Introduction to Spirituality and Sant Mat - "The Path of the Masters"
MAN, KNOW THYSELF
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 Self—the 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 man—the noblest being in Creation—can 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-AnalysisMan 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 comes, 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 parts—body, mind and soul—in 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'.SatsangWhen 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 persons—so-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 contact—a 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 beyond—a 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
Introduction to Spirituality and Sant Mat - "The Path of the Masters"
MAN, KNOW THYSELF
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 Self—the 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 man—the noblest being in Creation—can 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-AnalysisMan 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 comes, 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 parts—body, mind and soul—in 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'.SatsangWhen 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 persons—so-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 contact—a 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 beyond—a 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