These Camps are unique international gatherings of women organized by 3HO. One of the ladies who is attending them year after year, Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa of Burnaby, BC, Canada, is very kind to share her experience and enthusiasm with SikhNet. She sheds the light on what these camps are about, what is offered, what is to be given, and what is to be received by each lady on this mesmerizing journey of the soul.
Interviewer: What are Women’s Camps and Khalsa Ladies‘ Camps?
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: Women’s Camps and Khalsa Ladies’ Camps are established by Siri Singh Sahib in 1976. In these Camps, the women all over the world come together to empower each other, find healing, create bonds of sisterhood, learn new skills, share stories, laugh, learn self-care, do seva and develop a deeper connection with the Guru.
When these camps first started, they were for 2 months in Española in New Mexico, USA
Interviewer: How was your first experience in these camps and what are the most cherished memories you have of that event?
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: It was close to Vancouver BC some 18 years ago. That year there was over 120 women. We did Kundalini Yoga and Aquarian Sadhana, meditated. We ate together, and there were a lot of healers there. I experienced a lot of healing in that Camp. I was going through very difficult times, and I needed a support outside of my family. As soon as I arrived I was informed that one of the ladies was stuck in Seattle and I was asked to cover for seva (Ed. Note – selfless service).
We had so much fun cleaning with a water hose and sprayed each other with cold water after cleaning the Bathrooms. That moment I will always cherish. Seva has become my foundational practice to liberate me from my karmas.
Interviewer: What was offered at the camp and what services did you do in the years that followed?
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: Gurdwara service, learning Gurmukhi, Kirtan and Seva. There were healing services, different Kundalini Yoga classes, workshops, Bhangra Dance, Devotional Dance which brings so much joy and keeps everyone fit for sure. Art classes, delicious food, golden milk and of course Yogi Tea and chai .
I just felt that I am cared for. After the Camp was over, I felt complete. I couldn’t wait to attend another Women’s Camp and I wondered how I can help more. In the years to come, I did a lot of cooking Seva together in a large team.
Interviewer: What was your most intimate experience of attending these Camps for you?
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: It is what I learned there: to get together and share, to work as a team. Before this I was feeling lonely after my husband passed away. And what happened in the Women’s Camp - I felt like a timeless alchemy of energy that holds into my heart chakra like a golden thread of love that ties the Sangat together. The energy this alchemy produces is unbreakable, even if you lose the contact with other ladies who attended once the Camp is over. I quickly realized the camp is not about me. It is how we help each other to rise, to be, to nourish, to hold, to keep, to cherish, to polish, and to work as peers. I felt encouraged to open up and share how I cope with challenges of my life.
Interviewer: What seva did you do in Ladies’ Camp in New Mexico?
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: One year in the Camp in New Mexico in the Gurdwara, there was a canopy for the Guru. The material was pinned with thousands of safety pins. We removed them and I sewed the material of the canopy properly. It took me two days to complete it. I was working day and night and I sewed the whole canopy with a sewing machine. People were bringing me food, tea, they would massage my feet and my back because I was sitting there for two days and nights. Everyone was supporting me. Together we had a Fateh. (Victory).
Interviewer: Could you please share your experiences from Women’s Camp in India.
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: I did hospitality seva, picking up people from the airport, taking them to their rooms, showing them around and answering any questions they might have. Welcoming them and making them feel they are at Home. And also offer tea and other needs for their stay. This was at Miri Piri Academy in Amritsar. Then I attended all classes and workshops and didn’t want to miss anything. This camp, hosted by MPA, started 2 years ago.
Before that camp there were other Ladies’ camps in India organized by Guru Raj Kaur Khalsa from Vancouver.
My first camp in India was in 2006. Travelling to India together was amazing! It’s impossible to even explain with words unless you experience it yourself. I felt blissful. Every time when I go to the Camp something shifts in my psyche. You don’t see another woman as a stranger, but you feel she is part of you, travelling on the same path, same Dharma. Every woman brings the qualities of her own essence to share, and when they do that, you become part of their essence. It’s so beautiful.
One of my best experiences was to take a dip in the Sarovar (Sacred Waters) at the Golden Temple and that reminded me of the Shabad (Hymn): Ram Das Sarovar Natay which I just learnt to sing recently.
(Ed Note: Listen to the track on SikhNet Play)
Interviewer: You are describing all of this with a great love, devotion and passion.
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: Every time I talk about it, it is like having green trees in my heart centre which grows with every breath I take. In the Camps whatever you are going through in your life gets back to zero. You are not attached to it anymore. You go home as a totally different person. It is very empowering.
Interviewer: When and where is your next big adventure?
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa: It is coming up next year, February 13th -23rd 2025 It will be hosted by Miri Piri Academy in Amritsar and Anandpur Sahib. We have so much fun travelling together and shopping in the local markets, going to exotic Indian restaurants. We also visit historical places and sacred sites, chant and meditate together and learn about the Shabad Guru (Sacred sound).
Everyday we go deeper together with our healing circles, listening and sharing with each other .
Hargopal Kaur who is one of the guest teachers at the MPA India camp brings in the specialized healing technologies of Sat Nam Rasayan and Family Constellations. These were life changing for me.
Sat Nam,
Siri Kirtan Kaur Khalsa
Vancouver BC Canada
Testimonials and feedback from women attendees
CANADA
Ladies Camp: A Pearl that Penetrates the Heart
When Siri Kirtan suggested if I would join her to help prepare nourishing meals and serve the women at (Khalsa) Ladies camp (Vancouver) my answer was “Yes.” Floundering like a loose cannon in the ethers, her invitation drew me into a vortex of purposeful service and connection. I knew Siri Kirtan from (Kundalini Yoga) Teachers Training in Vancouver.
There was excitement in preparing the menu, shopping for ingredients, and sharing in the journey to the camp. I was not however prepared for the task ahead which was to show up for five days to prepare wholesome meals for twice as many participants than we had originally planned for. Feeling overwhelmed, my first thought was to bolt . Siri Kirtan gently pulled me aside; “Just focus on one salad, one dressing, one dessert at a time.” Her words felt warm and reassuring. Despite my growing anxiety I did not want to let her down. With some discussion, we were able to harness a revolving number of volunteers, who showed up for various shifts. I began to feel supported and gently fear dissolved into play. Ideas came forth and together we co-created mastery in the kitchen.
During the course of the five days I witnessed myself getting up every morning to attend Sadhana. Preparing and sharing meals with others fed me at a core level. I felt transported to my grandmother's kitchen where, as a child I worked alongside her, following her instructions. Mama (Grandma) held the space for unity in the family. Without her presence I fell into nothingness. Through Siri Kirtan and the Teachings from the Golden Chain I felt held to an elevated space of excellence.
When I reflect back it is this spirit of care and connection that is integral to my emotional sustenance!
Reflections:
A simple meeting of the eyes, a warm gesture, a kindly spoken word
Even just a nod to say you have seen me
Is enough to make my heart sing
Our union can transcend to the realm of the sacred
Where the crust dissolves and gives way to form
We get a taste of the nectar, the Amrit, the essence.
In the ambrosial hours of the morning
Gratitude is my mantra
That awakens me to my full presence
For this is the pearl that penetrates the heart
Rendering me true knowledge of the other.
Through whom I am able to witness myself.
(Khalsa) Ladies Camp is a reservoir for connectivity, creativity and harmonious collaboration to help us realize the untapped potential of True sisterhood.
Azmina Kassam
Vancouver BC Canada
LATVIA
Woman’s Camp was a very special experience for me and my sister. For the first time in our lives we could connect deeply to our souls and felt happiness just by being in that state. An opportunity to connect with women from all over the world and after being strangers to become Sangat. We were taken care of from very first steps in airport and felt safe and nourished. And Food!!! Best of the best. :)
Estera from Latvia.
For me Woman’s camp felt like a long awaited time to connect deeply with my soul, to go deeper in internal processes of my psyche and connection with my family generational patterns to heal them. It was a blessing to connect with fantastic, strong, encouraging women from all over the world to share our experiences. Being taken care of, feeling safe and pampered - I had a really relaxing and inspiring vacation, that i would recommend for every woman. Wahe Guru!
Elina from Latvia
Website links:
Vancouver Camp https://www.yogawest.ca/khalsaladiescamp
Women’s Camp at Miri Piri Academy https://miripiriacademy.org/womens-camp