In Sanskrit, 『Sant』 refers to a Master of the highest Order. To practice the meditation, it is important that one has a living Master. The initiation, however, may take place with a representative. This is how this ancient spiritual way has been passed through a long lineage of enlightened Masters. The Sants of the past include Sri Swami Ramanand, or Ramananda, who lived the １４th century. He taught that one’s Divine identity does not depend on one’s social status.
He accepted disciples of all backgrounds, teaching in the commonly spoken Hindi language. Swami Ramanand had many disciples. One of the most famous ones was Sant Kabir, who is recognized as a great spiritual teacher and mystic poet. Another well known Sant was Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Sikh Masters who came after Guru Nanak were also part of the Sant Mat lineage, the lineage of the Light and Sound.
Most of the Masters teaching this method were centered in India.
Today in the modern world, countless people worldwide from various cultures practice and reap the benefits of Sant Mat, the saintly way of life. These benefits include increased inner peace, centeredness and inward strength, and clarity in solving problems. Through the meditation, one can develop greater respect, understanding, and love for all beings.
Thus, a sense of service to humanity expands within the heart of a Sant Mat practitioner. Meanwhile, one’s purpose in life becomes clearer through meditation and an ethical lifestyle. The practitioner should observe five precepts, which are Ahimsa or nonviolence, truthfulness, avoidance of sexual misconduct, love for all regardless of caste, creed, wealth, or intellectual attainments, and the maintenance of a strict vegetarian diet.
Drugs and alcohol are also to be avoided.
The practicality found within these precepts and the meditation method earned Sant Mat the descript-xion, 『science of the soul.』
Mr. Kurt Young is an experienced American practitioner of Sant Mat. In an interview with Supreme Master Television, he explained the basic teachings of the Sant Mat path.
