A Brief Life Sketch of Param Sant Kirpal Singh: Words & Pictures

1894 – 1974

When I go from here let this be my parting word, that what I have seen is unsurpassable. (Tagore) -1-

Sant Kirpal Singh was born to a Sikh family at about 9 P.M. on a cold winter night on February 6, 1894 in the Punjab village of Sayyad Kasran in the Rawalpindi district (now part of Pakistan).

Kirpal means gracious, merciful, the compassionate one. Singh means lion. His nickname as a child was Pal which means friend.

His father’s name was Hukam Singh meaning “Bearer of the Divine Will.” His mother’s name was Gulab Devi meaning “the Goddess of Roses.”

Master Kirpal had two older brothers, Prem Singh and Jodh Singh, and a younger sister named Sumitra.

In the realm of spirituality, Master Kirpal was a child prodigy. He began meditating at the age of four. During his meditations he would transcend body consciousness and experience the inner Divine Light and hear the Music of the Spheres. (1)

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Master Kirpal remarked about his childhood attraction to solitude and meditation: “It was not written for me to play on this Earth.” (2)

In reference to his early meditations he stated, “In those days I saw the inner Light and many wondrous scenes of one inner stage or another; always such scenes were before me.” (3)

From an early age, Master Kirpal had a very high standard of morality. When his father asked him why he would not eat meat Master replied, “Meat is dead flesh, and I do not want to make a burial ground of my stomach.” (4)

When told by his father that “Our friends will be your friends and our foes will be your foes,” Master replied, “Life is too short and I have not come to have hatreds. I have come to love all.” (5)

As a young boy the Master developed the power of clairvoyance. Once when he was in the fourth grade he told his teacher that he must go home because his grandmother was dying. The teacher was skeptical at first, but soon had a change of heart when a message was delivered to the teacher asking for the dismissal of the Master because his grandmother was on her death-bed.

In addition to foretelling the death of his maternal grandmother, he also had similar premonitions regarding the passing of his mother, his elder brother and the wife of his elder brother. (6)

When a theft occurred at the home of a neighbor, the young Kirpal told his father the name of the thief and where the stolen property had been hidden. (7) -3-

Because of these and similar miraculous occurrences, people around him began considering him to be a saint and a prophet. (8)

As the young Kirpal’s clairvoyant reputation spread, he realized that this ability did not help him advance towards his goal of God-realization. The Master prayed for the removal of his psychic gift and asked that he could live as a normal human being, solely devoted to the attainment of his goal of union with God.

Kirpal Singh’s father, Hukam Singh, was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He would pass nights in the cold water of the village pond engaged in spiritual practices. Kirpal’s mother was also a seeker of God and would engage in daily readings of the Bhagavad Gita. The child Kirpal tried to follow his father by becoming a devotee of Lord Shiva and would also spend nights engaged in devotion while standing in cold water.

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The Master’s devotion was rewarded with Shiva’s vision. When he was about seventeen, the Master had a vision in which a figure of light appeared and told the him that Simran was preferable to the practice of pranayam (regulation of breathing). After that vision, the Master gave up the practice of pranayam. (9)

Kirpal Singh attended a Christian missionary school and was an excellent student, consistently at the head of his class. While other students studied to prepare for a particular career, the young Kirpal said that he studied “for knowledge sake.”

While the Master had a voracious appetite for all learning, he had a particular fondness for biographies. He used to say that as a student he had read most of the books in three libraries and that he read more than three hundred biographies. (10)

In addition to biographies, Master was very fond of reading and studying the scriptures of the world religions. “As a young boy I used to read the Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is a voluminous book. The beauty of it is that the teachings of so many Godmen have been gathered together. It is a banquet-hall of spirituality containing hundreds of hymns. I would carefully read only one hymn, and then I would write it down, considering that was the lesson given me for the day. All day I would think of that hymn and try to discover its meaning.” (11) -5-

“Since I was in a missionary school, I was also familiar with the Christian teachings. There I found: “Except ye be born anew, ye cannot enter the Kingdom of God,” and “Learn to die so that you may begin to live.” These teachings are given in all scriptures, but the question remained, “How to do it?”

“I would start reading the scriptures each night and my heart desired those things mentioned therein. I would study the whole night through, only to rise in the morning without having discovered the way out.” (12)

From early childhood, Master Kirpal was able to function on very little sleep. He often stayed awake for the entire night studying or engaged in meditation. (13)

In 1906, when Master was about twelve years old, he was greatly impressed by the life of the famous saint Ramanuja. “When I was small, about twelve or thirteen, I remember clearly that one day I read the life of Ramanuja (I was very fond of reading biographies). Now when Ramanuja was initiated by his Guru, he immediately went and stood on a platform and collected a huge crowd around him. He shouted to them, ‘Today I have been initiated by my Guru and I am going to tell you all about it.’ Some of the people were shocked and warned him, ‘Are you mad? You will go straight to hell for disobeying your Guru!’ I was deeply impressed by his answer. He said, ‘I alone will go to hell, but so many of you will get salvation!’ Reading this, I vowed that if ever I got any spiritual wealth, I would give and give without hesitation. My Master saw that I was a spendthrift, and that's why he gave me the work.” (14)

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Master graduated at the top of his class from Edwardes Church Mission High School in 1911. Of that time in his life he wrote, “After my educational career was over I had to decide what to do with my life. I was a voracious reader of books and wanted big libraries. But I had to decide whether to pursue my worldly ambition or seek God. In 1912, I spent five to six hours daily for seven to eight days in the lonely wilderness deciding my aim in life. I came to the decision: “God first, and the world next.” (15)

Also in 1911, Master was married to Krishna Wanti but did not take up residence with her for a long time.

“Krishna Wanti was married to Kirpal Singh at an early age, according to the custom of the times. A very affectionate and self-sacrificing woman, she was a devoted wife and loving mother. She assisted her husband in social service, particularly during a deadly influenza epidemic. She was of a pious disposition and wrote poetry in Punjabi. In the summer, Kirpal Singh was fond of meditating on the bank of the Ravi River and would return home in the early hours of the morning. No matter how late her husband returned, Krishna Wanti would be waiting to let him into the house after hearing his gentle tapping on the door.” (16)

Master’s Wife - Krishna Wanti -7-

During 1911 his mother died, which Master had foreseen six months earlier at which time he told her to give up all worldly attachments. (17)

Upon graduation from high school, the Master considered furthering his education by studying medicine, particularly homeopathy, or agriculture. Financial considerations made this pursuit untenable, so Master began a career in government service.

Master joined the Military Engineering Service at Peshawar in 1911.

In 1912 Master was transferred to Lahore to join the Military Accounts Department.

Once in 1912, Kirpal Singh had only one anna (1/16 rupee) left with him and a week to go before pay-day. He refused to borrow money or food, and he lived for that week on gram and water. He held to this same principle throughout his life.

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The one constant passion which dominated Kirpal Singh’s life from early childhood through adolescence into adulthood was his consuming love for God and his all-consuming yearning to merge with God.

“I can tell you of my own condition, around the year of 1914. Background does have some bearing on one's life. One in whom this yearning for God takes root has some impressions from the past which come to the fore and develop during this birth, in those days while working in the office, the tears would flow without reason, spoiling the papers on the desk. Within myself I would ask, "O God, what is happening?" At home the family also could not understand what was happening; but I had recently been transferred to the place of my parents, and they thought the tears were due to this. What can other people know of the condition of one's heart? If the enigma of the mystery of life enters the heart, the person knows no peace until it has been solved. The questions continue to repeat: What is life? Who am I?” (18)

Sant Kirpal Singh

In 1917 Master began seeing Baba Sawan Singh in his meditations. “In May 1917 God appeared in my meditations in the form of a holy man whom I took to be Guru Nanak. He would speak to me and lead me into the higher planes.” (19) -9-

In 1919 Master formed a social service corps in Lahore for the care of the victims of an influenza epidemic which had swept all over India in September 1918. Master helped bury those who died from the disease, while even their closest relatives fearfully kept away from them. His example also inspired others to help.

“From early youth, Kirpal Singh showed his deep compassion for the suffering humanity. His life has been a saga of selfless service and sacrifice. The epidemic of lethal influenza overtook this country at the end of the First World War in 1919. To escape the contagion even the close relatives of the sufferers left them unattended. Regardless of his own safety, Kirpal Singh came forward to serve hundreds of people who were in the grip of the disease. His example inspired some others to render this service. Later, the Punjab was struck with a virulent type of plague and people died in hundreds. Houses were full of patients and streets were littered with corpses. Even scavengers refused to remove the dead bodies. Kirpal Singh, however, did all he could to visit as many patients as possible and to assure them succour and comfort, not caring for his own personal safety and not heeding the persistent warnings given to him by doctors and others.” (20)

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In 1921, before coming to his Master, Kirpal Singh was working as an accounts officer with a Sikh regiment. A fearful looking robber, who was the personal bodyguard to the Indian Commanding Officer, used to terrorise the people there, but during Kirpal Singh’s absence he used to clean his residence. When one day the Master met the thief by surprise, the thief with folded hands explained that whenever he had a glimpse of him, he began to tremble and his past sins came before his eyes. The thief confessed to Kirpal Singh that he had committed innumerable sins and had killed many innocent people. The man asked the Master if there was any hope of forgiveness. The Master told him that he must sincerely repent for his past sins and begin a new life. Because of the Master’s influence, the thief gave up his old ways and reformed himself.

Master’s son, Darshan, was born on September 14, 1921.

Baba Sawan Singh, Kirpal Singh, Darshan Singh

In February of 1924, while living in Lahore, Master decided to visit the River Beas. One Sunday morning, he arrived at Beas railway station. From the station master he learned that a Saint was living on the bank of the river. Master went to the Dera where he met Baba Sawan Singh and recognized him to be the same figure that had been appearing to him in his meditations for the past seven years. -11-

“From time to time I had divine visitations. I always took the form of the holy man who used to visit me in my meditations as Nanak. In those very days, I composed a poem in which I beautifully described the lovely features of the Divine Guide who kept guiding me all these years from day to day on different planes. This state continued for about seven years. It was only in 1924 that I happened to go to Beas and met that visionary figure in the form of Hazur Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj. All I mean to say is that God listens to our prayers provided they are genuine, deep, and sincere. When I inquired from Hazur as to why he had taken so long a time to draw me to his Lotus Feet, he simply replied that it was the most opportune time to do so.” (21)

“In the beginning, I asked my Master how much time I should devote to the spiritual practices. Hazur knew fully well that I was a government servant. I had to put in eight hours to my service, and I was also a householder with a wife, Krishna Wanti, and my son, Darshan. Knowing all that, he said, ‘Devote a minimum of five to six hours of meditation a day and the more you can do the better.’ So what did I do? In the morning I used to sit from three or four o’clock until nine. I had to. There was no question of whether I could do it. Then I took my food at twenty minutes after nine because I had to leave for the office and be there at ten o’clock. Even the busiest man can find time. Where there is a will there is a way.” (22)

Master Kirpal & Baba Sawan Singh -12-

“Somebody once asked me, ‘What made you acceptable in the eyes of your Master, and how did you get from him all the instructions you are following?’ The only words I can say are, ‘It was love – love that he gave me for himself. And that taught me everything.’ ” (23)

Once Kirpal Singh came to the feet of his Master, he became a perfect disciple, demonstrating absolute love, devotion and self-surrender to his Guru.

The following story illustrates Master Kirpal’s total surrender to his Master’s Will. “My elder son fell sick. The doctor told me to take three days leave as he would definitely die. All right—I took leave. Within these three days I was ordered by my Master to give a talk at Amritsar. And I thought, ‘The doctor said he would die, but life and death are not in my hands.’ So I went to Amritsar and gave a talk. It was about mid-day on a summer day. Then I thought that as Beas where my Master lived was quite close, should I not go for a visit? So I went. I reached there about two o'clock. Master was upstairs. He sent for me. ‘Come up. What about your child?’ I had never mentioned anything. ‘Oh, he was sick, the doctor said he was dangerously sick.’ Master was lying down. He sat up. I asked, ‘Master, whoever thinks of you, has no burden. Why are you so sad?’ ‘You've just thrown your burden on me. So I took it.’ My son never died.” (24)

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Master devotedly and tirelessly served his beloved Hazur for twenty-four years until Hazur’s physical departure from the earth plane in 1948. During the years of his discipleship, Master conducted satsangs and initiations, wrote letters and books for his Master’s mission, and engaged in physical seva at the Dera.

“Once Master asked me to initiate two hundred-fifty people in the monthly satsang. Competition naturally arises. Those who were after the Mastership became worried, ‘The Mastership has gone from our hands.’ The Master had ordered me to give initiation, and to also give talks at satsang places, attend the poor, the needy, the sick, everyone. Even when I left the office, I used to attend to the sick in hospitals and homes until eight, nine, ten o’clock and sometimes even later than that.” (25)

Master Kirpal Singh giving satsang with Hazur

One of Master’s oldest associates reports the following account of Kirpal Singh’s powerful radiation of love which permeated his being and spread to all receptive individuals in his presence: A leading initiate of Baba Sawan Singh once complained to Hazur that there was so much radiation in the satsang conducted by Kirpal Singh that people felt fascinated by Kirpal, and the complaining gentleman was worried that people would start being devoted to Kirpal instead of Hazur. Sawan Singh said, “What good is a satsang without radiation? The one who is linked with me, will link others also to his guru and not break them from him. There is a lot of difference between the discourses of Kirpal Singh and that of others; he is immersed in the love of the guru, and on hearing his satsang, people feel linked to their guru. But on hearing the satsang of others who are not so immersed, they will attract people to them and break them from the guru.” (26) -14-

There are a multitude of stories of Master Kirpal Singh’s compassion and spiritual power being extended to suffering humanity.

“Hundreds of instances are there in which his Radiant Form guided even those who had never known or met him; and later when they were able to see his picture, they proclaimed that it was that very divine being who followed them for years in some cases, unknown and unrecognized, and helped them in difficult situations.” (27)

The following is one such incident: “Once, a British officer called him for some work, and under the influence of some of the jealous colleagues of Master Kirpal, treated him roughly. He did not utter a word in his own defense except to suggest that the gentleman was under a misimpression. After office hours, when the British officer went home, his wife developed severe stomach trouble and was in agony. While she was in this condition, she told her husband that she saw the saintly face and form of Sardar Kirpal Singh, who was comforting her. It struck the British officer that he had been discourteous to Sardar Kirpal Singh during the day, but now he was helping his wife inwardly. He immediately took his wife to the residence of Sardar Kirpal Singh…and sought his forgiveness for his discourtesy. Kirpal Singh told him that it was none of his doing, but surprising as it was, the lady was cured of her trouble within no time.” (28)

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In the fall of 1947 Baba Sawan Singh’s health began to deteriorate. On October 12 th , at seven o’clock, Hazur called Master Kirpal into his room and said, “Kirpal Singh! I have allotted all other work but have not entrusted my task of Naam-initiation and spiritual work to anyone. That I entrust to you today so that this holy and sacred science may flourish.” (29)

“During his illness, in the last days of February 1948, Hazur inquired, ‘How many souls have been initiated by me?’ Registers were consulted and after counting was finished Hazur was informed, ‘Up till now about one hundred fifty thousand souls have been awakened by Hazur.’ The same day Hazur said, ‘Kirpal Singh! I have done half your work and have given Naam to over one and a half lakh persons and the rest you have to accomplish.’ ” (30)

Hazur Baba Sawan Singh: 1858-1948

The transmission of the Master Power from Hazur to Master Kirpal is described as follows: “Hazur’s forehead was shining like the sun. Hazur opened his mercy-showering eyes which were overflowing with God’s love. He looked at his humble servant Kirpal Singh. Hazur’s eyes gleamed with bright light, like a lion’s eyes. The Master kept gazing into his beloved disciple’s eyes for three or -16- four minutes. Kirpal Singh, in silent wonder, felt an indescribable delight run through him to every part of his body, such as he had never felt before in his whole life. Hazur was passing the Master Power to Kirpal Singh.” (31)

On the morning of April 2, 1948, at 8:30 Hazur Baba Sawan Singh left his physical body for the last time.

“After my Master left the body I went to Rishikesh, a secluded place in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, to spend the rest of my life in bhajan and simran, as there was no attraction left for me in the world. In the wilderness, I would put in sixteen to eighteen hours a day in meditation at two intervals.” (32)

Rishikesh, 1948

During this period, he adopted the traditional way of life of a sadhu or renunciate, removing his turban and letting his hair hang loose, and wearing a simple white dhoti.

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Sant Kirpal Singh rented accommodations in a house on the banks of the River Ganges. He was joined by his wife, his son Darshan, his daughter-in-law and grandson Raji, Madame Hardevi and a few other disciples.

“It was at this time that he met the Maharishi Raghuvacharya, then in his early nineties, who became his close friend and disciple. The Maharishi, who had penetrated into the astral plane by means of strenuous Ashtang Yoga practices involving pranayam, etc., at once recognized that here was a great soul indeed, and got up from the circle of disciples where he was sitting and bowed down before Kirpal Singh - thus demonstrating the greatness of both of them. Kirpal Singh in his turn always treated Raghuvacharya with respect and deference, even though the latter freely told everyone that Kirpal Singh was his Guru. Raghuvacharya died in 1971 at the age of 115; he was a pundit or Sanskrit scholar as well as a great yogi, and to see those two giants together was the sight of a lifetime.” (33)

Master Kirpal Singh & Yogi Raghuvacharya -18-

The Master remained in solitude there for five months in almost continuous absorption in God. Finally, having attained total union with God, he received the order from within: “Go back into the world and bring my children back to me.” (34)

On returning from Rishikesh, Master settled in Delhi and began his public mission as he had been directed by his Guru, Baba Sawan Singh.

Master set us residence at No.1 Kingsway Road, Radio Colony, Delhi. People often came to visit the Master and to get his darshan. It was five miles to where the satsang was held and he used to travel there by bicycle. From here he would make frequent trips to visit disciples of Sawan Singh who were living in Delhi. -19-

Master’s arrangements in Delhi were not large enough to accommodate the large number of disciples and seekers who sought Master’s presence, so an ashram was built on the outskirts of the city. On June 11, 1951 Sawan Ashram was dedicated at Shakti Nagar, Delhi.

The Master’s mission grew rapidly as seekers from all over the world flocked to the God-Man to satisfy their spiritual hunger. The satsangs were attended by more than five-thousand devotees. Numerous expansions were made to the ashram to accommodate the Master’s growing spiritual family.

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In 1955, Master Kirpal made his first foreign tour, spending several months in the United States and Europe. This was the first time that a Saint of his stature had visited the West, and the first time that Surat Shabd Yoga had been explained there by an authentic Master of the system. (35)

“My first Western tour was for four or five months only, and in this short time there was a grand awakening all over the Western hemisphere. There was a genuine surge of seeking for Truth, and when they got it, there was more respect for what they had been given.” (36)

On tour he gave daily meditation sittings, heart-to-heart talks, public discourses and private interviews. The Master spoke at churches, temples and lecture halls. He also appeared on television.

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“Even children come to me. I give them a little spiritual experience: ‘All right, sit down, you will have Light.’ And they do get Light, with the grace of God.” (37)

As a result of this tour, hundreds of Westerners took the initiation and began the practice of Surat Shabd Yoga; representatives were authorized to give the initiation instructions while the Master was physically absent (after prior sanction from him) so that the work could continue and grow; and small centers of disciples sprang up in most of the major cities of America and Europe. These disciples in turn influenced others, and the number of initiates began to grow steadily. (38)

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In India the mission continued to grow at a rapid pace as the Master's reputation as a holy man and genuine Satguru spread throughout the world.

The Master undertook many tours in India. The following is an account of an incident which took place while touring. “At one time the Master was passing through a village, and hundreds had gathered knowing he was coming that way. Some had walked for five, ten and even up to fifteen miles even though they knew he would be there only for a few minutes. The Master was talking to them as they were quietly and reverently gazing upwards at him. All of a sudden, acting in unison, there was an enthusiastic and happy ‘hurrah’ accompanied by lively handclapping. I asked what it was all about. (This was the first time I had heard handclapping in India.) I was told that the Master had said, ‘I have nothing to give you but my love.’ ” (39)

In 1957 he was elected President of the World Fellowship of Religions, an office he was to keep for fifteen years. -23-

In I962 he was awarded the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, for his spiritual and humanitarian work; the first non-Christian in history to receive this honor.

“As the work increased in the West and more and more seekers after truth were led to Kirpal Singh, many of them developed a strong yearning to study with him in India over an extended period of time, and to get to know him in a personal way. The first Western disciple to stay at Sawan Ashram was Ruse1 Jaque, an American writer, who spent six months with him in 1959. His poetic, sensitive report of his stay (Gurudev: The Lord of Compassion , published in 1960, now out of print) did a great deal to encourage others to come and see for themselves what was there. And they did - a trickle at first, then more, until by the early 1970's there were almost always forty or fifty Westerners in residence at the Ashram for periods ranging from three weeks to six months.” (40)

“Thousands of disciples went to Master Kirpal and were blessed by the endless grace and love that flowed through him. From early in the morning to late at night, and sometimes into the next morning, Master Kirpal was busy working for others. Each morning and evening people came to see him on the porch outside his house at the ashram. Crowds would gather early. They would meditate as they waited to see him. When the Master came out, everybody became joyful. One could see that they were the loving children sitting with their beloved Father…But the best thing the Master gave to those coming to him was his darshan or holy glance of grace…So the hours spent sitting with the Master were blessed. The disciples who had the good fortune to be there treasured forever the Master’s looks of love which sank deep into the soul.” (41) -24-

In 1963 Master made his second world tour. He met with national and religious leaders and emphasized the principle of the unity of man. In addition to this work, the Master met with old and new disciples, and through his spiritual discourses and meditation sittings he helped so many people derive untold benefit from his divine physical presence.

Rome, Italy 1963, Sant Kirpal Singh and Pope Paul VI

“So the first aim of my world tour was to bring those people who are seeking God into contact with God, and through the grace of my Master, Baba Sawan Singh Ji, that experience of God is being extended to one and all. Whosoever came was put on the spiritual way. They were given some firsthand inner spiritual experience of the Light and Sound of God to start with, and those who are following the path with right earnest are progressing.” (42)

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Sant Bani Ashram – 1963

“I don’t want anything from you except love. If you love, you will be truly non- violent, truth-speaking, and truly chaste. Your love will go into the soul and not remain in the body. You will have love for all, and love knows service and sacrifice. When you love, you will give, give and give, with no compensation. If need be, you will sacrifice yourself for the good of others. If you learn this lesson, there will be peace in the world, peace all around, and the kingdom of God will come on earth.” (43)

On the occasion of Master’s birthday in February of 1970, Master gave the following message: “I have great love for all of you. Indeed if you knew how much I loved you, you would dance with joy. You will become so intoxicated by his love that it will carry you straight into the arms of your Beloved within. Only in this way will the Master’s birthday be celebrated as he wishes.” (44)

On April 3, 1970 Master’s wife Mataji passed away. Master recalled her passing with the following words: “My wife said, ‘I am going tomorrow.’ I said, ‘Tell the Master not to take you tomorrow. Ask Him please. Tomorrow there will be thousands of people gathered, a large satsang.’ When that was over I went to her: ‘Are you ready?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Go inside.’ She went jolly.” (45) -26-

“On August 26, 1972 the Master left on his third and final world tour. This time he was greeted by huge crowds and followed everywhere he went by approximately a thousand disciples, most of them young people who had been initiated in the last few years. Although his body was finally showing signs of deterioration and his extraordinary vigor and staying power was at last diminishing, he nevertheless put in fourteen or fifteen hour days throughout the tour, gave countless talks, saw thousands of people in private interviews, and initiated more than two thousand new disciples before the tour ended on December 31 in Rome.” (46)

Germany 1972

“Love cannot be expressed in words. No words can express it. Yes – you can see from the Light which dances in the loving eyes – by radiation. I send you my hearty love, you see.” (47)

Wherever the Master went he was greeted by thousands of disciples who eagerly waited for his arrival. For many, it was a reunion after nine years of physical separation from him; for others, it was their first meeting. The appearance of the Master caused many disciples to burst into tears of love. The Master’s joy in meeting his children was often expressed in the talks he gave in each area. -27-

“Meditation comes first and then everything else. You have heard and attended lectures, and you have read so many books. What you have read about, you must see. As long as I am here, I would appreciate it if every morning you have meditation. I don’t think I am imposing on you, but this is what I want, so that you may progress in meditation. Make the best use of this time. I am not in very good health, you see. But still I could not stay away.” (48)

September 1972 - United Kingdom

“This time I’ve come only for you. This tour is only meant for those who have been put on the Way, that they should be strengthened, and that new seekers who come up may receive the gift of holy initiation. On my last tours I met social, political and religious leaders, but this third tour is only meant to strengthen you on the Way. Those who have had no inner experiences or have unfortunately left the Path, or who are not regular in putting in time for their spiritual practices, should come to the daily meditations. Those who have no inner experiences will have something to start with, and everyone should put in more time in meditation to progress as quickly as possible.” (49)

“I don’t know how to express my heart to you. Eyes can speak more than words, is it not? You are all dear to me, nearest to my heart, being the children of God put on the Way.” (50) -28-

“The final facet of his many-sided mission was born on February 6, 1970 when the concept of ‘Manav Kendra’ was presented to the public. Manav Kendra means ‘Man Center’ and as Kirpal Singh often explained, it was an ashram but more than an ashram. Dedicated to man-making, man service, and land service, the plan was to establish five of these centers throughout India - one each in the north, south, east, west, and center. Each center was to be eventually self- supporting and would serve as an agricultural example for the farmers in the area - combining traditional Indian methods with scientific know-how. Each center was also to include a free hospital, a free elementary school, a home for the aged, facilities for studying languages, and a library of comparative religion and mysticism, in addition to the esoteric instruction and ‘man-making’ program that was to be the core. Two of the five centers were set up and functioning when Kirpal Singh left the physical body; the original Manav Kendra at Dehra Dun in the Himalayas where, during the years 1970 and 1971, he personally labored twelve hours a day to get it off the ground, was joined in 1973 by the second center at Baroda, near Bombay.” (51)

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“The outward climax of his mission was the calling of the great World Conference on Unity of Man in February 1974, seven months before his death. With invitations to spiritual and government leaders in India and throughout the world, the Conference was attended by two thousand delegates and approximately fifty thousand non-delegates…” (52)

Master explained the purpose of the conference: “The object of the Conference on Unity of Man is to propagate the idea of unity of man – that all mankind is one, all are born in the same way, their outer and inner construction is the same and all are endowed with the same privileges from God. No high, no low – all are equal. We are drops of the ocean of all-consciousness which is God. So we are all brothers and sisters in God.” (53)

“His last major effort on behalf of unity took place at the Kumbha Mela in Hardwar, where, on April 12, 1974 he organized a large number of sadhus and holy men into the National Unity Conference, to work together for the elimination of religious strife and the economic uplift of the poor people of India.” (54) -30-

During his last year, the number of visitors to Sawan Ashram increased dramatically. Knowing he was leaving, he threw open the gates and issued a general invitation to all his non-Indian disciples. Throughout the winter and spring of 1974 there were from two to four-hundred disciples from countries outside of India consistently at his feet, in addition to the thousands of Indian followers who flocked to his door.

At the huge celebration in honor of his Master, at the end of July 1974, Sant Kirpal Singh gave his last Initiation, giving Naam to 1,067 souls who had been accepted by him for the inner experiences of Light and Sound.

July 29, 1974

On August 1 st , the Beloved Master addressed a session of the Indian Parliament at the request of its members - the first time in history that a spiritual leader was invited to address the Parliament. -31-

On Saturday, August 17, 1974 the Master gave his last English darshan talk on the roof-terrace of his bedroom at Sawan Ashram.

Master : Any questions? Any questions? You, have you got any questions? Disciple : We can ask Master another day – we can ask the questions another day.

Master : No questions anyone? No? Any doubts? If there are no questions in your mind, any doubts? No? Something lurking in the mind? No?

Master : These are selections by God. They send the few certain people to administer certain things. They know when to come and when they are going back. They won’t let you down, mind that.

Disciple : I will bring my questions tomorrow. Master : Yes? If you have any questions to be brought tomorrow, why not bring them today? Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today; procrastination is the thief of time…if you’re not ready…that’s another thing. Yes, please?

August 1974

Disciple : Master, why don’t you heal yourself? You are all-powerful. Master : (Master ponders the question) Why don’t you heal yourself…? If anybody whom you love gives you something, would you refuse it? Tell me. What does he hope to do? He would gladly accept it. -32-

Master answers a few more questions. Then a disciple says to Master: Disciple : I just want to pray to you that I develop more and more love and faith in you. Master : That love will sprout forth when you come in contact with (the) Light and Sound Principle…or (keep the) sweet remembrance of the Master. Yes, please?

Disciple : What type of life is most conducive to spiritual progress? Master : Keeping commandments one hundred percent and developing receptivity. Then you’ll have one hundred percent of the fruit. Anyone else?

Disciple : In some types of work I am not able to keep full remembrance of the Master. How can I remain permanently close to you and at the same time do my work? Master : In the beginning, you see, whatever involves your memory or brain…that you will have to do one thing at a time. Later on when this habit is formed, that goes on automatically. You will see, your job will be done and you will keep the commandments. But that will develop in due course, not in one day. Go Jolly! (55)

August 17, 1974 -33-

The following report appeared in the September 1974 issue of Sat Sandesh:

On the evening of the 20 th , just after arrival at the hospital, Master was suffering terribly, his blessed body tossing in the bed. Later he graciously allowed these symptoms to be lifted, and rested in perfect peace. The following morning Bibi Hardevi asked him if he wanted water. He said, "This is not the time for water, this is the time for tea." Tea was at once prepared and offered to him, but he said so sweetly, "No; this is for you people, you take your breakfast"-- so at Master's contrivance, all the attendants, nurses, etc., enjoyed a tea break that morning - the last morning of Master's earth life.

Bibi Hardevi asked Master if Baba Sawan Singh had come; he replied, "When has he not been here?" Then Bibi asked who would take care of the Sangat after he left; he said, "I am leaving it in His hands."

During the last hours, Master remarked that he would be taking twice as much care of the Satsangis from now on.

Just before he left, his eyes moved back and forth across the room, as though in acknowledgment and greeting. Bibi again asked if Hazur had come, and Master replied, "Everyone has come!"

His last known words, in response to a question about his welfare: “Very good!”

-34-

On the evening of August 21, 1974 Sant Kirpal Singh chose to enter Maha Samadhi.

“I tell you, as my Master loved me, I have loved you – for no compensation, but to fulfill the will of my Master. I wish you to live up to what you have been told, that’s all. These words are coming out of my heart. If you just abide by them, you will progress wonderfully. Christ said, “I shall never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Bodies do leave; but that God Power working at a human pole does not leave.” (56)

Someone connected with a college where Master was speaking asked Him, "How many disciples do you have?" Master said, "I have no disciples. Only God has disciples. These people are my friends. I love them and they love me." (57) -35-

1. Kirpal Singh: The Story of a Saint , Children’s Series # 1, p.4 2. Love, Light and Light, p.5 3. Ibid, p.5 4. Ibid, pp.5, 6 5. Kirpal Singh: The Story of a Saint , p.5 6. Support for the Shaken Sangat , p.58 7. The Saint and His Master , p.4 8. Support for the Shaken Sangat , p.58 9. The Saint and His Master , p.6 10. Kirpal Singh: The Story of a Saint , p.11 11. Portrait of Perfection , p.7 12. Ibid, p.7 13. The Saint and His Master , p.10 14. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/tghp.htm 15. Portrait of Perfection , p.7 16. Ibid, p.26 17. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/timeline.htm 18. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/yearning.htm 19. Portrait of Perfection , p.11 20. The Saint and His Master , p.16 21. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/search4truth.htm 22. Portrait of Perfection , p.23 23. Ibid, p.17 24. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/psychic.htm 25. Portrait of Perfection , p.34 26. Support for the Shaken Sangat , p.77 27. Ibid, p.61 28. Ibid, pp.60, 61 29. Portrait of Perfection , p.42 30. Ibid, p.43 31. Kirpal Singh: The Story of a Saint , p.47 32. Portrait of Perfection , p.51 33. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/life_sketch.htm 34. Ibid 35. Ibid 36. kirpalsingh-teachings.org/index.php/en/images/category/10-first-world-tour-1955.html 37. Portrait of Perfection , p.90 38. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/life_sketch.htm 39. Portrait of Perfection , p.113 40. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/life_sketch.htm 41. Kirpal Singh: The Story of a Saint , p.54 42. Portrait of Perfection , p.122 43. Ibid, p.148 44. Ibid, p.161 45. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/go_on.htm 46. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/life_sketch.htm -36-

47. kirpalsingh-teachings.org/index.php/en/images/category/21-third-world-tour-1972 48. Portrait of Perfection , p.206 49. Ibid, p.201 50. Ibid, p.202 51. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/life_sketch.htm 52. Ibid 53. kirpalsingh-teachings.org/index.php/en/images/category/23- World%20Conference%20on%20Unity%20of%20Man.html 54. http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/indian/sant_kirpal_singh/life_sketch.htm 55. Kirpal Singh: His Grace Lives On – The Last Darshan Talks , pp.187 - 192 56. Portrait of Perfection , p.298 57. Sant Bani Magazine, Feb. 2004, pp.31, 32

May your soul be happy; journey joyfully. (Rumi)

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