53rd Step
Part II

- Ram Kumar 'Sewak'

Rev. Kirpal Singh from New Zealand in his address said: The seed, which does not mingle in the dust, cannot grow into a tree. Similarly, unless one sheds one's ego, one cannot be a true devotee. As we cannot enjoy a poem unless we read the whole of it, nor can experience the coolness of water without immersing in the tank, we cannot enjoy the bliss of devotion unless our surrender to the True Master is total. Uttering "Dhan Nirankar" (Formless is Great) with devotion has its own impact. It inspires devotion in others.

Sister Rajni Chadha from Delhi sang:
Master, pray teach us the art of living. Enough for ourselves; let us pray for all.

Sister Shweta from Delhi, speaking in English, said: Man possesses immense energy. It depends on him whether he makes use of it for constructive or destructive purpose. Man has made full use of this energy in the social and scientific fields. But, for want of a spiritual vision, he has not been able to derive full benefit from it. Spiritual vision can be attained by the grace of the True Master of the day, so that this energy is fully utilised constructively.

Rev. Anu Handa from Amritsar, addressing the congregation, said: In the company of the Satguru, one should learn more and speak less. Satguru's teachings lead to peace, bliss and happiness.

Next,

Kailash and party from Allahabad thrilled the congregation with a chorus:
Let us attain God-knowledge from Babaji and sublimate life.

Rev. Jassumal from Ajmer was the next speaker. Addressing the assemblage he said: The world abounds in entertainment means, but none for the peace of mind. The peace of mind can be attained if we make use of the wealth without being attached to it. Surrender to God leads to pure devotion. Congregation is an institution of God-knowledge. The more we learn, the more we enjoy.

Rev. Gobind Barot from Daman is a popular singer. He rendered a melodious song in Gujarati:
Know the God who pervades everywhere.

Rev. Vasdev Rai from Delhi, former Editor of Ek Nazar, was the next speaker. Addressing the congregation, he sprinkled valuable aphorisms: Do not say with love, but imbibe love. Shedding love means losing God. Real obeisance is the one in which one does not raise one's head. Wealth exists in form, but in reality it is formless.

Next, poet-devotees Sandil Bedi from Amritsar, Avadhesh Pandey from Gola Gorakhnath (U.P.) and Balbir Singh Kichri from Modinagar (U.P.) recited their compositions.

Dr. O.P. Tandon, from Los Angeles (U.S.A.) addressing the congregation said: What is most scarce in the world, is available here in abundance: it is love; it is Satguru's blessings. He is with us when there is none else with us. He is the centre of the devotees' love. As compared to the Satguru, a devotee considers himself utterly insignificant. Mind is liable to change. At times, one is happy and, at the same moment, unhappy. With the change of mental state, he is again happy. It is so because he is attached to what keeps changing. There are people who give all importance to materialism. But there are also those, who focus their mind on the Satguru, God Formless and are ever tranquil and blissful.

Next Jajatji and party thrilled the congregation with their melodious chorus:
May all be happy; may all be redeemed.

The mike was then placed before Baba Ji. In his concluding discourse for the day, he said: Ages, centuries and faces have changed, but not the thoughts and words of the Great Masters. All held that God is the only supreme power, realising which one can be redeemed.

Sewa Dal Rally
Sunday: November 19, 2000

This year the Seva Dal rally was held at the Coronation Ground. The volunteers and the organisers stood in array at the ground. Three daises had been set up: one for Babaji, Rajmataji and Mataji, another for cultural programme and yet another for the executive members, organisers and special invitees. Rev. Harbans Lal Arora conducted the proceedings.

On arrival of Babaji, Rajmataji and Mataji, the volunteers rendered the Seva Dal prayer song:

      O Master, O God, I am proud of you,
      You are my life, you are my breath.

Next, volunteers from Ludhiana presented an item, comprising singing and acting. It depicted Lord Krishna being served with spinach by the wife of Sage Vidur. In the midst of the song, the volunteers performed several physical feats.

Gopi and party from Mumbai enacted "Manav Seva" (service of the humanity) based on a real incident that occurred at Ghatkopar (Mumbai) when a building collapsed, entrapping several people. Learning the news, the Seva Dal volunteers swung into action to rescue, help and aid the victims.

Another play depicted a sick mother being got admitted in a hospital to avoid the trouble of nursing her. In contrast, another family 'adopted' an old lady to fill the gap created by the death of their mother.

The Delhi unit performed physical feats like breaking a stone placed on the chest of a volunteer.

The units from Delhi, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir jointly staged "Unity in Diversity" containing many messages such as "Know the One, believe in the One and be one" and "All in One and One in all".

Rev. Ajaib Singh, Chairman, Seva Dal, speaking on the occasion said: This is the ground where the coronation of King George V took place in the year 1911. It had remained desolate for nearly 90 years till today when Babaji has sanctified it. May all the children imbibe Babaji's teachings, so that one-day they may also serve the humanity.

Blessing the Seva Dal rally Baba Ji said: The volunteers not only profess their goodwill but also demonstrate it practically. They own and serve whole of the humanity.

Congregation

The congregation commenced with the singing of the devotional hymns and Avtar Bani, Rev. Vivek Mauji conducted the proceedings.

Rahi and party from Ludhiana (Punjab) rendered a song in Punjabi:
Baba has come with a message. He is awakening the slumbering humanity and dispelling the misconception that God cannot be realised.

Prof. Prag Rai from Meerut (U.P.) sang a hymn from the Avtar Bani:
I have been repeating "Ram, Ram" but Babaji has shown Ram and taught me the art of living.

Rev. Laskar Singh from Kapurthala rendered a prayer song:
Master, fulfil everyone's wish.

Prof. Rajni from Faridabad (Haryana) addressing the congregation said: I am introduced as a daughter, sister, wife or mother of so and so. This is not my real introduction, which can be given only by the True Master. The Samagam is an invitation to know one's real self. When the mind is focused on the True Master, it is enlightened and when not, it slips into darkness. Guruwardness is all light and self-willedness, all darkness.

Rev. Jarnail Vatha also from Faridabad recited a composition of Rev. D.S. Shauq:
To love all is no favour to anyone;
It is to oblige oneself.

Rev. Vaidya Nath Prasad Rai from Samistipur (Bihar) in his address said: Baba Ji has taught us to perceive God in everyone. Whereas in the world man has turned more poisonous than a snake, we have been saved from being poisoned.

Rev. Pratap Singh from Bhopal (M.P.) rendered a prayer song:
May all be happy.

Sisters Mukta Sagar and Veena from Delhi enthralled the congregation with their duet in Sindhi:
Only the lucky ones take refuge in the True Master and are redeemed.

Rev. Bihari Lal Azad from Delhi addressing the congregation said: The country can make progress only if followers of all the religions share one platform. By the grace of Babaji, I have been able to shed evils like casteism and untouchability and have become a part of this universal forum. It is my hearty wish that whole of the humanity may also be a part of this forum of love, humility and tolerance.

Rev. Kartar Tugga from Ludhiana rendered a song in Punjabi:
There is no giver like the Satguru, who is our 'place of pilgrimage'.

Rev. Sampat from Thanjaveur (Tamil Nadu) addressing the congregation in Tamil said: God is infinite and the True Master is the highest personage. Ignorance of Truth is the cause of darkness. On realising God, restlessness and darkness vanish and there is peace and bliss.

Tanuj and party from Bhopal (M.P.) rendered a chorus:
How can I narrate the Satguru's blessings with my humble tongue? May I conduct myself as he wishes.

Sisters Ankita Bhatia from Delhi addressing the congregation said in English: We should not feel content with merely hearing the divine words but should also imbibe and live up to the same. Only then can we be worthy devotees of the True Master.

Rev. Kishan Prasad Righmi from Tikapur (Nepal) expressing his thoughts in Nepali said: It is by the grace of Babaji that the Nirankari Mission is propagating the message of humanism in Nepal. May this message reach every village, every town and every city in the world.

Rev. Vivek from Rohini, Delhi rendered a Ghazal:
Not body but love makes one a human.

Sister Aradhana from Delhi thrilled the congregation with a hymn of Saint Ravidas:
After passing through numerous  incarnations I have been born as a human. May I devote this life to you, my Lord.

Next, poet-devotees Karam Singh "Karam" from Moga (Punjab), Bikar Singh from Giddarbaha (Punjab) and Gulshan Rai Talab from Jammu enthralled the congregation with their compositions.

Sister Shaija from Ludhiana speaking in English prayed: Master, may we mould our lives according to your teachings.

Master Somesh from Uttamnagar (Delhi) spellbound the congregation with a song rendered in a classical tune:
My eyes are searching you on the earth and in the sky.

Rev. R.L. Minocha from Toronto (Canada) addressing the congregation said: Man has been given a superior status than an animal, rather the status of a god. The True Master has taught that God dwells in all and we should so perceive Him in all. This world can be turned into a heaven if we live up to the ideal of humanism.

Members of Bal Sangat, Chandigarh, enthralled the congregation with their chorus:
May love, devotion and humility be our embellishments.

At this moment, Babaji accompanied by Rev. Rajmataji and Rev. Mataji arrived in the Pandal.

Rev. Inderjit Sharma from Saket (Delhi) in his address said: The ideals of 'Victory of Religion', 'Goodwill for All, and 'Universal Welfare' cannot be achieved by mere slogans and publicity. The one, who suffers for others, is truly religious. King Hiranyakashipa acted contrary to this truth and tried to kill his own son, Prahlada, who was a devotee of God, and met his own end. Irreligion cannot stand against the true religion. Only God-realisation can establish the true religion and lead to universal welfare.

Dr. Bobby from Chandigarh rendered a hymn in praise of God.

Rev. Mariam from Pune, quoting the Holy Quran, said: Slander is the meanest act. Man has adopted many means to be happy but could not enjoy happiness because he gave importance to matter instead of soul. Matter is not evil in itself but regarding it all-important is wrong. Salvation lies in God-realisation, which can be attained only by the grace of the True Master. Let us make Babaji as our ideal.

Rev. Gurmeet Sahil from Dhirpur (Delhi) rendered a song:
Master, except you all are fair- weather friends.

Rev. Gurbax Singh Rajkavi in his address said: All Prophets and Messengers manifested as humans and whatever they uttered became scriptures. Today, we have in Babaji a Messenger. People worship God without knowing Him, whereas holy beings teach that one should first know the all-pervading, unborn formless and uncreated God and then worship Him.

Master Ashmeet Grover from Delhi rendered a song:
Wonderful is Master's love and wonderful is his congregation.

Rev. Shaukat Ali Diwana and party enthralled the congregation with a Qawali:
Master, shower your bounties and fill our bowls.

Next, Rev. Niranjan Singh, I.A.S., addressing the congregation said: This Samagam projects humanism. It shows how unity and humanism can be fostered in the world. As one thinks, so one acts. To transform man's conduct, we have to transform his thinking through God-knowledge. On realising God, who is infinite, one turns broad-minded. Only a Satguru has the power to analyse the creation to sift the truth from the falsehood. When man realises Truth, he transcends the boundaries of religions. Religions and sects were not founded by the Great Masters but by their followers. God is one and universal, and is not limited. The thread of God-knowledge has knit together whole of the creation. By the grace of Satguru God-knowledge can solve the problems of law and order and terrorism.

Sisters Sudeepa and Naveta from Chandigarh rendered a hymn from the Adi Granth:
I wish to meet God, show me the way.

Rev. Baldev Singh Khinda from United Kingdom in his address said: God-consciousness is the source of wisdom. We ought to be humble, forgiving and good-natured. The one, who is God-conscious, can never do wrong. By the grace of Babaji anyone can realise God and be a true human.

Dr. Gopi Chand Narang, former Vice Chancellor, Jamia Milia University, addressing the congregation, said: I see a miracle—this surging ocean of humanity. Each year it is expanding. It is a miracle of the Satguru. Nirankari Sant Samagam reflects humanism. The world is afflicted with violence and sectarianism in the name of religion. Babaji is the binding force.

Rev. Sunil Bhandari from Chandigarh rendered a song:
You gave me all, taking nothing in return. What a unique bargain. The storm was out to extinguish the lamp but you, my Master, saved it.

Rev. Douglas Issa from Uganda in his address said: The Nirankari Mission has enabled us to fulfil the prime purpose of human life and guided us on a new path.

Next, Rev. Avinash Fitrat recited a Ghazal:
Never think man is wicked; He is the philosophy of life.

Rev. Anurag Tanha also recited his composition:
Despite religion, fame and possessions, man is lonely and bewildered.

Then Ram Kumar Sewak (this humble self) addressing the congregation said: This world is like a circus in which birds and animals, wearing human masks, are wandering. There is also a ringmaster, who thinks that he runs the world. In truth, God is the real master of the world and the Satguru, his manifest form. We should follow his teachings in letter and spirit, otherwise let us be mere spectators.

Rev. Rishi Pal from Saharanpur (U.P.) speaking on the occasion said: Babaji has blessed us with a new vision to perceive God dwelling in everyone, for which inspiration came from God-knowledge. Devotion is at its zenith when one perceives God everywhere and in everyone.

Sister Shoba from Dehradun (U.P.) rendered a devotional hymn in Nepali.

Rev. Arun Ghode from Jalna (Maharashtra) addressing the congregation said: Not mere recitation of the scriptures but living up to the their teachings is the true worship.

Sister Pushaplata from Delhi rendered a song:
God dwells in the human heart,
Pray, hurt it not.

Rev. Dev Dildar from Ludhiana (Punjab) rendered a composition of Rev. Bhupinder Bekal:
If we hanker after paradise, it will be a bargain and not worship.

Rev. Vivek Shauq from Mumbai in his address said: A True Master manifests to teach man that living in the world, he should identify himself with God. He does not ask man to renounce the world, but unites him with God, while living in the world. Even after God-realisation if one makes use of material possessions, there is nothing wrong in it. But it is definitely wrong if man forgets God and remains engaged in amassing the possessions. Let us repose full faith in the True Master and surrender to his will. In this lies our salvation.

Rev Arun Takle rendered a song in Marathi praying:
May I always remember you, Master.

Next, sisters Navrup, Samrup and Swati rendered a hymn from the Avtar Bani in a classical tune:
The one, who serves manually, mentally and materially, cleanses his mind of malice and illwill.

Rev. Ajaib Singh, Member Executive Committee, addressing the congregation said: Man fights for his rights but neglects his duties. He can be happy only if he discharges his duties conscientiously. We should give precedence to our duties also and shedding evils follow the True Master's teachings. Only then shall we achieve something. We have first to conduct ourselves as saints at home, then in the neighbourhood and then in the town. When all regard us saints, we shall fulfil the wish of Baba Avtar Singh who used to say that his mission would be fulfilled only when each of his follower was revered in the locality he lives in. Let us ponder when this wish would be fulfilled.

Baby Akshita Nagpal speaking on the occasion said that without the grace of the True Master none could be redeemed. She quoted scriptures in support of this truth.

Swaran-Baldev and party rendered a chorus in a classical tune:
Man, shed lust and anger, greed and attachment, cleverness and deception and take refuge in the True Master.

There was a pin drop silence in his concluding discourse for the day, Baba Ji said: Man has been blessed with the faculty of thinking in much more degree than to the birds and animals. He should make its right use.

Monday 20-11-2000

General Body Meeting

The General Body Meeting of the Sant Nirankari Mandal was held in the morning. Members of the Executive Committee, Working Committee, Zonal Incharges, Seva Dal organisers, Parmukhs (Area Heads), Mukhis (Unit Heads) and Preachers participated in it. The Secretary read out the annual report on the activities of the Mission during the last year and plans for the coming year were unfolded. Blessing the participants, Babaji gave guidelines.

Congregation

The congregation opened with singing of devotional hymns from various scriptures. Rev. Roshan conducted the proceedings.

Next, Rev. Pokhar Das from Bhilwara (Rajasthan), an elderly devotee, rendered a song in Marwari in praise of the True Master.

Sandeep and party from Mumbai thrilled the congregation with a devotional song:
Master, may I meditate on you and sing your praises.

Sister Meenakshi P. Das from Allahabad also rendered a devotional song:
Master, I bow to you again and again.

Rev. Manjit Rupowalia from Ludhiana rendered a song:
The Master is bestowing happiness and does not disappoint anyone.

Baby Parshant Narula from Faridabad sought Master's blessings through a song.

Balbir Noorpuri and party from Dubai rendered a Qawali:
My Master unites man with God

Rev. Arvind Patel from Killari (Maharashtra) addressing the congregation said: The True Master is the creator, sustainer and the destroyer of the creation. For fulfilling the aim of life and God-realisation, grace of the True Master is indispensable. Congregation is the institution for attaining redemption and bliss in life. 

Sister Maya Paul from Kanpur (U.P.) praised the True Master through a song in Bangala.

Rev. Molu Ram from Uttaranchal addressing the congregation said: God is the supreme power, which pervades everywhere. Those, who surrender to God, are called the devotees of God. God-knowledge is the sole mark of a True Master. Those, who attain God-knowledge, are redeemed.

Master Madan from Delhi rendered a song:
Master, save the 'blazing' world;
People die fighting, save them.

Rev. Basant Bodmer from Mumbai rendered a song in Marathi praying for universal welfare.

Rev. Jagjivan Nath from Baruni (Assam) addressing the congregation said: In every age holy beings have given the same message: All humans are God's children. Since the True Master has realised God, his utterances have favourable impact. Those, who live up to his teachings, lead a blissful life.

Rev. Sharda Nand Shard inspired the congregation with a song rendered in Sindhi.

Sister Minisha Sethi from Mohali in her address said; Religion is a lofty ideal. To be religious, in the real sense, one has to adopt lofty means. Those, who do good and do not torment others, are truly religious. Babaji has knit together 'flowers of different religions' and prepared a bouquet, which perfumes the environment with its fragrance.

Rev. Chaman Lal from Rewari (Haryana) rendered a song:
Ever since I have taken refugee in you, my Master, I am all bliss.

Rev. Sarbjit from Ludhiana recited his composition praising the True Master for his kindness and compassion.

Advocate Raj Kapur from Delhi speaking in English said: Man should achieve a goal after which nothing else remains to be achieved.

Rev. Aman and Ekta from Patiala rendered a hymn praying that he may serve the Master and his devotees.

Rev. Pooran Chand from Talwandi Bhai enthralled the congregation with a song.

Sister Balbir Kaur from Nilokheri addressing the congregation said: The True Master reveals God by a hint. The one, who comprehends it, realises God, and is liberated from all bondages. After attaining God-knowledge there is a need to surrender to the True Master. The one, who does so, is liberated from the birth-death cycle. This has been the message of all the holy beings.

Sister Sushma from Nigeria in her address explained how she was divinely inspired to have a glimpse of Babaji and her husband too joined the Nirankari Mission.

Young devotees Manvinder Singh and Satvinder Kaur rendered a duet:
May we obey the True Master and live up to his teachings.

Rev. Vijay Sailani from Delhi also rendered a song:
Master, I love you.

Rev. Dhanwant Singh from United States addressing the congregation said: After attaining God-knowledge, I am all bliss and carefree. God and ego cannot co-exist. Before sowing a seed, man should know that he will have to reap its fruit. Therefore, he should always do good but never cause harm to anyone.

Rev. Gurvinder Sonu from Ann Arbor (U.S.A.) addressing the congregation in English said: A devotee always sings praise of his True Master.

Ashok and party from Akola thrilled the congregation with a chorus in Sindhi.

Rev. Rajeshwar Rao from Hyderabad speaking in Telegu said: Eternal happiness cannot be derived from material possessions, which are themselves transitory. Eternal happiness can be attained only from the eternal-God.

Banwari and party from Pawta (Rajasthan) rendered a chorus in Rajasthani:
Babaji, we bow at your lotus feet.

Prof. Raj Sethi from Amritsar addressing the congregation said: Science says that first see then speak. The Nirankari Mission also says that one should first see God and then praise Him. God is the greatest scientist. Today, scientists are producing hydrogen bombs, whereas the sun itself is the greatest 'hydrogen bomb' (produced by God). The difference between the two is that while the scientists produce the hydrogen bombs for destruction, God has produced the sun for human welfare. Spiritualism is not anti-religion. Science wishes to make life comfortable, while spiritualism gives life a positive direction. Thus both are complementary and can co-exist.

Rev. M.S. Chawla from Michigen (U.S.A.) speaking in English said: If life is a car, the True Master is the driver, who takes one to one's destination.

Changa Manga and party from Rampuraphool rendered a Qawali:
My Master is loving and sweet; he is the Master of all masters.

Major (Retd.) J.D. Sharma speaking in English said: A patient goes to a doctor for treatment. Today, the world is suffering from restlessness, which can be 'cured' by Babaji.

Arun Swami and party from Delhi rendered a Ghazal:
We have found our destination. Now there is no need to tread the paths. 

Rev. Rahul from U.K. speaking in English prayed: May I live up to God-knowledge and serve the devotees.

Sister Pooja from Rajpura rendered a Ghazal:
Let us love and live and thank the True Master.

Prof. J.S. Puri, President, Sant Nirankari Mission. United States, in his address said: If one word can sum up what has been said here so far, it is "surrender - total surrender". Surrender is the basis of devotion. The one who does not desire, also does not refuse. The desireless is the king of kings. Refusal signifies desire. One should be even-minded in all circumstances: what has happened was right, what is happening is also right and what shall happen will be right too.

Vikram and party from the Arjun Nagar (Delhi) sang in English:
Let us follow the path shown by the True Master.

Dilbagh and party from the Nirankari Colony, Delhi  rendered a song:
Pray, bless us with devotion, love and humility. 

Now it was the time for the multi-lingual poetic symposium, the theme of which meant:

The world can prosper if the hearts are cleansed of malice.

36 poets enthralled the congregation. 

Shrimati Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, speaking on the occasion, said: We have come here to have a glimpse of Baba Ji. The peace and smile on his face is a source of inspiration for all of us.

Next, sister Mini Avtar from Delhi rendered a devotional song in a classical tune:
May the Master dwell in our hearts.

Rev. K.R. Chadha, Convener Samagam Committee, addressing the congregation, said: Everyone wishes that at least once a year we should meet and have a glimpse of Babaji together.

Rev. Gobind Singh, Chairman Samagam Committee, in his address, said: The martydom of Baba Gurbachan Singh and other devotees have contributed to this vast gathering. He also thanked all for their co-operation.

Next, holy sisters Niranjanji, Manmohanji, Jagjitji and Swaranji rendered a melodious chorus:
The True Master teaches that we should love and live together to eliminate the alienation and enjoy peace, bliss and happiness.

In his concluding discourse, Baba Ji said: Holy beings have always inspired us to shed enmity and hatred and imbibe love and humility, purity and piety.

A number of prominent public personalities including a former Prime Minister, ministers, Chief Minister and former Chief Ministers and Mayor of Delhi attended the Samagam and praised the Mission for fostering unity, peace and harmony.