This past weekend I was in Fresno, California celebrating the Anand Karaj (Wedding) of my good friend Hardev Singh and his sweetie, Jaspreet Kaur. It was a beautiful and joyous celebration and a true testament to Guru's blessings. SikhNet was a huge support to Hardev over the past 10 years when he was learning about Sikhi and looking for answers to get out of the pain in his life.
Hardev grew up in the southern region of the USA with his four brothers. There was a lot of alcohol, barbecues, partying and generally living the 'typical' American college kid experience. By the time he was 18, he was unhappy. He was tired. He was unsatisfied and searching to find something REAL and TRUE. Little did he know that the Guru was about to change his life in a BIG way. Two years ago he shared his story (see video below), because he knew that his story wasn't rare and that many others have gone through similar experiences.
Fast forward to this past weekend... The morning of his Anand Karaj (Wedding) we talked for a few minutes and he shared with me that since becoming a Sikh, he attributes all the blessings he has received (including meeting his wife) as a direct result of his commitment to his daily Amrit Vela spiritual practice. He said that he took one step to the Guru and the Guru took so many steps to help and support him over these past 10 years to bring him where he is today.
He told me that the shabad below by Guru Ram Das ji was his guiding inspiration. Essentially about having the commitment to get up every morning, take a cold shower and meditate. Every day! And that's what he did.
ਗੁਰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕਾ ਜੋ ਸਿਖੁ ਅਖਾਏ ਸੁ ਭਲਕੇ ਉਠਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਵੈ ॥
"One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name." - Guru Ram Das Ji
Every month hundreds of thousands of people come to SikhNet for the life-sustaining and nurturing experience of the Guru, for connection and support, for the same positive inspiration Hardev Singh found. We were there at his time of need and it changed his life and we are there for 7 million others.
There are 7 days left in 2019 and SikhNet is just over two thirds of the way towards our fundraiser goal of $300K. We need your help to reach our goal. Will you take a minute right now and contribute from your heart whatever amount you feel inspired to give towards this seva?
In deepest gratitude, thank you.
Gurumustuk Singh Khalsa | CEO & Founder