NEWS BRIEFS

FEBRUARY 2007

Inauguration of the 16th International Conference on Human Integration

Held from February 4th-6th at Kirpal Bagh in Delhi, India, the 16th International Conference on Human Integration was attended by thousands of people from all over world. During the conference a blood donation camp and free eye-operation camp were held to benefit those in need. In his inaugural address, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj said that the first International Conference on Human Integration was held in 1974 by Sant Kirpal Singh Ji whose focus would be about the human being, no matter their religion or faith.

The spiritual Master then explained that while living in the world we want to change the people around us rather than change ourselves. A true human being, he said, is one who has “realized” his relationship with the Lord and accepts all people as his own.

Driven into the world by our sensory currents, he said, we live a life of duality. However, we need to realize our oneness with the Lord. By inverting our attention through meditation, he said, we can experience the Reality and become aware of the true purpose of our life. He also spoke about the importance of inculcating ethical virtues in our lives. In conclusion, he said, we should put time in for meditation, and then we will be able to transform our lives as well as the environment around us.

Many dignitaries also spoke at this momentous event. Mr. Mangat Ram Singhal, Minister of State, praised Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj for his work toward establishing unity and peace.

Mr Buta Singh, former Union Minister, quoted from a speech which Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj had delivered to the Parliament of India in 1974. On behalf of Dr Sadhvi Sadhna, he presented a framed photo of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj with Muni Sushil Kumar to Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. In his speech he said that the present spiritual Master is spreading the Light of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj in the world. He also stated that the present spiritual teacher not only imparts spiritual instruction but gives a practical demonstration of the Light of God.

Dr. William Scotti from the United States spoke about human integration, saying that its realization is due to the grace of the Masters. He then quoted Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj who stated: "Unity already exists, but we have forgotten it."

Michael Ribet, an international businessman from the United States, said that whatever we have gained in this world will not give us lasting happiness and peace. He further emphasized that the human integration movement will succeed because it is led by the living spiritual Master, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj in whom we can rest all our hopes and trust. Swami Gopalacharya shared his thoughts that saints come into this world to spread happiness and to unite all mankind.

Seminar on “Meditation for a Stress-less World”

A seminar entitled “Meditation for a Stress-less World” was held on February 5th, 2007 at Kirpal Bagh in Delhi. Eminent religious and political leaders participated in this event.

During his hallmark discourse, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj stated that although life is full of stress and strain, we should realize that our lives rest in the hands of the Lord. Meditation, he said, connects us with the divine Light and Sound which, in turn, provides nourishment for our soul. As our spiritual health improves, the stress in our lives subsides. In turn, he said, the bliss and ecstasy we receive through meditation lingers on, and we become oblivious to our surroundings.

Rabbi Issac Malekar, head of the Jewish community in New Delhi, said the only way to live stress-free is by practicing meditation and by instilling ethical values in our lives. Father Benito Rodriguez stated that the world is good because God has created it; it is our mind that labels situations as stressful or joyous. He also concurred that through meditation we can calm the mind and experience more happiness and joy.

Swami Sadchidanand Bharti insisted that meditation is an experience that links us with God and that through a perfect Master one can commune with the Divine. Such a spiritual Master, he said, is a reflection and representative of the Supreme Power. Mr Vijay Goel, a renowned political leader, claimed that preaching is easy but practicing is difficult. Therefore, he said, we should try to live according to the teachings of the spiritual Masters; then, we will enjoy more bliss and peace in our lives.

Dr. Maulvi Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, emphasized that we should have good thoughts, words and deeds to receive the blessings of God. To have a happy and fulfilling life, he said, we should be content with what we have and devote our time to the remembrance of the Lord.

Seminar on “Kirpal: the Apostle of Peace”

The inspiration for the International Conference on Human Integration was none other than the life and vision of Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj (1894-1974) whose mission was to unite people from all religions and walks of life. He has written:

Our mission is to fill the human heart with compassion, mercy, and

universal love, which should radiate to all countries, nations, and people of

the world and to enable each one to love God, love all, serve all, and have

respect for all, as God is immanent in all forms.

Commemorating the 113th birth anniversary of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj the seminar began on February 6, 2007 with shabad-kirtan (recitation from the scriptures) performed by Prof. S.S. Sethi. This was followed by a melodious rendition from the Gurbani by Mata Harbhajan Kaur Ji and Mata Rita Ji who were accompanied by a chorus composed of people from around the world.

In his discourse, the spiritual Master stated that millions of people were celebrating the birth anniversary of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji because so many have benefited from the direction he gave to their lives. Spreading his message of love to all and elevating our lives, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj often stated “Be Good, Do Good, Be One.” The saints, he explained, teach us to have compassion and see goodness in all beings.

Patrick Motilal commented that Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj spread the message of love and unity to all humanity. “We should embrace all in love and spread the message of saints,” he said. Mr. Surinder Singh Bittoo, an Indian political leader, commended the selfless service that Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission provides to humanity.

Swami Pragyanand explained that very few saints of the caliber of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj have graced this earth and said, “It is a great blessing to have the physical darshan (glance) of a perfect Master.” Dr. Richard Scotti praised Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj and said that he was a diamond illuminated with the virtues of purity, simplicity, humility, love and compassion.

A small group from Australia sang a melodious song, ‘Lord of Compassion,’ in the remembrance of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj. After many requests, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj sang the song – ‘We are the flowers of the garden of the Lord.’ “His voice filled the entire atmosphere with bliss and ecstasy,” commented one of the attendees.

Program in Rohini

Rohini, a northwest colony of Delhi, hosted Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj on February 10th and 11th, 2007. On Saturday, February 10th, the spiritual Master greeted a gathering of over 20,000 people from a beautifully festooned stage. After Mata Harbhajan Kaur Ji and Mata Rita Ji sang a shabad from the hymns of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sant Rajindger Singh Ji Maharaj spoke, likening the winds to the hardships one faces in life, which he said can be overcome by focusing on God.

On February 11th 2007, the Sunday program began with a shabad from the verses of Sant Ravi Das Ji, melodiously sung by Mata Harbhajan Kaur Ji and Mata Rita Ji. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj began his discourse by expounding on the life of Sant Ravi Das, a 15th century Indian saint who was Mira Bai’s spiritual Master. He then spoke about the path of devotion to the Lord, saying that devotion is ultimately a gift of the saints and that devotion is another name for love.

Project Week, Darshan Academy in Delhi

Darshan Academy in Delhi organized a project week on two topics: “Environment and Mathematics - is it Magic?” During the February program students spent the first half of the day focusing on environmental issues (like waste management, global warming, recycling, and alternative energy sources), and during the second half of the day they were engaged in various math activities. Students also created street plays on sensitive environmental issues and performed these to enthusiastic audiences in the neighborhood. Their aim was to convey awareness about the importance of saving trees, eating healthy food, and preserving water.

The school organized an interactive exhibition of the students’ work from February 10th to 12th. Visitors could try out a variety of math and environmental games as well as interact with the students who explained their projects.

The highlight for the students occurred when Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj visited the exhibition on February 12th. He took a keen interest in the student’s work. He also met with the 10th grade students who will take their Central Board of Secondary Examinations in March.

For more information about Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj and his schedule, click here.