Baba Sawan Singh washing his hands in Dera Baba Jaimal Singh

Dear friends around the world,

There is not one path or thought, one guru or teacher, or one religion or specific method that can bring us to divinity. People define this journey to divinity in many different ways. For some, this journey is to an outer divinity which they were created from. For others, this journey is to an inner divinity which ultimately makes them part of a whole. Therefore, the divine or divinity has great wisdom and foresight; it knows everything to be known within existence.

How divinity manifests to teach us and how divinity shows an example to live by cannot be limited to one religion, guru or path. So, to say that one religion or path is better than another, that one god is better than another god, or that a particular god or guru is not good is absolutely and definitively wrong. The reason that it is wrong is because none of us, myself included, is an enlightened being. Neither are we divine. But, we do have the potential to become divine. We have the potential to become, for the lack of a better phrase, one with the “cosmic whole”. For someone who has become one with the “cosmic whole”, or has become divinity and is divine, they will see things in their pure form and will have no criticism for others.

However, does that mean that there are no charlatans and no bad paths out there? Of course there are charlatans and bad paths, but we have to be sure of what we are practising. We have to be sure that it does not disturb our personal spiritual paths by judging others.

I am someone that likes to watch videos and read books about various spiritual paths, although I am strong in my affinity towards the practice of Buddhism. But, I do not constrain others by saying that Buddhism is the only path for them. That is totally illogical. So, we all have our paths, methods, religions and masters but what is of the utmost importance in today’s interconnected, increasingly “small world” is that we respect each other, our religions and our particular paths. We should not convert others or demean them. We should never judge another person’s practice. Instead, we should accept them with tolerance, love, and an eye of care and compassion.

I was watching a video by a great 92-year-old master by the name of Ishwar Puri and became entranced because what he talks about is so similar to what is mentioned in Buddhism. What I conclude is that the truth is the truth, even if we may approach it differently. Ishwar Puri’s guru, a saint of the Sikh religion, was His Holiness Baba Sawan Singh.

So I decided to have a blog post written about His Holiness Baba Sawan Singh, as I thought it would inspire people around the world to read about him, learn about his life and understand him. His journey was one of acceptance of all religions, paths, backgrounds and denominations. It is a journey because it has to be viewed through the eyes of love, compassion and acceptance if we wish to reach the divine, just like His Holiness Baba Sawan Singh.

Without understanding the path, the methods and other spiritual traditions, it is hard to go on that journey. My motivation for creating this post is to help people on their journey of acceptance, tolerance and love. At the same time, it is to educate people that deep down inside, we all want the same thing — happiness, peace and enlightenment. So, I ask all of you to read this blog post carefully and it is with great humility and honour that I present to you His Holiness Baba Sawan Singh.

Tsem Rinpoche

Baba Sawan Singh

Baba Sawan Singh Grewal (1858-1948), known as “The Great Master” to his followers, was a charismatic Indian saint of the Sikh faith. He was the spiritual successor to his teacher, Baba Jaimal Singh, and inherited his position as head of the Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, which is also known as Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). Under Baba Sawan Singh’s spiritual guidance, RSSB flourished and has become a place where millions go to seek answers to the deeper meaning of life.

Baba Sawan Singh always encouraged his followers to practise compassion and religious tolerance, to respect all lifeforms, and to abstain from intoxicants. As with all great spiritual men, Baba Sawan Singh’s actions embodied the wisdom that he preached. Even during the most traumatic period in Indian history, when the creation of Pakistan led to inter-religious conflict, Baba Sawan Singh continued to practise universal compassion and religious tolerance. He led his followers in providing assistance to those who were suffering, regardless of their religious denomination and background.

Today, almost 70 years after his passing, Baba Sawan Singh’s teachings live on in the hearts of many.

“The human body is a cage. Within it is imprisoned the spirit or soul, which is like a bird in a cage. The bird is in love with the cage and is always singing songs of attachment for the earth. If, however, the covers, or bodies, are cast off from the soul, the bird begins to taste the Truth, and the cage is shattered into fragments. The bird then flies away to its home, which is in Sach Khand [the Realm of Truth] … When the veils are torn, millions of enrapturing joys which constitute the “peace that passeth understanding” are all attained.”

~ Baba Sawan Singh (1858 – 1948)

Early Life

Baba Sawan Singh was born into a respectable Jat Sikh family in the district of Ludhiana in Punjab, India on 27^th July 1858. He was the only son of Kabul Singh Grewal, a Subedar-major (a commissioned officer rank) in the Indian Army, and his wife, Shrimati Jiwani. Kabul Singh Grewal was a deeply religious man while Shrimati Jiwani was the epitome of simplicity. She had an amiable character and was content with her existence. As the only son of his parents, Baba Sawan Singh became the focus of his parents’ aspirations and hopes.

Ludhiana in Punjab, India where Baba Sawan Singh was born.

The good character of his parents played an important role in Baba Sawan Singh’s life. From a young age, he embodied the admirable qualities of forgiveness, contentment, devotion, and humility. His mind was free of narrow-mindedness and intolerance. Kabul Singh loved the company of holy men and served them with great reverence and sincerity. He would often take his son along to meet them. Baba Sawan Singh enjoyed a close relationship with his father and shared his passion for service.

After graduating from a school in Gujarwal, Baba Sawan Singh taught at a military school in Farrukhabad. In 1878, he fell very ill and was called home, where he recuperated for two years. It was during this period of recuperation that Baba Sawan Singh met a yogi named Bhoop Singh Ji. After spending some time in the company of this yogi, he developed a desire to renounce his secular life and become a sadhu (mendicant).

Baba Sawan Singh’s ancestral home in Mehman Singh Wala, Punjab, India

However, Baba Sawan Singh recognised that, as his parents’ only son, he had a duty to serve them. He decided to hide his desire for renunciation because he believed abandoning his filial duty would also prevent him from reaching perfection in spiritual practice.

In 1884, Baba Sawan Singh entered the Thomason College of Civil Engineering, which is now known as the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. He was well-liked by his fellow students and known for his intelligence and diligence.

The Thomason College of Civil Engineering

Prior to his graduation, his father insisted that he join the military and so Baba Sawan Singh obtained a commission in the army after he graduated. He then accepted an offer to work as an overseer at the Military Engineering Service in Nowshera (present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan). Here too, Baba Sawan Singh was popular with both his colleagues and subordinates.

A picture of Baba Karam Singh Ji

Baba Sawan Singh spent his free time studying spiritual books. He was fluent in the English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Persian languages and this linguistic knowledge complemented his spiritual studies. He studied the holy books of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism, while also maintaining his focus on the Sikh spiritual texts — the Guru Granth Sahib and the Gurbani, which comprises of the writings of prominent Sikh writers and teachers. Baba Sawan Singh also immersed himself in the fundamental principles of general ethics, devotion and love.

At Nowshera, Baba Sawan Singh attended the teachings of a local Sikh teacher named Baba Karam Singh. He also visited Peshawar and met a mystic named Baba Kahan, with whom he spent many hours in discussion. It is said that Baba Kahan’s display of supernatural powers during their meetings evoked a deep sense of devotion in Baba Sawan Singh and he asked the holy man to give him initiation. However, his request was declined. Baba Kahan told him that he was destined to meet another holy man who would become his teacher.

Baba Kahan: You will certainly have a spiritual benediction from the hands of a perfect Saint but not from me.

Baba Sawan Singh: Where shall I search for such a person?

Baba Kahan: All your efforts shall be in vain, but in the fullness of time, that personage shall himself find you out.

Source: Singh, Sant Kirpal, A Brief Life-sketch of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh with a short narrative of His Teachings.

When he was a young boy, Baba Sawan Singh had been promised to a bride of his parents’ choosing. However, the girl passed away before the Gauna ceremony (consummation ceremony common in child marriages) could be held. After 25 years of Brahmacharya, the stage of life that focuses on education and the practice of celibacy, Baba Sawan Singh was married to Shrimati Kishan Kaur. This marriage was graced with three children. One of the children passed away at a young age and the couple was left with two surviving sons, Sardar Bachint Singh and Sardar Harbans Singh.

Baba Sawan Singh’s engineering instruments

Meeting His Teacher

Baba Sawan Singh during his service days as a military engineer

Baba Sawan Singh’s military career brought him to Muree, a popular hill station in the Rawalpindi District. This posting gave him the opportunity to meet and converse with pilgrims on their way to Shree Amar Nath, a Hindu shrine in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

In 1894, Baba Kahan’s prophecy became a reality. One day, as Baba Sawan Singh was inspecting the work in progress on Kohmarie Road in his capacity as a sub-divisional officer of the Military Engineering Service, an old Sikh man and a middle-aged lady passed by. The man was Baba Jaimal Singh and the lady was his disciple, Bibi Rukko.

Baba Jaimal was one of the spiritual successors of Shiv Dayal Singh, the founder of the Radhasoami (or Radha Soami) faith. Although the faith has similarities with Sikhism, its emphasis lies strictly on the leadership of a living Satguru. Baba Sawan Singh did not pay much attention to this man who would change the course of his life because he assumed they were petitioners on their way to file an appeal with the commissioner.

Muree, a popular hill station in the Rawalpindi District

Baba Jaimal Singh pointed in the direction of Baba Sawan Singh and engaged Bibi Rukko in a prophetic conversation:

Baba Jaimal Singh: It is for his sake we have come here.

Bibi Rukko: But he has not even greeted you.

Baba Jaimal: What does the poor fellow know yet? On the fourth day, he will come to us…

Source: Lane, David Christopher, The Enchanted Land: A Journey with the Saints of India, USA, MSAC Philosophy Group, 2008, p. 18

Initiation into Sikhism

Four days later, Baba Sawan Singh did indeed go to the place where Baba Jaimal Singh was staying. Several days of conversation with Baba Jaimal Singh dispelled any doubts he had in this holy man and Baba Sawan Singh regarded Baba Jaimal as “a beacon of light for his life’s journey”. On 15^th October 1894, Baba Jaimal Singh initiated Baba Sawan Singh into the secrets of Surat Shabd Yoga.

After the initiation, Baba Sawan Singh stayed with his teacher for two months. Baba Jaimal Singh then left town and Baba Sawan Singh engaged in intense meditation by himself, using the techniques he had been taught.

His sense of devotion and love for his teacher increased every day and he developed an intense longing to be near him. Baba Sawan Singh would visit Baba Jaimal Singh at every available opportunity to obtain his invaluable blessings and teachings.

Baba Jaimal Singh’s diary and watches

Baba Sawan Singh flourished under the guidance of Baba Jaimal Singh. Within nine years, he realised “the eternal Realm of Truth according to the Saints, which is beyond time and space” and became a master of the Radhasoami and Sant Mat traditions. David Christopher Lane touches on this in his book, The Enchanted Land:

“First by coming into contact with an authentic master; second, by explicitly following the instructions of his teacher (daily meditation, pure moral life, surrender of the body/mind/soul to the living presence of Shabd, etc.); and third, by realising experientially that his real Self is neither body nor a mind but an effulgent wave of Consciousness.”

Source: Lane, David, ‘The Enchanted Land: A Journey with the Saints of India’, USA, MSAC Philosophy Group. 2008. p. 12

As in some other religious traditions such as Buddhism, a qualified and authentic teacher is the key to obtaining spiritual attainments. This is also in accordance with what is stated in the Guru Granth Sahib and by Maulana Rumi.

“Take hold of the hand of the Master, for without Him the way is full of untold dangers and difficulties. Never for a moment get separated from the Master and never place too much confidence in thy own valour or wisdom.”

~ Maulana Rumi

“Meet the Master and get initiation from Him. Surrender thy body and mind to Him and invert within. Thou shalt find the path only through analysing the self.”

Source: Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book of Sikhs)

Video: Baba Sawan Singh – Portrait and Words of Wisdom

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/BabaSawanSinghCombined.mp4

In 1891, Baba Jaimal Singh settled at a camp (dera) from which he conducted the affairs of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB). In 1902, after the foundation stone for the main satsang hall was laid, Baba Jaimal Singh told Bibi Rukko, “I will not hold a satsang in this hall.” Upon hearing this statement, Bibi Rukko started to cry. When she asked him who would be holding the satsangs after him, he asked her to go into the hall and see for herself. She went; Baba Sawan Singh was there.

Before he passed away in 1903, Baba Jaimal Singh assigned spiritual work to Baba Sawan Singh. Many devotees began to address him as “Maharaja Ji” or “Hazur Maharaj Sahib.”

Radha Soami Satsang Beas

The Satguru of Radha Soami Satsang Beas

Baba Sawan Singh in 1911

Following Baba Jaimal Singh’s death, Baba Sawan Singh spent most of his time in spiritual and devotional practice but also retained his position in the Military Engineering Service. However, he felt an increasing need to devote his life exclusively to spreading the message of spirituality and serving truth seekers, and opted for early retirement in 1911.

The camp set up by Baba Jaimal Singh in 1891 was located approximately three miles from the railway station of Beas (on the Eastern Punjab Railway). Baba Sawan Singh established a beautiful settlement on the bank of the Beas River and named it “Dera Baba Jaimal Singh” in honour of his beloved teacher. An accomplished engineer himself, Baba Sawan Singh erected several large buildings to accommodate the increasing influx of truth seekers. The camp gradually grew into a satsang that included bungalows, a satsang hall, and houses.

Baba Sawan Singh during satsang

Between 1934 and 1935, Satsang Ghar, a beautiful grand hall in the shape of the letter “T” was built at the cost of 200,000 rupees. It was not just the most impressive structure in the camp but in all of Northern India. The building was built to hold satsang but, due to the increasing number of seekers who came to the camp, it proved to be too small. Today, Satsang Ghar is used for initiation ceremonies.

Due to his wisdom and charisma, Baba Sawan Singh’s popularity spread like wildfire; truth seekers of various religious denominations from around the world came to solicit his advice and obtain his blessings. The following passage reveals the exceptional qualities that made him so popular amongst his devotees:

“[Baba Sawan Singh] unfolded the Divine mysteries with such an easy and facile grace that His words went home and penetrated deep down into the hearts and made an everlasting impression. This is possible only when a really competent personage with practical personal esoteric experience within expounds the Truth of the actual spiritual experiments and has the competency to infuse into the innermost recesses of the brain not only mere words but the results of His own vast spiritual experiments along with the pith of the essential principles thereof.”

Source: Singh, Sant Kirpal, The Life of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh

His following included Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and Christians not only from the region but also from the United States and European countries such as Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Germany.

His Charisma and Exceptional Qualities

It was difficult not to be drawn in by Baba Sawan Singh’s charisma and exceptional qualities. He was physically beautiful, well-proportioned, and was endowed with exquisite facial features, a long white beard, and a mole on his right cheek. It is said that he bore a Padam Rekha (lotus line in palmistry) on his feet.

Baba Sawan Singh initiated children in Kalabagh

Everywhere he went, he was the subject of many yearning eyes. There is a Persian verse that perfectly describes the physical appearance of this holy man:

Husne Yusuf, dame Isa, yad-i-baiza dari
Anche hama khuban darand to tanha dari

Thou hast beauty of Joseph, healing power of Jesus Christ, and brilliant hand of Moses. In short, thou alone possesseth all these qualities of loveliness that constitute physical assemblage of graces.

Source: Singh, Sant Kirpal, A Brief Life-sketch of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh with a short narrative of His Teachings

Compared to his physical features, his mind was even more impressive. Baba Sawan Singh was a fountain of wisdom, knowledge, compassion, peace, truth and brotherhood.

He had no known negative qualities, and never discriminated based on creed, caste or skin colour. Baba Sawan Singh’s presence alone was sufficient to lighten the mood of individuals bogged down by their myriad earthly problems. His hands were free from viciousness, malice and materialism. Baba Sawan Singh never accepted personal gifts from anyone, including his disciples, and depended on the pension from his career as an officer.

Baba Sawan Singh holding satsang in front of his followers

In addition to his exceptional charisma, Baba Sawan Singh lived up to the humanitarian ideals he preached. He was a dependable friend to those who were suffering, regardless of their religious denomination. Baba Sawan Singh used to say, “All religions and all countries are mine and I love them equally.”

In conveying the teachings, Baba Sawan Singh’s speech and methods were very clear. His wisdom penetrated into the minds of listeners, no matter their background or level of intelligence. Sant Kirpal Singh described how Baba Sawan Singh spoke:

“[The] simple and illuminative words and phrases uttered forth by Him to unravel the problems of Reality were peculiarly sweet and intoxicating. Ordinary pulpit-preachers when they deliver their addresses on the basis of intellect and reasoning simply betray that it is only imitative art as if it is scattering scentless flowers, distributing wine un-intoxicating, beauty without attraction and body without soul.”

Source: Singh, Sant Kirpal, A Brief Life-sketch of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh with a short narrative of His Teachings

With his exceptional knowledge, wisdom, compassion and charismatic presence, Baba Sawan Singh became the perfect vessel to relay the teachings of the holy saints of the past such as Guru Nanak, Tulsi Sahib, Kabir Sahib, Soami Shiv Dayal Singh, Paltu Sahib and Maulana Rumi.

Baba Sawan Singh and his students

His Message of Spirituality

Baba Sawan Singh advised his followers to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, respect all forms of life and acknowledge that unnecessarily taking a life results in a debt that will have to be repaid in the future. He also encouraged them to abstain from intoxicants so they would attain a calm mind which would help them concentrate during meditation.

Baba Sawan Singh with his students

After 1911, Baba Sawan Singh devoted his life exclusively to spreading his spiritual message. His devotees could be found in large numbers in villages across Punjab but he travelled all over India and his enigmatic presence and personality attracted myriad followers everywhere he went.

In India alone, over 30 satsang halls were built for the purpose of imparting spiritual knowledge to his congregation. At the monthly congregation at RSSB, 60,000 to 80,000 truth seekers would come to satisfy their spiritual thirst.

Truth seekers at RSSB

Manmade concepts of status, position, faith, belief and even nationality were no barriers to his fame. During his lifetime, Baba Sawan Singh had approximately 200,000 followers from various religions, castes, backgrounds and social status. Spiritual aspirants from as far away as Europe and America travelled to India to attend his teachings. Among the thousands of his Western followers were the Governor-General and Viceroy of India, Colonel Saunders (the Secretary to His Excellency Lord Irwin), Dr. Julian P. Johnson (an American surgeon and the author of several books on Eastern spirituality) and Pierre Schmidt (a physician from Switzerland).

A Beacon of Humanity

The 1940s saw terrible turbulence and communal strife that culminated in the Partition of India, the division of the colonial British province of Punjab between Pakistan and India. The majority-Muslim western Punjab became Pakistan’s Punjab Province while eastern Punjab with its larger Sikh and Hindu population became India’s Punjab state. During this period, there was hatred and inter-communal violence that resulted in untold misery, loss of life and material damage on both sides. The situation was not favourable for anyone.

This picture was taken in September 1947. Muslim refugees were fighting for space in an overcrowded train to flee India during the Partition of India

According to Prof. Istiaq Ahmed, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Stockholm University:

“In March 1947, the Muslims started large-scale violence, mainly against Sikhs but also against Hindus, in the Muslim-majority districts of northern Punjab. Yet, at the end of that year, more Muslims had been killed in East Punjab than Hindus and Sikhs together in West Punjab.”

Source: Ahmed, Istiaq, ‘The Punjab Bloodied, Partitioned and Cleansed’, Fair Observer, 2012.

In the midst of this inter-religious violence and hatred, Baba Sawan Singh became a beacon of humanity and once again proved his universal compassion. He provided safe refuge for 100 Muslims who lived near Dera Baba Jaimal Singh and arranged for them to be escorted safely to Pakistan.

Later Life and Death

Baba Sawan Singh continued to work tirelessly into his old age, spending long hours to satisfy the millions of truth seekers who came to him for guidance. When he was 90 years old, Baba Sawan Singh still worked an average of 18 hours a day. This taxing schedule had an adverse impact on his increasingly frail physical frame. His students pleaded with him to seek treatment.

Baba Sawan Singh with his students at Beas Railway station

In September 1947, after establishing a managing committee to handle the day-to-day affairs of his centres, he went to Amritsar to seek medical advice. There, he was told that there was a tumour in his bladder. After he returned, his physical condition fluctuated.

His students made every effort to search for an effective medical remedy but it was fruitless. It is believed that when a holy man such as Baba Sawan Singh suffers from a chronic medical condition, it is actually the result of absorbing the negative karma of his followers.

Baba Sawan Singh with his secretary, Lala Har Narayan

Even during his illness, Baba Sawan Singh continued to participate actively in the management of the Dera (camp) and gave instructions to his students about what to do after his passing.

In February 1948, Baba Sawan Singh was confined to bed due to his illness. By the end of the same month, he enquired about the number of people that he had initiated. After checking the records, his students told him, “Up till now, about one hundred and fifty thousand souls have been awakened by Hazur.” Hazur was the nickname of Baba Sawan Singh. In the evening of the same day, Baba Sawan Singh called one of his main students, Kirpal Singh and said, “I have done half of your work and have given Naam (initiation) to over one and a half lakh persons, and the rest you have to accomplish.” On another occasion, Baba Sawan Singh also advised Kirpal Singh to build his own satsang.

Baba Sawan Singh’s room in his residence

On 29^th March 1948, Baba Sawan Singh’s condition worsened. This situation was testing on those who loved and waited on him. On 1^st April 1948, Kirpal Singh made a humble request to Baba Sawan Singh to remove the illness from his holy body:

“Master, thou art above body and bodily influences, unconcerned as to comforts and discomforts, but we humble and helpless beings are afflicted hard and cannot endure the sight of Hazur thus suffering bodily. Thou hast all powers. We should be extremely grateful if Hazur very graciously removes this indication of disease on His body.”

Source: Singh, Sant Kirpal, The Life of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh

Out of his compassion, Baba Sawan Singh fulfilled Kirpal Singh’s prayer:

“After the prayer, when I opened my eyes, Hazur’s body was in a state of perfect repose. Hazur’s forehead was shining resplendently. He opened His mercy-showering lovely eyes intoxicated with God’s divine love and cast a glance at my humble self, both eyes gleaming with radiance like a lion’s. I bowed my head in solemn and silent adoration and said, ‘It is all Hazur’s benignity!’”

Source: Singh, Sant Kirpal, The Life of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh

Baba Sawan Singh visiting Pisawa Fort

Baba Sawan Singh passed away the following day, 2^nd April 1948, at 8:30 a.m. at Dera Baba Jaimal Singh. His students believed that although Baba Sawan Singh’s mortal body had left them, his soul was not far away.

After Baba Sawan Singh’s passing, his spiritual successors continued to spread his teachings around the world and quench the thirst of those seeking the truth. Before he passed away, Baba Sawan Singh appointed his disciple, Baba Jagat Singh, to be his spiritual successor. Although some of Baba Sawan Singh’s disciples like Kirpal Singh and Mastana Balochistani would later move on and establish their own successful spiritual missions, they remained devoted to the memory and teachings of their Satguru.

Baba Sawan Singh’s watches and spectacles

Baba Sawan Singh’s clock

Notable Students

Baba Jagat Singh (1884-1951)

Baba Jagat Singh (1884-1951)

Baba Jagat Singh was Baba Sawan Singh’s spiritual successor. Prior to dedicating his life to full-time spiritual practice, Baba Jagat Singh was a professor of Chemistry at Punjab Agricultural College. He received initiation into the practice of Surat Shabd Yoga from Baba Sawan Singh.

After becoming his disciple, Baba Jagat Singh spent most of his weekends with his teacher at Dera Baba Jaimal Singh. In 1943, he retired from secular work and devoted his life to spiritual practice. Upon the passing of his teacher, Baba Jagat Singh became the third master of RSSB until his death on 23^rd October 1951.

Kirpal Singh (1894 – 1974)

Kirpal Singh (1894 – 1974)

Kirpal Singh was one of Baba Sawan Singh’s closest disciples. Prior to meeting Baba Sawan Singh, Kirpal Singh had been a government official. After the passing of his beloved master, Kirpal Singh established his own spiritual mission, Ruhani Satsang, in accordance with Baba Sawan Singh’s wishes.

Kirpal Singh has authored a number of books and had the opportunity to serve as the President of the World Fellowship of Religions for a period of time.

Mastana Balochistani (1891-1960)

Mastana Balochistani (1891-1960)

Mastana Balochistani was originally from Balochistan. He had always been inclined toward spiritual practice, even at a young age. When he was 14 years old, Balochistani left his home to search for a spiritual teacher, and his efforts bore fruit nine years later when he met Baba Sawan Singh.

Balochistani established Dera Sacha Sauda on 29^th April 1948 following his teacher’s advice to teach meditation and conduct spiritual discourses for the residents of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

A Brief Introduction to Sikhism

Sikhism was established in the 16th century by Guru Nanak (1469-1538)

Sikhism was established in the 16^th century by Guru Nanak (1469-1538) and the nine teachers who followed him:

1. Guru Angad (1504-1552)
2. Guru Amar Das (1479-1574)
3. Guru Ram Das (1534-1581)
4. Guru Arjun (1563-1606)
5. Guru Gargobind (1595-1644)
6. Guru Har Rai (1630-1661)
7. Guru Har Krishan (1656-1663)
8. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675)
9. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emphasises the belief in one god. Sikhs are devoted to God, whom they keep in their hearts and minds, and believe in the importance of doing good deeds rather than just focusing on rituals. Sikhism believes in treating every individual equally, and in honesty, hard work, generosity, and serving others.

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru

Before his passing, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru declared that the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib would have the status of a living guru, and that the followers of Sikhism should revere it as they would a human teacher. He also advised that if they could not find the answer in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh community should make the decision in accordance with the principles of their holy scriptures. Currently, there are approximately 27 million Sikh followers in the world.

About Radha Soami Satsang Beas

The Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB), also known as Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, is a non-profit philosophical organisation that emphasises inner development under a spiritual teacher’s guidance. It was founded by Baba Jaimal Singh in 1891 and has since developed into an international organisation. Currently, RSSB holds congressional meetings in over 90 countries around the world and is not affiliated to any commercial or political organisation.

Radha Soami Satsang Beas

The name ‘Radha Soami’ is a Hindi term which literally means “Lord of the Soul”. Satsang refers to a group of truth seekers, and Beas is the town in Northern India where the original centre was located. The present Satguru of RSSB is Baba Gurinder Singh who resides at the organisation’s main centre in Beas, northern India. Members of RSSB are free to adhere to any religion, and the organisation does not involve itself in the personal lives of its members. However, RSSB members are advised to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle and to abstain from recreational drugs, tobacco and alcohol. They are expected to live their lives in accordance with high moral values and encouraged to support themselves financially.

Video: Dera Baba Jaimal Singh Ji

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/DeraBabaJaimalSinghJi.mp4

Recommended Reading (Free Download)

Spiritual Gems (Click to download PDF)

Discourses on Sant Mat (Click to download PDF)

The Spiritual and Karmic Aspects of the Vegetarian Diet (Click to download PDF)

Hazur Baba Sawan Singh: Pictures and Quotes (Click to download PDF)

The texts above were sourced from legitimate book-hosting services offering these texts for free download. They are made available here for purely educational, non-commercial purposes.

Addendum

As mentioned in the introduction, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche came across Baba Sawan Singh when watching a video of Ishwar Puri, who is a student of Baba Sawan Singh. The video, titled “Attachments are Mistaken to be Love“, caught Rinpoche’s attention. In the video, Ishwar Puri explains that the outer guru, which he calls the ‘perfect living master’ or Satguru in Hindi, is actually your own true self (or inner divinity) appearing as a human being to guide you. You can watch this powerful video below:

VIDEO: Attachments are Mistaken to be Love – Ishwar Puri

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/AttachmentsAreMistakenToBeLoveIshwarPuri.mp4

The Path of the Masters

The Path of the Masters by Dr. Julian Johnson, an American student of Baba Sawan Singh

One of the most famous books on the teachings of Baba Sawan Singh was written by his American student, Dr. Julian Johnson. Dr. Johnson was both a theologian and surgeon, but above all is remembered as a man in search of the truth. It was at the height of his worldly success that he abandoned his position and moved to India to study with Baba Sawan Singh. He spent his time learning at the feet of the great master and practised diligently. In fact, it is said that he was rewarded with a vision of reality beyond all forms. Dr. Johnson’s love for his master was unbounded, his faith was implicit and his devotion was unyielding. After moving to India, he never once returned to the United States where he was born.

Dr. Johnson wrote The Path of the Masters under the specific instructions and guidance of Baba Sawan Singh, in order to transmit his timeless teachings to the West. In this work, he not only shares the teachings but infuses them with his own personal experiences, providing readers with a glimpse of what it is like to work towards divinity.
 

Bhajans

Bhajans are the generic name given to Indian devotional songs. The Radhasoami tradition of Baba Sawan Singh has many such songs that express the devotional attitude of its practitioners towards divinity and their guru. Below are two such beautiful songs sung by Mary Fewel Tulin.

Mere Vich Na Guruji Gun Koi

By Mary Fewel Tulin

      Mere Vich Na Guru Ji Gun Koi.mp3

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Lyrics

Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya
Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya

Translation: 0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.
0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.

Sab avgun mai gun nahi koi, kyo kar kant milava hoi
Kyo kat kant milava hoi, auguna da mai bharya

Translation: You have all good qualities – I have none.
How could the meeting with the Beloved happen?

Na mai rup na banke naina, na kul dhang na mithe bena
Na kul dhang na mithe bena, auguna da mai bharya

Translation: I have neither beauty nor attractive eyes.
I have neither good ways nor sweet words.

Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya
Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya

Translation: 0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.
0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.

Asi papi ha augun hare, aake dig pe tere dvare
Tere bina kite mildi na dhoi, auguna da mai bharya

Translation: We are sinners – we are full of bad qualities. We have fallen at your door.
Except for You we find no refuge at any place.

Yatima samaj ke chaudali layo, ger chaurasi da phir na payo
Piche sade nal hoi jo hoi, auguna da mai bharya

Translation: Understanding us as orphans, attach us to your feet. Do not involve us in the cycle of 84 lakhs again.
Whatever has happened with us in the past has happened.

Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya
Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya

Translation: 0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.
0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.

Tere bina sab chadte sahare, dil sade viche vasaja piyare
Hath ban karda arjoi, auguna da mai bharya

Translation: We have given up all support except you. Beloved One, dwell in our hearts.
Folding our hands we make this request.

Mai papi mai auguna hara Garib Ajaiba das tumara
Kirpal Guru bina aasra na koi, auguna da mai bharya

Translation: I am the sinner, full of bad qualities. Poor Ajaib is your slave.
Without Kirpal there is no shelter.

Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya
Mere vich na guru ji gun koi auguna da mai bharya

Translation: 0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.
0 Guru Ji, there is no good quality in me, I am full of bad qualities.

Likhan Valya Tu Hoke

By Mary Fewel Tulin

      Likhan Valya Tu Hoke.mp3.mp3

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Lyrics

Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.
Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.
O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Hatha vich likh de, seva guru ji di
Hatha vich likh de, seva guru ji di

Translation: In my hands, write the service of the Guru,
In my hands, write the service of the Guru.

Mera tana mana Guru ute, var likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: Write the sacrifice of my body and mind for the Guru

Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Jiba te likh de, Nama Guru ji da
Jiba te likh de, Nama Guru ji da

On my tongue, write the name of the Guru
On my tongue, write the name of the Guru

Mere kana vich dhun di, avaz likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de

Translation: On my tongue, write the name of the Guru
For my ears, write the voice of the Sound Current.

Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Mathe te likh de, jot Guru ji di
Mathe te likh de, jot Guru ji di

Translation: On my forehead, write the Light of the Guru
On my forehead, write the Light of the Guru

Men ankh vich guru da, didar likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: For my eyes, write the darshan of my Guru
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Ek na likhi mere, Satguru da vichora
Ek na likhi mere, Satguru da vichora

Translation: Don’t write one thing: separation from the Guru
Don’t write one thing: separation from the Guru

Bhave chut jae sara, sansar likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: It doesn’t matter if separation from the whole world is written
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Likhana vali ya tu hoke, dayala likh de,
Mere hirade vich gura da, pyar likh de.

Translation: O Writer of Fortunes,
Graciously write on my heart, love for the Master.

Glossary of Terms

Brahmacharya

The brahmacharya (bachelor student) stage of life – from childhood up to 25 years of age – is focused on education and includes the practice of celibacy.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmacharya

Gauna

Gauna is a north Indian term that refers to both a custom and a ceremony associated with the consummation of a marriage. It is usually linked to the archaic practice of child marriage, where the bride remains at her natal home after the marriage ceremony since it is only considered a ritual union. When she comes of age, she goes to her husband’s home where a gauna ceremony is conducted, after which they begin their conjugal life.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauna

Gurbani

Gurbani, also called Gun Bani, is a term used to refer to various compositions by Sikh Gurus and other writers of the Guru Granth Sahib. In general, hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib are referred to as Gurbani. Amritdhari Sikhs consider some texts from Dasam Granth which are read as Nitnem (daily hymns) as Gurbani as well.

The Adi Granth explains that Gurbani is the written form of a sound which comes directly from the Supreme. By understanding the qualities of the Primal Lord and Soul in Gurbani, a Sikh can attain the Supreme State.

Historical Sikh writings, unauthentic writings and apocryphal compositions written under the names of Sikh Gurus, and other writings by Sikhs are not considered Gurbani and are referred to as Kachi Bani.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurbani

Gurdwara

A Gurdwara is where Sikhs come together for congregational worship.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1.shtml

Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is a book that Sikhs consider a living Guru. The tenth and last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) decreed that the spiritual guide of the Sikhs after his death would be the teachings it contained. Sikhs show the Guru Granth Sahib the respect they would to a human Guru.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ataglance/glance.shtml

Guru Nanak Ji Dev

Guru Nanak (15 April 1469 – 22 September 1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of its ten Gurus. He preached a message of one God who dwells in each of His creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. This was the basis of the spiritual, social, and political platform he created based on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue.

Guru Nanak’s words make up the 974 poetic hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy text. Guru Nanak’s sanctity, divinity and religious authority are believed by Sikhs to have passed successively to the nine subsequent Gurus who followed him, and then into the Guru Granth Sahib.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak

Jat Sikh

Jat Sikhs are a sub-group of the Jat people in the Sikh community. They account for between 21% and 25% of the population of the Punjab State, India.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jat_Sikh

Khalsa

This term refers collectively to men and women who have been initiated into the Sikh faith.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ataglance/glance.shtml

Radhasoami Faith

The Radhasoami faith is similar to the Religion of Saints or Sant Mat, as taught by Guru Nanak, Kabir Sahab and the Sufi Saints.

Adherents of Radhasoami believe:

• in the existence of God
• that the essence of God is the same as the soul in human beings
• in the Afterlife

The faith stresses the existence of one True Supreme Being who is the Creator of the universe. It teaches that the human soul is simply an emanation of the Supreme Being.

Source: http://www.dayalbagh.org.in/radhasoami-faith/basic-concepts.htm

Sadhu

A holy man, mendicant, sage, or ascetic.

Source: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/sadhu

Satguru

Satguru is a Sanskrit term that means ‘true guru’. Sikhs use it to refer to both God and to a Guru. A satguru can lead his flock to moksha – enlightenment or inner peace.

Source: http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Satguru

Satsang

Satsang is a Sanskrit term that means ‘(the) company of true people’. In Sikhism, it more accurately translates as ‘the assembly of true believers’. Sikh satsangs date back to its first Guru, Guru Nanak.

Satsangs are common to all religions from the Indian subcontinent but have a unique context in Sikhism. The convention of gathering at a gurdwara to sing the Guru’s religious compositions is seen as a sign of loyalty to the Guru as well as a means of participating in the power of the divine Word. There are no restrictions on who can attend a satsang.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Satsang

Sikh Gurus

Sikhism is a religion of teachers, who are known as Gurus by the Sikhs. The first Guru was Guru Nanak, who established the faith in 1469. He was followed by nine human Gurus, each of whom used the name ‘Nanak’ when writing spiritual verses.

These ten human Gurus were succeeded by the current Guru, the holy text of Sikhism known as the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib will forevermore remain the Guru of the Sikh religion.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh_gurus

The 5 Ks

The 5 Ks of Sikhism are the five things that a true Sikh is to have on him at all times. These items identify a member of the Khalsa to others and are a symbol of devotion and submission to the Guru.

The five Ks are:

• Kesh (uncut hair)
• Kara (steel bracelet)
• Kirpan (steel dagger)
• Kanga (wooden comb)
• Kaccha (cotton undergarment)

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/customs/fiveks.shtml

Sources:

• Lane, David Christopher, ‘The Enchanted Land: A Journey with the Saints of India’, USA, MSAC Philosophy Group, 2008.
• Singh, Huzur Maharaj Sawan, ‘Spiritual Gems’, Punjab, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, 1965.
• Singh, Dr. Harbhajan, ‘The relation of Baba Sawan Singh and Kirpal Singh’, [PDF], www.kirpalsingh-teachings.org
• Singh, Sant Kirpal, ‘Hazur Baba Sawan Singh: Pictures & Quotes’, [PDF], kirpalsingh.org
• Lane, David, ‘Radhasoami: A Critical History of Guru Succession’, USA, Lulu Press, Inc. 2015.
• Sawan Singh, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawan_Singh (accessed 7 April 2018).
• Singh, Sant Kirpal, The Life of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh, [website], http://www.kirpalsingh-teachings.org/fr/talks/in-india/343-the-life-of-hazur-baba-sawan-singh.html (accessed 8 April 2018).
• Singh, Sant Kirpal, A Brief Life-sketch of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh with a short narrative of His Teachings, [website], http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/BabaSawanSingh.htm (accessed 8 April 2018).
• Baba Sawan Singh, Sikh Wiki: Encyclomedia of the Sikhs, [website], http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Baba_Sawan_Singh (accessed 7 April 2018).
• Radha Soami Satsang Beas: Science of the Soul, [website], https://www.rssb.org/index.php (accessed 7 April 2018).
• Sikhism at a glance BBC Religion, [website], http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ataglance/glance.shtml#findoutmore (accessed 8 April 2018).
• Khalsa initiation, BBC Religion, [website], 2009, http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/customs/fiveks.shtml (accessed 8 April 2018).
• Guru Nanak, BBC Religion, [website], 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/people/nanak.shtml (accessed 9 April 2018).
• Shiv Dayal Singh, Wikipedi, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiv_Dayal_Singh (accessed 15 April 2018).
• Jagat Singh, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagat_Singh (accessed 9 April 2018).
• Guru Granth Sahib, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Granth_Sahib (accessed 9 April 2018).
• Gurbani, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurbani (accessed 10 April 2018).
• Gauna, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauna (accessed 9 April 2018).
• The Gurdara, BBC Religion, [website]. 2009, http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/ritesrituals/gurdwara_1.shtml (accessed 9 April 2018).
• Ahmed, Istiaq, ‘The Punjab Bloodied, Partitioned and Cleansed’, Fair Observer, 2012, https://www.fairobserver.com/region/central_south_asia/punjab-bloodied-partitioned-and-cleansed/ (accessed 15 April 2018).
• Brahmacharya, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, [website], 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmacharya (accessed 8 April 2018).

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