Bookstawa – Modern History

Radhaswami Movement

Background

Radhaswami is one of the largest sects in India. It is immensely popular, especially in the
North India. It is said that there is hardly any part in the northern region of India where
Radhaswami’s name hasn’t reached. Ram Rahim Singh Insan, who is in Rohtak jail, is the chief
of Dera Sacha Saudha, Sirsa. This Dera Sacha Saudha is a part of the Radhaswami Movement.
The founder of the Radhaswami Movement was Shiv Dayal Saheb. He started this movement
from Agra in the year 1861.

Baba Jamal Singh became the next Guru of the movement, who was then followed by Sawan
Singh. Under the leadership of Sawan Singh, the Radhaswami Movement was split into 4
different groups. Dera Sacha Saudha was one of these 4 groups.

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Name and Objective

The word ‘Radhaswami’ is a combination of 2 words – ‘Radha’ and ‘Swami’. Radha

symbolises the soul and Swami means master. Hence the meaning of Radhaswami is ‘Master of
Soul’. Mastering the soul is also the objective of the Radhaswami Movement. The name of this
movement can also be spelled as Radhasoami Movement, which is how it is generally
pronounced.

Surat Shabd Yoga

Surat Shabd Yoga has a very important role in the Radhaswami Movement. Surat Shabd
Yoga is said to be the easiest way to attain mukti, that is, Salvation. Here, people have to meditate
on their inner light and sound. Hence, the name comes fro Surat meaning ‘ light’ and Shabd
meaning ‘sound’.

Beliefs of the Radhaswami Movement

• The Radhaswami Movement does not believe in the Caste system. This is why people from all
the Caste groups are connected to this movement.
• Radhaswami Movement teaches that people do not have to lead a life of Renunciation for
spiritual attainment. They believe that you can be spiritual and also lead a regular worldly life,
you just have to be a part of the Radhaswami belief system.

Rules for Members

The Radhaswami belief system is based on Six core principles -

• The Guru is supreme. Unlike Sikhism where a scripture – the Guru Grant Sahib – is
considered the Guru, the Radhaswami Movement mandates a living Guru.
• Bhajan, that is, prayers is stressed on.
• Members are required to participate in Satsangs, meaning that they would be required to be
in the company of fellow pious people.
• A Kendra is also required, which would work as a community organization.

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• Charity and service is considered to be an important principle of the movement. The

members can hold Bhandaras, that is feeding large community gatherings. Or they could also
provide their services, like washing dishes and serving the food.

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