Criteria Constituting a Pure Gift. {244.}

Criteria Constituting a Pure Gift. {244.}
****

“A gift is pure when it is given from the heart
to the right person, at the right time,
and at the right place,
and when we expect nothing in return.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Guru Is the Greatest Giver. {243.}

Guru Is the Greatest Giver. {243.}
****

“My mind, my mind the True Guru
has blessed it with love ...
The Name of the Lord,
dwells within my mind;
it is the Destroyer of all pain.
By great good fortune, I have obtained
the Blessed Vision of the Guru’s Darshan;
blessed, blessed is my True Guru.
While standing up and sitting down,
I serve the True Guru; serving Him,
I have found peace and tranquility.
My mind, my mind the True Guru
has blessed it with love.
I live, I live, and I blossom forth,
beholding the True Guru....
He has implanted the Name of the Lord within me;
chanting the Name of the Lord, ...
the heart-lotus blossoms forth,
and through the Name of the Lord,
I have obtained the nine treasures.
The disease of egotism has been eradicated,
suffering has been eliminated, and I have
entered the Lord’s state of celestial Samadhi.
I have obtained the glorious greatness of
the Name of the Lord from the True Guru;
beholding the Divine True Guru,
my mind is at peace....
Cutting my mind and body apart,
cutting them into pieces,
I offer these to the one,
who recites to me
the Words of the True Guru.
My mind has become disillusioned
and renounced the world;
obtaining the Blessed Vision of the Guru’s Darshan,
it has found peace....
If only someone would come,...
and lead me to meet my Perfect True Guru.
A Giver as great as the Guru,...
I cannot see any other.
He blesses me with the gift of the Lord’s Name,...
those very fortunate ones meet Him;
their minds are attached to the Guru’s Feet.
Says Nanak, the Lord Himself causes us to meet the Guru;
meeting the Almighty True Guru, peace is obtained.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

The Prophet’s Mysterious Testing Ways. {242. }

The Prophet’s Mysterious Testing Ways. {242. }
****

“Narrated Abu Huraira:
Once Allah’s Apostle prayed two Rakat
{instead of four}
and finished his prayer.
Dhu-l-yadain asked him
whether the prayer had been reduced
or whether he had forgotten.
Allah’s Apostle asked the people
whether Dhu-l-yadain was telling the truth.
The people replied in the affirmative.
Then Allah’s Apostle stood up,
offered the remaining two Rakat
and then finished his prayer with Taslim
and then said, “Allahu Akbar.”
He followed it with two prostrations
like ordinary prostrations, or a bit longer.”

---- The Hadith; Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1,
Book: Call to Prayers, Hadith 682.
****

Do Rightly & Trustingly Hope. {241.}

Do Rightly & Trustingly Hope. {241.}
****

“So, do not give up your hope,
which will be greatly rewarded.
For, having done what was
right in God’s eyes,
you have need of waiting before
His word has effect for you.”

---- The Bible; Hebrews 10:35-36.
****

The Elementary Rules of Friendship. {240.}

The Elementary Rules of Friendship. {240.}
****

“The rule of friendship means
there should be
mutual sympathy between them,
each supplying what the other lacks
and trying to benefit the other,
always using friendly and sincere words.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Living True to One’s Self. {239.}

Living True to One’s Self. {239.}
****

One ought to always live
true to one’s own self.

That’s easier said,
but difficult to quite understand,
& even harder to practice.

For starters, does everyone really
possess a concrete “self” worth the name,
other than the human ego?

I wonder, indeed, I doubt,
for I am quite sure,
the true “self”
is too lofty a term
for the base ego
& cluster of impulses & motives
that people normally represent.

So, it can still be concluded
that knowing about and understanding oneself
can perhaps enable one to even
really “be” one’s self.

It appears being & becoming
are rather intricate parallel processes.

What “living true to oneself” stresses
is one’s innate integrity.
If something doesn’t gel with one’s
fundamental values, tendencies,
aspirations, goals, purposes,
then one should avoid it,
or fight it, if required.

For the self is sacrosanct
& alien & hostile invasions
seek to corrupt or pervert
one’s core faith & beliefs.

Let the faith remain absolute
it is one’s only means to God.

The confused & indecisive fritter
all their abilities & opportunities
getting more distanced with time
from both themselves & God.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Acceptance with Fortitude & Gratitude. {238.}

Acceptance with Fortitude & Gratitude. {238.}
****

“If you are destined for good fortune,
you will be blessed;
if afflictions have been ordained,
no matter where you hide,
they will seek you out.
Submit therefore before the will of God;
be grateful in well-being
and endure adversity with fortitude,
that His light may radiate within your being.”

---- Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani; Futhul Ghaib.
****

Persevere in Practice of Yoga. {237.}

Persevere in Practice of Yoga. {237.}
****

“This yoga should be practiced
with firm determination and perseverance,
without any mental reservation or doubts.”

---- Lord Krishna; The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Guru’s Sanctuary Grants one Consummation. {236.}

Guru’s Sanctuary Grants one Consummation. {236.}
****

“I bow in reverence to the Lord, I bow in reverence.
I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, my King.
By great good fortune, one meets the Divine Guru.
Millions of sins are erased by serving the Lord.
One whose mind is imbued with the Lord’s lotus feet
is not afflicted by the fire of sorrow.
He crosses over the world-ocean in the Saadh Sangat,
the Company of the Holy.
He chants the Name of the Fearless Lord,
and is imbued with the Lord’s Love.
One who does not steal the wealth of others,
who does not commit evil deeds or sinful acts,
the Messenger of Death does not even approach him.
God Himself quenches the fires of desire.
O Nanak, in God’s Sanctuary, one is saved.

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Guard against Priding Your Religiosity. {235.}

Guard against Priding Your Religiosity. {235.}
****

“Do not strut proudly
on account of your good deeds.
Do not let pride waylay you.
When you deem yourself holier than others,
know that you have fallen into grave error,
because in your pride,
you believed yourself equal to God.”

---- The Prophet Mohammed; The Hadith; Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani.
****

The Lord Upholds Believers’ Trust. {234.}

The Lord Upholds Believers’ Trust. {234.}
****

“The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for
those who trust in him.”

---- The Bible; Nahum 1:7.
****

Be Wary of Excessive Attachments. {233.}

Be Wary of Excessive Attachments. {233.}
****

“You only lose what you cling to.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Humility Alone Kills One’s Ego. {232.}

Humility Alone Kills One’s Ego. {232.}
****

The trait of humility has been stressed
ad infinitum in our religion.
What does humility really mean?
Why is humility so important?

Humility cannot mean pretending
to have no ego at all.
We all have our egos
& it serves various purposes.
Indeed, civilized life
would be virtually impossible
were ego to vanish altogether
from human society & life.
Imagine every person walking off
with another’s goods just because
nobody had any “ego” left.
Jungle law would prevail thereby,
leading to chaos, strife, misery.
Obviously, this cannot be meant by ego,
so, what is actually meant by it?

The ego is the gravest threat
to the soul’s quest for God & salvation.
It intrudes in one’s spiritual practices
& prevents a quicker & closer Darshan,
or beholding of the Divine Countenance.

The ego causes the human to succumb to the
other four “dooth” or demons of
kaam, krodha, lobha & moha,
or lust, anger, greed & attachment.

These five together combine to keep the soul
enmeshed in sensual & worldly quicksand
for years & decades & lifetimes & eons.

So, victory over these can occur only if
you first destroy their leader, or ego.

The ego gets destroyed by true humility.

True humility is realizing
one’s innate human imperfections & limitations.

This causes a dependence upon one’s Guru,
which in turn evokes His Grace.

When the ego is annihilated,
you become quite free from
the other four named baser tendencies.
You are then secure
& headed fast towards your salvation.

Therefore, one’s ego is one’s greatest enemy,
& cultivating true humility benefits
only one’s own self incalculably.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

God’s Attributes: Essence & Effects. {231.}

God’s Attributes: Essence & Effects. {231.}
****

“Everyone can see the effects of God’s mercy.
But who, except God himself,
understands the essence of his mercy?
Most people cannot understand
the essence of any of God’s attributes;
they only know his attributes through their effects
and also through analogy.
Only mystics have eyes to see
the essence of God’s attributes.”

---- Jalaluddin Rumi; Mathnawi.
****

Goodness & Strength Cement Prosperity. {230.}

Goodness & Strength Cement Prosperity. {230.}
****

“Wherever is Krishna, the lord of yoga;
and wherever is Arjuna, the archer;
there will be everlasting prosperity,
victory, happiness, and morality.
This is my conviction.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

The Ways of the Devout. {229.}

The Ways of the Devout. {229.}
****

“The Jewel of the Lord’s Name
abides within my heart;
the Guru has placed His hand on my forehead.
The sins and pains of
countless incarnations have been cast out.
The Guru has blessed me with the Naam,
the Name of the Lord,
and my debt has been paid off.
O my mind, vibrate the Lord’s Name,
and all your affairs shall be resolved.
The Perfect Guru has implanted
the Lord’s Name within me;
without the Name, life is useless.
Without the Guru,
the self-willed manmukhs are foolish and ignorant;
they are forever entangled
in emotional attachment to Maya.
They never serve the feet of the Holy;
their lives are totally useless.
Those who serve at the feet of the Holy,
the feet of the Holy,
their lives are made fruitful,
and they belong to the Lord.
Make me the slave of the slave
of the slaves of the Lord;
bless me with Your Mercy,
O Lord of the Universe.
I am blind, ignorant and totally without wisdom;
how can I walk on the Path?
I am blind O Guru,
please let me grasp the hem of Your robe,
so that servant Nanak may walk in harmony with You.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

The Prophet’s Prayer for Seeker. {228.}

The Prophet’s Prayer for Seeker. {228.}
****

“A person once asked the Prophet Muhammad to pray for him.
So the Prophet implored,
‘Allah, kindle within his heart the light of faith,
and afford him with the courage to avert earthly wiles
and submit himself before Your will.’
When a person turns away from the world,
he adheres to God,
and God lavishes incredible bounty on him.”

---- The Prophet Mohammed;
The Hadith; Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, “Fayuz E Yazdani”.
****

Divine Words Shall Remain Unchanged. {227.}

Divine Words Shall Remain Unchanged. {227.}
****

“The heaven and the earth will pass away,
but my words will positively not pass away.”

---- The Bible; Matthew 24:35.
****

Sage Lives Benignly among Others. {226.}

Sage Lives Benignly among Others. {226.}
****

“As the bee collects nectar
and departs without injuring the flower,
or its color or fragrance,
so let the sage dwell on earth.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Remember Big B Is Watching. {225.}

Remember Big B Is Watching. {225.}
****

Yeah, God may be regarded
as one’s big B also
& He is Omnipresent,
always watching,
but far from being irksome,
that’s jolly good news, indeed!

God, the elusive, the infinite
has invited the gamut of appellations,
such as the Supreme Father,
Mother Goddess, Guru, friend,
beloved, & the like.

In our Faith, the Revered Leaders
have often Expressed Themselves as being
an elder brother of the Satsangis.

So, the title of Big B for God
sounds quite right, albeit limited.

Well, so let’s never forget
that Big B is watching.

The sinners may wince at that
not wanting their sundry furtive misdeeds
to have been Observed by God.

But those sincere in faith
& the believing, devout, trusting
ought to be extremely happy
with a Caring & Omnipotent Big B.

As the soul prays
does God respond & satisfy accordingly,
as per innate principles of justice
that may not always be fathomed.

So, let’s really rejoice that there is
the Eternal Big B God
up there {rather, within ourselves!}
Who is always Loving, Watching,
Protecting, Caring, Fulfilling ....
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

First Earn & Then Spend. {224.}

First Earn & Then Spend. {224.}
****

“God has said, ‘Spend’; so earn something,
since there can be no expenditure without income.
Although He used the word, ‘Spend’ absolutely,
read it, ‘Earn, then spend’.”

---- Jalaluddin Rumi; Mathnawi {V, 579-580}.
****

Yoga is Transcendence over Pain. {223.}

Yoga is Transcendence over Pain. {223.}
****

“The state of severance of union with sorrow is known by the name of yoga.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Beneficial Company of the Holy. {222.}

Beneficial Company of the Holy. {222.}
****

“The Lord and Master destroys the pain of the poor;
He preserves and protects the honor of His servants.
The Lord is the ship to carry us across;
He is the treasure of virtue; pain cannot touch Him.
In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy,
meditate, vibrate upon the Lord of the world.
I cannot think of any other way; make this effort,
and make it in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga.
In the beginning, and in the end,
there is none other than the perfect, merciful Lord.
The cycle of birth and death is ended,
chanting the Lord’s Name,
and remembering the Lord Master in meditation.
The Vedas, the Smritis, the Shastras
and the Lord’s devotees contemplate Him;
liberation is attained in the Saadh Sangat,
the Company of the Holy,
and the darkness of ignorance is dispelled.
The lotus feet of the Lord
are the support of His humble servants.
They are their only capital and investment.
The True Lord is Nanak’s strength, honor and support;
He alone is his protection.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

The Sincere Shall Be Rewarded. {221.}

The Sincere Shall Be Rewarded. {221.}
****

“Those who steadily seek absolution shall find
that the Lord eases their way out of every difficulty,
providing for them from unimaginable bounty.”

---- The Prophet Muhammad; The Hadith,
as reported by Abd’Allah ibn Abbas.
****

Grant God Your Entire Responsibility. {220.}

Grant God Your Entire Responsibility. {220.}
****

“Let him have all your worries and cares,
for he is always thinking about you
and watching everything that concerns you.”

---- The Bible; Peter, I, 5:7.
****

Perception Lends Reality to Objects. {219.}

Perception Lends Reality to Objects. {219.}
****

“Objects have no reality in themselves
but are only seen of the mind and, therefore,
are of the nature of Maya and a dream.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Character Is All; Be Choosy. {218.}

Character Is All; Be Choosy. {218.}
****

Character is all.

Be choosy,
be very choosy,
be very, very choosy,
about your faith & beliefs,
about your thoughts & desires,
about your words & deeds,
about your associations & interactions,
about your experiences & reactions,
about absolutely everything,
whether obviously important or not.

Life is real,
things do matter,
Radhasoami Dayal Is always
Observing everything.
The purpose to life will be realized,
& justice shall finally be.

The one leads to the second,
& the second to the third,
until it becomes a habit,
& a necessity.
The one leads to lots of others.

The single lie, the one compromize,
the first weakness, the one sin,
the first crime, the single affair,
each leads to others.
Be, therefore, on your constant guard.

Nobody need be really bothered about you,
but you ought to matter to yourself.

Likewise,
the first memorable Arz {or supplication} to Gracious Huzur,
will inspire others,
the single Satsang,
the one Teerath or pilgrimage to Dayalbagh,
the single attendance at sacred Bhandara or congregation,
the first purchase of a holy scripture,
the one Kheth ki Seva or service in agricultural fields,
the single meditation,
the one Dhan ki Seva or monetary service,
will each cause & enable
the second, third, & next
until an entire chapter gets written,
& your destiny stands transformed
incalculably for the better.

So, develop & form your character.
Be clear about all your values
& goals in life.
Be extremely choosy in your entire living.

Perform good deeds of devotion & service,
that the one might lead
to an entire train of it all.

Living is quite like an investment,
& we all reap just as we sow.
True: “Jaisi karni, waisi bharni!”

There is no time to waste.
A single error & you risk
throwing back your spiritual progress
towards God & salvation by eons altogether,
with all the entailed suffering
of several lifetimes as punishment!

Decide your next best investment
for your life & fate,
for love of God
& your own sake!
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Desirelessness, Desires, Motivation to Live. {217.}

Desirelessness, Desires, Motivation to Live. {217.}
****

“A man was lying sick.
His friends asked him:
‘What would you most desire?’
The sick man answered,
‘My greatest desire is to desire something.’”

---- Sadi: Gulistan; Sufi Quote.
****

Harmless & Beneficial Karma Yoga. {216.}

Harmless & Beneficial Karma Yoga. {216.}
****

“In Karma Yoga no effort is ever lost,
and there is no harm.
Even a little practice of this discipline
protects one from great fear {of birth and death}.”

---- Lord Krishna; The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Lord’s Embrace Scares Death Away. {215.}

Lord’s Embrace Scares Death Away. {215.}
****

“The Lord is always with me.
The Messenger of Death does not approach me.
God holds me close in His embrace,
and protects me.
True are the Teachings of the True Guru.
The Perfect Guru has done it perfectly.
He has beaten and driven off my enemies,
and given me, His slave,
the sublime understanding of the neutral mind.
God has blessed all places with prosperity.
I have returned again safe and sound.
Nanak has entered God’s Sanctuary.
It has eradicated all disease.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Loving the Poor Grants Paradise. {214.}

Loving the Poor Grants Paradise. {214.}
****

“There is a key for everything,
and the key to Paradise
is to love the poor.”

---- The Prophet Mohammed,
as reported by Ibn Umar.
****

Conquer Inspired by God’s Love. {213.}

Conquer Inspired by God’s Love. {213.}
****

“Yet in all these things
we are more than conquerors
through Him who loved us.”

---- The Bible; Romans 8:37.
****

Keep Mind Open & Clear. {212.}

Keep Mind Open & Clear. {212.}
****

“If you cling to an idea as the inalterable truth,
then when the truth does come in person and knock at your door,
you will not be able to open the door and accept it.”

---- Udana Sutta.
****

Salvation at One’s Own Initiative. {211.}

Salvation at One’s Own Initiative. {211.}
****

How often is an individual a prisoner
of his past & conditioning?

How invariably is a person a slave
of her or his circumstances?

It calls for considerable clarity,
vision, planning, will & courage
to fundamentally alter
the fabric that one finds oneself in.

People are too careless in matters
of their essential religious beliefs,
their very religion,
& quite indifferent at heart
to where their souls might be headed
in the afterlife.

Perhaps they don’t deeply, really
believe in God, the soul,
& the possibility of salvation.

Individual responsibility always remains final.
God judges & arbites on this basis.

The Guru can take you to God
{only the True Guru, & there is
presently only One on earth!}
only if you really believe
& want it intensely, passionately.

Anything short will fail;
nothing else will do!

So, earnestly care for your own salvation
& make the right, sustained
& persevering efforts for it!

You alone are responsible for yourself,
it can only be your individual act
to transfer your spiritual responsibility
to the Living Param Guru of Dayalbagh,
but you alone must decide,
& only you can personally do it.

So, what might you be waiting for?
Pralay or apocalypse is but
a whisker’s breath away
in the cosmic scale of things
& the brief human lifetime
flashes past in the twinkling
of an eye.

Go for your redemption: NOW!
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Three Qualities of God’s Friend. {210.}

Three Qualities of God’s Friend. {210.}
****

“The sign of a friend of God
is that one has these three qualities:
a generosity like that of the ocean,
a compassion like that of the sun,
and a humility like that of the earth.”

---- Bayazid in ‘Attar, Tadhkirat.
****

The Freedom of the Sage. {209.}

The Freedom of the Sage. {209.}
****

“Governing sense, mind and intellect,
intent on liberation,
free from desire, fear and anger,
the sage is forever free.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Chant Name for Divine Elixir. {208.}

Chant Name for Divine Elixir. {208.}
****

“Wash the vessel, sit down and anoint it with fragrance;
then, go out and get the milk.
Add the rennet of clear consciousness to the milk of good deeds,
and then, free of desire, let it curdle.
Chant the Name of the One Lord.
All other actions are fruitless.
Let your mind be the handles,
and then churn it, without sleeping.
If you chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord,
with your tongue, then the curd will be churned.
In this way, the Ambrosial Nectar is obtained.
Wash your mind in the pool of Truth,
and let it be the vessel of the Lord;
let this be your offering to please Him.
That humble servant who dedicates and offers his life,
and who serves in this way,
remains absorbed in his Lord and Master.
The speakers speak and speak and speak,
and then they depart.
There is no other to compare with You.
Servant Nanak, lacking devotion, humbly prays:
may I sing the Praises of the True Lord.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Deserving Suffer Prior to Salvation. {207.}

Deserving Suffer Prior to Salvation. {207.}
****

“When Allah desires the redemption of His People,
He causes them to suffer in this world.
But when He is averse,
He leaves them to transgress until death overtakes.”

---- The Hadith; Anas bin Malik.
****

Remain Fearless; Keep Your Faith. {206.}

Remain Fearless; Keep Your Faith. {206.}
****

“But Jesus paid no attention to what was said,
but said to the leader of the synagogue,
‘Do not be afraid; only keep up your faith.’”

---- The Bible; Mark 5:36.
****

Live Rightly, Face Death Calmly. {205.}

Live Rightly, Face Death Calmly. {205.}
****

“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Loving God; Abstraction or Personal. {204.}

Loving God; Abstraction or Personal. {204.}
****

God is love personified.
The Guru is God personified.
So, the Guru is love personified.

Perfectly logical & very true!

The Sant Math represents the way
of ‘Ishk-e-haqueeki’ or ‘love for the Real’
as opposed to love for ‘Maya’
or illusory reality.

Satsangis are, therefore, expected to
perceive, value & seek beyond
the merely unreal, false, superficial,
apparent or temporary,
in their lives.

Satsangis’ love ideally ought to be
only for the Supreme Lord Radhasoami.

However, if God has Personally
Chosen to Incarnate
as the Param Guru,
then we are to believe in
a perfect unity
between God & the Guru.

Hence, love for God
will naturally manifest itself as
love for the Guru.

Likewise, God’s love for the devotee
reflects in the Guru’s love
for her or him.

The Guru functions as the vital
link for the devotees with God.

The human actually does not
even have access to God,
& can reach God
only through the Guru.

Hence, the paramount importance
of the Param Guru
in the Sant Math
or the mystical Peer-Murid tradition.

Loving one’s Guru is proving
one’s love for God,
& the Guru’s love evoked
thereby enables & causes God’s love.

Loving the abstract principle
or force of Divinity
may be more difficult for most,
though love for the Guru
comes about naturally & easily.

However, as per Guru Bachan,
loving the abstraction of God
is in no way a lesser devotion
or a less effective mode to salvation.

Indeed, for certain exceptional souls,
love for the abstract God
rather than the Personal Form
of the Living Param Guru
may in certain ways prove more desirable.

After all, an abstraction is
elusive, complex, infinite & eternal,
while the Guru appears manifest
in the mortal human frame.

So, basically, what matters is
genuine love for God
or the Param Guru
as leads to one’s salvation.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Confusion, Danger & Order, Security. {203.}

Confusion, Danger & Order, Security. {203.}
****

“Danger arises when a man feels secure in his position.
Destruction threatens when a man seeks to preserve his worldly estate.
Confusion develops when a man has put everything in order.
Therefore, the superior man does not forget danger in his security,
nor ruin when he is well-established,
nor confusion when his affairs are in order.”

---- I. Ching; Great Commentary, 2.5.9.
****

Self-mastery, Renunciation, Freedom from Karmas. {202.}

Self-mastery, Renunciation, Freedom from Karmas. {202.}
****

“The person whose mind is always free from attachment,
who has subdued the mind and senses,
and who is free from desires,
attains the supreme perfection
of freedom from karma through renunciation.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Become True Warrior & Conqueror. {201.}

Become True Warrior & Conqueror. {201.}
****

“He alone is called a warrior,
who is attached to the Lord’s Love in this age.
Through the Perfect True Guru, he conquers his own soul,
and then everything comes under his control.
Sing the Praises of the Lord and Master,
with the love of your soul.
Those who seek His Sanctuary,
and meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord,
are blended with the Lord in celestial peace.
The feet of the Lord’s humble servant abide in my heart;
with them, my body is made pure.
O treasure of mercy, please bless Nanak
with the dust of the feet of Your humble servants;
this alone brings peace.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Be Regular in Your Prayers. {200.}

Be Regular in Your Prayers. {200.}
****

“Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Apostle said,
‘Whoever misses the ‘Asr prayer {intentionally},
then it is as if he lost his family and property.’”

---- The Hadith; Sahih Bukhari,
Volume 1, Book: Times of the Prayers, Hadith 527.
****

Rewards are Commensurate with Efforts. {199.}

Rewards are Commensurate with Efforts. {199.}
****

“Remember this: the man who plants few seeds will have a small crop;
the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop.”

---- The Bible; Corinthians 9:6.
****

Tongue is a Powerful Weapon. {198.}

Tongue is a Powerful Weapon. {198.}
****

“The tongue like a sharp knife ... kills without drawing blood.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

An Ounce of Practice Matters. {197.}

An Ounce of Practice Matters. {197.}
****

Several Guru Bachans have repeatedly
exhorted Satsangis to continue performing Seva,
with one's “tan, man, dhan & surat,”
or the whole of one’s body, mind, purse and soul.

The emphasis on Seva is understandable.
The many might idly praise an ideal,
but the few actually strive to realize it.
An ounce of practice remains far better
than tons of precept.

Let us, therefore, not be idle,
afraid, lazy, indifferent or lax,
in the performance of Seva.

Umpteen fortunate opportunities for Seva exist,
in Dayalbagh {both fields & otherwise},
our respective Satsang Branches,
among other Satsangi acquaintances,
or even one’s Satsangi
relatives or family members.

Anything done for a Satsangi is Seva
if it is done with the right motive
& in the right spirit,
because Radhasoami Dayal Wants that
Satsangis should care for one another.

We have to care to think,
to look around us,
and to actively seek more
avenues & chances of Seva.

It is true,
“Seva hee mewa hai,” or
“Service itself is its own reward.”
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Death Enables More Evolved Life-forms. {196.}

Death Enables More Evolved Life-forms. {196.}
****

“I died from minerality and became vegetable;
And from vegetativeness I died and became animal.
I died from animality and became human.
Then why fear disappearance through death?
Next time I shall die
Bringing forth wings and feathers like angels;
After that, soaring higher than angels.
What you cannot imagine,
I shall be that.”

---- Jalaluddin Rumi.
****

Laziness Cannot Lead to Perfection. {195.}

Laziness Cannot Lead to Perfection. {195.}
****

“No one attains perfection by merely giving up work.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

The Way of the Gurumukh. {194.}

The Way of the Gurumukh. {194.}
****

“Everything comes from the Naam, the Name of the Lord;
without the True Guru, the Naam is not experienced.
The Word of the Guru’s Shabad
is the sweetest and most sublime essence,
but without tasting it,
its flavor cannot be experienced.
He wastes this human life in exchange for a mere shell,
who does not understand his own self.
But if he becomes Gurumukh,
then he comes to know the One Lord,
and the disease of egotism does not afflict him.
I am a sacrifice to my Guru,
who has lovingly attached me to the True Lord.
Concentrating on the Word of the Shabad,
the soul is illumined and enlightened.
I remain absorbed in celestial ecstasy.
The Gurumukh sings the Praises of the Lord;
the Gurumukh understands.
The Gurumukh contemplates the Word of the Shabad.
Body and soul are totally rejuvenated through the Guru;
the Gurumukh affairs are resolved in his favor.
The blind self-willed manmukh acts blindly,
and earns only poison in this world.
Enticed by Maya, he suffers in constant pain,
without the most Beloved Guru.
He alone is a selfless servant,
who serves the True Guru,
and walks in harmony with the True Guru’s Will.
The True Shabad, the Word of God,
is the True Praise of God;
enshrine the True Lord within your mind.
The Gurumukh speaks the True Word of Gurbani,
and egotism departs from within.
He Himself is the Giver,
and True are His actions.
He proclaims the True Word of the Shabad.
The Gurumukh works, and the Gurumukh earns;
the Gurumukh inspires others to chant the Naam.
He is forever unattached,
imbued with the Love of the True Lord,
intuitively in harmony with the Guru.
The self-willed manmukh always tells lies;
he plants the seeds of poison,
and eats only poison.
He is bound and gagged by the Messenger of Death,
and burnt in the fire of desire;
who can save him, except the Guru?
True is that place of pilgrimage,
where one bathes in the pool of Truth,
and achieves self-realization as Gurumukh.
The Gurumukh understands his own self.
The Lord has shown that the Word of the Guru’s Shabad
is the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage;
bathing in it, filth is washed away.
True and Immaculate is the True Word of His Shabad;
no filth touches or clings to Him.
True Praise, True Devotional Praise,
is obtained from the Perfect Guru.
Body, mind, everything belongs to the Lord;
but the evil-minded ones cannot even say this.
If such is the Hukam of the Lord’s Command,
then one becomes pure and spotless,
and the ego is taken away from within.
I have intuitively tasted the Guru’s Teachings,
and the fire of my desire has been quenched.
Attuned to the Word of the Guru’s Shabad,
one is naturally intoxicated,
merging imperceptibly into the Lord.
The Name of the Lord is known as True,
through the Love of the Beloved Guru.
True Glorious Greatness is obtained from the Guru,
through the Beloved True Name.
The One True Lord is permeating and pervading among all;
how rare is the one who contemplates this.
The Lord Himself unites us in Union, and forgives us;
He embellishes us with true devotional worship.
All is Truth; Truth, and Truth alone is pervading;
how rare is the Gurumukh who knows this.
Birth and death occur by the Hukam of His Command;
the Gurumukh understands his own self.
He meditates on the Naam, the Name of the Lord,
and so pleases the True Guru.
He receives whatever rewards he desires.
O Nanak, one who eradicates self-conceit from within, has everything.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Intentions Determine Value of Deeds. {193.}

Intentions Determine Value of Deeds. {193.}
****

“Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab:
I heard Allah’s Apostle saying,
‘The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions
and every person will get the reward
according to what he has intended.
So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits
or for a woman to marry,
his emigration was for what he emigrated for.’”

---- The Hadith; Sahih Bukhari,
Volume 1, Book: Revelation, Hadith 1.
****

Power of Believing Fulfills Prayers. {192.}

Power of Believing Fulfills Prayers. {192.}
****

“This is why I am telling you:
When you are praying
and asking God for something,
believe that you have received it,
and it will happen for you.”

---- The Bible; Mark 11:24
****

If You Want Real Peace .... {191.}

If You Want Real Peace .... {191.}
****

“Peace comes from within.
Do not seek it without.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Worship: Pure or With Motive. {190.}

Worship: Pure or With Motive. {190.}
****

Worship of God ought to be pure,
as an end in itself.

One shouldn’t seek anything from God,
beyond Her Love & Grace.

It appears unfortunate
that God is generally viewed
as an avenue for the
fulfillment of one’s selfish desires.

People seem to be
conducting a ‘trade’ with God,
on the assumption
that their worship
obliges Him to
grant them their desired ends.

But the people’s assumption
of ‘trade’ with God
may not be shared by God.

Is it not likely that God
may have Her Own
Criteria & Expectations
with regard to people’s
faith & prayers?

The Param Guru of Dayalbagh
Is here only to guide sincere devotees
in their striving for salvation.

All other worldly matters
are of lesser significance.

God’s worship should be sincere.
Worship of God corrupted
with one’s base desires
cannot be expected to
either please God,
or to grant one satisfaction
in the ends sought
in either worldly or spiritual sphere.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Keep Progressing along Spiritual Path. {189.}

Keep Progressing along Spiritual Path. {189.}
****

“It does not matter how slowly you go,
so long as you do not stop.”

---- Confucius, Chinese philosopher.
****

Wisdom Dispels Darkness from Life. {188.}

Wisdom Dispels Darkness from Life. {188.}
****

“Out of compassion,
I destroy the darkness of their ignorance.
From within them, I light the lamp of wisdom
and dispel all darkness from their lives.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Transitory Relationships & Worldly Possessions. {187.}

Transitory Relationships & Worldly Possessions. {187.}
****

“Does anyone know, who is our friend in this world?
He alone understands this, whom the Lord blesses with His Mercy.
Immaculate and unstained is his way of life.
Mother, father, spouse, children, relatives, lovers, friends and siblings meet,
having been associated in previous lives;
but none of them will be your companion and support in the end.
Pearl necklaces, gold, rubies and diamonds please the mind,
but they are only Maya.
Possessing them, one passes his life in agony;
one obtains no contentment from them.
Elephants, chariots, horses as fast as the wind,
wealth, land, and armies of four kinds,
none of these will go with one;
one must get up and depart, naked.
The Lord’s Saints are the beloved lovers of God;
sing of the Lord with them.
O Nanak, in the Society of the Saints,
you shall obtain peace in this world,
and in the next world,
your face shall be radiant and bright.”

---- Guru Nanak Dev; The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

A Salute to God’s Greatness. {186.}

A Salute to God’s Greatness. {186.}
****

“The Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds --
Who created me, and it is He who guides me;
Who gives me food and drink,
And when I am ill,
it is He who cures me;
Who will cause me to die,
and then to live again;
And Who, I hope,
will forgive me my faults
on the Day of Judgment.”

---- The Quran; 26:77-82.
****

Believe to Allow Prayers’ Fulfillment. {185.}

Believe to Allow Prayers’ Fulfillment. {185.}
****

“This is why I am telling you:
When you are praying
and asking God for something,
believe that you have received it,
and it will happen for you.”

---- The Bible; Mark 11:24.
****

Violence not Any Lasting Solution. {184.}

Violence not Any Lasting Solution. {184.}
****

“Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem,
but you sow the seeds for another.”

---- The 14th Dalai Lama.
****

God is Omnipresent; Keep Faith. {183.}

God is Omnipresent; Keep Faith. {183.}
****

God is omnipresent.
Let us not doubt it.
Let us never doubt it.

Regardless of the fact that
life may apparently contain much
that might disappoint a devotee
about God’s love & omnipotence,
God remains omnipresent,
loving and caring.

God’s ways are mysterious indeed
& His Plans work subtly,
but the truly devout shall
finally be adequately satisfactorily redeemed.

One’s faith may frequently be
put to test & trial,
& we should emerge therefrom
the purged, stronger, more resolved!
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

In the Beloved's Loving Arms. {182.}

In the Beloved's Loving Arms. {182.}
****

“How did you get away?
You were the pet falcon of an old woman.
Did you hear the falcon-drum?
You were a drunken songbird put in with owls.
Did you smell the odor of a garden?
You got tired of sour fermenting
and left the tavern.

You went like an arrow to the target
from the bow of time and place.
The man who stays at the cemetery pointed the way,
but you didn’t go.
You became light and gave up wanting to be famous.
You don’t worry about what you’re going to eat,
so why buy an engraved belt?

I’ve heard of living at the centre,
but what about leaving the centre of the centre?
Flying toward thankfulness, you become the rare bird
with one wing made of fear, and one of hope.
In autumn, a rose crawling along the ground in the cold wind.
Rain on the roof runs down and out by the spout
as fast as it can.

Talking is pain. Lie down and rest,
now that you’ve found a friend to be with.”

---- Mystical poem by Jalaluddin Rumi.
****

The Three Gates to Hell. {181.}

The Three Gates to Hell. {181.}
****

“Hell has three gates: lust, anger, and greed.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Difference between Gurmukh & Manmukh. {180.}

Difference between Gurmukh & Manmukh. {180.}
****

“Everything comes from the Naam, the Name of the Lord;
without the True Guru, the Naam is not experienced.
The Word of the Guru’s Shabad is the sweetest and most sublime essence,
but without tasting it, its flavor cannot be experienced.
He wastes this human life in exchange for a mere shell;
he does not understand his own self.
But, if he becomes Gurmukh, then he comes to know the One Lord,
and the disease of egotism does not afflict him.
I am a sacrifice to my Guru,
who has lovingly attached me to the True Lord.
Concentrating on the Word of the Shabad,
the soul is illumined and enlightened.
I remain absorbed in celestial ecstasy.

The Gurmukh sings the Praises of the Lord;
the Gurmukh understands.
The Gurmukh contemplates the Word of the Shabad.
Body and soul are totally rejuvenated through the Guru;
the Gurmukh’s affairs are resolved in his favor.

The blind self-willed manmukh acts blindly, and earns only poison in this world.
Enticed by Maya, he suffers in constant pain, without the most Beloved Guru.
He alone is a selfless servant, who serves the True Guru,
and walks in harmony with the True Guru’s Will.

The True Shabad, the Word of God, is the True Praise of God;
enshrine the True Lord within your mind.
The Gurmukh speaks the True Word of Gurbani,
and egotism departs from within.
He Himself is the Giver, and true are His Actions.
He proclaims the True Word of the Shabad.

The Gurmukh works, and the Gurmukh earns;
the Gurmukh inspires others to chant the Naam.
He is forever unattached, imbued with the Love of the True Lord,
intuitively in harmony with the Guru.

The self-willed manmukh always tells lies;
he plants the seeds of poison, and eats only poison.
He is bound and gagged by the Messenger of Death,
and burnt in the fire of desire;
who can save him, except the Guru?

All is Truth; Truth, and Truth alone, is pervading;
how rare is the Gurmukh who knows this….
He receives whatever rewards he desires.

O Nanak, one who eradicates self-conceit from within, has everything.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Private & Congregational Prayers Compared. {179.}

Private & Congregational Prayers Compared. {179.}
****

‘Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said,
“The reward of the prayer offered by a person in congregation is twenty-five times greater than that of the prayer offered in one’s house or in the market {alone}.
And this is because if he performs ablution and does it perfectly and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole intention of praying, then for every step that he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded one degree in reward and one sin of his is taken off {crossed out} from his accounts {of deeds}.
When he offers his prayer, the angels keep on asking Allah’s Blessings and Allah’s Forgiveness for him as long as he is {staying} at his Musalla.
They say, ‘O Allah! Bestow Your Blessings upon him, be Merciful and Kind to him.’ And one is regarded to be in prayer as long as one is waiting for the prayer.”’

---- The Hadith; Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book: Call to Prayers {Adhaan}, Hadith 620.
****

Secret Prayers Get Glorious Rewards. {178.}

Secret Prayers Get Glorious Rewards. {178.}
****

“But you, when you pray, go into your room,
and when you have shut your door,
pray to your Father, who is in the secret place;
and your Father who sees in secret,
will reward you openly.”

---- The Bible; Matthew 6:6.
****

How Best to Tackle Tragedy. {177.}

How Best to Tackle Tragedy. {177.}
****

“There is a saying in Tibetan,
‘Tragedy should be utilized
as a source of strength.’
No matter what sort of difficulties,
how painful the experience is,
if we lose our hope,
that’s our real disaster.”

---- The 14th Dalai Lama.
****

The Ego is a Cage. {176.}

The Ego is a Cage. {176.}
****

The human ego
acts as a virtual cage,
imprisoning the soul
within the narrow confines
of a limited believed ‘self’.

The soul remains one with the SuperSoul.
The self is connected with all the other selves.

The human ego sets up
false differences, barriers, hostility, clashes ...

Sure, individuality is a fact,
as one’s own primary responsibility,
but the essential unity
between God & all beings
ought to be well realized.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

A Taste of Egoless Eternity. {175.}

A Taste of Egoless Eternity. {175.}
****

“I am part of the load
Not rightly balanced
I drop off in the grass,
like the old cave-sleepers,
to browse wherever I fall.

For hundreds of thousands of years,
I have been dust-grains
floating and flying in the will of the air,
often forgetting even being in that state,
but in sleep I migrate back.
I spring loose,
from the four-branched,
time-and-space cross,
this waiting room.

I walk into a huge pasture.
I nurse the milk of millennia.

Everyone does this in different ways.
knowing that conscious decisions
and personal memory
are much too small a place to live.
Every human being streams at night
into the loving nowhere,
or during the day,
in some absorbing work.”

---- Jalaluddin Rumi; Masnavi, VI 216-227.
****

Renunciation Spells Freedom & Peace. {174.}

Renunciation Spells Freedom & Peace. {174.}
****

“Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice.
Better than knowledge is meditation.
But better still is surrender of attachment to results,
because there follows immediate peace.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Meditation Leads to Eternal Bliss. {173.}

Meditation Leads to Eternal Bliss. {173.}
****

“My tongue sings the Praises of the Lord of the world, the ocean of virtue.
Peace, tranquility, poise and delight well up in my mind, and all sorrows run away.
Whatever I ask for, I receive; I serve at the Lord’s feet, the source of nectar.
I am released from the bondage of birth and death,
and so I cross over the terrifying world-ocean.
Searching and seeking, I have come to understand the essence of reality;
the slave of the Lord of the Universe is dedicated to Him.
If you desire eternal bliss, O Nanak, ever remember the Lord in meditation.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

The Characteristics of Proper Prayer. {172.}

The Characteristics of Proper Prayer. {172.}
****

‘Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle entered the mosque and a person followed him. The man prayed and went to the Prophet and greeted him.
The Prophet returned the greeting and said to him, “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.”
The man went back, prayed in the same way as before, returned and greeted the Prophet, who said, “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.”
This happened thrice. The man said, “By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I cannot offer the prayer in a better way than this. Please, teach me how to pray.”
The Prophet said, “When you stand for Prayer say Takbir and then recite from the holy Qur’an {of what you know by heart} and then bow till you feel at ease. Then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate till you feel at ease during your prostration, then sit with calmness till you feel at ease {do not hurry} and do the same in all your prayers.”’

---- The Hadith; Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book: Characteristics of Prayer, Hadith 724.
****

Pray for All Good People. {171.}

Pray for All Good People. {171.}
****

“Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help.
Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads.
For this reason keep alert and never give up;
pray always for all God’s people.”

---- The Bible; Ephesians 6:18.

The Path to True Conquest. {170.}

The Path to True Conquest. {170.}
****

“Conquer the angry man by love.
Conquer the ill-natured man by goodness.
Conquer the miser with generosity.
Conquer the liar with truth.

---- Gautama Buddha; Dhammapada.
****

Mere Existence & Presence Achieving. {169.}

Mere Existence & Presence Achieving. {169.}
****

The Nij Dhar or Incarnated Divine Current of Compassionate Radhasoami, the Supreme Godhead Residing in the loftiest paradise, Radhasoami Dham, has Been Functioning Its most glorious Mission of universal salvation ever since 12.30 am of August 24, 1818.

The mere Existence & Presence of the awesome & omnipotent Living Godly Force in our world-system is powerfully causing subtle & sweeping changes to occur throughout the world.

Despite the ongoing age of Kaliyuga, the whole world & creation is being charged spiritually.

People will prove this in their yearning for God, & in the proliferation of umpteen petty religious shops that seek to exploit their longings.

Gradually, all the good & deserving souls will be drawn towards the Redemptive Ferry of the living Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

We are all blessed to be born in this fortunate period & capable of receiving His Grace & ensuring our ultimate spiritual welfare.

Let us all remain humbly grateful for the Supreme Godhead’s Current Being Present in this lowly world-system among us all.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Supremacy of Habits over Nature. {168.}

Supremacy of Habits over Nature. {168.}
****

“Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.”
---- Confucius.
****

Action is Vital for Life. {167.}

Action is Vital for Life. {167.}
****

“Action is greater than inaction.
Perform, therefore, thy task in life.
Even the life of the body
could not be maintained
if there were no action.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Pure Devotion Leads to Fulfillment. {166.}

Pure Devotion Leads to Fulfillment. {166.}
****

“I meditated on my Guru.
I met with Him, and returned home in joy.
This is the glorious greatness of the Naam.
Its value cannot be estimated.
O Saints, worship and adore the Lord …
Worship the Lord in adoration,
and you shall obtain everything;
your affairs shall all be resolved.
He alone is attached in loving devotion to God,
who realizes his great destiny.
Servant Nanak meditates on the Naam,
the Name of the Lord.
He obtains the rewards of all joys and peace.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

The Key Characteristics of Hypocrisy. {165.}

The Key Characteristics of Hypocrisy. {165.}
****

“Narrated A’bdullah bin ’Amr: The Prophet said,
‘Whoever has the following four {characteristics} will be a pure hypocrite
and whoever has one of the following four characteristics
will have one characteristic of hypocrisy
unless and until he gives it up.
1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.
2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.
3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.
4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves
in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner.’”

---- The Hadith; Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book: Belief, Hadith 33.
****

The Sheer Power of Faith. {164.}

The Sheer Power of Faith. {164.}
****

“Yet the Lord said,
‘If you have faith as a mustard kernel,
you would say to this black mulberry,
‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’,
and it would obey you.’”

---- The Bible; Luke 17:6.
****

Feel Goodwill towards All Life. {163.}

Feel Goodwill towards All Life. {163.}
****

“May I and all beings
be filled with loving kindness.
May I and all beings
be safe from inner and outer dangers.
May I and all beings
be well in body and mind.
May I and all beings
be happy and free.
May all beings find a path to peace.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Daily Routine Ensures One’s Destiny. {162.}

Daily Routine Ensures One’s Destiny. {162.}
****

People are generally alike in their fundamental nature.

It is character & values & morality that set them apart from one another.

One’s habits are crucial in the formation of one’s character.

You cannot aspire to a certain destination without striving to make some progress towards it, during the course of the 24 hours that comprise a single human day & night.

Hence, it is important that one frames & follows a daily routine that is indicative of one’s quest & objects.

One’s daily routine determines, leads to & ensures one’s destiny.

If you don’t pray for your salvation to the Revered Leader of Dayalbagh today & right now, God cannot quite be expected to drop salvation into your lap from paradise.

Make your necessary efforts today, & beginning right now, if you care for your fate.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Attain Equanimity and Maturity Thus. {161.}

Attain Equanimity and Maturity Thus. {161.}
****

“Things that are done, it is needless to speak about ...
things that are past, it is needless to blame.”

---- Confucius; The Analects.
****

Practice Makes Perfect in Meditation. {160.}

Practice Makes Perfect in Meditation. {160.}
****

“The mind is restless and difficult to restrain,
but it is subdued by practice.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Benefits of Meditating on God. {159.}

Benefits of Meditating on God. {159.}
****

“When the Lord God shows His Kindness, O Nanak,
one is no longer engrossed in Maya.
The burning fire has been put out;
God Himself has saved me.
Meditate on that God, O Nanak,
who created the universe.
When God becomes merciful,
Maya does not cling.
Millions of sins are eliminated,
by meditating on the Naam,
the Name of the One Lord.
The body is made immaculate and pure,
bathing in the dust of the feet of the Lord’s humble servants.
The mind and body become contented,
finding the Perfect Lord God.
One is saved, along with his family,
and all his ancestors.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

God: The Savior from Dangers. {158.}

God: The Savior from Dangers. {158.}
****

“Who rescues you from the darkness
of the land and the sea {dangers like storms},
when you call upon Him
in humility and in secret {praying}:
If He {Allah} only saves us from this {danger},
we shall truly be grateful.”

---- The Quran; Surah Al-Anaam: Verse 63.
****

Solid Foundation for One’s Life. {157.}

Solid Foundation for One’s Life. {157.}
****

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine
and puts them into practice
is like a wise man
who built his house on the rock.
The rains came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that house;
yet it did not fall,
because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine
and does not put them into practice
is like a foolish man
who built his house on sand.
The rains came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that house,
and it fell with a great crash.”

---- The Bible; Matthew 7:24-27.
****

Greatness in Various Contexts Defined. {156.}

Greatness in Various Contexts Defined. {156.}
****

“The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming to the world’s ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances."

---- Gautama Buddha; The Dhammapada.
****

Where, Pray, After You Die? {155.}

Where, Pray, After You Die? {155.}
****

Every human or other living being represents the effect of all one’s past impulses & deeds in all one’s earlier lifetimes.
You may believe you suddenly do something, but actually you have been preparing yourself for several lifetimes for doing it.
Besides, we are all essentially ignorant, imperfect and limited beings leading lives in an evil world.
Hence, one’s present karmas are extremely important.
Your present thoughts, desires, words & actions are preparatory to your future state of life, & to your ultimate spiritual end.
It is everyone’s individual responsibility to value, choose, decide, care, & actually make the proper efforts in striving to ensure one’s state of life &, far more importantly, one’s desserts & status in the afterlife.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE AFTER YOU DIE?
This is the key question that ought to determine your entire living.
It is surprising -- actually unbelievable -- that people care so tremendously for their worldly gains that can at the most last a few months, years or decades.
Human lifespan itself is so severely limited, in the cosmic timeframe.
However, spiritual benefits acquired by securing a berth in the redemptive Radhasoami Ferry & performing good deeds last one till eternity.
It behoves the sensible to care for their eventual spiritual welfare & destiny at least as much as they do for the next meal that they are to eat, or about the house that they so keenly wish to purchase.

Haven’t we had enough of collective & continuing ignorance, wrong valuing and myopia?
What do you care more about: that petty & stupid trinket, or actually persevering to deserve that your soul could rejoice in ineffable bliss in an eternal paradise?
It is only humans, among the living beings, who might ponder over such choices, because they are the only ones who actually face these options.
Please don’t waste your priceless human birth!
Please don’t ignore my words as not containing truth, or as irrelevant for you!
Please don’t forego this opportunity that you now have of seeking to really ensure your eventual redemption.
None of the others, & nothing of the usual sort, matters.
Life is a fleeting illusory play, but God’s Grace will really work, if you take care to deserve it.
Just how truly, honestly and intensely do you really care for what happens to your soul in the afterlife?
That’s more important than absolutely anything else!
Yes, seek the truth, while you can, & it will, indeed, enable your freedom, transcendence and salvation.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Intoxicating Ecstasy of God Realization. {154.}

Intoxicating Ecstasy of God Realization. {154.}
****

“Ride one! Ride on! Do not remain behind.
Know this! Know this! Your situation is most clear.
Gallop! Gallop! You are fast riders.
Be proud! Be proud! You are among the beauties in the world.
What do you have?
What do you have that the beloved does not have?
Bring that! Bring that! Whisper it in my ears.
The night before last, the night before last, what was the tavern like?
Tell me that! Tell me that, if you are drunken wanderers of the night.
God has a wine; God has a wine hidden from all;
You and the world were created from a sip of that wine.

---- Jalaluddin Rumi; Divan 637:1-5.
****

Become Fearless by Comprehending Reality. {153.}

Become Fearless by Comprehending Reality. {153.}
****

“Fear Not.
What is not real, never was and never will be.
What is real, always was and cannot be destroyed.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Cut the Noose of Death. {152.}

Cut the Noose of Death. {152.}
****

“The noose of Death is cut, and one’s wanderings cease;
victory is obtained, when one conquers his own mind.
O Nanak, eternal stability is obtained from the Guru,
and one’s day-to-day wanderings cease.
After wandering and wandering for so long, you have come;
in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga,
you have obtained this human body,
so very difficult to obtain.
This opportunity shall not come into your hands again.
So chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord,
and the noose of Death shall be cut away.
You shall not have to come and go
in reincarnation over and over again,
if you chant and meditate on the One and Only Lord.
Shower Your Mercy, O God, Creator Lord,
and unite poor Nanak with Yourself.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib; Raag Gauree, 108:38.
****

The Prophet Mohammed’s Humble Personality. {151.}

The Prophet Mohammed’s Humble Personality. {151.}
****

“The good sense of Mohammed despised the pomp of royalty. The Apostle of God submitted to the menial offices of the family; he kindled the fire; swept the floor; milked the ewes; and mended with his own hands his shoes and garments. Disdaining the penance and merit of a hermit, he observed without effort of vanity the abstemious diet of an Arab.”

---- Edward Gibbon; The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire {1823}.
****

I am Dependent on God. {150.}

I am Dependent on God. {150.}
****

“My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

---- The Bible; Psalm 62:7.
****

Life’s Too Short for Quarreling. {149.}

Life’s Too Short for Quarreling. {149.}
****

“Knowing life is short,
how can we quarrel?”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Deplorable Effects of Religious Divisions. {148.}

Deplorable Effects of Religious Divisions. {148.}
****

To begin with a banal observation, there are several major religions in the world.

In addition, there are thousands of minor religions as well as millions of sects & branches of the existing religions.

Everyone remains free to believe in the god of her or his choice.

So far, so good.

However, I fail to fathom how religious diversity gradually gets converted into hatred among the followers of diverse religions.

I can never understand how apparent devotion to one’s religion can possibly take the form of violence against the believers of other religions.

Religious plurality is a fact of life, but it need not lead to dividing humanity against itself & in such deplorable manifestations & consequences as terrorism & wars.

You would agree with the essence -- if not all -- of this, wouldn’t you?

What might emerge as the only possible solution to this virtual collective failure of all the world’s existing religions?

The true goal of education and civilization ought to be a spiritually evolved human individual, with an enhanced consciousness, a nobler perspective, and a greater ability to love.

Can this reformed and ideal human be brought about by the present setup?

Not really, since the inadequacies of the status quo cannot be wished away, & they can only perpetuate & compound themselves ad nauseum.

So, only an entirely new religion altogether can inspire a better – more spiritually evolved -- human, and do it meaningfully, effectively, & on a global scale.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

“I’m Wind, You Are Fire.” {147.}

“I’m Wind, You Are Fire.” {147.}
****

“O you who’ve gone on pilgrimage --
where are you, where, oh where?
Here, here is the Beloved!
Oh come now, come, oh come!
Your friend, he is your neighbor,
he is next to your wall --
You, erring in the desert --
what air of love is this?
If you’d see the Beloved’s
form without any form --
You are the house, the master,
You are the Kaaba, you! . . .
Where is a bunch of roses,
if you would be this garden?
Where, one soul’s pearly essence
when you’re the Sea of God?
That’s true -- and yet your troubles
may turn to treasures rich --
How sad that you yourself veil
the treasure that is yours!”

---- Jalaluddin Rumi.
****

What Constitutes a Pure Gift? {146.}

What Constitutes a Pure Gift? {146.}
****

“A gift is pure
when it is given from the heart
to the right person
at the right time
and at the right place,
and when we expect nothing in return.”
---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

The Sheer Joys of Gurubhakti. {145.}

The Sheer Joys of Gurubhakti. {145.}
****

“I sacrifice everything for Him.
Twenty-four hours a day,
sing the Glorious Praises
of the Lord of the Universe.
Do not forget Him,
for even one breath.
He is a companion, a friend,
and a beloved of mine,
who reflects upon the Lord’s Name,
in the Company of the Holy.
In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy,
cross over the world-ocean,
and the noose of death shall be cut away.
The four cardinal blessings are obtained
by serving the Lord.
The Elysian Tree, the source of all blessings,
is meditation on the Unseen and Unknowable Lord.
The Guru has cut out the sinful mistakes
of sexual desire and anger,
and my hopes have been fulfilled.
That mortal who is blessed by perfect destiny meets the Lord,
the Sustainer of the Universe, in the Company of the Holy.
O Nanak, if the Naam, the Name of the Lord,
dwells within the mind,
one is approved and accepted,
whether he is a householder or a renunciate.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

God Wants His Exclusive Worship. {144.}

God Wants His Exclusive Worship. {144.}
****

“God forgiveth not {the sin of}
joining other gods with Him; ...
one who joins other gods with God,
hath strayed far, far away
{from the Right Path}.”

---- The Quran; 4:116.
****

God Can Even Transfer Diseases. {143.}

God Can Even Transfer Diseases. {143.}
****

“And the Lord will take away from you all sickness,
and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt,
which you have known,
but will lay them on all those who hate you.”

---- The Bible; Deuteronomy, 7:15.
****

Flow and Overflow with Love. {142.}

Flow and Overflow with Love. {142.}
****

“Let your love flow outward through the universe,
To its height, its depth, its broad extent,
A limitless love, without hatred or enmity.
Then as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind;
Your life will bring heaven to earth.”

---- Gautama Buddha; The Sutta Nipata.
****

Materialism: Its Purposes and Uses. {141.}

Materialism: Its Purposes and Uses. {141.}
****

Satsangis have been enjoined to aim for and remain satisfied with merely a moderate degree of worldly success. Why is this so? What does the above injunction really mean, in practical terms?

There is, of course, no end to human desires. As the Buddha had very rightly described as his first Great Truth, desires are at the root of all human suffering. Hence, being extremely selective in one’s desires makes eminent sense, both practical and spiritual.

Moreover, globalization and consumerism subject the lay person to a virtual barrage of material products that are desirable and apparently necessary for one’s living. Under such circumstances, it is rather tempting for one to succumb to the craze for more & more material possessions.

This would naturally entail a greater focus on & efforts expended in amassing wealth. Not for nothing had the holy Bible also asserted that “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

So, if Satsangis were to recklessly seek money by hook or by crook, & determinedly rival others in the possession of worldly success & material possessions, then they would forget their real goal in life: that of ensuring their salvation.

Life in human form is precious, not because of the consumerist goods that we can buy while alive, but because it offers one the chance to mystically secure one's eternal seat in the loftiest paradise of Radhasoami Dham.

However, Satsangis are also mandated to live by one’s honest efforts, and not to have any loans pending against others. Thus, financial independence & integrity are central to the Satsangi lifestyle.

Further, various studies conducted around the world suggest that if a person’s material needs have been well taken care of, the person becomes naturally drawn towards religion & spirituality.

It is also an obvious truism that even the performance of one’s devotions and services by an individual requires money.

Besides, the spread and establishment of a new religion in the whole world will naturally entail finances of a mind-boggling order.

Hence, Satsangis should responsibly draw the line rightly on how to earn enough money for a comfortable & dignified living that enables one an adequate performance of their religious duties & aspirations, while taking care not to get caught up in the senseless vortex of naked pursuit of wealth or the acquisition of material possessions.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Meditation: Words Cease, Allowing Vision. {140.}

Meditation: Words Cease, Allowing Vision. {140.}
****

“Silently and serenely one forgets all words;
clearly and vividly That appears before you.
When one realizes It,
It is vast and without edges in Essence;
one is clearly aware.
Singularly reflecting is this bright awareness;
full of wonder is this pure reflection.”

---- Hung Chih {Zen philosopher; 1091-1157}.
****

Special Favorites among Equal Devotees. {139.}

Special Favorites among Equal Devotees. {139.}
****

“I look upon all creatures equally;
none are less dear to me and none more dear.
But those who worship me with love live in me,
and I come to life in them.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Grace Works Umpteen Wonders Spontaneously. {138.}

Grace Works Umpteen Wonders Spontaneously. {138.}
****

“Millions of silent sages dwell in silence.
Our Eternal, Imperishable, Incomprehensible Lord and Master,
the Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts, is permeating all hearts.
Wherever I look, I see Your Dwelling, O Lord.
The Guru has blessed Nanak with enlightenment.
The True Guru has blessed me with this gift.
He has given me the Priceless Jewel of the Lord’s Name.
Now, I intuitively enjoy endless pleasures and wondrous play.
God has spontaneously met with Nanak.
Says Nanak, True is the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praise.
Again and again, my mind remains immersed in it.
Spontaneously, I feed on the Love of God.
Spontaneously, I take God’s Name.
Spontaneously, I am saved by the Word of the Shabad.
Spontaneously, my treasures are filled to overflowing.
Spontaneously, my works are perfectly accomplished.
Spontaneously, I am rid of sorrow.
Spontaneously, my enemies have become friends.
Spontaneously, I have brought my mind under control.
Spontaneously, God has comforted me.
Spontaneously, my hopes have been fulfilled.
Spontaneously, I have totally realized the essence of reality.
Spontaneously, I have been blessed with the Guru’s Mantra.
Spontaneously, I am rid of hatred.
Spontaneously, my darkness has been dispelled.
Spontaneously, the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praise
seems so sweet to my mind.
Spontaneously, I behold God in each and every heart.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib; Raag Bhairao, Part 033, 1538-1563.
****

Feed Poor for God’s Sake. {137.}

Feed Poor for God’s Sake. {137.}
****

“And they feed, for the love of Allah,
the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying:
‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone.
No reward do we desire from you, not any thanks.’”

---- The Hadith; Al-Insan, 76:8-9.
****

The Rich Ought to Care. {136.}

The Rich Ought to Care. {136.}
****

“Command those who in the present world are rich,
not to be arrogant, or to place hope
in anything so uncertain as wealth,
but to repose confidence in God,
who lavishly provides us
with all things for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good,
to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share.
In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves
as a firm foundation for the coming age,
so that they may take hold
of the life that is truly life.”
---- The Bible; Timothy I, 6:17-19.
****

The Buddha's Very Last Words. {135.}

The Buddha's Very Last Words. {135.}
****

“Work out your own salvation with diligence.”

---- Gautama Buddha’s very last words,
contained in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.
****

Terrorism: Grave Threat to Humanism. {134.}

Terrorism: Grave Threat to Humanism. {134.}
****

So, while we have here been sending & reading daily quotes from all of humanity’s scriptures, there the terrorists continue with their brazen activities of senselessly holding hostage & brutally massacring innocents!

Right-thinking people all across the world must, irrespective of national or religious distinctions, unitedly condemn terrorism as a grave threat not just to human safety but to the very existence of human civilization.

The law of the jungle unfortunately appears to be coming to the fore in the world.
Perhaps this is among the umpteen banes that are to mark the present & ongoing depraved age of Kaliyuga.

However, the devout must stick to their Dharma & right values & make concerted efforts against all such divisive & disruptive forces of hatred, violence & destruction in any corner of the world.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Wishing Well to All Others. {133.}

Wishing Well to All Others. {133.}
****

“Kabira Khada bazaar mein maange sub ki khair
Na kahu say dosti na kahu say bair.”

---- Param Sant Kabir.
****

Note: That is,
“Kabir stands in the central marketplace,
Praying for the welfare of all,
He has none for a friend
Nor is he foe to any.”

Kill Doubt; Act with Discipline. {132.}

Kill Doubt; Act with Discipline. {132.}
****

“Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart
with the sword of self-knowledge.
Observe your discipline. Arise.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Service of Guru is All. {131.}

Service of Guru is All. {131.}
****

“Serve your True Lord and Master,
and you shall be blessed with true greatness.
By Guru’s Grace, He abides in the mind,
and egotism is driven out.
This wandering mind comes to rest,
when the Lord casts His Glance of Grace.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

Worship Only One God Totally. {130.}

Worship Only One God Totally. {130.}
****

“And of humankind are some
who take {for worship} others
besides Allah as rivals {to Allah}.
They love them as they love Allah.
But those who believe,
love Allah more {than anything else}.
If only, those who do wrong could see,
then they will see the torment,
that all power belongs to Allah
and that Allah is Severe in punishment.

---- The Quran; Surah Al-Baqara; Verse 165.
****

Remain Courageous and Become Strong. {129.}

Remain Courageous and Become Strong. {129.}
****

“Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All ye that hope in the Lord.”

---- The Bible; Psalm: 31:24.
****

No Such Thing as “Try”. {128.}

No Such Thing as “Try”. {128.}
****

“Do, or do not. There is no ‘try’.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Radhasoami: The Universal Salvation Religion. {127.}

Radhasoami: The Universal Salvation Religion. {127.}
****

Religions have traditionally been identified with truths & worldviews that exclude certain sections of humanity out from the possibility of Grace. To a great extent, this is logical & inevitable. For instance, how can Nirvana possibly be gifted by the Buddha to a person who has not practiced Buddhist meditation at all?

However, the end result of such partial groupings has been the segregation of humanity into several blocks, the one rather – or, intensely -- suspicious of & hostile to the others. At the end of the day, this leads to violence, terrorism & wars.

The Radhasoami religion’s unique glory lies in the fact that its declared purpose is the salvation of not just all humans but even all living beings {including animals} in this world-system.

Eventually, the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh will unite humanity with love & Grace, & usher in lasting peace here. The ideal of humanity living peacefully as a single huge family under the Reign of the Supreme Godhead will finally be realized.
****

Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Self-respect Evokes Respect from Others. {126.}

Self-respect Evokes Respect from Others. {126.}
****

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.”

---- Confucius {551 BC - 479 BC},
Chinese philosopher & reformer.
****

Realized Soul: Wholity, Independence, Satisfaction. {125.}

Realized Soul: Wholity, Independence, Satisfaction. {125.}
****

“The soul who meditates on the Self
is content to serve the Self
and rests satisfied within the Self;
there remains nothing more
for such a one to accomplish.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Evil is a Weighty Karma. {124.}

Evil is a Weighty Karma. {124.}
****

“Sin is a stone that doesn’t float on water.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
****

The Creator and His Creation. {123.}

The Creator and His Creation. {123.}
****

“He it is Who created for you all that is on earth.
Then He Istawa {rose over} towards the heaven
and made them seven heavens
and He is the All-Knower of everything.”

---- The Quran; Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 29.
****

Following God and His Words. {122.}

Following God and His Words. {122.}
****

“If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you,
You can ask what you desire, and it shall be given to you.”

---- The Bible; John 15: 7.
****

Happiness Increases by Sharing It. {121.}

Happiness Increases by Sharing It. {121.}
****

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle,
and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

The Unique Importance of Dayalbagh. {120.}

****

When God Compassionately Incarnates on earth, obviously He shall have only one sacred human Form.

When God decides that, for the sake of the uninterrupted & speedy progress of His most glorious Mission of universal salvation, He would Continue His Role through an intergenerational lineage of Param Gurus, even under such circumstances, obviously the Incarnated Divine Current can exist only in one blessed Form at the same time.

It has been the bane of almost every major religion down the ages to have been divided into sects; Hinayana & Mahayana Buddhism, Catholicism & Protestantism, Sunni & Shia Muslims, & others. The son of Guru Nanak Dev had set himself up as the next Guru after the quitting of mortal frame by his exalted father. Indeed, there are reported to be not merely a few, or even hundreds, but thousands and millions of splinter groups of several major religions. In such a bewildering scenario, a genuine seeker of God can well be expected to get thoroughly confused, and all but throw up her hands in perplexity, and in despair, give up seeking God altogether!

Unfortunately, the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh has also seen a few misguided, damned, sinful & punishable rival offshoots sprouting up. A few of these have already withered up & the others are headed that way.

Dayalbagh is the reservoir of love and Grace for all humanity. It is a pity that matters take courses that could neither have been ordained by the Supreme Lord, nor can possibly lead to people’s welfare. Dayalbagh has little need to rival any offshoot in attracting souls for salvation, and none at all to battle any part of God’s creation. Dayalbagh is in a class of its own and way beyond the petty and dirty shenanigans that any other religion or offshoot might need to resort to.

Indeed, let a thousand flowers {and cacti and weeds} bloom at the same time. Let those who choose to be misguided, follow the paths to their own virtual doom. And let the divine fragrance of the sacred Tree beckon all deserving souls into its redemptive shade!

Is it not obvious that a divine Incarnation can have only one human Form at any particular time? The one Param Guru of Dayalbagh is the true Grand Master of Radhasoami religion. It is Radhasoami Dayal’s incontrovertible Decree that only those devotees who seek Him through His Chosen Agency of the Param Guru of Dayalbagh can be permitted access to Him, & subsequently redemption.

All the other offshoots & their followers have made a grievous & suicidal error, committed the grave sin of rejecting Radhasoami Dayal’s Sent Avatar Swaroop or Incarnated Form, permanently injured their own chances & hopes of salvation, & earned punishment as their desserts.

Dayalbagh is today the exclusive repository of the most glorious Nij Dhar or the Incarnated Divine Current. No other religion or fake offshoot of even the Radhasoami religion can deliver. The Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh does not require others’ belief per se, because it has Truth & Grace & Law & destiny on its side. However, any human soul really wishing her or his welfare & salvation will have to choose rightly.

No miracle will normally be performed as proof of the exclusive Divinity Functioning in Dayalbagh. You are to believe in the Param Guru of Dayalbagh. You are to want & need to believe in the Param Guru of Dayalbagh. This is the first crucial test that everyone has to pass.

That said, what might constitute a ‘miracle’ for a human, with her limited sense organs of perception, and restricted powers of comprehension, may be perfectly natural in the cosmic play of life. Miracles may perhaps be toffee to God!

Every divine Incarnation and Prophet has invariably been associated with miracles. I am not asserting that all such miracles were real, nor am I refuting the possibility of the occurrence of miracles altogether. My simple contention is that the divine is itself miraculous. It’s no big deal – to put it colloquially -- if miracles attend messiahs; indeed, it would be surprising if they did not. Hence, if sincere devotees expect miracles in their right faith, Grace can certainly cause miracles to occur!

It would perhaps be wonderful if God appeared on earth, claiming to be God, and humanity could say, “Prove yourself, Messiah!” If God were to wave a finger up at the sun and whisper, “Fade away, sun!”, causing instant solar eclipse, almost overnight humanity might be enabled belief, desire for redemption, and following of the new religion. However, that is not how things work out.

Yet, a cursory reflection on history ought to convince any objective person about the reality of the divine dimension to existence, the recurring descents from the heavens for humanity’s welfare, and the beneficial impact of such forces in the world. It is humbling to realize that we are today in the midst of just such an awesome and historical process, with the potential of incalculable welfare for all believing humans on earth.

So, it is vital that one conducts oneself with grave responsibility & caution, & choose rightly in one’s own self-interest, & for the sake of one’s own redemption. The point is not a juvenile quarrelling among one another over whose god is greater, or whose beliefs are right, but of earnestly seeking the truth, receiving it, and acting upon it rightly. Hasn’t humanity had enough of hatred and terrorism over religious matters by now? Let’s remember that the fundamental values involved are God, love, Grace, peace and redemption. Life doesn’t offer a “retake”! Remember that the Supreme Godhead Radhasoami Dayal Is every moment Aware of every living being’s every thought & deed, & it shall all finally count in how your destiny unfolds.

I may conclude this with Goethe’s following lines from Faust:

“For he who is unceasing in his striving
Is ours for his redeeming.”
****

Note: This is drawn from and inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings of the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Traits of the True Sufi. {119.}

Traits of the True Sufi. {119.}
****

“What makes the Sufi? Purity of heart;
Not the patched mantle and the lust perverse
Of those vile earth-bound men who steal his name.
He in all dregs discerns the essence pure:
In hardship ease, in tribulation joy.
The phantom sentries, who with batons drawn
Guard Beauty’s place-gate and curtained bower,
Give way before him, unafraid he passes,
And showing the King’s arrow, enters in.”

---- Jalaluddin Rumi.
****

Death: Like Changing One’s Clothes. {118.}

Death: Like Changing One’s Clothes. {118.}
****

“There has never been a time
when you and I have not existed,
nor will there be a time
when we will cease to exist.
As the same person inhabits the body
through childhood, youth, and old age,
so too at the time of death
one attains another body.
The wise are not deluded
by these changes.”

---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Perform Pilgrimage to Soul Within. {117.}

Perform Pilgrimage to Soul Within. {117.}
****

“For the sake of it, you journey
to sacred shrines and holy rivers;
but this priceless jewel
is within your own heart.”

---- The Guru Granth Sahib.
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The Righteous Shall Not Grieve. {116.}

The Righteous Shall Not Grieve. {116.}
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“Verily! Those who believe ...
in Allah and the Last Day
and do righteous good deeds
shall have their reward with their Lord;
on them shall be no fear,
nor shall they grieve.”

---- The Quran; Surah: Al-Baqara, Verse 62.
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Key to Success and Glory. {115.}

Key to Success and Glory. {115.}
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“Humility and the fear of the Lord
bring wealth and honor and life.”

---- The Bible; Proverbs 22:4.
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Knowledge Results from Ceaseless Zeal. {114.}

Knowledge Results from Ceaseless Zeal. {114.}
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“Through zeal, knowledge is gotten,
through lack of zeal, knowledge is lost;
let a man who knows the double path of gain and loss
thus place himself that knowledge may grow.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
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Soul’s Transmigration; 84 Lakh Life-forms. {113.}

Soul’s Transmigration; 84 Lakh Life-forms. {113.}
****

The Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh shares the traditional Hindu belief in the transmigration of the soul, & in the 84 lakh different life forms. {What is a lakh? It is 1, followed by 5 zeros, or 100,000. That’s one-tenth of a million.}

To elaborate, it is believed that an individual soul lives on, despite death in any one of its forms. The same soul gets reborn as some other animal or human. One’s good & bad deeds, as well as the strongest desires & impulses that one has, lead one to the next life form. In this way, destiny is determined by both one’s past & present deeds & influences.

The soul becomes fit for salvation when the effects of one’s karmas have run their course, & there is ardent longing only for God & paradise.

There are believed to be 84 lakh different species or life forms that a soul has to acquire rebirths in. This is the cycle that represents the living creature’s bondage & punishment upon earth. The cow is regarded to be the form that a soul adopts prior to taking birth as a human.

The human form & life are, therefore, lucky as they can allow one the opportunity of seeking freedom from the cycle of Chaurasi or 84 lakh life forms, & of striving to ensure one’s salvation.

Only the Param Guru can grant release to the soul by gifting her or him initiation into the Radhasoami religion. The moment that initiation is granted, the individual’s soul formally gets linked to the highest paradise in existence. Such a Satsangi is blessed & stands already released from the onerous necessity of taking 84 lakh rebirths upon 84 lakh rebirths ad infinitum & hopelessly.

Indeed, the living Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh has promised its devotees that once they become Satsangis, their souls shall be granted eternal access to Radhasoami Dham within a maximum of four janams or lifetimes, since their having first got initiation.

Glory be to such nonpareil & boundless Grace of Radhasoami Dayal!
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Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.