The Gnostics -- Where Are They Now? by James Bean

 

The Gnostics -- Where Are They Now? by James Bean

At the Gnostic Gospels Discord forum someone asked this question: "In this very day and age, are there new Gnostic gospels/scriptures/writing active produced? I think that gnosticism, like all religions, should evolve and there should be constantly new texts to express the gnostic experience."

My Replies: Yes, this is correct. An exciting and hopeful topic really. Gnosticism never went away, it traveled east, beyond the oppressive reach of the Roman Empire. New texts kept on being produced by living schools of spirituality, and this remains true right up to the living present.

Note. And by this I don't mean the gnostic hijackers out there abusing the term gnosticism, repurposing the term to mean new things unrelated to classic gnosticism but that are related to magic, other forms of spiritual materialism, incompatible systems of esoterica, manipulation, cults, conspirituality and so on. The Matrix metaphors are another example of an unfortunate reappropriation, where "taking the red pill" nowadays means being sold some new con-spiracy theory or new agey thing falsely rebranded as gnostic, so I've mostly given up on Matrix references in connection with gnosticism due to this hijacking.

The repurposing of the word gnostic is a modern-day plague of the blogosphere and Youtube world. But I agree with M. David Litwa that we should not give up on the word "gnostic" but reclaim it from the abusers, and reclaim it from church father propaganda as well.

But...back to your important question. The key is recognizing gnostic mystical systems that came later under other names such as Manichaeanism, Cathars, Kabbalah, certain Sufi Orders, and other living schools associated with Mystics of the East (Sant Mat, Radhasoami). There are indeed cousin schools of mysticism embodying the same basic "operating system", if you will, as those Gnostics of Alexandria. Some of these great grandchildren of Gnosticism even have published books quoting early Gnostic texts happy to acknowledge the universality of their teachings and spiritual practices... initiation into meditation and inner experience (gnosis).

Gnosticism, including a rich spiritual heritage of gnostic compatible literature did continue -- never ceased. As I've sometimes joked with people, the last gnostic text was published last Tuesday.

“Theologians may quarrel, but the mystics of the world speak the same language.” ― Meister Eckhart

"The lamps are different, but the Light is the same: it comes from Beyond. If thou keep looking at the lamp, thou art lost: for thence arises the appearance of numbers and plurality. Fix thy gaze upon the Light, and thou art delivered from the dualism inherent in the finite body." (Rumi, Masnavi, Book III)

"I am neither Christian, nor Jew, nor Muslim, nor Hindu, Buddhist, sufi, or zen. I belong to no religion or cultural system. I am not from the East or the West, not out of the ocean or up from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not composed of elements at all... I belong to The Beloved, have seen the two worlds as one and that one call to and know, first, last, outer, inner, only that breath breathing human being." (Rumi, Only Breath)

"He received the gnosis of the mysteries... that had been entrusted to the righteous before him." (on Mani, Cologne Mani Codex)

"Previously the religion was announced in many places and in many languages through Buddhas, through Jesus, and through other messengers." (Mani, Shabuhragan, a Middle Persian Manichaean scripture)

"Wisdom and the deeds of the Buddha, and the righteousness of Jesus the Splendour, and the mysteries and the images of the Light, and the true knowledge (gnosis) were revealed through the Apostle." (Kephalaia, Manichaean scripture)

"From age to age the apostles of God have brought the truth. At one time they came through the Buddha in India; at another through Zarathustra in Persia; at another through Jesus in the West. Finally this revelation came through me, Mani, the Apostle of the True God." (Kephalaia)

"That I may redeem you from death and annihilation, I will give you what you have not seen with the eye nor heard with the ears nor grasped with the hand." (Turfan fragments, translated in Gnosis on the Silk Road)

They raved in the passion of anger;

they lacked sense or coherent thought

and you assembled their thoughts,

and so they understood their origin

in the Realm of Light.

Those living beings in the five states of existence

you freed from ignorance

and gave them wisdom,

leading them to pari-nirvana....

Unendingly submerged in the dust

of forgetting rebirths

and in a state of poisonous savage animals,

they were always mad.

When the passion of greed poisoned them

and they were dying,

you prepared a medicine for them

from the herb of meditation.

-- The Great Song to Mani, Gnosis on the Silk Road

"By considering the Self one becomes a Gnostic; realising the self (to be) God (SOHAM), he comes to be satisfied in the Mystery through the Word... When a disciple realises the Self, what else is he to do or have done (for him)? He who has obtained the Treasure through love fixes (his) mind on God's feet. Night and day become pleasant (once) egoism is dispelled; I got rid of the heart's infatuation when I pleased Him; (now, Lord), graciously come into (my) house!

"Happiness is not for those who make many friends in the world; it is those who keep the mind on the One who ever enjoy happiness."  (Sikh scriptures, Gospel of the Guru-Granth Sahib: https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.1918/page/146/mode/2up?q=gnostic )

Salvation During Life and Seeing For Yourself, by Sant Tulsi Sahib

 

Salvation During Life and Seeing For Yourself, by Sant Tulsi Sahib

"I offer myself in adoration to the Saints,

Who have bestowed on my soul the power to see."

"In this life the concept of salvation all describe;

To meet the Lord by dying while living, none discloses.

They all speak of the goal of salvation after death;

How to attain it while living, no one says.

"Were they to reveal the method of attaining release while living,

Then alone would Tulsi be convinced of their words.

While living, no one crosses the bourn to the other side;

"After death no one returns to this side to tell the truth.

How have the scriptures made assertions without experience?

They know not of the state of the one who has died.

Not a bit do they speak of the other side;

Yet on this side, they teach us how to attain salvation.

"One who sees not is called blind by the world;

Still people seek truth from priests and study scriptures.

All their accounts are mere hollow conjectures;

"They dole out falsehood, not by seeing,

but by reading.

One who has seen, his evidence I accept as true;

He who speaks without seeing, speaks but untruth.

After death no one returns,

nor does he send any letters.

"Who speak, after seeing with their own eyes,

And teach the method of salvation during life,

Are of the stage and stature of Saints,

For they reveal the quintessence of the soul."

(Book of Ghat Ramayan, by Sant Tulsi Sahib)

"With ears one hears, with eyes one sees;

without seeing, how can discrimination arise?

If you have not seen with your own eyes,

how can you accept another’s words as true?"

(Book of Muhammad Bodh, one of the sections of the Kabir Sagar)

Lost Secrets of the Sethian Gnostics and Other Mystic Paths, by James Bean

 

Lost Secrets of the Sethian Gnostics and Other Mystic Paths, by James Bean

At one of the forums I belong to someone asked me about why mystic paths like the Sethian Gnostics kept the techniques of the spiritual practice a secret, for initiates only, between master and student. My reply is below.

Have attempted to find out what the Sethians used the names for according to a few scholarly texts on Sethianism: The Five Seals: Baptismal Rites in Sethian Gnosticism, by By J. Pedro Feliciano, Apocalypse of the Alien God, Dylan M. Burns, also, Sethian Gnosticism and The Platonic Tradition, by John Turner.

The five Sethian names (Harmoz-el, Oroia-el, Daveithai, El-eleth, and Autogenes, the “Self-Begotten One”) likely were used at an initiate’s baptism, five immersions in a river (living water). Since these names also correspond to five heavenly realms, one wonders if these names, these passwords of power, were also used in their spiritual practice as part of the ascension of the soul. Names corresponding to heavenly regions are used that way in other schools of spirituality (Kabbalah, Sufism, and Sant Mat). Also, even the baptism itself might have been about more than a water ritual bath and could have had a meditative component, a mystical experience. Some of the texts suggest this.

On secrecy. The downside of secrecy is that these sorts of mystic traditions do quickly get lost, are quite fragile. Usually mystic paths die off or dry up after a few generations. Without a master there are no more students and the secrets disappear. There are many reasons why esoteric paths keep their practices secret. If their methods were in the public domain such far-out talk of visions and experiencing the heavens would invite persecution from various hylic brethren committed to other religious ideologies that have no room for mysticism or a present-tense kingdom of God. The hylics seem to be really good a wielding the sword.

Another reason for the secrecy is to preserve their ways from being corrupted by those who would plagiarize and set up their own neo Sethian paths. Inner experience is something not only taught, but also caught. Students meditating with a genuine master are given a jump-start. The heavens open more easily in the presence of such saints.

So the purity of the path rests upon it being lead by a competent spiritual teacher who himself or herself experiences the heavens and mysteries being discussed. Thus the secrecy factor is an attempt at accreditation, to preserve the integrity of a line of masters, successors, with them and only them initiating people.

This never is a complete success however. There are opportunists in every generation giving rise to fake or deceptive gnostic teachers, fake sants, fake sufis, pseudo kabbalists, and so on. But there is at least some hope many will reach a good teacher who was legitimately appointed by their teacher and faithfully lives the path they represent.

My friend Don Howard has written about this: Evaluating Spiritual Teachers — In Search of a Worthy, Genuine, Competent, Qualified Spiritual Teacher: https://spiritualawakeningradio.com/QualifyingASpiritualTeacherByDonHoward.pdf

One of my blogs: Recognizing Genuine, Advanced Spiritual Masters of Inner Light and Sound — Helpful Points: https://medium.com/sant-mat-meditation-and-spirituality/recognizing-genuine-advanced-spiritual-masters-of-inner-light-and-sound-helpful-points-976f3f2c730d

Mystic Verses of Sant Dariya Sahib of Bihar on Meditation from the Dariya Sagar (Ocean of Dariya)

Mystic Verses of Sant Dariya Sahib of Bihar on Meditation from the Dariya Sagar (Ocean of Dariya)

Rhyming Verses of Sant Dariya Sahib (followed by Sakhis, Chaupais, and Sorathas further below) 

Sakhi (Couplet)

In the lotus of eight petals, hums the bee—

Hear that Sound, ponder deeply and see.

Steer your mind into the inner stream,

Cast off delusions, awaken from the dream.

Chaupai (Quatrains)

The primal Word resounds with radiant light,

Hold your awareness on that single site.

Tie the thread of attention with care,

The primal Word alone leads you there.

The sun and moon arise from one domain,

Follow that thread—delay not in vain.

From primal Sound flows all Sounds divine,

Dwell where that echo does shine.

Above all speech, that root remains,

In spontaneous calm, the One sustains.

There, the scent of truth does fill the air,

The soul swan drinks deeply in joy rare.

Become a servant at the true Guru’s side,

Through love and devotion, let ego subside.

O Lord, I call you mine and true—

My mind is bound in love to You.

To break illusion, this is the key:

Let the soul-swan from falsehood flee.

Anchor your focus, guard it well,

Leave behind karma, break that spell.

Who reflects on the True Word,

Shall cross the ocean—pure as a bird.

These truths cannot be fully spoken—

To the Unspeakable, let your mind be woken.

Chhand (Verse)

The path ahead is deep, like the sea—

But merge Sound and thought, and you'll be free.

The undying light, the wondrous Word,

By seeing that, bliss is conferred.

In the unseen realm, where stillness rings,

Fix your mind—let go of things.

Drink the nectar of good and wise deeds,

Taste the fruit that your soul truly needs.

Soratha (Rhymed Couplets)

The deathless light is blazing bright,

The primal Sound holds truth and might.

Fix your mind with steadfast grace—

That river leads beyond time and space.

Chaupai (continued)

The unfathomable calls your soul within—

Keep your lotus-mind free from sin.

When love’s needle pierces deep,

The purest light within will leap.

By diving deep into Self’s true lore,

Your inner lotus begins to soar.

We’ve spoken of this mystic thread—

It’s the sky’s own path, where illusion is shed.

Sakhi (Mystic Couplets) of Sant Dariya Sahib

In the lotus with eight petals, the bee hums — listen carefully and contemplate the divine Word. Look within the ocean of your own consciousness, and abandon all delusions.

Chaupai (Quatrain):

From the primal Sound arises the divine light. Focus your awareness and fix it in one place.

Tie your consciousness with the thread of inner attention — that is the way to attain the primal Sound.

When the moon (mind) and head (consciousness) unite within the same house (inner self), then the inner thread begins to resonate.

The primal Sound begins to express itself — go there and settle yourself.

Beyond the unspeakable, lies the root (source) — dwell joyfully in that subtle realm.

Fragrance, sweetness, and bliss flow from there — the soul (like a swan) drinks and is filled with joy.

Be a servant at the feet of the True Guru, where service, devotion, and love are revealed.

I say to you, O Lord — You are my beloved. My mind is aligned only with You.

Renounce delusion — this is the only path. By it, the swan-soul reaches the hidden, divine realms.

Keep your awareness focused and attentive — abandon the pull of worldly karma and customs.

Whoever reflects on the true Word (Shabd) — that swan (soul) crosses the ocean of existence.

This ineffable truth cannot truly be spoken — but let your awareness reside in that unspeakable realm.

Chhand (Metered Verse):

The path ahead is like a subtle fish — only discerned by those who contemplate the Sound and Awareness.

The eternal Light and the wondrous divine Word — seeing that, one finds true bliss.

In that unfathomable realm, beyond reach of the senses, peace and stillness abide in the mind.

Those who follow the path of truth and righteousness — taste the fruit of immortality there.

Soratha (Metered Verse):

The undying light shines forth — the primal Word is its essence.

Hold your awareness and focus — and behold the river free from illusion and sorrow.

Chaupai (Continued):

Awaken your subtle awareness toward the inaccessible (divine realm), drawing the mind inward.

When the restless mind is pierced by divine yearning — the pure light of love is awakened.

Deep knowledge arises from true contemplation — and even the dark lotus of time begins to shine.

I have told much of this unfathomable story — it reflects signs of the vast divine sky.

In this world, I have come to speak the eternal truth:

Rare are the souls who are absorbed in the path of divine love.

The sweet grace (prasād) is obtained at the feet (of the divine);

One who receives the essence-word (Sār Shabd) is crowned like a swan (a symbol of purity and discernment).

Whoever accepts this sweetness as truth,

Becomes a swan and crosses over the ocean of worldly existence.

Hold fast to your own true self, O brother, and fix your consciousness (surat) there —

That sacred mark (ṭīkā) will merge you into divine essence.

Before the mark (ṭīkā) comes deep silence (gūlā),

Where the word of love (prema Shabd) is coarse and weighty.

The white banner waves day and night,

Made of nectar, it is very beautiful.

There, diamonds and rubies glow,

Pearls and gems are set in all four directions.

Such is the abode of the true self (nij lok),

Filled with rose-like faces and nectarous breath.

One who applies even a trace of the nectar-element (amī tattva) to their attention,

Easily attains that world.

The eternal word (Sat Shabd) increases divine love

And draws one into the service of saints and sages.

He who has recognized the thief and the true master,

Let him place his mind there — show some love for him, O brother!

Mute and profound is the one who reflects on true wisdom;

Follow the path of divine insight.

The witness of knowledge lights the lamp of vision —

Believe what I have said.

The Guru is a vast ocean —

Understand this and see for yourself, just once!

Chaupai (quatrain):

When all three ages (Satya, Treta, Dvapara) pass away,

Then the pain of Kali Yuga arises.

At that time, the righteous call upon the wise,

Who then explain the words of the Lord.

The Master says, ‘Listen, O servant:

All souls perish in fear of Yama (death).

The Master says again, ‘Listen with attention —

What means can save the soul?’

When the final age (Nastayuga) spreads,

That will be the only nourishment for all beings.

Before this, the world was destroyed by illusion;

Righteousness was abandoned, and the body withered.

All forms and bodies perished;

Even great warriors and heroes met their end.

The Master says again, ‘Listen attentively —

What method will save the soul?’

I call out in the true word (Sat Shabd):

This alone is the means to protect the world.

Let us, the swans (souls), go there —

This is the only way to preserve life (liberation of the soul).

Take with you the merit of good deeds (Sukriti);

The swan of wisdom has flown to the higher worlds.

Take with you the virtue of truth-filled speech —

Truth will ensure you never suffer in the land of Yama (death).

This age is harsh, the land full of darkness —

Let truth, contentment, and wisdom be your guide.

For one who attains knowledge and wisdom,

He never suffers the punishment of Yama's realm.

Whoever knows Me (the Divine), I dwell in them —

I honor such a soul as a true saint.

Those who know only the true Word (Sat Shabd),

They attain the fearless realm of saints.

Such souls dwell always with Me —

They drink the nectar of immortality constantly.

Many are the ways to preserve such a soul —

He becomes immortal, never perishes, O brother.

Rare is the one who truly knows this,

Only saints recognize the path to liberation.

He who contemplates the nectar Name (Amrit Naam),

His dwelling is in the immortal realm.

One who has never slandered, even in dreams,

And remains absorbed in loving meditation —

He sees all beings as one life force,

Sees all as flowing from the same source.

He has never committed spiritual suicide (violence to the soul),

And remains immersed in self-worship (inner contemplation).

He who meditates day and night,

Sings no other Name but the True Name (Satnam).

The essence of Sakhi (sayings) is Satnam —

It alone leads one to the immortal realm.

When one meets the True Guru,

All attachments and illusions are erased.

Chaupai (quatrain)

Satnam is the formless support —

Time (death) has no power over it.

Even those who dwell in Indra's heaven,

Are not spared by Time’s destruction.

Brahma dwells in Brahmaloka,

Even he is crushed by Time.

The single Unmanifest One (Niranjan) deludes all —

Without recognizing Him, no one attains liberation.

Let no one believe false words —

Let mankind contemplate the True Word.

When the lifeless (spiritually dead) or blind are struck by fate,

The Name of the Divine rescues the world.

We came from the higher realms —

By holding to the true Word, we attained joy.

Some Radhaswami Verses of Shiv Brat Lal from His Book of Hymns/Poetry/Bhajans: Shiv Shabd Sagar

Some Radhaswami Verses of Shiv Brat Lal from His Book of Hymns/Poetry/Bhajans: Shiv Shabd Sagar

Verses of Awakening

Refrain: My awareness, now wise, awaken!

My awareness has become wise, a devotee, forgetting its conscious form.

Trapped in the noose of time and illusion, it fails to see the essence or support.

Awaken now! My awareness, a traveler, has gone mad, lost in the delusion of the world.

This world is nothing but the expansion of the mind's desires.  

Awaken now! My clever awareness, entangled in worldly illusions, cannot discern the mystery of delusion.

Those who swing in the cradle of doubt, how can they taste the essence of truth?

Awaken now! My wise awareness, intoxicated with pride, trapped in ego and arrogance.

Bound by the chains of "mine" and "yours," it is tied in the bonds of bondage.  

Awaken now! My wise awareness, filled with remorse, has come to the company of the truth.

Radhasoami, the form of compassion, has spoken, taking refuge in the true Guru.

Awaken now!

Where Shall I Seek Happiness?

Refrain: Where am I, searching for happiness?

All that exists is within me—truth, consciousness, and bliss.

Without opening my eyes, how can I be amazed by the moon in my heart?

Where am I? I am a drop, my movement is in the ocean, like waves and bubbles.

I speak openly, but none believe; the restless mind remains unsteady.  

In me are the soul, nature, and God; in me is the infinite, the indivisible.

I am present in every fragment, my form is the cosmic egg.

In me, the creation of the universe unfolds; I am the child, the father, the mother.

Birth and death are my play; I come and go nowhere.  

Through service to the Guru and the company of saints, a being may realize this.

Radhasoami, I surrender at your feet, recognizing my true form.

Note: "Radhaswami" means "Lord of the Soul". Shiv Brat Lal was a disciple and spiritual successor of Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram of the Radhasoami Faith, a prolific writer. It's quite valuable to be able to access his writings from the early days of the Radhasoami movement.

मेरी सुरत सियानी चेत अब ॥टेक॥ सुरत सियानी भई भज्ञानी, चेतन रूप बिसारा। पंड़ी काल माया के फन्‍्दे, लखे न सार असारा ॥ चेत अब सुरत सियात्री हुई दिवानी; भरम रही संसारा। यह संसार और कुछ नाहीं; मन संकल्प पसारा ॥ चेत अब सुरत सियाली भव भरमाती, भरम का भेद न बूके। भ्रम ईिंडोले जो कोई झूले, कैसे तत्व की छके ॥ चेत अब सुरत सियान्री मद लपटानी, मान गुमान फसानी | मोर तोर की बंधी जेवरी, वन्धन वन्ध बंधानी ॥ चेत अब सुरत सियानी उपजी गलानी, सत संगत में आई। राधास्रामी दया रूप निज .बाना, ली सतगुरु शरनाई ॥ चेत अब

[७८२६६ ]

सुख को किसमें कहां हूँ हूँ ॥टेक॥ जो कुछ हैं सब मेरे भीतर, सच चित्त आनन्दा। आंख खुले बिन छक्के कैसे, घट के छरज चन्दा।॥ कहां हूँदँ मैं हूं बुन्द॒ सिंधु गति मेरी, लहर बुलबुले पुभमें। खोल कहूँ माने कोई नाहीं, धीर चुलबुले म॒कमें॥ ? मुझमें जीव प्रकृति ईखर, मुभमें अक्न अक्ांडा। मैं हूं खंड खंड में व्यापा, रूप है मेरा अंडा ॥ ! मुभमें सृष्टि की रचना फैली, मैं बालक पितु माता। जनम मरन मेरी है लीला, आता कहीं नजाता॥ ?# गुरु की सेवा साध की संगत, करे तो जाने प्रानी । राधास्रामी चरन शरन बलिहारी, अपना रूप पिछानी॥ ”

Mirabai Mystic Verses

Mirabai Mystic Verses

LONGING FOR THE LORD

I am struck with longing to meet the Lord,

To meet that dear One, and reach

      my true Home.

Worldly entanglements and fear of slander,

I'll give up in pursuit of true Knowledge.

The door is unlocked, my soul

      shines bright,

And longs for the mansion within the sky.

A dazzling flame appears before me,

Like a flash of lightening in days of rain.

Mira yearns now to behold her dear Lord

And sing His glory in blissful ecstasy.

THE LORD AND HIS NAME

I am attached to the Lord's Name;

His Name alone I now love and cherish.

My loving Friend has entered my heart,

As the string runs through a necklace.

He is within all, yet ever apart,

Not near, not far, is the Mighty One.

Mira now abides in the Lord's shelter;

The fear of birth and death is set aside.

BE STEADFAST

Engage in the Lord's devotion;

Persist in your meditation;

Be steadfast.

Far is the abode of the Lord,

Like the fruit of the date-palm tree.

He who climbs and reaches the top

Tastes the sweet fruit of love;

They come to ruin

Who slip and fall.

Why don the armor?

Why seek the safety of a shield?

He is the true warrior who,

Unarmed, charges with all his might;

For the Master is his armor and his shield.

With the poniard of Knowledge,

With the Master's grace as the scimitar,

And with the lance of detachment,

Take to the field, wage the war;

Never will you face defeat.

Remember, your body is but fragile,

Composed of flesh, bones and nerves,

And endowed with ten senses.

Mira's Lord alone is everlasting;

To Him she is firmly tied

By the delicate twine of love.

Thoughts Become Things -- The Power of Thought -- Light and Sound on The Path: Sant Mat, Radhasoami Spirituality

Thoughts Become Things -- The Power of Thought

The following story is found in the Sawan Singh book, Tales of the Mystic East.

Love Begets Love

When Akbar was once taking a walk, accompanied by Birbal, one of his ministers, they saw a peasant coming from a distance. King Akbar told Birbal that he would like to shoot this man and asked Birbal:

"When we meet the peasant, please find out what is passing through his mind."

When the peasant came near, Birbal, pointing to King Akbar, asked the peasant what he thought about him, saying:

"Please do not hesitate nor cheat, but speak out your mind truthfully."

"I would like to pull out every single hair in his beard," the peasant told him, with some venom.

When Birbal repeated this to the King, he sighed, and said:

"Ah, Birbal, it is as the holy men who visit my court have so often told us. It is love alone that leads us to find a Saint and by him be taken to the mansion of the Lord. Hatred brings only hatred in return, and binds us still tighter to this world." (Tales of the Mystic East)

"Love is the key to the secrets of God." (Rumi)

"This is my commandment, that you love one another." (Christ)

"The Truth do I utter, let all hear:

Who loveth, he alone findeth the Lord." (Guru Gobind Singh)

Thought Elevation -- Focusing Upon Spiritual Things

"Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much

as your own unguarded thoughts." (Buddha)

"With our thoughts we make the world." (Buddha)

"Whatever man thinketh, that he obtaineth. If he were to dwell on the Absolute, he would become immortal." (Sant Namdev quoted in the Adi Granth, Sikh Scriptures)

"Wherever one's thought dwells, there will that person rest. At his pleasure, he may go to the delusion of unreality or he may merge into the Lord of the self. Where thou keepest thy mind while living, to that abode shalt thou go after death. The soul finds lodging in a place wherein it has hitherto been immersed." (Dadu Dayal)

Accumulated thoughts of living beings cause births and deaths for them again and again

"The thoughts are of various types and each thought has its hidden import. The thoughts which are soaked in attachment and illusion, form the basis of transmigration. But the thoughts which are immersed in selfless service (seva), lead one to salvation. The flow of thoughts in the mind knows no end. Not a single moment passes without those, so much so, that during sleep even, they occur in the form of dreams. What are those thoughts? Desire for anything assumes the form of a thought. The moment a desire to attain something or the other, arises in the mind, that very moment, man is thrown into an ocean of thoughts. These very thoughts become the basis of resolutions and options which cause one to enter into different forms after death. Whatever the nature of thought at the time of death determines the next form or birth for that soul.

"All the doubts and desires should be made to merge with the Shabd or Word [the Divine Current of Light and Sound], to get rid of horrible consequences of innumerable births and transmigration. Except for the desire to recite Naam, no other desire should take hold of the mind... By remembering the Lord, one attains God-realization and when this stage is reached, then there is no need to resort to any other means of attain salvation [moksha]." (The Second Master, The Shri Paramhans Advait Mat Granth)

Repeat the Holy Name - from the Songs of Tallapaka Annamacharya of South India

 

Repeat the Holy Name - from the Songs of Tallapaka of South India

Whenever you're hungry, whenever you're tired

Repeat the holy name, there is no other way

In moments of want, or when you're all alone

If someone captures you and you're locked up

The blessed name of Hari is the only support

If you're forgetful and make mistakes in life

Whenever you're hungry, whenever you're tired

Repeat the holy name, there is no other way

When danger threatens, or you're scandalized

In times of sin, whenever you are in terror

The power of Hari’s name is your true comfort

Search until dusk falls; you'll find no other way

Whenever you're hungry, whenever you're tired

Repeat the holy name, there is no other way

If you're bound in chains, condemned to death

When you're waylaid on the road by creditors

The name of Venkata is the only way of release

Idiot mind, search as you wish, no other way exists

Whenever you're hungry, whenever you're tired

Repeat the holy name, the only way to go higher

-- Annamacharya, Songs of Three Great South Indian Saints, William J. Jackson

Note: Annamayya (1408 – 1503) was a Telugu musician, composer, and a Hindu saint of south India. Divine names to be repeated may vary from tradition to tradition, and even in the mystic verses above, but it's a universal spiritual practice to repeat a sacred name of God, to meditate upon it. "Repeat the holy name, the only way to go higher." (Annamacharya)