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#2300

From: "Sant Mat Mysticism" <santmat_mystic@...>
Date: Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:07 pm
Subject: Tulsi's Abode of the Beloved -- Tulsi Sahib's Sant Mat

santmat_mystic

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Tulsi's Abode of the Beloved -- Tulsi Sahib's Sant Mat
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/santmat_mystic

Below are some Shabdavali: mystic verses of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib, the Great Saint of Hathras, India, Adi Guru of many if not most all contemporary Sant Mat guru-lineages, the grandfather or founding-father of modern-day Sant Mat. Since Tulsi serves as a connecting link between the classic Sants of India including earlier Masters in the Kabir lineage, and contemporary Sant Mat, any serious study of Sant Mat teachings must include the hymns and spiritual discourses of Sant Tulsi Sahib.

Some of the Shabdavali of Sant Tulsi Sahib was published in the Hindi edition of Volume Six of the book, Prem Patra Radhaswami, by Huzur Maharaj. In English this is made available in the book, Param Sant Tulsi Saheb, translated by S.D. Maheshwari, published by the Maheshwari family in Agra:
http://www.radhasoami-faith.info/Books_Frame.shtml

I am hopeful that, between the various satsang centers: Hathras, Maharishi Mehi Ashram, or perhaps Radhaswami sources, more writings of Sant Tulsi Sahib will eventually become available in English including: Ghat Ramayana, Shabdavali, Ratan Sagar, and Padam Sagar, also commentary on those volumes.

In the Love, Light and Sound of the Beloved,

James
Sant Mat Fellowship
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship

Shabd 27: The ocean of existence is unfathomably vast and without any port of safety. It cannot be crossed. If you meet Sat Guru [True Eternal Light-giver], the boatman, then only will you get across and reach your Abode. The world is a net which Maya [illusion] has cast for the Jiva [unliberated soul]. Says Tulsi that, under the sway of greed and attachment, the Jiva wanders in the transmigratory cycle.

Shabd 28: Concentrating your Surat [attention-faculty of the soul] repeatedly, remain withdrawn towards the region of the eyes [third eye center]. Cleansing the mirror, as it were, of the body and mind, let your Surat proceed on. If you get the opportunity of looking beyond, you will find the truth. Says Tulsi, if you become the dust of the holy feet of Sants [Saints, souls who have reached the Fourth Lok -- fifth plane/heaven or above], you will see Refulgence.

Shabd 29: Whosoever took proper care of his Surat, did not have any fear of Kal [time, the lord of death]. His Surat ascended, and on rushing to Gagan [inner mystic sky] reached her Lord. She met her Beloved on repairing to the Abode of Agam Purush [Inaccessible Being]. Says Tulsi, the illusions, delusions and misery of innumerable lives were thus obliterated.

Shabd 30: Says Tulsi that He will now tell of the Abode, the whereabouts, the seat and the Region of the Beloved. That the Beloved resides beyond Brahm. The region of Sat Nam (who is the Beloved) is Amarpur (Imperishable Region), an Abode of All Happiness. Tulsi says that whoever attains the fourth Lok is called a Sant.

Shabd 31: All Sants say that Sat Nam [True, Eternal Name] is the beginning and the end of all. They enable Jivas to realize within themselves the secrets of the Vedas and the Shastras. There can be no escape without the help of Sants, for, who else can tell of the whereabouts of the Essence (Truth)? Says Tulsi that it is only when Surat ascends and pierces the Sky that it reaches the goal.

Shabd 32: Surat ascends and rushes within, as it beholds visions there. Taking its location at the bedstead of Sukhmana [Royal Vein, central energy current running from the third eye center into higher regions] it makes for the region of the Sunn [the Void]. He alone knows of this, who has had Darshan [Vision] of the Lord on the mirror within. Says Tulsi, the yearning oyster alone recognizes the drops of Swanti rain.

Shabd 33: Listen within day and night; you will hear blissful inner Sounds. Within everyone, reverberates Shabd [Sound Currents], about which no one knows. The Brahmand [cosmos, inner planes] is represented in the body in every respect. Says Tulsi, open your inner eyes, and the Sant will show it to you.

Shabd 34: Glittering Light shines in the region of the Sky, which only a brave one can behold. If one seeks the Truth, one will not go down the transmigratory cycle. If one meets the Merciful Sat Guru, one will come to know of all the secrets from Him. If one renders service to a Sant, he will tell one of the whereabouts of the Abode. Says Tulsi, it is only by being dead whilst alive* that one can find the Perfect Guru.

*Note: "being dead whilst alive" or "death before dying", a popular saying used by Sants and Sufi poets espousing the view that rising above body-consciousness or soul travel during meditation practice is a preparation or rehearsal for the afterlife. Hazrat Sultan Bahu: "Let us die before dying, O Bahu, only then is the Lord attained."

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#2301

From: "Sant Mat Mysticism" <santmat_mystic@...>
Date: Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:04 pm
Subject: Maharshi Mehi � The Bridge between Scriptures and Santmat

santmat_mystic

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Maharshi Mehi � The Bridge between Hindu Scriptures and Santmat

by Pravesh K. Singh

Sant Tulsi Sahab of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India undoubtedly occupies the most pre-eminent position in the lineage of Sant mat and can be said to be the First Saint in the glorious tradition of Modern Age Sant mat. Mr. James Bean, who has made an intensive study of Sant mat and runs several groups on Santmat very rightly depicts Sant Tulsi Sahab as the "Adi Guru of many if not most all contemporary Santmat guru-lineages, the grandfather or founding-father of modern-day Santmat" and as a "connecting link between the classic Sants of India including earlier Masters in the Kabir lineage, and contemporary Santmat", and advocates that "any serious study of Santmat teachings must include the hymns and spiritual discourses of Sant Tulsi Sahib".

While Sant Tulsi Sahab laid the foundation of the Santmat tradition of modern times, it was exquisitely served and enriched in a unique way by Maharsi Mehi Paramhans ji Maharaj. Maharshi Mehi was a direct disciple of Baba Devi Sahab of Muradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India who had special blessings of Sant Tulsi Sahab. Before I proceed further, I wish to place on record that I have a firm opinion that all true saints are equal, as they all have by dint of their rigorous meditational practices raised their consciousness to merge into that of, and hence, have become one with, the Absolute Power, God. I, thus, have (and all of us should have) equal admiration and respect for all the saints (Lord Buddha, Lord Mahaveer, Shankaracharya ji,Ramanand ji, Kabir Sahab, Guru Nanak, Tulasi Das ji, Tulsi Sahab, Baba Devi Sahab, Dadu Dayal ji, Sundar Das ji, Swapach ji, Radhaswami Sahab ji, Rai Bahadur Shaligram Sahab ji, Ravidas ji, Ram Krishna Paramhans ji, Swami Vivekanand ji, Kamaal Sahab, Tukaram ji, Jagjivan Sahab, Palatu Sahab, Gorakhnath ji, Shiv Narayan Swami ji, Dariyaa Sahab (Bihari), Dariyaa Sahab (Marwari), Soordas ji, Dharani Das ji, Garib das Ji, Yari Sahab ji, Doolan Das ji, Gulal Sahab, Brahmaanand ji, Keena Ramji, Charandas ji, Sahajo Bai, Shabri, Mira bai, Maharshi Raman, Rumi, Bulla Sahab, Guru Gobind Sahab etc. etc.) whichever sect or panth they are from (in fact, the saints did never form or even propose to form any sects or panths, those have always been formed & promoted � sometimes chauvinistically � by their followers; the saints have always been much beyond sectarianism). So whatever I propose to say about Maharshi Mehi in the following paragraphs must not, in any way, be construed to put him above or below other saints or to undermine the importance of other saints. All saints have, in all times, made the noblest efforts to uplift the humankind from their woeful state of being attached to the illusory duo of the body & the world.

The role of Maharshi Mehi was, however, arguably unique in one sense. All saints, as has been underscored above, are equal as they have become one with Him. However, the worldly roles played by different saints of different times have been different depending upon the place & time of their appearance and the then prevalent social milieu. Saints like Shankaracharya, taking the support of Holy Scriptures (some of these being the same Scriptures which were used by Dualists), established the supremacy of Monist or Non-dualist Philosophy. Many other saints like Kabir, Nanak etc. preached to the world, on the basis of their own direct spiritual experiences, the evanescence, the impermanence of this illusory creation (the attachment to which is the prime cause of our sufferings & endless wanderings through 8.4 millions of species) and exhorted us to practice non-detached way of living and steadfast meditation so as to liberate ourselves of the countless cycles of birth & death. They also made valiant efforts in fighting & eradicating social evils and religious parochialism which were rampant in their times. Some of their teachings, however, also conveyed the impression, falsely though (because such impressions were based on faulty interpretation of their sayings), that all the intellectual exercises such as studying of numerous Scriptures were futile and as such of no avail, rather impediments in the path of liberation. In due course of time an apparent scenario emerged wherein the Vedas and Scriptures (composed by Rishis of ancient times) and popular Saints, who generally preached in commonplace languages and local dialects, came to be seen, as it were,to be in direct opposition to each other. The wisdom of Upanishads was unfortunately conceived to be contrary to the teachings of the modern saints, and the hiatus between the two appeared to be widening with time. It was then that Maharshi Mehi rose to the occasion realising the dire necessity to bridge this gap which was unreal, fabricated, and being made more permanent so to say. He decided to make an in-depth study of the four Vedas, various Upanishads, commentaries on these Scriptures by the various scholars, and the sayings of the saints ranging from the time of Lord Buddha to that of Radhaswami Sahab and Baba Devi Sahab. He very meticulously & diligently examined the quintessence, the underlying postulates of all these, and came up with a sound conclusion that there is no inconsistence whatsoever between the wisdom of the Ancient Scriptures and the Sermons and discourses of saints of modern saints, that both unequivocally convey the same central idea or message. He wrote several books to lend credence to his inferences. For example, he authored "Veda Darshan Yoga" (meaning the Philosophy of Vedas) and showed how the ideas contained in the hymns of Vedas are in agreement with the precepts of Santmat. He also wrote a commentary on Srimad Bhagvad Gita titled "Shri Gita Yog Prakash" and thereby clarified and removed several of misinterpretations of the shlokas contained therein. He also wrote "Ram Charit Manas Saar Sateek", a commentary on the Rama Charit Manas composed by Goswami Tulasidas ji wherein he has rendered wonderful explanations & expositions of several couplets & quartets to bring out their hidden metaphysical meanings which are extremely edifying & rare to find, even though scores of commentaries on Ram Charit Manas by several scholars have been written so far. His commentary on the Ghat Ramayan of Sant Tulsi Sahab of Hathras named "Bhaavaarth Sahit Ghat Ramayan Padaavali" is a must read for any spiritual seeker. He compiled shlokas, along with their translation from authentic sources, from a number of Upanishads to prove how identical & consistent they are with what saints, some of them formally illiterate at that, have said or written from their own experience. Finally he decided to take upon himself the herculean task, in which he was very ably assisted by his dearest disciple & successor Maharshi Santsewi ji, of collating the teachings of Vedas, Upanishads, renowned commentators such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, etc, and saints together in one place,in the form of one great book titled "Satsang Yoga" divided in four parts. Part Four of the book contains his own conclusions and the accurate road map depicting, with the accuracy & precision of a scientist, the various stages of spiritual meditation and the spiritual states experienced by the sincere spiritual seekers on the way to perfection which means actual merger of the individual soul into the Absolute Entity called God just as a river merges its identity wholly with that of a sea losing its own individuality in the process. Here he has explained, with striking clarity, the order in which different planes of Universe (viz., Shabdaateet Pad, Hiranyagarbh, Bhanwar Gufaa, Mahaashoonya, Shoonya, Trikuti, Sahastradal Kamal , Ajnaa Chakra and the other chakras) came to be created by and from God and which are realised directly by the saadhak (practitioner) during his meditation. The spiritual cosmology sketched by him, again with the able assistance of Maharshi Santsewiji, is perhaps the clearest and the most elaborate available anywhere wherein the equivalent names of different levels of creation used by Sufi Fakirs also have been included. The clarity and the confidence with which he describes the experiences of a spiritual practitioner during meditation which includes seeing different lights & innumerable cosmos through the inner eyes and listening,through inner ears, to myriads of sounds (such as those resembling notes of various musical instruments & thundering of clouds) culminating in grasping of the Quintessential Unstruck Melody known as Anaahat Shabd or Saar Shabd which leads unto the Kingdom of One & the Only Almighty, is unparalleled and leaves the reader assured that these are the words backed by direct, first-hand experience of a saint. Satsang Yoga � Part IV, in fact, reads like a systematic scientific documentation, a research thesis.

As the gist of the whole of his intensive research into literature and hi sown direct experience, he made a loud & confident proclamation that the scriptures and saints are essentially in unison and that any view to the contrary is wholly unfounded and worthy of rejection. He firmly opines that one has to accept the Upanishads as the base, the foundation of the Santmat because the most sublime and the loftiest of the meditational techniques known as Naadaanusandhaan or Surat Shabd Yoga (The Yoga of Divine Sound) in which Santmat takes utmost pride, have been scintillating in all their splendour resting on this very terra firma called the Upanishads since times immemorial.

Thus,the greatest and most unique contribution of Maharshi Mehi was that he brought together, bridged the gulf that had come to separate not only the Holy Scriptures and the Santmat but also the different traditions or sects of sants from each other.

His great work was extended further by his greatest disciple and worthy successor, Maharshi Santsewiji, who tried to carry forward the syncretistic philosophy to a global scale. He studied all the major religions of the world in depth, sifted their essence or spirit and established the underlying unity & harmony among all of them aboveboard. In his extraordinary book "Sarva Dharma Samanway" which has been beautifully translated by Mrs. Veena Howard, Santmat Society of North America (http://thewayofsages.com), by the name "Harmony of All Religions", Maharshi ji has emphatically proved this harmony, citing convincing references from various religions viz. Vedic Religion, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc. Mr. James Bean has done a lucid review of Mrs. Howard's Translation.

In the light of the above, it is my considered view that any sincere seeker who wants to delve deep, look into the heart of Santmat, must undertake a serious study of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans' works, and that any scheme of syllabi of a course on Santmat, if one were to be ever attempted, will have to include Maharshi Mehi's Sahitya (literature). Maharshi Mehi Paramhans would always be remembered in the annals of history of humanity in general and Santmat in particular for having built the bridge between the Hindu Scriptures and Santmat.

Jai Guru!

My blogs may be seen at http://blog.yahoo.com/praveshksingh

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#2303

From: "Sant Mat Mysticism" <santmat_mystic@...>
Date: Sat Jan 3, 2009 9:48 pm
Subject: Tour the Amazing Inner World of Brilliant Lights & Breathtaking Melodies

santmat_mystic

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Tour the Amazing Inner World of Brilliant Lights & Breathtaking Melodies

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"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}

[English translation of awonderful verse composed by Maharshi Mehi Paramhans ji Maharaj(28.04.1885- 08.06.1986) , based on its Hindi Translation by Maharshi Santsewi Ji Paramhans, in which Maharshi Mehi depicts beautifully his own experiences of spiritual meditation (Meditation on the Yoga of Divine Light & the Yoga of Divine Sound), excerpted from his book "Mehi Padavali" (Poems of Mehi).

-Translated into English by Pravesh K. Singh (http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/sant_ santati , http://blog. 360.yahoo. com/praveshksing h ) ]

N.B.

To prevent the post from getting lengthy, the original verse is not produced here.

Translation:

Aril

I (Maharshi Mehi Paramhans ji Maharaj) illustrate the precepts of Santmat for the beneficence of spiritual practitioners.
I describe these principles in the form of aril verses (a literary style of poetry), knowing & practicing which correctly, the practitioners will become truly fortunate or blessed.
These precepts, each one of these, are invaluable or priceless.
Bowing my head, says Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, in obeisance at the lotus feet of the sants I am going to describe whatever I desire to say. ||1||

Serve the sants daily and attend satsang in their noble company.
Listen attentively to their life-giving words and imbibe them whole heartedly.
Reflect upon these discourses. And, if you are not able to understand these fully, go back and learn again from them (sants).
Inline with the knowledge thus gained, advises Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, mould your behaviour/conduct accordingly. ||2||

Having gathered knowledge (in Satsang) thus, search for a true teacher (Guru) and select a true preceptor/Guru.
All the ways of, or efforts at, seeking Self-Realisation without (or, in absence of) the guidance of a True Guru are incomplete, imperfect, doubtful (of yielding desirable results).
I am going to narrate, states Maharshi Mehi Paramnsji Maharaj, in the form of the following kundaliyaa chhand (another literary style of poem composition) as to how to identify a true Guru.
If you finally get one such Guru with the grace of God, serve him throwing away or sacrificing your personal ego. ||3||

Kundaliya

He who knows the way to liberation, he who practices meditation everyday
And while doing so lives in this world with a true & pure heart.
Who loves Satsang fortifying his detachment (with things worldly) everyday�
Who destroys faulty thinking or evil thoughts (of his disciples) by imparting the right knowledge�
Who firmly implants the precepts of Santmat in our minds clarifying all our doubts�
He and he only (who is gifted with all the above virtues), having a true & pure heart, says Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, can be a Guru.

Aril

Utter pleasant truth, and shun stealing.
Give up taking to, or consuming, intoxicating substances, renounce adultery and do not commit violence.
Meditate, as taught by the Guru, with a pure mind.
Iam going to tell about, pronounces Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj,how to practice meditation, so please listen with rapt attention ||4||

Sit on a pure `aasan' (small square piece of mat, carpet, cloth sheet etc.) with your back, neck and head held in a straight (vertical) line.
Then keeping your mouth and eyes shut, internally chant the name of the deity (or Guru) you worship and internally visualise the form of your (Guru or) desired deity.

Doing so regularly with loving devotion, with perseverance, the mind gradually gets purified.
I will now describe, Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj articulates, what is to be done next, so please listen attentively. ||5||

The mind (while trying to focus it on a fixed target) often strays to numerous other thoughts. In all such cases when the mind wanders away from the target
Bringit back again and again, as soon as you realize its flight to objectsor subjects other than the target, and focus it on your target.
Thus practising the `pratyaahaar' (the process or practice of repeatedly bringing the mind back to focus on its target every time it strays away), move up to or acquire the state of `dhaaranaa' (the state of mind staying focussed on the target for a small length of time).
Moveahead and ascend yourself, counsels Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj,holding on to the current in the inner sky, then move furtherahead.||6||

Very alertly grasp the prime current in the inner sky
And consciously behold the resplendent wonders or plays there (in the inner sky).
Still your gaze, your currents of seeing, at the bank or wharf of Sushumna or the Tenth Door.
And, yes, swiftly ascend through this door, exhorts Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj||7||

Bravely practising thus, rise higher into the 'Brahmaand' (Cosmos or Macro Cosmos or the Universe) leaving the `pind' (our body or micro-cosmos) behind.
(For this) make your sight focussed and penetrate into the Sushumna, just as an arrow pierces its target.
Getting there once (that is, on entering into the Sushumna), explains Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, `bindu' (refulgent point visualized in the inner sky when the currents of vision meet at a point in the Sushumna) and `naad' (Divine Sound or Vibration) would escort or lead you ahead (as guides) and take you on a trip to the realm of Divine light along with the realm of Divine Sound ||8||

Tour through the sphere of light, and see the glittering light.
In the proximity of the `til' or `bindu' (brilliant point) is seen the light of `jugnoo' (glow-worm), see it fixedly.
Lightning is also sighted there and it becomes very difficult to fix the gaze at this (lightning).
Howwould the sight be able to fix or still itself at the glittering point,remarks Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, at that brilliant light solong as the surat (attention, current of consciousness) keeps trembling (that is, is not stilled)?||9||

Through regular & rigorous practice of `drishti yog' (Meditation on Divine Light within)�
The trembling or shaking of surat would automatically go away as it would mature slowly (and become absolutely fixed or stilled).
Til Dwar (Tenth Door or The Third Eye) will break open by gazing at it with great effort�
Under the thrust of constant, fixed gazing, says Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj. ||10||

Closing the three (eyes, ears and the mouth) look at the resplendent point as well as perceive the current of sound within.
Beingdrawn or attracted by this current move on from one sound to anotherand listen to (with the inner ear) a wide variety of sounds�
Such as the chirping of cricket, humming of black beetle�
Ringing of bells, sounds of `shankh' (conch), `shehnaai' (great pipe) etc, recounts Maharshi Mehi Paramhans ji Maharaj. ||11||

Current of sound is perceived along with sighting of star and the flame of a burning lamp.
Majestic divine sky replete with supernatural moonlight opens up (to the practitioner).
Howit feels, Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj remarks, to perceive the various sounds there, how does it feel to behold the astonishing fullmoon (full moon is seen in the region of sahastraara or thousand-petalled lotus)�
Can be known to, or experienced by, that perseverant and brave practitioneralone who is wholly immersed in inner meditation. ||12||

He who gets very profoundly or deeply engrossed in meditation�
Loses awareness of his gross body�truly steadfast and resolute is he (who experiences this).
Suchan inwardly-turned practitioner, avers Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, is not even aware of the time � whether it is evening ormorning, day or night.
Externally he appears to be stationary, ormotionless like an inanimate or inert being, though, he is fully alertor conscious internally. ||13||

In whose face or comparison this external sun (of the outer world) appears quite dim, without light, or pales into insignificance�
Beyond the zone of moon is seen such a majestic inner sun (in the region of Trikutee situated above the sahastraara - the thousand-petalled lotus).
Who can describe those loud roaring sounds that are heard there?
Oh really, narrates Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, sounds resembling the `mahaa nagaadaa' (giant sized drums) beats and thundering of clouds keep reverberating there. ||14||

Further ahead is attained the state of `shoonya samaadhi' (in the region of Void) where there is sound and sound only.
Only such a devoted servant of sant who is driven by an ardent desire to goback to his primeval or original home attains to this state.
Here the practitioner gets to listen, through the ears of attention, to the melodious tunes of `muralee'/'murli' (flute).
Listening to such melodies, Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj affirms, gives rise to great curiosity or intense desire (to tune into more and more of such enchanting melodies). ||15||

When we find a true Guru who knows the right skills or secret (to realise Him), he gives us the hint to "Naada Dhyaan or Shabda Yoga" (Meditation on the Divine Sound Current).
That which can not be likened to anything else and that which never undergoes any change is called the `saar-shabd' (Quintessential or Primeval Sound/Word).
Even this Quintessential Sound gets dissolved or merged in `nihshabd' (soundless state).
Sants have sung (in their verses) the praises of, utters Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, this very soundless entity variously referred to as `Addhvani', `Ashabd', `Anaam' etc. ||16||

Accompanying the Quintessential Sound, the surat (individual soul) also merges into the `akah' (indescribable soundless realm), the Highest State.
The nature of this Highest State, which is also termed as `Adhwani', `Ashabd', `Anaam' etc., is entirely different or distinct from anything else and is unique.
Having attained (and merged into oneness with) that Supreme Sovereign God who is devoid of all sorts of dichotomies & dualities�
Surat (the soul)has never, Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj asserts, to come back into this world, that is, does not need to take birth in this world. ||17||

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#2304

From: "Sant Mat Mysticism" <santmat_mystic@...>
Date: Sat Jan 24, 2009 6:42 am
Subject: Guru-Pooja, By Swami Shri Bhagirath Ji Maharaj

santmat_mystic

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Guru-Pooja, By Swami Shri Bhagirath Ji Maharaj

Posted on Jan 24th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

*************************************************************************
Guru-Pooja (Worship of Guru---Devotion to the Sadguru)
***************************************************************************

http://www.SadGuruMehi.com

The following article (translated into English) has been extracted from the book, 'Santmat Tatvajnaan-bodhini', authored by Swami Shri Bhagirath Ji Maharaj. The focus of this chapter is on Guru-Pooja.

In the Yogshikhipnishad, Lord Shiva says: (hymns are in Sanskrit):
Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnurgururdevah sadaasivah,
Na gurordhikah kaschintrishu lokeshu vidyate.
Divya jnaanopadeshtaaram deshikam parmeshwaram,
poojayetparayaa bhaktyaa tasyajnaana falam bhavet.
Yathaa gurustathaivesho yathaiveshstathaa guruh,
poojaneeyo mahaabhaktyaa na bhedo vidhyate anyoh.

(English Translation): "Guru is Brahma (Deity of Creation), Vishnu (Deity of the Maintainance of Creation) and Shiva (Deity of Destruction). There is nobody else anywhere greater than Guru in the three Loks [three regions): i). Paataal Lok -- under the earth, ii). Prithvi Lok -- Earth, iii). Aakash Lok -- above the earth).

"When the disciple worships the teacher of Divine Knowledge, Guru, with devotion, only then the disciple gets the results of that Divine Knowledge.
God is exactly like Guru and Guru is exactly like God. There is not a single difference between them. Worship Him with this faith."

In these above hymns, the greatness of Guru has been described. In the hymn it is taught that the three works of the universe (creation, maintenance, destruction) are done by three different gods, but all these powers exist in one form and that is Guru.

Hitopadesh says: (hymns are in Sankrit):
Gangaa paapam shashi taapam dainyam kalpatarustathaah,
paapam taapam cha dainyam cha hanti santo mahaashayaah.

(English translation): "Ganga (the holy river in India) removes the sins of the person. Moon removes the heat, Kalpvriksha (a divine tree which fulfills the desires) removes poverty. But Sant-Sadguru alone is able to remove all these three."

Such is the power of the Guru that if, due to any reason, all the holy books of the world are destroyed -- all this knowledge is obliterated, disappears, and then a single True Perfect Guru and single true disciple remain alive, they are capable of reproducing all the knowledge in all those holy scriptures/books.

Sant Satguru Maharshi Mehi Paramahans Ji Maharaj says in Philosophy Of Salvation article No. 79: "The meeting with the perfect and true spiritual preceptor is equal to the meeting with Supreme Sovereign God, Himself."

The perfect true Sant Sadguru minimizes or mitigates the actions or consequences of bad stored karmas --- works done by devotees in many births. When the devotee has to face the wound of the sword, Sadhguru becomes so kind that He lets it happen through the pain of the small needle. And sometimes in His holy will (Mauj), the Guru protects His disciple, destroying the bad consequences of his action and He never even reveals to the devotee the true extent of the grace has been given by the Guru. When the disciple leaves his body, Guru Himself appears before him. Kaal (the God of death) does not come there. The soul awakened by the Guru does not fall into hell. Sant Kabir Sahab says: (hymns are in Bharati):

Sonaa kaayee naa laage, lohaa ghun na khaay,
bhalaa buraa jo guru bhagat, kabahu narak na jaay.

English translation: "Gold does not rust; mite does not destroy iron; similarly good and bad disciples do not go to hell."

The Sant Sadguru protects His disciple from the curse of Rishis-munis, yogis, and deities, gods-goddess and the god of Death (Kaal).

Amir Khushro has written: "See, I also have had the holy presence of the Great Spiritual Preceptor of the universe, Lord Swami Ramanand. For my own preceptor Khwaja Sahab I had gone to see Swamiji with an incomparable present to Panchaganga ghaat.......Swamiji had imparted his merciful blessings upon me -- my heart became pure at once with his imparted supreme grace and therein reflected the holy glimpse of the Divine Light."

The person who at least once goes to the harbour of Sadguru, He takes the onus of the greatest goodness for him. If a person takes a glimpse of the holy face of the Sadguru even from afar, he also gets salvation in very few births. This is the greatness of Sant Sadguru. Now the question is, 'Who is Sant Sadguru?'

Bhagwaan Shankar has said to Maa Parvati: "That great person who destroys the eight traps: doubt, kindness, fear, hesitation, criticism, praise, pride, and wealth, and bestows the holy Divine Pleasure, is called Sadguru."

Maharshi Mehi Paramhans is saying : "The perfect and true spiritual preceptor is that great Life-liberated Sant-soul whose consciousness-force has been immersed into Shabdaateet Pad (the Nameless State) at the time of Samaadhi (stage of spiritual trance or God-realized state), transcending all the non-conscious concealments, and while working, whose mind remains uninvolved (whim-less) -- Its consciousness-force being connected with the Essential Divine Sound."

In another poem Maharshi Mehi cites:
"He who knows the way to liberation, he who practices meditation every day,
And while doing so lives in this world with a true and pure heart.
Who loves Satsang, fortifying his detachment (with things worldly)
everyday,
Who destroys faulty thinking or evil thoughts (of his disciples) by
imparting the right knowledge,
Who firmly implants the precepts of Santmat in our minds clarifying all
our doubts,
He and he only (who is gifted with all the above virtues), having a true
and pure heart, says Maharshi Mehi Paramhansji Maharaj, can be a Guru."

Sant Radhaswami Sahab has said, (hymns are in Bharati):
Kyaa hindu kyaa musalmaan, kyaa isaayi jain,
guru-bhakti pooran binaa, koi na paawai chain......

English translation: "No one can get peace without the service to the Guru whether it be Hindu or Muslim (Islam), or Christian, or it be Jainism. Determine yourself to worship Guru and only then do any other thing. There is none other than Guru who destroys the cobweb of illusions (Maya) in this world."

Worship of Guru is done by two ways: Gross [physical] worship (also called Sthool-Bhakti), and Subtle worship (also called Sookshma Bhakti). In gross [physical] worship (Sthool-Bhakti), devotes do physical service to Guru, e.g. cooking, cleaning pots/utensils for His food, arranging foods for Guru, arranging bath for Guru, cleaning His clothes, following His orders, massaging His holy feet while taking rest, Maanas Jap (the mantra) --- He instructs one to chant, i.e. practicing Maanas Jap with eyes and mouth closed in meditation, as instructed by Guru), Maanas Dhyaan (concentrating over the physical form of Guru in meditation with eyes and mouth closed, as instructed by Guru) --- all these are forms of physical devotion to Guru.

Practicing of Drishti Yoga (The Yoga of Vision/Yoga of Light, Bindu Dhyaan) and Surat-Shabda Yoga (i.e. Naada-anusandhaan, the Yoga of Divine Sound), are the Subtle [non-physical, ethereal, mystical or other-worldly] devotions to Guru.

The pupil who wants the greatest welfare must do both (Sthool and Sukshma Bhakti) worship of Guru. Initially the devotee should do Sthool-Bhakti (gross [physical] worship) and later he must do the Sookshma-Bhakti (Subtle worship). There is great importance of the Gross Worship explained in Sant-vaani (Sayings of the Sants). Whenever a Sant gives blessings after pleasing the pupil's physical service (gross devotion), it always becomes true in time. Whatever words emit from His holy mouth, that becomes true always. It never fails. It never goes in vain.

There was a yogi named Sumedh in the village of Amraavati town. He was born in a rich family. Once he served Bhagwan Deepankar (a sant) for a very short time period. The even was that once Bhagwan Deepankar had been invited for Satsang propagation (teaching) in Rambhawati town. He was going to that place. On the way there was a small ditch full of mud. He had to cross it. Sumedh also was there and he was putting the dry soils on that mud. But meanwhile Bhagwan Deepankar arrived there. Then Sumedh did not want Bhagwan's feet mingled with mud, and so he quickly laid down on that mud keeping his back upwards and requested to Bhagwan to cross the ditch keeping His legs over his back. Bhagwan Deepankar crossed the ditch keeping feet over Sumedh's back and told, "This Sumedh will be Gautam Buddha in the next birth and millions souls will get Divine Welfare by him."

That Sumedh born in the next birth as the son of King Suddhodhan. His name was Kumar Siddharth and later he became famous as Gautam Buddha, who is being worshiped throughout the world. Maharshi Mehi praises in His poem, 'Dhani Rishi-Santanh dhanya Buddha Ji.' [victory to the Rishis, Sants and Victory to Buddha.]

Shri Shankaracharya Ji Maharaj had four main pupils: Sureshwaracharya, Padmapadacharya, Hastmalakacharya, and Totakacharya. The main job of Totakacharya was cleaning the utensils. He was not educated, but he had devotion. He did not let happen any mistake in his service. Once Totakacharya was busy in cleansing the utensils. The time was of study. Three disciples (Sureshwaracharya, Padmapadacharya, Hastmalakacharya) gathered to Shankaracharya. That day, Shankaracharya was waiting for the fourth pupil on his own desire. Seeing it, the One of them requested, "Guru! Totakacharya does not know to read or write, then it is fruitless to wait wait for him? So, please start the learning." Hearing it, Shankaracharya became sad and scolded, "Why do you underestimate Totakacharya? His heart is very pure and full of devotion. He is no less in any matter in comparison to all of you."

Saying it, Shankaracharya summoned Totakacharya, "O Totakacharya! Come to me singing the hymns of the Vedas and scriptures." Totakacharya came doing it. Then Shanakaracharya ordered, "Whatever these three disciples have read till now, and will read later, speak all of those." Upon receiving his Guru's order, he began to pronounce fluently.

One of the main pupils of Bhagwan Buddha was Ananda. Ananda used to serve Buddha all the times, round the clock with full dedication, and devotion. The last moment came for Gautam Buddha. He was now to leave the physical body and to attain Parinirvan. Seeing it, Ananda became anxious, he went to the forest of Kushinara and began to wept loudly holding the wall. He stated crying, "There was many things remaining to be learned. Our Shasta (Master, Buddha) used to bless us, and now He is going in Nirvan (Salvation). Now what will we do, and how?"

Omnipotent Buddha opened His eyes and did not find Ananda nearby. He asked Anirudha, "Where is Ananda?" Anirudha replied, "Bhagwan! He is crying holing the wall." Buddha sent Aniruddha to call Ananda, and when they returned, He proclaimed: "Ananda! Do not grieve.I have already told you that one day we will have to leave all the good and loved ones. The things which have been created, those all are mortal, and temporary. Then how is it possible that this physical body should not be destroyed? This body has been created, so it has to come to an end. This can never be reverted. Ananda! You have been very obedient pupil and served me with all your breaths. You have served us with your body, love and dedication and you have sacrificed for us. Ananda! You have stored a huge bank of infinite virtues. Ananda! Now start your hard and ceaseless practice of meditation. You will be liberated very soon." And Ananda Ji got to the goal by the blessings of Buddha.

This is the spirituality which is increased in many hundred births, but that is achieved in the shortest time by very little grace of the Guru.

Sant Nabha Das was shown the Divine Light by the grace of Sant Tulsi Das. Gorakh Nath became a great Yogi by the grace of Guru Matsyendra Nath. Guru Angad became a sant by the grace of Guru Nanak. Guru Amar Das became a sant by the grace of Guru Angad. Samman and Moosan completed their devotion in that birth only by the grace of Guru Arjun Dev.

Once I (Swami Bhagirath Baba) urged to Guru Maharaj (Maharshi Mehi): "Hujoor! Sant Charan Das has said that the service to the Guru done in only four pal (fractions of a second) is greater than the hundred years service to God. Then how is it possible? What the job I can do in four pal (seconds). In four seconds a glass of water also can not be served."

Then Guru Maharaj replied, "Here the meaning of four pal should be taken as very short-time of service. See, my Guru Baba Devi lived in Muradabad (a town in Uttar Pradesh, India). I used to go to meed Him once/twice each year. He was very strict. Once I massaged His feet. 'Now see, do I feel lack of anything?' I replied with folding hands, 'No Hujoor!'"

Lord Shankar had told Parvati: (hymns is Sanskrit):
Yavatkalpaant kodehstaavaddevi guru smaret,
guru lopo na karttavya swachhando yadi vaa bhavet.

Translation: "O goddess! If the body exists till the Kalp (Kalp is the time which consists of billions years), till then pupil should remember Guru and after achieving Salvation (Self-realization), the pupil must not leave the shelter of Guru."

Maharshi Mehi says: "Always chant Maanas Jap in your mind, that is extremely holy.
Guru is well-doer and practice Maanas Dhyaan of His face/form. ||1||

All the deities, Absolute Brahma, and God reside within Guru. All the sants say the same thing. ||2||

The greatness of Guru is greater than the greatness of God. It is well known in the world. This is so because God is not achieved without Guru. Though God remains within this body. ||3||

God is hidden within the heart, still there is darkness. Practicing meditation by the method of the Guru (instructed by Guru), Light appears. And then the Supreme Sovereign God is realized. ||4||

Though God always remains within, still the sufferings of transmigration (cycle of birth and death) are not removed. It is the Sadguru who destroys this pain. Hence, all sing the praise of Guru. ||5||

Sacrificing body, mind and wealth, serve the lotus-feet of Guru. Maharshi Mehi Paramhans ji Maharaj states, "Cross the miseries of the world by following His orders". ||6||

********************************************************************

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#2305

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:54 am
Subject: Monthly Satsang Podcast: Know Thy Self

santmat_mystic

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Monthly Satsang Podcast: The Theme is "KNOW THYSELF": Click to Listen -- Play or Download at:
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/SantMatFellowship

(Program Length: 39 Minutes)

The March Satsang Available Online at Blog Talk Radio

A wide variety of readings from the writings of the Sant tradition and other world scriptures with the theme of knowing one's Self and God: the recitation of several bhajans (mystical hymns, devotional poems) from classic Saints of India including from the Adi Granth, Dasam Granth, Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram). Also on the theme of knowing one's Self, readings from: The Bijak of Kabir, Saakhi Granth of Kabir; The Stranger of Galilee by Russell Perkins (who quotes some great passages from Kirpal Singh); also a couple of selections from the sayings of Lord Mahavira (Jainism) and the Gospel of Thomas (Gnostic); and, a Bhakti Approach to Simran (Radhasoami Naam) according to the Founder of the Radhasoami Faith.

Satsang is an Eastern term used by Indian spiritual paths including Sant Mat for a meeting or spiritual gathering either facilitated by a living Master (Sant Sat Guru), representative or group leader affiliated with such a living teacher. The facilitator reads from the writings of various Masters, perhaps making some comments. The focus is always the words and the wisdom of the Masters about the essential truths of the spiritual journey, knowing God, Bhakti (love and devotion), right conduct and ahimsa (non-violence in thought, word and deed), effective meditation practice: Soul Travel: Surat Shabd Yoga: Inner Light and Sound Meditation, the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God or Inner Space.

In the Love, Light, and Sound of the Beloved, Namaste',

James

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#2306

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:32 pm
Subject: Transcend All the Veils of Ignorance and Consciousness

santmat_mystic

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Transcend All the Veils of Ignorance & Consciousness

Posted on Apr 13th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Transcend All the Veils of Ignorance & Consciousness

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship

English rendering of the discourse of Param Poojya Maharshi Santsevijee Maharaj published in the December 2003 issue of the Hindi monthly `Shanti Sandesh' published by Shanti Sandesh Press, Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur -812003 India

( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/praveshksingh )
-Translated by Pravesh K. Singh

Right now you were listening to the story of jail. We, too, are imprisoned in a jail. How is this jail? A jail has a large campus. On that campus there are a number of cells, each of which houses a prisoner. In the same fashion, this world, also, is a jail and bodies of each one of us are cells. In each of the cells a jeev (individual ego or soul) is living a captive's life. So long as you are living a captive's life, how can you experience bliss or true happiness? Sorrows are very naturally associated with slavery. In the story you listened a little ago, that prisoner had completed his term of sentence, but, we do not know when our sentence would end or be completed! It will not come to an end unless we do meditation. Our Gurudevji, Maharshi Mehi, has written;�

"Ao vIro mard bano ab, jail tumhe tajanA hogA.

Man nigraha ke samar kshetra me, sanmukh thir datanA hogA."

That is, O Brave Men! Come on! Be manly. You have to come out of this prison. How would you do that? All of you spiritual practitioners have gathered here in this battlefield to conquer your minds by way of meditation. And, there is no room for retreat now. Rather, you would have to face it head on.

We want to succeed in meditation. A farmer wants success in agriculture, a trader in trade and, a student in his/her studies just as a soldier wants victory on the battlefield. Every one of us yearns for success in whatever each one of us is doing. But how shall we taste success? Lord Shri Krishna has told in Geeta that success calls for, depends on five factors: - 1. The Doer or the Subject 2. Ground or Environment, 3. Implements/ Tools/ Means/ Equipment, 4. Practice/ Implementation and, 5. The Unknown (Divine Will).

It is all right if the doer is capable or competent and the field is favourable. Success would not be achieved if the doer is capable but the circumstances or conditions are not conducive, or also if the conditions are favourable, but the doer is incompetent. Further, if the door is able, conditions are conducive but if he is not armed well with the proper tools/equipments, success would not be achieved. Still further, even if he is having all the means at his disposal, but if he is not using or harnessing them properly, he would not meet with success. Now suppose that the doer is competent, has got an amicable ambience, is fully armed with all the needed resources and is also using them (means) deftly; when these four factors have been brought together, the fifth one � unknown or the Almighty's grace becomes or is made available. Goswamiji said,�

"Je tehi panth chalai man lAI. To hari kAhe na hohi sahAee."

(If one sets his feet on the proper path (that leads unto Him) with all his sincerity and dedications, putting his heart into his strivings, why would God not come to his assistance � He certainly will).

For example, while we are boiling milk, however hard we might boil it, though we might convert it into khoyaa (dried whole milk), but still we cannot make curd out of it. We can get curd only when we add a small amount of jAman (a form of curd only added to milk for its fermentation or conversion into curd). Similarly, however hard we might try, unless and until jAman is added to it, we would not get curd or yoghurt; that is, we would not succeed in meditation.�

You practitioners have come here leaving your homes, family, business everything. So let yourselves be fully devoted to meditation and constant remembrance of God only. Please take care that your mind does not drift anywhere else. If it does, bring it back as Maharshi Mehi says,�

"janh janh man bhagi jaay, tAhi tanh-tanh se tatkshan.

Feri-feri le Ai, lagAiya dhyeya me Apan."

(As and when the mind flies away or strays, then and their only, bring it back and apply or focus it onto its desired object.)

To succeed in meditation, diligence and patience are also essentially needed. Just consider, we have to break a boulder or stone into pieces. We have been hammering it, but it is not breaking. Suppose hundred blows are required to break it. We have given 2, 4, 10� 20 impacts. It does not break. We continue. 80 � Even 90 blows have been given. It is still not breaking. Now we start thinking negatively or pessimistically, "It appears this stone would not break�" 99 blows have been delivered. It still refuses to break. Now we become dejected; despondency sets in ...that perhaps I don't posses the potential or power to break it. However, what is the reality? It is calling for just one more blow. The moment we deal one more hammer, it immediately breaks into pieces. Now this does not mean or should not be interpreted that all the 99 blows that were delivered previously went in vain. Just think, had you not given those 99 hits, would the hundredth one have been given? Therefore, those 99 blows also are very much in place. So, keep on practising meditation without losing hope � the til dwAr or the tenth door will certainly break open and we will surely go into the domain of light. Our Gurudev says,

"Til darwAjA tutai, nazar ke jor se.

Are hAn re `Mehi', lage taktakI khUb jor barjor se."

(The til dwAr breaks open with the continued force of concentrated and intent gazing. Oh yes! says Mehi, this will happen for sure. Only keep concentrating or focusing at the prescribed point with all your might/concentration .)

Unless and until you try, try and try with your fullest power of concentration, the til dwAr would not break open. Lord Christ said, "Knock at the door, it shall open; Ask for, you shall get."

There are two obstructions or impediments on the path of meditation � lethargy and self-gossiping or stream of thoughts or chatter of the mind. The first and foremost thing is that let us first learn to sit properly. So long as we do not learn how to sit, we will not progress. In Ramcharit Manas, we find a reference in similar context: -�

"Giri Sumeru uttar dishi dUrI. NIl sail ek sundar bhUrI.

Tanh basi harihi bhajahi jimi kAgA. So sunu Umaa sahit anurAgA."

(O Uma (wife of Lord Shiv)! Listen with faith and affection! There is a mountain named NIlgiri which is situated to the north of Sumeru Mountain. KAgbhushundi (a crow bird who was a great devotee of God) lived and meditated on that mountain).

Where is this Sumeru (Sumeru literally means beautiful spine)? Your spinal chord itself is the Sumeru. To the north of it or above it try to see, with your eyes closed. What do you find there? There is complete darkness. On this NIlgiri, KAgbhushundi, which is crow in the form of our own mind, lives! Describing the nature of a crow, Goswami Tulsidasji has written,�

"WAyas paliahi ati anurAgA. Hohi nirAmish kabahu ki kAgA."

(Will a crow, however affectionately and lovingly tended or nurtured, ever turn into a vegetarian?)

Just as we keep a parrot as a domestic bird, try and keep a crow inside a cage. Nurture it nicely. Feed it with the best and most delicious of dishes. Having done all this for a considerable time, release it from the cage and see, where does it go? He will go again and pick up the same dirty articles only! So with our mind. Though encaged it is inside the body, whenever it flies off, it always sits onto undesirable things, avoidable thoughts.

Shri Ramkrishna Paramhans (Guru of Swami Vivekanand) said, "Unless we do meditation, our mind would not be purified." Deliver though we may quite long and impressive lectures, where does our mind go and sit over if left free? Shri Ramkrishna Paramhans would cite examples: "Look at the vulture and the kite. They fly at great heights, highest amongst birds. But in spite of flying so high, their sight is focussed on corpses. The moment they see any dead body lying, they swoop down and sit over it." Similarly we may be talking on very big abstract, exotic themes, but if we have not purified our mind by practicing meditation, it (the mind) will sit over the corpses only in the form of the objects of desire. We have to remove our mind from these objects; only then will we find success in bhagwad bhajan or devotion to God. In words of Sant Kabir Sahab,�

"Pahale ye man kAg thaa, karatA jeevan ghAt.

Ab to hansA huA, moti chugi chugi khAt."

(Earlier this mind was a crow doing despicable things. But now, it has transformed into a swan and eats pearls only.)

Which bhakti or meditation did KAgbhushundi performed that he gwas transformed from a crow into a swan? How did he become such a great saint? He used to practice the same meditation, which our most venerable Gurudev has taught you. Practising the meditation with his utmost dedication, KAgbhushundijee became so great that none other than Lord Shiv used to go to attend his Satsang.

"Peepar taru tar dhyAn so dharaI. JAp yajna pAkari tar karaI.

Aam chhAnh kar mAnas poojaa. Taji hari bhajan kaaj nahi dUjA.

Bat tar kah hari kathA prasangaa. Avanhi sunanhi anek vihangA."

(KAgbhushundiji practiced `mAnas jap' (internal or mental recitation of holy words) under the PAkad tree, while he did `mAnas dhyAn' (focusing on a holy form e.g., image of Guru or some god) under the mango tree. He practiced "Drishti yog" (looking intently at a point in the inner sky as instructed by Guru) under the peepal tree. His mind thought of nothing else than the worship of God. He used to give discourses, singing glories of God in the shed of banyan tree, which was attended by a large number of devotees in form of or disguise of birds.)

KAgbhushundiji mentally or internally chanted Guru-mantra, a process known as `mAnas jap', under the paakad tree. You people, too, practice `mAnas jap'. Sacred scriptures say, "JapAt siddhih". That means you come to acquire `siddhi' or special divine powers or supernatural attainments, even if you are able to perform mAnas jap properly. KAgbhushundijee used to do `mAnas pooja' or `mAnas dhyAn' (internally trying to visualise the form of Guru or some other revered deity). You also practice `mAnas dhyaan' after `mAnas jap'. Try to do it with utmost concentration. Unless the `jap' is done properly, there can be no success in `mAnas dhyAn'. `Jap' or internal repetition of mantra should be with such an intensity and intentness that nothing, not even any other thought, should remain in between you and the jap. We have been practicing the `maanas jap', `mAnas dhyaan' and `drishti yog'/ `vindu-dhyAn'(yog of light or gazing focussedly at a point within as instructed by Guru) for so long. Just think or assess honestly, how far have we reached? If we have not progressed enough, why it is so? It is because our foundation is not strong. First strengthen the base or foundation. First of all, practice jap. Practice for so long as to make the foundation firm. Let us not form a stereotyped rule that we have to do maanas jap for such and such duration, maanas dhyaan for such and such duration and then, drishti yog for such and such period. Our Guru Maharaj, Maharshi Mehi, has exhorted,�

"Guru jaap mAnas, dhyAn maanas, kIjiye dridh sAdh kar.

InkA pratham abhyAs kar, srut shuddha karanA chAhiye."

(First of all, we should purify our individual soul by practicing mental chanting of mantra and internal visualization of the image of Guru.)

As you might have noted, these days water of the Ganga has become muddy due to rains. In muddy waters you would not be able to see your image properly. But when water becomes clean or, pure, we can visualize our image in that. Likewise, so long as our mind is muddy or impure, the image of Guru won't appear clearly, perfect success in mAnas dhyAn would not be achieved. God's image is clearly reflected in pure or perfectly clean mind only. Therefore, after doing mAnas jap properly, when you practice dhyAn, your `surat' (individual ego or soul or awareness) would become pure and then you would be able to visualize the dazzling point or the divine light within you. You must have read in Maharshi Mehi Padaavali (a book consisting of verses composed by Maharshi Mehi Paramhans): -�

"Prathamahi dhAro Guru ko dhyaan. Ho sruti nirmal, ho vindu jnAn."

(Initially focus yourself and try to make the form of Guru appear within you. This would sanctify the surat, and you will be able to realize the `bindu' or point or the divine light.)

If we could not do mAnas jap properly, could not do mAnas dhyAn properly, how would we be able to attain success in drishti yog? Unless we learn to write alphabets coarsely or in large sizes & irregular shapes, how could we write very small and fine letters/alphabets? After practicing and learning to write big letters with ease, we will be able to write small or fine alphabets, too. In the same manner it is possible to accomplish drishTi yog, only after rigorous and proper practice of mAnas jap and mAnas dhyAn. Now, how would we get to realize the absolutely or perfectly infinitesimal point? It has been said,�
"Dou nainA bich sanmukh dekh. Ik bindu milai drishti dou rekh."
(Look intently in front between both the eyes. The point will come into view at the intersection of the two lines of sight.)

Where the two currents of consciousness or the two lines of sight intersect each other, the real point would come into sight. As this point appears, your mind would become totally focused, immersed or completely concentrated.

You see, there is a strong correlation between our body and the world. In the outer universe there are exactly as many planes or spheres, as there are within this body. We live on the same corresponding planes of the cosmos and our body at any one given point of time. Therefore, when we leave or transcend a particular plane of our body, we leave or transcend the same plane or sphere of the cosmos, too. A person who is able to collect or concentrate one's current of consciousness completely at the infinitesimal point which is the junction or the meeting point of the gross world and the astral world, is able to lift or raise himself above or beyond his gross or physical body; his gross body is left behind. In India "pind-dAn" (making an offering of the body) is considered to be an act of great virtue. People go to places of pilgrimage to offer the pind-dAn, but the `drishti-dhyAn' or `drishti-yog' or `drishti-sAdhan' is the true pind-dAn. This body of ours is called the "pind". And when by practising drishti-sAdhan (Yog of divine or inner light), we connect ourselves with that bindu or the infinitesimal point, we lose all consciousness or awareness of our body. This is pind-dAn, in the truest sense of the word.�

Concentration/ shrinking is always associated with, or leads to, ascension or vertical rise. We rise from the pind (body) into the brahmAnd (cosmos or universe). When the awareness of the body is gone, the consciousness of the gross universe, also, is lost. We have raised ourselves above or beyond our body. And thus, we have lifted ourselves beyond this physical or gross world, too. On moving from the gross into the subtle or astral world, myriads of sounds are heard. These words are termed `anahad shabd' or `anahad nAd' meaning sounds or words or notes of infinite variety, or different types of sound the number of which is beyond counting. Once we have progress so as to hear the anahad nAd, what next?
"anahad me satshabd lau lAy. Bhav jal taribo yahi upAy."
(Amidst the infinite variety of sounds, direct your attention to the essential or the fundamental sound. This alone is the way to swim across the ocean of illusory-yet- painful existence.)

Anahad shabd consists of innumerable kinds of sounds. We have to grasp, out of these, the main or the quintessential sound. In words of our Gurudev,
"Satshabd dhar kar chal Milan Awaran sAre pAr me."
(Come let us go and meet (the Lord) by transcending all the veils by catching hold of the `satshabd' or `saarshabd', "anAhat nAd", or "anAhat dhwani" i.e. the quintessential sound.)

That sat-shabd is reached the last of all among the various stages of meditation. When we move ahead getting hold of the anahad dhwani (myriads of sounds), we leave or shed the `kAran sharIr' or the causal body and the `kAran manDal' (causal world or sphere). Then we rise above the `mahAkAran sharIr' (supra-causal body) and the `mahAkAran manDal' (the supra-causal universe or sphere). When we catch hold of the sAr-dhwani or the anAhat shabd or the quintessential sound, all the four `jaD' (ignorant or non-conscious) planes or spheres namely, `sthUl' (gross), `sUkshma' (astal), `kAran' (causal) and `mahAkAran' (supra-causal) spheres are transcended. Now we enter into the sphere or the plane or the cloak of `chetan' or pure consciousness; we move from the spheres of ignorance (`jaD-manDal' ) into the sphere of pure consciousness (`chetan manDal'). What is the source from which the "sAr shabd" or the quintessential sound has originated? It has directly sprung from the Absolute Lord Himself. Any sound or word has a natural characteristic of drawing the listener towards its source. When we get to grasp the quintessential melody, it will take us to the Supreme Lord, the Almighty God. Thus, we cross all the five spheres � four spheres of ignorance namely, `sthUl' (gross), `sUkshma' (astral), `kAran' (causal), and `mahAkAran' (supra-causal) manDals or spheres or bodies, and one sphere/ body of pure consciousness namely, the `chetan' or the `kaivalya' manDal- and will unite with the God losing our individual identity. Then what? "PAr gaman hI sAr bhakti hai, lo yahi hiya me dhAr." (Transcending all the veils is the true worship or the essence of all worships. Hold this cardinal principle within your heart.) This alone is the genuine bhakti, devotion or worship. To achieve this end or goal only, Gurudev has counselled:
"Man nigrah ke samara kshetra me sanmukh thir datanA hogA.
Waqt nahI hai ay vIro ab, gAfil hokar sone kA
Vindu rAh se nikal bahAdur, tam mandal tapanA hogA"

(You have to take head on the battle of conquering the mind. This is not the time to sleep unawares. You have to cross the province of darkness marching through the tiny passage of Bindu or the infinitesimal point.)

The path to salvation passes through the opening or aperture of `Bindu' (infinitesimal point). But how to be there? Only Guru can tell the trick of trade. With his grace only, we can learn the secret and by implementing the same honestly, sincerely & diligently, can move beyond the gross bodies and worlds to the other side. When we cross the gross sphere, what do we get to see then? Says Gurudev,
"DAminee damakai, chandA camakai, sUrya tapai jotI manDal
Is mandal se Age vIro, aur tumhe badhanA hogA.

Shabd mandal me sAr shabd dhwani, gurugam hokar dhar lenA.

Jagat jel ko isI yukti se, sun `Mehi' tajanA hogA."

(Lightning, moon and sun are seen progressively in the course of meditation in the domain of light. You have to surpass even this sphere and move into the realm of sound. There amongst the infinite varieties of sound you would get to listen, you will have to, following the specific instructions of the Master or the Guru, get hold of the unstruck quintessential sound. This quintessential sound would take you beyond the prison-house that is this universe.)

We can be released from, or come out of this prison, only after we have seized the quintessential sound.

It is towards this noble end only that you all spiritual seekers have got together here (in this meditation camp) coming from so many diverse places, temporarily leaving your homes and family members. If even after coming here, you talk of the same mundane, worldly topics, let your mind wander or be detracted into the same objects of senses, then you have not quit the world, have you? So prevent your mind from getting agitated, restless. Calm it down. Dedicate yourself whole-heartedly to meditation with all the diligence, single-mindedness & sincerity at your disposal. If at all you have to engage into mutual conversation, let discussions be restricted to the topics of jnAn (true knowledge) and dhyAn (meditation) only. If you are able to create and maintain such an amicable ambience, you would get the support and help of the Master in your meditation. This much for today!

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#2309

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:07 pm
Subject: May Sant Mat Radio Satsang Podcast - Click To Listen

santmat_mystic

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May Sant Mat Radio Satsang Podcast - Click To Listen

Posted on Apr 30th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

May Sant Mat Radio Satsang Podcast - Click To Listen

To Access This Podcast, GO TO:
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/SantMatFellowship

Satsang Podcast Includes:

Readings from the Dasam Granth,

a Bhajan of Guru Kabir,

The Four Meditation Practices of Sant Mat,

Encyclopaedia of Saints of India, Volume 19: Radhasoami - on the practice of Dhyan - contemplation of the form of the Master - also about Inner Light and the Radiant Form of the Master (Inner Guide),

Two Reflections on the Spiritual Journey:
1) 'There is No Vatican of the Spirit';
2) 'Do You Remember Who You Were Before Time Began?' and,

Readings from the Sant Dariya Website about the Life and Teachings of Sant Dariya Sahib - also mentioning that Sant Dariya appointed two spiritual successors/Sant Sat Gurus to carry on after him, and that this Dariya Branch of Sant Mat is still alive, still exists in India, and has "two hundred Sants" according to the webmaster of the Sant Dariya website.

The program concludes with a couple more bhajans of Guru Kabir.

In the Love, Light, and Sound of the Beloved Sat Purush,

James,
Sant Mat Fellowship
James@...

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#2310

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat May 2, 2009 8:39 pm
Subject: Satsang Discourse: Tulsi Sahib, Baba Devi Sahab, Maharshi Mehi, Sant Sevi Ji, Bhagirath Baba

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Satsang Discourse: Tulsi, Devi, Mehi, SantSevi, Bhagirath Baba

Posted on May 2nd, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Spiritual Satsang Discourse Featuring the Teachings of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib, Baba Devi Sahab, Maharshi Mehi Paramahans, Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, and Shri Bhagirath Baba

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"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." -- Sant Dadu Dayal}

Four Shabds (Hymn, Mystic Poems) of Param Saint Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, from the book, Param Sant Tulsi Saheb, S.D. Maheshwari, Agra, India

Shabd 88
Peeping through the latticed screen, I had a glimpse of the Beloved. O friend ! I sacrifice myself before my Sat Guru. (1) He gave me the eyes and took care of my Surat and through His grace I could know of the Abode of the Infinite Being. (2) I proceeded to the unique cave in Gagan where neither the sun nor the moon has any access. (3) Says Tulsi, Surat prepared the Beloved's bed and, lying there, enjoyed great bliss. (4)

Shabd 89
Listen, O friend ! Great is the status of Sants. It is beyond the reach of Yoga and such other methods or practices. (1) In that region of Sants [in the Soundless, Formless Plane Above] there is neither sound nor any form. It is beyond Sunn and Maha-sunn. (2) The Gunas and Nirguna have no access there. Sat Nam is the Beloved's region, which the Jiva should attain. (3) Says Tulsi, he knows the True Name of the Abode of the August, Nameless and Infinite Being. (4)

Shabd 90
O Friend ! My Guru showed me the way through which I could see the Invisible One. When I could recognize the current of spirituality coming from above, I constantly applied my Surat to it. (1) Unique is the spectacle seen on the peak in the sky and I made my Surat participate in the activities going on there, all the time. (2) By lifting the barrier beyond the door on the West, that is, beyond Sunn, I gained access to Sat Lok. (3) Says Tulsi, the Essence resides within the human body, and therein can Atma be found. (4)

Shabd 91
Friend ! I searched further ahead and, after ascending, merged my Surat in Gagan (Trikuti). Proceeding still further I found a path as subtle as a spider's thread, along which, I quickly elevated my Surat. (1) I then beheld Man-sarovar and, taking my seat at the Ghat (bathing place) of Triveni, I bathed in its waters. (2) Withdrawing myself from there and proceeding further within, I saw a unique spectacle of the refulgence of a crore of suns pervading all round. (3) At its middle or centre, I found a door through which I could see a Being who has been described as the Source. (4) Says Tulsi, by applying my Surat to Shabd within, I merged it in the region of Guru. (5) (Param Saint Tulsi Sahib of Hathras)

Sayings of Baba Devi Sahab (Pravesh K. Singh translation)

"Do not live even a single day without inner meditation."

"Such persons who are all the time busy in mundane worldly affairs and are not able to spare even one or two hours a day (for meditation), are not fit to be initiated into inner meditation, for even if these persons get to know about the way to the inner secrets, of what use it would be to them!"

"What is important is not to live a single day in life without practicing meditation, all the experiences of pains & pleasures of the world, one has to go through, notwithstanding."

"The loftiest or the highest outcome of adopting and following the ways of these (Sants) is that it takes one beyond 'aawaagaman' (the repetitive cycles of birth & death)."

"So, we should go to that place where the way to remove these veils is taught. In the terminology of Sants and noble people, such a place is called `satsang' where methods are taught to inculcate bhakti [love and devotion] and remove the veils that keep it under-cover".

"God and bhakti are otherwise one and the same thing".

"In short, bhakti is such a thing without which no worldly or heavenly acts can be accomplished. He alone is a human being (in the true sense) who knows the key to or secret of bhakti. He whose heart is devoid of the spirit of love is not even as good as an animal; he is rather much more inferior to that".

"Bhakti is that essential substance without which any work, either of this world or of the other world, can not be fulfilled; for all such tasks which a man performs with genuine zeal get accomplished well, and all other works in which we do not feel sincerely involved remain incomplete or are only half done".

"What is most significant about bhakti is that is opens up inside man the easy pathway to God, treading on which man reaches his centre or destination from where he never (needs to) return".

"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.".

"It is the highest duty of every individual to acquire experiential Knowledge of this Shabd, and to investigate or explore the Origin or Source from where this Shabd flows out".

"Our Lord resides in all (of us). He, our Lord, is so wonderful that though He pervades everything, (yet) He is separate from and transcends everything. It is not possible to see Him (in His true form) without meeting, and learning the secrets from, (the accomplished) Guru. He is blessed and adorable within whose body He reveals Himself."

When Sadguru Baba Devi Sahib was nearing the time of his departure from this ephemeral world for his true destination, satsangis humbly requested him to bless with his parting words. To their request, Baba Devi Sahab had obliged by saying, "Duniyaa waham hai, abhyaas karo", meaning, "This world is an illusion -- practice meditation." (Baba Devi Sahab)

Below is from the Padavali of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans

56
Inside one�s body, one witnesses unique and most delightful performances,
In the centre of the eyebrows, you fix firmly your Surat [attention-faculty of the soul],
Watch the wonderful light inside your body,
As you see that light try to experience it;
It is difficult to know its reality by describing or hearing it;
It is to be sought inside one�s own body only.
Within the body itself is Sagun [form], Nirgun [formless] and the abode of the Lord;
If you do not believe, you serve Sadguru, abandoning your pride,
Even now is alive in the world Baba Devi Sahib, the light of knowledge,
Who specifically teaches the means of inner worship;
Mehi says, one going to his shelter, gets inexplicable joy inside one�s body.

57
O devotee! There is a wonderful display within this body,
In the darkness of this body is the sky studded with the stars, the Moon and the Sun,
There is the subtle body within the gross one and in that subtle body is the causal one,
And yet there is the fourth one, that is, the supra-causal body,
The fifth body, that is, Kaivalya (Oneness) is without attributes and full of knowledge,
Mehi says, the Quintessential Word along with the Absolute, is present in one�s body. (Maharshi Mehi)

Couplets of Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj

Begin meditation with internally chanting or repeating the Guru-mantra-incantation (the charged words given by the Guru). And then visualize the radiant form or image of the Satguru in the still darkness of the inner sky (with eyes closed). Follow that with focusing your attention at the seat of the soul within, i.e. at the Third Eye or the Inner Eye or the Til Dwaar, by making the two streams of consciousness in your two eyes converge in a Point.

When the two currents of consciousness meet in a Point, Divine Light appears within. Then, practice Surat Shabd Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound) i.e., try to shift your attention to listening to the Divine Sounds or myriads of melodies (Anahad Naad) ringing inside. Listening to the Divine Sound destroys all the perversions, agitations and fickleness of the mind.

Ascending beyond or transcending myriads of sounds, try to identify and tune in to the Quintessential Unstruck Melody, called "Saar Shabd" or "Anaahat Naad" which alone is capable of taking you and merging you into oneness with the Supreme Lord; this is the ultimate deliverance, emancipation, welfare, or liberation. (Sant Sevi Ji)

Shri Bhagirath Baba on Manas Jappa - Simran - Name Repetition Done With Devotion and Love (Prem-Bhakti)

There are three layers (coverings) over the Jeevaatmaa (Individual Soul). Those are: darkness, light and sound. Darkness is the shadow of the light. This darkness is the first layer on the Jeeva (individual soul) whom all beings see. One who crosses this layer of darkness through a special kind of meditation sees the inner Light within oneself. This inner Light is called Aatma-Aalok (Light of the self) or Brahma-Prakash (Divine Light), on achieving it, Divya-Drishti (Divine Eye, Third Eye) opens completely. One should repeat (reiterate) the Guru-instructed mantra within the mind, gazing into the darkness that appears while closing the eyes. This process is called Maanas Jap. In doing this process neither lips are oscillated nor the tongue. Instead, the mantra (word or name given by Guru) is repeated within, through the mind. This Jap is actually a kind of meditation. Repeating mantra through the mind is to call the Ishta (the tutelary deity, most beloved, Sadguru) near oneself. So, Jaapak (a practitioner who does Jap) should perform Jap with great love. He (Ishta, Guru) becomes happy/merciful if one does Jap with immense love and devotion, and he appears at will.

The practitioner who does Jap sitting in a secluded place with the right method and immense love, becomes the excellent devotee. Sant Charan Das says:

"Sakal shiromani naam hai, sab dharman ke maahi |
Ananya bhakta wah jaaniye, sumiran bhoolai naahi ||"
[Name (Jap) is the crown of all and has been described in all creeds.
Know that person as the superior devotee who never forgets Jap.]

By doing Jap, the mind and heart become devotionally pure, morale is uplifted, one gets strength in inner meditation. Japaat Siddhi (divine power after getting perfection in Jap) is obtained. By doing Jap, so much sanctity begins to flow within the body and mind of the practitioner (Jaapak) that the vibration or wave of Jap (mantra the practitioner repeats) penetrates (flows into) whatever the practitioner touches. (Gurusevi Shri Bhagirath Baba)

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#2311

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Fri May 8, 2009 11:37 pm
Subject: Soami Ji Maharaj's Letters to Huzur Maharaj - Document

santmat_mystic

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Soami Ji Maharaj's Letters to Huzur Maharaj - Document

Posted on May 8th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)



Soami Ji Maharaj's Letters to Huzur Maharaj - Document

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship

Radhasoami Reality:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Radhasoami-Reality
{Radhaswami Dayal ki Daya Radhaswami Sahai:
"Grant Merciful Radhasoami Thy Grace and Protection"}

Online Glossary of Radhaswami Terms:
http://www.angelfire.com/linux/radhasoami/glossary.htm

Soami Ji Maharaj's Letters to Huzur Maharaj - Document

The Five Letters

Letter 1

My dearest and dearer than life,

I wish you all health and happiness, but keep uppermost in your mind Bhajan, Dhyan and devotion to the Supreme Being. The Grace of the Supreme Being on you is the same as it was before. Attune yourself to the Will of the Lord. Renouncing all thoughts of the past and future, keep your spirit immersed in Shabd at the time of Bhajan.

Fix your spirit in Shabd, and Shabd is in Gagan. Fill your heart with yearning; and heart is at Trikuti.

Unite your spirit with Shabd and see beauteous sights. The Til is located within Sukhmana (an artery of the human body, which lies between Ida, on the right and Pingla, on the left), and the form of Jyoti [Light] is in the Til [Third Eye].

Sit in Bhajan [inner Sound Meditation] after making your mind and spirit calm, with the help of love and yearning. By the Grace of the Guru, your object will be gained; rest assured, and have no fear whatsoever.

Letter 2

The contents of your letter have been read out to Huzur Soamiji Maharaj and your cherished wish has been conveyed to Him. Huzur was greatly pleased, and He graciously observed, �Your request is granted. Love and devotion, yearning and earnestness, would now go on increasing day by day. If the Lord pleases, (and it is, in fact, His pleasure) you would not forget Him even for a moment. Rest assured that His loving memory will always remain with you inwardly in a subtle form. This gift is bestowed on you as a matter of grace, for you have done nothing to incur so much of Huzur's pleasure as to deserve such a great gift. Just as a charitable person gives to an importunate beggar out of his habitual compassion, so to you too, He has given, given, given. You will now come soon. The Lord is omnipotent.�

Letter 3

Beloved of the Satguru, Beloved of the Lord, Adorned with Shabd, My dear Salig Ram!

Always remember the Lord. My blessings to you are that with a sincere mind, sincere spirit, sincere love, sincere devotion, sincere yearning and sincere attention in the contemplation of the Guru, you may peruse this letter. Your letter full of love and yearning to hand. I have understood its express and implied contents. Although I keep on praying for your physical attendance at His court, yet no definite reply is forthcoming so far. It appears, however, from the existing situation, that special Grace and Mercy are being bestowed on you, in a greater measure. Therefore, giving up all restlessness, keeping His Mauj and Will uppermost, consider Him as your Saviour. Although you are deprived of Darshan, Satsang, Seva and attendance on the Guru at present, yet do not imagine that this is detrimental to your interests in any way. He is present with you all the time in Shabd Form. Therefore, banish all worry, and look with sincere attention and spirit, and you will get His vision. Such a situation is also not without some hidden good. There is certainly joy and pleasure in union, but at intervals, separation is also equally desirable. Certainly you are likely to be present here soon. Whatever earnings of Bhajan you make, bring that capital as a present for me. I look forward to you for this earning. You are earning for all. What is wrong with my lot that you are so slow m this respect? If you come empty handed, then you will be classed among the unworthy sons and idlers and will be disgraced. Take care! Be alert! Come to me with due caution. You have been sent away already; and you will be turned out again. It is, therefore, proper that giving up sloth, and pacifying the mind, do your best in Bhajan. In short, what I mean is, that you bring such a wonderful and novel present for me, that hearing about and seeing it, I may feel a unique pleasure. Else, the Lord is all powerful, and know ye that He is ever kind on you.

Letter 4

My dear Saligram,

Always remember the Lord, and, knowing that He is always with you, imbue yourself with His love. I have come to know the state of your restlessness and uneasiness all these days owing to separation and overflow of love. But the Lord is with you all the time. Why are you so restless? This, too, is a sort of joy, which is particularly bestowed on lovers only, and its relish is experienced only during the state of separation. Its bitterness, in fact, is also very sweet indeed. Of course outward darshan you get only occasionally, but the Lord is watchful in Shabd Form and is always with you.

Lord in Shabd form is always with you and is never far. Have patience, and you will get a glimpse of True Light.

Satnam, the Name of Sat Purush, is resounding in Sat Lok. Raise your Surat with Shabd, and you will have darshan of the refulgent form of the Lord.

Be saturated with His love and yearning. Keep away from evil tendencies and leanings. Combating with mind and its forces, remain absorbed in Shabd.

Further, your letter of yearning was read out in the assembly of all the Satsangis. All were pleased to hear it, and, in a way, it served as an example to them all, to emulate and learn what true love means. The Lord will, out of His own Grace and Mercy, bestow upon you the blessings of true love in its entirety. Further the Lord is all powerful.

Radhaji sends Her blessings for your welfare and is pleased with you and says that She will intercede on your behalf for your early return.

Letter 5

It has been ordered that whatever you had asked of the Exalted Darbar of Sat Guru Saheb has been granted to you. Don't be impatient. Giving up all restlessness, remember the Holy Feet of the Guru. You are not aware of the Guru's wisdom and His acts. You will, surely, come and meet me, but meanwhile the Kal's head is being broken. Do not think that you have been separated, but that Kal is being made subservient to you, and how many people are being benefited by it. That is why your separation has been tolerated by me, and you yourself know it. Knowing all this, why do you feel so uneasy? This exactly is the condition of those charitable and great souls who live for others; the reward (Jagir) that they receive is that they are deprived of food, drink, sleep, laughter, conversation and all comforts of the body and the mind. But you do allow Kal to gain a little strength now and then. So rest assured, the Guru will look after this, when you meet Him. All does not depend upon presence in person, though you are shortly to be present, do you know it? Look up to Mauj and Will of the Guru. He is always gracious and merciful and will never keep you devoid of His Grace. An ocean of bliss and happiness is being filled for you. You will bathe in it, drink its nectar and will distribute much of it to others as well. You know not what gift to ask for, nor the manner in which to ask for it. The Giver (Lord) is ashamed of your petty requests. Such requests simply are put forward by unworthy people. What are these trifles that you ask for? Henceforth, it is not necessary for you to ask for anything. Now go on observing what the Guru gives you, of His own accord, which you could never even dream of. Well, what can a child ask for? At the most he will ask for a ball and a bat or a yo-yo or a top, whereas his father has got prepared for him a garden and a glass palace. But what does he know of these things? After these days of childhood and ignorance are over, the moon and the sun will be the balls and the milky way the stick and the Lord and His devotee (Sewak) will play together in the fields of Sunn and Maha-Sunn, and Shabds will resound all round. Oh one side, your sisters will be there and on the other your brothers. How great will be your bliss when you experience those ecstasies ! This, in fact, is only an illustration, but that Reservoir is, of course, fathomless. And now the time is coming for you to see all this glory. Therefore, be patient and have endurance, and furthermore Sat Guru is the Almighty Lord.

(Biography of Huzur Maharaj, S.D. Maheshwari, Agra, India)

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#2312

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat May 9, 2009 2:20 am
Subject: Document: Philosophy of Liberation

santmat_mystic

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Document: Philosophy of Liberation

Posted on May 8th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Document: Philosophy of Liberation

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"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}

Meditation Sangat:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MeditationSangat�

{"Do not live even a single day without inner
meditation." -- Baba Devi Sahab}

May 8th, 2009 is the Birth Aniversary (Jayanti) of Sadguru Maharshi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj

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.1

(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.2

3. Sant Mat encompasses the thoughts and way of saints.

4. The desire for attaining Shanti is natural in human beings.

In the Upanishads3 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.4 Such expressions are for the inspiration and edification of all people.

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).5 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

(from, The Philosophy of Liberation, By Maharishi Mehi)

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#2313

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon May 18, 2009 7:39 am
Subject: The Soul of Tukarama: Saint of Maharashtra

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The Soul of Tukarama: Saint of Maharashtra

Posted on May 16th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

The Soul of Tukarama: Saint of Maharashtra
By James Bean
Copyright March 2005

Sant Mat Fellowship:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about Saint Tukarama ever since I learned of him a decade and a half ago. In fact, I've tried to collect all of the available books on the life, teachings, and poetry of Tukarama that are in English. I agree with the Indian scholar Dr. R.D. Ranade who said:

"Tukarama exhibits all the doubts and disbeliefs, the weaknesses and the sufferings, the anxieties and the uncertainties, through which every aspiring soul must pass, before he can come into the life of Light, Spirit and Harmony. There is no other instance in the whole galaxy of the Maratha Saints, barring perhaps Namadeva, which can be regarded as illustrative of this human element which we find in Tukarama."

Tukarama does have many analogues in literature: the poetry of John Bunyan, the Thanksgiving Hymns of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Psalms of King David.

Saint Tukarama (1598 - 1649 AD) was born at Dehu near Poona in the State of Maharashtra, India. He is the most famous of Maratha poets, and one of the major voices of Bhakti Marg -- the Way of Love and Devotion. His compositions of poetry, prayers and hymns (gathas and abhangas) are filled with human doubts and frailties. He also expresses words of ecstatic love and rapturous union with his Divine Beloved that filled his soul to overflowing. Tukarama was truly one of India's greatest Sants (Saints).

I highly recommend his poetry to any mystically inclined soul who's a connoisseur of the inspiring spiritual classics of the East. Think of Tukarama as another Rumi, Hafiz, or Kabir.

A Very Human Saint Who Tells God Just What He Thinks!

The largest translation of his poetry in English is, The Poems of Tukarama by J. Nelson Fraser, published in Delhi by Motilal Banarsidass Books. This is from a section titled, "Remonstrations With God:"

We are lost in a wood of anxiety: why do you still delay? Come, O Vitthala [God], our strength is spent in entreaties. Why do you not fear disgrace, thus abandoning your own children?

___

We are full of anxious longing: we have laid hold of God, but he seems far off.

___

I have not disobeyed any voice of authority: why has Narayana [God] left me? With undoubting mind I beseech him, for I have not found the peace that knows no care.

___

It is not right that you should forget your servants; for there is perfect justice at your feet. Tuka says, 'You are not ashamed,though we are sinking in the gulf of anguish!

Tukarama's Spiritual Practices/Sadhana

Tukarama wrote about several practices that transformed his life. He prayed for help in this way: "Take, Lord, my life Live thou thy life through me." (Oxford Books of Prayer, Oxford University Press)

He taught the principle that we are influenced by the company we keep, that spiritual community or companionship (Satsang) can be nurturing and supportive to our efforts. He writes:

Let me meet people of my own kind,
so that I may be satisfied. My mind
pants to meet those who love God.
Mere contact with the sandalwood
tree, and plants all around emanate
the same aroma. Likewise have I
embraced the feet of Sants [Saints],
and my separateness is extinguished.

Like other Nirguna Bhakti Sants, he believed that God is within all living beings, so we can see God in those that we meet - as in Namaste' ('the God in me bows to the God in you'). This realization changes everything in our consciousness, changes our universe into a place filled with living forms of God - all living things: "The Kingdom of God that is spread out upon the earth...." (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 113)

Another Important Spiritual Practice for Tukarama is the Chanting of Various Names of God (Simran), Remembering God by Repeating his Name

He who utters the Name of God while walking,
gets the merit of a sacrifice at every step.
Blessed in his body. It is itself a place of
pilgrimage. He who utters the Name of God
without ceasing receives liberation while
living.

The Devotee Becomes God By Repeating-Merging in God's Name

Vitthala Naam Mukti

Can one be entangled in the mire of
Illusion
When the Name of the Lord is constantly
on his lips?

One who ceaselessly meditates on Him,
While walking, talking, eating or sleeping,
While engaged in worldly duties,
The Lord is with him at all times.

Repeat constantly the Name of the Lord,
And know that devotion is indispensable
for deliverance.
Thus the devotee becomes the Lord
Himself,
And thus has the Lord become Tuka.
(Tukaram - Saint of Maharashtra, RS Books)

The Bhajans of Sants

Another important ingredient for the spiritual life was kirtana or bhajans, the singing of hymns of praise. I do notice that a very large number of mystics have composed their own devotional songs or poems. This creative outpouring from the heart helps to stimulate something deep inside: the Cry of the Soul. Saint Tukarama's explanation of this focuses upon the need for Bhakti, the need to engender love and devotion:

This God cannot be attained except through love.
What is required is pure devotion. That is the
way to liberation. In fact, God does not care
for anything except love. (Mysticism In India by R.D. Ranade, SUNY Press)

All these spiritual practices help to transform the body, emotions, thoughts, and one's very existence into expressions of the soul, our true identity and spiritual essence. This makes it much easier to have enough peace of mind to be able to meditate -- to enter the world of the soul during meditation.

Infinite bliss has filled my entire being,
the stream of love divine flows freely and
I sing the Lord's Name unceasingly. I lead
a life eternal that cannot ever ebb. I
repeat ever and again the Name of the Lord;
to me, this shore of the ocean of life and
the other one [eternity], are truly one and
the same. (Tukaram - Saint of Maharashtra, RS Books)

Tukarama, Speaking from the Ecstasy of Mystic Contemplation

I have found a Sea of Love, an inexhaustible flood;
I have opened a treasure of spiritual knowledge,
it diffuses the lustre of a million suns,
arisen in thy worshipper's souls.

The same Tuka, who earlier in life composed many candid and resentful prayers, lamenting over famine and misfortune, ended up being one of India's greatest poet-mystics and Saints.

The book Tukaram - Saint of Maharashtra, published by RS Books, makes available many of his mystical compositions pertaining to the experience of Inner Light, the Sound Current and the Higher Planes.

DARKNESS FLEES BEFORE THE SUN

I penetrated the Eye Center and perceived
the Light within.
Darkness has vanished,
And the sun has burst forth
in full splendor.

So long as the soul knows not itself,
The brilliance of the sun cannot be seen.

Says Tuka, I see my true self and the Lord
Pervade the whole creation as one effulgence.

INNER EXPERIENCE - THE DOOR WITHIN

Through the Eye, my vision has risen to
Daswandwar,
And my soul has cast off its coverings.

Firmly established at the Tenth Door,
I adore my Master's Radiant Form,
which I recognize by His grace.

The bubble of illusion has been pricked,
The Almighty, Merciful Lord has revealed
Himself.

In the blissful state of fulfillment,
Tuka, without hands, clings to His feet.

THE SOUND CURRENT OR MUSIC OF THE CREATOR

Tuka is absorbed in the surging wave
of Sound Divine;
Its resplendence spreads through his
innermost being.
The Lord has made His home in me,
The lamp of eternal Light has been
kindled.
The all-pervading Sound, O Tuka, is
the Lord Himself.

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#2314

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon May 18, 2009 7:54 am
Subject: Guru Lineages: Kabir Dharamdasi and Tulsi Sahibi

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A Kabir Lineage: Guru Kabir to Sant Dharamdas to Churamani

Posted on May 10th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

A Kabir Guru Lineage: The Dharamdasis

A Kabir Lineage: Guru Kabir to Sant Dharamdas, then to His Son Churamani Nam and Successors: Dharamdasi Huzurs: Gurus of the Dharamdas Branch of Kabir Panth During Kali Yuga. Also see the list of guru-names mentioned in the opening verse of the Anurag Sagar.

Guru Kabir 1440�1518?
Sant Dharam Das 1420-1532?
Churamani Nam - became guru: 1694?
Sudarshan Nam 1714
Kulpati Nam 1734
Pramodh Nam (Guru Bala Pir) 1754
Kewal Nam 1774
Amol Nam 1794
Surat Sanehi Nam 1814
Haqq Nam 1834
Pak Nam 1854
Praghat Nam 1854
Dhiraj Nam 1894
Ugra Nam 1897

Tulsi Sahib Guru Lineages

Posted on May 10th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Lineages Connected with Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, India

Shri Tulsi's Guru is unknown to us. Perhaps it was one of the Satgurus appointed by Sant Dariya Sahib of Bihar. Dariya, the Sangat founded by Dariya Sahib, and Sant Tulsi used the Anurag Sagar, a sacred text of the Dharamdasi Branch of Kabir Panth. They also shared the view that Dharam Das was a spiritual successor of Guru Kabir. These and other parallels indicate some sort of connection somewhere between one of the Dharam Das-related Kabir guru lineages and Tulsi Sahib and/or Dariya Sahib.

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#2315

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon May 18, 2009 7:59 am
Subject: Lists of Past Saints, and, Samadhi: State of Divine Union

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Lists of Past Sants, and, Samadhi: State of Divine Union

Posted on May 18th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Lists of Past Sants, and, Samadhi: State of Divine Union

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship

Lists of Past Saints - The Sants

While Sant Tulsi Sahab laid the foundation of the Santmat tradition of modern times, it was exquisitely served and enriched in a completely unique way by Maharsi Mehi Paramhans ji Maharaj. Maharshi Mehi was a direct disciple of Baba Devi Sahab of Muradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India who had special blessings of Sant Tulsi Sahab. Before I proceed further, I wish to place on record that I have a firm opinion that all true sants are equal, as they all have, by dint of their rigorous meditational practices, raised their consciousness to merge into that of, and, hence, have become one with, the Absolute Power that is, God. I, thus, have (and all of us should have) equal admiration and respect for all the sants (Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavir, Shankaracharya ji, Ramanand ji, Kabir Sahab, Guru Nanak, Tulasi Das ji, Tulsi Sahab, Baba Devi Sahab, Dadu Dayal ji, Sundar Das ji, Swapach ji, Radhaswami Sahab ji, Ravidas ji, Tukaram ji, Jagjivan Sahab, Palatu Sahab, Gorakhnath ji, Shiv Narayan Swamiji, Dariya Sahab, Soordas ji, Sahajo Bai, Shabri, Mira Bai, Maharshi Raman, Rumi, Bulla Sahab, Guru Gobind Sahab, etc. etc.) whichever sect or 'panth' they are from (in fact, the sants did never form or even propose to form any sect or panth, it has always been formed & promoted � sometimes chauvinistically � by their followers; the sants themselves have always been much beyond any sect)....... All sants have, in all times, made the noblest efforts to uplift the human kind from their woeful state of being attached to the illusory duo of the body & the world. (from an article listing many Sants and mystics titled, Maharshi Mehi � The Bridge between Scriptures and the Santmat, by Pravesh K. Singh)

Said Tulsi Sahib: 'Listen, I will now explain what I mean by "Sant". To mention a few Sants, I pick the names of Dadu, Mira, Nabha, Nanak, Dariya Saheb and Soor Das. Kabir's name, I mention again. And there have been many other Sants. Sants, who have reached the Eternal Region, have given to the world invaluable couplets and hymns in the form of their poetical compositions. I, Tulsi Das, who am only the dust of the holy feet of Sants, also said something about the bliss of the Inaccessible Region.' (Param Sant Tulsi Sahib, S.D. Maheshwari translation)

Huzur Maharaj, on the teachings of Soami Ji Maharaj: A few names of perfect and true saints and true sadhs and fakirs who manifested themselves in the last seven hundred years are given here. They are: Kabir Sahab, Tulsi Sahab, Jagjivan Sahab, Garib Das Ji, Paltu Sahab, Guru Nanak, Daduji, Tulsi Das Ji, Swami Hari Das Ji, Sur Das Ji and Raidas Ji [Ravidas]. Among Mohammedans: Shams-i-Tabrez, Maulana Rumi, Hafiz, Sarmad, Mujaddid Alif Sani. From a perusal of the discourses and the writings of the great personalities, one can know how far they had reached, and what was the region they had come from. (Sar Bachan Prose, Book One, Agra)

Great praises to all the Saints! In which manner will one pray to them? My mind is so very impure and inexperienced. Saints being destroyers of sorrows do away with the worldly traps. They are the treasure-troves of knowledge and meditation. Highly proficient in the techniques of single-minded concentration and the Yoga of Sound. They propagate the same in plain language all over the world. Great are the sages and saints like Buddha, Shankar and Ramanand for eliminating sins. Sacrifice to the magnificent saints like Kabir, Nanak, Goswami Tulsidas & Tulsi Sahib, Dadu, Sundar Das, Sur Das, Swapach, Ravi Das, Jagjivan, Paltu, etc... They are all great benefactors, delivering human beings from the fears of the world. Sadguru Devi and other Saints are also highly adorable, Maharshi Mehi sings their magnificence and lies prostrate at their sacred feet with faith and love. (Padavali of Maharshi Mehi Paramahansa)

Samadhi: (The State of Divine Union)

Samadhi is the eighth limb of Yoga. Samadhi is of two kinds: One type of Samadhi is samprajanata � a joyful state in which higher consciousness working through the mind in all stages. The second type is asamprajanata. In this type of samadhi the mind is completely absorbed in a state of pure awareness and all of one�s desires vanish. Generally speaking, the state of Samadhi is achieved when the subject (soul) and the object (God) unite. Duality disappears, and oneness is established. According to the Sant tradition, this state is possible through the practice of the yoga of Divine Sound. Without the practice of Sound yoga, the practitioner will not be able to achieve complete control of the mind.

Sant Kabir speaks about the Divine Sound: "Search the Divine Sound, control your mind. This yoga is accomplished through the means of Sound. The true Sound is the essence of creation. The physical body and world are not real (i.e., not permanent)."

Through the practice of the yoga of Light, complete control of the senses is attained (dama), and through the yoga of Sound the complete control of the mind (shama) is accomplished.....

With regard to Sound yoga the Yogshikhopanishad says: "When one focuses on a finest point and becomes established in this focus, then the divine Sound automatically becomes manifest and one is able to perform Sound yoga."

At that point of focus our ten senses (cognitive senses and active expressions) are left behind, and we enter in a state of total absorption. When our eleventh sense, the mind, enters into the ajna charka (the third eye) the practitioner is hears the Celestial Sounds. Vedic seers refer to this ajna chakra as sushumna and fakirs of Sufi tradition call it shahrag.

Sant Tulsi Sahib says: "The path to reach our Beloved lies in shahrag. Why are you wandering in the outer world to find your Beloved (God)?"

The path leading to God is within your heart. Enter into ajna chakra and you will find your Beloved. God is not found not in a manmade Ka�ba (Muslim pilgrimage place), but in natural Ka�ba (holy place), within your own heart or self. Turn your attention within. You should listen attentively to the reverberating divine Sound. The celestial sound is coming to take you back to the source. Remember you cannot hear this with the physical ears. When you focus your gaze within ajna chakra and the consciousness in inverted inward your physical ears automatically will close and the inner ears will open. By that power with inner ears you can hear the Celestial Sounds. The original Sound of the creation comes from the abode of God and it will take you to God.

The Nadabindu Upanishad sings the praise of Sound yoga and offers this image: "When a mad (in rut) elephant goes to a banana orchard and destroys and eats the orchard, and the elephant keeper comes and pierces the elephant with a prong, the elephant is brought under control. In the same manner, our mind is like the mad elephant that is wandering in the garden of sense objects and is disciplined by the practice of Sound yoga."

This teaches us that when the mind withdraws from the sense objects and goes towards a state that is beyond worldly desires, the mind automatically turns toward God. (Swamisant Sevi Ji, The Harmony of All Religions, Bhagalpur, Bihar India)

On closing the eyes everyone sees the darkness inside, whether he/she belongs to whatsoever creed, caste, country or he/she be young, child, old, male, female, scholar or illiterate. This darkness has not been created by the people or gods. This darkness has been created by the Supreme Sovereign God. There are three layers (coverings) over the Jeevaatmaa (Individual Soul). Those are: darkness, light and sound. Darkness is the shadow of the light. This darkness is the first layer on the Jeeva (individual soul) whom all beings see. One who crosses this layer of darkness through a special kind of meditation sees the inner light within oneself. This inner light is called Aatma-Aalok (Light of the self) or Brahma-Prakash (Divine Light). On achieving it, the Divya-Drishti (Divine Eye, Third Eye) opens completely. (Swami Bhagirath Baba)

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#2317

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon May 25, 2009 9:13 pm
Subject: Sant Mat Links Page Expanded

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Sant Mat Fellowship Links Page --
Including Links to Many Books Online:
Path of the Masters:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship/links

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#2318

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat May 30, 2009 5:02 am
Subject: The Rope Given by the Master So You May Leave the Well of Bhav

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The Rope Given by the Master So You May Leave the Well of Bhav

Posted on May 30th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

The Rope Given by the Master So You May Leave the Well of Bhav

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"This mysterious path is described in the holy books, but it cannot be found simply by the study of sacred texts. It is found by the grace and guidance of an accomplished Teacher."}

A man once fell into a well. Someone came along, had compassion for him and wanted to save him. So he threw a rope into the well and said, "I am holding this rope. You come out." But instead of holding on to that rope, the man began to question him: "Who has made this well? Why was it made? Why did I fall down in here?" When the man who wanted to save him had been there for some time, he said, "Many fools like you can again fall into this well," and walked away. So Master said that what was required was, first of all, to hold that rope and come out. And after coming out of the well he could have asked any question he liked.

Guru Kabir has said: "Paanchai paanch paras ras, shabd gandh aru roop. Inhakar kahaa na keejiye, bahuri parab bhavakoop". Do not follow the five (objects of physical senses: touch, taste, sound, smell and form) or else, you would fall again in the well of 'bhav'(existence or cycles of birth & death).

The "Rope" of the Inner Light and Sound in Another Kind of Well: The Inverted Well (from a post by Pravesh K. Singh)

Sant Paltoo Sahib says: "There is an inverted well in the (inner) sky wherein a lamp keeps burning."

The head of a man, standing above the neck, is like an inverted well in which (the divine) lamp or flame burns or is alight. This lamp emitting Light is seen by the practitioner of meditation. Tulsi Sahab has said, "Jaise mandir Deepak baaraa. Aise joti hot ujiyaaraa," meaning, "Just as a lamp burns in the temple, our inner sky is illumined by the Light." The well that we have on the earth is open at the top. This is the straight, upright or erect well, as all of us know. Man's head, however, is closed at the top and open from the bottom; the way to its top is from its bottom. That's why a man's head is also referred to as the inverted well. Verses of Sant Paltoo Sahib:

"The lamp (inside the head) burns without any oil and wick. All the six seasons and all the twelve months, this lamp keeps burning.

"Those who have found a Guru (and act according to his teaching) are able to behold this Light.

"Those who are deprived of a Guru are not able to contemplate this Light.

"A Sound emanates out of the Light of this lamp.

"Only that practitioner, and no body else, who has sunk himself deep into trance or intense meditation, in all his awareness, is able to perceive this divine Sound.

"Blessed is he, says Paltoo, who listens to or perceives that Sound.

"There is an inverted well in the (inner) Sky wherein a lamp keeps burning."

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#2320

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat Jun 6, 2009 8:40 am
Subject: June Sant Mat Satsang PODCAST Now Available

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June Sant Mat Satsang PODCAST Now Available at Blog Talk Radio

Posted on Jun 6th, 2009 by SantMat_Mystic_(James)

PODcast at BlogTalkRadio on the Path of the Masters -- Union with God via Inner Light and Sound Meditation. Click to Listen:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/SantMatFellowship/2009/06/03/June-Sant-Mat-Satsang-PODcast

Program Length: 40 Minutes

Program Contents - The June Sant Mat Satsang PODcast

A Bhajan (hymn) of Mirabai, a reading from, The Last Discourse of Soami Ji Maharaj of Agra about Huzur Maharaj (Rai Salig Ram), a thirty-minute reading from, Radhasoami Faith - A Historical Study, authored by Agam Prasad Mathur (Dada Ji) of Agra, India, featuring excerpts from Chapter Five: a most excellent summary of the Spiritual Teachings and Goals of Sant Mat Mysticism, the Path of the Masters, on: The Creation (Planes, Grand Divisions or Levels), The Supreme Being, Origin of Evil - The Concept of Kal Niranjan (Gnostic Demiurge or Negative Power/Lord of the Matrix of Illusion), The Soul (Surat, Spirit Entity), Salvation (Moksha) of the soul, The Four Essentials or "Sats" of Sant Mat: Sat Shabd/Sat Naam (True Eternal Sound Current or Positive Power of God), Satguru (True Eternal Teacher), Sat Anurag (True Eternal Love), and Satsang (True Eternal Association). After that a short reading titled, The Principles of Santmat, from the book, The Harmony of All Religions: on the nature of God, the soul, our condition as a jiva-soul at the level of the physical plane, the practices of Sant Mat Meditation, the ethical Precepts of Ahimsa, and the requirements in order to attain liberation (Moksha). The program concludes with chant from the Morning Prayer (Jap Ji) of Guru Nanak.

Jai Guru, In Divine Love, Light, and Sound,
James

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#2321

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat Jun 6, 2009 10:39 am
Subject: The Secret Pathway to God's Abode

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The Secret Pathway to God's Abode

Posted on Jun 6th, 2009 by SantMat_Mystic_(James)

The Secret Pathway to God's Abode

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship

An English translation of a� verse of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans Ji Maharaj (28.04.1885-08.06.1986), one of the greatest exponents of Santmat, taken from his book "Maharshi Mehi Padavali" (Compositions of Maharshi Mehi) based on its Hindi translation by his�worthy disciple & successor Maharshi Santsewi ji Paramhans (20.12.1920 - 04.06.2007):

�

- Translation by Pravesh K. Singh (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati , http://blog.360.yahoo.com/praveshksingh )

THE VERSES:

"sukhaman jhal jhal bindu jhalakai |
lakh le bhaiyyA band palake ||1||
tIsar til mein drishTi dhare |
piND tyAgi brahmAND chale ||2||

khule AkAsh bhare tArA |
dIp Tem hare andhiyArA ||3||
anupam chAndani joti bare |
taruN sUrya div joti kare ||4||

anahat anahad dhun mIThI |
surat gahe kari div dIThI ||5||

dhari as shabd surat DorI |
surat chalo ghar sat ko rI ||6||

`mehi' bhed kahA yah sAr |
guru sevi pAve niradhAr ||7||

�

TRANSLATION:

A scintillating point-light is sighted in the Sushumna (the centre of the Ajna Chakra) |
Behold (this point), O brother, with the curtains of your eyelids down ||1||

(The spiritual practitioner) who stills his sight in the Third Til (Sushumna, or the centre or the Ajna Chakra), |
Moves beyond his body and enters into the macrocosm. ||2||

The inner sky, studded with sparkling stars, is laid open (to such a practitioner). |
Light resembling that of the earthen lamp-flame (that is seen within) dispels the darkness (of the inner sky). ||3||

The inner horizon is illumined with incomparable moonlight. |
The dazzling divine light of the youthful (mid-day) Sun brightens up the inside. ||4||

Melodies of myriads of sounds and the primeval unstruck sound |
Are grasped by the surat (individual soul) that has acquired the divine supernatural vision. ||5||

Catching hold of such (divine sounds) with the focussed attention (which is referred to here as the string or thread of surat), |
O soul! Walk back to your true home (the Soundless State where God alone dwells). ||6||

I have essentially revealed, says Maharshi Mehi, the secrets (of the way to God's Abode) |
One, who serves his Guru, attains to the Supreme Soul (God) who does not need any base or support. ||7||

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#2323

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:27 am
Subject: With Guru's Support and Sincere Meditation the Soul Attains God

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With Guru's Support and Sincere Meditation, the Soul Attains God

Posted on Jun 17th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

With Guru's Support and Sincere Meditation, the Soul (Surat) Attains God

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"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}

Meditation Sangat:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MeditationSangat
{"Do not live even a single day without inner
meditation." -- Baba Devi Sahab}

An English translation of a verse of

Revd. Shahi Swami Ji Maharaj,

probably the eldest living direct

disciple of Maharshi Mehi

Paramhans Ji Maharaj

- Translation by Pravesh K. Singh (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati ,

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/praveshksingh )

THE VERSE:

"guru yugatI se tAku gagan mein, tab jhalakai ek tArA re |
wah tArA gurudev batAvain, joti mahal kA dwArA re ||

duti nakshatra aru chhaTA Chandra ko, sUraj prabhA niyArA re |
guru prasAd lakhain jogI jan, kari andar paisArA re ||

shabd mahal mein surat chalai tab, pakaDi shabd kI dhArA re |
paiThat sunat shabd anahad jo, bAjat vividh prakArA re ||

shabd mahal mein sAr shabd dhuni, jo bhavajal kaDhihArA re |

`Shahi' surat lagai tAson tab, sataguru sain sahArA re ||

TRANSLATION:

Gaze into the (inner) sky as taught by the Guru; a star would be sighted. |
This star, explains Gurudev, is the gateway to the Palace or Kingdom of Lights. ||

Radiance, constellations, splendour of moon, and rare brilliance of the sun come into the field of inner vision. |
Yogis, with the Guru's blessings and grace, get to see the above by penetrating within. ||

Subsequently the soul moves into the Palace of Sounds, holding onto the Current of Sound. |
Accessing here (the soul) listens to sounds of innumerable variety that keep ringing there. ||

In the Palace of Sound is grasped the Quintessential Word (Sound), which rescues (the soul) out of the ocean of transmigration. |
With the support and valuable prompts of Guru, says Shahi Swami, the surat (soul) gets attached to God. ||

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#2324

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:51 pm
Subject: Do Simran -- Do the Meditation, By Swami Harinandan Baba

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Do Simran -- Do the Meditation By Swami Harinandan Baba

Posted on Jun 17th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Do Simran -- Do the Meditation
By Swami Harinandan Baba
Translation from Hindi Provided
by Pravesh K. Singh

Sant Mat/Spiritual Awakening Blog:
http://santmat.gaia.com/blog

Perform virtuous acts, you will receive happiness. Also do 'sumiran' (remembering God's name, or meditating on the Divine Sound) regularly. The biggest advantage of 'sumiran' is that we do not have to pass through the painful cycle of 8.4 million species again. Those who perform true worship of God, meditate on His name, are rid of the cycle of transmigration. The condition is that meditation be done with utmost regularity. Get initiation from an adept Guru, meditate thrice daily. Whether you see anything (during meditation) or not, never ever discontinue meditation. Initially, it might appear to be a mere show, a useless exercise. People often say that they are going to do 'dhyan', but dhyan does not happen in the very beginning. Dhyan is in fact the seventh limb of eight-fold Yoga* (as enunciated by Patanjali). We have to start with 'yam', ** 'niyam', 'Asan', 'prANAyAm', 'pratyAhAr'; then comes 'dhyAn'. Dhyan is followed by 'samAdhi' (the highest state of meditation) which is the eighth limb of yoga. So dhyan does not happen initially. First we make an attempt to do dhyan, and this process is called 'dhyAnAbhyAs' (practice of dhyan).

___________________________________

NOTES About the Practices and Ahimsa Ethics
___________________________________

* The Eight Limbs of Yoga-Stairway to Heaven - these steps and stages of ascension are used to varying degrees fairly universally by Eastern spiritual paths:
http://yoga.about.com/od/theyogasutras/p/eightlimbs.htm

** Ethical Foundation - The Five Precepts: Two and a half hours of meditation per day*** and ethcial precepts of Ahisma (non-violence in thought, word, and deed):

* Refrain from taking the life of sentient beings. This precept requires strict adherence to a vegan or lacto-vegetarian diet. No meat, fish, poultry or eggs (fertilized or nonfertilized).
* Refrain from speaking what is not true.
* Refrain from taking what is not offered.
* Refrain from sexual misconduct.
* Refrain from the use of intoxicants. This includes avoiding all poisons of any kind, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, pornography, and excessively violent films or literature.

*** Daily Meditation, Ethcial Precepts, and Eight Limbs of Yoga in the book, Philosophy of Liberation, by Sant Maharshi Mehi:

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.

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...... ////////

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#2326

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon Jul 6, 2009 4:13 am
Subject: July Sant Mat Satsang Podcast

santmat_mystic

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Click Anytime to Hear the July Sant Mat PODcast at BlogTalkRadio

Posted on Jul 5th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Click Anytime to Hear the July Sant Mat PODcast at BlogTalkRadio, on the Path of Divine Love and Inner Light & Sound Meditation

GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/SantMatFellowship

Program Length: 27 Minutes

Program Contents - The July Sant Mat Satsang PODcast

The July Sant Mat Satsang PODcast: Mystic-Poetry (Bhajans) - Readings from The Adi Granth and from the Dadu Panch Vani: verses from Sant Dadu Dayal; the article: "Do Simran -- Do the Meditation", by Swami Sant Harinandan Baba, translated from Hindi into English by Pravesh Kumar Singh; The Ethical Foundation of Sant Mat: The Five Precepts and Meditation Requirements; a reading from a quintessential manual of Sant Mat teachings and practice known as, "The Philosophy of Liberation", by Sant Maharshi Mehi on: the inner spiritual technology, steps, stages, and stairway of heaven known as "The Eight Limbs of Yoga": YAMA: satya (truthfulness), ahimsa (non-violence in thought, word, and deed), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacarya (continence), and aparigraha (control of greed -- non-possessiveness). NIYAMA also consists of five practices: sauca (internal and external purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (penance), svadhyaya (study of scriptures and wisdom of the Sants), and isvara pranidhana (meditation on GOD); ASANA: correct posture in meditation; PRANAYAMA or breath control, which is, for the most part, not emphasized in contemporary Sant Mat Meditation; PRATYAHARA: withdrawal or sensory transcendence, as well as it means to bring back, as in refocusing oneself again whenever one notices that one has lost focus during their meditation sit; DHARANA: an increment of time characterized as quality meditation -- good concentration; DHYANA: one-pointed attention, stillness, also meaning true meditation or contemplation - not to be confused with the term "Dhyan" (visualizing or seeing the form of a Master, though of course that too is part of, or a stage of, traditional Sant Mat Meditation); SAMADHI: the bliss of being completely absorbed in meditation, unity, union with God, oneness. There are also readings on Amrit Veela/Brahmamuhurta/The Hour of God, and a list of some of the Sounds of Surat Shabd Yoga.

Sat Naam, Jai Guru, Radhaswami,

James

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#2327

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sun Jul 12, 2009 3:40 am
Subject: Radhasoami has so fashioned me that I now fly like a bird

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Radhasoami has so fashioned me that I now fly like a bird

Posted on Jul 11th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Radhasoami has so fashioned me that I now fly like a bird. -- Swami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Poetry, Book Two

All souls belong to the lineage of Sat Naam, but this quality (remembrance of the lineage) cannot be attained without devotion to the Satguru. -- Soami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Prose, Book Two

Radhasoami Reality:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Radhasoami-Reality
{Radhaswami Dayal ki Daya Radhaswami Sahai:
"Grant Merciful Radhasoami Thy Grace and Protection"}

Nothing worthwhile would be accomplished by merely reciting the saints' discourses and by memorising them, so long as one does not take to practice. For this reason (it is stressed that) whatever discourse you hear, go deep into it and practise it and live it, or else hearing it and comprehending it is of no avail. (Saying of Swami Ji Maharaj - Sant Radhaswami Sahib, Sar Bachan Radhasoami Prose, Book Two, Agra, India)

The source of all energy is spirit (surat-soul) which enlivens both body and mind. Yet without the body, the spirit can have no abode, and unaided by mind, the body cannot find a direction in which to move. The spirit, therefore, becomes indebted to both Kaal [god of time] and Maya [illusion] for making it conscious and making it possible for it to exhaust and remove the covers, so that it becomes fit to ascend.

Now, this debt cannot be redeemed by the jiva [a soul somewhere in time] himself. This is because in the process of exhausting the covers, the jiva 'acts' and performs karmas, and these karmas then constitute a vicious circle in which the debt of Kaal and Maya goes on multiplying. It is only when the jiva takes shelter of the perfect master (Satguru sharan) that the forest of the karmas of jiva which keeps on accumulating in manakash (mind-sky) can be burnt.

Secondly, the jiva has to shed off the layers of Kaal and Maya and while he does so, both of them fight a pitched battle against the jiva who has to struggle hard and then gradually realise that alone, single-handedly and unaided by the Satguru, he will not be able to survive this battle of redemption of old debt laid on his back by the Adi Karma. Then alone he will surrender his ego to the Satguru who then takes over his battle, reinforces him and makes him vanquish Kaal and Maya. (M.G. Gupta, Commentary on Sar Bachan Radhasoami Prose)

This is what is meant by the verse:

Satguru sharan gaho mere pyaare, karain jugaat chukaaye: "Seek the protection of the Satguru, my love, after paying the taxes, of karma." (Swami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan. Poetry, Volume 1. Hymn 13. Discourse 8, Agra, India)

21. Sants and Mahatmas say that only the loving devotees will enter the Darbar (Court) of the true Supreme Being, be seated in His august presence and enjoy the bliss of His darshan [vision]. Rest of the Jivas [souls] who are engaged in various forms of Parmarth [spirituality], will mostly be rewarded for their Shubha Karams with happiness for some time. As they are not imbued with the desire for His darshan [vision], and as they do not wish to meet with Sant Sat Guru, they cannot secure admittance into His August Mansion [Realm].

22. The true and perfect lovers of the Lord, after reaching a particular stage, become the beloved of the true Supreme Being. They become so dear to Him that He does not like, at any time, to part with them. Whatever they do or wish is acceptable to Him. In other words, the Mauj [Will] of the Supreme Being and that of these loving devotees become one. These loving devotees are the most beloved of the Supreme Being and are called Mahboob-i-Ilahi (Beloved of God). They alone attain to the status of Sant and Param Sant. This is the acme of Bhakti[ love and devotion]. This is attained by those extremely rare devotees who have no desire of any kind, but to meet with the Supreme Father. (Huzur Maharaj - Rai Saligram, Prem Patra Radhasoami, Volume Six, Agra, India)

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#2328

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:27 am
Subject: Evils in the World Are Committed Because of Our Unmindfulness

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Evils in the World Are Committed Because of Our Unmindfulness

Posted on Jul 12th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Evils in the World Are Committed Because of Our Unmindfulness

English rendering of a discourse of Swami Harinandan Baba, the current Acharya (Teacher) of Santmat, head quartered at Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India; Swami Harinandan Baba succeeded Maharshi Santsewi Ji Paramhans in June 2007. The Hindi discourse has been excerpted from the May 2008 edition of the spiritual monthly "Shanti Sandesh" (Message of Peace) published from Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur.

-Translated into English by Pravesh K. Singh

( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/praveshksingh,

http://profiles.yahoo.com/praveshksingh )

"jhUTh-mUTh khelai sach-much hoy,
�sach-much khelai biralA koy |

�jo koi khelai man-chit lAy,

�hote hote hoiye jAy ||"
[We begin with just trying to meditate, driven often by curiosity.
Those who are truly serious & perfect at meditation are very rare to find.

However, anyone who perseveres with honest, dedicated attempts,

Eventually does attain perfection.]

Initially when we sit in meditation, 'dhyAn' does not take place; it is as if we are pretending to meditate. But as we tenaciously persist sincerely with our practice, one day dhyAn does happen in its true sense. Otherwise those are extremely rare to find who can do dhyAn perfectly. DhyAn has been described as "dhyAnam shUnyagatam manah" (Dhyan means the mind getting completely void of any thoughts or agitations). He who can accomplish perfect dhyAn finds that his mind has become empty. Thus sants exhort us not to sit in the lap of disappointment (if we don't succeed in meditation) but to persevere whether dhyAn is effected or not. Suppose there is a servant who discharges all the services to his master with utmost sincerity without asking for any salary or food. Do you think that the master would not give such a servant any food or remuneration? Rather he would himself say, "Come on! You have been working for a long time. Have some food at first. You have not even asked for any remuneration. Here is your salary." Wouldn't he? Now, when a worldly master can give his sincere servant food & salary without being asked for, would the Supreme Lord keep your wages in arrears? But yes, our faith should be so strong & unwavering that we go on doing our duty rightfully irrespective of whether we get something in return or not.

This faith, loyalty and dedication precisely are the proof of your honesty. We should forsake neither three times meditation a day nor satsang (company of noble people). Those who develop the habit of attending satsang daily, feel as if they have committed some crime if they somehow miss satsang, even for a single day. Similar is the state of those who practice meditation regularly. If they don't sit in meditation as scheduled, they feel restless as if something really important has gone amiss, feel bereft of mental peace. Another thing is that only they who meditate regularly find concentration and genuine pleasure in it. Which is why, our Guru Maharaj (Maharshi Mehi Paramhans Ji Maharaj) would say, "Attend satsang daily, and meditate daily as well". If you could fix and strictly observe a particular routine for meditation, that would be even better. Get up at 3 AM, also known as `Brahma Muhurt'. There is no disturbance at this hour. Ambiance, also, is perfectly calm. This is the best time for meditation. But only those, who observe restraint in their diet, would be able to wake up at this time. They, who eat late in the night, eat too much can not wake up in Brahma Muhurt. Sants, therefore, advise us to control our diet first of all if we want to succeed in meditation, if we aspire to achieve something. You should not hanker after eating, eating and eating. You see, we have to eat for the whole of our life. And, God provides food to everybody.

Eat a little less than you can. For the benefit of those who wish to take advantage of meditation, Sant Charan Das Ji has said,

"din ko hari sumiran karo, rain jAgi kar dhyAn |
�bhUkh rAkhi bhojan karo, taji sovan ko bAn.||"

In the above couplet he exhorts us, "Be in constant remembrance of God during daytime while discharging your worldly duties, and meditate keeping awake in the night." �How will this become possible? He says, "bhUkh rAkhi bhojan karo" which means, "stop eating even as there is some appetite still left"; only then would it be possible to keep awake and meditate in night. This may give rise to apprehension in one's mind: how is it possible that I work during daytime, exercise dietary control and not sleep in the night? For such people (who lead a hectic daily worldly life) Charandas Ji relaxes the conditions a bit:

�

"chAri pahar nahi jagi sakai, Adhi rAt sUn jAg |
�dhyAn karo jap hI karau, bhajan karan kUn lAg ||
jo nahi sardhA dopahar, pichhale pahare chet |
uTh baiTho raTanA raTo, prabhu suN lAvahu het ||
jAgai nA pichhale pahar, karai na guru mat jAp |
munh fAre sovat rahei, tAkUn lAge pAp ||"
[If you can't keep awake for the whole night, wake up at least at midnight, |
And do meditation by repeated recitation of the given mantra and� do dhyAn. ||
If even this be not possible, at least rise in the last quarter of night (also called `brahma muhurt'), |
sit up, chant His name and get connected to Him. ||
He who does not wake up even in the last quarter of night and chant the mantra given by the Guru |
Keeps sleeping with his mouth agape, he earns sin (in his karmic account).

�

At the time of taking initiation, remember that we had also taken a vow to shun avoidable karmas and perform righteous acts. All sinful acts are avoidable acts, while noble deeds consist in attending satsang, meditation, service to Guru and altruism. We had resolved to obey the instructions of our Guru and to do everything possible with our body, mind and wealth to promote Santmat. We commit sin by disobeying Guru's commandments. We should stand guards against committing this sin. We must get up in Brahma Muhurt, or else we would be deprived of the great benefits that accrue from it. Brahma Muhurt has also been described as `amrit velA' (the elixir or divine time). For those who wake up in this divine period, it has been said,

"jo jAge so pAve, jo sove so khove"
[He who wakes up in time makes valuable gains, while he who keeps sleeping stands out to lose miserably.]

Those who rise in the Brahma Muhurt and meditate go on accumulating or crediting auspicious fruits in their karmic account, and those who are lazy frittering away their time in sleeping lose this valuable wealth. An additional benefit of waking up in this period is that the atmosphere is relatively pure & healthy, as the old Hindi proverb goes,

"vaidya kI sau davA, bhor kI ek hawA"
[Air inhaled in the early hours is as effective as a hundred medicines prescribed by the doctor.]

Thus we ought to practice meditation in the Brahma Muhurt. Next we should meditate immediately after bathing. Bathing results in a cooler mind which facilitates better concentration during meditation. Then again, in the evening after finishing all worldly duties, we should wash our hands and feet and sit in meditation. Respected mothers have to do cooking at home. They should meditate and then take up cooking. Meditation quietens the mind which leads to better quality of cooking. If food is cooked after having bath & meditation, it gets purer and tastier. We should be very scrupulous about the purity of our conduct as well. It takes, you see, a sacred vessel to store a holy article. Likewise, God manifests himself in a pure heart. So purify your body and heart. This body is like a temple wherein Lord Vishnu & Lordess Lakshmi reside. This body is like a temple wherein Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvati (Shakti) reside.

Meditation within this body fetches several supernatural attainments. This body is a temple. Those who meditate on `bindu' (Luminous Divine Point) and `nAd'(Divine Sound) acquire these powers.

Therefore, keep this body as sacred as possible so as to be fit to be a temple for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is very essential, therefore, to maintain a pure living and pure eating. Learn to be content with whatever you have. It is not possible for everyone in this world to be blessed with equal means of comfort. Everyone gets wealth and comfort in accordance with his own karma.

A father has four sons. He distributes his property equally among them. But they don't prosper equally. Some grow richer, while some other might slide down into penury. Some leads a happy luxurious life, while the other is gripped by sickness. Why so? - Because we are living the consequences of our own actions. We get according to our merit. If you are leading a life of comfort, do not be arrogant. Consider wealth to be God's 'mAyA' (illusion) and devote it to auspicious activities. Such an opportunity is provided by God Himself. Kabir Sahab has stated,

"Kabir mAyA Ram kI, modI sab sansAr |
jAko chiTThi utarI, soi kharachana hAr ||"
[All the (shows of) wealth and property in this world belong to Ram, the people are merely the storekeepers. |
He whose name figures in the draw of lot gets to spend it. ||]

�

In spite of being blessed with opulence all are not able to spend it in noble ventures, whereas there are even such people who have so little and yet have the heart to part away with a portion of their possession. Who would reap the benefit eventually? Naturally the latter, the benevolent ones; and yes, they get several times more in return. Just as a farmer sows certain quantity of seeds on field, but harvests crop which is many times more than he had sowed. Now just think of a farmer who starts worrying even before sowing seeds - what would he eat if he put in 40 kg of wheat or paddy in the farm, then what would happen to such a person?

This world, too, is said to be a farm field of actions. The type of seed (in the form of our actions) we sow in it, we reap a matching harvest. If you sow good seeds, you will get good fruits; and if you sow seeds of misdeeds or evil deeds the fruits thereof would also be equally unpalatable. Therefore, commit no sin, perform virtuous acts. Spend the wealth at your command in noble acts. Which is a noble or auspicious act? - That which benefits several people. For instance, if a Satsang Hall is built, it is an auspicious act because the teachings of sants are taught and discussed here which do a lot of good to a lot of people, to the society at large. Similarly constructing schools, colleges, hospitals etc. are auspicious acts, for many generations are given education and treatment here. Spend your money in such acts. They, who invest their money in virtuous works (while they are still alive) and will a judicious distribution of their property among their off springs to facilitate an easy life for the latter, are truly the fortunate ones. But keep one thing in mind. However much you leave in legacy to your sons they would be able to retain only as much as they are worth. If your son is not capable or worthy, he could very well end up losing all he got from you. So, don't think much on this count. Spend your wealth in auspicious acts which is your duty. It, however, does not imply that you should ignore the interests of your parents, sons, daughters, wife etc. Ensuring their upkeep in the fittest manner is your bounden duty. So strike a balance. This will give you good name in this world & this life; this would also ensure a good after life. Sants teach us to learn the right art of living. Live in a way that people sing your praises after you have left this world. Those lives alone have been meaningful about who people say nice things even at their back. Such people who are criticized & cursed after they are no more, they have lived a miserable life here and are destined for a wretched after-life as well. Sants preach that if we want to be happy in both this world and the other world, we should live a life of restraint and perform noble acts.

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#2331

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sun Jul 19, 2009 4:32 am
Subject: Seek the Shelter of a Satguru to Attain God

santmat_mystic

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Seek the Shelter of a True Guru to Attain to God

Posted on Jul 19th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Maharshi Mehi Paramahansa

Bright_sevi

Seek the Shelter of a True Guru to Attain to God, Who alone is Eternal in this Ephemeral Creation!

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"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}

An English translation of a verse of the great Sant in the tradition of Santmat, Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, taken from his book "Mehi Padavali" (Verses of Mehi) based on its Hindi translation by His Chief Disciple and Successor, Maharshi Santsewi ji Paramhans:

- Translation by Pravesh K. Singh (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati, http://blog.360.yahoo.com/praveshksingh
http://praveshksingh.blogspot.com)

THE TRANSLATED VERSE:

Listen, O Fellow Beings of the World! This world is perishable; everything here is bound to be destroyed. ||1||

O Brother! Illusory is this world like a castle of smoke.| Know it to be false and deceptive. ||2||

All wise people have called it to be transitory, ephemeral.| Yet you keep clinging to it believing it to be real. ||3||

All worldly pleasures are like a mirage| And you, like a deer, greedily run after them. ||4||

It's why you suffer the pains of birth and death. | Who else, other than the Guru, can be your saviour? ||5||

No one in this inn, that is this world, is your own,| Not even your son, father, mother, wife... ||6||

Or your brethren, friends, relatives, other family members etc.| Rulers and the ruled alike are extensions or modifications of the very same illusion.||7||

Residents of even the seven heavens, and | All supernatural gods also are steeped in sensual enjoyments. ||8||

No one is here to stay for ever; all are travelers.| He (God) alone is Truth, full of peace, and eternal. ||9||

Know God to be the epitome of peace. |Sants call Him Beyond-Word or Soundless. ||10||

Only He is beyond all that is destructible as well as non-destructible.| He loves all the creatures and Himself is clear of all that is with or without attributes.||11||

He is Invisible, Unintelligible, Nameless.| Indestructible, Past Everything, and Repertoire of Bliss.||12||

He is beyond the Mind, is the Master of all the attributes.| He who doubts (the veracity of all that has been said above of God), suffers the excruciating cycles of transmigration.||13||

Brothers! He alone is your benevolent Lord in the true sense,| Saving you wherever you go, all the time.||14||

Worship Him devotedly,| By Learning the right way of doing so from a True Guru.||15||

"There is no difference whatsoever between the God and a True Guru."| Seek the shelter of your Guru with such firm faith in your mind. ||16||

Serve Guru, worship Guru.| Let not any absurd, irrational ideas or thoughts find room in your mind.||17||

Live detachedly in the world.| Keep your sense organs, the source of our sufferings, under restraint.||18||

Forsake lust, anger, egoism, infatuation.| Abandoning greed; worship your Guru whole-heartedly.||19||

Craft, crookedness and arrogance of mind,| Attachment, jealousy etc. are among several types of vices.||20||

Relinquish these (bad habits) progressively if you seek your true welfare.| Bear the words of the Guru resolutely in your mind and let yourself not be governed by your mind.||21||

Adultery, lying, taking to intoxicants, violence| And stealing are the five gravest of sins.||22||

Abandon these as they are harmful to you.| These are potent traps ensnaring you (in the chains of transmigration):||23||

Wine, Indian hemp, bhang (another type of narcotic), opium,| Toddy, cocaine etc. etc...||24||

All these intoxicants along with tobacco| are worthy of outright rejection; quit all these for good.||25||

Shun eating meat, fish and other non-vegetarian food.| Adopt virtuous dietary habits.||26||

First take care of your eating habits.| Then gradually kill all other vices.||27||

Attend satsang daily --| Both internally as well externally.||28||

Rendering and listening to religious talks or/ literature is external satsang.| Unbroken dhyAn (getting attached to the Quintessential Word) is the internal satsang.||29||
Close your eyes and practise dhyAn.| By sitting in a firm and alert�but (relaxed)�posture,||30||

Chant internally the holy name of the Guru. | Then mentally visualize his form.||31||

These two acts help accomplish some progress in dhyAn.| Then do further dhyAn using the power of drishTi (sight/vision). ||32||

Get hold of the point in Sushumna with your drishTi,| And detach your consciousness (or soul) from the gross creation. ||33||

Stilling your gaze at the point within; listen to the numerous Sounds, | A variety that keep ringing within repeatedly. ||34||

The soul ascends higher tuning into different sounds,| And thus, pierces the painful internal veils. ||35||

Leaving the huge expanses of darkness behind...| Move into the domain of Light. ||36||

Holding on to the sounds, cross even the Sphere of Light, | The soul gets contented by listening to the divine Sounds. ||37||

The Name of Ram, the True Sound/Name,| The Quintessential Word, etc... are some of the many names Sants use to describe that Word/Sound. ||38||

That sound (Quintessential Primeval Word) is attribute-less, purely conscious. | O Soul, grasp this Sound to move ahead of�(all other)�non-conscious sounds. ||39||

Even this Sound subsequently merges into Soundlessness, | The State or Domain which lies beyond this attribute-less conscious zone. ||40||

When the realm of (primordial) Sound is left behind, | The soul merges into the Soundless, Nameless State. ||41||

This very Soundless State is called God. | Attain to this very epitome of calmness, of absolute tranquility. ||42||
Those who have attained to this state are called Sants. | They have transcended the cycle of transmigration while still alive; they move out then to awaken the world. ||43||

O brother, the secrets of Santmat | Are sung and explained by such Sants. ||44||

He who has understood the above�principle well must practice dhyAn...| And live a virtuous life in this world. ||45||

He ought to progress constantly on the path of detachment,| Loving satsang intensely. ||46||

He who teaches you this golden wisdom | And thus rids you of all doubts and confusions..... ||47||

Make him your Guru, lovingly & reverently. | Adore him and serve him like a Sant. ||48||

Never harbor deceit against your Guru.| Sip the elixir of his pure love. ||49||

Talk politely, respectfully to Him, |For egoism destroys everything. ||50||

Never, therefore, be egoistic towards him (the Guru). | Otherwise, you would be left high and dry in the trap of this world. ||51||

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#2332

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sun Jul 19, 2009 4:26 am
Subject: With Guru's Support & Sincere Meditation the Surat can Attain God

santmat_mystic

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With Guru's Support & Sincere Meditation the Surat can Attain God

Posted on Jul 18th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

With Guru's Support and Sincere

�Meditation the Surat [Soul] can Attain to

�God

Sant Mat Mysticism Blog:
http://SantMat.Gaia.Com

�

An English translation of a verse of

Revd. Shahi Swami Ji Maharaj,

probably the eldest living direct

disciple of Maharshi Mehi

Paramhans Ji Maharaj:

�

- Translation by Pravesh K. Singh (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati ,

�http://blog.360.yahoo.com/praveshksingh )

THE VERSE:

"guru yugatI se tAku gagan mein, tab jhalakai ek tArA re |
wah tArA gurudev batAvain, joti mahal kA dwArA re ||

duti nakshatra aru chhaTA Chandra ko, sUraj prabhA niyArA re |
guru prasAd lakhain jogI jan, kari andar paisArA re ||

shabd mahal mein surat chalai tab, pakaDi shabd kI dhArA re |
paiThat sunat shabd anahad jo, bAjat vividh prakArA re ||

shabd mahal mein sAr shabd dhuni, jo bhavajal kaDhihArA re |
`Shahi' surat lagai tAson tab, sataguru sain sahArA re ||

�

TRANSLATION:

�

Gaze in the (inner) sky as taught by the Guru -- a star will come into view. |
This star, explains Gurudev, is the gateway to the Palace (Kingdom) of Lights ||

Radiance, constellations, splendor of moon, and rare brilliance of the sun come into the field of inner vision. |
Yogis, with the Guru's blessings and grace, get to see above by penetrating within. ||

Subsequently the soul moves into the Palace of Sounds, holding onto the Current of Sound. |
Accessing here, (the soul) listens to Sounds of innumerable variety that keep ringing. ||

In the Palace of Sound is grasped the Quintessential Word (Sound), which rescues (the soul) out of the Ocean of Transmigration. |
With the support and valuable prompts of Guru, says Shahi Swami, surat (the soul) gets attached to God. ||

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#2333

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:02 am
Subject: YouTube: Music, Poetry, Spirituality, Kabir, Sufism, Mystic Light

santmat_mystic

Send Email

Latest YouTube Collection: Music, Poetry, Spirituality, Kabir, Sufism, Mystic Light

Well....here's my latest collection of YouTube videos: music, poetry, and spirituality. Enjoy!

Nada Brahma (Sanskrit meaning, "God Is Sound"),

James

LUMINARIES - PEACE (NEW MUSIC VIDEO -- YouTube) -- these guys are GOOD. A Message of Peace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buswvJrO-f8

Charlie Peacock - The Way Of Love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVFmOswsjDA

Know Yourself: About the Universe & Existence, with Ney Flute -- Cling to the Inner Mystic LIGHT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFZVyMsXOkE

Ocean of My Dreams: A fusion of Rumi, Ibn Arabi & A. Yaseen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j3XkBULBgE

Listen, My Heart, and, The Bhakti Path - Two Kabir Poems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91eBqSWqN-o

KABIR Poetry: The flute of interior time is played whether we hear or not:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x11SpcKtwk

Music of Guru Kabir - Dulhan Gawat Mangal Char - Shubha Mudgal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJWCwmXOzmE

Robert Bly reads Kabir (NEW):
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MOoq0KgT7M

Kabir Poetry - Where do you search for Me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrguJTi40iY

JIMMY PAGE & ROBERT PLANT--CITY DON'T CRY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL2iL6lZCHk

Comedy about the meaning of life and death that only Steven Wright can create while walking over his own grave:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9X_xQRrPFY

Bawa Muhaiyaddeen: Simplicity & Essence of the Sufi inner path. Music by Tony Scott:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5LyC2XpB_c

CLICK TO LISTEN: Sufism-Mystical Islam - Art Hockberg Interview: Latest Spiritual Awakening Radio -- Newly Archived Show:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ASXGenerator.aspx?mediaSKU=c58JIv%2fDTDtPi12VrMtaRQ%3d%3d

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#2334

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:03 am
Subject: Love is everything, and without it everything is meaningless

santmat_mystic

Send Email

Love is everything, and without it everything is meaningless

Posted on Jul 24th, 2009 by SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Love is everything, and without it everything is meaningless

KABIR:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KABIR

A Great Hindu Scripture on the Bhakti (Love and Devotion) Aspect of Spirituality:

http://reluctant-messenger.com/bhakti-sutras.htm

Love is the Quintessence of this world and the creation. This is the greatest requirement of every living being, and one without it is lifeless. These are some verses from the Saakhis of Guru Kabir, in the book, 1008 Kabir Vani, compliled by Lalchand Doohan Jigyasu, translated by Kunwar Anil Kumar, Manoj Publications, Delhi.

�

The feeling of love which fluctuates every moment can in no case be considered true love. Love is something which never decreases and which keeps one engrossed in itself all the time, and then only it can be called true love. Everyone saw the lover (of God) getting in love, but where is that love now? This love is nothing but emotion. One, who, in the name of love, starts weeping one moment and laughing the other, cannot be a true lover (of God). This is only an illusion.

�

A heart, in which there is no love, should be considered a cremation ground, because such a heart seems dead and gives an impression of being devoid of feelings. It is the same as the bellows of a blacksmith, which is made of the leather of an animal which breathes in and out despite being inanimate (the blacksmith stokes up the fire by pumping air out of it).

�

Love is never governed by any rule, there is no abstinence and there is no binding. One who is in love (with God), does not think of gains and losses, and 'mine and thine' is not their concern. Love, under all circumstances, is free from such things. Once someone is deep in love, he forgets everything and in such state of affairs who will care for what day or date it is.

�

Love is like a deep sea. Only that lover (of God) who will dive into it fearlessly shall be able to get the pearl of ultimate happiness in it. And one who will not be able to muster up enough courage to dive into it, shall remain sitting at the beach. He will remain without love in this world. How will he get the pearls of ultimate happiness then?

�

The outwardly appearance has absolutely no meaning if there is no love in one's heart. It is useless even talking about it. Unless the love is truly in practice, wearing an outwardly appearance is meaningless and is a sure sign of ruin.

�

Only those who have true love in their hearts attain true knowledge. Without love, one may cling to any number of rues, he will not be able to attain self-realization. And so, one should have true love for his Satguru, and this is the only way one can attain true knowledge and enjoy eternal peace.

�

Love is everything, and without it everything is meaningless. And so, do not fear offering your head while stepping on the path of love. Do not have attachment to yourself and to the world even in your dream. Such lover (of God), who is loved by his Satguru, becomes free from the life-and-death cycle.

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#2335

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat Jul 25, 2009 2:36 am
Subject: Narada Bhakti Sutras - The Manual of Spiritual Love

santmat_mystic

Send Email

Narada Bhakti Sutras - The Path of Spiritual Love

Posted on Jul 24th, 2009 by

SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Narada Bhakti Sutras - The Path of Spiritual Love

Narada Bhakti Sutras - The Spiritual Manual about Cultivating Love and Devotion: One of my top five most favorite holy books of all time, though my preferred translation and commentary is the one published by Sri Ramakrishna Math in Madras. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand Sant Mat, meditation practice, or any God-based spiritual path, East or West! A Great Hindu Scripture on the Bhakti (Love and Devotion) Aspect of Spirituality:

http://reluctant-messenger.com/bhakti-sutras.htm

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#2337

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Mon Aug 3, 2009 10:01 pm
Subject: With Cries from the Heart, the Search for a True Guru Begins

santmat_mystic

Send Email

With Cries from the Heart, the Search for a True Guru Begins

Posted on Aug 3rd, 2009 by SantMat_Mystic_(James)

With Cries from the Heart, the Search for a True Guru Begins

By Lars Jensen

Sant Mat Fellowship:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship
{"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." -- Sant Dadu Dayal}

[Mr. Lars Jensen is a project manager (civil eng.) in Stockholm (Sweden). He tells, "I was born in a country where no one understands spirituality. Hardly any people believes in God in Sweden. Even if this country is a desert of spirituality, I had an inner longing to finding the truth, since the early childhood. I wondered about the mystery of life and death.... " Mr. Jensen received� initiation in Santmat in July, 2008. He has tried to share his experiences and understanding on True Guru with us. -- SadGuruMehi.com]
��
A million speak of love, yet how few know; true love is not to lose remembrance even for an instant. It can only be called love, if you yearn for the Lord in the same way as a man is yearning for air, when he is drowning and fighting for his life under the water. You can only be said to have a thirsty heart if you can drink the whole ocean and your lips will remain dry like a desert. Only such blessed soul will reach the highest goal of life.

When the soul begins to awake from its deep slumber, no worldly forces can undo with the tears and yearning of the heart. At that blessed moment the life takes a turning point and the search for the Lord starts. It is the Lord from within our own heart calling us back home. From that very moment the destination of the soul is fixed. The cry of the heart will not stop until the goal of the heart is reached and the union with the Lord is accomplished.

While explaining the meaning of a poem "Builders" in the examination hall this inner force stroke the heart of the young boy Ramanugrah Lal (later known as Sadguru Maharshi Mehi) and his viewpoint of life suddenly changed within a twinkling of an eye, as if he was hit by a lightening of intensive yearning. He left the examination hall immediately and never returned. From that moment he was ever restless wondering in search for a true Guru that could give him the inner contact with the Lord. Finally the search was completed when he met Baba Devi Sahab and through Baba Devi's influence and spiritual guidance it is told that he ultimately achieved Salvation.

So spirituality is like an infection that can be caught but not taught. Once a God-realized soul is met; spirituality is caught like an infection going from one heart to another heart. The goal of spirituality is to establish this connection with the Source at level of soul and have nothing to do with any lower level of mind, intellect or emotions. Spirituality is only to be found at the level of soul. So how can it be found if search is made at another level where it is not? So a connection at level of soul is essential in spirituality. This connection is only possible to establish by the help of one who already has this inner connection with the Source. Only when such a God-realized Soul is met, we can be colored in the color of spirituality. To find a true Guru is therefore a must.

God as ordinate this way and so it is confirmed in all our Holy Scriptures. This is the true Religion, which is the same for all human beings and that never has changed and never will change, as it is old as mankind and created by the Lord Himself. Even all our Competent Masters of the past went to a master since the Lord has ordinate this way. Jesus the Christ went to John the Baptist and Kabir went to Ramananda. They themselves were more developed than their own masters, but they went to a master as an example for us to follow. If such high personalities had to go to a master, why do we think that we could find the way back to God by ourselves? God is the unseen Power over all working. So God needs a human pole through whom He can speak, how else He can speak with us?

So to get this inner connection with the Lord a spiritual Guru or Master is necessary. But who is the Master? This subject is very misunderstood. Guru Nanak says: "God is the true Master and the soul is the true disciple".
�
The Master is always one. Because God is one, He is not two. It doesn't matter if He comes in different human forms like Jesus, Guru Nanak, Kabir and so on. The Master remains the same. It is the God Power in them who is the Master, not the body, and this God Power is always one and the same. So Jesus and Christ were two. Jesus was the human pole in which the Christ power, Master Power or God Power manifested itself. Everything is revealed in our Holy Scriptures, but we do not understand them properly. Christ said: "I was before Abraham." (John 8:58) But it is obvious that Jesus, the human body, was not living before Abraham. Christ said: "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matt 28:20) But Jesus, the human body, died at the cross. So who spoke these words? Of course these words were not the words of Jesus, the human body, but the words of the Christ Power or God Power. So it is the God Power in them who is the Master and not the body. And that God Power is not limit to manifest Itself only one time in the history or in only one body. So that Power has manifest itself in all God-realized soul of the world. So there may be many different lamps, but the light from them remains the same. If a friend of yours comes in different clothing, would you not recognize him?

So a God-realized soul never says he is the Master for it is the God Power who works through him who is the Master. He says he is a servant of this God Power. If he claims himself as a Master, he can never be a Master. Never so far a true God-realised soul has claims himself as a Master. The one, who really has seen that God Power controlling and working through the whole creation, can never claim himself as the doer or as the master, its impossible. And so it is confirmed in our Holy Scriptures. Jesus the Christ never said that he was the doer, but the Father in Heaven. Guru Nanak and Kabir stressed the same thing and Guru Gobind Singh even told: "Whosoever calls me God will fall into the pits of hell; I am but His lowly servant." Prophet Mohammed also claimed that God is the only doer: "There is no God except God", "I myself am only a servant and a prophet witnessing of Him." So no true Master ever proclaimed himself as a Master.

So God Power is the only one who is Competent to help us. He is the one who can drag your attention up. He can take you above the body consciousness, the five senses, the intellect and the mind, into the beyond. So God have sent you to this world, but He has also sent someone to take you back home, through whom He is saying: "Come children, come back Home." And that is through Sants.

So the way back to God starts with the yearning of the heart. That Power from within will surely draw the true seeker to the right place where the true Guru is to be found. When the candle is lighted, the moths would themselves fly to it. Where there is honey, all true bees will come up, but for those who can't smell the difference how can they come?

If someone can't smell the difference, what to do? If the yearning is not strong enough, so that God Himself drags you to the right place where the true Guru is to be found. What to do? If you try to search for the true Guru by your own effort, how to find him? By own effort it is impossible, to find him. But some guidance is helpful.

So how to find a true Guru?

It is told that the true Guru can not to be found in a million, maybe in a billion. Just think, how many other Competent Masters was contemporary with our Competent Masters of the past? As for example, how many other Competent Masters came at the time of Christ? He was the only one. There were of course many other so-called teachers, but who were they? They were the priests and scribes whom wanted to crucify Christ and they claimed themselves as the only true mouthpiece of God. So the God Commissioned person is very rare to find and mostly he comes alone. If there are more than one at the same time, they will work as one unit, since it is the same Power working. So he is the rare one, the rare personality, that is Commissioned from God, but he would never say "he is the Master" and he doesn't act or pretend to be like one either. Everything is not the same. A so-called guru is not the same thing as true Guru.

Accordingly the true Guru is very hard to find. So when we search for true Guru we must be aware, because obviously there are also 100 000 so-called masters, who are not commissioned by God and who are not doing His Work. But who are they? Man has the power to discriminate, because if he does not discriminate then he looses his life. All Competent Masters have defined very clearly that we should discriminate. What is true and what is false? All misguidance is due to our own ignorance. But the Holy Scriptures tells us that ignorance is no excuse, the followers should at least know what they are following. So some guidance is needed to avoid that the so-called gurus catch the seeker, because then the golden opportunity of this human life is lost.

So how to recognize if a guru is the true Guru?

This is a very rare subject and very seldom talked about, but without this knowledge many souls will come under the influences of a so-called guru. No blind faith is accepted by the Lord, if you have not seen for yourself, never believe in the guru. Disciples are not needed, but conscious co-workers of the divine plan. By being around a true God-realized soul your own consciousness will be developed and the inner experiences will come, if you follow his instructions with wholly and solely devotion. But if you remain ignorant being around a guru, the guru himself is ignorant, because spirituality is like an infection going from one heart to another heart and no power can undo with it. So being at the company of a true Guru you must get this injection of spirituality. How can you come in contact with sandalwood without getting the smell? If you don't get the smell it is because it is not real sandalwood. So if no positive change is made at level of soul and consciousness, this guru is probably not a true guru.

If there was no difference between a guru and an ordinary man, then what is the purpose of going to a guru? The true Guru is a God-realized soul, having an inner and direct contact with the Divine Source. Having an inner contact with the Divine Source will naturally also reflect outside on his true living and pure character. So accordingly there are some criteria that a guru must fulfill in order to be a true Guru.
�
A true Guru must have pure character since he has raised above all the poisons of the senses, ego and mind. Whereas the so-called guru has a worldly character even so he tries to hide it. Any sign of anger, ego, lust, greed or worldly attachment is a sign that he is not the true one.

Since a man's inner state is reflected outside, a person can be known by his living. The true Guru, whose heart is pure, can be recognized through his pure living. The so-called guru, whose hearts is not pure, can be recognized through his impure living. The so-called guru act and pose a lot, so his impure living will properly not be seen if you don't come close to him and see him acting in his daily life.

There are 100 000 ways to be misled in the world, but there is only one way back to God. So everything that takes away your attention from your goal, that is God, is a hindrance. So in the direction in which a guru draws your attention, you can see if he is genuine. If he is the true one, then he will draw your attention to God since this is the goal. If he draws your attention to other so-called things like fulfilling our wishes, getting health, getting peace of mind, healing power, miracles power, himself as a person, prophesies and so on, he can never be the right one. All these so-called things are nonsense, because what does it have to do with God, and by following it you will never know God. Where you have your attention, there you also have to go. The true guru's only goal is to take us back to God and he is living and doing for this purpose alone.

Since it is the Mission of God, it must be done in Gods name alone, and in no other name. Never a true Guru claims himself as the doer or as the Master and never he takes money for his service done in the name of God. It is a universal law of God that everything that comes from God is free.

The teaching of the true Guru is in accordance with all our Holy Scriptures and also in accordance with all Saints of the past. Whereas the teaching of the most so-called gurus are contrary to the Holy Scriptures and to each other. While still other so-called gurus repeat the teaching of the true Guru, since with some training anyone can teach it. But to give the practical demonstration, the first hand experience, is very difficult.

The true Guru must be able to give you a first hand demonstration of rising you above the body consciousness, so you can have the inner experiences of the beyond. The right inner experience that is in accordance to all our Holy Scriptures. Until you do not see with your own eyes, do not believe your guru. He must also be able to answer your questions, without you even putting them. The true Guru will know your heart even better than yourself. Only when such a Soul is met, we can be colored in the same color. Life comes from Life as Light comes from Light. It is only an awakened Soul that can rouse us from our deep slumber.

This is some of the signs of a God-realized soul. This teaching is very precious for those souls, who are lost in the search of a true Guru.

So spirituality starts within your own heart. It is like a wildfire that has caught into flames in the heart -- like the fire in the forest, nobody on earth can extinguish it, it will go on and on. This wildfire burns all the desires of the world and makes everything of this world appear dry and empty. The only thing that remains in the heart is the thirst for the water of life and the yearning for the Lord. This yearning for the Lord should be our rolling passion of life, and it should be just as strong as the hungry yearns for food and the thirsty yearn for water. Even God Himself looks for such a soul. Where there is fire, oxygen will come to help. Where there is a burning heart who yearns for the Lord, help will also come. So you only need develop such a condition, and you do not need to look for God, because God Himself will come after you. The blind one can not find the hand of the seeing one. Only the seeing one can take the hand of the blind one and lead him to the right place. So He selects us. The God Power from within will draw such a soul to the feet of a Competent Guru, just as happened to the young boy Ramanugrah Lal (Maharshi Mehi).

Pray to God that He may come to you, because this world is a jungle of so-called masters. It is almost impossible to find the true Guru by our own effort. After all you can not find Him, if He doesn't want to be found. Only He can find you. Only the seeing one can find the blind one, never it can be the opposite. So make a prayer to God that He will come to you!

But if you have a thirsty heart which holds you awake all night, then the God Power from within your own self will draw you to the right place where the true Guru is to be found. So all that is needed is a thirsty heart, because even God Himself looks for such a Soul.

So Spirituality is very simple indeed. You only take away your attention from the world and instead direct it to God. Spirituality is just as simple as that.�� ////////

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#2338

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Sat Aug 8, 2009 7:52 pm
Subject: Becoming God-Union With God In Meditation

santmat_mystic

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Becoming God-Union With God In Meditation, Verses By Sant Sevi Ji

Posted on Aug 8th, 2009 by SantMat_Mystic_(James)

Becoming God - Union With God In Meditation, Verses By Maharshi Santseviji Paramhans

Sant Mat Mysticism Blog:
http://SantMat.Gaia.Com

Verses composed by Maharshi Santsevi ji Paramhans are very few in numbers; in fact, his prose itself had a lucid inimitable poetic style (his discourses left the audience spellbound). Presented below is the English rendering of a Hindi verse, underscoring the� way & importance of meditation, composed by Sadguru Maharshi Santsevi ji Paramhans (1920-2007), the charismatic exponent of Santmat, excerpted from the book titled "Bhajanawali" compiled by Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj, the �founder Editor, Hindi monthly "Shanti Sandesh" (Message of Peace) brought out by Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India, and also the current editor of the spiritual quarterly "Adhyatma Prakash"(The Light of Spirituality) brought out from Maharshi Santsevi Dhyan Yogashram, Kolkata, West Bengal.

- Translated by Pravesh K. Singh

[ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati� ]

�

The Original Verse (Transliterated Hindi Version)

"Sarvesh ko bhaj le sujan, akhilesh ko tU pAyegA |

Bishvesh ko upalabdh kar, tU wahI ho jAyegA ||1||

Man se mantrAvritti kari kari, IshTa vigraha dhyAn bhI |
Yug drishTi sUrat ek kar, ghaT jyoti jugnU pAyegA ||2||

vidyut sitAre bindu shashi, ushA prabhA ravi pUr bhI |
lakh jyoti anupam brahma kI, agh punj jal bhun jAyegA ||3||

Jyoti mein sun shabd anahad, dhun anAhat ko parakh |
sat shabd chetan dhAr dhari, dhur dhAm nischaya jAyegA ||4||

Santsewi ko batAyA, Sant Mehin marma yah |
Hai dharm ab terA sujan, kar karm ur prabhu pAyegA ||5||"

�

TRANSLATION

O wise People! Worship/meditate upon the Supreme Lord of the Whole Universe, whole Nature (Gross and Conscious). |
Having realized Him (within through inner meditation), you would become He Himself.||1||

Mentally (internally) chant the mantra (given by the Guru), try to visualize the form of your desired deity (in the inner sky, as taught by the Guru). |
Making both the currents of your sight/vision meet, you would see the light of the glow-worm within your own body. ||2||

(As you continue with the Drishti Yoga - Yoga of Inner Light), you would also behold within yourself flashes of lightning, stars, refulgent absolute point, moon, light of dawn & morning, sun, etc.|

This Divine Light seen within would scorch the stockpile of your sins. ||3||

While beholding the dazzling Divine Light (you would also) hear myriads of phonetic sounds, as also the Quintessential/Primordial Unstruck Melody. |
Grasping on to the conscious current of the Eternal Unstruck Word (Sound/ Melody), you would surely get entry into His exclusive Kingdom (where He alone lives in His true state). ||4||

Sant Sadguru Mehi taught this secret (of inner meditation) to (Maharshi) Santsevi. |

Now it is your duty, O Wise Men, to implement the above into practice, and, thus, you are bound to find Him within yourself .||5||

�

More Couplets of Swami Santsevi Ji

Begin meditation with internally chanting or repeating the Guru-mantra-incantation (the charged words given by the Guru). And then try to visualize the radiant form or image of the Satguru in the still darkness of the inner sky (with eyes closed). Follow that with focusing your attention at the seat of the soul within, i.e. at the Third Eye or the Inner Eye or the Til Dwaar, by making the two streams of consciousness in your two eyes converge in a Point.

When the two currents of consciousness meet in a Point, Divine Light
appears within. Then, practice Surat Shabd Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound)
i.e., try to shift your attention to listening to the Divine Sounds or myriads of melodies (Anahad Naad) ringing inside. Listening to the
Divine Sound destroys all the perversions, agitations and fickleness of
the mind.

Ascending beyond or transcending myriads of sounds, try to identify
and tune in to the Quintessential Unstruck Melody, called "Saar Shabd" or "Anaahat Naad" which alone is capable of taking you and merging you into oneness with the Supreme Lord; this is the ultimate deliverance or liberation.� ////////

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#2339

From: "SantMatMysticism@..." <santmatmysticism@...>
Date: Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:16 am
Subject: Always, always meditate day and night - Kabir, Tukarama

santmat_mystic

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Always, always meditate day and night - Kabir, Tukarama

Mystic-Poetry of the Sants of India: Tukarama and Kabir: Always, always meditate day and night

Tukarama: Invoke God With Love, and Utter His Name Time After Time

When I utter Thy name,
my mind becomes composed.
The tongue enjoys
a stream of ambrosia.
Good omens of all kinds take place.
The mind is colored in Thy vision,
and becomes steady on Thy feet.
One becomes satisfied.........
Desires come to an end........
Happiness meets happiness,
and there is no limit
to blessedness.

The whole body
feels cool
when one meditates
on the Name.
The senses forget their
movements. . . . . .
By the sweet nectar-like love
of God, one is
full of energy and
all kinds of sorrow depart it immediately.

The body which was hitherto unclean,
becomes lustrous by the power of
the Name, the mind is purified,
and repentance puts a stop to one's
accumulated Karma.

The evil passions are conquered;
all the impulses are nipped in the bud
by the power of the Name.

One should sit at a place,
concentrate his mind,
invoke God
with love,
and utter His name
time after time.
I swear by God's name,
says Tuka,
that there is no other way
of reaching God:
indeed, this is the easiest
of all ways.

(Mysticism In India -- The Poet-Saints of Maharashtra, R.D. Ranade,
SUNY Press, NY)

Kabir: Your Heavy Load is Taken Off --
Meditation Will Remove All Your Burdens

Meditation leads to salvation's door:
Go to heaven --
why go back to the world?
In the house of the fearless One,
where music, unstruck, sounds,
you shall play trumpets.

Meditate upon Him in your heart.
Without meditation there is no salvation. (Rest)

Unfettered meditation
brings salvation:
Your heavy load is taken off.
Welcome Him in your heart,
so you will not be born
again and again.

Blissful meditation
will light a lamp inside you
that does not need any oil.
This lamp will make you immortal;
this lamp will draw out the poison
of lust and anger.

Pierce this meditation
that gives you salvation,
and wear it around your neck.
Never take it off.
Meditate always:
Your guru's grace will get you across.

Meditation will free you
from dependence on others:
You will sleep on silken sheets at home.
Your heart will be at peace;
your life will blossom:
Deeply drink this meditation.

This meditation
will erase your blemishes;
you will be free from Maya's touch.
Meditate, meditate, and sing,
"Hari, Hari" [God, God]. You will obtain
this meditation from your true guru [Satguru].

Always, always meditate day and night:
When you rise, when you lie down,
when you breathe in, when you breathe out.
Waking or sleeping,
relish the taste of meditation --
meditation will bring union.

Meditation will remove all your burdens;
meditation upon Ram's name
will become your support.
Kabir, says, "He is limitless."

(Songs of Kabir from the Adi Granth, Nirmal Das, SUNY Press, NY)

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