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                             MAN, KNOW THYSELF!
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Since the beginning of Creation, when the first flicker of self-awakening
dawned on Man, his attention has been more and more concerned with the
problem of his own worldly existence and the investigation into the cause
and source of all Creation. For ages, he has probed and queried in vain,
but now, at last, his increasing thirst for knowledge is turning him to
study the results achieved by others in the field.

Ancient and modern sages asked, "What is that, the knowledge of which makes
everything else known ?" and in the same breath replied, "Knowledge of the
Higher Selfthe True Man." So the Supreme Knowledge is that which deals,
both in theory and practice, with Man's true nature and his relation to
God. It is, in fact, a Natural Science without a hypothesis, subject
neither to change nor time.

In ancient India it was called 'Para-Vidya' (Science of Realized Truth or
Science of the Beyond) and different denominations sprang up to interpret
this knowledge. The term 'Apra-Vidya', standing for preparation for
achieving the knowledge of 'Para-Vidya', was then introduced. This
preparation consists of following an ethical and moral life, and the
practice of concentration or meditation (in so many ways) both being
indispensable for spiritual development.

Man is constantly changing or introducing new names and terminologies to
describe this Science. The Masters were called Sants, and the nature of
knowledge Mat, thus giving us the term 'Sant-Mat', which is at present
mostly used to name the Path of the Masters. Other terms, such as Shabd
Yoga, Surat Shabd Yoga, Sehaj Yoga, are also used to describe the same
Science. In the Sanskrit language, the word 'Sant' means Master of the
highest Order, and 'Mat' is a confirmed opinion or statement made by an
adept after personal experience. The foundation of this Science, therefore,
is the result of a critical study, minute investigation, and the lifelong
personal verification of facts based on practical experience of the Self in
man. This experience of the Self is something that a competent Master is
prepared to give to each individual who approaches him. Sant Mat,
therefore, is the teaching, system and path of the Saints.

The Masters do not attach any importance to names, designations, or the
fact that many religious sects, groups and circles, have claimed this
Science as their own and named it after their leaders or founders. They
look upon these groups as schools where manthe noblest being in
Creationcan study with other men as children of one and the same Almighty
Father. A Master (also called Sant Satguru), has complete mastery of both
the theory and practice, and is competent to impart both knowledge and
experience to all sincere seekers after Truth, without any distinction
whatsoever of colour, caste or creed. Any man or woman, whether rich or
poor, young or old, sage or sinner, learned or unlearned, who is able to
grasp the theory of the Science, has a right to acquire this knowledge.

     Present Fate of Various Beliefs and Faiths

The dictionary defines 'Mat' as Wisdom, but the colloquial meaning of the
term is a sect or faith, a group of people holding certain opinions or
beliefs in common. Such beliefs and opinions, however, based on stray
knowledge and teachings, are not sufficient without the support of personal
experience, and therefore, the seeker is led astray by mere empty words.
Many societies, faiths and other religious circles have only a legacy of
books, beliefs and theories to offer to those who thirst after
Spirituality. They conceal their shortcomings and deficiencies behind a
screen of warm welcome, an outpouring of technique and terminology, and the
liberal use of spiced words, phrases, sayings and quotations from the
enormous mass of literature that we have on the market today. Propaganda,
acting and posing, have taken the place of practical Spirituality, with the
result that the deluded public is being repelled from sacred books and
thought of God. Atheism, therefore, is on the increase.

To believe in a thing or fact without troubling to investigate it, does not
in any way do credit to an intelligent man. On the contrary it reflects
adversely on his ignorance or credulity. Any belief not based on personal
experience and verification of the facts, has little value. The modern man
wants a well-defined, clear-cut Science, capable of verification by his own
experience and giving concrete results. We should, therefore, try to see
and to hear with our own eyes and ears rather than with the eyes and ears
of others.

     Self-Analysis

Man is composed of body, mind (intellect) and soul. We are extremely
careful to develop ourselves physically and mentally, but understand very
little about the soul, which is the Power ruling both the body and the
mind. Physical joys are not lasting and there are limitations of body and
mind that we cannot ignore, so we must search for the perennial source of
joy and peace within ourselves. Self-analyis is the first step in this
direction.

Many doubts assail our minds at this stage. There is an Omnipotent Power
called God. believed in, worshipped and talked about by most people. Can we
know more about Him ? Can we see Him and talk to Him ? There is a definite
and clear reply to each one of these questions, but the most convincing one
comes from a Master, who in a few brief words exclaims, "Yes we can see and
speak to Him, that is, if we become as exalted as He is said to be."
Masters say "yes", and we do not have to wait until death Gomes, but we can
experience it right now. This is in consonance with Laws of Nature of which
we have as yet, no knowledge worth the name.

All around us, we see, we feel that everything from the tiny atom to the
mighty Universe, is governed by a Law of Nature. So, to the profound
thinker, there is nothing chaotic, haphazard or uncertain about this
Universe and the laws which govern it. To gain any objective, there is a
Law of Nature, a principle and method involved for checking, testing and
weighing the result of our endeavours. SO it is too in this Science of
Nature, and similar methods can be traced in all religious scriptures by
any careful student, though expressed in different words and various
languages.

We wish to enter the Kingdom of God, "but how?" we ask ourselves. "With the
help and guidance of one who has himself entered and can guide us there,"
is the simple reply from the Masters. "Is it possible?" "It is a knowledge
which is as exact and as sure as two and two make four," is again their
reply. It is not enough to be content with Holy Books and the singing of
praises and hymns. We must strive for the same degree of advancement as the
authors of the talks and knowledge recorded in these books achieved. Their
experience must become our experience, for, 'what a man has done, a man can
do', of course with proper help and guidance. We should stop at nothing
short of this.

"We have hardly a dim spark of love for Him will it help to cherish a
hope?" is another question asked, to which the Saints reply, "It is
sufficient to make you eligible for the Highest Science of approach to
Him." This is a pleasing ray of hope. Oh! if this small spark could be
kindled into a flame. Again, we say, "Jesus and other great Masters spoke
so lovingly of Him, but we are sinners and there may not be much hope for
us in this age." The Masters' soothing reply is "No matter if you are the
worst of sinners, stop where you are. There is hope for everybody, even in
this crucial age." Ages ago, Nature provided for us materially and
spiritually. Today, the same unchangeable Law is operating and will
continue to do so in the future. There is food for the hungry and water for
the thirsty. Nature's inexorable and eternal Law of demand and supply
always works.

It is only through a Living Master that we can contact the Almighty God
within us. In Sant-Mat, contemplation of objects or images is not advised,
as this is harmful to progress. Photographs of the Masters are for
remembrance and recognition only, and on no account should we become
attached to such external practices.

     The Teachings of the Masters (Man-making)

A man, according to the Science of Para-Vidya, is not entitled to be called
a man in the true sense of the word, unless he has full knowledge, both
theoretical and practical, of his distinguished position in Creation, his
several component partsbody, mind and soulin order of comparative
importance, and of his relationship to the Unseen Power, called God, which
is to be achieved while he is living on this earth. He who does not
understand this much has not even been introduced to the first lesson and
is yet to begin the Alphabet of Man The Saints, therefore, impress upon us
the need for 'Man-making'.

     Satsang

When scientifically observed facts drawn from practice and experiment are
explained verbally to a gathering by a Master Saint, it is called Satsang
(external). This Satsang constitutes the theoretical side of the teachings,
whereas the actual demonstration given to develop and achieve inner
advancement is the practical part, called meditation or Satsang (internal).
Conscientious practice brings fruit within days or weeks and it is not
necessary to wait for years for results, though progress also depends, to
some extent, on one's past background. A true Master gives a first-hand
inner experience at the very first sitting. When the practical side is
neglected due to lack of firmness or determination, carelessness or
pressure of circumstances, scholars of many religious schools dwell more
and more upon theory alone. The decline of the Science then commences and
man finds no solace. This is usually the case when a Master leaves the
body. Adequate provision, however, is made for the revival of this Science
in every age, when both the Positive and Negative Powers commence their
rounds again; the former through the agency of Master-souls, while the
latter works through personsso-called Masters who lack practical
experience or are lost in theoretical disputations. Master-souls, though
quite ordinary men in appearance, are a great deal more. Just as it is
difficult for us to judge a scientist, a doctor or an engineer until they
speak out or display their skill and knowledge, so too we cannot recognize
the knowledge and authority of a Master until we have experienced the
Divine Power working through Him.

In this Science, there is no secrecy or mystery. The objective is
constructive and beneficial to all, and so the Saints have torn aside the
curtain of secrecy which usually covers mystic teachings, to make them
available to each and every one who calls. There is an Unseen Power working
through the Saints. Why this Power prefers to remain concealed from the
human eye is a question to be asked directly by contacting the human pole
through whom this Power is working. This is the only medium of approach to
this Power. If we wish to use electric energy we must go to a switch or
pole which will put us in contact with the powerhouse. The Unseen Power may
be called a 'Sea of love'. When we wish to bathe in the sea we go to the
edge where the shadow waters begin and then say that we have bathed in the
sea. Thus, to experience this Power and to derive benefit from it, we must
go to the only source of contacta Master Saint.

     Life Beyond Death

Saints say that Nature has designed man to leave his physical body at will,
transcend to higher spiritual planes, and then return to the body. They
help each aspirant personally and each receives a practical experience,
however little it may be, during the very first sitting at the time of
Initiation. A person who is competent to give a man this Personal
experience of withdrawal or separation (temporary) from the body, and who
can thus put him on the way back to God, is a genuine Master, Saint or
Satguru. The heads of different religious organizations were intended to do
just this, but we may judge for ourselves their efficacy today. The
first-hand experience we receive, through the kindness of a real Saint, is
in itself the solution to the problem of death. According to the Bible,
'Unless you are born anew, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven'. So
to be born anew is to leave one's body and enter into the beyonda
transition from the physical to the astral plane. Some day we have to leave
this temporary structure, which like a building of bricks and mortar,
deteriorates with time. There is no appeal to the Laws of Nature against
the 'Death Sentence . We fear death because of the agony and suffering
which it brings, and also about the uncertainty that lies ahead in the
Beyond. We fear illness because it brings us near death's door; so we
struggle to live though we know that our end is certain. No soothing words
from doctors, friends, relatives or priests can bring peace and comfort to
our minds at the time that Nature's destructive process commences. This is
the natural course of things and we cannot deceive Nature.

What then is the remedy ? There is only one way out of this abyss of
despair, which is to adopt and accustom ourselves, during our lifetime, to
Nature's process of the withdrawal of the spirit current from the body,
while still in a conscious state. This may be done with the help of a
Master, and may be accomplished without any suffering or trouble
whatsoever. This is not only a possibility but is a remarkable fact. Our
joy will know no bounds when we come into possession of the secret that has
baffled man for so many centuries. We become Supermen, having possession of
a key to peace and heaven, the life of which we had till then only read
about in sacred scriptures. Arise, therefore, and awake ! before it is too
late to put this Science into practice. If we observe closely the process
of death in a dying man, we see the pupils of his eyes turn upwards a
little (afterwards they may return to normal), and then he becomes
senseless. But when they draw upwards too much, he dies. Life ebbs out via
the root of the eyes and becomes disconnected from the ties of the physical
body and the sense organs. Knowledge of this process and the method by
which we may travel this Way during our very lifetime, is the solution to
the problem of death. No physical exercises are necessary; there are no
drugs to swallow and no blind faith to cultivate. The mystery of life and
death is solved easily with the help of a Master-Saint, who will give you
an experience of the process and put you on the highway to the inner
realms. Even when acting indirectly through an authorized agent, he still
remains the responsible power. Distance is immaterial to the Masters.

What is there to be gained by this process ? This cannot be described in
words. At the time of Initiation, the aspirant sees the real Light within
him, whereas normally the inner eye iscovered by a thick veil of darkness.
He then realizes that the tradition of the lighted candle found in churches
and temples is to remind him of the Divine Light of Heaven within. This
Light grows to the radiance of several suns put together as he advances on
the Way. He understands that the unceasing internal Sound he contacts
within is the Divine Link called 'Word' by Christ, 'Kalma' and
'Nida-i-Asmani' in the Quran, 'Nad' in the Vedas, 'Udgit' in the
Upanishads, 'Sarosha' by the Zoroastrians and 'Naam and Shabd' by the
Saints and Masters. In time, he meets the Master within, talks to him face
to face and is henceforth certain of his grace, guidance and protection
wherever he may go, even to the other end of the world. With such evident
proofs before him, he is now confident of himself and of the Science. Only
then can he be called a theist in the true sense of the word and can smile
at those who talk of religion as a fool's paradise, a phantom conjured up
by crafty priests, and the opium of the masses. He has found a sure ingress
through the doorway of heaven in this life, and is on the threshold of
viewing, both internally and externally, the secrets of Nature. He is
verily 'knocking at the door of heaven' or 'tapping inside'. Words of
opposition cannot shake his faith in the Science as the Master guides him
onward. Death becomes a voluntary process. Past, present and future merge
into one, and he grasps the incontestable Truth, the essence of Being, in
the palm of his hand. Liberated from the body, which now appears as a husk
without the kernel, he knows that he is 'Soul', an inseparable part of the
Eternal Spirit, and so he presses onwards to his original source. The world
appears as a dream to him, but under the instructions from his Master, he
returns to his mundane life, wise and fearless in the discharge of his
duties.

     Preliminary Qualifications for an Aspirant on the Way

Just as in any other science, certain preliminary qualifications are
required before much progress can be made. Married life, hard work or a
poor environment are no bar. It does not count in your favour that you may
hold a high position or possess immense wealth. Neither does membership of
a particular faith serve as a recommendation. Wherever he may be, a man
must strive for nobility of character, self-control and purity of heart.
Purity of heart in thought, word and deed is essential. 'Blessed are the
pure in heart for they shall see God'. An ethical life is a stepping-stone
to Spirituality, but Spirituality is, however, not just ethical living.
This we must always bear in mind.

We can divide man's life into (i) diets and (ii) his dealings with others.
With regard to diet, vegetarianism and teetotalism are essential. 'Thou
shalt not kill', and 'Live and let live', should be our principles in life.
The body is the temple of God and is a sacred place. We are not to neglect
or abuse it, but should take the best possible care to properly maintain
it. All intoxicants are also to be avoided as they make us morbid and of
shaky consciousness. With regard to our dealings with others, we should sow
the seed of kindness in order to reap its fruit. Love and humility are most
necessary. 'Do unto others as you would wish they should do unto you'.
'Love, and all blessing shall be added unto you'. 'Love thine enemy and do
good to them that despitefully use you'. God is immanent in every form and
whoever loves God, must love God's Creation. To love God is to love all
humanity. We should also earn our living by the sweat of our brow and share
with others. These are not empty sayings, but very wise and sound advice.

     Karmas (Actions and Deeds)

Each thought, each word and each deed has to be accounted and compensated
for in Nature. Every cause has an effect and every action brings about a
reaction. Uproot the cause and the effect disappears. This has been done by
the Masters who have transcended these laws, but all others are bound by
the bonds of Karma, which is the root-cause of physical existence and the
clever device of Nature to maintain this existence. The law of Karma sees
to it that we are paid an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, in the
shape of joy or suffering. It is the goading whip in the hidden hands of
Nature. The mind contracts Karma, puts a covering on the soul and rules the
body through the organs and the senses. Although it is the soul that
imparts strength to the mind, the latter has assumed sovereignty and is
governing the soul instead. Control of the mind, therefore, is the first
step to Spirituality. Victory over the mind is victory over the world. Even
accomplished Yogis and Mystics who can transcend to high spiritual realms
are not left untouched by the hand of Karma.

Saints classify Karmas into three distinct groups, as follows:

   * Sanchit (stored): Good or bad deeds that stand to our account as
     earned and contracted in all previous bodies of the order of Creation,
     counting from the day of the first appearance of life on earth. Alas!
     Man knows nothing about them or their extent.
   * Prarabdha (Fate or Destiny): The result and effect of which has
     brought man into his present body and has to be paid off in this life.
     The reactions of these Karmas come to us unexpectedly and unperceived
     and we have no control over them whatsoever. Good or bad, we have to
     tolerate or bear this Karma laughing or weeping, as it happens to suit
     us.
   * Kriyaman (Account of our actions and deeds in the present body): This
     is distinct from the above mentioned two groups, as here, man is free
     to do exactly as he pleases within certain limits. Knowingly or
     unknowingly, deeds committed and coming under this heading bear fruit.
     The result of some of these we reap before we die and the residue is
     transferred to the Sanchit storehouse.

Karma is the cause of rebirth, and each birth is in turn followed by death.
Thus the cycle of enjoyment and suffering, which are concomitants of birth
and death, continues. 'As you think, so you become', is an unalterable Law
of Nature, owing to which this Universe exists. No amount of integrity or
genius can absolve a man so long as there is the slightest trace of Karma.
Ignorance of the Law is no excuse, and though there may be some concession
or relaxation with man-made laws under special circumstances, there is no
such allowance made for this in Nature's Laws. Prayer, confession and
atonement may give temporary mental relief but they cannot overcome Karma.
All Karma must be wiped out completely before permanent salvation can be
had.

Disturbed by these facts, Man seeks solace in deep pious doctrines, or when
he comes to know that both good and bad deeds are fetters--one of gold, the
other of ironhe turns to Renuciation. Different faiths promise relief but
he soon finds out that this is only temporary. How then does a Master
approach this problem ? At the time of Initiation, the Master begins the
process of winding up all Karmas of the initiate. He gives him a contact
with the Sound Current, by practising which the Sanchit account is burnt
away. The process is similar to putting a handful of seeds in a pan and
placing them on a fire, which then causes the seeds to puff up and lose
their property of growing again. Then the Kriyaman account is dealt with.
After warning his disciples to guard against opening any new account of bad
deeds, the Master grants a general clemency in respect of past deeds, part
of which the disciple has already settled in this life up to the time of
Initiation. He is enjoined to lead a clean life and to weed out all
imperfections in him by self-introspection from day to day. The Prarabdha
Karma is not touched by Saints because this is the cause of the physical
body, which would vanish due to the interference with Nature's Laws. Thus a
very small amount of Karma now remains to be tolerated in the physical body
for the remaining years of the disciple's life, but even this is softened
bit the grace of the Master. The law of grace works wonders and a devotee,
who out of loving devotion, reposes all his hopes in the Master, passes off
unscathed from the pinching effects of the reactions of past Karmas. In
moments of misery, worry ancl trouble, the Master is our refuge. He acts
unperceived at any distance. Just as a mother of a sick child holds the
child securely in her lap during an operation so that it does not feel any
pain, so too the Master holds us in his loving embrace. Out of their
abundance of sympathy, love and kindness, the Saints at times take upon
their own shoulders some Karmic sufferings of their disciples through the
Law of Sympathy. There is no court of trial after death for a devoted
disciple. Tllc Master is all in all for him.

Why does a Master-Saint take all this on himself? Because he inherits his
merciful nature frm God above, who commissions him to personally distribute
this treasure of rnercy. Thus, the Master is honoured like God. Sant-Mat
has volumes of books written in praise of the Mastcrs, and if just as many
more books were to be written, it would hardly do justice to the vastness
of their love and kindness.

Time casts its heavy shadow over man. He has to toil hard to keep pace with
the changing times. So deeply is he absorbed in his external needs and
desires that he forgets all about contentment, sympathy and love. Entangled
and surrounded by the 'Deadly Five'lust, anger, greed, attachment and
vanityhe stumbles and cries out to the Unseen for help. Heaven's mercy is
stirred and as times stiffen, the Almighty extends His help through the
Masters more and more lavishly. Such is the case in this Kali Yugathe Iron
Age.

It is indeed very hard to believe that anyone can be above the five
passions mentioned above, and that he can enter the Kingdom of Heaven
during his lifetime. All mankind is under the control of these five and
only a Master can save a man from their clutches. We all demand reliable
proof before committing ourselves, and this is given by a Master in the
shape of an experience of the life impulse, or Naam (the Word), and some
inner vision. Contact with a Master is essential. Those who keep aloof and
depend on themselves or rely on tradition and priestsequally ignorant as
themselvesare deprived of contact with this Power, and as the saying goes,
'When the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch'.

Indifference, non-acceptance or disbelief will not be to our advantage when
Nature enforces its Universal Ordinance--Death. Our position will be that
of a pigeon who, on seeing a cat approaching, shuts its eyes and believes
that the cat cannot then molest it, but in a few seconds, the poor bird is
in the powerful jaws of the cat. It is then too late to think of escape. So
be alert while there is yet time!

     Spirituality

Perhaps it will not be out of place to explain here the meaning of the term
'Spirituality', which is often confused with blind faith in sacred books, a
display of miracles, psychic phenomena, or Yogic powers. Spirituality is an
inner experience and its alphabet begins where all philosophy and Yoga
practices end. It is the experience of the soul. When one says, "I am the
body", it is a feeling based on the intellect and is defined as ignorance.
When he says "I am not the body, I am an awakened soul", it is learnt
knowledge or theory only; but when he gets an actual experience of the soul
by self-analysis and contacts the Overself, it is called Spirituality. The
first practical lesson commences when there is a complete withdrawal from
the physical body through the kindness of a practical Master. No one can
withdraw and separate himself from the physical body unaided. If anyone
claims otherwise and thinks that he can, he but deceives himself. All
attempts without the assistance of a Master, who alone is qualified to
impart this experience, will end in failure. Masters come to distribute
this treasure of spiritual blessings to seekers after Truth. Spirituality
cannot be bought nor taught, but it can be caught by contact with spiritual
people. Moreover, Nature's gifts, such as air, water, light etc., are free.
Spirituality is also Nature's gift and is also given free by the Masters.
Likewise, Spirituality cannot be acquired from books, which is a fact all
sacred scriptures uphold. Books are a valuable record of the inner
experiences of others in Spirituality. They fill up gaps in history and
contain messages from past Masters, which help us to verify the facts
revealed by a Living Master, thus confirming our faith in the Science. Man
is confused by the various translations, interpretations and expositions,
each different from the other, which instead of relieving his mind, tend
rather to bewilder and confuse him. His egoism too has created hundreds of
religious circles, whose aim is aloofness and narrow orthodoxy instead of
love, and insularity instead of integration. Torn between conflicting
emotions, men develop hatred and think of war.

For an understanding of the Science of the Masters, we attend Satsang,
where the majority of our doubts are cleared. Direct answers from the
Master will help to remove any remaining doubts. All questions receive the
same calm consideration and no arguments are offered. Rich or poor, high or
low, all receive equal attention in the same manner as a doctor should
attend to the sick. A true Master views a man's rights and wrongs as
clearly as one sees the contents of a glass jar, but he reveals nothing.
Sitting before him, even those who do not understand his language are
benefitted, just as one in a perfumer's shop enjoys the smell of sweet
scents. The Master showers blessings through his looks, which the eager
ones catch. His eyes are a wonderful spray of love.

     Criterion to judge a Genuine Master

Do not judge a Master by his external appearance, genealogical descent,
rich or poor attire, country of origin, how he talks, eats, or the position
he holds, the number of books that he is the author of, or by what people
say about him. First receive the inner experience he promises and then
judge from that elevated angle of vision. Self-experience is the criterion
for judging a genuine Master. Any living person who sees things from a
spiritual level - man and his embarrassments, difficulties and
helplessnessand who has studied the problems confronting humanity can
provide their solutions, and is also able to correct and guide man visibly
and invisibly, morally and spiritually, in theory as well as in practice.
Only such a person is fit to take the responsible position of a Master.
Blessed are those who experience a stirring emotion of happiness and
longing in their hearts, on hearing the news that such a Master exists and
is near.

Spirituality is a science simpler and easier than other sciences. Man has
not to exert except in moulding himself ethically and morally to the climax
of love, sincerity and humility, which will produce the necessary state of
receptivity in him. Everything else is in the hands of the Master. Again, a
movement, no matter how spiritual it may appear to be on the surface,
should not be judged by the number of followers that it has. A good speaker
can attract crowds anywhere, yet there may not be anything material or
convincing in his speech. Spirituality is not the exclusive possession of
any family or place, but it is like a scented flower that grows wherever
Nature has ordained, around which the bees gather from far and wide to sip
its nectar. Masters do not rush after glory of self, although they
certainly deserve such glory. Even in ordinary talks, they will be heard to
say, "Oh, it is all the grace of my Master. It is none of my doing. My
Master deserves all the praise and credit." This humility places them far
above the low level of egoism found in this world.

Masters have come in all ages to offer this Natural Science to man. Only
those who are discontented with this world rush to them. Others to whom
worldly attractions, pleasures and luxuries are dear, turn their backs.
Those in whose hearts all noble sentiments are dead, not only put all
possible obstacles in the way of the Saints, but also subject them to
various kinds of tortures, as a study of the lives of Jesus, Guru Nanak,
Kabir and others will show. Masters have come in the past, are existing
today, and will continue to come in the future for the spiritual benefit of
rnan. To suppose and accept that Spirituality has become the sole
prerogative of any religion after the passing of the Master, on whose
teachings it is based, and that sacred books are the only guide, shows the
thoughtlessness of man.

How can we distinguish between a genuine and a false Master ? There is in
fact no such testing stone or magical formula except that of
self-experience, for discriminating right from wrong, truth from falsehood,
and reality from unreality. Even in the time of Emperor Janak (the father
of Sita of the Ramayana), who was prepared to pay a big fee for the
theoretical knowledge of this Science, only one, Yagyavalkya, out of all
the Rishis, Yogis and Munis in India, was able to do so and won the prize.
Yagyavalkya, however, had the moral courage to admit, "Gargi, I know the
theory only but have no personal experience of it." On a second occasion,
Emperor Janak proclaimed that he wanted a practical experience of this
Science on a certain date, and that in a very short time too, not exceeding
the time taken to straddle a horse and put each foot in its stirrup. Great
Yogis and Rishis throughout the length and breadth of India were invited,
but at the appointed time only one person stepped forward to accept the
challenge. This was a hunchback named Ashtavakra, who had eight humps in
his body. The audience, taking him for a maniac, laughed aloud at his
appearance. Ashtavakra said, "How can you expect to get a spiritual
experience from these cobblers you have collected, who have eyes only for
the skin of the body but cannot see within ?" The experience was duly given
to the Emperor within the allotted time. The point to consider is that at
the time when Spirituality was thriving, only one person came forward to
accept the challenge. In these times then, when materialism is on the
increase, we do not find competent Masters growing like mushrooms. So
search we must, not allowing false propaganda, the testimony of others,
blind faith, the promise of future happiness, and our regard for position,
wealth and pleasure, to lead us astray. When such personalities come, they
are competent to give life to millions of people who go to them. They are
the children of Light, and give Light to all humanity.

Blind faith is one of the main obstacles to overcome. What we simply listen
to, read or follow without investigating as to what and where it will lead
to, is blind faith. If one is careless to forget the end while following
the means, and does not see whether he is nearing the end or not, it is
still blind faith. When one goes to a Master and listens attentively to the
explanations given by Him on the subject of gaining Self-knowledge by
self-analysis, duly supported by one or more quotations from the valuable
sayings of various Saints, he is intellectually convinced to tread the path
as an experimental measure and act up to what the Master says with faith
for the time being. This is the first stepping-stone to learn about
Reality. When he has the first-hand experience, of whatever degree it may
be, he is convinced and progresses from day to day. Today, man listens to
talks, lectures and sermons, accepts and believes these all his life and
takes for granted that he has been placed firmly on the way to salvation.
But when death comes with all its sufferings, pangs of separation and fears
of the unknown, he realizes his mistake. Man's life-long habit of
attachment to the body, occupies all his thoughts, while friends, doctors,
relatives and priests stand by helpless and despairing.

It is here that the Science of Para-Vidya is of great help to us. The
soul's withdrawal from the body is greatly eased and the Master appears to
receive and guide it further in the Beyond. Death is to such a one the
happiest of events, and like marriage, it is the union with the Beloved. He
has already visited and convinced himself of the superiority of the higher
regions and traverses the familiar territory without fear. My Master, Hazur
Baba Sawan Singh Ji, when impressing the need of spiritual practices on his
disciples, used to say to them, "Go to see a disciple dying to become
convinced." Saints believe in salvation during one's lifetime and not in
salvation after death. This is indeed a simple and easy science, and the
disciple should never rest content with his Initiation without spiritual
experience. He should then devote regular time to the spiritual practices
and the Master must be regularly informed of his progress. He should
constantly seek the guidance of his Master personally or by letter, without
entertaining thoughts that he is bothering him. The Master knows by
intuition how each disciple is faring and can remove most of his
difficulties by thought transference or other means, but he wishes any
difficulties in progress to be brought to his notice in writing.

The ancient path of Surat Shabd Yoga or Para Vidya, is one that can be
followed by men, women and children of all ages without any difficulty,
unlike other ways, which involve complicated, strenuous exercises, and
control of the breath. These, at the most, lead to a slight control over
the self and a few paltry powers. The latter methods also require a strong
physique and a rich diet. As such, they are condemned by tte Masters as
unsuited to this age, and as involving physical dangers to the body.

     The Science

In the physical body, two main currents are working that control life, one
a motor current (breathing or prana), and the other a sensory current,
which may also be called 'attention' or surat. The Masters ignore the
former so that the breathing is not interfered with and the life process
goes on. The sensory current ramifies throughout the entire body, but its
main centre lies between and behind the two eyebrows, along with the mind.
We have to withdraw the sensory current or the Spirit to Its centre.

     Initiation

The mind will not allow man to have knowledge of the soul. Its nature is to
seek pleasure and its constant fluctuations are difficult to subdue.
Attuning one's self with the internal Sound Current is the best way to calm
the mind and practise concentration. It does not matter what school of
thought or society a man may belong to. He has not to convert himself and
can remain where he is. There are no hard and fast rules, no rituals, no
ceremonies, no pomp and show, no offering of gifts, not even of flowers.
All that a disciple has to do is to enter inside and henceforth consider
the body as his laboratory. With regard to the theory, he has to understand
the following, which is briefly the pith of what he will hear at Satsangs:

   * The Master is not the body, he is the Power functioning through the
     body and uses it to teach and guide man in much the same way as a
     spirit uses a medium. Only in bodily form will the disciple be able to
     recognize his Master in the higher regions and here on earth.
   * The Master is 'Shabd', 'Word', 'Naad', etc., all of which refer to the
     God-into-Expression Power of Light and Sound Principle. By having a
     contact with this Power, man is led back to his true Home.
   * For the sake of those who are disillusioned with life, and who yearn
     for permanent happiness and peace away from the world and its worries,
     the Word assumes a body to afford them solace. Christ said, 'Word was
     made flesh and dwelt amongst us'. Once a disciple contacts this Word
     (which is done at the time of Initiation by the Master), the audible
     form of this Word resides within never leaves him, and even after the
     end of man's physical existence on earth. It will go with him and stay
     with him until he achieves the final goal. The Word is also known as
     the Voice of God or the Sound Current, and is the Life impulse given
     by the Master at the time of Initiation. It may be heard as a sound
     coming from a distance and gradually develops into such sweetness that
     no music on earth can excel it. It is the Water of Life, the Spring of
     Immortality, the Elixir of Life, the Nectar of spirituality, etc.,
     that are spoken of in holy books.
   * Man has an inner eye with which he can see within himself all the
     higher regions, when the veil is rent asunder by a competent living
     Master. In this state, he remains perfectly conscious and undergoes
     amazing experiences. To ascend to the higher regions without a
     competent Master is fraught with dangers.

     Simran

The repetition of the holy names is given to the disciple at the time of
Initiation as a guard against all dangers. It acts also as a password to
all spiritual planes, gives strength and sustenance to the body and mind
during trouble and afflictions, brings the soul nearer to the Master, is
instrumental in achieving concentration, and imparts many other diverse
powers. Simran taught by a so-called Msster is merely a number of words.
But these very words become electrified when charged with the attention and
grace of a real Master.

Initiation commences with the explanation and description of the inner
spiritual regions and the way in which the path is to be pursued. The
opening of the inner vision to see the inner regions, with their distinct
heavenly lights, together with the contact with the Divine Link or Sound
Principle, constitutes the practical side of Initiation. Daily practice of
these combined with Simran, is meditation. In addition to this, the Master
gives instructions on pure and simple living, the need of devoting regular
time to the practices, and other words of sound advice. The whole ceremony
takes from two to three hours. Diaries of one's spiritual progress must be
kept and the mistakes of old and new disciples are corrected from time to
time to ensure progress.

     Miracles

Master-Saints never show any miracles to a disciple except in rare cases
due to special circumstances. Miracles are in accordance with the laws of
Nature but are nevertheless terribly entangling webs detrimental to the
highest ideals of man in his approach to Almighty God. It is a subject that
an ordinary man would not care to study, for the simple reason that it
requires immense self-control and training of the mind, with restrictions
that he would not like to tolerate or pursue. The miraculous powers
achieved after a lengthy period of time are instrumental in doing both good
and harm, and as they are utilized more for harm than anything else, they
are termed as a disease by all truly spiritual persons. The Masters are in
possession of Supreme Power but their mission is sacred A disciple whose
inner vision has been opened, sees any number of miracles at each step. To
hesitate to believe in a Master without seeing miracles is as foolish as
our refusal to believe that a certain person is a multi-millionaire unless
he shows us his money. He may have all his money deposited in a bank and
like to spend it in the way that he chooses, without caring for public
applause or approval. Out of an audience of several thousands watching a
magician perform his tricks, only a very small number would thereby be
induced to learn the art. Those who are anxious to see miracles are not
true seekers.

     General

Today, the world is crying out for a better understanding, for peace and
freedom from conflict. This Science of self-analysis that reveals the
Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God, is the remedy which can
reconstruct a healthy culture and propagate harmony between man and man. He
who claims to love the invisible God but has no regard or love for his
visible fellow man, is lost indeed. To love, revere and feel grateful to
our fellow man is to love and revere God. So too, the love for the visible
Master, our closest connecting link with God, is in reality love for the
Supreme Father. We should therefore try to measure the depth of God's mercy
and grace through a Master-Saint, who is God's visible representative. It
has Spirituality as its end and is not idolatry. The atmosphere in which
such a genuine Master moves is charged with currents of peace and love
which affect those who come into contact with Him. Even letters written by
or on behalf of Him carry currents of ecstasy that influence the innermost
recesses of the heart.

Guru precedes God. Such a person was Master Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji
Maharaj who remained with his disciples for a great number of years and
now, even after He has left the body, still watches over his loved ones and
also those who contacted Him once with love and sincerity in their hearts.
Love knows no law and He is still appearing in His radiant form, even on
lower spiritual planes, for their sake. Not one, but hundreds can testify
to what ignorant people would call an illusion. On the physical plane, He
is still showering His blessings through His medium at Ruhani Satsang,
Sawan Ashram, who now in turn guides men in all spiritual matters. One bulb
is fused and is replaced by another. The same Power works and the same
Light now shines from a new bulb. All who approach the Master get positive
experiences and anybody who wishes to avail himself of such a golden
opportunity has only to contact the Master and his wishes will be
fulfilled, his heart will overflow with happiness, and his weary shoulders
will be relieved of their burden of cares and worries.

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