NEWS BRIEFS

NOVEMBER 2005

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Visits Mannheim, Germany

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj returned to the United States from Delhi, India via Mannheim, Germany for a two-day program: October 30 to November 1.

Before a capacity crowd of 1500, who had traveled from all parts of Europe to be with him at the beautiful Rosengarten, he spoke on “Meditation, a Gateway to Life Eternal.” He explained the method of meditation that allows the soul to experience itself as separate from the physical body and to enter the inner spiritual regions, where love and bliss await everyone. All we need do, he urged, is to take the requisite time and effort to meditate.

The afternoon of the following day, during an unscheduled talk at the Rosengarten, he compared the human condition to that of an eagle. Just as the powerful bird will not leave its cage until it glimpses the sun, so too the soul needs to experience the inner Light in order that it remember its true nature and soar within. The spiritual Master then opened the floor for a period of questions and answers in which he clarified several important aspects of the spiritual path.

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj's Arrival in the USA

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj returned to the States on November 2nd. Going directly to the Science of Spirituality Center in Naperville, Illinois, he greeted people who had come from all over the country to welcome him on his return. He spoke about his tours throughout India and his stay at Kirpal Ashram. Many have called Kirpal Ashram in Delhi a sanctuary, where people can go to rekindle their spiritual aspirations and spend the maximum possible time in meditation.

Public Talk in Kenosha, Wisconsin

On Sunday, November 6, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj spoke to a full auditorium at the University of Wisconsin in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on the subject "Meditation: A Path to Inner Peace."

Drawing on Kenosha's history as part of the anti-slavery Underground Railroad, he said Kenosha was a place where slaves would stop on their way to Canada, where they were traveling to freedom. He then explained there is another kind of freedom we all can pursue today, and that is freedom for our soul. He said each person can experience his or her soul through meditation on the inner Light and Sound of God.

Every tradition, he remarked, has an exoteric side and an esoteric side; whereas the exoteric side of each religion deals with rites and rituals, the esoteric or inner side deals with finding a path in which one can connect with God. He said the divine current of Light and Sound, also called the holy Word, the Naam or Shabd, brought all creation into being. Today scientists are beginning to realize this. Existence, they are discovering, is composed of a vibration, dancing packets of energy reverberating all around, and is none other than the creative Power of God.

Diwali Festival Celebrated in Naperville, Illinois

On Saturday, November 12th, people from many different traditions gathered at the Science of Spirituality Center to celebrate the festival of Diwali. The afternoon began with a rangoli competition (making floor designs with colored grains of sand) and a mehndi competition (applying henna on the hands and feet in delicate patterns). The afternoon also featured bhajans (spiritual hymns) sung to the accompaniment of a tabla (Indian drum).

The celebration also featured a play depicting the story of Diwali as written in The Ramayana. Afterward, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj spoke about "The True Meaning of Diwali." In this famous tale, he said, Rama battles the evil Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita. Rama represents God, Ravana symbolizes the mind, and Sita, the soul. The mind, he said, is always trying to keep our soul from connecting with the Lord. In this epic story, Rama demonstrates that goodness always overcomes evil. The festival of Diwali celebrates Rama's return to his own throne and the importance of leading a righteous life by living through the heart and not by the intellect alone.

The lighting oil lamp during the holiday signifies that the lamp of the soul needs to be lit within. This happens when it comes in contact with the inner Light and Sound of God. What brings true happiness, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj explained, is when we recognize that the law of the universe is the law of love.

Internet Broadcast

On November 13th, the spiritual Master’s Sunday discourse was broadcast worldwide via the Internet. "It is time to bring Light into our life," he began. He spoke about the recent Hindu festival of Diwali and said its true meaning signifies spiritual enlightenment. He then explained the teachings of Sant Mat.

The term Sant Mat, he said, means "the teachings of the saints." It constitutes the teachings of not one saint, as is the case with most religions, but of many saints. Sant Mat, he said, embraces the commonality of their teachings; it is not related to one religion, one culture, or one society. Instead, Sant Mat focuses on the experience of spirituality beyond rites and rituals. It deals with the communion and ultimate merger of our soul with God. He also explained that when the soul soars within through meditation, it experiences Light all around and rejoices.

Thanksgiving Holiday Program

During the Thanksgiving program held at the Science of Spirituality Center, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj said Thanksgiving is a time we generally spend with friends and family. During this holiday we should recognize the gifts from the Lord that flow into our lives. The Lord, he explained, accomplishes all achievements in this world. God may have chosen to work through one soul or another, but the fruits of all labor are gifts from God. When we think we are the doer, then ego and duality set in. He closed by saying Thanksgiving is composed of two words: "Thanks" and "Giving." He urged that during this celebration we give thanks to God for our existence, give our heart and soul to the Lord, and shower our love on all beings around us.

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