Akhand Path: No matter the religion, one practice that has stood the test of time is the recitation of sacred scriptures, known as ‘Path’. For instance, many Hindus in India turn to the daily reading of the Holy Bhagavad Gita. In Islam, reading verses from the Holy Quran Sharif is woven into the daily prayers of Namaz. Christians find comfort and connection in the Sunday Mass, where Holy Biblical hymns, prayers and readings are central.
In Sikhism, too, the recitation of the Holy Guru Granth Sahib is held in the highest regard during their worship in Gurudwaras. But have you ever wondered why this tradition of reciting holy texts has persisted for so long? What is the significance of ‘Path’ in a devotee’s life?
The Spiritual Importance of Path
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that among the five mandatory ‘Yagyas’ on the path to salvation, the ‘Gyan Yagya’ or gaining the correct spiritual knowledge is paramount.
This is also why every God-loving individual is inherently motivated to explore sacred scriptures, whether through reading or listening to their teachings. For many, this pursuit simply means an effort to accumulate good karma and inch closer to salvation.
However, not all scriptures provide authentic guidance. It is crucial to discern the true path of worship. Without it, one cannot ascertain the true path of worship from the many misleading ones. This knowledge serves as the benchmark in guiding the soul toward true liberation.
Only the Path (recitation) rooted in a scripture that holds the true spiritual knowledge of the one Supreme God can lead devotees to unparalleled spiritual achievements and true salvation.
Thus, it’s not just the Path (recitation) that matters. The authenticity of the scripture is equally important.
Which Is The Most Effective Path?
Among all religious scriptures, the Sat Granth Sahib Ji, spoken by Sant Garibdas Ji Maharaj almost 250 years ago, stands as the ultimate and unmatched sacred text. Supreme God Kabir bestowed upon Sant Garibdas unparalleled spiritual knowledge, revealing to him the realities of all universes and worlds. Sant Garibdas Ji has stated:
Garib, Shabd swaroopi utare satguru Sat Kabir |
Dass garib dayal hai dinge bhandhave dheer ||
Upon returning to Earth, Sant Garibdas Ji Maharaj dedicated his life to spreading this supreme wisdom of Kabir Saheb Ji and warning against practices that defy the true ancient scriptures.
The Sat Granth Sahib Ji, also known as the Amar Granth Sahib Ji, contains Sant Garibdas Ji Maharaj’s sacred teachings encapsulated in approximately 7000 verses. These were meticulously documented by Gopal Das Ji from Dadupanth. This extraordinary scripture not only encompasses the spiritual insights of all other religious texts but also surpasses them, filling in their gaps with profound knowledge.
■ Also Read: Satlok Ashram’s Spiritual Exhibition: A Spectacular Display Of Divine Wisdom by Sant Rampal Ji
As a result, the Akhand Path (unbroken recitation) of this supreme scripture offers spiritual achievements beyond comparison, to all who listen.
Why Is The Vaani Of Garibdas Ji Maharaj The Most Powerful Path?
Throughout history, scriptures have been distorted and their true interpretations have been twisted to suit the narratives of misguided spiritual leaders. Even the divine Kabir Sagar was not spared, its sacred words were modified to align with the interests of the ignorant Kabirpanthis.
However, the Sat Granth Sahib Ji is such a sacred scripture that none can tamper with it. A saint once tried to change a particular part in this sacred scripture, he was left paralysed for life. Since that incident, no one has dared to tamper with it, preserving its authenticity as the most powerful scripture.
The Sat Granth Sahib Ji holds the answer to the most fundamental question- Who is the Supreme Creator? It also reveals the creation of the universe in unprecedented detail. It fills in the gaps left by other scriptures, dispelling the ignorance that has imprisoned humanity for ages. This scripture is a powerful culmination of spiritual knowledge of all religions since the dawn of time and beyond. It is the knowledge that only Supreme God Kabir can provide.
However, mere recitation of this scripture, without the guidance of a true Satguru, does not lead to the desired spiritual accomplishments. Only a Satguru can unravel the spiritual mysteries and guide souls to salvation through the authentic teachings of Supreme God Kabir.
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the only true Satguru (Complete Saint or Tatvdarshi Sant) in the world today. Recitation of the Sat Granth Sahib Ji in His voice alone has the power to absolve countless sins and impart the benefits of Gyan Yagya.
This Path benefits not just humans, but also animals and the nature around us. The powerful combination of Sant Rampal Ji’s speech and the Sat Granth Sahib Ji can transform every atom and cell the sound waves interact with. Sant Garibdas Ji has stated:
Garib, Pandit koti anant hai, gyani koti anant |
Shrota koti anant hai, Birle Sadhu Sant ||
As unbelievable as it may sound, this is the true power and limitless grace of authentic worship of Supreme God Kabir.
What Is The Correct Way To Conduct The Akhand Path Of The Sat Granth Sahib Ji?
An uninterrupted recitation of a scripture until its completion is known as an Akhand Path. Conducting an Akhand Path requires strict adherence to certain rules.
As the only Tatvdarshi Sant in the world, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has uniquely guided everyone on the precise and reverent way to conduct the Path of the Sat Granth Sahib Ji.
Key aspects of this sacred practice:
- The Akhand Path must be completed within three days.
- The scripture is placed on a high table, draped with a clean cloth.
- Pathis (reciters) must bathe, wear clean clothes and also cover their heads with a clean cloth before beginning the recitation.
- The recitation starts with the ‘Path Prakash Vani’.
- Multiple reciters may take turns to read, ensuring not a single word is missed.
- Throughout the recitation, a person stands beside the Pathi, gently moving a sacred fly whisk or ‘Chavar’ over the scripture.
- The Akhand Path concludes with the ‘Bhog Ki Vaani’ of God Kabir, followed by a ‘Bhog’ or a sacred offering of the divine meal to Him.
This meticulous practice, taught by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, ensures the Akhand Path is conducted with the utmost sanctity and reverence.
A Preview Of The Most Groundbreaking Insights In The Sat Granth Sahib Ji
Covering all aspects of the magnanimous scripture Sat Granth Sahib Ji is beyond the scope of this exposition. However, let’s focus on one key insight shared by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj from this revered scripture.
‘Declaration about the arrival of the Supreme God in Haryana’
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj draws our attention to the following verse in Sant Garibdas Ji’s teachings:
‘Sarv kalaa Satguru Saheb ki, Hari aaye Hariyaane nu’
The Sat Granth Sahib Ji was composed about 250 years ago, whereas the Indian state of Haryana was only established in 1966, after its separation from Punjab. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj highlights Sant Garibdas Ji’s declaration of the state of Haryana made centuries in advance. The name ‘Haryana’ not only marks the location where God Kabir (the true Hari) met Sant Garibdas Ji but also symbolises the place of origin of the greatest spiritual renaissance that’s gripping the world, spearheaded by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
He (Sant Rampal Ji) is no ordinary man, He is Supreme God Kabir Himself and has manifested once again in Haryana to spread His divine spiritual knowledge.
How Can You Take Part In This Sacred Akhand Path?
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj leads the true Kabir Panth, the 13th Kabir Panth, as declared by Supreme God Kabir in the Sukshma Veda (Kabir Sagar). Under His divine guidance, this Panth honours six major occasions annually that highlight key moments in Kabir Saheb’s legacy. Each celebration, typically, lasts three days and centres on the recitation of the Sat Granth Sahib Ji of Sant Garibdas Ji Maharaj at Satlok Ashrams worldwide.
Join us in person for this Akhand Path on 6th, 7th and 8th September 2024, in celebration of the 74th Avataran Diwas of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. Experience this profound occasion at any of the listed locations:
1. Satlok Ashram Dhanana Dham, Sonipat, Haryana
2. Satlok Ashram Mundka, Delhi
3. Satlok Ashram Dhuri, Punjab
4. Satlok Ashram Khamanon, Punjab
5. Satlok Ashram Sojat, Rajasthan
6. Satlok Ashram Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
7. Satlok Ashram Kurukshetra, Haryana
8. Satlok Ashram Bhiwani, Haryana
9. Satlok Ashram Betul, Madhya Pradesh
10. Satlok Ashram Indore, Madhya Pradesh
11. Satlok Ashram Dhanusha, Nepal
Alternatively, you can also tune in to the live broadcast on our social media channels:
- Facebook page: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
- Youtube Channel: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
- Twitter: @SaintRampalJiM
We invite you to join this profound spiritual event and experience the immense blessings of the Akhand Path.
FAQs
Answer: The Akhand Path of Sant Garibdas Ji’s Sat Granth Sahib Ji, conducted under the divine guidance of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj takes three days to complete.
Answer: It is the unbroken recitation of Sant Garibdas Ji’s Sat Granth Sahib Ji by Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, conducted in Satlok Ashrams worldwide.
Answer: Akhand Path means the continuous, uninterrupted recitation of Sant Garibdas Ji Maharaj’s Sat Granth Sahib.