-Face meetings per year

(two in New Mexico following the International Khalsa Council Meetings (end of April and end of September) and a third in January or February in Los Angeles or one of our Ashram communities). The Face-to-Face meetings are two days in April and September and three days in January/February. Note: One day of each Face-to-Face meeting period is always on Monday.




My record speaks for itself. I have participated in most SSSC meetings over the past 8 years, in addition to being on several sub-committees. My attendance record is available and is exemplary. I admit it can be a challenge, but I have met that challenge. My challenge serving on the SSSC board has been to remain flexible and open to learning and dealing with the breadth of issues brought before the board for consideration, learning the necessary details and sometimes skills to be effective in areas that are often not my strong suite. I have learned a lot and been blessed by this experience of service to the Guru and contribution to the board.



No, I have no relations serving. My wife – Viriam Kaur, serves as Chair of the Sikh Dharma of Oregon board (unpaid) but that has not been a conflict of interest. If an issue came up where there was a conflict of interest I would recuse myself from the topic at hand.

all candidate statements · 5. ss guruka singh khalsa - española, nm, usa 6. ss gurmeet kaur...

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