Sachkhand Nanak Dham International

Happy Das Dharam Day 2026!!

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Surrender at the Feet of a Perfect Saint

Below are some main points from the satsang (spiritual sermon) delivered by Maharaz Darshan Das Jee in the United Kingdom (audio cassette: S3 Side A and part of side B).

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee begins the satsang with the following verses from the Gurbani.

ਰਾਗੁ ਬਿਲਾਵਲੁ, ਮਹਲਾ ੫
Raag Bilaaval, mehla panj
Fifth Mehl

ਭੂਲੇ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਬਤਾਇਆ ॥
Bhoolay maarag jinėh bathaya
One who guides the lost back onto the right path

ਐਸਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਇਆ ॥੧॥
Aisa Gur vadbhaagi paya
Such a Guru is indeed found by great good fortune.

ਸਿਮਰਿ ਮਨਾ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਚਿਤਾਰੇ ॥
Simar mana raam nam chitraye
O mind, meditate and reflect upon the Lord’s Naam

ਬਸਿ ਰਹੇ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਗੁਰ ਚਰਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
Bas rahe hirdai gur charan piaray
The Beloved Feet of the Guru abide deep in my heart

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee explains: This is the writing of Guru Arjan Dev Jee, who explains that humans are trapped in attachment and worldly concerns and have forgotten God. We attempt to reach God in various ways, yet we still do not attain peace or union with the Divine. However, if God truly comes into one’s home and life, then everything one needs will follow naturally; there is no need to ask for anything.

So how do we meet God? Guru Arjan Dev Jee explains that without a Guru, one cannot reach any destination: one cannot meet God, free oneself from the burden of human existence, or attain peace. What does one receive from the Guru? One receives Raam Naam, that Raam Naam which has always existed, which is eternal and unchanging.

Some people are stuck in the false belief that God has come to earth only once (as a saint, messiah or guru) and has or could never come again. If this were true, then the progress humanity has achieved would never have been possible. If a father has several sons and daughters, raises them, provides for them, builds homes and factories for them, marries them off, and cares for them in the best way he can, yet believes that no father greater than himself will ever exist, he is deluded.

God is the same; He is One, and He repeatedly sends his daughters and sons who are saints, avatars, devis (gods) and devtas (goddesses) on earth.

Sikhs recite five prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib each day, and Muslims pray five times a day. I ask, then: is it only those who pray five times a day who are happy? Is everyone else unhappy? Do people say that since Guru Nanak Dev Jee and Guru Gobind Singh Jee, we have never suffered or experienced illness?

Raja Ram Chandar Jee was banished for fourteen years, and he obeyed the command of his stepmother. Can any of you do this today? And given Ram’s greatness, if Hindus say that there is no one greater than Ram, nor will there ever be, or if they say there is no one greater than Shankar (also known as Shiva); Shiva sits with snakes around his neck, while you cannot even put a thread around your neck. Shiva drank the poison of the world, while you cannot bear a negative comment made against you. Let us consider Prophet Muhammad; he was a true prophet, and yet today there are so many different sects and divisions. This does not mean that what prophets and saints say is untrue. [Here Maharaz Darshan Das Jee explains that saints and prophets are not confined to a single time; they continue to take birth and deliver messages of the time. Maharaz Jee explains below that Perfect Saints always pay respect to Saints of the past].

God sends prophets to the world in His own image. We are puppets in His hands. All of you here, look within yourselves: are you true Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, or Hindus? Are you following the right path? You have sunk deep into the material world; your thoughts are focused on accumulating worldly wealth, on scheming even against your own family; your body is full of suffering. You have forgotten your true home and are sitting in a foreign land. I am not referring to you being in a different country. I am referring to you being away from Sachkhand (heavenly abode), your true home.

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee notes: I have written in the Yashvanti Niradhar:

ਸਗਲ ਦਰਥ ਤੁਮਾਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ,
Sagal dharth tumaree ram jio
All purposes and goals are in You, O Lord

ਹਮ ਬੇਯੋ ਕੀਤ ਪਤੰਗਾ।
Hum bheyo keet patanga
I am like a helpless insect or moth

ਤੁਧੁ ਆਗੈ ਅਰਜੋਈ ਹਮਾਰੀ,
Tudh aagay arjoi hamari
Before You, I place my humble supplication

ਕਾਟੋ ਜਮ ਕਾ ਫੰਦਾ।
Kaato jum ka phanda
Cut away the noose of rebirth

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee explains: The whole world is yours, dear Lord; we are like your insects. We plead with you to free us from this noose of repeated birth and death. The whole world is yours, dear Lord, bound together by true love, so why are there differences based on religion?

Whenever a Perfect Saint has come to earth, the Saint has always shown reverence for Saints of the past. After Ram Chandar Jee shot an arrow at Bali, Bali asked, “Dear Lord, you are the Lord of not two, but the three worlds, so then why did you hide and shoot the arrow? Why did you not face me directly?” Ram Chandar Jee replied, “It is not because I fear you. Rather, you had received a vow from your elders that half the strength of whoever stands before you would flow into you. If I had faced you, my strength would not have flowed into you, and the vow given by your elders would not have been upheld. I could not violate that vow, because those whom you revere, I revere as well.”

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee further explains: Without a Guru, you cannot receive the Ram Naam. I am not referring here to Ram who was born in Ayodhya. There are several meanings of Ram:

The first Ram is Raja Dashrath’s son, who waged a war to save his wife, Sita.
The second Ram is the Ram of the mind—“I feel like eating something, I feel like going somewhere.”
The third Ram is the cosmic principle, the Ram associated with Brahma, the one who sustains and oversees the world.
The fourth Ram is the Divine, whose abode is Sachkhand, who pervades every pore, who is everywhere and is omnipresent. This is the Ram to which the Fifth Guru refers in his writings.

In explaining the search for God, Maharaz Darshan Das Jee quotes the famous poem by Professor Mohan Singh (1905–1978), a renowned Punjabi academic and poet.

ਰੱਬ ਇਕ ਗੁੰਝਲਦਾਰ ਬੁਝਾਰਤ,
Rabb ik gunjhal dar bujharat
God is a complex puzzle

ਰੱਬ ਇਕ ਗੋਰਖ ਧੰਦਾ ।
Rabb ik gorakh dhanda
God is a complicated business

ਖੌਲਣ ਲਗਿਆਂ ਪੇਚ ਇਸਦੇ,
Kholan lagyaan pech is de
When trying to decipher his mystery

ਕਾਫ਼ਰ ਹੋਜਾਏ ਬੰਦਾ ।
Kafar hojae banda
One can become a disbeliever

ਕਾਫ਼ਰ ਹੈਣੌਂ ਡਰ ਨਾ ਜਾਵੀ,
Kafar hono dar na javien
Don’t be afraid of being a disbeliever

ਖੋਜੌਂ ਮੂਲ ਨਾ ਖੁਂਝੀ ।
Khojon mool na khunjien
Don’t give up your search of knowing God

ਲਾਈ ਲੱਗ ਮੌਮਨ ਦੇ ਨਾਲੋ,
Laai lag momin de nalon
Compared to a believer, just in name

ਖੋਜੀ ਕਾਫ਼ਰ ਚੰਗਾ
Khoji kafar changa
A disbeliever who is searching for God is better

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee explains: There is a shakti (female power) in Hindustan known as Vaishnu Mata. I had heard about her power from my elders: it is said that anyone who enters the temple with negative thoughts will temporarily become blind. This is something I personally witnessed.

I visited that temple once. My mother’s sister, whom I regarded as a mother figure in my life, had negative thoughts in her mind, and each time she went into the temple she would become blind. When she stepped outside, she would be fine again. I ask: do any of you have such powers? I challenge all religious leaders, or any learned person in the UK, can you explain such power? What I am saying is being recorded and can be heard anywhere. I have no fear. Why?

ਤਿਸ ਤੇ ਉਪਰਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਕਉਨੁ ਡਰੈ ਕੈਸਾ ਭਉ ਹੋਇ ॥
Tis te upar nahi koe, kon daray, dar kiska hoye
There is none above Him; who should fear, and of whom should there be fear?

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee says: I sometimes say in my satsangs in Hindustan, “Now I have no fear”. Not because I am in the UK, no, it is because I have now lived my life. When I was 17 years old, I knew nothing, I had short hair. Now I have long hair, in fact in Hindustan my picture is often with short hair. Long hair is the identity of Rishis and Munnis (ancient spiritual sages from the Indian sub-continent). This is why Sikh’s do not cut their hair; the Sikh Gurus have kept the tradition of the spiritual sages.

Maharaz Jee explains that we should understand the symbolic meaning behind some of our religious traditions. For example, the Sikh have the 5 Ks [The Sikh 5 Ks are five articles of faith: Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword) [worn by initiated Sikhs to symbolize devotion, discipline, moral conduct, and readiness to protect justice].

But if your hair falls off and your two Ks disappear (your hair and your comb) then what will happen? Will Guru Gobind Singh Jee disappear? No. Follow the path that Guru Gobind Singh Jee has shown. What has he said? Help those in need; become the support for those without support; abstain from meat and alcohol.

Some people have been away from India for 20 years and have not seen the homes they left or their parents and siblings. These people tell their children, “Don’t go to India; it is a very poor country, you will die of hunger. Newspapers report that every day 5,000 die of hunger in India”. But I say this: here in the UK, you go to bed hungry… in India, people do not go to bed hungry. Here, you eat bread, but there, they do not eat bread; they wash their utensils, knead the flour, and make fresh chapattis themselves, with love. Here, you subsist on bread, who knows how long it has been lying around, or who kneaded it. So, who are the truly hungry? Those here, or those in India?”

Maharaz Jee says: “Do something in this world so that you are remembered after you leave”.

Gurbani verses are quoted from here

(Please note that we included a translation of the poem by Professor Mohan Singh in Newsletter 13).

Happy Birthday Maharaz Darshan Das Jee and Maharani Pali Darshan Das Jee 2025

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Adorn Yourself with the True Colour of Naam

Some main points from the satsang delivered by Maharaz Darshan Das Jee in the United Kingdom (audio cassette: S2 Side B) for the sangrandh of Jeth.

ਹਰਿ ਜੇਠਿ ਜੁੜੰਦਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਅਗੈ ਸਭਿ ਨਿਵੰਨਿ ॥
Har Jeth juranda lorheeai jisu agai sabh nivann
In the month of Jeth one desires to meet with the Lord, to whom all bow in humility

ਹਰਿ ਸਜਣ ਦਾਵਣਿ ਲਗਿਆ ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਦੇਈ ਬੰਨਿ ॥
Har sajanh daavnh lagiaa kisai na deii bann
Those who hold the hem of the Lord’s robe, the true friend, no one can keep them in bondage

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee explains: The 5th Guru elucidates that we are separated from the Lord due to our past karma. Maharaz Jee quotes the Gurbani:

ਕਿਰਤਿ ਕਰਮ ਕੇ ਵੀਛੁੜੇ ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਮੇਲਹੁ ਰਾਮ ॥
Kirath karam kae veeshhurrae kar kirapaa maelahu raam ॥
By the actions we have committed, we are separated from You. Please show Your Mercy, and unite us with Yourself, Lord

ਚਾਰਿ ਕੁੰਟ ਦਹ ਦਿਸ ਭ੍ਰਮੇ ਥਕਿ ਆਏ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਕੀ ਸਾਮ ॥
Chaar Kuntt Dheh Dhis Bhramae Thhak Aaeae Prabh Kee Saam
We have grown weary of wandering to the four corners of the earth and in the ten directions. We have come to Your Sanctuary, God

The way to unite with the Lord is through the shelter of a Perfect Saint. During extreme heat, when a farmer tills the soil and labours hard, he or she does so in the hope of a harvest. If there is no yield, it is deeply painful for the farmer, but in recognition of the farmer’s labour, the Lord ultimately blesses them. Similarly, we humans also burn in the heat of longing as we wait for our Lord. Our desire to meet the Master is not merely for worldly benefits such as wealth or offspring; it is to be released from the pain of separation. Like the farmer, if you engage in your Naam meditation, you too will be rewarded with peace.

However, if we forget our meditation and become completely entangled in the world, pursuing material wealth and competing with others, we will not find peace. To attain peace, we must remain in the congregation of the Perfect Saint, receive Naam from them, and meditate upon it.

ਮਾਣਕ ਮੋਤੀ ਨਾਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਉਨ ਲਗੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੰਨਿ ॥
Manhak moti Naam prabh oun lagai naahee sann
God’s name is more valuable than jewels and pearls, it cannot be stolen or removed

ਰੰਗ ਸਭੇ ਨਾਰਾਇਣੈ ਜੇਤੇ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵੰਨਿ ॥
Rang sabhey naaraaenhai jaytay man bhaavann
All colours of the creator are fascinating, they please the mind

Maharaz Darshan Das Jee explains that just as gems never rust, no matter how long they have been buried in the dirt deep beneath the ground or submerged in water, similarly the colours of the Lord never fade, and the Lord’s blessings never cease. There is never any shortage of blessings in the Lord’s house. These gems lie deep within us, and the key to unlocking them has been given to the Perfect Saints.

The Lord’s colour is the only true colour. The colours we display are worldly ones: when things go our way, when our desires, such as the wish for a child or for employment are fulfilled, then we appear radiant and full of colour. But when things do not go our way, our colours quickly fade. The true and permanent colour is the colour of the Lord.

ਹਰਿ ਰੰਗਿ ਰਾਤਾ ਸੋ ਮਨੁ ਸਾਚਾ ॥
Har ra(n)g raataa so man saachaa ॥
One whose mind is attuned to the Lord’s Love, is true

ਲਾਲ ਰੰਗ ਪੂਰਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਬਿਧਾਤਾ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Laal rang pooran purakh biḋaaṫaa
The Love of the Beloved, the Architect of Destiny, is perfect

ਜੋ ਹਰਿ ਲੋੜੇ ਸੋ ਕਰੇ ਸੋਈ ਜੀਅ ਕਰੰਨਿ ॥
Jo har lorhey so karey soee jeea karann
As the Lord (Har) wishes, so it does, and causes other creatures to do

ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਕੀਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੇਈ ਕਹੀਅਹਿ ਧੰਨਿ ॥
Jo prabh keetey aapnhey sayee kaheeaih dhann
Those who act according to the Lord’s wishes are accepted and exalted

Explaining the significance of the 5th Guru’s verses on the month of Jeth, Maharaz Darshan Das Jee teaches:

Those who have attained the shelter of a Perfect Saint, received Naam, and meditated on Naam are truly blessed. Maharaz Jee notes that those who fall in love with the Saint, who deeply embed the Saint in their thoughts and hold the Saint’s image within their heart, are the ones who are genuinely accepted and exalted. He further explains that we must have complete faith in our Guru or Saint. Often, even when we have the good fortune of the congregation of a Perfect Saint, we lack faith in them. We should not be concerned about what others say, nor should we fear the thorns along the path. Instead, we should strengthen ourselves by wearing “shoes with stronger soles” and continue our spiritual journey with full faith and conviction.

ਆਪਣ ਲੀਆ ਜੇ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਕਿਉ ਰੋਵੰਨਿ ॥
Aapanh leeaa jay milai vichhurh kyo rovann
If one was able to reach Waheguru through their own effort, why does one cry from the pain of separation?

ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗੁ ਪਰਾਪਤੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਰੰਗ ਮਾਣੰਨਿ ॥
Sadhoo sangu praaptey Nanak rang maanhnan
The Lord is found in the company of the saints. O Nanak, the supreme bliss is enjoyed

Maharaz Jee says that it is therefore very important to join the congregation of a Perfect Saint and to attain Naam from them. Many devotees receive Naam but do not meditate on it. They say they cannot make the effort unless they are blessed to do so. However, we should make the effort, and the more effort we put in, the more we will be blessed by the Lord to meditate.

ਹਰਿ ਜੇਠੁ ਰੰਗੀਲਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਧਣੀ ਜਿਸ ਕੈ ਭਾਗੁ ਮਥੰਨਿ ॥
Har Jeth rangeela tis dhanhee jis kai bhaag mathann
The month of Jeth is colourful and playful, in which the divine grace is bestowed unto those who are destined (written on their foreheads)

Maharaz Jee contends: Just as milk is churned to produce butter, devotees who churn out their negativity and focus on creating “butter”, symbolically representing purity, are the ones who are most blessed. Make love your greatest weapon, walk in unity, and always tread the path of truth.

Gurbani verses are quoted from here
Jeth month verses are quoted from here

Poems

POEM DEDICATED TO MAHARANI PALI DARSHAN DAS JEE

Dhan Darshan
Dhan Pali Darshan

ਮਾਂ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਹਾਰਾਣੀ ਪਾਲੀ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਦਾਸ
Ma meri Maharani Pali Darshan Das
My mother Maharani Pali Darshan Das

ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਦੀਆ ਹਮੇਂ ਭਰਪੂਰ ਪਿਆਰ ਔਰ ਜੀਨੇ ਕੀ ਆਸ।
Jis ne dia humay bharpur pyar, jeenay ki aas
Who gave me endless love and a reason to live,

ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਹਮੇਂ ਮਾਂ ਬਣਕਰ ਪਾਲਾ ਔਰ
Jis ne humay ma bankar pala
You, the one who raised me as a mother

ਆਪ ਕਾ ਬਚਪਨ ਕਾ ਪਿਆਰ।
Aap ka bachpan ka pyar
You who bestowed love upon me during my childhood

ਆਪਣੀ ਸੋਚ ਔਰ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ ਸੇ ਕਹਾ
Apni soch aur disha se kaha
Through your vision and direction, you explained

ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ SND ਕਾ ਵਿਕਾਸ।
karna he SND ka vikas
How SND (Sachkhand Nanak Dham) should progress and prosper

ਹਰ ਏਕ ਜਨਮ ਮੇਂ ਔਰ ਆਨੇ ਵਾਲੇ ਜਨਮੋਂ ਮੇਂ ਆਪ
Har aek janam mey, aur aane valay janamon mey aap
In every lifetime, and lifetimes to come, may you

ਰਹੋ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਂ ਯੇਹੀ ਹੈ ਮੇਰੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ।
Raho meri ma, yehi he meri ardas
Be my mother, this is my prayer to you

ਆਪ ਕੇ ਬਤਾਏ ਹੋਏ ਰਸਤੇ ਪਰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ
Aap ke bathae hoay raste par hamesha
The path that you showed me, forever

ਚੱਲਣਾ ਰਹੇਗਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਪਰੇਹਾਸ।
Chalna rahega mera prayhas
I will endeavour to embrace

ਕਰਤਾਰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਰਹੇਗਾ ਆਪ ਕਾ ਸ਼ੇਰ ਬੇਟਾ
Kartar hamesha rahega aap ka sher beta
Kartar will always remain your lion son

ਔਰ ਆਪ ਕਾ ਦਾਸ।
Aur aap ka Das
And forever your Das

By Das Rai Bahadur Kartar Singh (New Delhi, India)

ਸੰਤ ਸੱਭਾ ਪੱਰਖਨ
Sant Sabha Parkhan
The kind of people who visit a saint’s congregation

ਕੋਈ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਲੈ ਭਰੇਆ ਬਰਤਨ
Koi anda tere dar te le bharea bartan
Some visit the congregation of a saint in ego thinking they know all

ਆਪਣੀ ਸੋਜੀ ਹੈ ਨਹੀਂ ਲਗਦਾ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਪਰਖਨ।
Apni soji he nahi, lagda tenu parkhan
They know not anything about themselves, and yet try to test the saint

ਕੋਈ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਲੈ ਪੁਠਾ ਭਾਂਡਾ,
Koi anda tere dar te le putha banda
Some visit the congregation of a saint without any intention of gaining anything

ਮੋਹ ਮਾਇਆ ਦਾ ਜਖੜੇਆ ਗੱਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਫੰਦਾ।
Moh maya da jakreya, gal vich phanda
They are entrapped by attachment and materialism, like a noose around the neck

ਕੋਈ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਲੈ ਕੱਚਾ ਮਟਕ,
Koi anda tere dar te le kacha matak
Some visit the congregation of a saint without focus and are too weak to take on the saint’s teachings, and go back to their old ways

ਲੋਕ ਲਾਜ ਦਾ ਮਾਰੇਆ ਮਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੰਕਟ।
Lok laaj da mareya, man vich sankat
They are unable to adopt the saint’s message due to fear of societal pressure and judgement

ਕੋਈ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਲੈ ਮੈਲ ਕੜਾਹੀ,
Koi anda tere dar te le mel karahi
Some visit the congregation of a saint full of ego and other vices

ਹੋਂਮੇ ਰੱਬ ਦੀ ਰੈਹਮਤ ਜਾਣੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਦੁਸਟ ਲੜਾਈ।
Haumay rab di rehemat janay, andar doost larai
They feel that their ego is a blessing from the Lord, but within themselves they are without peace

ਕੋਈ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਹੋਕੇ ਖਾਲੀ,
Koi aunda tere dar hokay khali
Some visit the congregation of a saint full of humility and respect, with the aim of receiving blessings

ਲੈਜਾਂਦਾ ਭਰਕੇ ਹੀਰੇ ਲਾਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਖੈਲੀ।
Le janda bhar ke heray lalan di theli
They receive the jewels and gems of spiritual blessings

ਹੇ ਦਾਤਾ, ਆਏ ਹਾਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਤੇ ਹੋਕੇ ਖਾਲੀ।
Hey data, aye hain tere dar te hokay khali
Dear Lord, we have come to your congregation in total humility

ਬੋਦੀ ਸਾਡੀ ਹੱਥ ਤੇਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਹੈ ਸਾਡਾ ਮਾਲੀ।
Bhodi sadi hath teray, tu he sada mali
We are at your mercy because you are our spiritual guide

ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮ ਚੜਦੀ ਕਲਾ ਤੇਰੇ ਭਾਂਣੇ ਸਰਬੱਤ ਦਾ ਭੱਲਾ।
Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala

Poem By Das Sukhdev Singh (Nairobi, Kenya)

Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala

Dhan Darshan
Dhan Pali Darshan

POEM DEDICATED TO MAHARAZ DARSHAN DAS JEE

You are the creator, the keeper and the destroyer

You are the one, the whole, the only

With you we are, without you we count for naught

You are our guardian, our light, our protector

Your will is that which prevails

Your blessings are multitude, continuous and infinite

You are our mother, our father, our only true friend

How can we ever put into words your love?

How can we ever express your care, your blessings, your mercy?

No words can ever capture your essence

Give us the grace to pay forward

Give us the courage to wipe not ours

But the tears of others

Give us the hearts to forgive

Give us the love to think not of ourselves

But of you, who resides in all, in everything

You are the rainbow that puts a smile on our faces

You are the breeze that lightly does embrace

You are the sunshine that brings light to our existence

Your wonders never cease to amaze

It is in everything, in the smallest of gestures,

The biggest of adventures,

Beyond space and time,

In the tinniest of moments

That we can know you……

By Das Jagjit Kaur (Melbourne, Australia)

Pali’s Pantry

Pumpkin Curry

Maharani Jee’s favourite vegetable was pumpkin. This is in no way surprising. In Ayurveda, pumpkin is a vegetable full of prana (life force). It is orange in colour, the colour of sacrifice. The orange pumpkin is very rich in vitamins A, C, E and K. It is also rich in potassium and a myriad of other minerals. It is a healing food. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and pumpkin leaves and flowers are also full of nutrients including vitamins A, E, B, and K, folate, calcium and iron. No wonder it was our Holy Mother’s favourite vegetable. With Maharani Jee, there was always a lot of depth and meaning to what she loved. Here we share a recipe for pumpkin curry kindly provided by Das Davinder.

Ingredients

I tbs of ghee or oil of your choice (Maharani Jee used mustard oil)

I small tsp of black mustard seeds

A few fenugreek seeds

1 tsp of cumin seeds

1 tsp of turmeric

1 tsp of garam masala

1 medium sized onion chopped small

2-3 fresh tomatoes blended or finely chopped

1 green chilli

1 large bowl of chopped pumpkin (1 medium pumpkin)

Chopped corriander leaves

Method

Heat the oil in a heavy pan on a medium heat. Once hot add the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds splutter, add the other spices. Then add the onions and cook until they are golden brown, followed by chopped tomatoes and green chillies. Let this cook for a while until the oil separates from the tomatoes. Now add in the pumpkin and lower the heat. Cook until the pumpkin softens. Add salt to taste. Garnish with chopped corriander leaves.This curry can be served with rice however, Maharani Jee preferred a wholemeal chapati.

Das Dharam:
the promise to serve humanity

Many congratulations on Das Dharam Foundation Day 2022. This is a very blessed day for the Sachkhand Nanak Dham Mission because Maharaz Jee “established the practical worldwide Mission of Das Dharam on 16 February 1980. Das means “one who serves the Lord” and Dharam refers to “our promise to God before our birth”. Maharaz Jee explains that Das Dharam therefore means the promise we made to God (before we were born) to serve humanity” (See Nanak Dham Newsletter, (2020), Vol. 1, Issue 1). It is in serving humanity that we ourselves are spiritually fulfilled. Maharaz Jee repeatedly explained this to us during his spiritual sermons. Below we provide some key points from one section of Maharaz Jee’s Das Dharam Day speech, 16 February 1986.

Maharaz Jee says: “God is my beloved; I love him as I would a friend. I have named God Nanak. I asked God why there was a need to establish Das Dharam? God explained this to me through the following spiritual verses entitled Sehej sukh suninderay Satguru”, translated and explained in first person below.

Sehej Sukh Suninderay Satguru

ਸਹਿਜ ਸੁਖ ਸਨੇਂਦੜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ, ਸਚ ਸਨਤੋਖ ਦਇਆ ਨਾਮ,ਚੌਹ ਧਰਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਾਂਈ।
Sehej sukh suninderay Satguru, sach, santokh deya, Naam, chau dharman de saee

The perfect spiritual Master comes to give the message of truth, contentment, compassion and Naam; the Master is the messenger of the four faiths

Maharaz Jee explains: The Satguru is the messenger who distributes happiness and the divine word to humanity. He has the patience and power to bless humanity. The four faiths I am referring to here are not Hindu, Sikh, Islam or Christianity; they are Truth, Contentment, Compassion and Naam.

ਇਕੋ ਵਰਨ ਇਕੋ ਧਰਮ, ਇਕੋ ਕਰਮ ਗੋਸਾਂਈ ਤੂੰ ਸਭਨੀ ਥਾਂਈ।
Eko varan eko dharam, eko karam gosai tu sabni thaee

As human beings we are all one, we have one reason for being and we have one aim, which is to merge with the divine who is omnipresent

Maharaz Jee explains: We have one Varan (caste) that is, we are all human beings. We have one Dharam which is to fulfill the promise we made to the Lord before we were born. We have one Karam which is to merge with the Lord through Naam meditation. As explained in the verse below, we can attain Naam from the true spiritual Master (Satguru).

ਸਿਰਜਨਹਾਰ ਸੱਚੇ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ, ਸਚ ਤਪਾਵਸ, ਸਚ ਚੰਦਰਮਾਏ ਦਿਸੇ ਨਾਂਹੀ ਦਿਸਾਏ।
Sarjanhar sachay paatsha, sach tapavas, sach chandar mahay dise naahi, disae

The beholder of truth leads us to meditation, the Lord (here referred to as the moon) who cannot be seen, is revealed to his true lovers or devotees.

Maharaz Jee explains: I said to the Lord, you are the almighty, omnipresent, you are the one who helps everyone, you are the truth. I asked Him what you are saying to me, when will this be revealed? How will the moon be revealed to those who cannot see it? As I explained to you, I speak to the Lord as I do to a friend. The Lord answered:

ਸਿਦਕ ਭਿਓ ਹਰਿ ਅਰਜਨ ਕੋ,
Sidak beyo har Arjan ko
Arjan knew true contentment

Maharaz Jee explains: When the devotee is ready to see and perceive the true loving God, then God reveals Himself. Here I am referring to Arjun to whom Lord Krishna revealed his true form. This emboldened Arjun to take part in the war against the Kauravas without fear. I am also referring to Shree Guru Arjan Dev Jee who faced torture without fear of sitting on a hot plate.

ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ ਸਿਰ ਦੀਜੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ, ਪਿਤਾ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਰਾਏ ਜਿਨ ਦੀਓ ਪੰਥ ਖਾਲਸਾਏ।
Shahadat ser dije Guru Tegh Bahadur, pita Gobind Rai jin dio panth khalsae

Guru Tegh Bahadur who was beheaded for the sake of the truth; father of Guru Gobind Singh, who gave us the Khalsa Panth

Maharaz Jee explains: For the sake of the true path, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life. Khalsa means pure. Then he said, this Das Dharam which I am giving to you, this is what it will stand for:

ਸਚ, ਸਿਦਕ, ਸਰਬਤ, ਸਾਧ ਸੰਗਤ, ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ, ਸਿੰਘ ਜੋ ਬਣ ਜਾਏ।
Sach, sidak, sarbat, sadh sangat, shahadat, Singh jo bhan jae
Truth, contentment, service to humanity, the congregation of a saint, sacrifice (of the 5 vices lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego) are the qualities of a courageous human being, a Singh.

Maharaz Jee explains: I asked the Lord, how will this happen? He answered, the person who embraces the above principles will become a Singh. Singh here refers to the courageous and brave devotee.

ਭੂਲ ਗਇਉ ਵਚਨ ਗੁਰੂਵਨ ਕੇ, ਦਿਉ ਫਿਰ ਸਮਝਾਈ।
Bool geyo vachan gurvan ke, deo phir samjae

We have forgotten the spiritual messages of past sages of the Lord; these are being explained again

ਦਾਸ ਧਰਮ ਚਲਿਓ ਫਿਰ ਕਲਿ ਮਾਂਹੇ ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਸਾਂਈ, ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਅਗੰਮ ਗੋਸਾਂਈ।
Das Dharam chaleo phir kal mahe, jis de sahin Darshan agam gosai

Das Dharam began again during kalyug, whose spiritual leader is Darshan who is working for the Lord

Maharaz Jee explains: The same age-old spiritual message of previous sages of the Lord is being explained again in Das Dharam through Darshan Das. When Das Dharam was established, there were only two rooms in Delhi. After that the mission flourished to such an extent that even I cannot explain it. When the mission was established in the UK, I did not even have five pounds or three true devotees. The Lord said go ahead, establish this mission and wherever you go, I will be there with you. To date, He has kept his promise to me.

Das Dharam – The Divine Promise

Today we celebrate Das Dharam Foundation Day. In the first Nanak Dham Newsletter we explained that on 16 February 1980, Maharaz Jee “established the practical worldwide Mission of Das Dharam. Das means “one who serves” and Dharam refers to “our promise to God before our birth”. Maharaz Jee explains that Das Dharam therefore means the promise we made to God (before we were born) to serve humanity”.

This promise or vow that we made to God is the key to our life. The promise to serve others. Because it is in serving others that we ourselves are spiritually fulfilled.

When the Das Dharam mission was established on 16 Feb 1980, there was a solar eclipse. People were too afraid to leave their homes. Superstitions were running high and people were very fearful of what the eclipse would do to them. Some feared blindness while others bad luck. It was on this day that Maharaz Jee’s mission to serve humanity was established.

Maharaz Jee explains that for spiritual progress we need to help others without expecting anything in return. This is true service. Service done in expectation of a reward or out of pride or ego is not true service in God’s house. In fact, our selfishness is the key cause of our problems. He explains the importance of letting go of our selfishness and arrogance by reciting the story of the Baadshaa (King) of Boolk Bukhara who sought the shelter of Baghat (saint) Kabir Jee and attained Naam from him. After the King had been in the shelter of Baghat Kabir for four years Mata Loi, (Baghat Kabir’s wife) asked Baghat Kabir Jee “Swami, the King has given up his worldly possessions as well as his family and has been here with us for four years now. Give him that which he seeks so he can return home”. To this Baghat Kabir Jee replied “the King is not ready as yet”. Loi asked “How is that possible Swami? Someone who has left his kingdom and relinquished his throne and has been sitting here for four years, how is he still not ready?”. Baghat Kabir Jee said, “well let us see if he is ready or not. When you see the King arriving, pour some dirty water from the rooftop on him and let him get drenched. Then wait and see what happens”. This is what Mata Loi did. The King retorted angrily ‘Loi, do you think I am your servant? I am a King. If I was at home I would have you severely punished for what you have done”. Baghat Kabir Jee said “see Loi he is still quite egotistical about being a King. Even though he is here, he has not let go of his arrogance. So, he is not ready as yet”.

Another four years passed, and the King was tested again. Once again Loi poured a bucket of dirty water on him from the rooftop. This time the King said “Bless you Mata Loi, I wish the best for you”. He had let go of his pride. “Now that he has asked for the best for you, he is at last worthy of God’s love” said Baghat Kabir Jee. So Maharaz Jee explains that until we serve humanity without ego and attachment, we are not worthy of God’s love. Maharaz Jee further explains that this is why the Nanak Naam Jaap (chant) is so important, because we are chanting for the welfare of others.

Maharaz Jee taught us the true meaning of love. He always said that those who truly love will be at peace. We need to serve humanity with utmost devotion and love. We need to see the divine in all.²Such are the teachings of our beloved Maharaz Darshan Das Jee.

We wish the entire Sachkhand Nanak Dham sangat a very happy Das Dharam Foundation Day, 2021.

_________________________________

¹Nanak Dham Newsletter, (2020), Vol. 1, Issue 1.

²Main points from Satsang delivered on 16th February 1985.

A Divine Force

Hazoor Maharaz Darshan Das Jee was the founder and patron of the spiritual mission “Sachkhand Nanak Dham International” as well as the practical mission of “Das Dharam”. Serving humanity to the highest standards formed the basis of his philosophy of peace, love, unity and sacrifice. His spiritual mission spread worldwide in Asia, Europe, North America and Africa. For 17 years, Maharaz Jee devoted his life to the service of humanity travelling across the world and spreading the spiritual message of God.

Darshan Lal Vasdev was born in India in the town of Batala in Punjab, on 7 December 1953 to Mata Chanan Devi and Pandit Jagan Nath Jee.

Early Years

At birth, Darshan had round locks of hair on his head which looked like Shesh Naag (the seven-headed snake), under whose protection Vishnu is always seen. As a young child Darshan would sit on his front doorstep and watch pilgrims visiting the famous Kandh Sahib temple where Guru Nanak Dev Jee was married. Many holy men who passed by his house were drawn to the young Darshan Lal; they saw something in him which made them bow before him. Young Darshan attended a Government school in Batala. It was during his school days that he experienced his first spiritual revelation at the age of 13. He was working on the farm feeding cows, when he attempted to lift a very heavy sack of straw and place it on his head. A man suddenly appeared before him and asked if he could assist Darshan in placing the sack on his head. Cautiously, Darshan declined. However, when he tried to lift the sack again, it became even heavier and he had to take assistance from this man. It later came to be known that this was the divine who had manifested as that man whom Darshan saw. The divine had put the “burden of the world” on Darshan’s head that day. Darshan was however, too young to respond to the revelation at that tender age.

Spiritual Revelation

When Darshan was 17 years of age, he went to the city of Jalandhar in Punjab to live with his mother’s sister (Masi). It was during this time that he had a second spiritual revelation on 9 July 1971 at 10.45pm. Young Darshan was riding his bicycle back from work at the ice factory when he saw a female figure dressed in red seated behind him. Shocked, he began to peddle his bicycle faster. When he looked back to ascertain who this person was, the figure moved to the front. It seemed to be a supernatural being. He came home, rushed up the stairs to the roof terrace of his Masi’s house and lay down on an outdoor bed. He then stood up, put his right leg in front of his left one and gazed straight into the sky. His Masi and his sister Darshana rushed upstairs to ask him what had happened. He did not reply. It was on this day that he had a vision of such intensity that he was totally overwhelmed; he lay unconscious for a few days. Eye witnesses later recounted that they had seen an intense light circle around Darshan seven times and then enter his forehead. His family consulted local healers fearing that Darshan had fallen victim to some evil force. They finally relented that what had happened to Darshan was beyond their understanding.

Darshan did not eat anything for 40 days; he subsisted solely on liquids and was restless and withdrawn. On 15 August 1971 a divine voice spoke to him and said “There is work that God has sent you to do here, get up and do it. You need to begin this work by delivering satsangs (spiritual sermons)”. Darshan responded by saying that he had no spiritual knowledge, but the voice assured him that once he took the first step, everything would manifest of its own accord. Darshan Lal Vasdev delivered his first Satsang on 15 August 1971 in the town of Batala. It was on that day, that he called himself Darshan Das (Das means servant of humanity). Darshan Das continued to deliver satsangs for the following two years. People were astonished that at the young age of 17, he had profound spiritual knowledge. He acquired healing powers and it soon came to be known that whatever he said would manifest. He also had knowledge of things before they happened.

Darshan Das slept very little and spent most of his time with close followers late into the night. His house in Batala was always filled with people sitting and waiting for him to awaken at midday, as it came to be known that whoever he gazed upon when he awakened was healed of their ailments. Soon the sangat (congregation) around him began referring to him as Maharaz Darshan Das. After traveling around Punjab for two years delivering satsangs and healing, in 1973 he received instructions from the divine to establish a Dera (spiritual centre).

Establishment of the Mission

In 1978, Maharaz Jee established the spiritual mission of Sachkhand Nanak Dham. The spiritual mission focussed primarily on the importance of a Puran Purkh (Perfect Master) who can give us Naam (The Word) – both of which are explained below. The spiritual mission was founded on the following universal principles: sach (truth); sidak (contentment); sarbat da bhala (welfare of all); sadh sangat (congregation of a Perfect Master); and shahadat (sacrifice; not of oneself but of lust, anger, avarice, attachment and pride).

Alongside the spiritual mission Maharaz Jee also established the practical worldwide Mission of Das Dharam. Das means “one who serves” and Dharam refers to the “our promise to God before our birth”. Maharaz Jee explained that Das Dharam therefore means “the promise we made to God (before we were born) to serve humanity”. Das Dharam Day is celebrated worldwide on 16 Februrary each year.

The Das Dharam mission sits alongside the spiritual mission of Sachkhand Nanak Dham. Humanitarian ideals are at the core of Maharaz Jee’s practical mission. His own service to humanity was exemplary in this regard.

Maharaz Jee left his body on 11 November 1987. He left behind a hukum nama (direct order) stating that his successor would be Her Holiness Maharani Pali Darshan Das Jee.

Sources: Personal communication with Maharani Pali Darshan Das, 14 August 2012; Apostle of Peace, New Delhi: Sachkhand Nanak Dham International; Invincible Live Force, New Delhi: Sachkhand Nanak Dham International; Ruh Magazine, Birmingham, UK: Sachkhand Nanak Dham International; Awaz Newsletter, 16 February 1987, Birmingham, UK: Sachkhand Nanak Dham International; Nanak Dham Newsletter, Vol 3(6), July 1989, Birmingham, UK: Sachkhand Nanak Dham International.

Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala – The spiritual slogan

The Spiritual Slogan

On 16 Februrary 1980, Maharaz Jee gave humanity the spiritual slogan of “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala” (in the name of the Almighty God, in the praise of His creation, living by His will, we ask for the welfare of all). This spiritual slogan is to be recited in the Punjabi language. Maharaz Jee explained that this slogan is “our shield against worldly problems”. It focuses our attention on the good of everyone and everything. It also cleanses our minds of lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride.

Nanak Naam Jaap (chanting of this spiritual slogan) holds deep vibrations and clears the mind of any enmity and brings inner peace. It is with this spiritual slogan that Maharaz Jee’s sangat members greet each other and commence their activities. Maharaz Jee explained to us that we should do Nanak Naam Jaap for our own welfare each day from 2.00pm to 2.15pm. The Nanak Naam Jaap can also be done at any other time of the day for the welfare of others. Anyone can do Nanak Naam Jaap at any time and for any length of time. There are no restrictions.

This spiritual slogan forms the foundation of the mission of Sachkhand Nanak Dham, which is based on true love for humanity. Maharaz Jee said that when you are focussed on the good of others, your welfare is taken care of by the divine.

Successor to Maharaz Darshan Das: Maharani Pali Darshan Das

Maharaz Jee left his body on 11 November 1987. He left behind a hukum nama (direct order) stating that his successor would be Her Holiness Maharani Pali Darshan Das Jee, Mother of the Mission. In 1978, while praying at the Shishganj Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi, Maharani Jee had a vision where a supernatural power said to her that she had suffered enough and from henceforth her problems were his. He told her that she did not need to keep travelling to the Gurudwara. “I will come to you”, said the power. Soon afterward, on 16 February 1978, she went to visit Loni Dera (spiritual centre) with her mother where she saw Maharaz Jee and immediately recognised him as the supernatural power she had seen in her vision at the Gurudwara.

Maharani Jee then began to perform service at the Loni Dera. Later on in 1978, in the presence of devotees and holding the Holy Ganga (Ganges) River as a witness, in the town of Haridwar, Maharaz Jee announced that Maharani Jee was his spiritual life partner and said “From now onwards, I share all your joys and sorrows. You will now be known as Pali Vasdev”.

Maharani continued to perform sewa in a selfless manner day and night at the Loni Dera. Acknowledging her true and steadfast devotion to him and dedication to the mission, Maharaz Jee said to her “You are part of my spiritual power”. You are the Mother of Das Dharam because without a mother Das Dharam is incomplete”. It was then that he changed her name from Pali Vasdev to Maharani Pali Darshan Das. She is the only person to whom Maharaz Jee gave his own name.

Maharani treated everyone equally and as her own. She did not differentiate between devotees; she loved everyone as her own and treated everyone with respect. Time and again we hear from those near to her that she had no worldly attachments. She did not seek anything for herself; everything she sought was always for the mission. In the end, Maharaz Jee bestowed honour, total love and affection to our beloved Maharani Jee, the Mother of our mission.

Maharani Jee was the head and patron of the mission Sachkhand Nanak Dham International for 27 years before she left her body on the 13 August 2015. In future newsletters we will continue the stories of both Maharaz Jee and Maharani Jee as Father and Mother of the mission.

Source: Apostle of Peace, New Delhi: Sachkhand Nanak Dham International

Maharani Jee’s Hukum Nama (Direct Order) to the Sangat and Her Last Wishes

This is our beloved Maharani’s Jee’s last Direct Order to the sangat (congregation).

My dear loving members of Maharaz Jee’s sangat (congregation), today I would like to address you on our mission, because life is uncertain, and no one knows when it may come or go. In my true self and under no duress or coercion, I declare that the next mission patronship goes to Rai Bahadur Kartar Singh, son of Das Inderjit Singh. This is my order and you have to obey it.

I am informing you of this because in my experience (and what has happened to me over the past 27 years) no one truly followed Maharaz Jee’s Hukum Namas (direct orders) anywhere. They were not followed by Maharaz Jee’s most trusted and faithful Das Jees in whom Maharaz Jee had deep trust in terms of spreading the mission. Instead they opened their own preaching shops under different names, and yet claimed that they were Maharaz Darshan Das Jee’s devotees. Today after much reflection, I have chosen a Patron who will tread in Maharaz Jee’s footsteps with honesty, bravery and humanity. He will give time and love to all sangat members and will forge ahead with further building the mission. This is my wish for him. I am not able to give this duty to a double-minded person or a person I do not trust. You are all well aware of my 27 years of progressive dedication and total sacrifice for this mission as a woman.

So today I declare to all Sadh Sangat (members of the congregation), whether in America or in London, Das Rai Bahadur Kartar Singh is my successor after my death. This is my order. Had Maharaz Jee’s Hukum Namas been understood and followed, where he had indicated that Maharani is Das Dharam’s “Mata” (Mother) and he is “Pita” (Father), today I would have had numerous loyal children surrounding me.

I have full faith in my trustees that during this trying period, they will not do anything against my order. I am proud of Darshan Das’s Dera (in Birmingham) and it is my last wish that it should not go into the hands of the opposition; I have put my blood and sweat into this Dera.

I have travelled from home to home relentlessly reciting Maharaz Jee’s name. Maharaz Jee said to me as he was leaving for London “Your duty is to preach my message and my Naam in every corner, alley and household”. So Sadh Sangat Jee, my India Sangat is witness to this as we did sewa together. I stood bravely and with courage as instructed by Maharaz Jee. For any of my shortcomings and mistakes, I ask for the Sangat’s forgiveness.

The above is my steadfast Hukum (order) without any change. Where ever the various committees are working, they should do so in unity and love, with complete trust and faith. It is my wish that you all be happy and that Maharaz Jee blesses you with his grace. This is from the heart of a Mother and a Mother’s voice.

I used to tell Maharaz Jee, that his fragrance should be emitted from every plant and leaf. Yet who recites his name today? Who says that they want to take the name of Darshan Das to greater heights? A sewak came to me once and appeared sad. I asked him whose name he was promoting. Are you promoting the name of the person where you do sewa, or that of Maharaz Jee who touched souls and blessed all with the spiritual path to the Lord’s house?

This Dera (Loni Dera) was constructed for the unity of mankind, and Maharaz Jee worked hard on its construction. Thereafter, I carried on with his instructions. He said Biba “You have to do our mission work because you know everything”. This was the Hukum Nama which I do not have with me now. The Hukum Nama was written as: “My dear Pali, come forward, this mission has to be taken ahead and “Biba” you come forward and help me. Nanak Patshaa will bless you and I am always with you”.

(If anyone would like a copy of the video recording which is in Punjabi, kindly contact the editor).

The Importance of Naam

What is Naam (The Word)? Naam is referred to as the audible life stream. Maharaz Jee explained that Naam is the key to life which unlocks our inner spiritual treasures. It is within this human body that we can experience true union with our creator. The path to that union is through Naam Simran (meditation of Naam). Maharaz Jee explained that for spiritual evolution, we need a Puran Purkh (Perfect Master) who can give us Naam.

According to Maharaz Jee’s Hukum Nama, Maharani Jee was the delegated successor to lead the mission of Sachkhand Nanak Dham International and was the only authorised person to give Naam.