The Siri Singh Sahib Passes

We learned of his passing yesterday morning (Thursday) while at the Hospital.

We knew that he was doing poorly. When I arrived, one of his secretaries, immediately took my car back to Delhi to return to the US. The children at the school began doing a 24 hour continuous chanting of Guru Guru Wahe Guru, Guru Ram Das Guru, the mantra given by Guru Ram Das to Yogi Bhajan.

It is the custom in India to close everything down when a Holy Person leaves his/her body. The SGPC, the powerful political arm of the Sikhs shut down. A special Gurdwara (religious service was held in the Golden Temple complex at the Akal Takhet (seat of political authority). Today is the beginning of the celebration of Guru Ram Das’s Birthday. Guru Ram Das found the healing waters upon which the Golden Temple was built. He initiated it’s construction as a Spiritual, Healing Center open to all castes, all creeds, all peoples. (This is symbolized in the four doors, one facing each direction (like the native American ceremony?) It is more than an interesting coincidence that The Siri Singh Sahib passes on this birthday of Guru Ram Das. (Also that our program is starting at the same time.)

I am still sorting through my own feelings. I had not had much physical contact with him in the last 15 years or so. But through much of the 1970's and 1980's I saw him several times a week. He had a huge positive impact in my life, influenced my becoming a Sikh and gave me a rich fertile ground in which to plant my spiritual longings. Ultimately, I needed to find my own way, but continue to use tools and techniques and hold beliefs and values that I learned at his feet. Whatever else he was or was not, he was a great spiritual being, a tireless worker for a spiritual way of life and a man of sweetness and compassion.

We are in a 17 day period of meditation and celebration of his life. It culminates with celebrations around the world this Saturday. All of the Punjab is invited to the school across from where we are staying. They are expecting 10's of thousands. Later, now planned for November, some of his ashes will travel to Amritsar to be spread. Most of the Indian dignitaries are on their way to New Mexico where he lived for ceremonies there. Flags are ordered at half mast for an entire 30 days for the entire state of New Mexico by the governor Richardson.