On the Usage of the Term "Sant Mat"

Could a Buddhist sect.... let's say hypothetically....the New Kadampa Tradition – legally trademark the word "Buddhism" and unilaterally declare it to be the unique name of their group and attempt to prevent other Buddhist religions from using it? "Sorry Mahayana. Sorry Zen. Sorry Theravada. Sorry Buddhist library dot com. Sorry Tibetans, you can't call yourself Buddhists anymore. Only we are the true Buddhists"?

Sectarian partisans are often known for not exactly being fond of research or being very aware of their own past history. With that in mind, to dispel some ignorance over the usage of an obscure term not as well known to some as words like 'Hinduism' or 'Buddhism', a few years ago I made sure this below would forever be circulating on the Internet and made known to guard against the term Sant Mat from being hijacked and privatized by some sect, pointing out the history -- how, like Buddhism it's a universal term used in the public domain by many over a long period of time for certain categories of spiritual paths (plural) in India.

On the Usage of the Term "Sant Mat", and the Sant Tulsi Sahib Connection

IMAGE: Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, India

  

“Sant Mat” means: “The Teachings of the Saints” or “Path of the Masters”. In India it’s common knowledge that the term “Sant Mat” was coined or adapted by Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras during the 19th Century. “Sant Mat” was adopted and popularized by Tulsi Sahib as a new name for this spiritual path or genre of mysticism, but the Sant tradition, with its many guru-lineages or branches, is a spiritual movement that dates back many centuries to ancient India. Tulsi Sahib was of the opinion that the Sant movement goes back to the time of Krishna thousands of years ago, that Krishna knew of Sants or Rishis during his day, the age of the Bhagavad Gita.

Commonly used words like “Sant”, “Sat”, and “Mat”, with their roots in Sanskrit, are found in the literature of many spiritual paths originating in India. “Santmat”, as a single word referring to the efficacy of following the teachings of Sants does turn up on a couple of occasions in Sant literature during the centuries prior to the time of Tulsi Sahib. It could be present in a few verses of Kabir, and is in at least one verse of a poem of Sant Tulsi Das. Clearly however, “Sant Mat” as the universal name or label for this school of spirituality or Sant tradition begins with Tulsi Sahib during the 19th Century in Hathras, and now has been embraced by millions of souls and scores of spiritual paths based in India.

“The teachings of all Saints are essentially the same. They speak of the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ which is within. They show the path and impart instructions to attain it. They do not claim to teach something new or different from what other Saints have taught. Tulsi Sahab declared that he was giving the same teachings as those of Kabir Sahab, Nanak Sahab, Dadu Sahab and other Saints. Tulsi Sahab, for the first time, used the expression ‘Sant Mat’ or ‘the teachings of Saints’ to stress the basic unity of the teachings of all Saints.” (From the entry for Sant Tulsi Sahib in, RadhaSoami White Paper on the Religion of Sants and RadhaSoami Faith, published by Dayal Bagh in Agra)

“While the title of Sant Mat (translated as ‘Teachings of the Sants’) was not coined until the late 19th century by Tulsi Sahib, the philosophical mindset was indeed prevalent for many centuries.” (Andrea Grace Diem, Ph.D., “Lions in the Punjab: An Introduction to the Sikh Religion”, from Chapter One, The Sikh — Sant Connection)

Param Tulsi Sahib of Hathras originated the term “Sant Mat” as recorded in the Ghat Ramayan also according to the scholar Parashuram Chaturvedi in his book “Sant Parampara”. (See footnote 23, in the chapter titled, “The Radhasoami Revival”, by Mark Juergensmeyer, on page 337 in, “The Sants, Studies in a Devotional Tradition of India”, Edited by Karine Schomer and W.H. McLeod, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1987, page 783)

“One thing that all factions agree upon, though, is that Tulsi Sahib consolidated the teachings of nirguna bhakti, expounded the path of surat shabd yoga, and was largely responsible for the popular usage of the term Sant mat. His teachings are embodied in Ghat Ramayana, Ratan Sagar, and Shabdavali.” (David C. Lane, “The Radhasoami Tradition, A Critical History of Guru Successorship”, Garland Publishing, 1992 edition, page 39)

“Tulsi Sahib, for the first time, used the expression ‘Sant Mat’ or ‘teachings of Saints’ to stress the basic unity of the teachings of all Saints. Swami Ji later adopted the same expression, ‘Sant Mat’, in his works.” (Janak Raj Puri and V. K. Sethi, “Tulsi Sahib, Saint of Hathras”, 1981 edition, Mystics of the East Series, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, Book Department, page 18)

“For all the religious traditions of India, the nineteenth century was an age of rationalistic reform, during which the attempt was made to systematize beliefs and make practices consistent with doctrines. Tulsi Sahib of Hathras (ca 1760–1843) was at once heir to certain esoteric tendencies in later Sant tradition and a precursor of the new spirit. Stressing the unity of the Sants as a parampara, he taught what he believed to be the common core of doctrines implicit in all the Sants (‘sant mat’), and tried to reverse the spread of saguna beliefs and practices among the followers of nirguna panths. Heavily indebted to him was Shiv Dayal Singh (1818–1878), founder of the modern Radhasoami movement.” (Karine Schomer, “The Sants”, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, page 7)

“Tulsi Sahib, a Sant of Hathras from the nineteenth century, recognized that Sants drew upon the teachings of other Sant figures as spiritual resources. Pointing out the common spiritual roots, he identified this movement as a coherent religious tradition, which he called ‘Sant Mat’, simply meaning a ‘Sant faith’.” (Dr. Andrea Diem, “The Gnostic Mystery, a Connection Between Ancient and Modern Mysticism”, Mount San Antonio College Press, Walnut, CA, 1992 edition, page, 29)

“The principles and tenets of Sant Mat are one and the same, only there is a difference in terminology. Since the same principles have been stated using different names, you become confused and do not understand them. Sat Saheb, that is, Sat Purush, has been described as Sat Nam. And Sar Shabd (True Shabd) has been called A-Nam. The name Nirgun has been given to Niranjan and it is the mind which has been called Ram. What Kabir had said, has been said by other Sants, too. Kabir explained Sant Mat in his own way, other Sants in other ways. The religion of all those who have gained access within is one and the same. Those who lack true understanding, adhere to dogmas and blind beliefs. Those who have spoken on the basis of inner experiences, have sung of the same Panth or path for reaching the Lord.”(Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, Ghat Ramayan)

“Listen, O Phool Das, I have given out the same true secrets which Sants like Kabir Saheb, Dadu Saheb, Rai Das Ji, Darya Saheb, Guru Nanak, Soor Das Ji, Nabha Ji and Mira Bai have spoken of. They, too, have composed similar hymns describing the bliss of the highest spiritual region, whose glory I also have sung, blessed by the grace and the dust of the holy feet of Sants”. (Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, Ghat Ramayan)

There's a somewhat more detailed version of the above at the beginning of my article on the Origins of Sant Mat: https://medium.com/sant-mat-meditation-and-spirituality/the-origins-of-sant-mat-the-five-names-and-the-identity-of-tulsi-sahib-s-guru-by-james-bean-eaa516deccf9#.z3lajdf42

Staying on the Path: The Three Levels of Satsang -- Light and Sound on the Path

Staying on the Path: The Three Levels of Satsang -- Light and Sound on the Path -- e-Newsletter/Digest of Recently Posted Writings/Blog/Booklet of Rare Spiritual Quotes & Satsang Discourses Most Spiritual Seekers Don't Normally Have Access To

 

(My mission is to share the wisdom of the masters, mystics or lovers of the Beloved Supreme Being, the Ocean of Love, worldwide via the web, radio, and podcasts.)

 

 

The Inner Master is a Light in the darkness come to take us home.

“I thank Thee O Light for having compassion on me. And Thou hast saved me, O Light, with thy Gnosis [spiritual perception].

-- Pistis Sophia

 

Tibetan Book of The Dead: "You must be ready to accept the possibility that there is a limitless range of awareness for which we now have no words; that awareness can expand beyond range of your ego, your self, your familiar identity, beyond everything you have learned, beyond your notions of space and time, beyond the differences which usually separate people from each other and from the world around them."

 

What are the Influences You Let Into Your Life? Still Not Making Any Progress? Still Not Meditating? Still Not Following the Path?

Don't let your mind drown in eclectic new age spiritual quotes on the Internet. So many paths and religions; so little time. It's been my observation that, in the category of spiritual teachings, influences and motivation, serious Sant Mat spiritual seekers or devotees must make the teachings of the Masters their top priority, their PRIMARY FOCUS. Otherwise, we just end up hopelessly distracted and not properly motivated to seek initiation, or follow the guidance of the Masters, or do our meditation. Our minds drown in feel-good syrupy passages about stuff we already know... or ain't so, or don't matter whether true or not, or that may seem harmless yet provides us with no destination, and we end up getting talked out of our original dreams and yearnings to return to the Abode of Love, the home of the soul in the highest of heavens. See the article below on the Three Levels of Satsang (Associating with Eternal Truth) that serve as regular reminders about adopting the Path, following the Path, staying on the Path, doing our meditation practice, and having some "within" time. Garbage in, garbage out? Be the snoose or be the change? Take the proverbial Matrix  red pill or the blue? Who you let influence your thoughts and let into your life... is up to you.

 

Honor Your Present Lifetime, by Baba Sawan Singh Ji, July 21, 1913

"My dear daughter, I will repeatedly ask you to honor your present lifetime and try your best to raise yourself toward your own home. As soon as you reach the first stage of your journey, you will notice the wonderful spiritual scenes there, which will fill your heart with  happiness and gratefulness to the Holy Father. After getting through your daily domestic work, always concentrate your thoughts or attention inward and upward: it will refresh your brain and will remove the fatigue of the whole day and the hidden mysteries will be opened to you. Our Satguru is always ready to help you and is doing the best for you. Any time you meet any resistance in your way, you may write for its explanation."

With best wishes for yourself and the Doctor,

Yours affectionately,

SAWAN SINGH

 

"We should all seek Truth for the sake of Truth.
Truth is valuable indeed.
It is the only thing we should run after.
It is not the property of any country, religion or person; but everyone, irrespective of caste, creed or country, is entitled to it.
It is within everybody.
Just as water is present under all soils, and those who toil and dig for it get their lands irrigated and succeed in raising crops, similar is the case with seekers after Truth.
They will surely get It if they toil for It.
They have only to seek It within themselves." (Sawan Singh)

 

"Why flounder on this side of the eye-focus? Peep into the opening of the third eye and cross over. Learn the technique from a master, dear friend – without his help this door will not open. Practice that technique with love and devotion (Bhakti) – conquer your mind and take your soul across into sahaj [natural state of the soul]. The soul will then advance with the help of Shabd [the Sound Current] to a place where a stream of nectar constantly flows."  (Soamiji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry)

 

Rumi: "You think of yourself as a citizen of the universe. You think you belong to this world of dust and matter. Out of this dust you have created a personal image, and have forgotten about the essence of your true origin."

 

The Soul or Spirit Should also be Given Nourishment and Pleasure just as is Done in the Case of the Body and Mind: "It appears proper for everyone, whether a man or a woman, that as they work day and night for providing nourishment and enjoyment to their body, mind and senses, they must also work a little for securing sustenance and nourishment to their spirit... If they will do so with sincerity, they would themselves feel its beneficial effects after practising Abhyas [the meditation practice] for a short time, and would then realize within themselves the presence of the Supreme Being and of His grace... The spirit can get the highest form of nourishment, pleasure, strength and freshness, if it is raised upwards by the practices of Surat Shabd Yoga [Inner Light and Sound Meditation] and brought into contact or merged with the Current of nectar which comes from above."

-- Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram), Prem Patra Radhasoami

 

The Goal of Meditation: having "direct knowledge and realization of one's own Essential Nature as well as direct knowledge and realization of the Supreme Sovereign [God]." (Maharshi Mehi Paramhans)

 

Attempts at "soul travel", spiritual "science" or mystical experiences divorced from following the ethical precepts and love for God are merely an astral illusion of Inner Light and Sound. Rumi says: "If in thirst you drink water from a cup, you see God in it. Those who are not in love with God will see only their own faces in it."

 

 

"The practices which have been taught for purifying the spirit and making it ascend upwards should be performed regularly and with feelings of love." (Huzur Maharaj/Rai Saligram, Prem Updesh Radhasoami)

 

"A true spiritual devotee (paramarthi) should search for the Master (Guru) who knows the secret and who performs the practices. After recognizing him to some extent, one should apply himself to the performance of the practices of Surat Shabd Yoga [meditation of the inner Light and Sound], should follow the rules of self-restraint taught to him, and thus continue to correctly perform his activities accordingly. He would then be able to verify internally what the Saints have taught and would also continue to experience the grace and mercy of the Supreme Being within himself. In this way, his love for, and faith in, the Holy Feet will go on increasing day by day, and he would one day attain the Holy Feet of the Supreme Being." (Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram Bahadur, Radhasoami Mat Sandesh)

 

They who reflect, who reflect upon You, they live peacefully in this world

“They who reflect, who reflect upon You,
they live peacefully in this world.
They are freed, they are freed who remember the Divine [God],
their snare of death is cut.
They who remember the Fearless One, the Fearless One,
all their fears are dispelled.
They who serve, who serve my Beloved,
they merge with the Divine Form.
Blessed, blessed [happy] are they who remember the Divine.
Says Nanak, the servant, I offer myself to them.”

-- Adi Granth/Sikh Scriptures, translated in, "The Name of My Beloved, Verses of the Sikh Gurus, Devotional Poetry from the Guru Granth and the Dasam Granth”, by Nikky Singh, The Sacred Literature Trust Series

 

 

Glimpse of the Invisible -- Mystic Verses of Sant Tulsi Sahib

Lightning flashed in my eye, O friend,
And brightly did shine the light of the moon.
I got a glimpse of the Invisible within,
And thirst and longing for the Lord were aroused.
My ears received the boon of Unstruck Music,
And Knowledge came like the explosion of light, O Friend.
Dark clouds began to scatter and the sight
Of the Divine Mansion was revealed unto me.
Beyond the sun, the moon and the tunnel,
Tulsi beheld the abode of the Lord Almighty.

(English version above by S. L. Sondhi)

 

Consider the following as the requirements to attain liberation:

1) Trust and belief in God;

2) commitment to seek the Divine within;

3) devotion to a spiritual master;

4) listening to the teaching of the spiritual discourse including study of the teachings of the saints and the scriptures; and,

5) diligent meditation practice.

-- Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj

 

In one hymn Mirabai said: “Maine leno amolak mol”, meaning: "I have bought the invaluable God." When she was asked, with what did you buy him? Mira says: “Wah aawat prem ke mol mai ri”. That means: "He can be bought only with love." Love can be defined as that which diminishes the gap between the lover and the Beloved. When no obstruction remains between the devotee and God, only then true union takes place." (Swami Vyasanand)

 

NOTE: To see and enjoy all the content as you're scrolling below, including photos, if you're viewing this via email, always click: "Display Images", or "Show Images". More quotes and articles below.

 

A Satsang Without Walls: This is the JANUARY 27th, 2018 Sant Mat Spirituality and Meditation Satsang Newsletter (Blog, Digest, Document, E-Booklet,) of much poetry and prose -- words of light and love from various spiritual Masters, spiritual classics or scriptures. Enjoy all of the readings below. May they provide you with some helpful satsang reading material wherever you are in the world, near or far, and lead to a further in-depth exploration of the teachings of the Masters, including from lesser-known or newly translated material you may not have encountered before in English.

 

This Sant Mat Radhasoami E-Newsletter is dedicated to the Path of the Masters (Sant Satgurus of the Past, the Living Present, and Future), and to the Supreme Being, the Lord of the Soul Who is the Ocean of Love and All-Consciousness, and explores the poetry, prose, spiritual discourses, books, scriptures, letters, prayers, ahimsa ethics, audio, videos, philosophy, cosmology, gnosticism, meditation, mysticism, and history of the Masters from a traditional Indian perspective that's non-sectarian, and might also include quotes from various world religions in harmony with the Way of the Saints, the Path of the Masters and Mystics.

 

NOTE: This newsletter is for educational purposes only. Fair Use of Quotations: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research..."

 

NOTE: This newsletter is supportive of, The Murar Declaration -- the universal principles of peace, affection, harmony and cooperation as outlined at the Sant Mat conclave known as Spircon 2010, a historic event held in Agra attended by the leadership and representatives of several branches of Sant Mat & Radhasoami lineages.

 

NOTE: The Usage of the Term "Sant Mat": "Sant Mat" means: "The Teachings ('Mat') of the Saints or Sages" or "Path of the Masters". In India it's common knowledge that the term "Sant Mat" was coined or adapted by Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras during the 19th Century. "Sant Mat" was adopted and popularized by Tulsi Sahib as a new name for this spiritual path or genre of mysticism, but the Sant tradition, with its many guru-lineages or branches, is a spiritual movement that dates back many centuries to ancient India.

 

"What's the use of receiving this human form if we do not serve others in thought, word, and deed. If we hold our thoughts only on worldly material things and refuse to think of that which is higher and more subtle, then our faith in the Transcendental will inevitably diminish." ("Quintessence of Yoga: Secret of All Success", a Sant Mat publication)

 

* The ARCHIVE of all past posts/articles/blogs is located here, and includes a search engine:
http://SantMatRadhasoami.Blogspot.com

 

NOTE: If you're reading this at Yahoo Groups and it's truncated, which sometimes happens, go to the blog archive linked above to read the contents of the post in full.

 

* For Daily Spiritual Quotes/Quote of the Day @ Facebook, See the Sant Mat Radhasoami Page:
https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami

 

"We usher in a new era, Sat Yuga -- the Age of Truth." (Universal Proclamation)

 

 

Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts -- Spiritual Awakening Radio @ Youtube and HealthyLifeNET -- the Positive Talk Radio Network

* YOUTUBE ARCHIVE OF PODCASTS (New Programs Are Added Each Week):
https://www.YouTube.com/user/SantMatRadhasoami/videos?&ab_channel=SantMatRadhasoami

Mystic Poetry of Sant Maharshi Mehi (Padavali, Hymns Sung in Satsang) -- Spiritual Awakening Radio
(Special thanks to Madhulata Arya for providing us with examples of the Padavali being sung and recited in the original Hindi.)  At the Sant Mat Radhasoami Youtube Channel with this podcast is also provided a link to the Padavali, the English-language translation, which is now online at the Internet Archive and at
* The Sant Mat Radhasoami Online e-Library (In the Tulsi Sahib/Maharshi Mehi section:  https://medium.com/sant-mat-radhasoami-books

The Philosophy Of Liberation -- The January 2018 Sant Mat Satsang Podcast

The Definition Of Sant Mat by Maharshi Mehi Paramhans

Shri Bhagirath Baba on Meditation Practice -- The Sant Mat Satsang Podcast with James Bean

What's New at Spiritual Awakening Radio and the Sant Mat Satsang Podcast

False Gurus, True Masters, and the Rules For Being Guru -- The Sant Mat Satsang Podcast

Gnostic Spiritual Practice, AND... Exploring the Ignored, Forgotten Gnostic Gospels

The Gnostic Gospels of Nag Hammadi -- An Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive Spirituality

The Wisdom and Mystic Poetry of Sant Dadu Dayal of Rajasthan -- Spiritual Awakening Radio

Guru Nanak and the Adi Granth: The Sikh Scriptures -- Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean

Lost Psalms of The New Testament Discovered: The Odes of Solomon -- on Spiritual Awakening Radio

God is the Ocean of Love -- The Anurag Sagar of Kabir Explored -- Spiritual Awakening Radio

Letters from the Masters, Part TWO -- a Satsang Edition of Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean

Letters from the Masters, Part ONE -- a Satsang Edition of Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean

Meditation: Your rediscovery and inner peace, Sant Mat TED Talk by Rohit Kapoor

A Spiritual Lifestyle: Contemplative Life From Egypt To India -- Spiritual Awakening Radio

Near Death Experiences, Other Dimensions, Other Worlds, Inner Light And Sound Meditation

Chand Mat: The Radhaswami Teachings of Baba Faqir Chand -- Spiritual Awakening Radio

Top Ten Recommended Sant Mat Books -- Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean

The Inward Journey of the Soul: Swami Vyasanand's New Sant Mat E-Book

The Life and Wisdom of Baba Jaimal Singh of the Radhasoami Faith

The Way Out Is IN: The Sant Garib Das Branch of the Radhasoami Faith

Vegetarianism, Veganism, and the Path of the Masters -- Podcast of Spiritual Awakening Radio

A History of Vegetarianism and Veganism in the Great World Religions

Vegetarianism is Going Vegan: Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Gnosticism

 

* DOWNLOAD SPIRITUAL AWAKENING RADIO -- Many Podcasts Free and Available Online  -- A Satsang Without Walls -- Podcast MP3 Download Page @ HealthyLife.Net -- Subscribe to Podcasts For Free Here, Stream and/or Download:
http://hosted.EarthChannel.com/HealthyLife/spa-od.html

NOTE: All shows shown at the HealthyLifeNET podcast page are kept available online for about three months. Good to download the oldest shows A.S.A.P. When you click on a show at the Podcast Page, an audio player will begin playing. To download it, anywhere on the player just right-click and "save".

Subjects include: The Path of the Masters, Inner Light and Sound Meditation, Spirituality, Love (Bhakti), Compassion, Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Peace (Shanti), Being Vegan/Vegetarian, Gnostic Gospels, Rare Spiritual Classics, Saints and Mystics, World Scriptures, Sacred Texts, Poetry and Prose:

1/30/2018     (Upcoming) Prem Updesh Radhasoami of Huzur Maharaj
1/23/2018     The Mystic Poetry (Padavali) of Maharshi Mehi
1/16/2018     The Philosophy of Liberation, by Maharshi Mehi
1/9/2018       Gnostic Spiritual Practice, and, Ignored Gnostic Gospels People Aren't Aware Of
1/2/2018       The Gnostic Gospels of Nag Hammadi
12/19/2017   Saint Dadu Dayal -- the Compassionate Mystic
12/12/2017   Guru Nanak -- Sikh Scriptures: the Adi Granth
12/5/2017     Odes of Solomon, Lost New Testament Psalms

Upcoming Spiritual Awakening Radio -- Show Titles

1/30/2018: Prem Updesh Radhasoami of Huzur Maharaj;
(CHSR Program # 605)

2/6/2018: An Introduction to Sant Mat, The Path of the Masters;
(CHSR Program # 606)

2/13/2018: An Introduction to Radhasoami, The Path of the Masters;
(CHSR Program # 607)

2/20/2018: An Introduction to Inner Light and Sound Meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga);
(CHSR Program # 608)

2/27/2018: The Yoga of LIGHT -- Inner Light Meditation;
(CHSR Program # 609)

 

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Spiritual Awakening Radio explores the teachings of the masters (satsang), the world of spirituality, comparative religion, world scriptures and other books, East and West, God, meditation, near death experiences, the vegan diet, and ahimsa ethics --  education for a more peaceful planet.

Freedom of the Airwaves: It’s unhealthy in a democracy for the media, including radio, to be dominated by one or two religious voices, as if they are the only ones that exist and no other faith community or point-of-view matters. If the religion/spirituality section of a bookstore was like the radio airwaves are in most places, only one or two books would be found there. The shelves would be mostly bare, covered in dust. No longer being content with the empty silence, I began recording my own programs.

“There is only one time when it is essential to awaken. That time is now.” (Buddha)

Mission Statement: ‘There’s not just one religion --  there are thousands. After years of being concerned that too few voices, too few points of view were getting heard when it comes to spiritual paths and world religions  -- that the radio airwaves were not reflecting the diversity that really exists -- I started producing my own programs, exploring the world of spirituality, comparative religion, meditation, mysticism, vegetarianism, the vegan diet, and books, bringing to the airwaves the gentle voices of Saints, the Wisdom of Masters or Mystics, world scriptures, sacred texts, the great spiritual traditions and classics of the East & the West.’

 

 

The Three Levels of Satsang (Associating with Eternal Truth)

According to Saint Tulsi Das there are several modes of Bhakti practice. One major practice is called Satsang  -- the society of realized Saints. Satsang means “association with Eternal Truth” as well as “association with God,” and is to some extent comparable to “church” or “temple,” but not in any institutional sense. A saying of Jesus in the New Testament provides a good definition of this spiritual gathering called a “Satsang”: “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am there in their midst.” When devotees or initiates of a spiritual Master sit together for worship, instruction, and meditation, the Masters teach that there’s a spiritual charge or energy, a stronger manifestation of the loving Presence of God and a kind of ‘communion of Saints,’ past and present.

Satsang is also an experience of spiritual community, an opportunity to be uplifted by the collective energy of our brothers and sisters on the Path, for we’re influenced by the company we keep. Devotees make this a time and place of spiritual Remembrance, and this helps to keep us on the Path.

The format of Satsang can include: a spiritual discourse, guidance about following the teachings of the Masters, a recording of a Master giving a talk, readings from the writings of the Masters, the reciting or singing of banis, bhajans or kirtans (hymns of worship composed by Sants), and silent group meditation. It’s considered the greatest of blessings if it is a genuine spiritual Master (Sant Satguru) who conducts the Satsang in person.

The effect of Satsang is that of divine remembrance, thus, with such a spiritual boost, encouragement and support for the spiritual journey, those who attend Satsang are much more likely to stay-on-the-Path and put effort into daily spiritual practice at home. (from the article, The Yoga of Love, Becoming a Lover of the Beloved)

“Dear Aspirants! Each day strive to do both kinds of satsang: inner and outer. Outer satsang is listening to the teachings of great saints and studying the sacred texts. Inner satsang is the practice of one-pointed meditation.” (Maharishi Mehi Paramahans)

“Without the association of great saints, there is neither discourse of the Divine nor the understanding of the scriptures. Without these two, selfish attachment does not loosen its grip. And without dispelling attachment to the world one cannot attain the realm of the Divine and the true devotion that is essential to realize the Divine.” (Sant Tulsi Das)

“On the gate of liberation are found four gate keepers endowed with wisdom. These four are: discipline, thoughtfulness (reflection), contentment and association with saints.” (Maha Upanishad)

“Discord and delusion can be removed by the power of the association of saints. For those who associate with saints, suffering dissolves and they will remain immersed in joy. Joy arises from noble company and pain arises from association with the wicked, says Kabir, go to a place where saints dwell and their association is possible.” (Kabir)

“By association with a pure soul the mind becomes pure and the darkness of attachment is dispelled. In attending to these quotes from different saints it becomes clear that satsang is vital and very necessary for any serious spiritual seeker.” (Yogi Panchanan Bhattacharya)

The Three Levels of Satsang (Associating with Eternal Truth), by Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj

The word satsang is comprised of two words sat and sang. What is sat?

Sat is that which can never be destroyed. It is the essential element which is indestructible and beyond the limitations of time. And it is Truth. Sang means association or contact. Thus association or coming in contact with Sat or Truth is satsang.

In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna says:

“Whatever is Truth always exists and is never non-existent. That which is non-Truth has no existence whatsoever.”

* The First Level of Satsang (Association with God)

What is this element which is indestructible, has always been constant and will forever remain as such? That element is the Supreme Being of the universe. Association with this Being, in reality, is association with Truth (satsang). But, what is it that would associate with this Supreme Being? Is it the body or the senses? The answer is that it is neither of these two. It is only apart from the body and senses that we will be able to associate with the Supreme Being. This is because it is only our soul that is an inseparable part of the Divine. It is only we (our soul) that is capable of merging with the Divine. Our individual soul is truth, and also, the Supreme is Truth. True satsang is the unity of the soul with the Supreme Truth. This is the highest kind of sat-sang. However, this highest kind of satsang, unity with the Divine, does not occur all of a sudden. This category of satsang requires many lifetimes of good actions and spiritual imprints (samskaras).

* The Second Level of Sat-sang (Association with the Saints)

Sant Tulsidas says:

“The association of the saints brings association with the Divine, and alliance with people who are engrossed in the world leads the way back to this world again and again.”

To attain Ultimate Liberation it is essential to have association with the saints. Saints, having realized the true form of God, become that True Form. The accomplished great beings who have attained unity with the Divine, and who have experienced the Supreme Being even while living in this body, have become the Supreme Being [They become one with their true Divine Form]. Association with these saints is this second category of satsang. However, finding such a saint is not an easy task. A true saint is rare and difficult to find.

Sant Tulsidas says:

“Without accumulation of many good deeds one will be unable to gain the association of a great saint.”

When our good karmas permit, we are able to come to experience the association of these sentient beings. A more important point is that even if we have a direct encounter with such a saint, we often do not have the wisdom to be able to recognize a genuine sage.

A great Sant, Tulsidas, says:

“If someone says ‘I have recognized a saint,’ then I put my hands on my ears in astonishment. [It is not an easy task.]”

If ordinary people could recognize saints, then why, since antiquity, have so many great saints, sages, and prophets been tortured, maimed and killed? Many saints have had to face horrible atrocities. This simply would not have happened if we were able to recognize the genuine great saints.

* The Third Level of Satsang (Association with the Writings of Sages and Saints)

In daily life we need the guidance of a great sage or saint. Even though we might encounter many so called mahatmas or sadhus, the task of finding and identifying an accomplished guide is difficult. So, in consideration of this, how would satsang (association with a true saint) be possible? The answer is that we can study the teachings of the great saints of the past, because in their teaching we will find the elaboration of the Truth. This then is the third category of sat-sang. Generally, when we speak of satsang, it is this third category that is meant. This kind of satsang includes the study of scriptures and the words and writings of the saints and prophets of the past.

As we continue diligently in this third type of satsang we accumulate the meritorious karmas which will lead to the meeting with a true saint. Then we will be able to do the second category of satsang. As we continue in association with a great saint, and with the saint’s blessings, we will gradually begin to meditate and undertake the prescribed spiritual disciplines. By diligently practicing these disciplines, we will one day, experience the first category of sat-sang  -- the association with the Supreme Being. When we have thus accomplished the highest category of satsang, our life’s purpose will be fulfilled.

-- Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj, Harmony of All Religions,  an online e-book at the Sant Mat Radhasoami e-Library

 

 

Pay Less Attention to the Illusion and Focus Within to Find the Eternal

"Our mind is connected to the senses and worldly objects. However, the soul is attached to the Divine. The sensory attractions are tainted and that is why the mind is material and unstable. The soul is pure and stable. God is pure and the soul connected with it is also pure and divine in nature. In impurity lies instability (distractions), and in purity lies stillness (tranquility). Therefore Sants guide us to attach our mind to the soul. Due to the association with the pure soul the mind can also gradually attain purity and stillness.

"For the purpose of keeping the mind steady many virtuous deeds are performed. True joy is hidden in the serenity of the mind. As the mind becomes still, so also joy and peace begin to arise. Only in the complete stillness of the mind, true delight and peace can be found. Today, in spite of the availability of worldly luxuries and entertainment, people are still seeking to attain true joy and eternal peace. This is due to the agitation of the mind. The Sants say that ignorant people of the world seek happiness in fleeting sensory pleasures and material things. Where there is no true peace there is no hope of attaining joy either. And where there is no true joy how can one hope to attain happiness? This is like looking for warmth in the snowy mountains or looking for coolness in a blazing fire.

"The soul is pure and therefore by nature still. Due to its stillness, the soul is eternal. Therefore, Lord Krishna advises that the mind should be connected to the soul. Self-realization is the objective and the goal of all human life. But where can we obtain this goal? The answer is within one’s heart. This is not the physical heart, but rather the heart of the inner Self. This is called, by the Sants, the yoga heart (innermost Self). It is in this space that the mind is linked to the soul. The Sants have described this place with many names such as: the “sky portal,” the “tenth gate,” “the point,” “window,” the “lotus flower,” “sushumna,” “ajna chakra,” “third eye,” “center of the eyebrows,” “tip of the nose,” “bindu,” etc..."
(Swami Vyasanand)

 

 

Announcement: Program details: 14th Annual Vishv Istarea Sant Mat Satsang at Amritsar (Punjab State) on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of February, 2018. You can also watch it as a direct telecast on TV channel (SDHNA tv) India, 8 am to 10am and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm local time. Online streaming of these satsang talks will be viewable online via Sadhna (dot) com

 

 

Ascending and Returning to Our Original Source or Abode

"All embodied spirits living here having left their original home from time immemorial, and having passed through various material spheres in their descent to the corporeal body in the third grand division, have become so firmly attached to their present dwelling, viz., the body and its surroundings in this world, that it is difficult, nay, impossible, for any one to effect a change in the present condition and abode without the aid and instruction from One Who is a resident of that sphere and holds communion with the Supreme Father, because He alone can be expected to know all the secrets of the descent of the spirit to the lower regions and the means of liberating it from the bondage of matter to enable it to rise and return to its original source...

"Mere knowledge of the mode of devotion derived from hearsay or reading the holy books will not help a would-be traveller on his journey homeward; they need full instructions from an experienced guide and occasional help and information from him to enable a novice to proceed on his journey unhampered by obstacles and impediments which are generally met with in traversing material spheres. When no worldly knowledge or art or profession of any sort can be acquired by anyone without undergoing training under an experienced master, how could it then be possible for anyone to acquire any knowledge of the Supreme Being and hold communion with Him without help and instruction from an experienced Master or Guide called the Sant Sat Guru, who would spiritually keep an eye on His disciple and watch the progress of his homeward journey to the spiritual regions and at the same time take care of him, so that he may not be tempted and detained by Superior Mind and matter or their agents on the journey."

-- Huzur Maharaj, Radhasoami Mat Prakash (Light on the Teachings of the Lord of the Soul)

 

The Third Eye Contemplating Inner Light

"Dristi yoga [Yoga of Inner Seeing, Meditation Upon the Inner Light] can be explained through translation of the words: Dristi is the faculty of vision, and Yoga means union. Thus Dristi yoga refers to the concentration of the dispersed vision into a focus on a Single Point which is beheld with the mind’s eye [third eye]. The aspirant of Dristi yoga is instructed by the preceptor to bring both beams of vision to a unity by focusing and intense gazing on a Single Point.

"Through this practice the aspirant pierces the realm of darkness within and enters the realm of Divine Light. The aspirant thus moves from the microcosm (body, the material realm) to the macrocosm (Divine Realm), and from the gross material world to the subtle Spiritual Realm where the aspirant is also able to perceive the Subtle Divine Sounds. With this connection to the Subtle Sounds the practitioner of Dristi yoga is enabled to proceed further on the Path."

-- Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj

 

Meditation, Inner Eye Focus, and, Meditation Dark Room

"Meditation is the process of withdrawing the attention from the world outside, and focusing it at the seat of the soul in the body, behind and between the eyebrows. This point is known as the inner eye, third eye, the single eye... In order to withdraw our attention and focus it on this point, mind must be controlled and stilled. Sit in one pose, and move not your head, limbs or eyes. Sit straight but relaxed with no tension in the body below. Sit still, please. Close your eyes as in sleep, and look sweetly, lovingly, intently into the middle of the darkness lying in front of you. You will see a dark veil. That which sees the dark veil within, without the help of your physical eyes, is the inner eye."

-- Kirpal Singh, Meditation Instructions PDF booklet

 

Meditation Dark Room

Meditating in a darkened room, at night or early morning, makes it easier to see the inner Light. Soamiji’s Special Room, A Mystical Meditation Room-Within-A-Room: “From childhood Soamiji Maharaj used to shut himself up in a small room which is at the back of another room on the ground floor of his house. For light and air there is a small aperture, otherwise no noise can reach within. This room still exists in a renovated form and is considered as one of the most sacred and hallowed of places.” (Biography/Jivan Charitar of Babuji Maharaj)

 

 

For the Yogi, Night is Day, and Day is Night: Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 69 – Inversion of Day and Night

The Bhagavad Gita in Chapter 2, Verse 69 describes an enigmatic reversal of day and night in the life of a Yogi.

verse-02-69-01

"ya nisha sarva-bhutanam tasyam jagarti samyami
yasyam jagrati bhutani sa nisa pasyato muneh"

"That which is day to the many is night to the sage,
That which is night to the many is day to the sage."

In ordinary life, the five senses in Man seek to alleviate their thirst by participating in social life. In such cases, the waking consciousness is the day (i.e. the place of activity) while the inner worlds are dark like the night.

In case of a Yogi/Yogini, the situation becomes inverted when the doorways to the subtle worlds are opened because then the inner worlds burn brightly and are full of activity (i.e. the day) while the waking state seems dull and boring (i.e. the night).

 

O Traveller! Seek the Path That Lies Within You -- Padavali 52, Maharshi Mehi

O traveller! Seek the path that lies within you,
You and your Beloved are in the same body;
Your Beloved is pervading everywhere, but not being perceived,
Those initiated by Guru are able to recognize Him within their bodies,
O traveller! If you wish to go alone on the path of the Lord,
You look for the path within and do not delay;
The four spheres of darkness, light, sound and soundlessness –
They all lie within the fortress of your body,
You stepped down to the darkness, but your beloved is in the sphere of
soundlessness;
Now you again go back to the sphere of soundlessness through the tenth
door,
Pursuing the inner light and practising the yoga of sound,
Listen to the orchestration of sounds and closely watch the dazzling light,
And go along the path where the five Naubats resonate,
Mount up as you get drawn towards them;
Never think that there are other means of going to the sphere of
soundlessness,
Without the Yoga of vision and the Yoga of sound.
Mehi says, that going along this lone path,
Is the secret path to Divinity, as shown by the saints,
Catching the most subtle one amidst different sounds,
Go along the solitary path, lying within your body.

 

 

Arati Hymn of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras  (Padavali Hymn # 145)

Do Arati [worship] with the Sadguru [True Guru] and contemplate the light glowing within you,

Igniting the five elements of the body, light the lamp to get brightness inside;

The Sun and the Moon are like fruits

and flowers kept on a dish-like firmament [plate of the inner sky],

As one starts worshipping, pieces of camphor are burnt and a kalash [pot, pitcher,] is planted in the inner sky,

The stars-like pearls and the broken rice grains are visible,

Weaving the garland of flowers, put it around your neck,

And offer betel-leaves, sweets, incense, sandal, earthen lamps, etc...

In such a light, the accompaniment of various musical sounds of cymbals, majira and drum are heard,

Scent-like currents of consciousness are spread all over the body and float up in the sky,

And in that sphere, the consciousness-like bee feels blissfully content,

Listening to the multiple sounds,

Pure light is burning inside and as one sees it, all one’s lapses are eliminated forever;

In the inner sky, nectar pours down and the devotees are fully drenched,

Drinking that ambrosia, consciousness is fully awakened

and makes fresh endeavors to ascend,

Beauty, like millions of shining Suns, is so very illuminating,

And there, beyond the quintessential sound, attain the Absolute,

You strike your bond with the Supreme Sovereign [God] or pure consciousness;

Every moment, keep consciousness [your attention, surat,] alive in your inner sky,

Suck out the milk of paradise by the grace of Guru,

Says Tulsi, the abode of Guru is all-illuminating

and the loud musical notes are heard,

Like the Alal-bird, let your consciousness ascend,

Shaking off the wrappings of the body.

 

(Sung at the end of daily satsangs, and on special occasions.)

 

 

Love is the Force of Attraction That Sustains the Universe

81. Love or affection is but another name of the Force of Attraction (i.e. Quvvat-i-jaziba). It is on account of this force that the entire universe, which has come into existence through the combination of small particles and atoms, is being maintained. And it is also on account of this force that all bodies or forms are being maintained. If there be no love, no one would care to meet anybody, nor would anyone do any work attentively.

82. When it is established that the whole creation is functioning through love, or rather the whole creation is being maintained and sustained by love, then how can Parmarth ([spirituality] the supreme object), i.e., the union of the Spirit (the Surat or Soul, which is a particle of the Ocean or Reservoir) with Shabd (the Divine Ocean or Reservoir) be achieved without love? How can these two (i.e., the Surat and Shabd) unite?

83. The Supreme Being Radhasoami Dayal [Merciful Lord of the Soul] is, the Ocean or Reservoir of Love, and Surat [the Soul], which is His particle, i.e., emanation or current, is also of the essence of love. Therefore, unless love is engendered in the Surat [the attention-faculty of the Soul], it cannot merge into its Reservoir. In other words, the practice of traversing on this path and reaching the Source (which is known as the practice of Surat and Shabd [yoga or meditation]) could never be performed properly or correctly carried on.

– Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram, Radhasoami Mat Sandesh (Discourse 15, Prem Patra, Volume II)

 

"On hearing of the glory and majesty of the Supreme Being Radhasoami Dayal and His Dham (abode) and Shabd, true desire for obtaining His Darshan [vision] and the bliss of Abhyas [meditation practices] is engendered in the mind and love for Sant Sat Guru and His devotees is enhanced.  On observing the desire for emulating them is created in the mind.  The mind is thus corrected day by day and the Jiva [soul] becomes fit to receive the grace and mercy of the Sant Sat Guru.

"All persons of all categories have to take Saran (protection). Their task cannot be accomplished without coming under the protection of the Supreme Being Omniscient Radhasoami Dayal and the Sant Sat Guru."

— Huzur Maharaj, Prem Patra Radhasoami – Part V, Discourse 9, paragraphs 13-14

 

"My Radhasoami [the Lord of the Soul] is a profound Ocean of Serenity which none can fathom."  (Soamiji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Poetry, Volume I)

 

 

PODCAST: The Gnostic Gospels of Nag Hammadi -- An Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive Spirituality -- Spiritual Awakening Radio

 

 

PODCAST: The Gnostic Gospels of Nag Hammadi -- An Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive Spirituality -- Spiritual Awakening Radio with James Bean @ Youtube: https://youtu.be/RVPlCptUluw

OR Stream, and Download, Here: http://download.liveindexer.com/podcasts/HealthyLifeOD/Audio//ECI_AUTO/Jan2018/SPA122617_WMA.mp3

Notes About Today's PODCAST: The Meaning and Lessons of the Nag Hammadi Library Discovery

The Gospel of the Egyptians: "The great Seth wrote this book… He placed it in the mountain... in order that, at the end of the times and the eras… it may come forth and reveal... the great, invisible, eternal Spirit… The Gospel of the Egyptians. The God-written, holy, secret book." (Gospel of the Egyptians, The Nag Hammadi Library)

“And there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. There is nothing buried that will not be raised!” (Saying of Jesus, Greek Gospel of Thomas)

In December 1945 a collection of ancient scriptures – fifty-two books – was unearthed near the village of Nag Hammadi in Egypt. These texts had been placed in a clay storage jar, sealed, and buried sometime during the Fourth Century AD. Monks who lived at a nearby monastery founded by Saint Pachomius most likely hid them there at the time. They would have been sacred texts once part of the library of this monastic community, one of several Pachomian monasteries operating in Egypt during those days.

Rather than confining themselves to only reading the Old and New Testaments or teachings exclusively from Orthodox Christian sources, these monks had a surprisingly diverse collection of writings that can only be characterized as inter-faith and multi-traditional. In other words, they were also studying the scriptures of other teachers, sages, religions and “cousin” esoteric mystical movements of their day.

Love and Goodness are the Beginning of the Way: Judas asked, “Where does the Path begin?” Jesus answered, “It begins with love — love and goodness.” (An apocryphal gospel preserved in the Nag Hammadi Library called Dialogue with the Savior)

"Knock on yourself as upon a door, and walk upon yourself as on a straight road. For if you walk on the road, it is impossible for you to go astray. And if you knock with this one (Wisdom), you knock on hidden treasures..... My son, do not allow your mind to stare downward, but rather, let it look by means of the Light at things above. For the Light will always come from above. Even if it (the mind) is upon the earth, let it seek to pursue the things above. Enlighten your mind with the Light of heaven, so that you may turn to the Light of heaven." (The Teachings of Silvanus, in, The Nag Hammadi Library -- one of the Gnostic texts from Egypt)

“If your spiritual guides say to you,
‘Look, the Divine Realm is
in the sky,’
well then the birds
will get there ahead of you.
If they say,
‘It is in the sea,’
then the fish will precede you.
“No, Divine Reality exists
inside and all around you.
Only when you have come to know your
true Self will you be fully known —
realizing at last that you
are a child of the Living One.
If, however, you never come to know
who you truly are,
you are a poverty-stricken being,
and it is your ‘self’
which lies impoverished.”

(Yeshua, Saying Three, The Gospel of Thomas —
Wisdom of the Twin, Lynn Bauman translation)

"There was within me a stillness of silence, and I heard the Blessedness whereby I knew my real self.....And I turned to myself and saw the Light that surrounded me and the Good that was in me, I became divine." (Allogenes, "The Stranger" or "Foreigner" -- a passage from the book of Allogenes in, Nag Hammadi Library of Egypt)

God is the Ocean of Love.

Jai Sat Naam, Jai Guru, Radhasoami, Satya Raam, In Divine Love, Light and Sound, Peace Be to You,
James
Spiritual Awakening Radio

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