Hi Everyone,

For the past roughly 8 years, I’ve been signing off many of my e-mails with “stay in high spirits” or “stay in rising spirits.” This is inspired by a concept in the Sikh community called “Chardee Kalaa.”

I will explain it to the best of my ability. The words Chardee and Kalaa are from the Punjabi language, and together they form a phrase which is a state of being.

Chardee means rising, but it can also mean growing, unrelenting, blossoming, becoming whole, increasing, and elevating.

Kalaa has various meanings. Kalaa means an art, and an artist is called a Kalaa-kaar (art-doer). In addition, in Sanskrit, Kalaa-vanth means the moon (beauty-having). Kalaa therefore also refers to beauty, or unique personality.

I have a few definitions of Chardee Kalaa.

The first is the art of being in perpetual elevation. This means to always be in a state of growth, evolution, and increasing love and faith for the Truth, the Creator and Creation.

2nd: the art of becoming whole. This means to be like the moon when it is going from nothingness to becoming a full moon. The moon reflects the light of the Sun, and a truly enlightened soul reflects the light of the Truth.

3rd: having an unrelenting, blossoming personality. This means to be always in a state of faith, to not give up on righteousness, and at the same time to approach challenges with patience and love.

4th: the art of rising. This means to consistently be in spiritual growth, and to not waver or be lazy in your spiritual path. To elevate yourself, little by little, consistently, every day, to eventually become one with the Truth and the Creator who is the Truth.

I think all of these definitions work together to form the personality of an individual that is truly in “Chardee Kalaa” and this state of being relies on faith, love, courage, patience, discipline, grace, steadiness, perseverance, and optimism based on trust in the Will of God.

It’s easy to say it as a sign-off, but practicing this state of being is a real journey and there are some fortunate people who can remain in this state of being. At the end of every congregational prayer in the Sikh community worldwide, the following phrase is recited, which I think sums up this state of being:

Naanak Naam Chardee Kalaa
Thayray Bhaane Sarbat Da Bhalla

Through the teachings & blessings of Guru Nanak, through the Name of God, may we remain in Chardee Kalaa.
By Your Will, Dear Creator God, may you ensure the Wellbeing of All.

alright that’s all for now :)

-k.s.

—-

Update:

This topic continued on Cre8asiteForums with some interesting comments from the members there.