Radhasoamis cont'd

Radhasoamis initiate new individuals through the dispensing of a ‘Mantra’ by their living Guru. They believe that their way is the eternal spiritual path, which all true ‘Sants’ (saints) follow. According to Radhasoami belief, the Sikh Gurus were ‘Sants’ amongst many other Sants that has God sent to this earth.

Agra
The Radhasoami Trust built in the early 1900s, based in Agra where Swami Shiv Dyal is said to have passed away

The Beas-based Radhasoamis, being primarily of Sikh stock, are fond of quoting Adi Guru Durbar while spreading their universal ‘Sant Marg’ (way of the saint). However, they do not acknowledge Adi Guru Durbar as ‘Guru’, even though they revere all sacred religious texts. They also occasionally employ quotes from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, etc., texts alongside quotes from their Radhasoami masters, the majority of whom have authored books themselves in order to spread their faith.

Beas
Pratap Singh (left) and Charan Singh (right) at a Radhasoami Satsang at Tarn Taran, Punjab, circa 1980

The primary message of all Radhasoamis to the world is that of non-violence and universal peace and harmony. In line with this concept, all Radhasoamis are strict vegetarians and teetotalers. However, smoking is occasionally practiced amongst the Hindu followers of this sect.

Dera Baba Bagga Singh
The Radhasoami complex in Tarn Taran, Punjab