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The Sikh Cast

Sikh Research Institutesikhri.org
Hosted by the Sikh Research Institute, we feature members of the Sikh community to talk about issues relevant to Sikhs around the world. For articles, blogs and videos find SikhRI on Youtube and Facebook, or head over to sikhri.org.
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Episodes

In the Sikh faith, is God a man? | Ask SikhRI

In Sikh ideals, preference is not to use the term "God" as it often carries gendered imagery. Instead, we embrace ੴ pronounced as IkOankar, the genderless and transcendent Being. IkOankar is not just gender-neutral; it transcends gender. "Ik" signifies the 1, "Oankar" represents the creative and pervasive Force – so it’s the 1Force. Featuring ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jan 24, 20243 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Explore Rag Gauri | The Guru Granth Sahib Project

The Guru Granth Sahib Project is pleased to launch the annotation of nine Sabads (Infinite-Wisdom) of Guru Teghbahadar Sahib in Rag Gauri. Gauri is a Rag (musical mode) of serious nature, which evokes a thoughtful and reflective mood. Explore Rag Gauri: http://bit.ly/Rag-Gauri Featuring Jasleen Kaur: ⁠⁠ https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur

Jan 14, 20246 min

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 21-30) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project

This composition explores the idea of bliss and how to achieve it. In the Sikh tradition, Anand Sahib is of such great significance that the entire composition or a portion (first five pauris and last pauri) is recited or sung to conclude all congregational and private ceremonies. Explore Anand Sahib: ⁠https://app.gurugranthsahib.io/bani/ASahib⁠ Featuring Inni Kaur: ⁠http://sikhri.org/people/inni-kaur...

Jan 09, 20248 min

Is the Sikh religion called Sikhi or Sikhism? Does it matter? | Ask SikhRI

"I think it matters because what is our indigenous term? And what is the term which those who were studying us in the last hundred years started calling us? Our native term is Sikhi. Sikhism is something which was born out of the study of religions. “-ism” also implies that there is not a unity of doctrine, that there is too much multiplicity." Featuring ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jan 09, 20243 minSeason 1Ep. 8

What does “Sikh” mean? | Ask SikhRI

When we look at the two meanings as they existed at the time (in Sanskrit and in Pali) and incorporate them into what we now call Sikhi, it actually means learners who are of the Guru. Guru is a mentor, Guru in Sikhi is Perfection. A Sikh then becomes someone who is modelling their life as the Gurus lived it on earth. Featuring ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Dec 27, 20233 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 11-20) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project

Stanzas eleven to twenty of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib delve into the pursuit of bliss, a concept of great significance in the Sikh tradition. Discover the joy within and experience the resonance of Rag Ramkali. Embrace the journey towards bliss with us! Explore Anand Sahib: https://app.gurugranthsahib.io/bani/ASahib Featuring Inni Kaur: http://sikhri.org/people/inni-kaur...

Dec 15, 202310 min

Sikhi: Personal Practice & Public Responsibility

Join us for an inspiring talk on the profound connection between personal Sikhi practice and our collective responsibilities in today's world. Listen as Harinder Singh sheds light on how Sikhi guides our individual lives and shapes a better society. https://sikhri.org/people/harinder-singh

Dec 14, 202346 min

Explore Anand Sahib (Stanzas 1-10) | The Guru Granth Sahib Project

Delve into the profound wisdom behind the word 'anand,' as the Guru emphasizes that genuine bliss originates from eternal Wisdom, guiding seekers toward a joyful transformation. This composition underscores the pursuit of a blissful life through the Guru's wisdom, and the profound state achieved when connecting with IkOankar. In Sikh tradition, it's a pivotal text for concluding religious ceremonies during moments of joy or sorrow and plays a significant role in initiation ceremonies, offering a...

Dec 07, 202311 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Why do Sikhs have unique customs and traditions? | Ask SikhRI

The initiation of community development with Guru Nanak Sahib marked the introduction of protocols aimed at organizing and highlighting the essential roles of governance and unity in any community. Featuring ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dec 05, 20233 minSeason 1Ep. 6

What does "Chardi Kala" mean? | Ask SikhRI

Delve into the profound essence of "Chardi Kala" in this enlightening podcast episode. Discover how embracing Nam and forging a connection with a potent force converge to bring forth the manifestation of Chardi Kala—Rising Power. Submit your questions to us at SikhRI.org/Ask Ask SikhRI is completely anonymous; it doesn’t require your name or contact information. Featuring ⁠⁠⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ask a question today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Nov 21, 20233 minSeason 1Ep. 5

1984 Genocide: Relentless Pursuit of Justice in Indian Courts

It has been 39 years since the 1984 Sikh Genocide orchestrated by the Indian government. Why is the legal course of action still necessary? What outcomes have been achieved so far, and what else is being pursued? How can the Sikhs and non-Sikhs help in Panjab, Inspora, and Diaspora? Harinder Singh’s conversation covers a range of themes with Mr. Harvinder Singh Phoolka from Sikh, Panjabi, Indian, and International perspectives. ⁠Watch the full video⁠ Harinder Singh - sikhri.org/people/harinder-s...

Nov 10, 20231 hr 2 min

Why does it seem that only men lead Sikh prayer services? | Ask SikhRI

In Sikhi (commonly known as Sikhism), women's fundamental equality exists in both private and public spheres and within personal and corporate relationships. Women possess the freedom to lead in any capacity without predefined roles. Nevertheless, despite these core principles, there are often observable disparities between theory and practice. This disconnection can be attributed to the influence of cultural factors and personal biases perpetuated by the broader hegemonic culture. It's importan...

Oct 24, 20233 minSeason 1Ep. 4

What is Nam Simran? | Ask SikhRI

Nam Simran holds significant importance in Sikhi, extending far beyond mere identification with the Divine. ‘Nam’ goes beyond identification, and ‘Simran’ signifies remembrance. The practice of Nam Simran, as depicted in the Guru Granth Sahib, involves recitation, deep connection, and selfless service. In this podcast series, we dive into the community's greatest questions asked by people like YOU. Featuring ⁠⁠Harinder Singh⁠⁠ Ask a question today at ⁠⁠ SikhRI.org/Ask ⁠⁠...

Oct 10, 20233 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Understanding Canada-India Disharmony in the Sikh-Panjab Context | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the larger context around the latest events in Canada. What is the background needed to make sense of current events? What does this mean for Sikhs globally? How can we be thoughtful and strategic in our responses? Why is guidance from Guru Granth Sahib so paramount to addressing this situation? Watch the full video Harinder Singh - https://sikhri.org/people/harinder-singh Jasleen Kaur - https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur #Punjab #Diaspora #S...

Oct 06, 202347 min

Why do Sikhs recite the same daily prayers? | Ask SikhRI

“…it really has nothing to do with whether it is less or more. It has everything to do with that these are the aspirations of the community. When we come together as a community, we do a minimum of these recitations. It provides coming together in the community. For individuals, the recommendation is to continue reciting the Guru Granth Sahib at your own pace in a manner that speaks to you.” In this podcast series, we dive into the community's greatest questions asked by people like YOU. Featuri...

Sep 26, 20233 minSeason 1Ep. 2

What is the significance of hair for Sikhs? | Ask SikhRI

"Hair in Sikhi is part of the protocol, as well as part of the tradition...You emulate the modalities you believe in of the ones you love." In this podcast series, we dive into the community's greatest questions asked by people like YOU. Featuring Harinder Singh Ask a question today at SikhRI.org/Ask...

Sep 13, 20232 minSeason 1Ep. 1

The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Karmine Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

“I experienced some worries just because I had been to Sikh camps before; there’s worry about I won’t be as well-read as other people and maybe I’m starting at ground zero whereas everyone else is a Sikh scholar. Those feelings of doubt did creep in. It did help to ask questions and just remember that, there’s probably other people that applied for this for the same reasons I did and there probably will be people that are there to learn.” Sidaker, Karmine Kaur, sheds light on the impact of Sidak...

Jul 07, 202341 minSeason 2Ep. 4

The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Ivraj Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

“What I did not expect was the amount of growth and learning that happened in the off-hours. Just sitting around in the Langar hall talking to Sikhs from very different walks of life or late night jam sessions in the Diwan hall learning different styles of Kirtan. All of that stuff I didn’t really expect because I had this image of this being a conference, we’re going to sit in the workshops and we’re going to exchange contact info.” Sidaker, Ivraj Singh, discusses the power of Sidak and its imp...

Jun 14, 202325 minSeason 2Ep. 3

The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Kabir Singh | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

“It’s okay to have doubts and be unsure and it’s okay for your feelings to waiver a little bit around Sikhi. I always felt a lot of shame because of that because I would see people around me, at least externally, who present very Sikh and you assume that they have it all figured out and they never have doubts and they’re just so committed and so faithful. But for me, I never felt that way. I’d always had periods of, “Is this for me?” “Am I Sikh enough?” “Am I Panjabi enough?“” Sidaker, Kabir Sin...

May 31, 202332 minSeason 2Ep. 2

The Sidak Impact: Jasleen Kaur & Simranjit Kaur | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

“My Sikhi is not a performance. I was so scared of showing up and getting judged like, “She doesn’t know this,” or “She doesn’t know that,” or “Oh! She does her eyebrows, she’s not a Sikh”. Even the smallest trivial things can make you feel like you don’t belong, but I didn’t experience that. And literally, that was the biggest sign of “I’m here to learn. It’s going to be fine.” Sidaker, Simranjit Kaur chats with Sidak Facilitator, Jasleen Kaur to reflect on her past Sidak experience, from fears...

May 24, 202332 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Women & Gender in Sikhi | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur explore Women & Gender in Sikhi from a Gurmat (Guru’s Way) perspective, as inferred from Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). How did the Sikh Gurus address women’s issues? How did they frame or reframe gender? Regarding women’s and gender issues within the Panth today, why is there a disparity between principles and practice, and how do we close that gap? ~~~ Presenters Harinder Singh - https://sikhri.org/people/harinder-singh J...

May 18, 20231 hr 37 min

Understanding the Crackdown In Panjab & Protests in Diaspora

Listen as Harinder Singh and Jasleen Kaur discuss the larger Sikh context around the latest events in Panjab. What is the background needed in order to make an informed judgement of current events? How can we as Sikhs be more thoughtful and strategic in our responses when engaging in the conversation? ~~~ Harinder Singh - https://sikhri.org/people/harinder-singh Jasleen Kaur - https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur #Punjab #Diaspora #SikhCommunity #Sikhs #India #Policy #PunjabNews #PunjabiEvents...

Mar 31, 202357 min

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 10: 1’s Identification | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the tenth composition of th...

Mar 14, 202355 minSeason 6Ep. 11

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 09: Divine Creator | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the ninth composition of th...

Mar 07, 202345 minSeason 6Ep. 10

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 08: That One | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the eighth composition of t...

Feb 28, 202346 minSeason 6Ep. 9

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 07: Creator Death | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the sixth composition of th...

Feb 20, 202352 minSeason 6Ep. 8

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 06: Beloved Friend | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the sixth composition of th...

Feb 14, 202353 minSeason 6Ep. 7

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 05: Creator Ruler | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the fifth composition of th...

Feb 07, 202350 min

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 04: Divine Protector | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10, new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the fourth composition of t...

Jan 31, 202352 min

Sabad Hajare Patisahi 10 - Sabad 03: Mentor Specified | The Sikh Cast | SikhRI

Introducing Sabad Hajare Patshahi 10 , new translations and commentaries of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib 's composition. Harinder Singh (Innovation Director) and Jasleen Kaur (Research Associate) discuss their learnings and challenges while engaging with the words of this composition. The unique contexts and subversions these compositions reveal are a treat for those who yearn to get to know Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and those who yearn to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. In the third composition of ...

Jan 24, 202343 min
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