One God Given Many Names -- Light and Sound on the Path -- A Digest of Spiritual Quotes, and Sant

Mat Satsang Discourses

"Obeisance to the Worthy souls. Obeisance to the Liberated souls. Obeisance to the Preceptors (Spiritual Guides). Obeisance to the Spiritual Teachers. Obeisance to all the Saints in the world." (Sant Mahavira, Saman Suttam, Scripture of Jainism)

"There is no end to the number of Sants who appeared in the yugas (epochs) of Sat, Treta, Dvapar, and Kali. I sing of the celebrated one I have encountered, and bow my head to all the others." (Jan Gopal, disciple of Sant Dadu Dayal)

"Through inner meditation the jiva-atman (individual soul) begins its ascent toward the Soundless State where it will eventually merge with God. When the soul thus experiences oneness with God, it will attain ultimate peace and supreme joy. Sant Mat teaches a path to the attainment of this joy and peace. This is the significance of the way of the Saints and the importance of Sant Mat." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj)

Contents Below -- In This Issue/Mailing/Blog/Digest

* Mystical Art: "Kal and Kabir" from the Anurag Sagar; * Many Manifestations of the One God, By Swami Ji Maharaj; * On the Origin of the Holy Name Satyaraam (Sat-ya-Raam); * Sant Dadu Dayal Met Buddhan Baba and Kabir; * Who Created God? by James Bean; * Plucking Flowers of Spirituality, Mystic Verses of Kabir; * Pursue Truth to the Deepest Core, by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj; * Gnosis -- Acquaintance -- Experiential Knowledge, By Swami Ashutosh; * Excerpt from, Radhasoami Mat Prakash, by Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram); * Remembering Huzur Maharaj -- Rai Saligram (1829-1898); * Sant Garib Das Ji Maharaj (1717-1778);

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Mystical Art: This is "Kal and Kabir" from the Sant Bani edition of the Anurag Sagar. If you notice, each has differing strategies. Kal is portrayed as the warrior, but Kabir is depicted as effortlessly doing "battle" with Kal, the lord of time and illusion, not by physical or mental exertion, but simply by focusing his attention. Looking out the windows and doorway of the Palace of Kal are the captive souls. Will they remain captives of time and illusion? or choose to leave that place with their Satguru, the age-old question. "The mystic is also a realist, accepting the invitation of the soul to attain the fullness of life for which we were made. The best, and simplest, definition of a mystic is one who seeks union with Reality, or with the Absolute." (Robert Atkinson, "Mystic Journey") On this Mystic Path we should never think of the highest heavens or spiritual realms (Nirvana, Sach Khand, Kaivalaya, Radhaswami Dham, Haq, Sat Lok, etc...) as being far, far away. God is not light-years away but right within the temple of the human body. We're already in heaven if we did but know it. This is the real Secret of Secrets. Huzur Baba Sawan Singh was once asked, How long does it take you to go to Sach Khand (the Spiritual Realm)?" He closed his eyes for fifteen seconds, and then opened them again, saying, "Just that long".

You have no need to travel anywhere. Journey within yourself, enter a mine of rubies and bathe in the splendor of your own Light. -- Rumi

"The Supreme Being, being a boundless Ocean of Spirit or Love; and, human being, being a drop or current of spirit or love from this ocean; and, love being the very essence and means of existence of the whole creation, it follows that no effort in any direction, temporal or spiritual, unless actuated by love or affectionate regard, can be crowned with success, and, the work or labour rendered easy, sweet and harmonious. Love is most sublime, having its origin in the highest region, the abode of the Supreme Being. In whatever heart it sprang up, it will gradually raise and carry the fortunate possessor of this lofty and noble passion to the highest region." (Huzur Maharaj, Radhasoami Mat Prakash) "When the mind becomes calm then the truth is revealed." (Kabir) Kabir says, "The Light of God is so profound that one cannot describe in words. It can be known only by seeing it." "The true bliss of meeting the Beloved Lord is such that its rapturous absorption does not diminish or wear out. There is continual intoxication of the Holy Name and nectar." (Huzur Maharaj, Nij Updesh Radhasoami) "Love is like a deep sea. Only that lover (of God) who will dive into it fearlessly shall be able to get the pearl of ultimate happiness in it. And one who will not be able to muster up enough courage to dive into it, shall remain sitting at the beach. He will remain without love in this world. How will he get the pearls of ultimate happiness then?" (Kabir, Sakhi Granth) "Whoever sincerely practices the inner meditation comes to experience Light within. First he sees the Light and then he hears Sound also. Sound has a natural, inherent property of attracting the listener towards its Source or Origin. One who is capable of grasping the Sound springing straight from God Himself gets naturally drawn to Him." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj)

When satguru Baba Devi Sahab was nearing the time of his departure from this ephemeral world for his true destination, satsangis humbly requested him to bless with his parting words. To their request, Baba Devi Sahab had obliged by saying, "Duniyaa waham hai, abhyaas karo", meaning, "This world is an illusion, practice meditation."

Many Manifestations of the One God By Soami Ji Maharaj

Below is a revealing poem of Swami Ji Maharaj illustrating that Radhasoami and the Five Names are one. The one God has been given many names, and countless are the descriptions of God working within various levels or regions of creation, yet there is one Power behind them all. "My Beloved Radhasoami", Mystic Verses from the Sar Bachan Radhaswami Poetry, Volume One: Indescribable, Infinite, Unfathomable and Anami [Nameless, The Eighth] is my Beloved RADHASOAMI [Lord of the Soul]. He is of wondrous form, eternally immersed within Himself in rapturous bliss. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. In Agam Lok [The Inaccessible Universe or Realm, Seventh Plane] He assumed the form of Agam Purush. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. Then He became Alakh Purush in Alakh Lok [Being and Realm Beyond Perception, Sixth Plane]. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. In Sat Lok my Beloved Radhasoami assumed the name and form of Sat Naam Sat Purush [True Name, True Timeless Being, Fifth Plane]. In Bhanwar-gupha [Swirling Vortex, Revolving Cave, Forth Plane], the Antar-Jami (all-knowing) presiding deity is none other than my Beloved Radhasoami. He halted at Maha-Sunn [Great Void, Barrier of Darkness between the Third and Forth Regions]. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami.

In Sunn [Void, Daswan Dwar, Third Plane, Par Brahm], He became the Imperishable Deity. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. In Gagan Mandal [Trikuti, Three Worlds, Causal Plane, Second Plane, Brahmanda), He is OMkar Purush, who is without desires. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. Still lower down, He assumed the dark bluish form of Niranjan [Lord of First Inner Plane or Level, Astral, Sahas-dal-kanwal, Thousand Petaled Lotus, Anda]. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. Descending to the heart center, He became subject to desires. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. He, however, reduces the evil propensities associated with the Plane of Senses [Pinda]. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami. Assuming the physical form and body, He awakens the humanity [Sant Sat Guru]. Such is my Beloved Radhasoami.

"To the one who meditates on Him there comes perfect peace, and all pain and sorrows depart. Meditate on Him, Who contains this universe, Whose Holy Name is the whisper on the lips of the entire creation." -- Guru Arjun Dev, Sukhmani Sahib

All Saints are One. Radhasoami. Satyaraam. Jai Sat Naam. Jai Guru.

On the Origin of the Holy Name Satyaraam (Sat-ya-Raam)

Satyaraam is the sacred name of God and Simran Word used/chanted/repeated by followers of the Path founded by Sant Dadu Dayal of Rajasthan (Dadu Panth): "He [Dadu] said that in the Universe, all were bound by a unique thread in which there were millions of mantras and techniques for the fulfillment of every wish and desire. So Daduji Maharaj gave the Mahamantra [Great Mantra] Satyaraam to all humans because it was simple and understandable." "Before disappearing into the cave forever, Shri Maharajji [Dadu] raised his right hand in blessing and said, 'Saints and disciples -Satyaraam'.

Since then, the Satyaraam Maha-mantra (Great Mantra) has been used by Dadu devotees as a symbol of blessing, as well as to greet each other." "Repeat the Name with the pang of separation, and sing its glory with love and devotion [prem bhakti]. Fix thy mind in repetition with joy and dedication, O Dadu. "Sweet, indeed, is the Name of God, O man. Nothing is good without His Name; repeat only God's Name." (Dadu) "He [Dadu] explained the secrets of the Omnipresent, Formless Brahma (Nirguna Brahma [Formless God]), and the intense practice of meditation and yoga in very simple language." "Saint Shri Dadu Dayalji is to be found as belonging to this school of mystics and was in no way less than Kabirji and Raidasji. His mortal life was lived from 1544-1603, and his immortal life lives in his verses, songs and 'Sakhies' compiled in the Shri Dadu Vani, the Holy Granth [scripture]. "After the interesting historical introduction, this 'Shri Dadu Amrit Vani' shows us the setting of the mystic singer's life, as well as the collection of 'The Sakhies and Bhajans of Saint Shri Dadu Dayalji' and his disciples' poems and teachings with the sweet fragrance of Bhakti. Saint Shri Dadu Dayalji said: 'He dwells in every heart; and is ever near thee.' He dwelt within thee; there is His abode. Seek Him there and thou wilt find thy Beloved.'" (Dadu Panth website) "Repeat within thyself the Name of the Imperceptible One in such a way that God echoes forth from every pore of thy being. Dissolve thyself completely, as salt in water; that is called the true repetition of the Name." (Dadu)

Sant Dadu Dayal (1544 to 1603) -Mystic Art: Dadu Met Buddhan
"According to the traditions of the Dadu Order, Dadu first met his Guru, known as Buddhan, at the age of eleven when he was playing with his friends at the Kankariya pond." (K.N. Upadhyaya, Dadu, the Compassionate Mystic) "When he was 11 years old, one day at dust while playing with other children, Baba Budha appeared to him." (The Life Story of Dadu Dayal -- The Book of Janma Lila, By Jan Gopal) According to Jan Gopal, Dadu was initiated into "the everlasting knowledge of Ram [God]." "According to the same source [Dadu Panth], seven years later, when Dadu was eighteen years old, his Guru granted him a second visit. Since Dadu was now mature, he was told this time to move to Rajasthan and make known to others the highest esoteric truth so graciously bestowed upon him. This marks a turning point in the life of Dadu Dayal. His entire life thereafter was spent in intense meditation, imparting his esoteric wisdom to devout persons, and in visiting different places at the requests of his increasing number of disciples." (K.N. Upadhyaya, Dadu, the Compassionate Mystic) The image depicts Baba Buddhan as having a somewhat similar appearance as Kabir. Perhaps Buddhan was in a lineage of Masters associated with Kabir. "Certainly much of the imagery used in his [Dadu's] songs is similar to that used by Kabir...." (Encyclopedia of Saints of India, Volume 25: Sant Dadu Dayal) As I mentioned, Shaikh or Sant Buddhan bares some resemblance to Kabir. Perhaps he was a master in a lineage of Gurus associated with Kabir. Indeed, according to the disciple Jan Gopal in his Book of Janma Lila (The Life Story of Dadu Dayal), Dadu did meet the Radiant Form of Kabir within during meditation:

Dadu left for Sambhar, full of love, but suffering virah. He was yearning for the Supreme Brahma [God] and the hidden Light within him shone brighter. He meditated deeply on the Name, with detached soul and composed body. Beholding the Light, glimmering or bright, he realized his life was very successful. Boundless knowledge of Divine Reality [mystical experience] dawned after he met the blessed Kabir in samadhi [deep meditation], and they discussed his doubts about the divine experience. He continually sang Kabir's poems and verses and became his equal in word and deed. After his meeting with Kabir, he became an authority on Divine Reality.

Who Created God? By James Bean

Raam from Chennai, India writes: "I have two questions for you. If you know the answer, please tell me. If God as we call the Supreme Power, created the universe and everything and everyone in it, earth, souls, humans, life, etc...., WHO CREATED Him? And, He creates souls, sends them to three-dimensional reality, makes them go through a series of births, and eventually the soul returns back to Him again .... for that why should he create a soul at all? Why doesn't He just simply avoid that and be done with it?" Those are the Two Biggest Questions of all, to be sure, as some might say here, "the sixty-four thousand dollar question(s)." God seems to be maternal or paternal, desiring offspring, to share existence with, and to love. The One wished to became Many.

And with souls living separate existences comes the need for various realms, dimensions and universes for them to live their individual lives. And realms or spheres created outside of timeless heavenly perfection by definition are going to be less than perfect. They are realms of time, space, mind and matter, of maya, the illusion of separateness. Imagine circles within circles and God is in the center. This is a kind of diagram of creation, with the inner circles nearer to God, and as one moves away from the center things get darker. Energy slows down and "freezes" into matter, material substance. Perhaps these charts of the heavens or levels can help illustrate this: http://spiritualawakeningradio.com/Charts_of_the_Heavens.html Spiritual Masters present a cosmology of several heavens, each progressively more luminous with less maya and more spirit, till you get to the "Top", "Center" or True Reality, which has no matter or illusion, and its all spirit and truth; Timelessness. Note, this explanation is pertaining to the universe or multi-verse. Within and beyond the material covering of the physical body (and the subtle bodies) resides the soul, in the center. Our real identity is soul. Soul is not far away from God. Most may be bewitched and beguiled by the world of the five senses and illusion of separateness, but God and the soul "reside in the same body", are within, thus there is the need to develop a meditation practice in order to explore within. We don't have to physically travel far. Its a matter of focusing our attention at the Third Eye Center. As for who made God..... The question, understandably, comes from the vantage-point of time and space, where one event comes after another in linear fashion. God however, resides not in time but is defined as Timeless (akal). So there is no "before" or "after" in God, only a Timeless State. In a sense, God is like a Black Hole in space, existing outside of ordinary space-time. This didn't really do justice to your questions, but hopefully helps to some degree. Light-years more eloquently, Kabir once said, In the beginning was He alone, sufficient unto Himself: the formless, colourless, and unconditioned Being.

Then was there neither beginning, middle, nor end; Then were no eyes, no darkness, no light; Then were no ground, air, nor sky; no fire, water, nor earth; no rivers like the Ganges and the Jumna, no seas, oceans, and waves. Then was neither vice nor virtue; scriptures there were not, as the Vedas and Puranas, nor as the Koran. Kabir ponders in his mind and says, "Then was there no activity: the Supreme Being remained merged in the unknown depths of His own self." The Guru neither eats nor drinks, neither lives nor dies: Neither has He form, line, colour, nor vesture. He who has neither caste nor clan nor anything else -- how may I describe His glory? He has neither form nor formlessness, He has no name, He has neither colour nor colourlessness, He has no dwelling-place. (Songs of Kabir: LXXXI, translated by Rabindranath Tagore)

Plucking Flowers of Spirituality, Mystic Verses of Kabir

The body is a forest of blooming flowers, But only the wise can pluck them. How does one attain to this wisdom? Firstly, go to the perfect Teacher, And learn from him the inner teaching. Contemplate on the words of the saints, And strengthen your faith day by day. Secondly, cast all your doubts away, And shun the perception of duality. See the One dwelling inside and outside. Achieve this and you're a saint. Thirdly, rise above outer attributes, And take a seat at the "third eye", This is verily the palatial throne Where you hear the Divine Melody. Fourthly, reign in the restless mind, And abandon all your cleverness. Swing on the swing of divine love, And entreat the Teacher for the gift of devotion. Fifthly, acquaint yourself with the eternal elements. And exert mastery over the senses. Sixthly, let consciousness pierce the six chakras, And reaching above them, see the Light. Make perfect the left and right nerve currents, And dwell in the cave of the Void. Seventhly, let truth enlighten your life, And behold the Supreme Spirit in you. Grab hold of the silken thread of realization, And climb to the Eternal Abode.

Eighthly, let the lotus of consciousness bloom, And render your heart resplendent. When in your soul you see the Eternal, Then you're fit to be called a saint. Ninthly, your portals of perception will open, When you make an ally of the Perfect Master. You will see that the soul is not the body, When the Master shows the soul's unity with God. Tenthly, you'll reach the door of liberation, Where the Divine Melody resounds. Kabir says, "Listen to me, my brothers, Only a rare one considers my teaching." (Bhajan of Sant Kabir, Published in, "The Kabir Voice" Newsletter, Surry, BC Canada)

"In addition to practicing a life of moral rectitude, there are three important elements to be practiced by a person who pursues Bhakti (love and devotion) to God and seeks to attain liberation (Moksha). The first is stuti (praise); the second is prarthana (prayer or supplication); and the third is upasana (meditation)." (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj)

Pursue Truth to the Deepest Core by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj

"When we study the different religions of the world, we find that at the root and dissemination of each, there was some true saint, prophet or sage who undertook intense meditation and profound spiritual effort. The great beings -- saints, prophets, sages -- first realize within themselves the true nature of the Divine through meditation in solitude. Then they bring forth this knowledge and teach other people the path of peace and well being. When their followers increase, these teachings often take the form of a new religion or sect. Due to geographical, cultural and temporal variations it is predictable that these religions will appear to differ considerably. These contextual differences are the reason that each religion has its distinct deities, rituals and practices. "People encounter the outward symbols and convictions of a religion, at first, and are attracted to a religion according to their own personal preferences. This is a natural human response. However, a true seeker of Truth will pursue truth to the deepest core of these religions, and there, the seeker will find that the center of all religious paths is essentially the same. Every one of these religions is erected upon the foundation of the Infinite Supreme Being (Reality) whose nature is Truth and Peace. [Even in the traditions where the founder of the system does not directly speak of 'God' as was the case with the Buddha, the path that he taught reflects the human search for eternal Wisdom, Truth (Satya), inner peace, and a State of Transcendence (Nirvana)]." "Guru Nanak Dev says: 'The one who shows you your home (eternal abode, God) within your home (your body, in which this soul resides), is the truly benevolent Sat Guru (true teacher). The melodious Sound of the five divine instruments and the Essential Sound are reverberating in the depth of your being.'"

Gnosis -- Acquaintance -- Experiential Knowledge, By Swami Ashutosh

The general dictionary definition of "knowledge" is perception or acquaintance, but its special or esoteric meaning includes: "Becoming aware of the Soul", "Self-Realization", "Divine", etc..... Knowledge can be something which is conducive to the public, creative, something which can beget peace, and something which can help with self progress. When true knowledge enters into ones interior, it diminishes the evil encrustation over the mind and soul. One gets refined. Like the philosopher's stone when touches iron, iron turns into gold. Similarly, with the touch of knowledge, a corrupt mind turns bright and pure. The knowledge of the soul and Supreme Soul is the highest level of knowledge for human beings. It uplifts us from earthly suffering, births and deaths to the State of Salvation (i.e. Moksha, Nirvana). Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita says: "A reverent, stoic and meditation-absorbed person attains knowledge and immediately reaches ultimate peace". (Bhagavad Gita 4:39) This means, knowledge is inevitable as a result of having reverence for the guidance of the Master, the subduing of ones senses, and correct practice. In the context of this discussion, a precept of Lord Buddha summarizes it quite nicely: "No meditation without knowledge, no knowledge without meditation. Whosoever possess both meditation and knowledge, are near to salvation". (Dhammapada) The statement of Lord Buddha clarifies that, for the process of meditation, knowledge is inevitable, and this is surely the knowledge of initiation (related to process of meditation practice as taught or revealed by a meditation-absorbed Master). And in the statement, "No meditation without knowledge", knowledge refers to divine realizationrelated experience. The Mukti Upanishad also agrees with this that: "meditation produces knowledge and freedom of soul (i.e. salvation)", saying: "The cause of meditation, from which knowledge and salvation is produced, is one-point-concentration (concentration of mind)."

When the practitioner collects and joins both the currents of consciousness at a Single Point within, as taught by the Master, in a state of complete concentration, the veil of darkness breaks and he views the Refulgent Light. There he hears many melodious Inner Sounds. With the Masters benevolence, he identifies the Quintessential Sound centered amongst those other Sounds. And with the help of that Quintessential Inner Sound, the practitioners consciousness ascends to the Soundness Realm. He knows soul and Supreme Soul by experience, attaining salvation in the Living State itself, and thus he becomes the Supreme Master. This is the ultimate Level of knowledge in which Light and Sound play the principal role.

Excerpt from, Radhasoami Mat Prakash By Huzur Maharaj (Rai Saligram)

58. Description of four Principal Personages concerned in the practice of Radhasoami Faith. 139. The Radhasoami Faith recognizes three Grand Personages and a sincere and affectionate disciple the fourth, namely, 1. The Supreme Father, 2. The Supreme Mother or Original Spirit or Word Current emanating from the Supreme Father, 3. The Supreme Son or Sant Sat Guru, the representative of the Supreme Father in human form. 4. The disciple or the son or human spirit. 140. The above quaternary may be further explained as follows -1. The first personage or the Supreme Father and Sole Master is a vast and Boundless Ocean of Spirit and Love and Joy from Whom the Original spirit or Word Current emanated. 2. The second personage or the Supreme Mother is the Original Spirit and Sound Current, the Prime Mover, Creator, Nourisher and Supporter of the whole creation. It is the connecting link between the Supreme Father and the son or disciple, and leads the way and helps the son in returning to the Father's Highest Mansion. 3. The third, the Supreme Son or Sant Sat Guru is the representative of the Supreme Father in human form on this earth. This incarnation of the Supreme Father or His Special and Beloved Son Sant Sat Guru appears.....in this world for the purpose of saving spirits from going down to the lower regions and raising them to the highest spheres, and finally to the Mansion of the Supreme Father. 4. The fourth, the disciple, the son or human being is a ray or drop descended from the Supreme Sun or Boundless Ocean of Spirit,

Love and Joy; but his attention having been diverted by mind and matter towards the material creation down below, he has lost all knowledge of the Supreme Father and his Highest Mansion, and can not now return to his Holy abode without the help, externally, of Supreme Father or His Special and Beloved Son assuming human form of a Sant Sat Guru, and internally, of the Supreme Mother or the connecting Spirit and Sound current between the Supreme Father and the disciple or Son, Who illumines the heart of a sincere lover and devotee and sheds grace and mercy upon him. 141. As the disciple or devotee proceeds on one's journey homeward, one gradually absorbs the spirit and sound current, or in other words, shortens the distance between oneself and the Supreme Father, and thus playing in the lap of the Supreme Mother, one returns with the loving Mother to the Holy and August Presence of the Supreme Father. 59. The work of regeneration. 143. The work of regeneration consists in the movement of spirit entity and mind from the lower to the higher spheres by practice of devotion. A person may be said to be twice or thrice born accordingly as he has traversed the regions appertaining to first, second or third birth. A sincere devotee having strong love for the Supreme Being, may through perseverance and fervour and with the Grace and Mercy of the Supreme Father and the Sant Sat Guru of his time, traverse the regions of two or three births in one life-time, that is to say, raise his spirit to the second grand division, and complete the work of regeneration in the next life by undergoing the fourth birth or traversing the spheres thereto, and finally enter and take his abode in the Mansion of the Supreme Father at the top of the first grand division or pure spiritual regions.

Remembering Huzur Maharaj -- Rai Saligram (1829-1898)

Recently is was Huzur Maharaj's Janmashtmi (Birthday Celebration in Agra). "Hazur Maharaj can be definitely and correctly styled as Messiah of Love. To Hazur Maharaj goes the credit of revealing the name Radhasoami [pronounced Radha-Swami]. A recitation of this true name, according to Hazur Maharaj, would dissolve the ego, generate love, facilitate yoga and purify the body, mind and soul and would prove to be a true companion and a mighty weapon in the inward journey of the spirit. Hazur's ideal of guru-bhakti, which He himself practiced demonstrates the practicability of his theory. In the light of His enormous contribution to the Radhasoami faith, Hazur Maharaj can rightly be called its true founder. It was He who not only systematized the concepts and beliefs and formulated the essentials of the faith but also enunciated the code of moral conduct and practices for the followers. Hazur Maharaj gave the faith its noteworthy name, its vast organization, its large following and an incarnated Supreme Being -- Soamiji Maharaj." (Agam Prasad Mathur, RadhasoamiSatsangOrg website) In, Light of Kirpal, Kirpal Singh referred to Huzur Maharaj as a Saint. Baba Devi Sahab of the Tulsi Sahib Satsang also regarded Huzur as a Sant Satguru, as did Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, who dedicates a chapter to him in his book, Sant Vaani Sateek (Commentary on the Sayings of Sants). Huzur was one of the great prolific writers of the Sant Mat tradition of India. I was greatly influenced by his many volumes, especially Prem Patra Radhaswami, volumes one through six, an encyclopedia of Sant Mat teachings, Prem Bani Radhaswami (bhakti hymns and mystic poetry), volumes one through four, Prem Updesh Radhasoami, Jugat Prakash (instructions for initiates), Radhasoami Mat Darshan, Huzur's Letters to Satsangis, and Radhasoami Mat Prakash, which was the very first Sant Mat publication from India to appear in the English language, near the beginning of the 20th Century.

Wikipedia: Bahadur Saligram ji, popularly known as Huzur Maharaj ji, was born in a Kayastha family of Peepal Mandi, Agra, on 14 March 1829. He served as chief inspector of post offices in India, and in 1881, promoted as the Postmaster General of the North-Western Provinces with headquarters at Allahabad. He was the first Indian to hold this coveted post. He came in contact with his guru, Swami ji Maharaj in 1858 in Agra. He had a deep faith in his guru and became the follower of the Radha Soami spiritual movement. For twenty years (1858-1878) he served his guru. When in 1878, Swami ji Maharaj departed for his heavenly abode, Rai Saligram Bahadur succeeded him as the guru. The satsang of Salig Ram Maharaj exploded with disciples from all over India, including a viceroy. Salig Ram wrote several volumes of popular books on the Radha Soami faith. For twenty years (18781898) he served as guru and left this world on December 6, 1898. The Radhasoami Spiritual Movement He came in contact with his guru, Swami ji Maharaj in 1858 of Agra. He had a deep faith in his guru and became the follower of Radha Soami spiritual movement. For twenty long years (1858-1878), he served the guru in manner unparalleled in the annals of bhakti. His undivided and extraordinary devotion towards Swami ji Maharaj attracted wide attention. Once upon the time, when Swami ji was asked about Salig Ram, He stated 'I do not know if I am his guru, or he is mine.' When in 1878, Soamiji departed for his heavenly abode, Rai Saligram Bahadur succeeded him as the guru and inaugurated an era of consolidation in the history of Radhasoami Satsang. After his retirement from official duties, he finally settled at Agra and devoted his entire time to religious duties. For twenty years (1878-1898) he served humanity at large and spread the divine light of love which he had received from his master. Huzur Maharaj's Books Huzur Maharaj ji published the writings of Shiv Dayal Singh ji as well as his own. We wrote following books:

1) Prem Patra Radhasoami (six volumes) 2) Prem Bani Radhasoami 3) Radhasoami Mat-Prakash 4) Radhasoami Mat-Sandesh 5) Radhasoami Mat-Upadesh 6) Sar-Upadesh 7) Nij-Upadesh 8) Guru-Upadesh 9) Jugat Prakash [several others also]

"Receive initiation in Surat Shabd Yoga [Meditation] from a Living Master, and reversing your course, rush towards your True Abode. Mounting the steps of Shabd [Inner Sound] one after another, finally merge in the holy feet of Radhasoami [Lord of the Soul, Eighth Heaven]." (Huzur Maharaj, Prem Bani Radhasoami [Love Songs to the Lord of the Soul]) "All embodied spirit-entities living here having left their original home from time immemorial, and having passed through various material spheres in their descent to the corporeal body in the third grand division, have become so firmly attached to their present dwelling, viz., the body and its surroundings in this world, that it is difficult, nay, impossible, for anyone to effect a change in the present condition and abode without the aid and instruction from one (Sant Satguru) who is a resident of that sphere and holds communion with the Supreme Father, because He alone can be expected to know all the secrets of the descent of the spirit current to the lower regions and the means of liberating it from the bondage of matter to enable it to rise and return to its Original Source." (Huzur Maharaj, Radhasoami Mat Prakash)

Sant Garib Das Ji Maharaj (1717-1778) was a spiritual Master as well as reformer noted for being an enlightened soul and mystic-poet. "Says the Supreme Lord, I go wherever devotees sing my praise. Peace and tranquility prevail in that place where a Sant [True Master], my dear one, resides." (Sant Garib Das) "Keep the Eternal Sound Current (Sat Shabd) in your heart." (Sant Garib Das) "Any conversation that you may have with a Sage will benefit you, even if the conversation is only for fifteen seconds." (Sant Garib Das)

bhajan kar nisdin tute na tar Be devoted to God day and night. Let the flow of devotion not cease! God is one, manifesting in the universe. Moment by moment, minute by minute, Be mindful of Gods presence. Such mindfulness develops by devotion. Be immersed in the Divine Melody -The Melody that says: "I am That." Day and night offer devotion to the Divine Master. In your body He is the Supreme Soul. Kabir proclaims, "O Brother devotees, listen to me! Without a realized Teacher There is no liberation for you."