Purity of Mind -- Light and Sound on the Path -- A Digest of Spiritual Quotes, and Sant Mat Satsang Discourses
Purity of Mind and Calmness are the Prerequisites to See the Light Within During Meditation Practice, by Huzur Baba Sawan Singh
"The Current is within us always. We could not live without the Current. The Current is Life. The Sound is going on within, without interruptions, and so is the Light within. Why do we not see the Light and hear the Sound? The reason is that our mind is shaking. Our attention wanders. One does not see the reflection of his face in agitated water. The moment the water is still, the face becomes visible. If the water is muddy, the mud brings in an additional disturbing factor. So, purity of mind and calmness are the prerequisites to see what lies inside the Focus."
Verse of Swami Ji Maharaj (Shiv Dayal Singh): "Sit still and you reach your destination. Walk fast and you won't even make a start." Commentary by Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram): "When the body and mind are still, the soul starts its homeward journey. When the body and mind are engaged in worldly pursuits, the soul is inert."
"Awake, bright soul, from the drunken sleep
wherein thou hast fallen ..... O humanity,
in whose hands there is wealth, why art thou
slumbering in this sleep?" (The Prophet Mani)
"Dost thou reckon thyself only a puny form,
when within thee the universe is folded?"
(Imam Ali, quoted in, The Universe Within Us)
Contents Below -- In This Issue/Mailing/Blog/Digest
* Moral Requirements for Initiation Into Inner Light and Sound Meditation -- Different Versions of the Five Precepts;
* The Heavens Are Like An Inverted Well (Tunnel) -- Tulsi Sahib;
* Supreme Love and Devotion (Bhakti) -- An Introduction to Inner Light and Sound Meditation Practice, By Mukesh Kumar (Kabir Panth Satsang Group, Australia);
* The Blessings of Having A Spiritual Teacher, by Sant Sundar Das;
* Kabir's Ode to the Honest, Genuine Spiritual Masters;
* Main Obstacles in the Practice of Meditation, By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj;
* On Sant Mat Meditation Practice, Including Pratyahara, by Swami Achyutanand Baba;
* Swami Bhagirath Baba on Spiritual Practice;
* Sar Bachan Radhaswami Poetry, Swami Ji Maharaj;
SANT MAT LINKS
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"Whoever sincerely practices the inner meditation comes to experience Light within. First he sees the Light and then he hears Sound, also. Sound has a natural and inherent property of attracting the listener towards its Source or Origin. One who is capable of grasping the Sound springing straight from God Himself, gets naturally drawn back to Him." (Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj)
I beheld in the firmament an inverted well,
and was filled with the resplendence of the
Light within.
In the resplendence of brilliant Light, I had a
glimpse within the flame;
All was suffused with brightness, and I had
a peep into myself.
The path leading to the shores of
Mansarovar* was revealed unto me.
In the Sukhmana* I went into a trance and
then crossed to the other side.
Whosoever hath thus experienced, O Tulsi,
hath got the pledge of union from the
Lord.
I beheld in the firmament an inverted well,
and was filled with resplendence of Light
within.
Saints show us the Path of Sound and Light,
They still the mind and raise it to the skies
within.
The soul gets concentrated at the Door and
is in bliss;
Ascending the celestial skies she is in sight
of Gagan (Inner Sky of the Second Stage).
The fortunate soul sets out on its journey
along with the Divine Melody;
Listening to this Celestial Music day by day,
she becomes detached.
-- Param Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, India, from his collection of bhajans (mystic verses, hymns) Shabdavali
*Notes:
"Radiant dust:" The reference is to the
Light emanating from the Radiant Form of the
Master -- the inner Master.
"Mansarovar:" A lake of nectar in the
third spiritual region, a baptism in which makes
the soul absolutely pure.
"Sukhmana:" The central Current in the finer
body, starting from the Eye Center and leading
upward to the higher spiritual regions.
Moral Requirements for Initiation Into Inner Light and Sound Meditation
The Five Precepts -- The Ethical Foundation of Sant Mat -- Ahimsa Values
"Lying, stealing, intake of intoxicating substances, adultery, and violence (including harming other beings) are the five sins to be avoided. Eating meat or fish is also considered to be a form of violence and should be avoided. The aspirants of Sant Mat must abstain from these vices." (Maharshi Mehi Paramahans)
Below includes both vegan and lacto-vegetarian versions of the ahimsa diet. What is vegan, and why is the vegetarian community quickly transitioning to it? At the Sant Mat Library -- linked above -- scroll down and see: "Vegan Diet and Sant Mat: The Book of Compassion -- Reverence For All Life".
The Five Precepts
1. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs (intoxicants);
2. Ahimsa (Non-Violence in thought, word, and deed) including in the area of diet, as in following a vegan (abstinence from animal products) or vegetarian diet (abstinence from meat, fish, and eggs);
3. Leading a truthful life;
4. Practicing non-stealing: an honest, ethical source of income;
5. Loyalty to ones spouse;
Another Version of the Five Precepts
1) Refrain from taking the life of sentient beings. This precept also requires strict adherence to a vegan (no animal products) or lacto-vegetarian diet (no meat, fish, poultry nor eggs, fertilized or non-fertilized).
2) Refrain from speaking what is not true.
3) Refrain from taking what is not yours.
4) Refrain from sexual misconduct.
5) Refrain from using intoxicants.
The Five Precepts in Jainism. Right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct are the three most essential for attaining liberation. In order to acquire these, one must observe the five great vows (Maha-vratas):
1. Ahimsa: non-violence in thought, word, and deed, including in the area of diet (vegetarian or vegan)
2. Satya: truthfulness
3. Asteya: non-stealing
4. Brahmacharya: chastity
5. Aparigraha: non-possessiveness
Note: Jainism's ethics also includes following a vegetarian diet. There is also a strong vegan movement in Jainism these days, the Vegan Jain Movement.
In Buddhism these five abstinences are known as the Panch Shila. The Panch Shila of the Lord Buddha is comprised of the basic teachings of conduct, which are:
1. No killing (respect for life)
2. No stealing (respect for others' property)
3. No sexual misconduct (respect for our pure nature)
4. No lying (respect for honesty)
5. No intoxicants (respect for a clear mind)
"People should have compassion for the poor and the suffering, and understand that all living beings feel pain. Treat all living beings as if they are your own soul." (Kabir, Book of Purnima Vrat Katha)
Initiation into Inner Light and Sound Meditation
"This mysterious Path is described in the holy books, but it cannot be found simply by the study of sacred texts. It is found by the grace and guidance of an Accomplished Teacher." (Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj)
In the Sant tradition, the complete methods and secrets of meditation practice are communicated at the time of Initiation (Diksha) by a living Master (Sant Satguru, Competent, Qualified Teacher) or a representative of such a Master (not a past Saint or holy book). A Living Teacher, being fully acquainted with the 'landscape' of Inner Space, is able to impart to initiate-candidates valuable guidance on how to safely make the journey of ascension to the Inner Regions during meditation practice within. This kind of spiritual transmission and the details of Inner Light and Sound Meditation practice are not found in books, old scriptures of the past, and are not for sale, but are given freely to seekers by a living Teacher.
The Blessings of Having A Spiritual Teacher, by Sant Sundar Das
Without a Teacher there can be no knowledge of Truth,
No meditation and no enquiry into Reality.
Without him, where is love, where affection,
Good conduct and satisfaction?
The Guru alone helps true reasoning;
He produces light in the intellect.
Without him, doubts abide, illusion prevails.
There is no path without a Teacher.
Thus, O Sundar, do the Vedas teach.
Abide in the presence of the one
Who gives his whole heart to God,
Who delights in nought else;
From whom knowledge and love
Flow like a limpid stream.
Sundar says: Love him and remain with Him,
And you will become as he is.
-- Sant Sundar Das (One of the greatest Hindi poets and a God-realized Saint who lived from 1595 to 1689)
Kabir's Ode to the True Ones: I love the Satguru who himself drinks the cup full of divine nectar
"O Sadhus, I love the Satguru who himself drinks the cup full of divine nectar (Satnam -- the Ultimate Truth) and offers the same to me. He doesn't go to marketplace calling himself great pious man, he doesn't accept any offering or gifts. He is far away from any show off that he is a holy man. He pulls veils of illusions from our eyes and shows his true essence. His essence, his glimpse is such that even GOD longs to see it, he makes the Divine Celestial Sound audible to us. He sees all worldly pleasures as the root of pain and doesn't enjoy it, he doesn't entertain himself in this dream world. He stays day and night in the company of Truth, the Ultimate Reality, his whole attention is fixed in the Celestial Sound, the Divine Melody, and he is totally devoted to it. Kabir says -- He is fearless and he makes us realize our true fearless and free essence. I love the Satguru."
O Ocean of Truth! Save us from the unreal and lead us to the Ultimate Reality.
O Ocean of Reality! Shower such grace on us that we will be free from all untruth and realize you.
O Satya Purush! It is through your power that all unconscious and conscious beings manifest. You are the life of all. Except you, all that are seen or unseen are perishable, untrue and impermanent. Only you are true and imperishable. (Prayers from the Book of Aradhana)
"A diamond was laying in the street covered with dirt. Many fools passed by. Someone who knew diamonds picked it up." (Satguru Kabir)
"Where there is blind belief, there the Truth is not verified. Only he will know the Truth, O Ravidas, who has the inner experience." (Sant Ravidas)
"Tomorrow's work do today, today's work do now. If the moment is lost, how will the work get done?" (Satguru Kabir)
"O Dharam Dass! Honour the holy and saintly people. This is the duty of householders. Remain absorbed in devotion to Sat Purush [the Eternal True Being, God], as this is the sign that you are destined for Sat Lok [True Realm]." (Kabir, Book of Purnima Vrat Katha)
"The process by which the secret of how to realize God is taught is called deeksha or initiation. It is always rewarding to seek initiation from a Satguru or Preceptor." (Swami Achyutanand Ji)
"The personal and private instruction in the art of this spiritual practice should be received from an Accomplished Spiritual Master. Once the technique has been learned, one should practice it regularly and daily according to the instructions given by the Master." (Maharshi Mehi, Philosophy of Liberation)
"If a person, after getting initiated into the secrets and methods of devotional practices, directs his spirit-current towards the Third Eye, he can secure greater energy and bliss of great purity. Instead of dissipating his energy, he would enhance it by elevating the spirit-current." (Huzur Maharaj, Prem Patra Radhasoami, Volume IV)
Then Soamiji Maharaj observed that, "In Kali Yuga, no spiritual activity would be successfully performed except the contemplation of the Swarup (Form) of the Sat Guru, Sumiran of Nam (Repetition of the Holy Name) and Dhyan of Nam (contemplation of the Holy Name) [Meditation of the Inner Light and Sound]." (from, The Last Words of Soami Ji Maharaj, authored in 1902 by Lala Pratap Singh Seth (alias Chachaji Saheb, the youngest brother of Soami Ji Maharaj)
"God is very kind to the humble, and His heart is full of compassion. Millions of karmas are absolved when you earnestly turn to Him even for a moment. Your meeting with Him will be rewarded if you wear the cloak of humility. Surrender your body, mind and head (ego), and be pleasant with your words. Kabir is explaining this for you to understand, so understand it and keep it in your heart. Get rid of all your negativities and you will live happily age after age." (Kabir, Book of Purnima Vrat Katha)
"'Is this path difficult?' I questioned haltingly.
"'It can be difficult if your attention is in the wrong place,' answered the holy man. 'If you constantly focus your attention downwards into the manifold attributes of the world, you will become identified with matter. But if you focus your love aspect constantly upwards into the Being of God, you will eventually become merged with the all-embracing love of the Supreme Lord. Love is an inherent quality of the human heart; and it is through love that the most potent truths of all creation are apprehended.'" (George Arnsby Jones, The Pilgrimage of James, An Odyssey of Inner Space, Peacehaven Press)
"The beginning of the mystical Path of Love takes place within the human consciousness, when the aspirant has focused his attention at the third-eye center, between and behind the two eye-brows. The third eye possesses its own illumination, being vivified by the light of the soul, and thus is not dependent upon external forms of light as our physical eyes are. Through the grace of a mystic adept the aspirant has been given a simple technique to transcend body-consciousness and to rise into the inner realms. First, he closes his outer eyes and sees with the inner third eye. He also closes his outer ears and hears with the inner spiritual ear. When these things are achieved, the current of consciousness throughout the body will withdraw and become concentrated at the third-eye center. The body itself will become senseless, but the aspirant's awareness of his soul, his true self, will thereby be heightened. This is the initial stage of what the mystic adepts call turiya pad, the fourth state of existence, which is the state of transcendental or superconsciousness." (George Arnsby Jones, The Inner Journey of the Soul back to its Origin)
"Perform virtuous acts, you will receive happiness. Also do 'sumiran' (remembering God's name, or meditating on the Divine Sound) regularly. The biggest advantage of 'sumiran' [remembrance] 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." (Swami Harinandan Baba)
Main Obstacles in the Practice of Meditation, By Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj
The main hindrances to success in the practice of meditation are the following: procrastination and laziness, activity of thoughts during meditation (day dreaming, fanciful imagination, planning, the rising of any kinds of thoughts).
In addition, the lulling silence during meditation puts many practitioners to sleep. During meditation we should be vigilant and awake. Whatever is our point of focus, we should diligently keep our mind on that goal and we will not be bothered by sleep.
Unless we overcome the magnanimous challenge of procrastination and curb the ever-rising tide of mental activity during meditation, we cannot reach our Noble (arya) destination (state of unity with God). The non-vigilant practitioners usually become engrossed in thoughts or fall sleep. These formidable passes must be crossed for success.
What is the place to be reached? When we close our eyes and see darkness, this is the realm of ignorance. When the light dawns within you, then you understand that you reside in noble regions. In darkness resides ignorance and in light resides Knowledge. For example, as we are sitting in light right now we are able to see one another. However, if the electric power goes out ensuing total darkness we will not be able to see others. We will not even be aware of other people, coming and going. In this analogy light signifies knowledge and darkness signifies ignorance. In the same manner when we see darkness with our eyes closed, we are in the realm of death and re-birth [we are unaware of our true nature]. When we come out of the realm of darkness and enter into the realm of light, we will at the same time transcend the web of death. It is not possible that we can remain in darkness and be free from the net of birth and death. Having achieved inner light we can be liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
Saint Kabir says: "In each house (heart) the light shines, but we are blind [ignorant of that divine Light of knowledge] so we cannot see it. If we keep looking, we will find the Light and will destroy the shackles of death."
"Begin meditation with internally chanting or repeating the Guru-mantra-incantation. And then try to visualize the radiant form or image of the Satguru in the still darkness of the inner sky (with eyes closed). Follow that with focusing your attention at the seat of the soul within, i.e. at the Third Eye or the Inner Eye, by making the two streams of consciousness in your two eyes converge in a Point.
"When the two currents of consciousness meet in a Point, Divine Light appears within. Then, practice Surat Shabd Yoga (Yoga of Divine Sound) i.e., try to shift your attention to listening to the Divine Sounds or myriads of melodies (Anahad Naad) ringing inside. Listening to the Divine Sound destroys all the perversions, agitations and fickleness of the mind.
"Ascending beyond or transcending myriads of sounds, try to identify and tune in to the Quintessential Unstruck Melody, called 'Saar Shabd' or 'Anaahat Naad' which alone is capable of taking you and merging you into oneness with the Supreme Lord; this is the ultimate deliverance, emancipation or liberation." (Couplets of Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj on Meditation Practice)
On Sant Mat Meditation Practice, Including Pratyahara, by Swami Achyutanand Baba
The practitioner should sit in a comfortable posture holding his [or her] body, neck and head motionless in a straight line, closing mouth and eyes. First practice manas japa ([simran] -- mentally reciting or chanting -- without using or moving the lips or the tongue -- the sacred mantra given by the Guru, repeatedly with the fullest attention and alertness). This should be followed by manas dhyana ([dhyan] fixedly gazing at the visualized form of the Guru within us, keeping our eyes closed). Practicing thus regularly and with sincere love, the mind gets purified.
The mind is, by its very nature, fickle and prone to frequently straying from manas japa and manas dhyan. If that happens while meditating, it should be immediately brought back to focus on its due target. Thus perseveringly practicing pratyahara (the process of applying the mind back, again and again every time it drifts away, to the selected target), the mind slowly gains in strength and is able to hold or stick to its goal. With the mind getting focused thus, the inner Current, the Current of Light, is subsequently easy to grasp, facilitating the journey ahead. (Swami Achyutanand Baba, Yoga of Inner Light and Sound)
Swami Bhagirath Baba on Spiritual Practice
The practitioner, if he sits for meditation, always must keep his/her head, neck and spinal cord (back) completely straight. The respiration process will naturally become slowed if one sits straight, and thus it is a helping factor in meditation and Jap......
Sants/yogis have fixed times of meditation. Those times are: 1) in the pre-dawn, i.e. three hours before sun rise, 2) after taking a bath during the day [mid day], and 3) during the evening (after the sun sets). Meditation done in these three time is called Trayakaal Sandhyaa (thrice-daily meditation). A practitioner must sit for meditation in these three times, and also should do Maanas Jap (repeating the Guru-instructed mantra), or Maanas Dhyaan (involving mind in visualizing Guru's form inside), while doing worldly work.
In the evening just before going to bed, the practitioner should sit in meditation for two to four minutes and then go to sleep. A practitioner can continue Maanas Jap or Maanas Dhyaan or keep his/her vision straight inside with closed eyes laying in bed.
This practice protects one from terrible, unpleasant dreams, and on the other hand the practitioner can be benefited with the appearance of sages/sants or Satsang in the dream state. The appearance (seeing) of sants/sages in the dream state is an indication of spiritual-upwardness (progress). A meditation practitioner who does meditation in pre-dawn very carefully, should not take a heavy meal in the night. Meals should not be hard-to-digest. Easily digestible meals and that also are light in amount should be taken in the night so that the practitioner can get up early at the pre-dawn time. This habit keeps the body sound and healthy. Most reverent Guru Maharaj (Maharshi Mehi) says, "Sound mind lives in Sound body and worship is done only by the sound mind." So, a practitioner should control his/her meals.
A practitioner should close both eyes and mouth at the time of meditation. If he/she would be speaking and seeing the outer world with open eyes, he/she could not do the practice of meditation. On closing eyes everyone sees the darkness inside no matter whether they belong to one creed, caste, country or another, be they young, old, male, female, scholar or illiterate. This darkness has not been created by humans or gods. This darkness has been created by the Supreme Sovereign God. There are three layers (coverings) over the Jeeva-atmaa (Individual Soul). Those are: darkness, light and sound. Darkness is the shadow of the Light. This darkness is the first layer that the Jeeva (Individual Soul) or all beings encounter. One who crosses this layer of darkness through a special kind of meditation sees the inner Light within oneself.
This inner Light is called Aatma-Aalok (Light of the Self) or Brahma-Prakash (Divine Light). On achieving this, the Divya-Drishti (Divine Eye, Third Eye) opens completely. While mentally gazing into the darkness that one sees with eyes closed, one should repeat the guru-instructed mantra. This process is called Maanas Jap. While doing this, neither the lips nor the tongue are oscillated. Instead, the mantra (an alphabetical name given by Guru) is repeated within by the mind. This Jap is actually a kind of meditation. Repeating the mantra through the mind is for the purpose of calling the Ishta ([one's Ideal], tutelary deity, most beloved, Sadguru) near oneself. So, Jaapak (the practitioner who does Jap) should perform Jap with great love. He (Ishta, Guru) becomes happy and merciful if one does Jap with immense love and devotion, and he appears at his desire.
"God is perceivable only through the soul or spirit. But our individual soul has become surrounded or covered by several sheaths or subtle bodies [astral, causal, etc…]. So long as it remains in the captivity of these various subtle bodies and the physical body, it will be under the knowledge of these bodies and organs only, will be under illusory knowledge only, and will not be able to realize God. In order to know Him, the Jiva-atma or the individual soul shall have to liberate itself from these bondage's. The one who is able to liberate himself from the body and subtle bodies, is able to lift himself beyond the universe, also." (Param Poojya Shahi Swami Ji Maharaj)
Supreme Love and Devotion (Bhakti) and Inner Light and Sound Meditation Practice, By Mukesh Kumar, Kabir Panth Satsang Group Incorporated Australia, found in the Kabir e-magazine, Issue 2, Volume 1, March 2013.
(Note, the spelling of various mystical terms varies from place to place, and to some extent from Guru lineage to Guru lineage in India. For those more acquainted with the teachings of Radhasoami, Sawan Singh, Kirpal Singh, etc..., despite slight differences in the spelling of certain words, nevertheless it should be quite readable, all the same. Below is a delightful and rare glimpse into Surat Shabd Yoga meditation practice as taught in the tradition of Kabir Panth and Sant Dharamdas -- the Dharamdasis, -- the People of the Anurag Sagar, translated into English here for the first time.)
What is Para-Bhakti and Shabd Surati Yoga Sadhna [Supreme Love and Devotion & Inner Light and Sound Meditation Practice]?
*SATYAMEV JAYATE*
Bandagi Saheb,
Shabd Surati Yoga [also spelled Surat Shabd Yoga] is a practical (Dhyan Maarag) meditation technique to enable the mystical experience of seeing the Inner Light and listening to the Shabd Soul Music.
This science of the spirit has been distilled from the ancient yogis of India. The method was re-defined for modern times by Satguru Sant Kabir Saheb.
The (Dhyan) meditation technique of "Shabd Surati Yoga Sadhna", which the mystics have called the Para-bhakti or "Science of the Soul", can be practiced daily in the comfort and convenience of one's own home.
The practice of Shabd Surati Yoga Sadhna is a process of "dying while living", in which the externalized attention is inverted to allow one to come in contact with the divine power within. Contact with this Primal Source of (Shanti) Peace, (Prem) Love, and (Anand) Bliss, penetrates our entire being, removing our fears, worries and anxieties.
Reference to the Divine Light and Inner Sound that flow from the Creator, is found in the writings and recorded experiences of saints, yogis and mystics.
In the Guru Kabir Bijak Granth and Kabir Brahm Nirupan Granth we have a spiritual dialogue in accurately recorded mystical poetry of Satguru Kabir and Dharam Dass, which is set to traditional Indian music (raags) to guide, inspire and elevate us.
Its universal message is known as Guru Kripa. Everyone has the capacity to reconnect to the Primal Source of inner Peace, Love, Harmony and Bliss. The (Dhyan Maarag) concentration is the method "to go within", and experience it.
The Soul's Journey -- Returning to the Essence
Preparation: General (Dhyan) -- Meditation Instructions
A) Choose a Place and Time for Meditation Practice (Abhyaas).
Dhyan Maarag can be practiced at any time and place we wish. However, when we first begin to meditate, it is best to sit in a clean and quiet place free from the noise of mobile phones and television, and away from other noisy activities. The Gurus of Shabd Surti Yoga Sadhna encourage meditation on the Five Holy Names/Naam in the quiet early morning (before breakfast), and before retiring for sleep.
B) Choose a comfortable position (Asana-sitting still).
Meditation begins with first making our body still, by choosing a position that is comfortable, either sitting in a chair (both feet flat on ground) or in a cross-legged position with spine erect (keeping spine, head and neck aligned naturally) in the basic yoga pose called "sukhasan". It is important to gradually develop one's capacity of sitting with a relaxed attitude, without any bodily tension. To transcend the body is the goal, not torturing oneself.
C) Concentrate at the Eye Center (Trikuti, mind's focal point).
Once in the sitting position, the eyes are closed, shutting out the external world, and returning the attention within one's self. This is done by focusing the gaze in the middle of the “dark inner screen.” By continuously looking into this "dark veil", the darkness will fade to lighter and lighter shades, eventually opening into the infinite space. The mystics call this "Entering the Til [third eye]." In Shabd Surati Yoga Sadhna the concentration is not inside the body, but horizontally straight out, 8 to 10 inches out of the forehead or vertically, elbow length above the crown of the head (Surati Naal) [with eyes closed gazing at the field of darkness ahead]. No tension is put on the eyes or the forehead, or crown of the head. Gentle, loving steady concentration is needed. This concentration merges into meditation.
SIMRAN: repetition (to quiet the mind and calm the vritties [thoughts, impressions, feelings, emotions).
The Gurus of Surati Shabd Yoga Sadhna understood the fleeting nature of the mind, which they say prevents us from experiencing the soul (atman). The restless mind has a tendency to wander from thought to thought, thinking and worrying and fantasizing, and reflecting on anything and everything. It is never still, always going towards the exterior. Massive amounts of continuous distractions prevent us from "going within." However, this same mind can be gradually tamed, not by force, but by focusing on repetition. The masters have devised methods of concentration to keep the mind focused away from daily thoughts, by repetition (Simran, Zikr) of the Five Holy Names of God, the Panch Naam.
This simran of Naam is the key that helps us transcend thought (time and space) and opens the lock of our inner being. Each tradition and lineage has used a different Name or Names [sacred names or mantras given by a spiritual master] to help still the mind (Satyanaam, Allah HU Akbar, Radha Soami, Haqq HU, Nirankar, Great Spirit, Immaculate One, Blessed Light, Infinite God, Om Mani Padme Hum, Vahi Guru, Akal Purkh, Noor Allah, Sat Chit Ananda, Rama, Krishna, Holy Spirit, Jesus, [The Five Names/Panch Naam], etc...).
Absorption Into the Light
The first part of Shabad Surati Yoga Sadhna (Dhyan) begins with sitting still, being quiet, eyes closed, mentally repeating the Five Names, and lovingly gazing into the middle of the darkness lying in front of us, which will develop into meditation on the inner light.
Repetition (Simran) is continuous during this. Breathing is natural and free flowing without paying any attention to it. Breath is not interfered with. It goes on by itself. As we do so, the attention will be focused between and behind the eyebrows. (Any strenuous effort will interfere with the process, for it creates resistance to the natural flow of meditation).
Repeating the Panch Naam and steadiness of the gaze is all that's needed. While meditating on what lies in front of us, darkness will fade and Light will emerge. We may see lights of any colour, red, blue, purple, green, yellow, orange, golden or white light -- or flashes of light.
It is best to concentrate in the middle of whatever we see inside, and continue the repetition slowly at intervals so as not to disturb the gaze. Guru Kabir Saheb said: "Panch Naam Ka Sumiran Karo." "Repeat the Five Holy Names."
Eventually one experiences the withdrawal of the sensory currents and “numbness” at the eye focus (3rd eye). The Inner Light will focus your attention there.
Merging Into the Sound Current
The second part of Shabd Surati Yoga Sadhna (Dhyan) meditation involves listening to the Sound Current. The preferred traditional position for this is done by squatting on one's feet in the "Bhajan position" (known as "Crow Pose" in Kundalini Yog), and resting one's arms on the knees and putting the thumbs in the ears (a seal from the exterior) to listen to the inner Sound. The focus of our attention is at the seat of the soul (Ajna Chakra, Tisra Til, Third Eye, Aggya Chakra between and behind the eyebrows) and one listens to the inner Sound Current coming at first from the right side and ultimately from the top of the head ("the heavens"), the Sahasrara chakra (Astam chakra.) This Sound is the Voice of God, and is referred to in the various scriptures as the Holy Word, Naam, Shabd, Naad, Nij Naam, Saar Naam, Sajeevan Naam, Kalma ... It is the Creative Impulse that brought about all of creation with billions of galaxies and solar systems into being.
Our soul, being of the same essence as the Sound Current and God, is attracted to the Celestial Melodies by which the soul can travel through the inner spiritual regions. During the Bhajan practice the Panch Naam is not repeated. All of one's attention is on simply listening to the Audible Lifestream, the "Music of the Spheres", which will pull the spirit awareness above the body-consciousness and into the intoxication of the higher realms, eventually all the way to Sach Khand, Satyalok, Amarlok and beyond -- God willing (Guru Kripa).
The secret to successful (Dhyan Maarag) meditation lies in the time and effort devoted to sincere daily practice, and not in worshipping a person, idols, photos or relying on books/shastras nor in intellectual debate or poojas, vrats, archanas and upasnas.
Japo Man Sat Naam, Sada Sat Naam Japo
Oh my mind Concentrate on [the True Name]. Forever recite [the True Name].
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was Satya-Naam!
In the Kabir Panth, Satsangh, Parvachan, Bhajan and Kirtan are to connect people to Prem Bhakti (loving devotion) and generate Shraddha, Satya Bhav and Vivek (Atma Gyan). Shraddha Bhav + Vivek (Atma Gyan) = Para-Bhakti. Para-Bhakti is Sumiran and Dhyan (meditation) on Five Holy Names (Surati + Five Names = Satpurush).
SURATI KA HAI KHEL SAARA, SURATI MEIN RACHYO SANSAARA; JAAKI SURAT LAAG RAHE JEHEVAA, KAHE KABIR PAHUCHAUN TEHEVAA
Para-Bhakti is above all other Bhaktis, such as Sagun Bhakti (Worship Devis and Devas, Nirgun Bhakti (Meditation on Chakras or Mudras). Para-Bhakti is meditation on the Five Holy Names given by Kabir Panth Gurus and Saints.
I wrote this article to encourage the practice and understanding of Shabd Surati Yoga Sadhna to obtain Sahaj (easy) Samadhi and permanent liberation from the net of Kaal Purush.
Satyanaam ////////
Sar Bachan Radhaswami Poetry, Swami Ji Maharaj
In the cycle of transmigration I spent millions of lives,
but no one came to help me.
Now the Master has met me
and in his grace he has given me
the Mystery of Shabd, the very essence of life.
I have left the nine doors behind,
I have applied myself to the tenth (1)
and obtained the Essence
through the practice of the Word. (2)
Propelled by the Master's power
the ship of my life sails on.
I have obtained the unfathomable treasure of real value.
What more can I say? My condition is past description:
my soul has merged in Shabd and become one with it.
Life here has a unique flavor
and no one but a Saint has ever described it.
My soul reached the top of Sunn, saw Maha Sunn (3),
and established itself in Bhanwar Gupha (3).
After experiencing Satnaam [True Name] in its True Home
it has attained the state of Alakh and Agam.
With its inner hearing and its inner vision
the soul has now gone on
to merge in Radhasoami's holy feet.
With the offerings embellished with heavenly adornments
the prayer has inspired great love and devotion.
I have taken refuge in Dayal, the merciful Lord (4),
and all Kal's power is now cast away.
Attired in the robe of five elements (5)
the Lord sits in his peerless majesty.
He left his own palace to come here
for the sake of his souls.
He has taught them how to get butter from milk.
The rare gurmukhs who churn the cream,
obtain butter and cherish the Essence (6).
Radhasoami is calling:
ascend to the inner sky and reach your own Home.
_____
Establish your base at the Third Eye
and have darshan [vision] of the inner Master. (7)
Always listen to the voice of the Shabd Guru,
burn to ashes the low cravings of your mind
and merge into him.
This form of the Master is of unsurpassed beauty --
it will light up your inner being
like the radiant glow of the sun.
Like the black bee on a lotus in full bloom,
your soul will revel in the Master's love.
Dismal are the hearts which have not received
the light of knowledge from the Master, 0 friend!
They have not met a true Master,
they constantly wander around
in the maze of the creation.
As for myself, I have found a true Master
and I sacrifice myself to him in humble adoration.
Like a moonbird lost in watching the moon,
I lose myself in contemplation of his sublime form.
The true Master is Shabd personified --
his home is in realms beyond space.
Since your own real form is soul,
you should follow his trail of Shabd.
The Master's form is in your eyes --
if only you would open your inner vision!
The Master's Shabd resounds in your ears --
if only you could hear him calling from the heavens!
This is the essence of the path, says Radhasoami.
Fortunate souls who accept it
will sail across the ocean of life.
NOTES:
(1) "Tenth Door": The nine doors are the nine aperture in the physical body (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, and the two lower apertures) through which the soul energy dissipates into the world. The Tenth Door is the Eye Center, through which the soul makes its escape from the world of illusion into the inner realms.
(2) "The Word": In this case, "Akshar", referring to the Shabd of the Sunn region.
(3) "Sunn," "Maha Sunn", "Bhanwar Gupha": Derived from the Sanskrit "shoonya", Sunn is usually translated as void, emptiness or vacuum. Saints use the term to refer to the Third Region, also called Daswan Dwar, and they use Maha Sunn for the region of intense darkness between Daswan Dwar and Bhanwar Gupha (Vortex or revolving cave on the Threshold of Eternity). Above Bhanwar Gupha is the Fifth Region, Sat Lok.
(4) "Dayal": Merciful, the Supreme, Benevolent Lord.
(5) "elements": The human form -- the five elements being earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
(6) "Essence -- "butter from milk": a metaphor often used by Sants to point out that just as 'cream' is hidden in 'milk' and can be obtained only by following a certain process, so is Shabd or God hidden inside the body, to be attained only through the process of Surat Shabda [Inner Light and Sound] Meditation.
(7) "Inner Master": The term inner Master generally refers to the Radiant Form of the Master that is always present within every initiate....the inner Master also refers to the Shabd Form of the Master, for Shabd is revealed within the disciple as the ultimate form of the Master.
