I will send this message from SS Gurukirin Kaur to the people I know, even though it is not straight, and it is not honest. It is not. There was a structure with directives set up by the Siri Singh Sahib. At the highest central point of that structure, those directives are being ignored. By recognizing those people who choose to ignore those directives, you also are ignoring those directives.
I recognize Bibi Ji as Bhai Sahiba. I recognize Sardarni Guru Amrit Kaur as Siri Sikhdar Sahiba.I recognize the current Secretary General SS Gurujot Kaur. I recognize the current Chancellor SS Amrit Kaur. I recognize the original and current Board of Sikh Dharma International. I recognize the original Board's right and duty to challenge in every way available the ineligibility of Unto Infinity Board members who no longer regard living as Khalsa important. I recognize the right and duty of all sons and daughters of the Siri Singh Sahib to challenge anyone who regards the opinions of a lawyer over the rehit of the Guru.
I recognize the authority of the Khalsa Council. I recognize the role it should play in advising and guiding this Dharma.
I recognize the Siri Singh Sahib's right to expect his wishes to be carried out and royalties from the businesses he created to be distributed to his staff and spouse for 75 years not "just a few". I recognize the Siri Singh Sahib's right to expect his wishes to be carried out so that his image and likeness to continue to be associated with the businesses and organizations he not only created but dragged kicking and screaming into existence. I recognize the Siri Singh Sahib's right to expect his wishes to be carried out and this dharmic family continues to have a policy of "No Hire No Fire".
I have never understood the idea that are sides in this Dharma. We have standards. We live to those standards. To say that there are sides, toys with the concept that some standards are not worth pursuing. I can not choose which standards we should start ignoring because these are challenging times.
Humbly, Mukhtiar Singh Khalsa
Guru Kirn Kaur's Letter to Khalsa Council, dated 12/30/09 entitled, "Current Status of SDI"
December 30, 2009
Dear members of the Khalsa Council and the international Sikh Dharma community,
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khlasa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.
When the Siri Singh Sahib passed away, he did not designate a
single individual or personality to move the mission forward. Rather,
he recognized the innate capacity in all of his students to rise to the
standard and serve the future. The system he created to replace him was
one of checks and balances -- a corporate governance structure infused
with the values and ideals of his teachings. To hold that check and
balance, he created different boards and various positions that, when
working together harmoniously, could hold the kind of space for our
community that he, himself, held as a graced and graceful Kundalini
Yoga master and Sikh of the Guru.
It is to be expected that it will take time for us to grow into the
shoes that he left behind. We also have to honor that every person is
grappling in his or her own heart with an individual vision of how to
protect and progress the Siri Singh Sahib's legacy. Collectively we
have had to deal with a tremendous amount of uncertainty since his
leaving. Yet, he did leave structures, directions and processes in
place and he trusted our maturity to honor and support what he created.
The simple truth is that everyone has an individual idea of what we
need to do. But now is the time to call on kindness, courage, civility
and consciousness to forge unity among our differences.
All of that said, we are currently facing a very challenging time.
We understand that there have been communication issues on all sides,
and the result is that a vocal portion of our community has chosen to
file a lawsuit rather than work within the corporate structure that the
Siri Singh Sahib left. In their communications they are stating that
they are doing the real work of SDI. The reality is that all of us are
doing the real work of SDI. It is just a question of whether we are
going to be able to figure out how to do it together or not. The
unfortunate fall-out of the lawsuit is that it is creating a split in
the community when it is written in our destiny to be one.
As we work with these difficult community dynamics, please be
assured that the institution of Sikh Dharma International does exist.
The corporate integrity established by the Siri Singh Sahib still
exists. The co-operative relationships with the other legacy
non-profits including 3HO, KRI, and Miri Piri Academy continue. The
legal operation of the SDI Ministry still exists. The various
affiliates still derive their non-profit status from Sikh Dharma
International. Sikh Dharma International is alive and well, and it is
operating to the best of its capacity in light of the lawsuit going on.
Those who have founded and are promoting Sikh Dharma Worldwide have
voluntarily left this corporate structure in order to create their own
organization. We wish them all success in finding a vehicle that serves
their needs to further the Siri Singh Sahib's mission. But in terms of
the religious non-profit organization that the Siri Singh Sahib
established, which gives ministers their status and which holds the
role of organizing and communicating the Siri Singh Sahib's teachings
on Sikh Dharma in tandem with the other legacy non-profits, that
institution still stands. And it stands by its own merit and identity --
independent of the politics of the moment.
As we continue as a planet to move step by step into the Age of
Aquarius, let us all keep our sadhana strong, our minds neutral and
intuitive, and our expectations flexible. Like everyone, we are
evolving, changing and growing with the shift of ages. It is through
neutrality, our intuitive sensitivity, our deep love for one another
and our collective consciousness that we can find our way to the other
side of the events that are currently unfolding. We trust and know that
Guru Ram Das, the Lord of Miracles, has always held this Dharma in his
Radiant body and that everything unfolding today is within the Divine
Will and the Divine Plan of which each and every single one of us is a
part.
In the Name of the Cosmos which prevails through everyBODY and the Holy Nam which holds the world.
Humbly yours,
SS Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa
President, Sikh Dharma Stewardship
Response from the Secretary General of Khalsa Council
Dear Members of the Khalsa Council and the Sadh Sangat,
Sat Nam and blessings to all for a Healthy, Happy and Holy New Year.
While we find ourselves in the midst of very challenging times, may we continue to look to God and Guru to guide our way, and always remember the blessings that surround us.
I have read with appreciation and inspiration the responses from Khalsa Council members to the very misleading letter sent by Gurukirn Kaur, the President of the Sikh Dharma Stewardship. Her letter was yet another attempt on the part of SDS, to try to misdirect the sangat away from the serious issues we are facing. The purpose of her letter was to intentionally misinform the Khalsa Council and the Sangat as to the true purpose of the corporation that was restructured as a means to serve the members of the Sadh Sangat and the mission of Sikh Dharma, free from the illegal control of UI and the SDS.
Her statement that; "Those who have founded and are promoting Sikh Dharma Worldwide have voluntarily left this corporate structure in order to create their own organization," is a complete and utter falsehood, and the SDS well knows this. They know, as do you and I, that none of us are leaving Sikh Dharma International. The original Sikh Dharma International Board of Directors and Officers have stated repeatedly that we are fully committed to continue serving SDI and that we do not accept the legality of SDS's attempted removal of the SDI Board, Officers and staff. We have stated repeatedly that to the extent SDI or UI attempts to change the SDI by-laws; we do not accept the effectiveness, legitimacy or legality of any such change.
On the contrary, those who support the law suit and have restructured a safe entity through which to serve the sangat and Sikh Dharma have shown the courage and willingness to step forward to preserve and protect Sikh Dharma International and the vision and legacy of the Siri Singh Sahib. Much to the chagrin of the SDS, we are not going anywhere. Our feet are firmly planted in the soil nurtured by the Siri Singh Sahib's direction, guidance and inspiration for over three decades.
The decision to activate Sikh Dharma Worldwide is a step that was taken in response to the aggressive actions of the SDS/UI and in response to the requests of the Sangat to provide a safe place to make charitable contributions that uphold and build the spirit of the Sikh Dharma International family, as established by the Siri Singh Sahib. It is an independent Sikh Dharma non-profit 501C3 corporation which the Siri Singh Sahib directed to be established over 30 years ago. It was recently restructured to allow the original SDI Board of Directors and Officers and staff to continue to serve Sikh Dharma and the Sadh Sangat. We can marvel over the fact that the Siri Singh Sahib had the intuition and vision to have this entity created, and the purpose it would one day serve.
Again, to be clear, Sikh Dharma Worldwide is intended to serve as an independent and protected vehicle for tax deductible donations that will be dedicated to the continuance and support of the legacy of Sikh Dharma, the Sikh Dharma Ministry and the Khalsa Council, as established by the Siri Singh Sahib. It is independent of the other SDI affiliates and thus from the control of UI or SDS. Those who support it are in no way abandoning Sikh Dharma International. We are trying to preserve it, to defend it, and to protect it. Please do not be misled by the words in Gurukirn Kaur's letter.
It is ironic that Gurukirn Kaur repeatedly refers to the corporate structure that the Siri Singh Sahib set up with checks and balances when UI has dismantled those checks and balances by taking over the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation and has created a new corporation--the SDS--which in turn has attempted to remove the Siri Sikdar Sahiba, who the Siri Singh Sahib appointed for life, and to remove the Secretary General who is the CEO of SDI. This wholesale disregard by UI for the intent of the Siri Singh Sahib is the basis of the lawsuit filed by SDI against UI and the SDS.
We all know that in the Sikh tradition there is no conflict with both being holy and being a warrior. Throughout Sikh history, the Gurus took a stand in the face of injustice to protect the innocent (here, our sangat and legacy non-profits) and Sikhism would not exist if they had not stood for the principles they believed in. They did not remain aloof or turn the other cheek from injustice, or claim to be "neutral" because it was more saintly or more conscious. Being neutral is in fact taking a stance, as it allows the status quo to go unchallenged and allows the injustices to continue.
In the past few weeks, we have been inspired by the spirit, the commitment and the devotion of the Sangat. Two Sikh Dharma communities have held benefits with the funds being donated towards the salaries of the supposedly 'fired' SDI staff members. We hope they will be sending out a report soon about their gatherings. In midst of difficult challenges, the most selfless and pure acts of consciousness emerge. Let's look to these acts of kindness and devotion to give us inspiration and hope during these difficult times.
With love and prayers for a blessed and very Happy New Year,
Re: Response to Your 12/30/09
Communication to Khalsa Counsel entitled: "Current Status of SDI"
Dear Guru Kirn:
I have made my best effort to utilize
the communication model known as "Poke, Provoke, Confront, Elevate" in my
comments set forth below.
Based on what I have learned and what
I understand about the facts in this matter, it is my opinion that:
1.SSS designated 5 Sikh Ministers as the UI Board
and did NOT create a UI Board made up of four individuals who no longer are
Ministers, who are not Sikhs, who eat meat and drink alcohol "evolution not
withstanding," and who are no longer students of SSS. He gave them a chance not
absolute power. They have breached that trust and sua sponte disqualified
themselves from UI Board membership and leadership of this Dharma.
2.The system of checks and balances SSS created
prior to his death has been misaligned and broken by UI and SDS in a deliberate
effort to remove the checks and balances established by SSS and consolidate
financial and administrative control in the UI and SDS to the detriment of the
Sikh Dharma community, the other legacy non-profits and their constituents.
3.SSS did
NOT create SDS nor did he ever contemplate the creation of five (5) senior Sikh
ministers as surrogate marionettes dangling and dancing under the direct
control of individuals who have, based upon their own admission, actions and
self-portrayal, left the Dharma.Furthermore:
4. My
experience of the International sangat is that they are NOT "uncertain" "grappling" "searching" or otherwise looking for a pair of shoes to stand in. It's been
five (5) years since SSS's death. They have dealt with it, determined that they
have their own shoes and have made the commitment to follow the teachings of
the SSS with integrity, maintain their identity, and walk with the Guru.
5.In your letter you state: "The simple truth is that everyone has an individual idea of what we need
to do. But now is the time to call on kindness, courage, civility and
consciousness to forge unity among our differences."
6. Query: Is
this the same kindness, courage, civility and consciousness demonstrated by MSS
Guruchander Singh (SDS) in New Mexico, recently? Where was your letter of
remonstration or apology after he bullied and intimidated SDI staff and
employees? The simple truth is the simple truth-period.
7. You go on
to state: "In their communications they are stating that they are doing
the real work of SDI. The reality is that all of us are doing the real work of
SDI."
8.My reality is that all of us are NOT doing "the
real work of SDI", unless the "real work" has suddenly become firing
board members, firing employees, removing senior ministers from the positions
established by SSS, threatening and assaulting staff members, representing that
they single-handedly created the success of Golden Temple while sporting a pony
tail and Russell Crowe beard stubble, not wearing turbans, bana and other wise "evolving", removing SSS's photo and sayings from our products,
cutting off royalty payments, bullying and intimidating members of the community,
and misrepresenting the Dharma, its principles, values and mission. I guess
it's all about how you define "real work".
9.You also state: "The unfortunate fall-out
of the lawsuit is that it is creating a split in the community when it is
written in our destiny to be one."
10.Please send me a copy of the page in the "destiny
book" where it is written that it is the destiny of a Khalsa to be "one" with
falsehood, duplicity, greed, and anger. Challenging inappropriate, corrupt
and/or abusive behavior is not inconsistent with being "one" in my opinion.
11.You opine: "Those who have founded and are
promoting Sikh Dharma Worldwide have voluntarily left this corporate structure
in order to create their own organization."
12.Interesting use of the word "voluntary"
here. My understanding is that in December, 2009 SDI by-laws were changed by
the SDS, "termination" Letters were sent, and "Acknowledgment(s) of
Authority" were issued all in an attempt to fire and remove the entire SDI
Board of Directors, Sikh Dharma employees, the Siri Sikhdar Sahiba, the Bhai
Sahiba, the Chancellor and anybody else who challenged the UI world view. (I
would hate to see "involuntary"--probably involves kicking in doors
and ripping out computers).
13.You assert: "But in terms of the religious
non-profit organization that the Siri Singh Sahib established, which gives
ministers their status and which holds the role of organizing and communicating
the Siri Singh Sahib's teachings on Sikh Dharma in tandem with the other legacy
non-profits, that institution still stands. And it stands by its own merit and
identity--independent of the politics of the moment.
14.How can any group of individuals who have breached
their minister vows and abrogated their status as Sikhs talk about "merit" or
expect to assert even an iota of legitimacy regarding the Sikh Dharma Ministry
and the SSS's teachings? The answer is they cannot. I do not believe the Sikh
Dharma Ministry or any Sikh Dharma Minister needs validation, input, or a certification
of "good standing" from a Portland Lawyer or folks who have left the Dharma,
abandoned their Minister vows and sold their identity and integrity for
personal gain.
15.Finally you intone the following: "As we continue
as a planet to move step by step into the Age of Aquarius, let us all keep our
sadhana strong, our minds neutral and intuitive, and our expectations flexible.
Like everyone, we are evolving, changing and growing with the shift of
ages."
16.I thought the
whole purpose of 35 years of training with SSS was to NOT be "everyone". Rather
the purpose was to be ahead of the Aquarian curve, to be "strong as steel and
steady as stone", so that when"everyone"
was evolving, changing and freaking out we would be stable, visible and serviceful.
Note: If you are in the water "like everyone" it's really tough to man the life
boat.
17.I would call upon that Gurukirn who paints such
beautiful pictures of the Golden Temple, who has been devotionally present for
the Phoenix Community and the International Community for so many years to
consider the point of view I have presented above.
18.Finally, since movie going is an integral part of our
Khalsa family tradition I will offer a quote from the recent movie "Avatar" to the entire SDS - "Jake, wake up. Wake up Jake!"
