AiR with Satpal Singh - God, God-Realization and the concept of oneness: Ik Onkar

AiR is passionate about exploring the ‘different ways’ advocated by different faiths and Gurus to realize God, to realize the truth. His recent conversation with Satpal Singh, which also centres around spirituality, examines various spiritual tenets from the angle of Sikhism.

As Satpal Singh explains, Sikhism enunciates the ultimate spiritual truth of ‘oneness’ and non-duality through the powerful Mool Mantra, Ik Onkar. The Mool Mantra means exactly what the Mahavakyas of the Upanishads say: Neti Neti. Tat Twam Asi. Aham Brahmasmi .

This unique conversation focuses on God, a true Guru, the significance of the words Kubul and Hukum, acceptance and complete surrender, happpiness, transcending the ego and the mind, the teachings of Guru Nanak and the timeless wisdom of the Guru Granth Sahib.

One of the most interesting segments in the conversation is the discussion on free will. Is free will an illusion? Does free will challenge the philosophy of non-duality? What about Karma and rebirth?

Though perspectives might be different, there is no denying that we are all one and not different from God. And unless we let go of the ego, we can never realize God.

Don’t miss this stimulating and thought-provoking podcast for its many invaluable learnings!

Key moments

1:34 - Introduction
4:25 - Significance of the Guru
8:57 - Aham Brahmasmi
10:17- Ik Onkar and oneness
15:17- Guru is God. God is Guru
26:56 - Religions and their significance
36:50 - Seeing God in all (Paramatman in Atman)
38:35- Why are people unhappy?
43:00 - On the mind, silence and meditation
50:49 - Karma
52:35 - What is Free Will?
55:00 - Are we the creator of our thoughts?
56:27 - Rebirth
57:42 - Surrender
59:29 - Who is God?
1.06:52 - Acceptance
1:09:42 - Closing words