Sant Kirpal Singh

Recognised world wide as a Saint of the 20th century, embodiment of kindness and mercy, Sant Kirpal Singh (1894-1974) taught the path of Sant Mat, also known as Surat Shabd Yoga or Science of the Soul.

Respecting all religions, his teaching centered between God and man and was focussed on serving man and developing man into a true human being ("man-making"). He ever refused the idea to mould all religions into one, but pointed out their common core in all His talks, lectures and writings. His books were translated into several languages. Disciples from different faiths and various nations were guided by Him to a deeper understanding of their own religion by the practical spiritual experience He was able to impart.

In 1957 Sant Kirpal Singh was elected President of the World Fellowship of Religions, presiding over four World Conferences during 14 years. In 1962 awarded with the order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, He was the first Non-Christian to receive that honour.

Three world tours led Him to the West in 1955, 1963- 64 and 1972, where He gave public lectures in the major cities of Europe and America and met many religious, political and social leaders.

By end of the sixties, He had developed the concept of "Manav Kendras" – centres for a comprehensive development of man, with social and agricultural facilities, starting with a centre at the Himalayas.

The outer climax of His work was the calling of the "World Conference on Unity of Man" from 3-6 February 1974 in Delhi. Two thousand delegates from all over the world and about 50 000 non-delegates participated. Among the distinguished guests - religious, spiritual and political leaders – was the Prime Minister of that time, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, with members of her cabinet This World Conference was the origin of the mouvement Unity of Man. The same year, on 4 April 1974, Sant Kirpal Singh gave instructions for his further work to His disciple Dr Harbhajan Singh, indicating that His tenure was going to end.

However, His untiring efforts on behalf on unity were going on. A short time later, on 12 April, at the Kumbha Mela at Hardwar, He organized a large number of sadhus and holy men into the National Unity Conference, pledged to work together for the elimination of religious strife and the economic uplift of the poor – nobody before had been able to convince the traditionally independent sadhus to join for a common good.

Another remarkable follow-up event in this endeavour was the Rashtrya Sant Samagam, the "Convocation of the Saints", on 26-27 July in Delhi

On August 1, 1974, Sant Kirpal Singh addressed a session of the Indian Parliament at the request of his members – the first time in history that a spiritual leader was invited to give an address to the parliament.

Until 17 August, He continuously had heart-to-heart-talks with a couple of Western disciples who stayed in His Ashram in Delhi. Four days later, on 21 August, 1974, Sant Kirpal Singh left His body forever, in the presence of Dr. Harbhajan Singh, who was commissioned by Him to carry on His noble work.