Sing Together in the Company of Fulfillment

Back in the “olden days” of 3HO/Sikh dharma (the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s), we lived in Ashrams and did group Sadhana every morning before the sunrise. Group singing was how we dealt with every challenge that came our way. Someone needed healing – we would come together and sing “Re Man.” A court case confronted our community – we would chant “Aap Sahaa-ee Hoaa.” A family member was lost, we would gather and sing “Mera Man Loche.” All with a group of at least 5 or more people. And this is how our practice of singing in the Sadh Sangat began.

“Sangat” means community or gathering and “Sadh” means fulfillment or completion. As the word “sadh” suggests, by coming together in this way, these souls experience a deep sense of peace – the natural result of being in God’s good company.

With the popularity of Kundalini Yoga teacher training, our 3HO family has steadily grown. Yet singing Gurbani Kirtan as a community has become less and less. 

However, the Dharma (the path to one’s highest truth) is intimately connected to singing and chanting the Lord’s name.
We sing Gurbani Kirtan because it is the fastest way to align with our highest destiny – our soul’s truth. 

The Sikh Gurus have gone into great depths of poetry, music and metrical forms to present that transcendental gateway of sound and vibration to uplift the conditioned souls and bring them to their original and most genuine state of consciousness, which is that of peace. 
“The pleasures of the world fade away in an instant, like the shade of a passing cloud. They alone are dyed in the deep crimson of God’s Love, who meet the Guru, and sing the Praises of the Lord.” SGGS pg. 1003

So, dear Yogis and teachers – the last part of Yoga class where we sing the mantras and shabds is the most important part of class. We stretched our bodies, overpowered our egos, sweated and “kept up,” we balanced our chakras, strengthened our nervous systems, and revitalized ourselves with fresh prana…all so we can sit in the bliss of the group sound current of Sadh Sangat and open that portal to the Golden light that our group energy manifests.

I invite you to look for ways to incorporate Sadh Sangat into your yoga practice. Organize a weekly Kirtan at your local yoga studio, temple, neighborhood park or your home. Find your local Gurdwara and take your students there to experience Sadh Sangat.
Gather together regularly and with sincerity. 
Allow the vibrations of the voices around you to wash over you, inspire you and elevate you. 

Immersed in a collective consciousness that is aligned with God, we find peace.

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