PODCAST: The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Gnostic Spirituality -- Spiritual Awakening Radio With James BeanListen @ Youtube:
https://Youtu.be/mUzakymvKAkWe
don't have much information about "the Mary Magdalene community", if
you will -- the spiritual group that once valued the GofMM as one of its
scriptures, other than what can be observed in the contents of the
book. It presents Mary as not only equal to her male counterparts as an
apostolic leader in early Christianity, but also perhaps as the widow of
Christ -- wife of the guru, and his primary spiritual successor with
the most insight and understanding of Christ's message. Mary also
described visions of the radiant form of her Master, the resurrected
Christ.The
Gnostics, like other mystics, see the soul as being beyond gender. The
physical, and subtle bodies: astral, causal, mental, etheric… have a
gender or combination of genders, but the soul is beyond gender.
Therefore the Gnostics of two thousand years ago were generally more
open to the idea of the leadership roles of women, including as apostle,
as in the case of Mary Magdalene, who is portrayed in the Gospel of
Mary as a kind of spiritual successor to Yeshua (or wife of the master),
and more enlightened than anyone else in the group. There is also some
closeness between sayings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Mary and those
in the Gospel of Thomas. Perhaps the same group in antiquity used both –
interesting souls no doubt."Mary answered and said, What is hidden from you I will proclaim to you." (Gospel of Mary Magdalene)"When
Mary said this, she turned their hearts to the Good, and they began to
discuss the words of the Savior." (Gospel of Mary Magdalene)"Thou
art blessed before all women on the earth, because thou shalt be the
fullness of all fullnesses and the perfection of all perfections."
(Yeshua to Mary Magdalene in the Book of Pistis Sophia/Faith Wisdom)Several
places in the book of Philip Mary Magdalene is described as “the
companion” of Christ, saying that Yeshua loved Mary, was closer to Mary
than the other disciples, and also records that Yeshua used to often
kiss Mary on her mouth. Actually that last part: “often kiss Mary on
the... [mouth]”, is a restoration of the text, is likely what it said
according to Coptic scholars. On this page of Phillip in the original
Coptic papyrus it reads: “used to kiss her often on her [......]”, then
there is a lacuna or break in the text with the last word missing. Given
the other comments from the disciples, who asked: “Why do you love her
more than us”, and that Mary is “his companion”, I would say this is
likely to be an accurate rendering. Also, the surrounding context in the
Gospel of Philip is about marriage, the bridal chamber, and sexuality.
Sacraments, in particular the sacrament of marriage, are a major theme
in the Gospel of Philip, another early text similar to the Gospel of
Mary.Mary
was an apostle or master who was a visionary, one who saw many visions
of various inner planes or heavenly regions during her meditations, and
the Radiant Form of her spiritual master. A beautiful passage from the
Gospel of Mary about a soul Mary saw during one of her visions when she
was exploring the Second Heaven. This soul was being questioned by a
being or power given the name “Desire”:"The
soul answered saying, You did not see me nor did you know me. You
mistook the garment I wore for my true self. And you did not recognize
me."There is a similar passage in one of the Aramaic Mandaean Gnostic texts from Iraq that goes something like:"The soul says, 'I dwelt in your midst but you never recognized me, you never really knew me.'"How
easy it is to only see the surface, to in fact be wasting away whole
lifetimes being a surface-dweller, neither knowing one’s self nor seeing
the true identity of others as souls. In truth we are all particles of
Light dwelling within bodies, we are Notes that make up a divine
symphony:“All
beautiful forms and tones of this world are mere reflections of some
aspect of that ultimate Love-Music of the Great Creative Word. Within
the vast complex of creation, each individual spirit is himself/herself a
spark of that Eternal Song of Love.” (George Arnsby Jones, initiate of
Sant Kirpal Singh)In
Gnostic scriptures such as the Gospel of Mary, unenlightened human
existence is portrayed as a kind of night of the living dead, souls
living in a world of sleep caught up in dreams of illusion, trapped in
spiritual ignorance somewhere in time, limited to only a couple of
dimensions, tethered to material existence seemingly unable to become
aware of anything more. One of my favorite passages from Mary is when a
liberated soul exclaims:“I was set loose from a world and from the chain of forgetfulness that exists in time!”Another “Mary” further to the East by the name Mira Bai once said,“My mind, birth after birth,
lost in slumber,
Awoke on hearing the Sound
my Master gave."“When
the Blessed One had said this, he greeted them all. ‘Peace be with
you!’ he said. ‘Acquire my peace within yourselves. Be on your guard so
that no one deceives you by saying, ‘Look over here!’ or ‘Look over
there!’ For the Seed of True Humanity exists within you. Follow it!
Those who search for it will find it.”Some commentary found in a footnote of the same translation adds:“The
disciples must search within themselves, to find the Seed of True
Humanity that is within each person. They must guard against those who
try to lead them astray by requiring that a person conform to what is
outside.” (The Complete Gospels, Robert J. Miller)For
the mystic-soul there is no need to construct outward temples made of
wood and stone, as the human body itself is already a temple of the
Spirit. I’m sure this “within you” message of the Gnostic or mystical
gospels is one of the reasons why they were not politically useful to
some in antiquity, and thus they were banned. The saying above reflects a
theme found in the teachings of countless mystics and masters, that the
focus is “within”, not elsewhere in the outer world of the five senses,
the kingdoms of this world. Thus, contemplative meditation for mystics
serves as a kind of heavenly “portal” or “doorway” to the Divine.Jai Guru. Radhasoami. Jai Sat Naam. Satya Raam!All for the love of wisdom and radio, James BeanLINKS -- RESOURCES
Website:http://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.comAbout Me:https://about.me/SpiritualAwakeningRadioAn Introduction to Sant Mat Spirituality and Meditation:https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/sant-matSant Mat Radhasoami @ Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoamiIngredients of a Living Spiritual Path -- Seven Gnostic-Sant Mat Parallels:https://SantMatRadhasoami.Blogspot.com/2016/05/ingredients-of-living-spiritual-path.htmlGospel of Mary Magdalene, Article by James Bean:https://medium.com/sant-mat-meditation-and-spirituality/5735032b3d2bSant Mat Radhasoami Blog and Satsang Newsletter:https://SantMatRadhasoami.Blogspot.com
PODCAST:
Sant Mat Spirituality -- The Teachings of Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj
(of the Sant Tulsi Sahib branch of Sant Mat, the Path of the Masters) --
Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean
Listen @ Youtube:
https://youtu.be/k7wI9JMnVSs
This
program serves as an introduction to a living spiritual path from India
called Sant Mat, the Way of the Saints. The beloved Satguru Swami Sant
Sevi Ji was a very advanced, pure soul, and great teacher of traditional
Sant Mat.
"Blessed are the souls who in
today's materialistic world have an inclination towards spirituality."
(Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj)
"The
individual soul has descended from the higher worlds [the Realm of the
Divine] to this city of illusion, bodily existence. It has descended
from the Soundless State to the essence of Sound, from that Sound to
Light, and finally from the realm of Light to the realm of Darkness. The
qualities (dharmas, natural tendencies) of the sense organs draw us
downward and away from our true nature.
"The
nature of the soul (atman) draws us upwards and inwards and establishes
us in our own true nature. Returning to our origins involves turning
inward: withdrawal of consciousness from the senses and the sense
objects in order to go upward from the darkness to the realms of Light
and Sound. [We experience this phenomenon of withdrawal as we pass from
waking consciousness to deep sleep.] Another way to express this is to
go inward from the external sense organs to the depth of the inner self.
(Both of these expressions are the metaphors that signify the same
movement). The natural tendencies of the soul (atman) are to move from
outward to inward. The current of consciousness which is dispersed in
the nine gates of the body and the senses, must be collected at the
tenth gate.
"The tenth gate is the
gathering point of consciousness. Therein lies the path for our return.
The tenth gate is also known as the sixth chakra, the third eye, bindu,
the center located between the two eyebrows. This is the gateway through
which we leave the gates of the sense organs and enter in the divine
realms and finally become established in the soul. We travel back from
the Realm of Darkness to the Realm of Light, from the Light to the
Divine Sound, and from the Realm of Sound to the Soundless State. This
is called turning back to the Source." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, The
Harmony Of All Religions)
Jai Guru. Radhasoami. Jai Sat Naam. Satya Raam!
All for the love of wisdom and radio,
James Bean
Website:
http://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
About Me:
https://about.me/SpiritualAwakeningRadio
An Introduction to Sant Mat Spirituality and Meditation:
https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/sant-mat
Sant Mat Radhasoami @ Facebook:
https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami
Sant Mat Radhasoami Blog and Satsang Newsletter:
https://SantMatRadhasoami.Blogspot.com
A Satsang Without Walls -- Light and Sound on the Path -- Newsletter of Spiritual Quotes & Satsang Discourses
"Perform
virtuous acts, you will receive happiness. Also do 'sumiran' ([simran]
remembering God's name, or meditating on the Divine Sound) regularly.
The biggest advantage of 'sumiran' is that we do not have to pass
through the painful cycle of 8.4 million species again. Those who
perform true worship of God, meditate on His name, are rid of the cycle
of transmigration. The condition is that meditation be done with utmost
regularity. Get initiation from an adept Guru, meditate thrice daily."
(Swami Harinandan Baba, pictured above)
Living Masters are the True Spiritual Guides:
"Going to the Sanctuary of Saints, beings can cross the worldly ocean. A
human being blessed with the wisdom of Saints follows the Truth and
realizes God." (Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, Book of Ghat Ramayan)
"Anyone
whose soul is under the mind’s influence and control becomes an image
of the mind, for he forgets his True Self." (Kirpal Singh)
"Plato affirmed that the soul was immortal and clothed in many bodies successively." -- Diogenes Lartius
Soamiji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Radhasoami Prose:
"This world is perishable and so also is all that pertains to it. A
wise man is he, who, having closely examined the nature of existence
here, has realized that it is all transitory and illusory, and
consecrated his human form by devoting himself to Bhajan and Simran
(listening to inner Sounds and repetition of the Holy Name of the
Supreme Being) and who, taking the fullest advantage of the various
faculties which the Supreme Father has graciously endowed him with, has
translated the invaluable jewel within him, which is Surat (spirit) or
the essence of his being, to its original abode."
"The
one who has purity of character, who practices diligently the Yoga of
Sound, and who can explain clearly Sant Mat [the complete Path of the
Masters with nothing missing], can be accepted and trusted as
Satguru/Teacher." (Maharshi Mehi Paramhans)
"The
highest pursuit in life that can take away worries, afflictions,
disillusions and unhappiness is not understood by most. It is important
to know the following: what path to practice, whom to follow, what to
avoid, whom to listen to, whom to associate with, whose advice to adhere
to, etc..." (Swami Vyasanand)
"Today's
karmas become the fate of tomorrow. According to our last life actions,
our mental tendencies are formed in this life. Because of our pure
actions we will have the desire to seek the association of Sants and to
meditate." (Swami Vyasanand)
"Love
is that meditation or method that makes the impossible possible. That
which is harsh becomes gentle; the enemy becomes friend; the weak become
strong; the concealed becomes revealed. Even though it is said that it
takes many lifetimes to realize the Divine, if a devotee performs
sadhana [meditation practice] with true, unwavering devotion, then the
Divine will manifest at that moment." (Swami Vyasanand)
"The
practices which have been taught for purifying the spirit and and
making it ascend upwards should be performed regularly and with feelings
of love." (Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram Bahadur, Prem Updesh Radhasoami)
"In my heart, hidden deeper
than fantasy ...
You are my Friend in the light
of the day ... and my companion
... in the darkness."
-- Mansoor al- Hallaj
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".
A
Satsang Without Walls: This is the OCTOBER 15, 2016 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 post at Yahoo Groups and it's truncated, which
often happens, go to the blog archive linked above to read the contents
of the post in full.
"We usher in a new era, Sat Yuga -- the Age of Truth." (Universal Proclamation)
******** Sant Mat Links -- Online Resources ********
*
PODCAST: Kabir's Treasure of Spiritual Wisdom: The Bijak, and Brahm
Nirupan -- Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean: Listen @ Youtube:
https://Youtu.be/ozFWXevy4FU
* MORE NEW PODCASTS @ YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/SantMatRadhasoami/videos?&ab_channel=SantMatRadhasoami
NOTE:
All shows shown at the 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, Compassion, Non-Violence, Peace, Being
Vegan/Vegetarian, Gnostic Gospels, Rare Spiritual Classics, Saints and
Mystics, World Scriptures, Sacred Texts, Poetry and Prose:
10/25/2016 (Upcoming) Mary Magdalene and Gnostic Spirituality;
10/18/2016 (Upcoming) Radhaswami Poetry: Teachings of Swamiji of Agra;
10/11/2016 Kabir's Treasure of Spiritual Wisdom: The Bijak;
10/4/2016 Rising Above the Darkness: Readings From 30 Mystics;
9/27/2016 The Gnostic Teachings of Valentinus of Alexandria;
9/20/2016 The Mandaean Gnostic Scriptures of Iraq;
9/13/2016 The Nazoreans: Hebrew Christians or Ebionites;
9/6/2016 The Gnostic Hymn of the Pearl (Soul);
8/30/2016 Letters from the Masters Part 2;
8/23/2016 Letters from the Masters Part 1;
8/16/2016 Inward Journey of the Soul: Swami Vyasanand's New Book;
8/9/2016 The Teachings and Wisdom of Swami Sant Sevi Ji;
8/2/2016 Teachings-Mystic Poetry of Tulsi Sahib/Baba Devi Sahab/Saligram;
* Daily Spiritual Quotes/Quote of the Day @ Facebook: Sant Mat Radhasoami:
https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami
"God
is the Ocean of utmost and restful silence. So long as we cannot have
this restful silence within us, the soul cannot listen to the Voice of
silence arising out of the greatest depths of Silence. By following that
Voice we can reach the source and fountainhead of the Great Silence
called God and be blessed forever." (Kirpal Singh)
"Learn
to sit still and be mentally still, and the silence thus generated with
be more vocal than words spoken and written; and you will have an
instantaneous solution not only to your own personal problems but to the
problems of others as well." (Kirpal Singh)
"The human body is the temple of God.
He is waiting there for you.
That is why I ask you to look within,
with a longing in your heart
and silence in your soul.
God will reveal himself to you.
You will find him -- no, see him."
-- Kirpal Singh
"In
silence the heart illumines; veil after veil is removed. In the heart
shines the Light, and the very silence becomes vocal giving vent to the
Music of the Spheres reverberating in all creation." (Kirpal Singh)
The Mirror of Eternity
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 whole being into the image of the Godhead Itself
through contemplation!
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
as they taste the hidden sweetness
which God Himself has reserved
from the beginning
for those who love Him.
-- Clare of Assisi, from "Francis and Clare: The Complete Works,"
translated by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM CAP, and Ignatius C. Brady, OFM;
a volume of, The Classics of Western Spirituality Series
I have turned my heart into a boat,
I have searched in every sea;
I have dwelt by rivers and streams;
I have bathed at places of pilgrimage;
I have eaten bitter and sweet;
I have seen the remotest regions.
And this I have learnt that he is the true Man
Who loveth God and loveth man,
And serving all abideth in Eternal Love.
-- Guru Nanak
Seven Key Practices of Sant Mat Mysticism
"The practice of devotion and striving for Liberation require seven means which are of paramount importance:
1) Satsang (association with the Saints which includes the study of their writings or scriptures),
2) selfless service of the spiritual Master [seva],
3) strong love for God [Bhakti],
4) moral rectitude,
5) purity of the heart,
6) Japa (repetition of the Divine Name [simran]) and
7)
Dhyana (meditation). In the practice of meditation -- both gross and
subtle meditations are described. In subtle meditation -- the meditation
of the bindu (point) – the meditation of Light -- Drishti Yoga (the
Yoga of vision) and Nadanusandhana (the meditation of Sound) -- Surat
Shabda Yoga (the Yoga of Sound) are described." (Swami Santsevi Ji)
Sant
Mat Meditation: "Through the central Point between the two eyebrows
[third eye], enter within your body, going beyond gross, subtle, causal,
and supra-causal spheres. And finally, reaching the very seat of
Kaivalya [Oneness], get detached from all these five coverings of your
body [and subtle bodies]. Seeking the assistance of the Light and Sound
of God and the Quintessential Word, merge yourself with the
Quintessential Sound to be at one with the Lord. Mehi says, Your efforts
inside your body will make you so subtle that you will be able to go
beyond these five [subtle] bodies. This is called the real devotion,
which you always must focus on as your ideal or goal." (Maharshi Mehi)
"Whom the Lord dyes
In his own love's hue,
Her radiance never fades;
Day after day
Her beauty and glow
In multicolored splendor grow."
-- Kabir
"With open eyes, I joyously behold the beautiful form of God everywhere." -- Kabir
"O
Saints! If I speak the truth who will believe me? In the world lies
appear to become the truth. The precious, flawless, and priceless jewel
is shining, but there is no buyer and no owner. This priceless jewel is
shining in all directions, and its brilliance spreads everywhere. When
the Satguru showered his grace on me, I was able to see the invisible
and attributeless God. In sahaj samadhi (natural union [meditation])
enlightenment dawned, and easily I found union with God. Now, wherever I
look, there I see Him, as my gem-like mind has pierced (seen) the
perfect diamond. You can obtain the Eternal Essence from the Satguru.
This is the advice of Kabir." (Kabir, Shabda # 7, The Bijak)
"If I sleep,
I meet Him in my dreams;
When awake,
I see Him in my heart;
My inner eye opened
At such a happy hour
That my Beloved Lord
Is never out of my sight."
-- Kabir
Mystic Verses of Sant Ravidas on Spiritual Practice: "I Die Like This So That I Shall Need No More To Die Again"
"I meditate on the Light,
I reflect on nothing else.
After the soul has left the body,
it enters that abode,
where it is immersed in the Unstruck Sound,
the Transcendent Word.
He upon whom He is merciful, really knows...
My dwelling is in the Sphere of the Void...
Ravidas says, I meditate on the Stainless --
entering this abode, I need not return again."
-- Sant Ravidas, "The Life and Works of Raidas", translated by Winand Callewaert, Manohar Books;
Intense Love and Yearning:
"Love for and faith in the Supreme Being Radhasoami Dayal and Sant Sat
Guru will gradually go on increasing in the company of sincere and
devoted Abhyasis (practitioners). Bliss and joy will also be experienced
in the performance of Abhyas. If love and yearning are intense, the
Sant Sat Guru will, by His Will, grant His Darshan and Grace. He will
advance the practitioner in his Abhyas by helping him internally as well
as externally." (Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram Bahadur, Prem Patra
Radhasoami, Volume IV)
"On the day of the full moon, the full moon fills the heavens.
Its power is diffused through its gentle light. In the beginning, in
the end, and in the middle, God remains firm and steady. Kabeer is
immersed in the ocean of peace."
"The
stars, the moon and the sun meditate on Him; the earth and the sky sing
to Him. All the sources of creation, and all languages meditate on Him,
forever and ever."
"The
day of the full moon: God alone is Perfect; He is the All-powerful
Cause of causes. The Lord is kind and compassionate to all beings and
creatures; His Protecting Hand is over all. He is the Treasure of
Excellence, the Lord of the Universe; through the Guru, He acts. God,
the Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts, is All-knowing, Unseen and
Immaculately Pure. The Supreme Lord God, the Transcendent Lord, is the
Knower of all ways and means. He is the Support of His Saints, with the
Power to give Sanctuary. Twenty-four hours a day, I bow in reverence to
Him."
"In
the lamps of the sun and the moon, I see His Light. Dwelling among all
is my ever-youthful Beloved. In His Mercy, He attuned my consciousness
to the Lord. The True Guru has led me to understand the One Lord. The
Gurmukh [disciple] knows the One Immaculate Lord. Subduing duality, one
comes to realize the Word of the Shabad. The Command of the One Lord
prevails throughout all the worlds. From the One, all have arisen."
"The
sun and the moon are one and the same for them, as are household and
wilderness. The karma [action] of their daily practice is to praise the
Lord. They beg for the alms of the one and only Shabad. They remain
awake and aware in spiritual wisdom and meditation, and the true way of
life. They remain absorbed in the fear of God; they never leave it. Who
can estimate their value? They remain lovingly absorbed in the Lord. The
Lord unites them with Himself, dispelling their doubts. By Guru’s
Grace, the supreme status is obtained. In the Guru’s service is
reflection upon the Shabad. Subduing ego, practice pure actions.
Chanting, meditation, austere self-discipline and the reading of the
Puraanas [scriptures], says Nanak, are contained in surrender to the
Unlimited Lord."
"By the Guru’s Grace, I have entered the home of celestial bliss. Darkness is dispelled, and the moon of wisdom has risen."
"The
day and the sun shall pass away; the night and the moon shall pass
away; the hundreds of thousands of stars shall disappear. He alone is
permanent; Nanak speaks the Truth."
"Neither
the sun, nor the moon, nor the planets, nor the seven continents, nor
the oceans, nor food, nor the wind -- nothing is permanent. You alone,
Lord, You alone."
--
Selections from the Sikh Scriptures: Adi Granth/Shri Guru Granth:
English Translation of Siri Guru Granth Sahib, Singh Sahib Sant Singh
Khalsa
Find Your Beloved at the Seat of the Soul, the Third Eye Center
"Enter
into the ajna chakra [third eye center] and you will find your Beloved.
God is not found in a manmade Ka'ba, but in natural Ka'ba (holy place)
within your own heart or self. Turn your attention within. You should
listen attentively to the reverberating Divine Sound. The Celestial
Sound is coming to take you back to the Source. Remember you cannot hear
this with the physical ears. When you focus your gaze within the ajna
chakra [third eye center] and the consciousness is inverted inward, your
physical ears automatically will close and the inner ears will open. By
that power with inner ears you can hear the Celestial Sounds. The
Original Sound of the creation comes from the Abode of God and it will
take you to God."
-- Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj
"'As
a free bird becomes accustomed to the cage after it has lived there for
a long time and loses its power of flying freely, so the Surat-soul or
Attention, having lived as a slave of Maya for so long, also loses it
freedom to fly and forgets its Original Abode. Although the human soul
was pure and free, attachment to illusory objects of creation, the
pleasures of the senses, have deluded it and enslaved it. Now, it
continues in bondage for birth after birth and is dancing to the tune of
mind and illusion (manas and Maya) in the three qualities or Gunas...
The Saints advise that so long as the Attention is not attached to the
Shabad or Naam [the Positive Power of God seen as inner Light and heard
as inner Sound or Music], peace of mind cannot be achieved. The
Surat-soul is in pain and suffering because it is separated from the
Shabad. So long as the Surat-soul does not recognize Shabad and unite
itself with it, it will never get real happiness nor will it discover
the mortality or falsehood of the worldly objects. This is the import of
eternal and peaceful life. This is called Surat Shabad Yoga [inner
Light and Sound Meditation]. Therefore, the way by which the Surat-soul
has descended, it must retrace, and ascend by the same route under the
guidance of the Saints. Only then, the aim of human life will be
fulfilled and real happiness attained.'" (Shri Paramhans Advait Mat
Granth)
The Cage of the Soul, by Sant Kirpal Singh
(This
description of the pitiable state of man and explanation of some of the
difficulties in the way out of that state is taken from a letter of the
Master's, and was originally published by a New York Satsang.)
Man
has got himself so enmeshed in mind and the outgoing faculties that his
release from them can only be brought about by struggle and
perseverance. His plight is, in a way, similar to that of a bird that
has been kept in a cage for so many years. Even if you should open the
door of the cage, the bird will be loath to fly out. Instead, it will
fly from one side of the cage to the other, clinging with its talons to
the wire mesh, but it does not wish to be free and fly out through the
open door of the cage.
Similarly,
the soul has become so attached to the body and the outgoing faculties
that it clings to outside things and does not wish to let go of them. It
does not wish to fly through the door that has been opened by the
Master at the time of holy initiation, at the threshold of which the
radiant form of the Master is patiently waiting to receive the child
disciple. True discipleship does not start until one has risen above
body consciousness.
It
is from this point that the disciple will feel not only comfort, but
will begin to experience the joy and bliss that awaits him in the
Beyond. He will have as his companion the charming radiant form of the
Master, who is ever at hand to impart the guidance that is so necessary
in order to avoid the pitfalls on the way. Until this point is reached,
the disciple is, as it were, on probation, but such probation that
cannot be severed. It is during this probationary period that the soul
will feel some discomfort. It has become so besmeared with the dirt of
the senses that it has lost its original purity of heart and is not fit
to be raised up out of the prison house of the body.
Even
though the door has been opened, it is so attached to the things of the
outside world that it does not wish to be free. It is only when the
soul begins to regain its original purity of heart and mind that it can
at last want to be free of the desires of the flesh and outward
attachments. The loving Master tries to avoid all possible discomfort to
the child disciple by explaining what are the vices to be avoided, and
the virtues to be developed, in order to regain this purity.
Unfortunately,
more often than not the words of the Master do not sink in, and little
or no action is taken by the disciple to amend his ways. Therefore, the
Master Power must take firmer measures to bring home to the disciple the
importance of the truths that have been explained in words. Hence the
discomfort that is sometimes felt by the dear ones in their day-to-day
living. If implicit obedience would be given to the commandments of the
Master, all difficulties and discomforts would vanish. If a child gets
itself so dirty that the only way the mother can wash it clean is by
using a scrubbing brush, can it be said that the child will feel
comfortable during the scrubbing process? It will only feel comfortable
after the scrubbing has ceased and it is shining clean and pure.
Help
and protection is always extended by the Master to his followers. He
looks after their comforts in every way, both outer and inner. Even the
effects of the reactions of the past -- from the gallows to an ordinary
pin prick -- so much concession is given. As the mother sacrifices
everything for the sake of her child, even so does the Master sacrifice
everything for the sake of his children. The follower, in fact, does not
dream of what the Master does for him. He fills his followers with his
own thought, with his own life impulses. When we remember him, he
remembers us with all his heart and soul. He is not the body. He is the
Word personified, the Word made flesh. To get the full benefit of the
Master Power, the disciple must develop receptivity. It is impossible to
develop receptivity until implicit obedience is given to the
commandments of the Master. When you pay heed to the Master's
commandments then that is a sign that you are growing in love for him,
and the more you grow in love for him, the more receptivity you will
develop.
When
you begin to develop this receptivity, all discomfort will vanish, and
you will truly begin to tread the Path in the firm assurance that you
are on the right way, together with the loving companionship of One who
will demonstrate more and more his greatness and his power on each step
of the way until you find that it is the very God Himself who is your
Guide and Mentor, who will never leave you until He has safely escorted
you back to the true home of the Father.
While
on the way, one of the main functions of the Master is to wind up the
back karmas of the disciple. It is through conscious contact with the
Sound Current only that the karmas of back lives can be burnt away. This
process is started at the time of holy initiation, at which time the
disciple is given a contact with the Light and Sound Principle, or
God-into-Expression Power. To avoid opening a new account of bad deeds,
the disciple is enjoined to lead a clean life and weed out all
imperfections in him by self-introspection from day to day. This is the
sublime principle behind keeping the diary, which the disciple is asked
to maintain in order to become aware of the shortcomings which stand in
his way to God.
Ego
is the self-assertive principle in man that makes him feel that "I do
this" or "I do that." When one rises above body consciousness and knows
himself and he becomes a conscious co-worker of the Divine Plan, he sees
that he is not the "doer", but is a mere puppet in the hands of God, he
will cease to be responsible for his actions and will become jivan
mukta, or a free soul. The ego in man is part of the grand delusion that
he is labouring under. It will cease to act or will be nullified only
when a great degree of purity has been attained by the disciple, in
which all of his actions will reflect the Master in him. Like Christ, he
will proclaim, "I and my Father are One."
All
service that one does seemingly to others is to your own self. When you
develop this attitude, you will develop a "state of selflessness"
-- Kirpal Singh
RADHASOAMI: Signs of a True Disciple
83.
So long as a person does not perform karmas in accordance with the
commandments of the Saints, his mind cannot become cleansed or
uncontaminated. And so long as he does not contemplate on Satguru and
shabd, his attention (chitt) shall not become unflinching (nishchal).
When he has attained to these two grades (i.e. purification of mind and
perfect concentration on Satguru and shabd) then alone he will become
entitled to receive (true) jnan (Knowledge). As this pure Knowledge
dawns, all screens (veiling reality) will be lifted.
(Soami Ji Maharaj, Sar Bachan Prose, Part Two, Sayings of Soamiji)
Signs of a True Master
40. The hallmark (a mark or sign of authenticity and excellence; outstanding distinguishing feature) of a Saint is ninefold:
(1) a Saint always internally strengthens the faith and belief (isht and aqeeda) in the true Absolute Lord (Radhasoami Dayal);
(2) he will never allow any seeker to struggle and wander about idols, tirthas and scriptures and "The Book";
(3) he will never involve anyone in the worship of gods, incarnations and prophets;
(4)
he will ever prescribe the practice of Easy Yoga of Surat-Shabd except
for which there is no other path to the Absolute Lord;
(5) he will ever instruct the seekers to devote themselves to the service and love for the perfect Satguru of the time;
(6)
he will diminish daily the attachment and craving (asakti) of the
seekers for wife, children, wealth and name and fame and
self-glorification (maan-badaayee), and instead, will augment and
enhance the love and liking (prem and preet) of the earnest seekers and
lovers (khoji and anuragi) for the Supreme Being;
(7)
the true Saints always remain engrossed in meditation and contemplation
(bhajan and dhyan) and they always engage their disciples in the same
(processes);
(8)
they always drive out the dharmas and karmas (duties and actions)
pertaining to past ages, doubts and delusions and they will cut out
(delete or remove) belief in anyone save in the true Absolute Lord; and
(9)
gradually they will strike at (i.e. will deal a blow to) the roots of
all bonds and fetters (bandhan) both inner and outer, and in this life
itself will elevate their spirits to the Holy Feet of the Absolute Lord.
But there are three pre-conditions to it:
(a) the jiva [soul] should not run away (leave or depart) from their satsang and service;
(b) day by day, he should go on intensifying his love and trust in their feet; and
(c) should continue his spiritual practices according to their directions and instructions.
(An Abstract of the teachings of Soami Ji Maharaj by Huzur Maharaj, Sar Bachan Prose, Part One, M.G. Gupta translation, Agra)
The Most Mystical Verses of the Dead Sea Scrolls
Mere flesh hast Thou lit
with a Light everlasting,
that there be no reversion to darkness,
and a Light hast Thou revealed
that it never can be turned back.
Your Holy Spirit
illuminates the dark places of the heart
of your servant,
with Light like the sun.
I look to the covenants made by men,
worthless.
Only your Truth shines,
and those who love it are wise
and walk in the Glow
of Your Light.
From darkness You raise hearts.
Let Light shine on your servant.
Your Light is everlasting.
You set your Word
in this ear of dust
and write truths on my heart.
You end my wandering
to bring me into concordance with You
that I may stand, unshaken,
before You
in the Glow of Perfect Light
forever,
where no darkness is
forever,
where unsearchable peace is
forever.
For me, a creature of dust.
-- Psalm-Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls, “The Dead Sea Scriptures,” Anchor Books
NOTE:
The name of the composer of the hymns in the Dead Sea Scrolls isn't
known, but I have read some discussion suggesting they might have been
composed by the Master or "Teacher of Righteousness" figure, who
apparently was the founder of the Essene community.
Over
the many centuries there have always been mystical branches of Judaism,
Kabbalah, Sethian Gnosis, and others that have had an ethical, peaceful
philosophy of life, adhered to a vegetarian diet, had living teachers
or Masters of the Name, a system of initiation into holy names, and the
meditation practice of ascension of the soul through several upper
worlds of Light and Sound, with the goal of reuniting with the Supreme
Being. Sometimes these teachings get lost or partially forgotten over
time, but there is evidence for their existence, and the quest of the
mystic soul is to REMEMBER. (James)
"How
can we know God? Is there a practical method by which we can unite our
souls with Him? Mystics teach us that the Lord is Pure Spirit which
emanates from the highest spiritual region; He can therefore be known
only by our soul, which is of the: same divine essence. That divine
essence is the inner Word, the holy Name of God, the Audible Life
Stream, which manifests within us as spiritual Sound and Light.
"The
mind and intellect cannot know or understand God, because the origin of
mind is in the causal plane, which is lower than the pure spiritual
realms. Mind can know only what lies within its own realm and below.
"The
soul has its own power of knowing, beyond the intellectual faculties of
the mind. When the soul sheds its coverings of mind and body, it is
free to ‘know’ God instantly, by direct perception. But it is only
through meditation that the soul can attain this level of direct
perception and obtain spiritual knowledge. Meditation is the technique
given by the mystics to liberate the soul from the dross of mind and
matter, so that it can freely know and merge into God. Freed of the
weight of karma, the soul naturally rises to its Source. Thus it
experiences true self-realization and God-realization.
-- Miriam Bokser Caravella, "The Holy Name -- Mysticism in Judaism"
"Recent
research has demonstrated that many of the mystic experiences of the
prophets, which are recounted in the Bible, came about through
meditation. Contemporary scholar and mystic Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
maintained that if one reads the original Hebrew Bible accurately, one
will find many terms which are precise references to the prophets’
practice of meditation. The most important of these is hitbodedut,
literally, “seclusion.” However, Kaplan says, these terms are generally
mistranslated and their true meaning has been lost, which is why few
people today are aware that the prophets of the Bible practiced
meditation." -- Miriam Bokser Caravella, "The Holy Name -- Mysticism in
Judaism"
Sant Mat Book on Jewish Mysticism:
"The Holy Name", by Miriam Bokser Caravella, published by Radha Soami
Satsang Beas: This book presents a mosaic of mystical elements that are
common to both Judaism and the Sant Mat philosophy. Quotations are
brought from Jewish sources such as the Bible, the Zohar, other
Kabbalistic works, Hasidic literature, and contemporary Jewish writings,
as well as from Christian mystics and the writings of spiritual masters
of India, Persia and Arabia. There are thorough discussions of the
Garden of Eden and other stories from the Bible, the inner regions and
the kabbalistic doctrine of the sefiro and the Word or Name of God.
Plant-Based-Diet:
"Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing herb which is upon the
surface of the entire earth, and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit;
it will be yours for food." -- Hebrew Book of Genesis 1:29 quoted at a
vegetarian Kabbalah website
"The
first century Rabbi Akiva ascended through the seven heavens and the
seven palaces in the highest heaven by means of passwords uttered to the
angelic gatekeepers. His meetings with God were characterized by
luminosity." -- Joan Borysenko, “Seven Paths to God: The Ways of the
Mystic"
The Five Password Mantra Names of the Sethians, a Jewish-Gnostic Movement in Antiquity -- Nag Hammadi Library:
Name One: 'Armoz-el' of the first region,
Name Two: 'Oroia-el' of the second region,
Name Three: 'Daveithe' of the third region,
Name Four: 'El-ethe', of the fourth region
The Fifth Aeon…..Fifth Name and Region: 'Autogenes',
the Divine, All-encompassing Self-Begotten One.
NOTE:
Armoz-el': Grace, Truth, 'El-ethe': Perfection, Peace, 'Oroia-el':
Afterthought, Perception, 'Daveithe': Intelligence, Love. The 5th one is
Self-Begotten One, a kind of son of God or God-with-form Sat Purush
divine being above the four lights or heavens below.
"The
Master shall teach the saints to live according to the book of the
Community Rule, that they may seek God with a whole heart and soul…"
(Dead Sea Scrolls: The Manual of Discipline)
May Khuda Protect You and Appear to You at Your Time of Need
"Radhaswami
elevates the Surat (the spirit entity) to heavenly regions. Radhasoami
enables us to meet Khuda (God) within us." (Soamiji Maharaj)
"Khuda
Hafiz" (Khodafez خُدا حافِظ) is a Sufi expression meaning, "May God
protect you". Literally translated it is: "May God be your Guardian".
Khoda, which is Middle Persian for Ahura Mazda, and hafiz from Arabic
hifz "protection". (Wikipedia)
May Khuda (the God or Master-Power) Appear to You at Your Time of Need
O Heart of Pure Consciousness,
You are the ruler of all hearts.
After countless ages
you brought my soul
all it ever wished for.
The eyes of all people happy and sad,
are closed to the truth.
May their eyes be opened!
May they look upon the Beloved
and get drunk on His beauty.
May their hands reach toward the Truth.
May their ears hear the voice of the Beloved.
May the shadow of a Master
fall upon everyone who has devotion.
All the world praises you,
But where did this "you" come from?
All the universe is born of Love --
But where did this Love come from?
O Beloved,
you are the owner of the land of life
the light of every heart;
Even the King of Love
knows no love
that is not yours.
-- Rumi
(The Breaking Wave of Love)
-- Ode 881
Version by Jonathan Star,
"A Garden Beyond Paradise:
The Mystical Poetry of Rumi"
"God is Love; each soul is a drop from the Divine Ocean, and the Way back to God is also through Love." (Kirpal Singh)
PODCAST:
Kabir's Treasure of Spiritual Wisdom: The Bijak, and Brahm Nirupan --
Spiritual Awakening Radio With James Bean, a Satsang Without Walls.
Listen @ Youtube:
https://youtu.be/ozFWXevy4FUGuru
Kabir is considered to be one of the primary founding masters of Sant
Mat spirituality, the Sant tradition. Kabir is also the "Rumi" of India,
a wonderful bhakti poet-mystic and lover of the Beloved Lord of the
Soul, the Ocean of Love.Sant
Kabir lived during the fifteenth century, raised near Banaras by Muslim
parents. He was a weaver, a simple and unlettered man, who earned his
living at the loom. It is out of the heart of the common life that he
sings his rapturous lyrics of Divine love.“Kabir”
is an Islamic name popular in the Muslim world — it’s one of the
“Ninety-Nine Names of Allah” found in the Koran, meaning, “The
Greatest”.Today,
Kabir has over twenty-five million devotees in various Kabir Panth and
Sant lineages, and is loved by Sikhs, Hindus, Jains, Christians, and
Muslims alike. Kabir’s hymns are still sung in the satsangs of various
paths all over India and around the world.Everyone’s Universal Saint, Kabir was: a Master or Sant Sat Guru of Surat Shabd Yoga, a founding Guru of Sant Mat and Kabir Panths;* a musician and poet of Nirguna Bhakti (love and devotion for the One Beloved Formless God);* a great teacher of Eastern Gnosis (Gnosticism or mysticism);* peace maker between Hindus and Muslims;* a social reformer in India who denounced the caste system;* thought of by many in Islam to be a Sufi Master or Murshid;* believed by Hindus to be one of the greatest poet-mystics and Vaishnava devotees in the history of India;* considered a Bhagat by the Sikhs — many of his hymns are included in the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scriptures);*
influenced by Goraknath and the Nath Yogis, and the Nath Yogis of
northern India were, in turn, influenced by Tantric Buddhism;Kabir’s
spirituality is a blend of Prem and Bhakti: love and devotion for the
Beloved Lord, the One God (Ek Ongkaar), and mystical, soul travel
experiences of a visionary and auditory nature (Inner Light and Sound
Meditation, Surat Shabd Yoga).A
new Kabir book is now available in English called, "The Complete Bijak
Of Kabir -- Guru Kabir's Mystical Teachings on God-Realization", by Dr.
Jagessar Das, translating into English and commenting on the entire
Bijak of Kabir. This is an impressive work, a true, grassroots "satsang
template" of traditional Sant Mat, wonderful to have, featuring all 11
sections of the Bijak in one volume: the Ramainis, Shabdas, Sakhis, Gyan
Chowntisa, Vipramtisi, Kahara, Basant, Chachar, Beli, Birahuli, and
Hindola. You can find it at Amazon."Bij"
means: the seed or essence. "Bijak" means treasure. The Bijak of Kabir
is intended to be a treasure-map to the essence of reality: our soul and
God.Another
new book explored during this Sant Mat satsang podcast is, The Brahm
Nirupan of Kabir, a very informative collection of over three hundred
and fifty sayings about meditation practice, the inward journey of the
soul, and offers the genuine spiritual seeker much wisdom about how to
life a spiritual life.Jai Guru. Radhasoami. Jai Sat Naam. Satya Raam!All for the love of wisdom and radio,James BeanWebsite:http://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.comAbout Me:https://about.me/SpiritualAwakeningRadio
PODCAST: Rising Above The Darkness -- Spiritual Awakening Radio With James BeanClick To Listen:https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=XJvUYyBMGxE&list=PLqzXkcs_2TwAvbR6ev3goFSbDBj8FnRS8&index=1&ab_channel=SantMatRadhasoamiSelected readings from many masters, mystics, and spiritual classics or scriptures of the East & West:1)
one of the most mystical passages from the Psalm-scroll of the Dead Sea
Scrolls composed by the unknown master or right-teacher, who was the
founder of the original Essene Community;2)
back to eden, return to paradise: a plant-based passage from the Hebrew
Book of Genesis on the vegetarian ideal at the beginning;3)
readings about Kabbalah -- Jewish mysticism, and meditation in the
Hebrew scriptures: "Be still and know that I am God", Psalm 46: 10;"The
first century Rabbi Akiva ascended through the seven heavens and the
seven palaces in the highest heaven by means of passwords uttered to the
angelic gatekeepers. His meetings with God were characterized by
luminosity." (Joan Borysenko, “Seven Paths to God: The Ways of the
Mystic”);4) The Five Sacred Mantra Names of the Sethians, a Jewish Gnostic sect of antiquity and their meaning;5) "I am merely a guest born in this world, to know the secrets that lie beyond it." (Rumi); 6) George Arnsby Jones, The Pilgrimage of James, An Odyssey of Inner Space;7)
"No mission is of greater importance to a person than the awareness of
his own consciousness, the profound significance and purpose of his
existence on earth and to find out the path for ultimate bliss, eternal
happiness and cheerfulness i.e. the quest for truth." (quote from the
Shabd Pratap Ashram website);8)
"Be regular and lovingly devoted to your holy meditations, as that is
the central pivot around which the whole sacred teaching revolves and
therein an all around development of the soul is granted." (Kirpal
Singh);9) a reading from, Radhasoami Mat Updesh, by Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram Bahadur;10) A Spiritual Seekers Guide, Dayal Sahab, Dayalpuri Radhasoami publication;11)
The Saakhi Granth of Kabir, “1008 Kabir Vani” and another passage of
Guru Kabir; also, The Anurag Sagar/Ocean of Love of the Sant Dharam
Das/Kabir Panth;12) Huzur Baba Sawan Singh's parable of, A Man Trapped in a Well Arguing with the Person Above (the Master) Holding a Rope;13)
reads. from the Surangama Sutra, a Buddhist scripture: "I will appear
as a Buddha to teach them the Dharma to liberate them..."; and...14) about being rescued by the Light, a passage from, The Book of Faith-Wisdom -- Pistis Sophia, a Gnostic Gospel from Egypt;All for the love of wisdom and radio,JamesWebsite:http://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.comAbout Me:https://about.me/SpiritualAwakeningRadio
