SAMTAVAD

The word ‘Samtavad’ literally means ‘to speak about the Changeless or the Sameness.’ As a philosophy, Samtavad shows the path to the Eternal Peace by following certain principles to get over the turbulent state of mind. According to Samtavad, the root cause of unhappiness and restlessness lies in the never ending desires for pleasure of senses and the mind generally, most of the desires of human being remain unfulfilled and this causes disappointment and unhappiness. Even where certain desires are attained, a passing satisfaction may be achieved but further desires soon follow and this cycle continues to bring dismay and disillusionment. Satguru has elaborately discussed these issues in his discourses and holy granths and has asserted that these limitations can be overcome by following the path of Samta. Supreme peace comes from achieving oneness with the Supreme Being by practicing for the tenets of Samta. He [God] being the core and life of the whole universe, eternal peace can only be attained by realizing Him. So, freedom from the cycle of birth and death and a state of equanimity even in the midst of duality and desires can only be gained by merging with the Supreme Self. All creation, indeed, is His manifestation and all religious and holy books proclaim His glory. Verily, verily teachings of Samta beacon all to follow the path led by the Great Master (Satguru) and be at perpetual peace with the Supreme Divinity.

Five Cardinal Principles

The principles laid down by Satguru for achievement of spiritual progress are given below-

Simplicity: By adopting simplicity, a person gains control over a lot of unnecessary desires. Simplicity pertains to dress, food and thoughts. Simple dress makes one humble, loving, considerate and to live within one's means. The increase of desires leads one to sinful acts. One should leave no stone unturned in one's efforts to arrive at a life of simplicity. This is the secret of real happiness. Eating simple food is the surest way to good health. The intellect gets purified and one attains a power to control one's senses. Simplicity of thoughts means to interact with everyone without guile. Never harbor ill will towards any one. Simple conversation should be without any prejudice. The principle of simplicity is the foundation of real life. Therefore, if someone wants to search for eternal place, then one should firmly establish oneself in simplicity.

Truth: Truth means something which remains eternally. It is not subject to birth, death or decay. One should try to search for Truth and mould one's life according to the precepts of Truth. One should give right thought to everything, and put into practice every true instruction. One's speech should in all respects be truthful. To utter with tongue whatever is in one's heart. This is the proper form of Truth. Truth itself is God. One should make whatever effort is necessary to arrive at firm faith in Truth. As long as one's mind is caught in the activities of sin, one can never experience the real form of truth. The true seeker of Truth is one who is firmly convinced that the world is transient, and one who tries all the time to emerge from his state of forgetfulness. One day he will find true happiness. The search for Truth is not the monopoly of anyone or special religion. The lesson of Truth is being taught all the time by Nature from within oneself. It is only one's ignorance that comes in the way. One should always keep one's conscience merged in truth. No opportunity should be given to untrue feelings to rise. Then only one gets to know the essence of truth.

Service: Selfless service is the highest aim of man's life. Just as wind, water, earth, sun and moon are engaged in ceaseless performance of duty, it is incumbent on man to realize his true duty and according to it serve others all the time. Then only he will be known to have acted in God's will. One's wealth should be offered in the service of worthy causes. One's body should be engaged in the service of the poor, the diseased and the orphans. One's mind should be controlled and surrendered at the feet of the Lord. Any one engaged in service is blessed with qualities like love, unity, creativity, renunciation, dispassion, modesty and contentment. Anyone who wants to be let into the secret of life should adopt the way of service. The essence of all happiness and the teaching of all saints in this service alone. The full import of service is to relieve pain of others by doing one's duty. Never do service with a motive and desire. The sincere effort should be towards doing good to others, as one day everyone has to leave this world.

Satsang: The first requirement of satsang is coming together and sitting together. The next principle is contemplating ways for self-improvement. Then to listen to teachings of true religion. To familiarize oneself with the lives of enlightened souls so as to benefit from their examples. To reflect on the true purpose of life. To learn about overcoming hurdles in the way and awaken into true drama. There are countless other benefits like gaining freedom from blind faith; becoming aware of one's failings and obtaining freedom from the hollow life of show. The Satsang of Samta means respecting the founders of all religions; learning from their noble examples and attending to one's spiritual progress. Coming into Satsang brings about an end to ignorance, bigotry and selfishness.

Sat Simran: Prayer, worship, meditation and yoga are all Sat Simran, or true remembrance of the lord. Selfless action is born of Sat Simran. The best way of Sat Simran is to do it with the mind. Uttering by the tongue or chanting loudly one loses the benefit. One attains to Simran yoga only by loving remembrance, keeping in mind all the time that Ishwara is lord and master. Ultimately you meet the one you so contemplate. There is endless blessing in the name of the lord. Only those who have benefited by practice can realize this. The glory of it cannot be described by tongue or expressed in writing. It is a destination of great wonder. It can only be obtained by practice during one's own life.

These were some selections from five main principles of spiritual progress as described in 'Granth Sri Samta Vilas'.

In the same granth, Maharaj Ji has outlined five true principles of Samta, which are briefly given below : For those having faith in 'Samta', Satguru Mangat Ram ji has listed the following instructions: The believers in 'Samta' should consider following God's true laws as their foremost duty. They should have no enmity with those following other religions. They should remain firm within God's will and make equanimity in all circumstances a means towards remaining in His will. Whatever religion or sect he may belong to, a believer in Samatavad should work to remove his own blemishes and should desire the welfare of others. One should free oneself from the narrow confines of customs and religious rituals and wasteful debates. Instead, one should establish oneself in performing selfless action with truth as the goal. There is welfare for all in 'Samatavad'. It is the real nature and true goal of man. It is the true drama. The path shown by the gurus is to strive to attain this even-mindedness. Therefore, free yourself from religious bigotry, bind yourself to the eternal laws and strive every moment to gain control over oneself. There is no other way to real peace.