Transcendental Seeing and Hearing - Light and Sound on the Path
"This spiritual path and its destination is divine love..... The remover of difficulties is the one spiritual teacher who has given you the secret knowledge (spiritual guidance and experience)." (Baba Devi Sahab)
"The Satguru pulled me up into the Gagan [Mystic Sky, Firmament]. On hearing the Shabda [Sound Current] my spirit was emancipated, O my Compassionate Sat Purusha [True, Eternal Original Being, God]! He showered His Grace and embraced me; by taking shelter in His Holy Feet I came under His protection. Knowledge of my countless past lives was revealed, and the cycle of births and deaths was now eradicated. I obtained the wealth of unlimited love and faith, and with victory over matter, I recognized the Shabda [Sound Current] of Trikuti [Three Worlds, Causal Plane]. On hearing this Shabda I was enabled to hear the Shabda of Sat Lok [True, Eternal, Timeless, Spiritual Ream]. The spirit then proceeded further and came into contact with the Sound coming from Its Nij Dham (Original Abode). How can I adequately praise the majestic glory of Merciful Radhasoami [the Lord of the Soul] Who is all-knowing?" (Swami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Poetry, from, Prem bhari
meri ghat ki gagaria....)
"A diamond was laying in the street covered with dirt. Many fools passed by. Someone who knew diamonds picked it up." (Kabir)
The method for taking back the Spirit to Its Supreme Source
is first to concentrate at the focus of the eyes [at the Third Eye Center] the Spirit and mind,
which are diffused in our body, and in a manner tied to external objects by desires and passions.
Next is to commence Its journey homewards by attending to the Internal Sound, or in other words,
by riding the Life or Sound Current that has originally emanated from the Supreme Source.
-- Huzur Maharaj, Radhasoami Mat Prakash -- A Message of Peace and Joy to All Nations
PODCASTS: Spiritual Awakening Radio: "The Law of Attention, Nada Yoga and the Way of Inner Vigilance", is a book authored by the late Edward Salim Michael, and has some great genuine insights about encountering the inner Sound in meditation. At this webpage hear a couple of radio programs exploring the wisdom of this book, passages from Buddhist and other world scriptures on inner Sound, and there's an interview with the author's wife, Michele Michael:
"Meditation is the soul's Portal to the Divine, a Doorway to God and the Heavens that are within. Place your mind before the mirror of eternity. Place your soul in the brilliance of glory. Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance and transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead itself through contemplation. Meditate upon the Love, Light and Sound of the Positive Power within you. When darkness is no longer dark, when the stillness of the night gives birth to a faint Celestial Melody, know this: one more soul is being summoned to awakening, one more soul hears the Call, one more soul ascends to the Place of Life." (from my article, "Seeing Heaven as a Real Place")
The Art Of Seeing, by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj
"What is the use of beautiful eyes when you do not understand the art of seeing? Just as a flower is beautiful, without a fragrant scent it is not so appealing. Sant Paltu Sahab says: 'What is the use of decorating your eyes if you do not know the art of seeing'? By 'art of seeing' he is not talking about how to see beautiful scenery or magnificent sights. But rather he is referring to the practitioner (sadhak) on the spiritual journey. He is referring to the sadhana (spiritual/meditation practices) which allows one to develop the art of seeing. .... If we can not see the Unseen then we are not using our vision to the fullest extent possible. What kind of eyes are we speaking about here? Are we talking about the physical eyes composed of flesh? No. Sant Kabir says you can not see the celestial subtle realm with these physical eyes of the flesh. Rather, we must acquire the inner eyes -- the eyes of the soul. .... Nobody can see the subtle celestial realm by looking into this physical world, only by looking within using the art of seeing can we understand the celestial. Therefore one must turn inward to understand this Formless Atman, the inner Self."
"When your eye, turning inward into your brain, pierces the sky within and your Spirit leaving your body, flies upward, you will sight the heaven which is the location of the Thousand-Petalled Lotus". (Sar Bachan of Swami Ji Maharaj, Agra)
Youtube: "Dying While Living" via Inner Light and Sound Meditation (An Introduction to the Mystics of the East):
Youtube: "The Journey Within — An Introduction to a Spiritual Path from India Called Sant Mat":
"When the soul begins to awake from its deep slumber, no worldly forces can undo with the tears and yearning of the heart. At that blessed moment the life takes a turning point and the search for the Lord starts. It is the Lord from within our own heart calling us back home. From that very moment the destination of the soul is fixed. The cry of the heart will not stop until the goal of the heart is reached and the union with the Lord is accomplished." (Lars Jensen, from, "With Cries from the Heart, the Search for a True Guru Begins")
"Holy places, austerities, rituals and ceremonies all detain you on the way. If you wish to meet the Beloved Lord, wander not in the world. Search for the Beloved Lord within your own self." (Swami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry, Agra)
The Ascension of the Soul
"It is a very difficult thing to raise oneself above the level of the plane of consciousness on which one is. The effect of long continued association with the material world which one must combat is very deep seated. Just as, if an object is submitted for a great period to the play of light of a given color, it will at length absorb and appropriate a modicum of that color.
"Hence the value of association with the Sant Sat Guru [living Master]. His influence gradually loosens the ties of the world, breaks the bonds of association with it and raises the spirit." ("Phelps Notes", by Myron Phelps)
Seek the true Master with faith, love, and patience.
He will give Light to find the hidden entrance.
If with constant effort you attune the Inner Ear,
The way to God opens and the Path will be clear.
-- Param Sant Tulsi Sahab of Hathras
"If one is keen about learning this knowledge, let him join the spiritual school of the living Satguru and thus enjoy the eternal peace of mind." (Shri Paramhans Granth)
"Unless one realizes the Self within, how can one believe that God resides there in His Refulgent Form? Only the realization of God can bestow eternal peace of mind and true happiness." (Shri Paramhans Granth)
The Methods for Returning to the Divine Source
by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, and, Maharshi Mehi
"When the mind becomes concentrated so does the current of consciousness which permeates the body and mind.
Therefore, the Sants have given instruction about the ways to withdraw and concentrate the mind within. Maharishi Mehi elaborates on this in the Philosophy of Liberation. The following references are particularly worth studying:
"In whatever realm of this universe one lives, it is natural to get the support from the predominant element of that realm.
"Therefore, one who is dwelling in the physical realm will naturally take support from the material elements. It would be easier to utilize the sensory elements in the method to concentrate the mind.
"Therefore, to begin to concentrate the mind, one should make use of Manas japa (mental repetition of the alphabetical name of God), and Manas dhyana (focusing on a physical manifested form of God). God permeates all realms of nature and the entire universe. The saints, prophets, sages, all radiant and all benevolent beings are myriad physical manifestations of the Divine Power on earth. Fixing the mind on one of their images (Manas dhyana; focus on a divine form) facilitates concentration of the mind and prepares it to enter into the inner subtle realms.
"In order to enter into the subtle realms, one must take support of the subtle element. One must therefore practice taking support of the subtle (non-material) element. Subtle support is 'the infinitesimal point'. This point is seen in the middle of two eye-brows. The infinitesimal point is also known as the subtlest of the subtle forms of God. Bindu (point) is defined as an indivisible point. It is too minute to be drawn or indicated in any physical way. Dristi yoga, the yoga of vision is an uninterrupted concentration on (literally 'seeing') on the infinitesimal point. Dristi is the power of seeing. Single-pointedness (intense focus) is attained by sitting with closed eyes and practicing uniting the beams of vision of both eyes. The technique of how to gaze on a single infinitesimal point in the center and concentrating the mind on that point is taught by the teacher. This is known as Dristi Yoga [yoga of inner Light]. In this practice it is advised neither to focus forcefully nor manipulate the eyeballs in any manner. The saints teach specifics of this yogic technique. By this practice the inner divine vision is opened. This is beyond the sensory dimension of seeing.
"When the state of one-pointedness (complete focus) of mind is attained, it is possible to listen to the divine inner Sounds which arise from the juncture of the material and subtle realms. These celestial Sounds are not audible to the sensory ears. When the subtle state (sukhma, non-material) is reached, it becomes possible to perceive the divine sounds of the subtle realm. This sound has the inherent quality of attracting the consciousness to its point of origin. Once that Sound is perceived, consciousness is drawn to the sounds of each successive and ascending realm until consciousness reaches the Soundless Realm (Shbadatita). This is the realm of God (a State of Transcendence and Bliss). To achieve this, service to and association with a Sat Guru, as well as his instruction and grace are essential. The practitioner must also be diligent in practice.
"The path described above can be summarized in the following manner. The four practices are gross to subtle in an ascending order: Manas japa, Manas dhyana, Dristi yoga, Nadanusandhana (inner Sound yoga), and the Soundless yoga. The practices of Manas japa (mantra) and Manas dhyana are the worship of the physical, qualified (personal) form of God. (God is perceived in various manifestations of name and form in the gross realm). The practice of the meditation on the infinitesimally small point, Dristi yoga, is the worship of the subtle qualified form of God (where God perceived as the infinitesimal point). Concentration on the divine Sounds, nadas (other than Sar Sabad, the Divine Sound of the beginning, Logos) is the worship of the qualified formless Divine. As this meditation finally leads to the meditation on the Sar Sabad (the Original Divine Sound). The meditation on this essential Sound, Logos, Adi Shabda, is the worship of the Unqualified-Formless (the transcendent Godhead). This meditation is the culmination of all forms of worship. But without completely mastering all these practices and treading the inward journey, it will be impossible to reach the Soundless State (the realization of the Impersonal form of the Divine). This is the Realm of God and the attainment of moksa (the state of liberation). Reaching this the aspirant experiences absolute peace and achieves the ultimate goal of human life." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji)
"The saints and true teachers are known to be impartial; their blessings fall like the rain. However, the rain, while falling on all, tends to collect in deep pools just as the grace of the saints while showering on all flows rapidly and collects in the deep pools of the aspirants who are devoted. It is not surprising that the aspirants through their devotion draw the grace of the master towards them. Aspirants who give great attention to the ways of the teacher are worthy of the gift of knowledge. Obviously, not the careless one, but the one who honors the gift, and cares for the receiving bowl, receives the gift of the grace of the teacher. Making oneself worthy is the secret of devotion to the master, the way of gaining grace as described in the writings of the saints.
"The aspiration to serve with love and behave humbly before the teacher arises naturally in the hearts of students. Therefore, devotion to the spiritual teacher is also natural. To say anything against devotion to the teacher is pointless. And also, the wise will not give devotion to an unworthy teacher and will influence other aspirants to do the same.
"The four essential elements a sadhaka (an aspirant of the spiritual path) needs are the following:
(1) satsang (association of saints and hearing spiritual teachings);
(2) sadacara (moral rectitude);
(3) guru seva (dedication to the teacher); and,
(4) dhyan-abhyasa (practice of meditation)...
"In Sant Mat an intense eagerness to acquire these essentials must be present. However, devotion to the teacher is paramount to the other three essentials and is the key to achieving the other three."
-- Maharishi Mehi Paramahans Ji Maharaj, "Philosophy of Liberation"
"While I am happy to give the right guidance, it should also be remembered that those initiated by me are looked after by the gracious Master-Power working overhead, Who is ever with His children and can solve all of their problems if they
but put themselves in a receptive mood. In this regard an application of sound common sense together with a calm consideration of the facts can work wonders in developing receptivity to the Master Power. Receptivity is the key which can not only solve your material difficulties, but also unlock the Kingdom of Heaven within you." (Kirpal Singh, The Need For Receptivity)
Youtube: "Children of Light", by Yes:
Reference to Holi by Mirabai
Days of good fortune are few and short-lived, so make the most of them celebrating Holi, the festival of colours (in the
right way).
Drum beats, produced without the use of (tapping of) hands, resound and uncountable notes (Anhad Naad)
reverberate inside.
All the thirty-six musical notes are heard produced without voice (vocal cords); the divine Melody echoes in all the pores of the body.
Solution of saffron (yellow colour) in the form of virtuosity and contentment is sprayed by means of the colour gun (syringe) of love and affection.
The inner sky has been coloured red (red colour is seen) as if the coloured powder has been sprinkled all over; countless hues have been raining torrentially (hinting at the sighting of divine Light).
(Translated by Pravesh K. Singh)
