MACROCOSM |
MADNESS |
MAHA-KAL-CHAKRA |
MAHAMAYA |
MAHAPRALAYA |
MAHATMA (SAINT) |
MAKING |
MANASIC PUJA |
MAN |
MANIA |
MANIFESTATION |
MASTER |
MASTERS CALL
/ APPEAL | MASTER
EGG CELL | MASTERS
MESSAGE | MASTERS
LOVE | MASTER'S
POWER | MASTERS
ROLE | MASTERS
WORK - OBSTACLES |
MATERIALISM |
MATTER |
MAYA (-VIC EFFECT) |
MEAT EATING |
MEDITATION - ON
FORM | MEDITATION |
MEEKNESS |
MEMORY |
MEND |
MERGER / MERGING |
MESMERISM |
METHODS |
MIND |
MIND REGION |
MIND - TENDENCIES |
MIND - TRENDS |
MIRACLES |
MIRAGE |
MIRE |
MISERIES |
MISSION |
MISTAKE |
MOCKERY |
MODERATION |
MOHA |
MOKSHA |
MOMENTUM |
MONOPOLY |
MORALITY |
MOTIVE |
MOULDING |
MOVEMENT |
MUMUKSHU |
MYSTERIOUS |
MACROCOSM
Sahasra-dal-kamal, the lotus of a thousand petals.
This is the virat region. It was from this point
that the virat rup was brought to Arjuna's vision
at the time of the battle of Mahabharat. It is
the Macrocosm. We proceed on towards the occipital
prominence, after we have completed the journey
through the sahasrara.
During the course of our march to this point we
have to pass through, and cross, the various centres
which have their own particular condition. (SS-418,419)
Also Please see Brahmagati.
MADNESS
For myself I solved the problem in my own way
by resorting to madness - the madness of love
for a fellow being. The same may be a solution
for another provided he gets a Master like Him,
who is infallible, super-human and Divine in the
true sense. (SS-239)
I pour this out to you without reserve, only with
the purpose of exciting in you a similar fire
of madness as I am burning in, but he alone whom
God Himself pulls up may be successful in the
pursuit. But to my greatest regret I find that
though all my downpour in this respect is meeting
with high appreciation from the people, they do
not lend their thought in the least to what they
are to do themselves. Still I am every ready to
serve them as best as I can.(SS-120)
MAHA-KAL-CHAKRA
The wheel of the supreme. The Maha-kal-chakra
is a stronger power than the Sudarshan. It is
infused with the power of Time. It descends under
rare circumstances when its use for some immensely
great task is inevitable. The present overhauling
of the Universe is a far heavier task than the
one for which Lord Krishna had come down to the
earth. Consequently it is now the time that demands
the use of this superior power for bringing about
the change on a much larger scale and for which
the great Divine Personality has already come
down to earth and is working for it with the help
of this superior power under his command.( PG-79
footnote)
MAHAMAYA
Rama and Krishna the two incarnations of the Divinity.
We worship them with faith and devotion for securing
union with them. Automatically that becomes our
goal of our life and we can at the most secure
approach upto their level. Now Rama and Krishna
as incarnations, were special personalities vested
with supernatural powers to work as medium for
the accomplishment of the work which nature demanded
and for which they had come. They had full command
over various powers of nature and could utilise
them at any time in a way they thought proper.
The scope of their activity was limited in accordance
with the nature of the work they had to accomplish.
They descended from the sphere of Mahamaya, which
is a state of Godly energy in the subtle form
, hence the most powerful. It is due to this fact
that we find excellent results coming into effect
through their agency in their life-time. The highest
possible point of human approach is much beyond
the sphere of Mahamaya. Hence a good deal above
that level. It may be surprising to most of the
readers but it is a fact beyond doubt. (DR-18,19)
The prefix 'maha' added to the word 'maya' denotes
the condition which is beyond the normal level
of maya. Maya may be taken to be something within
the limits of a certain sphere. But when one goes
beyond, maya dissolves. It is then denoted as
mahamaya. The exact conception of it is however
impossible, just as a true conception of the region
of air may be possible only when one is able to
go beyond the last limit of airspace. But even
then it would be quite difficult to determine
the exact line of demarcation because of the gradual
melting away and the transformation of the condition.
Suppose you throw a ball high up in the air, you
will never be able to fix up an exact location
of it there, though it may well be in your sight.
Anything coming out of the limitless must have
a tinge of it in some respect at least. Now what
makes you realise it is undoubtedly the thought,
as one would usually say. But in the strictest
sense it is not even thought but definitely something
quite apart from it. Roughly it may correspond
to a great extent with that which may be the 'thought
out'. In other words the two i.e., the 'thought'
and the 'thought out' run in concurrence with
each other. For all practical purposes we say
that it is the thought that realizes, but then
it would be very difficult to specify its actual
level. If we attempt to do so, we only mean to
convert the Limitless into the limited. Think
for yourself how it may then be possible to locate
the exact position of the sphere of mahamaya.
Suffice it to say that it is a mere region, for
the sake of understanding. (SS-366,367)
MAHAPRALAYA
At the time of Mahapralaya the pole star will
deviate a few degrees from its position and will
grow a bit hotter. A powerful energy in the form
of a gas will begin to gush out from it and will
ultimately destroy the world and everything else
in existence. The action of destruction will start
from the North Pole.(DR-119)
As regards the question whether all proceed towards
God spontaneously or by God's will, it may suffice
to say that every river joins itself with the
ocean losing its own identity altogether. The
ocean does not come to mix with the river. Just
so we proceed towards the origin. A time shall
be when all will merge in It, and that will be
the time of Maha Pralaya. We practice only to
cut short our way, and thus be saved from miseries
of innumerable lives till then. (SS-328,329)
These are the different stages of egoism which
almost die out while entering the central region.
The thing I called identity, or the identity of
the liberated souls, remains even then. It disappears
only in mahapralaya when everything comes to an
end. Of course the so-called zero remains even
then. That means all the identites of liberated
souls as well as those of others and everything
else in existence, merge into one and lose their
individual identities; and this itself becomes
an identity to bring forth creation anew when
time comes.(ERY-54)
MAHATMA
(SAINT)
The word 'Mahatma' has been defined in several
ways not perhaps without some reasonable basis.
My definition of it as a 'Non-being person, though
somewhat peculiar, is meaningful. It may also
be interpreted so as to relate to one who has
gone 'off with spirituality. (SS-356)
A little advanced among the class of Gurus are
considered to be those who teach and preach on
the basis of their knowledge of the Shastras and
other holy books. They have established orders
and Ashrams, where they enjoy a kingly position
among their followers. They go out and address
large audiences telling them what to do and what
not to do and explaining to them problems concerning
Maya, Jiva and Brahman. People flock to them in
thousands to hear their sermons, admiring their
high ideas and extensive knowledge, and regard
them as great Mahatmas or Saints. They ask them
numerous intricate questions, and if they are
able to answer them out of their stock of knowledge
of Shastras, their greatness as a Mahatma is established
in their minds; and they are induced to accept
them as Gurus. But really they have, thus, put
to test their learning and not the real worth.
It must well be borne in mind that it is not the
learning or knowledge that makes a man perfect
but it is only Realisation in the right sense
that makes a true Yogi or saint. It is just possible
that the man who has thus impressed you with outward
form, learning or eloquence, may be at the lowest
level as regard practical attainments. Knowledge,
therefore, is no criterion of a true Mahatma or
Yogi. Similarly the real test of a Mahatma or
Guru is not his miracles or his extraordinary
ways and manners but only his practical attainments
on the path of Realisation. The popular meaning
of a Mahatma as a great individual does not seem
appealing to me. I would define a Mahatma as the
most insignificant being or rather a neglected
figure, beyond all feelings of greatness, pride
or egoism, dwelling permanently in a state of
complete self-negation. (DR-50,51)
Your question as to whether the mahatmas have
their mind shattered or destroyed is a peculiar
one. I believe only a made-up thing can be shattered.
A made-up thing is that which is covered over
with grosser layers. If a building is demolished
the floor remains unaffected thereby. Now judge
for yourself whether a mind is really destroyed
or only transformed. I shall call it as regulation
of mind which means only the removing of the structure
built upon it. But if one likes to dispense with
it altogether, he must then necessarily get himself
relieved of the root-force which is the basis
of existence -kshobh, No activity can be possible
without mind. Nothing in Nature loses its existence;
only the form and function are changed from time
to time. Every man possesses intelligence. One
can use it for a right cause while another uses
it for a wicked one. At higher stages of advancement
the indriyas, having been regulated and balanced,
assume a purified state and their actions become
dormant. One then does not remain the doer of
things and consequently the formation of samskaras
stops. This can be easily attained if one follows
the right type of abhyas under proper guidance.
(SS-348)
A saint or a Mahatma is not in any way different
from an ordinary worldly man, except that his
mind and senses are in a well-disciplined state
and wholly under his control. He remains free
from the effect of the different hues and colours
of the world and remains ever merged in his own,
the one colourlessness. He attains a state of
contentment and settledness which breathe in an
atmosphere of peace and calmness.(SS-470)
The spiritual history of India says that the Saints
of India have prayed to God to give all the miseries
of the world to them, so that humanity may be
free from it. The people generally follow the
spiritual methods so that they may be relieved
from suffering. It is my idea that the saints
are not to enjoy but to be enjoyed by others.
Suffering and peace both become one at their base.
The real character is formed in saintliness, and
the suffering is half over. The suffering is really
at which we do not suffer.(PP-166)
Our sages felt themselves pledged to utilise all
these powers, appearing mysterious, in constructive
work. They even went beyond everything, which
has resulted in the discovery of some movements
being the cause of all existence. When we go to
this extent, we find the Centre and its region
giving us the knowledge of their existence. (SDG-47)
You often come across mahatmas and sadhus who,
though they preach about high ideas, are themselves
inwardly puffed up with feelings of greatness
and superiority, and try all means to pose themselves
as world-teachers of divine knowledge. What opinion
will you form of them when you peep into their
hearts to discover their real worth? For certain
you will find in them nothing that can command
your respect for them.(SS-69)
They came across such men who told them such things
which they liked also, because of their support
to the centre they had created for themselves.
How did it happen? It was due to the contact with
those people who took pleasure in the senses but
pretended to see above towards the sky. They are
our Mahatmas.(SS-487)
MAKING
Proper making of man must be the natural result
of the right type of training. Proper making comprises
of the right moulding of mind with due moderation
in the exercise of all our senses and faculties.
Thus the right type of training under the guidance
of a capable master is by far the most important
factor in our proper making without which higher
attainments in spirituality are never possible.(DR-63,64)
The higher an abhyasi approaches, especially after
the point A, the easier it becomes to train him.
And the inner faculties get rectified. Nevertheless
one has to labour in bringing the inner faculties
in conformity with Nature, and this verily is
called the 'making' and this is a very strenuous
task.(SS-452)
It takes me many months to purify the system.
This purification is absolutely essential in the
making of a Man, and my attention always turns
towards this, and this verily is the command of
revered Lalaji also. (SS-449,450)
I have shown you the method; but when there are
so many doctors to treat it, we should have nothing
to do with it except in very rare and special
cases. The work which you have got is in no way
less, and there is hope of its growing still more.
I felt really happy that you like to become the
maseeha. But first you have to create Pain in
yourself before becoming one. (SS-274)
You and I wish that people should abandon the
centre they have created. But they will be ready
to do so only when the centre they have formed
is found in the Divine Centre. These words may
seem to be very harsh, but I am obliged to write
that the reins of the sheep are in the hands of
the wolf, and the whole herd scattered away. (SS-
488)
There is a Persian Proverb: See Laila with the
eyes of Majnu. That is, as Laila was an ugly girl,
it required the eyes of a Majnu only to see her.
In the same way, if we have to see God, the same
mad looks are required. (SS-363,364)
MANASIC PUJA
A little advanced amongst them are generally considered
to be those who keep in view the imaginary form
similar to one they have fixed their mind upon,
and who go on with the usual routine of mechanical
worship of offering flowers, sandal, and incense
to them in their imagination. This they call as
manasic puja and consider it to be an advanced
stage. As a matter of fact they are no better
than those of the former type. The result in both
the cases would be exactly the same, and finally
they would become solid like rock. (SS-142)
MAN
The origin of man is similar to that of Universe,
and it was what is known as 'Kshob (Primary Stir)
which stimulated motion and activity. The reflection
of Kshob exists in man as well as in other beings.
If it is not there then no activity could be possible.
In man this reflection of Kshob is known as Mind
or Manas, which is an indispensable factor of
existence. In the lower region or Pind Desh it
is known as Pindi - Mind, while in the Brahmanda
Mandal it is known as the Brahmandi Mind. At higher
levels it goes on becoming further refined. The
conditions at one level differ from those at the
others, and they may be innumerable.(SS-127)
It is commonly believed that 'God created man
in His own image. All the religions, philosophies
and sciences of the world are unanimous on this
point. It does not mean that the physical form
of God is the same as that of man, with the human
body made of flesh, bones, skin, etc., possessing
arms, legs and other limbs. It really means that
a man possesses, or is composed of, all the powers,
forces and energy which are present in Nature
in the same order.(ERY-63)
When man first assumed his physical form he brought
with him the things opposed to the real nature
of his being; that means both the opposites were
intertwined to give it a proper shape. It appeared
in the form of an outburst similar to that caused
by the contact of fire and water. When supplemented
by the flow of air, it went on smouldering and
increased the force of the outburst. The outburst
is nothing but the action of the force coming
in contact with the soul, thus exhibiting a display
of the elements. Reality was lost sight of. Just
imagine what the reverse use of things finally
resulted in. We took into account neither the
cause nor the effect thereof, to trace out the
origin of this degradation.(SS-462)
Who is man? Only he who is imbued with a sense
of humanity.(SS-60)
The real man, in the proper sense, can be he who
makes a man the man that he ought to be, a thorough
man in the real sense.(SS-60)
Things come and go but what lies in between these
two is our real condition. This changeless condition
of ourselves is the end of all spiritual activities.
Blankness is another expression for this condition.
The whole system is vacuumized in the end, and
man becomes a real man. It has been found difficult
to define man, but when we add the word real,
it defines the beauty a man should have to belong
to. (SDG-30)
A man can be real man only when his eye is diverted
towards his inner self. Therein lies the real
quest for Reality. One who adheres to it establishes
his footing in the sphere from which everything
descended by itself. In other words he connects
his link with the main source. The only thing
which remains then is its expansion for which
the prescribed abhyas is sufficient. (SS-55,56)
We have to enter a new life, a life which is behind
this outer life of ours - we might just as well
say that the real man exists behind this, the
apparent man. Now since you want to enter upon
the real life, you have to seek for the real man,
the man behind the man, or the man beyond man.
Such a personality, if he does exist can be traced
out only by the heart's eye and can be felt in
every molecule and atom of the body. Though possessing
a physical body, he shall in no way be attached
to it and he shall be nearest to zero. His covering
shall be the whole Universe wherein he shall have
his own play. You will find him present in the
sand of the desert, as well as in the waves of
the ocean. You will find his presence in the light
of the sun, the moon and the stars. He shall be
in existence everywhere, in hell as well as in
paradise. But how to trace him out is the real
problem. (SS-66)
It is only when we get closely in touch with nature
that we begin to breathe in the purified air coming
therefrom. By and by we begin to acquire identicality
with it. In a word everything becomes possible
and attainable when we get ourselves attached
with the real man beyond man. (SS-67)
In my opinion we have solved the mystery, if somehow
we are able to solve our problem of life. When
we visualized ourselves, we found that man is
an epitome of the universe. This added to our
advancement, and we have begun to study our own
centres, their motions and work, and the functions
of the human mind and body. (SDG-48)
MANIA
Man possesses everything of Nature but he does
not take it into account. A man must keep his
eye fixed upon the object, and so it must be in
respect of health which is quite essential for
the success of the pursuit. There must be one
thought, one object, and one pursuit in view and
that must be related with the Divine. That is
the type of mania which I wish every one to develop
in himself. It is only then that one may perhaps
be able to have a view of That which he craves
for. (SS-70)
Give up the mental complex of ill health. Consider
yourself to be healthy, then alone will you find
yourself healthy. A healthy man if he persists
in thinking himself to be ill shall definitely
be half ill at least. (SS-70)
MANIFESTATION
The manifestation too has been a very long process
covering a period of about 1,20,000 years when
judged through deep concentration from the level
of highest super-consciousness. Though there was
only one shock in the region of power just below
the Bhuma yet the manifestation of the effect
thereof and the accumulation of the necessary
material for the purpose took the entire period
mentioned above. (PG-175)
MASTER
I do not hereby mean to advocate the orthodox
idea of Gurudom in any way. Only a person capable
of transmitting Divine Grace through the Yogic
process of Pranahuti is fit to become a Master
(SDG- 16)
It is very sad in the present state of society
that they have given up the idea of service and
taken to the idea of Masterhood instead. History
tells us that we have grown from poverty to power,
and from servant to Master. The idea of Master,
is pregnant, really, with the idea of service
but generally our saints forget it although the
very idea of service has brought them to their
present state. When the basic idea is forgotten,
the structure falls off, and there remains neither
servant nor Master. The proper sort of training,
if the Guru is perfect, is that the teacher should
generate among his disciples that sort of smell
which leads them to the garden. (SDG-121)
A true Master is he and he alone, who possesses
such wonderful power and can at a glance create
a state of light in an aspirant, diverting his
thought from darkness to light till his tendencies
which were previously directed towards darkness,
begins to absorb brightness within them. (SS-6)
He can foment us by his internal force acquired
by being a Brahmanishtha then the difficulty is
mostly over, and we soon begin to peep into the
Real Being. (SS-111)
It is easy to cross the big region of heart by
following the advice of ones master. But remember
a capable master can only be he who has crossed
all the regions far and above, and has the power
of transmission. (ERY-39) The help of a Guru or
Master is, therefore, essential and indispensable
for those engaged in spiritual pursuit.(DR-44)
Fortunately we have got a master who is all spiritual.
(SDG-41)
MASTERS
CALL / APPEAL
As a burning flame of His blessing splendour,
I do not belong to India alone, but to the whole
world. So I want that all may taste the beauty
hidden in love for the Ultimate. People everywhere
seek the better climate and better conditions.
But as Indians we are interested to produce the
same environment in us, so that others may be
benefitted by its radiation. (SDG- 29)
I myself am very weak and worn out with age. Still
I am doing my best to bring real peace to the
humanity. I want capable men and women to help
me in the task ahead. No doubt the world will
be paradise, but for that we have to work very
hard. What we have to do is only to have a strong
grip always on Divinity. I never felt disappointed
and worked singlehanded and the result is before
us all. I have full confidence in myself, with
the Master's hand at my back; and it has always
worked. The same thing I want from all of you.
(SDG-132)
It is only the practical life that is worth having.
Reading or writing is of no avail. Faith, devotion
and confidence alone can win the race. If you
are really in quest of God, seek for an adept
then, to free yourself from bondages.(SS-253)
MASTER EGG CELL
The Master cell is the outcome of the first Jerk
and has therefore the concentration of all the
powers and energy in full force, hence bigger
and brighter than all the rest. Other eggs were
formed by the concentration of the energy that
kept flowing and could not be so powerful and
bright. (ERY-62)
There is one cell or egg-like thing which is bigger
and brighter than all the rest. You may call it
the master cell. The master cell is directly connected
with and controlling the world we live in, and
it is due to this fact only that the personalities
we have here in this world are not to be found
anywhere else in other worlds. We (in other words
our world) are connected with the master cell,
so we have almost the same force and power as
possessed by the master cell. (ERY-61)
The Master Egg or cell is the essence of things
appearing in the form described as egg-like things.
Just as the thing below the centre is the essence
or substratum of life, all smaller ones are wound
up in a large one having connection with it which
is called the Master cell. It is like a big drop
of ocean the foams of which are swimming about.
In other words it is the power house for world's
connected with this big drop. You will find the
same wave in the Master cell and its force applicable
to other cells as well. It is like the cream churned
by the first motion. You will see the greatest
personality always in existence in this world.
Sages born here in this world have often controlled
other worlds, too, under directions from the Absolute
Base, which they receive in the form of vibrations
in the Central Region.(ERY-62,63)
MASTERS MESSAGE
It is my Master alone who gave light to the Original
Source, which was nearly dried. His message to
mankind may aptly be pronounced as 'O Bounded
ones, now start to look for becoming free'. (Aseero
karo ab rihaayee kee baathain) (SDG-87)
'Awake, O sleepers, It's the hour of the dawn'.
The change, of course cannot come over-night.
(SDG-136)
MASTERS LOVE
Often I feel restlessly impatient to see some
of my associates physically. That must be due
to the intensity of feeling they entertain in
their hearts for me. Sometimes when this feeling
gets subsided in them I too feel a bit slowed
down. This is however the only way by which we
can strike at the very Base, the echo of our thought,
and create ripples in the waters around. I like
to remain absorbed in the thought of you all.
That may in a sense mean my diversion towards
diversity.(SS-71)
Your view relating to Master's love in place of
Divine love is quite to the point. Once while
transmitting to an abhyasi, promoting in him Divine
love, I was advised by my Master to infuse into
him Master's love instead. My shy nature hinders
me from doing so for fear lest one might think
I like to be worshipped thus. This is freely preached,
rather insisted upon, in most of the other sansthas
and also by quacks and charlatans. Though in principle
there is nothing wrong in it, yet in practice
few perhaps may be found to be up to the mark
for this method. The result in all such cases
usually is that the teacher and taught both get
filled up more and more with grossness. My great
Master has saved me from this most degrading evil.
May he ever protect us all from it!(SS-251)
MASTER'S POWER
Here, by the grace of God, the Master's power
alone works all through, and there can be no possibility
of harm in it. If you find any difficulty or entanglement,
or even an unbearable excitement of emotion, just
refer that to Him through prayer at any time or
from any place, and it shall go away at once.
Never mind whether I become aware of it or not,
your purpose shall anyhow be served.(SS-233)
There are numerous different states which are
acquired one after the other during the course
of our march. But the condition that exists there
is such that if an abhyasi attempts to cross over
to the next by self effort, he is unable to bear
the strong flow of the Divine energy and instantly
slips down. It is only the power of the Master
of calibre which can keep him up to overcome it.
At the very highest stages the flow gets stronger
because Godly energy becomes still subtler and
the subtler force is naturally more powerful.
(SS-414,415)
This subtle force is very strong, so much so that
in higher regions even if an abhyasi attempts
to go up he is pushed down by the effect of this
strong flow of the force. In that case it is only
the Master's dynamic force that pulls him up through
the flow and enables him to have a view of Reality.
(SDG-83)
MASTERS ROLE
As long as the abhyasi is not getting the Grace
direct, the teacher diverts the Grace which is
coming directly upon himself to the abhyasi. (SDG-
50)
But really speaking, such a Master is required
as may be able to foment us by his divine power.
There are stages in the cosmic regions which we
have to cross and indeed we proceed to a certain
length. Afterwards the power of the abhyasi fails
to get at the subtle force. It is very difficult
to cross it unless and until a push is given to
the next step and that is the Master's work. (SDG-27)
The job of the Teacher is the component factor
in weaving the destiny of man's life. It is a
fact beyond doubt that an abhyasi cannot go above
by his own effort after a certain level of improvement,
because he comes in contact with the subtle force
which he cannot cross. In the lower stages also
it becomes difficult if he proceeds by his own
effort. The human consciousness is there which
only he is aware of. He is to go into the Divine
Consciousness, one after the other, which will
ultimately lead him to the goal.(SDG-94)
I think now there remains little on my part, to
pray for your spiritual elevation when you get
such a man as your Guide. (SDG-99)
It will be master's duty to destroy the poles
we have formed by the effects of our unbalanced
thinking. When they are destroyed, their channel
of wrong influence is cut off and we move to the
proper level of spirituality. It becomes the duty
of the Master to regulate everything and to bring
about the original state into us, so that we may
begin to realise the awakenness of Divinity which
first fell to our share. How does the Master proceed?
He introduces in the abhyasi the Pure State of
Divinity, which he is having because this is his
work. (SDG-41)
The job of the Master is to remove the thick layers
so that the Divinity may begin to bloom. In the
state of spirituality the bud becomes a bloom.
Every transmission from the preceptor, even if
given with a lack of confidence in himself, will
give light to the abhyasi, whether the latter
feels it or not is due to lack of sensitivity,
because the one and the same force is working
in all of us. Moulding is the Preceptor's Business.
I am happy that all the preceptors of the Mission
are doing good service to the abhyasis selflessly,
not as a Master but as a fellow being. May this
develop further. (SDG-45,46)
Our Sahaj Marg recommends the method for the cleaning
of the centres, and the Master himself does it
through the process of transmission. (SDG-50)
MASTERS
WORK - OBSTACLES
There is yet another difficulty for me and it
is that most of my time remains occupied with
you all, on account of which I do not get sufficient
time to devote to the Godly work of a general
nature. But who are those who keep me thus unnecessarily
occupied? They are mostly those who have not in
them the least craving for the Divine, in the
true sense. If they only manage to 'submit' in
the proper sense, much of my time can be saved.
No doubt, they want to have it, but they do not
want to devote themselves to it with love and
devotion, though I for my part do not mind this
in the least, since I feel myself ordained to
it. If they only take pity on me for all my services,
even then I may have a chance to save some of
my time to devote myself to other affairs.(SS-176)
MATERIALISM
The present structure of world civilization based
upon electricity and atomic energy shall not remain
in existence for long. It is destined to fall
soon. The whole atmosphere is so much charged
with the poisonous effect of absolute materialism
that it is almost beyond human control to clear
it.(DR-116,117)
In support of my views I quote below the words
of Svami Vivekanandaji who is an authority on
spiritual subjects, "The extravagant meaningless
fanaticism which has driven religion entirely
to kitchens as may be noticed in many of our sects,
without any hope of noble truth of that religion
ever coming out to the sun-light of spirituality,
is a peculiar sort of pure and simple materialism.
It is neither jnana nor karma nor bhakti. It is
a special kind of lunacy and those who pin their
souls to it are more likely to go to the lunatic
asylum than to Brahma-Loka".(ERY-68,69)
MATTER
People have told me, or the thought has come to
me, that the scientists have worked to such an
extent as to make a slave of the power of matter
of man. Now, what can be further than this from
the aim of yoga, which is to have command over
Nature? Even the ordinary circus people have shown
wonderful feats by controlling a wild beast like
a tiger. The things of science can be overcome
by other neutralising things, but it is not at
all possible to overcome this ferocious quality
by any acid. Hence, this circus artist is far
superior to the scientist. It is due to the development
of the human brain that control can be had over
the power of matter, but the work, or the development
of the spiritual brain, is something else where
the energy of matter does not work. This has got
Divine Wisdom, whereas that has got human wisdom.
(SS-339,340)
MAYA
(-VIC EFFECT)
The first five circles related with the sphere
of Maya extend upto the state of Avyaktagati (undifferentiated
state).(SS-430)Difficulties arise when people
do not take God just as He is, but fit him into
numerous artificialities created in their own
minds to suit their own taste and likings, and
thus put Him completely within the sheath of Maya.
They worship Him as such, with the result that
they themselves get engrossed in Maya or in other
words they become the worshippers of Maya in gross
form. Now if any one comes up to explain it to
them they run away from him thinking that he is
trying to delude them. They appreciate more the
Mahatmas who, being themselves dyed in various
hues of Maya, offer them colourful things which
are suited to their taste. The common mistake
is that they do not care to pay attention to these
most vital facts and they seek for liberation
from those who have it not. Really most of them
do not have any aspiration for liberation at all.
They adhere to Gods and Goddesses only to serve
their worldly ends. There may, however, be a few
who worship God as well, but by the way only,
and that too for merely selfish purposes. They
are in fact not even worthy of having this type
of spiritual training, nor they are capable of
it. As a matter of fact, while we are marching
towards 'unity' they, on the other hand, are drifting
continually towards 'diversity' and are directing
the flow of thought into numerous different channels.
Thus our power of thought, being diversely applied,
gets weakened and shattered and our efforts for
realisation end in failure. Usually I do not take
such persons into our satsangh, because I feel
convinced that all labour upon them will be fruitless.
Consequently, instead of wasting my time on them
I must utilise it for the spiritual benefit of
others who crave for it.(SS-57,58)
The hard and miserable life of most of the people
engaged in different worldly pursuits keeps them
so much occupied with their problems of life that
they are often led to believe that they can hardly
spare time for devotion and worship except at
the cost of some vital interest or pecuniary gain,
which they cannot safely afford to ignore. This
notion keeps them away from the path of duty although
sometimes they become seemingly conscious of it.
Their minds are absorbed every moment in thinking
about the various problems of their material life
and are seldom directed towards God except when
they are in deep distress or misery. The reason
is that they attach primary importance to their
worldly interest alone which constantly remains
in their view. Thus they remain entangled within
the Maya without ever thinking of getting out
of it at any stage.(DR-85)
All that follows falls within the sphere of Maya,
where the people mostly abide in the pursue their
activities accordingly. In other words it is this
one that led to the composition of forms. This
continued to develop in man too, and finally led
to the formation of strong knots which are now
difficult to undo except by the special power
of will. Being entangled in these knots, man assumes
a form which reflects grossness at the very surface.
The external atmosphere and environment also effect
it, putting it to actions and counter-actions
which brings it from bad to worse, and the simplicity
gets enshrouded within it. All these combined
together form a snare which keeps man entrapped
in it.
(IB-33)
People have tried to define Maya in numerous different
ways, not perhaps without some reasonable basis.It
is really a Godly power which has brought into
existence the entire creation in its different
forms and shapes and which regulates its entire
working. We are all the while surrounded by this
great power and its effect is visible in all phases
of our activity. We are whirling round within
the glossy sphere of Maya, clinging at times to
one or the other of the objects in view thinking
it to be Reality. Our senses, feelings and emotions
give it a new colouring and mould our actions
accordingly. We remain entangled within the snare
of Maya, without any hope of emancipation until
we divert our attention towards the unchanging
Reality at the root. This vast circle of material
manifestation, the direct result of Maya, is unlimited.
In it we go round and round with ceaseless motion
like the rim of a wheel, ever farther and farther
away from the pivot. Just as every cicle must
have a center, so must this vast circle of manifestation
have a centre or base. If we are able to discover
it we may possibly find a clue for the solution
of our problem.(DR-99,100)
The third phase of manifestation relates to the
material exposition of the objects of Nature.
People remain entangled in it, forming numerous
ideas and desires. Generally our eye is attracted
by anything bright and glaring which we commonly
misunderstand as Sat. This bright object is nothing
except Maya and those who talk so highly about
it are in fact far away from the sphere of spirituality
even not to say of Reality. But people have developed
such a state of torpidity that they are neither
prone to hear nor perceive anything in this connection.
They have lost sight of the true Reality which
is beyond both light and darkness. This is what
has been shown in the Emblem of the Mission and
which is in true sense the real state of man's
perfection, from which no decline or fall is possible.
This is a very delicate point of philosophy. (IB-6)
Nature really does not want to keep anything in
mystery from the devotee, because mystery can
be called as complicated, and wherever there is
complexity it can be called nothing but Maya.
(SS-339)
Pains and pleasures of which we have ever been
taking impressions are but the diversely coloured
shades of our thoughts. They are not different
from each other but only coloured as they are
by the action of the imaginative faculties. For
example, the theory of ghosts, real or imaginary,
is there to frighten one but not another. Those
who are in fear of ghosts are often found to be
harmed by them. But the fact is that they are
actually harmed by themselves through the ghost.
Similarly treating maya as a ghost, it is really
not the maya that puts us to harm but our own
self through the agency of maya. Our boat is sailing
on the glassy surface of maya which is spreading
forth both its wings to take us in, in order to
present us to the Master. Our existence in the
world would never have been possible had there
not been this network of maya. Should such a thing
of merit and value ever be reviled and cursed?
Those who do so lack proper understanding of its
value and utility. For this reason alone it presents
to them an ugly picture of its own. If we attach
ourselves to the brighter side of it, it will
make us brighter still. It serves no purpose at
all to remain here after getting away from maya,
but the proper course would be to adhere firmly
to the One, the Real, and ignore everything else
as of no serious importance. In this way everything
needed for the purpose shall follow by itself.
That is the easiest solution of the problem.(SS-368,369)
There is still another difficulty. Even if we
somehow happen to come into contact with such
a great soul most of us may not feel inclined
to accept him as such, because he seems to offer
no charm. This is all due to the Mayavic effect
they are encircled in, which keeps them confined
only to things of similar nature.(SS-13)
MEAT EATING
My Master used to say that spiritual man should
not eat meat. I follow the same policy. Indeed,
there have been some saints who used to eat meat.
Meat eating should be avoided.(SS-276)
MEDITATION
- ON FORM
We generally lay stress upon meditation, apparently
on human form. The critics may perhaps consider
it suicidal to the spiritual feelings. The case
is not so, provided the man meditated upon is
one of special calibre, who has come down from
the Immaterial Absolute for spiritual training
or has attained the spiritual standard of evolution
required for the purpose by supreme self-exertion.
We take the example of our Master, Samarth Guru
Mahatma Shri Ram Chandraji Maharaj of Fatehgarh,
U.P. The thing will soon come to light, and the
world will remember him ever after. He was one
with Nature. If we meditate upon such a great
soul, the substance we are seeking for will come
by itself. Mathematically, if A is equal to B
and C gets equal to A then ultimately C becomes
equal to B. If you have selected such a Master
as your guide, the problem of life will be easily
solved. I quote an example. Those who worship
you and those who worship the Absolute, of these
which are the greater yogis? Arjuna asked Shri
Krishna. Lord Krishna answered, Those who worship
me with the highest faith and constancy are the
greatest yogis. Those who worship and devote themselves
to the unmanifested Absolute, the Omnipresent,
the Omniscient and the Omnipotent, their difficulty
is greater in the struggle, for in fact this path
is trodden with great difficulty by an embodied
soul by self-effort. When we begin to love such
a soul, which becomes the object of our concentration,
Nature's power then begins to run through us,
for the great soul is endowed with such powers.
(ERY-26,27)
But, If the Master is a great divine soul who
has secured his merger in Absolute Reality, meditation
on his form is, by far, of greatest advantage
to the disciples. His body, though gross in outward
appearance is really as fine and subtle in character
as his inner self. If you meditate on the form
of such a Master, you not only begin to lose your
own grossness but also begin to imbibe within
you the finest condition of his inner self. The
form taken up in view will after sometime disappear
from the sight and you will gradually embark on
the plane of pure Reality. The form disappears
from view when you look at a thing constantly
for some time. Thus automatically from the outward
form, we travel inwards and then to the real point,
where everything disappears. (DR-91, 92)
When an abhyasi has got over one stage, he may
then enquire about the next. He may also go on
reporting the conditions that he passes through
during the course. The process was advised to
me by the Master during his life time. But one
of the most important points to be kept in view
in this connection is, what sort of personality
must he be from whom this process is to be undertaken
by the abhyasi? For this the example of my Master
is already before us. One who is merged in a state
of utmost moderation and balance is the fittest
personality to whom this process can be directed.(SS-4)
It may not be out of place to say that I often
used the words 'heart and soul' for my Master
in some of my letters, and that was in quite a
natural way.
If I induce others to follow the same course shall
it not be, on my part, an act of arrogance because
that may seem to indicate the presence, in my
heart, of a desire to be adored and worshipped
(SS-294)
I meditated upon His form within my heart.(SS-149)
When I was in this last state of meditation on
soul, I was asked by my Master in a dream to meditate
on the soul itself and He told me the process
also which was as below. "Lie down straight upon
the bed without movement and meditate upon soul
for some time". I did it for a full month, taking
leave from the office in order to devote maximum
time to it. It was all due to the grace of my
Master, and Master alone, that this process came
to my mind automatically - each step itself giving
a clue to the next step.(PP-109,110)
This wonderful process which is based on spiritual
science is of immense value to an abhyasi. In
my case the process started by itself. As a matter
of fact the process indirectly involves meditation
on the form of the Master. As such it is quite
necessary that the form taken up for the purpose
must be of one of the highest calibre endowed
with all the greatest moral and spiritual values.
In that case the process will help the development
of similar virtues in the abhyasi. (SS-4,5)
There remains only the problem of Realisation.
Generally people take it to mean a mental vision
of the physical form of Vishnu with four hands
holding a conch, a discus, a mace and a lotus
respectively. But in my opinion such a type of
darshana is only the result of the grosser mentality
of the worshipper, for the reason that his own
subtler self appears to him in that form, because
he had taken up that very form for meditation.
(SDG- 66)
MEDITATION
The method of meditation on the heart is to think
of the Godly light within it. When you begin meditation
in this way please think once only that Godly
light within is attracting you. Do not mind if
extraneous ideas intrude during meditation. Let
them come, but you go on with your own work. Sit
in an easy posture for one hour in the morning
in quite a natural way. If you require the philosophy
of this method I shall reveal it to you after
sometime. You should only meditate. You should
not struggle with the ideas and thoughts which
generally come in during meditation. Concentration
is the result of meditation. Those who want concentration
for the sake of meditation and force their mind
to it generally meet with failure. It must be
remembered that while practising these methods
one should not force his mind too much, but only
sit in a normal way. Sit in an easy posture for
one hour in the morning in quite a natural way.
It is better to sit in the grey of the morning
for meditation or, if that is not possible, then
at any fixed hour convenient to you, the abhyasi.
Do not feel disturbed by the outer things but
remain engaged with your work, thinking that they
are in a way helping you to feel the necessity
of greater absorption in your practice. (SS-146,147)
By meditation we create a temporary lull in our
mind and calmness prevails for the time during
which we are in touch with the divine force. But
meditation only at a certain fixed hour is not
enough, for we are thus in touch with the sacred
thought, only for a while after which we have
no idea of God whatsoever and are for the most
part of the day away from the path of service
and devotion. This is the reason why often after
years of practice we still find ourselves at the
lowest level of spiritual attainment. What, in
fact, we feel during meditation is only simplicity
and calmness, if we are rightly guided by a capable
master. But an aspirant is generally unable to
understand it for it is beyond his conception
at the early stages. The effect thus being imperceptible
he often complains that he feels nothing during
meditation. This is chiefly due to the fact that
he remains in touch with the divine force only
for a few minutes of practice. Thus the real thing
gained during meditation remains with him only
for a while. On the other hand, there is a man
who tries to retain the effect gained by meditation
for the most part of the day, and abides in the
same state for as long as he can. He is, in a
way, in constant remembrance of God and his progress
is easy and rapid.(DR-88,89)
The abhyasi is recommended to do the meditation
on the heart supposing the Divine light within.(SS-111)
You can meditate for any length of time but there
must not be any mental exhaustion.(SS-110)
The Sahaj Marg system adopts natural ways for
God realisation. And to adopt them in the daily
routine of life, it starts with meditation which
is the chief source of inviting the Grace hidden
in the bosom of God. This starting becomes the
end as at the beginning of the world, the end
became the beginning. (SDG-22)
The abhyasi meditates on the heart as I have already
said, but there must be yielding attitude towards
the master. (SDG-41,42)
The most appropriate points for meditation can
only be those from where the current flows on
either upwards or downwards. It can only be either
the heart or the trikuti (centre between eyebrows).(SS-73)
Meditation is the foundation of spirituality.
If you meditate having your real goal before you,
you are sure to arrive at the destination. (SS-93,94)
The solidity due to our own thoughts and actions
begins to melt away. This is the first thing we
begin to gain, from the very first day, by this
method of meditation on the heart. (ER-29)
By constant practice in meditation the mind will
become calm and peaceful and the unwanted ideas
will cease to trouble you. I often hear beginners
complaining about the wandering of the mind during
meditation. From the very first day they expect
that during their practice at meditation the mind
should remain at a standstill but when they find
different ideas and thoughts haunting their mind
they feel greatly perturbed. I must clear it to
them that it is not the suspended condition of
the mind we are striving for in our practice,
but only the moulding of its multifarious activities.
We do not want to stop its normal working but
only to bring it to a regulated and disciplined
state. If the activities of the mind are stopped
from the very beginning, we probably do not stand
in need of practising meditation at all. Meditation
is only a process to achieve that end. Concentration
is its natural result in due course. The proper
method is to meditate all along remaining quite
unmindful of the foreign ideas and thoughts coming
to our mind during that time. (DR-34,35)
Generally people complain of the numerous ideas
creeping into their mind at the time of meditation.
They think that they have failed in their practice
unless they bring their mind to a stand still.
But it is not so. We are not practising concentration
but only meditation. We must go on with meditation
unmindful of the foreign ideas that happen to
come to our mind at the time. The flow of ideas
is due to the activities of our conscious mind
which is never at rest. We are still busy in meditation
with our subconscious mind, while our conscious
mind is roaming about and forming numerous ideas.
Thus we are not the loser in any way. In due course,
after sufficient practice, the conscious mind
too gets moulded and begins to act in harmony
with the subconscious mind. The result thus achieved
is deep rooted and lasting, and finally calmness,
the characteristic of soul becomes predominant.
(DR-72,73)
By meditation we make a will in our heart covering
thereby the surrounding around the heart region.
It begins to expand, extending over to all chakras
(lotuses) located in our body. Thus all the chakras
begin to glow. The circle goes onward passing
through region after region till all begin to
be absorbed in the innermost circle. What you
feel there is dazzling light sometimes because
you have made the passage from the heart towards
that region where you are now in. The dazzling
light now begins to fade because you are going
forward. You come in contact with different stages
of Maya as well. The dazzling light is there.
When you cross it you find yourself in a totally
calm atmosphere. Here the kingdom of God begins.
Now your meditation is leading you to the main
goal. No practice of hatha yoga can bring about
such a result. It fails after agna chakra. Meditation
- a part of Raja Yoga - is the only thing that
can lead you to the end. There is no other means
of approaching the Centre.(ERY-30,31)
We have got within us the same central force,
though marred by our wrong doings. We utilize
the same power which is automatic in us. We take
work from the same force through meditation. This
is how we proceed naturally and with Natures force,
so to say. (ERY-31)
When we meditate, the central power we have remains
in force. It disperses the overwhelming clouds
which are greatly fried up by its force. Only
an abhyasi can feel it. This can only be known
practically. You will soon find yourself swimming
in everlasting peace and happiness. Everything
ends here. There is no attachment with the world.
The mind is disciplined. It is automatically regulated.
Senses begin to come under control, and you gain
mastery over them. To master yourself means to
master Nature. When the passage becomes clear
you feel the Natures work within your bounds and
limits, rather you begin to work yourself. (ERY-31,32)
The process we start with, and which we lay stress
upon, is meditation upon the heart under the guidance
of the force of ones master who has attained perfection,
and has within him the capacity of transmission.
Such a master keeps away things barring our spiritual
growth. Spiritual waves from the master continue
to flow into our hearts making us calmer and calmer
day by day. If we are deep-rooted in meditation,
we connect our link with the innermost thing desired.
Devotion of course increases the capacity and
smoothens the way.(ERY-70)
If you do not get time for meditation during the
day then do it when you go to bed, or after midnight
(after a short sleep) when everything around is
calm and quiet. In that case proceed first with
the cleaning process fixed for the evening. Do
it for about fifteen minutes and after it devote
an hour or so to meditation as directed.(SS-150)
In our system the Abhyasi is advised to meditate
on the heart thinking of the Divine light there.
When you begin meditation in this way please think
once only that Godly light within is attracting
you. But he is directed not to view light in any
form or shape like that of an electric bulb or
a candle etc. In that case the light appearing
therein will not be real, but one projected by
his own creative speculation. An Abhyasi is advised
to proceed with a mere supposition of light with
the thought of Divinity at the bottom. What happens
then is that we meditate upon the subtlest which
is to be attained. (SS-410)
He advised meditation on the heart as the easiest
method and this is followed in the Mission. Meditation
on certain other points such as the tip of the
nose or the mid-point between the two eyebrows,
as advised elsewhere, may also serve to some extent,
but in my opinion meditation on the heart is the
easiest and the most efficacious.
We have so far been extroverts but now we have
to become introverts by turning our mind inwards.
When we are successful in our efforts we automatically
begin to have spiritual experiences, and our march
on the path of spirituality goes on without interruption.(SDG-61,62)
Generally I advise meditation on the heart at
the point where you feel its beatings, I do not
want to expand its vision to the whole of the
region of the heart. Therefore, an abhyasi is
to know the heart, as said above, to meditate
upon. The points 'A' and 'B' are also the other
points for meditation but I have not prescribed
them for all as they are unnecessary at the initial
stage.(SS-88)
The abhyasi is directed to have meditation on
certain points of concentration, I mean on one
of the chakras figuratively called Lotuses. We
generally take the heart for meditation. We are
now gathering ourselves at one point so that our
individual mind may leave its habit of wandering
about, which it has formed. By this practice we
set our individual mind on the right path because
it is now metamorphosing its habit. When this
is done our thoughts naturally do not go astray.(ERY-29)
The scientific principle underlying this process
is that when an abhyasi meditates his thoughts
create a vacuum in his heart which begins to be
filled up with the power of that which is meditated
upon, so as to keep up the balance in accordance
with the law of Nature. So long as it persists,
the power continues to flow in automatically.(SS-5)
MEEKNESS
Meekness refers to that feeling of mind in which,
on being rebuked by others, one feels his own
self to be at fault, and for which he has to yield
to what is meted out to him. (SS-465)
MEMORY
We have now come to the stage where we become
disgusted with the present existence, but yet
we have no memory of that pleasant and pure state
which is our real existence. This is because we
have become accustomed to this existence, whereas
the other has been almost totally forgotten. (SDG-19)
MEND
Being pleased with easy going rules common men
adopted them for their practice only to drive
themselves to a state of distortion. Their practices
go against the attainment of real knowledge, yet
still the vanity of being a gyani (knower) stands.
They do not bother about what others say about
it. Their only concern is about what they themselves
say. They do not even allow others the privilege
of pointing out the right thing to them, because
that would be a rude shock to their sense of self-perfection,
and in that capacity they inwardly feel justified
for it. What Nature wants men to lead to is quite
unknown to them because they have not access upto
it. They do not even know that now the time has
come for them to mend.
The so-called gyanis (agnostics) need only to
be helped in throwing off their vanity and egotism,
to secure a firm stand in the absolute Reality
so that they may also be helpful in transforming
the world in accordance with the demand of Nature.
Mend, the times will, but it would be better if
such persons too had their share in it. (PG-Preface)
MERGER /
MERGING
On the morning of the 15th August 1931 I found
an utmost Force or Power both within and outside
me which my inner voice assured me had been bestowed
by my Master. My Master had gone into the state
of Maha-Samadhi on the night of the 14th August
1931, but I had not known about it yet. This was
the usual system of transfer of power adopted
by saints of calibre. It was in fact the merging
of the Master into me.
I was informed in the evening about the sad news
of the passing of my Master. It came as a terrible
shock to me, and the impression of the shock lasted
for years; and it is still there, in a somewhat
reduced state. I took leave from the office to
go for the condolence, but I developed diarrhoea
and the whole leave period was spent in sickness,
which was ultimately pronounced to be cholera.
The diarrhoea lasted for several months afterwards.
After recovery from cholera I saw him one day
in a dream at about 7.00 A.M. After enquiry about
diarrhoea he asked me about my spiritual condition
to which I said "This, you know best". He said
"is it so"? I said "Yes, My Lord". He then gave
me a jerk of transmission. I found that the whole
of my body from top to toe was filled with spiritual
force. When he gave the second jerk my heart was
about to burst and I felt extreme pain in the
heart. A third jerk would have ended my life,
but for this very purpose Rishis of yore practised
penance in the forest for several years, sacrificing
everything at the altar of spirituality. So it
was not proper on my part to have requested Him
to stop the transmission. I had been to Master
for this very object at that time. I was gaining
it, for no price. I expressed myself in another
way, I said "Oh, Master, I do not care if I die".
When he heard it, he was almost startled and stoped
transmission.
Now I relate here the effect of that transmission.
I found that for several days He was seated in
every pore of my being and in every particle of
my body. It continued for some time. This is a
highly developed stage which the saints crave
for. It shows the full absorbency in the Master.(PP-162,163,164)
MESMERISM
Please see BASER PRACTICES.
METHODS
Methods of spiritual training commonly adopted
by most of the teachers, today, are based on hard
and fast rules which often do not correspond with
our worldly life. Hence in most cases they prove
to be impracticable for those leading a worldly
life. Generally, teachers induce people to practice
restraint by adopting a particular form of living
disconnected with worldly concerns and to practise
devotion for hours together. Evidently such a
type of training is not meant for people in general
who cannot dissociate themseIves from worldly
ties or devote so much time to their devotional
exercises. It is for this reason that their preachings
do not produce the desired effect and inspite
of their best efforts they faiI to mould them
accordingly. The fact is that they are more theoretical
than practical. Is it ever possible for the masses
to renounce the world for the sake of liberation?
Certainly not. What good then do the common people
derive from their teachings?Some of them are even
bold enough to proclaim their mistaken notion
that higher attainments in spirituality are not
possible in a Grihastha Ashram or household life.
It really means that they have nothing to impart
to the common people except telling them certain
superficial things such as frequent bath in Ganges,
feeding the fishes with flour pills and reading
the scriptures over and over again. (DR-65,66)
The Method to be pursued as recommended in our
Mission is Meditation under efficient guidance
which is by far the most useful and probably the
only means of securing complete success.(DR-72)
Our method is so simple that for this very reason
it sometimes becomes very difficult for people
to realise its true significance.(SS-57) The method
for securing God's help is the same as that of
seeking the Master's help. This has also led me
to direct love of God which may be known to be
one of the greatest boons. Only few perhaps have
been able to follow this course though it is of
highest value and efficacy.(SS-174)
What we have to gain is really a very simple thing
within our easy reach. The difficult methods,
so far applied for attaining this simple thing,
have really made it complicated and intricate.
An example will make the proposition clear. Suppose
a needle falls on the ground and you want to pick
it up,. It will be very easy to do so with the
help of your fingers. If however a crane (a machine
used for lifting heavy weights) or some other
complicated machinery is used for picking up the
needle, it will be difficult to do so, and it
is quite possible you may fail in your attempt.
Exactly the same thing happens when you think
of difficult and complicated methods for attaining
the Reality which is very simple. People are really
trying to pick up the needle with the help of
a crane in the spiritual field. (ERY-69,70)
Other forms of Sadhana may also perhaps be helpful
to some extent, but this at least is quite certain
that so long as we are extroverts our eye can
never turn inwards. The most helpful methods would
therefore be only those which are quite simple
and natural, and free from all grosser effects.
For acquiring that which is the subtlest beyond
all possible limits, we must naturally be attracted
towards means which tend to make us the lightest
and the subtlest. When we want to humour a baby
we pose innocence like him; so also for realising
Him we have ourselves to become god-like.(SS-25)
The teachers of today, too, who profess to guide
people on the path, induce people to similar means,
giving out false assurances of progress; and people
on their part never bother about having an understanding
whether the methods they are advised to adopt
relate to their physical, mental or spiritual
growth, or to none at all. In most cases, even
when they are presumed to have made an advance,
they are actually found to be more entangled in
philosophic controversies relating to jiva, maya,
or brahman, (Soul, Nature and God). They are usually
the only topics of conversation for people when
they go to a mahatma for darshan perhaps without
having any other serious object or purpose. Now
the question arises whether the solution of such
problems, if at all secured, is in any way helpful
to their spiritual purpose. I think the answer
must definitely be in the negative. Of what value
can it be then to them? It is mere mental jugglery
(Tarka) and nothing else.(SS-59,60)
Usually the intricate methods applied for the
purpose often make matters far worse and more
complicated. Realisation is a very simple thing
which can be attained only by simplest means.
One thing is specially important here. This is
the key to success and it strikes at the very
root.(SS-64)
Having determined our goal, the next problem before
us is to find out means for the realization of
the object. Sages and teachers have elaborately
dealt with the subject. They have laid down various
forms of practices or 'Sadhanas', helpful for
the attainment of what they put forth as the final
goal(DR-25)
To realise the Subtlest Being, we should adopt
only subtle ways. On the contrary, if our ways
are gross, we, in addition to our own grossness,
begin to form the curvature and every vein of
our body creates a pole to bring about changes
in the system with grosser effects. Unless they
are destroyed by the power of the Master there
is no way open to Reality. (SDG-23)
There are so many processes prevalent in India
and they may be correct. But what is correctness?:
The process which may put you in the undisturbed
State. Vibrations should become all divine. How
does it happen? When heaviness is gone, then only
the thing behind the scene opens to the mind.
If any of the methods brings about desired result,
it is genuine, right and natural. Out of so many
methods you have to seek one for yourself which
may bring out this state (SDG-26,27)
I hope people will excuse if I add a little more
in the context that incorrect way of worship will
lead to the incorrect result. (SDG-28)
God is simple, and the method followed to achieve
Him is also simple and straight. Man, technically
termed Homo Sapiens i.e. wise man has tried to
seek God. Thought when purely Divine, can reach
the Source without fail. If corrupted with attributes
and qualities, Realisation also becomes corrupted
and degraded. Gross methods give grosser results.
(SDG-52)
The density of the thought can only be removed
if we take to the subtle method. My experience
in this field is that if you want Divinity, the
method should be easy, smooth and natural. (SDG-52)
The confusing methods and complicated means advised
for the Realisation of the simplest do not therefore
serve the purpose. Rather, they keep one entangled
in his self-created complexities all the life.
(SDG-73)
If perchance we fall upon the means which go on
adding grossness we shall definitely remain away
from the vision of Absolute Reality. It is an
established fact that meditation is a subtle method
provided the object of meditation is not concrete.
That is why under Sahaj Marg we advise to meditate
supposing the presence of Divine Light in the
heart. The Upanishads also corroborate this. This
practice supported by the transmission of the
Divine Effulgence becomes subtler and subtler
until it becomes the subtlest. (SDG-94)
Diverse means are adopted for the purpose of gaining
the object of life. They may be correct if the
heart is connected with it in the real sense,
so as to be absorbed in the essence of real life.
(SDG-113)
There are so many who worship God in their own
way but aimlessly. So they remain revolving in
the sphere they have started from. Generally the
people adopt the methods which they see others
following. It is a sad tale of Hinduism that every
so called Saint gives one method or the other
without having any experience of his own in the
field of spirituality. The method should be correct
and dynamic based on the experiences of Great
Saints or sacred scriptures. One should grasp
it earnestly, not devoting one-self to the ways
and means which do not carry one far. (SDG-122,123)
As an advice to the seekers I like to add that
mind can be known by mind and Divinity can be
known by Divinity. Or in other words, we should
use the Divine Power for the sake of the Divinity.
The Sun is there but the over-cloudiness you will
have to remove yourself to have its full lustre.
For this, the method, which directly touches the
core of the being is necessary. (SDG-126)
For that we have a simple method based on the
process of yogic transmission, which helps the
abhyasi a good deal on the path. Its efficacy
can be known only if one does it for some time.
We apply the simple method because we have to
gain a simple thing. If this idea is rooted deep
in the heart, it is sure to bear fruit soon.(SS-331)
Now other things follow. It often happens that
a person occasionally, or as a habit, feels the
charging of rage in the mind and he goes to the
master who prescribes a certain method to eradicate
it. My Revered Master has, in his notes, written
that prescribing the method for certain mental
ailments out of avowed authority is not good.
He should prescribe that method which a great
saint might have prescribed in such cases with
successful results. The method will, therefore,
be correct because the evidence is there. Of course,
if the Divine wisdom has been awakened in a Master,
then whatever he prescribes will be perfectly
correct. In Sahaj Marg System all the methods
of doing are for the preceptors, and becoming
is the job of the abhyasi. (SDG- 44)
There should be the subtlest method to realise
the subtlest Being. There should be one method,
one Master and one God. Of course, selection you
will have to do yourself. (SDG-52)
MIND
The restless tendencies of mind have gone up to
an abnormal level in the present age. One may
be seen worried for his scanty means, another
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