Radha Soami

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Radha Soami

Radha soami Satsang
Motto To experience the divinity of God who resides in all of us. To realize the truth of the concept that there is only one God and we are all expressions of his love.
Formation 1861
Region served Worldwide
Membership 3,000,000[1]
Official languages Hindi, Punjabi
Main organ Radhasoami Satsang

Radhasoami (Radha Swami) is a spiritual movement that originated in 19th century India, and is considered by adherents as a true way to attain God realization. The Radhasoami faith is also referred to as Sant Mat, the "Path of the Sants." The word "Radhasoami" itself is actually a combination of two words: "Radha" (referring to the soul or spiritual essence, either of an individual or of the whole) and "Soami" (referring to the spiritual master; cognate to the Sanskrit term swami or svami); the combined word thus refers to the "Lord of the Soul" or God. It also can be interpreted to mean the "Master Soul" or "Spirit Master" who guides the disciple to higher states of consciousness. Like Sant Mat sects, Radhasoami emphasizes the use of listening to inner sound accessed by (mantra/simran), combined with personal loyalty to a given living Master, for devotees to attain desired states of spiritual advancement.

Shiv Dayal Singh, called "Soamiji Maharaj" by devotees and admirers, was a khatri seth by caste who descended from Choora clan (popularly known as Sobly) in Agra, India. He used to insist that anyone who chose to follow him must give up non-vegetarian food, abstain from alcohol and intoxicants, lead a high moral life and engage in over two hours of shabd yoga (sound-current yoga) meditation per day.[2]

In the mid-1850s, Shiv Dayal Singh had a handful of followers in Agra. However, his teachings eventually attracted disciples from across India and by the time of his death in 1878, Shiv Dayal had several thousands of followers. He died on 15 June 1878 in Agra, India.

Shiv Dayal Singh's wife, Narayani Devi (called Radhaji), Rai Saligram (called Huzur Maharaj), Sanmukh Das, Gharib Das, Partap Singh (Shiv Dayal's younger brother) and Baba Jaimal Singh were some of his prominent followers around whom individual satsang groups formed. This splintering off, led to the propagation of Radhasoami teachings to a wider audience, although with slightly varied interpretations.

Contents

Spiritual Meditation [edit]

Radhasoami teachings center upon a type of meditation practice known as surat shabd yoga. Shabd is referring to a spiritual current which can be perceived in meditation as inner light and sound. Yoga is referring to the uniting of our real essence (soul) through an inner listening with focused mental concentration (surat) upon an inner sound (shabd) which it is maintained emanates from Radhasoami the Supreme Being. It is therefore taught as the unchanging and primordial technique for uniting the soul with the supreme being via the power of Shabd.

Following the practice of meditation under the guidance of a spiritual teacher who is himself in contact with Shabd, is considered of paramount importance.

Pre-requisites for successful achievement of the meditation practice are a lacto-vegetarian diet, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and maintaining a pure and moral lifestyle.

Radha Soami Satsang Beas Lineage of Successors [edit]

Main article: Radha Soami Satsang Beas

The Beas Satsang was founded by Shivdayal Singh's disciple Jaimal Singh. The Beas lineage is:

At the core of the RSSB philosophy is a belief that there is a spiritual purpose to human life – to experience the divinity of God who resides in all of us. It is through this experience that we will realize the truth of the concept that there is only one God and we are all expressions of his love.[2] Central to the RSSB philosophy is a living spiritual teacher who explains the purpose of life and guides and instructs members in a method of spirituality based on a daily meditation practice. The present teacher Gurinder Singh Dhillon lives with his family at the main centre in Beas.

Radhasoami Satsang, Peepal Mandi, Agra [lineage] [edit]

  • Param Purush Puran Dhani Swami ji Maharaj [Shiv Dayal Singh ji]
  • Param Purush Puran Dhani Hazur Maharaj [Rai Bahadur Saligram ji]
  • Param Purush Puran Dhani Lalaji Maharaj [Rai Ajyudha Prasad Ji]
  • Param Purush Puran Dhani Kunwarji Maharaj[Guru Prasad Ji]
  • Param Pujya Dadaji Maharaj [Prof. Dr. Agam Prasad Mathur]

Radhasoami Satsang, Dayalbagh, Agra [edit]

The present leader (Prof. Dr. Prem Saran Satsangi Saheb)

Headquarter at Dayalbagh, Agra (India) is both a spiritual center as well as a University campus with self-sufficient civic facilities like residential colonies, schools, hospital, agriculture farms, dairy, etc. in eco-friendly environment. The foundation of Dayalbagh was laid on 20th. January, 1915 on the Basant Panchami Day by planting a mulberry tree near 'Mubarak Kuan' (Holy Well) by Param Guru Sahabji Maharaj.

Halls/colonies are constructed in various other places (branches) also throughout the country for spiritual gatherings and No Proselytizing is permitted.

Foreign centres/branches are active in U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Germany, Singapore, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia etc. and Groups of followers in other parts of the world are always offering to help.

Donations from non members are not accepted and from initiated members are extremely nominal and not mandatory.

Spiritual Sant Satgurus of Radhasoami Satsang at Dayalbagh:

Param Purush Purandhani Huzur Soamiji Maharaj alias Radhasoami Sahab Sri Shivdayal Singh (24 Aug.1818 to 15 June 1878 A.D.)

Param Guru Huzur Maharaj (Rai Bahadur Saligram) (14 March 1829 to 06 Dec.1898)

Param Guru Maharaj Sahab (Pt. Brahm Shankar Misra) (28 March 1861 to 12 Oct.1907)

Param Guru Sarkar Sahab (Sri Kamta Prasad Sinha) (12 Dec.1871 to 07 Dec.1913)

Param Guru Sahabji Maharaj (Sir Anand Sarup Kt.) (06 Aug.1881 to 24 June 1937)

Param Guru Mehtaji Maharaj (Rai Sahab Gurcharan Das Mehta) (20 Dec.1885 to 17 Feb.1975)

Param Guru Dr. Lal Sahab (Dr.(Prof.) Makund Behari Lal) (31 Jan.1907 to 05 Dec.2002)

PRESENT SPIRITUAL LEADER: Param Guru Dr.Satsangi Sahab (Dr.(Prof.) Prem Saran Satsangi) Acclaimed in May,2003

The present Guru is retired Academic Dean of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.

Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod [edit]

Main article: Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod
Picture depicting all six gurus of Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod
Star Monument at Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod

The Radha Swami satsang at Dinod was founded by Param Sant Tarachand ji Maharaj. His name and fame spread to every nook and corner of the world in these thirty-eight years. For his holy cause he visited western countries and Europe twenty times. As a result, there are thousands of initiates in Canada, U.S.A, U.K. and Mid-east countries.

Param Sant Kanwar Saheb ji Maharaj is the present master/guru in Dinod Dham Ashram. He was born on March 2, 1948. His first meeting with his guru had a great phenomenal effect upon him. He declared that he will not return home and will breath his last in his Dinod Ashram. Dinod is a village located in Distt. Bhiwani, State Haryana.

Spiritual gurus in Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod lineage:

Star Monument at Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod

Holy Samādhi of Param Sant Tarachand ji Maharaj fondly called 'Bade Maharaj ji' by his followers is given a beautiful shape of Star monument. Star monument is one of the most breathtaking buildings in India. Param Sant Tarachand ji Maharaj. This building is situated in the Radha Swami Satsang bhawan Complex, Dinod, about 10 km from Bhiwani, Haryana.[3]

Its foundation was laid on October 1, 1997 by Param Sant Huzur Kanwar Saheb ji Maharaj. It was completed in just four years. The monument is a hexagonal pyramid, with its six sides being in the shape of star, as Bade Maharaj ji's first name 'Tara' means a star. Each side measures about 101 feet from the base built on a raised platform measuring about 6 feet. Out of the six, three alternative sides are covered in white marble while the other three in blue Italian glass capable of bearing extreme climatic conditions. A unique thing about the design of this building is that it doesn't have pillars or columns to support itself. The three walls of the Samādhi have prominent stars on them while inside the holy Samādhi there are sparkling and twinkling stars. Ventilation and cooling techniques are traditional. Fresh air when passes over the fountains is cooled and enters the Samādhi through openings and is expelled through vents at the top. During the humid season, the exhaust fans recycle the air.[3]

The Samādhi is constructed on a rectangular platform in the center. The statue of Bade Maharaj ji is erected near the western wall. Apart from this, there are six paintings depicting the life of Bade Maharaj ji on the six corners of the Samādhi. The marble slippers placed on lotus flower near the Samādhi symbolizes the holy feet of Bade Maharaj ji.

Radha Soami TaranTaran [edit]

Website : www.rstt.org.in
LOCATION
Tarn Taran is a district in the state of Punjab in North-West Republic of India. It is 35 kilometers away from the Raja Sansi International Airport and 23 kilometers from Amritsar. Dera Baba Bagga Singh is situated near the Head Post Office at a distance of 300 meters from Tarn Taran Railway Station.Dera is visited by people from around the world and all walks of life.

DETAILS
Radha Soami Dera Baba Bagga Singh, Tarn Taran is a spiritual organization which rests on the spiritual teachings of Surat (Consciousness) given by all Religions and Saints. It is devoted to help people seeking spiritual growth under the supervision of living spiritual master (Satguru).
The philosophy teaches us the path of spiritual development which includes :

Complete vegetarian diet and abstinence from intoxicants: A vegetarian diet is a must. No meat, eggs, fish, alcohol, or mind-expanding drugs are permitted toa disciple. We are accountable for our every act, in the court of God. Accountability for a diet other than the recommended is extremely high. To minimize the negative repercussions and payback we should take the lowest form of life, which are plants.

Moral way of life: All disciples should not be a burden to the society and must live on their own earnings. Disciples must lead a monogamous or a celibate life style.

The practice of daily meditation: At the time of initiation the disciples are taught the method of meditation (Surat Shabad Yoga). Disciple must practice daily to achieve spiritual growth & finally God realization.

It also encourages one to build-up the habit of listening routine Satsangs (discourses) every weekend, held at all Centers. There are no rituals or mandatory contributions. Members need not give up their cultural identity or religious preference to follow this path.


  • MAIN EVENTS
  • 1864: Baba Bagga Singh Ji, was born in village Chuslevar, District Lahore (now in Pakistan).
  • 1882: Baba Bagga Singh Ji qualified for the recruitment test and joined the Army While receiving his uniform he met Baba Jaimal Singh Ji (Founder of Radha Soami Dera Beas).
  • 1883: Baba Bagga Singh Ji was initiated by Baba Jaimal Singh Ji.
  • 1894: Baba Jaimal Singh Ji during his visit to Chuslevar, entrusted the holy task of blessing the devotees with Nam to Baba Bagga Singh Ji.
  • 1889: Baba Bagga Singh Ji went on reserve duty on and began living in his village Chuslevar where kept busy in meditation day and night for nine years.
  • 1899: Baba Jaimal Singh Ji decreed Baba Bagga Singh Ji to find land for his dera in Tarn Taran.
  • 1900: By the order of Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, Baba Bagga Singh Ji purchased land in Tarn Taran and started giving satsang. This place is now called the ‘old Dera’. On the occasion of dera in-auguration, Baba Jaimal Singh Ji with Rukki Ji arrived Tarn Taran and blessed the sangat with his satsang (spiritual discourse). City sangat also came to hear spiritual discourse. That day Hazur Baba Jaimal Singh Ji himself prepared a chapatti in Dera Langar.
  • 1901: With the increase in the sangat (devotees), the land for the present Dera was purchased and the building was constructed on Railway Road Tarn Taran. Baba Jaimal Singh Ji, arrived in this dera with Rukki Ji and blessed the sangat with his spiritual discourse.

Succession at Dera Baba Bagga Singh

  • 1900 to 1944  :Baba Bagga Singh Ji
  • 1944 to 1961  :Baba Deva Singh Ji
  • 1961 to 1988  :Baba Pratap Singh Ji
  • 1988 onwards  :Baba Kehar Singh Ji

Spiritual Gurus of Radha Swami Satsang, Saidpur [edit]

Spiritual gurus in Radha Swami Satsang, Saidpur lineage:

  • Sant Seth Shiv Dayal Singh also known as (Swami Ji Maharaj). It was succeeded by
  • Baba Jaimal Singh Ji The founder of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Ministry lasted from 1884 to 1903.
  • Baba Sawan Singh Ji, also known as The Great Master, Ministry from 1903 to 1948.
  • Baba Teja Singh Ji, founder of Dera Baba Teja Singh, Saidpur, Amritsar from 1948 to 1966
  • His Holiness Hazur Maharaj Sant Rasila Ram Ji, Saidpur, Amritsar from 1966 to July 2011
  • Hazur Baba Subash Chander Singh Ji, Saidpur, Amritsar from 01, August 2011 to till date

Science of the Soul Research Center [edit]

Science of the Soul Research Centre is a registered charitable Society based in New Delhi, India. Its main objective is to promote a sense of brotherhood and communal harmony for the betterment of humanity. One of the ways the Society tries to meet this objective is to conduct research into the spiritual literature of various systems of belief and schools of thought. The Society's aim is to help eradicate bias, prejudice, ill-will, and acrimony between people by revealing their common spiritual heritage and thus forging bonds of empathy and fellowship, the building blocks of love and understanding.

Science of the Soul Research Centre also acts as the international mail order book seller for Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). A non-profit charitable Society, RSSB publishes books about a path of inner development under the guidance of a spiritual teacher. The path is non-sectarian and incorporates a meditation practice, adherence to a vegetarian diet, abstinence from intoxicants, and a moral and ethical lifestyle.

Books From SSRC

  • Adventure of Faith
  • A Treasury of Mystic Terms (6 volumes)
  • A Soul's Safari
  • The Divine Romance
  • The Gospel of Jesus
  • The Odes of Solomon
  • The Prodigal Soul
  • The Song of Songs
  • Vaishnav Bhojan I (Hindi)
  • Vaishnav Bhojan I (Punjabi)

Radha Soami Satsang, Dera Baba Deva Singh Ji Dhianpur [edit]

Swami Gurbachan Lal ji Maharaj was born on 24th sept 1933 in a village - Dhianpur, district Gurdaspur in the state of Punjab in India. He served Police department as a cop till the period of retirement. During his service he was blessed with Naam-daan by his great Master - Baba Deva singh Ji, who was the presiding Satguru at Radha Soami Dera Taran Taaran in Punjab at that time. Baba Deva Singh Ji was born on 25th September 1885, in a village near Lahore. He was initiated at the age of 14 and became a verses reader (Pathi) to his Satguru Baba Bagga Singh Ji. As per the instructions of his Satguru (Baba Jaimal Singh Ji), Baba Bagga Singh Ji never ignored Baba Deva Singh Ji in his whole life. After Baba Bagga Singh Ji left the mortal world, Baba Deva Singh Ji was appointed the next Satguru at Taran Taaran by Baba Sawan Singh Ji. At the time of ceremony Baba Sawan Singh Ji announced, "the person who will differentiate between Beas and Taran Taaran will straight go to the hell."

Baba Deva Singh Ji used to love and like Swami Gurbachan Lal Ji very much for his clean and kind heart, simplicity and pure dedication towards his Master. Once in a satsang Baba Deva Singh Ji told him that he should never think of the Gaddi (post of Satguru) of Dera, like a few other ignorant disciples. Whether it is a Dera, City or Jungle wherever he sits for Satsang, his Master will be with him. The place for Seva of Satsang doesn't matter for a disciple when his Satguru is with him. Baba Deva Singh Ji used to call him with love, Sant Chhora - A hawker of Satnam.

With the order of his Satguru Baba Deva Singh Ji, Swami Gurbachan Lal Ji started blessing the suffering souls with the treasure of Naam - Daan just before his retirement from the police service. He got Satsang Dera constructed in his own land, in his birth place Dhianpur on the name of Radha Soami Satsang, Dera Baba Deva Singh Ji Dhianpur.

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Peter Bernard Clarke (2006). Encyclopedia Of New Religious Movements. Psychology Press. 
  2. ^ a b "Introduction to the Radha Swami faith". Radha Swami Dera Baba Bagga Singh. Radha Swami Dera Baba Bagga Singh. Retrieved 25 June 2012. 
  3. ^ a b Radhaswamidinod.org: Star Monument, Dinod Ashram
  • ^ Larson, Gerald J. India's Agony Over Religion (1995). p. 136. SUNY Press (State University of New York) ISBN 0-7914-2411-1

Further reading [edit]

  • Juergensmeyer, Mark (1991). Radhasoami Reality: The Logic of a Modern Faith, Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-07378-3
  • Lane, David C (1992). The Radhasoami Tradition, New York. Garland Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8240-5247-8
  • Schomer, Karine & William Hewat McLeod, eds (1987).The Sants: Studies in a Devotional Tradition of India, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1987. Academic papers from a 1978 Berkeley conference on the Sants organised by the Graduate Theological Union and the University of California Center for South Asia Studies. ISBN 81-208-0277-2

External links [edit]

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