The Founder & the Present Dera Head
Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj
Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj was the founder of Radha Soami Satsang Jhammat Dera Baba Mastana Ji Maharaj. He established the Dera in 1988 and devoted his life to spiritual practice and the service of humanity.
Mastana Ji Maharaj did not marry. He dedicated his life to meditation, spiritual teachings, the Sangat and sewa.
Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj had deep faith in the spiritual masters of Radha Soami Satsang Beas and was initiated by Perfect Master Maharaj Charan Singh Ji.
Throughout his life, Mastana Ji Maharaj encouraged the Sangat to understand the importance of meditation and spiritual living. People from different places visited him to listen to his spiritual teachings, participate in designated satsangs, practise meditation and receive his blessings.
His life reflected simplicity, devotion, humility and service. The spiritual tradition and designated satsangs established during his lifetime continue at the Dera today.
Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj departed this world in April 2006. His spiritual teachings and the foundation established by him continue to guide the Dera and its Sangat.
Sant (Saint) Karnail Singh Ji
Sant (Saint) Karnail Singh Ji is the present Dera Head of Radha Soami Satsang Jhammat Dera Baba Mastana Ji Maharaj.
Sant Karnail Singh Ji and his family had a close and longstanding association with Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj.
His parents were initiated by Perfect Master Maharaj Charan Singh Ji of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Sant Karnail Singh Ji and his wife were initiated by Perfect Master Baba Gurinder Singh Ji Dhillon of Radha Soami Satsang Beas.
Sant Karnail Singh Ji remained devoted to the sewa of Mastana Ji Maharaj and was deeply influenced by his spiritual teachings. He maintained great love, respect and devotion towards Mastana Ji Maharaj and remained dedicated to his sewa.
Appointment as Successor
Before his passing, Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj appointed Sant Karnail Singh Ji as his successor.
Since that day, Sant (Saint) Karnail Singh Ji has been looking after the Dera as its present Dera Head. Under his guidance, the spiritual traditions established by Mastana Ji Maharaj continue through satsang, meditation, sewa and activities undertaken for the welfare of the Sangat and society.
A Tradition of Spirituality and Service
The Dera has developed considerably since 1988, when Perfect Master Sant Baba Satpal Singh Mastana Ji Maharaj began his spiritual practice in a humble hut beside the Bathinda Canal. The fundamental purpose behind its establishment remains unchanged.
- Meditation — Turning one's attention inward and sincerely following the spiritual path.
- Satsang — Gathering together to listen to and understand spiritual teachings.
- Sewa — Serving selflessly without seeking recognition or reward.
- Humility — Living without pride and treating others with dignity and respect.
- Compassion — Showing kindness and concern towards others.
- Humanity — Recognizing the importance of love, respect and service in our dealings with all people.
The legacy of Mastana Ji Maharaj is carried forward not simply by remembering his life, but by putting spiritual principles into practice.