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Age: 40
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Tuesday, February 09, 2010
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Return Again, Awake, O Soul of Splendor!
Meditation is the soul's Portal to the Divine, a Doorway to God and the
Heavens that are within. Place your mind before the mirror of eternity.
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory. Place your heart in the
figure of the divine substance and transform your entire being into the
image of the Godhead itself through contemplation. Meditate upon the
Love, Light and Sound of the Positive Power within you.
When darkness is no longer dark, when the stillness of the night gives
birth to a faint Celestial Melody, know this: one more soul is being
summoned to awakening, one more soul hears the Call, one more soul
ascends to the Place of Life. (from my article, 'Seeing Heaven as a
Real Place': http://groups.yahoo.com/gr..oup/SpiritualAwakening/message/1938 )
0 Surat [soul]! You have had enough sleep.
Now get up and proceed on. Why do you waste your capital here.
Come under the protection of Satguru. Hold fast to Nam and get rid of all evils.
Kal strikes at you every moment. Associate yourself with Shabd, and throw away the load of karmas.
Why do you not wash off the impurities of your mind now? Why do you not merge your Surat in Shabd?
Behold the marvelous Jyoti (flame) within yourself. Radhasoami has opened the spring of Bhakti.
-- Swami Ji Maharaj (Sant Radhasoami Sahab), Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry, Volume One, Published in Agra, India)
On Inner Light and Sound Meditation Practice
Below is Excerpted from a Sant Mat Satsang Discourse of Parampoojya
Shri Shahi Swami ji Maharaj, Translated by Pravesh Kumar Singh
Kabir Said: "BAsa surat le AvaI, shabda surat lai jAya. Parichaya shruti hai sthire, so guru daI batAya."
[Cravings bring or drag the jiva (non-liberated individual soul) into
this world, while the Sound (the Quintessential Unstruck Melody) takes
us beyond, back to its true, original home. The surat
[attention-faculty of the soul] becomes still (becomes free from
movement into endless cycles of birth & death) as it gets
acquainted with or meets Him. Guru has taught me (says Kabir) the
technique for this (making the surat still).]
Shri Shahi Swami Ji Maharaj: "When our sight becomes fixed, the World
or Domain of Light opens up, a spotless Sun is seen. And, thus, "raina
andherI miTa gayI, bAjai anahad tUra" (The dark night has come to an
end, and countless varieties of enchanting sounds are heard
reverberating.), as described by Sant Kabir, is realized in practice.
The art to this practice is secret or confidential (has to be learnt
from an adept master or Guru). However, obstinacy won't help here (It
is to be noted here that obstinacy is distinct from tenacity of purpose
– Translator). For this, one has to begin with `Manas Jap' – reciting
internally or mentally, with full concentration, the holy mantra given
by the Guru – and then has to internally visualize the gross form of
the Guru (known as `Manas Dhyan'). Manas Jap puts a brake on the
restlessness, flirtatiousness or naughtiness of the mind, whereas Manas
Dhyan orients the mind in one particular direction, and, thus, one
becomes introverted. `DrishTi SAdhan' or Drishti Sadhan (The Yoga of
Light, which has to be practiced after Manas Dhyan) helps accomplishing
the single – mindedness and one can testify to the veracity of the
Sants' claim "Vindu (Bindu) me tanh nAda bolai" (Nada or Sound
reverberates in the Light or Vindu). `Nada Dhyan' enables to realize
the Supreme Sovereign Soul. This is what Sants and Great Souls teach."
Meditation: God Resides Inside - Look, Listen for Him There
"My soul, 0 most Splendid One...where have you gone? Return again.
Awake, soul of splendor, from the slumber of drunkenness into which you
have fallen...follow me to the place of the Exalted World where you
existed in the beginning." (Mandaean Gnostic psalm from Iraq quoted in,
The Gnostic Religion, by Hans Jonas, Beacon Press)
"The individual soul has decended from the Soundles State to the
essence of Sound,from Sound to Light, and finally from the realm of
Light to the realm of Darkness.....[In meditation] we travel back from
the realm of Darkness to the realm of Light, from the Light to Divine
Sound, and from the realm of Sound to the Soundless State." (Swami Sant
Seviji Maharaj)
"Look for and search for God within yourself, within your own body. God
resides inside - look for him there. The white point shines straight
ahead and twinkles. You must concentrate in sushumna [inner passage or
tunnel, central channel, middle path**] by leaving the restlessness of
the mind behind. Where the subtle sounds vibrate in the ajna chakra
[third eye center, point between the eyebrows**], stay and make your
dwelling. The Door is subtle and sushumna is the Point or Window. With
great effort, you can go through." (Sant Maharishi Mehi)
** NOTE: ajna chakra, sushumna nadi tube: Accessing the Third Eye
Center and the tunnel of Light, in meditation with eyes closed, has
been described as like looking at a blank tv screen waiting for the
program to begin. In this case, the "video" is inner vision: the
manifestation of Divine Light. Maharishi Mehi described a bright white
twinkling light. This has been called by the Sants of India: "Jagmag
Jyoti" or the Twinkling Light that emanates from the astral Thousand
Petal Lotus region (Sahans-dal Kanwal).
The Third Eye Center is also known as The Seat of the Soul. When one
goes within, in addition to the possibility of contemplating Divine
Light, in this world of Inner Space there is also the possibility of
hearing "subtle sounds vibrating" (Maharishi Mehi). This is referring
to the Inner Sound Current or Music of the Spheres, the Sound coming
from Beyond the Silence (Logos, Word, AUM, HU, Tao, Nada, Shabda,
Saunt-e Sarmad, Song of the Creator). Often people first hear the
Astral Bell Sound, a kind of ringing, like a bell that has been struck
that keeps on reverberating .... forever. This ringing comes when we
concentrate, and like the Light, seems to "disappear" when we loose
concentration and leave off our meditation practice. The Sound and the
Light are really still there, are always there. It is only our
attention (surat) that comes and goes.
Important Teachings from the Anurag Sagar (Kabir's Ocean of Love)
"Oh Dharam Dass! The soul which is a part of God has been imprisoned in
this human body. This soul has fallen in love with mind which is a
negative power and it (soul) has forgotten its own Home and Supreme
Master ...(God)."
"KAL is very clever. He knows many methods to trap the souls. He deceives them and swallows them."
"Under the influence of KAL a human being has forgotten his own
identity. KAL has put him under illusion and entangled him in worldly
pleasures. So he does all bad deeds. Though he was given this human
life to drink the nectar of 'Naam', instead he is drinking poison."
"Kal has entangled people in illusions to such an extent that they have
totally forgotten their real Home. Kal has woven such a net that now it
is difficult to get released from it. These traps are rituals and
rites, scripture reading and worship, and performing Yagyas
(oblations). These have nothing to do with realisation of God."
Kabir Sahib said, "If a person understands the tricks of KAL and
realizes that mind is the real enemy, then after getting initiation he
can conquer mind and come out of the cycle of 84."
"Illusion is like a deep well where there is all darkness. The mind (Kal) throws the souls in that deep well and eats them up."
Internal Illusion of Kal -- Lower Kal-Light -- False Light
"When we collect the scattered thought and focus it behind the eyes, we
first see a light called "Sakha Jot" and then at that very place
appears "Jhilmil Jyoti". Showing these lights, Kaal arrests the souls
(Jeevas) there. The third "Jagmag Jyoti" or the Twinkling Light is in
the Thousand Petal Lotus region. Only the saints see this Light. This
is above the eyes and below the "Turiya Pad". This real Light is known
only to the saints." (Anurag Sagar)
Dharam Dass: "Oh My Master, during meditation, some persons see Jhilmil
Jyoti (flickering light). Which is that stage of meditation where this
'Jhilmil Jyoti' is visible? Kindly explain to me about that". Kindly
tell me about the stage where this 'Jhilmil Jyoti' appears as well as
about the god who manifests there."
Kabir: "Dharam Dass, mind is the agent of Niranjan and performs in our
body just like Ashtangi (the primordial power) doing work of Niranjan.
This secret is revealed only through a Guru."
"Light at the region of Sunn is due to mind and various doubts arising within are due to mind."
"Mind, created by KAL, rules over the three regions (Bhulok, Pata Lok
and Akash Lok). It has full control over them. It is not under any
other power. Only Naam (Word) can control it."
"Mind, created by KAL, rules over the three regions (Bhulok, Pata Lok
and Akash Lok). It has full control over them. It is not I under any
other power. Only Naam (Word) can control it."
"In reality there is only one Naam or Word or power but due to the
confusion created by mind, we recite various names during worship.
Since we have not recognised/realised our SELF, we are deceived."
"People worship various gods and goddesses to fulfill their wishes. But
to come out of the cycle of 84, we require the help of SATNAM (True
Name, Word)." (Anurag Sagar)
Initiation and Protection from Above, Following the Path of Sants
Kabir Sahib said, "If Naam or Word given during initiation is
manifested within and the Light emanating from It is seen, then all
ignorance goes and KAL cannot come near that soul since Word manifested
Guru is the Master of the whole creation. Till one hears the unstruck
Sound (Word) within, Kal in the form of a snake, does not leave the
soul. Caught in the illusions, the soul has forgotten the Real Home. It
is difficult to escape from the powerful KAL. Naam (Word) is the only
Power to control him. Just as a snake charmer controls a snake by
reciting a mantra, similarly Word given by Guru can control KAL."
"Naam" is the remedy for all ailments."
Kabir Sahib said, "Kal cannot come near the power of Word and Sumiran Bhajan."
"If a person adopts a Master and having faith in him, gets himself
initiated, does meditation with devotion then he can become a hans
(pure soul). Such an attainment is priceless. His Master (the
personification of Word) will take him step by step to Sahansdal Kamal,
Trikuti, Daswan Dwar, Bhawar Gupha, Sach Khand and after a short stay,
to Alakh, Agam and Anami Desh which is the highest eternal Region, the
Ultimate Abode."
"Oh Dharam Dass! If a person gives up all doubts, meditates regularly
on Naam imparted by the Master, and behaves in the manner the saints
behave and follows in their footsteps, that is, he listens to the Sound
Current within himself, then he can tread the path of saints in search
of the Highest Truth. There is a Sound Current coming from the Final
Abode and calling you to come. So if you listen to that Call, then you
can ascend like saints." (Anurag Sagar)
RADHASOAMI -- The Ocean of All-Love
Swami Ji Maharaj: "From one step to another the soul beholds strange
things which cannot be described in human language. Every region and
everything is utterly beyond words. What beauty and glory! How can I
describe them? There is nothing here to convey the idea. I am
helpless.... Love plays the supreme part. It is all love. So says
RADHASWAMI."
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
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Category: Podcast
January Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: Chand Mat
Baba Faqir Chand's Commentary on the Esoteric Instructions of Swami Ji Maharaj (Hidayatnama)
Program Length: 41 Minutes
*Click to go to Blog Talk Radio Page and Listen or Download:
http://www.blogtalkradio.c..om/santmatfellowship/2010/..01/24/january-2010-sant-ma..t-satsang-podcast
"The sages of India discovered the truth of man's potential perfection
and his ability to actualize it in their thousands of years of
spiritual experimentation. They wrote down the steps for this
attainment for their followers. The tradition of passing, from master
to disciple, this spontaneous achievement of living in God in our
waking life has continued in almost all the cultures of the world, but
the secrecy and mystery of this mysticism have often led to confusion
even until the present day.
"Some paths and techniques of meditation are indirect, vague, complicated, and difficult.
"The uncovering of this secret and the simplest explanation of this
universal way of man's union with God is the fundamental purpose of
this book.
"The epitome of the pathway of God-realization is expounded in
Surat-Shabda Yoga, or Union with God through the technique of Light and
Sound. This path has been present, although concealed, in all major
religions of the world. Recently however, its direct revelation and
practical application have openly emerged." (I.C. Sharma, from the
Introduction to, Instructions For Seekers-Surat Shabda Yoga-The Yoga of
Light and Sound)
Baba Faqir Chand, Radhasoami Satsang Hoshiarpur (Manavta Mandir Ashram)
The theme this month is "Chand Mat", that is to say, the teachings of
the Baba Faqir Chand branch of the Radhasoami Faith, with readings
from: The Sar Bachan Poetry of Swami Ji Maharaj, including from the
Esoteric Instructions (Hidayatnama) of Swami Ji, a prayer from Light On
Ananda Yoga by Shiv Brat Lal, readings from Dr. Ishwar C. Sharma and
Baba Faqir Chand from Instructions For Seekers-Surat Shabda Yoga-The
Yoga of Light and Sound (Chand's Commentary on the Sar Bachan), Baba
Faqir Chand from Jeewan Mukti (Liberation In Life), Enchanted Land from
the chapter dedicated to Yogani Mata Ji, and a satsang discourse from
J.L. Chaudhari.
Swami Ji Maharaj: Sadguru Khojo Ri Pyari, Jag Main Durlabh Ratan
Yahi."My dearest aspirant! Continue your research for a true and
perfect master, because he is rare like a precious diamond."
Baba Faqir Chand: "The masses adopt a Guru, merely on reputation,
without making thorough research themselves. That is why they do not
find real Gurus. If such rare saints are difficult to find, one should
associate with those saints who are on the way to perfection. Only
those persons are capable of uniting with God, or Truth, who consider
other human beings equal to themselves and hold no jealousy, hatred, or
other negative ideas in their mind....
"Disciple: But, most of the disciples have been associated with their
Gurus for a very long time. Why then, have they not attained anything
that is granted by a saint? Also, the Gurus have been engaging their
disciples in different kinds of services. Why do they advise some
disciples in one way and others in a different way?
"Faqir: In fact, a true master knows very well why a special disciple
has come to his refuge. Some Gurus, who are keen to recruit as many
disciples as they can, to exploit those people who are in trouble. But
a true or perfect master never exploits his dear disciples. He loves
them and advises them according to their respective backgrounds and
capabilities, which are different for different people. He tells his
disciples to be engaged in different kinds of activities, which either
help them to fulfill their worldly desires of material things, or to
rid themselves of those desires after a good deal of experience. A
person can never realize Truth, or attain peace, as long as he is a
slave to passions and desires. That is why Hidayatnama clearly says
that first a devotee should resign his desires for wealth, prosperity,
and family to the will of God and then go to the saints for guidance.
In this way all his problems will be solved. Those who do not follow
these instructions take a longer time to resolve their problems. The
order of the perfect master and the path suggested by him should be
considered as supreme. The seeker would experience peace and bliss by
applying the instructions of his master to his practical daily life....
"Many Gurus are concerned with accumulating wealth and fame and their
disciples are equally motivated by worldly desires. So instead of being
enlightened and liberated, seekers are more and more involved in
material things and thus subjected to the cycle of birth and death.
When a Guru who is the true practitioner of The Yoga of Light and Sound
is found by a disciple who is truly desirous of being freed from the
spatio-temporal world, then and only then the relationship of the
disciple and the master has some significance."
Jai Guru Radhasoami,
James,
Email:
James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
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Friday, January 22, 2010
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Maharshi Mehi Related Guru Lineage Chart
(Swami Achyutanand Ji is also part of the same lineage.)
Sant Mat Book Review: The Philosophy of Liberation
Param Sant Tulsi Sahib (older)
The
ocean of existence is unfathomably vast and without any port of safety.
It cannot be crossed --- If you meet Satguru, the boatman, then only
will you get across and reach your Abode.
Listen,
O friend! Great is the status of Sants. In that region of Sants there
is neither sound nor any form. It is beyond Sunn [void] and Maha-sunn
[great void].
Says Tulsi, he knows the True Name of the Abode of
the August, Nameless and Infinite Being. (Shabdavalli of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras)
Param Sant Tulsi Sahib (younger)
The soul (Surat), seeking to glimpse the Absolute, concentrates through its gaze at the tenth door,
Watching the luminous point, the pole star, the Moon and the Sun,
Surat hears many sweet sounds of the five spheres;
Mehi says, this is the quintessence of Santmat;
And he has only repeated the words of the saints,
He has understood and tested them fully,
They are so very true and are of great benefit to all.
-- Maharishi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj
Param Sant Tulsi Sahib (meditating)
Mixed Media: Book Reviews, Website Reviews, Music Reviews
By James Bean
Book Review: The Philosophy of Liberation
Copyright © Februrary 2007. All Rights Reserved.
"The Philosophy of Liberation"
By Maharishi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj
The Philosophy of Liberation
This is the first book in English featuring the teachings of Maharishi
Mehi, in the lineage of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib, the famous Saint of
Hathras, India. The lineage began with Sant Tulsi, then the torch was
past to Baba Devi Sahib. Mehi was the next teacher, the third guru.
Soon more writings from this lineage of Masters will soon be published
and made available in English to spiritual seekers in the West.
This is an intriguing book that provides some surprisingly technical
details about meditation practice. Anyone interested in developing
their own successful daily meditation practice will greatly benefit
from the wisdom and depth of, "The Philosophy of Liberation", as it
systematically covers all aspects of the philosophy of the path and the
technical details of spiritual practice rarely ever seen in print from
any source outside of India. It is not light reading, and that is
precisely what I like about it!
Maharshi Mehi Paramhansa (younger)
There are several techniques described, the specific details of which
are taught to students at the time of their deeksha (initiation) into
the practice: 1) developing a daily routine, the habit of meditating at
the same time or times each day; 2) proper posture so that one is truly
focused at the Third Eye and remains alert and awake; 3) Manas Japa
[simran], a mantra repetition of a sacred word done mentally; 4) Manas
Dhyan, the technique of mentally visualising a form of God or one's
teacher; 5) Drshti Yoga, the technique of focusing upon an
infinitesimal point. This point will eventually blossom into inner
Light or visions of Light. One gazes into the middle of the darkness or
the Light one sees while in meditation. Think of the infinitesimal
point as being like a laser pointer or cursor keeping one focused. One
passes from scene to scene and vision to vision always looking toward
the center; 6) Nada Sadhana, the practice of inner spiritual hearing
[Surat Shabd Yoga]; and, 7th) reaching the State of Oneness with the
Supreme Being in the Pure Conscious Realm. The ultimate goal is to
merge into the upper level of Kaivalya known as the Ocean of Love and
Compassion, the Ultimate Reality of God in the Nirguna or Formless
State, also described with terms such as Anami (Nameless) and Anadi
(Soundlessness). Maharshi Mehi stated in the Philosophy of Liberation:
"The center of the realm of Kaivalaya (Oneness or Pure Consciousness)
is the Supreme Sovereign Itself." He also said: "Beyond the Realm of
Oneness, there is only the Supreme Sovereign."
Maharshi Mehi Paramhansa (older)
Below are Excerpts from the Book: Moksha-Darsan (Philosophy of
Salvation or Liberation), a Primary Text for Understanding Sant Mat
(The Path of the Masters)
The Philosophy of Liberation
By Maharishi Mehi
All rights reserved ©2006 Santmat Society of North America
1. Stillness or steadiness is the essence of Shanti.
(Shanti is a Sanskrit word with several English meanings: peace,
tranquility, bliss, etc. The peace which results from some degree of
communion with God is Shanti.)
2. He who has attained Shanti is a saint.
3. Sant Mat encompasses the thoughts and way of saints.
4. The desire for attaining Shanti is natural in human beings.
In the Upanishads the formula for the attainment of Shanti is expounded
by the seers and saints of these ancient works. Similar views have been
expressed by the saints of all times, including such saints as Guru
Nanak Sahab and Kabir Sahab who expounded their views in the Punjabi
and Hindi languages respectively. Such expressions are for the
inspiration and edification of all people.
Shahi Swami Paramahansa Ji Maharaj
However, the Upanishads uniquely and fully describe the means for
attaining Shanti and describe the means for attaining the Highest
Wisdom. That is why the Upanishads are considered the foundation of
Sant Mat. Further, a comprehensive exposition of the Divine Word-Sound
is given in the Upanishads which leads to the Highest Wisdom. The
Upanishads explain the yogic techniques and systematic views of
transcending thought and attaining the Absolute through the use of
sound (Yoga of Surat-shabda). Sant Mat follows the yogic path as
prescribed in the Upanishads and specifically employs Surat-shabda-Yoga
in its practices. The result of such practice is the attainment of the
Highest Goal, the knowledge of the Supreme.
This is not to undermine the teachings of other saints, but rather to
say that in the Upanishads are found the basis of the teachings of
these saints. Often the teachings of various saints would, on the
surface, seem contradictory to each other or even contradictory to the
principles of the Upanishads. In fact, there is an unbreakable unity in
the spiritual views of all saints. In different times and in different
places saints appear, and their followers name their tradition in
respect to the particular saint. The appearance of differences can be
attributed to time, place and language, giving varied labels to views
which are in reality the same. Likewise, due to excessively zealous
followers these seeming differences are often accentuated. When all
sectarianism and the forms of the particular time or place of the
writings of a saint are removed, the basic principles of Sant Mat are
in unity. The Ultimate, Unbounded, Infinite state (as described in
section 11) is the unique possession of a saint. Further, the means to
attain this state (as described in section 59 and 61) are found in the
writings of the saints. Even though there are differences in the name
and form of the Deity of worship, the underlying unity of the Unbounded
dissolves these seeming differences (according to the idea expounded in
section 86).
Surat-Shabda-Yoga as a means to attain the Unbounded state is an
integral and indispensable aspect of the Sant Mat tradition. Any
tradition devoid of this essential aspect is not true Sant Mat. Various
saints describe the Yoga of Surat -Shabda, and from these descriptions
we become aware of the significance of Surat-Shabda-Yoga. The following
are some words of the great saints, concerning the importance of
Surat-Shabda-Yoga:
Guru Nanak Sahab states:
"The invisible and supra-sensory name of God (Divine Word-Sound) is extremely sweet and lovely."
Tuls-Das states:
"I offer homage to the Divine Name of the Universal Being, Ram, which
is the cause of the sun, the moon and the fire. That Divine Universal
Name is the form of the creator,
maintainer and destroyer."
............One will not succeed in Yoga if purity of character is
disregarded. Lying, stealing, smoking, taking of drugs (including
alcohol), violence, and adultery are all obstructions to the successful
practice meet the Supreme Sovereign).
53. Listening to and study of the discourses on this sacred knowledge
is an important step in the Sant Mat tradition. Listening to satsanga
(spiritual discourses) is prescribed as an essential activity.
Swami Bhagirath Baba (meditating)
54. The personal and private instruction in the art of this spiritual
practice should be received from a Sadguru (an accomplished spiritual
master). Once the technique has been learned, one should practice it
regularly and daily according to the instructions given by the master.
70. Through constant practice of the Meditation of Sound, the
practitioner also experiences the Divine Light. Just as upon attending
a concert, one cannot help but notice the beautiful setting, of Upper
Nature, the plurality of sounds ceases to exist, and only then can the
Essential Divine sound be experienced. Other sounds of the various
Realms are not experienced at this level of the State of Oneness
because diversity does not exist in the state of Oneness.
Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj
75. The State beyond Sound is acknowledged in the writings of saints as
the goal of their teachings. In addition, their writings accept
repetition of a Divine name, concentration on a form of the Divine,
fixing the mind on a point and concentrating on the inner sounds of the
different spheres as a means to reach the Soundless State. These four
techniques are therefore essential in Sant Mat.
76. Without achieving perfection in the Yoga of Sound, the realization
of the Supreme Sovereign God or the Knowledge of the Self cannot be
achieved.
77. Without resolute devotion to the guru (a spiritual master), even by
means of the Yoga of Sound, the realization of the Supreme Sovereign
God is not possible. Without the help of the master, it is not possible
to attain the full devotion for the Divine and the highest good.
82. The recognition of a true spiritual master is the most difficult of
tasks. However, the one who has purity of character (rectitude), who
practices diligently the Yoga of Sound, and who can explain clearly
Sant Mat (the path of saints) can be accepted and trusted and given
devotion as a spiritual master. A person without rectitude or purity of
character, regardless of the other qualities just mentioned, should not
be regarded as a true master.
If one has accepted a spiritual teacher and later finds him or her
lacking in rectitude, that teacher should be abandoned. In spite of the
teacher’s exquisite knowledge, association with that teacher is not
desirable if he or she is lacking in moral character. As the aspirant
is particularly affected by the teacher’s moral character, it is
imperative to avoid teachers without moral virtues. Purity of character
is the essential quality of a teacher and if purity is lacking that
teacher is no better than an animal. A teacher lacking purity of
character or other essential virtues is a false spiritual teacher. The
fruits of accepting a true master are immense. Unfortunately, true
teachers are few and difficult to find. A spiritual master who is wise,
pure and a practitioner of the Yoga of Divine Sound gradually imparts
his or her virtues to the student. The good will of the spiritual
teacher cannot but help affecting the aspirant in a positive manner
because one is affected by the power of a higher vibration. Section 77
describes the qualities of the teacher and how the aspirant benefits
from his or her relationship with the teacher.
The master who practices the Yoga of Sound but is negligent in his
moral character and in his spiritual knowledge is harmful to the seeker
of spiritual knowledge. If one has accepted such a master, disregarding
the importance of rectitude and knowledge, the aspirant would be
deprived of the benefits of the association with a true preceptor,
mentioned in the previous paragraph. In addition, in following an
immoral teacher the aspirant would have the difficult task of not going
astray, much less advancing on the spiritual path. However, without the
aid of a true teacher this spiritual task can be undertaken by a few
steadfast learned disciples. For most it is almost impossible to
undertake this task. of gaining grace as described in the writings of
the saints.
83. The aspiration to serve with love and behave humbly before the
teacher arises naturally in the hearts of students. Therefore, devotion
to the spiritual teacher is also natural. To say anything against
devotion to the teacher is pointless. And also, the wise will not give
devotion to an unworthy teacher and will influence other aspirants to
do the same.
84. The four essential elements an aspirant of the spiritual path needs
are the following: one, association of saints and hearing of things
spiritual; two, moral rectitude; three, dedication to the teacher; and
four practice of meditation. These essentials have previously been
discussed; association is referenced in section 53; moral rectitude is
addressed in section 60; meditation is referenced in sections 54
through 59. In Sant Mat an intense eagerness to acquire these
essentials must be present. However, devotion to the teacher is
paramount to the other three essentials and is the key to achieving the
other three.
85. The desire of an individual to be free from sufferings and to
attain the happiness of absolute peace is naturally present in the
hearts of all. The purpose of Sant Mat is to provide a system which
fulfills the desires of attaining absolute peace.
87. The practice of Nadanusandhana (the Yoga of Sound) is not mere
child's play. Its full practice cannot be exercised by one who lacks
Yama and Niyama (virtues and moral rectitude). See the following
section 88 for more detail on Yama and Niyama.
There are sounds due to gross vibrations in the material body. To
meditate on these gross sounds and believe it to be as the full
practice of the Yoga of Sound shows a lack of knowledge of Yoga.
According to the literature of the Sants (Saints), Yama and Niyama are
essential for mastery in the practice of the Nadanusandhana (Yoga of
Sound [Nada-nu-sandhana, the spiritual practice of inner Sound
meditation, also called Surat Shabd Yoga]).
88. Yama consists of five disciplines: satya (truthfulness), ahimsa
(non-violence), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacarya (continence), and
aparigraha (control of greed or non-possessiveness).
Niyama also consists of five practices, which are the following: sauca
(internal and external purity), santosha (contentment), tapas
(penance), svadhyaya (study of spiritual matters) and lsvara pranidhana
(meditation on God).
89. In following Yama and Niyama, one exercises aversion from the five
sins, serves the spiritual master, attends satsang, and practices
meditation as referred to in section 60.
90. A comfortable asana (a pose of sitting or posture) of keeping the
head, neck and trunk straight and steady is a must for meditation.
Without the ability to sit in such a steady posture for prolonged
periods, meditation cannot be practiced.
91. Meditation should be practiced being alert, without being drowsy,
shutting the eyes comfortably and without turning the eyeballs or
pressing them in any way.
92. The practice of meditation should be an essential part of the
practitioner's daily routine. The preferred time of meditation is
Brahmamuhurta ([Hour of God: Brahma-mu-hurta, or Amrit Veela: Hour of
Elixir]: very early in the morning: 3:00 A.M.). Likewise one should
meditate at mid-morning and then again in the evening time. While
falling asleep, one should also engage his mind in meditation. Further,
it is good to practice Manas japa [Simran] or Manas dhyana [Dhyan]
while working.
Swami Vyasanand Ji Maharaj (in his meditation cave)
93. Before learning the Nadanusandhana (meditation on inner Sound) in
practicing Manas japa (mantra repetition), Manas dhyana (focusing on
the form of the master or deity) and Drshti Yoga ([inner Light
meditation in the Third Eye Center or Eye-Focus] focusing on a Point
that is practicing one-pointedness), one should meditate with eyes and
mouth shut. Upon learning Nadanusandhana (Yoga of Sound [Inner Sound
meditation]) from the Master, one should also close the ears.
94..........In the initial stages of dhyana (absolute concentration),
pratyahara is practiced. [Note: Pratyahara means to bring back.
Bringing back or refocusing one's attention during meditation, bringing
the mind distracted by worldly thoughts back to the Focal Point during
meditation.] Through the means of pratyahara, the mind is brought back
repeatedly to the Focal Point. By this constant practice of pratyahara,
one is eventually able to concentrate for a short period on the Focal
Point. This state of concentration is called dharana (steadiness of
concentration or absorption). When absorption is maintained for longer
and longer periods of time, then it is dhyana (absolute concentration).
Then in this state of dhyana, one is able to grasp the Streams of
spiritual Sounds (described in section 60) and finally achieves samadhi
(Unity [Union, Absorption, Oneness in deep meditation]). Drshti Yoga
(seeing the inner Light---the Yoga of Vision) will greatly facilitate
pratyahara and dharana......
............The saints and true teachers are known to be impartial;
their blessings fall like the rain. However, the rain, while falling on
all, tends to collect in deep pools just as the grace of the saints
while showering on all flows rapidly and collects in the deep pools of
the aspirants who are devoted. It is not surprising that the aspirants
through their devotion draw the grace of the master towards them.
Aspirants who give great attention to the ways of the teacher are
worthy of the gift of knowledge. Obviously, not the careless one, but
the one who honors the gift and cares for the receiving bowl receives
the gift of the grace of the teacher. Making oneself worthy is the
secret of devotion to the master, and will greatly facilitate
meditation explained in detail in section 59.
105. The means to attain the direct knowledge of the Supreme Sovereign
Swami Vyasanand Ji Maharaj
God (Summary of the Philosophy of Liberation).
Before learning the technique to attain the direct knowledge of the
Supreme Sovereign, intellectual understanding of the essential nature
of the Supreme Sovereign God and one’s own self is necessary. Through
hearing and studying the discourses of spiritual teachers and
contemplation, such knowledge can be acquired. Along with knowledge of
the order of creation, the reason for not having the direct knowledge
of both should be sought. Through intellectual understanding of the
essential nature of the Supreme Sovereign, it is determined what needs
to be attained. One should be able to discern whether it is the body
which realizes the Supreme or the Self, Knower within the body.
Also, for this realization should the practices be of an external
nature (outwardly devotional practices) or internal nature (Yoga of
Vision and Yoga of Sound)? Having come to an understanding, these
wanderings will be left behind. After gaining the intellectual
knowledge of one’s Self, one will understand whether one is suited for
attaining this Knowledge. Once, intellectual knowledge of the order of
creation and the reasons for not having direct knowledge of God and
one’s own Self are understood then the means will be brought to light.
With this revelation one will be able to go be ultimately merging in
Soundlessness or the Supreme Sovereign God. The internal practice of
meditation ends here: the Supreme God is realized and the work is
completed.
98. The practitioner should support himself in gainful employment,
living on one’s own earnings. The aspirant is best content with a few
things.
99. The aspirant should keep himself free of impulses such as lust,
anger, greed, delusion, egotism, jealousy and fear. In his interest for
spiritual progress, the practitioner should create pure mental habits:
compassion, mercy, contentment, forgiveness and humbleness.
100. The following should be avoided because they cause unsteadiness of
the mind: intake of intoxicants, including alcohol and various
non-prescription drugs, and eating of meat and fish.
101. Through association of saints, the hearing of spiritual talks and
study, wisdom can be acquired. Wisdom is essential in determining what
is the right way to live your life. Without wisdom one can make poor
decisions, which result in undesirable consequences.
...........In conclusion, as has been stated the microcosm and
macrocosm are interconnected as they are completely permeated by the
realms described above. Likewise, to go beyond all the realms is to go
beyond all concealments. Further, in whatever realm the individual
dwells, he dwells in that realm both in the microcosmic sense as well
as the macrocosmic sense. In addition, if one ceases inhabiting one of
the Realms, then he leaves behind both the microcosmic as well as the
beyond the concealments of Causal Nature imposed on the creation and
the Self and then will meet with the Supreme and experience direct
knowledge of the Supreme Sovereign God. (The Philosophy of Liberation,
By Maharishi Mehi)
Maharshi Mehi Paramhansa (young)
Mystic-Verses from the Padavali of Maharishi Mehi
Fully plunged into such a practice one becomes extremely cool and calm,
And forgets all about one's material body;
Paramhans says such introvert-aspirants remain completely unaware of morning, day and night.
And are effortless as if dead from outside,
Paramhans says, sounds like the beating of drums and roaring of clouds are heard in the cosmos,
Above Trikuti, are colourless, shapeless compartments, where there are only resounding sounds;
The true spiritual aspirant remains in Dhyana Yoga,
And with Yoga of Sound reaches the Highest Realm;
The Yoga of Sound causes such wonderful experiences;
On getting such a perceptive Guru, one knows how to do meditation upon inner Sound,
That Matchless Sound which never changes is the Quintessential One,
And that Quintessential Sound is finally changed into the Soundless One.
Saints describe it with words such as "Soundless", "Nameless" or "Wordless",
The Quintessential one along with surat [soul] at the final stage disappears,
The very stage of Soundlessness, Wordlessness or Namelessness is entirely different,
According to Mehi that stage is devoid of dualism,
Surat, merging with the Absolute, never returns to the physical world.
Maharshi Mehi Paramhansa Ji Maharaj
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Seven Stages of Mystic Ascension to Heaven According to Sant Mat
Sant Mat Radhasoami:
http://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami
{"Repeat the Name of your Beloved, day and night, again and again.
With
care in thought, word and deed, you will cross to the other shore." --
Dadu}
The Seven Stages of Mystic Ascension to Heaven Are:
1) Praise or Bhakti,
2) Prayer,
3) Manas japa (simran, praying without ceasing, repeating the name of God -- mantra, the first stage of meditation),
4) Manas dhyana (visualising the form of the Master, second stage of meditation),
5) Dristi sadhana (seeing Inner Light at the Third Eye Center, third stage of meditation),
6) Nada Sadhana (hearing the Inner Sounds --- Surat Shabd Yoga, fourth stage of meditation),
7) Reaching Kaivalya (Oneness with Soundlessness, the Nameless One,
Formless Supreme Being, the Supreme State, The Ocean of Love -- the
Goal)
Three Important Requirements: Praise, Prayer, Meditation
By Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj
The Harmony of All Religions
There are three important requirements to be met in the practice of a
person who pursues devotion to the Divine and seeks to attain
liberation. First is praise; second is prayer; and third is meditation.
We know that when we are indebted to someone, we should express our
gratitude and appreciation. God has blessed us bountifully.
Although we are unable to repay God for his generous blessings, we can
acknowledge this goodness by chanting praises about the Divine Being.
When we exalt God through song, we declare the glories of the Divine.
In doing this, we remember the grandeur of God. As a natural result,
our faith in God increases. Unless we acknowledge someone's qualities,
it is impossible to be faithful to that person.
Tulsi Das Sahab says:
"Without having the knowledge of the nature of God it is impossible to
know him. And without understanding his qualities we can not have love
for God. Without love we cannot have devotion and true faith. This is
as unattainable as the mixing of water and oil [which is impossible]."
Therefore, in order to have devotion and faith in God it is necessary
to know the grandeur of God. Once the glory of God is known, our heart
is attracted to God. This is a great way to keep your heart in devotion
to God. Thus, it is through praise that we extol the divine powers of
God and draw our mind toward God.
After singing praises to God we, then, pray. Prayer is supplication
with deep humility. In general, people have desires and make demands.
Only the great sages do not have wants.
Kabir Sahab said:
"My desires are gone, as are my worries. My mind is filled with
detachment. One who does not want anything is the king of kings."
Sant Tulsi Das says:
"People desire sons, wealth and fame in this world. Why do people desire that which taints the mind?"
Why do we desire these things? Sant Tulsi Das considers this:
"[Fleeting] pleasures come to us without asking, whether we are in
heaven, hell, house, or forest. Why then do people work so hard to get
these pleasures while they ignore the advice of the sages [to seek
permanent joy?]"
Why do we invest so much effort in acquiring these worldly pleasures
which come to us naturally? And let us consider as well that there is
always pain involved in acquiring worldly objects, and that an even
greater exertion is required to sustain them. And further, when these
very same insidious sensory pleasures leave us, the distress is even
more intense. This is why, the wise do not ask for things which are
transitory. The truth is that our desires should only be for something
which would eliminate the desire [for worldly pleasures] itself. In
reality, the only thing we should be asking God for is to achieve union
with the divine. After realizing the Divine, there is nothing left to
be achieved. This is the end of all wants.
Prayer and invocation are not merely concerned with the mindless
muttering of requests, but rather, prayer should be the voice of our
heart. God always listens to the one who calls out with a pure heart.
In the Yajur Veda (chapter 20) it is said:
"Oh God, even as we unknowingly commit various sins, day and night,
please forgive these offenses and ill desires. You are omnipresent,
like the pervasive wind."
We have previously spoken about prayer in both Christianity and Islam
[chapters of, The Harmony of All Religions]. Christians refer to this
practice as prayer, and Muslims call it ibadat. We see that in all
theistic religions there is a great emphasis on prayer.
Communion or Meditation Practice
The practices of praise and prayer-glorification and invocation-are
followed by communion through the practices of contemplation and
meditation. The Sanskrit word upasana literally means sitting near God.
The saints distinguish four categories of upasana. The four basic
practices are:
1) Manas japa,
2) Manas dhyana,
3) Dristi sadhana and
4) Nada-nu-sandhana.
--- Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, The Harmony of All Religions
Meditation Practice (Sadhana) According to Sant Mat Mysticism
There are several meditation practices in Sant Mat. There are several
techniques described, the specific details of which are taught to
students at the time of their deeksha (initiation) into the practice:
1) developing a daily routine, the habit of meditating at the same time or times each day;
2) proper posture with back straight so that one is truly focused at the Third Eye and remains alert and awake;
3) Manas Japa (Simran), a mantra repetition of a sacred word or words chanted mentally;
4) Manas Dhyan, the technique of mentally visualising a form of God or one's teacher;
5) Drshti Yoga (Yoga of inner Light), the technique of focusing upon an
Infinitesimal Point. This Point will eventually blossom into inner
Light or visions of Light. One gazes into the middle of the darkness or
the Light one sees while in meditation. Think of the Infinitesimal
Point as being like a laser pointer or cursor keeping one focused. One
passes from scene to scene and vision to vision always looking toward
the center;
6) Nada Sadhana (Yoga of inner Sound or Bhajan), the practice of inner spiritual hearing; and,
7) reaching the State of Kaivalya: Oneness with the Supreme Being in
the Pure Conscious Realm. The ultimate goal is to merge into the upper
level of Kaivalya known as the Ocean of Love and Compassion, the
Ultimate Reality of God in the Nirguna or Formless State, also
described with terms such as Radhaswami (Lord of the Soul), Anami (The
Nameless One) and Anadi (The Soundless State beyond Light and Sound).
The poet-mystic Param Sant Tulsi Sahib describes the interior journey this way:
There is a Being who is Inaccessible (Agam), unfathomable (Alakh), and
Nameless (Anami), and who has no locality, location, and is not
confined to space.
Sant Tulsi Sahib also often uses the Sufi language of love or bhakti,
describing this Timeless Spiritual State of Oneness as the Abode of the
Beloved:
"On having found the teacher, I shall adopt his refuge, and I shall
follow the path to my Beloved's Abode. The way to the Beloved lies
within. My heart's desire, says Tulsi, is that my soul may meet the
Beloved.
"The love-intoxicated soul is bubbling with joy. The darling of the
Beloved has prepared and bedecked the bed and, imbued with the
Beloved's bliss (ananda), has cast away all bondages. The soul prepared
the Beloved's bed, and, lying there, enjoyed great bliss." (The
Shabdavali of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib)
--- Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj,
The Harmony of All Religions
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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Category: Podcast
The 1-15-2010 Edition of Spiritual Awakening Radio is Archived and Available-On-Demand
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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Category: Podcast
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Saturday, January 16, 2010
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Current mood:  adventurous
Category: Religion and Philosophy
Sant Mat recognizes
the great Sages, and Saints of the different traditions who are
accomplished in the spiritual goal of human life. Sant Mat respects the
Saints, Prophets, and Sages of all traditions: Buddha, Mahavira, Jesus
Christ, Guru Nanak, Kabir, Rumi, Bahá'u'lláh, Mira Bai, etc.
Furthermore, Sant Mat believes in the uninterrupted continuation of the
emergence of Saints (Masters, Sant Satgurus) on this Earth.
Contemplative Silence -- The Art of Tapping Into Our Source of Inner Wisdom and Guidance
By James Bean
Copyright, December 2009 - All Rights Reserved
"Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a
holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may
continually return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our
time-torn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny,
calling us home unto Itself. Yielding to these persuasions, gladly
committing ourselves in body and soul, utterly and completely, to the
Light Within, is the beginning of true life. It is a dynamic center, a
creative Life that presses to birth within us." (A Testament of
Devotion, Thomas Kelly, Quaker mystic)
In this matrix or labyrinth of existence we can become quite habituated
into remaining as surface-dwellers living inundated by all the outward
distractions that life on earth provides. We may ask of ourselves, "Am
I availing myself of the spiritual direction and wisdom that comes from
within?" This would be a source of wisdom that not only provides an
inner perception of bliss, insight, or affirms a "Truth" of some sort
that one believes in, but an inner intuition that can also make a
positive contribution to one's outward life on the physical plane.
Mystics teach that the inner and outer life are not separate. There is
a relationship between one and the other. A life-affirming state of
being on the inside leads one to making the outward life into something
more heavenly too.
There are both outward and inward avenues to wisdom. There is the
wisdom of living teachers with us now, as well as the wisdom left
behind in the form of world scriptures and spiritual classics by
teachers of previous generations. "Through association with Masters,
the hearing of spiritual talks and study, wisdom can be acquired.
Wisdom is essential in determining what is the right way to live your
life." (Maharshi Mehi) "Let thy house be a place of meeting for the
wise, and dust thyself with the dust of their feet, and drink their
words with thirst." (The Mishnah, Jewish text) "Approach someone who
has realized the purpose of life and question him with reverence and
devotion; he will instruct you in this wisdom. Once you attain it, you
will never be deluded. You will see all creatures in the Self, and all
in Me." (Krishna, Bhagavad Gita) "The superior man acquaints himself
with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to
strengthen his character thereby." (Confucianism. I Ching 26: Taming
Power of the Great) "Without proverbs [traditional wisdom], the
language would be but a skeleton without flesh, a body without a soul."
(Zulu Proverb, South Africa) "Whoever discovers the interpretation of
these sayings will not taste death." (Yeshua, Gospel of Thomas)
"Absorbed in the Scriptures and their purport, he transcends the cycle
of birth and death." (Jainist Sutra)
Outward instruction and inspiration is priceless, and there is also an
inner Voice of the Silence we can tap into. "There is a speaking of God
in the core of the soul where no creature can enter or speak, for only
God lives there and only He speaks. God speaks there when the soul puts
aside all that is created, when she silences her powers and gains a
vision into the foundation of her pure essence. In this pure and silent
soul God the Father speaks and she hears His Voice." (Meister Eckhart,
German mystic) "The imaginations of the mind are just as innumerable as
the innumerable waves of an ocean. If somehow this mind can become
quiet by itself, attainment of true knowledge -- like diamond will
become easily possible [everyone in this world is sad and restless
because of lack of true knowledge. This true knowledge can be attained
only when the mind becomes quiet]." (verse from, The Sakhi Granth of
Kabir) Through silence meditation we can "step outside the box."
Silence speaks volumes. The practice of receiving inner guidance or
hearing the Voice or Life Impulse of God in the silence of
contemplation is a universal teaching of all great saints and mystics.
In, "The Way of the Saints", speaking to both the need for guidance
about more temporal matters as well as inner wisdom that leads to the
eternal experience of Ultimate Reality, Kirpal Singh said, "There is a
cardinal need for developing inner receptivity. The Master-Power, as
you all know, is not confined to any particular place. It is working in
and around you. You have but to turn your face towards Him inwardly to
get the required help and guidance wherever necessary. Learn to sit
still and be mentally still, and the silence thus generated with be
more vocal than words spoken and written; and you will have an
instantaneous solution not only to your own personal problems but to
the problems of others as well........
"God is the Ocean of utmost and
restful silence. So long as we cannot have this restful silence within
us, the soul cannot listen to the Voice of silence arising out of the
greatest depths of Silence. By following that Voice we can reach the
source and fountainhead of the Great Silence called God and be blessed
forever.... In silence the heart illumines; veil after veil is removed.
In the heart shines the Light, and the very silence becomes vocal
giving vent to the Music of the Spheres reverberating in all creation."
From the Depths Within, Living From the Center of One's Being
The
art of listening/seeing/perceiving/being introspective in the silence
of meditation provides us with countless opportunities to see clearly
without the usual day-to-day distractions, perceiving the events of our
life from a higher vantage-point. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: "Silence gives us a new way of looking at everything." Silence
allows angels to whisper advice into our ears. It also makes it
possible for the authentic self to rise to the surface, introducing a
new divine power or grace into this dimension of reality. It imparts
insight, and ultimately, wisdom borne out of the depths or womb of
contemplative silence gives birth to the realization of the soul
itself. "There was within me a stillness of silence, and I heard the
Blessedness whereby I knew my real self." (Book of Allogenes [The
"Stranger" or "Foreigner"], Nag Hammadi Library)
A Diet of Kindness and Compassion
"Be
gentle of heart and fill your mind with compassion if you want to
attain the supreme purpose of life." (Swami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan
Poetry)
 
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...no matter the species.
"Nothing
will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on
earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." -- Albert Einstein
Our
Reason to Be Here
"We are the pearls of the shoreless ocean, sometimes
the waves and sometimes the sea. We came into the world for this
purpose -- that we might show God to His creatures." (Kamal, one of
Kabir's sons)
Giving Life Meaning
"Ponds,
rains, trees, and Saints -- all these four give meaning to their
existence by helping others. A pond is meant to quench the thirst of
living beings. The rains cause crops to grow and fills the world with
greeneries. A tree gives cool shade, fruit, and wood. A Saint gives
meaning to the lives of others by imparting True Knowledge to them." (The Saakhi Granth of Kabir, an ahimsa ethics manual of Sant Mat)
"The
Master always tends and protects his disciples as a gardener nurses his
seedlings. In his divine presence, he nourishes them with his merciful
glance. It is only appropriate to use the name 'Master' for someone who
shows you the Lord within your own body, O Bahu!" (Hazrat Sultan BaHU)
Meditate Daily
"No
big deal if you had to live for a day without meals, but never live a
single day without meditation!" - Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj
Explore the Currents of Sound
"It
is the highest duty of every individual to acquire experiential
Knowledge of this Shabd [inner Sound Current], and to investigate or
explore the Origin or Source from where this Shabd flows out". (Baba
Devi Sahab)
"The
other Music or Sound is internal and the way to listen to that is by
focusing our attention on the internal `Shabd' or Sound which is
Ringing within each one of us. Shabd is a highly precious wealth in the
life of every human being. So long as this Shabd is present in a man he
is alive; as soon as the Shabd exits, it is the end of him." (Baba Devi Sahab)
"Who else is Christ but the Sound of God?" (Acts of John, Gnostic Christian scripture)
The Many Names of the Nameless (Anami) One
The
Nameless God has been given many names over the centuries. There are
countless divine names used in various schools of spirituality. Some
are given "The Five Names" (panch naam) consisting of five holy names
of God. These are revealed at the time of Initiation into Sant Mat or
Shabd Yoga meditation. These same five names have been used for
centuries in certain branches of Sant Mat connected with Kabir and Sant
Dharam Das, Sant Dariya Sahib, Sant Tulsi Sahib, and Sant Radhasoami
Sahib. Others have been given five Sufi names of God at the time of
Initiation into Surat Shabd Yoga meditation. These five Sufi or Islamic
names have the same essential meaning as the five Indian names used in
Sant Mat, and, as with the Indian names, also correspond to five basic
inner regions. (In one of the Jewish Gnostic paths of antiquity, a
group known as the Sethians, there was also a five-named or panch naam
mantra approach, only with five Hebrew names. Those were associated
with certain heavenly regions: Harmoz-el, Oroia-el, Daveithai,
El-eleth, and another word meaning, the "Self-Begotten One".) Others
are given the name RADHASOAMI (Ra-da-Swam-e, "Soul-Lord" or "Lord of
the Soul") to use in simran practice along one's journey though all of
the various states and stages within. Other Sant Mat lineages use a
two-syllabled sacred word revealed at the time of Initiation, and it
represents a name for the Soundless One, the Most High God.
In
the classic bhajans and banis of the Sants of India appear numerous
names of God. One can read verses exhorting devotees to repeat many
names of the Formless One:
"Repeat the Name of Raam".
"Repeat the Name of Radhaswami".
"Repeat the Name of Hari".
"Repeat the Name of Govinda".
"Repeat the Name of Vitthala".
"Repeat the Name of Allah".
"Repeat the Name of HOO (HU)".
Many
names have used by various Sants: Param-Atma, Hari, Alakh, Allah, Raam
or Rama, Rahim, Agam, Purushotama, Khuda, Gobind, Panduranga, Pandhari,
Vitthala, Narayana, Vitthoba, Sat Purusha, etc... Some of these names
are used by Hindu paths too, and have different meanings. As Sant
Dariya Sahib once said:
"Consider the four meanings of Ram,
The first Ram (1) is our inner self.
Parashu-ram (2) is said to be the second one.
The third one lived in Dasharath's (3) home.
The fourth Ram is the Primeval Sat Purush (4)
Call
Him (Sat Purush) Ram or call Him Naam, Ram and Naam are one. Both are
mutually indistinguishable; Satguru's Sound Current reveals this
wisdom."
______
NOTES:
The Life Principle that pervades
everywhere, permeating, witin all. Parashu-ram, the son of Sage
Jamadagni, is regarded as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ancient
king of Ayodhya, the father of Ram. Rama: the seventh incarnation of
Vishnu and the hero of the great epic Ramayana (Adventures of Rama).
The Nirguna or Formless Raam, All-Spirit. (Sant Dariya Sahab)
For
the Sants of the East, all names of the One God represent the Nameless,
Formless (Nirguna) God of Love and Compassion Who is Timeless (Akal),
Spirit, and Eternal (Sat).
The True Spirit of Simran Practice is Bhakti
"Simran"
is a term which means "Remembrance", the spiritual practice of
remembering or being mindful of God by repeating his Name. Devotees
sing or chant various names for God. Higher spiritually, and more
"within" is the practice of "manas jap", the mental repetition of God's
name or names "with the tongue of thought" - in other words, chanting
names of God within one's mind. The Sants have always placed much
greater emphasis upon mental Simran over vocal chant.
There is
however, more to Simran than the repeating of sacred names. Simran must
be approached with the right attitude, the right spirit, for one's
intent determines how successful the practice will be, and what effect
it will have upon one's consciousness. Simran has never been intended
to be a dry or lifeless mantra practice. The path of the Sants is a
bhakti path, a path of love and devotion for the Supreme Being. Thus,
the true Masters have always instructed their students to repeat God's
Name with love and devotion, as a lover calling out to one's Beloved,
the Lord of Love.
Guru Kabir
"Keep your mind ever
engrossed in the Name of the Lord as the lover's mind is ever engrossed
in his beloved. He never forgets her for a single moment - Through day
and night he remembers her.
"Happiness rests in ever-repeated simran,
Sorrow and suffering is removed by simran.
Kabir declares with utmost force and clarity:
Practise this simran and be one with the Lord." (Kabir)
What,
then, is the practice of the Name? It is a form of interior prayer by
which a person learns to keep his or her attention always in the Lord,
in every circumstance and situation, at all moments, through day and
night. It is a form of inner remembrance that leads to a heightened
awareness beyond the limitations of the physical world and the portals
of death.
Through meditation on the Name, or Nam bhakti, one learns to draw one's attention away from the outer world.
Sant Namdev
Always be in rapport with the Lord
And enjoy true contentment -
This is the state of ineffable serenity.
There is no peace except in the Name of the Lord -
Meditate on it with one-pointed attention.
Experience the state of superconsciousness
Where the Lord's love surges
And you will see your own form
In each particle of the creation.
0 Nama, the Lord will make
The pupil of your eye his home,
And your eye will expand
To contain the entire universe.
(Saint Namdev, Mystics of the East Series)
The Simran of God's Name Will Lead One to the True Name: The Sound of God
The
repetition of the holy Names is the truest spiritual technique. An
uninterrupted inner repetition of the holy Names given by the living
Master has to be practiced daily with love, devotion, and one- pointed
attention. One thereby transcends one's body and is transported to the
realms of Light.
The repetition develops into an ever-going
spontaneous process, and one catches the unceasing inner Music which
takes one to its Source, and reveals God face to face. One is,
therefore, exhorted to search daily for the Source of this Unstruck
Music. Whatever one does and wherever one happens to be, one is asked
to be a sacrifice unto His Name and to have ardent longing to behold
Him and hear His voice.
Sant Dadu Dayal
From within, the indwelling Lord Himself
tells me.
"The repetition of My Name alone
is true; all else is delusion."
The Name, the essential Truth of the
three worlds, alone is efficacious.
0 Dadu.
With discrimination, repeat it exclusively
day and night, 0 mind.
At every breath be devoted to it, and
thy Beloved will meet thee one day.
Repetition is the path leading to bliss;
thus hath the Master explained.
Be dedicated to God moment by moment,
even if thou art to lose thy life.
No other way is there to support
the self.
Who is that ill-fated one preaching some
other means?
Without the Name, tell me, where can
one find a foothold? asketh Dadu.
Let not the Name be separated for
a moment from within thy heart,
0 Dadu.
Millions have been purified by
repeating God's Name alone.
Be dedicated to God while the body
is in good condition,
Else later on, when the body and mind
are worn out, thou shalt repent,
sayeth Dadu.
The whole world is full of poison; rarely
someone is free from it, 0 Dadu.
He alone will be free from poison
who is steeped in the Name
of the Supreme Lord.
Repeat the Name with the pang of
separation, and sing its glory with
love and devotion.
Fix thy mind in repetition with joy and
dedication, 0 Dadu.
While speaking or listening, giving
or taking, eating or drinking,
Repeat the Name of God at all times,
0 Dadu, thus shalt the self rest
in the inner lotus.
(Encyclopedia of Saints of India, Volume 25: Sant Dadu Dayal)
Importance
of Initiation
"The process by which the secret of how to realize God
is taught is called deeksha or initiation. It is always rewarding to
seek initiation from a Satguru or preceptor." (Swami Achyutanand Ji)
Radhaswami: The Lord of Love
"Great
emphasis as been made by the Masters on the generation of love for the
Supreme Being, the Supreme Master who is all love. Love is the prime
source of boundless energy. Love is bliss, and thus the Supreme Being
is Supreme Bliss. Love is Light and Truth and from them emanates
intelligence. Thus, the Supreme Being is an infinite Ocean of bliss,
intelligence, energy, truth and light. He is eternal and unchangeable,
the sole director of the whole creation. Such a Supreme Being is
omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. He is all-pervading. The entire
universe is the creation of His own Current and as such He is present
at every stage in the creation." (Agam Prasad Mathur, "Petals of Love", new book)
Creating the Golden Age, Why Wait for the World to Catch Up?
There have always been a few enlightened enclaves in the world, here
and there over the centuries, a few ashrams of Essenes, Gnostics, and
Saints living ahead of their time. I like the idea of personally
stepping into the Sat Yuga or Golden Age as an individual choice.
Rather than waiting for the world to catch up -- a mighty long wait
indeed, we can live more and more from our spiritual Ideals, of
meditation, vegan or vegetarian diet, spiritual community, enlightened
activities, rising up to a higher octave, here and now. Calendars will
be always be calenders, but we are free to create the Golden Age today,
can step into Sat Yuga in this present moment.
Standing at the Crossroads of Time
Kirpal Singh: "Standing at the crossroads of Time, we must make a firm
resolve to do better from day to day; at least from the New Year's Day
that beckons us on with a promise of rosy dawn. As there are landmarks
on earth, so there are landmarks in Time. The past and future are like
sealed books to us: the one is in the limbo of oblivion, while the
other is in the womb of uncertainty. It is only the LIVING PRESENT that
is ours, and we must make the best use of it, ere it slips away through
the fingers and is lost forever. Human birth is a great privilege and
offers us a golden opportunity. It is for us to make or mar the same,
for it is given to each individual to forge his or her own destiny as
best he may."
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Friday, January 01, 2010
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Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
New Years Message from the Kabir Association
[Forwarded Message Below.]
To all family, friends, devotees and supporters
The year 2009 has now gone. It saw great turmoil still besieging the world.
May 2010 give the peacemakers of the world greater influence, and
weaken the resolve of those who are violent, so that the world may
progress towards peace, love, harmony and goodwill for all. May all the
human and material resources being squandered for negative and
destructive purposes, be redirected towards the betterment of humanity,
especially those who are materially disadvantaged.
God has given us enough wisdom that, when properly used, will make our
lives sublime. Let us all re-connect with our spiritual nature, make
our karmas pure, and develop a life of gratitude, love, compassion,
sharing and understanding. We all owe it to God and ourselves and
family to make the world a better place.
Blessings to all.
J. Das
Kabir Association
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Friday, December 25, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Delightful Paradoxical Poem of Sant Radhasoami Sahib (Soami Ji Maharaj)
Radhasoami Reality:
http://groups.yahoo.com/gr..oup/Radhasoami-Reality
{Radhaswami Dayal ki Daya Radhaswami Sahai:"Grant Merciful Radhasoami Thy Grace and Protection"}
(Saw this poem posted at the [radhasoamisatsangi] group, which I'm a
member of. It's very special. Had to forward it, plus I have included
another translation of the same poem from the Sar Bachan Radhasoami
Poetry [as four .jpg images, S.D. Maheshwari translation, Agra, India],
which also provides commentary.)
Soami Ji Maharaj, from the Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry, Volume Two, Chapter 41 Shabad 21:
[radhasoamisatsangi]
Everything the Master has taught me is paradoxical.
He has taught me things unwisely.
Sleep and you shall build up treasure
Stay alert and you will loose your savings
Sit still and you will reach your destination
Walk fast and you will go nowhere
The earth rises above the sky
The sky sinks into underworld
Thieves are rewarded by the owner of the house
The honest are punished
Fire shivers because of cold
The rain withers the tree branches
The food gets pangs of hunger
Water is dying of thirst
The cot is laid on the sleeper
The awake are in deep sleep
The barren women are tired of giving birth
The fertile are now called barren
The earth is galloping on horse
Then riding the camel it blasts into the sky
Radhaswami by his grace
United the soul with Shabad
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
 Namo arahantanam Namo siddhanam Nomo ayariyanam. Namo uvajjhayanam Namo loe savvashunam. Obeisance
to the Worthy souls. Obeisance to the Liberated souls. Obeisance to the
Preceptors (Spiritual Guides). Obeisance to the Spiritual Teachers.
Obeisance to all the Saints in the world. (Lord Mahavira, Saman Suttam, Jainist Scripture)
Jainisim and Surat Shabda Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound)
By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj
The Harmony of All Religions,
Excerpted from the chapter on Jainism
In
the Yoga of Sound (Surat Shabda Yoga), the gross material sound
manifests initially, and thereafter the Essential Inner Divine Sound
(Anahad), also know as OM or Pranava. It is the Cosmic Sound of the
beginning.
There are several references to the essential Cosmic Sound in the context of Lord Mahavira’s teachings:
"Taking
hold of this essential Anahat element (the Sound of OM) or Shivanam,
the ascetics have gone across [beyond] this world of delusion and pain."
In
this way meditation upon the mantra and the Essential Sound are
described. Also the technique of meditation on the OM Sound is
elaborated:
"O
Ascetic! Meditate on the Cosmic Sound of OM because it is like rain for
extinguishing the fire of suffering. And it is also like a lamp which
illuminates the subtle essence of the sacred teachings. It is the
governance of good deeds." (Jnanarnva, sarga: 38)
Acharya Tulsi says:
"From the infinitesimal point and the Divine Sound the subtlest waves (vibrations) reverberate."
In his book, The Method of Using Preksha Dhyāna, Acharya Mahapragya writes:
"Close both ears with your hands and listen to the Inner Sounds."
The Jnanarnva (sarga 36) says:
"The
mendicant with purified mind should meditate on the sky with rainbow,
lightning, and the sound of thunder, and full of clouds."
Swami Jnananada says in the Pandita Puja:
"In the Divine Sound of God (Bhagawan) all the mysteries are revealed."
Shri Jinendravarni states:
"What
does one hear with these ears? It is a sweet Sound. . . Closing my
eyes, as if I were united with God, I was away from this world. Only my
Peace incarnate and dispassionate Lord (Mahavira) and I existed [ego
and worldly concerns had vanished in the state of complete
tranquility]."
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Monday, December 21, 2009
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Category: Podcast
Inner Light and Sound: 10 Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts of 2009 Available for Listening or Downloading at Blog Talk Radio: http://lnk.ms/4yVgq
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Monday, December 21, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
The Magnificence of Inner Sound Meditation (Nada Dhyan), By Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj Sant Mat Mysticism Blog: http://santmat.gaia.com/blog Below
are translated excerpts from the book, "Vindu – Nada Dhyan", authored
by the octogenarian Sant Revd. Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj, one of the
eldest living disciples of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, as well as an
eminent scholar in the tradition of Santmat founded by Sant Tulsi Sahab
of Hathras. Swami Ji has had the rare fortune of very prolonged close
serving association of more than three decades with Maharshi Mehi who
appointed him as the founder editor of the spiritual monthly "Shanti
Sandesh" (Message of Peace) published by Maharshi Mehi Ashram,
Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Swami Achyutanand Ji even at this
ripe age has dedicated his life to propagating the ideals of Santmat by
widely travelling across the length and breadth of India, his mother
country. He has a number of books to his credit like, "Vindu – Nada
Dhyan", "Santmate Ki Baten", "Navadha Bhakti", "Bandaun Guru Pad Kanj",
"Maharshi Mehi Ke Ashirwachan Aur Upadesh", "Sukti Sudha Sagar", etc.
He also is the current editor of the quarterly "Adhyatma Prakash"
(Light of Spirituality) published by Maharshi Santsewi Dhyan Yogashram,
Agarpara, Kolkata, India. - Translated into English by Pravesh K. Singh (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati http://profiles.yahoo.com/praveshksingh) The Magnificence of Nada Dhyan (Inner Sound Meditation) It
is essential to practice bindu-dhyan, Drishti Yoga -- the Yoga of Inner
Light -- before doing Nada–Dhyan [Yoga of Inner Sound], because with
continued practice of Drishti Yoga (meditation on the Inner Light), the
ability to practice Nada meditation is truly gained. The mind gets
completely controlled with Nada–dhyan. The mind does not merely become
controlled, it actually dies down. Sant Charandas Ji has depicted it
exquisitely: "jabase anahad ghora sunI | indri thakit galit mana hUA, AshA sakal bhunI||" [Since
when I perceived the Divine Sound echoing within, all the organs became
completely quiet, the mind got dissolved, and all longings ceased. ] How did this happen? Charandas Ji further elaborates, "ghUmat naina shithil bhayi kAyA, amal jo surat sanI | roma roma Ananda upaj kari, Alas sahaj bhanI ||" This
means, on turning the Drishti (vision or gaze) inward (i.e. practicing
Drishti Yoga), and on perceiving the Inner Sound, the body turned
motionless, every pore of it got soaked in Divine bliss, and all
lethargy, quite naturally, fled away. It is why Kabir Sahab taught, "shabda khoji mana basa karai, sahaja yoga hai yehi | satta shabda nija sAra hai, yaha to jhUThI dehi ||" [Subjugate the mind by finding the Inner Sound; this is the sahaja (natural) yoga.] | The True or Unstruck Word is our essence; this body of ours is otherwise illusory or impermanent. ||] Sant Charandas Ji further says, "karate anahad dhyAn ke, Brahma rUpa hoi jAya | Charandas yon kahata hai, bAdhA saba miT jAya ||" [By meditating on the Word, the practitioner becomes the same as God or Brahman. | Practicing this way, says Charandas Ji, all obstacles are removed. ||] In the Nadabind Upanishad it has been said about the Inner Sound (Nada) meditation that, "sarvachintAm samutsrijya sarvachesTA vivarjitah | nAdamevAnusandAdhyAnnAde chittam vilIyate || nAdAsaktam sadA chittam vishayam na hi kAnkshati |" That
is, sidelining all worries and all efforts, one should mainly focus on
the exploration of Nada; by doing thus the mind gets dissolved in the
Nada, and the mind thus absorbed in the Nada does not crave anymore for
the sensory objects. Nada itself is Brahma. We should absorb our mind in this very Nada. Shrimadadya Shankaracharya has stated in Yogataravali: "sadA shivoktAni sapAdalakshyalayAvadhAnAni vasanti loke | nAdAnusandhAna samAdhimekam manyAmahe mAnyatamam layAnAm || nAdAnusandhan namostu tubhyam tvam manmahe tattvapadam layAnAm | bhavatprAsAdAt pavanena sAkam vilIyate VishNupade mano me || sarva chintAm parityajya sAvadhAnena chetasA | nAda evAnusandheyo yoga sAmrAjyamichchhatA ||" [Lord Shiva, the propounder of the Yoga Shastra, has listed 1,25,000 ways of dissolution of mind. | Amongst these Nadanu-sandhana (meditation on the Inner Sound) is the best, as well as the easiest way. || I bow to thee, O Nada! You lift me on to the Highest Throne. | It
is only with your grace that my prANa-vAyu (vital life-air) and my mind
get dissolved in the Highest echelon of the Supreme Lord. || (Therefore,) renouncing all sorts of worries and with an alert and focussed mind...| Those who yearn for the union with the Highest should meditate on the Divine Sound within. ||] Balayogi Shri Bala Swami Ji Maharaj has beautifully expressed his views regarding Nada-dhyana, "This
is such a means that enables us easily experience that supreme bliss
that is our very own. Nada has a unique power. All of us know of the
joy we experience while listening to melodious music in the outer
world, but so unique and unparalleled is the bliss of this Inner Melody
that the mind gets completely dissolved, and all its cravings get
annihilated." `indriyANAm manonAtho manonAthastu mArutah | mArutasya layo nAthah sa layo nAdamAshritah ||' [Mind is the master of all the organs; prANavAyu (vital life-air) is the lord of the mind. | `Manolaya'
(dissolution or absorption of mind) is the boss of prANavAyu, and this
dissolution is accomplished with the help of Nada, the Inner Sound.||] Perseverance
in the practice of Nadanu-sandhana leads to the dissolution of the
mind. By sitting in a proper posture and consistently practicing
looking within, with the eyes closed, one gets to listen to the Nada."
(Kalyana Yoganka, p 325) Sant Kabir sings prolific praise of Shabda-sadhana or Nada-dhyana: "Kabir shabda sarIr mein, bin gun bAjai tAnt | bAhar bhItar rami rahA, tAtein chhoTI bhrAnti || shabda shabda bahu antarA, shabda sAra kA sIr | shabda shabda kA khojanA, shabda shabda kA pIr || shabda shabda bahu antarA, sAra shabda chita deya | jA shabdai sAhaba milai, soi shabda gahi leya || shabda shabda sab koi kahai, wo to shabda videha | jibhyA par Awai nahIn, nirakhi parakhi kari deh || shabda hamArA Adi ka, pala pala kariye yAda | anta falaigI mAnhi kI, bAhar kI sab bAda || yahi baDAi shabda kI, jaise chumbak bhAya | binA shabda nahin ubarai, ketA karai upAya || shabda binA sruti AndharI, kaho kahAn ko jAya | dvAra na pAvai shabda kA, firi firi bhaTakA khAya ||" [The Word, says Kabir Sahab, keeps ringing in the body | It is pervading within and without; this alone can destroy all confusion. || There are many Words, each different from the other, the Quintessential Word is the crown of all. | One Word is explored through the other, as one Word is the Guru of (or leads to) the other. || Words are much different from each other; focus yourself on to the Quintessential Word. | Grasp that Word that would take you to the Supreme Lord. || Though everyone talks of the Word, that Word is without form. | The tongue can't pronounce it; it has to be perceived within the body. || The Word has been there before we came into being, remember (meditate on it) constantly.| This Word alone that is found within will prevail in the end, rest all being of least significance. || The beauty of the Word is that it acts like a magnet. | One can't be liberated without the Word however hard one might try. || The soul is blind without the Word, knowing not which way to go. | Not finding the Word, the soul keeps wandering again and again. ||]
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Monday, December 21, 2009
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Category: Podcast
How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian-Vegan with Betska K-Burr - Spiritual Awakening Radio Announcement
12/18 How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian-Vegan with My Guest Betska K-Burr, Part One
Click to Listen to Archived Show-On-Demand:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ASXGenerator.aspx?mediaSKU=spAjKjEizi7ulzDKZkgA1g%3d%3d
12/25 How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian-Vegan with My Guest Betska K-Burr, PT 2 -- Part Two Will Air Christmas Day, December 25th, at:
1 PM Eastern Time, Noon Central, 11 AM Mountain, 10 AM Pacific Time, Which is 6 PM in the UK via:
http://www.HealthyLife.net -- Positive Talk Radio. At the HealthyLifeNet page, click the blue "Listen Live" button for the streaming audio.
Vegetarian Vegan Empowerment -
PDF Files Related to These Shows
1) A Special Vegan Holiday Meal:
http://spiritualawakeningradio.com/ASpecialVeganHolidayMeal.pdf
2) How to be a Healthy Vegetarian:
http://spiritualawakeningradio.com/How_to_be_a_Healthy_Vegetarian.pdf
3) Vegetarian Vegan Recipe Book:
http://spiritualawakeningradio.com/Vegetarian_Vegan_Recipe_Book_06Feb09.pdf
All For the Love of Wisdom and Radio,
James Bean
Spiritual Awakening Radio Productions
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Monday, December 21, 2009
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Category: Religion and Philosophy
Non-Attachment, Even to One's Own Spiritual Path Non-attachment
is liberating, and to the ears it might sound strange to say this
perhaps but, one of the greatest gifts is to be non-attached even to
one's "own" spiritual path in order to truly be a devotee of it. It's
essentially like saying, give up Christianity in order to follow
Christ. There is wisdom in remaining aloof from organizational
politics, intrigue in the palace court and institutions, in order to be
a sincere lover of the Beloved. Good to be on guard about overbearing
mental impulses and attachments. No putting on airs -- in simplicity
there is genuineness. When he first arrived in Hathras, Tulsi
Sahib at night slept in the hollow of a banyan tree that was located
about a mile out of town. In that spot he also spent much time in
meditation. The
Buddha was once asked: "To what extent can a person be a speaker of the
Way?" He answered: "If a person teaches the Way in order to transcend
the tyranny of material things and to teach how to transcend feelings,
perceptions, impulses, and consciousness -- teaching non-attachment
with regard to these -- then that person can be called a speaker of the
Way. If he is himself trying to transcend the pull of the material
world and to feel non-attachment toward it, then it is fitting to say
he is living in accordance with the Way. If he is liberated by this
transcendence and non-attachment, then you can say he has found Nirvana
here and now. (Samyutta Nikaya) "Effortlessly" by John Astin, Youtube Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGLCprEizRE The truth is that happiness already exists right here, in all things appearing each thought and every feeling, that blow like the wind inside the vastness that's looking from no place and everywhere the vastness is loving each moment appearing and resolving effortlessly. Awareness shines, so effortlessly. No beginning, no end, unceasingly.
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