For Immediate Release

25 September 2007

Becoming One Spirit the Sikh Way

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 Gur Granth S hib: “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 Gur 's vision and ideals on marriage.”

About the Sikh Research Institute

The Sikh Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization seeking to develop a principle-driven community by protecting the core and enlarging
the resource pool. The Institute’s mission is to facilitate training and development while inspiring Sikh values, create global awareness of Sikh , and
deliver strategic solutions to the key challenges faced by the Sikh community. All donations are tax deductible.
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 Gur ’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 Gur s. 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
Gur .”

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 Gur . Outlooks are derived from the text and spirit of the Gur Granth S hib 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

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