Sant Kirpal Singh

Sant Kirpal Singh (1894-1974), recognized throughout the world for His spiritual greatness dedicated his entire life to working for unity, religious tolerance and spiritual awakening. He defined spirituality as the living knowledge of the true nature of man whose purpose was to return to his origin – to God. He emphasized the inner unity of all life and emphasized the value and dignity of each individual.

Three world tours, in 1955, 1963-64 and 1972, led Sant Kirpal Singh to the West, where he gave lectures in the most important cities of Europe and America. He met with numerous leading personalities from religion, politics and society. His disciples came from all over the world. His books and lectures, in which he revealed the common spiritual core of religions, were translated into numerous languages.

He himself designed the symbols of unity to express His idea of inner unity. These symbols, which can be seen on the roof of the central building in Kirpal Sagar addressed His wish to use Kirpal Sagar as a platform for people of all faiths, races, and skin colors to come together and deal with the essential questions of life.

After more than fourteen years as President of the World Fellowship of Religions, Sant Kirpal Singh who, having been committed to interfaith dialogue, saw the need to broaden His efforts for unity. The challenges of today’s world make it even more necessary for people of different cultures and nationalities to meet each other impartially, from man to man, as well as to fully develop one’s own self. Accordingly, He designed the concept of Manav Kendras – centers for the human being, in which man is not only encouraged in his physical and intellectual development, but also in his spiritual development. Today, we find that this concept is being implemented in Kirpal Sagar.
In 1973, during his last tour in Punjab, Sant Kirpal Singh entrusted the construction of the project to his disciple, Dr. Harbhajan Singh.

The first major “World Conference on Unity of Man” was held in February 1974 in Delhi, where Sant Kirpal Singh’s headquarters were. Two thousand delegates from all over the world, and an audience of over 100,000 people attended this event. Among the guests of honor were leading personalities from religion, spirituality and politics, including the former Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, along with members of her cabinet. This conference marked the beginning of the Unity of Man movement.

At the invitation of the Indian government, Sant Kirpal Singh addressed the members of the Parliament of the Lok Sabha on 1st August, 1974. It was the first time in the history of India that such an invitation had been issued to a spiritual leader.

Before Sant Kirpal Singh left his body forever on 21st August, 1974, He gave instructions to his disciple, Dr. Harbhajan Singh, to continue his work and to develop Kirpal Sagar.

For Sant Kirpal Singh, the meaning of being a human was not simply to live for oneself, but to serve others, which He himself had done so tirelessly throughout His life. He lived what He taught according to His motto: “One gram of practice is more than tons of theory”. His life not only inspired His disciples, but could also offer an example for future generations.