A “Colorful” Description of Saintliness. {82.}

A “Colorful” Description of Saintliness. {82.}
****

“My mind is imbued with the Lord’s Love;
it is dyed a deep crimson.
Truth and charity are my white clothes.
The blackness of sin is erased
by my wearing of blue clothes,
and meditation on the Lord’s Lotus Feet
is my robe of honor.”

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

Scars of Love on Hearts. {81.}

Scars of Love on Hearts. {81.}
****

“The earth and the sand are burning.
Put your face on the burning sand
and on the earth of the road,
since all those who are wounded by love
must have the imprint on their face,
and the scar must be seen.
Let the scar of the heart be seen,
for by their scars are known the men
who are in the way of love.”

---- The Prophet Mohammed.
****

Prayer for Forgiveness and Purity. {80.}

Prayer for Forgiveness and Purity. {80.}
****

“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.”

---- The Bible; Psalm, 51:1-2.
****

Choose the Path of Meditation. {79.}

Choose the Path of Meditation. {79.}
****

“Meditation brings wisdom;
lack of meditation leaves ignorance.
Know well what leads you forward
and what holds you back,
and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Procedure for Joining Radhasoami Religion. {78.}

Procedure for Joining Radhasoami Religion. {78.}
****
Radhasoami!

What should a person seeking initiation into the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh practically do?
.
Of course, this presupposes that the person has realized that s/he believes Radhasoami Dayal to be the Supreme Being, & believes in His Living Incarnation as the Param Guru of Dayalbagh, & also believes in the key tenets of the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Secondly, this assumes that the seeker is both a vegetarian & a teetotaler, or is ready to turn so.

Next, the person should try to find out where Satsang is regularly conducted in a nearby colony / town / city under the aegis of a Satsang Branch duly affiliated to the Radhasoami Satsang Sabha.

It may be added that at present Satsang is being regularly conducted in most towns / cities in India, & in various countries abroad, ranging from neighboring Nepal to the US.

Having found the above out, one should go there & convey to the Branch Secretary one’s desire to register as a Seeker at the Branch, & be guided by her or his instructions.

I may add that registered Seekers are to attend Satsang regularly for over a year, besides reading three prescribed preliminary scriptures, after which formal proceedings are begun at the Branch for their getting initiation into the Faith from the central headquarters of Dayalbagh Branch.
****

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

Attain the Pole Star’s Constancy. {77.}

Attain the Pole Star’s Constancy. {77.}
****

“He who exercises government
by means of his virtue
may be compared to the north polar star,
which keeps its place in the firmament,
and all the stars turn towards it.”

---- Confucius, The Confucian Analects.
****

Gain Control over Your Mind. {76.}

Gain Control over Your Mind. {76.}
****

“One who has control over the mind
is tranquil in heat and cold,
in pleasure and pain,
and in honor and dishonor;
and is ever steadfast with the Supreme Self.”

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

Thirst for the Divine Name. {75.}

Thirst for the Divine Name. {75.}
****

“You are the Ocean of Water, and I am Your fish.
Your Name is the drop of water, and I am a thirsty sparrow-hawk.”

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

Death Variously Relieves Dead, Living. {74.}

Death Variously Relieves Dead, Living. {74.}
****

“Narrated Abu Qatada bin Rib’i Al-Ansari:
A funeral procession passed by Allah’s Apostle, who said, “Relieved or relieving?”
The people asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is relieved and relieving?”
He said, “A believer is relieved (by death) from the troubles and hardships of the world and leaves for the Mercy of Allah, while (the death of) a wicked person relieves the people, the land, the trees, (and) the animals from him.””

---- Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book: To Make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq), Hadith 519.
****

Sheer Power of Tiny Faith. {73.}

Sheer Power of Tiny Faith. {73.}
****

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
nothing will be impossible for you.”

---- The Bible; Mathew, 17:20.
****

Overcome Necessary Challenge of Evil. {72.}

Overcome Necessary Challenge of Evil. {72.}
****

“There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Mandatory Requirements for Seeking Initiation. {71.}

Mandatory Requirements for Seeking Initiation. {71.}
****

The Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh is declaredly for universal salvation.
Hence, its doors are basically open to all sincere seekers of God & salvation.
However, certain mandatory requirements for those seeking to join this final humanity’s religion may be listed as follows:

The devotional pre-essential of beliefs in:
* Radhasoami Dayal as representing the Name of the Supreme Godhead;
* Radhasoami Dayal’s Being the Presiding Deity of the most exalted paradise in existence {Radhasoami Dham}; &
* The Param Guru of Dayalbagh Being the Living Incarnation on earth of Radhasoami Dayal.

Besides, anyone wishing to join the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh is compulsorily required to shun completely & for all time the consumption of:
* Nonvegetarian food in all forms {including egg}; &
* All intoxicants, such as liquor & drugs.
****

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

Differences among People and Values. {70.}

Differences among People and Values. {70.}
****

“The superior person understands what is right;
while the inferior one understands what will sell.”

---- Confucius.
****

You Are God’s Powerful Tool. {69.}

You Are God’s Powerful Tool. {69.}
****

“The power of God is with you at all times;
through the activities of the mind,
senses, breathing, and emotions;
and is constantly doing all the work
using you as a mere instrument.”
---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Conquer Death while Yet Alive. {68.}

Conquer Death while Yet Alive. {68.}
****

“While you are alive, conquer death,
and you shall have no regrets in the end.”

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

The Kind Deserve Allah’s Mercy. {67.}

The Kind Deserve Allah’s Mercy. {67.}
****

“Allah has no mercy upon one who has no mercy upon others.”

---- The Quran.
****

God: Everlasting Light & Glory. {66.}

God: Everlasting Light & Glory. {66.}
****

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day,
neither for brightness
shall the moon give light unto thee,
but the Lord shall be unto thee
an everlasting light
and thy God thy glory.”

---- The Bible; Isaiah: 60:19.
****

You Owe Yourself as Well. {65.}

You Owe Yourself as Well. {65.}
****

“You, yourself,
as much as anybody else in the entire universe,
deserve your love and affection.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Primary Qualifications for Becoming Satsangi. {64.}

Primary Qualifications for Becoming Satsangi. {64.}
****

Some time back, I had received a request from a DEI {Dayalbagh Educational Institute; Deemed University} student seeking to join one of my Orkut Radhasoami communities.

I asked her if she was a Satsangi / from a Satsangi family / Jigyasu or Seeker.

She wrote back saying, “I am neither a Satsangi, nor from a Satsangi family, nor am I a Jigyasu, but I believe in Almighty Huzur.”

It was with great delight that I approved her request, replying, “& that is the most important thing, of course!”

So, who can become a Satsangi, or join the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh?

Are there any restrictions on the basis of caste, race, nationality, one’s erstwhile religious allegiance, etc.?

None at all; {age, yes}.

The primary & vital requirement is that the person believes in the teachings of the Radhasoami religion, specifically that:
**** The name of the Supreme Godhead is Radhasoami Dayal;
**** The Revered Leader of the Radhasoami religion headquartered in Dayalbagh Is the Living Incarnation of Merciful Radhasoami; &
**** One wants to accept His Guidance & Mastership for one’s spiritual practices & salvation.

All other behavioral or practical requirements, such as being a pure vegetarian & teetotaler, attending Satsang at a Branch, are secondary to & flow from this central act of transferring the responsibility for one’s spiritual welfare onto the Sant Satguru of Dayalbagh.
****
Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Orderliness is a Sequential Achievement. {63.}

Orderliness is a Sequential Achievement. {63.}
****

“To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order;
to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order;
to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal lives;
& we must first set our hearts right.”

---- Confucius.
****

Anger Causes One’s Own Disruption. {62.}

Anger Causes One’s Own Disruption. {62.}
****

“Delusion arises from anger.
The mind is bewildered by delusion.
Reasoning is destroyed when the mind is bewildered.
One falls down when reasoning is destroyed.”

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

Pining for Lord’s Beautiful Countenance. {61.}

Pining for Lord’s Beautiful Countenance. {61.}
*****

“Your Face is so Beautiful,
and the Sound of Your Words imparts intuitive wisdom.
It is so long since this sparrow-hawk
has had even a glimpse of water.”

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

Warning over Results of Actions. {60.}

Warning over Results of Actions. {60.}
****

“Whoever brings good, he shall have better than it;
and they shall be secure from terror on the day.
And whoever brings evil, these shall be
thrown down on their faces into the fire;
shall you be rewarded {for} aught except what you did?
I am commanded only that
I should serve the Lord of this city,
Who has made it sacred, and His are all things;
and I am commanded that
I should be of these who submit;
And that I should recite the Quran.
Therefore whoever goes aright,
he goes aright for his own soul,
and whoever goes astray, then say:
I am only one of the warners.
And say: Praise be to Allah,
He will show you His signs
so that you shall recognize them;
nor is your Lord heedless of what you do.”

---- The Quran; Al-Naml: 89-93.
****

Be Courageous; Trusting the Lord. {59.}

Be Courageous; Trusting the Lord. {59.}
****

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

----The Bible; Psalms, 31:24.
****

Shun the Habit of Doubt. {58.}

Shun the Habit of Doubt. {58.}
****

“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt.
Doubt separates people.
It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations.
It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Meaning of the Word “Satsangi”. {57.}
****

The followers of the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh are known as Satsangis. Technically, the term is employed for those who have been initiated into the mystical practices prescribed by the Faith under the authority of the Revered Leader.

Loosely, it is often extended to include such persons either born in Satsangi families or otherwise devoted to the religion, who might reasonably be expected to get initiation in due course of time.

However, the word “Satsangi” means “one in association with the Sath”. “Sath” here does not imply the truth {since that is vague & could be construed to mean just about anything}, but specifically the company of Sath Purusha, or the Lord of the divine realm Satloka {& above}.

Hence, “Satsangi” actually means a devotee who is fortunate enough to be blessed with the association or company {rather, mastership} of a Saint who has access to the Satloka or divine regions above it, including the most exalted paradise of Radhasoami Dham.

So, a “Satsangi” is a soul that has taken {& been given by the Param Guru} refuge in the only Living Incarnation of Merciful Radhasoami on earth in this Kaliyuga, & who lives by the teachings of the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

In modern times, the word “Satsang” is employed loosely to refer to any apparent devotional activity performed by any group of persons belonging to dubious religious affiliations. That may perhaps constitute Satsang only insofar as it indicates the devotees’ quest for God, but just about as much!
****

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

Quite Simple: Economize or Agonize. {56.}

Quite Simple: Economize or Agonize. {56.}
****

“The one who will not economize
will have to agonize.”

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

Way to Attain Spiritual Tranquility. {55.}

Way to Attain Spiritual Tranquility. {55.}
****

“One gradually attains tranquility of mind
as a result of keeping the mind
fully absorbed in the Self
by means of a well-trained intellect,
and by thinking of nothing else.”

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

Humility is Best for All. {54.}

Humility is Best for All. {54.}
****

"What good is social class and status?
Truthfulness is measured within.
Pride in one's status is like poison;
holding it in your hand and eating it,
you shall die."

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

Accept the Signs from Heaven. {53.}

Accept the Signs from Heaven. {53.}
****

"These are the verses of the Book
that makes {things} clear.
Perhaps you will kill yourself with grief
because they do not believe.
If We please, We should send down upon them
a sign from the heaven
so that their necks should stoop to it.
And there does not come to them
a new reminder from the Beneficent God
but they turn aside from it.
So they have indeed rejected {the truth},
therefore the news of that which they mock
shall soon come to them.
Do they not see the earth,
how many of every noble kind
We have caused to grow in it?
Most surely there is a sign in that,
but most of them will not believe.
And most surely your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful."

---- The Quran; Ash-Shu'ara {The Poets}, 2-9.
****

God's Plans for Human Welfare. {52.}

God's Plans for Human Welfare. {52.}
****

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."

---- The Bible; Jeremiah: 29:11.
****

Vegetarianism is Necessary for Nirvana. {51.}

Vegetarianism is Necessary for Nirvana. {51.}
****

"To become a vegetarian
is to step into the stream
which leads to Nirvana."

---- Gautama Buddha.
****

Loftiest Origin of Radhasoami Religion. {50.}

Loftiest Origin of Radhasoami Religion. {50.}
****

The Radhasoami religion has been founded by the only Living Incarnation of the Supreme Godhead, Radhasoami Dayal.

Not Content with merely having Incarnated {so to say} in the world out of Parental Compassion for such undeserving beings as all of us & the whole of humanity & living kingdom, the Nij Dhar or Incarnated Divine Current has Been Continuing Its most glorious Mission of universal salvation through the agency of a continuing lineage of Param Gurus since August 24, 1818.

In a unique benediction, the Incarnated Divine Current has Declared & Reassured all living beings that It shall not return to its original Abode until It has Redeemed all jeevas or living beings in this world-system, prior to the impending MahaPralay at the end of the present decadent age of Kaliyuga.

The above tenets constitute the core of the weltanschauung or worldview of the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

The concept of heaven being a hierarchical structure may be found in various religions of the world, particularly Buddhism.

The Radhasoami religion affirms the truth of this divine spiral, & clearly states the name, precise location & other description of each divine realm.

It also describes where the various other divine incarnations & prophets of the world’s other major religions {Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism & Sikhism} had descended from.

This also indicates the severe limits of the spiritual benefit that they can possibly confer on their followers, because of their own relatively inferior origin & limitations.

These intermediary heavens are to be traversed by the individual “surat’ or soul, {with the Permission, Grace & Help of the Param Guru of Dayalbagh}, to finally access & reach the Ultimate Abode of Radhasoami Dham, the loftiest paradise in existence.

It is only this that constitutes true & final redemption.
****
Note: This is drawn from & inspired by the scriptures, practices & teachings pertaining to the Radhasoami religion of Dayalbagh.

Spiritual Benefit of Agricultural Labor. {49.}

Spiritual Benefit of Agricultural Labor. {49.}
****

“The one who sows the ground with care and diligence
acquires a greater stock of religious merit
than one could gain by the repetition of ten thousand prayers.”

---- Zoroaster, Persian philosopher and religious leader
{c. 628 BC - c. 551 BC}.
****

Work without Focus on Reward. {48.}

Work without Focus on Reward. {48.}
****

"Thou hast power only to act,
but not over the reward thereof.
Act thou, therefore,
without prospect of the reward
and without succumbing to inaction."
---- The Bhagavad Gita.
****

Karmas: Good, Bad & Effects. {47.}

Karmas: Good, Bad & Effects. {47.}
****

"You unite me with Yourself, O True God.
Through perfect good karma, You are obtained."
"Those who act in ego do not go beyond karma.
It is only by Guru's Grace that one is rid of ego."
"Through the perfect karma of good deeds,
one meets the Perfect Guru, whose speech is perfect."
"According to the karma of past actions, one's destiny unfolds,
even though everyone wants to be so lucky."
"Those who were pre-ordained to have no good karma at all:
gazing into the lamp of emotional attachment,
they are burnt, like moths in a flame."
"Those blessed with the karma of good actions praise the Lord.
O Nanak, they make the Guru their spiritual teacher.
In the fourth watch of the early morning hours,
a longing arises in their higher consciousness.
They are attuned to the river of life;
the True Name is in their minds and on their lips."
"Whatever pleases You is a pure action of karma."
"As she has planted, so does she harvest; such is the field of karma."
"When good karma dawns, the wall of doubt is torn down."
"With good karmas or actions,
some come to serve the Perfect Guru."
"Born because of the karma of their past mistakes,
they make more mistakes, and fall into mistakes."
"Without the karma of good deeds,
they are only destroying themselves."

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

Good Deeds, Honor; & Creation. {46.}

Good Deeds, Honor; & Creation. {46.}
****

"Whoever desires honor, then to Allah belongs the honor wholly.
To Him do ascend the good words; and the good deeds,
lift them up, and {as for} those who plan evil deeds,
they shall have a severe chastisement;
and {as for} their plan, it shall perish.
And Allah created you of dust, then of the life-germ,
then He made you pairs;
and no female bears, nor does she bring forth,
except with His knowledge;
and no one whose life is lengthened has his life lengthened,
nor is aught diminished of one's life,
but it is all in a book;
surely this is easy to Allah."
---- The Quran; Fatir {Originator} 10-11.
****

Righteousness is One's Ultimate Security. {45.}

Righteousness is One's Ultimate Security. {45.}
****

"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way:
but wickedness overthroweth the sinner."

---- The Bible; Proverbs 13:6.
****

Buddha's Last Words to Humanity. {44.}

Buddha's Last Words to Humanity. {44.}
****

"All composite things are subject to decay. Strive for your own liberation with diligence."

---- The Buddha's last words,
uttered to his close attendant of years, Anantha.
****

Dayalbagh: Garden of the Merciful. {43.}

Dayalbagh: Garden of the Merciful. {43.}
****

“DAYALBAGH, which translated into English means the ‘Garden of the Merciful’, is the headquarters of the Radhasoami Satsang Community. The foundation of this Ashram was laid on the Basant Panchami day, the 20th of January 1915 by a simple ceremony of planting a mulberry tree by His Holiness Huzur Sahabji Maharaj, the fifth Revered Leader of the Radhasoami Faith. It is a self-contained colony of the followers of the Radhasoami Faith, and is well-known for its institutions and for the activities of its inmates in the social and economic spheres, undertaken by them in a spirit of cooperation and for the organized way of life that conforms to the spiritual ideals of the Radhasoami Faith.”
---- "Dayalbagh"; published by the Radhasoami Satsang Sabha, Dayalbagh.
****

Devotion is an Upward Spiral. {42.}

Devotion is an Upward Spiral. {42.}
****

"Devotion, like fire, goeth upward."

---- Zoroaster; Persian philosopher and religious leader,
(c. 628 BC - c. 551 BC).
****

Temperance Necessary for Successful Meditation. {41.}

Temperance Necessary for Successful Meditation. {41.}
****

"Those who eat too much or eat too little,
who sleep too much or sleep too little,
will not succeed in meditation.
But those who are temperate in eating and sleeping,
work and recreation,
will come to the end of sorrow through meditation."

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

Conquer Death while Yet Alive. {40.}

Conquer Death while Yet Alive. {40.}
****

"While you are alive, conquer death,
and you shall have no regrets in the end."

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

Divine Injunction against Causeless Murder. {39.}

Divine Injunction against Causeless Murder. {39.}
****

"Whoever kills another one without justifiable cause,
surely he is killing all of humanity.
And whoever saves the life of another one,
surely he saves the lives of all of humanity."

---- The Quran; Sura Al Ma'aidah; Ayah 32.
****

Gate to Damnation or Paradise. {38.}

Gate to Damnation or Paradise. {38.}
****

“Enter through the narrow gate.
The gate that leads to damnation is wide,
the road is clear, and many choose to travel it.
But how narrow is the gate that leads to life,
how rough the road,
and how few there are who find it.”

---- The Bible; Matthew 7:13-14.
****

Habitually Think Very Carefully, Indeed! {37.}

Habitually Think Very Carefully, Indeed! {37.}
****

“The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
And the habit hardens into character.
So, watch the thought and its ways with care.
And let it spring from love,
born out of concern for all beings.”

---- Gautama Buddha.
****