41. What is True salvation?
75. The attainment
of this Truth of Truths in its highest mansion, by a sincere
and affectionate devotee, is called true and perfect salvation.
There are many (individuals) who, in their search for Truth,
traversing some distance stopped short on their way in one
or other lower spheres in the material regions, and regarded
it as the mansion of Truth. Every one of these lower spheres
is however, the mansion of comparative truth and in the absence
of instructions from a Perfect Guide or Sat Guru, many
(individuals) have been misled to regard false or apparent
or comparative truths as real and pure Truth; and the result
is that they (individuals) unwittingly remained in the material
regions to die and be re-born after certain long periods.
76. Every higher sphere
is abode of the Master and Director of the creation of that
sphere and of the spheres below, and is therefore, more joyful
and more lasting than the latter. But as far as matter extends
there is no permanent durability and immunity from change,
decay or dissolution; and, therefore these spheres are unfit
for the reception of a devotee, who is desirous of approaching
the Supreme Being, the Truth of Truths, the Joy of Joys, Unchangeable
and Immortal, full of everlasting and unbounded Bliss and
Felicity unalloyed with any form of matter.
42. Luminous and dark rays
77. It may be observed
here that rays of light (resplendent pure white light) represent
Truth or Spirit Current in this world, or in other words,
are originally emanations from the spiritual Sun of Truth;
while darkness and dark rays represent matter and instability
or untruth, and are emanations from the luminous as well as
the dark suns. The rays of light are called luminous and those
of the darkness non-luminous. A sincere devotee should not
stop at any stage where there are both light and darkness,
but should continue his journey onward until he reaches the
region of pure, eternal, resplendent light where there is
no darkness at all, that is, the region of Truth and of pure
Supreme Spirit.
78. In like manner
and in correspondence with the above there are two currents
flowing from the higher regions of the brain in the human
body, viz., White matter and Grey matter; the former being
the representative of light and spirit, while the latter partakes
more or less of matter and darkness. In the spheres comprised
in the third grand division, white light, represents spirit
current, while blue light and dark rays indicate Kal Purush
or Brahm, the ruler of the coarse material regions.
79. The tendency of
Brahm or the Universal Mind is downward and outward,
and that of matter or Maya still more downward and
outward as the latter forms the superficial covering of all
bodies created in various spheres of the second and third
grand divisions; hence the war of Spirit current with these
two most powerful agents or factors in the creation, present
grand obstacles and impediments to a devotee or pure spirit
entity on his onward journey towards it source, the Supreme
Being. These obstacles can easily be overcome only by the
grace and mercy of the Supreme father and the help of the
Sant Sat Guru or Mediator.
43. Absolute necessity for Spiritual
devotion
80. It may be concluded
from the above that so long as the spirit entity remains clothed
in material coverings or bodies in the regions of matter (the
second and third grand divisions), it will of necessity, be
subject to the forces of nature or matter which have a downward
and outward tendency and that unless it withdraws its currents
to a certain extent from the objective world; with the help
of a Superior Spirit entity or Sant Sat Guru (who has
freed Himself from the bondage of matter) and tries to traverse
and raise itself above the material spheres by practicing
a certain mode of devotion; it can not expect to liberate
itself from the various material coverings and their influences
and reach the pure spiritual regions, the abode of the Supreme
Being, and thus attain perfect salvation.
81. It is therefore,
absolutely necessary for and incumbent upon every human being,
male or female, desirous of escaping the pleasures and pains
of this world inseparable from the assumption of material
body and also the excruciating pains of leaving the body and
everything surrounding it (the objects of its joy and pleasure)
at the time of death, as also to avoid re-birth and the suffering
attendant thereupon, to search for a Superior Spirit Entity
or Perfect Guide, and under His guidance and benign influence
start on its homeward journey with an ever-increasing love
for, and with a fervent desire to approach, the Supreme Father,
and thereby secure His grace and mercy for the easy and early
attainment of its aim and object, the Holy Presence of the
Supreme Being.
44. The work of salvation can be can be carried on in human
body only. A devotee is not required to quit his family and
profession
82. The mode of devotion
referred to can only be practiced while a spirit entity dwells
in a healthy human body and those who fail to accomplish the
work of devotion or even commence it during their present
life, must inevitably submit to a series of births and re-births
in internal regions of matter and to the sufferings and pain
inseparable there from. Any amount of regret, remorse or repentance
at the time of death and after it, will be too late and of
no avail. And regret they must, who fail in their present
life to avail themselves of the opportunities offered them
for regaining their lost kingdom, the abode of the Supreme
Father.
83. If a human being
has not sufficient means of accomplishing the work of salvation
in present life, the one should not be discouraged or disappointed.
If one simply commences the work under the guidance and merciful
protection of Sant Sat Guru and the Supreme Father
Radhasoami, one will be able to accomplish it in the next,
or one more subsequent birth which will be superior in every
respect to the previous birth and when one will have sufficient
means at one’s disposal to help him in finally attaining
his object.
84. It must be clearly
understood that Radhasoami Faith does not require or permit
any one who joins it to quit his family or surroundings or
give up his avocation or profession to obtain his livelihood;
on the other hand it enjoins the advisability of a devotee
continuing to live with his family and discharge his household
and professional duties satisfactorily and at the same time
secure salvation by earnestly and fervently practicing devotion
for two to four or at the most six hours a day, distributing
the above time at the rate of half, three fourths or one hour
at a time according to his convenience.
45. The sphere of true salvation
85. A little consideration
and careful observation of the affairs and the transitory
state of this world will show that our abode on this earth
is temporary, and, that our permanent dwelling is in the pure
spiritual regions; and, that so long as the spirit remains
clothed in material body on this or any other globe in the
material regions, it must suffer more or less mental or bodily
pain and enjoy worldly pleasures to a greater or less extent,
and be also subject to re-birth whether it takes place sooner
or later; and, that these vicissitudes of life in the lower
spheres can not be avoided until traversing the material spheres
by devotional practice, and the spirit entity returns to its
happy home, the Holy Abode of the Supreme Being.
86. It becomes; therefore,
absolutely necessary for all sensible human beings to exert
themselves to quit the infernal material spheres and approaches
the Supreme Being in His Highest Mansion, without which perfect
salvation can not be attained.
46. Three powers of human beings
– Physical, Intellectual & Mental, and Spiritual
87. There are three
powers latent in the human being, viz.,
1. Spiritual
2. Intellectual and Mental
3. Corporal or Physical
Every one of these
powers require regular training under a guide or master before
it can be awakened, and brought into use for any purpose.
The physical powers comprise the action of and the work done
by the senses and limbs, such as the organs of sight, hearing,
taste, speech, smell and touch etc., as also hands, feet,
generative organs etc. Those who have developed any of the
above senses or limbs to perfection and adopted them to special
uses, such as drawing, painting, copying, singing dancing,
playing on musical instruments, riding, sleight of hands etc.,
etc., can acquire name, fame, and earn good livelihood; whereas
those who have remained dull and undergone no training of
any kind, work merely as labourers, coolies or plough men,
and hardly sufficient to live from hand to mouth.
88. Again, those who
have undergone higher training and awakened their intellectual
and mental power to perfection in any particular line or department
of science, become literary men, philosophers, astronomers,
statesmen, administrators, judges, barristers, doctors, engineers
etc., and acquire greater renown and worldly power to control
and direct the affairs and in fact rule the destiny of millions
of people inhabiting various districts and countries. These
functionaries are respected and obeyed by all and receive
high remuneration for their intellectual work.
89. Again, those (though
few in number) who have, by continued practice of piety and
devotion succeeded in awakening and developing their spiritual
power have merited special Grace and Mercy of the Supreme
Being, and become prophets, mediators and saints appertaining
to the second and third grand divisions and have done much
for the salvation of human race. Their fame has spread far
and wide and their name and person have in a manner become
immortal and are adored and regarded as the means of salvation
by millions of people inhabiting distant lands and countries.
They have further, ascended heaven and enjoy the honour and
happiness of remaining in the presence of their God; and while
on earth they sometimes exercised extraordinary or supernatural
powers.
90. It is left to the
choice of human beings to undergo regular training under a
competent master and use their best efforts to awaken and
develop any of the above powers. There are many, who, do not
care to make use of any of the above powers, while there are
some, who exert themselves earnestly to develop their intellectual
or physical power. Nearly all seem to be indifferent to the
necessity of awakening the spiritual power. But it is doubly,
nay, absolutely necessary for all human beings for the sake
of their spiritual benefit, and to save their spirit from
eternal perdition to exert themselves to the best of their
powers to awaken and develop, at least to a certain degree,
the spiritual power lying dormant within their own selves.
If they do so, they will not only enjoy happiness and contentment
and a healthy constitution in this world, but also secure
heavenly bliss in the next, and escape various sorts of pains
and troubles as well as misery of re-birth, and eventually
reach the presence of the Supreme Father in the Highest Heaven
and enjoy eternal happiness.
47.
The advisability of awakening and developing Spiritual Powers
OBSERVATION –I
91. The human spirit
being native of pure spiritual regions and a denizen on this
earth, it becomes necessary for its rest and comfort that
it should try to return to its source where alone it can enjoy
pure spiritual happiness permanently.
OBSERVATION –II
92. The human spirit
being mostly attached and confined to this world through the
senses of sight, hearing and taste, it can easily release
itself from the bondage of body and pleasures of this world
by turning these very senses upwards within itself, whereby
it could see higher objects, hear heavenly sounds, and taste
the nectar of life which flows from higher regions in the
brain.
OBSERVATION –III
93. There are many
gentlemen and in some cases ladies too, who set out bravely
at great risk of life and property on exploring expeditions
to the Poles and various other unknown and untraversed lands
and hills in distant parts of the globe, or ascend the sky
in balloons or conduct experiments for the navigation of air,
also for making new discoveries in chemistry, electricity
and other branches of science etc., the fruits of which are
a very small addition to the knowledge of geography or other
department of science, and some personal advantage in the
shape of fame and name to the adventurer. It therefore, seems
equally, nay, highly desirable, for the permanent and most
important benefit of humanity in general, to start on a journey
in untrodden spheres, to ascertain the source, or in other
words, the happy home of ourselves, viz., the spirit, and
to reach the sublime presence of our beloved Supreme Father,
the Almighty Creator. The adventurer will secure great and
lasting reward, namely, the approbation of the Supreme Father,
and salvation of mankind in general, and permanent immunity
from rebirth and pains and pleasures of life on the earth.
OBSERVATION –IV
94. Every one burns
with the desire to acquire worldly riches, sensual pleasures
and worldly fame and greatness. There are many who toil and
work hard to satisfy their ambition. Of these some succeed
fully and some partially in their efforts, while others fail
altogether. Those who are fortunate in attaining the object
of their aspiration are again in constant anxiety to obtain
more and more the object they have gained; and those who did
not try their luck or make any attempt to acquire worldly
wealth, pleasures and fame, burn with envy and jealousy to
see their more fortunate brethren in full or partial, enjoyment
of the same. Thus the whole lots of people always suffer from,
or are tormented with, the pain of discontent, disappointment,
jealousy and envy, or insatiable thirst or greed for more
and more.
95. Again, all human
beings are subject to four kinds of afflictions viz.,
1. Mental, such as fear, anxiety, pain caused by mishap, theft,
loss and bereavement etc., sorrow for a relation or friend
in distress or trouble etc.
2. Various diseases of body and senses.
3. Quarrel, enmity and dispute with others.
4. Pangs of death.
96. Some of these cases
are partly or wholly remediable, while others of serious nature
are wholly irremediable and beyond the power and control of
humanity. In these latter cases, human being can get no help
from others and has to reluctantly suffer extraordinary pains,
trouble and privations.
97. The most holy and
sublime Radhasoami Faith prescribes remedy for both sorts
of troubles, namely those mentioned in paragraph 95 as well
as those in paragraph 96. The remedy is simple and can be
applied by all if they will only willingly undertake (at no
trouble to themselves) to practice devotion according to Surat-Shabd-Yog,
or in other words, try to liberate their spirit entity from
the bondage of matter by raising it from its seat in the pupil
of eye towards its source, the highest sphere or pure spiritual
region, the abode of the Supreme Heavenly Father.
98. By doing so, all
desires for worldly riches, pleasures, name, fame, power and
greatness, will gradually cease and in lieu thereof will spring
up intense love for the Supreme Being and a strong desire
to approach His Holy Mansion and witness His glory in the
creation.
99. In like manner
the more the spirit entity disentangles itself from the bondage
of the body and other objects of this world, the less will
it feel the effect of afflictions and adversity which generally
befall mankind in this world, and by the grace of the Almighty
Father acquire sufficient strength to withstand all temptations
and privations in life and gladly meet with death (of body)
when it comes, in order to attain heavenly bliss in higher
spheres and everlasting joy in the highest mansion of the
Supreme Being.
100. There is no other
way or means of overcoming or escaping the troubles and pains
to which human life is subject in this world except the practice
of concentration and sublimation or elevation of spirit entity
to higher spheres according to Surat-Shabd-Yog as prescribed
by Radhasoami Faith.
OBSERVATION – V
101. The spirit current
is constantly flowing out through the nine principal orifices
or apertures in the body, viz., two eyes, two ears, two nostrils,
mouth, generative organ, and anus; and is the cause of pleasures
derived by senses etc. But these pleasant sensations are not
lasting and the impressions produced by them on the mind are
so numerous and of such a conflicting nature that eventually
they give rise to serious disturbances in the realm of thought
and ideas.
102. A wise and prudent
human being should avoid lending his power of senses to promiscuous
observation and collection of varied impressions and formation
of indifferent, and sometimes indistinct ideas there from,
in view to keep down irregular, improper and unnecessary desires
which sprang up in the heart and prove a source of unlimited
bother and trouble to the thinker.
103. Ordinary people
out of curiosity take very little care to guard their senses
against their misuse, but it is incumbent upon all thoughtful
men and women to exercise some restriction over their love
of curiosity and to restrain the external flow of their spirit
current through the senses by changing its course under the
instructions and guidance of Sant Sat Guru or a Sadh
Guru towards the tenth higher orifice or aperture in the
interior; through which the main spirit current flows from
its source in higher regions of the brain into the body.
104. This change can
easily but gradually effected by following the practice of
concentration and sublimation of mind and spirit entity according
to the instructions given in Radhasoami Faith. It is nothing
more than the following of course or passage of the spirit
current which it adopts at the time of leaving the body (when
death occurs), and if this work can be accomplished to a certain
extent in life-time it will not only save the practitioner
from the excruciating pains etc., which are experienced by
all at the time of death, but also enable him to witness the
glory of the Supreme Father and through his Mercy and Grace
secure abode in the happy and peaceful regions on High. All
men and women of thought and wisdom should cover this reward
and strive to obtain it through the medium of Sant Sat
Guru or one of His Sincere and loving followers.
OBSERVATION – VI
105. People suffering
from bodily and mental, diseases run to doctors for remedy,
and readily follow their instructions in taking medicine and
foods prescribed by them, and are very impatient to recover
their health. But all persons more or less suffer from the
effects of diseased mind and yet they are ignorant of the
evil results that await them owing to the ever increasing
unhealthy condition of the mind which entices and prompts
them to commit (intentionally or unintentionally) sins and
improper acts in word, in thought and in deed.
106. One can only become
cognizant of this error and ignorance when the individual
associates with divine and pious persons who constantly try
to watch, control and check the evil tendencies of their mind
and the improper desires springing up in their heart. And
if one be inclined to get cured of this unhealthy and dangerous
state of mind, one should have recourse to a Sant Sat Guru
or His sincere and affectionate follower for remedy, for they
are the doctors who are well acquainted with the diseases
of the mind and can prescribe easy and effective means for
their removal, by instructing the patient in the practice
of concentration and sublimation of mind and spirit current.
107.Taking into consideration
the absolute necessity of the welfare of the spirit, it appears
to be incumbent upon all persons to take notice of the diseased
state of their mind and to adopt necessary measures for the
remedying the evil within their present life-time, otherwise
their case will become nearly hopeless and render them liable
to great hardships and troubles in this life as well as in
future re-births in the material regions to which their spirit
entity and mind will remain confined.
48.
Love for Supreme Being
108. This practice
can be conducted easily and comfortably if the devotee has
a little love for the Supreme Being. Without love it will
be too hard and difficult to practice Surat-Shabd-Yog with
any good result to be obtained within a short time.
1. The Supreme Being, being a boundless
ocean of spirit or love; and, human being, being a drop
or current of spirit or love from this ocean; and, love
being the very essence and means of existence of the whole
creation, it follows that no effort in any direction, temporal
or spiritual, unless actuated by love or affectionate regard,
can be crowned with success, and, the work or labour rendered
easy, sweet and harmonious.
2. Love is most sublime, having its
origin in the highest region, the abode of the Supreme Being.
In whatever heart it sprang up, it will gradually raise
and carry the fortunate possessor of this lofty and noble
passion to the highest region.
3. All good qualities and goodness
itself will gradually find their home in the heart in which
love dwells and all bad qualities will be rooted out by
and by.
4. Whatever a human being, full of
pure love thinks or does, is all wisdom; while the thoughts
and works of worldly wise persons are full of selfishness
and folly.
5. Knowledge without love for the
Supreme Being is futile and tends towards untruth or darkness
or materialism, while love turns everything to good use
and leads to enlightenment and truth. Even worldly love,
such as filial and conjugal, is attended with goodness,
happiness and comfort to all concerned. How much more good
would then result to mankind in general if the same loves
become spiritual, and be directed towards the Supreme Being,
the merciful and Kind Parent of the whole creation.
6. Self-love brings on egotism or
pride, and sows the seed of hatred, jealousy and disregard
in the minds of kindred, associates and neighbours; while
pure and sacred love for the Supreme Being creates in the
heart humility, meekness and an affectionate regard for
kindred, neighbours and humanity in general.
7. Pure and holy love is always ready
to spend (regardlessly) whatever it has for the sake of
its beloved, the Supreme Father, and the benefit of mankind
without any distinction; whereas self-love or love of world
always tries to appropriate everything to itself, even at
the risk and loss of others.
8. Pure and holy love is always ready
to sacrifice anything whatever to gain admission into the
presence of the beloved, the Supreme Being; whereas, self-love
will never part with anything except for the sake of its
own aggrandizement and indulgence in sensual pleasures.
9. The noble passion of love is most
powerful and strong. It removes all obstacles and thorns
in its way and discards all superstitions, doubts and skepticism.
10. Where pure love dwells there
sheds the light of Grace, as it forms a link with the spirit
or love current from its source, the Supreme Being.
11. Such is the strength and effect
of affection and kind treatment that it subdues ferocity
and other injurious and dangerous characteristics in beasts
and other animals, that is to say, they begin to love and
have an affectionate regard for their keepers and trainers.
12. A heart devoid of love or affection
is as hard as stone, and does not form a suitable receptacle
for light of Heavenly Grace and Mercy.
13. Sincere love is reciprocal, so
if one has a heart full of love for the Supreme Being, one
is sure to be attracted towards Him by Grace, Mercy and
Holy Light which will gradually illumine his inner-self,
and then all menial and worldly affections and desires will
gradually disappear.
14. Love or the power of attraction
is the basis of the whole creation and the cause of its
sustenance and preservation.
15. The Supreme Being loves and takes
special care of those who love Him with all their heart
and soul, and gradually draws them towards Himself, the
Grand Centre of Pure Light and Attraction; while those whose
hearts are imbued with worldly love and passions recede
from this centre, or in other words, they of themselves
fly away towards the circumference or darkness and untruth.
16. Every wave of love rising in
a lover's heart brings tidings of goodness and joy from
the beloved, and every thought springing up in such a heart
is a harbinger of good works and good services for the sake
of the beloved.
17. Love has no bounds, knows no
restrictions, and is not limited by conditions, and like
its source is extensive and far reaching in its beneficial
results.
49. Faith
109. Faith built
on pure and sincere love for the Supreme Being is strong and
immovable like a mountain, and love founded on strong faith
goes on increasing till it carries the lover to its fountainhead,
the Beloved Supreme Being. Both strong love and strong faith
are sure and certain means to the attainment of perfect salvation.
They are inseparable from each other.
50. Incarnations
110. It must be clearly
understood that as the Supreme Being now and then incarnates
Himself in the person of a Sant Sat Guru or sends his
special beloved sons as Sants, so does the Viceroy
or president of the second grand division or Brahm
or Lord God appears in this world in the person of a Yogeshwar
as first class incarnation, or sends his special sons or agents
as Siddhs or first class prophets. In like manner the
governor or the president of third grand division incarnates
himself in the person of a Yogi as second class incarnation
or sends his agents as second class prophets. There is great
confusion in the promiscuous use of these names, and very
little or no distinction is made in the rank and powers of
these superior spirit entities. In Radhasoami Faith a clear
line is drawn to distinguish the position and functions of
each of these above spirit entities, according to the height
of the sphere to which they belong and from which they descend.
111. A follower of
Radhasoami Faith who practices devotion according to instructions
given by Sant Sat Guru, will pass through the spheres
occupied by the superior spirit entities referred above, on
his journey to the highest sphere or the abode of the Supreme
Being. One will however not loiter on the road or in the mansion
of any of the above superior spirits, but with the help of
Grace and Mercy of the Supreme Father and the Sant Sat
Guru proceed determinably, direct to his destination unimpeded
by any obstacle thrown in his way by mind and matter, and
unaltered by any temptations offered by the varied creation
in the intermediate spheres.
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