Radha Soami Satsang Beas

Founding and early years (1891–1903) The origins of Radha Soami Satsang Beas trace back to 1891, when Jaimal Singh, a disciple of Shiv Dayal Singh (the founder of the Radha Soami faith), settled on the west bank of the Beas River after retiring from the British Indian Army. The site was a desolate and isolated wasteland, which he chose for its solitude. He began his spiritual mission by building a small, simple hut to live and meditate in. As news of his presence spread, a small group of followers (a sangat) formed, and he began holding spiritual discourses (satsangs). By the time of Jaimal Singh's death in 1903, he had initiated over two thousand followers, establishing a firm foundation for the community. He personally designed a large new satsang hall, which was completed in 1937. Though the rapid growth of the congregation soon required discourses to be held outdoors once again. During the Partition of India in 1947, he provided shelter and aid to refugees of all faiths at the Dera. Jagat Singh, a retired chemistry professor, succeeded Sawan Singh in 1948. His brief tenure of three years was marked by the difficult post-partition period, during which he continued the Dera's humanitarian work. Under his direction, the Dera grew into a large, self-sufficient township. This expansion was powered by massive volunteer efforts, such as the mitti seva (earth-moving service) of the 1950s, where thousands of volunteers manually levelled large ravines to expand the community kitchen (langar). He also actively worked to dissolve caste distinctions within the community by personally sitting and eating with all members of the congregation, reinforcing the teaching of equality. During his tenure, the organisation expanded globally, establishing a presence in over 90 countries. In a significant departure from tradition, where a successor was typically named by the Master only a short time before his passing, Gurinder Singh appointed Jasdeep Singh Gill as Satguru Designate in September 2024, outlining a plan for the organisation's future spiritual leadership. == Beliefs and teachings ==

The philosophy of Radha Soami Satsang Beas is part of the Sant Mat tradition, which advocates an inner path of spiritual discovery. The teachings are presented not as a religion, but as a science of the soul that can be practised by people of any faith without conflict with their religious identity. God, the soul, and the sound current The core philosophy is based on the belief in a single, formless God from which the entire creation has emanated. Central to this belief is the concept of the Shabd, or the Sound Current, also known as Naam (the Word). The Shabd is described as the primordial creative power—the dynamic force of God that is the source and sustenance of all existence. == Spiritual masters ==

The spiritual leadership of Radha Soami Satsang Beas is passed down through a lineage of Masters, known as the Sant Satgurus. Succession is determined by appointment from the reigning Master, not by hereditary right, though some Masters have been related. Lineage of masters • Jaimal Singh (1839–1903) was the founder and first Master. After retiring from the British Indian Army, he established the spiritual colony at Beas, living a simple, meditative life that gradually attracted his first followers. • Jagat Singh (1884–1951), a respected academic, served as the third Master. His brief, three-year tenure from 1948 was a transitional period during which he guided the community through the challenges following the Partition of India. == Practices ==

The spiritual discipline of Radha Soami Satsang Beas is an internal practice integrated into daily life. Followers are not expected to become ascetics; instead, they are encouraged to fulfil their worldly responsibilities to family and society while dedicating time to their spiritual development. The practices are taught formally at the time of initiation. Surat Shabd Yoga Meditation The central practice is a meditation method called Surat Shabd Yoga. Described as a "science of the soul," its purpose is to invert the attention from the outer world to the inner spiritual realms by connecting the soul (surat) with the divine Sound Current (Shabd). The meditation is a solitary practice performed for two and a half hours each day, typically in the early morning. It consists of a threefold process: • Simran (Repetition): The silent repetition of five sacred names given by the Master at initiation. The purpose is to still the mind and withdraw one's attention to the tisra til, or third eye—the point between and behind the eyebrows considered the seat of the soul. • Dhyan (Contemplation): The practice of focusing on the form of the Master within. This is intended to cultivate devotion and hold the attention at the third eye centre. • Bhajan (Listening): The final and primary stage, where the practitioner listens for the inner sound of the Shabd. This divine melody is believed to pull the soul upward through higher spiritual planes. The method requires no difficult physical postures and can be practised by anyone regardless of age or physical ability. • A lacto-vegetarian diet, excluding all meat, fish, fowl, and eggs. • Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. • A moral and ethical life, including earning an honest livelihood. • A commitment to daily meditation. Individual practice is further supported by community gatherings. Attending satsang (spiritual discourses) is a cornerstone of the path, serving to reinforce the teachings and create a collective spiritual atmosphere. In addition, followers are encouraged to perform seva (selfless service) at the organisation's centres and in their communities. Seva is seen as a practical means of cultivating humility, devotion, and love for others. == The dera at Beas ==

The international headquarters of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, known as Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, is located on the banks of the Beas River in Punjab. It functions as both the spiritual centre of the organisation and a sprawling, self-sufficient township. While a place of pilgrimage, it has been described as more of a "spiritual city" than a traditional ashram, notable for its high degree of organisation and its reliance on volunteer service. It is not only a spiritual centre for the organisation but also a self-sufficient township that operates on a massive scale, especially during designated weekends when the Master is present. People from all over the world then come over to attend satsang, receive initiation and perform seva. • Accommodation: A comprehensive system of free housing is available for visitors, ranging from large communal sheds to dormitories (sarais) and multi-story hostel complexes with private rooms, all managed by a computerised booking system. Self-sufficiency and volunteer service The Dera is largely self-sufficient, operating its own farms, workshops for manufacturing building materials, a water supply, and waste management systems. The entire operation—from construction and farming to sanitation and food service—is run by volunteers. This practice of selfless service, or seva, is a fundamental aspect of the spiritual path. It is performed by both residents and visiting followers, who contribute their labour as a form of devotion. The organisation is funded entirely through donations, and any necessities sold within the Dera are offered at subsidised, non-profit rates. == Charitable activities ==

Radha Soami Satsang Beas engages in extensive social welfare programs, which are funded entirely by voluntary donations and run by volunteers (sevadars) as a form of selfless community service (seva). The organisation also conducts free medical and dental camps in various locations to provide healthcare access to remote populations. Disaster relief RSSB has a long history of providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters. Volunteers are mobilised to supply essential aid, including food, water, shelter, and medical care, to affected communities. The organisation has been active in relief efforts following major earthquakes in Gujarat, Kashmir, and Nepal, as well as various floods, often focusing on long-term rehabilitation by constructing shelters and schools. COVID-19 pandemic response During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, RSSB played a significant role in supporting national and state relief efforts. The organisation offered its numerous centres across the country to be used as quarantine facilities and temporary COVID care centres. Notably, its center in South Delhi was converted into the 10,000-bed Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre, one of the largest such facilities in the world. Throughout the crisis, its volunteers prepared and distributed millions of free meals daily to migrant workers and other vulnerable populations affected by the lockdowns. Community and educational services • Langar (Free Community Kitchen): The langar at the Dera is a major, year-round charitable activity, providing free meals to hundreds of thousands of people and exemplifying the teachings of equality and service. • Education: Under the RSSB Educational & Environmental Society, the organisation runs the Pathseekers School at the Dera. The school is affiliated with the CBSE and provides modern education primarily for the children of Dera residents and employees of the affiliated hospitals. • Community awareness: The organisation regularly conducts blood donation camps and programs to raise awareness for organ donation among its members and the wider community. == Publications and media ==

Radha Soami Satsang Beas produces a wide range of publications and multimedia content to disseminate its teachings globally. All materials are distributed on a non-profit basis and sold at cost to ensure they are widely accessible. The formal Publications Department was established in the mid-1970s under Charan Singh, which led to a significant expansion in the translation and distribution of spiritual literature. The publications also include translations of classic Sant Mat texts and introductory books for new seekers. This material is available in print and as e-books in over 35 languages and is sold at satsang centers and through the official online bookstore, Science of the Soul. In addition to written texts, RSSB utilises audio and video media to convey the teachings. This includes recordings of discourses, question-and-answer sessions, and devotional hymns (shabads). Many print books are also produced as audiobooks, making the teachings accessible to a broader audience. The organisation also publishes a free periodical, Spiritual Link, containing excerpts from the teachings. == Global presence and demographics ==

From its origins in Punjab, Radha Soami Satsang Beas has grown into a global organisation with a significant international following. The organisation has a presence in more than 90 countries, managed through a network of thousands of local satsang centres that serve as spiritual hubs for their communities. The following of RSSB is exceptionally diverse, a characteristic attributed to its non-sectarian and universal teachings. The philosophy is presented as a spiritual science compatible with any religion, and followers are not required to abandon their own cultural or religious identities. Consequently, the membership includes people from virtually all major world religions, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Followers come from all walks of life, including farmers, artists, scientists, and business professionals, reflecting the universal accessibility of the path. ==External links==