New Year's Message from the Kabir Association

New Years Message from the Kabir Association

[Forwarded Message Below.]

To all family, friends, devotees and supporters

The year 2009 has now gone. It saw great turmoil still besieging the world.
 

May 2010 give the peacemakers of the world greater influence, and weaken the resolve of those who are violent, so that the world may progress towards peace, love, harmony and goodwill for all. May all the human and material resources being squandered for negative and destructive purposes, be redirected towards the betterment of humanity, especially those who are materially disadvantaged.

God has given us enough wisdom that, when properly used, will make our lives sublime. Let us all re-connect with our spiritual nature, make our karmas pure, and develop a life of gratitude, love, compassion, sharing and understanding. We all owe it to God and ourselves and family to make the world a better place.

Blessings to all.

J. Das
Kabir Association

Delightful Paradoxical Poem of Sant Radhasoami Sahib (Soami Ji Maharaj)

Delightful Paradoxical Poem of Sant Radhasoami Sahib (Soami Ji Maharaj)

 

(Saw this poem posted at the [radhasoamisatsangi] group, which I'm a member of. It's very special. Had to forward it, plus I have included another translation of the same poem from the Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry [as four .jpg images, S.D. Maheshwari translation, Agra, India], which also provides commentary.)

Soami Ji Maharaj, from the Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry, Volume Two, Chapter 41 Shabad 21:

 

 

[radhasoamisatsangi]

Everything the Master has taught me is paradoxical.

He has taught me things unwisely.

Sleep and you shall build up treasure

Stay alert and you will loose your savings

Sit still and you will reach your destination

Walk fast and you will go nowhere

The earth rises above the sky

The sky sinks into underworld

Thieves are rewarded by the owner of the house

The honest are punished

Fire shivers because of cold

The rain withers the tree branches

The food gets pangs of hunger

Water is dying of thirst

The cot is laid on the sleeper

The awake are in deep sleep

The barren women are tired of giving birth

The fertile are now called barren

The earth is galloping on horse

Then riding the camel it blasts into the sky

Radhaswami by his grace

United the soul with Shabad

Jainism and Surat Shabd Yoga - Inner Sound Meditation

Namo arahantanam Namo siddhanam Nomo ayariyanam. Namo uvajjhayanam Namo loe savvashunam. Obeisance to the Worthy souls. Obeisance to the Liberated souls. Obeisance to the Preceptors (Spiritual Guides). Obeisance to the Spiritual Teachers. Obeisance to all the Saints in the world. (Lord Mahavira, Saman Suttam, Jainist Scripture)

Jainisim and Surat Shabda Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound)
By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj
The Harmony of All Religions,
Excerpted from the chapter on Jainism


Sant Mat Mysticism Blog:
http://santmat.gaia.com/blog


In the Yoga of Sound (Surat Shabda Yoga), the gross material sound manifests initially, and thereafter the Essential Inner Divine Sound (Anahad), also know as OM or Pranava. It is the Cosmic Sound of the beginning.

There are several references to the essential Cosmic Sound in the context of Lord Mahavira’s teachings:

"Taking hold of this essential Anahat element (the Sound of OM) or Shivanam, the ascetics have gone across [beyond] this world of delusion and pain."

In this way meditation upon the mantra and the Essential Sound are described. Also the technique of meditation on the OM Sound is elaborated:

"O Ascetic! Meditate on the Cosmic Sound of OM because it is like rain for extinguishing the fire of suffering. And it is also like a lamp which illuminates the subtle essence of the sacred teachings. It is the governance of good deeds." (Jnanarnva, sarga: 38)

Acharya Tulsi says:

"From the infinitesimal point and the Divine Sound the subtlest waves (vibrations) reverberate."

In his book, The Method of Using Preksha Dhyāna, Acharya Mahapragya writes:

"Close both ears with your hands and listen to the Inner Sounds."

The Jnanarnva (sarga 36) says:

"The mendicant with purified mind should meditate on the sky with rainbow, lightning, and the sound of thunder, and full of clouds."

Swami Jnananada says in the Pandita Puja:

"In the Divine Sound of God (Bhagawan) all the mysteries are revealed."

Shri Jinendravarni states:

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

Non-Attachment, Even to One's Own Spiritual Path

Non-Attachment, Even to One's Own Spiritual Path

Non-attachment is liberating, and to the ears it might sound strange to say this perhaps but, one of the greatest gifts is to be non-attached even to one's "own" spiritual path in order to truly be a devotee of it. It's essentially like saying, give up Christianity in order to follow Christ. There is wisdom in remaining aloof from organizational politics, intrigue in the palace court and institutions, in order to be a sincere lover of the Beloved. Good to be on guard about overbearing mental impulses and attachments. No putting on airs -- in simplicity there is genuineness. When he first arrived in Hathras, Tulsi Sahib at night slept in the hollow of a banyan tree that was located about a mile out of town. In that spot he also spent much time in meditation.

The Buddha was once asked: "To what extent can a person be a speaker of the Way?" He answered: "If a person teaches the Way in order to transcend the tyranny of material things and to teach how to transcend feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness -- teaching non-attachment with regard to these -- then that person can be called a speaker of the Way. If he is himself trying to transcend the pull of the material world and to feel non-attachment toward it, then it is fitting to say he is living in accordance with the Way. If he is liberated by this transcendence and non-attachment, then you can say he has found Nirvana here and now. (Samyutta Nikaya)

"Effortlessly" by John Astin, Youtube Music Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGLCprEizRE

The truth is that happiness
already exists right here,
in all things appearing
each thought and every feeling,
that blow like the wind inside
the vastness that's looking
from no place and everywhere
the vastness is loving each moment
appearing and resolving effortlessly.

Awareness shines, so effortlessly.
No beginning, no end, unceasingly.

Magnificence of Inner Sound Meditation, By Achyutanand Baba

The Magnificence of Inner Sound Meditation (Nada Dhyan), By Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj



Sant Mat Mysticism Blog:
http://santmat.gaia.com/blog




Below are translated excerpts from the book, "Vindu – Nada Dhyan", authored by the octogenarian Sant Revd. Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj, one of the eldest living disciples of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, as well as an eminent scholar in the tradition of Santmat founded by Sant Tulsi Sahab of Hathras. Swami Ji has had the rare fortune of very prolonged close serving association of more than three decades with Maharshi Mehi who appointed him as the founder editor of the spiritual monthly "Shanti Sandesh" (Message of Peace) published by Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Swami Achyutanand Ji even at this ripe age has dedicated his life to propagating the ideals of Santmat by widely travelling across the length and breadth of India, his mother country. He has a number of books to his credit like, "Vindu – Nada Dhyan", "Santmate Ki Baten", "Navadha Bhakti", "Bandaun Guru Pad Kanj", "Maharshi Mehi Ke Ashirwachan Aur Upadesh", "Sukti Sudha Sagar", etc. He also is the current editor of the quarterly "Adhyatma Prakash" (Light of Spirituality) published by Maharshi Santsewi Dhyan Yogashram, Agarpara, Kolkata, India.

- Translated into English by Pravesh K. Singh

(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sant_santati
http://profiles.yahoo.com/praveshksingh)



The Magnificence of Nada Dhyan (Inner Sound Meditation)

It is essential to practice bindu-dhyan, Drishti Yoga -- the Yoga of Inner Light -- before doing Nada–Dhyan [Yoga of Inner Sound], because with continued practice of Drishti Yoga (meditation on the Inner Light), the ability to practice Nada meditation is truly gained. The mind gets completely controlled with Nada–dhyan. The mind does not merely become controlled, it actually dies down. Sant Charandas Ji has depicted it exquisitely:

"jabase anahad ghora sunI |
indri thakit galit mana hUA, AshA sakal bhunI||"

[Since when I perceived the Divine Sound echoing within, all the organs became completely quiet, the mind got dissolved, and all longings ceased. ]

How did this happen? Charandas Ji further elaborates,

"ghUmat naina shithil bhayi kAyA, amal jo surat sanI |
roma roma Ananda upaj kari, Alas sahaj bhanI ||"

This means, on turning the Drishti (vision or gaze) inward (i.e. practicing Drishti Yoga), and on perceiving the Inner Sound, the body turned motionless, every pore of it got soaked in Divine bliss, and all lethargy, quite naturally, fled away.

It is why Kabir Sahab taught,

"shabda khoji mana basa karai, sahaja yoga hai yehi |
satta shabda nija sAra hai, yaha to jhUThI dehi ||"

[Subjugate the mind by finding the Inner Sound; this is the sahaja (natural) yoga.] |
The True or Unstruck Word is our essence; this body of ours is otherwise illusory or impermanent. ||]

Sant Charandas Ji further says,

"karate anahad dhyAn ke, Brahma rUpa hoi jAya |
Charandas yon kahata hai, bAdhA saba miT jAya ||"

[By meditating on the Word, the practitioner becomes the same as God or Brahman. |
Practicing this way, says Charandas Ji, all obstacles are removed. ||]

In the Nadabind Upanishad it has been said about the Inner Sound (Nada) meditation that,

"sarvachintAm samutsrijya sarvachesTA vivarjitah |
nAdamevAnusandAdhyAnnAde chittam vilIyate ||
nAdAsaktam sadA chittam vishayam na hi kAnkshati |"

That is, sidelining all worries and all efforts, one should mainly focus on the exploration of Nada; by doing thus the mind gets dissolved in the Nada, and the mind thus absorbed in the Nada does not crave anymore for the sensory objects.

Nada itself is Brahma. We should absorb our mind in this very Nada. Shrimadadya Shankaracharya has stated in Yogataravali:

"sadA shivoktAni sapAdalakshyalayAvadhAnAni vasanti loke |
nAdAnusandhAna samAdhimekam manyAmahe mAnyatamam layAnAm ||
nAdAnusandhan namostu tubhyam tvam manmahe tattvapadam layAnAm |
bhavatprAsAdAt pavanena sAkam vilIyate VishNupade mano me ||
sarva chintAm parityajya sAvadhAnena chetasA |
nAda evAnusandheyo yoga sAmrAjyamichchhatA ||"

[Lord Shiva, the propounder of the Yoga Shastra, has listed 1,25,000 ways of dissolution of mind. |
Amongst these Nadanu-sandhana (meditation on the Inner Sound) is the best, as well as the easiest way. ||
I bow to thee, O Nada! You lift me on to the Highest Throne. |
It is only with your grace that my prANa-vAyu (vital life-air) and my mind get dissolved in the Highest echelon of the Supreme Lord. ||
(Therefore,) renouncing all sorts of worries and with an alert and focussed mind...|
Those who yearn for the union with the Highest should meditate on the Divine Sound within. ||]

Balayogi Shri Bala Swami Ji Maharaj has beautifully expressed his views regarding Nada-dhyana, "This is such a means that enables us easily experience that supreme bliss that is our very own. Nada has a unique power. All of us know of the joy we experience while listening to melodious music in the outer world, but so unique and unparalleled is the bliss of this Inner Melody that the mind gets completely dissolved, and all its cravings get annihilated."

`indriyANAm manonAtho manonAthastu mArutah |
mArutasya layo nAthah sa layo nAdamAshritah ||'

[Mind is the master of all the organs; prANavAyu (vital life-air) is the lord of the mind. |
`Manolaya' (dissolution or absorption of mind) is the boss of prANavAyu, and this dissolution is accomplished with the help of Nada, the Inner Sound.||]

"Perseverance in the practice of Nadanu-sandhana leads to the dissolution of the mind. By sitting in a proper posture and consistently practicing looking within, with the eyes closed, one gets to listen to the Nada." (Kalyana Yoganka, p 325)

Sant Kabir sings prolific praise of Shabda-sadhana or Nada-dhyana:

"Kabir shabda sarIr mein, bin gun bAjai tAnt |
bAhar bhItar rami rahA, tAtein chhoTI bhrAnti ||
shabda shabda bahu antarA, shabda sAra kA sIr |
shabda shabda kA khojanA, shabda shabda kA pIr ||
shabda shabda bahu antarA, sAra shabda chita deya |
jA shabdai sAhaba milai, soi shabda gahi leya ||
shabda shabda sab koi kahai, wo to shabda videha |
jibhyA par Awai nahIn, nirakhi parakhi kari deh ||
shabda hamArA Adi ka, pala pala kariye yAda |
anta falaigI mAnhi kI, bAhar kI sab bAda ||
yahi baDAi shabda kI, jaise chumbak bhAya |
binA shabda nahin ubarai, ketA karai upAya ||
shabda binA sruti AndharI, kaho kahAn ko jAya |
dvAra na pAvai shabda kA, firi firi bhaTakA khAya ||"

[The Word, says Kabir Sahab, keeps ringing in the body |
It is pervading within and without; this alone can destroy all confusion. ||
There are many Words, each different from the other, the Quintessential Word is the crown of all. |
One Word is explored through the other, as one Word is the Guru of (or leads to) the other. ||
Words are much different from each other; focus yourself on to the Quintessential Word. |
Grasp that Word that would take you to the Supreme Lord. ||
Though everyone talks of the Word, that Word is without form. |
The tongue can't pronounce it; it has to be perceived within the body. ||
The Word has been there before we came into being, remember (meditate on it) constantly.|
This Word alone that is found within will prevail in the end, rest all being of least significance. ||
The beauty of the Word is that it acts like a magnet. |
One can't be liberated without the Word however hard one might try. ||
The soul is blind without the Word, knowing not which way to go. |
Not finding the Word, the soul keeps wandering again and again. ||]

Ten 2009 Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts Available at Blog Talk Radio

Ten 2009 Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts Available For Listening or Downloading at Blog Talk Radio

Sant Mat Mysticism Blog: http://santmat.gaia.com/blog

December Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: Hear readings from the following sources: a new book called "Petals of Love", by Professor Agam Prasad Mathur of Agra, on the history and spirituality of the classic Sants of India; verses of the Devotional Poetry of Saint Namdev from a text known as the "Hindi Padavali"; "The Harmony of All Religions", by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, on the primary goals of this living school of spirituality from India known as Sant Mat; also a reading about the astral plane or region known as The Thousand Petalled Lotus (Sahas-dal-kanwal), from the book, "Enchanted Land". That reading includes a passage from the "Sar Bachan Poetry" of Soami Ji Maharaj, Volume One. On the ahimsa ethics of the Masters, there is a reading from the "Saakhi Granth" of Guru Kabir: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/12/19/december-sant-mat-satsang-podcast

October Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: hear a Spiritual Discourse of Shri Swami Sant Bhagirath Baba. Shri Swami Sant Bhagirath Baba has authored four books that are full of spiritual insight, namely, "Maharshi Mehi ke Dincharya Updesh" (Life and Teachings of Maharshi Mehi) , "Santmat Tatva-Jnaan Bodhini" (Quintessence of Santmat), "Maharshi Mehi Leelamrit", and "Maharshi Mehi Chaitanya Chintan": GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/10/16/october-sant-mat-satsang-podcast

September Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: Guru Kabir says, "The imaginations of the mind are just as innumerable as the innumerable waves of an ocean. If somehow this mind can become quiet by itself, attainment of the true Knowledge-like Diamond will become easily possible (everyone in this world is sad or restless because of lack of Knowledge. This true Knowledge can be attained only when the mind becomes quiet)." One of the effects of adhering to the ahimsa ethics of the Masters is a reduction in tension, in agitation of mind. The program begins with sixty seconds from an old recording of a Bhajan (chant) of Baba Somanath (disciple of Huzur Baba Sawan Singh), which is quite haunting and otherworldly. Then there is a reading from an ancient Hermetic-Gnostic text from Egypt titled, The Greatest Human Evil is Unacquaintance With God, followed by satsang readings from: The Bijak of Guru Kabir Volume Two (The Shabdas); The Bijak of Guru Kabir Volume One (The Ramainis); The Saakhi Granth of Guru Kabir; Songs of Kabir, by Rabindranath Tagore. The Bijak and Saakhi Granth of Kabir have always been considered primary texts of Sant Mat, and are genuine "Satsang Templates" providing a holistic approach to life on earth following the Path of the Masters. Other readings are from: The Philosophy of Liberation (Moksha Darshan) by Maharsihi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj; a Shabd in contemporary English from a recent translation of the Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry Volume Two, by Swami Ji Maharaj; a list of essential Sant Mat principals and techniques for a successful spiritual journey, a Bhajan (chant, hymn from India) by Guru Arjan Dev, and a meditative Bhajan of Sant Surdas titled, "Hai Govind." Additional unlicensed music comes courtesy of my musician friend Paul Alexandre John, who performs Indian classical ragas playing the Bansuri flute, giving me permission to make use of his music on the air: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/09/12/september-inner-light-and-sound-satsang-podcast

August Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: Often a spiritual path coming from one cultural context and language is not fully understood by those from afar in another part of globe. Of course those with a heavy-handed "new age" perspective seeking to impose their own spin on the teachings of others, unnaturally mixing Sant Mat with countless other techniques, paths and practices instead of respecting the Path on it's own traditional terms, simply adds to the misunderstanding and confusion, and I would argue, is a form of Western colonial imperialism that thinks it knows best, when in fact, it does not! Genuine Sant Mat (The Path of the Masters) in it's traditional Indian context has much wisdom to offer about life in-the-body, and not only about out-of-body travel during meditation. The Masters do have much guidance to share about those 22 hours each day that take place between meditation sits! A life limited to action alone is missing literally many other dimensions, yet a life of only contemplation would not fully be alive either. The Eastern Vision is to live a life of both contemplation and action, to be open to all states, physical, dream state, unconscious, and spiritual states. Hear Bhajans of Kabir and Jayadeva. Readings are from the following sources: Sar Bachan Radhasoami Prose, by Swami Ji Maharaj; Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry (the Forgotten or "Lost Gnostic Gospel" of Sant Mat), by Swami Ji Maharaj, both volumes translated by S.D. Maheshwari, Agra; An Ahimsa Prayer of Ramesvarananda Sahab found in the book, Praises to a Formless God, by David Lorenzen; The Dawn of the Third Millennium by Kirpal Singh; Prem Patra Radhasoami, by Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram, Agra; The Philosophy of Liberation, by Maharshi Mehi; The Five Precepts; and from the chapter on Right-Speech from an ethical manual of the Sants known as the Saakhi Granth of Guru Kabir, translated into English by Kunwar Anil Kumar, in, 1008 Kabir Vani, Manoj Publications, New Delhi, India: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/08/16/the-august-sant-mat-satsang-podcast-by-james-bean

July Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: 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: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/07/06/july-sant-mat-satsang-podcast

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: 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: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/06/03/june-sant-mat-satsang-podcast

May Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: 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', and 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/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: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/04/30/may-sant-mat-radio-satsang-podcast

March Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: Know Thyself: A wide variety of readings from the writings of the Sant tradition on knowing one's Self and God, the recitation of several bhajans (mystical hymns, devotional poems) from recent or classic Sants including from the Adi Granth, Dasam Granth, Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram); also the theme of knowing yourself found in, The Bijak of Kabir, Saakhi Granth of Kabir, The Stranger of Galilee by Russell Perkins (who has some great passages from Kirpal Singh), also a couple of selections from the sayings of Lord Mahavira (Jainism) and the Gospel of Thomas (Gnostic); 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: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/03/28/march-sant-mat-radio-satsang

February Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: Reviewing Several Steps and Stages of Inner Light and Sound Meditation: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/02/21/Sant-Mat-Meditation-Practice

January Sant Mat Satsang Podcast: A Satsang Talk by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj (Hindi with English translation provided), given at the Maharshi Mehi Ashram, Kuppaghat, Bhagalpur, Bihar: GO TO:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/santmatfellowship/2009/01/12/Sant-Mat-Satsang-Part-Two-a-Satsang-Talk-

Light and Sound on the Path -- November Newsletter

Image: Baba Ram Singh

Light and Sound on the Path for November 25th, 2009 -- A Compilation of Recent Posts: Satsang Discourses, Mystic Poetry, Quotes, MP3's, and Videos

Sant Mat Mysticism Blog:
https://SantMatRadhasoami.blogspot.com

Listen To Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts Online:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqzXkcs_2TwAvbR6ev3goFSbDBj8FnRS8




Ahimsa (Non-Violence in Thought, Word, and Deed)

Eating Animals is Making US [The Earth] Sick:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/10/28/opinion.jonathan.foer/index.html

Non-violence and compassion towards all living beings are fundamental principals in a spiritual life. (Dr. Jagessar Das)

Do not keep any ill feelings in your mind. Kindly heed my request and shun such thoughts. (Kabir)

The heart where kindness dwells, has mindfulness of God. That heart is full of fragrance of flowers. (Sant Dariya Sahib)


ETHICS -- AHIMSA VALUES -- THE FIVE PRECEPTS

Moral requirements for Initiation

1. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs;

2. Ahimsa (Non-Violence in thought, word, and deed) including vegetarianism [abstinence from meat, fish, and eggs]);

3. Lead a truthful life;

4. Practice non-stealing -- an honest, ethical source of income;

5. Loyalty to ones spouse;

. Another Version of the Five Precepts

1) Refrain from taking the life of sentient beings. [This precept requires strict adherence to a lacto-vegetarian diet: no meat, fish, poultry or eggs (fertilized or non-fertilized).]

2) Refrain from speaking what is not true.

3) Refrain from taking what is not yours.

4) Refrain from sexual misconduct.

5) Refrain from using intoxicants.


Meditation

Carry on the repetition [simran] of the true names, taking it to be your very life-breath. -- Sant Dariya Sahib

There is nothing more important than meditation. Increase this practice from day to day; never decrease it. (Baba Jaimal Singh)

Do not live even a single day without inner meditation. (Baba Devi Sahab)

Significant Health Benefits of Meditation New Medical Study Suggests: 47% reduction in deaths: - BBC News:
https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8363302.stm


Kabir

Celebrating Spiritual Freedom and the End of the Dark Ages: YouTube: Anurag Sagar Video: The Ocean of Love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3aE-_q-uvU

Kabir Dohas: Bhakti Verses and Music: Short Film about Kabir -- YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8GQn2J9jAY

Sant Kabir Amrit Bani -- Devotional Sant Music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErAUX48L8aw


Huzur Baba Sawan Singh Video

Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj - The Great Master of Beas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hURgRfk_kVI


The Bubble Universes of Pinda Desh (The Physical or Material Plane)

From Sach Khand the whole creation looks like bubbles, forming and disappearing in the Spiritual Ocean. (Huzur Baba Sawan Singh)


The bigness of the "known" cosmos keeps on getting bigger! Actually, it's our awareness that's growing, seeing That Which Is. I find astronomy and mysticism have much in common. This amazing program proclaims that, according to the latest: the universe has a minimum diameter of one hundred and fifty six billion lights years, and perhaps is much, much larger than that. It has a region of "visible universe" almost one hundred billion light-years across, and this is surrounded by a much larger area of dark void. This pinda desh (Sant Mat term for the physical plane) seems to be a dark sphere with a tiny light at the center made up of all the galactic filaments (the "visible universe"). This represents one particle or "bubble universe", perhaps one of many bubble universes of the physical plane/multi-verse.

Cosmic Journeys: How Large is the Universe
View Program at Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEQouX5U0fc


Your Eye Will Expand to Contain the Entire Universe

There is no peace except in the Name of the Lord -- meditate on it with one-pointed attention. Experience the state of super-consciousness where the Lord's love surges, and you will see your own form in each particle of creation. O Nama, the Lord will make the pupil of your eye his home, and your eye will expand to contain the entire universe.
(Bhajan of Sant Namdev)


Mirabai, a short film about her life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIcxArV9uek


The Audible Life Stream

In the Beginning was the TAO.
In the beginning was the Logos.
In the beginning was the Word.
In the beginning was the Song of the Creator.
In the beginning was the AUM.
In the Beginning was the Shabad.
In the beginning was the Sound.

Indigenous cultures support the belief that the universe was brought into existence through sound. The Australian aborigines believe in "songlines," meaning the "way of the law," which sang the world, and everything in it, into existence. Native American traditions speak of the "Song of the Creator" that created life and sustains the universe. (my article on Sound in the world religions, The Yoga of Sound, Tuning the Cosmic Radio Dial)

"The escape is through the Sound Current." (Huzur Baba Sawan Singh)

Footnote from, The Anurag Sagar of Kabir: 'SHABDA': The Sound Current; also called Naam or Word. The projected Creative Force of the Positive Power or Sat Purush, ultimately responsible for the entire creation and present in each individual in the form of Light and Sound, which can be seen and heard, and which are the agency that pulls the individual back to his/her essence, Sat Purush [God].

Sushmana or sukhmana has been called "shah rag" or "royal vein" by the Masters. It is the Middle Way. It is central channel in the subtle realm. Ida is the current on the left side. Pingala is the current on the right side. It may seem like the inner Sounds are coming from the right side. That's good, as it's the ascending current, going upwards. Masters teach to never meditate on any sounds coming from the left side, the current that's coming down into the material plane. Sounds may eventually appear to be coming from the middle. That's best of all. The Glossary of Kirpal Singh, Ruhani Satsang USA Website: "SUKHMANA or SUSHMANA NADI--The subtle central nadi (the fire channel) in between the Ida and Pingla on either side of it, the one representing the moon-influence and the other the sun-influence. The way-in for the soul-currents when collected at the eye-focus lies through Sukhmana."

There are certain Sounds we're instructed (at initiation) to concentrate upon. There are many other sounds that can be heard, but certain Sounds lead upward, are more subtle and beneficial, associated with various inner, higher regions.

The attention of the soul (Surat) unites with (Yoga or yoked to) the Shabd, becomes one with the Sound Current, in meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga).


The Inner Sound in Buddhism

As you calm down, you can experience the Sound of silence in the mind. You hear it as a kind of high frequency Sound, a ringing Sound that's always there. It is just normally never noticed. Now when you begin to hear that Sound of silence, it's a sign of emptiness - of silence of the mind. It's something you can always turn to. As you concentrate on it and turn to it, it can make you quite peaceful and blissful. Meditating on that, you have a way of letting the conditions of the mind cease without suppressing them with another condition. Otherwise you just end up putting one condition over another. (Ajahn Sumedho, The Sound of Silence)


Through the Word the Worlds Converse

And the Highest One gave the Word to his worlds,
which interpret his own beauty,
recite his praise,
reveal his thought,
are instructors of his works.

For the swiftness of the Word is ineffable.

Its course knows no end,
it never fails, it stands.
Its decent and its Way are incomprehensible.

And through the Word the worlds converse.

The mouth of the Highest One spoke to them
and he was made clear by his Word.

The dwelling place of the Word is man
and Its Truth is Love.

-- Book of the Odes, Syriac/Aramaic, First Century AD Jewish-Gnostic-Christian Scripture


Many Millions are the Skies and Solar Systems - Skies Above Skies - Adi Granth

Many millions are the skies and solar systems.
Many millions are the moons, the suns and stars.
Many millions are the sources of creation and continents.
Many millions are the jewel containing oceans.
Many times has the universal expanse occurred.
The Lord has strung all the creation in His thread.
His limit no one knows.

Many millions go about in many existences.
Many millions have been the incarnations.
Many millions are the creatures of various descriptions.
Many millions of beings, the Lord has made of good many descriptions.
Many millions are the celestial singers.
Ever and ever, the Unique Lord remains the same.
From the Lord, they emanate and into the Lord they merge.
Nanak says, with whomsoever, the Lord is pleased, He emancipates.
The Lord is near all yet far from all.
Nanak says, Lord is pervasive in creation yet He, Himself remains away.

Many millions searching for the Lord, find The Supreme One within their mind.
Many million are thirsting for the sight of the Lord.
To them the Imperishable Lord meets.
They are imbued with the love of the Transcendent Lord.

In many ways the Lord has spread Himself.
Nanak says, the Lord is all by Himself.
Many millions are the devotees of Supreme Lord and their souls are enlightened.
Many millions have realized the essence and with their eyes they behold the One Lord.
Many millions drink the Name nectar.
They become immortal and live for ever and ever.
Many millions sing the praises of the Name.
They are spontaneously absorbed in Divine delight.
His servants, remember Him with every breath.
Nanak says, they are the beloveds of Supreme Lord.

The Lord alone is the doer of all deeds.
There is no other.

-- Adi Granth, The Gurbani or Psalms of the Saints of India


Countless are the Gospels, Sutras, Odes, Upanishads, Gathas, Quatrains, Abhangas, Gitas, Granths, Vanis and Vedas. As Guru Nanak says in his Morning Prayer (Jap Ji):

Endless are the harmonies played by the minstrels; the players prepare endless tunes and measures to sing to Thee, 0 bountiful Creator. Thy Light is within the beings and the beings are all within thy Light...countless are the countries, earths and spheres. Millions assign to Him ever new names, 0 Nanak.

Countless there are that remember Thee, and countless those that love Thee;
Countless there are that worship Thee, and countless those that seek Thee in austerity and penance;
Countless there are that recite from sacred books Thy praises; and
Countless those that, absorbed in Yoga, stand indifferent to the world;
Countless those Thy devotees who contemplate Thy attributes and wisdom; and
Countless those that practice truth and charity;
Countless are the heroes that boldly face the foeman's steel; and
Countless those who have vowed silence, meditate on Thee with unceasing love.
What power have I to conceive of Thy wonderful nature?
Too poor, am I, to make an offering of my life to Thee.
Whatever pleaseth Thee is good:
Thou art forevermore;
O, Formless One.

Countless Thy names and countless Thy places;
Unapproachable and inaccessible Thy innumerable
heavenly plateaux;
Even by the word countless, we fail to describe Thee;
By words we describe Thee and by words we praise Thee.
By words, we acquire Divine knowledge, and in words are sung
Thy hymns and attributes;
It is words we employ in speech and in writing;
In them is our fate ordained;
But He who ordains is above such writ.
As Thou ordaineth, so do we receive.
Thou art immanent in all;
And nothing is where Thy Word is not.
What power have I to conceive of Thy wonderful nature?
Too poor, am I, to make an offering of my life to Thee.
Whatever pleaseth Thee is good;
Thou art forevermore; O Formless One!

-- Jap Ji, The Morning Prayer of Guru Nanak, Translated by Master Kirpal Singh, Ruhani Satsang USA Website


Kirpal Singh's books are published in Urdu and many other languages. The Urdu word for 'man' or 'human' means: "one who is bubbling over with love". The title of Kirpal Singh's book, Man Know Thyself, therefore means: "One who is bubbling over with love, know thyself".

"The highest aim of humanity is to know one's self and to know God…..Every moment of our life is most precious. We should not fritter it away in useless pursuits, but devote it in the search of self and God." (Kirpal Singh)


Satsangs - MP3's

Satsang MP3's, Russell Perkins:

 https://santbaniashram.org/sebastopol-satsangs/#



Hafiz

Stay with us tonight as we weave love -- Hafiz Music Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiNsaSnsZjM



Meet the Beloved Anadi Anami Sat Purush Radhaswami -- The Lord of the Soul -- The Ocean of Love

True bliss of meeting the Beloved Lord is such that its rapturous absorption does not diminish or wear out. There is continual intoxication of the Holy Name and nectar. -- Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram) in, Nij Updesh Radhasoami


The Vision Thing

Very near your heart are seekers of your Vision; Those who look at the surface are exiled from the Beloved's Light. What can I say of the grace He showers on me within? Darshan, the moment I close my eyes, the Beloved's Light begins. (Love's Last Madness, Darshan Singh, Hohm Press -- out of print)


Wisdom of the Masters

The souls are all bound by illusions and are rotating round the great wheel of birth and death. This state of the individual soul or souls is the root cause of all sufferings. In order to come out of these, the only remedy is devotion to God.

Repeating the name in mind, concentrating upon it in mind and with the help of 'Drishti Sadhan' and 'Surat-Shabda-Yoga' (Yoga of Sound). One has to pass or go beyond darkness, light and words to be at one with Him and get 'Moksha' or liberation.

Having unflinching faith in the Almighty and full dependence on Him and firm resolution to find Him within oneself, serving Guru selflessly, practicing Satsang and Dhyana Yoga –- all these be considered as the real steps for getting salvation in this world." (Maharishi Mehi)

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. -- Maharshi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj

Consider the following as the requirements to attain liberation: Trust and belief in the Divine; commitment to seek the Divine within; devotion to a spiritual master; listening to the teaching of the spiritual discourse including study of the teachings of the saints and the scriptures; and diligent meditation practice. (Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, in the book, Harmony of All Religions)


Couplets of Swami Sant Sevi 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., 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 liberation. (Couplets of Sant Sevi Ji translated by Pravesh Kumar Singh)


My Ode To Living Ones Now

For it is the ability to truly listen
that gives birth
to an awareness of a message,
and an appreciation
of a messenger.
An Infinite God
could never have
a limited number
of inspired words,
or be forever bound
by bookbinders.
If there is no inspiration now,
how could there ever have been
any inspiration
in days gone by?
There is also
no missing element
or trace mineral,
once present
in the water supply
during the middle ages
or earlier times but now gone,
that once caused
the appearance of prophets and saints,
and accounts for their absence now.
What was true then
is true now.
The same need
that brought great souls
into the world
during past centuries
is still with us.
My experience and belief is
that the age
of prophets, apostles, masters or saints
is still with us,
that there is a Living Gnosis Now.
There are living Masters
in the world today.
The reality
and not the illusion
of having a guru,
begins here,
with this openness
to the possibility
of Living Ones NOW.
(from one of my profiles on Sant Mat)


Swami Sant Bhagirath Baba

On closing eyes everyone sees the darkness inside no matter whether they belong to one creed, caste, country or another, be they young, old, male, female, scholar or illiterate. This darkness has not been created by humans or gods. This darkness has been created by the Supreme Sovereign God. There are three layers (coverings) over the Jeeva-atmaa (Individual Soul). Those are: darkness, Light and Sound. Darkness is the shadow of the Light. This darkness is the first layer that the Jeeva (Individual Soul) or all beings encounter. 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 this, the Divya-Drishti (Divine Eye, Third Eye) opens completely. While mentally gazing into the darkness that one sees with eyes closed, one should repeat the guru-instructed mantra. This process is called Maanas Jap.

If the Jaapak (practitioner of Jap) repeats the Jap while doing worldly work as well as practices Jap sitting in a secluded place with love and faith, he/she begins to see divine visions, or hear auditions in the inner sky (the region within where darkness normally appears when one's eyes are closed).


Rumi Video -- Looking For Your Face:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ1LrJI2U7w


Below From, Prem Bani Radhasoami, Volume 4 (Hymns of Love to the Lord of the Soul), by Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram)

Infinite is the wealth of Love. Through Love one meets the Supreme Creator.

All Dhyan [meditation] is pretense without Love. All knowledge is shallow without Love.

All scriptures are sham without Love. Kal [the lord of time/lord of death] and Karma are overcome by Love.

Mana [mind] and Maya [illusion] are subdued by Love. Surat [the soul] ascends to higher regions by Love.

Love dispels all evils. One is detached from world by Love.

Refulgence within, one perceives by Love. Every heart overflows with Love.

Most exalted is the glory of Love. All endeavours are in vain without Love.

All activities are void without Love. One is redeemed by Love and Love alone.

May Radhasoami grant the gift of Love!
May Radhasoami grant the gift of Love!
May Radhasoami grant the gift of Love!