From jamesjs@unixg.ubc.ca Wed Apr 29 02:00:31 1998
Newsgroups: alt.meditation.shabda
Subject: How to Develop Receptivity
From: jamesjs@unixg.ubc.ca (James Shannon)
Date: 29 Apr 1998 09:00:31 GMT





                        HOW TO DEVELOP RECEPTIVITY

                                   by 

                          Sant Kirpal Singh Ji
      
                              (1894 - 1974)                           
                   
                
                 How to Develop Receptivity was issued in 
                 five parts between 1969 and 1973, on the 
                 dates indicated in the text. The first 
                 three parts were published in a pamphlet 
                 called "Receptivity," in February 1970, 
                 and the last two were issued separately.
                 ---------------------------------------



                                  I

                      The Need for Receptivity 

                                                        
                                                        June 13, 1969

   Dear ones: Over the past two years, the foreign correspondence has 
almost doubled and the time which I have to take to attend to it has 
increased correspondingly. Over the same period of time, my commitments 
here in India have also greatly increased.
   
   Much of the time that I spend in doing the foreign correspondence could 
be saved if the Representatives and Group Leaders played a greater part in 
looking after the areas and individual Satsangs for which they are 
responsible. By giving due consideration to their responsibilities and by 
setting a good example, the causes that prompt the dear ones to write 
numerous letters to me on routine matters concerning the running of 
Satsang affairs would be avoided. In addition, the majority of the basic 
questions asked by those non-initiates who are interested in the Teachings 
of the Masters as well as by initiates could and should be dealt with by 
the Group Leaders, who can answer from their own level or by referring the 
questioner to one or the other of the books written by me. I have written 
books on almost all phases of Spirituality, which contain the answers to 
most of the questions that non-initiates or those already put on the Way 
may care to ask, but still letters keep coming in asking questions which 
could be answered by giving a proper study to the books.
   
   The time has come for all Group Leaders and Representatives to evaluate 
their position and be ready to assume larger responsibilities than they 
have hitherto carried out. They should have sufficient knowledge of the 
Teachings to be able to answer most questions on the Path and also deal
with questions asked on comparative religions, with special reference to 
the Bible, when compared to the Surat Shabd Yoga. If a Group Leader 
believes that he/she cannot answer a particular question or solve a 
particular situation, the matter may be referred to the Representative 
for reply. If a Representative believes that he/she cannot deal with it
honestly, only then should it be referred to me.
   
   I should also like to say a few words about the numerous personal 
problems which the dear ones refer to me for a solution to their 
difficulties. While I am happy to give the right guidance, it should also 
be remembered that those initiated by me are looked after by the gracious 
Master Power working overhead, Who is ever with His children and can solve 
all of their problems if they but put themselves in a receptive mood. In 
this regard an application of sound common sense together with a calm 
consideration of the facts can work wonders in developing receptivity to 
the Master Power. Receptivity is the key which can not only solve your 
material difficulties, but also unlock the Kingdom of Heaven within you.
   
   At the time of Initiation, the Master imparts His own life impulse. 
When we remember Him, He remembers us, with all His heart and soul. He is 
not the body. He is the Word made flesh. To get the full benefit of the 
Master Power, the disciple must develop receptivity. It is impossible to 
develop receptivity until implicit obedience is given to the commandments 
of the Master. When you pay heed to the Master's Words, then that is a 
sign that you are growing in love for Him, and the more you grow in love 
for Him, the more receptivity you will develop.
   
   At this time, I should also like to clarify certain misunderstandings 
on Initiation. Some experience of the Light and Sound is always given, 
whether little or great, depending on the background of the person being 
initiated. It sometimes happens that a man is tense at this time and so
reduces his receptivity to the gracious Master Power working overhead. 
The best results are achieved when the person being initiated is relaxed 
and quite fresh and buoyant. However, too much emphasis is placed on the 
initial experience received at the time of holy Initiation. It is the first
sign that God's grace has descended on a soul when that person receives 
Initiation from a Living Master. Such-like people who are connected to 
the Word or Naam Power are most fortunate. It is through the grace of God 
alone that one is initiated. The greatest service that a disciple can
render to the Master is to become a fit receptacle so that he can be 
attuned to the Naam Power to which he has been connected. However, this 
takes time. The spiritual Path is a difficult one and requires a rigorous 
self-discipline. We must forever be on the alert against anything that 
draws us away from the Path. We must carry out the Master's instructions 
to the very letter and devote regular time to meditation. We must learn 
to overcome self-love, which is a fire that consumes and destroys, and 
learn to cultivate love for God, which is a fire that purges and purifies.
   
   Initiation also means that one is accepted by the Master to enter the 
College of Spirituality. It is not by any means a graduation. To give you 
a worldly example, when a student is accepted by a university for a 
course of study, he is generally overjoyed at the mere acceptance. He does 
not immediately go to the President and demand his graduation certificate. 
He knows that he must work hard at his studies in order to pass the 
intermediate and final examinations before he can be called a graduate. 
If he does not apply himself, then he should not be surprised if he fails 
in his examinations. After passing his final examination, the student is 
then rewarded with a degree which entitles him to undertake post-graduate 
studies.
   
   If one has to put in so much hard work to obtain worldly knowledge, then 
how much harder should he expect to work and discipline himself in order 
to make himself worthy to receive that which the Master wishes to bestow 
on him.
   
   Until such time as the disciple begins to develop within and enjoy 
contact with the Inner Master, he must of necessity have firm faith in the 
Outer Master. The Master does not disclose all of His greatness at once, 
but only in proportion as an aspirant shows his keenness and makes progress 
on the Path, just as a student, when he advances in his studies, gets to 
know little by little something of the ability of his teacher. Similarly, 
the Master starts just like an ordinary teacher and imparts instructions 
as any friend or well-wisher would do. In the course of time, He 
demonstrates the authority of a Master and is finally seen to be embedded 
in Sat or Truth as Satguru. At this stage, He and God appear to be merged 
in one another and there is no difference between them.
   
   Finally, Initiation does not mean that life will be a bed of roses for 
the disciple. In the task of self purification, physical and mental 
suffering play their part. Who is there that does not suffer at some time 
of his life? After Initiation, the process of lightening the load holding 
the soul in bondage is started. This process can be gone through speedily 
and happily if the disciple keeps sweet remembrance of the Master in his 
heart and endeavors to remain jolly in his spirits. As the disciple 
advances on the Path, he is given spiritual strength, and outer adversities 
lose their pinching effect.
   
   I wish you all speedy progress on the Way and, side by side with your 
own spiritual development, let the Light shining in each one of you be a 
source of inspiration to your fellow man.
   
   I hope that this Circular Letter will inspire you all to greater effort, 
so that by the time I come among you, God willing, you will derive greater 
benefit from the Physical Presence of the Master.
   
   
                       With all love and best wishes,
                                  
                          Yours affectionately,
                                  
                              KIRPAL SINGH


---------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   II

                      On Sadachar, the Righteous Life


                                                        November 5, 1969

Dear ones: In my Circular Letter of June 13, it was explained in detail 
what is the responsibility of each and every initiate, the true meaning 
of Initiation, and the life to be led by one who wishes to progress on 
the Path.
   
   In continuation, I should like to say a few words on Sadachar or the 
righteous life, without which one cannot sit in the quiet of his own self 
and, with concentrated attention, pierce through the inner darkness.
   
   To achieve true spiritual progress, one must lead "the good life," I 
may even say a "God-like life," before much inner progress can be made. At 
the same time, one must be fully dutiful to regular meditations, as both 
are essential. To lead a good life without devoting time to one's spiritual
practices will not raise the attention to the seat of the soul. Similarly, 
devoting hours to meditation without eliminating bad habits and cultivating 
good ones in their place will not get one anywhere. Purity of life is 
essential for fruitful meditations.
   
   What is "the good life?" It is to have good thoughts, good words and 
good deeds. Sadachar is a life of continued rightness from beginning to end. 
It is for each initiate to occasionally pause and introspect as to how far 
he has succeeded in molding his life in accordance with the commandments of 
the Master. We talk of God, hear of God, and read of God, but we seldom 
practice God in our daily life. It is the practice of the Presence of God 
that matters and we can only have the awareness of this Presence by leading 
a God-like life; there are no short cuts on the way back to God.
   
   Truth is higher than everything but higher still is true living. Truth 
and true living are not exclusive of each other but go together; one 
supplements the other and their combination forms the God-like life. One 
who practices true living will always earn his living by the sweat of his 
brow and feed himself and his family on rightly procured foods consisting 
of fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals and permitted dairy products. 
Furthermore, he will be honest and above-board in his dealings with others. 
These three aspects of conduct are indispensable aids to true living. One 
can gauge his or her spiritual progress by the measure of conscious control 
that he or she has over their thought pattern. One who has in some measure 
achieved this control will not be swayed or upset by outer conditions, 
stresses and strains that his environment may place on him. If one cannot 
rise above, be in full control of, and handle with ease, the circumstances 
of his outer environment, he will never be able to succeed in the way of 
spirituality.
   
   So the important thing is to first learn to handle your outer 
environment, consisting of your home and/or work life. We are to be judged 
by our actions and not by our words. It is from the abundance of our heart 
that all actions result, whether physical, emotional or intellectual. The 
mind is an index and reflecting mirror and it truly depicts one's inner 
state. A measure of success in how well you are succeeding in handling your 
outer environment will be a gradual awareness that you are becoming the 
master of your own thoughts. It is to achieve this success that I
introduced the self introspective diaries.
   
   How many really keep their diaries properly? Very few, if any, I am 
sorry to say. If the diaries were to be taken advantage of, you would see 
a change in your behavior, your mode of thinking, and consequently, you 
would progress spiritually by leaps and bounds. The purpose of the diary 
is to reflect your own inner state, so that you know where you stand. It is 
a tool which, if used properly, will chisel you into a receptacle fit for 
the manifestation of the Master within you. You should put just as much 
devotion and attention into keeping your diary as you put into your 
meditations. The following points will give you the right understanding on 
the sublime purpose behind and benefits to be had from keeping the diary:
                                                                   
   (1) When, at the end of the day, you recall your failures in thought, 
word and deed, in which direction will your mind be turned? Naturally, it 
will go to the One who has asked you to keep it. So keeping the diary is 
also remembrance of the Master; you are saying something to Him. If you 
remember Him, well, He remembers you, and in time, you will develop 
receptivity to Him wherever you may be. There can be no true spiritual 
progress without receptivity, and the daily maintenance of the diary with 
full attention and a true yearning to be freed from the lapses which are 
recorded therein goes a long way to developing this receptivity.
      
   (2) In the Christian religion, I understand that those who wish may make 
a confession of their lapses before a priest. They may go once a month or 
weekly, but generally not more often than once a week. But by keeping the 
diaries, you are making a confession every day. Let your confessions be 
honestly and openly recorded in the various columns, so that you know where 
you stand and can take rectifying action. The best and easiest way to cure
your ills is to yearn to be free of them and, as mentioned above, to have 
sweet remembrance of the Master at the time you are filling in your diary.
      
   (3) Last and just as important as the foregoing, keeping the diary 
should not be allowed to stagnate into a mere recording of failures, which 
tends to become mechanical if done with little or no attention. The true 
purpose of putting these failures down in front of you is to make yourself 
aware of them so that they may be weeded out. To weed them out, it is not 
sufficient to cut off one or two branches, you must uproot the cause. Once 
you become aware of a failure, you should be able to trace it to a certain
situation, and this situation will help you to identify the cause of the 
weakness in you that has to be strengthened. By and by, the very cause of 
the failure will drop off by itself.

   Another important aspect of "the good life" concerns outer behavior, 
which should be natural to the society into which one is born; no acting or 
posing is required. There are some dear ones who believe that they should 
adopt the outer symbols of dress and name that characterize the society into 
which the Master is born, in the belief that this is pleasing to Him. The 
life of the spirit does not call for conversion to outer modes of living 
in name, appearance or apparel. The Masters do not come to make or unmake
social orders. Their mission is just to fulfill the law of God, which is to 
redeem His lost children. They simply ask us to convert ourselves inwardly, 
to be poor in spirit and pure at heart. We should cultivate true humility, 
which is neither servile nor assertive. These are the things that will 
please the Master and make us receptive to the gracious Master Power working 
overhead. If you live a life of humility and simplicity, you will have peace 
of mind. After all, what is there on earth that belongs to you? Why be 
attached to the vanities of the world when the treasures of divinity lie
within you? If you live for God, all things shall work out in your best 
interests, not only spiritually but also materially. This is the 
fundamental law of God and can be realized by all who will practice true 
living.
   
   The reward of true living will be that you will become receptive to the 
Master Power working over your head. No real progress can be had unless 
this receptivity is developed. By receptivity a disciple is cast into the 
same mold as the Master, but before one can become receptive, he must have 
right understanding. This is given either by word of mouth by the Master 
at the Satsangs conducted personally by Him or through His writings in the 
form of the many books and circular letters to those who live afar. Right
understanding by word of mouth or through His writings constitutes only 
one third of the teachings of the Master; the other two thirds are 
achieved through developing receptivity. Christ said, "I am the vine, ye 
are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth 
forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
   
   The first sign that a branch is receptive to the life-giving sap that 
rises in the body of the vine will be blossoms, and the second, the fruit 
that it will bear. If a branch cuts itself off from the sap, then...? It 
will become but a dead piece of wood, fit only for the pruning shears of 
the gardener. The vine gets its food through its roots which are intertwined 
and embedded in the nutriment-giving soil. Therefore, the branch that is 
receptive or attached to the body of the vine gets the same food. 
Similarly, the Master's roots are embedded and intertwined in the Godhead. 
So the disciple who is attached to, or becomes receptive to, the Master 
can not only be fed by the life-giving sap of the Master but can actually 
pass through His roots until he too becomes embedded or intertwined in 
the Godhead, and this can only be done by developing receptivity. To 
attempt to gain the Godhead without being receptive to the Master Power 
is fraught with danger. Maulana Rumi says, "Do not go within without the 
Master, as there are many dangers inside." If one should happen to rise 
above body consciousness without being receptive to the Master Power, he
will become hopelessly lost in the lower astral planes and runs a great 
risk of being deceived by the many manifestations of the Negative Power. 
There have been instances where even great Rishis have fallen because 
they relied on their own power to carry them over the dangers that abound
in the inner regions.
   
   So receptivity is important for success in all phases of life, both 
mundane and spiritual, and it can be achieved by following the right 
understanding given above. First, one must lead a God-like life; second, 
the spiritual diaries must be maintained in the accurate way as already 
explained, and third, you must learn to develop receptivity. If you succeed
in the first two, the third will follow of itself.
   
                    With all love and best wishes,

                         Yours affectionately,

                              KIRPAL SINGH


----------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  III

                       To Succeed in Man-Making


                                                        January 27, 1970
                                   
Dear ones: The recent increase in correspondence received here indicates 
that the many books written by me, in addition to the Circular Letters 
issued over the past two years, especially those dated June 13 and November 
5, 1969, have not been read, appreciated and digested by the dear ones. 
This is confirmed by the contents of the letters written to me by most of 
the initiates, which bring up the same questions and problems which had 
been answered in previous letters, or could have been answered by a proper
study of the books and circulars already referred to.
   
   My Circular Letters should be read again and again, both at Satsangs 
and individually. Again, I should like to stress that the Circular Letters, 
dated June 13 and November 5, give the right understanding and guidance 
for all situations, and any problems or difficulties that may be encountered  
in the day to day living of the initiates. You must put this right 
understanding into actual practice if you wish to succeed in the task of 
man-making, which you alone can do. The more you succeed in this way, the 
more receptivity you will develop to the Master Power within you. The 
Circular Letters mentioned above should be given to every new initiate, to 
give impetus to their Initiation. To give further help and encouragement 
on the Way, my new book Morning Talks will soon be available for general
distribution. This book, which covers most aspects of Spirituality, is a 
God-given spiritual textbook to which all initiates should constantly refer 
to see how they are measuring up to the standards required for success in 
their man-making. I cannot stress sufficiently the importance of reading
this book, digesting its contents, and then living up to what it contains.
   
   The dear ones should also be regular in attending Satsang, which is 
where the theoretical side of the Teachings are given, to enable them to 
increase their understanding of what the books and Circular Letters written 
by the Master contain. When you have right understanding, you will have
right thoughts, and from right thoughts will automatically flow right words 
and right action. Satsang is not a place for gossip or social get-togethers. 
It is a sacred forum where all meet to sit in sweet remembrance of the 
Master as well as to increase their understanding. While I permitted 
meditations also to be held at Satsang in the past, generally after the 
Satsang, I would now suggest that those dear ones who would like to 
meditate together, do so before the Satsang commences. This will avoid the 
incidence of social chitchat that has, in many cases, been reported to me 
as going on at the beginning and end of Satsang. It will also avoid the 
participation of non-initiates in the meditation period, which is not 
desirable, except in cases of sincere seekers after Truth, who are 
desirous of initiation. When Satsang is finished, everyone should leave. 
Those non-initiates who are interested in the Teachings should be advised 
to first thoroughly study the books and other literature available, before 
asking any questions. If after such a thorough study of the Teachings, 
they still have some questions, these may be answered by the Group Leader. 
By attending Satsang in the right spirit, the Master Power within each 
initiate will radiate, and the resultant charging of the atmosphere will
give a boost to all. At times like these, the Master Power is given the 
right environment to do Its work, which is to prepare the dear ones for 
their second birth into the Beyond.
   
   If all the initiates give a proper study to the books and Circular 
Letters and also attend the Satsang in the way described above, there 
should be no need for them to write to the Master with any question or 
problem, the solution of which already lies at hand. Every initiate should 
understand that to write to me on any problem or with any questions is to 
limit the Master Power working within them. It but delays the answer, 
which could otherwise be known within a short time by following the advice 
given above. In my Circular of June 13, I advised the initiate who had some
problem or question to which he required an answer, to sit quietly in a 
receptive mood, thereby attuning himself to the gracious Master Power 
within him. Then he would surely receive his answer and have full 
confidence as to what course of action he should take.
   
   For example, there is one story from the life of Lord Krishna. One of 
his disciples, a lady, was attacked by some men in a lonely place. So 
naturally, she cried out to Lord Krishna for help, but thought of him as 
being in the place where his physical body resided, which was many miles
away. Just when her condition was becoming desperate, Lord Krishna appeared 
and she was saved. When she remonstrated with Lord Krishna for taking so 
long to come to her aid, he replied, "Well, you thought of me as being 
miles away from you, so it took some time for me to come to help you. But 
if you had realized that I am always with you, am in fact your constant 
companion, I would have appeared instantaneously."
   
   The diary forms on which you record your spiritual progress should of 
course continue to be sent to me, so that I can give further guidance on 
inner, spiritual progress. If any initiate feels that he must have some 
outer guidance on the Teachings, he should discuss his questions and/or 
problems with the Group Leader or Representative of his area. In this 
regard, Group Leaders and Representatives should be thoroughly familiar 
with the Teachings. They will greatly reduce their own workload if they 
read out at Satsang the Circular Letters already referred to, in addition 
to selections from the books written by me. The new book Morning Talks 
will provide them with invaluable material for this purpose. But most of 
all, they should set an example to others in their actions. Example is 
better than precept. If they carry out their responsibilities in a loving 
and humble manner, they will become more receptive channels for the Master 
Power to work through. Their very radiation will benefit others without 
them uttering one word.
   
   However, there is one very important point that must be borne in mind 
by all, whether initiates, group leaders, or representatives. This is, 
that group leaders and representatives are there purely for the purpose 
of giving out the theoretical side of the Teachings and in arranging 
facilities whereby the initiates of their group or area can meet together 
for Satsang. Group Leaders and representatives are not to be used as 
crutches for the other initiates to lean upon. Nor should the initiates 
look to them for any purpose but to help them in understanding the 
Teachings. In other words, initiates should not look to them for spiritual 
guidance in any shape or form, as this is the function of the Master. 
If an initiate looks to a group leader or representative for spiritual 
guidance he automatically places a blockage in between himself and the 
Master and his spiritual progress will suffer in consequence. Similarly if 
a group leader or representative allows himself to be used in this way, 
he too stands to lose.
   
   So, to summarize, group leaders and representatives are there only to 
help others to have right understanding of the Teachings (which they can 
do only if they are thoroughly conversant with them), and to provide a 
healthy example of the life to be led. It should be remembered that the
Master Power is within each initiate and that each one should be an 
inspiration to his fellow, whether initiate or non-initiate. Those who 
have developed more receptivity than others can by their very example and 
radiation give a boost to their less developed brothers, without exerting 
any sort of superiority over them. I always used to pray to my Master that 
if any goodness went out of me to the benefit of my fellow man, then I 
should not know about it.
   
   
                   With all love and best wishes,

                        Yours affectionately,
                 
                           KIRPAL SINGH

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  IV
                  
                       To Change the Mind's Habits

                                   
                                                        February 20, 1971
                                   
Over the past year, I have observed from the spiritual diaries sent in by 
the dear ones, that they report little or no inner progress, some even 
mentioning that they have made no headway since the time of their holy 
Initiation. Because there appears to be a lack of right understanding as 
to why steady progress has not been made, I should like to clarify the 
process by which such progress can be achieved.
   
   If the dear ones were to do their spiritual practices correctly, with 
due regard to self introspection, they would, as sure as two and two make 
four, rise above body consciousness and transcend into the Beyond, where 
the Inner Master is patiently waiting to greet His children at the
threshold of the astral plane. But because they are unable to do this, 
even for a short while, they erroneously believe their meditations to be 
barren of all concrete results.
   
   If you were able to follow the Master's instructions accurately, you 
would be sure to agree with St. Paul, who tells us in the Bible: "I die 
daily." Therefore, what is it that prevents you from following the Master's 
instructions? It is your own mind, which you have not yet been able to coax
away from the outer attachments of the world to the bliss that awaits it 
inside.
   
   What the Master tells you to do is not really difficult if you could 
but comprehend the simplicity of it. He tells you to sit in a position 
most comfortable to you, one in which you can sit the longest without 
moving; that while sitting in this position, you are to remain wide awake 
with your attention directed at the seat of the soul behind and between 
the two eyebrows; that you are to look sweetly and serenely into the middle 
of the darkness in front of you, repeating the Simran of five charged 
names slowly and at intervals.
   
   Some succeed in performing their spiritual disciplines in the prescribed 
manner in a short period, others do not for want of the conscious control 
of the mind and the outgoing faculties. This is why it has always been 
stressed to weed out all undesirable traits and habits, and to replace 
them by the opposite ennobling virtues; and for this, the maintenance of 
the monthly self introspection diary is mandatory. The more you progress 
in man-making, the more your mind and senses will come under your conscious 
control. This has already been dealt with very thoroughly, as well as other 
aspects of spiritual development, in my previous Circular Letters which 
together with Morning Talks constitute the yardsticks which you may apply 
to measure how far you have succeeded in your disciplines, both outer and
inner.
   
   So what is meant by "not doing the practices properly" is simply another 
way of saying that the one-pointed concentration preluding complete 
withdrawal to the eye focus has not yet been achieved by the dear ones.
   
   You are the indweller of your own body, but are not yet its Master. 
Your servants, the mind and five senses, have usurped the throne on which 
your soul should sit. Until they are dispossessed and placed in their 
rightful place as servants, they will not allow you to withdraw and go in.
The Master within, like any loving father, is eagerly awaiting the day 
when you have set your house in order. He only requires one opportunity to 
snatch you from the prison-house of the body, and like an expert angler, 
once He has successfully hooked His fish, He will not allow it to escape
until He has it safely in His basket.
   
   Man is so constituted that he cannot for long remain at one level. He 
either progresses or slips back. You may judge for yourselves which way you 
are going by seeing how far your mind and senses are coming under your 
conscious control.
   
   This is achieved not only by ethical living, but also by the inner help 
and strength you get every time you sit for your meditations. So, if no 
apparent inner headway is achieved, know it for sure that the ground is 
being watered. Every time you sit, you are creating a habit which one day
the mind will accept as in its best interest, as opposed to its present 
habit of seeking enjoyment in outside things. Habit strengthens into nature, 
and this is the reason for the present difficulties experienced by the dear 
ones in their routine meditations. The habit of the mind in running after 
outside enjoyments has become natural to it. Therefore, it resents sitting 
in the quiet. By creating a new habit, you will, in time, change the nature 
of the mind from one seeking pleasure in things external to one thirsting 
for the bliss and sweetness to be had from things internal.
   
   "Thy restless mind continually goes astray; how can it ever be brought 
to heel? Only by giving the heart and soul to the Word or Name of God; no 
other way has ever been found or ever will be found " (Swami Ji)
   
   So I wish for you to tread the Path having full faith and confidence 
in the Master, and above all, be grateful that you have been accepted for 
Initiation in this difficult age we are living in. Persevere, persevere, 
and persevere again. Perseverance combined with full faith in the gracious
Master Power working overhead will one day remove all obstacles, and your 
cherished goal will be achieved.
   
   
                    With all love and best wishes,
                   
                       Yours affectionately,
                 
                           KIRPAL SINGH
                   

----------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                  V

                       Turn to the Master Within


                                                        July 6, 1973
                                   
Dear children of light, representatives, group leaders, initiates, seekers 
of god and aspirants: It is a pleasure to see that the Vineyard of Hazur is 
in full bloom and His family is growing from strength to strength with the 
passage of time. Along with this, there is a corresponding increase in the 
work load, especially in the incoming mail that is growing in bulk each day.
   
   In this connection, I have already issued three detailed Circular Letters
- dated June 13 and November 5, 1969, and January 27, 1970, as printed in 
Receptivity - followed by another on February 20, 1971. The main purpose of
issuing these Circular Letters was to provide useful and practical 
guidelines to the dear ones on the Path and consequently to streamline and 
cut down the unnecessary and avoidable correspondence. But it appears that 
the instructions contained therein have not been read, appreciated and
followed in the spirit in which they were issued. It is evident from the 
incessant inflow of numerous routine and stereotype letters/communications 
received over here in large numbers.

   You would please realize that it takes a lot of time to dispose of it 
by working late hours in the night - many times beyond midnight. It is, 
therefore, once again desired to limit the correspondence work and to keep 
it within rational bounds. For this purpose it is suggested that every one 
must strive to do his or her mite to achieve the desired results positively 
so as to leave ample time for the Master to attend to more important 
matters of policy, planning and projects in hand, relating to Man-making 
and spiritual upliftment all around.
   
   I have, time and again, emphasized that each one should make oneself 
thoroughly conversant with: (a) the guidelines provided in the various 
books published so far, and (b) the contents of the various Circular 
Letters issued heretofore.
   
   It is all the more important that the Group Leaders and the 
Representatives should, by careful reading and reverent study of the books 
and circular letters, make themselves thoroughly conversant with the basic 
tenets of the Science Spiritual and induce those in the fold, both old and 
new, to do likewise so as to have a clear and correct insight into the day 
to day problems of life which are, more or less, alike in their nature and 
are of a routine type. In this way, there would be a division of labor and 
each one would learn to stand on one's own legs and will also be able to 
help his or her brethren. By helping others you are, in fact, helping your 
own self in so many different forms. Selfless service has its own reward 
and being born of innate love for all, embraces the totality of His being.
   
   Until now, it was suggested that the self introspection diaries should 
come directly to the Master for obtaining instructions and guidance, but 
it is now felt that in the overall interest of the entire work and to 
lessen the strain on the Master, this work can safely be decentralized and 
left to the sagacious care of the Representatives and Group Leaders. The 
two things to be carefully observed in the diaries are:
      
   (1) Regular and accurate meditations from day to day and as a corollary, 
therefore, experiences will be gained in Vision and Audition;
      
   (2) Lapses in cardinal virtues, especially in thought, for mind is the 
greatest foe and has to be turned into a useful friend and ally by coaxing,
cajoling and gradual restraint, by a careful watch over its antics.

   Victory over the mind means victory over the world. One who can contain 
himself by controlling the mind is the greatest hero and the bravest of the 
brave. If this is achieved, lapses in words and deeds will take care of 
themselves and will automatically go down.
   
   Another thing worth noting is difficulties and obstacles met with by 
the practitioners. These are, in the main, due to lack of carefree 
relaxation in practice, and consciousness of pranas (respiration), which 
supply a fulcrum to the mind and set it to woolgathering. Ignore the 
pranas as we ignore them in all our bodily activities.
   
   Again, most of the dear souls crave for spectacular results and complain 
of slow progress. But, be it known that the time factor is an essential 
element and it differs with different individuals, depending on so many 
factors: each one's background, mental development, present environments 
and the degree of receptivity acquired. The spiritual Path is an arduous 
up-hill journey and requires steadfast patience and perseverance. Slow 
and steady wins the race in the long run. The Master Power is more anxious
to pull us up than we are prepared to repose in Him. He knows our needs 
more than we do and is ever ready to extend His helping hand to us if we 
care to grasp it. Instead of completely giving ourselves to the healthier, 
higher and holier influence coming from above, we remain, for the most 
part, hide-bound or mind-ridden and thus we stand in the way of the Divine 
Power which comes down like a gentle dove if we are but ready to receive 
Him. On the contrary, we stand between God and ourselves and keep surveying 
the process of withdrawal instead of engaging in the spiritual practices 
with all our heart, mind and soul.
   
   Next, there are three types of common ailments which usually haunt and 
afflict our footsteps: physical or bodily, emotional or mental, and those 
caused by Vis-Major or the Divine Power. The major events in life are, for 
the most part, charted out beforehand and the rest too are the effects of 
causes set going in the past, and there is no escape therefrom. It is 
better to accept them smilingly and take them sportively than to rue over 
them and keep a long face all the time. Being in the flesh it is not wise 
to expect wholeness all the time. We have to adjust ourselves to the
surroundings, conditions and circumstances and then the storms and stresses 
will just blow over like a gentle breeze. The initiates have, however, the 
added advantage of the LONG and STRONG arm of the Master Power which always
works to their good, even in seemingly adverse situations.
   
   These are some of the problems which, at one stage or another, crop up 
in the life of everyone, and most of the correspondence is of a stereotype 
nature and as such can easily be handled and disposed of locally, by 
explaining matters sweetly and gently and putting things in their right
perspective. In this way you can relieve the Master to a great extent. It 
would be better to read the instructions carefully, and an attempt should 
be made to make each realize the importance of minimizing the work load 
at this end.
   
   These are just a few tips. All these matters are, as said above, fully 
explained in the various publications and circular letters, which cover a 
wider range of subjects and situations, and can easily be pressed into 
service to meet.
   
   Last but not least, there is a cardinal need for developing inner 
receptivity. The Master Power, as you all know, is not confined to any 
particular place. It is working in and around you. You have but to turn 
your face towards Him inwardly to get the required help and guidance 
wherever necessary. Learn to sit still and be mentally still, and the
silence thus generated will be more vocal than words spoken and written; 
and you will have an instantaneous solution not only to your personal 
problems but to the problems of others as well. This is the greatest 
secret of success.
   
   I am always there to help you, both within and without. I shall welcome 
all the references that are really of an important nature which cannot be 
easily resolved over there by the Group Leaders and Representatives.
   
   My Love and good wishes are always with each one of you. You cannot 
imagine with what longing the Master Power awaits you at the eye focus 
ready to receive you with open arms. I wish you the best of luck and pluck 
in all your endeavors.
   
                 With all Love and kind thoughts,

                       Yours affectionately,
                                  
                           KIRPAL SINGH

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