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{{Infobox Organization {{Infobox Organization
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|purpose = Universal Brotherhood |purpose = "Universal Brotherhood"
|headquarters = Nirankari Colony, ]<br />- 110 009. India. |headquarters = Nirankari Colony, ]<br />- 110 009. India.
|location = |location =
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The '''Sant Nirankari Mission''' ({{lang-pa|ਸੰਤ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ਮਿਸ਼ਨ}}, {{lang-hi|संत निरंकारी मिशन}}), abbreviated as, '''SNM''', and also known as '''Universal Brotherhood Mission''', is a spiritual organization. The '''Sant Nirankari Mission''' ({{lang-pa|ਸੰਤ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ਮਿਸ਼ਨ}}, {{lang-hi|संत निरंकारी मिशन}}, '''SNM''') and also known as '''Universal Brotherhood Mission''', is a religious or spiritual organization based in India. The Sant Nirankari Mission identifies itself as "neither a new religion nor a sect of an existing religion, but an all-embracing spiritual movement dedicated to human welfare".<ref name="Baba Buta Singh Ji" group="SNM">{{cite web|title=History {{!}} Baba Buta Singh Ji (1873-1943) |url=http://www.nirankari.com/modules/founder/bababuta/|work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India }}</ref> Academics identify the group as an offshoot of ], which separated from orthodox Sikhism in 1929 CE.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=yy-2xNW84dsC&pg=PA269&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iZmFT-7xL6fs0gGVpP3YBw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false</ref>


Despite the similarity of name, the group is not<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=uhtzeompVAUC&pg=PA144&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=A5aFT9ijFcyL0QHLgu3SCQ&ved=0CFwQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false</ref> (or is no longer<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=ma3G-hjh6SwC&pg=PA180&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari%22+sikhism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p5mFT4LnDKjl0gGGlrTyBw&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%22%20sikhism&f=false</ref>) affiliated with the ] movement started by ]. The Sant Nirankari movement has been targeted for violence by some extremists among the orthodox ]s, who consider the group to be a heresy of Sikhism.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=K2oexn_mLPIC&pg=PA237&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=A5aFT9ijFcyL0QHLgu3SCQ&ved=0CG4Q6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false</ref>
The Sant Nirankari Mission is neither a new ] nor a ] of an existing religion, but an all-embracing ] movement dedicated to human welfare. <ref name="Baba Buta Singh Ji" group="SNM">{{cite web|title=History {{!}} Baba Buta Singh Ji (1873-1943) |url=http://www.nirankari.com/modules/founder/bababuta/|work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India }}</ref> Its objective is to establish Universal Brotherhood among people from diverse backgrounds throughout the world.


Today, SNM has over 100 branches outside India, most prominently in Britain and North America. Its world headquarters is located in Sant Nirankari Colony, Delhi.<ref name="Organisational Outfit" group="SNM">{{cite web|title=Souvenir 50th Samagam - Organisational Outfit of Sant Nirankari Mission|url=http://www.nirankari.org/literature/books/souvenir50smg/origanisationaloutfit.htm|work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> Baba Hardev Singh Ji provides spiritual guidance for Nirankari devotees. The group is characterized by its focus on a living leader. The SNM has over 100 branches outside India, most prominently in Britain and North America. Its world headquarters is located in Sant Nirankari Colony, Delhi.<ref name="Organisational Outfit" group="SNM">{{cite web|title=Souvenir 50th Samagam - Organisational Outfit of Sant Nirankari Mission|url=http://www.nirankari.org/literature/books/souvenir50smg/origanisationaloutfit.htm|work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> Its leader, ], provides spiritual guidance for Nirankari devotees; the group is characterized by its focus on a living leader.<ref name="Knott">{{cite book |last=Knott |first=Kim |title=A new handbook of living religions |year=1998 |publisher=] |isbn=0140514074 |pages=756–774 |chapter=The Religions of South Asian Communities in Britain |editor1-first=John R |editor1-last=Hinnells |location=Cambridge, Mass |edition=2nd |oclc=317517572 }}</ref>
<ref name="Knott">{{cite book |last=Knott |first=Kim |title=A new handbook of living religions |year=1998 |publisher=] |isbn=0140514074 |pages=756–774 |chapter=The Religions of South Asian Communities in Britain |editor1-first=John R |editor1-last=Hinnells |location=Cambridge, Mass |edition=2nd |oclc=317517572 }}</ref>


== Etymology == ==History==
The original Nirankari sect of Sikhism (now largely defunct) began with the reformist movement of Baba Dayal in the early 19th century. Dayal's movement emphasised the importance of a living guru, while mainstream Sikhism accepted the Sikh scriptures as the final, and current, guru of the faith. The Nirankari movement remained small and somewhat tolerated by orthodox Sikhs. In 1929, one segment of the movement, now known as the Sant Nirankari, disassociated itself from mainstream Sikhism and became an independent organisation.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=yy-2xNW84dsC&pg=PA269&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iZmFT-7xL6fs0gGVpP3YBw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false</ref>
''Sant''- संत refers to a saint in Hindi and ''Nirankar'' – निरंकार refers to the "formless God". "Nirankari- निरंकारी" is a person who is devoted to this formless entity.


In the 1960s, the sudden growth of the Sant Nirankari faction (a "breakaway guru lineage" of the Nirankaris), as well as some heterodox statements by its leaders, aroused the ire of fundamentalist Sikhs, some of whom used opposition to the Sant Nirankaris as a platform.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=doCmVaOnh_wC&pg=PA273&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari%22+sikhism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p5mFT4LnDKjl0gGGlrTyBw&ved=0CEcQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%22%20sikhism&f=false</ref> The Sant Nirkankari ''satguru'' ] was assassinated in 1980, by one Ranjit Singh, a member of the ]. The AKJ had, shortly before the killing, had been involved in protests against the Sant Nirankaris as heterodox.<ref name=SATP>{{cite web |url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/publication/nightsoffalsehood/falsehood4.htm |title=Punjab: The Knights of Falsehood -- Psalms of Terror |date=December 31, 2001 |work= |publisher=Institute for Conflict Management |location=New Delhi |accessdate=December 13, 2010 }}</ref>
== ''Nirankar'' ==
The exact description of '']'' (or formless God) below is taken from the official Sant Nirankari website.

"The Mission believes in God, who is One and omnipresent and care taker, ], ], ], ], formless, a non-] objective reality and perceivable. He is distinct from ] bodies such as sun, moon, stars; earthly elements such as earth, water, fire; and subtle elements such as air, ethar and jeeva. These nine elements constitute the entire creation and are distinguishable from the tenth, the All-pervading Divine Spirit, which creates, sustains and regulates the whole universe. This aspect of ] has been termed as 'Nirankar' (Formless God), though invisible yet all-pervading. In fact what we see is unreal as it decays and dies. But what we do not see is reality because out of that invisible power the visible comes into existence. The changeless in the changing physical world is called God and the changeless in the changing human body is called the ]. The one who experiences it is known as 'Nirankari'. The sole aim of the Mission is to impart the knowledge of Nirankar (The Formless God) to the seekers' soul."

In fact, as mentioned in an article published in February 2006 issue of the English version of the ''Sant Nirankari'' (which is the main publication of SNM), that "It is the clarion call by the Nirankari Mission to one and all, 'Come and see God.' "<ref name="Sandeep Khinda" group="SNM">{{cite web|last=Khinda|first=Sandeep |title=God-Knowled Adds Charm To Life|url=http://www.nirankari.com/literature/snmag/2006_02_sne/article_%20god_knowledge_adds.htm|month=February |year=2006|work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref>

== Basic ideology ==
The fundamental beliefs of the Sant Nirankari Mission include:

* ] exists.
* God is a single entity, though He has been called by several different names such as ''], ]'' etc. throughout history.
* God is formless and therefore may also be called as (''Nirankar'')
* God can be personally realised. In fact, ] is the sole purpose of human life.<ref name="God Realisation" group="SNM">{{cite web |url=http://www.nirankari.com/ideology/ideo7.htm |title=SNM Ideology - God Realisation |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref>
* All human beings are God's children.
* A True Spiritual Guide reveals God. Without a True Master, a human being cannot attain God-realisation.
*
* If a human being wishes to gain God Knowledge, they must ask for it.
* God can be seen.
* Following the five principles (see below) is essential for attaining God realisation.<ref name="God Realisation" group="SNM" />

(Reference: SNM Ideology section<ref name="Ideology" group="SNM">{{cite web |url=http://www.nirankari.com/modules/idology/ |title=SNM Ideology |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=10 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> and Avtar Bani<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM">{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Nirankari Baba Avtar |others=English version by Gurbachan Singh Nirankari (G.S. Bhatia) |title=Awata&#772;ra ba&#772;n&#803;i&#772; |trans_title=Avtar bani |url=http://www.nirankari.com/literature/books/abani/abani.pdf |archiveurl=http://www.nirankari.com/literature/books/abani/main.htm |archivedate=January 20, 1999 |format=PDF |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |year=1976 |publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal |location=Delhi |oclc=13611411 |id={{ASIN|B0006E107M|country=in|title=Avtar bani|year=1976}} |laysummary=Verses in praise of the formless God (Niranka&#772;ra) by a spiritual leader of the Nirankaris, a syncretic sect. |laydate= }}</ref>)

== Five principles ==
During the session in which a devotee receives Divine Knowledge, the devotee is also introduced to the Five Principles<ref name="Five principles" group="SNM">{{cite web |url=http://www.nirankari.com/ideology/ideo5.htm |title=SNM Ideology - Five Principles |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> that he/she must practice to the best of their ability.

1. All assets – physical, mental and material – belong to the Divinity and man, as a mere trustee, should use them as such. One should not feel proud of their possession

2. Not to be proud of one's caste, creed, race, faith and other class distinctions and hate others on this account. All men should be regarded as such. One has to feel himself as one with whole human family and love the mankind.

3. Not to look down upon anybody because of his mode of dress, diet and living.

4. Not to renounce worldly life to become a vagrant recluse or ascetic but to lead family life in accordance with normal social norms and sustain family by honest livelihood.

5. Not to divulge the Divine Knowledge bestowed by the Satguru to others without his permission. Never to be possessed by pride because of enlightenment.

The original description of the Five Principles may also be found in Avtar Bani<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" /> Verses 9A to 9E. The explanation of these verses may also be found in the ''The Unique Mission'',<ref name="Amrik Singh" group="SNM">{{cite web|last=Singh|first=Amrik |title=The Choice Today - Index |url=http://www.nirankari.com/literature/books/unique_mission/unique_mission0.htm|work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> authored by Amrik Singh.

== ''Simran'' ==
Nirankari devotees are introduced to the ] (prayer) below when they are given Divine Knowledge from an authorised saint, who has been appointed by the ].

''Tu hi Nirankar''

''Main Teri Sharan Haan''

''Mainu Baksh Lao''

A direct English translation<ref name="God Remembrance" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=Souvenir 50th Samagam - God Remembrance and True Master |url=http://www.nirankari.org/literature/books/souvenir50smg/godremebrance.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> might be:

Thou formless One

I take refuge in Thee

I pray, forgive me

The devotees use this ''simran'' to attain spiritual strength. They may pray whenever/wherever they feel like (after all for them God is omnipresent, i.e. all around), but constant realisation of formless God is encouraged. This is reflected by the Avtar Bani<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" /> verse 117, which says that "Keep on remembering God, saying Tuhi Nirankar and keep on singing the praise of God; do remember Him every moment and make Him dwell in your mind." (Please refer to the Punjabi version for the original verse as this is only an English translation)

Saints often advise ''"Hath kar wal, te dil yaar wal"'', which simply means that while worldly responsibilities are being carried out using the body, the mind of devotees must remain connected with Nirankar.

The simran also has some salient points of interest. Notice that it involves the use of the word ''"Ik"'' (One). The idea behind this is to simply illustrate the principle that ] is a single entity, even though this entity has been called by several names used throughout history by different people. The ''simran'' also uses the word "Nirankar", to signify the formless nature of this entity. The use of the words ''"teri"'' (thy) and ''"Tu"'' (thou) highlights the fact Nirankari devotees relate to this entity as closely as the way two ordinary human beings interact with each other.

== ''Satsangs'' ==
Sant Nirankari members have no particular place of worship as it is considered that regardless of wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you can worship formless God. The members meet at places called ''] Bhawans'' (Congregation Halls), to share their spiritual experiences and praise the almighty formless God. The mission believes that congregations help devotees to strengthen their faith, increase their devotion towards Nirankar and attain spiritual steadfastness. This is reflected by the verse 56 of Avtar Bani,<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" /> which says that '' "Seek the company of True Saint, this will bring spiritual glow on your face; seek the company of True Saint, this will remove impurity from your heart." '' (Please note that there are other verses 57, 112, 138 and 223 that elaborate on this point. Please also refer to the Punjabi version for the original description as this is only an English translation)

The congregations are open to all without any discrimination of religion, caste, nationality, colour or race, and irrespective of whether one is rich or poor, and literate or illiterate. Holy scriptures of different religions or sects are also read and the common aim of all religions i.e. selfless love for all is stressed upon.

In ''Satsang Bhawans'' a chair on a stage (platform) is reserved for a pre-decided devotee who will represent the ''Satguru'' and other devotees pay respect to ''Satguru'' by bowing down to him. Another devotee, known as stage secretary, sits on stage floor and manages events. Nirankari's also bow down (to touch the feet) of one another irrespective of age, gender, financial or social position as they believe and perceive the presence of God in all. Touching each others feet is also seen as a practice useful in removing pride or ego from a devotee's mind.

=== A typical Nirankari congregation ===
A few minutes before the ''satsang'' is due to begin, the stage secretary or another appointed devotee sings verses from the Avtar Bani. The Nirankari congregation usually then begins with the following verse (Thou Formless One 1; Avtar Bani<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" />), reproduced below. (Note that the congregation usually sings this in Punjabi language, but the English translation of this verse is available here). Normally, devotees present in the congregation sing along with person on the stage, but there is not a strict obligation to do so.

<u>Thou Formless One 1</u> (Avtar Bani,<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" /> Prayer 1)

''O' Thou, formless, colourless and boundless God, millions of bows unto Thee;''

''O' Thou, beyond the comprehension of mind, intellect and wisdom, millions of bows unto Thee.''

''O' Thou, the Infinite, incomprehensible Lord, millions of bows unto Thee;''

''O' Thou, the Lord of Lords, the Supreme Sovereign, millions of bows unto Thee.''

''O' Thou, Eternal, Ageless, Omnipresent, millions of bows unto Thee;''

''O' Thou, the Redeemer of sinners in all ages, millions of bows unto Thee.''

''O' Thou, the Omniscient, Knower of the instincts of all beings, millions of bows unto Thee;''

''O' Thou, the Divine Name and the One the Divine Name stands for, millions of bows unto Thee.''

''O' Thou, the Sustainer of all living creatures, millions of bows unto Thee.''

''Avtar says, O' the Sustainer of the life-breath, millions of bows unto Thee.''

''O' God, I pray for Thy shelter, Thy support, I sacrifice my body and mind unto Thee;''

''Avtar says, I do sing Thy praise day and night.''

''None can move without Thy command;''

''Avtar says, I cannot do anything, only Thy will prevails.''

The congregation then proceeds and this is where most of the variation between different congregations occurs. Devotees at this stage are called upon to express themselves. This can be either in the form of a speech, poem or a devotional hymn but sometimes plays may also be enacted. To gain a greater insight of the kinds of hymns, speeches, poems and plays presented in the congregations, the reader can refer to the youth section of the official website.<ref name="Nirankari Youth Club" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=Nirankari Youth Club - Articles |url=http://www.nirankari.org/youth/articles/article0.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> The website also hosts a whole range of regional and national congregations in audio-visual format under the Archives section, some of which may be in English. It may also be of interest to know that most devotees begin and end their presentation by saying "Saints say with love, '']'' or its Punjabi/Hindi equivalent.

Towards the beginning of the final discourse by the saint presiding on the stage, the congregation recites the following verse (Invocation; Avtar Bani<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" />), reproduced below. (Note that the congregation usually sings this in Punjabi language, but the English translation of the invocation is available here). The speech from the presiding saint is usually of the longest duration, but may vary anything from 15 minutes to an hour. Some presiding saints use a selected Avtar Bani verse that they may like to base their speech upon. In that case, the stage secretary reads about two lines of a particular verse at regular intervals during the speech.

<u>Ivocation</u><ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" />

''O' Almighty God, beyond attribute and formless;''

''Thou art the creator of the universe; Thou art the sustainer of all.''

''Thy vast entity is there in every particle of the universe;''

''Thou were true in the past, art true at present and shall be true in future, and the world is an illusion.''

''O' God, Thou dwelt in every being, Thou art beyond decay, and Thou art the supreme creator;''

''Be kind and bless everybody to transcend the ocean of materialism.''

''Thou art formless and in form, Thou art the nurturer of the universe;''

''Endless is Thy glory, Thou art the supreme donor, the boundless.''

''O' the Supreme Father God, all human beings are Thy own children;''

''Be kind and benevolent to all, may all be redeemed.''

The congregation finally concludes with a prayer (see the English translation below) that all devotees sing along in the end.

<u>Thou Formless One; Hail the True Master</u> (Taken from Avtar Bani<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" />)

''O' the Supreme Father God, Thou pervadeth each and every particle;''

''Thou art the Supreme Doer, the Commander, and the Master of all.''

''Beholding Thee all around, Avtar prays unto Thee;''

''Thou art the Lord of Lords, and I am the humblest of the humble.''

== Nirankari Sant Samagam ==
Annual Nirankari Sant Samagam in Delhi can easily be described as the "Mission in Action". Its message of human unity, equality and fraternity based on spiritual awakening finds a fine expression. People from all shades and layers of society assemble at one place forgetting their social, economic or financial status. The mammoth gathering presents a view of unity in diversity, and mutual love, respect and understanding. Humility marks the conduct of every devotee participating in the Samagam so much so that one is found touching the feet of the other irrespective of the age, sex or the status.

Nirankari Sant Samagam is also held in several other major locations annually such as Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh USA and Canada etc.

Nirankari Sant Samagam provides the devotees of Nirankari Mission to come together and serve for formless God and other devotees.

== ''Sewa Dal'' (Volunteer group) ==
While the Sant Nirankari Mission is a spiritual movement, it believes that devotion to Nirankar (formless God) may be expressed by exemplary behaviour towards other human beings. The Mission therefore has actively promoted the creation of a Sant Nirankari ''Sewa Dal'' (i.e. a volunteer group).

== ''Dhan Nirankar'' (Hail the formless God) ==
The English translation of this greeting, ''Dhan Nirankar'', which is used by all Nirankaris, means "Hail the Formless God". It symbolises that the devotee seeks to "welcome the Formless in the person he meets and eulogise only 'Him' in his or her 'auspicious' company".<ref name="Dhan Nirankar" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=SNM Ideology - Dhan Nirankar |url=http://www.nirankari.com/ideology/ideo4.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref>


== ''Avtar Bani'' == == ''Avtar Bani'' ==
The ''Avtar Bani''<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" /> outlines the key philosophy of the Sant Nirankari Mission, and serves as the group's primary text, though not necessarily a holy book. It is named after its author Shahenshan Baba Avtar Singh.<ref name="Baba Avtar Singh Ji" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=SNM History - Baba Avtar Singh Ji |url=http://www.nirankari.com/history/hist3.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> Its initial version was first published in 1957. Its predecessor, the ''Sampuran Avtar Bani''<ref name="Sampuran Avtar bani">{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Nirankari Baba Avtar |editor1-first=Kirpa |editor1-last=Sagar |others=Translated by Amrik Singh |title=Sampu&#772;ran&#803;a Awata&#772;ra ba&#772;n&#803;i&#772; |trans_title=Sampuran Avtar bani |edition=3rd |year=2001 |origyear=1972 |publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal |location=Delhi |language=English and Panjabi (Panjabi in roman script) |oclc=54861839 |laysummary=Verses in praise of the formless God (Niranka&#772;ra) by a spiritual leader of the Nirankaris, a syncretic sect. |laydate= }}</ref> ("complete Avtar Bani") was published in 1965. The Avtar Bani was originally written in Punjabi verse, but some stanzas were in the Urdu and Sindhi language. It contains 376 hymns which describe the qualities of Formless God (Nirankar), the important role of a spiritual in attaining God-realisation, the kindness and grace of the "True Master", the purpose of human life, the five fundamental principles, true devotion and how a man can lead a saintly life. It has been published in Gurumukhi, Devnagari, Urdu and Roman scripts. It has also been translated and published in English (verse and prose), Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Nepali and Marathi verse.


== Nirankari Museum ==
The ''Avtar Bani''<ref name="Avtar bani" group="SNM" /> outlines the key philosophy of the Sant Nirankari Mission. It may in fact be considered the Bible or Quran of the Mission. It is named after its author ''Shahenshan Baba Avtar Singh''.<ref name="Baba Avtar Singh Ji" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=SNM History - Baba Avtar Singh Ji |url=http://www.nirankari.com/history/hist3.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> Its initial version was first published in 1957. Its "Big Brother", the ''Sampuran Avtar Bani''<ref name="Sampuran Avtar bani">{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Nirankari Baba Avtar |editor1-first=Kirpa |editor1-last=Sagar |others=Translated by Amrik Singh |title=Sampu&#772;ran&#803;a Awata&#772;ra ba&#772;n&#803;i&#772; |trans_title=Sampuran Avtar bani |edition=3rd |year=2001 |origyear=1972 |publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal |location=Delhi |language=English and Panjabi (Panjabi in roman script) |oclc=54861839 |laysummary=Verses in praise of the formless God (Niranka&#772;ra) by a spiritual leader of the Nirankaris, a syncretic sect. |laydate= }}</ref> (meaning – the complete Avtar Bani) was published in 1965. The Avtar Bani was originally written in easy Punjabi verse, but some stanzas were in the Urdu and Sindhi Language. It contains 376 hymns which describe the qualities of Formless God (Nirankar), the important role of a True Spiritual Guide in attaining God realisation, the kindness and grace of the True Master, the purpose of human life, the five fundamental principles, true devotion and how a man can lead a saintly life. The Avtar Bani is not worshipped as a holy religious book like the Quran or the Bible, but it is highly regarded by the Nirankari devotees for its authenticity. It has been published in Gurumukhi, Devnagari, Urdu and Roman scripts. It has also been translated and published in English (verse and prose), Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Nepali and Marathi verse.
The Nirakari Museum was officially launched by Baba Hardev Singh on 22 February 2005. The museum is located within the Sant Nirankari Sarovar in North Delhi, and depicts the history of the Nirankari Mission through audio-visuals and pictures.<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite journal |author="Our Staff Reporter" |date=February 23, 2005 |title=Nirankari Museum inaugurated |journal=The Hindu |location=Chennai, Madras, India |publisher=Kasturi and Sons Ltd |oclc=35304678 |accessdate=December 11, 2010|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/02/23/stories/2005022316760300.htm }}</ref><ref name="The Tribune">{{cite journal |date=February 24, 2005 |title=A museum of spiritual panorama |journal=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India |author=Tribune News Service|location=Chandigarh, Indi |publisher=The Tribune Trust |oclc=47351219 |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050225/delhi.htm#15 }}</ref>

Normally, a verse from the Avtar Bani is read out before every discourse in most congregations (except when His Holiness Himself is giving the discourse). The verses are also read out at the beginning of each congregation. Devotees are however free to sing/read these verses as hymns anytime they prefer for personal spiritual enlightenment. In fact, many Nirankari households keep a copy of it. It may also be available from the Publications Department found in each Satsang Bhavan (congregation hall).

== Famous slogans ==
The five famous slogans below shed light on the philosophy of the Mission.
*Religion Unites, Never Divides
*Peace, not Pieces-let us work for it
*Unity in Diversity, not Uniformity
*Know One, Believe in One, Be One
*Our Mission is Universal Brotherhood<ref name="Universal Brotherhood" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=SNM Ideology - Universal Brotherhood |url=http://www.nirankari.org/ideology/ideo17.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref>

Besides these slogans the sayings of ''']'''<ref name="Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=SNM History - Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji |url=http://www.nirankari.com/history/hist4.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> and '''Baba Avtar Singh ji'''<ref name="Baba Hardev Singh Ji" group="SNM">{{cite web |title=SNM History - Baba Hardev Singh Ji |url=http://www.nirankari.com/history/hist5.htm |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India}}</ref> may also be found in the books titled ''Precious Pearls''<ref name="Precious Pearls" group="SNM">{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Gurbachan |others=compiled and translated by Joginder Singh, Kishori Lal Nagpal, Des Raj Ahuja |title=Precious pearls : sayings of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji |url=http://www.nirankari.com/literature/books/preciouspearls/preciouspearls0.htm |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |year=1992|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal : Distributors, Bookwell |location=Delhi |oclc=30104974 |id={{ASIN|B0006F0TTQ|country=in|title=Precious pearls: Sayings of Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji|year=1992}} }}</ref> and ''Spiritual Sparks''<ref name="Spiritual Sparks" group="SNM">{{cite web |url=http://www.nirankari.com/literature/books/spiritual_sparks/spiritualsparks0.htm |title=Spiritual Sparks |first=Hardev |last=Singh Ji |coauthors=compiled and translated by Joginder Singh Ji, Kishori Lal Nagpal Ji, Des Raj Ahuja Ji |work=Sant Nirankari Mission|publisher=Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.) |accessdate=11 December 2010|location=Delhi, India }}</ref> respectively.

== Sant Nirankari Mission Sarovar Complex ==
=== Santokh Sarovar (Holy Lake) ===

The Sant Nirankari Sarovar Complex contains a ''sarovar'' (Holy Lake) which contains Holy water. It is named after the devotee, Reverend Santokh Singh ji. The ''sarovar'' is surrounded by a beautiful park. Many devotees use the sarovar during the Annual ''Nirankari Samagams'' (very large congregations), which are held in November every year in New Delhi, India.

=== Nirankari Museum ===

The Nirakari Museum was officially launched by Baba Hardev Singh ji on 22 February 2005. The museum is located within the Sant Nirankari Sarovar in North Delhi. The museum depicts the journey of Nirankari Mission through audio-visuals and pictures.<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite journal |author="Our Staff Reporter" |date=February 23, 2005 |title=Nirankari Museum inaugurated |journal=The Hindu |location=Chennai, Madras, India |publisher=Kasturi and Sons Ltd |oclc=35304678 |accessdate=December 11, 2010|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/02/23/stories/2005022316760300.htm }}</ref><ref name="The Tribune">{{cite journal |date=February 24, 2005 |title=A museum of spiritual panorama |journal=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India |author=Tribune News Service|location=Chandigarh, Indi |publisher=The Tribune Trust |oclc=47351219 |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050225/delhi.htm#15 }}</ref>

== Recent awards ==
*Super Achievers Award for administration, awarded by Bharat Nirman on 30 April 2007
*Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru International Award for Intercontinental Peace, Tolerance and Harmony, awarded to His Holiness by Interfaith Harmony Foundation of India on 21–22 April 2007
*Best Stall Award for use of Technology, Presentation and Cleanliness at India International Trade Fair held from 14–27 November 2006


==Notes and references== ==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}
*{{cite book |last1=Copeman |first1=Jacob |title=Veins of devotion: Blood donation and religious experience in north India |series=Studies in medical anthropology |year=2009 |publisher=Rutgers University Press |location=New Brunswick, NJ |isbn=0813544483 |oclc=225090147 |pages=77–104 |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |chapter=Devotion and Donation |chapterurl=http://books.google.com/books?id=EbSXa5Fag9gC&lpg=PA79&dq=%22Nirankari%20Mission%22%20%22blood%20donation%20and%20religious%20experience%20in%20north%20India%22&pg=PA77#v=onepage&q=%22Nirankari%20Mission%22%20%22blood%20donation%20and%20religious%20experience%20in%20north%20India%22&f=false }}
*{{cite book |editor1-first=Dale |editor1-last=Hoiberg |editor1-link=Dale Hoiberg |title=Students' Britannica India |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ISFBJarYX7YC&pg=PA113&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22+%22Students%27+Britannica+India%22&hl=en&ei=wS8ETb62Hs_YnAeHvanlDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false |accessdate=December 11, 2010 |volume=4 |year=2000 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India) |location=New Delhi |isbn=0852297602 |oclc=248965509 |pages=112–114 }}
*{{cite book |last1=McKean |first1=Lise |title=Divine enterprise: Gurus and the Hindu Nationalist Movement |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OsI7Hy8H34YC&lpg=PA273&dq=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22%20intitle%3ADivine&pg=PA273#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22%20intitle:Divine&f=false |accessdate=December 18, 2010 |year=1996 |publisher=] |location=Chicago |isbn=0226560090 |oclc=32859823 |page=273 }} *{{cite book |last1=McKean |first1=Lise |title=Divine enterprise: Gurus and the Hindu Nationalist Movement |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OsI7Hy8H34YC&lpg=PA273&dq=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22%20intitle%3ADivine&pg=PA273#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22%20intitle:Divine&f=false |accessdate=December 18, 2010 |year=1996 |publisher=] |location=Chicago |isbn=0226560090 |oclc=32859823 |page=273 }}
<!-- DO WE HAVE ANYTHING TO INDICATE "bindra.net" IS A RELIABLE SOURCE????
*{{cite web |url=http://bindra.net/s-022.html |title=Nirankaris and Sant (Neo-)Nirankaris |author=Pritpal Singh Bindra |date=August 30, 2009 |work=Essays On Sikhism |accessdate=December 13, 2010 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://bindra.net/s-022.html |title=Nirankaris and Sant (Neo-)Nirankaris |author=Pritpal Singh Bindra |date=August 30, 2009 |work=Essays On Sikhism |accessdate=December 13, 2010 }} -->
*Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer, ''SIKH HISTORY in 10 volumes'', (in English), Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 2011 (especially volume 7 is a comprensive study of the Nirankaris).
*Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer, ''SIKH TWAREEKH'', (in Punjab), Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 2008 (especially volume 3 is a comprensive study of the Nirankaris; it has published some very rare documents also). *Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer. ''Sikh History in 10 volumes''. Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 2011. Vol. 7
*Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer. ''Sikh Twareekh''. Singh Brothers, Amritsar, 2008. Vol 3.{{pa icon}}





Revision as of 15:14, 11 April 2012

Sant Nirankari Mission
AbbreviationSNM
FormationMay 1929
Purpose"Universal Brotherhood"
HeadquartersNirankari Colony, Delhi
- 110 009. India.
Main organSant Nirankari Mandal
Websitenirankari.org

The Sant Nirankari Mission (Template:Lang-pa, Template:Lang-hi, SNM) and also known as Universal Brotherhood Mission, is a religious or spiritual organization based in India. The Sant Nirankari Mission identifies itself as "neither a new religion nor a sect of an existing religion, but an all-embracing spiritual movement dedicated to human welfare". Academics identify the group as an offshoot of Sikhism, which separated from orthodox Sikhism in 1929 CE.

Despite the similarity of name, the group is not (or is no longer) affiliated with the Nirankari movement started by Baba Dayal. The Sant Nirankari movement has been targeted for violence by some extremists among the orthodox Sikhs, who consider the group to be a heresy of Sikhism.

The SNM has over 100 branches outside India, most prominently in Britain and North America. Its world headquarters is located in Sant Nirankari Colony, Delhi. Its leader, Baba Hardev Singh, provides spiritual guidance for Nirankari devotees; the group is characterized by its focus on a living leader.

History

The original Nirankari sect of Sikhism (now largely defunct) began with the reformist movement of Baba Dayal in the early 19th century. Dayal's movement emphasised the importance of a living guru, while mainstream Sikhism accepted the Sikh scriptures as the final, and current, guru of the faith. The Nirankari movement remained small and somewhat tolerated by orthodox Sikhs. In 1929, one segment of the movement, now known as the Sant Nirankari, disassociated itself from mainstream Sikhism and became an independent organisation.

In the 1960s, the sudden growth of the Sant Nirankari faction (a "breakaway guru lineage" of the Nirankaris), as well as some heterodox statements by its leaders, aroused the ire of fundamentalist Sikhs, some of whom used opposition to the Sant Nirankaris as a platform. The Sant Nirkankari satguru Gurbachan Singh was assassinated in 1980, by one Ranjit Singh, a member of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. The AKJ had, shortly before the killing, had been involved in protests against the Sant Nirankaris as heterodox.

Avtar Bani

The Avtar Bani outlines the key philosophy of the Sant Nirankari Mission, and serves as the group's primary text, though not necessarily a holy book. It is named after its author Shahenshan Baba Avtar Singh. Its initial version was first published in 1957. Its predecessor, the Sampuran Avtar Bani ("complete Avtar Bani") was published in 1965. The Avtar Bani was originally written in Punjabi verse, but some stanzas were in the Urdu and Sindhi language. It contains 376 hymns which describe the qualities of Formless God (Nirankar), the important role of a spiritual in attaining God-realisation, the kindness and grace of the "True Master", the purpose of human life, the five fundamental principles, true devotion and how a man can lead a saintly life. It has been published in Gurumukhi, Devnagari, Urdu and Roman scripts. It has also been translated and published in English (verse and prose), Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Nepali and Marathi verse.

Nirankari Museum

The Nirakari Museum was officially launched by Baba Hardev Singh on 22 February 2005. The museum is located within the Sant Nirankari Sarovar in North Delhi, and depicts the history of the Nirankari Mission through audio-visuals and pictures.

Notes and references

  1. http://books.google.com/books?id=yy-2xNW84dsC&pg=PA269&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iZmFT-7xL6fs0gGVpP3YBw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false
  2. http://books.google.com/books?id=uhtzeompVAUC&pg=PA144&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=A5aFT9ijFcyL0QHLgu3SCQ&ved=0CFwQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false
  3. http://books.google.com/books?id=ma3G-hjh6SwC&pg=PA180&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari%22+sikhism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p5mFT4LnDKjl0gGGlrTyBw&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%22%20sikhism&f=false
  4. http://books.google.com/books?id=K2oexn_mLPIC&pg=PA237&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=A5aFT9ijFcyL0QHLgu3SCQ&ved=0CG4Q6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false
  5. Knott, Kim (1998). "The Religions of South Asian Communities in Britain". In Hinnells, John R (ed.). A new handbook of living religions (2nd ed.). Cambridge, Mass: Penguin Books Canada Ltd. pp. 756–774. ISBN 0140514074. OCLC 317517572.
  6. http://books.google.com/books?id=yy-2xNW84dsC&pg=PA269&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari+Mission%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=iZmFT-7xL6fs0gGVpP3YBw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%20Mission%22&f=false
  7. http://books.google.com/books?id=doCmVaOnh_wC&pg=PA273&dq=%22Sant+Nirankari%22+sikhism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p5mFT4LnDKjl0gGGlrTyBw&ved=0CEcQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22Sant%20Nirankari%22%20sikhism&f=false
  8. "Punjab: The Knights of Falsehood -- Psalms of Terror". South Asia Terrorism Portal. New Delhi: Institute for Conflict Management. 31 December 2001. Retrieved 13 December 2010. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  9. Singh, Nirankari Baba Avtar (2001) . Sagar, Kirpa (ed.). Sampūraṇa Awatāra bāṇī (in English and Panjabi (Panjabi in roman script)). Translated by Amrik Singh (3rd ed.). Delhi: Sant Nirankari Mandal. OCLC 54861839. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |laydate= (help); Unknown parameter |laysummary= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  10. "Our Staff Reporter" (23 February 2005). "Nirankari Museum inaugurated". The Hindu. Chennai, Madras, India: Kasturi and Sons Ltd. OCLC 35304678. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
  11. Tribune News Service (24 February 2005). "A museum of spiritual panorama". The Tribune, Chandigarh, India. Chandigarh, Indi: The Tribune Trust. OCLC 47351219. Retrieved 11 December 2010.


References from Sant Nirankari Mandal website

  1. "History | Baba Buta Singh Ji (1873-1943)". Sant Nirankari Mission. Delhi, India: Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.). Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  2. "Souvenir 50th Samagam - Organisational Outfit of Sant Nirankari Mission". Sant Nirankari Mission. Delhi, India: Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.). Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  3. Cite error: The named reference Avtar bani was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. "SNM History - Baba Avtar Singh Ji". Sant Nirankari Mission. Delhi, India: Sant Nirankari Mandal (Regd.). Retrieved 11 December 2010.

External links

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