Thakar Singh Myth Busters

Setting the Record Straight on Sant Thakar Singh

What is Sant Mat?

Sant Mat is the name of the tradition of spiritual teachings taught by Sant Thakar Singh. It focuses on individual practice of meditation, called “Meditation on inner light and sound.” The goal of Sant Mat is the practitioner’s self-realization as soul and oneness with the Creator. The meditation practice is silent and individual. (See Meditation)

Sant Mat meditation is learned from an adept at the practice called a Sant Mat Master or simply Master (see Master). Progress and attainment in Sant Mat, according to the theory, is measured by the practitioner through his or her control to still the body and mind and rise into higher consciousness. Outwardly, this progress results in the development of equanimity and compassion for one’s fellow human beings.

Sant Thakar Singh learned the meditation practice from his Sant Mat Master, Sant Kirpal Singh in 1965. (See Biography of Sant Thakar Singh) After completing a long period of intense meditation practice begun in 1974 at the request of his Master, Sant Thakar Singh began his spiritual work as Sant Mat Master in February, 1976.

Sant Mat does not involve itself in the student’s family, social, or religious life, and thus students are encouraged to continue their family, social, and religious ties and to practice the meditation as a supplementary activity. The wide variety of millions of practitioners from all walks of life and all professions attests to the openness and non-cultic nature of Sant Mat.

Are Sant Mat disciples brainwashed or controlled?

No. Sant Mat teaches that spiritual unfoldment and growth come naturally and unforced. Sant Mat does not use mental programming, psychological tactics, or group pressure. Sant Mat respects the free will of the individual.

Meditation groups are sometimes organized locally where practitioners can meet on a regular basis to meditate together and feel encouragement from each other in developing the habit of daily meditation.

Retreat centers are available where people can withdraw for some time from worldly life to meditate and study the Sant Mat teachings. These centers are organized to help individuals obtain a deeper understanding of and gain practical, personal experience on the spiritual path. Such centers are analogous to similar places established for spiritual contemplation in other traditions, such as Christian or Buddhist monasteries.

Must disciples donate money to the Master?

No. There is no requirement and no pressure on students of Sant Mat to make donations. It is possible to donate voluntarily to charitable organizations furthering Sant Mat activities. Sant Thakar Singh did not accept donations for himself; his Indian government pension was sufficient for his livelihood.

As in many religious and spiritual traditions, Sant Mat recognizes the personal benefits of performing selfless service to humanity. The tenet that “selfless service is its own reward” is the basis of making donations to a charitable cause. The concept of tithing is common to nearly all the world’s religious traditions. Sant Mat promotes the benefits of selfless service, but does not make any requirements nor place any pressure on students.

The non-profit organizations that promote the work of Sant Mat are overseen and audited by government authorities the same as thousands of other non-profit organizations. By law, all donations are channeled to support the charitable aims of the non-profit organizations, and no individual is permitted to benefit personally.

What literature is recommended for further reading?

The Wheel of Life and the Mystery of Death, by Sant Kirpal Singh [at editionnaam.com] [at amazon.com]
The Crown of Life, by Sant Kirpal Singh [at editionnaam.com] [at amazon.com]
Spirituality – What It Is, by Sant Kirpal Singh [at editionnaam.com] [at amazon.com]
Live the Life of Soul, by Sant Thakar Singh [at editionnaam.com] [at amazon.com]
Way of Life 2002, by Sant Thakar Singh [at editionnaam.com] [at amazon.com]