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Saturday, March 20, 2010

March SantMat Satsang PODcast Now Available At Blog Talk Radio


March Sant Mat Satsang PODcast Now Available At Blog Talk Radio:
Guru Nanak's Conversation with the Siddha Yogis (Adi Granth Book of Sidh Gosht)


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The March Sant Mat Satsang PODcast is now Available at Blog Talk Radio. Along with Sikh Chant, a reading from Guru Nanak's Conversation with the Siddha Yogis (Adi Granth Book of Sidh Gosht) on the Big Questions: God, Salvation, Enlightenment, the Way to Truth, Meditation Practice, and Living A Spiritual Life - One of the Key Texts of the Masters.


Program Length: 30 Minutes. Click To Listen:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2010/03/20/march-2010-sant-mat-satsang-podcast


The Book of Sidh Gosht, Guru Nanak's Conversation with the Siddhas.

'There is One Creator of the creation. This is realized by the Sat Guru's grace.'

The siddha yogis formed an assembly, and sitting in their yogic postures spoke to Guru Nanak: "Make your obeisance to this gathering of saints."

Answered Guru Nanak: "I bow only to Him who is True, infinite and beautiful beyond compare. My body and mind I surrender to Him and my head I place before Him. It is in keeping the company of the Sants that one reaches the Truth, and by the Truth itself one is blessed. No goal is reached by wandering aimlessly. Purity is only achieved through practice of the True Name. Without the True Name, liberation comes to none."

The yogis asked Guru Nanak: "Who are you? What is your name? What is your sect? What is your goal? We pray that you give us your true answers, for we are a sacrifice to the truthful ones. Where is your seat? Where do you live? From where have you come? Where are you going? The non-attached siddhas wait to hear your reply. 0 tell us, what is your path?"

Answered the Master: "The Lord is in every heart, and within Him is my seat and my home. I walk in the will of the Sat Guru [True Guru], and this is my only caste. I have come from God and I shall go wherever His will guides me. Nanak is my name, and I live to obey His command. My way is to sit in contemplation of the Imperishable Lord, and the attainment of such an all-encompassing vision is my life's goal. By the Guru's grace I have come to know and recognize myself, and have merged with the truest of the true."

Asked Charpat, the Yogi: "This life is like a turbulent sea, and it is said to be most difficult to cross. How can it be safely crossed?"

Said Nanak: "How can one answer the question of one who already has the answer? What discussion is required when you have known that yonder shore? Observe the lotus as it drifts over the surface of the lake, its roots embedded in the mud below, and the swan floating carefree on the stream: The waters never reach beneath the surface of his feathers. One crosses over the terrible ocean of life with his mind fixed on the Guru's Word, and by repeating the Name of the Lord. He who lives in the world without desire, perfectly detached, keeping the One Lord in the mind, seeing the Unseen and knowing the Inconceivable, and making others to see; Nanak is a slave to such a one."

Said the Yogis: How does one reach the home of the True Guru?

Sayeth Nanak: With the Holy Name as one's foundation, this wavering mind is firmly held, and in Truth it dwells. And when in truth one loves the Lord, then the Lord Himself grants union with Him.

Said the Yogis: Who is Unmanifest? Who is liberated? Who dwells in reality, within and without? Who comes and goes? Who is pervading the three worlds?

Sayeth Nanak: The Unmanifest is He who lives in every heart. The God-conscious being is liberated, and he is united with the Word, within and without. It is the ego-centered being who comes and goes.
The God-conscious being knows that God fills the three worlds.

Said the Yogis: By what means are we bound and overcome by Maya? How does one gain or lose? How is one purified? How is one overtaken by darkness? The one who can give us the true answers is our Guru.

Sayeth Nanak: The negative thoughts of the mind are what bind us, and then we are overcome by the Maya. The self-centered one loses and the one who obeys the Will of His Creator, is the one who gains. By meeting the True Guru, all darkness is dispelled, the ego is stilled and one is united with God. With a mind held in purest contemplation, the mind's thoughts stray no more and the body is held firm. Then in the sphere of perfect harmony is one's True Home, And the True Lord loves the True One.

Said the Yogis: Why have you left your home and family to wander across the land? Why have you taken up the dress of a holy ascetic? What goods are you seeking and how is it that you will lead your following across?

Sayeth Nanak: I wander in search of the God-conscious being. I have adopted this dress because I seek the constant vision of the Lord. I seek the merchandise of Truth, for I am a merchant of Truth. It is by the Guru's Grace that I will ferry my following across.

Said the Yogis: How have you changed the course of your life? To what have you attached your mind? How have you stilled your desire and hope? How have you found the Light within? How is one to eat the uneatable without teeth?

Sayeth Nanak: My comings and goings ceased and my life's course changed, upon my birth in the home of the True Guru. My mind is held firm by absorption in the Divine Music of the Word. My hope and desire have been burned away with the Holy Nam. And through the Guru's Grace I have found the Light within. When one overcomes the three Gunas,1 one eats the uneatable. Thus, O Nanak, the Liberator Himself liberates a man.

Said the Yogis: What is your view of the beginning? Where did God live before the world began? What are the earrings of wisdom? Who lives in all hearts? How does one overcome the fear of death? How does one overcome his adversaries? How does one become fearless?

Sayeth Nanak: Knowing God as the Source of peace and harmony, And washing off ego and sin through the Guru's Word, one comes to live in his True state of fearlessness. Thus, realizing the Name of the One Creator, O Nanak, death doesn't strike that man, but comes to serve him instead.

(Peace Lagoon, Anthology of the Sacred Songs of the Sikhs, Translated by Sardarni Premka Kaur, Sikh Dharma)

Note:
Gunas 1): attributes or qualities of nature, sattva, rajas, and tamas and their influence on beings, that pervade and control matter.

Gunas 2): The three characteristics or qualities of the illusive energy maya which is manifested in the form of the universe. They are sattvagun (the pious or good quality), tamogun (the evil or bad quality) and rajogun (the mixture of good and bad qualities).

Gunas 3):
Tamas: lethargy, ignorance, indolence
Rajas: inspiration, creativity, craving
Sattwas: tranquility, wisdom, happiness






Saturday, March 13, 2010

Inner Light and Sound Meditation in Jainism



Inner Light and Sound Meditation in Jainism, By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj, The Harmony of All Religions, from the Jainism Chapter


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YouTube Video: Talk in Hindi By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY-II8TTt5Q


Maharshi Mehi Paramahans: "The Jiva (individual Soul) is enveloped by three layers: darkness, Light and Sound. To remove these veils hiding the Soul, we should practice Drishti Yoga (Inner Light Meditation) and Surat Shabd Yoga (Inner Sound Meditation)."

Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj: "Practice Drishti Yoga (Yoga of Light) and Nada-nu-sadhna (Yoga of Sound). These will remove the layers of darkness, Light and Sound which conceal your Soul from the Supreme Soul (God). You will know who you are. And, when you know yourself, you will also know God."


Inner Light and Sound Meditation in Jainism,
By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj,
The Harmony of All Religions,
from the Jainism Chapter

Lord Mahavira’s Teachings on Atman and Meditation

Here are some references to atman and meditation as taught by Lord Mahavira: "Atman is Brahma (the Ultimate Reality). Brahmacharya (living in Brahma; restraint of the senses) is the state of being established in one’s soul. The practitioner who is freed from the body (who is detached from bodily desires) and established in the soul is the true brahmachari."

"Through meditation of the soul Param Samadhi (highest state of concentration; state of liberation) is attained."

"Absorbed in meditation the mendicant leaves behind all impurities. Therefore, meditation is the cure for all the impurities and afflictions of the soul.

"If your vision itself becomes the source of removing darkness, then why would a man need an outside source of light? [By the practice of meditation the divine light dawns and the practitioner’s divine vision opens up]. If the soul itself is an abode of infinite joy, why then would the sensual pleasures have any value for that practitioner?"

In the above quotes, Lord Mahavira describes the divine vision which removes the darkness of ignorance. His words find support in an ancient anecdote about Mragavati, a devout woman and devoted wife, who was endowed with the divine vision and was able to see clearly in the darkness.

The bright bindu point (infinitesimal point] emerges when the practitioner becomes established in the discipline of focusing on one point with the beams of both eyes. When the inner light is attained, a practitioner is established in the divine light, which is not conditioned by any outward source of light. This technique is known by different names in texts of the various saints and traditions.8 In this practice of light the practitioner sitting in meditation is able to observe the scenes from anywhere (clairvoyance).9 The outward darkness does not hinder the power and ability of seeing. Therefore, Mahavira has asked why the practitioner would need outward light once his vision has itself become the source (instrument) of removing darkness.

Once established in light, the practitioner hears various types of sweet inner melodious sounds. The saints have named this sound the Anahad (Un-struck, self producing divine sound).
Through the technique of Shabad Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound) the practitioner goes beyond these sounds and enters the eternal sound—Pranava dhvani OM (the cosmic sound of OM).
Through this the practitioner reaches God (paramatma—the Supreme Spirit) and reaches the point where the distinction between the devotee (practitioner) and God (object of worship) disappears. The soul which is united with the Supreme Soul, becomes the Supreme Soul. This state is known as moksha, nirvana, or mukti (Absolute Freedom).

A discussion on Shabad Yoga Jnanarnva is found in the text, composed by Shrishubhachandracharya: "This dhyana (intense concentration) moves from one sound to another, and from one yoga to another. Therefore, it is known as that which is endowed with focus and logic."

Lord Mahavira speaks of the experience of the Bindu—point—in meditation as the experience of sva (inner self). Dr. Hukumchand Bharill in his book, Tirthankara Mahavira and his Sarvodaya Tirtha10 has wonderfully depicted the inner depth of the meditation practice of Lord Mahavira. From these illustrations it is evident that Lord Mahavira practiced inner sound yoga or (Shabad Yoga)11.

In the Jain texts we find various references: "[In the deep state of meditation] Lord Mahavira experienced the divine sounds. The sound of OM was ceaselessly emanating, the inner form of atman manifested in its utmost grandeur, and the nectar was pouring."




Driśti Yoga (Preksha Dhyāna) - Yoga of Inner Light

Preksha, the Yoga of Vision or seeing is the subtle form of meditation. It is known by various names in the Jain tradition. The word preksha is derived from the Sanskrit root verb iksha, which means “seeing.” With the pra prefix it means “seeing by entering in depth” or “observe carefully.” In Jain literature, two words are used to describe the Yoga of Light meditation: preksha and vipashyana. However, the term vipashyana is also used in Buddhist meditation techniques. Therefore, in the present Jain context, we use the term preksha dhyāna to avoid any confusion with the Buddhist terminology.

In the Dashvaikalick Sutra it is said: "See the atman through the atman. Seeing is the essential element of this meditation and therefore it is named preksha dhyāna."

Acharya Tulsi explains: "The Center of “seeing” or inner focus is known as ajnachakra (the third eye). When the mind is focused on it, the divine light pervades every part of the being. The life of one who focuses on this center of life (in front of the nose between the two eye-brows) is ever filled with the smile and joy."

Acharya Mahapragya elaborates: "The goal of the Yoga of Vision is to know one’s self. As long as the soul is covered with afflictions and desires we are unable to know our self. Therefore, to remove this veil or covering it is necessary to concentrate the mind.

"The Yoga of Vision is the technique of looking at the soul. Whom shall we see? We shall see our Self and experience our own nature. We shall manifest the true form of our own nature. Seeing the true form of oneself is the Yoga of Vision.

"Collect your consciousness in the sushumna, the tenth gate (ajnachakra)."

According to Maha Manaswi Shri Jinendra Varni: "Meditation beyond physical forms is known as Shukla Dhyāna (light meditation). This meditation is beyond name and form. One sees only the inner light, and it is therefore called shukla. The yogi experiences the indescribable form of God in the form of light. Therefore, this meditation is known as the meditation of light—shukla dhyāna."

According to Shubhachandrachrya, "[In this way] The ascetic who has understood the technique of mantra meditation, must then meditate on a point in front of the nose and in the middle of both eyebrow, focused on the unmovable form."

Surat Śabada Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound)

In the Yoga of Sound (Surat Shabda Yoga), the gross material sound (anhad sound) manifests initially, and thereafter the essential inner divine sound (anahad), also know as OM or Pranava. It is the cosmic sound of the beginning.

There are several references to the essential cosmic sound in the context of Lord Mahavira’s teachings: "Taking hold of this essential anahat element (the sound of OM) or Shivanam, the ascetics have gone across [beyond] this world of delusion and pain."

In this way meditation upon the mantra and the essential sound are described. Also the technique of meditation on the OM sound is elaborated: "O Ascetic! Meditate on the cosmic sound of OM because it is like rain for extinguishing the fire of suffering. And it is also like a lamp which illuminates the subtle essence of the sacred teachings. It is the governance of good deeds." (Jnanarnva, sarga: 38)

Acharya Tulsi says: "From the infinitesimal point and the divine sound the subtlest waves (vibrations) reverberate."

In his book, The Method of Using Preksha Dhyāna, Acharya Mahapragya writes: "Close both ears with your hands and listen to the inner sounds."

The Jnanarnva (sarga 36) says: "The mendicant with purified mind should meditate on the sky with rainbow, lightning, and the sound of thunder, and full of clouds."

Swami Jnananada says in the Pandita Puja: "In the divine sound of God (Bhagawan) all the mysteries are revealed."

Shri Jinendravarni states: "What does one hear with these ears? It is a sweet sound . . . Closing my eyes, as if I were united with God, I was away from this world. Only my Peace incarnate and dispassionate Lord (Mahavira) and I existed [ego and worldly concerns had vanished in the state of complete tranquility]."

______

NOTES:

8 Drishti yoga is known by various names in different texts and traditions: Bindu-dhyāna, drishti yoga, Atama-dhyāna, Preksha-dhyāna, Vipashyana dhyāna, Jyoti dhyāna, Shunya-dhyna, Nasagra dhyana, Shambhavi Mudra, Vaishvanavi-Mudra, Adhar dhyana, Sushumna dhyana, etc...

9 It is also said in the Yogashikhopanishad, “Absorbing mind in Bindu behold the scenes of great distance.”

10 Literally, “Bridge-builder Mahavira and his All-uplifting Bridge”.

11 Jain Acharya Sushil Kuamarji Maharaj Ji practiced various steps of yoga including the yoga of Sound vibration.






Friday, March 12, 2010

Those Long Separated Are United Once Again



Click to Watch Video: Hymn of Guru Nanak: Rivers and Streams Which Separate May Be Re-united:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXLNuVLuVBg


"A moment without sight of You passes painfully as a long dark age. When shall I see you now, my blessed Beloved? Your face is beautiful, and the music of Your sweet Word brings peace within. It has been so long since I caught a glimpse of You. I yearn for you as a soaring bird for water. Blessed is the land where You dwell, my good and beloved Friend." (From Shabdad Hazare, translated in, The Name of My Beloved, Verses of the Sikh Gurus, Devotional Poetry from the Guru Granth and the Dasam Granth, Nikky Singh, The Sacred Literature Trust Series)

Guru Nanak: "The love of Maya is sweet to the world, but in the end, this delusion is dispelled. So perform devotional worship, link your consciousness to the Lord, and dispel anxiety from your mind. Nanak speaks the Truth; focus your consciousness on the Lord, O my stranger soul. Rivers and streams which separate may re-united sometime.

That rare person who centers his consciousness on the True Guru, knows intuitively and realizes the Lord.

Nanak speaks the Truth; through the True Word of the Shabad, those long separated from the Lord, are united once again."
(Shabad of Guru Nanak in Raag Aasaa on Ang 438 of Adi Granth)





Thursday, March 11, 2010

Kabir: Few There Are Who Have Reached the Other Shore




Kabir: Few There Are Who Have Reached the Other Shore






Watch and Listen To Ocean Waves With Tambura:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ReN9tAUZkQ



Kabir: Where Spring, the lord of the seasons, reigns, there the Unstruck Music sounds of itself. There the streams of light flow in all directions. Few are the ones who can cross to that shore! More than all else do I cherish at heart that love which makes me to live a limitless life in this world. It is like the lotus, which lives in the water and blooms in the water: yet the water cannot touch its petals, they open beyond its reach. This ocean of the world is hard to cross: its waters are very deep. Kabir says: "Listen to me, O Sadhu! few there are who have reached the other shore."





Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Glossaries of Sant Mat, Radhasoami, and Surat Shabda Yoga Terminology



Glossaries of Sant Mat, Radhasoami, and Surat Shabda Yoga Terminology



Announcing........................New Facebook Page:
http://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami

Announcing..................New Youtube Channel:
http://www.Youtube.com/SantMatRadhasoami





GLOSSARY (#1) of Sant Mat Terms
from the Kirpal Singh Website:
http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/gloss.htm

GLOSSARY (#2) of Sant Mat Radhasoami Terms:
http://www.angelfire.com/linux/radhasoami/glossary.htm

GLOSSARY (#3) of Sant Mat Terms:
http://members.tripod.com/~andrea65/gurugloss.html

GLOSSARY (#4 and #5) of Key Sant Mat Terms, Also,
The Maharshi Mehi Ashram Glossary:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantMatFellowship/files/glos

GLOSSARY (#6) of Sant Mat Terms - PDF File:
http://www.mediaseva2.com/books/JapJi-04-Glossary_Punjabi.pdf

GLOSSARY (#7): At this website, scroll down the page for, "Glossary of Radhasoami Faith", a very helpful hardcover book published in Agra - Recommended Reading:
http://www.radhasoami-faith.info/Books_Frame.shtml

GLOSSARY (#8): Treasury of Mystic Terms, Volumes One Through Six - Recommended Reading:
http://www.scienceofthesoul.org/Treasury.htm