Radha Soami Movement | Punjab State (PPSC) PSC: Preparation - PPSC PCS (Punjab) PDF Download

Introduction

•  Founded in 1861 by a Hindu banker, Shiv Dayal, in Agra. 
•  Shiv Dayal described God as the union of Radha (the soul) and Soami (the Master). 
•  He was influenced by the Adi Granth and created a doctrine blending elements of Hinduism and Sikhism. 
•  Attracted a large following across India, with thousands of disciples by the time of his death in 1878. 

After Shiv Dayal

•  After his death, the Radha Soamis split into two centres: 
• Main Centre in Agra. 
• Beas Centre founded by Jaimal Singh. 
•  Jaimal Singh was succeeded by Sawan Singh Grewal, followed by Jagat Singh, and then Charan Singh. 

Beliefs and Practices

•  Radha Soamis do not adhere to orthodox Sikhism and have distinct beliefs from Hindus and Sikhs. 
•  They reject the idea of sacred scriptures, rituals, pilgrimages, gatherings, and ceremonies. 
•  They accept saints and living gurus as spiritual authorities. 
•  Their temples do not feature the Adi Granth Sahib, and they do not practice Kirtan, believing that music distracts the mind. 

Main Teaching: Surat Shabd Yoga

•  Surat Shabd Yoga is a form of meditation central to Radha Soami teachings. 
• Shabd refers to a spiritual current experienced as inner light and sound during meditation. 
• Yoga involves uniting the soul’s essence (Surat) with focused mental concentration on the inner sound (Shabd).