Radha Soami Satsang Beas

Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) is a spiritual society founded by Jaimal Singh in 1891 at a site called Dera Baba Jaimal Singh on the West bank of the Beas River, Punjab, India.

Radha Soami means ‘Lord of the Soul’, satsang describes a group that seeks truth and Beas refers to the town in Punjab near which the main center is located in northern India. RSSB was established in 1891 at this center and gradually began spreading to other parts of the country and abroad. Today RSSB holds meetings (spiritual discourses) in more than 90 countries worldwide. It is a non-profitable & charitable society and is an autonomous body which does not bear allegiance to any of the other Radha Soami/Sant Mat groups or satsangs. The teachings are often referred to as Sant Mat "Teachings of the Saints." Shiv Dayal Singh who taught 'Surat Shabd Yoga' in Agra, was the first spiritual leader of Radha Soami Community. Jaimal Singh was a disciple of Shiv Dayal Singh. Today the spiritual master of Radha Soami Satsang Beas Baba Gurinder Singh Ji who was officially appointed by Charan Singh.

Teachings and Philosophy

Radha means "Soul" and Soami means "Lord". Hence, Radha Soami can be translated into "merger of the Soul with the Lord".

The Radha Soami teachings lay down a method for Self Realization leading to realization of God through the means of Surat Shabd Yoga. There are a number of other contemporary movements that use the name ‘Radha Soami’ but Radha Soami Satsang Beas is not associated with any of them. The technique of the yoga/meditation is imparted under the instructions of a teacher/Master (present day Master: Baba Gurinder Singh Ji), or his personally selected representatives. It is through this union of the soul with the Audible Life Stream that gives this meditation practice its name – The Surat Shabd Yoga. To assist in the practice of the Surat Shabd Yoga, one must be a lacto vegetarian (no eggs, fish, fowl or meat), abstain from recreational drugs and alcohol, and lead a moral life (including among other things confining sexuality to a legal marriage). The vegetarian diet encourages respect and empathy for all life and acknowledges that there is a debt to be paid for taking any life. The required lifestyle aids concentration, calming and centering the mind. Before one decides to adopt the Surat Shabd Yoga meditation, one is strongly advised by the present master Baba Gurinder Singh Ji, to research not only Radha Soami Satsang Beas philosophy and teachings but any other mysticism teachings or yoga systems that may interest the seeker. This allows the seekers to be 100% intellectually satisfied that this is the right choice for them as individuals. People are able to practice the Surat Shabd Yoga meditation while still remaining a part of their community and religious customs. It is a solitary practice that is done in the quiet of one's own home for at least 2½ hours each day. Members commit themselves to a way of life that supports spiritual growth while carrying out their responsibilities to family, friends and society. The teachings are also referred to as Sant Mat, meaning 'Teachings of the Saints' (past and present). The Radha Soami Satsang Beas community and members are from diverse ethnic, social and religious backgrounds. The teachings are available to anyone interested and no fees are charged for imparting the philosophy or Surat Shabd Yoga system.

Charity work

Today the Beas ashram, known as simply the 'Dera', maintains a free kitchen called 'Langar', as well as canteens and snack bars at a nominal price. Three Charitable hospitals were built and run by RSSB. Beas Hospital, Sikanderpur Hospital and the Bhota Hospital provide free medical care for the rural community surrounding it and aid the needy. They include free accommodation for relatives of the patients. RSSB has also helped in relief efforts of victims of natural disasters. For a number of years an annual eye clinic was run and held at the Dera, giving medical aid to people suffering eye-ailments including the removal of cataracts. However, this has now been stopped.

Promoting awareness

A Library has been constructed to house nearly 500,000 books on all the world religions, philosophies and mysticism. The library is open to all seekers, researchers and scholars. Radha Soami Satsang Beas encourages voluntary service to the community. This group is environmentally aware and plants thousands of trees yearly, applying organic farming methods and encouraging social awareness within the community.

Geographical location

The mission houses nearly 6000 residents and the average number of visitors daily is about 350,000 or more. Visitors come from all over the world. Radha Soami Satsang Beas, today has Science of the Soul Spiritual Centres in many overseas countries, meetings and gatherings take place in nearly 90 countries worldwide. They also have a 'Science of the Soul Research Centre' based in New Delhi. Its objective is to promote betterment of humanity. The 'Science of the Soul Research Centre' is a non profit charitable Society and also acts as a mail order book seller for Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, or simply the ‘Dera’ as it is generally known, is a mini-township with 6,000 residents. Since the Dera is the home of the spiritual leader of the organization, large crowds visit on specially designated weekends to hear his discourses. These crowds average more than 350,000 people daily.

The venue

The Radha Soami headquarters provides a sheltered venue for these gatherings. The Dera is amongst the most well planned colonies of India with no air pollution as no private vehicles allowed inside . It is a self sustaining community Radha Soami Satsang Beas Official Website.

Food

Food is available to visitors through several ways. The langar (a place where food is served free of charge) is the primary means. The free langar complex covers over 48 acres (190,000 m²) and operates all year around the clock. Capable of feeding up to 300,000 people per meal, 50,000 in a single sitting, it has mostly volunteer staff (Sewadars) who prepare and serve simple but nourishing food. As an example, in 2007 the langar cooked more than 200,000 kilos of rice and used as many kilos of wheat to make the traditional food breads (Chapati) also called "PARSHADA".

Shelter

Every persons, who belongs to any religion or any cast can go at the Dera. The sewadars of the Dera respect everyone as per the Master's order. The colony is visited by people from around the world and by all walks of life. To provide temporary accommodation for everyone, a variety of facilities are offered. There are a number of guest hostels with individual rooms and attached baths, hostels with dormitory-style rooms, and other large buildings to house visitors. The visitors are provided free accommodation.

The Community

More than 3000 acres land come under the Dera at Beas. The Dera seeks to be as self-sufficient and environmentally friendly as possible. Every year thousands of trees are planted. Many lawns and parks beautify the colony and provide space for visitors and residents to rest and relax. More than 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) of land are cultivated for growing vegetables and fruits that are used in the langar and by Dera residents. Organic farming methods are being adapted to local conditions. The Dera has its own water supply, water treatment plant and solid waste treatment facility. It has its own electrical sub-station and large electrical generator back-up facility to supply emergency power to the whole community

Radha Soami Satsang Beas Leaders

Radha Soami movement traces its origins to Shiv Dayal Singh. The Beas branch was founded by Swami Ji's sikh disciple Baba Jaimal Singh Ji and the lineage is:

• Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, (Founder of Radha Soami Satsang Beas)- 1884 to 1903.

• Maharaj Baba Sawan Singh Ji - Mastership lasted from 1903 to 1948.

• Maharaj Sardar Bahadur Jagat Singh Ji - Mastership lasted from 1948 to 1951.

• Maharaj Charan Singh Ji - Mastership lasted from 1951 to 1990.

• Baba Gurinder Singh Ji - Mastership began 1990 to present day.