The Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) is a registered society operating under the regulations of the Society Act (BC) and the Charities Act (Canada). It was first established in 1982 for the primary purpose of propagating the teachings of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji, a visionary from 15th century India.

Guru Ravidass was one of the brightest luminaries of the Bhakti Movement of the fifteenth century, a religious renaissance in India.

As stories of Guru Ravidass's selfless devotion and philosophy of universal love spread far and wide, he had to face the challenge of the orthodox society. Ravidass, born as an "untouchable" by birth was denied entry into temples. However, his true devotion towards God was a great source of strength and he proved that irrespective of caste and creed, all are equal in the eyes of God and only sinful actions bring a bad name and dishonor to a man. Influenced by Guru Ravidass' teachings, the Maharaja and the Rani of Chittor became disciples of Guru Ravidass. The famous saint poetess, Mirabai, also became a disciple of Guru Ravidass.

Shri Guru Ravidass acknowledged the oneness, omnipresence and omnipotence of God. According to him the human soul is only a particle of the Divine; the different between the two is like the difference between gold and the ornament, water and the wave (GG,, 93). He rejects distinctions between man and man on the basis of caste or creed, for, as he says, in the world beyond, no such differentiation will be acknowledged( GG, 345). To realize God, which is the ultimate end of human life, man should concentrate on His/Her name, giving up mere forms and rituals (GG, 658, 1106). Birth in a low caste is no hindrance in the way to spiritual development. The only condition required is freedom from duality; all else including pilgrimage to and bathing in the sixty-eight centres is in vain (GG, 875).

The Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha operates a community centre that houses a gurdwara, a library and a meeting room. The gurdwara follows the rehat-maryada of Shri Guru Granth Sahebji.

The Sabha is managed by a board of directors with the support and input of a board of trustees. Advisory boards are appointed on an as-needed basis to provide input on specific projects and assignments.

As a community based organization, the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha is open and accessible to all.

Click here for map and driving directions.

Nagar Kirtan/Community Parade March 15, 2008 The Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of Vancouver will be hosting Nagar Kirtan/Community Parade in Burnaby on March 15, 2008. The Sabha encourages all community, religious, and social organizations to participate in the Nagar Kirtan parade and display their community or organization pride. For more information, click here » If you wish to offer your services as a volunteer, click here » For Route Map for Nagar Kirtan Parade, click here » For Nagar Kirtan Poster, click here » To enter your float in the community parade, fill out and fax us this form. Please note that forms are due no later than March 7, 2008.

Executive Committee
President
Bill Basra

1st Vice-President
Sital Dass Kaler

2nd Vice-President
Santokh Ram Jassal

General Secretary
Jaswinder Singh Mehmi

Asst. Secretary
Harmesh Lal Owan

Treasurer
Ram Sarup Chandharh

Asst. Treasurer
Paramjit Singh Kainth

Board of Directors
Bill Basra
Sital Dass Kaler
Santokh Ram Jassal
Jaswinder Singh Mehmi
Harmesh Lal Owan
Ram Sarup Chandharh
Paramjit Singh Kainth
Paramjit Lakha
Mohan Lal Bains
Ajit Ram Kaler
Raj Kumar Bangar
Hans Raj Kataria
Ram Kishan Chander

Board of Trustees
Lachman Dass Bali -
Spokesman
Makhan Chamba
Hardev Saroya
Satpal Chahal
Satish Aujla
Hukam Chand
Vacant