My Sikh Interfaith Journey
I n recognition of World Religion Day 2019 on January 20th, Guru Amrit Kaur, a 2nd generation American Sikh, shares what inspires her in her interfaith work:

"...I draw my inspiration to do interfaith work from a rich Sikh history, and many Sikh interfaith heroes.  Guru Nanak , the first Guru and founder of the Sikh faith, is famous for saying “There is no Hindu and no Musalman” – his first words upon reappearing after his enlightenment. Guru Nanak taught that the only divisions among humanity are imagined constructs of the ego, and that we all come from one Creator.

Guru Arjan , the fifth Sikh Guru, built the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, the most sacred site of Sikhism, with four doors, one on each side, to signify that people from all faiths and walks of life are welcome.

Perhaps the most dramatic example of interfaith activism among Sikhs lies with the legacy of  Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji , the ninth Sikh Guru. Guru Tegh Bahadur made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life so that another faith community, the Hindu pandits of Kashmir, could practice their faith, thereby preserving freedom of religion in 17th Century India.

In my life as an interfaith activist, I continually draw on Sikh shabads, stories, and larger than life figures for inspiration.

I am a second-generation American Sikh, born to two parents who were originally Jewish and converted to Sikhism after falling in love with the teachings of the  Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan  and joining 3H0 communities on the East Coast. My father became a Sikh when he was 19 years old. My mother was 30. I grew up in a home full of love and devotion for the Guru.

I also grew up with Jewish grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We would celebrate Jewish holidays together. I will always treasure my memories of Passover Seders around my grandmother’s table, of eating potato latkes, lighting the menorah and playing dreidel with my cousins during Hanukkah. I attended  Miri Piri Academy  in Amritsar, India where I was steeped in Sikh practices and traditions, and then I finished high school at a Catholic school in Fairfax, Virginia.

I gained love and knowledge of Jewish scripture, holidays and traditions from my extended family, and a deep appreciation of Catholic beliefs and practices during my days in Catholic high school. I believe that these experiences paved the way for my interfaith activism and appreciation of other faiths.

Here are some of the things that I have come to believe during the course of my interfaith activities over the years:

  • Interfaith dialogue is terrific. Interfaith advocacy and service for the common good are even more powerful.
  • Interfaith engagement tends to strengthen, as opposed to water down, the commitment to your own faith.
  • There are many similarities and shared principles among faith and philosophical traditions. There are also areas of divergence and disagreement that are real. The key is to keep “coming to the table,” engaging and deepening the interfaith relationships, even when it is challenging.
  • Faith diversity is of crucial importance in interfaith gatherings. So is political, class and ethnic diversity.
  • Working with members of other faith and philosophical traditions is one of the most powerful ways to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships.
  • No matter our differences in faith, beliefs, philosophy or lifestyle, we are all part of one human family and our shared humanity will always bring us together.

I strongly believe that interfaith cooperation is the way of the future, and that it will be a hallmark of the Aquarian Age. I have a dream that we will see a great deal of interfaith action on a global scale for the betterment of our earth and humankind in the years to come, in areas including feeding the hungry, cleaning up our environment, waging peace and many more.

I believe that Sikhs are uniquely positioned to play a role in interfaith efforts, because of our rich interfaith history, our strong interfaith ethic, our love of seva and our commitment to manifesting the common good through the concept of Sarbat da Bhala – blessings and prosperity for all."

Ways to Connect
The 550th Birthday of Guru Nanak

In 2019, in celebration of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, we will be sharing the blessing of his teachings.

Subscribe to receive weekly Guru Nanak related inspirations (February through November).

Also, like our "Light of Guru Nanak" Facebook group, which during the same time will share more teachings of Guru Nanak
Camp Miri Piri
June 7-11, 2019
Espanola, NM, USA

SAVE THE DATE
Join us in the midst of the mountains and blue skies of New Mexico, where you and your family will have a chance to take a deep journey within to experience the identity of the Spiritual Warrior.

This camp is for adults, age 18 and older, but children are welcome to attend if accompanied by a parent.
Celebrate with Us in India
Light of Guru Nanak Yatra
November, 2019
Amritsar, India

Take your celebration of Guru Nanak's birthday to the next level, by joining the Light of Guru Nanak Yatra. We will travel to Amritsar and then join tens of thousands of devotees in Sultanpur Lodhi, the small village where Guru Nanak experienced his moment of liberation, while immersed in the waters of the river Kali Bein.
Japji for the Aquarian Age
Course in Anandpur Sahib
(Part of the Yatra)

Included as part of the yatra, the Japji for the Aquarian Age Course is an opportunity to experience the subtle power of reciting Japji. You will learn and improve your pronunciation of these divine sounds and delve into the deeper meaning within each of the 40 sections. Join us and connect with the song of your soul!