Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Sacred Bhandara; Recalling Guru Bachans {9.}

Sacred Bhandara; Recalling Guru Bachans {9.}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Be Enthusiastic in Performing Service.
****

Gurumukh Seva mein aalas nahin kartha aur kabhi khali nahin baithna chahta hai. Manmukh tan ka aaram chahta hai aur Seva mein susthi kartha hai.”

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}; Page 194: 5.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“The Gurumukh {or Guru-inspired} doesn't be idle with regard to Seva {or service} and never wants to sit with no work. The Manmukh {or ego-driven} seeks bodily comfort and is lazy in performing service.”
****

Radhasoami!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Sacred Bhandara; Recalling Guru Bachans {8.}

Sacred Bhandara; Recalling Guru Bachans {8.}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Difference between Gurumukh and Manmukh.
****

Gurumukh harek ke saath sachha barattha hai aur burayi ki baathon se bachtha hai aur kisi ko bhee dhokha nahin detha hai aur jo kaam kartha hai, Satguru ke liye aur Unki Daya ke bharose par kartha hai.
Manmukh chaturayi aur kapat se barattha hai aur apne matlab ke liye auron ko dhokha detha hai aur apni buddhi aur chaturayi ka bharosa rakhta hai aur apne aap ko pragat karna chahta hai
.”

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}; Page 192: 262-1.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“The Gurumukh {Guru-inspired} conducts himself sincerely with everyone and avoids bad things and doesn’t deceive anyone and whatever he does, he does for the Satguru and remaining dependent upon His Grace.
The manmukh {ego-driven} acts with cleverness and trickery and deceives others for the sake of his own interests and trusts his own intelligence and cleverness and seeks to assert his own ego.”
****

Radhasoami!

Monday, July 5, 2010

O Lord, Fulfill Everyone’s Tasks. {100.}

****
Radhasoami!

Soami Tum kaaj Banaye saban ke.”

That is,
“O Lord, Fulfill everyone’s tasks.”

This is the opening line
of a favorite Paath {hymn} of mine.

The line stresses that it is God
Who finally consummates all matters.

It is a humble plea for Grace.

It is a simple expression of gratitude.

The prayer wants everyone’s tasks --
not desires -- to be realized.

Most importantly, the prayer is
not selfish in its focus;
one seeks that the Lord
realize the tasks of all.

I may add that the word “tasks”
only inadequately conveys the import
that the word “kaaj” contains.

Indeed, the tasks are not worldly goals,
but basically denote the goal of salvation.

So, the hymn is a collective prayer
thanking the Lord for ensuring everyone's redemption.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {7}

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {7}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Sitting in Satsang not Enough.
****

Satsang mein aa baithne se karma nahi katthe hain. Satsang ka jo karma hai uske karne se karma katthe hain.”

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, Page 93: No. 69.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“Merely coming and sitting in the Satsang does not have one’s karmas be eradicated. This happens only upon actively doing what constitutes the process of Satsang.”
****

Radhasoami!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {6}

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {6}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Satsang: Ultimate Purifier and Rejuvenator.
****

Is jeeva ke mail dhoor karne ke liye siwaay Satsang ke aur koi upaay nahin hai. Jaise saabun mein yeh taakath rakhi hai ki kaisa hee maila kapda hove aur jab saabun lagakar dhoya, turanth saaf ho gaya, ya ki ghaas ka dher jama hai aur jab usmein ek chingari daal dhi, ek chin mein bhasm ho jatha hai. Isi tarah Satsang hai ki ismein janm janm ke karma kat jathe hain aur sanskar din ba din badalta jatha hai.


---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, Page 123: No. 147.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“To rid the living being of her or his impurities, there is no other method except Satsang. As the soap has the power to instantly clean a piece of cloth, regardless of however dirty it was, or like a mound of grass gathered which, if ignited with a spark, instantly gets destroyed. In just the same manner, it is Satsang that instantly wipes out one’s karmas {or deeds} of several lifetimes, and one’s sanskaras {or tendencies} begin to change day by day.”
****

Radhasoami!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {5}

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {5}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Reconcile Worldly and Spiritual Interests.
****

Donon kaam nahin ban sakte. Bhakti Guru ki karoge, tho jagath se todni padegi aur jagath se rakhoge, tho bhakti mein kasar padegi. So iss baath ka niyama nahin hai. Jinke ache sanskar hain aur Satguru ki Kripa hai, unke donon kaam bakhoobi banthe chale javenge, kuchh dikkath nahin padegi aur jinke sanskar nikrusht hain, unse ek hee kaam banega.”
****

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, Page 91; No. 60.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“Both the things can’t be done. If you perform devotion to the Guru, you will have to break with the world and if you keep with the world, you will lapse in your devotion. So there is no rule in this matter. Those who possess good sanskaras {or tendencies} and the Satguru’s Grace will be enabled success in both the spheres, without any difficulty, but those with faulty sanskaras will be able to manage only one sphere.”
****

Radhasoami!

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {4}

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {4}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Praise Guru and Criticize Oneself.
****

Ninda aur stuthi donon ke karne mein paap hotha hai, kyonki jaisa koi hai waisa bayaan nahin ho sakta hai. Isliye munasib yeh hai ki stuthi karey tho apne Satguru ki aur ninda kare tho apni.”

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, pp. 102-103.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“Calumny and praise both involve sin, because none can depict someone just as he is. Therefore, it is befitting that if one praises, one should praise one’s Satguru and if one deprecates someone, it should be one's own self.”
****

Radhasoami!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans {3.}

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans {3.}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Perform Ceaseless and Selfless Devotions.
****

Jab thak swansa hai, gurubhakti kare jaana chahiye. Gurubhakti kul Maalik ki bhakti hee tho hai. Aur Unse kuchh na maange. Unko akhtiyar hai, jab Waha adhikari dekhenge, jo Chahenge so Baksh Denge.”

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
The holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, p. 84.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“Till one has breath left, one should remain engaged in Gurubhakti {devotion to the Master}. Gurubhakti constitutes worship of the Supreme Lord. And one should ask Him for nothing. It is His prerogative that when He finds someone deserving {fit / entitled}, He can bestow whatever He might please to.”
****

Radhasoami!

Monday, June 28, 2010

The Tributaries Submerging in River. {99.}

****
Radhasoami!

It is unfortunate that there exist
several rebellious, rival, puny offshoots of
the universal Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

The redemptive Nij Dhar
or Incarnated Divine Current
can naturally reside in
a single sacred Form
at any given time.

A miracle is perhaps underway.

All the tributaries may gradually
retrace their courses back to
the Mother Ganga of Dayalbagh.

None may unravel
the mysterious workings of divinity,
yet I would much rather
both purity and monopoly of Dayalbagh
could have been ensured.

I await Grace’s workings
in the imminent times,
for our religion is destined
to deluge this world shortly.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans {2.}

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans {2.}
****

Radhasoami!
****

Please Devotees to Please Lord.
****

“... Sri Krishan Maharaj ne bhee Bhagavad Gita mein likha hai ki jo koi Mujhse milna chahe aur Meri seva aur preeti karna chahe, tho Mere jo premijan sadh aur bhakta hain, unki jo seva karega waha Meri seva hai aur Main unse prasann hounga, aur wahi Mera pyara hai jo Mere sachhe bhakton se preeti karta hai.”

---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
the holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, p. 49.
****

Its simple translation into English may be rendered as follows:

“Sri Krishan has also said in the Bhagavad Gita that if someone seeks to meet Me and wants to perform worship and service of Me, then if {s}he serves those who are My loving devotees, then that constitutes My service and I shall become pleased with him, and the one who loves My true devotees is dear to Me.”
****

Radhasoami!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans. {1.}

Radhasoami!
****
Sacred Bhandara: Recalling Guru Bachans {1.}
****

World is Subject to Destruction.
****

"Yeh jagath nashmaan hai aur sab asbaab bhee iska nashmaan hai."
---- Param Purusha Puran Dhani Param Guru Huzur Soami Ji Maharaj;
the holy Sar Bachan {Nasr}, p. 1.
****

Its simple translation {wherever not specifically mentioned otherwise, by yours truly}:
"This world is perishable and all its objects are also perishable."
****

Radhasoami!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sumiran is the Easiest Devotion. {98.}

****
Radhasoami!

The easiest mode of devotion
is Sumiran of Radhasoami Name,
chanting of the Divine Name.

It can be done
anytime, anywhere,
internally, softly, or aloud.

You can perform Sumiran while
attending to your routine chores,
hum it while walking around.

Sumiran serves to keep you
focused on the Supreme Godhead,
which invites Grace upon you.

Besides, the Name has potence
and don’t be surprised if
you find apparent miracles occurring.

Sumiran causes subtle inner purification,
transformation and evolution, rendering the
subsequent Dhyan and Abhyas easier.

You ought to make progress
towards your goal of salvation
in a ceaseless, evolving manner.

The best method is Sumiran;
do it earnestly, constantly, habitually,
and watch Grace’s further boons.

Radhasoami!
****

Note: Sumiran: Chanting; Dhyan: Contemplation; and Abhyas: Meditation.

A Miracle has Been Performed. {97.}

****
Radhasoami!

There were dark clouds hovering
above the serene, Sanctified Dayalbagh.

A nexus of evil forces
had recently troubled Satsangis immensely.

Now, the inevitable has occurred:
Radhasoami Dayal has very Mercifully
Performed a timely, befitting Miracle
to Protect His very Own.

It is heartening that Satsangis
proved devoted, loyal, courageous, united;
this is a great reassurance
and we must remain so.

All those Satsangis who volunteered
for defensive Seva in Kheth
merit our praise and encouragement,
and Reward from the Lord.

A battle has been won,
matters seem far rosier now,
but remember that the war
has not been won yet.

Let’s face life with strength,
deeply believing in our Faith,
committed to service of all,
and trusting Gracious Huzur absolutely.

Radhasoami!
****

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Keep Going with Absolute Faith. {96.}

****
Radhasoami!

God remains in one’s faith.

Faith, when tested, emerges stronger.

Trials are necessary for growth.

Victory tastes better after dangers.

The Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh is currently encountering problems of an unprecedented nature.

We must regard and welcome it all as a part of God’s plan and purpose, perhaps to cause us to grow more responsible, alert, dedicated, united and adequate.

However, none ought to harbor a shred of doubt that Satsang will soon triumph over all enemies and problems, and continue with its most glorious service for humanity’s welfare.

So, let’s merely keep our faith, and do our God-ordained duties.

The rest is up to God; who doesn’t -- and won’t -- fail!

Radhasoami!
****

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Essence among the Diversity. {95.}

****
Radhasoami!

Life is a kaleidoscopic play
of Maya, or illusory reality.

It is easy to get lost
in the big and bad world.

Most people have lost their direction,
{or probably, they never had any},
yet keep going from sheer momentum
of the elementary urge to live.

Pause ... for a while, and reflect;
It’s never too late for anything.

This human birth is precious,
life is a priceless opportunity.

Seek the valuable, beyond the muck.
Seek God, beyond the world’s attractions.
Seek redemption, beyond life’s sundry temptations.

It’s a long uphill climb within.
There’s little time to be wasted.

The hell with everything else;
just strive for salvation earnestly.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Skirting on the Surface Perenially. {94.}

****
Radhasoami!

How long can this continue?
It is now getting unendurable.

This is just not it.

Mere skirting on the surface,
while the essence remains inaccessible.

Life has its own sundry
entanglements, limitations, compulsions and needs.

It merely perpetuates one’s bondage
to this world and life.

I long for the freedom
and transcendence that my soul
knows are its natural birthrights.

To slumber in life and
awaken blissfully to God within,
does not come quite easily.

I have been at it,
so may God help me;
I must gradually be nearing
the inner fusion I desire.

Let the soul awaken fast,
let God sanctify my soul.

God is to be realized,
I’ve had enough of this,
something must give way shortly,
I’ll access paradise very soon.

Radhasoami!
****

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Only God Can Truly Satisfy. {93.}

****
Radhasoami!

Even if you get
what you’re now wanting,
you won’t be satisfied.

Life is a progression
of desires, responsibilities, duties.

Life is frequently a choice
merely between sundry evils.

I know that everything truly
real, beautiful, noble,
desirable, blissful, eternal,
can exist only in God.

I seek little from life,
I expect little from life,
so am rarely overly disappointed.

My essential quest is divine,
its only mode is meditation,
Grace does naturally work miracles,
God tugs the sincere closer.

It is reassuring to know
the curtains will finally fall
on this life’s senseless plays,
and I’ll be home again.

Radhasoami!
****

Friday, June 18, 2010

It Matters More than That. {92.}

****
Radhasoami!

God matters more than humanity.
Sincerity matters more than reward.
Faith matters more than proof.
Destiny matters more than experience.

Meditation matters more than living.
Being matters more than image.
Evolution matters more than ego.
Love matters more than profit.

Truth matters more than beliefs.
Values matter more than interests.
Compassion matters more than vindictiveness.
Goodness matters more than jealousy.

Peace matters more than strife.
Conquest matters more than survival.
Satisfaction matters more than glory.
Salvation matters more than life.

Radhasoami!
****

Certain Basic Truths and Values. {91.}

****
Radhasoami!

The world is not real.
Life is not the point.
The truth is something else.
Meditation causes evolution and insights.

Love makes it all worthwhile.
There’s only one right way.
Blend thought and action successfully.
The mystical Law governs existence.

God alone is ultimate reality.
Grace gifts the deserving faith.
The goal is attaining salvation.
Let living be so directed.

Radhasoami!
****

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Causation Works in Spirituality Fantastically. {90.}

****
Radhasoami!

The law of causation works true
in spirituality nonetheless
and magnified n times over.

What do I mean by this?

Well, it’s something like
good and bad stocks
in the securities markets.

If you invest a dollar
in a lousy stock,
you will certainly lose it.

Invest a dollar in a fair stock
and you may gain a few cents.

Investing in hot stocks ought to
get you magnified returns.

You may double your investment,
or get 10 times its return,
or even 100 times,
depending on the market factors,
trends and forces.

So much for causality
and variable returns in worldly matters.

Now, spirituality represents
a different dimension altogether.
So, the laws of causation work,
but the returns are naturally magnified
quite to the power of n times over.

God is the richest Being existent
and generosity comes naturally to Him.

So, invest a dollar
of pure love in God,
and you are bound to reap
a fortune in God’s love for you.

Invest a sincere prayer in God,
and the torrents of Grace
that engulf your life
will render your destiny
transformed for the better,
immeasurably and forever.

Spirituality is a very reliable playing field,
because God is the best bet and stock possible!

You can rest assured
none of your longings and efforts
is going quite unnoticed or waste.

Trust God,
do your bit, indeed, best,
and patiently await God’s justice.

God is God.
God proves He is God.
What must, indeed, will and does ... happen!

Radhasoami!
****

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Faith is Trusting God’s Being. {89.}

****
Radhasoami!

Faith is trust in God.

Faith is trust ...
that God is of a certain type,
that God really loves us,
that God always truly cares,
that God is naturally omniscient,
that God is truly powerful.

Faith is knowing
that one is related with God.

Faith is what has one
pray to God.

Faith is waiting
for one’s prayers to turn true.

Faith is living
surrendered and dedicated to,
and dependent on God.

Radhasoami!
****

Catching Them Younger Is It. {88.}

****
Radhasoami!

Gracious Huzur has recently Pronounced on
how even Satsangi children
aged 12 and above
will be registered at their Branches.

One’s childhood experiences, impressions and influences
prove deep, important, decisive and formative
for the rest of one’s life.

This is borne out by
academic research in child psychology
as well as common experience.

Hence, Satsangis ought to
take their children to Satsang,
so that they may imbibe
positive and beneficial vibrations.

We must thank Gracious Huzur
for Encouraging and Enabling this
earlier and more active participation
of Satsangi children in Satsang.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Perseverance Eventually Leads to Success. {87.}

****
Radhasoami!

Faith is a taxing and exacting matter.

One needs believe, abide by values,
and patiently wait for resultant rewards.

Sure, causality works,
and the law finally consummates.

But humans are limited, weak,
and human lifespans are brief.

So, now that you are
attached to the right faith,
keep clinging on to it,
and striving towards your Maker.

The rest of life will
basically just not really matter.

Remain clear about your priorities.

One’s faith reflects one’s proximity to God,
and evokes God’s Grace accordingly.

So, persevere in your faith,
final consummation will be yours!

Radhasoami!
****

May God Bless Our Faith. {86.}

****
Radhasoami!

Faith is sometimes put to test.

Faith is real if it survives.

Faith that dies was never real.

Let faith emerge polished from tests.

Faith arises when God gifts it.

Faith enables one access to God.

Faith is your most precious possession.

Faith grants love, endurance, courage, confidence.

Faith ensures successes, victories and miracles.

May Radhasoami Dayal Bless our Faith!

Radhasoami!
****

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Faulting Others or Perfecting Oneself. {85.}

****
Radhasoami!

Every person is actually alone.

Sure, God is constantly together,
at least with earnest devotees
who really believe in Him
and live by His precepts.

The soul is separate,
one’s values, sanskaras {tendencies},
karmas {deeds} and fate remain individual.

One’s family and relationships
play a vital role,
in helping one live
to fulfill one’s potential.

Math dekh paraye augun /
Kyon paap badhaye din din
.”

That is,
“Don’t watch others’ vices,
Why commit more sins daily?”

I am sorry I am not a perfect God;
I am an imperfect human.

However, I can definitely improve
and try to perfect myself.

Why need one waste one’s time
dwelling on others’ faults?

They may live as they please.
They may die as they merit.

True, one should generally
try to guide and help others.

Yet, let’s remember that
the soul is individual,
continue with your journey
the best you can!

As I remember having read somewhere,
“For peace of mind,
resign as the general manager
of the universe.”

Radhasoami!
****

Best Celebration of One’s Birthday. {84.}

****
Radhasoami!

March 9th is the sacred & auspicious Birthday
of Gracious Huzur “Prem” Saran Satsangi Saheb Ji;
and it’s naturally celebrated by Satsangis all over.

If you have not ever so far
celebrated your birthday in Dayalbagh,
try to do so,
by going for Arz {or supplication}with eatables,
and receiving Prashad {Sanctified offering}
from Most Revered Maalik Personally.

This can be the best possible
celebration of anyone’s birthday.

It is simultaneously
expressing gratitude for one’s birth
and rededication one’s entire life
to service of our
Most Glorious Mission
of universal salvation.

We must all always remain
deeply thankful to Maalik
for providing us with
such blessed, recurring opportunities,
at the expense of His Own Comfort.

It is extremely fortunate to become
the recipient of Grace
upon one’s very birthday
for the rest of one's life.

Radhasoami!
****

Friday, June 11, 2010

Extremely Joyous Holi Celebrations, Indeed. {83.}

****
Radhasoami!

As Satsang celebrates its memorable
150 years in the world,
the Holi festivities in Dayalbagh
and in the hearts of Satsangis worldwide
have now taken unprecedented forms,
coinciding as Holi does
with the sacred Birthday
of Gracious Huzur “Prem” Saran Satsangi Saheb Ji.

The two-day delightful, morning
Holi Bhakti Sangeet Milan program
at the fields in sacred Tannery
almost transported one to Radhasoami Dham!

Let us all gratefully celebrate
the forward march of Satsang
in this world during Kaliyuga,
and humbly pray to our
Most Supreme Lord, Radhasoami Dayal
for befitting Grace enabling us
to grow and spread globally,
leading devoted, exemplary, happy lives.

Radhasoami!
****

Solitude and Silence Induce Serenity. {82.}

****
Radhasoami!

Causes and effects are related.

The cause leads to the effects,
and the effects can in certain ways
alter causes accordingly.

If this doesn’t seem very clear,
let it be so, for now.

Aristotle’s famous quotes include,
“Whosoever is delighted in solitude
is either a wild beast or a god.”

Love for solitude obviously proves
a preference for one’s own company
to that of others,
and this is something
not everyone is capable of.

Most people flee from their selves
towards friends, into groups and crowds.

Silence in solitude stills the mind,
rendering it fit for divine worship.

I would unhesitatingly recommend
periodic spells of solitude and silence,
as a great tranquilizer and rejuvenator.

Radhasoami!
****

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Control is Key to Action. {81.}

****
Radhasoami!

I have found most people
to be careless, almost reckless,
in their living,
as if they have little to lose,
and don’t care if they do so.

The Paath or hymn lines teach us:
Main pyari Pyare Radhasoami ki /
Chutayi Guru ne jag begaar
.”

That is,

"The Lord has
Saved me from useless world."

It is pointless seeking the world,
which is anyway doomed to destruction
in the forthcoming MahaPralay or apocalypse.

It would be prudent to strive earnestly
to attain the divine realm
of Satloka and Radhasoami Dham,
which are eternal and blissful.

Like Arjun, in the epic Mahabharata,
you can aim and shoot
directly at the bird’s eye,
only if you are shut
to everything else in life.

Control in worldly activities
is the key to
progress in spiritual pursuits.

Life involves choices,
and decisions need be taken.

If you do not decide
about your life and fate,
others will by default decide
on your behalf.

Be responsible for your self,
one’s destiny is as one makes it!

Radhasoami!
****

Immense Benefits of Firm Resolve. {80.}

****
Radhasoami!

There is a Guru Bachan
{Master's Utterance or Pronouncement}

to the effect that one ought to
resolve to perform spiritual practices
prarn le kar”,
that is,
as if sworn to do it regularly.

The Bachan says that
one’s mere firm resolve
is beneficial in itself.

I have found this
to be very true.

Religiosity should not occur
in sporadic, erratic
or intermittent impulses.

One’s good deeds ought to be
backed by clear thought,
intense desire, noble vision,
conscious decision, absolute resolve,
longterm strategy, practical planning,
fearlessness, courage, endurance, strength.

Nothing is possible in life --
neither worldly success
nor spiritual progress --
without one’s personal initiative,
determined resolve, focused efforts.

One’s living begins with resolve.

There is little real point
in idly desiring and dreaming,
in fondly wishing or hoping.

The point is what one is
to do about it.

So, let’s resolve to end
our present state of dissatisfaction.

One’s honest resolve effectively unleashes
tremendous potential within our selves,
and enables subsequent fulfilling actions.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Make Space for Almighty Lord. {79.}

****
Radhasoami!

We are all terribly busy.
The world is a delight.
Life is full of desires.
So it would seem anyway.

Trapped within the human shield,
stuck within the Chaurasi cycle,
{of 84 lakh successive life-forms
for the transmigration of soul}
we have little time
to ponder over God.

Yet this is the only time
that we are ever to have
of securing our salvation.

Dil ka hujra saaf kar
Jaana ke aane ke liye.
Dhyan gairon ka hata
Usko bithane ke liye
.”

That is,
“Purge your heart
that the Beloved may appear.
Cease awareness of others,
to allow divine consciousness.”

Nature permits no vacuum,
and things need space to be.

A life embroiled in
petty, superficial, worldly matters
cannot be destined for early redemption.

A mind perennially obsessed with
sensual thrills or material possessions
cannot harbor genuine spiritual longings.

Therefore, it pays to
curtail one’s worldly
associations, thoughts, activities.

There is little benefit from such things;
it’s just a waste of one’s time.

One’s life gets past
before one realizes it.

Make space for Almighty Lord.

Stop thinking of undeserving people,
stop pursuing unnecessary, sinful desires,
stop chasing hollow, worldly goals.

God is elsewhere, truth is different.

The route to God and salvation
are individual, mystical and internal.

Make space for God within your being.
Make space for Grace in your life.
Make space for redemption in your destiny.

Radhasoami!
****

Transcend Space-Time-Causation Dimension. {78.}

****
Radhasoami!

There is a Guru Bachan
to the effect that
Sumiran helps one to transcend
the dimension of space-time-causation.
{Sumiran: chanting the divine Name.}

I don’t recall the exact words,
but I am yet
to comprehend it fully.

If constant Sumiran really can cause
{as it naturally must
because the Guru Bachans are true!}
one to transcend the barriers
of space, time and causation,
then one virtually ceases
to remain a human.

One becomes free from all karmas or actions,
even the ones that one commits,
since one always lives
inspired by God, dedicated to God,
and enveloped in consciousness of God.

God alone is the real,
mysterious, and absolute
dimension to existence;
so miracles need not surprise
one evolving closer to God.

True spirituality is mind-boggling;
the comfort of cozy beliefs
that one shares with others
needs to be shunned totally.

God demands and deserves transcendence.

Mysticism is only for those who can
walk the delicate internal tightrope to God!

Radhasoami!
****

Basant: Most Auspicious, Best Period. {77.}

****
Radhasoami!

We are close to the Basant day.

The Basant celebrations have begun
in Dayalbagh and other places.

So, let us recall that
it was on auspicious Basant
that our August Founder
had declared Satsang open to people.

It had been on sacred Basant again
that Param Guru Huzur Saheb Ji Maharaj
had laid the blessed foundation
for the colony of Dayalbagh
by Planting a mulberry plant.

Basant is the best time
for one’s resolutions and prayers.

However, for Satsangis,
every day ought to be
the sacred, auspicious, fortunate Basant.

Radhasoami!
****

Thought, Decision, Will and Action. {76.}

****
Radhasoami!

One should be ultracareful
in one’s very thoughts.

As one thinks, one becomes.

Thoughts inspire desires.
Decisions get formed.
One becomes willing.

Actions invariably follow.

Upon one’s deeds depend Grace
and one’s destiny gradually unfolding.

Be very careful in your thoughts.
Shun unhealthy, unnecessary and wasteful thoughts.

Take care of your mind.
Decorate it lovingly
with pure, beautiful, noble thoughts.

After all, isn’t there
Someone Omniscient Who Remains
always Aware of everything?

The sincere need not even seek God;
instead, God Himself seeks the sincere out.

Radhasoami!
****

Life is a Brief Opportunity. {75.}

****
Radhasoami!

Life is a brief opportunity.

Life is God’s gift to the Jeevas {living beings}.

Birth in human form is priceless
because it enables one
the rare chance of securing salvation.

All else is basically just trash,
if not outright sin,
{sin being defined as
travesty of God’s will}.

Sensual thrills are shortlived,
material possessions cannot be lugged
into the hereafter.

A pity that most people
seemingly live only for these.

True, no person can even
desire God on one’s own;
it is God who gifts
the deserving souls
faith and longing.

So, all that one truly has
are essentially one’s soul
and one’s good deeds.

Life is too brief a dream.

Almost before one even realizes it,
one gets close to losing it.

All this is merely to stress
that one ought to
obey the Buddha’s last words,
by persevering steadfastly for redemption,
which our Revered Leaders also mandate.

That would be a life spent well,
with its purpose realized best,
regardless of all else
that constitutes merely Maya,
or illusory, destructible reality.

Radhasoami!
****

Friday, June 4, 2010

Become Tough Enough for Life. {74.}

****
Radhasoami!

Our sacred but fledgling religion
has recently passed through a tough situation.

No, we must not be so cowardly
as to pray that the Supreme Lord
spare us such tests, trials and battles.

Let us accept that if our religion
is to gradually prevail
in the whole world
as humanity’s final, true panacea,
then we obviously have a lot of
hard work, problems, enemies, dangers,
ahead of us.

Let us instead pray for liberal
Grace, security, clarity, strength,
unity, resources, adequacy, victory.

As Param Guru Huzur Mehta Ji Maharaj had Advised,
let us practice “No despair.”

Let us also remember that,
1.
“What does not kill me,
makes me stronger."
{Friedrich Nietzsche.}
2.
“When the situation gets tough,
the tough get going.”
{Anonymous.}

The Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh
guarantees true and final salvation
to the best among humanity,
but we have much work to do,
and we shall have several long battles;
our Faith is not for cowards,
it is for pure,
perfect and powerful souls.

Radhasoami!
****

Do It; Regardless of Expectations. {73.}

****
Radhasoami!

Dekho chahe na Dekho, Soami /
Main apni si kiye jaungi
.”

Attaboy; that’s the spirit!

That is,
“I will continue my devotions,
I will continue my services,
whether You See or not
{meaning basically,
whether You Reward or not}.”

Well, I for one, have really been
long living these Paath or hymn lines.

I am proving it even now
in my writing these very words.

However, Soami Dekhte Hain
{the Lord Does See}.
I know it well because Gracious Huzur
had Amply Proven it n times to me,
& even Maalik now has no less.

But this really is the spirit
with which Satsangis must
perform their sundry acts of faith.

Be free of expectations.
All that I do
is merely my integrity.

You May See or not.
You May Be Pleased or not.
You May Reward or not,
at least as I might fathom it.

You Are Beyond my humble,
imperfect, insignificant, undeserving, powerless self.

& the Supreme Lord always Sees everything!
Rewards, if deserved, must take their time.

Radhasoami!
****

Practice Makes Perfect, Turns Real. {72.}

****
Radhasoami!

Kachhi se ek din hoegi pukki /
Jaisi baney taisi kar bhakti
.”

Very apt, true and encouraging!

That is,
“From imperfect, it will become perfect,
Perform devotions just as you can.”

The above Paath or hymn lines from
the holy Sar Bachan {Nazm}
exhort us to continue
in our devotions to the Guru.

Do whatever you can,
do however you can,
do a much as you can.

Just don’t fail.
Just do it.
& keep on doing it.

Do your best and most,
even if is is imperfect,
even if it is limited.

Every karma or deed counts.
Every deed is being recorded.

All that you are now experiencing
is the result of your entire past karmas.

Hence, you must now invest
fresh good deeds
for a rosier future,
and the eventual bliss
of your salvation realized.

There will never be
quite an “ideal” time
or really “ideal” circumstances.

Do what you can:
right here,
right now,
with all that you have got!

Ab ki chook maaf nahin hogi /
Nana bidhi ke kasht saha
.”

That is,
“If you lapse now,
or fail to utilize
{your opportunities, faculties, abilities,
means, resources,
which Grace has given you
& is enabling}
you won’t be forgiven this,
and you will have to
endure various difficulties thereafter.”

This is a warning;
let’s take grave heed of it.

Practice makes one’s efforts perfect.
Practice turns the aspirations real.

God judges us by our sincerity
& does not really expect
perfection from us.

Must God not know
how frail humans are?

Yet Radhasoami Dayal Loves us all,
& we must absolutely continue
our devotions & services
in whichever way we can.

Radhasoami!
****

Have Faith; God Remains Beyond. {71.}

****
Radhasoami!

God exists in human faith.

Sure, faith should be “right”.
But then, who defines whether
faith is “right” or “wrong”?

So, basically, faith is it.

Faith is a matter of
one’s own perception of God.

An understanding person will naturally
regard God to be infinitely understanding.

A vindictive person will somehow feel
God must be very vindictive.

Humans project their own fancied traits
upon a mysterious God,
and then form their beliefs,
which grow rigid with time.

Each of us will have experiences
that seem to prove God is
just as we variously view Him.

God remains God, inaccessible, incomprehensible.

The blind and dumb cannot describe
the glories of God.

To know God, one must
not remain a slave of one’s beliefs.
One needs to genuinely want God first.
One ought to see straight.
One should earnestly beg God
for Grace, Darshan, togetherness, salvation.

God wants these for us,
more than we ourselves do.

God is to be adequately
desired, valued, deserved….

Radhasoami!
****

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Attending Sacred Bhandaras Immensely Beneficial. {70.}

****
Radhasoami!

Satsangis are scattered the world over.

The Radhasoami religion revolves around
the Revered Leader.

True, the Guru Bachan
that had prophesied
that we would be able to have
the Sant Satguru’s Darshan
even though distant
has been fulfilled
at least in part.

However, pilgrimage to Dayalbagh,
especially upon sacred Bhandaras,
Gracious Huzur’s “Sakshath Darshan”,
or beholding of Real Countenance,
the fortune of Dhan ki Seva as Bhent,
{monetary service as a contribution}
paying homage at the Pavan Smrityalaya,
the Prashad of Sale,
and Arz {or supplication}at His Lotus Feet,
all have the potential of conferring
incalculable spiritual benefit upon devotees,
if performed sincerely and rightly.

Let us not doubt that
God exists in right faith,
and Radhasoami Dayal Is always Fully Aware
of everyone’s karmas and sanskaras
{deeds and tendencies}.

Finally, Grace will consummate matters
better than we might hope.

Radhasoami!
****

The Law of Causation Works. {69.}

****
Radhasoami!

Nothing just happens and fades away.

Everything has an existence,
and makes an impact,
which may be variously
right or wrong,
good or bad,
beautiful or ugly,
important or wasteful,
temporary or lasting,
beneficial or harmful,
redemptive or damning.

Our sense organs are limited,
but the soul is also
latent in everyone.

Intuition is the soul
trying to guide one.

Life evokes thought,
life offers choices,
life entails decisions,
life merits words,
life mandates actions.

There is no way the individual
can avoid or escape one’s responsibility.

One’s deeds have their costs.
One’s actions have their consequences.

Think it all out carefully.
Life is precious.

This will lead to that,
and eventually determine your destiny.

The mystical Law governs life.

Anything good that one does
reverberates and rebounds upon one.

As you act, destiny occurs;
responsibly choose your own fate!

Radhasoami!
****


Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Faith and Truth and Beliefs. {68.}

****
Radhasoami!

We apparently live in
our own individual worlds,
determined by our perceptions,
defined by our beliefs,
influenced by our desires,
and propelled by our written destinies.

True, free will is quite a laugh.
Humans are slaves
of their accumulated Sanskaras or tendencies,
and virtual prisoners of their beliefs.

So, what is the way out;
or, is there none?
A genuine quest for truth.
An ardent desire for salvation.

The way that one thinks is crucial.
Meditation is gradually acquiring mastery
over one’s way of thinking and thoughts.

Let one’s faith be pure.
Let one’s consistent honesty
and quest for truth
help render all one’s beliefs
to be true.

Faith, honesty, truth,
and right beliefs
will then enable right living,
which will evoke divine Grace.

Grace shall then draw the soul
closer to Its Reservoir.

The curtain shall then fall
upon an absurd play that
had best reach its end.

Radhasoami!
****

Monday, May 31, 2010

Patience is Supposed to Pay. {67.}

****
Radhasoami!

Patience is said to pay.

Patience has been emphasized
in several of our
Guru Bachans and Paaths
{Master’s Words and hymns}.

It is true that
one must be patient,
in matters of spiritual progress,
and regularly continue to persevere.

The impatient commit mistakes,
and become further unfit for Grace.
So, impatience does cost one,
in true religiosity.

I am a very patient soul,
having years and decades
of solitary perseverance
testifying to it.

However, I have now
begun to quite wonder
about lots of things.

There must be light
at the tunnel’s end.
Or, is it endless;
a night without end?

I am increasingly getting to share
Param Sant Kabir Sahib Ji’s longing:

Abhu miliho tho tabahu miliho
Nahin tho Jampur baasa
.”

That is,
If one gets the Lord
in this lifetime,
can one hope for Him
in the hereafter,
otherwise one remains damned.

The proof of the pudding
finally lies in the eating.

I cannot keep going indefinitely on
solely on my faith and yearning.

Flow, Grace, as drops of elixir
to bathe my soul in love,
and reward its patience with consummation!

If patience is to pay,
is payback time yet remote?

Radhasoami!
****

Progress in Vital Sphere Awaited. {66.}

****
Radhasoami!

The sanctified Satsang Hall in Dayalbagh
is currently being expanded and renovated.

Blessed are the Satsangis who have
Mercifully been Permitted to
contributed any money for this Seva.

I naturally feel greatly elated and proud
at any progress being made
in any sphere of Satsang,
perhaps much more than others
because our religion
is in my very breath and blood.

However, I cannot help feeling
that something is yet missing.

If an unshapely person dons
the latest designer brand clothing,
if an ugly lady wears jazzy jewellery,
elegance and beauty remain distant.

I hope I haven’t been
too harsh in my judgment.

Our religion is the world’s hope
for peace and salvation,
but if Satsangis themselves do not
reform, evolve, prove worthy, deserve Grace,
such external progress would be meaningless,
lost, prove in vain.

I humbly pray to Radhasoami Dayal
to Help and Ensure
that internal reform and evolution
among the Satsangis
also matches and keeps pace
with the progress being made
in other spheres of Satsang.

A pure and beautiful Satsangi soul,
reflecting inner beauty of the spirit,
and manifesting strength of the soul,
a refinement in values, polished character,
who lives in this world,
setting an example of how
Your Children ought to live,
moving closer towards Your Gloriousness;
Satsangis are yet far removed
from this ideal,
and only Your Grace
can work such miracles.

Radhasoami!
****

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Dayalbagh: Final Vatican, Developing Nation. {65.}

****
Radhasoami!

Satsangis ought to be habitually
ambitious, optimistic, confident,
secure in faith,
clear about destiny,
and trusting Grace.

Param Guru Huzur Mehta Ji Maharaj
had very Clearly Referrred to
the term “nation”
in the context of Dayalbagh.

So, Dayalbagh is to one fortunate day
be established as a sovereign, independent nation.

Satsangis are lucky representatives of
the only living, expanding religion on earth,
the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Satsangis are the torchbearers of Dayalbagh,
the final Vatican in the world.

Humanity will never require any other religion
as ours begins accomplishing its glorious Mission.

However, none of this can come about
by magic, on its own,
and we must all be ready
to strive adequately towards these goals
as Gracious Huzur Bids.

Radhasoami!
****

24 x 7 x 365 > Lifelong > Beyond. {64.}

****
Radhasoami!

These are times of 24-hour services.
24-hour flights, cabs, hotels,
banks, chemists and petrol pumps,
and various other services.

In a slightly lighter vein,
well, God has always been
far more modern than this.

God remains aware of
His entire creation every moment.
So, His Surveillance Department
naturally works fulltime,
making sin so difficult
for most inexperienced sinners!

Humans are lucky
God heeds their prayers
{such as He does},
around-the-clock.

God’s Laws governing the universe
also thankfully run fulltime;
a moment of lapse
would be apocalyptic.

Imagine if the sun needed
to be daily asked by God to rise,
and if God were to forget
to do so one day!

Anyway, so we ought to utilize
this 24-hour facility
and accessibility of God
by praying 24 hours.

Khate peethe chalte phirte
sovath jagath bisar na jaath,
Premi suno prem ki baath
.”

That is,
“While eating, drinking, walking, sleeping, wakeful,

never be separated from God.
Lover, follow this rule of love.”

Radhasoami!
****

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Dayalbagh’s Radhasoami Religion on Creation. {63.}

****
Radhasoami!

The Radhasoami religion is based in Dayalbagh, near Agra. Continuing in the glorious tradition of the Sant Math or the Religion of Saints, the Faith stresses devotion to and service of the Guru {the Incarnation of the Supreme Lord} as the way to salvation. Several tenets of the religion share their roots with Hinduism, such as a belief in transmigration of the soul, references to Yamaraja or the Lord of Death, and the like.

It is a formidable task to attempt to briefly encapsulate the religion’s understanding of creation, but let me do so. The religion believes creation to have occurred as incidental fallout of a certain subtle spiritual disequilibrium that evoked divine Will to create. The Big Bang was pre-essentially a spiritual-divine phenomenon, and only later transpired in the material dimension.

There are numerous world-systems in existence of the sort that we inhabit. When one of these gets coincidentally place with the higher divine realm called Satloka, then the inhabitants of that world-system are led towards salvation before the world-system gets destroyed altogether. However, the dissolution of a particular world-system -- through Pralay or MahaPralay -- does not bring the entire creation to a naught, but it only ends a minuscule part of it, {which is what this vast universe and its galaxies form of the overall creation}.

It would perhaps not be very erroneous to conclude that the Radhasoami religion is less interested in explaining creation, is more concerned about the dissolution of the universe, and is devoted to the service of universal salvation of all living beings.

Radhasoami!
****

Deserve Grace; Live Right Convictions. {62.}

****
Radhasoami!

Grace is not something
to be tricked,
traded,
or wrested by force.

Grace is not something
to be fought with others over,
regardless of how
many Satsangis might
think and try to do so.

Grace is something
to be deserved.

Grace can be individually deserved
by one’s being and faith,
worship and service.

Several undesirable elements
in the Sangath
have been setting
a bad example
in this regard for years.
Don’t ever become like them!

It is up to us
to survive existing unhealthy influences,
to redefine and prove one’s values
in the right manner,
and to set a shining example
for the next generations.

True religiosity is for
the truly courageous ones;
the cowardly inherit
neither the world nor paradise.

So, live by your convictions!

Radhasoami!
****

Friday, May 21, 2010

My Dissatisfaction is My Guide. {61.}

****
Radhasoami!

For years and decades I have been
wrestling with several fundamental questions,
like: “To what purpose? To what end?”

I haven’t really grown
closer to my answers.
Perhaps there aren’t any.

However, life remains a factual
state of existence
that one must live
and bring to its ideal fruition.

This naturally suggests salvation
as the optimal goal.

However, I still feel
none of this is
quite it.

It’s neither what I want
now what can resolve everything.

For one, I have met
extremely few Satsangis who appear
to genuinely live by the Satsang values.

Besides, the believed Satsang values
haven’t exactly been clearly defined.

Times are changing and values
also frequently undergo
subtle, manifest, and radical transformations.

Truth is a mere perspective.
As one evolves,
one acquires a higher perspective.
Everything appears to change altogether.
A different truth, more refined values,
a newer morality, further polished character.
Also, I may add, frequent
misunderstandings and conflicts
with the less evolved ones.

If our ideal itself is vague,
how can it be achieved satisfactorily?

I fear I may yet be
merely wasting my time and efforts.

As a genuine seeker,
I shall not rest short of
the Personal God and final Truth,
the ultimate Destination
and eternal Bliss.

So lead me, my dissatisfaction,
where you do,
I shall follow,
for there is much that I
have rejected in life,
but am yet to realize
my sought fulfillment.

I trust my Guru to merely
Play His Role Effectively.

My faith remains
yet to be realized.
My prayers are
yet to be answered.

I persevere, and await Grace ....

Radhasoami!
****

First Think It All Out. {60.}

****
Radhasoami!

Thinking is among the most elementary,
natural, ongoing, evolved, fruitful activities
that humans are capable of.

We think almost continuously.
Every moment one’s sense organs
receive a variety of impressions.
We process that information
by our thoughts,
and then file it
in our memories.

All these lead to beliefs, wisdom, insights.
Experiences can teach us a lot,
if we are willing to learn from them.
Only fools don’t learn from
& repeat their mistakes,
to put it rather bluntly.

Isaac Newton was not
a very practical person;
let’s be glad he wasn’t.
Had he been typically
practical & selfish,
when he had seen the apple
falling down to the ground,
he would merely have eaten it,
as anyone else would have.
Instead, he thought about it.
His thoughts on why the apple
fell to the ground,
helped science to discover
the fundamental laws of gravity,
and all the numerous
beneficial technological applications
derived from it.

We think all the time.
It is believed that the mind
does not fully rest
even during sleep.
Thoughts continue through one’s dreams.
The human mind habitually dreams,
though not all dreams
can be always remembered.

The average human mind
is believed to give birth to
as many as about
10,000 disparate thoughts
during the course of
every single day.

A large fraction of one’s thoughts
pertain to routine, petty, wasteful stuff.
She looked at me so ...
He said that about me ...
& the like.

Meditation involves gradually
reducing one’s thinking
to a standstill.
This enables one divine consciousness.

Thinking is the key
to one’s character.
Thinking and feeling are allied.
As the Buddha also observed,
we tend to become
just as we think.

So, control over one’s thoughts
can help us to
determine that we live rightly.
It is also crucial
for any spiritual progress.
To recall a quote,
“Only by understanding
can you get
the better of destiny.”

So, think, think,
think, think, think,
think, think, ... & continue thinking.

Don’t just think mechanically.
Think actively, think proactively.
Introspect.
Retrospect, as had been Advised by
Param Guru Huzur Mehta Ji Maharaj.
Think creatively.
Think out of the box.

Nobody is totally perfect.
Nobody is born perfect.
Nobody is a devil.
Nobody is damned eternally.
{I may add that I am generalizing
to convey a certain idea;
the actual truth is far more complex,
& cannot be presently discussed.}

Think about your strengths
& about your weaknesses.
Thereby learn to maximize
your virtues & competencies,
& minimize your errors, failings, failures.

Mere experiences or knowledge
are like raw food.
Digest it all with
your power of thought.
Emerge a polished person.

Then anyone you happen to meet
will be naturally attracted & impressed
by your awareness, control, bearing,
calm, reserve, poise & dignity.

A thoughtful person naturally speaks less.
Her thoughts are usually insightful,
right & honest.
A thoughtful person is more respected
in one’s peer group & community.

A thoughtful person’s actions will usually
be much better on various parameters,
than a bungler’s who lives recklessly,
with no thought to morality,
ethics, propriety, consequences.

When anything happens in life,
think about it.
Understand the essentials,
learn to discriminate, become able
to pierce through superficial veils.

With practice, you will be able to
become very intuitive.
A mere look at a person
will enable you to
instantly judge him
uncannily rightly, indeed.

You will then find that
living becomes an easier, simpler
& much more rewarding experience.

Thinking can help you to
even predict outcomes,
with varying degrees of certainty.

Thinking is a faculty that we must
learn to optimally employ to our advantage.

In any case, Satsangis are
enjoined to avoid
worldly objects & sensual pleasures.

Our living is to be
always strongly determined by values,
and directed only towards salvation.

As the Paath or hymn lines go:
Main pyari pyare Radhasoami ki
Kaamna rahi na ab sansaar.
Main pyari pyare Radhasoami ki
Chutayi Guru ne jag begaar
.”

That is,
“In that I am dear to Radhasoami Dayal,
I have now lost desire
for the world,
& He has Prevented me
from engaging in useless activities.”

To end this on
a slightly humorous note,
I hope you thought
that my above thinking
& thought-provoking thoughts
on thinking have been worthy
of your seriously thinking about,
& that you think it
desirable & necessary to henceforth
make it a habit to
think it all out first.

Radhasoami!
****

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Life: Brief Four Days’ Sojourn. {59.}

Life: Brief Four Days’ Sojourn. {59.}
****
Radhasoami!

There are several Paath or hymn lines
that contain references to life
as comprising merely four days.

Chaar dinan ke sangi yeh
while denoting that one’s attachments
last for but four days,
implying thereby that one’s bond
only with Radhasoami Dayal
continues across many lifetimes.

What is one to
construe from all this?

Firstly, it is very true
that time fleets past swiftly.
One rushes through the teens,
enters middle age
and, slightly later, old age,
even before one seems to realize
the rapid progression of years.
So, not wasting one’s time
must logically be duly high
among everyone's priorities.

Secondly, all one’s activities
and one’s entire living,
ought to be reviewed
from the spiritual perspective.
Thus, a course of action is desirable
if it gets one closer to Maalik.
Since the world offers umpteen
temptations, diversions, entanglements,
Satsangis ought to constantly check
and redirect their living
closer to the ideal
stressed in the Radhasoami religion.
This is important because
there is limited time available
for working one’s salvation out;
merely four days in a lifetime,
and four lifetimes at the maximum,
or a total of 16 days.
Since the time normally utilized
out of one’s four days
for active pursuit of spirituality
is rather limited,
the effective time that one has
for one’s spiritual progress
stands the more reduced.
Can’t afford to delay anything!

Thirdly, no time like now,
for redemption just as well.
Why need one irresponsibly postpone
preparation for this vital journey
to an indefinite future date?
Kaal kare so aaj kar ...”
That is,
“Do today what need tomorrow …”
Hence, one ought to seek redemption
during {or at the close of}
the current four-day lifetime itself.

Radhasoami!
****

Damn; Evil Does Truly Exist. {58.}

****
Radhasoami!

Truth may be an absolute.
It may be a single, integrated whole.

However, human perception finds understanding
to become easier
by making comparisons,
or by thinking in terms of polarities.

Hence, “a high mountain peak” conveys little meaning,
but “a mountain peak only 500 m lower than Mount Everest” does.

There would be no fun {so to say}
if everyone in the world were good.
Goodness is valued precisely because
the mass of folks are not good;
they are bad.

Goodness and evil, God and Satan, truth and falsity,
beauty and ugliness, light and darkness, altruism and selfishness,
polarities make sense to everyone.

However, life may not justly
be represented as either white or black,
there’s a large chunk of it
that is annoyingly grey as well
{as per fuzzy logic}.

To compound matters,
even white and black
have numerous degrees of
whiteness and blackness respectively.

To further complicate matters,
there are umpteen shades of grey as well.

So, to spell the obvious,
truth is a complex business,
as we all know anyway.

So, Satan, evil and hell
serve several definite, important purposes.
They stress the relative desirability
of God, spirituality and paradise.

My innocence has survived my age.
I have retained my key values.
It took me years and decades
to finally accept {with grave disappointment}
that evil did indeed, really exist.

What constitutes evil?
Unraveling this will hopefully indicate
how one can guard against its traits,
how one can tackle it headlong adequately,
and how one can maximize
one’s quest for real goodness.

To recall the biblical prayer,
“Lead me, O Lord, from darkness, into the light.”
This earnest transition can be better enabled
only with a mature comprehension
of what respectively constitutes
both darkness and light.

Radhasoami!
****

Monday, May 17, 2010

Lover, Meet Lord for Consummation. {57.}

****
Radhasoami!

Premi miliyo re Satguru se /
Deven kaaj Banay
.”

That is,
“Lover, meet the Master,
He’ll Resolve your tasks.”

These Paath or hymn lines
inspired me no end
throughout my youth.

In the process, the Indian Railways
earned a regular dividend
from my Gurubhakti or devotion,
because I would regularly
make Teeraths or pilgrimages to Dayalbagh.

Teerath Guru ke Charan /
Tere bhale ki Kahun
.”

That is,
“Pilgrimage to the Master’s Lotus Feet,
I say for your welfare.”

One can meet the Guru
by way of fortunate Arz or supplication.

One may also write one’s prayers
on a piece of paper
and keep it under one’s pillow
at night while sleeping,
for one’s Arz or prayer
to effectively reach the Guru,
as per Maalik’s Own Repeated Gurubachan.

As per another Gurubachan,
Anthar mein sahara dhoondho.”

That is,
“Seek support internally within yourself.”

One may also perform Satsang,
Seva and Abhyaas with dedication,
to access the Lord
and evoke His Grace.

So, there are umpteen ways
for genuine seekers and lovers
to meet their beloved Lord.

Satsangis are never bereft of
means to access their Guru,
partake of His benevolent Guidance,
and benefit from His Grace.

Let us be adequately grateful:

Dhanya dhanya sakhi bhaag humare /
Dhanya Guru ka Sang ri
.”

That is,
“Our fortunes are truly blessed, friends,
We are blessed with the Master’s Togetherness.”

Radhasoami!
****

God Also Naturally Plays Favorites. {56.}

****
Radhasoami!

Humans need to believe
that they deserve God and Grace.

Sure, life’s opportunity has been
granted to the jeevas {living beings},
but they are severely circumscribed by,
as to be virtual
prisoners and slaves of,
their cycle of sanskaras,
thoughts, desires, karmas.

It is easy to escape
the tyranny of an external despot,
but these internal demons
render a human grossly inadequate
for deserving God’s Grace.

God does play favorites too.

The devotees who worship
and serve Guru more,
naturally evoke God’s Grace
the greater for it.

Besides, God remains closely
with the sincere devotees.

There is no need for rivalry
in spiritual matters,
indeed, that would be self-defeatist,
for ultimately, one’s innate
goodness and sincerity
can merit one God.

Since one can control one’s own being,
the key to God’s Grace
is through one’s own self,
by striving towards wholity and perfection,
and valuing nothing but blissful rest
in the loftiest and eternal Radhasoami Dham.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Grace Works, If You Deserve. {55.}

****
Radhasoami!

The sun smiles down on earth,
at its best and its worst,
with “equality”, making no distinction whatsoever.
However, the fertile soil grows plants and flowers,
while the barren deserts remain lifeless.
So, soil differences do matter crucially,
despite the same sunrays grounds receive.

The teacher explains a subject
to a class teeming with unruly students.
Most fail to understand the essentials,
a few grasp its basics,
while the one might even master it.
The difference lies not with the teacher,
but in the desire, attention, receptivity, intelligence,
& ability among the students.

Likewise, in the Satsang Bhawan,
hundreds of Satsangis behold the Guru’s Darshan,
and listen to the Satsang.
However, they derive varying benefit from it.
Prem sahit Guru Daras se /
Mitey sakal jiva khed
.”
That is, if performed with love,
Darshan can rid you of
all your problems and anxieties.

So, let’s realize that it is
up to us individually
to deserve Grace from the Satguru.
His Grace exists, and will work,
like the sunrays on rich soil,
and the teacher’s words with an earnest student,
if we are ready and willing
to deserve it rightly.

Radhasoami!
****

How to Best One’s Opponents. {54.}

****
Radhasoami!

Main pyari pyare Radhasoami ki
Birodhi baithe sab hee haar
.”

Meaning, in that I am
dear to my beloved Lord,
all my opponents stand defeated.

One’s opponents or obstacles may be
either internal / personal,
or external / circumstantial.

Wrong faith, insufficient devotion,
lack of motivation, laziness,
incompetence, fear,
limited resources {of time, money, etc.},
and sundry such others,
constitute one’s own limitations and failures.

These prevent one from fully utilizing
for one’s own real and lasting
spiritual benefit and welfare
the fortunate opportunities that one
may already be blessed with.

One’s problems and foes without
also do exist,
since we live in Kaliyuga,
and people are hardly angels,
with most akin to beasts,
but it’s one’s own choice
whether one decides to lose
even without a wholehearted, healthy fight,
and fail one’s own
faith, desires and destiny.

It would be simplistic
to wish realities away,
there are always opponents and obstacles,
both internal and external,
but there is a solution too.

The Lord’s Love and Grace
can literally cause any miracle.
His mere Inspiration invariably suffices
to rid oneself of imperfections.
His Help enables devotees to
handle jealousy, persecution and hostility.

To be, remain and prove
true to one’s unshakeable faith,
to persevere in one’s quest.
to continue fighting one’s battles in life
until victory has been
duly won, savored, established.
Life never was easy,
but true religion does resolve difficulties.

Let’s remember that the sacred promise
in the opening lines
of our morning Binti or hymn,
the very first lines Penned by
our August Founder are:
Radhasoami Naam
jo gaave soyi thare,
Kal klesh sab naash
sukh paave sab dukh hare
.”

That is,
“Whoever sings the Radhasoami Name,
Eradicates Kaliyuga’s banes, ends sorrows,
And attains bliss.”

Meditation and the quest for salvation
certainly don’t mean irresponsibility,
and definitely not cowardice or escapism.

But one learns to be selective.
Main pyari pyare Radhasoami ki
Chutayi Guru ne jag begaar
.”

That is.
In that I am dear to the Lord,
the Guru has caused me to cease
indulging in useless and wasteful activities.

However, let's keep the flag flying,
because one can do it all,
with the Guru's Love, Grace, Help, ...

There is no confusion, problem,
danger, misery at all,
we already have every ultimate
truth, solution, power, bliss!

Radhasoami!
****

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Intensely Seeking Salvation, Master-God. {53.}

****
Radhasoami!

The Guru and God are one.

Indeed, the Guru is greater than God,
because He enlightens the jeevas {living beings} about God,
and can help them attain paradise.

As Param Sant Kabir Says:
Guru Govind dou khade Kapei laagun Paav
Balihari Guru Aapne jin Govind Diyo Milay
.”

That is, if the Guru and God were both Present,
Whose Lotus Feet should Kabir touch?
It is the Guru’s,
since He unites one with God.

People are content with
merely being God-fearing
to the extent that they live
on the right side of God.
All very good and fine.

My interest, desire, commitment, passion
in spirituality and for God
are far too deep, lofty
to bear of God’s denial.

I really want nothing else except God …
& I really want God!

As our Guru Bachan recommends,
“... jeethe jeeudhhar ko paana
{attaining redemption in life itself}.

To recall Param Sant Kabir again,
Abhu miliho tho tabahu miliho /
Nahin tho Jampur baasa
.”

That is, if you meet God
in your very lifetime,
can you aspire to
unite with Him in the hereafter,
otherwise it’s virtual damnation.

So, I cannot be satisfied even with
the Guru-Khuda’s sacred Promise
of salvation in four lifetimes.

F o u r l o n g lifetimes ...
perhaps separated by eons of years ...
not for me.

I want my salvation,
certainly in this janam or life.
I want it very soon; now.
I am resolved to have it.

As I had said
during a fortunate Arz or supplication
to Gracious Huzur “Prem” Saran Satsangi Saheb Ji,
Mera agla janam kya hoga?
Yahan tho ek ek saal
bhaari pad raha hai
.”

That is,
“How can I have a next birth?
I already find every single year
growing more onerous indeed.”

To which He had Mercifully Replied
Tadap bahut achhi cheez hothi hai.”

That is,
“Intense yearning is a very good sentiment.”

The soul that renounces everything
and intensely perseveres for God ...
what in existence can possibly
thwart such a final longing,
especially when it is
fully supported by God?

To recall our Paath or hymn lines,
Ab tho man kar chuka pukaar /
Radhasoami Karo uddhaar
.”

That is,
“Now the soul has cried out,
Radhasoami, Redeem me.”

Radhasoami!

Take Time Off for It. {52.}

****
Radhasoami!

Be alive and present in life.
Be aware and experience your self.

Work is worship.
Work is power.

To what purpose?
To what end?

Take some time off ... to love.
Take some time off ... to care.

Break free of your self.
Transcend death while living itself.

I desire nobody and nothing else.
I seek just You and It.

Let The Guru Guide.
Let His Grace Redeem.

Radhasoami!
****

Friday, May 14, 2010

I Desire not to Desire. {51.}

****
Radhasoami!

I recall the fairy tales
I read in my childhood,
where the child
had a mysterious magic bowl
that fulfilled all her desires.

Everyone always wants more,
and more and more
of this, of that, of everything.

More money, sumptuous meals, designer brands,
attractive spouse, obedient children,
sleeker car, spacious mansions,
and that vague “respect in society”.

Religion has merely thrown in
several newer desires
like more Prashad {sanctified eatables}
and God’s Grace.

The essence of Sant Math
is understood by few Satsangis,
and practiced by perhaps none.

As the Paath {or hymn} lines clearly state:
Duniya ko chahe tu aur Deedaar ko.
Yeh hai mushkil ansamajh hai yaar tu
.”

That is,
“You seek the world and beholding the Lord's Countenance
That is difficult, you are naive, my friend.”

However, we may derive hope
from Maalik’s Bachan of enjoying
both Sansari and Parmarthi laddus
{both worldly and spiritual fruits}.

Desires are virtually endless
and are at the root of
the cycle of
transmigration of soul and rebirth,
which has trapped all jeevas {living beings}.

A desire is a desire,
be it for carnal sex
or for abode in Satloka.

For true salvation to occur,
desires are to be transcended.

Repression is not the answer,
the root must be killed.

Renunciation is the only way
to free oneself forever from
the possibility of desires altogether.

It is not enough to
know or understand sublime truths.
Their practice is necessary,
otherwise a crucial lifetime
will have been wasted.

But, as the proverb goes:
There’s many a slip
betwixt the cup and the lip.

Radhasoami!
****

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Discernible Benefits of Talking Less. {50.}

****
Radhasoami!

Param Guru Huzur Mehta Ji Maharaj
had once Reminded Satsangis that M. K. Gandhi
used to observe a weekly Maun,
or day of silence,
when he wouldn’t talk to anyone at all.

The habit of talking less
has several advantages
that we ought to consider.

One saves energy.
One remains serene.
One observes, thinks, understands more.

In a lighter vein,
if one talks less,
one is less likely
to make a fool of oneself,
and people are apt to respect you more
if you are a taciturn person,
rather than a chatterbox.

If you talk less,
your words are likely to be
more believed in and
have a greater impact than otherwise.

Moreover, talking less helps oneself
to remain collected,
enables a quicker withdrawal
of the sense organs,
and facilitates an internal ascent
of the surat or soul during meditation.

Talking less helps one remain
constantly internally attuned to the Lord.

As the Paath or hymn lines describe
the ideal state for us:
Moha na byape, jag nahin phansayi,
Rahe surat nirmal Guru satha,
Shabd mile rahe Charnan matha
, ...”

That is,
“Attachment doesn’t work, the world doesn’t entangle,
The soul remains pure with the Master,
With one’s forehead at the Lotus Feet, one attains the Word.”

Radhasoami!
****

Remain, Live True to Yourself. {49.}

****
Radhasoami!

The self hides the Self,
and the Self is God.

Seek your self, beyond your ego.

Know and understand yourself.

Only then can you be,
remain and live
true to yourself.

This doesn’t necessarily
mean becoming “selfish”.

I have usually found myself to be
at odds with the milieu.

I was either a round peg
in a square hole,
or a square peg
in a round hole.

Mere friction, disharmony and strife;
never to my liking,
to no purpose whatsoever.

I remained myself.
I survived people and life.
That was victory.

The beautiful lady is resented and hated
by all the other less pretty ones,
for no fault of hers.

Despite the malice and baseness
that one encounters in life,
one must continue with one’s
goodness, faith, devotion and service.

It is pointless to yield
to those who are incorrigibly
wrong, perverse, sinful and hostile.

Be clear and remain strong.
After all, the endless Source
of all Wisdom and Strength
remains our Guide and Redeemer.

Life is quite a silly nightmare
that shall end once the surat or soul
finally reaches Radhasoami Dham.

Radhasoami!
****

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Never Think You Are Alone. {48.}

****
Radhasoami!

Regardless of circumstances,
whatever the situation,
you are never really alone.

If your faith is sincere,
if you really believe in Radhasoami Dayal,
your Supreme Parent Is always
Caring for you.

Maalik Hain Rakshak jeeva ke /
Jeeva na jaane bhed
.”

{I don’t think I have
the above Paath lines accurate,
but let’s gloss over it.}

That is,
“The Lord is the living being’s Protector,
but the beings know not the secrets.”

One’s inner bond with Radhasoami Dayal
continues beyond death into the hereafter.

It is only this that will decide
your next janam or birth,
or your salvation immediately after this life.

The intensity of your longing for God,
the urgency of your quest for salvation,
can never be lost upon Radhasoami Dayal.

It Is Radhasoami Dayal Who Alone
Causes your parents, siblings, spouses, others
to love, help, care for you.

Be grateful to & thank only Him.
{Though superficial courtesy to others is permitted.}

It Is Radhasoami Dayal Alone
Who merits your unflinching faith,
pure love & total trust,
willing obedience & undying loyalty.

Pray to Radhasoami Dayal sincerely,
even ask Him for things
as a child may its Parent,
be it trifles or grave matters,
& you will rarely be disappointed.

For remember, God is love
& God Loves His children
as we might not have
the sense to quite fathom.

Cling on to your faith,
continue with your sincere prayers,
expect Grace to shower miracles,
& it will all happen.

Radhasoami!
****

Basically, It’s All Entirely Internal. {47.}

****
Radhasoami!

God exists in one’s faith.

Reality remains a personal experience.

Being is in one’s consciousness.

One’s awareness partakes of the
ultimate Reservoir of all awareness.

Truth is a matter of mere perception,
determined by one’s faith,
beliefs, way of thinking,
& sundry other compulsions.

Truth generally has little to do
with truth, per se.

What then determines individual differences,
causing the one to head for paradise
& the other to roast in hell?

The essence of one’s values,
& integrity in living life.

What motivates most human living?
Desires & the compelling urge
to somehow ensure their fulfillment.

To realize as much
& transcend through renunciation,
constitutes hastening one’s spiritual progress
& moving swifter towards God.

The route to God is internal.

People & the world & life are respectively
usually merely pests and nuisances,
an external environment,
an incidental medium,
for enabling one’s internal ascent.

Such clarity doubtless leads to
more committed, concentrated, effective efforts.

Let’s not waste our precious time
in this rare opportunity
provided by fortunate Satsangi human birth.

Cut out the crap that engages you,
& realize that
basically it’s all entirely internal.

The path is to be trod
& you alone can possibly do it,
& you must move towards your salvation.

That is precisely why
you have been born
& are now living.

Radhasoami!
****

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Lessons Learnt from Rotten Apples. {46.}

****
Radhasoami!

The elder generation habitually
regards itself as ideal,
and with the natural rights
to “demand” respect from youngsters
& order them around.

This would make sense
& even be desirable & necessary,
if parents, Branch Secretaries, & others
were truly of the right sort,
had the youngsters’ interests & concerns in view,
& were guided by right motivations.

We unfortunately live in a dirty world,
& people are hardly perfect.

Accepting & obeying most elders
would be the surest & swiftest route
to one’s own unhappiness & ruin.

Life literally abounds with rotten apples,
you ask for one & get a dozen.

I have generally been & lived
like a rebel throughout my life.

I know my own values,
& don’t care a damn about
what really doesn’t deserve anything.

When surrounded by smiling faces
hiding barely disguised selfish motives
or evil intentions,
firstly learn to see through things,
to discriminate between what is
& what has been claimed or professed,
to judge & value rightly.

Be on your constant guard.
Trust none except the Lord.
Remain sane & become strong.

As per the Paath or hymn lines:
Unse rahna samajh boojh kar,
Hain yeh bairi, hith dikhlaye.
Teri haani laab nahin soche,
Apne swarath rahen liptaye
.”

That is,
“Be on guard against such,
They are foes, professing friendship.
They’re uncaring about your welfare,
Intent on own selfish interests.”

One ought to learn from
the rotten apples
how one should not be.

Elders remain an example,
for the younger generation.
Unworthy elders become bad examples,
whom one ought to remember
for their sundry bad habits or tendencies.
They should teach us not
to ever become like them.

After all, they are headed
towards their own destinies,
& we must carefully
chalk out our own desserts.

Radhasoami!
****

One Step At a Time. {45.}

****
Radhasoami!

Rome was not built in a day.
A long journey begins with one step.

Life may frequently seem difficult,
but clear thinking solves much,
aided by courage & one’s work.

Most people create their own problems,
& compound their already existing ones.

Most problems are created by
an abnegation of one’s responsibility.

Awake, & arise!
There is much awaiting to be done.

Desires are temptations, diversions, wasteful.
The realized one can remain satisfied
with wholity, renunciation, control.

There is the evolutionary spiral,
& backward movements are self-defeatist.

The mystical path exists internally,
which needs must be traversed.

Clarify, prioritize, & do it;
one step at a time.

It can be done;
eternal bliss awaits you!

Radhasoami!
*****

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Eat Less; Live Better, Longer. {44.}

****
Radhasoami!

Do you live to eat,
or eat to live?

Most people seem to live
only to eat.
It is as if their life
is merely a directed movement
from one meal to another.

The Bible very rightly affirms:
“Man does not live by bread alone.”
There are other important values too.

I eat only to live,
though I realize the value of nutrition,
& can & do enjoy tasty dishes.

However, food is not
central to my worldview,
as appears to be with others.

The Paath or hymn lines advise:
Bhojan bahut na khaav / Tere bhale ki Kahun.”
That is,
“Don’t eat overly / I say for your welfare.”

Furthermore, a Guru Bachan Bids Satsangis to eat
only three-fourths of the amount
that one might normally want to.

In tune with the Satsang ideal
of “better-worldliness,”
we might apply it to
our dietary habits as well.

Let there be “better” food,
and not necessarily,
greater amounts of it.

Moreover, eating less is gradually
being accepted in medical circles
as considerably aiding
health and longevity.

We might well conclude
& resolves as follows:

Eat less, to live better!
Eat less, to live longer!

Radhasoami!
****

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Retain Faith in Life's Justice. {43.}

****
Radhasoami!

One is born alone,
one personally lives alone,
& one dies alone.

The self is limited,
being & experience cannot
really be totally shared.

The soul fulfils its desires,
& the load of karmas
gradually gets wiped out,
with the Guru's Grace.

One better remain individually responsible,
the awesome Law governs all existence ruthlessly.

Much as it might appear to the contrary,
there is an innate justice to life's plays.

It is just that the divine theatre
does not follow human timetables.

People can, therefore, not easily discern
the rewards their good deeds will get them,
nor unravel the punishments that God
will have the evil meet with.

One ought to, under all circumstances,
keep one's faith, values & morality.

The show is still on,
the curtains haven't yet fallen;
& while there is life,
let there also remain hope,
incentive, motivation & will
for a better living.

Radhasoami!
****

Sixth Anniversary of Maalik’s Acclamation. {42.}

****
Radhasoami!

Today is a fortunate day in the history of the Radhasoami Satsang of Dayalbagh.

May 18, 2009 marks the sixth anniversary of the Acclamation of
Gracious Huzur “Prem” Saran Satsangi as the eighth Revered Leader of Dayalbagh, & of His Ascension to the divine Gaddi or Throne.

The progress that Satsang has made in these last six years cannot possibly be listed in a brief note of rejoicing as this.

You can yourself recall what Grace Maalik must have Showered upon you since having become the Sant Sarguru.

That should give one an idea of how Maalik has Been, through tireless & unflagging Personal Efforts, Caring for the entire Sangath.

Today is verily a day to celebrate.

It is also a day to express our deep gratitude to His Holiness for His boundless Grace.

& finally, today is also an ideal day to resolve to become better Satsangis than before, more devoted in the performance of Satsang, Seva & Abhyaas than we might yet be.

Radhasoami!
****

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Regularly Increase Your Spiritual Wealth. {41.}

****
Radhasoami!

Always better keep on the right track.

Indeed, of what?

Your own integrity, because “Khuda apne imaan hee mein hotha hai”, or God exists in one’s own integrity.

The one who is insincere, lying in speech, & dishonest in conduct loses both self & Guru-God.

Also stay on the right side of the Radhasoami Faith & the Param Guru of Dayalbagh, by practicing its principles & obeying His Fiats respectively.

We don’t realize it, but our lives & destinies depend crucially on these.

This is because Radhasoami Dayal Is Omniscient, our Mission is fated, & the mystical Law governs all of existence.

Next, continuously make premeditated, decided, systematic, significant & effective efforts to increase your spiritual earnings, or the sum total of “Punya” or good deeds that form your spiritual capital or bank balance.

Your worldly wealth is not transferable into the hereafter, but your spiritual capital is what determines the quality of your future life or state {ideally, redemption through a blessed nook in the loftiest paradise, Radhasoami Dham}.

Radhasoami!
****

Yes’es or No’es to Possibilities. {40.}

****
Radhasoami!

The six traditional Hindu systems of philosophy
included the concepts of “Neti” and “Eti
among their rich reservoir of beneficial insights.

Let us recall that our Revered Leaders
have also Frequently Referred to
various other sages and saints.

Neti means No.
This method advocates
a constant & ceaseless rejection
of life as constituting reality.

Eti signifies Yes.
It stresses affirmation
of the whole of universe
as part of God’s creation.

Both the ways were variously
routes to God.
The Neti mode rejected everything
& accepted only God’s essence.
The Eti path accepted everything
as inevitably leading to God.

Which of these would illustrate
your mode of living life?
Are you careless or choosy?
Are you reckless or cautious?

I reserve my Yes’es for the extremely elite,
I habitually live by outright No’es to life.
It renders my living simpler
& my engagements
more productive, fruitful & rewarding.

However, on the flip side,
experiences of diversity & variety
add to one’s wisdom & maturity,
polish one’s powers of discrimination,
enable quicker & better judgements,
making one more confident towards newer developments
& adequate in tackling situations.

Living is the lesser aspect of life,
the greater dimension pertains to the hereafter.

The Paath {or hymn} lines exhort us:
Kaatthe aur phoonkthe rastha chalo /
Marthe dham thak eqdam gafil na ho
.”

That is,
“Tread the path with grave caution,
Be not careless until your very dying moment.”

Radhasoami!
****

Monday, May 3, 2010

How Frequently Do You Pray? {39.}

****
Radhasoami!

How fequently do you pray, that is,
perform Satsang, Seva or Abhyaas
{recite hymns, serve or meditate}?

Once a month, once a week,
once a day, twice a day,
a few times every day & night,
or several times in a 24-hour cycle?

Actually, the above question is erroneous,
viewed by a certain sincere perspective,
which may be briefly elaborated thus.

One’s faith ought to just consume one.
Prayer is not a one-time
or occasional external activity.
Just as being or breath are innate to one,
so should one’s faith & devotion be.

If you are still
in the category of those who,
pray at certain times,
& don’t upon others,
you haven’t begun your prayers yet!

Prayer is that which occurs all the time.
A devotee is one who prays every moment
all of 24 hours.
The rest is kid stuff.
I don’t intend to disparage,
but to inspire towards the greater ideal.

By prayer I don’t necessarily mean
the performance of Satsang Paaths
{or recitation of Satsang hymns},
much less “asking” God for things.

I mean prayer as a
constant awareness of Radhasoami Dayal.

One’s every living
& entire way of life
then becomes a dedicated prayer
offered to the Param Guru.

Don’t just pray occasionally,
always remain internally engrossed in prayer.

Even while writing this,
I have been praying.
Were I to be watching a movie,
I would still be praying no less.

Where I am,
my eternal Master Is there.
Our Satsang continues
around-the-clock.
My living itself is prayer,
my living itself is Seva,
& my living accomplishes meditation.

Thanks be to Gracious Huzur
for the boon of
such blessed proximity
and mode of life.

May its purpose be realized,
with Maalik’s Supreme Grace helping.

Radhasoami!
****

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Don’t Really Believe in God? {37.}

****
Radhasoami!

There’s a fantastic sale of
export quality woolens going on
at discounts of 50 percent.
Most people would go running

to share in the spoils.

Aishwarya Rai is in town
& to perform dance at a certain club.
Most people would rush to attend it.

For superficial profit,
for petty thrills,
people are willing to
put in such efforts!

Don’t we really believe in God,
in meditation as enabling internal ascent,
or in Gurubhakti as ensuring one’s salvation?

Indeed, it would quite appear
that we don’t really believe
in God, meditation & redemption,
otherwise we would obviously be
making serious, consistent & adequate
efforts in these crucial spheres.

People are willing to do so much
for their worldly possessions
or mere sensual desires.

If people really believed in God,
they would also meditate,
trusting the Guru Bachans
that the eternal realm
of infinite bliss
is located within.

The hereafter matters more than life.
Yes, this needs be clearly stated:
the afterlife matters more than life;
for life is a mere four days’ play,
but spirituality pertains to
the soul’s state for an eternity.

Don’t waste your precious time on muck,
It’s just not worth it!

Seriously focus on the Radhasoami Faith,
& earnestly persevere for your salvation!

Radhasoami!
****