Contemporary Sant Mat movements: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|New Sikh and Hindu-derived religious movement}}

'''Sant Mat''' (or '''Path of the Masters''') is an [[esoteric]] religious movement active in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and especially India. Sant Mat shares a lineage with [[Sikhism]] and contains elements of thought found in [[Hinduism]], such as [[karma]] and [[reincarnation]]. Some parties consider it to have been formally established by [[Shiv Dayal Singh]] of Agra (1818–1878). The tradition has inspired and influenced a number of other religious groups and organizations.

{{distinguish|Sant Mat}}

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'''Contemporary Sant Mat Movements''', mostly among the [[Radha Soami]] tradition,<ref name="JonesRyan">{{cite encyclopedia |surname=Jones |given=Constance A. |surname2=Ryan |given2=James D. |title=Sant Mat movement |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |url={{Google books|OgMmceadQ3gC|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} |year=2007 |place=New York |publisher=Facts On File |isbn=978-0-8160-5458-9 |series=Encyclopedia of World Religions. [[J. Gordon Melton]], Series Editor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020070415/https://books.google.com/books?id=OgMmceadQ3gC |archive-date=2022-10-20 |url-status=bot: unknown |pages=383–384 |access-date=2022-01-06 }}</ref> are [[esoteric]] philosophy movements active in the United States, Europe, Australia, [[Latin America]], and especially India. These movements assert that [[Sant Mat]] shares a lineage with [[Sikhism]] and contains elements of thought found in [[Hinduism]], such as [[karma]] and [[reincarnation]]. They further assert that Sant Mat also contains elements found in [[Sufism]] and has inspired and influenced a number of religious groups and organizations. They refer to this spiritual path as the "Science of the Soul" or '[[Sant Mat]]', meaning 'teachings of the saints'. More recently it has been described as "The Way of Life" or "Living the Life of Soul". It incorporates a practical [[yoga]] system known as [[Surat Shabd Yoga]].

===Introduction===

Contemporary Sant Mat movements claim to incorporate a personal and private path of spiritual development in the common tradition of mystics past and present. They discuss the irrelevance of rituals, priestly class, mandatory contributions, or compulsory gatherings.

The basic teaching of Sant Mat, as described by [[Sant Thakar Singh | one of its contemporary Masters]], is that everything lies inside us and if we are to find God, He is within. The outside world is only an image or a reflection of the inner reality [1]. So self knowledge or knowledge of the higher self, and also God-knowledge taken as a practical project rather than a theoretical inquiry, are the topics of Sant Mat. [2]

==Introduction==

Sant Mat is a synonym for ''[[Surat Shabd Yoga]]'', the [[yoga]] of the [[Sound Current]], or more simply ''[[Surat Shabd Yoga|Shabd yoga]]'', a meditation technique taught and practiced originally in northern [[India]]. [35]

The basic teaching of contemporary Sant Mat, as described by its Masters, is that everything lies inside us and that God is within. The outside world is only an image or a reflection of the inner reality.<ref>Singh, Thakar (1989). Newspaper interview, Lagos Nigeria. Reprinted in Heart Of Compassion, Kirpal Light Satsang, 1991 {{ISBN|0-917019-11-3}}</ref> So self-knowledge or knowledge of the higher self and God-knowledge (taken as a practical project rather than a theoretical inquiry) are the topics of Sant Mat.<ref name="link2">Singh, Kirpal (1955). Night Is A Jungle, Ruhani Satsang Books. [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/god_man.htm Online_version].</ref>

Practitioners[[Kirpal Singh]] describes [[Sant Mat]] as a synonym for ''[[Surat Shabd Yoga]]'', the [[yoga]] of the [[Sound Current]], or more simply ''Shabd yoga'', a meditation technique he asserts was taught and practiced originally in northern India.<ref>Singh, Kirpal. (1999). ''[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/naam/contents.htm Naam or Word]''. Blaine, WA: Ruhani Satsang Books. {{ISBN|0-942735-94-3}}</ref> Singh writes that practitioners of shabdShabd yoga position the path as not requiring the physical torture of penance and austerities that marked many of the yogas and spiritual paths throughout the ages. Thus it is sometimes called "[[Sahaja|Sehaj]]" (easy) yoga.<ref name="link5">Singh, Kirpal. Man Know Thyself. Ruhani Satsang Books. [5http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/knowthy.htm Online_version]</ref>

Widely accepted translations of the Indian term "Sant Mat" are "Teachings of the Saints" and "Path of the Masters". These are both incidentally the titles of prominent works on the subject.<ref>Singh, Kirpal (1976). The Way of the Saints: Sant Mat. Sant Bani ashram. {{ISBN|0-89142-026-6}}.</ref><ref name="link4">Johnson, Julian (1985). The Path of the Masters: The Science of Surat Shabd Yoga : The Yoga of the audible Life Stream. Radha Soami Satsang Beas. {{ISBN|1-199-61327-4}} (Originally published much earlier, perhaps in the 1950s.)</ref> Another commonly accepted definition of the term is found in [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/knowthy.htm Man Know Thyself] by [[Sant Kirpal Singh]]:<ref name="link5" />

Widely accepted translations of the Indian term "Sant Mat" are "Way of the Saints"

and "Path of the Masters." These are both incidentally the titles of prominent

works on the subject. [3] [4]. Another commonly accepted definition of the term

is found in [[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/knowthy.htm Man Know Thyself]] by

[[Sant Kirpal Singh]]:

<{{blockquote> |Man is constantly changing or introducing new names and terminologies to describe this Science. The Masters were called Sants, and the nature of knowledge Mat, thus giving us the term 'Sant-Mat', which is at present mostly used to name the Path of the Masters. Other terms, such as Shabd Yoga, Surat Shabd Yoga, Sehaj Yoga, are also used to describe the same Science. In the Sanskrit language, the word 'Sant' means Master of the highest Order, and 'Mat' is a confirmed opinion or statement made by an adept after personal experience. The foundation of this Science, therefore, is the result of a critical study, minute investigation, and the lifelong personal verification of facts based on practical experience of the Self in man. This experience of the Self is something that a competent Master is prepared to give to each individual who approaches him. Sant Mat, therefore, is the teaching, system and path of the Saints.}}

experience of the Self is something that a competent Master is prepared to give to each individual who approaches him. Sant Mat, therefore, is the teaching, system and path of the Saints. [5]</blockquote>

However, terminology, names, and groups are not considered to be of any importance in Sant Mat:<ref name="link5" />

<{{blockquote> |The Masters do not attach any importance to names, designations, or the fact that many religious sects, groups and circles, have claimed this Science as their own and named it after their leaders or founders. They look upon these groups as schools where man—the noblest being in Creation—can study with other men as children of one and the same Almighty Father.[5]</blockquote>}}

==Origins==

===Geographical Reach===

{{details|Sant Mat}}

Sant Mat (literally, "school of the [[Sant (India)|Sant]]s") was a loosely associated group of teachers that assumed prominence in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent from about the 13th century. Their teachings are distinguished theologically by inward loving devotion to a divine principle, and socially by an [[egalitarian]]ism opposed to the qualitative distinctions of the Indian caste hierarchy and to the religious differences between Hinduism and Islam.<ref name=Woodhead>Woodhead, Linda & Fletcher, Paul. ''Religion in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations'' (2001) pp.71-2. Routledge (UK) {{ISBN|0-415-21784-9}}"</ref>

==Geographical reach==

Sant Mat while virtually unknown outside India prior to the 1960s, has since spread around the world, initially to Europe, then Latin America and the United States. [[Sant Kirpal Singh]] visited Europe and the United States in 1955 and 1963, and Europe, America, and Latin America in 1972.[14]

Contemporary Sant Mat movements exist all over the world.

[[Radha Soami Satsang Beas]], the mission begun by [[Jaimal Singh]] at the turn of the 19th century, has its headquarters known as "Dera Baba Jaimal Singh", near the river [[Beas River|Beas]] in [[northern India]] since 1891. His master [[Shiv Dayal Singh]] had perhaps 500 initiates, and if one wanted to see the Master it was necessary to travel to his home in Agra. His lineage continues at [[Radhasoami Satsang Dayalbagh]], Agra in India. The Dayalbagh Agra lineage follow [[Shiv Dayal Singh]] - [[Salig Ram]] -[[Maharaj Sahab]] - [[Kamta Prasad Sinha]]- [[Anand Swarup]] - [[Gurcharan Das Mehta]] - [[Makund Behari Lal]] and recently (Since 2003 [[Prem Saran Satsangi]]. Jaimal Singh had perhaps 2500 initiates and did not travel more than a few hundred miles from Beas while he was a Master. [[Sawan Singh]] did not travel outside of India, but is believed to have had as many as one lac (100,000) initiates, some of whom were foreigners. [[Jagat Singh (Sant)|Jagat Singh]] also did not travel outside India. [[Charan Singh (guru)|Charan Singh]] did travel overseas and the present master [[Gurinder Singh]], travels to nearly 90 countries. Today the [[Radha Soami Satsang Beas]] is leading the way forward and encompassing all the teachings of the saints.<ref name="link4" />

[[Sant Thakar Singh]] visited Germany for the first time in 1976, Mexico in 1977, and the USA in 1979. He also travelled with some regularity to South America, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, and Indonesia. He visited Russia in 1996--the first time any Sant Mat Master had ever ventured there. [36] However the vast majority of Sant Mat initiates reside in India. By his own estimate, Sant Thakar Singh initiated more than 2 million people between 1976 and 2005, and more than 1.5 million of these presently live in India. In February 2005 1.1 million people gathered in Pimpalner, India to see Sant Thakar Singh pass the mantle of Guruship to his successor, [[Sant Baljit Singh]]. [43]

[[Sant Kirpal Singh]] visited Europe and the United States in 1955 and 1963, and Europe, America, and Latin America in 1972.<ref>[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/kirpal.htm Ruhani Satsang USA website, Tour reports]</ref> The various spiritual leaders who claim to lead this movement now frequently travel all over the world.

===General Tenets===

==General tenets==

The most central tenet is the need to be initiated by a living Master or [[Satguru]] ("sat" meaning true and "guru" meaning Master or Spiritual Teacher). "Competent Master" is another common formulation: the Master must be competent in the sense of having been commissioned by God, not just a person who feels like working in the role of a guru:

<blockquote>It is a sad affair that there are thousands of imitators, of false copies, but it doesn't mean that the world is devoid of truth and that a Master is not available to the people...It has always been a law that at least one complete master would be on earth to bring God's truth to the people. One such Master can benefit the entire world just as one sun can glorify and light up the entire world. [16] </blockquote>

Technically speaking Sant Mat practice involves listening to the [[Shabd|Inner Sound]], contemplating the[[Light (theology)|Inner Light]], and (eventually) [[Astral projection|leaving the human body at will]] - a practice sometimes referred to as "dying while living". The principal intent is to awaken the Soul and unite it with God.[17]<ref>"My dear souls, I should call you souls because we are from God. It is told to us" 'Your soul bears the seal of God. It belongs to God, give it unto God.' These words from the Bible and other scriptures were told by God himself when he came into the human garb. He came because Man has been misled. God is the only one who has sympathy with these suffering souls. He wants to end their suffering: 'Come back to me. Enjoy perfection, as I am perfect.'" LTLOS, page 1.</ref> Sant Mat is a practical and not a theoretical investigation.<ref>"The present day is an age of the practical life. People do not believe unless there is something practical. So we must have all our Truth in a practical way, and it will appeal to all. This Truth will prevail. Times are changing. This is the only thing that can appeal to everybody. This is the only ground on which all of us can sit together. So I wish each one of you to be practical. Do not try to reform others. Reform your own self." LOK [18http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/ocean.htm The Ocean of Intoxication].</ref>

Contemporary Sant Mat claimsmovements claim to be different in a radical sense from other disciplines or kinds of knowledge, which can be taught. It claims to be a meta-knowledge or method of going beyond knowledge and deprecates the mind and mental processes, at all times describing a dichotomy between the mind and the soul, in which the mind is only a negative copy or imitation of the soul.<ref>"Anyone whose soul is under the mind's influence and control becomes an image of the mind, for he forgets his true self. We call this ego or I-hood for one thinks 'I am everything.' Yet, one does not know that true 'I.' If one has forgotten one's true Self, then who is it that will realize the Lord?" LOK [22http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/listen.htm Oh Mind, Listen For Once].</ref> The mind is to become still and quiet so that the soul can begin to experience itself.[23]<ref>"Once, TheI soulremember, hasa itsvery ownlearned internalpundit sourcescame ofto knowledgeour Master. I was there. He had a talk with my Master. At the end he said, "Will you kindly initiate me?" He was initiated. Then he told the Master, "Master, I will become proficient within three months. I'll do everything You say and whencome properlyback." connectedMaster said, "All right, what more is wanted?" He came back after six months, and fortunately I was there because I had the privilege to itsbe back with the Master. innerHe sourcessaid, no"Master, outerpreviously educationl orhad knowledgebeen putting in eight hours a day in worship, and my mind never disturbed me. Now I cannot sit for a moment." You see? It is requiredbecause orin desiredthe outward performances, the mind gets food. You light the candle, you offer flowers, then you do this and that. The mind gets food. But in this way, the mind meets its death. He would prefer to go into the mouth of a cannon rather than enter within." LOK [24http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/lok/servant.htm Are You The Servant Of Your Mind?]</ref>

The second essential tenet of Sant Mat is the mystical role of the Sound Current:

<blockquote>''Prajapatir vai idam-agreagree asit Tasya vak dvitiya asit Vak vai Paramam Brahma''</blockquote> (from Vedas)

<blockquote>In the beginning was [[Prajapati]] (the Creator),

With Him was the [[Vāk|Vak]] (the Word),

And the Vak (the Word) was verily the

Supreme Brahma[[Brahman]].</blockquote>

Proponents compare this with the verses of John 1 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201;&version=31 John] to assert their special use of comparative religion (seeking the common thread in all religions and esoteric phenomena). ''Naam or Word'' [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/naam/contents.htm], written by [[Sant Kirpal Singh]], explores this theme. It asserts that the Sound Current is the esoteric form of God, which is available to human beings.<ref>"When we meditate on that light of God and that music, we will find access to God himself. The music we hear in this outer world is the outer expression of that inner music. In the Jap Ji, twenty-seventh stanza, you will find Nanak marvelling at God's mansion...he says that in God's house he found all music, so many instruments, so many kinds and types of songs, and so many singers. Then Nanak further explains that all this universe, the Judge and air and fire and everything there is, is going on because of music....Everything is Music. God is also music and he controls everything with music." And You Will Fly Up To God (see [16]). p. 36.</ref> The Guru, who is a human being, has merged with the Sound Current in such a manner that he is a living manifestation of it, (the Word made flesh).<ref name="link42">Way of Life, 2002. "'Word made flesh and dwelt amongst us.' The Word God came into this world in human flesh and began to dwell with us. Why? So that the competency of the Word God, who has created everything, maintains everything, and is full God, will work in this world in the same capacity as it works in the highest heavens. " p. 8.</ref> However, not just the Guru can achieve this, but all human beings are inherently privileged in this way <ref name="link42" />

Compare this with the verses of John 1 [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201;&version=31 John] and the reader can begin to understand why Sant Mat makes special use of comparative religion (seeking the common thread in all religions within an underlying esoteric phenomena) and why the Word or Sound Current is of principle importance in Sant Mat. [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/naam/contents.htm Naam or Word], written by [[Sant Kirpal Singh]], explores this theme in great detail.

===Helping factors===

The Sound Current is the esoteric form of God which is available to human beings. [39] The Guru, who is a human being, has merged with the Sound Current in such a manner that he is a living manifestation of it (the Word made flesh). [42] However, not just the Guru can achieve this, but all human beings are inherently privileged in this way; indeed, in Sant Mat the raison d’être for the human form is to meditate on the Sound Current, and in so doing merge with it into oneness. [42]

Beyond the two main tenets, Contemporary Sant Mat movements emphasize an ethical lifestyle and selfless service. They assert that these are not spirituality as such, but are necessary preparation for true spirituality to commence.<ref>An Ethical Lifestyle, Selfless Service. Video tape recording, Edition Naam USA. 2000.</ref> A self-introspective diary or daily diary tracking ethical lifestyle in five cardinal disciplines is sometimes recommended as a way to self-monitor one's own ethical condition. The five cardinal virtues tracked by

the diary are ''Ahimsa'' or [[Nonviolence]], Truthfulness, [[Chastity]], love for all regardless of caste, creed, wealth, or intellectual attainments (i.e., [[Humility]]), and finally the maintenance of a strict [[Vegetarian]] diet. Drugs and alcohol are also to be avoided, as is the company of worldly-minded people.<ref name="link45">And You Will Fly Up To God, p. 57-75, "The Daily Diary".</ref>

[[Selfless Service]] or Seva means devoting oneself to mental, physical, or financial service to the Guru, and the sangat (or devotees). Mental service means keeping constant remembrance of God by means of repetition of the Mantra (known as [[Simran (Sanskrit word)|Simran]]) or by other means keeping the Guru in mind. Physical service means doing some physical work, as in the situation where one helps dig a well at an ashram or gives a talk about the Master to the public. Financial service means giving money to the mission of the Master (to his organization) instead of spending it on oneself. The concept of Financial Seva is quite similar to [[tithe|tithing]] as known generally in Christianity. Also, just as a very general rule, at least 10% of one's time should be spent in meditation.<ref name="link45" />

===Helping Factors===

Beyond the two main tenets of the importance of a living Master and the special role of the Sound Current, Sant Mat emphasizes

the helping factors of an ethical lifestyle and selfless service. These are not spirituality as such, but are necessary preparation

for true spirituality to commence. [44] A self-introspective diary or daily diary tracking ethical lifestyle in five cardinal disciplines is sometimes recommended as a way to self-monitor one's own ethical condition. The five cardinal virtues tracked by

the dairy are <i>Ahimsa</i> or [[Nonviolence]], Truthfulness, [[Chastity]], love for all regardless of caste, creed, wealth, or

intellectual attainments (i.e., [[Humility]]), and finally the maintenance of a strict [[Vegetarian]] diet. Drugs and alchohol are also to be avoided, as is the company of worldly-minded people. [45]

[[Selfless Service]] or [[Seva]] means devoting oneself to mental, physical, or financial service to the Guru.

Mental service means keeping constant remembrance of God by means of repetition of the Mantra (known as [[Simran]]) or by other means keeping the Guru in mind. Physical service means doing some physical work, as in the situation where one helps dig a well at an ashram or gives a talk about the Master to the public. Financial service means giving money to the mission of the Master (to his organization) instead of spending it on oneself. The concept of Financial Seva is quite similar to [[tithing]] as known generally in Christianity. Also, just as a very general rule, at least 10% of one's time should be spent in meditation. Meditation is the actual spiritual practice, but also a form of service, in the sense that the Soul is serving God by honoring His desire that it become one with Him. [44]

===Practices===

Contemporary Sant Mat movements assert that the "Master" or [[Guru]] is provided by God as the channel through which God manifests in the world - God is believed to be unknowable and inconceivable, so he has created Gurus as a way in which to be available. Only humans are capable of interacting with a Master, as other forms of life are asserted to be incapable of doing so.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

Teachers of contemporary Sant Mat movements claim to teach a spiritual path that is intentionally easier than others described in the ancient scriptures, as it requires nothing more than sitting quietly and looking and listening within.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

Functionally, the Master or Guru is provided by God as the channel through which He manifests in the world. We cannot know the absolute God at the mental level as that form is unknowable and inconcievable.[8] So God has created a way

in which He can be available, even here, in the outside world of illusion, i.e., a manifestation that human beings can see, listen to, and understand prior to having found anything within: the Guru. Only the human form has the

privilege both of bearing the manifestation of God and also of listening to and experiencing the presence of the Master as a phenomenon. The other forms of life on Earth are benefitted by the Master's presence, but only indirectly, as their

forms have not been created for any purpose other than to glorify this world. They cannot appreciate God in manifest form; only human beings can do that.[25]

Specifics of this process include connecting one's soul or attention, called ''[[Surat (soul)]]'' with the inner Current of Light and Sound of God, the [[Shabd]]. Adherents believe this Sound Current cannot be heard by the uninitiated; it is made manifest at the time of initiation.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} An essential component of the practice involves sitting still with eyes closed, with one's attention focused at the "third eye center", located between and behind the two eyebrows, while (mentally) repeating one or more [[mantra]]s given by the Guru to the disciple at the time of initiation. This is called [[Simran (Sanskrit word)|simran]] (repetition) and its primary function is to still the mind while remembering (or being connected to) the Guru via the mantra he provided. However listening to the Sound Current by plugging the ears with the thumbs and listening at the right side or above is equally as important. Sound is considered to be the source of the Light, and to contain everything required.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

The Masters teach a spiritual path which is intentionally easier than others described in the ancient scriptures as it requires nothing more than sitting quietly and looking and listening within. (As mentioned, the term "Sehaj" yoga means "easy" or "middle" way.) Meditation is the prescribed medicine for our ills, and is to be taken liberally. [26]

The concept of [[Satsang]] is also a common thread in contemporary Sant Mat movements' practices. Satsang means literally "gathering of Truth." These gatherings serve as the formal meeting place of the Master and his devotees when he is present in physical form, but also, more often, follow the tradition of early Christianity and take place in the homes of disciples or in any convenient ___location as times of remembrance of the Master and the need for meditation.<ref>"You may also gather together in one of your homes to listen to one of Master's tapes or read from the religious scriptures or talk about Master's mission or His teachings. That will also be a satsang." And You Will Fly Up to God, p. 68-69.</ref>

Specifics of this process include connecting one’s soul or attention, called ''[[Surat (soul)]]'' with the inner Current of Light and Sound of God, the [[Shabd]]. This Sound Current cannot be heard by the uninitiated; it is made manifest at the time of initiation.[27] An essential component of the practice involves sitting still with eyes closed, with one's attention focused at the "third eye center", located between and behind the two eyebrows, while (mentally) repeating one or more [[mantra]]s given by the Guru to the disciple at the time of initiation. This called [[simran]] (repetition) and its primary function is to still the mind while remembering (or being connected to) the Guru via the mantra he provided. However listening to the Sound Current by plugging the ears with the thumbs and listening at the right side or above is equally as important. Sound is considered to be the source of the Light, and to contain everything required. [28] In some situations 100% Sound meditation is employed. When Sant Thakar Singh was undergoing heart bypass surgery he requested all of his initiates to meditate 100% on Sound.[37]

In contemporary Sant Mat movements, not everyone automatically qualifies for [[Initiation]]; many teachers require that prospective followers be spiritually “ready”. This was especially true in earlier times, when people made more time available. There are definite criteria for judging whether or not a person is indeed ready for initiation: they must be ready to eschew drugs and alcohol, lead a disciplined and chaste lifestyle, avoid spiritual healing and other forms of meditation, and commit to several hours of meditation per day.<ref name="link2" />

The concept of [[Satsang]] is also a common thread in Sant Mat. Satsang means literally "gathering of Truth." These gatherings serve as the formal meeting place of the Master and his devotees when he is present in physical form, but also, more often, follow the tradition of early Christianity and take place in the homes of disciples or in any convenient ___location as times of remembrance of the Master and the need for meditation. [29]

==Sects==

Not everyone automatically qualifies for [[Initiation]]; many teachers require that prospective followers be spiritually “ready”. This was especially true in earlier times, when people had more time available. Very few people would come today for initiation if a five or ten year course of purification and service were required beforehand. [30] These days, the initiation comes first, to prove the efficacy of the path to the aspirant; he or she is then asked to maintain what they have been given via self-introspection. [31] There are definite criteria for judging whether or not a person is indeed ready for initiation: they must be ready to eshew drugs and alcohol, lead a disciplined and chaste lifestyle, avoid spiritual healing and other forms of meditation, and commit to several hours of meditation per day.[2]

There are many sects/movements within contemporary Sant Mat movements, with different leaders and varying belief systems. Examples include [[Advait Mat]] and [[Radha Soami]] with following sub-lineages: the [[Radha Soami Satsang Beas]], [[Radha Soami Satsang Sabha|Radha Soami Satsang Dayalbagh]], [[Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod]], [[Kirpal Singh#Ruhani Satsang|Ruhani Satsang]], and also the [[Science of Spirituality]] (SOS) with [[Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission]] and [[Dera Sacha Sauda]].

The work of [[David C. Lane]] provides a partial catalogue of various sects related to the Radha Soami Satsang Beas and attempts to study their formation from a socio-economic point of view.<ref>Lane, David, [http://elearn.mtsac.edu/dlane/radhabook.html The Radhasoami tradition: A Critical History of Guru Successorship] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517161248/http://elearn.mtsac.edu/dlane/radhabook.html |date=2011-05-17 }}'' (1992). Garland Publishers, New York {{ISBN|0-8240-5247-1}}</ref> [[Mark Juergensmeyer]] has also extensively studied groups related to Radha Soami Satsang Beas.<ref>Juergensmeyer, Mark. ''Radhasoami Reality'' (1995). Princeton University Press {{ISBN|0-691-01092-7}}. [https://books.google.com/books?id=slX3eRycszMC&q=Radha+Soami Excerpts]</ref>

===Origins===

===Related movements===

"..It appears that Surat Shabd Yoga in one form or another was prevalent in the [[Upanishad]]ic period of India." [10]

The new religious movement [[Eckankar]] is considered by some to be an offshoot of the Sant Mat tradition. [[Paul Twitchell]], who founded Eckankar, was an initiate of [[Kirpal Singh]].<ref name="JonesRyan" />

The similar to Eckankar American syncretistic [[Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness]] was founded in 1971 by [[John-Roger Hinkins]].<ref name="JonesRyan" />

A translation of the [[Nada-Bindu Upanishad]] by [[K. Narayanasvami Aiyar]] contains the following verses:

The "Quan Yin Method" of meditation promoted though the spiritual teachings of [[Ching Hai]], a former student of [[Thakar Singh]], also has notable similarities to Sant Mat.<ref name="JonesRyan" />

: ''..The Yogin being in the Siddhasana (posture) ...should always hear the internal sound through the right ear. The sound which he thus practises makes him deaf to all external sounds. ...In the beginning of his practice, he hears many loud sounds. They gradually increase in pitch and are heard more and more subtly. At first, the sounds are like those proceeding from the ocean, clouds, kettle-drum and cataracts; in the middle (stage) those proceeding from Mardala (a musical instrument), bell and horn. At the last stage, those proceeding from tinkling bells, flute, Vina (a musical instrument) and bees. Thus he hears many such sounds more and more subtle. When he comes to that stage when the sound of the great kettle-drum is being heard, he should try to distinguish only sounds more and more subtle. He may change his concentration from the gross sound to the subtle, or from the subtle to the gross, but he should not allow his mind to be diverted from them towards others. The mind having at first concentrated itself on any one sound fixes firmly to that and is absorbed in it. ...Being indifferent towards all objects, the Yogin having controlled his passions, should by continual practice concentrate his attention upon the sound which destroys the mind. Having abandoned all thoughts and being freed from all actions, he should always concentrate his attention on the sound and (then) his Chitta becomes absorbed in it..''

The [[Elan Vital (organization)|Elan Vital]], formerly [[Divine Light Mission]], founded by [[Hans Maharaj]] and succeeded by his sons [[Prem Rawat]] and [[Satpal Maharaj]], was characterized as part of the Sant Mat tradition.<ref name="JonesRyan" /><ref>Kranenborg, Reender (Dutch language) ''Neohindoeïstische bewegingen in Nederland : een encyclopedisch overzicht'', published by Kampen Kok cop. (2002) {{ISBN|90-435-0493-9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal| issn = 0038-0210| volume = 47| issue = 2| pages = 111–124| last = DuPertuis| first = Lucy| title = How People Recognize Charisma: The Case of Darshan in Radhasoami and Divine Light Mission| journal = Sociological Analysis| year = 1986| doi = 10.2307/3711456| publisher = Oxford University Press| jstor = 3711456}}<!--| access-date = 2008-10-14--></ref> Satpal Maharaj also established the [[Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti]].

These directions are similar to instructions passed on at the time of initiation to initiates from their Masters in most, if not all, Sant Mat groups.

In the West, detailed indications and advice have been given by [[Edward Salim Michael]] in his book ''The Law of attention, Nada Yoga and the way of inner vigilance''. [[Ajahn Sumedho]], from the [[Thai Forest Tradition]] teaches the practice of this inner sound.

===Politics===

==See also==

There are many factions and rival "perfect masters" within the Sant Mat tradition [11], although this has nothing to do with the relative veracity of the teachings in themselves. Indeed, confusion about who is actually the true guru is a common thread in most if not all religious traditions: eventually, the Teacher leaves the scene. As in early Islam, where the death of the Prophet precipitated the schism that created the Shia-Sunni rift[12], or in Buddhism, where the transmission of the bowl and robe was a heated and highly contested process [13], so too, in Sant Mat one finds considerable confusion over who is the true guru.

* [[Kirpal Singh|Param Sant Kirpal Singh]]

* [[Darshan_Singh_(Sant_Mat)|Sant Darshan Singh]]

Lineage is not a factor in determining the authenticity of a master, but can certainly pique the interest of those looking from the outside in at what is happening with a religious group or sect. [11a] Each group usually posits that its current leader is the true spiritual heir in the Sant Mat genealogy. However, there is an easy way to determine if a Sant Mat Master is competent. A true Sant Mat Guru can give first hand experience of the inner Light and Sound, as described in the scriptures going back to Sikh times. Anyone who can do this is commonly agreed upon to be a legitimate master, even if "others in the field" are also going about their business of making followers. [20]

* [[Rajinder Singh (Sant Mat)]]

* [[Sant Baljit Singh]]

There are incompatible views regarding the lineage of the proposed Sant Mat founder, Shiv Dayal Singh, because the tradition "went underground" for a time and was lost to history.[32] [[Ruhani Satsang]], which was established by Sant Kirpal Singh in 1949, set the start of the Sant Mat movement even earlier than Shiv Dayal's time, asserting the existence of an unbroken line of spiritual succession starting with the poet saint [[Kabir]], on to [[Ten Gurus|Guru Nanak and the other nine masters]] of the [[Sikh]] religion, and ultimately to Shiv Dayal Singh. Others deny this because the fate of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, is not well understood by history. Some believed he died in the civil war raging at the time; Sant Kirpal Singh writes that this was not the case, and that Gobind Singh initiated one Ratnager Rao, a member of his household. Ratnager Rao initiated Tulsi Sahib, and Tulsi Sahib initiated Shiv Dayal Singh. [21][41]

* [[Sant Ajaib Singh|Ajaib Singh]]

* [[Sirio Carrapa]]

Groups such as the Beas Satsang, the Tarn Taran Satsang, the Manavata Mandir Satsang and the Sarai Rohilla Satsang hold that Shiv Dayal Singh was but another saint in the tradition of [[Guru Nanak|Nanak]] and Kabir. The [[Radhasoami]] group (started by [[Rai Salig Ram]], one of Shiv Dayal's three principle disciples) today holds that Shiv Dayal was unique in human history. I.e., they have started their own religion.

* [[Baba Faqir Chand]]

* [[Bhagat Munshi Ram]]

It is possible to view all of these events from the standpoint of socio-economic factors. As David Lane points out in his work on one of the offshoot Sant Mat sects, [[The Radhasoami Tradition]],

* [[Thakar Singh]]

* [[Kanwar Saheb]]

: ''"..guru succession is oftentimes a struggle over controlling theological doctrines, membership ranks, and property rights. Hence, gurus do not merely represent their own inner callings, but various material interests, ranging from the 'right interpretation' of Radhasoami teachings to the governance of sadhu and household members of outlying branches to ownership rights over inherited sacred property. With such larger 'worldly' issues at stake, it is little wonder that guru politics can turn into an ugly slugfest between sister-related communities. The decades long legal battle between Dayal Bagh and Soami Bagh over worship rights at Shiv Dayal Singh's [[samadh]] is perhaps the most graphic illustration of how social factors play a central part in succession contests."''

* [[Gurus of Shabdism]]

* [[Nāda yoga|Nada yoga]]

However, what a doctor has for breakfast does not make any difference to his efficacy as a doctor. What a lawyer takes in his tea has no correlation to his skill in arguing a case. So what is essential to Sant Mat has nothing to so with studies of sociological or political reality as Sant Mat has no point in contact with these topics. Sant Mat does not even accept the reality of the physical world, not to talk about giving it weight or importance. [38] The Masters are not concerned with property, but only with what good can be got out of it. [40]

===Similar and Derivative Movements===

The Sant Mat path has been compared variously to spiritual traditions followed by the [[Pythagoreans]], [[Hermeticism|Hermeticists]], the [[Seth]]ians, [[Theraputae]], [[Essene]]s (and other mystics within Judaism), the original Jewish Christians, the [[Gnostic]] religions, [[Manichaeism|Manichaeans]], some [[Catholic]] monasteries, monasteries of the [[Orthodox Church]] -- including the great [[mystery school]] atop [[Mount Athos]] in Greece, and the [[Sufi]] mystics of [[Islam]] who practice [[Zikar]] of the Spirit, Light, and Sound.

The [[Quan Yin Method]] of meditation promoted though the spiritual teachings of [[Supreme Master Ching Hai]] also has notable similarities to Sant Mat. The religious movement [[Eckankar]] is considered by some to be an offshoot of the Sant Mat tradition. Paul Twitchell, who founded Eckankar, was an initiate of Sant Kirpal Singh. Dr. [[Reender Kranenborg]], a [[religious studies|religious scholar]] at the [[Vrije Universiteit|Free University in Amsterdam]] who specialized in new religious movements and Hinduism considers [[Prem Rawat|Maharaji/Prem Rawat]]'s [[Elan Vital]] (formerly called [[Divine Light Mission]]) to be Sant Mat derivative. [35]

MasterPath is another contemporary American derivative of [[Surat Shabd Yoga]], although it diverges from the norm by charging money for the teachings. [19] Its founder and current Living Master is Sri Gary Olsen. Although MasterPath does not describe itself as having a formal descendant lineage from the Sant Mat Masters, Olsen acknowledges them among several historical [[satguru|Satgurus]] as representatives for the eternal Inner Shabda Master, such as [[Lao Zi|Lao Tsu]], [[Jesus]], [[Pythagoras]], [[Socrates]], [[Kabir]], the [[Sufi]] Masters and mystic poets [[Hafez]] and [[Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi|Rumi]], the [[Sikhism|Ten Sikh Gurus]] beginning with [[Guru Nanak Dev|Guru Nanak]], Tulsi Sahib, and the Radhasoami/Radha Soami and offshoot Masters, including [[Shiv Dayal Singh]], [[Sant Kirpal Singh]] and, particularly, [[Baba Sawan Singh]]. [33] [34]

==Related Links==

; Sant Mat Roots

* [http://www.geocities.com/advaitavedant/nadabindu.htm Nada-bindu Upanishad] (Translated by K. Narayanasvami Aiyar)

* [http://www.hafizonlove.com/ Hafiz on Love]

* [http://www.rumionfire.com Rumi on Fire]

* [http://www.boloji.com/kabir/ Kabir Sahib]

* [http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/T/TulsiSahib/ Tulsi Sahib Poetry]

* [http://www.sikhs.org Sikhism]

:* [http://www.sikhs.org/10gurus.htm The Sikh Gurus]

:* [http://www.sikhs.org/english/frame.html Adi Granth, English Translation]

:* [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/jj/title.htm Jap Ji] Morning Recitation of the Sikhs

* [http://www.hindunet.org/quickintro/hindudharma/ Hinduism and the Hindu Dharma]

* [http://www.gospelthomas.com/ The Gospel of Thomas (Esoteric Christianity)]

* [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=1&version=31 The Bible]

; Radasoami

* [http://www.rssb.org/ Radha Soami Satsang Beas]

* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/radhasoami-reality/ Radhasoami Reality]

* [http://www.angelfire.com/linux/radhasoami/ Radhasoami Satsang - Peepal Mandi]

* [http://elearn.mtsac.edu/dlane/radhabook.html The Radhasoami tradition: A Critical History of Guru Successorship]

; Sant Kirpal Singh

* [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/ Ruhani Satsang USA]

* [http://www.santmat-diewahrheit.de Sant Mat - Die Wahrheit]

; Sant Thakar Singh/Sant Baljit Singh

* [http://www.knowthyselfassoul.org/ Know Thyself As Soul Foundation]

* [http://www.editionnaam.com/ Edition Naam USA]

* [http://www.santmat.net/ SantMat.Net]

* [http://www.holosophic.org/ Holosophic Society]

* [http://www.santmat-meditation.net Sant Mat Meditation Net]

; Sant Ajaib Singh/Sant Sadhu Ram Ji

* [http://www.ajaib.com/ Ajaib.com]

* [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/ Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Memorial Site]

:* [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/planes-640.jpg “The Grand Scheme of All Creation”]

* [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/lifesj/lifesj.html Russell Perkins on Sant Ajaib Singh]

* [http://www.mediaseva.org/ Media Seva Site]

;Sant Darshan Singh/Sant Rajinder Singh

[http://www.sos.org/ Science of Spirituality]

;Dr. Harbhajan Singh (Bhaji)/Surinder Kaur (Bhiji)

* [http://www.unity-of-man.org/ Unity of Man]

:* [http://www.unity-of-man.org/en/documents/successorship.html Successorship controversies]

;Offshoots

* [http://www.eckankar.org/ Eckankar]

* [http://www.masterpath.org MasterPath]

* [http://a4.nu/ching-hai/index.htm Suma Ching Hai]

:* [http://godsdirectcontact.us/ Quanyin Method]

;Critical/Pejorative

* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship/ The Sant Mat Fellowship]

* [http://www.globalserve.net/~sarlo/Ratings.htm Sarlo's Guru Rating Service]

* [http://elearn.mtsac.edu/dlane/ The Neural Surfer]

==References==

{{reflist|30em}}

<!-- Dead note "link6": The Significance of a Living Master (2000). Video Tape Recording. Edition Naam USA. Interview with Sant Thakar Singh. 55 min. -->

<!-- Dead note "link7": Singh, Kirpal (1960). Naam or Word. Ruhani Satsang, Delhi. [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/naam/contents.htm Online_version] -->

<!-- Dead note "link8": Singh, Thakar (2002). The Way of Life 2002. Edition Naam USA. p. 54 -->

<!-- Dead note "link10": [[David Lane]]. -->

<!-- Dead note "link15": Singh, Thakar (1983). And You Will Fly Up To God, Collected Talks 1976-1981. Kirpal Light Satsang. (No ISBN) -->

<!-- Dead note "link38": "Our inner way of living is so important. Everything external is dependent upon the internal life. Strong blows that seem to come from the outer world actually originate within us; nothing comes from outside that was not first inside us. Our outer life is not only connected to, it is completely dependent upon our inner life [so] we must concentrate only on strengthening our inner selves." And You Will Fly Up To God, p. 168. -->

<!-- Dead note "link46": [http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/mormon/mormon.html SoYouWanna convert to Mormonism?] website. -->

<!-- Dead note "link47": Singh, Ajaib (1982) The Ocean Of Love (Anurag Sagar) of Kabir. Sant Bani Ashram (No copyright) [http://www.geocities.com/anulbird/anuragindex.html Online Version] -->

<!-- Dead note "link49": "The Holy Guru Granth Sahib contains over 500 verses by Kabir. The Sikh community in particular and others who follow the Holy Granth, hold Kabir in the same reverence as the other ten Gurus. Kabir openly criticized all sects and gave a new direction to the Indian philosophy. This is due to his straight forward approach that has a universal appeal. It is for this reason that Kabir is held in high esteem all over the world." -Rajender Krishan 1999 [http://www.boloji.com/kabir/intro.htm Kabir Online] -->

<!-- Dead note "link48": "Guru Granth Sahib recognizes many saints of the Bhakti movement of medieval India. Kabir, Farid, Namdev are the saints belonging to this movement which swept across the North India from 1100 A.D. till 1600 A.D...(Kabir) is widely acknowledged as one of the great personalities of the Bhakti movement..." [http://www.punjabilok.com/faith/sufi_bhakti/sufi_index.htm Punjabilok, Sufi and Bhakti] -->

<!-- Dead note "link50": "The modern age of Sant Mat, wherein the spiritual science of the Surat Shabd Yoga is openly taught and first-hand spiritual experience is given, maybe said to have begun with Kabir Sahib." Kirpal Singh, A Great Saint, Baba Jaimal Singh, p. 133. -->

<!-- Dead note "link51": "He advised me to read Kabir Sahib's Anurag Sagar. I immediately ordered eight copies of this book from bombay, so that I could give some to my friends..." quoted of Baba Sawan Singh, A Great Saint, Baba Jaimal Singh, p. 74. -->

<!-- Dead note "link52": Singh, Ajaib, The Ocean of Love, Sant Bani Ashram 1982. -->

<!-- Dead note "link53": Video recording dated Feb 6th, 2005, disks 2 and 3. Edition Naam USA. -->

<!-- Dead note "baljit-intellectuals": Video recording, Lighthouse Center Oregon, July 27, 2005. Edition Naam USA. -->

==Further reading==

[1] Singh, Thakar (1989). Newspaper interview, Lagos Nigeria. Reprinted in Heart Of Compassion, Kirpal Light Satsang, 1991 ISBN 0-917019-11-3

* ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20110517161248/http://elearn.mtsac.edu/dlane/radhabook.html The Radhasoami tradition: A Critical History of Guru Successorship]'', by [[David C. Lane]], Garland Publishers, New York 1992 {{ISBN|0-8240-5247-1}}

[2] Singh, Kirpal (1955). Night Is A Jungle, Ruhani Satsang Books. [[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/god_man.htm Online_version]].

[3] Singh, Kirpal (1976). The Way of the Saints: Sant Mat. Sant Bani ashram. ISBN: 0891420266.

[4] Johnson, Julian (1985). The Path of the Masters: The Science of Surat Shabd Yoga : The Yoga of the audible Life Stream. Radha Soami Satsang Beas. ISBN: 1199613274 (Originally published much earlier, perhaps in the 1950's.)

[5] Singh, Kirpal. Man Know Thyself. Ruhani Satsang Books. [[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/knowthy.htm Online_version]]

[6] The Significance of a Living Master (2000). Video Tape Recording. Edition Naam USA. Interview with Sant Thakar Singh. 55 min.

[7] Singh, Kirpal (1960). Naam or Word. Ruhani Satsang, Delhi. [[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/naam/contents.htm Online_version]]

[8] Singh, Thakar (2002). The Way of Life 2002. Edition Naam USA. p. 54

[9]

[10] Lane, David.

[11] "Things are happening according to the planning of God, and the ordinary people cannot understand it. But when we go to the higher level, everything is crystal clear. When you go to the main officer, the main controller, you can find out what his plans are. But if you go to the servants or attendants, they cannot tell you what will really happen because they do not know the real plan or basic principles. So the people of this world [cannot know who the Master is.] They are too low in their understanding. What is to happen and what is going on is only known at the higher level of the soul." Singh, Thakar (2005). Live The Life Of Soul, Edition Naam USA. page 107-108.

[11a] The books and essays of [[Mark Juergensmeyer]] and [[David Lane]] give more information on this political aspect.

[12] News story with background on the [http://www.internews.org/visavis/BTVPages/ShiaSunni_Schism.html Shia-Sunni rift].

[13] The Sutra of Hui Neng trans. A. F. Price and Wong Mou-Lam 1969. Autobiographical details on the Buddhist succession of the Sixth Patriarch.

[14] Ruhani Satsang USA website, Tour reports. [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/kirpal.htm]

[16] Singh, Thakar (1983). And You Will Fly Up To God, Collected Talks 1976-1981. Kirpal Light Satsang. (No ISBN)

[17] "My dear souls, I should call you souls because we are from God. It is told to us" 'Your soul bears the seal of God. It belongs to God, give it unto God.' These words from the Bible and other scriptures were told by God himself when he came into the human garb. He came because Man has been misled. God is the only one who has sympathy with these suffering souls. He wants to end their suffering: 'Come back to me. Enjoy perfection, as I am perfect.'" LTLOS, page 1.

[18] "The present day is an age of the practical life. People do not believe unless there is something practical. So we must have all our Truth in a practical way, and it will appeal to all. This Truth will prevail. Times are changing. This is the only thing that can appeal to everybody. This is the only ground on which all of us can sit together. So I wish each one of you to be practical. Do not try to reform others. Reform your own self." LOK [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/ocean.htm The Ocean of Intoxication].

[19] "The monthly membership dues are $25. The initial mailing includes an introductory audio tape, MasterPath general information, and video tape of the Master...If you decide to sincerely investigate this Path, ''please be willing to give this investigation at least two years for you and the Master to “check each other out,” and the Master will work with you during that time.'' In this way you can allow the love of the Path to reveal itself to you." From [http://www.masterpath.org/sriGaryOlsen/nextstep.htm The MasterPath website]. Voluntary donations are common in Sant Mat; monthly membership dues and a two year preliminary "investment" is a more unusual circumstance.

[20]

[21] Singh, Kirpal (1984). Light Of Kirpal, Sant Bani Press. [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/lok/contents.htm Online Version].

[22] "Anyone whose soul is under the mind's influence and control becomes an image of the mind, for he forgets his true self. We call this ego or I-hood for one thinks 'I am everything.' Yet, one does not know that true 'I.' If one has forgotten one's true Self, then who is it that will realize the Lord?" LOK [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/listen.htm Oh Mind, Listen For Once].

[23] "Once, I remember, a very learned pundit came to our Master. I was there. He had a talk with my Master. At the end he said, "Will you kindly initiate me?" He was initiated. Then he told the Master, "Master, I will become proficient within three months. I'll do everything You say and come back." Master said, "All right, what more is wanted?" He came back after six months, and fortunately I was there because I had the privilege to be back with the Master. He said, "Master, previously l had been putting in eight hours a day in worship, and my mind never disturbed me. Now I cannot sit for a moment." You see? It is because in the outward performances, the mind gets food. You light the candle, you offer flowers, then you do this and that. The mind gets food. But in this way, the mind meets its death. He would prefer to go into the mouth of a cannon rather than enter within." LOK [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/lok/servant.htm Are You The Servant Of Your Mind?]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29] "You may also gather together in one of your homes to listen to one of Master's tapes or read from the religious scriptures or talk about Master's mission or His teachings. That will also be a satsang." And You Will Fly Up to God, p. 68-69.

[30] Singh, Thakar (2002). Video Taped talk given at Lighthouse Center, Oregon July 30th 2002 (Evening). [http://www.editionnaam.net/mp3/2002/2002-07-30-ET.mp3 Audio Online].

[31]

[32] LOK [http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/lok/temple.htm Online version, "True Temple is The Man Body"].

[33] Holtje, D. (1995). ''[http://www.masterpath.org/masterpath_books/index.htm From Light to Sound: The Spiritual Progression]''. Temecula, CA: MasterPath, Inc. ISBN 1885949006

[35] Kranenborg, Reender (Dutch language) ''Neohindoeïstische bewegingen in Nederland : een encyclopedisch overzicht'', published by Kampen Kok cop. (2002) ISBN 9043504939

[34] Olsen, Gary. (1999). ''MasterPath: The Divine Science of Light and Sound'', (Vol. 1). Temecula, CA: MasterPath, Inc. ISBN 1885949014

[35] Singh, Kirpal. (1999). ''[http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/naam/contents.htm Naam or Word]''. Blaine, WA: Ruhani Satsang Books. ISBN 0942735943

[36] Know Thyself As Soul Foundation (2005). A Tribute To Sant Thakar Singh. Pictures of Russian visit.

[37] Jan 2004. Personal communication with Ramona Gallager, Sant Thakar Singh's Northeast Regional Representative.

[38] "Our inner way of living is so important. Everything external is

dependent upon the internal life. Strong blows that seem to come

from the outer world actually originate within us; nothing comes

from outside that was not first inside us. Our outer life is not only

connected to, it is completely dependent upon our inner life [so]

we must concentrate only on strengthening our inner selves."

And You Will Fly Up To God (see [16]) p. 168.

[39] "When we meditate on that light of God and that music, we will find access to God himself. The music we hear in this outer world is the outer expression of that inner music. In the Jap Ji, twenty-seventh stanza, you will find Nanak marvelling at God's mansion...he says that in God's house he found all music, so many instruments, so many kinds and types of songs, and so many singers. Then Nanak further explains that all this universe, the Judge and air and fire and everything there is, is going on because of music....Everything is Music. God is also music and he controls everything with music." And You Will Fly Up To God (see [16]). p. 36.

[40] "There is a purpose. It is not the purpose of the buildings, that we ask, “What will happen to the building? Where will it go?” No, you are to see what has been the output of this building, what we have got out of the building, and if we have got something out of the building and the building is no more, okay, it doesn’t matter. If the fruit has been found and that tree is gone, it doesn’t matter. We have found the fruit. So what is meant by the buildings, it is not (that) we are having a building. We have no building, no property at all. No Master had ever thought like that. But the thing is that if you are to sit even in some kind of excursion - somewhere you go, you find some place - you have to clean a little portion and spread some sheet over there and feel that there is no dirt nearby (so) that the atmosphere (and) the surrounding is also better so that we may relax a little or take some little picnic or food over there.

So in this way, wherever we are to stay, even for some time, we have to make some place worth living as simple as possible. We are not to make glorious things, but just to serve our purpose, bare purpose. When we have got this purpose and let (it be), the Master leaves the body, it doesn’t matter whatever happens to the buildings or properties. So, this is what is regarding the properties or any other organizations, and organizations are also of God power, Master power. He will (be) able to arrange.

Every Master who comes, he comes with (his) own commission. They are not a copy to each other. All Masters have their own commission and have to fulfill their own commission. All the arrangements which are there, he makes himself. If he had to find something from the previous one, that is also arranged. If some previous properties, some previous organizations are to be used, then they will be available. Otherwise if he is not to use, he has to prepare everything fresh, new. That is also no difficulty, no problem. The new Master is not dependent upon any previous ongoing organizations, any properties, any ashram, or any manav kendras - lighthouses. He has his own competency, powers, and arrangements to go along with his work." Sant Thakar Singh, unpublished manuscript "The Answer Is Love." From a talk given Aug 15, 2002 at Lighthouse Center Oregon, USA.

[41] Singh, Kirpal (1949). A Great Saint, Baba Jaimal Singh. Ruhani Satsang Books, p. 7-9.

[42] Way of Life, 2002. (See [8]). "'Word made flesh and dwelt amonst us.' The Word God came into this world in human flesh and began to dwell with us. Why? So that the competency of the Word God, who has created everything, maintains everything, and is full God, will work in this world in the same capacity as it works in the highest heavens. " p. 8.

[43] [http://www.editionnaam.com/satsangs/satsang-list.jsp Intoduction Of Sant Baljit Singh], Video tape recording, Edition Naam USA, Dated Feb 7, 2005.

[44] An Ethical Lifestyle, Selfless Service. Video tape recording, Edition Naam USA. 2000.

==External links==

[45] And You Will Fly Up To God, p. 57-75, "The Daily Diary".

* [https://www.spiritualawakeningradio.com/surat-shabd-yoga-sant-mat Sant Mat, Kabir Panth, and Radhasoami Guru Lineage Charts]

* [http://www.schoolofspirituality.org/ Pier Franco Marcenaro - Living Sant Mat Master]

;official websites

[46] [http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/mormon/mormon.html SoYouWanna convert to Mormonism?] website.

* {{official website|rssoamibagh.org/en-rs/SatsangSangrachna.php|Central Administrative Council, Radhasoami Satsang, Soami Bagh, Agra}}

* {{official website|derasachasauda.org|Dera Sacha Sauda}}

* {{official website|eckankar.org|Eckankar}}

* {{official website|manavdharam.org|Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti}}

* {{official website|masterpath.org|MasterPath}}

* {{official website|msia.org|Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness}}

* {{official website|rssb.org|Radha Soami Satsang Beas}}

* {{official website|radhasoamisatsang.org|Radha Soami Satsang Dayalbagh}}

* {{official website|radhaswamidinod.org|Radha Swami Satsang Dinod}}

* {{official website|ruhanisatsangusa.org|Ruhani Satsang USA}}

* {{official website|sos.org|Science of Spirituality}}

[[category:{{Sant Mat|*]]}}

{{New Religious Movements}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Contemporary Sant Mat Movements}}

[[de:Sant Mat]]

[[Category:Contemporary Sant Mat]]

[[Category:Sikh groups and sects]]