sire_012
10-07-2004, 11:00 AM
Sikh Leader Passes Away
Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji Leaves Behind
Spiritual Legacy
For photos and up to date information, visit: http://www.sikhnet.com/
yogibhajan
Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, known as Yogi Bhajan to hundreds of
thousands of adherents worldwide, left his physical body at 9 pm MST on
October 6th. His passing took place at his home in Espanola, New Mexico
surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was complications due
to heart failure. He was 75 years old.
An outstanding pioneer in many fields with a deep and compassionate insight
into the human condition, he established permanent institutions, created
spectacular events, and produced a prolific body of teachings.
The first to publicly teach Kundalini Yoga, when he arrived in the West in
1968, he announced he had come to the West "to create teachers, not to gain
students".
A deeply devoted Sikh, his inspiration and example motivated thousands to
embrace the Sikh way of life. Through his personal efforts, Sikh Dharma was
legally incorporated and officially recognized as a religion in the USA in 1971.
In 1971, in acknowledgement of his extraordinary impact of spreading the
universal message of Sikhism, the president of the SGPC (governing body of
Sikh Temples in India), Sant Charan Singh called him the Siri Singh Sahib,
Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for the Western Hemisphere, and
he was given the responsibility to create a Sikh Ministry in the West by the
Akal Takhat, the Sikh seat of religious authority in Amritsar, India. He was
honored with the title Bhai Sahib by the Akal Takhat in 1974.
Born Harbhajan Singh Puri, August 26, 1929, in the part of India that became
Pakistan in 1948, he was the son of a medical doctor. He spent his youth in
privileged environments in private schools and his summers in the exclusive
Dalhousie mountain region of Uttar Pradesh. As a young boy he attended a
Catholic convent school.
When he became a United States Citizen in 1976, Yogi Bhajan changed his
name legally to Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji
When he was just eight years old he began his yogic training with an
enlightened teacher, Sant Hazara Singh, who proclaimed him to be a Master
of Kundalini Yoga when he was sixteen and a half.
During the turmoil of partition in 1947, at the age of 18, he led his village of
7000 people, near what is Lahore Pakistan today, 325 miles on foot to safety
in New Delhi, India, where he arrived with only the clothes on his back.
Displaced Indians were given houses in India and soon he was able to
continue his education at Punjab University where he excelled in debate and
was a star athlete, playing both hockey and soccer and earning the name
"China wall" from his opponents.
After graduating with a degree in Economics, he began Indian government
service with India's Internal Revenue Department, and supervised the
creation of the IRS building in New Delhi. Shortly thereafter he moved to the
Customs Service and become head of Customs at Palam International Airport
(now known as New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport).
He married Inderjit Kaur in 1952. They had two sons, Ranbir Singh and Kulbir
Singh, and a daughter, Kamaljit Kaur.
Throughout his academic career and government service he continued to
teach yoga to people from all walks of life.
In September of 1968, he left India for Canada to teach yoga at Toronto
University, carrying a letter of recommendation from Sir James George,
Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi, who had been his student. After
two months in Canada, he flew to Los Angeles for a weekend visit. Arriving in
Los Angeles virtually unknown, Yogi Bhajan met a number of young hippies,
the spiritual seekers of that era, and immediately recognized that the
experience of higher consciousness they were attempting to find through
drugs, could be achieved by practicing the Science of Kundalini Yoga, while
simultaneously rebuilding their nervous systems.
Breaking the centuries old tradition of secrecy surrounding the empowering
science of Kundalini Yoga, he began teaching it publicly. With the yogic
sciences of yoga, meditation, yogic philosophy, and loving acceptance, he
gave the soon to be called "Baby Boomers" an effective alternative to the
prevalent drug culture. He called it the "3HO" (healthy, happy, holy) way of
life.
From humble beginnings, teaching first at the East West Cultural Center and
then in a student's furniture store in West Hollywood, "The Yogi" was like a
magnet. Students flocked to his classes. Soon he was teaching at colleges
and universities, including Claremont and UCLA, and accepting invitations to
teach in other cities.
In July of 1969 the non-profit 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy
Organization) was incorporated in California. 3HO's service to humanity is
through Kundalini Yoga, meditation and the Science of Humanology which
improves physical well being, as well as deepening spiritual awareness.
Under his guidance as Director of Spiritual Education, 3HO mushroomed
worldwide, to 300 centers in 35 countries. In 1994 3HO became a member of
the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental-Organization) in
Consultative Status (Roster) with the Economic and Social Council,
representing women's issues, promoting human rights and providing
education in alternative systems of medicine.
Traveling extensively in the seventies and eighties, Yogi Bhajan crusaded
tirelessly to educate, uplift, and enlighten everyone he met. His basic
message was "It is your birthright to be healthy, happy, and holy."
Inspired and motivated by his words and adhering to the practices he taught,
students created music, art, and poetry reflecting the universal wisdom he
shared. Over 200 books have been written based on his teachings, as well as
a wealth of CD's, videos, paintings, and sculpture. He himself wrote over 30
books including The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Furmaan Khalsa, Masters
Touch, and Mind and Its 81 Facets.
Becoming the Mahan Tantric (only living Master of White Tantric Yoga) in
1971, he conducted workshops in cities around the world. In 1987 he
transferred these workshops to videotape, calling them "Renew to be New"
Courses, which will continue to be held worldwide.
In 1973, Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO SuperHealth, a remarkably successful
drugless, drug rehabilitation program, blending the proven ancient yogic
wisdom of the East with the modern technology of the West. SuperHealth was
accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organization and received its highest commendation. In 1973 it distinguished
itself as being in the top 10% of all treatment programs throughout the U.S.
In 1989 Yogi Bhajan met with then President Mikhail Gorbachev and
established addiction treatment programs in Russia based on the 3HO
SuperHealth model. Currently a pilot project of Superhealth is being formed
by the Punjab State Government in India.
True to his earliest commitment, "I've not come to gather students, but to train
teachers," the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and KRI
(Kundalini Research Institute) now holds teacher-training courses throughout
the world.
Embodying a rare combination of spiritual and down-to-earth practical
wisdom, Yogi Bhajan was equally at home in the pulpit, the podium, the board
room, the living room, or sitting on the grass in a park, teaching and educating
people in all walks of life. His expertise and influence extended into the
realms of communication, the healing arts, business, religion, and
government.
Loyal friend and mentor of Senators, Congressmen, and Governors
regardless of political affiliation, he promoted spiritual awareness in all
arenas. An ardent advocate of world peace and religious unity, the Siri Singh
Sahib met with world leaders of all faiths to encourage dialogue, including
Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and two Archbishops of
Canterbury. In 1995 he received the Courage of Conscience Award from the
Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts
In 1971 at the Celebration of Life Music Festival in New Orleans he shared
the podium with Swami Satchidanda and Swami Vishnudevananda. He
participated in many interfaith forums and conferences, including the World
Parliament of Religions. In the early 70's he helped organize the first 'Meeting
of the Ways' in San Francisco and was co-founder of the Unity of Man
Conference. He became Co-President of the World Fellowship of Religions in
1974. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Council of
Executives in Religion and was a member of the Interreligous Council of
Southern California, the Rotary Club, and the Los Angeles World Affairs
Council.
In June of 1985 he established the first International Peace Prayer Day
Celebration in New Mexico. This annual day of musical celebration and
interfaith prayer draws several thousand participants, including prominent
national and international leaders in the realms of religion, politics, and
humanity. Those honored at this event and given grants for leading the way in
spreading the word of peace have included: Grandmothers for Peace and the
Gesundheit! Institute.
A graduate in Economics from Punjab University (1952) and a savvy
entrepreneur he encouraged his students to start their own businesses. One
of the first, Yogi Tea, brought his famous recipe into the mainstream, and it is
now one of the leading tea companies in the health food market in the USA
and Europe.
He became a trusted management consultant for 14 corporations worldwide,
representing industries as diverse as health food manufacturing (KIIT-Golden
Temple Foods), computer systems (Sun and Son), and security services (Akal
Security). He conducted business seminars and authored several books to
guide the aspiring entrepreneur as well as the seasoned executive.
He was a champion of women's rights, and believed that it is women who are
the backbone of society, and since 1972 when he inaugurated the first of
annual women's camps, he taught technology to turn 'chicks into eagles.'
Yogi Bhajan fathered the science of Humanology and in 1980 he earned his
Ph.D. with his dissertation titled "Communication: Liberation or
Condemnation."
Standing six feet three, his powerful and dynamic presence dominated any
gathering. Fearless, outspoken yet humble, he could be both charming and
daunting as the occasion required. His openhearted acceptance of everyone
along with an uncompromising insistence upon excellence made him a
formidable teacher.
His motto: "If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all."
His credo: "It's not the life that matters, it's the courage that you bring to it." His
challenge to students, "Don't love me, love my teachings. Become ten times
greater than me."
Although Yogi Bhajan has left his physical form, he asked that his students
and those who knew him celebrate his Homecoming. The light of his spiritual
essence continues to bless all those whom he loved, and that is the entire
human race.
He is survived by his wife, children, five grandchildren and all those in his
3HO and Sikh Dharma families.
In accordance with Sikh tradition, and his wishes, cremation will take place at
Berardinelli's Family Funeral Services at 1:00 PM Saturday October 9th, at
1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505. During the weekend of October 23rd
we will be holding a memorial service for Yogi Bhajan in Espanola, New
Mexico. Everyone is invited to join us. Other memorial services will be held
throughout the world in his honor. Visit: http://www.sikhnet.com/YogiBhajan
for up to date information, or call (505) 367-1688.
If you would like to leave a message for Yogi Bhajan's family or staff please
call 505-367-1661, or send email to ybmemorial@sikhdharma.org.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
"Kundalini Research Institute" for the Library of the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan,
P.O. Box 249,
Santa Cruz, NM 87567
USA
Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji Leaves Behind
Spiritual Legacy
For photos and up to date information, visit: http://www.sikhnet.com/
yogibhajan
Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, known as Yogi Bhajan to hundreds of
thousands of adherents worldwide, left his physical body at 9 pm MST on
October 6th. His passing took place at his home in Espanola, New Mexico
surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was complications due
to heart failure. He was 75 years old.
An outstanding pioneer in many fields with a deep and compassionate insight
into the human condition, he established permanent institutions, created
spectacular events, and produced a prolific body of teachings.
The first to publicly teach Kundalini Yoga, when he arrived in the West in
1968, he announced he had come to the West "to create teachers, not to gain
students".
A deeply devoted Sikh, his inspiration and example motivated thousands to
embrace the Sikh way of life. Through his personal efforts, Sikh Dharma was
legally incorporated and officially recognized as a religion in the USA in 1971.
In 1971, in acknowledgement of his extraordinary impact of spreading the
universal message of Sikhism, the president of the SGPC (governing body of
Sikh Temples in India), Sant Charan Singh called him the Siri Singh Sahib,
Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for the Western Hemisphere, and
he was given the responsibility to create a Sikh Ministry in the West by the
Akal Takhat, the Sikh seat of religious authority in Amritsar, India. He was
honored with the title Bhai Sahib by the Akal Takhat in 1974.
Born Harbhajan Singh Puri, August 26, 1929, in the part of India that became
Pakistan in 1948, he was the son of a medical doctor. He spent his youth in
privileged environments in private schools and his summers in the exclusive
Dalhousie mountain region of Uttar Pradesh. As a young boy he attended a
Catholic convent school.
When he became a United States Citizen in 1976, Yogi Bhajan changed his
name legally to Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji
When he was just eight years old he began his yogic training with an
enlightened teacher, Sant Hazara Singh, who proclaimed him to be a Master
of Kundalini Yoga when he was sixteen and a half.
During the turmoil of partition in 1947, at the age of 18, he led his village of
7000 people, near what is Lahore Pakistan today, 325 miles on foot to safety
in New Delhi, India, where he arrived with only the clothes on his back.
Displaced Indians were given houses in India and soon he was able to
continue his education at Punjab University where he excelled in debate and
was a star athlete, playing both hockey and soccer and earning the name
"China wall" from his opponents.
After graduating with a degree in Economics, he began Indian government
service with India's Internal Revenue Department, and supervised the
creation of the IRS building in New Delhi. Shortly thereafter he moved to the
Customs Service and become head of Customs at Palam International Airport
(now known as New Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport).
He married Inderjit Kaur in 1952. They had two sons, Ranbir Singh and Kulbir
Singh, and a daughter, Kamaljit Kaur.
Throughout his academic career and government service he continued to
teach yoga to people from all walks of life.
In September of 1968, he left India for Canada to teach yoga at Toronto
University, carrying a letter of recommendation from Sir James George,
Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi, who had been his student. After
two months in Canada, he flew to Los Angeles for a weekend visit. Arriving in
Los Angeles virtually unknown, Yogi Bhajan met a number of young hippies,
the spiritual seekers of that era, and immediately recognized that the
experience of higher consciousness they were attempting to find through
drugs, could be achieved by practicing the Science of Kundalini Yoga, while
simultaneously rebuilding their nervous systems.
Breaking the centuries old tradition of secrecy surrounding the empowering
science of Kundalini Yoga, he began teaching it publicly. With the yogic
sciences of yoga, meditation, yogic philosophy, and loving acceptance, he
gave the soon to be called "Baby Boomers" an effective alternative to the
prevalent drug culture. He called it the "3HO" (healthy, happy, holy) way of
life.
From humble beginnings, teaching first at the East West Cultural Center and
then in a student's furniture store in West Hollywood, "The Yogi" was like a
magnet. Students flocked to his classes. Soon he was teaching at colleges
and universities, including Claremont and UCLA, and accepting invitations to
teach in other cities.
In July of 1969 the non-profit 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy
Organization) was incorporated in California. 3HO's service to humanity is
through Kundalini Yoga, meditation and the Science of Humanology which
improves physical well being, as well as deepening spiritual awareness.
Under his guidance as Director of Spiritual Education, 3HO mushroomed
worldwide, to 300 centers in 35 countries. In 1994 3HO became a member of
the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental-Organization) in
Consultative Status (Roster) with the Economic and Social Council,
representing women's issues, promoting human rights and providing
education in alternative systems of medicine.
Traveling extensively in the seventies and eighties, Yogi Bhajan crusaded
tirelessly to educate, uplift, and enlighten everyone he met. His basic
message was "It is your birthright to be healthy, happy, and holy."
Inspired and motivated by his words and adhering to the practices he taught,
students created music, art, and poetry reflecting the universal wisdom he
shared. Over 200 books have been written based on his teachings, as well as
a wealth of CD's, videos, paintings, and sculpture. He himself wrote over 30
books including The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Furmaan Khalsa, Masters
Touch, and Mind and Its 81 Facets.
Becoming the Mahan Tantric (only living Master of White Tantric Yoga) in
1971, he conducted workshops in cities around the world. In 1987 he
transferred these workshops to videotape, calling them "Renew to be New"
Courses, which will continue to be held worldwide.
In 1973, Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO SuperHealth, a remarkably successful
drugless, drug rehabilitation program, blending the proven ancient yogic
wisdom of the East with the modern technology of the West. SuperHealth was
accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organization and received its highest commendation. In 1973 it distinguished
itself as being in the top 10% of all treatment programs throughout the U.S.
In 1989 Yogi Bhajan met with then President Mikhail Gorbachev and
established addiction treatment programs in Russia based on the 3HO
SuperHealth model. Currently a pilot project of Superhealth is being formed
by the Punjab State Government in India.
True to his earliest commitment, "I've not come to gather students, but to train
teachers," the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and KRI
(Kundalini Research Institute) now holds teacher-training courses throughout
the world.
Embodying a rare combination of spiritual and down-to-earth practical
wisdom, Yogi Bhajan was equally at home in the pulpit, the podium, the board
room, the living room, or sitting on the grass in a park, teaching and educating
people in all walks of life. His expertise and influence extended into the
realms of communication, the healing arts, business, religion, and
government.
Loyal friend and mentor of Senators, Congressmen, and Governors
regardless of political affiliation, he promoted spiritual awareness in all
arenas. An ardent advocate of world peace and religious unity, the Siri Singh
Sahib met with world leaders of all faiths to encourage dialogue, including
Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and two Archbishops of
Canterbury. In 1995 he received the Courage of Conscience Award from the
Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts
In 1971 at the Celebration of Life Music Festival in New Orleans he shared
the podium with Swami Satchidanda and Swami Vishnudevananda. He
participated in many interfaith forums and conferences, including the World
Parliament of Religions. In the early 70's he helped organize the first 'Meeting
of the Ways' in San Francisco and was co-founder of the Unity of Man
Conference. He became Co-President of the World Fellowship of Religions in
1974. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Council of
Executives in Religion and was a member of the Interreligous Council of
Southern California, the Rotary Club, and the Los Angeles World Affairs
Council.
In June of 1985 he established the first International Peace Prayer Day
Celebration in New Mexico. This annual day of musical celebration and
interfaith prayer draws several thousand participants, including prominent
national and international leaders in the realms of religion, politics, and
humanity. Those honored at this event and given grants for leading the way in
spreading the word of peace have included: Grandmothers for Peace and the
Gesundheit! Institute.
A graduate in Economics from Punjab University (1952) and a savvy
entrepreneur he encouraged his students to start their own businesses. One
of the first, Yogi Tea, brought his famous recipe into the mainstream, and it is
now one of the leading tea companies in the health food market in the USA
and Europe.
He became a trusted management consultant for 14 corporations worldwide,
representing industries as diverse as health food manufacturing (KIIT-Golden
Temple Foods), computer systems (Sun and Son), and security services (Akal
Security). He conducted business seminars and authored several books to
guide the aspiring entrepreneur as well as the seasoned executive.
He was a champion of women's rights, and believed that it is women who are
the backbone of society, and since 1972 when he inaugurated the first of
annual women's camps, he taught technology to turn 'chicks into eagles.'
Yogi Bhajan fathered the science of Humanology and in 1980 he earned his
Ph.D. with his dissertation titled "Communication: Liberation or
Condemnation."
Standing six feet three, his powerful and dynamic presence dominated any
gathering. Fearless, outspoken yet humble, he could be both charming and
daunting as the occasion required. His openhearted acceptance of everyone
along with an uncompromising insistence upon excellence made him a
formidable teacher.
His motto: "If you can't see God in all, you can't see God at all."
His credo: "It's not the life that matters, it's the courage that you bring to it." His
challenge to students, "Don't love me, love my teachings. Become ten times
greater than me."
Although Yogi Bhajan has left his physical form, he asked that his students
and those who knew him celebrate his Homecoming. The light of his spiritual
essence continues to bless all those whom he loved, and that is the entire
human race.
He is survived by his wife, children, five grandchildren and all those in his
3HO and Sikh Dharma families.
In accordance with Sikh tradition, and his wishes, cremation will take place at
Berardinelli's Family Funeral Services at 1:00 PM Saturday October 9th, at
1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505. During the weekend of October 23rd
we will be holding a memorial service for Yogi Bhajan in Espanola, New
Mexico. Everyone is invited to join us. Other memorial services will be held
throughout the world in his honor. Visit: http://www.sikhnet.com/YogiBhajan
for up to date information, or call (505) 367-1688.
If you would like to leave a message for Yogi Bhajan's family or staff please
call 505-367-1661, or send email to ybmemorial@sikhdharma.org.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
"Kundalini Research Institute" for the Library of the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan,
P.O. Box 249,
Santa Cruz, NM 87567
USA