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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Sant Mat Mysticism -- Online Resources -- E Books, Radhasoami, Surat Shabd Yoga, Inner Light and Sound Meditation, Social Networking, Daily Spiritual Quotes, Charts of Inner Regions, Guru Lineage Charts, Links Page, Youtube, Podcasts






Sant Mat Mysticism — Online Resources — E Books, Radhasoami, Surat Shabd Yoga, Inner Light and Sound Meditation, Social Networking, Daily Spiritual Quotes, Charts of Inner Regions, Guru Lineage Charts, Links Page, Youtube, Podcasts:




Scribd (E-Book Collection): https://www.Scribd.com/Sant_Mat








Youtube:  

*
Podcast Website:











Sunday, March 11, 2012


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)
 
 

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Sant Mat Radha Soami: Exploring Inner Space Via Inner Light and Sound Meditation

Exploring Inner Space Via Inner Light and Sound Meditation
By James Bean
Copyright April 2010, All Rights Reserved
 

https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami

  

"The individual soul has descended from the higher worlds [realms of the Divine] to this city of illusion. 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 current of consciousness which is dispersed in the nine gates of the body and the nine senses must be collected at the tenth gate (the sixth chakra, the third eye center between the eyebrows). Therein lies the path for our return. This is the act of leaving the gates of the sense organs and becoming established in the soul.


"We travel back from the realm of Darkness to the realm of Light, from the Light to divine Sound, and from the realm of Sound to the Soundless State." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, The Harmony of All Religions, published by Maharshi Mehi Ashram)

Meditation Practices

"The four practices are gross to subtle in an ascending order: manas jap and manas dhyana, Dirsti yoga, Nadanu-sandhana (Sound Yoga), and the Soundless Yoga. The practice of manas japa (mantra) and manas dhyana (visualization) is the worship of the (material) qualified (personal) form of God (God perceived as name and form in the gross realm); the practice of the meditation on the infinitesimally small point is the worship of the subtle qualified form of God (God perceived as the infinitesimal point); Concentration on divine sounds (other than Sar Sabad, the Divine Sound of the beginning, Word, Logos) is the worship of the qualified Formless Divine. And, finally, meditation on the Sar Sabad (the Original Divine Sound) is worship of the Unqualified-Formless (transcendent Godhead)." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj)

My Commentary

The first paragraph above describes the origin of the soul. The soul is part of the Supreme Being, the Supreme Soul, in the true realm, ultimate reality. Then the soul individualized, and incarnated into various coverings or bodies (mental, akashic, astral and physical) going to various realms, living out separate existences being dominated by outwardly focused senses. God is described as the Nameless State or Soundless One. Then there are realms of Sound and Light, and the relatively dark matter of the physical universe or multiverse. This is where most of us are, or at least where we think we are -- this is where own awareness is directed most of the time. We are aware of the world as we perceive it via the five senses.

In the second paragraph of Swami Sant Sevi Ji above we see a reversal of this process during meditation being advocated, an inversion or going within. The soul, during meditation, begins the journey back to its Source. By merging into the divine Light, then the divine Sound, the soul, transcending the physical world, astral, causal, mental, and etheric realms, eventually returns home. It returns to itself again as the pure naked soul, it's true Self.

In the Sant tradition of India, the Path of the Masters of the East, one is trained to watch and listen for certain inner Lights and Sounds of the various planes, Auditory and visionary experiences are at the heart of the meditation practice (Surat Shabda Yoga). In meditation, it can appear like one is going through a tunnel, or, scenes change from one thing to another, various colors, lights within lights, lotuses within lotuses. There are sounds within sounds also. The bell sound morphs into a conch-shell, or thunder/drums, sitar, flute-like sound, bagpipes, vina, and so on. Beyond all the "veils" of the physical body and the subtle bodies associated with the different planes, is the soul. The awareness of the soul travels from this outer world of the five senses through astral, causal, mental, and etheric realms, and back to itself again. Beyond all these veils of darkness, Light, and Sound, is the Soundless One, the Supreme Soul.

The third paragraph discusses the meditation techniques used to "get there from here".

1) Manas jap: "manas" means mental, and "jap" or, "jappa" refers to the chanting of mantras, sacred names. Thus, manas jap is the practice of mentally repeating names of God with the "tongue of thought". This practice is also called Simran, and the Sufis call it Zikhr. This is a spiritual exercise one can do within the privacy of one's mind throughout the day to remember God in all of our activities, and this is also the first technique in Sant Mat meditation.

2) Manas dhyana, is the technique of mentally visualizing a Form of God or the image of one's Guru. This is a visual form of relaxation, and the repetition of sacred names is the auditory equivalent. One repeats the name their teacher gives them while visualizing. Together, these are a powerful combination, making it possible to get centered and also helps to prepare one for the next stage. "Coupled with this physical stillness and ceaseless repetition of God's name [Simran practice], the next step is to contemplate the Light within." (Yogani Mataji)

Using Your Spiritual Senses To See and Hear Within

3) Dirsti yoga: the Yoga of Inner Light: "the practice of the meditation on the infinitesimally small point [bindu] is the worship of the subtle qualified form of God (God perceived as the infinitesimal point)." Other terms for this "infinitesimal point" are: Single Eye, Third Eye Center, Seat of the Soul, and Tishra Til. As one is in the darkness repeating divine names and visualizing the form of their Guru or Ideal, Light may manifest itself: flashes of Light, shimmering Light, lights of various colors, clouds of Light, sparks or fireflies, stars, suns, moons, etc.... This is being centered at the Third Eye, which is like a Door or Portal to the worlds beyond. This is our own "Hubble Space Telescope Within", so to speak. In meditation, one simply gets relaxed and centered, and notices a shift from an awareness of the five-sense world to our "Within" or Inner Space. With a certain amount of concentration, with the help of the sacred name or names one is repeating, along with visualizing the form of the teacher, one sees the inner Light or Lights. Seeing Light beyond the darkness is what it means to "reach the Third Eye Center". At the time of initiation, one's teacher reveals all the details of what kinds of visions and Lights one should contemplate. Certain sights in Inner Space are associated with particular planes and serve as markers along the way. "At first, Mataji pointed out, there will be only darkness but eventually Light will appear in the form of either small flashes or small star-like points. In any case, one should focus on the radiance, keeping one's Simran intact and allowing the Light to draw the soul inward." (Yogani Mataji)

4) As one's concentration develops at the Third Eye Center, one begins to make the transition from lower to higher, from outer to inner, from visualization of a form, to real-Light-seen, from the sound of Simran words being repeated in one's mind, to actually hearing Divine Sound. Even as contemplating real inner Light is preferable to visualizations, there is meditation upon inner Sound, which is viewed as a higher or more advanced stage of practice than the repetition of mantra-names. There is a higher "Name of God" or "Mantra" one can encounter. The Divine Word is the True Name or Naam. Nadanu-sandhana: Concentration on divine Sound -- the Yoga of Inner Sound: These are inner Sounds. At the time of initiation one is given instruction on meditating upon certain sounds within. There are many sounds in the cosmos, but certain ones will attract the soul, pulling it up to higher levels of awareness. "The most important step, Mataji said, is to listen to the Sound that issues forth from the Light. It is this Internal Music which will numb the body and allow the consciousness to leave its ordinary dwelling. By riding this Current of Light and Sound, like a fish going upstream, the soul will be able to go back to its original Home." (Yogani Mataji)

5) Soundless Yoga: Beyond form is Formlessness. Beyond Sound is the Soundless State, God, the Nameless One, the Soundless One, the Nondual Ocean of Love. Reaching this State of Oneness or Union with God, the Beloved, is the goal of the practice known as Surat Shabda Yoga.

Yogani Mataji once said: "On the journey within, the soul must be guided by a true master so as not to be detained in any of the lower illusory regions." Why the need for a living master and Initiation into the Secrets of Surat Shabda Yoga? Of course, if it wasn't for living masters, recent masters and past masters, we would not be having this conversation. There would be no Golden Rule, no Sermon on the Mount, no Four Noble Truths, no Eightfold Path, no Precepts of Ahimsa, no Rumi poetry, no satsang discourses or hymns of Saints, no living Path of the Masters. There would be no understanding or organized path teaching this as a divine possibility, that human beings can taste something of heaven even now during this present life, in this present moment of time, as a result of following specific methods of spiritual practice communicated from one generation to the next.

There is a spiritual principal that: "we are influenced by the company we keep". When we associate with those who experience Divine Light and Sound, there is a spiritual influence which helps us to open up to Light and Sound too. In India, this is called Satsang (association with the eternal Truth or God). We get together to hear the teachings and meditate as a group. There is a Group Energy that provides a boost or jump-start that helps open us up to our own experience. "Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I Am in their midst", as the saying goes. Even better than meditating with other initiates is to meditate with a living master or other advanced meditators, and this is what initiation is, along with complete guidance and instruction on how to meditate, as well as on how to integrate this sort of meditation practice with one's daily life in a balanced and healthy sort of way. It is a "far out" form of meditation, but we need not meditate all day long or be "blown away", made off-center as a result of the experience. We are simply adding another level of consciousness to our daily existence. Along with the waking state, the unconscious state of deep sleep, and the dream-state, we are adding the meditative state of inner Light and Sound - Surat Shabda Yoga, to our daily schedule and spend some time in Inner Space, what some call "the Fourth State of Consciousness." ////////

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Glossaries of Sant Mat, Radhasoami, and Surat Shabda Yoga Terminology



Glossaries of Sant Mat, Radhasoami, and Surat Shabda Yoga Terminology



AnnouncingNew Facebook Page:
https://www.Facebook.com/SantMatRadhasoami

Announcing New Youtube Channel:
http://www.Youtube.com/SantMatRadhasoami


GLOSSARY (#1) of Sant Mat Terms
from the Kirpal Singh Website:
https://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/gloss.htm

GLOSSARY (#2) of Sant Mat Radhasoami Terms:
http://www.angelfire.com/linux/radhasoami/glossary.htm

GLOSSARY (#3) of Sant Mat Terms:
https://members.tripod.com/~andrea65/gurugloss.html

 

GLOSSARY (#4): Also see the various volumes of the, Treasury of Mystic Terms - Recommended Reading:
https://www.scienceofthesoul.org







Monday, February 22, 2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Seven Stages of Mystic Ascension to Heaven According to Sant Mat


Seven Stages of Mystic Ascension to Heaven According to Sant Mat



The Seven Stages of Mystic Ascension to Heaven Are:

1) Praise or Bhakti,

2) Prayer,

3) Manas japa (simran, praying without ceasing, repeating the name of God -- mantra, the first stage of meditation),

4) Manas dhyana (visualising the form of the Master, second stage of meditation),

5) Dristi sadhana (seeing Inner Light at the Third Eye Center, third stage of meditation),

6) Nada Sadhana (hearing the Inner Sounds --- Surat Shabd Yoga, fourth stage of meditation),

7) Reaching Kaivalya (Oneness with Soundlessness, the Nameless One, Formless Supreme Being, the Supreme State, The Ocean of Love -- the Goal)

Three Important Requirements: Praise, Prayer, Meditation
By Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj
Harmony of All Religions

There are three important requirements to be met in the practice of a person who pursues devotion to the Divine and seeks to attain liberation. First is praise; second is prayer; and third is meditation. We know that when we are indebted to someone, we should express our gratitude and appreciation. God has blessed us bountifully.

Although we are unable to repay God for his generous blessings, we can acknowledge this goodness by chanting praises about the Divine Being. When we exalt God through song, we declare the glories of the Divine. In doing this, we remember the grandeur of God. As a natural result, our faith in God increases. Unless we acknowledge someone's qualities, it is impossible to be faithful to that person.

Tulsi Das Sahab says:

"Without having the knowledge of the nature of God it is impossible to know him. And without understanding his qualities we can not have love for God. Without love we cannot have devotion and true faith. This is as unattainable as the mixing of water and oil [which is impossible]."

Therefore, in order to have devotion and faith in God it is necessary to know the grandeur of God. Once the glory of God is known, our heart is attracted to God. This is a great way to keep your heart in devotion to God. Thus, it is through praise that we extol the divine powers of God and draw our mind toward God.

After singing praises to God we, then, pray. Prayer is supplication with deep humility. In general, people have desires and make demands. Only the great sages do not have wants.

Kabir Sahab said:

"My desires are gone, as are my worries. My mind is filled with detachment. One who does not want anything is the king of kings."

Sant Tulsi Das says:

"People desire sons, wealth and fame in this world. Why do people desire that which taints the mind?"

Why do we desire these things? Sant Tulsi Das considers this:

"[Fleeting] pleasures come to us without asking, whether we are in heaven, hell, house, or forest. Why then do people work so hard to get these pleasures while they ignore the advice of the sages [to seek permanent joy?]"

Why do we invest so much effort in acquiring these worldly pleasures which come to us naturally? And let us consider as well that there is always pain involved in acquiring worldly objects, and that an even greater exertion is required to sustain them. And further, when these very same insidious sensory pleasures leave us, the distress is even more intense. This is why, the wise do not ask for things which are transitory. The truth is that our desires should only be for something which would eliminate the desire [for worldly pleasures] itself. In reality, the only thing we should be asking God for is to achieve union with the divine. After realizing the Divine, there is nothing left to be achieved. This is the end of all wants.

Prayer and invocation are not merely concerned with the mindless muttering of requests, but rather, prayer should be the voice of our heart. God always listens to the one who calls out with a pure heart.

In the Yajur Veda (chapter 20) it is said:

"Oh God, even as we unknowingly commit various sins, day and night, please forgive these offenses and ill desires. You are omnipresent, like the pervasive wind."

We have previously spoken about prayer in both Christianity and Islam [chapters of, The Harmony of All Religions]. Christians refer to this practice as prayer, and Muslims call it ibadat. We see that in all theistic religions there is a great emphasis on prayer.

Communion or Meditation Practice

The practices of praise and prayer-glorification and invocation-are followed by communion through the practices of contemplation and meditation. The Sanskrit word upasana literally means sitting near God. The saints distinguish four categories of upasana. The four basic practices are:

1) Manas japa,

2) Manas dhyana,

3) Dristi sadhana and

4) Nadanu-sandhana.

-- Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj,
Harmony of All Religions

Meditation Practice (Sadhana) According to Sant Mat Mysticism

There are several meditation practices in Sant Mat. There are several techniques described, the specific details of which are taught to students at the time of their deeksha (initiation) into the practice:

1) developing a daily routine, the habit of meditating at the same time or times each day;

2) proper posture with back straight so that one is truly focused at the Third Eye and remains alert and awake;

3) Manas Japa (Simran), a mantra repetition of a sacred word or words chanted mentally;

4) Manas Dhyan, the technique of mentally visualising a form of God or one's teacher;

5) Drshti Yoga (Yoga of inner Light), the technique of focusing upon an Infinitesimal Point. This Point will eventually blossom into inner Light or visions of Light. One gazes into the middle of the darkness or the Light one sees while in meditation. Think of the Infinitesimal Point as being like a laser pointer or cursor keeping one focused. One passes from scene to scene and vision to vision always looking toward the center;

6) Nada Sadhana (Yoga of inner Sound or Bhajan), the practice of inner spiritual hearing; and,

7) reaching the State of Kaivalya: Oneness with the Supreme Being in the Pure Conscious Realm. The ultimate goal is to merge into the upper level of Kaivalya known as the Ocean of Love and Compassion, the Ultimate Reality of God in the Nirguna or Formless State, also described with terms such as Radhaswami (Lord of the Soul), Anami (The Nameless One) and Anadi (The Soundless State beyond Light and Sound).

The poet-mystic Param Sant Tulsi Sahib describes the interior journey this way:

There is a Being who is Inaccessible (Agam), unfathomable (Alakh), and Nameless (Anami), and who has no locality, location, and is not confined to space.

Sant Tulsi Sahib also often uses the Sufi language of love or bhakti, describing this Timeless Spiritual State of Oneness as the Abode of the Beloved:

"On having found the teacher, I shall adopt his refuge, and I shall follow the path to my Beloved's Abode. The way to the Beloved lies within. My heart's desire, says Tulsi, is that my soul may meet the Beloved.

"The love-intoxicated soul is bubbling with joy. The darling of the Beloved has prepared and bedecked the bed and, imbued with the Beloved's bliss (ananda), has cast away all bondages. The soul prepared the Beloved's bed, and, lying there, enjoyed great bliss." (The Shabdavali of Param Sant Tulsi Sahib)

-- Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj,
Harmony of All Religions