Sant Mat (Path of the Saints)

Sant Mat is a modern Hindu devotional movement emphasizing meditation on the inner divine light and sound, founded by Tulsi Sahib in the 19th century.

Overview

Sant Mat, meaning “Path of the Saints,” is a devotional movement that emerged in the 19th century from the broader Sant tradition of North India. While the Sant tradition has roots going back to figures like Kabir, Ravidas, and Dadu Dayal, the modern Sant Mat movement was systematized by Tulsi Sahib (1763-1843) and later by Shivbrat Lal, Sawan Singh, and Charan Singh. The movement emphasizes meditation on the inner light (Jyoti) and sound (Shabda) as the primary means of spiritual realization.

Method/Content

Sant Mat practice centers on daily meditation (typically twice daily, morning and evening) focusing on the inner light and sound. The meditation technique involves sitting comfortably with eyes closed, focusing attention at the seat of the soul (the “third eye” or ajna chakra), and listening for the inner divine sound (Shabda). Practitioners follow a vegetarian diet, abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and practice ethical living according to the five precepts: truth, non-violence, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment. The movement rejects caste discrimination and organized religious hierarchy.

Purpose/Benefits

Sant Mat provides a direct path to spiritual realization through meditation on the inner divine light and sound. The practice is believed to purify the soul, connect the practitioner with the divine, and ultimately lead to liberation (moksha). The movement emphasizes that spiritual realization is accessible to all, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, and that the inner experience of the divine transcends all external religious forms.

Verification Notes

• Systematized by Tulsi Sahib (1763-1843)
• Later leaders include Sawan Singh and Charan Singh
• The Radhasoami movement (see separate entry) is closely related