The Radhaswami Movement is a spiritual and religious movement that originated in the 19th century in northern India. It is based on the teachings of Sant Mat, a spiritual philosophy emphasizing the importance of personal spiritual experience, inner transformation, and the attainment of spiritual liberation.
The Radhaswami Movement was founded by Shiv Dayal Singh (1818-1878), also known as Swami Ji Maharaj, in the mid-19th century. He was born in Agra, India, and later settled in the city of Soami Bagh, near Agra. Shiv Dayal Singh’s teachings attracted a significant following, and he became known as Soamiji Maharaj.
The Radhaswami Movement draws from the Sant Mat tradition, which shares similarities with other Indian spiritual traditions such as Sant Mat, Surat Shabd Yoga, and Sant Mat. The movement emphasizes the following core beliefs and teachings:
The Radhaswami Movement focuses on the individual’s inner spiritual journey towards realizing their divine nature and attaining union with the Supreme Reality. It emphasizes meditation, contemplation, and the repetition of sacred mantras or divine sound vibrations (Shabd).
The movement believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, referred to as Radhaswami or Sat Purush, who is the ultimate source of all creation and the object of devotion and love. Followers seek to establish a personal connection with the Supreme Being through meditation and devotion.
The Radhaswami Movement accepts the concepts of reincarnation and karma, which suggest that individuals undergo multiple births and their actions in previous lives influence their current circumstances. The movement teaches that liberation from the cycle of birth and death can be attained through spiritual practice and the grace of the Supreme Being.
The movement advocates for a vegetarian lifestyle as a means of promoting compassion, non-violence, and respect for all living beings. It encourages followers to lead a moral and ethical life, embracing virtues such as honesty, humility, and selflessness.
The Radhaswami Movement places importance on the relationship between the guru (spiritual teacher) and the disciple. The guru serves as a guide and mentor, imparting spiritual knowledge and practices to the disciple. The disciple’s commitment and devotion to the guru are considered essential for spiritual progress.
The Radhaswami Movement has established various spiritual centers and organizations, including the main center at Soami Bagh in Agra, where the founder Shiv Dayal Singh is buried. These centers serve as gathering places for spiritual discourses, meditation, and devotional practices.
Followers of the Radhaswami Movement engage in regular meditation and practice the repetition of the sacred mantra or divine sound. The movement places importance on self-discipline, moral conduct, and leading a balanced and virtuous life.
Impact and Influence: The Radhaswami Movement has attracted a significant following, with followers across India and around the world. Its teachings and practices have influenced the lives of many individuals, providing them with spiritual guidance and a path towards inner realization and liberation. The movement’s emphasis on meditation, devotion, and ethical living continues to inspire individuals seeking spiritual growth and inner transformation.
The Radhaswami Movement has also contributed to the preservation and dissemination of the teachings of Sant Mat and the broader spiritual traditions of India. It has played a role in promoting religious harmony, emphasizing the unity of all religions and the universal nature of spiritual truth.
It is important to note that various sub-groups and branches have emerged within the Radhaswami Movement over time, each with their own specific practices and interpretations of the teachings.