Overview
India - Beginning
The mission of Sachkhand Nanak Dham was founded by Mahraz Darshan Das.
Darshan Lal Vasdev was born on 7th December 1953 in India. At a tender age of 13 he received his first spiritual revelation, which he rejected. Thereafter at the age of 17 years he received another visitation. On 15th August 1971, he accepted the call of duty and performed his first spiritual discourse. Initially people came for spiritual healing but stayed to listen to his simple message which he considered to be the core element of all religions - love, peace, and unity.
On 16th February 1980 a solar eclipse plunged India and much of Asia into darkness, and as such people were afraid because it is considered inauspicious and thus stayed indoor. But Mahraz Darshan Das encouraged his followers to show courage and venture forth. On this day he established DAS DHARAM and bestowed the slogan ‘Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala’ to his followers, urging them to render selfless service for the welfare of all humanity. The slogan, the essence of his teachings literally means ‘In the name of the supreme Lord, do something good for someone in your life.’
It was on this occasion that he gave up his family name and began to call himself Darshan Das. Mahraz Jee claimed no allegiance to any religion nor referred to himself as anything but a Das. The word Das implies ‘servant’, and in some cases ‘a free servant of God (and humanity) that does not seek a reward’. As a sign of allegiance to the mission followers use the prefix Das before their name, as it gives them a common identity. The use of surnames is prohibited as it entails caste status, and Mahraz Jee placed great emphasis upon equality and on the eradication of caste as part of his teaching on the unity of all.
Sachkhand Nanak Dham preaches and practices humanity in order to help individuals become better human beings, and attempts to unite all under the common banner of love, peace and unity. Sachkhand Nanak Dham does not distinguish between people because we all come from the same source.
“The greatest religion is humanitarianism and its teaching is humanity” - Mahraz Darshan Das
In addition to this he taught that there exists one God, and in order to attain peace of mind one should adopt a vegetarian diet and refrain from alcohol & drugs. He spoke out against injustice, religious bigotry and the breakdown of family life and order. He considered family life to be the bonding fibre of humanity, adding one must realise himself first, fulfil life's responsibilities, in order to become fulfilled and realise God.
Whereas Sachkhand Nanak Dham is the spiritual mission, Das Dharam is the practical arm of the mission. Sewa or free service is a central tenet of Das Dharam; it is defined as ‘to serve without seeking reward’. The onus being voluntary service. To be a member of Das Dharam one is expected to sacrifice one’s own needs and interests before others. This selfless service merits no reward. One should rise above any differences by serving all regardless of their religion, caste, creed, colour, class, status or distinction.
Furthermore followers are encouraged to adhere to the following principles on a practical basis to the best of their ability:
1. Speak the truth;
2. Be content;
3. Attend a Perfect Masters congregation;
4. Welfare and well being of all;
5. Sacrifice of ones' passions and instincts i.e. lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego.
Mahraz Jee further added that by reciting 'Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala' it will help you to achieve these principles, give you strength and the mettle to achieve contentment and quieten the passions of the mind.
During the inauguration of Das Dharam in 1980, Mahraz Jee before the congregation bestowed Maharani Pali Darshan Das with his name and as spiritual consort gave her the title ‘Mother of the mission’.