On the Importance of a Living Guru – Selection from ‘Spiritual Gems’ by Baba Sawan Singh Ji (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Baba Sawan Singh Ji, also known as Hazur Maharaj, or “The Great Master,” was a devoted practitioner and enlightened Master in India. Following Baba Jaimal Singh’s passing, Baba Sawan Singh Ji became the second Satguru of the organization Radha Soami Satsang Beas, founded in northern India. Today, we will share excerpts from Baba Sawan Singh Ji’s “Spiritual Gems,” a collection of letters written to practitioners living mainly in Europe and the United States.

“Sikhi or the path of discipleship is like a sword's edge. There are two paths in this world, Manmukh (devotee of the mind, of the world) and Gurmukh (God-consciousness beings). Gurbani (what has been written in the Granth Sahib) is wonderful if we give careful thought to it. But, of course, if you read carelessly it is a different matter. Bani (Gurbani) has a medicinal effect on the minds when read thoughtfully.”

“If a sheep pen catches fire, the onlookers – taking pity on the sheep – take them out to safety; but the sheep insist on going back again and again to the same danger zone and there meet their death. The same is the case with us. The worldly wealth, worldly kingdoms are all subject to decay and, of course, nothing can accompany us after our death. We cannot take any of these things with us. Let alone other things, even our dear relatives have to be left behind. The real wealth which we can call our own is the Treasure of Nam, and that is within us. Yet man does not go within. Indeed, how can he go in till he comes across a Sant Sat Guru who will show him the way?”

“The whole world worships the mind. Very few – some rare Mahatmas (Sages) who can go in – know their True God. In eating, drinking, contacting friends, entering into relationships, in fact in whatever they do, they are ruled by the mind. Rishis, munis (saints), yogis, yogishwars (masters in yoga), mahatmas, prophets – all owe allegiance to the mind. When one contacts a Master and by going in gets rid of the three covers (material, astral and causal), the twenty-five prakritis (natural force), mind and maya, and reaches Par Brahm (the Supreme Spirit), then he realizes that he is pure soul.”