Bandi sangat

REmember:

Guru Sahib: Highest enlightener
Sikh: Student of the Guru Sahib
Bani: Guru Sahib's Wisdom
Bandi: Imprisoned Person
Sangat: Community
Veechare: Contemplation

These Sikh soldiers were captured in North Africa by Germany's Afrika Korps in 1941

Who are we?

We are a letter writing collective, connecting Sikh people who are imprisoned, with Sangat outside of prison walls.

The ultimate wisdom teaches Ik Onkar: Oneness, infinitely unfolding. Sikh's do not follow ideas of duality, that we are separate from each other and that some are high, and some are low. We are all part of this Oneness, and thus all have the potential to meet Guru Sahib by connecting with Bani. No words of ours will ever do this wisdom justice, so connecting each other to Sangat is crucial to allow more opportunity for connecting with Bani.

inspired by the Nejma Collective, we understand the importance of connecting all Sangat, inside state prisons and beyond

why is it important?

Letters can offer a lifeline for people behind bars. They are often missing human connection, and most importantly, time with Bani. Contemplating on Guru Sahib’s wisdom (veechare) is the only way to liberate any of us from bondage. Connecting with Sangat can offer friendly connection and more opportunities for Veechare.

How is this restorative?

Hurt people hurt people. Any chance at breaking cycles of harm, has to start with self-reflection, understanding self and returning to peace within. This healing can start at any point, in any persons life journey, and brings about transformation within a person and within communities.