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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

True Satsang: Association with the Eternal Truth or God



True Satsang: Association with the Eternal Truth or God


Sant Mat Quote of the Day:


"The place where people are always talking about the glory of the Lord and of the way to increase love and devotion in the Holy Feet of the True Lord, and about the secrets of the path of Surat Shabd Yoga, is true Satsang." (Exalted Precepts/Guru Updesh, Huzur Maharaj, Agra, India)


Below is from the book, The Harmony of All Religions, Chapter Seven: Sant Mat:






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

Sat is that which can never be destroyed and is ever-existent. It is the essential element, indestructible and beyond the limitations of time. And it is Truth or Being. Sang means association or contact. Thus, the word satsang refers to association or coming into contact with Sat (Truth).

In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna states:

"Whatever is Truth always exists and is never non-existent. That which is non Truth has no existence whatsoever." (2:16)

Satsang can be stratified in to following categories:


The Three Levels of Satsang


Level One: The First Kind of Satsang (Association with God):

What then is this element which is indestructible, has always been constant and will forever remain as such? This principle is the Supreme Being of the universe. Association with this Being, in reality, is association with Truth (satsang). But, what is it that could 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 are capable of merging with the Divine. Our individual soul is truth, and also, the Supreme Being is Truth. True satsang is the unity of the soul with the Supreme Truth. This is the highest kind of satsang. However, this highest kind of satsang, unity with the Divine, does not occur suddenly. This category of satsang requires many lifetimes of good actions samskaras (spiritual imprints and tendencies).


Level Two: The Second Kind of Satsang (Association with the Saints):

Sant Tulsidas Ji emphasizes the association with the saints for the realization of the Divine:

"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, those who have 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 [meaning they have 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 explains in the Ramacharitmanas:

"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 Tulsi Sahab states the difficulty in recognizing a saint:

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


Level Three: The Third Kind of Satsang (Association with the Words and Writings of Ancient Sages and Saints):

In daily life we need the guidance of a great sage or saint. Even though we might hear about or encounter many so called mahatmas or sadhus, the task of finding and identifying an accomplished guide is difficult. A truly great sage is a rarity. 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 satsang. 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 and will have a good fortune of listening to the words of realized beings who presently reside among us. 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 satsang -- the association with the Supreme. When we have thus accomplished the highest category of satsang, our life's ultimate purpose will be fulfilled.

We will now examine some of the scriptures and the sayings of saints in this regard:

In the Yajur Veda, satsang is known as the Buddhi yoga (dhiyam). This is the yoga of intellectually discerning the truth. The Yajur Veda elaborates on the significance of the Buddhi yoga:

"O Dear Aspirants! In order to realize the essential form of the Supreme Being, first practice the Buddhi yoga (satsang), then Manas yoga (practice mantra and focus on the Divine form), and the Yoga of Light (Dristi yoga). By these practices you will establish the ground for the realization of Divine Union."

In the Maha Upanishad, satsang is considered essential for Liberation:

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

Sant Tulsidas Ji sings in the praise of satsang:

"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."

Further, he says:

"Wisdom, fame, supreme salvation, attainment of all powers and kindliness are all realized by the power of satsang. No other means are prescribed in the Vedas to attain these."

Sant Kabir Sahab elaborates on the purpose of satsang:

"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."

A great woman saint, Sahjo Bai, has also said:

"Whoever comes to satsang is released from the confinements of individual caste, status and color. Even the flow of dirty water, upon reaching the holy River Ganga, becomes Ganga (loses its impurity and comes to be known as the holy river)."

Sant Sundar Das Ji says:

"All people have a mother and father as well as relatives and friends. It is easy to obtain sons and wives, but it is very difficult to find true satsang (association of true saints)."

Sant Tulsi Sahab says:

"O Aspirant! Perform satsang by subduing the mind and taking refuge in saints. Keep in your heart a ceaseless burning desire to be at the feet (tutelage) of saints."

Maharishi Mehi Paramahans Ji asks his aspirants to perform both kinds of satsang:

"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."

Yogi Panchanan Bhattacharya Ji says:

"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."

--- Swami Sant Sevi Ji Paramahansa, The Harmony of All Religions

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Sant Mat Satsang PODcast (July-August) Now Available: Guru Purnima: Master's Day: Reflections

 
Sant Mat Satsang PODcast (July-August) Now Available: 
Guru Purnima: Master's Day: Reflections

When you click the link and go to this page at Blog Talk Radio, the satsang podcast will automatically begin playing:

The July-August Sant Mat Satsang PODcast


Program Theme: Happy Guru Purnima: Master's Day: Reflections about the role of Sant Satgurus: The Competent Living Master, a Qualified Teacher, The True One, Genuine Mentor, a Righteous and Worthy Guide, A Fearless Being, Light-giver, Leader of a Spiritual Community. An Ode to the Sant SatGuru, in Praise of the Sant-soul of love who has reached the 5th plane or above, and merged in God. With gratitude to the Competent Qualified Teacher, the Living Master, the Living One. In a Sea of Samsara, of falsehood, illusion and posing, there is a bright Light in the darkness. A silent Music becomes audible. At the feet of such a Loving, Radiant One, the soul can not help but find inner Light and slip into deep samadhi meditation. In the eyes of the Sant are love, wisdom, light, compassion, grace, and a reflection of God. The definition of a Sant Satguru is someone who connects the soul with the Supreme Lord of Love. 

Readings are from: The Gospel of Thomas, Verses of Mirabai, Julian P. Johnson's praise of his spiritual Master in the book, Unquenchable Flame, two bhajans of Sant Dadu Dayal of Rajasthan, The Harmony of All Religions, and my Ode to the Sant Sat Guru.

Program Length: 23 Minutes. 

Music (Indian Classical Ragas) was provided by my musician friend Paul Alexandre John. 

If you're seeking initiation into this form of meditation practice (Inner Light and Sound leading to Oneness with God, the Beloved Lord of Love), are looking for books, wishing you had someone to talk to about these Mysteries of the Kingdom of God within you, are seeking a satsang or meditation group to attend in your area -- there are satsangs held around the world in most places, send me an email. Would love to chat and share contact info that might be helpful to you. 

Love and Light in the Sound, 
Jai Guru Radhasoami, 
James
Sant Mat Satsang Podcast
Email: 
James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

Friday, July 23, 2010

Book of Mirdad: Let Time revolve about you; but you revolve not with Time


Book of Mirdad: Let Time revolve about you; but you revolve not with Time


Sant Mat Quote of the Day:




The wheel of time revolves in the voids of Space. Upon its rim are all the things perceivable by the senses, which are unable to perceive a thing except in Time and Space. So things continue to appear and disappear.What disappears for one at a certain point of Time and Space appears to another at another point. What may be up to one is down to another. What may be day to one is to another night, depending on the 'When' and 'Where' of the looker on.

One is the road of Life and Death, O monks, upon the rim of the wheel of Time. For motion in a circle can never reach an end, nor ever spent itself. And every motion in the world is a motion in a circle.

Shall Man, then never free himself of the vicious circle of Time?

Man shall, because man is heir to God's holy Freedom.

The wheel of time rotates, but its axis is ever at rest.

God is the axis of the wheel of Time. Though all things rotate about Him in Time and Space, yet is He always timeless and space-less and still. Though all things proceed from His Word, yet is His Word as timeless and space-less as He.

In the axis all is peace. On the rim all is commotion. Where would you rather be?

I say to you, slip from the rim of Time into the axis and spare yourselves the nausea of motion. Let Time revolve about you; but you revolve not with Time.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Kabir Poems: Lily-Like Soul, and, Ocean-Heart of Mercy



Kabir Poems: Lily-Like Soul, and, Ocean-Heart of Mercy


Sant Mat Quote of the Day:




O Lily-Like Soul!

O lily-like soul!
Why are you withering? 
Your stem is in water,
The water is in the pond, 
The pond is God.
It is while in the water that you grow,
And in it that you live
You ARE always in the water! 
There is no heat below you, 
And no fire above you.
So what flame is afflicting you, 
That you are withering so?
Kabir says, "Those who remain in the water, 
And continue to absorb and be absorbed by it,
Kabir knows they will not die."


Ocean-Heart of Mercy

Keep on doing your work. 
Keep on reciting God's name,
And you will live pleasantly in the world.
With true love as your master,
Your life-map will change. 
Remember the promise you made [in the womb], 
That you would use your body wisely?
How easily you have forgotten it. 
You have earned no merit.
You have become quite intoxicated with the world, 
And lost the true wealth you possessed.
At the end of life you will be compacted,
Into innumerable birth forms. 
You obtained human form,
After enduring sufferings and difficulty,
So set your vision straight ahead, 
Walk the path of life.
Your feet have become delicate,
And at anytime, they could give way. 
Abandon treachery and deceit, 
Lose attachment and illusion, 
Avoid strenuous effort.
Instead, develop love for God, 
Seek refuge at God's feet.
The ocean heart of mercy is like wax, 
As soon as conditions are right, 
It melts with love for you.


Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Naturally Drawn to God (Ram, Anami Purush, Radhasoami)

 



Naturally Drawn to God (Ram, Anami Purush, Radhasoami)


 

Sant Mat Quote of the Day:
 
 
"Whoever sincerely practices

inner meditation

comes to experience Light within.

First he sees the Light

and then he hears Sound, too.

Sound has a natural and inherent property

of attracting the listener

towards its Source or Origin.

One who is capable of grasping

the Sound springing straight from God Himself

gets naturally drawn to Him."


-- Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj