The Extraordinary Journey of Sadhu Sundar Singh from Despair to Divine Revelation

"Sundar Singh, Evangelist in India and teacher of the faith, 1929," reads the Anglican calendar for June 19.

• His biography and works all centered around a visit from Jesus, who called him to preach in India and Tibet.

• He struck many as mystical and weird, but he was faithful unto death in 1929.

• Two SPIRITUAL LIVES people also had visits from Jesus, Thomas Aquinas, and Bob Dylan.

  
  

They were a little weird, too. and when I asked Jesus if someone was a good guy, He said, "If he preaches the Gospel, he's a good guy." I leave it there.

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Sundar Singh's life is a powerful story of change, spiritual awakening, and a deep quest for faith. From moments of great sorrow to profound spirituality, his journey offers valuable lessons for anyone searching for purpose and meaning in life.

Early Life and Struggles

Born in 1889 in Punjab, India, to a Sikh family, Sadhu Sundar Singh grew up surrounded by a mix of Sikh, Hindu, and Christian beliefs. As a child, he was curious and eager to learn about spirituality. However, tragedy struck when his mother passed away, leaving him engulfed in grief and anger toward God.

In his desperation, Sundar attempted to end his life. On that fateful night, he experienced a life-changing vision in which Christ revealed Himself as the true God. This experience led Sundar to embrace Christianity, dramatically changing his life's trajectory.

Embracing the Divine

After his baptism, Sundar faced intense backlash from his community. Many rejected his choice, isolating him and creating financial hardships. Instead of allowing these difficulties to defeat him, Sundar found refuge in the serene hills of Tibet, where he dedicated himself to an ascetic lifestyle filled with prayer and meditation.

While wearing the traditional attire of a Sadhu—characterized by an orange robe and turban—Sundar immersed himself in his spiritual practice. He often shared stories of illuminating moments and mystical experiences, claiming visions of angels and insights into heaven and hell that changed his perception of life.

Mystical Experiences and Transformations

Sundar's mystical encounters extended beyond his initial vision of Christ. He reported meeting Mahatmas, wise sages believed to possess centuries of spiritual knowledge. These encounters profoundly influenced his beliefs and emphasized universal truths shared across different religions.

One particularly intriguing aspect of Sundar's life was his affinity for nature. He was known to connect with wild animals, calming them and seemingly communicating with them. For instance, he is said to have walked unharmed among tigers, demonstrating not just his spiritual strength but also his deep respect for all living creatures.

Spreading the Message

Sadhu Sundar Singh felt a deep urge to share his experiences with others. He traveled extensively throughout India, eager to teach about love and hope, the very forces that transformed his life.

His outreach efforts became more feasible after leading his father to Christianity, which provided him with financial and emotional support. This enabled Sundar to take his mission beyond India, reaching places like China, Japan, and, later, Great Britain, North America, and Australia. By some estimates, he traveled over 50,000 miles on foot, facing numerous challenges, yet his faith remained unyielding.

Impact and Legacy

With each journey, Sundar became a prominent symbol of hope. His teachings resonated with countless individuals searching for spiritual fulfillment. He artfully connected Eastern and Western spiritualities, emphasizing love, humility, and compassion in each message.

One of his most important contributions is his book, "At the Master's Feet." In this work, he describes his mystical experiences and invites readers to explore the limitless nature of faith and divinity. His writing captivates many, drawing them into the depths of his spiritual journey.

A Lasting Inspiration

The legacy of Sadhu Sundar Singh serves as a powerful reminder of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. His transformation from despair to divine revelation inspires countless individuals to pursue their truths amid life's challenges.

Sundar's life reminds us that even in our darkest times, a spark of divine light can guide our way forward. His unwavering dedication to faith and humanity highlights the remarkable potential present in everyone.

The tranquil hills of Tibet where Sadhu Sundar Singh found spiritual solace.

What amazed me in Sunday Singh's story was the hatred for Jesus and the Truth and the depth of the sin and error the people of India are cocooned in. I am praying for this blog to break through that hard shell of false religion and replace its darkness of sin with Jesus, the Light of the world. Please join me in this prayer and do your part is winning souls for Him.

From Greenland’s icy mountains,

From India’s coral strand,

Where Afric’s sunny fountains

Roll down their golden sand;

From many an ancient river,

From many a palmy plain,

They call us to deliver

Their land from error’s chain.

2

What though the spicy breezes

Blow soft on Ceylon’s isle;

Though every prospect pleases,

And only man is vile;

In vain with lavish kindness

The gifts of God are strown;

The heathen, in his blindness,

Bows down to wood and stone.

3

Can we, whose souls are lighted

With wisdom from on high;

Can we to men benighted

The lamp of life deny?

Salvation! O salvation!

The joyful sound proclaim,

Till each remotest nation

Has learned Messiah’s name.

4

Waft, waft, ye winds, His story;

And you, ye waters, roll,

Till, like a sea of glory,

It spreads from pole to pole;

Till o’er our ransomed nature,

The Lamb for sinners slain,

Redeemer, King, Creator,

In bliss returns to reign.

Reginald Heber (1783-1826)