Guru Simran Kaur is known for her service. One big thing she does is the food for kids program. Every week she carries food from a storage room inside the langar hall where the next day she gets volunteers to help her pack the bags. They are filled with various items usually raisins, apple, banana, cereal, milk, juice, jello, muffin, granola bar and a few more things. She started doing this because she found out the young children in the area hadn't been performing as well in school because they weren't eating. The poverty in the area has made breakfast not a given for elementary school kids.
See this video on the food for kids website.
In addition to this program Guru Simran also gives tours and explains Sikh history to guests who might come in the area. This last week myself and several others had the opportunity to help her host the students of a Los Alamos highschool.
Gurusimran Kaur always a ready host and has invited students from different schools before. Of the various things to share with them this group got a day packed with activities:
A talk about Sikh history,
a meditation,
yoga practice,
gatka demonstration,
exercise and defense practice,
bhangra class and a chance to join in on the Thursday lunch langar.
During the gatka demo I instructed told them the translation of bole so nihal and that it is a victory call. We need this kind of spirit in our modern life so that we can stay alive with warrior spirit and not get dull with over-stimulation and busy schedules. They seemed to resonate with this sentiment. I called it out and was surprised that they had no difficulty in replying. "Now do it louder!" I called again and they stepped it up. "We're almost there! As loud as you can!" Now when you heard the jaikara you wouldn't know that they had just learned it a minute ago.
Later we were packing up the gatka equipment and chatting as we saw the whole body of student leave the property to get on the school bus. I said, "Oh look, they're leaving, should we test them out?" Then I cried out from across the field "Boooooleeeeeeeeee Soooooo Nihaaaaaaaaaaal." And to my pride they loudly answered from across the field, "Saaaaaaaaaat Sireeee Akaaaaaaaaaal!" It looks like they passed their Sikh exam.
The students had a great time. Here is some of their comments:
"
I'm not religious, but Sikhism is definitely my favorite religion now. You guys are totally rad."
"I cannot believe how beautiful the entire experience was: My eyes and mind and heart have all expanded and truth has been revealed. As a Roman Catholic I will make sure to teach and inform others and speak many good things about Sikhism and the Khalsa people and drive out ignorance and hate among the hearts of many non-Sikhs. Thank you for your time, patience, and peace."
"Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa: Thank you for sharing your life with us and embracing us all with open arms. It was a truly informative, eye-opening, inspiring day. The mural in the gurdwara is etched in my mind, and when I close my eyes I can see it etched in my memory, and your voice and the music of the meditation wash over me. The peace I felt after yoga was unlike anything I felt before. Talking at lungar was an incredible experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Sikhs - Thank you for a totally fantastic day. Guru, it was absolutely fun, interesting, and very, very enjoyable. I loved sparring and yoga. I've incorporated the yoga into my life! Thank you for the great look into your lifestyle!"
"Dear Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa,
Your temple was so beautiful! Thank you so much for being kind to us and allowing us into your temple. The religion is beautiful, the people are beautiful and the beliefs are beautiful. I felt a strong sense of tranquility when I was with you, so thank you so much. It was the calmest I've been in a long time."
"Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa,
Thank you so much for allowing us to visit. The passion you have when speaking of your religion was truly inspiring! The entire day was filled with fun and when I left I felt amazing. The work you do for the community is amazing. Thank you again for this amazing experience!"
"I had so much fun! Food was delicious, temple was beautiful, and everyone was lovely. We learned so much about your religion and had fun with yoga, dance and martial arts."
"Sikhism
I loved how involved you allowed us to be and the idea of women being the lead creator delights me to no end."
"Thank you Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa! It was amazing to be so welcomed into the Sikh community and faith practice. Being involved in something so wholesome and balanced helped my soul and open my mind to a deeper understanding."
"Dear Most Dignified Princess,
I cannot thank you enough for your great generosity in having our classes at your compound. I had a great time in all of our activities, and lunch was uniquely delicious."
"Dear Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa,
Thank you so much for opening your sacred space to us, feeding us a wonderful lungar, and educating us. I loved the history you gave us - it was interesting to hear such a detailed account of your religion."
"Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa
Thank you for kind of saving us when our original plans didn't work out. I really enjoyed all of the activities you all had in store for us. I also really enjoyed learning about all the Gurus and how they all played an important role in your community. Thank you!"
Sikhism. Thank you very much for allowing us to experience your religion and practices. The humanities classes all really liked spending the day learning and participating in such a unique and loving religion. I am very privileged to be able to experience such an amazing religion with all the amazing people. Sat Nam
Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa,
thank you for giving us a whole day of learning & fun. I truly had a blast. My mom came on the trip with us & she loved it just like me. Thank you for the history, yoga, lunch, dance & defense class. It was an amazing day & I'll never forget it!
All the Gurus
From Guru Nanak
to the everlasting and eternal
Guru Granth Sahib,
all the words of wisdom and all the practice of ages
to see us, folded legs in Persian carpets
listening to a Dutch woman
who found this faith, talk and talk,
enraptured by the stories that
created a spark for her life,
the space to take a leap,
her cottony white folds,
wrapped head, her water bottle close,
she lets us know the faith that grounds her.
We listen, lean in, wish for chairs,
and ask the questions that make her life personal to her faith. We are not Sikh, bu the kids contort themselves,
breath the breaths of fire, life their arms in rythm, legs up again and again and again, willing to take on Kundalini yoga, then dance Bollywood style, then taking up mock swords in mock battle, all of a sudden, afternoon warriors.
This life practice enveloped us for a day,
held us with generous lungar,
and hours of activities to feed body and soul.
It was a good day.
Michelle Holland
