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Rajinder Singh (spiritual master)

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Rajinder Singh
TitleSant
Personal life
Born20 September 1946
Delhi, India
NationalityIndian
SpouseRita
Parent(s)Darshan Singh, Harbhajan Kaur
Religious life
ReligionSikhism
InstituteScience of Spirituality/Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission[1]
LineageSant Mat (Non-Denominational)
Senior posting
Based inChicago, USA and Delhi, India
Present postSpiritual Master
PredecessorDarshan Singh
Previous postEngineer

Rajinder Singh (born 20 September 1946) is the head of the international, non-profit organization Science of Spirituality (SOS), also known in India as the Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission.[2] To his disciples he is known as Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. Singh is known for his work toward promoting inner and outer peace through spirituality and meditation on the inner Light and Sound.[3]

Biography

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Life and career

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Singh earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Madras, India [4] and his master's degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology) in Chicago, Illinois.[5] He received his spiritual education from two of India's leading spiritual Masters: Kirpal Singh (1894–1974) and Darshan Singh (1921–1989). His training in both disciplines has helped him express age-old spiritual teachings in clear, logical language. Rajinder has had a twenty-year career in science, computers, and communications.[5][6]

He is the son of Darshan Singh (1921–1989) and grandson of Kirpal Singh (1894–1974).[2]

Singh stated that, "One of the greatest benefits of meditation is that we will not only have peace in our own homes, but will contribute to the peace of the world. Throughout the world, people are praying for peace. But, as the expression goes, charity begins at home. World peace can only become a reality when each of us individually has peace in our own circles. If we bring peace into our individual spheres, the effect will be cumulative, and it will contribute to world peace. In 2000, He was part of a delegation of hundreds of world religious leaders who traveled to New York for the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, "an event unusual for its religious diversity and for its having convened at the United Nations," according to the New York Times.[7] Singh told the Times, "When we sit and talk with them [leaders of other religions], we realize they are not much different".[7]

Rajinder has written a number of books including Inner and Outer Peace Through Meditation which was #1 Barnes and Noble best-selling meditation book.[8][9]

As founder of the Darshan Education Foundation, Singh has established Darshan Academy throughout India (schools that teach students from Pre-K—12).[10] Integrating both meditation and a spiritual curriculum into a traditional academic environment, the foundation's goal is two-fold: first, to produce students whose spiritual potential is developed along with their intellect and physical well-being; and second, to inspire in each student a global view of the world, unobstructed by distinctions of race, nationality, religion, or economic status.

He was President of the 16th International World Human Unity Conference in 1998.[11]

Philosophy

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Singh emphasizes the fundamental unity and harmony of all faiths.[12] He says his aim is to "take the mystery out of mysticism, to help people put mysticism into action in their own lives. By doing so, they will help themselves as well as those around them attain bliss and universal love."[12] He emphasizes meditation as the basis for peace.[13] As he has said, "Within us is a divine spirit from which our intelligence and wisdom is derived. The process of accessing that inner divine spirit, intelligence, and wisdom is called meditation; if we transform knowledge to wisdom by meditating and experiencing the driving force behind all existence, then we have the key to human unity. This experience will transform our individual life and the lives of those around us. These individual transformations will ultimately bring unity and peace at the community, national, and global levels." (From a speech, "Moral Dimensions of Leadership" given to the United States Coast Guard Academy)

Meditation

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Meditation is a process by which a practitioner comes in contact with the Light and Sound of God already within themselves. The spiritual Masters of Science of Spirituality teach that (1) the divine current of Light and Sound reverberates in all creation; (2) by meditating on this current one can begin a journey into the inner spiritual regions; and (3) with the help and guidance of a spiritual Master, this journey ultimately culminates in God-realization and the merger of the soul with the Over-soul or God.[14] In the Times of India, Singh states, "Human beings are blessed with a special faculty to gain spiritual knowledge. That opportunity is offered to every human being but few make use of it. One needs to meditate to make full use of the gift."[15]

Science and spirituality

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The method of meditation taught by him is called a science because it can be practiced by people of all cultures. In this method, aspirants perform the experiment of meditation within their own selves. By doing so, the practitioner can have a inner experience of spiritual light and sound, affirming that there is something that lies beyond this physical world.[citation needed]

In his address given to students and faculty at IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Mumbai, Singh states: “Science and spirituality make a great partnership. If those engaged in science spend time in the silence of their selves, inspiration will come and lead them to the answers they seek. If those interested in spirituality apply the scientific law of testing a hypothesis in the laboratories of their own bodies, they will find results. Each person is capable of success in proving spiritual truths. Such pursuits can make the world a better place as well as uncover the purpose of our lives.”[16]

Awards and honors

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Awards

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Honorary doctorates

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Singh has received five honorary doctorates from various universities around the world in recognition of his work to introduce spirituality into science and education, and for his work toward human integration.[28][29][30]

Speeches and activities

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Keynote addresses

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Singh has been invited to deliver keynotes and talks at various conferences through the years.

At the United Nations Headquarters, New York (May 2016), in his keynote address, he explained how meditation on the inner Light and Sound can lead to inner peace, which paves the way to building bridges of unity, love, and outer peace in the world.[31][32][33] At the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, United Nations, New York City, New York (August 2000), in his address entitled "Nature of Forgiveness and Compassion" Singh stated: "Spirituality is the recognition that behind our outer names and labels, we are souls, a part of one Creator. . . . When we develop this vision we no longer see through the eyes of prejudice and discrimination.". He also shared a speech at the UN celebration for Secretary General Kofi Annan.[34][35][36]

At the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, Connecticut (November 1999), addressing the members of the academy in his talk "Moral Leadership for the 21st Century," Singh provided a blueprint for successful leadership.[37]

At the Sixth Assembly of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, in Riva del Garde, Italy (November 1994), in this talk "Curing the World’s Pain," he stated: "To heal the world, we must heal ourselves. To bring peace to the world, we must have peace ourselves. We can attain this through meditation."[38]

Symposium of the World Conference on Religion and Peace in Vienna, Austria (1998). In his address, “Building Peace in the World,” he explored the importance of meditation as the way to connect to our soul and to the divinity that exists within us. He said: “When we recognize that all people of the world are made of the same Light that we are made of, we will feel the pain of others. . . . Our outlook will be a global one, and we will make choices that will benefit our global brothers and sisters.”

Addresses to academic and medical institutions

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  • Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts on Inner and Outer Communication (November 1996).[17]
  • National Institute of Health (NIH), Washington, D.C (July 1993)[39][40]

Veggie Fest

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He promoted the Veggie Fest, the vegetarian food and lifestyle festival in North America. Co-sponsored by the Science of Spirituality and over 30 vendors, the festival celebrates the benefits and joys of a vegetarian lifestyle. It is held in Lisle/Naperville, Illinois.[41][42][43] In 2016, Veggie Fest celebrated its 11th year, launching its largest festival to date: Over 800 volunteers from around the world welcomed tens of thousands of visitors during its two-day program.[44] Each year, participants attend this festival which includes: an international food court; vendor tents and food demos from noted area chefs; live music, a blood donation drive; a “Take the Vegetarian Challenge” tent, and a “Take the Meditation Challenge” tent.[45][46]

Visitors can also attend the “Spirituality & Health Symposium” where doctors and health practitioners speak throughout the day on different aspects of the vegetarian diet and its impact on one's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Singh delivers the Keynote on both days.[47]

Publications

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  • 2022 Detox the Mind ISBN 0918224314
  • 2016 Building Bridges through Meditation
  • 2012 Meditation as Medication for the Soul ISBN 0918224721
  • 2011 Spark of the Divine ISBN 978-0-918224-70-5
  • 1999 Empowering Your Soul Through Meditation ISBN 0-00-716149-2
  • 1996 Inner and Outer Peace Through Meditation ISBN 1-85230-949-0

Various children's books were also published.

References

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  1. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Inspires Thousands In New York Region". The Universal News Network. 17 May 2016.
  2. ^ a b Peter Bernard Clarke (2006). "Radhasoami Movements". Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780203484333.
  3. ^ Fisher, Mary Pat (1997). Living Religions: An Encyclopedia of the World's Faiths. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: I.B.Tauris. ISBN 9781860641480.
  4. ^ Staff writer. "Indian Institute of Technology Madras alumni". India Times. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  5. ^ a b Michael Ko (8 October 1999). "Meditating on God". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Master". www.speakingtree.in. speakingtree.
  7. ^ a b Gustav Niebuhr (1 September 2000). "World's Religious Figures Sign a Pledge for Peace". New York Times. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  8. ^ "Inner and Outer Peace Through Meditation". Barnes & Noble. Radiance.
  9. ^ HH Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj's book tops Barnes and Noble Top Bestsellers. India Bulletin.
  10. ^ "All India Inter Darshan Academy Sports Meet 2017". The South Asian Times. 25 February 2017.
  11. ^ "Letter to Kofi Annan". United Nations. 28 May 1997. Retrieved 20 November 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  12. ^ a b Mary Pat Fisher (1997). Living Religions: An Encyclopedia of the World's Faiths. I.B.Tauris. ISBN 9781860641480.
  13. ^ Diane Dassow (30 December 1996). "Group proposes a simple way to discover inner, outer peace". Daily Herald. Arlington Heights, IL. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  14. ^ "thesouthasiantimes.info". The South Asian Times (NEW YORK EDITION): 16. 8–14 September 2012.
  15. ^ "Give Thanks: It's Part of Spiritual Evolvement". The Times of India. Times of India: The Best of Speaking Tree.
  16. ^ Singh, Rajinder (2005). Silken thread of the divine. Naperville, IL: SK Publications. p. 111. ISBN 0-918224-48-9.
  17. ^ a b Anonymous. "Peace Award For Spiritualist". News India – Times [New York, N.Y] 20 June 1997: 31. Quote: "Sant Ranjinder Singh Ji Maharaj, spiritual head of Science of Spirituality/Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission, was presented earlier this month Peace Award by the Temple of Understanding and the Interfaith Center of New York. He also lectured at Harvard University November 1996 on Inner and Outer Communication."
  18. ^ Pearl Driver. "Meditation the Way to Peace: Sant Rajinder Singh Ji." India – West [San Leandro, Calif] 7 September 2010, Vol. 35 Issue 33, pB1-B20.
  19. ^ "Cultural Center of The I.R. Iran - New delhi - News > Seminar on " Building Bridges Through Education"". newdelhi.icro.ir.
  20. ^ "From a Scientist to a Saint: Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj". Daily News Updates. 6 March 2017.
  21. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj receives an award from the 56th Legislature of the State of Mexico and the president of the State of Mexico, Juan Carlos Nunez-Armas, in recognition for his contribution to world peace," p. 12". The South Asian Times, August, 2009 (Vol. 1, No. 55). 14 November 2008.
  22. ^ "World Leader of Peace Comes to Cali, El Tiempo, Cali-Valle". No. Wednesday. Staff Writer, "World Leader of Peace Comes to Cali, El Tiempo, Cali-Valle. 25 November 1998.
  23. ^ "Third International gala at IIT brings together over 300 students" (PDF). Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  24. ^ "DailyExcelsior".
  25. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Receives Honor During Visit to Cali, Colombia". Science of Spirituality.
  26. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Recipient of High Honor in Colombia". hiindia.com. 20 January 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  27. ^ "Delhi Samachar: संत राजिंदर सिंह जी महाराज को मिला कोलंबिया का सर्वोच्च सम्मान - Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Received Columbia's Highest Honor". Navbharat Times (in Hindi).
  28. ^ "When Springtime Comes". The Edge Magazine. July 2013.
  29. ^ "NCR stories – Sant Rajinder Singh Ji gets doctorates for world peace efforts". www.tribuneindia.com.
  30. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj – lectures". www.eric-pearl.cz.
  31. ^ "Indian Spiritual Master Sant Rajinder Singh says at the UN: "Meditation is Medication for the Soul"". www.theindianpanorama.news. theindianpanorama.
  32. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh steals show at UN". IANS Live.
  33. ^ "Inspirational talk by H. H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj 'Meditation As Medication For the Soul'". webtv.un.org.
  34. ^ Niebuhr, Gustav (1 September 2000). "World's Religious Figures Sign a Pledge for Peace". The New York Times.
  35. ^ "The World Council of Religious Leaders". www.millenniumpeacesummit.org. millenniumpeacesummit.[permanent dead link‍]
  36. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj speaks at the UN - New York". www.thesouthasiantimes.info. thesouthasiantimes.
  37. ^ "From a Scientist to a Saint: Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj". Daily News Updates. 6 March 2017.
  38. ^ Glassman, Sandra (1 January 1995). "The Sixth Assembly of the World Conference on Religion and Peace". Buddhist-Christian Studies. 15: 245–248. JSTOR 1390051.
  39. ^ "Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj on Australia and NZ tour in April 2014". www.indiandownunder.com.au. indiandownunder.
  40. ^ "IAMA honors Sant Rajinder Singh, top doctors". hiindia.com. hiindia.com.
  41. ^ "Veggie Fest". thetimesweekly. thetimesweekly.
  42. ^ Cichon, Kathy. "Veggie Fest returns to promote vegetarian lifestyle". Naperville Sun. Chicago Tribune.
  43. ^ "Over 40000 attend 11th Annual Veggie Fest in Illinois". www.thesouthasiantimes.info. www.thesouthasiantimes.info.
  44. ^ "Veggie Fest Chicago 2016". www.auburngreshamportal.org.
  45. ^ Smith, Katlyn (22 July 2016). "Bring an appetite to Veggie Fest". Daily Herald.
  46. ^ Cichon, Kathy. "Veggie Fest returns to promote vegetarian lifestyle". Naperville Sun.
  47. ^ "Chicago Veggie Fest Is On!". Conscious Living TV. 4 August 2015.
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