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Press Trust of India, 5/10/05: Yogi joins Mother Teresa, Pope in U.S. list—The passage of a unanimous resolution by U.S. Congress last month honouring the late Yogi Bhajan, a popular Sikh religious leader in the United States, is being celebrated this week at the Capitol.

Bhajan died on October 6, 2004. In the history of the U.S. Congress, his admirers point out, only a handful of spiritual leaders have ever inspired a joint resolution from U.S. Congress honouring their life and work. They include Martin Luther King, Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.

On April 5 and April 6, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate respectively passed a joint resolution praising the life and work of Yogi Bhajan. The resolution read, in part: “the (U.S.) Congress recognizes that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan about Sikhism and yoga, and the businesses formed under his inspiration, improved the personal, political, spiritual, and professional relations between citizens of the United States and the citizens of India....

The House resolution, which passed by a voice-recorded vote of 405–0, was sponsored by U.S. representative Tom Udall. The Senate resolution was passed by unanimous consent. It was sponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici and co-sponsored by John Cornyn.

“Whatever your faith, Yogi Bhajan had the right words, the right lesson, the right message,” Udall said on April 5.... “I am pleased that he has been honoured by Congress today.”

“Yogi Bhajan was an inspirational figure and a proud legacy for New Mexicans who remember his hopeful message and practice his teachings of humanity,” Domenici said. The passing of Yogi Bhajan last October was a loss not only to the Sikh-American community but to the entire nation,” said US representative Earl Blumenauer.

In addition, Yogi Bhajan founded the 3 HO (healthy, happy, holy) organization. With over 300 centers in 35 cities, 3 HO uses kundalini yoga to help people improve their physical well-being and deepen their spiritual awareness.

[TBC: The latest Gallup survey shows that only 35 percent of Americans approve of the way Congress is handling its job. Officially recognizing the above guru, who teaches tantric (sexual enlightenment) yoga and kundalini (serpent power) yoga, certainly explains its low rating. As Congress moves through the Y’s, don’t be surprised if Yogi Bear should also be praised for his life and work.]