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Grihast Retreat:
Becoming One Spirit the Sikh Way
WSN
Network
On September 14-16,
Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) held a Grihast Retreat in Toronto,
Canada. There were 12 couples, married less than 6 years, who
attended from Toronto, Canada, and its vicinity. The event was
inspired by the Sikh goal of marriage as articulated in Guru Granth
Sahib: “Those who are one-spirit in two bodies are to be considered
the husband and the wife.”
According to Gurpreet Kaur, the program coordinator, “The Grihast
Retreat was a 3-day event for young married couples to strengthen
their values in marriage and family relationships. It incorporated
diverse themes that are at the foundation of a married life. New
perspectives provided insights on building meaningful relationships
while workshops and discussions offer a glimpse of the Guru's vision
and ideals on marriage.”
Grihast offered a contemplative and reflective environment to work
on personal development through various activities, educational
presentations, and group discussions. The event started on Friday
evening with Rahiras Sahib and a foundational presentation on
“Grihast: Deciphering the Guru’s Recommendation.” Saturday and
Sunday mornings started with a divan and a themes sabad, followed by
several sessions: “Grow Your Dream”, “Interpreting Grihast”, “Key
Ingredients for Great Marriage, “Understanding Your Spouse”, and
“From Ungraceful to Noble” Saturday evening ended with a hysterical
Newly Wed Game that left couples laughing for days to come.
Sunny Singh and Rapinder Kaur from Brampton, Ontario, shared their
experience: “I highly recommend this workshop not only for young
married couples but for all couples. It gives you insight into how
to foster a great relationship with your spouse and your Gurus. It
induces you to challenge, reflect and facilitate charge in your
married life.” Amritpal Singh from Guelph, Ontario added, “It opened
my eyes to may important aspects of “great” relationship. How
conflict is important and how to resolve a conflict from the point
of view of the Guru.”
Gavinder Kaur, the Toronto area program lead mentioned that
throughout the sessions, couples were given insight on the direction
of what marriage should be, according to the Sikh vision of the
'householder living' as demonstrated by the Guru. Outlooks are
derived from the text and spirit of the Guru Granth Sahib as well as
from personal reflections and experiences. The retreat was
facilitated by two couples. Gurvinder Pal (GP) Singh and Parvinder
Kaur have been married for 30 years and have raised four boys.
Harinder Singh and Gurpreet Kaur have been married for 5 years and
were recently graced with a son.
For more information on the Grishat Retreat or to host a retreat in
your community, please contact: Gurpreet Kaur 210.264.6091
Grihast@sikhri.org
3
October, 2007
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