In the intricate journey of life, seekers have often looked towards spiritual luminaries to uncover the deeper truths of existence. Among such guiding lights is Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, whose teachings offer a transformative perspective on the universe, the soul, and the divine. Central to His doctrine is the concept of Satlok, an eternal realm beyond the transient nature of our world, and the path of truth that leads there. This article delves into the profound insights from Sant Rampal Ji’s teachings, unraveling the mysteries of Satlok, the significance of the path of truth, and the life secrets that promise spiritual liberation and eternal bliss.
The Invention of True Knowledge
Supreme God Kabir and the lineage of saints that followed Him, including contemporary spiritual teacher Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, emphasize the importance of “Satnaam” and “Saarnaam.” Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, in line with Supreme God Kabir’s teachings, emphasizes the importance of these naam. He believes that to achieve salvation, one must receive and chant these mantras from a SatGuru. According to Him, these mantras have the power to cleanse the soul of its karmas and help it attain the ultimate abode, Satlok.
Satnaam:
- “Sat” translates to “truth” or “existence,” and “naam” means “name.” So, “Satnaam” can be understood as the “True Name” of God.
- Supreme Almighty Kabir’s verses often allude to the significance of this True Name and the need to meditate upon it for spiritual realization and salvation.
Saarnaam:
- “Saar” means “essence” or “core.” Thus, “Saarnaam” refers to the essential or core name of God.
- This is considered a secret mantra, given to disciples by a realized guru during initiation. It’s believed that chanting this name can lead to spiritual elevation and ultimate salvation.
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings, the three stages of “naam” (or mantras) are based on the phrase “Om Tat Sat,” which is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 23 (17.23) reads:
ॐ तत् सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः।
ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा।। (BG17:23)
ॐ , Tat, Sat, iti, nirdeshH, brahmnH, trividhH, smrtH,
BraahmnaH, ten, vedaH, ch, yagyaaH, ch, vihitaH, pura ||BG17:23||
These three stages of naam are believed to correspond to three different realms or levels of spiritual progression. Here’s a breakdown:
Om (ॐ):
- Realm: This mantra is associated with the realm of “Brahm” or the first spiritual region.
- Deity: The deity associated with this realm is Brahm (or Kshar Purush).
- Description: Chanting or meditating upon “Om” helps a soul progress in this realm, but it doesn’t lead to complete salvation. It’s the starting point of spiritual practice for many.
Tat:
- Realm: This mantra is linked to the realm of “Akshar Purush” or the second spiritual region.
- Deity: The deity associated with this realm is Akshar Purush.
- Description: Progressing beyond “Om” and meditating upon “Tat” elevates the soul further, but still, it doesn’t lead to the ultimate salvation.
Sat:
- Realm: This mantra is associated with the highest realm, “Satlok” or the eternal realm.
- Deity: The deity of this realm is SatPurush or the Supreme God, whom Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj identifies as Kabir.
- Description: “Sat” is the true and eternal name of God. Meditating upon this naam leads to complete salvation and allows the soul to go to the Supreme God in Satlok.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes the importance of acquiring these mantras from a realized guru who has the authority to impart them. Only with the correct mantras and the guidance of a true guru, He believes, can one achieve complete salvation.
The Authority of Supreme God Kabir
He is the Supreme God, called Kabir who appeared in Kashi, India nearly 600 years ago, and enlightened the pious souls in Hinduism and Islamic both. He spread His true and complete spiritual knowledge by means of soul-touching poems and proverbs. He didn’t marry, neither He took birth from a mother. He Himself appeared on a lotus flower acquiring an infant’s form in a lake named Lahartara. From where the childless couple Neeru-Neema took Him home. The people of the entire Kaashi city went to see the beautiful body of God Kabir in the child’s form.
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, Kabir is not just a saint or poet but is the Supreme God. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj cites various religious scriptures to support His claims. Here are some of the proofs or arguments He presents:
God Kabir in Vedas
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj claims that the Vedas, which are among the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, mention Kabir as the Supreme God. He often quotes verses from the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda to substantiate this claim. Vedas describe a few attributes about the Supreme God which are as follows:-
- Supreme God Himself appears on this earth to impart His knowledge.
- Supreme God also appears on the water as an infant.
- Supreme God when present on earth drinks the milk of maiden cows.
- Supreme God gets renowned as a poet.
The above-mentioned attributes are clearly mentioned in the Vedas which you can read below. These verses also mention the name of the Supreme God as Kavir Dev (Kabir Sahib). These attributes are only applicable to God Kabir. No other God or deity has any similar attributes.
- Yajurved Adhyay 29 Mantra 25
समिद्धः-अद्य-मनुषः-दुरोणे-देवः-देवान्-यज्-असि- जात-वेदः-आ- च-वह-मित्रामहः-चिकित्वान्-त्वम्-दूतः- कविर्-असि-प्रचेताः।
One, who brings and imparts the healthy/sound knowledge i.e. the true bhakti of the Supreme God who is kind and the real friend of a living being, in the form of a messenger is Himself, Kabir.
- Samved in Sankhya 1400 Sankhya 359 Samved Adhyay no. 4 Khand no. 25 Shlok no. 8
पुराम्-भिन्दुः-युवा-कविर्-अमित-औजा- अजायत-इन्द्रः-विश्वस्य- कर्मणः-धर्ता-वज्री- पुरूष्टुतः।
The Fully Capable God Kabir who brings true spiritual knowledge to this world, who breaks the fort of the bondage of sins of Kaal-Brahm, the God who is the giver of all happiness, is worthy of being praised and worshiped.
There are many other references in the Vedas that describe a few attributes of the Supreme God.
- Mantra Sankhya 1400 Samved Utarchik Adhyay no. 12 Khand no. 3 Shlok no. 5
- Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 96 Mantra 17
- Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 96 Mantra 18
- Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 96 Mantra 19
- Rigved Mandal 9 Sukt 96 Mantra 20
- Atharvaved Kaand no. 4 Anuvak no. 1 Mantra 7
Bhagavad Gita
He interprets certain verses from the Bhagavad Gita to suggest that the Supreme God is someone other than Krishna and that it is Kabir. For instance, in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 62, it is advised to seek refuge in the “Supreme God” for grace and liberation. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj claims this refers to Kabir.
- God Kabir in Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (Bhagavad Gita verse 08: 09, 10)
A worshipper, who remembers the Eternal, Controller of all, Subtler than the subtlest, the Sustainer of all, Self-effulgent like the sun i.e. possessing a bright body, beyond the darkness of ignorance, (Kavim) Kavir Dev (God Kabir) Sachchidanandghan Parmeshwar. (BG 08: 09)
That worshiper, who is endowed with bhakti, by the power (the earnings of naam jaap) of the sadhna of the jaap of three mantras, while leaving the body at the time of death, reaching Trikuti, while doing the sumiran of Saarnaam by practice, goes to that divine form i.e. bright, visible (Param Purush) Parmeshwar only (BG 08: 09)
Bible
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj also references the Bible, suggesting that Kabir is the same God mentioned in it. He cites verses that talk about God being in the form of a human and claims that this refers to Kabir. The name of Supreme God Kabir is mentioned in the Bible. In most of the translated texts, only the meaning of the word “Kabir” has been written whereas in the Orthodox Jewish Bible, the original text “Kabir” is written which is the name of the Supreme God.
- Iyov 36:5 Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) Original text in Hebrew
See, El is kabir (mighty), and despiseth not any; He is kabir in ko’ach lev (strength of understanding).
Translation:- Indeed, God is Kabir and rejects no one; Kabir is all-knowing. (English)
Iyov 36:5 in Hebrew has the original word “Kabir” (כַּ֭בִּיר)
Quran
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj interprets certain verses from the Quran to suggest that the Supreme God has a form and comes in the form of a human, which He identifies as Kabir. Here are some of the points and verses He took as references:
- Allah Kabir: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj suggests that the name “Kabir” appears in the Quran. He cites verses like Al Furqan 25:52, 25:58, and 25:59 where the word “Kabir” is used. Here, the term “Kabir” is often translated as “Great” or “Mighty” in mainstream Islamic teachings. However, Sant Rampal Ji interprets it as a reference to Kabir Sahib.
- God’s Form: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj references verses that, according to him, suggest that God is not formless. For instance, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:115, He interprets “Face of Allah” to mean that God has a form.
- God Coming as a Human: Sant Rampal Ji cites verses that He believes indicate God’s ability to come in human form. For example, in Surah Al-Hajj 22:75, He interprets God’s ability to appear as a human.
- Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj suggests that the name “Kabir” appears in Holy Fazal-E-Amal
Fazael-E-Zikr, Aayat 1, mentioned Allah is Kabir. He is the Almighty Kabir. He is the complete God.
‘Wallat Kabir Bullah Aala Maha dakoobwala Allah kumdar guru’
You glorify the Almighty Kabir Allah. He should give the instructions so that you thank Allahtala. That Kabir Allahtala is Omnipotent. That Kabir is Royal. Kabir saves from sins.
From the above Aayats of Quran Sharif this is proved that God/ Allah is none other than Kabir. This proves that the giver of the knowledge of Quran Sharif is not the complete GOD, he is not AllahTala whom the whole Muslim community worships, assuming him to be their Allah.
Almighty Kabir’s own words
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj often cites the verses (sakhis) of Parmeshwar Kabir to support His claims. In many of His verses, Kabir Parmeshwar refers to Himself as the third person and talks about the divine knowledge He imparts.
God Kabir Himself said:
“Avigat se chal aaye, koi mera bhed marm nahin paaya ||(tek)||
Na mera janm na garbh basera, baalak ho dikhlaaya ||
Kashi nagar jal kamal par dera, vahaan julaahe ne paaya ||
Maat-pita mere kuchh naahin, na mere ghar daasi (patni) ||
Julha ka sut aan kahaaya, jagat karein meri haansi ||
Paanch tatv ka dhad nahin mera, jaanu gyaan apaara ||
Satya swaroopi (vaastvik) naam Saheb (Purna Prabhu) ka, soi naam humaara ||
Adhar dweep (upar Satyalok mein) gagan gufa mein tahaan nij vastu sara ||
Jyot swaroopi alakh Niranjan (Brahm), bhi dharta dhyaan humaara ||
Haad chaam lahu na mere, koi jaane satyanaam upaasi ||
Taaran taran abhay pad daata, main hoon Kabir avinaashi ||”
This shows that He only is the Creator and sustainer of the entire creation mentioned in the Holy Hindu Scriptures. He is the Supreme God of all religions, including Hinduism, who does destroy the sins of His devotees and changes their destinies.
Other Scriptures
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj also references other scriptures like Guru Granth Sahib (of Sikhism) and suggests that references to the supreme being in it are about Kabir.
God Kabir in Shri Guru Granth Sahib (Page no. 721, Raag Tilang, Mehla 1)
“हक्का कबीर करीम तू, बेएब परवरदीगार। नानक बुगोयद जनु तुरा, तेरे चाकरां पाखाक
It has been clarified in the aforesaid sacred speech that Oh (Hakka Kabir) Sat Kabir, You are (Koon Kartar) Shabd Swaroopi Ram who does creation by the power of Shabd i.e. You are the Creator of the entire nature; You only are (beaeb) flawless (Parwardigaar) Nurturer of all and (Karim) the kind God. I am the servant of Your servants.
Comparison with Other Scriptures
Sant Rampal Ji often draws parallels between verses in scriptures like the Vedas, Gita, Quran, and the Bible to reinforce His claim about Kabir Sahib being the Supreme God. It’s crucial to understand that these interpretations are specific to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj and His followers.
Description of Eternal Abode Satlok
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings, Satlok, also known as Sachkhand, is the eternal abode of the Supreme God Kabir. Here’s a description of Satlok based on Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings:
- Eternal Abode: Unlike other realms which are transient and subject to the cycle of creation and destruction, Satlok is eternal. It never undergoes any change, decay, or dissolution.
- Realm of Supreme Peace: Satlok is described as a place of unparalleled peace and happiness. Souls in Satlok are free from all kinds of suffering, pain, and the cycle of birth and death.
- Luminosity: Satlok is said to be self-illuminated, radiating its own light. It’s brighter than countless suns and moons combined, yet this light is soothing and not harsh.
- Physical Description: Satlok is often described as a place where everything is made of a divine, indestructible element that doesn’t erode or decay. The flora and fauna, buildings, and even the inhabitants are made of this eternal element.
- Inhabitants: Souls in Satlok are in their true, pure form. They are free from the bondage of karmas and live in harmony, singing praises of the Supreme God Kabir.
- Supreme God Kabir: Satlok is the realm where the Supreme God Kabir resides on a divine throne. He governs all other realms from here.
- Contrast with Other Realms: All other realms, including heaven (Swarg) and the realm of Brahm, are temporary and subject to the cycle of time. Souls in these realms might enjoy pleasures for a while, but they are not free from the cycle of birth and death. Only in Satlok is the soul truly free and eternal.
- Achieving Satlok: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that to reach Satlok, one needs the guidance of a true guru who can provide the true mantras (Satnaam and Saarnaam) and guide the soul through the spiritual journey.
In essence, Satlok, as described by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, is the ultimate goal for souls seeking eternal peace, happiness, and union with the Supreme God.
The Truth of Birth and Death
In the teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the concepts of birth and death are deeply intertwined with the cycle of samsara or the cycle of reincarnation. Let us discuss birth and death in the context of Satlok and the path of truth (Sat-marg), we’re delving into profound spiritual concepts.
Birth and Death in the Material World
In the physical realm, birth and death are literal. A soul takes on a physical body (birth), lives a life influenced by its past karmas (actions), accumulates new karmas, and then leaves the body (death). After death, based on its accumulated karmas, the soul takes another birth, and the cycle continues.
Satlok and Freedom from Material World
Satlok, as the eternal abode of the Supreme God Kabir, is beyond the realm of samsara. Souls in Satlok are in their pure, original form and are free from the bondage of karmas. As a result, there’s no birth and death in the way we understand it in the material world. Souls in Satlok exist in a state of eternal bliss and consciousness.
Role of the True Guru
On the path of Sat-marg, the guidance of a true guru is essential. The guru imparts the true mantras (Satnaam and Saarnaam) and provides the knowledge and techniques to meditate and progress spiritually. Through the guru’s guidance, a disciple experiences the secret of birth and death on the path, leading to the soul’s eventual ascent to Satlok.
In summary, while Satlok is free from the literal cycle of birth and death, the journey on Sat-marg involves transformative experiences that can be described as awakening and shedding of ignorance and karma.
Conclusion
In the vast tapestry of spiritual teachings, the insights provided by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj stand out for their profound depth and clarity. Through our exploration of Satlok and the Path of Truth, we’ve journeyed into the heart of a philosophy that offers both solace and enlightenment to seekers. Sant Rampal Ji’s teachings, rooted in ancient scriptures yet articulated for the contemporary soul, guide us towards a realm beyond the transient – the eternal abode of Satlok.
Here, in this realm of unending light and truth, the soul finds its ultimate purpose and peace. As we reflect upon the profound wisdom embedded in these teachings, it becomes evident that the journey towards Satlok is not just a metaphysical quest but a call to transform our very lives. Embracing the path laid out by Sant Rampal Ji can lead us to the highest truths of existence, offering a beacon of hope in a world often clouded by uncertainty and despair.
