Sikhism is a religion from India. But to call it a religion is an understatement to what it represents based on the vast history it has lead to now. Sikhism started as a pocket of devotional saints preaching against the tyrannical Mughal rule that wore the cloak of Islam and against the fundamental caste system Hindu India was under. It taught open spirituality and the truth of oneness. It changed the paradigms of spiritualism all throughout India in many dynamic ways.

 The first Guru of Sikhism is Guru Nanak. He preached the equality of all and equal opportunity of all. This he recited through the concept of Ek Ong Kar, "there is One Creator of all Creation," that we are all brothers and sisters of the same Creator. He taught in the brotherhood of all rather than in segmented castes or economical segregation.

The technology of the Sikhs is simply to elevate consciousness- to see things as Truth, to act Truth, and to be Truth. Through the embodied Guru, the sacred words - the Siri Guru Granth Sahib - Sikhs practice in meditation through singing, contemplating, and reciting the sacred words. Within its pages are the writings of Holy men and Saints from Hindu, Muslim, Sufi and Sikh faiths while they were in Union with God. As they experienced this union, they transmitted the teachings of the divine in a language derived from Sanskrit in a poetic and song form- Gurbani- hymns of the Gurus. Simply it is the sound current for raising the consciousness, taking us out of the muddiness of our minds. When we recite it then we are lifted to their heights and experience the richness they experienced.

This is how Sikhism connects with Kundalini Yoga. Many of the mantras we use in Kundalini Yoga class are from the Sikh scriptures. The mantras are universal mantras available to be recited to those whom the heart wishes. Its a gift of humanity.

Sikh literally means student. They are students to the One Creator, the Infinite Teacher- WaheGuru. Sikhs do not believe to be separate from God, but believe they are apart of God co-creating with creation as it unfolds. Through freewill they choose how to live as they understand that our own consciousness inevitably judges our own actions. Thus, individual practice is not the only goal. It is living with compassion, forgiveness, integrity, dignity, and in service of others - having good character that shows the quality of a Sikh. This is Dharma- living to the ideals of excellence. Sikhs strive for this excellence. And it is through the Society of Saints - Sadh Sangat- or the those who practice in truth- that the real experiences of these values take place. Today we know of the Sadh Sangat as group consciousness, that when we practice together we elevate each other and open a deeper more expanded space for healing to take place.

For more information on Sikhism:

Sikhiwiki- good source for Sikh History

Sikhdharmaworldwide

For information in attending Sikh Ceremonial Event (Gurdwara)

Contact Nihal Kaur

Nihaljlr@gmail.com

click here for Guidelines for Gurdwara Ceremony

1st Sunday- San Francisco Ashram- www.idoyoga.com

3rd Sunday- San Leandro Ashram- www.satsantokh.com