"FIVE PLEDGES"

DHAN NIRANKAR JI......

Firstly, to accept wholeheartedly that all that you are, and all that you consider to be your own, is a gift from God.To guard therefore against these things becoming a source of greed, arrogance or pride. The pledge encourages one to utilise these gifts (body, mind and all wealth) for the wider good, in the understanding that you are a mere trustee of these things. Baba Ji often refers to this state as ‘samurpan’ – utter surrender to God.

Secondly, to avoid judgement, condemnation or hatred of any being, and to live above worldly divisions such as those of nationality, race, colour or creed. The essence of this pledge is the acceptance of one and all without prejudice, as members of one world family, created by One Divine Maker. Baba Ji can be heard referring to this pledge as ‘samdrishti’ – literally, looking upon all with one eye, or one vision.

Thirdly, to pledge to rise above petty discrimination on the basis of lifestyle, diet or dress. These factors are often geographically, historically and culturally determined, and all too often become an unnecessary source of conflict and unrest. Any person who commits to the third pledge, learns to live and let live, by way of a deep respect and tolerance for diversity. Baba Ji may talk of this promise as ‘vishaalta’ to be large of heart, and broad in mind.

Fourthly, to live a dutiful and honest life, fulfilling any responsibility that has come your way. There is really no need to renounce the world, or indulge in penances, to come closer to God. Rather, pledge to live in the world as a good citizen, sharing in the burden of others, but never becoming a burden upon others. Baba Ji calls this the path of ‘karam yog’, where one’s daily living becomes an act of worship.

The fifth pledge is to honour the sanctity of the Knowledge of God as a divine blessing. In order to avoid misinterpretation and confusion, the Knowledge should not be disclosed without the permission of the Satguru because in it’s essence, the Knowledge is more than words can contain. When a Satguru or enlightened authority speaks, it is a conversation of spirit, which transcends all physical boundaries