Top Ten Recommended Sant Mat Books From India – Light and Sound on the Path Newsletter/Blog of Spiritual Quotes and Satsang Discourses – Plain Text Version
The Illusion of Being Trapped by Our Own Beliefs: If
we think that meditation practice is too difficult – it’s just too
hard, that we aren’t very good at it and can’t possibly get very far, so
shall it seem to be for us. If we believe God to be millions of
light-years distant and our spiritual experience will remain cold and
uneventful, so shall it seem to be for us. If we’re stuck with the
impression that the way forward will never be clear and spiritual
guidance is nowhere to be found, so shall it seem to be for us. If
however, we come to know that we can have quality meditations beginning
right now, and there is no reason why we can’t make much progress on the
spiritual path during this life, so shall this come to be our
experience. As Kabir says:
“If
you place the Guru at a distance from you, then it is but the distance
that you honour: If indeed the Master be far away, then who is it else
that is creating this world? When you think that He is not here, then
you wander further and further away, and seek Him in vain with tears.
Where He is far off, there He is unattainable: where He is near, He is
very bliss. Kabir says: ‘Lest His servant should suffer pain He pervades
him through and through.’ Know yourself then, O Kabir; for He is in you
from head to foot. Sing with gladness, and keep your seat unmoved
within your heart.” – Songs of Kabir, Rabindranath Tagore
“The
person who adheres to the meditation on the Supreme Being, the Ultimate
Reality, as outlined in this book by Satguru Kabir, will have the
effects of his past life karmas, his present life karmas, and future
life karmas, uprooted. (A devotee, through deep meditation, identifies
with the Supreme Being that is beyond all karmas and their effects.
Karmas operate at the level of the mind/body complex, not at the level
of Spirit.)” – Brahmn Nirupan of Kabir, Saying 333
The
Brahm Nirupan is another volume of the Kabir Sagar (The Ocean of Kabir)
from the same Sant Mat lineage that authored the Anurag Sagar – the
Sant Dharam Das branch of Kabir Panth, the Path of Kabir representing
Sant Mat, the Path of the Masters, in earlier times – earlier
generations of Sants practising Surat Shabd Yoga Meditation before the
time of Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, Sant Radhasoami Sahib of Agra, and
Sant Dariya Sahib of Bihar. Brahm Nirupan, translated by Dr. Das, is now
available via Amazon.
“O
Dharam Dass! Before you, Chaturbhuj, Bankeji and Sahteji had been my
disciples. You are the chief one among them. Through your lineage of
forty-two generations, instruct the people about the Absolute, even as I
have instructed you, and liberate them.
"I
also instructed them how to destroy the powerful Kal by the knowledge
of the Absolute. They became steadfast in this knowledge, and they will
definitely liberate seekers from the bondage of the worldly ocean.
"These
disciples gave up false, hypocritical and dualistic philosophies, and
contemplated the single Absolute Being all the time. God has no form, so
one has to meditate on the inner Sound and Light…
"And
they always recited the one hundred and one names of Satya Purush, the
Absolute. (Sar Nam or Sar Shabd is the Essence of all Names. It cannot
be written or pronounced. It is the Unstruck Melody. It can only be
experienced.) These disciples embody forgiveness, peace and compassion
and, as liberated souls, they move around on the earth.
"They
will teach any person about the incomparable power of the Essence of
all Names, and how to meditate on it. But such a person must desire
liberation and go to their refuge for instruction.
"By
reciting the many names of the Supreme Being that signify His
attributes, and meditating on Him, the devotee purifies his heart, and
obtains Divine Knowledge. He then destroys millions of negative karmas
of his previous births, and is no longer subject to the birth and death
cycles.” (Brahm Nirupan of Kabir)
“In meditation the ardent seeker obtains these seven attributes that assist him in his spiritual attainment:
1. Swati or deep concentration
2. Sahaja or an easy disposition
3. Sindhu or depth of sincerity
4. Ankura or initiator of noble actions
5. Sravana or listening to words of wisdom
6. Sudaya or compassion for all beings
7. Sulila or virtuous conduct.” (Brahm Nirupan of Kabir)
“The four virtues:
1. Discernment of the Reality from the unreality.
2. Detachment from worldly things.
3. The six assets:
i. Control of the mind
ii. Control of the senses and body
iii. Faith in the guru and scriptures
iv. Endurance in face of hardship such as weather, etc.
v. Indifference to religious rituals
vi. Proper concentration and meditation
4. Intense longing for liberation.)”
Prayer:
“O Ocean of Love! You are in the form of inner experience, and you are
immutable. You are in the form of knowledge and the giver of liberation.
You are in the form of wisdom and you are imperishable. You are the
ocean of bliss, and you are free of the limitations of time. You are
immortal. Heartfelt salutations to you!
"You are changeless in the three periods of time –
past, present and future. You are beyond the perishable world, and the
imperishable soul. You are free of all desires and are the giver of
peace. Your form is perfection. You have given the knowledge of the
Eternal Name to your devotees for their liberation. Heartfelt
salutations to you!
"You
are free of the troubles of the body and mind, and you are without
beginning. You are immanent, indestructible, blissful, the embodiment of
wisdom, the repository of perfect knowledge, the ocean of compassion,
the protector of all, and the remover of their suffering. Heartfelt
salutations to you!
"You
are free of mental distractions, doubt, etc. You are the source of
happiness and your power is the creator of all. You are the mine of
compassion, the giver of light and eternal joy, and the destroyer of
ignorance. Heartfelt salutations to you!” (The Brahm Nirupan of Kabir)
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A Satsang Without Walls: This is the April 24th,
2016 Sant Mat Spirituality and Meditation Satsang Newsletter (Blog,
Digest, Document, E-Booklet,) of much poetry and prose – words of light
and love from various spiritual Masters, spiritual classics or
scriptures. Enjoy all of the readings below. May they provide you with
some helpful satsang reading material wherever you are in the world,
near or far, and lead to a further in-depth exploration of the teachings
of the Masters, including from lesser-known or newly translated
material you may not have encountered before in English.
This Sant Mat Radhasoami E-Newsletter
is dedicated to the Path of the Masters (Sant Satgurus of the Past, the
Living Present, and Future), and to the Supreme Being, the Lord of the
Soul Who is the Ocean of Love and All-Consciousness, and explores the
poetry, prose, spiritual discourses, books, scriptures, letters,
prayers, ahimsa ethics, audio, videos, philosophy, cosmology,
gnosticism, meditation, mysticism, and history of the Masters from a
traditional Indian perspective that’s non-sectarian, and might also
include quotes from various world religions in harmony with the Way of
the Saints, the Path of the Masters and Mystics.
NOTE:
This newsletter is for educational purposes only. Fair Use of
Quotations: “Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act
1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism,
comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research…”
NOTE:
This newsletter is supportive of, The Murar Declaration – the
universal principles of peace, affection, harmony and cooperation as
outlined at the Sant Mat conclave known as Spircon 2010, a historic
event held in Agra.
NOTE: The Usage of the Term “Sant Mat”: “Sant
Mat” means: “The Teachings ('Mat’) of the Saints or Sages” or “Path of
the Masters”. In India it’s common knowledge that the term “Sant Mat”
was coined or adapted by Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras during the
19th Century. “Sant Mat” was adopted and popularized by Tulsi Sahib as a
new name for this spiritual path or genre of mysticism, but the Sant
tradition, with its many guru-lineages or branches, is a spiritual
movement that dates back many centuries to ancient India.
“What’s
the use of receiving this human form if we do not serve others in
thought, word, and deed. If we hold our thoughts only on worldly
material things and refuse to think of that which is higher and more
subtle, then our faith in the Transcendental will inevitably diminish.”
(“Quintessence of Yoga: Secret of All Success”, a Sant Mat publication)
* The ARCHIVE of all past posts/articles/blogs is located here, and includes a search engine:
http://SantMatRadhasoami.Blogspot.com
NOTE:
If you’re reading this post at Yahoo Groups and it’s truncated, which
sometimes happens, go to the blog archive linked above to read the
contents of the post in full.
“We usher in a new era, Sat Yuga – the Age of Truth.” (Proclamation)
Sant Mat Links – Online Resources
* Spiritual Awakening Radio – Many Podcasts Free and Available Online – A Satsang Without Walls – Podcast MP3 Download Page:
http://hosted.EarthChannel.com/HealthyLife/spa-od.html
Subjects
include: The Path of the Masters, Inner Light and Sound Meditation,
Spirituality, Love, Compassion, Non-Violence, Peace, Being
Vegan/Vegetarian, Gnostic Gospels, Rare Spiritual Classics, Saints and
Mystics, World Scriptures, Sacred Texts, Poetry and Prose.
NOTE: All shows shown at the podcast page are kept available online for about three months:
5/3/2016 Vegetarianism/Veganism in the World Religions, Part 3
4/26/2016 Vegetarianism/Veganism in the World Religions, Part 2
4/19/2016 Vegetarianism/Veganism in the World Religions, Part 1
4/12/2016 The Syriac-Aramaic Gnostic Saints and Mystics
4/5/2016 The Sound of Light – Surat Shabd Yoga Meditation Practice
3/29/2016 The Yoga of Sound – Inner Sound Meditation
3/22/2016 Hearing the Celestial Sound Current During Meditation
3/15/2016 Seeing and Hearing Beyond the Illusion
3/8/2016 The One God Who is Given Many Names
3/1/2016 The Magical Ingredient of Spirituality is Love – Bhakti
2/23/2016 Seeing the Unseen, Hearing the Unheard, Knowing the Unknown
2/16/2016 The Path of Love and Devotion – Bhakti
There
is a military channel, but no peace channel. There is no twenty-four
hour spirituality channel, but there is a golf channel – several golf
channels actually. Cable and satellite TV priorities.
“Attention
is the most concrete expression of love. What you pay attention to
thrives. What you do not pay attention to withers and dies.” (Karen
Maezen Miller)
*
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http://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/santmat
Top-Ten
List of Recommended Reading – E-Books by Masters of Inner Light and
Sound (the Sants of India) – These Books Are In Various Sections of
the Sant Mat Radhasoami E-Library Online Here:
https://Medium.com/sant-mat-radhasoami-books
1)
The Brahm Nirupan of Guru Kabir – A Journey to Enlightenment – The
Ultimate Reality [in the Kabir Section of the E-Library];
2) Excerpts from Shabdavali (Hymns) and the Ghat Ramayana of Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras [Maharshi Mehi/Tulsi Sahib Section];
3) Philosophy Of Liberation (Salvation, Moksha-Darshan): A Manuel of Sant Mat Mysticism, by Maharishi Mehi Paramhans – The Goals and Practices of the Sant Tradition of India [Maharshi Mehi/Tulsi Sahib Section];
4)
ALL the Writings of Soamiji Maharaj, Sant Radhasoami Sahib (Sar Bachan
Poetry & Prose, Letters, Commentary on the Jap Ji, The Last Words)
[RADHASOAMI Section];
5)
Radhasoami Mat Prakash, by Huzur Maharaj (the very first Sant Mat book
that appeared in the English language near the beginning of the 20th
Century – ALL the writings of Huzur Maharaj really, such as Prem Patra,
volumes I-VI, represent a great “bible” or “encyclopedia” of Sant Mat.
Also see, Prem Bani, volumes I-IV.) [RADHASOAMI Section];
6)
A Spiritual Seekers Guide: Dayalpuri Radhasoami Prem Prabhakar
Magazine, English Section, and Satsang Discourses (fabulous spiritual
discourses liberated from a website that went dark – glad to have made
copies and rescued these) [RADHASOAMI Section];
7)
The Way Out Is IN (An Introduction to Sant Mat Spirituality and
Meditation), by Swami Ram Bihari Lal, successor of Sant Gharib Das,
famous disciple of Soamiji Maharaj/Sant Radhasoami Sahib [RADHASOAMI
Section];
8)
Baba Devi Sahab, Disciple of Sant Tulsi Sahib and also Friend of the
Radhasoami Faith (he was close friends with Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram):
Essential Teachings in English [Maharshi Mehi/Tulsi Sahib Section];
9)
Harmony Of All Religions (Sarvadharma Samanvy, English Edition) –
Exploring Inner Light and Sound Meditation in the Great World Religions
and the Sant Mat Tradition, by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj [Maharshi
Mehi/Tulsi Sahib Section];
10)
The Inward Journey of the Soul: Chal Hansa Nij Desh, a new living
master-book by Swami Vyasanand Ji Maharaj [Maharshi Mehi/Tulsi Sahib
Section];
A NOTE about accessing the book site known as Scribd:
To access books for free at Scribd, simply join the site and create a
profile there, and upload a couple of documents that might be of
interest to others that don’t have copyright issues, then you should be
able to view/read/download, etc… the books you’re interested in at
Scribd.
“The
soul hears a wave of sound and rhythm that becomes visible… It opens
the door – unspeakable, indescribable. Going beyond rhythm and sight,
one enters the gate of the tower of emptiness, where by means of the two
doors of sight and sound one finds the level of highest reality
(parbrahma). Then one sees the Sound Current issuing forth hundreds of
universes, and Sound penetrates to the middle of them all, their crown
jewel, which is tiny as an insect.” (Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras)
Obtaining The Fourteen Jewels (Book of Brahm Nirupan)
O
Dharam Dass! The person that meditates is, figuratively, churning the
ocean of the WORD and obtains fourteen beneficial jewels. Listen to
them! (Note: In Indian mythology the gods and demons churned the ocean
of milk and got fourteen precious “jewels.” The churning rod was mount
Mandara, and the rope was Vasuki, the king of serpents. Satguru Kabir’s
churning is different. It is churning of the Word inwardly. It is
mystical and metaphorical and deals with accomplishments within the
self.) …
When
the wise, discriminative devotee churns the Ocean of the WORD, fourteen
“jewels” are obtained. (Note: The fourteen jewels of the Indian
mythology are placed in brackets for comparison.)
The
first is Love for Satnam, the name of God. (Lakshmi, the Goddess of
Wealth, obtained from the churning of the Ocean of Milk in the
mythology.) This love engenders sweet speech, friendliness,
contemplation on the Divine, and discards mental agitation, lust, anger,
etc… and endows perfect peace.
The
second is Compassion. (Kaustubha, precious jewel worn by Lord Vishnu.)
Do not use hurtful words, remove bondage and sins and increase love for
others, protect the life of animals, etc… Compassion is a priceless
jewel.
The
third is Good Character. (Parijatak, the divine flowering tree
identified with the wish-fulfilling tree.) The person of good character
always performs good actions, whether those actions are continuous or
temporary.
The
fourth is the Sense of Service. (Dhanwantari, physician of the gods.)
The person with this jewel serves those in need that are less fortunate,
such as with food, clothing, comforting words, etc… It is a
generosity of spirit.
The
fifth is Bliss of the Self. (Madira, wine.) The person awakened to
Self-knowledge is, figuratively, drunk with bliss. This Self-knowledge
is the knowledge of the divine soul that produces unalloyed bliss.
The
sixth is Forgiveness. (Kamadhenu, the wish fulfilling divine cow.) The
forgiving person sincerely forgives others that have insulted him or
lied to him, or have done wrongs to him. By the power of forgiveness his
actions are purified, and his life becomes stress free.
The
seventh is Contentment. (Airavat, the elephant of the god Indra.) The
person with this jewel is satisfied with what is available to him. He is
at peace and is blissful, and is not troubled by the problems caused by
others.
The
eighth is Awareness of Reality within. (Rambha, a celestial dancing
nymph.) The world manifests in countless material forms, but they are
all illusory, as they have no permanence. The Reality within is Spirit
and it is eternal. The one having this awareness gets salvation.
The
ninth is Seven-fold Knowledge. (Uchchaihshravas, the divine
seven-headed flying white horse.) This seven-fold knowledge helps to
unite the soul with God:
1. Good wishes for the welfare of all.
2. Right thinking or inquiry into the nature of the Self.
3. Self-reliance in body and mind for seeking Truth.
4. Subtle or inner Realization that the Self or soul is Absolute.
5. Detachment from Maya through Love and Devotion to God.
6. Surrendering to God, and not needing the four goals of life.
7. Knowledge of the Super-conscious State.
The
tenth is True Faith. (Amrit, the nectar, drinking which one becomes
immortal.) True Faith is like nectar. The person having firm faith in
the words of the guru goes across this world of birth and death. He
knows that the teachings that are unproven are false, and has firm
belief in truth.
The
eleventh is Devotion to the Self. (Sharanga, the bow of Lord Vishnu.)
Practice the devotion and love taught by Satguru Kabir. With
Self-realization, destroy the enemy that is the trap of Death.
The
twelfth is Spiritually Knowledgeable Speech. (Shankh, the conch of Lord
Vishnu.) The person with this jewel performs noble actions, meditates,
reflects sound intellect, and sees the presence of God everywhere. He
remembers God always, and keeps his mind united with Him.
The
thirteenth is Auspicious Peace. (Shashi, the moon.) The person with
this jewel always experiences bliss with no trace of suffering. He is
saintly, destroys all defects of the mind, and knows that God is his
support.
The
fourteenth is Knowing the World as Poison. (Vish, the poison swallowed
by Lord Shiva) The world is full of suffering, sins, delusions,
hypocrisy, falsehood, etc. Peace is illusory and the mind is restless.
The devotee must thus realize the world to be poison, and detach from
it. It is being in the world but not of the world.
The devotee that churns the Ocean of the WORD and obtains these fourteen jewels will find peace, bliss and unity with God.
These
fourteen jewels are the giver of salvation to the one that always
meditates and obtains them. They reveal to him the pure light of God,
and enable him to have unalloyed bliss. Those that are not so rewarded
cannot enjoy such bliss.
The
person that is absorbed in meditation on the Supreme Being remains free
of the dualities of joy and sorrow, praise and criticism, attraction
and repulsion, etc. He enjoys permanent happiness by becoming liberated
in his present life. Such a great soul is free of the three-fold
suffering, and lives for the sake of freeing others from the bondage
they are in.
“Meditation
of the Absolute Name as previously mentioned is the source of the
fourteen jewels, and is the essence of the scripture. Contemplate this
and become absorbed in the practice. By its power you will obtain
eternal bliss. Sing the glories of the Essence of all Names. Satguru
Kabir has made it clear that you will obtain salvation.” (Kabir)
O
Dharam Dass! Seeing your devotion and piousness, I know that you are a
very good disciple, so I have happily revealed to you the secret
knowledge. Now, keep it in your heart and enjoy eternal bliss.
– THE BRAHM NIRUPAN OF KABIR
A Description of the Nature of Absolute Reality
(The Necessity of Liberation)
Translation by Jagessar Das M.D.
Being Conscious of the Absolute God Within All Things – Everywhere I look, You Are
“The
one who always knows the Absolute in his waking, sleeping, sitting,
standing, walking or wandering, is a rare saint in the world.” (Brahm
Nirupan of Kabir)
“You
are pervading and permeating all places and inter-spaces, O Creator.
You made all that has been made. You created the entire universe, with
all its colors and shades; in so many ways and means and forms You
formed it. You are the support of the unsupported. In all places and
inter-spaces you are the Giver, the Great Giver. Everywhere I look, You
are. Lord, You have no end or limitation. You are pervading and
permeating all places and inter-spaces; reflecting upon the Word of the
Guru’s Shabad, You are found.” (Adi Granth, Sikh Scriptures, Gurbani)
Below is from the Brahm Nirupan
158.
Think of a tree that has branches, leaves and fruit, etc… If someone
wishes to have fruit, or leaves or branches, then he would take what he
wants. Similarly, one who wants to realize the Name would seek it,
instead of the countless other things available in the world.
159. In the same way, the Absolute has many “parts”
such as nature, Maya and actions, the gods and the incarnations etc.,
as the Absolute is in all. According to the name of any part of the
Absolute that the disciple hears from the guru, that is what he will
firmly believe, and that confers knowledge of the Absolute.
160.
It is possible to realize the parts of the Absolute as mentioned above,
but to realize the causal and astral forms, and the seed that is the
Absolute, that has within It the whole of creation, one needs the grace
and compassion of the Satguru. It is not possible otherwise.
161. By the grace of the Satguru, when a spiritually wise person’s
mind is steadfast on the Absolute, it will be absorbed in the Absolute.
At that time he will see the Absolute in everything, both inside and
outside the gross and subtle manifestations. (In one of his couplets
Kabir stated, “When I was, God wasn’t. Now God is, I am not.”)
162.
With such a vision he would see that the things that are far off or
near, and the visible and invisible, the enemy that causes suffering,
and the friend that brings happiness, and the things that he has or does
not have, that all of these are really the Absolute. Such a person has
equanimity of vision.
163.
The person who has control over his mind and senses, and is governed by
noble qualities is called a master. The one who performs service with a
pure heart is called a servant. And the reason for the origin of all
things is the cause, and the things that were created are the effect.
All of these are the Absolute. The beginning, middle and end of creation
are all the Absolute.
164.
The realms of heaven, earth and hell are all the Absolute. Even the
earth, water, air, fire and ether or space, are all the Absolute.
165.
The living beings that have movement (man, animals) and those without
movement (trees) in the whole world are the Absolute. The various gods
and demons are also the Absolute. Even the demigods are the Absolute.
166.
The one who has realized the Absolute sees Indra and the other
multitude of gods, the celestial musicians, and the sun, moon and stars,
as the Absolute. Therefore who has realized the Absolute, sees the
Absolute everywhere.
167.
The upholder of the world, and the things that are thinkable and
unthinkable are the Absolute. The gross, astral and causal
manifestations that are the world, are also the Absolute.
168.
The realized saint has the true knowledge that the whole world is the
Absolute. To say that this is a body, and that is a piece of cloth, is
false. Whatever you can see is no other than the Absolute. (Seeing
differences in objects occurs in the relative world of duality.)
169.
The one who always knows the Absolute in his waking, sleeping, sitting,
standing, walking or wandering, is a rare saint in the world.
–
The Brahm Nirupan of Kabir: A Journey To Enlightenment – The Ultimate
Reality, translated by Dr. Jagessar Das, Kabir Association
Soami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry:
“Why flounder on this side of the eye-focus? Peep into the opening of
the third eye and cross over. Learn the technique from a master, dear
friend – without his help this door will not open. Practice that
technique with love and devotion (Bhakti) – conquer your mind and take
your soul across into sahaj [natural state of the soul]. The soul will
then advance with the help of Shabd [Sound Current] to a place where a
stream of nectar constantly flows."
"The
Word is Soami and Surat is Radha, and this dhar of Surat that turns
back and merges into the Shabd (Word) sings 'Radhasoami’. When you sing
the name 'Radhasoami’, you do the simran of the ‘Five Names’.” (Sant
Garib Das/Gareeb Das, Book of Anmol Bachan)
“You
have to see for yourself how much importance you have given to the
practical aspect of Santmat. How much desire is there for Satsang? Such
an approach reveals the purity of heart. Without purity and without the
help of that Great Power, the Supreme Being, transformation is
impossible. The person who is endowed with devotion and dedication alone
can do sadhana [meditation practices] and enter the subtle world.”
(Spiritual Seekers Guide)
“Without
Love Divine man cannot concentrate at the spirit pole [third eye center
within in meditation]. The human mind is attracted to so many things in
day to day life and they all cause an impression on it although they do
not in any way enrich or ennoble it. But man’s mind rebels when he
attempts to concentrate at the spirit pole. So man must possess 'Bhakti
Ang’ or Love Divine in order to realize the Truth. Only such gifted
souls are fit for deriving the full benefit from the teachings of Saints
and Seers. However if this criterion is made for admission into Satsang
very few people will be found fit for it. So the doors of Satsang have
been thrown open for all.” (Spiritual Seekers Guide)
“A
true devotee who performs spiritual practices prescribed by the Living
Spiritual Master knows that he is able to gradually throw off the poison
which accumulated in his present life and the past ones…”
“Looking
at his limited resources, the Supreme Father comes down on this planet
and awakens the unlimited potentialities inherent in man. Man possesses
'the atom of spirit’ which has unlimited powers. Unfortunately there are
too heavy coverings over it. Man is unaware of this potential power.
The Supreme Father sends Saints and Seers for those who yearn for
awakening this power. The moment such an individual comes in to contact
with messengers of God, his spirit power is ignited. With little effort
from his side and with the help of the Master, he is able to cast aside
the coverings over his soul. As the coverings go off, he feels lightness
and develops power of penetration into the past and the future. When
all the coverings are thrown off, he becomes one with Supreme Father.
There is no difference between him and the Supreme Father. Attainment of
this state is real freedom [jiva mukti].” (Spiritual Seekers Guide)
Worthiness of a Spiritual Seeker
A
serious seeker has to prepare a fertile ground within his or her inner
Self. The prerogative of God-realization and attainment of the vision of
the Divine only belongs to the atman (inner Self) or consciousness
within the body. However, it is not possible to accomplish this while
engrossed in the distractions of the mind and the body. It is only
possible by being free of these distractions while living in the body.
To be liberated from the sensory distractions is no easy task. However,
it can be achieved with the grace of the Satguru (true teacher). For
this, a practitioner must be determined, morally upright, and follow the
instruction of the guru. Without these, it is impossible to obtain the
grace of the guru. The practitioner can only diligently perform sadhana
(literally, exertion to attain an objective, meditation, spiritual
practice), but only the grace of the guru yields success in the
endeavor. To attain the due rewards of sadhana [meditation practice] it
is important to follow the gurus’ instruction vigilantly and
steadfastly. Resolve means: not wavering from the path in any situation…
To create resolve in seekers, the Sants give specific guidance:
First, keep a diligent meditation schedule as instructed by the guru.
Second, leave all desires except the yearning for seeing the Supreme Being.
Third, keep in mind the reverence of the guru.
Finally, observe instructions of the guru as the highest duty and consider the guru as the dearest of all.
Students who can follow the above instructions are qualified to follow the path.
For success in meditation it is important for a sadhak to be cautious in the following ways:
*
Following the example of a crow: be repetitive (always at it, never
giving up), always remaining vigilant and attentive in sadhana, and in
following the guru’s instructions.
* Have concentration similar to that of a crane: always be attentive at listening to the teaching of the guru;
* Nap or sleep similar to that of dog: be willing to follow the instructions of the teacher without laziness;
* Eat less: cultivate a sense of detachment from all physical pleasures and bodily desires;
* Finally, detachment: indifference to the ‘ups and downs’ of home and family relations.
It
is important that a student should cultivate these qualities. Without
the grace of the teacher, progress on the spiritual path and attainment
of the Divine is not possible.
A seeker should pay attention to five factors:
1. Receive the teachings of the guru with great attentiveness.
2.
After listening to the teaching, learn the esoteric techniques (diksha,
initiation) from the guru for treading the spiritual path.
3. Make a diligent effort to succeed in the tests presented by the guru.
4. Joyfully endure the trials and obstacles on this arduous path.
5. Cultivate patience and perseverance.
Just
as a traveller withstands the pains of the journey and calmly endures
the delays of the train and discomforts of the railway station, in the
same manner, the spiritual traveller on the Divine path, although not
seeing the Divine for many years, does not waiver from the path. Rather,
the seeker endures the delay, and keeping faith in the guru’s words,
enthusiastically waits for the moment of Divine realization.
Infinite
knowledge is like an ocean with unlimited water. The ocean makes its
water available to anyone who wishes to draw from it. However, the
person who wants to draw water from the ocean is only limited by the
capacity of his vessel for carrying the water. It is not the fault of
the ocean if humans are limited in their capacity to draw water. Those
who have bigger vessels have the capacity to carry the most water. In
the same way, humans vary in their capacities to draw from the Divine
Ocean of knowledge.
In the words of Sant Maharshi Mehi:
“All the Sants are said to be impartial and are equally compassionate
toward all beings and their grace showers like the rain, equally on
everyone. Nevertheless, just as the flowing rainwater gathers only in
the deep hollow places, the grace of Saints gathers in the hearts of
those disciples whose hearts are emptied from worldly distractions and
whose devotion is deep. They are ready to receive the grace of the guru.
Furthermore, a devotee through service becomes eligible for the guru’s
grace and, not surprisingly, attracts the teacher’s grace. Those who are
careless and do not tend to the vessel of their hearts are able to hold
only a little that the guru offers. Others, who are diligent in caring
for the vessel, gain benefit by attracting the grace of the guru. In the
teachings of Sants, this is the secret of serving the guru and
following his teachings. Those who learn knowledge from the guru become
humble and grateful and the devotion to the guru arises in their hearts
naturally and effortlessly.”
The
seeker is like a vessel. Some vessels are small and hold very little
substance. Other vessels are deep and wide and can hold large amounts.
And still again, some vessels are very shallow and hold almost nothing.
In this way, a seeker attempts to make himself or herself like a deep
and wide pot which is capable of holding a great deal.
–
Swami Vyasanand Ji Maharaj, The Inward Journey of the Soul (Chal Hansa
Nij Desh: O, Swan-Soul Return to Your Abode), Kindle e-book (and via
Kindle APP) translated into English by Professor Veena Howard
From Light to Sound, From Form to Formlessness – Stages of Meditation on the Path of the Masters
“These
various kinds of meditation, both gross and subtle, have been described
by the Sants in the following ways. Withdrawing from all other physical
names and sounds and only focusing on the name given by the guru is
called: 'material but Formless meditation.’ Withdrawing from all
material forms and focusing on the image of the deity as taught by the
guru is called material-visualization meditation. The meditation on the
point or bindu is the subtle form of meditation. The meditation on the
countless Divine Sounds is considered the subtlest form of meditation
since it does not require visualization or focus on any form. This is
called the most subtle and Formless meditation.
"When
we close our eyes and do not see any objects, this does not mean that
there exists nothing that can be seen. In other words, the shapeless
darkness is also an object. Unfortunately, we cannot even see pure
darkness because we are constantly thinking about the images of the
world, and instead of seeing darkness we see the imaginary sights
projected on the screen of inner mind. Without practising the meditation
of focusing in the darkness, it is not possible to see the subtle Light
that lies deep within. The experience of Divine Light in the meditation
brings joy, and the progress then becomes rapid. Consequently, one’s
faith and conviction becomes stronger. Goswami Tulsi Das says: 'This
form of meditation of the Divine is easy and gives joy; who will not
enjoy it.’”
– Swami Vyasanand Ji Maharaj, The Inward Journey of the Soul (Chal Hansa Nij Desh)
“By practising
devotion through these four techniques – Manas Japa ([simran, mantras,
zikhr] recitation of the Divine name), Manas Dhyana (focus on the
Divine form), Dristi Sadhana (focus on the infinitesimal point [third
eye center and inner Light), and Nadanusandhana Yoga (concentration on
the inner Divine Sounds [Surat Shabd Yoga]) – the practitioner
consecutively transcends the realms of darkness, Light, and Sound which
cloak the Supreme Truth – the Divine Reality.”
–
Swami Sant Sevi Ji, “Harmony Of All Religions” (Sarvadharma Samanvy) –
on Inner Light and Sound Meditation in the Great World Religions and
the Sant Mat tradition
“The
meditation on the Sound is Formless and transcends the realm of name
and form. Through this meditation the practitioner reaches the Supreme
Being. Through this path the meditator goes beyond all obstacles and
achieves the ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The
practitioner becomes free from taking birth in this world. The
practitioner whose consciousness grasps the Central Sound even once
escapes the afflictions of time and death. This practice of meditation
is the direct path as was stated by the Prophet Mohammed. By treading
this path the practitioner reaches the untainted destination of Khuda (a
word for God in Urdu) or the realm of the Supreme. This path of
meditation is described by Jesus as the eye of the needle, and by going
through it one attains the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the path leading
to Nirvana as described in Jainism and Buddhism. This is the Unstruck
Sound (Anahat Shabd) revealed by Guru Nanak, which is heard by closing
the ears, eyes, and mouth. This meditation is the essence of all the
different religions, all sacred texts and the core message of all Sants
and sages. This meditation takes the practitioner to the ultimate goal.
Without this meditation the existence of any religion, sect, or path is
incomplete.”
– Swami Vyasanand Ji Maharaj, The Inward Journey of the Soul (Chal Hansa Nij Desh)
“Once
established in Light, the practitioner hears various types of sweet
inner melodious Sounds. The saints have named this Sound the Anahad
(Un-struck, self-producing Divine Sound). Through the technique of
Shabad Yoga (Yoga [Meditation] of Divine Sound) the practitioner goes
beyond these Sounds and enters the Eternal Sound… Through this the
practitioner reaches God (Paramatma – the Supreme Spirit) and reaches
the point where the distinction between the devotee (practitioner) and
God (object of worship) disappears. The soul which is united with the
Supreme Soul, becomes the Supreme Soul. This State is known as Moksha,
Nirvana, or Mukti (Absolute Freedom).” (Swami Sant Sevi Ji, Chapter on Jainism, Book of Sarvadharma Samanvy – Harmony Of All Religions)
Ethical Teachings of the Radhasoami Faith
Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you.
That
action which helps the approach to the Holy Feet of Radhasoami, is
good, and that action which creates separation or distance, is bad.
Do whatever you like, but do not wound the feelings of your neighbors with taunting terms and wounding words.
Religious discussion should be avoided, for therein is greater danger of wounding a man’s heart than in anything else.
Do not force your ideas on others. It is undesirable. Wait till the aspirant has acquired the necessary development of mind.
Clemency, love, tolerance and happiness should be the characteristics of a devotee’s life.
Happy mood does more work than anything else.
Love
should be centered in the Ideal. Love which is not grounded on the
Ideal, leads one astray. Love a man, but love with unselfishness and
warmth of mind. Keep your deed, word, and thought under control, lest
they wound some one. A deed done to injure an individual is like a sword
stabbing hard. Foolish words spoken at random are pointed arrows which
make some man’s heart their target. So beware of speaking random words.
If
you are great, neither give an affront nor hear it. If you are small,
let humility be your refuge, but see that you do not lose your
self-respect.
Man’s superiority lies in the “greatness of his Soul” and not in pomp and public show.
Be “man,” “entire and whole” and in everything.
– Shiv Brat Lal (Data Dayal), a disciple of Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram Bhadur
Light on Ananda Yoga – The Yoga of Happiness,
Published in India, and long ago in English by Sant Bani Ashram
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