Philosophy and Teachings
The philosophy that Baba Gurinder Singh represents, claims to be based on the common experiences of mystics from many religions and is also known as Sant Mat. Sant Mat means 'Teachings of the Saints'.
Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) says it is a philosophical organization based on the spiritual teachings which lie at the core of all religions and it is dedicated to a process of inner development under the guidance of a spiritual teacher.
In the Indian language, Radha Soami means ‘lord of the soul’ (radha = soul; swami = lord,) satsang describes a group that seeks truth, and Beas refers to the town near which the main centre is located in northern India. There are a number of other contemporary movements that use the name ‘Radha Soami’ but Radha Soami Satsang Beas is not associated with any of them.
RSSB was established in India in 1891 and gradually began spreading to other countries. Today RSSB holds meetings in more than 90 countries worldwide. It is a registered non-profit society with no affiliation to any political or commercial organizations.
The philosophy teaches a personal path of spiritual development which includes a vegetarian diet, abstinence from intoxicants, a moral way of life and the practice of daily meditation. There are no rituals, ceremonies, hierarchies or mandatory contributions, nor are there compulsory gatherings. Members need not give up their cultural identity or religious preference to follow this path.
The meditation method imparted at the time of initiation is known as Surat Shabd Yoga and is practiced according to the teacher's instructions. It is a solitary practice where the disciple concentrates within with eyes closed, usually sitting cross-legged, and performs simran: repeating the five holy names (which may be looked upon as a 'mantra'). This is followed by bhajan: an attempt by the disciple to listen to the divine Sound or 'Word' (also known as Shabd) within. Both these practices form the complete method of meditation as prescribed by Surat Shabd Yoga within Sant Mat.
Read more about this topic: Gurinder Singh
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